Auto Shanghai 2019: Aston Martin debuts first electric model Rapide E

SHANGHAI: Aston Martin Lagonda has revealed the final production-ready iteration of its first all-electric production car, with the spectacular Rapide E making its world debut at China’s Auto Shanghai motor show.

Unveiled by Aston Martin Executive Vice President & Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman, Rapide E is a pivotal model for the luxury marque.

Following the success of previous special-edition models, including Aston Martin Vulcan, the Vanquish Zagato family and DB4 GT Continuation, Rapide E continues to deliver a superior level of performance, craftmanship and exclusivity, while also propelling Aston Martin into the all-electric realm.

The first car to be built at Aston Martin’s state-of-the-art St Athan production facility – the brand’s Home of Electrification – Rapide E represents a pioneering first step towards achieving the company’s wider electrification strategy and the successful fruition of Lagonda – the world’s first zero-emission luxury brand.

A special edition with a production run strictly limited to 155 units, Rapide E has been developed in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE).

Aston Martin’s design and engineering teams have worked in partnership to extract the optimal aerodynamic performance available from the Rapide’s elegant form.

Traditional metal vanes give way to a striking honeycomb front grille. With lower cooling requirements demanded of the EV powertrain, Aston Martin’s aerodynamic engineers have been given the freedom to optimize the aperture of the frontal area, minimising airflow through the car’s body, improving the car’s aerodynamic efficiency and increasing range as a result.

The model’s forged aluminium aerodynamic wheels – shod with bespoke low rolling-resistance Pirelli P-Zero tyres – have also been re-designed to give greater efficiency, without compromising brake cooling capability. The sum of these changes gives Rapide E’s aerodynamic package an 8% improvement over the previous internal combustion model.

Inside and out, Rapide E is equipped with the materials and technology befitting of the marque’s first EV model. Gone are the analogue displays of the past. A 10” digital display now sits in their place, delivering all key information to the driver while on the move, including the battery’s state of charge, current motor power levels, regenerative performance and a real-time energy consumption meter.

Extending the experience beyond the car, a dedicated app allows key information from the car to be remotely monitored. This powerful dashboard displays remaining range, battery status, and time to charge, as well as allowing navigation destinations to be sent from the app to the car for easy route planning.

The car’s parking spot can also be seen via the app, with walking directions provided to help re-locate it in busy locations. Finally, the health and status of Rapide E can also be tracked from the app, providing reminders such as when a key service is due.

Rapide E is powered by an 800V electrical architecture battery – encased in carbon fibre and Kevlar casing – with a 65kWh installed capacity using over 5600 lithium-ion 18650 format cylindrical cells.

This bespoke battery pack lies where the original 6.0-litre V12, gearbox and fuel tank were located, with the 800V system allowing for more efficient charging and greatly improved thermal characteristics over existing electrical architectures. This battery system powers two rear mounted electric motors producing a combined target output of just over 610PS and a colossal 950Nm of torque.

Rapide E’s range is over 200 miles under the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), while the model is capable of charging at a rate of 1851,2 miles of range per hour using a typical 400V 50kW charger.

However, the car’s 800V high-voltage battery system enables faster charging of 3101,2 miles of range per hour, using an 800V outlet delivering 100kW or higher. For destination charging, the car also features an industry-leading high-power AC on-board charger capable of recharging the battery in as little as 3 hours.

Top speed for Rapide E is 155mph, with a sub-4.0 second 0-60mph time and a 50-70mph time of just 1.5 seconds.

Speaking ahead of Rapide E’s Shanghai debut, Dr Andy Palmer, President and Group CEO, Aston Martin Lagonda, commented: “Unveiling the Rapide E will be a huge moment for Aston Martin. As our first all-electric production car, it is a truly historic step. One that signals Aston Martin is prepared for the huge challenge of an environmentally responsible and sustainable future.

"As a car company we cannot afford to passively allow that future to come to us; we have to actively chase it. Only by doing this can we learn and prepare, but also preserve those things we love as drivers and car enthusiasts. That’s why it was so important to me that in embracing EV technology we should not let go of those unique qualities that define an Aston Martin. I believe Rapide E embodies that desire and paves the way for a hugely exciting future.”

Rapide E is available to order now, with prices available on application.


BMW Motorrad creates first carbon fibre motorcycle rear swing arm

                MUNICH: The BMW Group has made a break through with their progress in Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastics (CFRP) by making them more affordably attainable and their efforts have finally arrived at structural components that are continuously subjected to high levels of stress - like a motorcycle's rear swing arm.

Because of their findings, the German carmaker's motorcycle division, BMW Motorrad, was presented with the 2018 JEC Innovation Award in the Leisure & Sports category for the development and manufacture of a carbon fibre motorcycle rear swinging arm.

Established in 1996, the JEC Group is the world's leading specialist organisation for the development, manufacture and processing of composite materials and the award is conferred by a jury of international experts and goes to 30 companies in ten categories.

BMW Motorrad has now taken a further step towards consistent lightweight construction and excellent technical properties in motorcycles with a rear swinging arm likewise produced by means of an industrial process.

The project MAI hiras+handle was sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research as part of the leading-edge cluster MAI Carbon.

The aim of this cooperative venture bringing together seven partners from industry and research was to develop a process that enabled the cost-effective volume-production use of Carbon Fibre comPosite materials (CFP) in structural components subject to high levels of continuous stress.

In the case of this particular part, it was also possible to establish a cost-efficient manufacturing process suitable for the large-scale production of injection mould components made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic with CFP tape reinforcements using thermoplastic material.

Project manager Elmar Jäger explains the development of the concept as follows: "We opted for chassis components under continuous load since the requirements involved are especially demanding. While car chassis parts are concealed, the visible motorcycle rear swinging arm was ideal for our project since the forces at work are immediately evident. Our production technique uses CFP in the form of high-strength endless fibres where this is required by the stress pattern, while an injection mould part with short CFP recycling fibres is used where the stress levels are not as high. In this way, we developed a cost-efficient design that can be scaled according to requirements by inserting endless fibres with varying levels of strength in the same tool. These were the points that impressed the international jury. The insights we gained from this motorcycle component are equally valuable from the point of view of car development and can be applied accordingly."Joachim Starke explains the new production process and its advantages: "In addition to achieving weight benefits and cutting costs significantly, we also managed to develop a technology that allows precise configuration of component properties by using a variety of composite and metal inserts."

This scalability means that a single tool can be used to produce a wide range of different components at cycle times of less than a minute.

The maximum strength can be adjusted by means of additional CFP panels which can be thermoplastically joined. The project also involved successful testing with welding robots.

"All this impacts significantly on cost efficiency (component costs) as well as part properties (strength and stiffness). With this example of the rear swinging arm, the project has allowed BMW Motorrad to take on a pioneering role within the motor vehicle industry," added Starke.

The insights gained consistently build on the BMW i3 as the basis for the use of CFP in serial production and include interesting aspects in terms of future developments of new BMW motorcycles and automobiles.


Volkswagen sets up Shah Alam parts depot in race to strengthen aftersales

                PETALING JAYA: Volkswagen Group Malaysia has set up a parts hub in Shah Alam in its latest move to reduce  servicing time and improve aftersales.

The 10,000 sq ft storage centre will receive components from Volkswagen parts centre in Singapore and the Volkswagen plant in Kassel, Germany, the company's second largest factory.

It works with its Singapore counterpart to process order submissions, and parts are despatched twice daily to dealerships nationwide from either Singapore or Shah Alam.

Volkswagen said Malaysian dealers have ready access to the Singapore parts hub, considered the biggest and best assorted parts warehouse in South-East Asia. In addition, the Singapore hub has 20 million euros' (RM85mil) worth of inventory and over 50,000 parts for daily orders.

Volkswagen has been striving to improve support following complaints of poor aftersales in recent years, compounded by the infamous 7-speed dual-clutch transmission problem that saw a group of angry VW owners gathering outside its Kuala Lumpur headquarters in March last year.

Among the turnaround measures it had instituted were the deployment of master mechanics from Germany to Malaysia, the formation of technical service centres, the expansion and upgrading of dealerships as well as the establishment of parts depots such as the one in Shah Alam.

Volkswagen Group Malaysia managing director Armin Keller had said last year the company aimed to achieve a 30% capacity expansion and ensure aftersales did not become a bottleneck. He has since said the gearbox and engine problems faced by some of its customers had been resolved.

The gearbox issue was settled with a mechatronics update and a switch from synthetic oil to mineral oil, he had said in October.


Mustang password beats Batman and Superman, says study

DETROIT: The Ford Mustang is one of the most popular cars ever built, and now it has the honour of being one of the most common passwords on the Internet, a recent study reveals.

According to SplashData – a company specialising in password management – the word “mustang” was the 16th most common password found on the Internet in 2014, the only car moniker that found its way into the top 25.

Not only that, Mustang is a slayer of superheroes – more popular than “Batman” and “Superman” as people’s secret code for accessing their personal networks and accounts.

“We’re flattered people want to use ‘mustang’ as their password, but alone, it just isn’t strong enough to be secure,” said Keith Moss, Ford Director of Cyber Security.

“We encourage people to use ‘mustang,’ but we recommend they strengthen their password by mixing upper and lower case letters, numbers, acronyms and symbols to make it unique.”

 The 1964 Mustang.

Here are a few suggestions for strengthening your “mustang” password:

> Add numbers to your password (favourite Mustang model year, year you bought your Mustang or year you sold the car)
> Incorporate Mustang option codes, paint codes, engine codes or digits from your VIN
> Create acronyms for modifications made to your Mustang (FRSC, for Ford Racing SuperCharger, for example)
> Include your favourite driving road or road trip destination

Keep in mind that using the same password on all websites is not recommended; a password manager (such as LastPass, KeePass and 1Password) can help keep multiple Mustang-related passwords organised and easy-to-access.


2019 Mazda CX-5: 5 variants, priced RM137K to RM182K

                PETALING JAYA: Bermaz Motor has launched the 2019 Mazda CX-5 in five variants.

The prices (on-the-road without insurance) are:

> RM137,379.20 (2.0L petrol Mid grade)

> RM154,379.20 (2.0L petrol High grade)

> RM167,770.40 (2.5L petrol High grade)

> RM172,532.80 - (2.2L diesel High grade)

> RM181,770.40 - (2.5L petrol High grade turbocharged)

For buyers who want some savings, Bermaz Motor offers a 2.0-litre petrol Mid grade variant in solid colour (Arctic White) at RM133,600.

