Why Mazda Thinks Everyone Is Wrong About EVs, And Here’s Their Solution

Before anyone jumps to the conclusion that Mazda is being a Luddite, let’s be clear that Mazda will be introducing fully-electric vehicles in 2019 and plug-in hybrid models from 2021 onwards.
In fact, Mazda’s first attempt at a full-hybrid vehicle, the Japan-only Mazda Axela Hybrid that's based on a third generation Toyota Prius’ drivetrain, had impressed Toyota’s president and race car driver Akio Toyoda so much that he quickly established a joint venture company with Mazda.
After driving the Axela Hybrid, Toyoda-san was rumoured to have given his engineers an earful, as Mazda adaptation of Toyota’s own hybrid technology was found to be superior to Toyota’s own Prius. The 24 Hours of Nurburgring racer Toyoda-san was said to be especially impressed with Mazda’s ability to infuse a fun to drive character into the Prius’ green credentials.
Knowing that a friendly party is better than a rival, Toyota had together with Denso, another Toyota affiliate company, worked with Mazda to form EV C.A. Spirit Co., Ltd. The joint venture company is based in Nagoya, the same city where Toyota’s nerve centre is located in.
Through this joint venture, Toyota hopes to learn from Mazda on the finer art of making environmentally friendly cars that are also fun to drive. Mazda on the other hand, will be able to better secure its future thanks to Toyota’s vast resources.
If it wants to, Mazda can build an electric car right away. With less moving parts and ample choices of electric motors and battery packs from suppliers, building an electric car is a lot simpler than building a good internal combustion engine that meets all emission regulations. Just ask the post-dieselgate Volkswagen and their new focus on electric mobility.
By the way, Mazda's SkyActiv-D engines are still the only diesel engines in the world to comply with the toughest emission standards without requiring any expensive exhaust after-treatment. Its real-world emissions and fuel consumption have been independently verified by authorities in USA and Japan.
So if electric cars are cleaner and easier to build, what’s stopping Mazda from showcasing self-driving electric-powered concept cars, just like every major car maker? The simple answer is because electric drives and self-driving cars are contradictory to Mazda’s Zoom Zoom philosophy.
“We are a company of strange people, but we will never change our philosophy of building cars,” said a Mazda engineer that Carlist.my spoke to at the recently concluded Mazda ASEAN Media Forum in Hokkaido, Japan.
Mazda Vision Coupe Concept
Like many Mazda associates, the said engineer proudly admits that he is weird and strange, a subtle rebellion against Japanese society’s ideals on social conformity; to follow what the majority is doing. To put it bluntly, Mazda doesn’t give a damn about what others are saying and doing. Worse, they think everyone else is wrong in thinking that electric cars are the solution.
“We are not a big company. Our (global) market share stands at less than 4 percent, so we have to do things a bit differently” he said. In the eyes of investors, Mazda is not Wall Street material, but to the passionate people at Mazda, that’s exactly how they want it to be.
As a small company, Mazda can’t and won’t build cars that cater to every buyer. As a small company, Mazda needs to pick its battles wisely. It only wants to build cars that are worth building, selling only to people who love cars. For everyone else, there’s always a Toyota or a Honda.
Even when looking into the future, all Mazda concepts have a gear shifter, a tachometer, and a steering wheel, wrapped within a driver-focused interior.  Large touch screens are not welcomed.
Now that we have established Mazda’s character, we will return to answering the question posted in the title of this story.
Are EVs Really Zero Emission Vehicles?
As mentioned earlier, Mazda is not against electric vehicles (EVs) or plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs). In fact, Mazda have plans to electrify their next generation engines. Where Mazda wants to distance itself is from the popular narrative that electrification is the solution to sustainable mobility.
Mazda’s question is simple – how can any migration to EVs or even PHEVs reduce emissions when 60 percent of the world’s electricity is generated from CO2 emitting fossil fuels. Even if one is to consider a large scale transition of power stations towards renewable energy, it will be many decades before these new plants can have the capacity to replace existing fossil fuel burning power stations.
Shifting from internal combustion engines to electrified drivetrains will merely shift the sources of emissions from vehicles to power stations. So how is this a solution?
Closer to home, more than 80 percent of Malaysia’s electricity is generated from fossil fuels – mainly coal and natural gas. Ten percent comes from hydroelectric power but while hydroelectric dams don’t emit CO2, their construction necessitate the destruction of vast swathes of rainforest.
Well-To-Wheel CO2 Emissions - Mazda is the only car maker to measure CO2 Emissions Holistically
Based on Mazda’s calculations, an average mid-size electric vehicle emits the following amount of CO2 depending on its sources of electricity – 200 g/km (coal), 156 g/km (petroleum), 100 g/km (natural gas). Those numbers are not too different from 2.5-litre Mazda 6 SkyActiv-G’s 135 g/km.
Who is going to meet the additional demand for power?
Put aside for a moment the environment arguments and consider the practical aspects: Can our power grids cope if more cars turn to electric power?
In many countries, seasonal weather conditions are already sufficient to drop power grid’s reserve to dangerously low levels. Below is the sample of peak power demand during peak winter season in Japan, when households are turning up their heaters. Notice the many days when power reserve level drops to just less than 5 percent.
Can the power grid still cope if more EVs and PHEVs are plugged to the grid? This is also part of the reason why for governments in Japan and the European Union are beginning to push for hydrogen fuel cells rather than pure battery electric vehicles.
Strange but true: Mazda believes internal combustion engines can be as clean as EVs
Recall back the Well-To-Wheel CO2 emissions numbers mentioned earlier, and how little the gap is between an electric car and Mazda’s own SkyActiv-G cars.
The way Mazda sees it, a simple 10 percent improvement in emissions of its current generation SkyActiv engines is enough to match real world CO2 emissions (well-to-wheel) of EVs.
Besides, even the fastest electric vehicle chargers will still take too long to recharge an EV, while driving range is still insufficient for long distance drives. As such, plug-in hybrids will still dominate and these vehicles will still require engines. The same argument also applies to range extended electric vehicles like the BMW i3, which rely on an optional small 650cc engine to charge its batteries so it can cope with longer distance drives.
Since batteries and electric motors are largely standard commodities, with minimal difference in performance from one make to another, Mazda believes that the company that makes a better and cleaner base engine will eventually get ahead with a better range-extended EV or plug-in hybrid.
Even by 2035, Mazda expects that internal combustion engines will continue to play a central role in 70 percent of electrified drivetrains, dominated by hybrids and plug-in hybrids.
Mazda’s Solution – As clean as an EV, accelerates faster than an MX-5, revs like a proper engine
Is such a solution possible? An all-new 2.0-litre engine that accelerates as fast as a two-seater 2.0-litre MX-5 roadster, with well-to-wheel CO2 emissions that matches an electric vehicle, while consuming no more fuel than the most efficient SkyActiv-D clean diesel engine. Yes Mazda believes that they have cracked the secret to the ultimate internal combustion engine, and Mazda is ready to offer it to consumers in the next generation Mazda 3, currently previewed as the
Mazda Kai Concept
.
Dubbed as SkyActiv-X, this all-new engine is a lightweight high revving supercharged but lean burn petrol engine (how Mazda achieved that is worthy of a thesis) that matches the torque, fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions of a diesel engine, minus the NOx emissions. It runs on regular petrol, as low as RON 91, on standard Otto cycle, and still uses regular spark plugs.
The engine is so advanced that Mazda has to create a new category of engines for itself – SPCCI for Spark Controlled Combustion Ignition. It's a variation of the HCCI (Homogenous Charged Compression Ignition) concept that so many car makers, including Daimler, have tried but failed to make it work.
Explaining how this engine works requires another post on its own but the more technical savvy ones amongst you can jump into this
article
.
SkyActiv-X is just the beginning. Mazda has designed this engine with electrification in mind so imagine the future possibilities when its performance is boosted even further when it’s adapted as a plug-in hybrid. With a base engine this good, imagine how much better it can be with the aid of electric motors.
If rotary was what made Mazda famous in the '80s and '90s, SPCCI will be Mazda's defining powertrain in the coming decades. Now...if only they will race in the 24 Hours of Le Mans....


BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe Due In 2020, To Rival Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

BMW has announced that it will soon be presenting its first ever four-door coupe for the compact class – the 2 Series Gran Coupe. Set to make its world debut at November’s Los Angeles Auto Show later this year, the model will go on sale across all key markets worldwide in 2020.
Based on the next generation front-wheel drive 1 Series, which is rumoured to make its debut at September’s Frankfurt Auto Show, the 2 Series Gran Coupe will likewise be a front-wheel drive vehicle.
No further information is available, as BMW has released just one teaser photo of the 2 Series Gran Coupe.
The 2 Series Gran Coupe will be pitted against Mercedes-Benz’s highly successful
all-new CLA-Class
, which will go on sale in major markets starting May this year.


Gerak Malaysia: Here’s All You Need to Know If You’re Travelling Interstate

The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) just announced two days ago that those who are stuck in their hometowns due to the Movement Control Order may now travel back to the cities, and vice versa.

However, those who wish to
travel interstate
 MUST submit a request to do so via the newly launched “Gerak Malaysia” mobile app. Users are required to submit their travel details such as the origin and destination address through the app. Only if your request is approved, you may travel.

Realising that not everyone will be able to use the Gerak Malaysia app successfully, PDRM also said that those who can’t sign up via their mobile devices can apply manually at the nearest police station.

In an effort to smoothen and quicken the whole process, a copy of the form that people need to fill up, was shared by PDRM on their
Facebook
 page. All you have to do is print TWO copies of this form, fill them up, and submit to the police station.

Also, do keep in mind that you will have to call your nearest police station and set an appointment prior to submitting the form.

Once you have submitted your request, you may travel on the dates mentioned below:

7th May  – From Kuala Lumpur

8th May  – From Perak, Johor and Kelantan

9th May  – From Perlis, Kedah, Pulau Pinang, Melaka and Pahang

10th May  – From Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Terengganu

It is also said that all individuals aged 16 and above must register via the app before travelling. Those who are planning to travel via flight must also apply via Gerak Malaysia.

