Electric trucks pick up speed despite bumpy road

                GOTHENBURG: Using a motorised arm, a worker at Volvo's factory near Gothenburg slowly guides massive black blocks alongside a chassis, the three tonnes of batteries soon to power an electric truck.

"This is where the difference lies," explains Sandra Finer, vice president of operations at the Swedish site.

On the assembly line, "we use the same people, the same equipment and the same process, (but)... when we build the electric truck we dock the electric module instead of an engine for the diesel trucks."

Electric heavy trucks are now mass produced in Europe, North America and China and have been rolled out faster than expected — though it will still be a while before they overtake polluting diesel trucks in number.

"It is a really exciting moment we're living in regarding electric trucks," Felipe Rodriguez, an independent expert at analysis group International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), told AFP.

"Just four or five years ago, people would have said 'You're crazy, that's not going to happen. Diesel is king, it can't be beaten'," he said.

Electric heavy trucks require massive amounts of energy to propel their heavy loads, raising questions about their range and recharging capabilities.

They need charging terminals dozens of times more powerful than those made for electric cars.

The electric trucks are also more expensive, currently costing between two to three times more than a traditional diesel model, according to industry experts.

However, those prices are expected to go down and the higher up-front price can be offset by cheaper running costs using electricity, as well as different country-specific incentives.

Race to launch

Spurred by increasingly strict EU regulations aimed at reducing CO2 emissions as well as massive Chinese state support for its national manufacturers, the sector is determined to press ahead.

There has been "a reckoning in the industry that they will not be able to hold on to their diesel engines forever," Rodriguez said.

"There is now a race to really develop and launch these electric trucks on the market."

In 2022, electric trucks accounted for a tiny portion of heavy trucks on the world's main markets — just one or two percent, with 40,000 to 50,000 units sold worldwide, most of them in China, according to data from trade experts.

But the main Western truck makers — Germany's Daimler and Man, Sweden's Volvo and its French subsidiary Renault Trucks, and the other Swedish manufacturer Scania — have invested heavily.

US manufacturer Tesla, which has been hugely successful with its electric cars, also aims to break into the e-trucks sector, with its "Semi" model promising a range of up to 800km.

The global truck market is sizable, estimated at more than US$200 billion per year with almost six million units sold.

"In 2030, 50 percent of the volume that we sell for Volvo Trucks should be zero emissions ... and in 2040, everything that we sell should be zero emissions," Roger Alm, head of Volvo Group's trucks division, told AFP.

That more or less corresponds to the level necessary to achieve the objectives of the Paris Agreement to decarbonise road transport, according to the ICCT.

Diesel long-haul trucks emit around one kilo of CO2 per kilometre, the ICTT estimates.

With Europe's current electricity mix, which still comprises a significant amount of coal and gas, the carbon footprint of an electric truck is two-thirds lower than that of a diesel truck.

Spreading around the world

Electric trucks are expected to account for 90 percent of the truck market by 2040, according to ICCT.

"It has started to really take off and grow in the Northern parts of Europe and in North America," Alm said.

"Now it's moving into the southern parts of Europe and we also have new markets in Africa, for example, Australia, Brazil, so it’s expanding country by country."

Together with other manufacturers, Volvo, the world's second-biggest truck builder, has agreed to take part in a vast European project to increase the number of truck charging stations, currently one of the weak points holding back their adoption.

To quickly recharge an electric truck charging stations need a capacity of five megawatt hours, Rodriguez noted.

That is equivalent to the production provided by one modern wind turbine at full capacity, and 50 to 100 times more powerful than a charging station for an electric car.


All Volvo cars to be electrified from 2019

                GOTHENBURG (Sweden): Volvo Cars announced today that every car it launches from 2019 will have an electric motor, marking the historic end of cars that only have an internal combustion engine (ICE) and placing electrification at the core of its future business.

Volvo will introduce a portfolio of electrified cars across its model range, embracing fully electric cars, plug-in hybrid cars and mild hybrid cars.

It will launch five fully electric cars between 2019 and 2021, three of which will be Volvo models and two of which will be high performance electrified cars from Polestar, Volvo Cars’ performance car arm. Full details of these models will be announced at a later date.

These five cars will be supplemented by a range of petrol and diesel plug in hybrid and mild hybrid 48 volt options on all models, representing one of the broadest electrified car offerings of any car maker.

This means that there will in future be no Volvo cars without an electric motor, as pure ICE cars are gradually phased out and replaced by ICE cars that are enhanced with electrified options.

“This announcement marks the end of the solely combustion engine-powered car,” said Volvo Cars president and chief executive Håkan Samuelsson. “Volvo Cars has stated that it plans to have sold a total of one million electrified cars by 2025. When we said it we meant it. This is how we are going to do it.

“This is about the customer. People increasingly demand electrified cars and we want to respond to our customers’ current and future needs. You can now pick and choose whichever electrified Volvo you wish.”

The announcement underlines Volvo Cars’ commitment to minimising its environmental impact and making the cities of the future cleaner. Volvo said it aims to have climate neutral manufacturing operations by 2025.

The decision also follows last month’s announcement that Volvo Cars will turn Polestar into a new separately-branded electrified global high performance car company. Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President Design at Volvo Cars, will lead Polestar as chief executive officer.

Follow webcast on the announcement here.


BMW, Vodafone, Ericsson urge EU to consider 5G car standard

                BRUSSELS: BMW, Vodafone and Ericsson made a last-ditch effort on Wednesday to persuade the European Commission to open the way for the use of 5G technology in cars, concerned about the EU executive’s preference for a wifi-based technology being pursued by their rivals.

The companies said it was crucial for the industry to have the freedom to adopt a range of technologies for internet-connected cars in a sector estimated to be worth billions of euros a year.

“It’s concerning that just two years later the principle of technological neutrality appears to be no longer adhered to by the European Commission,” they said in a joint statement.

The comments by the companies followed a similar push by trade groups GSMA and ETNO and 5GAA last week via a letter to all 28 EU countries.

In a bid to speed up the rollout of connected cars across the bloc and encourage cooperation between manufacturers to make safer and more efficient cars, the Commission is looking to legislation to help it achieve its goal.

The latest draft of the proposed rules seen by Reuters last month paves the way for cars equipped with wifi called ITS-G5 to hit the roads in Europe while regulators will review the rules at the latest three years after their implementation to take into account any new technologies.

BMW, Vodafone, Ericsson back the alternative 5G standard called C-V2X, putting them in the same group as Daimler, Ford, PSA Group, Deutsche Telekom, Huawei, Intel, Qualcomm and Samsung.

BMW, Vodafone and Ericsson cited the advantages of C-V2X and the fact that this technology was gaining ground in China and the United States.

The Commission is now seeking feedback from other internal units before it puts the proposal to EU countries and EU lawmakers for comment. It is expected to adopt legislation on the topic next year.


Bugatti's 'dare devil' drivers helped combine flying with racing cars

                PARIS: Bugatti was once known for its Grand Prix racing successes during its heydays.

Racing cars produced by this French manufacturer from Alsace won several thousand competitions between 1920 and the mid-1930s alone.

One of them was the legendary, agile and light Bugatti Type 35 - all thanks to the many successful Bugatti racing drivers of the “golden era” who were former pilots.

During those days, aviation was developed in parallel with the motor car, both of which were driven forward in France at the start of the 20th century.

The first motorised aircraft took off in 1906, developed by a Brazilian living in Paris.

Frenchman Louis Charles Breguet developed the first helicopter in 1907 and Frenchman Louis Blériot became the first man to fly across the English Channel in 1909.

Italian-born Ettore Bugatti decided to settle in Molsheim, Alsace that same year.

The young developer loved extraordinary technology and was just as fascinated by aviation and pilots as he was by the motor car, which was still in its infancy.

So it was hardly surprising that Bugatti didn’t just restrict himself to developing and designing light and powerful automobiles and thoroughbred racing cars, but developed speedboats, high-speed trains and aircraft as well.

“Bugatti has been closely associated with motorsports and aviation for over 110 years. Early models demonstrate clear parallels to these two technical areas. This includes open mechanical systems, consistent lightweight construction a good power-to-weight ratio and initial attempts to improve aerodynamics,” said Bugatti president Stephan Winkelmann.

Winkelmann added that Ettore Bugatti also designed and produced a wide variety of high-precision, light, powerful and technically demanding machines.

In addition to the uncompromising racing cars, this also included aircraft engines and an own constructed aircraft.

The first aircraft engine built by Bugatti around 1915 was a massive eight-cylinder in-line engine producing 250PS.

These were followed by 16-cylinder engines with two blocks of eight cylinders, each positioned vertically side-by-side on a shared crankcase.

The French government had no interest in these aircraft engines, but the Americans did.

The further-developed King Bugatti 16-cylinder aircraft engine delivered 420PS at about 2,000rpm.

It was planned to build at least 2,000 of these engines, but this plan was rendered obsolete when the First World War came to an end in November 1918 with around 40 produced.

Bugatti then devoted himself increasingly to his vehicles in the years that followed, but in 1925 he still built a 16-cylinder aircraft engine - the Type 34, which he later used in a modified form in the Type 41 Royale.

Ettore Bugatti was also interested in aviation on a personal level: he maintained close contact with former First World War pilots throughout his life.

They wanted to transfer the allure of speed from the air to the road and this was an idea that particularly appealed to Ettore Bugatti leading to the future designs associated with the brand.


Audi Short Film Award for 'Genius Loci'

                BERLIN: With a value of 20,000 euros, the Audi Short Film Award at the 70th Berlin International Film Festival goes to “Genius Loci” by Adrien Mérigeau.

This year’s international short film jury is made up of the Hungarian animation film maker Réka Bucsi, the Turkish curator Fatma Çolakoglu and the film maker Lemohang Jeremiah Mosese from Lesotho.

The jury’s statement on this year’s award winner: “That other night her thoughts merged with the flickering street lights, the skyline and the trash on the sidewalks. This beautifully crafted film effortlessly coordinates the chaos of being human.”

