Malaysia Can Be Regional Hub For Mercedes-Benz's EEV Operations

KUALA LUMPUR, March 31 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has the potential to become the regional hub for Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles to assemble and export its energy efficient vehicle (EEV) in the future, said Vice-President Albert Yee. He said the company fully supports the government's efforts to turn the country into a regional manufacturing hub for EEV. "There is definitely a possibility (to establish a hub in Malaysia). We would like to export more from this country. "We have been in Pekan, Pahang for more than 10 years and there are no problems in terms of capacity capability. So I believe there are lot of potential that can be exploited at this plant," he said. Yee was speaking to reporters after the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles and Biforst Logistics Sdn Bhd here, Thursday. The MoU is to formalise Biforst's commitment to purchase electric-powered truck in Malaysia, FUSO eCanter, when the vehicle is available in the country. Also present were Deputy Transport Minister Ab Aziz Kaprawi and Biforst Group Sdn Bhd Managing Director Hamie Appala Nakkiah. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is the authorised distributor of FUSO trucks in Malaysia. FUSO eCanter is a zero-emission drive and is an economically attractive alternative to diesel engines. The truck is able to reduce 30 per cent of maintenance cost and save a significant amount of fuel depending on the prices of diesel and electricity. -- BERNAMA