volvo trucks malaysia uptime #1,2015

UPTIME #9/2013 3

A MAGAZINE FROM VOLVO MALAYSIA SDN BHD ISSUE # 1 / 2015

DIGGING DEEP PROVING GROUND BIRTH OF THE E-REVOLUTIONMoving earth for

Copenhagen’s new subway system

How Volvo is perfecting active safety solutions of the future at AstaZero

How computers sparked the start of Volvo Action Service

A DREAM COME TRUE How Volvo Trucks helped make K&K Logistics a reality for Mr. K.K Wong

UPTIME #1/2015 3

CONTENT Uptime #1/2015

8 Digging Deep Transporting earth for Copenhagen’s new subway system has provided a real challenge for truck drivers like Johnny Olsen.

Mr. K.K Wong of K&K Logistics is a firm believer of Volvo Trucks. We find out why.

Min Soon Transport Sdn Bhd is Sarawak’s largest gas transporter, which is headed by a dynamic father and son team.

Eros Neo speaks of the experienced he has gained by winning the Fuelwatch Singapore Challenge 2014.

16

19

22

A Dream Come True

Steeped In Family Strengths

Me & My Volvo

4 MD MESSAGE 5 START 24 INSIDE VOLVO 31 HOW IT WORKS 32 THE BUSINESS 38 THE YEAR

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UPDATEUptime is published by Volvo Malaysia Sdn Bhd, No 6, Jalan Bicu 15/6 Seksyen 15, 40200 Shah Alam Selangor Darul Ehsan. Volvo Malaysia is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AB Volvo, Sweden since 1969.

EDITORIAL LETTER

Before I begin, let me first wish all you a happy 2015 and Gong Xi Fa Cai! We are already well into the New Year, a year that will undoubtedly be an eventful one especially for us at Volvo Malaysia and our customers as we continue to forge ahead after a stellar 2014.

Last year was a significant year for us as we captured a 40% market share for Heavy Duty European Trucks in Malaysia and become the overall market leader is this segment. It is beyond question that this positive result is down to our commitment of producing innovative and compelling new products that tick all the right boxes in safety, quality, efficiency and environmental care. This, along with our ever-improving after sales offerings in a greatly improved network and forging closer ties to our valued customers were the factors that contributed to this positive result. I clearly see this number growing in the coming year as we continue to introduce more cutting-edge products and services in this important market.

2014 also produced a number of milestones for us. We re-introduced Volvo Buses to our Malaysian portfolio and we also snagged two coveted awards at the recent NST-Shell Rimula Truck of the Year Awards 2014 with our Volvo FM Series victorious in the Prime Mover (two axle) category and the Fuelwatch Challenge awarded the CSR award for Fuel Efficiency.

Evidently, last year was indeed momentous but we will not rest on our laurels to continue to provide you with the best Volvo ownership experience. We have already kick-started the year in grand fashion with the launch of our new Sibu and Ipoh dealerships, which are part of our RM 75 million network expansion programme in order to serve our customers better. More dealership launches and refurbishments are set to follow suit as well in the next few months in e.g. Prai, Port Klang and Sandakan.

We have also orchestrated a number of exclusive customer events this year already with a trip to Auckland, New Zealand, for the Volvo Ocean Race, which stands as the world’s premier offshore race. We would also like to wish Dato’ Peter Yong of Jaya Tiasa Holdings in Sibu, the winner of our World Golf Challenge 2014, the best of luck as he journeys to Shanghai for the World Finals in April. Last but not least, we will be kicking-off our exciting Fuelwatch Challenge 2015 soon and we will also be organizing an exciting MIBTC event in May.

As you can see, despite only being a few months into the New Year, we are already hard at work bringing you the very best in service, new products and exquisite customer care. Granted, 2015 will have its obstacles, especially with a more uncertain economy outlook, but rest assured, no matter what the challenges may be, all of us at Volvo Malaysia will go above and beyond your expectations to be with you every step of the way to ensure it’s a smooth ride ahead.

2014 was indeed a great year for us, but there’s no doubt in my mind that with great teamwork, hard work and our never-ending desire to bring the best elements of the Volvo brand to you, 2015 will be even better. We are on the right track to make that happen and I invite all you to come along for the ride. So buckle up, because it’s certainly going to be an exciting year ahead!

Until next time, keep on trucking!

Mats NilssonManaging Director, Volvo Trucks Malaysia

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DRIVING AHEAD IN 2015

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START News & updates from the Volvo world

Get Ready For Fuelwatch Challenge 2015 6th edition of highly-anticipated

competition is about to begin

Six years ago, Volvo introduced the highly-successful global competition, the Fuelwatch Challenge to Malaysia. Ever since the event made its debut, it has gone on to become of one of the most anticipated events in the truck driving community. Now, with the six edition of the competition about to begin, we are once again going in search of the nation’s most fuel-efficient truck driver.

Just like previous years, the Fuelwatch Challenge will once again focus on core fundamentals of the competition, which includes improving fuel efficiency, building awareness on road safety as well as reducing environmental impact. Additionally, the event also enhances driver skills and techniques, which improves long-term operational costs for trucks, which translates to longer life span for vehicles and better uptime.

The preliminary rounds of the 2015 Fuelwatch Challenge will begin this April in Shah Alam before it makes it way around the country. The

preliminary rounds will take place between 9am to 5pm at each location and it will involve a briefing as well as an objective test. Each participant will also take home an exclusive Fuelwatch Challenge t-shirt and cap during the preliminary rounds.

A total of 20 participants will be shortlisted for the semi-finals of the competition, which will take place on 14 August in Shah Alam, with the top three drivers going unto the final round the next day. Semi-finalists will be judged on the best fuel consumption and travel time on a 20km route, whilst finalists will be judged on the best fuel consumption and travel time on a 20km route.

Attractive prizes are once again up for grabs for this year’s Fuelwatch Challenge, which includes BSN vouchers worth RM2000, RM3000 and RM5000 respectively for the top three finishers, a remote control Volvo truck each,

as well as prestigious Fuelwatch trophies. The 20 semi-finalists will also take home an exclusive Volvo jacket worth RM500. The winner of the 2015 Fuelwatch Challenge will also go on to represent Malaysia in the Asia Pacific round of the competition, which will be held in September in Thailand.

FUELWATCH CHALLENGE 2015 DATES & LOCATIONS

9 April Shah Alam14 April Ipoh15 April Seberang Prai21 April Kuching23 April Bintulu27 May Kuantan30 May Johor Bahru

7 June Kota Kinabalu13 August Finals & Gala Dinner14 August Semi-Finals15 August Finals & Gala Dinner

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START News & updates from the Volvo world

We recently opened the doors to our newly-refurbished and enhanced dealership in Sibu Sarawak. Housed at a new location, the new premises underlines our commitment in expanding our offering of total transport solutions to current and potential customers with business operations that ply the areas of East Malaysia, specifically those who operate along the Kuching to Bintulu transport flow.

The new dealership is conveniently located along the main transport flow and Rejang river barge and comes complete with a redesigned layout that corresponds with Volvo’s Corporate Identity.