In “Genius Loci“ Reine, a young loner, wanders around the city at night. There is chaos everywhere: in her head and outside, in the big city. Things are taking on a life of their own. Young Reine is on the search, but she does not know what she is looking for. In delicate drawings and fluid animations, we see the world through her eyes and her perception becomes tangible.

After studying at the French animation school EMCA, Mérigeau went to the Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon to work on two Oscar-nominated feature films.

“Genius Loci” is the director’s second short film. "It was important for me to work on paper, since traditional drawing, unlike digital, requires concentration and a meditative approach in one’s gestures”, says Mérigeau when asked about the working process on “Genius Loci”. “

It helps me maintain a direct, affective connection with the element I’m drawing."

To mark the 70th anniversary of the Berlinale and its seventh season as a principal sponsor, Audi celebrated the diversity of artistic positions and open discourses together with trendsetting talents and international film greats such as Helen Mirren, Margaret Qualley, Johnny Depp and Salma Hayek.

The purely electrical drives to the red carpet with the Audi e-tron and the two new plug-in-hybrid models Audi A8 TFSI e and A7 Sportback TFSI e ensured that the stars of the international film industry made an exciting appearance.

The new Audi e-tron Sportback opened the red carpet of the Berlin International Film Festival and used its new digital matrix LED headlights to project a video clip onto a screen as an act of homage to mark the 70th anniversary.


Govt to minimise environmental damage of Trans Borneo Highway

                KOTA KINABALU: The construction of the Trans Borneo Highway, which is expected to start work soon linking the interiors of Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Kalimantan, Indonesia, will take into account environmental concerns, says Works Minister Baru Bian.

“It is very important for us to make sure that the concerns of wildlife corridors, which could be affected in the construction of this road, are addressed, ” he said, referring to the 40km stretch between Kalabakan and Serudung in Sabah.

As the road would pass through forest reserves and other wildlife dense areas, he said much was being done to ensure the environmental impact would be minimised.

Once Indonesia moved its capital from Java to Kalimantan in phases starting next year, other parts of Borneo, namely Sabah and Sarawak, would benefit in terms of economic growth, he said.

"The connectivity is something that would bring people closer together as well, ” he added.

“There will be tourism opportunities, upgrading of roads and other facilities, better connectivity, economy and many more, ” Baru said at a media night here last Friday.


The reinvention of steel could make car bodies 30% lighter

A red-hot steel plate passing through a press at the ArcelorMittal steel plant in Ghent, Belgium. — Reuters
TOKYO: Imagine the weight of 24 elephants bearing down on a tiny spot the size a postage stamp. That’s how much pressure Nippon steel Corp.’s strongest metal can withstand.

The Japanese company is pushing the envelope in order to stay relevant as the auto industry, its most important customer, goes through major changes.

Steel has been the main material in cars since Henry Ford started mass producing them a century ago. But the heavy metal is falling out of favour because automakers can’t meet new fuel efficiency standards or build long-range battery-powered cars without shedding precious pounds.

Several years ago, Ford Motor Co. decided to build its best-selling F-150 pickup truck mostly out of aluminum - and steelmakers have been panicking ever since.

That’s why Nippon steel last April opened a research department to come up with tricks for making car parts lighter, using super-advanced grades of the material it’s been smelting for 118 years. In January, the firm unveiled the results of the new approach: an all-steel car body, built in-house, which it says cuts weight by 30 percent, putting it on par with aluminum.

"There’s this idea out there that steel is an old-fashioned material, but it’s not true,” Nippon steel’s laboratory research head, Nobuhiro Fujita, said last week at a briefing in Yokohama.

For years, cars have actually been gaining weight, not losing it, adding about 400kg in the last two decades alone, according to automotive consultancy A2Mac1. Beefier beams and pillars for added crash protection and more amenities like power seats have been the main culprits, along with popularity of behemoth pickup trucks and SUVs.

But now tighter emissions rules are forcing manufacturers to consider dieting. Even in North America, where fuel efficiency targets are less ambitious than in Europe and China, the curb weight of new vehicles will drop about 7%, or 122kg, between 2015 and 2025, according to market researcher Ducker Worldwide.

The pressure will only increase as automakers produce more electric cars because batteries aren’t powerful enough to carry extra weight and still propel cars for long distances.

Over time, this will mean more aluminum, more exotic materials like carbon fiber and magnesium - and less steel. By 2025, steel will account for only 62% of the weight of the average new vehicle, down from 70% in 2015, according to Akihito Fujita, a New York-based consultant at Nomura Research Institute America Inc. He says: "The move away from steel is inevitable.”

The changes are problematic for no one more than Nippon steel. Competition with lower-cost rivals in China has made it harder to make money selling construction materials and the firm now relies on the auto industry to buy about 30% of its output, according to Takeshi Irisawa at Tachibana Securities Co. in Tokyo. (Nippon steel doesn’t disclose the numbers in its financial reports.)

"They don’t have any replacement for cars,’’ the analyst said.

Still, aluminum has made fewer inroads than expected since the release of Ford’s F-150 pickup in 2015. General Motors Inc. mocked the material’s durability in TV ads that showed the F-150’s aluminum truck bed cracking when heavy objects were dropped into it.

Another blow came in 2017, when Tesla Inc. switched to steel for the body of its first mass-market car, after using aluminum on earlier luxury vehicles. Nissan Motor Co. also chose a mostly-steel body for it’s LEAF which is the world’s best-selling electric car. Toyota Motor Corp., a key Nippon steel customer, has done the same for its plug-in hybrids.

"We have to keep costs down,’’ Toyota’s head of advanced R&D, Shigeki Terashi, said last month.

To persuade auto customers to stick with them, though, Nippon steel is trying to show that steel can also be a weight-saver, if it’s super-strong and used cleverly.

The car body it exhibited at a Tokyo trade fair in January cuts weight by 30% using a half-dozen different grades of the metal. The strongest has a tensile strength of 2,000 mega-pascals, which means it can withstand 290,000 pounds of pressure per square inch - several times more than the advanced steel commonly used in cars today - without breaking.

Nippon steel’s engineers also found ways to redesign components so they could be made with less material. For example, they used a combination of thinner body panels and reinforcement bars to shave 20% off the weight of door modules, without sacrificing strength.

The next goal is to prove that high-grade steel can be used to cut the weight of car bodies by half.
That may require some compromise, though, since steel can only get so strong or light. To push the limits, Nippon steel is experimenting by mixing small amounts of plastics with the metal it’s been producing for decades.

"We want to do the most we can with steel,” said Fujita, the company’s laboratory head, "but we’re not taking the competition for granted.”


TomTom map for German highways now caters to self-driving vehicles

                FRANKFURT: Here's one major development for the nascent self-driving vehicle industry. TomTom today announced the industry’s first commercial launch of a Highly Automated Driving (HAD) Map for a complete country.

TomTom’s HAD Map of Germany, covering the complete Autobahn network, provides a 3D lane map for 24,000 kilometres of roads. By delivering this highly accurate border-to-border model of the road, TomTom’s HAD Map enables a self-driving vehicle to see beyond its sensors.

The TomTom HAD Map for the highway network in Germany provides a highly accurate and realistic representation of the roadway, including the following map features/attributes: 3D geometries of lane centerlines, lane dividers, road borders, and guard rails; and lane-dependent speed limits and lane divider marking types.

Together these advanced map features extend the range of view for the vehicle while supporting smoother, safer, and more efficient driving scenarios. In addition to enabling future self-driving cars to see beyond their sensors, the TomTom HAD map can also be used for advanced driving applications like improved versions of eco-adaptive cruise control (ACC), lane level guidance, and predictive powertrain control.

“We believe that our ability to deliver a HAD Map for Germany demonstrates both the power of our mapmaking engine and our continued commitment to meeting the needs of the automotive market,” said TomTom Automotive managing director Antoine Saucier.

TomTom also launched RoadDNA, an innovative new product for vehicle localisation that will help make automated driving a reality, faster. Designed with vehicle data storage and processing limitations in mind, RoadDNA delivers highly accurate location information that can easily be integrated into the on-board system of a vehicle.

The RoadDNA’s propriety technology delivers a highly optimised lateral and longitudinal view of the roadway. By matching RoadDNA data with vehicle sensor data in real-time a vehicle knows its location on the road, even while traveling at high speeds or when changes occur to the roadside.

By converting a 3D point cloud of road side patterns into a compressed, 2D view of the roadway, RoadDNA delivers a solution that needs little storage space and limits processing requirements, without losing detail. TomTom RoadDNA eliminates the complexity of identifying each single roadway object, but instead creates a unique pattern of the roadway environment. This makes the technology robust and scalable.

TomTom RoadDNA, combined with the TomTom HAD Map, promises to deliver accurate and robust technology by providing real-time information about a vehicle’s precise location on a map whilst coping with changes in the environment.


Majority of Brits want to ban pavement parking

                LONDON: A new study by online parking portal YourParkingSpace.co.uk indicates that a majority of Brits now want to see pavement parking banned across the country.

Its Britain-wide survey found that more than half of those surveyed are now in favour of outlawing the controversial parking practice, compared to just 44 per cent two years ago.

And with a government consultation soon looking at the contentious issue, with the strong possibility of a harsh clampdown, it could soon be that pavement parking is a thing of the past.

At present, the practice is only illegal in London with Scotland set to follow, however in many other parts of the UK, the law is less clear.

“This new study shows there has been a significant mood change in attitudes towards pavement parking, with 52 per cent now in favour of banning it across the whole of the UK," said YourParkingSpace.co.uk managing director Harrison Woods.

“It looks like this might happen sooner rather than later following an imminent government consultation to settle the issue once and for all.”

However, if a new nationwide law against pavement parking is introduced then it could affect millions of motorists as the latest study also found that this is how more than 1-in-3 drivers have parked their vehicles.

Moreover, more than 1-in-20 park on a pavement on a daily basis. The most popular reason for doing so was to stop the vehicle from blocking the road.

Harrison added: “Most people who park on the pavement do so to keep the road passable for other vehicles, such as the emergency services, but by parking up on the kerb they can make it difficult, or impossible, for pedestrians to get by.

“Therefore, we would urge motorists to consider all their options before leaving their vehicle on a pavement.”

