Ferrari has been awarded the title of the world’s strongest brand for the second consecutive year by Brand Finance, an international independent brand valuation and strategy consultancy. With a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 94.1 out of 100, the 80-year old Italian carmaker tops the rankings of only 12 brands to be awarded the highest AAA+ rating.
In the previous year, Ferrari claimed the title with a score of 94.8 out of 100 and an AAA+ rating as well.
The Brand Finance Global 500 2020 report calculates the value of the Ferrari brand at US$9.1 billion with year-on-year growth of 9%, boosted by positive sales and overall brand strength. The brand value is determined by estimating the net economic benefit to the brand owner of licensing the trademark on the open market. It measures brand strength on the basis of the efficacy of a brand’s performance on intangible measures compared to its competitors.
Most Admired Company – Toyota
Meanwhile, Toyota Motor Corporation was ranked as the top automaker in Fortune Magazine’s list of the ‘2020 World’s Most Admired Companies’. This is the sixth consecutive time that the Japanese carmaker has been received the recognition and it is only one of two carmakers in the top 100 rankings (the other being BMW).
Fortune’s ‘World’s Most Admired Companies’ list is widely acknowledged as the definitive report card on corporate reputation and is based on company surveys and industry peer ratings from over 3,700 senior executives, directors and industry analysts from around the world.
Toyota had the highest score in 8 criteria which the survey measured.
For each company, the survey measured 9 attributes considered critical to a company’s global success, including quality of products and services, social and environmental responsibility, global competitiveness, and value as an investment, among others.
Toyota introduced its first commercially-available hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle (FCEV) – the Mirai – in 2014. Technically sophisticated with its advanced technology, the Mirai has served as a catalyst for increasing global awareness of how a future clean and sustainable hydrogen society might be achieved.
Now, 5 years later, after real-world usage and further developments in fuel cell technology, the second generation is due for introduction towards the end of this year. It will be available initially in Japan, North America and Europe.
At the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota provided an early glimpse of the advances it is making across the board with the new Mirai, in terms of technical excellence, dynamic performance, and desirable design. Efficiency is still a critical area, and Toyota is targeting a 30% increase in the Mirai’s driving range (around 500 kms with the first generation model) through improvements to the fuel cell system and the use of larger on-board hydrogen tanks.
The new Mirai sits on Toyota’s latest rear wheel drive modular platform (TNGA-based) which has been engineered to accommodate different powertrains – including a hydrogen fuel cell – at the outset. It further gives the new Mirai a higher degree of body rigidity, which contributes to greater agility and responsiveness, and a lower centre of gravity, which makes for nimble, rewarding handling.
There will be three tanks – one long, two short – which together increase the fuel capacity by around one kilogram of hydrogen compared to the current model. As well as extending the potential driving range, improvements in the performance of the fuel cell system give more linear, smooth response when moving off. Handling is also said to be light and easy on winding roads.
First generation of the Mirai. Some 10,000 units have been sold since 2015.Concept model of second generation which was shown last year.
The big change for the new Mirai’s is its exterior design, with low lines and a sleek, taut bodywork with large, 20-inch diameter wheels that together generate a powerful and distinctive look.
The interior has been conceived as a simple, modern space with a warm, comfortable ambience that adds to the sense this is a car that’s genuinely enjoyable to drive and travel in. Key elements include a 12.3-inch centre display and an instrument panel that wraps around the driver. The platform and intelligent packaging allow for five seats to be provided in place of the current Mirai’s four.
“We have pursued the goal of making a car that customers will feel they want to drive all time, a car that has an emotional and attractive design and the kind of dynamic and responsive performance that can bring a smile to the driver’s face,” said Yoshikazu Tanaka, the new Mirai’s Chief Engineer who also headed the team for the development of the first generation.
“I want customers to say ‘I chose the Mirai not just because it’s an FCEV, but because I simply wanted this car; it just happens to be an FCEV.’ We will continue our development work focusing on that feeling, and we hope that with the new Mirai, we will be a leader in helping realise a hydrogen energy society,” he added.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) closed another year as the leading brand in the premium luxury segment with a total of 10,021 passenger vehicles (including SUVs) sold. That captured a 1.8% market share and overall 7th position.
