Stellantis to grow dealer network in Malaysia

Stellantis Malaysia, which has its own national sales company as well as assembly plant (in Kedah), will be growing its dealer network during 2024. It currently has 8 authorised dealers in Peninsular Malaysia and one in East Malaysia. The company aims to add at least 28 more outlets, of which 5 will be in East Malaysia.

Dealerships to handle all brands
An interesting aspect of its business model for dealers is that they will be able to handle the different brands of the Stellantis group at the same location. Thus, a dealership may have Peugeot models in the showroom alongside Citroen and Jeep models, and also provide aftersales support for all the brands.

This differs from the usual practice by large groups with multiple brands in their portfolio. Each brand is supposed to stand alone in a distinct way, though showrooms can be side by side along the same road.

However, Stellantis Malaysia understands that it would be impractical for its dealers to set up individual outlets for a single brand as the sales volumes may not be large to justify the investment. So it would be better to have them build a large facility that can house a few brands. Of course, as time goes by, if a brand starts to generate larger numbers, then the dealer might think of giving it a more individual location.

Focus on four brands
At this time, Stellantis Malaysia is planning to focus on four brands – Peugeot, Citroen, Jeep and the Leapmotor EV brand from China. Selected models of these brands will be assembled at the plant in Gurun, Kedah, for the Malaysian market as well as for export to neighbouring countries.

What about Alfa Romeo?
As for brands like Alfa Romeo, the word is that it will be considered but the company is not expecting big volumes. It has been showing the Tonale to investors and business partners so that’s one model that could be coming. More importantly, if Stellantis Malaysia does bring the Italian brand in officially, then proper aftersales support will be available because that is an obligation as a brand owner.

Stellantis Malaysia call centre for Citroen, Peugeot and DS Automobile brands