AMW aiming at expanding operations in SL; strategic plans to unfold

By Hiran H.Senewiratne

Sri Lanka is a growing market and AMW has many strategic plans to expand its operations in Sri Lanka, Group- Managing Director of local automotive giant, Associated Motorways (AMW), Peter Mackenzie said.

“AMW has been the exclusive distributor of Castrol since 2002, represented by a strong dealer channel island wide and provides an extensive range of top global brands, including motor vehicles and lubricant oil, Mackenzie said at an AMW dealer convention on Tuesday. The event was held at Shangri La Hotel Colombo.

“Current import restrictions for motor vehicles are likely to ease soon and the interest rate coming down will positively impact prospective motor vehicle owners, Head of Lubricants, BP Castrol of AMW Charith Panditharatne said.

Panditharatne added: “Currently AMW imports several leading top Japanese brands, such as, Suzuki, Yamaha, Nissan and Renault but their imports have come to a standstill due to the government’s import restrictions.

“The current import restrictions on motor vehicles have really hit our company, however, we were able to manage the business by focusing on selling used vehicles to the local market.

“Boasting a rich heritage of more than 74 years in the automobile industry, we able to manage the company during the turbulent period due to the company’s diversification into industrial ties for the export and local market and due to AMW Capital Leasing and Finance. The company is now a fully owned subsidiary of the Al Futtaim Group in the US.”

Market sources said that Castrol ensures that every commercial vehicle engine performs at its peak, promoting long and healthy engine life. Castrol was launched at the same event.