PHS Automotive Malaysia Is New Audi Distributor
The Audi brand now has a new official distributor in Malaysia. Taking care of the brand moving forward is PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM). It will be representing the wholesale, marketing and aftersales of the Audi brand in Malaysia. PHSAM is a subsidiary of Porsche Holding Salzburg (PHS). PHS is one of the largest and most successful automotive distributors in Europe. The Austria-based company was founded in 1947 by Louise Piëch and Ferdinand Porsche, and has operations in 29 markets in Europe, as well as in Colombia, Chile, China, Singapore, Brunei, Japan and Malaysia. Incidentally, Porsche Holding Salzburg has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG since 2011.
The PHSAM team will be led by a pair of Managing Directors i.e. Erik Winter and Kurt Leitner. They also hold the Managing Director positions at sister company, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM). Together, Erik and Kurt played key roles in steering the success of the Volkswagen brand in Malaysia, including the expansion of its CKD product line-up.
“The premium automotive landscape is extremely competitive, and we have plenty to do and multiple challenges to overcome, but we are fully committed to the growth of the Audi brand. Audi is one of the world’s leading premium brands and has a loyal local following that spans generations, so there is untapped potential in the Malaysian market. Our focus will be on strengthening the SUV, S line and quattro range, with electrification playing a major role in the Company’s future planned roadmap. With the strength of our team’s experience and backed by PHS’ global expertise, we are confident of sustainable growth for the Audi brand,’’ said Erik.
Audi’s present product line-up includes a selection of sedans, sportbacks and SUVs such as the A5, A7, Q3, Q5 and Q8, and the performance RS models. Management processes are already in place, with other priorities being to expand aftersales services as well as strengthen the existing dealer network to achieve profitable growth.
“Customer satisfaction is top of the list for us, and we recognise the importance of a strong working relationship with our dealer partners to grow and reach our targets and enhance the ownership experience for our customers,” added Kurt.
Additionally, Audi cars purchased from today (1 July 2022) will come with 3 years of free maintenance, 5 years of unlimited mileage warranty and 5 years of roadside assistance.
The Audi brand currently serves its customers and owners via Audi Centres located in Juru and Glenmarie, as well as an authorised Service Centre in Ipoh. The Audi Centre in Setia Alam will resume operations on 1 August 2022.