“We wrap up the decade on a great note as we continue to grow our customer base and set our footing in the country. 2019 was a year where we placed great emphasis on expanding our product offensive with innovative technology and emotional design, catering to the needs of our customers. Through a solid leadership and vision, we reaffirmed our commitment to the Malaysian market and our customers in delivering the ‘Best Product and Best Customer Experiences‘,” said MBM President & CEO, Dr Claus Weidner.
“Despite facing headwinds, we ended the year on a strong note to cement our position in premium automotive segment. We delivered 10,021 vehicles to our Malaysian customers signifying a continuous mark of confidence towards our brand. We are fully confident that 2019 has set up a great tone as we power up a great momentum for the new decade,” added Vice-President of Sales & Marketing at MBM, Michael Jopp.
Key launches that took place includes the E-Class with the debut the E 350 AMG Line, E 200 SPORTSTYLE Avantgarde and E 300 Exclusive Line; A-Class sedan (A200 and A250); latest GLC and GLE SUV models, Mercedes-AMG A35, the Mercedes-AMG GT R and GT C, plus the new GLC 200, 300 and 300 Coupe SUV models. The AMG line-up also broadened with the inclusion of the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+, Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupé, and the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S.
MBM also introduced its first ever S-Class Plug-in Hybrid, the S 560 e, while the Mercedes-Benz EQ brand experience was presented with the highly-anticipated Southeast Asian premiere of the all-electric EQC. The EQ range signifies a new era of mobility in the country without compromising on luxury, comfort, quality, design and driving dynamics for which the German brand is well known.
Mercedes-Benz assembly line in Pekan, Pahang (archive image)
MBM’s Pekan Plant in Pahang rolled out its 100,000th vehicle during 2019. Currently, the plant assembles 13 variants from 5 model lines and Mercedes-AMG models are included as well. Exports to the Philippines also began last year with the C 180 left-hand drive variant. This is the first stage of export activities for the plant and there will be similar initiatives within the ASEAN region in coming years.
Throughout 2019, MBSM financed 5 out of every 10 new Mercedes-Benz vehicles sold and has a concrete servicing portfolio of RM2.6 billion. The financial arm of MBM recorded new contracts worth over RM1 billion and introduced new financing and insurance solutions such as Mobility Plus, the first-of-its-kind car replacement program in Malaysia’s auto financing industry along with Lease@Ease, an all-in-one lease payment plan with value added services such as Tyre & Rims and Comprehensive Insurance with Service and Maintenance.
If you are travelling on PLUS and LPT2 highways tomorrow (Saturday January 25), your toll charges will be 20% less as a discount is being offered from 12:00 am till 11:59 pm. The 20% discount is only for privately-registered passenger vehicles.
Applicable highways are the North-South Expressway, the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE), Seremban-Port Dickson Expressway, the North-South Expressway Central Link (ELITE), Malaysia-Singapore Second Link Highway (Linkedua), Butterworth-Kulim Expressway (BKE), Penang Bridge and the East-Coast Expressway 2 (LPT2).
There is no discount for those passing through the toll plazas at Tanjung Kupang. Motorists who are currently enjoying the existing Penang Bridge 20% toll discount via their Touch ‘n Go cards will also not be entitled to the discount.
To facilitate a smoother traffic flow during the festive period when millions of vehicles will be travelling on the highways, all toll plaza reload facilities on the entry lanes to PLUS-operated highways will be closed to customers from January 22 until February 3, 2020. This move is aimed at reducing traffic congestion due to the long queue at reload lanes at the toll plazas.
PLUS advises motorists to plan their journey in advance and most importantly, to reload their Touch ‘n Go card before starting their journey and make sure their card has sufficient balance to cover all toll charges along the way. There is no Touch ‘n Go card reload service provided at the exit lane of all PLUS toll plazas. However, certain toll plazas do have reload services at the PLUS customer service centres.
Most petrol station stores like the BHPetromarts along the highways offer TnG reload services. Top up extra since you can also use the same card to pay at many carparks.
Motorists can top-up their cards at 11,000 reload centres throughout the country, including Touch ‘n Go Spots which are located at 34 petrol stations along the PLUS highway and also Self-Service Kiosks which located at 67 locations at selected R&R areas, lay-bys and toll plazas.
During this festive season, PLUS is expecting a total of 2 million vehicles to utilize its highways, especially during the peak periods which are from January 22 – 24; January 27, 28 and 31; and February 1 (which is a holiday in the Federal Territory).