Now operating in a standalone building with a built-up area of over 1,500 sq. metres (16,140 sq. feet), the new premises stands as a 2S service centre with eight workshop stations, a wash bay and the latest tools and equipment for truck diagnosis, service and repairs.

Offering a better workflow and office ergonomics, the new Sibu dealership will also provide a more comfortable environment for drivers and the mechanics at work with an enriched customer experience with facilities such as a driver waiting lounge, free wireless internet access, reading materials and complimentary beverages.

The opening of the Sibu dealership is part of our RM75 million investment which has been earmarked for upgrading of our dealerships across Malaysia. Currently, we have a total of 11 dealerships across the country – five in Peninsular Malaysia and six in East Malaysia –all of which are set to further improve the Volvo truck ownership experience for our customers.

Volvo will once again feature in the upcoming Malaysia International Bus, Truck & Components Expo 2015 (MIBTC 2015). Scheduled to be held at the Malaysia International Exhibition & Convention Centre (MIECC) in Kuala Lumpur from 14 to 16 May 2015, the MIBTC stands as the first ever exhibition of its kind that cater exclusively to the needs of the regional trucking, logistics and bus industries.

For MIBTC 2015, we will be launching a brand new service that will join the variety of total offerings we have for our customers. This new service will not only complement the existing range of trucks and Volvo Services on offer but it will also help customers lower their fuel costs and keep track of their trucks and drivers to. We will also be displaying a variety

of Genuine Parts and will be sharing more information on the new Service Agreements which has been updated alongside the introduction of the new trucks launched last year in September.

In line with the theme for MIBTC 2015, which is ‘Drive Safe’, we have also participated in the Asian Trucker

media round table discussion on road safety alongside the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), JPJ, JKJR, Drive Wise, Taipanco and Tuev Rheinland. If you are visiting MITBC 2015 do pay us a visit at booths M46, 47, 48 and GS01 from 10am to 7pm daily.

Newly Upgraded Sibu Dealership Opens

Volvo @ MIBTC 2015

New premises set to serve the needs of East Malaysian customer base

Attractive displays and a new service offering on show at upcoming Expo

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For over 37 years, the Volvo Ocean Race has continuously tested the mettle of human endeavour and the sailing prowess of world-class sailors. Established in 1973 as the Whitbread, the Volvo Ocean Race today is considered the world’s premier offshore race with a testing global route across continents. A race typically lasts for nine months – covering 11 ports and 38,739 nautical miles –making it the longest sporting event in the world and one that holds the most coveted prize in sailing as well.

The 12th edition of the Volvo Ocean Race started from Alicante, Spain on 4 October 2014, with an expected finish date in Gothenburg, Sweden at the end of June 2015. With its global scope, and competitive in-port race events, the Volvo Ocean Race is undeniably the perfect way to strengthen the Volvo brand and a great opportunity for the Volvo Group to establish closer relationships with customers as well as the general public.

At the recent Leg 4 Volvo Ocean

Race stopover in Auckland, New Zealand, we invited several customers along for unprecedented access to this reputable event. En. Mohd Hasdey Yaakob and En. Mohd Hafizi Hamzah from Multimodal Sdn Bhd and Mr. Soo Chee Yeong from Vertex Mission along with several customers from Singapore were Volvo’s special guests at the event in Auckland.

Held from 12-16 March, the Volvo Ocean Race experience in Auckland allowed each guest to have an up close and personal look at the competition including exclusive meet and greets with the competitors themselves. A Swiss female competitor from the SCA boat, which boasts an all-female crew for instance, revealed the many challenges each team has to undergo in this gruelling race.

Our guests also visited the Volvo pavilion where trucks, cars and VCE equipment were on display and where a presentation on the importance of safety was given by the head of Volvo Trucks Safety. The Volvo Ocean

Race experience also included a first-hand experience to observe the highly-competitive in-port race from a yacht.

The race which was eventually won by the SCA Team showcased that the race itself is a relatively open field, which can be won by any team and any given time. The Volvo Ocean Race experience culminated in the departure of the toughest leg, which saw teams passing by the Antarctic and Cape Horn.

But it wasn’t just about sailing and racing as we also boosted the Volvo Ocean Race experience for our customers with a round of golf at one of New Zealand’s most beautiful golf courses. The course situated next to the sea with a view of an extinct volcano, which we managed to visit on the last day of sightseeing. The trip also involved a visit to the Marine Museum and a cultural exhibition that showcased traditional Maori dancers and a live performance of the Haka as well.

Volvo Ocean Race ExperienceCustomers get an exclusive up close and personal experience with the world’s premiere offshore race

Text Per Grehn Photo Nicke Johansson & Alastair Philip Wiper

DRIVER REPORT

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A new subway is under construction in Copenhagen and it will require digging up around three million tonnes of soil from under the city. Transporting earth through a city of over one million inhabitants represents a real challenge for truck drivers. Johnny Olsen is one of them and this is his story.

N O R D H A V N , C O P E N H A G E N , D E N M A R K

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T he two guards in front of the truck have li�ed their stop signs. �ree cars and four cyclists stop and Johnny Olsen gets the go-ahead to drive. �e truck slowly rolls down the road and into the construction site. With an experienced hand he swings to the right and drives up to the automated wheel wash.

“Every time we drive in and out of the area we wash the tires. �ere would be far too much clay in town otherwise,” says Johnny and reverses into position so that the excavator stone can start �lling the two tipper bodies.

�e construction site is called Trianglen and is located in Copenhagen’s inner city. It will be one of 17 stations on the city’s new metro – known as the Cityringen. �e building project, which is the largest in Copenhagen in modern times, consists of two tunnels, each 15.5 km and another four construction sites from where the tunnel boring machines drill their way under the city. �e new subway is an extension of the already existing one.

Johnny’s task is to carry away the earth that is dug up from underground at the construction sites. When the project is �nished, three million tonnes of earth will have been transported away from the city’s interior.

“Right now it’s probably a bit problematic for those living in Copenhagen. �ere is construction taking place in so many di�erent locations. Yet in the end I think it will be �ne,” says Johnny, who notes that if more people take the subway in the future then there will be fewer cars on the city’s streets.

Via the communication radio, Johnny has direct contact with the excavator operator. Huge amounts of earth are collected from a depth of 18 metres by a larger excavator. When the station at Trianglen is completed, its lowest point will be around 40 metres.

Johnny keeps tabs on the display in the cab that shows how much soil has been loaded. �e truck has a load capacity of 17 tonnes and the drawbar trailer takes 18 tonnes. �e empty truck rig weighs

DRIVER REPORT

The front steering axles in combination with the trailer make the truck rig very smooth to drive, according to driver Johnny Olsen. The truck is a Volvo FMX from 2014 with the 8×4 configuration and dual front axles.

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“The truck feels very stable even with heavy loads. The I-Shift gearbox is very precise. I think it is a very good truck.”JOHNNY OLSEN, TRUCK DRIVER

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DRIVER REPORT

Four italian drilling machines are used in the construction of the new metro in Copenhagen. One complete drill weighs around 800 tonnes. During the project the machines will tunnel their way at a depth of around 30 metres. The metro will consist of two tunnels, each tunnel is 15.5 kilometers long, making the total length of new tunnels 31 kilometers.

