BMW unveils new 4 Series coupe (G22)

                MUNICH: BMW has officially launched its latest 4 Series (G22) coupe with five variants to replace the outgoing F32 4 Series.

Dimensionally, the sleeker-looking G22 now has a 2,851mm wheelbase (+41mm) and measures in at 4,768mm-long (+128mm), 1,852mm-wide (+27mm) and 1,383mm-tall (+6mm).

However, despite being taller, the German carmaker says that its centre-of-gravity is now lower by 21mm thanks to its added width and widened track that's grown by 28mm at the front and 18mm at the rear.

Read more: Prefer the refreshed BMW 5 Series instead?

Externally, the G22 looks absolutely revised thanks to the newly designed front kidney grille flanked by full-LED adaptive headlights with a double-U fibre-optics design that act as daytime running lights while the rear also sports full-LEDs and dual-branch tailpipes.

Under the hood, the G22 now uses BMW's new 48V starter-generator motor that can help provide an added 11hp in power delivery while also able to help reduce fuel consumption and emissions via the Brake Energy Regeneration system.

Read more: The stunning and sexy BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo

The company says that they've upgraded their 2.0-litre turbocharged engine extensively with the entry-level 420i making use of 184hp and 300Nm for its rear wheels while the 430i gets a power boost to 258hp and 400Nm - allowing them to sprint from 0 to 100kph in 7.5 and 5.8 seconds respectively and onwards to a top speed of 240kph while the 430i gets electronically limited to 250kph.

The flagship M440i xDrive Coupé model uses a larger 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line petrol engine producing 374hp and 500Nm of torque for the xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

Developed with the expertise of BMW M GmbH, the M440i's engine comes with weight-optimised pistons and con rods, a twin-scroll turbocharger with indirect charge air cooling and a water-cooled exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head.

Compare the new 4 Series with the current model

Getting from 0 to 100kph takes 4.5 seconds and top speed has been electronically restricted to 250kph.

Regardless of the powerplant, all engines are mated to an eight-speed Steptronic transmission as standard, which can now be specified with the new optional Sprint function.

The G22 builds on the 3 Series (G20) chassis with reinforcements and an almost completely sealed underbody to improve air flap control and a reduce coefficient of drag (Cd) figure that's as low as 0.25Cd.

If wanted, customers can tailor the driving experience with options that include M Sport suspension, Adaptive M suspension with variable sport steering, M Sport brakes and the M Sport differential.

BMW has increased the stiffness of the body structure and suspension mountings to help up the G22's driving qualities by using a shear panel for connecting the front spring strut towers to the bulkhead and an integral tower-to-front end struts as well as bracing elements for added stiffness for the rear axle area.

The dampers now use a double-joint spring strut front axle and five-link rear axle offers for handling and long-distance comfort.

The standard lift-related dampers aid performance and comfort by reducing body movement on bumpy road surfaces as well as improved handling when cornering.

Increased damping forces, firmer springs and anti-roll bars have been employed to give the G22 its new-found handling characteristics.

The M Sport suspension, standard across the range, includes stiffer settings for the lift-related damping and the likes of additional body struts, more rigid mounts, firmer anti-roll bars and increased negative wheel camber.

The optional Adaptive M suspension combines all the qualities of M Sport suspension with electronically controlled dampers.

Continuously adjustable valves allow the damping force to be metered at each wheel individually and as a function of vehicle load.

Switching between the various Driving Experience Control switch modes produces a clearly perceptible variation in the damping characteristics.

An extra mode can also be selected using the Driving Experience Control switch on models with Adaptive M suspension.

In the Adaptive setting, the steering, damping and accelerator responses along with the Steptronic transmission’s shift characteristics are automatically adjusted to suit the driving style.

Electric Power Steering including Servotronic speed-sensitive power assistance is fitted as standard.

Variable sport steering, with a ratio that adjusts to changes in the steering angle, is part of the M Sport suspension and Adaptive M suspension set-ups.

M Sport models come with 18-inch M light-alloy wheels while the M Sport Pro package upgrades them to 19-inch M light-alloy wheels.

The M440i is fitted as standard with a unique Cerium Grey Double-Spoke 19-inch light-alloy wheel while 20-inch light-alloy wheels for the new BMW 4 Series Coupé are available from the Original BMW Accessories range as an optional extra.

The brake discs now consist of a grey cast iron friction ring with an aluminium brake disc chamber.

The optional M Sport brakes that's standard on the new M440i uses a four-piston calipers at the front while the rear uses mono-calipers and both bear the M logo while being painted in a blue

Inside, the four-seat cabin features a driver-centric cockpit that's been accented by the horizontal lines around the instrument panel and further emphasised by electroplated strips extending into the door areas.

The outer edges of the high-set centre console now have knee pads to cater to those who enjoy twisted roads while at speed.

The start/stop button for the engine is now positioned in a control panel in the centre console, where the newly designed selector lever is joined by the iDrive Controller and the buttons for the Driving Experience Control switch and electromechanical parking brake.

Newly developed front sport seats are standard, featuring contoured side bolsters to handle hard cornering times.

All models also include front-seat heating as standard and electrically adjustable sports seats including memory function are available for customers who choose to upgrade to the Comfort Plus package.

Vernasca leather trim comes in a choice of five colours and includes special decorative quilting and seam patterns.

Extended BMW Individual Merino leather trim and BMW Individual full leather trim are also available for M Sport Pro Edition models, as well as the M440i xDrive Coupé and M440d xDrive Coupé. LED ambient lighting is standard across the range.

M Sport models come complete with Sports seats with M-specific upholstery, an M leather steering wheel with more user-friendly multi-function buttons, door sill plates and digital instrument cluster display bearing the M logo .

An Anthracite-coloured BMW Individual headliner and interior trim strips in Aluminium Tetragon with accent strips in Pearl-effect Chrome round off the interior ambience while sound quality can be upped with the optional Harman Kardon surround sound system.

At the rear of the cabin, the G22 has a convenient 40:20:40-split backrest that also provides an access panel to the larger 440-litre boot.

Opting for the M Sport variant means that a Sprint function will be added as well as a sporty engine soundtrack in the cabin when SPORT mode is activated.

Additionally, M Sport brakes will be swapped in, which is also available for the 420i, as well as 19-inch M light-alloy wheels, a piano-black rear spoiler, BMW Individual High-gloss Shadowline trim with extended features and BMW Individual lights Shadowline and M seat belts.

The M Performance Parts portfolio offers the ability to retrofit items such as 20-inch M Performance forged light-alloy wheels in Y-spoke design with a Jet Black matt finish, a carbon-fibre front grille, front splitter and side skirt attachments, as well as aero flicks for the front apron in High-gloss Black.

The G22 can be had with an M Sport model format that adds on large outer air intakes in the front apron, a more pronounced rear apron with an inlay in Dark Shadow and a diffuser element in High-gloss Black

Other M Sport model features include air intake trim elements, side window surrounds and exterior mirror bases in High-gloss Black.

Building on the M Sport model, the new M Sport Pro Edition combines the M Sport Pro package with a choice of three exclusive Individual Metallic exterior paints – Dravit Grey, Tansanite Blue and Aventurin Red (available in July 2021).

The new edition gains an even sportier edge with a unique 19-inch Jet Black Double-Spoke wheel, Black High Gloss Mirror Caps and the choice between Individual Aluminium Fabric High Gloss or Piano Black interior trim.

Particularly for the M440i xDrive Coupé and BMW M440d xDrive Coupé, the kidney grille surround, air intake trim, exterior mirror caps and trapezoidal exhaust tailpipe finishers will be in Cerium Grey metallic.

But if that isn't sporty enough, then perhaps an M Carbon exterior package would be more palatable which comprises of a front-wing air intake finishers, exterior mirror caps, a diffuser element in the rear apron and a specially moulded rear spoiler - all made from carbon fibre.


A chance to discover Peru in Land Rover Discovery

                PETALING JAYA: Land Rover has announced a regional competition offering participants an opportunity to win a Land Rover Experience Tour to South America.

Four lucky participants will drive the new Discovery on an extreme six-day off-road expedition through the Peruvian mountains, jungles and desert. Qualification events across the Asia Pacific region will be held and the top local qualifier from each country will win a spot during our regional finals.

The local qualification events have taken place on selected weekends from July and will end in September. The competition is free and no prior off-road driving experience is required.

Anyone who wishes to participate can enter the competition by visiting the Land Rover website or calling their local Land Rover dealerships for upcoming event schedules. During the local qualification events, entrants will participate in a series of driving and non-driving challenges designed by Land Rover instructors. The participant with the highest score from each country will win a trip for two to our regional finals in September.

The regional finals will be held over two rotations in Laos at the end of September. Competing in teams of two, the finalists will embark on a three-day driving adventure that takes them across various landscapes and terrains.

A series of driving challenges and tasks awaits the participants as they pit their skills against the best from the region. During the regional finals, emphasis will be placed on vehicle handling on the tight and technical courses. Points will be awarded according to speed and accuracy across a range of activities and the top two pairs of finalists from each rotation will win a spot on the Land Rover Experience Tour Peru 2017.

“The Land Rover Experience Tour in Peru is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and we are really excited to bring this global competition to the region,” said Robin Colgan, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover Asia Pacific. “This is a wonderful platform for us to showcase the unique features and capabilities of our Land Rover vehicles and to meet people that share our love of adventure."

The four winners, along with partners, will join the Land Rover Experience Tour Peru 2017 from Nov 4-9.

The tour leaves Huancayo and covering almost 644km over the Peruvian mountains and through the desert to Pisco, Peru.

Participants will drive the Discovery on a variety of terrains, including sand dunes, rocky riverbeds and mountain roads, as they experience the Peruvian desert and jungle, spectacular coastal tracks and local villages. Accommodation will include a mix of natural campsites and local lodges.


2017 CarSifu Auto Show off to a flying start

                KUALA LUMPUR: Whether you are seeking your first ride, looking for an upgrade or simply wanting to make a comparison, this year’s CarSifu Auto Show is the place to go.

