UMW Toyota transfers 2 Penang outlets to foreign partner

KUALA LUMPUR: UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd said two of its own outlets in Penang were transferred to a foreign partner yesterday.

This followed the company’s announcement in October last year that it would be transferring the majority of its branch retail operations to its dealers and other relevant parties, said the company in a statement.

The foreign partner is Netz Toyota Tama Co Ltd, which has been associated with Toyota Japan for almost 60 years.

With the partnership, UMW Toyota said Netz Toyota’s locally-incorporated arm S&D Tama Malaysia would be officially taking over operations of UMW Toyota’s existing branches in Prai and Penang.

UMW Toyota deputy chairman Akio Takeyama said S&D Tama has nearly 60 years of experience in serving Toyota customers and is well known as a top dealer for customer satisfaction in Japan.

“We believe that Toyota business in the Malaysian market has a bright future and we would like to contribute to the growth of the business,” said S&D Tama president Katsuhiko Tamura.

The two outlets managed by S&D Tama Malaysia are located at Jalan Jelutong on Penang island and the Prai Industrial Estate on the mainland. Both 3S outlets offer a full range of sales and after-sales services, including body and paint facilities.

As its customer base continues to grow, the after-sales side of the business has been servicing up to 50,000 vehicles a year.