In its entirety with no editing, this is the news Piston.my received today.
London, 21st July 2018 – With reference to the health of Sergio Marchionne, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (“FCA”) (NYSE: FCAU / MTA: FCA) communicates with profound sorrow that during the course of this week unexpected complications arose while Mr. Marchionne was recovering from surgery and that these have worsened significantly in recent hours.
As a consequence, Mr. Marchionne will be unable to return to work.
The Board of Directors of FCA, meeting today, firstly expressed its closeness to Sergio Marchionne and his family and underlined the extraordinary contribution, both human and professional, that he has made to the Company in these years.
The Board resolved to accelerate the CEO transition process that has been proceeding over the past months and named Mike Manley as CEO. The Board will therefore propose to the next Shareholder Meeting, to be called in the coming days, that he be elected to the Board and serve as an executive director of the Company.
In the meantime, in order to provide for his full authority and operational continuity for the company, the Board has with immediate effect granted Mr. Manley all the powers of CEO. He will also assume responsibility for the NAFTA region.
Mr. Manley and his management team will proceed with the implementation of the 2018 – 2022 Business Plan as presented on 1 June this year, a plan that will further assure FCA’s strong and independent future.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has enjoyed a strong start to 2018, with the marque seeing a significant boost to global sales.
Global sales increase by 13 per cent.
Demand for all Rolls-Royce models remains strong in most regions.
More than 50 new manufacturing jobs created.
Record intake for Apprenticeship Programme.
Continuing investment in the Home of Rolls-Royce.
Worldwide sales were up 13 per cent compared with the same period in 2017, with demand for all Rolls-Royce models holding firm in Europe, the US and other key regions. There are encouraging signs of recovery in the Chinese market; like all luxury brands, however, the marque faces continued economic headwinds in the Middle East.
Deliveries of the company’s pinnacle product, the eighth-generation Phantom, began in January, with the new Cullinan super-luxury SUV causing a global media and public sensation on its launch in May. The first customer deliveries for Cullinan are due early next year; order books for both models are exceptionally strong.
Global demand for Wraith, Ghost and Dawn also remains keen, driven in part by their Black Badge variants, which are bringing the Rolls‑Royce brand to new audiences.
Bespoke is the jewel in the Rolls-Royce crown, with almost all cars commissioned from the Home of Rolls-Royce now incorporating individual elements designed and created to the owner’s precise specification. The first six months of 2018 saw some truly exceptional examples of Bespoke artistry and craftsmanship, including ‘Wraith Luminary’, Dawn ‘Inspired by Music’ and the Wraith and Dawn Adamas Collection, together with a number of exceptional customer commissions.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has created more than 50 new permanent jobs, primarily in skilled manufacturing roles. The Goodwood plant now employs over 1800 people, with the cosmopolitan workforce comprising almost 50 different nationalities. The company is also demonstrating its long-term commitment to future talent, with a record intake on its industry-leading Apprenticeship Programme. In August, 23 new recruits will join the scheme, adding to almost 50 men and women currently training and studying in departments across the business.
The company is also investing in the Home of Rolls-Royce, with a new gated parking area providing 500 new spaces under construction, on land adjacent to the plant. The site also includes a dedicated car park for the neighbouring March CE Primary School, with a new road crossing, provided by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in the absence of local authority funding.
Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said, “This is a very encouraging half-year result; it is a testament to our incredibly skilled and dedicated team at Goodwood, and underlines the trust and loyalty of our customers worldwide. Across all models, customers can see how our innovation and engineering excellence are continually redefining super-luxury motoring. They can also be assured of our long-term vision and commitment to sustainable growth through investments in our people and the Home of Rolls-Royce.”
Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) has announced that the popular new Nissan Serena S-Hybrid (article link) has exceeded expectations with 4,000 bookings as of 30 June 2018, and of that, 1,900 units have been registered in just 7 weeks after its official launch.
“The great market acceptance proved that the All-New Nissan Serena S-Hybrid is the perfect MPV for Malaysian families. Such results motivates us even more, and we have increased our production working very closely with our local parts vendors, ensuring quality products and vehicles are delivered on time to our valued customers.” said Mr. Christopher Tan, Sales and Marketing Director of ETCM.
