New Nissan e-NV200 Offers 60% Further Range Than Before

Nissan has unveiled the new extended range e-NV200 at the ongoing Nissan Futures 3.0 exhibition in Oslo, Norway.
The big news is that the 100% electric van gets a new 40kWh battery which gives a full range of up to 280km, which is 60% longer than before.
Despite the longer range, the battery has not increased in size or weight, which means that the van can transport the same amount of goods and go further.
Now able to travel more than 100 km on a single charge, the new e-NV200, which is able to clock a top speed of 123km/h, weights 2,250 kg and comes with a cargo area that measures 2,040 mm long, 1,500 mm wide, and 1,358 mm tall.
Available in two body types (four or five doors), the new e-NV200 will be available for order in Europe by the end of this year.
Gareth Dunsmore, Electric Vehicle Director of Nissan Europe, said: “With its longer range and excellent cargo capacity, the new e-NV200 is the perfect last mile delivery solution for urban deliveries and collections. Given the huge impact that business deliveries and professional drivers have on air quality and traffic congestion, especially in city centres, helping cut the level of CO2 emissions they create is a vital part of creating a more sustainable future.”


Kenapa Perlu Guna RFID?

Kenapa kita kena guna RFID? Di antara
RFID, SmartTAG atau kad Touch ‘n Go
, mana satu yang paling berbaloi nak guna?

Bagi mereka yang masih berkira-kira sama ada ingin beralih ke RFID atau teruskan sahaja menggunakan SmartTAG/ kad fizikal Touch ‘n Go, ini adalah antara kelebihan menggunakan RFID menurut PLUS.

Kenapa Perlu Guna RFID?

Perlaksanaan RFID selaras dengan hasrat kerajaan untuk beralih kepada Sistem Pengangkutan Pintar seperti
Sistem Aliran Bebas Pelbagai Lorong (MLFF)
 atau lebih tepat, plaza tol tanpa palang.

RFID sebagai ujian rintis awam dan bertujuan untuk menyelesaikan isu-isu seperti penguatkuasaan, pilihan pembayaran, kemudahan pelanggan dan banyak lagi.

PLUS akan terus berusaha untuk
menambah baik RFID
 supaya lebih lancar di masa hadapan melalui proses pembelajaran, penyesuaian, membaiki dan meningkatkan kecekapan secara berterusan.

Kerajaan telah meneroka pelbagai pilihan teknologi dan merumuskan bahawa RFID adalah pilihan yang paling berpatutan untuk kebanyakan pengguna lebuh raya di Malaysia.

Menurut PLUS, plaza tol mereka setanding dengan industri antarabangsa. Semua pembaca gantri mereka mematuhi piawaian pensijilan ISO IEC180000-6C untuk melangkah kearah MLFF.

Kelebihan Guna RFID

Pilihan tambahan kepada pengguna lebuh raya untuk membayar tol dan mengurangkan kesesakan. Pengguna bebas memilih lorong mana yang paling lancar.

Urusan tambah nilai lebih mudah melalui eWallet sahaja, tak perlu ke stesen minyak atau kedai untuk tambah nilai kad.

Tidak perlu menggunakan/ menukar bateri seperti SmartTAG.

Perjalanan lebih lancar tanpa perlu berhenti untuk membayar tol dengan kelajuan dibawah 30 km/j.

Transaksi tol tanpa sentuh membantu mengurangkan jangkitan Covid-19.

Boleh jejak semula segala perbelanjaan tol setiap bulan dengan mudah.

Apa Rancangan Untuk Tambah Baik RFID?

Pengumpulan data melalui AI Machine Learning, penyesuaian dan penambahbaikan sistem untuk menjadikan perjalanan lebih lancar.

Bakal memperkenalkan RFID bagi penggunaan kenderaan berat seperti lori dan bas.

Potensi intergrasi bagi mana-mana teknologi baharu yang dilaksanakan.

Harga RFID Mahal?

Susulan harga tag RFID yang dianggap mahal kerana dijual pada harga RM35, kerajaan telah berunding dengan TNG untuk
mengurangkan harga jualan tag itu.

Harga RM35 itu merangkumi kos:

tag RFID

pemasangan tag

sistem dan pengoperasian

Berdasarkan situasi semasa, nampaknya rundingan masih berjalan memandangkan tag RFID masih dijual pada harga sama.

Walaupun RFID bertindak sebagai pilihan tambahan untuk membayar tol, namun pengguna diingatkan untuk sentiasa menggunakan lorong pembayaran yang sama untuk masuk dan keluar dari lebuh raya.

Peralihan ke arah MLFF merupakan usaha yang sedang dijalankan oleh kerajaan ketika ini. Walau bagaimanapun, teknologi masa depan ke arah mencapai MLFF masih dalam kajian dan perkembangan selanjutnya akan diumumkan kerajaan.


Audi RS3 joins the Malaysian RS stable - 400hp, 500Nm, yours from RM647k

Who doesn't love a supercar-killing hot hatch, which is why PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM) has introduced the all-new RS 3 Sedan, priced from RM646,990 to RM655,990 with the Audi Assurance Package(duties and sales tax included).

Just like the
third-generation Sportback
 and second-generation sedan (the sedan came later) the current RS3 models are powered by the latest generation of Audi’s 2.5-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder engine, which outputs 400hp and a whopping 500Nm of torque.

Paired with the award-winning engine is a 7-speed S tronic transmission, which helps the car get from 0-100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds.

No wonder its 2021's fastest compact car on the Nurburgring

A major highlight
 is the all-new RS Torque Splitter and specific RS 3 modes. The new Audi RS 3 is the first Audi model that comes standard-equipped with a torque splitter. It replaces the rear axle differential and the previous multiple disc clutch package on the rear axle.

Instead, an electronically controlled multiple-disc clutch is used on each of the drive shafts. This ensures that the right amount of torque is optimally distributed along the rear axle. During more dynamic driving, the torque splitter increases the drive torque to the outer rear wheel with the higher wheel load, which significantly reduces the tendency to understeer.

Design - Performance meets luxury

The Audi RS 3 Sedan is a fusion of luxury and performance, combining a bold exterior and widened body. The broad, strikingly accentuated front wings and aggressive air vents make a powerful impression, accentuated with signature RS black Audi four rings, singleframe and honeycomb grille.

Darkened Matrix LED headlights offer digital daytime running light signature and RS-specific coming home/leaving home and dynamic light sequences.

The car's interior is impressive too and can be had in black, red or green trim and features stylish fine Nappa leather sport seats with RS honeycomb stitching and RS-exclusive steering wheel.

Colour options

Six colour choices are available: Kyalami Green, Kemora Grey, Glacier White, Mythos Black, Python Yellow and Daytona Gray.

For more information on the RS 3 Sedan, visit the nearest Audi Centre or visit www.audi.com.my for full product specification and options, as well as further information on the Audi Assurance Program benefits which include extended warranty and maintenance.


Formula 1 A Bit Boring? You May Want To Catch The 2015 Hungarian GP

Just in case you missed it yesterday, Formula 1, apart from a lot of its recent downfalls, was back to some excitable action at yesterday evening’s 2015 Hungarian GP.
To give you a slight recap, Sebastian Vettel won the race in his Ferrari after a sublime and faultless drive, the Mercedes-AMG F1 team were nowhere near the podium, and the McLaren-Honda team got up to fifth place!
But before it all got underway, race day’s proceedings began with a tribute to the fallen: Jules Bianchi, who lost the battle towards recovery following his unfortunate crash at the Japanese GP last year. Jules was the first F1 driver to die from a racing incident, since the late, great Ayrton Senna. As tragic a reminder of the dangers that surround motor racing, it was touching to see all the drivers circle around in memory of Jules.
Sebastian Vettel, on the top-step of the podium even pretty much declared (sombrely) in his post-race interview that everyone at the Scuderia Ferrari F1 team knew that Jules would one day be a part of their family.
The Scarlet-Red Parade
Back to the racing: Vettel was as cool as ice, and clearly well in touch with the form that led him to four Drivers’ World Championship titles with the Red Bull Racing team. Kimi Raikkonen, his team-mate who also made a great start to jump to second place, was due a second place finish as well, but fell short of power from his hybrid engine near the end of the race, and had to settle for a DNF.
Mercedes-AMG F1 Rivalries Intensify
The most excitement, we’d say, came courtesy of the season’s seeming runaway winners, the flawless Mercedes-AMG F1, and their healthily competitive drivers (ok, maybe not so healthily competitive).
Lewis Hamilton, starting the race on pole position, suffered a poor start that saw him drop to fourth place in almost an instant – much thanks to a close encounter with his team-mate, Nico Rosberg. Later on, his impatience got the better of him again, when contact with Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo left him with a drive-through penalty, and a need for a new front wing.
Joy of joys for team-mate Nico? Well, almost. Trailing in the distance behind the two leading Ferraris, Rosberg seemed keener to maintaining his position ahead of Lewis, rather than challenge for the win – who could blame him, almost, with Lewis storming up the grid after recovering from his earlier setbacks.
And just when Nico thought he had it in the bag (beating Lewis), his luck runs out with a puncture: a brave Ricciardo comes around to pass him, and the stubborn Nico (on worn rubbers) refuses to let him pass – they touch, Nico is forced to limp back to the pits, and rejoins the race in eight. His team-mate? Lewis was well past him and up to sixth, scoring more points by then. The Brit heads into the next-race (Spa) with a 21-point cushion in the title race.
Should Nico have been a little more accepting of letting the quicker Ricciardo pass (F1’s latest rulings make some things inevitable), he could instead have been the one to be headed for Spa with a points lead. Likewise, a hot-headed and impatient Lewis demonstrated early on why he’ll never be considered as great a driver as Fernando Alonso, for example, as he has always been lauded as. Great stuff for the non-biased spectator, though!
McLaren-Honda Back In The Game?
Are they? Probably not. But they’re most likely enjoying the moment all the same. Just ahead of Lewis in his Mercedes, was Fernando Alonso: the season’s highest-paid driver, who managed to get the McLaren-Honda it’s best points yet.
After a season of dismal results for the team with the new Japanese powertrain, the McLaren boys were relishing their moments of attacking Saubers and Force Indias, on top of all the retirements happening around them. At the end of the day, it was Alonso’s master-class in punching above his own weight that got him all the way up to fifth, with Jenson in ninth.
Can Someone Have A Word With The Lotus F1 Drivers?
It’s worth nothing that in today’s Formula 1, should you accumulate up to 12 penalty points over a 12-month period (2015), you’ll be banned from taking part in your following race. It’s a decent system, put in place to curb any over-enthusiasm getting the better of fair racing.
You may also be interested to know that both Lotus drivers, Pastor Maldonado and Romain Grosjean, are the only two drivers that are now half way towards facing this ban, with their tallies growing for incidents that took place in Budapest. Other drivers picked up bans too, but probably not in more attention-grabbing fashions. Here’s a look at Pastor’s incident with Sergio Perez.
Still Think Formula 1 Is Boring?
For the most part, yes, this season (and most of the last) has been a snore-fest. As an avid follower of the sport for more than half of my life now (began watching when Mika Hakkinen was in his prime and fighting Michael Schumacher), what Formula 1 is today, is far from being as exciting as what it used to be.
Single-team domination, cars that sound like vacuum cleaners, regulations that leave things a bit too predictable, engines that last forever, has, amongst other things, brought the sport to be the dull event it is most race weekends. I truly miss denying everyone the TV remote each time a race was on, and locking myself away with the TV and a laptop for live timings.
But last night was a bit special, as you can probably tell by now. Short of a fist-fight, the 2015 Hungarian GP was a great reminder of the good ol’ days with pit-lane drama, on-track overtaking and dog-fighting, World Championship standings exchanging hands, and fierce rivalries being fought out.
So yes, if you’ve long fallen out of favour with the sport for its predictable outcomes and lacking excitement and want it all back, you may want to catch last night’s race on replay. There’s a rerun of the entire thing showing on Fox Sports’ channel 812 on Astro at 4:30pm today, or get race highlights at 10:30pm, on the same channel.
Better still, if you don’t mind the cinema-like surrounding visual (you’ll see why), YouTube will let you watch it whenever:
https://goo.gl/DWrioS


