Mercedes-AMG telah memperkenalkan SL63 S E Performance, perwakilan daripada rangkaian SL yang memberikan prestasi yang luar biasa. Roadster ini menggabungkan enjin V8 twin-turbo 4.0 liter dengan Unit Elektrik AMG untuk menghasilkan kuasa sebanyak 816hp dan sejumlah 1,420Nm tork. Kenderaan elektrik plug-in ini boleh pecut dari 0 hingga 100km/j dalam masa 2.9 saat, dengan kelajuan tertinggi mencapai 317km/j.
Pek bateri 400-volt, 6.1-kilowatt-jam, yang dihasilkan dengan teliti oleh AMG, memberikan daya untuk SL63 S E Performance. Bateri ini tidak hanya menyumbang kepada prestasi yang mengagumkan, tetapi juga memberikan jangkaan 13km dalam mod pemanduan elektrik sepenuhnya. Enjin V8 berdiri sendiri dengan 612hp, sementara motor elektrik menambah 204hp tambahan.
Aerodinamik aktif, yang direka khas untuk kuasa eletrik, termasuk elemen yang boleh dikeluarkan di bahagian bawah badan dan spoiler belakang yang boleh dikeluarkan dengan lima kedudukan sudut baru. Peningkatan aerodinamik ini tidak hanya mengoptimumkan prestasi, tetapi juga meningkatkan kestabilan dan kecekapan.
Dilengkapi dengan sistem brek seramik komposit yang menampilkan caliper gangsa dan menggunakan rim aloi ringan AMG 20 inci bergaya multi-spoke, SL63 S E Performance mempunyai ciri-ciri istimewa seperti flap port cas di bumber belakang, badge fender E Performance, dan paip ekzos berganda unik.
Di dalamnya, roadster ini menawarkan tempat duduk sport AMG, dengan bucket prestasi yang optional dan kulit Nappa satu atau dua warna. Sistem hiburan MBUX disesuaikan dengan display dan fungsi AMG serta hibrid.
Ciri-ciri standard termasuk stereng rear-axle yang aktif, penggerak all-wheel-drive AMG Performance 4Matic+, dan suspensi AMG Active Ride Control dengan penstabilan separa aktif. Sistem pengereman regeneratif menawarkan empat tahap pengepungan semula, dengan pilihan pemanduan satu pedal.
Untuk penyesuaian, program Mercedes Manufaktur boleh didapati, menawarkan pelbagai pilihan gaya luaran dan dalaman, termasuk kulit Nappa yang unik dengan corak berlian.
Mercedes-AMG introduces the SL63 S E Performance, marking the pinnacle of the SL lineup with a powerhouse performance. With a potent combination of a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine and AMG’s Electric Drive Unit, the roadster boasts an impressive 816hp and a massive 1,420Nm of torque. This plug-in hybrid electric vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in a blistering 2.9 seconds, reaching a top speed of 317km/h.
The SL63 S E Performance features a 400-volt, 6.1-kilowatt-hour battery pack designed by AMG for optimal power delivery. The battery provides 13km of pure electric driving, contributing to both performance and efficiency. The V8 engine alone delivers 612hp, while the electric motor adds 204hp.
AMG incorporates active aerodynamics adapted for the electrified powertrain, including a deployable element in the underbody and an extendable rear spoiler with five new angular positions. The aerodynamic enhancements not only optimise performance but also enhance stability and efficiency.
The braking system is equipped with ceramic composite brakes featuring bronze callipers, and the model rides on 20-inch multi-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels. The charge port flap on the rear bumper, E Performance fender badges, and distinctive twin tailpipes distinguish the SL63 S E Performance.
Inside, the roadster offers AMG sports seats, with optional performance buckets and one- or two-tone Nappa leather. The MBUX infotainment system is tailored with AMG and hybrid-specific displays and functions.
The car comes standard with active rear-axle steering, AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system, and AMG Active Ride Control suspension with semi-active roll stabilisation. The regenerative braking system offers four levels of recoupment, with the option for one-pedal driving.
