Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd now has a medium and heavy-duty (MHD) truck dealership in Sabah to provide a complete range of sales and aftersales services to customers. The first MHD truck dealer is Universal Motor Sdn Bhd which is located in the state’s capital city of Kota Kinabalu. With this new MHD dealership, Isuzu Malaysia now has 12 MHD dealerships nationwide.
The dealership, which occupies a land area of 3.5 acres, has a total of 20 service bays, 13 of which are for light-duty trucks, medium, heavy-duty trucks and prime movers. The remaining 7 bays are for the D-MAX pick-up truck, a popular Isuzu model with multi-role capabilities for business and personal use.
With the constant pressure to increase sales volumes, car companies often focus more on getting new customers to buy their products, offering special deals at various times of the year as incentives. However, there are also those that do not forget their loyal customers too, especially those who have stayed with the brand over the years.
As a show of appreciation for such customers, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is offering an additional savings for maintenance service to Volkswagen Care Plus (VCP) members. Under the VCP programme, members are entitled to three 20% service discount vouchers and from now until December 31, 2021, a further 10% discount will be given to make it a total of 30%.
Volkswagen Genuine Parts include batteries, which come with a 24-month warranty.
100% genuine parts assured
The service discount vouchers can be used at all authorised Volkswagen dealerships nationwide. Apart from services and repairs that are carried out by qualified and experienced technicians in accordance with Volkswagen’s global standards, owners are also assured that all parts used are 100% genuine parts. The importance of using genuine parts cannot be understated. Just like Volkswagen vehicles, the genuine parts are manufactured to the same high standards with strict quality control. They have quality, safety and reliability and will last for a long period of usage.
Only available with app
This promotion is only available by using the new Volkswagen Cares app. The app makes it easy to manage service bookings online, obtain roadside assistance and access the Volkswagen dealer network (with a dealer locator feature). It can be downloaded on the Apple App Store for iOS users, and the Google Play store for Android users.
VCP is an exclusive programme for Volkswagen owners with a vehicle that is 5 years and older. It also comes with benefits such as 2 years of complimentary roadside assistance, including battery support 24 hours a day.
To know more about Volkswagen Care Plus and other benefits for Volkswagen owners in Malaysia, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.
To know more about promotions at BHPetrol stations, visit www.bhpetrol.com.my.
Once again, the Movement Control Order (MCO) is in force, and businesses have to adjust to stricter conditions. However, this time round, there isn’t a total shutdown in the economic sector and where the auto industry is concerned, outlets and service centres can remain open. However, owners are limited by a 10-km range from their house during the MCO period.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) confirms that all its authorized dealerships and service centres remain operational nationwide. Owners are advised to book their service appointments online here.
Safe Hands initiative
The Volkswagen service centres follow strict guidelines under the ‘Safe Hands’ initiative, which includes contactless vehicle acceptance, video walkthroughs, sanitisation before and after service, cashless payments with e-invoicing and contactless car collection/return.
Additionally, in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures, stringent hygiene processes are followed, including regular sanitising of premises and vehicles, proper safety screenings, MySejahtera app check-ins and temperature checks.
Complimentary home delivery
Those who are shopping for a new Volkswagen can do so from home. They can obtain information at the Volkswagen eShowroom which is open 24 hours. Special deals are offered when booking online and home delivery serviceof the new vehicle is complimentary (within a 20-km radius from the preferred dealership).
The Roadside Assistance service that is enjoyed by owners also remains operational, although owners should not be travelling much at this time. Nevertheless, it would be a welcome service if the vehicle battery dies while it is parked at home.
For more information, visit www.volkswagen.com.my or contact any authorised Volkswagen dealership.
Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd recently had an official opening of its very first medium and heavy-duty (MHD) truck dealership in East Malaysia. Located in Kuching, Sarawak, this new MHD truck dealership is operated by Dai Max Automobile Sdn Bhd.
The dealership has 3S status, meaning it offers customers sales, service and spare parts. As its location is near industrial areas, it is readily accessible to many truck drivers whenever they require attention for their vehicles.
“We are very excited with the opening of Isuzu Malaysia’s first MHD truck dealership in Kuching which underscores our commitment to expanding our customer reach in this part of Malaysia, as well as strengthening our aftermarket services and maximising our customers’ satisfaction and trust in us,” said Koji Nakamura, CEO of Isuzu Malaysia, during the official opening ceremony.
“This dealership is designed to deliver exceptional sales and service experience to meet the needs of our customers throughout the region. With a large facility combined with a convenient location, it will definitely enable us to serve our East Malaysian customers better, thus contributing to their business productivity,” added Mr. Nakamura.
