CYBERJAYA, Feb 10 (Bernama) -- Ingress Auto Sdn Bhd, which has been appointed as the latest dealer for BMW cars in Malaysia, will open its new RM30 million BMW sales, service, systems and spare parts (4S) centre in the first quarter of next year.

Ingress Auto's executive chairman Rameli Musa said the 4S centre would be funded from the company's internally generated funds.

With a total built-up of 9,783 square metres, the 4S centre would be strategically located in Jalan Damansara, fronting the Lebuhraya Damansara Puchong (LDP) and facing Mutiara Damansara.

Speaking at a media briefing at BMW's headquarters here, Rameli said with the appointment, Ingress Auto is determined to be a significant contributor to the fastest growing brand in the premium segment of the Malaysian car industry.

Ingress Auto, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ingress Corporation, is involved in the manufacturing of automotive components. It is the sixth BMW dealer in the country.

The other BMW dealers are Sapura Group, Auto Bavaria, Lee Motors Auto Care Sdn Bhd, Seong Hoe Premium Motors Sdn Bhd and Ang Trading & Motor Credit Sdn Bhd.

Ingress Auto's move to become a dealer of the BMW marque is also part of the group's downstream strategy to connect with customers, having established an excellent track record in automotive parts manufacturing, Rameli said..

BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd's managing director Wolfgang Schlimme said Ingress Auto's competence would further strengthen BMW's presence in the market.

The expansion of the BMW dealership network is set to give customers more choice and convenience, catering to its growing customer base, he said.

Asked about the National Automotive Policy (NAP), Schlimme said it is expected to affect BMW sales, but he believed that the sales of the German marque would grow "even more".

Schlimme said BMW Malaysia's sales had grown by 18.9 percent in 2004 and is expected to expand by 25.1 percent in 2005.

He said the company had initiated several ideas on how to further grow BMW business in Malaysia and would unveil its strategy once the NAP is announced.

BMW Malaysia is a joint venture between Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, the manufacturer of BMW vehicles based in Germany, and Malaysian conglomerate Sime Darby Bhd.

-- BERNAMA