For customisation, the Mercedes Manufaktur program is available, offering a range of exterior and interior styling options, including unique Nappa leather treatments with diamond quilting.
Mercedes has taken the wraps off the second generation of the AMG GT, the rival to the Porsche 911 from Affalterbach, Germany.
The new GT incorporates the most recent advancements in performance and chassis technology from AMG, which encompasses a standard adaptable all-wheel-drive system.
There was a time when hot hatches were the ultimate in driving experience. They offered the purest driving experience despite being small in size and power.
Then came the mid-2000s and the power craze that ensued. That’s when all car makers seemed to hurry to lay down as much power as they could as quickly as possible.
This meant doing away with some of the basics that made a hot hatch such as light weight, only the barest of necessities, and as little in the form of driving aids as possible.
That was when the likes of the Ford Focus RS, the Megane RS and Clio RS as well as the Civic Type R reigned supreme. This was in Malaysia of course. Europeans had other contenders, but let’s keep it local. On that note – we also had the Satria GTI (not really mid-2000s) and the Satria R3.
Now though we have the Mercedes-Benz A45S AMG, a hot hatch that is powered by the most powerful four-cylinder ever made.
This AMG is so intelligent that it is able to send power to individual wheels when needed rather than between the front and back axle, like the cheaper but less intelligent A35 AMG. It’s also interesting to note that the engine of the A45S is still made by a single person who then signs off on the engine (shown below), but the A35 though is powered by an engine that was put together on a conventional assembly line.
The A45S AMG offers 421hp and 500Nm of torque.
It does the 0-100km/h in just 3.9 seconds.
These were numbers that Porsche, Ferrari and Lamborghini once offered. Today, these numbers are available in an A-Class.
Let that sink in.
But that aside, the A45S is such an animal to drive, that it almost make you doubt your driving skills.
It makes you think that you don’t have the skills to fully exploit its potential.
At one moment it is just chugging along, and with just a tap of the accelerator it threatens to tear your face off with unbelievable acceleration.
You truly have to feel it at least once in your life. Forget paying for a roller-coaster ride, pay an owner of an A45S AMG to let you feel its launch control.
Let’s start with the design
A standard A-Class on steroids is the easiest way to sum it up. You will probably see a lot of pretenders on the road, those that have spent their fair share of time in a local body shop in Sunway or someplace.
The front aero works are functional though and work to cool the brakes and channel air to the radiator mounted at the bottom of the front bumper.
The design is basically acceptable, except for those fake exhausts that are basically regular exhaust housings for a regular set of exhausts. The kind that you could find on a Proton Iswara.
What about the interior?
A fantastic place to be in and that is putting it lightly. Let’s start with the seats because that’s where you will be spending all your time on whenever you are driving this car.
Fantastic, adjustable and intelligent – that’s how I would describe it.
Not only are the seats in the A45S AMG full sports seats with adjustable side bolstering. But the seats also feature a technology called Mercedes-Benz Seat Kinetics.
This tech is aimed to improve comfort and to safeguard your back and discs. When selected, this mode constantly and minutely adjust the seat settings by a few degrees or millimetres, and it is all aimed at improving comfort over long hours.
Besides that, there is the massive twin-screen Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) display, with each monitor measuring in at 12.3-inches, which results in a massive 24.6-inch screen just ahead of you.
As you would expect, the MBUX is basically the avatar through which you access all the digital goodies the A45S has to offer. Digital goodies like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, all the settings of the car, and even the different driving modes.
I like the driving modes because it turns the beast into a little charmer when the going is steady. And you select the different driving modes via a switch at the centre console, or a dial located on the steering wheel. Which curiously looks like it was inspired by Porsche’s boost button that is similarly located at the same place as the Mercedes. Talking about drive modes, this takes me to my next point.
How does it drive?
As you would expect of an AMG – but more! Because of the aforementioned driving modes, the car really does have a near Jackyl & Hyde character at the touch of a button.
Select Race mode and it turns into a fire breathing dragon that will have your passengers unashamedly offering their recently consumed lunch to the floor mats.
This is of course the point at which the car is at its finest. The most AMG you can get in a hot hatch.
