Appreciation Day at Mercedes-Benz Autohaus Showroom yesterday

Ho Ley Hoon, Sales Manager of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd, Alfred So, General Manager of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd , Kenny Ng, General Manager of Emerging Markets, Daimler South East Asia and Andrew Chiam, Executive Director of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd

Yesterday was a great day for the public as they enjoyed the festivities during Customer Appreciation Day hosted by Jati Transport, the authorised auto dealer for Mercedes-Benz and it was held for the first time at Mercedes-Benz Autohaus Showroom. Hundreds of customers came with their family to enjoy the food and the entertainment provided by Jati Transport Sdn Bhd.

Present during the Customer Appreciation Day were Andrew Chiam, Executive Director of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd, Alfred So, General Manager of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd and Kenny Ng, General Manager of Emerging Markets, Daimler South East Asia.

The customers enjoyed the activities provided such as face painting for their children, lego games, photo booth and not forgetting the discounts on their merchandise items.

This event is to appreciate the loyal customers of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd and continue the strong relations with the company and their customers.

Mercedes-Benz Autohaus Showroom was opened mid year to the delight of Mercedes-Benz customers. They have a much bigger showroom as well as service centre to service all the Mercedes-Benz cars in Brunei Darussalam. Hence, Jati Transport has two authorized workshop, one at the main headquarters and the other at the Autohaus Showroom. According to Stephen Reid, Service Manager at Jati Transport, their service centre does around 800 Mercerdes-Benz car per month. Now that’s a lot of servicing and they have around 22 certified technicians and electrician to help with the servicing of their customers’ cars.

Food was the main attraction yesterday. I love the satay 😀

What a young talented girl! She had a big cheer from the crowd after her performance.

The service centre of Mercedes-Benz Autohaus and this is where most of the simple servicing are carried out

Did you know Mr. Softy van is a Mercedes-Benz? 😀

Now this is a beast because of the striking black colour of the newly launched GLC 200. Apparently this already belongs to someone else.

Face painting was popular as well

Lots of families showed up for the packed event

Boba Tea drinks were sold out by noon, distributing out 500 cups in total. Amazing!

The photo booth section

The access point was narrow but it didn’t stop customers flocking in for the Customer Appreciation Day

Customers also had the opportunity to see the newly launched Mercedes-Benz GLC 200, a variant addition to the premium SUV segment in Brunei Darussalam. I had a first look and a bit of a test drive at it a few months ago back in Kota Kinabalu during a short trip hosted by Jati Transport.

I knew it will be a big hit in Brunei because of customers can enjoy the high-end features on a premium SUV at a competitive price. The GLC 250 was already a big hit when it was introduced in Brunei a few months ago.

The GLC 200 is additionally powered by a 2.0 litre four inline engine, producing an output of 135 kW (184 hp) and 300 Nm of torque. It also comes with a standard nine-stage 9G-tronic automatic transmission. The units are already being booked as we speak, leaving only a few units left.

Mercedes-Benz in Brunei Darussalam have been a popular choice despite the economic downturn. As customers now looking for more value added in a premium brand, Mercedes-Benz does deliver and that’s one of the main reason why Jati Transport have been doing moderately well in the car industry.

Do visit Jati Transport showroom or call 244 1763 or 244 1777 for more information.

YESSSS, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 is already in town 😀

I had a pleasure of driving the GLC 200 in Kota Kinabalu back in August

It’s definitely a good ride.

Kenny Ng, General Manager of Emerging Markets, Daimler South East Asia and Ho Ley Hoon, Sales Manager of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd with selected owners of Mercedes-Benz SUVs before heading off on a road trip to Kota Kinabalu.

Jati Transport Sdn Bhd invited selected SUV owners of Mercedes-Benz and two members of the media for Mercedes-Benz SUV Endurance Road Trip to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

This was considered my fifth overseas assignment for automative in the past few years and this time it’s a road trip from Brunei to Kota Kinabalu. Yes, I’ve been on the road once but only from KK to Brunei and not back and forth. It’s an honour to have Jati Transport organizing the Mercedes-Benz SUV Endurance trip and also inviting me to be part of the media team. Thank you, thank you.

