LOCAL NEWS

The first Mercedes-Benz Autohaus in Ipoh, Perak

MBSA Automotive Malaysia Sdn. Bhd (MBSA) is the new Mercedes-Benz dealer in Malaysia, following its appointment by DaimlerChrysler Malaysia Sdn Bhd (DCM), the wholesale distributor of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Malaysia. MBSA, a 100% Bumiputra entity, was incorporated for the sole purpose of marketing and retail of Mercedes-Benz cars in Malacca.

According to Dato’ Syed Yusof Tun Syed Nasir, Chairman of MBSA, the company’s corporate strategy is to be affiliated with strong premium brands.

"As a testament of MBSA’s passion to enhance Mercedes-Benz’s presence in Malacca, we are investing more than RM6 million in a Mercedes-Benz Autohaus, which is scheduled to be completed in 2005," said Dato’ Syed Yusof (who also owns the Concorde Hotel and Hard Rock Café chain in Southeast Asia).

The Mercedes-Benz’s Autohaus concept was first introduced in Malaysia with the launch of the new showroom in Ipoh in April this year. Aimed at providing customers with an enhanced retail experience, the Autohaus underlines the brand’s philosophy of a timeless, classic design with local adaptations and stylistic identifying features, supported by sales and technical expertise, and with responsibility towards customers, visitors and the environment.

Frank Steinleitner, President of DCM, said that MBSA’s appointment will strengthen the Mercedes-Benz network of dealers and is in line with the Group’s commitment to improve services to ensure high customer satisfaction.

"In addition to the Autohaus showroom concept, we work very closely with our dealers to continuously improve our sales and customer service functions, in tandem with our efforts to enhance the Mercedes-Benz brand image in Malaysia."

DCM has also signed a Dealership Agreement for the Sungai Petani area with Asbenz Motors Sdn Bhd. The Sungai Petani Autohaus will also be completed in 2005.

Dato’ Syed Yusof – Chairman, MBSA (third from left) with Frank Steinleitner President/CEO of DCM (fourth from left) at the signing ceremony. Accompanying them are Richard Tan (Senior Manager - Network Development, DCM),Eric Chia (Dealer Principal, MBSA) and Steffan Doelz (Vice President of Sales and Marketing, DCM)