Setel, introduced in 2018, has made things more convenient for motorists as they can make contactless payments. The mobile app allows motorists to make payments using their smartphone in the car when parked next to a Setel-linked pump at PETRONAS stations.
During the pandemic, the value of Setel was very clear as there was no need to interact with the cashier or even touch the keypad to enter the PIN. It was only a pity that the filling process still needs to be done by the driver but maybe one day, it will be automated, as Hyundai has shown with its prototype robot handling charging of EVs.
Over the years, Setel has kept track of feedback from users and noticed that there were some people who may have older phones with limited functionality and connectivity. It’s like having an old computer which has difficulty running the latest software, so new features cannot be enjoyed.
PETRONAS Lubricants Marketing Malaysia Sdn. Bhd (PLMMSB), a subsidiary of PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad (PDB) which distributes and markets PETRONAS engine oil, is now further expanding its marketing network through an e-commerce platform.
The engine oils, for 4-wheelers (Syntium) and 2-wheelers (Sprinta) have been on sale on the Shopee platform since the middle of last year at the PETRONAS Official Store. Customers can easily choose from a range of premium products (fully synthetic, semi -synthetic or mineral) by vehicle type and viscosity and place their orders online as well as make payments.
PLMMSB Chief Executive Officer Hardeep Singh said: “This is part of our effort to ensure that customers always get genuine, high quality PETRONAS engine oil. Through the e-commerce platform, customers can now get various PETRONAS engine oils more easily, quickly, and reliably.”
In addition, PETRONAS AutoExpert car service vouchers have also been introduced on the Lazada e-commerce platform. All transactions and appointments are done online and through the official PETRONAS Official Store platform.
Besides affordable prices, customers will also receive exclusive gifts with every purchase of PETRONAS Syntium and PETRONAS Sprinta products, as well as services at PETRONAS AutoExpert.
For those who want to get official PETRONAS items, including PSRT MotoGP and AMG Mercedes F1 team t-Shirts, jackets, hats, and duffel bags, they can also find them at the PETRONAS Official Stores.
Sime Darby Motors and e-Commerce partner SpareXHub is having a 10-day long clearance sale with discounts up to 90% on selected aged genuine Ford and Hyundai vehicle spare parts. The virtual sale is taking place online at www.sparexhub.comuntil June 10, 2021.
“Our partnership with SpareXHub acts as a vehicle for Sime Darby Motors to provide our loyal customers access to over 3,000 Hyundai and 4,000 Ford genuine aged spare parts, ranging from service items such as filters and sensors, to body parts, such as bumpers and windscreens,” said Alan Scott Gascoyne, Head of Aftersales, Malaysia Retail & Distribution, Sime Darby Motors.
“Sime Darby Motors has embarked on the digital transformation journey in many aspects of our business and is integrating digital retail options into our existing operations. This hybrid initiative with SpareXHub helps us meet the needs of online customers and aftermarket players to purchase selected genuine aged spare parts,” added Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director, Retail and Distribution for Malaysia, Sime Darby Motors.
Mr. Gan added that aftersales is an important part of the company’s business, and this initiative will allow customers to continue to maintain their vehicles with the manufacturer’s recommended genuine spare parts even after the warranty period has expired. “Additionally, customers can continue to enjoy the performance, comfort and safety aspects of their vehicle without compromise due to parts pricing,” Mr. Gan said.
Get genuine rear suspension parts for less money.
About SpareX Hub
SpareXHub is a trusted e-commerce platform for discounted, genuine auto spare parts. With more than 100+ years of combined experience, the team can curate and pick the right spare parts for customers seamlessly. Using the B2B2C approach, SpareXHub is ready to cater to the needs of automotive stockists, independent workshops and even individual vehicle owners. There is no compromise on quality as all the parts are 100% genuine and original, ideal for those vehicles that have finished their warranty period.
For more information on product and pricing and to take advantage of this grand clearance sale, visit www.sparexhub.com or leave a message on SpareXHub’s website or Facebook page.
The National Vaccination Program in Malaysia is free of charge.
