The Naza Group of Companies is a Malaysian

business Business is the practice of making one's living or making money by producing or Trade, buying and selling Product (business), products (such as goods and Service (economics), services). It is also "any activity or enterprise entered into for pr ...

conglomerate Conglomerate or conglomeration may refer to: * Conglomerate (company) * Conglomerate (geology) * Conglomerate (mathematics) In popular culture: * The Conglomerate (American group), a production crew and musical group founded by Busta Rhymes ** Co ...

involved in many types of business ranging from motoring to education. The group began operations in 1975 as a motor trading company. The motoring sector remains the most important sector for the group. The group has business divisions including vehicle and bike distribution, motor-trading, manufacturing, property development, food and beverage, hospitality, transportation services, limousine services, automotive education, plantations, cigarette distribution, and non-financial services. The group was founded and led by Malaysian business tycoon Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin SM Amin until his death on May 1, 2008. Naza Group is the franchise holder for

Ferrari Ferrari S.p.A. (; ) is an Italian luxury sports car manufacturer based in Maranello, Italy. Founded by Enzo Ferrari (1898–1988) in 1939 from the Alfa Romeo racing division as ''Auto Avio Costruzioni'', the company built its first car in ...

Maserati Maserati S.p.A. () is an Italian luxury vehicle manufacturer. Established on 1 December 1914, in Bologna, Italy, the company's headquarters are now in Modena, and its emblem is a trident. The company has been owned by Stellantis since 2021. Ma ...

, Koenigsegg, Kia Motors, Peugeot,

Chevrolet Chevrolet ( ), colloquially referred to as Chevy and formally the Chevrolet Motor Division of General Motors Company, is an American automobile division of the American manufacturer General Motors (GM). Louis Chevrolet (1878–1941) and ous ...

Citroën Citroën () is a French automobile brand. The "Automobiles Citroën" manufacturing company was founded in March 1919 by André Citroën. Citroën is owned by Stellantis since 2021 and previously was part of the PSA Group after Peugeot acquired ...

, Brabus,

Ducati Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. () is the motorcycle-manufacturing division of Italian company Ducati, headquartered in Bologna, Italy. The company is directly owned by Italian automotive manufacturer Lamborghini, whose German parent company is Au ...

, Harley-Davidson, Piaggio, Vespa,

Aprilia Aprilia is an Italian motorcycle manufacturer founded immediately after World War II in Noale, Italy, by Alberto Beggio. The company started as a manufacturer of bicycles and moved on to manufacture scooters and small-capacity motorcycles. ...

, Gilera and

Indian Motorcycle Indian Motorcycle (or ''Indian'') is an American brand of motorcycles owned and produced by American automotive manufacturer Polaris Inc.Malaysia. Naza has marketed rebadged versions of Kia's

Carnival Carnival is a Catholic Christian festive season that occurs before the liturgical season of Lent. The main events typically occur during February or early March, during the period historically known as Shrovetide (or Pre-Lent). Carnival typi ...

, Carens, and Picanto vehicles as

Naza Ria The Kia Carnival ( ko, 기아 카니발) is a minivan manufactured by Kia since 1998. It is marketed globally under various nameplates — prominently as the Kia Sedona — which is now unused in favor of the Carnival. The first generati ...

, Naza Citra, and Naza Suria respectively, for the Malaysian market. In April 2006, Naza developed the Naza Sutera based on Hafei Lobo. It was joined by a Naza-badged version of the Peugeot 206 called the Naza 206 Bestari in May 2006, and a Naza-badged version of the Kia Picanto called the Naza Picanto in November 2006.

History

Early years

The Naza Group of Companies began with the establishment of Naza Motor Trading Sdn Bhd in 1975 as an importer of used and reconditioned cars in Malaysia by the late Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin SM Amin. At just 21, he used his savings, earned from helping his father's construction business, to import used Japanese vehicles. After selling off his entire stock within three months, Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin began a dealership for used luxury vehicles in Kuala Lumpur. Within several years, the group established itself as a major dealer of used luxury vehicles in Malaysia. The group also included the importation of used luxury bikes.

1990 to 1999

By the late 90s, the Naza Group expanded its business to include automotive distribution after achieving its first franchise from a South Korean carmaker, Kia Motors Corp. Part of Naza Group of Companies, Naza Hotel Management was born. Under the late Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, the Naza Group also ventured into the hotel management industry. In the late 90s, it acquired the Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor Hotel and the Howard Johnson Inn Torrance in California, USA.

