Mazda Launches Its New 130,000 Square Feet Showroom cum Malaysian HQ in Glenmarie.

Mazda's local partners Bermaz Motor Sdn Bhd seems pretty committed towards the brand here in Malaysia as they've recently unveiled their largest showroom in this region (Southeast Asia). Four stories tall with two display areas, a workshop and office totalling 130,000 square feet is pretty large for a brand that is only starting its revival locally.

Those that are old enough would remember that Mazda sold in decent numbers in the 1980s with the Mazda 323, 626 and after Proton came along, things got quieter and quieter and quieter for the brand. Only AP or grey imports (RX-7s usually), the Bongo vans and the 4x4 kept Mazda afloat until Bermaz took over a few years ago.

I suppose this is also due to the strength of the Mazda cars – the Mazda 3, Mazda 6 look and drive great and now they're pushing their holistic car concept called SkyActiv, things are bound to be better. SkyActiv is Mazda's total concept for car engineering. They intend to concentrate on building conventional (non hybrid or fuel cell cars) utilizing their know-how and technology to the fullest making the most efficient engines, transmissions, body and chassis. Every efficient part translates to total fuel savings and vehicle efficiency. I personally believe this is quite true as a leaner, meaner car usually gives the best performance.

Anyway, Mazda also believes that hybrid technology means batteries that have toxic chemicals in them (or in their manufacturing processes) and are therefore not as environmentally friendly as they may seem. I see this is actually true especially in Malaysia where we don't even know how our used batteries are disposed. Do we even care?

Mazda also believes that fuel cell technology or other forms of alternative fuel would need lots of investment, and Mazda being Mazda, one of the smaller producers of cars in Japan does not have the financial strength to simply pour money down strange technology at the moment.

Anyway, Mazda's SkyActiv seems like a good bet for this company and one which we will be seeing more in cars like the Mazda CX-5 which was displayed together with the new Mazda BT-50 pickup (no SkyActiv tech here as yet but eventually Mazda will ensure that such technology will trickle down to its diesel cars – very important in European markets where diesel is popular).

So aside from the food, pretty usherttes, an equally gorgeous emcee, string quartet and a kendo display we had the President and CEO of Mazda Mr Takashi Yamanouchi attending the launch together with the Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, Mr Shigeru Nakamura (who incidently arrived in a Lexus – can't blame the chap) as well as chaps from three different Mazda clubs in Malaysia – the Mazda Club, Mazda 3 club and the RX-8 club. The Mazda 3 club president must have spent the whole afternoon doing up his hair and must have used a ton of styling gel in the process. Well dress chap he was anyway, here seen receiving a momento from Mr Yamanouchi .

Anyway, Mazda via Bermaz intends to ensure that its customers get the best Mazda experience they can find outside of Japan. They are currently offering Mazda customers 3 years free maintenance (inclusive of spare parts) and 3 years warranty. Tyres and brake pads aren't covered though. This little gesture enhances their “peaceful ownership experience” promise and actually is pretty good. I somehow think 3 years is good enough as most Malaysians end up changing so many things to their cars after the first few years voiding their supposed 5 year warranty given by some manufacturers here.

So things are fine and dandy on the Malaysian front. Customers get a nice Mazda experience and Mazda hopes to increase their sales to at least 9,000 units per year. They had sold 6,000 units in 2011 and this was a good increase from the tiny 800 or so units sold three years prior, when Bermaz first took over Mazda in Malaysia.

At the press conference which I attended whilst other non-media guest were already busy having dinner, those of us were given the opportunity to ask some questions. We found out that Mazda will launch 8 new models over the next 5 years. All will be SkyActiv based cars which I presume would include the new Mazda MX-5 Miata. No sign of a rotary engined RX-7 or RX-8 replacement soon as when asked, the CEO of Mazda wasn't letting any information leak. He only mentioned that there will be a coupe launched as part of the 8 new models planned.

