Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Malaysia (Bosch AA), a leading global supplier of automotive technology and services introduced ‘Drive for Life’, a car and road safety campaign in a move to raise awareness among drivers on the importance of regular vehicle maintenance and the usage of quality car parts. The launch was officiated by YB Anthony Loke, Minister of Transport and YB Hannah Yeoh, Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development.
“From our surveys done in 2018, more than 50 percent of Malaysian drivers lack knowledge in basic car maintenance and its impact on passenger, car and road safety. Through the ‘Drive for Life’ campaign, Bosch’s impart automotive expertise to equip drivers with basic vehicle maintenance knowledge when drivers encounter a car problem,” said Marcio Coelho, Director of Sales and Marketing Services of Bosch Automotive Aftermarket for Asia Pacific Southeast. “At Bosch, we strive towards a vision of accident-free roads and the campaign complements the Ministry of Transport’s aim to reduce road accidents”.
‘Drive for Life’ is a three-year long campaign that will be executed in three phases – Educate, Engage, and Empower. Some of the activities include a series of workshops educating drivers on basic car maintenance, enhancing the driving curriculum with practical tips for first-time drivers by working with relevant partners, and empowering next generation mechanics. The campaign will also include a #BoschEmpowersWomen segment as an initiative to engender the idea that car maintenance is not just a man’s domain but one that is necessary for everyone to understand.
From the same surveys, 70 percent of car breakdowns are caused by battery malfunction, with less than 50 percent of drivers and only one percent of women knowing how to troubleshoot their car during a breakdown.
“Car maintenance may seem a little intimidating but by doing simple things such as keeping to schedule for car services and taking note of unusual sounds and smells when driving, car owners can greatly increase reliability, longevity, and performance of the car. More importantly, proactive car care and maintenance using quality car parts lower the risks of accidents on the road,” Coelho added.
The campaign will kick off by providing drivers free vehicle inspection services prior to their ‘balik kampung’ journeys on the third (18-19 May) and fourth (25-26 May) weekend in May. The inspection will involve a 25 point check on battery condition, engine oil and fluid levels, and tyre thread and brake pad thickness.
“In 2017, 533,875 road accidents that led to 6,740 casualties were reported.
Road safety is one of the government’s main agenda and reducing road accidents is a key objective of ours. We are very happy to see efforts from Bosch Automotive Aftermarket to promote car and road safety and will wholeheartedly support their initiatives”, added YB Anthony Loke, Minister of Transport.
Also, present at the launch were Mr. Simon Song, Managing Director of Bosch Malaysia and Mr. Pang Yoon Kong, Country Manager of Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Malaysia.
For more information and updates on the campaign, log on to Bosch Autoparts Malaysia Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BoschAA.MY/).