Vettel Out From Ferrari, Sainz In!

The World of Formula One was abuzz with the news of Sebastian Vettel leaving Ferrari yesterday. The four-time World Champion's contract expires at the end of this year and a joint statement was issued by both parties stating that it would not be renewed.

"In order to get the best possible results in this sport, it's vital for all parties to work in perfect harmony. The team and I have realised that there is no longer a common desire to stay together beyond the end of this season." said Vettel.

For Vettel who joined Ferrari in 2015, his departure will be ambition unfulfilled. He made no secret that Ferrari was his dream, he grew up idolising fellow German Michael Schumacher, who won five of his seven world titles with the Scuderia.

For fans of the sport though this news does open up some juicy possibilities.

Charles Leclerc is undoubtedly Ferrari's darling at the moment having signed a contract extension on a new five-year term last winter.

He'll have Carlos Sainz Jr. for company in 2021 and 2022

It's just been confirmed that Sainz Jr. will replace Vettel so we will have a Leclerc - Sainz Jr. combination. It's positively titillating, it just might be the spark that Formula One needs to bring back TV viewers and fans to the races. Both young, hungry, fast, with a point to prove. If we are to believe that there will be no team orders and that they will be allowed to race, can you imagine the racing we'll get to watch?! There's bound to be fireworks on the track too, maybe even off. Dare I liken the LeClerc - Sainz Jr. potential partnership to Senna - Prost? I dare say I do!

Image credit essentiallysports.com

What of Vettel?

Toto Wolff, Team Principal at Mercedes had this to say when questioned about Vettel's departure from Ferrari, "Hamilton and Bottas are still at the forefront of Mercedes’ plans – but Vettel’s impending departure from the Scuderia is too big to ignore."

Bear in mind that both Hamilton and Bottas are out of contracts at the end of the year. It is highly likely that Lewis will put pen to paper on a new deal. He's often described Mercedes as his dream team and to be fair there really isn't another team on the grid currently that can give him a race winning car save for perhaps Red Bull but they've got Verstappen and the talented Albon on board. Both solid prospects. Bottas on the other hand has only been handed year-on-year extensions on his contract at Mercedes. Hardly a sign of faith in his capabilities. Will Mercedes have the cojones to let him go and take Vettel on?

That of course brings us to the potential of a Hamilton - Vettel partnership at Mercedes. Vettel will be 33 this year meaning he's in the twilight of his F1 career and a move to Mercedes will allow him the chance of adding on to his four world championships. From a commercial standpoint Vettel is also a much more attractive proposition to sponsors compared to Bottas. He's enigmatic, funny plus comes with a huge German following. He would be the perfect balance to Hamilton's often serious, sometimes unapproachable demeanour. Would he mind being number two though? Well, if he wants to end his F1 career with another world championship, he will have to.

Image credit formula1.com

Leclerc/ Sainz Jr. vs Hamilton/ Vettel - A battle of the new contenders vs the old guard.

Now that I am looking forward to!


Chinese Tyre Maker To Make Bid For Pirelli

China National Tyre and Rubber Company (CNRC) will be making a takeover bid for Italian tyre maker Pirelli, reports the New York Times.
CNRC's bid for Pirelli is made via Camfin, Pirelli's largest shareholder, which has agreed to sell its 26.2 percent stake in Pirelli to CNRC.
Camfin's owners - among others include Nuove Partecipazioni, which is owned by Pirelli's chairman and CEO Marco Tronchetti Provera - will then form a partnership controlled by CNRC, which will then hold the stake in Pirelli before initiating a takeover bid for all of Pirelli's outstanding shares.
If successful, CNRC will reportedly seek to delist Pirelli and integrate Pirelli within CNRC.
Pirelli has been the sole tyre supplier for Formula One since 2011, after Bridgestone pulled out of the sport.


Is The Cool Three-Wheeled Nimbus Halo The Answer For Urban Mobility?

We all know that
electric vehicles
 are the future, but what is undecided for urban commuters is whether they should be in two or four-wheel form?

Luckily, Nimbus, a company working to make cities
greener
, has revealed its Halo electric pod-vehicle, which promises to be as practical as a motorcycle and as safe as a car.

It may not be the best looking of things, but the Nimbus Halo makes sense as it is a vehicle that provides a safe, carbon-free, commuting pod with two seats, safety features, and airbags!

The Nimbus Halo can be had in two forms, either a standard model with 8.1 kWh battery, capable of reaching a top speed of 80kph with a range of 126 kilometres, or the Nimbus X model with a larger 21.7 kWh battery which has a top speed of 145kph and a stonking range of 352 kilometres.

For the standard model, a 95% charge can be achieved at home in 5.4 hours, 1.2 hours with a Level 2 7kW charger, or 45 minutes with a Level 3 charger (more commonly known as a DC Fast Charger). It takes a bit longer to achieve 95% charge for the X model, coming in at 14.4 hours through a household charger, 3.1 hours for a Level 2 and 45 minutes for Level 3 charging.

As for safety, both Nimbus vehicles come with frontal and curtain airbags, ABS and traction control, as well as automated emergency braking and lane departure warning.

What makes the Nimbus Halo different from other smart cars and other electric pod vehicles is its slim 32" width profile, which according to Nimbus allows it to be parked in the same spaces as motorcycles. Just for reference, that's about 5 inches wider than a Yamaha Y Suku.

Nimbus also claims that the Halo is as nimble and agile as a motorcycle, thanks to its clever lean-balance steering, which is basically a clever self-levelling feature that allows its cabin to quickly right itself up after leaning like a motorcycle.

When it comes to price, the Nimbus Halo is just a little bit more expensive than a Japanese 250cc scooter as it will cost $6,420 (RM26,447), but customers will also have the option to rent one for as low as $99 (RM400) a month if they decide to pay for it annually. Mind you, air-conditioning and touch-screen meter cluster is an additional extra.

On its webpage, the company claims it has plans to sell it worldwide, with deliveries starting by mid-2022 in the US and Europe. Asia will be covered by 2023.

So what do you think? Yay or nay? Can you see the Nimbus roaming our busy city streets?


Book The Proton X70 Using Proton’s New Online Booking Platform At Only RM99

Proton has launched an online booking platform which just went live at 10 am today, with the upcoming X70 as the first Proton model which can be booked online.
Accessible via Proton’s corporate website, the new platform allows customers to book a new Proton using any device with Internet access.
Customers who want to book a unit online using the online booking platform are required to provide their personal details, preferred model and colour choice as well as the city and state where they wish to collect their car.
Following payment of the booking fee which is also done online, a system-generated receipt will be sent to the customer’s email. Proton then assigns a sales advisor to handle the order who contacts the customer within seven days to process the booking. As with bookings made at any Proton outlet, a full refund is given should a customer change their mind.
In conjunction with the launch of the online booking portal, Proton will also feature
full details of the Proton X70 on its website
, including
 full specifications
 for each model variant in an effort to help customers to make a decision, especially with regards to variant and colour choice, and is akin to visiting a showroom and viewing a full sales presentation.
As this is a new sales tool for the Company, Proton is holding a ‘flash sale’ from the 17th to 19th of October to promote the use of its new platform.
During the three-day promotional period, customers who book the Proton X70 via the platform only need to pay a booking fee of RM99.
“After studying consumer preferences and market trends, Proton believes the time is right to offer an online booking facility to our customers. The platform allows bookings to be made from anywhere a customer is as long as there is an Internet connection available. The Company has also decided to reward those who make a booking prior to the launch of the Proton X70. This will come in the form of special gifts for all early birds regardless of whether they booked their unit online or at our outlets,” said Abdul Rashid Musa, Chief Executive Officer of Proton Edar.
“The customer response to the Proton X70 has been overwhelming. Attendance at our preview sessions has been very high with the majority of attendees saying they are impressed by the quality and specification offered on the first model to be jointly developed by Proton and Geely. It will be a game changer for PROTON and customers acknowledge this, judging by the strong pre-launch booking numbers. Therefore we are working hard to ensure the cars delivered meet the heightened expectations of our customers,” added Abdul Rashid.


2016 Proton Saga 1.3 Clear For Taxi Duty

The Proton Saga serving taxi duty is one of the most familiar sights on Malaysian roads, and
the new one
 is set to continue this honoured duty in due course.
Following the recently-announced Taxi Industry Transformation Programme (TITP) by the cabinet, the new Saga will be clear for taxi duty despite having only a 1.3-litre engine.
Previously, operators in the budget taxi segment are only allowed to use national vehicles powered by 1,500cc engines and above. One of the key tenets of the TITP, however, is that vehicle models for taxis will be liberalized – any model that attains a minimum 3-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating will be good to go.
Previous taxi regulations.
To meet the previous capacity-based requirements, Proton had specially produced low-spec 1.6-litre versions of the previous-generation Saga BLM to cater for the taxi fleet in addition to also supplying the
Waja
 and previous-generation
Persona
.
Even after the facelifted Saga FL and Saga FLX were introduced in 2010 and 2011 respectively, the Saga 1.6 for taxis continued to be made in its pre-facelift appearance.
With the new ruling, Proton no longer has the need to make a new Saga 1.6 specifically for the taxi market, although the new
2016 Persona
 is being readied for taxi duty as well.
The TITP was announced by the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) on 16 Aug 2016 as a measure from the Government to reform the taxi industry in the face of stiff competition from increasingly-popular ride sharing services – namely Grab and Uber. Only recently, the taxi industry was rocked by news that as many as 10,000 drivers have returned their vehicles to beleaguered operators.


