Naza: Scrapping AP to boost car franchise biz

Naza Group of Companies believes that the proposed abolishment of open Approved Permit (AP) by 2015 will further enhance the local car franchise business through more deliveries of premium foreign cars into Malaysia.

Its chief operating officer, Datuk SM Zulkifli SM Amin, said it would open the market, thus allowing more cars to be brought into the country without restrictions.

"This also allows significant contributions from the segment towards nation-building," he said after the sneak preview of Ferrari's first four-seater model, the Ferrari FF, here today.

Nevertheless, he said that bringing in more cars would not ensure higher sales as the high tax currently imposed by the government would be a burden to potential buyers.

Many buyers now opted to purchase premium cars from Singapore as the tax imposed there was lower, he added.

Meanwhile, Zulkifli said Naza had obtained an allocation of 21 Ferrari cars for this year from the manufacturer in Maranello, Italy, and 15 had been delivered.

"Ferrari 458 Italia continues to be the main contributor for this year," he said.

For next year, he expected to bring in 27 Ferrari cars into Malaysia.

The Ferrari FF, estimated to be valued at RM2.8 million, is expected to be first delivered in January 2012. -- Bernama

Agreed bringing in more cars will not only stir up the economy as people start "Buying" but will also encourage car wash business.