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WTC Automotif is now exporting left-hand drive GAC GS3 EMZOOM SUVs to Vietnam. The vehicles are assembled at the Tan Chong Group plant in Kuala Lumpur.
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Supported by government agencies like MITI, this initiative strengthens Malaysia’s local vendor ecosystem and positions the country as a strategic automotive export hub for the ASEAN region, with future plans to assemble New Energy Vehicles.
WTC Automotif (M) Sdn Bhd (WTCA), the official distributor and assembler of GAC vehicles in Malaysia, has started exports of the GAC GS3 EMZOOM assembled in Malaysia to Vietnam. This is a significant development for WTCA and GAC International which both share the vision of positioning Malaysia as a strategic manufacturing and export hub for the ASEAN region.
Supporting the National Automotive Policy
GAC’s strategy of localisation in Malaysia reinforces the country’s growing role in accelerating ASEAN automotive integration and intra-ASEAN trade cooperation. It also reflects WTCA’s commitment to supporting Malaysia’s National Automotive Policy, strengthening regional industrial collaboration, supply chain connectivity, and cross-border economic integration within the region.
Assembled at Tan Chong Group plant
The GS3 EMZOOM SUVs destined for Vietnam are lefthand drive units assembled at the Tan Chong Group’s Segambut plant in Kuala Lumpur. The plant, which also assembles the brand’s EMKOO model for the Malaysian market, was upgraded specifically to meet stringent export requirements.
Structural enhancements, including specialized body jigs, were integrated into the assembly lines to accommodate left-hand drive production and ensure full compliance with GAC International’s strict standards.
These globally recognized standards ensure that each vehicle meets GAC’s high expectations for reliability and durability. This establishes a strong foundation for ongoing local vendor programs, which will eventually support the export of future models from the same facility.
Benefits to local industry
The export programme involves close collaboration with Malaysian vendors under WTCA’s localisation initiative, further strengthening the domestic automotive supply chain ecosystem. The programme is expected to generate additional employment opportunities, accelerate skills development, support local engineering expertise, and encourage broader participation of Malaysian vendors in regional automotive exports.
“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 localization programs and further solidifying Malaysia’s position as a key automotive hub in ASEAN,” said James Tan, CEO of Warisan TC Holdings Bhd.
Looking ahead, Mr. Tan said that WTCA and GAC International are also actively working on locally assembling New Energy Vehicle models for both the domestic market, and expanding exports to other ASEAN markets, aligned with the Malaysian government’s vision.
