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IVECO launched its wide offering of natural gas powered commercial vehicles for people and goods transport, with a display of its Stralis NP 400 and the Daily Blue Power Family at the Japan Truck Show, from May 10th to 12th. The Stralis NP 400 is the first natural gas truck specifically designed for long distance transport and the first to be ready for sale in Japan. The Daily Blue Power family is also commercially available in its Daily Hi-Matic Natural Power and Daily Minibus Natural Power versions.

During the event, IVECO signed an agreement with Fuji Transport for the sale of the first IVECO Stralis NP 400 Liquefied Natural Gas truck (LNG), which will be used in its operations for selected customers and in a collaboration with the government’s LNG Working Group.

IVECO presented the latest developments in its action plan to support the use of natural gas in the transport sector in Japan. The event, held on May 8th at the Nippon Press Centre in Tokyo, was attended by Pierre Lahutte, IVECO Brand President; Takao Kashiwagi, Professor at Tokyo Institute of Technology and Chairman of the LNG Expert Committee; Hiroaki Matsuoka, President of Fuji Transport Corporation; Mariarosa Baroni, President and CEO of NGV Italy, and Jean-Claude Girot, President of the French Natural Gas Vehicles Association (NGV France) and General Commissary of the Paris Motor Show, as well as distinguished guests from government, media and the transport sector. IVECO’s plan of action comes on the back of the Memorandum of Cooperation that the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan signed with the European Commission last year for the development of advanced technologies for the use of LNG powertrains in road and maritime transport.

The brand announced the public launch of the Stralis NP 400, the first heavy-duty natural gas vehicle ready for sale on the Japanese market. It is the first natural gas specifically designed for long distance transport, and can run on Liquefied (LNG), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), or a combination of the two. Also commercially available is the new Daily Blue Power range, “International Van of the Year 2018”, in its Daily Hi-Matic Natural Power and Daily Minibus Natural Power versions, the first CNG vehicles with an 8-speed automatic gearbox – the perfect combination of low emission fuel and driveability for urban areas with the class-exclusive Hi-Matic transmission.

The season of giving will soon be upon us. This Ramadan, the Asian Trucker Drivers’ Club will be visiting the Rumah Bakti Cahaya Hati, an orphanage in Rawang, Selangor.

On May 27, members of the club will bring a variety of potluck dishes to treat some 50 residents of the orphanage for the breaking of fast. The orphanage houses over 30 children between the ages of three months and 17 years old.

Unlike past club activities, this time members will have the opportunity to give back to the community. Besides homecooked meals, they will also contribute daily household needs like milk, detergent and groceries besides items for Hari Raya preparations including clothes, cookies and some “Duit Raya.”

The orphanage has 13 little children aged 5 and below, and 20 bigger kids aged 6-17. For the smaller kids we estimate RM120 each, and for the bigger kids RM150 each.

Rumah Bakti Cahaya Hati (Orphanage with 30 children 2-18 years old)
Address: 2, Jalan 7a/6, Bandar Tasik Puteri, 48000 Rawang, Selangor
Date of CSR Event: 27 May 2018
Time: 5pm onwards (for break of fast)

Contribution from club members: Potluck for buka puasa and additional donations eg used clothes and household items.

Contribution from Sponsor: RM 3 000 for clothes to be donated to the Orphanage. The initiative will be featured across Asian Trucker’s various platforms, giving sponsor(s) exposure.
Asian Trucker and its club members are looking forward to meeting the children of Rumah Bakti Cahaya Hati, and hope to bring some joy in their home for this coming festive season.

To become a sponsor, please contact: farezza@asiantrucker.com

Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research(MIROS) together with 3M Malaysia, a global science company with a rich history of road safety innovation recently launched the ‘3M Road Safety Award for Southeast Asia’. The award, which is open to individuals, government and non-government organisations intends to encourage and recognise road safety initiatives that are impactful, innovative, sustainable and replicable in Southeast Asia.

“We are pleased to collaborate with 3M Malaysia for a regional award that focuses on improving road safety in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Road safety is an important and serious issue that affects each country within the region, and we believe it is the responsibility of both the government and its citizens to help reduce accidents and fatalities on roads. It is our earnest hope that this award empowers a region-wide effort to improve road safety not just for us, but for future generations as well” said Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, Chairman of MIROS.

