WTC Automotif (M) Sdn. Bhd. (WTCA), a Tan Chong company, and carmaker GAC Motor International have commenced local assembly (CKD) of the 2024 GAC GS3 Emzoom at WTCA's Segambut plant.

Though its launch date haven't been announced just yet, it may not be too far away now – bookings for the SUV rival have been open since 31-January 2024. Estimated prices have also been revealed to hover below the RM 130k mark.

Also read: Open for booking: 2024 GAC GS3 Emzoom, est. price below RM 130k, 1.5T+7DCT, 177 PS/270 Nm

Upon introduction it will find itself in a densely-populated market (with rivals like the Honda HR-V and Proton X50), but the GS3 Emzoom looks to be suitably equipped: a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine (177 PS / 270 Nm) paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT) has been confirmed, along with Level 2 ADAS.

The companies also announced that feasibility studies for two other new completely knocked-down (CKD) vehicle assembly projects in Malaysia have been initiated; one for the local market, and the other for exports.

The collaboration aims to explore the feasibility of CKD production for the right-hand drive GAC Emkoo for the Malaysian market and the left-hand drive GAC GS3 Emzoom for export to Vietnam. These studies are set to conclude by the end of July.

The GAC Emkoo is a larger SUV, sized somewhere around the Honda CR-V and Proton X70. Specs for Malaysia haven't been confirmed just yet, but in China, the Emkoo is available with a choice of powertrains from the same four-cylinder as in the Emzoom, or a 2.0-litre four-cylinder (252 PS / 499 Nm), or a 238 PS 2.0-litre hybrid system.

Specs include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chipset for the infotainment system, and Level 2 ADAS. A launch timeline for Malaysia hasn't been made clear just yet.

Also read: Coming to Malaysia - GAC Emkoo, here's what you need to know about the CR-V rival