Latest news with #CARSOME
Free Malaysia Today
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Free Malaysia Today
CARSOME unveils official FAM fleet
CARSOME Group co-founder and CEO Eric Cheng (third from right) says the handover of these vehicles marks an important step in its partnership with FAM. PETALING JAYA : CARSOME, the Football Association of Malaysia's official automotive partner, handed over 15 vehicles decked in both their liveries in support of the association's operational and logistical needs. CARSOME Group co-founder and CEO Eric Cheng said the 15-vehicle fleet includes the Proton X90, Proton X70, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Serena, BMW 3 Series, Volvo XC40, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Toyota Alphard. These vehicles will serve the men's and women's national teams, as well as FAM's management. Cheng said the company's ongoing collaboration with FAM, via the CARSOME Academy, is part of a broader effort to support long-term personal and professional development for players and staff. 'The handover of these vehicles marks an important step in our partnership with FAM, providing the national teams with the mobility and support they need throughout the football calendar. 'As part of our commitment, we also want to help players, both men and women, prepare for life beyond the pitch,' he said in his speech before handing over the vehicles. Also present were FAM president Joehari Ayub, National Sports Council director-general Jefri Ngadirin and Malaysian football legend Zainal Abidin Hassan. Cheng said the car e-commerce platform is opening up education and career opportunities in the automotive industry, which contributes 5% or RM82 billion to Malaysia's GDP and supports over 700,000 jobs across the country. 'We are working with FAM to determine the courses and assistance required and hope this effort creates meaningful pathways for the football community to grow within a thriving sector.' Separately, Joehari expressed hope that FAM's two-year partnership with CARSOME would lead to greater success for the national team. He said the official collaboration between FAM and CARSOME began on March 25, the same day the national team secured a victory over Nepal in the opening match of the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers in Johor. 'This marks a positive start, and I hope that the partnership between FAM and CARSOME will continue to bring more success to Malaysian football in the years ahead.'
Free Malaysia Today
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- Free Malaysia Today
CARSOME reappointed as official trade-in partner for Malaysia Autoshow 2025
Chris Ang (right), CARSOME Malaysia's managing director presents Azrul Reza Aziz, MARii's CEO, a limited-edition varsity jacket in conjunction with the Malaysia Autoshow 2025. (CARSOME pic) SERDANG : Southeast Asia's largest integrated car e-commerce platform, CARSOME, has announced their reappointment as the official trade-in partner for the Malaysia Autoshow 2025. The prestigious event will be held at the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics, and IoT Institute (MaRii) at MAEPS Serdang from today, May 9 to May 15. Building on last year's success, this marks CARSOME's second consecutive year at the Autoshow, bringing fresh experiences and exclusive offers for automotive enthusiasts. Touching on the event, Eric Chan, CARSOME Group's president and chief operating officer, said: 'This event continues to be a meaningful platform for us to engage with Malaysians through an accessible sell-your-car experience, car ownership solutions, exciting offers, and community-driven experiences.' Adding to this year's excitement is CARSOME's collaboration with the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) that has arranged for special appearances of football players from Harimau Malaya Men's and Women's National Teams. Chan said the CARSOME-FAM collaboration has added a unique layer to this year's showcase, blending national pride with practical rewards. 'We look forward to connecting with more customers and making car ownership even more enjoyable and rewarding,' Chan said. Eric Chan, CARSOME Group's president and COO says that the e-commerce platform's collaboration with the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has added a unique layer to this year's Autoshow. (Carsome pic) Meanwhile Azrul Reza Aziz, CEO of MARii, said they were proud to welcome CARSOME back as their official trade-in partner for the event. 'This Autoshow has grown into a key regional platform that not only promotes Next Generation Vehicles (NxGV) aligned with National Automotive Policy, but strengthens public engagement with technology, lifestyle, and community. 