Can The Tax Free EV Incentives Open Up Malaysia's Green Development?

The movement for EVs to be completely tax-free in Malaysia will help achieve more than just the introduction of cheaper electric vehicles.

The
recent 2022 budget announcement
 really did spring up a surprise for the local automotive industry. It was announced that not only are EVs from next year exempted from paying road tax, but those sold beyond 2021 will be exempt from excise duties and import duties!

That's pretty big news, even if Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) CEO Datuk Madani Sahari had
already indicated
 earlier in the year that a dedicated policy on EVs will be announced in the future.

Madani said precisely what was mentioned by Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz during the budget announcement, but it still took everyone by surprise as no one thought it would happen or be this good to be quite frank.

While this move might seem like the government's way of gifting the people cheaper (cheaper, not cheap) electric vehicles, the actual reason behind it is actually to attract local and foreign investment and create jobs.

The way the government aims to do this relies on details as written in the MoF budget handbook, which mentioned that there will be 100% duty exemption for CKD electric cars up to the end of 2025 and 100% duty exemption for CBU cars up to the end of 2023.

The reason why CBU cars have been given a smaller window for tax exemptions is all
part of the plan
, as the government wants to kick start the Malaysian EV revolution with imported EVs but finish it off with local assemblies, which will indirectly create more investments and jobs.

Environment and Water Minister Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man also thinks the incentives are a good plan as it will also help improve air quality and "support the development of green and low-carbon technologies and high-skilled green jobs in Malaysia".

"The EV incentives are seen to be able to support the implementation of the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint, which in turn will help improve the country's air quality index," he said in a statement on Budget 2022 as reported by the Edge.

While this noble idea is a good one and one that we hope bears fruit, there are some fears that if
interest in EVs is low
 and investments are not made, we will once again see expensive EV vehicles in a couple of years time, but most important of all, lack of green technologies.

But we can be hopeful and support this initiative by investing in EVs ourselves, which in turn will also help the development of our country and the development of green tech.

Of course, these incentives at the moment are just a proposal, but we hope it gets passed in parliament as it is a good way to finally kick start our low carbon mobility sector as well as the need for highly skilled green jobs.


Mercedes-Benz’s Simple Strategy To World Dominance

If automotive industry analysts were to study and conclude the comeback of the decade, it has got to be that of Mercedes-Benz.
About 20 years ago, the then CEO of the then Daimler-Benz AG devised a very complex called ‘Welt AG’. It’s a plan that wouldn’t be too ridiculous if it were to be compared with maps commonly used by explorers 500 years ago - a map of the known world with big parts of it coloured.
From its pedestal as the world’s leading luxury carmaker, Daimler-Benz embarked on a plan that included controlling United States’s Chrysler Corporation and Japan’s Mitsubishi Fuso – a plan that you can almost imagine Jürgen E. Schrempp, CEO of the then combined DaimlerChrysler AG, sucking his little finger and grinning.
Come to think of it, the plan was a work of geniuses. How do you take over the third largest car maker in the United States, while simultaneously gain a controlling stake in Mitsubishi Fuso without taking up the tri-diamond brand’s trillion Yen debts incurred during the 1997 financial crisis, and still struck a deal to land your W211 E-Class into Men In Black II?
That’s the work of a lot of accountants, lawyers, marketers all working together in intellectual harmony. Important looking gentleman all having important files clasped under their busy armpits, walking fast around the company, occupying meeting room after meeting rooms while engineers turned their heads around looking wondering what’s going on.
Seven years later, Jürgen E. Schrempp was asked to leave, Mercedes-Benz had not only lost its leading position to BMW, but also to Audi, dropping the three-pointed star badge to an unfathomable third!
Daimler suffered losses of no less than 50 billion Euros and saw its share prices plummeted.
When Dieter Zetsche was named CEO, DaimlerChrysler AG employees and the public responded by rushing to buy shares of the new Daimler AG, injecting a whopping 3.7 billion Euros. Confidence was strong with Zetsche. Soon, harsh decisions were made, painful even. He gave up Chrysler, he gave up Maybach, DaimlerChrysler AG became just Daimler AG. The company had to be made leaner and sharper.
Dieter Zetsche understood that when in the business of making cars, only one thing matters - Make. Good. Cars.
The strategy is actually dead simple. And my god did Mercedes-Benz came back with a punch. I still remember when the W204 C-Class was facelifted, the entire front-end and interior was changed - a very costly exercise that carmakers don’t usually do during mid-lifecycle updates.
The same happened again with the W212 E-Class. Accountants may not agree with such costly executions, but the market responded. Consumers feel the renewed offensive and obsessive aggression of Mercedes-Benz, and car buyers love brands that are on the offensive side.
And here we have today, on this specially arranged event by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, a mega show off, themed as ‘Dream Cars Collection’. There’s even a hashtag #MYMBDreamCars too. Now, what can you say when you’re presented with a slew of C63 AMGs, S63 AMGs, AMG GTs, and CLS 350 as well as E250 Coupes all to our right foot’s expense over the course of a few days?
In my case, in the spirit of Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz and in honour of Mercedes-Benz and the Silver Arrows - I promptly forgotten all about the CLS 350 and the E250 Coupe. Make no mistake they are excellent cars, but in such exuberant company, my reaction would be understandable. After a three day stint with these beautiful machines, I’d like to talk about the context of what they represent, and my thoughts. Let’s go through them one by one.
AMG GT S - Fast, Capable, But 911 Killer?
Remember the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class? It’s the successor of the 300SL Gullwing.
The McLaren Mercedes SLR? It’s the successor to the 300SL Gullwing.
The SLS AMG? It’s also the successor to the 300SL Gullwing.
And here we have, the AMG GT, supposedly the successor of the SLS AMG, as it’s a massive improvement on the same chassis, but at half the price, it is of course, only half as exclusive, but that’s exactly what Mercedes-Benz wanted. Unlike the SLS AMG, the AMG GT cannot be just be another show piece. It needs to sell, in big numbers.
But why the big change? You see, for close to half a century, if you want a full-fledged Mercedes-Benz sports car, you have to go for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. They’re known to be sleek, powerful, luxurious, and a favourite amongst mid-life crisis golfers. No one asked about their Nurburgring lap times, and selling one involves talking about CD changers and quietness of the car. They’re made for Sunset Boulevard cruising, and are a classic poster car for riveting elitism.
But something happened. The turtle-neck top on weekend dude who wants to wafts in the rear seat of an E-Class on Monday was no longer yearned after. The new image that people want to associate with is Clive Owen in loose blazers power sliding a BMW 5-Series in downtown New York. Corinthian leather went out of style, in comes carbon fibre bits. Loud exhausts and big brake callipers became symbolic with the ‘capabilities’ of the car, hence the driver. If you’re driving an ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’, you’re then the ‘Ultimate Driver,’ so to speak.
One-upping that was the territory of Porsche, selling 911s to everybody who wanted to buy a sports car. For that, the qualities of an SL-Class is in every way the exact opposite end of the spectrum as opposed to a Porsche 911. There’s no way the SL-Class can be moulded into a legitimate competitor of the 911, lest risking the alienation of core SL-Class buyers.
This is then where the AMG GT comes in. The objective is simple, Mercedes-Benz wants a piece of 911, and they want it real bad.
Step into the cabin, and it is easily one of the most beautiful interiors in the supercar class. It makes you feel special too. The seating position is perfect, but visibility is not, and not helping the situation is the long bonnet stretching up front - adds to the drama, doesn’t quite help if you feel intimidated. It’s a very special place to be in.
The engine is dry sump lubricated, and sits 50 mm lower. The cylinder walls are lined with the same crazy stuff they put into their F1 engines, so it greatly reduces friction and is more susceptible and resilient to heat as well, the driveshaft is made of carbon fibre. It even has an aluminium space frame chassis, and the wishbones and control arms are made of forged aluminium.
It makes me wonder why they didn’t squeeze another 100hp out of its 4.0 litre V8 engine turbocharged engine - Yes I know, making room for the inevitable AMG GT-R, GT3-R or Black Series.
If you didn’t notice, Mercedes-Benz gave plenty of ‘recognition’ and credit to Porsche throughout its advertisements for the AMG GT, upon driving it however, Merc’s latest sports car couldn’t be further from the 911.
You see, the AMG GT is tasked to not just challenge the 911, but also to closely resemble what its predecessors were. Those predecessors were all front-mid engine powerhouses with which the cabin sits nearer to the rear wheels than the front.
It’s the exact reverse of the cab-forward layout of mid-engine cars like the Ferrari 458, Audi R8 or Lamborghini Huracan.
What this means is that you are actually steering the front wheels from a very different vantage point, and this creates a very different driving experience from that of a 911.
Unlike mid-engine supercars where the car’s polar of inertia rotates around the driver, the AMG GT’s layout creates the sensation that you’re actually pivoting around the mid-mounted engine. This is apparent on the tight B-roads that we drove on, which had plenty of turns and cambers.
Early tell-tale signs suggests that the AMG GT has an interesting mix of talents. Is it mightily fast? Not at all for a supercar that aims to challenge the mighty Porsche, and the transmission is still slower than what is expected from a car of this calibre. However for it to be marketed as an everyday use supercar, the Gran Tourer characteristics of the AMG GT, coupled with its track-ready performance and the gobsmackingly beautiful interior should prove its worth. I suspect it will be mightily comfortable for owners who’re making their annual three-time pilgrimage from KL to Langkawi - if you know what I mean.
My only reserve on the AMG GT is that Mercedes-Benz seemed hell bent on beating the 911, and the benchmarking was so precise, so calculated in their approach that I can even imagine the business case showing Porsche’s 911, 911 S, 911 4S, 911 GTS etc, to propose the variety of variants that Mercedes-Benz could make.
You see, performance upgrades should only come after you tried your very best to optimise everything, and your reward is a significant upgrade in performance that you then feel the need to denote it differently.
For the AMG GT to debut with ‘a higher performance’ AMG GT S is a bit like a turn off. It is as if there’s too much use of the left-brain to create something that by right should appeal to the right-brain. They should’ve just tried their very best and surprise-bomb the hell out of the supercar establishment - like how they did with the A45 AMG. The kind of no focks given approach, almost meme worthy “Good morning 200hp hot hatches, here’s 360hp.”
So if you’re planning to buy the AMG GT because it’s touted as the 911 killer, you shouldn’t do so yet, because it’s obvious Mercedes-Benz has a business case to slowly release one by one, and that sucks because everyone, including Porsche, want the AMG GT to be a 911 killer.
C63 AMG S - Brutality becomes a form of art
The S-Class is stupendous. A shrunken S-Class on the other hand, was alarmingly refreshing at first, but soon resulted in visual confusion later on. However, just like a pink coloured sponge cake with a dash of Martini can be lit on fire, the creamiest of vanilla ice creams can turn into a night of obscene fun when dropped into a glass of Flaming Lamborghini.
Armed with a 4.0 litre V8 that produces an excess of 500hp, mixing it with carbon fibre wings and winglets sculpting the air of awe surrounding what should be ‘just a C-Class’ — this thing pops and crackles and burns rubber all day long.
While it may have the appearance of Hulk in Iron Man’s suit while wielding Thor’s hammer, the way it drives actually resembles closer to that of Captain America’s precision and grace but minus the lack of punch.
We’ve always heard or read that the old AMGs are blunt tools, all power and grunt but lacking the finesse of a BMW M3. It may sound like a criticism but like all things that attract attention and fanfare, flaws in desirable objects almost always becomes that of an enduring attachment, and that’s what made AMG fans love their raw machines.
It’s the equivalent of that sense of accomplishment when a rodeo tames a mustang and lights a cigarette, as opposed to a dressage master galloping their Baroque horses in precision and then sips tea.
Knowing this, Mercedes have elected retain the ‘wild-stang’ unleashed image, but honed the new C63 AMG’s chassis with the absolute talents of a track ready machine, and the combination is wicked.
While an M3 amazes you with the car’s capabilities, the C63 tricks you into believing that it’s due to your own capabilities - and the result is a wicked smile it puts on your face.
The C63 AMG is a tool of precision, superbly damped, wickedly fast, and the engine begs to be plundered. While it’s turbocharged, there’s no lack of aural drama either. Deep baritones of burble didn’t lose their way finding your eardrums as you drive faster and faster with the confidence it bestowed upon you through the accuracy of its every motion. If there’s an award for the best exhaust note in the business, it has got to be that of Mercedes AMGs.
It’s however not without flaws. The claimed 0-100km/h time of 4.0 seconds can only be achieved by engaging launch control - which is ‘cheat mode’. We tried several times launching the car from stationary, rowing through normal mode to sport mode. Each time we floor the throttle, irrespective of which mode we’re in, the transmission (in classic Mercedes fashion) will ask each of those 7 cogs whether they’re up for it before deciding to let them do their job. That’s frustrating because we don’t drive everyday using launch control.
You saw a smirky Golf R coming up next to you and then you both floored the throttle and very quickly those quad pipes will be in your sights before your car motors the Golf R out of the way of embarrassment. But what does that say? “That rich dude has slow reflexes even though his car’s fast”.
Don’t let that overshadow the rest of the car’s talents though, because getting around that is likely to be just a software update away, but suffice to say, Mercedes-Benz AMGs haven’t solved their slow transmission woes for now. The rest of the car? Absolutely brilliant. And the party piece is of course the interior of the new C-Class which all of you have heard-read-touch-smell, the one that trumps every premium car maker out there, making Audis feel like VWs. But I’m going to tell you this - It sucked in context.
Why? Because the S63 AMG Coupe is here, and my god, that is altogether another stratosphere away in terms of workmanship.
S63 AMG Coupe - Do you need the AMG badge?
I’d like to lay claim to the fact that we motoring journalists love cars, we love the car industry, we love the history, the progress, the foundation that makes great cars. Throughout the history of the automobile, there’re only a handful of carmakers who contributed to the betterment of the industry, and Mercedes-Benz is right up there – they invented the automobile.
In an age where most inventions are created by suppliers, any new carmaker can just pick up the phone, setup a meeting, place an order, and proceed with a photoshoot showing their engineers standing next to computers pointing at vague CAD drawings, yes, they R&D through their marketing departments.
But Mercedes-Benz is very different, they push boundaries, they gave jobs to Ferdinand Porsche, they saved BMW and Audi from the ruins of World War 2 - they are at the forefront, they’ve always had.
Sitting in an S63 AMG Coupe rekindles the excesses experienced by Mercedes-Benz owners in the roaring 1900s – ahead of its time, impossibly well built, beautifully crafted, elegantly designed, meticulously shaped.
The S63 AMG Coupe, is in spirit and all essence, the highest representation what the three-pointed star is all about. It speaks to car connoisseurs in the same way Hublot speaks to watch connoisseurs – watches that are created, marketed and priced through the stratosphere to lay claim to a certain heritage. If we were to talk about heritage, when Mercedes-Benz was dominating motorsports, Enzo Ferrari was still an employee of Alfa Romeo.
Hence amidst the chrome dials, the plush quilted leather, electronics that ‘sees’ pedestrians, suspension that ‘feels’ the road cambers to automatically levels itself during cornering, headlights swathed with Swarovski crystals, the S63 AMG Coupe reminded me - and hopefully everyone else in Daimler - that this is who and what they are.
In fact the S63 AMG Coupe might not even need the AMG badging, because it is everything that a Mercedes-Benz should be - the pinnacle of what the automotive industry is capable of. Whether you need it or not, and makes people like us dream - to want to own one, somehow, one day.
These are what dream cars are made of. And to see the greatest brand return to form, as a motoring industry devotee, I’d like to toast myself a glass of brandy to celebrate now.


