Tan Chong Industrial Equipment (TCIE), UD Trucks’ sole distributor in Malaysia, today introduced the new Quester 8L (litre) to the Malaysian market. With this new addition, UD Trucks now offers the widest range of affordable trucks to meet all kinds of business operations ranging from long haul, mining and distribution to construction work and regional transportation.
The new CKD built Quester 8L comes in 4x2, 6x2 and 6x4 models, adding to the existing models from the Quester 11L of 4x2, 6x2, 6x4 and 8x4. The Quester trucks are known for providing world class fuel efficiency, reliability and durability across a wide range of applications and variants at affordable prices.
DRIVING THE UD QUESTER 8L
I managed to try the Quester 8L CWE330. This is the 8L in 6x4 form, with the 330hp /1200Nm engine. TCIE had laid out a short course for us to try the truck. The course consisted of slaloms and a few turns so it was quite easy to maneuver around it. The CWE330 chassis can be configured as a cargo truck, cement mixer or aas a dump truck. The controls are chunky and easy to operate with the exception of the park brake (located on the transmission tunnel /center console) which requires a bit more strength before it can be released (locking it is easier than releasing it). Unless you're left handed, then it should not be an issue.
The Quester 8L would most probably be equipped with an 8 speed manual transmission with Reverse and Crawl gears. Once you master the initial shift patterns, it should be easy to operate. The only drawback I see of the cabin is the LCD instrumentation in the meter cluster under the hot afternoon sun. It could do with a little more contrast if the sun is bearing down on it. But aside from that, the cabin is a nice place to be in and there is ample space for the driver to take a nap behind the seats. Plastics are robust and should last a long time. It is all utilitarian obviously. To keep it affordable of course.
The Quester 8L would most probably be equipped with an 8 speed manual transmission with Reverse and Crawl gears. Once you master the initial shift patterns, it should be easy to operate. The only drawback I see of the cabin is the LCD instrumentation in the meter cluster under the hot afternoon sun. It could do with a little more contrast if the sun is bearing down on it. But aside from that, the cabin is a nice place to be in and there is ample space for the driver to take a nap behind the seats. Plastics are robust and should last a long time. It is all utilitarian obviously. To keep it affordable of course.
Maneuverability is good at low speeds and through the slalom course. So it visibility from the cabin. The drivetrain seemed smooth at the low speeds we were travelling (I only used four of the eight forward gears). The clutch is easy to modulate and throttle response is good. Once you've gotten used to the drivetrain and power, things should be relatively easy.
I suppose this short review does not take into account how comfortable the cabin in on a long haul trip but the ergonomics are good and the seat feels right too. The only issue is that this is a manual transmission truck, which requires more driver input than fully equipped ones that shft by itself. Of course, for this CWE330, in dump truck or mixer form, it may not be utilised for long haul. The cargo form however is another thing. But yes, it is comfy on the short drive I managed.
Yup...this is my best impression of a trucker...and failing at it.
Prices and Promos
There is an early bird promotion on the pricing of the Quester 8L and 11L. As a guideline, prices for the Quester 8L starts at RM235,000 onwards for the 4X2 and RM255,000 onwards for the 6 x 2 but with the early bird promotional prices, the 4X2 going for RM222,000 onwards and the 6X2 at RM238,000 onwards. The offer is now on till 30th June 2016 for a limited number of vehicles. Customers also can enjoy 1 year free maintenance on the Quester series of trucks as well as a 2 year warranty.
The Quester 8L definitely fills up a slot in the UD Trucks lineup. Those that do not need the extra engine performance but still want something well designed and something that can last over a period of time. TCIE also backs up the trucks with a comprehensive aftersales service network and personnel with 42 service centers nationwide. I think the new 8L will find acceptance in both current UD customers (some who are extremely loyal to the brand from what I see) and also in reaching out to new customers.
