The Tan Chong Group was founded by the two brothers, the late Tan Sri Dato' Tan Yuet Foh and Dato' Tan Kim Hor in 1957. In the nineteen fifties, Tan Chong Motor managed to get the franchise from Nissan Japan and became the pioneer company to introduce Japanese vehicles to the Malaysian public.

In the first year, 39 vehicles were sold in Peninsular Malaysia. The initial market response to Japanese products was very negative as Japanese products were considered to be inferior in design and made from cheap raw materials. This response was common as the local market was dominated by British and Continental makes. However, with a strong effort, the brothers managed to penetrate successfully into the local market. By 1970, Nissan had become one of the top selling brands in Malaysia and Singapore.

In 1974, Tan Chong was listed on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange and since then the Group has broadened its business operations to include motor vehicle assembly and parts manufacturing, heavy vehicles, equipment and machinery, property investment and financial services, tours and trading.

Geographically, Tan Chong Group's business activities span the Asian Pacific region, operating in Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Brunei, Australia, and Papua New Guinea. Now the Group is also initiating new business opportunities in Macao and China.