Most carmakers will stop producing parts for its discontinued models past a certain period of time. Why keep them running since you need customers to buy your newer models, right? Plus, if there’s sufficient demand some other third party will take over.
Nothing beats Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) quality though and Perodua isn’t just any carmaker; its discontinued models are workhorses and serve as the sole source of income for many owners.
As a sign of commitment to its earliest clientele, Perodua has invested a hefty RM7 million in a giant 1,600 metric tonne hydraulic press stamping machine and given it to its vendor to streamline production of components for the discontinued models. Furthermore, a third of the demand for Perodua parts are for discontinued models.
The sum involves purchasing, transportation and installation of the machine at supplier IQM’s facility in Tanjung Malim. Towering about two-storeys high, the press will produce body parts such as bonnets, side outer panels, rear quarter panels, fenders, doors and roofs for discontinued models including the first-gen Myvi, Viva, Kelisa and even the legendary Kancil. To complete the centralisation of the process, all dies have been shifted to IQM as well.
Perodua explains the move is to back the expansion of its vendors capabilities. Part of the initiative will involve skill transfer and training for the discontinued models where necessary. Furthermore, the move also frees up factory space at Perodua’s own facility.
“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 and paint business, because as long as you own a Perodua vehicle; old or new, we’ll always be there for you,” said Perodua chief executive officer and president Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad.
Currently, Perodua is the largest purchaser of local automotive components as 90 per cent of its current models’ source parts locally.