GWM Haval H6 HEV reaches 1,000-unit CKD milestone

Local assembly of the Great Wall Motor (GWM) Haval H6 HEV – which was launched in October – has reached 1,000 units, with EP Manufacturing (EPMB) having announced that production of the SUV at its factory in Hicom Pegoh Industrial Park in Melaka reached that milestone recently.

At the start of the year, the company was appointed as the contract vehicle assembler for the Chinese automaker in Malaysia for a period of eight years, with initial build being for the H6. Production of the hybrid, which is being carried out by the company’s subsidiary, Peps-JV Melaka (PJVM), began in the middle of September.

In the first phase of its operations, EPMB has incorporated a low-volume plant consisting of assembly line, storage warehouse as well as quality check centre and test track, with the facility capable of assembling 15,000 units of the SUV per year.

The company added that in phase two, the new plant’s capacity will scale producting capability to 30,000 units annually, with a focus on standardising processes, enhancing automation and optimising quality control systems, while phase three will involve setting up full-scale body and chassis production lines, including a paint facility.

The company added that through its facilities in Kulim, Tanjong Malim, Batang Kali, Shah Alam, and Melaka, it had begun localising critical components for GWM vehicles, including seats; front frame steering, suspension and braking systems; rear axle modules with suspension and braking systems; and instrument panels, centre consoles and interior door trim. It added that it will focus on localising more parts and components for the H6 from the second quarter of next year.

The SUV won’t be the only GWM offering to be built at the plant, because preparations are underway to begin assembly of the smaller Jolion HEV model in April 2025, followed by the Wey 80 MPV later in the year. Mention was made by EPMB that the MPV will be catered to the ASEAN market, implying that it set to be exported to neighbouring markets.

The plant is also set to build vehicles for BAIC, namely the X55 and BJ40 Plus SUVs, of which news on both has significantly quietened since the initial flurry of announcements and activity earlier this year. According to EPMB, production for both models are expected to commence in 2025.

GALLERY: GWM Haval H6 HEV