KUALA LUMPUR: EP Manufacturing Bhd (EPMB) has commenced production of the GWM Wey G9 HEV and EC15S hybrid vehicles at its automotive manufacturing facility in Pegoh, Melaka.
The addition brings the total number of models assembled at the facility to eight, comprising four GWM models, two SAIC-MG models and two XPENG models.
In a statement, EPMB said both new models incorporate locally sourced components, including front frame modules, rear axle assemblies, instrument panels and wiring harnesses.
The Wey G9 HEV also uses locally sourced seats, centre consoles, cooling modules and interior door trims.
EPMB said it was expanding its manufacturing capacity in response to growing demand, with its upcoming vehicle painting facility expected to have an annual capacity exceeding 30,000 vehicles.
Production at the expanded facility is scheduled to begin by the end of August 2027, following testing and commissioning.
EPMB executive director Aidan Hamidon said the company's assembly partnership with GWM, which began in 2023, had expanded from one model to four.
“The expansion of our GWM portfolio reflects the confidence of our partners in our capabilities and our shared vision for the growth and development of Malaysia’s automotive industry.
“We are proud to play a key role in GWM’s Malaysia and Asean growth strategy and look forward to a continued strong relationship. I wish to emphasise here, too, that this is a partnership and not a conventional OEM-supplier project,” Aidan said.
He said GWM had assembled more than 10,000 vehicles in Malaysia since commencing completely knocked-down production in October 2024.
GWM has also exported more than 1,100 Malaysia-assembled G9 multipurpose vehicles to Thailand and Indonesia.
EPMB said it would continue investing in its Melaka operations, including vehicle assembly, painting, component manufacturing and export distribution.