Honda Malaysia has just announced a significant price reduction of up to 52% for the hybrid batteries replacement and an extended warranty period of up to 8 years with unlimited mileage for all Honda Hybrid models effective 1st June 2013. Honda Malaysia has also taken an initiative to apply the extended warranty period retrospectively to the existing hybrid customers who purchased their vehicles between Jan 2011 to May 2013. All owners of the Honda Hybrid Family, which includes CKD and CBU Jazz Hybrid, Insight, CR-Z and Civic Hybrid will benefit from this piece of good news. Honda Malaysia will be offering the longest hybrid battery warranty in the Malaysian automotive industry.
Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Yoichiro Ueno, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia said, “We have been constantly studying the market and taking feedbacks from our valued customers into consideration. We have learnt that the two main concerns of the customers in accepting the hybrid vehicle are the hybrid battery’s life-span and its replacement cost. Thus, we have taken a huge step to reduce the price of the hybrid batteries and to extend the warranty period. This extended warranty of up to 8 years with unlimited mileage is a testament of Honda’s confidence in our hybrid battery and also to give assurance of the quality of our products to the customers”.
Warranty extension details of the hybrid battery are as follows:
Model (Year)
Original Warranty
Extended Warranty
Insight (2011)
5 years / 140,000 km
*8 years / Unlimited mileage
CR-Z (2011)
Jazz Hybrid (2012)
Civic Hybrid (2012)
5 years / Unlimited mileage
CR-Z MMC (2013)
*terms and conditions apply
Price reduction details of the hybrid battery are as follows:
Model
Original Price (RM)
Price after Reduction
(RM)
% of Reduction
Insight (nickel metal)
7,580
3,980
47%
Jazz Hybrid (nickel metal)
6,934
3,980
43%
CR-Z Pre-MMC (nickel metal)
7,580
3,980
47%
CR-Z MMC (lithium-ion)
N/A
5,480
N/A
Civic Hybrid (lithium-ion)
11,480
5,480
52%
Mr. Ueno explained, “Honda Malaysia is able to reduce the price of the batteries and transfer the benefit to our customers due to three main reasons. Firstly, we reviewed the total cost of logistic as well as the helloistrative expenses and have reduced it by enhancing the efficiency of our business. Secondly, the costs of hybrid batteries are gradually decreasing due to the increase of global hybrid sales and production of hybrid vehicles including its batteries. Furthermore, the recent depreciation of Yen against the Ringgit has reduced the import cost of hybrid batteries that are fully imported from Japan. This new scheme is in line with Honda’s Global direction of increasing cost competitiveness to provide high brand value products at affordable prices. With this, we hope to improve the ownership experience of Honda Hybrid owners”.
The market for hybrid and energy efficient vehicles is growing. With the broadest line-up of hybrid models in Malaysia, Honda has continued to lead in the hybrid segment with more than 50% in the hybrid market share and close to 16,800 units of Honda Hybrid vehicles sold as of 31st May 2013. Reinforcing Honda’s position as the pioneer and market leader in the hybrid segment, Honda Malaysia became the first car manufacturer in Malaysia to assemble CKD hybrid models in November 2012. Upon completion of its No. 2 line, Honda Malaysia’s Melaka factory will be able to increase its production capacity up to 100,000 units annually, which would support the company’s growth particularly in its hybrid models.
Mr. Ueno added, “Ultimately, our aim is to maximize our customers’ satisfaction through their lifetime ownership including the after sales experience. We are committed to fulfill our mission of providing advanced technology and products with speed and affordability. We would like all our Honda customers to enjoy the freedom of mobility while contributing towards a greener earth.”
For more information regarding both announcements, Honda customers can call Honda Toll Free number at 1800 88 2020, or log on to www.honda.com.my.