Available for download through the Apple AppStore, Google Play Store, as well as Huawei AppGallery, the Gerak Malaysia app has been downloaded more than a million times to date.

As for travelling interstate, PDRM have received more than 460,000 requests nationwide.

Are you one of them who has made a request to travel interstate? How was the process for you?


TC Euro Cars Updates Renault Captur, Launches Captur+ Variant

When it comes to the crossover market, the Renault Captur has been a solid left-field contender among the traditional, practicality-driven offerings. It's a breath of fresh air with its brighter colours and styling, and has been steadily updated over the last few years. The latest round of updates by TC Euro Cars (official distributor for Renault in Malaysia) sees a new engine that's EURO 6 compliant (emissions regulations in Europe), as well as a stop-start engine function, and a new 7-inch touch screen and infotainment system.
The engine in particular is Renault's turbocharged TCe 120, paired with the six-speed EDC dual-clutch automatic transmission. Peak torque has improved to 205 Nm, while efficiency is up to 5.9-litres per 100 kilometers. The stop-start functionality is what contributes to better fuel efficiency and emissions testing results; power remains unchanged at 118 hp, albeit at a higher 5,000 rpm rather than the 4,900 rpm of the previous engine.
As for the touch screen, it has been upgraded in order to provide both offline and online navigation, as well as Internet connectivity. Apps such as JOOX, Waze, and so on are supported as well, by treating the Captur as an Internet hotspot.
In addition to the updates for the regular Captur, TC Euro Cars has also launched the Captur+ Special Edition variant. The highlights of the model are in its styling and convenience features, The former part of the equation comes in the form of dual-tone bumpers, maroon combination leather seats and door trim, and new kicker plates emblazoned with the Captur name. The latter is in the form of a powered hands-free tailgate and a driving video recorder that can store up to 136 minutes of footage at 1080p resolution.
Pricing for the Captur and Captur+ stands at RM 107,980 and RM 113,300 respectively, and inclusive of SST but without insurance. Both models get the 5-in-Captur aftersales promise, which is to say they both enjoy free service and maintenance for the first five years, or 100,000 kilometers. There's also a five year manufacturer warranty with unlimited mileage, as well as complimentary 24-hour roadside assistance, pick-up and delivery for scheduled services at Renault service centres, and mobility services if a necessary replacement part is not available for over 48 hours - subject to availability.
It's also best to remember that TC Euro Cars is still running the French Experience sales campaign until the end of May 2019; every customer who purchases a Renault model during the campaign period is entitled to a trip for two to Paris.
Find the best deals for a Renault
here
.


All-New 10th Gen Honda Accord Launched In Thailand – 1.5T & 2.0 Hybrid

Honda Automobile Thailand has just announced the all-new 10
th
 generation Accord line-up for the country, consisting of three variants. The Thai debut also marks the global introduction of right-hand drive variants of the all-new Accord.
For Thailand, buyers will have a choice of two engines. The first is a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with Dual VTC that churns out 190 hp and 243 Nm, paired to a CVT-type automatic. The second is a 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid engine that does 145 hp and 175 Nm, hooked up to Honda’s dual motor i-MMD hybrid system, allowing for a combined system output of 215 hp and 315 Nm.
The all-new Honda Accord is expected to be priced from THB 1.5 million for the Turbo EL trim, while hybrid variants are priced from THB 1.65 million.
In terms of equipment, Honda Thailand has fitted the all-new Accord (hybrid models only) with its Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance system, including:
Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Auto High-Beam (AHB)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Low Speed Follow (LSF)
It also has colour Heads-Up Display.
The availability of the all-new Accord Hybrid in Thailand is due to tax incentives for Thailand-made electrified vehicles, allowing the company to price the vehicle competitively against its sole rival, the Toyota Camry Hybrid. Without such incentives, introduction of the Accord Hybrid in Malaysia is doubtful as the future direction of EEV incentives remain unclear, pending announcement from the government on the new National Automotive Policy (NAP).
Honda Malaysia's range of locally-assembled hybrids in Malaysia is now limited only to smaller cars like the City Hybrid, Jazz Hybrid, and HR-V Hybrid - all using the 1.5-litre, one motor i-DCD Sport Hybrid system. The larger 2.0-litre i-MMD (Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) two-motor Accord Hybrid does not need any conventional transmission. Technically, it doesn't have a gearbox.
Depending on the driving situation, the I-MMD powertrain shifts between three distinct drive operations, EV Drive (100 percent electric motor), Hybrid Drive (electric motor and gasoline engine driving the generator motor), and Engine Drive (petrol engine) – utilizing power from the engine and electric motors to accommodate the current driving conditions.
As for the all-new Accord's introduction in Malaysia: It was initially expected to happen later this year but it seems that this is no longer the case. In fact,
yesterday's announcement
 by Honda Malaysia indicated that the company is forecasting a 7 percent reduction in sales this year, to just 95,000 units - indicating that there will be no major launches by Honda Malaysia this year (and that includes the new Civic facelift).
The company also said that Malaysia's total car sales will drop by three percent this year, to 580,000 units.


April 2019 New Vehicle Sales – Slight Improvements For The Industry

The market has witnessed another slight slump in April, with just 45,334 new vehicles, down 8.8% from March. The drop in sales was likely due to customers waiting for Raya promotions before purchasing their vehicles. Sales performance should improve in the following month.
Despite dropping month-on-month, the year-on-year total industry volume (TIV) saw a 6.0% increase from 182,157 units to 193,028 units, or an additional 10,871 units.
April was a good month for Proton, the company overtook Honda and secured the second spot - mostly due to temporary disruptions in supply of the Honda Civic. With 3,047 units sold, the Proton Saga is the best-selling model for the company. Second place is the X70, with 2,557 units sold. Considering that the facelifted Iriz and Persona was introduced in the middle of April, sales figure will only be updated in the following month. It is also worth noting that Proton has ceased production of the Suprima, while the Ertiga is on its final leg and will be phased out soon.
As for Honda, sales for the company dropped from 8,677 in March to 6,175 in April, a 28.8% drop due to the aforementioned supply disruption of Civic. Year-on-year, Honda’s performance also dropped from 31,890 units to 28,365 units, a drop of 11.1%. Honda's performance should improve in the coming months as the backlog of orders for the Civic are cleared now that supply has resumed.
Toyota also did reasonably well in April, with 5,465 units sold. Although month-on-month performance dropped 7.4%, the company did experience a 5.4% increase year-on-year. The best-selling models for Toyota include the Hilux, Vios, and Yaris. Toyota's numbers should improve further in the coming months as deliveries of the all-new Yaris ramps up.
Although BMW recorded an increase in sales in March, their April sales performance took a slight hit, dropping from 920 units to just 760 units, a 17.4% drop, as the locally-assembled F30 generation 3 Series was phased out in March. Supplies for the fully-imported all-new G20 3 Series is low and the lack of a locally-assembled variant will keep prices high, limiting sales for the near-term. Year-on-year performance for BMW also saw a slight drop from 3,420 units to 3,325 units. Sales for BMW Malaysia is expected to improve in the coming months as the company is expected to introduce the all-new X4 and X5 soon.
The same can be said for Mercedes-Benz, as they only sold 974 new vehicles in April, as opposed to the 1,365 units sold in March, marking a 28.6% drop. Despite that, the three-pointed star remains as the country’s number one premium car brand with a 2.1% market share in April.


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Announces Best Q1 With 3,335 units, Success Story Continues

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) is certainly bucking the declining new vehicle sales trend in Malaysia, posting their strongest ever Quarter 1 (Q1) sales result through the sales of 3,335 units. This result is also in-line with the brands global performance, with nearly 600,000 units of sales.
Malaysia’s record setting Q1 sales performance is joint by India and South Korea in the Asia-Pacific region. The region recorded a new sales record of nearly 250,000 units, a growth of 13.5 per cent versus Q1 2017.
Q1 2018 sales of 3,335 units marks a 13.2 per cent growth over Q1 last year and is it MBM’s second best quarterly sales results. The strong Q1 2018 is contributed by mega performance of January and February, registering 1,200 units and 1,185 units respectively. For comparison, the average sales for 2017 was 1,004 units per month.
Out of the total of 3,335 units:
Compacts: 596 units (+13.6%) - Best-seller: GLA
Sedans:  1,965 units (+8%)  - Best-seller: C-Class range with approximately 1,300 units
SUV: 675 units (+13.6%) - Best-seller: GLC
Dream car range: 94 units (+1%)
Matching its stellar sales performance is the strong growth in after-sales, MBM’s dealer network serviced a total of over 36,000 vehicles in Q1 2018, an increase of 18 per cent compared to the previous year.
Complementing the Mercedes-Benz end-to-end experience, Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia (MBSM) continues to record strong acceptance on their products and services, with a servicing portfolio that grew RM200 million from end 2017. Four out of ten Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Malaysia are financed and insured by MBSM.
Dr. Claus Weidner, President and CEO of MBM also commented, “Our evolving vehicle portfolio, superior retail and after-sales service, operational excellence and seamless customer journey translate to a higher degree of customer satisfaction, business excellence and market leadership,”
“We are proud of everything that MBM has achieved thus far as we mark our 15
th
 anniversary in Malaysia. Just as we are excited about our exceptional track record, we look ahead for many more milestones to come,” added Dr. Weidner.
Among the highlights of MBM's 15 years here in Malaysia include formation of regional office, local-assembly of the C350e Plug-in hybrid, opening of City Store at T.R.E.C, and first dedicated pre-owned centre at NZ Wheels Klang.
MBM also
launched the EQ brand
 and new brand experience that encompass the ownership of plug-in hybrids currently in the product portfolio as well as unveiling of the EQ-branded charging stations at Pavilion KL shopping mall.