“We are honoured to be the sponsor for this award. Through our partnership with MIROS, we are excited to be able to launch the 3M Road Safety Award for Southeast Asia. As a leader in road safety innovation for over 75 years, we are constantly looking at complementary ways to make roadways safer. We believe that the award will not only inculcate the importance of reducing road traffic injuries and deaths within and beyond Malaysia’s borders, but also encourage innovative thinking to accelerate the pace of effective road safety measures” said Mr. Parameswaran Nair, Managing Director of 3M Malaysia.

Four winners will be announced during an award ceremony on 4th Dec 2018, in conjunction with the second Conference of ASEAN Road Safety 2018 (CARS 2018). The grand prize is a trip to the United States of America, which will include a visit to the 3M Innovation Centre and Transportation Research Centre. The winner will have an opportunity to witness the demonstration on some of the latest technological developments in the field of Road Safety and Connected Roads.

Early May saw a big push from FUSO Thailand to further gain market share and to align dealers with the Daimler Way and values of the brand. In a two-day event, the truck maker invited dealers, customers and partners like body builders to a comprehensive session with workshops, networking opportunities, test drives and opportunities to shape the future of the brand in Thailand.

Held in the Amata Castle, just an hour outside of Bangkok, the venue offered a lot of insights and chances for exchanges. During the day, dealers were seen with their customers discussing deals while the staff of the ten dealers currently selling FUSO trucks were exposed to content in the “Workshop 2.0”, which followed up on the first session 100 days prior.

Using the workshop, FUSO aimed at creating a platform to learn the Daimler Way; to create awareness, understanding and to embrace the way of working with the brand. “All here are to be successful,” was the motto the trainer instilled into the participants.

In the first workshop, held at the end of 2017, the group of FUSO dealers identified their BHAG, the Big Hairy Audacious Goal, as “FUSO to be the No 1 in Thailand by 2022.” Working towards this, the dealers were reminded of the mission of the brand and what the future of mobility is to be like. FUSO terms this as CASE, which stands for Connected, Autonomous, Shared Services and Electric.
Values of the brand, as defined in the Daimler way are represented by PRIDE, an abbreviation translating into Passion, Respect, Integrity and Discipline. These values are to connect internal and external stakeholders and indicate what is important to the brand and what is not.

Currently, FUSO entertains some 10 dealers with 12 touchpoints for customers. These touchpoints range from mobile workshops all the way to fully fledged 3-S centres. This year, FUSO will double the number of touchpoints with the existing dealers. “The strategy is to have as many touchpoints with as little investors as possible,” says Sascha Ricanek, CEO, Daimler Commercial Vehicles Thailand Ltd. The first of these new workshops will open in Bangkok shortly and these are dedicated to servicing the needs of the customers. With most customers being headquartered in Bangkok, discussions take place there while the operation is mostly outside the city. Adjusting the levels of service provided in each region proofs difficult as vehicles may be sold in one region but are registered in another to operate.

The highly anticipated show, the Chengdu International Trade Fair for Automotive Parts and Aftermarket Services (CAPAS), will take place from 24 – 26 May 2018 at the Chengdu Century City New International Exhibition & Convention Center. It is expected to house around 580 exhibitors across 45,000 sqm of exhibition space this year, and will welcome over 20,000 visitors across three days.

Last year saw China’s vehicle sales surpass a mammoth 28 million. At the same time, rapid economic growth in the Sichuan region in recent years has bolstered the industry’s desire to enhance its competitiveness with advanced technologies. In fact, the area has seen a boom in the number of new energy vehicles and modernised after-sales companies of late, with the local government continuing to support such endeavours. This is becoming increasingly evident at one of the leading trade platforms – CAPAS, for the automotive industry in Southwest China.

The 2018 edition also comes at a time when highways across the Southwest region are undergoing significant optimisation. In response to the region’s automotive advancements and drive for growth, Sichuan’s total highway length reached 6,820 kilometres by the end of 2017, ranking it second in the nation. This is particularly beneficial for Southwest China’s third and fourth tier cities, where the automotive market is expected to grow even more rapidly in the coming years. The show is set to address these exciting changes through a number of relevant theme zones, enhanced product offerings, and a series of high quality fringe events focusing around upgrading, innovative technologies and industry transformation. With the clock counting down until the show opens its doors, key industry players from all aspects of the automotive supply chain are expected to benefit from the concurrent events at CAPAS 2018. Some of the most highly anticipated events for the 2018 edition include:

Transforming and Upgrading the Automotive Aftermarket in Southwest China Summit (24 May 2018)
While information technology is making significant inroads in the automotive aftermarket, many service stores in Southwest China are still working under more traditional models, despite the growing demands for newer, more advanced channels. As such, this summit’s comprehensive topics will help companies embrace technological advancements including the application of Internet+, new retailing, digital operation management, and financing. The summit will also cover a new regional auto repair market report, the industry’s developments and trends in the Yunnan Province, the transformation and upgrade of automotive service stores, as well as the Michelin Tyreplus' Profit Model Sharing Session.The latter will see representatives from Michelin share their insights on digitalisation to enhance a brand’s growth.

