New national car a C-segment sedan; DreamEDGE appointed anchor company

CYBERJAYA: The government today announced that DreamEDGE Sdn Bhd was chosen as the ‘anchor company’ to deliver the new national car.

International Trade and Industry Minister Darell Leiking said that the new national car is likely to be a C-segment sedan, which can either have an advanced internal combustion engine or be a hybrid.

Leiking said Daihatsu Motor Company Ltd will lend its advanced technology to support DreamEDGE in terms of developing the powertrain and car platform.

“The new national car prototype is slated to be revealed in March 2020… the new model will be launched a year later,” he said at a press conference after announcing the new national car here, today.

Leiking said the project is a technological collaboration with a global partner towards delivering advanced technology and capabilities in human capital expansion.

“This will create new opportunities for local vendors and talent to be part of the high technology value chain,” he added.

Leiking said the project will be privately funded by DreamEdge and would not involve the government’s funds.

“The government will consider giving a tax incentive for the new national car project and participants (in the project) can apply for it,” he said.

DreamEDGE chief executive officer Khairil Adri Adnan said the company is eyeing a contract to develop the car locally.

“We are in the midst of discussing with related partners to raise the funds. The investment is likely to cost hundreds of millions of ringgit,” he added.