Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Archives

Mercedes-Benz NZ Wheels Klang Autohaus Officially Opens

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia together with authorised dealer, NZ Wheels, recently launched the Mercedes-Benz NZ Wheels Klang Autohaus. Mercedes-Benz NZ Wheels Klang also features the first separate facility for a Mercedes-Benz Proven Exclusivity centre in Malaysia, a dedicated space for customers to view and test drive an extensive range of certified pre-owned Mercedes-Benz cars located adjacent to the Autohaus.

“We congratulate our dealer partner NZ Wheels on the official launch of the Mercedes-Benz NZ Wheels Klang Autohaus. This latest Autohaus demonstrates our continuous commitment to the Malaysian market, our customers and our fans. As we remain focused on providing our customers with the Best Products and Best Customer Experience, we will also continue expanding customer touchpoints nationwide, investing in developing key areas including talent, technology, production and services,” said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner.

A total of RM6 million was invested in upgrading the Mercedes-Benz NZ Wheels Klang Autohaus to now be compliant with the Mercedes-Benz Presentation System II (MPS II) autohaus concept, the global Autohaus benchmark of customer experience, complete with the new Mercedes-Benz Corporate Identity (CI). The new Mercedes-Benz CI goes beyond merely serving as a design concept, it also improves orientation to the customer, supports consulting discussions and naturally underlines the values of the Mercedes-Benz brand as the No. 1 premium automotive brand in the world.

With a total land area of 320,000 sq. ft. supporting a built-up area of 32,000 sq. ft., the NZ Wheels Klang Autohaus has a total display capacity of 17 vehicles — three of which are Mercedes-AMG cars at the AMG Performance Centre. NZ Wheels Klang is managed by around 70 personnel across sales, technical services and spare parts functions. A full-fledged 3S centre, the Autohaus is equipped with 30 work bays, capable of servicing up to approximately 650 vehicles a month, providing general and specialised repair solutions.

Speaking at the official launch event, NZ Wheels Sdn Bhd Group Chief Executive Officer, Automotive Group, Dato’ Samson Anand George, said, “With the update of the NZ Wheels Klang Autohaus to the highest Mercedes-Benz standards and latest corporate identity, NZ Wheels reaffirms its presence as a steadfast and passionate Mercedes-Benz dealer. Having upgraded our sales and service facilities, we are confident that our customers in Klang and nearby areas will receive no less than the best care that is synonymous with the Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star.”

With customer comfort in mind, the i-Showroom in Mercedes-Benz NZ Wheels Klang Autohaus includes digital touch screens for customers to gain a better understanding of Mercedes-Benz product features and sales processes. The Mercedes-Benz NZ Wheels Klang Autohaus is also equipped with a private Star Lounge for a personalised and premium atmosphere. In addition, the latest upgrade now features Service Differentiation – an exclusive range of personalised after-sales services that offers flexibility and convenience which includes pick-up/drop-off of customer vehicles, after-hours drop-off and fast-lane service.

The Mercedes-Benz NZ Wheels Klang Autohaus is one of seven authorised Mercedes-Benz Autohauses in Selangor, to support the increasing need for premium service and experience among Mercedes-Benz customers.

To date, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has 33 dedicated dealerships nationwide delivering the Best Products and the Best Customer Experience throughout the entire customer journey, maintaining the German marque’s position as the largest premium automotive dealer network in the country.

Established in 1994, NZ Wheels is the third largest Mercedes-Benz authorised dealership in the country. The Mercedes-Benz NZ Wheels Klang Autohaus is located at Lot 1385, Wisma NAZA, Jalan Kapar, Batu 2, Kawasan 19, 41400 Klang, Selangor Darul Ehsan. For more information, call +603 – 3343 9270.

Mercedes-Benz NZ Wheels Klang Photo Gallery…

Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles Records Strong Performance In 2017

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles (MBM CV) delivered a strong performance last year, recording a total of 2,469 vehicles sold in 2017, comprising FUSO light-duty and heavy-duty trucks as well as Mercedes-Benz trucks and vans. Despite the dip of 7.9% in Total Industry Volume (TIV) for 2017, MBM CV continues to be a strong supporter of the transport and haulage industry, attributing its robust performance in 2017 to its strategy of placing customers at the centre of its initiatives.

“Part of Daimler Trucks, MBM CV represents first-class product quality and service excellence in the Malaysian market. In everything that we do, our focus is on our customers. Safety, reliability and economic efficiency are our topmost priority. With the commitment of our dealer partners and the trust of the market, 2017 proved to be a positive year in many aspects. As a new year begins, we remain as committed as ever to deliver vehicles and solutions of the highest quality – Trucks you can trust,” said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles, Vice President, Mr Albert Yee (above, main image).

