Mercedes-Benz made history. The company launched the new GLC and its first credit card with Maybank. After the event hall dust cleared, we met Mercedes-Benz Malaysia CEO and president Sagree Sardien.
We watched from a marquee corner. If the lengthy line to test drive the new SUVs is any indication, Mercedes is applauded for everything. We plan 17 launches this year. Sardien is undeterred by the fact that she manages 10 markets in the area and drives development via change and leadership.
Future luxury
Mercedes is built on electrification, luxury, digitalization, and sustainability. The German luxury brand prioritizes sustainability. The automobile industry expects around 91 billion cars by 2030. Mercedes wants to address future transportation needs responsibly and positively benefit the areas where we operate, adds Sardien.
Sustainability is the company’s driving idea, thus luxury is impossible without it. As a vehicle automobile manufacturer, we recognize that in order for future generations to enjoy the globe as we have, we must start converting our business to be socially responsible to the environment.”
That means making a significant effect, reforming corporate practices, and looking at its whole value chain to build a greener future. Ambition 2039 shows Mercedes’ future sustainability. Along the value chain, its new vehicle fleet will be net carbon-neutral.
“We want to consider every aspect of vehicle development, from extracting raw materials to producing cars sustainably. “We pay attention to servicing and recycling the vehicle,” she says. That’s why we need a comprehensive end-to-end journey throughout our complete value chain and try to impact our environmental footprint.
Trip planning
Sardien believes Ambition 2039 requires the mentality of its workers, consumers, and suppliers across the value chain. “We all need to rethink our sustainability contributions. To drive it, you need defined aims, goals, and plans. We’re talking about carbon control here. The automobile industry’s most ambitious decarbonization initiative is Mercedes’.
How does the company measure progress?
“We follow Mercedes’ global sustainability framework. Our study outlines accountability, transparency, and governance. That means we have extremely strict processes, business methods, regular interactions and meetings where we address sustainability and have high targets,” she says. Actions matter.
Mercedes measures itself in electrification, facility carbon footprint, recycling, and trash management. Clear maps make tracking easier.
Electricity aspiration
Last year, Mercedes-Benz introduced an eclectic electric portfolio to the country as part of its worldwide plan to go all-electric by the end of the decade. Sardien boldly claims the brand’s initial five models—the EQE and EQS saloons and the EQA, EQB, and EQC SUVs—were successful.
Customers and the public have responded well. Our charging infrastructure adventure has also gone well. Sardien says, “Our partnerships have been the right ones to advance our sustainability agenda.”
All dealers have charging solutions since EV adoption depends on charging infrastructure. 11 DC chargers are nationwide, with three more to be deployed this year.
“We installed five DC chargers at strategic locations along the North-South Expressway and East Coast Expressway with Petronas Dagangan and JomCharge by EV connection. “We have 80 AC charging stations in our workplace and one 360kW DC charger will be added to encourage staff to “turn the switch,” she says.
Large-scale transformation attempts sometimes face obstacles. “Because a certain electric grid is needed for charging infrastructure, the site must be assessed. It needs technical standards and education. That’s our path.”
Mercedes considers all charging alternatives for accessibility. It also provides home charging options for clients and public infrastructure on peninsula roadways. Most houses can fit an AC charger at an extra expense, and a site assessment is normally done before wall box installation.
We want to move consumers to electrification.
Competitive edge
The large global and local portfolio gives Mercedes EV cars a competitive edge. It matches an appropriate car with a consumer who wants to switch from combustion to electric.
“Our vehicles’ technical capabilities are another key differentiator. Amazing EV range. Sardien explains, “Our EQS can go 700km on a charge, while our EQEs can go 600km and even more.” The car’s interior is likewise noteworthy. The EQS has a dashboard-spanning hyperscreen and an aerodynamic design. Mercedes masters creative design and functionality.
EV discussions must include the Vision EQXX concept car, which emphasizes efficiency, sustainability, and luxury. She claims this car shows the future of electric mobility because it has the lowest usage and can go 1,000km on a single charge with less than 10kWh.
The EQXX’s lightweight aerodynamic design and next-generation battery life cycle innovation make it a standout. The EQXX represents our future vision of electric mobility. It significantly raises our bar.”
High points
Sardien said the local assembly of the EQS 500 4MATIC is a milestone for the brand’s worldwide business plan of delivering consumers a broad EQ range and encouraging EV adoption in Malaysia. If we want to go all-electric by the end of the decade or 50% by 2025, we must explore all localization options in accordance with our sustainability mission and ‘Lead in Electric’ by changing our fleet of new passenger cars to be CO2-neutral by 2039.
Mercedes will continue to establish an electric mobility ecosystem of goods, services, technology, and innovations to guarantee the transition to an electric future.
“When it comes to our retail network, you can see that [we] are really starting to build new state-of-the-art modern facilities that incorporate a lot of sustainability elements. “We want our facilities to be net carbon-neutral by the end of the decade,” she says.
Packaging, rainfall usage, energy sources, and reducing fuel use are constantly studied. She emphasizes that sticking to the carbon management approach is the most essential factor.
Greener future
Sardien said the corporation does not believe EVs harm the environment because we are switching to cleaner energy. “Everyone must start this electric journey. Corporate, public, and government are involved. Everyone must contribute to integrating the fundamental notion. Are we there? No, but we have a long trip. We’re not simply selling electrified pies. We aim to control every stage of the process to make it sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Sardien believes Mercedes offers the best range and lowest emissions. “Our entire research and development is focused on low emissions, lightweight vehicles, and great aerodynamics to eliminate harmful effects. We must observe how this unfolds.”
She said Malaysia’s electrification program has been promising this year. EV adoption started with the excise and import tariff exemption. “Having national policies that support the EV agenda puts us in a good position. Everyone in Southeast Asia is going electric. She stresses that customer acceptance will determine how soon this happens.
EVs are popular now. This might be tech-savvy, sustainability-minded early adopters. “Then we have to decide how to raise consumer awareness and transition them from internal combustion engines to electrification. We have wonderful fundamental pieces with the correct rules, incentives, and attitude, but we will still confront the combustion engine vs electric race until we convince consumers to pick a greener path.”
First EV purchase
She advises first-time EV buyers. First, assess your charging needs. Like a cellphone. Our study reveals that many customers choose home charging since it is convenient and secure. Second, meet with our product specialists to learn about EV technology and car options. “Our dealership network is ready to help the uninitiated,” adds Sardien.
Her final tip for EV buyers is to test drive the vehicle and get comfortable. EV and combustion engine driving are similar. Finally, consider an EV’s lifetime ownership cost. “The contribution to sustainability is a given,” she says.
Sardien thinks consumers enjoy the efforts since they’re becoming responsible citizens together. “We take sustainability seriously. Every time. Our consumers live a modern luxury lifestyle and are familiar with green talks from high-level to mass adoptions. We won’t sacrifice sustainability. Our raw materials, methods, and collaborating partners will be sustainable.”
Earth.org wrote, “Switching to EV undoubtedly represents a good strategy to stop global warming.” If all automobiles were electric, we could eliminate about 20% of world emissions. Expanding the electric sector would provide cleaner air, calmer cities, and less dependence on conflict-driven oil price surges. It’s not just cars.”
We may start with the four-wheeler to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Better yet, Benz.
Modern Luxury
The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC is the best-selling SUV. The second-generation GLC is a sector leader with dynamic driving enjoyment, strong athletic styling, and cutting-edge innovations like the off-road cockpit and MBUX Augmented Reality navigation that excite explorers and families alike.
Artico black man-made leather upholstery, Microcut microfibre, and AMG sports pedals give the AMG Line interior a contemporary, sporty luxury vibe. The elegant dashboard and nappa leather multifunction sports steering wheel contrast starkly.
The engine is a four-cylinder FAME (Family of Modular Engines) mild hybrid with 48-volt technology and a second-generation starter-generator. Latest safety and support systems make driving easy.
The new GLC sets the standard for luxury SUVs with its smooth driving and superior terrain management.
Mercedes launches a premium credit card with Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank). Malaysia’s automobile industry’s first metal co-branded card meets clients’ banking demands with exclusivity, flair, and comfort.
Cardholders receive savings on parts, official products, and accessories, a limited warranty and replacement program, and points on selected purchases. Cashback on gas, free Accor Plus Explorer membership, meal savings at Marriott Bonvoy Hotels in Malaysia, and free green fees at 100 golf courses globally are other appealing offerings.
Successful candidates will receive a two-year annual fee waiver, and if they spend RM80,000 or more on their card each year, their yearly costs will be waived.
savagejacks