MIDF Research has revealed in a visit note that Tan Chong Motor (TCM) will launch the Nissan Leaf in Malaysia next month, and that the electric vehicle could cost around RM200k.
The research house also says TCM will introduce 2 facelift models and a CKD version of an existing offering for FY 2014. The updated models are expected to counter any slack in sales volumes, while the CKD introduction may bump up sales for the model in question, the note adds.
“This would imply that the early launch of the EV is not to drive turnover but rather, to gain a first-mover advantage in the EV segment. Such advantages may include gaining market share, as well as building technical know-how, intellectual property and consumer brand awareness ahead of its competitions,” says the note.
“It is possible that TCM’s efforts will pay off in the coming years when battery prices come down and technology improves. In the meantime, contributions from TCM’s EV segment will likely be negligible.”
The all-electric Nissan Leaf will be the second EV to go on sale in Malaysia, after the Mitsubishi i-MiEV. TCM subsidiary First Energy Networks (FEN) has so far set up EV charging stations at Bangsar Shopping Centre, Suria KLCC and Lot 10 as well as Petronas Solaris in Serdang.