In this mode, the acceleration is so fierce that I sometimes forget to breathe. This mode is also way past my skill level so I only dabbled with it a couple of times, for giggles.
In Sport mode though, the car simply offered a glimpse of what it was capable of doing. I am not sure why anyone would select this mode when you can simply go full power in Race mode. Perhaps this is to scare passengers without scaring yourself.
Comfort is the mode I spent most of my time in because I reckon the people who buy this car will be spending a lot of their time commuting in this mode except for that occasional blast up to their favourite roads.
Unless you have a car for different purposes.
Simply put – the A45S AMG has a mode for every mood you are in. And if you don’t know what mood you are in, there is individual mode that lets you select how you want certain elements of the car to feel like. Such as the suspension, the accelerator and the heft of the steering wheel.
But it can also be very tiring to live with. Simply because you are always aware of what is under your right foot, you tend to take short cuts.
Such as when you are cruising along in traffic and see an opening that would get you to your destination quicker. Usually you would not think of such a manoeuvre because it wouldn’t be very nice to cut anyone off.
But with 421hp under your right foot in such a small car, it is as simple as nudging the throttle, and listening to the turbos spool in about a quarter of a second and before you know it you are already in that small opening in traffic. All this without disrupting the pace of traffic, save for that small annoyance to the driver you just cut off.
Should you buy it?
Of course you should! This car will go down in history books as a legend. It is up there with the hot hatch greats such as the Renault 5 Turbo. It is a car that history will remember and will forever speak about as that car that once had the most powerful four-cylinder engine in the world.
It doesn’t only have the most powerful engine, but it is also incredibly fun to drive.
As tiring as it can be, I looked forward to getting into the seat every chance I got.
The interior too can be a charming place to be in. With a Burmester sound system offering a orchestra-ish experience and enough USB plugs to light up an LED christmas tree, it has almost everything you could want.
Buy it if you can. Get someone else to buy it if you can’t afford it. Create opportunities to drive it every chance you get. Because cars like this don’t come often. We motor heads are lucky to be alive during the era of the A45S AMG. Enjoy it any chance you get.
As for the price, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia wants RM437,673.41 for the A45S AMG. Which is a lot of coin for an A-Class. But don’t think of it as an A-Class, because it will never make sense to fork out that much for such a small car. Instead, think of it as a fire-breathing baby-AMG – perhaps then it would make sense.
To this day, Mercedes-Benz is the only automotive brand that bears a female name. The female was Mercedes, an 11-year old girl who was the daughter of Emil Jellinek, an Austrian businessman who lived in Nice, France.
Besides selling cars, Jellinek also registered them for racing events. The first car with this melodious Spanish name – the Mercedes 35 PS – caused a sensation at the Nice race week. This was not only because of its highly advanced technology – allowing it to win several races there – but also because of its exceptionally elegant design.
The success of the Mercedes cars at the event inspired Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft to call its automobiles ‘Mercedes’. From then on, the curved ‘Mercedes’ lettering adorned the radiators of Daimler passenger cars. The name was registered as a trademark on June 23, 1902 and legally protected on September 26, 1902.
Emil Jellinek and his daughter, Mercedes.
Since then, the brand name – which was changed to Mercedes-Benz after the merger of the Daimler and Benz companies in June 1926 – has been both an expression of and a commitment to luxury and innovation.
Birth of the Mercedes 35 PS
Emil Jellinek was well aware of the importance of a brand name that was easy to remember. From 1899 onwards, he had competed in car races in high-performance Daimler cars under the pseudonym ‘Monsieur Mercedes’, already using the name of his daughter.
At the beginning of April 1900, he concluded an agreement with Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) for the distribution of Daimler cars and engines. Jellinek insisted on greater performance and more innovative technology from DMG in the closing years of the 19th century, which resulted in the development of the modern motorcar and a new engine.
The new engine from DMG
The new 4-cylinder in-line engine had a displacement of 5913 cc and an output of 35 hp at 1,000 rpm. It was lighter than an earlier engine DMG produced and had a short stroke to achieve higher engine speeds. The intake valves were actuated by their own camshafts for the first time, meaning that the engine had two camshafts. This marked a substantial advance over the previously employed ‘sniffing valves’, which were actuated by the vacuum created by the downward-moving piston.
