KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Hap Seng has officially exited the smart electric vehicle market in Malaysia, closing two of its prime location showrooms in Balakong, Selangor, and the heart of Kuala Lumpur. This move comes less than a year after smart Malaysia launched with an initial network of 10 showrooms in November 2023.
Smart EV Market Faces Price Pressure
The closure is reportedly due to intense price competition in the electric vehicle (EV) market, particularly within the premium segment. When smart Malaysia first started operations in May 2023, it opened with five flagship showrooms, instilling strong confidence in the brand’s future. However, shifting market dynamics have now forced a strategic retreat.
Hap Seng Balakong Showroom – A Pioneering EV Hub
One of the first smart dealerships in Malaysia, Hap Seng Balakong stood out for its advanced EV infrastructure. Equipped with a 120 kW DC fast charger, it was one of only four outlets in the network with such a high-output charging capability.
Key features included:
- 3 service bays
- 2 AC chargers for public use
- Built-up area: 800 m² (8,611 ft²)
- Integrated with a Mercedes-Benz dealership for cross-brand appeal
- Address: No. 1, Jalan Balakong, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor
Hap Seng Kuala Lumpur Showroom – Urban EV Showcase
Strategically located in Menara Hap Seng 3 along Jalan P. Ramlee, this sleek, modern showroom highlighted two units of the smart #1 EV. It provided city customers with a convenient access point to experience urban electric mobility.
Key features included:
- 2 service bays (located at smart Jalan Ipoh)
- 2 AC chargers for public use
- Built-up area: 700 m² (7,535 ft²)
- Integrated with a Mercedes-Benz dealership
- Address: 2F-01 Menara Hap Seng 3, Jalan P. Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
Remaining Smart EV Showrooms Still Operating
Despite the closures, five smart dealerships remain operational across Malaysia:
- Smart Mobility Sdn. Bhd. (Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur) – Serving affluent locals, expatriates, and corporate clients.
- GB Auto Sdn. Bhd. (Ipoh, Perak) – Prime location along the city’s automotive belt.
- Eleganz Lifestyle Sdn. Bhd. – 4S dealership in a landmark building, serving Penang, Kedah, and Melaka.
- Lee Motors (Alor Star) Sdn. Bhd. – Prominent stand-alone showroom in Kedah.
- Sigma Energy EV Sdn. Bhd. (Melaka) – Stand-alone dealership increasing brand visibility in southern Malaysia.