'As Malaysia positions itself at the heart of Asean's automotive and mobility ecosystem, strategic partnerships like these embody the spirit of innovation and regional collaboration we aspire to foster,' Azrul added. Azrul Reza Aziz says they are proud to welcome CARSOME back as MARii's official trade-in partner for the Malaysia Autoshow 2025. (Carsome pic) On May 10 of the event, football fans can meet Harimau Malaya's men's team midfielder Safawi Rashid and striker Paulo Josué, who will be at the venue from 1.15pm to 2.15pm. On May 13, women's team midfielders Nur Lyana Soberi and Farahiyah Muhamad Ridzuan will be at CARSOME's booth from 1.15pm to 2.15pm to catch up with football fans. CARSOME will also be unveiling a range of limited-edition FAM merchandise, available exclusively at their booth. Besides taking home memorable keepsakes, football fans will also enjoy attractive event-only promotions. These include an additional RM500 discount on top of ongoing monthly offers when purchasing a CARSOME Certified car, and an extra RM200 on top of the offer price when selling a car to CARSOME. And the excitement doesn't end there! Visitors to the Autoshow can look forward to an exciting line-up of offers and experiences at CARSOME's booth in Hall DG. These attractions include exclusive trade-in rebates, on-the-spot bookings with instant rewards, and limited-time promotions. There will also be loads of interactive activities and giveaways – so make sure you're there. CARSOME is also offering free inspections at their Inspection Centres for appointments booked at the Autoshow event. Visitors who make a booking at the event, whether on-site or through a CARSOME representative, will automatically be entered into an exclusive lucky draw as well. Lucky draw winners will be selected by national team players during the CARSOME Autofair on May 24, with prizes including signed jerseys and tickets to the Asian Cup Qualifiers – so keep your fingers crossed, everyone!
Free Malaysia Today
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- Free Malaysia Today
Reality check: the true cost of owning a car
What's the real price of owning a car? Are you ready for the responsibility? PETALING JAYA : Been eyeing that dream car? Much like having a baby, owning a car is a big responsibility. It's not just about driving one, it's also about taking care of it – and that requires money and time. So, if you're thinking of buying a car, it's best to prepare yourself before taking on the financial commitment. Ask yourself: 'What's better for me, new or pre-owned? What can I afford to buy and maintain? What's the real cost of owning a car?' First, what to choose – new or pre-owned? All the pros and cons to consider when deciding on your next car. Cars are expensive in Malaysia, and a survey by CARSOME shows that Malaysians – especially middle and lower-income groups, prefer buying a used vehicle as opposed to a new one. So, consider these seven key points: price and depreciation; safety and insurance; waiting time; maintenance costs; warranty; down payment; and range of choices. Let's take a B-segment sedan/hatchback of average price and examine its loan repayment based on the following: a chosen loan tenure; insurance, maintenance costs, fuel cost, and other factors. Excludes loan repayment beyond five years. Does not include depreciation (resale value impact). Above estimated figures (based on common assumptions for a non-national B-segment car priced around RM90,000) provide a general idea of cost of ownership over a five-year period. Actual running costs may vary depending on the vehicle model, loan terms, maintenance habits, driving style, and fuel price fluctuations. New cars depreciate in value very fast but they function well, require less maintenance, and last longer than pre-owned cars. Used cars, however, are much more affordable, you may not even require a loan, and probably save you money in the long run. Then there's the question of availability. Do you want your car immediately, or are you willing to wait for your new one, and for how long? CARSOME's co-founder and chief executive officer (CEO) Eric Cheng expects a short- to medium-term shortage of new car supplies or delays in new car deliveries due to the global shortage of car parts coupled with disruptions to car assembly and manufacturing plants locally. 'As such, the used car industry is in a good position for growth as there is no waiting time for car delivery,' he said. CARSOME's research also found that the popularity of online used car selling platforms has increased. 'With the rising cost of ownership many buyers are shifting towards fuel-efficient and reliable second-hand vehicles,' Cheng added. So, what about costs? Used cars may be more affordable than new cars, but how reliable are they? In this case, CARSOME-certified cars offer a good middle ground between price and quality, with great benefits like excellent warranty plans and thorough inspections, assuring high standards. 'Our end-to-end buying journey takes away the concerns which are common in a traditional used car buying experience. CARSOME Certified is the new standard for buying pre-owned cars backed up by our 175-point inspection together with our CARSOME Certified Refurbishment Process,' says CARSOME. CARSOME offers long-term savings with special bundle service packages. Why choose CARSOME-certified cars? Apart from the guarantee of quality, and the hassle-free process of choosing and buying the car that meets your budget and needs, CARSOME also offers other benefits such as bundle service packages, deals and special promotions that give you long-term savings. They also offer exceptional facilities and support; from obtaining car insurance to comprehensive finance options – helping you to secure a loan. Their processes are easy to navigate and stress-free as they handle all the paperwork for you too. CARSOME also offers a five-day money-back guarantee and fixed pricing with no hidden fees, so you have that rather important added benefit – peace of mind. Now that you've weighed the options, considered the pros and cons, and made up your mind to choose a CARSOME-certified pre-owned car, visit CARSOME now.
