Top German automakers halt sales of some plug-in hybrid cars: report

                DETROIT: Volkswagen AG, BMW AG and Daimler AG-owned Mercedes-Benz have halted sales of some of their plug-in hybrid cars in Europe in the wake of new emissions regulations, Automotive News reported on Thursday.

The new Worldwide Harmonised Light Duty Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) regime, which went into effect on Sept 1, gives higher CO2 readings than the old New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) system, pushing vehicles into a higher tax bracket.

The new rules could take away tax incentives offered to cars with ultra-low emissions in certain countries, the Automotive News report said.

Automakers have to decide whether the extra cost to fit a bigger battery is worth the incentives given, according to the report.

The introduction of WLTP has forced some carmakers to withhold non-conforming models from showrooms, prompting them to discount other models to defend their market share.


CarSifu tells you how the new Proton Saga drives

Key highlights

New Saga is slightly longer, wider and lower than its outgoing predecessor second-generation Saga BLM (Base Line Model)
> New 1.3-litre VVT (variable valve timing) engine is more fuel efficient
> Fuel efficiency better by up to 11%
> Uses the same platform as the Saga BLM
> Improved driving refinement and smoother power delivery
> Low levels of wind, engine and road noise intrusion
> Co-efficient of drag is lower at 0.33cd (previously 0.35cd)
> More manoeuvrable with smaller 5.1-metre turning radius (previously 5.3-metre)
> Slightly larger 420-litre boot (previously 413 litres)
> Rear USB charging points
> Only the top Premium variant gets ESC (electronic stability control), hill hold assist, reverse camera
> Has a 3-point engine mount system, similar to the Persona, which reduces vibration in the cabin

The new third-generation Saga looks sleeker and is more fuel efficient while providing a more refined drive. It has a new 1.3-litre VVT (variable valve timing) engine and CVT (continuously variable transmission).

A five-speed manual transmission variant is also available. The new entry-level 4-door sedan uses the same platform as the previous Saga BLM (Base Line Model), but is slightly longer, wider and lower.

It has a 4,331mm length, 1,689mm width and 1,491mm height. Wheelbase remains the same at 2,465mm. Like the new Persona, the new Saga will have three variants namely Standard, Executive and Premium.

Anti-lock braking system (ABS) and brake assist are only available in Executive and Premium variants. The Premium variant gets additional features like the electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, hill hold assist, reverse camera and a 2DIN audio head unit.  The display for the reverse camera is combined with the rear view mirror. There is no touchscreen display, even on the Premium variant, and leather seats will be optional.

Tyre size will vary according to trim - at 175/70 R13 for Standard, 185/60 R14 for Executive, and 185/55 R15 for Premium.
Proton says the new Saga was designed to be affordable, fuel economical, stylish, spacious and to provide practicality and convenience. It is aimed at singles and young executives from 20 to 30 years old.

Foldable rear seats, two rear USB charging slots, ISOFIX points for child seats and a 1DIN audio head unit with MP3, Bluetooth and USB features are standard. Though the new Saga uses front disc and rear drum brake combination, their stopping power is still impressive. Kerb weight is similar to its predecessor, at 1,075kg for the Premium variant.

The manual transmission variant is lighter by some 13kg at 1,035kg.  Power output remains the same, at 94hp and 120Nm of torque.
Fuel efficiency is better with 5.4 litres per 100km for the manual transmission variant (previously 6 litres per 100km), and 5.6 litres per 100km for the CVT variant (previously 6.3 litres per 100km). It is also more manoeuvrable with smaller 5.1-metre turning radius (previously 5.3-metre).

Steering is the hydraulic powered-type like in the outgoing Saga which has been retuned for better feel. It has a slightly larger 420-litre boot (previously 413 litres). Like the Persona, the new Saga has a ECO Drive Assist indicator which encourages the driver to drive the vehicle more conscientiously to save fuel.

