Sime may bring in hybrid vehicles
SIME Darby Auto Connexion Sdn Bhd (SDAC), a unit of Sime Darby Motors and the authorised distributor of Ford vehicles in the country, may bring in hybrid vehicles for the Malaysian market over the near term.
"We are looking into it and reviewing the option. So far, nothing has been decided yet and there's no timeline on when a decision will be made," said R. Veemala, national sales manager, Ford export operations for Asia Pacific.
With fuel prices likely to trend higher over the medium to long-term, as well as increasing public awareness on environmental issues, demand for hybrid vehicles has been on the rise over the recent years.
So far, hybrid vehicles sold in the country are mainly made in Japan.
Globally, Ford is believed to have at least two hybrid vehicles in its line-up - the new Ford C-Max Hybrid and Ford Fusion Hybrid.
Meanwhile, SDAC aims to bring in four new models into the country next year to help grow its annual sales by 20 per cent.
"We will be bringing in a wide range of new models next year ... there're passenger vehicles, sports utility vehicles and commercial vehicles.
"We believe that the Malaysian economy will still be robust and our quality vehicles will continue to be an appeal to the market," SDAC managing director Lee Eu San said.
"Hopefully, it will be another record year for us."
The company, which had launched three models this year, saw eight per cent sales growth year-on-year for the second half.
For the first 11 months, it had sold more than 6,200 units of vehicles.
"So far, we are on track to achieve our 2012 target."
Lee and Veemala were speaking to reporters here after announcing the winners of its 2012 Conservation and Environmental Grants Programme. Selected projects will receive a combined total of RM150,000 to help carry out missions on environmental protection and education.
Source : New Straits Times
Date : 21 December 2012
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