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Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd now has a medium and heavy-duty (MHD) truck dealership in Sabah to provide a complete range of sales and aftersales services to customers. The first MHD truck dealer is Universal Motor Sdn Bhd which is located in the state’s capital city of Kota Kinabalu. With this new MHD dealership, Isuzu Malaysia now has 12 MHD dealerships nationwide.

The dealership, which occupies a land area of 3.5 acres, has a total of 20 service bays, 13 of which are for light-duty trucks, medium, heavy-duty trucks and prime movers. The remaining 7 bays are for the D-MAX pick-up truck, a popular Isuzu model with multi-role capabilities for business and personal use.

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Ipoh in the Kinta Valley of Perak was where the first cars in Malaya were imported to and records show that the first owner was Eu Tong Seng, a wealthy businessman who brought in a Mercedes Simplex in 1902. He must have been very interested in the new ‘horseless carriages’ as the Simplex was launched in that same year by Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft.

Four years later, in 1906, a company opened up its first branch in Ipoh and this company would become associated with Mercedes-Benz to this day. It was Cycle & Carriage (C&C) and although it was not representing Mercedes-Benz then, it would become one of the first distributors of the German brand in Asia when it was appointed in 1951.

The latest Mercedes-Benz S 580e at the C&C Autohaus in Ipoh. 120 years ago, in 1902, the first car in Ipoh (and Malaya) was also a Mercedes – the Simplex (below).

Ipoh is therefore a special place in C&C’s long history and although that first branch was along Brewster Road (today known as Jalan Sultan Idris Shah), the company’s branch dealing in Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles is now located at Jalan Kuala Kangsar. This is where the company has its fourth Autohaus incorporating the latest Mercedes-Benz Brand Presence. The newly upgraded Autohaus, which was recently officially opened, is part of the Mercedes-Benz network for the Northern region.

Mercedes-Benz Retail Brand Presence
The Mercedes-Benz Retail Brand Presence is a retail strategy which highlights the integration of digital elements into the physical world, with the aim of delivering customer-centric automotive retail experiences for modern-day shoppers. This seamless journey for the customer caters to the multi-channel shopper while addressing the increasing technological complexity of products that  customers are interested in.

Cycle & Carriage Autohaus Ipoh 2022

“As the leading dealership for Mercedes-Benz in Malaysia, Cycle & Carriage is committed to providing our customers exceptional journeys and best-in-class services whether it is during their purchase experience or ownership journey. Today, we are proud to showcase the upgraded Cycle & Carriage Ipoh Autohaus, a key location in our network coverage from north to south of Peninsula Malaysia,” said Thomas Tok, CEO of Cycle & Carriage.

“We want to give Mercedes-Benz customers the assurance that they can access our best services here in Ipoh. We believe that the new retail concept responds to the individual needs of today’s discerning customers, making our products even more accessible to anyone who wants to dive deeper into the world of Mercedes-Benz,” he added.

Cycle & Carriage Autohaus Ipoh 2022

Immersive experience for customers
The modern design of the upgraded Cycle & Carriage Ipoh Autohaus is set against a backdrop of the picturesque limestone cliffs of the city. The facility covers a land area of over 56,000 square feet with ample space for visitors to park their cars. The showroom has been specially designed with ample open space and custom daylight-emitting spotlights to show off the true colours of each model on display. All vehicles are intentionally arranged in the shape of an arc to maximise the visibility of the range available.

Visitors can also immerse themselves in a journey featuring the latest in multimedia tools to gain a thorough understanding of Mercedes-Benz vehicles and their technologies. With the addition of new digital touchpoints, customers can discover the brand while gaining access to the service team for a complete experience of luxury that integrates both the digital and human touch.

Cycle & Carriage Autohaus Ipoh 2022

For individual consultations, there are various seating locations arranged in open, semi-private or private areas for discussions. This includes the Star Lounge, which has a cafe to offer a more refined touch to many services available.

For those who have made a purchase and are taking delivery of their new Mercedes-Benz, there is a special room for the purpose. C&C makes sure that it is treated as a special occasion for the customer to remember and to start or extend the relationship with the company and the brand.