On December 22 1900, DMG delivered the first car equipped with a new engine, a 35 PS racing car. The car was not only the newest and most powerful model produced by DMG but has since come to be recognised as the very first modern motorcar.
The Mercedes 35 PS was systematically designed for performance, weight savings and safety, its key features including a lightweight high-performance engine, a long wheelbase and a low centre of gravity.
With these attributes and the honeycomb radiator organically integrated into the front, it gave the motorcar its own distinct form. The first Mercedes was no longer reminiscent of a carriage pulled along by a combustion engine instead of horses. Rather, it was a new construction which had been systematically designed from scratch for the innovative new type of drive.
Unbeatable Mercedes
During Nice Week in March 1901, at that time perhaps the most important international motorsport event, the Mercedes cars entered were unbeatable in practically every class. This helped Jellinek and Mercedes to achieve exceptional publicity. In March and August 1901, the sister models, the 12/16 PS and 8/11 PS, were launched and Jellinek’s business was booming. In society’s most exclusive circles, it became the trend to drive a Mercedes or, even better, to be driven in one.
One of the Mercedes 35 racing cars in the Nice Week in 1901.
From the Mercedes 35 HP came the Mercedes-Simplex 40 PS which was a luxury motorcar in the early 1900s.
Interestingly, Jellinek went a step further in June 1903: he received permission to change his name to Jellinek-Mercedes. He explained the decision thus: “This must in all probability be the first time that a father has borne the name of his daughter.”
And what about The Star?
The Mercedes Star today immediately identifies the brand and its history goes back to 1909 when DMG registered it as a trademark by DMG in June 1909 (there was also a 4-pointed star). From 1910, it would be a common sight on the radiators of Mercedes vehicles.
While the 3-pointed star is well known as the symbol of Mercedes-Benz, the company also registered a 4-pointed star in 1909. It was not used for the passenger vehicles but was adopted by a Daimler-Benz affiliate, DASA. The 4-pointed star today features in the logo of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS).
The three tips of the star were also regarded as a symbol of Gottlieb Daimler’s efforts to achieve universal motorisation ‘on land, at sea and in the air’ – a vision he consistently pursued from the very beginning.
Looking for a smaller and more refined G-Wagen of sorts? Well, say hello to the upcoming all-new Mercedes-Benz GLB, which was spied testing by AutoExpress recently. It’s part of a massive new-model offensive by Mercedes-Benz, which will see no less than fifteen new models emerge before the end of 2021.
“Mercedes is in line for a bumper 2019 and will reveal a host of new models this year, plus its first all-electric cars under the new EQ nameplate. Continuing the most rapid product offensive in the company’s history, a total of 15 all-new, new-generation or facelifted Mercedes products will emerge before the end of 2021. They will range from commercial vehicles and new SUVs to electric models and a flagship hybrid-powered hypercar.” – Auto Express.
Slated to fit somewhere in the grand scheme of Mercedes-Benz’s expanding range of SUVs and Crossovers, the GLB will complement the upcoming GLS (below), which is expected to debut at this year’s New York Autoshow. For the FULL article from Auto Express, click this link.
From AutoExpress, Mercedes-Benz has indeed finally revealed the A-Class Saloon, which is basically a booted version of the 4th generation of the brand’s compact car. “We’ve already seen a four-door variant of the latest model – the Chinese market A-Class L Sedan – but this one will be coming to the UK.” – AutoExpress. Does this mean it’s destined for our shores too? Check out the video!
Here’s more about the new A-Class Sedan courtesy of AutoExpress:
From the outside, the saloon looks near identical to the A-class hatchback right up until the C-Pillar. From there, the roof drops away slightly more sharply to accommodate the new boot section. The rear end treatment is the same as the Chinese L Sedan, featuring bold light clusters with a Y-shaped LED signature above a bumper flanked by a pair of vertical air vents.
The saloon shares its 2,729mm wheelbase with the hatchback, while the overall length has stretched 130mm beyond the standard five-door variant. At 420 litres, the boot is 50 litres larger than in the hatch, though its opening is inevitably smaller.
