Bufori showcases Malaysian automotive craftsmanship at ASEM Trade and Investment Fair in China
Qingdao, China, 2 November 2007 – Malaysian luxury automobile manufacturer Bufori successfully participated in the 2007 Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Trade and Investment Fair on Small and Medium Enterprises, held in Qingdao, China, from 29 October to 1 November 2007.
The company showcased its distinctive Bufori MKIII La Joya at the Malaysian national pavilion organised by the Small and Medium Industries Development Corporation (SMIDEC), presenting an example of Malaysian automotive craftsmanship to an international audience of government representatives, business leaders, investors and trade delegates from Asia and Europe.
The exhibition, held at the Qingdao International Convention and Exhibition Centre, formed part of a major ASEM initiative aimed at strengthening trade, investment and economic cooperation between Asian and European countries, with particular emphasis on the development and internationalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises.
SMIDEC CEO Datuk (Dr.) Hafsah Hashim at the opening ceremony.
Organised with the support of the Chinese government, the event provided a platform for companies to showcase their products, technologies and manufacturing capabilities while exploring opportunities for international cooperation.
For the occasion, Bufori presented an elegant MKIII La Joya finished in metallic blue, featuring the model’s distinctive contemporary-classic styling, flowing bodywork, handcrafted detailing and luxurious interior appointments.
Prominently displayed at the SMIDEC Malaysia pavilion, the automobile demonstrated the sophisticated manufacturing capabilities of Malaysia’s specialist automotive sector, highlighting the country’s ability to design, engineer and produce exclusive luxury motor cars for international customers.
The La Joya attracted the interest of visiting delegates and exhibition participants, including government and business representatives who had the opportunity to examine the vehicle and learn more about its distinctive design and manufacturing process.
SMIDEC CEO Datuk (Dr.) Hafsah Hashim shaking hands with a delegate, with Gerry Khouri of Bufori in the background.
Gerry Khouri, Founder and Managing Director of Bufori, attended the exhibition, representing the company and engaging with visitors and international delegates during the event.
Bufori’s participation was particularly significant given the exhibition’s focus on small and medium-sized enterprises. Unlike conventional large-scale automobile manufacturers, Bufori operates as an independent, low-volume luxury carmaker, combining specialised engineering, modern manufacturing technologies and traditional craftsmanship.
Established in Australia in 1986 and subsequently relocated to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the company has developed its reputation through the production of individually handcrafted automobiles that offer extensive opportunities for personalisation.
The Bufori MKIII La Joya, whose name means “The Jewel” in Spanish, combines design inspiration from the luxury automobiles of the 1930s with contemporary engineering and technology. Its lightweight composite body, incorporating carbon fibre and Kevlar, and its distinctive two-seater configuration reflect the company’s commitment to creating automobiles that are both technically sophisticated and highly individual.
Bufori MKIII La Joya at the Malaysia booth managed by SMIDEC.
Each vehicle is handcrafted at Bufori’s manufacturing facility in Kuala Lumpur, where specialist craftsmen and technicians undertake the intricate processes required to create an automobile tailored to its owner’s specifications.
Bufori’s presence at ASEM also reinforced the role of Malaysian small and medium-sized manufacturers in developing internationally competitive, high-value products. The company’s participation illustrated how specialist enterprises can compete in global markets through innovation, product differentiation and craftsmanship rather than mass production.
Following its earlier appearances at international automotive exhibitions in New York, Frankfurt, Shanghai and Dubai, Bufori’s participation in Qingdao represented another opportunity to strengthen awareness of the brand in China and across the wider Asian market.
The event also provided a platform to explore relationships with potential customers and business partners while further promoting Malaysia as a centre for specialised automotive manufacturing.
For Bufori, the exhibition was another step in its international journey, demonstrating that Malaysian craftsmanship and engineering expertise could be represented alongside businesses and technologies from some of the world’s leading industrial economies.
The company’s participation at the SMIDEC Malaysia pavilion reflected its continuing commitment to representing Malaysia on the international stage and establishing Bufori as a distinctive name in the world of handcrafted luxury automobiles.
