The Naza Group of Companies is a Malaysian

business Business is the practice of making one's living or making money by producing or buying and selling products (such as goods and services). It is also "any activity or enterprise entered into for profit." Having a business name does not separ ...

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 ** ...

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. ...

Koenigsegg Koenigsegg Automotive AB () is a Swedish manufacturer of high-performance sports cars based in Ängelholm, Skåne County, Sweden. Company The company was founded in 1994 in Sweden by Christian von Koenigsegg, with the intention of producin ...

Kia Motors Kia Corporation, commonly known as Kia (, ; formerly known as Kyungsung Precision Industry and Kia Motors Corporation), is a South Korean multinational automobile manufacturer headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. It is South Korea's second lar ...

Peugeot Peugeot (, , ) is a French brand of automobiles owned by Stellantis. The family business that preceded the current Peugeot companies was founded in 1810, with a steel foundry that soon started making hand tools and kitchen equipment, and then ...

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 ou ...

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 8 ...

Brabus Brabus GmbH ( stylized in uppercase) is a German high-performance automotive aftermarket tuning company founded in 1977 in Bottrop (Ruhr area). Brabus specialises in Mercedes-Benz, Maybach and Smart vehicles, although in 2022 it also tuned two ...

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 Harley-Davidson, Inc. (H-D, or simply Harley) is an American motorcycle manufacturer headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. Founded in 1903, it is one of two major American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depre ...

Piaggio Piaggio & C. SpA (Piaggio ) is an Italian motor vehicle manufacturer, which produces a range of two-wheeled motor vehicles and compact commercial vehicles under seven brands: Piaggio, Vespa, Gilera, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Derbi, and Scarabeo. ...

Vespa Vespa () is an Italian luxury brand of scooters and mopeds manufactured by Piaggio. The name means wasp in Italian. The Vespa has evolved from a single model motor scooter manufactured in 1946 by Piaggio & Co. S.p.A. of Pontedera, Italy t ...

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 Gilera is an Italian motorcycle manufacturer founded in Arcore in 1909 by Giuseppe Gilera (1887–1971). In 1969, the company was purchased by Piaggio. History In 1935, Gilera acquired rights to the Rondine four-cylinder engine. It was, at th ...

and

Indian Motorcycle Indian Motorcycle (or ''Indian'') is an American brand of motorcycles owned and produced by American automotive manufacturer Polaris Inc.Malaysia Malaysia ( ; ) is a country in Southeast Asia. The federal constitutional monarchy consists of thirteen states and three federal territories, separated by the South China Sea into two regions: Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo's East Mal ...

. 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 t ...

, Carens, and Picanto vehicles as Naza Ria, Naza Citra, and Naza Suria respectively, for the Malaysian market. In April 2006, Naza developed the

Naza Sutera The Naza Sutera is a city car from Malaysian manufacturer Naza, and is distributed and sold by the Naza Group's new subsidiary company Naza Corporation. The Malay word "Sutera" translates as silk. Introduced on 22 April 2006 by Malaysian Prime ...

based on Hafei Lobo. It was joined by a Naza-badged version of the

Peugeot 206 The Peugeot 206 is a supermini car ( B-segment) designed and produced by the French car manufacturer Peugeot since May 1998 as a replacement to the Peugeot 205. Developed under the codename ''T1'', it was released in September 1998 in hatchback ...

called the Naza 206 Bestari in May 2006, and a Naza-badged version of the

Kia Picanto The Kia Picanto is a city car that has been produced by the South Korean car manufacturer, Kia, since 2003. Other names of the car include Kia Morning ( ko, 기아 모닝, translit=Gia Moning) in South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan (first two generat ...

called the

Naza Picanto The Kia Picanto is a city car that has been produced by the South Korean car manufacturer, Kia, since 2003. Other names of the car include Kia Morning ( ko, 기아 모닝, translit=Gia Moning) in South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan (first two generati ...

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 , anthem = ''Maju dan Sejahtera'' , image_map = , map_caption = , pushpin_map = Malaysia#Southeast Asia#Asia , pushpin_map_caption = , coordinates = , sub ...

. 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 M ...

Melaka Malacca ( ms, Melaka) is a state in Malaysia located in the southern region of the Malay Peninsula, next to the Strait of Malacca. Its capital is Malacca City, dubbed the Historic City, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site si ...

