Audi A3 Sedan launched from RM332K, booking open for RS3 Sedan from RM650K

                KUALA LUMPUR: The new Audi A3 Sedan was launched in Malaysia last week.

The model in S Line trim is priced at RM331,990 (inclusive of duties and sales tax).

At the same time , new Audi distributor PHS Automotive Malaysia also announced that the RS 3 Sedan is open for booking. Pricing is expected to range from RM650,000 to RM750,000.

The A3 combines a new design language with advanced technologies, and promises an even more engaging driving experience.

The cabin is roomier than before, featuring the Audi virtual cockpit, 10.1-inch MMI navigation plus touch display and Audi connect plus services as standard.

The front of the car is dominated by a large Singleframe with honeycomb grille flanked by striking headlights. The body line on the Sedan extends up to the rear bumper, which emphasises its length and gives
the rear an elegant appearance.

The concave surface under the broad body shoulder further accentuates the quattro blisters and the sill. The roof line slopes down from the B-pillar dynamically – just like on a coupé.

Its streamlined body, paired with a higher rear end and a large diffuser contributes to reduced drag coefficient values, which in turn reduces C02 emissions and fuel.

The A3 also features controllable cooling-air inlet with two electrically actuated louvre modules behind the Singleframe.

They regulate the flow of air and according to the driving situation. In addition, the panelled underbody, the exterior mirrors with improved aerodynamics, and the active brake cooling reduces air resistance.

The third-generation modular infotainment platform (MIB 3) boasts computing power 10 times higher than in the predecessor model, and can connect to smartphones via the Audi smartphone interface,
which integrates iOS and Android cell phones with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The suspension of the new A3 Sedan has been tuned to be sporty, allowing for faster reaction speeds and increased precision driving, especially for those who enjoy hard cornering.

All this is thanks to the central dynamic handling system that ensures optimal interaction between all the components to the transverse dynamics.

The A3  is available in a choice of eight colours: two solid paint finish and five metallic, and one pearl effect shades.

On to the sportiest variant of the A3.

The RS3 Sedan is compact yet mighty boasting impressive agility and dynamic handling, courtesy of a 2.5 litre TFSI turbo inline-five cylinder petrol mill making 395hp/500Nm. The prodigious power is relayed to both axles via a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic.

It takes 3.8s to go from 0-100kph, with top speed capped at 250kph.

In June 2021, the RS 3 became the fastest compact model on the Nürburgring Nordschleife with a time of 7:40.748 minutes. It was also the firsdt Audi model to get a torque splitter, which distributes torque fully adjustably between the rear wheels.

All Audi models are offered with 3 years free maintenance, 5 years unlimited mileage warranty and 5 years roadside assistance.

Bookings for the A3 Sedan and the RS 3 can be made at all Audi Centres at Setia Alam, Glenmarie and Juru.


Sydney skywriting says 'STOP F1' amid coronavirus fears

Skywriting in the sky which reads quotStop F1quot in white smoke is seen in Sydney Australia in this March 11 2020 picture obtained from social media. — Reuters

MELBOURNE: The words "STOP F1" were written in the skies above Sydney today amid growing calls for Formula One's season-opening Australian Grand Prix to be scrapped or barred to spectators due to concerns about the coronavirus.

Photographs of the skywriting were widely shared online but it was unclear who was responsible for them.

Formula One organisers have already postponed the Chinese Grand Prix which was scheduled in April, while Bahrain authorities on Sunday said fans would be barred from the second round of the season on March 22.

Australian Grand Prix authorities on Monday were adamant that Albert Park would welcome thousands of motor sport fans from Thursday when practice sessions and qualifying commence for lower-profile touring car series.

Australian health authorities are battling to contain community spread of the coronavirus, with infections mounting day by day and several schools forced to close in Melbourne and Sydney.

Australia had recorded 112 cases of the coronavirus as of 11 a.m. local time (0000 GMT) on Wednesday, up from 100 the previous day, the health department said. Three people have died from the disease in the country.

The new coronavirus has infected more than 116,000 people and killed more than 4,000 around the world since it surfaced in China late last year.

More than 300,000 fans attended race week at Albert Park last year, according to organsiers' estimates.

With a prominent art festival in Australia's southern Tasmania state and other local events cancelled in recent days, Australian media pundits have queried the safety of thousands of fans flocking to Albert Park.

"In the real world, the Indian Wells tennis tournament in the US has been cancelled, the Socceroos World Cup qualifiers have been postponed, major club matches in Italy are being played behind closed doors, and the World Cup skiing finals in Cortina d’Ampezzo have been scratched altogether," Greg Baum wrote in Melbourne daily The Age on Tuesday.

"In the Melbourne Grand Prix world, it’s see you in the champagne tent."


Ford CEO Mark Fields ousted

Fields.
DETROIT: Ford Motor Co. is replacing embattled chief executive officer Mark Fields with Jim Hackett, a turnaround specialist who has been leading the automaker’s moves into self-driving cars and ride sharing, according to a person familiar with the move.

The company plans to announce today that Fields, 56, is retiring and Hackett will move up from his position as head of Ford’s Smart Mobility unit, said the person, who asked not to be identified revealing internal plans. The company can’t confirm any media speculation, a representative at Ford China’s communications department said by phone in response to an earlier Forbes report on the executive changes.

Hackett, 62, revived the fortunes of office furniture maker Steelcase as CEO from 1994 to 2014 and his promotion indicates Ford is looking to seize on that expertise as consumer demands change. Field’s departure comes amid a more than 30 percent plunge in Ford’s stock since Fields took the helm on July 1, 2014, and shareholders have assailed management over the strategy at the company, which announced a voluntary job-loss programme last week.

 Hackett.

Ford also is ousting Fields’s communications chief Ray Day and replacing him with Mark Truby, a former newspaper reporter who had most recently been leading Ford’s communications in Asia, the person said.

Hackett, who joined Ford’s board of directors in 2013, was appointed in March 2016 as chairman of Ford Smart Mobility, according to his profile on the company’s website. The unit was formed to accelerate Ford’s foray into emerging mobility services.

Fields has been under scrutiny by Ford’s board, which scheduled extra meeting time to drill him on his plans for reversing the company’s fortunes, according to a person familiar with the discussions. The 56-year-old CEO has been pouring billions into self-driving cars and ride-sharing experiments as its traditional-car business has struggled far more than at General Motors Co. in a slowing US market.

Fields joined Ford in July 1989 and helped the its businesses through several tough situations before he was named to the top job in July 2014, replacing Alan Mulally.


BMW uses new measuring tech for next 5 Series

                MUNICH: The BMW Group is the first automobile manufacturer to introduce a unique system concept with a fully-automated, optical measuring cell in its pilot plant in Munich.

Freely moving robot arms use sensors to create a three-dimensional image of the entire vehicle and generate a 3D data model from the data captured, with an accuracy of less than 100 µm.

This allows barely visible deviations to be identified at an early stage.

The optical measuring cell is deployed at the interface between development and series production.

It forms part of the BMW Group’s digitalisation strategy for production and supports the high quality standards for production of premium vehicles.

The next generation of the BMW 5 Series Sedan will be the first to benefit from this new technology.

Eduard Obst, Head of Geometric Analysis, Measuring Technology and Cubing, Total Vehicle, explains: “We are delighted to reach this genuine milestone in preproduction with the optical measuring cell: A single measurement provides us with a 3D data model of the total vehicle. Lengthy individual measurements and data collation are no longer needed – saving time and enhancing quality at the start of series production.”


Mercedes debuts all-electric EQS

                STUTTGART: The all-electric Mercedes S-Class known as EQS made its digital world debut today.

The EQS is the first all-electric luxury saloon from Mercedes-EQ and offers a range of up to 770km. Pricing will be announced in the summer closer to the launch date.

The EQS is also the first model to be based on the modular architecture for luxury and executive-class electric vehicles.

First models on the market will be the EQS 450+ with 245 kW and the EQS 580 4MATIC with 385 kW.

As part of its Ambition 2039 initiative, Mercedes-Benz is working on offering a carbon-neutral new car fleet within 20 years from now. By as early as 2030, the company wants more than half the cars it sells to feature electric drive systems - this includes fully electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.

In many areas, Mercedes is already thinking about tomorrow today: the new EQS is designed to be correspondingly sustainable. The vehicles are produced in a carbon-neutral manner, and resource-saving materials such as carpets made from recycled yarn are used.

Aerodynamicists, in close cooperation with the designers, were able to achieve a new cd best value of 0.20. This makes the EQS the most aerodynamic production car in the world. The operating range particularly benefits from this. It is also among the best in terms of quiet running. The very low wind noise level contributes significantly to this.

The EQS also currently sets a very good value for recuperation: Of the maximum deceleration in the DAuto recuperation program of 5 m/s², up to 3 m/s² is achieved by recuperation (2 m/s² by the wheel brakes).

This allows decelerating to a standstill without using the brake pedal, while at the same time the range benefits from this recuperation strategy and the high recuperation power (up to 290 kW.