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about 21 tonnes. �e truck shakes slightly each time the excavator operator adds a new load. Johnny gives the signal via radio when the display shows 56 tonnes. �e truck is fully loaded.

“Now we are going to Nordhavn, that’s where we leave the load,” says Johnny and drives out from the site.

Copenhagen is growing and in the old port district north of the city centre, several construction projects are ongoing where houses and o�ces are being built for thousands of new Copenhageners. At the far end of this neighbourhood – Nordhavn – there is also the construction of a new container terminal and port for cruise ships underway. To accommodate this, a new 100-acre tract of land is being created, using some of the soil from the subway construction. �e new land is slowly spreading out onto what was once the sea.

On the way across town to Nordhavn, Johnny sits calmly and safe behind the wheel, all the while with a smile on his face. It is obvious that he likes his job.

“Some might think it would be boring to just drive back and forth, but I really like it. Truck driving is a job that o�ers freedom compared to sitting in an o�ce or standing on a factory production line.”

Johnny lights up when he talks about his wife and four children. It is noticeable that his family means a lot to him, but he admits that it can be a little di�cult to �nd enough time in his schedule. Johnny lives an hour’s drive from Copenhagen and his working days usually start at �ve o’clock in the morning. �en he drives the truck all day and is home again with his family by six o’clock in the evening. Since summer 2014, Johnny has been driving for haulage company SCT, an employer that he really likes. “It’s a great working environment. �e comradeship between colleagues at SCT is something I value highly. We are there for each other and everyone is very nice.”

SCT is one of several trucking companies involved in working on the subway in Copenhagen. �e main tasks are to carry the soil from the construction sites and to transport the excavated material from the tunnel boring machines.

The number of lorries that SCT uses on the subway construction in Copenhagen varies between 20 and 50, depending on how much earth has to be transported. �e most common truck model is the Volvo FH with tipper semitrailers, but the company also has eight FMX tipper trucks with draw bar trailers in tra�c. All SCT trucks are equipped with Globetrotter cabs, even the Volvo FMX trucks where several drivers can stay overnight in their cabins during the working week.

Johnny’s truck is a Volvo FMX from 2014 with the 8×4

“Right now it’s probably a bit problematic for those living in Copenhagen. There is construction taking place in so many different locations. Yet in the end I think it will be fine.”JOHNNY OLSEN, TRUCK DRIVER

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DRIVER REPORT

con�guration and dual front axles. �e power from the 500 hp 13-litre engine is e�ciently transferred to the trucks tandem drive axles. �e front steering axles in combination with the drawbar trailer make the truck rig very smooth to drive. Johnny thinks this is positive, because it can be narrow when manoeuvring the truck inside the building sites.

“�e truck feels very stable even with heavy loads. �e I-Shi� gearbox is very precise. I think it is a very good truck,” says Johnny and slows down at a red light.

Copenhagen is one of the cities with the highest density of bicycles in the world and this is evident in tra�c where cyclists and trucks must o�en share space. �e building contractor Copenhagen Metro Team has put a lot of e�ort into implementing the project in as safe a manner as possible for the city’s inhabitants. In collaboration with SCT it has, among other things, allowed all children attending schools near construction sites to sit in a Volvo truck with the aim of teaching them what a truck driver can and cannot see from his or her truck cab.

Copenhagen is one of the cities with the highest density of bicycles in the world. The building contractor Copenhagen Metro Team has put a lot of effort into implementing the project in as safe a manner as possible for the city's inhabitants.

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FACT FILE

The Cityringen circle line is a 15.5 km long underground

subway that runs in and around Copenhagen’s inner city. The

new subway is built to minimise car traffic in Copenhagen and to facilitate the daily travel of the city’s inhabitants. Around

1.2 million people live in the city.

The project will cost 21.3 billion Danish kroner (2.9 billion euros)

and is implemented by the contractor Copenhagen Metro Team (CMT). CMT works on

behalf of Metroselskabet, which has primary responsibility for

the construction and operation of the Copenhagen metro. Metroselskabet is owned

by the City of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Municipality and

the Danish state.

The new metro will be officially inaugurated in July 2019. The capacity is estimated at 130

million journeys annually.

THE PROJECT

THE AREA

THE TRUCK

The Volvo FMX was launched on the road in March 2014. The Euro 5 engine is 13 litres and

500 horsepower.

The automated I-Shift gearbox simplifies work in harsh

environments, and the driver can concentrate 100 per cent on the

journey.

The truck rig consists of a 3-way tipper truck with an 8×4 configuration, dual front axles and a3-axle drawbar 3-way

tipper trailer. It can tip loads to the right, left and backwards.

The rig weighs 20.4 tonnes. The truck has a load capacity of 17 tonnes and the drawbar

trailer 18 tonnes. The maximum allowed gross weight is 56

tonnes.

The truck is equipped with a Globetrotter cab, which allows

the driver to stay overnight in the cab if required.

During the most transport-intensive construction period, an average of 500 trucks drive to and from the construction sites every day. 375 tra�c lights have been changed in order to minimise disruption on the city’s roads. Trucks must also always drive the same route through the city to and from Nordhavn.

“Put simply, one must drive very carefully. Security is the top priority,” says Johnny, and checks one more time at the bottom of the truck’s mirrors before he turns right over a cycle-path crossing.

On arrival in Nordhavn, Johnny steers the truck up onto a weighing machine before he drives into the area. During the day, Johnny drives between four and �ve loads from the construction site to Nordhavn. All shipments are weighed carefully.

A seagull hovers in the wind, peering down over the area where truck a�er truck dump their loads. Johnny has reversed the truck into the dumping area where he �rst tips the rear platform and then the front.

“One more load and then I go home to my family. I’m looking forward to it,” says Johnny and breaks into a big smile. n

S W E D E N

G E R M A N Y P O L A N D

D E N M A R K

Gothenburg

Copenhagen

Baltic Sea

TT Nyhetsbyrån

GdanskLübeck

50 km

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A Young Man’s Dream Come True

Mr. K.K Wong of K&K Logistics Sdn Bhd is a firm believer of Volvo Trucks, to the point he used one as a wedding vehicle on his big day. We get to the bottom of this young man’s unique story.

THE customerText Daniel Fernandez Photo DSF

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There is a saying that life is never easy. So when we meet a person that started out with almost nothing but yet found it within himself the determination, courage and desire to make a business succeed, we have to truly give credit where it’s due. Especially when it’s an individual like

Mr. K.K Wong of K&K Logistics Sdn Bhd.Like most individuals Mr. Wong began his career in the

trucking business by working for a transport company. He started as a driver for Teck Keong Transport, which was incidentally owned by his mother. At the peak of the business, the business had a fleet of six small trucks. It was here that Mr. Wong developed a taste for the transport business by occasionally driving one of the trucks in the fleet.

“I had a fascination with trucks from a young age,” admits Mr. Wong. “So I left school at age 16 and began working as a driver, even though I didn’t have a license at the time.” Being without a license did land Mr. Wong in hot soup with the authorities on more than one occasion, but the young man forged ahead because of the need to earn a living. But eventually with the advice of his close friends, he eventually went and got his truck driving license a year later.

