KUALA LUMPUR: UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd, the automotive division of UMW Holdings Bhd, has warned that prolonged movement restrictions may cause its international customers to seek new suppliers.
Its deputy chairman Akio Takeyama said UMW Toyota’s customers could not have their own production delayed due to the shortage of parts from Malaysia.
“Furthermore, the export business will be affected as our subsidiaries export a substantial amount of automotive components, part of Toyota’s global supply chain.
“If this situation continues for long, we are concerned that our overseas customers may look for new suppliers as they cannot have their own production delayed due to shortage of parts from Malaysia.
“This, in turn, could have an impact on Malaysia’s economy as a whole if export business declines,” he said in a statement today.
UMW Toyota president Ravindran K said the continued closure of all Toyota and Lexus showrooms nationwide meant that no business could be conducted, whilst at the same time manufacturing of vehicles, including the supply chain and logistic efforts, have also come to a halt.
“We still have an encouraging order bank for the various models.
“Nevertheless, we are hopeful that the restrictions of the lockdown can be eased to allow us to operate in a limited and safe way.
“Naturally, we will abide by all standard operating procedures (SOP), as we have during the past year,” he said.
Selected UMW Toyota Motor service centres continue to operate according to the provisions by the state and local authorities to ensure that vehicle owners can obtain assistance in emergencies.
Source: New Straits Times