Deceleration is also applied to detected vehicles ahead until they come to a standstill, for example at traffic lights. Intelligent energy recovery is situation-optimised with the aid of ECO Assist and acts with foresight, taking into account traffic conditions or topography, among other things. The driver also can set three energy recovery levels and the coast function via paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

With ranges up to 770km (WLTP) and an output of up to 385 kW the powertrain of the EQS also meets expectation of a progressive saloon in the S-Class segment. A performance version with up to 560 kW is being planned.

All EQS models have an electric powertrain (eATS) at the rear axle, while the versions with 4MATIC also have an eATS at the front axle.

The EQS marks the launch of a new generation of batteries with significantly higher energy density.

The larger of the two batteries has a usable energy content of 107.8 kWh. That is around 26 percent more than the EQC.

The innovative battery management software, developed in-house, allows updates over the air (OTA). In this way, the energy management system remains up to date throughout the life cycle. In terms of the cell chemistry, the cobalt content of the cathodes has been reduced to ten percent.

The EQS can be charged with up to 200 kW at fast charging stations with direct current. Power for up to another 300 kilometres (WLTP) is recharged in just 15 minutes.

At home or at public charging stations, the EQS can be charged with up to 22 kW with AC using the on-board charger. In Japan, bidirectional charging with the EQS will also be possible, i.e. charging in both directions.

Navigation with Electric Intelligence plans the fastest and most convenient route, including charging stops, based on numerous factors and reacts dynamically to traffic jams or a change in driving style, for example.

A new feature of the EQS is a visualisation in the infotainment system (MBUX Mercedes-Benz User Experience) showing whether the available battery capacity is sufficient to return to the starting point without charging. Charging stations along the route that have been added manually are given preference in the route calculation. Proposed charging stations can be excluded. The estimated charging costs per charging stop are calculated.

Although the EQS is a close relative of the new S-Class, it is built on an all-electric architecture.

This completely new concept made a rigorous Purpose Design possible: with its one-bow lines and cab-forward design with fastback, the EQS is clearly distinguishable from vehicles with combustion engines even at first glance. The design philosophy of Sensual Purity, combined with Progressive Luxury, is reflected in generously sculpted surfaces, reduced joints and seamless transitions (seamless design).

The front is combined into a 'Black Panel' unit. Innovative headlights connected by a light band and the deep black radiator grille (Black Panel) form the distinctive face.

The exclusive look of the Black Panel radiator grille with central Mercedes star can be enhanced still further: as an optional extra, they are also available with a three-dimensional star pattern. This so-called Mercedes-Benz pattern is available in conjunction with AMG Line Exterior or Electric Art Exterior. The design picks up on the original star of the Daimler-Motorengesellschaft, which was registered as a trademark in 1911.

The EQS is the first Mercedes to offer the option of activating completely new vehicle functions via over-the-air updates (OTA) in many functional areas.

Available from launch: two special driving programs for young drivers and service staff, some little games and the demo program "The Best or Nothing". This means that, following the purchase and the initial new-car configuration, some of the features of the EQS can be adapted according to personal preferences.

It will also be possible to unlock the rear axle steering with the larger steering angle of ten degrees. In addition to the classic purchase of individual functions, subscriptions, temporary activations and free test phases are also planned.

With ENERGIZING AIR CONTROL PLUS, Mercedes-Benz is taking a comprehensive approach to air quality in the EQS. The system is based on filtration, sensors, a display concept and air conditioning. The HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter has a very high filtration level that enables it to trap fine particles, micro-particles, pollen and other substances that enter with the outside air. Sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and odours are also reduced thanks to an activated charcoal coating.

As an option, the EQS has automatic comfort doors at the front and rear. When the driver approaches the car, first of all the door handles extend. As he or she approaches further, the driver's door opens automatically. Using MBUX, the driver is also able to open the rear doors, for example, to let in children in front of the school.

The EQS has up to 350 sensors, depending on the equipment. These record distances, speeds and accelerations, lighting conditions, precipitation and temperatures, seat occupancy as well as the driver's blink of an eye or the passengers' speech.

The standard rear-axle steering with a steering angle of up to 4.5 degrees contributes to the handy and dynamic impression of the EQS. Alternatively, rear-axle steering with a steering angle of up to ten degrees can be ordered or subsequently activated by an upgrade over the air (OTA).

Thanks to powerful sensors that monitor the vehicle's surroundings, the parking systems can help the driver with manoeuvring in many areas. The driver can park and unpark the car via smartphone using Remote Parking Assist.

The revolutionary DIGITAL LIGHT headlamp technology (standard from Advanced Plus equipment level) enables guide markings or warning symbols to be projected onto the road.

With the optional DRIVE PILOT, the EQS will be able to drive in conditionally automated mode at up to 60 km/h where traffic density is high or in tailbacks on suitable motorway sections, initially in Germany. By relieving the pressure on the driver, the system enables him or her to undertake secondary activities[8] such as browsing on the internet or dealing with emails in the In-Car Office, and so gain extra time.

The MBUX Hyperscreen is the absolute highlight in the interior. This large, curved screen unit sweeps almost from A-pillar to A-pillar. Three screens sit under a cover glass and appear to merge into one. The 12.3-inch OLED display for the front passenger gives him or her their own display and control area. The entertainment functions are only available there while the car is being driven in accordance with the country-specific legal regulations. Mercedes-EQ relies on an intelligent, camera-based locking logic: if the camera detects that the driver is looking at the front passenger display, it is automatically dimmed.

The latest generation of driver assistance systems includes numerous driver support functions. New, for example, is the additional microsleep warning from ATTENTION ASSIST. It analyses the driver's eyelid movements through a camera on the driver's display (only in conjunction with MBUX Hyperscreen). The assistance display within the driver's display shows the operation of the driving assistance systems in a comprehensible full-screen view.

Like all other Mercedes, the EQS features a rigid passenger cell, special deformation zones and state-of-the-art restraint systems. PRE-SAFE® is standard. The fact that the EQS is based on an all-electric architecture also opened up new design possibilities for its safety concept.

It meant, for example, that a favourable location could be chosen for the installation of the battery, in a crash-protected area in the underbody. And because there is no large engine block on board, the behaviour in a frontal crash could be modelled even better. In addition to the standard crash tests, the car's performance in various additional load situations was verified and extensive component tests carried out at the Vehicle Safety Technology Centre (TFS).


Lamborghini Museum rebranded as MUDETEC, Museum of Technology

                BOLOGNA: The Lamborghini Museum at Sant’Agata Bolognese has adopted a new look and become MUDETEC, the Museum of Technology.

The new interactive space reveals the secrets of Lamborghini and its world through the innovations that have revolutionised the company.

A program takes visitors on a journey of discovery through the brand and its masterpieces.

From the most iconic historic vehicles such as the 350 GT, Miura, Countach and LM002, to the more recent Asterion (concept car with hybrid technology), the Centenario, and the Aventador SVJ, visitors can discover the history of Automobili Lamborghini and its use of carbon fibre and forged composites. This is accompanied by the story of electronics and recent innovative technologies implemented in the Huracán and Aventador, such as ALA active aerodynamics, the predictive logic of the LDVI system, and the innovative HMI user interface.

The museum also offers teaching activities at two educational workshops for students: “Vehicle set-up and ergonomics” and “Carbon fiber and its technology”.

To mark the relaunch of the Lamborghini Museum, it is holding an exhibition “Future Shapers since 1963”.

The exhibition is a virtual journey through the decades, with a focus on vehicles that revolutionized the marque at the time they were built. Visitors explore exhibits through the support of special installations and touch screens offering access to information, photos, original sketches and videos.

Exhibits included the 350 GT, the Miura, Espada, Countach, LM002 and Sesto Elemento.

The exhibition even has an Ad Personam space, where visitors can experience a first-hand view of options available to customers wishing to customise the car of their dreams with the Car Configurator.

Visitors to the museum can enjoy a virtual driving experience in the new simulator, and also take a tour of the production line that must be booked in advance.

The exhibition is open daily from April 16 to Oct 31 from 9.30am to 6pm.


EV maker Lordstown Motors to go public by merging with blank check firm

                DETROIT: Lordstown Motors has agreed to go public through a merger with blank-check company DiamondPeak Holdings in a deal that values the electric pickup truck start-up at $1.6 billion, the companies said on Monday.

The combined company will be called Lordstown Motors Corp following the closure of the deal in the fourth quarter and will trade on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “RIDE,” the companies said.

A blank-check company is a shell company that raises money through an initial public offering to buy an operating entity, typically within two years.

A bunch of electric vehicle makers including Nikola Corp and Fisker have either gone public or are planning to list their shares through mergers with blank-check companies this year.

“Lordstown ... has a transformational product and business plan in what are two of the most valuable areas of focus and tremendous opportunity in the auto sector - electric vehicles and light duty trucks,” DiamondPeak chief executive David Hamamoto said on a conference call. “Lordstown has attracted a clear lane of customers in the commercial fleet segment of the market.”

Lordstown has been working on a new full-size electric pickup truck called Endurance and last year hired Rich Schmidt, a former director of manufacturing at Tesla Inc, as chief production officer.

The company said the truck is aimed at the US commercial fleet market, with initial production expected in the second half of 2021. The Endurance will have an electric driving range of 250 miles and a price tag of $45,000 net of a federal tax credit, Lordstown CEO Steve Burns said on the call.