Founded in 2013, YourParkingSpace.co.uk is an online marketplace that markets and manages over 65,000 parking locations UK-wide, ranging from driveways through to private off-street parking spaces and commercial car parks.


Two Mitsubishi production models debut in New York

                NEW YORK: The production models of the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) and the 2017 Mirage G4 subcompact sedan were revealed at the 2016 New York International Auto Show.

"Outlander PHEV offers the best of both worlds providing true SUV capabilities along with electric driving efficiency without the worry of range anxiety. Mirage G4 joins the popular Mirage hatchback to form a formidable one-two punch in the subcompact segment," said Mitsubishi Motors North America executive vice president Don Swearingen.

The Outlander PHEV has a 2.0-litre petrol engine and two high-performance electric motors that drive Mitsubishi's superior Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system.

Mounted separately at the front and rear axles the electric motors deliver precise, responsive 4WD performance with the S-AWC system ensuring excellent driving stability and intuitive, linear handling.

The S-AWC system found on the Outlander PHEV is a specialized application of Lancer Evolution-derived Super All-Wheel Control honed on the world rally circuit.

A sibling to the well-established and popular Mirage hatchback, the all-new Mirage G4 brings to consumers a fresh dose of clean style, environmental consciousness, agility, connectivity, affordability, roominess, and value.

Inside, the Mirage G4's long wheelbase provides for a spacious interior cabin and a cavernous trunk.


One for the road: Glenfiddich uses whisky waste to fuel trucks

                LONDON: Scotch whisky maker Glenfiddich has begun converting its delivery trucks to run on low-emission biogas made from waste products from its own whisky distilling process as part of a "closed loop" sustainability initiative, it said today.

Glenfiddich said it has installed fuelling stations at its Dufftown distillery in north-eastern Scotland that use technology developed by its parent company William Grant & Sons to convert its production waste and residues into an Ultra-Low Carbon Fuel (ULCF) gas that produces minimal carbon dioxide and other harmful emissions.

Stuart Watts, distillery director at family-owned William Grant & Sons, said traditionally Glenfiddich has sold off spent grains left over from the malting process to be used for a high-protein cattle feed.

But through anaerobic digestion - where bacteria break down organic matter producing biogas - the distillery can also use liquid waste from the process to make fuel and eventually recycle all of its waste products this way.

"The thought process behind this was 'what can we do that's better for us all?'," Watts said.

The distiller, which sells more than 14 million bottles of single malt whisky a year, said its whisky waste-based biogas is already powering three specially-converted trucks that transport Glenfiddich spirit from production at Dufftown through to bottling and packaging, covering four William Grant & Sons sites in central and western Scotland.

Sixteenth century English chronicler Raphael Holinshed wrote that, consumed moderately, whisky's many medicinal benefits include preventing the "head from whirling, the tongue from lisping ... the hands from shivering, the bones from aching."

But it turns out its waste products could also benefit the environment.

The distiller said the biogas cuts CO2 emissions by over 95% compared to diesel and other fossil fuels, and reduces other harmful particulates and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 99%.

Each truck will displace up to 250 tonnes of CO2 annually, Glenfiddich said.

The trucks Glenfiddich is using are converted vehicles from truckmaker Iveco that normally run on liquefied natural gas.

Watts said Glenfiddich had a fleet of around 20 trucks and the technology could be applied throughout the delivery fleets of William Grant & Sons' whisky brands and could be scaled up to fuel other company's trucks.

The Scottish whisky industry hopes to hit carbon net zero targets by 2040.


Dashcam captures collision that caused SUV to plunge off Penang Bridge

                GEORGE TOWN: A horrifying collision that resulted in an SUV plunging into the sea after another car collided with it at KM4.0 on the Penang Bridge (mainland bound) early today was captured on a dashcam.

Perai Fire and Rescue chief Azlan Hassan said they were alerted about the mishap at 2.35am.

“Rescuers found a car badly damaged but its driver only lightly injured. We have not been able to ascertain the status of occupants in the other vehicle,” he told reporters.

The missing driver of the SUV is believed to be Moey Yun Peng, a 20-year-old college student from Taman Kempas, Butterworth.

The victim's father lodged a missing person report this afternoon after he was told that his son's car was believed to have been involved in an accident along the bridge.

In a 20-second dashcam footage that was released today, it showed the driver of a Toyota Vios speeding to the left past a car in the middle lane. The Mazda CX-5 was in the fast lane when the Vios driver lost control of his car, swerved to the right and slammed into the CX-5, sending the bigger vehicle off the bridge.

Central Seberang Prai OCPD Asst Comm Nik Ros Azhan Nik Abdul Hamid said investigations revealed that Moey had just attended a birthday party on Penang island and could have been on his way home when the incident happened.

Once the SUV is located, Penang Bridge authorities would be called in to pull the car out of the sea, said ACP Nik Ros.

He said the other driver, aged 21, was sent to the hospital for treatment. He said they were investigating the incident for reckless and dangerous driving under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

 Rescuers failed to find the missing SUV driver today. The search will resume at 7am on Monday.

Marine Police Region 1 commander Asst Comm Rosman Ismail said search operations were called off at 7pm today, adding that it would resume at 7am tomorrow.

It is learnt that rescuers dropped anchors and dragged it along the seabed in an effort to detect the wreckage.

A fireman at the scene said the water depth was estimated to be about 20m.

(Bernama contributed to this report)


London expands zone charging drivers of worst polluting cars

                LONDON: London has greatly expanded the area in which it charges the drivers of older polluting cars to help clean up the city's air, despite objections from some that it is too costly.

The British capital's devolved government introduced its original ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) in April 2019, forcing owners of more polluting vehicles to pay £12.50 (RM71) per day to drive in the city centre.

This zone has now been expanded since last Monday to encompass a far bigger area - between northern and southern orbital roads - which is home to nearly four million residents.

London mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted that the measure would bring "cleaner air to millions of Londoners".

The original ULEZ scheme has led to a "reduction in toxic air by almost a half: a reduction in particulate matter, a reduction in carbon emissions," Khan told the BBC.

The first year of the expanded scheme is projected to reduce the amount of carbon emitted by 100 kilotons, he added.

"That's about 60,000 vehicles being taken off the road."

Those who drive a vehicle in the city centre at the busiest times also have to pay a congestion charge of £15, a measure first introduced in 2003.

Some have opposed the expanded ULEZ measure, arguing that it is a "tax" on poorer drivers least able to afford to replace their polluting vehicles and that it will hit small businesses.

The charge is applicable to cars, motorcycles, smaller vans and minibuses and based on their declared emissions rather than age.

However, petrol cars first registered after 2005, and diesel cars after September 2015, typically meet the ULEZ standards and are exempt.

Khan told the BBC that "of course there has been opposition," but said that for him "this is an issue of social justice".

Long-term exposure to the capital's pollution has serious consequences for its population of around nine million, causing some 4,000 people to die prematurely in 2019 and stunting the growth of children's lungs, according to Khan's administration.

"Who do we think suffers the worst consequences of toxic air? The poorest Londoners, least likely to own a car, Black, Asian and multi-ethnic Londoners," the mayor said.

"Six out of 10 in the expanded (ULEZ) area don't even own a car".


Fiat Chrysler executives, salaried employees to take pay cuts during pandemic

                DETROIT: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV’s top executives and salaried workers around the globe will take pay cuts in an act of “shared sacrifice” brought on by the coronavirus pandemic that has shuttered the automaker’s plants in Europe and North America, according to a company memo seen by Reuters.

Chief executive officer Mike Manley said in the memo he will take a 50% pay cut for three months starting April 1, while chairman John Elkann and FCA’s board of directors will forego the remainder of their 2020 compensation. FCA said most global salaried employees will be asked to take a temporary 20% pay cut.

“Protecting the financial health of the company is everyone’s responsibility and naturally starts with myself and the leadership of FCA,” Manley wrote.

Members of the automaker’s group executive council will also take a 30% pay cut, according to the memo.

Last week, No. 1 US automaker General Motors Co said it planned to keep its plants closed indefinitely and was reducing the pay of salaried employees and executives and suspending some future product programs to conserve cash.

GM’s chief executive and chief financial officer issued a stark warning to company employees in an internal video, saying that “significant austerity measures” were needed to preserve the company’s long-term viability.

To save cash, Ford Motor Co also said it was temporarily cutting top executives’ salaries.


Toyota Gazoo Racing M'sia partners with Japan Super GT

                PETALING JAYA: The success and public support of the Vios Challenge One-Make Race and Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Festival has garnered the attention of  the Japan Super GT organization and a collaboration has been established with TGR Malaysia.

This collaboration will see activities such as exciting Super GT experiences for enthusiasts and fans at each round of the Vios Challenge One-Make Race and TGR Festival.

The third season of TGR Festival began in September 2019 with the first round in Kuala Terengganu, while the second round was held at Bandar Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur in November and third round in Batu Kawan, Penang.

The next and fourth round of the TGR Festival will be held at the Sepang International Circuit on April 18 and 19, 2020.

The collaboration with Japan Super GT will be complemented by the Toyota Supra’s presence.

“Thanks to the support from Malaysia’s racing community and fans, Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival Malaysia has now entered the third season. As we want to establish an even bigger footprint in Malaysian motorsports and to successfully do this is continuity.

"We are proud to be able to partner with Super GT which will position Toyota GAZOO Racing side by side with Asia’s foremost GT Motorsport racing series sharing the ‘fun to drive’ spirit and bringing more excitement to motorsports enthusiast,” said Akio Takeyama, Chief Motorsport Officer and Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.


Pee-driven car developed by scientists in Colombia

This old Ford Mercury from 1978 has already put back 600km running on urine. — dpa
BOGOTA: It wasn't just curiosity that motivated Juan Lozada, a scientist at the Narino University in Colombia, to see if he could get an old Ford car to run on human urine.

He was also driven by the goal of solving the problems he saw with the use of fossil fuels.

On a recent test drive between the Narino province state capital, Pasto, to the south, and Manizales, capital of Caldas, in central-western Colombia, the silver-coloured 1978 Ford Mercury covered 600 kilometres running "strong and powerfully" on urine.
 Lozada. - dpa
Lozada says that the pee-driven motor, which his team has been working on for the past two years, processes the uring using two compartments activated by a switch.

