Tan Chong exports left-hand drive GAC GS3 Emzoom to Vietnam – CKD New Energy Vehicles coming soon

WTC Automotif (WTCA), a Tan Chong Group company involved in distributing and assembling GAC vehicles in Malaysia, has commenced exports of the GAC GS3 Emzoom to Vietnam. The B-segment SUV is locally assembled at Tan Chong’s Segambut plant in KL, and the CKD version was launched locally in August 2024.

“The export of the locally assembled left-hand drive GAC GS3 Emzoom to Vietnam is a proud achievement for WTCA and it underscores the strength of our automotive group’s collaboration with GAC International. It demonstrates the proven experience of Tan Chong Group’s local assembly capabilities as a full CKD plant which includes painting facilities to produce the highest quality of Malaysian-made vehicles. This milestone also highlights our readiness to support GAC’s regional growth strategy,” said James Tan, CEO of Warisan TC Holdings.

“We are grateful and deeply appreciative of the ongoing support and guidance from GAC International, as well as the strategic backing from key government agencies such as MITI, MIDA and MARii. Their collaboration has been instrumental in making this export programme a reality. This achievement reflected the success of Malaysia’s National Automotive Policy in strengthening local manufacturing, vendor localisation programs and further solidifying Malaysia’s position as a key automotive hub in ASEAN,” he added.

WTCA says that the Segambut plant was upgraded to meet export requirements. Specific body jigs were enhanced to accommodate left-hand drive production, ensuring full compliance with GAC International’s standards. It adds that the standards set a strong foundation for the local vendor programmes for the export of a second LHD model from Segambut, in what’s described as a ‘structured and sustainable export operation to Vietnam’.

“WTCA and GAC International are also actively working on New Energy Vehicle (NEV) CKD models for both the domestic market plus expanding exports to other ASEAN markets aligned with the Malaysian government’s vision. Details on further export destinations and additional model line-ups will be announced at the appropriate time as plans progress,” the company said in a statement.

The sharply-styled GS3 Emzoom is powered by a 1.5-litre turbo GDI engine with 177 PS and 270 Nm, paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Updated last month, prices range from RM116,800 for the Exclusive to RM126,800 for the Premium R. GAC’s other models sold in Malaysia are the Emkoo C-segment SUV and the M8 PHEV luxury MPV.

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