National motorcycle manufacturer Motosikal Dan Enjin Nasional (MODENAS), part of the DRB-HICOM group had launched the latest Modenas Kriss underbone (moped) motorcycle. The Kriss has been their most popular model over the years and they hope that with the introduction of the new MR2 model to the popular KRISS line-up, it will improve its current market share of the entry level underbone motorcycle segment from 8% to 10% by the end of 2017.
MODENAS believes this is possible due to the MR2's improved specification over the KRISS MR1 (which would still be sold as it is more basic and is MODENAS' entry level bike) and competitive pricing (From RM3,890.00 before GST). Specs seem quite good for a 'kapchai', as we like to call this sort of bike here.
The KRISS MR2 has a bold and modern design, features a rotary gear system for efficiency and the 110cc engine is capable of achieving 6.2kw @ 7,500rpm with 8.2Nm Torque. Other features include sportier and brighter head and tail lamps, while the large 4.5 litre capacity fuel tank makes its capable of covering 200km per full tank (easy for their riders to 'balik kampung' on a single tankful or two at the most if you're talking about within Peninsular Malaysia).
Apart from the larger tank, it also has an extra large luggage compartment of 6.6 litres with a toolkits compartment under the seat (can be used to carry a ladies handbag or a half shell helmet). It also features 17” alloy rim is also fitted with a 2 pot front disc brake for efficient braking. All of these equipment on a motorcycle that costs RM3,890 before GST. Quite good value for one's money in my opinion as it comes with 2 years or 20,000km warranty too.
Now all of this is good. But what interest me is the fact that DRB-HICOM has plans to revitalise MODENAS as a whole. Aside from the target of improving its segment market share from 8% to 10%, MODENAS is also targeting overall total sales of 60,000 units in local and regional markets by year end.
One ongoing task is the building up of its After Sales Service support. MODENAS will be opening its second Training Centre facilities at Subang Service Centre by middle of April 2017 to cater for better support to after sales and its dealers network.
There is also efforts to ramp up production of the Modenas Elegance Scooter, where demand currently outstrips supply. They are aware that larger capacity motorcycles have eaten into the smaller motorcycle market share. Somehow Malaysians are buying larger capacity bikes (over 150cc) and MODENAS is in the midst of addressing this problem by working on its production of the Elegance as well as planning for more larger than 150cc motorcycles.
But the main highlight of the day, which ties into their plans of launching more bikes and more large capacity bike depends on this little surprise thrown into the picture during the press conference. Dato' Abdul Harith Abdullah, COO of Automotive Distribution, Manufacturing & Engineering of DRB-HICOM who was present mentioned that MODENAS was in the midst of finalising a Strategic Partner. It comes as a surprise as currently, DRB-HICOM has their hands full with finalising PROTON'S Foreign Strategic Partner too. This quietly slipped by in some ways. Of course, PROTON is a whole different ballgame, with losses and a larger stake at hand. But this was a surprise nonetheless.
So MODENAS will also have a foreign partner soon according to DRB-HICOM. It makes sense as MODENAS needs to grow from what it is now. It too has lost market share and it has so much underutilised production capability at its Gurun plant. As stated above, it is only looking at selling 60,000 units this year when its plant can be ramped up to make 120,000 motorcycles yearly.
The announcement of MODENAS's foreign partner could be made sometime within the next two months. It could be made before the announcement of PROTON's partnership. It is quite an interesting time to be following the Malaysian automotive industry right now. Things are moving, and very fluid indeed.
PRESS RELEASE
MODENAS TARGETS 10 PERCENT MARKET SHARE BY YEAR END
New generation boasts better specification and value for money
Kuala Lumpur, 6 April 2017: Motosikal Dan Enjin Nasional (MODENAS), a member of DRB-HICOM Berhad believes that the latest generation of the popular KRISS MR1 would improve its market share of the segment to 10 percent by the end of 2017 due to its improved specification and competitive pricing (From RM3,890.00 before GST).
According to Amirudin Abd Kadir, Chief Executive Officer of MODENAS / Edaran Modenas Sdn Bhd (EMOS), the company’s confidence is supported by the demand for a more affordable and value for money vehicle in this current economic scenario.
“We strongly believe that the new Euro 3-compliant 110 cc 4 stroke engine would be attractive to the younger generation who are looking for the perfect balance between power and value for money”, he said.
The KRISS MR2 with its bold and aggressive design, features a rotary gear system and is also a powerful machine with an engine capable of achieving 6.2kw @ 7,500rpm. Other features include sportier head lamps and tail lamp designs, while the large 4.5 litre capacity fuel tank is capable of covering 200km per full tank. Apart from the larger tank, it also has an extra large luggage compartment of 6.6 litres with a toolkits compartment under the seat. The unique 17” alloy rim is also fitted with a front disc brake for an efficient braking.
MODENAS is targeting to achieve overall total sales of 60,000 units in local and regional markets by year end. MODENAS’ technical efficiency in manufacturing ensuring minimal operational cost in the development of the KRISS MR2 which MODENAS is passing the cost savings to customers.
“I am pleased to note that we have successfully increased our manufacturing efficiency and after sales services support, contributing to a substantial reduction of cost, which we are more than happy to transfer to our customers. At MODENAS, we do not compromise on quality and are always aware of the needs of the low to middle income group market in introducing new models or variants”, added Amirudin.
The MR2 is a two tone body colour concept between Sand White with Celebration Red, Strike Blue and Canary Yellow.
Meanwhile, in building up its After Sales Service support, MODENAS will be opening its second Training Centre facilities at Subang Service Centre by middle of April 2017 to cater for better support to after sales and its dealers network.
-end-
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