Here’s our video coverage of the new Nissan Serena S-Hybrid during the official media drive:
“Joyful Tax Holiday” campaign, Nissan Almera 1.5L VL now with special accessories package
Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) has introduced the “Joyful Tax Holiday” campaign in the month of July, with GST set at 0% plus the continuation of Duit Raya Savings.
Almera
(1.5L E Auto)
Grand Livina
(1.6L Auto)
X-Trail
(2.5L 4WD Auto)
All-New Serena
(2.0L Highway Star)
Navara
(2.5L VL Auto)
Teana
(2.0L XE Auto)
Selling Price
0% GST
RM68,129.62*
RM85,968.31*
RM150,255.49*
RM127,874.84*
RM114,029.08*
RM119,852.55*
Duit Raya Savings
RM7,500.00
RM7,000.00
RM10,000.00
RM2,000.00
RM8,000.00
RM5,000.00
Trade-in 2 Years Warranty Savings
RM1,000.00
RM1,000.00
RM2,000.00
RM2,000.00
RM2,000.00
RM2,000.00
Nett Price
RM59,629.62
RM77,968.31
RM138,255.49
RM123.874.84
RM104,029.08
RM112,852.55
* On-the-road price without Insurance, valid for Private Individual registration for Peninsular Malaysia. Promotions for other variants are also available. While stocks last.
Additionally, customers can enjoy the Nissan Almera 1.5L VL variant with a special accessories package worth RM8,955.66*. This newly introduced accessories package includes the sporty NISMO Aerokit, 7-inch capacitive touch screen with smartphone connectivity, WI-FI, navigation and reverse camera, driving video recorder, leather seats and Solar Gard tinting.
Test drive the All-New Nissan Serena S-Hybrid, and other innovative Nissan models at the Nissan Roadshow held at selected areas across the nation.
Roadshow dates and venues as follows:
Date
Region
Venue
19th – 22nd July
Northern
Ipoh Parade, Ipoh
26th – 29th July
Northern
Queensbay Mall, Penang
East Coast
East Coast Mall, Kuantan
27th – 29th July
Central
Setia Alam Convention Centre, Selangor
For more information, visit www.nissan.com.my or call ETCM’s Nissan Customer Care Centre at 1-800-88-3838.
Scania (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. has officially launched its upgraded Port Klang branch that will serve to strengthen sales and services for its customers within the region. Strategically located near North Port, the branch is easily accessible for customers to send their Scania vehicles for scheduled maintenance and also repairs if needed.
Officiated by the Malaysian Minister of Transport Yang Berhormat Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Scania Malaysia Port Klang covers an area of 1,343 square metres and features 10 new work bays, a washing bay and an overhead crane to cater to the growing customer requirements. The RM3.8 million upgrade also includes a customer reception area, cafeteria, driver room, as well as amenities such as showers, changing rooms and a prayer room to better serve customers, drivers and employees.
“It is important that Scania has a strategic presence in Port Klang where there is a lot of activity in the haulage business. The opening of the newly upgraded Scania Malaysia Port Klang demonstrates our continuous improvement in providing the best services for all our customers for their profitability in this region and of course, across the country,” said Managing Director of Scania Southeast Asia, Marie Sjödin Enström (above)
“For customers to get the most out of their fleet, it is vital that Scania can support them with the right solutions, so convenient access to workshops and genuine parts is crucial for our customers anywhere. Our parts add value to their business because they are engineered for ultimate performance, endurance, fuel economy and safety, as well as lower environmental impact such as reduced carbon emissions” added Marie.
Because maximum uptime is important for truck operators, Scania has added on more working bays – bringing it to a total of 22 work bays – to ensure that customers within the region get the highest quality advice, maintenance and parts whenever needed to help their business.
Service at Scania Port Klang is carried out by 22 skilled technicians, who can now work on up to 30 vehicles per day with the facility upgrades. Like all Scania employees, these technicians continuously receive formal training and undergo on the job learning to enhance their skills, knowledge, professionalism and teamwork to ensure that they deliver a more effective service to their customers.
