Volkswagen to premiere electric dune buggy concept  in Geneva

                GENEVA: Volkswagen will reveal a fully electric concept dune buggy, for the first time at the 89th International Geneva Motor Show, to be held from March 7-17.

Taking its cues from popular American dune buggies, the concept vehicle is based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB), demonstrating how multifaceted the new platform is.

The concept of the fully electric buggy is based on the vehicles that were created in the 1960s in California.

Back then, the Beetle chassis served as the basis for these buggies; now, the MEB is proving to be just as flexible.

True to the original vehicles, this reinterpretation of a dune buggy has no fixed roof or conventional doors, while the large wheels and off-road tires and open side sills dominate the overall look.

The new MEB concept vehicle shows that this fully electric platform can be used for more than just large-scale series production models.

Like the Beetle chassis of yesteryear, the MEB has the potential to facilitate the development of low-volume niche vehicles.

The history of recreational vehicles and Volkswagen technology is a long one. From the Beetle convertible and special bodies produced by companies such as Hebmüller and Rometsch to dune buggies like the Meyers

Manx, the Beetle chassis allowed for creative custom solutions for decades.

Globally, around 250,000 individual vehicles were built as one-offs or at low volumes through to the 1980s.

“A buggy is more than a car. It is vibrancy and energy on four wheels. These attributes are embodied by the new e-buggy, which demonstrates how a modern, non-retro interpretation of a classic can look and, more than anything else, the emotional bond that electric mobility can create,” states Klaus Bischoff, head designer at Volkswagen.


7 steps to safe driving in rainy weather

                As we edge towards the close of a tumultuous year and gear up to welcome 2016, torrential rains will be the new "normal" for the next few weeks.

Driving at such times can be dicey but being careful and having a healthy dose of common sense will help to mitigate most of the risks to yourself, your passengers and other road users.

Here are some pointers for such slippery times.Before driving in the rain

1. Always check your tyres. Bald tyres – unlike well threaded ones - offer little to no traction, and this could spell danger especially when you drive into a puddle of water.

2. Be sure to check if your headlights, tail lights, brake lights and turn signals are in good working condition. Driving in wet conditions often means poor visibility; other motorists may not be able to see your car clearly during a downpour if your vehicle is not well-lit.

3. Always get your wipers replaced at least once a year. It is worthwhile to note that your car’s wiper arm needs replacement, too. This is to ensure that it maintains sufficient downward pressure so your wipers can work properly. Working wipers could mean a world of difference when driving in the rain.

Driving in the rain4. Stay in control  When driving in a downpour, always reduce your speed so you have better control of your car, especially when approaching sharp corners or dark areas. Always make allowances for unforeseen circumstances and anticipate emergency braking and obstacles such as other cars that have broke down. Making unnecessary sudden changes and movements can potentially be disastrous as motorists have very poor visibility during such conditions - they may not be able to react in time.

5. Sight is key. It is equally important for you to be seen by other motorists as it is to see them. Turn on your lights so that other drivers know where you are. However, do not switch on your hazard lights as it may confuse other drivers to be on the lookout for dangers that are not present.

6. Remain calm. Momentarily losing control of your car is not uncommon especially when driving in wet conditions. Should your car skid, try to stay calm, ease your foot off the accelerator and steer in the direction that you want your car to go. Avoid jamming the brakes as this could lock up your tyres and send the car into an uncontrolled spin. Should your car come equip with an ABS (anti-lock braking system), firmly step on the brakes and steer your way to safety.

ALSO READ: Stuck on a flooded road? 5 things you should do next

7. Tread with caution. Always be on the look-out for pools of waters and approach them with caution when driving in the rain. Move slowly and carefully. It is never a good idea to drive through water if you can’t gauge its depth. If situation permits, stop the car and check the water level ahead. As a rule of thumb, do not go further if the water starts to get deeper than the bottom of your door. Most cars today are built with electric control systems, and will be easily damaged should they come into contact with water.  As you navigate your car through the water, be sure to control the steering with both hands and engage lower gears. Keep the accelerator and pedal depressed continuously. You should also be aware of the brakes as the brake system will not be effective for awhile when the vehicle move through the flood or water pools.

> This article is brought to you by TOC Automotive College


Hyundai releases N Brand rolling lab development video with sneak peek of Ioniq 5 N

                SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Company has released a video about its high-performance N Brand and the RN22e and N Vision 74 rolling labs that are facilitating its electrified future.

The video also features a glimpse of Ioniq 5 N, making its first official appearance, wrapped in a special camouflage pattern of pixels and checkered flags.

The video provides an inside look at the development process of N Brand’s rolling labs, which are fully functional vehicles used for research, development and verification of high-performance technologies pioneered by Hyundai Motorsports before application to mass-production models.

Following N Brand’s RM (Racing Midship) series of internal combustion engine rolling labs, the brand introduced this past summer a new rolling lab series to develop next-generation electrified vehicles.

This video vividly reveals the development process of the two rolling labs (RN22e and N Vision 74) that are facilitating the future of N Brand’s high-performance cars.

The RN22e rolling lab is the N Brand’s first high-performance vehicle based on Hyundai Motor’s E-GMP (Electric-Global Modular Platform), which is the basis of Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6.

The video shows how RN22e is combining E-GMP and other advanced technologies to achieve N Brand’s performance pillars of Corner Rascal, Racetrack Capability and Everyday Sports Car. Through RN22e, innovative technologies are tested and verified for near-term implementation on N Brand’s first battery electric model.

N Vision 74 is a hydrogen hybrid rolling lab that shows N Brand’s mid- to long-term vision for high-performance vehicles.

N Vision 74’s 500kW hydrogen fuel cell powertrain, which boasts a fast-refueling time of 5 minutes, originated on N Brand’s first concept vehicle, N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo unveiled at the brand’s launch in 2015, and has benefitted from another seven years of development.

In addition, N Vision 74’s design inherits the spirit of Hyundai’s Pony Coupe concept unveiled in 1974, connecting Hyundai Motor’s heritage with N Brand’s future.

The video includes a cameo appearance by Ioniq 5 N wrapped in an N-specific camouflage membrane with a pattern of pixels and checkered flags, representing driving fun in the electrified era.

In its first-ever appearance, Ioniq 5 N is seen running side by side with RN22e and N Vision 74 for about three seconds.

“Hyundai N Brand is one of the fastest evolving high-performance brands in the world. All of our plans are on the right track to be carried out in line with our vision for electrification,” said Till Wartenberg, Vice President of N Brand Management & Motorsport sub-division at Hyundai Motor Company.

“The success story of rolling labs highlighted by RN22e is a perfect prelude to our N Brand’s very first battery electric production model, the Ioniq 5 N, coming soon.”


New second-generation Nissan Juke due next year

The current Nissan Juke is set to be replaced next year.

NASHVILLE: There's an all-new second-generation incarnation of the Nissan Juke on the way, and although it's not expected to look anything like the current model, Nissan is saying it will be as bold and distinctive as its predecessor.

The styling of the current Nissan Juke has been 'polarizing' to say the least. But despite it being something of a love it or hate it design, the fun and funky goggle-eyed Juke has sold in impressive numbers for Nissan since its launch.

The new second-generation Juke has been designed at Nissan's London design studio, and it's apparently being prepared for a motor show debut sometime in the next few months with production expected to commence sometime in 2019.

 The Kicks takes over from the Juke in the US market.

Speaking to the UK's Autocar, the Japanese auto giant's boss of global design, Alfonso Albaisa says the second-gen Juke "doesn't look too much like the last one," and that "It doesn't look like the IMx [the electric crossover concept unveiled at Tokyo last year] or new Leaf, either. It's an urban meteor with a nasty attitude."

It had been rumoured that an initial design for the current Juke's replacement had been reviewed and sent back to be redesigned, but Albaisa refutes that. He comments: "[The Juke] is certainly coming soon. But it didn't get 'sent back.' I'm not sure where that story came from. It's a very cool car, and it still has all of its attitude."

Introduced to the world at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the first-generation Juke provided a timely boost to the subcompact crossover segment which then grew tenfold across Europe between 2010 and 2016. Some 1.13 million units were sold in Europe in 2016, and that number is expected to double again by 2022.

However, the Juke hasn't enjoyed the same level of success everywhere, and Nissan has dropped the Juke from its lineup completely in the United States this year. Sales dropped by a massive 48 percent in the US in 2017 compared to the previous year, and it's now been replaced by a model called the Nissan Kicks. The Kicks is a subcompact crossover being built in Brazil, Mexico, China and Malaysia that's now being sold in North America and will eventually be sold in around 80 markets around the world. Although it being sold in Russia and Turkey isn't being ruled out, it's unlikely to ever be sold in Europe and it most definitely isn't the second-generation Juke.


'Futurised' Range Rover Sport revs up in Hulu drama 'The First'

                NEW YORK: Land Rover North America has revealed the futuristic Range Rover Sport that is featured in the new drama series “The First,” available for streaming on Hulu beginning last Friday.

From “House of Cards” creator Beau Willimon and starring two-time Academy Award winner Sean Penn, “The First” is a near-future drama about a crew of astronauts attempting to become the first humans on Mars. The series features a custom-built, futurised Range Rover Sport that will be driven by visionary aerospace magnate Laz Ingram, played by Natascha McElhone.

The vehicle, a collaboration between Land Rover Design, Westward Productions and Hulu, is based on the Range Rover Sport model, with additional futurised features, some of which were added in post-production.

Note that this vehicle is not available for sale as it was built as a creative prop for Hulu.

These features include fully autonomous driving capabilities, an exterior Smart Light Bar that acts as a 360 degree sensor that enhances the occupant experience by communicating with other vehicles and reading the road surfaces, and an optional steering wheel that can retract into the dashboard.

In the Hulu show, the exterior proportions and styling created an aerodynamic version of the current Range Rover Sport. The wraparound Privacy Glass can change reflectivity from a virtually opaque mirrored surface to a traditionally transparent window in seconds, allowing the owner/actors to take control of the interior feel and function of the vehicle, whether choosing a relaxed and intimate living room feel, or taking control of the driving.

The vehicle featured coach doors and an intelligent interior that can change shape, density and form to act as a passive safety system.

