It appears that a new national carmaker will be formed soon. Azizul Hj Tandek, managing director of Enggang Keramat Automobile, told paultan.org that the company will be launching a new Malaysian car brand called SAF – named after the arrangement of Muslims in prayer – in April this year.
The new lineup will consist of rebadged versions of models from the Chinese brand Foday, namely the Lion F22 pick-up truck and the Landfort seven-seater SUV. The two vehicles will be badged as the SAF Striker and SAF Landfort respectively, and will look identical to the Foday models, albeit with SAF badging. Both models will be built at Oriental Assemblers in Tampoi, Johor, the same company that also assembles Chery models in Malaysia.
Only one engine will be available from launch – a Mitsubishi-derived 4G69S4N 2.4 litre petrol engine delivering 134 hp at 5,250 rpm and 200 Nm of torque from 2,500 to 3,000 rpm. Five-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions are on offer, as is a choice of either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive (Striker pick-up will be 4×4 only).
The Striker is expected to be priced below RM100,000, while the Landfort SUV is slated to cost less than RM150,000. Exact kit has yet to be decided, but both models should come with dual airbags and ABS with EBD; no stability control on offer, however.
Enggang Keramat is looking at an initial run of 100 units for each model when the brand is launched next month, available at 20 dealers nationwide – all 3S centres – in both Peninsular and East Malaysia.
So, what do you think about Malaysia’s next homegrown car brand? Do you think it can succeed in our current automotive market? Sound off in the comments section after the jump.
GALLERY: Foday Lion F22
GALLERY: Foday Landfort
