Kuantan, 8 August 2008:  Honda Malaysia officially unveiled the Macinda Auto Honda 3S Centre here today, operated by its 54th authorised dealer in Malaysia. The move is part of its expansion drive to extend its nationwide dealership network, so as to cater to increasing demand for Honda products and services throughout the country.

Atsushi Fujimoto, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia said at the launch ceremony: “We have recently increased our sales target from 33,000 to 35,000 units for 2008, in view of positive performance in the first half of this year.  In total, the number of units sold during the first six months stood at 16,769, against 14,177 units sold during the same period last year, representing an 18% increase.”

He continued: “With the fuel price hike in the first half of 2008, consumers in Malaysia are currently looking for cars that offer fuel efficient technology -- a feature that is well-associated with Honda cars.”

“As such, we believe Honda is in a strong position to cater to consumers’ current needs. With the support of our expanding dealership network, we are optimistic that we will meet our increased target for the year,” he added.

According to Fujimoto, the overall sales of Honda cars in Pahang have increased by 75% within the last 5 years. “We believe this growing trend will continue in the future, thereby the reason for Honda to set up another dealership to cater to the increasing number of Honda customers in Pahang”.

The opening of a new 3S Centre is an indicator of Honda Malaysia’s commitment to achieve No. 1 in Customer Satisfaction.  Honda customers in Kuantan now have more access to efficient and prompt after-sales services with a 3S Centre that provides sales, service and spare parts under one roof for their convenience.

At the inaugural launch ceremony, Macinda Auto’s Managing Director, Jonathan Kok Keng Fai, (the newly appointed Authorised Honda Dealer), acknowledged Honda Malaysia for realising its dream of diversifying to a solid and sustainable business by appointing Macinda Auto to be the latest Honda authorised dealer in Malaysia.

“With Honda Malaysia’s guidance, support and leadership, we will strive to provide the best sales and service for Honda products of the highest quality, yet at a reasonable price to ensure the highest satisfaction for our customers,” said Kok.

“We are committed to sell you not only a Honda car, but also happiness.  Your joy of buying will be our joy of selling.  We are also committed to service all Honda cars to the most efficient standards.  Your joy of ownership of a Honda car will be our service priority,” he added.

The 3S concept is a constituent of Honda Malaysia's policy of prioritising customer satisfaction while creating an enjoyable customer experience.  Honda believes that on purchase of a car, a life-long relationship with the customer is forged and therefore building an on-going relationship through after-sales services deserves utmost importance.
 
Since its establishment, Honda Malaysia has been equipping and training its dealers to acquire the 3S status so as to provide a total package of service and convenience to customers nationwide.

To date there are a total of 54 Honda Dealers, of which 51 of them operate Honda 3S Centres nationwide.  Honda Malaysia’s plan is to increase this number to 60 dealerships by 2010.  To this end, the opening of the 3S Centre in Kuantan will be closely followed by new dealerships in Perak, Penang and Sarawak this year.