2000 to 2009

In 2000, the Naza Group's extended its portfolio to include the distribution of motorcycles after being appointed as the exclusive distributor for the Ducati brand in Malaysia. By 2001, the Naza Group became an auto assembler with the introduction of the Kia Spectra. Several locally-assembled Kia models that were subsequently launched such as the Naza Ria MPV, the Sorento, and the Sportage which became market leaders in their respective segments. In the same year, the Naza Group captured its second franchise after it was appointed as the exclusive distributor of Brabus-tuned cars. In 2002, the Naza Group acquired hotels in

Penang Penang ( ms, Pulau Pinang, is a Malaysian state located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, by the Malacca Strait. It has two parts: Penang Island, where the capital city, George Town, is located, and Seberang Perai on the Malay ...

, Melaka, and

Johor Bahru Johor Bahru (), colloquially referred to as JB, is the capital city of the state of Johor, Malaysia. It is located at the southern end of Peninsular Malaysia,along the north bank of the Straits of Johor, opposite of the city-state Singapore. T ...

. These three hotels were later re-branded under the name, Naza Talyya Hotels, in 2010. Naza Talyya Hotel closed its operation in Johor and to date only two Naza Talyya Hotels remain in operation in Penang and Melaka. With demand for locally-assembled Kia's increasing, the Naza Group started construction works on an in house automotive manufacturing facility in Gurun, Kedah in September 2002. In 2003, the Naza Group commenced operations of an RM30 million motorcycle manufacturing plant in Shah Alam, Selangor to assemble a wide range of bikes including scooters and superbikes. By May 2003, the RM500 million manufacturing facility in Gurun- known as Naza Automotive Manufacturing (NAM) – commenced operations producing a Naza Ria MPV. It has a workforce of close to 450 people and has a production capacity of 50,000 units per annum. The group's foray into manufacturing into NAM also led to the launch of the Naza 206 Bestari, which was the result of a joint venture with Automobiles Peugeot, and the group's first-ever car, the Naza Sutera in 2006. In 2004, current shareholder Ekspedisi Nikmat Sdn Bhd helmed by Naza Group late chairman Tan Sri Dato' Seri Utama SM Nasimuddin SM Amin, acquired TTDI from Danaharta. TTDI is now the main property arm of the Naza Group of companies. TTDI development changed its name to Naza TTDI Sdn Bhd on 11 March 2008 to reflect its association with the NAZA Group. The Naza Group is an established player in the property development market through its subsidiary, Naza TTDI, which is best known for the development of the acclaimed township of Taman Tun Dr. Ismail in Kuala Lumpur. At the same time, the Naza Group began to rapidly expand its motor-trading business. In 2005, it launched the Naza Auto Mall in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, which is the largest motor showroom in Malaysia. With a built-up area of 250,414 square feet and the capacity to display 2,000 cars, the Naza Auto Mall symbolized the group's status as the largest importer of used and re-conditioned luxury and high-end vehicles in Malaysia. Naza Auto Mall and has won a mention in the Malaysia Book of Records for being the largest motor showroom in the country. The group has also had a strong commitment to the field of education. In 2006, the group established the Naza Kia Academy (NKA) by its manufacturing facility in Gurun, Kedah. NKA offers sales and after-sales training to all employees of the Naza Group particularly in developmental and technical-related programs. The academy is also recognized by Kia Motors as its overseas training center in the Asia Pacific region. In 2008, the group added more brands to its portfolio. In January, it was appointed the sole distributor for the Peugeot brand followed by

in April and Harley-Davidson in October. By 2009, it added the Italian luxury brand,

, to its portfolio. As the distributor for Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia, the Naza Group began assembling Peugeots at NAM in Gurun. By that time, vehicles produced at Gurun were also being exported to neighboring countries in ASEAN which established the group's credentials as a manufacturer that could meet international standards. The Naza Group entered the food and beverage industry in 2008 after capturing the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co franchise for Malaysia. In 2009, Naza Kia Academy began offering executive diplomas in automotive management and executive diploma in manufacturing management process programs. These diploma programs were offered in collaboration with the UK's

Society of Business Practitioners The Society of Business Practitioners (SBP) UK, founded in 1956, is a senior examining UK institution providing vocational qualifications in business, computer studies, management and marketing. The Society's Diploma awards attract recognized cred ...

. In that same year, the Naza Group signed a collaboration agreement with US-based Motorola University to offer executive development programs to the group's employees. In 2009, it expanded its food and beverage portfolio to include the

Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt is an American retail chain of self-serve frozen yogurt. Tutti Frutti has over 100 outlets in California and other states in the US. History Introduced in 2008 to the United States consumers, Tutti Frutti Frozen Yog ...

brand. The group became the master license holder for the franchise in Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Brunei, and Thailand. It currently has over 100 outlets in Malaysia as well as outlets in Singapore, Cambodia, Brunei, and Thailand.