In the more advanced markets, businesses have become established online for many years and their e-commerce processes have advanced greatly. Malaysia has also been going along the same path towards digitisation but the pace accelerated in the past year with the pandemic making physical interactions less advisable. This has meant that the traditional processes whereby customers visit showrooms when they are shopping for new cars has had to change, and the industry has quickly made the transition to online showrooms.
Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) is among the companies that has ‘opened shop’ online and its first online showroom is designed to provide a digitally enhanced experience for customers to do research on various models available, and then to make a purchase if they wish to do so.
The physical authorised dealerships still exist but customers now have the convenient option of conducting most of the car-buying processes online at the Mitsubishi Online Showroom.
In developing the Mitsubishi Online Showroom, MMM looked for ways to improve the customer’s purchasing journey by examining the various stages from the time there is interest in the product to the completion of the purchasing process. The Mitsubishi online showroom has narrowed-down the fundamental processes from the traditional one to a digital car-purchasing journey, leveraging on technology enhancement.
“In the past year, we’ve seen an unpredictable level of change, because of the new normal and the need to maintain social distancing. The launch of Mitsubishi Online Showroom is a strong example of MMM’s commitment to deliver a more human-centric experience by encompassing a holistic approach across three key organizational pillars: people, process and technology,” said Tomoyuki Shinnishi, Chief Executive Officer of MMM.
“We have always believed in creating a walk-through experience and this Online Showroom is an extension from getting to know the product, test-drive at customer’s convenience, and communication with the dealer to finalize the purchase journey. We want to offer our customers a safe purchase of their Mitsubishi model without the need of leaving their home,” he said.
360’ Virtual Showroom
One of the features of the Mitsubishi Online Showroom is the 360-degree views available of each model’s exterior and interior. Thanks to today’s advanced software, it is possible to zoom in and out for a closer look at details and learn about the many features in Mitsubishi vehicles.
Each of the Mitsubishi models on display has a clickable interactive button to instantly show more information and its key features. Besides the 360-degree views, there are also static images in a gallery with different angles and environments.
Test Drive 2U
The TEST DRIVE 2U online service was actually launched in May 2020 and it allows customers to experience a Mitsubishi model without having to visit the showroom. Customers who require a test-drive can now submit their request via the Online Showroom as well. It takes just a few simple steps and an authorized Mitsubishi dealer will be notified who will bring the selected model car to the customer’s preferred location.
Booking Assist
With so much information available online, many customers get a lot of insights into the model they are keen to buy and want to make a booking. However, concerns about the coronavirus understandably may make them hesitant to go to the showroom. If so, they can still book a vehicle online by submitting a booking request form on the Online Showroom’s website. Thereafter, the authorised dealer will contact the customer to assist further with the booking process and other matters such as loan and insurance application. With email and electronic banking, most documents and payments can be done without having to physically meet.
Trade-in Assist
MMM collaborates with MyTukar, an online used car marketplace in Malaysia, to offer a special trade-in promotion for Mitsubishi customers who wish to trade-in their vehicle via the Mitsubishi Online Showroom.
Customer can submit a trade-in assist form online and then select the option to request for the vehicle inspection, handover, transfer of ownership and collection of the sold vehicle to be done at any of the customer’s preferred locations.
MITSUBISHI CONNECT
MMM has also introduced the MITSUBISHI CONNECT mobile application as an extension of aftersales service through a digital platform. The mobile app has a range of vehicle-related digital services, giving Mitsubishi owners the convenience of scheduling a service appointment with their preferred MMM service centres, keep track of vehicle maintenance history, and get reminders for their next car service.
For more information on Mitsubishi Motors vehicles and services in Malaysia, visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my.
Back in the 1970s, Federal Auto was the first company in Malaysia to establish its own dedicated used car business for the brand of cars it sold – Volvo. The business thrived over the years as a supplementary business, catering to those who wanted Volvos for less. Fast forward 50 years later and the business has evolved into a certified used car programme known as Volvo Selekt.
Higher quality of used vehicles
Launched in June last year and supported by Volvo Car Malaysia, Volvo Selekt vehicles are offered only at two authorised dealerships whereas all Volvo quality used cars are made available at other dealerships – 12 in total – across the nation. The difference is that Volvo Selekt vehicles are under 5 years old with less than 100,000 kms mileage, and have received a 125-point inspection, the relevant software upgrades, and necessary replacements with genuine parts to ensure that they are road-ready and can deliver optimal performance.
