Mazda Malaysia has announced plans to launch the new CX-5 for the Malaysian market on 8 October, then advance its transition to local CKD production and raise the local parts procurement rate to 60%.
Mazda, which is responsible for the Malaysian market, has announced plans to initially import and sell the third-generation CX-5 as a CBU model, then begin local knockdown production (CKD) in Malaysia approximately 12–16 months later. As localization progresses, the company aims to raise the local procurement rate to approximately 60%.
The localization initiative is backed by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), which announced that it had brought together 16 local automotive parts suppliers through a supplier development program and facilitated the signing of 5 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between Malaysian and Japanese companies.
Bermaz Auto is also participating in the initiative, which aims to strengthen Malaysia as a regional manufacturing and export hub by deepening cooperation between Malaysian and Japanese companies. The local supplier sectors span a wide range of areas, including chassis and suspension systems, press processing, precision machining, plastic injection molding, cockpit modules, seats and insulation materials.
In the Malaysian market, Mazda is also considering continuing to sell vehicles powered by 2.0-liter gasoline engines alongside the new CX-5 after its launch. The period of parallel sales may be affected by tax classification requirements. Future production plans and progress on localization are expected to attract attention through local media reports.