There are eight colour choices, namely Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Snowflake White Pearl, Deep Crystal Blue, Sonic Silver, Meteor Gray, Jet Black and Arctic White.

Buyers need to add RM3,000 for premium metallic colours (Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray and Snowflake Pearl White) - however, this option is not available for the entry level CX-5 2.0-litre petrol Mid grade variant.

The new CX-5 is sold with a five-year manufacturer warranty or 100,000km (whichever is first) as well as a five-year free maintenance (labour, parts and lubricants) or 100,000km (whichever is first) package.

All engines are paired with the SkyActiv-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission with Manual Shift mode.

All CX-5 variants have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a new G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) feature.

GVC Plus improves steering response as the driver straightens the wheel, by adding a hint of braking to the outer wheels.

The more precise response of GVC Plus helps provide better stability in high-speed and emergency manoeuvres.

Exclusive on the 2.5-litre petrol turbocharged CX-5 is an Active Driving Display (Head-Up Display).

This new 2.5-litre turbo engine has one of the highest compression ratios of any four-cylinder turbocharged engine, at 10.5:1.

Mazda’s Dynamic Pressure Turbo builds boost at low rpm (engine speed) by using a small inlet port to accelerate the exhaust gasses hitting the turbine, akin to how water velocity increases when one holds his or her thumb over a hose.

From there, a secondary valve can open up at higher rpm for increased airflow and maximum horsepower.

A pulse scavenging 4-3-1 manifold prevents exhaust from restricting airflow through the engine and helps the engine breathe freely.

2019 Mazda CX-5 2.0L (Mid grade)

- Price: RM137,379.20
- Two-wheel drive (2WD)
- 2.0L DOHC 16-Valve 4 Cylinder With VVT, Direct Injection
- 162hp at 6,000rpm
- 213Nm at 4,000rpm
- 6-Speed Automatic with Manual Shift Mode
- Petrol consumption rated at 6.9 litres per 100km
- 225/65R17 tyres
- LED Front Headlights with Auto on-off and self-levelling
- Bulb-type Daytime Running Lights
- LED Front Fog Lights
- Bulb-type rear combination taillights
- Rain Sensing wipers
- Engine Start / Stop Button
- Electronic Parking Brake
- Dual-Zone Auto Climate Control
- Rear Air Conditioning Vents
- Fabric seats
- Mazda Connect Infotainment System With Voice Command
- Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- 7-inch Colour Touch Screen
- Multi-Function Commander Control
- 6 audio speakers
- 4 USB ports
- Reverse Camera
- Mazda i-Stop Idling Technology
- Mazda G-Vectoring Control Plus Technology (GVC Plus)
- 6 airbags
- Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
- Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
- Traction Control System (TCS)
- Hill Launch Assist (HLA)
- Auto Hold Function
- Skytint (Safety Tint Film)

2019 Mazda CX-5 2.0L (High grade) - Extra or different features

- Price: RM154,379.20
- Two-wheel drive (2WD)
- Signature trim for LED Front Headlights
- LED Daytime Running Lights
- Signature trim for LED tail lights
- Mazda Advance Keyless Entry
- Power Tailgate
- Front Parking Sensors
- Powered front seats
- Driver's seat with 2-Position Memory Function
- Leather seats
- GPS Navigation
- 360 View Monitor
- Walk Away Lock
- Adaptive Front-Lighting System (AFS)
- Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
- Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) - Front with Pedestrian Detection)

2019 Mazda CX-5 2.5L (High grade) - Extra or different features

- Price: RM167,770.40
- Two-wheel drive (2WD)
- 2.5L DOHC 16-Valve 4 Cylinder With VVT, Direct Injection
- 192hp at 6,000rpm
- 258Nm at 4,000rpm
- Petrol consumption rated at 7.3 litres per 100km
- 225/55R19 tyres
- Driver Attention Alert (DAA)
- Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) - Rear

2019 Mazda CX-5 2.5L (High grade turbocharged) - Extra or different features

- Price: RM181,770.40
- All Wheel Drive (AWD)
- 2.5L turbocharged DOHC 16-Valve 4 Cylinder With VVT, Direct Injection
- 228hp at 5,000rpm
- 420Nm at 2,000rpm
- Petrol consumption rated at 8.2 litres per 100km
- Active Driving Display (Head-Up Display)
- Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH)
- Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
- Lane-Keep Assist System (LAS)

2019 Mazda CX-5 2.2L Diesel (High grade): RM172,532.80 - Extra or different features

- Price: RM172,532.80
- Two-wheel drive (2WD)
- 2.2L diesel DOHC 16-Valve 4 Cylinder, Direct Injection
- 188hp at 4,500rpm
- 450Nm at 2,000rpm
- Euro 5 Diesel engine
- Diesel consumption rated at 8.2 litres per 100km


Audi vehicles won't rock n' roll

                INGOLSTADT: How do you provide a large SUV with sporty road-holding properties and minimal body roll without impairing ride comfort?

Audi has resolved this conflict of objectives by means of electromechanical roll stabilisation (eAWS). Assisted by the 48-volt onboard electrical system and powerful actuators, the stabilizers on the front and rear axle can be actively controlled according to the driving situation.

As a result, the models retain their high level of ride comfort in straight-line driving. By contrast, in cornering and load alteration situations, they impress with enhanced lateral dynamics combined with minimal body roll.

The technical advantages of Audi’s electromechanical solution: it is energy-efficient, operates in near-real-time and is maintenance-free due to the absence of hydraulic elements.

Unlike hydraulic solutions, the eco-friendly electromechanical system does not require oil circuits and is maintenance-free.

It is even able to recuperate energy by capturing suspension impulses on its electric motor, converts them into electrical energy and stores it in the lithium-ion battery of the onboard electrical system.

The electromechanical solution uses energy more efficiently as well. In contrast to hydraulic circuits, it does not have to store and provide pressure.


Johor cops out to stop sale of cloned cars

                JOHOR BARU: Police here want to work closely with their Singaporean counterparts to prevent the selling of cloned or scrapped vehicles from the republic.

State police chief Comm Datuk Wan Ahmad Najmuddin Mohd said they would pay a courtesy call on Singapore police soon to discuss the matter.

“We believe that the problem of cloned cars from Singapore is quite rampant, especially in Johor,” he said at a press conference yesterday.

He said police had detained three Malaysians driving Singapore-cloned cars in the state in the past three days.

Comm Wan Ahmad said a 33-year-old man was in front of a cafe at the 9km mark of Segamat-Kuantan highway.

Initial investigations showed that his Audi A3 was a scrapped car brought from Singapore bearing a false licence plate.

“We also found a pistol and a rifle with 37 bullets inside the car boot,” he said.

Comm Wan Ahmad said the other two cloned cars were seized during a joint road block operation by police traffic and the Road Transport Department. Both vehicles carried false licence plates.

He said he’d urge his counterparts to provide a list of cars from the republic which were not allowed on Singapore roads.

The owners of such cars would drive their vehicles, which were supposed to be sent to the scrap yards, to Johor Baru but they would not return to the republic with the vehicles, said Comm Wan Ahmad.

He said the three cloned cars seized in Johor so far might just be the tip of the iceberg.

Comm Wan Ahmad said the owners of the cloned cars were not only taking a risk themselves but also putting other road users in danger as they were not covered by insurance.


2019 Audi e-tron: All charged up for EV-lution

                Audi’s first production electric vehicle has shown that the traditional German car maker has come of age with EV technology, catapulting it into an elite group of trendsetters.

While many traditional car makers have declared electric vehicles (EVs) as the ride of the future, they are still unable to deliver production models that offer range similar to their current fossil fuel-gulping mainstay.

Even those that had ventured into EV production could only deliver models which could at best offer driving range of some 200km before recharging is required.

This limited range has restricted these EVs to roles as novelty city cars without any hope of doing out-of-town trips.

Until now, it’s only Tesla Inc, a technology rather than a traditional car maker, whose models come to mind for electric cars that offer useful driving range of some 400km per charge before the batteries run flat.

Just last month, German car maker Audi fired its opening shot in its entry into the EV market with the glitzy launch of e-tron, an all-wheel drive luxury sports utility vehicle in San Francisco.

 The Charge - world premiere of the Audi e-tron in San Francisco

As the gateway to the Silicon Valley, it makes sense for companies wishing to extol their success with cutting edge technology to use the City by the Bay as a launch pad.

Promising a meaningful driving range of some 400km per charge and supported by a growing network of fast chargers in the US and Europe, the e-tron and its upcoming siblings aim to fulfil Audi’s dream in catching and leading the next automotive trend.

Featuring high capacity batteries of 95kWh and energy recuperation system that is 30% better than the competition, the e-tron will allay the range anxiety issue that made EV ownership unpopular to the masses.

Aside from having a long range, the five-seater e-tron can also be charged fast - from empty to 80% in 30 minutes using a 150kW rapid charger.

A standard charger of 11kW will take around 8.5 hours to fully charge the vehicle while an optional 22kW unit will get the job done in 4.5 hours.

Its lithium-ion batteries, together with two drive motors, are equipped with cooling systems to prevent heat build-up during sustained or spirited driving that would affect range and performance.

The batteries weigh 700kg and are located below the floor space of the car for better centre of gravity and space saving.

In normal mode, total system output is rated at 265kW/355hp and 561Nm of torque and the e-tron can do the 0-100kph dash in 6.6 seconds.

Switch on the Sport mode, system output is boosted briefly to 300kW/402hp and 664Nm of torque and a century sprint is completed in 5.7 seconds.

The Charge  world premiere of the Audi e-tron

Top speed is electronically-limited to 200kph for this first electric quattro all-wheel drive that Audi claims has better traction and grip over all terrain compared with current quattro-equipped Audi cars.

The face of e-tron gets a new interpretation of Audi’s signature Nuvolari single frame grille with active slats that can close to improve aerodynamics when additional cooling is not needed.

Inside, the Belgium-made e-tron is luxuriously appointed with leather interior and seats.

The SUV also has a sporty feel with a driver-angled dashboard while smart connectivity with driver assistance systems, a large free-standing centre display and fully electronic instrument panel impart the high tech persona.

