INSPIRATION FROM HONDA’S SUCCESS
IN the run-up to reaching the sale of its one millionth unit, Honda Malaysia launched the “1 Million Dreams Campaign” to thank Malaysians who have given Honda the impetus to strive towards the milestone.
Well-known automotive journalist and analyst Hezeri Samsuri, who has 20 years of experience in the auto industry, said he had fond memories of Honda’s growth and journey in Malaysia.
His illustrious career had started off as a hobby at first, when he started sending letters to editors to voice his opinions on automotive issues while working as a project manager.
One day, he received a call from Yamin Vong, the former editor of Cars, Bikes and Trucks, who offered him a job as a writer.
Hezeri took a leap of faith by leaving his flourishing career to pursue a new career as a reporter. Starting from zero, he climbed the ranks progressively and is now a veteran editor who is regularly called on by mainstream media to comment on automotive development in the country.
Hezeri enjoys his passion in the media industry and relishes the challenges of the automotive industry. When he decided to strike out on his own and created the Careta.my site, automotive marques rallied behind him. Honda Malaysia was among his early supporters.
In all the years of writing automotive content, Hezeri found it interesting that Honda’s products are always aggressive, be it in design, presentation or image - everything is about performance.
“I think Honda Malaysia’s success is due to it understanding the market and how it manages the information that goes out to the public, especially through the media.
“By respecting the media, it respects Honda Malaysia, too. This twoway relationship has proven to be a success factor and should be the template for the industry.”
Hezeri said a good company was not only defined by top-of-the-class products but also its positive work culture.
“Honda does not only bring good products to our country but also a good working culture. You may learn a thing or two to improve your own work habit. It improved mine.”
Honda’s work culture also stems from, among others, the “challenging spirit” in its DNA.
Throughout its journey in Malaysia, the
“challenging spirit” has propelled the company forward.
This fighting spirit has enabled Honda to become one of the most sought-after brands in the country, culminating with its one millionth unit milestone.
Being in a competitive market means one has to continue to progress and improve.
Hezeri said Honda Malaysia needed to continue to be creative and take things a notch higher, which would propel the company’s premium image deeper into the hearts of Malaysians.