KUALA LUMPUR: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd (MBM) is keen to assist in the development of the Malaysian automotive industry in tandem with the German marquee’s success of producing vehicles locally.
MBM president and chief executive officer Dr Claus Weidner said the company has been developing completely-knock-down (CKD) vehicles in Malaysia since 2004 at its Pekan Plant in Pahang.
"Currently, we are looking at in expanding/developing our Mercedes-Benz products portfolio through localising our vehicles production.
“If it is feasible and the demand is there, it is possible for us to do it in accordance with the country’s regulations,” he told NST Business after announcing the company’s 2018 full-year sales results, here, today.
Weidner said MBM is one of the CKD manufacturers in Malaysia that has been localising its vehicles production and working with the local suppliers.
“Hence, this is the strategy that we will continue to pursue,” he said.
He said MBM has yet receive any proposal from the government to develop the country’s third national car project.
Weidner said MBM is capable of offering its assistance in terms of technological expertise and industry’s experience.
Further, MBM’s locally produced vehicles account for about 75 per cent of its overall sales, while the remaining 25 per cent derived from its imported vehicles including all the compact cars and Dream Cars.
“We are looking to grow all our vehicles segments, while improving our after-sales services and customers’ experience,” he said.
MBM have invested over RM1 billion in the Malaysian market since 2003 and the company has grown based on its customer-centric strategies, including locally produced vehicles.
MBM posted an 8.58 per cent increase in sales to 13,079 units for 2018 compared to 12,045 units sold in 2017.
MBM vice president sales and marketing of passenger cars Mark Raine said the company’s stellar performance has retained its premium leadership in the local market.
MBM’s dominance in the premium locally currently at 2.4 per cent with a total of 148,800 vehicles serviced in 2018.
“We are the inventor of the automobile. We aim to outgrow our record-breaking year especially in capitalising our growth opportunities in the compact cars and the sport utility vehicles segments this year,” he said.
Raine said MBM would continue to focus on its local investments into best-in-class customers touch point, retail network and customers after-sales services.
“Our product offensive will also drive the customers’ demands in a positive way. For 2019, we expect to have similar product launches as last year,” he said.
Rained said 2018’s sales performance was largely driven by the locally produced limousines comprising the C-Class, E-Class and S-Class, recording 7,910 units.
MBM’s compact cars also recorded a total of 1,875 units, while the Dream Cars posted a total of 662 units in 2018.
MBM recorded a steady growth as it had financed four out of every 10 vehicles sold and servicing over RM2.7 billion.