Fellow Motorist: Marcel Luis Mustelier Perez, president & chief executive officer, Mercedes-Benz Singapore

Mr Perez, 41, is the German CEO in charge of Mercedes-Benz Singapore. We chat with the gentleman in Mercedes-Benz Centre at Alexandra Road.

How long have you been a motorist in Singapore and Germany?

I’ve always been driving in Singapore. The first time was in 2018 to 2021, after I converted my driving licence here at the end of 2018. In Germany, I’ve been driving for more than 23 years at this point in life now, and I’ve been driving in South Africa as well. 

When and where did you get your driving licence?

I took my lessons before I turned 18 (in 2002), and just a few months later, I did my final driving exam and got my licence. I was living in Berlin at that time - dense city traffic, relatively relaxed country roads, but you also had the famous German autobahn.

Ever since I had a driving licence, I took the opportunity to drive - always, 100 percent.

Remember the first car you bought? 

Absolutely [laughing], who does not? 

It was a Mercedes-Benz W124, which was only known as E-Class later. I bought it used when I was 18 and I loved it! 

W124 production stopped in 1996 or 1997, and I got mine in 2002. Gray colour, very subtle. It had good mileage on it, around 120,000 kilometres. First gearbox, first engine, first everything. It was what I could afford at the time. I had to sell the car when I went to Japan later on to study, around 2010. 

It was a fantastic vehicle. You had the durability, the safety, the comfort that you would expect from Mercedes-Benz. This W124 Mercedes-Benz sedan was Marcel's first car when he was a young man of 18.

Any other cars you remember fondly?

For me, there are two ways for a car to be memorable - emotion and engineering. 

From an emotional perspective, it was my first company car, when I was promoted to a managerial position in Mercedes-Benz and reached a milestone in my career. Unbelievable. That W212 was very special to me. I loved the fact it was an E-Class again. Many of our customers had that, too, and I experienced it myself.  

From an engineering perspective, the most memorable car was the G63 AMG 6x6 with three axles and six tyres. They had a test track facility where you could take it through the slopes, deep water, off-road terrain, and a hill where at the right speed you could get all six wheels airborne. It was an engineering marvel.

Marcel's very first Mercedes company car was this W212.

What is your absolute favourite Mercedes-Benz of all time?

Mercedes-Benz is now 140 years old, with so many icons in its history. If I had to pick one car out of those to put in my garage as a collector, I would choose the SLS AMG with the naturally-aspirated V8. 

It was the first model fully developed in-house by AMG. We had the coupe and the roadster, bringing together the tradition and design language, translated to modern times. And, of course, the fantastic V8. 

The first time I drove it was on a racetrack. The sound of the engine, the performance, the power, that long bonnet - it was something I would never forget. One of my wishes is to drive the SLS AMG at Chapman’s Peak, a scenic route in Cape Town. 

Tell us about your current company car in Singapore.

Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV. One of the benefits which come with my role, I have multiple options for a company car. I selected this electric model because I wanted to know our customers’ EV experience in Singapore. 

I was a bit surprised. In terms of EV ownership, I feel that Mercedes-Benz is at the peak of convenience. 

Range, no problem. Recharging, there are 7,000 charging points. I also have the Mercedes-Benz app and full cost transparency. I could basically include the charging in my daily commute, whether office or home or mall. I could use the app’s MB.Charge function, which makes recharging extremely convenient. 

It now seems strange to take a car to the petrol station to fill up! 

Another reason why I chose the EQE SUV is, I have two daughters. For family outings, I could put their bikes and everything we need in the vehicle. It also has rear-axle steering, an absolute game changer in Singapore which makes the car easier to manoeuvre in tight spots.

The G63 AMG 6x6 left a deep impression on Marcel when he tested it.

What are the most challenging aspects of your role as CEO of Mercedes-Benz Singapore?

Took me some time to understand the concept of COE. We have to acknowledge that the ownership aspect here is different from other markets’. 

The greatest challenge is the automotive industry in totality. Such a transformation, whether it’s software-defined vehicles or the rise of competitors.  

We are responsible for Mercedes-Benz. We are guardians of the legacy. We always say - we are with the trend and we also shape where the industry is going. 

In the next two years, we will have the biggest model offensive in the history of Mercedes-Benz. We’ll also introduce more EVs up to 2029, with fully-electric options across our entire portfolio. 

We also want our vehicle fleet to be carbon-neutral under our “Ambition 2039” initiative. It’s a massive undertaking, with so many aspects. 

To be in the automotive industry right now is exciting and equally rewarding. This is a rare opportunity of a lifetime.  

How would you explain the perennial popularity and evergreen appeal of Mercedes-Benz cars in Singapore?

It’s true. First of all, it’s something we’re very aware of and we don’t take it for granted. 

For the last 140 years, we built the most desirable cars in the world. Driving a Mercedes-Benz will never just be about bringing you from point A to point B. It’s an emotional experience, not only for our customers but also our fans of the three-pointed star. 

Beyond 140 years, we have three ingredients to make Mercedes-Benz globally one of the most recognised and respected brands in the auto industry. 

Firstly, we’re an automotive company, providing mobility and independence. Our products will always be grounded in four areas - engineering excellence, innovation, design, craftsmanship. As long as we keep these elements at top of mind whenever we think about product, we’ll continue to have one of the most appealing car brands in the world. 

Secondly, the entire ownership experience. Not only the product, but also every touchpoint. We have a reliable and robust customer service experience, from online to showroom. This is what our customers expect from us, and what we expect from ourselves. 

Thirdly, what we stand for as a car brand. Sustainability is important for all of us, so we leave a legacy not only for today but also for the future. I can sense this in the company. 

As a technology enthusiast with a Master of Science in business computing, how would you use AI to improve the motoring experience for Mercedes-Benz customers?

We look at how innovation impacts the lives of people who use our products, this is very important to us. We cannot do technology for the sake of tech itself. 

When we talk about artificial intelligence in our cars, we have our new MBUX virtual assistant based on AI. It is natural, intuitive and relevant for our customers. MBUX adapts to its user and creates a personalised experience. 

Marcel's all-time favourite Mercedes-Benz is the spectacular SLS AMG.

What do you admire most about Singapore?

I’ve been in Singapore for a bit more than four years now. I have a better understanding of the country, community, and wide tapestry of cultures that live together. I admire Singapore’s strategic long-term planning and how Singaporeans do things with purpose. 

What are your delectable favourites in our food paradise?

Singapore’s hawker centre culture is fantastic. The sheer quality at reasonable prices, for people from all walks of life. And the high-class restaurants here are of a very high standard. Korean barbecue is the date-night favourite for me and my wife. 

I also appreciate places like Atlas Bar, but I usually go to small joints such as those in River Valley. 

I like hot chocolate and therefore Milo.

Read More: Fellow Motorist: Martin Bayer, managing director, Audi Singapore

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