In 2017, the famed Mercedes-Benz Actros proved to be a top choice among hauliers recording an impressive total of 268 units sold, maintaining a double digit growth of 24.1%. Contributing 32.1% sales, the Mercedes-Benz Actros 2644LS 6×2 (L-cab) remains the most popular model. Meanwhile, FUSO trucks recorded 2,170 units sold. As a result of securing fleet contracts from new small and medium operators during the year, MBM CV was able to achieve a market penetration 13.06% for Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles in 2017, a new record for the company.

Throughout 2017, MBM CV and its network dealers continued to raise the bar with best-in-class commercial vehicles and service quality for the haulage industry. Product enhancements included the new TD Canter facelift and ensuring that MBM CV’s entire product portfolio complies with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) safety regulations set by Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ). These measures improve vehicle safety and ensure customers’ peace-of-mind.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Achieves Record Sales In 2017

2017 was the fourth consecutive record year for Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM), achieving an all-time high sales record of 12,045 vehicles sold in 2017. This translates into an overall 2.3 per cent growth compared to 2016. The three-pointed star is well ahead of the pack in the premium segment, maintaining a 2.3 per cent market share*.

“Mercedes-Benz Malaysia enjoyed a remarkable year in 2017 as a result of our customer centric strategy. We’re very proud of our achievements in 2017. It is the result of great teamwork from everyone in the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia team including our dealer partners. We understand our customers’ requirements and target to fulfill their expectations. To deliver the Best Products, we launched 17 new models…” (cont’d)

“To offer the Best Customer Experience, we launched nine new and upgraded dealerships, including a brand new dealer group, Auto Commerz Sdn Bhd. As a result, we successfully achieved a record-breaking year, our best ever performance in the history of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia. Moving into 2018, we are confident of the growth potential in the Malaysian automotive market and will continue to invest substantially in developing key areas including talent, technology, production and service. This is the strategy behind maintaining our position as the No. 1 premium brand in Malaysia,” said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner (above, second from right).

“We are delighted to have delivered a record-breaking 12,045 Mercedes-Benz Cars to customers in Malaysia and by this confirming our position as the leading premium brand. Our locally produced vehicles, especially the new E-Class and the GLC have been our growth drivers. We are thankful that our customers have put their confidence in our premium products. With our innovative mobility solutions, digitalisation initiatives as well as upcoming product highlights, we are confident of continuing on this success path,” said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, Sales & Marketing, Vice President, Mark Raine (above).

For FY2017, MBM’s sales was driven by the locally produced limousines which recorded 7,041 units sold. This was followed closely by the Mercedes-Benz SUVs with 2,599 units sold, spurred by the introduction of the locally produced Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 and GLC 250. Growth within this segment is expected to continue. The Mercedes-Benz compact cars recorded a total of 2,031 units sold, while the aspirational Mercedes-Benz Dream Cars, also known as the brand shapers, recorded a total of 374 units sold.

MBM marked the the year by launching six new 43 series models namely, the Mercedes-Benz E 43 4MATIC (above), SLC 43, C 43 4MATIC (below), C 43 4MATIC Coupe, GLC 43 4MATIC, GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe and later, the AMG GT R.
Complementing its line-up of Best Products, MBM invested in initiatives that demonstrated its signature Best Customer Experience by organising various customer engagement activities focusing on the different interests of its target audience. These included the Ultra Singapore 2017, Urban Hunting movement, and Hungry for Adventure in East Malaysia.

In addition, MBM also launched a Mercedes-Benz branded charging station in Bangsar Shopping Centre (BSC) and hosted the Mike Horn X Hungry for Adventure event, featuring the greatest explorer of all time who is currently on a two-year journey – Pole2Pole mission.

Moving even closer to its fans and customers, MBM continued to innovate exciting platforms to enhance customer touch points in 2017. These included mobile roadshows, the Mercedes-Benz Gallery, Customer Care Centre, and Test Drive Booking System. MBM also introduced experiencing cars in Virtual Reality, Digital Signage, Product Experts, Online Service Booking, Mercedes-Benz Financial Calculator and also a one-stop integrated state-of-the-art web platform which facilitates the needs of both new and existing customers known as OneWeb.

In regards to its dealer network, MBM introduced SalesTouch, a mobile sales tool which enables product experts and sales consultants to provide customers with real time information. The feature complements its existing features which are the Service Differentiation and Product Experts.

Always in touch with customers’ needs, MBM launched a new campaign in late 2017 in partnership with its sister company, Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia (MBSM). The campaign, in anticipation for the Chinese New Year celebration in 2018, offers personalised and flexible financing packages to give Mercedes-Benz fans total peace of mind to finance their dream Mercedes-Benz cars based on their respective financing commitments.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has 33 dedicated dealerships nationwide delivering the Best Products and Best Customer Service throughout the entire customer journey. To date, Mercedes-Benz has the largest premium dealer network in the country.