With the belief that sustainable transport is all about moving people and goods while contributing to economic and social development without jeopardising human health and safety or endangering the environment, the Scania Port Klang team will strive to provide its customers with tailored solutions that promise to bring about efficiencies within the customers’ entire transport flow.
Hyundai has been named 2018’s Most Satisfying Popular Brand in AutoPacific’s annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSAs). In addition to winning this overall title, Hyundai has three cars—the Sonata, Elantra and Accent—that earned top spots in the mid-size car, compact car and economy car categories, respectively.
“With so many different brands for customers to choose from, Hyundai is proud to stand out as a leader in the mid-size car, compact car and economy car categories and as the overall winner of the VSA’s Most Satisfying Popular Brand award,” said Omar Rivera, Director, Quality & Service Engineering, Hyundai Motor America. “Hyundai is committed to satisfying consumers’ needs—whether that be through cutting-edge technology or award-winning safety features—and we are extremely excited by the results of this year’s VSAs.”
The AutoPacific VSAs serve as a benchmark for new-car satisfaction in the automotive industry. The results of the VSAs are determined through a survey in which respondents rate 40 different attributes reflecting what was important to them when choosing a new car, and their satisfaction with the vehicle following their purchase. This year, the VSAs drew survey results from 58,000 new-car owners of 2017 and 2018 automobiles to make their decision.
“Hyundai has consistently improved their lineup across the board,” said George Peterson, President, AutoPacific. “This year’s VSAs were competitive, but Hyundai’s products resonate top to bottom with their customers. From reliability and quality to exceptional exterior and interior design, Hyundai cars leave consumers satisfied.”
The 2018 Sonata is Hyundai’s best Sonata yet, with award-winning safety features, innovative technology, and a beautifully redesigned exterior. The Sonata, designed with the rider in mind, seeks to elevate the interior experience, combining comfortable seating with convenience and safety.
In 2018, Hyundai’s Elantra model grew to have six different trims, to fit every consumer. This year’s host of Elantras comes with a variety of improvements. Improvements now available include; four-wheel disc brakes, heated outside mirrors, auto headlamp control and blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert and lane change assist.
The new 2018 Hyundai Accent features a cascading grille and expressive and upscale design while boasting a contemporary and intuitive interior. With improved audio capabilities, premium comfort and convenience technology and exceptional safety features, the new Accent continues to offer customers a better riding experience.
The true spirit of X is for the adventurer who knows no boundaries, no finish line. No matter the situation, the possibilities to push courage and determination to the limits are endless much like the BMW X models with its rich heritage in defining the benchmarks in the segment.
BMW Malaysia is inviting you to Find Your NeXt at The BMW X Range Roadshow taking place throughout the country. Details of The BMW X Range Roadshow are as below:
Venues
Dates
Bangsar Shopping Centre
18th – 22nd July
AEON Mall Bandaraya Melaka
31st July – 5th August
AEON Mall Kinta City
8th – 12th August
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
15th – 19th August
East Coast Mall
30th August – 2nd September
IOI City Mall
8th – 11th September
Sunway Carnival Mall
27th – 30th September
Also from Wednesday, 18th July 2018 to Sunday, 22nd July 2018, BMW Malaysia will once again share another glimpse into its future of modern luxury at the Bangsar Shopping Centre (BSC) Kuala Lumpur.
The new vision utilises precise, understated lines and subtle surface work for ultimate presence and prestige at the same time, demonstrates that luxury in the future will also be centred on personalised digital connectivity with intuitive technology.
For more details on The BMW X Range Roadshow please visit www.bmw.com.my or call BMW Voice at 1800-88-3000.
After a short period of inactivity for PROTON in exporting cars, the Malaysian automotive manufacturer is now back in action for the second half of 2018. Recently, PROTON resumed exporting cars to the Middle East, marking the first time the Company has done so since formalizing its partnership with Geely. A symbolic flag-off ceremony was held at Westports Malaysia’s berthing area to commemorate the occasion, with Proton cars lined up to be driven on board the Grand Diamond cargo vessel.
