IM Group brings Naza to UK

The company has signed a memorandum of understanding with Malaysian firm Naza to import its Sutera model but no firm date has been set for the car's arrival. An IM Group spokesman said the car had to overcome the “European emissions hurdle” and take the rigorous Euro NCAP crash tests before it could be brought over here. He added that a retail strategy for the brand had not yet been decided upon but it was “more than likely” it would be a separate operation from the IM Group's current networks. Launched in Malaysia earlier this year, the Sutera is a five-door hatchback which is smaller than a Ford Fiesta. It features a 1.1-litre Daihatsu engine and is based upon the Lobo – a small car designed by Chinese manufacturer Hafei. The car is priced below Proton and Perodua in the Malaysian market and here it could retail at around £6,000. IM Group confirmed it was also in talks with “seven or eight” Chinese manufacturers about bringing their products to the UK.