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Perodua registered a total of 190,291 vehicles sold in 2021 despite the challenging operating and market conditions. The disruption to business due to COVID-19 restrictions, semiconductor supply shortage, as well as the recent flood had caused its 2021 performance to be short by nearly 14% when compared to its 2020 annual sales (220,154). Perodua had projected annual sales of 200,000 vehicles for 2021.

Perodua_Axia_StyleHowever, Perodua saw its December sales climb by 13% (22,940 vehicles) over November’s as a result of measures put in place to counter the supply disruption. “We thank our customers for their support and understanding, especially those who have been waiting patiently for their Perodua vehicle. God willing, deliveries will further improve in the coming months,” Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad said.

Despite the lower than expected sales achievement, Dato’ Zainal said that the Myvi continues to lead the overall Malaysian market with 47,525 units sold. This is followed by the Axia and Bezza which are the dominant in the A-segment market.

Perodua_President & CEO_Dato' Zainal Abidin AhmadOn the overall industry, Dato’ Zainal said that the total industry volume (TIV) for the year would also see a similar trend with an estimated decrease of 23.6% to 504,536 units, from 528,172 units sold in 2020. “Despite the lower than expected performance for 2021, our countermeasures for the impact of COVID-19 has proven successful so far as we and our suppliers are dynamically cooperating and coordinating our efforts to ensure interruptions are minimised,” he added.

“These efforts include having a ready team of personnel to take active countermeasures at an alternate site if a supplier is under lockdown and also by allocating Perodua staff to shore up any suppliers that need temporary manpower replacements,” Dato’ Zainal explained. “That being said, we appreciate the understanding that our valued customers and other stakeholders have shown us last year and to our customers, we wish to say that we are here for you”.

He continued: “The local automotive supply chain had taken a massive setback in recent years, however, there is a silver lining as the order bank for Perodua vehicles remains healthy as consumers are still responding positively to the sales tax exemption introduced by the government”.

Earlier on, Perodua announced a sales target of 240,000 for 2022. But this will however, likely change as it reviews the market conditions.

Perodua 3S Centre Yusmanida Auto service bays, Saujana Utama, Sungai Buloh, MalaysiaOn the recent Perodua Flood Assistance programme, Dato’ Zainal said about 1,675 people have responded to the programme and those vehicles are being inspected at Perodua service centres across the country. “The Perodua Flood Assistance programme, which was announced by the Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri on 26 December 2021, has drawn a lot of interest from the public”.

“Our priority now is to work with the insurance companies as well as other our other partners to hasten any approval process needed to repair and restore the flood damaged vehicles. We understand that most of our customers rely on their Perodua for their daily activities and we will do our best to assist,” Dato’ Zainal said.

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Despite the challenging business conditions in 2021, PROTON has managed to finish the year on a high note. The brand capped off the year by being sales leader in 4 model segments as well as by doubling its exports.

Proton X70 SE_Headlights_Bumper_GrilleThe Proton X50 was 2021’s best-selling SUV in Malaysia with a total of 28,774 units. PROTON sold 4,310 X50s in December, its 2nd consecutive month of surpassing the 4,000 mark thanks to an increase in production volume as well as deliveries.

Following it is the X70 which saw 16,375 units sold in the year, and leading the C-segment SUV category. With a combined volume of 45,149, the X50 and X70 represents about 40% of PROTON’s sales and makes Proton the best-selling SUV brand in 2021.

As expected, the bulk of PROTON’s remaining sales came from its bestselling model – Proton Saga, with 42,627 units. This also included the Saga CKD packs exported to several countries. The Saga jointly leads in the A-segment sedan category. The Exora too remains the leading C-segment MPV at 4,035 units.

For its overall sales performance, PROTON closed the year with 114,708 vehicles sold, a 4.5% jump from 2020. This is its highest sales achievement since 2014 and is also its 3rd consecutive year of growth. The company estimates its local market share at 22.7%, giving it 2nd place overall. The overall Total Industry Volume (TIV) for Malaysia is estimated to have shrunk by 4.6% to just over 505,000 units.