In the series, the Range Rover Sport of the future is also fully electric and has a variable suspension system, allowing the vehicle to change its performance characteristics based on the desired ride of its owner.

Land Rover and Hulu developed three integrated custom videos including a 30-second co-branded promo, a 4-minute featurette on the “Journey into ‘The First,’” and an “Engineering the Future” behind-the-scenes featurette detailing the build out of the make-believe Range Rover vehicle.


Round-two of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Online Challenge announced!

Toyota Vios Challenge celebrity racers trying their hand at the simulated race of the Toyota Velocity eSports championship.

SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd is calling all virtual racers to participate in the second phase of its Toyota Gazoo Racing Online Challenge.

“The COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted the physical aspect of motor-racing but there is no reason why the spirit of competition cannot continue virtually. Gazoo Racing is a philosophy that extends beyond the racing track and that was precisely why we pursued an online presence,” said Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia’s chief motorsports officer Akio Takeyama.

Takeyama, who is also deputy chairman of UMW Toyota Motor said that the Toyota Gazoo Racing Online Challenge was also a natural extension to the company’s existing Toyota GR Velocity Esports Championship and underlines the company’s commitment to not only bring motorsports to the masses but to make it more accessible and affordable.

The second phase of the online challenge, which is also the finale, will be held on July 12 and will see the top challengers from the first phase go head-to-head for a final showdown to become the fastest sim-racers in the country.

The final challenge will be a mini four-round championship and each round will feature iconic race cars that include the Gran Turismo exclusive Toyota GT86 Gr. B Rally Car.

Top sim-racers will face each other in a reverse-grid format at some of the world’s iconic circuits including the Red Bull Ring as well as the Autodromo De Interlagos.

As for the remainder of year, the company is currently in the planning phase of the third instalment of the Toyota GR Velocity Esports Championship which will take place sometime between August and September this year (confirmed details to be announced soon).

Additionally, in October, Toyota Motor Asia Pacific will also be organizing its inaugural GR Supra GT Cup Asia 2020 regional esports competition.

The GR Supra GT Cup Asia 2020 will see qualifying rounds held in Malaysia (through the Toyota GR Velocity Esports Championship), Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines and India from
July to September to select the top three virtual racers who will represent their respective nations at the regional finale.

The first competition phase was held from April 23 to May 21 as virtual racers engaged in heated wheel-to-wheel exchanges on Sony Playstation's popular racing game - Gran Turismo Sport which had prize monies amounting to RM7,500 spread throughout five different international virtual circuits.

The company's redirected its efforts to virtual racing due to the outbreak of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic which caused the Movement Control Order to come into effect on Mar 18 - causing the fourth season of the Toyota Vios Challenge one-make race series to be all but abandoned.

UMW Toyota Motor president Ravindran K said that the pandemic had presented both challenges and opportunities which has propelled e-sports to the forefront at an unprecedented scale and has fuelled the company's momentum into pursuing an aggressive e-sports agenda in the country.

“Simulator racing has had a profound impact on Malaysian e-sports, appealing to both gamers and racing drivers proving that it is an excellent conduit between the virtual and physical realms in motor-racing. As an automotive brand, Toyota in Malaysia is today in a position of strength being in the forefront of both spectrum - with a strong virtual racing presence,” said UMW Toyota Motor president Ravindran K.


Peugeot 3008 picked as Europe's 'Car of the Year'

                PARIS: The Peugeot 3008 has been named ‘Car of the Year' for 2017.

The SUV claimed the accolade on the eve of the Geneva Motor Show on March 6, receiving 319 points and 21 individual wins from the jurors to come out on top from a shortlist of seven models.

Some of the car's star features include a plug-in hybrid with a petrol engine, a cutting edge i-cockpit and a compact steering wheel.

In second position was the Alfa Romeo Giulia, which received 296 points, followed by the Mercedes E-class, which was awarded 196 points. The other four contenders were the Citroen C3, Nissan Micra, Toyota C-HR and Volvo S90/V90.

READ MORE:
First drive of Peugeot 3008 SUV in Italy
Peugeot presents 3008 GT
New cars expected in Malaysia for 2017


Carsome keen on collaborations with HR Ministry

                KUALA LUMPUR: Southeast Asia’s largest integrated car e-commerce platform, Carsome, has expressed its readiness to support the Government in strengthening the nation’s tech and human capital ecosystem.

The company recently showcased its tech capabilities, talent development and retention initiatives, and Carsome Academy’s plans to elevate Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) offerings to Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar.

Based on a social media posting following the visit, the minister said:

“As Malaysia’s first ‘Tech Unicorn’, Carsome’s achievements have been truly remarkable. Their effort to digitalize the vehicle purchasing process in the country has led to the creation of various new jobs and business opportunities.”

“I am intrigued by Carsome Academy, a brainchild of Carsome, which is instrumental in providing opportunities for our nation’s youth to acquire skills in the automotive sector.

“This effort is in line with the Government’s effort to elevate TVET institutions in the country,” Sivakumar added.

 Teoh (left) having a discussion with Sivakumar.

Carsome co-founder and Carsome Academy CEO Jiun Ee Teoh, who led the briefing for Sivakumar, said the academy was aligned with the minister's commitment towards elevating the nation’s human capital ecosystem to power the nation’s growth.

“In line with this, we look forward to contributing our knowledge, expertise and experience towards the creation of high-quality jobs and opportunities that will cement Malaysia’s attractiveness to world-class talents,” he said.

“We also welcome the Minister’s interest in Carsome Academy, which was founded to help meet the industry’s demand for skilled automotive talents while creating a positive social impact in local communities.

It is encouraging how close TVET is to the Minister’s heart and we look forward to driving greater momentum in this space so that
Malaysian youths can access solid opportunities to upskill and build a brighter future,” he said.

Carsome Academy has also expanded to Thailand and Indonesia and is an accredited centre in both countries.


Road closure near Phileo Damansara from Sept 22 to Nov 6

                PETALING JAYA: Motorists using the Sprint Highway near Phileo Damansara are advised to be mindful of road closure in the area between Sept 22 and Nov 6 from 10pm to 6am.

The closure is to facilitate MRT work next to Sprint Highway (Damansara Toll Plaza), MMC-Gamuda said in a statement.

“During this closure motorists accessing Phileo Damansara will only be able to exit the area by using the overhead U-turn flyover. This will lead motorists back on to the Sprint highway,” the statement said.

It added that motorists can choose to go straight towards Kuala Lumpur or turn right into Jalan Dato Abu Bakar towards Petaling Jaya.

Motorists from Kuala Lumpur on the Sprint Highway heading towards Section 16 or Section 17 Petaling Jaya can opt to turn into Jalan Dato’ Abu Bakar and turn right into Jalan 16/16 and then turn right to Jalan 17/1 and re-join Jalan 16/11.


BMW iNEXT crossover undergoes hot climate testing in the Kalahari

                MUNICH: The BMW iNEXT crossover is undergoing further testing across the desert regions of South Africa ahead of series production in 2021.

Intensive test runs in the freezing cold at the polar circle are now being followed by a contrasting program in the Kalahari, where in addition to extreme heat and solar radiation, permanent dust formation and off-road terrain with its sand, pebble and gravel tracks torture-test BMW's technology flagship.

In this hot phase of the series development process, not only do the drive and suspension components of the iNEXT, a car designed for all-electric mobility, provide proof of their functional safety, durability and reliability, but also the car’s bodywork, interior, driver assistance systems and digitalisation technology.

The so-called hot climate tests are an integral part of a both extensive and varied development and test program within the framework of the series maturity process, which entails iNEXT prototypes being subjected virtually in time lapse to the stress of an entire vehicle service life.

Like every new BMW model, the vehicle’s way to serial maturity leads to the BMW Group proving ground at Miramas in southern France, the Nürburgring Nordschleife and other racetracks and to the Winter Center in Arjeplog, Sweden, as well as to desert regions with an extremely high level of heat and dryness.

BMW's Dingolfing plant will produce the series version once it's ready in 2021.

Designed as a modern Sports Activity Vehicle, the new model features fifth-generation eDrive technology. The car’s suspension control and driver assistance systems pave the way for a further step towards autonomous driving.


Volvo redesigns traditional family parking space icons ahead of V60 launch

                LONDON: Volvo is experimenting with new signage at a shopping centre parking lot here ahead of the new V60 launch in Britain. To celebrate the launch, Volvo Car UK is highlighting the diversity of the modern family with new “family parking” signage designs.

The trial, conducted in partnership with Westfield London mall, where the new icons can be seen, aligns with the theme of Volvo’s TV advertising programme for the V60 – “The New Family Model”, which launches on July 9.

Over the years, the definition of family has evolved, hence the icons profile different examples of family within society, including same-sex couples, single parents and nuclear families.

Just as families have evolved over the years, the new V60 – which was revealed outside a family home in suburban Stockholm earlier this year – is packed with advanced new features and technologies that are said to meet the evolving demands of modern family life.

These include multiple connectivity options for the family, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which mirror the user’s phone screen on the car’s nine-inch portrait touchscreen. In addition, a Wi-Fi hotspot means that the whole family can access content via their mobile devices. Meanwhile, Volvo’s semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system eases the demands of long highway journeys and heavy traffic with automated braking, acceleration and steering support.

Environmental efficiency is also prioritised, with scheduled new electrified powertrain options for the V60, including T6 Twin Engine and T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid models. Not forgetting the essential practicality required for a family estate car, the V60 has the largest boot in its class, offering up to 529 litres even when all the seats are occupied.

The new V60 features the latest iteration of the firm’s City Safety technology, which uses camera and radar scanning of the car’s surroundings to mitigate against collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and even large animals. This innovation supports progress towards Volvo’s vision that no one should be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo car from 2020.


BMW Motorsport banks on Osram's 'biologically effective light' to gain advantage

                MUNICH: Light affects performance in motorsports, which is why Osram is working with BMW Motorsport to create “biologically effective light”.

Such lighting can have a positive effect on an athlete, for example by signalling to the body to become active and perform at its best, even at an inconvenient time of day. Conversely, it can also initiate and facilitate relaxation.