Lordstown expects to receive about US$675 million of gross proceeds from the deal and will use the funds for the production of the new truck, which has secured $1.4 billion worth of pre-orders, the company said.

The deal includes investments by General Motors and institutional investors, including Fidelity Management and Research Company LLC, Wellington Management Company LLP, Federated Hermes Kaufmann Small Cap Fund, and funds and accounts managed by BlackRock, among others, Lordstown said.


KLIMS’18: Peugeot 308 GTi spice things up

                Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official distributor for Peugeot in Malaysia is displaying their dynamic range of SUVs and sporty hatchbacks that personify ‘Motion & Emotion’ at Kuala Lumpur International Motorshow 2018 (KLIMS’18), held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) till Dec 2.

Visitors to the Peugeot booth will get to try out a racing simulator and Virtual Reality experience, apart from being able to take advantage of their Autovaganza year-end promotions with rebates up to RM12,000 and free gifts with purchase.

Peugeot 308 GTi

Expressive, high quality, sporty and designed by speed enthusiasts, the Peugeot 308 GTi is a successful model that was engineered and designed by Peugeot Sport – Peugeot’s motorsport division devoted exclusively to developing the marque’s most high-performing models, consisting of a team of expert engineers sharing the same passion.

The compact sports car exudes an athletic allure for the ultimate driving pleasure, perfect for the adventurous souls with a desire for exhilarating driving experiences.

It has a 1.6-litre 270bhp/330Nm turbocharged engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.

Other highlights include 19-inch "Carbone" lightweight wheels, a dual exhaust system, bucket seats with Peugeot Sport branding and a Torsen limited slip differential to maximise driver enjoyment.

Its estimated price without insurance is RM199,888.

Peugeot 3008

As the most innovatively modern SUV in its class, the ‘European Car of the Year 2017’ Peugeot 3008 SUV was built on the principles of design, advanced technology and function.

The 3008 SUV is adorned with a powerful and refined style that provides convenient versatility unrivalled in its segment.

Safety features as standard are six airbags, hill start assist, electronic safety program, anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency brake assist, anti-skid regulation, dynamic stability control and advanced grip control as well as hill assist descent control.

Under its hood lies a 1.6-litre twin scroll turbo high pressure (THP) engine with Variable Valve Timing mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic to manage the output of 167PS and 240Nm of torque.

It is priced on the road without insurance from RM141,888.

Peugeot 5008

The Peugeot 5008 seven-seater SUV makes a smooth transition from its MPV predecessor and breaks new ground as a large, expressive 7-seater SUV in the C-segment.

As a new contender in this competitive segment, the 5008 SUV breathes new air in this segment with its blend of space and practicality of an MPV and the dynamic appeal of an SUV – combining the best of both worlds in one modern automobile, giving users the attractive combination of status, sophisticated technology, impressive practicality and driving emotions.

It also has the inline 4, 1.6 litre Twin Scroll Turbo High Pressure (THP) petrol engine with direct injection, 16 valve, variable valve timing (VVT) which produces 167PS at 6,000rpm.

It is mated to the six-speed auto transmission with Quickshift technology with a maximum torque of 240Nm from 1,400rpm.

The Peugeot 5008 is priced at RM172,888 (on-the-road without insurance).


Proton X50 remains king of compact SUVs as sales soar higher

                SUBANG JAYA: Proton continued to hold an unassailable position at the top of the SUV segment despite the recent launch of new direct rivals from other brands.

The X50 continued to be a high achiever, having reached a third consecutive month where deliveries crossed the 4,000-unit threshold with 4,329 units delivered in August. It’s the first time an SUV has achieved such a feat in Malaysia and comes on the back of its industry record setting 4,763 units in July.

The X70 backed up its younger sibling’s performance with 1,555 units, retaining its position as sales leader for C-segment SUVs and pushing total SUV sales in August for Proton to 5,884 units.

Total sales of Proton SUVs now stand at 37,489 units for the first 8 months of 2022.

Overall, Proton continued its uptick in delivery numbers in August as production volume continued to recover from a slow start to the year.

With 15,880 units delivered (domestic + export), the company achieved its best sales month since July 2013, a gap of 109 months, and remains focused on ending 2022 with a fourth consecutive year of volume growth.

For the first 8 months of the year, Proton has registered 87,481 units compared to 62,637 units in 2021, which is an increase of 39.7%.

In terms of national automotive sales, Proton retained second position and achieved an estimated market share of 23.7% for August while year-to-date (YTD) market share climbed to 19.5%.

The estimated Total Industry Volume (TIV) for the month is 66,900 units (36.7% more than July) as automotive brands continued to deliver units to customers who placed bookings during the SST incentive period.

The Saga also benefited from improved component supply as 6,156 units were delivered last month.

The achievement placed it as the third most popular model in the country in August, pushing registrations for the 2022 model to nearly 14,154 units after its launch on May 12 this year.

The biggest beneficiaries of the increase in production volume were the Persona and Iriz.

The former garnered 2,612 units delivered, its best performance since February 2020 while the latter ended August with its best performance since April 2021 after reaching 962 units.

Both finished second and fourth in their respective categories while the recently launched 2023 Proton Exora maintained its position at the top of the C-segment MPV market with 266 units delivered.

“With four months to go in 2022, Proton production operations have stabilised," said Proton deputy chief executive officer Roslan Abdullah.

"Critically, our component supply is now more consistent and better managed to ensure we can produce as many cars as possible. With that in mind, we have undertaken an initiative to increase the number of delivery trucks by over 100% by the end of the year.

"This makes it easier to ensure our dealers receive their stock as quickly as possible and in turn, this benefits our customers who have been patiently waiting for their vehicles.”

Last month, Proton’s total export sales surpassed its total volume from the previous year.

With 938 units exported in August, the company has achieved a monthly volume that was last exceeded 113 months ago in March 2013.

This increases total exports for 2022 to 4,040 units and reinforces the company’s position as Malaysia’s leading vehicle exporter.

Regarding individual model sales for August, the X70 and X50 continued to set new personal export records while the Saga achieved its best export figure since March this year.

More volume growth is expected later this year as Proton’s official relaunch in South Africa is scheduled to happen this month.

“Proton’s export sales continue to reach new heights every month and is a testament to how the brand is winning over new customers beyond its home market," said Roslan Abdullah.

"Export sales are vital to the company achieving its long-term goals and helps improve the balance of trade for Malaysia while showcasing the quality and ingenuity of Malaysian vendors.”


Tesla Model S driver killed in 'autopilot' mode after car slams into trailer

                WASHINGTON: Tesla said Thursday a driver was killed while using its "autopilot" self-driving mechanism on its Model S electric car, leading to a federal safety investigation.

Tesla said the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had opened a "preliminary evaluation" into the performance of Autopilot after the electric car company notified the agency of the fatality.

In a statement, Tesla said the fatality was "a tragic loss" and was the first such incident with its Autopilot system activated.

"This is the first known fatality in just over 130 million miles (209 million kilometers) where Autopilot was activated," the company said.

"Among all vehicles in the US, there is a fatality every 94 million miles. Worldwide, there is a fatality approximately every 60 million miles," it said.

"It is important to emphasize that the NHTSA action is simply a preliminary evaluation to determine whether the system worked according to expectations."

Tesla, known for its high-end electric cars, unveiled the system last year which allows the vehicle to automatically change lanes, manage speed and even hit the brakes. The system is activated and overridden by the driver.

Tesla said that in the fatal accident, the car was on a divided highway when a tractor-trailer drove across the road to be situated perpendicular to the Tesla.

"Neither Autopilot nor the driver noticed the white side of the tractor-trailer against a brightly lit sky, so the brake was not applied," the statement said.

"The high ride height of the trailer combined with its positioning across the road and the extremely rare circumstances of the impact caused the Model S to pass under the trailer, with the bottom of the trailer impacting the windshield of the Model S."

Tesla said that if there had been an impact against the front or rear of the trailer, even at high speed, "its advanced crash safety system would likely have prevented serious injury as it has in numerous other similar incidents."

Tesla said it followed "our standard practice" by informing federal safety officials.

"It is important to note that Tesla disables Autopilot by default and requires explicit acknowledgement that the system is new technology and still in a public beta phase before it can be enabled," Tesla said.

When drivers activate the system, they see a warning saying that it is "an assist feature that requires you to keep your hands on the steering wheel at all times," and that "you need to maintain control and responsibility for your vehicle” while using it, according to the company.

The news comes amid growing interest in self-driving cars following tests over the past few years by Google and research by several major automakers.

Investments are also being made in autonomous trucks and small buses.

A major study released earlier this month said the looming arrival of self-driving vehicles is likely to vastly reduce traffic fatalities, but also poses difficult moral dilemmas.

The scientists said autonomous driving systems will require programmers to develop algorithms to make critical decisions that are based more on ethics than technology, such as whether to sacrifice a driver or passenger rather than pedestrians.


Toyota Vios Challenge (Season 3) crowns its victors

                SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota, the main organiser of the Toyota Vios Challenge one-make race series, has decided to officially end its third race season without the penultimate race at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

In doing so, drivers within their respective race classes have had their points and standings finalised due to the introduction of the Movement Control Order (MCO) on March 18 and its subsequent extensions meant the help curb the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic in the nation. The current Conditional Movement Control Order is currently due to end on June 9.

