Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles (MBM CV) the authorised distributor of FUSO trucks in Malaysia, recently delivers the 300th FUSO truck to Biforst Logistics Sdn Bhd. At the same event, both parties also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise Biforst Logistics’ commitment to purchase the first electric-powered truck in Malaysia, the FUSO eCanter upon the vehicle’s availability in Malaysia.
“The delivery of the 300th FUSO truck to Biforst Logistics represents a significant milestone for us. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles takes great pride in delivering ‘Trucks you can trust’, and in doing so we are absolutely thrilled that Biforst Logistics benefits greatly from our highly reliable and economical commercial vehicles and extensive service network,” said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, Vice President, Commercial Vehicles, Mr Albert Yee.
A FUSO customer since 2006, Biforst Logistics’ fleet of trucks include the FUSO Light Duty Truck models, FE71PB, FE83PE, FE83PG and FE85PG which are commonly used for short distance distribution, inter-state logistic transportation, and FUSO medium duty truck model, FM65FM and Mercedes-Benz Actros for long distance logistics. MBM CV’s authorised 3S dealer, Bumi Asia Auto Sdn Bhd, provides vehicle sales, complete after-sales support and vehicle maintenance for Biforst Logistics’ fleet.
“Given the nature of our business, we need to ensure maximum up-time of our fleet. MBM CV is a natural first choice for us as they have a deep understanding of our need for safety, reliability and economic efficiency. As a result of our robust business growth we need trucks which are dependable, and have plans to further increase our FUSO truck fleet over the next few years,” said Biforst Logistics Group Managing Director, Mr Hamie Appala.
The delivery of the 300th FUSO truck was followed by the signing of a MoU between Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Biforst Logistics Sdn Bhd to formalise Biforst Logistics’ intent to become one of the first Malaysian companies to purchase the electric-powered FUSO eCanter upon the vehicle’s availablity in Malaysia.
Unveiled at the 2016 International Motor Show (IAA), the FUSO eCanter truck is the brand’s first electrically-powered light duty truck, a zero-emission drive that offers economic efficiency and an attractive alternative to diesel engines. The signing was witnessed by Biforst Group Sdn Bhd Chairman, Yang Teramat Mulia Dato’ Johan Pahlawan Lela Perkasa Setiawan Dato’ Haji Muhammad Bin Abdullah; Deputy Minister of Transport Malaysia, Y.B. Datuk Ab. Aziz Kaprawi and; Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Managing Director, Mr Mike Ponnaz.
Suitable for urban transportation and short radius distribution, the FUSO eCanter has a battery modular concept that allows flexibility for customers’ needs. Designed for comfort and functionality, customers can opt between more battery packs resulting in more mileage; or less battery packs but greater payload. Biforst Logistics is set to gain first-mover advantage in acquiring the electric-powered commercial vehicle upon the official launch of the FUSO eCanter in Malaysia.
“MBM CV is a long-time trusted partner of the nation’s haulage and logistics industry. The MoU signing with Biforst Logistics today reaffirms our commitment to the Malaysian market to continue providing trucks of the highest quality that offer reliability and economic efficiency. This MoU also demonstrates our support of the Malaysian government’s aspirations of becoming an energy efficient vehicle (EEV) hub in line with global standards, and commitment to contribute towards reducing carbon emissions in the transportation sector,” added Yee.