2010 to present

In 2010, Automobiles Peugeot announced it would partner the Naza Group in establishing a manufacturing hub for the former at the latter's plant in Gurun for right-hand drive markets in the ASEAN region. The announcement marked the first time a foreign carmaker had chosen to make Malaysia its hub for the region. 2010 was another active year for the group as it added several more brands to its stable. In March, it won the exclusive rights to distribute the Chevrolet brand in Malaysia from

General Motors The General Motors Company (GM) is an American Multinational corporation, multinational Automotive industry, automotive manufacturing company headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, United States. It is the largest automaker in the United States and ...

. By May, it expanded its motorcycle division by agreeing with the Piaggio Group. Under the agreement, the Naza Group was given exclusive rights to distribute the Piaggio, Aprilia, Vespa, and Gilera brands in Malaysia. In 2011, the Naza Group added another brand to its stable: Indian Motorcycle. With Indian Motorcycle, the Naza Group became a premium player in the big bikes market in Malaysia. It has also cemented the group's position as one of the largest bike importers and distributors in Malaysia. In 2011, the Naza Group entered into a joint venture with HELP International Corporation Bhd to establish a college of automotive and transportation management in Malaysia. The joint venture, which has been named, College of Automotive Transportation (CATM), is targeting to launch campuses in Gurun and Selayang, Selangor in 2012. NKA's facility in Gurun will serve as CATM's campus there. Among the courses to be offered include Diploma in Automotive Technology and a Diploma in Motorsport Technology. In 2012, the Naza Group expanded its F&B portfolio to include Gyu Kaku, a globally renowned Yakiniku restaurant chain. In 2013, the Naza Group announced that its subsidiary, Naza Euro Motors, had been appointed as the official distributor for the Citroën brand in Malaysia. Through the appointment, the Naza Group now represents both major brands of the PSA Peugeot Citroën group in Malaysia. To-date, Naza TTDI has completed over 14,000 residential and commercial units and has developed the RM4 billion Platinum Park, an integrated residential and commercial development in the Kuala Lumpur City Centre. The company is also constructing the RM20 billion

KL Metropolis KL Metropolis is a 75.5-acre mixed development situated nearby the Kuala Lumpur Courts Complex in the district of Segambut, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The term "KL" from its name is short for Kuala Lumpur. This RM21 billion development is envision ...

development which will comprise the

MATRADE Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation ( ms, Perbadanan Pembangunan Perdagangan Luar Malaysia; officially abbreviated as MATRADE) is a Malaysian external trade government agency. Its key role is to assist Malaysian exporters to develop a ...

, MITEC, MITI Tower,

Naza Signature Tower The Naza Group of Companies is a Malaysian business conglomerate involved in many types of business ranging from motoring to education. The group began operations in 1975 as a motor trading company. The motoring sector remains the most impo ...

, office towers, residential buildings, luxury hotels, as well as retail malls. Naza TTDI had also developed the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in KL Metropolis, the country’s largest exhibition centre with 1 million square feet of exhibition space, which was then delivered to the Malaysian Government in 2017. In 2018, the Naza Group and Groupe PSA signed a share sale agreement and a joint venture agreement to make NAM the first manufacturing hub in ASEAN for the French carmaker, acquiring a 56% stake in the Kedah facility. A joint statement released by the Groups said, "The Naza Group will have sole responsibility for the distribution of Peugeot, Citroen and DS Automobiles in the domestic market and, with PSA, will explore distribution prospects in other ASEAN markets."

Businesses divisions

Four-wheeled

* Naza Motor Trading Sdn Bhd (Importer of luxury and high-end vehicles) * Naza Italia Sdn Bhd (Ferrari and Maserati distributor) * Naza Swedish Motors Sdn Bhd (Koenigsegg distributor) * Naza Kia Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Kia distributor) *

Nasim Sdn Bhd Berjaya Auto Alliance, formerly known as Nasim Sdn Bhd (NSB), is a Malaysian automotive company. Founded in 1997 as Nasim, they become the sole importer and distributor for the Peugeot brand in Malaysia. On 9 June 2022, Nasim was sold to Berja ...

