Si Khiong Star Aims To Sell 600 Units Mercedes-Benz This Year

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 (Bernama) -- Si Khiong Star Sdn Bhd has managed to maintain its aim to register sales of 600 units Mercedes-Benz cars this year, according to its chief executive for automotive division, Vincent Lew.

"We are fully aware that the auto market is going to be tough, but we are sticking to this figure (600 units)," he told reporters after the opening of Si Khiong Star Mercedes-Benz Autohaus Service Center in Bandar Kinrara, Monday.

The dealer for the German automotive manufacturer said, to date, it held 20 percent of the Mercedes market in Klang Valley and had sold 300 units for the first half this year, of which 30 units were of the Smart range.

Si Khiong Star sold 400 units of Mercedes-Benz last year.

President and chief executive officer of DaimlerChrysler Malaysia, Frank Steinleitner noted that although Mercedes-Benz customer could afford to buy premium cars, the second hand car market needs some push to boost car sales.

However, he said besides the downtrend of in second hand car markets, there were also other factors that could drag down car sales such as tightening of credit finance facilities as well as high oil prices.

"Getting the second hand car market to move is one of the important factors (in boosting sales)," he said.

Si Khiong Star director, David Park said the company has invested in excess of RM70 million to develop its Mercedes-Benz dealership in peninsular Malaysia, especially with the establishment of the Autohaus.

Si Khiong Star is a member of the Hap Seng Consolidated Group and has only been appointed to sell Mercedes cars last two years.

However, Hap Seng's subsidiary Si Khiong Industries has been the main dealer for Mercedes-Benz passenger and commercial vehicles in both Sabah and Sarawak. -- BERNAMA