He added that hydrogen obtained from urine electrolysis "is especially reactive" giving it greater power.

Lozada admits that his car does still rely on some regular petrol, but he insists the device allows a 50-per-cent savings in fuel.

"We are producing clean energy contained in the urea," he says.

"With the 'MMIOIL' device we are achieving several important things. In addition to using clean energy that does not produce carbon monoxide, we are keeping this organic waste from entering into natural water sources," he says.

Meanwhile researchers in Mexico have also been using urine to produce energy. They have found that the daily urine output of two adults can supply sufficient natural gas to cook and heat water in a four-person home for nearly a week.

Lozada explained that the experimental automobile could also run on faeces in the future. The idea is to develop a "hybrid automobile, using different kinds of energy sources including urine, faeces and traditional fuels, but in lesser quantity."


China's Evergrande Health has grand ambitions on EVs

                HONG KONG: China’s Evergrande Health said it aims to build production capacity for 500,000 to 1 million electric vehicles in three years.

The company made the announcement at an earnings conference on Friday.

Its parent company, property developer China Evergrande Group, said last week it will start producing its first electric vehicles in June as part of a goal to become the world’s largest new energy vehicle (NEV) company within the next three to five years.


Blackberry and Damon Motorcycles to create electric superbike

                LAS VEGAS: Damon Motorcycles' upcoming flagship bike, whose CoPilot warning system was created with Blackberry technology, is set to debut at CES 2020.

In an era where Blackberry phones are essentially viewed as a device of the past, the Canada-headquartered company has announced that it will be providing Damon Motorcycles' complete electric bike lineup with technology that will serve as the basis for the vehicles' CoPilot advanced warning system.

The flagship bike by Canadian-based Damon Motorcycles, the Hypersport Pro, will debut with the Blackberry QNX tech at this year's CES conference.

Visitors will be able to experience this all-electric bike - which features "patented rider ergonomics" - at the Las Vegas show by testing out a stationary but leaning model whose performance can be simulated through a virtual reality experience.

The CoPilot warning system keeps riders safe by using a series of sensors, radars, and cameras to understand the movement of the bike itself and its surroundings, including moving objects.

Thanks to this tech and the resulting collision warning system, Damon Motorcycles claims that this flagship model "will be the safest, most advanced electric motorcycle in the market."

Reservations for the limited edition Hypersport Pro will be open to the public on Jan 7, the day CES 2020 kicks off.

Performance specs will likewise be revealed as the bike goes on display. The model is slated to go on sale in mid-2020.


AES effective in checking errant drivers, says minister

                BENTONG: Nine out of 10 motorists would comply with traffic laws if there are cameras placed nearby, making it a good reason for the Automated Enforcement System (AES) to be implemented.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said studies and tests conducted on drivers’ behaviour found that most drivers would adhere to the traffic laws with the existence of the cameras.

“Some 90% of the road users will comply with the speed limits on stretches with traffic cameras, compared to just 60% on roads without the monitoring system.

“It will be very effective in reducing accident and death rates if the cameras are installed at accident-prone areas,” he added.

Liow reiterated that the AES was not aimed at just punishing traffic offenders, but to serve as a reminder to motorists on the importance of road safety.

“We want to make the roads safer for all but enforcement and punishment alone cannot effectively achieve this goal.

“It is the driver’s self-discipline that helps save his life and that of others on the road,” he said after opening an annual Chinese calligraphy competition, held in conjunction with the Lunar New Year celebration, here yesterday.

Liow has been very concerned and upset over the increasing accident and death rates recorded in the country, saying that the figures had continued to shoot up despite efforts and campaigns run by the Government to educate the public on road safety.

According to the statistics, a road accident occurs in Malaysia every minute, with at least 18 deaths daily.

In 2015, a total of 6,706 people were killed in 489,606 accidents nationwide, compared with 6,674 fatalities and 476,196 accidents in 2014.

To save lives, Liow said, the ministry had planned to install more AES cameras on the roads, along with other measures including to strengthen and re-activate the Demerit Points System.Currently, the ministry is gathering the public feedback on the two systems.

Liow said the response was overwhelming, with many concerned members of the public suggesting locations for the cameras as well as improvements to the execution and enforcement of the AES.

The monitoring system, which came into operation in 2012, is aimed at reducing road accidents and fatalities.

Currently, there are 10 static and four mobile AES cameras operating in Perak, Selangor, Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur.


VW fights back with new Tiguan amid China, leadership woes

FRANKFURT: Volkswagen is using the redesigned Tiguan, its top-selling sport utility vehicle (SUV), to fight back in a slowing Chinese market and elsewhere as it grapples with doubts about its leadership.

VW's most significant new model in 2015 may provide relief to the German carmaker, whose focus this year has been deflected by a rare power struggle and public discussion about cost cuts at its troubled Volkswagen car division.

VW proposed earlier this month to extend the contract of Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn and to make finance chief Hans Dieter Poetsch its next chairman.

The move was criticized by some analysts as a missed opportunity to steer Europe's biggest automotive company into the era of digitalisation with new leaders, five months after Chairman Ferdinand Piech quit in a power struggle with Winterkorn over strategy.

The first overhaul of the Tiguan since its 2007 launch, to be unveiled at the Frankfurt auto show on Monday, heralds a raft of new SUVs and crossovers VW plans to field in the coming years in the fastest-growing vehicle segment, two sources at VW said.

"New product is key in tough times," said Stefan Bratzel, head of the Center of Automotive Management think-tank near Cologne. "The new Tiguan is giving VW a good break, also from the strife in management." "VW is buying time until it has resolved its structural problems," Bratzel said. "They are almost in crisis mode."

The Wolfsburg-based carmaker is redrawing its structure to overcome underperformance abroad and boost profits and will reveal the steps it plans to take later this year.

"We are in the middle of setting the course for the next decade," Winterkorn said an interview with Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung published on Saturday. "That is nothing less than the reinvention of Volkswagen." The hope is that the new Tiguan will steer the focus away from leadership issues, and back to cars.

With 2.7 million unit sales, the Tiguan is the most successful of any model introduced during Winterkorn's eight-year reign as VW brand chief.

Analysts said a lighter and sportier version of the compact SUV may help limit the damage in China - VW's and the world's biggest market - where a decline in Volkswagen car sales has been accelerating since March. A plug-in, hybrid Tiguan will be on display at the car show.

The Tiguan is China's best-selling non-domestic compact SUV and only trails Great Wall Motor Co Ltd's Haval H6 in the vehicle class, according to research firm IHS Automotive.

The new pecking order of VW's leadership will also be on show in Frankfurt, together with the new Tiguan.

New brand chief Herbert Diess will be in the limelight on Monday for the first time since joining VW in July, alongside fellow executives.

After spending more than two decades at the helm of the German carmaker, former chairman Piech is expected to miss the show, a source at VW said.

"We have had more speculation about personnel this year than in Winterkorn's entire term of office," one of the VW sources said. "The new Tiguan will help us steer the focus back to cars."


Oct 3-9: Petrol prices up 3 sen


No card reloads at PLUS highway toll plazas during Hari Raya period

                PETALING JAYA: Remember to top up your Touch 'n Go card before starting the "balik kampung" journey this Hari Raya Aidilfitri, as top-up service will not be provided at toll plazas on the North-South highway.

PLUS Malaysia Bhd (PLUS) posted that drivers could instead use the top-up kiosks located at rest stops along PLUS highways.

The temporary closure is meant to ensure smoother traffic, by not having the lanes slowed down by people seeking to reload their cards. This is in effect for the duration of the Aidilfitri holiday, from May 30 to June 10.

Those traveling on the first day of Raya, June 5, will get a 20% toll discount when travelling along the PLUS and LPT2 highways between 12am and 11.59pm.

The 20% toll discount is for private vehicle customers travelling on the North-South Expressway (NSE), the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE), the Seremban-Port Dickson Expressway (SPDH), the North-South Expressway Central Link (ELITE), the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link Highway (Linkedua), the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway (BKE), the East-Coast Expressway 2 (LPT2) and the Penang Bridge.


Is an electric car battery breakthrough on the horizon?

                LONDON: Demand for the current crop of plug-in electric cars may still be weak but Nissan, Renault and Volkswagen are all confident that a mass-market electric car is just around the corner.

This week Nissan added a new model to its range of LEAF electric cars. The LEAF Acenta+ Grade adds special 17-inch alloy wheels and a 6.6kW charger as standard, meaning that it can be recharged in just four hours. And these practicality features come on top of a telematics system, reversing camera and cruise control and speed limiting system.

The extra creature comforts will go some way to attracting new customers to the electric car market. However, the trickle of new customers won't turn into a stampede until the LEAF's range -- 124 miles (200 km) -- can be improved.

It's an issue that the Renault-Nissan Alliance's head, Carlos Ghosn is fully aware of. Speaking to The Guardian at the formula E championships, he said "If there's a price penalty, they just don't buy. If there's range anxiety, they just don't buy."

However, as demand for electric cars increases, their cost will come down. And, as for driving range, Renault-Nissan is confident that within five to 10 years thanks to on-going research and development, range will be extended significantly - three to four times greater than the current distances.

Nissan isn't the only company confident that a better battery is really just around the corner. Last week, during an interview with German publication Bild, Volkswagen boss Martin Winterkorn described the battery technology it is currently working on as a "quantum leap for the electric car."

The battery in question is being developed in the US, in Silicon Valley and could prove the key to creating a practical, affordable plug-in electric car with mass market appeal. Winterkorn said that the battery was cheaper, smaller and more powerful meaning that "An electric Volkswagen that can travel 300km on electricity is in sight."

There is no debating whether electric cars are cleaner than their gas-powered counterparts in terms of tailpipe emissions; however, a new study from the National Bureau of Economics, first detailed last Monday by CityLab, suggests that depending on how the electricity that recharges the battery is generated, electric cars could be generating more pollution than an internal combustion engine.

The research, conducted in the US, shows that in states that use coal fired power stations, charging an electric car is adding to the pollution and over a lifecycle of 241,000km could be less environmentally friendly than an equivalent size gasoline car.


