MGC revs up network in provinces

Master Group Corporation (Asia) (MGC), a local provider of automobile services, is revving up its provincial network expansion to prepare for Asean economic integration at the end of the year.

The company plans to spend 1 billion baht this year to expand its car dealership network in Ubon Ratchathani, Phuket and Hat Yai, mainly for four authorised brands — BMW, Mini, Rolls-Royce and Aston Martin.

Last week, MGC-Asia kicked off its first upcountry outlet with an investment of 250 million baht on an 11-rai plot in Ubon Ratchathani to sell Both BMW and Mini cars.

The outlet will cover BMW and Mini sales in Amnat Charoen, Mukdahan, Si Sa Ket, Yasothon and Surin.

Sunhavut Thamchuanviriya, group managing director of MGC, said the company expects the Ubon Ratchathani outlet to sell 600-700 units of BMW and Mini this year.

“Ubon Ratchathani’s GDP is the third largest in the region, which indicates its potential growth and demand for luxury cars,” he said.

MGC has experienced rapid growth to 15 billion baht in 2013 thanks to prudent business diversification. It operates seven key business units covering selling new cars from BMW, Mini, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin and Honda, used cars, car service centres, rental services, insurance brokerage, an auto training centre and information technology development.

The group is scheduled to report its 2014 operating results on Feb 19. Up to half of revenue stems from its new car retail business, with 10% each from its used car venture and auto service centre. Other businesses accounting for the rest.

Mr Sunhavut said the group, mainly through affiliate Millennium Auto, sold nearly 4,000 BMWs and Minis last year with the figure expected to rise to 5,000 units this year.