Bufori shares its strategy for overcoming the economic downturn at KL International Automotive Conference
KUALA LUMPUR, 28 May 2009 – Malaysian luxury automobile manufacturer Bufori participated in the 2nd KL International Automotive Conference 2009, with General Manager Felix Haller representing the company in a panel discussion alongside prominent leaders of Malaysia’s automotive industry.
Organised by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) and the Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (ASLI), the conference took place on 26 and 27 May 2009 under the theme “Surviving and Thriving During the Economic Slowdown.”
The event brought together government representatives, automotive manufacturers, industry executives and other stakeholders to discuss the challenges confronting the global automotive industry and the strategies required to navigate one of the most severe economic downturns in recent history.
Haller participated in a panel discussion alongside distinguished industry figures, including Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir, Group Managing Director of Proton, bringing the perspective of an independent, low-volume luxury automobile manufacturer to a discussion traditionally dominated by larger automotive companies.
During his presentation, Haller shared Bufori’s experience in overcoming economic challenges and explained how the company’s unique business model, founded on traditional craftsmanship, exclusivity and extensive personalisation, influences its approach to difficult market conditions.
Established in Australia in 1986 during a period of economic recession, Bufori subsequently established its manufacturing operations in Kuala Lumpur during the Asian financial crisis of the late 1990s. Having weathered two previous economic downturns, the company was now confronting its third major recession in its 23-year history.
With international markets accounting for a significant proportion of Bufori’s business, the global financial crisis presented particular challenges. However, Haller emphasised that difficult economic conditions also offered opportunities to strengthen operations, improve efficiency and accelerate innovation.
In his presentation, “Surviving and Thriving During the Economic Downturn,” Haller outlined three key principles guiding Bufori’s approach to navigating the crisis: improving operational efficiency, preserving the company’s core values, and embracing innovation while exploring new markets.
While acknowledging the importance of cost reductions, improved productivity and efficient resource allocation, Haller stressed that these measures must never compromise the fundamental qualities that distinguish Bufori from conventional automobile manufacturers.
Product quality, exceptional customer service and the preservation of specialist craftsmanship remain central to the company’s philosophy.
“Cutting down on key talents would mean giving up the essence of Bufori,” Haller explained, highlighting the importance of retaining the skilled craftsmen whose experience and expertise are fundamental to the company’s handcrafted automobiles.
He also described how Bufori was taking a proactive approach to product development despite the challenging economic environment. Rather than focusing exclusively on existing production activities during a period of reduced demand, the company had redirected resources towards the development of new models and technologies.
The discussion panelists.
These developments were intended to broaden the brand’s appeal by introducing automobiles that combined Bufori’s traditional values of exclusivity and craftsmanship with greater practicality and versatility.
At the same time, Bufori continued to explore opportunities in new and emerging international markets, recognising that even relatively small markets could offer significant long-term growth potential for a specialist manufacturer.
The participation of Bufori alongside Proton and other established automotive industry players highlighted the diversity of Malaysia’s automotive manufacturing capabilities, ranging from large-scale vehicle production to highly specialised, individually handcrafted luxury automobiles.
For Bufori, the conference provided an opportunity to share its experience as an independent Malaysian automotive manufacturer with an international customer base, while contributing to the broader discussion on the future competitiveness of Malaysia’s automotive industry.
Haller concluded his presentation with a message of optimism, reflecting the company’s belief that challenging economic conditions can also create the foundations for future success:
“Every crisis will come to an end, and every crisis always creates an opportunity.”
