PM: Healthy growth for auto industry in 2010

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian automotive industry is expected to see a healthy growth in 2010, along with the positive growth in gross domestic product (GDP) estimated at 5% to 6% this year, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

"We will see from time to time the development of this industry," he told reporters here on Thursday after the launch of a new Audi showroom here on Thursday, March 18, and the unveiling of the Audi R8 V10.

In his keynote speech, Najib said GDP growth of 4.5% recorded in the fourth quarter of 2009 reflected the successful implementation of the government's stimulus packages.

"As we are well into 2010, I see signs that with hard work, a commitment to innovation and creativity and promotion of key areas of our economy, we will be able to surprise ourselves with a growth of 5% to 6% this year," he said.

"We are sparing no efforts to achieve the growth and to help Malaysia achieve its goal to become a high-income nation," he added. The government had earlier projected a 3% GDP growth.

Meanwhile, Euromobile Sdn Bhd — which is the sole distributor of Audi automobiles in Malaysia — said it aimed to sell 700 units this year.

Its chairman Datuk Mohd Khamil Jamil said Audi had set a target to be the number one luxury car manufacturer in the global market by 2015.

"Audi's market share in the luxury car segment in Malaysia for 2009 recorded a 5.04% increase as compared to 2008," he said.

Audi's total sales last year amounted to 436 units, an increase of 102% from 215 units recorded in 2008, he added.

Mohd Khamil said Euromobile had set a budget of RM20 million in its expansion plans this year, involving its sales and service network across the country.

"We spent about RM6 million in setting up this showroom (in Jalan Imbi)," he said.

Currently, it has 3S (sales, service and spare parts) centres located in Juru, Penang, Johor Bahru as well as at its headquarters in Glenmarie, Shah Alam.

"We are establishing a new after-sales service centre in Jalan Chan Sow Lin and a new 3S centre in Queensbay Mall, Penang, later this year," Mohd Kamil said.