Naza
Naza Group of Companies is a Malaysian business conglomerate associated with motor trading, automotive franchises, property development, food and beverage and hotel management. The group began operations in 1975 as a motor trading company. The group has business divisions including vehicle and bike distribution, motor-trading, manufacturing, property development, food and beverage, hospitality, transport services, limousine services, automotive education, plantations, cigarette distribution, credit & leasing and insurance. The group was founded and led by Malaysian business tycoon Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin SM Amin until his death on May 1, 2008.
Naza Group is the franchise holder for Ferrari, Maserati, Kia Motors, Peugeot, Chevrolet, Citroën, Brabus, Ducati, Harley Davidson, Piaggio, Vespa,Aprilia, Gilera and Indian Motorcycle brands in Malaysia. Naza has marketed rebadged versions of Kia's Carnival, Carens, Picanto vehicles as Naza Ria, Naza Citra, and Naza Suria respectively for Malaysian market. In April 2006, Naza developed the Naza Sutera based on Hafei Lobo. It was joined by a Naza-badged version of the Peugeot 206 called the Naza 206 Bestari in May 2006, and a Naza-badged version of the Kia Picanto called Naza Picanto in November 2006.
In 2003, a subsidiary for the group, Naza Bikes, established an RM30 million bike manufacturing plant in Shah Alam, Selangor. The plant produces a wide range of bikes including scooters and superbikes. Bikes assembled at the plant have also been exported to Iran and Brunei.
In May 2004, the group began operations at a RM500 million manufacturing plant in Gurun, Kedah for the local assembly of Kia Motors vehicles. Today, the plant produces Kia Motors and Peugeot vehicles for both Malaysia and selected markets in the Asean region.
In August 2005, Naza opened its doors to a new automotive showroom which became the company's landmark - Naza Auto Mall and has won a mention in the Malaysia Book of Records for being the largest motor showroom in the country.
Naza Group is the franchise holder for Ferrari, Maserati, Kia Motors, Peugeot, Chevrolet, Citroën, Brabus, Ducati, Harley Davidson, Piaggio, Vespa,Aprilia, Gilera and Indian Motorcycle brands in Malaysia. Naza has marketed rebadged versions of Kia's Carnival, Carens, Picanto vehicles as Naza Ria, Naza Citra, and Naza Suria respectively for Malaysian market. In April 2006, Naza developed the Naza Sutera based on Hafei Lobo. It was joined by a Naza-badged version of the Peugeot 206 called the Naza 206 Bestari in May 2006, and a Naza-badged version of the Kia Picanto called Naza Picanto in November 2006.
In 2003, a subsidiary for the group, Naza Bikes, established an RM30 million bike manufacturing plant in Shah Alam, Selangor. The plant produces a wide range of bikes including scooters and superbikes. Bikes assembled at the plant have also been exported to Iran and Brunei.
In May 2004, the group began operations at a RM500 million manufacturing plant in Gurun, Kedah for the local assembly of Kia Motors vehicles. Today, the plant produces Kia Motors and Peugeot vehicles for both Malaysia and selected markets in the Asean region.
In August 2005, Naza opened its doors to a new automotive showroom which became the company's landmark - Naza Auto Mall and has won a mention in the Malaysia Book of Records for being the largest motor showroom in the country.
Founded
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1975
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Headquarters
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Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Key people
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Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin SM Amin, (Founder)
Datuk Wira SM Faisal, (Joint Group
Executive Chairman)
SM Nasarudin, (Joint Group Executive
Chairman)
Puan Sri Zaleha Ismail, (Director),
SM Faliq, (Director)
Nur Diana, (Director)
Nur Nadia, (Director)
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Website
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History
Early Years
The Naza Group of Companies began with the establishment of Naza Motor Trading Sdn Bhd in 1975 as an importer of used and reconditioned cars in Malaysia by the late Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin SM Amin. At just 21, he utilized his savings, earned from helping his father’s construction business, to import used Japanese vehicles.
After selling off his entire stock within three-months, Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin began a dealership for used luxury vehicles in Kuala Lumpur. Within several years, the group established itself as a major dealer of used luxury vehicles in Malaysia. The group also included the importation of used luxury bikes.
After selling off his entire stock within three-months, Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin began a dealership for used luxury vehicles in Kuala Lumpur. Within several years, the group established itself as a major dealer of used luxury vehicles in Malaysia. The group also included the importation of used luxury bikes.
Kia Motors, Ducati, Brabus
By the late 90s, the Naza Group, expanded its business to include automotive distribution after capturing its first franchise from South Korean carmaker, Kia Motors Corp. In 2000, the Naza Group’s extended its portfolio to include the distribution of luxury motorcycles after being appointed as the exclusive distributor for the Ducati brand in Malaysia.
