Suzuki Jimny to launch in Malaysia in H2 2021, regular Swift on the cards

Naza Eastern Motors, the newly-appointed distributor for Suzuki vehicles in Malaysia, has mentioned that they will be launching another model by H2 2021, which we believe to be the Suzuki Jimny. It could be joined by the regular Suzuki Swift next year.

"We will bring in another model, which is a very popular model within the Suzuki range," Naza Group CEO for Automotive Division Datuk Nik Hamdam Nik Hassan told The Edge. He did not elaborate on the model, but the said model could be the fourth-generation Suzuki Jimny. 

Also Read: RM 200k Suzuki Jimny sold out in Thailand, what about Malaysia?

The recently-launched Swift Sport, plus the upcoming Jimny will complete the iconic line-up from Suzuki, but that won’t be all, as Naza could be introducing lower variants of the Swift from next year onwards. “For those who cannot afford a MINI Cooper, for example, the Swift Sport can be had for just a quarter or half the price. So, it has a strong following, and from there, we can always bring in the lower variants from next year,” he said.

Also Read: 2021 Suzuki Swift Sport launched in Malaysia, priced at RM 140k, 1.4T with 140 PS and 230 Nm

Regionally (barring Singapore, which gets a mild-hybrid), the ZC63S Suzuki Swift is only available with a naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (K12M) that outputs 84 PS and 113 Nm, mated either to a five-speed manual or a CVT-type automatic.

Nik Hamdam added that Naza is not looking to invest into local assembly (CKD) operations for the time being. “CBU will allow you to bring in more models to the market. It can be more expensive, but it doesn’t stop you from bringing in more models. For CKD, you have to be a bit selective, because you need volume consistency for production,” he said.

He added that by focusing on a CBU line-up, the investments required would not be as massive as running local assembly operations.

That being said, Nik Hamdam did not discount the possibility of CKD operations in Malaysia. “In the long run, maybe after two to three years, CKD operations may need to be looked at because Suzuki is something that we can grow, and by having more models in the market, I think CKD will be an option,” he added.

Also Read: After losses with Kia, Peugeot, and Citroen, can Naza do better with Suzuki?

Starting Suzuki’s CKD operations would require discussions with the principal, as Suzuki runs two production facilities in this region, one in Thailand and the other in Indonesia. The ASEAN Free Trade Agreement would allow for low import duties.