Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles (MBM CV) continued to be a strong supporter of the transport and haulage industry throughout 2016. Despite the dip of 13 % in Total Industry Volume (TIV) for 2016, MBM CV delivered a resilient performance, recording a total of 2,612 vehicles sold in 2016 comprising FUSO light duty and heavy duty trucks as well as Mercedes-Benz trucks and vans.

“As part of the Daimler truck division, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles represents first-class product quality and service excellence. With 120 years of experience, we have a deep understanding of our customers’ needs for safety, reliability and economic efficiency. Thanks to our dealer partners and the trust customers have in us, 2016 was a successful year for commercial vehicles. As a new year begins, we renew our commitment to deliver vehicles of the highest quality – Trucks you can trust,” said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles, Vice President, Mr Albert Yee.

MBM CV attributed is resilient performance to its strategy of placing customers at the centre of its initiatives. The Mercedes-Benz Actros proved to be a top choice among hauliers as it recorded an impressive total of 216 units sold in 2016, representing a double digit growth of 24%. Meanwhile, the FUSO trucks recorded 2,374 units sold. With a combination of top-class vehicles and excellent customer experience , MBM CV effectively increased its market share in the Malaysian logistics and transportation sector, climbing up the ranks to place second in the premium commercial vehicle segment.

Throughout 2016, MBM CV and its network dealers continued to raise the bar with best-in-class commercial vehicles and service quality for the haulage industry. As a result of its successful service campaign, MBM CV recorded a notable increase in throughput at its service centres nationwide compared to the previous year, with an impressive total of 24,956 vehicles serviced, comprising 3,920 Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles and 21,036 FUSO trucks.

With the determination to enhance customer experience, MBM CV embarked on a mission to upgrade its service centres in 2016, the first being the Hap Seng Commercial Vehicle 3S Centre (Kuantan) in the east coast region to cater both Mercedes-Benz and FUSO Commercial Vehicles. Similarly, MBM CV and its dealer partners are expected to upgrade additional service centres to facilitate sales and service, maintenance and repairs for both brands in 2017. MBM CV’s move to enhance and expand its presence in Malaysia is in line with the needs of the transport and haulage segment for reliable vehicles with minimal down-time. There are currently a total of 72 service centres catering to both Mercedes-Benz and FUSO Commercial Vehicles.
A long-term contributor in the local automotive sector, MBM CV has invested a total of RM28million in the Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicle production line at its Pekan plant since 2004. Todate, the production plant has produced over 25,000 Mercedes-Benz and FUSO Trucks to match growing local demand.

Reviewing the year’s performance, Yee said, “We enjoyed a very positive year in 2016, securing fleet deals for both our FUSO trucks and Mercedes-Benz prime movers. Additionally, our ability to deliver top class service quality is attributed to our focus to consistently refresh our technicians’ skills and knowledge, regardless of years of technical experience, through initiatives like the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Skills Competition Commercial Vehicles.”

As a responsible corporate citizen, MBM CV continues to be a firm believer in championing the role of developing skilled talent. In 2016, 11 students from the National Youth Skills Training Institute (IKBN) were awarded a certification of completion following a successful three-month training stint at the Mercedes-Benz Apprentice Training Centre (ATC) in Shah Alam, Selangor.
The programme was aimed at up-skilling the nation’s youth and spreading the technical knowledge of today’s vehicles with the hope of inspiring potential mechanics of the future. Going beyond the classroom, the students graduated with a certified skill, which is in high demand, and were guaranteed an employment placement at selected FUSO dealer workshops.

In an effort to engage with drivers and enrich their skills, MBM CV organised the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles Truck Drivers’ League in 2016. The biennial competition is a valuable platform for Mercedes-Benz ACTROS drivers to sharpen their maintenance, upkeep, safety and economical driving skills, ultimately contributing towards creating safer roads in Malaysia. The champion won an exclusive trip to the International Motor Show (IAA) in Hannover, Germany.

“Our customers continue to be at the heart of our business. Driven by this, we develop programmes which enable our customers to be immersed in the Mercedes-Benz brand experience such as the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Truck Driver’s League, which promotes safe and responsible truck driving in Malaysia as well as the FUSO Diamond Contest, which rewards loyal customers. We look forward to continue setting the benchmark for reliable trucks and service quality while meeting the needs of our customers in the haulage industry,” Yee explained.