By 2001, the Naza Group became a full-fledged auto assembler with the introduction of the locally-assembled, Kia Spectra. Several locally-assembled Kia models that were subsequently launched such as the Naza Ria MPV, the Sorento and the Sportage quickly became market leaders in their respective segments.In the same year, the Naza Group captured its second franchise after it was appointed as the exclusive distributor of Brabus-tuned cars.
By 2001, the Naza Group became a full-fledged auto assembler with the introduction of the locally-assembled, Kia Spectra. Several locally-assembled Kia models that were subsequently launched such as the Naza Ria MPV, the Sorento and the Sportage quickly became market leaders in their respective segments.In the same year, the Naza Group captured its second franchise after it was appointed as the exclusive distributor of Brabus-tuned cars.
Manufacturing
With demand for locally-assembled Kias increasing, the Naza Group started works on its very own automotive manufacturing facility in Gurun, Kedah in September 2002. In 2003, the Naza Group commenced operations of a RM30 million motorcycle manufacturing plant in Shah Alam, Selangor to assemble a wide range of bikes including scooters and superbikes.
By May 2004, the RM500 million manufacturing facility in Gurun- known as Naza Automotive Manufacturing (NAM) - commenced operations by rolling out a Naza Ria MPV.
At the same time, the Naza Group began to rapidly expand its motor-trading business. In 2005, it launched the Naza Automall in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, which is the largest showroom in Malaysia. With a built-up area of 250,414 square feet and the capacity to display 2,000 cars, the Naza Automall symbolized the group’s status as the largest importer of used and re-conditioned luxury and high-end vehicles in Malaysia.
The group’s foray into manufacturing into NAM also led to the launch of the Naza 206 Bestari, which was the result of a joint venture with Automobiles Peugeot, and the group’s first ever car, the Naza Sutera in 2006.
By May 2004, the RM500 million manufacturing facility in Gurun- known as Naza Automotive Manufacturing (NAM) - commenced operations by rolling out a Naza Ria MPV.
At the same time, the Naza Group began to rapidly expand its motor-trading business. In 2005, it launched the Naza Automall in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, which is the largest showroom in Malaysia. With a built-up area of 250,414 square feet and the capacity to display 2,000 cars, the Naza Automall symbolized the group’s status as the largest importer of used and re-conditioned luxury and high-end vehicles in Malaysia.
The group’s foray into manufacturing into NAM also led to the launch of the Naza 206 Bestari, which was the result of a joint venture with Automobiles Peugeot, and the group’s first ever car, the Naza Sutera in 2006.
Peugeot, Ferrari, Harley-Davidson, Maserati
In 2008, the group added more brands to its portfolio. In January, it was appointed the sole distributor for the Peugeot brand followed by Ferrari in April and Harley-Davidson in October. By 2009, it added the Italian luxury brand, Maserati, to its portfolio.
As the distributor for Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia, the Naza Group began assembling Peugeots at NAM in Gurun. By that time, vehicles produced at Gurun were also being exported to neighbouring countries in Asean which established the group’s credentials as a manufacturer that could meet international standards.
In 2010, Automobiles Peugeot announced it would partner the Naza Group in establishing a manufacturing hub for the former at the latter’s plant in Gurun for right-hand drive markets in the Asean region. The announcement marked the first time a foreign carmaker had chosen to make Malaysia its hub for the region.
It can be seen as the success of Naza is based on it ability to get AP. Nasimuddin was implicated in the AP controversy of 2005, when he was dubbed the "AP King". It was claimed that he and three other prominent businessmen were monopolising the issuance of Approved Permits (APs). APs are government-issued permits to import cars for bumiputras. The practice of APs helped shift dominance of the car import industry from the ethnic Chinese to the Malays.
As the distributor for Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia, the Naza Group began assembling Peugeots at NAM in Gurun. By that time, vehicles produced at Gurun were also being exported to neighbouring countries in Asean which established the group’s credentials as a manufacturer that could meet international standards.
In 2010, Automobiles Peugeot announced it would partner the Naza Group in establishing a manufacturing hub for the former at the latter’s plant in Gurun for right-hand drive markets in the Asean region. The announcement marked the first time a foreign carmaker had chosen to make Malaysia its hub for the region.
It can be seen as the success of Naza is based on it ability to get AP. Nasimuddin was implicated in the AP controversy of 2005, when he was dubbed the "AP King". It was claimed that he and three other prominent businessmen were monopolising the issuance of Approved Permits (APs). APs are government-issued permits to import cars for bumiputras. The practice of APs helped shift dominance of the car import industry from the ethnic Chinese to the Malays.
