Luxury car manufacturers are seizing an opportunity to tap into increasing demand for new automobiles in Cambodia, after new car sales rose sharply in 2012.
From early 2014, Volkswagen AG’s Porsche plans to open an official sales centre and an after sales service centre in Phnom Penh. Graeme Hunter, general manager of Lei Shing Hong Limited’s Cambodia automobile division, says the company has secured exclusive Porsche distribution rights in Cambodia.
“The Cambodian market is becoming increasingly sophisticated by the day. High-end customers are ready for our premium cars,” he said.
Also entering the local market is BMW’s first fleet of authorised vehicles, which are expected to be available in Phnom Penh by August 2013. The luxury brand’s showroom, sales centre and after sales centre will open on Russian Boulevard, with a total floor space of 3,000 square-metres.
The Royal Group is the first authorised importer and dealer of BMW cars in the country and aims to import about 200 vehicles annually.
Peter Brongers, chief executive officer of Premium Auto Import Co Ltd, a subsidiary of the Royal Group, said imports will focus on the 5- and 7-series, as well as the X-5 and the X-6, before introducing the BMW mini in 2014.
“The number of BMWs is increasing on the streets and we think it will become a popular and aspirational car [in Cambodia],” said Brongers.
Robust economic growth and enhanced social security have been credited with the increase in demand for new vehicles in Cambodia.
Porsche to roll into Cambodia
Luxury car manufacturers are seizing an opportunity to tap into increasing demand for new automobiles in Cambodia, after new car sales rose sharply in 2012.
