EON Smart Glenmarie: Your Premier EV Destination

The automotive landscape is rapidly evolving, with electric vehicles (EVs) at the forefront of this transformation. In a significant move signalling its commitment to this greener future, Edaran Otomobil Nasional (EON), a prominent multi-brand dealership group and wholly owned subsidiary of DRB-Hicom, has unveiled its first dedicated electric vehicle dealership. This groundbreaking establishment, known as EON smart Glenmarie, is more than just a showroom; it's a comprehensive 3S centre (Sales, Service, and Spare Parts) designed to cater specifically to the new smart brand, which recently introduced its highly anticipated first model, the smart #1.

EON smart Glenmarie represents a substantial investment and a strategic pivot for EON, positioning it as a key player in Malaysia's burgeoning EV market. Located strategically within EON’s existing building in Glenmarie, near DRB-Hicom’s headquarters, this state-of-the-art facility is set to become a hub for electric mobility enthusiasts and new EV owners alike. The centre's thoughtful design and comprehensive services aim to provide a seamless and exceptional customer experience, from initial inquiry to long-term vehicle maintenance.

What is EON Smart Glenmarie?

EON smart Glenmarie is the flagship 3S centre for the smart brand in Malaysia, marking EON's official entry into the electric vehicle retail sector. EON invested nearly RM4 million into developing this facility, which occupies a significant portion of their existing premises in the industrial neighbourhood of Glenmarie. This strategic location ensures accessibility for customers while leveraging existing infrastructure.

The centre is meticulously designed to offer a holistic experience for smart EV owners and prospective buyers. Its focus is exclusively on the smart brand, particularly the newly launched smart #1, ensuring specialised knowledge and dedicated services. The establishment of this 3S centre underscores EON's vision to not only sell cars but to provide a complete ecosystem that supports the adoption and ownership of electric vehicles in Malaysia.

State-of-the-Art Facilities and Customer Experience

Upon entering EON smart Glenmarie, visitors are greeted by a modern and inviting environment. The showroom itself spans an impressive 4,362 square feet, thoughtfully designed to accommodate three display cars, allowing potential buyers to explore different variants of the smart #1. Additionally, there’s a dedicated area for customer vehicle delivery, ensuring a smooth and celebratory handover process for new owners.

Understanding that purchasing an EV is a significant decision and that customers value comfort and convenience, EON smart Glenmarie has invested in a premium customer lounge. This area includes a comfortable café, perfect for a refreshing beverage while waiting or discussing vehicle options. Adjacent to this, a dedicated discussion lounge provides a more private setting for in-depth conversations with sales consultants. Free WiFi is available throughout the facility, allowing customers to stay connected. For families, a dedicated children's room ensures that younger visitors are entertained, making the dealership visit a pleasant experience for everyone.

Comprehensive Aftersales Support

Beyond sales, the aftersales area at EON smart Glenmarie is equally impressive, covering 3,716 square feet and equipped with four service bays. This robust setup ensures that smart EV owners receive prompt and efficient service. Two of these bays are dedicated to general service and repair, catering to routine maintenance and common issues. Crucially for an EV-focused centre, one bay is specifically designated for high voltage service, handled by trained technicians, ensuring the safety and proper maintenance of the vehicle's electrical components. The final bay is equipped for wheel alignment, an essential service for maintaining vehicle performance and tyre longevity.

The commitment to comprehensive service is further highlighted by the centre's charging infrastructure. Recognising the importance of convenient charging for EV owners, EON smart Glenmarie provides eight customer parking lots, two of which are equipped with 22 kW AC chargers. This is particularly noteworthy as the smart #1 is one of the few EVs in Malaysia capable of taking in a maximum of 22 kW AC charging, significantly reducing home or public AC charging times. Additionally, there is one 60 kW DC charger available, offering faster charging capabilities for those needing a quick top-up.

The Revolutionary smart #1 EV

The new smart brand is a joint venture between automotive giants Geely and Mercedes-Benz, combining Chinese engineering prowess with German design excellence. The smart #1 is built on Geely’s advanced Sustainable Electric Architecture (SEA) platform, a modular EV platform designed for flexibility and scalability. The vehicle's striking design, however, is unmistakably a product of Mercedes-Benz, featuring sleek lines, a modern aesthetic, and a premium feel.

Variants and Pricing

The smart #1 is offered in Malaysia across three distinct variants, catering to a range of preferences and budgets:

• Pro (Single-Motor): Priced from RM189,000.
• Premium (Single-Motor): Priced at RM219,000.
• Brabus (Dual-Motor, High-Performance): The range-topping variant, available for a reasonable RM249,000.

Each variant offers compelling performance and features, making the smart #1 a strong contender in the competitive EV market.

Performance and Range

The single-motor variants (Pro and Premium) are powered by a rear-mounted motor delivering 272 PS (200 kW) and 343 Nm of torque, providing spirited acceleration suitable for daily driving and urban commutes. The high-performance Brabus variant elevates this significantly by adding a front motor, creating an all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup. This results in a combined output of 428 PS (315 kW) and 543 Nm of torque, allowing the Brabus to achieve a blistering 0-100 km/h sprint in just 3.9 seconds, positioning it firmly in the performance EV segment.

