THREE new GAC models are slated to make their Malaysian debut this year.
WTC Automotif (M) Sdn Bhd (WTCA), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warisan TC Holdings Bhd and the sole distributor of GAC vehicles in the country, is bringing in the GAC GS3 EmZoom and Emkoo sport utility vehicles (SUVs), as well as the GAC Aion Y Plus electric vehicle (EV).
The GS3 EmZoom is the first to be formally revealed and is available in Exclusive and Premium-R variants.
Its distinctive design elements include an iconic mecha wing grille, laser eye split LED lights, light dart tail lights, an aggressive ducktail-style rear spoiler, electric hidden door handles, dual-tone interior, and a crystal shift gear selector.
Beneath the hood is a third-generation 1.5T GDI engine that produces 177PS at 5,500rpm and 270Nm of torque at 1,400rpm. It has a fuel consumption rating of 5.9 litres per 100km.
Booking is now open with a fee of RM1,000, with an anticipated price of below RM130,000.
The model is available in four limited-edition colour options: Ivory White, Starlight Silver, Lake Blue and Graphene Grey.
WTCA said the locally assembled version of the model was expected to roll off the production line in the second quarter at the Tan Chong Motor Assemblies plant (TCMA) in Segambut, Kuala Lumpur.
Little is known about the Emkoo other than it sports a borderless V-shaped grille that is complemented by a pair of "Eyes of Revelation" LED headlamps, and a fully digital instrument cluster with a semi-floating appearance in its "digital interior".
The GAC Aion Y Plus is the more intriguing model of the trio as it is the first EV under the brand's distribution.
Expected to be launched in the first half of the year, the battery electric vehicle (BEV) is powered by GAC Aion's proprietary Magazine battery. It is said to feature the Magazine battery safety technology, which has no recorded incidents of ignition or explosion.
The Magazine battery has a capacity of 63.2kWH with a maximum output of 150kW and is expected to have a travel range of 490km (NEDC) or 430km (WLTP).
Its design is highlighted by the unique Angel's Wing headlights with seven horizontal light bars and seven exterior colours that include Glamour Black and Youthful Green. The interior is said to be customisable.
The BEV also features the GAC Aion Electric Platform (AEP2.0) that boasts a full flat floor for rear passengers, an extended body and the widest wheelbase in its segment at 2,750mm.
The front seats can be fully reclined to transform into a class-defining 1.8 metre-wide double bed feature. The rear passengers are treated to a legroom measuring up to 1,022mm.
The AEP2.0 platform, a cutting-edge system tailored exclusively for EVs, was developed through GAC Aion's groundbreaking investment of RM2 billion and 30 months of dedication.
The announcement of the Y Plus was marked by WTCA's signing of the GAC Aion Distribution Agreement that officially designates WTCA as Malaysia's sole and exclusive distributor of GAC Aion vehicles.
Unlike its internal combustion engine-focused GAC Motor, GAC Aion focuses on artificial intelligence and EVs.
Warisan TC Holdings chief executive officer Tan Keng Meng said this strategic move represented a significant step for WTCA towards the future of sustainable mobility.
He highlighted that GAC Aion and the Y Plus represented a pivotal step in WTCA's dedication to offering a solution to the economic, environmental, social, and governance (EESG) principles.
"GAC Aion represents the future of electric mobility, and WTCA is honoured to be entrusted as the sole and exclusive distributor in Malaysia. This collaboration underscores our dedication to providing the Malaysian market with innovative and eco-friendly mobility solutions," he added.
Other than the models, this year includes the opening of the first GAC showroom in Petaling Jaya, to be followed by five more in Glenmarie, Cyberjaya, Seremban, Johor Baru and Penang.
"We aimed to establish over 20 showrooms and service centres nationwide by the end of this year," said Tan.
Further down the line, WTCA plans to introduce more GAC and GAC Aion models over the next five years.
