Great Wall Motor (GWM) Malaysia recently witnessed the ground-breaking ceremony of EP Manufacturing Berhad’s (EPMB) CKD (completely knocked down) production plant in Melaka for future GWM models such as SUVs, pickups, as well as electric vehicles.
The ground-breaking was witnessed by YAB Datuk Seri Utama Ab Rauf Yusoh, Chief Minister of Melaka, Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Senior Executive Director Investment Policy Advocacy of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) representing Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, the Chief Executive Officer of MIDA, Ahmad Razlan Mohamed, Group Chief Executive Officer of EPMB, and Mike Cui, Managing Director of GWM Malaysia. GWM and EPMB had earlier signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Car Assembly and Parts Production.
EPMB is a renowned auto parts manufacturer that established itself as a supplier of quality components to major automotive brands in Malaysia since the 1990s. It has since diversified into the new energy vehicles sector. Between As such, a partnership between GWM and EPMB is seen as a win-win situation as both parties will mutually benefit.
An investment of over $100 million has been allocated for the construction of the plant which will occur in multiple phases at the HICOM Pegoh Industrial Park in Melaka. The initial phase is expected to have an output capacity of 30,000 vehicles annually. Production rate at the EPMB facility is expected to reach 20,000 vehicles annually by 2028.
This partnership aligns with GWM’s global expansion strategy which includes establishing a stronger presence in ASEAN and supporting the region’s adoption of new energy vehicles. It is also another milestone for GWM as it develops a local assembly project in this region.
This partnership with GWM also syncs with the Malaysian government’s vision to enhance automotive capabilities and contribute significantly to the industry’s growth in Malaysia. Mike Cui, Managing Director of Great Wall Motor Malaysia, expressed in his statement at the signing, “I am thankful to EPMB for this partnership as it is a huge stepping stone for GWM and our vision of becoming the leading automotive brand in the ASEAN region”.
Keyword: GWM Malaysia And EPMB Enter Partnership For CKD Production