Electric SUV prototypes from China's Aiways attempt epic Xian-Frankfurt drive

                XIAN: Aiways, the Shanghai-based personal mobility provider, has started what is believed to be the longest point-to-point drive of a prototype electric vehicle ever attempted.

A pair of prototype Aiways U5 battery-electric SUVs departed on July 17 from Xian in China, and are now being driven 14,231km to Frankfurt. The vehicles, which are nearing the end of a comprehensive test and development programme, are scheduled to complete their epic journey in September – just in time for the Frankfurt motor show.

The audacious EV engineering drive will involve two U5 prototype vehicles – and a team of engineers – travelling first through the Gobi Desert of northern China. Following routes used for centuries by Silk Road traders, the convoy will arrive in Kazakhstan at the end of July.

The convoy will then enter Russia, passing through Moscow and St Petersburg before entering Europe through Finland. The northernmost leg of the drive takes the prototypes above the Gulf of Bothnia, with scheduled stops in Sweden, Norway and Denmark, before entering Germany.

Once in western Europe, the cars will also visit Amsterdam, Paris and Zurich, before a final drive over the Alps and back into Germany. The journey will end in front of the Frankfurt exhibition halls during the first week of September, shortly before the motor show opens its doors to the public.

The drive marks a significant stage of the development cycle for the new Aiways U5, giving engineers the chance to subject the car to a demanding, long-distance examination. Testing two vehicles on some of the world’s most demanding urban and rural roads – over a combined distance of more than 28,000km – will help Aiways evaluate quality and reliability, and determine optimal chassis settings.

The fully-electric "E-Drive" powertrain – the most compact electric powertrain of any zero-emission vehicle – is one of the key areas which Aiways engineers will focus on. The drive will test the battery pack and motor in challenging, evolving conditions, and will enable the development team to monitor the powertrain, as well as its electrical control and heat management systems, in real-time. The data captured from the drive will allow engineers to validate energy consumption in varying conditions, charging and fast-charging capabilities, and the vehicle’s low state-of-charge performance.

In addition, the U5 prototype’s multiple electrical systems will come under intense scrutiny, to ensure that the final production vehicle’s numerous safety, connectivity, powertrain and convenience features operate at their best. The U5’s braking, suspension and steering characteristics will also be monitored and honed, with the drive taking the convoy through mountain regions and some of the hardest road conditions that owners might expect to encounter.

Aiways will be joined on the epic road trip by new strategic partner Allianz Partners, who will be providing road side assistance should it be needed over the 14,231km journey.

The U5 all-electric SUV is a statement of intent for the Aiways brand as it aims to bring affordable, connected and local zero-emissions family transport to the European market by April 2020.


Isuzu D-Max Beast debuts, limited to 360 units

SUBANG JAYA: The limited edition Isuzu D-Max Beast pick-up truck is offered with a 4x4 automatic transmission, and either 2.5-litre or 3.0-litre engines.

Limited to 360 units, it is priced on the road without insurance at RM116,040 (2.5L) and RM123,835 (3.0L).

The Isuzu D-Max is sold in either Magnum White Solid or Titan Silver Metallic.  Up front, a dark grey grille and bonnet garnish replace the usual chrome-finished parts. A matte black bumper guard with a silver accent plate have been added to  give the front a more rugged character. LED Daytime Running Lights  (DRLs) come as standard.

The wheel arches are accentuated by matte black surrounds, highlighting the exclusively-designed 17- inch matte black alloy rims mounted with 255/65 tyres. The door handles, roof rails, door mirrors and side steps are all finished in black and these, together with an  exclusive body decal offer a contrast to the Beast's body colour.

The Beast also comes with a Claw Bar with a lockable lid, a stylish aero spoiler and a bed liner. A black tailgate handle, bumper and rear combination lamp guard, together with an exclusive Beast decal and number plate casing complete the stylish outlook of the limited edition pick-up.

Inside, the seats are cloaked in premium Italian leather and finished in a two-tone shade, with the Beast logo stitched into the seat backs. The carpet mats too have exclusive stitching while the stainless steel kick panels are illuminated with LED Isuzu logos when doors are opened.

The interior trim has a darker shade of grey, to provide a more premium feel. The audio system now features a Kenwood multimedia player with a 6.2-inch touch screen, complete with a reverse camera.  A powerful Bongiovi digital power amplifier provides the added punch through the six-speaker surround sound system.

"Its expressive outlook, together with its contrasting colour scheme creates a bold and individualistic look that will tun heads wherever it goes," said Isuzu M Matsuoka.

In conjunction with the launch of the D-Max Beast, Isuzu Malaysia has a photo contest where the public can win a top cash prize of RM8,888.

To enter, get the official Beast's cage from selected automotive magazines or D-Max Beast brochures at Isuzu dealerships and road shows or download it from www.isuzu.net.my/beastcontest.

Then fire away with your camera in the most creative way, capturing you or your friends' beastly side while featuring the mandatory Beast's cage in frame.

Once you've selected your favourite shot, tell us why you're the bigger beast in less than 15 words; then upload your picture onto Instagram or Facebook with the tag #lsuzuBeast.

Don't forget to change your post's visibility settings to public, and you're well on your way to winning the big prize or perhaps one of the five RM1,000 cash prizes.

The contest ends July 31.


Musk's 'AI Day' grapples with tough questions about Tesla's technology

                SAN FRANCISCO: At Tesla's "Autonomy Day" event in April 2019, chief executive Elon Musk said that by mid-2020 Tesla would have over a million self-driving vehicles where riders "could go to sleep" during a trip.

Tesla has not achieved that goal and today Musk is staging another event, called "AI Day" to promote his electric car company as the place to work for the engineers he needs to make good on his promises for autonomous vehicles.

Musk has walked back some of his claims for Tesla's "Full Self-Driving" (FSD) system in recent months, saying Tesla cars are "not fully-self driving yet."

US safety regulators earlier this week opened an investigation into Tesla's driver assistant system because of accidents where Tesla cars crashed into stationary police cars and fire trucks.

Two US senators also called on the Fair Trade Commission to investigate Tesla's claims of "Full Self-Driving" and "Autopilot."

"Expectations have been significantly reduced from investors ... Tesla has got some harder questions to answer, what's going on with the safety probe? And how they market FSD?" asked Gene Munster, managing partner at venture capital firm Loup Ventures.

"I think the substance of the event is going to be lost with investors because it's just a geek fest."

Conflicting views of AI

In its invitation, Tesla said participants in the event at 5pm Palo Alto, California, time (8am Friday in Malaysia) will "get an inside-look at what’s next for AI at Tesla beyond our vehicle fleet." Musk said the event will be livestreamed.

Goldman Sachs said it expected Tesla to discuss AI applications for solar/storage software and advanced manufacturing in its factories.

Musk has expressed complicated and contradictory views of artificial intelligence. He has touted Tesla's AI as industry leading, but also said artificial intelligence could destroy humanity and pose bigger risks than nuclear-armed North Korea.

During 2017 and 2018, Tesla struggled to increase production of the Model 3 sedan in part because an ambitious factory automation project hit snags.

“Yes, excessive automation at Tesla was a mistake,” Musk tweeted in 2018. “To be precise, my mistake. Humans are underrated.”

Dojo

Musk is expected to reveal more about Tesla's "Dojo" computing system today, which he has said would process vast amounts of video data it obtain from Tesla vehicles on the road.

Musk said Dojo will have Tesla's own chips and architecture.

“AI Day is really a recruiting day for Tesla. It’s not a marketing event for a vehicle,” said Ross Gerber, chief executive of investment fund Gerber Kawasaki which owns Tesla shares.

Tesla is competing with other technology companies, especially Google, for engineers skilled in artificial intelligence systems, Gerber said.

Musk has a history of promoting technology at showy events, then pushing back the launch dates.

Last September, Musk announced an ambitious plan to produce its own battery cells which would enable Tesla to offer a US$25,000 car in three years.

But Musk subsequently cancelled the longest-range Model S Plaid+, which he had said would use the cells.


New Acura Integra Prototype makes global debut

                LOS ANGELES: Acura today gave the world its first look at the highly-anticipated new Integra, signalling the return of the celebrated nameplate to the Acura lineup.

Finished in striking Indy Yellow Pearl paint borrowed from NSX, the Integra Prototype is a strong indication of the exterior design of the all-new 2023 Acura Integra, which will be priced around US$30,000 (RM125,000) when it arrives at Acura dealers next year.

Inspired by past Integras, including the original that helped launch the Acura brand in 1986, the 2023 Integra will become the new gateway performance model in the Acura lineup, a premium sport compact with an evocative five-door design and fun-to-drive spirit.

The first-ever factory-turbocharged Integra will excite a new generation of enthusiast drivers with an available six-speed manual transmission, limited slip differential and high-output 1.5-litre engine, with VTEC.

“The Integra is one of the most iconic models in Acura's history,” said Jon Ikeda, Vice President and Acura Brand Officer. “This new Integra, will continue to deliver on the original's unique aspirational yet attainable market position, with emotional performance and style, combined with the versatility and utility sought after by today's buyers.”

Designed in Japan, the new Integra's bold exterior styling features a dramatically sloping roofline and liftback tailgate, giving it a distinct coupe-like road presence.

A modern interpretation of the Integra line, the fifth-generation model displays trademark cues such as the embossed Integra name under the driver's side headlight and passenger's side taillight.

First seen on the Type S Concept, Acura's new frameless Diamond Pentagon grille gives the Integra front a purposeful and sporty character.

Acura's unique lighting signature is updated with the “Chicane” LED daytime running lights now positioned above the Integra's JewelEye LED headlights, yielding an even more dramatic appearance.

Muscular rear wheel arches and aggressive rear fascia with dual-exhaust finishers emphasize Integra's wide track.

Inspired by previous Integra models, the distinctive rear styling features wide, single-piece taillights with matching “Chicane” light signature.

Behind the Integra Prototype's matte-finish 19-inch split-five spoke wheels are oversized Brembo high-performance brakes with color-keyed Indy Yellow calipers, providing incredible stopping power and an aggressive look.

