Comparison of car prices in Germany, UK, USA and Malaysia

Comparison of car prices in Germany, UK, USA and Malaysia

economy luxury Malaysia Mercedes-Benz prices

Most people know that cars in Malaysia are expensive and blame it on the import duties imposed by the Malaysian Government on imported models in order to protect the local car industry. However, I am a bit curious how they came up with prices for Mercedes Benz cars imported into Malaysia as Completely Built Up (CBU) units.

Let us compare the showroom prices of the Mercedes Benz E300 Coup�  in 4 different countries including Malaysia.

Germany (Home Country): 54,740 Euros (Approx. RM 257,950)

UK: �41,025.00 (Approx. RM 230,930)

US: $52,150 (Approx. RM229,355). Considered the entry level E class in the US.

Malaysia: (CBU only) RM458,888

Interestingly, the model is cheaper in both the US and the UK. It is the cheapest in the US, and most expensive in Malaysia among the four countries. Please let me know if the specs differ for the models sold in different counties other than the side in which the steering wheel is placed.

In Malaysia, import duty = 30% for CBUS. Please note that this is on the factory price and not the showroom price.

Excise duty (1,991cc) = 80%

Sales Tax = 10%

The price seems a bit inflated even with all the taxes in Malaysia. 

However, what is surprising is that last year Mercedes-Benz Malaysia posted an all-time record sales of 11,779 units. While other auto car makers are suffering, they actually  recorded an 9% increase in sales (10,845 units sold in 2015). In fact, Malaysia has the highest sales of luxury cars in ASEAN, much higher than either Thailand or Indonesia which has much larger populations.

This is amazing when you consider that the per capita income in Malaysia was about RM36,000 in 2015. Compare that with the per capita income in the US which was about  $30,240 (RM132,965) based on the US Census Bureau in 2015. This indicates that we cannot estimate the market size on overall population size or per capita incomes. It is very important to identify and examine your target segments. 

Note: Mercedes-Benz USA also recorded the highest annual volume in the Country's history at 380,461 units sold in 2015.

New restyled Maserati Quattroporte

New restyled Maserati Quattroporte

luxury Maserati

Maserati has launched additional choice of two unique trims options of their Quattroporte model. The two models are the GranLusso and GranSport.

The two distinct trims are available as an upgrade for all Quattroporte V6 powertrain versions (Quattroporte diesel, Quattroporte, Quattroporte S, Quattroporte S Q4) with same price levels.

The GranLusso or GranSport trims will be included exclusively as part of the standard equipment for the Quattroporte GTS powered by  the twin-turbo V8.

The GranLusso features bespoke silk interiors designed by Ermenegildo Zegna as well as wood and leather steering wheel, wood trim, power foot pedals, a power rear sunblind, four-zone climate control, and heated rear seats.

GranLusso 

The GranSport features carbon fibres trims for both exterior and interior including a carbon fibre steering wheel.

GranSport.

Restyled Maserati grille 

Go over to the Quattroporte site for more info.

Limousines and Party buses

Limousines and Party buses

bus luxury

When you have something big to celebrate, like a wedding, prom or even a anniversary, a chauffeur driven limousine ride with your closest friends and family to the venue and back, can make it really memorable. I mean going back home by getting on a cold bus is not the best way to end a great night.

Most limos can seat between 1-10 passengers but there are even bigger ones like the stretch Hummer limos that can carry up to 20 passengers comfortably. Now, they even have Limo buses which are really comfortable buses equipped with every conceivable luxury. Because of their size, they can carry more passengers making them perfect for corporate events. For example, if you have a corporate event (or thinking of a memorable night out) in San Diego, US, you can rent 45 Passenger Party Bus from the Pacific Limo Bus service. The bus has some amazing features including a 4,000 watt sound system, 2 Chrome Dancer poles (if you are into pole dancing), Hardwood Floor, Club Disco Lights, Fog Smoke Machines and of course a Center Bar cooler. Now, that's going out to party in style.

Just check out the video of the Party bus San Diego below: