KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Naza Group founder and chairman Tan Sri S.M. Nasimuddin S.M. Amin died on Thursday in Los Angeles after losing his fight with lung cancer. He was 53.

Nasimuddin had been receiving treatment at a private hospital there.

He leaves behind wife Puan Sri Zaleha Ismail, five children and a grandson.

Zaleha and his children were by his side when he died at 9am, local time.

Malaysian consul in Los Angeles Ahmad Asmawi told Bernama that Nasimuddin had been undergoing treatment at the hospital since January.

He said the Malaysian Islamic Society of North America was preparing the body to be flown back to Malaysia today.

The Naza Group is involved in various businesses including motor trading, motorcycles, manufacturing, transport services, engineering, plantation, water craft, property, hotel operations and insurance.

The group is the franchise holder for Ferrari, South Korea's Kia, Peugeot, Brabus, Hamann and Ducati motorbikes in Malaysia.

It also holds the import permits for Mercedes-Benz and Mazda vehicles.

Nasimuddin has been quoted as saying: 'I have always loved cars. That is why I am in this business.'

In a brief meeting with the press at Menara Naza yesterday, Datuk S.M. Shalahuddin S.M. Amin said his late brother found his passion in his business, which nurtured the growth of his business venture.

As at press time, his family was still making funeral arrangements, which will be announced today.