That seems to be the case for at least three visitors to the show, which opened here today.

“I’m interested in getting a sport utility vehicle (SUV) as my next upgrade over my current Honda City, mainly for its higher seating position and better overall visibility,” said Anis Teh, a market researcher from Petaling Jaya who was checking out a Peugeot 2008.

“There are plenty of vehicles here and I like how the show has been arranged by market segment, which means I can walk around and visit all the displays while checking out the competition simultaneously,” she added.

 Zulhairi and Zafirah with the latest Volvo S90 T8 Twin Engine.

Coming from Putrajaya were Zulhairi Mat Rawi, 36, and wife Zafirah Najmi, 34, who were looking at the latest Volvo S90 T8 Twin Engine.

“I am now driving a Proton Saga FLX and it has been quite a while, so I might upgrade to a better car - a SUV or MPV, but my wife prefers a coupe or smaller cars because of her size.

“So it all depends on our budget, the capacity and whether it’s value for money,” said Zulhairi.

 Kumaraswaran Ramaya and wife with the latest Volvo XC90 T8.

Kumaraswaran Ramaya, a 44-year-old company director from Kuala Lumpur, was comparing his two-month old BMW X5 plugin hybrid with a Volvo XC90 T8 SUV.

“It looks really big on the outside with a spacious interior and it’s got two extra seats at the back," he said.

“But I’m really here to see what’s available to help my wife upgrade from her Honda City,” he added.

Those who book a car at the show stand a chance to win Sharp TV sets and ionisers.

Free GSC popcorn will also be given out to the first 200 visitors during the last three days of the show.

The auto show is open to the public from 10am to 10pm daily until Sunday.

The five-day car show extravaganza is organised by Star Media Group and carsifu.my.

Thirteen brands are featured at the show - Peugeot, Mazda, Toyota, Isuzu, Volvo, Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Infiniti, Kia, Renault, Citroen and Proton.

Some of the cars on display were winners at the Oct 5 CarSifu Editors’ Choice Awards.

Boustead Petroleum Marketing and Silverstone Marketing are the Star Media Group partners in the awards and the auto show.

READ MORE:
Shop for your next car at CarSifu Auto Show
2017 CarSifu Editors’ Choice Awards: Honda CR-V is ‘Car of the Year’
Why they won
2017 CarSifu Editors’ Choice Awards in pictures


Fiat Chrysler teams up with Amazon to sell cars online

                LONDON: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles said it has teamed up with US internet giant Amazon to start selling cars online at prices up to a third cheaper than available elsewhere.

Initially, only Italian buyers will be able to buy their cars with a simple click online and the offers on Amazon.it will be limited to three models - the 500, the Panda and the 500L.

FCA said the choice was deliberate because the Panda is Italy's biggest selling car, while buyers of the 500 and its larger 500L version embody the young and adventurous nature this initiative is trying to appeal to.

"The time has arrived to give consumers a new, more efficient and transparent way to choose a new vehicle," Gianluca Italia, responsible for Fiat Chrysler in Italy, said during an online press conference.

The manager at the world's seventh largest carmaker said the partnership will appeal to buyers looking for deals from the comfort of their own home, adding that online customers will be able to buy vehicles at a price that is up to a third cheaper than other available promotions.

He said research had revealed that half of Italians were willing to buy a vehicle online but 97 percent still preferred to pick it up at a traditional dealer.

So, after making their clicks online, buyers will be contacted by Amazon to decide on a dealer where they can finalise their purchase and pick up the car. The vehicle should be ready within two weeks of the initial click.


Renault sales buoyed by European recovery

                PARIS: Renault's cost-cutting plan is on track and it should have positive cash flow from cars by the end of 2020, the French carmaker said today, as sales recovered from a slump during the first wave of coronavirus lockdowns.

Renault was already struggling before the Covid-19 pandemic hammered auto markets and new chief executive Luca de Meo wants to reverse a long-standing strategy of global expansion to focus on selling more high-priced cars to improve profitability.

The company said in a trading update that it had started to benefit from this drive in the third quarter and also grabbed a bigger share of the European market as dealerships reopened, helped in part by a 157% surge in sales of its Zoe electric car.

Renault’s revenue in the three months to Sept 30 came in at 10.4 billion euros (RM52bil), a fall of 8.2% from last year but a marked improvement on the 35% slide in the first six months of 2020.

Renault shares were up 2.15% at 0814 GMT, with analysts saying the company’s drive to sell more, pricier cars was going better than expected.

However, Renault did not give an earnings forecast for 2020 and said the outlook for next year remained uncertain because of the risk new Covid-19 lockdowns would hit business again.

De Meo is pressing on with cost-cuts announced before his arrival in July, which include axing 15,000 jobs worldwide and trimming car production in a bid to save 2 billion euros (RM9.8bil).

He is due to unveil an eight-year plan early next year and told staff in September that the company may have to cut costs by more than initially planned.

“Our fixed cost reduction plan is well on track,” Clotilde Delbos, deputy chief executive, told a conference call about Renault’s trading update.

Renault posted a record net loss of more than 7 billion euros (RM35bil) in the first half of 2020. Its overhaul also entails doubling down on a production alliance with its partner Nissan as part of attempts to get relations with the Japanese carmaker back on track.

Electric boost

Renault said sales in Europe fell 2.9% in the third quarter, outperforming a broader 5% drop in the market, and there was a further improvement in September with an 8% jump in its sales.

It highlighted soaring sales for its small electric car Zoe at a time when it is planning to expand its range of electric vehicles (EVs) with larger, sportier models under its Megane brand.

Renault sold 27,000 Zoes in the third quarter and sales chief Denis le Vot said the company had the capacity to make 10,000 EVs a month.

One weaker spot for the carmaker, however, remained its sales to partners. Renault produces cars and diesel engines for other manufacturers at some of its factories and is still losing ground in this area.

It also said today it was terminating a production collaboration with Fiat Chrysler ahead of the latter's merger with French rival PSA Group, and was now seeking other partners.

Renault’s financial strength has been a central focus for analysts and ratings agencies alike as it tries to turn its business around, both to improve its profitability and prepare for the impact of stringent emissions regulations.

The company said it had drawn down 3 billion euros (RM14.8bil) out of its 5 billion euro (RM24.6bil) loan guaranteed by the French state, a measure put in place during the pandemic.

The carmaker said it had liquidity reserves of 15.2 billion euros (RM74.8bil) at the end of September, down 1.6 billion euros (RM7.9bil) from the end of due to debt repayments and working capital needs.

But it still expects its automotive division to produce positive free cash flow in the second half of 2020.


Pirelli working on ever-smarter tyres

                GENEVA: Pirelli’s digital revolution has taken a new step forward in enabling a tyre to gather and transmit data.

At the Geneva Motor Show, the Italian tyre maker presented the Cyber Car technology for Original Equipment in cooperation with major car makers.

Cyber Car enables the tyre to directly interact with the car’s on-board electronics system, and in particular the driver assistance systems, delivering important information about the car’s operation to ensure a safer drive with enhanced performance. The new Pirelli system will be in market by year end on the most innovative electric and traditional cars.

Placing sensors in the tyres is an integral part of Pirelli’s Perfect fit strategy, which focuses on developing made to measure products and services that meet both driver needs and car manufacturer specialisations.

With the exception of tyre pressures monitored by TPMS systems, up until now there has been no information collected individually by tyres that is transmitted to the car.

Cyber Car takes car digitalisation further. The tyre-embedded sensor is an innovative form of automotive intelligence integrated into existing driver aids that improves performance, efficiency and environmental impact through capturing and transmitting key tyre data to the vehicle, such as pressure, internal temperature and tread depth.

It can activate systems such as ABS and stability control. For example, by reading a tyre’s ID, the vehicle can alter its set-up for a safer, more comfortable drive. By knowing the car’s accurate weight, the vehicle’s central control unit can calculate precisely how many miles can be driven before recharging.

Cyber Car informs the driver about the tyre’s vertical load (vital information for electric cars), temperature and pressure through the carmaker’s interface, allowing timely intervention if the pressures are wrong. Tyre maintenance becomes easier, thanks to specific feedback on tread wear and how tyres should be seasonally rotated. The Cyber Car also offers bespoke services, such as servicing, car valet and roadside assistance.

The next evolution will be the Cyber Tyre system: the tyre of the future, based on a technical platform capable of collecting even more data, transmitting information to the car’s on-board systems with every wheel rotation. While this technology isn’t on sale yet, it is already in action on the Ferrari FXXK: the 1000-horsepower development hypercar for track use only.

In Geneva, Pirelli also announced that the P Zero tyres are available in various colours. The Color Edition is available in the red, yellow, green, blue, orange, silver and white base colors; plus other personalised colour options. Pirelli said the tyres come with a protective barrier to keep colours bright and fade-free throughout the tyre’s life, without affecting performance.


Lexus NX 300 refined

                Lexus Malaysia has re-invigorated its NX 300 line of compact SUVs and now comes with more safety features and a price cut too.

The NX 300 variants start with the Urban which is now priced at RM313,888 whereas previously, it was RM326,000.

The NX 300 Premium now goes for RM333,888 instead of RM345,000. Finally, the NX 300 F Sport is now priced at RM349,888 from RM404,000, a reduction of a whopping RM54,112. All prices are on-the-road without insurance.

Regardless of variant, the NX 300 features the 2.0-litre turbo engine which produces 235hp and 350Nm of torque mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Also, all NX 300 comes with the Lexus Safety System + or LSS+ which includes such features as Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Brake Collision Assist, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) and Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Active Cornering Assist (ACA) and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC).

The review unit was the Premium variant with its latest colour option, Blazing Carnelian, a pleasing orange colour which is saturated without looking gaudy.

The Premium variant has extra safety features compared to the other two variants and they are the Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Other than that, all variants include eight airbags and reverse camera with dynamic guidelines.

