THE National Automotive Policy (NAP) 2020 aims to drive the automotive sector to contribute RM104.2 billion to Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030.

The policy, which serves as a guide for the automotive sector, also aims to create 323,000 jobs by 2030. 

These jobs will be in the manufacturing, after-market services, robotics, the internet of things, and mobility as a service sectors.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is to launch the policy this morning.

International Trade and Industry Minister Darell Leiking, speaking prior to the launch, said the policy will make Malaysia a regional leader in manufacturing, engineering, technology and the sustainable development segments of the automotive sector.

He said the 10-year policy will entail the National Automotive Vision, is expected to propel Malaysia into a regional leader in the aforesaid sectors.

“For the first time we will be introducing the National Automotive Vision,” he said in his speech at the launch of the NAP 2020 today.

“The vision is developed as the overarching driver of the NAP 2020 and subsequent policies to ensure that our nation progresses in tandem with global demands and to overcome any challenges of the local automotive industry and to make the automotive sector a major contributor to the development of the Malaysian economy,” he added.

Malaysia is also expecting to see a total production volume of 1.47 million passenger and commercial vehicles and a total industry volume of 1.22 million units.

The NAP 2020 also intends to spur research on new technologies, create business and job opportunities particularly for small and medium enterprises(SMEs), and the development of new manufacturing processes and value chains within the local automotive and overall mobility sector.

The ecosystem of the manufacturing and aftermarket sectors within the automotive and overall mobility industry would also be enhanced.

Besides aligning with current technological advancements, the NAP 2020 will also improve existing policy measures and implementation. 

It will also promote the participation of local companies in the domestic and global supply chain.

Other areas of focus will be geared towards encouraging research and development and engineering activities, building capacity of local workforce, providing support for the national car projects as well as enhancing exports, investments and local production volume.

The NAP 2020 has three directional thrusts, namely technology and engineering, investment, and market expansion.

Meanwhile, the three strategies of NAP 2020 are value chain development, human capital development and safety, environment and consumerism.

It also comprises seven roadmaps and blueprints spelling out the implementation plan.

The implementation will be broken down into several phases – transitioning based on expected penetration and demands of critical components based on trends and progression of vehicle technology.

“While we address the current issues within our industry today, the NAP 2020 is truly about the long term, bigger picture that guides our thinking, capabilities and spirit towards driving industrialisation of this great nation,” he said while encouraging stakeholders to embrace the policy from a long-term perspective. 

He also urged stakeholders to work with the government and the relevant industries to develop the automotive sector. – February 21, 2020.