Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) closed another year as the leading brand in the premium luxury segment with a total of 10,021 passenger vehicles (including SUVs) sold. That captured a 1.8% market share and overall 7th position.
“We wrap up the decade on a great note as we continue to grow our customer base and set our footing in the country. 2019 was a year where we placed great emphasis on expanding our product offensive with innovative technology and emotional design, catering to the needs of our customers. Through a solid leadership and vision, we reaffirmed our commitment to the Malaysian market and our customers in delivering the ‘Best Product and Best Customer Experiences‘,” said MBM President & CEO, Dr Claus Weidner.
“Despite facing headwinds, we ended the year on a strong note to cement our position in premium automotive segment. We delivered 10,021 vehicles to our Malaysian customers signifying a continuous mark of confidence towards our brand. We are fully confident that 2019 has set up a great tone as we power up a great momentum for the new decade,” added Vice-President of Sales & Marketing at MBM, Michael Jopp.
Key launches that took place includes the E-Class with the debut the E 350 AMG Line, E 200 SPORTSTYLE Avantgarde and E 300 Exclusive Line; A-Class sedan (A200 and A250); latest GLC and GLE SUV models, Mercedes-AMG A35, the Mercedes-AMG GT R and GT C, plus the new GLC 200, 300 and 300 Coupe SUV models. The AMG line-up also broadened with the inclusion of the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+, Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupé, and the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S.
MBM also introduced its first ever S-Class Plug-in Hybrid, the S 560 e, while the Mercedes-Benz EQ brand experience was presented with the highly-anticipated Southeast Asian premiere of the all-electric EQC. The EQ range signifies a new era of mobility in the country without compromising on luxury, comfort, quality, design and driving dynamics for which the German brand is well known.
Mercedes-Benz assembly line in Pekan, Pahang (archive image)
MBM’s Pekan Plant in Pahang rolled out its 100,000th vehicle during 2019. Currently, the plant assembles 13 variants from 5 model lines and Mercedes-AMG models are included as well. Exports to the Philippines also began last year with the C 180 left-hand drive variant. This is the first stage of export activities for the plant and there will be similar initiatives within the ASEAN region in coming years.
Throughout 2019, MBSM financed 5 out of every 10 new Mercedes-Benz vehicles sold and has a concrete servicing portfolio of RM2.6 billion. The financial arm of MBM recorded new contracts worth over RM1 billion and introduced new financing and insurance solutions such as Mobility Plus, the first-of-its-kind car replacement program in Malaysia’s auto financing industry along with Lease@Ease, an all-in-one lease payment plan with value added services such as Tyre & Rims and Comprehensive Insurance with Service and Maintenance.
Keyword: Mercedes-Benz continues to be leading premium luxury brand in Malaysia