There are other features which are found only on the Premium variant such as the hands-free foot activated trunk lid, smart card key, leather upholstery, wood trim, electrochromic side and rear view mirrors, ventilated front seats, and a 10-way powered driver seat.

Looks-wise, the NX retains its facelifted exterior from before and the standout among the variants would be the F Sport and its black mesh spindle grille.

The Premium variant, while sharing the spindle grille design, has cascading slats instead of the mesh.

Compared to the competition, the NX has sharper and edgier design elements which makes for a rugged appearance without being too aggressive.

It can be seen in the grille design, LED headlamp housing and the triangular creases on the body among others.

The interior of the NX is, in this writer's opinion, why you would buy this car in the first place.

Everything feels solid to the touch such as the push-start button nestled on the top left corner of the instrument cluster, the steering controls and paddle shifters, the drive mode dial and switches in the centre console and the soft leather and exquisite stitching which is orange like the car, simply speaks volumes.

With the combination of features like the powered steering adjustment, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear ventilation, electronic parking brake and auto hold, an eight-inch infotainment screen with remote touch controller and the Lexus Premium Audio system, makes it a really comfortable and enjoyable space to be in.

Lexus has done a tremendous job of keeping the cabin as quiet as possible. As such, it is really relaxing to drive the NX 300 Premium. As the NX 300 is an all-wheel drive vehicle, it is a stable car around bends and corners provided you're not too fast.

It is also feels planted in straight line acceleration and would be very comfortable to drive outstation with. The NX 300 Premium is not too aggressive in Sport mode but that may be because of the noise dampening so there are no aural-cues to make it that much more exciting. It is a fast car nevertheless and does the century sprint in 7.1 seconds.

The NX 300 is about enjoying the finer things in life and appreciating the little details that went into making this car.

You're not going to find the latest trends in here ... there's no touch screen and the instrument cluster has analogue dials instead of a full digital cluster.

But that's okay. Luxury doesn't equal the latest trend.

What it lacks, it makes up for in safety with its collision mitigation and lane keeping.

And there is the convenient radar and camera-based active cruise control with low-speed follow so you can turn it on during a traffic jam and the car will follow and brake according to the vehicle in front of you.

The Japanese sense of luxury is more akin to piece of mind as exemplified here and that's why this fully imported SUV deserves your attention.
SPECIFICATIONSLexus NX 300 PremiumEngine: 1,998cc, inline 4, 16-valve, Twin-scroll TurbochargedMaximum power: 235hp from 4,800 - 5,600rpm
Maximum torque: 350Nm from 1,650 - 4,000rpm
Transmission: six-speed automatic
Features: Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Brake Collision Assist, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) and Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Active Cornering Assist (ACA) and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Adaptive High Beam system (AHS), eight airbags, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, 18-inch two-tone alloys (225/60 tyres), front LED fog lamps with cornering function, powered steering adjustment, dual-zone auto air con with rear vents, electronic parking brake, eight-inch screen with remote touch controller, Lexus Premium Audio system, smart card key, leather and wood interior trim
Price: RM333,888 (on-the-road without insurance)


Geely mulls US$1.9bil revival plan for Lotus

                BEIJING: The Chinese owner of Lotus Cars is considering an investment of at least 1.5 billion pounds (US$1.9bil) to revive the iconic British brand featured in James Bond movies, according to people familiar with the matter.

Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co, which also controls Volvo Car Group, plans to add production facilities and research centres for Lotus Cars in Britain, one of the people said, asking not to be identified because the deliberations are private.

Geely is also in talks to increase its 51% stake in Lotus with its Malaysian partner Etika Automotive Sdn Bhd, which holds the remainder, another person said.

“Geely is fully committed to restoring Lotus into being a leading global luxury brand,” the automaker said in an email, declining to comment further. Calls to the office phone line of privately held Etika Automotive weren’t answered.

The investment plan is part of billionaire Li Shufu’s grand vision to take Geely to the forefront of the auto industry rivalling Toyota Motor Corp. and Volkswagen AG.

Li’s group acquired Volvo in 2010 and spent more than US$11bil to modernise its factories and help turn around the Swedish brand. In February, Li emerged to be the biggest shareholder in German luxury-car maker Daimler AG with an almost 10% stake.

The Chinese carmaker is hoping to build Lotus as a luxury nameplate that competes with Porsche and Ferrari.

Lotus, whose cars were featured in the James Bond movies “The Spy Who Loved Me” in 1977 and “For Your Eyes Only” in 1981, has floundered under Proton management since being acquired for 51 million pounds in 1996. In the seven months through July this year, it sold just 145 cars in its home country, with sales falling 25% according to registration data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders in London.

Geely acquired the Lotus stake from Proton Holdings Bhd last year, when it also announced buying 49.9% of Proton from DRB-Hicom, the Malaysian conglomerate controlled by tycoon Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary, who also owns Etika Automotive.

After the acquisition, Li said the priority will be to make Proton and Lotus profitable and to sustain growth while embracing new technology trends of electrification and artificial intelligence. He also said Geely would consider producing Lotus sports cars in China.


Chelsea FC owners find potential tax hitch over luxury car gifts

                LONDON: Chelsea FC’s new owners are grappling with a potential tax liability over luxury cars the London football team gave its players in recent years, people familiar with the matter said.

The US consortium behind Chelsea is looking into whether the club made proper tax declarations for automobiles and other high-value gifts to players during the ownership of Russian businessman Roman Abramovich, according to the people.

Bidders for Chelsea discovered the issue during due diligence and were later told about inquiries by British tax authorities into the matter, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the information is private.

It wasn’t immediately clear if Abramovich was personally involved in decisions over Chelsea’s tax matters.

US investor Todd Boehly and California-based private equity firm Clearlake Capital Group bought the team from Abramovich in May for £4.25 billion (RM22.4bil) including future investments.

They triumphed in what was one of the most hotly contested takeovers of a major global sports brand ever.

The Times of London reported last month that Chelsea had informed the British tax authority, HM Revenue & Customs, of an unidentified issue with the club’s tax affairs.

A spokesman for Chelsea said the club, as a general rule, doesn’t comment on regulatory matters.

Abramovich couldn’t be directly reached for comment. Representatives for Boehly, Clearlake and HMRC didn’t have any immediate comment.


GM and LG’s too-big-to-fail ties tested by US$1b recall

                DETROIT: In June 2017, months after General Motors Co. beat Tesla Inc. to market with an affordable, long-range electric vehicle, it took out full-page newspaper ads touting how long its Chevrolet Bolt could travel between charges. The tagline: “Begin a long-distance relationship, now.”

Four years later, the long-distance relationship between GM and its battery partner, LG Energy Solution, is being tested like never before. At issue: who will pick up a roughly US$1 billion (RM4.3bil) tab.

GM last week recalled Bolt EVs for the third time in nine months because of the risk their batteries could catch fire. The Detroit-based company will replace modules in more than 73,000 additional vehicles and said it’s trying to get LG to pay for the fix.

LG, headquartered some 11,000km away in Seoul, said the expense will be divvied up depending on the results from a joint investigation into the root cause of the problem.

At stake is what has looked like one of the most promising partnerships in the burgeoning world of EVs.

Chief executive officer Mary Barra is betting GM’s future on going electric, setting a goal in January to sell only zero-emission vehicles by 2035. LG Energy is pursuing a stock listing after splitting last year from South Korea’s LG Chem Ltd. and can ill afford to lose such a big customer.

“Together with our client and partners, LG is actively working to ensure that the recall measures are carried out smoothly,” the South Korean company said in an emailed statement. The root-cause investigation is being carried out by GM, LG Electronics Inc. and LG Energy Solution.

GM first recalled about 70,000 Chevy Bolts from the 2017 through 2019 model years in November. A month earlier, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration had opened an investigation into whether the cars were prone to catch fire when parked. GM voluntarily called back the vehicles, citing issues with batteries made in Ochang, South Korea.

The automaker asked Bolt owners to take their cars to dealerships for a software upgrade that limited recharging to 90% of full battery capacity as it worked to find a permanent remedy. NHTSA issued a statement at the time urging Bolt owners to park outside and away from their homes as a precautionary measure, saying it was aware of five fire incidents, including at least one that ignited a home.

 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUVSecond recall

In July, GM recalled the same group of cars again, after two vehicles that had been repaired caught fire. The company said it would replace battery modules after identifying the simultaneous presence of two manufacturing defects in the same battery cells.

“Batteries are very hard,” Greg Less, technical director of the University of Michigan’s Battery Lab, said by phone Sunday. “When something goes wrong in a cell, the cell goes bad — but not always right away.”

Early this month, GM took an US$800 million charge related to the recall, which contributed to quarterly profit missing estimates and its shares plunging the most in more than a year. Barra said cells for the 2020 and later model-year Bolts were built using improved manufacturing processes, so the recall didn’t affect the newer vehicles.

Two weeks later, GM changed its tune. In a statement issued after the close on Aug 20, the carmaker said that in rare circumstances, batteries supplied for newer Bolts may have two manufacturing defects — a torn anode tab and folded separator — in the same cell that increases fire risk. The additional cost: US$1 billion.

Working with LG, the best information GM had the time that it reported earnings earlier this month was that battery module issues were confined to the LG plant in Ochang, according to Dan Flores, a spokesman for the carmaker.

“As we continued analysing battery modules and doing physical teardowns of battery packs, we found rare instances of these issues in battery modules from other production lines,” Flores said in an email Sunday.

GM recently confirmed that a fire in Chandler, Arizona, involved a 2019 Bolt that contained cells from an LG factory in Holland, Michigan. Flores said a recent battery fire posted to YouTube also has been confirmed to involve a 2020 Bolt. GM has not inspected the vehicle and the video didn’t factor in the company’s decision to expand its recall, he said.

Long relationship

The fires and challenges finding a fix are straining a 14-year relationship.

When GM and LG announced they would join forces on the Bolt in 2015, they touted how virtually problem-free the battery cells were that LG supplied for the plug-in hybrid Chevy Volt, which launched in 2010.

