- GAC shifted Cambodian operations from exports to local KD assembly, starting production of Trumpchi models to lower logistics costs and better match delivery schedules with rising local demand.
- New plant capacity targets about 10,000 annual units and will assemble Emzoom, Emkoo, GS8 and GN8 in ICE and NEV variants; Cambodia registered 7,971 EVs in 2025 (~8.56%).
- Direct rivals include other Chinese brands expanding in Cambodia's small market, but execution risks include scaling sales network, local supplier development and modest overall market volume.
On Sept. 20, GAC Group announced that its knock-down (KD) assembly plant in Cambodia’s Kampong Chhnang province officially began production on Thursday, with the first locally assembled Trumpchi vehicle rolling off the line.
The launch means GAC’s Cambodia operations have formally shifted from a complete-vehicle export model to local manufacturing.
GAC entered the Cambodian market with local partner TH Group in 2019 and has since continued expanding its sales network.
In 2024, the two sides moved forward with a KD assembly project, with TH Group responsible for plant investment, construction and vehicle assembly operations.
Meanwhile, GAC provides complete vehicle kits, technical standards and technical support.
In terms of capacity and products, the new plant is initially planned to operate at an annual capacity of around 10,000 units.
It will produce several key models, including the Emzoom, Emkoo, GS8 and GN8, with both internal-combustion and new-energy vehicles to be assembled locally.
Compared with exporting fully built vehicles from China, the KD model can reduce some logistics costs and allow GAC to adjust production and delivery schedules more closely to local market demand.
The move is also linked to Trumpchi’s sales growth in Cambodia over the past two years.
According to GAC, Trumpchi has recorded a compound annual growth rate of more than 300% over the past three years, with 2025 sales making it the best-selling Chinese automotive brand in the Cambodian market.
GAC is also expanding its local sales network, with flagship stores and city showrooms in key markets including Phnom Penh and Battambang, alongside multiple sales outlets offering the brand’s full lineup.
Under its current plan, GAC will continue adding sales and service outlets in 2026, targeting full coverage of major cities including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Battambang while further expanding its pre-sales and after-sales service network.
Cambodia is not a large automotive market by volume, but EVs are emerging as a new source of growth.
Data show that Cambodia registered 93,102 automobiles in 2025, including 7,971 EVs, giving electric vehicles a share of about 8.56% of automobile registrations.
Against this market backdrop, GAC is maintaining both ICE and new-energy models in Cambodia while using local assembly to lower market-entry costs and leave room for further product expansion.
Discover more from ChinaEVHome
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
