GAC CKD mission formally introduced – next-gen GS3 SUV, Tan Chong invests over RM60m, Segambut plant

Guangzhou Car Group (GAC) and WTC Automotif (WTCA), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warisan TC Holdings (a Tan Chong Group firm) as we speak introduced a CKD native meeting programme value over RM60 million. That is GAC’s first CKD programme within the ASEAN area.

Not many would possibly keep in mind, however earlier than the present wave of Chinese language OEMs, GAC made a comparatively quiet entry into Malaysia with the GS3 SUV. Again in late 2021, the GS3 was a CBU unit transformed to right-hand drive (with a good bit of effort, 130 adjustments concerned in GAC’s first RHD automotive) and future CKD was talked about. Now, right here we’re.

The GAC CKD mission will see WTCA make investments over RM60 million, which can go to the manufacturing of “the model new GAC Motor GS3 mannequin” and establishing a nationwide presence for the model. A part of the entire sum might be used for model-specific investments akin to instruments and upgrades to Tan Chong’s Segambut plant in KL, which can produce the GS3.

UPDATE: In accordance with Warisan TC CEO Tan Keng Meng, CKD manufacturing is scheduled to start in April 2024, with gross sales beginning in mid-2024.

The Guangzhou-based model is bullish on our market, with GAC Group VP and GAC Worldwide chairman Yu Jun saying that “we might be anticipating that with three to 5 years improvement, the manufacturing and gross sales will attain 50,000 items”.

To attain this, GAC will “coordinate inside and exterior assets, enhance assist for the Malaysian market, speed up the launch of key fashions, enhance the mannequin matrix and supply extra clever and better high quality merchandise native shoppers,” he stated.

As for the community, WTCA plans to arrange over 70 showrooms throughout Malaysia. The primary, flagship showroom is at Part 13 Petaling Jaya, close to Jaya 33 and simply behind the Renault showroom. This outlet might be prepared in Q3 this yr.

“Over the subsequent 5 years, WTCA will introduce a horny and complete stock of right-hand drive GAC Motor fashions, together with SUV, sedan and MPV. As well as, all-new world GAC Motor fashions might be concurrently developed for each right- and left-hand drives, guaranteeing that Malaysian shoppers obtain the most recent fashions on the similar price as different world shoppers,” WTCA stated in a press release.

We transfer on to the CKD product, which is the the brand new GS3 that sports activities a a lot sharper and extra modern look in comparison with the CBU GS3 that debut right here in in 2021. WTCA says that the brand new GS3 can have a 1.5 litre turbo engine, a seven-speed DCT and ‘segment-leading torque’ of 270 Nm at 1,400 to 4,500 rpm. The B-SUV will even have Degree 2 ADAS. Additional particulars might be launched later; no timeline was shared at as we speak’s occasion.

Lastly, WTCA handed over 25 items of the present GAC GS3 to Mayflower Automobile Rental as we speak. The Tan Chong Group automotive rental firm ordered a fleet of fifty GS3 items from WTCA. Mayflower might be introducing the “All-New Journey” leasing programme that includes the GS3, which might be accessible for rental from RM150 per day. What do you consider the GAC GS3, outdated and new?

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