All Saga variants have a 4-star safety rating from Asean NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme for Southeast Asian Countries).
The Saga is also slated for exports to right-hand drive Asean markets in four month’s time.

What it's like to drive

Like the Persona, Proton has tuned the new Saga’s powertrain for more refinement and smoother power delivery. Acceleration and deceleration are smooth, as we found out at Proton’s test track in Shah Alam.

We drove the Premium variant, and it handled well at speeds of 120kph on the steep banking of the track turns. The suspension is also well-tuned and body roll is minimal at fast corners and sudden lane changes. At higher speeds of 140kph, wind and engine noise intrusion into the cabin is low.

Where noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) are concerned, Proton has made a remarkable jump in the new Saga like it did with the Persona. Even at engine speeds above 5,000rpm and under hard acceleration, the noise level in the cabin is far from overwhelmingly loud and we can still carry a decent conversation without having to raise our voices.

The NVH in the 1.3-litre five-speed manual variant is even lower, thanks to its quieter manual transmission. Being a manual, the variant also feels more powerful and accelerates faster compared with the CVT-equipped variants.  In addition, the clutch pedal does not feel too heavy and it should not tire your left foot clutching and de-clutching the Saga in traffic jams.

Like the Persona, the new Saga has a refined cabin quality that impresses. Fit and finish is good, and the new Saga no longer feels like a metal container on wheels. When you open and close the doors, the “thud” sound and swing action is akin to that found in higher-priced non-national cars.

Rear leg and head room is more than adequate, with more than an inch of gap between our heads and the rear roof line, when we leaned back in the rear seats (we are 1.73m in height).

Proton is estimating a sales target of 5,000 units per month for the new model. Bookings are open starting today at Proton showrooms.

Prices are expected to range from RM37,000 to RM46,000. Official prices are will be announced at the official launch on Sept 28 (Wednesday) at Setia City Convention Centre, Shah Alam.


Ford owners get in on the action during 4X4 Sarawak Jamboree

                PETALING JAYA: Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the sole distributor of Ford in Malaysia, recently organised an outing for owners of the Ford Ranger during the 4X4 Sarawak Jamboree, which happens to be the biggest Ford Ranger gathering in Sarawak.

The four-day outing flags off from Sibu and ends in Kapit where Ranger owners were part of a 175-vehicle convoy of off-roaders - until about two years ago, Kapit was only accessible by river and vehicles had to be barged in and driven only in town.

While Kapit is now better connected via a track that is even tarred in some sections, the jamboree took participants through an adventure route that included visits to the Iban tribes in Kanowit, Song and Kapit.

Here, the club had the chance to immerse in the Iban culture and engage with the indigenous community including contributing back to society through a ‘gotong-royong’ clean-up of Kanowit town.

Throughout the jamboree, participants experienced serious adrenalin pumping off-roading action through rugged untarred timber tracks, one of which had even been abandoned for two years.

Along the way, there were also several small tributaries, which could only be traversed on flimsy log frontier bridges.

Participating Ford Ranger Club owners also got to build stronger bonds with each other while engaging in the camaraderie other like-minded adventure seekers through various adventurous activities such as fishing and hunting, as well as delicious barbecues and fun hours in front of the campfire.

From having a safe and comfortable ride for everyday commute, to a tough and capable truck for exploring the great outdoors while reaching out to remote communities, almost anything is possible with this ‘Build Ford Tough’ truck.


Now Google Maps can help motorists in Europe save fuel

                PARIS; In Europe, Google is launching a new feature in Maps that shows users the most fuel-efficient route, whether driving a diesel, gasoline, hybrid or electric car.

Note that these more eco-friendly routes aren't always the fastest.

In such cases, the application will show the difference in time and fuel consumption between the two routes, allowing users to choose a suitable option.

For its calculations, Google uses data from the European Environment Agency (EEA). Algorithms then combine this information with traffic patterns observed by Google Maps in each region and according to the most common types of engines.