From February 1, 2020, toll charges on PLUS-operated highways will decrease by 18%, as reported earlier. There will be no change in toll rates on PLUS highways until 2058 but PLUS has its concession period extended by 20 years beyond 2038.
It’s the Chinese New Year festive season again and, beginning today, PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad (PDB) adds joy for customers, providing them with a seamless and frictionless traveling experience to make their journey a more rewarding one.
With the theme of #Celebratelikeneverbefore, there are exciting promotions and discount vouchers on PETRONAS merchandise, Kedai Mesra items, Setel, Tealive, Dunkin’, Shopee and Touch ‘n’ Go.
“Exclusive to PETRONAS customers only, PDB wants its customers to celebrate like never before and be delighted by the privilege extended to them during this celebration,” said Azrul Osman Rani, PDB’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer said, “This year, we want to reward our customers in a big way. Together with our partners, we are pooling together our resources to throw in a galore of rewards that will appeal to all customers.”
Rewards Curated for the Best Traveling Experience
With a big influx of motorists anticipated driving into petrol stations this festive season, the Setel app enables a motorist to skip the queue (without upsetting others, of course) and save on travelling time. To encourage usage of Setel, PDB is offering RM5 cashback for new users who register with Setel and perform a top-up of RM30 in the e-wallet.
You can also refer a friend, who will get to enjoy RM5 cashback as well when they fuel up a minimum of RM30 at a PETRONAS station. Once fueled up, rewards can be claimed at the Kedai Mesra counter, depending on the fuel amount purchased.
For a minimum of RM30 fuel, customers will receive exclusive PETRONAS angpow packets and enjoy RM2 discount off any Tealive beverage at selected participating PETRONAS stations. They are also entitled to RM6 discount on the specially designed Formula One 6-time World Constructors’ Championship t-shirt.
F1 6-time World Constructors’ Championship t-shirt
For those who spend RM50 and above on fuel, they will also receive a complimentary coffee from Dunkin’ besides the abovementioned rewards. All customers will also receive a special Shopee promo code.
While at the Kedai Mesra, be sure to stock up on drinks and snacks for the long drive. Check out the Prosperity Deals where selected items from 26 participating brands are being offered at special prices. There’s also the special edition Star Wars tumbler for only RM49.90 when you spend a minimum of RM10 or if you buy the PETRONAS Syntium (4 litres) lubricant, a complimentary Syntium thermos bottle and backpack come with it.
Special Edition STAR WARS Tumbler
Need to top up the Touch ‘n Go card? Between January 23 and 29 2020, the 50-sen charge will be waived when you reload at any PETRONAS station not just along highways but also nationwide.
PETRONAS Coffee Break The PETRONAS Coffee Break is a yearly tradition for PDB and offers complimentary Nescafe coffee and snacks. This year, 160 station are participating and besides the coffee to perk you up, there are also other F&B goodies from, Julie’s Marketing Sdn Bhd, Delfi Marketing Sdn Bhd, and Adabi Consumer Industries Sdn Bhd.
Since it was started in 2000, the PETRONAS Coffee Break has become a tradition during the major festivals.
On top of that, to help travelers stay safe on the road, PDB will also be offering motorcycle inspection in partnership with Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Sdn Bhd as well as health screening by St. John Ambulance Malaysia (SJAM) at selected stations. The campaign’s partner, the Road Safety Department (JKJR), will also be carrying out an advocacy programme which offers tips to stay safe on the road.
Additionally, PDB is also sponsoring fuel for 50 of SJAM’s ambulances. The vehicles will be stationed along highways to provide emergency assistance to motorists, should they require it.
More Rewards! Don’t forget that there’s also the Mesra Bonanza campaign which is ongoing till January 31, 2020. To participate, customers need to only spend a minimum of RM30 on fuel or Kedai Mesra items to be in the running for the monthly prizes where 1,000 winners will be rewarded with 20,000 Mesra points (equivalent to RM200).
For the cash prizes that will be awarded every 2 months, customers need to spend a cumulative amount of RM500 within a period of 2 months. Prizes include three Grand Prizes of RM100,000 each with another 14 winners being rewarded with RM3,000 cash each.
For more information on the promotions, visit www.mymesra.com.my where you can also locate PETRONAS stations nationwide.
