First 200 locally-assembled GWM HAVAL H6 HEVs delivered

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When GWM (Great Wall Motor) entered the Malaysian market in November 2022 to directly be involved in its business (earlier, it was handled by a local company), it had plans to also assemble its models locally. Although some of its models were assembled locally at a plant in Kedah before, this time it would be fully involved in every aspect.

In fact, the plan 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.

GWM’s commitment to a long-term business strategy is anchored by 4 key globalisation pillars -Locally Built, Locally Operated, Locally Cultivated, and Supply Chain Integrated. These have widened its global reach and it is among the top brands exported from China. Its HAVAL SUV brand alone has exceeded 9 million units in cumulative global sales.

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. The company has invested 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.

The plant was completed within a short time and by September 2024, the first locally assembled GWM model – the HAVAL H6 HEV – began rolling out. The electrified H6 HEV is the fourth model launched by GWM Malaysia after ORA GOOD CAT and ORA 07 EVs, and TANK 300 SUV.

The H6 HEV was launched last month and GWM Malaysia has delivered 200 units to the first customers (it has received over 1,500 bookings to date).

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.

Launch of GWM Haval H6 HEV in Malaysia