The flag off took place at 7am yesterday at the new Mercedes-Benz Autohaus at Beribi. There were a convey of 8 Mercedes-Benz and they were flagged off by Kenny Ng, General Manager of Emerging Markets, Daimler South East Asia and Ho Ley Hoon, Sales Manager of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd before the entourage departed to Kota Kinabalu.

The trip took roughly six and a half hours before arriving at Hap Seng Star showroom (Mercedes-Benz KK). The entourage is expected to drive back from Kota Kinabalu tomorrow lunch time.

Kenny Ng doing the honours to flag off at Mercedes-Benz Autohaus

Lo Hey Loon flagging off the endurance drive

Catching the ferry at the half way point to Kota Kinabalu

The ferry must have been worth a lot since it carried 8 Mercedes-Benz vehicle and one Kijang on the one minute ride

Some parts were affected by the flood.

What was being showcase? The media from Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia and Cambodia and selected Mercedes-Benz owners from Brunei Darussalam were invited for the exclusive launch of the Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 at Hap Seng Star showroom at Kota Kinabalu.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 was unveiled by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia sales and marketing, passenger cars vice president, Mark Raine, who flew in from Kuala Lumpur for the 3 day event.

Another edition has been added to the Mecedes-Benz SUV family – the GLC 200. This is to cater to the unique lifestyle and demands of its customers with the launch of the new GLC variant: the GLC 200. It is equipped with numerous high-end features including the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, an Off-road exterior package, 19 inch 5-spoke allow wheels and LED High Performance headlamps. The interior has a luxurious appeal with a high value perception. The interior colors ranging from black, espresso brown to silk beige in combination with the exclusive brown open-pore ash wood trim and the ARTICO man-made leather dashboard underline the exclusive appearance of the premium SUV.

Malaysians had the privileged of the locally-assembled GLC 250 4MATIC and now they have brought it a new variant to underline its claim as the leader in the premium SUV segment in Malaysia and this also provide a wider avenue for their customers to choose from.

According to Mark Raine, “The introduction of Mercedes-Benz’s premium SUB range has establish this segment to the luxury market. As the No.1 premium brand, we combine ultimate driving comfort, dynamic handling and great ability, as our SUVs define new benchmarks, break conventions and provide our customers with their ultimate choice of vehicle for their unique and active lifestyle. As the locally produced GLC a crowd favourite, we are excited to bring the GLC 200 as an additional choice for those who desire and exclusive SUV.”

The GLC 200 is powered by a 2.0 liter 4 in-line engine, which produces an output of 135kW (184hp) and 300 Nm of torque. The nee-stage 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission also comes as standard on the GLC 200. Depending on the mode selected for the DYNAMIC SELECT dynamic handling control, the automatic transmission with a torque converter boasts great agility and responsiveness.

Its interior features Exclusive line, including upholstery in ARTICO man-made leather/fabric, ARTICO-covered dashboard with contrasting topstitching in three colors, seats featuring an exclusively upholstery layout, wood trim in high-gloss brown line structure lime and the 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel.

Hap Seng Star showroom at Kota Kinabalu. Nice, nice!!

Mark Raine posing with the newly launched GLC 200

Members of the media from other countries came in to witness the launch

Now this OrangeArt Edition caught my eye. Very limited too.

The Mercedes-Benz that was given for me to drive – the GLC AMG 43… Wooohooo

The interior of the AMG 43

Our hotel room at Shangrila’s Rasa Ria which was quite far from the city. Love the hotel and thank you, Mercedes-Benz, for hosting us

Let’s have fun during our endurance trip

Mr Andrew Chiam, Jati Transport Executive Director, YM Pg Anak Hj Ja’afar Ibni Almarhum Pg Pemancha Pg Anak Hj Mohd ‘Alam, Jati Transport Sdn Bhd Executive Chairman, Dr Claus Weidner, Head of Marketing & Sales Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars South East Asia 2 and President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Mr Wolfgang Huppenbauer, President & CEO of Daimler South East Asia Pte Ltd, Singapore officiating the new Mercedes-Benz Autohaus at Beribi last Friday. Image courtesy of Nurul.

