Couldnt resist posting up this piece of news...

my 2 sen, this will depress the current crazy 2nd hand value of GTI's, cos ppl now have a choice of getting brand new golfs/scirocco for under 200k....boy, im glad i sold my GTI already


Volkswagen plans to up assembly plant for CKD models
TUE, 23 MAR 2010 22:00

http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/fmt-english/business/news-and-analysis/3696-volkswagen-plans-to-up-assembly-plant-for-ckd-models

PETALING JAYA: Volkswagen Group Malaysia Sdn Bhd expects to finalise its plans to set up an assembly plant for its completely-knocked-down (CKD) models in Malaysia by first half of this year.

Its managing director, Andreas Prinz, said the company is considering various options, including local partners as well as the plant site.

"Once finalised, it will take us about 15 to 18 months to set up our plant," he said after the launch of its 3S (sales, service and spare parts) centre here today.

He said the plant would assemble CKD Volkswagen models for the local as well as the Asian markets.

Prinz said last year Volkswagen sold 1.5 million units in Asia with China as the biggest market.

He said the company, however, has yet to decide on the models to be assembled here but would likely include its best-selling cars such as the Golf GTI and Beetle.

Prinz said Volkswagen Malaysia aimed to double the sales of 900 units recorded last year.

"We are bringing in three models -- Golf 1.4cc, Polo 1.2cc and Scirocco 1.4cc -- by the middle of this year," he said.

Currently, the company offers 10 models here.

Official dealer, F.A. Wagen Sdn Bhd, a member of Federal Auto Holdings Bhd, has invested RM1.2 million to set up the new Volkswagen centre.

Federal Auto managing director, Cheng Seng Fook, said F.A. Wagen planned to open two more branches within the next 12 months with investment of some RM10 million.

"This includes the RM6.5 million purpose-built six-storey flagship in Glenmarie, Shah Alam, that is expected to commence operations this September," he said.

For its new 3S branch in Johor Baru that is scheduled to open in 2011, Chen said it cost about RM3.5 million.

F.A. Wagen took over the operations of the new authorised Volkswagen dealership in Jalan 222 in November last year.

The PJ branch is also the first authorised outlet in Malaysia to achieve total compliance with Volkswagen's new corporate identity.

Its spacious and comfortable 4,600-sq ft showroom is capable of displaying up to seven cars.

The full-fledged service centre is equipped with eight work bays and is able to service up to 200 cars a month.

Cheng said the significant investment in new Volkswage branches reflected the company's confidence in the marque and its potential for growth in Malaysia.

- Bernama