Autobahn drives international growth with HSBC funding
A Kenilworth-based prestige car dealer has secured a seven figure finance package from HSBC to help it drive international sales and export growth.
Autobahn International trades premium vehicles across the world; sourcing cars to meet bespoke orders from clients.
The company specialises in the supply of all prestige and premium marques, including models from Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Brabus, Ferrari, Jaguar and Lamborghini.
It was established by Lashman Saranna, who has 33 years' experience in the car industry and recently restructured the business to focus away from domestic sales to the international market. The company had previously operated a dealership in Coventry specialising in Porsche and started to import and export in 1998, with international sales outstripping the domestic market consistently in recent years.
Autobahn International supplies cars in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. The company is in the process of establishing an office in Singapore to complement its existing base in Kings Hill.
The HSBC finance package will enable the company to import and export vehicles and purchase stock when required. Autobahn International has been an HSBC customer since 2010 and the deal was led by Tom Brothwell, HSBC Senior International Commercial Manager at HSBC's Coventry and Warwickshire Commercial Centre.
Stephen Breen, HSBC Coventry and Warwickshire Area Commercial Director, said: "Lashman is extremely well known in the motor industry and his contacts set him apart from his competition. He is able to take an order from a client and source the bespoke vehicle for the customer from markets across the globe. This is a niche but growth market and we expect strong demand for Autobahn International's services for some time to come. It is great to see a Midlands company successfully benefitting from the opportunities international trade has to offer."
Lashman Saranna said: "Demand for premium cars in growth markets such as China and India has soared in recent years and supply is struggling to keep up and that is why clients come to us. Our ability to purchase and sell all premium models which are in high demand with minimum lead times has elevated our status as one of the best importers and exporters of all high net worth automobiles. HSBC understands our business and market and we are pleased with the support they have offered to us. It is important to have a banking partner with the international expertise to help us to grow, including helping with the opening of our new office in Singapore."