Central Auto Distributors Bhd. (CADB), a wholly-owned subsidiary of PEKEMA, has announced its new role as the official distributor of Dongfeng passenger vehicles in Malaysia. The first model to arrive will be the Dongfeng Box, a compact electric vehicle designed for city driving, expected to make its debut in the Malaysian market by Q4 of 2024.
The Dongfeng Box stands out with its chic and contemporary design. The vehicle features a sleek, rounded silhouette, highlighted by a through-type LED headlight at the front. The contrasting floating roof adds to its agile appearance, while frameless doors and hidden sensor door handles, rare in this vehicle class, elevate its modern and stylish look. 
Inside, the Dongfeng Box focuses on attention to detail and comfort. The interior is adorned with high-grade leather in a diamond pattern, offering both visual appeal and a soft touch. Additionally, the vehicle boasts 32-color ambient lighting and frameless rearview mirrors, further enhancing its luxurious feel. 
Despite its compact body length of 4,020 mm, the Dongfeng Box offers an impressive wheelbase of 2,663 mm, allowing for a spacious and efficient interior layout. This results in a space utilization rate of 66%, making the most of the vehicle’s compact design. 
Under the hood, the Dongfeng Box is powered by the Mach E ten-in-one electric drive assembly, known for its high efficiency, integration, and low energy consumption. It delivers a maximum power output of 70 kW, a peak torque of 160 Nm, and a top speed of 140 km/h. The vehicle supports both fast and slow charging, with the ability to recharge from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes using a DC charger. Additionally, the Box includes an external discharge function, allowing it to power appliances during outdoor activities like camping. 
The Dongfeng Box is packed with advanced features and technology, including a one-button lie-flat mode for the driver’s seat, a 12.8-inch floating central touchscreen, wireless phone charging, and L2 intelligent driving assistance functions.
Datuk Hj Mohamed Nazari Bin Noordin, President of PEKEMA, expressed his optimism about the partnership, stating, “PEKEMA is committed to supporting the government’s vision of accelerating a comprehensive and conducive EV ecosystem in the country. This collaboration with Dongfeng, a prominent state-owned automotive corporation, is a significant milestone for PEKEMA as we chart a future path that remains relevant for the next generation of our members nationwide. Being the first country to debut a right-hand-drive passenger car for the Dongfeng brand is a testament to PEKEMA’s importance as an overseas partner, and it highlights Malaysia’s significance as a key international market for global automakers.” 
CADB’s Operation Director, Dato’ SM Zulkifli Bin SM Amin, added, “As the exclusive distributor and importer for the Dongfeng brand, we are excited to embark on this journey with our valued network of dealers. Our team is working diligently to finalize a retail package that will benefit our customers, not only in terms of sales offerings but also through comprehensive after-sales support.”
For those interested in the Dongfeng Box, stay tuned for its official launch in Q4 of 2024.
