EPMB in assembly deal with Great Wall

KUALA LUMPUR: EP Manufacturing Bhd’s (EPMB) subsidiary, PEPS-JV (Melaka) Sdn Bhd (PJVM) has been appointed as the contract vehicle assembler for Great Wall Motor Sales Malaysia Sdn Bhd (GWM), a subsidiary of Great Wall Motor Co Ltd.

EPMB said PJVM entered into a vehicle assembly agreement with GWM as the contract assembler of selected GWM models in Malaysia for the next eight years.

As part of this development, EPMB will initially focus on assembling and producing the Haval H6, a mid-size SUV model, and the Haval Jolion, a compact SUV model.

The agreement allows for potential adjustments to the production lineup in the future, reflecting the dynamic nature of the automotive industry.

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 HICOM Pegoh Industrial Park in Melaka.

It said the expansion is expected create 1,000 new job opportunities in Melaka with over RM100mil committed to ensuring the success of this transformative initiative.

“The decision to venture into car assembly reflects EPMB's steadfast commitment to vertically integrate our operation. This strategic move presents a prime opportunity to expand our revenue streams and broaden our business portfolio,” group chief executive officer Ahmad Razlan Mohamed said in a statement.