Saturday, June 08, 2019

Daihatsu to Display 2019 Gran Max Panel Van AT at the Upcoming Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo (MCVE 2019)




The Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo (MCVE 2019) is coming at the end of the month.  The commercial vehicle expo will take place from 20th to 22nd June 2019 at the Malaysia International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MIECC) and it the largest tradeshow for such vehicles. Daihatsu (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (DMSB) will be displaying their 2019 Gran Max Panel Van there this time around.



Daihatsu (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.  will be showcasing the Gran Max Panel Van (AT)aside from the usual manual variant. The Gran Max AT is the first in its class and the first light commercial vehicle in Malaysia to feature an automatic transmission and it is designed to specifically cater to the requirements of delivery-based businesses, SMEs, fleet businesses and government agencies. The lightweight and compact vehicle was unveiled last September and is ideal for heavy traffic urban areas and all types of road conditions, while delivering strong performance and economical fuel consumption.

While some may say that an automatic transmission may increase maintenance and upkeep, it isn't actually the case as in heavy traffic the automatic gearbox is actually more fuel efficient and actually lessens driver fatigue, which will actually increase driver alertness and also productivity in the long run. If an operator maintains the Gran Max Automatic as the servicing schedule says, it should actually give you better running costs throughout the period of ownership.



The 2019 Daihatsu Gran Max is rear-wheel drive (RWD) and it is able to accommodate up to 2,000 kg of gross weight (with load). It is powered by a DOHC DVVT 1.5 litre engine which is actually another derivative of the ones you see featured in such Daihatsu/Toyota/Perodua vehicles like the Avanza, Rush and Aruz people carriers. Aside from that, the Gran Max comes safety features standard with anti-lock braking system (ABS), dual front SRS airbags.

Aside from the Gran Max AT mentioned herein, DBSM will also be exhibiting a custom-built Gran Max panel van which will feature a conservation initiative to reduce vehicle’s CO2 emissions, in an exclusive joint effort with Free Tree Society, an environmental organisation that spreads the environmental stewardship message through public awareness campaigns. As an incentive for expo visitors to DMSB’s booth, they will get to take home free tree seedlings and plants.

Another highlight at the expo will be a custom-built Gran Max pickup truck to be used as a mobile
clinic, as part of a collaboration with Columbia Asia Hospital to offer complimentary health screening throughout the three days of the expo. There will also be a blood donation drive administrated by the National Blood Centre on the second day of the event from 12pm to 6pm at Daihatsu’s booth. DBSM will also be introducing various tailor-made programs suitable for small businesses as well as larger fleets at the expo. 

Arman Mahadi, Managing Director of Daihatsu (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd said, “The Gran Max is extremely versatile and can allow up to 17 customised body applications. This adaptability makes the Gran Max the perfect vehicle for a wide range of transport and business needs. As an innovation driver, we are confident the Gran Max line-up will cement our reputation as being able to provide the best and first in market, enabling us to continue to be a trusted mobility service provider to our customers.”

So DMSB will be showcasing the Gran Max in various forms. This is because Daihatsu's actual presence here in Malaysia is mostly under Perodua, which usually (not all the time  these days) make rebadged Daihatsu vehicles here. So Daihatsu's presence here in Malaysia is actually limited to the light commercial vehicle Gran Max as well as being a dealer for Hino Trucks (another Toyota Group company) here in Malaysia. 

Personally, the MCVE 2019 is another one of those vehicle shows which I like to attend. If you like commercial vehicles, this is the exhibition to head over to.

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