2015 Mazda MX-5 Makes its Malaysian Debut – RM226k for the World’s Best-Selling Roadster

We have seen the pictures and the dealer pricelist, and now it is here. No more confidentiality, the fourth-iteration of the world’s best-selling roadster is yours for RM226,376. Only one specification is available from launch, which is the 2-litre variant with a fabric top above and a six-speed automatic beside you.
Powering the new MX-5 is a new 2-litre version of Mazda’s fuel-efficient Skyactiv engine range. Installed longitudinally the Skyactiv-G engine has a lighter engine block, lightened crankshaft journal diameter, and smaller connecting rods. The engine is now 15mm closer to the cockpit and also 13mm lower, bringing the centre of gravity closer to the driver and lower to the road.
The naturally-aspirated direct-injection engine boasts a power output of 158hp at 6,000rpm and 200Nm of torque at 4,000rpm, with power still being sent to the rear wheel. The automatic transmission is said to be unique to the MX-5, and doesn’t bear the Skyactiv moniker.
Thanks to the use of Skyactiv lightweight construction methods, the new MX-5 fights the flab and tips the scales lighter than the third-generation model. At 1,080kg for the automatic model, the MX-5 is the lightest iteration since the 1989 original.
Around 100kg has been shaved off from the weight of its predecessor thanks to the extensve use of aluminium and high tensile steel.
Furthermore Mazda has managed to trim 45mm off the front overhang, 20mm off the wheelbase, and 40mm off the rear overhang, whereas the car’s roofline is 10mm lower than before, making it the lowest MX-5 so far.
Like its predecessors, the MX-5 boasts a perfect 50:50 weight distribution, and following in the footsteps of the third-generation model, it sports a double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension.
The soft-top is not only designed with better sound insulation material that reduces high frequency sound by 40 per cent as compared to its predecessor, it is also designed to be lightweight and easy to fold-up and fold-down. The soft top’s operation is completely manual.
Designed to deliver a top down experience, Mazda says that the MX-5’s A-pillars is more raked, with the door cowls and side mirrors formed to divert the flow of air around the occupants, improving cabin comfort while it is on the move.
Even with such lightness, the MX-5 is a heavyweight in the features department. It comes with leather upholstery, MZD Connect with the 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system hooked up to 9 Bose speakers, full LED headlights, 4 airbags with traction and stability control, i-ELOOP supported i-Stop idling start-stop system, and the i-Activsense suite of safety technologies.
The i-Activsense features fitted on board includes adaptive front-lighting system, high beam control system, and the lane departure warning system.
What about the Manual?
According to Datuk Ben Yeoh, executive director of Bermaz Motor, there is a strong interest in bringing in the manual transmission variant, but the manual model's exhaust note was not able to comply to sudden JPJ’s legsilations imposed on noise emissions. But Yeoh, assures that the issue has been resolved with the department and they are working on introducing the manual variant into Malaysia soon, probably by next year.


Toyota Kicks Off Hari Raya Sales Promotion

In conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festivities, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has kicked off the ‘Mula Jalan Cerita Bersama Toyota’ promotion where numerous deals and discounts are being offered to customers throughout the month of June 2018.

Among the highlights of the promotion is that the Vios is now more affordable with a starting price of RM70,752. The car also comes with free maintenance package worth RM2,005.

The Sienta compact MPV on the other hand, is now priced at RM91,527, with a cash rebate of RM1,000.

For other models, UMWT is offering savings of up to RM3,500 as well as free accessories worth up to RM5,790 (depending on the model purchased).

On top of the above, ‘Duit Raya’ worth RM500 will also be given with the purchase of all passenger cars (Toyota Vios, Corolla Altis and Camry) and MPV models (Toyota Innova, Avanza and Sienta).

For those who prefer the Toyota Hilux and Fortuner, cash rebates of RM1,000 plus free accessories worth up to RM3,429 await buyers.

In line with the Jalan Cerita promotions, Toyota will also be releasing a “
Jalan Cerita Raya
” video to recall the many wonderful years of Toyota’s journey with Malaysians.

Customers who require a financing plan may also check out the offers from Toyota Capital services like the Toyota 2-Tier Plan which offers lower monthly instalments for graduates and Toyota Drive financing plan, the first of its kind where customers can save more.

That being said, all Toyota models come with a 5-year warranty and unlimited mileage (except for Toyota Hilux with maximum mileage of 150,000kms). To enhance the value of your Toyota, the warranty is transferable to the next owner within the terms and conditions.


Geely wants to buy Renault's ICE division, but Nissan says no!

Renault is undertaking a complex two-pronged restructuring in addition to convincing Nissan to invest in a new electric car unit, called the Ampere.

At the same time, it also plans to sell off its petrol car business, called - Horse - by selling most of it to Geely.

Investors will learn the details of both sets of talks after Renault Group Chief Executive Luca de Meo delivers an update on the French carmaker's strategy and financial outlook.

Nissan's concerns are more focused on technology rights, as they are not willing to see technologies it developed in the hands of the Chinese automaker.

According to Reuters, the problem is that
many Renault vehicles use Nissan engines
 or technologies. Nissan also employs some Renault engineering solutions in their I.C.E cars.

As an example, the Renault Koleos  is powered by Nissan’s 2.5 litre QR25DE naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine

What may happen if Renault sells its Horse division to Geely is that Nissan may have to pay royalties to Geely to keep using the engines in its vehicles. There are even things
both companies developed together
 for both of them to use, so it's complicated when it comes to who owns what.

Talks between Renault and Nissan took place in Paris last week. However, Nissan's concern over technology rights is also one of the reasons why it has yet to reach an initial agreement to invest in Ampere as they want the assurity that the use of technology for Ampere remains in the EV unit.

Photo credit: Italy 24 Press News

Plus, just like most Japanese automakers, EVs are not their main focus, but Renault is currently going a revolution called Renaulution, where it plans to go fully electric.

Only time will tell what the conclusion will be, but it looks like hard talks must take place between all companies to make things fair for all parties.

Renault has a 43 per cent stake in Nissan, while the Japanese automaker has a 15 per cent stake in Renault. However, now both parties are discussing the reduction of Renault's stake in Nissan, potentially to a 15 per cent stake.


Winged Phantom Spearheads Development Of Rolls-Royce's New SUV

This isn’t a Rolls-Royce Phantom that has been tastelessly tarted up with a big GT wing by some aftermarket boffins like Masonry to flog off to another wealthy industrialist. No, this is a
Rolls-Royce
 made by Rolls-Royce, but it isn’t for sale or sporting any new optional equipment. Instead this sinister looking Phantom is merely a development mule for Rolls-Royce’s upcoming all-terrain motor car (apparently Rolls-Royce refuses to call it an SUV since they don’t like having the word ‘sports’ in its description).

Called the Project Cullinan, this early engineering mule is based on a shortened Phantom Series II body as seen with its really short and stocky rear doors and elevated ride height. The mule has been created purely for the development of an all-wheel drive suspension system that will deliver Rolls-Royce expected “magic carpet” ride on both on road and off-road conditions, whilst living up to the model’s promise of being “Effortless, Everywhere”.

As such Rolls-Royce engineers has lined up a gruelling schedule for Project Cullinan, which includes testing on-road behaviour from suspension throw to high-bodied stability, and suspension testing across all types of road surface specifications such as the dreaded Belgian Pave, cobblestones, corrugated concrete, and not forgetting public roads. The test will also take into account noise development and measurement surfaces, resonance road, and acceleration bumps, to ensure that they have all bases covered by the time the finished all-wheel drive product is ready for its prime time.

That said, the component that intrigues us the most is the big rear wing, which surely serves a technical purpose rather than an aesthetic one on the test mule. The wing’s presence is said to simulate the aerodynamic effect of having a roofline that runs all the way to the back, though we wonder at its height in relative position to the test mule's roofline, could Rolls-Royce new all-terrain motor car sport a fastback shape that is reminiscent of the Wraith? We will have to wait till the day Rolls-Royce unveils their off-road model to be certain.


The Most Track-Focused McLaren Is Here: Meet The 675LT

As if the coming Geneva Motor Show
wouldn’t be filled with enough horsepower
 from the British carmaker,
McLaren
 will be debuting its new 675LT: the most track-focused sports car in the history of the brand.
Still legal for road use, the McLaren 675LT (LT stands for Longtail) will carry forward the brand’s very-own 3.8-litre V8 engine, upgraded to feature nearly 50% of new parts to improve the plant’s output figures: which as you may have guessed, includes 675PS of power and 700Nm of torque. The large amount of changes to the engine has even prompted McLaren to rename its engine code to M838LT, from the standard M838T.
Around the back, the active “Longtail” Airbrake is also 50% bigger than the one found on the 650S, but thanks to some clever engineering, is actually lighter. Elsewhere, the car of course features many distinct features, such as an extended carbon-fibre front splitter, circular twin titanium exhaust pipes, extended door blade and additional cooling intakes all around. In total, the 675LT weights 1,230kg.
0-100km/h sprints are identical to the preceding 650S model at 2.9 seconds, but it’s beyond that where the 675LT shows its true worth: 0-200km/h takes just 7.9 seconds: a shade quicker than what’s possible of the latest turbocharged
Ferrari, the 488 GTB
.


Ford Is Testing Exoskeletons On Its Factory Workers

The idea of fitting factory workers and military personnel with mechanical assistance systems have been thrown around for a very long time. The human body can only endure so much punishment, whether it's a single great force or repeated force over long durations, and it only makes sense if a system can help take some of that load off the operator. When a factory worker has to do the same thing nearly 4,600 times a day, a small discomfort can be a big issue.
Ford is doing just that in some of their factories, as they pilot a new exoskeleton program in partnership with Ekso Bionics. The EksoVest, as it's called, is a wearable device that supports a worker's arms while performing overhead tasks. Naturally this helps to reduce the stress on a worker's arms, both in the short term and long term.
The vest can be adapted for workers with a range of heights, from 5 feet tall to 6 feet and 4 inches tall (or 152 cm to 193 cm). It adds between 5 lbs and 15 lbs to each arm (or 2.2 kg to 6.8 kg). In short, it makes for a comfortable, light, wearable system that doesn't obstruct the user.
The EksoVest is currently being deployed in two different Ford factories in the US, with plans to employ them in Europe and South America as well if tests go well. The hope is to reduce the likelihood of injury as well as the strain on the worker as they carry out their tasks through the day.
But this isn't the first effort on Ford's part to improve working conditions and worker welfare. Since 2005 they have launched various intitiatives and programs, similar to how Toyota has their Kaizen system that constantly improves their production flow and efficiency. The result is 100 new vehicle launches using ergonomic technology tools, as well as a 90% decrease in installation issues and an 83% decrease in incidents that resulted in a worker being taken off line.