LED light glasses are used to help the drivers prepare for races. The blue LED light prepares them for the competition by stimulating the central nervous system. In addition, special luminaires are installed in common rooms and the pit wall control centre for the benefit of both drivers and engineers. They emit light with a high blue component, helping to heighten and maintain concentration levels even during the night session.

At the May 27-28 Nürburgring 24 Hours, this technology can be used to systematically prepare the drivers for their outings in the dark and to allow them to return to optimal performance faster after rest periods.

“Light plays a crucial role in a 24-hour race – not only for the car, but also for us as drivers,” said DTM champion Marco Wittmann, who will compete at the “Green Hell” in the number 42 BMW M6 GT3 for BMW Team Schnitzer. “I think it’s great that we are taking a new approach this year. Every percentage of the race that you can be more awake and focused as a driver can be what ends up making the difference.”

His team-mate Martin Tomczyk added: “Maximum concentration – that is our priority as drivers during the night in 24-hour races. Which is why I have high hopes for the innovations in the area of light that we are going to test this time at BMW Team Schnitzer. You always have to try new things in motorsport to gain an advantage. This is definitely one of those things.”

For the race engineers who also have to perform at their peak, artificial daylight will also be used at their work spaces during the night shifts and at the Schnitzer pit stand.

Sport is not the only sector in which biologically effective light is used. The technology can also be employed on airplanes to reduce the jet lag caused by longer journeys. Used correctly, it can speed up the rate of recovery from one hour time difference per day - without light support - to up to three hours per day.

It's also used in schools, where it helps boost the students' concentration. Installed in retirement or nursing homes, it can help stabilise dementia sufferers who have lost track of their day/night cycle. The technology is used in offices as well, where Osram provides special luminaires and control systems that adapt the colour and intensity of the light over the course of the day, thus optimising the performance and concentration levels of office workers.

Osram is the official partner for the endurance classic in Germany’s Eifel mountains.


VUHL 05RR supercar unveiled

                MEXICO CITY: VUHL, the road-legal lightweight supercar manufacturer, has unveiled its groundbreaking new car - the 05RR - here on Saturday.

With the performance credentials to rivals its competitors, VUHL’s heavily-uprated 05RR is a rolling example in power, finesse and grip. Almost every element has been enhanced from the brand’s first iteration, the 05; offering racetrack thrills and on-road sensibility.

Weight has been reduced by 65kg to a maximum dry weight of 660kg and its distribution has markedly improved. Power and torque output has increased by 115bhp and 100Nm respectively, whilst power-to-weight is upped by 200bhp/tonne to a total of 600bhp/tonne.

A lightweight flywheel, lighter race clutch and full carbon wheels have significantly reduced rotational inertia and boosted engine performance in the 05RR, allowing it to reach 100kph in just 2.7 seconds from standstill.

Mechanically, a lower powertrain position has allowed the 05RR’s centre of gravity to lower 50mm which, combined with a sequential paddle shift gearbox, limited slip differential and a track-focused suspension and steering system, offers grip in excess. Customers will also have the option to receive bespoke track-specific suspension setup and slick tyres.

Interior improvements have been made to the dashboard and the air intake to offer those in the cockpit "the most engaging driving experience." The exterior aesthetics have added to the chassis’ overall performance a large single-plane rear wing and carbon wheels playing a role in the car’s aggressive enhancements.

An all-new high downforce setup on the 05RR affords the driver confidence on the throttle when cornering. The aerodynamic balance, combined with the shift in weight distribution of 4% harnesses an total 1.8G of lateral acceleration.

Several years of intense development from VUHL’s team of international engineers have yielded a supercar that is not just beautiful to look at and efficient aerodynamically, but one that boasts the highest power-to-weight ratio within its market.

The launch begins a busy week and year for the brand as its dedicated 05 ROC Edition cars take to the super stages of the Race of Champions event at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in its hometown of Mexico City.

Members of the media will get an exclusive behind the scenes look of VUHL’s ultra modern facilities before a year of significant motoring events across the globe.

“We are so proud to unveil the VUHL 05RR," said VUHL technical director Iker Echeverria.

"We look forward to showing the world what our remarkable lightweight cars are capable of at the Race of Champions.”

The 05RR is now on sale worldwide with dealers in Europe, the US and Mexico.


Cashless toll payments at 10 plazas from Jan 13

                PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Highway Authority (MHA) has announced that ten toll plazas will only accept electronic toll payments starting Jan 13 next year at 12pm.

Road users will need to use either PLUSMiles, Touch 'n Go or SmartTAG at the toll plazas on the Maju Expressway (MEX), New Pantai Expressway (NPE), Cheras-Kajang Highway (Grand Saga) and Kemuning Shah Alam Expressway (LKSA).

The toll plazas involved include

Salak Selatan (MEX),

Putrajaya (MEX),

Seri Kembangan (MEX),

PJS2 (NPE),

PJS5 (NPE),

Pantai Dalam (NPE),

Batu 9 (Grand Saga),

Batu 11 (Grand Saga),

Seri Muda (LKSA) and

Alam Impian (LKSA).

Highway concessionaires will ensure that top-up counters and Touch ‘n Go sales will operate on a 24-hour basis and that staff will be present to assist with any issues faced by users.

Highway users are advised to follow road regulations and signages at all the toll plazas to ensure a seamless journey to their destinations.

Further enquiries on the new system can be directed to MHA’s Traffic Centre hotline at 1800-88-7752 or any customer service center of the relevant highways.


Honda trials SmartCharge service for EVs in California

                LOS ANGELES: With plans to make two-thirds of its global automobile sales from electrified vehicles by 2030, Honda is introducing a new Honda SmartCharge beta programme that claims to let electric vehicle customers reduce the environmental footprint of charging their car while earning monetary rewards.

Honda is the first automaker to introduce a programme of this kind, and will roll out the programme to Honda Fit EV customers.

Electric vehicle customers typically plug in and charge their vehicles when they arrive home after work, but this early evening charge time is often when demand on the grid is highest and when electricity is the most expensive. Honda SmartCharge permits Fit (also known as Jazz) EV customers to charge when electricity demand is low and when the availability of renewable energy is high.

Using the vehicle telematics system and Enel X subsidiary eMotorWerks' JuiceNet software platform, Honda SmartCharge computes the best time to charge a vehicle from the electric grid, dynamically taking into account the driver's daily schedule, the amount of renewable energy being generated, and the amount of CO2 emitted from power plants on the grid.

By recording the customer's desired charging times, the system enables the vehicle to be fully charged when the customer needs it next without affecting their use of the vehicle. As the Demand Response Provider (DRP) for Honda SmartCharge, eMotorWerks interfaces with the California Independent System Operator to allow for real-time control via cloud-to-cloud communication, enabling EVs to participate in demand response events to support the grid.

“Honda SmartCharge is uniquely able to shift electric vehicle charging in real-time without impacting the customer,” said Steve Center, vice president, Connected and Environmental Business Development for American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

“We believe the programme will be a game changer with its ability to create new value for our customers, reduce demand on the grid during peak load times, and help contribute to our company's goal of reducing CO2 emissions.”

Honda will study the results of the beta programme among Fit EV customers, with an eye toward applying it to other electrified vehicles, including the Clarity Electric and Clarity Plug-in Hybrid. The Honda SmartCharge programme is available on Apple devices for select California customers, with plans to expand to other areas in the near future.


‘AKU BOSS’ more popular but ‘AKU 1’ most expensive plate at RM207,898

                IPOH: The AKU 1305 (I am Boss) vehicle registration number may be the most popular but AKU 1 (I am First) is the most expensive in the AKU series.

While AKU 1305 has the most bid with 49 people interested, AKU 1 secured the highest bid which was made at RM207,898. The AKU 1305 numbers resemble the Malay phrase "Aku Bos."

Perak Road Transport Department director Mohd Zawawi Zakaria said the highest bid for AKU 1305 was only at RM20,000.

"We thought the 'Boss' number plates, including 8055 and 805 would get the highest bid amount. We were quite surprised that it was not the case here," he told a press conference today.

 The public applying for the AKU series at the state JPJ office in Ipoh last month.

The numbers available for registration are divided into four categories, including golden numbers (1 to 10), attractive numbers (11 to 19), repetitive numbers (such as 66, 777 or 9999) and popular numbers.

Bidding for golden numbers starts from RM10,000, attractive and repetitive numbers from RM2,000 upwards, while popular numbers begin from RM300. Bidding for the AKU series closed on July 18. The most expensive Perak registration by far is AKK 1, which was sold for RM288,000 last year.

Mohd Zawawi said for the AKU series, the tender applications received were about five times more than usual. "We usually get between 500 and 600 applications for other number plates.

"For the AKU series, we received 3,315 applications," he said, adding that the total revenue collected from the series was about RM3.5mil. Only 3,076 applications were accepted with the rest rejected due to incomplete details or no payment received," he added.


Cadillac ramps up power in US luxury battle with Germans

DETROIT: Cadillac laid down an aggressive new claim to the US luxury market Tuesday, unveiling a powerful sedan it boasted could not be topped for speed or comfort by Mercedes-Benz or BMW.

But it was far from clear whether it would be enough to help Cadillac and Lincoln, Detroit’s two classic luxury brands, to topple the dominance of the Germans and Toyota’s Lexus in the lucrative top segment of the US car market.

Cadillac’s challenge, revealed at the annual North American International Auto Show here, came in the shape of the new CTS-V, a 640hp, 320kph monster beneath an elegant sedan exterior.

As he looked straight across at the Mercedes-Benz stand at the show, Johan de Nysschen, Cadillac president, boasted that it was faster than anything his Teutonic rivals could offer.

“This 112-year-old brand is reinventing itself,” he announced.

“This is not just rhetoric,” he told hundreds of journalists at the Detroit show.

“It’s a comprehensive plan that starts with great products... We are here to disrupt and shatter the status quo.”

Decades ago Cadillac and Lincoln dominated the US market, marks of American glamour on display from the White House to Beverly Hills.

But that cachet has long been lost, and both are fighting an uphill battle to recover it. Benz, BMW, Audi and Lexus have established themselves since the 1990s as bywords for a combination of luxury and performance.

The numbers show the challenge. Last year, Mercedes sold 356,000 cars in the United States, for a 2.2 percent share of the total US auto market, according to Autodata.