"Season three had again demonstrated this spirit of competition, but inevitably the final race must yield to an even greater agenda which is to place national interest and public safety ahead of all other matters,” said Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia chief motorsports officer and UMW Toyota deputy chairman Akio Takeyama.

Takeyama added that the final results were made after careful deliberation in adherence to and consistent with all provisions underlined by the technical and sporting regulations of the championship, and in discussion with the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM), Malaysia’s governing body for motorsports.

The premature end of the third race season sees Tengku Djan Ley Tengku Mahaleel (Team 23) becoming the champion with 90 points in the Super Sporting Class for professional drivers - 11 points ahead of second-place winner Mark Darwin of Laser Motor Racing.

Djan's win this season marks his second championship title after having emerged the victor at the conclusion of the inaugural season one of the race series on Mar 24, 2018. During the second season, Djan took a break from racing by assuming managerial duties and responsibilities of the race team.

“The season has been nothing short of intense from start to finish. Competing in a one-make race series where you are limited to only your driving skills, there’s only so much you can do in the company of so many experienced and talented elite drivers on the grid and I am fortunate enough to have finished every race consistently in the points,” said Djan who rounds up the season’s six races with two wins, two second-place finishes, a fourth-place finish and one retirement.

Djan added that this one-make race series helps to accelerate a driver’s learning curve by teaching drivers how to be more technical and tactical by making minute changes to the vehicle’s set-up.

In the Sporting Class for amateur drivers, it was 16-year-old Hayden Haikal who takes the win to become the youngest champion in the series while musician and TV personality Shawn Lee emerged the champion within the Promotional class for celebrity racers.

The finale of the race series was initially scheduled to happen from April 17 to 19 at the SIC but was cancelled due to the MCO. The decision was also consistent with the best practices of other international motor-racing events.

Season 3 of the street racing series kicked off in Kuala Terengganu on Sept 5 to 7 (2019) before heading to Bandar Malaysia (Nov 9 to 10) for round two and onwards to Batu Kawan, Penang on Feb 14 to 16 for round three.

The Japanese car brand in Malaysia says that it is currently planning for an even more exciting fourth season of the race that's held in conjunction with the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival.

The company assures that Season 4 of race series will promise more exciting motor-racing events to come with additional racing programmes for racers to compete in while looking closely at the potential of talent development.

"I would like to convey our highest appreciation to all the participating teams, drivers, dealers, fans, spectators, sponsors and officials who have been instrumental in making this series a success,” said UMW Toyota Motor president Ravindran K.


Paris Motor Show focuses on cars with alternative powertrains and AI

                PARIS: After a pandemic-related hiatus for two years, the Paris Motor Show is opening its doors again with a focus on the switch to electric mobility and research into alternative fuels, notably hydrogen.

Visitors at the Oct 17-24 Paris car show - one of the most visited trade fairs in the world - are also expected to see the increasing impact of AI in cars in the use of driver assistance systems.

Starting on Monday with a visit from French president Emmanuel Macron, the 89th edition of the auto show is set to showcase a new approach aimed at reviving the flagging platform of car shows with an experience-oriented format.

Organisers are trying to lure visitors back with a new visitor circuit, an extended daily programme and more opportunities than before to get up close and personal with the new vehicles.

Although it counted one million visitors in 2018, many of which came to test drive upcoming releases, the Paris Motor Show is not immune to the creeping decline of horsepower parades.

Visitors will have to do without a number of brands this year, and German manufacturers are among those largely ignoring the so-called Mondial de l'Auto.

VW, Audi and BMW will not be in Paris, and Mercedes will not be at the show, although it is staging an event in the city.


Proton on a winning streak

                PETALING JAYA: When Proton Holdings Bhd unveiled its revamped tiger head logo a couple of months back to announce that the company had been “uncaged, ” it wasn’t joking.

It’s been over two years since the national car company and China’s Zhejiang Geely Automotive Co Ltd (Geely) tied up. Since then, Proton has been steadily clawing its way back to the top of the automotive industry.

For the first 10 months of 2019, while the total industry volume has fallen 1%, the national car company’s sales have jumped a whopping 46% year-on-year.

Li Chunrong, Proton’s chief executive officer and the man behind the reins of the tiger marque, has been hard at work to turn around the ailing automotive company and steer it back to its former glory.

Over the past 20 months, the national carmaker has launched its first-ever sport-utility vehicle (SUV), the X70, as well as refreshed models of the Iriz, Persona, Exora and Saga.

“By Malaysian standards, five models in less than two years is fast, ” Li tells StarBizWeek in a report published on Saturday.

Sales for the five launched models have also been swift.

According to Li, the strong demand for the X70, which was launched last December, continued for a 10th consecutive month as it comfortably retained its position at the top of the premium and executive SUV sales rankings.

“Over 24,000 units have been delivered thus far, making it Malaysia’s fastest-selling C-segment SUV, ” he says.

“We sold 4,273 units last month and for the first 10 months of the year, the cumulative total is 30,331 units, which is a 26% increase over the previous year, ” says Li, adding that the Exora, Iriz and Persona also saw an increase in sales.

“We sold 4,273 units last month and for the first 10 months of the year, the cumulative total is 30,331 units, which is a 26% increase over the previous year, ” says Li, adding that the Exora, Iriz and Persona also saw an increase in sales.

Meanwhile, the revamped Saga, which was launched in August, has received more than 28,000 bookings. Last month, the model posted its highest sales figure in over four years.

“We sold 4,273 units last month and for the first 10 months of the year, the cumulative total is 30,331 units, which is a 26% increase over the previous year, ” says Li, adding that the Exora, Iriz and Persona also saw an increase in sales.

As a whole, sales for the trio, along with the Saga, have increased by 21% this year. This accounted for 78% and 68% of Proton’s total sales in October and for the whole year, respectively.

The strong sales have also been reflected in the financial performance of parent company, DRB-Hicom Bhd, which recorded a net profit of RM40.08mil for its third quarter ended Sept 30, compared with a net loss of RM11.42mil in the previous corresponding period.

With the solid sales performance this year, Li says that Proton has revised its sales target to 100,000 units for 2019 from 93,000 units earlier.

“Because our new product performance is very good, during our last board meeting in August, we were told to revise our target. As at the end of October, we think it’s possible to achieve that, ” he says.

But what was it that spurred demand for Proton cars, at a time when automotive sales growth as a whole across the industry has been slow?

Li says models like the Saga and Persona saw a number of external and internal changes.

“For the Persona, we changed the interior, improved the features and reduced the price. With that, sales more than doubled, because people feel we have improved the product. As for the Saga, which achieved a 51-month high in terms of sales, we changed the interior and exterior. We improved the transmission and received good feedback.

“When we design all our facelifts, we listen to our customers. We ask them what they want and also ask ourselves what are the problems that we have. Then, we make the necessary changes and I believe that’s why customers like our products.”

Efforts were also made to improve the quality of the product. Li says Proton’s demerit points have fallen drastically over the past two years.

“Two years ago, our quality, our demerit points, stood at 6,388. Today, it’s close to 1,200, which is close to Geely’s level. So, we’ve improved a lot.

“We have solved all the big problems that have been plaguing the product. Now, we need to tackle the smaller ones, flaws that only professionals can detect. These are defects that are so tiny, it’s something that the average buyer cannot see or feel, ” he says.

Another boost to the national car company is that lending approval rates have also improved.

“A couple of years back, most of our customers had a low credit rating, so interest rates were high. However, today, that has changed. The interest rate for our X70 is 2.33%, which is low because the credit rating of our customers has improved and this had helped boost sales.

“For the Persona, Iriz, Exora and Saga models, interest rates are also below 3%.”

Turning around Proton

Proton, set up in the early 1980s when Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was the Prime Minister for the first time, had undergone several rescue exercises before Geely came in.

The government had injected more than RM15bil into Proton but this did not stop the national car company from bleeding and piling up on the debt.

Geely completed its acquisition of a 49.9% stake in Proton from parent DRB-Hicom in September 2017. Since then, Li, who works six days a week, 12 hours a day, has been striving hard to turn Proton around.

A Chinese national, Li’s appointment as head of a Malaysian car company was not without resistance.

“There were problems as more than 90% of our dealers disagreed with what we were trying to do and many of them complained to the government. I’ve worked in China for more than 30 years. During that time, I met with no more than four ministers. But within three months of working at Proton, I met with more than 10 ministers, ” Li says.

However, the complaints stopped after six months of Li heading Proton, as the company started delivering results.

One of the biggest problems that needed to be tackled was the sub-standard level of the national car company’s vendor network, he says.

“When I joined Proton, I travelled to more than 20 dealers and found that only 20% was able to offer the complete service needed by our customers. That means more than 70% were not able to provide full-fledged, after-sales services. Before this, customers could not trust us and it was why Proton’s sales volume kept dropping.

“From the beginning, our senior management decided that we needed to set up more 3S (sales, service and spare parts) and 4S (sales, service, spare parts and body and paint services) centres.”

