WTC Automotif (M) Sdn Bhd (WTCA), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warisan TC Holdings Bhd, announced its Completely Knocked Down (CKD) project with Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC), signifying deepened partnership for both WTCA and GAC. Warisan TC Holdings Bhd is a sister company of Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM), which is responsible for Nissan models in Malaysia.

This is a significant milestone for GAC, as this marks their first-ever CKD operation outside of China.

The CKD project, which WTCA will invest in excess of RM 60 million, involves the manufacturing of the next-generation 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 RM 60 million investment will be used for model-specific investments such as tools, and facility upgrades in Tan Chong's Segambut facility (Nissan-branded models are assembled in Serendah) 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 AC'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.

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"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.

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 new CKD GAC Motor GS3 model will have a third-generation 1.5 Turbo Direct Injection engine, 7-speed wet-type dual-clutch automatic transmission, and a segment-leading 270 Nm of torquea. Further details will be released in due course.

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