Hino Motors Ltd, the leading truck and bus manufacturer in Japan, has begun a new chapter in its four-decade long history in Malaysia with the official opening of its first production facility in Malaysia.
The state-of-the-art RM172 million facility, known as Hino Motors Manufacturing (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (HMMMY), is located on a 170,000 square-metre site in Sendayan TechValley.
With a 350-strong workforce, it has an annual production capacity of approximately 10,000 units and manufactures the full range of HINO products comprising light, medium and heavy duty trucks; and buses for the Malaysian market.
The plant, which officially rolled out the first made-in-Sendayan HINO vehicle in April this year, currently produces about 600 units of vehicles a month.
At the official opening ceremony of the plant, Hino Motors announced that it has already proceeded with the next phase of its plans in Sendayan. Work on a motor vehicle pool project comprising a brand new building with 12 pre-delivery inspection bays, 12 accessories fitting bays, a paint booth and a delivery yard for HINO trucks and buses on an adjacent 57,240 square-metre site is progressing smoothly.
The project, costing some RM12 million and scheduled for completion in November this year, would also incorporate a Customer Total Support Centre to be operated by Hino Motors Sales Malaysia with the aim to provide customers with training on eco-friendly and safety driving techniques.
In 2013, Hino Motors recorded its best-ever sales in Malaysia totalling 7,007 units. The record sales ensured that HINO remained the number one brand in the gross vehicle weight of 4 tonnes and above commercial vehicle market in Malaysia for the fourth consecutive year.
With production now under its direct control, Hino Motors is well positioned to meet the growing demand in Malaysia for HINO vehicles, which are highly regarded for their quality, durability and reliability.
According to HMMMY Managing Director Mr Ikuo Shibano, the plant was strategically important for Hino Motors as it sought to strengthen its leadership position in the commercial vehicle segment in Malaysia.
HMMMY is a 58:42 joint venture between Hino Motors Ltd, Japan’s leading brand in trucks and buses, and its long-time partner in Malaysia, MBM Resources Berhad (MBMR).