The Integra Prototype's striking Indy Yellow Pearl paint pays homage to Phoenix Yellow, offered on the iconic 2000-2001 Integra Type R.

High-gloss Berlina Black accents have been applied to the Integra's roof, decklid spoiler, mirror caps, rear diffuser and front grille. A lower-sill graphic boldly displays the Integra name across the side of the vehicle.

The launch of the 2023 Integra will mark the first time for Integra to be built in America, when it begins mass production next year at the Marysville Auto Plant in Ohio.

Set to be built on the same production line with the Acura TLX, Integra will join all new Acura models sold in the US in being built in Ohio.

More details on the 2023 Acura Integra will be released closer to its market introduction in the first half of next year.


Limited edition Perodua Bezza from RM45K: Sold out!

                SERDANG: Perodua has sold out all 50 units of the limited edition Bezza, which was launched at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS).

Based on the Bezza 1.3 Premium X, the vehicle was priced at RM44,890 (on-the-road before insurance).

The limited edition Bezza uses the colour Ivory White for its paint and comes with a full GearUp body kit finished in matte black with an all-round red lower pinstripe, a matte black rear spoiler, a blacked-out roof and dark grey alloys.

Rounding off its sporty exterior are red door mirror caps and geometric graphics on the bonnet and lower sides.

Inside, the cabin is further spruced up by the addition of GearUp seat covers with new red stitching, red air vent surrounds and GearUp coil mats.

“The Perodua Bezza Limited Edition is all about sporty individuality. With GearUp accessories exclusive to this model, you can now proudly stand out from the crowd in Malaysia’s favourite sedan!” said Datuk Dr Zahari.

More than 140 units of the Bezza has been sold throughout Malaysia since its market debut in 2016 and is the local carmaker's first time in creating a sedan, with the upper body designed entirely in-house.


Tesla now runs the most productive auto plant in America

Tesla's Austin plant is nearing completion.
SAN FRANCISCO: Elon Musk has a very specific vision for the ideal factory: densely packed, vertically integrated and unusually massive.

During Tesla Inc.’s early days of mass production, he was chided for what was perceived as hubris. Now, Tesla’s original California factory has achieved a brag-worthy title: the most productive auto plant in North America.

Last year Tesla’s factory in Fremont near here produced an average of 8,550 cars a week.

That’s more than Toyota’s juggernaut in Georgetown, Kentucky (8,427 cars a week), BMW’s Spartanburg hub in South Carolina (8,343) or Ford’s iconic truck plant in Dearborn, Michigan (5,564), according to a Bloomberg analysis of production data from more than 70 manufacturing facilities.

In a year when auto production around the world was stifled by supply-chain shortages, Tesla expanded its global production by 83% over 2020 levels.

Its other auto factory, in Shanghai, tripled output to nearly 486,000.

In the coming weeks, Tesla is expected to announce the start of production at two new factories—Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenburg, its first in Europe, and Gigafactory Texas in Austin.

Musk said in October that he plans to further increase production in Fremont and Shanghai by 50%.

Tesla’s Fremont factory is a scrappy site to behold.

Originally built by General Motors Co. in the 1960s and jointly operated by GM and Toyota until after GM’s 2009 bankruptcy, new additions have been kludged together to form an anthill of manufacturing.

In what was once a rear parking lot, a pair of industrial tent structures provide shelter for bustling assembly lines that wouldn’t fit inside the packed factory.

“When we first went in there, we were like a kid in his parent’s shoes,” Musk recalled at a shareholders’ meeting in October. “Now we’re like spam-in-a-can here: How do we fit more stuff?”

Tesla’s more recent factories were designed with more intention, each one further refining the diamond shape developed for its Nevada battery factory.

The shape allows for long stretches of uninterrupted manufacturing lines, with parts access available along its length.

The new factory in Texas measures 1.2km. Musk moved the company’s headquarters from Palo Alto to Austin in December.

Tesla’s strategy to pursue colossal manufacturing hubs in its biggest markets is paying off, according to Credit Suisse analyst Dan Levy.

Global demand for electric cars has outstripped the manufacturing capacity to build them, and automakers everywhere are scrambling to secure access to a limited availability of batteries, raw materials and powertrain components.

Tesla, with the biggest early investments in EV manufacturing, has become the priority relationship for many key suppliers.

“Giga Austin symbolises Tesla’s plan to expand in the US beyond its California roots,” Levy said in a note to investors.

“The core priority for Tesla in 2022 will be unlocking capacity from its facilities.”

For all its rapid growth and dominance in electric vehicles, Tesla is still just the 10th biggest auto manufacturer in North America.

The new plant in Austin should change that and, according to Levy, help Tesla maintain its EV lead for as long as the supply imbalances continue.

Once Tesla flips the switch on two new factories, what comes next?

Musk has a longstanding target to increase vehicle deliveries by roughly 50% a year.

To continue such growth, Tesla will need to either open more factories or make the facilities even more productive.

Musk said in October that he’s working on both.

Site selection for the next Gigafactories begins this year.


Police assess BMW and VW models for use in fleet

                KUALA LUMPUR: Five German cars received by the police on Thursday were for test-drive purposes, says Bukit Aman.

The five vehicles, which comprised a BMW M3, two X3 and two Volkswagen Tiguan, would be test-driven for two weeks.

Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said police have yet to decide whether to buy the vehicles.

"We are using the vehicles for two weeks on a trial basis without any agreement signed.

"We want to gain feedback whether the vehicles are suitable or not for police duties," he said when contacted today.

He was commenting on photos of the vehicles that went viral on social media.

Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order department director Comm Datuk Hazani Ghazali said the vehicles would be test-driven by the department, the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department and the police escort unit during the trial period.

Comm Hazani said the police were aware of the government's financial constraints during the Covid-19 pandemic.


Proton sales in April up 6.5% year-on-year

                PETALING JAYA: Proton says sales in April totalled 9,415 units which took its total sales for the first four months of the year to 49,702 units.

April sales grew by 6.5% year-on-year (y-o-y) while its four-month sales growth was 39.8% y-o-y, the national automaker said yesterday. Its market share for the month is estimated to be 20.4%.

The X50 remained the best-selling B-segment sport utility vehicle (SUV) with 2,644 units delivered in April, while the 1,263 Persona delivered last month, made it the leader in the B-segment sedan market. Meanwhile, 465 units of the Exora were sold in the month along with 3,949 Sagas.

The X70 and Iriz achieved sales of 756 units and 338 units respectively.

“With the X90 due to be officially launched by the Prime Minister on May 7, the company will soon have a three model SUV range to strengthen our position in the segment as well as its first model in the "New Energy Vehicle" market.

“This will help form a good base for our future model offerings and give ’s network of outlets invaluable experience in selling and servicing these vehicles,” said Roslan Abdullah, deputy chief executive officer of Proton.

Exports totalled 187 units in April with the most popular export model being the Saga followed by the X50 and X70 respectively, the company said. Total export sales for the first four months of the year currently stands at 603 units.

“Proton’s export volume for 2023 has been slow to reach the expected volume due to several external global economic factors.

“However, we remain positive about our overseas sales prospects this year and are actively working with our partners to raise the profile of the brand as well as promote our intelligent products,” added Roslan.


Malaysian heads for upcoming 2019 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge

                PETALING JAYA: The Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, one of the world’s most well-known solar car events returns in 2019, will be taken on by sole Malaysian participant from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) and will be representing the nation for the third time.

Under Eco Photon Solar Racing Team, he is being sponsored by Bridgestone Tyre Malaysia which will see the Tigris solar vehicle equipped with the Japanese tyremaker's “ECOPIA with Ologic” tyres.

“We are proud and honoured to support UiTM’s Eco Photon Solar Racing Team to the leading event. The 'Ecopia with Ologic' is a tyre engineered with Bridgestone fuel-saving technology which is designed specifically for solar cars.

"The tyre comes with a wider diameter which limits changes in the shape of the contact patch to yield lower rolling resistance, thus improves fuel efficiency. As we continue to design and develop high-performing tyres for such innovative top-level series, Bridgestone also aims to reduce environmental impact via our fuel-saving product,” said Bridgestone Tyre Malaysia managing director Michael Chung.

The third-generation Eco Photon Solar Racing Team will be heading on a 3,000km journey from Darwin to Adelaide from Oct 13 to 20.

The solar car with a carbon fibre shell is equipped with an upgraded self-built monitoring system with high accuracy measurements and safety systems to prevent electrical shortages and is all set to compete in the Challenger class - one of the three classes in the challenge.

“With all the improvements from the previous car and the new technology implemented, we aim to be in the top five in the Challenger class. We are also eyeing for the 'Best Creative and Multimedia' award as well as 'Best Safety Prioritized' award.”, said team president Syazwan.

Bridgestone Corporation will supply solar car tyres to 32 teams participating in the challenge, for which the Japanese tyremaker is the naming rights sponsors.


Interstate travel: No approval needed for those who have registered

                KUALA LUMPUR: No approval is needed for those who have registered for interstate travel with the police, says Bukit Aman.

Its CID director, Comm Datuk Huzir Mohamed, said that during the upcoming interstate travel period, there would be no QR code generated for users of the Gerak Malaysia phone application as well.

“There is no notification for approval. All you need to do is apply.

“Of course families can travel together. All must fill in their details for those over the age of 16, ” he said at a press conference here today.

When asked if the police would conduct checks, he said that if a car was stopped, the police have ways to confirm if a person was registered for interstate travel.

“We want to maintain the flow of traffic, ” he added.

Comm Huzir also said that the travel period between May 7 and May 10 was strictly for those who had been stuck at their hometowns and wish to return to the city.

“We will take action against those who take advantage of this period, ” he said.

For users without smartphones, manual applications will be allowed but only with prior appointments at their respective police stations.

“You can download the form on our official Facebook page and fill in the forms beforehand. Then call ahead and make your appointment. This is to avoid crowds gathering at the stations, ” Comm Huzir said.

To date, over a million users have downloaded the Gerak Malaysia app, with 462,405 users applying for interstate travel as of May 1.

According to the police, those who have registered for interstate travel are able to do so only on set dates, according to their states.

