The implementation of the revised National Automotive Policy (NAP) will not be rushed but will be done in stages, International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamed said.

He said the government has already started the implementation of the revised policy since June 2012, and many more initiatives will be announced in due course.

“The revision includes incentives for production of energy-efficient vehicles and recently, Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd benefited from the revised NAP.

“We are currently talking to two or three more car makers to provide them with similar incentives, and to promote Malaysia as a regional hub for production of energy-efficient vehicles,” Mustapa told reporters after attending a Hari Raya Open House organised by his ministry in Kuala Lumpur today.

On July 20, Honda announced a RM1 billion expansion drive, which includes the car maker manufacturing hybrid vehicles locally, making it the first non-national automotive manufacturer to produce hybrid vehicles in the country.

Before this, it was reported that UMW Toyota had also expressed interest to assemble its hybrid models in Malaysia.

Asked whether the NAP will be one of the highlights in the upcoming Budget 2013, Mustapa said: “I do not think so. The Budget is very early and I doubt there will be an announcement by then.”

- Bernama