BUKIT MERTAJAM, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- Weststar Maxus Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor of China’s Maxus vehicles in Malaysia, is confident of generating at least 30 per cent of total sales from the northern region by next year.
Weststar Group Executive Director Datuk Vikram Menon said the company had the upper hand in the commercial vehicle market, as the Maxus V80 commercial van stood out against its competitors on cost and versatility, while expected to sell at least 1,000 units by 2019.
Due to its flexibility, the Maxus V80 model was popularly configured as an ambulance, courier van, mobile office and food truck, and was operated not only by the private sector, but also government agencies including the Malaysian Armed Forces, Ministry of Health and Kuala Lumpur City Hall.
“In view of Penang and Langkawi being primed as popular tourist destinations, the Maxus V80 would be an ideal people transporter for hoteliers, tour operators and hire-and-drive companies,” Vikram said at the grand opening of Weststar Maxus’ 8th 3S (showroom, service & spare parts) facility and the unveiling of the latest 2018 Maxus V80 model, here today.
He also said the electric version of the Maxus V80, also known as the EV80 and the Maxus T60 pick-up truck is currently in the conceptual stage, and the first models are expected to be introduced by the first quarter of 2019, alongside the opening of a new 3S facility in Sabah.
Meanwhile, asked about the impact on sales following the abolishment of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), Vikram said there was a sudden spike in the demand for vehicles, which resulted in a surge in the sales performance.
He noted that the price of the Maxus G10 luxury Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) was lower by RM10,000 at RM152,888 after the GST was abolished and more than 100 units sold monthly.
While appreciating the decision by the federal government to abolish the GST and which had given a huge boost to the automobile business, he said it would not last after the Sales & Services Tax (SST) is implemented next month.
He added that Malaysians should start practising being smart consumers by considering all potential factors that can affect value in the long run before making a proper decision on purchasing goods and services.
Founded in 2011, Maxus is a division of SAIC Motor Corp Ltd, the largest auto-maker in China that sold 6.93 million cars last year.
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