Demand remains strong for Proton products…
The port of arrival in the Middle East is Aqaba in Jordan and from there, the cars will be distributed to Iraq and other neighboring countries. The first shipment will consist of 453 Proton cars, which have a strong following in Middle Eastern markets. The enthusiasm for the cars is such that there are even active owners clubs in the region despite the slow-down in exports over the past few years.
“This ceremony marks a starting point for PROTON as we resume and ramp up shipments to the Middle East in the coming months. It’s also the first export shipment since the partnership with Geely commenced and we expect our export market to have a positive outlook in the future so be prepared for more such announcements from as early as August this year,” said Dato’ Radzaif Mohamed, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of PROTON.
Voicing the same sentiment Eddie Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Westports, said, “We are equally excited to partner PROTON in its efforts to export cars all over the world, particularly as its last major export to Egypt was back in 2015. We believe Westports’ partnership with our customers like PROTON together with shipping agents like Sunship will further strengthen both brands, and help ensure cars sent over are in pristine condition.”
PROTON quality improvement efforts bear results…
Dato’ Radzaif’s enthusiasm for PROTON to grow its export market are backed by improvements to its product quality. Ever since the Company implemented the Global Customer Product Audit (GCPA) system on its production processes, the number of demerit points registered has seen a threefold improvement. Based on a sliding scale where smaller scores equates to better quality, the current GCPA score for PROTON as at the end of June 2018 is 1763 demerit points, with a year-end target of 1500. This compares favorably with Geely and Volvo who also use GCPA and have current scores of 1200 and 850 points.
“PROTON has always strived to produce high-quality products for our domestic and export markets but the collaboration with Geely has introduced a new quality mindset along with a shared quality audit system that is also used by Volvo. Using it as a roadmap we have managed to lower our demerit points threefold as we aim to deliver ever better cars to our customers,” he added.
Expanding export activities with assistance from Geely…
Also present at the ceremony was Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of PROTON. “The Middle East markets hold high regard for products from Islamic countries like Malaysia. The demand for cars will grow as their economies develop and will help fuel the growth of our export business. The ASEAN market however will remain as the main priority for PROTON’s export business so we are excited about the opportunities available in the region.” he said.
PROTON is also leveraging on Geely’s extensive overseas network operations to increase the cost effectiveness of its own operations. “We are exploring all opportunities to grow export volumes for PROTON. Geely are making a big effort to support us in this initiatives and there is a lot of experience within the group so we hope to leverage on it to enable us to sell more cars outside of Malaysia,” added Dr. Li.
Image from FreeMalaysiaToday
Meanwhile in other news from the sales side, PROTON marked the end of the first half of 2018 by posting strong sales numbers for the month of June. Sales grew by 50% over the previous month as 6,173 Proton cars were sold to Malaysians eager to take advantage of zero rating for GST and the Duit Raya promotion offered by the Company.
Approximately 10% market share with Saga and Persona leading sales…
In line with the increase in sales, total market share also increased with PROTON garnering approximately a 10% share of Total Industry Volume (TIV) for the month compared to 9.5% previously.
As with previous months, the Saga and Persona continue to lead sales, with the former registering nearly 3,000 units sold. Buyers were attracted to the strengths of PROTON’s compact family sedan with its class leading affordability, spaciousness and handling as well as the ‘Best Saga deal in 10-years’ promotion offered in June where a brand new Saga could be bought for less than RM30,000. Improved product quality for all Proton cars was also a contributing factor as the implementation of the Global Customer Product Audit (GCPA) system has seen a big reduction in production line demerit points for all cars.
“PROTON had its best sales month for 2018 in June, proving that Malaysians continue to find the current range of Proton cars attractive thanks to the range of features that have been engineered into each model. The attractive promotional offers we had, zero-rated GST price and an overall improvement in the quality of our cars helped to boost sales, which we are hopeful of carrying over for the remainder of 2018,” said Abdul Rashid Musa, Chief Executive Officer of PROTON Edar.