Mr. Wong reveals that his official driving career started behind the wheel of a Volvo FL7 and he was so impressed by the truck that he has kept with the Volvo brand until today. Seven years on, Mr. Wong’s love for the Volvo brand continues.

As he began his career as a truck driver, Mr. Wong began to look

at the business from a different point of view. “I saw an opportunity to start my own transport business,” he revealed. “So in 2009, at 21 years of age and with my mother’s blessing, I started K&K Logistics.” Mr. Wong reveals that in the beginning he secured his first few trucks, which were the FL10 and FM10. “They were reconditioned trucks, because that’s all I could really afford at the time,” he tells us.

Although still a relatively new business at the time and with a small staffing team, Mr. Wong promised his clients to have their goods delivered on or before time. Keeping true to his word, K&K

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THE customer

Logistics’ customer base grew and along with it, so did his staff, fleet and equipment as well.

With his business flourishing, Mr. Wong set his sights on expanding his fleet. So in 2011, he purchased six reconditioned FM12 trucks. He further extended his fleet in 2014 with 14 FH trucks, all of which were reconditioned from the UK. But Mr. Wong realised that purchasing brand new trucks was the way to go. “2013, was the turning point for the business,” he says. “I knew we had to invest more in the business in order to reduce downtime, keep maintenance low and be more fuel-efficient,” adds Mr. Wong. “It was clear that the solution was to invest in brand new Volvo trucks.”

So that year, Mr. Wong bought his first new truck from Volvo Trucks Malaysia – the FMX. He forged such a close relationship with the brand that when he got married he decided that he wanted his wedding chariot to be the brand new Volvo FMX. “I didn’t even need to convince my wife,” he jokes. So on the big day, Mr. Wong and his bride tuned heads as they road in a convoy of decorated trucks for a truly unforgettable event.

Since then, Mr. Wong has continuously expanded his Volvo fleet for his business. He recently purchased a few more FMX trucks, bringing the total to four units in K&K Logistics fleet. “I feel the FMX truck is one of the best trucks around

for heavy duty application, and they fit their role perfectly,” says Mr. Wong. “More importantly, they’ve never failed in their delivery too.”

For Mr. Wong, the success of K&K Logistics has been based on timely delivery and zero downtime on his trucks and he admits both of this has been made possible with the new Volvo trucks he has purchased. “They’ve never failed me in delivering performance as well as reliability and they’ve also kept our operating costs low,” he tells us. “My team of drivers are also happier behind the wheel of a Volvo truck as they know that they will get to their destination without a hitch.”

K&K Logistics Sdn. BhdCountry: MalaysiaHead office: SubangOwner: K.K.WongFounded: 2009Number of trucks: 30 Volvo trucksTypes of assignments:Construction

“I feel the FMX truck is one of the best trucks around for heavy duty application, and they fit their role perfectly”

Steeped In Family StrengthsMin Soon Transport Sdn Bhd is one of the largest gas transporters in the state of Sarawak and it remains a venture that is destined to continue as both father and son work together to move the company to new heights.

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THE customerText Bart August Photo Mark Evans

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THE customer

When Mr. Chong Chze Tian established Min Soon Transport Sdn Bhd in the mid-70s, he had no idea the company would go on to become a pioneer and one of the biggest gas transporters in Sarawak. As an appointed transporter for Shell Gas, Mygas and

Linde EOX, the company boasts the largest haulage of gas (kg per day) in the East Malaysian state, which is an achievement considering Min Soon Transport’s humble beginnings.

“We started by transporting timber initially,” reveals Mr. Chong. “That’s what we moved primarily in the first two years of operations before making the shift to gas.” Starting with only two trucks in the beginning, Min Soon Transport today boasts a fleet of 20 trucks, five of which are Volvo FM370s.

“We bought our first Volvo truck – the Volvo FM12 380 in 2005,” explains Mr. Chong, but he elaborates the purchase was made due to strict requirements by their client. “We upgraded to Volvo as one of our biggest clients needed certain safety conditions to be met with regards to our trucks. And Volvo was at the top of our list,” he adds.

Currently, Min Soon Transport is jointly managed with the leadership of both Mr. Chong and his son, Calvin and they’re more than holding their own against larger competitors by focusing on quality, reliability and safety. “The subject of business aside, it’s always

UPTIME #1/2015 21

been our motto to not put drivers at risk,” says Calvin. “We take pride in safety and we’re proud to say that Min Soon is one of the front liners in transport safety.” And this is also why Calvin and his father decided on Volvos to handle their transportation needs.

“We liked the i-Shift, which reduces driver fatigue as well as wear and tear and we found the Volvo suspension set-up coped better on our local roads,” adds Calvin. “There’s no denying that with the new service centre being only a couple of minutes away from our depot, combined with Volvo’s vast network in Sarawak and the long-standing relationship we’ve had all these years, Volvo will always be our first consideration.” That sentiment was proven recently when Min Soon Transport took delivery of their new FM440 i-Shift, which arrived fresh off the port a day prior to this interview.

Min Soon Transport Sdn BhdCountry: MalaysiaHead office: KuchingOwner: Mr. Chong Chze TianFounded: 1975Number of trucks: 20; five of which are Volvo trucksTypes of assignments:Gas haulers; appointed transporter for Shell Gas, Mygas and Linde EOX

“It’s always been our motto to not put drivers at risk”

These days, both father and son share the load spearheading Min Soon Transport for the future with Mr. Chong taking charge of the books and finances with Calvin handling operations. Calvin who holds a degree in Logistics and a valid truck driving licence stepped into the business five years ago and looks certainly set to take over the reins of the company in the future.

“I think the best lesson by dad ever gave me was how to deal with drivers, which is extremely important in the transport industry,” says Calvin. “How a driver handles a truck will determine how long the vehicle will last and this is why we feel it is prudent to retain talent and develop their driving and safety skills, especially considering the nature of our business.”

Min Soon Transport’s network is state wide and oftentimes consists of journeys connecting Kuching, Bintulu and Miri, which can be as long as 900km on trunk roads. “Our clients also have their own set of rules that we have to adhere to such as keeping to a 70km speed limit, daily working hours for drivers which are capped at 12 hours, including compulsory 15 minute breaks every three hours while they are on the road.”

Calvin also reveals that each of their drivers are equipped with the skills to handle the product that is being hauled, such as working with the cylinders and this is why their drivers oftentimes stick to one truck during their duration with the company. “Our oldest driver has been with us for over 29 years and he serves as a driver mentor now as well as a relief driver,” explains Calvin. Interestingly, Calvin also doubles up as a relief driver from time to time when the situation calls for it. “Our commitment to our customers is what has driven us all these years and it’s something that will never change.”

