To advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, seize the growing opportunities arising from deeper collaboration between China and ASEAN automotive industries, and strengthen aftersales service support for Chinese new energy vehicles (NEVs) expanding overseas, Mr. Zhang Yanhua, President of the China Automotive Maintenance and Repair Association (CAAA), led an industry delegation on an official visit to Malaysia from May 13 to 17, 2026.
Mr. Lin Youhua, General Manager of F6 Auto Tech, together with the company's international business team, actively participated in the visit.
During the trip, the delegation held high-level meetings with the Federation of Automobile Repairers' Associations of Malaysia (FARAM) and the Selangor & Kuala Lumpur Machinery and Motor Parts Traders' Association (SKLMMPTA). Discussions focused on industry standards alignment, technology sharing, digital innovation, circular economy development, talent cultivation, supply chain collaboration, and overseas aftersales service systems.
The exchanges resulted in important consensus and laid a stronger foundation for practical cooperation between China and Malaysia's automotive aftermarket sectors.
China's Automotive Industry Continues to Lead Global Transformation
During discussions with FARAM, CAAA President Zhang Yanhua highlighted that the global automotive industry is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by changes in energy structures, vehicle technologies, and business models.
China has remained the world's largest automotive market for 17 consecutive years and has fully entered the era of NEV-led growth. As Chinese NEVs gain increasing competitiveness in international markets, Chinese automakers are evolving from exporting products alone to exporting technologies, brands, and industry standards. This trend has also created significant opportunities for China's automotive aftermarket to participate more deeply in the global value chain.
Mr. Zhang noted that Malaysia, as one of Southeast Asia's largest automotive markets and an important Belt and Road partner, has become a strategic destination for Chinese automotive companies expanding overseas. As more Chinese vehicle brands enter the Malaysian market, the importance of building robust aftersales service capabilities continues to grow.
He emphasized that cooperation between China and Malaysia in the NEV sector is already extending beyond vehicle manufacturing into areas such as maintenance technologies, technician training, and service network development.
"We hope this visit will serve as a new starting point for deeper collaboration and inject fresh momentum into the high-quality development of the automotive maintenance and repair industries in both countries," said Zhang.
Building a High-Quality Automotive Aftermarket Ecosystem Together
CAAA Secretary General Di Yanbin introduced the association's organizational structure, member services, key initiatives, and industry programs.He expressed the association's willingness to work closely with Malaysian counterparts to build a high-quality automotive aftermarket ecosystem by:
Sharing China's experience from its trillion-yuan aftermarket industry;
Expanding automotive service networks across Belt and Road partner countries;
Developing future-ready NEV maintenance talent;
Accelerating digital and green transformation across the industry.
"This is not only a business partnership, but also a comprehensive integration of technologies, standards, talent, and industry best practices," he noted.
F6 Auto Tech Showcases China's Digital Intelligence Innovations
During the exchange sessions, Lin Youhua, General Manager of F6 Auto Tech, shared practical insights into how AI and Digital Intelligence technologies are transforming China's automotive aftermarket.
He explained how AI, big data, and intelligent operational platforms are helping aftermarket businesses achieve:
More precise customer service management;
Higher workshop operational efficiency;
Data-driven marketing and customer acquisition;
Systematic technician training and talent development.
These proven solutions have helped Chinese aftermarket businesses improve efficiency, reduce operating costs, and enhance customer experience, while also providing valuable references for Malaysian companies pursuing digital transformation.
Four Strategic Initiatives for China–Malaysia Cooperation
During meetings with the Selangor & Kuala Lumpur Machinery and Motor Parts Traders' Association, President Zhang emphasized that the automotive industry is being reshaped by electrification, intelligent technologies, and globalization.
As Chinese vehicle exports continue to grow rapidly, China's automotive parts industry has also significantly strengthened its innovation capabilities and global competitiveness, particularly in electrified and intelligent vehicle components.
Malaysia has become an important strategic hub for Chinese automotive companies expanding internationally, creating unprecedented opportunities for cooperation between the two countries' aftermarket industries.
To further strengthen collaboration, CAAA proposed four key initiatives:
1. Jointly Build Aftersales Service Support Systems
Establish stable and efficient local service networks focused on NEV battery systems, electric drivetrain maintenance, and advanced vehicle technologies.
2. Promote Mutual Recognition of Industry Standards
Accelerate alignment of maintenance procedures, inspection protocols, and parts quality standards to reduce barriers to cooperation.
3. Strengthen Automotive Parts Supply Chain Collaboration
Enhance coordination across procurement, warehousing, logistics, and distribution channels to ensure reliable parts supply for vehicles operating overseas.
4. Develop Technical Talent Together
Leverage China's strengths in vocational education and NEV maintenance expertise to create localized training programs and certification systems that cultivate highly skilled technicians.
Shared Vision for Long-Term Industry Cooperation
Mr. Chong Yuen Poh, President of FARAM, and Mr. Koh Peng Yew, President of SKLMMPTA, led their respective leadership teams in the discussions and expressed strong support for the proposed cooperation framework.
Both sides agreed that industry associations should establish long-term mechanisms for dialogue, business matching, and practical cooperation, supporting Chinese automotive brands in successfully expanding and growing their presence in overseas markets.
Together, they aim to promote mutually beneficial development amid the industry's ongoing transition toward electrification, intelligence, and globalization.
Exploring New Opportunities in Malaysia's Automotive Aftermarket
During the visit, the delegation also conducted field visits to local aftermarket enterprises, exploring opportunities in:
Automotive parts data standardization;
Localization and product adaptation;
Digital supply chain development.
The delegation additionally visited the Kuala Lumpur International Auto Parts Expo, where they met with key exhibitors and gained firsthand insights into local market demand and industry trends.
F6 Auto Tech: Bringing China's Digital Transformation Experience to Global Markets
The visit provided valuable insights and opportunities for F6 Auto Tech's international expansion strategy.
As automotive aftermarket businesses around the world face similar challenges in digital transformation, F6 Auto Tech remains committed to sharing China's proven technologies, operational expertise, and innovative solutions with international markets.
Looking ahead, F6 Auto Tech aims to support the Digital Intelligence transformation of automotive aftermarket businesses across more countries and regions, contributing to a smarter, more connected, and more efficient global aftermarket ecosystem.
