KUALA LUMPUR: Sime Darby Bhd's automotive arm Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) will continue to expand its network of dealerships in Malaysia.
This includes the establishment of new Ford Signature showrooms and service centres in the northern region as well as Sabah and Sarawak, SDAC managing director Turse Zuhair in an interview said.
This is part of the company's commitment to continue enhancing accessibility and customer satisfaction for their vehicles across Malaysia, he added.
Additionally, he expressed confidence in the launch of its much anticipated next-generation Ranger Raptor, having received a tremendous number of enquiries for possible purchases.
The interest is bolstered by two key factors.
First, is the company's assurance that demand for pick-up trucks will continue to be strong as more Malaysians are said to be broadening their preferences beyond the market for sports utility vehicles (SUV).
The other is the reported high demand for the company's next-generation Rangers which have been very well-received since the launch in July, with delivery as soon as August.
"A Malaysian favourite, the Ford Ranger is known as the 'King of Pick-up' for its leadership position in the segment. Testament to this is it having received a number of awards and accolades from multiple automotive related publications since its 2018 model.
"It has always been known to bring first-in-segment technologies and capabilities, and even created a new segment with the Ford Ranger Raptor which is the first and only performance pick-up truck in Malaysia to date," Turse said.
The latest generation of Ford Ranger line-up consists of seven different variants sharing the same core DNA of smart, versatile and capable.
In addition to a redesigned exterior and refined interior are various feature enhancements including: New C-Clamp LED headlamps, new bold front grille, and a new 10.1-inch or first-in-class 12-inch infotainment touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Wireless charging is only on the Ranger XLT Plus and WildTrak while on other variants rely on the multiple USB charging ports.
The truck's wheelbase and track width has been increased by 50mm, with a segment-changing Rear Box Step for easier of access into the truck bed.
Its bed has also been fitted with a new bedliner design, with the tailgate now able to serve as a functional workbench with two clamp pockets and built-in ruler.
It is also equipped with Advanced Driver Assisted Systems (ADAS) such as the Evasive Steer Assist, Reverse Brake Assist, Cross Traffic Alert, Pre-collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), a 360-Degree Camera on the Ranger WildTrak, and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go.
Turse said each generation of the Ranger had always been a successful design that has resonated positively with our customers as Ford constantly enhanced the design and features in line with consumer needs and latest technology.
"Born from the feedback of our customers in tandem with our constant strive for innovation, it is the most capable model to date and offers versatile functionalities for work, family and play. This provides customers with the ability to choose the Ranger that best suits their needs and preferences."
Every customer who purchases the next-generation Ford Ranger will be a member of the Ford Inner Circle.
Through the membership programme, they will receive a Privilege Key Code that grants them exclusive discounts and special invitations to exclusive events as part of the first-in-segment e-commerce adventure platform Ford Ranger Getaways.
"Ford Ranger Getaways was developed because we listened to our loyal and passionate owners from Ford Ranger clubs. Owners are able to come together and experience curated adventures with their Rangers.
"This is a dedicated and exclusive effort for the Malaysian community as a result of the level of passion and support that Ford Ranger has in Malaysia," Turse added.
The community-based adventure platform offers specially curated unique local drives and adventures to customers whether it be off-road courses, lifestyle experiences, family excursions or city outings.
The aim is to allow customers to "Live the Ranger Life" and its values by experiencing these adventures with other like-minded individuals and their Rangers.
Experiences come in either individual or group types.
Currently, SDAC-Ford has 13 experiences that are available for owners to freely choose from and go whenever they please or join the group events.
Recent adventures have included group events held in March this year at Sepang International Circuit for Off-road, Baja and Tarmac training to test their Rangers' full capability.
There was also a family event in April at Balik Pulau to learn the basics of off-road while also savouring the taste of durians during the season.
"Owners can look forward to more experiences as we are constantly curating experiences to be offered. It is a truly unique platform and we are proud to offer this to Ford Ranger owners," Turse said.
Such efforts have paid off massively for SDAC as its level towards customer commitment recently earned them two President's Awards for Sales and Service.
Established in 2016, the President's Award is held annually by Ford Asia Pacific Distributor Markets (APDM) to reward the best-performing Ford distributor partners across the world.
The criteria looks at customer satisfaction scores for both sales and services.
These scores are based on ratings collected from an actual customer feedback and a satisfaction survey that Ford conducts with customers in each market which includes Malaysia.
"As the sole distributor for Ford in Malaysia, SDAC was honoured to recently receive this much-coveted award for recognising our high standards of excellence in our sales performance and customer service.
"This award is indeed testament to our commitment to enhancing and innovating the customer experience, despite the challenges faced in 2021," said Turse.