The new shape makes the saloon even more aerodynamic than the already slippery A-Class hatch. At 0.22 cd, Mercedes claims that it boasts the greatest aero efficiency of any current production car, which should bring with it both low levels of wind noise and strong fuel efficiency.
There’s two engines to choose from at launch; the petrol A200 and diesel A180d. The A 200 is powered by a 1.3-litre turbo that makes 161bhp, 250Nm of torque, and is claimed to manage 54.3mpg. The diesel unit is co-developed with Renault, and achieves 71mpg while producing 114bhp and 260Nm.
It’s a fairly small segment the A-Class Saloon will compete in when it makes its Spring 2019 debut – the Audi A3 Saloon will be its closest competitor – but Mercedes says that it’ll boast class-leading rear headroom. The rest of the A-Class cabin is the same as the regular hatchback; in other words it’s furnished with a well-built, contemporary dash which, with a few select options ticked, gets one of the very best infotainment systems available at any price.
The A-Class Saloon will make its first public appearance at the Paris Motor Show on 4 October. Prices are yet to be confirmed, but expect a slightly premium over the hatch’s £25,800 start point (circa RM137,326 nett before taxes and import duties). Here’s one last video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VqML6ERrGQ
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan Photo Gallery (all photos from AutoExpress UK)
Wagons. Estates. Stationwagons. Touringwagen. Sportwagen. Shooting Brake.Sports Wagons. Call them what you will, but they have never been popular here in Malaysia, and that folks is a crying shame, because wagons are uber cool.
To make matters worse for the dwindling wagon market, Volvo Car Malaysia recently announced that they will cease offering the incredible V90 T5 & T6 R-Design wagons locally solely due to poor demand. As can be seen from this recent 0% GST news releasefrom VCM, all iterations of the V90 wagon are indeed already missing from their line-up…
This of course didn’t sit too well with many of us, seeing as how we (i.e. the Malaysian motoring media) absolutely adored the V90, to the point where when its wheels got stolen right-off the car at VCM’s own parking lot, many of us took it personally and proceeded to post notifications of the theft on our own personal social media pages (we were pissed!). For the record the wheels were never recovered and it cost VCM RM17k to replace them and subsequently de-fleet the said unit, so whoever you are (wheel thief and also buyer) I personally hope you rot in hell…
It’s the weirdest thing really; Malaysians won’t buy wagons new, but actively seek-out used ones voraciously. As such, a used Mercedes-Benz W124 wagon will typically cost at least three to four times more than its sedan counterpart in the second-hand car market, as would a Volvo 245, 850 T5 & 945 wagon, BMW E30, E34 & E39 wagon, etc. Even a Toyota KE70 wagon will cost at least three times more than a KE70 sedan. In fact any wagon from the same lineage will always cost more than its sedan counterpart, even a freaking Nissan Sunny. The Mercedes-Benz W123 wagon (below) now costs about seven times more than its sedan variant locally. No, really.
And that’s the greatest irony; if no one wants them in the first place when they’re new, how is it that they are able to command a much, much higher price in the used car market? They should be borderline un-sellable in the second-hand car market, since no one wants them even when they’re brand-spanking-new right? Speaking of brand new, here’s one that’s still available locally, the Mazda6 wagon…
Now tell me honestly that isn’t simply amazing looking. Look at the lines, simply gorgeous. Defy convention folks, thumb your nose at the norm, and buy a wagon, you won’t regret it. At the very least, you’ll know it’s going to be worth more in the second-hand market than its sedan sibling.
Now have a look at this video from Volvo and judge for yourself why wagons are so cool.
In addition to the Volvo V90 above, thanks to AutoExpressUK, here’s a look at some of the nicest, sportiest and most desirable wagons out there… but first, a bit more eye-candy on the Volvo V90, this time in the latest Cross-Country guise. And no, we won’t be getting it here… no demand, remember? – Chris Wee.