Google claims that, since its launch several months ago in the US and Canada, the feature has already allowed for a reduction of more than 500,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions, the equivalent of taking 100,000 combustion engine cars off the road.

This feature is now available in nearly 40 European countries. Of course, for those who wish, and for relatively short journeys, Maps will still also propose routes on foot, by bike and by public transport.


Ola plans to build world’s largest electric vehicle hub in India

                NEW DELHI: India’s Ola Electric Mobility Pvt. plans to build what it says will be the world’s largest electric vehicle hub with an investment of 76.1 billion rupees (RM4bil) to localise the supply chain for cleaner transport.

The hub, spanning 809 hectares in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, will be used for manufacturing electric two-wheelers, cars and battery cells, in addition to housing vendor and supplier parks, Ola said in a statement last Friday.

The Indian startup will begin mass production of cells from the hub later this year, it said.

While localising critical elements of the EV supply chain, such as batteries, will make EVs more affordable, India has only a fraction of the raw materials needed to satisfy domestic demand for lithium-ion batteries — forecast by Crisil to grow 100- fold by 2030.

Besides Ola, billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries Ltd. and bullion refiner Rajesh Exports Ltd. will receive incentives under a US$2.3 billion government program to support advanced battery cell development.

Building a reliable supply chain could help Ola iron out issues in producing electric vehicles.

The Bengaluru-based company recalled 1,441 electric scooters after one of the vehicles produced in the batch caught fire. Ola scooter deliveries were initially delayed as India relies heavily on imported parts, the supply of which was disrupted by a global chip shortage.

Ola last year unveiled its first lithium-ion cell developed in its battery innovation center in Bengaluru, which saw an investment of US$500 million, the startup said in the statement.

Over the next decade, Ola will focus on developing a local supply chain for materials and components such as motors, rare-earth magnets, semiconductors, lithium processing and electrode production from minerals like graphite, nickel, it said.


JPJ offering 70% discount for summonses from Aug 18

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) is offering a discount of up to 70% on all compoundable summonses from Aug 18 to Sept 16.

JPJ said in a statement today that summonses that could not be compounded were cases that are still under mention in the courts, including those with the status of arrest warrants or trial.

It said the discount was being offered in conjunction with the 64th National Day celebration themed "Malaysia Prihatin" this year.

"The reduction is for all summonses issued under the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333), Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board Act 1987 (Act 334) as well as other rules and orders under it, including cases that are still blacklisted.

"The discount on the summonses is based on the current compound rates fixed in the JPJ’s mySIKAP system,” it said.

The offer was also extended to summonses that were still active and which were still valid provided payment was made within the offer period.

The summonses can be paid at all state JPJ offices and branches, Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) outlets, kiosks and online via the mySIKAP JPJ portal at https://public.jpj.gov.my/.

"However, for blacklisted cases, the offenders are required to present themselves at the JPJ office (branch or state) for documentation process before payment can be made,” it said.

The department said the discount was aimed at reducing the financial burden of the people, who have been affected by the economic issues brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.


Tesla to accept Bitcoin again when greener

                NEW YORK: Elon Musk, CEO of electric vehicle maker Tesla, said on Sunday that the US company will accept Bitcoin payments again when the virtual currency is greener.

The American manufacturer caused a sensation in February when it announced that customers could pay in cryptocurrency, an option that became possible at the end of March.

But then Musk changed his mind, indicating that Bitcoin were no longer accepted — in the interest of protecting the environment.

"When there's confirmation of reasonable (~50%) clean energy usage by miners with positive future trend, tesla will resume allowing Bitcoin transactions," the billionaire wrote on Twitter Sunday.

Bitcoin are produced by powerful computers that have to solve equations and consume huge amounts of electricity in the process.

The science journal Nature recently published a study showing that China's Bitcoin mines, which power nearly 80% of the world's cryptocurrency trade and run in part from coal-fired power plants, risk jeopardising the country's climate goals.