Proton Saga_Al-Haj Automotive_PakistanMeanwhile, its international sales were a major highlight for the company. PROTON exported 3,018 vehicles in 2021, growing the volume by over 100% and placing Proton as the number one automotive brand for exports last year. With local assembly operations ramping up in overseas markets, coupled with a hopeful loosening of trade restrictions, there is optimism the upward trend will continue in coming years.

Proton Edar_Roslan Abdullah_CEO“2021 was tough for the automotive industry as a whole and this is reflected in the reduction in TIV compared to the previous year. From a global chip shortage to a spike in COVID-19 numbers that lead to another lockdown to skyrocketing transport costs, there were many challenges for industry players to overcome. That is why PROTON’s sales growth in a year where the market contracted is significant as it is the result of careful planning and juggling of available resources,” said Roslan Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer, Proton Edar.

“Regarding export sales, we are equally proud about being the brand with the highest export volume in 2021 as it proves we are gaining traction overseas thanks to the joint efforts of our International Sales division and our foreign partners. While increasing shipping costs are a growing concern, our planned activities in 2022 means we expect export sales growth to accelerate in the coming years,” he added.

Proton Commerce Achieves Record Year

Another segment of growth for the company is its financing arm. For 2021, Proton Commerce ended the year with a new record of 14,550 disbursements. Further, its December disbursement was an all-time high of 2,132. PROTON’s in-house financing arm also became the leading OEM finance company and the most popular choice for Proton Saga customers.

The growth in its car financing unit also coincides with the growth in sales outlets. The number of 3S / 4S outlets has grown by 7 in 2021 to 147.

Proton X70 Display_KLIMS 2018_Malaysia Preview“The growth of PROTON’s ancillary businesses such as Proton Commerce and the increase in the number of outlets is directly linked to the number of vehicles we sell. As sales have grown so have our facilities to cater to an increased number of customers. I would also like to announce we have extended the warranty for the 6-speed automatic gearbox used by the CBU Proton X70 to 5-years with unlimited mileage. This is to further benefit our customers and give them added peace of mind,” added Roslan Abdullah.

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The Goodyear Assurance MaxGuard SUV tyres launched in late 2021 by Goodyear Malaysia are customised specifically for the conditions in the Asia Pacific region. According to Goodyear, the Assurance MaxGuard SUV tyre provides 2-in-1 protection through superior grip and durability.Goodyear_Assurance MaxGuard SUV

Using Goodyear’s advanced ActiveGrip Technology, the new Assurance MaxGuard SUV tyre offers a tight grip for superior handling as well as shorter braking distance on wet roads. This is due to the unique design and increased number of multi-biting edges and their optimised distribution, and the ActiveGrip cap compound with blended silica.

Moreover, the DuraGuard Technology provides for a robust tyre carcass that can withstand cuts and punctures. Performance durability is enhanced with a 2-ply construction and a strong steel belt package construction specific for SUV applications.

The resulting upgraded tread pattern with an angled block design, noise reduction rib and narrower grooves make for a quieter and more comfortable driving experience. This tyre extends a longer mileage performance with enhanced tyre footprint, optimised tread depth distribution and cavity shape.

Goodyear Malaysia_Alex Ng_Managing Director“At Goodyear, we are always looking for ways to improve our products, to bring the best from our knowledge on innovation, to the roads our tyres will eventually be used on. This principle and need for progress are why we consistently test technologies to ensure that our products are safe, comfortable and available,” said Alex Ng, Managing Director of Goodyear Malaysia. “We know many Malaysian drivers are family-orientated and want the best products to ensure safety. At the same time, we recognise that they are looking for comfort. The Assurance MaxGuard SUV is a significant expansion of our product portfolio for SUV vehicles in providing a more pleasurable driving experience”.

