Friday, December 13, 2013

Sime Darby Motors lets go of Alfa Romeo in Malaysia

Tough. I remember reading sometime in 2006 that Sime Darby were serious in making Alfa Romeo work in Malaysia. They gave out pretty good warranties for the cars but it seems they have given up - voluntarily relinquishing their distributorship of Alfa Romeo in Malaysia.

Sometimes large conglomerates get over-confident, claiming that they can do wonders. Well, Alfa Romeo is an enigma all by itself and this year Alfa Romeo Malaysia managed a dozen or so cars. Last year they managed slightly below forty cars. This is quite a sad end to Sime Darby's venture with Alfa Romeo. But somehow this end is predictable.

 I mean how the heck can you try sell a premium Italian brand from one miserable showroom and service center in of all places, Jalan Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur? Everyone who sells premium cars is in Petaling Jaya, one should have stayed in Petaling Jaya instead of Jalan Ipoh. You only buy floor tiles and sanitary ware in Jalan Ipoh. How can you sell cars if you're not where the crowd who buys Alfa is? Maybe the only person that could sell Alfa Romeo in Malaysia was Ron Lim, the chap who used to run the previous Alfa Romeo distribution here who now runs Lamborghini Malaysia.

Anyway, press release from Sime Darby Motors after the jump.



Sime Darby Motors Relinquishes Alfa Romeo in Malaysia
Petaling Jaya, 10 December 2013 - Sime Darby Auto Italia (SDAI), a subsidiary of Sime Darby Motors, today announced it will relinquish distribution of Alfa Romeo vehicles in Malaysia. SDAI has held the Alfa Romeo distribution rights in Malaysia since 2005.

While SDAI has voluntarily withdrawn as distributor for the brand, it will continue to provide service and honour its warranty commitments to customers for aftersales through its sole outlet at Jalan Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur, until a new Distributor is appointed by Alfa Romeo.

SDAI would like to express its appreciation to the Fiat-Chrysler Group for the support extended throughout the term SDAI held the Distribution operations and in particular, during difficult and challenging times.

The cessation of operations for the Alfa Romeo franchise will allow Sime Darby Motors to dedicate its resources and focus on other main brands namely, BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Land Rover, and Porsche, having also recently added the prestigious McLaren brand to its already impressive line-up of marques in Malaysia.

Sime Darby Motors has 30 automotive brands under its wing in 10 countries in the Asia Pacific region with Distribution, Retail and Assembly operations. During the Financial Year ended 2012/13, Sime Darby Motors sold over 89,000 vehicles.

For more information on Alfa Romeo, customers can call the toll-free number at 1-800-38-3181 from 9.00 am – 5.00 pm Mondays to Fridays.
For further information, please contact:
- See more at: http://www.simedarbymotors.com/Sime_Darby_Motors_Relinquishes_Alfa_Romeo_in_Malaysia.aspx#sthash.tSkxe0s9.dpuf

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