22 UPTIME #1/2015

me & my volvo

“I have grown to be a better driver since participating in the Volvo Fuelwatch Challenge. Now, I plan my routes, watch my braking and anticipate the road ahead when I make my daily deliveries. These are the measures every truck driver needs to do to save fuel and stay safe on the roads. I am glad I am in the company of fellow truck drivers who share the same outlook” Eros Neo has many reasons to be proud. The 24-year-old driver works for a reputable chemical distribution company, and he has won the on-road category of the Fuelwatch Singapore Challenge 2014 and clinched the top five spot in the Fuelwatch APAC Championship 2014. He is also a member of the Singapore Army Shooting Contingent (SSC). Despite his long list of accomplishments, Eros humbly admits that he values the experience and knowledge more than the accolades he has received.

“Honestly, I was not expecting to win the Volvo Fuelwatch Singapore Challenge 2014. I was shocked and happy at the same time. I have only been driving a Volvo truck for one year and if I compare myself with other drivers, I am probably one of, or if not, the youngest and probably the least experienced!”

Eros started his career driving a small truck, delivering bread when he was 21-years-old. He went on to drive a slightly larger truck two years later. He admits that being a rookie driver of a large truck had its challenges but he is thankful that his employer, Tee Hai Chem was very supportive in his development. Since joining the company a year back, Eros has had the opportunity to attend driver development courses, learn about the chemical and pharmaceutical products and also managed to attain special license to transport hazardous materials and to apply workplace safety and health procedures in customers’ manufacturing plants.

“I have to be extra careful because I am transporting goods that are corrosive and flammable. There is no room for error”. Eros added. There are safety guidelines

and protocols that he needs to follow due to the type of products he is carrying and he has no issue with that because of his high regard for safety and determination to deliver exceptional customer service.

When asked why he chose to be a truck driver when most people his age would be looking for office jobs, he answered “I like the sound of the truck’s engine and like most guys, anything on wheels is exciting. What’s more, driving a truck is fulfilling as you contribute towards the economy and the commercial world. It makes me feel important!” he said with a smile.

His strategy in getting to the finals of the APAC Fuelwatch Championship 2014 was to remain calm and focus on driving and nothing else. “Too much anxiety can only harm,” says Eros. And he considers being given the opportunity to be in Sweden to meet other national champions a big prize for him already.

“I have grown to be a better driver since participating in the Volvo Fuelwatch Challenge. Now, I plan my routes, watch my braking and anticipate the road ahead when I make my daily deliveries. These are the measures every truck driver needs to do to save fuel and stay safe on the roads. I am glad I am in the company of fellow truck drivers who share the same outlook”

EROS NEO JIT HONG, SINGAPORE

EROS NEO JIT HONG

Age 27 years old Company Tee Hai Chem Pte Ltd Background Six years of driving trucks; started off with a smaller truck and progressed to driving a larger truck a year back.

UPTIME #1/2015 23

Text Joakim Rönning Photos Nicke Johansson,

Jonas Tobin & Andreas Nilsson

INSIDE VOLVO

PROV I N G G ROU N D

24 UPTIME #1/2015


Every year, 1.2 million people die in road accidents globally. At AstaZero – the world’s first full-scale test environment for active safety solutions of the future – Volvo Trucks is working to reduce these grim statistics. And it is on track to succeed.

UPTIME #1/2015 25


Despite being the middle of the day, the New York tra�c is fairly sedate. A neighbourhood in the district of Harlem is deserted and silent as a ghost town. Anna Wrige Berling, Safety Coordinator at Volvo Advanced Technology and Research, glances through a window at an intersection where 30 tonnes of heavy Volvo FH truck turns right. Suddenly a little boy runs out

in the middle of the street.�e screeching of tires pierces the air, but there is no crash. �e

truck stops a few inches from the petri�ed boy.“A highly possible scenario in city tra�c,” says Anna Wrige

Berling quietly when she steps out into the street and checks the distance between the boy and the truck.

�is time there was no need to get excited. �e boy is just a puppet in foam and the Harlem district consists of a backdrop. �e truck is controlled by a robotic system.

We are at AstaZero, just outside the southern Swedish city of Borås. It is the world’s �rst full-scale test environment for the testing of active safety systems. �e facility opened in August 2014, and it is here that Volvo Trucks hopes to strengthen its position as a world leader in Active Safety Technology and intelligent vehicles. �e research is o�en crucial. According to the WHO’s latest Global Status Report on Road Safety, around 1.2 million people are killed every year in road accidents worldwide.

In connection with the urban environment at AstaZero, there are all kinds of roads with tra�c within a modern infrastructure. A 5.7 km long highway stretches around the entire area. In the centre is a

INSIDE VOLVO

AstaZero is the world’s first full-scale test facility for active safety. Here Volvo’s trucks are tested using crash test dummies and other vehicles in conditions as close to real traffic situations as possible.

26 UPTIME #1/2015


“Accidents often occur because the driver is not paying attention. The human factor contributes to nine out of ten accidents today – hence the need for Active Safety.”ANNA WR IGE BER LING, SAFETY COOR DINATOR VOLVO ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY AND R ESEARCH

UPTIME #1/2015 27


At the facility’s multi-lane motorway, a system is tested that detects stationary vehicles and avoids them without risking collisions with other vehicles. The ability to test complex systems in a secure environment is irreplaceable.

Adaptive Cruise Control + Collision Warning with Emergency Brake

The radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) keeps a safe distance to the vehicle in front. The Collision Warning with Emergency Brake system takes over and alerts with warning sound and light before activating the brakes if an impact is imminent and the driver gives no response. The emergency brake system will become a legal requirement from November 2015.

Active safety systems tested at AstaZero

Lane Keeping Support

Drifting out of lane is a common cause of many serious accidents. Consequently Lane Keeping Support is another system that will become a legal requirement in November 2015. It tracks the road markings with a camera, and if the lines are crossed unintentionally the driver is alerted to pull the attention back to keeping the steering wheel steady in the right direction.

INSIDE VOLVO

28 UPTIME #1/2015


700 metre long acceleration track with four lanes leading into a high-speed area. A sea of asphalt.

Access to these natural tra�c environments for testing is crucial for Volvo Trucks’ development of future safety systems. Active safety systems are very complex and require advanced testing before they are completely safe for use.

“Here we can see where the limits are in completely safe conditions. During the development process, the system must be allowed to fail and hit a balloon car or a crash test dummy. We want to drive with the robot, in order to improve the accuracy and repeatability of the tests. In a real world tra�c environment, this would not be possible,” says Anna Wrige Berling.

Unlike passive safety systems – technology such as seatbelts and airbags to save us when the accident has actually occurred – the active safety systems should minimise the risk of an accident happening at all.

“Accidents o�en occur because the driver is not paying attention. �e human factor contributes to nine out of ten accidents today - hence the need for Active Safety. And by that we don’t mean that drivers are usually at fault, rather that tra�c situations can be very complex. We usually refer to it as a driver assistance system which compensates for the human factor,” says Anna Wrige Berling, who also has a background as leader of Volvo Accident Research Team.

Volvo Trucks has recently devoted a great deal of time on AstaZero to the research project ‘Non-hit car and truck’. �e project is a collaboration with Volvo Cars, where vehicles using cameras and radar sensors scan the urban environment to avoid collision with those so� objects that can be di�cult to detect for the truck driver – cyclists and pedestrians.

Despite the fact that the innovations tested at AstaZero seem to be science �ction, the technology is very much a reality. ‘Non-hit car and truck’ tests have yielded very

promising results so far.“�ere is still much testing to be done before it is ready

to be introduced to the market, but there are already many intelligent safety systems in tra�c. Starting in November 2015, it will be a legal requirement in many countries that certain Active Safety applications are present in newly manufactured trucks,” says Anna Wrige Berling.

Volvo Trucks has already had standardised active safety

“No Volvo truck should be involved in an accident. This is the ultimate goal.”CAR L JOHAN ALMQVIST, TR AFFIC AND PRODUCT

SAFETY DIR ECTOR, VOLVO TRUCKS

Driver Alert Support

Nine out of ten accidents are caused by the human factor and a tired driver is a risk to the whole traffic environment. The Driver Alert Support is an intelligent system that tracks the drivers behaviour in the cabin and on the road. The system is activated if the driving pattern differs from normal and indicates tiredness or lack of attention. Through a signal and a message in the instrument panel, the driver is advised to take a break.

Lane Changing Support

The blind-spot area can easily hide other road users, in particular smaller vehicles outside of the passenger seat window. Lane Changing Support is equipped with a radar that checks that area when the indicator is activated. If the area is not clear, the driver is notified by a sound and a flashing icon by the mirror to avoid side impact collisions.

VOLVO TRUCKS MAGAZINE #1/2015 29


INSIDE VOLVO

systems that meet the legal requirements for some time.�e latest and most talked about system – Volvo Collision

Warning with Emergency Brake – also consists of a combination of radar and camera. When the system detects vehicles in front that are stationary or moving slowly, the driver is alerted by sound and light signals. If there is no reaction from the driver then the system brakes itself – at �rst gently, then with full force until the truck has stopped completely and has avoided the collision.

�e so-called Lane Keeping Support, which alerts with a buzzing sound if the driver inadvertently crosses a road marking is a Volvo system that already meets statutory requirements.

Yet despite the advances in technological developments, it is not the complete answer to the road safety issue. “We must be humble in acknowledging that road tra�c safety is not all about technology, it is also a social issue.” says Carl Johan Almqvist, Volvo Trucks’ Tra�c and Product Safety Director.

According to the WHO report, several countries have, in recent years, reduced the number of tra�c accidents. One crucial factor is technology that has improved vehicle safety, another has been e�orts at national level through zero visions. Volvo Trucks has their own zero vision.

“�e truck cab is a very safe working environment if you wear a seat belt, but we also want to stretch ourselves outside the cab and include other road users in our safety vision. No Volvo truck should be involved in an accident. �is is the ultimate goal. One can smile and say that this is something that may never happen, but zero is the only acceptable �gure and therefore we strive towards this,” says Carl Johan Almqvist. n

HOW IT WORKSThe AstaZero proving ground is located outside of Borås in Sweden. It covers more than 2 million square meters and the total length of road is 14 kilometres.

Rural Road

The slightly hilly road is 5.7 km long and extends around the entire area. Maximum speed is 90 kilometres per hour. Along the way there are bus stops, intersections, and a number of hidden obstacle sites.

City area

The urban environment comprises of four blocks. A main road crossed by an adjacent street. All possible urban traffic scenarios can be created using the pedestrian crossings, traffic islands, pavements and cycle lanes.

Intelligent vehicles might seem like a distant sci-fi future. Although in reality, Active safety systems are already in use. From November 2015 some of them will become a legal requirement in many countries.

30 UPTIME #1/2015


High-speed area

Three different acceleration areas lead into the high-speed range. 250 metres in diameter, there is room for testing the vehicles’ dynamic characteristics and various tests at high speed.

Multi-Lane Road

On the 700 metre long multi-lane road, lane changes and different types of scenarios with collision risks are normally tested. The road can be used for tests with oncoming traffic with or without a provisional central barrier.

Proving Ground Center

Office buildings with conference rooms and guards for traffic control and safety. The workshop is directly adjacent, with space for ten cars and two trucks with trailers.

I LLUSTRATION: DAN HAMBE


32 UPTIME #1/2015

THE BUSINESS

As the nation prepares itself for the Goods and Services Tax, Volvo Malaysia remains fully committed and ready to serve its customers during its implementation and beyond.

READY FOR GST

O n 1st April 2015, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) will officially be implemented across the nation. Charged at a standard rate of 6%, the GST will replace the current sales and service

tax (SST), and upon its application will put Malaysia within the ranks of 146 countries globally who have GST or VAT in place already.

The switch to GST has its distinct advantages as it creates a fairer tax system compared to SST by offering a lower business cost, by way of elimination of multiple taxes and higher levels of cascading tax for businesses. This not only allows companies to recover input tax from raw materials and incurred expenses, which reduces cost but it also provides global competiveness for the Malaysian export market.

However many speculate the price of goods and services to increase upon the implementation of the GST, which may not be the case as Emily Ye, Chief Financial Officer, Volvo Malaysia explains. “The GST is basically changing one tax to another,” she elaborates. “When it comes to our company pricing structure, we have our own strategy in place, which involves the calculation of yearly inflation as well as factors such as labour and material costs as well as the exchange rate. So, in essence, any change in price may not be the direct result of the GST, because it is just one aspect in the overall pricing structure,” she adds.

“In accordance to the rules and regulations set by the Ministry of Finance, the company is fully prepared and will be 100% GST compliant upon the implementation of the tax in April,” reveals William Myung, Chief Accountant, Volvo East Asia. “We registered the GST before December 2014 and we have duly notified our clients as well as our vendors in August with regards to the GST compliance as

Des

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Fre

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UPTIME #1/2015 33

“In accordance to the rules and regulations set by the Ministry of Finance, Volvo Malaysia is fully prepared and will be 100% GST compliant upon its implementation”

En. Ahmad Othman (2015 Fuelwatch Ambassador)

well.” Mr. Myung also reveals that sales personnel as well as dealers have undergone training in order to further communicate to customers the GST processes Volvo Malaysia has undertaken to ensure a smoother transition during the implementation period.

“We have invested a lot of time and effort to ensure it’s a smooth transition for us to the GST,” explains Ms. Ye. “And we are fortunate that Volvo Singapore, which already operates with the GST for a number of years now already has a SAP system in place. “This has allowed us to adapt that system to our SAP,” explains Mr. Myung. “The only difference is the percentage that is being applied.”

Ms. Ye admits though that from an accounting perspective there will be workload increase, which the company is totally prepared for along with the necessary paperwork. “We have changed our marketing materials and invoices to include the new format with the GST, and we have also changed the setting of our accounting systems

to incorporate the new tax system,” she adds. “Additionally, we have also communicated to all our departments with regards to implementing the GST into existing contracts as required by the government.”

Mr. Myung also added that the GST also involves the company redoing its cost structure from the human resources side of things, which includes staff and employee benefits that falls under

the GST guidelines as well. “From an operations standpoint, we have laid the ground work for the GST,” he stresses. “In terms of finance systems we have already done testing and we’re ready.” However Mr. Myung also reveals that the testing that has been done is not based on the current system as no one is allowed to use the GST setting before the 20th of March. “We have been testing it on our own via a separate beta system to ensure there are no issues once the GST is in place.”

