JAC Motors begins T9 pickup assembly in Malaysia with PHEV
JAC Motors has partnered with local distributor Evolvelectric Motors and assembler FT Assembly to produce its T9 pickup truck in Malaysia.
JAC Motors has entered into an agreement to assemble its T9 pickup truck in Malaysia. The Chinese state-owned automaker is partnering with its local distributor, Evolvelectric Motors Sdn Bhd, and contract assembler FT Assembly Sdn Bhd for production at a plant in Kulim, Kedah. Assembly of the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant is scheduled to begin in November 2025. This marks JAC's first local assembly operation in Southeast Asia.
The T9 range will be built from completely knocked-down kits imported from China. Evolvelectric Motors CEO Lau Yit Mun said local assembly will help strengthen JAC's long-term presence in Malaysia. The goal is to strengthen JAC's position in Southeast Asia's commercial vehicle market. The company is exploring the potential to export the model to other regional markets.
Production timeline and model rollout
Assembly will follow a phased schedule across multiple powertrains. The PHEV variant leads the rollout. A battery-powered EV variant is scheduled to begin assembly in January 2026. Diesel variants will follow later in 2027.
FT Assembly, a subsidiary of Feytech Holdings Bhd, has agreed to provide an annual assembly capacity for 3,000 vehicles. First-year production is estimated at that volume.
| Variant | Assembly Start |
|---|---|
| PHEV | November 2025 |
| EV | January 2026 |
| Diesel | 2027 |
Vehicle specifications and capabilities
The initial focus is on the T9 PHEV model. It is expected to pair a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine with two electric motors for all-wheel drive. JAC claims the system will produce 523 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque.
The model uses a 31.2 kWh LFP battery. It is claimed to provide 100 km of electric-only range. The combined petrol and electric range is stated to be up to 1,000 km.
Strategic impact and local content goals
The project targets a local content level of 30 percent. It is expected to generate about RM230 million in annual economic value. The initiative supports local suppliers and job creation.
For Feytech, the project marks a significant shift. The company is better known as a supplier of automotive seat covers and seat systems. Through its FT Assembly subsidiary, it is expanding into light commercial vehicle assembly. This move broadens its participation across the automotive value chain. Feytech is establishing a disciplined assembly process to strengthen its manufacturing capabilities.
The JAC T9 PHEV will arrive in early November 2025 as a fully imported model first. Local assembly of that variant begins later the same month.