Aside from a roomy interior and generous rear legroom, luggage area is also spacious at 600 litres.

The e-tron also gets Audi’s dynamic handling system with seven profiles, with electronic stability programmes with sport and off-road modes.

Its air suspension can raise the e-tron by 76mm from its base ground clearance of 172mm.

Audi also claims the e-tron has an outstanding Cd (drag co-eficient) of 0.28 for an SUV, thanks to a smooth body, an active grille system and an underbody panel with recesses like dimples on a golf ball.

Other innovations included the camera-operated Virtual Exterior Mirrors that are small with decreased wind resistance and noise.

The wing mirrors also reduce forward blindspots caused larger regular mirrors.

Images captured by the wing mirror cameras are projected on a seven-inch OLED screen on the front corner panel of both front doors.

Audi engineer Andreas Prucklmeier said OLED screen offers better contrast compared with normal mirrors.

Aside from zooming features, the view can also be adjusted to conditions such as highway driving, turning/lane changing and parking.

The Virtual Exterior Mirrors are available at an extra cost of 1,540 euros (RM7,389) in Europe.

As they are not allowed by American regulators, e-tron models sold in the US will feature conventional mirrors.

In the US, the e-tron is sold in three variants and priced from US$74,800 (RM309,955) to USS$86,700 (RM359,366). Prices exclude government incentives and subsidies.

In Europe, the e-tron starts from 79,900 euros (RM384,000).

Audi says the e-tron is the first of its new generation Q models designed to boost its market share on the SUV segment and overall vehicle sales.

The company is aiming to roll out 12 Q models by 2025 of which seven will be EVs and the five being internal combustion engine-type with hybrid tech.

As for its up-coming EVs, Audi will launch the e-tron Sportback next year and followed by the e-tron GT and a compact EV model in 2020.

It also promises a line-up of some 10 fully-electrified vehicle models by 2025.


Skoda's supercar for sensible money

                LONDON: To show how much the performance gap has closed between supercars and sensible cars over recent decades, Skoda has benchmarked its new Skoda Superb 2.0TSi against a host of 1970s, 80s and even 90s supercar icons.

With 280PS, that's 276bhp, on tap and a 0-100kph time of just 5.8 seconds, the new Superb is the most powerful production Skoda in the marque's history.

And thanks to a paddle-shift double clutch gearbox, permanent all-wheel drive and a host of stability controls it is also one of Skoda's easiest cars to drive.

Yet when Skoda took it to the track in estate (or wagon), rather than sedan form, no less, the car, which boasts ample room for a family of four and plenty of luggage space beat a Ferrari 308 GTB, a 1987 Porsche 911 Carrera, an original Honda NSX and a first-generation Lotus Esprit in a straight line race.


Israeli startup uses artificial intelligence to predict auto crash injuries

                INGOLSTADT (Sweden): Your car just flipped over and, hopefully, minutes later, an ambulance is racing to the scene. But how much will those emergency medical technicians actually know about your condition as they arrive?  Zaki.

An Israeli startup is working to close the information gap with a medical artificial intelligence system designed to alert first responders in real time about the kind of internal injuries they may find.

Volvo Cars is announcing a new investment in Tel Aviv-based MDGo to help refine the technology and bring it to additional markets. Volvo’s financial backing follows a similar investment announced by the Korean car company Hyundai Motor last month. The latest investment comes through Volvo Cars Tech Fund, the company’s venture capital investment arm.

“MDGo’s technology aims to do something that is close to our hearts, which is saving lives,” Zaki Fasihuddin, CEO of Volvo Cars Tech Fund, said in a statement.

The car companies did not reveal the size of their investment. MDGo officials would only say that each investment was in the millions of dollars.

It’s the latest move by automakers to expand the reach of their increasingly connected cars tethered both to the Internet as well as the manufacturers in real time.

IHS Markit forecasts that by 2023, worldwide sales of connected vehicles will reach 72.5 million, up from 24 million in 2015. That would lead to almost 69% of passenger vehicles sold exchanging data with external sources. Some worry, however, that while the information gathered could improve driving performance and safety, it may also lead to intrusions into personal privacy, tracking drivers’ whereabouts and behaviours.

In an accident, MDGo doesn’t rely on personal information or sensors monitoring the vital signs of drivers and passengers. Instead, MDGo uses one of the car’s existing sensors that measure acceleration to attempt to predict what kind of internal injuries likely occurred.

The idea started with co-founder Itay Bengad, an avid biker, who lost sight of a companion peddling beside him.

“He found his friend unconscious,” another co-founder Gilad Avrashi said of Bengad and his friend. Bengad, a physician, was nevertheless hamstrung by the fact that he had not witnessed the accident and had a limited ability to diagnose his friend’s condition. The company was founded in December 2017, after the accident.

Today, more than 250,000 vehicles through Israel are connected to MDGo through an aftermarket device. Since January, the device has produced predictive accident reports in more than 700 accidents, company officials said. MDGo hopes in the near future, the car’s connected technology itself will be able to rely the data directly to MDGo.

It’s that data from accelerometer sensors that allow MDGo to predict gravity forces that impacted the head, neck, chest, internal organs and pelvis of vehicle occupants during a crash. This data would be processed by MDGo using an algorithmic model to predict what kind of injuries may have been sustained based on the force of the crash. Then, a report would be transmitted to trauma physicians and emergency personnel via a cloud-based platform to provide the appropriate and timely treatment.

Using the new technology, Avrashi said injured people are not routed to the nearest hospital necessarily, but to the right hospital with the right doctors and equipment. Another potential benefit: Emergency services will not send more manpower or equipment than will likely be needed.

For example, any rollover accident once required by policy that Israeli emergency services send a life-support medical team to the scene. But the data has shown that many rollovers are at slow speed and the injuries as a result may not need such a critical level of medical support.

A more efficient use of resources, as well as routing patients quickly to the right hospital, could speed medical treatment, and therefore save lives, company officials said.

It’s possible that the company will next expand to Sweden or South Korea, Avrashi said, though the company hopes to make it to the United States in the near future.

The Volvo Cars Tech Fund was launched last year and invests in high potential technology startups around the globe. The MDGo investment is its first outside the US and Europe.

Israel has become the latest hotbed for tech companies, attracting a number of automakers and their suppliers in recent years. Dearborn-based Ford Motor Co officially opened a research and development centre in Tel Aviv last month. – Detroit Free Press/Tribune News Service


Bentayga makes 'Power on Ice' debut

LONDON: The most powerful and fastest SUV in the world, the Bentley Bentayga, will make its ice-driving debut in 2016 at Bentley’s flagship customer event, Power on Ice.

Power on Ice is an four-day experience on the frozen lakes of Finland that provides the opportunity to push a full range of Bentley cars to their limits. Running throughout February next year, guests will be among the first to explore the Bentayga’s capabilities in one of the most beautiful and challenging environments in the world.

Two days of ice driving training are provided by the Bentley Ice Driving Team led by four-time World Rally Champion and two-time ice-speed record holder, Juha Kankkunen – who personally designs each of the 10 ice tracks.

A range of Bentley models, including the brand’s performance flagship, the Continental GT3-R, will take on the challenging off-piste tracks. Thanks to their all-wheel-drive systems – and Bentley’s new Drive Dynamics Mode with optional Responsive Off-Road Setting in the case of Bentayga – each of the models is able to adjust the distribution of power between front and rear wheels depending on available traction, ensuring optimal grip is delivered.

The home of the event will be the unique Chalet Ruka Peak. Participants will be served evening meals featuring contemporary Finnish cuisine and a traditional smoke sauna will afford guests time to unwind after an adrenaline-fuelled day. The programme also includes night time husky-sled safaris to a reindeer farm.

Guests can select from a range of accommodation, with prices starting from €11,900 (RM56,255) per person.


Malaysia committed to making roads safer, says Liow

                KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia wants to make sure that 75% of its roads are as safe as the ones in developed countries.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai (pic) said this while noting that 6,706 people had died on the roads last year, adding that more needed to be done before it gets worse.

"My ministry together with other stakeholders is committed to elevating the standards of 75% of Malaysia's road infrastructure to at least a three-star performance throughout high volume road networks by the year 2020," he said at Menara Shell on Friday.

Liow was referring to an international safety rating under the International Road Assessment Programme (IRAP), which looks at how safe roads are.

There is more than 144,000km of roads in Malaysia.

IRAP is a non-profit group active in over 70 countries that looks at how safe roads are, giving them star ratings while offering tools to make them safer.

Roads that have five-star ratings are the safest, while those ranked at one star are not.

IRAP chief executive Rob Mcinerney said in a speech that each time a road's rating went up by one star, the level of possible death and injury on it could be halved.

In his speech, Liow said that under IRAP protocols, a four-star road can even be downgraded to a one-star if drivers on it have poor driving behavior.

He added that road accidents cost the country RM8.63bil last year.

Previous reports said this amount could be broken down into medical costs, insurance and car repairs.

Official statistics showed that 6,706 people were killed in 489,606 accidents in 2015, at an average of 18 deaths a day.

In 2014, 6,674 Malaysians died on the road with 476,196 accidents recorded.


Citroën C5 Aircross, Range Rover Evoque get top marks Euro NCAP crash tests

                BRUSSELS: The Citroën C5 Aircross and Range Rover Evoque have successfully passed, with flying colours, the European Evaluation crash tests program for New Car Models (Euro NCAP), each vehicle obtaining 5 stars.

Note however that the French SUV only manages this result in its "security pack" configuration mode.

It's the Evoque that takes the lead with the highest rating, with an excellent score of 94% in protection of adults. The Evoque also got 87% for child safety, 73% for all the safety assistance offered and 72% for pedestrian protection.

As for the C5 Aircross equipped with an optional "security pack," including a radar system for detecting cyclists and obstacles, it got 89% for the protection of adults and 86% for that of children onboard.

The C5 Aircross also scored 82% for its total safety assistance and 67% for pedestrian protection.

Without this pack, the SUV only got a 4-star crash test rating with a score of just 58% for pedestrian safety.


Tesla engineers show ventilator prototype on YouTube

                NEW YORK: Engineers at Tesla showed a prototype for a ventilator on Sunday evening in a video published on the company’s YouTube channel, as hospitals around the country overwhelmed by coronavirus patients face device showrtages.

