Naza’s 206 Set to Take on Asean Market
PUTRAJAYA, 7th September 2005: Automobiles Peugeot and Naza Corporation Sdn Bhd signed an agreement today for the production of a Malaysian variant of the 206, making Malaysia Peugeot’s gateway to the Asean market.
The Malaysian variant will be sold under the Naza brand in Malaysia and will be AFTA-compliant and ready to tap the ASEAN markets in the post-AFTA period.
Naza Corporation will manufacture up to 50,000 units from 2006 to 2010 for the domestic market and the right-hand drive markets in Asean countries.
Naza Group Managing Director, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri SM Nasimuddin SM Amin, said: “It is a win-win partnership that provides the French automotive giant an opportunity to further strengthen its presence in the region post-AFTA while bringing the Naza Group nearer its goal to be a global car manufacturer.”
Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Nasimuddin said: “The agreement represents our first step forward towards manufacturing cars not just for the domestic market but also the Asean region. We are excited to be Peugeot’s technical partner in this region as it is an opportunity for Naza to sharpen our competitive edge, increase our know-how through meaningful transfer of technology and enhance Malaysia’s global competitiveness.”
Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi witnessed the signing by Tan Sri Dato’ Seri SM Nasimuddin and Automobiles Peugeot Director of International Division, Mr Christian Delous.
Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Nasimuddin thanked the Prime Minister for witnessing the signing. “We are inspired by Y.A.B. Dato’ Seri Abdullah’s presence and see it as encouragement for us to further develop the local automotive industry and contribute towards nation building.”
Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Nasimuddin also thanked the Government for its programmes and policies that helped nurture the Malaysian automotive industry.
Mr Delous said: “We are particularly happy that Naza has chosen to produce locally our 206, a pure jewel in our range which has sold more than five million units worldwide and is the best selling European car for four years in a row.”
Expressing Peugeot’s confidence in Naza, Mr Delous added: “I am certain this car, to be sold under Naza brand in Malaysia, will be able to enjoy similar success because Naza has the passion and drive of a young, dynamic and fast growing car manufacturer.”
The Malaysian variant of the 206 model will be right-hand drive and be equipped with a 1.4 litre engine in both automatic and manual transmission. The 206 will be equipped with both driver and passenger airbags. Production will begin at the Naza Automotive Manufacturing plant in Gurun, Kedah, early next year with plans to shift to the Naza’s second plant in Bertam, Penang, when it is completed in 2007.
New showrooms will be established throughout Malaysia to distribute the 206, complementing existing Peugeot blue box showrooms.
Both Automobiles Peugeot and Naza Corporation are strongly committed to a localisation programme to ensure that the Malaysian 206 is AFTA-compliant and ready to tap new opportunities in Asean countries, which have a combined population of more than 530 million people and GDP totaling US$750 billion.
Export of the model under the Peugeot brand is already scheduled to Thailand and Indonesia.
Peugeot opened its Asean Regional Office in Kuala Lumpur three years ago and has since established its Asia-Pacific Training Centre in Petaling Jaya and the Asia-Pacific Technical Platform in Cyberjaya.
Automobiles Peugeot and Naza Corporation have jointly appointed Cycle and Carriage Automobiles Sdn Bhd to provide the after-sales support, benefiting from their established and well-known network.
