Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Reaffirms EEV Commitment by Training Bomba on High Voltage Vehicle Emergencies & Signs MoU with Malaysia Automotive Institute for closer working ties

Today, a total of 40 Bomba or Malaysian Fire Department personnel underwent a full day of training which covered both technical and hands-on experience to safely deal with hybrid and electric vehicles in the event of an emergency at the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Training Academy in Puchong, Selangor. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI), represented by MAI CEO, Dato’ Madani Sahari.   The Bomba personnel were introduced to Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), and Plug-In-Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) in the form of the Mercedes-Benz S400h, C350e and E350e. The training is aimed at creating a safe ecosystem for energy efficient vehicles (EEV) and drivers in support of the nation’s EEV hub aspirations. In other words, if a hybrid or electric vehicle gets involved in an accident, our Bomba personnel know how to handle vehicles that have high voltage systems and batteries in them.  Aside from that the Bomba personnel were also exposed to a system that they can download onto their Apple or Android based phones or tablets that can actually scan a special QR code with the Mercedes-Benz Rescue Assist App. First responders will be taught to locate and scan the QR code, and through the rescue app responders will be able to read available information about the specific vehicle, perform safety handling procedures on a high voltage (HV) vehicle and battery, and finally describe the different HV operating modes. Participants will have the opportunity to test the effectiveness of this app during the training. The best thing is that if you want to download this application, it is possible as it is free to be used by anyone.  In fact, Mercedes-Benz is actually allowing this programme to be used by other manufacturers and are allowing the coding to be used by others. The system actually saves over 2 minutes of time because rescue teams would know exactly where to safely cut into a vehicle without causing any additional safety issues in a rescue situation. As most of you are aware, every second counts in an emergency.  The training mentioned above makes so much sense as these days there are so many hybrid and electric vehicles being promoted and sold in Malaysia and our rescue services should be aware of how to safely deal with cars that run high voltage electrical systems.  This EEV training commitment is actually one part of how Mercedes-Benz gives back to society. Training of human capital is a very important aspect and in addition to conducting the High Voltage Vehicle Training, MBM also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI). Aimed at fostering closer working ties between MAI and MBM, the MoU further reinforces MBM’s commitment to the Malaysian automotive industry, specifically in the area of sustainable skilled human capital development. Consequently, the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Modern Apprenticeship Programme will be accredited by MAI, adding to its existing impressive line-up of national and global accreditation.  This allows MAI access to Mercedes-Benz's experience and resources. It also allows students from the Mercedes-Benz Training Academy to have certification which holds even more value within Malaysia. Whilst their certification is of a very high standard, having a country's government agency put their stamp of approval makes it a little more stronger locally. The facilities that the Mercedes-Benz Training Academy have are many and varied. It isn't just passenger cars, but the commercial vehicle sector where Mercedes-Benz also has a foothold in. Another is the fact that Mercedes-Benz also trains people for a future where different forms of fuels are utilised and a future where autonomous driving vehicles will populate our roads. It is always a pleasure to see our automotive policy makers, MAI working closely with a company as established as Mercedes-Benz in order to improve human capital development in Malaysia. It is actually behind the scenes news like this that actually drive the industry to higher levels. Whilst I do like driving the nice new cars and trucks, I also love attending events like these which actually show progress being made in terms of the industry as a whole. Its about creating value isn't it?  PRESS RELEASE Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Reaffirms EEV Commitment, Trains Bomba To Handle High Voltage Vehicle Emergencies ·         Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) trains 40 Bomba personnel in handling emergencies involving high voltage vehicles. ·         Training aimed at creating a conducive and safe ecosystem for energy efficient vehicles (EEV) and drivers in support of the nation’s EEV hub aspirations. ·         MBM signs MoU with Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) to foster closer working ties. MBM reinforces its commitment to the Malaysian automotive industry in the area of sustainable talent development through MoU with MAI. (From left) Malaysia Automotive Institute Chief Operating Officer, Encik Nizmar Mohd Nazar; CEO, Dato’ Madani Sahari; Mercedes-Benz Malaysia CEO and President, Dr Claus Weidner; and Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Mr Martin Brengartner at the MoU signing ceremony between MBM and MAI.

Puchong, Selangor, 5 June 2017 – The nation is another step closer to realising its aspirations of becoming an energy efficient vehicle (EEV) hub in line with global standards as leading premium German marque, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM), engaged Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) personnel with its High Voltage Vehicle Introduction Training. The first of its kind, the training imparted relevant technical and practical know-how to handle emergencies involving Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), and Plug-In-Electric Vehicles (PHEVs). “Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has been, and continues to be, a strong supporter of the nation’s ambitions of becoming an EEV hub. Today is another example of our commitment in action. We are very happy for this opportunity to work with our national heroes from Bomba to put in place a crucial support system, thus creating a conducive ecosystem for EEVs and drivers,” said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner. A total of 40 Bomba personnel were immersed in a full day of training which covered both technical and hands-on experience to safely deal with hybrid and electric vehicles in the event of an emergency. Participants were hosted at the state-of-the-art MBM Training Academy in Puchong, Selangor, and were introduced to Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), and Plug-In-Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) in the form of the Mercedes-Benz S400h, C350e and E350e. The training was guided by six key learning pillars namely, ensuring Bomba personnel are able to describe the types of high voltage systems available in motor vehicles, identify high voltage components located in HEVs and PHEVs, and describing the Mercedes-Benz Post Safe features in HEVs and PHEVs. Participants were also trained on how to utilise the Mercedes-Benz Rescue Assist App.  First responders will be taught to locate and scan the QR code, and through the rescue app responders will be able to read available information about the specific vehicle, perform safety handling procedures on a high voltage (HV) vehicle and battery, and finally describe the different HV operating modes. Participants will have the opportunity to test the effectiveness of this app during the training. “Our pride is in our brand promise of delivering the Best Products and the Best Customer Experience. Taking this a step further, we uphold the highest regard for safety in every aspect. It goes hand-in-hand with our footprint in the EEV sphere, and that is why it is important to be well prepared in handling unforeseen emergencies efficiently, thus minimising the risk of damage or injury,” explained MBM, Vice President, After Sales, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Mr Heinrich Schromm. In addition to conducting the High Voltage Vehicle Training, MBM also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI), represented by CEO, Dato’ Madani Sahari.  Aimed at fostering closer working ties between MAI and MBM, the MoU further reinforces MBM’s commitment to the Malaysian automotive industry, specifically in the area of sustainable talent development.  Consequently, the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Modern Apprenticeship Programme will be accredited by MAI, adding to its existing impressive line-up of national and global accreditations.