KUALA LUMPUR: GWM Malaysia is targeting double-digit growth by the end of 2026, building on its strong performance last year, when sales surged 117 per cent to nearly 5,900 units from 2,128 units in 2024.
GWM Malaysia chief operating officer Roslan Abdullah said the company remains optimistic about sustaining its growth momentum, supported by upcoming product launches and growing consumer interest in its vehicle lineup.
"We are certainly hoping for that. With our upcoming product launches, we are aiming to achieve double-digit growth, InsyaAllah," he told Bernama at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) 2026 here.
As part of its growth strategy, GWM Malaysia on June 11 unveiled two new electrified models at KLIMS 2026 -- the ORA 5 HEV compact urban crossover and the HAVAL H7 Hi4 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) sport utility vehicle (SUV) -- as the automaker expands its hybrid and plug-in hybrid offerings in Malaysia.
Roslan shared that the ORA 5 HEV and HAVAL H7 Hi4 PHEV are currently being previewed at KLIMS 2026, with pricing, availability and final market specifications to be announced once officially confirmed.
From June 12 to 21, visitors can experience GWM's complete mobility ecosystem at KLIMS 2026 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), where the company is showcasing its latest products and technologies.
Beyond product expansion, Roslan said GWM Malaysia serves as a key pillar of the company's Southeast Asian strategy, with localisation remaining a core focus under its "Go with Local, Grow with Malaysia" approach.
He said the initiative reflects GWM's commitment to strengthening its presence in Malaysia while supporting the development of the local automotive ecosystem.
According to him, the company aims to deepen its localisation efforts while positioning Malaysia as a manufacturing and export hub for selected right-hand-drive models in the region.
"Malaysia remains an important market within GWM's regional development strategy. The export of the locally-assembled WEY G9 Hi4 PHEV to Thailand reflects Malaysia's growing contribution to GWM's regional operations.
"As we continue expanding our local assembly, network and technology initiatives, we will look into opportunities to further strengthen Malaysia's role in supporting regional growth,” he said.
Roslan said GWM's competitive edge lies in its strong value proposition and proprietary technologies, with many of the group's key innovations and components developed in-house.
He said the company's Hybrid Intelligent 4WD (Hi4) technology exemplifies its commitment to innovation and technological self-reliance.
The Hi4 system was developed to deliver the performance benefits of a four-wheel-drive hybrid powertrain while significantly reducing costs compared with conventional four-wheel-drive systems, he noted.
"We work with various technology partners, but we enhance and adapt those technologies so that they become part of GWM's own ecosystem.
"This allows us to maintain control over quality, pricing and costs, while ensuring that consumers receive the best technologies available," he added.
Hire-Purchase (Amendment) Act 2026
Commenting on the recent implementation of the Hire-Purchase (Amendment) Act, Roslan said the new provisions are expected to provide consumers with greater flexibility and transparency when managing their vehicle financing and settlement arrangements.
He said the amendments may contribute positively to the overall ownership experience by making it easier for consumers to evaluate replacement or upgrade options throughout their vehicle ownership journey.
Meanwhile, from an industry perspective, Roslan said GWM Malaysia remains supportive of initiatives that strengthen the automotive ecosystem, while continuing to focus on delivering a positive customer experience across every stage of ownership, from vehicle purchase, financing accessibility to after-sales support and long-term ownership confidence. - Bernama