The premises of the new dealership cover roughly 3,000 square metres, with the service centre area taking up about 650 square metres. Dai Max Automobile took about 5 years to complete the new dealership which is built according to the latest service centre design. Its facilities allow easy manoeuvring of trucks for service or repair.
In addition, there are three extra bays for light commercial vehicles and light-duty vehicles, plus two extra bays for MHD trucks. The dealership also has ample parking spaces and efficient workshop layout for trucks that are waiting to be inspected.
The team of well-trained and skilled technicians use Isuzu’s latest diagnostic tools for all maintenance work. They always aim to minimise truck downtime so as to increase business efficiency for vehicle owners.
Amenities such as family-friendly customer lounge, prayer room and complimentary snacks and beverages are available for truck drivers to enjoy before they hit the road again once the truck is ready.
One of the latest Isuzu trucks available in Malaysia.
“With this new MHD truck dealership, our aim is to focus on potential customers, strengthening our team’s product knowledge and technical skills to support Isuzu Malaysia in achieving growth in this region. Through product innovation, quality service and people, we will be able to create new capabilities to provide the best support for our customers,” Mr. Nakamura promised.
“We will do this by providing competitive pricing for parts and technical services to exceed our customers’ expectations. This will eventually connect to fleet and parts sales, attract new fleet customers and create strong product and brand awareness,” he said.
The new dealership brings the total number of Isuzu MHD dealerships to 11, with 10 strategically located around Peninsular Malaysia.
Like other companies nationwide, Proton will respect the rules of the Movement Control Order (MCO) that restricts operations of non-essential businesses. As such, its authorised service outlets remain closed until the end of the MCO period which is presently set at April 14, 2020.
Assistance for emergencies, eg breakdowns, is still available but normal servicing activities are suspended at this time. This may cause concern with some customers who are unable to visit a service centre to get vehicle maintenance at the scheduled interval to ensure the warranty is not invalidated. Apart from the service centre being closed, they are also required by the MCO to stay at home.
Proton gives assurance that new vehicle warranties expiring during the MCO period will be extended by 1,000 kms or 30 days following the final day of the MCO, whichever comes first. The warranties will remain valid even if the vehicle misses its recommended service period.
However, customers are advised to service their vehicle within 30 days of the end of the MCO period to keep their warranties active. Owners should contact a service outlet to book a service appointment within 15 days of the end of the MCO period.
Meanwhile, the carmaker offers the following tips for maintaining the cleanliness of your vehicle. Under normal circumstances (when there was no pandemic), it has always been a good idea to maintain the cabin as a clean and healthy space. Now with the threat of COVID-19 coronavirus transmission, it is even more crucial for the sake of yourself and your passengers.
Modern engines with more advanced engineering and technology run more efficiently, developing higher power outputs while more advanced manufacturing processes have reduced tolerances, improving efficiency and durability.
However, regardless of all the advancements in technology, the internal combustion process that has been used since the motorcar was invented still creates a by-product that affects operating efficiency. This is the formation of carbon deposits that build up inside the engine, especially the areas where fuel and air come in.
The companies that formulate fuels have tried their best to address this issue with additives that control deposits. Disassembling the engine to do a decarbonizing job is another solution but it is time-consuming. So over time, the deposits accumulate and performance starts to drop with fuel consumption increasing and motoring costs start to go up. As most engines now use fuel injectors, the deposits can also prevent maximum fuel injection and with fuel flow interrupted, idling will be rough.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia offers a solution that can remove those carbon deposits quickly, safely and without weakening the metal parts. It’s called Walnut Granulate Blasting and is a method that is approved by Volkswagen AG.
Effective and environment-friendly
As the name suggests, walnuts are involved – yes, the same walnuts that have health benefits can also help keep your engine in good health. As they are blasted against the metal parts in the fuel intake areas of the engine (eg the valves and ports), the carbon deposits are removed. It’s far more effective than solutions that use fluids which take some time as the chemicals have to dissolve the deposits. Furthermore, since chemicals are not used, the process is environment-friendly and when the walnuts are disposed, they are biodegradeable.
Walnut Granulate Blasting actually began in the 1960s when it was developed for the US Navy to remove old paint without stripping the protective coating underneath. In later years, it was found to have other applications where deposit removal was required but without causing damage to metal parts.
Over time, carbon deposits collect on the valves, affecting their movement and reducing efficient operation. Performance drops and consumption rises. After Walnut Granulate Blasting, they are smooth and clean (right) and the engine can run efficiently again.
