WTC Automotif (M) Sdn Bhd (WTCA), a subsidiary of Warisan TC Motor Holdings Bhd, actually began association with China’s Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) as sole and exclusive distributor of GAC vehicles in Malaysia in 2021. However, that was the period of the pandemic when activities were restricted and the entry of the brand into the market with the GS3 SUV was low-key.
Big push starts
However, WTCA had big plans ahead for when normalcy returns and worked towards local assembly of models, which was announced in May last year. This year, it is ready to start its big push forward and has been developing its retail network around the country.
9 dealerships
After earlier giving a preview of its new models to come (which include an EV), WTCA has announced the appointment of 9 new dealerships which will handle the brand. The 9 dealers are Evolution Autotech Sdn Bhd, Gem Utara Sdn Bhd, Ju Brothers Motor Sdn Bhd, Klinik Kereta Tampin Sdn Bhd, Kuantan Motor Sdn Bhd, Mercu Usaha Automobile Sdn Bhd, Motion Beyond Sdn Bhd, Sincere Scope Sdn Bhd, and SV Auto Selection Sdn Bhd.
They will be located in prominent areas and key cities throughout Peninsular Malaysia, in Alor Setar, Butterworth, Sungai Petani, Balakong, Cyberjaya, Setia Alam, Seremban, Kuantan and Johor Bahru. WTCA will also have its own flagship 3S outlet in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. The dealerships are now setting up and will be ready during the first half of 2024.
Commenting on this latest development, Tan Keng Meng, Group CEO of Warisan TC Holdings, said: “We are excited to welcome these 9 esteemed dealerships to be part of our growing team. Their expertise and dedication to excellence align perfectly with our values, and together, we are poised to offer an enhanced automotive experience to customers across Malaysia.”
“We are immensely grateful to our valued dealer partners who have stood by us with unwavering support and confidence. This new dealership appointment symbolises GAC Motor Malaysia’s relentless pursuit of brand excellence and brand reach in Malaysia. We will continue intensifying investments to further grow our network and expand customer touchpoints to ensure exceptional customer experience journeys, including those in East Malaysia,” Mr. Tan added.
GS3 EMZOOM to be assembled locally
WTCA’s model range will consist of the GS3 EMZOOM and EMKOO SUVs and AION Y PLUS EV. The GS3 EMZOOM will be assembled locally from April 2024 and will be joined by the larger EMKOO. The Y PLUS EV, which is marketed under GAC’s AION brand, will also go on sale during the second quarter of this year.
About GAC
Compared to many of the Chinese brands that have appeared in Malaysia in recent times, GAC actually has more years of experience in the auto business with a history going back to 1955. It has exported over 2 million of its vehicles to around 25 countries.
Over the years, GAC has formed joint ventures with many established global carmakers such as Honda, Fiat, Hino, Isuzu, Mitsubishi Motors, Peugeot and Toyota. While gaining experience with working together with these carmakers, GAC Group has also developed its own technologies with a focus on new energy vehicles. Key technologies it has been working on include all-solid-state batteries, cobalt-free batteries, low-cobalt batteries, and sodium-ion batteries and last year, it also revealed an ammonia powered engine.
Visit gacmotor.com.my to know more about the GAC models to be available in Malaysia and where to place a booking.