"Evolution, Integration, Beyond the Future" China Aftermarket Innovation & Development Summit 2018 (24 May 2018)
Co-organised by Chengdu Automotive Maintenance and Repair Trade Association, China Aftermarket Service Chain Academy (CASCA) and Messe Frankfurt, the summit aims at suggesting solutions for aftermarket to achieve cost reduction and optimise their efficiency and supply channels through integrating multiple resources of production, distribution and service chains. Topics cover business opportunity and profitability on braking systems and filters, air-conditioning solutions, as well as using branded auto parts to attract customers.

The Development and Innovation of Automotive Aftermarket under New Policies in New Era Conference (24 May 2018)
This conference will discuss the current automobile development policies in the nation, and the regional characteristics of Southwest China’s market. Industry experts, association leaders and business operators will focus on environmental policies to open up new market opportunities, as well as how companies can transform and upgrade under stricter environmental requirements. Mr Tao Sheng, Secretary-General of Chongqing Automobile Maintenance and Repair Industry Association (CAMARIA), one of the co-organisers of the conference, explained: “From passenger cars to commercial vehicles, and from OE to after-sales, China’s industry is going green. The new policies have affected the aftermarket sector, manufacturers and service providers in the Southwest region, which has subsequently affected the market’s entire supply chain. Through this forum, we will share our industry information and successful experiences, and give inspiration to those aftermarket enterprises that are facing the challenges of going green.” The conference will also discuss the outlook of the region’s automotive market in terms of easing regulation for second-hand vehicles.

Commercial Vehicle Zone Conferences (24 May 2018)
With China’s Ministry of Transport recently issuing the “Guiding Opinions on Deepening Reforms and Accelerating the Transformation of Road Transport”, the country’s logistics industry is continuing to transform and thrive, with commercial vehicles in higher demand than ever before. As a result, the Commercial Vehicle Zone at CAPAS attracts many commercial vehicle manufacturers in the nation, as well as leading parts and components manufacturers, distributors, repair and maintenance service providers and logistics fleets to participate. A number of fringe programme events such as forums, conferences, and training activities will take place in relation to the commercial vehicle market, such as the Summit for Commercial Vehicle Aftermarket Development in Southwest China and the Commercial Vehicle Repair & Maintenance Equipment Alliance Technical Training. The topics of these events will cover policies in the commercial vehicles sector, technological innovation, modern management, green and energy saving, security operations, and more.

China New Energy Automobile International Cooperation Conference 2018 (24 May 2018)
New energy vehicles have become a top priority under the rapid development of China’s automotive industry in recent years, and CAPAS has gradually penetrated into this exciting area through the establishment of the E-mobility & Infrastructure Zone. This conference will invite leading companies in this field, including the likes of Alibaba, Baidu, Bosch, BYD, Changan, Infineon, Tesla, Volkswagen, and more, to discuss the changes and opportunities of the region’s production and sales markets amidst the new energy wave. The event will facilitate information exchange, brand promotion, government procurement, industrial investment, and cooperation with OE firms.

CAPAS is jointly organised by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, the Automotive Sub-Council (CCPIT-Auto), Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Sichuan Council (CCPIT-Sichuan).

Microsleep is a common experience many have encountered on a monotonous long distance drive. Petronas DaganganBerhad (PDB), together with Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad and Road Safety Department Malaysia (JKJR) have joint forces to educate the public on the danger of microsleeping through a campaign called ‘Stay Alert, Stay Hydrated’.

The campaign offers the beverage combo comprising of a can of 240ml Nescafé and a 600ml bottle of mineral water at RM3.50. It is currently available at over 700 Petronas stations with ‘KedaiMesra’ stores from now until 31st December 2018.

