ENHANCED INCENTIVES UNDER NAP 2020 PENDING GOVT APPROVAL -- MARII

CYBERJAYA, Aug 13 -- The Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) is waiting for the government to approve the newly enhanced National Automotive Policy 2020 (NAP 2020) to ensure a faster recovery for the automotive industry post-COVID-19.

MARii chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Madani Sahari said the improved policy is set to benefit the entire industry, but declined to provide the details as they are currently being ironed out.

"The improved version will allow the auto players to rebound after the pandemic.

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“Rest assured, the policy will remain and only the incentives part will be enhanced, and this will level the playing field for all auto players," he told a press conference after the MARii's CEO/Owner Growth Mindset programme here today.

The NAP 2020, which was launched on Feb 21, is expected to contribute RM104.2 billion to Malaysia’s gross domestic product over the next 10 years.

It aims to strengthen the industry in the digital industrial transformation era by focusing on Next-Generation Vehicles, Industrial Revolution 4.0, and Mobility-as-a-Service to transform Malaysia into a regional leader in manufacturing, engineering and technology.

Meanwhile, Perodua CEO Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad, who was also present at the event, said the auto company is maintaining its expectation of a 15 per cent reduction of its initial 2020 sales target of 240,000 following the COVID-19 crisis.

"We are seeing a recovery in demand for our cars post-Movement Control Order (MCO) after three months of almost zero sales.

“The tax exemption on cars helped to boost Perodua sales post-MCO," he said, adding that the company is also expecting its production capacity to reach 25,000 units per month from August to December. 

He said that the company had taken into account the COVID-19-triggered unemployment rate in coming up with its sales target and business model for the year.

"Certain sectors were heavily impacted by the pandemic, but there were also those which saw minimal impact.

"Hence, we have tailored our marketing, especially with regards to our three main cars; Axia, Bezza and Myvi, (sales of) which have rebounded so far," he said. 

In July, Perodua’s vehicle sales rose by 9.2 per cent month-on-month to 23,203 units from 21,250 in June; bringing its year-to-date (YTD) sales volume to 97,373 units.

-- BERNAMA