Industry Update: Sime Darby Sees Positive Signs From Its Automotive Arm Due to Government Initiatives

Sime Darby's retail and distribution arm, especially its automotive division Sime Darby Motors, has reported that the Pelan Jana Semula Ekonomi (PENJANA) economic stimulus package aimed at propelling Malaysia’s economic recovery post COVID-19 lockdown, Sime Darby Motors, is helping things out for them. According to their latest news release, they are experiencing an increase in demand for its vehicles and is appreciative to the Malaysian government on this initiative. Indeed, the Total Industry Volume (TIV) sales of the automotive industry has seen its May 2020 sales numbers rise to 22,000 units registered froma measly 150 over units registered in the month of April 2020. The relax in the Movement Control Order  (MCO) regulations has allowed businesses to recover, albeit to about 65% of its pre-MCO days.

Sime Darby Motors, which is a large division under their retail and distribution arm is currently represented by its 27 branches retailing BMW, MINI, Motorrad, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche, Ford, and Hyundai vehicles, as well as Sime Darby Auto Selection, which retails quality pre-owned cars. The company isn't only active here in Malaysia in terms of the automotive sector, but it is actually quite active in the Asia Pacific region with dealerships in Rolls Royce too elsewhere.

Jeffrey Gan, the Managing Director of Sime Darby Motors’ Retail & Distribution arm said, “The positive market response towards our recent sales campaign indicates that while many consumers may be cautious about returning to normal life, they also view personal vehicles as an important investment for their safety, and in maintaining social distancing. And with the added tax exemptions as incentive, we are seeing signs of recovery as foot traffic and orders across all our brands in Sime Darby Motors are returning to pre-lockdown levels”.

“Nevertheless, we remain committed in upholding the standard operating procedures (“SOPs”) set by the government by ensuring that social distancing is strictly practiced at all times at all our premises. We do this by limiting the number of customers at our premises depending on the size of the retail area to avoid overcrowding. The safety and health of our employees, customers and business partners remain our utmost priority” added Jeffery on the current operating procedures that the group is adhering to which require social distancing in order to prevent any spread of the contagious coronavirus.

Corporate Customer Programme & New Automall in Ara Damansara

In its effort to be the preferred mobility partner, Sime Darby Motors recently launched its Corporate Programme. The programme entitles a company, its directors, employees and their spouses to enjoy fleet membership entitlement, which includes discounts of up to 10% from a vehicle’s Recommended Retail Price (“RPP”) depending on the brand and model, when they purchase a minimum of two vehicles from Sime Darby Motors.

“With the exemption of sales tax for the next six months, now is the best time for consumers to

seize the opportunity to own their dream cars with great savings and a peace of mind knowing

that their sales and after-sales needs are cared by our passionate professionals who are

dedicated in providing world-class services”, Mr. Gan added.

Sime Darby Motors has also invested over RM560 million in building the first of its kind automall in the region known as Sime Darby Motors City located at Ara Damansara. Visit any of Sime Darby Motors branches today to secure your dream cars while stocks last.