Polestar 6 electric roadster to launch in 2026

                GOTHENBURG: Polestar has confirmed plans to put the Polestar electric roadster concept into production.

The production car is expected to launch in 2026 as the Polestar 6 electric performance roadster. Interested customers in all active Polestar markets are able to reserve a build slot online from Aug 16 this year.

Revealed in Los Angeles in March as the Polestar O2, the electric roadster concept builds on the design, technology and sustainability ambitions laid out by the Polestar Precept and showcases the brand’s vision for future sports cars.

The hard-top convertible will be built on Polestar’s bespoke bonded aluminium platform.

Developed in-house, it will feature the high-performance, 800-volt electric architecture already confirmed for Polestar 5. This includes output of up to 650 kW (884hp) and 900Nm from a dual motor powertrain, a targeted 0-100kph sprint time of 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 250kph.

To celebrate the launch, 500 numbered units of a special "LA Concept" version, the "Polestar 6 LA Concept edition", are planned to be produced.

They will exclusively feature the unique "Sky" blue exterior, light leather interior and unique 21-inch wheels of the original Polestar O2 concept.

“With the overwhelming consumer and press response, we took the decision to put this stunning roadster into production and I am so excited to make it a reality,” said Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath.

“Polestar 6 is a perfect combination of powerful electric performance and the thrill of fresh air with the top down.”

The production confirmation headlines the brand’s attendance with the electric roadster concept at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and "The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering" events during Monterey Car Week in California on Aug 18-21.

Further technical details and specification confirmations will be released as the production car becomes reality, leading up to the expected launch in 2026.


Audi electric SUV concept heading to Frankfurt

 The new Audi A4s.

INGOLSTADT: At the 66th Frankfurt Auto Show, Audi is planning on stealing the show with an eagerly awaited fully electric SUV concept. The crowds will also get to admire the German manufacturer's new range of A4s as well as the insanely powerful and luxurious S8 Plus.

The Audi e-tron quattro concept should provide a hint at the future of the brand's sporty electric SUVs, likely starting with the Audi Q6 sometime before 2018.

Fit for four passengers, the shape of the vehicle is designed to reduce drag with an aerodynamically optimized underbody that's completely closed, helping to achieve a low coefficient of drag of 0.25, a record for the SUV segment according to Audi.

This, along with the new lithium-ion batteries supplied by LG Chem and Samsung SDI, should give the vehicle a range of 310 miles (500 km) on a single charge. On this SUV model, there will be three electric motors, one on the front axle and two on the rear, creating the vaunted Audi all-wheel-drive system.

In designing its first fully electric SUV, Audi is throwing down the gauntlet to Tesla and its upcoming Model X. Meanwhile, not content to watch the competition from the sidelines, BMW is reportedly also assessing proposals for an all-electric SUV that could be derived from its upcoming X7 model.

Frankfurt will also be the perfect opportunity for Audi to highlight its new A4, unveiled earlier this year but which you won't be able to drive off the showroom floor until the end of the year.

The new generation of the family sedan has better fuel economy and is equipped with all of Audi's latest technological breakthroughs. In all, the new family of A4s will be available with one of seven different engines (3 petrol and 4 diesel) pushing between 146 and 268hp. The brand's most popular model appears set to be available in 2016 as both an electric hybrid (e-tron) and a natural gas hybrid (g-tron).

A spectacular sedan is also expected to take up some space at the Audi pavilion. The US-spec Audi S8 has power coming from a 520-hp 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V-8, mated to an eight-speed automatic, but for the S8 Plus, Audi has uncorked an additional 85hp, jetting the car from 0-60 mph (0-100 kph) in a scarcely believable 3.8 seconds.

The Plus can also be de-restricted to reach 189.5 mph (300 kph) with the "dynamic package" (standard in the German market, an open question for other markets). This beast of a sedan should hit the market starting in October.

Frankfurt could also be the staging ground for the much awaited announcement of an Audi TT SUV, somewhat like the TT Offroad concept presented at the Beijing Auto Show in 2014.


Taskforce set up to improve KL traffic flow

                KUALA LUMPUR: A taskforce has been set up to oversee and study traffic flow in Kuala Lumpur, a move aimed to reduce the worsening congestion in the capital city.

The team under the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will also work with the police to disperse traffic at major roads during peak hours.

Deputy Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias, who chairs the taskforce, said this operation would start immediately.

He said that enforcement personnel would be mobilised to 85 traffic hotspots to regulate traffic in the morning and evening.

“Some 72 locations will be manned by the police and another 13 by DBKL officers,” he told reporters here today.

The minister said signboards would be placed in strategic locations to warn heavy vehicles from entering the city on certain hours.

“These include the morning and evening sessions, namely from 6.30am to 9.30am and 4.30pm to 7.30pm, daily,” he said.

As a medium-term measure to improve traffic conditions, Jalaluddin said DBKL would also disallow any type of obstruction on road shoulders.

“All roadside parking bays and trading lots meant for small traders in the city will be removed in stages.

“All traffic-related signs will be updated, and stronger enforcement will be carried out on yellow boxes at intersections,” he said.

Calls for a review of traffic conditions in Kuala Lumpur intensified in recent weeks, especially on social media, as the public grew frustrated with the daily problem.

To this end, Jalaluddin said the taskforce proposed six ways as a long-term measure to tackle congestion in the capital.

The proposal, he added, included expanding public transport networks, as well as encouraging its use among the public.

“It also involves the re-enforcement of bus lanes and a need to integrate between the different highway concessionaires to ensure better traffic dispersal.

“Another proposal being considered is to build more pedestrian-friendly infrastructure such as underpasses and underground tunnels,” he said.


Alphabet's Waymo to launch robotaxis with no human in driver's seat

                SAN FRANCISCO: Alphabet Inc’s Waymo will launch a ride-hailing service with no human behind the steering wheel and has been testing the fully self-driving cars on public roads in Arizona, chief executive John Krafcik said on Tuesday.

The test without a human in the driver’s seat is a first in the United States as large tech companies, big automakers and well-funded startups race to develop fully autonomous cars.

While self-driving car companies test their vehicles in public, they routinely have a human in the driver’s seat ready to take over if the technology fails.

Waymo said members of the public will begin riding in its fleet of Fiat Chrysler Pacifica minivans without human drivers in a test run of the service in the next few months in certain areas of Phoenix, Arizona, which has dry, predictable weather. Developers are still grappling with vehicle performance in snow or heavy rain.

Members of the public taking part in the company’s trial in Phoenix will be its first customers, using a ride-hailing app.

At first, those passengers will be accompanied in the back seat by a Waymo employee, but eventually they will travel alone, although they will be able to hit a button to stop the car.

It will roll out the service to the wider public at a later date, although it did not say when.

The service will be free at first, but Waymo expects at some point to start charging for rides, a potential way to earn revenue to help offset the steep costs involved in developing the technology.

The state of Arizona has no restrictions on self-driving cars, unlike California and some other states.

“Because we see so much potential in shared mobility, the first way people will get to experience Waymo’s fully self-driving technology will be as a driverless service,” Krafcik said in prepared remarks after announcing the launch in Lisbon.

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration did not immediately comment on Tuesday but said in September last year that conventionally designed vehicles that can be operated autonomously faced no specific federal legal barrier.

With over eight years of testing under its belt, Waymo is a pioneer of self-driving technology and has tested its system in six states, the latest being Michigan.

Last week, US auto retailer AutoNation Inc announced a multiyear partnership for vehicle maintenance and repairs for Waymo’s self-driving car operations.

General Motors Co, which acquired autonomous driving start-up Cruise Automation for a reported US$1 billion last year, has signalled its intent to test a robotaxi service in the near future.

GM chief executive Mary Barra said in October the company aims to take the driver out of its self-driving vehicles “in quarters, not years.” The carmaker’s goal for its Cruise self-driving car unit is to “safely develop and deploy self-driving cars at scale” in dense, urban environments, not suburbs.


Porsche profit soars with 911 sales driving returns

                STUTTGART: Porsche AG’s income surged in the first nine months of the year after deliveries climbed due to robust demand for high-margin models including the 911 sports car.

Operating profit jumped 41% to €5.05 billion (RM23.7bil) from the same period a year ago, the luxury-car maker said today.

Revenue rose to €26.7 billion (RM126bil). The results are Porsche’s first since it returned to the stock market in Europe’s largest listing in a decade.

"In this volatile and difficult market environment we are demonstrating our ability to operate profitably, in particular through cost discipline and an attractive product mix,” chief financial officer Lutz Meschke said in a statement.

Carmakers in Europe have been bracing for headwinds such as surging inflation and rising input costs to weigh on sales but so far, demand has been relatively resilient, especially for premium vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz AG this week said it expects strong shipments of top-end vehicles like its G-Wagon SUV to help shield it from a worsening global economy.

Still, Porsche’s parent Volkswagen AG earlier today missed profit expectations after struggling with persistent supply-chain problems.

Higher proceeds

Porsche’s return on sales rose to 18.9% in the January-September period as the company benefited from "significantly higher” proceeds per vehicle and exchange rate effects. It confirmed its guidance for the year.

Porsche became Europe’s most valuable automaker earlier this month, when its market capitalisation overtook that of VW a week after the initial public offering in Frankfurt.

The company is well ahead of peers including Ferrari NV and Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings Plc when it comes to electrifying its lineup.

The Taycan EV outsold the 911 last year and Porsche is preparing to introduce a battery-powered version of its Macan model, with first deliveries expected in 2024.

Porsche’s deliveries in the first three quarters rose 2% to 221,512 cars, with sales of the combustion-engine 911 — its most profitable model — jumping 9%.


Apollo Tyres opens one-stop centre

                PETALING JAYA: India-based Apollo Tyres has launched its first Apollo Truck Tyre Zone (ATTZ) in Batu Pahat, Johor, a one-stop centre that caters to commercial fleets.

Equipped with modern automotive technologies, the centre is managed by Sin Chu Hin, one of the top tyre dealers in the southern region. The partnership is the first for Apollo Tyres outside India.