Don’t Believe Rumours Of A Future Hybrid AWD Civic Type R, Its Pure Nonsense

If ANYONE tells you of rumours that an AWD Hybrid Civic Type R is soon coming, it's a load of NONSENSE!

Prior to the local launch of the
(FK8R) Honda Civic Type R
, Malaysian journalists were granted a sitdown with one of the Large Project Leaders behind the FK8R, it was a rare opportunity to geek about the details of the much-anticipated hot-hatch from Honda.

During the media session, he was prodded more than once about why Honda had not developed an AWD powertrain with a flappy-paddle DCT gearbox
like most of their competition
 – suggesting that it was a better way of putting 300+hp to the ground.  To which he firmly responded, “I know my car is faster than that car…”

The subsequent silence confirmed the fact that despite modern convention, Honda knows how to make a fast car, and the raft of lap records including that of the
Green Hell
 and
Mount Panorama
 in the years after have certainly cemented that fact. More so, the FK8R proved that its lifelong principles of delivering the perfect synthesis of power, lightness, handling balance, driving purity also makes fast cars – and hence, there was no reason to change it.

The
Type R in all its generations
 – has stood for simplicity of form that follows function. By keeping this simple, there are fewer parts, if there are fewer parts, it makes the car lighter, and if it’s lighter, it’ll stop quicker and also go faster everywhere else.

This is why Honda even resorts to using thinner glass and forego certain sound deadening components in the interest of shedding a few pounds. The
FK8R is the porkiest
, at 1,390kg, but that figure is only 74kg more than a regular Civic (1.5 TC-P) despite carrying a bigger (310PS/400Nm) 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, bigger wheels, tyres and brakes too.

This is why the rumours of an AWD, Hybrid
future Type R
 – conjected by a certain British publication (known for their drag races) were systematically rubbished. Most recently AutoEvolution called it a clickbait video and further added concrete insider info and analysed the feasibility of having the right powertrain, even if Honda wanted to do it.

There’s especially much speculation given the launch of the 11th-generation Honda Civic. As the
‘regular’ models gradually go to market
, there is much anticipation about the Civic Type R variant which has also been spotted testing as of late.

AutoEvolution has reported citing insider sources that a six-speed manual only remains the defacto option for the upcoming Civic Type R.

There is also the ‘AWD’ hybrid powertrain that needs to go into the Civic. Honda currently offers two main hybrid powertrain packages in its vehicles. The “i-MMD” which you might have heard off, in the
Honda City RS
, which combines an Atkinson Cycle engine with two electric motors and stops short of witchcraft to provide superb torque and efficiency – but it only powers the front wheels.

The second of which is the Honda
Super Handling–All Wheel Drive or SH-AWD
 which fuses an engine to power the front wheels and a pair of electric motors to power the rear wheels. This complex system is in use in certain Acura models and allows for torque distribution front to rear and even left to right between the rear tyres.

The
ultimate expression of this is the Honda NSX
 which combines a mid-mounted 3.5-litre turbocharged V6 engine with not one but three electric motors to power all four wheels through a 9-speed DCT transmission. The SH-AWD powertrain (in all its applications) is not only more complex, but it's also exceedingly expensive to make viable in a hot-hatch.

Honda theoretically could – but would you pay double the price of a
Mercedes-AMG A45S
 for a Honda Civic Type R? Not to mention, it would take a monumental effort to devise a compact platform to fit under the sheet metal of the 11th-generation Civic. AutoEvolution also further sighted insider info from Honda America that the upcoming Civic Type-R will not be AWD.

With all the above, it’s easy to see why AWD, Hybrid Honda Civic Type R is at least for now not feasible and at least in the case of car’s lineage and design principles, further removed from. This leaves us thinking the claims by the aforementioned British publication was nothing more than clickbait for an internet audience eagerly awaiting the latest generation of Honda’s giant-killing hot hatch.


Car Battery Kaput - Who Do You Call?

Car battery kaput or gone flat? These apps and phone numbers can help you out of a powerless position.

Let's face it, every motorist at some point will come across a flat or kaput battery in their car.

It usually happens unexpectedly, like when you're about to go or return from work or when you need to send the kids to school.

So what do you do when you come across this problem? Well, the first thing to do is not to panic, as there are several ways to start the car if it is a
battery-related problem
.

The methods are simple, and you can do it yourself.

1. Check your battery terminals

One of the most overlooked things when it comes to apparent dead batteries is loose battery cables, otherwise known as terminal ends or clamps. It is often overlooked because you can't really see them as they are
covered in modern cars
. The battery clamps can sometimes slide out or become loose and need reclamping.

To certify that the problem is a loose battery cable, you will need to have
access to the battery
, then gently wiggle the cable to see whether it can be rotated easily off the battery's terminal. If it is firmly stuck there, then it's probably not a loose battery cable problem.

2. Clean your battery terminals

If you see either a white, green or bluish residue on your battery terminal, this means your battery terminal has corrosion. According to NOCO, a multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, and markets automotive electronics, battery corrosion is caused by hydrogen gas released from the sulfuric acid inside the battery.

Battery corrosion is a poor conductor of electricity which explains why your car won't start. Try to clean off the residue, reclamp the terminals, and then start the car. If this doesn't work, then you'll have to move on to the next step.