That successful early track record is little consolation to tens of thousands of Bolt owners waiting anxiously for a resolution.

Elise Hurwitz lives in the hills of Oakland, California, in a neighbourhood at increased risk for wildfire amid the state’s ongoing drought. The 2017 Chevy Bolt parked in her driveway now makes her extremely nervous and uncomfortable.

“I really do not want to be parking my Bolt in the Oakland hills during fire season waiting for my turn for battery cell replacement,” Hurwitz said. “I would like GM to take custody of the vehicle until it is safe to park it at my home. How do I get rid of my car? I don’t want it with this risk, and I can’t sell it.”

Customers can be confident that GM is taking steps to make sure its vehicles are safe, Doug Parks, the automaker’s executive vice president of global product development, purchasing and supply chain, said in last week’s statement. “We know that building and maintaining trust is critical.”

GM and LG have little choice but to maintain close ties. They’ve started constructing two battery factories together in Ohio and Tennessee, each costing more than US$2 billion and expected to employ more than 1,000 people. GM will direct the manufacturing quality processes used at these and other yet-to-be announced cell manufacturing plants, Flores said.

The next-generation Ultium batteries going into an electric Chevy Silverado truck, Cadillac Lyric sport utility vehicle and GMC Hummer pickup and SUV, among other models, will use a common cell design that GM and LG will manufacture as part of a joint venture called Ultium Cells LLC.

Since GM started receiving complaints of fires from customers last year, Flores said GM and LG have been reviewing manufacturing data from several facilities and disassembling battery packs to inspect cells.

“There are hundreds of people at both companies that have been working very long hours for months now digging into the data,” Flores said.


First INEOS Grenadier customers overcome extreme handover expedition

                LONDON: After emerging triumphant from a tough selection process involving thousands of INEOS Grenadier customers, three winners headed to a remote valley in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains for the most extreme new vehicle handover.

Including one of the world’s most dangerous roads, the Tizi n’ Test Pass, the adventurers were battered by fierce storms that amplified the expedition’s challenge.

The ‘Hard Way Home' competition was open to customers that had followed the Grenadier from the earliest stages of its development and been among the first to place reservations. Entrants were invited to participate in an off-road selection event in the UK with videos of the candidates posted on INEOS Automotive’s social media channels.

Fans and followers then voted for the finalists they believed deserved to take the ‘Hard Way Home’ from their vehicle handover in Morocco.

“We wanted to celebrate the handover of the first Grenadiers with a once-in-a-lifetime expedition for three lucky customers,” explains Lynn Calder, CEO of INEOS Automotive.

“It was an innovative campaign to engage our customers and followers, upping the ante from your standard silk sheet reveal handover. It was always intended to be a challenging trip, enabling the Grenadier’s capabilities to shine, but the whole team got far more than they bargained for.”

A video capturing all the highlights from the expedition is available to view here: https://ineosgrenadier.com/en/gb/the-hard-way-home.


Govt open to alternatives to Kidex highway

                KUALA LUMPUR: The government is open to alternatives to the eventual building of the Kinrara–Damansara Expressway (Kdex) highway including for it to be possibly built underground.

"If there are private investors who are willing to do it and it is viable to the public - we will consider," Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusuf said on Monday.

"But the initial studies have shown that it is expensive and not many are willing to do that," he added.

The Kinrara–Damansara Expressway (KIDEX) is 14.9-kilometre (9.3 mi) expressway that connects the Damansara–NKVE Interchange of the New Klang Valley Expressway in the north to Bandar Kinrara in the south.

He also said that the construction of the Damansara-Shah Alam Elevated Expressway (DASH) will proceed and that the Kidex highway was the "only missing link" now.

"DASH and SUKE (Sungai Besi-Ulu Kelang Elevated) highway have got the clearance and will proceed. We need to have ring roads -- both inner and outer ring roads to have alternatives to get in and out of KL," he said.

"We have to look at Kidex as if it is not on, then we will have the missing link," he added.

The DASH is a 20.1 km, 3-lane, dual carriageway expressway that will commence at the Puncak Perdana U10 Shah Alam intersection and serve as a link for Puncak Perdana, Alam Suria, Denai Alam, Kampung Melayu Subang, Jalan Sungai Buloh, RRIM, Kota Damansara, Damansara Perdana and Mutiara Damansara. It will end at the Penchala interchange, linking road users to LDP and SPRINT highways. 12 interchanges will be built along the alignment.

The proposed expressway is expected to support rapid developments along the alignment covering U10 Shah Alam, Subang, Kota Damansara and Damansara areas.

The SUKE is a 31.8 km, 3-lane, dual carriageway expressway that will commence at Sri Petaling and passes through Sungai Besi, Alam Damai, Cheras-Kajang, Taman Bukit Permai, Taman Putra, Taman Permai Jaya, Taman Dagang Permai, Taman Kosas, Ampang dan Taman Hillview before exiting at Ulu Kelang.

The proposed expressway will serve as a link between existing major highways and road – MRR II, DUKE, AKLEH, KLORR, Sungai Besi extension, KL-Seremban, Cheras-Kajang, Besraya, KESAS and Jalan Ampang.


Nissan, Renault relationship should be 'more equal' Renault CEO tells Nikkei

                TOKYO: The relationship between Japan's Nissan Motor Co and top shareholder Renault SA should be "more equal", the Nikkei newspaper quoted the French automaker's chief executive as saying.

"This is not one side losing and the other side winning," the newspaper quoted Luca de Meo as saying in an interview, which took place in France on Monday.

"Each company needs to do what is best," he told the Nikkei, adding that that was the spirit of their alliance.

Renault is Nissan's largest shareholder with 43% while the Japanese automaker owns 15% in its partner.

The two companies said last week they were in talks about a new phase in their partnership that could include Nissan investing in a new electric vehicle venture Renault plans to carve out from its business.

Such a shift could mean the biggest reset in their relationship since the 2018 arrest of longtime executive Carlos Ghosn. Talks so far have included consideration of Renault selling some of its Nissan stake, Reuters has previously reported.

For Nissan, that could mean a chance to alter a structure that many executives at the Japanese company have seen as unbalanced.

French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said on Tuesday that there would be further talks with de Meo over the Renault-Nissan alliance and that he was keen for Renault to keep its industrial and technological advantages.

The two companies are in the final stages of concluding a deal this week, Bloomberg News reported today.

Nissan said the two companies were currently engaged in "trustful" discussions around several initiatives as part of continued efforts to reinforce the cooperation and the future of their alliance.


Daimler unveils new 'Ask Mercedes' customer service chatbot

                LISBON: German luxury car maker Daimler is set to combine a range of digital customer support experiments into a single voice-activated app that is available whether users are driving their cars, sitting at home or on the go.

Chief digital officer Sabine Scheunert said on Tuesday that Daimler will soon introduce a digital assistant called “Ask Mercedes” that ties together previous trial projects on platforms such as Google and Facebook.

Scheunert said “Ask Mercedes” will be available in several markets and languages immediately before being rolled out globally, without providing further details. Mercedes is one of Daimler’s leading car brands.

The auto maker offers an increasing range of car-sharing and mobility services as well as supporting its traditional car line-up, she said.

“Ask Mercedes is a new cognitive assistant available any time to support customers in exploring all the functions of their Mercedes-Benz vehicles,” Scheunert said during a presentation at the Web Summit conference here.

Scheunert said the so-called “chatbot” will allow both existing and also potential customers to interact with Daimler services, day or night, using voice-activated commands or text-based chat.

Chatbots are software programs which can respond to questions from users using a conversational approach.

Customers can pose questions to the Ask Mercedes app when it is installed in the company’s recent model cars, or by using a smartphone version of the app or by speaking to a Google Assistant voice-activated electronics controller when they are at home.


Don’t take advantage of fire engine’s siren to escape from jam, says Johor Fire Dept

                JOHOR BARU: Johor Fire and Rescue Department has reminded motorists not to take advantage of a fire engine’s siren to escape from a traffic jam.

This comes after a video of a black Proton Wira seen overtaking a fire engine along Jalan Bakar Batu here that was congested went viral.

Department director Datuk Yahaya Madis said the driver’s action was irresponsible and he did not set a good example to other road users.

“Please do not follow the driver’s way of driving as it is reckless and will delay the firemen's arrival at the scene of an emergency.

He said the driver was being selfish and would have caused firemen to be late in responding to an emergency and in turn be blamed by the public, ” he said when contacted here today.

Yahaya said that a fire engine is equipped with a siren as well as a beacon and a speaker to tell road users to move out of the way or not to block its path.

He added that the Fire and Rescue Department could not take action against such drivers but would lodge a police report.

“The police can take action under the Road Transport Act against any drivers that block the path of an emergency response team such as the Fire and Rescue Department as well as an ambulance, ” he said.

Fireman Mohd Ridzwan Shah posted the video on his TikTok account on March 28, urging Malaysian road users to give way to emergency vehicles.

“Please give your cooperation when you hear emergency sirens and do not follow the example of the driver in this video, ” he wrote.

The fire engine was approaching an intersection along the road when the car overtook in front of it from the left side.

The firemen inside the fire engine can be heard reacting with annoyance as they were forced to follow behind the car but got stuck behind it when the driver hesitated to cross the intersection.

The fire engine honked repeatedly at the car, forcing the driver to put his arm out of the window and signal cars coming from the other direction to stop and let them pass through the intersection.

A fireman can be heard saying that the driver was selfish while another said the driver was rude and asked if they recorded the car’s action.

The Proton car then can be seen turning left heading towards Bakar Batu and Permas Jaya from the intersection.

The video has gained more than two million likes and shared more than 5,000 times as well as receiving more than 7,000 comments.


Nearly 19 million Americans live where car insurance is unaffordable, says study

                WASHINGTON, D.C.: Nearly 19 million Americans live in areas where auto insurance is unaffordable including a large number in the New York region, according to a first-of-its kind study by the US Treasury Department.