The design for the ventilators relies heavily on Tesla car parts, one of the engineers said, enabling the company to redeploy existing stock and produce the devices quickly.

The video comes two weeks after chief executive Elon Musk said Tesla planned to reopen its New York factory to produce ventilators.

The timeline for production was not specified in the video.

“There’s still a lot of work to do,” said one of the engineers, “but we’re giving it our best effort.”

Governments globally have appealed to automakers and aerospace companies to help procure or make ventilators and other medical equipment amid the increasing number of coronavirus infections.

More than a million people have been infected worldwide by the coronavirus, while over 65,000 have been killed. The United States has the most number of cases at above 300,000.

On March 30, Ford Motor Co said it would produce 50,000 ventilators in the following 100 days at a plant in Michigan in cooperation with General Electric’s healthcare unit, and could then build 30,000 per month as needed.

Musk said on March 31 that Tesla planned to supply FDA-approved ventilators free to hospitals within regions where the electric carmaker delivers.

The Financial Times has reported that the devices donated by Musk to some New York City hospitals were not the type of ventilators that have been in demand for use in intensive-care units.

Rather, they were Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure machines, typically used to treat sleep apnea but recently approved by the FDA as an alternative in the event of a ventilator shortage.

Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment.


Huawei-Changan smart car partnership said to expand to include chips

                SHENZHEN: China’s Huawei Technologies is expanding its smart car partnership with state-owned Chongqing Changan Automobile Co Ltd to include the design and development of auto-use semiconductors, four sources with knowledge of the matter said.

The two companies, which unveiled their smart car tie-up in November, have been working together informally on chips for the last few months, two of the sources said. A third source said they might soon form a joint venture for chip development.

Huawei has pivoted to electric vehicles after its global smartphone business was hammered by US sanctions. The previous Trump administration labelled the company a threat to US national security - a charge it denies.

In addition to the deal with Changan to develop smart cars under a joint as-yet-unnamed brand, Huawei is also planning EVs under its own marque and is in talks to take control of a small domestic automaker’s EV unit, sources have said.

Huawei's new chip partnership with Changan would come amidst a global semiconductor shortage that has hit automakers particularly hard.

It would also represent a significant expansion for Huawei's chip business after US sanctions meant it lost access to the underlying chip design software needed for more advanced chips used in smartphones.

The sources declined to be identified as they were not authorised to speak to media.

Changan did not respond to a request to comment. Huawei said it defers to automakers in public announcements regarding their tie-ups. Battery maker CATL, which is also part of the smart car partnership, also did not respond to a request for comment.

Changan, which has partnerships with Ford Motor Co and Mazda Motor in addition to making its own cars, has been working on developing its own chips but has not made much progress, two sources said.

Huawei and Changan's smart car partnership calls for the tech giant to be in charge of the vehicle's operating system and cabin technologies while the automaker would be in charge of vehicle design and engineering.

Two sources said the partnership would build cars that would target the mid to high-end market, competing with Tesla Inc and Nio Inc.

The business will be housed in an old venture with Nio that is no longer active and has been renamed Avatar, they added.

The companies aim to begin sales early next year, said one source. Another source added that Avatar will open an office in Shanghai and has started hiring staff.

Avatar might go public, Changan said today on a question and answer service for investors managed by the Shenzhen stock exchange.

Earlier this week, sources said Changan plans to list its EV unit, which is separate from Avatar, on Shanghai’s Nasdaq-style STAR Market. Changan did not respond to a request for comment.


Italian EV startup Aehra unveils new premium sedan

                MILAN: Italian electric-vehicle startup Aehra today unveiled its new, European-made sedan which will serve the high-premium market segment and which joins the firm's sport-utility vehicle which was first displayed late last year.

Both models will start production in 2026, Aehra said.

They will be priced in the 160,000 to 180,000 euros range (up to RM910,000), placing them in what Aehra's co-founder and CEO, Hazim Nada, termed the "high premium and luxury" segment.

"When it comes to that segment, people are not yet ready for Chinese or American brands. Europe is still the reference," said Nada, a 40-year-old Italian-American.

The new sedan follows Aehra's electric SUV which was unveiled in November 2022. Both will have a top speed of 265 kph and a range of more than 800km, Aehra said.

First deliveries are expected in 2026, beginning in key markets including the US, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom. Aehra plans to open pre-orders next year.

Nada said full-scale production should occur in late 2027, with an annual production target of 25,000 vehicles for each model.

Both vehicles are so-called native EVs, which means most of the design is a new development and not based on a previous internal-combustion platform.

Aehra, whose chief design officer and chief engineer were formerly at Lamborghini and Ferrari, respectively, has said it plans a total investment of 750 million euros (RM3.8bil).

Aehra is still assessing options for assembly. The preferred one, at least in the short term, is to rely on a large contract manufacturer, either in central or northern Europe, Nada said.

Another option is to start a new facility in Italy or buy and refurbish an existing one, but that would be possible only if backed by state funds, Nada said.

"We see a decision on this around the end of this year."

Aehra is working on its supply chain, and recently clinched a deal with Austria's Miba Battery Systems for 120 KWh custom NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) batteries, Nada said.


Best ever year for BMW global sales

                MUNICH: The BMW Group delivered more than two million vehicles to customers in 2014, the company's fourth record year in a row.

Close to 2.12 million BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles were sold, more than ever before in the Group's history (7.9% growth year-on-year).

"Our new models such as the BMW X4 and BMW 2 Series Active Tourer demonstrate our ability to develop new vehicles which attract new customers to the brand. The popularity of the BMW i3 and BMW i8 shows our game-changing ‘born electric' strategy is on track," said Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Sales and Marketing BMW.

Due to the success of the BMW i vehicles, their production continues to ramp up.

Harald Kruger, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Production said, "Our production lines in Leipzig are highly flexible and we have switched more production to the i8 to reduce customer waiting times to a better level. Meanwhile, more than 100 BMW i3's leave the plant each day. The BMW Group is the first automotive company to manufacture using significant quantities of carbon fibre in series production and the success of these cars speaks for itself."

However, MINI's annual sales dropped slightly by 1% year-on-year to 302,183 vehicles.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announced record sales results for a fifth consecutive year, with 4,063 units (11.9% sales growth year-on-year) sold globally during 2014, more than ever before in the brand's 111-year history.

Rolls-Royce sales were driven by strong orders for Ghost Series II, launched in November, and Wraith, which enjoyed its first full year of sales, while the Phantom remains the company's pinnacle product.


Electrified Bentayga Odyssean Edition is greenest Bentayga yet, only 70 to be built

                LONDON: Bentley is unveiling the Bentayga Odyssean Edition, offering the ultimate in electrified luxury.

This new limited edition is focused on sustainability, and will be limited to just 70 examples. The plug-in hybrid goes on sale this month, ahead of a start of production in Q1 2023.

By 2025, the full Bentley line-up will be offered with hybrid powertrains, coinciding with the launch of the first ever Bentley Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV).

The first Odyssean Edition was launched in 2021 to the Flying Spur family, and took design influences from the EXP 100 GT concept car that defined Bentley’s view of luxury mobility in 2035 as part of its Beyond100 strategy. Similar to the Flying Spur Odyssean, the new Bentayga limited edition takes advantage of the benefits provided by a hybrid powertrain.

Together, the Bentayga Hybrid’s V6 petrol engine, electric motor and new and improved 18.0 kWh battery deliver a spectrum of performance, from the calm of near-silent, zero emission EV mode to full-throttle acceleration, with an electric-only range improved to at least 45km on the WLTP cycle.

With a combined output of 462 PS (456 bhp), the 3.0-litre TFSI V6 petrol engine and 100 kW electric motor-generator can power the Bentayga Hybrid from zero to 100kph in just 5.3 seconds, with a top speed of 254kph.

Bentley’s hybrid portfolio now consists of seven models out of 14 in total, meaning 50 per cent of the complete Bentley model range is now electrified.

Sustainability is not only focused on the powertrain, but with materials inside the cabin too.

The open pore Koa veneer of the centre console uses 90% less lacquer than high-gloss veneers, and allows the natural surface texture and aesthetic of the wood to be enjoyed. Open-pore veneer is painted with just three ultra-thin layers of lacquer, together totalling only 0.1 mm in thickness.

The fascias and waistrails are finished in a sleek, minimalist Piano Linen veneer, while a dedicated three-colour leather scheme lends the whole interior new depth. Together with new materials, sustainable natural leather is used widely across the cabin, thanks to its long-term durability.

The cabin also features panels of crafted tweed made from 100% British wool, twisting a blend of tonal colours into a bespoke yarn.

On the exterior, the SUV gets painted Pale Brodgar accents on the 22” 10-spoke wheels and lower brightware (front and rear bumpers, headlight and tail light surrounds and lower body side chrome).

Six colours have been recommended to harmonise with the Pale Brodgar accents, however the full Bentley palette of over 60 colours can be chosen from.

As with Bentley’s Azure models, the Odyssean Edition prioritises the wellbeing and comfort of the vehicle’s occupants.

Its specification includes the Front Seat Comfort Specification, offering up to 22-way adjustability and a heating and ventilation function to maintain the body’s optimum temperature for comfort and alertness.

This is further enhanced by the Touring Specification of driver assistance systems. Adaptive Cruise Control (subject to regional availability) maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front, slowing down (to a halt if necessary) when the vehicle in front does so and resuming the set speed once the lane is clear.

Together with Lane Assist, Traffic Assist and Bentley Safeguard, Bentley’s suite of onboard radar and camera systems constantly monitor the surrounding traffic and roads.

The Bentayga Hybrid has a dedicated button that allows control over the three E Modes – EV Drive, Hybrid Mode and Hold Mode. These will enable the driver to manually manage battery usage during a journey – though this can also be managed automatically by the car.

EV Drive mode is engaged as soon as the car is switched on, and maximises the electric driving experience.

This is ideal for city driving and for shorter journeys. The Bentley Hybrid Efficiency Accelerator Pedal provides feedback to the driver using a pressure point to denote the boundary between pure electric and hybrid power.

