MBM STAYS COMMITTED TO MALAYSIA GROWTH
AMIRUL HAZMI
MSince 2003, the leading premium German marque has invested RM1 billion to date, comprising production, sales, training and distribution of Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Dr Claus Weidner, Mercedes- Benz Malaysia president and chief executive officer, said: “As the premium market leader, MercedesBenz Malaysia is confident of the growth potential in the Malaysian automotive market.
“Based on this positive outlook, we continue to invest substantially in developing further employment possibilities and people development. These investments in turn will help us deliver the Best Products and the Best Customer Service through a consistent and high level of service and expertise to our customers and cement our position as the No. 1 premium brand.”
With its new product expansion strategy, MBM continues its lead by launching 13 new models and upgrading its dealerships over the past nine months.
This has enabled MBM to deliver 8,771 vehicles and service 94,569 vehicles, maintaining its dominant lead in the premium market.
“We are very happy with the momentum we have gained and with that said, we believe that we are on track for yet another record year in 2017,” Weidner added.
MBM’s sales were driven largely by the locally-produced limousines; the C-Class (3,044 units), the EClass (1,891 units) and the S-Class (303 units).
This was followed by the new SUV segments, with 1,622 units sold for the GLC and 273 units for the GLE.
The exciting compact cars recorded a total of 1,220 units sold (topped by the GLA) while the aspirational Mercedes-Benz Dream Cars recorded a total of 406 units sold.
PLANT TOUR
MBM hosted a media tour of its Pekan, Pahang, plant to give the media a better understanding of the production process for energy-efficient vehicles (EEVs), specifically the Mercedes-Benz E350e.
The plant tour covered the specialised requirements MBM has put in place to produce an EEV, including upskilling staff, cutting-edge technology and provision of safety equipment.
The RM280 million production facility currently employs over 1,400 employees, producing 12 locallyassembled vehicles, all of which are classified as EEVs.
THE NEW MERCEDES E350E
MBM introduced the new Mercedes E350e after the plant tour, with the car being the latest addition to the company’s existing lineup of ocallyassembled hybrid cars, the S400h and the C350e.
Featuring Plug-in Hybrid technology, the new E350e delivers a total system output of 286hp and 550Nm of torque, yet allowing 33km of all-electric range and a remarkable fuel consumption of 2.1 litres per 100km.
The new E350e comes in three variants - Exclusive Line, AMG Line, and the limited-edition Edition 60 - and are powered by the sole 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine.
Each variant is characterised by its alloy wheel designs, interior leather upholstery, sound system and trimmings.
Prices on-the-road without insurance for the E350e Exclusive Line, AMG Line and Edition 60 are RM392,888, RM395,888 and RM408,888, respectively.