Suzuki and KMSB Motors Join Forces to Unleash "AFAZ" - Malaysia's Motorcycle Marvel
In a groundbreaking move for the Malaysian automotive industry, Suzuki Motor Corporation (Suzuki) has inked a historic agreement with KMSB Motors Sdn. Bhd (KMSB) to supply crucial motorcycle parts for a brand-new Malaysian motorcycle venture - "AFAZ." The signing ceremony, held at the esteemed Prime Minister's Office of Malaysia, marked a pivotal moment in the nation's automotive history and was graced by the presence of the Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, among other distinguished guests.
KMSB, a subsidiary of AFY Mobility Industries Sdn. Bhd., the sole shareholder of Suzuki Malaysia, has taken a bold step into the motorcycle market by announcing the launch of their own brand, "AFAZ." This exciting development reflects Malaysia's commitment to strengthening its presence in the automotive sector and expanding its influence in the international market.
Suzuki, a renowned name in the motorcycle industry, has committed to supplying engine and body parts for "AFAZ" motorcycles, ranging from 110cc to 150cc models. All these components will be sourced from Suzuki's state-of-the-art plants in Southeast Asia and are set to be integrated into the production line starting in the first half of 2024.
President Toshihiro Suzuki expressed his optimism about the partnership, stating, "In addition to sales of motorcycles, Suzuki would like to contribute to the expansion and prosperity of the Malaysian motorcycle market and industry by supplying parts to KMSB." This collaboration represents a significant boost for the Malaysian motorcycle market and emphasizes Suzuki's dedication to fostering growth in the country.
This agreement builds upon the foundation set by the 'Development of Malaysia National Motorcycle Project (AM-2)' in collaboration with Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), an initiative that has been in progress since August 2022. It symbolizes Suzuki's commitment to driving Malaysia's two-wheel automotive industry forward.
Malaysia's motorcycle industry has been on a steady rise, with approximately 718,000 motorcycles sold in 2022. The Suzuki-KMSB partnership is poised to make a profound impact by promoting local manufacturing expertise, strengthening the vendor supply chain, boosting workforce growth, fostering skill-based industry and technological programs, and contributing significantly to the nation's economic development.
The timing of this agreement aligns perfectly with the recent unveiling of The New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) by the Prime Minister on 1st September, 2023. NIMP 2030 is designed to elevate Malaysia's status as a global leader in industrial development, promote domestic linkages to distribute wealth and bolster the nation's position in the global value chain. The manufacturing sector is a linchpin of NIMP 2030, supported by four key enablers that integrate SMEs and drive Malaysia's economic growth.
"AFAZ," the brainchild of KMSB, aspires to revolutionize the motorcycle industry with a strong focus on innovation and design. Backed by its own Research, Development, Commercialization & Innovation (RDCI) team of 20 experts, AFAZ aims to position its motorcycles as significant players in the local market and as formidable contenders on the ASEAN and global stages. AFAZ aims to captivate motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide with its modern and innovative design while complying with international UNECE (WP.29) regulations. 
The Suzuki-KMSB partnership and the birth of "AFAZ" herald a new era for the Malaysian motorcycle industry. As the nation forges ahead on its path to becoming a global automotive leader, "AFAZ" has the potential to become the "Proton" of the motorcycle world, representing Malaysia with pride and innovation on the international stage. Watch this space as the wheels of progress continue to turn, promising an exciting journey ahead for motorcycle enthusiasts and the automotive industry alike.
Image Source: bloomberg , afymobility