Neta Malaysia Moves to Direct Sales, Reaffirms After-Sales Support

Intro Synergy Sdn Bhd, the exclusive distributor of NETA vehicles in Malaysia, has issued a new statement addressing recent developments concerning its principal, Hozon Auto, the Chinese parent company of the NETA brand.

The latest statement confirms that Hozon is currently undergoing financial restructuring and internal realignment, aimed at strengthening its long-term viability.

In response, Intro Synergy is adjusting its local operations, moving toward a more streamlined direct-to-consumer (D2C) sales model, akin to Tesla. This shift reflects global EV trends and is intended to improve operational efficiency and better align with evolving customer expectations in a competitive landscape.

Despite the strategic transition, the company reassures customers that all service centers across Malaysia will remain fully operational. After-sales support, warranty coverage, and spare parts availability are expected to continue without interruption. As of now, Neta Malaysia operates 16 dealerships nationwide.

However, as of the time of publication, there appears to be a disconnect between the company’s D2C ambition and its digital infrastructure. The official Neta Malaysia website does not yet support online bookings - clicking the booking icon simply redirects users to a list of physical dealerships, prompting walk-in visits instead.

The distributor also notes it has contingency measures in place to ensure spare parts availability throughout the vehicle lifecycle, including a buyback option under specific conditions should certain parts become unavailable.

While these efforts suggest a proactive stance during a period of uncertainty, several critical issues remain unresolved. Chief among them is the status of Neta’s CKD plans for local assembly.

A locally assembled model was originally promised for Q1 2025, but no updates have been provided - leaving room for doubt.

Another lingering concern is the Neta V’s 0-star ASEAN NCAP crash safety rating, published in December 2024. So far, Neta Auto Malaysia has remained silent on the matter - a lack of response that has raised red flags among safety-conscious consumers.

In Q1 2025, Neta Auto Malaysia recorded just 50 vehicle sales, 37 of which were the Neta V. While not unusual for a newcomer in the EV market, these figures underscore a brand still in its early growth phase, now navigating increased scrutiny and elevated consumer expectations.

Intro Synergy’s latest move signals a commitment to stay the course while adapting to evolving circumstances. However, timely updates and greater transparency on key issues - particularly safety and product rollout - will be essential in maintaining customer confidence and strengthening brand credibility moving forward.