KUALA LUMPUR: Chinese automaker Great Wall Motor (GWM) has delivered the first batch of ORA Good Cat electric vehicles (EV) to its customers in Malaysia.

The first batch the EV owners who pre-ordered the car prior to the official launch on Nov 28 received a surprise personal door-to-door delivery from GWM, which planned to launch nine models here in three years.

As part of the festive season, the EV was dressed in a giant transparent "gift box" that made its way around Klang Valley.

"We are proud to have delivered the first batch of ORA Good Cat, GWM's first fully electric car to our Malaysian customers.

"GWM is truly grateful for our customers' trust and support, and this signifies the first milestone of GWM in bringing in new energy, new intelligence and new experience to Malaysian consumers," said GWM Malaysia managing director Mike Cui.

The EV is available in two variants namely 400 PRO and 500 ULTRA, with the 500 ULTRA version proving to be the more popular choice among the first batch of customers due to its 500-kilometre endurance.

The car is also equipped with functions such as an electric driver massage seat and an intelligent driving assist mode.

Following the first batch of deliveries, GWM is in progress to deliver the cars to their customers in time for the Chinese New Year.

"We aim to deliver more ORA Good Cat electric vehicles in the coming weeks ahead of Chinese New Year and hope that our customers get to drive their brand new car around while visiting their friends and family during the New Year," said Cui.

The company will also begin local assembly of GWM cars in 2023 as a way to show its commitment in delivering to their customers as well as supporting the local economy as a whole.

GWM dealer Superhub recently opened its first sales showroom in Puchong, Selangor.

GWM said it had big plans to work with various partners to establish 15 unified and multi-faceted terminal stores, mainly 3S stores, covering 70 per cent of Malaysia's capital cities by the end of 2023.

GWM's spare parts warehouse in Shah Alam has also begun operations and is working around-the-clock to ensure an uninterrupted supply chain and inventory.

"Looking ahead, GWM is well positioned for growth through its robust strategy and long-term investments in sustainable approaches," said the company.