Great Wall Motor recently completed the signing of a vehicle assembly partnership with Malaysian company EP Manufacturing Berhad (EPMB) and will begin local production of its vehicles in 2024, the Chinese carmaker announced recently.

"The partnership will be based on the CKD (Completely Knocked Down) model, marking the official launch of Great Wall Motor's first CKD program in the ASEAN region," a company official said.

"Through CKD assembly, Great Wall Motor's vehicles will be locally produced in Malaysia, bringing more vehicle purchase options to local customers," the official further said.

EPMB will assemble and produce Great Wall Motor's electric vehicles in Malaysia, as well as a number of its models, including its SUVs, the Chinese automaker said.

Great Wall Motor opened its first showroom in Malaysia in late 2022 and started delivering the Ora Good Cat of its Ora brand there.

In October 2023, Great Wall Motor signed a memorandum of intent with EPMB for a CKD assembly partnership.

Great Wall Motor's vehicles will be assembled at EPMB's new CKD production plant at HICOM Pegoh Industrial Park in Alor Gajah, Malacca, according to a previous statement.

The plant, operated by EPMB subsidiary Peps-JV, received approval in July 2023 to manufacture and assemble energy-efficient vehicles as well as passenger cars and commercial vehicles.