Fully equipped service centre
For aftersales services, the Autohaus has a service centre with trained personnel and is fully equipped with equipment for maintenance, repair, painting and even car detailing services. With 31 service and repair bays (11 of which are for body and paint jobs), the service centre is one of the largest of its type in the area. The health and comfort of the staff are not forgotten as there are high ceilings and large fans for a naturally airy space.

Cycle & Carriage Autohaus Ipoh 2022

Designed with sustainability in mind
The Autohaus is designed with sustainability in mind and is the second C&C Autohaus (after the one in Johor Bahru) to install solar panels that can provide up to 72 kWp of electricity from sunshine. In addition to this free and environment-friendly source of electricity, there are also rainwater-harvesting systems to supply water for general use around the facility.

To know more about Mercedes-Benz products and services or to locate an authorised showroom, visit www.mercedes-benz.com.my.

Car-buyers and Mitsubishi owners in the Klang Valley, specifically the Kota Damansara area, now have a new Mitsubishi 3S centre to serve then. Authorized dealer Millennium Autohaus Sdn Bhd recently opened a new 3S Centre which will offer sales, aftersales services and spare parts in the growing township. The new outlet joins the Mitsubishi Motors network which now numbers 15 throughout Malaysia.

The facility, which is easily accessible via the NKVE Highway, has a built-up area of 12,370 square feet. As a 3S centre, all services are on one site, so it is convenient for both customers and owners. For those interested in buying a new Mitsubishi vehicle, there is a spacious showroom to view the latest models while, for owners, the fully-equipped service centre has 5 bays for efficient daily throughput.

“Congratulations to Millennium Autohaus for opening a Mitsubishi Motors showroom here in the Klang Valley. As business operations have restored nationwide, Mitsubishi Motors is placing a lot of emphasis on enhancing our network development such as establishing more dealerships and upgrading our facility, as well as digitally advancing our platforms to provide our customers with the best shopping experience,” said Shinya Ikeda, CEO  of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.

“MMM achieved a new record in October with 2,041 units of Mitsubishi Motors vehicles sold. We are appreciative of the government’s effort to extend the sales tax exemption until June 2022. This move will certainly help more Malaysians to purchase cars with extra savings and, at the same time, boost the nation’s economy through the automotive sector. We would also like to thank our customers for their great support and patience towards the Mitsubishi Motors brand. We will continue to enrich our customer’s touchpoints, providing them with more convenience and only the best,” he added.

The Triton pick-up and XPANDER MPV (below) are popular Mitsubishi models available at every authorised dealership.

COVID-19 isn’t going to disappear from our lives so quickly. Like many other diseases, it may have diminished presence but it will still be around and still infect people. In fact, few known diseases have been completely eradicated, smallpox being one of them in 1980. Thanks to medical advances and vaccines, we are better protected against diseases, even if we may not be totally immune to them.

Medical experts now suggest that we prepare to ‘live with COVID-19’ and that means continuing with most of the precautions that we have been practicing over the past year. You should know them by now – temperature scanning, social distancing, frequent washing of hands, and using facemasks in crowded areas.

In the business world, companies will also have to adjust to the New Normal and Honda Malaysia is taking a proactive step with a campaign to provide customers and associates with added confidence and safety assurance at its authorized nationwide. The campaign, known as ‘I’m Vaccinated’ ensures that only those who have completed their vaccination doses will be allowed to be on duty at the dealerships.

The company and its dealers are committed to ensuring that all the associates are getting their vaccination in a timely manner. To date, 80% of dealer associates in the country have been fully vaccinated and by October 2021, all of them should be vaccinated.

“We are thankful that our car production has resumed operations and Honda dealerships can carry out sales and aftersales services to serve our customers. Under the “I’m Vaccinated” campaign which kicks off this month at all our dealerships nationwide, our dealer associates who are fully vaccinated and have passed 14 days from the date of their second dose will be provided with a badge and facemask that have a specially-designed ‘I Am Fully Vaccinated’ logo for easy identification,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Madoka Chujo

“We will not take the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) lightly and will continue to strictly follow all the necessary preventive and precautionary measures that we have been practicing since the emergence of COVID-19 in Malaysia,” she assured.

