JAC T9 pickup trucks, including plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and battery electric (BEV) variants, will soon be locally assembled (CKD) in Malaysia. This follows a partnership agreement signed between Evolvelectric Motors, the local distributor for JAC pickup trucks, and FT Assembly (FTA), a subsidiary of Feytech Holdings.
In a joint announcement today, both companies highlighted that this marks Malaysia’s first CKD project for PHEV and EV pickup trucks. The initiative aims to achieve up to 30% local content and is estimated to generate RM230 million in annual economic value while supporting local supply chain development and job creation.
JAC T9 CKD rollout to start with PHEV version
Under the agreement, CKD operations will take place at Feytech’s manufacturing facility in Kulim, Kedah. Established with an initial investment of RM3.6 million, the 84,000-square-foot facility has an estimated production capacity of 3,000 units in its first year.
According to Evolvelectric CEO Lau Yit Mun, the JAC T9 PHEV will lead the local assembly rollout:
“While Japanese and American manufacturers have chosen to produce their pickup trucks in Thailand, JAC Pickup together with Evolvelectric Motors is building a stronger foundation in Malaysia by producing its pickup trucks locally. The T9 PHEV petrol will lead our phased CKD programme, followed by the Diesel and BEV models.
JAC is also exploring opportunities to export pickup trucks from Malaysia, subject to favourable conditions.” – Lau Yit Mun, CEO, Evolvelectric Motors
The locally assembled JAC T9 PHEV petrol is expected to roll out from the Kulim plant starting November 2026, with the BEV variant scheduled to follow in January 2027.
Feytech evolving from component supplier to vehicle assembly partner
While Feytech is an established name in the local automotive sector, this project marks the group’s first venture into full vehicle assembly.
“The JAC project marks an important milestone in Feytech’s journey from an automotive component manufacturer to a CKD assembly partner.
Through FTA, we are expanding our capabilities into light commercial vehicle assembly and establishing a disciplined assembly process that will strengthen our manufacturing capabilities and broaden our participation across the automotive value chain.” – Connie Go, CEO and Executive Director, Feytech Holdings.
Feytech is primarily known as a supplier of automotive covers and seat systems. Through its subsidiaries, including Gosford Leather Industries and FTRT Autoparts, the group currently supplies major automakers in Malaysia, including Perodua, Proton, Chery, Jaecoo, Jetour, Mazda, Hyundai, and Kia.
