New TQ Wuling Bingo EV Previewed, Sub-RM100,000 Price Promised Via CKD

The local cars market space grew a little today following the official announcement by TCM in entering its new TQ Wuling brand.

The local cars marketspace got even more crowded as newcomer Chinese electric car brand TQ Wuling officially announced its entry into Malaysia earlier today. The announcement came via a special ceremony that saw Transport Minister YB Anthony Loke present too.

Confirming rumours we heard prior, the SAIC GM Wuling Automobile (SGM Wuling)-owned TQ Wuling brand enters Malaysia with a local partner in the form of Tan Cong Motor Holdings Berhad, or better known as Tan Chong Motor Group – TCM for short.

Transport Minister YB Anthony Loke was present to oversee today's event, which also saw TCM announcing plans to CKD the Wuling Bingo EV for both domestic and export market sales.

The latter arm of the local legacy automotive conglomerate will serve as both assemblers and distributors of the brand, the former being reflected by today’s event being held at the group’s Tan Chong Motor Assembly (TCMA) plant in Segambut, Kuala Lumpur.

What was once a near-dormant assembly line in the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur city is now active again thanks to this influx of new Chinese brands with localised products – GAC Motor being one of which. Today’s announcement sees said facility now hosting the new TQ Wuling brand too.

As a result, the new brand’s first offering, the TQ Wuling Bingo all-electric (EV) city car, will be locally assembled (CKD) at this facility ahead of its planned official launch later this year. The model was also previewed via today’s announcement held at TCMA.

One headlining target revealed too was the promise of a sub-RM100,000 price tag for the Wuling Bingo EV by TCM once it goes on sale later this year.

Part of today’s soiree too was a special signing ceremony where both TCM and SGM Wuling jointly signed a strategic partnership agreement that birthed the Bingo EV CKD operation at TCMA detailed, which will encompass both domestic and overseas export market sales.

Moreover, TCM emphasised that the TQ Wuling Bingo CKD operation will also integrate Malaysian-sourced components, in turn enhancing supply chain efficiency and lowering production costs.

As a result, the firm is also promising the TQ Wuling Bingo to command a sub-RM100,000 price tag once it officially launches later this year too. This is also poised to position the compact EV city car mentioned as the most affordable brand new EV to go on sale in Malaysia too.

Both TCM and TQ Wuling brand principals SGM Wuling previewed the localised (CKD) Bingo EV to invited press members at TCMA Segambut earlier today.

Both TCM and its new TQ Wuling brand principals were coy about specifications. Nevertheless, seeing how the model is marketed in neighbouring Indonesia (and Thailand) where it is called the 'Binguo' instead in said republic, two variants are available there – Long Range and Premium Range.

The Long Range packs a 31.9 kWh LFP battery pack to yield a claimed 333 KM max range. The Premium Range ups the ante with a larger 37.9 kWh LFP battery pack yielding up to 410 KM range, though do note both figures states are based on lenient CLTC cycles.

As for charging, the TQ Wuling Bingo accepts AC 3.3 KW and an unstated DC charging speed, the latter  enabling 30-80% re-charges in a claimed 35 minutes.

Both firms were coy on specs, but we're certain the Malaysia-spec Bingo will pack a front e-motor pushing out 68 PS and 150 NM to the front wheels.

Differing battery sizes aside, both variants of the TQ Wuling Bingo share the front-mounted e-motor churning out 68 PS and 150 NM to the front wheels. Additionally, a quick inspection of the units displayed to local press today shows there will be plenty of on board kit present.

Highlights of the latter include dual 10.25-inch digital displays, LED forward and rear lights, perforated faux leather upholstery, 15-inch wheels, power-adjustable driver seat, keyless entry, automatic climate control as well as dual airbags plus ABS, EBD and an electronic parking brake.

Before you ask, the TQ Wuling Bingo is presented as a compact five-door hatch, boasting a slightly larger footprint over the rivalling BYD Seagull – it sists 3,950 MM long with a 2,560 MM wheelbase, 1,708 MM wide, and 1,580 MM tall.

Critically, despite the promised affordability, the localised TQ Wuling Bingo EV is set to feature a slew of up-market features and amenities brimmed on board.

No word yet on when exactly TCM intends to begin marketing the TQ Wuling Bingo locally and open up the order books, though insiders have hinted this is set to begin very soon. We’ll have more details on the model’s sale and distribution once it’s made available.

Nevertheless, with the promise of an affordable sub-RM100,000 price tag, plus a host of up market features all packaged into a compact yet attractive city car, would you fancy one? Hit the comments below, folks…