Meeting with the Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI) YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz at Menara MITI to discuss the RV Industry.
The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) is all geared up for the next phase of the recreational vehicle (RV) and caravanning industry’s establishment in Malaysia with the visit from top German RV industry players keen to expand their operations in ECER.
Following the initial visit by Caravaning lndustrie Verband e.V. (CIVD), who represents German RV industry players in February 2022, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by ECERDC and CIVD in Germany during an investment mission in June 2022 to promote and establish ECER as the RV hub of Asia and a preferred investment destination for RV makers, RV components suppliers, and RV park operators.
Among the top RV manufacturers participating in this current visit are Erwin Hymer Group, Hobby Wohnwagenwerk, Knaus Tabbert AG, Eura Mobil GmbH, RV components manufacturers, and renowned caravan trade fair organiser.
The delegation, together with ECERDC’s Chief Executive Officer YBhg. Dato’ Baidzawi Che Mat and TAPiO Management Advisory paid a courtesy call to the Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI) YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, where they discussed the current status and the way forward for the RV industry development in Malaysia.
“We strongly believe that the RV industry in Malaysia has good potential, and MITI is committed in supporting the development of this industry and appreciate ECERDC’s initiatives to bring in top RV industry players to Malaysia to see for themselves what we have to offer,” said YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul during the courtesy call.
The CIVD delegation, during the three-day trade mission from 7-9 February 2023, also visited ECERDC’s Pahang Automotive Park (PAP) and Pahang Technology Park (PTP). They also participated in a networking and knowledge-sharing session hosted by ECERDC and attended by representatives from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) as well as Road Transport Department (JPJ), Ministry of Local Government Development (KPKT), Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) and other relevant agencies. The session discussed the current progress of the Vehicle Type Approval (VTA) registration for RV, improvements for industry safety regulations, and the classification and operational requirements of campsites and recreational areas.
Dato’ Baidzawi Che Mat, ECERDC Chief Executive Officer, said: “The CIVD delegation includes top executives from German RV manufacturers, which hold 65% of the market share in Europe worth an estimated 7.5 billion Euros. We are very encouraged by their interest, and ECERDC looks forward to facilitating the investors from CIVD who are keen to expand their operations to Malaysia. We remain optimistic that the demand for RV and caravanning industry is strong, and it is a lifestyle trend that is fast catching up in the region.”
ECERDC had previously brought together CIVD and relevant government agencies in a roundtable discussion hosted by MIDA in February 2022 to discuss and develop the framework for the RV industry in Malaysia, including its safety standards. Following the formation of the RV industry Taskforce chaired by the Chief Secretary to the Government of Malaysia YBhg. Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, and ECERDC’s active engagement with relevant stakeholders, two of Knaus Tabbert AG’s caravans received the Vehicle Type Approval (VTA) from the Road Transport Department (RTD) in November 2022.
Bernhard Schutte, Chairman of TAPiO Management Advisory, said: “As the Recreational Vehicle (RV) industry was looking to expand to APAC, we ensured that Malaysia was on top of the list. Recreational Vehicle includes Motorhomes, Camper Vans and Caravans, which have developed into sophisticated Smart Houses. This industry is highly developed in several nations worldwide and is worth a Trillion dollars. We intend to make Malaysia a manufacturing hub for this enormous high-tech industry.“
Hermann Pfaff, CIVD President, said: “CIVD is very excited with the ongoing progress and initiatives by ECERDC in this industry. This year, we have brought a larger team and potential investors to seriously explore potential expansion as I have heard encouraging reports on the opportunities by the delegates during the previous working visit in February 2022.”