Dealership premises will be sanitised and disinfected on a routine and frequent basis.

“We believe this initiative can help to boost customer confidence during interactions with Honda dealer associates by showing that we are ready to meet and serve the customers in a safe environment as well as providing them peace of mind while being present at the dealerships. We also hope to encourage more people to get vaccinated, in addition to adhering to the SOPs at all times. Through this effort, it will not only protect themselves, but also to help the country to achieve its herd immunity as soon as possible,” Ms. Chujo added.

In addition to safeguarding the safety of the customers and Honda dealer associates, the company will continue to ensure that the sanitisation and disinfection of all premises are undertaken on a routine and frequent basis at all its dealerships.

In connection with the resumption of sales activities, Honda Malaysia has initiated the ‘Government Staff Program’, an exclusive programme for government employees (including those in government-linked companies) and their spouses. The program, which is on until October 31, 2021, offers special discounts worth up to RM1,000 on top of the monthly promotion for the 7-Seater BR-V model.

Government employees and those in GLCs can purchase a new BR-V with a special discount.

For all customers, there is also a ‘September Special Benefits’ promotion throughout this month in conjunction with the Malaysia Day celebration. This promotion offers rewards worth up to RM6,000 and, of course, there is still the exemption of sales tax until the end of the year as well.

To know more about Honda products and services or to locate an authorized Honda dealer in Malaysia, visit www.honda.com.my.

StayAtHome

Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected but may not show symptoms and can spread the coronavirus to others. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.

With a Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) now in force in Klang, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Selangor and Sabah, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia informs the public of the following measures with Mercedes-Benz Star Shield from October 14 to  October 27, 2020.

The Star Shield Programme
The Mercedes-Benz Star Shield programme is a safety protocol for Mercedes-Benz dealers and customers. It consists of a comprehensive safety plan that includes social distancing, provision of masks and hand sanitizers, cleaning and sanitization of showroom cars and common areas, temperature checks and limit on customers present.

During this CMCO period, all authorized Mercedes-Benz dealerships nationwide will remain open for business as usual. They will, however, strictly adhere to the guidelines set by the government for the protection of customers as well as their own employees.

Customers can still request for test-drives, while owners can bring their vehicles in for routine service and maintenance and/or repairs at service centres. The Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that have been observed for some months continue to apply.

24-hour support service
Customers can still obtain 24-Hour Roadside Assistance for emergency breakdowns and technical issues. They can call 1-800-88-1133 at any time of the day for support.

In order to minimize social contact, the Mercedes-Benz Star Shield also includes initiatives such as the Drop & Go, Door-to-door and Express Service.

Click here for other news and articles about Mercedes-Benz.

BHPetrol RON95 Euro4M

Besides its Toyota branches around Malaysia, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) is also transferring its Lexus retail operations to dealers. Although this may seem something new to Malaysians, dealers are usually the ones who manage retail outlets in other countries. It’s only in Malaysia that distributors have established their own branches to do retail as well and it goes back many decades. Back in the 1960s, only the large distributors had the money so they started the retail outlets themselves and the trend remained for a long time.

The Lexus Centre in Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, has been transferred to Hiewa Auto Gallery (Lexus) Sdn Bhd. This outlet was the first official Lexus outlet in Malaysia when it was opened over 10 years ago.

Lexus Malaysia

By transferring retail responsibilities to dealers, UMWT will be able to increase intensity on high value-added upstream activities such as product development, marketing and dealer network support.

“It is essential for Lexus Malaysia to continue achieving high customer satisfaction standards,” said Lexus Malaysia President, Ravindran K. He gave assurance that the typically high quality of customer care that Lexus is well known for will be maintained.

“I am extremely excited about working even more closely with our dealers to achieve a shared vision for Lexus Malaysia, which is to develop the concept of ‘Best In Town’ that focuses more on one-to-one customer engagement. Although this arrangement signifies an important change for Lexus Malaysia, our customers should rest assured that our service will not be compromised but gets even  better in the future” he added.