Musk on Sunday reacted to an article raising the possibility that with his tweets, which regularly move the value of Bitcoin in one direction or another, he is manipulating market prices for the benefit of his business.

"This is inaccurate," he said. "tesla only sold ~10% of holdings to confirm BTC could be liquidated easily without moving market.

The US automaker announced in early February that it had invested US$1.5 billion of its ample cash in Bitcoin and has since sold part of it.


Catch the world premiere of Porsche Taycan tonight

                STUTTGART: Porsche's first all-electric sports car, the Taycan, will celebrate its world premiere on Sept 4 September from 3pm CEST (9pm Malaysia) – on three continents at the same time at NewsTV.

The live stream will be broadcast in five languages (English, Mandarin, Spanish, French and German) and in the Porsche Newsroom allowing fans and interested people around the world to witness the spectacular reveal.

The premiere locations stand for three forms of sustainable energy and are located in the most important sales markets of the new electric sports car: Niagara Falls at the border between the US state of New York and the Canadian province of Ontario represents hydropower.

A solar farm in Neuhardenberg near Berlin represents solar power. The wind farm on Pingtan Island, around 150km from the Chinese city of Fuzhou in the province of Fujian, represents wind power.

The global event lasting about half an hour will be moderated by long-standing Formula 1 driver and Porsche brand ambassador Mark Webber from Berlin.

The world premiere will be available as a video on demand on afterwards.


Perodua Tweckbot service is back

                RAWANG: Perodua car owners will get a free 50-point safety check from this Friday till Sunday.

The free 50-point check will be held at Aeon Rawang shopping mall from Nov 6 to 8, ahead of the Deepavali holiday on Nov 10.

This is under Perodua's Tweckbot programme, which allows customers to meet the Tweckbot team at a strategic location.

“It is hoped that we will be able to reach out to more customers during this season than we did last year - because here at Perodua ‘You Matter Most’,” said Perodua president and chief executive officer Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh.

He added that for this year’s Chinese New Year and Hari Raya, Tweckbot attracted nearly 1,250 customers.

Customers will be alerted on Tweckbot locations via advertisements in local papers, Twitter and Facebook.

The Tweckbot team will only conduct a car inspection, before advising the car owner on whether or not it needs to be serviced or is due for repairs.

The 50-point safety check include the engine, transmission, coolant and brake systems, power steering, clutch, tyres, suspension, as well as electrical system and engine diagnosis.

Also, a 20 % discount for parts and accessories will be given for cars that return for maintenance at Perodua service branches and dealers.


The world's electric vehicle fleet will soon surpass 20 million

                LONDON: The world is about to pass another important milestone in electric vehicle adoption: 20 million plug-in vehicles (full electrics and hybrids) on the road globally, come June, according to BNEF estimates. That’s remarkable growth from only 1 million EVs on roads in 2016.

In the second half of 2022, almost a million EVs a month will be added to the global fleet, according to BNEF estimates.

That’s about one every 3 seconds. Vehicles eventually get retired from the fleet due to age, wear-and-tear, crashes and battery degradation. But that’s not a big part of the EV story so far, mostly because the majority of EVs in the global fleet were sold in the past 18 months.

By the end of 2022, BNEF is expecting over 26 million plug-in vehicles on the road.

The speed of growth is much faster than many incumbents in the automotive and oil industries were expecting just a few years ago.

In BP’s 2016 outlook for example, the company expected a fleet of 71 million plug-in vehicles on the road by 2035. Based on the latest sales data, BNEF now expects that to be achieved by 2025, a full 10 years ahead of schedule.

Taking a look at the geographic breakdown of the vehicles underscores how just a few regions are driving most of the adoption.

China accounts for 46% of the total sales to date, followed by Europe at 34%. North America is a distant third at 15%, but fresh policy support should get that EV market moving this year and next.