Apart from providing application-based tyre recommendation, the ATTZ is equipped with facilities such as a computerised truck tyre alignment machine, automatic tyre changer, nitrogen inflator and the full range of tyre-related services for trucks and buses.

Apollo Tyres said its services would reduce customers’ maintenance cost and fuel consumption. The ATTZ also has knowledgeable staff to guide consumers through their purchase decision.

“We see a vast opportunity in Batu Pahat especially in truck radials. The ATTZ is the first of several truck service centres that we are planning to open with business partners in the Asean region,” said Apollo Tyres group head (Asean, Middle East and Africa) Shubhro Ghosh.

To mark the opening of the tyre shop, Apollo Tyres is offering vouchers to customers with every purchase of its tyres. The ATTZ will also offer special service packages.

The centre operates from 9am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday. To make an appointment or to find out more about the services and facilities, call ATTZ (07 – 415 2682) or visit the shop at No 2, Jalan Kolek, Kawasan Perindustrian Tongkang Pecah, 83010, Batu Pahat, Johor.


CarSifu Auto Show 2016 runs from Oct 26-30

                PETALING JAYA: Ten high definition televisions from Sharp and five pairs of AirAsia return tickets will be among the prizes to be won at the CarSifu Auto Show 2016 that will be held at 1 Utama Shoping Centre, Petaling Jaya, from today to Oct 30.

Under the Book & Win contest, visitors need to book a car to stand a chance to win two 58-inch Full HD Sharp televisions, eight Sharp 50-inch UHD televisions and a pair of AirAsia return tickets each to Sapporo, Japan; Hong Kong; Bali; Da Nang, Vietnam and Luang Prabang, Laos.

The auto show, which opens from 10am to 10pm, will be on a display area of 12,188sq ft around the Highstreet concourse area of the shopping mall.

There will also be a CarSifu Snap & Win contest where a visitor can take a selfie and bring the picture to the Star Media Group booth to claim a prize. In addition, there will be attractive deals and sales promotions from individual car companies.

Fun quiz activities will also be held throughout the auto show period where visitors can win perfume cards, drawstring bags, luggage tags, umbrellas, key chains, road tax stickers, non-woven bags, backpacks and car-branded badges.

Car brands participating in the five-day auto show are Chevrolet, Citroen, Honda, Isuzu, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Perodua, Proton, Renault, Volvo and Volkswagen.

About 30 cars will be displayed and some will be made available for test drives on a route around Bandar Utama.
Car companies will be displaying their latest models including some which have recently won the CarSifu Editors’ Choice Awards 2016.

At the CarSifu Editors’ Choice Awards 2016 gala dinner in Royale Chulan Damansara on Oct 6, Honda’s Civic 1.5 TC-P was adjudged the “Car of the Year.”

Thanks to its styling, features, sharp handling, comfortable ride and accessible pricing of RM135,800 on-the-road, the sleek and sporty sedan also won the Best Mid-size Car category, one of the 22 categories put up for competition.

This is the first such awards organised by The Star Media Group.


California start-up Artisense paves way for autonomous driving software

                SAN FRANCISCO: California-based start-up Artisense has developed software for vehicles and robots that can create and update maps used for automated driving. The project is currently being piloted in Berlin, and the company hopes to set an industry standard with its product.

Artisense's algorithms create 3-D maps in real time while the car is navigating through a city. But what really makes this software different is that it doesn't need expensive hardware and only uses a fraction of the power that similar programs require.

"We want to help rethink mobility and put ourselves at the peak of development," says Till Kaestner, one of the company's founders. He says that the goal is to help machines learn how to see like humans.

Other concepts in autonomous driving use photorealistic imagery to navigate, which ends up being one large picture file. Artisense creates a map of the streets by using "cloud-based geospatial intelligence." This means the map relies on artificial intelligence.

The onboard computer in most cars is capable of using the Artisense software, which doesn't even need a GPS signal or expensive sensors.

Finding a way for vehicles to navigate a busy city without help from a driver is a quest many developers have been on for a while.

Companies that create navigation systems, such as Here, TomTom or Google, use large amounts of data to create maps of the world, which are made with the help of laser radar systems, sensors and vehicles with cameras driving through cities. These methods create high-quality, precise maps that can be updated with real-time data as needed. This allows for autonomous cars to change routes if there's bad traffic or construction work going on along the designated route.

The problem with these methods is that the images create huge data amounts, which means cars need certain chips and algorithms installed from the beginning that can process this large amount of data.

This is where Artisense is different: The recorded data can be saved on basic hardware that can be integrated into pretty much any car - and according to Kaestner, it's much cheaper than the others as well.

Artisense has found some of its first partners to trial the software via the innovation platform Beyond1435. Some of the partners include Siemens, aerospace firm Bombardier and recycling company Alba.

Bombardier wants to use the software to develop safer train systems that can better recognize hazards and obstacles, as well as for machine-learning technology. For Alba, the system should help create safer roads, which it says is key to the future of driverless cars.

Artisense's headquarters are in Palo Alto, California, but its origins lie in Munich, as the company was originally founded as part of the Technical University of Munich.

Vehicles with Artisense technology have been roaming around Berlin since January and should be done creating the maps by March. "We are very happy with the way the pilot project is going," says Kaestner. "Every day, we cover around 400km on the streets of Berlin."

"Now it's about closing all the gaps in the maps of Berlin and then starting to work on concrete-use cases based on the sensor data."


Volkswagen in Malaysia responds with flood relief aid

                KUALA LUMPUR: Like a growing number of car makers, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is also lending a hand to its customers affected by the recent floods.

It is offering 30% off parts and labour for repair works.

The assistance is available from now until Feb 28 next year at all Volkswagen authorised service centres.

To further alleviate the financial burden that many may be facing, the company is also providing an easy payment plan where owners have the option to spread out their bill over six or 12 months at 0% interest rate.

VPCM managing director Erik Winter said the company was deeply saddened by the flash floods that struck Malaysia over the weekend.

“Our thoughts are with those who are impacted and are facing loss and damages in the aftermath. We hope that our assistance will help to relieve the burden of our owners during this difficult time,” he said.

Owners are encouraged to download the new Volkswagen Cares app (Apple App Store/Google Play Store) to redeem the flood relief support voucher and can contact the nearest authorised service centre for more information.


Malaysians rush to install RFID tags on cars ahead of free offer expiry

A BMW X5 gets stickered on the headlamp.

UPDATE:  Last day to install the RFID tag for free is Feb 11, not Feb 14. TnG announced on Feb 10 that Feb 12-14 dates are no longer available as the three days would be used for 'system maintenance." See latest story.

PETALING JAYA: People started crowding at a Touch n' Go (TnG) fitment centre a day after news that TnG  Sdn Bhd would start charging RM35 for RFID tag installation from Feb 15.

They began gathering at the Kelana Jaya fitment centre at the Giant hypermarket at 10am, an hour earlier before opening hours.

The RFID tag , which contains an embedded radio-frequency chip, is used as an electronic payment system when going through toll plazas. TnG said on Thursday that its RFID tags will be priced at RM35 from Feb 15.

An employee at the TnG outlet here said he expected the next one week to be extra busy as Malaysians rushed to get the tags fitted on their cars ahead of the free offer expiry.

One customer said he came straight away after reading that the free offer was set to end on Feb 14. "Normal, lah. Malaysian culture (to do things at the last minute)," he said with a laugh.

Some car owners especially the elderly sought the help of the TNG staff to download the TnG ewallet app and pre-register their car details online.

A visit at 4pm today to another fitment centre at the Taman Tun Dr Ismail Petronas station in Kuala Lumpur also saw a sizeable crowd seeking the free installation.

READ MORE:
List of RFID-enabled highways
Touch ‘n Go RFID tag fitment will cost RM35 from Feb 15
Touch ‘n Go targets 2 million RFID tag users

The tag is stuck either to the windscreen or headlight depending on the type of car. The tag sticker should not be placed on tinted surfaces if it is to work properly.

From the perspective of a car owner, the installation was simple and quick. The installer sprays a liquid on either the top of the windscreen or the headlight and put the sticker there before testing signal strength using a handheld RFID reader. He may then reposition the sticker if the RFID reader doesn't pick up a clear signal.

If the installer get it right the first time, the job could be completed in less than a minute. Otherwise, it will be a few minutes longer.

The instructional video clip above shows what is required to have the RFID tag installed on a car.

The tag normally lasts five years and the car owner has to return to have it replaced after that, said an installer. He also said the car owner should also bring the car back to the fitment centre to have the windscreen tag replaced should the glass be broken.

The RFID fitment centres are located only in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Baru as well as in Selangor, which has the most number of such centres. Many are temporary pop-up counters at petrol stations.

Opening and closing hours vary so check with TnG at +603-2714 8888 or reach out via its Facebook or Twitter account. You can also e-mail the company at careline@touchngo.com.my.


Aston Martin's next new model is called DB11

                LONDON: Aston Martin will have a new model badged as the DB11, which will be unveiled in 2016.

This was announced on Tuesday and the new model will sit at the heart of the luxury British brand’s range and represents the first major product of the company’s Second Century Plan.

While all technical and design details will be announced in due course, the confirmation of the name – which follows in the footsteps of other iconic Aston Martin sports cars such as the DB5 and DB9 – signals the start of a period of dynamic product development by the company.

Announcing the DB11, Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer said: “Today I am proud and pleased to confirm that the DB11 nameplate will sit on our next new car.

“Not only is it a sign of our intention to continue the long line of iconic sports cars that bear the ‘DB’ moniker – the very bloodline of our brand – but it also shows the world our ambitious plan in action.

“The coming years will see Aston Martin transform not only its entire range of models but also its scale and global presence, and the new DB11 will be central to that success.”


Mercedes to launch high-end electric camper vans targeting glamping fans

                STUTTGART: Mercedes-Benz AG will launch a new line of high-end electric camper vans, the latest move in the German automaker’s bid to boost profit by shifting further upmarket.

The German manufacturer will add the new battery-powered mid-size and large camper vans to its line-up once its new platform for light commercial EVs starts output in 2026, it said.

The vehicles will tap the market for comfortable outdoorsy life that grew during the pandemic.

