Mercedes owners to form a club

A GROUP of Mercedes-Benz owners in Brunei are in the process of formalising their organisation, in a bid to join the international network of Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts from around the world.

Starting with a group of five enthusiasts last year, numbers in the Brunei Mercedes Owners Group (BMOG) have grown considerably and look set to continue with interest gaining momentum.

"It started in May 2009, when a group of us had a chat, 'why not start a club?'," said Hj Ismawi Hj Munir, interim chairman of BMOG, told The Brunei Times during an activity organised by the group to celebrate the 26th National Day.

"Later on, we began discussing and unofficially had a first meet, and from there things began to develop," he said.

The founding members, which consisted of his two brothers and two cousins, began getting in touch with other like-minded enthusiasts and the numbers slowly grew, with plans to form a group taking shape.

"We decided to find someone to become president and vice-president," he added.

"Currently we are in progress of registration, once we're registered we plan to hold an annual general meeting and then select office-bearers through voting," said Hj Ismawi.

With a planned calendar for new members to get involved in, BMOG is hoping to promote their group as the first Mercedes club in Brunei. "Our aim is to join the global network, for now we aim to make it locally first," said the interim chairman.

"From Indoneisa, Malaysia, and other Asean countries, then hopefully head to Europe and the rest of the world, wherever there are Mercedes-Benz," said Hj Ismawi of the group's ambition.

"At the moment, we are in touch with the Indonesia Mercedes club, we are on good terms with them, sharing information," he said.

He added that all Mercedes-Benz owners from Brunei are welcome to join, with the type and model of the Mercedes cars unrestricted.

"First we started with the older vintage models, but newer and the latest models are also welcome to join," he said. Organisers encouraged those with an interest to join or simply want to know more to visit the BMOG website at http://bruneimercedesownergroup.blogspot.com.

The BMOG is not restricted to owners, as wives and children also join in the various activities.

Other benefits from joining such a group include being able to share specific information on cars that comes from the ownership experience.

The Brunei Times