In November last year, Naza Group confirmed it was letting go of two automotive brands, namely Kia and Peugeot. The Peugeot business was sold in December, when Berjaya Auto Alliance (BAASB) – a joint venture between Berjaya Corporation and Bermaz Auto (BAuto) – took over the distribution rights of the French brand.
While movement surrounding Kia has been silent, this looks set to change soon. According to an investor report prepared by AmInvestment Bank, BAuto is expected to secure Kia manufacturing, assembly and distribution rights soon, possibly by next month.
It could be later than that, but the deal, when it eventually happens, would conclude a transaction that has been on the cards for a good while now. Since last year, BAuto has been the name bandied to take over Kia, and it was previously reported that the company has been keenly eyeing the Kia franchise, looking to secure the operations lock, stock and barrel. It was even said that it would come into the fold before Peugeot, so that it is coming is pretty much a given, bar the shouting.
Despite the suggestion made by the investor report, it remains unknown if the Kia will go to BAuto directly or follow the BAASB route taken for Peugeot, with representation for the brand coming under the JV. By all reckoning, the latter looks likely to be the adopted path for Kia.
Beyond the current Peugeot-based tie-up, Bermaz is not directly affiliated with Berjaya, which previously held the local Mazda franchise under Berjaya Auto. In 2016, the entity became Bermaz Auto following a management buyout. In any case, the answers look to be coming, soon.
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Seeing the apparent decline of Hyundai & Mazda brands in msia since managed by Berjaya…. not sure this a smart move. all the best though
Mazda decline in Malaysia? Really? I see more Mazda car on the road than ever. My misconception?
Always same design,
Mazda sales good anot, check figures
Is Hyundai not under Sime Darby?
It used to be half and half.. some models distributed by Berjaya Hyundai and some by Sime Darby. Perhaps during that era you were still in school.
shoot without checking facts
Ahh, what a pleasant surprise ^^
You excellency,
It is never,never,never a surprise to many forum contributors.
The Naza bradders have been busy with Exotic cars (giant APs) and real estate.
They have,for the last 5 years, lost focus.
Just get a huge showroom to bring in exotic cars,with huge profits.Why take panadol daily to manage the peugeot and Kia distributorship?
If you are uptodate,MAA stats have shown their sales figures have plummeted badly.
Anyway,lets give the new distributor a benefit of the doubt.Success with Mazda is no guarantee,the Kia distributorship will end well.
They I think just need to bring in new updated models (not just for Asean regions but some models built in the USA for a start) & price competitively.
Just match what Sime Darby is doing with Hyundai now, there’ll be some takers as we’ve seen
Yes, please improve the service and bring in the Kia Sorento 2021 1.6 hybrid engine.
this is really bad news. the begining of dooms day for both brand.. pitty them. thanks no thanks..
DRB definitely do a better job. For sure..
I hope Bermaz do not get confused with the new KIA logo and called another company (KN) instead. They might end up getting themselves into the container haulage industry altogether.
Not funny at all, scringe. This is a new low