2020 Lexus UX
Lexus UX

Information on the Lexus network of sales and aftersales locations in Malaysia can be found at lexus.com.my.

PISTON.MY

BHPetrol RON95 Euro4M

Over the past few years, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has been transferring its own branch outlets to dealers and other interested parties to take over retail operations. The move, as explained in October 2017, has been to enhance operation excellence.

UMWT would increase intensity on high value-added upstream activities such as product development, marketing and dealer network support, while the dealerships would have greater focus on customer-related activities.

The Malaysian car industry has been dominated by distributor-owned outlets for decade, somewhat different from other markets where dealerships are more independent. This new move departs from that business model and has been ongoing for UMWT.

Section 19 Toyota
The 3S outlet at Section 19 in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, is now operated by Laser Motor instead of UMWT.

Two more of its branch outlets in the Klang Valley have been transferred to dealers with effect from today. The dealers are established companies with a long association with Toyota and UMWT. They are Laser Motor which takes over the Section 19 outlet in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, and Fokus Sentral which takes over the outlet in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.

“It is essential for UMWT to continue achieving high customer satisfaction standards,” said Ravindran Kurusamy, President of UMW Toyota Motor. “I am extremely excited about working even more closely with our dealers to realise a shared vision for UMWT, which is to promise the concept of ‘Best In Town’, meaning more focused one to one customer engagement. Although this arrangement signifies an important change for UMWT, our customers should rest assured that our service will not be compromised, but get even better in the future.”

Customer service
For customers, the transition won’t make any difference and it will be ‘business as usual’.

For UMWT’s significant customer base of Toyota owners, the change should have no effect – apart from the promise that things will be even better in coming years. In other words, it’s ‘business as usual’. The transition is seamless but allows for a strong entrepreneurial spirit to create more value that benefits the local economy. As businessmen, the dealers want to succeed and build their business so they will give their best efforts, which is of course good for Toyota owners.

COVID-19

PISTON.MY

The beginning of the Malaysian car industry can be considered to have started in the mid-1960s when the government introduced its first policy for the automotive industry. The policy set a strategic direction with the implementation of preferential tariffs for carmakers that assembled their vehicles locally, as well as used parts obtained in Malaysia. It was one of the moves to take the country’s economy from being agriculture-based to industry-based.

Response was good from the carmakers and by the end of the 1960s, a number of assembly plants were operating and producing a variety of models. However, the majority of these plants were in Peninsular Malaysia – clustered in the Klang Valley and in Johor. This was because vehicle demand in Peninsular Malaysia was growing rapidly.

The East Malaysian states, on the other hand, were still largely lacking a proper road network and potential sales were also not high back then. Commercial vehicles and 4×4 vehicles like the Toyota Land Cruiser and Hilux were more popular than cars.

So while the development of the sales and service network was more active in Peninsular Malaysia, it was slow in Sabah and Sarawak. This is not to say that the states were neglected by the car companies, but it was a matter of the number of vehicles sold and the number of supporting outlets needed.

Proton 4S Sabah

Today, however, the East Malaysian market has grown substantially as the economies of the two states have advanced. This has been helped by the better roads and road network and rather than travel in bumpy light commercial vehicles, many East Malaysians now prefer passenger cars with more comfort.

Sabah gets Proton’s first flagship 4S centre
Perhaps in recognition of this progress, Proton chose the state of Sabah for its first flagship 4S centre in Malaysia. The brand new outlet is operated by Fook Loi Corporation (Sabah) Sdn Bhd and has a distinctive Corporate Identity that is associated with the new Proton which has come about following the partnership with Geely.

Setting up a dealership requires millions of ringgit in investment and as Proton has shown that the brand is on the ascendancy with rapidly growing sales, businessmen now see being a Proton dealership it as a viable investment.

Proton 4S Sabah

“Deciding to become a Proton dealer was not difficult because we see the potential for Proton in Sabah. The current range of Proton models is highly competitive and technologically advanced with features that appeal to the new generation of car buyers,” said Thomas Chiu Kui Yin, Group Executive Director of Fook Loi.