Using predictive data from the Bentley Hybrid Efficiency Navigation database, the pedal will vibrate when approaching a junction or speed limit decrease, advising the driver to lift off the throttle, saving energy whilst also giving the maximum opportunity for regeneration.

Haptic feedback through the throttle pedal of the transition between the E Motor disengaging and the internal combustion engine starting encourages the driver to stay in EV Drive for as long as possible, maximising efficiency. In pure electric drive, the E Motor continues to function up to speeds of up to 135kph.

Hybrid Mode maximises vehicle efficiency and range using data from the intelligent navigation system. This mode is suited for longer journeys and uses predictive E-Mode and engine coasting whilst following directions from the navigation system.

Inputting a destination, the car will automatically engage the correct Drive Mode for each part of the journey, constantly calculating the most efficient use of battery charge and storing electrical energy for sections of the journey where it is most useful – such as when arriving in the city. The system will reduce on-board charge to zero just as the vehicle reaches its destination, maximising overall efficiency.

Hold Mode balances engine and electric power to hold high voltage battery charge for later use. This is the default mode when in Sport is to provide consistent boost and recuperation.

Bentley Hybrid Efficiency Braking blends seamless integration of braking between the E Motor and conventional hydraulic braking, to provide a conventional feel to the brake pedal for comfort and the driving experience while maximising recuperation of energy.


Hyundai's ‘A Message to Space’ campaign wins awards at Cannes fest

                CANNES: Hyundai Motor’s pioneering ‘A Message to Space’ campaign has won three Bronze Lions in the Film Craft, Direct, and Outdoor categories at the 2015 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.

Since launching on April 13 this year, the Hyundai Motor campaign has been centre of attention on social media around the world. The ground-breaking film has taken the internet by storm, attracting more than 65 million views on YouTube with AdWeek ranking the film number one in its chart of the 10 most watched ads on YouTube in April.

In addition, the video was aired more than 800 times on US national TV channels such as ABC, Fox TV, and NBC, in addition to being covered by numerous high-profile print and online media including TIME, People and Forbes. The Lions award follows last month’s Third Prize Award in the ‘Film: Use of Medium’ category at the 2015 New York Festivals World’s Best Advertising awards.

The innovative campaign tells the story of how Hyundai Motor sent a message from a 13-year-old girl to her astronaut father. In the video, 11 Genesis cars write a huge message, covering about 5.55 km2, on the Delamar Dry Lake, Nevada – an image the girl’s father was able to capture from the International Space Station.

In a unique extension to the concept, Hyundai Motor invited viewers to create their own virtual message to share with loved ones, an opportunity taken up by more than 85,000 people around the world.


Survey: Third of drivers lack confidence about charging electric cars

                LONDON: Millions of drivers are uncertain about how to charge electric vehicles (EVs), a new survey in the UK suggests.

Some 39 per cent would not feel comfortable about knowing which chargepoint would be compatible with a particular EV, according to the AA Driving School poll of more than 13,400 motorists.

The survey also indicated that 30 per cent of drivers are not confident they could use a public chargepoint correctly without assistance, with 22 per cent feeling that way about charging at home.

More than a quarter (27 per cent) of respondents said they are not confident they could understand the range of an EV.

To use chargepoints, EV drivers need to know the maximum charge rate of their car and what type of plugs it can connect to.

AA Driving School said the outcome of its research shows more information on EVs should be included in the UK Highway Code, which contains advice and rules for people on Britain's roads.

It expressed concern there is currently no dedicated advice on EVs in the code despite the sale of conventionally-fuelled new cars being prohibited in the UK from 2030.

Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show plug-in vehicles accounted for more than one in six new cars registered in the UK last year.

"With the ban of new petrol and diesel cars just eight years away, the Highway Code should be updated to reflect the future direction of driving," said AA Driving School interim managing director Mark Oakley.

"EVs have been growing in popularity for years, and we are pleased to be introducing them to the AA Driving School from March, but it's clear from our research that our instructors will need to play a key role in helping educate learner drivers about the technology and terminology around them.

"New drivers are still getting to grips with EVs and learning what's best for them.

"We're committed to playing our part in the early adoption of EVs for new pupils to learn in, but would call on the Government to improve the information and guidance publicly available."

An update to the Highway Code on Jan 29 will include a reminder that EV charging cables can be a trip hazard on pavements. -
PA Media/dpa


Digital parking coupons to be available via Smart Selangor app from Jan 3

                PETALING JAYA: The Selangor government will introduce digital coupons or eKupon via the Smart Selangor Parking (SSP) app from Jan 3, following the phasing out of paper-based ones.

Selangor local government, public transport and new village development committee chairman Ng Sze Han said consumers who have bought paper parking coupons could still use them until March 31 next year.

“Paper parking coupons will be replaced with the Smart Selangor Parking eKupon.

“This new function will not affect existing or new users of the app as they can still continue to use SSP to pay for parking and parking compounds as usual,” Ng said in a press conference at a ceremony to announce the additional eKupon function in the SSP app held at the Petaling Jaya City Council’s (MBPJ) Dewan Sivik.

The use of eKupon is seen to further facilitate the parking payment system, where all registered eKupon agents in every local council in Selangor can be easily accessed via the SSP app.

“The Selangor government is aware of the impact of the movement control restrictions, as many economic sectors were not allowed to open during that period.

“A decision was made to continue with the use of paper parking coupons until the end of March.

“This means that starting April 1 next year, all parking payment transactions in Selangor will go fully digital.

“We encourage the public who still have paper coupons to use them within these three months.

“We will also come up with a mechanism for the public to credit the remaining value of the paper parking coupons into the SSP app,” said Ng.

Ng added that non-smartphone users or those who had difficulty using the SSP app could buy eKupon from authorised agents.

Ng added that the success of the Smart Selangor programme would be achieved not only with the creation of digital applications and innovations, but more importantly through widespread use and acceptance among the people.

“To achieve this goal, the Smart Selangor Parking app was introduced and expanded for open parking or on-street parking payments throughout Selangor in 2019.

“The app has 1.7 million registered users and this has saved 904 tonnes of paper, which is equivalent to preventing the felling of 21,700 trees,” he said.

Ng added that they expected an increase in the number of app users by 20% next year, once parking payments are fully digitalised.

Present at the ceremony were Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Azhan Md Azmir, Petaling Jaya deputy mayor Sharifah Marhaini Syed Ali, Smart Selangor Delivery Unit (SSDU) managing director Dr Fahmi Ngah and Mentri Besar Selangor Incorporated chief financial officer Zannifa Azura Ahmad.

Meanwhile, Fahmi said many people in Selangor had voiced the need for a single app to contain most of the services available in the state.

“They don’t want too many apps, and as such, perhaps there could be one super app at the state and local council level for all paid government services as well as notifications from the state government.

“We have put forward an expression of interest to the private sector to develop this super app next year in collaboration with the Selangor government and SSDU,” he said.

Fahmi said the existing Citizen E-Payment (CEPat) app, which currently had 40,000 users, contained a suite of eight government services.

The CEPat app enabled users to pay their assessment tax and top up using e-wallet, online banking platforms and convenience stores.

For details, call 1-700-81-9612 or email sspsupport@ssdu.com.my


Ford Mustang en route to Asia

                DETROIT: The iconic Mustang is officially going global.

For the first time in its 50-year history, Mustang will be available to customers around the world in more than 100 markets.

First shipments of the highly anticipated Mustang are headed for Asia, with vehicles arriving in Europe mid-year.

The all-new Mustang – assembled in Flat Rock, Michigan – now joins other Ford and Lincoln vehicles exported to countries abroad.

In 2013, Ford Motor Company shipped more than 380,000 vehicles from the United States, making the automaker a top U.S. exporter of vehicles.

“Henry Ford exported the sixth Model A assembled in 1903 and we continue this legacy today,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas.

“The success of our One Ford plan presents opportunities for growth in global markets. Exporting Ford and Lincoln vehicles to Asia Pacific and beyond is an important part of Ford’s global growth story. Mustang is just one more example of the international demand for Ford cars and trucks.”

The addition of a right-hand-drive Mustang to Ford’s global vehicle lineup will allow the iconic pony car to be exported to more than 25 of these markets around the world, including the United Kingdom, Australia and South Africa.


Turkey nabs pilots over Ghosn's escape through Istanbul

Journalists gathering around unidentified visitors arriving at a house referenced by court documents as belonging to Ghosn in Beirut on Thursday. — AFP
ISTANBUL: Turkish police detained seven people, including four pilots, today in an investigation into how ousted Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn transited through Istanbul en route to Lebanon after fleeing Japan, said a police spokesman.

She said the other detainees were two airport ground workers and one cargo worker and all seven were expected to give statements before a court today.

Media reports said Turkey’s interior ministry had begun an investigation into Ghosn’s transit. The former Nissan boss revealed on Tuesday he had fled to Beirut to escape what he called a “rigged” justice system.

People familiar with the matter said Ghosn, one of the world’s best-known executives, had arrived in Beirut on a private jet from Istanbul on Monday.

Hurriyet news website, citing an interior ministry official, said Turkish border police were not notified about Ghosn’s arrival, and neither his entry nor exit were registered.

 Over in Tokyo, officials from the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office have raided Ghosn's residence and carried away bags on the same day. — Kyodo/Reuters

A plane carrying Ghosn arrived at 5:30 am (0230 GMT) Monday at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport, Hurriyet reported, adding that prosecutors ordered the arrests after widening their investigation.

Flight tracking data from that time suggests that Ghosn used two different planes to fly into Istanbul and then on to Lebanon.

Japanese authorities allowed Ghosn to carry a spare French passport in a locked case while out on bail, public broadcaster NHK said on Thursday, shedding some light on how he managed his escape to Lebanon.

The businessman, who holds French, Lebanese and Brazilian citizenship, was smuggled out of Tokyo by a private security company days ago, the culmination of a plan that was crafted over three months, Reuters has reported.

Ghosn was first arrested in Tokyo in November 2018 and faces four charges, including hiding income and enriching himself through payments to car dealerships in the Middle East. He denies the charges.


Singapore Motor Show  2020: Porsche Cayenne Coupé introduced

                SINGAPORE: Porsche at the Singapore Motorshow (2020) launched its Cayenne Coupé sport utility vehicle (SUV).

