Drive

Daihatsu emerges as fourth largest importer of Japanese vehicles

Softlogic, the authorised agents for Daihatsu, continues to live up to its reputation of being one of the fastest growing automobile dealers in Sri Lanka. According to JAMA (Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Report) report 2007. It is now recognised as the country's 'Fourth Largest New Japanese Passenger Vehicle Importer in 2007'.

Daihatsu secured a 6.37% overall market share with imports exceeding 350 vehicles in 2007, in just one product variation, setting a new benchmark for the industry. We are understandably elated at being ranked amongst Sri Lanka's top four, particularly in the heat of stiff competition from several other major vehicle dealers in the country," said a company spokesperson.

An in-depth evaluation of the company's performance over the past year, including asset growth, resale value, profitability, strategic relationships, 100 per cent spare parts availability, customer service, competitive pricing and innovative products, led industry analysts, corporate executives and consultants to select Daihatsu as one of the best of all local vehicle importers.

This remarkable achievement comes after the acquisition of Uni-Walkers Ltd., the Authorised Agents for Daihatsu in Sri Lanka, by Softlogic Holdings (Pvt) Ltd. Commenting on the results, a spokesperson for Softlogic said: "This ranking carries great credibility because it is the result of the Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Report."

ATI offers respite for motor insurance war

Amana Takaful Insurance (ATI) has recently embarked on a press campaign for its unique motor policy Total Drive, promising the market peace-of-mind and unsurpassed benefits.

"The motor insurance industry is presently at war, with the competition trying to run over each other for a bigger share of the market. The battle to stay on top ensures that no company has a unique-edge over the competition, with the result of all policies offering the same benefits in the end," said Senior Brand Executive for Total Drive Safwan Hilme. "We believe strongly in good ethics, and we are proud to say that we are the one company that does not have to fight to stay in business, surpassing the rest, in the aspects of both benefits and service", he said.

The Company offer a No Claim Bonus Protection Cover. It guarantees a No Claim Bonus even if the policyholder makes a claim and currently ATI offers the highest no claim bonus (for the 1st year) in the country. The other uniqueness about the Total Drive policy is the celebrated Surplus Refund system.

It is where policyholders become a group of individuals who mutually agree to help one another in times of unforeseen loss.

Based on the highly equitable Takaful way of insurance, premiums are pooled into a common fund out of which all individuals' claims are settled, and the surplus funds remaining at the end of the period, are refunded on a pro-rata basis to non-claimant policyholders.

Hilme said, "ATI simply stepped in at the right time to cater to a public need. The Takaful concept is not merely a concept of insurance but is actually a globally accepted way of life that's based on principles of caring and togetherness.

Our aim is to introduce Sri Lanka to this unique concept so that both individuals as well as organisations can enjoy its benefits.

The Total Drive policy is especially popular amongst corporates and is sought-after by organisations looking to give their employees the best benefits in the industry. Catering to not just motor insurance needs, we offer a complete range of life and general policies too, he said.

During the period of the campaign, customers walking into ATI's Head Office to obtain a Total Drive policy will receive up to 50 litres of free fuel, while those insuring their very first car would be getting a free medical cover for non-accidental medical requirements.

Amana Takaful Insurance's operations have expanded to 16 branches island-wide including in the South and East of Sri Lanka, also extending overseas with the setting up of a fully-fledged branch in the Maldives.

DIMO forms "Fleet Owners Club"

Diesel and Motor Engineering PLC (DIMO) has once again demonstrated their commitment to enhancing their service by rewarding fleet owners of DIMO Siyambalape.

The service complex located in Biyagama is capable of handling accident repairs and service needs of all TATA Commercial vehicles.

The workshop and service bays are fully equipped to the highest standards with genuine spare parts always in stock aimed at keeping downtime to a minimum.

With the intention of providing more value-added services for loyal customers, the "Fleet Owners Club" of DIMO Siyambalape was established in January 2008.

The membership level offered is based on the loyalty points thus far earned by loyal customers of DIMO Siyambalape.

The loyalty points are awarded based on number of times each vehicle has been bought to the commercial vehicle repair complex of DIMO Siyambalape, number of vehicles owned by the customer and number of vehicles covered by the maintenance contracts of DIMO Siyambalape.

The number of loyalty points will entitle customers to four membership levels namely Bronze, Silver, Gold and finally, Platinum.

Based on these levels, a membership holder will be bestowed special discounts of 5 per cent, 10 per cent, 15 per cent and again 15 per cent respectively on any repair or service.

These special discounts are also extended on any purchase of TATA Genuine Spare Parts from DIMO.

The Platinum membership is given to customers who have been loyal to TATA vehicles, genuine parts and services for a long period.

Several additional rewards, benefits and privileges are granted to Platinum members.