PETALING JAYA: Main Market-listed EP Manufacturing Bhd (EPMB), via subsidiary PEPS-JV (Melaka) Sdn Bhd (PJVM), has been appointed as contract vehicle assembler for Great Wall Motor Co Ltd’s subsidiary, Great Wall Motor Sales Malaysia Sdn Bhd (GWM Malaysia).
With the recent signing of a vehicle assembly agreement, EPMB has become a key player in the assembly and production of selected GWM models in Malaysia for the next eight years.
EPMB group CEO Ahmad Razlan Mohamed said the decision to venture into car assembly reflects its commitment to vertically integrate its operations.
“This move presents a prime opportunity to expand our revenue streams and broaden our business portfolio. Moreover, our involvement in GWM’s inaugural CKD (completely knocked down) project in Asean demonstrates our agility and ability to adapt to global automotive market demand.
“We anticipate a close partnership with GWM as they introduce their renowned brand portfolio to Malaysia, commencing with Haval, a top-selling SUV brand in China,” he said in a statement.
The group will initially focus on assembling and producing the Haval H6, a mid-size sport utility vehicle model, and the Haval Jolion, a compact SUV model. The agreement allows for potential adjustments to the production lineup in the future.
Anticipating a gradual production ramp-up, EPMB aims to achieve an annual output of 20,000 units by 2028. The assembly and production activities will be centred at the group’s automotive manufacturing facility located at the Heavy Industries Corporation of Malaysia Pegoh Industrial Park in Malacca.
In addition, the expansion is poised to contribute significantly to EPMB’s growth and create about 1,000 new job opportunities in Malacca with more than RM100 million committed to ensure the success of the initiative.
