Sime Darby Auto ConneXion-Ford is one of just 6 dealers worldwide to receive the ‘Salute to Dealers’ award.
Sime Darby Auto ConneXion-Ford (Auto ConneXion) has recently earned global recognition for outstanding community service, by being honoured with the prestigious ‘Salute to Dealers’ 2025 award. The Malaysian Blue Oval distributor stands as among just six dealers worldwide to achieve this honour, highlighting over a decade of impactful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives across education, healthcare, elderly welfare, food security, and environmental sustainability.
Auto ConneXion’s recent flagship initiatives showcase their community commitment. The Clean Water Project, implemented with youth-led NGO MyFundAction, brought sustainable clean water solutions to approximately 70 Orang Asli families in Gerik, Perak. 30 Auto ConneXion volunteers participated in installing advanced water tank systems for low-income households.
Addressing food insecurity, Auto ConneXion partnered with The Lost Food Project, contributing RM 200,000 with Ford Philanthropy. This initiative provided around 855,000 nutritious meals to vulnerable communities. Additionally, 25 Auto ConneXion volunteers helped sort and prepare food at The Lost Food Project’s Kuala Lumpur warehouse, rescuing 3,820 kg of food — equivalent to 10,914 meals.
Healthcare accessibility represents another key focus area. Auto ConneXion collaborated with Yayasan Sime Darby and Ford Philanthropy to launch a fully equipped Ford Mobile Clinic in partnership with MyFundAction. Auto ConneXion and Yayasan Sime Darby donated a Ford Ranger, while Ford Philanthropy contributed $55,000 (approximately RM 250,000) for clinic setup and modifications. Equipped with vital signs monitors, respiratory aid equipment, and diagnostic tools, the mobile clinic aims to serve over 2,200 individuals across Orang Asli villages and flood-affected communities in 2025.
“This recognition demonstrates our ongoing efforts to support Malaysian communities and drive positive social change,” said Turse Zuhair, Managing Director of Auto ConneXion. The company’s CSR philosophy aligns with Sime’s core value of “care for all,” focusing on delivering sustainable solutions for thriving communities.
“Our partnership with Auto ConneXion has been transformational,” said Isma Fildza Hazry, Chief Development Officer of MyFundAction. “Through their support, we have been able to support marginalised communities, providing essential resources and fostering hope.”
The Salute to Dealers program, originally established by Edsel B. Ford II, has expanded globally since 2011, recognising 166 dealers from 20 countries making significant community impact over its 25-year history. This year’s recipients were selected by a panel of judges based on their individual community service activities, duration of involvement, and personal motivation. Each honouree received a custom portrait showcasing their philanthropic endeavours, which will also be displayed at Ford World Headquarters for a year.
As Malaysia’s sole Ford distributor, Auto ConneXion continues demonstrating how automotive businesses can drive meaningful social change through strategic partnerships and volunteer engagement. Their ongoing collaboration with Ford Philanthropy reinforces their commitment to community welfare, food security, and healthcare access, empowering Malaysian communities nationwide.
Ford currently has two primary models in its local lineup: the Ranger pickup (inclusive of the Baja-bashing Ranger Raptor) and the Everest SUV.
