JAC to assemble T9 pickups locally

EVOLELECTRIC Motors Sdn Bhd, the Malaysian distributor of JAC pickup trucks, has partnered with FT Assembly Sdn Bhd (FTA), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Feytech Holdings Bhd, to locally assemble JAC's T9 range in the country.

The phased completely knocked-down (CKD) programme will cover the T9 petrol plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), diesel and battery electric vehicle (BEV) variants.

The T9 PHEV will lead the programme, followed by the diesel and BEV versions, with production scheduled to start in November 2026.

Initial annual capacity is estimated at 3,000 units.

FTA has invested RM3.6 million to establish the JAC assembly facility at Feytech's manufacturing plant in Kulim, Kedah, with total investment potentially reaching RM8 million over the next three years.

The 84,000 sq ft facility includes vehicle assembly, inspection, testing and quality-control operations.

The CKD programme targets local content of up to 30 per cent.

It is expected to generate about RM230 million in annual economic value and will create jobs while supporting the local automotive supply chain.

The locally assembled T9 PHEV and BEV are expected to be the first locally assembled PHEV and BEV pickup trucks in Malaysia.

This will extend the country's vehicle assembly capabilities into the light commercial new energy vehicle segment.

Evolvelectric Motors chief executive officer Lau Yit Mun said the programme would strengthen JAC's long-term presence in Malaysia.

"JAC Pickup together with Evolvelectric Motors is building a stronger foundation in Malaysia by producing its pickup trucks locally," he said.

JAC is also exploring potential exports of pickups from Malaysia, subject to market conditions.

The T9 PHEV, which will be introduced as a completely built-up model in early November, offers a combined range of up to 1,000km and up to 1,000Nm of torque from its dual-motor system.

It also carries a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

The locally assembled T9 PHEV is expected to roll out in November 2026, while the BEV is targeted for January 2027.