On December 10, 2009 at The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur, Honda Malaysia once again gathered all 192 representatives from 58 dealerships nationwide for a time of realignment, review and shared vision at the 2010 National Dealers Convention.

This yearly National Dealers Convention gives dealers the opportunity to gather together as one as they share the same vision and motivation towards becoming the most trusted and admired premium brand. The convention is also a chance for Honda Malaysia to show its appreciation and gratitude by recognising those who have performed outstandingly through the Awards Ceremony. Besides the "Dealer of the Year" award, additional awards were created this year for sales advisors. It is the "Sales Advisor of the Year" award given to the Top 15 Sales Advisors Nationwide.

"Raise Our Spirits High" - the theme for 2010 provides a platform for dealers to step up to greater heights together for the challenges forthcoming in the year 2010. The programme included representatives from Honda Malaysia sharing and presenting the overall Marketing, Sales, Service, Spare Parts and Customer Relation performance and upcoming targets as well as on the company's mission for the next five years.

In his opening speech, Mr. Toru Takahashi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia motivated the dealers through his sharing of the challenges, mission for the next five years and the strategies towards achieving them.

"Malaysia went into recession in 2009. Total industry volume (TIV) dropped by about 5%. Yet despite the challenging economic situation, Honda Malaysia performed relatively well with its recent achievement of 200,000 customers. To date, we have achieved a year-on-year growth of 15.7%."

Besides increasing market share, Mr. Takahashi also shared with the dealers on the importance of improving quality and to constantly progress to be the most trusted premium brand. Some of the key points include working together as one, further strengthening Honda's brand image, customer retention, customer satisfaction and employee retention and management.

"We have to win our existing customers' loyalty and retain them by creating an excellent customer experience at your showrooms and service workshops towards achieving 'Customer Satisfaction No.1". We must share the same values, and take ownership of the company's philosophy and mission. Fundamental to our beliefs is the Respect for the Individual and The Three Joys which are the Joy of Buying, Selling and Creating", said Mr. Takahashi.

MD and CEO, Mr. Toru Takahashi giving his inspiring speech

Throughout the convention, Honda Malaysia reminded the dealers on the key areas of improvement for the sustainable growth of their business.

The awards ceremony saw 15 awards given out to Sales Advisors for their outstanding performance and 4 Dealers of the year awards with two top awards for each category.

Dealer of the Year Awards

Sales Advisor of the Year Awards

Commenting on his achievement, Dealer of the Year recipient, Mr. Ignatius Chew said, "Last year we were at the bottom and it has been one challenging year climbing to the number one spot. The key to our success is our focus towards Honda Malaysia's Three Joys and the upgrading process of our Services and Spare Part centre. We strongly believe that the most important factor is to gain our customer's trust. Staff retention is also a priority because happy staff equals to happy customers. We want to also appreciate Honda representatives who visited us every two weeks to guide and train us. Next year, we aim to maintain in the areas we have achieved and improved on areas we are lacking."

Dealers of the year owners, Mr. Ignatius Chew and Ms. Florence Chew

Mr. Ignatius Chew and Ms. Florence Chew's dealership was established in 1947. In 2009, they upgraded their dealership into a full fledged 3S Centre to fulfil customer demands. Over the years, their experience and achievements have proven that teamwork is essential in nurturing a successful organisation.

Mr. Vincent Tan, proud winner of the Sales of the Year advisor award expresses his delight in being recognised for his hard work. "I am very happy and excited to be the inaugural winner of this special award! Gaining customer's trust is of utmost importance! You gain their trust by being sincere, genuine and committed, but most importantly by keeping to your promises such as facts and delivery time. Of course it is also an extra point that Honda is a well trusted brand amongst customers".

Sales Advisor of the Year, Mr.Vincent Tan

The full day 2010 National Dealers Convention was not only for dealers to prepare themselves for 2010 direction and challenges, but also a chance to let loose and get to know each other. The convention ended with interactive games, entertainment and of course a scrumptious dinner hosted by Honda Malaysia.

Dealer of the Year, Ban Hoe Seng Sdn. Bhd.

Dealers listening closely on the vision for 2010

Marketing Department Manager, Mr. Akhbar Danial

President & COO En. Rohime Shafie

Sales Advisors of the year