To date, Proton has 108 3S and 4S centres.

“We have 90 1S centres. At the moment, we have 198 dealers and branches, so more than 50% of our network is capable of delivering the relevant services that our customers need.”

Getting the vendors to upgrade their facilities was also not an easy task.

“The vendors asked ‘why do you push me to invest?’ I told them ‘I’m trying to push you to make money.’ Because, if you have good service, then you can have good sales. Today, 95% of dealers totally agree with me, ” says Li.

Li has a meeting with the group’s dealers on the first day of every month,

“We don’t need to learn from China. We can learn from Malaysia. Regular meetings means better communication, ” he says.

 The X70.Changing the culture

On Sept 29, 2017 when Proton announced Li’s appointment as the company’s CEO, he pledged: “My job is not to look at the past. I will work day and night to make sure Proton is strongly successful.”

One of the first things Li had to do was to change the group’s corporate culture – which was not an easy task.

“For a company, No. 1 is the product; behind that is the people and after that, the culture. This is very important and we spent two years finalising the group’s corporate culture.”

By “group, ” Li means consolidating the work culture of Proton, DRB-Hicom and Geely.

“We call it TARI - teamwork, achievers, respect, and integrity, ” he says.

Since working in Malaysia, Li has also learnt to speak Bahasa Malaysia, although he is humble when asked how fluently he can speak: “Sikit-sikit (a little bit).”

As part of his initiative to improve the work culture of the vendors, Li encouraged the owners of the Proton branches and dealers to buy their own X70 models for their own usage.

Many complied, but some were less than eager to do so. To these group of individuals, Li would confront them directly and say to them to them in Bahasa Malaysia: “Macam kacang lupakan kulit (forgetting your roots.)”

At the core of it all is the desire to become No. 1, says Li. Currently, Proton is the second-highest selling car company in the country after Perodua.

“We ask ourselves ‘are we No. 1 in Malaysia?’ Right now, the answer is no. That means we still have some problems that need to be resolved. We need to understand what they are. We must identify the issues, not hide from it.

“We need to benchmark ourselves against good companies, be it local or foreign. Only then will we find out where our disadvantage is. We have to work continuously, otherwise how can we produce five good models in 20 months?”

With the increase in demand for Proton cars, the company has had no choice but to also ramp-up production, says Li.

“Our capacity has been gradually increasing. Before, it dropped as the number of vendors reduced, affecting our capacity to produce certain parts.

“Last year it was 65,000 units and this year, we have ramped it up by another 40% due to higher demand. We want to achieve 100,000 units in sales this year. Next year, we hope to increase the capacity further.

“We need to improve our capacity not just for ourselves, but also for our vendors. At our Shah Alam plant, we are already considering doing two shifts because we want to produce more.

“Our models already have a long waiting list.”

So long is the waiting list that many customers have reached out to Li via social media, urging him to speed up delivery of the models.

“Some people can wait, but others can’t and they won’t. We can’t make our customers wait too long, as many will end up becoming frustrated and changing their minds, ” says Li.

Roaring back

After a gap of 40 months, Proton returned to second spot in total sales for Malaysia’s automotive market in July this year. The last time the company was in a similar position was in March 2016, while the last calendar year it finished second was in 2015.

The goal is to return to No. 1 eventually and Li has an idea of by when that will happen.

“We came up with a strategy two years ago from our board meeting that every year, we’ll produce one new model. By the time we have eight or nine, it will be enough to become No. 1.

“We need to focus on efficiency. Every new model has to be a star model. Each car must hit sales of more than 2,000 units. Otherwise, there is no efficiency, ” he says.

Should Proton reach the top spot in Malaysia, it aspires to become the third-largest player within Asean, Li says.

“To be successful overseas, you need to be successful domestically. If you can be successful in your own country, you can replicate your success in other countries. We have representatives and ambassadors in different countries that can help us gauge the markets better.

“We are now considering going to the other countries, but it is not easy. We have to conduct tests before we enter a prospective market. Otherwise, we will damage our brand, ” he says.

Proton’s main export markets include Brunei, Mauritius, Jordan, Pakistan, Iraq, Zimbabwe and Egypt.

Li admits that Proton has a “good, glorious export history.”

“The highest we’ve ever exported was more than 20,000 units annually. But in 2017, we only did 248 units. Why? Because of our products. If they can’t meet the requirements of the other countries, then you must improve on them.”

Li says Proton exported more than 1,000 vehicles last year, a level it hopes to maintain in 2019.

“Next year, I believe we can export more, because we have new products and have updated our current models. You can achieve big jumps in your exports with the right products.”

On the local front, the automotive industry is abuzz about when Proton will be launching its next new model – a smaller SUV that many are tentatively calling it the “X50.”

Li is keeping mum on the details of this model.

“Whether it’s going to be called X50 or X55, yes, it’s an important model for us. But then again, for us, every model is important.”

For now, Proton is focusing on producing a completely-knocked-down (CKD) variant of its X70, which is set to hit the market by early next year.

With more local content, many are hoping that the CKD variant will be slightly cheaper than its current completely-built-up variant. For now, Li is not revealing the CKD model’s final price.

“We sometimes decide on the pricing of the model a day before the launch because of competition. If we come out with the pricing a month or two before, our competitor will come up with a more competitive price tag.”

To match up to the competition, Li says Proton is working hard at improving the efficiency of its vendors.

“If you want to become a global brand, you need global vendors. Currently, our vendors are Saga and Persona vendors. Now, they need to become X70 vendors. The X70 is a global product. We are on track but we need time.”

Li says a significant number of Proton vendors are working closely with their Geely counterparts as part of the group’s aim to become a global brand.

“They are leveraging on each other’s expertise by getting technical assistance or setting up joint ventures (JVs). We already have a number of JVs set up and also have 47 local vendors that can produce more than 300 components for the X70.

“So, I believe that when we launch our X70 CKD, these vendors are ready to go to the next level. If you produce products for the X70, then every other model that we produce for the Malaysian market will be of the same high standard.”Li says Proton is also exploring the possibility of co-developing future models with Geely.

“For our current models, Proton can take the lead and Geely can support. For the X70, Geely took the lead and Proton provided the support. So it depends on the model. We can learn from each other.“We have a global board of directors at Proton and our senior management is international. Overall, there are 12 nationalities.”The art of war

While Proton has overcome numerous challenges to win back the trust and loyalty of its customers, the race is far from over for the national carmaker. In fact, it is just beginning.

Li admits that there are still numerous challenges on the horizon that Proton needs to face head-on, as it strives to be on top of the game.

“We know more challenges are waiting for us. If you read Sun Tzu’s The Art of War, to achieve victory, you must be in a position where other people cannot defeat you; but you must always be in a position to defeat your enemies.

“To achieve this, it is important to have products of good quality and price, harmony among your workers and good communication with them, so that they will enjoy working. If you can do this, then nobody can defeat you. Only you can defeat yourself.”


New book lets car fans 'rev up' supercar engines

                BERLIN: The latest toy for petrolheads and their children is a new book which allows readers to "rev up" their favourite supercars and hear authentic and exotic engine sounds — including the whirr of an electric Tesla.

"The Sound Of Supercars" contains what the publishers say are crystal-clear audio clips of 12 of the world’s fastest, most exciting and most exclusive cars.

Designed to appeal to car fans of all ages and priced at £12.99 (RM67), the book comes with images and data on a dozen supercars from world-famous marques such as Lamborghini, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Porsche and McLaren.

To hear the sweet-and-low-down engine note, readers can press a corresponding "starter button" on an integral sound menu. This triggers an audio clip of the car being driven at high speed.

“All our recordings correspond precisely to the cars we illustrate,” said author Andrea Pinnington. "You really can ‘road test’ the cars, bringing them to life and revelling in the sound of each engine.”

The cars on tap range from the classic twin-cylinder Morgan three-wheeler to the 16-cylinder Bugatti Chiron. Also featured are the powerful electronic whirr of a Tesla Model S and the growl of an Aston Martin DB6.

Others include the howling V10 engine in the Lamborghini Huracan, the the all-American V8 burble of the Chevrolet Corvette and the epic bark of the V12 powering the Ferrari LaFerrari.


China's BYD raises car prices after subsidy cuts

                SHANGHAI: Leading Chinese electric car manufacturer BYD Co has adjusted its product prices starting from Jan 1, citing the impact of reduced subsidies for new energy vehicles since November last year.

Official guidance prices will rise by between 2,000 yuan (RM1,277) and 6,000 yuan (RM3,809) for its various models, the company said on its official Weibo account.

BYD's decision to raise prices comes as the industry's year-on-year growth rate is slowing.

Deliveries of new-energy vehicles - pure electric and hybrid cars - to dealerships in China are expected to reach 6.5 million by the end of the year, and may touch 8.4 million in 2023, China’s Passenger Car Association said at a briefing earlier last month.

Like other automakers, BYD is also feeling the impact from China’s explosion in Covid cases.

A top executive said last month that production is being curtailed to the tune of at least 2,000 cars a day with around 20% to 30% of BYD’s staff unable to work because they’re quarantining at home.


