Mazda3 on a SkyActiv mission to impress

Un-perilous. Unexciting. Un-fast – these were the characteristics of our recent 348.3km single-tank challenge in a Mazda3 from Bermaz headquarters in Glenmarie, Shah Alam to Johor Baru (JB).

Clear blue skies meant our drive to the south was going to be a hot one after having experienced two simillar challenges previously. One of the most significant predicaments for us as drivers travelling long distances, and at such slow speeds, was how to deal with the heat.

If left un-dealt with, it can cause a lot of fatigue.

To recap, we had the opportunity to take a 1,200km trip from Bangkok to Penang in a diesel-powered Mazda2 and another was a longer 1,400km trip from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok in a three-pointed star Panzer-wagon.

The physical toll over such long distances for these sorts of challenges can be immense and so a 348km journey was considered a “walk-in-the-park”.

Our group had 15 competing cars with SkyActiv engines and were segregated into three categories - five Mazda2 cars, five Mazda3 cars (one of which was ours) and five CX-5 (2WD) SUVs.

The steed for the deed was a 2.0-litre Mazda3 hatchback with a 14:1 compression ratio producing 162bhp at 6,000rpm and 210Nm at 4,000rpm.

Our locally assembled Mazda3 slots itself between the high and low spec variants and came draped in Arctic White for the journey from Bermaz headquarters in Glenmarie to a Shell Station in Nusajaya (just before reaching the heart of JB).

Priced at RM121,105 (OTR with GST without insurance) it meant that our car only gets some of the bells-and-whistles, which includes a set of 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate controls, navigation, auto bi-xenon lights, LEDs for DRLs and rear light clusters, adaptive front-lighting system (AFS) and keyless-entry with push-start.

It also comes with fabric upholstered seats (perfect for our climate), and manual wiper controls.

But, Mazda’s i-Activsense, auto-dim rear view mirror and the head-up display were absent.

Regardless of the lack of amenities, the Mazda3 is still a comfortable prospect for an everyday drive and is able to accommodate those who have an ever-changing desire to drive it according to their whims and fancies.

To ensure a levelled-playing field, everything was standardised including tyre-pressure, fuel (filled to the brim) and climate controls, which were all sealed to prevent tampering in order to gain an unfair advantage.

Although we had a brief experience in a Mazda3 some months ago, we were still unprepared for this “test” and with over 300km to travel, we were thankful the cabin had good amounts of comfort dialled in.

The journey would take us through a few check points, forcing us to manage our commute accordingly and arrive on time so as not to incur time penalties or worse... disqualification.

Our first stop was Senawang in Negri Sembilan and it was here that we realised that the Mazda3’s light accelerator pedal makes it effortless to prod, but took us a while to master – being rather difficult to feather to minimise the unnecessary burning of more fuel.

After a 10-minute break and a quick driver change, we were off to our lunch destination at the Philea Resort and Spa in Ayer Keroh, Malacca, during which we were still trying to gauge how to best drive the car more frugally.

Following our lunch break, we left for Yong Peng and by this time, our feel for the throttle pedal had gotten much better before our southerly jounrey came to an end.

Downward slopes are a god-send, but no matter how gradual, they are deemed necessary in gaining momentum and speed, which means travellers get to arrive sooner and with less fuel used – ideally around the 110kph mark.

Not to mention, consistency is required along with a light and sensitive foot to ensure that not too much is being demanded from the engine, keeping the revs on the tachometer around the 1,500rpm mark.

Arriving at our final checkpoint at Nusajaya, our fuel guage was still reading full and the tank was filled to the brim once more.

My co-drive, Yew Hong Chin from Kwong Wah newspaper and myself were astonished to find that we only consumed 11.61 litres of RON95 petrol (costing RM23.80 at RM2.05 per litre).

Within the Mazda3 category, fuel consumption ranged between 2.99 and 3.64L/100km and since we were able to achieve a reading of 3.33L/100km, it secured us a third place finish.

The smaller Mazda2 cars were able to achieve better with fuel consumption ranging from 2.78 to 3.13L/100km, while the CX-5s did similarly well to the Mazda3 cars at 3.52 to 3.81L/100km.

With such readings being witnessed first hand, we can’t help but acknowledge how Mazda has brought the internal combustion engine to new highs with its combination of power, joyful driving experience (on the way back from JB) and fuel efficiency.


Honda to debut futuristic EV prototype in Geneva

                TOKYO: Next week, Honda is scheduled to unveil the e Prototype urban electric vehicle, and while it looks like a funky city car from the future, its story officially began two summers ago.

Two years ago when the Urban EV Concept first debuted at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, Honda promised  that a production model would be launched in 2019 and sure enough, the day has arrived: on Tuesday, the company announced that the Honda e Prototype will make its world premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show next week.

Honda brought the simplistic exterior design from the 2017 Urban EV Concept into 2019 along with the minimalistic and contemporary interior — though we won't officially be able to see what's on the inside until the model premieres next Tuesday. According to Honda, it's been greatly inspired by contemporary homes and is complete with a plethora of digital driving aids and entertainment features.

The focus of the design since 2017 has been functionality and purpose while being easy on the eyes. Both the clean lines and orderly exterior satisfy this mission and also aid in the vehicle's aerodynamic performance. Obtrusive conventional side mirrors have been replaced with more practical, slim compact cameras. The charging port can be found in the center of the hood making it easy for drivers to charge the vehicle from either side.

A new EV platform gives the model a relatively long wheelbase, wide track, and short overhangs to "facilitate exceptional urban maneuverability and dynamic driving characteristics" while remaining cute and compact. It has a driving range above 200km and can charge to 80 percent in a half an hour.

The e Prototype will be unveiled on March 5 in Geneva. Production will begin later this year.


Amazon’s van-buying spree delivers a gift to auto industry

Amazon has built up a fleet of 30,000 last-mile delivery trucks and vans. — Image from Amazon
NEW YORK: The Amazon.com Inc. vans parked outside apartment buildings and along suburban cul de sacs aren’t just bearing gifts to online shoppers this holiday season.

The e-commerce giant’s home-delivery push has been a boon to automakers, too.

Amazon has built up a fleet of 30,000 last-mile delivery trucks and vans since creating its own delivery network in 2018, and currently handles about half of its own deliveries.

That’s good news for manufacturers of increasingly ubiquitous gray vans with the blue swoosh, which include Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz, Fiat Chrysler automobiles NV and Ford Motor Co.

Carmakers have been coping with declining demand from consumers this year in part by boosting deliveries to commercial customers including Amazon and its delivery contractors.

Sales to fleets, including rental-car companies and governments, are on pace for a record year, having already exceeded 2.6 million units through November, according to Cox automotive.

"A lot of those vans are going to build out Amazon’s small-package delivery in metro areas,” said Evan Armstrong, president of Armstrong & Associates, a Milwaukee-based logistics research and consulting firm. "There’s going to be an opportunity because e-commerce is growing so fast, and these networks are growing as well.”

Armstrong estimates that e-commerce logistics costs in the US have grown 19% this year to US$168 billion, about half of which is spending on transportation. Commercial vehicle sales totalled more than 734,000 through November of this year, an 8.7% increase from the same period a year ago, according to Cox.

Amazon, which long relied on the US Postal Service, United Parcel Service Inc. and FedEx Corp. for shipments, has increasingly made door-to-door deliveries on its own.

The Seattle-based company has outsourced much of the work to an army of independent contractors and used its bulk buying power to secure better prices on their vehicles, fuel and insurance. It now has more than 800 delivery contractors in its last-mile network employing 75,000 US drivers.

Earlier this week, Amazon told third-party merchants they could no longer use FedEx for holiday season ground delivery, saying the company’s performance had been slipping. Amazon won’t say how much of its deliveries it’s now handling through its own network, but the ratio will likely rise to 70% next year, according to SJ Consulting Group.

Van volumes

Automakers are loath to break out their sales to a single customer like Amazon, but Fiat Chrysler —which sells Ram ProMaster vans to Amazon, UPS and the USPS — delivered more than 51,000 vans through September. That was up 25% from a year earlier and put its vans on pace for the best year since at least 2014.

Ford, which sells Transit cargo vans to Amazon, had record van sales in the third quarter, while General Motors Co.’s full-size van fleet sales were up 8.3% through October, due in large part to demand from online sellers and delivery companies.

Van deliveries at Mercedes-Benz are up 2.9% this year, after a 9.1% gain in 2018. The German automaker announced last year that Amazon had ordered 20,000 Sprinter vans built at its new plant in North Charleston, South Carolina.

Amazon also has announced plans to order 100,000 battery-powered delivery vans from Rivian Automotive Inc., an electric car-making venture it purchased a stake in earlier this year. The first of those battery-powered vans will hit the road in 2021.

The rise of Amazon’s branded fleet has also been a boon for auto dealers who repair and service these vehicles. "We’re seeing a lot of increase in servicing activity due to Amazon and other retailers,” said Steve Germain, owner of a dealer group with Mercedes and Ford stores in Florida, Michigan and Ohio. "It’s important for them to get back in service as soon as possible, so it’s great business for us.”

Tax-cut tailwind

The tax cuts President Donald Trump signed into law in late 2017 have been another tailwind for commercial vehicle sales.

Benefits under the law, which begin to phase out in 2022, double the amount of depreciation cost companies can claim for the first year of vehicle ownership -- to as much as 100% in some cases. That makes it easier to buy the vehicles, which start at around $30,000.

While the tax reform and stepped-up competition for parcel deliveries has goosed fleet sales, it’s unclear how much longer this segment of the industry will be able to buoy the broader US auto market.

Dealers expect to sell fewer than 17 million new cars and trucks in 2020 after a five-year run above that threshold.

"We think that’s changing the economics of fleet ownership, not only for rental companies, but delivery and service companies,” said Charlie Chesbrough, senior economist at Cox.

"A big question hanging over 2020 is, after two years of strong fleet, is there more upside potential, or have we tapped that out?”

 The Ram ProMaster.


Dr Wee questions govt plans for automotive tax structure review

                KUALA LUMPUR: MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong has questioned the government whether it has any plans to review the existing tax structure in the automotive sector in order to push down the price of vehicles.

