Tan Chong Motor influence the Malaysian automotive industry through its parts manufacturing division, APM Automotive Holdings Berhad (APM). The 2000s was a decade of diversification in the Tan Chong Motor portfolio. Since its founding, the Tan Chong name had become synonymous with Datsun and Nissan vehicles in Malaysia, but in mid-2003, the company adopted the Renault brand in line with the Renault–Nissan Alliance. A new subsidiary, TC Euro Cars Sdn. Bhd. (TCEC) was created to market, distribute and provide after-sale services for Malaysian-market Renault cars. The Renault brand was handled by Quasar Carriage Sdn. Bhd. prior to the advent of TCEC. Additionally, local
Nissan Cefiro (A31) to a slightly larger executive sedan. Generally, the A32 was only badged as the Cefiro in Japan for the domestic market; A32s that were exported new from Japan often wore the Maxima badge. In Europe, the A32 was sold as the "Nissan Maxima QX". In Taiwan the Cefiro A32 was manufactured by Yulon under the Nissan brand. Other countries that adopted the Cefiro name included Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. In Korea, it was badge engineered and introduced as the Renault Samsung SM5. Certain Cefiro sold in Taiwan and South East Asian countries has rear license plate on the trunk