DaimlerChrysler Malaysia Opens Training and Vehicle Preparation Centre
DaimlerChrysler Malaysia (DCM) officially inaugurated its new Training and Vehicle Preparation Centre located at the Glenmarie Industrial Estate near Shah Alam, Selangor, today.
The new facility, which replaces the training centre that was first established by Cycle & Carriage Bintang Bhd in 1984 with the support of DaimlerChrysler AG, is now equipped with state-of-the-art training aids and audio-video facilities. To further enhance its internal communications system, the centre is supported by a networking infrastructure that is directly linked to DaimlerChrysler Malaysia’s headquarters in Menara Telekom, Kuala Lumpur.
“The opening of DaimlerChrysler Malaysia’s Training and Vehicle Preparation Centre marks a key milestone for the company as these state-of-the-art facilities provide the backbone in our continuous pursuit to improve the quality of our vehicles and to upgrade the level of staff qualification in our network,” said DCM’s Vice President of After-Sales, Michael Moh.
The Training Centre provides multi-brand training that includes the Mercedes-Benz passenger and commercial vehicles, Maybach, and smart brands to ensure all graduating trainees are well equipped to support DaimlerChrysler brands and its network in Malaysia. It emphasizes a “lifelong learning” concept that is central to the training methodology.
Additionally, there is the “combi-room concept,” which integrates both theory and practical training using the latest training models and a well-equipped library is available for research work.
In keeping with the changes in the motor industry, especially with the increasing use of electronics in Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the Diagnostic Technician concept was introduced last year as part of the re-skilling program for existing technicians in the network to acquire new skills in electronic diagnosis. Starting this year, the new “Automotive Mechatronic Course”, a 3-year apprenticeship program was introduced to replace the previous 2+1 concept.
This complex also houses a Vehicle Preparation Centre that provides pre-delivery inspection services to all locally-assembled Mercedes-Benz vehicles, as well as Completely Built-Up (CBU) units imported and distributed by DCM, to ensure that all quality standards are in accordance to the high standards of Mercedes-Benz.
Mr Moh added that the quality of locally assembled Mercedes-Benz vehicles is measured against the standards of production plants worldwide. The results are regularly checked by an independent Quality Management Team from Germany to ensure compliance with DaimlerChrysler AG’s standard.
As a testimony of DCM’s commitment to quality in its training program, the trainees have won numerous awards, including Championship titles at the Malaysia National Skills Competition (Automotive Trade Segment) organized by the Malaysian government.
One of the apprentices, Looi Ming Kit, was nominated to represent Malaysia in the 37th World Skills Competition held in Switzerland in June 2003, after having won the National Skills Competition 2002 and the ASEAN Skills Competition 2002 in Jakarta.
Mr Looi has also achieved a commendable 12th place in the “Automotive Technology” segment of this premier World Skills Competition 2002 organized by The International Vocational Training Organization.
In recognition of trainee achievements in completing the apprenticeship program, 36 apprentices who graduated last year received their certificates during today’s event.
Also present at the event was Tan Hoe Pin, DCM’s new Vice President for Mitsubishi operations. Mr Tan, as many may be aware, was formerly from Tan Chong Motors and has now taken on a new role at DCM. He declined to make any comments, saying only that he has been given the responsibility to oversee the Mitsubishi brand (which is in the DaimlerChrysler stable) in Malaysia and that ‘some developments will be announced at the appropriate time’ by the company.
It is known that Cycle & Carriage (Malaysia), which used to handle the Mitsubishi passenger car franchise, has not held it for some time, so DCM may well be looking at taking over this operation itself, just as it has done with Mercedes-Benz. If so, we could see a greater effort being put into marketing Mitsubishi cars and hotrods like the Lancer Evo models being officially imported at ‘realistic prices’ rather than the RM280,000 private importers are now asking.