Dr Wee (BN-Ayer Hitam) said that the existing tax structure has some effects on the prices of vehicles.

"Does the government have any plans to review the existing tax structure, which has some impact on vehicle prices, and at the same time is able to reduce vehicle prices," he said in a supplementary question during Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today.

In response, International Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said the government so far have no plans to review the tax structure for the automotive sector, especially the excise duty which is important in the development of the industry.

He explained that excise duties play an important role in encouraging value-added activities, especially locally assembled (CKD) cars and the development of vendors.

"This (excise duty) is to encourage local vendors to participate in the development of the automotive industry in the country," added Tengku Zafrul.

Explaining the matter, Tengku Zafrul said the government had offered various tax incentives in the form of exemptions or reductions in excise duty and sales tax, in addition to import duty for imported components for local assembly of vehicles.

"The rate or level of incentives given depends on all the merit of the business plan such as the amount of investment, development of vendors especially local vendors, technology transfer and plans for export," said the minister.


Najib: Jalan Travers renamed Jalan Rakyat

                KUALA LUMPUR: The 300m stretch of Jalan Travers fronting Bank Rakyat's new headquarters is now known as Jalan Rakyat.

The name change was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in conjunction with the launch of the building, known at Bank Rakyat Twin Tower today.

Jalan Rakyat starts from the Jalan Tun Sambanthan intersection to the intersection of Jalan Bangsar and Jalan Travers.


MCO: You can now travel just a bit more past 10km for food, groceries and medical needs

                PUTRAJAYA: Those going out to buy food, daily essentials and seeking medical attention can now travel beyond the 10km radius limit throughout Phase Four of the movement control order, says Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

He however said that the public should not go to places that are too far away from their residential area and find the nearest shop that is located within a 10km radius of their home.

"For instance, if a person needs to go to the clinic and it is 15km away from his house, that will be allowed now.

"But he should not go to seek medical attention that is located 20km away just because we have now allowed people to venture slightly further from the initial permissible area," he said today.

The government has eased up on the MCO under Phase Four, which include allowing two people from a family to go out and run errands for food, medicine and other daily needs.

Ismail Sabri said the two items have been gazetted.

The updated Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Declaration of Infected Local Areas) Order 2020 which was signed by the Health Minister stated that the MCO is further extended from April 29 until May 12.

On this matter, Ismail Sabri said all the MCOs, from the first which started on March 18 and to the current Phase Four were gazetted.

"We gazetted all the Orders because if we did not do so, then enforcement cannot be done," he said.

The minister clarified this as there were parties which claimed that the government did not gazette the MCOs.


New Nissan NP300 Navara open for booking

                PETALING JAYA: Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn. Bhd. (ETCM) has announced that bookings are open for the all-new Nissan NP300 Navara which is due to be launched in November this year.

The new Navara comes in six variants starting with the entry-level single cab 2.5L manual transmission and the rest (2.5E, 2.5SE (MT), 2.5SE (AT), 2.5V and 2.5VL) features the double cab in automatic or manual transmissions with an estimated starting price of RM85,000 to RM125,000.

The NP300 Navara comes as the most powerful pickup in its segment with the improved 2.5L, 3rd Generation YD25DDTi engine, which produces a maximum power output of 190PS and torque of 450Nm at 2,000rpm.

Paired with a first-in-class seven-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, drivers are assured more power with smoother acceleration. A host of other impressive specifications include an all-new multi-link rear suspension for SUV-like riding comfort, distinctive V-motion strut grille,full LED Headlamp with an impressive boomerang-shaped Daytime Running Light, rear spoiler and new 18-inch alloy wheels.

“When we first introduced the D40 Navara with the tagline ‘Mother Trucker’ to the Malaysian market, it redefined the pickup segment with its performance and driveability. Today, the All-New NP300 Navara will once again raise the bar with its dynamic driving performance, robust endurance, innovative design and advanced technologies,hence its tagline of ‘The Ultimate Pickup,” said ETCM director of product planning and marketing, Tan Keng Meng.

The NP300 Navara comes with the same luxurious comforts found in Nissan’s other premium models such as Zero Gravity Inspired Seats which helps to reduce driver fatigue, dual zone automatic air conditioning and rear air-conditioning vent.

Safety-wise, the NP300 Navara is equipped with Active Brake Limited Slip to provide better grip on slippery roads and enhance the vehicle’s stability, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, ISOFIX,Vehicle Dynamic Control, Anti-locking Braking System, Electronic Brake Force distribution, Brake Assist, and Traction Control System.

It comes in four colours: the all-new Savanna Orange, Tungsten Silver, Diamond Black, and Brilliant White.

Malaysians eager to get up close to the ultimate pickup are also invited to make their way to Nissan Roadshows happening around the country beginning Oct 15 2015.

Members of the public can visit www.np300navara.com.my to register their interest in the NP300 Navara and an invitation to an exclusive test drive.

Bookings for the All-New Nissan NP300 Navara can be made at all Nissan Showrooms nationwide.

Details of the Nissan Roadshows are as follows:
15 - 18 OctEasternKota Bharu Mall21 - 25 OctCentral1 Utama Shoping Mall6 – 8 NovSouthernBatu Pahat Mall10 – 15 NovNorthernAeon Station 1812 – 15 NovCentralASEAN Auto Show12 – 15 NovNorthernSunway Carnival Mall15 – 21 NovEasternTesco Kota Bharu18 – 22 NovCentralIOI City Mall20 – 22 NovSabahImago Kota Kinabalu20 – 22 NovSarawakCity One Kuching20 – 22 NovSouthernMydin Seremban


BMW 428i on the prowl

It looks sharp, sleek and athletic - like a thoroughbred race horse ready to duel at the top level.The new BMW 4 Series mid-sized sports coupe from the Munich-headquartered premium automaker has a low, flowing roofline and silhouette which makes it look dynamic, even when parked.Of course, the low windows on the frameless doors lend more sporting elegance to the two-door, four-seater, rear-wheel drive car.Our test drive unit was the 2.0L turbocharged 428i coupe which was fitted with the optional M Sport package (priced at RM30,000).The M Sport package includes the Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers, as well as 18-inch M light alloy wheels with 225/45 front tyres and 255/40 rear tyres.Inside the cabin, features such as M door sill finishers and plush leather sport seats shape the performance ambience.And staying true to BMW’s famous “Sheer Driving Pleasure” slogan, the 428i Coupe M Sport is not only fast (0 to 100kph acceleration in 5.8 seconds) but also has impressively agile handling characteristics.One does not need to be a trained race car driver to charge confidently through fast corners, as the BMW engineers have concocted another magical cocktail that involves an electromechanical steering with Servotronic function, a 50:50 weight distribution, wider track for the front and rear, as well as various improvements to the chassis.It also has a significantly lower centre of gravity, as it sits 10mm closer to the asphalt than the latest BMW 3 Series sedan.The Air Breathers, positioned rearwards of the front wheel arches, are another new element that reduce air resistance by diverting some of the air flowing through the wheel arches.At the same time, it has premium cabin appointments such as leather upholstery, automatic dual-zone air-conditioning with rear vents, and a nine-speaker Hi-Fi audio system mated to a 8.8-inch display screen, DVD drive, MP3 decoder and Navigation system. In the cabin, there is a pleasant lighting package including reading and footwell lights, and vanity mirror lights.We also found a lot of rear leg room, thanks to the car’s long 2,810mm wheelbase.Another nice touch is the hands-free boot lid opening feature which BMW calls Smart Opener.Here, you stand one step behind the centre of the rear bumper, and a “short movement” or kick of your foot under the bumper will automatically raise the boot lid.To sum it up, the 428i coupe fitted with the M Sport package is powerful, agile and fast, and has nice occupant comfort features, as well as an array of safety and driver assistance equipment to help protect you from accidents or injuries.It can be quiet and refined when moving in city traffic, and also be aggressive and a joy to toss around on twisty roads, or when under hard acceleration out of a corner.The ready-to-go power delivery from the eight-speed sport automatic transmission is marvellous, while the steering is communicative and precise.The sound insulation is solid, and the exhaust noise is quite muffled even when we stepped hard on the accelerator pedal.There are four driving modes namely ECO PRO, COMFORT, SPORT or SPORT+ that can be activated via the Driving Experience Control switch (located next to the gear lever). In SPORT mode, for example, throttle response is even faster and the steering becomes noticeably more direct.Those interested in lower fuel consumption can use the ECO PRO mode, which can potentially cut fuel use by as much as 20%.The ECO PRO Mode also has a coasting function where within a speed range of 50 to 160kph, the driver’s foot is moved off the accelerator and brakes are not applied - the system disconnects the engine and the car coasts - i.e. rolls without engine power.The 2.0L turbocharged 428i coupe is rated with an average fuel consumption of 6.4L per 100km.We think that this 428i coupe is great to drive, with its classy cabin and lowered ride height, 18-inch wheels and Adaptive M suspension.It certainly provides an engaging drive, and is a winner in terms of sporty credentials and top-notch dynamics.BMW 428i coupe M Sport   Engine: 1,997cc TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder petrolMaximum power: 245hp at 5,000 to 6,500rpmMaximum torque: 350Nm at 1,250 to 4,800rpmTransmission: Eight-speed automaticAcceleration (0 to 100kph): 5.8 secondsTop speed: 250kphStandard features: Dual front airbags, head and side airbags, DSC (dynamic stability control) including ABS (anti-lock brake system), ASC (automatic stability control), CBC (cornering brake control) and DTC (dynamic traction control), front and rear PDC (park distance control), cruise control with braking function, dynamic braking lights, rear child seat ISOFIX points, run flat tyresPrice: RM358,800 without insurance (and another RM30,000 for the optional M Sport package)


First electric only car-charging station opens in UK

                LONDON: The first all-electric auto service station will open in Britain today as drivers increasingly avoid cars fuelled by gasoline and diesel.

It’s another sign the energy and transport industries are gearing up to deal with as many as 30 million electric vehicles on the road by 2040.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson plans to phase out traditional engines in cars from 2030 and set the most agressive target in the Group of 20 nations for slashing greenhouse-gas emissions.

