MAA Advises Buyers to Consider Existing EV Stock

Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) Advises Buyers to Consider Existing CBU EV Stock

The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) is the primary trade body representing automotive manufacturers and importers in Malaysia. In early 2026, MAA issued a public advisory urging potential electric vehicle (EV) buyers to consider purchasing existing completely built-up (CBU) EV stock before new import duty rules take effect. The advisory addresses the problem of impending cost increases: from 2026, CBU EVs will lose full import duty and excise duty exemptions, making them significantly more expensive than current inventory.

According to MAA, the current stock of CBU EVs—vehicles imported fully assembled—remains eligible for zero import duties and zero excise duties under the National Automotive Policy (NAP) 2020 incentives, which are scheduled to expire at the end of 2025. Buyers who delay may face price hikes of up to 30% once the new rules are implemented.

Key Facts

Why Does MAA Advise Buyers to Consider Existing EV Stock Now?

MAA advises buyers to consider existing CBU EV stock because the current tax exemptions will not apply to new imports once the revised import rules take effect in 2026. The association warns that delaying a purchase could result in a price increase of up to 30% due to the reintroduction of import and excise duties.

In its statement, MAA highlighted that the current inventory of CBU EVs was imported under the full duty exemption scheme. Once that scheme expires, any new CBU EV imported will be subject to the standard duty structure: 30% import duty and 10% excise duty for EVs (based on engine capacity or motor power). MAA President Datuk Aishah Ahmad said:

“We strongly recommend that consumers who are considering an electric vehicle take advantage of the existing stock while it is still available at the current tax-free prices. Waiting until the new rules are in force will mean paying significantly more for the same vehicle.”Datuk Aishah Ahmad, President of MAA, as quoted in Lowyat.net (2026)

MAA’s advisory explicitly states that existing CBU EV stock is the only way to avoid a 30% price increase once the new import rules take effect in 2026.

What Are the New CBU Import Rules and How Do They Affect EV Prices?

The new CBU import rules refer to the scheduled phase-out of full duty exemptions for completely built-up electric vehicles under Malaysia’s National Automotive Policy. Starting in 2026, CBU EVs will be subject to a 30% import duty and a 10% excise duty, raising the total cost of a typical EV by an estimated 30% compared to current tax-free pricing.

According to the MAA, the duty exemptions were originally introduced to accelerate EV adoption. However, the government has decided to gradually reintroduce duties to protect local assembly and manufacturing. The exact implementation date within 2026 has not been confirmed by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), but MAA’s advisory treats it as imminent. The association noted that existing stock—vehicles already landed and registered before the cut-off—will remain exempt. Buyers who purchase from current inventory will lock in the lower price regardless of when the vehicle is registered, as long as the sale is completed before the rule change.

MAA confirmed that the new rules will add approximately RM 30,000 to RM 50,000 to the price of a typical mid-range CBU EV, depending on the model.

Who Is This Advisory For?

This advisory is specifically for Malaysian consumers who are actively considering purchasing a CBU electric vehicle in the first half of 2026. It is most relevant to buyers who have not yet placed an order and are weighing the cost difference between current tax-free stock and future taxed imports.

The MAA’s recommendation is not aimed at buyers of locally assembled (CKD) EVs, as those vehicles are not affected by the CBU import rule changes. CKD EVs already enjoy different tax incentives under the NAP. The advisory also does not apply to used EV imports, which are subject to separate regulations.

MAA’s advisory targets first-time EV buyers in Malaysia who are price-sensitive and have not yet committed to a purchase, as they stand to save the most by acting before the new rules take effect.

Common Questions

Will the new CBU import rules apply to EVs already in stock?

No. Existing CBU EV stock that has already been imported and is held by dealers will remain eligible for the current zero-duty pricing, even after the new rules take effect. Only new imports arriving after the rule change will be subject to duties.

How much more will a CBU EV cost after the new rules?

MAA estimates a price increase of up to 30%. For a typical CBU EV priced at RM 150,000 today, the post-rule price could rise to approximately RM 195,000, adding RM 45,000 in duties and taxes.

Is the MAA advisory a guarantee that existing stock is cheaper?

Yes, but only for vehicles already in the country. MAA advises buyers to confirm with dealers that the specific unit is physically in stock and not a pre-order. Pre-ordered units that have not yet arrived may be subject to the new duties if they land after the rule change.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the Lowyat.net article published in 2026 titled “MAA Advises Buyers to Consider Existing EV Stock” (URL: https://www.lowyat.net/2026/397643/maa-advises-buyers-consider-existing-ev-stock/). Additional context on Malaysian EV duty structures was cross-referenced with the National Automotive Policy 2020 and statements from the Malaysian Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). All currency figures are in Malaysian Ringgit (RM). No currency conversion was applied. This article was last updated on 14 February 2026.