Kuala Lumpur, 9 June 2007 – Malaysian luxury automobile manufacturer Bufori enjoyed a distinguished moment at SMIDEX 2007 when Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi visited the company’s exhibition stand and personally experienced the handcrafted Bufori MKIII La Joya.
The Prime Minister, who officially opened the exhibition on 6 June 2007 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, took time during his tour of the event to inspect the distinctive luxury coupé. Demonstrating a personal interest in the Malaysian-built automobile, he examined the vehicle’s craftsmanship and took a seat inside its luxurious cabin.
The visit marked a proud occasion for Bufori, providing an opportunity to showcase the company’s achievements in designing, engineering and manufacturing exclusive luxury motor cars in Malaysia.
Organised by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and the Small and Medium Industries Development Corporation (SMIDEC), the tenth edition of SMIDEX was held under the theme “SME Networking: Local Links, Global Reach.” The exhibition brought together Malaysian manufacturers, entrepreneurs, international buyers and industry representatives to promote technological innovation, business cooperation and opportunities for expansion into overseas markets.
For the occasion, Bufori presented two handcrafted automobiles on an elegant exhibition platform, including a striking MKIII La Joya finished in deep burgundy and a distinctive two-tone blue and ivory Bufori. The vehicles demonstrated the company’s ability to combine traditional coachbuilding craftsmanship with contemporary engineering and extensive personalisation.
The Bufori MKIII La Joya, whose name means “The Jewel” in Spanish, embodies the company’s philosophy of creating automobiles that are both distinctive and individual. Inspired by the elegant proportions of luxury automobiles from the 1930s, the two-seater coupé combines timeless styling with modern technology, luxurious appointments and meticulous attention to detail.
Designed, developed and handcrafted at Bufori’s manufacturing facility in Kuala Lumpur, the La Joya features a lightweight composite body incorporating carbon fibre and Kevlar, together with a 2.7-litre V6 powertrain and a wide range of contemporary comfort and convenience features.
Unlike mass-produced automobiles, each Bufori is individually built, allowing owners to specify their preferred exterior finishes, upholstery, interior materials and bespoke appointments.
Malaysian Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi getting comfortable in the Bufori MKIII La Joya.
Gerry Khouri, Founder and Managing Director of Bufori, commented:
“We are extremely honoured that the Prime Minister took the time to visit our stand and personally experience the La Joya. For everyone at Bufori, this is a very proud moment and a wonderful recognition of the dedication and craftsmanship of our Malaysian team.
Since establishing our manufacturing operations in Kuala Lumpur, we have worked towards proving that Malaysia is capable of producing luxury automobiles that can compete on the international stage. We believe that our greatest strength lies in the skills of our people and our commitment to creating something truly unique.”
The Prime Minister’s visit came at a time when Bufori was continuing to expand its international presence, following appearances at prestigious automotive exhibitions in New York, Frankfurt, Shanghai and Dubai.
Two Bufori MKIII La Joya at the 2007 SMIDEX Show
As an independent, low-volume manufacturer, Bufori represents a specialised segment of Malaysia’s automotive industry, focusing on high-value products, advanced composite materials, traditional craftsmanship and bespoke manufacturing rather than large-scale production.
Its participation at SMIDEX 2007 demonstrated the potential for Malaysian small and medium-sized enterprises to develop sophisticated products capable of reaching discerning customers in international markets.
The Prime Minister’s interest in the La Joya provided a memorable highlight of the exhibition and further reinforced Bufori’s commitment to showcasing Malaysian automotive excellence around the world.
For Bufori and its team of dedicated craftsmen, the occasion represented another significant milestone in the company’s journey towards establishing Malaysia as a recognised producer of exclusive handcrafted luxury motor cars.