BMW sold 340,000, Lexus 311,000, and Audi 182,000.

Meanwhile, Cadillac, a General Motors division, found 171,000 buyers and Lincoln, Ford’s luxury unit, sold 95,000 cars.
And Cadillac’s sales fell in 2014, its market share going down to 1.0 percent from 1.2 percent.

Cadillac explained its relative weakness in the US market as lacking models in specific segments, particularly entry-level luxury cars, that its rivals have filled.

The average price of the cars it sold last year was higher than that for BMW and Lexus, he noted.

De Nysschen said the company would introduce eight new models between now and 2020 that will bridge the gap.

But the accent on power, rather than luxury and comfort, is a shift for Cadillac.

“In the past, we lost our American-ness in an attempt to out-German the Germans. So now we want to talk about cool, contemporary Americana,” said Uwe Ellinghaus, Cadillac’s marketing chief.

But a part of the effort is to recover a global name and with it conquer the Chinese market, which together with the United States accounts for half of the global luxury car market.

Both Cadillac and Lincoln are pushing hard in China, and Cadillac’s global growth last year all came from there.

Lincoln’s approach seems completely tailored for China: in contrast to GM’s focus on power, Lincoln highlighted ease and comfort in its new MKX crossover Tuesday: top-end music systems, seats that massage, cushions that inflate and deflate, in a special “Black Label” line.

“The MKX welcomes you warmly,” Lincoln President Kumar Galhotra said.

“It says hello when you walk up, and goodbye when you leave.”

 De Nysschen introducing the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V at the Detroit show. Magnetic Ride Control adjusts to surface conditions at a rate of 1,000 times a second, ensuring high performance handling. Third-generation improvements enable 40-percent faster damping response.


Internet entrepreneurs back Chinese Tesla rival NextEV

                FRANKFURT/DETROIT: A group of deep-pocketed China-based Internet entrepreneurs and financial investors, including Tencent and Hillhouse Capital, is backing an effort to create NextEV, a new rival to US electric car maker Tesla Motors Inc.

Hillhouse is also an investor in Uber, the US ride sharing service.The backers have hired ex-Ford Motor Co executive Martin Leach to build a global automaker, a NextEV spokesman said on Monday. The backers have also recruited experts with previous experience at Tesla, BMW AG, Volkswagen AG  and other major car companies.

The NextEV investors are among several Chinese technology entrepreneurs with little or no automotive background who are hoping to create new electric car companies. The effort is supported by the Chinese government, which recently changed rules to encourage investment by non-automotive companies.

Among the Chinese tech companies that have announced or are considering investments in electric car ventures are Alibaba, Xiaomi Technology and Leshi (300104.SZ).

Tesla spokesman Ricardo Reyes said on Monday: "We're happy to see other people use the Model S sedan and our business model as benchmarks, whether they are large companies or well-funded startups."

The creation of Shanghai-based NextEV, which has established offices in Europe and the United States, is a sign that a gradual shift toward electric vehicles, which are simpler to design than conventional cars, has lowered the barriers to entry into the auto industry. The Chinese government has also provided generous incentives to encourage production and sale of EVs.

"The first model launched by NextEV will be an electric supercar," NextEV spokesman Jili Liu told Reuters. "This EV supercar is expected to outperform all combustion (engine) supercars in the world."

The sportscar is expected to debut in 2016. It will be designed to produce more than 1,000 horsepower and accelerate from 0 to 100kph within 3 seconds, Liu said. A range of high-performance family cars will follow.

NextEV Co is being backed by Chinese Internet company Tencent; William Li, the founder of Internet content provider Bitauto.com; Xiang Li, the founder of automotive website autohome.com.cn, and Richard Liu, the founder of e-commerce site JD.com. Hillhouse Capital, which was started with seed money from Yale University, is also a backer, NextEV said.

Leach, the former chief operating officer at Ford of Europe, is currently spearheading efforts to recruit hundreds of staff to work in San Jose, California, Shanghai, Munich, Beijing, Hong Kong and London, Liu said.

Leach's role is co-president, Liu said, declining to elaborate further on the leadership structure of the new car maker.

Among NextEV's hires are Danilo Teobaldi, the former chief of vehicle concepts at Italdesign Giugiaro; Juho Suh, a former senior designer at BMW, and John Thomas, a former senior program director at Tesla, according to their Linkedin profiles.

Thomas, who also worked as an engineer at Ford and General Motors Co, helped lead the development in 2006-2008 of the Tesla Model S.

NextEV did not want to disclose the extent of its financial backing, saying it preferred to keep such details confidential. The company will initially target China as a market and move beyond that at a later stage, Liu said.


Modenas bestseller now equipped with ABS, yours for RM9,655

                SHAH ALAM: Modenas has introduced a new variant of its best-selling Pulsar model, the NS200 ABS, which is now fitted with an antilock braking system (ABS).

The Pulsar NS200 ABS is priced at RM9,655 and is offered in a choice of four colours: Graphite Black, Mirage White, Wild Red and Yellow.

The NS200 ABS is the most affordable naked street-bike in the Pulsar lineup. Coupled with the Pulsar 200cc DTS-i engine that produces peak power of 18kW and a maximum torque of 18.6Nm, the NS200 ABS is said to offer a smoother ride with optimum fuel efficiency.

The ABS function prevents the brakes from locking and skidding when a rider applies brake suddenly in an emergency situation. This ensures the rider has control of the machine, maintaining stability apart from reducing its stopping distance.

The ABS regulates the machine’s braking pressure, ensuring riding stability and manoeuvrability of the motorcycle, even where there are adverse driving conditions such as sand, loose chippings or water.

Recent studies show that a rider that uses a machine equipped with ABS can reduce injuries by up to 39% in the event of a crash, when compared to the same non-ABS-equipped motorcycles.

"Bikes with ABS are safer and we highly encourage those looking to get a bike to buy one equipped with ABS,” said Modenas CEO Roslan Roskan.

The Pulsar NS200 ABS is now available at all Modenas dealerships nationwide.


Proton to maintain car prices amid weakening ringgit, says Dr M

                SHAH ALAM: Proton will maintain the current selling price of its cars despite incurring higher imported material costs due to the weakening ringgit, said its chairman, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He said currently, the national car maker has to sell its cars at the price fixed by the government.

"Now with the currency down, imported material costs are higher but we still try to maintain the price (of Proton cars)."

On another note, Dr Mahathir who is the former prime minister said Proton planned to export an Iriz electric car, which claims to be able to go up to 300km on a single charge, to the European market besides ensuring all its vehicles manufactured in the future meet the Euro 5 emission standards.

"We have proposed to produce this car (Iriz) for Europe ... don't have to pay a fine because it's efficient," he said.

Commenting on Proton's 30th anniversary this year, Dr Mahathir said Proton wanted people to believe that it is producing quality cars.

Dr Mahathir said Proton would in future boost performance in its current line-up without changing their names.

Proton chief executive officer Datuk Abdul Harith Abdullah said the company planned to unveil the new variant of Perdana in the first quarter of next year.


BMW Group Malaysia announces winners of #myBMW100Years contest

                KUALA LUMPUR: Ten BMW owners have won themselves an all-expense trip to the BMW Welt (BMW World) and BMW Museum located in Munich Germany, through the participation of BMW Group Malaysia's #myBMW100Years contest.

Each contestant was asked to share their best moments with their BMW cars and motorcycles in an attempt to highlight the brand’s core characteristics that include culture, innovation and challenge.

The winners of the #myBMW100Years contest are:

1> BMW Birthday Cake? - Wan Aznir

2> My BMW is Family - Iylia Hakim Bin Abdul Wahid

3>BMW 1st SUV - Carmen Tan Lee Wei

4> My Love Affair with the BMW Marque - Eng Kim Leng

5> Beautifully Made for Winners - Elaine Tan Lay Poh

6> Pride, with Prejudice - Thanendran Thanesvaran

7> Don’t Wait Until 40 to Get BMW - Kasman Bin Kamis

8> Riding to the Top of the World With Friends - Lim Soon Hin

9> Nostalgia - Lai Joo Koi

10> Passing the Torch – BMW ‘Coupe Sport Lightweight’ - Adam Muza Muhayen

The contest is a part of several activities and events of the German premium carmaker’s celebrations for the year.


These are Mercedes-Benz's new prices

                PETALING JAYA: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is among the latest car makers to announce lower prices following the sales tax holiday, which is valid from today until Dec 31, 2020.

For this month, it is offering a low interest rate financing from 0%. It is also promoting its MobilityPlus car replacement programme, free servicing (4 rounds) and tailor-made packages.

Like every car maker, it is giving an assurance that its dealers are sticking to safety standards to minimise Covid-19 infections.

The steps its is taking include disinfection of frequented areas and wrapping of seats and steering before servicing begins.


New Toyota Hilux variant ups the rugged appeal

                SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota Motor has added a new variant to the Hilux range. The Hilux 2.4G AT limited edition is open for booking from today and is priced at RM126,000, featuring a tougher and more rugged image with a number of accessories added.

It will be available in showrooms from this Friday.

The Toyota distributor also announced the introduction of the Hilux 2.4G STD (manual and automatic variants) with a lower price starting from RM108,500 (previously RM109,900).

READ MORE:
Toyota Hilux and Fortuner launched
Quick drive of Hilux and Fortuner

The latest Hilux is equipped with the new advanced diesel engines with 2.8-litre and 2.4 litre engine displacements that provide stronger low-end torque delivery, better response for acceleration, greater reliability under the most extreme conditions and improved fuel efficiency. All engines come with 6-speed manual or electronically-managed automatic transmissions.

The package of accessories for the Hilux 2.4G Limited Edition starts off with a black grille which gives a much bolder frontal appearance to the vehicle. Below it, the Bumper Guard emphasises the off-road capability of the Hilux which has made it legendary around the world.

The bold theme is complemented by the headlamps covers which have a dark grey tint, gloss dark grey for the fog lamp covers and bonnet garnish also finished in dark grey. The wing mirrors, instead of being chrome as in the standard Hilux 2.4G, have covers to match its ruggard exterior. A carbon fibre design is used to black out the centre roof pillars, creating the visual impression of a larger glass area around the cabin. At the rear, there are also rear lamp covers with a dark grey finish for the trim area.