3. Jump start

One of the most common problems when a car doesn't start boils down to it having a weak battery. It could be because it's an old battery which has lost its capability to hold its charge or just the simple fact that you've forgotten to switch off your headlights or any electrical accessory in your car.

A quick jump start will usually get the car to start, but it can sometimes be more of a band-aid rather than a fix depending on battery condition. Don't know how to jumpstart your car? Click on this
link
 for a guide.

If the jumpstart doesn't work and all else fails, just remember not to panic, as professional help is just a phone call away.

a. CarPut

CarPut is one of the quickest and most efficient ways to get roadside assistance. In addition to batteries, fuel delivery services, towing cars, and jumpstarts, CarPut also does minor roadside repairs.

One of the best things about CarPut is that they provide estimated charges before any work takes place. They also give you a few different battery options to suit your budget.

You can either call them on 1-800-18-0010 or download their application.

b. Bateriku.com

One of the main reasons why people love Bateriku is for the simple reason that they provide free inspection services when it comes to all things battery.

The Bateriku.com mobile application has a 4.9-star rating and has received much praise for providing fast and user-friendly service.

Just like CarPut, you can order a battery through Bateriku.com's mobile app or through their toll-free hotline,1800-22-2324.

3. BateriBoy

If your preferred battery choice is Amaron, then BateriBoy is probably the best place to get one. They pride themselves on not having any hidden surcharge as well as a free diagnosis of your vehicle's alternator.

Unlike Bateriku and CarPut, BateriBoy mainly operates through WhatsApp and their website. Nonetheless, they are all pretty straightforward as you only need to enter a few bits of information before their dedicated team gets back to you.

d. Century Battery

If on the other hand, you would like to specific brand of battery like Century battery, then Century with its 24/7 Klang Valley roadside assistant is the one to opt for.

Like the rest, installation and delivery of the battery are free, and you only have to pay for the battery itself. All you need to do is call their 24-hour hotline at 1-800-22-8837. You can also order Century batteries online at centurybattery.com.my


Honda Malaysia is Going Door to Door to Fix Your Airbags

Honda Malaysia has been working around the clock to replace the faulty airbag modules as part of the Takata recall campaign. After sending out notices and setting up mobile replacement centres they have managed to replace most of the modules, but 38% of the affected vehicles still remain unrectified. Their latest intiative is to go door-to-door and meet customers at their premises, mobilizing associates from 84 service centres nationwide.
The door-to-door mobile teams from Authorized Honda Service dealers associates will be in Honda uniforms together with an authorisation letter for customers’ convenience in recognizing the team. Customers may contact the Honda Toll Free number 1-800-88-2020 or Authorized Honda Service dealers for further confirmation when approached by the team. The door-to-door mobile teams will also make arrangements for replacement activities on-site where necessary for customers who are genuinely unable to go to any nearest dealers or temporary hubs.
At the same time, Honda Malaysia strongly encourages affected customers to make an appointment at any Authorised Honda Service dealers and Honda Service Central Hubs for the replacement. Affected customers can also walk-in to the Honda Service Central Hubs to replace their Takata driver front airbag inflator. Replacement activities at the Mobile Hubs and Honda Family Road Trip do not require advance appointment. For further enquiry on the Takata driver front airbag inflator replacement appointment, affected customers may contact Honda Toll Free number 1-800-88-2020.
This latest activity is in addition to the Honda Service Central Hubs, Mobile Hubs which are stationed at selected shopping malls, and Honda’s on-ground events such as the Honda Family Road Trip. Customers are encouraged to urgently replace their affected Takata front airbag inflators as the affected (driver/passenger) front airbag inflators manufactured by Takata may deploy with excessive internal pressure when activated. The airbag inflator casing might rupture, which may result in injury or fatality of the driver and passenger.


Pasir Gudang City Council Shifts to EV

The Pasir Gudang City Council (MBPG) is going green in a big way by replacing five of its official cars with
electric vehicles
 or EVs.

Apparently, it's all part of the MBPG's long-term plans to shift the council as well as the district into a more eco-friendly environment. Pasir Gudang's mayor, Datuk Asman Shah Abd Rahman, informed the press that they've ordered five EVs and more units like electric vans that will slowly be part of the council's mobility electrification in the future.

*Image credit: The Star

Pasir Gudang district moving to EVs

Johor's Mentri Besar, Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, was present to check out the cars unveiled by the Pasir Gudang City Council and the photo posted on
The Star
 was him sitting in a
Tesla
. Fancy stuff, but a small price to pay as a valiant effort to reduce their overall carbon footprint.

Datuk Asman also stated that the plan to shift over to EV for MBPG was suggested during the midst of COVID-19, but like most things, deliveries were delayed due to restrictions on many levels. Good intentions, but not so good timing?

Anyway, Pasir Gudang currently has three
EV charging stations
 (Pasir Gudang, Iskandar Puteri, and Johor Bahru) and with this move toward EVs, the council is indeed
planning for more
 to be built soon. All these cars have to charge somewhere and somewhere fast, right?

A quote from the local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor is an interesting one. According to him, "We need to move towards that as our neighbour Singapore is already taking proactive measures to limit vehicles running on diesel while encouraging the use of EVs. To benefit from Singapore’s economy, we must be on par with them."


Jualan Proton Terganggu Akibat Isu Bekalan Cip

Isu bekalan cip menjadi penghalang dan masalah kepada Proton apabila jualan bulan April mencatat 8,839 unit (domestik + eksport), penurunan sebanyak 32.2% berbanding bulan Mac 2022.

Jualan bagi
Proton
 mengikut model untuk bulan April 2022 adalah seperti berikut.

Model

Jumlah Unit Terjual

Jumlah Jualan 2022

Pencapaian Jualan untuk April 2022

Saga

4,579

14,028

Jualan sedan segmen-A kedua tertinggi

Persona

622

4,402

Jualan sedan segmen-B ketiga tertinggi

Exora

301

1,048

Jualan MPV segmen-C tertinggi

Iriz

253

1,569

Jualan hatchback segmen-B keempat tertinggi

X70

1,530

5,768

Jualan SUV segmen-C tertinggi

X50

1,554

8,730

Jualan SUV segmen-B tertinggi

Total

8,839

35,545

Jualan Proton terganggu akibat isu bekalan cip

“Selepas dua tahun dengan jualan yang terjejas akibat pandemik, pasaran automotif Malaysia menunjukkan  potensi pertumbuhan yang kukuh pada 2022, ia terbukti dengan senarai menunggu yang panjang untuk  penghantaran kereta baharu. Proton dengan sedaya upaya memenuhi permintaan pasaran, tetapi kami juga  mesti mengakui yang kami paling terjejas oleh isu bekalan cip.

“Kami bersyukur kerana kami telah memperoleh bekalan cip untuk bulan Mei dan Jun dan mengunjurkan  pemulihan yang pantas dalam beberapa bulan yang akan datang. Situasi masih tidak menentu bagi sepanjang  tahun ini dan industri kereta global berada di bawah tekanan tinggi akibat kenaikan kos, tetapi Syarikat sedang mengusahakan penyelesaian terhadap isu-isu ini untuk memastikan pelanggan kami mendapat produk dan nilai terbaik di Malaysia dan di luar negara,” kata Roslan Abdullah, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif, Proton Edar.

Yang pasti, isu bekalan cip kini sudah sah terasa di Malaysia oleh Proton sendiri, dan tanpa solusi di depan mata, kita hanya boleh mengagak bila bekalan cip ini akan pulih sepenuhnya.

Adakah ini bakal menggangu pelancaran
Proton Saga MC2
 dan
Proton X70 MC1
 yang bakal berlangsung tidak lama lagi?


Petronas Dynamic Diesel Euro 5 With Pro-Drive Now Available In Sabah

In line with the increasing demand for better quality and cleaner diesel in the region, Petronas Dagangan Berhad (PDB) has extended its enhanced Dynamic Diesel Euro 5 with Pro-Drive to Sabah.
The company announced that the Dynamic Diesel Euro 5 with Pro-Drive will be available in 20 stations by year-end, and will be made available gradually in more stations next year.
Based on the laboratory tests conducted, the Petronas Dynamic Diesel Euro 5 with Pro-Drive removes deposits and protects injectors thus allowing the fuel to effectively clean the engine, ensuring optimum engine efficiency.
PDB’s Head of Retail Business Division, Aadrin Azly, said, “Since we launched this earlier in Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak, we have received good feedback and have seen a marked increase in our diesel sales volume. Sensing the growing demand for better quality and cleaner diesel, we are ramping up efforts in making sure everyone will benefit from the new formulation, including Sabahans.”
According to Petronas, the Dynamic Diesel Euro 5 with Pro-Drive has a higher cetane number than many other diesel fuels in the market, which improves combustion resulting in smoother drivability, cleaner emission and lower noise. The fuel also has higher heating value, indicating more energy per kilogram fuel to deliver better fuel economy.
The fuel was put to the test during the ‘Experience to Believe’ road trip, where various diesel car clubs got to test the fuel first hand.
One of the participants, Ritchie Fernandez who drove a Mitsubishi Triton said, “The Petronas Dynamic Diesel Euro 5 with Pro-Drive reduces consumption, and provides savings about 2% - 3%."
Another participant, Lum Tuck Chin, the owner of a Ford Ranger commented, “I definitely experience better fuel consumption. Even driving on the highway with a 'heavy foot', I could still save about one litre per 100 kilometer.”


Linkin Park and Mercedes-Benz Join Forces Once Again in Latest Video

Fans of popular rock band Linkin Park might not be happy with how their music has mellowed down over the years but we petrolheads are somewhat happy with the band for one reason – they are into cars!
While the band announced its involvement in the 24 hours of Spa last year with a Mercedes-AMG GTS car sporting the band’s design, their latest video titled “Heavy” features the AMG GT in all its glory. Some of you may even remember the promo video of the AMG GTR which featured Linkin Park's hit song - Papercut.
We are not sure what the deal is between the folks at Stuttgart and Linkin Park but the video basically looks and sounds like a 5-minute promo video for the car.
As much as rock purists are likely to cringe when they hear the song, there is no denying the fact that the first thing they would think of when they hear the track, is probably the car.
According to Linkin Park, the song is part of the band’s upcoming album titled “One More Light” which is due to be released very soon.
Fans that can’t wait for the release can head to the band’s official website and pre-order a copy now itself.