The station in Essex, southeast England, is the first of 100 electric facilities that Gridserve and Hitachi Capital UK Plc. are planning and is part of a £1 billion (RM5.5bil) programme to roll out the stations across the country.

It includes 36 rapid chargers powered only by renewable energy. The charging technology is among the fastest commercially available in Britain and can top up a battery with 322km of capacity in 20 minutes.

Gridserve has updated "the traditional petrol station model for a net-zero carbon world and is delivering the confidence people need to make the switch to electric transport today — a full decade ahead of the 2030 ban,” said Toddington Harper, its founder and chief executive officer.

Sales of battery-powered electric vehicles in the UK rose 122% last month from a year ago, while hybrids were up 77%, according to industry data published last Friday.
Most of the world’s EV charging infrastructure has been built in China and Europe.

North America, with far less robust public subsidy and support, remains a distant third in the charging race, though some hope that a pandemic stimulus plan will catalyze a new wave of construction.

At Gridserve’s station in Braintree, the electricity is generated from canopies of solar panels above the chargers as well as a network of hybrid solar farms. The UK’s first subsidy-free solar farm in Clay Hill is feeding the facility.

There is also a 6 megawatt-hour battery on site, which helps to balance the local grid and store power for use at peak times.

For example, on windy winter nights, the battery can hold enough energy for drivers to travel 38,000km the following day.

Charging will cost 24 pence (RM1.30) per kilowatt-hour of energy, currently the lowest ultra-high power charging rates on the market, according to Gridserve.

A typical charge from 20% to 80% costs less than £10 (RM55) for an average-size electric vehicle.


Hennessey hypercar heading to SEMA

                LAS VEGAS: The 2015 SEMA show just got a bit more bite. And that's because when its doors open on Tuesday, it will play host to a new, even faster and even more exclusive version of the Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE) Venom GT.

As one of the very few boutique hypercars that can cut it with the big boys in terms of reliability and performance, the Venom could already serve up 1,244hp and a top speed of 435kph.

However, on Nov 3 it will be overtaken by the new 1,451 HP Hennessey Venom GT model, which can output a Bugatti Veyron-baiting 1,451hp from the same 7-litre twin-turbo V8, and that should translate into a 0-100kph time of 2.4 seconds and a potential top speed of 450kph.

"Being the fastest matters," said HPE founder and president, John Hennessey. "We are intent on keeping the Venom as the fastest, best performing and most exciting hypercar on the road."

The new model, which also showcases a GPS-informed traction control system so that none of that extra power goes to waste, should also keep Venom fans happy until the company's next hypercar, the F5, is ready for launch.

"We only plan to produce a handful of Venom GT's in 2016 as we are also preparing for our next evolution, the Venom F5," said Hennessey. "We plan to demonstrate our improved power and performance both in terms of straight line acceleration as well as road course handling and lap time performance."

However, all of this talk of and work on hypercars hasn't distracted the company from doing what it's always done best - taking slow cars and making them fast and taking fast cars and making them ferocious.

Alongside the 1451 Venom, HPE will be displaying the 2016 HPE750 Supercharged Ford Mustang Convertible. Its 5-litre, force-fed V8 will output 774hp, can accelerate from standstill to 100kph in just 3.2 seconds and has an independently verified top speed of 322kph.

While for those that want something as practical as it is potent, the latest iteration of the VelociRaptor, HPE's take on the Ford F-150 pickup will also be making its debut.

Like the Mustang, its V8 is supercharged, meaning that it can hit 60mph from standstill in just 4.9 seconds, and thanks to upgraded suspension, heavy duty bumpers and skid plates should be able to take that acceleration and power (650hp) from the track to the field.

"I've been coming to the SEMA Show for the past 24 years and I'm more excited than ever to share our latest and greatest vehicles," said Hennessey. "From wild to mild, our special cars and trucks continue to deliver a driving experience of the highest order."


The new Montblanc x BMW luggage set

                MUNICH: BMW is continuing its cooperation with the iconic brand Montblanc with a five-piece luggage set that’s perfectly tailored to the boot of the BMW 8 Series Coupé.

Inspired by the multifaceted spirit of California and prompted by the idea of a luggage set that perfectly fits in the BMW 8 Series Coupé, Montblanc designed a luxurious vision for modern-day lifestyle expectations.

The bespoke Montblanc x BMW Luggage Set is handcrafted in Florence using high-quality, perforated black or red leather with black darts.

This exclusive set in a limited edition of 15 comprises a guitar bag, a surf bag, a duffel bag, a suit bag and a leather case – five different models designed to fit together perfectly in the boot of the BMW 8 Series Coupé.

With its sophisticated materials and first-class handcraftsmanship, the Montblanc x BMW Luggage Set underscores the BMW luxury model’s claim to leadership.

The professional guitar bag stands out with its striking, distinctive feature – a detachable shoulder strap. Worn to the side or as a backpack, the strap gives the bag a modern twist. The guitar bag is lined inside with neoprene, offering reliable protection for its valuable contents, while two practical pockets on the front offer space for music notes and guitar accessories.

The round surf bag comes in a confident, sporty look and features a large main compartment and a separate compartment for accessories. Practical shoulder straps mean the surf bag can be worn comfortably as a backpack.

A veritable classic: the duffel bag sports the iconic round look and offers ample space for high fashion in the main compartment. The duffel bag also has two separate zip compartments for shoes and accessories.

The premium-quality, double-folding suit bag reliably protects suits and shirts from creasing and getting dirty. A clever compartment system allows clothes, cufflinks and accessories all to be stored separately.

The sturdy leather case with a handle represents perfect organisation and features a large main compartment with elastic straps, three zip compartments and two large sections for accessories.

The Montblanc x BMW Luggage Set is available now at BMW Welt in Munich with a recommended retail price: 14, 900 euros (RM68, 775).


VW calls Golf 8 into workshops for software update

                WOLFSBURG: Volkswagen is calling the latest model of its workhorse Golf series into the workshops for a software update.

A VW spokesman said last week that, because Golf 8 cars produced in the future would have new hardware and software elements, the cars already sold would also have new software installed.

Among other things, the company wants to improve the voice controls in the car.

Since the start of production, the Golf 8 has had problems with the software and electronic features, which had been significantly expanded compared to the previous version, and which did not work as smoothly as initially thought.

READ MORE:  New VW Golf and Golf GTI crop up in Sekinchan media preview

Last year, for example, VW called the cars into the workshops because of malfunctions in the electronic emergency call assistant.

The Golf 8 was launched in 2019. Trade magazine auto Motor Sport reported 220,000 vehicles delivered in Germany alone by November 2021, which are now to be taken to the workshop.

The VW spokesperson did not want to give any detailed information on the number of cars. It was not a mandatory recall by the Federal Motor Transport Authority, but a voluntary service measure, he said.

Customers will probably be contacted at the beginning of the first quarter.


Ford Performance preps to race Ranger Raptor T1+ in Dakar Rally

                DETROIT: An extreme racing version of the Ford Ranger will lead the expansion of Ford Performance global off-road racing to include the famed Dakar Rally in 2024 and beyond.

Ford Performance has raced and won from Le Mans to Monaco, Daytona to Bathurst and Finke to Ensenada. But it has yet to take on one of the toughest races on the planet – the iconic Dakar Rally.

The first step in the multi-year plan to compete in the Dakar Rally is to finish and learn in collaboration with longtime partners M-Sport and Neil Woolridge Motorsport (NWM) for vehicle development, servicing and event management.

Leading the charge into the 2024 Dakar Rally, taking place Jan 5-19 in Saudi Arabia, will be a purpose-built, high performance Ranger racing in the Rally Raid T1+ category.

The joint Ford Performance, M-Sport and NWM team has implemented a series of development phases through 2023 and continues testing with the Ranger T1+, based on the previous generation global Ranger, with a 3.5-litre EcoBoost engine.

Test races are expected to include Spain’s Baja España Aragón and Morocco’s Rally du Maroc rallies in July and October, respectively, before tackling the Dakar Rally next year.

“Our first time in Dakar will be a learning adventure that will help inform how we compete in the future,” said Mark Rushbrook, Global Director, Ford Performance Motorsports.

“But as with all racing, we’re not just racing to win, we’re also racing to help build better products for our customers.”

For the 2025 Dakar Rally, Ford Performance and M-Sport are developing an all-new, custom-built Ranger Raptor T1+ designed and built to Dakar’s T1+ class regulations.

M-Sport is well regarded as a leading developer and campaigner of the M-Sport Ford Puma HybridRally in the FIA World Rally Championship, as well as engine builders for the Mustang GT3 program.

NWM has played a key role since the infancy of the Rally-Raid Ranger, as the team developed and built units at its facility in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, specified to compete in full Dakar T1+ regulations in the South African Rally-Raid Championship (SARRC) and around the world.


Dutch trial foot-level traffic lights for phone users

                ROTTERDAM: With pedestrians increasingly glued to mobile screens and straying into roads and oncoming traffic, a Dutch town has launched a pilot project to help warn of impending danger.

Launched last week, the so-called "Light-line" scheme uses LED light strips embedded into a road crossing and linked to traffic lights to cast a red or green line across the pedestrian's path.

"People are increasingly distracted on their smartphones when they are out and about among traffic," said local councillor Kees Oskam from the small western town of Bodegraven near here.

"Greater attention is being paid to social media, games, WhatsApp, and music, and so there is not so much attention on traffic," he said in a statement.

"We probably can't overturn this trend, so we might as well try to anticipate" problems.

The lights have been produced by Dutch firm HIG Traffic Systems, and if the pilot test proves a success the aim will be to roll them out in other Dutch towns. It could possibly also be used on the country's many cycle paths.

According to the Dutch Road Safety organisation, a smartphone is involved in one in five bike accidents involving young people.


Want the new Honda Civic? It's now open for bookings

                PETALING JAYA: Honda Malaysia has opened booking for the new tenth-generation Civic model which will be launched in second quarter of the year.

CarSifu has driven the car in Chiengmai, Thailand earlier this week, and the story is in the first link below.

The all-new Civic has been completely re-engineered to create a sensational feel and boasts a solid sculptural body surface and advance athletic sleek cabin design. Said by Honda to be the best Civic model ever made, the new vehicle comes with a longer hood and sporty front overhang, which gives the All-New Civic a more “in motion” appearance.

