The funky GMW Ora Goodcat has become the first locally-assembled (CKD) BEV in Thailand; rolling off GWM’s Rayong plant, the company’s second-largest full-production manufacturing facility outside China.

Michael Zhang, ASEAN Vice President, Brand & Communication said on his LinkedIn page, “GWM held The First New GWM ORA Good Cat Line-Off Ceremony, a new milestone underscores the company's capability and readiness for mass production of the New GWM ORA Good Cat from the local production line. The First mass-produced BEV manufactured in Thailand, making GWM the first auto brand with full xEV production capability from HEV, PHEV to BEV in Thailand.”

Also read: Where's Malaysia's car? GWM to launch CKD Ora Good Cat to launch in Thailand in January 2024

Superseding the existing China-made (CBU) models first introduced in Thailand in June 2022, all CKD Ora Goodcat variants crucially get a sole 57.7 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack which is now supplied by GWM's battery manufacturing subsidiary, SVolt Energy Technology. 

The Thai-made SVolt batteries - produced in Chonburi - will replace the previous CATL batteries in the fully imported Goodcat models, which featured a 47.8 kWh battery in the Tech (since discontinued) and Pro variants, and a 63.1 kWh battery in the Ultra and GT variants.

As a result, the driving ranges are now 480 km in the Pro and Ultra variants and 460 km in the GT variant, as per the NEDC standard respectively. 

Otherwise, the variant list and specifications remain unchanged. Prices start at TBH 799k (~RM 106k) for the 143 PS/210 Nm Pro and Ultra variants while the (171 PS/250 Nm) GT variant retails at THB 1.099 million (~RM 146k), inclusive of the latest (EV3.5) Thai-government subsidies valid until 2027 for CKD EV vehicles. 

Also read: GWM invests RM 140 mil to set up battery pack assembly plant in Thailand

Closer to home, GWM Malaysia has appointed EP Manufacturing (EPMB)’s Melaka plant to be its contract manufacturer. The 30,000-unit-per-year plant is planned to begin operations next year.

GWM Malaysia’s announcement didn't say if the CKD models will include the Ora Good Cat – the only model it currently sells. The company’s announcement only said, “Anticipated within this range are prominent models such as GWM SUV, pickup, and the cutting-edge electric vehicles.”

The imported-from-China Ora Good Cat currently sells for RM 140,500 for the entry 400 Pro variant, and RM 170,500 for the 500 Ultra variant.