Daily Express
02-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Express
Reality check: the true cost of owning a car
Published on: Friday, May 02, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 02, 2025 By: FMT Reporters Text Size: What's the real price of owning a car? Are you ready for the responsibility? PETALING JAYA: Been eyeing that dream car? Much like having a baby, owning a car is a big responsibility. It's not just about driving one, it's also about taking care of it – and that requires money and time. So, if you're thinking of buying a car, it's best to prepare yourself before taking on the financial commitment. Ask yourself: 'What's better for me, new or pre-owned? What can I afford to buy and maintain? What's the real cost of owning a car?' First, what to choose – new or pre-owned? Cars are expensive in Malaysia, and a survey by CARSOME shows that Malaysians – especially middle and lower-income groups, prefer buying a used vehicle as opposed to a new one. So, consider these seven key points: price and depreciation; safety and insurance; waiting time; maintenance costs; warranty; down payment; and range of choices. Let's take a B-segment sedan/hatchback of average price and examine its loan repayment based on the following: a chosen loan tenure; insurance, maintenance costs, fuel cost, and other factors. Excludes loan repayment beyond five years. Does not include depreciation (resale value impact). Above estimated figures (based on common assumptions for a non-national B-segment car priced around RM90,000) provide a general idea of cost of ownership over a five-year period. Actual running costs may vary depending on the vehicle model, loan terms, maintenance habits, driving style, and fuel price fluctuations. New cars depreciate in value very fast but they function well, require less maintenance, and last longer than pre-owned cars. Used cars, however, are much more affordable, you may not even require a loan, and probably save you money in the long run. Then there's the question of availability. Do you want your car immediately, or are you willing to wait for your new one, and for how long? CARSOME's co-founder and chief executive officer (CEO) Eric Cheng expects a short- to medium-term shortage of new car supplies or delays in new car deliveries due to the global shortage of car parts coupled with disruptions to car assembly and manufacturing plants locally. 'As such, the used car industry is in a good position for growth as there is no waiting time for car delivery,' he said. CARSOME's research also found that the popularity of online used car selling platforms has increased. 'With the rising cost of ownership many buyers are shifting towards fuel-efficient and reliable second-hand vehicles,' Cheng added. So, what about costs? Used cars may be more affordable than new cars, but how reliable are they? In this case, CARSOME-certified cars offer a good middle ground between price and quality, with great benefits like excellent warranty plans and thorough inspections, assuring high standards. 'Our end-to-end buying journey takes away the concerns which are common in a traditional used car buying experience. CARSOME Certified is the new standard for buying pre-owned cars backed up by our 175-point inspection together with our CARSOME Certified Refurbishment Process,' says CARSOME.
