KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 15): Porsche Malaysia, represented by Sime Darby Auto Performance Sdn Bhd (SDAP), has confirmed that the Cayenne is the model chosen for local assembly in Kulim, Kedah.

This development arrived when Sime Darby Bhd announced it was collaborating with Porsche AG to assemble the latter's sports car for the Malaysian market only in August this year.

In February, The Edge reported that Porsche was partnering with Inokom Corp Sdn Bhd — a subsidiary of Sime Darby Motors, which is in turn a subsidiary of Sime Darby — to set up an assembly plant in Kulim.

The carmaker in a statement said this production expansion is the first of its kind outside of Europe, firmly underscoring the brand's commitment to Malaysia and recognition of the potential for more multifaceted development in the ASEAN region.

"Since its inception, the Cayenne has evolved to become a customer favourite with Malaysian Porsche fans.

"It has always held [a] special place in the Porsche family, and we are delighted today to enable countless new possibilities with the Cayenne," said SDAP chief executive officer (CEO) Christopher Hunter.

Porsche Malaysia said the brand will further expand its presence in Malaysia, complementing its facilities in Kuala Lumpur and Penang with a fourth dealership in Johor Bahru, which will open by mid-2022.

"When Porsche first launched the Cayenne, it opened up a world of possibilities for the brand and our customers.

"Today, the Cayenne has established itself as the ultimate sports car for five, and it is thus fitting that we unleash a series of new possibilities along with it — possibilities of meeting specific local customer needs, the opportunity for exclusive personalisation, as well as a new paradigm in digital retail," said Porsche Asia-Pacific CEO Arthur Willmann.

According to Porsche Malaysia, this expanded retail network perfectly complements the recently announced high-performance charging network in partnership with Shell, scheduled to be completed within the same time frame to enable seamless electrified long-distance commuting between Malaysia and Singapore.

The carmaker added that a further extension of the corridor up to Thailand is planned to be established by 2023.

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