LOCAL NEWS

Next Inokom model will be based on Hyundai Getz

Some 12,000 units of the Getz have already been sold in Malaysia

Inokom, now part of the Sime Darby Group, will add another model to its line-up from mid-2006. The new model is to be based on the Hyundai Getz supermini and will be the company’s fourth model provided under a Technical Licensing Agreement with Hyundai Motor Company.

The other models presently being assembled at the plant in Kulim, Kedah, are the Lorimas (based on the Hyundai Porter), Atos (Hyundai Atoz) and Matrix (Hyundai Matrix). The fourth model presently goes under the codename of ‘TB’ and it is not known if it will use the Getz name or have a more local name.

The Getz is no stranger to Malaysians and since its introduction, some 12,000 units which were imported in CBU form have been sold through Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (previously Hyumal until Sime Darby acquired the company and Hyundai franchise for Malaysia). When it is assembled as an Inokom model, the company expects to sell between 8,000 to 10,000 units a year of 3-door and 5-door variants with 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol engines. It is expected that the model will have at least 40% ASEAN content to qualify for Afta’s preferential tariffs.

While Hyundai has not made a firm commitment on using Malaysia as a production hub for its models for the ASEAN market, Sime Darby is hopeful that the Korean carmaker will consider this country although it is known that Thailand is also being considered. The Kulim plant, which began operations in 1998, has seen total investment of RM180 million to date and has been enlarged and upgraded to assemble the latest models.

The Lorimas (based on the Hyundai Porter) was the first Inokom model licensed by Hyundai, followed by the Atos (right) and the Matrix (lower left).