KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 — Givi Asia Sdn Bhd, a manufacturer of motorcycle accessories, is considering the prospects of producing helmets of European standard for the Europe market in the next one or two years.
General Manager, On Hai Swee said the company has the potential to produce products that matches the European standard. This is especially viable with the initiatives offered by Sirim which encourage Malaysian manufacturers to churn out products that meets European standards in Malaysia.
“At the moment, we have a programme with Sirim. They have started to bring in testing equipment from Italy (to gauge whether) the helmets can pass European standards.
“It will be good for the Malaysian helmet industry to improve in terms of technicalities and helmets’ safety,” he told reporters at the preview of the latest Roma Helmet recently.
The Roma helmets, produced in four sizes, will be launched at the Malaysian Grand Prix series tonight.
On said Givi Italy, which owns a 51 per cent stake in the company, is currently pushing Malaysia to produce helmets that fit European standards by transferring technology to upgrade quality of helmets.
“In Europe, it’s quite difficult to increase helmets’ production because of labour issues and rising manufacturing cost not only in our industry but also in other industries.
“A lot of industries have started to migrate to Asia as the region has abundant labour force and the production cost is cheaper,” he said.
Asked whether the plan will entail manufacturing streamlining in other countries, On said: “ Definitely some of the helmet manufacturing operations will have to be streamlined and they will have to move into another level of operations — more research and development.”
Currently, Malaysia has the second largest manufacturing facility after Italy, churning out more than 40,000 units of Givi helmets, motorcycle accessories and boxes a month, with 30 per cent for export and remaining 70 per cent for domestic consumption.
Givi also has production plants in Brazil and Vietnam.
Givi Asia, via its manufacturing arm in Malaysia, currently exports Givi products to more than 22 countries across South America and Asia-Pacific.
On the new Roma helmets, On said the helmets will be available after today at all its 300 dealers nationwide.
The helmets, in line with the company’s “ One Size Does Not Fit All” campaign, gives importance to motorcyclists’ safety and will be ready for delivery only two months after booking.
“With over 60 per cent of the people involved in motorcycle accidents suffering from head trauma, it’s essential for bikers to understand how their choice of helmets could impact their life.
“Motorcyclists need to understand that for a helmet to be effective, it must be the right fit,” he said.
As for the export market, On said the helmets will be available in South American and Asia-Pacific countries after June next year. — Bernama
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