• Bermaz Motor to launch its third CKD Mazda SUV for Malaysia
• Globally, Mazda MX-30 is available either as a battery EV or a mild hybrid 2.0L
• CKD Mazda CX-30 is also a possible candidate

Bermaz Auto, the parent company of Mazda distributor Bermaz Motor, has confirmed that it will be launching a third locally-assembled (CKD) model soon. This was confirmed by CEO Dato’ Francis Lee in an interview with BFM radio earlier this month.

Lee confirmed plans for a third CKD Mazda model when answering a question on the sales contribution ratio of locally-assembled (CKD) and imported (CBU) models, and how the global shortage in semiconductor parts is affecting deliveries of CBU cars.

“Previously it was more like 30 to 35 percent versus 70 to 65 (CBU vs CKD) percent, more CKD. As you know in Malaysia, because of the Franchise AP, there’s a limit to the amount of CBU cars you can sell in Malaysia. Hence this is the reason why we went for CKD production about 8 – 9 years ago with Mazda Japan.

“We prefer CKD models because of the incentives given by the government. If you have more localization, you help more local vendors to supply parts, so there is a big growth in terms of economic benefits to the industry as a whole.

“That’s the reason why we are pushing for our third CKD model for Mazda. Hopefully we can get one very soon. Currently we have only the CX-5 and CX-8 CKD production in Malaysia,” said Lee.

When asked about more details of the third CKD model, Lee said, “I rather not say at this point in time because it’s rather sensitive, because this is their (Mazda) brand and they are supposed to announce,” said Lee.

Although details are lacking, we are certain that the third model will be an SUV, because that’s where the bulk of the demand is.

There are two possible models, the MX-30 and CX-30. The former is available either as a mild-hybrid (MHEV, e-SkyActiv-G) or a pure battery electric vehicle (BEV, wearing the e-SkyActiv badge).

Local assembly of the fully electric MX-30 EV in Malaysia is possible can be ruled out in the near-term because in that same interview, Lee also mentioned that the 2-year exemption for import and excise duties for battery EVs is too short for a mainstream, higher volume brand like Mazda to do any forward planning.

The current import and excise duty exemption for battery EVs expire on 31-June 2023 for CBU cars, while CKD models like the Volvo XC40 EV will expire on 31-December 2025.

Also read: Review: Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric – Better as an EV?

“The policy is not very well defined in terms of CKD production, because CKD takes about 4 to 5 years for you to recoup your initial investments. There must be a longer term plan, rather than just 1 or 2 years. And a lot people take advantage of these CBU cars, but they must look after the customers after the exemption ends. What’s going to happen to them? These are the things we want to make sure – that we are there, we want the customers to know what they are in for before we launch a car, that’s for Mazda.”

However, the MX-30 EV will certainly be launched in Malaysia very soon, as a CBU model, possibly as early as the second half of this year.

Lee also confirmed that the first MX-30 EV is already in Malaysia, and that Bermaz is currently doing its own internal evaluation on the product.

Also read: Spied: Mazda MX-30 EV lands in Malaysia, launching in 2022?

In Europe, the MX-30 is sold exclusively as an EV model. Power comes from a 35.5 kWh battery, giving it a 200 km driving range (WLTP), 145 PS of power and 271 Nm of torque, driving the front wheels.

It supports up to 6.6 kW in AC charging and 40 kW in DC fast charging.

By EV standards, those numbers are not very impressive, but the MX-30 EV’s product concept is to be a relatively affordable urban EV, with an interior that’s much more impressive than a Hyundai Kona Electric.

200 km is still plenty sufficient for urban trips, and is not an issue for customers who do overnight charging.

In the UK, prices for the Mazda MX-30 EV start from GBP 27,650 (~RM 154,000), undercutting the most basic specs 39 kWh Hyundai Kona Electric.

The mild-hybrid MX-30 that’s now on sale in Japan, Australia, and New Zealand is powered by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated SkyActiv-G engine that makes 156 PS and 199 Nm, aided by a 6.9 PS and 49 Nm motor.

If the Mazda MX-30 is to be locally-assembled, this mild-hybrid will be the variant that will be launched in Malaysia.

The Mazda MX-30 is a more upscale, rearward opening rear doors version of the Mazda CX-30, which is currently imported (CBU) from Japan, priced from RM 169,044 to RM 181,268. Prices are valid until 30-June 2022.

Thailand already assembles the Mazda CX-30 alongside the Mazda 3, but these models are only for domestic sales in Thailand.