SOCAR and Tukar tie-up for pre-owned cars

                KUALA LUMPUR: App-based car sharing and peer-to-peer rental marketplace SOCAR Mobility Malaysia (SOCAR) has forged a strategic alliance with Malaysia’s online used car sales ecosystem myTukar, with the aim to elevate sustainability in Malaysia’s mobility network.

By expanding the lifespan of cars through myTukar’s efficient trade-in and refurbishment system, both companies look to reduce the impact of factory emissions from each car manufactured.

Under the partnership, myTukar will facilitate the end-to-end trade-in process, from the initial purchase and paperwork to the refurbishment process and final point of sale.

Meanwhile, SOCAR will be selling 140 units of segment B vehicles to myTukar and in turn, buying 150 units of myTukar Certified second-hand vehicle models, such as the Proton X70 and Honda Civic.

Both companies are trying to push for a more circular lifecycle and ecosystem in Malaysia’s used car market.

Rather than scrapping perfectly safe and usable vehicles, this collaboration will give older, pre-owned cars a new lease of life.

At the same time, SOCAR will be able to sustainably upgrade their fleet of cars and continue to provide comfortable, safe vehicles for rent.

SOCAR Mobility Malaysia CEO Shylendra Nathan said the company was excited to welcome myTukar as our its partner in elevating sustainability in Malaysia’s mobility sector, set to be achieved through the synergy in this alliance.

“With steady growth projected in Malaysia’s used car market over the next three years, with a compounded annual growth rate of 10%, SOCAR sees potential in expanding our fleet in collaboration with a trusted automotive ecosystem like myTukar.

“Through their expertise and uncompromising stance on trust and safety standards, they have given us the confidence to add pre-owned cars into our fleet. This is how, together, we are able to offer sustainable and affordable mobility options,” Shylendra said.

myTukar CEO Derrick Eng said older cars have a poor reputation for being ‘gas guzzlers’ that release harmful emissions.

“But new cars are not necessarily the end game, as the carbon footprint for each new car manufactured is still significant,” he said, adding that SOCAR wanted to show that pre-owned cars could be safe, trusted and comfortable.

“That’s because all myTukar Certified cars have undergone a comprehensive 160-point inspection and refurbishment, and are as good as new,” he said.

To learn more about SOCAR, visit http://socar.my or myTukar http://mytukar.com.


Renault-Nissan to reboot alliance with new overseer

                PARIS: Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi plan to appoint a general secretary at the helm of their partnership to boost cooperation and reboot joint operations after the departure of former alliance supremo Carlos Ghosn.

France’s Renault is trying to repair relations with its Japanese partners after they were shaken by Ghosn’s arrest in Tokyo a year ago on financial misconduct charges, which the alliance’s founder denies.

The scandal disrupted efforts to roll out industrial projects together and find cost savings - increasingly vital as global auto demand falters - as Renault and Nissan shook up their teams in an effort to stabilise their business.

“This alliance executive will be key for coordinating and facilitating several major alliance projects that are to be launched to accelerate business efficiencies for the respective companies,” the groups said in a joint statement.

A source close to Renault said the future general secretary had already been recruited, describing him as francophone, but declined to give more details.

The new head of the three-pronged partnership will report to the Alliance Operating Board and the group CEOs in a departure from the structure in which Ghosn was an all-powerful figure.

Set up in April, the new Alliance Operating Board is a key element of a revamped corporate governance structure set in motion by Renault and alliance president Jean-Dominique Senard, who arrived at the French carmaker in January.

The Alliance Operating Board alternates its monthly meetings between France and Japan.

A source at Renault said that a future common platform for electric vehicles will be one of the alliance board’s key targets.

Renault is also looking for a new chief executive. Financial chief Clotilde Delbos has taken on the job on an interim basis.


Holding the clutch at a red light will cost you

                BERLIN: Years and years of daily commutes behind the wheel can lead us to develop certain habits — including some bad ones, like waiting at a red light with the clutch down and the gear engaged.

It might get you a split-second head start against the car in the next lane, but it will cost you in the long run.

That's because your car's clutch is one of those parts that tends to get worn down fast. How quickly that happens all depends on how you drive.

If your aim is to continue speeding ahead as fast as possible when the light turns green, you'll have been tempted to hold down the clutch while staring at a red light.

But technical inspection experts say this only puts a strain on the release bearing, a part that many people don't hear of until their mechanic tells them their heavy clutch foot has worn it out.

The specialists from inspection agency Tuv say it's even more damaging for the clutch if you're constantly touching the clutch pedal lightly with your foot while you drive.

In this instance, the release bearing is forced to move when under a heavy load — something it won't survive for long.

When you push down on the clutch, the full force of the clutch spring is applied to the release bearing — no problem for a brief moment when changing gears.

But permanent or unnecessary pedalling wears it down and ultimately results in the complete clutch having to be replaced.

The Tuv experts note it's also a good idea to push the clutch pedal all the way down when you need it and to keep it down only as long as is necessary.

How can you tell you've been overusing the clutch? Unfamiliar engine noises, a slower clutch reaction or a jerking motion even when you're changing gears sensitively and correctly are the tell-tale signs of a worn release bearing.


Polestar to start production in South Carolina from 2024, says CEO

                SHANGHAI: Premium electric vehicle (EV) maker Polestar will start production in South Carolina for US and European markets from 2024, chief executive Thomas Ingenlath said here at the Shanghai auto show today.

Polestar, founded by Volvo and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, has been producing its existing three models from a plant in China's south-western city of Chengdu and another in the eastern coastal city of Taizhou.

It has been exporting the China-made vehicles to overseas markets, including the United States.

"We have an opportunity to go to South Carolina with Polestar 3. The new EV brands that are building up, they can't go out immediately to build factories there. You need a decent volume," Ingenlath said in an interview.

Not that many China automakers were exporting, he added.

Speaking earlier at the auto show, Ingenlath said the company expects production of its Polestar 4 to begin later this year in China's Hangzhou Bay.

Preorders for the Polestar 4 would be available in China from today and all other markets in 2024, he added.

The company also said it aimed to grow its outlets in China to 80 from 14 by the end of this year.

Polestar delivered more than 50,000 cars globally in 2022 and aims to sell 80,000 this year, mostly by delivering more of its Polestar 2 hatchback.

The auto maker has bucked a trend of price-cutting among EV manufacturers, with Ingenlath last month reiterating Polestar's aim is to become "a very premium sportscar company".


VW brings back the electric version of its popular up! compact

                HANOVER: For a long time, it was virtually impossible to get your hands on the Volkswagen e-up!. Demand for this popular compact car was so high recently that the company even froze orders entirely.

Now it's getting ready for a comeback, and Volkswagen says it's bringing back the electric version of its up! runabout.

It's a move welcomed by environmentalists and electric mobility advocates who see smaller electric vehicles as crucial to sustainable transport.

Announcing its plans on Feb 11, the company did not give many details, but confirmed it was "relaunching the e-up! as an entry-level model for e-mobility."

Despite months of industry-wide delays and shortages, Volkswagen is promising the first e-up! deliveries in Europe starting in March.

Orders for the e-up! have been piling up over the past year and a half amid delays and a freeze on orders, but the VW is confident the e-up! should be available for orders "in the near future". The company says around 11,000 cars will be delivered for the first tranche.

Orders for the e-up! were frozen in 2020 amid chip shortages during the pandemic - not without controversy.

Climate activists have slammed VW and other car companies for prioritising bigger cars during the supply crisis with microchips, arguing that smaller car models should not be at a disadvantage compared to larger large electrics.

VW's much-hyped new ID series of electrics has yet to continue its downward expansion with smaller EV models. The company had hinted at at the end of 2020 it would add an electric in the smaller Polo class, prompting praise even from Greenpeace, an environmental organisation otherwise very sceptical of VW.

However, the fact that only a limited number of e-up!s are to go on sale at first is strange, says mobility industry expert Benjamin Stephan.

"You almost get the impression that Volkswagen wants a small electric car, but doesn't want to sell so many of them." At the same time, the high demand for the e-up! shows that people want small, efficient electric cars, Stephan says.

While mobility experts believe more models in smaller segments are essential for a shift in transport policies, car manufacturers usually only make a significant profit with small and compact if they can achieve very high sales figures.

Meanwhile more expensive models such as SUVs, sports cars and larger saloons usually yield higher profits, and extreme luxury supercars are frequently limited to only a few dozen models.

Experts believe that significantly cheaper and smaller cars are necessary if e-mobility is to succeed, and VW's e-up! may play a significant role here.

In addition, the more frugal use of resources in smaller electric cars would help reduce the CO2 burden around the world as many countries struggle to hit carbon emission targets.


GM plans six-fold increase in 2022 electric truck, SUV production, say sources

                DETROIT: General Motors Co plans to increase production of electric trucks and Cadillac sport utility vehicles this year by more than six times the previously planned output, according to information shared with suppliers.

GM chief executive Mary Barra told investors last week the automaker intended to accelerate production of electric vehicles, aiming to deliver 400,000 EVs in North America during 2022 and 2023.

She did not give specifics for how quickly production rates would grow.

New details shared with suppliers indicate GM intends to increase production of its electric trucks and a new battery-powered Cadillac SUV to a total of 46,000 vehicles this year, up from a previous plan to build just 7,000 of those vehicles this year, according to information shared with suppliers.