On the bonnet surface, a sporty stripe has been added while a black out sticker on the roof identify this as a limited edition. Exclusively designed stripes are also applied on both sides of the vehicle, with tailgate also having stripes. Roof ornaments has also been added to enhance its rugged appeal.

The rugged look continues along the sides where there are black extended over fenders for each wheel arch. Besides their visual contribution, they also provide added protection for the bodywork in an area where stones from the tyres will be thrown up.

All the accessories have been installed at UMW Toyota Motors’ own Accessories Centre. They come with a warranty against manufacturing defects.

The technical specifications of the Hilux 2.4G Limited Edition are similar to those of the standard Hilux 2.4G. Power comes from the 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine variant of Toyota’s Global Diesel (GD) series. Even though its displacement is 2.4 litres, the new 2GD-FTV engine produces a maximum output of 148hp at 3,400 rpm, 47% higher than the output of the 2.5-litre engine it replaces. Torque is also higher, with 400Nm available between 1,600 rpm and 2,000 rpm, which is 54% more than the previous engine with a bigger displacement.

The 6-speed automatic transmission is electronically-managed for smoother operation, responsiveness as well as better fuel efficiency. It includes Super ECT logic with Deceleration Downshift Control which optimises gear selection during deceleration to reduce decline in engine speed, while AI Shift Control provides more intelligent selection of gears for the driving conditions. There is also a High Speed Gear Control which limits the use of top gears if high loading is detected. As before, the driver can also manually select gears if desired.

Like all full-sized 4x4 vehicles, there is also a transfer case to direct power to the front axle with High and Low ranges. Either range can be selected with the rotary Electronic Transfer Switch; if done below a speed of 100 kph, the vehicle does not need to be stopped.

An advanced feature in the Hilux 2.4G AT is Active Traction Control (A-TRC) which mimics the function of the limited-slip differential (LSD) for maximising traction on challenging terrain or surfaces. A-TRC, similar to electronically-managed systems in high-end SUVs, employs sensors on each wheel that detect whether traction is lost. If traction is lost, the system will brake specific wheels individually and transfer power to the opposite wheel. In this way, forward motion can be maintained.

Since its launch in May last year, the new-generation Hilux has sold around 18,000 units nationwide. The Hilux model has maintained its popularity with over 200,000 units of the outgoing generation sold throughout Malaysia since it was launched in 2005. It became one of the best-selling models for UMW Toyota Motor in the past 10 years.

Like the other Hilux variants, the limited edition is also covered with a 5-year/150,000km warranty, whichever comes first which is transferable to the next owner if it is still valid at the time of ownership transfer.


How to handle problems with electronics in modern cars

                BERLIN: While modern-day cars have largely eliminated stubborn problems that used to plague vehicles from generations past - particularly rust - cars these days seem to have more and more issues with advanced components like control units, switches and displays.

Like mechanical parts, electronic ones can also age and eventually fail. "The components are usually designed such that they only fail when the entire car reaches the end of its expected lifespan," says Christian Buric from the ADAC, Germany’s largest automobile club. And while most components do not need special care, motorists usually can’t upgrade them either.

Sensors and actuators with electromechanical components tend to require more care, and should be regularly checked in workshops in accordance with a car’s maintenance plan.

According to the ADAC, automotive electricians frequently report that electronic control units fail on their own, and not necessarily due to external factors such as water damage or excess voltage.

"They often show the same defects. It can be because a component has been manufactured a bit too thriftily, or even due to something as mundane as a transistor receiving too little solder," says Buric.

Technology expert Marcel Muehlich of the Auto Club Europa (ACE), another major German automobile club, advises drivers to pay especially attention close attention to the car’s power supply. When a vehicle is driven only occasionally or at irregular intervals, it can cause the starter battery to get drained.

Drivers should also be careful when trying to revive a drained battery. "In order to avoid damage to the on-board electronics, owners should follow jump-start instructions carefully and avoid electronic surges," says Muehlich.

Failure of electronic components can never be completely avoided, says repair expert Neofitos Arathymos. After all, the constant demands placed on a vehicle through regular driving and the resulting aging process can put a major strain on all components, electronic and otherwise.

Heat losses in electronic control units can cause plasticisers to emit fumes, making them more brittle and eventually causing them to break down. Meanwhile, defects with a car’s mechanical components can also have knock-on effects for electronic parts.

"Defective shock absorbers increase the vibrations in the vehicle, which also reduces the lifespan of electronic control units," says Arathymos.

When there’s a defect with an electronic component, the only solution is usually an expensive new part. Luckily, there are plenty of electronic repair providers that offer good value.

When choosing where to get an electronic part repaired, "make sure it has two or more years of warranty and preferably comes from a company that works together with dealerships," says Buric.

Even better is if the entire order is handled by the dealership. This way, in the event of a complaint or defect, the dealership would have to assume responsibility for the customer warranty.

Many control units have a few common faults that can be properly repaired by an expert. "This is cheaper than buying a new part and can sometimes even prevent write-offs," says Buric. "This is because the control unit does not have to be trained and coded all over again."

Similarly, some specialist workshops can repair pixel errors or other damage to electronic displays for speedometers and entertainment systems. In some cases, however, a used spare part costs less than a complex repair involving elaborate removal and installation. Those who use an external repair service should remember that doing so will often void the manufacturer's warranty.


Fewer cars on Selangor roads as compliance with MCO picks up

                PETALING JAYA: Police have noticed a gradual drop in the number of vehicles on the road four days into the movement control order (MCO), signifying that more and more people now understand the need for social distancing to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Selangor deputy police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Arjunaidi Mohamed said in the four days since the order was implemented on March 18, about 15,000 cars passed through police roadblocks in the state aimed at advising motorists on the MCO.

"We expect to see a gradual decrease in motorists making unnecessary travel in days to come.

"At the moment, there are still some who flout the rules and give all sorts of excuses for doing so," he said during a roadblock near the Damansara toll plaza on the New Klang Valley Expressway last night.

DCP Arjunaidi said police still found parents who gave excuses for bringing along their young children when venturing out to stock-up on essentials.

"There is no need for that. It's enough for one person to go out to shop for groceries.

"The more people you bring along the more people are exposed to the disease," he said.

Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof announced on Saturday (March 21) that only one person from a household would be allowed to leave the house to purchase essential items during the MCO period, which ends on March 31.

DCP Arjunaidi said he looked forward to Armed Forces personnel helping with the enforcement of the MCO starting Sunday (March 22).

"With their help, we hope to cover more ground to ensure people follow the MCO," he said.

He said Selangor police currently hold up to five roadblocks in each district, but their effort could be multiplied with the help from the Armed Forces.

He also said the directive for 24-hour convenience stores and eateries in Selangor to only operate from 6am to midnight could potentially discourage unnecessary outings.

"While the directive is new, it is aimed at stopping people from unnecessarily leaving their homes because for as long as there are places open, they will find any excuse to go out," he said.


Rinspeed to present microSNAP at CES Las Vegas 2019

                LAS VEGAS: With the “Snap,” presented at the CES in Las Vegas in early 2018, Swiss powerhouse of ideas Rinspeed for the first time presented a vehicle, where the chassis (“Skateboards“) and bodies (“Pods”) can be swapped out at any time.

“Think mighty micro!” is now the new Rinspeed motto at the CES 2019.

The world premiere will take place in Las Vegas on January 7, 2019.

Company head Frank M. Rinderknecht has shrunk the “Snap” into the “microSNAP” with the dimensions of a Renault Twizy.

And for the first time, Rinspeed demonstrates a fully automated robot station that joins and separates chassis and bodies autonomously.

Because online business is booming and now includes the fresh food sector as well, the Swiss national believes in small autonomous vehicles that swarm out and bring their goods to the customer without detours and ‘just in time.’

It couldn’t be faster or more simple - even refrigerated or heated.

However, his vision also includes two-seater ‘robo units‘, which take the shortest route to convey their passengers to their destination efficiently and in comfort.

Rinderknecht is certain: “Customers increasingly want prompt deliveries and many passengers are unwilling to use shared taxis, which have to take time-consuming detours by design.”

A startup is now on the drawing boards and talks with investors are underway to put the “Snap” on the road.

Be it the “Snap” or the “microSNAP,” the basic idea is the same: While the bodies last as long as a car does today, the chassis contain all the components that are subject to wear and aging, such as the computer technology for autonomous driving.

“Skateboards” (chassis) and “Pods” (bodies) are only temporary companions for brief periods.

Various types of bodies use whatever skateboards are currently available.

The skateboards are recycled after a few years, because they will have reached the end of their service life.

They thus elegantly avoid an expensive and complicated hardware update.


Skechers shoes with Goodyear rubber tech

                LOS ANGELES: Global footwear powerhouse Skechers is using Goodyear rubber technology in custom Skechers outsoles that its says deliver increased grip, stability and durability.

“This collaboration is an example of two trusted brands coming together to create a high-tech product that will truly benefit our consumer,” said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers.

The shoes, featuring Goodyear Performance Outsoles, are designed with rubber technology that contains a special polymer including sustainable soybean oil—a renewable, bio-based material used in some of the company’s top-performing tyres – available in North America.

Initially launched on three running shoes from the Skechers GOrun collection, the range of styles featuring Goodyear Performance Outsoles now includes a wider assortment of running and walking sneakers and will expand through 2020 to athletic lifestyle, trail, and work footwear categories for men and women, as well as kids’ styles.


Fuel prices up across the board

                PETALING JAYA: Petrol and diesel prices are going up from tomorrow.

The price of RON95 and RON97 petrol will rise 1 sen each to RM2.16 per litre and RM2.44 respectively.

Diesel will go up by three sen to RM2.04 per litre from RM2.01 per litre previously.

The prices, which were announced on RTM1 on Wednesday evening, will be in effect from 12.01 am on Aug 31 until Sept 6.

The weekly fuel pricing mechanism came into effect in April this year, and the prices of petrol and diesel had been placed on a managed monthly float system since Dec 1, 2014 following the removal of fuel subsidies.


Hennessey turns its attention to Lincoln Navigator

                HOUSTON: Bigger, brasher and more powerful seems to be where full-size luxury SUVs are going at the moment, and the most powerful models are certainly no longer the preserve of specialist tuners as manufacturers like Jeep are now very much getting in on the act themselves.

