If the Volkswagen Polo were the price of a Honda City or a Toyota Vios, would it be part of your consideration if you were looking for your first non-national car? Volkswagen definitely hopes so, and even after 1) talks with Proton hit a dead end and 2) a US$140 million assembly base has been identified in Indonesia, it is still trying to negotiate a deal for local assembly of Volkswagen cars in Malaysia.
The most recent potential partner seems to be DRB-HICOM but The Edge claimed last month that talks between VW and DRB-HICOM had hit a wall. Read it all here in this Bloomberg story. It could be something to do with the upcoming National Automotive Policy review that is supposed to be revealed at the end of this month.
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments express strong interest in VW CKD assembly in Malaysia, believing it could improve vehicle quality and affordability, especially if priced similarly to Japanese models like Vios or City. Many view this as a potential boost for the local auto industry, criticizing the current high prices due to taxes and import policies. There's skepticism about government interference hindering deals, with some questioning the quality of locally assembled cars compared to imported or Japanese brands. Several comments emphasize patriotism, advocating for Malaysian-made or assembled vehicles, and hope VW’s plans materialize to challenge Japanese dominance. Concerns about safety standards, unfair government policies, and political interference in auto pricing are also highlighted. Overall, optimistic about VW's potential positive impact on the market and vehicle options for Malaysian consumers.