Opel and Saab dealership United Automobile Ltd and Easysell KIA (Malta) Ltd have merged to form Cars International Ltd officially on July 1.

According to an announcement this week, United Group and Tumas Group will have an equal shareholding in the new company “putting them in a better position to bring their clients a wider choice and ever-improving service”.

Cars International Ltd will represent Opel, Saab, Kia, DFM Trucks and Goodyear tyres. A new joint showroom will be inaugurated by the end of the summer.

“This joint venture will enable us to offer our clientele a greater choice,” Cars International director Edmund Gatt Baldachino explained. “The Kia brand offers an enticing range of models which, with Opel’s popular line-up, will create an unmatched product offering. Our synergies will also be reflected in our after-sales expertise, assuring clients of constant and consistent support throughout the lifetime of their vehicle.”

United Automobile Ltd secured the Opel franchise in 1982, Saab in 1991 and Goodyear in 2008. Tumas Group subsidiary Easysell KIA has imported and distributed Kia vehicles for the last 20 years.

Under the new company, operations related to vehicle sales and servicing will be amalgamated in the coming weeks. Changes will happen seamlessly, with both companies committed to avoiding disruption to current and future clients.

“We are very confident that the strengths of the United Group, combined with those of the Tumas Group within the automotive industry, will doubtlessly give us the leading edge to meet the continuously-evolving and challenging market place,” says George Fenech, director of Cars International. “Both groups have a mantra to excel in customer service and innovation; together we are sure to boost this to the benefit of the consumers.”

Clients may view Opel and Saab models in Ta’ Xbiex and KIA in Qormi. Servicing and parts sales remain in operation in their current locations.