KUALA LUMPUR, 29 June 2009 – Malaysian luxury automobile manufacturer Bufori successfully participated in the 2009 Buy Malaysian Products Expo, held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from 24 to 28 June 2009, showcasing two examples of its distinctive Bufori MKIII La Joya and highlighting Malaysia’s capabilities in the design and manufacture of exclusive luxury motor cars.
Organised by the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism, the exhibition formed part of the national Buy Malaysian Products Campaign, an initiative aimed at encouraging Malaysians to support locally manufactured products and strengthening the country’s domestic economy during a challenging global economic climate.
The five-day exhibition brought together Malaysian manufacturers, entrepreneurs and established brands from a wide range of industries, providing a platform to demonstrate the quality, innovation and diversity of products developed and manufactured in Malaysia.
For the occasion, Bufori presented two elegant MKIII La Joya luxury coupés, one finished in champagne gold and the other in metallic silver, both featuring luxurious handcrafted leather interiors and the model’s characteristic contemporary-classic styling.
Displayed beneath the company’s illuminated emblem, the two automobiles attracted considerable interest from exhibition visitors, many of whom took the opportunity to examine their distinctive design, explore their interiors and learn more about the craftsmanship behind the Malaysian marque.
A particular highlight was the visit of YB Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Minister of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism, who was welcomed by Gerry Khouri, Founder and Managing Director of Bufori.
Bufori Founder & Managing Director Gerry Khouri showing YB Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob the Bufori MKIII La Joya
During his visit, the Minister took a personal interest in the La Joya, examining its distinctive features and learning more about the company’s manufacturing capabilities. He also took a seat behind the steering wheel, experiencing the car’s luxurious leather interior, handcrafted appointments and traditional instrumentation.
The Minister’s visit provided Bufori with an opportunity to demonstrate that Malaysian-made products can compete in highly specialised segments of the international luxury market through quality, craftsmanship and innovation.
Another distinguished visitor was Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir, Managing Director of Proton, who visited the Bufori display and was personally introduced to the MKIII La Joya by Gerry Khouri.
During the visit, Syed Zainal examined the automobile’s exterior craftsmanship and bespoke interior, taking a seat inside the vehicle to experience its luxurious appointments and distinctive design.
Proton Managing Director Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir enjoying the Bufori MKIII La Joya
The visit was particularly meaningful given the two manufacturers’ different approaches to automotive production. While Proton represented Malaysia’s established mass-production automotive industry, Bufori demonstrated the country’s capabilities in specialist, low-volume manufacturing and individually handcrafted luxury automobiles.
Gerry Khouri, Founder and Managing Director of Bufori, commented:
“We are delighted with the interest our cars have received throughout the exhibition. It is particularly encouraging to see so many Malaysians discovering that a luxury automobile of this calibre is designed, engineered and handcrafted right here in Kuala Lumpur.
We are also very honoured by the visits of the Minister and Proton’s Managing Director. Their interest in our work is greatly appreciated and provides encouragement to our team of skilled craftsmen and engineers.
The Buy Malaysian Products Expo is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate that Malaysian manufacturing is capable of much more than many people realise. Our ambition has always been to create automobiles that are recognised internationally for their quality, individuality and craftsmanship, while proudly representing Malaysia.”
The Bufori MKIII La Joya, whose name means “The Jewel” in Spanish, combines the timeless elegance of luxury automobiles from the 1930s with contemporary automotive engineering and modern technology.
Bufori booth at Buy Malaysia Expo 2009
The distinctive two-seater coupé features a lightweight composite body incorporating carbon fibre and Kevlar, a mid-mounted V6 engine and an extensive range of comfort, convenience and luxury features.
Each La Joya is individually handcrafted at Bufori’s manufacturing facility in Kuala Lumpur, where specialist craftsmen undertake the intricate processes of composite fabrication, vehicle assembly, upholstery and interior finishing.
Unlike conventional mass-produced automobiles, every Bufori can be extensively personalised to its owner’s preferences, offering a wide selection of exterior colours, premium leathers, fine materials and bespoke appointments.
Bufori’s participation at the exhibition also reflected the company’s commitment to promoting Malaysian manufacturing expertise on the international stage.
Bufori MKIII La Joya showcased at Buy Malaysia Expo 2009
Having previously showcased its automobiles at prestigious international motor shows in New York, Frankfurt, Shanghai, Dubai and Sydney, Bufori had established a growing presence in overseas markets while remaining firmly committed to its Malaysian manufacturing operations.
The exhibition provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen awareness of the brand among Malaysian consumers, government representatives and industry professionals, while reinforcing the importance of supporting locally developed products.
For Bufori, the successful participation in the 2009 Buy Malaysian Products Expo, highlighted by the visits of the Domestic Trade Minister and Proton’s Managing Director, represented another proud moment in the company’s history and a further demonstration of Malaysia’s ability to produce world-class handcrafted luxury automobiles.
