SMS GROUP OPENS BIKEPLUS CONCEPT STORE SHOWROOM UNVEILING AVANTI’S PRODUCT LINE

TAMAN TUN DR ISMAIL, KUALA LUMPUR, 22 FEBRUARY 2012: SMS BikePlus Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor of Avanti’s products in Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia today officially opened its first Avanti Lifestyle Conceptual Store brand as BIKEPLUS in Taman Tun Dr Ismail Malaysia. It is also the first bumiputera company who holds the rights of renowned bicycle brand in Malaysia.

With an investment of almost RM700,000.00, SMS BikePlus is confident that its TTDI showroom has the ability to reel in customers not only from the area but also from other surrounding neighbourhoods. The company will further invest an additional RM2 million to open 3 more showrooms nationwide (Penang, Terengganu, Malacca) this year and to support its growing numbers of dealers. By early quarter of next year, SMS BikePlus is targeting to create a network of 14 dealers nationwide.

A great selection of Avanti products will be offered at the showroom including Avanti’s most popular model – the Avanti Chrono EVO II Di2;- currently the fastest UCI legal bike ever tested in the wind tunnel. In addition, the Avanti Quantum Silver, weighing just 5.6kg as, one of the lightest road bicycles existing and the Mountain Terrain Bicycle (MTB), as well as the Avanti Competitor Team models will also be available. The showroom will also showcase a wide range of bicycles [(Race performance, race endurance, road endurance, mountain terrain bikes (MTB Hardtail, Full Suspension)] and other Avanti, Zero and Volta accessories and lifestyle items, such as bike fitting equipment so customers are able to fit their bike to their own requirements, according to their height and position.

SMS BikePlus, a member of the SMS Group of Companies, was awarded the distributorship for Avanti products in Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia and is in the midst of planning expansion of their business by the year end. SMS BikePlus targets to sell approximately 100 bicycles per month with a full range of accessories to support the lifestyle (clothing, nutritional aids , bicycle accessories) with a target monthly revenue of RM 500,000 initially which will then reach RM1,500,000 by the end of the year (with the opening of 3 more showrooms).

“In recent years, there’s been a growing interest in leading a healthier lifestyle and cycling is the ultimate activity for rejuvenating one’s self. It is a great pleasure for us to introduce an Avanti brand focused store in Malaysia. This store shall be the first of many and we look forward to a long and successful partnership with Avanti,” stated SM Zulfaris SM Zulkifli, Director of SMS BikePlus Sdn Bhd.

Customers of all ages will enjoy the Avanti range of products. With growing concerns about the environment and many realising the need for regular activity for health reasons, there is an increasing pattern of people choosing to spend more on cycling as a sport and as a lifestyle.

In conjunction with the opening of the showroom, SMS BikePlus is collaborating with the Pure Black Racing (PBR) Team from New Zealand who shall act as their ambassador to promote Avanti Products in Malaysia. The PBR team will participate in the LTDL (Le Tour de Langkawi) from 24 February to 4th March 2012, following which they shall stay here in Malaysia for 1 month until early April in preparation for the Asia Tour 2012. In light of this, SMS BikePlus will be arranging bike rides and training camps exclusively for BikePlus customers, enabling them to cycle with the PBR team.

Should you have any inquiries, please feel free to drop by the BikePlus showroom or contact SM Zulfaris SM Zulkifli, Director of SMS BikePlus Sdn Bhd via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 012-206 9502.

About SMS Group Of Companies

The SMS Group of Companies began its humble beginnings in early 2010 founded by Dato Hj SM Shalahuddin SM Amin who is the co-founder of NAZA Group, formerly helmed by his late brother Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin SM Amin. Within 2 years of establishment, SMS Group is already the parent company of 14 companies which expand into a variety of automotive and non automotive industries; including property management, insurance, manufacturing, limousine services and transportation.

