Honda closed the book with a 19% YOY growth
Petaling Jaya, 29 January 2010 - Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (Honda Malaysia or the Company) targets to achieve 40,000 units of sales in the recovering economy in 2010. As buyers' sentiment improves gradually, Honda Malaysia estimated that the total industry volume (TIV) would reach 550,000 units this year, and the company's annual target would be equivalent to 7.3% of the projected TIV.
"2009 was a tough year for the automobile industry worldwide. In Malaysia, the total automobile market is reportedly shrunk by 2%. In spite of the economic contraction, Honda managed to close its book with 38,783 units of sales, which are equivalent to a 19% year-on-year growth. We also captured 7.2% of the TIV as compared to 5.9% in 2008, whereas in the Non-national Passenger Car segment, our pie has increased from 24.8% to 32.9%," Mr. Toru Takahashi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia shared during the Company's annual media gathering themed Beyond Limits 2010.
He added that 2009 sales that surpassed its target of 35,000 units, is by far the highest record achieved by the Company.
The Company attributed the healthy posting to its best-selling model, the 3rd Generation City, which contributed 51% to the total sales. Civic, Accord and CR-V respectively contributed 19%, 16% and 9%, while other complete built-up unit (CBU) models made up the remaining 5% total sales.
City is said to be attracting a strong fan base of both singles and married couples between the ages of 20-39. Based on the result from a customer survey, it is learned that its dynamic and stylish outlook is most appealing, while the best-in-class performance and fuel efficiency made the sedan a practical choice.
Civic Hybrid, on the other hand, has shown encouraging market uptake. As the pioneer in providing hybrid technology, Honda has since sold more than 200 units of Civic Hybrid. The Company aims to continually raise awareness of such environmental technology among the people, a move in line with its mission to better conserve the environment.
In 2010, Honda will continue to refine and upgrade its existing lineup, so as to deliver valued added products and services to its customers.
In the social responsibility arena, Honda Malaysia has recently renewed its pledge to help more underprivileged youth in the rural and neglected urban areas through Honda Dreams Fund (HDF), which is in its 4th year. In collaboration with United Nation Development Programme (UNDP), HDF provides 20 non-binding scholarships every year for eligible applicants to pursue their dreams through education.
In doing its part for the environment, Honda continues to raise environmental awareness among schoolchildren in the country through Rhino Rescue Project. The project devotes to nurture the love for nature among this budding generation, while educating them about the importance of conserving the environment.
Moving forward, the company seeks to continue to uphold its Customer Satisfaction No. 1 policy by providing products, sales and after-sales services of the highest quality at reasonable prices. Honda seeks to continuously place its customer as priority in all that it does.
The gathering takes place at G6 Club in The Gardens, Kuala Lumpur.
A musical ensemble jumpstarts the evening that conveys Three Joys through the sound of music.
A toast to a greater year ahead, proposed by En. Rohime Shaffie, President and COO (holding mic) of Honda Malaysia.
An evening dedicated to all members of the media.
Honda Malaysia team shows their appreciation to the attending media.
Mr. Toru Takahashi shares the year's outlook in his opening speech.
The annual media gathering aptly themed Beyond Limits 2010 shares one of the longstanding philosophy of Honda The Three Joys.