Daihatsu Gran Max Is Number One Pick-Up And Panel Van Model In Malaysia

The Daihatsu Gran Max is the number one Pick-Up and Panel Van model for the light commercial vehicle segment (below 2.0L) in Malaysia for 2020, according to the latest Malaysian Automotive Association Report. Daihatsu (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (DMSB) announced it sold 1,410 vehicles in 2020, despite a challenging business environment. Its sales result had exceeded its pre-pandemic 2020 sales target by 5%.

Daihatsu’s best sales were achieved during the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) months of July and September 2020. This was helped by the company’s aggressive campaigns targeting the e-commerce, delivery and logistics industries, which boomed during the lockdown period. Corporate sales had grown 10% year-on-year, boosted by repeat purchases due to strong customer confidence and the e-commerce campaigns.

The Daihatsu Gran Max panel van variant saw a year-on-year sales growth of 26% in 2020, reaffirming its position as the preferred vehicle for last-mile carriers.

“We are delighted that Daihatsu Malaysia has performed well last year despite the challenging operating environment. Our focus on enabling last mile delivery transporters during the restricted movement period, and the measures taken to ensure our Daihatsu’s Service Centre are on standby nationwide to serve our fleet customers throughout this period have paid off very well. It is indeed a milestone achievement for Daihatsu’s 40th anniversary in Malaysia”, said Arman Mahadi, Managing Director of Daihatsu (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.

As the country went through several phases of lockdown, Daihatsu Malaysia had commenced several initiatives to ensure its customers continued to enjoy good ownership experience, with access to reliable aftersales services. Particular emphasis was placed on encouraging the utilisation of Daihatsu’s Mobile Service that caters to customers within areas that were under stricter movement control orders. Another initiative was Daihatsu’s online showroom. The virtual showroom provides the brand an additional avenue to reach out to customers and to facilitate a seamless buying experience online.

The economic climate in 2021 is expected to remain volatile. But DMSB will take the opportunity to strengthen its competitive standing this year by introducing an improved and enhanced version of the Gran Max. The updated version will come with better performance, safety and sustainability. It will also be stepping up on the Daihatsu Business Transformation Plan by working closely with its branches and dealers to strengthen its network in the country as well as introduce gradual facilities enhancement.

“We are optimistic that we will be able to maintain our growth momentum for 2021 despite the challenges ahead. Through the collective efforts of our dealers and employees and with our comprehensive Sales and Aftersales Program, we have confidence in Daihatsu Malaysia’s resilience to successfully navigate these challenges and continue to be the trusted mobility service provider for our customers,” said Arman.