The study, conducted by the department's Federal Insurance Office (FIO), found that car insurance is generally unaffordable in 845 US areas, as defined by postal codes, that are typically home to minorities and people with low-to-moderate incomes.

More than 40 percent of Americans living in areas with unaffordable insurance reside in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

States with the greatest number of residents facing unaffordable insurance include New York (5.2 million), Florida (2.8 million), New Jersey (2.3 million), Michigan (1.7 million), Pennsylvania (1.1 million) and Texas (873,000).

Congress established the FIO in 2010 as part of the Dodd-Frank financial reform law, tasking the office with monitoring whether underserved communities have access to affordable non-health insurance products such as life and property insurance.

The study, published on Friday, was the FIO's first to target auto insurance affordability. It noted that Americans who cannot afford coverage are at a disadvantage, because drivers tend to have more economic opportunities including employment. Nearly all states require drivers to buy some type of auto insurance.

"The government can't force people to buy products in the private marketplace but pay no attention to whether the prices are sufficiently affordable that people can comply with these laws," said J. Robert Hunter, director of insurance for the Consumer Federation of America, in a statement.

"Unaffordable" insurance, as defined by FIO, costs more than 2 percent of the median household income within a zip code.

The study analysed population and insurance premium data to create an index that consumers and policymakers can use to examine affordability over time. The FIO plans to collect more data and refine its results in future studies, it said.


New Petronas commercial and Coffee Break campaign

                KUALA LUMPUR: Petronas unveiled its much anticipated festive campaign with a fresh TV commercial for Chinese New Year titled Rubber Boy.

Rubber Boy tells the story of Ah Hock who learnt the values of sacrifice, gratitude and acceptance growing up in a rubber plantation, witnessing his mother’s devotion in providing for the family.

 Zahariah (second from right); Ibrahimnuddin (third from right); and PDB head of retail business Shahruddin Muhammad Sidek (fourth from right) accompanied by the talents in Rubber Boy at the Yee Sang tossing ceremony.

Petronas senior general manager of Group Strategic Communications, Zahariah Abdul Rahman said, “Petronas is proud to be able to bring this warm, enduring story that resonates in the hearts of all Malaysians. We intend to send out a strong message to count your blessings and reminding everyone about the significance of being Malaysian and appreciating our common values.”

Viewers may log on to the official brand channel here to view the five-minute webfilm. The ninety-second TV commercial will be aired from Feb 4 onwards.

At the event, Petronas Dagangan Berhad (PDB) also launched its flagship road safety programme. This year, Petronas Coffee Break offers 880,000 cups of freshly brewed coffee at 142 participating Petronas stations nationwide on Feb 6 - 7 and Feb 13 - 14 2016.

PDB managing director and chief executive officer, Mohd Ibrahimnuddin Mohd Yunus said, “Our commitment for the festive safety campaign remains steadfast. We are expanding the participating Petronas stations from 40 stations last year to 142 stations. PDB also collaborated with Petronas Lubricants Marketing (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and Proton Holdings Berhad to provide safety checks for vehicles at selected Petronas LubeXperts outlets and Petronas stations nationwide to ensure vehicles are in tip-top condition.”

Customers will also receive a 20 percent discount on brake fluids when they service their vehicles at selected Petronas LubeXperts outlets which ends on Feb 7 2016.

Petronas contributes RM20,000 worth of fuel to St. John Ambulance of Malaysia (SJAM) that would be providing emergency response services along the major highways this festive season.

For more information on Petronas Coffee Break and the locations of participating Petronas stations, please visit this website .


Bag your car against flash floods the ClimaGuard way

                PETALING JAYA: With unpredictable weather and a man-made climate catastrophe under way, the only constant to expect these days is change in unexpected ways.

Like no one would ever expect their car to get caught in a flash flood and float away. That's so bizarre. Yet it still happens sporadically in Malaysia and elsewhere around the world.

But if you had the presence of mind to put it - yes, the whole car - in a bag, zipped up, and anchored down, for such a rare occasion, then it stays protected while other cars around drift off into the horizon and probably need to be written off because of severe water damage.

Engineer Rahel Abraham of Houston, Texas, has just the right remedy for such freaky moments.

She created the ClimaGuard car cover after losing her car to a flood caused by Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

Abraham said the US$399 (RM1,672) cover is made of military-grade polyethlene that is expected to last for years and is resistant to ultra-violet and other weather conditions.

Unlike the Flood Guard Car Bag from the Philippines, which requires at least two persons to set up, the Climaguard needs only one.

It is available in various sizes to fit different types of vehicles measuring from 4.4 metres to 5 metres in length. This means it can fit compact cars, full-size sedans, sports cars, MPVs and mid-size SUVs.

As the product video shows, it's a simple case of driving the car over the ClimaGuard bag, then zipped it up. To ensure it doesn't float away, included tethers are available to hold the bag in place to sturdy posts or other anchor points. The bag can also be used to protect against strong winds, dust or snow.

The zip is designed above the waterline when the car floats up so water entry is minimised. It's not foolproof of course. If the water torrent comes from overhead or jets out from the sides above the zipline, chances of water entry are possible.

Still, some protection is better than none.

The ClimaGuard is guaranteed to protect a car or other assets in up to 91cm (3 feet) of “standing” water. The ClimaGuard can also be used to keep household valuables dry in a flood.


Mitsubishi Outlander 2.0L: Affordable and capable

                Compared with the 2.4-litre variant, the 2.0-litre Mitsubishi Outlander sports utility vehicle (SUV) serves the more budget conscious buyer and offers plenty of creature comforts.

The 2.4-litre variant will cost you an extra RM15,000 and set you back some RM152,888 but you get more motoring power and extra kit like Auto LED Projector with Auto Levelling, Electronic Tailgate, Aerodynamic Rear Spoiler, a space saving Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold Assist, Paddle Shifters, 8-way Power Adjustable (Driver) seat, auto-dimming Rear View Mirror, and a sunroof.

That is a lot of equipment for an extra RM15,000 but not every one wants a higher capacity engine or view more cabin comforts as a necessity. To recap, the locally assembled offers a refined drive quality, a spacious seven-seater cabin, and a host of premium comfort features as well as four-wheel drive with automatic and lock modes via a convenient round dial or button control.

Unlike the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, which uses the Triton pick-up truck’s platform, the Outlander is based on a car-like monocoque architecture for better handling and comfort, and reduced weight.

Exterior

The Outlander uses Mitsubishi Motors’ Dynamic Shield front design which gives it a dynamic and powerful look, and a head-turning on-road presence. It exudes an athletic presence, especially with the LED Day Time Running Lights (DRL), roof rails, 18-inch alloy wheels and body-wide chrome trim.

The Outlander has a sporty character and the muscular, dynamic-looking front end maximises its visual presence on the road.

Interior

The cabin is a comfortable cocoon with an elegant feel, and the material quality as well as the fit and finish looks premium. The design is also impressively functional, with all the buttons and switches laid out without looking too cluttered.

A glaring omission is rear air-conditioning vents (also not found in the 2.4-litre variant) but our rear passengers never complained about this as the dual-zone climate control air-conditioning system is quite powerful. You also get a traditional hand brake instead of a space saving Electronic Parking Brake.

We also like the 7-inch touchscreen display mated to a six-speaker audio system that provides crisp sound quality.

Practicality

The 7-seater Outlander offers a very roomy cabin, with a best-in-class 1,608 litres of space (both rear rows folded) which gives you room to put in up to four golf bags or a single-bed mattress. The rear seats can be reclined for more comfort, while the third row seats fold flat.

To charge your smartphones, we found two USB ports front occupants and another USB port in the centre storage box between the front seats, which also has a 12V socket. There’s another 12V socket next to the third-row seats. To store drinks and small items, there are two cupholders in front and bins on all four side doors.

A push-button to close the electric tailgate provides more convenience. The Outlander is well designed in providing plenty of cargo room and sporty functionality for families, weekend warriors and active, outdoorsy people.

Safety

Key safety features are:

Anti-lock braking system (ABS), seven airbags, Electronic brake distribution, Brake assist, Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control, Hill-Start Assist, Rest Reminder, ISOFIX tethers, Driving video recorder, All-Round Monitor (ARM), Rear view camera, Security and solar film, Disc brakes (front and rear), Parking Sensors (front and rear)

Equipment

Automatic halogen projector headlamps with Manual Levelling, LED Daytime running lights, Automatic wipers, Engine push-start button, Dual zone climate control air-conditioning, 7-inch Touchscreen Audio with CD, MP3, USB and Bluetooth, Air Gesture Control and Apple Car Play, Six speakers, Minato leatherette seats, Multi-select 4WD system, 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels

Performance

Under the hood is the reliable 2.0-litre Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) engine with 145PS and 196Nm of torque, mated to a fuel-efficient CVT transmission that we found to be efficient and responsive.

It is a mid-sized SUV with a 1,575kg kerb weight; so while it doesn’t feel underpowered when you are driving in a sedate manner, you would still wish for more grunt if you are in a hurry and constantly stepping hard on the accelerator pedal.

We kept the car in 4WD Eco drive mode most of the time, as we wanted better fuel economy. In 4WD Eco, the bias is on fuel economy and by default, torque is fed to the front wheels only until the car encounters slippery conditions, whereupon torque is split between front and rear wheels for better traction and stability.

There are 4WD Auto and 4WD Lock drive mode options also. In 4WD Auto, the drivetrain performs according to driving conditions, and also provides smoother cornering performance. In 4WD Lock, more torque goes to the rear wheels, and is suitable for bad, rocky and muddy terrain.

Ride and handling

The Outlander has a MacPherson strut front suspension, and a multi-link rear and runs on Toyo Proxes R44 tyres sized 225/55 R18. We found driving the Outlander to be a refined and engaging experience, with a quiet cabin and very low levels of noise intrusion in the cabin.