There's still a place for tuning and customization companies to produce models manufacturers are unlikely to develop in-house of course, which is why Hennessey is doing what it's doing with the 2018 Lincoln Navigator.

The Navigator is already one of the most overt and brash luxury SUVs out there even in its standard form, but the legendary Texan tuning company is taking it to a new level to rival the likes of the Range Rover SVR, and of course not too many will be produced.

Hennessey is going to be increasing the power of Lincoln's top-of-the-range SUV from its current 450hp. to an even and very substantial 600hp. It's said that will propel the Navigator from a standing start to 100kph in as little as 4.8 seconds, and it will be capable of completing a quarter-mile drag run in just 12.9 seconds at 172kph. To be fair to Lincoln though, the standard model is no slouch as this Hennessey-tuned model will only be 0.7 seconds faster to 100kph than the standard model is already.

Under the hood will still be the original Ford 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, but Hennessey will be upgrading it with a new engine management computer, a stainless steel exhaust system, high-flow air induction, and a large front-mounted intercooler with blow-off valve. The same base engine is used by Hennessey in its six-wheel VelociRaptor, and in that case it produces 602hp and 846Nm of torque.

There will be further enhancements as part of the package too, such as some 22-inch forged alloy wheels, a lowering kit, and Brembo brakes at the front and back. By the standards of some Hennessey tuning packages, this one for the Lincoln Navigator is quite reasonable at a cost of US$19,950 (RM78,000) including installation, and just 200 examples are going to be produced for the 2018 model year.


Volocopter makes first European urban flight

                STUTTGART: The Volocopter has successfully made its first European urban flight here.

The flight on Saturday near the Mercedes-Benz Museum was a highlight of the two-day event "Vision Smart City - Experience the mobility of the future today".

Present to witness the unmanned flight were Daimler AG boss Ola Källenius, Volocopter CEO Florian Reuter, head of Baden-Württemberg state Winfried Kretschmann, and his state interior minister Thomas Strobl.

Källenius said Daimler's partner Volocopter had shown how an air taxi is turning the dream of driving into the dream of flying.

READ MORE: Geely to bring air taxis to China in tie-up with Daimler-backed Volocopter

"At Daimler, we work on the mobility of the future too. By 2022, we will have electrified the entire Mercedes-Benz portfolio. Our goal is that electrically powered cars will account for more than half of our sales by 2030."

Reuter used the opportunity to plug the Volocopter as future air taxis.

"Air taxis open up a completely new dimension in urban mobility. As Stuttgart has seen today, they fly safely, quietly and are fast approching the implementation stage. Volocopter air taxis are able to ease traffic congestion in major cities around the world, also here in Germany."

The event was part of an initiative of a research project by the Technical University of Stuttgart to examine the social acceptance of air taxis.

 From left: Strobl, Källenius, Kretschmann and Reuter.


Infiniti Q30 aims high

FRANKFURT: Making its world premiere at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Infiniti Q30 active compact is a new type of premium vehicle for a new type of consumer. Representing Infiniti’s first global entry into the fast-growing premium compact segment, the Q30 will play an important role in helping the company realise its plans for global growth.

Designed for a new generation of buyers not willing to be defined by their choice of vehicle body type, the Q30 challenges convention with its bold character and daring shape. The car stays true to the signature design cues from the original 2013 concept and exemplifies Infiniti’s design-led, customer-centric approach to product development. The unconventional stance and asymmetric interior contribute to an overall design that is certain to command attention.

The development teams behind the Q30 have taken a holistic approach to its engineering, presenting a car that offers exceptional ride and handling. It feels comfortable yet ‘ready to go anywhere’ thanks to the versatile dimensions, confident dynamics and intuitive technologies.

Staying true to the design cues from the original 2013 concept, the Q30 active compact exemplifies Infiniti’s design-led approach to product development.

"Infiniti is an expression of design. We want our customers to feel the hand of the artist at work in the sculpted, muscular aesthetic of our cars. Q30 design is marked by turbulent character lines and sculptural shapes that look stretched over bone and muscle. The effect is a spontaneous feeling of harmonious design that can be appreciated at a glance,” said Infiniti Executive Design Director Alfonso Albaisa.

An important, differentiating characteristic of the Q30’s design is its combination of elevated stance with an overall height that is comparable with models in the traditional compact segment (1,495mm for base and Premium, 1,475mm for Sport). The result is a highly distinctive, coupe-like silhouette, which is further emphasised by a shallow side glass area.

The Q30’s coupe-like design belies its interior space and functionality. Cabin room is highly competitive, notably the boot capacity of 368 litres VDA, which ranks among the best in the premium compact segment.

A varied range of powertrain options are available, all tuned to provide exciting power delivery. In the base model, a 1.6-litre engine, with either 90kW (120hp, 122PS) or 115kW (154hp, 156PS) will be joined by diesel options that include 1.5-litre and 2.2-litre engines, both four cylinder, with 80kW (107hp, 109PS) and 125kW (168hp, 170PS) power outputs, respectively.

In addition to these powertrain options, Premium and Sport models add a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine producing 155kW (208hp, 211PS).

Automatic gear shifts are smooth and seamless thanks to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

A six-speed manual transmission will also be made available.

The Q30 features a host of intuitive technologies that enhance the driving experience, while providing maximum safety to all occupants.

These include: Automatic park assistance with Around View Monitor (AVM) and Moving Object Detection (MOD), making the Q30 one of the easiest cars to park in the premium compact segment.

Blind Spot Warning, providing greater security and confidence at speed by warning of other vehicles out of the driver’s line of sight; Forward Collision Warning with Forward Emergency Braking, reducing the stress of driving in heavy traffic or in the city.

Auto High Beam Assist, a highly intuitive technology that improves safety and confidence during night-time driving; and Intelligent Cruise Control, maintaining a safe distance from the car in front, resulting in a safe and relaxing drive.


Top carmaker shutdowns hint more to come in Covid-Zero China

In this photo released by China's Xinhua News Agency, a worker wearing a protective suit swabs a man for a coronavirus test in northern China's Tianjin Municipality on Saturday. — AP
TOKYO: China’s zero tolerance approach to Covid-19 has idled Toyota Motor Corp. and Volkswagen AG factories the past week, a troubling sign for global carmakers as the Omicron variant begins to spread in the world’s biggest auto production hub.

The two top-selling carmakers’ factories in Tianjin, 108km southeast of Beijing, have been halted since Jan 10 as the local government carries out multiple rounds of mass testing for the city’s 14 million residents.

The disruptions caused by China’s strict Covid-19-Zero policy are sparking broader concerns about what the months ahead will look like for manufacturers operating in China, which has imposed strict quarantines and mass testing to stamp out infections.

The clash between those policies and the Omicron variant could put further stress on already strained supply chains, given the country’s role as a manufacturing pow rhouse.

The strategy "will have a global impact given the role China still plays in the global autos supply chain,” analysts at Fitch Solutions wrote in a recent report, adding that lockdowns will probably impact carmakers indirectly as well through their wider supply chains.

Fitch sees the recovery of global vehicle production now being delayed until 2023 due in part to high rates of new Omicron infections and localized lockdowns, "especially in China with its Covid-19-Zero strategy.”

Domestic and foreign-owned car plants in China churn out about 25 million cars a year - around one-third of all vehicles globally, according to the International Organisation of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers.

On Saturday, the Tianjin municipal government mandated a third round of testing for its citizens, uncovering 59 new cases of the virus.

With companies unable to resume operations until employees test negative and receive a green light from local authorities, the repeated rounds of testing are fuelling concern among businesses.

Toyota’s venture with China FAW Group Co. in Tianjin is based in the city’s western Xiqing district, which has sealed off some neighbourhoods due to the detection of Covid-19 infections.

The joint operation, has an annual production capacity of more than 500,000 vehicles.

VW said its plant on the other side of the city, which produces around 300,000 cars a year including the Audi Q3, has been temporarily shut down due to parts shortages and pending test results of workers.

The Omicronvariant has led to record case numbers across Europe and the US.

In China, after the first sign of a virus flare-up, cities have been known to test their entire populations as many as 10 times to keep infections under control.

China is a central player in many automotive-parts supply chains, especially for electric vehicles.

The country’s Covid-19 policies will likely worsen the existing shortage of batteries, presenting a "major risk” to EV production, according to the Fitch report.

Indeed, broken links in the auto parts supply chain are already appearing in Tianjin, a sign that disruption to output may linger even after city officials allow business activity to resume.

A gearbox supplier controlled by VW and Rohm Co. were among operations that were halted last week.

Some shifts at the VW component factory resumed Jan. 13, and the German automaker said it hopes to catch up with lost production.


Ducati e-Scrambler gets new colour

 BOLOGNA: Ducati e-Scrambler, the trekking e-bike created in collaboration with Thok, is now available in a new ‘Matte Grey’ colour, as well as in the iconic Ducati Scrambler yellow.

It's perfect for getting around city traffic and exploring open country roads, the e-Scrambler has an aluminium frame and high-end components.

The 250-Watt Shimano Steps E7000 motor with 504Wh battery and Pirelli Cycl-e GT tyres guarantee this model a great autonomy to cover even the longest routes in agility and total safety.

Riding pleasure and ease of use are guaranteed by the SRAM NX 11-speed gearshift, the Sram 4-piston brakes and a wealth of accessories essential for everyday use such as luggage racks, mudguards, kickstand and signal lights.

The supplied telescopic seat post increases comfort, allowing the rider to easily get on and off the saddle and ensuring a secure footing in stops.


Honda reveals new EV Concept

                FRANKFURT: The term "all-new" may be overused in the motor industry, but it definitely applies to a model Honda has just unveiled at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The model in question is the Urban EV Concept, which is an all-new electric vehicle built on an entirely new platform, showing the direction Honda is pursuing with its future electric production models.

But if that sounds as though this is one of those design exercises that never makes it anywhere near a production line, it's not. When introducing the Urban EV Concept, Honda Motor Co. president and CEO, Takahiro Hachigo stated: "This is not some vision of the distant future; a production version of this car will be here in Europe in 2019."

