Announced in April, Jetour’s CKD local assembly operations have now kicked off at Berjaya Assembly’s (B-Assembly) plant in Tampoi, Johor. The production of the brand’s two models, the Dashing and VT9, is said to signify the brand’s localisation strategy and its long-term commitment to the Malaysian automotive market.
The VT9 was launched at the Malaysia Autoshow in May directly in CKD form, but the first 100 units of the Dashing launched in April were CBU fully imported. So far, the 640,000 sq ft facility has produced 1,000 vehicles, with deliveries of the CKD Dashing kicking off last month and those of the VT9 following shortly thereafter.
Jetour is positioning the plant – which employs over 100 people – as an ASEAN automotive hub, with exports to Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East also previously bandied about. The Chinese carmaker said the project “aligns with Malaysia’s automotive ambitions by increasing localisation, creating skilled employment opportunities and fostering deeper integration within the local supply chain.” It has also expanded its sales and service network to more than 20 locations nationwide.
Moving forward, the company said it will invest a further RM1.4 billion in the introduction of CKD models. It has also previously confirmed an Asia-Pacific (APAC) research and development hub, earmarking an investment of RM216 million.
“This important milestone reflects our strong confidence in Malaysia as a strategic market for
Jetour,” said Jetour International vice president Wen Qiangkang. “The local assembly of the Dashing and VT9 is not only a production advancement, but also a significant investment in talent, innovation, and the future potential of mobility in the region.”
Jetour Malaysia CEO Fu Yong added: “With the full launch of local production, we are proud to deliver high-quality vehicles assembled in Malaysia, reflecting our continued commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. This collaboration with B-Assembly also lays a solid foundation for our broader expansion across the ASEAN region.”
The five-seater Dashing is available in two variants priced starting at RM109,800, while the seven-seater VT9 starts from RM119,350. Both are powered by the Chery Omoda 5’s 156 PS/230 Nm 1.5 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. The boxier, more rugged-looking T2 will follow this coming quarter with a more powerful 2.0 litre powertrain but all-wheel drive.
GALLERY: Jetour Dashing in Malaysia
GALLERY: Jetour VT9 in Malaysia
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