GWM Strengthens Local Automotive Commitment With Launch Of CKD WEY G9

By Muhammad Fawwaz Thaqif Nor Afandi

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 29 (Bernama) --  Great Wall Motor (GWM) Malaysia has strengthened its long-term commitment to the country’s automotive industry with the launch of its latest model, the locally assembled (CKD) WEY G9 Hi4 PHEV (WEY G9), aimed at supporting technology transfer within the new energy vehicle segment.

GWM Malaysia chief operating officer Roslan Abdullah said the local assembly of the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) model aligns with government policies to empower local vendor development, with approximately 40 per cent of the vehicle’s components sourced from Malaysia.

“When we carry out local assembly, it is in line with the National Automotive Policy 2020 (NAP 2020), where we need to place greater focus on developing local vendors. Local vendors are required to contribute to component manufacturing, and from there, we will be able to offer or sell the vehicle at more competitive prices,” he told Bernama after the launch of the WEY G9 here today.

Roslan said the WEY G9 was also designed to meet the needs of Malaysian families and professionals seeking a luxury MPV with energy efficiency and a spacious cabin that can accommodate six to seven passengers. The WEY G9 also offers flexibility in terms of energy usage as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), allowing users to choose between electric or petrol power, given that some consumers have concerns about driving range when using electric vehicles, as well as high fuel costs.

He added that the model has undergone test drives to ensure the WEY G9 is suitable for Malaysian roads, climate, and geography, as well as meeting safety requirements.

From a new energy vehicle (NEV) strategy perspective, Roslan said the introduction of the WEY G9 marks GWM’s entry into the PHEV segment in Malaysia, complementing the company’s powertrain lineup, which includes petrol, battery electric vehicles (BEV), hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), and PHEV.

The launch ceremony of the WEY G9 was attended by Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Sim Tze Tzin, with the event enlivened by a performance by National Songstress Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, who is also the brand ambassador and the first WEY G9 owner in Malaysia.

Priced at RM269,800, Roslan is targeting sales of 5,000 units of the WEY G9, which is offered in three colours: Aurora White, Wisdom Grey, and Nebula Black.

The vehicle offers an electric driving range of up to 170 kilometres and a total driving range of more than 1,000 kilometres, with fuel consumption estimated at 6.2 litres per 100 kilometres when the battery is low.

-- BERNAMA