The exterior design of the car is unlike anything else Honda offers at the moment. It's actually a simple and sophisticated design with low, wide proportions giving it a planted, muscular stance that hints at sporty driving characteristics. The concept is pretty small though, as it's actually 100mm shorter than the current Jazz supermini.

The exterior is extremely modern, especially as the Honda emblem is backlit in blue, which is a new styling feature the company will be introducing for all future EVs. At the front of the Honda, interactive multilingual messages can be displayed between the headlights, such as greetings, advice for other drivers, or charging status updates.

That's very modern, but perhaps a gimmick that may be put on the back-burner for a while.

A great deal of time and effort has been put into the design elements of the exterior and especially the interior. The car has been designed to accommodate up to four occupants, across two bench seats that have been finished in different materials, and the seatbelts for the rear bench seat are fixed in the middle of the seat so the belt can retract out of the way before a passenger gets out of the car.

There's also plenty of detail about systems such as the on-board advanced Honda Automated Network Assistant, which learns by detecting driver emotions behind their judgments and then applies what it has learned to make new choices and recommendations.

What we don't know yet are things like how far it will go on a single charge or how long it will take to recharge, so we'll have to wait and see.


Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia throws in flood relief assistance

                SHAH ALAM: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, the official distributor of Mitsubishi Motors vehicles in Malaysia, announced a flood relief programme for Mitsubishi owners in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and Pahang who were affected by the recent floods caused by the persistent rain.

The company will offer a 30% discount on Mitsubishi genuine spare parts and a 50% discount on labour costs from now until Jan 20 next year for vehicles damaged by flood.

In addition, Mitsubishi Motors would also support owners by offering free towing service.

All customers need to do is to contact Mitsubishi Assist 24Hrs customer careline (MA24) at 1-800-88-2166 to request this service.

Mitsubishi owners who arranged for their vehicle towing, without the assistance of MA24 and insurance coverage are also entitled to rebates worth up to RM300.

All customers need to do is lodge a police report and then tow the affected vehicle to the nearest Mitsubishi Motors service centre.

MMM chief executive officer Shinya Ikeda said the company's thoughts are with Malaysians impacted by the flash floods tragedy.

“All of our service staff and authorised dealers are ready to assist our Mitsubishi owners with their affected vehicles. We hope that this flood relief programme will help ease the burden of our customers going through this difficult time,” he said.

The Mitsubishi flood relief programme is applicable to vehicles purchased from Mitsubishi Motors authorised dealers.

For details, get in touch with MMM Customer Careline at 1-800-18-8161.


Porsche Asia Pacific homes in on electrification targets

                SINGAPORE: Porsche Asia Pacific recorded its best first quarter ever, delivering 827 sports cars to achieve 28% growth in Q1 2021 compared to the previous year.

Electrification was a central driver for the business, with 47% of all units delivered being either battery electric vehicles (BEVs) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

This sets the company on the fast track to realise its global ambition, that by 2025, half of all new Porsche vehicles sold will be electrified, either fully or with a hybrid drive.

First deliveries for the all-electric Taycan were also made, with 150 units handed over to customers this quarter, accounting for nearly a fifth of total deliveries.

Along with New Zealand, the three neighbouring markets of Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia emerged as top performers, highlighting the importance of Southeast Asia to the brand.

Recognising the high business growth potential that the region holds, the Asean countries will remain a key focus area for Porsche as the company continues shaping the future of the sports car.

More than 60% of the Taycan owners who took delivery of their electric sports cars this quarter were completely new to the Porsche family, a sign that the initiatives Porsche introduced to accelerate in the age of electric mobility are quickly gaining traction.

Following the launch of the all-electric Taycan, and the introduction of carbon-offsetting initiative Porsche Impact in 2020, sustainability will continue to be an important focus for Porsche Asia Pacific this year.

A recently announced collaboration with Shell will enable the implementation of the first cross-border high performance charging network in Southeast Asia, connecting Singapore and Malaysia.

The partnership covers six Shell stations equipped with 180 kW direct-current (DC) chargers, offering the highest charging capacity across both countries. The initiative underlines the brand’s commitment to spearheading connectivity in the region.

The retail network is set to expand further, following the recently opened Porsche Centre Ara Damansara and the upcoming Porsche Centre Johor Baru in Malaysia.

Porsche said customers and enthusiasts can also continue to expect a robust sports car line-up, starting with the recent introduction of the fourth model in the Taycan family as well as the upcoming new 911 GT3.


Jaguar Land Rover wants a chunk of car-sharing market with tech start-up

                LONDON: Jaguar Land Rover is aiming for a share in the car-sharing business and has launched InMotion, a new technology start-up that builds apps and on-demand services to overcome modern travel and transport challenges.

InMotion will next month begin real-world testing of car sharing and car ownership solutions, across North America, Europe and Asia in the coming months.

“With the development of new apps and on-demand services, InMotion provides us with an opportunity to provide engaging and invaluable experiences to both new and existing customers globally,” said Jaguar Land Rover group strategy director Adrian Hallmark.

“As a start-up business, InMotion combines the flexibility and pace needed to compete in the ever-changing mobility sector. It allows us to react quickly to new tech and ever-changing customer demands.”

With technology changing the way people travel and providing access to vehicles at the swipe of a screen, more and more people are looking for ways to improve their commute to work or to access the car they want, when they want to.

Jaguar Land Rover said InMotion would combine the best of the automotive and technology sectors to develop new solutions accessible via smartphones or other connected devices.

As wholly-owned subsidiary of Jaguar Land Rover, InMotion is based here and will employ up to 30 people who will support entrepreneurs to build new businesses.

Jaguar Land Rove's latest move is part of a bigger trend where traditional car makers try to stay relevant as ride-sharing services such as Uber, Grab, Didi Kuaidi and Lyft gain traction in various parts of the world, giving people less reasons to own a car.

BMW has a similar car sharing service in Europe called DriveNow and in US as ReachNow. Daimler AG has its car2go in Europe and North America using smart cars for mobility.


Malaysians to enjoy RM100 travel pass benefits from Jan 1

                PUTRAJAYA: For commuters who use public transport exclusively or who drive, park and take the public transport, the 30-day unlimited Rapid bus and rail pass that will be offered from Jan 1 next year would help cut travelling costs to varying degrees.

Announced in Budget 2019, the new travel scheme will begin on Jan 1, 2019, and will be executed through the Touch n' Go function that is available on MyKad and MyTentera identification cards.

"The usage of this unlimited Rapid bus and rail pass is limited only to Malaysians," said Transport Minister Anthony Loke. "Therefore, users can only subscribe to the pass using their MyKad or MyTentera identification cards.

"Subscription can be made at all LRT and MRT stations or the four bus hubs at Shah Alam, Greenwood, Sri Nilam and Terminal Kajang.

The 30-day unlimited pass comes in two versions. The RM100 pass can be used on all Rapid Rail services, including LRT, MRT, Monorail, the Sunway BRT service as well as all Rapid buses, including the MRT feeder buses.

The RM50 pass applies only for unlimited travel on all Rapid bus services in the Klang Valley.

"We are hoping to launch the pass in early December, and we want to Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to officiate it.

"Users can start registering for the pass in December, and it can be utilised from 12.01am on Jan 1. So if you are out celebrating the New Year's countdown, you can already use the pass to travel back home," said Loke.

Loke said the government has allocated a budget of RM240mil per year for the unlimited pass, with the aim of increasing the usage of public transport as well as reducing the burden of lower income groups.

"For an example, those who travel from Kajang to KLCC will have to spend around RM280 a month, by spending RM5.40 on their train ride and RM1 for feeder buses one way.

"By using the 30-day pass, the user only pays RM100 a month and therefore can save RM180," said Loke.

Loke also explained that due to economies of scale, the government will be able to lower its subsidy if there are more users of the unlimited pass.

Meanwhile, Loke said the unlimited passes do not apply to the KTM Komuter service, as it has different costs and ticketing systems.

"KTM Komuter trips are longer and therefore will cost a lot more. It also has a different ticketing system to the one used by Rapid.

"However, the government has a plan to reduce the cost of the KTM Komuter service which will be announced later. Of course, the long-term plan is to integrate the KTM Komuter system with Rapid," said Loke.


AmBank launches Auto Financing-i Murabahah Tawarruq for up to 100% financing

From left: Basharuddin Abdul Wahid, Eqhwan, Syed Ihsanputra and Lin.

KUALA LUMPUR: AmBank Islamic has launched the Auto Financing-i Murabahah Tawarruq which is a Shariah-compliant product based on the concept of Murabahah Tawarruq.

“With our national cars becoming more advanced with extensive features, vehicle financing should be enhanced as well. The Auto Financing-i Murabahah Tawarruq offers a higher financing margin with more flexible product features to adapt to new changes in the automotive industry,” chief executive officer Eqhwan Mokhzanee said in a statement.

AmBank said the Auto Financing-i Murabahah Tawarruq is under the fixed rate reducing balance method and it offers financing of up to 100% and flexible tenure of up to nine years for brand new national car purchases.

The financing is specially curated for employees of federal/state government, statutory bodies and Government Link Companies (GLC).

Employees who enroll in salary deduction via the Biro Perkhidmatan ANGKASA client salary deduction code programme can enjoy a 3-month payment deferment, it said.

Alsp present at the launch of the banking product were AmBank Islamic head of Islamic retail banking Basharuddin Abdul Wahid, AmBank consumer financing head Syed Ihsanputra Syed Mohd Fudzan and AmBank auto finance and direct sales head Alice Lin.


Consumer group wants Govt to monitor tyre prices

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Kuala Lumpur Consumers Safety Association want manufacturers, distributors and dealers of tyres and petroleum-related products to reduce prices because of the drastic drop in the price of related commodities, especially petroleum, since last year.

The association is urging the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism to stem the increase in prices of tyres and automotive products in the country.

Association president Samsudin Mohamad Fauzi said the prices of products such as tyres should not increase since oil prices have dropped since last year.

He said the price of commodities for the production of tyres such as rubber, steel, synthetic rubber and petrol prices had all dropped since last year but some industry players are still maintaining their prices.

Some industry players are also exploiting the opportunity to charge Sales Tax, Service Tax plus the Goods and Services Tax (GST), forcing tyre prices to go up by 16% from the original price.

