Today was the official hand-over and delivery of the 300th FUSO truck to Biforst Logistics. This occasion marks as a historic milestone in the long-standing relationship and trust between Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles (which owns the FUSO brand) and Biforst Logistics.
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. The company already operates a total of 530 commercial vehicles with a planned 170 more by the end of the year. Business seems to be good for them over the past few years. It has basically taken them 13 years for them to reach this stage, a major player in the Malaysian transport industry.
Aside from the delivery of the 300th Fuso truck, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles (MBM CV) and Biforst Logistics Sdn Bhd was entered into. The MoU formalises Biforst Logistics intent to become one of the first Malaysian customers to purchase the first-electrically powered truck, the FUSO eCanter, once the vehicle has been launched in Malaysia. Biforst have stated that they are ready to try out this new technology when it is available.
The eCanter, represents the third generation of the world's first fully electric-powered light truck, and the small-scale production run is an important step on the way to full production. Technically, the eCanter is radically different from its first and second generation predecessor and benefits from the extensive findings of customer trials with the second generation and the reduced costs of battery and component technology.
The new eCanter uses a permanent synchronous electric motor with an impressive output of 185 kW and torque of 380 Nm. Power is transferred to the rear axle by a standard single-speed transmission. The vehicle premiered at the IAA 2016 and has a battery capacity of 70 kWh. Depending on the body, load and usage, a range of more than 100 km without stationary recharging is possible. The batteries are spread over five units, one centrally in the frame right behind the cab and two more on each side of the frame. They are water-cooled lithium-ion batteries that provide a long service life, high efficiency, especially at high ambient temperatures, and compact construction of the battery units. It can be charged using a fast charger - 1 hour. The eCanter's exceptional weight balance is worth highlighting. The chassis load capacity of the 7.49 t vehicle is 4.63 t including the body and load.
The eCanter should begin production by the end of 2017 with sales starting in Europe, USA and Japan. MBM CV would like for the eCanter to be locally available sometime after that. MBM CV would definitely like for such a truck to be sold here as the Mercedes-Benz group is committed to support the Malaysia’s efforts of becoming an Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) hub.
Other details include the fact that Biforst Logistics is currently subscribed under Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia’s customised total financing solution packages. This includes the Hire Purchase Classic and Hire Purchase FlexiPay Payment Holiday.
Since 2013, Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia has financed more than 200 units of FUSO Trucks. In addition, Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia provides Biforst Logistics’ comprehensive insurance protection underwritten by Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad and AXA Affin General Insurance Berhad to further safeguard their FUSO trucks from any unforeseen incidents and economic losses.
One has to note that Biforst, which started in 2004 have blossomed into one of the largest specialised transporters in the market. There are some naysayers stating that 2017 will be a bad year. I suppose no one told Biforst this as they expect to purchase a whole lot of trucks as I mentioned above. Don't just listen to rumours on social media folks. 170 trucks on the order books is no small deal.
PRESS RELEASE
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles Delivers 300th FUSO Truck To
Biforst Logistics, Signs MOU To Deliver The First Electric Truck In Malaysia
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Supporting the nation’s efforts of becoming an EEV hub with the MOU signing of the first electric-powered truck in Malaysia, the FUSO eCanter.
(from left) Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, Senior Manager, MBCV Operation, Mr. Kamaljit Singh, Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Managing Director, Mr Mike Ponnaz; Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, Vice President, Commercial Vehicles, Mr Albert Yee; Chairman of Biforst Group Sdn Bhd, Yang Teramat Mulia Dato’ Johan Pahlawan Lela Perkasa Setiawan Dato’ Haji Muhamad Bin Abdullah, Undang Luak Johol; Deputy Minister of Transport Malaysia, Y.B. Datuk Ab. Aziz Kaprawi; Biforst Group Sdn Bhd, Managing Director, Mr. Hamie Appala Nakkiah; Affin Hwang Capital, Group Managing Director, Datuk Maimoonah Husain; and Biforst Group Sdn Bhd, Operations Director, Mr. Apparao a/l Ramachandran.
Puchong, Selangor, 30 March 2017 – Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles (MBM CV) the authorised distributor of FUSO trucks in Malaysia, today officially marked the delivery of the 300th FUSO truck to Biforst Logistics Sdn Bhd, a leading one stop logistics solutions provider. 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.
Biforst Logistics is currently subscribed under Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia’s customised total financing solution packages, Hire Purchase Classic and Hire Purchase FlexiPay Payment Holiday. Since 2013, Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia has financed more than 200 units of FUSO Trucks. In addition, Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia provides Biforst Logistics’ comprehensive insurance protection underwritten by Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad and AXA Affin General Insurance Berhad to further safeguard their FUSO trucks from any unforeseen incidents and economic losses.
With a nationwide network 55 FUSO dealers and 44 FUSO service facilities, MBM CV and its dealer partners continue to offer peace of mind and convenience to its customers nationwide.
For more information on FUSO vehicles, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles and Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia, visit www.mercedes-benz.com.my, www.fuso.my and or call 03 – 8074 1188. To learn more about Biforst Logistics’ scope of services, visit http://www.biforst.com.
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