Kontena Nasional upgrades fleet with 10 new Euro V trucks

The new additions will be integrated into KNB’s existing fleet, enabling the company to better serve its clients with improved delivery times (Pic courtesy of KNB)

The trucks are celebrated for their advanced features, designed to reduce carbon emissions and enhance fuel efficiency

by VEISHNAWI NEHRU

MALAYSIA’S leading logistics provider Kontena Nasional Bhd (KNB) has acquired 10 new Prime Movers Euro V models from renowned manufacturers Volvo and MAN Truck & Bus (M) Sdn Bhd (MAN Malaysia).

This significant purchase reflects KNB’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, operational efficiency and delivering high-quality logistics services in a competitive market.

The first delivery of these vehicles took place on Sept 24, at KNB’s Kuantan branch, where the company received six units of the Volvo FM Euro V.

A second handover followed on Oct 2 at MAN’s office in Shah Alam, during which KNB took delivery of four units of the MAN TGS Euro V, marking the first time the company has acquired trucks from MAN Truck & Bus.

Nik Muzani (left) says the new MAN TGS is driver-friendly, powerful and equipped with a superior suspension system

KNB CEO Nik Muzani Nik Abdul Aziz said the Euro V models KNB has acquired are celebrated for their advanced features, designed to reduce carbon emissions and enhance fuel efficiency.

“These acquisitions align closely with KNB’s broader efforts to adopt environmentally friendly transportation solutions.

“The new additions will be integrated into KNB’s existing fleet, enabling the company to better serve its clients with improved delivery times, reduced environmental impact and enhanced operational reliability,” he said in a statement.

Nik Muzani acknowledged the importance of low-emission trucks as it has just won a five-year contract to transport products for an oil and gas company, and one of the requirements is the use of low-emission trucks.

“Therefore, we were looking for a proven Euro V-specification truck to fulfil the requisites and embark on our sustainability journey. Product reliability backed by good after-sales support are also very important considerations,” he added.

Nik Muzani (sixth from left) at the trucks handover ceremony recently

Commitment to Sustainability

This acquisition marks a historic milestone for KNB as it strengthens its longstanding partnerships with Volvo while venturing into collaboration with MAN Truck & Bus for the first time, with the purchase of four fuel-efficient and sustainable Euro V-powered MAN TGS 28.440 6×2.

“Traditionally, we believe that you cannot go wrong with European brands. I am impressed by MAN’s setup, high level of digitalisation in its operations, and the fact that the brand is the first to offer Euro V specification engines as standard in Malaysia in 2021,” he said.

After personally experiencing the new MAN TGS, Nik Muzani gave positive feedback about the truck’s performance, noting that it is driver-friendly, powerful and equipped with a superior suspension system.

“A new fleet with good trucks is critical in our business, which demands optimum uptime,” he said, highlighting the importance of quality vehicles to maintain smooth operations.

Additionally, the introduction of these new trucks is expected to help KNB attract drivers to overcome the driver shortage issue that has plagued the logistics industry in recent years.

KNB was honoured with the Best New Logistics Service Provider for 2023 by BASF PETRONAS Chemicals at a recent Global Safety Day 2024 event

In addition, KNB has been honoured with the Best New Logistics Service Provider for 2023 by BASF PETRONAS Chemicals, a prestigious award received during the Global Safety Day 2024 event. This recognition underscores KNB’s exceptional safety performance and expertise in handling oil and gas logistics.

The company’s commitment to quality is evident in its low accident rates, minimal non-conformance reports (NCM) and high audit scores.

This award solidifies KNB’s position as a reliable partner for the oil and gas industry, showcasing its ability to manage complex transport and logistics needs while maintaining stringent safety standards.

The first delivery of these vehicles took place on Sept 24, at KNB’s Kuantan branch, where the company received 6 units of the Volvo FM Euro V

Fleet Modernisation Plans

Looking ahead, KNB’s fleet renewal plans are well underway. Nik Muzani confirmed that the company intends to acquire another 30 Euro V trucks in its next tender to replace older vehicles in its fleet.

“Yes. We are in the process of renewing our fleet. In our next tender, we plan to acquire another 30 units of new Euro V specification trucks to replace the older ones,” he said.

Currently, he mentioned KNB’s fleet totals 166 units, which now includes the newly acquired four MAN TGS and six Volvo FM Euro V models.

“This fleet expansion is part of a broader project-based growth plan.

“The company is also looking ahead to the next year, when it will be replacing some of its older prime movers as part of its ongoing efforts to modernise its fleet,” he said.

Nik Muzani also noted the primary purpose of KNB’s fleet expansion is to support its core logistics operations, ensuring that the company can meet the increasing demand for seamless and efficient transportation solutions within Malaysia and beyond.

“The acquisition of these new Euro V trucks from Volvo and MAN also aligns with KNB’s long-term fleet modernisation programme.

“As part of this initiative, the company seeks to provide the highest standard of services to its clients while minimising the environmental impact of its logistics operations,” he added.

KNB, a subsidiary of the MMC Group, started in 1971 with container haulage and has since grown into a full-service logistics provider.

It now offers services like freight forwarding, warehousing, distribution, supply chain solutions and cold chain solutions, making it one of Malaysia’s largest one-stop logistic companies.