The division will also target the upper market segment for commercial customers, the company said.

The plan expands on last year’s launch of a special-edition V-Class van with kitchenettes and wooden flooring resembling the deck of a yacht. The move is expected to deliver an adjusted double-digit return on sale through 2030. Last year, the division’s margin was 11.2%.

Mercedes is trying to bolster margins to help fund a costly shift to electric cars.

For its passenger car division, this involves focusing resources on top-end vehicles including the Maybach limousines, AMG performance cars and G-Wagon offroader, while shifting away from less profitable entry-level models like the compact A-Class.

The automaker is now extending the strategy to target a growing market for luxury private vans, particularly in China and the US. For commercial customers, Mercedes will expand services such as mobile repair teams.

The company is aiming for so-called Level-4 automated driving - where no human intervention is needed - for commercial vans by 2030.

The unit aims for EVs to make up 20% of sales by 2026 and more than 50% by 2030.


Tesla previews humanoid robot, but Musk cautions it is not ready just yet

                SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla CEO Elon Musk said on Friday the electric vehicle maker's eagerly anticipated humanoid robot "Optimus" would cost under US$20,000 (around RM93,000) and cautioned it still had way to go before becoming fully functional.

"There's still a lot of work to be done to refine Optimus and prove it," Musk told the electric vehicle maker's "AI Day" event being held at a Tesla office in Palo Alto, California.

Musk said existing humanoid robots are “missing a brain” – and the ability to solve problems on their own. By contrast, he said, Optimus would be an "extremely capable robot" that Tesla would aim to produce in the millions. He said he expected it would cost less than US$20,000.

Tesla said the company had developed a prototype for its robot in February. That early model walked out to wave at the crowd on Friday, and Tesla showed a video of it doing simple tasks, such as watering plants, carrying boxes and lifting metal bars at a production station at Tesla’s California plant.

Musk and Tesla representatives acknowledged that there was a lot of work to be done to achieve the goal of a mass-produced, low-cost robot, using Tesla-designed technology that would be capable of replacing humans at work.

Other automakers, including Toyota Motor and Honda Motor, have developed humanoid robot prototypes capable of doing complicated things like shooting a basketball, and production robots from ABB and others are a mainstay of auto manufacturing.

But Tesla is alone in pushing the market opportunity for a mass-market robot that could also be used in factory work.

A next-generation Tesla bot, which was rolled on stage by staff, will use Tesla-designed components, including a 2.3 kWh battery pack carried in its torso, a chip system and actuators to drive its limbs. The robot is designed to weigh 73 kg.

“It wasn’t quite ready to walk. But I think it will walk in a few weeks,” Musk said.

Musk has described the event as intended to recruit workers, and the engineers on stage catered to a technical audience. They detailed the process by which Tesla designed robot hands and used crash-simulator technology to test the robot’s ability to fall on its face without breaking.

Musk, who has spoken before about the risks of artificial intelligence, said the mass rollout of robots had the potential to “transform civilisation” and create “a future of abundance, a future of no poverty.” But he said he believed it was important that Tesla shareholders had a role in vetting the company’s efforts.

“If I go crazy, you can fire me,” Musk said. “This is important.”

Tesla also discussed its long-delayed self-driving technology at the event. Engineers working on the auto self-driving software described how they trained software to choose actions, such as when to merge into traffic, and how they sped up the computer decision-making process.

In May, Musk said that the world's most valuable car maker would be "worth basically zero" without achieving full self-driving capability, and it faces growing regulatory probes, as well as technological hurdles.

Musk has said he expects Tesla will achieve full self-driving this year and mass produce a robotaxi with no steering wheel or pedal by 2024.

At an "Autonomy" event in 2019, Musk promised 1 million robotaxis by 2020 but has yet to deliver such a car.


First Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur opens at MITEC

                KUALA LUMPUR: The inaugural Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) today officially opened its doors to custom car fans and lovers.

The three-day event was officially opened by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.

Also present were Element X Strategies chief executive officer and director Jason Yap, MUSE Group Asia chief executive officer Riduwan Matni and San Ei Corporation chief executive officer Hidenori Ito.

In congratulating Element X Strategies, MUSE Group Asia and San Ei Corporation for collaborating to organise Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur, Tengku Zafrul described the event as incredibly innovative.

“Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur serves as an important and influential platform to cultivate and enhance business opportunities and collaborations. This is an area that greatly interests and continues to be pursued by Malaysia and one that I hope Malaysian businesses and entities will take full advantage of,” he said.

The show, a satellite event modelled after the world’s custom and performance car show in Japan, covers a total floor space of 130,000 sq ft and is expected to draw 150,000 visitors from within Malaysian and the Asean region from June 9-11.

 Tengku Zafrul (centre) receiving a token of appreciation from Riduwan. With them is Yap.

“Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur kicks off with humble beginnings in 2023. It is nowhere as large as the original show in Japan but we are optimistic of progressively growing the show moving forward,” said Yap.

“What we lack in scale we believe we have more than compensated for in terms of quality of the displays and exhibits. The participation of renowned tuners from Japan and the arrival of specially-tuned and award-winning cars, in addition to the spectacular participation of locally-modified vehicles, have also given the show an exceptionally high degree of prestige worthy of the Tokyo Auto Salon,” he added.

A fleet of imported show-stopping cars from Japan and tier-1 exhibitors and tuners the likes of Top Secret, Spoon, HKS and Greddy among others anchors the show.

These include the following Japanese show stoppers:
> Top Secret Gold Nissan GTR
> Active Carbon R32 Gt-R Rb30 Kai Concept by (Garage Active)
> Forte C7 Corvette Forte Wide Body
> Spoon Honda Nsx
> HKS GR Supra Aero
> HKS Driving Performer GR86 Type-R
> Greddy Nissan Fairlady Stance RZ34
> Kuhl Japan & Vrarva Mars Toyota Rav 4
> Subaru Levorg Kruise Kr - Vn5rr
> Sphere Racing Orochi
> Rohan X Bloom Gold Mustang
> Toyota 2000gt Hosoya Shihomi Grand Prix
> Renault Ravage A110 By Cars Hatano
> Jeep Wrangler

Riduwan said the love for JDM cars is exponential worldwide and the Tokyo Auto Salon has been at the epicentre of this phenomenon.

“Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur is envisioned to become a strategic hub for both enthusiasts and our members in Asean,” said Riduwan.

In 40 years of the Tokyo Auto Salon being organized, it has grown into one of if not the top-tiered international shows for both enthusiasts and exhibitors.

The show is a prestigious platform for vehicle manufacturers as well as aftermarket accessories and performance parts companies to showcase their latest and most innovative offerings.

On average 1,000 vehicles, more than 500 exhibitors, 4,000 booths and over 300,000 Japanese and international visitors visit the show annually.

In addition to local and international exhibitors, Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur feature a beautiful line-up of race queens from Japan and cosplayer singing performances by Rina-Hime and Hayate Konno.

And for the first time in Malaysia, there will also be a full display of Initial D cars Display. Hot Wheels will also be displaying a Monster Truck.

More than 100 locally-modified cars are also competing in an auto styling competition and the three days will also welcome the gathering of numerous car clubs.

Exhibitors at Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur comprise not only car tuners, but also companies specializing in parts, maintenance & servicing; car & motorcycle related products, technologies, services & solutions; auto detailing; accessories; custom bikes; tyres; and financial institutions

For early bird ticket holders, the focus will also undoubtedly be on the grand prize of two all-expenses-paid trips to the Tokyo Auto Salon in 2024.

Tickets are priced at RM60 and RM28 per day for adults and children respectively, are available online until the day of the show from www.tokyoautosalonkl.com.


Desay SV Singapore to test autonomous vehicles

                SINGAPORE: Multinational automotive electronics innovator, Desay SV Automotive (Desay SV) was awarded in November 2019, the Vehicle Safety Assessment (Milestones 1) license by the Singapore Land Authority of Transport (LTA) and The Centre of Excellence for Testing and Research of Autonomous Vehicles (CETRAN).

The M1 license permits Desay SV to carry out Autonomous Vehicle (AV) trials for unmanned vehicles within approved One-North test routes under an actual traffic environment.

Singapore is looking to be the leading global hub in the development of autonomous vehicle technology by exploring ways to leverage the latest AV technology for its land transport system.

The launch of CETRAN in August 2016 - a 2-hectare test facility developed by LTA, NTU and JTC -- sees Singapore's efforts to spearhead the development of testing requirements and technology for AVs.

With this enabler, LTA is able to work with partners to deploy new AVs technologies safely on the public roads.

For Desay SV, this is an opportunity as the company chose to set up its first overseas R&D Research Division last year in Singapore to exclusively develop frontier technologies in Level 4 and Level 5 vehicle autonomy and automotive cybersecurity in collaboration with the Economic Development Board (EDB).