 2022 Chevrolet Bolt.

GM is also expected to re-start production of its Chevrolet Bolt EVs. The Bolt line has been idled as GM replaces batteries in existing Bolts under a recall.

"As we have said, we have announced battery cell and assembly capacity investments that will give us more than 1 million units of EV capacity in North America by the end of 2025," GM said in a statement on Tuesday.

"We now have teams working to accelerate all of our upcoming EV launches, and our target is to deliver 400,000 EVs in North America over the course of 2022 and 2023."

GM told suppliers to its electric GMC Hummer EV trucks to plan for production of 21,000 of those vehicles this year at the automaker's Factory Zero in Detroit, up from the previous plan to build 3,800 vehicles.

GM has reservations for nearly 59,000 GMC Hummer EV pickups and SUVs, Barra said last week. The company has reservations for more than 110,000 of the electric Chevrolet Silverado pickups due to start production next year, Barra said.

GM told suppliers for its Cadillac Lyriq electric SUV to gear up for production of 25,000 of those vehicles this year, up from the previous 3,200 planned, sources said. Barra said last week demand was strong for the Lyriq.

GM is responding not just to consumer demand, but to competitive pressure from long-time rival Ford Motor Co.

Ford has said it plans to expand its EV production capacity to 600,000 vehicles a year by 2023.

Ford began shipping electric Transit vans this week, and is aiming to begin delivering electric F-150 Lightning pickups this spring.

Meanwhile, electric vehicle market leader Tesla Inc is preparing to start production at its second US assembly complex in Texas.

Electric vehicle startups Rivian Automotive Inc and Lucid Group Inc are also ramping up production of their respective trucks and luxury sedans.


Lamborghini parked at KL condo catches fire

UPDATE: A source has claimed that CCTV recordings revealed two men on a motorcycle throwing liquid, believed to be petrol, at the yellow Lamborghini. The vehicle is said to belong to a businessman who has a company based in Langkawi.

KUALA LUMPUR: A Lamborghini Aventador parked at Pavilion Residences in Bukit Bintang here caught fire early today.

Fire and Rescue Department operation commander Mohd Rozi Jusoh said the department received a distress call at 2.40am.

Fourteen personnel along with several fire engines were dispatched to the scene.

"The vehicle, which was on fire, was on the first floor of the parking area," said Mohd Rozi  when contacted.

"The fire damaged about 40% of the car, including the engine."

Firemen took several minutes to put out the blaze.

Mohd Rozi  said the cause of the fire is being investigated.

A new Aventador sells from around RM2.2mil in Malaysia. It has a 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine outputting 690hp to 760hp, depending on variant.


BMW's idealworks spinoff gets new CEO

                MUNICH: Michael Alexander Schneider has been appointed the CEO of idealworks, the BMW Group’s Logistics Innovations spinoff.

He completes the management team of the rapidly growing technology start-up, consisting of Karin Korber (CFO), Markus Bauer (COO), and Jimmy Nassif (CTO).

He assumes the new role from June 1.

Schneider looks back on many years of experience in strategy consulting and the BMW Group. Over the past 14 years, he was initially responsible for managing strategic projects in sales and production. He then headed up the global business development of Rolls-Royce Motorcars Ltd. in the UK before taking over operational responsibility for the Asia-Pacific region, based in Singapore.

Returning to BMW Corporate Strategy here, he actively drove the establishment of the company idealworks, together with the current management team.

"With the autonomous mobile robot iw.hub, the control unit iw.brain, and the cloud-based fleet management software AnyFleet, idealworks has some of the most future-oriented intralogistics solutions on offer, and has written a remarkable story of innovation and growth in a few short months since its launch," said Schneider.

Based in Munich and founded in November 2020 as a wholly owned subsidiary of the BMW Group, idealworks is specialised in the development of autonomous transport robots, their control unit and their fleet management software. The spin-off focuses on building the most intelligent, flexible, and collaborative logistics services.


Production of Ford GT extended two more years

                DETROIT: Ford Performance is adding two more years of production for the carbon fibre Ford GT supercar. The announcement comes on the heels of letters sent to potential customers notifying them of their application status to buy one of their own, with more than 500 of those coming from Britain.

The additional production supports the decision by Ford Performance to race Ford GT in both IMSA and World Endurance Championship (WEC) series events for four years, extending through to the 2019 season.

“While we can’t build enough Ford GTs for everyone who has applied, we are going to produce additional vehicles in an effort to satisfy more of our most loyal Ford ambassadors,” said Dave Pericak, global director, Ford Performance. “We want to keep Ford GT exclusive, but at the same time we know how vital this customer is to our brand.”

Year three of production will support applicants who were placed on the waiting list; previously deferred applicants and those who missed the initial application window will be served by production year four. The application process for fourth-year production will reopen in early 2018. Those who already applied to own the car will only need to update their request.

“The road car and race car will live on, side-by-side, for the next four years – providing ample opportunity to test and prove innovative new technologies both on and off the track,” said Raj Nair, Ford executive vice president, product development, and chief technical officer.


Volvo revolution - XC90 T8 AWD Plug-in Hybrid

                A 14-hour journey to Sweden is indeed a perilous business – but being a hardcore Volvo loyalist has gotten me excited about travelling to the birthplace of this relatively conservative marque that doesn’t seem to chase nor crave for more market-share all these years.

But now with a re-energised brand under China-based Geely, Volvo is driven to boost its brand appeal in developing a wide range of sophisticated powertrains combined with cutting-edge technologies.

It has been a major move that aggregates all the right ingredients, which is topped-off with one of the most ambitious design languages ever implemented for mass-production.

The new XC90 is held up as a pillar of that change – and it’s tasked to not only be a flagship but the ultimate halo model for Volvo.

On the outside, the XC90 marks a huge departure from the old model – with a design language symbolising what future Volvos could look like.

Visual aesthetics such as the muscular shoulder lines, raised bonnet approach and the inevitably attractive Thor’s hammer-shaped DRL’s are among the novelties that Volvo has introduced to confer a bolder XC90 presence without making it look brash or audacious.

In profile, the XC90 retains that chunky – albeit crisper – big seven-seating silhouette of the old. One obvious trademark would be that pair of symbolic rear light clusters, which extends up towards the roofline for better visibility.

It’s a signature Volvo design that makes it stand out from the rest.

The new XC90 is the most groundbreaking model since the XC60, penned by Steve Mattin.

Sitting beneath the swanky new sheet metal however, is a potpourri of smart technology that doesn’t only save the company millions of krona in development – but also – offers the potential of creating newer models by sharing the same footprint in the near future.

Unlike the days of limited resource and development under Ford, the XC90 is the first vehicle to use the all-new Scalable Product Architecture, or better known as the SPA modular platform.

A first for Volvo, the underpinnings of this platform are engineered to accommodate modern and traditional technology.

Though flexible, expandable and multi-adjustable to cater to various body styles and powertrains, the platform is the strongest modular chassis ever to be developed in the automotive world.

The platform uses a generous range of hot-formed boron steel – a primary material that the company has been using since the early days by ensuring all occupants are safe in an unfortunate event while on the go.

Apart from that, it also enables Volvo to shorten the overhangs of the XC90, while having a longer wheelbase for bigger interior space. The results are exterior proportions that still look balanced.

The latest XC90 uses the all-new, turbo and supercharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder Drive-E engine that puts out an impressive 320bhp.

The T8 variant which we tested uses a plug-in hybrid mechanism that combines an 87hp electric motor and a 9.2Kwh battery pack – delivers a grand total of 407bhp with 640Nm of torque.

It’s an amazing package that replaces the old 4.4-litre Yamaha V8 without sacrificing power.

As expected, the new engine also produces way less CO2 emissions than most of its rivals in the same pitch – a notable achievement for the world’s first seven-seating plug-in hybrid.

At the helm, the XC90 pulls with sweet poise on an empty stretch of road in the municipality of Torslanda. It somehow matches the fabled claimed figure of 5.6 seconds in a century sprint.

It’s surprisingly brisk for a SUV that weighs in just above the two-tonne mark – and yet frugal enough to return an official 24.5km/l in both city and highway driving.

I managed 21.8km/l in the test drive, still a very impressive figure which I have never come across before piloting a vehicle of this bulk.

In the ride and handling section, the XC90 feels solidly planted throughout the drive on the E6 motorway that ends in Oslo.

Steering feel is reasonably adequate, though vagueness is apparent when steering through the bends and corners in a slightly spirited manner along the scenic Kongahällavägen route, which leads towards the old Gothenburg City airport.

Unlike the wallowy-feel execution of the older model, the new XC90 feels more precise and rigid at the same time.

It absorbs bumps and undulations well with ease, and road noise is kept at bay from the cabin.

Taking the Söderleden pass and exiting out from the 158 motorway towards Särö, the route soon leads to the usual, cramped countryside roads.

Despite the XC90’s oversized dimension, it steers and circles around narrow cul-de-sacs with ease.

Volvo has slotted in an eight-speed automatic transmission that is tailored by Aisin for greater efficiency and refinement.