Semua Model Proton Akan Ada ADAS – Sistem Bantuan Pemanduan Autonomi

Kesemua kereta-kereta keluaran Proton selepas ini mungkin bakal ditawarkan dengan ciri bantuan pemanduan termaju atau
Advance Driver Assistance System
 (ADAS).

Kenyataan tersebut dibuat memandangkan kebanyakan barisan kenderaan Proton sudah berada di penghujung usia dan besar kemungkinan bakal digantikan dengan kenderaan dari Geely.

Model Proton Bakal Diganti

Proton telah mengesahkan bakal melancarkan
Proton X70 MC1
 dan
Proton Saga MC2
 pada bulan Mei ini. Ini menandakan pengakhiran versi facelift bagi Saga generasi ketiga di Malaysia. Begitu juga dengan
Proton Exora
 yang sudah agak berusia yang dikatakan bakal digantikan dengan
Proton X90
, sebuah SUV 7 tempat duduk dari Geely tidak lama lagi.

Selain itu,
Proton Persona
 juga bakal digantikan memandangkan ia sudah berada lebih 5 tahun dipasaran Malaysia. Mengikut garis masa yang dikongsikan oleh Proton, mereka sepatutnya melancarkan sebuah sedan baharu sebagai
follow-up
 untuk
Proton X50
. Tetapi kerana pandemik, rancangan terbabit terpaksa ditangguhkan.

Bagaimana pula dengan
Iriz
? Sayangnya, Geely tidak mempunyai sebarang model hatchback untuk dlencanakan semula sebagai hatchback baharu Proton di Malaysia

Jika dilihat pada katalog kereta Geely,
Emgrand 2021
 merupakan pengganti Proton Persona yang paling sesuai sebagai sedan segmen-B. Walau bagaimanapun, Emgrand 2021 tidak dilengkapi dengan ADAS juga. Namun dengan menggunakan platform yang sama seperti X50, tidak mustahil ia boleh hadir dengan ciri ADAS kerana ia antara perubahan pada pengganti Persona yang paling diharapkan.

Kenapa Tiada ADAS?

Proton yang bukan dilencanakan semula dari Geely seperti:

Exora

Iris

Persona

Saga

tidak dilengkapi dengan ciri sistem bantuan pemanduan termaju atau ADAS. Hanya Proton X70 dan X50 sahaja yang ditawarkan dengan ciri tersebut.

Menurut Proton, penambahan ADAS memerlukan jumlah kos melebihi RM2,000 pada satu kereta. Ia juga memerlukan penambahbaikan terhadap seni bina sistem elektrikal dan elektronik, kerana sistem berkenaan perlu berkomunikasi dengan kereta. Jadi ini merupakan pelaburan yang besar.

Dengan bajet yang terhad diperuntukan bagi menyegarkan kembali model yang telah berusia seperti Iriz, Persona, Saga dan Exora, Proton terpaksa mengutamakan fungsi-fungsi yang lebih dihargai oleh pengguna tanpa menaikkan kos kereta ini supaya harga jualannya dapat dikekalkan.

Adakah ini bermaksud Proton tidak mengutamakan ciri keselamatan dalam kereta buatannya? Tidak juga. Sebaliknya, Proton telah menaik taraf sistem perlindungan ketika kemalangan yang membolehkan model terkini Iriz dan Persona menerima penarafan lima-bintang menerusi ujian ASEAN NCAP protokol 2017-2020 tanpa ADAS.

Kerjasaman Proton - Geely

Kerjasama Proton dan Geely telah menyaksikan Proton membawa masuk dua SUV yang terhangat yang masih menjadi bualan orang ramai sehingga kini, iaitu X70 dan X50. Kedua-dua model itu hadir dengan ciri ADAS yang merangkumi:

Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)

Forward Collision Warning (FCW)

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) With Stop & Go

Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)

Lane Keep Assist (LKA)

Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)

Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC)

Semua Kereta Proton Akan Ada ADAS

Dengan model-model binaan sepenuhnya Proton sudah sampai ke akhir usianya, kemungkinan besar Proton akan membawa masuk lebih banyak model Geely untuk dilencanakan semula di pasaran negara ini.

Jika kita lihat pada pada model-model buatan Geely ketika ini, kebanyakannya hadir dengan ciri ADAS dan sistem keselamatan terkini termasuklah Geely Okavango/Haoyue, yang dikatakan bakal dijadikan Proton X90 kelak.

Secara logiknya, kemasukan lebih banyak kereta Geely sebagai kereta Proton berkemungkinan akan berlaku kerana ia dilihat lebih menjimatkan kos berbanding Proton perlu membina semula sebuah kereta dari awal hanya demi menawarkan teknologi ADAS kepada pengguna.

Myvi Jadi Punca

Pesaing Proton, Perodua telah menjadi pengeluar pertama yang menawarkan ciri ADAS Tahap 2 pada kereta yang berharga di bawah RM60,000 (
Perodua Myvi 2022
).

Walaupun ADAS dilihat sebagai ciri tambahan yang memerlukan penambahan pada kos kereta, namun Perodua berjaya memasukkan sistem termaju (ASA 3.0) yang diperkenalkan pada
Ativa
, pada versi terkini Perodua Myvi.

Kejayaan Perodua itu dilihat sebagai satu tamparan hebat buat pengeluar lain yang menjual kereta berharga atas RM60,000 tanpa ciri ADAS. Walaupun ciri ini hanyalah tambahan dan mungkin tidaklah begitu diperlukan pada mulanya, namun kini sistem ADAS mula dilihat seperti sesuatu yang perlu dipertimbangkan sebelum membeli kereta baharu.

Pendek cerita, bila Myvi dah ada, kenapa kereta yang berharga lebih RM100,000 tidak boleh tawarkan ciri keselamatan aktif yang sama? Tambahan pula, ianya merupakan aspek keselamatan dan bukanlah aksesori semata-mata.

Untuk tidak ketinggalan, Proton dijangka bakal memperkenalkan teknologi ADAS pada kereta yang lebih mampu milik atau di bawah lingkungan harga RM100,000 seperti yang ditawarkan pada Perodua Ativa dan Myvi kelak.

Pada pendapat anda, adakah penambahan ciri ADAS pada kereta mampu milik Proton amat diperlukan buat masa ini? Kongsikan dengan kami.


Mercedes-AMG A45S Makes Malaysian Debut, Only RM460k

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today took the wraps off the most powerful hatchback in the world – the A45S AMG in Edition 1 guise, priced at RM459,888 on the road without insurance.

As far as the visuals are concerned, the A45S comes with the Panamerica grille, large air intakes, a jet-wing-profiled front bumper, flared wheel arches, diffusers in front and the rear, 19-inch AMG wheels, AMG Night Package, quad exhausts, as well as a rear spoiler.

Under the hood, the engine powering this all-new model is in some ways related to the one in the past, but there have been so many revisions done to it that it would be unfair to even consider it the same engine.

The entire engine is now backwards, with the turbocharger sandwiched between the engine and firewall, and the intake facing forward. An uprated valvetrain and variable valve lift, as well as a new turbocharger, all contribute to an output of up to 421 hp and 500 Nm of torque.

Also new to this generation is a distinctive new sub-designation - the A45 S which we have here, with yellow accents and stitching. While the regular A45 gets a 387 hp, 480 Nm version of the engine, what our market gets is the A45 S that gets the full fat 421 hp tune.

The engine is still hand built, and mated with a new 8-speed AMG Speedshift dual clutch transmission that delivers power to all four wheels. Century sprint time stands at an impressive 3.9 seconds, with a top speed of 270 km/h.

Inside, the A 45 S comes equipped with AMG Performance seats, an AMG Performance steering wheel, dark aluminium Edition 1 trim, AMG floor mats, illuminated AMG door sill panels, and the MBUX infotainment system with two 10.25-inch widescreen displays.

One of the coolest features in the A45 S model is the AMG Track Pace data logger, which is for use at the race tracks.

The logger stores all kinds of information from the car such as speed, acceleration, steering angle, and so on, and compiles all of that data to help you improve on the track.

There's even an integrated performance delta function that shows differences in speed and time compared to previous laps, and even the MBUX Augmented Reality function that shows the ideal racing line on a number of pre-stored racetracks, functioning as a virtual instructor.

Last but not least the new Mercedes-AMG A45S is available in two exterior colours - Sun Yellow, and Designo Mountain Grey Magno, with contrasting AMG graphics.


Volkswagen Group Makes Record Earnings In 2017

It was a year for a lot of records at Volkswagen. 2017 saw them achieve a new delivery record of 10.7 million vehicles. They have recovered from a spate of scandals and are starting to pull strong once again, which is impressive considering the breadth and depth of their previous issues.
There's a lot of fiscal lingo, but we'll break it down for you and list the numbers that matter. Total sales revenue for 2017 was EUR 230.7 billion (RM 1111.71 billion) across all the companies in the group, which is 6.2% higher than the year before.
In terms of actual operating profit, after deducting a whole bunch of expenditure and taxation, the figure comes to EUR 11.6 billion (RM 55.88 billion). It's important to note that this figure does not include the profit acquired from Chinese joint venture operations as it is accounted for as equity. This is just over double what they earned in 2016.
For shareholders, there's good news as well. There is a proposed near-doubling of dividends for both normal shares and preferred shares, going up to EUR 3.90 and EUR 3.96 (RM 18.80 and RM 19.09) respectively. It shows that Volkswagen Group, for all their troubles and the stormy seas they've had to weather, are still putting customers and shareholders first.
But all of this good fiscal news comes despite the fact that the Automotive Division of the group is still paying out for the mistakes of the past. Net cash flow decreased by EUR 10.3 billion year-on-year to EUR –6.0 billion. Nevertheless, net liquidity in the Automotive Division continued at a robust level, amounting to EUR 22.4 billion at the end of 2017.


