Brunei Drivers Shun Chinese Vehicles
By Ignatius Stephen

Bandar Seri Begawan - Some Brunei car dealers have made a bee-line to China in recent times.

But they have not found any honey at the end of the line - not, at least, for now. Brunei has always been a car country with the latest models parading the streets. Local car dealers, many of whom have become extremely prosperous through the trade, have always been on the lookout for new sources.

Japan has always topped the market here. But luxury continental makes as well as cheaper Korean cars have made their mark as well. And so almost in exhausting many other sources some resourceful traders have turned on China. Some thought they would hit the jackpot. But not so, many now realise. "People would readily accept pirated video tapes or one dollar items. But cars? That is different," said Mr Teng Chee Khiong, Director TCY Motors, who is in the forefront of bringing China cars to Brunei.

"But we have to change the mindset and convince people that China cars are cheap and good as any other.

"Confidence building is a big step," he said. TCY Motors has a history of car pioneering success in Brunei. More than 40 years ago Mr. Tang Chin Ying, TCY Motors founder, brought in Japanese cars to Brunei which was then a stronghold for British cars.

But soon the tide turned and Japanese cars eventually became king of the road and TCY Motors made a fortune.

Now with China cars history may repeat itself. "We will wait and see," said Mr Teng. TCY Motors have now bought in an array of China cars to Brunei. They have not sold any passenger cars yet but busses and coaches have found ready market here because of price and quality.

Meanwhile, Brunei Automobile Association figures show Brunei market has maintained its strength.

In September 1,253 vehicles were sold, October 1,423 units and in November 1,138 vehicles.

Industry sources said December is going to be a very quiet month because of the year-end holidays when people get away traditionally. "They are thinking to get away not cars," said a car sales executive.

Click Here To Have Your Say On This Story

Brudirect.com News

Brunei's Fastest Growing Website with