Revised Malaysia auto policy rollout in two months
The much-awaited revised National Automotive Policy (NAP) will be announced in two months, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said.
One of the key areas being looked into by the government is the opening up of the lucrative 1.8-litre segment.“We’re almost there and doing some touchup on the details due to the recent developments between Proton Holdings Bhd and DRB-HICOM Bhd,” Mustapa said in an interview with newspapers of The New Straits Times Press group last Friday.
He chaired the last meeting on Wednesday with all the stakeholders including Toyota, Nissan and Tan Chong Motor Holdings Bhd.Representatives of banks, insurance companies and Fomca (Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations) were also there.
“It was very inclusive for the first time and the stakeholders were happy to share their views,” Mustapa said.The NAP, which was first introduced in 2006, is being reviewed to transform and integrate the local automotive industry intothe regional and global industry networks.
Malaysia Automotive Institute recently commented that the second review of the NAP had been more comprehensive, with inputs from industry stakeholders who were previously not consulted.
These included the Malaysian Automotive Recyclers Association (MAARA) and Federation of Automobile Workshop Owners Association of Malaysia.
The trade minister disagreed that the delay showed that the NAP hinged on Proton and DRB-HICOM, although he acknowledged that both play a major role in the sector.
“They are two big players and we have to take their views into account,” Mustapa remarked. Referring to the takeover of Proton by DRB-HICOM, he said there are processes and procedures for the companies to effect a full takeover.
“Being in a transition period, there are legal requirements to comply with, which was why the ministry had to engage withthem,” he added.DRB-HICOM is the largest automotive company by sales.
On the 1.8-litre segment, Mustapa said he had received keen interest from foreign automotive companies including the Chinese and Japanese for a more liberal environment in the segment.
The current policy does not allow foreign carmakers to get the licence to directly manufacture vehicles in the segment.
Foreign manufacturers now produce vehicles such as Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla Altis and Kia Forte with their Malaysian partners.
Overall, the NAP will help Malaysia regain its lost status as the region's largest passenger car market that has now been overtaken by Thailand, with Indonesia following closely.
It will also bring a lot of focus towards developing energy-efficient vehicles, Mustapa added.
Source : New Straits Times
Date : 20 February 2012
afternoon highlight (20/02/12/031/505)
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