NAZA Planning Local Production Of Branded Superbikes

By Prem Kumar Panjamorthy PETALING JAYA (Selangor, Malaysia), April 19 (Bernama) -- The Naza Group of Companies is exploring opportunities with its global partners to produce completely knocked-down (CKD) big bikes locally, says Joint Group Executive Chairman SM Faisal SM Nasimuddin. He said the company was in discussions with its global partners on plans to assemble big bikes of international brands in Malaysia. "We are evaluating the best markets and brands. I cannot tell you which brands we are focusing on but we will announce it once we are ready. "We are exploring, the team is working very hard and we are keeping our options open," he told reporters after the launch of the RM5 million (US$1.63 million) Ducati Centre, the largest in the Asian region, by International Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Mukhriz Mahathir. Currently, Naza distributes big bikes from eight international brands namely Harley Davidson, Ducati, Aprilia and Vespa. SM Faisal said in the long-run, Naza intended to make Malaysia the assembly hub for the Asia Pacific market, and more specifically, the Asean market. At the same event, Mukhriz and SM Faisal unveiled the Ducati 1199 Panigale, the latest addition to the Ducati Superbike family. The superbike, which has so far registered 30-paid bookings prior to the launch, is priced between RM160,888 (US$52,397.98) and RM209,999 (US$68,392.45). SM Faisal said bikes under the Ducati brand continued to enjoy a big following and demand from among Malaysians. "We expect to sell 750 Ducati bikes this year. The strecthed target would be 1,000 units. "The first quarter of this year was impressive as we recorded sales of 300 Ducati bikes of which 70 per cent was contributed by sales of the Ducati 795," he said. He added that Naza has been given the option of becoming the distributor of Ducati bikes in countries where Ducati had yet to appoint a distributor. "In other words, Naza will be involved in the total globalisation of Ducati distributorship with the blessings of Ducati Holdings. "The same approach is also being discussed with other international brands that are under our stable currently. "We are looking to focus in the Asean market if we are granted such a facility," SM Faisal added. -- BERNAMA