Keeping pace with the global shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), Brunei launched a two-year EV pilot project in 2021 as part of a multi-sectoral approach for a low carbon and climate resilient future. Themed ‘Driving towards a Greener Nation’, the pilot project aimed to raise public awareness on EV usage so that Brunei can achieve 60 per cent of EVs share in the total annual sales by 2035 in support of the Brunei Darussalam National Climate Change Policy (BNCCP).
Since the launch of the EV Pilot Project, a number of key policies and support programmes were planned with some already implemented. A mid-term review of the pilot project was conducted to identify strategic areas requiring attention and evaluation. The identified areas are adequate charging infrastructure – from home charging to a network of rapid charging stations; impact on national power grid; associated lifecycle costs; and consumer behaviour.
As part of the ongoing socialisation process, the thematic issue of EVs was also explored during a panel discussion at the Climate Action Week of the Brunei Mid-Year Conference and Exhibition 2022 (Brunei MYCE 2022).
From the deliberations, it was established that EVs when powered by a low-carbon energy (electrical) source can deliver reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and with zero tailpipe emissions and are well suited to solve air pollution issues.
With advances in EV technology, the prospect that costs can be lowered and vehicle manufacturers expanding their EV model offerings at competitive prices plays an important role in persuading consumers to purchase EVs in addition to the overall ownership and running costs.
The country has also established the Electric Vehicle Joint Task Force (EVJTF) in line with the third strategy in BNCCP to significantly reduce fuel consumptions and subsequently lower the greenhouse gas emissions from the sector. It also aims to ensure a wholeof- nation approach in introducing, developing and implementing policies, while supporting the setting up of EV infrastructures as well as addressing the challenges and opportunities of EVs at the national level. The taskforce, co-chaired by the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC) and Department of Energy at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), comprises government agencies, authorities, private sectors and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
While the objective set by BNCCP remains for EVs to make up to 60 per cent of total annual vehicle sales by the year 2035, the bigger objective would also be to see a reduction in the land transport carbon footprint in support of the national sustainable development objectives. As such, while EVs can play a prominent role in the objectives, a combination of measures will be required overall. Brunei recently launched its first retail rapid charging station, signifying the transformation of Brunei’s vehicle industry in support of BNCCP initiatives.
Established in 1987, Jati Transport Sdn Bhd is the sole distributor of Mercedes- Benz, offering high-quality sales and aftersales customer service. The new C-Class Avantgarde and E-Class facelift were unveiled last year, with the former featuring a fully digitised 11.9 inch MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience).
Meanwhile, the E-Class 200 Sedan facelift boasts an exterior which has been sharpened all year round and retains its timeless sense of appeal. GHK Motors Sdn Bhd is the franchise distributor of Mitsubishi, Daihatsu, MG, Chevrolet and Chrysler vehicles, among others. The company recently introduced the Changan Auto flagship to the Sultanate, with the first lineup being an exquisite family sedan, the third generation of the Changan Alsvin.
Toyota and Lexus are distributed by NBT (Brunei) Sdn Bhd. As a continuous effort to surpass customer service excellence NBT recently launched its new Toyota showroom in Gadong to mark its 55th anniversary.
Other authorised distributors in the country include Grand Motors Sdn Bhd (Kia, Mazda and Citroen), Indera Motors Sdn Bhd (Jaguar and Land Rover), Boustead Sdn Bhd (Suzuki and Nissan), Setia Motors Sdn Bhd (Hyundai) and Happy Motoring Co Sdn Bhd (Honda).
QAF Auto Sdn Bhd has been the exclusive importer and distributor of BMW automobiles in Brunei since 1996. Fully owned by QAF Brunei Group, QAF Auto has significantly contributed to the success of the BMW brand in Brunei and establishing BMW as the leading premium automotive brand in the country.
QAF Auto has made key achievements over the years, including being appointed the official transportation partner for: Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2000; His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al- Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s 64th birthday celebration in 2010; Brunei International Defence Exhibition (BRIDEX) 2009, 2011 and 2013; 23rd ASEAN Summit in 2013; and Golden Jubilee celebration of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne in 2017.
Fast forward to 2022, key highlights include the exclusive BMW M 50 Years Anniversary customer event; launch of two exciting models for fans and enthusiasts (the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe and the BMW M240i xDrive); return of the BMW Golf Cup; and the first-ever BMW beach clean up.
The BMW Group is strongly committed to both environmental and social sustainability and aims to be the most sustainable automobile manufacturer. The organisation is constantly working to reduce the impact they have on the environment while also supporting employees and the community.
On the local front, QAF Auto is supporting its sustainability strategy by introducing the following electrified models in 2023: BMW i7, BMW iX, BMW iX3 and BMW XM. For customers who still prefer combustion-engine performance, QAF Auto will continue to introduce new models, including the all-new BMW 7 Series and first-ever BMW M3 Touring.
These are exciting times ahead for BMW in Brunei with the brand’s continued product offensive of introducing the latest range of BMW vehicles for everyone to experience in 2023 and beyond.
