Datuk Aishah Ahmad, President of the Malaysian Automotive Association:
“Our members are generally satisfied with the NAP 2020 and glad that it is finally released. Now they are awaiting details of the incentives so that planning can be done for the years ahead. We wish for more transparency in this area in the interests of fairness for all investors.
NAP 2020 is looking ahead to the future generation of cars to be developed regionally and globally. It is aligned with the direction of neighbouring countries in ASEAN. For example, improving the fuel economy level in Malaysia by 2025 follows the ASEAN Fuel Economy Roadmap of for the transport sector.
However, some strategies might be a bit too advanced although NAP 2020 says that there will be phases of implementation. Though the technologies are available, it would be expensive and challenging to make big jumps within a short time.
The validity of NAP 2020 is up till 2030 which is quite a long time away. Perhaps as time goes on, there will be minor revisions in details as conditions change but the industry will feel comfortable if overall policies don’t change.”
Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad, President & CEO of Perodua:
“NAP 2020 shows consistency in the government’s policies to advance the Malaysian automotive ecosystem to the next level. This is apparent in the continued support for component localisation, which is the backbone of the country’s automotive industry.
Also consistent is the government’s commitment to further the Energy-Efficient Vehicle (EEV) programme, in which many players have invested.
Where Industry 4.0 is concerned, Perodua is a firm believer of technology convergence, particularly the integration of communication technology into automotive applications.
On autonomous technology, Perodua, guided by our technical and technology partner Daihatsu Motor Company of Japan, has laid the foundation with its Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) suite of driver assistance systems and crucially, we have made it accessible to the masses. This technology will be further improved in line with our aim to provide Malaysians with mobility that offers even greater safety and value.”
Dr. Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton:
“The unveiling of NAP 2020 shows Malaysia is moving towards the adoption of new technology vehicles featuring electric and hybrid powertrains as well as autonomous and connectivity technologies.
PROTON’s two shareholders grant us access to Malaysia’s automotive industry ecosystem as well as the technologies needed for NxGV models, one of the main thrusts of the policy.
There are still many steps to take and PROTON is confident with the correct policies in place, we will be able to contribute towards Malaysia achieving the goals set out in NAP 2020.”
Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor:
“We are pleased that the government has provided an updated ‘roadmap’ for the development of the industry and this will provide direction and guidance which will be of great value to forward planning, especially where investments in Malaysia are concerned.
With the Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) specifications being updated, UMWT hopes that ample time will be provided before implementation for proper review. It is also hoped that the government will continue to give incentives for a sufficient length of time. This will help to justify investment and provide reasonable returns on investment.
The planned reduction of carbon emissions from motor vehicles by improving the fuel economy level by 2025 is commendable. In support of this, UMW Toyota Motor is planning to introduce more locally-assembled hybrid vehicles in the future here in Malaysia. We urge the government to provide increased incentives to spur the hybrid market in Malaysia.”
Dr. Claus Weidner, President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia:
“The new policy is a positive enhancement to the NAP 2014 as it aims to make Malaysia a regional automotive leader. We see the policy benefiting all players in the automotive industry.
The development and production of EEVs and NxGV with increased levels of automation is an explicit encouragement by the government on future mobility in Malaysia.
For Mercedes-Benz globally, the company’s Ambition 2039 is its strategic path towards sustainable mobility. We aim to increase the adoption in Malaysia by delivering sustainable and fascinating mobility to our customers.”