Sporting the iconic 911's flyline, the SUV also comes featuring an adaptive rear spoiler - a world's first for SUVs, as part of the German sports car builder's Porsche Active Aerodynamics that extends upwards by 135mm at speeds above 90kph for greater driving stability.

Other highlights include a rear bench with the characteristics of two individual seats, and two roof concepts - a panoramic fixed glass roof fitted as standard, or a carbon roof as an optional extra.

Seen here in Lava Orange, this German SUV is being offered with three engine variants starting with a 340hp turbocharged V6 mated to a standard eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission that helps it accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 6.0 seconds (with Sport Chrono Package).

Also available is the 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 for the Cayenne S Coupé producing 440hp to drop its acceleration time to 5.0 seconds flat.

For the range-topping Cayenne Turbo Coupé, a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 lives under the hood and produces 550hp to help it complete its century sprint in 3.9 seconds.

The Cayenne Coupé will be priced without accessories from SGD$360,188 (RM1.1mil), the Cayenne S Coupé from SGD$450,188 (RM1.4mil) and the Cayenne Turbo Coupé from SGD$621,888 (RM1.9mil).


First preview of VW ID.7 GTX ahead of Munich world premiere in September

                WOLFSBURG: Three weeks ago, Volkswagen presented the new ID.7 as an all-electric limousine for the upper mid-size class.

The most dynamic model variant will now follow in late summer with the world premiere of the ID.7 GTX.

Equipped with the latest drive generation of the ID. models, the dual-motor all-wheel drive system and a host of sporty design elements, the long-distance limousine is a high-performance model.

The launch of the new GTX model is planned for the IAA Mobility in Munich (Sept 5-10).

Black and red stand for GTX

In the interior, details such as the red GTX contrast stitching on the seats, dash panel and doors emphasise the sportiness of the model.

The exterior design, on the other hand, is characterised by black gloss elements.

Together with the standard black roof paint finish and the darkened windows, these features ensure that the upcoming ID.7 GTX will also enjoy a powerful and distinctive appearance.

GTX stands for driving pleasure

Like on the previous GTX models ID.4 and ID.5, the vehicle dynamics manager is responsible for intelligent control of the dual-motor all-wheel drive system in the ID.7 GTX.

This software, developed in-house by Volkswagen, always aims to achieve the optimum combination of efficiency, dynamics and driving stability.

The vehicle dynamics manager controls not only the powertrain, but also all braking, steering and chassis control systems, depending on the selected driving profile.

The limousine’s running gear and steering have been fundamentally enhanced on the basis of the modular electric drive (MEB) platform and offer a large bandwidth between comfort and sportiness thanks to the possibility of driving profile selection.

The sporty GTX brand with its all-electric performance models has been part of Volkswagen’s portfolio for two years now.

The dynamic vehicles combine electric mobility, sustainability and intelligent sportiness.


New Honda N-One goes on sale in Japan

                TOKYO: Honda Motor Co, Ltd have begun sales of the all-new N-One mini-vehicle in Japan and is available in four variants: Original, Premium, Premium Tourer and RS with prices starting from 1,599,400 yen (RM62,401).

The Original and Premium variants are equipped with the 660cc DOHC engine while the Premium Tourer and RS comes with the turbo-charged 660cc DOHC engine. With the exception of the RS variant, which comes with a six-speed manual transmission, all variants are equipped with CVT transmissions.

The N-One variants is also available in front-wheel drive and 4WD except the RS which is only available in front-wheel drive.

The N-One is based on the underlying concept of the Honda N Series, which focuses on being a daily driver and can sustain the enjoyment of customers for a long time.

The exterior design of the all-new N-One was refined to further highlight the unique characteristics in terms of the motif of “circle, square and trapezoid” and these combination of basic shapes that constitute the uniqueness of N-One.

The interior was designed in the pursuit of a cozy cabin space with a minimalist design. Honda’s original center-tank layout that places the fuel tank underneath the front seats contributes to the minimalist yet cozy interior design.

Individual seats were adopted for the driver and front passenger, featuring a console box in between. Along with the redesigned instrument panel, utility features such as cup holders, USB charging ports and storage pockets are laid out within easy reach of the driver’s and front passenger’s seats.

The Honda Sensing advanced safety and driver-assistive system is standard across and the board. The six-speed manual transmission (6MT) version of the all-new N-ONE will be the first among all 6MT mini-vehicles in the market to feature Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS).

For the RS type, the combination of front engine/front-wheel drive (FF) turbo engine and 6MT was made available for the first time among all mini-vehicles in the market.

Driving performance also was further refined so that the drivers can feel the fun and joy of driving as they use this vehicle on a daily basis for their in-town driving such as commuting to work and school and for shopping as well as long-distance driving.


Ford's new Kuga feels the need for speed

                DETROIT: Following up on its pledge to bring serious performance to all customers across as many vehicle ranges and price points as possible, Ford has given its compact crossover the ST treatment.

If a Ford carries the ST badge, then it has to offer something more than an aggressive, sporting appearance. So with the new Kuga ST-line, there will be a bold exterior look but that style will come with substance.

In the case of the compact, Ford Focus-derived SUV this means a sharpened, firmer chassis, more responsive steering, a lower ride height, intelligent all-wheel drive and the option of a 1.5-litre 180bhp EcoBoost engine under the hood.

Styling upgrades will include the honeycomb grille synonymous with Ford's sportier models, side skirts, a front skid plate and a rear roof spoiler. Owners will also get a choice of 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels while inside, the car will be equipped with sports seats and a sports steering wheel.

"Ford ST-Line models are designed to deliver a fun to drive experience, and we placed a strong focus on ensuring that Ford's first performance-orientated SUV in Europe offered the same driving characteristics as the Fiesta ST-Line, Focus ST-Line and Mondeo ST-Line models," said Frederick Vrancken, Kuga ST-Line vehicle dynamics engineer, Ford of Europe.

As SUV sales begin to truly dominate the automotive markets in Europe and the US, consumers are increasingly looking for high-sided vehicles that offer even more of the aspects expected from other vehicle types, be it increased luxury, increased rear passenger space, or increased sportiness.

According to the latest research from IHS, SUVs and crossovers already account for 23% of European vehicle sales (up 6% year-on-year) and by 2020 they're forecast to represent 27% of all vehicle sales on the continent.

"Ford will offer a Kuga for every lifestyle," said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe. "We predict sales of 200,000 Ford Kuga, EcoSport and Edge SUVs in Europe this year -- up by 200 percent from 2013."

The Kuga ST-Line is available to order from August with first deliveries expected towards the end of 2016.


Czinger Vehicles reveals 21C hypercar

LOS ANGELES: Czinger Vehicles has revealed the full specifications of its groundbreaking 21C hypercar, of which just 80 will be built.

The reveal includes an in-depth look and explanation of Czinger’s in-house developed drivetrain and proprietary production and manufacturing technologies.

The Czinger 21C is designed, built and manufactured in Los Angeles and will debut next month at the Geneva International Motor Show 2020.

Lightweight, proprietary high-performance alloy and carbon fibre multi-material structures form the 21C chassis. Computationally engineered, printed and assembled, the chassis is home to an in-house designed strong hybrid powertrain that drives all four wheels.

Achieving a true 1:1 power to weight ratio, a 2.88-litre, flat crank V8 with twin turbos located mid-vehicle, and an electric motor assigned to each front wheel drive the 21C to a 8.1 second quarter mile, 0-100kph in 1.9 seconds, 0 to 300kph in 15 seconds and 0 to 400kph in 29 seconds.

At 329hp per litre, Czinger's priorities are clear - maximize power to weight and power efficiency.

Two continuous front traction motors and one combined crank-driven generator and starter (to ensure the power from the lithium-titanate batteries is readily available when needed) completes the strong hybrid set-up, which has 1250hp.

This is paired with a seven-speed sequential transaxle gearbox with a hydraulic actuated multi-plate clutch to complete the entire drivetrain, which is designed, developed and built by Czinger.


Audi aims to recycle more materials for new cars

                INGOLSTADT: With its joint project "MaterialLoop”, Audi is taking the next step towards closing more material cycles in the automotive industry.

Together with 15 partners from the research, recycling, and supplier sectors, the brand with the four rings is looking into the reuse of so-called post-consumer materials, which are taken from customer vehicles at the end of their lifecycle, from the automotive sector for the production of new cars.

As part of Audi’s circular economy strategy, the project provides valuable insight into how a circular economy can be put into practice.

Up to now, very few of the materials used in the production of new vehicles are recovered from old cars.

Steel, for example, usually ends up as structural steel after end-of-life vehicle recycling.

Audi wants to change that by reusing secondary materials taken from end-of-life vehicles in the production of new cars.

Downcycling, which is a loss of quality in materials resulting from the recycling process, is to be avoided.

“The MaterialLoop project underscores our ambitious vision to operate a highly efficient circular economy concept for end-of-life vehicles,” said Audi CEO Markus Duesmann.

“It is our goal to recover as many materials as possible at a high level of quality and reuse them in production. This will save valuable primary materials and lower the products’ ecological footprint. Simultaneously, direct access to secondary materials can contribute to increased security of supply. Raw materials would no longer have to be extracted.”

Back in October 2022, 100 vehicles, including among others former development cars, were dismantled as part of the joint MaterialLoop project.

The targeted disassembly of individual components alone enabled the retention of high-quality secondary materials such as larger plastic pieces for recycling.

After disassembly, the remaining car bodies were shredded and sorted into material groups comprising steel, aluminium, plastic, and glass, in cooperation with the partner companies.

To test the reuse of such materials in the production of new cars, Audi defined and piloted the further recycling process together with project partners from the recycling industry, the Audi supply chain, and academia.

The pilot project will run until the end of April.

Despite this, Audi has already been able to put valuable findings from the MaterialLoop project into practice, with some materials now being fed back into automobile production.

One result is that much of the scrap steel recycled in the project can be used to make new models.

In an initial trial, six steel coils, made from about 12 percent secondary MaterialLoop materials, were produced that match Audi’s high standards for quality and can be used for the most demanding structural components.

Audi plans to use the coils to produce up to 15,000 inner door parts for the Audi A4 at the Ingolstadt press plant. Moreover, research undertaken as part of the project, the portion of recycled steel from vehicles in the coil can actually be increased further.