The Goodyear Assurance MaxGuard SUV tyre is available in 16” to 19” rim diameters, with a total of 15 sizes in Malaysia. This tyre is suitable for SUVs such as the Honda CR-V and HR-V, Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-Trail, Proton X70, X50 and other popular midsize SUV models.
Goodyear Assurance MaxGuard SUV_SizesThe Goodyear Assurance MaxGuard SUV tyre is available at all Goodyear Autocare Centres across Malaysia as well as online in the Goodyear Lazada Flagship Store.

For more information, check out https://www.goodyear.com.my.

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As the mud clears, the damage caused by the recent flooding becomes more apparent. Seeing the need for further help, PROTON has decided to provide an enhanced assistance package to owners whose cars were affected.

To ease their financial burden, PROTON is offering the following new package:

  • 50% discount on selected replacement parts for all models (except for the Proton X50 & Proton X70)
  • Free towing, exterior and engine bay cleaning services

PROTON_Additional Flood Relief Assistance“PROTON is deeply sympathetic to the plight of the victims of the recent floods as many of them consist of B40 households. To-date, our service centres have received approximately 600 cars and we estimate there to be many more that will arrive in the coming days and weeks. Therefore, we have enhanced our assistance package in the hope that it will provide some financial relief to these families,” said Roslan Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of Proton Edar.

For owners of Proton X50 and Proton X70, the discount for selected parts has been increased to 25%, from the 20% that was previously announced. The discount for labour charges has also been upped to 25%, and this is also applicable to other models.

Proton_Service Bay_Dealership_Service CentreAll assistance benefits are offered at selected Proton 3S / 4S centres and are subject to terms and conditions. Additionally, customers insured under the Proton Insurance Programme (PIP) can also claim RM1,000 in flood relief benefits.

“Aside from the assistance package, PROTON is also negotiating with the banks to allow customers to pay for their repairs via instalment using their credit cards. This will further assist their cash flow as they will neither be charged interest fees nor have to come up with a lump sum payment,” added Roslan.

For more information, please call PROTON’s customer care line at 1-800-88-8398.

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Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) and Filamen, a new media art collective, has launched an exclusive Arteon NFT collection titled Accelerated Futurescapes. NFTs (non-fungible tokens) are unique digital assets based on blockchain technology that allows for digital ownership.

The collection features 4 one-of-a-kind crypto art based on the flagship Volkswagen Arteon. Each piece is uniquely certified with no one piece the same, appealing to both art collectors and Arteon enthusiasts.

VW Arteon R-Line_Erik Winter“Volkswagen have always been at the forefront of digitalisation initiatives in Malaysia, and pushing digital boundaries is something we constantly strive to do,” said VPCM Managing Director, Erik Winter. “What more, to empower young local artists and be a part of their journey to explore and widen their creative range has been truly inspiring. Of course, the collaboration had to star the Arteon, which offers the perfect combination of avant-garde design with dynamic handling. With this collaboration, we are once again setting new standards, and we thank Filamen in realising this dream with us”.

Filamen co-founder Abdul Shakir Abu Samah shared Erik’s opinion on the collaboration. “It has been a thrilling journey for us at Filamen, and we thank Volkswagen for this opportunity. We saw the project as a digital exploration of the relationship between the car and aesthetic imagery and the artworks are distinct visions of the Arteon, exemplifying a car beyond just a vehicle. What we wanted to do, at the heart of it all, was to express human emotions inspired by the Arteon.”

Up-and-coming Filamen artists, Syed Mohamad and Jason Choo, were commissioned to create the NFTs. The results were 4 “otherworldly” visions of the future inspired by the Arteon’s design and performance – from the sound, to shape, and the little details that matter.

Syed’s work revolves around the themes of ‘energy’ and ‘motion’, manifested into an oscillating landscape of particles that ebbs and flows. Though digital, the work mirrors natural phenomena such as waves on the ocean’s surface. “This project has opened my eyes to looking at a car from a different perspective. Being able to explore every inch of the Arteon and to then express my emotions through my art, whilst remaining true to not just my artistic style – but the Arteon’s DNA, was a rewarding experience,” commented Syed.

