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Micro Holdings celebrates 20th Anniversary

Thursday, 23 July 2015 00:00 -     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Marks milestone with first assembly of SsangYong Tivoli and launch of Motul Lubricants

 

Micro Cars was established by veteran automobile engineer Dr. Lawrence Perera in 1995 being the franchisee for Renault Trucks of France. The objective was to engineer and build Sri Lanka’s first truly home-grown automobile and the result was the launch of ‘Privilege’ which was completely designed, developed and manufactured in Sri Lanka. The first National Automobile was thus launched in 2002 winning a patent for its unique design. 

With the above achievement SsangYong Motor Company, Korea’s first SUV manufacturer recognised Micro Cars as the official assembler for SsangYong in Sri Lanka which resulted in the first ever SUV being assembled in the Micro Cars assembly plant in Polgahawela. Today SsangYong is a trusted and preferred automobile brand in the country for its range of SUVs and MPVs. In 2010 MICRO tied up with Geely A Fortune 500 Co. the owner of Volvo Cars Sweden. With Geely SKD rights Micro entered the compact N’s mid-sized Sedan car segment, and today is competing shoulder to shoulder with other leading global brands.

Micro ventured into the overseas market by exporting vehicles to Bangladesh, Nepal and Malaysia in 2011. Micro opened Asia’s largest automobile after-sales centre in 2012 to service the existing large customer base. With the vision of making an ease of purchase to customer the company has now expanded its sales network to eight company owned branches and 20 franchise dealers. In order to support the sales network the company has established over 50 parts and service dealers island-wide. 

Today Micro has diversified into other industries with its subsidiaries Transmec Engineering Co. (for Auto Engineering R&D, and vehicle After-sales provider having the largest AS Centre in Sri Lanka), Transmec International Co. (a logistics provider also engaged in super floor luxury city bus operation, heavy haulage and rent a car service etc.), Micro Construction Co. (the Civil Engineering and Construction arm ) and Euro Sports Auto Lanka (Franchisee of Lamborghini and other luxury automobile brands). Micro Holdings being the true national pride, employs more than 850 staff, empowering the Sri Lankan youth by exposing them to the latest technology in automobile and other engineering related fields. 

 SsangYong Motor Company, Korea appointed Micro Cars as the authorised Assembler and gave Micro Cars the rights of Sales and After Sales Services for its full range in 2006. SsangYong Motor Company, Korea further strengthening the bond between the two entities due to the unparalleled performance of Micro Cars, gave the assemble rights of its latest addition, the all new SsangYong TIVOLI. The new SsangYong TIVOLI is yet another entrant into the compact SUV segment, but marks an important milestone for the Korean manufacturer. The TIVOLI is tailored to what modern customers are asking for – so it puts fashion above four-by-four ability. 

The bold design of the ‘Tivoli’ very much appeals to dynamic young executives who are in the need of a mix between a crossover toughness and sharp stylised appeal. With a rhythmical poise of outstanding front and rear design elements, SYMC’s new model brings to life a balance seldom seen with other similar models. Similarly the exterior styling differentiates ‘Tivoli’ from everything else and the interior design is a novelty all on to itself. Accordingly, greater emphasis has also been placed on delivering dynamic driving performance with the aid of Japan’s AISIN’s 2nd-generation A/T, recognised for its quality and performance of power transmission. Tivoli’s introductory price starts at Rs. 4,250,000. 

With the vision of diversifying into other industries, Micro cars will venture into Lubricant Industry. Micro Cars wishes to capitalise on its large and ever growing customer base backed by the island wide Parts and Service dealer network. Today marks the appointment of Transmec International as the franchisee for Motul Lubricants in Sri Lanka.

 Originated in France 160 years ago in 1853, MOTUL is present world over with its unparalleled range of lubricants for Motor Cycles, Cars and all other vehicles. MOTUL produces Engine Oils, Transmission Oils, Gear Oils, Coolants and Brake Fluids for cars. Capitalising on its appetite to innovate MOTUL was the first lubricant manufacturer to sell 100% synthetic oil back in 1971. By developing the Ester technology in the 300V Motorsport line, MOTUL more recently developed a technology placing it above all existing market standards. 

MOTUL has been appointed as official lubricant partner to the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), the founder and promoter of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. For 61 years, since 1954 Motul has been working closely with ACO when it launched the first truly multi-grade oil to be sold in Europe in commemoration of its 100th anniversary.

MOTUL has an exclusive tie up with Bosch, and is the only lubricant brand in the Bosch service network.  MOTUL is also an Original Equipment Manufacturer recommendation for brands such as Mercedes Benz Nissan, VW, BMW, Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki etc.

Micro also provides training to hundreds of youth in Sri Lanka who find themselves unable to make it to a university. This is an unseen side of Micro transferring the technology from well reputed manufacturers such as Ssangyong, Geely cars and SINO trucks YUTONG and HIGER Luxury bus, to the local youth. Most of these young trainees after successful completion are competent to find employment in overseas markets such as Middle East and Australia. 

Micro also has training partnerships with KOIKA and German Tech where trainees are given the opportunity for in plant training during their training tenure. This kind of enhancement to the society and to the younger generation as a whole of transfer of automobile technology is unparalleled to any other company in Sri Lanka. 

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