JAC Motors Confirms Local Assembly Plans for T9 Pickup Truck Range

JAC Motors is set to commence local assembly of its T9 pickup truck series in Malaysia, marking a significant expansion of the brand’s footprint in the domestic automotive sector.

The local assembly programme will cover a diverse powertrain portfolio, including diesel, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), and battery electric vehicle (BEV) variants. Evolvelectric Motors Sdn Bhd, the appointed distributor for JAC pickup trucks in Malaysia, has formalised a strategic partnership with FT Assembly Sdn Bhd (FTA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Feytech Holdings Bhd, to facilitate the production process, according to the original publisher.

While the specific timeline for the first units to roll off the assembly line has not been disclosed, the involvement of Feytech Holdings through its FTA subsidiary suggests a concerted effort to utilise established manufacturing capabilities within the country. This move aligns the T9 series with local assembly incentives, potentially allowing for more competitive pricing structures compared to fully imported models.

The decision to offer a mix of traditional diesel alongside electrified powertrains indicates that JAC Motors is aiming to capture both the conventional commercial market and the emerging segment of eco-conscious buyers. By producing these vehicles locally, the consortium avoids certain import duties, which is a common strategy for automotive firms looking to scale their operations within the Malaysian market.

For Malaysian consumers and SMEs, the introduction of locally assembled T9 pickups is a noteworthy development, particularly for those sensitive to the rising cost of transportation. With current diesel prices standing at RM5.42 per litre as of late September 2026, the potential availability of PHEV and BEV variants offers a compelling alternative for business owners looking to mitigate high fuel expenditure.

Furthermore, this assembly programme may provide a modest boost to the local labour market. Given that Malaysia’s unemployment rate was recorded at 3.0% in July 2026 with 520,300 individuals seeking work, the industrial activity generated by the FTA plant could contribute to job creation in the automotive manufacturing sector, though the specific impact on hiring numbers remains to be seen.

This development arrives against a backdrop of robust economic performance, with the nation reporting a 6.0% year-on-year real GDP growth in the latest quarter. The automotive industry remains a critical pillar of this growth, and the shift toward locally assembled electrified pickups reflects the broader national ambition to integrate greener technology into the commercial vehicle fleet.

The Malaysian market is currently in a state of flux regarding vehicle fuel costs, with the government balancing subsidies like BUDI95 and SKPS against market-rate pricing for unsubsidised fuel. For investors and industry observers, the T9’s success will likely depend on whether the BEV and PHEV models can bridge the price gap for buyers currently reliant on diesel pickups, especially as the nation navigates a headline inflation rate of 1.9% as of August 2026.

Industry watchers will likely be monitoring the local content requirements and the pricing strategy Evolvelectric Motors adopts for the upcoming T9 lineup. As of now, the projected annual production capacity, specific retail pricing, and the exact date for the official market launch of the locally assembled units remain unconfirmed.