by AZALEA AZUAR / pic by BERNAMA

MOBILITY Werk Group Sdn Bhd (MW Group) will be the first company in Malaysia to manufacture and install electric vehicle (EV) chargers locally.

The group has signed a collaboration agreement with British company EZ-Charge to push Malaysia’s next-generation mobility solutions as well as showcasing its commitment towards improving the country’s EV ecosystem.

Part of its long-term plans includes focusing on localisation of EV manufacturing to help shape a supply chain ecosystem that is competitive on the international stage, as well as preparing for Industry Revolution 4.0 by 2023 where the group continues to deliver automotive parts and components to its customers.

Its efforts are also in line with the government’s aim to enhance Technical and Vocational Education and Training in building highly-skilled talents.

MW Group executive chairman Zulkefli Kasim said the development of the automotive industry can be observed towards EV and he expects the Internal Combustion Engine stage to disappear at some point.

“MW Group has identified EZ-Charge as a technical-partner in realising the development of EV in the automotive industry in Malaysia.

“To the knowledge of the audience, EZ-Charge is a company with more than 30 years of experience in Smart Electronic Solutions innovation and has credibility in the development of renewable energy,” he said.

This partnership is a strategic and sustainable step which also realises the National Automotive Policy goals.

Zulkefli added that technical partners from Japan have been identified.

On Nov 29, 2021, MW Assembler Sdn Bhd (previously known as Crusk Assembler Sdn Bhd) acquired 100% stake in UMW Advantech Sdn Bhd which was previously managed by UMW Corp Sdn Bhd.

This acquisition has given the opportunity for UMW Advantech Sdn Bhd to rebrand as MW Advantech Sdn Bhd.

“With the acquisition of this company, MW Group has added a business track record of 50 years, especially in the automotive field.

“With a wealth of experience, a calibre management infrastructure and a strong business direction, I am confident the company will be able to compete on the international stage in the near future,” he said.

Witnessing the signing ceremony was Science, Technology and Innovation minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba who believes the partnership would make EV charging stations available throughout the country for four-wheel-drives, two-wheel-drive, trucks and buses.

“We intend to make the development of charging stations cheaper compared to overseas.

“With localised manufacturing and technology development, we believe in developing this technology as well as providing talent in the end-to-end process of, design, testing, prototype, commissioning,” he told reporters after the event.

The minister hopes EV adoption would increase as Malaysia moves towards low carbon mobility by 2050.

“Not only are we able to develop our own EV technology and components, we also want Malaysia to be a hub for EV supply components.

In order to be a leader in EV component supply, we need international networking due to supply chain and network.

“This requires us to also deal with raw materials such as plastic, advanced materials and also techniques in the use of the battery life cycle.

“We want to move forward with this EV not only using batteries but towards the use of hydrogen technology,” Dr Adham said.

Although Mosti targets to have 500 EV charging stations across Malaysia under NAP 2020, the ministry updated that it is still under development.