Sime Darby losing M division

[Scuderia]

Read it on ST today, how true is this?

 

[satinGHOST|r!der]

Re: Sime Darby losing M division

If they are, GOOD. They are seriously incompetent from Customer satisfaction and After- Sales.

 

[Mockngbrd]

Re: Sime Darby losing M division

yea, read it too...dunno real arnot le

 

[Darth Vader]

Re: Sime Darby losing M division

maybe because of poor sales ? i think only a few dozens sold ?

 

[KWY91]

Re: Sime Darby losing M division

I hope it goes to a more specialised company to handle the M!

 

[Scuderia]

Re: Sime Darby losing M division

The last few years the focus was no longer on "M" cars, unlike MB which is surprisingly doing more for AMG nowadays.

 

[KWY91]

Re: Sime Darby losing M division

I mean if they could profit more from selling the mainstream models, I doubt they'd be interested to cater to the more 'Upmarket' versions... =(

 

[zag]

Re: Sime Darby losing M division

no marketing on M cars at all.. they deserve to lose it. so who pick it up?

 

[jaskin]

Re: Sime Darby losing M division

Only M? I think its good but for the wrong reasons. Their focus still won't be on aftersales.

 

[MW]

Re: Sime Darby losing M division

I get treated better buying a $200+k 730iL than if I were to buy a $300+k M3 or $400+k M5.

 

[edlms]

Re: Sime Darby losing M division

any one with the article? i don't have a copy of the ST...

thanks.

cheers

 

[Mockngbrd]

Re: Sime Darby losing M division

emmm

here hav.. haha Sime’s exclusive Singapore BMW agency in the balance

SINGAPORE, April 28 – Performance Motors, the vehicle dealership owned by Malaysian conglomerate Sime Darby, could lose its exclusivity as a BMW franchisee – just six months after moving into its new $60 million showroom in Alexandra Road.
The Straits Times understands that BMW is close to appointing a new party to sell its M cars – the Bavarian marque’s high-end sports range.
Sources point to Indonesian-Chinese businessman Anthony Chan, 41, as the frontrunner. Singapore-based Chan has motor businesses in China, including a BMW dealership in Xiamen.
If it comes about, the change will be the first case in the world where BMW has a separate dealer for its M cars.
Talk of the plan has taken the industry by surprise, with many motor traders expressing concern that doing business in an already competitive market will become even harder.
“It shows that building an expensive flagship showroom does not guarantee anything,” one said. “It happened to Peter Kwee and it is happening again.”
Entrepreneur Peter Kwee lost his Volkswagen franchise soon after completing a $24 million showroom in 2004. Although he had sold the building to Ascendas Real Estate Investment Trust, he also agreed to rent it back from them for 12 years.
Another trader said: “BMW has working ties with Sime Darby beyond Singapore. Giving M cars to another company for the sake of selling 10 to 15 more cars is not worth it.”
The plan, however, will not have a significant impact on Sime Darby, as M cars make up a negligible portion of BMW sales.
Last year, Performance Motors sold 23 M cars, or 0.6 per cent of total BMW sales. In 2007, the figures were 14 units and 0.4 per cent.
But observers say the real worry is whether the new party will now have a foot in the door, and could one day be given the right to sell other BMW models.
If it does take place, it would be the second time that Performance Motors will be relinquishing a BMW-owned business. In 2006, businessman Karsono Kwee took over the Mini brand from Performance.
The German manufacturer was tight-lipped when approached for comments.
BMW Group Asia marketing director Ramesh Divyanathan said: “We do not comment on speculation or our future business plans. Performance Motors is and remains our authorised distributor of BMW brand products in Singapore.”
Neither Performance Motors nor Sime Darby was available for comment.
And Chan would only say: “At this stage, I am unable to comment.”
Little is known about the low-profile businessman, except that he was once a long-time beau of local actress Fann Wong.
Industry sources say Chan has been hunting for a suitable showroom in the Leng Kee Road motor belt. – The Straits Times

 

[edlms]

Re: Sime Darby losing M division

thanks Mock...
very interesting... i've heard the same but didn't know they were that close, or that serious...

cheers

 

[Girettom]

Re: Sime Darby losing M division

Good... they've been nothing but a pain with my M. Couldn't even fix a catallytic converter problem... sent me to Fong Kim to fix !!

Hopefully, if this goes through, the new dealer will have a passion for their customers passion in M. (like the porsche cup cars etc. track day prep etc. etc.)

 

[TripleM]

Re: Sime Darby losing M division

The real last M car event ie Track day was organised in 04 and I was ecstatic bout it..
The focus has clearly been lost since..., partly oso due to the departure of their chief driving instructor Keith whom I respected alot.

Then the Z4M launch at One Fullerton...M owners were all invited for the dinner. SR promised a comeback in the exclusivity n priviledges for being M owners. The dinner served was good, the models were gorgeous....The promise? Undelivered.

Is this Anthony Chan the guy who owns M3 CSL ?

I completely agree with Phil re AMG experience. Premium Auto has also stepped up with their RS experiences..

Clearly there's a need for a time to change from the BMW side..
One by one we r seeing the E46 M3s being exported ( maybe unavoidable due to the practices here ) but if something is done to make it special, a longer term ownership can be expected perhaps and subsequent trade-in upgrade to a newer M will probably be more pleasantly inviting..

Haiz...............

 

[edlms]

Re: Sime Darby losing M division

Is this Anthony Chan the guy who own M3 CSL ?

think so.

to be fair, PML organised a B-road drive for the e92 M3s a few months ago. that was it... but it was "unofficial".

I've heard quite a lot about the M privileges for some time now but no follow up. it was supposed to be something along the lines of the 7 series privileges thing but (sigh...) no news.

cheers

 

[MYSTIC]

Re: Sime Darby losing M division

Fully agree with you Jack

M boys used to be treated with kids gloves when Keith was around.

I will never forget that last M track with Keith and the trip to Phuket.

 

[Racebred]

Re: Sime Darby losing M division

Is this Anthony Chan the guy who owns M3 CSL ?

quote]

Yup he's a car nut, which is mighty good. Some of us know him. Also has a GTR. but lately he's been in the HK gossip news for some other reason though

 

[TobyNik]

Re: Sime Darby losing M division

I hope PML loses all other models to this guy....then it will be interesting.....

Well...may not have to lose it but just opening up another Authorized Distributor for all other models will give PML cold sweat..........

Hurhurhur....I LIKE!

 

[Rastaman]

Re: Sime Darby losing M division

+1 with Jack, wheres the M experience ??? was even more surprise to learn fm Adam that BMW M owners in M'sia were given a special M only track day at Sepang last year, where they could try out the new M3 as well, now thats what i call proactive !!!