New Mazda3 arrives in three variants starting from RM140K

PETALING JAYA: The fourth-generation Mazda3 has arrived, sporting more features and a vastly improved cabin.Targeted at young families, the Mazda3 comes in three front-wheel driven variants starting with the 1.5-litre SkyActiv-G Liftback (1,368kg)/Sedan (1,361kg) with an on-the-road price (without insurance) of RM139,620.The mid-range 2.0 High (1,402kg) model variant will only be available as a sedan with a 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G engine and will cost RM150,059.Meanwhile, the range-topping Liftback High Plus (1,400kg) and Sedan High Plus (1,402kg), both with the same 2.0-litre engine, will be made available at RM160,638.The variants will come in seven colour choices, namely Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Jet Black, Deep Crystal Blue, Sonic Silver, Snowflake White Pearl and Polymetal Gray Metallic (Liftback only).Additionally, these fully imported cars from Japan will come with a five-year warranty that includes a five-year free maintenance programme up to 100,000km (whichever comes first).The SkyActiv-G 1.5-litre (1,496cc) engine, with a compression ratio of 14:1, has an output of 118hp at 6,000rpm and 153Nm of torque at 4,000rpm.All that "twist" is managed by a SkyActiv-Drive six-speed automatic with manual shift mode and allows for a top speed of 200kph.The 2.0-litre (1,998cc) engine gets a 13:1 compression ratio instead and produces 162hp at 6,000rpm and 213Nm at 4,000rpm while being married to the same gearbox.Both petrol engines are able to utilise RON95 fuel and have been gifted with a direct injection system.Regardless of body type, its wheelbase is 2,725mm and measures in at 4,460mm-long (sedan +200mm), 1,795mm-wide and 1,435mm-tall (sedan +5mm).The suspension uses front MacPherson struts with a rear torsion beam across the board, along with front ventilated and rear solid disc brakes that are partially hidden by the 1.5-litre's (Sedan and Liftback) 16x6.5-inch wheels wearing 205/60 series tyres. A space saver wheel with a T125/70D16 tyre is found in the boot.Standard provisions in the 1.5-litre variants include bulbed daytime running lights and LEDs for the automatic headlights with automatic levelling, front and rear fogs, daytime running lights and rear light clusters.There's also automatic wipers, powered exterior mirrors with integrated turn signal and auto fold function, body-coloured door handles, door pillar garnish in flat-black, built-in antenna and dual polished exhaust tips.Mazda claims the cabin is much better insulated against noise, vibration and harshness. The interior features fabric seats, multi-function steering wheel with cruise control function and gear-shifter wrapped in leather, sunglass holder, engine start-stop button and an electronic parking brake.Also included are the organ-type throttle pedal, auto0-dimming rearview mirror, 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, one-touch power window function with anti-pinch, colour heads-up display and sport-mode.Sound-absorbing materials have been added to the headliner and floor mats as well as a new 'two-wall' insulation structure that leaves a gap between the body and carpeting on the floor for a significantly improved NVH level.The list continues with manual climate controls, i-Stop Idling Technology and the more advanced G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) system which has been evolved to further enhance the handling characteristics of the previous GVC system - especially in emergency collision avoidance maneuvres.It has to be noted that parking sensors have been omitted, however, it does come with a reverse camera that's viewable on the 8.8-inch full-colour infotainment display (with eight speakers) for the Mazda Connect system.The locations of the eight speakers have been placed in ideal locations, for example, the woofers have been moved into the front cowl, instead of traditionally placing them within the doors, to eliminate unnecessary vibrations.The other speakers were positioned specifically to transmit sound directly toward the occupant's ears rather than reflect the sound off the car's windows or body panels.The system also comes with voice command, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity and two USB ports - one at the front and another in the centre armrest.For safety, there are seven airbags and the usual inclusions of anti-lock braking system, dynamic stability control, electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency brake assist, traction control, emergency stop signal, hill-start assist, auto-hold function, speed sensing auto-lock and rear Isofix anchor points.Moving up to the 2.0-litre Sedan High variant for an additional RM10,439 adds on items such as keyless-entry, piano-black door pillar garnish, powered sliding and tilt glass sunroof, frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror.Additionally, it also comes with dual-zone automatic climate controls, rear air conditioning vents, 10-way powered driver's seats with two-memory slots, leather seats and a walk-away locking system.For RM10,000 more, the range-topping 2.0-Liftback/Sedan High Plus upsizes the wheels to 18x7 alloys with 215/45 series tyres and adds on front LED signature illumination, LED daytime running lights as well as front and rear parking sensors.In this variant, safety is further bolstered by the inclusion of an adaptive front lighting system, high beam control, blind-spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, driver attention alert, front and rear smart brake support and adaptive cruise control.


Hot at the wheel? Why driving without your shirt on isn't a good idea

                BERLIN: Stuck in traffic without AC? In that case, you might be tempted to remove a layer or two.

However, driving topless or just in your underwear isn't the greatest idea.

After all, if you need to brake in an emergency, the seatbelt may cut into your skin which could hurt.

According to Dekra, a German vehicle testing organisation, that can cause painful burns, which could be avoided or reduced if you keep your shirt on.

Seatbelts should be worn so they fit close to your body to provide optimal protection in an accident and that also applies on hot days.

A better option to feel comfortable while driving on hot days: Air your car thoroughly before you set off, by opening all the doors including the boot for a minute.

If your vehicle has an air conditioning system, set the ventilation to recirculation to cool you as quickly as possible.

Initially, set it to maximum cooling capacity. Later, you can adjust the temperature to suit you best.

Directing the cold airflow towards particular parts of your body is not such a good idea as it increases your risk of catching a cold.

Don't go too low and don't wear flip flops

However, you don't want to get heat shock when you get out of the car, so don't cool down your car's interior too much.

German motoring organisation ADAC recommends a comfortable 22 to 25 degrees Celsius.

If you're susceptible to temperature changes, try sitting in the car with the door open for a few minutes before getting out, to slowly adjust to the higher temperature outside.

Another no-go: Wearing flip flops while driving or being barefoot at the wheel. Dekra says your feet can slip off the pedals more easily than if you wear shoes with a firm sole.

Your insurance company might also object if you have an accident, so if you are driving for work, it's best to always wear proper footwear.


Renault-Nissan seeks Ghosn heir to drive integration, say sources

                PARIS: Renault-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn is recruiting a new operational second-in-command for the carmaking alliance, say company sources, in a move designed to prepare his own succession and advance the companies' integration.

Under the plan, the currently separate chief competitive officer (CCO) roles at Renault and Nissan would be fused into a single position at the 18-year-old alliance's helm, the sources said.

Nissan chief performance officer Jose Munoz and CCO Yasuhiro Yamauchi are seen internally as strong contenders, they said, along with Stefan Mueller, Munoz's counterpart at Renault.

Ghosn, 63, aims to fill the new post later this year, backed by further steps to combine Renault and Nissan manufacturing, research and development and other key activities.

"He's already preparing the next stage," one of the people said. "The process is under way."

A Renault-Nissan spokesman declined to comment.

Brazilian-born Ghosn recently stepped back from his role as Nissan chief executive officer but remains CEO at Renault, where his contract ends in 2018. He still serves as chairman of both carmakers as well as Mitsubishi Motors, controlled by Nissan through a 34 percent stake.

Ghosn has repeatedly tussled with Renault's biggest shareholder, the French state, over the future of the company and its 44 percent stake in Nissan.

For years, he sang the praises of a consensual, arm's length approach to cooperation - often invoking the long list of failed auto deals to explain why a merger was a bad idea. Renault and Nissan are currently targeting 5.5 billion euros (RM26.4bil) in joint savings, or 3.8 percent of combined sales.

But the tone changed in February, when Ghosn suggested the carmakers would be ready for a full tie-up if only France sold its near-20 percent Renault holding.

Nissan "will not accept any move on capital structure as long as the French state remains a shareholder," Ghosn said as he presented Renault's 2016 earnings. "The day the French state decides to get out, everything is open, and I can tell you it won't take too much time."

The new CCO hiring process began around the same time, the sources said, with senior executives at both companies vying for what is likely to be an internal appointment.

Senior alliance appointments are beset by the same cultural and political sensitivities that have held back integration. Being neither French nor Japanese could be a diplomatic edge for Munoz or Mueller, respectively Spanish and German.

Renault CCO Thierry Bollore is considered a long shot, the sources added. Bollore, 54, has played a prominent role in publicly defending the company against diesel fraud allegations that remain under investigation by French prosecutors.

Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa will likely stay in the role he inherited in April, with Ghosn also remaining Renault CEO "for an initial period". Ghosn, who has run Nissan since 1999 and its French parent since 2005, is expected to continue presiding over the alliance from one or more chairman roles.

The other changes will see Renault and Nissan departments folded into alliance teams that were created in 2014 across four key areas, the same people said: manufacturing and supply chain; research and development; purchasing; and human resources.

"We'll see convergence efforts in the same fields," said one. "But they are stepping up a notch."


Watch a Lamborghini slide under a car park barrier for free parking

                LONDON: At just 1.14 metres in height, the Lamborghini Murcielago is a pretty low car, even for sports cars - so low in fact that one driver has noticed he can slip underneath barriers to get into a car park for free.

Paul Wallace, a prominent car blogger on YouTube and Instagram under SupercarsofLondon, filmed a fellow car enthusiast heading down the ramp of an underground car park.

In the Instagram video, the futuristic Murcielago, a good 2cm shorter than Lamborghini's Huracan model, comfortably slides under the parking barrier without even slowing down.

It's "one of the many reasons I want one of these," Wallace said when posting the video, which has clocked over a hundred thousand views on Instagram.

This kind of "free parking" comes at a steep price, however. Decade-old Lambo models can be found advertised online for sale at more than US$150,000 (RM620,000), while the asking price can reach half a million (RM2mil).


BMW teases 8 Series Gran Coupe ahead of September debut

                MUNICH: Right now, BMW's 8 Series comprises the 8 Coupe and 8 Convertible, though the segment goes back to the early 1990s. On Friday, however, BMW tweeted a dark photograph of the next member of the 8 Series family shrouded in shadows: the 8 Series Gran Coupe.

Gran Coupes are, in short, just standard coupes with an extra set of doors and an interior space often too small to designate the vehicle as a sedan. Nevertheless, the 6 Series Gran Coupe is essentially the standard model redesigned into a sedan, thanks to the additional space provided by the back doors, and the 4 Series Gran Coupe is a hatchback-styled four-door version of the original.

Based on the published teaser, the 8 Series Gran Coupe looks like it's going to be a sedan, though not knowing the amount of interior space, we can't be sure.

At last year's Geneva Motor Show, the company debuted an M8 Gran Coupe concept which was an M-treated four-door version of the 8 Series coupe, so this upcoming model comes as no surprise. It's likely that the Gran Coupe will be powered by the same V8 engine as its predecessors in the segment.

The car will premiere at the BMW Group's NextGen event in Munich in June, ahead of its September launch. As the starting price of the latest 8 Series coupe is about US$112,000, we can expect the four-door iteration to be priced above that.


Ferrari flaunts its latest models on the catwalk

                MARANELLO: Talk about fast fashion. Ferrari is racing through the gears to bring its Prancing Horse brand to the catwalk and fine dining in an attempt to woo wealthy customers beyond its faithful fans.