Walnuts are a good media because they have a certain abrasive quality but at the same time will not cause damage to the metal parts since they are softer than metal. They remove the deposits like sandpaper would but do not scratch or scrape away any metal as they are organic in nature.
Walnut Granulate Blasting is done with a machine that blasts the walnuts into the intake areas of the engine. The pressure is very high but controlled to ensure that damage is not caused. There is no necessity to change the engine oil or oil filter (unless required at the time) as there is no dust or other residue that is generated during the blasting.
Available from RM515
The Walnut Granulate Blasting service is available at all authorized Volkswagen service centres in Malaysia from RM515 (depending on the engine size and type). It is recommended to be done every 45,000 kms and as it is fully approved by Volkswagen AG, there will be no effect on the factory warranty if it is still in effect.
Additionally, to complement the Walnut Granulate Blasting service, VPCM recommends a dose of Volkswagen Genuine Fuel Additives. These additives enhance the efficiency and quality of fuels used. The VW Fuel Additive also helps clean other areas of the fuel delivery system and provides protection against corrosion and pre-mature wearing. This allows the engine can perform at an optimum level.
For a limited period, Volkswagen dealers are offering a Liquid Power Kit at a special price of RM169. This kit consists of 1 litre of Engine Oil, 200ml of Fuel Additive and a complimentary 1 litre bottle Windscreen Washer Fluid, plus a 2020 Volkswagen Calendar.
Volkswagen Cares
“We are continuously looking for ways to improve our services and offerings to our customers under the Volkswagen Cares brand promise to provide value-added and quality services. Walnut Granulate Blasting is a cost-effective service which we have introduced that we believe will help to maintain the driving pleasure of our Volkswagen vehicles as well as reduce motoring costs,” says Erik Winter, Managing Director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia.
To know more about the Walnut Granulate Blasting service, please click here. Information on Volkswagen products and services in Malaysia can also be found at www.volkswagen.com.my.
As the owners of the all-new Volkswagen Golf 8 receive their cars, they will be pleasantly surprised to learn either from the sales representative or read in the manual that the standard inspection service interval has been doubled to 24 months.
However, for the all-electric ID range, maintenance requirements will be different but Volkswagen will only release information at launch time.
For selected markets only
Referring to the change as a ‘new maintenance concept’, the extended interval is offered to customers in Europe, South Korea, Japan and New Zealand. Following the Golf 8, other models will also have extended service intervals in the course of 2020.
The all-new Golf 8
“The high quality of our vehicles allows us to double the inspection service interval in Europe to 24 months. We are therefore one of the few volume brands to call our customers into the workshops less frequently. In addition, our new standard inspection service is to replace the previous service. This way, we are considerably simplifying the maintenance program and making it more transparent for our customers and partners,” said Achim Schaible, Head of the After Sales & Dealer Network of the Volkswagen brand.
The new standard inspection replaces the previous format of large and small inspection. The standardized content of maintenance and new intervals allow more reliable and more transparent price information, which has a considerable impact on perceived service quality and therefore customer satisfaction.
Other markets
Volkswagen explains that, in other markets, more severe operating conditions such as heat or dust will still require annual servicing of vehicles. Therefore, for now, whatever service intervals are specified by distributors will be maintained. In Malaysia, an interval of 12 months or 15,000 kms is specified by Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia for current models.
For the Malaysian market, service intervals will be maintained at the current 12 months or maximum of 15,000 kms.
Motorists would usually welcome extended service intervals as it means having to go to the service centre less. A longer service interval also helps reduce motoring costs but the conditions must be adhered to, eg the engine oil used must be what is specified by the manufacturer. The oil would have to be able to provide proper lubrication and protection for up to 12 months.
While increasing intervals are good, there can also be a downside. Just as the human body can do with regular check-ups to detect any health issues early and address them, a car would also need regular check-ups to ensure that everything is running properly. Of course, with many electronic monitoring systems present, the driver is likely to be alerted if something is malfunctioning. There are even sensors to keep an eye on tyre pressures and if one tyre is under-inflated, the driver will be alerted.
There may come a day when servicing is no longer required at all and the bonnet can be ‘sealed’. However, with the transition to electric vehicles, servicing requirements will be different again and at present, it is expected that they will definitely be less than for vehicles with internal combustion engines.
Visit www.volkswagen.com.my to know more about aftersales services available in Malaysia.
