PUCHONG (Aug 5): Hap Seng Consolidated Bhd’s unit Hap Seng Trucks Distribution Bhd (HSTD) expects the heavy-duty truck market in Malaysia to shrink by 40% to 45% by year-end amid the Covid-19 crisis, which has left many freight forwarders grasping at straws.

Notwithstanding this, the country’s sole distributor of Mercedes-Benz trucks remains committed to maintaining its lion’s share of the market, backed by the new generation Mercedes-Benz Actros launched today, said its chief executive Roland Schneider.

“This is a very special year — a lot of customers are facing big problems in terms of financing, so I think we need to support the customers,” he said at the launch of the new vehicle here today.

“We are now number one, and are committed to remain number one because it is what Mercedes-Benz trucks should be. Hap Seng Group will try its best to make this happen but we are also careful during these challenging times.

“Malaysian customers — freight forwarders — they are basically going through many challenges at the moment. So, when we launched our new products, we made sure they are of the top quality and that we have everything in place for the convenience of our customers,” he added.

According to him, HSTD’s sales accounted for about 39% to 40% of the total heavy-duty truck market last year, which saw about 1,000 to 1,200 units sold in the country.

This year, Schneider said the market has so far shrunk about 45% and this could improve by 5% at most by year-end, as things are expected to pick up in the next couple of months.

Commenting on the new Actros, Roland described it as a reliable truck that offers the best performance with a wide range of drive configurations. It also uses the OM460 six-cylinder in-line engine, which produces a high power output of up to 350kW, with 2,300 Nm torque for lower fuel consumption.

The vehicle, which is biodiesel compatible, has been subjected to the “most extensive test programme ever created”, according to Schneider, such as being put under extreme temperature and rough road conditions with a distance of over 60 million kilometres, to ensure optimal performance.

“Using the new Mercedes PowerShift 3 automated manual transmission, the truck provides the best gear shifting strategy at all times for high driving comfort. Coupled with new aerodynamic cabin design, the new Actros is even more economical with up to 4% better fuel efficiency,” he added.

Going forward, Schneider said HSTD is committed to long-term growth, backed by its comprehensive dealer networks nationwide.

The firm, he added, has been making significant business investments and “looks forward to further reinforce its foothold in the country”.

“With the introduction of the new Mercedes-Benz Actros, we will be raising the bar further in the heavy-duty truck market to share the future of transportation in Malaysia, better than ever before,” he added.