The Italian company renowned for its Formula One racing team and high-powered sports cars adorned with the Cavallino Rampante logo is launching a fashion collection on Sunday and reopening a restaurant in its hometown of Maranello two days later.

The clothing line comes from creative director and former Armani designer Rocco Iannone while Michelin-starred Italian chef Massimo Bottura is relaunching the restaurant where founder Enzo Ferrari once dined with friends and Formula One stars.

Nicola Boari, Ferrari's chief brand diversification officer, told Reuters the aim was to reach new clients "in terms of both age and culture" - beyond its racing fans and sports car clients who already covet its branded jackets, T-shirts and hats.

The customer base for Ferrari's cars is limited by design to under 10,000 vehicles a year - fewer clients than Bottura's new restaurant could serve in the same time - and the luxury carmaker has said it hoped its so-called brand extension strategy would account for 10% of profits within a decade.

Ferrari is far from the first luxury car brand to venture into lifestyle businesses.

Others like Volkswagen's Lamborghini and Bentley, as well as US motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson, have turned to clothing collections.

Ferrari's foray into haute cuisine too follows in the steps of luxury fashion groups, including France's LVMH and Kering's Gucci, which also turned to Bottura for its first restaurant in Florence and a second in Beverly Hills.

"Ferrari is one of the strongest brands in the world and definitely the strongest brand in the luxury industry," said Massimo Pizzo of Brand Finance, a brand valuation consultancy.

"It has the potential to succeed even in the luxury apparel industry," he said.

Luxury profits

Ferrari's former chief executive Louis Camilleri unveiled the brand extension strategy, which includes fashion, restaurants and other luxury experiences, in 2019 just before the coronavirus pandemic struck and delayed the plans.

The launch now comes days after the appointment of new chief executive Benedetto Vigna, a 52-year-old physicist who has spent 26 years at semiconductor maker STMicroelectronics and is expected to drive Ferrari into the era of electric cars.

Camilleri said Ferrari's brand spin-offs were too stretched and planned to cut about half of the carmaker's licence agreements and trim some 30% of its product categories.

Perfumes have since disappeared from the shelves of Ferrari's existing stores, for example, as have some low-end products with no real value beyond the logo.

Analysts said it would take time for Ferrari's new brand strategy to succeed, while some were cautious about its potential contribution to profitability.

"Given the kind of scale you need to be profitable in luxury, I don't think this will be accretive to Ferrari's margins, which are quite high already," said Susy Tibaldi, luxury analyst at Swiss bank UBS.

Last year, 11.3% of Ferrari's net revenue came from its sponsorship, commercial and brand category - which includes the Formula One team and revenue generated by the brand through merchandising, licensing and royalties - down from 14.3% in 2019.

Ferrari's direct rival Lamborghini offers several branded collections based on partnerships, including menswear, kids wear and living, while Bentley's brand extension strategy focuses on accessories and luxury furniture.

Both companies said their brand extension strategies made important, and growing, contributions but declined to detail how much revenue they generated.

Harley-Davidson has long profited from a wide range of branded lifestyle gear with its general merchandising accounting for 5.7% of the company's motorcycle division revenue last year.

Renewing tradition

Ferrari, which plans initially to sell its fashion line through its stores and online, will be competing with luxury heavyweights in a market estimated to be worth some €280 billion (RM1.4tril) this year.

Ferrari's parent Exor, the investment company of Italy's Agnelli family, has also been moving into luxury.

It recently bought 24% of shoemaker Christian Louboutin and became the biggest investor in Chinese luxury group Shang Xia, which was co-founded by France's Hermes.

Ferrari declined to give details of its collection ahead of the big reveal on Sunday.

As it moves away from the licensed apparel it already sells, industry sources expect the clothing line to fall within a "middle luxury" category, a notch below top brands such as Gucci or Italy's Prada and Dolce & Gabbana.

The collection is expected to include ready-to-wear items made with high-end fabrics, rather than more relaxed streetwear looks, the sources said.

The creations could draw from Iannone's background at Italian fashion house Armani and tailor Pal Zileri, with clean-cut, elegant lines and subtle, minimalist details.

"Clearly there must be a narrative, with a focus on 'Made in Italy', they cannot just come out with a T-shirt with a logo," said Tibaldi at UBS.

As for the Il Cavallino restaurant in front of Ferrari's headquarters, staff are busily preparing for the opening next week in rooms decorated with a Formula One nose section, framed photos of Enzo with friends and Ferrari racing posters.

Standing near an old V12 engine and a more modern version used in one of Michael Schumacher's cars, Bottura told Reuters he plans to give local specialities such as tortellini and tagliatelle a fresh, contemporary look.

"I am looking at the past in a critical way, not in a nostalgic one, to bring the best of the past into the future, to renew tradition, exactly as Ferrari does," he said.


2017 Detroit auto show:  Genesis G80 3.3T Sport coming

                DETROIT: Genesis - Hyundai's luxury brand, is adding a new 'Sport' trim to its popular G80 model to bring about the 3.3T Sport that features a new powerful 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 engine as well as other sporty goodies.

The luxury brand from Korea has allowed a few details of the Genesis G80 3.3T Sport to leak during its debut at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show, following which it is scheduled to arrive in markets around the second quarter of this year.

The 3.3T Sport will differentiate itself by wearing 19-inch dark alloy wheels, possess carbon fibre interior trim, leather sports seats and steering wheel, aluminum sport pedals and the full-LED headlights with dynamic bending light to name a few.

Under the hood lies a 3.3-litre direct-injected, twin-turbo V6 engine that punches out 365hp at 6,000rpm and 510Nm of torque from 1,300 to 4,500rpm.

A sport-tuned 8-speed automatic transmission manages engine power before sending it to either a rear-wheel or all-wheel drive system.

Inside, there's a wireless device charging (Qi standard) pad, 9.2-inch touchscreen navigation system with a DIS multimedia controller and a 17-speaker sound system paired to a Lexicon Premium Sound System that includes QuantumLogic Surround Sound and Clari-Fi music restoration technology.

It also receives upgraded sports suspension system - particularly a continuous damping control suspension system, to take on ride and handling duties, while kitted with safety items such as automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, driver attention alert and a multi-view camera.

The vehicle will also feature the brand's Genesis Connected Services for seamless connectivity directly into the car with technology like Destination Search powered by Google, Car Finder, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, and Stolen Vehicle Recovery.

With a three year complimentary subscription, Genesis Connected Services further enhances driver and passenger safety with SOS Emergency & Automatic Collision Notification (ACN) to provide peace of mind.


Hypercar makers Bugatti and Rimac join forces in Croatia

                ZAGREB: The manufacturer of the world's fastest petrol-burning road cars Bugatti and former Croatian electric car start-up Rimac are now working together to create "a new automotive and technical powerhouse", according to a Tuesday announcement from Porsche.

Volkswagen relinquished direct control of Bugatti earlier this year, with Porsche (55 per cent) and Rimac (45 per cent) now controlling stakes in the new company.

Rimac-founder Mate Rimac is in charge of Croatian operations in Sveta Nedelja near here and the company says it has finished recruiting 435 staff members for an expanded plant due to be completed in 2023.

Porsche wants to help Bugatti position itself better for a future that is certain to include a raft of electrification technologies.

"Rimac and Bugatti are a perfect match in terms of what we each bring to the table," said Rimac.

"We are combining Bugatti's strong expertise in the hypercar business with Rimac’s tremendous innovative strength in the highly promising field of electromobility," said Porsche Executive Board chairman Oliver Blume.

Bugatti's Chiron will be marketed alongside Rimac's Nevera electric supercar which is the fastest-accelating EV on the market. Chiron production will continue in Molsheim, France.

The Nevera can bolt from 0 to 100kph in an incredible 1.85 seconds, which would make the Croatian car even faster than the Tesla Model S Plaid which is said to manage the dash in under 2 seconds.


Roundup: List of auto brands helping flood-hit customers

Cars bogged down in floodwater.  - Reuters
PETALING JAYA: A flurry of vehicle makers have come forward to offer help to their customers who have been affected by the floods that had hit the Klang Valley and various states over the weekend.

Perodua started the ball rolling on Sunday, and it was soon followed by Toyota, BMW, Volkswagen, Subaru and Mercedes-Benz. Commercial truck maker Hino also joined the bandwagon. As expected, many more vehicle makers have since announced their respective aid programme in recent days.

Here are the auto brands that have expressed help in one form or another:

> BMW, BMW Motorrad, MINI

> Daihatsu

> Ducati

> Honda

> Mercedes-Benz and dealer

> Hino

> Mforce  (multi-brand motorcycle distributor)

> Mitsubishi

> Modenas

> Nissan

> Perodua

> Proton

> Subaru

> Toyota and update

> Volkswagen


Stellantis to refocus China strategy with Jeep, Maserati brands

                MILAN: Stellantis sees its future as a niche player in China though its premium brand Jeep and luxury brand Maserati, its chief financial officer said today, as the carmaker rethinks its strategy in the world's largest market.

The group said this week it was closing its joint venture that makes Jeeps in China with local partner Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) (601238.SS) amid disappointing results and what CEO Carlos Tavares previously described as a growing political influence in business by Beijing.

Stellantis has said it would now focus on an "asset light", export-based strategy for Jeep in China and that it was considering a similar option for Peugeot and Citroen, the other brands it makes in the country through a different local venture.

Presenting Stellantis third quarter revenue data released earlier today, CFO Richard Palmer said the group would be "somewhat of a niche player" in China, with attractive products for specific types of customer demand.

"In terms of the export model that we're looking at, clearly we need to have a very clear focus on certain parts of the Chinese market because we're not going to be a volume player," Palmer said.

Chip crunch slowly easing

Stellantis revenues rose 29% globally to €42.1 billion (RM195bil) in the third quarter, topping analyst expectations of  €40.9 billion (RM190bil), according to a Reuters poll. Less than 3% of it came from the China, India and Asia Pacific region.

The company, whose other brands include Fiat and Alfa Romeo, said revenues were supported by improved semiconductor supplies, which helped it to boost sales volumes, strong pricing and favourable foreign exchange movements.

