Over nearly three decades, Inokom Corporation Sdn Bhd has developed into one of Malaysia’s most established automotive contract manufacturers, building a strong reputation for quality, precision, and reliability among global automotive marques. Operating from its expansive 200-acre facility in Kulim, Kedah, within the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER), Inokom has become a strategic industrial asset and a key pillar of Sime Darby Berhad’s Motors business.

Today, Inokom’s production ecosystem supports a diverse portfolio of global automotive brands across multiple regions. Its assembly operations span German marques such as BMW Group, MINI, and Porsche, alongside Japanese brand Mazda, Korean automaker Hyundai Motor Company, and Chinese brand Chery. This broad ecosystem underscores Inokom’s role as a trusted multi-brand assembly hub serving both domestic demand and selected ASEAN export markets.

Backed by integrated facilities comprising body shops, paint shops, assembly lines, and centralised warehousing, Inokom operates with a fully Malaysian workforce of more than 2,700 skilled employees. Its output has shown strong growth momentum, increasing from 20,500 units in 2021 to more than 31,800 units in 2025. Over the same period, the company has exported over 24,500 vehicles, reinforcing its position as one of Malaysia’s leading automotive exporters.

A significant part of Inokom’s success lies in its long-standing partnerships with global automotive players. The collaboration with Hyundai dates back to 1993, evolving into commercial and passenger vehicle assembly by 2000 with models such as the Inokom Lorimas and Inokom Atos. Mazda’s partnership, formalised through joint operations, saw the launch of the locally assembled Mazda 3 in 2011, marking a milestone in ASEAN automotive production capabilities.

In 2021, Porsche selected Inokom as its first assembly facility outside Europe, reflecting strong international confidence in Malaysian manufacturing standards. This partnership expanded further in 2024 with exports to Thailand, reinforcing Inokom’s growing regional footprint. More recently, Chery’s entry into Malaysia in 2023 broadened Inokom’s production scope with models such as the Omoda and Tiggo series, including the Chery Omoda E5—its first electric vehicle assembly project.

Inokom also plays a critical role in premium powertrain manufacturing through its dedicated engine assembly operations for the BMW Group. Established in partnership with Sime Darby Motors in 2003 and located at Inokom since 2009, the facility is recognised as the third-largest BMW engine assembly plant globally. It has also supported BMW and MINI vehicle exports to regional markets such as the Philippines and Thailand, with cumulative milestones including the production of its 100,000th vehicle in 2022. In 2026, the BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport became the first fully electric BMW model assembled in Asia Pacific at the facility.

Operating under a “Plant-within-a-Plant” concept, Inokom tailors dedicated production lines to meet the specific technical and quality requirements of each automotive principal. This model enables high flexibility while maintaining stringent global standards, supported by internationally recognised certifications in quality, safety, and environmental management. The company has also earned multiple accolades, including recognition from Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), the Malaysia Productivity Corporation, and the Kedah state government.

Beyond manufacturing, Inokom plays a broader economic role by strengthening Malaysia’s automotive supply chain. It works with around 370 local vendors, including Bumiputera enterprises, integrating them into global supply networks and supporting the government’s GEAR-uP agenda for inclusive industrial development. The company also invests heavily in workforce development through structured training in advanced automotive technologies, diagnostics, electrical systems, and leadership development.

According to Sime Darby Group Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Jeffri Salim Davidson, Inokom reflects Malaysia’s ability to deliver high-value manufacturing that meets global expectations, supported by deep local expertise and continuous capability development.

Looking ahead, Inokom aims to further strengthen its position as the preferred automotive assembly partner in the ASEAN region. The planned introduction of an advanced painting facility is expected to enhance production capacity and efficiency, reinforcing its ambition to remain at the forefront of next-generation automotive manufacturing in Malaysia and beyond.