For the first time in the world, Australian BOI company Autogroup International, based in Malabe, is designing ultra-luxury vehicles for global CEOs and VVIPs. Specializing in the complex conversion of vehicles from left-hand drive to right-hand drive for worldwide re-export, the company has been operating for the past 20 years.
Rob Hill, Autogroup International Sri Lanka's Chief Executive Officer and Co-Chairman, stated that their designs include bulletproofing. They are currently converting the first USA-made Hummer vehicle for a global CEO, transforming it from left-hand drive to right-hand drive and raising its hood for more space.
“Usually, we will have two business seats facing the front side, with a large screen that can be used as a TV, video player, or computer, installed between the driver and rear. This screen can be lowered to speak to the driver or see the road ahead,” Hill explained. “We also have a mini fridge with several features in the two seats, and all the interior wood finishes were done in Sri Lanka.”
Founded over 30 years ago by Chairman Peter Hill, Autogroup International has built a reputation among automobile enthusiasts for converting and shipping American SUVs, Muscle Cars, and Pickup trucks from the USA. Established in Sri Lanka as a BOI business over 20 years ago, the local operations have grown steadily, employing over 175 experts and converting over 4,500 vehicles exported to more than 40 countries, contributing millions of USD to Sri Lanka’s economy.
“We have a large component of local value addition which allows some of the Dollars we earn to go back to the community,” Hill noted. The company is also considering expanding operations with another factory, likely in Sri Lanka, despite facing some regulatory challenges.
Hill praised the smooth import and export customs and port procedures but mentioned that some regulations give pause for reinvestment in Sri Lanka. “For example, our strong web presence attracts interest from all over the world, but regulations prohibit us from selling even a cap to Sri Lankan customers, even though we don't profit from it,” he said.
