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 are confident that with our Tan Chong Group’s years of experience and our latest investment in our facility, we will meet GAC’s expectations. Our team has a strong collaboration with the GAC team to ensure that we are able to meet the GAC Quality Standards. GAC has set a very high standard in the automotive industry as they have dominated the Top 1 in China’s JD Power Initial Quality Survey for eight consecutive years.” said Tan Keng Meng, Chief Executive Officer of Warisan TC Holdings Bhd.
“GAC has always placed utmost priority on delivering superior quality cars. We are confident that with its wide experience in the automotive industry, WTCA can meet our high manufacturing quality standards. 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.” GAC Group Vice President and GAC International Chairman Yu Jun said.
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.
“The new flagship showroom will welcome all customers to visit and experience the GAC Motor hospitality and the GAC Motor vehicles. Customers are encouraged to test drive to experience the superiority of the product.” Tan further added.
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 an attractive and 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 Upcoming CKD GAC GS3
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. Its next-generation design and level 2 advanced driver assistance systems make it one of the most sought-after models in the market. Further details will be released in due course.
WTCA’s groundbreaking partnership with Mayflower Car Rental
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.
“This partnership between WTCA and Mayflower Car Rental is a testament of the confidence to the excellence and performance of GAC Motor vehicles. We trust this collaboration will make the GAC Motor GS3 more accessible and affordable to Malaysians,” explained Tan.
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 capabilities of this thrilling vehicle.
“With the CKD project and the GAC Adventure Programme, WTCA is poised to push GAC motor brand to the forefront in the Malaysian automotive industry by providing cutting-edge vehicles, thrilling experiences, and more accessible ownership options to Malaysian consumers,” said Tan.
For more information, please visit www.gacmotor.com.my and follow GAC Motor Malaysia on facebook.
