Ford Motor Company has announced it would begin assembly of the Ford Transit, in collaboration with Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), at Sime Darby’s Inokom facility in Kulim, Kedah. Starting early next year, the plant will assemble the Ford Transit, which will be sold domestically to meet customer demands for high-quality, reliable and affordable light commercial vehicles in Malaysia.
The Inokom facility has passed stringent evaluations and quality standards set by Ford Motor Company’s engineering and manufacturing teams, to ensure the plant meets Ford-certified specifications. “This new collaboration with SDAC for local vehicle assembly builds on the strength of our long-term partnership and reaffirms Ford’s commitment to the Malaysian market,” said David Westerman, regional manager, Asia Pacific Emerging Markets Group, Ford Motor Company.
“Local assembly of the Transit will help build our strategic growth plan for Malaysia, and allow us to introduce another global Ford vehicle which will serve our customers with vehicles they want and value,” he added. Introduction of the Transit will allow Ford to enter another new vehicle segment in the thriving Malaysian market and build on its expanding Ford line-up, which has driven overall sales up more than 75 percent this year and nearly doubled Ford’s market share.
“This collaboration for local assembly of the Transit is the latest proof point in our ongoing, successful partnership with Ford. It also represents our continued investment in the development and success of the Malaysian automotive industry,” said Dennis Ho, managing director, Sime Darby Motors, Malaysia region.
“The Transit is a perfect addition for commercial businesses that are seeking further advantages and efficiencies to support their growth,” added Ho.
The Ford Transit heads to Malaysia
A proven workhorse throughout Europe and Asia over the past five decades, the Ford Transit brings another quality, high value-for-money vehicle to the Malaysian market. As expected from a Ford vehicle, the Transit will set a new benchmark for durability and dependability.
The Transit is available in two variants – the 13-seat Window Van 370L and the Panel Van 350L, both in high roof and powered by a 2.2L TDCi engine mated with a six-speed manual transmission. Offering an impressive carrying capacity, an array of versatile applications and particularly low running costs, the Transit aims to be the most efficient vehicle in its class.
For more information about Ford in Malaysia, visit www.ford.net.my or visit the Ford Malaysia Facebook page at facebook.com/FordMalaysia.
Text & images courtesy of Ford.
