Dongfeng hits Malaysia mart with Kulim-assembled vehicles

 

China-made commercial vehicle Dongfeng made its debut in the Malaysian market with two new models - the Bison 260 and Kinland 420 - assembled in Kulim and distributed by Quasar Industrial Vehicles.

Quasar chairman Datuk Ling Keak Ming said the Dongfeng Bison 260 is priced at RM138,000 while the Kinland 420 between RM280,000 and RM300,000.

The two vehicles were launched by Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Dongfeng franchiseholder Exen Sdn Bhd chairman Datuk Mohammadiah M. Zazuli said there are already 24 units of the new commercial vehicles in the market and the response thus far has been very encouraging.

He said the company plans to make Malaysia the export hub for Dongfeng vehicles to Thailand and Indonesia.

Earlier, Ong said Malaysia's location and transport links make it an ideal gateway for exporters to penetrate not only the Asean market but also the Middle East. He said exporters can leverage on Malaysia's membership with the Organisation of the Islamic Conference.

The minister also called on transport industry players, especially cargo operators, to work together and look for new markets during the economic downturn. He said they should also promote their ports jointly as an integrated network, so as to ensure that their interests do not clash.

Asked about Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd's (MAHB) plan to meet the Khazakhstan government to discuss whether it should continue operating the International Airport Astana, Ong said he would meet MAHB on this issue.

MAHB has been managing the airport since 2007, but recently there were reports on MAHB's effectiveness in managing it.

Ong said he hopes the matter could be resolved as soon as possible.