Sime Darby Motors represents (through its subsidiaries) a number of different automotive brands and as part of its commitment to principals, it has to provide a high standard of sales and aftersales support. Besides showrooms, Sime Darby Motors also has a Centralised Body and Paint Centre located in Bukit Jelutong, Selangor, to provide repair and refinishing services.
The Sime Darby Motors centre was recently accredited to the Volvo Certified Damage Repair (VCDR) standard for such facilities. This means it meets the high standards set and required by the Swedish carmaker for such services. The VCDR standard involves the use of a state-of-the-art body repair system and advanced tools, including a fast and highly accurate 3D sensor-equipped measuring system. An efficient paint booth setup was also put in place, creating a well-ventilated and dust-free environment.
Apart from the services, the VCDR standard also requires sustainable technology and processes to be integrated within the facility to minimise environmental impact and promote sustainable energy consumption. For example, a low-pressure ventilation system with automatic controls reduces the emission of carbon dioxide and emission of microscopic particles, thereby minimizing air pollution. The system also has lower energy consumption while the machinery utilizes batteries when heating the electric system.
More than 80% of the air will be sucked in through a filtration system that reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The use of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in paint is now replaced with a water-based paint, reducing the Volvo employee’s exposure to hazardous chemicals.
The Sime Darby Motors Centralised Body and Paint Centre located in Bukit Jelutong is currently one of only two Volvo service centres in Malaysia to meet the VCDR standard. The facility, which has a capacity of 1,260 vehicles a year, can handle all Volvo models, including the newer ones with hybrid and fully electric drivetrains.
“This is part of our dedicated efforts to continuously unlock value for our customers. By integrating the VCDR standard at our Sime Darby Motors Centralised Body and Paint facility, this supports our commitment to good Environmental, Social and Governance practices, while ensuring that we provide world-class end-to-end services for Volvo cars,” said Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director of Retail and Distribution of Sime Darby Motors Malaysia.
