Steering Maserati Forward: A Conversation with Naza Italia’s Chief Operating Officer

2024, Meet our Members

In this edition of In Motion, we speak with Mr Azwan Yahaya, the COO of Naza Italia, the official importer and distributor of Maserati in Malaysia. Since 2009, Naza Italia has been a key player in the luxury automotive industry, offering an exceptional Maserati experience from its state-of-the-art 3S centre in Petaling Jaya.

In this interview, Mr Yahaya shares his vision for enhancing Naza Italia’s market presence, elevating customer experience, and driving innovation. He also highlights exciting upcoming projects, including Maserati’s new “Folgore” electric vehicle range, and discusses Naza Italia’s commitment to sustainability and luxury in Malaysia’s evolving automotive landscape.

Mr Azwan Yahaya, COO of Naza Italia, with the Maserati GranTurismo

1. Can you tell our readers a bit about Naza Italia? 

Naza Italia, a prominent player in the luxury automotive industry in Malaysia, has been the official importer and distributor of the Maserati brand since it commenced operations on March 31, 2009. The brand operates from a state-of-the-art 3S centre located in Petaling Jaya, which serves as a one-stop solution for sales, service, and spare parts. This facility is designed to provide the ultimate Maserati experience, from entry through ownership. Additionally, to cater to the northern region of Malaysia, Naza Italia is supported by another dedicated service centre in Penang.

Naza Italia presents a remarkable and varied Maserati collection that caters to every preference of luxury automobile enthusiasts. Its lineup ranges from the Ghibli, known for uniting luxury with the dynamics of a sports sedan, to the flagship Quattroporte which combines lavishness and performance in a stately executive sedan. The Levante takes on the luxury SUV market with its stylish utility, while the Gran Turismo, a sporty coupe, embodies the grand touring spirit with superior performance and comfort. The MC20 stands as the epitome of Maserati’s high-performance sports car segment, showcasing an innovative engine and striking design. The newest model, the Grecale, offers an unbeatable mix of adaptability and power, aiming to redefine its class.

Through this comprehensive selection, Naza Italia faithfully brings to its clientele the essence of excellence in Italian design and craftsmanship that Maserati is renowned for.

2. With yourself, Azwan Yahaya appointed as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Naza, can you discuss your vision and plans for Naza Italia and Maserati and how your extensive experience will influence the brand’s growth and success in this market?

Stepping into this role at Naza, my strategic vision for Naza Italia and Maserati is to significantly boost the brand’s presence in the market while delivering an unmatched luxury experience for our customers. Drawing from my experience in the automotive sector, I will focus on elevating our customer’s journey. This involves refining our customer service to achieve excellence by leveraging both human skill development and digital innovation, ensuring our team can provide service that exceeds expectations and makes every interaction with our brand a memorable one.

To improve and increase our brand’s accessibility and penetration in the Malaysian market, we are in the midst of relocating our showroom to the heart of Kuala Lumpur. This move will place us at the core of the country’s economic activities, making our vehicles more accessible to potential customers and enhancing the visibility of the Maserati brand. We have also started working on upgrading our existing aftersales facilities in Petaling Jaya as we aim to elevate the overall experience of our customers.

On the innovation front, we are riding on Maserati’s personalized vehicle customization to differentiate ourselves from other players in the luxury automotive field. Strategic marketing efforts and elite partnerships will emphasize Maserati’s rich Italian heritage and craftsmanship, strengthening the brand’s prestigious image. With these targeted strategies, I am optimistic about propelling Maserati’s growth in the luxury automotive sector, reinforcing its esteemed position in the market.

From left to right: Mr Michele Dossi (President, Italcham Malaysia), Mr Azwan Yahaya (COO, Naza Italia), Ms Erika Angelozzi (Secretary General, Italcham Malaysia)

3. Naza Italia recently received an award for Long Term Membership from ITALCHAM Malaysia. What does this recognition mean to the company?

