Exactly which Honda is set for an imminent local launch however is still an unknown right now.
While the nearly three month lockdown had badly battered Honda’s operations locally, the Japanese automaker however is looking to build back up its business momentum heading into the end of 2021. A slate of attractive offers therefore has been introduced in order to boost interest for its existing lineup, but the bigger news here perhaps is the teaser of a few more new model arrivals before the year is over.
Unfortunately though, Honda Malaysia is still remaining tight lipped as to what exactly which model is launching locally in the last quarter of this year. It is however not exactly hard to predict that the 11th generation Civic is perhaps the likeliest candidate currently, seeing as it has already been launched in both our northern and southern neighbours.
In speaking of our northern neighbours too, the City Hatchback that made its debut in Thailand last year is another likely model to be arriving over here as a replacement for the ageing Jazz. Honda could also very well surprise us all by launching the all-new HR-V locally by the end of this year, which will hence make Malaysia the very first ASEAN nation to be receiving this hotly anticipated crossover.
Putting all these speculations for the future to one side first however and focusing more on the present meanwhile, Honda has recently kicked off its September Special Benefits promotional campaign in conjunction with Malaysia day. Running from the 1st to 30th of September, up to RM6,000 worth of benefits — in the form of “Malaysiaku Bonus” and either an “Extra Rebate” or a “Service Voucher” — are up for grabs on the various models as listed below:
To add to that, Honda Malaysia has also introduced a new Special Financing Program that enables customers who purchase new cars to pay lower monthly instalments during the early stage of their car ownership. The pre-bookings for its cars (from a low price of just RM 99) too have been made easier and more convenient courtesy of its existing Online Pre-Booking Platform, which is accessible through the Honda Malaysia Official Website and HondaTouch smartphone application.
Now it should come as no surprise to anyone that the reason why these attractive incentives are currently coming thick and fast is for Honda to keep the ever-strengthening Toyota at bay from its current top spot in the non-national auto sales spot for another year running. This is particularly when considering that the latter has refreshed nearly its entire local lineup within the past year, as well as finally wading its way into the popular compact crossover market with a competitive car too.
Then again though, Honda has nevertheless had a strong showing when local auto sales eventually resumed in mid-August. No concrete figures have been released thus far, but the Japanese automaker has stated that the ever-popular City has made up 35% of its sales that month. The Civic, Accord, HR-V and CR-V on the other hand have also continued their respective segment leadership position last month; with 72%, 36%, 71% and 24% of the segment market share respectively.
Commenting about this recent turn of events, Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Madoka Chujo said, “We sincerely thank all the frontliners who put their lives on the line to save people and protect the health and safety of Malaysians. With their dedication and everybody’s cooperation, we believe better days will be here again. The first half of 2021 was challenging due the extended lockdown and uncertainties after seeing a surge in COVID-19 cases. We are most appreciative of the Government’s support in reopening the automotive sector that allows the business chain to operate under strict observance of SOPs. In the run up to commencing our operations, we undertook careful planning and stringent actions to ensure that all precautionary and preventive measures are strictly followed to protect our customers and associates. These include COVID-19 tests for our associates every two weeks, regular sanitisation and disinfection of the premises.”
Ms. Chujo continued, “We are pleased that 80% of Honda associates have been fully vaccinated as part of our effort to help curb the spread of COVID-19. This effort was also accelerated by the Public-Private Partnership COVID-19 Industry Immunisation Programme (PIKAS). As the nation is making great progress with the vaccination programme, we target to complete full vaccination of all our associates by October 2021.”
“In our plans to regain the momentum and set a new benchmark in the market, Honda Malaysia has lined up new models that feature Honda’s Next Generation Advanced Technology to be launched in the coming months. These launches will provide Malaysians with more new model options during the current sales tax exemption period, which has been extended to 31st December 2021,” Ms. Chujo added.
PRESS RELEASE: Honda Malaysia (or the Company) is gearing up to regain its business momentum in the last four months of 2021 with plans to launch new models, financial initiatives and promotion campaigns.