Nevertheless, using the same criteria for all pre-owned vehicles, each Volvo dealership conducts a series of checks and updates to ensure that all Volvo quality used cars are maintained up to Volvo’s standards.
Right initiative for the New Normal
Now Volvo Selekt is going digital with its Volvo Used Car Locator, a timely initiative in view of the New Normal where reduced physical interaction is advised. Instead of going to the dealership, customers can be at home and shop for Volvo vehicles at a price point that fulfils their financial needs. No need to go through all the SOPs at the dealership!
Once a used vehicle is made available on the Volvo Used Car Locator, it can be viewed on the website which will have various models on a consolidated list for both Volvo Selekt and Volvo quality used cars that are available at Volvo dealerships across Malaysia. The website also provides full details of the vehicles so that customers can identify the Volvo that best fit their lifestyles and its closest location.
Visit www.bhpetrol.com.my to find out more about other promotions at BHPetromart.
12-month warranty plus service package
All Volvo Selekt vehicles come a minimum of 12 months warranty, complimentary 1-year maintenance service package (VSA 1) and 12 months of complimentary Roadside Assistance.
Volvo Selekt cars accounted for 15% to the total Volvo used car sales in 2020 in Malaysia. According to Nalin Jain, MD of Volvo Car Malaysia, the positive response Volvo Selekt received motivated the company to give customers more choices on how they can purchase a used Volvo car. “So in line with our move to be technologically savvy, we now introduce the Volvo Used Car Locator, to elevate customers’ experience in acquiring and owning a Volvo car, all from the convenience of their smartphones or laptops,” he said.
The sale of pre-owned (not pre-registered) vehicles by franchise holders of various brands has been going on for some time. In fact, the first one in Malaysia might have been Federal Auto, which set up its own division to handle used cars as far back as the early 1970s. Other companies have also had used car divisions although most have not focussed greatly on this business, leaving it more to used car dealers.
These days, there is greater demand for pre-owned vehicles (a nicer term for used vehicles) and a number of companies, even premium brands, have invested in the business more substantially. They give more attention to the condition of the vehicles they offer, ensuring that the safety aspects are not compromised. In some case, they recondition the vehicle to ‘almost as good as new’.
Peace of mind purchase
Bermaz Motor, which handles Mazda, has also been dealing in pre-owned vehicles since 2015 through its Mazda Anshin centre in Glenmarie, Selangor. ‘Anshin’ is a Japanese word for ‘peace of mind’ so a selling point to customers is that they can have peace of mind buying from Mazda Anshin.
Many businesses are going online these days, partly due to the COVID-19 situation which has put limitations on interactions between people. As far as possible, companies now make it easier and safer for customers to view and know about what they offer before the need to actually be at the showroom.
Bermaz now as a website for its Mazda Anshin business and this serves as a one-stop platform for customers to sell or buy Mazda vehicles. It offers many company demo vehicles as well as those owned by customers who may have trade-in for a new model.
Every vehicle has to go through a thorough inspection and be certified before being offered for sale on the website.
111-point inspection to be certified
Regardless of whether the vehicles were previously demo units or in the company fleet, or a customer’s vehicle, every vehicle must undergo a comprehensive 111-point inspection. This is done by trained technicians at two authorized Mazda Service Centres in Selangor.
Owners who have this inspection done are charged a minimal fee of RM200. After the inspection, the owner will receive the best Mazda Anshin Certified Valuation and recommend selling price.
Mazda Anshin’s quality standards require that the pre-owned vehicles have had no major accident damages, no frame damages, and never been through a flood.
3 simple steps
Customers shopping for Mazda vehicles can browse through the Mazda Anshin website for the best- -value, best-quality models available, all with Mazda Anshin Certification. The existing warranty, if still in effect, will still be available to the new owner, as well as the free scheduled service based on from the original registration date.
So the next time you want a pre-owned Mazda, consider the offerings at the Mazda Anshin website. After all, it’s the company that knows Mazda best.
