Naza rolls out 150,000th vehicle from Gurun
The Gurun plant of Naza Automotive Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (NAM), which started operations in May 2004, has reached a production milestone having rolled out its 150,000th vehicle yesterday after seven years of operation. The milestone vehicle was a Naza Forte 1.6SX.
Since rolling out its first vehicle, the Naza Ria, in August 2004, the plant has went on to churn out 18 different models – mostly rebadged Peugeot and Kia vehicles, some even wearing the Naza badge. Currently, models assembled by the plant are the Forte, Pregio, Citra, Rondo, Peugeot 407, Peugeot 308, Peugeot 207 and Peugeot 3008.
Upgrading works are currently underway for the plant, which is in the midst of a six-year upgrading and expansion plan which commenced in 2010. With an investment of RM714 million being poured in, there will be upgraded facilities, expanded capacity, new model introductions, and R&D facilities. Currently, the RM500 million plant already has a two-storey office, a test track and accommodation lots for vendors, suppliers and staff in its 140 acres of land.
“By the end of our current expansion exercise, NAM’s total investment in this facility since 2004 will amount to RM1.21 billion,” said En SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin, Joint Group Executive Chairman of the Naza Group of Companies.
For 2011, Naza is on track for an annual production tally of 15,640 units. Next year, the target is to double that figure to 30,050, and that growth is likely to be fueled by the new Peugeot T73 sedan which is set to begin a five-year production cycle in 2012.
Naza is committed to make 60,000 units of the T73 over the five years, and 60% of those units are set for export. Naza already exports the Peugeot 207 to Thailand and Indonesia. The Kia Pregio van is also being exported from Gurun to Indonesia.
Picture: Official Naza release.
