HICOM-Chevrolet, the distributor of Chevrolet cars in Malaysia, on May 22nd launched the facelifted Captiva.

HICOM-Chevrolet expects to sell 800 to 1,000 units of the new Captiva in its financial year ending March 2010.

Its managing director and chief executive officer, Sanjeev Garg said the company was constantly looking at quality and value that will meet the needs of its customers. "Technology is advancing. We need to build something that customers always need because most of the customers coming for the Captiva segment are between 35 and 45-years old with a household income of more than RM7,000 (US$ 2,000). These are the customers who are really technology savvy and they want something," he told a media conference after the launch of the new model.

Sanjeev said 20 bookings have already been received for Captiva, which has been priced at RM161,442.30 for the diesel model and RM150,307.20 for the petrol variant.

Launched in 2007, the Captiva was HICOM-Chevrolet's maiden stake in the Malaysian automotive industry.

Among the enhanced features include a Bluetooth-capable CD/MP3 eight speaker audio system for the Captiva 2.0-litre Diesel. The updated Captiva has been also fitted with beige leather interior, one-touch express up/down with pinch protection for the driver's power window and ventilated discs brakes for the rear. Other features and functions in the Captiva include among others, Electronic Stability Control, Hill-Descend Control, Traction Control System, Hydraulic-Brake Assist, cruise control and automatic lamp control.

Sanjeev also said the company was on track with its plans for growth in Malaysia. "We still see growth opportunities in the Malaysian market, being one of the largest auto markets in Southeast Asia," he said.

He said the company will introduce more models in the coming months, in addition to a more aggressive campaign to increase the number of Chevrolet vehicles on Malaysian roads.

To ensure easy customer access to Chevrolet service centres nationwide, HICOM-Chevrolet planned to add four additional 3S (sales, services and spare parts) centres within the next two months in Alor Setar, Langkawi, Kuching and Jalan Ipoh in Kuala Lumpur. "We are well on our way to achieving our target of 15 3S centers by the end of the year," he said. Currently, the company has seven 3S centres across the country.

Asked on whether the company's car sales has slowed down due to the higher interest rates for car loans, he said: "Definitely we have seen the impact last month. Last month sales were down for everyone."