GWM Malaysia’s first locally-assembled model completed

After a lapse of many years, Great Wall Motor (GWM) is assembling its vehicles in Malaysia again. This time, however, it is directly involved in all aspects of its business in the market, via its subsidiary, GWM Malaysia. Like a number of brands from China which entered the market over the past 2 years, GWM also re-entered in November 2022 with the launch of its ORA Good Cat EV.

However, the company had plans to broaden its range not only with EVs but also SUVs, which GWM is a leader in among Chinese brands. In November 2023, it signed a contract with EPMB (EP Manufacturing Bhd), a local parts manufacturer which has been in business since the 1990s and is venturing in vehicle assembly, to assemble some of its models.

First local assembly project in ASEAN
The move to assemble its vehicles in Malaysia – its first local assembly project in ASEAN – is part of GWM’s global expansion strategy in the region, with a focus on implementing its ASEAN new energy strategy.

EPMB has made a substantial investment of over RM100 million to construct a new plant at the HICOM Pegoh Industrial Park Melaka. This industrial zone, located next to the PLUS North-South Expressway, is also the location of the Honda Malaysia factory which opened in the early 2000s.

Fourth model for Malaysian market
Recently, the first locally-assembled unit of the H6 HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) of GWM’s HAVAL brand was completed at the new plant. The electrified H6 HEV is the fourth model launched by GWM Malaysia after ORA GOOD CAT and ORA 07 EVs, and TANK 300 SUV.

In the initial phase of the production, GWM Malaysia has set a target of 10,000 units annually. For the second phase, the annual volume will be increased to 300,000 units (with other models to be added). Engineering and technical personnel from GWM China are at the plant which has adopted a system to ensure the operation runs on a set of strict regulations and quality standards.

Quality control is paramount at the plant and each unit of the H6 HEV will undergo a comprehensive procedure that incorporates over 12 rigorous quality checks. To ensure optimal performance, GWM Malaysia’s personnel also conduct a range of on-track safety tests.

“At GWM Malaysia, our focus is not just on delivering high-quality vehicles but also on ensuring a smooth ownership experience,” said Cui Anqi, Managing Director of GWM Malaysia. “With the comprehensive inspection process, we ensure every GWM HAVAL H6 HEV unit meets our exacting standards for quality and reliability.”

Bestseller in China
The H6 have been the bestselling SUV in China for more than 100 consecutive months, with over 4 million global sales since the model was introduced in 2011.

GWM Malaysia will soon launch the H6 HEV with an estimated price of under RM145,000, with deliveries to start during October. If you book one (with a fee of RM1,000) before the model is launched,  GWM Malaysia will ‘unlock RM3,000 in exclusive value’, provide a 10-year or 1,000,000 km engine warranty (whichever comes first), and also an 8-year or 1,000,000 km HEV system warranty (whichever comes first).

Bookings for locally-assembled HAVAL H6 Hybrid now open