Honda Strengthens Its East Malaysian Efforts With New Logistics Hub

Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd has just announced that it has established logistics hubs to serve Sabah and Sarawak. Collectively referred to as the East Malaysia Centralized Distribution Centre, the duo are located in the state capitals of Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.

Aimed at easing the operational activities of Honda dealers, these logistics hubs are together the first step in the company’s expansion roadmap into East Malaysia and will reduce vehicle delivery periods for those areas from nine days to only three days.

Together with wait times being slashed, the quality of the cars that go into customer’s hands will be free from the issues encountered due to logistical transportation and prolonged sun exposure while waiting for delivery such as minor scratches and other paint imperfections.

Honda’s new East Malaysia Logistics Hub will be run by Giga Shipping Sdn Bhd, an established shipping and logistics management company. They will also handle the Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) Management which includes standard key management, stock management, washing bays, anti-theft security, and parking lot management – all to ensure vehicles remain in top condition while in storage.

The company has set itself a target to increase total sales in East Malaysia to over 600 units per month by 2016 and these Logistics Hubs will certainly play a key role in ensuring supply meets demand. Between January and April 2015, Honda Malaysia sold 45% more vehicles compared to the same period the year prior, prompting a plan to strengthen its operations in that region.

To further support dealers and customers there, Honda Malaysia is also in the midst of establishing a regional office, training facilities and parts warehouses in East Malaysia. By March 2016, they expect four new 2S dealers to be opened, complementing the current network of ten 3S dealers within Sabah and Sarawak.