Honda Malaysia recently gathered 167 representatives from 55 dealerships nationwide for the 2009 National Dealers Convention on December 4, 2008 at Sunway Convention Centre,Petaling Jaya.

The objective of this annual National Dealers Convention is not only to create a time of networking and motivation for the dealers, but it is also a time to reinforce Honda values, goals and culture amongst the dealers. At the same time, Honda Malaysia showed their appreciation and recognition by giving Best Dealer Award by region to the dealers who have particularly excelled in the year 2008 in an Awards Ceremony. A challenge trophy was also presented to the "Dealer of the Year".

This year's National Dealers Convention comes at a time when a huge challenge awaits, looking at the economic situation and hence, a serious battle call was raised for all to "Rise To The Challenge". Representatives from Honda Malaysia shared and presented on overall performance of sales, service as well as spare parts for 2008 and the challenges for 2009. Besides reviewing performance of the past year, dealers were also encouraged to align themselves with Honda Malaysia in facing the challenges of the tougher year ahead.

In his opening speech, Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Atsushi Fujimoto said, "The financial crisis, which started in the United States, is now spreading into a full-blown economic crisis all over the globe. The US, the European Union, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore are all in recession, while economic growth is rapidly slowing down in the rest of the world. In fact, many economic analysts are saying that this will be the worst recession in the century. The effects are being felt even in Malaysia and our automotive industry will not be spared. In short, we will be facing a very tough market next year."

"As such, it is important for us to keep our spirits up in order to sustain our commitment towards excellence in all that we do. And, in order to achieve that, it is important for us to be united as ONE, and together, Rise to the Challenge! Our important mission for the coming year is to have speed and consistency in making Customer Satisfaction our number 1 priority!" added Mr. Fujimoto.

Throughout the convention, Honda Malaysia reiterated its commitment to achieve Customer Satisfaction No.1.

In expressing his delight on the win, Dealer of the Year 2008 Mr. Alan Cheng Heng Chew of Yong Ming Motor Sdn Bhd from Tampoi, Johor Bahru, said, "I'm very glad to win the Dealer of the Year 2008. It is an honour for me after working hard in the past 26 years. As a dealer, we play an important role to instill confidence and trust amongst our customers in this bad financial situation. It is a time for us to work harder to speed towards customer satisfaction, as competition gets tougher and customers demands rise for excellent service and a one-stop service centre. Once again, I would like to thank Honda for providing the guidance and support and quality products to serve our valued customers."

Mr. Cheng has been selling Honda cars since 1982 and his centre is one of the 4S centre which provides services ranging from sales, services, spare parts and spray (painting) and body-shop services. Yong Ming's 4S centre was upgraded in 2005 to fulfill customers' demand.

In his opening speech, Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Atsushi Fujimoto said, "The financial crisis, which started in the United States, is now spreading into a full-blown economic crisis all over the globe. The US, the European Union, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore are all in recession, while economic growth is rapidly slowing down in the rest of the world. In fact, many economic analysts are saying that this will be the worst recession in the century. The effects are being felt even in Malaysia and our automotive industry will not be spared. In short, we will be facing a very tough market next year."

"As such, it is important for us to keep our spirits up in order to sustain our commitment towards excellence in all that we do. And, in order to achieve that, it is important for us to be united as ONE, and together, Rise to the Challenge! Our important mission for the coming year is to have speed and consistency in making Customer Satisfaction our number 1 priority!" added Mr. Fujimoto.

Throughout the convention, Honda Malaysia reiterated its commitment to achieve Customer Satisfaction No.1.

In expressing his delight on the win, Dealer of the Year 2008 Mr. Alan Cheng Heng Chew of Yong Ming Motor Sdn Bhd from Tampoi, Johor Bahru, said, "I'm very glad to win the Dealer of the Year 2008. It is an honour for me after working hard in the past 26 years. As a dealer, we play an important role to instill confidence and trust amongst our customers in this bad financial situation. It is a time for us to work harder to speed towards customer satisfaction, as competition gets tougher and customers demands rise for excellent service and a one-stop service centre. Once again, I would like to thank Honda for providing the guidance and support and quality products to serve our valued customers."

Mr. Cheng has been selling Honda cars since 1982 and his centre is one of the 4S centre which provides services ranging from sales, services, spare parts and spray (painting) and body-shop services. Yong Ming's 4S centre was upgraded in 2005 to fulfill customers' demand.

The 2009 National Dealers Convention ended with a night of good food, great company and wonderful entertainment by entertainer Irena and Gurmit Singh.

Below is the list of winners: