This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on August 28, 2018

KUALA LUMPUR: Motor vehicle enthusiasts can check out a range of commercial vehicles to suit their business needs at the upcoming Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2018 (KLIMS’18) from Nov 23 to Dec 2.

In its ninth edition, commercial vehicle manufacturers and distributors will be showcasing a variety of models at the 10-day event organised by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).

“Malaysia is growing in terms of land development and infrastructure, constructions, industrial fields and trade. The advent of e-commerce in Malaysia has also increased the demand for a mode of transport for delivering goods and the food and beverage industry has a breed of commercial vehicles such as food trucks,” said MAA president Datuk Aishah Ahmad in a statement.

According to MAA’s latest data, new commercial vehicles registered in Malaysia for the first half of 2018 recorded 28,671 units while commercial vehicles produced and assembled in Malaysia recorded 19,623 units.

Last year, the total sales and production of commercial vehicles stood at 61,956 (registered) and 40,081 (produced and assembled) respectively.

“Production volumes are expected to increase in 2018 to keep up with demand,” said Aishah.

She attributed the increase in demand for commercial vehicles to the versatility of pickup trucks and the haulage capabilities of trucks and prime movers for long-distance transport tasks. “Original equipment manufacturers are taking advantage of this trend by offering multiple variants and facelift models,” she added.

The automobile industry is also making commercial vehicles more environmentally friendlier, economical and safer.

For one, Isuzu will be showcasing its latest breakthrough in diesel engine technology.

“We [will] showcase the 1.9L BluePower Diesel Engine at KLIMS’18. This newly designed small displacement and high-power engine is Isuzu’s solution to meet strict environmental standards with great pulling power,” Isuzu Malaysia chief operating officer Masayuki Suzuki said.

Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, along with its authorised distributor DRB-Hicom Commercial Vehicles Sdn Bhd, is also gearing up to showcase the Tata Super Ace small pickup, ultra trucks and Prima prime mover during the 10-day motor show.