PDB’s Managing Director and CEO, Dato’ Mohd Ibrahimnuddin Mohd Yunus said, “Dozing off behind the wheel is a common experience especially those who have to drive long hours. Through this campaign, we hope to remind motorists to always stay alert and hydrated by offering this beverage combo at a discounted price.”
Kumaran Nowuram, Business Executive Officer of Nestlé Malaysia shared the same thoughts and added that drivers should take regular breaks. He also reiterated that Nestlé is proud to promote road safety with PDB and JKJR.

According to JKJR, fatalities from road accidents reached over 7000 in 2016. PDB’s collaboration with Nestlé and JKJR is a natural progression from their long-standing partnership in carrying out the annual Coffee Break campaign. PDB also carries out the Petronas Streetsmart programme, targeting primary and secondary students to educate them on the importance of road safety.

From June 14 until July 15, 2018, the World Cup in Russia takes place. 32 teams want to become the next world champion and fight for the World Cup trophy – and in a new edition of the tip competition the product brand DT Spare Parts is looking for their "DT Aftermarket World Champion 2018".

Participants have the chance to win attractive prizes at the "DT Aftermarket World Champion 2018" tip competition – join quickly now!

This is how it works: The participants register and submit their tips before each game of the World Cup. Whoever reaches the highest score after the final on July 15, 2018, will become "DT Aftermarket World Champion 2018". If there is a tie, the lot decides. The legal process is excluded. Important: For a high chance of winning you should place bets on all games of the entire World Cup. You can also submit or adjust your tips until just before the kickoff. By the way: Anyone who already has participated in the previous tip competitions for the European Championship 2016 and the Champions League final round 2017 can register with their previous access data.

You have the chance to win attractive prizes worth a total of 5 000 euros. The "DT Aftermarket World Champion 2018" spends an unforgettable football weekend in Munich with a companion of his choice – including flight, overnight stay at a hotel and two VIP tickets for a game of FC Bayern Munich in the 1st Bundesliga in the Allianz Arena. The runner-up wins a flat screen (OLED) – so that the next football matches will be an optical highlight at home. For the third place there is a high-quality digital camera. The fourth place will get a gaming console including the game FIFA 2018 with World Cup mode. And to the participants who finish in fifth to tenth place DT Spare Parts gives the official FIFA World Cup football “Telstar 18” from Adidas.

Now it's time to sign up, hand in the tips and in the end win the virtual tip trophy as "DT Aftermarket World Champion 2018". DT Spare Parts wishes a lot of fun, success and good luck!

Proud of his successes in the country, Mueller called for a last press conference on 27th April to announce his retirement to the assembled media representatives.
"It is a good feeling to be retiring, however, it is also a sad moment for me," he said during the gathering.

Now 62 years old, Mueller came on board MAN Malaysia in September 2013. Prior to that, he has held various positions in MAN including Senior Vice President of Sales Management, Senior Vice President of International Key Accounts and CEO for MAN France.

During his five years in the country, MAN Truck & Bus nearly doubled its sales and has seen the entry into new segments. "The delivery of some 65 rescue trucks to APAM (Civil Defence) was surely the highlight of my time here. Hearing the praise for the trucks from the commanders receiving the vehicles was a truly proud moment."

According to him, meeting the different people here in Malaysia had the biggest impact on him. It is therefore not a surprise that he plans to stay on for a few months to now explore Malaysia in depth. "You to to Penang for a meeting and come back. So, you have been there, but not seen it. Now I really want to explore this beautiful country."

When asked what the biggest challenges will be for the brand after his departure, Mueller pointed out that one major local player had just acquired the rights to the sole distributorship of another German truck brand. "These people are not just going to put that brand onto a shelf. They will aggressively grow it and MAN will need to find products to match that." Besides local competition, Mueller also said that the changing demands arising super-growth in E-Commerce will have an impact on the entire supply chain. Where previously, large amounts were delivered to brick and mortar stores, now goods are delivererd to the door-steps of individuals.

Pending the appointment of a replacement and to ensure a smooth transition, Jerome Wong, General Manager of Sales and Marketing; and Thayalan Subramaniam, Head of Aftersales will assume acting leadership roles.

Spencer Tan, Managing Director of Importer Center, MAN Truck & Bus Asia Pacific said “Mueller has shown exceptional leadership during his five-year tenure with MAN Malaysia. Under his management, the company has seen robust and consistent growth in Malaysia and he has also help positioned the MAN brand prominently amidst a very competitive landscape. On behalf of the management team, I want to sincerely thank Mueller for his dedicated service to MAN”.