"Parts supply not affected by Thai floods"

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- The floods in Thailand have not affected Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM), the sole distributor for Nissan here, as its supply of car components is enough to last the next three months.

Its executive director, Dr Ang Bon Beng, said if the floods were to worsen, Tan Chong planned to import components from other countries such as China and Japan to ensure there was no delay to the delivery process.

"However, we will closely monitor the situation in Thailand. For now, we are optimistic that they ( the Thai government) can handle this situation," he told reporters after the "Get Ready To Crossover" event, here on Friday.

He said Nissan's recovery team has been working closely with Nissan Thailand while forming a very aggressive taskforce to address the issue.

"This time, as far as Nissan is concerned, I think we can handle the problem more effectively and efficiently compared to the tsunami in Japan and in a shorter time," he added.

He also said the price of parts would not go up in the next two to three months.

Ang said ETCM will continue to stay in touch with customers and keep them informed of the current status of the flooding and how it could affect ETCM.

Meanwhile, he said ETCM intends to achieve a 5.6-5.7 per cent market share for the B-segment for non-national cars this year, and is aiming for a one per cent increase for next year.

The company plans to open 10 new showrooms nationwide in the next five years.

On the newly launched Nissan Livina X-Gear, the first complete-knock-down B-segment Crossover, Ang said ETCM had received 1,005 booking since its launch in mid-September.

ETCM is currently offering a low interest hire purchase rate from 0.88 per cent per annum for the car. Buyers will also receive a free tinting package worth RM1,400 during the promotion period, which ends this month. (US$1=RM3.13) (BERNAMA)