IN 1979, a brand new locally assembled Yamaha RX100 rolled off the Hong Leong Yamaha Motor (HLYM) assembly plant in Shah Alam. Since that historic day, millions of locally-assembled motorcycles rolled off the assembly line in 1994 and from then onwards HLYM has gone from strength to strength.
HLYM was incorporated in 1978 and is a joint-venture between Hong Leong Industries Bhd and Yamaha Motor Corporation Ltd of Japan. The first assembly plant in Shah Alam has since expanded and improved and moved to Sungai Buloh in 1997.
Yamahas have been a perennial favourite of Malaysian motorcycle enthusiasts, from the Passola to the locally-assembled XV536 Virago to the current X-Max scooter. The brand has always been featured prominently in sales charts, as well as in the hearts of Yamaha lovers.
HLYM today celebrates its 4-millionth motorcycle rolling off its assembly line, a Y15ZR in special commemorative colours, in a grand and festive affair at their headquarters in Sungai Buloh. The choice of a Y15ZR as a significant milestone is fitting as it is HLYM’s bestseller.
HLYM managing director Datuk Jim Khor acknowledged the unwavering commitment of the company’s dedicated team of factory personnel, sales force, vendors, partners and their loyal network of dealers across the country.
He said: “I wish to make special a mention of Yamaha Motor Corporation Ltd and thank them for their continuous and much valued support.”
Yamaha Motor Corporation Ltd executive vice-president and representative director Katsuaki Watanabe was present at the unveiling.
“Our efforts and initiatives are aligned with these pillars — commitment, drive, passion and pride. We will continue to stand by our commitment to offer products and services of the highest quality in accordance to Yamaha global standards,” Khor added.
HLYM recently rolled out its transformation programme designed to take its customer experience to the next level.
For those interested to see a little bit of Malaysia’s motorcycling history, that first Yamaha RX100 has been preserved in HLYM’s motorcycle museum, an icon to nearly 40 years of “Revving your Heart”.