Palmer said microchip supply conditions would keep recording "sequential" improvements, though he did not expect them to be back to normal before the end of next year.

He also expects a lower impact from raw material inflation in 2023, compared to this year.

But other supply chain issues were having an impact on what is now the world's third largest carmaker by sales, with Palmer saying the industry as a whole was facing a shortage of trucks and drivers.

"These issues have impacted our ability to convert our strong order portfolio into sales in Europe," he said.

"We expect obviously to resolve those going into the fourth quarter," he added.

The company also confirmed a forecast for a double-digit margin on adjusted operating profit and positive industrial free cash flow this year.

Reassurance on energy

Palmer said the company was currently seeing "no red light flashing" on possible energy constraints affecting its supply chain and that the level of concern was now lower compared to a few months ago, as "everyone is taking actions".

"If the winter is normal, let's say, then I think we're reasonably confident that we can manage production without any significant interruptions," Palmer said.

He conceded however that Stellantis "very extensive supply chain" could pose a risk.

"Small hiccups in suppliers can create big complexities for us in terms of the completion of vehicles," he said.


GMC debuts 3X trim for HUMMER EV Pickup and SUV, estimated driving range revealed

                DETROIT: The GMC HUMMER EV Pickup is now joined by the GMC HUMMER EV SUV.

Each of these two vehicles are said to have a distinct personality.

GMC released new specifications last week for the 2023 HUMMER EV Pickup and the 2024 GMC HUMMER EV SUV, including the 3X trim for both models of the so-called supertruck.

The company said both models are equipped with segment-defining features like standard 4 Wheel Steer, CrabWalk and Watts to Freedom on the Edition 1 and the 3X trim for both Pickup and SUV. They come with three electric motors: one in front and two at the rear.

The Pickup produces 1,000hp and 16,640Nm of torque. The SUV offers the same torque but produces 830hp.

2023 GMC HUMMER EV Pickup

The 2023 GMC HUMMER EV Pickup brings with it the continuation of the all-inclusive Edition 1 trim and the debut of the 3X trim, which will offer customers more choice to customise their truck.

The 3X trim will come standard with 22-inch wheels and 35-inch All-Terrain tyres that offer a sportier, more on-road-oriented driving dynamic. In this configuration, customers can expect a GM-estimated driving range of up to 571km on a full charge.

For those who want to head off the beaten path, the 3X trim will also offer the Extreme Off-Road Package, which includes additional underbody cameras, additional skid plates and rocker protection with built-in assist steps, as well as 18-inch wheels and 35-inch Mud-Terrain tyres.

This configuration will offer a GM-estimated driving range of up to 329 miles on a full charge6, the same as the Edition 1 Pickup.

2024 GMC HUMMER EV SUV

The 2024 GMC HUMMER EV Edition 1 and 3X SUV debuts with two unique versions for customers – on-road and off-road.

The GMC HUMMER EV SUV on-road version features 22-inch wheels and 35-inch All-Terrain tyres as standard and offers a sportier, more urban focused look and feel for both Edition 1 and 3X trims. This configuration will offer an EPA-estimated electric range of up to 505km on a full charge.

The HUMMER EV SUV with the available Extreme Off-Road package features 18-inch wheels and 35-inch Mud-Terrain tyres, which includes additional underbody cameras, additional skid plates and underbody protection, and rocker protection with built-in assist steps. This configuration will offer an EPA-estimated electric range of up to 480km on a full charge.

Both models are built at GM’s Factory ZERO Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center – a nearly 40-year-old facility retooled with a US$2.2 billion investment devoted to EV production. Factory ZERO will also build the GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 110.

While reservations are currently full for the Pickup and SUV, more information can be found on GMC.com/HUMMEREV.


New Netflix documentary on 'multi-layered' Michael Schumacher

Schumacher at the 2012 Brazil's F1 Grand Prix at the Interlagos racetrack in Sao Paulo. — AFP
PARIS: Seven-time Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher is the subject of a new Netflix documentary to be released on Sept 15, the platform announced today.

The film titled "Schumacher" retraces the life and career of the German driver, who has not been seen in public since a serious skiing accident in 2013, and promises unseen archive material that shows the "many facets of his multi-layered personality".

The portrait of the racing legend, now 52, is "the only film supported by his family", the platform said in a press release.

Schumacher's manager Sabine Kehm describes the film as the "family's gift to their beloved husband and father".

The documentary features exclusive interviews with his wife Corinna, his two children Gina and Mick, himself an F1 driver since this season, and brother Ralf, as well as those who worked with or raced against Schumacher, including Jean Todt, Bernie Ecclestone, Sebastian Vettel, Mika Hakkinen, Damon Hill and David Coulthard.

Schumacher, who won 91 Grand Prix before retiring from Formula One in 2012, suffered a serious head injury on December 29, 2013 in the French Alps and his state of health remains secret.

"The greatest challenge for the directors was certainly to find the balance between independent reporting and consideration for the family," said Vanessa Nocker who directed the film along with Hanns-Bruno Kammertons and Michael Wech.

"Corinna Schumacher herself was our greatest support in this.

"She herself wanted to make an authentic film, to show Michael as he is, with all his ups and downs, without any sugarcoating.

"She was great and brave enough to let us do what we wanted, and so we respected and kept her boundaries. A very inspiring, warm woman who made a lasting impression on all of us."

It will be released 30 years after the German's first Grand Prix in Belgium in August 1991.


Ride hailing and sharing service procures 1,000 Perodua vehicles

                PETALING JAYA: Perodua has secured its first ever ride-hailing and ride-sharing service fleet purchase of 1,000 Perodua Bezza and Axia units.

“We are pleased to announce that a ride-hailing and a ride-sharing service provider operating in Malaysia have purchased a combined 1,000 Axias and Bezzas,” said Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director Datuk Dr Zahari Husin.

He said that the fleet sale to these service providers was significant to Perodua as it opens up yet another market for the compact carmaker.

“This is an important endorsement by companies that rely on good quality and safe cars which are also economical to maintain,” he added.

“The proliferation of ride-hailing and ride-sharing services in Malaysia has revolutionised the way we get around, and Perodua is proud to be a part of this revolution towards more efficient and sustainable transport for all. We thank them for their support,” Dr Zahari said.

All in all, over 300,000 Axias and 100,000 Bezzas have been sold since their launches in 2014 and 2016 respectively. They are both government-certified Energy-Efficient Vehicles (EEV) and have led their respective vehicle segments since their inception.

Perodua recently launched a new Bezza variant at the 2018 Malaysia Autoshow, held 26-29 April at the Malaysian Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS).

Replacing the 1.0 Standard G in the range, the Bezza GXtra offers a trim specification comparable to the 1.3 Premium X with no increase in price, giving buyers even more value for money.


First Aston Martin Valkyrie deliveries start in coming weeks

                LONDON: The first customers will soon receive their Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercars.

The British car maker announced on Friday that the highly anticipated Valkyrie coupe has entered full production and the first customer car is now complete, with deliveries planned in the coming weeks.

Like all Aston Martin sports cars, Valkyrie is being built at the marque’s UK headquarters in Gaydon, 145km north-west of here.

A dedicated project delivery team manages the build right through to delivery in a specially commissioned Valkyrie production area.

A team of technicians are hand-building each of the 150 cars, with each Valkyrie taking over 2,000 man hours to create.

Before each Valkyrie is delivered, it is track-tested at the Aston Martin high performance facility at Silverstone where much of the development of the hypercar has taken place.

Boasting a hybrid V12 powertrain developing a maximum power of 1,139hp, the Valkyrie incorporates concepts and technologies taken directly from Formula 1.

"The Valkyrie is born out of the steadfast dedication of a large group of highly skilled engineers and technicians who have worked tirelessly to get Valkyrie to the production stage," said Aston Martin chief executive officer Tobias Moers.

"I’m sure our customers will be delighted with what they have achieved.”


Supercar maker De Tomaso is ditching Italy for Detroit

                MODENA: An obscure Italian supercar brand from the 1960s is trying to rebuild itself … in America.

De Tomaso, the company that built the oddly chiselled Pantera supercar famously owned by Dimebag Darrell Abbott, the lead guitarist of the ’80s thrash metal band with the same name (pantera is the Spanish and Italian word for panther), has announced it will move its headquarters, research and development, and fabrication to the United States, starting in 2021.

Chief executive officer Ryan Berris says a current partnership with Ford has early powertrain development being done in Detroit.

The company is “in negotiations” regarding a 50,000-square-foot building in the area, Berris says. Other locations are also being considered.

The move is a unique tactic for a privately funded brand that hasn’t sold cars officially in the States since the late 1970s.

But it’s not out of nowhere: The US has long been a destination for small automakers that build special performance cars, including Hennessey and Shelby American.

On Oct 10, Washington-based SSC set the world record for speed in a production car.

In August, the Wall Street Journal published a column by retired racer and California builder Steve Saleen, who claimed the Chinese government had stolen intellectual property associated with supercars he built under his Saleen brand name.

Although it lacks current production cars, De Tomaso debuted the US$1 million P72 supercar at the Goodwood Festival of Speed last year.

The company seems blithely unwilling to play speculative one-upmanship: “I mean, 700 horsepower, 750—whatever you want to quote, I’m fine with,” Berris says, in response to a question about the car. He says the actual horsepower number is “for us, irrelevant. It’s not about the numbers. It’s about having something that is different.”

The P72 is a tribute to the De Tomaso P70 (aka Sport 5000) that unsuccessfully attempted to race the Sebring 12 Hours and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966.

If it reaches production by the optimistic 2022 timeline De Tomaso has set, it will be the first model the manufacturer will have built in the US. Ford will provide the engine, a supercharged five-litre V8 built by the team that built the engine for the modern Ford GT. A six-speed manual transmission will come standard.

The De Tomaso P72 will use a carbon fibre monocoque chassis and be constructed to LMP1 standards, but it is meant to be a grand tourer.

The model joins other lesser-known ultra-low-volume newcomers to the supercar market as the Maserati MC20, Lotus Evija, Pininfarina Battista, aforementioned SSC Tuatara, and the Gordon Murray Automotive T.50, all of which have been announced or have reached production within the last year.