And now, the coolest wagons according to AutoExpressUK, starting with the…
Audi RS 4
Fans will moan about Audi replacing the 4.2-litre V8 engine used in the previous RS 4, with a less enjoyable 2.9-litre unit, but with 444bhp, 600Nm of torque and a top speed of 174mph (280kmh) in the new car, there are worse problems to have. The interior compliments a car that has a split personality between sensible and ludicrous, but lacks the sense of theatre that some of its rivals bring. At over £60,000 it is by no means cheap – not that that is untoward in present company.
Audi RS 6
The Audi RS 6 is one of the leading lights in the fast estate world. Partly thanks to its looks, but also helped a its 552bhp twin-turbocharged V8 which will rocket you and four other passengers from 0-100kmh in just 3.9 seconds, and on to a limited top speed of 155mph (250kmh). Prices start from just over £81,000, but for that you do get a comfortable, quiet cabin (most of the time) and 565-litres of boot capacity.
Ferrari GTC4Lusso
Some will argue the Ferrari GTC4 Lusso isn’t a ‘proper’ estate, but if you consider that it is just leaning a little harder on the left of the performance-practicality balance, it becomes easy to see why it made this list. The Ferrari has a 6.3-litre V12 under the bonnet which pumps out 681bhp and 697Nm of torque, which allows it to obliterate most of this list with a 0-100kmh time of 3.4 seconds and a claimed top speed of 208mph (335kmh).
Ford Focus ST
While the petrol version of the Focus ST wagon is a great fast estate, the 2.0 TDCi is our pick of the bunch. This is largely down to the delivery of the power, with the diesel’s get up and go being less unruly and easier to put down on UK roads, but that does not mean the diesel is a slouch – the performance stats of 182bhp, 400Nm of torque and a 0-100kmh time of 8.3secs proves as much. Add to this a claimed economy of 67.3mpg – high 40s low 50s are more realistic – and the diesel Focus ST estate becomes incredible alluring.
Mercedes-AMG C63
The Mercedes-AMG C63 is a full-blown muscle car. Under the bonnet is a 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 which produces a thunderous 469bhp and 650Nm of torque (increasing to 503bhp and 700Nm if you opt for the S model). S or not, both models feel astonishingly quick and of course offer impressive levels of practicality, with the only real issue for everyday use being the firm ride. The interior is a comfortable place to be, even if it is not quite on the same level as the E-Class.
Mercedes-AMG E63
You are going to need deep pockets to drive away in an E63 estate as they start north of £84,000 – which is slightly more expensive than the starting price of the Audi RS 6. That said, the E63 is one of the fastest cars on the road, never mind estates. The latest generation is all-wheel drive and in S guise packs 604bhp and 850Nm of torque. Plus, owners get a drift mode. From a standing start it will hit 100kmh in just 3.6 seconds and go on to a limited top speed of 155mph (250kmh) – these figures change to 3.5 seconds and 186mph (300kmh) in the S version.
Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo
The Porsche Panamera is no longer the ugly duckling it once was, and the Sport Turismo is no exception. If you go for the range-topping Turbo S E-Hybrid, flat out you will be doing 193mph (310kmh)and 0-100kmh is over in a meger 3.4 seconds – wiping the floor with all but the Ferrari on this list. Even if you drop down to the Panamera 4 Sport Turismo, the 6-cylinder turbocharged engine allows the big German to reach 160mph (257kmh)flat-out and sprint from rest to 100kmh in 5.5 seconds. While the performance is strong here, practicality is not. The rear is just about big enough to get two adults and a smaller human buckled in, and 520-litres of boot space is a tad underwhelming.
Volkswagen Golf R
The Golf R estate is related to both the Skoda and SEAT mentioned in the link below (but comes with four-wheel drive), and offers one of the finest all-round driving packages you can get for the money – the R starts at around £36k. Under the hood there is the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder producing 296bhp as found in the Leon, but here it is only available with VW’s seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox. The exhaust note sounds good with a nice deep burble, which helps keep up the fun even when you aren’t exploiting the strong chassis.