While Syed’s art focused on abstract notions of unseen forces at play, Jason, focused on fictional imagery. His interest lies in visualising the performative aspects of the car in faraway worlds. Using themes such as ‘life’ and ‘flight’ to represent the Arteon’s intangible dimensions, Jason’s work acts as a mediator between him and the audience, relaying the artist’s feelings of the Arteon.

“The marriage between art and technology have always intrigued me. As an artist, I appreciate Volkswagen’s approach towards innovation, and it was thrilling to be able to interpret and transform the Arteon beyond just a vehicle, and give it life within my art,” explained Jason.

The digital artwork can be purchased on Pentas, a leading Southeast Asia NFT platform powered by Binance Smart Chain. The NFTs are also presented on Filamen’s virtual gallery and co-curated design research platform, No-to-scale.

The NFT project is the second art collaboration to feature the Arteon. In 2019, VPCM partnered with Wei-Ling Contemporary art gallery on “Makings of a Masterpiece”, which featured 13 Arteon Art Cars by 13 local artists that were then successfully auctioned off for charity.

You can view the 4 Arteon NFTs in http://www.wearefilamen.com/thearteoncollection and purchase them from https://app.pentas.io/volkswagen.

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UMW Toyota Motor is inviting children to join the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest to share their ideas about the future of mobility. This contest is open to those aged 15 years and under, and living in Malaysia. The period for submission is 1 January – 11 February 2022.

2022 Toyota Dream Car Art Contest_MalaysiaToyota’s aim is to help nurture the creativity of the next generation of great inventors, thinkers and dreamers. The Toyota Dream Car Art Contest is a global event split into a national level and world level contest. The National Contest are usually held in participating countries between August 2021 and February 2022. Winners at the national level will become representatives of their country in the World Contest which will be held in Japan.

The contest is separated into 3 categories:

  • Category 1: 7 years old or younger
  • Category 2: 8 – 11 years old
  • Category 3: 12 – 15 years old

Since 2004, the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest has been conducted as part of Toyota’s social contribution initiatives. The 14th edition in 2021 saw more than 1,100,000 entries from 75 countries and regions around the globe.

For further details as well as history of the contest, please refer to the Toyota Global website or Toyota Malaysia’s website:

  1. https://www.toyota-dreamcarart.com
  2. http://toyota.com.my/dreamcarartcontest

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L-R: Hamidi Ab Kadir, BMW Motorrad Sales Development and Aftersales Manager; Linnet Yew, Head of MINI Malaysia; Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia; Bryan Wong, Managing Director of Millennium Welt; Adrian Loh, Senior Regional Manager of BMW Malaysia; Nicholas Lee, Sales Director of Millennium Welt.

A new BMW 4S outlet in the township of Seremban 2 is scheduled to be ready by the first quarter of 2023. Authorised BMW dealer, Millennium Welt, recently held a groundbreaking ceremony, together with BMW Group Malaysia, to kick off the project. Millennium Welt has 4 BMW dealerships.

The Seremban 2 BMW 4S outlet is projected to cost RM60 million. Its design will showcase the latest BMW Retail NEXT concept in a 153,948 sq ft facility that will house an extensive aftersales facility with 12 productive bays and 181 parking lots.

It will also house brands from BMW Group Malaysia’s portfolio i.e. BMW, BMW i, BMW M, BMW Premium Selection, BMW Motorrad, MINI and MINI Used Car NEXT.

BMW Group Malaysia_Hans de Visser_Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer“As the sole authorised dealership for BMW Group Malaysia’s portfolio of BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad vehicles in Negeri Sembilan, Millennium Welt has been an invaluable and reliable partner who continues to exemplify the brand’s promise of delivering Premium Ownership Experience. With this new facility, we are confident that these standards will not only be upheld, but also exceeded in the near future when the doors are open to our Seremban customers,” said Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.

Millennium WeltMeanwhile, Bryan Wong, Managing Director of Millennium Welt added: “At Millennium Welt, the Premium Ownership Experience journey begins as soon as the customer steps into the dealership. It is our determination to help every prospective customer find the perfect BMW, MINI or BMW Motorrad vehicle that truly fits their needs. From there, a seamless ownership experience awaits, as we are committed to delivering the promise of a premium aftersales experience. With this new facility, we look forward to igniting a greater sense of fascination for our premium vehicles amongst our customers in Negeri Sembilan”.