Online shopping has been growing in popularity over the past few years and with the COVID-19 pandemic, its growth has accelerated. These days, you can get almost anything online and now, the list includes Toyota vehicles.
UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has opened online stores at two of Malaysia’s e-commerce platforms – Lazada and Shopee – to reach further. Being online, the Toyota Malaysia Flagship Stores are open 24/7 so they can be visited at any time of the day, making it convenient for shoppers.
“As online shopping is now part of daily life, UMW Toyota Motor is also establishing a presence on the popular ecommerce platforms of Lazada Malaysia and Shopee with the Toyota Flagship Stores. We want to make it as easy as possible for customers to buy Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, especially if they are looking for great money-saving deals. This follows the earlier introduction of the Toyota Online Showroom which was very well received,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.
Online-only special deals
From time to time, car-buyers will find special deals on selected Toyota models, with booking fees as low as RM250. And just like purchasing other goods online, payment can be made the same way, ie by credit card or electronic fund transfers from banks. Chat support is also available at the online stores (Monday – Friday, 9:30 am – 5:30 pm) for customers who may have queries.
One of the deals currently offered at the Toyota Flagship Store.
Currently, there’s a special promotion for the Fortuner SUV (limited stocks) worth RM22,760 and it comes with 5 years of free scheduled maintenance (terms and conditions apply). There are other exclusive deals for the Innova, Harrier and Hilux (limited stocks) as well. The deals are available only for online bookings at the Toyota Flagship Stores on both Lazmall and Shopee Mall.
“Online sales of new cars have been gaining popularity in other countries and are more appreciated with the current situation whereby consumers may be reluctant to go to showrooms due to health concerns. We therefore offer online channels through the popular e-commerce platforms as well as our own Toyota Online Showroom so they can be fully informed and then make the purchase conveniently,” added Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.
These are very tough times for the auto industry in China with the current COVID-19 crisis and cities in lock-down and people leaving them homes less. Understandably with uncertainties about the future, visiting a car showroom is less likely let alone buying a new car.
Finding out about the latest models without going to the showroom is easy enough as all companies have websites with lots of information. But to actually purchase a car or have a test-drive usually means having to go to the showroom to sign documents and of course get a unit to try. Some companies have introduced online ordering services but many still require physical presence at the showroom.
A Geely dealership in China
Proprietary full ‘contactless’ vehicle purchasing service
Now Geely Auto, China’s largest privately-owned automotive brand, has introduced its own proprietary online ordering and it is one of the first brands in China to offer a full ‘contactless’ vehicle purchasing service.
Starting this month, Geely Auto began to operate its full online ordering and home delivery system that allows users to customize and pay for their Geely Auto vehicles with the option of home delivery of vehicles direct to the customers door. At the same time, Geely Auto will also offer test drives where potential consumers will be able to request a test drive starting from their home and the closest dealership will bring a vehicle over.
Geely Auto previously partnered with third-party online sales platforms that have moved to raise the brands profile online. However, the addition of Geely Auto’s own proprietary online system located on the brand’s official website has led to unprecedented growth since its introduction.
In the first week of online operation, Geely Auto’s online sales orders increased more than five-fold compared to the same period last year, indicating a positive response. At the same time, sales leads from Geely website increased more than 75 times.
In future, showrooms may be unnecessary and even interaction with sales staff would not be required.
Geely Auto will also provide additional services such as licensing and insurance in the purchasing process, creating a one-stop online purchase experience. In addition, users will be able to choose from a multitude of different financing and insurance providers through Geely’s online platforms.
In the near future, the carmaker aims to expand this service to include home servicing where representatives will collect vehicles for servicing and return them to owners’ home.
Servicing needs can also be handled online and the owner would no longer have to personally bring the car to the service centre.
“The addition of our online sales platform has proven to be a value addition to our sales network in terms of adding new sales and new sales leads to our nationwide dealership network. We have always aimed to bring greater levels of convenience to our consumers and our initial results prove that,” said Victor Yang, Vice President of Public Relations at Geely Auto Group.
