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Car showrooms in shopping centres are not something new in Malaysia, with the first one having been set up as far back as the 1970s by Asia Motors, then the Mazda and Peugeot distributor, at Asiajaya in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. However, back then, companies displayed and sold just cars and little else but in the 21st century, car ownership is more of a ‘lifestyle’ thing, especially in the premium segment. So car companies have more diverse offerings at their retail outlets to cover different aspects of their customers’ lifestyles as well.

Cycle & Carriage Mercedes-Benz neu concept store 2022

Cycle & Carriage Mercedes-Benz neu concept store 2022

More than just new car displays
This is reflected in the neu lifestyle concept store at 1 Utama Shopping Centre in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, which has been set up by Cycle & Carriage, the well known Mercedes-Benz dealership. The German word ‘neu’ (pronounced noy) means ‘new’, and is an appropriate name for the store which offers new experiences for those seeking the finer things in life, besides cars.

Until October 31, 2022, the 3,300 sq. foot concept store will feature a different thematic experience every month, such as sustainability, electrification, high-street fashion and outdoor adventure. These will include events organised in collaboration with strategic brand partners.

Cycle & Carriage Mercedes-Benz neu concept store 2022

Different lifestyle touchpoints
Presenting different lifestyle touchpoints, both physical and digital, there will be curated exhibitions in collaboration with local and international brands, workshops and seminars. And of course, visitors will get to know more about experience the German brands as well as its latest vehicles, including the latest EQA 250 battery-electric car. The exclusive Mercedes-Benz collection and accessories will also be available for purchase at the store.

This month, sustainability is the theme, spotlighting Cycle & Carriage’s commitment in reducing waste, water, energy and carbon emission as part of their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals. In an effort to raise awareness on the importance of taking care of the environment, Cycle & Carriage will collaborate with local brands that share the same commitment to sustainability.

Cycle & Carriage Mercedes-Benz neu concept store 2022

Beyond products and services
“Since the introduction of the company in 1899, Cycle & Carriage has always been resilient to adapting and growing while remaining committed to achieve product and service excellence in the automotive sector, the hallmarks of which Cycle & Carriage still stands for. With neu by Cycle & Carriage, we hope to translate this commitment into experiences and inspirations that Malaysians can see, touch, feel, and even connect digitally,” said Thomas Tok, CEO of Cycle & Carriage.

“This store serves as a space for friends and fans of Mercedes-Benz to experience the brand’s lifestyle that goes beyond our cars, to our vision for a sustainable future and living,” added Sagree Sardien, President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.

Cycle & Carriage Bintang sends the service centre to your home

Global organisations, especially those in the premium and luxury segments, place great emphasis on brand image and corporate identity. Every aspect of their business must meet high standards and with companies like Mercedes-Benz, it includes the retail experience for customers.

This, of course, requires huge investments and the Hap Seng Group, one of the authorised dealers of the German brand in Malaysia, has spent of a total of RM673 million to date. It has established 10 Autohaus outlets in Peninsular and East Malaysia, as well as a standalone Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-owned Centre and a standalone Body & Paint centre, both in Selangor.

Hap Seng Star Setia Alam Mercedes-Benz Autohaus

The most recent investment is RM99 million for the new Autohaus in Setia Alam, Selangor, which was officially opened today. The relocated facility has a new luxury brand presence and exclusive luxury lifestyle boutique with enhancements and upgrades that support the brand’s customer-centric efforts.

The Hap Seng Star Setia Alam Autohaus sits on almost 79,000 sq ft of land area and has 7 floors. The spacious showroom floor can display up to 16 cars and the building has amenities such a self-service café, kid’s playroom and even a luxurious ladies powder room.

Hap Seng Star Setia Alam Mercedes-Benz Autohaus

Hap Seng Star Setia Alam Mercedes-Benz Autohaus

Hap Seng Star Setia Alam Mercedes-Benz Autohaus

The lifestyle retail experience includes Mercedes-Benz luxury accessories and collection boutique, catering to a wide range of customers with a variety of collectables and products.