"We will submit a memorandum to the ministry soon to urge it to look into the prices of tyres and automotive-related products," he said here on Tuesday.

Samsudin said consumers who are charged exorbitant prices for tyres or automotive-related products can lodge a complaint with the association at 03-9101 5096.


Honda accessory pack aims to make car rides safer and more comfortable for dogs

                LONDON: Honda is offering, in the UK and only on select models, a new accessory pack designed to ensure the comfort and safety of dogs during various car journeys.

The aim is also to ensure that the animals do not disturb the driver.

It all started with a joke that Honda made on April Fools Day.

The manufacturer promoted a (fake) front passenger seat specially adapted to dogs, with two places for their bowls.

Seeing the positive reactions of Internet users, the manufacturer decided to propose a new pack bringing together several accessories for the trunk, providing optimal comfort to the animal.

It includes a selection of products designed to make travel safer than ever for pets.

It includes a partition between the trunk and the rest of the passenger compartment, rubber mats and in some cases a step protector, which will protect the body paint when the dog is getting in or out.

The pack is available on most of the manufacturer's current models and can even be installed on some older models.

The launch of these car accessories specifically for dogs is intended to offer owners peace of mind and when traveling by providing a cozy space for their fur baby.

The pack should also help reduce the risk of interior damage and driver distraction, as is too often the case when an animal is loose inside the vehicle.

This pack is available in the UK for a price of between £530 and £810 (up to RM4,171), depending on the model.


Fee to be imposed for car window tints above allowable limit

                KUALA LUMPUR: A fee will soon be imposed on those seeking to have car window tints above the allowable limit, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

He said this is part of the Road Transport (Amendment) Bill 2018, which he tabled in Parliament today and is expected to be passed and gazetted for implementation by January next year.

Currently, the law allows tints with at least 70% Visible Light Transmission (VLT) for the windscreen, 50% for front passenger windows and 30% for the rear passenger windows and rear windscreen.

"If you tint according to the standard, no approval is needed," he said.

He said exemptions would be given to vehicle owners who need to use darker tints on their windows due to a medical condition.

He also said that a nominal fee would also be imposed on car manufacturers for Vehicle Type Approval (VTA).

"At present, there are a lot of procedures and inspections involved, but the government does not charge any fee.

"So we will now charge a nominal fee to cover administrative costs borne by the Road Transport Department (JPJ)," he said at a press conference in the Parliament building.

He assured that this would not cause any hike in car prices as the VTA is for models from car manufacturers, not individual cars.


New Lexus LM set for Shanghai reveal

                TOKYO: Lexus has announced it will debut the all-new LM, a flagship MPV, at the Shanghai auto show on April 18.

In advance of the unveiling of this new luxury vehicle, Lexus has released a teaser image showing some of the unique design elements.

The teaser image suggests the new LM is a second-generation Toyota Alphard that will be luxe up.

Compared to the first-gen LM of 2019, the new one sports changes in the rear pillar, quarter glass and taillights.

It's possible that Toyota may want to put even more distance between the LM and Alphard by penning a distinctly different design language from the latter. But that is the realm of speculation for now and we will have to wait for the offcial reveal to get the facts.

In China where the rich have a soft spot for big and ostentatious cars, Lexus is well positioned to meet that need.

The outgoing LM, full specced with four seats, can cost more than US$200,000 in China.


Lifting of travel ban: PLUS advises motorists to use Touch ‘n Go when travelling

                PETALING JAYA: PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS) has advised all motorists to go cashless and use Touch ‘n Go after the travel ban on inter-state and inter-district was rescinded.

Its managing director, Datuk Azman Ismail, said Covid-19 was still prevalent in the community which is why all customers need to top up prior to entering the highway at over 13,000 Touch ‘n Go reload facilities at petrol stations, malls and convenience stores and bank ATMs to ensure there is sufficient balance to reach their destination safely.

"This simple pre-emptive act of contactless and cashless transaction will help in flattening the curve as transmission of the coronavirus can be avoided.

“In addition, PLUS encourages highway customers to travel responsibly during this pandemic situation.

"They can check out their destination status from Covid-19 perspective before they start their journey," he said, adding that the information can be obtained from the National Security Council (NSC) or MySejahtera Apps.

He urged the public to adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) such as wearing facemask, physical distancing, using hand sanitisers and temperature taking as well as registering with MySejahtera for contact tracing when stopping at any of the rest and service areas, overhead bridge restaurants and laybys.

He said as Malaysians plan for their highway journey, PLUS remained committed to providing customers a safe and comfortable travel experience.

"Many have downloaded the PLUS app which easily allows one to plan their journey and know the toll rate at their destination.

"It also provides a pre-order function to pick up one's favourite dish at selected R&Rs along the journey," he said, adding that in case of any emergencies, the PLUSRonda patrol unit can be summoned for assistance with a push of a button within the app or call 1800-88-0000 PLUSLine for help.

He said the PLUS Unique Texting Realtime Interface or PUTRI - the first Artificial Intelligence Highway ChatBot - would also be on hand to answer all highway enquiries.

"The journey along PLUS' 1,130km highway is served by 17 sections under four regions with a total of 572 PLUSRonda and highway safety crew on site to ensure the journey is safe and comfortable.

"With 29 rest and service areas and overhead bridge restaurants and 50 lay-bys, highway customers have the choice to take a journey break, refresh, rejuvenate and continue their journey after enjoying the F&B offerings by over 600 PLUS business partners," he said.


Renault plugs into premium EV battery deal with start-up Verkor

                PARIS: Renault said today it had entered a long-term commercial partnership with French start-up Verkor to produce batteries for the carmaker's premium and Alpine electric models.

The targeted capacity of 12 gigawatt hours (GWh), enough to power more than 100,000 vehicles, would make Renault the biggest client of Verkor's planned "gigafactory" in Dunkirk, which is aiming for a total capacity for batteries equivalent to 16 GWh.

The move is part of Renault's efforts to secure crucial components and seize control of the value chain of its future unit Ampere, dedicated to electric vehicles and software which it plans to list on the stock market by the end of the year.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. Verkor has so far raised 360 million euros (RM1.7bil) from investors and is in the process of raising more through equity and debt.

Alpine, Renault's relaunched high-performance sports car brand which also supplies a Formula One racing team, grew its revenues by a third last year, selling just over 3,500 cars. The historic Alpine brand was world rallying champion in 1973.

The first car using the Verkor batteries will be the Alpine C-Crossover GT, which Renault plans to start building in 2025.

Envision AESC, a Japanese subsidiary of Chinese group Envision, will also provide batteries to Renault for use in smaller and less powerful vehicles from another plant located in Douai, also in northern France.

This is targeting an overall capacity of 9 GWh by 2024.

Also in the north of France, ACC - a subsidiary of Renault's domestic rival Stellantis, TotalEnergies and Mercedes - plans to establish a battery plant to deliver 24 GWh of batteries by the end of the decade.


Car buyers cash in on variety at 2018 CarSifu Auto Show

                PETALING JAYA: Car exhibitors at the just-ended 2018 CarSifu Auto Show managed to attract at least 110 bookings.

The biggest gainer was Proton, which secured 43 bookings at the show, where it had exhibited its Saga, Persona Ertiga and Iriz.

Close to 41,000 people visited the Star Media Group’s biggest automotive event at the Mid Valley Exhibition Centre at Mid Valley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur from Aug 22-26.

The final two days on a weekend saw many of the exhibitors’ booths swamped with people looking to buy new cars and cash in on the tax holiday before the Sales and Service Tax (SST) takes effect on Sept 1.

Participating auto marques included names such as Subaru, Mazda, Nissan, Renault, Kia, Peugeot, Citroen, Proton, Isuzu and Volvo.

Eager to check out special deals for the latest budget and premium sedans, visitors flocked to the show to view SUVs (sports utility vehicles)/crossovers, hatches and MPVs (multi-purpose vehicles).

Those who booked their cars at the exhibition itself were also eligible for a Book and Win contest that had Sharp Malaysia sponsoring five units of Aquos 60-inch 4K televisions with Easy Smart as well as 10 units of Plasmacluster Car Ion Generator.

Playing the contrarian card, Sunsuria Bhd was the only property developer at the auto show and this paid off handsomely, as the company recorded 11 bookings for properties worth about RM5mil.

 Part of the crowds at the Sunsuria developer booth during the Carsifu Auto Show at Mid Valley Megamall yesterday. IZZRAFIQ ALIAS / The Star. August 24, 2018.

Sunsuria promoted its iconic Sunsuria Forum freehold mixed-integrated development in Setia Alam as well as a freehold 212ha Sunsuria City township built around the core of Xiamen University Malaysia.

There were also attractive promotions and contests by exhibitors such as casual sportswear brand Camel Active, Qwik Pay ticketless and cashless payment app for car parking, Ottoman high quality PU leather car floor carpets which offered 40% discount for the duration of the show, Touch ‘n Go eWallet, RDS Marketing which had Noco vehicle battery chargers and jump starters, and vehicle inspection specialist Aucnation Synergy.

The official fuel partner for the 2018 CarSifu Auto Show was Petron Malaysia while official tyre partners were Toyo Tires and Silverstone.

At the exhibition, visitors were seen examining keenly a Formula 4 race car and a 3-litre Toyota Land Cruiser fully kitted-out for off-road challenges, both showcased by Petron Malaysia.

Petron is the official fuel and engine oil for Formula 4 South-East Asia season 3 championship and the Rainforest Challenge of Malaysia powered by Petron Turbo Diesel Euro 5 and Petron Rev-X Diesel engine oils.

Petron Malaysia also gave away Petron gift cards, each pre-loaded with RM10 cash, to 500 lucky visitors.

Other popular draws were the Plinko game at the Petron booth where many visitors won a Porsche toy car each as well as a 20% discount for purchases of Petron engine oil (two packs and above).

As for Toyo Tires and Silverstone, activities at the auto show included talks on tyre care and visitors stood a chance to win prizes such as AC Milan football club T-shirts, magnetic phone holders, Silverstone lunch boxes and mugs during the games.

Toyo Tires and Silverstone also provided door gifts such as hand fans, mineral water, windscreen stickers and keychains.