The company has also undergone department wide briefings with regards to the GST SOP (Standard Operating Procedure), elaborates Ms. Ye. “We have a GST SOP manual that covers supplies, customer invoices, HR as well as transitional issues because we need to carefully manage the transition period to the new tax system,” she adds. “However with our preparations and training we are doing with our employees, Volvo Malaysia will be primed and ready for the GST roll out this April.”

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THE BUSINESS

Volvo is once again going in search of the world’s most efficient truck driver with the annual Fuelwatch Challenge. We catch up with four previous winners to find out the importance of the competition and what it takes to win it.

GEARING UP FOR THE 2015 FUELWATCH CHALLENGE

For the past six years, the Fuelwatch Challenge has grown to become one of the nation’s most popular and successful events in the truck driver community and transportation industry. Ever since the first Fuelwatch Challenge was held, the

event has seen a huge increase in participation with 200 drivers in the first year to 800 participants in 2014.

This year, the signature event will once again begin its search for Malaysia’s most fuel-efficient driver. And as we look forward to this year’s signature nationwide fuel-saving competition, we decided to catch up with the previous winners of the prestigious event to gather their thoughts on how the Fuelwatch Challenge has impacted their lives and contributed to their respective careers.

EN. ADNAN LAILI, FUELWATCH CHALLENGE CHAMPION 2011“Being able to go to Europe and represent Malaysia presented me with great pride and it certainly elevated my performance to another level”

The Fueller Logistics Sdn Bhd driver has participated in the Fuelwatch Challenge several times but he admits he was over the moon when he captured the title in 2011. “Volvo is the first truck company to organise a fuel efficiency awareness programme, and it has provided an avenue for drivers to not only compete in a friendly environment and showcase their skills but to also learn the fundamentals of safe and efficient driving through a comprehensive approach,” he explains.

En. Adnan who went on to compete in the Global Challenge in Sweden admits that was the highlight moment of the competition for him. “Being able to go to Europe and represent Malaysia presented me with great pride and it certainly elevated my performance to another level as I was competing alongside the world’s best drivers,” reveals the Johor driver.

“Getting to compete with my fellow drivers here and overseas aside, I truly see that the Fuelwatch program does contribute immensely to career truck drivers, their companies and the transport industry in general,” says the 2012 Fuelwatch Ambassador. “The knowledge you gain during the competition is invaluable as it involves elements that you would only get after driving for many years.”

The 2012 Fuelwatch Ambassador cites mastering the skills of vehicle optimisation and maintenance, as well as performance monitoring and safety measures have been the main lessons that have contributed to him becoming a better driver. “I am more conscious of my speed and the accelerator pedal now when I drive, especially in corners and intersections,” reveals the Johor driver. “I strongly urge drivers to learn how to use the truck’s kinetic energy to move the vehicle more efficiently as it will equate to shaving more ringgits off the monthly fuel bill.”

En. Adnan also urges drivers who are participating in this year’s competition to pay attention to the instructors and to answer the questions properly. “Yes, driving efficiently is in important but do not discount the pre-

UPTIME #1/2015 35

“The Fuelwatch Challenge is a highly-beneficial program, especially for the driver community in the transport industry to gain recognition for our work”

vehicle check and the written test too as they could be the deciding factors in who wins.” When asked of his advice for participants this year, En. Adnan feels that every driver, as a general rule, should always keep a good and safe distance away from the vehicles in front in order to avoid sudden breaking, which will waste fuel. “It’s not only a fuel saving technique but an important safety one as well.”

EN. ROSLAN MD ALI, FUELWATCH CHALLENGE CHAMPION 2012“The competition opens your eyes to a lot of useful information that you would not normally get on-the-job”

“Winning the Fuelwatch Challenge in 2012 was my proudest moment in my life as truck driver,” says the Taipanco Sdn Bhd driver who went on to Australia to compete in the Asia Pacific leg of the competition. “Despite not being able to bring the trophy back to Malaysia, I’m happy with the lessons I’ve learnt in this competition,” he says in earnest. “Being given the opportunity to go to Australia for the finals was a huge privilege and it was great to be able to compete and learn from drivers from across the Asia Pacific.

“The competition opens your eyes to a lot of useful information that you would not normally get on-the-job,” adds the 2013 Fuelwatch Ambassador. And he stresses that participants need to pay close attention to the trainers during the competition because the knowledge will ultimately make them a better driver. “In my case, I usually do at least two trips a day, which covers over 500km a day and the fuel saving techniques I have applied to my journeys are certainly noticeable,” he says. “This not only allows my company to save money on fuel but it is also good for the environment.”

The 2013 Fuelwatch ambassador also reveals that he made it a point to share all he has learnt with his fellow colleagues and friends who were unable to participate due to their work schedule. “Like Volvo, I felt it was important to give back to the driver community, especially as the goal of the Fuelwatch Challenge was to promote fuel efficiency

and be more environmentally conscious,” elaborates En. Roslan.

“The Fuelwatch Challenge has taught me a lot about safety and efficient driving, which is why I’ve kept on trucking but with a lighter foot on the throttle pedal these days,” he joked. “I’m very proud to have won this competition and hold the distinction of being one of the Fuelwatch Ambassadors. It’s an event that I strongly urge every driver to participate in because the experience and knowledge gained is priceless. And it also presents a chance for truck drivers across the nation to test their skills and do their industry, their company as well as the nation proud.”

EN. ZAMRI ABD RAHMAN FUELWATCH CHALLENGE CHAMPION 2013“I plan out my journey now, especially when it comes to routes that involve a lot of gradient climbs and corners”

“I remember I was speechless when I found out I won the title,” recalls En. Zamri. “But I knew then right

En. Adnan Laili, 2012 Fuelwatch Ambassador.

36 UPTIME #1/2015

THE BUSINESS

after the competition, that my skills as a truck driver had already improved tremendously after competing in the Fuelwatch Challenge,” says the Konsortium Logistics driver. “But I think the most useful lesson I took away from the competition is to always keep driving at lower REVS and maintaining a steady speed,” he adds. “This not only eliminates engine stress but you can also notice the fuel savings almost immediately.”

The 2014 Fuelwatch Ambassador also emphasises that he has adopted key lessons and made them key practices in his daily driving routine as a career truck driver. “I plan out my journey now, especially when it comes to routes that involve a lot of gradient climbs and corners,” he elaborates. “Knowing my route affords me the advantage of adapting my driving style to suit that journey in order to be safer and more efficient. I know it seems a very rudimentary thing to do, but I strongly recommend drivers to try it, you will see the difference after you finish your journey!”

The 2014 Fuelwatch Ambassador also stresses that to utilise engine braking whenever possible to save fuel. “I always impart that particular tip to my colleagues as it equates to further fuel savings,” he stresses. En. Zamri also feels that the Fuelwatch Challenge has contributed significantly to his career as a truck driver and he feels that it is an immensely important and useful program for drivers to participate in. “Personally, the knowledge I’ve gained has helped me become a better driver and it’s proved invaluable to not only myself but my company as well,” he tells us. And that’s not just the only thing about the competition.

