KOTA KINABALU, 11 March 2009 - Sime Darby’s subsidiary, Auto Connexion Sdn Bhd hopes to introduce its multi-franchises Ford, Land Rover, Alfa Romeo and Hertz during the 2009 Borneo Carnival in Sabah.

The company promises the largest ever auto-carnival in Sabah and feature its superb aftersales service.

Auto ConneXion took over distributorship of Ford, Land Rover and Alfa Romeo early last year and now applies a multi-franchise concept nationwide.

The multi-franchise concept now allows customers to walk into the Auto ConneXion branch at Inanam, Kota Kinabalu, and be able to explore any product from Ford, Land Rover and soon, Alfa Romeo. Customers of the three brands can also send their vehicles for servicing and purchase spare parts in this this branch.

Previously, the brands Ford and Land Rover were maintained in separate operations. Alfa Romeo previously had no representation in Sabah due to the product’s niche appeal.

Auto ConneXion’s will now provide consolidated back-end operations whilst still maintaining distinctive brand identities on the retail front. This allows for the The Kota Kinabalu branch to provide better customer service cost-effectively.

“We are now able to offer the latest products from both Ford and Land Rover, and Alfa Romeo. The upcoming Borneo Carnival 2009 is an example of how we can organise a joint event for the benefit of our customers and also enthusiasts of the three brands here in Sabah,” said Auto ConneXion Managing Director Rajan Thurairatnam.

The Kota Kinabalu branch was originally launched in 2004 as an exclusive facility for the Land Rover brand and later included the Ford brand. It is now set to become a multi-brand facility.

Located on a 9,000 square-metre lot at Jalan Limau Manis, off Jalan Lintas, Auto ConneXion’s Kota Kinabalu branch boasts a spacious showroom, a service centre and a parts centre. The unique feature of the branch is Malaysia’s first and only off-road demonstration track. The track features 11 obstacles, complete with a hill climb, water crossing, 35-degree leaning slope, mud patch, ladder slope, bridge crossing, potholes, sand pit, humps and V-gully.

Members of the public will be able to test drive the latest of the fully-imported range of vehicles from the respective brands. Ford will feature such as the newly launched Focus 2.0 Ghia sedan and two variants of the popular Ranger 4 X 4 pick-up – the enhanced TDCi and the best-value XL. Those who seek luxury sport utility vehicles can experience Land Rover’s widely acclaimed Freelander 2 TD4 and its multiple award-winner Discovery 3 TDV6 .

There is also good news for current Sabahan Ford and Land Rover owners. Auto ConneXion will be offering discounts on selected parts and lifestyle merchandise for up to 80 per cent during the two-day carnival.

The carnival will also feature special promotions on tyres by Continental Sime Tyre Sdn Bhd, safety footwear by Harvik Rubber Industries Sdn Bhd and car rental packages by Sime Darby Rent A Car Sdn Bhd, the Hertz franchisee in Malaysia.

Additionally, the 2009 The Borneo Carnival will have lots of exciting activities lined up for the entire family. The children can take part in the fun-filled futsal, fishing and drawing competitions whilstadies can learn how to change tyres and win attractive prizes in the special ladies-only tyre changing competition! Other exciting cash prizes await car lovers. There will be a vintage car competition, in search of the best-kept vintage models from Ford, Land Rover and Alfa Romeo.

For more information on the Auto ConneXion Borneo Carnival 2009, please call Auto ConneXion, Kota Kinabalu branch at Tel: 088-427 666 or 088-429 666 or Auto ConneXion Voice at 1 800 88 3181 to identify your nearest Auto ConneXion branch in Sabah.

Back to top