Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of
Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) is now the sole agent for the
sale of Feichi hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in Southeast Asia, following its signing
of an agency agreement with China’s Foshan Feichi Automobile Manufacture Co.,
Ltd (Feichi) earlier today.
So, why Feichi and Chinese fuel cell
technology? Well, China produced 1,170 hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles during the
first half of 2019 and the country’s automakers are on schedule to produce
2,340 hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles this year, compared to 1,527 such vehicles in
2018, and 629 in 2016 and 2017.
Foshan Feichi fuel cell bus manufacturing facility (PRNewsFoto/Ballard Power Systems Inc.)
Over the recent years, the country’s hydrogen
fuel-cell vehicle sector experienced very rapid growth, posting an annual
growth rate exceeding 100 percent for several consecutive years. With the
ongoing build out of the infrastructure and roll-out of the subsidy policy by
the central and many local governments, the country is forecast to continue to
see positive growth in production volume of the vehicles over the next several
years.
Data released by China Association of
Automobile Manufacturers showed that the country sold 1,125 fuel cell vehicles
during the first 8 months of this year, a year-over-year increase of 730
percent. The country sold 16.1 million vehicles during the same period, down 11
percent from a year earlier, 629,000 of which were pure electrics. According to
data from ZhiYan.org, China produced 888,000 and sold 872,000 EVs during the
first 9 months, up 20.9 percent and 20.8 percent year on year, respectively.
SEDC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Husain
said this marked another milestone for SEDC as its subsidiary company will be
among the front runners in the sale of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in the
region.
“This agency agreement, which is for two
years, will open up the opportunity for us to lead the hydrogen fuel cell
initiatives in Southeast Asia region.
“Our strategic partner Feichi is keen to
appoint Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd to become their sole agent in the region and to
become their long-term business partner in expanding the hydrogen fuel cell
vehicle industry in Southeast Asia,” he said at the signing ceremony which was
witnessed by Transport Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin at Menara SEDC here today.
He pointed out that Sarawak Metro has
procured three units of Feichi’s hydrogen fuel cell buses for public use in
Kuching city and the vehicles have been performing very well.
Feichi Bus is the largest hydrogen fuel-cell
bus manufacturer in China and they have already produced 314 vehicles during
the first half of this year, including 293 EVs. Fiechi aims to produce 1,000
fuel cell vehicles this year.
Sani Express refreshes its huge bus fleet with new state of the art Scania buses for better customer comfort, increased safety and greener travel.
Sani Express Sdn Bhd (Sani Express) has just taken delivery of 23 new Scania buses as part of its business practice of changing its fleet.
A handover ceremony took place at Terminal Bersepadu Selatan in Bandar
Tasik Selatan today and saw the first batch of the new buses being
presented by Marie Sjödin Enström, Scania Southeast Asia Managing
Director to Wan Mohd Iskandar Dato’ Salleh, Sani Express Group Managing
Director. Iskandar cited performance, reliability, safety, and lower fuel
consumption as some of the reasons for choosing Scania as part of its fleet
refresh.
“It is important for us to refresh our buses every five years in order to
provide our customers with the best service and Scania buses have proven
themselves to be the right vehicles for our passengers. The new Scania
buses would give us the opportunity to continue providing our customers
with comfortable and worry free travel,” commented Iskandar.
Sani Express has purchased Scania’s K410EB6X2 buses that are equipped
with Scania Opticruise function, low noise levels with full air suspension for
unparalleled comfort levels, electronic braking system (EBS), Scania
Retarder, traction control, better fuel economy with a higher torque at lower
revs engine, and fully adjustable steering wheel and hanging pedals for the
comfort of the driver. The company also subscribes to the Fleet Management
System Control 5 package and Scania Driver Training. These features along
with the subscribed packages result in a bus that is safe, comfortable and
fuel efficient for long distance travel with minimised impact to the
environment.
In addition, Sani Express signed up as a Scania Ecolution partner as part of
the company’s sustainability efforts to reduce their fuel consumption and
CO2 emissions. The partnership focuses on reducing operating cost, which
translate to improved profitability while fulfilling the growing demand for
green initiatives.