In FY2017, Mercedes-Benz achieved a total investment of over RM 1 billion in the Malaysian market. One-third of this investment was made in its Pekan Production Plant and MBM Training Academy in Puchong, Selangor. This strategy demonstrates the leading premium German marque’s commitment in supporting the nation’s ambition of becoming an EEV hub.

*As of YTD November 2017
NB: The numbers for 2017 are unaudited and subject to change.

Mercedes-Benz launch new GLA in Malaysia

Mercedes Benz has refreshed its crossover, the GLA, bringing it up to date with the most recent tech and cutting-edge styling that the German automaker could muster. There are three versions that you can buy right now, the GLA 200 Urban Line, GLA 250 4MATIC AMG Line and the AMG version of the GLA 45 4MATIC. All variants have extensive exterior and interior upgrades, which set them apart from the previous gen vehicle.

Compared to its predecessor, the new GLA gets reworked bumpers, light alloy wheels and a new body colour called “Canyon Beige” . A newly developed off-road suspensions is fitted to the GLA 200 Urban Line and GLA 250 4MATIC AMG Line, which should improve off-road capabilities and overall handling.

The GLA 200 Urban Line gets 19-inch 5-spoke light alloy wheels with a matte black finish, and if you opt for the Night Package, certain trim panels will be painted black which include the two louvres in the radiator grille, wing mirrors, rims and simulated under guard.

Going up the range, the GLA 250 4MATIC AMG Line gets more sporty features which include an AMG bodykit, a radiator grille with two louvres painted in silver and chrome inserts and twin-pipe sports exhaust system with chrome-plated tailpipe trim elements integrated into the bumper. Apart from that, there’s also the 19-inch AMG alloy rims, perforated brake disks at the front with brake calipers with the automaker’s named painted on.

At the top of the range, sits the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC. It gets sharper front styling with new air intake grilles and a front splitter. The twin louvre on the AMG Twin Blade radiator grille inserts and the side sill panels have a silver chrome finish. At the rear, there’s a new diffuser insert in the apron, a new spoiler lip on the roof and certain trim panels are painted in high gloss black. Unlike the lower spec variants, this, gets 20-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, which makes it a little more special than the AMG Line one.

Inside, all variants of the GLA get a cabin that’s built from high quality materials, new seat covers and trim parts as well as chrome plated switchgear. The signature 8-inch media display sits at the top of the dash with the usual controls for the infotainment system elegantly placed just like with its predecessor.

Fitted as standard is the Active Brake Assist system that warns and assists in braking during emergency situations. It helps ensure that drivers have all the information and coverage as and when needed. The GLA also comes with Attention Assist, which is a system that continually monitors the driver for signs of drowsiness through steering input and warns him/her as and when necessary.

The vehicle also has a Dynamic Select button that alters the engine, transmission, steering and suspension behaviour to match the needs of the driver. The system also offers 5 different transmission modes that include Comfort, Sport, Eco, Indivivudla and off-raod (4MATIC variants only).

The most powerful of the 2.0-litre turbo engines fitted in the three variants is in teh AMG GLA 45 4MATIC. It develops 381bhp and 475Nm of torque, which allows the vehicle to sprint from 0-100km.h in just 4.4 seconds. Power is transferred to the wheels through the AMG Speedshift DCT 7-speed transmission. It is said to offer optimised response and shift times thanks to the closer ratios between gears.

All three variants are available for purchase with the base GLA 200 priced at RM239,888, the GLA 250 4MATIC at RM269,888 and GLA 45 4MATIC at RM408,888. All three figures represent on the road prices, inclusive of GST but without insurance factored in them. Visit the local Mercedes-Benz website to learn more about the vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz posts record sales for 2017

Mercedes-Benz has had an extraordinay start to the year by posting record sales figures for the first quarter of 2017. March was the strongest month for the automaker in terms of sales figures, as it posted a growth of 14.8% with 228,296 vehicles being delivered globally.

Overall, Mercedes-Benz sales increased to 16% in total for this quarter by selling 560,625 vehicles so far. So strong was the demand for its vehicles that the company has even gone so far as to say that during the same period, the company was considered the premium-segment market leader in a number of countries including Germany, UK, France, Italy, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada and Mexico.

“The E-Class Saloon and Estate continued along their successful path in March with growth of around 65 percent. The bestselling model series of Mercedes-Benz has now been completed with the new E-Class Cabriolet, which we presented to the public at the Geneva Motor Show, right on time for the start of spring,” stated Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales.

In Europe, the Stuttgart based automaker posted a 10.8% growth for the quarter with 233,329 vehicles sold. For the Asia-Pacific region, a sales growth of 27.4% was seen with 219,418 vehicles sold. In China alone, Mercedes-Benz managed to shift 49,871 vehicles in March which is about a 30% increase in sales. Though it didn’t disclose any specific figures, the company also said that it posed best ever sales figures for the month of March in a number of other countries such as South Korea, Australia and Malaysia.