“Volvo Malaysia treated us like kings throughout the event and with the introduction of the communities like the Globe Truckers club, our status as truck drivers is now definitely something to be proud of” says En. Zamri. “I would definitely recommend my fellow truckers who have not participated in this challenge to take part this year.”

I believe every driver should

get involved with the Fuelwatch

Challenge as it equips participants

with important knowledge and

skills to not only save fuel

and improve efficiency but

also safety as well

En. Zamri Abdul Rahman, 2014 Fuelwatch

Ambassador

When asked of his advice to participants in this year’s challenge, En. Zamri feels that a driver needs to understand the vehicle he is driving fully in order to go far in the competition. “I personally feel understanding the technology behind a truck and how to handle it to its best ability are the factors that will contribute to a driver going far in this competition.”

EN. AHMAD BIN OTHMAN, FUELWATCH CHALLENGE CHAMPION 2014“The skills that I have learnt from the Volvo Fuelwatch program has undeniably made me a better driver and it’s knowledge that I am now passing on to other drivers in my role as a trainer”

“Prior to Fuelwatch, driving a truck has just been a daily task for me,” admits the reigning Fuelwatch Ambassador. “Driving was just a job to feed my family, but after my experience in the competition, I now know that driving is so much more than that.” En. Ahmad however admits if he could single out one attribute of the Fuelwatch Challenge that made the most impact with him; it would be how efficient use of fuel impacts both the business and the environment.

“It makes a huge impact especially when it comes to cost and if you truly follow the instructions, you can see fuel savings as much as 30%, which is certainly beneficial for companies in the long run,” he explains. The 2014 Champion believes that his understanding of the vehicle he drives was vital to his success in the competition last year. “In any competition, knowledge is important and I personally feel that understanding the vehicle you drive and how to handle it to its best ability are the factors that will contribute to a positive campaign for any driver,” he adds.

The 2015 Fuelwatch Ambassador went on to compete in the global finals in Sweden last September, which required him to step up his game and rely heavily on the knowledge he gained during the local rounds of the competition. “It was tough competing against the world’s best but I just relied on the core fundamentals I was tutored in like how to best control my speed, correct use of the brakes, and maintaining a good speed while on the course.”

En. Ahmad reveals that he has taken the experience he gained at the Fuelwatch Challenge to heart not only in the spirit of competition but he has also applied them in his life as a career truck driver. “The skills I have learnt from the Volvo program has undeniably made me a better driver and I am now passing on these skills to other drivers as I am now also a trainer,” the 2014 Malaysian Fuelwatch Champion reveals.

“Like Volvo, I believe it’s important to share knowledge, which is why I am sharing the skills and experience I received competing in the Fuelwatch Challenge with my colleagues,” he adds. “I wholeheartedly believe that these skills, when applied properly, will help contribute to a greener, efficient and more cost effective transport industry.”

UPTIME #1/2015 37

THE BUSINESS

The new Ipoh dealership stands as part of Volvo Malaysia’s extensive network extension programme and it once again underlines our commitment of expanding our service offerings to our customers in the northern region.

Continuing our promise to better serve customers and also to enhance the Volvo ownership experience, we have opened the doors to our new premises in Ipoh, Perak. Situated in Kawasan Perusahaan IGB, the new

premises in Ipoh is centrally located and in close proximity with major roads as well as the PLUS highway.

The relocation of the Ipoh dealership stands as part of Volvo Malaysia’s extensive network extension programme and it once again underlines our commitment of expanding our service offerings to our customers in the northern region. Currently in operation, the newly-refurbished and enhanced 3S dealership is housed at Lot 181654, Lebuh Perusahaan Kelebang 9, Kawasan Perusahaan IGB, Daerah Kinta, Ipoh and offers approximately 8361 square metres of space.

The corner lot has been extensively renovated to include a large parts warehouse, three drive-through bays inclusive of one service pit and a truck wash bay area, all of which will contribute to smoother and more efficient services for customers. The new facility also benefits from added spacious working environments for employees, which includes an eight workstation office, 8-seater conference room and male and female prayer rooms.

Other enhancements we have afforded the new Ipoh dealership also include a Brake Tester lane, environment stations as well as a computerised oil distribution system that consists of four oil tanks with pneumatic pumps for waste oil, engine oil, gear oil and axle oil. The dealership also boasts improved customer facilities such as a lounge area with satellite TV, pantry and two-bed overnight rooms with toilet and shower facility for drivers as well.

The new upgraded dealership in Ipoh, which is in accordance with Volvo’s Dealer Operation Standards (DOS), will not only boost additional services for our customers but also increases productivity and efficiency whilst improving our after sales offerings. Additionally, the new Ipoh dealership also supports our Volvo Action Service (VAS) roadside assistance service, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

New dealership in capital of Perak a boon for customers in the Northern corridor

VOLVO EXPANDS IN IPOH

the year: 1990 Text Nic Townsend Photo Nasa, Volvo Trucks

The beginning of an e-revolutionTECHNOLOGY

1990 was the year that computer scientists Tim Berners-Lee and Robert Cailliau created a web of interlinked read-only documents using HTML – or as it is more commonly known as today, the World Wide Web. By the end of the year they had built all the necessary tools for a working web including the first internet browser, the first web server and the first web pages.

This was also the year that the Voyager 1 space probe took a photo of Earth from six billion kilometres away, producing the iconic image Pale Blue Dot. The photo was taken at the request of Carl Sagan, as the Voyager 1 left the Solar System having completed its primary mission.

Another milestone in space exploration took place in April 1990 when the Hubble Space Telescope was placed into orbit. The

telescope is still operating in space today, and continues to drive astronomical research.

1990 also saw the discovery of the best-preserved specimen of a Tyrannosaurus Rex. The fossil was 12.3 metres long and four metres tall, and is estimated to have weighed more than nine tons when alive. The specimen is named Sue after its discoverer – palaeontologist Sue Hendrickson.

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Volvo Action Service TRUCK TECHNOLOGY

In July 1990, Volvo Trucks UK took its first breakdown call in its newly established purpose built call centre. The facility was launched to support what was then known as Action Volvo, Volvo Trucks’ emergency roadside breakdown service. Based in a converted office in Warwick in central England, the call centre was equipped with state-of-the-art phone and videodisc touchscreen mapping systems, as well as voice recording (on VHS video cassettes) and a purpose-built computer system based on System 38 IBM mainframes.

As the call volume grew and customer service improved, the new call centre was soon fielding thousands of calls a year. In fact, it was so successful that other European markets soon followed suit and established call centres based on the UK template. In 1993 Action Service Europe established a new call centre in Ghent, Belgium in a small building near the Volvo Parts Central Warehouse. This would quickly grow into a 24-hour multilingual support and training centre.

Today, Volvo Action Service continues to provide state-of-the-art support with additional call centres in France, South Africa, US, Brazil, Malaysia, and a new one opening in Japan soon. Wherever they break down, whenever they break down, drivers can contact VAS simply by pushing a button on their dashboard and being automatically connected to a call centre operator speaking in their native language.

And it all started 25 years ago in a small office in England.

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