Asian Trucker magazine (www.asiantrucker.com) is aimed primarily at fleet operators, truck manufactures, parts suppliers and those involved in transportation. However, looking at the content of this issue there is a great deal in it for the general reader.

In the article ‘Tyres — The Black Gold of Trucking’ one gains an understanding of the importance of tyres to the industry, but for those interested in history, or in trivia, there are great little nuggets of information such as: “The word ‘tyre’ stems from the original process used to produce wheels. Steel rims were ‘tied’ to a wooden wheel.” It makes for a good read for just about anyone.

And while we look at the history of the trucking industry we are also look to the future, providing a forum for products that can help the performance of the driver or the machine. It is the problem of fuel contamination that gets our attention and we highlight one product that can address what can be a real challenge for owners and drivers. “FuelActive offers an answer to the problem of fuel contamination.” Here’s a product that will help keep your fleet on the road with fewer breakdowns.

People drive the industry and in our interviews and profiles Asian Trucker allows industry leaders to express what is on their mind: “One of the advantages that we have is our strong brand name among the European truck manufacturers. However, that alone is not enough. Our brand name is supported by our strong dealer network,” notes Mr Eric LeBlanc, Managing Director Volvo Malaysia.

We are greatly pleased with the reception of the first issue of Asian Trucker and all indicators point to strong growth for the publication. Though we are a print means of communication Asian Trucker is also expanding into other mediums. Our newsletter goes out to our extensive data base and we recently launched our website. Please let your friends know about www.asiantrucker.com where they can subscribe to the e-newsletter or the magazine. You are not going to want to miss an issue.

We look forward to your feedback and your participation in providing ideas and content for Asian Trucker.

Contact: nicole@asiantrucker.com

An impression from the launch of Xeralife in Vietnam this month.

Since Launchpad administered a complete overhaul of the brand (http://www.marketing-interactive.com/news/12886) Xeralife has grown fast and steady. A year later the company has secured distributors in various countries.

Currently, the company is looking for driven and ambitious individuals that can assume the role as business Product and Marketing Executive.

For more information: www.xeralife.com or contact Mr. Foong via: ccfoong@xeralife.com

Launchpad and Human Capital Group Asia Limited (HCGA) have formed a strategic partnership. HCGA focuses on High Performance Organization Interventions for public listed companies, private companies, government linked companies, government agencies and SMEs (www.humancapitalgroup.asia ).

HCGA focuses on optimizing the soft skills and knowledge of leaders, managers, teams and individual staff members in order to improve business performance and optimize stake holders’ value.  In particular, HCGA offer four specific areas of competencies: Structural Definition, Business Transformation, Cultural Alignment and People Development. These competeneices form a complete portfolio of resources which allows HCGA be a single source supplier to its clients. HCGA targets Asia with operations in Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and the Middle East. Further expansion in the region is to follow.

As a strategic partner, Launchpad is to provide internal communication materials as well as general marketing communication materials to HCGA clients. “Companies that are undergoing change require a significant level of communication to all levels in the organization. This communication needs to be effective and be conducted with a high degree of professionalism to show that the change process within the organization is serious. Launchpad with its proven ability to deliver high quality marketing materials, is an excellent partner to have on this area.” Says Doug Dean, CEO of HCGA.  

A success story of how branding (http://www.launchpadnews.com/?page_id=666)  can help a local company to go global, Xeralife is going from strength to strength. Over a year ago, Launchpad created and launched the Xeralife (www.xeralife.com ) and T-Zap (www.t-zap.com)  brands. By now, the company is represented in several countries in the region and recently dealers in Germany were signed up. The last addition to the Xeralife family is in Vietnam.

 Xeralife will be launched in Vietnam in August at the 10th MediPharm Exhibition. The exhibition will be held from 18th to 21st August in the Tan Binh International Exhibition & Convention Center (Add: 446 Hoang Van Thu Str, Tan Binh Dist, HCMC). You will find Xeralife in booth numbers 58,59,92 & 93 where we will introduce new products, such as the gypsum board and wall and floor tiles. To contact Xeralife: contact@xeralife.com   

For more insights into branding and marketing, please do not hesitate to contact us via: info@launchpad.com.my

Malaysia – In line with its full-fledged HR plan for the next 3 years, Launchpad has named Jason Thoe to the role of business development manager, with the appointment set to take effect on September 1.

In his new role, Thoe’s primary responsibilities include building a stronger customer base for the company whilst supporting the team on current projects. According to the agency, over the next 6 months, it will identify a specialty for the newly appointed manager to develop within the Launchpad team.

Prior to his appointment, Thoe acted as project lead and was tasked with spearheading Datascan’s rebranding exercise which led to the organization’s name change to Cuscapi in 2007 - a contributing factor to its 30% rise in revenue the following year.

Whilst leading the marketing communications team, he played a major role in fronting the company’s marketing and branding initiatives regionally over the last 5 years in support of sales efforts, where he was directly involved in the planning, organization, and execution of corporate events as well as promotional campaigns to generate leads to drive sales.

We have seen substantial growth over the first half of 2010. Incidentally, our strategic planning foresees the enforcement of the KL team this year. Launchpad aims to grow in Malaysia with the setting up of new subsidiaries in addition to our two existing offices.

Jason will be reachable via: jason@launchpad.com.my

After the successful launch of our first issue “Asian Trucker” we are about to publish the next one in July. Packed with industry updates and useful information, here some of the topics:

   - Up close with Mr. Eric LeBlanc, MD of Volvo Malaysia: How Volvo tackled the economic crisis

   - All you need to know about the black gold of trucking: History of truck tyres.
     Exclusive interview with Mr. Korte, head of R&D Continental Germany

   - MASBA visit to Scania

And of course, a Trucker of the Month will share with us about the excitement of his job.www.asiantrucker.com is live now, giving you additional information about the industry. There you also subscribe to the print magazine.info@asiantrucker.com telling us how many copies you need.

In case you have missed the first issue, or if you require more copies, please send your address to info@asiantruccker.com  

Your Asian Trucker Team wishes you a safe trip!

Asian Trucker was created and is run by Launchpad – your marketing lift-off in Asia.

Officially opening on 6th of August, Doubletree by Hilton allows us a preview into the F & B outlets. Launchpad was appointed earlier this year (http://www.marketing-interactive.com/news/17638) to create the brands for the five individual outlets and to profile them. Ads, logos, Visual Identity manuals, collateral as well as blog and website (www.makan-kitchen.com ) were among the many items  produced for this client.

For reservations or enquiries please contact: KULDT.fbreservations@hilton.com
To discuss your branding needs: Doug@launchpad.com.my