Reasons To Exist, We Drove Honda’s Clarity Fuel Cell To Learn The Meaning Of Ikigai

There are companies who exist to make money for their investors, and there are companies who exist to solve problems of our world. The former prefers to public relations, announce token electrification projects to keep up with trends, and are usually lead by CEOs who like to use odd words like annualised synergies and cost-avoidance measures.
Companies from the latter category tie their goals to creating a better world. Volvo Car wants to see zero road fatalities in their cars by 2020. BMW wants to change the entire automotive supply chain to be truly sustainable, Google wants to use big data to solve the world’s problem.
Which brings us to the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell that you see here. It’s a fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCV). In simple words, it’s an electric car but unlike regular electric car, you fill it up with hydrogen instead of charging it. The benefit is longer driving range and it fuels up in a matter of minutes rather than hours.
FCVs use technology derived from NASA space shuttles to generate electricity by mixing stored hydrogen with oxygen from air. The only emission from the exhaust is water.
Refueling the Clarity’s twin pressurized tanks takes as little as three to five minutes but of course, this leads us into the next question – electric sockets are everywhere but where are the hydrogen stations?
Up until this point, Honda’s achievements with the Clarity is commendable but doesn’t warrant them worthy of any higher mention than Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, or even Toyota, all of which have their own fuel cell-powered models at various stages of deployment.
For most car makers, the responsibility of building enough hydrogen refueling stations is beyond them. Providing the infrastructure is something that governments of the world and energy companies should be responsible for, and that’s a reasonable response by any car company.
Generating hydrogen is one thing, but how do you transport hydrogen throughout the country in a manner that’s cheap enough? Compressed hydrogen tanks are extremely heavy.
Expecting any solutions from oil companies is like going to the world’s biggest exporter of arms for peaceful solutions to armed conflicts.
It is at this point where Honda comes to fore. As an outsider in the energy sector, Honda approached the problem with a new perspective. To Honda, the solution is simple - eliminate these problems by generating hydrogen on-site.
In 2015, Honda, a car maker succeeded in doing something that specialist energy companies said was not possible – to build a hydrogen generation and refueling infrastructure in sufficient numbers, at a commercially viable prices.
Honda, in partnership with industrial gas tank manufacturer Iwatani, had in 2014 introduced a cost-effective and ultra-compact two-in-one hydrogen generation and refueling station, one that’s far smaller than a traditional petrol station and is compact enough to be fitted within a commercial building’s car park.
The Honda Smart Hydrogen Station (SHS) takes up only about 2 car park lots, and uses free solar power to generate hydrogen from water on-site. It doesn’t not require a full-time staff on-site to maintain. Its simple construction means that the station can be setup in a matter of days, no ground breaking work is needed. It can be setup much faster and cheaper than a petrol station. A petrol station needs oil tankers to resupply but Honda’s SHS will resupply itself so long as there is supply of sun light/electricity and water.
Just to emphasize the scale of Honda’s achievement, this tiny two-car park lot size structure is doing the work that is analogous to combining a deep sea oil drilling platform and a petrol station. Of course, there are limitations. The compact SHS has enough storage tanks to refuel just three Honda Clarity FCVs per day but this can easily be solved by upscaling the setup.
We had the opportunity to take a short three-minute drive in the Honda Clarity FCV late last year. Compared to the Toyota Mirai, the Clarity scored a major victory in interior space and driving range. Where the Mirai sits only four, the Clarity sits five, just like a regular sedan, and offers a much longer driving range (approximately 800 km vs the Mirai’s 650 km, based on Japan’s JC08 driving test cycle).
The Clarity is also more powerful; 177 PS vs 155 PS but the Mirai has more torque, at 335 Nm vs the Clarity’s 300 Nm. However, the Clarity weighs 40 kg lighter, at 1,850 kg.
Outside, the Clarity is certainly not the best looking car on the road, but much of this is due to the highly challenging task of keeping the FCV components compact. The biggest challenge is is making the fuel stack compact enough to fit under the bonnet, which explains the high bonnet height.
Inside, the Clarity is as spacious as an Accord, with Acura-like button-operated gear position switches. On the move, it handles and drives much better, thanks to its better weight distribution of heavy components between the front and rear of the vehicle.
Like an Accord Plug-in Hybrid (available in Japan and USA), the Clarity accelerates off the line with gusto thanks to the instant availability of maximum torque from standstill. But unlike an Accord Plug-in Hybrid, there is no petrol engine to kick so all you get is a drama-free, completely silent experience as the car picks up speed at a surprisingly rapid pace.
The sprint from 0-100 km/h is completed in 9 seconds, with a top speed of 165 km/h. Sitting on the driver’s seat, the Clarity FCV appears to pull with a lot more urgency than its on-paper figures suggests, especially in mid-range acceleration, the kind of moves one makes when overtaking on a highway.
The video below, taken from inside a stripped out, lightweight race car interior version of the Clarity FCV can’t fully convey the car’s pace, but we can tell you that the occupants were all pinned to their seats everytime the throttle is floored.
Boot space however, is still lacking as the twin hydrogen tanks - a 24-litre unit under the rear seat and a 117-litre unit behind it - still up a lot of space.
There are two flaps on either sides of the rear fenders but unlike Mercedes-Benz’s GLC F-Cell, none of the Clarity FCV’s flaps can be plugged for charging. Under the front seats is a 103 kW lithium-ion battery pack but it can only be charged by the fuel cell.
The flap on the left-side is for hydrogen refueling while the one on right, despite what the pictures might suggest, is meant for power output rather than input. In other words, you plug-in the Clarity FCV to charge/power something else, not the other way around. In natural disaster prone Japan, this is a huge benefit.
Plugged in to the Clarity FCV is the Power Exporter 9000 – essentially an inverter that converts DC power from the car into AC power that you can use to power any household electrical appliance. We are not talking about running a small fan for a few hours, but powering a small household for seven days, including power hungry portable heaters! You can think of the Clarity FCV as a big power bank on wheels.
At the moment, the Clarity FCV is priced at 7.66 million Yen, more expensive than even Honda’s flagship Legend. Unsurprisingly, Honda doesn’t bother selling it so the Clarity FCV is only available for leasing, only in Japan and USA. The car is also available in Europe, but only as part of a trial by selected customers under the Europe Union’s HyFive project.
Over in the US, Honda has already launched two more alternative drivetrain variants to the Clarity family – the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid with a 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine and a Clarity Electric, a conventional Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) with a 143 km single charge range (US EPA driving test cycle).
As for us on this side of the world, clearly a hydrogen sipping electric vehicle is too far-fetched for our market but the important take away here is that this is the end-goal for today’s hybrids and plug-in hybrids – a true zero emission vehicle whose end-to-end cycle, from production to refueling to recycling (at the end of its life) leaves no harmful residue.
An innovation of this level doesn’t come from regular R&D engineers. How does a car maker stretch itself from developing alternative energy drivetrains, to shouldering the responsibility of solving complex problems to energy generation and storage, and still thrive?
Speaking to some of the Honda associates behind the Clarity, we came to understand that for these engineers who proudly wear the white Honda overalls, they don’t see themselves as merely doing their job, but on a personal mission to preserve blue skies for their children.
Along the way, we learn the meaning behind the Japanese word ‘Ikigai.’ There is no equivalent word in English to truly express the meaning of ‘ikigai,’ but it’s roughly translated as ‘the reason one wakes up every morning,’ or ‘one’s purpose to be placed here on earth.’
For the people behind the Clarity and Smart Hydrogen Station, they don’t get up every morning to work for Honda. They get up to find solutions to keep the skies blue for our children, and Honda is merely a facilitator to that dream. “If someone is going to do it, let it be us,” was how one Honda associate describe his role on the Clarity FCV.
Japan is betting the future of its transportation sector on hydrogen. It believes that no matter how advanced battery electric vehicles (BEVs) become, it’s still limited by driving range, recharging time and the suitability for heavy duty commercial vehicles is doubtful (no, Tesla’s Semi is just a concept. Tesla has yet to build a functional BEV truck).
Japan is aiming to put 40,000 FCVs by 2020, the year it hosts Tokyo Olympics. The Japanese government estimates that supporting the 40,000 FCVs on the road would realistically require about 160 refueling stations, but high construction and operating cost mean that each station needs to service 900 vehicles a year to be profitable.
It’s a similar situation in Europe, where the European Union also has an equally ambitious HyWays Roadmap. Neither powerhouse nations of the automotive industry can risk being left behind but nobody has clear solution on how to roll out hydrogen refueling stations fast and cheap enough.
Together with the ultra-compact Smart Hydrogen Station and the practical five-seater Clarity FCV that does everything a regular sedan can and then more, Honda might have just cracked the code to kickstart a hydrogen society.


Lockdown 3.0: How To Renew Driving License Online In Malaysia

We’re now fully in this
FMCO, or ‘total lockdown’
, so first of all we hope you’re staying safe and staying at home as much as possible. However, we understand that we all need to venture out to stock up on necessities.

When that time comes, don’t forget to wear your face mask at all times when you’re out in public - wear two masks if that floats your boat - and don’t travel beyond 10km from your place of residence. We survived 2020, so this is pretty standard stuff right?

But what if you realise that your driver’s license or road tax is due for renewal or, worse, has expired?

Very much mirroring our current home-bound lifestyles, we even have certain JPJ services rendered via the internet, referring to
MyEG
 - of course! While the portal isn’t able to replicate all the functions of a government department, there are plenty of commonly used services that have made the online jump.

For the purposes of this little guide, however, we’ll be focusing on renewing your driver’s license. Personally, I have been using MyEG to re-up my license (and road tax) for many years as it is the easiest and most convenient option, by far. But that was back in the days of a more simple laminated slip.

