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Friday, 8 November 2019 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Charumini de Silva
Abans is stepping up efforts to boost its automobile business with a key agency deal with global giant Hyundai, rolling out multi-million-rupee investments for modern showrooms, service centres and other benefits to customers.
An ultra-modern first-of-its kind Hyundai showroom set up with Rs. 20 million investment was opened yesterday at the Colombo City Centre (CCC) and an Abans Hyundai Service Centre at Nuge Road, Peliyagoda.
The move follows Abans Auto in May this year, securing dealership for Hyundai, the world’s fourth largest motor vehicle manufacturer and sole agency from 2020. In the interim, the longstanding arrangement with Hyundai Lanka will continue till 31 December.
Abans Group Managing Director Behman (Tito) Pestonjee described the partnership as a remarkable moment for the group to be able to work with Hyundai Motor Company. “I have been waiting for over 25 years to work with this great Korean company,” he added.
“Abans Auto Ltd. was appointed in May as a non-exclusive agent, whilst Hyundai Lanka will continue till 31 December and after that, Abans Auto hopes to be the sole authorised dealer for Hyundai vehicles in Sri Lanka,” Pestonjee told the Daily FT on the side-lines of the event.
It was noted that the showroom at CCC spans over 3,500 sq.ft. and has been designed as per specifications determined by Hyundai Global Dealership Space Identity (GDSI) standards. It is also the first-ever automotive showroom inside a shopping mall with VR and AR facilities to experience Hyundai vehicles.
In terms of the future expansion plans, Pestonjee said they hope to open at least 10 showrooms nationwide, to deliver the finest customer journey with Hyundai’s best automotive segment.
“We are committed in the expansion of our dealership network to allow our customers a greater range of showrooms and service centres to choose from, in line with our effort to deliver the best customer journey with Hyundai’s best vehicles,” he added.
The showroom at CCC will enable prospective customers to build their car according to their own specifications and colours, and the showroom will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Pointing out that Hyundai vehicles have seen a strong resurgence with a bevy of attractive product offerings that have converted an increasing number of fans, he said so far they have sold over 30 vehicles through Abans Auto.
“Between May and September, we have sold over 30 cars and many orders are in the pipeline, particularly for the fuel efficient and low-CO2-emitting electric range,” Pestonjee said.
He also noted that through its subsidiaries – Abans Marketing and Abans Finance PLC – they hope to provide further synergies going forward to provide more options to its customers.
Abans Hyundai Service Centre at Nuge Road, Peliyagoda was also declared open yesterday. Apart from being equipped with the latest diagnostic and service equipment, the service centre maintains an ample stock of all genuine Hyundai spare parts. It also includes a comfortable customer lounge for customers to relax while all their mechanical and electrical body repairs and periodical services are taken care of by the well-trained and experienced Hyundai Service Team.
The addition of Hyundai enhances Abans Auto’s offerings. Set up in 2011, Abans Auto specialises in the assembly, marketing and distribution of two-wheelers and three-wheelers. It is the authorised exclusive distributor for Hero MotoCorp, TVS three-wheelers, and Piaggio scooters – Vespa and Aprilia. It has over 1,000 touch points countrywide.
