PEKAN (Oct 21): Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd's sales of new commercial vehicles have increased by 15% over the past three years as opposed to the sales of second hand or repossessed vehicles.

Its commercial vehicles division sales and marketing vice president Albert Yee said that new owners see a benefit in purchasing new vehicles as they find new vehicles to have more benefits in comparison with used or repossessed vehicles.

"The Malaysian market has a mixture of new commercial vehicles and rebuilt (ones), repossessed or used vehicles. Over the past three years we have experienced an increase in demand for new vehicles.

"The owner sees benefit in buying new vehicles because it comes with a two-year warranty and first year unlimited mileage despite the fact that used vehicles are cheaper. I'm not saying used trucks are not good, but I do see a trend shifting towards new vehicles.

"And this trend is increasing, we are seeing faster sales now," explained Yee to a press conference after conducting a tour at the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia's Pekan production plant here, today.

This year alone, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has exceeded their sales target for commercial vehicles in Malaysia. To date, the group has sold 142 units of its truck Atros and expects the figure to hit more than 200 by year end.

Among the contributing factors, said Yee, was the entire package including the after sales support provided to their customers coupled with the product's good fuel economy, safety features and comfort.

Today also saw the official roll out of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia's 25,000th commercial vehicle which the group celebrated with the press.

"The 25,000th truck already has a buyer. We are going to deliver the truck and celebrate with the customer at his premises," said Yee.

When asked whether the group will revise the price of its commercial vehicles due to the weakening ringgit, Yee said that it will not happen any time soon.

"We already have our tools on currency exchange in place to allow us to ride it out. So, for the short term there will not be any price revision due to the currency devaluation," said Yee.

At the end of noon trade today, Cycle & Carriage Bintang Bhd, which has a 49% stake in Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, closed at RM3.25, up by six sen or 1.88%, with 25,500 shares traded for a market capitalisation of RM321.4 million.

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