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TAG hitting overseas targets
EXTRA >> GOLD COAST manufacturer Bustech could soon be developing and jointly producing a more advanced and efficient public transport system for Malaysia.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Bustech’s parent company Transit Australia Group (TAG) and Malaysia-owned Go Automobile. 
Go Automobile and Bustech plan to form a joint venture to manufacture electric, diesel and special purpose vehicles that will reinvent the current Malaysian public transport system.
TAG CEO Michael McGee said the ground-breaking deal represents a major opportunity for Bustech and significantly increases its access to overseas markets.
“Partnering with Go Automobile, who specialise in passenger and commercial vehicles, provides access to significant skill and expertise, and opens up new and exciting opportunities in Malaysia and other international markets,” Mr McGee said.
“The market and supply chain analysis will underpin a decision to invest in a manufacturing facility in Malaysia, which will take the company to new heights following our recent success in Saudi Arabia and Dubai.”
Go Automobile director Farok Maasom said after the feasibility study is finalised, the companies would move quickly into production as soon as possible.
“We intend to develop highly fuel efficient diesel buses, electric buses powered by lithium ion batteries and special purpose vehicles designed specifically for the local Malaysian market,” Mr Maasom said.
“We are very excited to be working with TAG who has already established their reputation as the leading bus design, engineering and manufacturing business in Australia. This reputation led TAG to formalise a $170 million agreement to design and manufacture electric buses for the Malaysian government.”
The MoU between Go Automobile and Bustech has been facilitated under the Malaysia-Australia Free Trade Agreement (MAFTA), and is being supported by the Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI).
Bustech has partnered with MAI, Swinburne University of Technology, the Automotive Cooperative Research Centre (AutoCRC) and private Malaysian company Go Automobile to develop and test the E-Bus project in Malaysia.
“Transit Australia Group has long recognised the unique opportunities available under free trade agreements in the region and sees the strategic importance of Asia as an emerging market,” Mr McGee said.
At the Gold Coast Bustech facility earlier this year, Malaysian Automotive Institute CEO M Madani Sahari said, if successful, the electric bus could be exported to other countries.
“This partnership is a win-win for both Australia and Malaysia because it develops opportunities that have benefits for both countries,” Mr Sahari said.
Mr Sahari said Malaysian industry was spending 500 million ringgit (A$170 million) on establishing an electric bus public transport system, including infrastructure such as charging stations.
“This project will position Malaysia and Australia as regional leaders,” he said. “We don’t believe in having everything centric to one country. We can’t. In this era of globalisation we need to work with a partner and this is a smart partnership.
“Without the Malaysia Australia Free Trade Agreement this wouldn’t have happened,” Mr Sahari said. “It’s a win-win for both countries and we have the world as our market place.”
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