Modenas to restore Gurun plant’s full production capacity

Modenas Karisma 125 scooter

SHAH ALAM: DRB-Hicom’s unit, Motosikal Dan Enjin Nasional Sdn Bhd (Modenas), plans to reinstate its full 120,000-units motorcycle annual production capacity at its Gurun plant to meet increasing demands within the next three years.

DRB-Hicom automotive distribution/manufacturing and engineering chief operating officer Datuk Abdul Harith Abdullah said the plant currently produced 60,000 units annually, and would be stepping up its production with the introduction of newer motorcycle models.

“Modenas motorcycles currently account for about 10% of the automotive segment total revenue which can increase in the future,” he told reporters at the unveiling of the Pulsar and V motorcycle models in Shah Alam on Friday.

Abdul Harith said at full production capacity, the potential revenue for the Gurun plant might reach RM600mil per year.

On the new motorcycle models, he said Modenas had been collaborating with India’s Bajaj Auto Ltd (BAL) to introduce the new models to the Malaysian market.

The three new models, namely V15 (caf and eacute; racer), Pulsar NS 200 (naked street bike) and Pulsar RS 200 (race bike), are priced at RM5,650, RM8,700 and RM10,700, respectively.

Abdul Harith said he expected the latest street bike and cruiser sport offerings to garner 22% market share in the first year, adding that the collaboration with BAL would enable Modenas to penetrate a fresh segment which would continue to grow stronger in years to come.

“BAL is well known for their differentiated product lines, backed by an innovative research and development team and rigorous product testing,” he said.

Abdul Harith said he was confident of the market for the new models, based on steady demand for below 250cc street bikes, for which it boasted a 5% domestic market share in the past three years.

Modenas has a stable motorcycle market share of 8% from the Moped and scooter segment locally, he added. - Bernama