The state of isolation we’re currently in as a result of the biggest pandemic in recent memory has forced most us to change our ways. Those of us who have to work from home should count our lucky stars as the movement control order (MCO) has put some unlucky Malaysians out of a job entirely. But on the complete opposite end of the spectrum is a group of more fortunate souls whose first-world concerns include rescheduling their poodle’s grooming appointment and when they can finally purchase the new car they’ve been eyeing on the internet out of boredom ever since the MCO started. 

If you fall into that last category, we’re sorry we can’t help you with the situation that has turned your beloved Daisy into The Shaggy Dog. But here’s how you can still buy a new car, or at least get the ball rolling on your new ride, from the comfort of your home while the MCO persists. 

FORD

Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) was one of the first Malaysian automotive players to address this ‘need’ when it rolled out its Digital Salesperson. It is essentially a dedicated WhatsApp chat line to answer queries relating to stock availability, ongoing promotions, financing options, road tax and vehicle registration fees plus insurance options. All you need to do is text +6019-204 1200 within the app to get your conversation with an authorised Ford salesperson started. This line is open every weekday, from 9AM to 4PM, until 30 June 2020. Does SDAC know something we don’t?

VOLKSWAGEN 

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has clearly put more effort into its remote sales solution than its rivals. On top of a dedicated online sales portal called the Volkswagen eShowroom, the company still maintains an active flagship store on e-commerce site Lazada for buyers to easily secure their new Vee-Dubs with downpayments as low as RM775 for the Polo. Additional online savings mean buyers can get up to RM8,000 off the purchase price (for Golf GTI and Golf R) and one-year free insurance (for Tiguan and Passat) for bookings made by 30 April 2020. 

SUBARU

Like VPCM, TC Subaru is also accepting bookings via online forms but this feature is only limited to the Subaru XV and Forester, for the time being at least. Customers can secure either one of these SUVs with a promotional booking fee of just RM188 in three simple steps: submit a booking form; secure a unique booking code via email; and liaise directly with a sales consultant on scheduling a test drive and other following course of actions. This offer only applies until 14 April 2020. 

PROTON

National carmaker Proton wants to sell a lot of cars, and it is not going to let the MCO stop it from doing so. Like SDAC’s method to stay connected with customers, Proton’s WhatsApp chatbot is a dedicated line for enquiries specific to the 2020 X70 CKD. This covers variants, prices, specs, sales offers, trade-in offers and financing solutions. Click on https://bit.ly/HiProtonX70 to initiate your conversation with this virtual Proton salesperson. 

NISSAN

With the MCO now extended to 28 April 2020, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has joined the online sales bandwagon by launching its very own 'Nissan Online Showroom'. This is merely an extension of the company's existing website (nissan.com.my) which now lets customers submit an online form for sales inquiries and vehicle booking arrangements. A Nissan sales representative will be in touch within 24 hours of form submission and test drives will be arranged at your doorstep after the MCO concludes. Now that's service.