“With this new Setia Alam outlet, we want our customers to experience luxury like no other through our new luxury retail presence, equipped with lavish features and special amenities. Hap Seng Star is continuously looking for ways to innovate our services and offerings while embracing the Mercedes-Benz spirit of luxury, and with our passion for excellence, we will continue to set the benchmark in delivering the best customer services and experience,” said Harald Behrend, Group Chief Operating Officer of Hap Seng Consolidated Berhad and Chief Executive of Hap Seng Group Automotive Division.

Hap Seng Star Setia Alam Mercedes-Benz Autohaus

The Hap Seng Star Autohaus is a one-stop centre for the needs of new as well as existing customers. For the latter, there is a service area with expandable work bays and maximised service capacity of up to 1,500 vehicles a month. Scheduled service maintenance and major repairs are carried out by trained technicians equipped with complete and approved special tools from Mercedes-Benz.

Other service differentiation offerings range from Express Service 2.0, pick-up and delivery, drop-and-go service booking, wheel alignment and balancing, electrical diagnosis and repairs, paint coating, glass tinting and also assistance with insurance and warranty claims.

Hap Seng Star Setia Alam Mercedes-Benz Autohaus

“The launch of Hap Seng Star Setia Alam Autohaus is a testament of our joint commitment to redefine a luxurious brand experience for our Malaysian customers, at every point of their journey. It is our goal to work with our dealer partners to continue to grow the brand’s luxury retail concept presence which aims to further enhance our offerings & customer experience in areas of sales and service to cater to the ever evolving needs and desires of our valued customers,” said Sagree Sardien, President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia & Head of Region, South East Asia II.

Advanced Modern Apprenticeship at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Training Academy now open for applications

Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM), a 2-time winner of the Jaguar Land Rover Retailer of the Year (Asia Pacific) Award, recently upgraded its showroom at Sime Darby Motors City in Ara Damansara, Selangor. And the flagship showroom now has two extra ‘staff’ too – Robot Assistants!

Personalisation studio
The upgrading reflects JLRM’s ongoing strategy to reimagine the future by providing modern luxury to customers. As part of this journey forward, the Ara Damansara showroom offers bespoke capabilities with its personalisation studio. This includes a full-colour palette along with trim and upholstery materials for customers to touch and feel, as well as a detailed configurator which allows for customised specification of special-order vehicles.

Customers will be able to configure their vehicles in line with their preferred specifications, and have it visually simulated on a 75-inch screen based on the colour and specifications selected.

The introduction of the two Robot Assistants demonstrates JLRM’s efforts to embrace customer-facing autonomous service. The robots are part of a collaboration between JLRM and Secure Robotics, a leading provider of modern technologies in Malaysia.

Equipped with wireless internet connectivity, laser radar sensors, GPS and voice, facial and image recognition, the robots provide a novel experience for customers as well as allowing for better human resource management for the company.

The showroom has two Robot Assistants to welcome and help visitors. They are pictured with [from left] Kelvin Chuah, Head of Sales, Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia; Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia; Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director, Retail & Distribution, Sime Darby Motors Malaysia; and Dato’ Alby Chong, Group Chairman, Secure Group.
“As part of Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia’s digital transformation, the introduction of the robot marks the next step in raising the bar for customer experiences. Furthermore, as Malaysia transitions into the endemic stage, the robot also allows for customer interaction with a reduced risk of transmission. There are wide applications for technologically-driven autonomous services such as this and we look forward to exploring this further,” said Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director, Retail & Distribution, Sime Darby Motors Malaysia.

“In line with our strategy to reimagine the future, we strive to offer modern luxury through unique customer experiences. The partnership with Secure Robotics provides the opportunity to leverage on advanced technology. We are piloting the robots at our Ara Damansara showroom and aim to continue this collaborative journey to expand our capabilities and further elevate the automotive experience for our customers,” added Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia.

Customers can personalise their vehicle with the bespoke services available at the showroom.

Enhancing the experience for visitors
Alongside the enhancement of services and elevated personalisation infrastructure for vehicles, JLRM is also currently developing a digital refreshment order management programme. Customers will be able to review menus and place orders through a digital platform at a designated dining area.

With these technologies in place, JLRM expects to further improve the customer experience for both purchasing and ownership at the showroom which is presently the largest Jaguar Land Rover facility in Southeast Asia.

For more information or directions to the showroom at Sime Darby Motors City (or other showrooms in Malaysia, visit www.jaguar.com.my or www.landrover.com.my.

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