APPOINTMENT OF NEW PRESIDENT & CEO OF MBM RESOURCES BERHAD
OUTLOOK for your products/services in 2007?
Based on recent trends, motor vehicle sales have remained weak and do not show an immediate prospect of a recovery.
However, I am of the view that there are several factors which are positive as we enter the new year: the cost of borrowing (interest rates) appears to have peaked, oil prices have come off from their recent highs and the stock market performance is positive, which will have a tendency of spurring consumer spending due to the wealth created.
All these help create the right conditions for a recovery in sales in 2007.
We recognise the fast changing marketplace. We will continue to leverage on strong relationship with our partners to produce competitive and quality products that the market wants.
I believe the MBM Resources group of companies is well positioned in its specific target markets and will strive to maintain its market leadership.
Your hopes on the growth of the company next year?
I look forward to building on what we have achieved this year. After recent acquisitions, the group is now represented across the various segments of the motor vehicle industry, from compact (Perodua) to luxury cars (Volvo), and from light (Daihatsu & Hino) to heavy (Hino) commercial vehicles.
We are market leaders in our respective market segments.
Additionally, our manufacturing subsidiaries, which have played an important supporting role to the domestic car companies, are constantly striving for improved efficiency.
As our growth is essentially dependent on the domestic economy, my optimism for the Malaysian economy for 2007 must therefore augur well for the group’s growth prospects.
Additionally, we will have some new products as well as enhanced existing ones, to be launched next year. It is going to be quite an exciting year for the group as a whole.
Your hopes on support from the Government?
The group must be competitive, not only in the domestic market but in the bigger context of the foreign market.
On the supply side, we look to the Government to provide an environment conducive for the industry to develop and thrive to world standards.
On the demand side, the overhang in the used car market and difficulties in obtaining financing will have to be addressed.
Have you achieved personal ambitions and company targets? Where are you so far?
The MBM Resources group consists of very established names in the motor vehicle industry and some have been brought under the group’s fold in recent years. Each and every one of the companies has its unique strengths.
Integrating the group, and yet recognising the individuality of the companies, is a challenge.
To establish a strong and sustained growth path for the group, we need to identify these strengths and build on them. This process is ongoing, as we have to adapt to new market conditions.
The base is set for the group to become a significant player in Malaysia’s motor vehicle industry.
Your wish list for the business and for the Malaysian economy next year?
I have only one wish – confidence. I wish for businesses and consumers to start the New Year with renewed confidence. We have to look to the future positively.
With confidence, we expect consumption to pick up. With confidence in the outlook for the economy, we expect businesses to invest and expand.
I therefore look to 2007 with confidence that it will be a good year for our business and the Malaysian economy as a whole!
About MBMR
MBMR is one of the leading automotive groups in Malaysia, carrying brands such as Perodua, Volvo, Volkswagen, Daihatsu and Hino under their umbrella. The Group is also involved in various automotive component manufacturing and tire assembly.