The steering was responsive and precise, and the Outlander can handle well on road bends when you are in a sporty mood. The suspension is tuned for comfort, and this is an SUV that would be great for long-haul journeys.

Fuel consumption

Mitsubishi Motors claims a 13.7km per litre fuel consumption rating for the 2.0-litre Outlander (the 2.4-litre variant sips more at 13km per litre). With the 60-litre fuel tank, in theory, you can travel 822km before running dry.

In reality, we travelled 467km on mixed highway and traffic-congested city routes over four days, with the trip meter showing 50km of travel distance remaining before the car will start telling us to refuel. As mentioned earlier, we kept it in 4WD Eco mode most of the time.

We are not exactly light-footed or patient drivers, and were quite impressed with the fuel-efficient nature of the Outlander.

Warranty

The Outlander is backed by a 5-year warranty, unlimited mileage.

Price

The SUV is yours for RM137,888 on-the-road without insurance (10% SST inclusive).

Summary

The 2.0-litre Outlander is well equipped with creature comforts and like the 2.4-litre model, comes across as a family-oriented SUV that provides a high level of driving refinement and comfort.

Its 4WD system enables it to handle tough road conditions also. It has a fuel efficient powertrain that provides decent muscle.

Overall, the Outlander delivers a competent and well-kitted package with ample storage space and a roomy cabin. It offers seven seats in a package featuring cutting-edge four-wheel drive technology as well as abundant safety features, and should continue to compete strongly in its segment.


Motorist claims trial to insulting cop, obstruction of duty

                PETALING JAYA: A 44-year-old sales manager claimed trial to two charges at a magistrate's Court here today over an incident in which she allegedly insulted a policeman.

Tong Poh Kim was accused of insulting Kpl Izuan Hasim Nor Hamzah by using the word "idiot" on Jalan Persiaran Surian at 9.40am on March 31.

She was charged under Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955 which carries a maximum fine of RM100, if convicted.

Tong also faces a second charge of obstructing Kpl Izuan from carrying out his duty at the same place and time.

The charge under Section 186 of the Penal Code carries imprisonment of up to two years or fine up to RM10,000 or both, if convicted.

Tong pleaded not guilty after the charges were read out before magistrate Nurshahirah Abdul Salim here today.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohamad Firdaous Mohamed Idris asked the court to impose bail of RM1,000 and RM5,000 for each of the charges, respectively.

Lawyer Datuk Suraj Singh, who represented the accused, said his client would not abscond.

"She was informed last night that she would be charged and here she is today in court.

"She is not a flight risk. I ask for a lower bail," he said.

Magistrate Nurshahirah fixed RM1,000 bail in one surety for the first charge and RM3,000 in one surety for the second charge.

The case is fixed for mention on May 20.


Insurance agent attacked by parking touts for refusing to pay fee

                IPOH: A 48-year-old insurance agent required six stitches to one of his fingers after he was repeatedly attacked by parking touts here for refusing to pay parking fees.

E.C. Looi had parked his car in front of a sundry shop along Jalan Theatre at about 1.30pm on April 2 when a woman approached him asking for money.

He refused to give her the money and continued to walk into the sundry shop. Later as he was approaching his car, two men demanded money, claiming that his car door had hit the woman.

When Looi denied such a thing had occurred, one of the men took out a knife and started asking for money.

He then ran back into the shop and the men chased him, pushing him to the floor and started attacking him.

Looi claimed there were three attempts to slash him but the first two times, he managed to use a basket as a shield. However, the third time, his finger was injured.

“As I was bleeding profusely, people started to gather at the shop and the two ran away.

“I got back to my car again when one of them smashed my back window, and the woman was lying on the road, claiming to be unconscious.

“My car keys were taken away as I was starting the engine, and I was pulled out of the car once again where they started punching me on my face,” he told a press conference organised by Canning assemblyman Wong Kah Woh at the state DAP headquarters on Tuesday.

He showed reporters the police report, CCTV recordings, as well photographs taken during the incident.

Looi said he managed to push them away and drove to the Pekan Baru police station nearby to lodge a report.

The police arrested one man, while another man managed to escape, and the woman was brought to the hospital.

Looi then went to the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital to seek treatment.

However, two days after the incident when he passed by the area again, he saw the woman, and his assailant who managed to run away, back to their normal business.

Looi immediately called the police, and the two were subsequently arrested.


Tesla said close to agreeing on plan for China production

                SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla Inc. is close to an agreement to produce vehicles in China for the first time, giving the electric-car maker better access to the world’s largest auto market, according to people familiar with the matter.

The agreement with the city of Shanghai would allow Tesla to build facilities in its Lingang development zone and could come as soon as this week, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the negotiations are private. Details are being finalised and the timing of the announcement could change. Tesla would need to set up a joint venture with at least one local partner under existing rules and it isn’t immediately clear who that would be.

Representatives for Tesla at the company’s headquarters in Palo Alto, California, didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment. A spokesman for Lingang didn’t answer calls.

 Model 3.

Setting up local production is key for chief executive officer Elon Musk to continue growing in China, where Tesla’s revenue tripled to more than US$1 billion last year. Assembling vehicles locally would allow the company to avoid a 25 percent tax that renders Model S sedans and Model X sport utility vehicles more expensive than in the United States.

China has identified new-energy vehicles as a strategic emerging industry and aims to boost annual sales of plug-in hybrids and fully electric cars 10-fold in the next decade. Government support helped China surpass the US in 2015 to become the world’s biggest market for the non-emission autos.

Bringing down the costs of electric cars is crucial to Musk’s ambitions to reach more mass market consumers. Next month, Tesla is slated to begin rolling out the Model 3, a more affordable and smaller electric sedan. Tesla has yet to launch the Model 3 in China. In the US, consumers stood in long lines to place US$1,000 deposits for the vehicle.

In March, Tencent Holdings Ltd., China’s biggest Internet company, bought a 5 percent stake in Tesla for US$1.8 billion. Teaming up with the owner of the WeChat and QQ messaging services could help the automaker gain traction in a market where more than 200 companies have announced plans to build new-energy vehicles.

Tesla, which made roughly 80,000 cars in 2016 and aims to boost it by about 7-fold to 500,000 annually by 2018. The automaker also plans to finalise locations of up to three battery Gigafactories this year.

Tesla bought its only vehicle assembly plant in Fremont, California, from Toyota Motor Corp. in 2010 for just US$42 million. The company has estimated the cost of its battery gigafactory near Reno, Nevada, may eventually reach about US$5 billion.


Bridgestone Ecopia EP300 tyre launched

                SUBANG JAYA: The latest in the line of eco-tyres for passenger cars developed by Bridgestone is the Ecopia EP300 which boasts better fuel efficiency, a superior wet grip performance and lasts longer.

The tyre is available in 13 different sizes for 15-inch, 16-inch and 17-inch wheels. Prices start from RM180 to RM450 exclusive of GST.

 Takekawa (centre) at the launch of the new Ecopia EP300 tyre.

The Ecopia EP300 launch event was held at the Dorsett Grand in Subang Jaya and managing director of Bridgestone Malaysia, Jo Takekawa said that the Ecopia EP300 was designed primarily to meet customers’ expectation.

“At Bridgestone we have over 20 years of experience and technical know-how in developing eco oriented products. The Ecopia EP300 is the result of that and most importantly, listening to the needs of our customers for a tyre that offers better fuel savings,” said Takekawa.

The EP300, compared to its predecessor the EP200 which was launched four years ago, has incorporated a new design and new technologies for low rolling resistance and added fuel efficiency.

Brisgestone claims the EP300 can further savings as it can travel an additional 11.2km per full tank.

It features an enhanced NanoPro-Tech with a new polymer that provides enhanced wet grip while the new tread pattern contributes to anti-hydroplaning performance, better handling and reduced noise.

The EP300’s new tread design also better controls tyre deformation and provides long-lasting tyre life through a uniform wear pattern.


Proton outperforms 2018 sales figures, Saga top seller

                SUBANG JAYA: Proton announced that sales in 2019 has brought the local carmaker back to the forefront of Malaysia’s automotive market.

Another major milestone was achieved at the end of September when the company exceeded its total sales for 2018 in just three quarters.

With 70,330 units (domestic + export) registered so far this year, compared to 64,744 for the whole of last year, the Malaysian carmaker is on track to post a substantial growth figure for the whole year.

With 8,934 units (domestic + export) registered in September 2019, it achieved a growth rate of 97% over the 4,524 units in the same month last year.

The company's performance equates to an estimated market share of 20.2%, pointing towards the Company growing sales at a higher rate than competitor brands.

The figure is a 66-month high-point for the brand and helps to increase its year-to-date market share to an estimated 15.8%.

Also, the company's sales star for September was the Proton Saga with 3,994 units delivered - the highest number of monthly deliveries in 2019.

The figure also means that the Saga was the best-selling A-segment sedan in the country to reclaim the position after a hiatus of nearly three years.

“By exceeding our total sales volume in 2018 in just nine months Proton is on target to achieving its best sales number since 2015. Of even greater significance though is the Saga’s return to the number one spot in its segment.

"Despite being launched less than two months ago, the response from Malaysians has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Proton chief executive officer Dr Li Chunrong.

The Proton X70 sports utility vehicle (SUV) has maintained its position as the leader in its class and to celebrate this feat, the company is now offering additional benefits for customers who purchase a unit in October.

Such benefits included with the standard five-year free labour service are the five-year unlimited mileage warranty and five-year Internet data packages already included with every unit as well as a subsidised insurance package and overtrade incentive worth up to RM2,000.

At the end of September, the company has 104 3S (sales, service and spare parts) and 4S (sales, service, spare parts and spray paint) outlets in Malaysia.

To ensure the level of service offered is in line with its premium image, the company continues to invest heavily in training programmes for sales and service staff.

The effectiveness of these programmes will be measured by the Sales Service Index (SSI) and Customer Service Index (CSI) scores of each outlet, which count towards the overall score achieved by the company.

