Call for government to support local vendors

KUALA LUMPUR: Weststar Maxus Sdn Bhd, the Weststar Group’s automotive arm and distributor of Maxus vehicles in Malaysia, hopes the government will consider working with the car industry to support local vendors.

“We are investing in local assembly because we want to create more local content, which means creating more local vendors. It would be good if Weststar Maxus and the government can collaborate, as our prime minister has mentioned to automotive companies, there will surely be spin-offs,” said Weststar Group executive director Datuk Vikram Menon in an interview recently.

He said by having a long-term view and collaboration with the government, a lot of information can be shared which will benefit both parties.

“It is not just about us seeking what the government can do for us, but we would also like to contribute back to the government.”

Courier companies such as DHL and government agencies, including the police force in China, are using the Maxus V80, a commercial van powered by a 2.5litre turbodiesel engine.

The Maxus V80 is available in three variants — the panel van, the 12-seater window van and the 15-seater window van. Prices for the panel van start from RM110,888.

“If we talk about the V80, we would like to look at ourselves as a business solution. We want to target the V80 at business owners, people who need this product, as a solution. For a courier company, this vehicle is reliable. It has the size, safety features and can run thousands of kilometres, and still remain robust,” Vikram said.

He said the company is on track to hit its sales target of 1,300 Maxus vehicles this year.

“The V80’s target is 550 and to date, we have sold 350 units. Total sales for both G10 and V80 stood at 1,000.”

The group’s Johor assembly plant, in collaboration with Berjaya Assets, can produce up to 120 vehicles a month.

Vikram said the group plans to introduce a pick-up truck in the first quarter of next year.