Following is a list of companies under the SMS Group:

1. Hamawangsa Kredit Sdn Bhd – Importers of New Cars located at Jalan Jelatek, Kuala Lumpur and Batu Pahat, Johor.
2. Green Oranges Sdn Bhd – Sole Franchise Holder for Great Wall Motors (GWM) www.greenoranges.com.my
3. Green Oranges Sales & Services Sdn Bhd – Exclusive Distributor for Great Wall Motors (GWM) www.gwm.my
4. Nazamax Sdn Bhd – Importers of genuine accessories and spare part for GWM, Peugeot, KIA and Hyundai. Warehouse located at Segambut.
5. Mazs Sdn Bhd – Automotive Assembly Plant located in Gurun (in front of NAZA Plant)
6. SMS Developer Sdn Bhd – Property Developer at Rawang, Ulu Langat and Johor Bharu
7. Utusan Suci Sdn Bhd – Property and Asset Management
8. Summit Asset Sdn Bhd – Property and Asset Management
9. SMS Realty Sdn Bhd – Property Developer
10. Warisan Astana Sdn Bhd – Transport Services Executives Taxis (800 units)
11. SM Cab Sdn Bhd – Transport Services Budget Taxi (1500 units)
12. SMS Hamawangsa Motor Sdn Bhd – Insurance Agent
13. SMS Pest Control Sdn Bhd – Pest Control Services
14. SMS BikePlus Sdn Bhd – Sole Distributor for Avanti Product

About AVANTI (www.avantibikes.com)

Avanti has been in business for over 70 years. It has run under family ownership for over the last 30 years. It is the largest bike wholesaler and distributor in Australasia with its team consisting of nearly 200 staff committed to producing the best bikes in the world.

The Avanti Brand

Avanti was established in 1985; born from a passion to deliver a range of bikes that had a real sense of style and performance whilst not compromising on value for money. The brand’s product line is designed ‘down under’ through its rider-focused philosophy called Avanti Design Technology (ADT). This is a development program that brings the ultimate in race bred technology to Avanti bike riders at all levels.

Avanti is the market leader in road, mountain, BMX, comfort, track and triathlon bikes and is now being sold in the UK, Ireland, Japan, China, Singapore and Malaysia. The brand has enjoyed many stunning successes on the local and world stage including Olympic medals, multiple World Cup wins, national and world championships and international cycle tours. Currently, Avanti is the sponsor of Pure Black Racing, New Zealand’s first international professional racing team who in their first season last year enjoyed immediate success.

With Pure Black Racing, Avanti aims to build a new generation world class cycling team which will complete at the highest level of professional cycling.

Avanti Retail

Avanti is the most significant retailer in New Zealand and Australia – with 85 Avanti Plus stores and growing. Prior to this, Avanti formed a successful partnership in Singapore under the BikePlus model in 2010.

About PureBlack Racing Team (www.pureblackracing.com)

PureBlack Racing, Avanti and Bike NZ partner to help grow NZ cycling talent

PureBlack Racing and Sheppard Industries Ltd (Avanti) have partnered with BikeNZ, New Zealand’s national cycling federation, to invest in New Zealand’s road cycling talent by creating a road development squad to race internationally.

PureBlack Racing will be a key delivery partner and sponsor of the BikeNZ Development Team. The team, known as BikeNZ/PBR will race as a national team in a range of international races.

“We’re excited to have PureBlack and Avanti on board as partners for our road development program which we have previously not had the funding to invest in any real depth. This partnership will help retain and grow another valuable pathway for aspiring New Zealand cyclists to international road racing success.”

“PureBlack Racing has done a great job of promoting cycling, both in New Zealand and internationally and has proven they have the talent, management and technical expertise required to support an international cycling team.” said BikeNZ CEO Kieran Turner.

In 2011 the PureBlack Racing team completed their first international season in North America, winning races, stages, points jersey’s and quickly became one of the top Pro Teams in the US.

The first major race for the team in 2012 is the Tour of Langkawi. After which they will compete in other Asian races including the OCBC Criterium in Singapore, Tour of Thailand, Tour of Philippines, Tour of Borneo and Tour of Jelajah Malaysia. The team is then likely to compete in Europe and Australia after racing in Asia.

Avanti’s founder and Managing Director John Struthers is delighted to be able to support this new partnership to help New Zealand’s young cycling talent.

“Pure Black Racing did an amazing job representing us on the world cycling stage last year and we’re looking forward to seeing Team BikeNZ/PBR race this year,” said Struthers.

Additional information:

• BikeNZ will work with PureBlack Racing to identify key international events for BikeNZ/PBR.
• PureBlack Racing will select and retain a team of cyclists who will compete for PureBlack Racing and Team BikeNZ/PBR and BikeNZ cyclists will be added to the squad for specific events. The team will also have access to BikeNZ facilities and infrastructure in Europe.
• The team will compete wearing a Bike NZ kit which includes PureBlack Racing/ Avanti and key sponsors names and PureBlack Racing and Team BikeNZ/PBR will continue to use Avanti bikes and equipment.