A few days after the fact, an envelope will arrive in my mailbox with a new pink laminated card that indicated the extended date of validity, and that was it. Since 2018, that process has been  discontinued following the JPJ’s move to using single-piece plastic cards similar to your MyKad IC.

However, since October 2020, online driver’s license renewal has returned to MyEG, though the process now requires a little extra effort on our part. To cut a long story short, you’ll need to provide a picture.

STEP 1:
 Before we get into that, the first step is to create an account with MyEG if you haven't already done so. Apart from choosing a username and password, you’ll need to provide some other info such as some personal details and contact information.

STEP 2:
Once you’re done with setting up your new account and have logged in, select the Road Transport Department icon from the top left of the grid on the Services page.

STEP 3:
 You’ll be greeted with all the options of MyEG services that have to do with JPJ, including paying summonses, road tax renewal,
insurance renewal
, and even checking up on the status of your Learners Driving License (LDL) application. Since we’re not concerned with any of those today, we’ll click on the button for Driving License Renewal (CDL).

STEP 4:
The next page is where they give you a little briefing on what can potentially go wrong with your application for renewal. Most of it is quite obvious, letting you know to make sure that the information/details you submit are accurate.

Pay attention to the guidelines for the picture you need to upload, though: make sure your face is clearly visible and that you have a white background. Should this criteria not be met, your new license will not be processed/printed/issued. But if you already have a new-type license, you can also choose to re-use the existing photo.

STEP 5:
 More forms! They even ask you for your email, which is odd since you already used that to create an account and log in. They’ll ask for a delivery address too, which is worth double-checking. Just keep in mind your preferred renewal period as that will impact how much you will need to pay (RM30 for each year).

STEP 6:
 You’re almost done. Just take note of the differences in delivery charges and delivery times depending on where you live. You’ll be redirected to a payment gateway and once the transaction is complete, your license should be on its way. Be patient, though, as there are ongoing restrictions on movement and business operations.

Afterthoughts

The good news is that you have technically ‘renewed’ your license, though you are still missing a new physical replacement. Even more, fortunately, is that it has already been announced that those with driving licenses expiring between June 1st and July 31st are eligible for a relaxed renewal window.  And the same goes for owners whose cars have road taxes expiring during that same period.

Should this apply to you, JPJ will accept renewals between August 1st and September 30th.

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Toyota Prius Hybrid Taxi Travels A Million Kilometres With Original Battery

Hybrid cars are so prevalent these days that you’d think that most of the concerns surrounding their viability have been quelled. But for those still on the fence about the longevity of hybrids should take heed from hybrid taxis, and one such example has just driven over one million kilometres.
That’s an astonishing number, by any measure. More so when you factor in the harsher driving conditions and less-than-ideal operating stretches that taxis are subject to.
Many cities around the world are turning to hybrid taxis as a measure to save fuel as well as reduce overall carbon dioxide levels and operating costs, leading to an inadvertent long-term test.
The million-kilometre taxi belongs to an Austrian taxi driver by the name of Manfred Dvorak, who drives a
Toyota

Prius
, all on the car’s original battery pack.
Manfred even claims that the car has never broken down. To document the feat, Toyota Austria made a series of videos about it. Two mechanics who inspected the Prius also said how surprised they were at how well the car has held up over that duration, needing a minial amount of work aside from regular maintenance.


Spyshot: All-New 2018 Geely B-Segment SUV Spotted, Features New BMA Platform

Geely will be introducing a new B-segment SUV in the near future, as spyshots of the new model have emerged from China.
Codenamed SX11, the new Geely B-segment SUV is said to be underpinned by Geely's new BMA (B-segment Modular Architecture) platform, co-developed with Volvo.
Autohome
reported that the BMA platform could also be used for future Geely and Volvo models. The Geely SX11 is the first model to be underpinned by the new BMA platform.
Despite this test mule's heavy camouflage, we can see that the front end continues to feature Geely's corporate grille. The bulges on the lower half of the front bumper suggests that the upcoming SX11 could feature a radical-looking front end.
A high voltage sticker was spotted on the rear of the test mule, suggesting that the SX11 could feature a either a hybrid or full electric powertrain.
Peeking inside, the Geely SX11 could feature a floating-type infotainment system and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. Other trim bits are covered in camouflage, though it appears that the SX11 could feature an identical centre console as its bigger sibling, the Boyue.
The source further added that the Geely SX11 could go into production some time in 2019.
Photo credit:
Bitauto


McLaren Elva Unveiled - 815PS And No Windshield

Mclaren has pulled the covers off its new Elva – the latest model of its Ultimate Series lineup. The open-cockpit two-seater celebrates the Bruce McLaren-designed McLaren-Elva sportscars of the 1960s that embody McLaren’s pioneering design and engineering principles.

Built on a bespoke carbon fibre (monocoque) chassis with no roof, no windscreen, and no side windows – the Elva will be the lightest road car ever from McLaren Automotive.

The sensational design features a low, wide nose and pronounced front fender peaks to provide visual drama and at the same time enhance the driver’s forward vision. Large, carbon fibre rear fenders flow from the front of the door to the rear deck, while the height of the twin rear buttresses is minimised by using a deployable roll-over protection system. A fixed windscreen derivative of the car is also available for most markets as a factory option.

The Elva’s design also introduces the world’s first Active Air Management System (AAMS): the AAMS channels air through the nose of the Elva to come out of the front clamshell at high velocity ahead of the occupants before being directed up over the cockpit to insulate the occupants from turbulent air.

The system comprises a large central inlet situated above the splitter, a front clamshell outlet vent and a small carbon fibre deflector that raises and lowers vertically; when the AAMS is active (at higher speeds), the deflector is deployed at the leading edge of the bonnet outlet, rising 150mm into the freestream to create a low-pressure zone at the vent. The vented air is directed through a 130-degree radius, using a network of transverse and longitudinally mounted carbon fibre vanes across the bonnet outlet; distributing the airflow both in front of and along the side of the cabin further assists air management in the cabin environment.

The Elva is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 that is slated to produce 815PS. McLaren claims a 0-100km/h time of under 3.0 seconds and 0-200km/h in just 6.7 seconds, quicker even than the McLaren Senna (at 6.8 seconds). The engine is from the same family of engines that power the McLaren Senna and Senna GTR, it features a flat-plane crankshaft, dry-sump lubrication and lightweight connecting camshafts, rods, and pistons that reduce mass in the powertrain.

The Elva develops 15PS more than the Senna, achieved through an optimised exhaust system with reduced back pressure and improved LTR performance that reduces charge air temperatures. The exhaust itself is an intricate and lightweight titanium and Inconel system. Power is directed to the rear wheels through a seven-speed seamless-shift gearbox which features a Launch Control function.

The Elva also features the state-of-the-art McLaren linked-hydraulic fully active suspension offers a varied breadth of ability on all road surfaces, with both unique software settings and bespoke springs and damper valving matched to the extremely light overall vehicle weight.

To cope with all that power, the braking system is also the most advanced ever fitted to a McLaren road car. Each sintered carbon-ceramic disc measures 390mm and takes significantly longer to produce than a conventional carbon ceramic disc, but the resultant material is much stronger and has improved thermal conductivity. The braking system was first introduced on the McLaren Senna but is enhanced for the Elva with the addition of titanium caliper pistons which save a total of 1kg across the vehicle.

Exploiting the Elva’s unique architecture, McLaren has introduced the ‘blurred boundaries’ design principle which sees carbon fibre bodywork wrapping into the open-air cabin as exterior flows into the interior. The uppermost sections of the carbon fibre doors simply curve over and flow down into the cabin, the light, stiff and strong composite material providing the perfect compromise between form and function.

A carbon fibre spar additionally sweeps down from between the buttresses and runs between the driver and passenger seats to houses a central armrest, engine start button, and the controls for Drive, Neutral, and Reverse functions. The seats themselves are of a bespoke design, with a new lightweight carbon fibre shell that not only supports the head, shoulder and back area of the occupants. Six-point race harnesses can be optionally specified should the customer wish to use the Elva on track.

In a first for McLaren, the controls for the Active Dynamics drive functions are integrated into the instrument cluster; set either side of the binnacle, the dynamic mode switches are situated close to the gearshift paddles and their operation does not require the driver to remove their hands from the steering wheel. Additional functionality is accessed through the centrally-mounted 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen monitor; the brand-new interface features an edgeless-glass screen and a side-mounted control dial.

Stowage space is offered beneath the rear tonneau. Made from carbon fibre, the curving single-piece panel is operated manually and secured with soft-close latches. The compartment under the tonneau has space for helmets and houses the porthole-like panels that showcase the two visible air filters.

The Elva does not have an audio system as standard (to keep weight down) but customers can specify a bespoke system at no additional cost. Further non-cost options include 5-Spoke Super-Lightweight forged alloy wheels in lieu of the 10-Spoke Ultra-lightweight wheels fitted as standard; track-focused Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres rather than Pirelli P Zero street tyres; and a vehicle lift system.

Just 399 examples of new McLaren Elva are available for customer order, starting from GBP1,425,000 (including UK VAT); customer deliveries are scheduled to begin towards the end of 2020.


Hot Subaru Forester tS Is Not Your Typical SUV, 300 Units Only

 After showing us a concept and several teasers,
Subaru
 has finally unveiled the new
Forester
 tS. Like the
BRZ
 tS, the STI-enhanced
Forester
 is exclusive for the Japanese market only. Bear in mind that this is not a full-fledged STI model like the WRX STI, but rather a regular production
Subaru
 model that has been made better with the tuning division’s off-the-shelf parts.
 Under the hood is a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder Boxer engine that develops 276hp and 350Nm of torque, paired to a Lineatronic CVT automatic transmission that sends the force to all four wheels. The handling department is beefed up with 17-inch Brembo-sourced disc brakes all-around, a STI tuned suspension setup that lowers the ride height by 15mm, a transmission cooler along with 19-inch BBS alloy wheels. Elsewhere, the ECU and TCU (transmission control unit) have also been recalibrated to complement the sporty nature of the Forester tS.
 Exterior wise, there is a black grille with signature STI cherry red highlights, more aggressive front and rear bumpers, side mirror covers and a roof spoiler that are finished in black. Aside from that, the fast kid hauler also features various STI emblems to remind you that it is something special.
 Upgrades on the inside include a STI-specific gauge cluster that goes all the up to 260km/h, new leather wrapped steering wheel, exclusive black leather and suede seats, red highlight stitching as well as a STI shift lever.


