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June 08,2026,Malaysia-Kia Malaysia has entered into a strategic partnership with Stellantis Malaysia, marking a significant step in the brand’s long-term localisation and manufacturing ambitions in Malaysia.
Hyung Ho Kim– President and CEO of Kia Malaysia & Kia Sales Malaysia, had signed the MOU with Isaac Yeo-MD of Stellantis ASEAN, witnessed by Kiseok Ahn-President & CEO of Kia APAC, and Devendra Bharambe-Head of Product Planning of Stellantis ASEAN.
Hyung Ho Kim- President and CEO of Kia Malaysia and Kia Sales Malaysia, said the collaboration supports Kia’s strategy to return, rebuild and reposition the brand in Malaysia.
“By partnering with Stellantis Malaysia and leveraging Malaysia’s automotive supply chain ecosystem, Kia is poised to strengthen its local footprint while reinforcing manufacturing quality and readiness for future model expansion, in line with our Malaysian and regional growth ambitions,” he said.
Isaac Yeo-MD of Stellantis ASEAN , described the agreement as an important milestone in strengthening Malaysia’s automotive manufacturing ecosystem through greater industry collaboration.
The partnership will see Stellantis Malaysia serve as Kia’s contract assembler for locally assembled (CKD) vehicles at its manufacturing facility in Gurun, Kedah. The plant is equipped with established production infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities that meet the latest ISO 9001 Quality Management System standards.
The collaboration reinforces Kia’s commitment to expanding its CKD operations in Malaysia while supporting future growth opportunities in both the domestic market and regional export markets.
The facility is equipped to accommodate the production of all current Kia models, namely the Sportage and Carnival, as well as future models,is scheduled to commence production in the third quarter (Q3) of 2026.
Located in Gurun Industrial Estate, Kedah, the Stellantis manufacturing facility has been operational since 2021 and spans approximately 140 acres housing the main assembly plant, a two-storey office building, paint and body shop, an on-site test track, and dedicated vendor and supplier zones. The plant currently employs more than 400 highly trained personnel.
The collaboration is expected to strengthen Kia’s manufacturing ecosystem in Malaysia while improving operational flexibility, scalability, and readiness for future model introductions. This marks the next phase of the brand’s growth in Malaysia and the wider ASEAN market, reinforcing Kia’s long-term commitment to regional development and expansion
