WTC Automotif (M) Sdn Bhd (WTCA) with Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) announces Completely Knocked Down (CKD) programme - RM60million+ investment to produce and market GAC vehicles in Malaysia

WTC Automotif (M) Sdn Bhd (WTCA), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warisan TC Holdings Bhd (a Tan Chong related company), earlier today announced a new Completely Knocked Down (CKD) programme with Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC). The programme, which WTCA stated that they will invest over RM60 million into this venture involves the manufacturing of the brand new GAC Motor GS3 compact SUV (in the B segment) as well as expanding its  presence throughout Malaysia. Expect to see a newly specced out CKD GS3 with a 1.5liter turbo direct injection petrol with a DCT gearbox here by the end of the year and on sale shortly after.

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. This CKD collaboration between WTCA and GAC is a quite a milestone for the Malaysian automotive industry as the CKD project is the first for GAC’s to have such project in the ASEAN region. 

In terms of what is in line, part of the RM60 million investment will be used for model-specific investments such as tooling and facility upgrades at Tan Chong’s Segambut facility to meet the new model local assembly as well as GAC's requirement. WTCA will also use the investment to establish 70 over showrooms via their own branch network and dealership appointments to cover the entire country. The first GAC Motor Malaysia flagship showroom will be based in Section 13 Petaling Jaya, where the launch of this CKD programme was held. The showroom is expected to be ready sometime in the third quarter of 2023.

“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.

“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 B segment CKD GAC Motor GS3 SUV will have a third-generation 1.5 Turbo Direct Injection engine, 7-speed WDCT transmission, and 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. 

The CKD SUV is better specified as the one that had a small launch and now going to be used by Mayflower Car Rental (see below) has the GS3 with a normally aspirated 1.5liter engine and a 6 speed Aisin gearbox. Expect better specifications and equipment levels over this current variant which was launched sometime in 2021 (during the COVID lockdown period, which is why not much was heard of it till now).

Further details will be released in due course including the pricing. Especially the pricing as with every CKD programme, it involves calculating on how much local content is in the CKD vehicles and what the specs as well as equipment levels are in the vehicle. So we have to wait when the vehicle is launched to actually know.

WTCA's 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. earlier today. This happened prior to the official announcement of the CKD programme. The latter has acquired a fleet of 50 GAC Motor GS3 SUVs from WTCA and is the 1.5liter normally aspirated variant that had its launch in 2021.

“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

https://www.facebook.com/GAC-Motor-Malaysia-104304102124544.