The new Mercedes-Benz Autohaus. It’s bigger and spacious indeed!

Jati Transport Sdn Bhd celebrated the 30th anniversary of their appointment as the Mercedes-Benz General Distributor in Brunei with the official opening of the new Mercedes-Benz Autohaus in Beribi last Friday.

With an investment of $5 million, the new Mercedes-Benz Autohaus incorporates the latest Mercedes-Benz concept by Daimler AG, Germany, occupying a build-up area of 28,000 square feet that features a 13 vehicles display area. The bright open tiled showroom with floor-to-ceiling glass walls includes a luxurious customer lounge with complimentary refreshments, LED television, wifi, a new car delivery area and a Mercedes-Benz Merchandise shop. The state-of-the-art workshop features 15 service bays as well as a warehouse for spare parts, and is equipped with world-leading diagnostic and repair equipment.

The new facility also boasts a professional sales and after-sales team, providing the best-in-class global standards of service for every Mercedes-Benz customer.

On hand to officiate at the launch of the new facility were Jati Transport Sdn Bhd Executive Chairman, YM Pg Anak Hj Ja’afar Ibni Almarhum Pg Pemancha Pg Anak Hj Mohd ‘Alam, Jati Transport Executive Director, Mr Andrew Chiam, Head of Marketing & Sales Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars South East Asia 2 and President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Dr Claus Weidner, and President & CEO of Daimler South East Asia Pte Ltd, Singapore, Mr Wolfgang Huppenbauer.

In celebration of their 30th anniversary, Jati Transport Sdn Bhd presented donations of $5,000 each to six charities, namely:
1) Dana Pengiran Muda Mahkota Al-Muhtadee Billah Fund for Orphans
2) Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam
3) Tabung Orang-orang Cacat
4) Persatuan Kanak-Kanak Cacat (KACA)
5) Tabung Anak-Anak Yatim Daerah Brunei dan Muara
6) SMARTER Brunei

The lovely cake for Jati Transport’s milestone

It has been unveiled

Quite a crowd witnessing the new Autohaus

Ok, this one caught my eye 😀

Hello Tiger :p

A LINEUP OF SUPERSTARS. A FAMILY OF THOROUGHBREDS.

Happening today

From the creators of the 45, 63 and 65 model lines comes MercedesAMG 43, eight high performance vehicles with AMG pedigree were introduced at Mercedes-Benz Autohaus, Beribi, yesterday. Fitted with numerous AMG enhancements, every vehicle screams “Drive me,” because in the AMG family, performance is king. From coupes and sedans to SUVs and roadsters, the power and handling of the 43 lineup beckon to the world’s most passionate drivers. All that’s left to do is grip the wheel and press the accelerator.

The 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine provides impressive performance with its 270 kW (367 hp) maximum power and peak torque of 520 newton metres: sprinting from rest to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, its speed is electronically limited at 250 km/h. The newly developed front axle, the taut elastokinematics and the highly precise steering make a substantial contribution to the agile driving experience.

The highlights
• 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine with modified engine control unit, increased boost pressure and far higher dynamics and high-revving
• 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission with double-declutching function when shifting down and exhilaratingly short response times in “Sport Plus” mode
• AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive with rear-biased torque distribution of 31 to 69 percent (front axle to rear axle)
• AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with adaptive variable damping in three stages, mode can be selected via button, adopted from MercedesAMG 63 series
• AMG DYNAMIC SELECT switch for dynamic, individually selectable driving experience with five drive modes and AMG-specific parameterisation
• Three-stage Electronic Stability Program ESP®
• Front axle with newly developed steering knuckles and load-bearing joints on the spring link. Elastokinematic adjustments to the links have been adopted from the Mercedes-AMG 63 series
• Rear axle with elastokinematics tailored to higher driving dynamics
Large braking system with internally ventilated compound brake discs, perforated at the front with a diameter of 360 mm, and with a diameter of 320 mm at the rear

AMG-specific: the 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine
The new 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine is part of the BlueDIRECT engine family from Mercedes-Benz. Technical advances including a modified boost pressure allowed the AMG engineers to increase the engine’s power output and torque as well as its dynamism and flexibility to typical AMG levels. With 270 kW (367 hp) and 520 Nm, the V6 engine sets new standards in its segment. The NANOSLIDE® coating of the cylinder liners is also used in the Formula One engines of MERCEDES-AMG PETRONAS. Especially tough and, therefore, wear-resistant, this coating also reduces friction, thereby contributing to higher efficiency. The AMG powerplant can be identified by the red aluminium insert in the engine cover.

