Aimed at promoting safe and responsible driving amongst commercial vehicle drivers, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles recently organised the long-awaited Truck Drivers’ League competition. Back by popular demand, the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles Truck Drivers’ League provides a valuable platform for Mercedes-Benz ACTROS drivers to hone their driving skills and compete in this iconic event.

First held in 2012, the Truck Drivers’ League is open to all drivers in the employ of Mercedes-Benz ACTROS customers. The participants must also possess a valid truck driving license and have undergone the Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicle Driver’s Training. A total of 120 eager participants signed up for the Truck Drivers’ League to help sharpen their maintenance, upkeep, safety and economical driving skills, thus ultimately contributing to creating safer roads in Malaysia.

Participants completed a series of qualifying rounds which comprised of theory and practical tests before making it through to the Grand Final which was held at The Saujana Hotel Kuala Lumpur. Through the Truck Drivers’ League, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles is able to assess Malaysian truck drivers and maintain drivers’ standards in the haulage business. “We are delighted that we had a positive turnout at this 2016 Truck Driver’s League Competition. As part of the Daimler truck division, Mercedes-Benz trucks have been a hallmark of premium quality for 120 years,” said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, Vice-President, Commercial Vehicles, Mr Albert Yee.

In the Grand Finals, Khairul Azhar bin Samaron of Landbridge Haulage (M) Sdn Bhd emerged the grand winner, showcasing skilled mastery of impressive driving techniques and exhibiting vast technical vehicle knowledge. For his outstanding skills, Khairul Azhar bin Samaron won an exclusive trip to the International Motor Show (IAA) in Hannover, Germany, RM5,000 in cash, and his employer, Landbridge Haulage (M) Sdn Bhd, will receive parts and service vouchers worth RM10,000.

Meanwhile, Asis bin Haling of Broadlink Haulage Sdn Bhd and Mohamad Firdaus Bin Sareh Zainol Abidin of Swift Haulage Sdn Bhd were named first and second runner-up, receiving RM8,000 and RM5,000 cash prizes and RM7,000 and RM5,000 parts and service vouchers for Broadlink Haulage Sdn Bhd and Swift Haulage Sdn Bhd respectively. Two consolation prizes of cash, parts and service vouchers valued at RM5,000 and RM3,500 were also presented.

Held within the same period, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles organised the 2016 Skills Competition Commercial Vehicles. It is the first-ever standalone skills competition for commercial vehicles aimed to inspire its after-sales personnel to continue learning and improving in line with the Mercedes-Benz training philosophy of life-long learning. The competition attracted 39 qualified technicians from Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s dealerships nationwide, testing their skills and technical knowledge to win a total of RM31,000 in cash prizes.

Over a four-month period, qualified system technicians and qualified maintenance technicians were assessed on theory and practical tests that incorporated drive train, chassis, body-electrical and non-technical aspects involving Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles. Adhering to Mercedes-Benz highest standards of quality, the participants were evaluated by a team of Daimler AG-certified trainers and area-specific experts.
Commenting on the Skills Competition, Mr Albert Yee added, “The main aim of the Skills Competition Commercial Vehicles is for technicians to sharpen their skills and knowledge regardless of years of technical experience to maintain great quality of service at each dealership. The competition promotes and fosters the spirit of continuous self-development and life-long learning. It also serves to uplift staff motivation and morale level, and raises our national skills’ level in line with international standards.”

In a neck and neck challenge, Muhamad Syamim bin Othman from Cycle & Carriage Bintang Bhd (Johor Bahru) emerged victorious in the Qualified System Technicians’ category, bagging a cash prize of RM7,500. The first and second runner-up positions went to Saharudin bin Ahmad from Cycle & Carriage Bintang Bhd (Perak) and Kenny George from Hap Seng Commercial Vehicles Sdn Bhd (Kota Kinabalu), who won RM5,000 and RM3,500 respectively. Consolation prizes of RM1,000 went to Ravichandaran a/l Balakrishnan from Cycle & Carriage Bintang Bhd (Batu Caves), and Law Yi You from Cycle & Carriage Bintang Bhd (Northern).

Under the Qualified Maintenance Technicians’ category, Muhammad Aizat bin Baharim from Q-Team Sdn Bhd took first place, winning RM 5,000 in cash. Mohd Syafiq bin Mohd Sharif from Hap Seng Commercial Vehicles Sdn Bhd (Kuantan) and Victor Using from Rick Huat Workshop Sdn Bhd were named first and second runner-up, receiving cash prizes worth RM3,500 and RM2,500 respectively. Consolation prizes of RM1,000 cash went to Muralinathan Pilai a/l Nadarasan Pelai from Cycle & Carriage Bintang Bhd (Perak) and Mohamad Zain bin Yaacob from Hap Seng Commercial Vehicles Sdn Bhd (Kinrara).

“Customers are ultimately the heart of our business and as a producer of commercial vehicle brands, it is natural that we strive to enhance teamwork and skill sets of our technicians. The Truck Drivers’ League and 2016 Skills Competition Commercial Vehicles ultimately benefit our valued customers as it serves to ensure our promise of trucks you can trust,” concluded Yee.