UD TELEMATICS
There is also the option of equipping the Quester Trucks (both the 8L and the 11L) with UD Telematics. This on-vehicle This on-vehicle electronic system helps customers monitor the health of their trucks and driving behaviour. One of the key features UD Telematics has is its ability to coach the driver in manning the vehicle in the most fuel efficient way. The system is actually quite similar to the one used by Volvo Trucks who are part of the same group as UD Trucks (UD Trucks is under the Volvo Group). You get the same telemetry and information systems like the higher priced Volvo trucks with a UD Truck.
L-R: Mats Nilsson, President Volvo Group Malaysia; Tan Keng Meng, Executive Director, Tan Chong Industrial Equipment Sdn Bhd; Jacques Michel, President, Asia Oceania Sales, Volvo Group; Wong King Yoon, Chief Executive Director, Tan Chong Industrial Equipment Sdn Bhd officiating the launch of the new UD Quester 8L series
UD Trucks Now Offer the Widest Range of Possibilities with the New Quester 8L
L-R: Toshihiko Odawara, Director, UD Brand and Product Line; Naoki Kobayashi, UD Trucks Sales Director Malaysia; Filip Van den Heede, Vice President, Aftermarket, Asia Oceania Sales, Volvo Group; Christophe Martin, Senior Vice President, Renault Trucks; Mats Nilsson, President Volvo Group Malaysia; Jacques Michel, President, Asia Oceania Sales, Volvo Group; Dato’ Rosie Tan, Executive Vice President, Tan Chong Motor Holdings Berhad; Dato’ Robert Tan, Chief Operating Officer, APM Automotive Holdings Berhad; Tan Keng Meng, Executive Director, Tan Chong Industrial Equipment Sdn Bhd; Wong King Yoon, Chief Executive Director, Tan Chong Industrial Equipment Sdn Bhd; Jaclyn Loy, Executive Vice President and Head of Finance, Truck Group; Lee Kong Leong, Senior General Manager, Sales and After Sales, Tan Chong Industrial Equipment Sdn Bhd, with the newly launched UD Quester 8L
Malaysia, today introduced the new Quester 8L (litre) to the Malaysian market. With this new
addition, UD Trucks now offers the widest range of possibilities to meet all kinds of business
operations ranging from long haul, mining and distribution to construction work and regional
transportation.
Introduced in late 2013, the Quester 11L range is a robust, strong and heavy-duty truck with a
combination of global technology and Japanese craftsmanship, sourced and manufactured
close to its targeted customers. Backed by more than 80 years of Japanese engineering
heritage, Volvo Group’s global technology, and strong local presence, sales network, strong
aftermarket expertise by TCIE, as well as vast collective market experience, the Quester range
is definitely designed and built with the customers’ needs in mind.
Widest range for all kinds of businesses
With the new addition of the Quester 8L to the existing Quester 11L offerings, the UD Trucks
heavy-duty range expands its flexibility in meeting the needs of businesses across various
industries. The new Quester 8L comes in 4x2, 6x2 and 6x4 models, adding to the existing
models from the Quester 11L of 4x2, 6x2, 6x4 and 8x4. The Quester trucks are known for
providing world class fuel efficiency, reliability and durability across a wide range of applications
and variants at affordable prices.
“UD Quester is the first real heavy-duty Japanese truck designed with heavy duty chassis,
heavy duty cab and associated heavy features with a proven record of fuel-efficient engines and
quality,” said Mr Tan Keng Meng, Executive Director of Tan Chong Industrial Equipment (TCIE).
“And now with the introduction of the UD Quester 8L, we have a wide range of trucks that are
versatile and able to meet transportation requirements holistically for our customers,” he went
on to say. “Since the introduction of Quester, we have received good response from our
customers and this is further proven as we have customers who have placed pre-orders and will
be collecting their new trucks today!” he said.
UD Telematics
Meanwhile, Mats Nilsson, President of Volvo Group, Malaysia said, “Together with our long-time
partner, TCIE, we are happy to be introducing the Quester 8L trucks to the Malaysian market.
