Accord 2.4 VTi-L
The D segment of the market is fiercely contested by all car marques as it makes a statement for the manufacturer and their capability. This segment also has a large pool of brands like the Sonata, Camry, Teana, Mazda6, Peugeot 407 and more. So, to stay relevant in this market, the model has to make a substantial offer to ensure and hold-on to its market share. The 8th generation Accord due to its pedigree and brand loyalty has always been a main player in this segment. It is packaged to meet the high expectation of customers who are actually spoilt for choices.
Sime Darby Auto Connexion is the one of automotive subsidiaries of the Sime Darby conglomerate which actually does not require much explanation. This Group is a main pillar of the Malaysian corporate scene with interests in many industries like plantation, utility & energy, healthcare and automotive regionally. Recently, it has been hitting the headlines of most media due to their purchase of the high profile Battersea power station in London for redevelopment. Sime Darby Auto Connexion was set-up in 2008 to be the sole importer and distributor of the Ford brand after a major internal reorganisation. In the last few years, the Ford brand has been making a steady resurgence with their market share continually growing. This trend will be more intensified with the launch of this new Ranger and a number of new models.
Sime Darby is one of the pioneer conglomerates in the Malaysian corporate sector as it was set-up in 1910 and now operates in 20 countries. They are involved in a number of industries notably utility & energy, plantation, automotive and healthcare. Their involvement in the automotive industry entails with a number of marques locally in Malaysia and around the region as well. The Sime Darby Auto Connexion subsidiary was established in 2008 to be the sole distributor for the Ford brand after a major rationalization exercise. Although it was set-up only 3 years ago, it is capably managed by industry professional with vast experience. It was set-up with the aim of taking the brand to the next level of growth and a larger slice of the market.
The Mazda brand was a very popular one in the bygone days and over time, the dealership had changed hands from Cycle & Carriage to now Bermaz Motor Sdn Bhd. In the last 2 years, in the able hands of the new Bermaz Motor, the brand had made very decent in-roads in the market place mainly in the premium segment. This means small volumes and to be serious player with bigger volume, the right product had to be introduced. The 1.5-litre segment had always delivered large volumes and a decent product with the right price is bound to achieve good numbers. With the market still in the phase of down grading and ever looking for value, the 1.5-litre category will see growth in the next few years.
The gloom around the world seems to have set-in and this one appears to be of the long haul type that will affect anyone and everyone. In this climate, companies are forced to re-look at the car benefits of the employees with the view of managing costs. Therefore, whether it is by design or just timing, this new 3rd generation City was launched. The 2nd generation City had its share of fans and critics so, the arrival of this City was very much on the cards for quite some time. As an entry level model for Honda plus also some of the other Japanese marques and the cost conscious market place, this segment is increasing proving to be the bread and butter of these companies. Meaning, its importance and the survival of the marques in this segment could mean surviving the ‘storm’ or doom for them.