Malaysia’s automotive manufacturing landscape is set to enter a new chapter with the local assembly of electrified pickup trucks, following a partnership between Evolvelectric Motors Sdn Bhd and FT Assembly Sdn Bhd (FTA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Feytech Holdings Berhad. Under the agreement, JAC’s Malaysian distributor, Evolvelectric Motors, will work with FTA to locally assemble the JAC T9 range, covering the T9 Diesel, T9 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) and T9 Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV).

The programme is particularly significant as the locally assembled T9 PHEV and BEV are set to become Malaysia’s first locally assembled PHEV and BEV pickup trucks, respectively. It also represents an expansion of the country’s vehicle assembly capabilities into the light commercial New Energy Vehicle (NEV) segment. Production under the Completely Knocked Down (CKD) programme is scheduled to begin in November 2026, with the T9 PHEV taking the lead, followed by the diesel model and subsequently the BEV. Initial production capacity is estimated at 3,000 units annually during the first year.

The new JAC assembly facility is located within Feytech’s manufacturing complex in Kulim, Kedah, covering approximately 84,000 sq ft. FTA has invested RM3.6 million to establish the facility, with total investment potentially reaching RM8 million over the next three years. The facility features vehicle assembly, inspection, testing and quality-control capabilities designed to support production of JAC’s next-generation pickup trucks.

Beyond vehicle production, the project is expected to generate approximately RM230 million in economic value annually, while creating employment opportunities and encouraging greater participation from local suppliers. The CKD programme is targeting up to 30% local content, with the project also expected to contribute towards the development of local technical expertise in electrified-vehicle assembly.

For FTA and Feytech, the partnership also represents a step beyond the company’s traditional automotive component manufacturing activities. Feytech Holdings Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Connie Go described the JAC project as an important milestone in the Group’s transition into vehicle assembly.

She said the project allows FTA to expand into light commercial vehicle assembly while establishing a structured assembly process that can strengthen its manufacturing capabilities and create opportunities for future vehicle assembly, automotive modules and other manufacturing activities. For Evolvelectric Motors, the CKD programme is part of JAC’s longer-term strategy for establishing a stronger manufacturing presence in Malaysia.

According to its Chief Executive Officer, Lau Yit Mun, the company sees local production as an opportunity to build a stronger foundation for the JAC pickup truck business in Malaysia. The company is also exploring the possibility of exporting JAC pickup trucks from Malaysia, subject to favourable market conditions.

Before local assembly begins, the completely built-up (CBU) JAC T9 PHEV is scheduled to be introduced to the Malaysian market in early November 2026. The T9 PHEV is currently positioned as Malaysia’s only PHEV pickup truck and combines a petrol engine with a dual-motor system to deliver up to 1,000 Nm of torque.

It also offers a combined driving range of up to 1,000 km from its petrol and battery systems, alongside ADAS 2.0 driver assistance technology. The model has also achieved a five-star Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) safety rating.

Based on JAC’s third-generation international platform, the T9 is designed to combine the practicality of a 4×4 pickup with improved stability, comfort and safety, making it suitable for both commercial and private users. Following the launch of the CBU model, locally assembled T9 PHEV units are expected to begin rolling out from FTA’s Kulim facility in November 2026.