Improving quality scores…
After obtaining a J.D. Power Customer Service Index (CSI) score of 755 points in 2017, PROTON embarked on a quality improvement initiative to perform better in 2018. The CSI score is measured by examining dealership performance in five areas (in order of importance): service quality (32%); service initiation (22%); vehicle pick-up (18%); service advisor (15%); and service facility (13%) and to improve its score, PROTON has initiated activities to boost scores in each area.
Initial scores using PROTON’s own stringent internal audit system are already showing an improvement in CSI scores. Via the GCPA system implementation, the quality of the Proton cars has improved 3 times in the past 8 months, measured by the VOLVO quality standards. Combined, both activities the CSI initiatives and the product audit exercise, these will see an improvement in the overall experience customers have with the brand.
Supporting Tabung Harapan Malaysia As announced previously, PROTON is contributing RM10 for each car sold from 1 June to 31 December 2018. Therefore, following the first month of the programme, a sum of RM61,730 has been appropriated for Tabung Harapan Malaysia. With sales on an upswing and the launch of their first SUV due to happen before the end of the year the Company is optimistic about the amount of funds growing much larger.
“PROTON is proud that we have managed to earmark over RM61,000 for Tabung Harapan Malaysia in just the first month of our contribution initiative. It is our intention to sell even more cars for the rest of the year so as to contribute as much as possible to the fund that will eventually benefit all Malaysians,” explained Rashid.
New SUV receives boost from Tun Dr Mahathir…
While the launch of PROTON’s first SUV is still some months away, the pre-publicity build up for the first product jointly developed with Geely recently received a boost. The 7th Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, recently met with the Chairman of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, Li Shufu, and following their discussions the premier got behind the wheel of the first right hand drive (RHD) pre-production unit of the SUV.
An avid driver, Tun spent the ensuing weekend putting the test car through its paces and told the media the following week that it was very good and he was impressed by its quality. He also commented that the SUV would be a good product for the Malaysian automotive market and added that he wanted more Malaysian companies involved in the supply of automotive components. Having gained the stamp of approval from the Prime Minister, PROTON is intensifying its publicity efforts for the SUV in the lead up to its launch later in the year.
“We are happy that the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, approves of our efforts with Geely. This confirms that PROTON are on the right track and now that pre-production of the SUV has commenced we will soon begin our media and customer previews to build momentum ahead of the actual launch,” said Rashid.
Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the sole distributor of Ford in Malaysia, has announced its ‘Seize the Deal’ campaign offering great rebates of up to 17% on top of the new six percent GST reduction on selected Ford models. Through this attractive promotion, customers can enjoy significant savings of up to RM113,000.
Valid nationwide for all variants of the Ford Mustang, Fiesta and Ranger models, the promotion applies to vehicles registered from now until 31 August 2018. All prices stated are on-the-road, without insurance, for Peninsular and East Malaysia and private individual registration only.
Through the campaign, Ford’s iconic pony car, the multiple award-winning Mustang, is now priced from RM396,271 with a total savings of up to RM113,000 (up to 13 percent rebate with zero-rated GST). Available in two variants – the GT 5.0L and 2.3L EcoBoost – the new Mustang features a sleeker, more athletic styling, enhanced engines, sharper driving dynamics and advanced driver assistance technologies. To ensure complete peace of mind, customers who purchase the Mustang from authorised SDAC-Ford dealers will also enjoy a three-year full manufacturer’s warranty.
Delivering the perfect blend of a connected world and fun-to-drive experience, promotional prices for the sporty Ford Fiesta is available from RM68,401. Customers can enjoy rebates of up to 17 percent in addition to the zero-rated GST for a combined savings of up to RM20,300. Built for the digital generation, the tech-savvy and young-at-heart can constantly be plugged into their favourite music and connected to their world while on the go with the Ford Fiesta.
