Is the Philippines next? Tesla officially enters Malaysia, launches Model Y

American electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Tesla officially launched its operations in Malaysia on July 20, 2023.

According to a report by our friends in our sister publication WapCar, the company is set to put up its head office and service center in the city of Cyberjaya, which is located around 31 km south of the capital Kuala Lumpur.

This hub will be responsible for all corporate operations, marketing, training, customer support and vehicle services. Equipped with cutting-edge diagnostic tools and staffed by highly trained Tesla technicians, the center promises prompt and reliable aftersales services.

Tesla Malaysia also officially launched the Model Y crossover as a completely built unit from China. It promises up to 533 km of range and 534 PS for the top-spec Performance model.

The company said it will also introduce the Tesla Model 3. Deliveries of the first units are expected around early 2024.

Experience centers, charging stations

In addition, Tesla Malaysia will set up customer experience centers in key metropolitan areas.

These will provide potential buyers with an opportunity to explore and experience the latest EV models firsthand. Tesla sales representatives will be on hand to offer personalized assistance and showcase the benefits of electric mobility.

In addition, Tesla will invest in establishing fast-charging and regular-charging stations across strategic locations in Malaysia. This aims to provide a seamless and convenient charging experience to promote widespread EV adoption in the country.

Economic gains 

Tesla Malaysia is a result of the Battery Electric Vehicle Global Leaders initiative introduced by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry.

Malaysian trade minister Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz expressed excitement about Tesla's decision to expand into the Malaysian market.

He highlighted how Tesla's commitment to sustainable mobility aligns with Malaysia's vision for a greener future and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030's push for net zero emissions.

Aziz also emphasized that Tesla's presence in the country will create exciting job opportunities and enhance the participation of local companies in the global Tesla ecosystem, contributing to Malaysia's economic growth.

Malaysia has pledged to reduce carbon emissions under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint 2021-2030.

What about the Philippines?

Malaysia is the second ASEAN country to have an official Tesla presence, with Tesla Thailand launching on December 2022.

Teslas are currently available in the Philippines through gray-market importers. However, Tesla USA has an active trademark registration in the Philippines for its logo, according to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) database.

Its WIPO listing is for a company that provides:

• Electric vehicles

• Land vehicles and structural parts therefor

• Motor vehicles not powered by combustion

• Providing maintenance and repair services for electric automobiles

The trademark will also be used for branded merchandise, such as clothes and hats. Renowned law firm SyCip, Salazar, Hernandez & Gatmaitan is Tesla USA’s representative in the Philippines.

However, neither the Department of Trade and Industry nor the Securities and Exchange Commission has any listing for an official Philippine Tesla affiliate.

Nonetheless, official Tesla units will likely be cheaper than the ones from the gray market. Here’s how their prices compare with exchange rates as of press time:

Given that the Philippine government is imposing zero duties on imported EVs and spare parts, do you think Tesla models would be competitively priced in the country?

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