Sani Express, a major bus express company in Malaysia that was established back in 2006, offers bus services to close to 30 destinations across Peninsular Malaysia such as Kuala Terengganu, Kuala Besut, Kota Bharu, Kuantan, Alor Star, Kangar, and Kuala Perlis. The company currently owns a total of 45 Scania buses in their fleet and has been a Scania customer since 2008.
“We are very pleased that Sani Express has once again placed their trust in
Scania in providing quality vehicles. Today’s handover is a reflection of our
on-going commitment to provide customers with the best profitability and
sustainability for their business,” stated Marie.
The New Truck Generation by Scania received overwhelming praises and positive responses from customers and guests during the New Truck Generation Test and Driver 2019 that was held at Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS).
For The Customers and Fans
The week-long event saw around 300 invited customers, guests, fans as well as members of the media flocking MAEPS to experience driving Scania’s New Truck Generation in a safe and controlled environment. Participants praised the performance and features of the New Truck Generation after having the chance to maneuver a Scania G410A6X2 New Truck Generation across two choices of routes within MAEPS.
Customer Endorsement
One praise came from Alex Lai of Mansang Logistics Sdn Bhd who commented that “the features of the New Truck Generation have improved greatly from the older generation as many things have been simplified making the truck more user friendly, very comfortable and most importantly the clear visibility from the different angles.
The truck itself is more enhanced and very powerful. Safety feature such as the improved response from the braking system is also a plus point for Scania’s New Truck Generation.”
From the driver’s perspective, enhancements have been made to provide an enriched driver’s environment as noted by Mohamad Hasni from Yeap Transport and Trading Company.
“The cabin is one of a kind. Adjustable seat that is close to the door, ergonomic dashboard with touchscreen, and large windscreen with extended view make it easier for the driver to operate in a comfortable and safe environment. Scania has truly designed a truck that is focused on the customers and the drivers needs,” Mohamad Hasni elaborated.
“I am very grateful for all the guests who took the time to test & drive the New Truck Generation from Scania. I am even more inspired by the feedback that I have gotten from them. Our guests definitely saw the features that we can offer, felt the performance of the truck and also believe that this truck can help lower operating cost, increase revenue and profitability for their businesses,” stated Scania Southeast Asia Managing Director, Marie Sjödin Enström.
Development Time
The New Truck Generation by Scania is the result of 10 years in development and SEK 20 billion (RM 10 billion) worth of investment with more than 12 million kilometres of test- driving. Launched earlier this year, the New Truck Generation is designed and engineered to give Scania truck owners better fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions as it is equipped with advanced powertrain and aerodynamic solutions that consume an average of 3 percent less fuel. Other features of the New Truck Generation include new chassis design, extended storage options, and enhanced safety features such as the award- winning rollover side curtain airbags, which is a first in Malaysia.
“As a business, Scania has been at the forefront of providing sustainable transport solutions to our customers. Our New Truck Generation will serve as the vehicle to carry the momentum of economic progress with reduced carbon footprint as we work towards our new 2050 commitment of achieving net-zero emissions,” added Marie.
The Mpire Auto Group is the brand owner for commercial vehicles from China’s Foton and also JAC and with a growing market share in the mid and large sized trucks, they need make sure their after-sales stays right at the top of their priority to ensure repeat customers.
For 2019, Mpire was one of the fastest growing automotive groups in Malaysia and to keep its growth it is working with the best possible partners in the industry, this is why Mpire managament have chosen the Shell Rimula range of heavy-duty diesel engine oils as the official service-fill engine oil for its two commercial vehicle brands, Foton and JAC.
Press Release: Mpire is the distributor for Foton View C2 and CS2 vans as well as the Foton Daimler heavy-duty trucks that are equipped with advanced Cummins engines. It is also the exclusive distributor for JAC light trucks, which are powered by Isuzu engines, in Malaysia.
Shell Rimula R5 LE synthetic technology engine oil is well suited for the high oil drain interval and heavy-duty diesel engine found in Foton Daimler prime movers. Shell Rimula R4 X meets the demand for engine protection from the JAC range of light trucks that are often used as daily workhorses.