All smart #1 variants are equipped with a 66-kWh lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) battery unit. This battery provides an impressive WLTP-rated range of 440 km for the single-motor variants, while the more powerful Brabus variant offers a still commendable 400 km range. These figures ensure ample range for most daily driving needs and even longer journeys.

Charging Capabilities: A Key Differentiator

The smart #1 stands out with its versatile charging capabilities. It supports a maximum DC fast charge rate of 150 kW, meaning that when connected to a compatible fast charger, the battery can go from 10% to 80% state of charge (SoC) in approximately 30 minutes. This makes long-distance travel much more convenient, reducing charging stops to quick breaks.

However, where the smart #1 truly shines for daily use is its 22 kW AC charging capability. Most rivals in its segment typically max out at 11 kW AC charging. With 22 kW AC, the smart #1 can charge from 10% to 80% SoC in just three hours. This offers unparalleled flexibility for owners; imagine having a long lunch or a few hours at the office, and your EV is significantly charged, often without the higher costs associated with DC rapid charging. This feature provides immense convenience and peace of mind for urban and suburban dwellers.

Unique Features and Technology

Beyond its performance and charging prowess, the smart #1 boasts several unique features that enhance the ownership experience. It includes a thumping Beats sound system, providing an immersive audio experience. An elaborate song and light show adds a playful and futuristic touch, greeting the driver upon entry. Perhaps most whimsically, there's even a digital fox 'living' in the touchscreen interface, adding a touch of personality and interactivity to the infotainment system.

smart #1 Variants Comparison

Operating Hours and Accessibility

EON smart Glenmarie has established convenient operating hours to cater to a wide range of customers:

• Showroom Hours:
  • Monday to Saturday: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Sundays and Public Holidays: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Service Hours:
  • Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Saturday: 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM
  • Sundays and Public Holidays: Closed

These extended hours, particularly for the showroom, ensure that potential buyers have ample opportunity to visit, test drive, and explore the smart #1 at their convenience, even on weekends.

Pivotal Role in the EV Market

The opening of EON smart Glenmarie is more than just a new dealership; it's a strategic move that reflects the growing demand for EVs in Malaysia. Akkbar Danial, Head of Automotive Distribution at DRB-Hicom and CEO of EON, highlighted this significance, stating, “We anticipate our smart 3S dealership will play a pivotal role in meeting the rising demand for smart #1 and making a significant impact on the local EV market.” The rapid conception of this dealership, which reportedly took only two months from discussion to opening, underscores EON's agility and determination to capitalise on the EV boom.

EON smart Glenmarie has already made its mark, notably being the site for the first-ever local customer delivery of the smart #1. In a unique turn, the district council of Kuala Langat (MPKL) was the first official customer, taking delivery of a Quantum Blue smart #1 EV. This public sector adoption further solidifies the smart #1's credibility and EON's commitment to delivering these vehicles to Malaysians. With over 600 bookings for the smart #1 already received, the dealership is well-positioned to meet the escalating interest in this innovative EV crossover. Interested parties can visit the showroom for test drives or make bookings via the Hello smart App, offering both traditional and digital avenues for engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions about EON Smart Glenmarie and the smart #1

Q1: What services does EON smart Glenmarie offer?

A1: EON smart Glenmarie is a 3S (Sales, Service, and Spare Parts) centre for the smart brand. It offers sales of the smart #1 EV, comprehensive aftersales service and repair (including high voltage EV service), wheel alignment, and provides genuine smart spare parts.

Q2: How much did EON invest in EON smart Glenmarie?

A2: EON invested almost RM4 million into the establishment of EON smart Glenmarie, highlighting their significant commitment to the electric vehicle market and the smart brand.

Q3: Does EON smart Glenmarie have EV charging facilities for customers?

A3: Yes, the centre is equipped with two 22 kW AC chargers and one 60 kW DC rapid charging station for customer use, catering to various charging needs.

Q4: What are the key features that make the smart #1's charging unique?

A4: The smart #1 stands out with its 22 kW AC charging capability, which is higher than most rivals (typically 11 kW). This allows for a 10-80% charge in just three hours using an AC charger, providing great flexibility for daily charging. It also supports 150 kW DC fast charging for rapid top-ups.

Q5: Who owns the smart brand?

A5: The new smart brand is an EV-only brand jointly owned by Chinese automotive giant Geely and German luxury car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz. The smart #1 is built on Geely's SEA platform, with its design handled by Mercedes-Benz.

Q6: Can I test drive the smart #1 at EON smart Glenmarie?

A6: Yes, interested parties are encouraged to visit the newly opened showroom at EON smart Glenmarie to test drive the smart #1 EV.

Conclusion

EON smart Glenmarie represents a significant leap forward for EON and a pivotal moment for the Malaysian electric vehicle market. As a dedicated 3S centre for the innovative smart brand, it offers not only the highly anticipated smart #1 EV but also a comprehensive, customer-centric experience designed to support the transition to electric mobility. With its state-of-the-art facilities, advanced charging infrastructure, and a clear vision for the future, EON smart Glenmarie is poised to become a cornerstone of EV adoption in the region, driving forward the excitement and accessibility of electric driving for years to come. This commitment to a greener future, backed by substantial investment and strategic planning, positions EON smart Glenmarie as your definitive destination for all things smart EV.

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