The Company is ready to shift into a higher gear as the automotive industry reopens under the National Recovery Plan (NRP), and Honda Malaysia’s manufacturing plant in Melaka and the showrooms at dealerships have commenced its operations. At the manufacturing facility, the Company is taking necessary measures to maintain its car production at the highest standard, ensuring customers’ demands are fulfilled in a timely manner with the delivery of high-quality products. Extra vigilance and precautionary measures have been implemented in addition to the continued SOPs and Government guidelines at the dealerships and manufacturing plant to ensure a safe environment that can provide extra confidence and assurance to customers and Honda associates.
Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Madoka Chujo said, “We sincerely thank all the frontliners who put their lives on the line to save people and protect the health and safety of Malaysians. With their dedication and everybody’s cooperation, we believe better days will be here again. The first half of 2021 was challenging due the extended lockdown and uncertainties after seeing a surge in COVID-19 cases. We are most appreciative of the Government’s support in reopening the automotive sector that allows the business chain to operate under strict observance of SOPs. In the run up to commencing our operations, we undertook careful planning and stringent actions to ensure that all precautionary and preventive measures are strictly followed to protect our customers and associates. These include COVID-19 tests for our associates every two weeks, regular sanitisation and disinfection of the premises.”
Ms. Chujo continued, “We are pleased that 80% of Honda associates have been fully vaccinated as part of our effort to help curb the spread of COVID-19. This effort was also accelerated by the Public-Private Partnership COVID-19 Industry Immunisation Programme (PIKAS). As the nation is making great progress with the vaccination programme, we target to complete full vaccination of all our associates by October 2021.”
“In our plans to regain the momentum and set a new benchmark in the market, Honda Malaysia has lined up new models that feature Honda’s Next Generation Advanced Technology to be launched in the coming months. These launches will provide Malaysians with more new model options during the current sales tax exemption period, which has been extended to 31st December 2021,” Ms. Chujo added.
In addition to reduced prices with the tax incentive, Honda Malaysia is elevating the joy of buying a Honda car with its September Special Benefits promotion from 1st until 30th September 2021. This campaign celebrates Malaysia Day with up to RM6,000 worth of benefits for customers to enjoy. At the same time, Honda Malaysia has also introduced a financial initiative – Special Financing Program that will be ongoing until 31st December 2021, to make owning a Honda car easier with peace of mind. This initiative allows customers who purchase new cars to pay lower monthly instalments during the early stage of their car ownership.
Honda Malaysia has made it more convenient and easier for customers to pre-book their preferred Honda car through an Online Pre-Booking Platform. Available on the Honda Malaysia Official Website and HondaTouch application, this platform enables customers to pre-book any Honda model at anytime and anywhere, including from the comfort of their home, with a minimum fee of just RM99. The HondaTouch application also benefits Honda customers with faster and simpler after-sales services appointment process prior to visiting the dealerships. The platform and application help prevent long waiting time.
The Company is grateful to Malaysians for their strong support of the Honda brand especially during these difficult times. The strong customer trust has led to an encouraging sales momentum earlier this year, which contributed to the Company reaching its 1 millionth sale unit milestone in March 2021. In terms of model sales performance, the City was one of Malaysians’ favourite B-segment sedans, contributing 35% to the Honda Malaysia total sales as at August 2021. The Civic, Accord, HR-V and CR-V have continued their respective segment leadership position with 72%, 36%, 71% and 24% of the segment market share respectively.
Honda Malaysia understands and empathises with the struggles that society is going through, hence the Company has reached out to assist local communities who are facing hardships due to the pandemic and prolonged lockdown. The Company undertook several initiatives to help the communities in need, which in line with Honda’s aim to be a company that society wants to exist. These initiatives include contributing packs comprising food, beverages and personal care products to patients under quarantine, providing the BR-V to staff at the Low-Risk Treatment Centre (PKRC) in the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) for daily commute, and distributing necessities to six charity homes to bring joy to the residents.
Embracing Honda’s “Challenging Spirit”, Honda Malaysia will remain resilient and continue to give its full support to the automotive industry and nation’s economic recovery.
Customers can log onto prebook.honda.com.my to pre-book a Honda model, or visit Honda authorised dealerships. For more information, customers can log onto www.honda.com.my or call Honda Malaysia’s Toll-Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or download the HondaTouch application.