Mpire Auto Group Chief Executive Officer Lau Yit Mun said that the combination of a strong reputation and track record in lubricants, reliable products that are compatible with Foton and JAC’s advanced diesel engines and excellent technical support led to the decision to choose Shell Rimula as the service-fill engine oil and Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd as the official lubricants supplier.
“Today’s customers demand reliability and performance from engine oils and Shell is able to fulfil them,” he said.
Shell Lubricants Marketing Manager – Malaysia & Singapore, May Tan said that as the top lubricants supplier in the world for the past 12 consecutive years, Shell understands the need to achieve lower total cost of ownership in today’s challenging business environment.
“Shell Rimula lubricants, especially our premium range, are designed to offer superior engine protection and cleanliness, longer oil drain intervals and better fuel economy while being able to withstand extreme temperatures and loads in tough operating environments,” she further added.
Shell Malaysia is delighted to have Mpire Auto Group on board and looks forward to a fruitful collaboration ahead.
Why did PLUS donate 300 safety cones worth RM10,000 to three of Malaysia’s largest heavy vehicle associations? This is what we want answered when it is common knowledge that the haulage industry members have got no financial issues at all and they are all reaping good profits.
The three associates that benefited from this RM10,000 gift was the:
Association of Malaysian Hauliers (AMH)
Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Trucking Association and the
Association of Tipper Lorry Owners (Selangor and Kuala Lumpur)
These safety cones will be distributed to their respective lorry drivers.
What about smaller truck owners or individual self employed truckers who drive ageing trucks that are more prone to breakdowns?
Association truckers are mostly driving new shiny trucks with high visibility and it is the smaller self employed truckers that need to be visible on the highway shoulder. They need these safety cones, not the already successful logistic association tycoons.
PLUS then turned this into a media exercise to get maximum exposure of their RM10,000 gift by having a hand over ceremony where Zakaria Ahmad Zabidi, Chief Operating Officer of PLUS handed the bright red and white safety cones to Dato’ Nazari Hj Akhbar, President of AMH, Ng Yoon Kin, Secretary General of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Trucking Association and Tan Boon Hing, Chairman of the Association of Tipper Lorry Owners (Selangor and Kuala Lumpur).
Press Release: “This is part of our effort to help reduce the number of accidents due to stalled lorries on the highways. In fact, safety cones are crucial to alert other users and prevent accidents in an event of a vehicle breakdown on the highway,” said Zakaria, “and must be installed at a safe distance behind a stalled vehicle to allow ample space and time for highway users, especially motorcyclists to safely maneuver their vehicles.”
“PLUS regularly collaborates with enforcement agencies such as the Police and the Road
Transport Department (RTD) to improve safety on our highway. Today, we extended our
collaboration with heavy vehicle operators to meet the same objective. It is our commitment in taking care of our customers, every steps of their way,” he added.
According to Dato’ Nazari, President of AMH that this the first time an organisation has generously donated safety cones to lorries as they are mandatory safety items that every heavy vehicle must have.
So, if every heavy vehicle MUST HAVE safety cones, why is not mandatory for the haulage/logistic owner to provide for them?
Commercial vehicle manufacturer Isuzu Truck UK has just delivered its 1,000th Driveaway pre-bodied vehicle to East Midlands company Carrier Landscapes. This milestone 3.5 tonne Isuzu means that the Melton Mowbray based business now runs 45 Isuzu trucks in its 80-strong commercial vehicle fleet.
Since they were first launched, Isuzu’s Driveaway range of pre-bodied trucks now cover models from 3.5 tonne to 7.5 tonne GVW and commenting on reaching the 1000th Driveaway landmark, Richard Waterworth, head of sales at Isuzu Truck UK said, “It is fitting that such a devotee of the Isuzu brand, Carrier Landscapes, are the recipients of this special milestone vehicle as they have been a long-term supporter of Isuzu for many years. Our Driveaway programme has proved to be incredibly popular with our customers and by consistently adding new models to the range, we now have a comprehensive selection of the most sought-after vehicle specifications in various GVW categories. This enables our customers to reduce the lead time and costs for fleet replacements and additions.”
