KUALA LUMPUR (April 15): Naza Automotive Group (Naza Auto) plans to strengthen its core automotive brands, improve financial stability, and focus on profitable segments over the next three years, while reducing reliance on lifestyle and niche areas.
According to its website, brands under the group include Suzuki, Ducati, Maserati and Mercedes-Benz.
In a statement on Tuesday, Naza Auto chief executive officer Rizal Jailan said as it nears its 50th anniversary, Naza Auto is undergoing a major business realignment to improve operational efficiency, profitability, liquidity, governance, and compliance, strengthening its position in Malaysia’s automotive industry.
This involves conducting research on every brand under its roster to chart the best way forward for returns of equity (ROEs) — how much profit a company makes for every ringgit of shareholders' equity — of 20% for distributorship and 8% for retail-specific business, according to the statement.
Rizal said Naza Auto plans to more than double Suzuki Cars Malaysia’s dealership network in the next three years, and invest in digital platforms to improve customer experience, in line with expected sales growth. The group is also working with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia to launch a new luxury showroom at NZ Wheels Bangsar, set to open by the end of the third quarter.
In addition to its current brands, the group is actively exploring new opportunities, including electric vehicles. It also plans to expand into a new Asean market this year, focusing on brands it already manages in Malaysia.
Naza Auto is part of Naza Group, which is run by the late Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin SM Amin’s family.
SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin is the group executive chairman, while his brother SM Faliq SM Nasimuddin is the deputy group executive chairman. The late SM Nasimuddin's wife, Puan Sri Zaleha Ismail, and daughters Nur Diana SM Nasimuddin and Nur Nadia SM Nasimuddin are also directors of the company.