Langkawi’s Member of Parliament (MP), Suhaimi Abdullah, has proposed the idea of constructing a train system akin to the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) to facilitate travel from Alor Setar to Kuah in Langkawi. He brought up this matter during a Parliamentary session, aiming to shed light on the challenges faced with ferry frequency in Langkawi.
The envisioned train system could potentially offer an alternative mode of transportation, enhancing connectivity and accessibility within the region.
During the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2023) held in May, Suhaimi Abdullah pointed out that there were 6 ferry trips in a day to Langkawi. However, presently, the frequency has reduced significantly to only 3 ferry trips per day. This reduction in ferry services has likely impacted the convenience and accessibility for travelers to Langkawi, prompting discussions about alternative transportation options like a train system.
A new Mercedes-Benz Autohaus incorporating the latest Mercedes-Benz Retail Brand Presence has opened in the northern region of Malaysia. It is the first facility to showcase the German brand’s concept which is said to centre on the customer.
Operated by Cycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad (C&C), which originally brought Mercedes-Benz to Malaysia, the Autohaus is located in Alor Setar, Kedah, C&C has had a presence in the northern region for close to a decade, during which time it has built up a base of customers and fans of the brand.
The Autohaus is supported by a team of dedicated Star Assistants, Sales Executives, Product Experts and After-sales technicians with an in-depth understanding of its northern region customers’ needs. Needless to say, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also provides additional support whenever needed.
Raising benchmarks
“Our mission to deliver ‘Exceptional Journeys’ throughout the customer journey is a continuous effort. We are embracing digital advancements to raise the benchmark of premium automotive retail and customer experience, while retaining the personal and human aspect that our customers have grown to love. In line with this commitment, we remain invested in our sites, systems and people and the Cycle & Carriage Alor Setar Autohaus is a testament to this,” said C&C CEO, Wilfrid Foo.
Congratulating the C&C team on the opening of the new Autohaus, Dr Claus Weidner, President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia said: “The reintroduction of the Mercedes-Benz Autohaus in Alor Setar reflects our continuous effort in providing an upgraded retail experience for our northern region customers while retaining the Mercedes-Benz personality. We have merged automotive, technology, and luxury, as seen in our cars, making the retail experience just as gratifying as the drive.”
New architectural concept
All retail elements of the Cycle & Carriage Alor Setar Autohaus are considered and modernised with the Mercedes-Benz Retail Brand Presence; from the welcome area, sales and service to delivery, supported collectively by a personalised approach and digital elements.
The architectural layout and the way media are used are designed with fundamental processes in mind. It allows the architecture, media and processes to be regarded as components of an integrated element to optimise customer experience and stage vehicle display. They work together to enable a dealership experience characterised by a high-quality visitor environment, lightings to set the ambience in the showroom, smooth processes and a contemporary consultancy concept.
Spatial boundaries within the building are kept to a minimum to deliberately create an open-space feeling. A largely transparent building façade creates a flowing transition between the interior and exterior areas.
Strong focus on the customer
The entire showroom area is dedicated exclusively for customer service orientation without permanent workstations in the showroom. Leisure facilities for families at the hospitality cafe are available if they are waiting for their vehicles to be serviced.
At the waiting area, various seating arrangements are available, be it semi-public or a private area which can be selected flexibly for individual consultations in accordance with the preference of the customer. Salespersons and Product Experts will be on hand to offer information and other assistance.
The concept is modular in design and is oriented to the needs of customers and prospects. The flexibility and variability of the brand’s individual elements allow a high degree of spatial applications and formats. The result is a consistent application of the recognisable Mercedes-Benz Corporate Identity and Corporate Design. Furthermore, the new concept enables individual consultation and sales processes with a standardised global brand presence.
“We understand the value of establishing trust by first understanding the specific and personal needs of every customer who walks into a Cycle & Carriage dealership. Matching these needs promptly with the right channels, products or solutions is key and we are here to walk with customers through the entire process, as they begin their Exceptional Journey with us,” Mr. Foo explained.
“With the upgrades, Cycle & Carriage continues to ensure our presence delivers excellence to customers throughout our network across Malaysia, delivering on our promise of ‘Exceptional Journeys’,” Foo said, adding that the Johor Bharu Autohaus and Ipoh Autohaus will also be upgraded by the end of this year.
A new bi-marque 3S dealership handling the Peugeot and Citroen brands has opened in Alor Setar, Kedah. The new facility is the result of collaboration between Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official distributor for the Peugeot brand, and Naza Euro Motors Sdn Bhd, the official distributor for Citroen in Malaysia, as both companies aim to extends their network reach to the northern region.
“The launch of this new bi-marque Peugeot and Citroen Alor Setar outlet is the continuation of our expansion plan to increase our network and reach in Malaysia. This also ensures that we are able to cater to the needs and demands of our customers at an accessible location,” said Dato’ Nik Hamdan, Deputy Group CEO of Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings.
RM2 million investment
Built with an investment of RM2 million, the new outlet has a showroom that can display up to 8 cars. There are comfortable lounges for customers and a cafe corner within the 15,000 square feet of built-up area. The service centre has the capacity to service up to 250 cars a month with its 5 bays.
Unique to the bi-marque outlet is the full implementation of the new Peugeot and Citroen showroom concept – Peugeot Bluebox and Citroen La Maison. The Peugeot Bluebox concept aims to introduce customers to an immersive Peugeot experience that is modern and upmarket while the Citroen La Maison offers customers an interactive and fluid experience inspired by its warm and contemporary living space.
“We are confident of meeting the expectations of the Alor Setar and overall Kedah market, as the team have been extremely committed on the implementation of the two holistic concepts from Peugeot and Citroën which is sure to add to the brand ownership experience,” added Dato’ Nik Hamdan.