Hong Kong, 24 February 2009 – Malaysian luxury automobile manufacturer Bufori successfully participated in Top Gear Live 2009, held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 20 to 22 February, marking the company’s first official showcase in Hong Kong.
The event formed part of the inaugural international Top Gear Live World Tour, bringing the excitement and entertainment of the internationally acclaimed BBC motoring programme to audiences around the world. Hosted by popular television personalities Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond, together with the mysterious racing driver The Stig, the Hong Kong event combined spectacular live automotive performances with an exhibition of prestigious, exotic and specialist automobiles.
For the occasion, Bufori presented two examples of its handcrafted MKIII La Joya, one finished in elegant metallic light blue and the other in a distinctive champagne-gold colour. Both vehicles were specially shipped from Malaysia and displayed within the event’s Prestige & Performance Gallery, alongside an impressive collection of luxury, sports and performance automobiles from international manufacturers.
The distinctive La Joya coupés attracted attention from visitors, many of whom were discovering the Malaysian marque for the first time. The cars’ graceful proportions, sweeping wings, prominent chrome grilles and contemporary-classic styling provided a striking contrast to the modern supercars and performance vehicles surrounding them.
Two Bufori MKIII La Joya at the Hong Kong Top Gear Live Show.
Gerry Khouri, Founder and Managing Director of Bufori, and Felix Haller, representing the company’s international sales and marketing activities, attended the event, welcoming visitors and introducing the brand to prospective customers and motoring enthusiasts.
The exhibition provided an opportunity to demonstrate the craftsmanship, engineering and attention to detail that distinguish Bufori from conventional mass-produced luxury automobiles.
Gerry Khouri, Founder and Managing Director of Bufori, commented:
“Top Gear has an enormous following among car enthusiasts around the world, and we are delighted to be part of its first international tour. It is a fantastic opportunity for us to introduce Bufori to an audience that is genuinely passionate about automobiles.
Our cars are very different from most of the vehicles on display here. We are not trying to compete with the latest supercars in terms of outright performance. What we offer is something more personal, an automobile that combines the elegance of classic motoring with modern technology and the craftsmanship of a truly handmade product.
Seeing our cars displayed here in Hong Kong, attracting interest from enthusiasts alongside some of the world’s most prestigious automotive brands, is another proud achievement for Bufori.”
The Bufori MKIII La Joya, whose name means “The Jewel” in Spanish, embodies the company’s philosophy of creating highly individual luxury automobiles. Inspired by the elegant coachbuilt motor cars of the 1930s, the two-seater coupé combines timeless styling with contemporary automotive engineering and advanced technology.
Designed, developed and handcrafted at Bufori’s manufacturing facility in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the La Joya features a lightweight composite body incorporating carbon fibre and Kevlar, a V6 powertrain and an extensive range of luxurious interior appointments.
Every Bufori is individually manufactured, allowing customers to select from an extensive range of exterior finishes, premium leathers, interior materials and bespoke details. This approach enables owners to commission an automobile that reflects their personal tastes and preferences.
Felix Haller commented on the significance of the company’s first appearance in Hong Kong:
“Hong Kong is an important international market with a sophisticated appreciation for luxury brands and exclusive products. What makes it particularly interesting for Bufori is that customers here are exposed to virtually every major luxury and sports car manufacturer in the world.
For a relatively small manufacturer like us, the challenge is to build awareness and explain what makes our cars special. Once people understand that every Bufori is individually handcrafted and can be extensively personalised, they begin to appreciate the difference.
Top Gear Live has given us a valuable opportunity to introduce the brand to exactly the kind of audience we want to reach, people who are passionate about cars and appreciate something unique.”
Bufori’s participation in Hong Kong followed its earlier appearances at prestigious automotive exhibitions in New York, Frankfurt, Shanghai, Dubai and Sydney, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to developing international brand recognition and expanding its presence in key luxury automobile markets.
The Bufori MKIII La Joya cars attracted the attention of the Hong Kong crowd.
With Hong Kong’s established luxury automobile market and its strategic position as a gateway to mainland China, the event also provided an opportunity for Bufori to explore potential business relationships and future opportunities within the region.
Beyond the live performances, Top Gear Live offered visitors access to an extensive motoring showcase featuring rare marques, exotic automobiles and specialist automotive products. The event’s combination of entertainment and automotive enthusiasm created an engaging environment in which Bufori could present its distinctive approach to luxury motoring.
For the Malaysian manufacturer, its debut at Top Gear Live Hong Kong represented another significant milestone in its international journey, further demonstrating that an independent, handcrafted luxury automobile brand from Malaysia could stand proudly alongside some of the world’s most established automotive names.
