Page 20 - TBN-2015-2

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW 独家专访
Albert Yee
Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles has achieved a significant result for both Mercedes-Benz and Mitsubi- shi Fuso that will be the tail wind for growth in the com- ing years. Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles sales were up by 23 per cent to 199 units, while Mitsubishi Fuso rounded off 2014 with 2,288 units, following its final delivery to SWM Envi- ronment Sdn Bhd last year.
Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles Vice President Albert Yee attributed the Mercedes sales increase to good market ac- ceptance. “Mercedes-Benz is a well-known and proven brand. The increase was driven by repeat sales from customers who continued to expand their fleets, such as Interway Transport, Hexagon Highs Transport and Swift Haulage, among others. As for Mitsubishi Fuso, we had seen our customer base grow sig- nificantly since Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) took over the brand from USF-Hicom more than 10 years ago. The continued efforts in marketing and after-sale service had greatly improved Fuso brand awareness and market acceptance. We managed to maintain No. 3 market share in the light and medium duty commercial vehicle segment.”
According to their data base, Yee said both Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles and Fuso had shown the undeniable re- liability of the two brands, which was a big selling point. Yee pointed out that Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles offered the longest service interval in the market and was very popular in the haulage segment and quarry business, having success- fully gained a foothold in the oil and gas industry.
“On the other hand Fuso is very popular in the waste manage- ment and refrigerated trucking segments. Fuso trucks are very versatile and able to accommodate many unique body styles. The main reason we were able to capture the refrigerated truck- ing industry rapidly was because of the strong recommenda- tions from the body builders, who could easily install the refrig-
Mercedes-Benz Commercia Vice President Talks Result
马赛地商用车副总裁谈业绩、策
erated body on Fuso trucks with very minimal modification. With its high payload and the capability to accommodate the extra weight of a refrigerated body and cooling system, the Canter is particularly suitable for use as a refrigerated vehicle. In addition, more than 90 per cent of Fuso trucks components are imported and is a guarantee on the quality.”
Diamond Fuso Contest Successfully Build Brand Buzz
Last year, MBM brought back the Diamond Fuso contest that was well received when it was first held in 2006 to celebrate its 10th year anniversary as an authorised Fuso distributor.
“The response to the 2014 contest was really overwhelming. We could see the excitement from the number of entries that we received, and had heard people talking about it. It was marvel- lous that more than 400 people turned out for the final draw. We were probably the only company in the industry that rewarded our customer with a Mercedes-Benz car in the final draw. This was our way of thanking customers for their loyalty over the past decade.”
Yee continued that MBM put in a lot of thought and effort in the draw mechanism, and the grand prize winner for the 2014 con- test turned out not to be their biggest customer, which showed that the draw was fair and transparent.
“The contest was a good platform for us to get closer to our cus- tomers and also let the Fuso customers know that Fuso is asso- ciated with MBM. All Fuso trucks are assembled in the same Pe- kan plant as Mercedes, thus guaranteeing the highest standard of quality. On top of that, we wanted to make sure that everyone was happy; besides our customers, we also rewarded our deal- ers and sales personnel with service and travel vouchers. For those who turned out for the grand draw, they stood a chance to win Mercedes-Benz watches,” added Yee.
Yee revealed that following last year’s success, MBM would conduct the 2015 leg of the Diamond Fuso Contest again this year. It was eligible to all Fuso trucks that were purchased and registered with JPJ between 1st December, 2014 and 31st De- cember, 2015. However, instead of 2 mini draws, MBM would have 1 mini draw and a final draw this year, but the total value of the prizes amounting to more than RM480,000 was even higher than that of last year.
Continue to Expand Dealer Network
When asked about future plans, Yee replied that MBM aspired to offer better and additional services to its customers. Yee ex-
18 truck & bus news 2015/2