Berjaya Group to introduce Suzuki in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: Someday in the future, you might get your hands on the latest Suzuki Jimny, well that’s what is being said in the news reports. Apparently, Suzuki will soon make a comeback in Malaysia with the Berjaya Group. It is the same dealer that earlier had Mazda’s local franchise before it was taken over by Bermaz Auto.

If reports are to be believed Tan Sri Vincent Tan of Berjaya Group will soon fly to Japan (next month maybe) to sign a dealership agreement with the car manufacturer. Osamu Suzuki, brand’s chairman, is expected to witness the signing ceremony at the Suzuki’s headquartered in Hamamatsu.

Suzuki Malaysia Automobile was the last brand that represented Suzuki locally. And it was at the Hicom Automotive Manufacturers in Pekan, Pahang where the Swift hatch was locally assembled.

It was in June 2015, when Suzuki signed a license agreement and memorandum of understanding with DRB-Hicom and Proton for the manufacturing of motor vehicles. Under a rationalization plan, sales and assembly of all Suzuki models were halted in Malaysia. In January 2016, all Suzuki dealerships in Malaysia (29 to be specific) were converted to Proton Edar showrooms, thus ending Suzuki’s presence in the country.

The collaboration between the two automakers was initially with a motive to provide Proton with Suzuki’s automotive technology, platforms, models, and powertrains and Suzuki providing specific tech assistance for the selected scope and products. However, the union resulted in only one collaboration which we know by the name Proton Ertiga, based on Suzuki Ertiga.

There is no information as of now on the local assembly location or which model will be involved. Stay tuned for the latest update.