The multiple and reliable variants of all UD Quester Trucks are equipped with many great
features and one of them is the UD Telematics. This on-vehicle electronic system helps
customers monitor the health of their trucks and driving behaviour. One of the key features UD
Telematics has is its ability to coach the driver in manning the vehicle in the most fuel efficient
way. Hence, it is economical for the company and reduces carbon emission to the
environment,” he added.
UD Telematics comes factory-fitted in every UD Quester truck. Customers opting to use UD
Telematics will be able to have an insight on their fleet, with the system providing real-time
locations, fuel reports and allows UD Trucks to monitor the health of the vehicle. This ensures
less downtime for their fleet, consistent fuel-savings and less costs for their businesses in the
long term.
Comprehensive aftermarket service, including 42 service centres nationwide
“TCIE takes aftermarket services very seriously,” said Mr Tan Keng Meng. “We have 42 service
centres nationwide providing easy access to drivers to bring in their vehicles anytime. To top
this, we also have fully-equipped mobile service trucks with genuine parts to reach trucks
drivers who are unable to come to us,” he said. “We believe in providing reliability and a total
solution to our business partners. This is also the very reason why TCIE is the first private
partner in APAC outside of Japan to assemble locally the Completely Knocked-down UD
Quester trucks in our Segambut plant,” he elaborated.
TCIE recently rolled out the Completely Knocked-down (CKD) Quester rigid trucks, assembled
in their Tan Chong Motor Assemblies Sdn. Bhd. Segambut plant. RM1.5 million was invested
into the setting up of this assembly line, topped with numerous hours of expertise brought in
from UD Trucks Japan and Volvo Group, to upgrade human resource capacity. With the
introduction of the UD Quester 8L and the CKD UD Quester, TCIE is set to increase its market
share in the heavy-duty truck segment and win over new businesses while continue to retain its
existing customers with its wide and flexible range of trusted trucks. This is the continued
commitment from both TCIE and UD Trucks to grow the Malaysian transportation market.
“UD Trucks have existed since 1935. That is almost a century of continued research and
development in meeting the demands of our clients worldwide. Our market share is proof of the
reliability of our trucks,” says UD Trucks Director of UD Brand & Product Line, Toshihiko
Odawara. “Together with TCIE and the introduction of the 8L Quester, we are ready to further
expand the growing Malaysian market. UD will continue to provide solutions to various local
needs through our high-powered, easy-to- drive and comfortable trucks, while customers receive
top notch aftermarket service from our partner, TCIE,” he further said.
Promotion
As part of their sales package, customers can enjoy 1-year free maintenance on the UD
Quester series as well as a 2-year vehicle warranty. In addition, TCIE will be offering a special
early bird promotional price for orders on two of the UD Quester models from now till June 30th
2016, for a limited number of vehicles.
For more information on the UD Quester series and their special discount, customers can visit
the nearest dealers.
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About Tan Chong Industrial Equipment Sdn Bhd
Tan Chong Industrial Equipment Sdn Bhd is a subsidiary of public-listed Tan Chong Motor
Holdings Bhd. It is the authorized distributor for UD Trucks Co., Japan, the manufacturer of UD
range of heavy commercial vehicles, in Malaysia. Since the first introduction in 1978, Tan
Chong Industrial Equipment has made UD Trucks one of the leading makes in Malaysia with
more than 45,000 UD Trucks vehicles on Malaysian roads to date.
More information is available on www.tcie.com.my
About UD Trucks
UD Trucks is a transport solutions provider, specializing in fuel efficiency and uptime. It sells
and serves light, medium and heavy duty trucks as well as special vehicles. UD Trucks was
established in Japan in 1935 and became part of the Volvo Group in 2007. With its
headquarters located in Ageo, Japan, UD Trucks supports sales and services in more than 60
countries through a worldwide network.
More information is available on www.udtrucks.com
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