Naza Group targets 25,970 sales in 2010
In a media statement released today, the Naza Group announced that they target to sell a combined 25,970 cars for the brands that they represent. We have no idea why they didn’t publish a round number, like say 25,000 or 26,000, but the statement further elaborated that the figure breakdown would be as such – 22,000 Kia vehicles, 2,930 Peugeot vehicles, and 1,040 Forzas.
“2010 will be an exciting year for the Naza Group. We will be launching several Kia and Peugeot models that will appeal to all segments of the market. Additionally, the domestic economy is expected to return to growth in 2010, which will be an added boost to our business and the overall automotive industry,” said SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin, Joint Executive Chairman of the Naza Group.
Having already launched the Forte in November, Naza will follow that up with four new model launches, which will include a recreational vehicle in the first half of the year. We also knew from the Forte media drive in November that the Forte Koup is set to be among the four new models.
“The overwhelming demand we’ve already received for the Forte since its launch is a good indication of where the Kia brand is headed in the coming 12 months. The Forte is an example of Kia’s commitment to producing youthful and dynamic cars with premium quality and this will be further evident in the four new models we intend to launch next year,” SM Nasarudin said.
Peugeot are also having four models set for launch, and definitely amongst them will be a new entry-level model, code-named T33, but widely known to be the 207 Sedan, which is actually based on the platform of the 206. The car will be manufactured in Naza’s plant in Gurun.
“When we took over the Peugeot franchise in January 2008, we promised to make the Peugeot brand a success in Malaysia and the eight awards we won this year, including two Overall Car of the Year awards, is a testament to our efforts. But we aren’t resting on our laurels just yet. We have an exciting year ahead with four new models to be launched,” SM Nasarudin said.
In terms of exports, the group foresees an increase in demand for the Kia and Peugeot vehicles rolling out from Gurun. Currently, Naza exports the Picanto and Pregio to Indonesia, while units of the Peugeot 308 and 407 are exported to Thailand.
The group plans to increase its portfolio of models exported to Indonesia, and also to become the Asean production hub for the T33 sedan once it’s launched by the second half of 2010.