Carrier Landscapes predominantly run 3.5 tonne Isuzu Grafter rigids within its fleet, and the milestone Isuzu is one of the new Grafter Green N35.125 models specified with a Driveaway dropside body. Carrier Landscapes also run four Isuzu 7.5 tonne rigids as well as its Isuzu Grafters.
Volvo Trucks is pleased to announce a two-year extension to their partnership with the McLaren Formula 1 team, which will see Volvo Trucks continue as an official supplier providing essential transport solutions and logistics support for both race team and hospitality operations.
Volvo have been the official supplier of trucks to the Formula 1 team since 2016, with the latest state-of-the art Volvo FH-540 13-litre trucks supporting the ever-changing logistical requirements of the team at Grand Prix locations all over the globe.
Over the last three years, McLaren have benefitted from Volvo’s class-leading transport solutions that offer fuel-efficient, torque-strong performance, responsive engines and comfortable cabs. New features on the latest batch of 24 vehicles will now include Volvo’s new I-See predictive cruise control system and a faster 2.31:1 differential ratio.
Volvo’s logistics and transportation capabilities are essential to the effective running of theEuropean leg of the F1 circuit which sees the McLaren Racing team travel to nine countries. Now, using I-See with its new cloud-based mapping system combining all Volvo’s latest technology,McLaren will not only substantially reduce its fuel consumption, but also reduce its environmental impact, without compromising drivability.
Hino Motors has officially launched its new HINO 700 Series heavy-duty trucks with 16-speed Automated-Manual Transmission (AMT) technology. The long-awaited feature for this series was finally introduced due to the high demand from fleet customers.
Focused on the new variation of HINO 700 Series models; 4×2, 6×2 and 6×4 Prime Mover, guests were given the opportunity to feel the comfort of the new truck and got to preview the new HINO 700 Series AMT models up-close, and to join a networking session with the authorised dealers.
Heavy-duty Prime Mover market in Malaysia
Due to land routes and ground transportation being the main distribution mechanism for most logistics companies in Malaysia, the new HINO 700 Series AMT make them ideal delivery and heavy construction vehicles.
The Total Industry Volume (TIV) of heavy-duty Prime Mover trucks in the Malaysian market is approximately 1,200 – 1,700 units yearly, and the demand for heavy-duty trucks with automated-manual transmission is up to 50% more than manual transmission as automated-manual offers more advantages in terms of reduction of fuel consumption, improvement of driving comfort, and shifting quality.
“Hino is proud to have a long-standing number 1 position in the market in various segments, including light and medium-heavy commercial vehicles, as well as buses,” said Atsushi Uchiyama, Managing Director of HMSM.
“We are the only brand that produces a full line-up of commercial vehicles, and our flagship HINO 700 Series is now better than ever before with AMT technology, making them smarter, safer trucks for our customers. This launch marks a milestone in the company’s history as we widen our range and challenge new business areas.”
AMT – Improving Fuel Efficiency and Driver Safety
An ultimate combination of Japanese engineering and build, the three new models are a Complete Built-Up (CBU) truck made in Japan and promises genuine Japanese parts with QDR; Quality, Durability, and Reliability.
The new HINO new 700 Series AMT heavy-duty trucks are fitted to the 16-speed mechanical auto synchromesh ZF16 transmission with power assistance, making it easier to shift gears at higher speeds. It also helps to reduce driver fatigue from constant gear and clutch shifting, allowing for a more comfortable drive. This allows drivers to focus on the road without shifting gears for fuel-efficient driving. Drivers are also given the option to select a sequential manual transmission for on-demand shifting conditions.
Fitted with AMT, customers will also be able to sustain a lower operational cost through lower fuel consumption and clutch replacement cost, as the trucks manoeuvre through heavy traffic roads.
The new AMT function is designed to ensure driver comfort and ease of use with high safety elements. Likewise, the HINO 700 Series AMT is equipped with a powerful EURO 3 common-rail engine with turbo-charged intercooler and features a full-air brake system that improves braking responsiveness.
