GWM Malaysia has expanded its role in the regional automotive industry, exporting more than 1,100 locally assembled GWM WEY G9 vehicles to Thailand and Indonesia as cumulative local assembly crosses the 10,000-unit mark.
The milestones highlight the Chinese automaker’s progress from serving Malaysia’s domestic market to using the country as a manufacturing base for the wider ASEAN region.
The export achievement also strengthens Malaysia’s position in GWM’s New Energy Vehicle (NEV) strategy, with locally assembled vehicles now reaching customers in neighbouring markets.
GWM WEY G9 Exports Expand Malaysia’s ASEAN Role
The more than 1,100 exported units of the GWM WEY G9, the brand’s flagship luxury MPV offering, combines intelligent hybrid technology, premium comfort and all-wheel-drive performance.
For GWM, the exports represent a step towards building a more integrated regional manufacturing operation, with Malaysia contributing to vehicle supply beyond its own market.
“Malaysia plays an important role in GWM’s ASEAN growth strategy. Our progress from local assembly to regional exports reflects the capabilities we are building together with our Malaysian partners,” said Stan Li Hao, Managing Director, Commercial Operations, GWM Malaysia.
He added that the WEY G9’s arrival in Thailand and Indonesia reflected GWM’s ambition to expand the contribution of Malaysian manufacturing to its regional business.
GWM Malaysia Assembly Surpasses 10,000 Vehicles
GWM’s cumulative local assembly volume has exceeded 10,000 vehicles since it began CKD production in October 2024.
The programme started with the GWM HAVAL H6 HEV in partnership with EP Manufacturing Berhad (EPMB) in Melaka.
The locally assembled portfolio subsequently expanded to include the GWM WEY G9 Hi4 PHEV in 2025. GWM has now introduced the WEY G9 Hi4 HEV, adding another hybrid model to its Malaysian assembly operations.
Beyond production numbers, GWM says its local assembly activities support technical knowledge transfer, workforce development and wider participation by Malaysian industry players.
However, the longer term significance and success will depend on how production volumes develop, how much value is retained locally and whether the programme generates deeper manufacturing capabilities beyond vehicle assembly.
Malaysia’s Importance To GWM’s Regional Strategy
Since entering Malaysia in 2022, GWM has expanded its product range, dealer network and local manufacturing activities.
Cui Anqi, Managing Director, Corporate Affairs, GWM Malaysia, said the country is becoming increasingly important to the company’s regional growth and manufacturing strategy.
Roslan Abdullah, Chief Operating Officer, GWM Malaysia, added that passing 10,000 locally assembled vehicles reflected progress made with its manufacturing partners and the company’s commitment to developing the local automotive industry.
The latest milestones come as automakers face growing pressure to establish stronger regional production networks, improve cost competitiveness and expand their presence in the electrified vehicle market.
For Malaysia, attracting manufacturers to assemble vehicles locally is a good starting point. And with the correct policies, this becomes opportunity to build a more substantial industrial ecosystem through supplier development, engineering expertise, workforce training and higher-value manufacturing activities.
GWM’s exports to Thailand and Indonesia is evidence that Malaysia can serve as more than a destination market for imported vehicles. How this can develop into a deeper regional manufacturing role will depend on favorable policies, investment, sustained production volumes and the extent of local industry participation.
CarTok Editor’s Note
GWM’s latest milestone is significant because of the development from local assembly to regional export.
This milestone gives Malaysia a tangible role in the company’s ASEAN operations, rather than having it as simply another overseas market for the brand.
Though the 10,000 vehicles assembled since October 2024 is a useful foundation, it is not proof of a deep manufacturing ecosystem. This would be noteworthy when GWM and its partners can increase volumes, develop local suppliers and build technical capabilities that extend beyond assembling imported components.
As Malaysia seeks to attract automotive investment to strengthen its domestic industrial base, regional exports are a positive step.
