SEREMBAN (Dec 14): GoAuto Group and Careplus Group Bhd’s (Careplus) joint-venture (JV) company NexV Manufacturing Sdn Bhd is set to develop a new energy vehicle manufacturing and assembly plant in the Chembong industrial area, Rembau, starting next year, to be completed in 2028.

Go Auto Group chairman Datuk SM Azli SM Nasimuddin Kamal said the plant, spanning 29.68 hectares, will be used for the assembly of the electric vehicle (EV) marque, NETA.

The plant will also be available for other EV brands to assemble their own completely knocked-down (CKD) vehicles.

He said the estimated overall gross development value of the manufacturing and assembly plant development project, including the vendors, amounted to approximately RM600 million.

The first phase of the development entails the construction of the assembly plant, to commence in the first quarter of next year (1Q2024), while phases two and three will kick off in 2026 and 2028, respectively.

SM Azli added that the plant is expected to roll out its first product, the NETA V model, in 1Q2025.

“We believe that with support from the principal company from China and having the latest EV product line and technology, we can be an EV leader in the region,” he said in his speech during the opening ceremony of Careplus Mall, which was officiated by Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.

SM Azli said this project can attract the interest of existing and new automotive component suppliers, as well as investors from home and abroad, to boost the EV automotive industry, at the same time creating jobs and setting up business networks for the EV production ecosystem.

In line with the government’s aspiration and continued commitment to reducing carbon emissions while boosting the number of EVs domestically, the company is determined to be among the pioneers of the green technology industry revolution in the country.

“Our vision is to lead the EV industry for the local and Asean markets. We are aiming for new energy vehicles to account for 85% of the entire portfolio of products to be released in the next five years,” he said.

On the same note, SM Azli said the Go Auto-Careplus collaboration focuses on the importation of EVs through NETA EV importer and distribution company Intro Synergy Sdn Bhd, the distribution of EVs through NexV Synergy Sdn Bhd, and the assembly of new energy vehicles through NexV Manufacturing Sdn Bhd.

As for the Careplus Mall, Careplus chief executive officer Lim Kwee Shyan said the mall provides a sales and service centre for NETA EVs, as well as solar panel equipment and solutions for home and commercial use.

It will also offer six units of fast charging stations for EVs, with a capacity of between 180-250 kilowatts (kW), which will be installed by GENTARI in 2Q2024.

He said Careplus, a local latex examination and surgical gloves manufacturer, is now exploring business opportunities in the field of green technology and new energy, including solar equipment and EVs.

Meanwhile, Aminuddin said the collaboration between the two companies can boost the state’s economy, especially in providing jobs for 400 local residents.