Official: Intro Synergy Sdn Bhd Appointed As Neta EV Brand Distributor

Neta V.

Having teased its intent of entering the local Malaysian market with its Neta electric vehicle (EV) brand prior, Chinese automaker Hozon Auto has officially revealed its Malaysian distributor. Taking that mantle is Intro Synergy Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of local automotive stalwarts GoAuto Group Sdn Bhd.

The initial partnership agreement between Intro Synergy and Hozon Auto is set to last for five years. Both the GoAuto Group and its partners will invest no less than RM300 million to develop a new energy vehicle (NEV) production and assembly plant,  along with a dedicated sales and after-sales network.

”We hope that this brand will be well received by the public and further boost EV acceptance in the country,” expressed GoAuto Group’s chairman, Datuk SM Azli SM Nasimuddin Kamal. Furthermore, the group also confirmed that the Neta brand’s debut offering for the local market will be its Neta V model.

The Neta V is already on sale in neighbouring Thailand, costing as much as a Toyota Yaris Ativ (Vios).

Pitched as a cost-friendly urban mobility solution, the Neta V is already on sale currently in neighbouring Thailand. It features a 38.5 kWh lithium-ion battery that powers a single electric motor rated at 94 HP (or 70 kW) and 150 NM, which enables 0-50 KM/H sprints in 3.9 seconds and a V-Max of 101 KM/H.

In terms of range and charging, the Neta V promises up to 384 KM (NEDC) with a single charge, and it accepts a maximum AC (Type 2) input of 6.6 kW. The latter sees full recharges taking up to eight hours. The model also accepts rapid DC charging input as high as 100 kW,  allowing 30-80% charges in 30 minutes.

Additionally, the Neta V’s electric powertrain features a vehicle-to-load (V2L) system capable of providing a 3.3 kW of output to power external accessories and appliances.

The Neta V could soon be a common sight on Malaysian roads thanks to distributors Intro Synergy Sdn Bhd.

Notable kit seen in the Thai-spec Neta V include smart keyless entry and ignition, LED DRLs, as well as a touchscreen infotainment unit.

Keen to size up this compact urban EV for yourself? Intro Synergy will have the Neta V on display during the upcoming Malaysia Autoshow 2023 that takes place at MAEPS, Serdang, from May 4 until May 7, 2023. Intro Synergy will also be accepting bookings then, promising early birds a special introductory price too.

Neither Hozon Auto or GoAuto Group via its Intro Synergy subsidiary have given any hints on the Neta V’s potential pricing scheme. For reference, the Neta V sells in the Kingdom north of our border with a starting figure of THB549,000 (approx. RM71,297), or roughly the same as the entry-level Toyota Yaris Ativ (Vios).

Lastly, Intro Synergy notes that more updates will be shared via its online platforms ahead of its official debut at the Malaysia Autoshow 2023. This includes its official website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages.

What do you folks reckon, then? Could this potentially the ‘cheap and cheerful’ EV for masses here? Hit the comments below with your thoughts…