The gearshifts are unnoticeable, and it’s a match made in heaven with the polished T8 powertrain – working well together while exuding a rather seamless feel on the go.

Though the air springs are on the softer side, the XC90 glides along gracefully, suppressing jolts and thuds from being felt by occupants.

Seats are well padded to cater for occupants of different shapes and sizes. Rear and third-row passengers get a generous amount of both head and legroom space, thanks to the use of slimmer seat materials that enhances space inside.

Drivers on the other hand, will appreciate the well-positioned seat and visibility.

The centre transmission tunnel stores the main battery pack, hooked up to high-speed network connectors that allow for the all-wheel-drive function.

One can choose from six types of driving modes – All-Wheel-Drive for mild terrains, Off-Road for the occasional rough patches, Hybrid for daily commutes, and Power for a spirited 407bhp drive.

The electric-only Pure mode is best left for town use; a Save mode recharges the battery pack up to quarter-full if a plug-point is nowhere in sight.

All modes are accessed through a 9-inch Sensus infotainment display, which is the second biggest centrepiece inside the simple and straightforward cabin.

Built quality is high, while fit and finish remains one of the plushest amongst rivals.

Kit levels that are specific to the T8 are a set of 19-speakers 1,400-watt Bowers & Wilkins audio system that holds the Gothenburg Concert Hall surround function, and the Orrefors crystal gear knob that is a visual delight.

The XC90 is also a practical car. Besides having a nearly lipless load entry point and a height-lowering function for slotting in any cargo with added ease, it also comes with a cavernous 436 litres of boot space – even with third row seats in place.

If folded, it frees up 2,406 litres – making it one of the biggest load luggers around.
Volvo will be introducing the XC90 to Malaysia next month in T6 and T8 guises.

I hope the new R-Design trim will be available as well even in limited form.

From what I can tell from the Swedish experience, the latest XC90 has elevated the Volvo’s core values of safety, quality and practicality to a whole new level.

And that’s what makes this big SUV far more appealing in the end.

By PETER ONG


Car sharing will be mainstream by 2030

                NEW YORK: Companies like Uber may currently be facing the wrath of local governments and taxi firms the world over, but soon hailing a cab via a smartphone or using your handset to share a ride will be the norm.

In just 15 years' time, 650 million or roughly 10 percent of the global population will be car-sharers, offering space to other travellers in their vehicles, using a car pool or ordering a ride on-demand via an app.

According to ABI Research, the growing popularity of car-sharing services and the growing innovation among car-pooling businesses is being driven by smartphones and their ability to support on-demand businesses. It's also why the way car-pooling businesses function is also evolving so rapidly.

Version 1.0 companies that offered customers access to cars parked in specific locations are quickly giving way to companies like Uber, and soon they will be complemented by a third generation of firmS that can leverage autonomous driving technologies that can be called out remotely and used without a driver on board.

"While 1.0 allows sharing vehicles from a centrally managed fleet and 2.0 leverages the personal vehicles of individuals, 3.0 will combine both models -- a hybrid between the old economy of official fleets and the new sharing economy, firmly rooted in the crowd sourcing paradigm.

While Uber-like 2.0 services already start challenging car ownership, only the third generation of shared driverless cars will propel the (Car as a Service( paradigm into the mainstream hereby transforming the automotive industry," says VP and practice director Dominique Bonte.

However, as bullish as ABI Research's latest report into the area may sound, even the most technologically advanced car companies are doubtful that truly autonomous vehicles will be arriving within the next 10 years.

During his keynote address at the Mobile; World Congress on March 2, the head of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, Carlos Ghosn said that the many technological, legal, regulatory and security challenges involved in allowing vehicles on to the road without a driver mean that such cars are at least one decade away and even then the driver will be expected to be ready to step in and take over at a moment's notice.

In the meantime, companies like Uber are testing the boundaries in terms of mobile technology, and acceptance so that those that follow won't have to. ABI describes these companies as operating at the "edge of the law" and reshaping the regulatory framework as a result.


Russian automaker Aurus to make European debut at 2019 Geneva Motor Show

                MOSCOW: One curiosity awaiting visitors to the 2019 Geneva Motor Show will be Aurus - the new Russian automaker supported by the Ministry of Industry and Trade - which is set to make its European debut.

New cars from Aurus will make their European debut during the 89th International Motor Show in Geneva. The models premiering at the Swiss event are the Aurus Senat and Senat Limousine, two executive-class sedans featuring the latest cutting-edge technology developed by NAMI (Central Scientific Research Automobile and Automotive Engines Institute) here.

Currently, the best ambassador for the brand is none other than the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, who has made the Senat Limousine his official state car. With styling reminiscent of the Rolls-Royce Phantom, this particular model is evidently an armoured and customised version, featuring a hybrid powertrain of almost 600hp.

The automaker has announced that its entire production for the next two years has already been sold, although that isn't likely to represent more than 200 vehicles in total, the majority of which are expected to be purchased by the government.

While the Aurus Senat will be on show in Geneva, it will only be on sale in Russia for the time being. In the future, Aurus is expected to start producing cars more tailored to the general public, such as sedans, MPVs and SUVs.

The 89th Geneva Motor show runs March 7-17, 2019, at Palexpo, Geneva, Switzerland.


Cameron Highways to begin trial for one-way road

                IPOH: From March 17 onwards, the Cameron Highlands authorities are set to implement the one-way road system trial run for a month.

The two major spots to be affected by the trial run is KM64, in front of Iris Hotel which goes towards Brinchang and KM65, in front of the Cameron Highlands District Police Headquarters, which goes to Tanah Rata.

Cameron Highlands district police chief DSP Hasadid A. Hamid urged road users to follow the road signs.

He also asked them not to block the road especially through illegal parking and also to follow instructions from the authorities at the location.


1937 Alfa Romeo wins 'Best of Show' at Pebble Beach

                SAN FRANCISCO: A deep blue 1937 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Touring Berlinetta was crowned "Best of Show" at the 68th Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, Sunday, August 26, 2018. In total, more than 50 collector cars left the California event with a prize.

Owned by collector David Sydorick, this version of the Alfa Romeo 8C stood out with its more steeply raked grille and absence of running boards. The same car was previously crowned Most Elegant Closed Car of the Concours in 2001 and has since been fully restored to its 1938 Berlin Motor Show specification.

Elegance awards went to a 1937 Cadillac Series 90 Hartmann Cabriolet, a 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Brewster York Roadster and a 1970 Ferrari 512 S Modulo Pininfarina Coupé. This year's special award winners include a 1935 Delage D8-85 Henri Chapron/Clabot Cabriolet and a 1959 Citroën DS 19 Berline.

Founded in 1950, the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is the most famous and prestigious event of its kind in the world. This year's edition brought together 209 cars from 17 countries.

Next year's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance will be held on Aug 18, and will celebrate the centennials of Bentley and Zagato.


Chinese 'nail house' in the midst of two-lane highway goes viral

                BEIJING: A 40-metre wide house in southern China has become an Internet sensation and tourist attraction after a two-lane road was built around it.

The homeowner told a local TV station in Guangdong province that she was unhappy with compensation offered by developers who were building the Haizhuyong Bridge, a roadway which crosses a small waterway in the city of Guangzhou.

Videos of the house, located in a central part of the megacity, went viral on Chinese social media after the bridge opened on Aug 3.

Footage shows a number of visitors exploring the area below the bridge, and the old house still standing.

The house is an example of a Chinese "nail house": structures that remain - like stubborn nails stuck in wood - when residents refuse to make way for major infrastructure projects.

Developers can be forced to build highways, bridges, and even other housing developments around them.


VW and Bosch to team up on automated driving software

                BERLIN: Volkswagen's software subsidiary Cariad and autos supplier Bosch have formed a partnership to develop software for automated driving to use in Volkswagen's passenger vehicles, the companies said in a joint statement today.

The software will enable so-called "Level 2" autonomous driving - consisting of hands-free driving in cities, rural areas and on the highway - as well as a "Level 3" system that takes over all driving functions on the highway.

Level 2 driving would be installed in Volkswagen vehicles in 2023.

The software and its component parts could later be used in other automakers' vehicles, the statement said, without specifying when this could happen.

The partnership is the second major collaboration announced so far this year by the two companies, which last week said they were setting up a joint venture by the end of this year to equip battery cell factories with machinery.

READ MORE: Six levels of driving automation explained in simple terms

The companies did not disclose how much they would invest in either partnership.

Both Volkswagen and Bosch have bundled their software divisions internally into single units in an attempt to strengthen their offering in the face of competition driven primarily by Tesla, as well as companies like Alphabet increasingly venturing into the autos sector.

Volkswagen aims for its software unit, Cariad, to supply 60% of software in Volkswagen vehicles by 2025, up from 10% when the unit was founded in 2020.

But competition for talent is fierce, and the high upfront investment of developing software capabilities from scratch, at a time when many carmakers also need funds for electrification and battery development, means some are forming partnerships.

Bosch and Daimler announced plans in 2017 to build a joint "robo-taxi" automated driving fleet, reaching "Level 5" automated driving that would give the car full control - but the partnership was cancelled in 2021, months after Daimler's CEO highlighted the high costs and risks involved.