South East Asian Automotive News

Cycle & Carriage Ltd (CCL) has embarked on a S$10m (US$6m) service improvement program which is expected to fuel a substantial increase in after-sales earnings. This includes renovated showrooms, product-related shops and a central servicing department. Currently, after-sales earnings account for some 35% of Cycle & Carriage's Singapore motor earnings. For the year ended December 31^st 1997, the group posted a net profit of S$159m (US$96m). (May 6^th 1998)

Sime Singapore, a dealership subsidiary of Sime Darby, has reported that motor profits could rise this year even though car sales will be lower than last year's. Expectations for figures up to end-April are for a 2% fall in its car sales despite increasing contributions from Ford, its key franchise. Sime plans on expanding the motor business through acquisitions and JVs to deal with other brands such as Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche and Suzuki. (May 22^nd 1998)