At present, customers and enthusiasts in the vicinity can head to the current showroom located along Jalan Tun Dr Ismail, which has been serving customers in Negeri Sembilan since 2013.

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Perodua_Built-In Toll Card ReaderThe provider of infra-red (IR) based toll collection system, EFKON Asia Sdn Bhd, has stated that IR technology can help speed up the implementation of a multi-lane free flow (MLFF) toll system and reduce congestion at toll plazas. EFKON Asia is a subsidiary of EFKON GmbH, Austria, which specialises in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), Electronic Toll Collection (ETC), enforcement and traffic telematic solutions. EFKON has over 20 years of experience in electronic tolling and electronic transportation systems, having implemented systems in Europe, South Africa, India, Ireland and Malaysia. You would have used their technology if you are a SmartTAG user.

EFKON Asia Sdn Bhd_Director_Helmuth BlaschAccording to EFKON Asia director Helmuth Blasch, our current toll system, which uses the Touch ‘n Go card system, and complemented by the SmartTAG module, has a combined user base of 5 million. Blasch also mentioned that in this year alone, around 75% of the 270,000 new passenger cars and commercial vehicles registered in Peninsular Malaysia (until September 2021) were delivered with either a SmartTAG compatible built-in toll reader or portable device.

“Coupled with continuous product upgrades that has significantly improved the system’s reliability and user experience, it is the ideal and much more advanced staging point to achieve the congestion-free highway objective outlined in the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) Blueprint compared to the fledgling Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) payment system,” he added. “This is a clear indication that the IR system continues to enjoy the confidence of top vehicle manufacturers, retailers and owners and has proven its worth as an efficient, convenient and cost-effective cashless toll collection system”. The SmartTAG IR toll collection system has been around since 2005.

EFKON is sharing its opinion following the recent announcement by the Works Ministry of Malaysia (KKM) of the implementation of RFID on highways. Obviously, highway users would prefer convenience, reliability and good user experience. Thus, Blasch is of the opinion that the authorities and highway concessionaires should look at increasing rather than reducing SmartTAG lanes if the objective was to reduce congestion at toll plazas.

An IR toll collection system in Norway installed by EFKON.
An EFKON IR toll collection system in Norway.

“In Germany, the Nationwide Truck Tolling System installed on all highways in a Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) configuration has proven to be highly effective, catering to more than 2 million trucks travelling at up to 100 km/h. It uses a similar IR technology, like in Malaysia, to validate payment. We have also successfully replicated this test in Malaysia. Our SmartTAG compatible units comply with DSRC (Dedicated Short-Range Communication) standards and are ECE R10 certified. They operate in the 400 THz band and, therefore, able to transfer data 10,000 times faster than RFID.  Being battery-powered, every unit is active with a wake-up time of just 2 milliseconds compared to the passive RFID’s 45 milliseconds,” he explained.

EFKON Asia has been working closely with local manufacturers of SmartTAG compatible devices to continuously introduce upgrades and improve user experience.

“For consumers, SmartTAG compatible built-in toll readers are directly powered by car batteries while portable units such as the MaxTAG now come with a powerful and long-lasting rechargeable 1,000 mAh battery and USB port for easy charging in the car to ensure availability at all times. For highway concessionaires, we are now offering new lane side antennas at subsidised cost to upgrade the performance of SmartTAG lanes to ensure smoother traffic flow,” he added. “In Q1/2022, we will be moving towards digitalisation by enabling Bluetooth connection between our devices and smartphones and car media systems. Connection to an e-wallet for easy top-ups will also be possible”.

For more information on the IR system, visit www.efkon.com.

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Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) is providing flood relief support for affected Porsche owners. Porsche vehicles officially sold via SDAP that are affected by the recent flooding are eligible for complimentary towing service to the nearest Porsche Centre. Additionally, SDAP is offering 30% discount on parts and labour costs when owners schedule an appointment for service between now and 31 January 2022.

