MOTOSIKAL dan Enjin Nasional Sdn Bhd (Modenas), a member of DRB-HICOM Bhd, is poised to surpass 14,000 units in Brusky scooter exports to the Philippines this year.
Chief executive officer Roslan Roskan said this would be the highest shipment volume in Modenas’ history in over two decades since 1999.
The national motorcycle manufacturer’s growth is fuelled by the refreshed version of the popular Karisma 125 EX, assembled at the Gurun plant in Kedah and rebranded for the Philippine market.
Modenas entered the market in 2023 with two test units, before ramping up production to 4,522 units in 2024.
The Philippines is now one of Modenas’ fastest-growing overseas markets, with sales more than doubling to 11,079 units as of July 2025.
“With another 2,066 units scheduled for August, Modenas is on track to surpass 14,000 units this year – the highest export volume in our history,” Roslan said at the launch of Brusky’s new colour and graphic design in Gurun, Kedah on Wednesday.
Leveraging its partnership with shareholder Kawasaki, Roslan said Kawasaki Motors Philippines Corporation (KMPC), supported by over 80 dealers, has played a pivotal role in facilitating the introduction of the Brusky to the market.
Japan’s Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd holds a 30 per cent stake in Modenas, with the remaining shares owned by DRB-HICOM.
Roslan added that the sustained growth reflects the Brusky’s strong market appeal, dependability and the confidence shown by its distribution partner KMPC.
He noted that the Philippines is one of Asean’s most dynamic two-wheeler markets, with annual sales of 1.8 million motorcycles, 65 per cent of which are scooters.
Modenas’ expanding footprint in the Philippines is also expected to generate new jobs at its Gurun plant, strengthen the local supply chain and reinforce Kedah’s role as an industrial hub in the region.
“This success would not be possible without the commitment and collaboration of ourpartner KMPC.
“It demonstrates how Kedah plays a central role in regional growth. Our Gurun plant, with an annual capacity of 130,000 units on one shift, not only powers international exports but also creates jobs, supports local vendors and positions Malaysia as a hub for Asean mobility,” he added.
Brusky scooters are manufactured at Modenas’ Gurun plant, which has an annual production capacity of 120,000 units on a single shift.
Building on the success of the Brusky, Modenas is preparing to expand its Philippine portfolio with the Kriss 110 that will be marketed as Nimbus in 2026, followed by the 150cc Supermoped.
Roslan said the Asean Free Trade Agreement, which allows zero per cent import tax between Malaysia and the Philippines, enables Modenas to offer products that are both competitive and accessible across the region.
“Together, we are proving that Modenas can go beyond borders and that the Brusky will ride proudly from Gurun to Manila and beyond,” he added.
Powered by a 125 cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected SOHC engine, the Brusky delivers about 9.4 horsepower and 10 Nm of torque, offering a smooth and fuel-efficient ride using its CVT system.
It is well-suited for navigating city traffic and short-distance commutes.
The scooter sports a sharp and contemporary design with full LED lighting, a semi-digital instrument panel, USB charging port, and a 14-litre under-seat storage.
These features combine practicality with a modern touch, elevating its appeal for daily users.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
