Malaysian JAC distributor Evolvelectric Motors has signed an agreement with Feytech subsidiary FT Assembly to locally assemble the JAC T9 pick-up truck in PHEV, EV and diesel forms.

PHEV and EV production are expected to begin in November and January, respectively, making them Malaysia's first locally assembled (CKD) PHEV and EV pick-up trucks.

FT Assembly has invested MYR 3.6 million (US$ 882,000) to establish the 84,000-square-foot JAC assembly facility in Kulim, Kedah, with a potential investment of up to MYR 8 million over the next three years. The T9 PHEV will be introduced first, followed by the T9 diesel and then the T9 EV. The estimated first-year production capacity is 3,000 units, while up to 30% local content is targeted.

Evolvelectric Motors said in a release that the facility is expected to generate MYR 230 million in economic value annually. It will also allow FT Assembly to expand its capabilities and explore opportunities to support additional automotive brands in the future.

"While Japanese and American manufacturers have chosen to produce their pick-up trucks in Thailand, JAC Pickup together with Evolvelectric Motors is building a stronger foundation in Malaysia by producing its pick-up trucks locally. JAC is also exploring opportunities to export pick-up trucks from Malaysia, subject to favourable conditions," said Evolvelectric Motors CEO Lau Yit Mun.

"The JAC project marks an important milestone in Feytech's journey from an automotive component manufacturer to a CKD assembly partner. Through FT Assembly, 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," said Feytech CEO and executive director Connie Go.

The MYR 120,000 T9 diesel and MYR 200,000 T9 EV were launched simultaneously in March 2025. The latter was Malaysia's first EV pick-up truck available to private buyers, before the Toyota Hilux EV and the Maxus eTerron 9 were introduced.

According to Evolvelectric Motors, the T9 PHEV will arrive in the country in early November as a fully imported (CBU) model before local assembly begins. It will be the country's first PHEV pick-up truck.

The T9 PHEV is expected to use a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and two electric motors, providing all-wheel drive (AWD). The powertrain is expected to produce a combined 523 PS and 1,000 Nm, while the vehicle will be equipped with a 31.2kWh LFP battery. It is expected to offer an electric range of 100km and a combined range of 1,000km.