Furthermore, for the first time in Malaysia, the new Civic will be equipped with full LED headlights combined with LED Daytime Running Lights.

READ MORE:CarSifu drives new Honda Civic in ThailandThailand gets all-new Honda Civic
2016 Bangkok Motor Show: Honda Civic takes centrestage

Body rigidity has been increased and in combination with front MacPherson struts and rear multilink suspension, promises good driving dynamics.

The new Civic also has “A” pillars which has been redesigned to be thing for better driving viewpoints. The rear seat foot space width has also been increased by 27mm compared with the current model.

To further reduce noise, vibration and harshness level, a light weight sound proofing system has been applied which includes an underbody covering and a high noise isolation door system.

For the first time in Honda Malaysia’s line-up, a brand new 1.5-litre VTEC Turbocharged direct injection engine from Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology will be introduced in the new Civic.

Coupled to a continuously variable transmission, the 1.5L VTEC Turbocharged engine delivers 173PS and 220Nm of torque which is equivalent to a performance from a 2.4-litre engine.

Customers can also opt for the 1.8-litre i-VTEC engine which produces 141PS and 174Nm of torque. The 1.5L Turbo will be fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels while the 1.8L gets 16-inch alloy wheels. An eight-way driver power seat is standard for all variants as well as Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), ISOFIX and six airbags (dual front, side curtains and side units).

Its first-in-segment features includes the Remote Engine Start which allows the driver to start his vehicle engine up to 40m via a remote key to activate the air-conditioning to cool down the cabin before entering the vehicle and the intelligent Walk Away Auto Lock that automatically lock all doors when the driver walks away with the smart key beyond 2.5 metres range (with no individual in the car).

Other new features are the Electric Parking Brake and Brake Hold which improves driving convenience and comfort. Since the first generation Civic was introduced in 1972, the succeeding generations has been well accepted globally.

The Civic is synonymous with the Honda brand in Malaysia, which appeals as an exciting, fun and dynamic vehicle.  Since the Civic was introduced by Honda Malaysia in 2001, the company has sold 81,013 units of Civic up to March 2016.

Customers will be able to view the new Civic for the first time in Malaysia at My Auto Fest 2016 which will take place from May 20 – 22 (10am to 9pm) at Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre, Seri Kembangan, Selangor.


Audi Malaysia introduces #ReadyToDrive campaign

                KUALA LUMPUR: PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM) has announced its #ReadyToDrive campaign with a focus on safety, reliability and peace of mind for Audi owners.

This marks the first aftersales initiative by PHSAM since representing the Audi brand for wholesale, marketing and aftersales in Malaysia in July 2022.

The #ReadyToDrive campaign which runs from Oct 1 to Dec 31, 2022 offers Audi owners the following:

> Complimentary 30-point vehicle condition check for owners who have not visited an Audi
Centre in the past 12 months
> Complimentary pickup and delivery service
> 20% savings on Audi service and selected wear and tear parts
> 20% savings on Audi batteries

Every Audi Centre comes with a customer lounge, equipped with free WiFi use.

Audi cars bought in Malaysia are backed by 3 years free maintenance, 5 years unlimited mileage warranty and 5 years roadside assistance.

“Customer satisfaction is very important to us. As such, we are levelling up our efforts across the board. We want to ensure Audi are running at their best, always,” said PHSAM aftersales director Deenan Nadar in a statement on Monday.

According to the latest report from a stakeholder survey conducted every two years by Audi, vehicle safety is ranked as the highest priority by customers.

“Audi owners can leverage our latest customer care package which has been designed to offer reliability and safety. In view of the upcoming school holidays and festive breaks, and with the monsoon season around the corner, we want our customers to have a safe and reliable journey."

PHSAM said its technicians nationwide have been undergoing regular upskilling and assessments to improve their service level performance as part of efforts by the company to boost the quality of aftersales service.


Google wants to use AI to time traffic lights more efficiently

                SAN FRANCISCO: Alphabet Inc's Google cut fuel use and traffic delays by 10% to 20% at four locations in Israel by using artificial intelligence to optimise signal lights and it next plans to test the software in Rio de Janeiro, the company said today.

The early-phase research project is among new software initiatives inside Google to combat climate change.

Some employees as well as advocacy groups have called on the company, the world's third-most valuable, to more urgently use its influence to combat the crisis.

While Google has not addressed critics' calls to stop selling technology to oil companies or funding lawmakers who deny global warming, it has prioritised sustainability features.

Google plans in the coming weeks to allow its Nest thermostat users to buy renewable energy credits for US$10 a month to offset emissions from heating and cooling.

Credits will come from projects in Texas including Bethel Wind Farm and Roseland Solar.

A majority of the funds will go towards credit purchases and utility-bill payment costs, Google said, without elaborating on the remainder.

For no charge across the United States, Nest users soon can automatically shift heating and cooling to times when energy is cleaner.

New informational panels alongside search results show emissions or other environmental ratings of flights globally and cars and home appliances in the United States.

To stem misinformation, English, Spanish and French queries mentioning "climate change" starting this month will feature explanations from the United Nations.

Based on early results in Israel's Haifa and Beer-Sheva, Rio de Janeiro's municipal traffic authority expressed high hopes for the AI to better time traffic signal changes.

It said the system should be introduced within months with locations announced soon.

Aleksandar Stevanovic, an associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at University of Pittsburgh, said simulations show AI could smooth traffic flow.

But he questioned whether a tech company without traffic engineering expertise ultimately could bring such software to reality.

"Every year there is someone new claiming we can do wonders," he said.


M xDrive makes its debut in BMW M3 and BMW M4

                MUNICH: BMW M GmbH is adding another two variants to the model line-up by offering the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system for the high-performance sports cars in the premium midsize segment for the first time.

This comes just a few months after the new M3 Sedan and M4 Coupé went on sale.

The M3 Competition and M4 Competition now both benefit from the M xDrive. The rear-wheel variants of the Competition series are still available.

The power from the 375 kW/510hp straight-six engine fitted in the new models is directed via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. The M-specific all-wheel-drive system then divides it between the front and rear wheels as required to enhance agility, directional stability, traction and track-focused dynamics at all times.

This allows the driver to experience the hallmark M performance characteristics reflected, among other things, in even quicker acceleration. The launch of the M3 Competition with M xDrive and M4 Competition with M xDrive will get under way in July.

The M xDrive system’s specially tuned power transmission control already provides a smile-inducing alternative to classical rear-wheel drive for a host of high-performance models from BMW M GmbH.

Teaming up with the all-wheel-drive system is the Active M Differential, which also ensures fully variable distribution of drive torque between the rear wheels as the situation demands.

This helps to transfer the drive torque to the road without any loss of power, especially when the car is being pushed hard or has less grip on one side.

The M xDrive system and the Active M Differential – complete with its integrated M-specific traction control – link up with the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system to ensure precisely judged interaction for the driving situation at hand.

The goal here is to produce a supremely dynamic driving experience blending the customary M feeling with noticeably enhanced traction and directional stability.

The M xDrive system uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case for smoothly adjustable, fully variable distribution of drive torque between the front and rear wheels.

The multi-plate clutch’s oil supply has been optimised to keep the variable power splitting mechanism performing effectively even under hard driving on the track.

The task of transmitting power to the front and rear differentials is handled by driveshafts engineered specifically for the M3 Competition with M xDrive and M4 Competition with M xDrive.

The output shafts that relay the drive torque to the wheels are likewise bespoke items. The all-wheel-drive system has a rear-biased setup in classic M style. Normally, the drive power is channelled entirely rearwards, with the front wheels only being brought into play when the rears cannot feed any more power to the road.

The transfer case features a bespoke control unit and integrated wheel slip limitation. This enables it to compensate for any differences in rotational speed between the front and rear wheels very quickly without having to involve the central DSC management.

This results in enhanced all-wheel-drive performance whose principal effect is to further intensify the sense of unshakable poise in situations such as powering through corners in a controlled drift.

The improvements in traction, handling stability, agility and dynamism brought about by the combination of M xDrive and Active M Differential also translate into superior sprinting ability.

The M3 Competition with M xDrive and M4 Competition with M xDrive both need just 3.5 seconds to reach the 100kph mark from standstill, making them 0.4 seconds quicker here than their rear-wheel-drive equivalents.

The dynamic transmission of power to the road in both cars takes place via standard M light-alloy wheels measuring 19 inches in diameter at the front axle and 20 inches at the rear. The forged wheels in twin-spoke design with a Jet Black finish are fitted with tyres measuring 275/35 R19 at the front and 285/30 R20 at the rear. Specially designed track tyres with the same dimensions are also available as an option.

M xDrive also allows the driver to tailor the all-wheel-drive system’s characteristics and performance to the driving situation and their individual preferences. The desired setting can be selected directly from the Setup menu of the M-specific operating system, where there is a choice of three different power transmission modes.

In the default 4WD setting, the all-wheel-drive system offers maximum traction and precisely controllable handling while maintaining a distinctly rear-biased power split at all times.

Activating 4WD Sport mode directs an even greater proportion of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels, even in extremely dynamic driving situations, resulting in sharper agility. The linear build-up of lateral forces so characteristic of M models now also makes it possible to execute controlled drifts.

Drivers can also switch off the DSC system altogether and engage 2WD mode, where drive power is relayed solely to the rear wheels. If the optional M Traction Control is fitted, traction can be finely adjusted through 10 stages in this setting in the same way as on the rear-wheel-drive models.

This form of power transmission without any intervention from the chassis control systems to stabilise the vehicle allows seasoned drivers to enjoy a heightened driving experience and hone their skills with the help of the optional M Drift Analyser.

Drivers can set and store their preferred M xDrive mode as part of the two individual M1 and M2 configurations, together with the settings for engine characteristics, damper response, steering characteristics, braking system and other parameters. Either configuration can then be called up instantly at any time by pressing one of the two M buttons on the steering wheel.


