Dear Khun Pratya,
We have looked into NCA’s request which has been channeled via TAAP to MBTh. It goes without saying that NCA is one of your best customers in Thailand, a trendsetter and opinion leader, which is very important for us and have to be looked after in the best possible way.
Pls allow us to comment on NCA’s budget request of THB 500,000. Not only the fact that the request for such amount is unusually high, it would have to be planned earlier in advance for the budget year 2013. Furthermore, since this event has not been initiated as “dealer activity” by TAAP, it cannot be declared as “marketing activity”. This event has to viewed as “sponsorship” where all the payments would go directly from MBTh to NCA.
It is our policy that all sponsorships have to be based on a sponsorship agreement (pls find attached information as example) which is required to be in line with Daimler AG’s Sponsorship and Donations Policy (B2.1). Sponsorships do not have to be entirely related to charitable purposes and/or social objectives, they might be used to pursue marketing goals. However, contribution provided should not deviant from the benefits received. In other words, contribution provided by MBTh must be parallel with the benefits received from the sponsorship partner.
Pls discuss with NCA whether they would agree to enter into such a sponsorship agreement. We would have to discuss the details as outlined in the attachment and the amount which could be provided.
Regarding the technical support requested, it is our understanding that TAAP’s After Sales Service Team has received a complete technical training on the OC500RF 2542 and have full responsibility/competence for the After Sales Service for its customers. Pls try to verify if there is a specific reason for this request, we will look into this matter.
Regarding the technical release of NCA’s “15m” buses, pls ensure that TAAP has conducted the PDI properly, otherwise there is no warranty or any liability cover by Mercedes-Benz. We have received substantial information that the BBA has not been met, and, in case that there is no rectification, this type of bus has to be considered as unsafe.
Pls do not hesitate to contact us in case of any question.
With best regards
Ralf