Ideal Motors, renowned for its superior after-sales service among vehicle importers, has embarked on another significant initiative. The company has launched a program to refurbish several Mahindra Scorpio jeeps, originally delivered to police stations across the country 12 years ago, which have since fallen into disrepair.
As the current import cost of a new Mahindra Scorpio exceeds Rs. 30 million, Ideal Motors offers to restore these older models to their original condition for just Rs. 5.5 million, including VAT. Nalin Welgama, Founder and Chairman of Ideal Motors Group, emphasized the cost-effectiveness of this initiative, noting that a refurbished vehicle is significantly more economical than importing a new one.
In 2011, Ideal Motors supplied approximately 475 Mahindra Scorpio vehicles to the Sri Lanka Police. Mr. Welgama noted that for the first time, the company had the opportunity to reorder a vehicle model previously purchased by the police, enabling them to deliver 500 Mahindra Scorpios in 2023, marking a unique milestone for Ideal Motors.
Over the years, around 42 Mahindra Scorpios, particularly those used in coastal areas, have become extremely worn. When these vehicles were slated for sale, Mahindra Company took the initiative to repair them. They have been restored to operational condition with the addition of air conditioning systems, extending their usability by another decade. These vehicles are backed by a three-year warranty from Ideal Motors, all for a cost of Rs. 5.5 million, including VAT.
With the appointment of Mr. Priyantha Weerasuriya as the Inspector General of Police (IGP), plans were made to entrust Mahindra Company with this substantial renovation task. The first dilapidated Mahindra Scorpio was recently refurbished and handed over to IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya, marking the beginning of this collaboration.
If imported new, the customs duty for such a vehicle would be approximately Rs. 2.5 million, with the total vehicle value exceeding Rs. 3 million. This refurbishment initiative by Mahindra Company results in significant savings for the government. The handover ceremony was attended by officials from the Ministry of Finance, who expressed their appreciation for Mahindra Company’s efforts. Following this successful handover, Mahindra Company has been tasked with repairing an additional 100 Mahindra Scorpios owned by the Sri Lanka Police, restoring them to their original condition in a short timeframe.
This initiative not only conserves a substantial amount of foreign exchange within the country but also generates employment opportunities for many Sri Lankans. Mr. Welgama encourages other state institutions, such as the Sri Lanka Army and Navy, to consider vehicle refurbishment as a cost-effective alternative to purchasing new vehicles, thereby supporting national development.
In conclusion, Mr. Welgama attributes this success to the outstanding after-sales service provided by Ideal Motors.
Image Caption: The photo depicts Mr. Nalin Welgama, Founder and Chairman of the Ideal Group of Companies, symbolically handing over the refurbished Mahindra Scorpio to Inspector General of Police, Mr. Priyantha Weerasuriya. The event was attended by senior officers from Ideal Motors and the police.
