Used-car startup sets up shop in PJ’s automall

(From left) Ng, Jiun, Amirudin, Cheng and Yong at the official launch of Carsome PJ Automall.

PEOPLE can now enjoy a hassle-free car-buying experience with the launch of Carsome PJ Automall, the brand’s biggest experience centre in Malaysia.

Carsome is South-East Asia’s largest integrated car ecommerce platform and Automall is the first that comes with electric vehicle charging stations.

The Automall gives visitors a chance to experience prospective cars – from viewing to on-the-spot test driving and completing their purchase, with on-site financial facilities that can process loan applications and approvals in one day.

Additional conveniences include car aesthetic services such as detailing and tinting.

It was officially launched by Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. In attendance were Carsome co-founder and group chief executive officer Eric Cheng, co-founder and Carsome Academy chief executive officer Teoh Jiun Ee, Selangor local government, public transport and new village development committee chairman Ng Sze Han, and Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec) chief executive officer Yong Kai Ping.

In his speech, Cheng said Carsome was founded to solve customers’ “pain points” in the used car market, redefining the used car market and providing car owners with a trusted online platform with information and transparency.

“To realise these objectives, we set our vision on creating the most trusted vehicle ownership ecosystem that is powered by technology and data.

“We have come a long way since then, not only in improving market perception towards the used car industry, but also setting a market standard that others can emulate,” he said.

He said in 2020, Carsome Certified was established to set an industry standard for quality and holistic service when purchasing a pre-owned car.

The certification was the first in the market to offer a one-year warranty and five-day money-back guarantee.

In 2021, Carsome Academy was introduced. It is a training institute that offers specialised programmes to develop a generation of skilled and industry-ready workforce.

Cheng said Automall aimed to provide convenience and comfort under one roof.

“The launch of Carsome PJ Automall will strengthen our online-to-offline hybrid offerings and raise the bar on customers’ car-buying experience,” he added.

In his speech, Amirudin said Carsome was a startup worth RM1.7bil.

“Selangor government will continue our business-friendly policies to help businesses grow.

“We welcome investors to propel the development of the state and energise economic growth.

“This will help create jobs for Selangorians and cement Selangor as the economic hub of Malaysia,” he said.

Located along the Federal Highway in the Petaling Jaya Naza Automall showroom, Carsome PJ Automall occupies over 9,290sq m of space.

It can accommodate over 200 cars – from Carsome’s growing online inventory of over 1,600 vehicles ranging from SUVs, MPVs, hatchbacks and 4x4s to sedans and the luxury line segment – for customers’ viewing convenience.

The Automall also plays host to banking partners such as Maybank and Public Bank, and car detailing and tinting partners Ecotint and Glass Auto, to underline the brand’s efforts in offering a differentiated car buying experience.

First introduced in 2020, Carsome Experience Centres give customers the flexibility to browse a selection of Carsome Certified-cars from the company’s website before arranging for a test drive at the nearest Carsome Experience Centre.

In conjunction with the launch of Carsome PJ Automall, Carsome will hold a two-day carnival starting today, between noon and 8.30pm. Food, music and various activities await visitors.

Visitors can take part in lucky draws and stand a chance of winning up to RM12,000 worth of prizes, including a Nintendo Switch OLED and Garmin Venu SQ smartwatches.

Customers who purchase a Carsome Certified-car at the event will enjoy a free Platinum Warranty Upgrade worth up to RM1,500, free window tinting worth RM900 and free RM100 Touch ‘n Go eWallet credits.