Perodua confident car sales will not be affected by AFTA

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KUANTAN: Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) is confident its car sales will not be affected following implementation of the Asean Free Trade Area (AFTA) next month.

HIGH-TECH EQUIPMENT: Perodua Engineering managing director Rozuan Che Pa (left) briefing chairman of UMP’s board of directors Datuk Mohd Hilmey Mohd Taib (second left) on the industrial robot presented by  Perodua to UMP. Syed Hafiz is at second right) and UMP vice-chancellor Datuk Dr Daing Nasir Ibrahim at right. — Bernama photo

HIGH-TECH EQUIPMENT: Perodua Engineering managing director Rozuan Che Pa (left) briefing chairman of UMP’s board of directors Datuk Mohd Hilmey Mohd Taib (second left) on the industrial robot presented by Perodua to UMP. Syed Hafiz is at second right) and UMP vice-chancellor Datuk Dr Daing Nasir Ibrahim at right. — Bernama photo

Its managing director Datuk Syed Hafiz Syed Abu Bakar said based on the present situation, orders for its latest model, the Alza this month had reached 15,000 units.

“More than 50 per cent of Malaysians have an income of less than RM3,000 monthly. Even with the implementation of the AFTA, I do not expect the price of a foreign car to fall, as its manufacturing cost is increasing.

“Apart from that,local cars are still able to fullfil local consumer preference,” he told reporters after attending the official function for the handing over of the Industry Robot to Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) here yesterday.

He highlighted that even when the AFTA is implemented, the current unstable global economy will impact the foreign exchange rate, which is getting higher.

Meanwhile, he disclosed that Perodua’s cars are at present made up of between 80 to 90 per cent in local materials.

“If 15 years ago, the Perodua Kancil comprised only 17 per cent in local materials, the MyVi and Alza now have between 80 and 90 per cent,” he said.

Syed Hafiz recently said Perodua expects the sales of its cars to increase to 176,000 units next year, the highest level when compared to the 167,000 in 2008. — Bernama