“Proton will continue to open more 3S and 4S outlets to deliver a premium brand experience to more Malaysian car buyers. As we continue to evolve as a brand, it’s vital that the service delivered at our outlets and dealerships evolves in tandem as the point of contact for our customers are the frontline staff.

"Therefore, an improvement to our SSI and CSI scores is a priority for everyone at the company as a means to maintain and even improve our sales growth momentum in the future," added Li.


Bentley angling for new customers with latest bespoke model

                LONDON: The new Bentley Bentayga Fly Fishing By Mulliner offers new scales of personalization for those that prefer a day by the water's rather than the green's edge.

The game of golf may well be inextricably linked with luxury car ownership - to the point where the average trunk size is often given in terms of golf bags. Yet, the fact of the matter is the typical luxury car owner is just as likely to enjoy casting a rod as they are swinging a club.

To meet this hitherto unaddressed demand, Bentley has put its bespoke coachbuilding division to work in order to create the ultimate wood and leather installation for safely housing everything needed for a day's fly-fishing.

Mulliner has turned the underside of the Bentayga's parcel shelf into a rod carrier made up of four saddle leather trimmed tubes with linen cross stitching. A carpet-trimmed hard pocket has been integrated into the side of the trunk and inside it are two landing nets in their own leather bags. However, it's the centre installation where the craftsmanship and attention to detail really come to the fore.

The three-unit leather trimmed case consists of a master tackle station, a refreshment case and a waterproof trunk for waders and outerwear. Open up the tackle station and you're presented with Burr Walnut veneered draws for fly-fishing tools, and leather bound fishing reel cases milled from solid aluminium. The refreshment draw has bespoke metal flasks, a set of fine-china tablewear and an extra sub-compartment for food.

And because the whole thing is solid it can be removed from the trunk completely and used as seating.

"Fly fishing is a sport that requires a variety of equipment and clothing, so it was essential to package the rods, reels, waders, boots and fly-tying station into the car in a luxurious, accessible and elegant way," said Geoff Dowding, Director of Mulliner.

However, the most ingenious touches are a barely noticeable waterproof lining with sill protectors in the luggage compartment and a dehumidifier to ensure that the space is always dry and free from any potentially fishy smells.

"[This] car showcases the breadth and level of detail a customer can expect from Mulliner," said Dowding. "This is an individual bespoke solution and our skilled craftspeople can design elegant and exquisitely executed bespoke solutions to complement any customer lifestyle or hobby."


EU to propose linking CO2 emissions for trucks, cars to road toll charges

                BRUSSELS: The European Commission is to propose making cars, trucks, buses and vans pay higher road toll charges the more CO2 they emit as it seeks to cut road transport's carbon footprint, two EU officials said.

The proposal, which has not yet been finalised, will for the first time set some EU-wide principles for road tolls for cars, including one that motorists must pay according to the distance traveled, and include buses and coaches, the people said.

The proposal will keep the average level of tolls collected roughly constant, meaning more polluting vehicles will pay more while cleaner ones will pay less, one of the sources said.

Heavy duty vehicles (HDVs) account for a small fraction of vehicles on the road but are responsible for a third of road transport's CO2 emissions in the EU.

The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) - which includes Volvo, CNH Industrial's IVECO and Daimler - said it supported differentiating road charging according to CO2 emissions as long as it promoted low emissions in real conditions of use and provided fair competition between types of vehicles.

"Any road charges that do not consider the real emissions or the complete vehicle combination (including tyres, weight and aerodynamics) would sub-optimise the fleet," ACEA said.

Differentiating the amount trucks have to pay according to their CO2 emissions should make road hauliers more efficient as it increases the cost of driving per kilometre and could encourage the renewal of fleets.

Currently, the EU has a legal framework governing charging for trucks, but road tolls for private vehicles are left to national governments.

The proposal will not force countries to introduce road charging schemes for cars or trucks, but will lay down rules any such scheme would have to respect were it to be introduced, the sources said.

Road tolls often prove sensitive political issues and the EU's move to set rules on car charging and phase out time-based charging systems is likely to face opposition from both motorists and governments.

Germany, which for years was embroiled in a tussle with the EU over its proposed road toll which Brussels said discriminated against foreign drivers, only recently introduced changes to assuage the EU's concerns.

Time-based charging systems - where motorists buy a pass lasting a certain amount of time - known as vignettes, will need to be phased out, the sources said, meaning that road tolls such as those in Germany will need to be amended if the proposal becomes law.

Hauliers oppose the phasing out of vignettes as they are cheaper to operate and the introduction of distance-based charging would require them to invest in more expensive onboard devices.

While steering clear of requiring governments to earmark the money earned from road charging for road infrastructure, the Commission plans to introduce disclosure requirements on where the revenues go.

The proposals are expected to be published on May 31, after which they will need the approval of the European Parliament and of member states.


Oslo moves to ban cars from city centre

                OSLO: Oslo's new leftist city government said Monday it wants to ban private cars from the downtown area by 2019 as part of a plan to slash greenhouse gas emissions.

The Labour Party and its allies the Socialist Left and the Green Party, winners of the Sept 14 municipal elections in the Norwegian capital, presented a platform focused on the environment and the fight against climate change.

The programme envisages a ban on private vehicles in the city centre which, according to the Verdans Gang newspaper, is home to only about 1,000 people but where some 90,000 work.

The new city government did not give details of how the plan would be implemented.

But the proposal has sparked concerns among local businessmen, who noted that 11 of the city's 57 shopping centres are in the planned car-free zone.

The ban on automobiles is part of a plan to slash emissions of greenhouse gases by 50 percent by 2020 compared to 1990 levels.

The new city authorities also plan to divest fossil fuels from their pension funds, build more bicycle lanes, subsidise the purchase of electric bicycles and reduce automobile traffic over the city as a whole by 20 percent by 2019 and 30 percent by 2030.

"In 2030, there will still be people driving cars but they must be zero-emissions," said Lan Marie Nguyen Ber, a member of the Green Party, told a news conference.

Norwegian media said the largely ceremonial post of city mayor would go to Marianne Borgen of the Socialist Left and not Shoaib Sultan, the candidate of the Green Party who thereby misses out on becoming one of the first Muslims to lead a major European city.


Isuzu mu-X SUV debuts for Borneo Safari 2016

                PETALING JAYA: Isuzu’s mu-X seven seater lifestyle SUV is set for the ultimate test by taking on perhaps one of the most daunting challenges out there – the 2016 Borneo Safari International Offroad Challenge to be held in Sabah from Oct 30 till Nov 6, 2016.

For the first time, one unit of modified Isuzu mu-X `Monster’ will spearhead Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd’s 4-vehicle team to take on the unforgiving jungles of Sabah in the 26th edition of the largest and most established modified 4X4 event in Asia.

The other Isuzu vehicles are three D-Max ‘Monster’ pick-ups, Sabah Four Wheel Drive Association President Faez A Nordin thanked Isuzu for being the Diamond Sponsor of the 2016 Borneo Safari.

“We are thankful that Isuzu has been supporting the event for the past 10 consecutive years.  Their unwavering support is one of the key reasons why we have been able to grow this event from strength to strength.  We have 400 participating vehicles this year, which is the highest in the history of Borneo Safari. And the number keeps going up every year!” he said.

This year’s Borneo Safari would be one of the toughest yet. The route chosen by the organisers, which runs along the base of Mount Kinabalu and stretches across the districts of Ranau and Kota Marudu, includes nearly 40 km of hardcore trails comprising mainly abandoned logging trails and several river crossings.

Modifications to the Isuzu mu-X were limited to the exterior as the 2.5-litre VGS turbo Intercooler diesel engine matched to a 5-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift remained stock standard.

 Sabah Four Wheel Drive Association president Faez (left).

Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd Executive Director Hajime Machimura expressed confidence in the ability of the Isuzu mu-X to excel despite the rough terrains and treacherous weather expected in the 2016 Borneo Safari.

“Although it is a lifestyle SUV, the Isuzu mu-X shares the same tough DNA as our Isuzu D-Max pick-up, which has repeatedly proven itself in every edition of Borneo Safari since its debut in 2005.  It is definitely all set for more,” he said.

For more details of Isuzu’s range of vehicles, please go to www.isuzu.net.my.


New Green NCAP for environmentally friendly consumers

                BRUSSELS: Green NCAP, the new consumer programme to promote greener cars, announces its first round of results and 12 cars have been rated against a tough new test regime which explores the gap between manufacturers’ claims and real-world performance.

For this, Green NCAP’s first round of tests, twelve cars have been rated: the Hyundai Ioniq and BMW i3, both electric vehicles, achieve a maximum five-star rating; the VW up! GTI gets a creditable four stars; BMW’s X1 2.0d and the Mercedes-Benz A200 are both awarded three stars; the Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost is rated as two stars in its latest guise, and a one-star rating is given to the Audi A7 50 TDI, the Volvo XC40 T5 and the Subaru Outback 2.5.

For now, electric cars offer consumers the greenest option when buying a car. They are the cleanest and most efficient choice currently available and it would be a huge step forward if all cars could achieve the five-star level that electric cars are at already.

Green NCAP is a unique new consortium, comprising European governments, motoring clubs, consumer groups and universities, hosted and supported by the European New Car Assessment Programme.

It aims to promote cars that are less polluting and more fuel- and energy-efficient by providing consumers with independent information about cars’ performance in tests that go well beyond legislative requirements to uncover the differences between manufacturers’ emissions-control strategies.

With members and independent test laboratories in eight European countries, Green NCAP is an ambitious project which will motivate car manufacturers to develop cars that make the most efficient use of the energy they use and to minimise the pollutant and greenhouse gases they emit.


Premiere for Volvo Trucks’ first all-electric truck

                GOTHENBURG: Volvo Trucks introduces its first all-electric truck for commercial use – the Volvo FL Electric, taking the lead in solutions for electrified goods transport in cities.

