Last Thursday, the 26th of June UD Trucks and sole distributor partner in Malaysia, Tan Chong Industrial Equipment Sdn Bhd (TCIE), launched the New Kuzer SKE 155. The new light-duty truck has been developed specifically for businesses in the region, with the aim to deliver greater uptime and efficiency compared to the previous version.The new Kuzer, developed specifically for businesses in the region, and interestingly, is based on an Isuzu light duty truck chassis. The truck is the outcome of Isuzu taking over UD Trucks recently.
Compared to its predecessor, New Kuzer SKE 155 is equipped with a range of new and improved features with improvements in six key areas – payload, performance, chassis, emission, durability and safety for all-round efficiency and maximum productivity. The truck features an Isuzu derived chassis, engine and drivetrain while theUD Trucks designed driver’s cabin and overall specifications are based on requirements that UD Trucks feels is necessary.
Video of our coverage is also available above, from our YouTube channel.
It could be said that the UD Kuzer is the outcome of a good joint venture that still keeps the best from both worlds – a Japanese truck with more of the UD Trucks recent European ownership still within the mix as well as the maintaining of the UD Trucks way of doing things – which is the reason many customers stick with the brand. So the new Kuzer is a marriage of the best of both worlds in terms of what a light truck should be.
Ochiai Keiichiro, Region Director for Southeast Asia & East Asia, UD Trucks said, “New Kuzer
SKE light-duty truck highlights our renewed zest and commitment toward the logistics industry, and in continuously expanding and enhancing our product line to deliver smart logistics for our customers.
“Developed for key markets in Southeast Asia especially Malaysia, New Kuzer corresponds with the growing demand for quality light-duty commercial vehicles particularly spurred by the rapid rise in e commerce activities. We foresee that the demand for light-duty trucks will continue to increase in the coming years and we are poised to capturing more segmental growth with New Kuzer.”
The New UD Kuzer offers enhanced performance as it is now a new engine versus the older Euro 2/3 series engines. These are more efficient because it is more recently developed and not something where the technology was around in the 1990s (it is 2025 remember). The Kuzer is powered by a fuel-efficient 5.2 liter Euro IV engine that delivers155ps and 419Nm torque powering the rear wheels with a six speed overdrive manual transmission.. UD Trucks say the engine features a class leading engine management system with advanced fuel injection system innovated to increase fuel efficiency whilst enabling fleet operators to reduce their environmental impact. Actually, it is EURO 4, it is going to be cleaner and as stated, a newer technology engine. So there you have it. Better emissions and mileage.
Also, the optimized six-speed gear ratios which utilises the latest Japanese technology allows for lower engine RPMs at higher speeds, thus further contributing to enhanced fuel efficiency and durability of engine components.
It also offers reduced curb weight and therefore, an increased payload, to help fleet operators maximize productivity. The truck is available in 7.5 ton and 8.5 ton Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) to cater to different assignments, with the 7.5 ton variant offering an impressive payload of 4,880kg which is over 600kg more than its predecessor model.
Additionally, the improved rear axle capacity is now more robust to accommodate tougher applications and carry more weight
The new Kuzer has a range of improved safety features which include SRS Airbag, Anti-Slip Regulator (ASR), Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). The cabin of New Kuzer is also certified by ECE R29, which is a United Nations regulation concerning the safety of commercial vehicle cabins for occupant protection.
UD Trucks also claim that the new Kuzer offers greater drivability through the aerodynamic design of the cab. This improved feature allows New Kuzer to reduce drag and skillfully negotiate narrow or sharp corners in congested urban areas, as well as improving fuel economy and reduce cost for fleet
operators.
Other notable improvements that create a better workspace for the driver include LED head lamps for
better visibility, cabin interior with ample storage and USB ports, easy to read instrument cluster on the dashboard, and wide door opening with A-pillar grab handles and lower foot-steps for easy entry and exit.
Tapping on UD Trucks and TCIE for all-rounded support, Loh Thim Choy, Chief Operating Officer, TCIE said, “The New Kuzer promises our customers operational efficiency and maximum uptime through accessibility, easy serviceability, genuine parts and other relevant support at our network of 28 dealer and service centers across the country. Our priorities are for our customers to achieve more impact per kilometre, improve their total cost of vehicle ownership, and make New Kuzer a savvy investment which will go the extra mile, everytime.”
Customers of the New Kuzer will be supported by UD Extra Mile Services which includes UD Genuine Parts for durability and lesser repair with a standard 1-year warranty, UD Trust for fixed-price maintenance plans, priority scheduling for fleet operators and 24/7 roadside assistance, and UD Genuine Service for quality service for sustained uptime.
“The launch of New Kuzer has further reinforced the unique customer-focused partnership between UD Trucks and TCIE, and it remains our commitment to ensure that our customers receive fast response and easy serviceability for prime efficiency and productivity,” added Loh.
The New Kuzer comes with a competitive warranty coverage of five years or 300,000km whichever
comes first.