All-New Chevrolet Malibu Open For Sale In China

The all-new Chevrolet Malibu is now available for pre-orders in China. Prices range from RMB 164,900 to RMB 199,900 (RM110,480 to RM133,930).
There are three petrol engines to choose from – 2.0-litre DVVT, 2.4-litre SIDI, and 1.6-litre EcoTec turbo. All three engines are paired to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Inside, Chevrolet says the main highlight of the all-new Malibu is its MyLink 2.1 infotainment system with an 8-inch high definition colour touch screen. The system has been tailored for the Chinese market and supports voice recognition and voice navigation in Chinese language.
The system is also compatible with Android and Apple smartphones.
The front suspension is a MacPherson type design while the rear is supported by a reinforced four-link suspension.
This brief set of info are all that we have from Chevrolet for now.


Geneva 2019- Nissan Teases IMQ Concept, New Hybrid Tech?

Nissan will be showcasing another concept that “embodies the future of Nissan Intelligent Mobility” called the IMQ concept. The brand also hints that this could end up being in your future driveway.
Just six weeks earlier at the Detroit motor show 2019, Nissan unveiled the IMs concept- a high-riding sedan that previews the company’s concept of a high-performance electric powertrain, autonomous driving, and interior hospitality.
It seems like the IMQ will be a crossover concept of the recently unveiled IMs high-riding sedan concept car. They do seem to share the same grey exterior colour with bronze highlights on the top-most portion of the vehicle.
However, initial indicators reveal the IMQ could preview a new
e-Power series-hybrid
 powertrain, as opposed to the IMs which is a fully-electric vehicle.
Full details of the IMQ concept will be made available from March 5th at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show 2019.


Review: 2015 Hyundai Tucson TL – Moving Up the Value Chain

A decade is a relatively short period in the context of automotive history, but within the confines of this timeframe, Hyundai has been able to cycle its Tucson SUV through three model generations.
Whilst the first-generation
Tucson
 made little impact beyond offering itself as a value-driven alternative to the
CR-V
, the second-generation LM model turned the market on its head with its ground-breaking Fluidic Sculpture styling that was concurrently introduced with the
Sonata
 YF.
Indeed, Hyundai’s big styling gamble paid off in giving the marque a quantum leap in brand perception among consumers. Slowly, Hyundai is shedding its image of being the poor man’s choice in whatever segments it competes in.
As the Fluidic Sculpture generation of models enter the end of their respective cycles, Hyundai finds itself in transition between model eras. The latest Tucson aims to embody a more matured reinterpretation of Hyundai's distinctive styling language.
Specifications:
Variant Tested: Executive
Price: RM146,888, on-the-road with insurance
Engine: 2.0-litre, inline-4 transverse, DOHC
Power: 155PS @ 6,200rpm
Torque: 192Nm @ 4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed torque converter automatic, FWD
Safety: 6 airbags, ABS, ESC, ISOFIX (rear), hill start assist, downhill brake control, brake assist
Origin: Locally-assembled at Kulim, Kedah
Overview?
Mechanically, the Tucson is standardized to offer a 2.0-litre petrol engine driving its front wheels through Hyundai’s in-house 6-speed automatic transmission. The all-aluminium Nu series four-cylinder powertrain was first introduced when the previous model was facelifted and is carried over here with minimal changes.
Hyundai offers the Tucson with a selection of two grades, starting from Elegance trim at RM133,888 with insurance. At this level, standard equipment includes dual frontal airbags, electronic stability control, halogen projector headlamps, rear fog lights, leather upholstery, steering-mounted controls, touchscreen, USB/Bluetooth, and reverse camera.
Our test vehicle for this review is the higher grade Executive trim which, for an additional outlay of RM13k, throws in side and curtain airbags, emergency video recorder, driver-side electric seat adjustment, smart keyless entry, auto cruise, and satellite navigation. Interestingly, the upper variant also gets a differently-configured centre console that features an electronic parking brake and rear air-con vents.
Unlike in days gone by, Hyundai no longer competes on keen pricing these days. For starters, it sees the CR-V almost at eye level. As tested, the Tucson in Executive spec asks for RM4,000 more than the entry-level CR-V 2.0 FWD without offering a significant advantage in equipment. The
Mazda CX-5
, which incidentally rolls out from the same Inokom plant in Kulim, is available from below RM130k in its base 2.0 2WD GL spec, rising to about RM144k for the better-appointed 2.0 2WD High variant.
If you’re still living by the thinking that Hyundai sells cars to people who can’t afford to go Japanese, it’s time to recalibrate that impression.
Exterior
Compared to the shock and awe delivered by the Tucson LM in 2010, the new Tucson TL adopts relatively restrained styling cues. Nevertheless, there are enough creases and curves on its metalwork to ensure that this is not a design you would accuse as being conservative. Bucking the trend toward bigger rims, we like that the Tucson’s wheels are sensibly sized at 17 inches regardless of trim.
Also standard regardless of trim are halogen projector headlamps, although LED daytime running lights are added to the Executive variant. At night, the setup provides adequate illumination, but the halogen bulb’s yellow hue knocks down the vehicle’s perceived value especially when contrasted with the bright white glow of xenon or LED headlamps found in many rivals.
Interior
Contrasting its curvaceous sheet metal, the Tucson’s cabin is a place which flair is not lavished in abundance. Instead, Hyundai has opted to provide an environment that is well-built, functional, and easy to live with. The striking red leather of our test vehicle is perhaps the only noteworthy factor of the cabin, but we acknowledge that it may not be to everyone’s taste; customers can alternatively specify their interiors in black or white trims.
Ergonomics of the cabin are well sorted with controls and instruments laid out in a clear, easy-to-understand configuration. Oddment storage is well provided for and build quality is solid, but Hyundai’s selection of materials are somewhat puzzling, lining up fine soft touch plastics at distant panels whilst finishing prominent touch points with coarser grade materials. This little oddity aside, the Tucson’s cabin is a place in which the basics are well taken care of, albeit without much of an artistic touch.
Luggage space is decently sized at 488 litres and a tonneau cover is provided, which can be fastened on two mounting slots to allow for reclining of the rear seats. In the event the tonneau cover is not needed, a third mounting slot is provided at boot floor level to stow it away securely.
As with most SUVs, the rear seats come with 60:40 split folding that allow expansion of the cargo hold to a more sizable 1,478 litres. However, because the seat’s lower section is fixed, it’s not a perfectly flat loading floor, although it’s a seamless one. A major oversight is the lack of a latch to release the seat backs from the rear, meaning seat folding can only be facilitated through the vehicle's side - not exactly convenient when you're loading things in a hurry.
How does it drive?
Hyundai vehicles are not often known for their enthusiast appeal, and the Tucson does not have a go at challenging that pre-conception. It covers the basics well enough to meet the needs of typical buyers in this segment, but ultimately does little beyond firmly establishing itself as a strong mid-table contender.
Against the competition, Hyundai’s sole configuration of having an atmo-breathing 2.0-litre engine powering the front wheels just about meets the segment’s entry requirements. Performance, as you would expect, is far from sparkling, but it’s largely adequate, and the four-cylinder petrol mill endears itself with a peppy willingness to rev. It is well-matched to Hyundai’s proven and smooth-shifting 6-speed auto.
Around corners, the Tucson is also not found wanting for grip by the lack of all-wheel traction. The suspension does a fine job in keeping body roll manageable and the steering complements that well with finely-judged accuracy and responsiveness. Overall tuning of the chassis gives the Tucson safe and predictable dynamics well-suited for a wide range of conditions, albeit lacking in intimacy and communicativeness. Drivers coming from a Honda CR-V are not likely to feel downgraded.
How comfortable is it?
Complementing its half-decent dynamics, the Tucson also offers good ride comfort. Isolation of most undulations and disturbances are commendably effective, and the chassis exhibits good composure over a variety of surfaces. The suspension setup, as a whole, feels calibrated with good sense.
Refinement feels well-honed too, with evident care shown in the deployment of sound deadening material to help cancel out external sources of noise. A part throttle cruising, the Tucson’s cabin is as quiet an environment as they come.
How economical is it?
Hyundai did not provide any claimed fuel consumption numbers for Tucson although, for the record, our test car averaged a recorded 11.2 litres/100km over a 300km test route of mixed urban and highway driving – far from impressive especially after considering that the
BMW X1
, a significantly more powerful vehicle, and the
Mitsubishi ASX
, which had the added burden of all-wheel drive, both returned 10.5 litres/100km in similar conditions.
So it’s a little thirsty, but Hyundai does return some savings to you at the service centre. Your first six services, which occurs at 6-month/10,000km intervals after the first 1,000km check, are on the house. Customers can optionally top in an extra RM104.72 to upgrade from semi- to fully-synthetic lubrication. Beyond that, the following charges apply:
36 months / 60,000km – RM765.39
42 months / 70,000km – RM237.49
48 months / 80,000km – RM552.29
54 months / 90,000km – RM520.19
60 months / 100,000km – RM373.49
* Includes use of semi-synthetic engine oil only. Additional RM104.72 for fully-synthetic. Further charges apply for non-regular maintenance items.
Conclusion
Hyundai are fast learners. Only in its third model generation, the Tucson already looks and feels like a matured and well-developed product that is backed by decades of experience. It is no longer a bargain basement product like its predecessors, but a contender playing in a competitive field based on merit.
It is a quietly competent performer that covers all the relevant basics very well whilst erring in very few areas, but what the Tucson lacks is a stand-out feature. It does not have a unique selling point that answers the question on why should one buy it over a CR-V. There is no justification to actively discourage you from buying one, but there isn’t an active reason that says you definitely should either.


Say Goodbye To The Bugatti Veyron With This Farewell Video

The Bugatti Veyron is no more
. With the completion of Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse chassis number 450, the company will now move on to future plans that could possibly include the replacement for the fastest car in the world. Before any of that however, they’ve released this video that shows us the ‘making of’ the last Veyron, La Finale.
The video shows us each step of La Finale’s hand-built journey from the construction of the chassis and suspension components and mating of the massive 8.0-litre W16, 1,200hp powertrain to it. From there, we get to see the men and women who continue the work with the various exposed carbon fibre body panels.
Also keep in mind that this car will hit 100 km/h from 0 in just 2.6 seconds and will soldier on to 410 km/h while carrying a bevy of luxurious leather trimming, each handmade and fitted by experienced personnel. And with this final production unit, there have been several personalisation and details that make it
stand out from the rest
.
Towards the end of the video, we see a final team of skilled craftsman inspect and perfect every element of the car before it is finally brought out into the real world. In the end, we are greeted by the faces of those who worked to create this masterpiece and the key placed in a special box, destined for its owner.
The last Bugatti Veyron, what a car.


Malaysia New Car Sales Dropped Another 12% in May

Malaysia's
Total Industry Volume (TIV)
 in new car sales for May 2022 stood at 49,603 units - a drop of 12% compared to
April 2022
.