Tokyo 2015: Toyota S-FR, A Sub-86 Fun Car

This is the Toyota S-FR, a concept car that will be displayed at the coming 2015 Tokyo Motor Show. As you might have already guessed from its looks, the S-FR is going to a younger brother to the Toyota 86.
The S-FR takes on the Toyota 86’s proven formula of affordable pricing (in Japan and other overseas countries at least) combined with a tail-happy front-engine rear-wheel drive layout, but wrapping the mechanicals within a smaller body so it can be sold cheaper than the Toyota 86.
Measuring just 3,990 mm long, the 2+2 seater S-FR is 250 mm shorter than the 86. To put it into perspective, the S-FR is just slightly longer than the 3,850 mm long Suzuki Swift.
Compared to the Toyota 86, the S-FR is 80 mm narrower, and a lot lower too – 45 mm lower, at 1,320 mm low.
The wheelbase is 2,480 mm long, 90 mm shorter than the Toyota 86.
Like the Toyota 86, lightweight and fun-to-drive handling, rather than horsepower are the main highlights of the car.
Toyota didn’t provide any details of its engine yet, but said it is mounted front midship and that it will be paired to a six-speed manual transmission.
Some reports have indicated that a 1.5-litre engine might power the S-FR but nothing has been confirmed by Toyota yet.
A homage to a retro hero?
Although Toyota didn't put it that way, but a keen observer pointed out that the S-FR looks very similar to a Sports 800 - a two-cylinder boxer engine cult car from 1965.
Will it come to Malaysia?
Unfortunately no, because this 1.5-litre S-FR will be more expensive than the 2.0-litre 86 in Malaysia. Say what?
Yes you read that right. Under the Japan-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement, effective 2016, Japan-made cars with an engine capacity of 1,800cc and above will be exempted from the 4.6 percent import duty for cars below 2,000cc (current rate for 2015).
In other words, the supposedly cheaper 1,500cc S-FR will still be slapped with import duties but the 2.0-litre 86 won't..
The Japan-Malaysia FTA have since 2006 and import duties on Japan-made cars have been reduced progressively since then.


Pick of the Week: 1963 Chrysler Imperial Custom Southampton Coupe

Out of the thousands of cars that are being listed on Carlist.my, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the car you’re looking at now is arguably one of the most unique, and that is exactly why we’ve chosen this immaculate
1963 Chrysler Imperial Custom Southampton Coupe
 to be the first car to be featured in Carlist.my’s Pick of the Week.
First introduced in 1926, the
Chrysler
 Imperial was the company's flagship model for much of its history. While the first generation Chrysler was produced only from 1926 till 1954, the moniker was revived once again in 1990 to 1993 when the brand aimed to position the model to be as prestigious as its predecessor.
While the Imperial name itself carries such rich heritage, the model that you’re looking at now is even more special as it is not any Imperial. Only 749 units of the Custom Southampton Coupe were ever built and most of them are already resting in peace.
In fact, many were not even aware of the existence of a coupe version of the Chrysler Imperial. That is how rare this model is.
That being said, this extremely well kept Imperial, which is being sold by classic car specialists
Jag’s Classic Automobile Sdn Bhd
 in Damansara Perdana, is completely original and rust free as it was in the United Kingdom until a few months ago.
Powered by a 6.8-litre V8 engine that is mated to an automatic transmission, this car is fitted with almost every conceivable extra, all of which we believe work as new, including the air conditioning, powered windows, and chromed buttons and levers all around.
One of the biggest highlights of the car is without a doubt, the awesome push-button operated automatic transmission. For a car that was made back in the 1960s, features like this made the car way ahead of its time and standout from the rest of the crowd. Come to think of it, most cars on the road today are still using a gear lever, while this beauty looks like it came straight from the future.
Initially purchased in Colorado where it was kept and cherished for many years, the Imperial Coupe was purchased by a car collector in Las Vegas and after its time in the bright lights, it was sold to its third owner in Palm Springs, California where the last owner was introduced to the car. He then took the car on a road trip across America before shipping it back to his home in the UK, before Jag's Classic Automobile acquired this stunner.
One thing that is definitely worth mentioning here is that the car comes with a complete set of documentation dating back all the way to 1963, including the original order sheets, invoices, brochures, a service handbook, and even the death certificate of the first owner!
Priced at RM250,000, this Chrysler Imperial Custom Southampton Coupe, which is one of the only 749 units that were ever made, has
 no rust, no mechanical issues, and comes with all the documents with arguably all the information one would need about the car.
Plus, this is also an ideal opportunity for the new owner to live the ultimate American Dream.
For more information, contact Jag’s Classic Automobile at:
Web:
www.jagsclassic.com
Tel: 03-7710 2207 / 03-7727 2207


Special Promotional Price of RM79,888 For Renault Fluence

TC Euro Cars (TCEC), the sole franchise holder of Renault cars in Malaysia today announced the ‘
Renault Fluence
 It’s a Big Deal’ campaign.
As part of the campaign, TCEC is extending a promotional price of RM79,888 (OTR without insurance) for limited units of 2016 year make display models and selected variant registered during the campaign period.
The Fluence, which is powered by a 2.0L petrol engine mated to a CVT X-Tronic automatic gearbox, delivers maximum power of 143 PS at 6,000 rpm and peak torque of 195Nm at 3,750 rpm.
Standard features include Renault R-LINK multimedia system and a 7-inch touch screen display with in-built navigation, USB connectivity and hands-free Bluetooth kit with music playback. For convenience, the Fluence also has hands-free entry and engine start, with automatic ‘walk away’ door locking.
Meanwhile, safety features include ABS with EBD and EBA, ESP (Electronic Stability Program) with ASR (traction control), six airbags (front, side and curtain), ISOFIX child seat anchors on the rear side seats, cruise control with speed limiter, as well as height adjustable 3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners. For security, the Fluence also has automatic door locking which operates at 10km/h and above.
The Renault Fluence also offers a premium interior and exceptional in-cabin spaciousness. The automatic climate control is complemented by rear air vents. Its boot space of 530 litres is one of the biggest in its class, which can be expanded with foldable rear seats that split 60:40.
According to TCEC, the Fluence comes with a five-year full manufacturer’s warranty with unlimited mileage. This warranty is fully backed by Renault and not undertaken by any other insurance companies, which means terms and conditions as well as parts covered are consistent from the first year of ownership to the end of the warranty period.
Looking for a Renault? Find one at
Carlist.my
 today.


Peugeot Puts Their L750 R HYbrid Vision Gran Turismo In Gran Turismo

The great thing about racing games is that manufacturers these days are starting to embrace and acknowledge them. Licensing is always a tricky issue (hence the lack of Porsche models in the Gran Turismo franchise), but in some cases these companies are even willing to debut their concept cars in game. While it'll never be quite as visceral as driving these cars in real life, it does offer people a taste- and a taste is better than nothing at all.
Most recent of these companies is Peugeot, and they're putting their L750 R HYBrid Vision Gran Turismo racecar in the Gran Turismo game. This is in celebration of the centenary of their Indy-500 win with the Peugeot L45 way back in 1916, and this new racecar concept will debut in the new game that launches on October 18th. It follows on from the L500 R HYbrid Vision Gran Turismo, being a more extreme and sharper version.
This car was designed for the future of competitive racing, with a full carbon monocoque structure and other bits and bobs that would be really great if Peugeot actually raced in Le Mans. The petrol engine would put out 580 hp with a redline of 10,000 rpm, while a 170 horsepower electric motor supports in for a total system output of 750 hp. A 7-speed sequential gearbox sits between the combustion engine and the wheels, with the entire engine and transmission mounted to the rear axle.
With just 825 kilograms of weight to haul around, the L750 R HYbrid Gran Turismo will hit 100 km/h in just 2.4 seconds. You can test it for yourself when the game launches and compete in a 24-hour "Twitter Race" where each completed lap earns you a retweet. The person with the highest number of retweets at the end of the race takes the win. We're not quite sure how this works, but we're sure that it'll be fiercely competitive.


Pelajar Bermotosikal Ke Sekolah Tanpa Lesen – Undang Risiko Kepada Diri, Orang Lain

Tindakan ibu apa atau penjaga yang membenarkan pelajar bermotosikal ke sekolah tanpa lesen perlu dihentikan serta merta atas risiko yang tinggi.

Pelajar sekolah dan motosikal memang tak dapat dipisahkan. Ada yang lengkap berlesen dan bertopi keledar, malah ada juga yang lebih ranggi tanpa lesen dan helmet.

*Kredit foto: Utusan

Seperti biasalah, walaupun tak semua pelajar melanggar peraturan dan tidak berlesen, tetapi yang sering menunggang secara berbahaya dengan baju sekolah inilah yang sering kita lihat tular di internet mahupun ternampak di depan mata sendiri.

Apa-apa pun, tidak kisahlah atas sebab apa sekalipun mereka dibenarkan untuk bermotosikal ke sekolah, tindakan itu merupakan perkara yang berisiko bukan sahaja kepada pelajar tersebut, malah kepada pengguna jalan raya lain.

*Kredit video: Dashcam Owners Malaysia

Tak Tahu Undang-Undang

Tahu bawa motosikal tak semestinya mereka sudah layak untuk berada di atas jalan raya bersama kenderaan pelbagai jenis dengan berbeza-beza kelajuan. Kebanyakan mereka masih tidak peka terhadap undang-undang jalan raya kerana masih belum menghadiri kelas lesen.

Buktinya, baru-baru ini, sebuah rakaman video dashcam yang tular di Facebook menunjukkan dua orang pelajar perempuan sekolah menengah yang terjatuh dari sebuah motosikal setelah hampir berlaga dengan sebuah lagi motosikal yang membuat pusingan U di garisan berkembar.

