Over close to three decades, Inokom Corporation Sdn Bhd has developed into one of Malaysia’s most established automotive contract assemblers, earning the trust of global automotive brands through consistent quality standards and manufacturing excellence. Operating from its 200-acre facility in Kulim, Kedah, within the Northern Corridor Economic Region, Inokom has become a key pillar of Sime Darby Berhad’s Motors business and a major contributor to Malaysia’s automotive ecosystem.
Today, Inokom produces vehicles for seven global automotive brands across major automotive markets including Germany, Japan, Korea and China. These brands include BMW, MINI, Porsche, Mazda, Hyundai and Chery, serving both domestic demand and selected export markets across ASEAN. The facility integrates advanced production capabilities across body, paint, assembly and warehouse operations, supported by a skilled Malaysian workforce of more than 2,700 employees.
Production output at Inokom has shown strong growth in recent years, increasing from 20,500 units in 2021 to more than 31,800 units in 2025. During the same period, the company exported over 24,500 vehicles to regional markets, reinforcing its position as one of Malaysia’s leading automotive exporters and a strategic manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia.
Sime Darby Group Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Jeffri Salim Davidson highlighted that Inokom reflects Malaysia’s capability to compete at a global manufacturing level. He noted that the facility’s continued success in attracting and retaining world-leading automotive brands demonstrates the strength of Malaysian engineering talent and aligns with national aspirations to build high-value, homegrown industrial capabilities under the GEAR-uP agenda.
Inokom’s long-standing partnerships with global automotive manufacturers have played a major role in its development. Collaboration with Hyundai began as early as 1993, followed by expanded assembly operations in 2000 with commercial and passenger vehicle production. Mazda introduced locally assembled Mazda 3 models in 2011, marking a key milestone as the only completely knocked down assembly plant in the ASEAN region at that time.
In 2021, Porsche selected Inokom as its first assembly facility outside Europe, reflecting strong confidence in Malaysia’s manufacturing standards. This was followed by Chery’s entry in 2023, expanding Inokom’s portfolio to include models such as the Omoda and Tiggo series, as well as the Chery Omoda E5, marking the facility’s first electric vehicle assembly. In 2026, BMW further strengthened its presence with the BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport, the first fully electric BMW model assembled in Asia Pacific at Inokom.
The facility also hosts a BMW Group engine assembly plant, which is the third-largest of its kind globally, supplying engines directly to BMW’s regional operations. Since 2018, BMW and MINI vehicles assembled at Inokom have been exported to markets such as the Philippines and Thailand, with production milestones including the 100,000th vehicle completed in 2022.
Operating under a Plant-within-a-Plant concept, Inokom maintains dedicated assembly lines tailored to the specific requirements of each automotive principal, supported by internationally recognised certifications in quality, safety and environmental management. The company has also received multiple industry accolades, including recognition from MITI, the Malaysia Productivity Corporation and the Kedah State government.
Beyond manufacturing, Inokom plays a vital role in strengthening Malaysia’s automotive supply chain by working with 370 local vendors, including Bumiputera enterprises. The company also invests heavily in workforce development through training programmes focused on advanced automotive technologies, leadership development, and technical upskilling in areas such as diagnostics, electrical systems and quality compliance.
Looking ahead, Inokom aims to further strengthen its position as the preferred automotive assembly partner in ASEAN. With upcoming expansions, including a new advanced painting facility, the company continues to enhance its capabilities while reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a competitive and high-value automotive manufacturing hub on the global stage.