Customers who desire a tough, capable and smart pickup truck that also offers a comfortable car-like environment can enjoy rebates to up to 10 percent on top of the six percent GST savings for the ‘Built Ford Tough’ Ranger. This works out to a combined savings of up to RM19,830 with prices starting from RM70,910. Available in 10 variants, including the Wildtrak, FX4, XLT, XL and Standard, the award-winning Ranger continues to be one of the best-selling pickups in the market, thanks to its durability and practicality, advanced technology and features, as well as its improved efficiency and refinement. Recent key accolades that Ranger has won include ‘Pickup Truck of the Year’ at the DSF.my Allianz Vehicle of the Year Awards (VOTY 2018) and ‘Best 3 Pickup Trucks of Malaysia’ at the Aurizn Awards 2018.
“This is a great time to own a Ford. We encourage all Malaysians to ‘Seize the Deal’ now and enjoy tremendous savings from these fantastic rebates on our popular Ford vehicles in addition to the zero-rated GST already implemented on our full line-up,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto Connexion (below).
Meanwhile in other news, strong demand for the segment-defining Ford Ranger pickup truck in Malaysia fueled second quarter retail sales that rose 7.5 percent from the prior year to 1,556 vehicles sold. The strong sales helped the Ranger increase its share of the pickup segment to 15.4 percent, a gain of 1.1 percentage points from the same quarter last year.
The “Built Ford Tough” Ranger continues to earn the favour of customers across the country and build on its growing success in the market,” said Truong Kim Phong, Managing Director, Asia Pacific Emerging Markets, Ford Motor Company. The Ranger continues to be Ford’s best-selling nameplate in Malaysia and one of the best-selling pickups in the market, attracting a wide range of customers who are looking for a versatile vehicle that is suitable for both on-and off-road.
“Ranger’s bold design, unmatched versatility, robust capability and advance safety features all combine to help drive its popularity in Malaysia,” said Syed Muzri. The Ranger is currently available in Malaysia in ten variants – including the high-series Ranger Wildtrak, Ranger FX4, XLT, XL and Standard variants – providing great customer choice and meeting a wide-range of work and recreational needs.
“We are delighted with the growing demand of expanded Ranger line-up and we’re confident that Ford Ranger will continue to drive our momentum in Malaysia. We also remain committed to continuously enhance our customer and ownership experience through the ongoing expansion and upgrades of our dealer network,” added Muzri.
Ford and Sime Darby Auto Connexion have continued to expand the nationwide dealer network this year with the opening of two new facilities in East Malaysia, Sime Darby Auto Connexion (Kuching) and Sime Darby Auto Connexion (Kota Kinabalu). Designed with Ford’s global Brand@Retail standards, these facilities offer Ford’s fast-growing customer base in East Malaysia the even better sales and aftersales services.
For more information on Ford, visit SDAC’s multilingual website (www.sdacford.com.my), which also features a chatbot now available in three languages – English, Bahasa Malaysia and Simplified Chinese – to provide a better customer engagement experience.
[1] All prices stated are for 2016 or 2017 year-make models, on-the-road, without insurance, for Peninsular and East Malaysia and private individual registration only.
“The Piaggio Group officially announces the appointment of Didi Resources Sdn Bhd in Malaysia, as the official distributor of Aprilia, one of the Group’s premium motorcycle brands”
It’s OFFICIAL!
Piston.my received this notice from the Naza Group Corp.Com recently:
Naza Premira Sdn Bhd announces that it will cease operating its Aprilia distributorship with effect from 31st July 2018 after a mutual decision with the Principal. This decision is the result of a brands rationalisation plan under the Naza Group’s overall corporate strategy to ensure long-term sustainability and profitability of other high-performing 4-wheel and 2-wheel brands, in line with current market demands. Naza Premira Sdn Bhd will continue to serve Aprilia customers in after sales, service, spare parts and warranty until 30th September 2018. Following this announcement, Naza Premira Sdn Bhd will continue to represent Piaggio and Vespa brands in Malaysia.
And mere hours later, we received this:
Didi Resources Sdn Bhd will manage Aprilia in substitution of the previous distributor, Naza Premira Sdn Bhd. The Piaggio Group wishes to thank Naza Premira for the continuous effort and support since 2013.