Chevrolet, Piaggio, Aprilia, Vespa, Gilera
2010 was another active year for the group as it added several more brands to its stable. In March, it won the exclusive rights to distribute the Chevrolet brand in Malaysia from General Motors.
By May, it expanded its motorcycle division by entering into an agreement with the Piaggio Group. Under the agreement, the Naza Group was given exclusive rights to distribute the Piaggio, Aprilia, Vespa and Gilera brands in Malaysia.
By May, it expanded its motorcycle division by entering into an agreement with the Piaggio Group. Under the agreement, the Naza Group was given exclusive rights to distribute the Piaggio, Aprilia, Vespa and Gilera brands in Malaysia.
Indian Motorcycle
In 2011, the Naza Group added another brand to its stable: Indian Motorcycle. With Indian Motorcycle, the Naza Group became a premium player in the big bikes market in Malaysia. It has also cemented the group's position as one of the largest bike importers and distributors in Malaysia.
Citroën
In 2013, the Naza Group announced that its subsidiary, Naza Euro Motors, had been appointed as the official distributor for the Citroën brand in Malaysia. Through the appointment, the Naza Group now represents both major brands of the PSA Peugeot Citroën group in Malaysia.
Naza TTDI
Outside of the automotive and motorcycle industry, the Naza Group is actively involved in property development, food and beverage, hotel management and education. In 2001, the group acquired TTDI Development Sdn Bhd to become a full-fledged property developer which was well known for the development of the acclaimed township of Taman Tun Dr Ismail.
Since then, Naza TTDI has grown into one of the leading property developers in Malaysia winning numerous awards for its development. It has completed over 14,000 residential and commercial units.
It is currently developing the iconic RM4 billion Platinum Park, a world-class high-end integrated residential and commercial development in the prestigious Kuala Lumpur City Centre. The company is developing the RM15 billion KL Metropolis project which will house the new MATRADE Exhibition and Convention Centre.
Since then, Naza TTDI has grown into one of the leading property developers in Malaysia winning numerous awards for its development. It has completed over 14,000 residential and commercial units.
It is currently developing the iconic RM4 billion Platinum Park, a world-class high-end integrated residential and commercial development in the prestigious Kuala Lumpur City Centre. The company is developing the RM15 billion KL Metropolis project which will house the new MATRADE Exhibition and Convention Centre.
Naza Talyya Hotels, Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor Hotel, Howard Johnson Inn Torrance
Under the late Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, the Naza Group also ventured into the hotel management industry. In the late 90s it acquired the Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor Hotel and the Howard Johnson Inn Torrance in California, USA. In 2002, the Naza Group acquired hotels in Penang, Melaka and Johor Bahru. These three hotels were later re-branded under the name, Naza Talyya Hotels, in 2010.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co, Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt, Gyu Kaku
The Naza Group entered the food and beverage industry in 2008 after capturing the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co franchise for Malaysia. In 2009, it expanded its food and beverage portfolio to include the Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt brand. The group became the master license holder for the franchise in Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Brunei and Thailand. It currently has over 100 outlets in Malaysia as well as outlets in Singapore, Cambodia, Brunei and Thailand. In 2012, the Naza Group expanded its F&B portfolio to include Gyu Kaku, a globally-renown Yakiniku restaurant chain.
Education
The group has also had a strong commitment in the field of education. In 2006, the group established the Naza Kia Academy (NKA) by its manufacturing facility in Gurun, Kedah. NKA offers sales and after-sales training to all employees of the Naza Group particularly in developmental and technical-related programs.
The academy is also recognised by Kia Motors as its overseas training centre in the Asia Pacific region. In 2009, NKA began offering executive diploma in automotive management and executive diploma in manufacturing management process programmes. These diploma programmes were offered in collaboration with the UK’s Society of Business Practitioners. In that same year, the Naza Group signed a collaboration agreement with US-based Motorola University to offer executive development programmes the group’s employees.
In 2011, the Naza Group entered into a joint venture with HELP International Corporation Bhd to establish a college of automotive and transportation management in Malaysia. The joint venture, which has been named, College of Automotive Transportation (CATM), is targeting to launch campuses in Gurun and Selayang, Selangor in 2012. NKA’s facility in Gurun will serve as CATM’s campus there. Among the courses to be offered include Diploma in Automotive Technology and a Diploma in Motorsport Technology.
The academy is also recognised by Kia Motors as its overseas training centre in the Asia Pacific region. In 2009, NKA began offering executive diploma in automotive management and executive diploma in manufacturing management process programmes. These diploma programmes were offered in collaboration with the UK’s Society of Business Practitioners. In that same year, the Naza Group signed a collaboration agreement with US-based Motorola University to offer executive development programmes the group’s employees.
