Perodua centralises past model parts production in Tg Malim

PETALING JAYA: The production of parts for past models by Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) will now be centralised at its supplier’s facility in Tanjung Malim.

The national car manufacturer has launched a new press stamping machine at the facility of IQM Sdn Bhd, which has been a Perodua supplier for 18 years.

Perodua invested Rm7mil in the machine, including transportation and installation costs.

The 1,600-tonne hydraulic press stamping machine will produce body parts such as bonnets, side outer panels, rear quarter panels, fenders, doors and roofs for past Perodua models such as the first-generation Myvi, Viva, Kelisa and even the Kancil.

The dies required to make the parts have also been moved to IQM and this frees up much-needed space in Perodua’s plants.

It said in a statement that this simplifies the entire operation, reduces lead time and cost and makes it easier for monitoring purposes.

The car maker will also assist IQM in terms of skill transfer and training on the parts production.

Perodua said this is one of the many initiatives with its suppliers to help expand their business and capabilities and to bring them a step closer to becoming global automotive suppliers.

Perodua president and chief executive officer Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad said the decision to centralise past model parts production at IQM is four-pronged.

“One, we want to continue supporting owners of our past models with quality, quick and affordable parts through our body and paint business, because as long as you own a Perodua vehicle – old or new – we will always be there for you.

“Two, we are committed to empowering all 135 of our Malaysian suppliers, not just by buying from them but helping to develop them via skill and technology transfers.

“Thirdly, it represents our commitment to the nation and its economy by helping to boost the competitiveness of the Malaysian automotive ecosystem.

“It also represents our commitment to ourselves to keep improving our quality and efficiency so that Perodua can be a better and leaner company moving forward,” he said.

Since 1994, Perodua has sold over 3.7 million cars in Malaysia and a third of the demand for Perodua parts currently is for past models.

With over 90% of local parts content for its current models, the manufacturer said it is naturally the biggest buyer of automotive components in the country, having spent Rm4.5bil on parts so far this year out of an earmarked Rm5.4bil for the whole of 2019.

IQM has been a Perodua supplier since 2002. It currently supplies metal stamping, body assembly parts and brake tube components to Perodua.

It began making Viva parts when production of the model ended in 2014.

Since last year it started producing parts for the second-generation Myvi on a dedicated new line.