Receiving the award from ITALCHAM is a significant acknowledgement for Naza Italia. This recognition represents not only our sustained commitment to fostering relationships within the Italian business community but also highlights our dedication to promoting Italian luxury automotive brands like Maserati in Malaysia. For us, this recognition is a testament to the hard work and perseverance of our team over the years. It motivates us to continue our efforts to uphold the values of Italian craftsmanship and innovation while pushing boundaries in the luxury automotive market to offer exceptional experiences to our customers

It also inspires us to maintain our high standards and to keep enriching our partnerships and business practices under the ITALCHAM umbrella, fostering stronger connections within international and local markets.

Maserati Folgore

4. What are the upcoming projects or initiatives that Naza Italia is particularly excited about?

Naza Italia is thrilled about the upcoming launch of Maserati’s “Folgore” electric vehicle (EV) range, marking the brand’s bold move into the world of high-end electric luxury cars. This new lineup promises to blend Maserati’s iconic elegance and dynamic performance with the latest in EV technology. As the demand for environmentally friendly transportation grows, Folgore is Maserati’s answer to providing sustainable yet luxurious driving options. With this initiative, Naza Italia aims to lead in the luxury EV market by offering innovative vehicles that meet the future’s green energy standards without sacrificing the luxury experience Maserati is known for.

5. How does Naza Italia envision its future role and impact in the Malaysian business landscape?

Naza Italia envisions itself as a pioneer in the Malaysian luxury automotive sector, driving forward with a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence. The company aims to strengthen its impact by offering cutting-edge, eco-friendly luxury vehicles and exceptional customer service that align with global trends and local demands. By doing so, Naza Italia looks forward to not only enhancing its position in the market but also playing a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable and sophisticated future for the Malaysian automotive industry.

Maserati Grecale

6. Can you share insights into any strategic partnerships or collaborations that Naza Italia is currently involved in?

We have done many partnerships and collaborations in the past, and right now we are rather selective with this. We do get approached by many entities to run events and do sponsorships, and we are doing our best to prioritize those that share our brand values and would appeal to our target audience. It is our hope that we continue to partner with brands and businesses that have a similar focus and synergy as Maserati to bring in the value of these activities. We certainly look forward to partnering with ITALCHAM in some of its future activities not just as an activation tactic but to show our support towards the chambers and its members.

From left to right: Mr Azwan Yahaya (COO, Naza Italia), Dato’ Jasmy Bin Ismail (Chairman, Naza Automotive Group), H.E. Massimo Rustico (Ambassador of Italy to Malaysia), Dr Filippo Fusaro (Italian Trade Commissioner, Italian Trade Agency, KL), Tan Sri Ismee Ismail (Group Managing Director, Naza Automotive Group), Mr Mohd Rizal Jailan (CEO, Naza Automotive Group)

7. How does Naza Italia prioritize innovation and adaptability in a rapidly changing market environment?

Naza Italia prioritizes innovation and adaptability by closely monitoring market trends and customer preferences to stay ahead in the fast-evolving luxury automotive sector. The company invests in new technologies and explores new business models, such as electric vehicles and digital services, to meet the rising demand for sustainable and sophisticated mobility solutions. Through ongoing training and development programs, Naza Italia ensures its team is agile and equipped to respond to changes swiftly, thereby sustaining its commitment to delivering exceptional value and experiences to its customers.

Naza Italia as the sole dealer and distributor of Maserati in Malaysia epitomize Naza Automotive Group’s dedication to luxury, niche, and lifestyle markets, offering unparalleled exclusivity and performance. This focus not only meets the sophisticated demands of discerning customers but also strengthens Naza Auto’s reputation as a leader in luxury automotive experiences.

For more information about Maserati Malaysia, click HERE

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CO2 TTDI | 達文敦 is a speakeasy space offering specially crafted beverages and food. The space also offers catering services and rental space for private events, corporate meetings and networking activities

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