Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has invested RM1 billion in the Malaysian market. Investing in production, sales, training and distribution of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the German marque reaffirmed its standing as a long-term and committed investor keen on driving further growth in the country.
Since 2003, MBM has invested over RM280 million in the Pekan production plant, which is now equipped with a paint shop with a capacity of 10,000 cars per year. The facility has a robotic painting system and the region’s first 360 degree conveyor system.
The production plant currently produces 12 locally assembled vehicles, the newest addition being the GLC200. All CKD models are classified as EEVs, out of which three are hybrid vehicles, namely the S400h, C350e and the newly-launched E350e.
In the first nine months of 2017, MBM produced 6,580 vehicles, sold 8,771 and serviced 94,569. June 2017 marked the best month in history for the brand with 1,210 vehicles sold. The company retains its leadership position in the premium vehicle segment with a market share of 2.3% YTD (year to date) August 2017.
The sales were driven by the locally produced limousines which recorded 5,238 units sold. The C-Class leads the way with 3,044 units sold, followed by the E-Class with 1,891 units and the S-Class with 303 units.
This was followed closely by the Mercedes-Benz SUVs with 1,895 units sold – 1,622 units of the GLC and 273 units of the GLE. This segment is expected to continue with the introduction of the locally assembled GLC 200 and GLC 250.
The compact cars lineup recorded a total of 1,220 units sold, with the GLA as the most popular model with 435 units, followed by the A-Class with 383 units and CLA with 351 units. The brand’s Dream Cars lineup saw a record of 406 units sold.
As for financing and insurance solutions, sister company, Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia (MBSM) achieves a solid servicing portfolio of RM2.2 billion and finances four out of every 10 Mercedes-Benz vehicles sold.
MBM also continues to carry out its responsibility in pursuing the nation’s EEV ambitions through the Mercedes-Benz Training Academy which certified an additional 27 apprentices as at 16 June 2017. The company also conducted High Voltage Vehicle Introduction Training for the Fire Department personnel and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Malaysia Automotive.
For a more conducive environment, the company also launched its first dedicated charging stations at the Bangsar Shopping Centre.