Given the current situation in China, selling and buying cars may well change in future as new conditions occur. Geely Auto’s latest move is therefore timely as it could well be the way people shop for cars and buy them in future and the showroom is no longer necessary.
Proton is one of the companies in Malaysia that has been offering online ordering though on a limited basis.
Online sales in Malaysia
Using online platforms for ordering cars in Malaysia only started in recent years and the process has only been for ordering (with a deposit to be paid). Due to various requirements, the customer still needs to sign documents although these can probably be delivered to his or her home or office. A totally ‘contactless’ process is therefore not a reality yet but could be before long.
However, with regards to test-drives and servicing needs, these are already available from some companies. Customers can send and email or call them and representatives will bring over a car to test, pick up a car and send it back after servicing. This depends on the company and how much it wants to add value to the brand it represents to be different from others.
TC Euro Cars (TCEC) has scored a first in the local auto industry with its move to e-commerce. The company, which represents Renault in Malaysia, has launched the new Renault E-Store on its website at www.renault.com.my .
Adding on from never having to visit a physical showroom with the Renault 3-hour test drive offering via GoCar, customers can now enjoy ultimate convenience and a hassle-free way to buy or take a subscription plan for a Renault. This fully digital process eliminates the time-consuming and tedious process that car-buyers have had to go through for decades.
Now, with the Renault E-Store, they can shop from the comfort of their home or office – just as they do shopping for other good online which is a growing trend nowadays. They don’t have to feel pressured by over-attentive salespersons and they can learn more about the model they are interested in at their convenience. They can also arrange for a test-drive and TCEC says that the process extends right to delivery of the registered vehicle.
To celebrate the launch of the new Renault E-Store, TCEC is extending a ‘Buy One, Get One Free’ offer to the first 50 customers who make their purchase online. Each of these early bird online customers will receive a free 6-month subscription (transferable among family members) for the Captur crossover.
Besides the Captur, the Koleos and Megane R.S. are also available for purchase at the Renault E-Store.
“We are proud to be an e-commerce first automotive brand. With the new Renault E-Store and more new offerings to come, we believe that we are leading the charge in digitalising the customer journey and, at the same time, disrupting the industry,” said Nicholas Tan, Chairman of TCEC.
As consumer purchase patterns change and shopping online becomes more popular, some car companies have strived to meet these new developments by offering their products online. Their initial efforts have not been in a big way nor long-term as they want to see the effectiveness first. Proton is among those companies and recently collaborated with Shopee to explore new avenues to connect with its customers.
“Commerce today has changed drastically from what it was even as recently as just 5 to 10 years ago. Proton has to keep up with these changes to remain relevant and while we are pursuing our strategy to increase customer touchpoints via the growth of 3S/4S outlets, we must also utilise technology to drive mobility for the business. Our campaign with Shopee is a good example as it offers ease and convenience for consumers but also puts them in contact with our network of outlets for aftersales services,” said Dr Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton.
Online shopping is becoming popular but for purchases of cars, the process of loan approvals and vehicle registration in Malaysia still require direct contact between the sales representative and the customer to finalise documentation.
Over 200 units booked online
Over 200 units of the X70 SUV were booked in the first few days of the ecommerce platform’s 12.12 Birthday Sale, and as a special incentive, customers using Shopee are able to place a booking for just RM99 instead of the usual RM1,000 booking fee.
The first 50 Proton X70 customers who successfully register their vehicle before December 31, 2019 will also receive RM2,000 of Shopee vouchers and enjoy additional ongoing promotions for the month by Proton.
This isn’t the first time Proton is using the internet to allow customers to book its cars. Prior to its launch on December 12, 2018, the X70 SUV could be booked online from October, contributing to the pre-launch booking of over 10,000 units.
An alternative sales platform in future
A similar campaign was also utilised for the launch of other models in 2019 with the success experienced pointing to the increased importance of the channel. “We started to enable online bookings of our cars since late 2018 and over the next few years, we could expand the use of this as a sales platform. With improved online security and transaction platforms becoming widely accepted, there could be a time when financing could be applied for and approved online so Proton aims to be at the forefront of adopting these new technologies,” added Dr Li Chunrong.