According to the sales stats presented by the
Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA)
, the reasons contributing to this drop were due to two main aspects:

Short working month due to the Hari Raya festive holidays

Shortage of chips
 and components and logistics delay disruptions continue to affect some manufacturers

On a positive note, the Year-To-Date sales volumes comparison between May 2022 and May 2021 saw an improvement. Compared to the 49,603 units sold in May 2022, May 2021 was 2,396 units down at 47,207 units.

Looking at the projections for June 2022, MAA stated that there's a possibility that these figures will further improve due to the SST exemption finally coming to an end on 30 June 2022. Those who wish to enjoy the sales tax exemption may place their booking before this month's end and get the new cars registered before March 2023.


Promo Video By Hyundai Teases New Coupe

Promotional videos by car companies often aren't described as exciting. But Hyundai appears to be hiding something in their latest promo video.
Somewhere near the 1:12 mark of Hyundai's latest promo video, we can spot a clay model of what could be a new coupe from Hyundai.
Looking at the clay model, it appears that the mysterious coupe gets a low slung roof and a wide rear end. The tail lights are also rather angular in shape, sitting above what seems to be a rather sporty rear bumper.

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 Hyundai did not say what does the clay model represent, but we are guessing that the model teased could be a spiritual replacement of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, which went out of production last year. However, Hyundai's Genesis nameplate is now an independent brand that produces premium models.


New 2018 Porsche 911 Green-Lit To Feature Hybrid Tech

The next phase in the
Porsche

911
’s evolution will come in the form of electric drive and, apparently, will find their way into customer’s hands from 2018, which is when the next generation of the car is due to be unveiled.
Motoring.com.au
 has reported that, as of right now, at least two of Porsche’s most senior executives have made it rather clear that the automaker’s most coveted model, the 911 sports car, will be a hybrid – driven by both gasoline and electric motors.
The first spawn of this new direction is reported to take the form of the all-wheel-drive 911 Carrera 4, inheriting technology developed from Porsche’s Le Mans racing program and the
Porsche 918 Spyder
. Former Australian F1 driver and now Porsche 919 racer Mark Webber is in support, confident that customers are “ready to embrace the next step in sports cars.”
"They will, because we're not easy to convince, as racing drivers, with this technology," said the Porsche driver at Le Mans.
The Australian motoring site also said that more details surrounding the next-generation 911 with hybrid technology will only be made clearer closer to its release in 2018. The future Carrera 4 will likely use its electric motor to drive the front wheels while its petrol-powered motor will drive the rear wheels.
Porsche’s motorsports boss, Dr Frank-Stefan Walliser said during the Le Mans 24 Hours regarding the possible omission of the central differential, "It would be a Carrera 4, why not? With four-wheel drive what you can do, the freedom you have how to use the traction, you're not depending on the speed between the different axles."
Motoring Australia also said that the Stuttgart automaker will reveal the facelifted Type 991 Porsche 911 at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show in September that will be the first to feature smaller displacement turbocharged petrol engines.
With emissions regulations becoming stricter, the upper echelons of the 911 range will need to undergo even more dramatic changes to make the cut, which brings us to the necessity to include hybrid technology in the next generation 911 (tentatively called Type 992).
Porsche has been a clear proponent of plug-in hybrid technology and has implemented it into the Cayenne, Panamera, and 918 Spyder. But with the 911, as Walliser elaborates, the issue becomes more precarious as it involves the brand’s most historically significant and fiercely protected model.
"It has to feel like a Porsche and like a 911. It must drive like these cars always drive," says Walliser, with Motoring Australia speculating that the first iterations to adopt this technology are to be paired with normally aspirated engines.
“I would say normally aspirated [engines] are the better choice [for 911 hybrid]. You save the weight of the turbo and you have the low-end torque of the electric motors so that fits normally better. I expect we'll end up with every model line with a plug-in hybrid.”
However, Dr. Wolfgang Hatz, head of research and development at Porsche, is the man who ultimately will have the final say on the matter. Walliser says that Hatz, though, is also advocating the pairing of naturally aspirated engines and hybrid technology.
Dr. Hatz told Motoring.com.au, “Personally I'm a strong supporter of hybrid technology. I push hard for this. I tell you if it improves performance, then we need it on our sports cars. If it's fun to drive, people will want that.”


Toyota Calya/Daihatsu Sigra Spotted – A Perodua Bezza MPV?

Earlier in May, we’ve reported that undisguised images of Toyota and Daihatsu’s upcoming low-cost MPV, to be called
Toyota Calya
 and Daihatsu Sigra, have been leaked to the Indonesian press.
Today, the folks at Indonesia’s
AutoNetzMag.com
 have uploaded a video of the Toyota Calya/Daihatsu Sigra being driven on Indonesian roads.
PT Toyota Astra Motor and PT Astra Daihatsu Motor are expected to make an official introduction for the Calya/Sigra at the coming Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) in August. Details on engine and transmission options are likely to be announced there, but we think it should be a 1.2-litre unit to comply with Indonesia's Low Cost Green Car (LCGC) requirements.
As mentioned in our earlier story, the Calya/Sigra is jointly developed by Toyota and Daihatsu, and is based on the Toyota Agya/Daihatsu Ayla – both of which are essentially a Perodua Axia with slightly different styling.
In the same way the upcoming
Perodua Bezza
 is an Axia that has been adapted into a sedan body type, the Calya/Sigra is an Axia with a seven-seater MPV body.
As such, the Calya/Sigra is unlike to replace the Perodua Alza, which is based on the Myvi.
It is not known if Perodua has any further plans for the Axia’s platform apart from spinning off the Bezza sedan, but the prospect of a low-cost MPV that sits below the Perodua Alza is not too unreasonable. The Alza starts at RM55k for a basic 1.5 Manual model, still a bit too expensive for many low income families.
Read our earlier story on the
Toyota Calya/Daihatsu Sigra
.


New 2017 Honda City Facelift Launched In Thailand

Three years after the Honda City made its regional debut in Thailand, Honda has given its best-selling B-segment sedan a mid-life make over.
The most notable difference in the new City are its LED headlights and a pair new bumpers at the front and the rear, new chrome grille and new alloy wheels. The daytime running lights and front fog lamps are LEDs as well.
Inside, the new City features a newly-designed interior with a gun metallic-color accented console. The interior lights have also been upgraded to LEDs as well.
Mechanically, it remains the same car as the outgoing City, powered by a 1.5-litre SOHC i-VTEC engine paired to a CVT-type automatic transmission. A 5-speed manual is also available in Thailand.
Safety features remain the same, with the top-end models receiving six airbags including Dual SRS, i-Side Airbags, and Side Curtain Airbags; Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA); Hill Start Assist (HSA); Emergency Stop Signal (ESS); and a Multi-angle Rearview Camera.
In Thailand, the City is available in six variants.
SV+ CVT                         751,000 Baht
SV CVT                            736,000 Baht
V+ CVT                            689,000 Baht
V CVT                              649,000 Baht
S CVT                              589,000 Baht
S MT                                 550,000 Baht
As our Malaysian market Honda City models are locally-assembled at Honda's plant in Pegoh, Melaka, there will be some gap between Thailand's introduction and Malaysia's. However considering Honda's history in the past. The gap is unlikely to be be more than 6 months.


Police looking for BMW iX driver caught sleeping while driving

The police are currently looking for a man who was caught driving a
BMW iX
 EV while asleep at the wheel.

The man has been identified as Tay Wee Shen, the boyfriend of Malaysia's local DJ and social media influencer, Gatita Yan. How did this come to be? Gatita posted the short clip on her Instagram story of her boyfriend being asleep at the wheel while the BMW iX was on 'autopilot' on the highway near Ipoh, Perak.

While no harm was done in the sleepy and irresponsible act, PDRM will be fining the boyfriend as it has been deemed by the authorities as 'dangerous and illegal'. When the driver has both of his hands and feet away from controlling the car, you can bet your hard-earned money that it's indeed illegal, folks.

Sin Chew Daily
 reported that Perak police chief Datuk Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri stated "Drivers are allowed to activate the automatic driving function, but they cannot sleep while driving, and both hands must be on their steering wheels at all times to ensure safety."

"The police will investigate under Section 10 of the Road Transport Act 1987 if any person is found to be driving without their hands on the steering wheel," added Yusri.


Porsche Approved Pre-Owned Cars- More Accessible Into The Passion

Porsche models are the dream vehicles of many. With an ever-increasing global demand and expanding customization option for customers which adds to the final price tag, buying a quality used Porsche might be the only option for some.
Porsche Approved Pre-Owned Cars was established in 2011 with the aim to make the entry into the Porsche ownership experience more accessible. While transacting at a lower price, the brand has taken plenty of measures and man-hours to ensure that each vehicle is properly restored to be as good as a newly-new car. As the saying goes, “there are no old Porsches, just new owners”.
Porsche Approved Pre-Owned Cars delivers the same level of driving pleasure and engineering integrity that a brand new Porsche from the factory delivers. Strict restrictions are applied, such as low mileage of under 100,000-kilometre mileage as well as having the full-service history with a Porsche dealership.
Once a vehicle is selected as a good candidate for approved pre-owned sales, SDAP thoroughly performs a 111-point examination on the Porsche, including 39 points on the interior. Any imperfections are taken care with the standard that complies with Porsche Preparation Standards and only performed by qualified technicians using only Porsche approved components and parts with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.
A final road test is done to ensure all systems (for example braking, stability control, steering, and noise levels) meet the company’s strict standards.
Apart from the full suite of after-sales care given by SDAP, for instance, a 24-month comprehensive warranty plus roadside assistance, customers are also invited to join the unique Porsche Experience track days and other exclusive lifestyle events.
Having the Porsche brand so synonymous with motorsports, owners are encouraged to enjoy the best experience of their Porsche in the safe and controlled environment of the Sepang circuit. Last year, SDAP held the Porsche Experience sessions quarterly with owners of the two-door models, complete with instructors, on-site Porsche technical assistance as well as hospitality that befit the brand.
Warranties are still applied to driving sessions at SDAP organized Porsche Experience track days.
With just a low price to entice prospects, all the parallel importers cannot offer these ownership benefits. These dealers are merely traders, as they do not have the resources to find the best condition Porsche, questionable history and certainly do not provide the factory-backed warranty.
Carlist.my has made it easier for interested prospects to view a selected range of Porsche Approved Pre-Owners models in the
Carlist.my dedicated page here
. More models can be found at Porsche Centre Glenmarie, Sungai Besi, and Penang.
In conjunction with SDAP's Raya Open House celebration, a complimentary insurance coverage of one year will be offered for bookings of a Porsche Approved Pre-Owned unit this weekend, 14th - 15th July.