On May 7, only those from Kuala Lumpur can travel.

People in Perak, Johor and Kelantan will be able to move on May 8.

Those in Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Melaka and Pahang are allowed to travel on May 9.

Finally, for those in Selangor, Negri Sembilan and Terengganu, travel will be allowed on May 10.

“This is why we have the registration period so that we can analyse the data.

“If you look at the schedule, Sabah and Sarawak are not listed. For movement, the states have their own procedures," Comm Huzir said.


Subaru to roll out new Outback on March 30

                NEW YORK: Subaru of America will be staging the world premiere of a new adventure-ready version of the Outback wagon on March 30.

It is believed that the model would be upgraded with an off-road-focused Wilderness package for a more rugged setup.

Expect the package to comprise knobby tyres, six-spoke wheels, a taller suspension and other offroad revisions.

The refreshed Outback would be the first Subaru model to get the package followed by the Forester SUV and Crosstrek crossover.

The Wilderness package is likely to be available only for the Outback variant fitted with the more powerful 260hp turbocharged 2.4-litre flat-four engine that's mated to a CVT and all-wheel drive. The other Outback comes with a 182hp 2.5-litre 4-potter.


2020 Lexus LC 500 launched at RM1.25 million

                KUALA LUMPUR: Lexus Malaysia is now accepting booking orders for the new LC 500, priced at RM1.25 million with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty.

It is powered by a 5-litre Lexus V8 powerplant with a Dual VVT-i system, producing a massive 470hp and 540Nm of torque.

With a kerb weight of under two tonnes, the Lexus LC 500 takes just 4.4 seconds to achieve 100kph from standstill.

“Be it from its stunning design to driving pleasure, from luxury to technological advancements or from advanced safety to high performance motoring, the LC500 offers customers the most remarkable and balanced vehicle cocooned in a breath-taking design that will continue to be a legendary masterpiece for generations to come,” said Lexus Malaysia deputy chairman Akio Takeyama.

Inheriting much of its technical prowess from the race track-bred Lexus LFA, the Lexus LC 500 has a luxurious Takumi-crafted interior.

For 2020, the enhancements to the LC 500 focuses on enhancing its comfort, safety and handling.

The LC 500 gets a new performance damper in the rear and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) control system, both of which enhance ride comfort while the Active Cornering Assist (ACA) control has been tweaked to operate in conjunction with the Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS), Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) and the re-configured Electric Power Steering (EPS) to provide more precise and crisp handling and a more tactile steering response.

New additions include a Power Easy Access feature where the driver’s seat slides away once the ignition is switched off, on top of the steering column stow-away feature.

The new LC 500 also now comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a new 10.3-inch Electro Multi Vision (EMV) high definition screen.

Safety systems include the Front Pre-Collision System (PCS), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Lane Keeping System and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) that work on top of the eight airbags on board and a new park feature where the transmission is automatically placed in “P” when the door is open to avoid accidental runaways.

“The new Lexus LC 500 remains one of the most dynamic and technically-advanced supercars available on the road today. With the updates made to the 2020 model, I believe that this is the car that will provide even greater driving pleasure to anyone with a passion for high-performance motoring whilst appreciating an automobile designed with passion,” added Lexus Malaysia president Ravindran K.


Beware of scams using Perodua's name

                RAWANG: Perodua is urging existing and potential customers to only deal with its authorised sales advisors to avoid being deceived by apparent scamsthat have surfaced after the Ativa’s launch on March 3.

“We have discovered at least two fraudulent rebate offers online for the newly-launched Perodua Ativa, which is not our practice,” Perodua president and chief executive officer Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad said.

He said the fake promotions did not originate from Perodua or any of its outlets nationwide.

According to Zainal Abidin, some scammers have posed as Perodua sales advisors before and lured potential victims into placing their new car purchase deposits into personal bank accounts.

To safeguard both existing and potential Perodua customers, the company has complied a quick ‘Do’s and Don’ts guide when purchasing a new Perodua vehicle.


Peak oil demand is coming soon for transportation

                NEW YORK: For more than a century, two trends in global transportation have been relentless: humanity’s desire for more cars and the consumption of ever-more oil to fuel them.

The second part, at least, may finally be coming to an end.

By 2027, electric vehicles will force a reversal to the era of rising demand for oil used in transportation, according to a new forecast by analysts at BloombergNEF.

For areas outside of transportation - such as plastics, petrochemicals, manufacturing and agriculture - oil demand will continue to rise with no end in sight.

But by 2029, BNEF expects the stark shift to EVs to outweigh all else and bring total demand to its apex.

Oil analysts have spent years grappling with the impact from the transitioning to electric vehicles, and have often been proven wrong.

Small differences in assumptions about EV adoption can shift predictions by years.

But a growing consensus is emerging that peak oil for transportation is within sight.

Road transportation has been the biggest driver of oil demand ever since Henry Ford made cars cheap and affordable to the masses.

Today, the open road is responsible for nearly half of the world’s oil consumption.

And as the auto fleet electrifies, its share of the overall oil market will diminish to roughly a third of the market in 2040 and a quarter in 2050.

Electric vehicles on the road right now are already displacing demand for more than 1.5 million barrels of oil a day.

Battery-powered options are becoming competitive with internal combustion in more categories, and each new segment narrows the market for future oil sales.

Global sales of cars powered by oil peaked six years ago, and the handoff to batteries is accelerating.

Last year saw EV sales increase 62% worldwide - nearly doubling in China, Australia and Japan, and more than tripling in India and South-East Asia.

Price parity between battery and combustion came first for new buses and two and three-wheelers, which are now roughly 21% and 27% battery-operated worldwide, respectively.

Now price parity is starting to be achieved for the most consequential segment of all: passenger cars and trucks.

By the end of the decade, electrified passenger vehicles will help quadruple the amount of oil avoided by EVs to roughly 6 million barrels a day, according to BloombergNEF. The forecasters see no recovery from that.

The shift from growth to shrinkage for oil demand will be geographically uneven.

Demand for oil used in road transport has already peaked in the US and Europe, according to BloombergNEF, and it will top out in China next year.

The market for internal combustion engines continues to grow in India, Australia and South Korea for years to come.

In another decade, however, the oil phase-out will leave no major region of the world unaffected.

BloombergNEF analysts caution that the 2023 outlook, whose scenarios presume today’s energy policies will continue, could be underestimating how quickly demand will shift.

Roughly 68% of world’s emissions now fall under government-backed "net-zero” targets to offset all emissions by 2050, which isn’t possible under current regulations.

"New policies are likely to expedite ‘peak oil demand’ and push the outlook for consumption lower,” the analysts wrote.

"As the biggest consumer of oil, and one with several options to decarbonise, the future for road fuel demand is likely to decline even further than our Economic Transition Scenario suggests.”


Illegal? Not insured? Unsafe? The deal with driving in flip flops

                BERLIN: When it's hot outside, it's tempting to wear flip-flops or even take off your shoes for the drive home. However, while it's certainly more convenient after a trip to the pool or beach, is it safe to take the wheel in such attire?

Many countries, from South Africa to New Zealand, don't have specific legislation that bans drivers from wearing flip-flops or going barefoot.

And yet it's not the law you need to worry about, but your own safety, and possibly your insurance coverage.

That's because if you've been in an accident while trying to brake the car in flip flops, flimsy slippers or high heels, there's a chance it could be used against you to show you were at least partially culpable.

In Germany, for example, you might not get coverage for damages to your own car if gross negligence was the cause of the accident where footware played a role, according to the German Insurance Association (GDV). While most insurance will cover damages independently of the driver's footwear, there could be a reduction in comprehensive coverage if the driver is deemed to have been negligent.

In theory, you could also face criminal charges, since improper footwear while driving could be seen to go against the driver's obligation to exercise due diligence.

Moreover, there's a risk of the driver's feet slipping off the pedals in dangerous situations, such as when emergency braking is required.

"Due to the extended foot posture, a driver with high heels cannot transfer enough pressure from the ball of the foot to the pedals," says accident expert Achmed Leser. "In an emergency situation, this can have fatal consequences."

Also unsuitable for driving - despite not being banned - are high heels, with their small contact surface having an increased chance of slipping off the pedals.

In the event of an accident, these risks will be taken into account and could be used against the driver by investigators and insurance companies when claims are made.

Taking off flimsy shoes and driving barefoot isn't a solution, either, say AA driver's associations in several countries, and there's still a risk of your foot cramping up or slipping from perspiration.

You're better off wearing lighter but firmly fitting shoes that also provide enough grip.


Honda to stop making cars in Argentina in 2020

                SAO PAULO: Honda Motor Co said on Tuesday it will stop producing cars in Argentina next year as part of a global shift in how it shares production between regions.

Honda said its Campana plant in the province of Buenos Aires, which produces the HR-V model, will focus solely on making motorcycles. Honda started making motorcycles in Argentina in 2006 and began car production there in 2011.

Responding to Reuters questions, Honda said in a statement the decision was part of a global re-organisation of auto production and was unrelated to the results of the primary elections in Argentina on Sunday.

Around 1,000 employees work in Honda Argentina, and the company is in talks with the local union to offer a buyout for the employees involved in the auto production, the company said.


Nissan brings its A-game to Auto Shanghai

                SHANGHAI: Nissan unveiled the all-new Murano Hybrid and Lannia, as well as two Nismo products – the Nissan GT-R Nismo and 370Z Nismo variants at Auto Shanghai 2015.

The Murano Hybrid is Nissan’s flagship crossover that will go on sale in China from June onwards.

Performance comes from a new 2.5-litre supercharged QR25DER petrol engine that’s being supplemented by an 15kW electric motor paired with a Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery and all of which gets mated to an Intelligent Dual Clutch System.

The hybrid will churn out a combined output of about 250bhp and 329Nm of torque

According to the company, the hybrid effectively combines the driving performance of a 3.5-litre V6 engine and the fuel economy of a 2.0-litre engine.

Taking aim at younger Chinese audiences in their 20s and 30s is the Nissan Lannia.

The vehicle is an evolution of the Friend-ME concept and Lannia Concept that previously debuted in China in 2013 and 2014, respectively and has been scheduled to go on sale by September.