Short shift times, high efficiency: 9G-TRONIC
The 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission is especially matched to the demands of the Mercedes-AMG 43. Thanks to the model-specific software application, the AMG developers managed to reduce substantially the shift times of the 9-speed transmission. The multiple downshift allows even faster short bursts of speed, while the double-declutching function in the “Sport” and “Sport Plus” transmission modes makes for an even more emotive driving experience. Defined ignition adjustments also provide faster gearshifts in the “Eco” and “Comfort” modes.

“Manual” mode can be enabled by pressing a button on the centre console. The gear changes are based on the selected transmission mode, and the driver can now change gear using the paddles on the steering wheel. Moreover, the transmission stays in the selected gear and does not automatically shift up when the engine speed reaches the limit.

Rear-biased and agile: AMG Performance 4MATIC
The standard-fit AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive combines optimum traction, hallmark AMG vehicle dynamics and maximum driving pleasure. The system features a rear-biased torque distribution of 31 percent to the front axle and 69 percent to the rear axle. This arrangement ensures greater vehicle dynamics and higher lateral acceleration on the road as well as improved traction as it uses the dynamic shift in the axle load toward the rear axle that occurs during acceleration to deliver more drive torque to the rear. A multi-disc clutch with a locking effect of 50 Nm guarantees that the frictional connection potential of all four wheels is exploited to the full. On road surfaces with different levels of grip, the all-wheel drive responds with targeted brake application on one wheel in order to also guarantee optimum traction in such instances.

The new Mercedes-Benz Autohas at Beribi

The newly selected apprentices with Alfred So, General Manager of Jati Transport, Dominic Wells, Senior Manager of Training from Mercedes-Benz (Malaysia), Mr. Stephen Reid, Service Manager of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd, Mr. Jackson, Workshop Manager of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd and the parents of the three apprentices during the signing ceremony

Muhd Noor Najib bin Awang Abdullah, Abdul Wafiy bin Hj Rudzi and Muhamad Azmin bin Abdul Wahab

Yesterday Jati Transport Sdn Bhd signed an apprenticeship contract with two attachment students form the Institute of Brunei Technical Education (ITBE) and one trainee from Jati Transport under the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Modern Apprenticeship (AMA) Programme. Jati Transport Sdn Bhd will be sponsoring all costs including training fees and monthly allowances.

The signing ceremony took place at Jati Transport Beribi Showroom yesterday. Dominic Wells, Senior Manager of Training from Mercedes-Benz (Malaysia), Mr. Alfred So, General Manager of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd, Mr. Stephen Reid, Service Manager of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd, Mr. Jackson, Workshop Manager of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd and the parents of the three apprentices witnessed the signing ceremony.

The AMA programme is a 3-year interactive training that aims to foster the best automative talent for Mercedes-Benz. The apprentices, Abdul Wafiy bin Hj Rudzi, Muhd Noor Najib bin Awang Abdullah and Muhamad Azmin bin Abdul Wahab will work with a team of professional trainers and ambitious young stars, alongside a chance to earn while learning.

Upon successful completion of the programme, the apprentices will gain – City & Guild VTQ Level 3 (Vocational Related Qualification), QMT (Qualified Maintenance Technician), QST (Qualified System Technician) and AMA from Mercedes-Benz. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain professional qualifications and real practical experience for the apprentices to embark on an exciting and rewarding career with Jati Transport Sdn Bhd.

Signing on the dotted line

With Mr. Stephen Reid, Service Manager of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd and Dominic Wells, Senior Manager of Training from Mercedes-Benz (Malaysia)

Rano thoughts: It was great to know of this program made available to Bruneians and a big thank you to Jati Transport Sdn Bhd for making it possible. Initially there were six being shortlisted during the interview conducted by Mr. Stephen Reid, Service Manager of Jati Transport, and in the end, three were chosen. Stephen shared that the company values work ethics very high and the chosen ones have demonstrated good work ethics during their short attachment at Jati Transport.