Martechvibe
03-04-2025
- Automotive
- Martechvibe
CARSOME Group Partners with Google Cloud and Searce
CARSOME Group Inc., Google Cloud, and Searce announced a multi-year collaboration to fuel CARSOME's continued expansion and growth in the markets where it operates. The collaboration will use Google Cloud's industry-leading platform services across modern infrastructure, cybersecurity, data analytics, and generative AI (gen AI) to further enhance the car transaction and ownership experience for consumers and used car dealers, thereby solidifying CARSOME's position as Southeast Asia's leading integrated car e-commerce platform. Kjetil Rohde Jakobsen, Group Chief Technology Officer, CARSOME Group, said, 'At CARSOME, we've been digitising the used car industry with the help of advanced technologies since 2015. With our business continuing to experience significant growth, we saw an opportunity to strengthen our digital foundation to better support our expanding operations and drive even greater efficiencies.' 'Shifting from a multicloud environment to Google Cloud not only helps us realise cost savings due to its infrastructure's better price-performance; it also allows us to access secure-by-design, full stack capabilities across data analytics and AI. This will enable our teams to deliver more dynamic and differentiated solutions and experiences for CARSOME customers and partners across the region, from car listings and discovery, to financing and transacting, to after-sales support.' Accelerating Growth With a Unified and Secure Cloud Operating Model In 2024, CARSOME surpassed 500,000 cars sold since its inception – of which, 150,000 were sold in 2023 alone. To support its accelerated growth trajectory, CARSOME will tap Searce's technical consultancy and implementation expertise to make its strategic shift to a unified cloud operating model. This involves migrating the applications and databases that underpin CARSOME's core operations and ancillary services to Google Cloud's workload-optimised infrastructure for deeper integration and facilitating continuous software improvements using Google Cloud's developer-friendly tools. The transition to a modern infrastructure cloud will ultimately increase the scale and velocity at which CARSOME delivers new and enhanced services through its digital applications (e.g., the CARSOME consumer app, CARSOME CARagent, CARSOME CARdealer), refurbishment facilities, inspection centers, and experience centers to better serve used car buyers, sellers, and dealers. ALSO READ: Netcore Cloud Elevates GenAI Capabilities with Google Cloud To strengthen its security posture, uphold compliance requirements, and reinforce customer trust, CARSOME is leveraging Google Cloud's built-in data access controls and Security Command Center for advanced threat detection and response across its consolidated cloud systems. Yash Thakker, Director, Solutions Consulting, Asia Pacific, Searce, said, 'We're proud to be facilitating CARSOME's cloud consolidation, which will optimise its cloud spend by as much as 30%. These cost savings can then be redeployed toward other strategic innovation initiatives that deliver top-line growth for the business, such as the potential development of next-generation conversational AI agents that autonomously and effectively handle common customer queries for relevant information, freeing up CARSOME's customer support staff to address more complex issues.' 'With a full team of certified in-house experts, Searce is well-positioned to support companies' full-scale infrastructure migration to Google Cloud and the technical implementation of cutting-edge Google Cloud AI solutions.' Driving Innovation at Scale with Unified Enterprise Data and AI Platforms In addition to accelerated software development cycles and projected cost savings, CARSOME's move to Google Cloud will give its teams access to granular insights that enable improved business decision-making and hyper-personalised customer engagement. This is the result of CARSOME's first-party data being warehoused on Google Cloud's BigQuery platform, integrated with Google Cloud's Looker platform for business intelligence and Google Marketing Platform. Through native integrations between BigQuery and Google Cloud's Vertex AI platform, CARSOME can centrally process and stream data in all formats (i.e., structured and unstructured) to enhance the performance of its existing AI applications, which include: A proprietary pricing engine that predicts a car's realistic and optimal value based on model, age, mileage, and a range of other factors, ensuring used car buyers and sellers get the best deals A photo analysis system that automatically masks car plate numbers, preserving customer privacy and streamlining the inspection process that ensures pre-owned cars meet safety and quality standards before they can be refurbished and sold A gen AI-powered contact center solution that automatically evaluates customer interactions and provides targeted recommendations to improve customer service agent performance ALSO READ: Cars Are Simply Computers On Wheels CARSOME is also taking advantage of BigQuery and Vertex AI Agent Builder to embed semantic search capabilities into its internal tools. This will enable employees across departments and functions to intuitively extract relevant information from CARSOME's vast and continuously expanding enterprise knowledge base. With gen AI turning information retrieval tasks that take hours into quick searches or conversational exploration, marketing and product teams, for instance, can more easily create educational content and enhanced solutions to address the evolving needs of car buyers and sellers. Serene Sia, Country Director, Malaysia and Singapore, Google Cloud, said, 'By running its business on fully managed Google Cloud infrastructure that scales reliably to handle the increasing performance needs of any application, CARSOME can expand its operations with confidence, from increasing its penetration in existing markets, to expanding its inventory of pre-owned vehicles, to streamlining the movement of vehicles between inspection centers, refurbishment facilities, and customers.' 'Together with Searce, we look forward to completing CARSOME's cloud consolidation and advancing its innovation roadmap, which includes harnessing gen AI and agentic AI to create more personalised and seamless car transaction and ownership experiences, delivering new engines of growth for its business.' ALSO READ: Bell Canada Launches AI Ops Solution The Martechvibe team works with a staff of in-house writers and industry experts. View More CARSOMEcustomer experienceGoogle CloudSearce
