Perodua invested RM7mil on the 1,600-metric tonne machine which will produce body parts such as bonnets, side outer panels, rear quarter panels, fenders, doors and roofs for past Perodua models like the first-generation Myvi, Viva, Kelisa and even the Kancil.
The dies required to make the past model parts have also been moved to IQM.
This frees up much-needed space in Perodua’s plants, simplifies the entire operation, reduces lead time and cost, and makes it easier to monitor under one roof.
Sdn Bhd president Masanori Takahashi; on his left are Perodua vice-chairman Datuk Shigeharu Toda and Perodua Auto Corp Sdn Bhd vice-president Datuk Ahmad Suhaimi Hashim.
“Perodua’s decision to centralise past model parts production at IQM is four-pronged. One, we want to continue supporting owners of our past models with quality, quick and affordable parts through our Body & Paint business.
“Two, we are committed to empowering all 135 of our Malaysian suppliers, not just by buying from them but helping to develop them via skill and technology transfers. Three, it represents our commitment to boost the competitiveness of the Malaysian automotive eco-system.
“Finally, it represents our commitment to keep improving our quality and efficiency,” said Perodua president and CEO Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad.
IQM has been a Perodua supplier since 2002.
It currently supplies metal stamping, body assembly parts and brake tube components to Perodua.
It began making Viva parts when production of the model ended in 2014, and last year it began making parts for the second-generation Myvi on a dedicated new line.