I personally asked whether Mazda will build budget cars like the Toyota Vios or Honda City. He answered that Mazda will not go the regional specific car route and will focus on quality and build on its current line-up. No sacrifice in quality for more sales. A good thing as I really dont' really like cars like the Vios, City and especially the made specifically for China but sold here Peugeot 207 sedan. We don't need more third world sort of junk.

Go further below to read the official press release and more photos.

MAZDA IS HERE TO STAY

MAZDA LAUNCHES ITS LARGEST SHOWROOM IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

July 13, 2012 - In line with its growing strength and its commitment to the Malaysian market, Mazda has unveiled its spanking new and impressive showroom and corporate headquarters - the very latest 3S centre boasting state-of-the-art facilities and design - in Glenmarie, Shah Alam.

Comprising a massive floor space of 130,000 sq. ft. and spread over four floors, this new showroom facility is the largest Mazda showroom in the Southeast Asia region. Housing two levels of car display areas and an industry standard-setting service centre, this will also be the new headquarters for Mazda in Malaysia.

To underscore the significance of this investment, no less than the President/CEO of Mazda Motors Corporation himself, Mr. Takashi Yamanouchi, flew in from Japan to launch the new multi-million Ringgit facility. The momentous event was witnessed by hundreds of specially invited guests, business partners, members of the media, as well as loyal brand supporters. The dedication event was graced with an impressive guest-list comprising some of the most high-profile people in the industry.

Also present at the launch were the Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia, Mr. Shigeru Nakamura, the Group Chairman of Berjaya Corporation, Dato’ Robin Tan, CEO of Bermaz Motor Sdn Bhd, Dato’ Ben Yeoh, Executive Director of Bermaz Motor, Datuk Francis Lee, as well as Executive Director of Prima Merdu Sdn Bhd, Dato’ Amer Hamzah.

Mr. Yamanouchi in his speech said, “It is a proud moment for us at Mazda Motors Corporation today too as we applaud the success of Berjaya Corporation, Bermaz Motor Sdn Bhd and Prima Merdu Sdn Bhd in further strengthening the brand’s presence in Malaysia with the opening of this new showroom.

“We at Mazda, prioritize our customers’ needs and wants. At the same time we do what we do best to offer our customers nothing less than the best and what we have here today is our promise to our customers…the best showroom,” added Yamanouchi.

Dato’ Robin Tan said, “With this larger showroom, we are now able to display more cars and this will enable the customers the opportunity to get an actual look and feel of the car of their choice. Our aim is to provide convenience for our customers as this showroom also houses a service centre which can simultaneously service up to 30 cars for greater efficiency.”

The launch was preceded by a motorcade of 60 Mazda cars driven by the proud members of various Mazda owners clubs. These lovingly maintained cars added to the impressive array of new Mazda models – the very newest being the Mazda CX-5 and Mazda BT-50 - on strategic display. The presidents of these car clubs, namely the Mazda RX-8 Club, the Mazda 6 Club and the Mazda 3 Club, were then presented with tokens of appreciation by Mr. Yamanouchi in recognition of their support for Mazda.

This latest and very impressive investment by the business partners of Mazda in Malaysia will go a long way in making the ownership of a Mazda vehicle a proud and satisfying endeavour.

About the Mazda CX-5

The new Mazda CX-5 is an award winning eco-friendly yet powerful Crossover SUV with a sophisticated design. It is Mazda's first model featuring the new KODO - Soul of Motion Design - language first shown in the Shinari concept vehicle in May 2010. It is also the first vehicle featuring the Mazda’s revolutionary full SkyActiv Technology suite. The Mazda CX-5 promises an exhilarating Zoom-Zoom performance and handling with greater fuel efficiency without compromising on the driving pleasure.

The Mazda BT-50

The Mazda BT-50 guarantees pure driving pleasure and tough truck performance. A new generation pickup truck, the Mazda BT-50 is powerful yet fuel-efficient. Coupled with car-like suspension and responsive handling characteristics the Mazda BT-50 makes a truly capable and tough, yet sporty and stylish pickup that is set to enhance the owner’s lifestyle. 

Dato' Robin Tan, CEO Berjaya Corp. handing over a token of appreciation to the Ambassador of Japan