Established in 1997 under QAF Prestige, Porsche Brunei is the exclusive importer and dealer of Porsche vehicles and genuine spare parts in the country. The company recently rebranded from QAF Eurokars to QAF Prestige effective January 1, 2023, signifying its objective to enhance customer’s experience to a prestigious intensity.
The company’s renewed purpose is to bring inspiring moments of luxury sports car experience, committed to delivering the highest level of excellence in Porsche products and services. This rebrand is also a part of the company’s plan for its 25th anniversary last year. The announcement was made in January 2022 during the 911 GT3 unveiling, which was then rescheduled to 2023.
The Porsche Centre Brunei offers top levels of customer service and memorable purchasing experience befitting of a would-be Porsche owner.
With comprehensive understanding acquiring a Porsche is a significant investment, Porsche Brunei is committed to ensuring its customers enjoy inspiring and rewarding moments. Porsche Brunei values individualisation and exclusivity, therefore providing a vast variety of customisation and configuration to its customers enabling them to create their own dream vehicle. This offers unmatched personalisation options, ensuring the vehicle meets the bespoke unique requirements.
Through the devotion of driven loyalty towards its valued customers being priority, Porsche Brunei offers an extensive range of services to ensure satisfaction with a guarantee of 12-year corrosion warranty and three-year varnish warranty where the purchase will last for years to come. For added peace of mind, the Porsche-certified vehicles are available inclusive of Porsche Approved Warranty valid for up to 15 years with flexible access to customer service and consultation.
Porsche Brunei also provides absolute experience of a wide range of services, such as personalised servicing appointments with complimentary pick up and drop off, two-year parts warranty for all Porsche genuine parts, breakdown services, Porsche mobility services and an optional extended warranty up to 15 years for existing Porsche vehicles. By entrusting their Porsches to the Centre, customers may rest assured knowing their vehicles are being exclusively taken care of by a team of Porsche-certified experts, dedicated to providing the utmost attention to detail with extraordinary care.
In 2022 alone, the company made remarkable milestones in terms of retail, customer experience and even the community. Many substantial car models were introduced such as the iconic 911 GT3, Macan T, the powerful Cayenne Turbo GT and also the Panamera and Cayenne Platinum Edition models.
QAF Prestige also enhanced the EV ownership experience by launching the country’s first Porsche Destination Charging site with a special gathering for Taycan owners, in addition to conducting the first ever driving event exclusively for female Porsche owners. Not forgetting its social and charitable endeavour, its team at QAF Prestige has contributed and given back to the local community through a memorable charity event, which was building a community garden at Kampong Bolkiah B in Kampong Ayer.
With the grand opening of its new Porsche Centre in 2021, QAF Prestige also had the honour to bring in the Porsche Taycan to the nation. Leading the charge into a new era of electromobility, Porsche Centre Brunei is the first dealership in the country to be equipped with charging infrastructure, high-voltage battery repair capabilities and dealer charging facility.
The Government of Brunei Darussalam has set a goal to reduce carbon emissions by 20 per cent by 2030, and one way to achieve this would be to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). The Porsche Taycan was introduced with the hope of changing the automotive industry in the country towards a more progressive and innovative approach as EVs are becoming increasingly notable as a way to reduce carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
While the country’s adoption of EVs may be limited in the short term, QAF Prestige is hopeful that efforts to build the necessary infrastructure will drive the normalisation of EVs in Brunei in the future.
The company is constantly seeking out new ways to drive positive change and leave a lasting legacy. Whether through a cutting-edge luxurious sports car, strategic partnerships, or philanthropic endeavours, QAF Prestige aims to be a positive dynamic in the world.
One key goal for QAF Prestige with this new endeavour is to provide an unrivalled and notable luxury sports car experience that are to be expected for its customers. The focus will not only be on retail ordeals, but most importantly to build lasting beneficial and trustworthy relationships between the company and its customers.
QAF Prestige also aspires to further empower its employees to bring their unique perspectives and ideas to the table, encouraging them to think creatively about how they can contribute to a greater purpose. Offering a range of opportunities for personal and professional growth, people will always come first for QAF Prestige. Economic success and social responsibility go hand-in-hand, and this includes managing customers’ expectations and meeting employees’ satisfactions. Sustainability and social responsibility are also integral to QAF Prestige’s business practices. The company is committed to reducing its environmental impact and strives to make a positive difference, which includes leading the electromobility progress in Brunei.
Customers and Porsche enthusiasts can look forward to a thrilling line up of launches this year, including the 911 Dakar, 911 GT3 RS, 718 style edition, and later in the year, the new Cayenne. DC charging network will also be launched at Porsche Centre Brunei this year where all Porsche EV owners can enjoy fast charging at their convenience.
Porsche is the brand for those who are driven by dreams, and QAF Prestige is here to craft inspiring moments of luxury sports car experience.
“Inspiring moments of luxury sports car experience.” – General Manager of QAF Prestige, Lahiru de Silva
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