Pekema: Members need time to upgrade centres
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Association of Malay Vehicle Importers and Traders (Pekema) says its members need more time to upgrade to 3S (sales, service and spare parts) centres from 1S (sales-only) centres.
Proton has set a deadline of October this year for dealers to upgrade their centres if they want to sell its latest model, the Geely Boyue, which will be launched later this year.
In a statement, Pekema president Datuk Zainuddin Abd Rahman said although having 3S centres is good for the long term, the directive and close deadline is causing pressure on Bumiputera distributors, as 85 per cent of them currently only operate 1S centres.
“For the upgrade alone, they need to invest between RM3 million and RM5 million at a time when they only sell an average of 20 to 30 Proton cars a month,” he said.
He said automotive companies should be given ample time to improve their sales, despite the current lacklustre automotive market, before directing them to upgrade to 3S.
Citing Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd’s achievement last year, Zainuddin claimed the majority of Perodua’s success was achieved through both 1S and 3S centre sales.
“This shows that the 1S concept can still contribute to the successful sales of a company, without needing all sales representatives to be 3S,” he said.
In the statement, Zainuddin also highlighted other issues faced by its members since Proton formed a partnership with Zhejiang Geely Holdings Group Co Ltd.
These include the reduction in dealers’ margins, charges and interest for unsold cars, and Proton’s plan to end its Payment After Registration (PAR) scheme.
Zainuddin said Pekema would meet with all Bumiputera Proton dealers at Wisma Pekama in Cyberjaya today to further hear out their grouses.
He said Pekema welcomes Geely as Proton’s strategic partner and hopes the collaboration can successfully revive Proton as a proud Malaysian national carmaker.
Zainuddin said while Pekema fully supports Proton’s collaboration with Geely, its concern is to ensure that the Bumiputera agenda remains a priority under the new management.