Mazda Malaysia Sdn Bhd established, a JV between Bermaz and Mazda Motor Corp – CKD CX-5 in 2013

Mazda Malaysia Sdn Bhd established, a JV between Bermaz and Mazda Motor Corp – CKD CX-5 in 2013

Bermaz Motor, the distributor of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia since 2008, inked a joint venture (JV) agreement with Mazda Motor Corporation this morning at the new Mazda 4S Centre in Glenmarie.

The JV is for a manufacturing programme in Malaysia, which will see Mazda increase local assembly and manufacturing activities in our country. The Mazda 3 is already assembled at Inokom in Kedah, and the next model to undergo the CKD programme is the hot-selling CX-5, which was launched in May.

The SUV will also be put together at Inokom, and RM20 million has been invested into the programme, which will commence next year. A further RM20 million will be set aside for fixed general activity. First priority is to satisfy local demand, before exports will be considered.

Yuji Nakamine, director and senior managing executive officer at Mazda, described this development as “the second phase” of the carmaker’s relationship with Bermaz, which it is happy to work with. The distributor has done a good job marketing Mazda cars in Malaysia – from 991 units sold in 2008, Bermaz shifted 6,131 units in 2011, launching cars from the sporty MX-5 to the large CX-9 SUV in the process.

Mazda Malaysia Sdn Bhd established, a JV between Bermaz and Mazda Motor Corp – CKD CX-5 in 2013
President of Mazda Malaysia, Shinji Sakatani (right) has ASEAN production experince from AAT Thailand

“Until today, our partner Bermaz Motor demonstrated great leadership to expand our dealer network and to raise our brand value based on our enduring relationship and mutual trust. The local production of the Mazda 3 beginning in 2011 is a good example. Sales volume has been growing steadfastly since then,” Nakamine said.

He added that setting up shop in Malaysia is part of Mazda’s “diversify manufacturing footprint” global strategy, which includes producing cars in Mexico and Russia. Making more cars outside of Japan will reduce foreign exchange impact, as a strong Yen eats into margins of Japanese companies from Mazda to Sony. Mazda’s Structural Reform Plan has set an ASEAN sales target of 150,000 units for the fiscal year 2015, and Malaysia plays an important role in that.

Mazda’s entry into Malaysia has seen the establishment of Mazda Malaysia Sdn Bhd, which will be responsible for both manufacturing and increasing localisation activities to support Bermaz Motor’s sales and marketing efforts. Mazda Motor Corp has 70% share in this JV, with the rest held by its local partner.

The man put in charge of Mazda Malaysia is Shinji Sakatani, who will act as the company’s president. Sakatani joined Mazda back in 1982 and built his career in production and logistics. He was assigned to Auto Alliance Thailand (AAT) in 1997 as GM of Production Control and Logistics, to start production of a JV pick-up truck with Ford (BT-50/Ranger). Sakatani, 55, then moved back to Japan to assume the role of deputy GM, Production Control and Logistics Division.

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Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • mystvearn on Sep 11, 2012 at 3:59 pm

    Mazda 6 or 3 no CKD?

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  • CKD?? is it the price will be drop???

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  • Fukuoka on Sep 11, 2012 at 4:14 pm

    Up to July 2012 monthly sales statistics here in Japan, CX-5 is still on top of the SUV category since April 2012. Following close is Nissan Juke, who was pushed down after leading the pack since June 2010.

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  • Hantu on Sep 11, 2012 at 4:24 pm

    how much cheaper can we expect for the CKD version of CX5?

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    • Toyota'sReliable on Sep 11, 2012 at 5:07 pm

      with 80% Malaysian Parts except the engine n gearbox, will just price with RM95k. Ford Escape SUV/Suzuki Vitara both CBU only cost RM110k.

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      • Vader on Sep 12, 2012 at 7:39 am

        95k??? u slow slow wait..
        even mazda3 CKD is only decrease 10k compare to CBU.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • ben yap on Sep 11, 2012 at 4:31 pm

    price no much cheaper and they will probably give u downsize rims.

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  • farghmee on Sep 11, 2012 at 4:55 pm

    yay!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • RedBeanBun on Sep 11, 2012 at 5:03 pm

    good movement, with the Mazda6 coming out very soon, i see Mazda will sure making impact in the market locally…bye bye Camry…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Jimmy on Sep 11, 2012 at 5:41 pm

    Good move, set up 3S or 4S in whole Malaysia. Every brand should get rid off all their dealers who like to cheat customers and do not want to entertain warranty claim; I am not referring to Mazda. You can check, if other dealers average make 20 warranty claims per year but these two only have 2 warranty claims per year, something is wrong.

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  • Jilbaber on Sep 11, 2012 at 6:22 pm

    yeah..now everybody can buy mazda aah…

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    • kelvin on Sep 11, 2012 at 9:10 pm

      You wish. I wish too. Be realistic, it will not happening in boleland with BarangNaik regime in power, the best ckd price is 130k. That is how pathetic Malaysian is, waiting to buy a resonable price car to drive, but always a setback with everything price increase, like we are earning in USD.

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  • skoda should find another distributor in malaysia since berjaya seems like not interested with that brand anymore.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Davincci on Sep 11, 2012 at 7:14 pm

    Bye bye Honda..

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  • NasUrudin aidid on Sep 11, 2012 at 10:31 pm

    Bermaz is gonna sell their franchise once they start to lose money.sime Darby will buy them

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  • suppaheero on Sep 12, 2012 at 8:27 am

    buying a car is not only about low price. For the first time buyers maybe. A particupar brand maybe cheap but look at the warranty terms and long run cost. Plus ownership is about satisfaction be in performance, services, after sales, design and the combination of these factors. Well I see Mazda is almost there.

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  • ckd also probably cheaper by RM1-3k only. doubt u will see RM10k cheaper. pointless.

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  • I thought the CX-5 will be assemble at their new plant in Bukit Tagar? But the report mention Inokom. Which one is correct? Currently, there are some development activities in Bukit Tagar.

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  • NISSpengAN on Sep 30, 2012 at 9:07 pm

    sayonara to camry,accord,teana and even sonata n optima.

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  • mohd suhaimi on Feb 13, 2013 at 9:52 am

    some comments said the cx5 engine is underpowered….

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  • mohd suhaimi on Feb 13, 2013 at 9:53 am

    is it true?

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