Additional Body & Paint services
Seeing much potential in the aftersales business, Fook Loi chose to go all the way and be a 4S outlet. This means it offers customers an added Body & Paint service for the repainting and restoration of vehicles to Proton’s standards when they have been damaged.

Proton 4S Sabah

Proton 4S Sabah

Proton 4S Sabah

Every aspect of the outlet adheres to Proton’s objective of giving customers a great experience and is spacious, comfortable as well as pleasing to the eye. It offers free wifi, a kids’ corner, ample parking space and a coffee area. Equally important, the outlet has well trained sales and service staff who can provide a high quality customer experience.

“These may seem like simple requirements, but they are critical ones. When customers walk into our showroom or service centre, they would like to be greeted by smiling faces and a beautifully lit area. This will then set the tone for more meaningful conversations and customers will feel welcomed and appreciated. Since outlets are our first point of contact, numerous steps have been taken to ensure that a wholesome experience starts here. These efforts have paid off. Our sales have been on an increasing trend and with our new products, we are confident that we are on track for the company’s return to profitability,” said Dr. Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton.

PISTON.MY

Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) is growing its dealer network as quickly as possible and with the appointment of Pekin Auto Sdn Bhd to cover the Johor Bahru area, the number of dealerships now stands at 13 nationwide.

Pekin Auto, located near Skudai, offers the full range of sales and aftersales services as it is a 3S Centre (Sales, Service, and Spare Parts). It will adhere to Volvo Cars’ latest Volvo Retail Experience (VRE) requirement, a standard that delivers a holistic brand experience for customers.

“VRE goes beyond its Scandinavian-inspired aesthetics; it is the manifestation of our brand values and our desire to take care of our customers throughout their whole journey with Volvo Cars,” said Nalin Jain, Managing Director of VCM. The first dealership to incorporate the VRE was the Federal Auto showroom at Menara MBMR in August 2016.

Volvo Retail Experience
The Volvo Retail Experience focusses on the space and design of the dealership and is designed to reflect Scandinavian-inspired values of calm, clean lines with ‘cool on the outside and warm on the inside’-style architecture.

Transformation plan
Volvo Car Malaysia is now aggressively implementing the next phase of its transformation plan with a premier focus set on ‘customer experience’ and dealer network. Internal polls are already showing positive results, thanks to improvements made in these two key areas.

“I am happy that our brand has been well-received in the market. We are committed in allowing our customers greater choice by appointing qualified and professional companies like Pekin Auto to represent the brand in key areas,” said Mr. Jain, adding that the company’s growth in representation, in turn, has helped record increased sales for the brand of more than 60% in the first half of 2019.

Click here for other news and articles by PISTON.MY about Volvo.

Toyota owners on the western side of Selangor now have an authorised Toyota outlet near them to aftersales services. The new outlet, located at Pandamaran, is operated by PS Otomobil (Bukit Tinggi) Sdn Bhd which has been an authorised Toyota dealer since 2015 with a sales outlet located in Bukit Tinggi, Klang.

Over the past four years, as its sales have grown along with its customer base, it has made new investments to expand its facilities to raise the quality of services. This has led to the establishment of the new 2S outlet.

Toyota service centre

The service centre is equipped with 19 service bays with trained personnel to ensure that customers’ vehicles are promptly attended to. It is also equipped with diagnostic equipment and the necessary Special Service Tools to maintain Toyota vehicles. While waiting for their vehicles to be serviced, customers can relax in the lounge which has amenities for their comfort and convenience.

Business partner since 2015
Commending PS Otomobil (Bukit Tinggi) Sdn Bhd on their commitment to provide Toyota customers with high quality aftersales services, UMW Toyota Motor’s President, Ravindran K. said: “PS Otomobil (Bukit Tinggi) Sdn Bhd has been our business partner since 2015 and has provided good services to customers. We are delighted to see that with the growth in their business, they have made the decision to upgrade their facilities to enhance their aftersales services. This has truly reflects the Toyota “Customer First” philosophy where priorities and value-added services are prepared for our customers’ convenience.”

PS Otomobil (Bukit Tinggi) Sdn Bhd joins the constantly growing network of Toyota dealerships nationwide. To locate a dealership near you, visit toyota.com.my.

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