EP Manufacturing Berhad (EPMB) to assemble GWM vehicles in Melaka

The state of Melaka will be the location for a new vehicle assembly plant in Malaysia. The plant, to be set up by EPMB (EP Manufacturing Bhd), a local parts manufacturer which has been in business since the 1990s, will assemble the models of China’s Great Wall Motor (GWM).

Though GWM may not be a familiar name to Malaysians, its Haval products have been sold for some time. The company has been a leader in SUVs and pick-up trucks in China and has also developed a growing range of electric vehicles. Some of these will be assembled at the Melaka plant in future.

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. This adheres to the company’s 3 core values of delivering new energy, new intelligence, and a new experience to its customers. This marks another strategic milestone for GWM’s

A substantial investment of over RM100 million has been allocated for the construction of the plant in multiple phases 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.

EPMB’s production of GWM vehicles will gradually increase over the years, reaching 20,000 units by 2028. The first phase is set to have a potential annual production capacity of 30,000 vehicles.

“I am thankful to EPMB for this partnership as it is a huge stepping stone for GWM and our vision of becoming the leading automotive brand in the ASEAN region,” said Mike Cui, Managing Director of Great Wall Motor Malaysia. “This partnership with GWM also aligns with the Malaysian government’s vision to enhance automotive capabilities and contribute significantly to the industry’s growth in Malaysia.”

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