Skoda teases RS Vision Concept

                PRAGUE: As teasers go, the sketches Skoda has released of its Vision RS concept ahead of a full reveal at next month's Paris Motor Show are fairly comprehensive. Although it's not intended to be a production model, the Vision RS does give us more than a hint of what to expect from the next-generation Skoda Rapid that's due next year, along with the potential styling of a future performance model.

And as well as the drawings, Skoda has also released a short YouTube video of the design team working on the development of the concept's styling. Last week we were presented with drawings of the exterior, so this week it's the interior we're being given insight into.

In the short promotional video, the viewer is invited into the Skoda design studio in the Czech capital, which is located close to the Prague Castle and the Charles Bridge. The first designs for the future Skoda models are not only being drawn up at the design studio in Cesana / Mladá Boleslav, but also in the inspiring environment of the Prague art nouveau building at Masarykovo nábreží.

Instead of just being another futuristic concept, the RS Vision is also being billed as model using "vegan" and sustainably produced materials such as Alcantara for the seat covers, which is a man-made alternative to suedes and leathers.

The vehicle's centre console is a space-frame design with integrated shift-by-wire operation of the DSG which is made entirely of carbon fibre. Carbon fibre is also used extensively for decorative elements of the interior such as the door panels and seats, because Skoda says "this high-tech material creates a direct link to the world of motor racing."

The special loop-shaped door handles are therefore said to be reminiscent of racing cars, while the storage compartments with elastic rubber bands are said by the manufacturer to be "simply clever."

Still on the sustainability theme, the carbon fibre consists of 100% recycled polyester, which complements those seat covers made from vegan Alcantara very nicely.

The RS Vision is longer and narrower than the existing Rapide Spaceback and therefore gives an idea of what the indirect replacement for that model will look like when it arrives early next year. The new model won't be called the Rapide though, but what its new nomenclature will be hasn't been confirmed yet.


BMW model update for fall 2019

                MUNICH: BMW is making further advances in its push to boost the driving pleasure and efficiency of its current model range with the introduction of state-of-the-art mild-hybrid technology in autumn 2019.

Fitting a 48V starter-generator in the BMW 5 Series for the first time has the additional benefit of increasing power output and reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

The 48V starter-generator acts likes an electric drive unit that assists the engine, allowing the latter to operate within an efficiency-optimised load range as frequently as possible. An electric overboost function, meanwhile, injects an extra dose of dynamism when accelerating under full throttle.

Meanwhile, the BMW 330e sedan , BMW 530e sedan and BMW 530e xDrive sedan plug-in hybrid models will offer even greater versatility and everyday practicality from Nov 2019 when a trailer coupling joins the options list.

These three models will have a maximum trailer load of 750kg.

New optional extras designed to further enhance sporting prowess and driving comfort will also be made available for numerous other models from autumn 2019.

Some of the most tempting additions to the options lists include the M Performance package for the BMW M135i xDrive, BMW Laserlight for the BMW 5 Series and the M Carbon roof for the new BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe.

The new M Performance package for the BMW 135i xDrive brings exterior mirror caps and exhaust tailpipes in a Black painted finish and a mesh-design BMW kidney grille in High-gloss Black with a surround painted in the same colour.

 BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupe M Carbon Roof.

The new BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe brings the choice of optional extras for the four-door luxury sports car will expand to include an M Carbon roof, which will be available as an individual item for the BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and in conjunction with the M Sport package for the other model variants.

Finally, new exterior and interior options open up a wealth of possibilities for individualising the new BMW X5, new BMW X6 and new BMW X7.

M multifunction front seats are just one of the optional features due to become available for the executive-and luxury-class BMW X models from December 2019.

The BMW Individual Composition, which will be offered for the new BMW X5, new BMW X6 and new BMW X7 from December 2019 consists of equipment package comprises a selection of highly exclusive options for the exterior and interior boasting exceptional material quality and workmanship.

A set of 22-inch BMW Individual light-alloy wheels and a BMW Individual paint finish ensure the BMW X models cut a stylish figure. Inside, BMW Individual Merino full leather trim, a BMW Individual headliner in Alcantara and BMW Individual interior trim strips in Piano Finish Black.

The options list for the new BMW X6 also now includes a load compartment package comprising sliding rails, non-slip rails and retaining nets. Interior trim strips in Ash Grain Brown or Fineline Stripe and Vernasca design-perforated leather trim in Ivory White add to the choice of customisation options for the cabin.

The functionality of the Driving Assistant Professional will be enhanced in the new BMW X5 and new BMW X6 with the addition of the new Lane Change Assistant, which aids the driver with automated steering movements during overtaking manoeuvres.


Isuzu keeps the kids occupied

                LONDON: If you’re struggling to keep your kids entertained over the lockdown period, Isuzu has come up with some fun activities to keep them occupied while families are trying to adjust to the temporary situation.

Isuzu has produced a range of colouring sheets that show the D-Max pick-up truck in action.

The sheets show the D-Max initially in construction and farming environments but new designs will be released over the coming days and weeks.

Children are being asked to show off their creative skills and “Colour them in like a Pro” then share their drawings on social media, either through the Isuzu Facebook channel or #MYISUZU.

Coming up soon will be a part-completed picture, where Isuzu would start by drawing the front half of the truck and leave the other half blank so children can choose their favourite cab type.

A dot to dot D-Max will also be available for younger children (or the less artistic!). All of these activities will be downloadable from Isuzu.co.uk/kids.

German car maker Audi also has a similar idea to keep the children amused during the stay-at-home phase.


Fuel subsidy to be reviewed, targeted subsidy for needy instead, says Tengku Zafrul

                KUALA LUMPUR: The current fuel subsidy will be reviewed in favour of a targeted programme for the needy due to the sharp rise of global crude oil prices, says Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.

He said that the government could be paying up to RM28bil in subsidies for petrol, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for 2022, as the Russian-Ukrainian war has pushed crude oil prices over US$100 (RM418) per barrel, the highest level seen since 2014.

He said crude oil prices have been rising significantly since 2021, costing US$85 (RM356) per barrel in January this year compared to US$55 (RM230) during the same month last year.

Tengku Zafrul added that the spike in global crude oil prices have caused the government to bear a tenfold increase in the subsidy bill for petrol, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from RM200mil in January 2021 to over RM2bil in January this year.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine further escalated crude oil prices, to over US$100 (RM418) per barrel, and it is now expected that the subsidy for petrol, diesel and LPG will cost the government more than RM2.5bil a month, he said.

“If the global crude oil prices remain at over US$100 (RM418), the overall cost of subsidy for the whole of 2022 is expected to reach RM28bil compared to RM11bil in 2021," added Tengku Zafrul.

He said that under the current programme, the same subsidised prices are enjoyed by all, regardless of rich or poor and added that the high-income group will enjoy more subsidies based on consumption levels, which are larger, compared to those on low incomes.

“Therefore, the government will review the fuel subsidy mechanism in order to implement a more targeted and focused aid and subsidy to the vulnerable and those really in need,” Tengku Zafrul told the Dewan Rakyat during the Minister’s Question Time today.

He also said that the government cannot borrow for operating expenses such as subsidies and therefore the increase in subsidy cost must be offset by increased revenue and cost savings by the government.

Thus, the implementation of targeted subsidies is expected to optimise the government's financial resources and the savings obtained can be redistributed for more effective programs that will in turn contribute to the well being of the people, said Tengku Zafrul.

He added that consumers in Malaysia have continued to enjoy retail fuel prices of RM2.05 per litre for the RON95 grade petrol but that the actual cost in March had reached RM3.70 per litre.

He then said that this meant that the government had to cover the difference of RM1.65 per litre.

“For example, every time we refuel with a value of RM100 or about 49 litres, the amount paid by the government is RM81 because the actual cost based on market price is RM181 for 49 litres of RON95," said Tengku Zafrul

“This means the government subsidy is up to 45% of the total price. As for diesel, consumers only pay RM2.15 per litre while the actual cost has exceeded RM4 per litre,” he added.

Tengku Zafrul also said that the big gap between the retail price at the petrol station compared to the actual market price will also result in a higher risk of subsidy leakage caused by petroleum products being smuggled out of Malaysia to neighbouring countries, which have higher retail petrol prices.

The RM2.05 per litre retail price of petrol in Malaysia is relatively low compared to oil-producing countries such as Saudi Arabia, where it is RM2.59 per litre, and also when compared to neighbouring countries such as Indonesia at RM3.74 sen per litre, Thailand at RM5.63 sen per litre and Singapore at RM9.16 sen per litre, said Tengku Zafrul.

Earlier, Wong Hon Wai (PH-Bukit Bendera) asked the Finance Minister whether a coordination of petrol, diesel and subsidy programmes needed to be done given global crude oil price and natural gas have risen sharply during the Russian-Ukrainian war.

Tengku Zafrul added that the government is also reviewing how the targeted subsidy approach can be expanded to other subsidised products so that the subsidies can be focused on those really in need.


JLR to launch electric Jaguar I-PACE in India in early 2021

                NEW DELHI: Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) plans to launch its electric Jaguar I-PACE sedan in India early next year, the automaker’s country head told Reuters on Thursday, as governments across the world push for more clean-energy vehicles.

The British luxury carmaker owned by India’s Tata Motors also plans to launch plug-in hybrid versions of its vehicles in coming months, including the Land Rover Defender sport-utility vehicle (SUV), JLR India’s Rohit Suri said.

Earlier on Thursday, JLR launched the new Defender SUV in India, widening its portfolio as demand recovers gradually in the face of the coronavirus crisis. The launch also comes ahead of major festivals, such as Diwali in November, during which Indians often make large purchases.

“We are cautiously optimistic that the product line-up will accentuate the recovery we are witnessing,” Suri said, adding that the I-PACE launch is planned to take place in the first three months of next year.

The I-PACE has a range of up to 470km.

India has been promoting the use of electric vehicles and plans to offer US$4.6 billion in incentives to companies setting up advanced battery manufacturing facilities in the country as part of the effort to boost investment in clean-energy cars.

Tata Group companies including Tata Motors, Tata Chemicals and Tata Power plan to make electric cars and batteries, set up charging stations and build a battery recycling plant.


Infiniti Q60 sports coupe launched at RM309K

                KUALA LUMPUR: Infiniti has launched its Q60 sports coupe — the sportier little brother to the Q50 premium luxury sedan.

