INVEST IN GREEN TECHNOOGY, DPM TELLS CAR MAKERS

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 (Bernama) -- Declaring that this is the way advance,
Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has called on Malaysian companies to
invest in developing green and clean technology for vehicles to further develop
the automotive industry in the future.

He said companies could join hands with local universities on research
and development and become leaders in developing green and clean technology.

"It is imperative for the automotive industry to think and plan ahead.
You need to appraise your viability and how you can value add to stay
competitive in the long run," he said in his keynote address at the Second Kuala
Lumpur International Automotive Conference here Tuesday.

He said new product development in the industry was imperative to increase
market share by raising sales.

On the review of of the National Automative Policy (NAP), which will be
completed by third quarter this year, he said special focus would be given in
the development of the automotive parts and components sector.

Muhyiddin said that the review would take into consideration views and
proposals by the industry associations, relevant government ministries and
agencies.

"The review will provide the roadmap for the automotive industry in
Malaysia, to facilitate them in developing their mid and long term plans," he
added.

It would also further improve the existing guidelines, policies and
incentives, taking into account the impact of the current global and regional
economic situation, environmental developments and many other factors affecting
the development of the automotive industry.

Currently, there are more than 690 automotive component manufacturers and
about 110 motorcycle/scooter components manufacturers in the country.

He also said there were 45 vendors with the ability to design and develop,
source components/parts and manufacture the whole module/component for the
vehicle manufacturers.

NAP, which was implemented in 2008, has attracted investments for 135
projects valued at RM2.37 billion. (US$1=RM3.48)
-- BERNAMA