Local assembly of vehicles has been going on since the mid-1960s when the government offered incentives to carmakers to build factories and assemble their vehicles in Malaysia, or have the vehicles assembled under contract by other parties. The move was to put Malaysia on the path towards industrialisation and the auto industry was to serve as a catalyst, as it had in countries like Japan and Germany.
From a handful of factories in the late 1960s, mainly in Selangor and Johor, the network of assembly plants spread across the country to states like Pahang and Perak, and even East Malaysia. The number of factories has risen and fallen as market conditions have changed over the past 50 years, and there are 22 active plants today which collectively produced 380,940 units of passenger and commercial vehicles during the first 8 months of this year.
From the start, the government encouraged the sourcing of parts locally as well to develop the auto industry in a comprehensive way. Incentives were also given for using more local parts as well as for investments made to grow local assembly. However, where exports are concerned, Malaysia has not been as strong as Thailand and Indonesia and it is only in the past decade that a few carmakers have started to use Malaysian plants as regional production hubs for some models.
Aerial view of HICOM Automotive Manufacturers (Malaysia) in Pekan, Pahang. Brands such as Isuzu, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi FUSO and DEFTECH assemble their products at the complex.
Isuzu Malaysia recently delivered a total of 141 units of their commercial trucks to City-Link Express (M) Sdn Bhd, during an official handover ceremony held at City-Link Express’ ‘Super Hub’ facility in Bandar Saujana Putra, Selangor. The handover comprised of 128 units of the ELF 4-wheeler (NLR77UEE) model, eight units of the ELF 6-wheeler (NPR81UKH) model and five units of the GIGA (GXR) model.
The recent handover is in continuity of the mutual trust and longstanding relationship between both companies, since its first fleet deal made back in 2011. The latest purchase has further strengthen City-Link Express’ existing fleet of vehicles, in line with plans of branch expansions throughout the country, while providing fast delivery and customer satisfaction.
The handover also saw City-Link Express’ first purchase of the Isuzu GIGA Prime Mover Trucks as part of their expansion growth. These container trucks are targeted for long distance deliveries and long haul usages, in addition to its high rigidity chassis design and aerodynamic cabin design. The GIGA truck offers outstanding engine output and torque, ensuring high fuel efficiency, which makes it an ideal choice for businesses seeking cost-effective transportation.
Due to both companies’ established partnership, Isuzu Malaysia will carry out training sessions for the drivers on product knowledge and basic maintenance of the GIGA GXR model. These sessions are expected to provide attendees with vital knowledge and understanding of the key features of the GXR model, while achieving economic and safety driving. For more details on Isuzu’s range of vehicles, please call 1-300-88-1133 or visit www.isuzu.net.my.
Weststar Maxus, the sole distributor for the Maxus range of vehicles in Malaysia, has announced a bounty of attractive deals for Malaysians looking at luxury class family vehicles during the Ramadan and Hari Raya season up to 31 July. Also, as part of its campaign, all Weststar Maxus branches are offering customers an opportunity to trade their existing MPV for a brand new Maxus G10. “We offer the highest trade-in value compared to the market standard and other used car dealers,” confirms Tan Sri Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim, Group Managing Director, the Weststar Group. “It is an excellent deal for families looking for a ‘people mover’ that can easily accommodate 10 people.”
As an extension of its campaign, Weststar Maxus is now offering a five-year warranty (up to 120,000 km mileage) with two years free servicing covering parts and labour for new Maxus G10 customers. The warranty, based on positive market response, is aligned to the current market practice. “We’re making a great leap forward to become a mainstream player in Malaysia,” says Tan Sri Syed Azman. “Our goal is to build an extensive network throughout the country and offering services competitive with other leading industry players.”
Weststar Maxus has opened two new 3S (Sales, Service and Spare Parts) showrooms in Plentong, Johor Bharu and Bukit Mertajam, Penang, to serve its Southern and Northern customers. In the Central region, the Weststar Maxus Parts Centre based in Klang will operate 12 hours daily to ensure a fast turnaround and delivery time. There are also two new showrooms in Bangsar and Kota Bharu. To accelerate its marketing push, Weststar-Maxus has engaged a celebrity family – Awal Ashaari, Scha Alyahya and Lara Alana – as Maxus G10 brand ambassadors. The trio, famously known as “Schawalara”, are scheduled to share their Maxus G10 experience with their social media followers.
“The public image as a young, on-the-go family fits in perfectly with our brand proposition,” notes Tan Sri Syed Azman. “With more than 19 million followers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, the celebrity family ranks as the most popular family in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.”
Weststar-Maxus plans to feature the family in its future advertising campaigns and a series of videos.
Awal is a well-known television presenter and actor while Scha is a popular actress, television host and model. Their daughter Lara is a reality television star and an Instagram sensation with four million followers, with the highest social media following for children under 13 years of age.
Weststar Maxus will also continue to offer the Maxus G10 and V80 commercial vehicles with zero percent GST pending the implementation of the Sales and Services Tax (SST) by the Government.