For the FULL article from AutoExpress, which features a few more estates from brands unavailable here, click this link.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, together with its newest dealer partner, Auto Commerz Sdn Bhd, are further enhancing customer services with the unveiling of the interim Mercedes-Benz Auto Commerz 2S Service Centre located in Setapak. Complementing the interim Mercedes-Benz Auto Commerz Autohaus launched in September 2017, the new service centre kicks Auto Commerz’s strategy into high gear, to deliver a unique and individualised customer experience for Mercedes-Benz customers.
“On behalf of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, I congratulate our ninth dealer group, Auto Commerz, on the launch of their new service centre. We believe the partnership we share with Auto Commerz reflects our common passion and care for our customers and their needs. With the widest premium automotive dealer coverage in Malaysia, we are focused on ensuring that the quality of service offered throughout the customer journey embodies the Best Customer Experience,” said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner (below, left).
The Mercedes-Benz Auto Commerz 2S Service Centre, located just 950m away from the Mercedes-Benz Auto Commerz Autohaus in Setapak, has a land area of 13,866 sq ft and built-up area of 9,200 sq ft. Built to serve the expanding Mercedes-Benz customer base, the service centre is equipped with state-of-the art Mercedes Benz approved diagnostic tools and equipment, and operated by professionally trained Mercedes Benz Certified Service Specialists.
“As the latest dealer group to join the Mercedes-Benz network in Malaysia, we are proud to add customer services to our repertoire. With this update, we now deliver a complete end-to-end customer experience and we welcome all Mercedes-Benz owners to our new service centre for the best aftersales care that the Auto Commerz team can offer,” said Auto Commerz Dealer Principal, Eric Khoo.
The interim Mercedes-Benz Auto Commerz 2S Service Centre sports the sleek Mercedes-Benz Presentation System II (MPS II), in line with the Three-Pointed Star’s brand identity customers have come to recognise. Its optimally functioning work bays have the capacity to service up to 200 vehicles per month.
The interim Mercedes-Benz Auto Commerz 2S Service Centre is located at No. 14, Jalan Usahawan 5, Kawasan Perusahaan PKNS, Setapak 53300 Kuala Lumpur. For more information please contact tel: 03- 4144 5500.
Mercedes-Benz Service Clinics – My Specialist. My Service.
In line with its commitment to provide superior customer services and to elevate the customer experience to greater heights, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and select partner dealerships will be hosting exclusive Mercedes-Benz Service Clinics between May and September 2018. Dates and locations are as follows:
Date
Venue
Contact number
14th – 18th May
NZ Wheels Klang
Lot 1385, Jalan Kapar, Wisma Naza, Batu 2, Kawasan 19, 41400 Klang, Selangor
03-3342 3333
25th – 29th June
Hap Seng Star Iskandar
No. 7, Jalan SILC ¼, Taman Perindustrian SILC, 79200 Iskandar Puteri, Johor
07-509 9019
3rd – 7th September
Auto Commerz
No. 14, Jalan Usahawan 5, Kawasan Perusahaan PKNS, Setapak 53300 Kuala Lumpur
03-4144 5500
The service clinics cater to Mercedes-Benz cars, aged 48 months old and over. Customers who wish to have their vehicles undergo a full safety check conducted by a Mercedes-Benz Service Expert from Daimler, popularly known as a ‘Flying Doctor’, are urged to book their appointments in advance to secure their slot. The initiative allows customers a first-hand look at the comprehensive expertise and service that go into maintaining masterpieces bearing the Three-Pointed Star.
“Our customers are always at the centre of our activities. This is why we go to great lengths to ensure our customers enjoy the Best Customer Experience in every encounter with the Mercedes-Benz brand along the customer journey,”Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner.
During the Mercedes-Benz Service Clinics, Mercedes-Benz cars are given a full safety check conducted by the ‘Flying Doctor’. Each car is then followed up by assigned teams for the relevant service or repairs recommended.
“A Mercedes-Benz car is a masterpiece that is maintained by craftsmen with an intricate understanding of vehicles bearing the Three-pointed Star. Being passioante fans of the brand, we understand our customers carry much sentimental value with their Mercedes-Benz cars. The Mercedes-Benz Service Clinics demonstrate the strong support our dealer network receives from Mercedes-Benz Service Experts from Daimler in order to care for our customers’ prized Mercerdes-Benz cars,” added Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, Vice President, Customer Services MBC, Passenger Cars, Heinrich Schromm.
