Audi Sri Lanka partners with Mercantile Investments and Finance to bring affordability

By Shannine Daniel

Audi Sri Lanka together with Mercantile Investments and Finance PLC launched three finance schemes, making it simple and affordable for their clientele to acquire the all new A4. 

Under the new offers, consumers now have the opportunity to own the brand new A4 and pay Equated Monthly Instalments (EMI) with a 40% or 30% down payment and the balance a year after the purchase date depending on the payment method of their choice. 

With this finance scheme, buyers can now own the A4 with no apprehension about the leasing payments from the very first year. They can begin paying the instalment amounts through the repayment options offered by Mercantile Investments and Finance, one year after the date of purchase.

Speaking to the Daily FT Senok Automobile Lanka Ltd Director for Audi Rajeev Fernando revealed that the starting price of the Audi A4 is Rs. 11.5 m, which could increase depending on options and the customisation required for the vehicle.

Fernando added that in terms of after-sales services customers will be given two years of unlimited mileage warranty which is a standard for all Audi vehicles bought through Senok. 

“We also have a fully equipped workshop that is able to handle any after-sales services,” he stated. 

Named the ‘Car of the Year 2016’ at the annual “What Car?” awards in London, the A4 is one of Audi’s most important models and the all-new version comes with a renewed focus on technology and comfort, ensuring that it remains the German brand’s global bestseller. 

The new Audi A4 is more advanced than the old model in the way that it drives, with and engine that is up to 21% more fuel efficient than before. The new four-cylinder TFSI engine with its newly developed combustion technology sets a benchmark in terms of fuel consumption and performance for four-cylinder gasoline engines. It will be available in Sri Lanka with the option of a 2.0 litre or a 1.4 litre engine. The 2.0 litre engine comes with seven-speed S Tronic automatic, with the option of Quattro all-wheel-drive as well.

It has been designed to satisfy the comfort of the driver, through the provision of a multitude of adjustment options for both the steering wheel and seat itself.  When compared to the old A4, the front seat headroom has grown by 24mm. Furthermore customers will be satisfied by the increase in rear-seat legroom which has grown by 23mm, and the passenger seating can comfortably include three people. 

It even offers an abundance of intelligent technologies via the new Audi MMI display and control concept. The Audi virtual cockpit, the Audi Matrix LED headlights, the Audi smart phone interface, the Bang & Olufsen Sound System with 3D sound, the heads-up display, new driver assistance systems and Audi connect services are some of the technological highlights of the new A4. 

“We are delighted with the reception received for the A4. People are impressed by the German quality and precision. It is one of the bestsellers in the Audi range globally. Likewise we have seen a tremendous interest in the latest A4 since the announcement of its launch in March,” Fernando went on to say.

In terms of market share currently Audi has about 20% of the luxury petrol car market share within Sri Lanka, and last year witnessed 70% in the market. 

“This percentage is higher from the year before and we are aiming for higher numbers in for this year,” Fernando quipped. 

Globally, Audi’s standards have seen a year-on-year growth of 13% in terms of technology and innovation.

Fernando also revealed to the Daily FT that since Senok Automobile Lanka Ltd took over the dealership for Audi 19 years previously, there has been a tremendous growth in the purchase of Audi vehicles. 

“Our objective is to be the number one luxury car in the market and we are definitely working towards our objective. In 2018 we hope to launch our new showroom in Sri Lanka in line with Audi AG,” he stressed.

“Apart from our showroom we will also be upgrading our workshop to keep to Audi’s global standards and to be able to meet our increasing customer base. Senok Automobiles is looking at an investment close to Rs. 1 b on those projects,” Fernando added. 

Pix by Upul Abayasekara