>> back to News

A TWO-YEAR-OLD company is set to place Malaysia on the international automobile accessory map, with various innovative products for the motorist.

DAG Electrophonic Sdn Bhd recently signed a contract making EON Trading Sdn Bhd, the national distributor for the 'Acoustic Shield'.

The product, a semi-synthetic elastomer-based sheet which is coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive on one side,is affixed onto inside of the vehicle's bonnet.

It serves to reduce the transfer of engine heat and vibration, and works as a noise suppresser as well. DAG Electrophonic's managing director Darren Aster Gunasekera told the New Straits Times that the company spent almost RM400,000 to develop the product, which can be fitted on any vehicle.

Designed for do-it-yourself buffs, the Acoustic Shield exceeds the standard for automotive usage set by Sirim, the Warrington Laboratories in the United Kingdom and other approving bodies. It is washable, and is resistant to fire, mildew, chemical and fluids, including battery acid. "Besides the bonnet, it can also be fitted inside the vehicle's boot, door panels and floorboard for excellent soundproofing effect,"Gunasekera said.

The company's General Manager (Marketing ) Pandian Vijayarengam said DAG Electrophonic had received inquiries from American, Australian, German, French, and Italian automobile manufacturers to supply the product to be sold in the international market under the brand name Vibramat for their vehicles.

"We are now having discussions with representatives of two Japanese automobile manufacturers. To supply the product as original manufacturer's equipment. But these discussions are at an early stage. "Through our web site www.vibramat.com we have also received enquiries for distribution right in Sweden, Denmark,Iceland,and Norway "he said, adding that the company was inviting distributors to market the product in other Southeast Asian countries.

On the global forecast for the product, DAG Electrophonic's executive director Toh Teck Boon said based on current trends in vehicle sales, the company expected turnover from its exports to reach RM 20 million within the next three years."We expect sales in the next local market to hit RM 2 million by December. In a matter of time, we believe the Acoustic Shield will become standard fitting in all new vehicles sold in the country.

"Hence, annual sales for Malaysia by the end of 2004 are conservatively forecast at about R&M 15 million." The company products are being displayed until Sept 3, at the "Expo Cintai Malaysia 2000 " exposition held at the Malaysia International Exhibition and Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur. Gunasakera added that the company also specialised in two other areas--- audio amplifiers and automotive devices.

DAG Autoionics, a subsidiary of DAG Electrophonic, is responsible for development in these areas. At present, a prototype of the E-Cool---an automotive electronic control device is undergoing final testing . Powered by the vehicle's 's battery the product is designed to cool the interior of the cab. The vehicle may be parked in the sun but the cab stays cool.

This device, and another to automatically switch on the headlights when visibility is poor,  are slated for production in March. Both products, which have patents pending, are the brainchild of Gunasekera who said they represent "total electronic solutions to current automotive problems". Located at the Shah Alam Industrial Park, DAG Electrophonic, which was incorporated in August in 1998, has a paid-up capital of 3 million. All funds are internally generated.

"Gunasekera said the company was in the process of restructuring, with a view to seeking a listing on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange in 2002.

"Prime Minister Datuk Sri Dr Mahathir Mohamad has given the company a vision to work towards technological advancement.

"We believe that through our innovative and state-of-the -art Malaysia made products which employ cost-effective materials and production methods, we can help propel the country towards achieving that vision," said Gunasekera.

>> back to News