The Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo (MCVE) kicked off today at the Malaysia International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MIECC). This was the fifth time that MCVE was held, albeit a year or so late due to the lockdowns Malaysia placed to combat the recent pandemic. MCVE is the first and biggest commercial vehicle expo series ever held in Malaysia that focuses on future transport solutions in the commercial vehicle industry. The three-day expo was launched by YB Dato’ Henry Sum Agong, Deputy Minister of Transport Malaysia. And what could be one of the largest automotive shows to be held right before Malaysia opens up to the world again on the 1st of April this year.
Organiser of MCVE 2022, Stefan Pertz stated, “Today we celebrate a resilient industry though. The pandemic has certainly put all of us to the test. A test that we have passed, thanks to the dedication of the transport industry. This year’s Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Exhibition (MCVE) is a celebration of this. Not only are we celebrating the innovations and brands that have been brought together here at the show, but also every single driver, supplier to the industry, associations and authorities.”
The Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo (MCVE) is a central event for the industry to exchange views, sell and network. In line with the "Family of Malaysia" inclusivity value, Ministry of Transport together with MCVE are determined in providing a universal, efficient, affordable, clean and carbon neutrality and drastic reduction in road fatalities. Aside from that, it has always been a gathering for people of the industry, where old friends meet to catch up aside from the sales and marketing of vehicles as well as being a spotlight of the Malaysian commercial industry to the region.
Dato’ Henry Sum Agong, said “Malaysia is well positioned as a transportation hub in South East Asia. Our infrastructure is geared to take on the challenges that lay ahead of us as the country enters a stage of economic recovery. In line with the increased demand for transportation services, we require smart solutions. I am therefore, excited to see the latest products offered here at the Malaysia Commercial Vehicle industry as these will be instrumental in facilitating and enhancing our economy.”
A bit of recap about the previous MCVE. In 2019, 60 exhibitors joined the event and many of which have returned for this year’s instalment. This time around, about 45 exhibitors have gathered here to celebrate the industry and its personnel. There is participation of leading brands such as MAN Truck & Bus as Gold Sponsor, Hap Seng Trucks Distribution as Sponsor, Caltex being the Official Lubricant, Scania Malaysia, Volvo Trucks Malaysia, PETRONAS Steelbro, Hammar, CIMC, CAMC, YonMing and Michelin.
Participation of International companies such as Geotab, MCVE’s Telematics Partner, Hengst, Mann+Hummel’s Singapore and Drive Risk from Australia are sending their representatives. Hengst sponsored a R&R, similar to Malaysia’s reststops along the highways.
As always, it is always those that commander these vehicles that we should also need to highlight. The last two years especially in particular have seen a renewed understanding and appreciation of the drivers: bus captains and truck pilots. Those who have had to work throughout the pandemic whereas most had to resort to working from home or social distancing measures. These persons still needed to be out there transporting everything. So, vehicle exhibitions like this actually honours them with activities for those that take time out of their schedules to get involved with the exhibitors to learn about their future tools of the trade. Society has also acknowledged that drivers can make a difference when it comes to the reduction of harmful emissions and the reduction of wastage.
“We appeal to all of you to support our drivers in their ambition to further their skills and to be the best they can be. While the machine is certainly a crucial asset, it is the human that, still, remains as having the biggest impact to the bottom line, being it in monetary terms or achieving global goals, such as emission reduction,” Pertz added on this point.
“As a delegate you will find that this year’s event is having a slightly different feeling from our usual shows. While we are certainly all very enthusiastic, we have to ensure the safety of everyone. Therefore, the fringe programme has been adjusted accordingly. However, we are confident in saying that there is a lot going on and that there will be a lot to be seen. It is thanks to our exhibitors that have given us the vote of confidence in the event,” Pertz said.
Of course, I personally attended the event and felt extremely good in meeting up with old friends and meeting new acquaintances. There have been some of the people from various companies which have been posted to Malaysia right smack in the middle of the lockdowns and they had not have a chance to meet up with industry players. So with MCVE and the reopening of Malaysia, this was a good time to meet up with new faces as well as old ones. Some of them actually started working for different companies. Industry events like these are a good place to network on various levels aside from just the buying and selling of products.
The strange thing is that there was a lack of participation of Japanese vehicle brands. I understand that some may have decided to scale back marketing and concentrate on sales during these difficult times. Some may have had a change of management and actual ownership to their brand and some decided to not participate on whatever reason. Marketing in this sort of way isn't just about selling X number of trucks after spending X number of dollars for a given year of advertising budget.
But even the Chinese brands on a show of force - not a massive one but you do see their heavy duty trucks on display courtesy of CAMC, Futon, Shacman to name a few. They may be struggling in the market but I think these companies do see the value in terms of brand recognition of the vehicle operators.
They say, out of sight, out of mind. Maybe not within the next few years, but after that may be a different thing.
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