In a joint statement, Sime Darby and Porsche said the new assembly line will be for the plug-in hybrid Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupé.

Sime Darby group CEO Jeffri Salim Davidson said this expansion was a significant milestone for the two companies in unlocking new opportunities in the Asean region while affirming the capabilities of their highly skilled local talents.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering product consistency that meets the discerning demands of Porsche customers, expanding beyond the domestic market to our neighbouring country, Thailand,” he said.

The local assembly facility for Porsche was the first of its kind outside of Europe when it opened in 2022.

To date, the facility has rolled out two generations and more than 2,000 units of Porsche’s iconic sports car.

“It is now ready for its next phase, with the assembly of its first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant and export into Thailand,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, Porsche AG executive board member for production Albrecht Reimold said considerably enhancing the assembly facility in Kulim ensures that this first regionally exported Cayenne fulfils customers’ demands and expectations.

The locally assembled Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid will be exported to Thailand, one of Porsche’s biggest markets in the Asean region, fulfilling the growing demand there.

“This also signifies the region’s immense growth and innovation potential, underlining its importance for Porsche’s global business,” the companies added.