KUALA LUMPUR: Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd launched the flagship Isuzu Service Centre in Shah Alam earlier this week, offering its vehicle owners and users improved levels of proficient and timely vehicle care.
The Isuzu Service Centre (ISC) is operated in partnership with Automotive Corporation Malaysia, a subsidiary of DRB-Hicom Bhd and will be managed by a team of Japanese technical representatives from Isuzu Motors Ltd, Japan, supported by technicians with Isuzu’s i-MEC certification.
According to its chief executive officer Kenji Matsouka, the ISC presents Isuzu with a platform to realise its corporate objective of fostering enhanced relationships with customers by effectively supporting their total ownership needs.
“Isuzu vehicles continually endear themselves to users due to their superior fuel efficiency, durability and reliability.
“With over 10,000 new Isuzu vehicles being registered every year in Malaysia, we hope that the ISC will be able to offer additional support to our dealer networks and growing customer base by offering efficient and meticulous after-sales service,” said Matsouka during the launching ceremony.
Matsouka added that the new facility also housed the Isuzu Technical Centre, where trainee mechanics were developed.
“This two-acre facility will be equipped with the necessary equipment to test and maintain all models of Isuzu vehicles. Its technicians will be fully trained to handle the latest equipment and will have Isuzu’s i-Mec certification. The facility will be managed by a team together with Japanese engineers,” Matsouka said.
I-Mec certification consists of four levels, starting from the basics required for the automotive mechanics, all the way to the chief mechanic level.
“At the chief mechanic level, we mainly focus on troubleshooting and managing customers. Ideally, it takes two and a half years to complete the four levels. Since this activity is for the development of our dealers’ mechanics, no fees are charged to our dealers,” said Matsouka.
The ISC is strategically located in the central region, close to the confluence of the major highway network, as well as the logistics gateway to the country’s premier port. The facility is suited to serve the long-haul trucks as they ply the backbone of the country.
“One of the key objectives of the ISC will be to provide a quicker turn-around time for the vehicles queuing for service, cutting vehicle down-times through a more competent workforce, greater parts availability and a more comprehensive facility that boasts 16 work bays.
“We hope to encourage stronger maintenance, safety and environmental care practices among truck operators calling in to authorised service centres for periodic maintenance,” said Matsouka.
The ISC is expected to be completely equipped by the third quarter of 2017. It will feature high capacity hoists capable of raising medium and heavy-duty trucks, calibrated brake testers, exhaust emission measuring services, tyre alignment and wheel balancing machines that will prepare commercial vehicles for their Puspakom inspections.
It will also have a spectrum of proprietary diagnostic equipment to troubleshoot or tune the latest range of Isuzu vehicles that feature powerful and efficient common rail engines. The ISC opens on Mondays to Fridays from 8:30am to 5:30pm, and from 8:30am to 5pm on Saturdays .
The facility also houses the 24-hour Isuzu Dr. Mobile breakdown service, contactable through the Dr Mobile hotline at 1800-88-8000.