Mr. Gianluca Fiume, Chairman & General Director of Piaggio Vietnam & Executive Vice President Asia Pacific 2 Wheeler, said, “The appointment of Didi Resources is part of Piaggio’s business strategy to group the motorcycle brands of Aprilia and Moto Guzzi under a single entity to maximize efficiencies across all aspects of the business and reinforce customer commitment in Malaysia. With Aprilia and Moto Guzzi under one roof, we are able to better offer a wider range for potential customers who seek a unique Italian motorcycle experience backed by superior performance and rich heritage of these brands. We look forward to collaborating closely with Didi Resources to propel both Aprilia and Moto Guzzi to greater heights.”
Under the management of Didi Resources, the Gasket Alley at Petaling Jaya will house a dedicated showroom for both Aprilia and Moto Guzzi brands, an aftersales and a service workshop with a new team equipped with specialized technical skills and expertise, fully trained by Aprilia. Customers are assured of a seamless transition in customer care and service support.
According to Mr. Rewi Hamid Bugo, Chairman of Didi Resources Sdn. Bhd, “We are very honoured to be presented with this opportunity to manage Aprilia, a prestigious Piaggio Group brand for the Malaysian market. This complements the Moto Guzzi range which we have established since August 2017 and completes our premium Italian motorcycle product range under Piaggio. Through this acquisition, Didi Resources is firmly committed to building the Aprilia brand through a dedicated aftersales support, strengthening of the Aprilia community and ensuring that engagement with the brand is continuous in the light of a competitive 2-wheel environment in Malaysia.”
The official appointment of Aprilia under Didi Resources will take into effect from 1 August 2018. A series of media and customer engagement activities and service support campaigns for Aprilia are currently in the pipeline to bolster brand building efforts.
Groupe PSA’s SUV offensive with 13 modelslaunched worldwide by the five brands – Peugeot, Citroën, DS Automobiles, Opel and Vauxhall – drove the Group’s robust sales momentum in the first half of 2018. At more than 609,300 units, SUV sales accounted for nearly 28% of the Group’s sales. The success of these models has made Groupe PSA at the end of May, number two in this segment in Europe, with a market share of 16.9%, and number one in the B-SUV segment.
Peugeot is the leading brand in the SUV segment in Europe, selling more than 339,200 SUVs worldwide (up 26%) in the first half of 2018. Since the beginning of the year, Peugeot confirms the upward trend of the PEUGEOT 3008 SUV, with 144,000 units sold (up 37%); it has also enjoyed strong demand for the new PEUGEOT 5008, which has logged 58,900 unit sales.
The Citroën SUV offensive launched last autumn is being driven by the C3 Aircross in Europe and the C5 Aircross in China, which together represented nearly 80,000 units sold in the first half of 2018, for a total of 135,000 since their launch. The launch of the C4 Aircross in China and the C5 Aircross in Europe in the second half will allow Citroën to accelerate its offensive.
Launched worldwide in February 2018, the DS 7 CROSSBACK, first DS of the second generation is key to growth at DS Automobiles, which came up to +35% in the second quarter. Two out of three customers choose the top-of-the-line versions, and while the DS 7 CROSSBACK offers premium equipment from the entry level, every second customer chooses the DS CONNECTED PILOT option, which opens the way to level 2 autonomous driving.
Excerpt from the full report: China & South East Asia: continued sales recovery…
With sales of 163,000 vehicles in China & South East Asia, up 6.9%, the Group has seen the first signs of a sales recovery. Citroën was the biggest contributor to the improvement, with sales up 50.5%, thanks to its range of sedans and the local launch of the C5 Aircross SUV last September.
The volume mix of the PEUGEOT 3008/4008/5008 SUV family is also improving, representing 40% of the brand’s total sales volumes. DS Automobiles sales are stable in the second quarter of 2018. In China, the DS 7 CROSSBACK was launched at the Beijing Motor Show in late April 2018.
During the first half, the Group made significant progress in strengthening its operations in South East Asia with the creation of a joint venture with Naza Corporation Holdings (Malaysia). The Group has sold over 4,900 vehicles in ASEAN area in the first half of this year. The acceleration in this part of the region is now noticeable.
