WTC Automotif (M) Sdn Bhd (WTCA), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warisan TC Holdings Bhd, announces its Completely Knocked Down (CKD) project with Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC), signifying deepened partnership for both WTCA and GAC.
The CKD project, which WTCA will invest in excess of RM60 million, involves the manufacturing of the brand new GAC Motor GS3 model, as well as expanding its nationwide presence. The CKD project was announced approximately 18 months after WTCA and GAC International signed a distributorship agreement, appointing WTCA as the sole and exclusive distributor of GAC vehicles in Malaysia.
Part of this RM60 million investment will be used for model-specific investments such as tools, and facility upgrades in Tan Chong’s Segambut facility to meet the new CKD model local assembly and GAC standards requirement.
“We will be expecting that with 3-5 years development, the production and sales will reach 50,000 units. In order to fulfil this target, GAC will continue to coordinate internal and external resources and increase support for the Malaysian market, accelerate the launch of key models, improve the model matrix, and provide more intelligent and higher-quality vehicle products for local consumers,” said GAC Group Vice President Yu Jun.
This CKD collaboration between WTCA and GAC is a significant achievement for the Malaysian automotive industry as the Malaysian CKD project is the first for GAC’s CKD project in ASEAN. It demonstrates both companies’ commitment to expanding their presence in the Malaysian market and supplying Malaysian consumers with cutting-edge vehicles.
WTCA will also use this investment in their plan, to establish more than 70 showrooms via their own branch setup and dealership appointment to cover the entire country. The first GAC Motor Malaysia flagship showroom will be based in Section 13 Petaling Jaya, which is expected to be ready in the third quarter of 2023.
This CKD project is part of GAC MOTOR and Tan Chong Group’s long-term commercial partnership in the ASEAN region. Over the next five years, WTCA will introduce a comprehensive inventory of right-hand drive GAC MOTOR models, including SUV, Sedan and MPV.
In addition, all new Global GAC MOTOR models will be simultaneously developed for both right-and left-hand drives, ensuring that Malaysian consumers receive the latest models at the same rate as other global consumers.
The new CKD GAC Motor GS3 model will have a third-generation 1.5 Turbo Direct Injection engine, 7-speed WDCT transmission, and a segment-leading torque of 270Nm @1400~4500rpm. Some of the major highlights are the next-generation design and level 2 advanced driver assistance systems.
At the same time, WTCA successfully handed over a fleet of 25 units of GAC Motor GS3 SUV to Mayflower Car Rental Sdn Bhd. The latter has acquired a fleet of 50 GAC Motor GS3 SUVs from WTCA.
Mayflower also took the opportunity to introduce the All-New Adventure GAC Motor GS3 Programme, a competitive car leasing programme to meet diverse market demands. The programme gives the public more opportunities to experience the vehicle.