Priced at RM308,800 (on-the-road with GST without insurance), the fully imported Q60 comes with a seven-year unlimited mileage warranty and is available in six colours of Majestic White, Graphite Shadow, Iridium Blue, Dynamic Sunstone Red and Midnight Black.

A 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with direct-injection provides rear-wheel propulsion and produces 211hp at 5,500rpm and 350Nm of torque from 1,250 to 3,500rpm for the seven-speed automatic transmission with adaptive shift control and downshift rev-matching to manage. The 1,991cc mill is derived from Mercedes-Benz.

The car is able to hit 7.3 seconds in the 0-100kph sprint before reaching a top speed of 235kph, while fuel consumption is rated at 13.3km per litre on the combined cycle.

The Q60 offers four drive modes: Personal, Sport, Standard and Snow. It gets 19-inch two-tone multi-spoke alluminium alloy wheels with 255/40 run-flat tyres.

To ensure ride comfort, the car has independent double-wishbones with coil springs over shock absorbers and stabiliser bar in front and independent multi-link system with coil springs over dual flow path shock absorbers and stabiliser bar at the back.

Externally, the Q60 features automatic LED headlights with daytime running lights and integrated turn signals as well as LEDs for the fog and rear cluster lights.

It also gets power-folding heated external mirrors with turn signals, keyless entry with push-start button, automatic wipers and chrome for the side vents and exhaust tips.

The interior is lavished with brushed aluminium inserts and semi-aniline leather in either Gallery White or Graphite colours for the high-backed sports seats that have heating, 12-way power-adjustability (8-way for front passenger) and two memory slots.

In addition to the leather-wrapped gear knob and power adjustable steering wheel, there's also an 8.0-inch LCD upper and 7.0-inch colour vehicle information display, 5.0-inch TFT colour information display, cruise control and dual-zone automatic climate controls.

Entertainment comes from a 13-speaker Bose Performance Series Audio system with radio/CD/MP3 playback, two USB ports, AUX-jack, reverse camera, voice regocnition and Bluetooth connectivity.

In the safety department, the Q60 gains six airbags, anti-lock braking system with brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution, advanced vehicle dynamic control, traction control, tyre pressure monitoring system and a pop-up engine hood for better pedestrian safety.

The new Q60 coupe will be available for test drives from May 7 at INFINITI Center Kuala Lumpur, which is located at The ICON in Jalan Tun Razak. The centre opens daily from 10am to 7pm.


Ducati opens state-of-the-art training centre in Thailand

                KUALA LUMPUR: Ducati recently opened its newest Training Centre at the Ducati factory in Rayong, Thailand.

This state-of-the-art facility is built and conceived with the aim of further enhancing the level of the customer experience in its every aspect within all Ducati dealerships in the Asia Pacific region.

Brand trainings, Ducati Riding Experience certifications and technical trainings will, from now on, all be conducted using the Ducati Asia Pacific Training Center.

Dominique Cheraki (Ducati Asia Markets Director) commented: “The best training program in the world is worthless without the will to execute it properly, consistently, and with intensity. With our new Training centre we have now state-of-the-art facilities that will enable us to deliver strong brand and technical trainings to all personnel from the whole Asia-Pacific Ducati network.”

Last year Ducati APAC started deploying, with this goal in mind, the so-called Genius Program, on which Ducati has been working since early 2016, that consists of a series of courses and trainings that not only certifies the knowledge and skills of Ducati’s technicians, but also draw a career path for all of them based on different level of expertise and certifications achieved.

Together with technical trainings on present and past models, the Ducati Asia Pacific Training Center will also host brand trainings that will further enhance the customer experience not only related to Ducati’s products, but also, and mainly, to the Ducati world, which is composed of its racing present and heritage, online and offline communities, lifestyle and brand immersions.

Alberto Strada (Ducati Motor Thailand Managing Director) also commented: “With this brand-new facility, Ducati Motor Thailand becomes even further the Ducati hub for the Asia-Pacific region. Founded in 2010 as a production plant for the ASEAN community, the Thai facility has been hosting the Sales, Marketing and After Sales departments since 2011 and now we have the pleasure to add the Ducati Asia Pacific Training Center as additional milestone to develop and reinforce the Ducati brand throughout the entire region”

The Ducati APAC Training Center, which was awarded Board of Investment privileges, covers more than 200sqm and, thanks to its modular layout, can host multiple training sessions simultaneously.

In addition, thanks to the availability of augmented reality technology, training-engines and training-workshops, in 2019 more than 230 technicians and 100 dealers’ employees will be enabled to provide Ducati customers with a 360-degree experience all over the region.

“Ducati keeps raising the bar in terms of sophistication on its products and it is fundamental for us to ensure that our network is always technically prepared and updated to provide the best service possible to our customers. On the other hand, we can’t forget about our

collectors’ motorcycles and that is why we also have 14 training engines that we use to train our network on every Ducati model produced since 1980 until now,” stated Luca Stasi, Ducati APAC After Sales Director.

Operations have already started and groups of Ducati personnel from Thailand, India, China, and Korea are scheduled to be experiencing this state-of-the-art facility in the next weeks.


Automakers commit to combatting connected car cybercrime

                BRUSSELS: The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) is making a firm commitment to consumers, data protection and cyber safety. It is this week publishing a set of six key principles for automotive cybersecurity that every one of its members — from Audi and BMW to Mercedes and Land Rover — fully endorse.

"The digital world offers unprecedented opportunities," said ACEA Secretary General, Erik Jonnaert. "Nevertheless, opportunity comes with risks, and one of these is the threat of a direct cyberattack on your car or indeed a whole fleet of vehicles."

The technological benefits and possibilities of greater automotive connectivity are already being very intelligently exploited by the automotive community.

The current-generation Mercedes E-Class can wirelessly communicate with other E Class sedans and wagons on the road to warn about traffic jams and weather conditions.

READ MORE:
HARMAN devises onion-like security system to check car hacking
Another study bolsters claim hackers can get into most 'connected cars'
Access to Tesla cars only a password away, says researcher

In Sweden, Volvos are using a continuous 3G connection to the cloud to let local authorities know which sections of road are in the greatest need of snowploughing or gritting.

Ford has set out an ambitious plan to make 100% of all its new cars sold in the US connected as standard by 2020 and 90% of its cars sold in other countries.

OnStar, General Motors' connected concierge service, has been optioned by 60% of car buyers since it launched on Vauxhall and Opel cars in 2016; and an integrated 4G/LTE wi-fi hotspot is fast becoming one of the must-have optional extras on all new cars sold in Europe and the US alongside compatibility with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

And this is just the start. By the beginning of the next decade, new cars will roll off the production line with integrated systems that allow them to be shared among a host of drivers using nothing more than a smartphone or a one-time password.

"Keeping cybersecurity risks for connected vehicles in check is therefore of crucial importance," Jonnaert said.

The ACEA is concerned that if cybersecurity best practices aren't laid down and religiously adhered to that the interfaces of connected cars could become vulnerable to exploitation — be it stealing personal data, or in worst-case scenarios, taking remote control of the vehicle itself.

The European automotive community has already been taking various secure steps in this regard to ensure ‘firewalls' exist between different connected functions but now the association is coming together behind the same six shared principles:

> Cultivating a cybersecurity culture;
> Adopting a cybersecurity life cycle for vehicle development;
> Assessing security functions through testing phases;
> Managing a security update policy;
> Providing incident response and recovery; and
> Improving information sharing amongst industry actors

Furthermore, individual members will share findings and work together to improve existing best practices and to work in close cooperation with other local, national and international industry and governmental bodies.


BMW Group Malaysia records best sales in 2017 with 12,680 vehicles delivered

                KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Group recorded its best performance in Malaysia with 12,680 units of BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad vehicles delivered in 2017.

It said on Tuesday this was the seventh consecutive all-time high performance, with sales up 16% from the 10,906 units in 2016.

In comparison, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia trails behind with 12,045 vehicles sold in 2017.

BMW Group Malaysia said the country's strong performance reflected the group's performance worldwide. The premium automaker recorded a new all-time sales high with a total delivery of 2,463,526 vehicles – its seventh consecutive year of record sales.

Its BMW brand's posted a 4.2% increase with a total delivery of 2,088,283 vehicles while the MINI brand recorded a 3.2% increase to 371,881 deliveries. Sales across the BMW Motorrad motorcycles range rose 13.2% with a total of 164,153 units delivered worldwide.

BMW Group Malaysia managing director and CEO Han Sang Yun said its successful growth in Malaysia was due to to its absolute commitment to the country as well as all our customers, dealers and their premium ownership experiences.

“Going into 2018, with the continued support of the Malaysian government, our customers and our strong dealership network, we will realise our investments and plans for the region here and we hope in sustaining this momentum and achieving yet another milestone for the group and the country,” Han said.

READ MORE: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia posts robust 2017 sales

The BMW brand grew by 18% in 2017, delivering a total of 10,618 BMW vehicles from 9,000 vehicles in 2016.

The growth was mainly driven by the BMW 3 Series with 3,564 units delivered, of which 2,408 were the BMW 330e and BMW 330e M Sport.

The BMW X5 xDrive40e is also a key contributor of the brand’s performance, with over 3,000 units sold last year.

The BMW 740Le xDrive, which which was introduced in the first half of 2017, recorded over 400 units delivered.

Its electrified vehicles strategy resulted in the successful delivery of BMW’s electrified vehicles to customers in Malaysia continues to underline the company’s leadership role when it comes to electro-mobility.

This also showed Malaysians are ready for the newest technology in the automotive industry.

Driving its product portfolio of BMW Hybrid vehicles with eDrive Technology forward, BMW Group Malaysia will continue to prioritise on infrastructure and mobility services in its strategy to make electric driving a more comfortable and convenient experience and a daily pleasure.

The launch of the all-new sport-business sedan BMW 5 Series in the first half of 2017 also accelerated the brand’s sales with over 1,600 units delivered.

As for MINI, it also saw a record performance in 2017 with 1,010 MINI vehicles delivered, up 12% from the 902 in 2016.