“The middle market is disappearing,” Berris says about joining the fray. “We’ve reached the tipping point.”

Founded in 1959 by Argentine racing driver Alejandro de Tomaso, De Tomaso Automobili built such models as the Pantera and the gull-wing Mangusta.

It sits firmly in the universe of historic Italian design, but never became quite the pillar of beauty and performance as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, or Alfa Romeo.

Its reputation was plagued by overheating and quality and build problems, with most of its powertrains sourced from Ford.

In 1971, Ford acquired an 84% stake in the company, with de Tomaso himself holding the rest. He suffered a stroke in 1993, after which his heirs liquidated the company. In 2014, Hong Kong-based Ideal Team Ventures paid US$1.8 million for the rights to the brand, which had experienced several botched revivals in the meantime.

Berris says the spotty history of De Tomaso is worth salvaging.

“We are not positioning the brand based on performance. The performance will be sufficient, nothing more than what you need,” he says, preferring to call the car: “a true art piece.

“What is in our heart is carrying forward the spirit with which we fell in love with cars,” he says.

A company press release said the reason for De Tomaso’s transition from its previous headquarters in supercar-central Modena, Italy, to cross the Atlantic Ocean was to “inspire innovation and build passion in America’s auto industry.”

A closer read indicates De Tomaso is looking to partner with American companies in addition to Ford, as it did decades ago. Along with Ford components, De Tomaso looked to infamous entrepreneur Carrol Shelby to help source engines and car designers in the 1960s.

Vehicles in addition to the P72 are already in development, according to Berris, who says yet-unannounced models will be produced concurrently and in higher volumes than the 72 units planned—and already sold—for the P72.

None contain electric-battery technology, but he says that eventually, the De Tomaso lineup will include an electric vehicle.

“We have no rush to go into EV,” Berris says. “We want to do operations which we are comfortable with.”

He expects to hire as many as 300 to 500 staffers on a “US hiring spree” when the company reaches full bore, “over the next three to five years.” No hirings have been made.


Audi RS 6 Avant (C8), high-powered twin-turbo V8 wagon headed to US

                INGOLSTADT:  Audi of America has announced that its latest RS 6 Avant high-performance wagon will be arriving with its visceral design, exhilarating driving dynamics and everyday practicality for driving enthusiasts.

“Throughout our 25-year RS history, the Audi RS 6 Avant is one of our absolute icons with a large global fan base. We will also be offering the RS 6 Avant in North America for the very first time. As such, we will be tapping into a new market with huge potential and generating further growth,” said Audi Sport GmbH managing director Oliver Hoffmann.

The RS 6 Avant uses a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that provides 600PS and 800Nm of torque - all managed by an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission with optimised shift time and launch control.

This gives the RS 6 Avant, with its all-wheel 'quattro' drive system, the ability to launch from 0 to 100kph in 3.6 seconds before reaching a top speed of 250kph.

Wheel-selective torque control can help enhance handling by ensuring additional traction across each axle through an individual wheel-braking application.

The quattro sport differential offers a dynamic driving experience and helps enhance cornering agility by actively splitting torque between each of the rear wheels, with the ability to direct nearly all torque to one wheel.

It will also be blessed with RS adaptive air suspension with controlled damping which has been tuned specifically for the RS 6 Avant with several modes available, including an automatic level control. An RS sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control is also available.

These single-tube dampers have a variable characteristic that the driver can adjust in three stages.

Hydraulic lines and a central valve link the diagonally opposed pairs of shock absorbers.

When cornering at speed, the valves regulate the oil flow in the shock absorber of the spring-deflected front wheel at the outside of the curve, which helps reduces pitch and roll movement, and improves handling.

Drivers can customize their driving experience through the standard Audi drive select system, which offers six drive modes of Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Efficiency and the Individually configurable RS-specific RS1 and RS2 modes, which can be activated directly using the “RS MODE” steering wheel button.

The Audi drive select setting influences the engine and transmission management, the power steering, the suspension, the dynamic all-wheel steering, the quattro sport differential and the engine sound.

The RS2 mode exists specifically to influence the Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) directly at the push of a button.

The RS 6 Avant with progressive steering develops significantly higher return forces as steering angle increases, to provide precise steering feedback.

Its newly developed power-assist directly connects the driver and road. Dynamic all-wheel steering can provide increased handling and stability.

The exterior design of the all-new RS 6 Avant is made solely of RS-specific parts.

The body, which has been widened around 40mm on each side with broad flared wheel arches, underscores the athleticism of the high-performance Avant.

The RS 6 Avant features the three-dimensional RS-specific honeycomb structure within the Singleframe grille which is finished in gloss black.

Below the LED headlights, side air inlets open on the striking new RS bumper and extend into the lower edge of the headlights.

The characteristic Avant silhouette dominates the side profile, elongated front section, long, straight roofline and flat D pillars. Dramatically flared fenders provide cues to the standard quattro all-wheel drive.

The rear of the vehicle consists of the roof edge spoiler and an RS-specific bumper with rear diffuser and design elements in gloss black.

In hallmark RS style, the RS exhaust system flows on both sides into oval chromed tailpipes.

The refined interior of the RS 6 Avant includes impressive RS accents and driver-focused technologies.

The brand’s new MMI touch response system, with its black-panel design, fuses together the interior architecture and user interface in a modern and sophisticated manner.

In the Audi virtual cockpit, special RS displays provide information on tire pressure, torque, power output, engine oil temperature, boost pressure, lap times, acceleration measurements and g forces.

The highly anticipated Audi RS 6 Avant will arrive in the U.S. in 2020 and will be available for customer orders, subject to a later announcement.


Month-long special rate of RM50 for summonses issued before 2023, says Anwar

                PUTRAJAYA: From April 21 to May 21, the police will be offering a special rate for those who settle traffic summonses issued before Jan 1, 2023, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said the special rate had been set at RM50 for summonses issued before 2023.

"During that one-month period, any summons can be settled at this special rate of RM50, but this rate is not applicable to traffic summonses issued in 2023,” he added.

Meanwhile, in order to ensure smooth traffic flow during Hari Raya Aidilfitri this year, Anwar said the police will implement Ops Lancar on April 18 and 19, focusing on areas which are prone to traffic jams.

He said the usual Ops Selamat, on the other hand, will be implemented for seven days from April 20, with the theme "Rumah Selamat, Selamat Sampai ke Destinasi (Safe homes, safely arrive at destinations)".

"For this, the police will also collaborate with agencies like the Rela and the Civil Defence Force to ensure traffic jam hotspots, such as at toll plazas, would not be too congested,” he said.


Facelifted Ford Edge and Ka+ in Geneva, but no new Focus until April

                DETROIT: Ford is making a big push for boosting sales in the important European market this year, and spearheading its European offensive will be an all-new version of the big-selling Focus.

But this incredibly important car for the brand will finally be unveiled to the world at a standalone event in April, and not at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March as many had expected.

However, Ford will be unveiling new facelifted versions of the Edge crossover and the Ka+ in Geneva.

 The 2018 Edge Sport.

The US auto giant has said it's now created a greater separation between the various Focus models in the same way it has now created very distinct versions of the new Fiesta. The Focus will be launched this year in versions that will now include the upscale Vignale, the sporty ST-Line, and a wagon version. Although not being launched from day one, other versions of the new Focus will eventually include the performance ST and SUV-inspired Active variants.

Geneva won't come and go without some new product from the Blue Oval though, as it's been announced there will be a facelifted version of the Edge large SUV that's now a global model for the brand and a refreshed version of the Ka+ budget subcompact unveiled at the show.

Perhaps a little surprisingly, Ford doesn't offer any sort of seven-seat vehicle in Europe, so a version of the Edge with three rows of seating could be announced at the show.

A three-row version of the Edge is already sold by Ford in China, and in Russia it offers a three-row version of the Explorer SUV. Bob Shanks, who's Ford's chief financial officer, has admitted the company's product plan for Europe does include "more three-row utilities," or SUVs.

Other models Ford is hoping will find favour with European buyers this year include the refreshed Mustang and a new four-wheel drive version of the EcoSport subcompact crossover.


KLIMS'18: Honda unveils slew of bikes

                KUALA LUMPUR: Boon Siew Honda has unveiled the highly anticipated PCX Hybrid, Forza and the CBR 1000RR Fireblade superbike at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2018 (KLIMS 2018).

The first model to be showcased during the launch was the PCX Hybrid that uses an automatic transmission (AT) to help deliver a joyful ride.

Equipped with Honda's proprietary hybrid system, the PCX Hybrid is powered by a 150cc liquid-cooled four-stroke single-cylinder petrol engine mated to an electric motor supported by a high-output lithium-ion battery.

The engine's output is rated at 10.8kW at 8,000rpm and 13.6Nm at 6,500rpm, while the electric motor provides an additional 1.5kW at 3,000rpm and 4.3Nm at 3,000rpm.

 PCX Hybrid.

The PCX comes with motor assist system to the AGC starter to enable the engine to have a sharper throttle response for better accelerative qualities.

Three riding modes of modes offered in this premium AT model according to their preferences and ride conditions:

1. Drive mode (D) that provides comfortable ride and better fuel economy.

2. Sport mode (S) for riders who seek a sporty ride.

3. ldling OFF mode that helps the riders deactivate the Idling Stop System (ISS) function but maintain the same power performance as in D mode.

The PCX Hybrid (available in Pearl Dark Night Blue) comes with Enhanced Smart Power (eSP) to help optimise fuel efficiency and also features ISS, Combined Braking System and Honda Smart Key System.

Additionally, there AT model is equipped with full-LED lighting system, digital panel meter, DC socket in a console box, large under-seat compartment with seat stopper and a 8.0-litre fuel tank (the largest in its class).

The Forza extends Honda's AT model line-up to give riders a lightweight compact option to consider.

The 184kg Forza uses a 279cc liquid-cooled fuel-injected OHC four-stroke engine producing 18.5kW at 7,000rpm and 27.2Nm at 5,750rpm.

Its fuel efficiency has been rated at 31km per litre while having an 11.5-litre fuel tank.

