Hino Motors, the leading truck and bus manufacturer in Japan, has begun a new chapter in its four-decade long history in Malaysia with the official opening of its first production facility in Sendayan TechValley, Negri Sembilan.

The state-of-the-art RM 172 million (US$ 54.6 million) facility, known as Hino Motors Manufacturing (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (HMMMY), is located on a 170,000 square-metre site.

With a 350-strong workforce, it has an annual production capacity of approximately 10,000 units and manufactures the full range of Hino products comprising light, medium and heavy duty trucks; and buses for the Malaysian market.

The plant, which officially rolled out the first made-in-Sendayan Hino vehicle in April this year, currently produces about 600 units of vehicles a month.

At the official opening ceremony of the plant, Hino Motors announced that it has already proceeded with the next phase of its plans in Sendayan.

Work on a motor vehicle pool project comprising a brand new building with 12 pre-delivery inspection bays, 12 accessories fitting bays, a paint booth and a delivery yard for Hino trucks and buses on an adjacent 57,240 square-metre site is progressing smoothly.

The project, costing some RM 12 million and scheduled for completion in November this year, would also incorporate a Customer Total Support Centre to be operated by Hino Motors Sales Malaysia with the aim to provide customers with training on eco-friendly and safety driving techniques.

Speaking at the official opening ceremony, Hino Motors Ltd Chairman, Masakazu Ichikawa said, "This is our third major production facility in Southeast Asia after Indonesia and Thailand in terms of capacity. It clearly demonstrates our desire to be the top commercial vehicle brand in this hugely important market.

"I must congratulate the Malaysian team for ensuring that this facility meets the very high standards in our global network. The speed at which this plant was built and became fully operational is also very impressive."