, 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. ...

. 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 Naza Automotive Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (NAM) is a Malaysian automobile manufacturer. It is headquartered in Gurun, Kedah. The company was established in 2002 and by 2003, the construction of Naza Group of Companies own manufacturing plant commenc ...

(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 An auto row or auto mall is a business cluster with multiple car dealerships in a single neighborhood or road. Auto rows are distinct from car supermarkets which are a single, large dealership. Economics Auto rows, like mall food courts, are an ...

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

brand followed by

in April and

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. 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 Yo ...

brand. The group became the master license holder for the franchise in Malaysia,

Singapore Singapore (), officially the Republic of Singapore, is a sovereign island country and city-state in maritime Southeast Asia. It lies about one degree of latitude () north of the equator, off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, bor ...

Cambodia Cambodia (; also Kampuchea ; km, កម្ពុជា, UNGEGN: ), officially the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochinese Peninsula in Southeast Asia, spanning an area of , bordered by Thailand ...

Brunei Brunei ( , ), formally Brunei Darussalam ( ms, Negara Brunei Darussalam, Jawi: , ), is a country located on the north coast of the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. Apart from its South China Sea coast, it is completely surrounded by th ...

, and

Thailand Thailand ( ), historically known as Siam () and officially the Kingdom of Thailand, is a country in Southeast Asia, located at the centre of the Indochinese Peninsula, spanning , with a population of almost 70 million. The country is b ...

. 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 Piaggio & C. SpA (Piaggio ) is an Italian motor vehicle manufacturer, which produces a range of two-wheeled motor vehicles and compact commercial vehicles under seven brands: Piaggio, Vespa, Gilera, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Derbi, and Scarabeo. I ...

. 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 ''Yakiniku'' (焼き肉 or 焼肉), meaning " grilled meat", is a Japanese term that, in its broadest sense, refers to grilled meat cuisine. "Yakiniku" originally referred to western "barbecue" food, the term being popularized by Japanese writer ...

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 Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) is a multipurpose development area in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. KLCC refers to the area within and surrounding the KLCC Park but the term has also been widely used by buildings nearby to the vicinity. Designed to ...

. 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, 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 The Government of Malaysia, officially the Federal Government of Malaysia ( ms, Kerajaan Persekutuan Malaysia), is based in the Federal Territory of Putrajaya with the exception of the legislative branch, which is located in Kuala Lumpur. Mal ...

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 ASEAN ( , ), officially the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is a political and economic union of 10 member states in Southeast Asia, which promotes intergovernmental cooperation and facilitates economic, political, security, milita ...

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

Sdn Bhd (Manufacturing arm, producing Kia & Peugeot models) * Naza Bikes Sdn Bhd (Manufacturing arm, producing

Hyosung Hyosung Corporation is a South Korean industrial Chaebol, founded in 1966. It operates in various fields, including the chemical industry, industrial machinery, IT, trade, and construction. It is known in Korea mostly for high-end apartments a ...

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 Bubba Gump Shrimp Company is an American seafood restaurant chain inspired by the 1994 film ''Forrest Gump''. As of October 2022, thirty-four Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. restaurants operate worldwide. Twenty-two of these locations are in the United ...

chain in Malaysia) * Autumn Odyssey Sdn Bhd (Franchise holder for Gyu-Kaku 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

* Naza Ria (rebadged Kia Carnival) * Naza Citra (rebadged first generation Kia Carens) *

Naza Citra II Rondo The Kia Carens ( ko, 기아 카렌스) is a car manufactured by Kia since 1999, spanning over four generations, and was marketed worldwide under various nameplates, prominently as the Kia Rondo. The initial three generations had a compact MPV ...

(rebadged second generation Kia Carens) * Naza Sorento (rebadged Kia Sorento) * Naza Forza (rebadged Hafei Lobo, previously known as

) * Naza 206 Bestari (rebadged Peugeot 206) *

(rebadged Kia Picanto, previously known as Naza Suria) *

Naza Forte The Kia Forte, known as the K3 in South Korea, the Forte K3 or Shuma in China and Cerato in South America, Australia, New Zealand and Russia, is a compact car manufactured by South Korean automaker Kia since mid-2008, replacing the Kia Spectra. ...

(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