Subaru XV CKD launched

Motor Image Group, a subsidiary of Tan Chong Group and distributor of Subaru vehicles in the ASEAN region plus Taiwan, Hong Kong and Southern China has recently launched the all-new Subaru XV at the recent 28th Thailand Motor Expo. For the first time in recent years, a Subaru will be assembled locally in Malaysia, at Tan Chong’s Segambut plant, beginning October 2012. The Malaysian made XV models will be exported to Thailand and Indonesia under the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA) while other Motor Image country networks will continue to import the XV from Japan. By avoiding the heft import duties, Motor Image can finally have a decently priced Subaru product at Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia – the three largest auto markets within ASEAN.

Read more about it at this coming Dec-14 Wednesday’s issue of New Straits Times Annual Motoring Review, where we chat with Motor Image Group’s Chief Executive Glenn Tan regarding Subaru’s future plans for the region. Glenn also made some passing remark regarding the possibility of importing the Subaru BRZ compact RWD sports car into Malaysia. Also covered is the Thailand Motor Expo in Bangkok, what to expect from the auto sector for 2012. We also had a chance to chat with the world’s most famous precision stunt driver and triple Guinness World Record holder Russ Swift.

Here is a short video of Russ Swift doing his thing.

Read more about at this Wednesday’s New Straits Times Annual Motoring Review by Cars, Bikes and Trucks.