Recently, Aotecar’s new thermal management plant in Malaysia officially commenced operations. The milestone event was attended by officials from the Malaysian Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of International Trade, alongside representatives from Proton and local suppliers. Completed in just nine months from groundbreaking, the plant marks a significant step in Aotecar’s globalization strategy, transitioning from “product export” to “localized production.”
Localized Operations
At the opening ceremony, Chairman Wang Zhenkun emphasized Aotecar’s commitment to deeply rooting itself in Malaysia by integrating local technical teams, establishing a local supply chain, and meeting “Made in Malaysia” quality benchmarks. “Wherever the automakers go, Aotecar’s capacity and services will follow,” he stated, noting the plant is ready to serve both existing and upcoming OEMs in the region.
Strategic Partnership with Proton
During the visit, Aotecar held discussions with Proton CEO Li Chunrong to deepen their strategic partnership. Aotecar provided an overview of its global strategy, while both sides reached a consensus on supplying compressors, air-conditioning systems, and electronic components for Proton models. As Malaysia’s national brand, Proton’s plan to increase local sourcing presents a strategic opportunity for Aotecar to provide closer, faster, and more efficient localized supply chain services.
Accelerating Southeast Asian Footprint
The Malaysia visit was part of a broader Southeast Asian survey. Aotecar teams also visited Vietnam to inspect the Air Conditioning International Vietnam factory and meet with VinFast’s global procurement head, reaching consensus on local production and strategic cooperation. In Thailand, representatives inspected the new factory’s construction and operations. From Malaysia to Vietnam and Thailand, Aotecar’s production network in Southeast Asia is rapidly taking shape.
Global Expansion via Coordinated Management
This Southeast Asian tour marks the first high-level visit since Aotecar’s Overseas Business Division was inaugurated in Nanjing in June 2026, transitioning overseas operations from decentralized management to coordinated oversight. Backed by its controlling shareholder, Changjiang Industrial Group, Aotecar is accelerating its global production and service network. With over 20 factories worldwide, Aotecar is establishing a replicable “bridgehead” model for Chinese enterprises expanding overseas—from Mexico and Morocco to Slovakia and Malaysia.