As an additional result of the pilot project MaterialLoop, Audi has, working with the Volkswagen Group, developed a guide for suppliers that explains with which premises plastic parts can be designed in a way that further increases the rate of recycling in automotive production.

Audi wants to steadily increase the share of recyclates in the Audi fleet over the coming years. Audi Procurement is pursuing the goal of establishing material cycles for automotive applications wherever it is technically possible and makes economic and ecological sense.

To this end, Audi began gathering knowledge on the recycling of used automotive glass in the spring of 2022. In another pilot project. Car windows that are beyond repair are first broken up into small pieces and then sorted.

The resulting glass granulate is melted down and turned into new plate glass for the automotive industry – in fact, it is already used in the production of the Q4 e-tron.

In addition, the brand with the four rings is also deeply involved in plastics recycling.

Thanks to PlasticLoop, one of the brand’s three plastics recycling projects, Audi and plastics manufacturer LyondellBasell have established a process that employs chemical recycling for the first time to reuse mixed automotive plastic waste for the series production of the Audi Q8 e-tron.

Since 2017, the resource aluminium is managed within a recycling circle at the Audi sites Ingolstadt, Neckarsulm, and Gyor as well as at the Volkswagen site Bratislava.

Aluminium offcuts which occur during production are returned directly to the supplier. There, they are recycled to form aluminum sheets of the same quality which Audi then reuses in production. This saves precious primary raw materials and ensures the cars enter the use-phase with a better environmental balance.


Daimler powers ahead with Level 4 autonomous driving tests in China

                BEIJING: Daimler has won China's approval to start highly automated driving here, becoming the first foreign car maker to do so.

To qualify for the licence allowing for Level 4 autonomous driving, Mercedes-Benz vehicles equipped with additional technical applications from Baidu Apollo undertook extensive testing at the National Pilot Zone (Beijing and Hebei) for Intelligent Mobility, with test drivers qualified to handle automated driving.

Daimler has already obtained automated driving test licences in Germany and the US, and has pushed forward automated driving development in China, working together with its local partners to adapt its technologies to China’s traffic environment for consistently improving the safety of all road users as its first concern.

Urban traffic is one of the biggest challenges on the road to autonomous driving. With this approval, Mercedes-Benz test vehicles will now begin real road tests to further perfect the technology in the Chinese capital, a metropolis with unique and complex urban traffic situations.

Daimler has been setting standards in vehicle safety. Its Intelligent Drive assistance systems have seen major advancements on the road to autonomous driving. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class and E-Class sedans offer cutting-edge partially automated driving technology through Intelligent Drive. For instance, the new DIGITAL LIGHT technology increases safety through extending the visual support for driving assistance systems through sensors that detect other road users and adapt light distribution in all situations.

Together with Baidu, Daimler is engaging in research on safer solutions in automated driving for China through the open source Apollo autonomous driving platform. The goal is a deep understanding of the special requirements for automated driving in China, and to develop an early intuition regarding local technical trends.

“Autonomous driving is a key pillar of our global C.A.S.E. strategy, and today’s (July 6) announcement marks a major step forward for our innovation efforts here in China," said Daimler management board member Hubertus Troska.


VW to okay Audi, Porsche to enter F1, say sources

                HAMBURG: Audi and Porsche owner Volkswagen is likely to give the green light for the two brands to make their entry into motor racing's Formula One at a meeting next week, two sources familiar with the matter said today.

"We will hopefully be able to communicate our intention to enter into Formula One then," one of the sources said, with the second adding there was a "good chance" of a positive decision.

Volkswagen declined to comment. The news was first reported by Business Insider.

There has long been talk of Audi and Porsche forming partnerships with existing Formula One teams, their most likely method of entry into the highest class of international racing.

Audi and McLaren denied reports last year that a partnership between the two brands had already been formed but said that it was under discussion, with a decision to be expected this year.

Audi will offer around 500 million euros ($556.30 million) for McLaren, one source said, while Porsche intends to establish a long-term partnership with racing team Red Bull starting in several years' time.

Volkswagen has not previously been involved in Formula One but has worked with Red Bull, notably in the world rally championship. McLaren and Red Bull were not immediately available to comment.

A source said in November that Volkswagen's ultimate decision will rest on whether Formula One follows through on its plans to switch to synthetic fuels by 2026, and on McLaren's progress regarding electrification of its vehicles.

Volkswagen has invested the most of any global carmaker by far in electric vehicle production and batteries in an attempt to clean up its image from the Dieselgate emissions scandal and remain in line with governmental carbon reduction targets.

The decision comes as Volkswagen grapples with the uncertainty of the impact of the Ukraine war on its finances, which will also be discussed at next Thursday's meeting.


Mercedes-AMG to add more sizzle to new-gen A45

                PETALING JAYA: The Mercedes-AMG A45 hot hatch is going to get a lot hotter in 2018 when the next generation is expected to arrive.

The AMG team will push the limits of engineering by boosting output an extra 25hp to about 400hp, which elevates the A45 to supercar territory. At such performance levels, and with revisions to the four-wheel drive system and the electric differential, the goal is to allow the car to achieve a 0-100kph sprint time in under 4s.

To boost the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine to 400hp, it's likely that a second turbo could help realise the target. In addition, the seven-speed auto gearbox will make way for a 9-speed auto transmission.

The potential for the Mercedes A-Class has never looked this exciting, and it should be interesting to see how everything comes together for the next A45.

As we await the new A45 for 2-plus years, we have to be content with the present one, which is still a force to be reckoned with. Read the CarSifu  shootout of the A45 with two other hot hatches on the Malaysian front.


2016 LA Auto Show: A touch of 'Star Wars' and a swarm of SUVs

                LOS ANGELES: From Nissan’s “Star Wars” model, to a sexy Alfa Romeo sedan, lots of fast cars and a flock of SUVs: fun and fantasy collide at the Los Angeles auto show opening on Friday.

Nissan Rogue with Star Wars theme
It’s a limited edition and this toy is a big one - an all-wheel drive of which there are just 5,400 units worldwide. It’s also a first: the Star Wars brand has never been on a (life-sized) car, Nissan said.

The idea was born of a partnership between the Japanese manufacturer and Lucasfilm, the production company soon to be releasing the next film in the epic space opera, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.”

These 4x4s come specially equipped with a full-sized replica “Death Trooper” helmet.

Super-star SUVs
Among the many all-wheel-drives on display at the show, Ford presented a mini-SUV, the EcoSport, which will be produced in India and imported into the United States.

Despite US President-elect Donald Trump’s threats of import taxes during his presidential campaign, Ford chief Mark Fields recalled Tuesday that the number-two US automaker was a global manufacturer that produces and sells to all corners of the world. He still plans to relocate production of his small cars to Mexico.

MINI, the subsidiary of BMW specialising in tiny cars, introduced its biggest model to date, the plug-in Countryman.

An SUV, high-tech sedan at Alfa Romeo
The new Giulia was presented by Alfa Romeo boss Reid Bigland as “the quickest, technologically advanced four-door sedan in the world.”

Bigland told a crowd during the press preview at AutoMobility LA the Giulia was sort of “the opposite of an autonomous car,” at an event where futuristic self-driving vehicles are the centre of attention.

It’s a sexy, sporty entry-level luxury car that does not skimp on engine power - a 280hp, 2.0-litre turbo four is standard as is an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Alfa Romeo, a Fiat Chrysler Automobiles brand, unveiled the “Stelvio,” its first foray into SUVdom. Made in Cassino, Italy, it features a large portion of carbon fiber and aluminum to reduce its weight and increase its speed.

The “quadrifoglio GT” model will be “the fastest SUV ever seen,” Bigland says of the company’s late entry into the still-booming market sector.

When bling’s the thing
Porsche is showing a hybrid version of its Panamera, the 4th Hybrid Executive.

But you’ll really need those sunglasses for its rival Mercedes’s new Maybach S 650 Class Cabriolet. Its headlights are decked out in Swarovski crystals and comes with a personalised luggage set. Only 300 units will be sold worldwide - so act now if you are dating a Kardashian.

Mercedes also unveiled, in a world premiere, a new race car, the Mercedes AMG GT C Roadster with brushed metal bodywork.

As for Jaguar, it finally launches in the all-electric vehicles category with the I-PACE Concept.


Haval assembler to capitalise on Sirim expertise

                SHAH ALAM: Great Wall Haval assembler Go Automobile Manufacturing Sdn Bhd has teamed up with Sirim to tap its research expertise and cut production costs.

The two-year tie-up would also enable it to meet regulatory and market requirements.

Sirim president/CEO  Dr Ahmad Fadzil Mohamad Hani said areas it could help Go Automobile Manufacturing with are in lithium-ion or sodium-ion batteries, rapid prototyping and 3-D printing. Sirim would also open its e-mobility testing facilities for use, he added.

Both organisations today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to that effect.

 Dr Ahmad Fadzil (left) and Go Auto Group executive director SM Azli SM Nasimuddin Kamal signing the memorandum today.


VW to produce even fewer cars in 2022 than this year, says mag

                BERLIN: Volkswagen expects to produce even fewer cars in 2022 than this year due to ongoing semiconductor supply troubles, Manager Magazin reported today, citing people familiar with the matter.

The carmaker, which reduced its forecast for 2021 vehicle deliveries last week to 9 million from 9.3 million, is preparing for the possibility that the current chips shortage could last until at least early 2023, the report by the business magazine said.

In the worst-case scenario, deliveries could fall to 8 million cars next year - but even if things go relatively well, deliveries could be slightly below this year's, it said.

Volkswagen declined to comment on the report, stating it expected a slight easing of the supply situation in 2022 but that the first half of the year would remain very volatile.

Carmakers including BMW and Daimler have said they expect chip problems to continue well into 2022, with BMW confirming today it did not expect the crisis to ease until the second half of next year.

Whether buying computer chips directly from manufacturers, reconfiguring cars, or producing them with parts missing, many carmakers are getting creative to cope with the global shortage that some had expected would ease by the beginning of next year.

Volkswagen's Audi, which alongside its Skoda brand is lengthening its Christmas break to Jan 10 because of the supply bottleneck, said it expected the situation to carry on for "months on end."

"We expect to be occupied with this crisis for months on end in the coming year," a spokesman said. "The scarcity could extend for even longer."