It said MINI is the second fastest growing brand in the Malaysian premium segment and is now the third largest brand in the segment.

Last year, MINI added the new MINI Countryman, MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and MINI John Cooper Works Countryman to its portfolio.

As for its motorcycles, BMW Motorrad delivered 1,052 units, up 5% from the 1,004 in 2016.

In 2017, BMW Motorrad unveiled five new motorcycles – the BMW S1000RR, BMW R1200GS, BMW K1600 GT and Bagger and BMW R nineT Urban GS.

BMW Group Malaysia also opened its doors to its newest regional parts distribution centre facilities at the Free Trade Zone of the Senai International Airport of Iskandar Malaysia.

A total of RM130mil was invested in the new regional facility, making it one of the largest of its kind in the Asia Pacific region and supports over 22 countries in the region.

“In 2018, BMW Group Malaysia will begin delivery of the first BMW 3 Series, BMW 5 Series and BMW 7 Series to Vietnam and the Philippines.

“To support the move, the BMW assembly plant in Kulim increased its local assembly capabilities to over 10,000 vehicles in 2017 with an investment of over RM10mil,” it said.


Lack of new launches leaves Ford playing catchup with GM

                DETROIT: James Hackett spent the last year plotting Ford Motor Co's long-term self-driving car strategy. In his first week as chief executive, he has more immediate concerns: stopping a skid in North American sales and fending off a market share grab by resurgent archrival General Motors Co.

The US No. 2 automaker is stuck in a product drought that shows no signs of easing until 2019, according to two sources who track Detroit's launch plans. Given the auto industry's long product cycles, it is not clear what Hackett can do immediately to get Ford out of its predicament, which can be traced back to decisions by former CEOs.

Hackett was tapped to run the company's autonomous car and ride-sharing unit a year ago. On Monday, he unexpectedly found himself at the helm of the whole company as Ford axed CEO Mark Fields.

He now has to face up to a void of new vehicles, partly caused by former CEO Alan Mulally, who focused much of the company's resources on an expensive 2014 redesign of Ford's crown jewel, the F-Series pickup.

That safeguarded America's longtime best-selling vehicle, but it prevented Ford from developing other hits. Given that it typically takes three to four years for a new or redesigned vehicle to get into production, the full effect of Mulally's narrow focus is now being felt.

Mulally also gambled heavily on making an expensive shift to aluminum from steel to lighten up trucks and make them more fuel efficient, a bet that looks questionable in retrospect, as gas prices have remained far lower than anyone expected.

If Fields had immediately started pulling forward product launches when he took over from Mulally in July 2014, the first of those would likely reach the market in the autumn of 2018 at the earliest. As it is, Ford must wait until early 2019 for its first big slug of new models to hit showrooms.

There is not much Hackett can do about that. Any product moves he makes today would not likely show up in the market before 2021.

"Ford needs to move faster," said RBC auto analyst Joseph Spak.

Hackett, only three days into his new job, has not yet laid out his plans for Ford publicly.

Ford spokesman Michael Levine side-stepped questions of a short-term product drought. "We're bullish on our strong pipeline of all-new cars, trucks and SUVs coming in the next five years," he told Reuters. "What's more, the vehicles that we are launching ... will continue to deliver high transaction prices and good business."

For much of the past decade, Ford has benefited from management and marketing problems at GM, including GM's 2009 bankruptcy and a safety scandal that hobbled the company in 2014.

Now, however, Ford confronts a crosstown rival largely free of debt and focused on grabbing market share from Ford, particularly in the truck and SUV segments which account for most of both companies' profits.

GM, the No. 1 US automaker, is in the midst of a prolific four-year patch of new vehicle launches, many approved by Mary Barra, the company's former head of global product development who was named CEO in January 2014.

In hindsight, GM benefited from its bankruptcy, as it emerged essentially debt-free and able to spend more on new products. Ford did not seek bankruptcy during last decade's auto industry crisis, and instead borrowed heavily to survive it, leaving it short on cash to invest in new vehicles.

"GM seems to be getting more for its money and realizing the results sooner," said Joe Langley, an analyst with

One of the biggest challenges for Ford will come next year, when its market-leading F-150 truck will be challenged by GM's redesigned Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups.

A year after that, GM is expected to launch new heavy-duty editions of the Silverado and Sierra to challenge Ford's F-Series Super Duty, which is one of the industry's most profitable vehicles.

Altogether, GM plans five launches in 2018 and eight in 2019, according to industry sources familiar with the company's plans. In comparison, Ford expects to unveil only two redesigned vehicles in 2018 and will only reach some kind of parity with six launches in 2019.


Buying a used car? Watch out for hidden damage from past accidents

                At first glance, the car looks great. The finish is shiny, the wheels are polished and the interior smells fresh.

But something’s not quite right when you get behind the wheel; the car makes strange noises, rattles when starting up and trembles when you hit the brakes. After checking with a dealership, you make a discovery: you’ve bought an accident-damaged car – and knew nothing about it.

Concealed accident damage refers to cases when known or repaired damage from a previous accident is kept secret from a car buyer. If this damage isn’t detected by buyers themselves, it will usually come to light in a used car inspection, which many repair shops, testing organisations or automobile clubs offer.

“Even so, every sign of accident damage won’t always be revealed, which means that you can never be 100-per-cent sure,” says the ADAC automobile club.

It recommends getting a car looked at by an expert before making a purchase. “They can help laymen detect at least the most serious damage."

Auto Club Europa (ACE), another major automobile club, advises savvy amateurs to hunt down damage on their own. With a lacquer density tester, for example, they can find out whether a section of the car’s body has been spackled or repainted.

“This is usually a good indicator that the car has been in an accident," says an ACE official. If you do not trust this kind of method, have the vehicle undergo a used car assessment, which offers added security.

“Another option is to show the service record to a mechanic and ask about any known defects or accidents.”

Other tiny clues can be gleaned from the screws holding together body parts at the crash-prone front and rear of the car: have they been unscrewed at some point, or are the screws still perfectly covered in the car’s original spray-paint?

More seasoned and knowledgeable drivers will also be able to identify non-uniform gaps between panels, a common sign of a prang. For the complete novice, however, conducting a close inspection of a car is quite difficult.

“At the test drive, someone who is reasonably familiar with cars should certainly be there," says the ACE spokesman – or you should consult a specialist workshop or another expert.

It can be particularly problematic if the hidden damage is discovered only after the purchase, especially if a private buyer purchased the vehicle from a private seller and the contract of sale excluded all warranties for defects.

It’s always safer to buy a car from an entrepreneur or a dealer, since in many countries this provides the buyer with a specific period of liability for defects

ACE legal official Hannes Krämer advises drivers who find such damage to immediately confront the seller.

“If traces of the accident damage have been concealed, it is possible to dispute the purchase contract or, if necessary, reduce the purchase price," he says. This, however, will most certainly require negotiation skills.


KLIMS 2018: Ford to launch Ranger Raptor and unveil new Mustang

The Ranger Raptor is a meaner, tougher truck than the regular Ranger.
KUALA LUMPUR: Ford distributor Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) will launch the much anticipated Ranger Raptor at the Nov 23-Dec 2 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show.

The Ranger Raptor is the first and only factory-built, high-speed off-road performance truck.

Alongside it, the new Mustang will also make an appearance, with the distributor saying it's the only unit air-freighted into Malaysia, specially for the 10-day show.

So what else does the Ford stand has to offer?

SDAC said the Ford stand promises visitors an immersive customer experience via the use of interactive technology.

It will enable visitors to engage with the brand through socially shareable content. Interactive experiences include the Virtual Reality Test Drive which educates visitors on Ford’s safety technologies, while the Augmented Reality Experience transports drivers to the various terrains the Raptor is able to overcome through its Terrain Management System.

 The new Mustang.

Another highlight will be the Self-Guide Audio Tour, where visitors will be able to tour the stand at their own pace with a fully narrated audio guide headset.

This “personal tour guide” will inform visitors on the stand’s design concept, educate visitors on the vehicles on display and promotions and happenings.

Visitors who make a vehicle booking of the Ranger and Mustang at the show will stand a chance to grab cash vouchers in a wind tunnel machine.

The first 888 customers who register their Ranger will each receive an electrical goods voucher worth RM1,000. Customers who buy any Ranger variant will also be in the running to win a Ranger Raptor under the "Buy A New Ford Ranger, Win A Ranger Raptor" Contest.

SDAC will also offer Ranger and Ranger Raptor customers up to two years' free maintenance or up to 40,000km for customers who register their vehicle by Jan 31, 2019.

The KL motor show is being held at MITEC here and is open to the public from 10am to 10pm on weekends, and 11am to 10pm on weekdays. It makes a return after a hiatus of five years, with the last show being held in 2013.

For more information and ticketing info, go to www.klims.com.my.


myTukar to set up about 25 new outlets this year

                KUALA LUMPUR: myTukar is expanding its on the ground presence by opening some 25 showrooms and retail experience centres nationwide, aiming to make the purchasing journey for customers smooth and seamless.

Other than myTukar’s digital platform, these new showroom outlets will now be another key avenue for customers to buy and sell their vehicles more seamlessly.

These outlets will feature the latest line of used cars in the market.

Aside from showrooms, the brand will also be launching a series of one-stop Retail Experience Centres to innovate the industry and offer end-to-end used car services.

Among the locations for myTukar showrooms and inspection and retail experience centres include Perak, Kedah, Sabah, Sarawak, Penang, the Klang Valley, Johor and Seremban among others.

myTukar CEO Derrick Eng said the company hoped to establish myTukar as a community brand and a platform to stimulate the used car industry growth through the expansion.

"With these physical outlets in place, we will now be able to serve our customers better, providing them even more access than ever before to a wide range of quality vehicles," said Eng.

 (From left) Eng, myTukar founder and chairman Fong Hon Sum and myTukar’s sales general manager Siew Weng Hou at the opening of its Skudai showroom.

"Our goal for 2022 is to have our experience centres established across all major towns nationwide. The brand is currently moving towards creating a customer-centric network, ensuring our users are connected, feel safe in using our platform and view us as trustworthy.

"As we move towards the age of mobility, we want to provide customers with better offers and a more holistic buying and selling experience," said Eng.