Goodyear Malaysia Installs 6,680 Solar Panels To Go Green, Reduce 1,980 Tons Of CO2 Emissions

Nowadays when we look at green, eco-friendly cars, there's far more scrutiny as to how green a car is, not merely from a consumption standpoint. These days the assessment even goes right down to the production and materials acquisition process, which is why many companies are targeting carbon neutral production. Tyre companies are subject to this same kind of scrutiny, and Goodyear Malaysia has decided to get ahead of the curve with the installation of 6,680 solar panels on both their corporate headquarters and production plant in Shah Alam.
These solar panels are capable of generating 2.5 megawatts of power, which will go towards powering not only the factory but the offices and warehouses attached as well. Each panel is constructed from 375W Bifacial Monocrystalline Perc Double Glass Modules, which sees 3% to 15% more electricity generated over other component options. The amount of carbon emissions reduced over the next 25 years will be around 1,980,433.37 kilograms - a fairly hefty amount.
Living in such a sunny country, one wonders why more companies haven't made the investment yet. Even if not for reducing carbon emissions, there is plenty of free, un-harnessed energy there for the taking every day - which could in turn reduce electricity bills by a decent amount.


A Father And Son’s Love For BMW – Fuel As Thick As Blood

Perhaps it starts with a simple attraction, the iconic roundels that adorn every hood, or the simplicity of the kidney grille, that regardless of how small, tall or wide – sends a clear message, one that inspires aspiration and the desire to get behind the wheel… and drive.
Thanit Ruangwadipong’s love affair with BMWs began one faithful day when his dad picked him up after school and took him to check out some used cars, he recalls asking about the round logo, which his dad later confirms, is the car they were there to see.
That faithful car was a BMW (E21) 320i Coupe, which played a part in the family, both as a faithful workhorse and as Thanit’s first car when he went to university.
Thanit also recalls the effect of seeing a BMW (E36) Z3 Convertible for the first time in the James Bond flick “Goldeneye”, a memory which so perfectly crystallised at a young age, that it became his dream car. Thanit acquired a Z3 some 10 years later.
Thanit’s story reads an endearing saga, a love shared between father and son, a bond thickened by the love of BMWs and a legacy that he hopes to pass on to his children.
He explains that he’ll never sell any of his BMWs because to him they're more than just cars… it’s a record of memories shared and adventures fulfilled.


June 2018 New Vehicle Sales- A Great Month For All

As expected, June 2018 was a great month for almost all makes. Yes, there was a make which could not capitalize on that ‘three month 'tax holiday' from June to August 2018.
A total of 64,502 units of vehicles were sold in Malaysia, with consumers pulling their new vehicle purchase ahead thanks to the zero-rated GST as well as festive period promotions.
For comparison, the sales of new vehicles in Malaysia back in March 2015, the final month before implementation of GST (where consumers were unsure of the direction of prices), stood at 67,314 units.
In terms of the Total Industry Volume (TIV) for the first six months of 2018, the surge in June helped push the total sales to 289,714 units, just 5,261 units or 1.8 percent better compared to last year.
Last month, only Perodua registered poorer month-on-month sales, with the company making 10.8 percent fewer sales in June versus May. Nonetheless, Perodua still tops sales for the month of June month with 19,611 units sold.
The reduction of Perodua sales, especially when prices are lower during the ‘tax-free holiday’, is due to the company’s large backlog of Myvi orders, as there is still a two to three month waiting period for the popular hatchback before the announcement of zero-rated GST.
With 117,098 units sold for the first half of 2018, Perodua commands a 40.4 percent market share, a massive five percent better than last year.
June 2018 also looks set to be the best month of sales for many companies, Toyota registering a record 11,482 units, Subaru over 800 units, and Renault with 156 units.
The premium makes enjoy an even larger surge in sales. Mercedes-Benz recorded sales of 1,797 units, BMW achieving 1,380 units, Volvo and Lexus with close to 200 units and MINI with 150 units. Porsche also managed to move 52 units of their sportscar products in June.
However, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) announced that they have revised the 2018 TIV by reducing 5,000 units to 585,000 units. Although the association is expecting great sales numbers in June and July, there are insufficient stocks to sustain the high amounts of bookings.
Datuk Aishah Ahmad, President of MAA, said that there is a lead time of four months for assembly plants to place orders for knocked-down packs to complete assembly of a vehicle. Thus, customers who place their bookings for a new vehicle today might not have benefit from the tax-free pricing if their vehicle is only ready for collection in September.
Following the success of Carlist.my DRIVE event last year,
readers can find the best deals for zero-rated GST
 before they disappear. Head over to Setia City Convention Centre in Setia Alam this weekend of 27th to 29th July for a fun-filled day for the entire family.
Datuk Aishah also said with
 prices expected to increase in September
 courtesy of the implementation of the 10 percent sales tax, the remaining four months of 2018 are expected to register low sales volume.


Leaked: New Special Edition Isuzu D-Max Model Due For Malaysia

Now that the
all-new Toyota Hilux
 has been launched, it is only reasonable to expect Isuzu, which still holds a strong sway in the East Malaysian market where pick-up trucks dominate, to react with at least some of product reinforcement for its D-Max.
Thailand has already launched a new
D-Max with a 1.9-litre Ddi Blue Power
 engine that’s actually more powerful than the outgoing 2.5-litre unit, but exports have yet to commence so the current D-Max will continue to soldier a little longer, probably until end of this year.

We received the set of images below in our Facebook’s inbox, purportedly for an upcoming special edition D-Max model.
The unnamed black-white ‘panda’ colour themed special edition D-Max appears to wear matte black alloy wheels, black decals and black fenders on a white coloured body. The standard D-Max’s chrome garnish on the tail lamps, headlamps, wing mirrors, grille, sports bar, door handles and roof rails have all been replaced with black painted items.
It is unknown if this is for a 2.5-litre or a 3.0-litre D-Max but the LS badge on the fenders suggests that the donor car is a 2.5-litre model.


Tokyo 2017: Toyota's GR HV SPORTS Concept Is An Eco Friendly Sports Car

While this concept may be a little early in its stages, it is an interesting proposition nonetheless. This is the GR HV SPORTS Concept, and Toyota is planning to bring it to the Tokyo Motor Show in a couple of weeks. While it's fairly obvious that it's based on a Toyota GT86 (from the hip lines), there are plenty of unique changes that make it worth paying attention to.
The roof may be a targa top, and both the front and rear end may feature some styling changes that give it a slightly more aggressive look, but these aren't the things we're excited about. What we find interesting is what's tucked beneath the bonnet and behind the rear seats: the GR HV SPORTS Concept is supposedly powered by the Toyota Hybrid System-Racing (THS-R) derived from the TS-050 Hybrid race car.
The interior gets a slight rework as well, with a rather interesting placement of switchgear. The automatic controls are replaced with buttons located on the centre console, much like a high end supercar. Despite this, however, the shifter remains an H-pattern to allow for manual-like shifting, despite the car being an automatic. The start-stop button is relocated to inside the gear lever- not entirely necessary, but still a nice touch.
Whether this develops into a full on product down the line remains to be seen. It is a necessary step for Toyota as their naturally aspirated GT86 will not survive the coming wave of emissions regulations, so this pre-emptive measure for a hybrid sports car is a smart move. It also echoes the direction of the up-and-coming Toyota Supra, which will be powered by BMW powertrains and possibly have a hybrid variant as well.


MAI Expects More Than 250,000 Visitors At Malaysia Autoshow 2018

With just three weeks remaining before the Malaysia Autoshow 2018 opens its doors, organiser of the event; the Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) announced yesterday that they are expecting more visitors at this year’s event following last year’s success.
The fourth edition of the annual Malaysia Autoshow will be held from 26th to 29th April at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS).
Highlights of the event will include:
Intelligent Mobility Experience (IMEX)
Lucky Draw with a Kia Picanto as the grand prize
German marque Borgward’s Malaysian debut
The opportunity to own a set of personalised legal tender stamps from POS Malaysia
Special financing packages by Maybank valid only for cars purchased at the event
Holiday packages for 8 lucky customers who book and purchase a car at the event
There will also be an outdoor area, with activities such as:
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) demonstration in a Perodua
Free car inspection
Go-kart racing
Mitsubishi Obstacle Course
Music on Wheels showcase of in-car entertainment systems upgrades
Off-road driving experience by 4x4 clubs
Toyota 4x4 Experience
Honda Sensing technology demonstration
Test drives of latest models
Specialty themed Culture and Cuisine Pavilion
Food trucks
Maybank, which is the official financing partner for the Malaysia Autoshow 2018, will be offering online submissions for hire purchase applications as well as discounts for entry ticket purchases using its QRPay option.
With ‘360-degree Mobility Experience’ as the theme, more than 100 cars comprising some of the latest models in the market and Volvo classic cars will be on display.
According to MAI, the dates of the Malaysia Autoshow have been moved from November to April this year in order to allow for further expansion of attractions at the autoshow in the editions to come.
“The new April dates take the Malaysia Autoshow out of the packed second half calendar to allow room for the availability of better displays at the show from around the globe in the future, such as concept vehicles and latest technology related to transportation and mobility,” said MAI’s CEO Dato Madani Sahari.
The entrance fee for Malaysia Autoshow 2018 is RM10 per entry. Children below 12 years of age will be given free access, while students will gain free admission on Thursday (26th March 2018).
Visitors can also enjoy discounted ticket prices by purchasing
online
.


Three killed as car crashed into parked crane in KL

Three killed in road accident as their car hit a parked crane around Bukit Sputeh.

We've said this before, and we'll say it again, Klang Valley roads is just one big accident waiting to happen, and the latest to be victims of hazardous Klang Valley roads are three unfortunate occupants of a car, who were killed when their vehicle rammed into a crane.

Picture credit: The Star

According to The Star's report, three people were killed after a car rammed into a crane placed near a school on Jalan Syed Putra, Bukit Seputeh.

Operations Commander Senior Fire Officer K. Segar said 10 firefighters from the Hang Tuah fire and rescue station rushed to the scene after receiving a distress call at 3.46am on the 19th of March.

"Upon arrival, the firemen learned that a car had crashed into the rear of a crane that was parked on the road shoulder.

"The driver of the vehicle was pinned in his seat and had to be extricated. Two safety workers who were on duty to guard the crane also died of serious injuries,” he said.

The Operations Commander continued by stating that the identities of the three victims had yet to be ascertained but they were confirmed dead at the scene by medical personnel.

Please be vigilante when you're driving around the Klang Valley, as there are various construction works underway and you never know what might have been left there without considering the safety of road users.