Market Information

Local Manufacturers
Automako Sdn Bhd – Shah Alam, Selangor
Nippon Wiper Blade (M) Sdn Bhd – Seremban, Negeri Sembilan
Pengeluaran Getah Bando (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd – Kulai, Johor

The Market
The domestic market is facing stiff competition from China. The price of China’s wiper blade is 90 US cent per arm with 0% import tariff while the cost of Malaysian made wiper blades is said to be 20% higher than that of China’s product. Malaysian market for replacement wiper blade is around *RM1.5 million annually whilst the Thailand plus the Philippines markets comprise of another RM1.5 million per annum.

Based on JPJ statistics, the number of registered vehicle in Malaysia for 2002 was 12,021,939.

The world’s major players are Trico, Valeu and Nippon Wiper Blades.

Research report on global wiper blade market shows that wiper blade has the potential to grow. It has been suggested, for example, that the European wiper blade market could easily double if motorists realised just what a safety-critical component it is. The key to growth, however, lies in educating the motorist about the dangers of using worn-out parts. From the marketing point of view this sector is still undeveloped and manufacturers have some way to go to change consumer habits.

* Source: Market Development & Promotion Unit, Survey 2003


Testing

The important properties are:

• High strength (tensile strength, tensile modulus and tear properties)
• Hardness
• High rebound or resilience
• Low Compression set and creeps.