(Peugeot distributor) * Naza Quest Sdn Bhd (Chevrolet distributor) * Naza-Brabus Motor Sdn Bhd (Brabus-tuned cars distributor) * Naza Corporation Sdn Bhd (Naza cars distributor) * NZ Wheels Sdn Bhd (Mercedes-Benz dealership) * Naza Wheels Sdn Bhd (Chevrolet dealership) * Naza Quest Auto Sdn Bhd (Chevrolet dealership) * Naza Mekar Sdn Bhd (Perodua dealership)

Two-wheeled

* Next Bike Sdn Bhd (Ducati distributor) * Naza Prestige Bikes Sdn Bhd (Harley-Davidson distributor) * Naza Premira Sdn Bhd (Piaggio, Vespa, Aprilia and Gilera distributor) * Harmony Fabulous Sdn Bhd (Indian & Victory Motorcycle distributor) * Naza Bikers Dream Sdn Bhd (Importer of high-end bikes) * Naza Bikers Sales and Distribution Sdn Bhd (Naza Bikes distributor)

Manufacturing

* Naza Automotive Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (Manufacturing arm, producing Kia & Peugeot models) * Naza Bikes Sdn Bhd (Manufacturing arm, producing Hyosung bikes) such as the Naza N5/N5R

Property

* Naza TTDI Sdn Bhd (www.nazattdi.com) * Naza Engineering and Construction Sdn Bhd

Hospitality

* Naza Hotel Management Sdn Bhd

Food and beverage

* NZ Diners Sdn Bhd (Franchise holder for Bubba Gump Shrimp Co chain in Malaysia) * Autumn Odyssey Sdn Bhd (Franchise holder for

Gyu-Kaku is a chain of Japanese yakiniku restaurants History First entered yakiniku restaurant business in 1996 and opened its first franchised restaurant in 1997 after changing to the current name. The first overseas restaurant was opened in the U.S ...

Japanese BBQ chain in Malaysia) * Naza Tutti Frutti (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (Master license holder for the

chain in Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Brunei, and Thailand)

Research and education

* Naza KIA Academy Sdn Bhd (Regional KIA training center for Asia Pacific region) * Naza Education Sdn Bhd (JV Company with Help International Corporation Berhad) * Naza Auto Solutions Sdn Bhd (Automotive design, producing cars accessories & parts)

Transportation and logistics

* Naza Ventures Holdings Sdn Bhd (Prestige Limo – Chauffeured Driven Super Luxury Limousine) Started year 2007 - Ended year 2021 ( The best leading Bumiputra limousine services ) Try to competed in Hire & Drive service provider but it is ended with a sad story for Limousines service. * Naza Transport Sdn Bhd (Total logistics services) * Zalnas Limousine Sdn. Bhd (Airport Limo & Taxi services)

Diversified

* NZ Galaxy Sdn Bhd (Retail cars accessories & parts) * Naza Credit & Leasing Sdn Bhd (Vehicles Financing) * Naza Coverage Sdn Bhd (Insurance Agent) * Zalnas Coverage Sdn Bhd (Insurance Agent) * Wood Vision Sdn Bhd (Plantation) * Bahau Cigarette Distributors Sdn Bhd (Cigarette Distribution) * Asas Sejati Sdn Bhd (Cigarette Distribution)

Community

Corporate social responsibility

Over the years, Naza Group's corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities have expanded and diversified. Today, the group's CSR programs include donations and sponsorship to healthcare organizations, palliative care providers, orphanages, natural disaster funds, educational programs and initiatives, the local arts and sporting activities.

Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin Foundation

Yayasan Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin is a Company Limited by Guarantee, with a vision to champion education as its main cause. Incorporated on 16 March 2011, the Yayasan was established in honor of the late Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, the founder of Naza Group, to provide financial aid in the form of educational scholarships, schooling assistance, and donations to support charitable organizations. It strives to raise funds through various means including donations and strategic fund-raising activities.

Naza Automotive Manufacturing models

Naza

(rebadged Kia Carnival) * Naza Citra (rebadged first generation Kia Carens) * Naza Citra II Rondo (rebadged second generation Kia Carens) *

Naza Sorento The Kia Sorento ( ko, 기아 쏘렌토, translit=Gia Sorento) is a mid-size crossover SUV (formerly a body-on-frame SUV until 2009) produced since 2002 by South Korean manufacturer Kia. First generation (BL; 2002) 2002–2006 Debuted ...

(rebadged Kia Sorento) * Naza Forza (rebadged Hafei Lobo, previously known as Naza Sutera) * Naza 206 Bestari (rebadged Peugeot 206) * Naza Picanto (rebadged Kia Picanto, previously known as Naza Suria) * Naza Forte (rebadged Kia Forte)

Kia

Peugeot

Citroën / DS

External links

Naza Group of Companies

References

{{Automotive industry in Malaysia Conglomerate companies established in 1975 1975 establishments in Malaysia Conglomerate companies of Malaysia Motorcycle manufacturers of Malaysia Privately held companies of Malaysia Companies based in Kuala Lumpur Malaysian brands Car manufacturers of Malaysia