KIA Motors Ready For Malaysian Expansion With New Dynamic Team
KIA Motors KOREA has just established Kia Malaysia (national sales office) to expand in Southeast Asia, using Malaysia as a regional hub for CKD assembly and to re-establish the brand’s presence after a prior distribution partnership ended.
The shift to a direct principal-led model with a strong partner like Bermaz Auto on April 1st 2021 provided Kia with greater control over its strategy, allowing them to leverage Malaysia’s potential for vehicle manufacturing and as a base for future growth in the ASEAN region.
The business arrangement was leaked a month earlier and there were customers eager to have popular KIA sedans (KIA Cerato) and compact crossovers (KIA Seltos) back in the showroom. However this did not happen.
However, now with its parent, Hyundai Motor Corporation having established Hyundai Motor Malaysia (HMY) NSE, marking a strategic shift to a direct principal-led model, KIA Motor is moving in the same direction.
Hyundai’s direct entry into the Malaysian market marks a significant milestone in its global expansion strategy which is underscoring a long-term commitment to the nation’s economic and industrial growth. This commitment is realised through its strong emphasis on sustainable development and a growing local presence.
The company is actively expanding its dedicated Malaysian team, laying the foundation for a robust nationwide dealer network and will be launching a series of on-ground initiatives designed to embed the Hyundai brand more deeply into the local automotive landscape.
Meanwhile, with a growing workforce projected to reach 100 employees by year-end, Hyundai has firmly planted its roots by establishing its Malaysian headquarters in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s financial district, at Menara Affin TRX, which is reflecting its ambition to be at the centre of innovation and progress in Malaysia.
So, who will be the Malaysian heading this office?
Will it be a person we wrote about in www.dsf.my very recently?
And will ‘HER’ right hand person be joining her in this new business?
