‘It’s still about creating a meaningful connection with customers’: Matthew Fenech, Motors Inc.

It’s a bit of a public secret – everyone’s in love with their car in Malta. No one’s sure where this cultural trait stems from, but it is certainly an undeniable fact. And no one knows this better than Motors Inc. CEO Matthew Fenech, who leads one of Malta’s most comprehensive car-related companies.

“I don’t get to do it as much as I would like to, but when I have the chance, I try to spend time on the showroom floor, talking to customers, and lending a hand on the sales front. Closing a deal on a car, still gives me in indescribable rush – a feeling which is unequalled,” Matthew declares from the outset.

A cars enthusiast himself, Matthew knows all too well, what the pain points for any customer relating to purchasing, and servicing a motor vehicle, are. So, he makes it a point to model Motors Inc. around his own expectations.

“Motors Inc. distinguishes itself from other vehicle importers, because we strive to provide an excellent customer experience both leading up to the purchase, but also, and most importantly, after keys change hands. All too often do we learn of less than savoury experiences that leave customers disappointed by the level of service they receive after they would have spent considerable amounts of money on a motor vehicle. We are well aware that the market is immensely competitive and appreciate each customer’s custom,” Matthew explains.

Motors Inc. was formed in 2016, as it brought together three legacy car importer companies namely Tum Invest, United Group and Pater Group. Together, they formed one of Malta’s most significant motor imports companies, offering an extensive range of vehicles, guaranteed to cater for any customer’s needs. In fact, at their Mdina Road, Qormi showroom, Motors Inc. offer the latest models from world-renowned car manufacturers such as Alfa Romeo, Jeep, FIAT, Hyundai and Kia.

“Since 2016 we continued to grow and have since started to import luxury car brand Maserati, as well as world leading electric car brand Leapmotor,” Matthew notes.

In fact, while consolidating their presence in the traditional motor vehicle sector, Motors Inc. are also mindful of the shifts in the landscape towards new trends, making sure to stay ahead of the curve.

“Electric vehicles have been with us for a number of years now, and we have always promoted the technology by stocking and servicing electric cars. As everyone knows, in the past years, this technology has taken a more prominent presence on the motor vehicle market, one which has started to determine trends, and customer expectations. Introducing Leapmotor, a world leading brand in the field of electric vehicles was an important step for us to provide a 21st century solution, which we are thrilled to note our customers have welcomed – especially the younger generations.”

In fact, Motors Inc.’s efforts have immediately been recognised, as it was awarded the Best Importer 2024 in Europe title by Leapmotor’s international team, merely months into becoming the official distributor for Leapmotor in Malta.

Each brand at the Motors Inc. showroom is represented by its own Brand Manager and Sales team who are specialised in their specific brand. However, the back end of the operation is centralised, capitalising on economies of scale, without compromising one ounce of the customer experience.

“The coming together of all these prestigious car brands under one roof meant that the company could grow more efficient and provide a better service to its clients. That is why in these years of operation, we have decided to venture further into the entire motor-vehicle customer experience, offering a wide range of services that go beyond purchasing a car.”

Motors Inc. covers most of the car ownership cycle, providing a comprehensive host of services, including excellent aftersales, servicing of vehicles, finishing and detailing, repairs, fuel and anything in between.

“Venturing into the world of electric vehicles also meant that our vehicle servicing facilities had to change significantly, as cars became more technologically advanced. While a few years back a service meant changing the oil and filters, today it takes a highly skilled professional to lay hands on the technically elaborate engine of an electric vehicle, requiring advanced and continuous training, and specialised gear,” Matthew adds.

Though the technology is constantly evolving, at its core the car market is still as passionate as when Matthew started.

“Through the specifications are out of this world, ultimately, it’s still all about creating a meaningful connection with the customer, winning their trust, guiding them through the purchase, making sure the vehicle is a right fit for them, and then making sure to deliver and exceed expectations,” Matthew concludes.

This interview forms part of the Companies to Watch in 2025, a business serialisation of BusinessNow.mt, Malta’s fastest-growing, cutting-edge business news portal, aimed at companies achieving their goals, marking important milestones, or planning to announce major business news.

Want to know more? Please drop us a line at info@BusinessNow.mt