Friday, May 13, 2011

Naza Automotive targets RM2.5b in auto exports over 6 years

GURUN: Naza Automotive Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (NAM), the manufacturing arm of the Naza Group of Companies,'' targets to export RM2.5 billion worth of automobiles assembled at its Gurun plant over a six-year period up to 2016.

Its joint group executive chairman, SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin said on Friday, May 13 NAM targeted to export 64,000 units assembled at the plant from 2011 to 2016.

These models would include a new C-segment Peugeot sedan codenamed T73 as well as the Peugeot 207 and the Kia Pregio.

NAM started operations in May 2004 and celebrates its seventh anniversary this year.

'In May 2004, NAM commenced operations and began a new chapter for the Naza Group as it marked our entry into the market as a manufacturer. Seven years later, we are poised to become a major exporter of vehicles assembled in Malaysia to markets in the region,' said Nasarudin.

For 2011, Nasarudin said the Naza Group expect to export 2,000 units to regional markets, of which bulk of the exports would comprise of the 207 sedan as well as the Pregio van to Indonesia.

He said vehicles assembled at NAM were exported to Thailand, Indonesia and Brunei and plans were underway to ship them to Australia, New Zealand and other right-hand drive markets in the region.

Nasarudin added NAM would begin exporting specific components for the Forte to Vietnam in the second half of 2011. The Forte is assembled in NAM for the Malaysian market.

Since the plant started in May 2004, the Naza Group has invested RM714 million which includes an assembly plant, two-storey office, a test track, lots for vendors and suppliers and staff accommodation on a 140-acre site.

The first vehicle produced at NAM was a Naza Ria and as of May 2011, over 140,000 vehicles comprising 17 models have been assembled there.

Among the models produced at NAM include the Ria, Citra, Sorento, Spectra, Suria, Bestari, Forza, Sportage, Spectra 5, Optima, Rondo, Pregio, Peugeot 407, Peugeot 308, Picanto, Forte and the Peugeot 207.

At present, the Picanto, Forte, Pregio, Citra, Rondo, Peugeot 407, Peugeot 308 and the Peugeot 207 are assembled at NAM.'' There are plans to assemble the Peugeot 3008, 508 and the new Kia Optima at NAM.

The NAM plant had also spurred economic activities in Gurun and the surrounding areas in Kedah with 219 support service vendors and 64 parts and component vendors providing their components to the plant.

No comments:

Post a Comment