BMW Group Malaysia claims No.1 premium EV brand title for 2023, welcomes spending on charging facilities and TVET upskilling

BMW Group Malaysia has sold over 1,700 units of fully electric BMW i and MINI EV models in the first eight months of 2023, a sum which the company says positions it as the No.1 Premium EV provider in the country.

In response to today’s tabling of Budget 2024, Managing Director Hans de Visser welcomes the extension of income tax relief for expenses on EV charging facilities.

“Looking to the future, the need to accelerate the adoption of EVs as a greener and more efficient solution to transportation becomes more crucial. To this end, we believe the government’s decision to extend individual income tax relief on EV charging facility expenses and tax deductions for EV rental costs comes as an important step in bolstering our shared vision of an Electrified Malaysia,” said de Visser.

“At the heart of BMW’s strategy for Electrified Mobility lies a profound commitment to leveraging collaborations with key industry players in the automotive and governmental sectors. It is heartening to see the decision of the government to invest heavily into increasing accessibility to EV charging facilities across the nation.

“Through longstanding partnerships, we continue expanding the BMW i Charging network, which now spans over 1,000 charging facilities across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak. Our partners, including Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), EV Connection (JomCharge), Siemens, Gentari, and Leader EV, play a crucial role in this expansion.

“To alleviate charging concerns, we have strengthened our strategic partnership with Gentari, offering a mobile charging solution for the future convenience of EV owners in Malaysia,” he added.

On the Budget 2024’s increased spending on technical and vocational education and training (TVET), which would help in increasing the number of skilled technicians, de Visser said, “With increased investment into the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector, we at BMW Group Malaysia believe that the resilient Malaysian automotive sector demands exceptionally skilled individuals who can proficiently navigate cutting-edge technology and innovation. In pursuit of this objective, the BMW High Voltage Expert certification program stands as a foundation for nurturing a top-tier workforce in Malaysia, well-prepared for the era of electric vehicles.”