The Lannia was designed and development by Nissan Design China who took inspirations from the smooth, muscular movements of wild animals to possess the Vmotion grille, Kick-up C-pillar, floating roof and boomerang-shaped LED lights.

Inside, the cabin has a driver-centric cockpit, integrated infotainment technologies and a 7-inch multimedia display screen with smart-phone connectivity that’s only exclusively available in China.

Meanwhile, Nissan will also introduce the GT-R Nismo with 600hp and upgrades to both body and chassis and the 370Z Nismo with a revised suspension tuning, new standard audio system and several new trim levels.

“Nissan’s growth strategy in China will continue to reflect our commitment to use local engineering and manufacturing. And we will maintain our support for China’s efforts to promote more efficient and sustainable transportation,” said Nissan president and CEO Carlos Ghosn.

Also for the young was the unveiling of the VOW concept by Venucia – a local brand by Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Company (DFL-PV), which is a passenger vehicle business unit of Nissan’s joint venture in China.

The VOW (Venucia Over Wonder) and its bright blue body gets its bold design cues from Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni - a high plateau near the crest of the Andes Mountains, with its captive fresh and saltwater lakes and the world’s largest salt flat.

“We believe Venucia will lead future trends as an influencer, and enhance its place in the automotive market in China,” said DFL-PV deputy managing director Zhou Xianpeng.


Vios Challenge Season 5 ends with four new champions

                SEPANG: The crowning of four new overall champions in Season 5 of the Vios Challenge race series could not have been a more regal affair when a record-high 3.1 million online viewers and race fans tuned in to watch an intensely-contested finale race weekend.

Fans were expecting a very close fight and nothing short of drama in the final showdown, and that was precisely what was served on the track.

In the end, the overall championship title in all four classes of racing would be decided in the very final 20-lap race at the Sepang International Circuit.

Season 5 crowned four new champions in four classes of racing: the Super Sporting Class for professionals; the Sporting Class for amateurs; the Rookie Class for young drivers; and the Promotional Class for celebrities.

UMW Toyota Motor president Ravindran K said the event had came a long way in five seasons of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival and the Vios Challenge race series since it was started in 2017.

“At the time of inception we wanted to change the thinking that Toyota cars are meant for the matured crowd. We wanted to build an ever better car that also makes it attractive for the younger buyers and today there has been a total shift.

“Of course, we also wanted to make a significant contribution to Malaysian motorsports,” said Ravindran.

“The Vios Challenge provides us with a very strong platform to evaluate and develop our future cars. We also want our young engineers to be able to contribute to the research and development of future models.

“We want our customers to enjoy a very safe, fun and powerful car to drive, in this case the Vios. The Vios Challenge is the right platform for people to see this and for a lot of young engineers to join us to build better cars for the future," he said.

In the Super Sporting Class, Prima Pearl TD Racing’s Mitchell Cheah kept his cool to finish 7.3 seconds ahead of Telagamas Toyota’s Freddie Ang in what was a very intensely contested 20-lap race.

Finishing third in the all-night race was Laser Motor Racing’s Eddie Lew.

The results however, made little difference as to who would be crowned the overall Super Sporting champion in Season 5 – Axle Sports’ Hayden Haikal.

“It feels just like 2020 when I won the Sporting Class. I couldn’t be happier. Going into Race 2, I felt that my car was slower than it was in Race 1 due to the weight penalty and I came under tremendous pressure from the field.

“The last two laps were the happiest of my life when two drivers had some problems with their cars and that allowed me to pass moving me up to fourth position with just enough points to stay ahead in the championship,” said the 18-year-old newly-crowned champion.

Victory in the Rookie Class meanwhile, went to Muizzuddin Musyafa, with Sharique Zulqarnain and Nabil Azlan rounding up the top three.

Third place however, was enough to crown Nabil with overall Rookie Class champion.

“First of all, here’s a massive shout out and thanks to Toyota and giving all of the rookies this opportunity to transition from simulator racing to saloon car racing.

“It wasn’t an easy task but thankfully, everything went well for me. I learnt from the mistakes I made and that led to three race victories and four podium finishes in six races. I hope to continue racing next year,” said Nabil.

In the Sporting Class, brother Naquib Azlan drove to a dominant Race 2 win - his second straight win over the weekend - to clinch the overall championship title with an unassailable lead in the point standings.

Finishing second in the heatedly contested race was Carroof Motorsport’s Mirza Syahmi Mahzan who crossed the finish line just 0.4 seconds adrift, followed by Tom Goh of S&D Tama Motorsports in third place.

“Coming into this race and starting from sixth position, it was never going to be straight forward. Also with the overall championship in mind I really had to manage the risks that I took. I did not want to get into any incidents that could cost us the championship title,” said Naquib who drives for Axle Sports.

“With 60kg of ballast, it was difficult to keep up with the faster cars and I had to be more imaginative to make the overtaking maneuvers stick. At towards the final laps of the race, I saw an opening and I just went for it,” he said.

Winning the overall Rookie Class in Season 4 and clinching this season’s Sporting Class championship, Naquib is now looking forward to return to the Vios Challenge in Season 6 with the hope of fighting for the championship in the Super Sporting Class for professionals.

“I’ll try to find a way to make that happen. I want to win that as well. I never expected my transition to the Sporting Class to be so successful especially with more experienced drivers.

“To be honest I was never certain I could win a race what more the overall championship,” he said.

The Promotional Class saw singer Khai Bahar racing to his first race win of the season, just ahead of actress Ahirine Ahirudin with presenter Nabil Ahmad in third position.

That third position however, was enough to earn Nabil the overall Promotional Class title with a six-point advantage over actor Zizan Razak who again finished runner-up in his second successive season.

“It’s an amazing feeling to win the last race of the season and I hope that I will be back in Season 6. I would like to thank Toyota for giving all of us this fantastic opportunity,” said race winner Khai.

Season 5’s finale was held as a special and exclusive event opened to only 2,000 race fans and celebrity superfans over the race weekend.

The entire rooftop length of the Sepang International Circuit’s main paddock building was transformed into a festival ground, with a myriad of activities from the chance to mingle with their favourite celebrities during a walkabout; and a meet & greet and autograph session; the display and sale of Gazoo Racing and Toyota merchandises; family activities; a lucky draw with attractive prizes; and two very special concerts.

The festival weekend was also celebrated with back-to-back concerts with Saturday’s stage
performances led by TGR racing celebrities Wany Hasrita and Nabila Razali, and with a special 40-minute Rappers & Racers concert anchored by K-Clique.

Sunday’s performance was by singer and fellow TGR racing celebrity Khai Bahar who performed ahead of a Rockers & Racers concert featuring Malaysian rock queen Ella and girl group Dolla.

For details, log on to www.toyota.com.my.
RESULTS: ROUND 3, RACE 2

SUPER SPORTING CLASS
1. Mitchell Cheah - Prima Pearl TD Racing
2. Freddie Ang - Telagamas Toyota
3. Eddie Lew - Laser Motor Racing

SPORTING CLASS
1. Naquib Azlan - Axle Sports
2. Mirza Syahmi Mahzan - Carroof Motorsport
3. Tom Goh - S&D Tama Motorsports

ROOKIE CLASS
1. Muizzuddin Musyaffa
2. Sharique Zulqarnain
3. Nabil Azlan

PROMOTIONAL CLASS
1. Khai Bahar
2. Ahirine Ahirudin
3. Nabil Ahmad

SEASON 5 (2022) OVERALL CHAMPIONS

SUPER SPORTING CLASS
Hayden Haikal - Axle Sports

SPORTING CLASS
Naquib Azlan - Axle Sports

ROOKIE CLASS
Nabil Azlan

PROMOTIONAL CLASS
Nabil Ahmad


KLIMS'18: Visitors to get full preview of Honda HR-V RS

                KUALA LUMPUR: Honda Malaysia has been teasing the public with the HR-V RS since July with only exterior views of the compact SUV. It is giving a full preview today when it showcased the SUV at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS 2018).

Honda Malaysia said it has received over 4,100 pre-bookings for the latest HR-V variant since July.

The theme for the HR-V RS is "sporty", so Honda has reworked the outside and inside to convey that appearance. It gets a new exterior featuring Honda’s Signature design, the "Solid Wing Face" concept with new LED headlights, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), LED fog lights and rear combi LED guide lights.

This new variant comes with 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, sporty design front grille and new front and rear bumper. New detailing such as a dark chrome outer handle, black chrome license garnish, sport black side sill and even mesh fog garnish provides a fresh feel to the RS variant.

Engine remains unchanged, with the HR-V RS powered by a 1.8L SOHC i-VTEC mill linked to a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT). But upping its performance is the new Variable Gear Ratio (VGR) steering system for sportier driving.

READ MORE:
Honda HR-V RS: test drive with new Variable Gear Ratio steering
Honda Malaysia starts HR-V RS preview

Honda claims the driver get the best of two worlds - quick and nimble steering feel in city driving condition and stable steering feel on the highway.

In the cabin, Honda has revised the leather seat design with ivory-coloured finishing.Unfortunately, at the time of this post, the HR-V RS on display was locked, preventing members of the media from getting a closer look of the interior.

The SUV comes with paddle shifters, 8-way driver power seat and sports pedal as part of the package.

Like other HR-V variants, the Multi-Utility Cargo Space are designed to be spacious, user-friendly, practical and functional.

Unlike the other HR-V variants, the RS version is fitted with Honda LaneWatch, a camera system mounted on the passenger side mirror to minimise blind spots.

The HR-V RS comes with standard safety features such as six airbags, Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and Hill Start Assist (HSA). In addition, the HR-V RS also offers multi-angle rear-view camera.

The HR-V was introduced to Malaysia in 2015, and has done well in the market, achieving total sales of 72,200 to date. Between January and September 2018, Honda models namely the Jazz, City, Civic, Accord, CR-V, BR-V have emerged top in their respective segment. Honda has also maintained its position as No.1 in the Non-National segment and No.2 in overall Total Industry Volume (TIV) to date.

KLIMS'18 runs from Nov 23-Dec 2.