The Forza is designed with 1,510mm wheelbase and is the first Honda AT model to be equipped with Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) in addition to the anti-lock braking system, Honda Smart Key system, full-LED lighting system, large underseat compartment to store two full-face helmets, 12V charging socket and an adjustable electric screen.

The Forza is available in three colours of Pear Horizon White, Sword Silver Metallic and Asteroid Black Metallic.

 CBR 1000RR Fireblade.

As for the CBR 1000RR Fireblade, the 196kg superbike powered by a 998cc puts out 141kW at 13,000rpm and 114Nm at 11,000rpm.

The new Fireblade comes equipped with HSTC, selectable engine brake, anti-lock braking system, and optional quick-shifter with downshifter assist, power selector, fully adjustable Showa Suspension and Honda Electronic Steering Damper.

Additionally, it also includes Riding Mode Select system with three modes of Mode 1 - for track, Mode 2 - for winding roads, and Mode 3 for street.

Colour options include Grand Prix Red and Matt Ballistic Black Metallic.


A bio-based material could boost battery autonomy for electric cars and smartphones

                TOKYO: Japanese researchers have developed a method to increase the charging capacity of batteries used in electric cars.

The results show increased battery life, giving hope to develop more durable batteries for cars and maybe even smartphones.

At a time when the general public is more aware of the climate crisis than ever, the electric car market is booming.

However, while an increasing number of people are adopting electric cars, there are still several obstacles associated with them - the financial aspect, as well as availability of charging stations and the range of such vehicles (an average of 40 minutes of charging vs a few minutes for a full tank of petrol with a conventional car).

It's a particularly glaring issue in Japan, one of the few countries in the world where sales of 100% electric cars are still struggling to take off, despite a marked appetite for hybrid cars.

Additionally, there are problems related to battery composition which uses rare metals such as lithium, whose extraction poses serious environmental and social concerns.

In an attempt to address all of these issues, a Japanese team of researchers from the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST) has developed a method of manufacturing anodes that can charge lithium-ion batteries quickly.

The scientists have developed a carbon-based anode. This polymer, synthesised from raw materials of biological origin, has been calcinated to increase its nitrogen content.

This scientific process has a specific goal: to design an electric car battery that can be charged in 15 minutes or less.

Durability tests showed that batteries with this bio-based polymer retained about 90% of their initial capacity, even after 3,000 charge-discharge cycles at high rates. This is considerably higher than the capacity retained by graphite-based cells, which are the most common material for conventional lithium-ion batteries.

The researchers also found that modifications to the polymer structure could lead to even better performance, which would not only be useful for batteries in electric vehicles, but also for those in smartphones.

"Much shorter charging times will hopefully attract consumers to choose EVs rather than gasoline-based vehicles, ultimately leading to cleaner environments in every major city across the world," said Professor Noriyoshi Matsumi, who led the study published in Chemical Communications.

Other ultra-efficient rechargeable battery projects are also in the pipeline.

For instance, researchers from Ford and Purdue University in the US presented a new kind of charging cable for electric cars in November.

This small wire, which is patent pending, is said to charge an electric vehicle in nearly the same time that it would take to fill up a tank with petrol, thanks to a revolutionary cooling process.


Waze Beacons to remove tunnel blindness at Tun Razak Exchange, first in region

                KUALA LUMPUR: Waze is working with Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) here to leverage Bluetooth connectivity underground and provide seamless navigation to drivers when there is limited GPS signal reception.

This will help ensure better location services, increased driver safety, and better visibility of real-time traffic events while driving underground in TRX.

Waze said the programme is the first of its kind in South-East Asia.

The Waze Beacons, installed and owned by TRX City, do not collect data and work by emitting a signal that can aid navigation apps including Waze, making it easier for drivers to navigate underground areas with multiple exits and roundabouts during periods of poor connection, and prevent traffic confusion and congestion.

The signals are available for use by all developers looking to make it easier and safer to get around TRX.

Waze’s partnership with TRX has seen these devices installed across TRX’s Basements 2 and 3 which have up to 3 and 21 decision points respectively leading out to parking spaces, and various connecting roads and highways.

These installatations are set to serve as a pilot-scale project for other parts of Kuala Lumpur.

"Our underground roads are an ideal test ground as they lead out to key exits, and we look forward to enhancing TRX’s level of services. Ensuring seamless connectivity is critical to support TRX’s status as an international financial hub.” said TRX City Sdn Bhd CEO Datuk Azmar Talib.

“The Waze Beacons programme will help realise the TRX master plan of making the district the best-connected address in Kuala Lumpur. The development will have direct access to major highways such as the SMART Tunnel, Maju Expressway (MEX) and the future Setiawangsa-Pantai Expressway (SPE), as well as connections to Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan Bukit Bintang and Jalan Sultan Ismail via many ingress and egress points.”

"Through Waze Beacons, we hope to reduce drivers’ hesitation and confusion stemming from signal loss, and reduce traffic congestion and frustration on the road,” said Waze Malaysia country head Kelvin Sim.

Waze Beacons was launched in 2016, and has rolled out in countries such as the United States, Brazil, France, Italy, Australia, Norway, and the Czech Republic. As of today, the coverage spans 260km of tunnels and roadways worldwide.


VW to roll out Taos SUV for US and Canada

                WASHINGTON: Volkswagen of America announced that its new compact SUV would be named Taos.

The Taos model was designed specifically for the North American Region.

The Taos will slot under the Tiguan, and is the second proof point of Volkswagen’s doubling-up SUV strategy following the launch of Atlas Cross Sport earlier this year.

Volkswagen said the vehicle would "offer great value, excellent fuel economy, and great packaging, as well as advanced infotainment and driver-assistance features." The official reveal will take place on Oct 13.

The town of Taos is home to 6,000 people, and boasts a 400-year history and a 1,000-year-old Native American community just a few miles from the centre of town. It’s notable for its artist community, world-class ski resort, and stunning landscapes, including vast plains, the Sangre de Cristo mountains, and the spectacular Rio Grande Gorge.

Incidentally, Taos was also home to John Muir, an engineer turned mechanic, and author of “How To Keep Your Volkswagen Alive: A Manual of Step-by-Step procedures for the Compleat Idiot.” First published in 1969, and illustrated by local artist Peter Aschwanden, this counter-culture guide to Volkswagen repairs quickly developed a popular following.

The book, started in Muir’s Taos shop, has helped keep countless VW models running, from Beetles and Buses to Type 3 and Type 4 models.


Mercedes reveals new G 650 Landaulet

                STUTTGART: Mercedes-Benz has finally unveiled its first open-top G-Class off-roader from Mercedes-Maybach, the G 650 Landaulet.

With a limited production of just 99 units, the all-terrain vehicle features a V12 engine, portal axles, electric fabric top and exclusive equipment specification in the rear compartment. The interior offers a two-tone design upholstery in four trim colours, while customers can choose from three different matching colours for the fabric top and four paint finishes.

With a length of 5,345mm, a wheelbase of 3,428mm, a height of 2,235mm, almost half a metre of ground clearance and ample space and comfort for four passengers, the G 650 Landaulet is a unique combination of luxurious chauffeur saloon and off-roader. While the driver and front passenger are accommodated under the closed roof, the rear passengers can revel in a maximum of comfort: at the press of a button, a large folding top opens electrically to offer a view of the blue sky.

The rear passengers enjoy the majestic open-air experience from their single seats. On demand, an electrically operated glass partition separates the rear compartment from the driver's section. In addition, the glass can be changed from transparent to opaque at the press of a button.

Thanks to the 578mm longer wheelbase, passengers benefit from even more interior space. The first-class rear seats from the S Class significantly enhance the seating comfort and spaciousness: the electrically multi-adjustable individual seats can be conveniently set to a fully reclined position. The active multicontour seats with "Energizing" massage function have inflatable air chambers to provide high seating comfort and good lateral support.

The rear seating concept is augmented by a calf rest, which is adjustable in length and swivel range.

To afford the rear passengers the optimum in comfort, there is a large business console with thermal cup holders between the individual seats. These allow beverages to be cooled or heated. The controls for opening or closing the glass partition are integrated behind the cup holders. Similarly to an aircraft seat, the centre console comes with two tables, which can be easily folded in or out with one hand. The table tops have leather inserts to provide a comfortable writing surface or to allow the use of tablets and notebooks.

Positioned in front of the cup holders is a control for the rear air conditioning. Further forward is a “G cockpit” in the style of the driver's instrument panel. The centre console houses the three centrally placed pushbutton switches. One switch is for the interior lighting, while the other two are used to open and close the soft top. The rear "G cockpit" also includes two glove compartments as well as grab handles typical of the G Class. The cross-member, which also holds the glass partition, accommodates two 10-inch high-resolution media displays of the Individual Entertainment System.

Familiar from the AMG G 63 6x6 and G 500 4x42, the portal axles provide ample ground clearance of 450mm, allowing the open-top all-terrain vehicle to overcome even extreme obstacles. In contrast to a conventional rigid axle, the wheels are not at the height of the axle centre, but are instead situated much further down on the axle heads owing to the portal transmission.

Tyres are 22-inchers (325/55 R 22) for both on- and off-road uses.

The car is Mercedes-Maybach's fifth model after the S-Class Saloon, Pullman and Cabriolet as well as the Mercedes-Maybach Vision 6 show car. It will premiere officially at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and the launch of the special series will start in the autumn. — CarSifu/Relaxnews


Honda recalling some 2018 units of CR-V over gear knob button

                PETALING JAYA: Honda Malaysia today announced a recall of 7,050 units of CR-V (2018 Year Model) to replace the gear push knob button.

The recall or "product update campaign" is a precautionary measure to address the possibility of customers facing difficulty with the transmission lever when shifting from parking position to other gear positions.

All current selling models are not affected.

Honda Malaysia said the replacement of the affected gear push knob button is free of charge and all cost involved would be borne by the company.

The affected customers would be informed via notification letters, which will include details of the product update. Customers who receive the letter are advised to send their vehicles to the nearest Honda authorised dealers for inspection.

The replacement stock would be available in stages.

Vehicle owners can obtain more information on the recall by calling Honda Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or log on to www.honda.com.my.