Perodua to introduce cheapest model next year, says PM

RAWANG: Perodua will produce a new model next year that will be the cheapest in the market, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said the new model will enable Malaysians to own a car which will have sophisticated and strong safety features.

He said Perodua has invested RM1.3 billion to build a new factory which would be ready next October to produce the new model that would be competitive.

"I hope the factory will help Perodua export more cars, especially to neighbouring countries. Currently, Perodua exported 10,000 units a year and I hope the figure can be increase further," he said at Perodua's Gala Raya, held in conjunction with its 20th anniversary here Saturday.

Najib said Perodua's strategy all along has been to focus on 'niche' market, producing compact quality cars and to find ways to improve quality and reduce production costs.

Currently, Perodua's ecosystem comprised  130,000 vendors and dealers nationwide, he said.

"Considering this big ecosystem, the success of Perodua will not only benefit the 130,000 Malaysians but also the car buyers in the country," he said.

Najib also urged car manufacturers to study the cost structure and business model so that they could be more efficient to compete in a market that has become competitive and more liberalised.

He said the Ministry of International Trade and Industry has encouraged the car manufacturers to voluntarily reduce the prices.

"The move is appropriate as we can offer a car price that is competitive and the lower cost can be passed on to the rakyat," he said.

At the same function, which was attended by 20,000 people, Najib also launched a special coffee table book chronicling Perodua's 20-year journey and the company's hope ahead.

 -Bernama