LOKATECH Engineering Sdn Bhd has launched the first aftermarket built-in toll reader for all of us using toll roads to use. The LokaTAG built-in toll reader was made in collaboration with EFKON, the Austrian technology provider of Malaysia’s nationwide infra-red electronic toll collection system. This is the people who first provided us with the SmartTag reader for Malaysia toll roads. Do note that in conjunction with the launch there is a promotion for the built-in reader on Shopee Malaysia (inclusive of installation) which is stated down below.
The LokaTAG built-in toll reader will be on sale at RM499 per unit. The system offers an alternative to the portable MaxTAG toll reader which was launched in October 2018. The LokaTAG reader differs from the MaxTAG in that it is designed to be integrated as part of the vehicle with direct connection to the vehicle’s battery rather than using a 9 volt battery. It features a long-lasting back-lit display with card error or low credit alert. LOKATECH states that it can be fitted to all vehicle models.
The LokaTAG reader comes in a box with three main items- the card holder/ reader module, the wire harness and the antenna module for the infra red sensor. Basically this separates the MaxTAG/SmartTag reader into two parts instead of one. You can fit the infra-red antenna/sensor behind the rear view mirror for maximum detection and then hide the card reader somewhere on the lower part of the dashboard. This prevents itchy fingers from prying into your car if you have left your Card reader on the dashboard with the Touch-n-Go card visible (which can be used as payment in many places).
According to EFKON Asia Sdn Bhd director Helmuth Blasch, sales of the MaxTAG since its launch last year have be encouraging. This, and the increasing orders from car manufacturers for built-in toll readers proved that the infra-red system retains high preference among highway users due to its proven reliability and efficiency.
“Market response to the portable MaxTAG has been excellent with average monthly sales of about 12,000 units. As for our built-in toll readers, we currently have five major car brands featuring our customised products with more coming on board soon. The combined total monthly sales of the portable and built-in units are about 25,000 units,” said Mr Blasch.
Note that the Touch-n-Go card can be used for other transportation means like the LRT, MRT or even buses rather than just being locked into the RFID system which is being promoted by some parties.
LOKATECH Engineering Sdn Bhd general manager Ng Shyh Kang believes that there is tremendous potential in the untapped aftermarket segment.
“LokaTAG is the first and only authorised built-in toll reader for the aftermarket and we believe there is a high number of car owners who will appreciate the peace of mind and convenience of a seamless ride. For a start, we are targeting sales of about 1,000 units a month,” said Shyh Kang.
The people at EFKON also stated that the company is constantly investing in research and development to enhance the features of the infra-red electronic toll readers, including equipping these devices with Bluetooth connectivity and voice alert capabilities in the future. Bluetooth connectivity will enable users to interact with the electronic toll reader units using devices such as smartphones and car media systems.
“We expect the infra-red electronic toll collection system to continue playing a significant role in this country for years to come. It has proven to be the most reliable, efficient, convenient and cost-effective cashless toll collection system in facilitating multi-lane traffic flow on Malaysian highways,” added Blasch on the future potential of the system.
The infra-red toll reader system was first developed in 1997 and rolled out across Malaysia in 2005, where it was known as SmartTAG. Demand is still high as many still believe that the use of the Touch-n-Go card, which is the payment system used by the LokaTAG and MaxTAG, as a universal payment method which can be utilised elsewhere other than toll-roads is a practical means of payment. Now, with the demise of SmartTAG sales on the open market, both LokaTAG and MaxTAG readers are there to fill in the void.
Launch Promotion -- Free Installation of the LokaTAG reader in your vehicle
In partnership with Shopee Malaysia (www.shopee.com.my), every purchase of LokaTAG from the official LokaTAG online store comes with free on-site installation for customers in the Klang Valley, Penang and Johor, along with 0% Easy Payment Plan (EPP) for just an extra RM1. Customers outside these regions can install their LokaTAG for free at selected authorised dealers. Visit www.lokatag.com. for more details.
Left to right Mr Yap Kiak Wee, Executive Director, Basset Sdn Bhd, Mr Helmuth Blasch, Director, EFKON Asia Sdn Bhd, Mr Ng Shyh Kang, General Manager, LOKATECH Engineering Sdn Bhd, Mr Michael Lim, Category Manager for Automotive, Shopee Malaysia & Mr Justin Chew, Business Development Manager, Maxx `N Go
- MOTORING MALAYSIA (C) 2019
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