Abdul Wafiy, Muhd Noor Najib and Muhamad Azmin felt very excited yet nervous on the opportunities given. Their parents who were present during the signing ceremony were proud of their sons achievement and being selected. There were given opportunities to ask questions with regards to the training program in Kuala Lumpur and Alfred So, General Manager of Jati Transport reassured the parents that everything will be taken care of and hope the parents will be in communication with Stephen on their sons’ progress.

The newly selected apprentices will be flying end of June (at least they can spend their Hari Raya with their families before flying) and their Mercedes-Benz Advance Modern Apprenticeship Programme will be at located at Mercedes-Benz Training Academy a the company’s Head Office site in Pouching, Kinrara, Selangor, Malaysia.

I just visited a blog of Paultan.org and he has some nice photos of the head office and training centre. It must be a real privilege for our young local apprentices to be part of AMA programme. I’m quite excited to know they will be posted there for three years to learn the latest technology and training made available by Mercedes-Benz.

Dominic Wells, Senior Manager Training & Technical Market Support Mercedes-Benz Malaysia & Region SEA2 Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, will be conducting parts of the training and shared that the three Bruneians will join 60 other apprentices from Malaysia. I’m pretty sure they will be under the good care of Dominic.

Good luck to all the apprentices and make us proud 🙂

The head office and training centre of Mercedes-Benz in Selangor, Malaysia. Image courtesy of Paul Tan.

How the office looks like. Cool 😀

The workshop training area. Image courtesy of Paul Tan.

This looks pretty cool. Image courtesy of Paul Tan.

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet

Ms Pong Bee Thing receiving the key of her new car from Alfred So, the General Manager of Jati Transport

Ms Pong Bee Thing was the first customer to drive home her new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet last Friday. She’s proud to be the first one to receive the striking cabriolet right after the model launch. She chose a C 180 Cabriolet in Designo Diamond White with the rood in red. This vehicle has also included an extensive range of optional extras such as the Burmester Surround sound system and a 19-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels. She has been waiting for her order since 2015 and now she has the privileged to drive one.

For your info, the new C-Class Cabriolet is the first of its kind in the C-Class segment. The Cabriolet craves out a distinctive niche in Mercedes-Benz. The 2017 C-Class Cabriolet is a true four-seat convertible that comest with the latest technology to ensure driving comfort and safety. It is exquisitely built with the roof down and one of the most affordable luxury and spacious convertibles.

Ms Pong, the owner of the new C Cabriolet said, “I felt in love the very instant I saw the sneak pictures of the vehicle from Mr. Ho (Jati Transport Sales Manager). I was so confident with Mercedes-Benz that I had booked the vehicle without any test drive.”

“I have been driving Mercedes-Benz for almost 10 years and this cabriolet is my third Mercedes-Benz. I am really satisfied with the customer service provided by Jati Transport and now I’m looking forward to enjoy my new cabriolet for the first time.”

Enjoying her first taste of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet

Jati Transport Appreciation Day is an event specially organised to thank all Mercedes-Benz Brunei customers for placing their trust in our products and services over the past years.

At the event, our guests were treated to a widespread of international cuisine and their children enjoying an afternoon full of fun activities such as face painting, hand henna, photo booth, etc.

A special demonstration on Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive were also demonstrated at the event with the new S-Class. Our sales executives demonstrated the driver assistance system which helps the driver to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and to remain in the centre of the lane. DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot relieves the strain on the driver, especially on long journeys and in tailbacks.

A Mercedes-Benz powerbank were also given away to those who take part in the Park Pilot challenge and successfully perform the autonomous parking. The Park Pilot system can pilot the vehicle into parking spaces automatically by means of braking and steering intervention. If an automatic transmission is fitted, the speed is controlled automatically and gear changes are automatic also.

Our guests were given the opportunity to test drive a full range of Mercedes-Benz models. Images courtesy of Jati Transport and Aziz Idris of Borneo Bulletin.