KUALA LUMPUR: Great news for JAECOO enthusiasts and future J7 owners! The highly anticipated JAECOO assembly plant has officially launched and begun operations. The opening ceremony was marked by the production of the very first fully assembled JAECOO J7, signaling a new chapter for the brand and its customers.

CHERY Auto Malaysia Sdn Bhd,  reached a significant milestone with the inauguration of the CHERY Corporate Malaysia Factory in Shah Alam. This facility is the first in the ASEAN region to produce the much-anticipated JAECOO J7 premium off-road SUV.

“Malaysia is a very important market for CHERY. Our vision for the Malaysian market is to grow with our local partners and customers for the long term,” said Chery Automobile Co. Ltd Chairman, Yin Tongyue, in his address at the launch of the CHERY Corporate Malaysia Factory.

The event was highlighted by the rollout of the first JAECOO J7 All-Wheel Drive (AWD) premium off-road SUV, witnessed by Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, Yang Berhormat Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, and China’s Minister of Industry and Information Technology, Dr. Jin Zhuanglong.

During the tour, the facility's methodology and quality control processes were showcased. The JAECOO J7 AWD and Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) variants will be the first models assembled at this Shah Alam facility. The establishment of this factory has created 500 new jobs, with potential for further growth in line with market demands said Chery Malaysia.

Strategically located  Shah Alam'S industrial zone, the CHERY Corporate Malaysia Factory is close to essential local suppliers and Malaysia’s busiest port, positioning the automaker well for future exports to the ASEAN region. 

Zhang Guibing, President of Chery International, emphasized the significance of the event by attending from China. He announced that the initial local content for JAECOO vehicles, including the locally assembled JAECOO J7, is between 20-30 per cent. As Chery Malaysia strengthens its operations, they aim to increase local content in Malaysian-assembled cars to 40-50 per cent, thereby enhancing local involvement and production.

He also mentioned that the factory currently accommodates only ICE vehicle assembly. However, it is set to evolve within the next year to accommodate PHEV and EV vehicles. This development likely paves the way for the local assembly of the JAECOO J8 PHEV and JAECOO J6 EV, which were prominently displayed at the entrance of the factory.

CHERY's local operations have created over 1,000 jobs in Malaysia and established a network of 100 sales and service centers nationwide.

Weighing in on the evolving Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) market, Yin added, “The positive response of customers in Malaysia towards the brand and our offerings by CHERY and JAECOO makes us very happy. With an electrified future on the horizon, CHERY is also excited to support the growth of electric vehicles in Malaysia.” 

Reflecting its brand ethos, "New Energy, New Eco, New Era,” JAECOO also previewed its future EV portfolio at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 in May, including the Tiggo 8 Pro Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), JAECOO J7 PHEV, and the JAECOO J6 full Electric Vehicle (EV).

“Today’s launch enhances the value chain of CHERY and JAECOO offerings and is a positive step for Malaysia’s automotive industry and economy. With our strong service network, CHERY is excited to deliver best-in-class vehicles with innovative technology and an excellent customer experience to the Malaysian market,” added the spokesperson.

So, when will the JAECOO J7 be launched? The new production facility's inauguration will be followed by the official launch of JAECOO’s premium off-road SUV, the J7, in Malaysia, with celebrations taking place from July 19 to 21.

For those who have already placed a booking, the wait is almost over, and your SUV will soon be yours. If you're not yet familiar with the JAECOO J7, here's a quick rundown of what this impressive vehicle has to offer.

The JAECOO J7 is available in two variants: the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and Two-Wheel Drive (2WD). The AWD variant is priced at approximately RM160,000, while the 2WD variant comes in at around RM150,000.

The J7 boasts a striking design featuring a hexagonal vertical waterfall grille, 19-inch "Aurora-inspired" alloy wheels, and an advanced split lighting system. Inside, it offers a high-tech cabin with a 14.8-inch central display for navigation, a 540-degree camera, a 50W air-cooled wireless charger, and a SONY Surround Sound System that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The J7's AWD model includes adaptive controls with seven driving modes to suit various road conditions, showcasing impressive fuel efficiency at 7.48L/100KM and superior acceleration. Safety is a top priority, with the J7 adhering to global 5-star security and safety standards.

Under the hood, the J7 is powered by a robust 1.6TGDI engine delivering 194 HP and 290Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission for smooth gear shifts. The sophisticated AWD system provides rapid torque intervention, dynamically adapting to varying surface conditions in real-time.

The AWD variant demonstrated its remarkable capabilities as media members and key opinion leaders tested its off-road prowess at Malaysia's renowned M4TREC. The standout moment was the Water Wading test, where the J7, boasting a 200mm ground clearance and 19-inch alloy wheels, smoothly navigated through deep, muddy waters. This impressive feat highlighted the J7's ability to handle challenging wet terrains without compromising performance or risking damage to crucial components—a testament to the expertise they’ve gained from assembling Land Rover vehicles in China.

Also Read:  First impressions: JAECOO J7 off-road superiority unleashed - it really is a do it all SUV!