WTC Automotif (M) Sdn Bhd (WTCA) has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with GAC Motor International Co., Ltd. (GAC Motor International), marking the beginning of a new era in automotive manufacturing in Malaysia. Their recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) sets the stage for feasibility studies on two new completely knocked-down (CKD) vehicle assembly projects, signaling a significant leap forward for both companies.
The MOU signifies a pivotal moment as it paves the way for exploring the CKD production of the right-hand drive GAC EMKOO for the Malaysian market and the left-hand drive GAC GS3 EMZOOM, intended for export to Vietnam. If these projects come to fruition, they will not only bolster Malaysia’s position as a strategic partner for GAC’s regional growth strategy but also open up manufacturing opportunities within the country.
As GAC’s strategic partner, WTCA is well-positioned to harness its automotive expertise and Malaysia’s industrial ecosystem to deliver GAC mobility solutions tailored for the ASEAN markets. The completion of the feasibility studies by the end of July will set the stage for formal agreements, further solidifying Malaysia’s role as an automotive hub for Southeast Asia.
In addition to the MOU, GAC and WTCA have cemented their technical collaboration through a CKD Technical Collaboration Agreement. This agreement authorizes WTCA to locally assemble GAC’s vehicle models using CKD kits manufactured to GAC’s global technical specifications and quality standards. WTCA will also handle the marketing, distribution, and servicing of these vehicles, emphasizing a joint commitment to delivering excellence to customers.
This collaboration marks GAC’s first CKD project outside its home market, reflecting its ambition to expand globally. The CKD Technical Collaboration Agreement not only lays the groundwork for future collaborations but also underscores the shared dedication of GAC and WTCA to delivering top-quality vehicles to customers.
The technical partnership has already yielded tangible results, with the successful initiation of CKD Start of Production (SOP) for the GAC GS3 EMZOOM compact SUV at WTCA’s Segambut plant. Achieving this milestone in just 13 months after the project announcement speaks volumes about the efficiency and dedication of both parties involved.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Segambut assembly plant commemorated this SOP milestone, signaling the transition of CKD production for the GAC GS3 EMZOOM into the Full Production stage. This achievement not only underscores the progress made but also sets the stage for further advancements in the automotive industry in Malaysia.
