Kuala lumpur: National motorcycle manufacturer Motosikal dan Enjin Nasional Sdn Bhd (Modenas) is charting an ambitious growth path with plans to expand its product lineup, boost exports and scale up production capacity in the coming years, as it celebrates three decades of operations. Chief executive officer Roslan Roskan said the company, which began with the iconic Kriss 110 underbone motorcycle in 1996, has since transformed into a diversified two-wheeler and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) producer with global aspirations, particularly following Japan’s Kawasaki Heavy Industries’ (KHI) equity increase in 2019.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, with Kawasaki now holding a 30 per cent stake in Modenas, the company has become the sole distributor and assembler for Kawasaki motorcycles in Malaysia. This partnership has significantly enhanced manufacturing capabilities and allowed Modenas to penetrate new markets. DRB-Hicom Bhd holds a 70 per cent equity interest in Modenas, while the remaining is owned by KHI. After delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Modenas began its new business direction in 2022. Since then, Kawasaki motorcycle sales via Modenas have tripled, and its product portfolio has grown substantially.
From January until August 2025, Modenas launched five of its own models, seven under the Kawasaki brand, and one under the Kymco brand. For the remainder of this year, five more models will be launched, though details of the models and brand are yet to be announced.
Modenas has already begun exporting its ATVs to key ASEAN markets such as the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia. For scooters and underbone motorcycles, the primary export market is the Philippines, while higher cubic capacity (cc) motorcycles, via its partnership with Kawasaki, are being exported to China and the Middle East. The company plans to make exports a core business again, exploring markets in Indonesia, Turkey, and Greece. Previously, exports were halted around 2017-2018 due to emission regulation compliance issues. Now, with Kawasaki’s support, Modenas is prepared to return stronger.
The company’s plant in Gurun, Kedah, which operates with an all-local workforce of over 600 employees, currently has a production capacity of over 130,000 units annually on a single-shift basis. This volume can be easily scaled up. Modenas aims to produce about 100,000 motorcycles by 2026 or 2027, growing between 30 to 40 per cent over the next two to three years. The company also expects to increase its workforce to 1,000 employees by then.
Beyond traditional underbone motorcycles, Modenas is expanding its lineup of scooters, particularly in the 150 cc and above category. This includes the recent launch of the Kymco DTX 250 premium scooter in May 2025, and the AK550 maxi-scooter in January 2024, in collaboration with Taiwan-based Kymco. Modenas, through its subsidiary Edaran Modenas Sdn Bhd, has been the exclusive distributor of Kymco motorcycles in Malaysia since 2016. Additionally, two ATV models have been launched for the ASEAN market, with a third planned for later this year.
On the electric vehicle (EV) front, Modenas currently operates one EV production line and produces two electric motorcycle models, with plans to increase to three this year, and up to five to seven models in the next three years. Modenas is cautiously optimistic about EV motorcycles, given Malaysia’s relatively low fuel prices. The company is investing in research and development locally and collaborating with partners to improve features and affordability.
In line with its commitment to Malaysia’s industrial ecosystem, Modenas plans to invite 30 additional local small and medium enterprise (SME) vendors to supply materials and services, further deepening localisation efforts. The company is also actively working with technical and vocational education and training institutions, notably GiatMara, to train future technicians. Modenas has established an industrial centre of excellence in Pendang, Kedah, and collaborates on training curriculum and modules. Four GiatMara centers have been authorised to provide after-sales service for Modenas motorcycles, particularly EV models used by Pos Malaysia, which currently operates 1,200 electric bikes.
In November 2024, Pos Malaysia and Modenas collaborated to provide customised MEV-1 PRO motorcycles to meet the operational demands of logistics and delivery services. This collaboration aligns with Pos Malaysia’s commitment to full electrification of its delivery fleet by 2030, in line with its net-zero goal by 2050. DRB-Hicom is a major shareholder of Pos Malaysia, currently holding a 53.5 per cent equity interest.
Looking ahead, Modenas projects double-digit growth in sales annually, driven by the expansion of its model lineup, increased exports, and higher output capacity at its Gurun facility. The total industry volume last year recorded 420,000 units, with Modenas, Kymco, and Kawasaki comprising 39,443 units. Modenas plans to continue producing fuel-based motorcycles, especially smaller cc underbone models, which are preferred by local riders for affordability and ease of use. As Modenas marks its 30th anniversary, it remains committed to strengthening Malaysia’s motorcycle ecosystem by producing locally-designed bikes, supporting local SMEs, and empowering homegrown talent.