“We’re immensely proud to introduce the first in a range of fully electrically-powered Volvo trucks ready for regular traffic,” says Claes Nilsson, President Volvo Trucks.

With better air quality and less noise in the city, it is possible to plan for housing and infrastructure more freely than at present.

An electric truck without any exhaust emissions can be used in indoor terminals and environmental zones.

Their low noise level creates opportunities for doing more work at night, thus reducing the burden on the roads during the day.

The Off Peak City Distribution project studied the effects of goods transport at night in central Stockholm.

By avoiding peak hour traffic the trucks were able to do their jobs in one-third of the time compared to daytime operation.

The first trucks in the Volvo FL Electric range are now entering regular operation with customers in Gothenburg, Sweden, the home of Volvo Trucks.

The first two Volvo FL Electric trucks will be operated by refuse collection and recycling company Renova and haulage firm TGM.

Sister company Volvo Buses has sold more than 4000 electrified buses since 2010.

“All the questions about handling of batteries have not yet been solved. The Volvo Group is involved in various projects where batteries from heavy electric vehicles get a second lease of life, reused for energy storage,” says Jonas Odermalm.

A Volvo Trucks spokesman in Malaysia said it may bring in the FL series (light duty trucks) and its electric sibling if there's a demand for it. In Malaysia, Volvo Trucks only sells the FM, FMX and FH models.

"News of the FL Electric is still making waves around the world and has certainly made a big impact in Europe. The same news is also slowly tapering into Malaysia and we foresee a conversation from customers about this new technology and its benefits soon."

Volvo FL Electric

- Fully electrically-powered truck for distribution, refuse collection and other applications in urban conditions, GVW 16 tonnes.
- Driveline: 185 kW electric motor, max power/130 kW continuous output, two speed transmission, propeller shaft, rear axle. Max torque electric motor 425 Nm. Max torque rear axle 16 kNm.
- Energy storage: 2-6 lithium-ion batteries, totalling 100–300 kWh.
- Range: Up to 300 km.
- Charging: AC charging via the mains grid (22 kW) or DC fast charge via CCS/Combo2 for up to 150 kW.
- Recharging time: From empty to fully charged batteries: fast charge 1-2 hours (DC charging), night charge up to 10 hours (AC charging) with maximum battery capacity of 300 kWh.


Toyota says more than 2 million face risk of vehicle data leak in Japan

                TOKYO: Toyota Motor Corp said today the vehicle data of about 2.15 million users was left publicly available in Japan for about a decade from November 2013 to mid-April.

The leak, attributed to a setting error in the cloud environment, could encompass details such as vehicle locations and identification numbers of vehicle devices, but there were no reports of malicious use, the company said.

Affected customers included those who signed up for the T-Connect network service from the start of 2012 until April 17, Toyota said, apologising for causing concern.

Also affected were users of G-Link, a similar service for owners of the luxury Lexus-branded vehicles, that provides features such as emergency support.

Toyota said steps to block outside access to the data were taken after the issue was discovered and an investigation into all cloud environments managed by Toyota Connected Corp was ongoing.


Fugitive Ghosn promises new revelations in upcoming book

Carlos Ghosn is working with former French journalist Philippe Ries on the book, to be published by Grasset before the end of the year. — Reuters

BEIRUT: Carlos Ghosn, the Nissan executive-turned-fugitive who escaped Japan to avoid trial for financial crimes, promised new revelations into collusion between the carmaker, prosecutors and the government in a forthcoming book.

“Wait until I publish my book,” Ghosn said last Friday in a live video conference link from Beirut, where he has been living since the end of last year.

“You will understand much more about the facts. We have a lot of people talking behind the scenes.”

Arrested in November 2018 in Tokyo on charges of financial misdeeds and then freed on bail, Ghosn made a dramatic escape to Lebanon in December with the help of a former Green Beret.

He has denied the charges, saying they were part of a conspiracy to prevent further integration between carmakers Nissan Motor Co. and Renault SA.

A former high-flying CEO with homes around the world, he has been holed up in Lebanon, which doesn’t have an extradition treaty with Japan.

A spokesman confirmed Ghosn is working with former French journalist Philippe Ries on the book, to be published by Grasset before the end of the year.

Ghosn spent a total of almost 130 days in jail and on Friday reiterated accusations that Japan has a “hostage’ justice system.

He was speaking via video link at a conference called “Alternative Justice” billed as a forum to expose shortcomings in the country’s legal process. Participants defended the former executive.

Ghosn said his book will show “clear evidence not only of collusion between the prosecutor and part of Nissan management but also behind-the-scenes support from a part of the Japanese government.”

He advised foreigners not to accept corporate positions in the country because of the risks of being trapped. “This can happen to anybody,” he said.


BMW creates special paints for XM

                MUNICH: BMW has introduced special paints for the XM, which will be available from April.

The new body colours are BMW Individual Urban Green, BMW Individual Petrol Mica metallic, BMW Individual Anglesey Green metallic and BMW Individual Sepia metallic.

The paints were created by the bespoke team at BMW Individual.

All BMW Individual special paint finishes are applied in a separate manufacturing process with an increased proportion of manual work. BMW said a particularly precise surface treatment and a careful finish ensure that they are have impressive colour depth and maximum brilliance.

Series production of the XM has started at BMW's US plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The plug-in hybrid will be built alongside the X5, X6, and X7 on the same assembly line.


Sales of vehicles business up 3.7% in January to RM11.4b

                KUALA LUMPUR: Sales of vehicles business rose 3.7% to RM11.4bil in January 2017 from a year ago but it fell 9.4% from December 2016, according to the Statistics Department.

It said year-on-year, the index of motor vehicles increased 2.4% to 122.8 points in January 2017. The seasonally adjusted index of motor vehicles fell 4.7% in January 2017 against December 2016.

Sales of vehicles is part of the sales value of wholesale and retail trade which rose 8% to RM93.6bil in January 2017 from a year ago.

“The sales value consists of wholesale trade (RM46.1bil), retail trade (RM36.1bil) and motor vehicles (RM11.4bil) businesses. The positive growth was contributed by retail trade (9.0%) and wholesale trade (8.4%) businesses,” it said.

The department said the index of wholesale and retail trade which measures the volume changes rose 5.6% to 152.1 points in January 2017 from a year ago. The growth was led by retail trade (7.0%), wholesale trade (5.4%) and motor vehicles (2.4%).

“However, the seasonally adjusted index of wholesale & retail trade decreased 1.5% as compared to the preceding month,” it said.

It said the sales value of wholesale trade business grew 8.4% to RM46.1bil from a year ago. On a monthly basis, sales value of this business increased 0.8%.

The index of wholesale trade rose 5.4% to 159.9 points in January 2017 from a year ago. Month-on-month, the index of wholesale trade (seasonally adjusted) slipped 1.7% from December.

Retail trade business recorded an increase in sales value of RM3bil or 9% on-year but fell 0.1% on-month. The index of retail trade rose 7% to 155.8 points in January 2017 from a month ago. The seasonally adjusted index of retail trade fell 0.6% on-month.


CarSifu Auto Show 2022: Hello Johor!

The auto show kicked off in Kuala Lumpur earlier this month before opening in Johor Baru today.
JOHOR BARU: After an exciting run in Kuala Lumpur early this month, the second leg of the CarSifu Auto Show 2022 opens today at The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey here.

The Johor Baru event is also the first time that the auto show is held outside the Klang Valley.

The five-day auto show, organised by the Star Media Group, runs until Sunday and is open from 10am to 10pm.

Admission is free.

Participating brands in the show are Honda, Proton, Subaru, Toyota and Volvo which will be showcasing their latest models.

Cars to be showcased include sedans, hatchbacks, multi-purpose vehicles, and sports utility vehicles (SUVs) powered by conventional engines as well as hybrid and all-electric powertrains.

Visitors can also expect a treat of special deals to be offered at the auto show.

Honda’s display will include vehicles such as its latest Honda HR-V e:EV RS hybrid SUV and the Honda City Sedan with V-Sensing advanced driver assistance system.

Meanwhile, Proton will bring its popular line-up, which includes the recently facelifted X70, the sporty X50 and the affordable Saga.

Subaru will be showcasing the GT Editions of its XV and Forester SUVs and will be offering visitors a chance to try out the Subaru Advanced Technology Drive (SATD) experience, which makes Subaru models safer and more comfortable to drive.

At Toyota’s display, the recently launched Veloz seven-seater crossover will take its place among models such as the Corolla Cross Hybrid, Vios and Yaris.

Volvo will be presenting the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, Malaysia’s first locally-assembled electric vehicle, and a range of plug-in hybrid models.

Himalaya Sports will be offering its range of sweet, salty and minty sweets made with Himalayan salt to visitors who participate in a survey at the auto show.


Japan launches satellite for better GPS system

                TOKYO: Japan has launched the third satellite in its effort to build a homegrown geolocation system aimed at improving the accuracy of car navigation systems and smartphone maps to mere centimetres.

An H-IIA rocket blasted off at about 2.30pm (1.30pm in Malaysia) from the Tanegashima space centre in southern Japan, according to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (Jaxa).

The rocket successfully released the "Michibiki" No.3 satellite about 30 minutes after launch.

The launch was initially scheduled last week but was postponed due to a technical glitch.

Satellite geolocation systems, initially designed for the US military, now power countless civilian applications, from car navigation to internet browsing on mobile phones.

Japan relies on the US-operated Global Positioning System (GPS). Saturday's launch was part of a broader plan to build a domestic version with four satellites focusing on the country and wider region.

The first satellite was put into orbit in 2010 and the second was launched in June.

The fourth is to be launched by March 2018 to start up the service.

The Japan-built system will still need to operate in tandem with GPS.

Though GPS is widely used in Japan, having supplementary satellites is important in a country where mountainous terrain and high buildings may interfere with its signals.

Michibiki, meaning "guidance" in Japanese, will cover the Asia-Oceania region and is intended for civilian use.

Japan plans to boost the number of its satellites in orbit to seven by 2023.