In addition to providing valuable peace of mind to customers, the service clinics also present opportunities for talent development. As a result of assisting the ‘Flying Doctor’ during the service clinics, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s local customer services teams gain valuable experience and knowledge which exemplifies the Mercedes-Benz philosophy of ‘lifelong learning’.
To-date, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has 33 dedicated dealerships nationwide delivering the Best Products and the Best Customer Experience throughout customers’ entire journey, maintaining Mercedes-Benz Malaysia as the largest premium automotive dealer network in the country.
In brief…
Newest Mercedes-Benz authorised dealer partner, Auto Commerz, unveils 9,200 sq ft 2S service centre in Setapak, demonstrating its commitment to bring the customer experience to greater heights, further strengthening Mercedes-Benz’ retail brand presence in Malaysia.
Auto Commerz realises its expansion plan as a Mercedes-Benz dealer while Mercedes-Benz Malaysia increases its overall presence for superior customer service.
With an investment of RM2 million, the service centre comes fully equipped with state-of-the art Mercedes Benz approved diagnostic tools and equipment, and staffed by professionally trained Mercedes Benz Certified Service Specialists.
Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd (MBSM) recently celebrated its 5th anniversary. Starting from ground-up to a portfolio of RM2.2 billion in just five years and financing and insuring four out of every ten Mercedes-Benz cars sold; MBSM is raring to go in 2018.
Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia celebrates five years of providing innovative financial solutions (from left) Daimler Financial Services AAP Regional Head SEA, Hong Kong and Taiwan, Mr Thomas Hungerland; Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia Managing Director, Mr Mike Ponnaz; and Mercedes-Benz Malaysia President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner, kicking off the celebration with a cake cutting ceremony.
“It’s been five fantastic years! We have so much to celebrate, and one of the reasons for our celebration is the long-term support of our esteemed media friends, who have, and continue, to play an essential role in our success,” said Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia, Managing Director, Mike Ponnaz (above, middle).
MBSM was first established in 2012, entering the Malaysian market at an opportune time to support its sister company, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM), with innovative automotive financing packages. At that time, MBM had registered a strong sales record of over 6,000 vehicles sold. In 2012 and 2013 MBSM focused on setting up the business, studying the needs of the market in order to begin catering to the aspirations of Mercedes-Benz customers.
After establishing its operations, MBSM progressed into building greater awareness of its role in the Mercedes-Benz customer journey throughout 2014 and 2015. This included retail and corporate customers in the passenger car category as well as customers from the Commercial Vehicles division. MBSM focused on empowering its customers by matching financing options with different financial flexibility needs.
Along the way, MBSM marked other accomplishments namely, its parent company, Daimler Financial Services AG (Daimler Financial Services) was ranked the top five World’s Best Multinational Workplaces in 2016. “Our employees are the foundation of our success and we are committed to cultivating a workplace environment that supports their growth and development and enables them to provide the very best service to our customers,” explained Ponnaz.
MBSM’s keen focus on supporting Mercedes-Benz customers led to its ability to identify the evolving needs and aspirations of customers. Over the last two years, MBSM launched cutting-edge solutions like Agility Financing and Lease2Go that have redefined the process of owning and financing a Mercedes-Benz vehicle.
“We have 16,000 active customers, and we recorded contracts worth over RM1billion in 2017 alone. We are very proud of the collective achievement of the team and look forward to growing in line with the remarkable sales achievements of over 12,000 Mercedes-Benz cars sold by MBM, and 2,469 Commercial Vehicles sold last year. Moving forward, 2018 will be a year of strengthening our portfolio and serving our customers better,” said Ponnaz.
Following five years of steady growth, MBSM took the time to personally thank us recently at a special celebration with the members of the Malaysian Automotive Media. Also present at the milestone celebration was Mr Thomas Hungerland, Daimler Financial Services AAP, Regional Head SEA, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Dr Claus Weidner, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, President & CEO.