Porsche, also owned by Volkswagen, said in November the crisis highlighted the need for automakers to take production into their own hands.

"Anyone who believes the chip crisis will calm itself in the next year is mistaken," said CEO Oliver Blume told Germany's Boersen-Zeitung.


138 summonses issued for number plates offences

                JITRA: A total of 138 summonses have been issued for number plates not following measurements and specifications offences in Ops Roda at KM30.3 of the North-South Expressway, Jitra toll plaza, here Saturday.

Bukit Aman's Enforcement and Highway Operations Deputy Supt Mustafa Bakri Salleh said the offences were committed by superbike owners who modified the registration numbers in various shape.

He said among the reasons given by motorcycle owners are the number plates were given by the motorcycle shop, following current trends and they did not know about their offences.

"We have also issued summonses to luxury car owners who use the wrong registration numbers, they claim that the number looks beautiful and elegant," he told reporters.

Apart from that, Mustafa said superbikers used B2 motorcycle licence which is for motorcycles under 250cc not for superbikes over 500cc.

Mustafa said the operation began at 10am and ended at 2pm was conducted by six officers and 19 police personnel from Bukit Aman and the Kubang Pasu district police headquarters.

The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) and the Road Transport Department were also involved in the operation, he said.

In the operation, 257 summonses were issued for various offenses including a total of 138 summonses for number plates not following specifications, no driving licence (32 cases), side mirrors (four cases), not placing the L sticker for learner driver, and brake light (two cases), he said.


CKD BMW 218i Gran Coupé M Sport sweeps in at RM212K

                KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Malaysia today launched the 218i Gran Coupé M Sport here.

The four-door Gran Coupé is priced at RM211,367 (on the road, without insurance and with sales tax exemption).

The launch of the locally assembled model wasn't conventional but took on a new twist as BMW Malaysia embarked on a new way to generate buzz ahead of today's event.

Two weeks ago, BMW had announced that it was working with Malaysian businesses, volunteer groups and non-governmental organisations to come up with indigenous designs that would be used as camouflage for a car model that would be unveiled.

The organisations were Komuniti Tukang Jahit, Changgih Designs, INKAA and Kanoe.

The camouflaged cars were driven through Kuala Lumpur and around the Klang Valley, making appearances at various venues in the run-up to today's launch.

The Gran Coupe´ is powered by the 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine; it is also the first-ever compact BMW coupé to use a transversely-mounted engine. With a maximum output of 103 kW/140 hp and a peak torque of 220Nm, the new Gran Coupe´ can make the century sprint in 8.7 seconds. The top speed for the sporty car is 213kph. Its combined fuel consumption is rated at 5.9 litres per 100km, with 135g of carbon emissions per kilometre of travel.

Power is transmitted via a a seven-speed Steptronic double-clutch transmission. Similar to the new 1 Series, the 2 Series Gran Coupe is also designed with the BMW front-wheel drive (FWD) architecture Suspension, damping and steering have also been tuned for sportier performance in the new Gran Coupe´.

A key contributor to the agile FWD handling of the new Gran Coupe´ is the ARB technology (near-actuator wheel slip limitation) which allows significantly faster and more sensitive control interventions, while minimising understeer usually experienced with FWD vehicles. The ARB technology features a slip control system positioned directly in the engine control unit which results in shorter signal paths, with reduced engine output as soon as there is a threat of wheel slip on the front wheels.

The Gran Coupé has a newly-designed three-dimensional mesh single-unit kidney grille that is complemented by slim, slanted LED headlights and LED foglights. The aerodynamic design also features a lower centre of gravity for high dynamic presence, while the sleek frameless front and rear doors accentuate its fluid design.

Modern flared wheel arches and 18-inch M light alloy wheels in double-spoke style 819 M Bicolour with runflat tyres lend a muscular appearance to the new Gran Coupe´ as well. Towards the rear are slim wrap-around LED taillights connected by a high-gloss black band. The new Gran Coupe´ also comes equipped with the M Aerodynamics package as standard, along with the BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line.

The Gran Coupé arrives with an elegant interior, coupled with generous cabin and luggage space for travel versatility. Complementing the Gran Coupé are also new digital services and advanced driver assistance systems.

The cockpit features illuminated trim finishers in Illuminated Boston and LED light sources via the Lights Package to enhance cabin ambience. Standard are a multifunction M leather steering wheel, sport seats with Leather Dakota upholstery, and two-zone automatic air conditioning system.

The BMW Live Cockpit Plus boasts an analogue speedometer and rev counter and a 5.1-inch, 4:3 portrait-format screen which displays information such as the car’s speed, the status of the driver assistance systems and navigation instruction. This is complemented by an 8.8-inch touchscreen control display.

Cup holders and a wireless charging tray are located on the centre console as is the push-start button.

The lower central tunnel design of the vehicle offers more comfort and space for rear passengers, compared to standard two-door coupés in this segment. A 430-litre luggage compartment is 40 litres wider than the 2 Series Coupe, ensuring everyday usability and providing ample space, especially when the rear seats are folded in a 40/20/40 split. Comfort Access 2.0 is also available to the new Gran Coupé, along with the BMW Digital Key.

The Gran Coupé is installed with Driving Assistant, Parking Assistant and Reversing Assistant. The Driving Assistant includes Lane Change Warning, Crossing Traffic Warning at the rear, Rear Collision Warning, and Speed Limit Assist. It also includes Lane Departure Warning with active steering intervention, as well as the Forward Collision Warning with brake intervention function. The Parking Assistant and Reversing Assistant are also available as standard, along with the Active Park Distance Control and a lateral parking aid.

The Gran Coupé is offered in a choice of Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Snapper Rock Blue, Storm Bay, and Melbourne Red. The interior will feature black Leather Dakota upholstery with blue and black highlights.

The latest BMW will be available at all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide starting today. Customers can also book the new Gran Coupé on http://www.shop.bmw.com.my/ at RM1,000.

With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the Gran Coupé can be owned with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM2,418 (based on a 80% loan on a five-year tenure).

SPECIFICATIONS OF BMW 218I GRAN COUPÉ M SPORT (pdf)


Mercedes recalls 147,000 cars in US for engine fire risk

                DETROIT: Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz is recalling more than 147,000 mid-size sedans and station wagons from 2013-2015 to check for risk of engine fires, the US safety regulator said Saturday.

The cars have a rubber seal in the engine compartment that can fall onto the exhaust system, increasing the risk of an under-hood fire, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Among the cars being recalled are versions of the CLS-class sedan and the E-class sedan and wagon.

Mercedes said US dealers will begin notifying owners and repairing the cars in mid-March.

Last week, the automaker recalled another 149,000 CLS-class and E-class cars in Europe and China for a similar problem.


Just how much 'electrosmog' is in our cars?

                BERLIN: "Electrosmog" is the term used to describe the electromagnetic waves in our environment. At high enough levels, these waves can affect human health.

But what about our cars - do we need to worry about them as sources of radiation? And given new technology, such as plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, has the amount of electromagnetic radiation in cars increased?

Many electromagnetic fields occur in the environment, for example from the Earth's magnetic field, says expert Sarah Driessen.

She works at the Research Centre for Electro-Magnetic Environmental Compatibility at the Institute for Occupational, Social, and Environmental Medicine in Aachen, Germany.

"These weak fields are harmless to humans. But there are artificially generated fields, such as in the lower frequency range on high-voltage lines, which can be harmful to people in the immediate vicinity," she says.

That's why high-voltage lines are placed high in the air on pylons.

Fields generated by technical equipment must comply with certain limit values so that they don't cause any health consequences. This applies to cars, too.

"The little data available on this shows that the limit values are mostly adhered to," Driessen says.

Juergen Schwarz, department head for antennas and electromagnetic compatibility at Mercedes, distinguishes between two areas when it comes to electromagnetic radiation.

"First of all, there is radiation from the vehicle," he says. That radiation shouldn't harm or disturb people or other technical devices.

Then there's radiation from the external environment. "No radiation from the outside should damage or disturb the vehicle or its internal services, so we have to protect the vehicles," Schwarz says.

When it comes to the radiation produced by the vehicle itself, there is no single measurement. Different components such as chips, control units or cellular radio modules with antennas all produce different frequencies.

In order to keep as much radiation out of the car as possible, drivers shouldn't use their mobile phones to make calls in the car, but instead should use an external antenna.

"Mobile phones regulate the radiation output independently. The worse the reception, the stronger it radiates," Schwarz says.

In order to keep the frequency fields as low as possible, Mercedes vehicles transmit using an integrated LTE external antenna, which also improves reception.

Volkswagen says it considers electromagnetic environmental compatibility throughout the planning and development process for its vehicles. For example, the main power cables are placed outside the metal-shielded interior (forming a Faraday cage), drivers are encapsulated, and specially designed filters are used for the high-voltage components.

It isn't true that plug-in hybrids or electric cars produce more magnetic fields that are harmful to motorists than internal combustion cars. The same electromagnetic limits apply to all car types. In fact, fully electric and hybrid cars also offer advantages in this area, Schwarz says.

That's because the higher the voltage, the smaller the magnetic field as well as the radiation.


Aston Martin DB11 gets a fiery V8

                LONDON: The Aston Martin DB11 V8 has the same handsome, thrusting looks as its V12 sibling, but under the bonnet nestles a V8 engine which is no less noble for being four cylinders poorer.

The twin-turbo motor was developed by AMG, the in-house tuning firm owned by Mercedes-Benz, and it packs a real punch, as the stats show.

The 510 horsepower from the engine is enough to send the V8 Aston charging to 301 kilometres per hour, and the classic sprint from zero to 100km/h is accomplished in a mere four seconds.

It does not have all the panache of the 12-pot model, but remember - this is an "entry-level" Aston for newcomers to the brand.

Owners can park one of these two-by-two sports tourers in the drive from October, as long as they are willing to part with 184,000 euros (RM916,000). The V12 costs around US$17,500 (RM74,000)more to buy.

Eagle-eyed Aston fans will spot a few subtle visual features which serve to differentiate the two versions of this grand tourer.

The V8 gets as an exclusive alloy wheel finish, dark headlamp bezels, and the bonnet has two air vents instead of four.

Aston claims the V8 will return a fuel consumption of 9.9 litres per 100km, but that will not apply to town driving or high-speed sessions on the highway.