NZ Wheels Sdn Bhd, an authorised dealer for Mercedes-Benz in Malaysia, has added another outlet to its network of Mercedes-Benz Autohauses in the Klang Valley. The Autohaus, acquired from another party, is a 2S (service and spare parts) facility which sits on 13,866 sq ft of land and has a built-up area of 9,200 sq ft.
Commenting on the new outlet, SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin, Group Executive Chairman & CEO, Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn Bhd said: “At NZ Wheels, we are committed to giving our customers peace of mind through high quality products and exceptional customer experience. Therefore, we are beyond excited to introduce the NZ Wheels Setapak Autohaus as our fourth outlet and given its strategic location in north-east Kuala Lumpur, the new 2S facility will complement our existing NZ Wheels Bangsar Autohaus 1S facility to offer unparalleled service excellence expected from the 3-pointed star marque.”
“Moreover, we are confident the Setapak outlet will appeal to the most discerning Mercedes-Benz customers as it is fully equipped with state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz approved diagnostic tools and equipment and staffed by professionally-trained Mercedes-Benz Certified Service Specialists,” he added.
The Autohaus conforms to the Mercedes-Benz Presentation System II (MPS II) concept in line with the German luxury marque’s global customer experience concept and corporate identity. Its service centre, which has 5 work bays and 1 bay for wheel alignment, can handle up to 250 vehicles a month for both general and specialized repairs. At present, there are 10 highly-trained personnel experienced in technical, service and parts.
Volkswagen owners in Malaysia who want their engine to run more efficiently can now give it the Walnut Blasting Decarbonizer service. Part of the Volkswagen Cares initiative by Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM), this service is available at all authorized Volkswagen dealerships.
Recommended as a preventive measure every 45,000 kms, the price of the service starts from RM515. It uses crushed walnut shells to gently remove carbon deposits built-up in the engine over time. The end result is a cleaner engine that can give a smoother drive.
Approved by Volkswagen AG
Recognized and approved by Volkswagen AG, this method (which was developed in the 1960s by and first used by the US Navy) is economical, efficient and non-corrosive, without the use of harmful chemicals. It is especially useful for cars which are used mostly in stop-and-go city driving which tends to promote carbon deposits. The build-deposits create negative effects such as higher fuel consumption and reduced performance.
The new aftersales service is available at all authorised Volkswagen dealerships as part of the VW Cares initiative.
“It goes without saying that our customers are our top priority – and we are continuously looking for ways to improve our services and offerings to our customers under the Volkswagen Cares brand promise to provide value-added and quality services. This is one of many to come,“ promised Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM.
Volkswagen owners can download the Volkswagen Cares mobile app to their smartphones stay updated on other Volkswagen Cares initiatives. Information is also available at www.volkswagen.com.my.
Honda customers in Kelantan should be happy with the news that the state’s first Honda 4S centre is now open for business. The 4S centre (Ban Chu Bee Honda 4S Centre), which comprises of sales, service and spare parts departments as well as a paint and body shop boasts a total build up area of 62,200 square feet.
It is said that a total of RM22 million was invested in the facility which features a slew of amenities for Honda owners or potential owners to enjoy while waiting to be attended to. Some of them include a customer lounge and an executive lounge, complimentary Wi-Fi services, kid’s corner and a surau.
There are 20 service bays available at the facility with bays for fast service (5 bays) , tyre service (1 bay), general repair (8 bays) and for air-conditioning (1 bay).
Previously, Honda was only capable of servicing 22,600 vehicles a year in Kelantan but thanks to the launching of the new facility, the ceiling has now been raised to 22,00 vehicles a year. The facility is not only the largest of its kind in Kelantan, but in the entire east coast too.
Honda has had a great start to 2017 with its BR-V receiving 10,000 bookings while the facelifted City received close to 3,000 bookings since its launch three weeks ago. The Japanese automaker isn’t done just yet, as it is currently planning to launch another two more models sometime in the coming months.
Speaking of the latest growth in customer base, Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Katsuto Hayashi said, “Last year, Honda Malaysia sold 91,830 units and of this total, the East Coast region contributed 8% with sales of more than 7,200 Honda vehicles. Kelantan contributed 34.6% towards this regional sales and Honda Jazz was the favourite among the customers here. In the past five years, Honda Malaysia sales in East Coast region have increased by 172%.”
Expect more from Honda soon but till then, if you plan on getting your Honda serviced at the latest 4S centre in Kelantan, contact Ban Chu Bee (Honda 4S Centre) at 09-744 3337 / 09-744 5893 which is located at Lot 1349, Jalan Pasir Mas-Salor 15100 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