In North America, things were just as rosy for the automaker with sales reaching 94,142 vehicles amounting to a 7.1% increase. In fact, Mercedes-Benz even achieved record sales in the three countries which make up the region (USA, Canada and Mexico).

It looks like 2017 has been very good to Mercedes-Benz with its E-Class and GLS being among the most popular models. This news should come as no surprise to most people because over the past few years, the German auto giant has been churning out some of the best looking and best performing premium vehicles in the market. But we shall have to wait and see if the interest in the brand manages to gather more momentum for the remaining quarters of it’s fiscal year.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia sells 300th FUSO truck

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles (MBM CV), which is also the authorized distributor of FUSO trucks in the country, has reached a milestone with the recent sale of its 300th truck to Biforst Logistics Sdn Bhd.

Biforst Logistics Sdn Bhd is a one-stop logistics provider and has a fleet of FUSO trucks currently in its inventory. The latest addition, cements its faith in the brand to bolster the success of its current operations. As of now, the company has a number of light duty trucks such as the FE71PB, FE83PE, FE83PG and FE85PG, a FUSO medium duty truck and a Mercedes-Benz Actros for long distance travel. The 3S centre that tends to the needs of this fleet is Bumi Asia Sdn Bhd, an authorised dealer of MBM CV. It handles all after-sales support and vehicle maintenance for the logistics company.

“The delivery of the 300th FUSO truck to Biforst Logistics represents a significant milestone for us. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles takes great pride in delivering ‘Trucks you can trust’, and in doing so we are absolutely thrilled that Biforst Logistics benefits greatly from our highly reliable and economical commercial vehicles and extensive service network,” said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, Vice President, Commercial Vehicles, Mr Albert Yee.

During the ceremony of the latest handover, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed been Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdb Bhd and Biforst Logistics Sdn Bhd to formalize the logistics company’s intent on purchasing the electric-powered FUSO eCanter truck when it eventually becomes available here in Malaysia.

The signing was witnessed by Biforst Group Sdn Bhd Chairman, Yang Teramat Mulia Dato’ Johan Pahlawan Lela Perkasa Setiawan Dato’ Haji Muhammad Bin Abdullah; Deputy Minister of Transport Malaysia, Y.B. Datuk Ab. Aziz Kaprawi and Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Managing Director, Mr Mike Ponnaz.

The FUSO eCanter truck, is the company’s first all-electric truck which is said to be an ‘attractive’ alternative to the current diesel ones. It features a modular battery platform which allows for the addition or removal of batteries depending on whether the priority is on distance or payload capacity.

“As a result of our robust business growth we need trucks which are dependable, and have plans to further increase our FUSO truck fleet over the next few years,” said Biforst Logistics Group Managing Director, Mr Hamie Appala.

Biforst Logisctics Sdn Bhd and Mercedes-Benz Malaysia may be able to break new ground with the new eCanter, but for now, diesel power is what will do the heavy-lifting.

Mercedes-Benz launch A-Class Urban Hunting Activity Edition

It’s an A-Class that looks and feels a little more special than its siblings

Not content with the diversity of the current A-Class line up, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has has introduced a variant that is aimed at those wanting an A-200 with added visual to complement their urban lifestyle.

Limited to just 30 units, the A-Class Urban Hunting Activity Edition is equipped with a number of extras which includes 18-inch 10-spoke lightweight alloy rims which are black in colour. Matt black decals adorn the vehicles sides and to ensure that you don’t mistake the car for its siblings, a wing badge with the words Activity Edition slapped on and another such badge on the centre console.

The Night Package offers a few more special bits such as selected black accents to the wheels, exterior mirrors and the belt line trim strip. On the inside, the dasboard, door centre panels and sports seats are covered with Artico man-made leather which add to the premium look and feel that’s synonymous with the brand.

Other features like the contrasting top stitching and chrome accents are a little more subtle than the others. The instrument cluster with its tubed-shaped round dials feature a checkered flag look contrasting with the red needles.

Available in five different colours which are Cirrus White, Jupiter Red, Polar Silver, Elbaite Green and Cavansite Blue, the A-200 Urban Hunting Activity Edition is priced at RM205,888 on the road without insurance.

Those who find the pricing a bit steep, can rest a little easy because Merc’s Financing plans help reduce the montly payments. Opting fot the 3-year Agility Financing agreement, buyers should only expect to pay RM3,441 per month. Not only that, with this agreement, owners have the option of either returing the car, paying off the residual value amount or refinacing the residual value amount.

If this intrigues you, head on over to your nearest Mercedes-Benz dealership to know more.