10,000th Honda CKD Hybrid delivered

KUALA LUMPUR: It has been only a while when Honda Malaysia delivered the 100,000th unit of the Jazz hatchback. And now the company hit another milestone with the delivery of the 10,000th unit of Honda CKD Hybrid, the City Hybrid to be specific.

The Japanese automaker sells three locally-assembled hybrid models in Malaysia - Jazz Hybrid, HR-V Hybrid, and City Hybrid. Also, Honda Malaysia was the first automaker to sell hybrid models in the local market with the first one developed in 2012. And Jazz Hybrid was the first such model introduced in the local market.

The company decided to introduce completely built-up models because of its high import duties making hybrid cars very expensive. The CBU units were estimated to cost around RM 200,000, which a very unattractive proposition for a buyer. As a solution, the company talked with the Malaysia government in 2004 and managed to bring down the price of the Civic Hybrid down to RM 118,888. Besides, the company also handed over two Civic Hybrid units to the local police force.

Almost eight years later, the company decided to set up its own hybrid local assembly line in its Melaka factory. It was during the same year the Malaysia government decided to exempt electric vehicles and hybrids from excise duties and import tax.

It was only yesterday when Honda Malaysia handed over the 10,000 locally-assembled hybrid City to a buyer in Kuantan, Pahang. It was a white City hybrid model purchased by Saddam Hassan Bin Abdul Salim from Macinda Auto Sdn. Bhd.

On this occasion, Sarly Adle Sarkum, Honda Malaysia’s President & COO said, “This year marks the 15th year since Honda introduced Hybrid technology in Malaysia. Starting with the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) technology to the intelligent Dual-Clutch Drive (i-DCD), Honda continues to focus on introducing Next Generation Advanced Technology innovations to the Malaysian market.” Further, he added, “We are honored to reach this 10,000 units of Honda CKD Hybrid sales which is a significant achievement as we have not only offered advanced Japanese technology but also the fun-to-drive element while maintaining its affordability.”