“We are committed to our customers by offering a thorough and detailed check of their vehicle as well as discounts on parts and labour costs to ensure all Porsche cars run at optimal performance. With this gesture, we hope to provide some consolation during these trying times,” said Christopher Hunter, Chief Executive Officer of Sime Darby Auto Performance.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAPorsche customers will receive a thorough and detailed assessment of the affected vehicle, along with personalised consultation with certified specialists to evaluate the damage and repairs required. Owners can be assured that only Porsche Genuine Parts will be used in all repairs, which include a 2-year warranty on the parts.

Owners are encouraged to call the Porsche Roadside Assistance which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for towing and roadside assistance.

To find out more about the flood relief support initiative, or to schedule your service appointment, contact your preferred Porsche Centre listed below:

Porsche Centre Ara Damansara: https://bit.ly/PFRS-MY-PCAraDamansara

Porsche Centre Sungai Besi: https://bit.ly/PFRS-MY-PCSungaiBesi

Porsche Centre Penang: https://bit.ly/PFRS-MY-PCPenang

Porsche Centre Johor Bahru: https://bit.ly/PFRS-MY-PCJohorBahru

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FGV Holdings Berhad (FGV) recently took delivery of the first 15 units of 44 MAN TGS Trucks that it had ordered. Procured by its logistics arm, FGV Transport Services Sdn Bhd, the remaining units of MAN TGS 6×4 prime movers are expected to be delivered soon. This acquisition will bring FGV’s fleet to a total of 560 trucks. 503 of its trucks are used for inland transport while 57 are for courier use.

MAN Malaysia CEO, Andrew O'Brooks, presenting a scale model to FGV Transport Services CEO, Mohd Jainal Hj Ismail at the handover.
MAN Malaysia CEO, Andrew O’Brooks, presenting a scale model to FGV Transport Services CEO, Mohd Jainal Hj Ismail at the handover.

“As a major logistics player in the country with a fleet of over 500 trucks and 14 nationwide hubs, the new fleet additions will support the Group in meeting the rising market demand for efficient logistics management,” said Mohd Nazrul Izam Mansor, FGV’s Group Chief Executive Officer. “This purchase is also part of the Group’s plan to strengthen our inland businesses under FGV Transport, with a projected additional revenue of RM6.5 million a year”.

This purchase by FGV is also the single largest order in 2021 for MAN Truck & Bus (M) Sdn Bhd (a.k.a. MAN Malaysia), a subsidiary of MAN Truck & Bus SE, Germany.

According to Andrew O’Brooks, Managing Director of MAN Malaysia, winning this tender from FGV represents a significant boost to the brand and company. “Major transportation and logistics companies are increasingly putting their trust in MAN Trucks. Despite the pandemic, we have recruited a number of new customers to the MAN Truck family in the last 24 months. We are honoured that FGV Transport is among them. We are optimistic about future growth in 2022, having established ourselves as a leading provider of intelligent and sustainable transportation solutions with the recent launch of our Euro V-powered New MAN Truck Generation,” he added.

MAN TGS 6x4 Truck Fleet_FGV Transport ServicesThe MAN TGS 33.480 6X4 variant purchased by FGV is powered by the MAN D26 common-rail diesel engine with a maximum power output of 480 hp and 2,300 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 12-speed MAN TipMatic® gearbox with retarder and off-road ready software.

Mohd Nazrul also said that the MAN Trucks’ high-capacity engines are ideal for FGV Transport’s operations, which involves transporting high volume of bulk or liquid cargo with an average capacity of 40 metric tonnes (MT) per trip.

“They are also equipped with various safety features that include two auxiliary brakes which is an important component required by FGV Transport in ensuring safety and comfort for our drivers,” added Mohd Nazrul. “Having built an unmatched track record as the largest transporter of crude palm oil in the country over the past few decades, these new trucks will support our growing business beyond the FGV group to external customers in sectors such as cold chain transportation, oil and gas, haulage and industrial segment moving forward”.

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