In 2011, the Naza Group entered into a joint venture with HELP International Corporation Bhd to establish a college of automotive and transportation management in Malaysia. The joint venture, which has been named, College of Automotive Transportation (CATM), is targeting to launch campuses in Gurun and Selayang, Selangor in 2012. NKA’s facility in Gurun will serve as CATM’s campus there. Among the courses to be offered include Diploma in Automotive Technology and a Diploma in Motorsport Technology.
Automotive companies
- Naza Motor Trading Sdn Bhd
- Naza Italia (Ferrari and Maserati distributor)
- Naza Kia Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Kia distributor)
- Nasim Sdn Bhd (Malaysia Peugeot distributor)
- Naza Quest Sdn Bhd (Chevrolet distributor)
- Naza-Brabus Motor Sdn Bhd (Distributor of Brabus-tuned cars)
- Next Bike Sdn Bhd (Ducati distributor)
- Naza Prestige Bikes Sdn Bhd (Harley-Davidson distributor)
- Naza Premira Sdn Bhd (Piaggio, Vespa, Aprilia and Gilera distributor)
- Naza Automotive Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (Manufacturing arm, producing Kia & Peugeot models)
- Naza Bikes Sdn Bhd (Bike manufacturing arm)
- Harmony Fabulous Sdn Bhd (Indian Motorcycle distributor)
- Naza Corporation Sdn Bhd
- NZ Wheels Sdn Bhd (Mercedes-Benz dealership)
- Naza Wheels Sdn Bhd (Mazda dealership)
- Naza Marine Sdn Bhd (Sea Doo)
- Naza Mekar Sdn Bhd (Perodua dealership)
- El Hyosung Bikes Sdn Bhd
- Naza Bikers Dream Sdn Bhd
- Prestige Limo (Luxury limousine services)
- NZ Galaxy Sdn Bhd(Cars Accessories & Parts)
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| A Ferrari Enzo in Naza World |
Property development companies and hotels
- Naza TTDI Sdn Bhd
- Naza Properties Sdn. Bhd.
- Naza Talyya Penang
- Naza Talyya Melaka
- Howard Johnson, Torrance, CA
- Crowne Plaza Hotel, San Pedro, CA
Transportation/Insurances/Financial Services
- NAZA Transport Sdn Bhd(UnReg. Cars Movers)
- NAZA Coverage Sdn Bhd(Motor Insurance Agent-Kurnia Ins./Takaful Ikhlas)
- NAZA Credit & Leasing Sdn Bhd
- ZALNAS Credit & Leasing Sdn. Bhd.
- NAZA Ventures Sdn. Bhd.(Airport LIMO & TAXI (Executive))
Food and Beverage companies
- NZ Diners Sdn Bhd (Franchise holder for Bubba Gump Shrimp Co chain in Malaysia)
- Naza Tutti Frutti (Malaysia)Sdn Bhd (Master license holder for the Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt chain in Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Brunei and Thailand)
CKD models produced at Naza Automotive Manufacturing
- Kia Forte
- Kia Spectra
- Kia Optima
- Kia Sportage
- Kia Spectra5
- Naza Ria (rebadged Kia Carnival)
- Naza Citra (rebadged Kia Carens (second generation))
- Naza Citra II Rondo (rebadged Kia Carens (third generation))
- Naza Sorento (rebadged Kia Sorento)
- Naza Forza (rebadged Hafei Lobo, previously known as Naza Sutera)
- Naza 206 Bestari (rebadged Peugeot 206)
- Naza Picanto (rebadged Kia Picanto, previously known as Naza Suria)
- Peugeot 407
- Peugeot 308
- Peugeot 207
- Peugeot 3008
- Peugeot 408
- Peugeot 508
.jpg "Naza Ria (first generation)") |
| Naza Ria (first generation) |
Naza Vendor Park development (Gurun, Kedah)
A host of vendors have been appointed in a vendor park opposite Naza Automotive Manufacturing (NAM) in Gurun, Kedah. These include:
- Ace Polymers
- CNA Manufacturing (seats)
- Hicom Teck See (plastic injection)
- Sapura Brake Tech
- DK Leather
- Jackspeed
- United Vehicle Industries (exhaust and tubing)
- Combat Coating
- RQ Engineering
- KPNK Automotive
- Nawabel Coating Sdn Bhd (Kopong Bin Hormon & Tuan Haji Satari Bin Sadak)
- Sipro plastic Industries
A total of 15 vendors are located in Gurun. 11 more are located in the areas surrounding Gurun (Jitra, Sg. Petani & Kulim). Other Malaysian vendors amount to 58, bringing the total to 84. Of these, 63 are established vendors and 21 were newly developed to support NAM.
Great to see this helpful poat of Kia Malaysia!
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