GWM's CKD operation is a go! More Chinese SUVs to hit Malaysian roads this year

KUALA LUMPUR: Great Wall Motor has announced the successful establishment of their local vehicle assembly partnership with EP Manufacturing Berhad (EPMB). Under this collaboration, GWM is set to initiate local vehicle production within the year, marking a significant milestone for the Chinese automaker locally.

EPMB declared that its Melaka-based subsidiary, PEPS-JV, has been selected as the contract vehicle assembler for Great Wall Motor (GWM) in Malaysia. This follows the signing of a local assembly (CKD) agreement earlier this week between the two companies, which establishes a partnership for a duration of eight years.

This new venture, utilising the CKD (Completely Knocked Down) model, signifies Great Wall Motor's inaugural CKD program in the ASEAN region. The partnership is poised to enhance GWM’s presence in Malaysia, offering a broader selection of vehicle choices to consumers. PEPS-JV will be responsible for assembling and manufacturing various models of Great Wall Motor's vehicles, including electric vehicles and SUVs.

EPMB and GWM will commence the assembly and production of the Haval H6 and Jolion SUV first, with the rest to follow soon after. The Haval H6 and Jolion are two notable SUV models from Great Wall Motor (GWM), each with distinct features and market appeal.

The Haval H6 is known for its blend of performance, comfort, and technology. The model showcased at last year's Malaysian Auto Show 2023 was equipped with a hybrid powertrain, which included a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine paired with a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). This setup, focusing on front-wheel drive, delivers 150 horsepower and 230 Nm of torque from the engine, complemented by the DHT's output of 177 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque. 

From first impressions, the theme of the interior seems to be designed for comfort, with a spacious cabin, modern infotainment system, and advanced safety features. The H6 is often praised in China for its smooth ride quality and handling, making it a popular choice in the mid-size SUV segment.

On the other hand, the Haval Jolion is positioned as a compact SUV, offering a more urban-centric design. It's known for its stylish exterior, agile handling, and fuel-efficient engine options. This model too was showcased by GWM at the Malaysian Autoshow and featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four engine under the hood, coupled with a seven-speed DCT transmission that incorporates an electric motor. This combination results in a total system output of 190 horsepower and 375 Nm of torque.

The interior of the Jolion is modern and well-equipped with features like a touchscreen infotainment system, comfortable seating, and various driver-assist technologies. The Jolion is generally aimed at a younger audience or those looking for a versatile and stylish urban SUV.

Great Wall Motor made its Malaysian debut with the opening of its first showroom in late 2022, where it began offering the Ora Good Cat from its Ora brand. In October 2023, a memorandum of intent was formalized with EPMB, paving the way for this CKD assembly collaboration.

The assembly operations will take place at EPMB's new CKD production facility located in HICOM Pegoh Industrial Park, Alor Gajah, Malacca. Managed by EPMB's subsidiary Peps-JV, the plant received authorisation in July 2023 to produce and assemble both energy-efficient vehicles and a range of passenger and commercial vehicles.

The facility, once operational in its initial phase, is expected to have a production capacity of up to 30,000 vehicles annually. GWM intends to establish Malaysia as its central hub in ASEAN for the production of right-hand drive models, including the localized manufacturing of components for specific models.

The right-hand drive Ora Good Cat may not be included in Malaysia's production lineup, as GWM has only recently initiated the manufacturing of this model in Thailand. This Thai project also encompasses a battery pack assembly facility and includes plans for a future R&D center dedicated to the development of fully-electric pickup trucks.

In a further testament to its growing global presence, Great Wall Motor disclosed that its international sales exceeded 300,000 units in 2023, a first for the company, with cumulative global sales surpassing 1.4 million units.

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