In 1993, Perodua was established as a joint venture between Malaysian local capital and Daihatsu. As a national car manufacturer carrying the hopes of the Malaysian government, Perodua now boasts the No. 1 market share in the country. Remarkably, this achievement has continued for 20 consecutive years! As its technical partner, Daihatsu works together with Perodua to contribute to the development of the local automobile industry.

Daihatsu’s Malaysia business

Company | Business Overview | Overseas Business | Malaysia business

Perodua is divided into multiple companies by function, with vehicle production handled by Perodua Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd. (PMSB) and Perodua Global Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd. (PGMSB), which was established in 2013.

The new model will be produced at PMSB. What kind of vehicle is it?

The new vehicle’s name is TRAZ!
The TRAZ is a B-segment* SUV.
We spoke with two members of the Daihatsu Product Planning Div. about its core concept.

^{* The compact passenger vehicle category (one of the size classifications for automobiles). Also known as compact cars.}

Yamamoto-san, Daihatsu, Product Planning Div.

I was responsible for product planning for this B-segment SUV series. This series was developed from scratch as a new vehicle without a base model in Japan and will be rolled out to overseas markets. It will be produced by Toyota plants in Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brazil, as well as by Perodua.
The vehicle adopts the DNGA platform and is marketed as “TRAZ” under the Perodua brand. Through extensive local research across Asian countries, we refined the specifications to satisfy every market. The concept is “Urban SUV Meets Adventure.” The vehicle is designed for the lifestyle of commuting to the city office on weekdays and enjoying active leisure with family on weekends.
Additionally, the TRAZ features a unique Perodua design. As the first DNGA-based vehicle to feature an electric back door and LED lamps throughout, it demonstrates meticulous attention to detail.

Iyanaga-san, Daihatsu, Product Planning Div.

I was stationed at PMSB alongside members of the Daihatsu design and production engineering teams to resolve design issues arising at the production plant as part of the TRAZ project.
My primary role involved analyzing the causes of design and quality issues arising during the local production preparation phase and guiding their resolution. To do this, I gathered status reports and information from Toyota plants, held repeated discussions with Daihatsu and PMSB, and implemented countermeasures together with them.
On site, there is an activity called “Obeya,” where PMSB’s manufacturing and design members and leaders gather to tackle problem-solving. There, PMSB and Daihatsu work as “One Team,” conducting on-site, hands-on reviews and deciding on the direction on the spot. Thanks to Obeya, we were able to swiftly confirm the effectiveness of countermeasures on the actual vehicle. 
Additionally, support from Japanese expatriates to PMSB (Daihatsu employees) greatly facilitated smooth communication with local members both inside and outside work.
For the TRAZ, some members participated in overseas assignments for the first time, and I believe it was a valuable experience and opportunity for them as well.

In preparation for production launch in Malaysia, the TRAZ was brought to life through development that involved thorough research of local needs and Obeya activities where everyone came together to solve problems on site.

At the TRAZ press conference, Zainal-san, President of Perodua, made the following comment:

The strengthened cooperation between Perodua and Daihatsu is expected to further enhance competitiveness in the Malaysian market!

In addition to the press conference, we conducted interviews that explore local projects, behind the scenes of production, the close relationships between local members and Japanese expatriates, and even the realities of working abroad. Watching this video just might make you want to take on challenges overseas too! Please watch until the very end!

Through these interviews, it became clear how Perodua’s local members and Japanese expatriates work as “One Team,” leveraging their respective technical and management skills to support the local production site and steer projects toward success.
I also have experience working as Japanese expatriates at Perodua, where I overcame several issues by cooperating not only with local members but also with other expatriates and Daihatsu members. This experience strengthened deep bonds of trust and connection, and it has become a personal treasure to me.
I look forward to everyone continuing to pool their strengths beyond national and company boundaries, taking on new challenges and achieving further growth.

Stay tuned for more from “One Team” efforts by Perodua and Daihatsu!