KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 12): Sime Darby Bhd’s automotive arm Sime Darby Motors Sdn Bhd (SDM) is to collaborate with Gentari Sdn Bhd, Petroliam Nasional Bhd's clean energy subsidiary, to explore opportunities in building electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and various other initiatives.

SDM and Gentari unit Gentari Green Mobility Sdn Bhd inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore the potential collaboration, according to a joint statement from SDM and Gentari on Thursday.

Under the MOU, SDM and Gentari will explore opportunities to establish EV charging stations and related infrastructure at SDM’s automotive facilities across Malaysia and other regional markets, as well as at other publicly accessible locations — such as golf clubs, hotels and healthcare centres.

“In addition, to encourage EV adoption amongst Malaysians, the collaboration will also look at value-added services for SDM customers. These services may include EV charging subscription plans, personalised home charging packages, portable charging services and flexible mobile charging solutions, amongst others,” the pair said.

SDM and Gentari will also explore a potential partnership for EV fleet solutions, catering to the evolving needs of businesses and governments looking to transition to cleaner and more sustainable transportation alternatives.

“Other joint projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing EV adoption, improving infrastructure, or developing new EV-related products or services will also be considered,” they added.

Under the MOU, the potential partners will also explore solar energy projects, such as solar energy system installations and solar energy storage solutions.

SDM has seven marques in its stable, including luxury brands BMW, Rolls-Royce, Jaguar and Land Rover, as well as broad-appeal brands Ford, Hyundai and BYD.

Since emerging in the charging infrastructure sector in June 2022, Gentari has deployed over 180 charging points across Malaysia and another 160 in India via affiliate entities. “With a mission to be Asia Pacific’s most valued clean energy solutions partner by 2030, Gentari aims to capture over 10% market share of charge points and vehicle-as-a-service offerings, across key markets in Asia Pacific,” Gentari said.

Sime Darby, meanwhile, is in the midst of purchasing a 61.18% stake in UMW Holdings Bhd from parent company Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) for RM3.57 billion, which will see the group launch a mandatory general offer (MGO) to buy out the remaining 38.82% stake to take UMW private — expected to cost roughly RM2.27 billion.

Shares in Sime Darby closed one sen of 0.44% lower at RM2.28, giving the group a market capitalisation of RM15.54 billion.