Tesla abandons factory plans in Malaysia, can’t compete with China’s EV

ANDREW ONG

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that Tesla Inc.’s choice to abandon its plan to build a factory in Malaysia was because Tesla could not compete with China’s electric vehicles (EV).

“Because they (Tesla) have suffered losses and are not able to compete with China’s EVs.

“Their operation in Thailand is big, we are just about to start,” Anwar said, reported Malay Mail. 

Last year, Tesla established its Malaysian headquarters in Cyberjaya, Selangor.

The Nation, a Thai news portal, reported on Wednesday that Tesla is suspending its plans for factories in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.

This announcement caused confusion, as Tesla had not previously disclosed any factory plans, having instead committed to expanding its supercharger network.

Investment Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz addressed the confusion today, clarifying that Tesla’s prior agreements with Malaysia centred on investments only.