Hino products are always on the frontline and comply with the standard conditions by the Malaysia Government. Although fully developed and manufactured in Japan, Hino vehicles can run B10 Biodiesel without any changes to components or service intervals, allowing environmentally conscious businesses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Unprecedented Safety and Comfort
In addition to its new AMT technology, the HINO 700 Series comes with safety compliance and comfort features such as an optimised cab space for better visibility and operability; improved cab accessibility with the first step now connected directly to the chassis; antilock braking system (ABS) which controls the braking force of each individual wheel to prevent the wheels from locking; high rigidity door impact beams; new large reflector headlamps to enhance night-time visibility; and front under-run prevention (FUP).
The trucks are also fitted with high-functionality and air suspension seats that provide superior seating comfort. The three-dimensional (3D) seat with a body-cradling form is able to support the driver’s back and reduce fatigue on long road trips.
All these and more make the HINO 700 Series more than a truck – they are highly reliable, dependable business partners that customers can count on.
Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd (Digi) announced its partnership with Bus Asia (BA) at the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak 2019 (IDECS 2019), in line with Sarawak’s goal of improving mobility and user experience in transport service.
The partnership comes at a time when the state government announces plans for a future smart city in Sarawak. One of its strategies include the establishment of more comfortable and safer mobility solutions for commuters using smart technologies. This includes the integration of intelligent route selection, digital asset management, and smart buses into the transportation system in Sarawak.
As Digi’s iFleet can provide real-time information and alerts on fleet movement, it will enable total fleet visibility translating to better route planning and improved customer experience. The fleet management system also monitors driving behaviour, ensuring the safety of passengers onboard.
Digi’s iFleet Wi-Fi leverages on technology to boost service quality as well as increases the accessibility and availability of information for commuters and is powered by Digi’s consistent high-speed connection. Digi’s network footprint in Sarawak encompasses 77% coverage for 4G LTE and 54% coverage for LTE-A.
With this in mind, BA has deployed Digi’s iFleet Wi-Fi and GPS solutions across 26 buses. BA aims to equip all of its buses with free Wi-Fi to allow customers to be constantly connected during their journey.
BA, an express bus brand operating under Biaramas Express Sdn Bhd, serves up to 45,000 passengers over 780 trips monthly with routes across two cities, Kuching and Miri; five towns, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah and Bintulu; as well as one cross-country route to Pontianak in Indonesia.
Biaramas Express Sdn Bhd’s Director, Lai Sin Kiong said: “We are excited to take the lead in the smart transportation segment by partnering with Digi’s iFleet. As the safety and comfort of our passengers is our top priority, we are always on the lookout for smart solutions that will give our customers peace of mind throughout their journey. We look forward to our journey in digital transformation with iFleet.”
Digi’s Chief Digital Officer, Praveen Rajan says: “As the nation’s largest network provider, this partnership further solidifies our commitment towards enabling a digital transformation for businesses with our comprehensive digital solutions. We believe strategic collaborations such as this will improve the performance for transportation companies such as Bus Asia to provide safer commutes and connectivity for their passengers as they travel throughout the state.”
The first 10,000 Digi subscribers who redeem a BA reward code on the MyDigi app will be entitled for a RM10 discount on all BA routes.
The Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo 2019 (MCVE) is back again at the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Center (MIECC), covering an exhibition area of 8,000 sqm from today, the 20th to the 22nd of June 2019.
The theme of this year’s event was ‘The Future of Transportation in Malaysia’. Exhibitors such as Volvo, Scania, MAN Truck and Bus and Hino as well as new exhibitors such as Hengst and Giti Tyre were at the main hall showcasing their latest innovations.
MCVE remains and is the largest commercial vehicle exhibition in South East Asia and our new Deputy Minister of Transport, YB Dato’ Kamarudin Jaffar was in attendance officiating the opening of the event at a packed morning media and guest event at the main entrance of the event hall.
Scania as always made the biggest noise at the event with the launch of the Scania Ecolution program.
Daihatsu showcased their business fleet program.
Volvo Trucks had their Uptime Promise.
Hino Motors brought their 6×2 Prime Mover; HINO 700 Series SR1E, and Hino full line-up light-duty truck, HINO 300 Series, new driving test (computer based); Driver Aptitude Test, and their HINO Poncho inner city bus.
MAN trucks showed their strength in brand presence
The Chinese truck brands were as colourful as always.
MCVE is organised by the Asian Trucker and the event also sees participants from truck accessories and aftermarket equipment.
