GWM Malaysia is using the Global Automotive and Technology Expo (GATE) 2026 as a platform to highlight its growing investment in the country, while offering a glimpse into the technologies and vehicle programmes that could shape its next phase of development in the region. The event, organised by the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), brings together automotive manufacturers, government agencies, technology companies, suppliers and other industry stakeholders to discuss the future of mobility, manufacturing and technological development.
For GWM Malaysia, its participation at GATE 2026 reflects a broader strategy that goes beyond selling vehicles. The company is strengthening its presence through local assembly, expanding its product portfolio and exploring opportunities to position Malaysia as a more significant part of its wider ASEAN operations. Since entering the Malaysian market in 2022, GWM has steadily expanded its operations through new product introductions, technology investment and localisation initiatives. The company delivered 3,166 vehicles during the first half of 2026, representing a 42.4% year-on-year increase and placing GWM among Malaysia’s Top 11 automotive brands.
Models such as the GWM HAVAL H6 HEV and GWM WEY G9 Hi4 PHEV have contributed to this growth, as the company continues to expand its presence across different vehicle segments and powertrain technologies. Stan Li Hao, Managing Director of Commercial Operations at GWM Malaysia, said the company’s first four years in the country have helped establish a stronger foundation for its future ambitions.
“Over the past four years, we have built a stronger foundation for GWM in Malaysia, supported by growing customer acceptance and confidence in our products and technologies. As we enter our next phase of growth, Malaysia is becoming increasingly important not only as a market, but also as part of our wider ASEAN strategy. “Through local assembly, regional opportunities and stronger partnerships, our focus is on creating sustainable, long-term growth while contributing to the development of Malaysia’s automotive ecosystem.”
A key focus of GWM’s showcase at GATE 2026 is its locally assembled vehicle portfolio. Three models are being featured, representing both the company’s current manufacturing activities and its plans for future expansion. Taking centre stage is the GWM WEY G9 Hi4 PHEV, the company’s locally assembled luxury MPV. Beyond serving Malaysian customers, the model is also exported from Malaysia to Thailand, demonstrating the country’s increasing importance within GWM’s regional manufacturing and export network.
The WEY G9 is currently the No.1-selling luxury MPV among officially distributed OEM brands in Malaysia, further strengthening its position as one of the key products in GWM’s local portfolio. Joining it are two models planned for local assembly: the GWM ORA 5 HEV and GWM HAVAL H7 Hi4 PHEV.
The ORA 5 HEV combines the distinctive styling associated with the ORA brand with hybrid efficiency and intelligent technologies. Meanwhile, the HAVAL H7 Hi4 PHEV is set to expand GWM’s electrified SUV offering, combining plug-in hybrid technology with intelligent four-wheel-drive capability and enhanced performance. Together, the three models represent GWM’s multi-category and multi-powertrain approach to the Malaysian market, comprising one current locally assembled model and two additional vehicles planned for CKD production.
Roslan Abdullah, Chief Operating Officer of GWM Malaysia, said the company’s presence at GATE 2026 highlights both its current progress and the opportunities it sees for the future. “GATE is an important platform for the industry to exchange ideas, showcase capabilities and explore opportunities for collaboration. For GWM, our presence reflects both the progress we are making in Malaysia today and the possibilities we are exploring for tomorrow.
“With our current CKD model, two upcoming models planned for local assembly, and Malaysia serving as an export base for the WEY G9 to Thailand, we are strengthening our commitment to the local automotive and supplier ecosystem. At the same time, we hope to encourage greater dialogue with government, industry and technology partners on how new-energy technologies could support Malaysia’s future mobility ambitions.”
While vehicles remain a major part of its showcase, GWM is also using GATE 2026 to demonstrate the technologies behind its broader new-energy strategy. The company is showcasing its proprietary Hi2 and Hi4 technologies, which are designed to deliver different combinations of efficiency, performance, intelligence and capability depending on the vehicle and driving application.
The technologies form part of GWM’s wider multi-powertrain strategy, allowing the company to develop electrified solutions suited to different markets, vehicle categories and customer requirements rather than relying on a single approach. GWM is also highlighting hydrogen technologies developed by FTXT, offering industry stakeholders an insight into the Group’s work in alternative energy solutions and their potential applications across mobility, energy and other sectors. Although hydrogen remains an emerging technology in Malaysia, its inclusion at GATE 2026 is intended to encourage greater discussion around the role that alternative energy sources could play in the country’s longer-term mobility ambitions.
GWM Malaysia’s participation at GATE 2026 brings together two sides of the company’s strategy. On one hand, it is focused on expanding what is already being built in Malaysia through local assembly, product growth and regional exports. On the other, it is looking towards emerging technologies and potential partnerships that could contribute to the future of mobility.
As the company continues its expansion, GWM Malaysia plans to further strengthen its locally assembled portfolio, improve customer experience and aftersales support, and develop deeper relationships with local suppliers and regional partners. By working alongside government agencies, industry stakeholders and technology providers, GWM aims to play a greater role in Malaysia’s evolving automotive ecosystem while exploring opportunities for deeper localisation, stronger regional integration and future technology collaboration.
At GATE 2026, GWM’s message is clear: Malaysia is becoming more than just another market for the brand. With local assembly already underway, vehicles being exported to neighbouring countries and additional models planned for domestic production, the country is set to play an increasingly important role in GWM’s wider ASEAN growth strategy.
