KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 1): A new company that is 51% owned by Berjaya Corp Bhd (BCorp) and 20% owned by Bermaz Auto Bhd (BAuto) has been awarded the sole rights to distribution new Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia.

Berjaya Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd (BAASB) has also won the rights for after-sales services and spare parts distribution for Peugeot Citroen and DS vehicles.

BCorp CEO Datuk Seri Robin Tan said the conglomerate is pleased to be given the opportunity by French car manufacturer Groupe PSA to be part of this new collaboration.

“This new collaboration will complement our group’s existing automotive business, namely H.R. Owen Plc and Berjaya China Motor Sdn Bhd. We believe this collaboration between Berjaya Corp, Bermaz and Groupe PSA will bring positive synergistic benefits to all parties,” Tan said in a statement.

Meanwhile, BAuto executive chairman Datuk Seri Ben Yeoh said it is honoured that Groupe PSA and BCorp had recognised its capabilities and expertise in the automobile industry and is delighted to participate in the new collaboration.

“Peugeot, Citroen and DS are European marque cars well-known for their driving comfort, smooth handling, modern designs, durability and state-of-the-art technology. Hence, we are elated and looking forward to a successful collaboration with BCorp and Groupe PSA via BAASB,” Yeoh said.

Groupe PSA South East Asia senior vice president Laurence Noel said its Peugeot 3008 and Peugeot 5008 sports utility vehicles have garnered a lot of attention in Malaysia in the past few years.

“It is our plan in the near future to introduce our global successes such as the all-new Peugeot 2008 in Malaysia.

“Further to that, we aim to continuously revolutionise the customer experience together with our new partner BAASB and underscore our commitment to our customers through excellent sales and after-sales service. Groupe PSA has made Malaysia its export hub for the region,” Noel said.

Shares in BCorp finished 2.78% or half a sen higher at 18.5 sen, valuing the group at RM972.63 million. Meanwhile, BAuto was up 3.68% or five sen at RM1.41, with a market capitalisation of RM1.64 billion.