Persamaannya, ketiga-tiga pelajar tersebut tidak menggunakan topi keledar. Walaupun mereka mungkin hanya bermotosikal di kawasan perumahan atau kawasan berdekatan sekolah sahaja, namun itu tidak bererti mereka tidak terdedah kepada risiko yang mungkin boleh membawa maut.

Tak Mahir Tunggangan Defensif

Selain itu, pengalaman menunggang juga agak kurang bagi pelajar yang masih tidak berlesen (terutama mereka di bawah 16 tahun) membuatkan mereka tidak begitu biasa menunggang motosikal di kawasan yang sibuk dengan pelbagai kereta berbanding kawasan perumahan.

Dalam hal ini, mereka yang sudah bermotosikal untuk bertahun-tahun pasti sudah lebih berpengalaman dalam membaca situasi di jalan raya yang memerlukan mereka bertindak dengan pantas supaya tidak terlibat dalam kemalangan akibat perbuatan pengguna jalan raya lain, terutama ketika mencelah.

Di jalan raya, macam-macam situasi boleh terjadi akibat perbuatan pengguna jalan raya lain. Oleh kerana pelajar ini bermotosikal, risikonya jauh lebih besar berbanding mereka yang berkereta misalnya.

*Kredit foto: Harian Metro

Defensive riding
 adalah strategi yang membantu penunggang motosikal untuk sentiasa mengawal dan tidak terkejut dengan tindakan orang lain. Ia adalah mengenai memerhati, menjangka, merancang lebih awal dan strategi ini membolehkan penunggang motosikal kekal dalam keadaan selamat yang boleh dikawal.

Untuk menggunakan
defensive riding
 dengan berkesan, kemahiran yang diperlukan ialah:

Kewaspadaan

Pemerhatian

Kesedaran

Jangkaan

Perancangan

Kawalan

Untuk mahir dalam defensive riding, anda perlu pergi kelas untuk betul-betul belajar dengan lebih mendalam. Nak belajar sendiri pun tiada masalah, namun perkara itu perlukan lebih banyak masa di atas jalan dan pengalaman untuk dikuasai, bukanlah sesuatu yang dapat dipelajari dalam sekelip mata.

*Kredit foto: Kosmo

Jadi Penyumbang Statistik

Tahukah anda bahawa golongan belia yang merupakan harapan negara di masa hadapan merupakan golongan paling ramai dicatatkan terlibat dalam
kemalangan maut
sejak tahun 2019?

Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob berkata jumlah kemalangan jalan raya di negara ini agak membimbangkan dengan sebanyak 14,308 kes direkodkan pada 2019 hingga 2021 dan golongan belia mencatatkan kes kematian tertinggi dengan purata 7,077 kes yang mencecah 50% daripada kadar kematian keseluruhan.

*Kredit infografik: Sinar Harian

Berdasarkan statistik kematian penunggang motosikal yang dikeluarkan oleh PDRM dari tahun 2014 hingga 2020, sebanyak 13,436 kematian direkodkan merupakan golongan muda dari had umur 6 tahun hingga 30 tahun. Malah, motosikal
kapcai
juga dikenali sebagai
pembunuh utama golongan kanak-kanak dan remaja di negara ini.

PM turut mengeluarkan kenyataan bahawa pihak JPJ berhasrat untuk mengurangkan kadar maut akibat kemalangan sebanyak 50% menjelang tahun 2030. Oleh itu, JPJ akan memperbanyakkan lagi program advokasi dan keterlibatan dengan pihak tertentu bagi memberi kesedaran keselamatan jalan raya.

Apa Yang Boleh Dibuat?

Pujian harus diberikan pada Polis Daerah Nilai yang menjalankan OP DIDIK di Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Dato’ Mohd Said ketika waktu persekolahan tamat dan pelajar pulang dari sekolah. Operasi itu telah menyaksikan sebanyak 29 saman dikeluarkan atas kesalahan seperti tiada lesen memandu (kesalahan tertinggi), cukai jalan tamat tempoh dan tidak memakai topi keledar.

Op Didik ini diadakan bertujuan untuk memberi pendidikan dan advokasi kepada para pelajar sekolah supaya mengambil langkah-langkah keselamatan dalam menggunakan motosikal dari rumah ke sekolah dan pada masa yang sama memberi peringatan supaya mematuhi peraturan dan undang-undang lalulintas.

Dengan adanya operasi sebegini diharapkan para pelajar dapat mematuhi peraturan dan undang-undang lalulintas yang telah ditetapkan termasuklah menunggang motosikal dengan memakai topi keledar, mempunyai lesen memandu yang sah dan mematuhi had kelajuan.

Yang paling penting, pihak berkuasa dah jalankan tanggungjawab mereka. Jadi ibu bapa atau penjaga turut perlu lebih tegas dalam melarang anak-anak yang masih belum cukup umur untuk mengambil lesen motosikal daripada menaiki motosikal. Mungkin anak anda penunggang yang berhemah, namun adakah mereka cukup bersedia untuk berada di atas jalan raya bersama ribuan kenderaan lain tanpa ilmu yang cukup?


LRT Kelana Jaya line 'out of service' until 15 November

The
LRT Kelana Jaya line
 involving 16 stations will be temporarily 'out of service' until 15 November 2022.

An entire week is needed by RapidKL to resolve the issues related to the Automatic Train Control (ATC) electronics which have been causing problems since last Saturday (5 November 2022). These stations were completely closed from 4pm yesterday (8 November 2022).

16 LRT stations affected

This temporary halt in services on the LRT Kelana Jaya line will affect commuters from 16 different stations, which are:

Kelana Jaya

Taman Bahagia

Taman Paramount

Asia Jaya

Taman Jaya

Universiti

Kerinchi

Bangsar

Abdullah Hukum

KL Sentral

Pasar Seni

Masjid Jamek

Dang Wangi

Kampung Baru

KLCC

Ampang Park

To make amends for the unfortunate turn of events, RapidKL will be extending the LRT Ampang and Sri Petaling lines as well as the MRT Kajang line until 12.30am. Additionally, free feeder bus services will be extended to selected stations that are affected by the Kelana Jaya Line.

Best time to look for a used car? Head over to
Carlist.my
 and find the right one for you!


Lexus Registers Trademark For LM Name In Malaysia

Following our recent post on the
announcement by Lexus
 that it will be introducing a new class of vehicles – likely to be Lexus’ interpretation of the Toyota Alphard - at the coming Shanghai Auto Show, we now know that Lexus has trademarked the LM 350 and LM 300h name in Malaysia.
Just as Lexus’ flagship LS sedan is short for Luxury Sedan and the LX is short for Luxury 4x4, the LM name will most likely represent Luxury Minivan (MPV).
A search with the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) revealed that a Toyota subsidiary Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha had registered both the LM 350 and LM 300h names with MyIPO in June last year.
Not much else is known about the upcoming Lexus LM but considering that the most luxurious Toyota Alphard Royal Lounge already comes with a two-row, four-seater option, the upcoming Lexus LM will most certainly build upon that.
When suitably equipped with the right Modellista accessories package, the Alphard Royal Lounge’s power-operated seats can be set to recline fully into a flat bed. It also comes with reading lights and a touch screen control panel for the rear seat entertainment system.
The space immediately behind the front row seats can be configured to accommodate a small refrigerator, magazine rack, and a 24-inch flat screen TV with JBL audio system.
Toyota Alphard Royal Lounge
All of these are features that no Mercedes-Benz S-Class or BMW 7 Series can accommodate. The Mercedes-Benz V-Class comes close but its luxurious image is slightly muddled by its association with the workhorse Vito commercial van.
Part of the reason why the Toyota Alphard dominates in Asia is because it has no such association with a blue collar working class’ work tool like the Toyota Hiace.
Toyota Alphard Royal Lounge with privacy screen and 24-inch TV and refrigerator option. Communication with driver is via intercom.
While the four-seater Lexus LM will certainly impress, Lexus will most likely still offer a more practical 7-seater layout variant.
Since the Lexus LM will use the 350 and 300h designation for Malaysia, it’s quite clear that the Malaysia-bound Lexus LM will come with either a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 (LM 350) or a 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid (LM 300h).
Toyota Alphard Hybrid, Japanese market model
The question now is how far apart the Lexus LM 350 will be priced away from the Toyota Alphard, which in the same 3.5-litre V6 guise, starts from RM 443,000.
The first ever Lexus LM will be making its world premiere on 16 April at the Shanghai Auto Show.


Perodua Myvi driver found dead after her car was swept away by floodwater

A woman was found dead in her Myvi after her vehicle was swept away by flood water.

Here's some food for thought if you ever feel brave and feel like you can cross a flooded road. The Sun Daily reported that the Fire and Rescue Department had found a body, believed to be of a motorist who drowned after being swept away by floodwater.

Picture credit: The Sun Daily

The authorities concluded that the woman drowned after the Perodua Myvi she was driving was swept away by floodwaters in Jalan Nitar Utama, Johor recently.

Fire and Rescue Department operations commander Abdul Muiz Mukhtar said the car was found about 15 metres from the spot where it was washed away.

“Work to retrieve the car was ongoing,” he said in a statement yesterday. Abdul Muiz said they received an emergency call on the incident at 6.49 am.

“When our team arrived, there were no indications that the victim was still at the location of the incident. Our team then conducted a search in Felda Nitar 1 and Felda Nitar 2 areas,“ he said.

Johor Fire and Rescue Department said the body of the woman was found inside the car at 10.19 pm. Rescuers took about 40 minutes to retrieve the grey car using the ‘vehicle rockery system’, as trees were blocking their way, they said.

Mersing district police chief Supt Abdul Razak Abdullah Sani, in a separate statement, said the 23-year-old victim was said to be travelling from Mersing to Kluang when the incident happened.

If you must drive through a flooded road, it is important to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety and that of your passengers. As a general rule, if the water is deeper than the bottom of your doors or the center of your wheels, do not attempt to drive through it.