Following the MoU signing in October 2023, Great Wall Motor Sales Malaysia (GWM Malaysia) and EP Manufacturing Berhad’s (EPMB) subsidiary PEPS-JV Melaka (PJVM) have reached an agreement. It is now confirmed that the Haval H6 and Haval Jolion will be the first locally assembled (CKD) GWM models in Malaysia.

The contract manufacturing agreement between GWM Malaysia and PJVM will span eight years. Production will take place at PJVM’s plant in Pegoh, Melaka.

PJVM says the plant aims to achieve an annual output of 20,000 units by 2028. This figure includes contract manufacturing volume for Beijing Automotive Group Co Ltd (BAIC) models.

The Haval H6 is a Proton X70-class five-seater SUV. Powertrain is yet to be confirmed but the model was previously previewed in Malaysia with a turbocharged 1.5-litre hybrid that produces a total system output of 243 PS / 530 Nm.

Similarly, the smaller Haval Jolion is a C-segment five-seater SUV. Although it's in the same category as the Haval H6, it’s more comparable to the Honda HR-V. Just think of it as analogous to the Subaru Forester and Subaru XV – both are C-segment SUVs but positioned at different ends of the segment.

Also read: Review: Coming to fight the X70, the 2023 Haval H6 Hybrid leaves positive first impressions

In Thailand, the Haval Jolion is offered with either a 152 PS / 220 Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder, or a 243 PS / 530 Nm hybrid of the same capacity. The latter is also shared with the Haval H6 Hybrid.

There is no mention of local assembly of the GWM Cannon pick-up truck, or the Ora Good Cat, currently the only model sold by GWM Malaysia. The Ora Good Cat, imported from China (CBU), is currently priced at RM 140,500 for the 400 Pro variant and RM 170,500 for the 500 Ultra variant.

Malaysia is GWM’s second local assembly project in Southeast Asia, after the company’s wholly owned manufacturing subsidiary’s operation in Thailand, at the former GM plant in Rayong. Vietnam will be its third location, by 2025.