Eng also said myTukar is currently experiencing a 15-20% increase in used car sales.

"Used car sales are expected to grow exponentially in 2022. This is due in part to factors such as the global semiconductor shortage impacting the production of new cars, and the high prices of new vehicles," he said.

Eng said much of the market is still unexplored.

"Using this expansion as a driving force for our growth, we aim to leverage the increasing demand for used cars and expand our reach, both offline and online,” Eng said.

For details, visit https://mytukar.com/.


BMW showcases its future green driving tech

                MUNICH: From direct water injection systems to hybrids and full hydrogen fuel cell powertrains, BMW is leaving no stone unturned it its search for increased efficiency and reduced pollution.

BMW has been testing the feasibility of hydrogen fuel cells as an eventual replacement for the internal combustion engine for 15 years and its latest prototype, unveiled last week, suggests that the company is as focused on speed and performance as it is on environmental well-being.

The company has taken its flagship i8 hybrid supercar and transformed it into a fuel cell sportscar. Currently capable of a top speed of just 200kph the car can still accelerate to 100km in under six seconds although its range remains a secret.

The company has been working on the car since 2012 and its carbon fiber body has been heavily modified to improve cooling and air circulation as well as cut weight. As such, the BMW i brand which currently consists of a plug-in electric car (i3) and a plug-in hybrid (i8) is expected to become a fuel-cell range by the end of the decade.

However, the company is also planning to bring a more mass-market fuel cell car to market by 2020. BMW also showcased a prototype 5 Series GT - a large four door coupe - that is powered by the same fuel cell technology used in the Toyota Mirai, the company's first affordable fuel cell car.

Issues surrounding hydrogen creation and fuelling infrastructure need to be addressed before fuel cells stand a chance of going mainstream so in the meantime BMW is also persevering with hybrid technology.

This year it launched its first BMW-branded hybrid, the X5 xDrive40e crossover, and it is now looking at bringing the same technology to its 3 Series sedan and its new 2 Series Active tourer which is aimed at young families. However, neither will become a reality unless they can add rather than detract from the driving experience -- one of the principal pillars of the BMW brand.

One new technology that will be rolling out to production BMWs shortly is direct water injection. By spraying water into the cylinders ahead of the fuel, engine temperature falls considerably which has the knock-on effect of saving fuel while also increasing performance.

BMW claims the simple system can boost fuel economy by 8 percent and up the power by 10 percent. And, best of all the system is self-replenishing. Water is extracted from the engine and from the air conditioning system and used for engine injection.


Hyundai Motor Group joins IONITY

                LONDON: Hyundai Motor Group has joined IONITY, Europe's leading high-power charging network, as a strategic partner and shareholder.

Through its participation in this joint venture, Hyundai Motor Group – including Kia and Hyundai brands – will drive the expansion of the high-power charging network along Europe's highways, promoting the further adoption of zero-emission mobility.

The IONITY charging network uses the European CCS (Combined Charging System) charging standard.

Since the network uses 100 per cent renewable energy, thanks to IONITY, drivers of electric vehicles are not only able to travel emission-free, but also CO2-neutral.

This is an important step when it comes to making electric mobility a success in Europe.

"For Kia and Hyundai, product and customer experience is closely related to convenience and real benefits. By investing in IONITY, we are now part of one of the most comprehensive charging infrastructure networks in Europe,” says Thomas Schemera, Executive Vice President and Head of Product Division at Hyundai Motor Group.

“We are committed to providing holistic solutions to make it easier than ever for people to make the switch to eco-mobility.”


Elon Musk tweets photos of first Tesla Model 3 to roll off the line

                SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla Inc chief executive Elon Musk on Sunday tweeted pictures of the first Model 3 sedan to roll off the assembly line.

Tesla board member Ira Ehrenpreis was the first to put down a US$1,000 deposit on the Model 3 and gifted the car to Musk for his 46th birthday, Musk said in a tweet.

Musk has high hopes for the US$35,000 Model 3, aimed at the mass market, and expects the rollout to help the company deliver five times its current annual sales volume.

Tesla's shares have taken a beating in the last few weeks, as investors have become increasingly concerned that demand for the company's existing Model S sedan is weakening.

Musk said in May that some "confused" Tesla buyers considered the new Model 3 as an upgrade to the Model S, hurting orders for the older car.

Registrations for Tesla's vehicles in California, its largest market, fell 24 percent in April from a year ago, according to data from research firm IHS Markit.

Separately, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday that new registrations of Tesla cars fell to zero in Hong Kong after authorities slashed a tax break for electric vehicles in April.

Last week, Musk said production of the Model 3 would increase exponentially — from 100 cars in August, more than 1,500 in September to 20,000 Model 3 cars per month in December.


China TV report targets global automakers for faulty brake pads

                BEIJING: A China Central Television (CCTV) report on Sunday highlighted complaints by the country's safety watchdog this year that some imported brake pads destined for vehicles sold by global automakers, including Volkswagen AG and Toyota Motor were found to be faulty.

Leading foreign firms in China have sometimes been hit by consumer backlash after CCTV segments, with Volkswagen being targeted last year in two separate investigations.

The near 20-minute report cited the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ), which issued statments in March and May, saying that of 467 shipments inspected, 226 shipments contained sub-standard brake pads.

While more than 60 brands were involved, nine foreign automakers and one supplier were found to have issues with 10 or more shipments, CCTV said. These included VW, Audi AG, Toyota, Jaguar Land Rover Ltd, BMW AG, Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai Motor Co , Kia Motors Corp, Geely-owned Volvo and parts maker Textar.

The automakers did not respond immediately to request for comment. Textar could not be reached for comment.

The report cited a wide range of issues from potential brake failure at high temperatures to improper labelling.

A central government official last week warned that a US automaker could be penalised for monopolistic behaviour, sparking fears that China could be using the investigation to retaliate for US President-elect Donald Trump's comments questioning the "One China" policy.

China has not released further details on the anti-trust investigation since the official made the comments in state-owned China Daily last Wednesday.


Bezos and Gates backing mining project for EV parts in Greenland

                SAN FRANCISCO: Mining materials to make electric batteries is a key issue in meeting new environmental goals. A company backed by Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates believes it has found potential deposits in Greenland.

Lowering CO2 emissions to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 is one of the major challenges of our century.

For this, one of the main goals is to phase out fossil fuel cars (gasoline and diesel) and replace them with electric vehicles. It's an ambitious, ongoing process requiring time and effort on the part of manufacturers, authorities and consumers. One of the main obstacles is related to the mining of the materials needed to make batteries.

KoBold Metals, based in Berkeley near here, is looking to deposits in Greenland to solve this issue. Indeed, an area located in the west of the country has notable similarities with the Russian region of Norilsk, known to produce nickel and palladium in large quantities.

KoBold Metals is supported by billionaires Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates and Michael Bloomberg via a climate fund, Breakthrough Energy Ventures.

Promising sites

The California-based company has entered into an agreement with Bluejay Mining to mine the area where it hopes to find metals such as nickel, copper, cobalt and platinum.

To do this, KoBold Metals hopes to use a new technique based on artificial intelligence and deep learning to find the best drilling locations. The AI is trained to examine 80-year-old maps and combine them with satellite data to find potential sites.

KoBold's Machine Prospector technology makes predictions about where the ore is concentrated and then collects additional data that helps minimise uncertainty.

The idea is to quickly eliminate places where the chances of success are low, so that when they drill, they have a much better chance of finding the right spot. What they are looking for are "compositional anomalies," which are large chunks of mineable rock.

These anomalies make it much more economical to mine and process the ore. The demand for such materials is likely to continue to grow, and the processes of exploring, identifying and mining them need to meet sustainability standards.


Audi e-tron batteries find second life in Indian e-rickshaws

                BERLIN/BANGALORE: The German–Indian start-up Nunam is bringing three electric rickshaws to the roads of India. They are powered by used batteries taken from test vehicles in the Audi e-tron test fleet.

The aim of the project is to explore how modules made with high-voltage batteries can be reused after their car life cycle and become a viable second-life use case.

The project also aims to strengthen job opportunities for women in India in particular: They will be provided with the e-rickshaws to transport their goods.

The non-profit start-up based in Berlin and Bangalore is funded by the Audi Environmental Foundation.

Nunam developed the three prototypes in collaboration with the training team at Audi’s Neckarsulm site, which in turn benefits from the intensive intercultural exchange.

This is the first joint project between both AUDI AG and the Audi Environmental Foundation in addition to Nunam.

The e-rickshaws powered by second-life batteries are scheduled to hit the roads in India for the first time in a pilot project in early 2023.

There they will be made available to a non-profit organisation.

Women in particular will be able to use the all-electric rickshaws to transport their goods to market for sale, all without the need for intermediaries.

The e-rickshaws are powered by used battery modules that spent their first life in an Audi e-tron.

“The old batteries are still extremely powerful,” says Nunam cofounder Prodip Chatterjee. “When used appropriately, second-life batteries can have a huge impact, helping people in challenging life situations earn an income and gain economic independence – everything in a sustainable way.”

The start-up’s primary goal is to develop ways to use old batteries as second-life power storage systems, thus both extending their lives and using resources more efficiently.

“Car batteries are designed to last the life of the car. But even after their initial use in a vehicle, they still have a lot of their power,” Chatterjee explains. “For vehicles with lower range and power requirements, as well as lower overall weight, they are extremely promising.

"In our second-life project, we reuse batteries from electric cars in electric vehicles; you might call it electric mobility ‘lite’. In this way, we’re trying to find out how much power the batteries can still provide in this demanding use case.”

Moreover, after the battery has spent its first life in an Audi e-tron and its second in an e-rickshaw, it has not necessarily reached the end of the road. In a third step, the batteries’ remaining power might be used for stationary applications such as LED lighting. “We want to get everything possible out of each battery before recycling,” says cofounder Prodip Chatterjee.

In addition to the rickshaws intended for road use in India, the trainees at the Neckarsulm site are developing an additional show rickshaw in cooperation with Nunam. Visitors to the GREENTECH FESTIVAL in Berlin can check it out – and even give it a test drive – from June 22.