All the remaining countries combined account for just 5% of the global EV fleet.

Most of the world’s plug-in vehicles are fully electric, but there are also 5.3 million plug-in hybrids. Europe accounts for most of them.

The plug-in hybrids have helped automakers meet Europe’s increasingly stringent targets for reducing carbon emissions from vehicles.

The market is expected to shift away from plug-in hybrids in the coming years, as governments cut subsidies for them, and as automakers roll out their latest fully electric models.

EV adoption in Japan - the largest auto market after China, the US and Europe - has been very slow.

That should start to change soon as Japanese automakers launch new battery electric models in the popular mini "kei car” segment.

Kei is short for keijidosha, meaning light automobile, and they account for a third of all sales in the country.

Nissan and Mitsubishi plan to bring electric kei models to market this year, followed by Honda in 2024, and Toyota subsidiary Daihatsu in 2025.

Electric vehicle adoption in neighboring South Korea has been brisk, with EVs hitting nearly 15% of sales there at the end of 2021, driven by strong model offerings from domestic champions Hyundia and Kia.

Attention will eventually shift to the big emerging auto markets in the world, like India, Brazil, Mexico and Southeast Asia.

EV adoption has barely started in these countries and regions, yet they are key for the growth in global EV adoption to continue once the larger markets start to saturate.

There are several encouraging signs. In India’s three-wheeler market, over 50% of sales are already electric. Southeast Asia markets like Vietnam already have relatively high adoption of electric two-wheelers.

And parts of Latin America are leading the way on electric buses and are starting to focus on electrifying taxis.

Perhaps most importantly, the models available in China’s EV market show how electric mobility can be very compelling for lower-middle class consumers in emerging markets.

The best-selling EV in China so far this year is the Hongguang Mini, which retails for just US$4,700 (around RM20,000).

Models like that, combined with a big push on electric kei cars from Japanese automakers, and more electric motorcycles and scooters, will help the rest of the world make the jump to electric mobility.

There are other benefits, too.

The Hongguang Mini weighs just 560kg, compared to more than 4,000kg for the recently launched electric GMC Hummer, which has a battery pack almost 20 times the size.

With battery raw material costs soaring, scaled-down EVs look much more like the sustainable mobility solution the world needs.

The next few years will bring remarkable progress on EV adoption, but it’s worth keeping in mind just what a huge task it is to convert the world’s vehicle fleet.

BNEF estimates that there are 1.2 billion light-duty passenger vehicles on the road globally.

At the end of 2022, just over 2% of them will be electric. There’s still a long way to go. But the momentum is building.


Spanish chargers by Circontrol for electric cars now in Malaysia

                KUALA LUMPUR: Fully manufactured in Spain, Circontrol’s range of EV (electric vehicle) chargers are now in Malaysia via distributor Industrial Automation (M) Sdn Bhd.

Circontrol offers wallboxes, charging posts, quick chargers, as well as Dynamic Load Management software for those operating fleets of EVs.

For private homes, Circontrol offers the Wallbox eHome and Wallbox eNext.

These have an ABS plastic housing that’s UV resistant for longetivity and are IP54 protected, meaning they are partially protected from contact with harmful dust and sprays/splashes of water.

Also, Circontrol charging stations like the eVolve Smart and eNext Elite can be connected via ethernet port or 3G/GPRS to make management much easier.

The Wallbox eHome specifications:

- comes ready with a Type 2 cable

- 7.4kw power

- priced at RM5,300 including installation (additional charges applies outside Klang Valley)

For those who need quick charging solutions, Circontrol DC Chargers like the Raption 50 can return hundreds of kilometres of electric range in just half an hour.

These Fast Charging stations feature modular power technology and power scalability to keep them cost effective.

Set up in 1997, the Spanish company has deployed over 55,000 charging points across 60 countries and worked with brands like Nissan, Audi and Volkswagen on providing OE (original equipment) charging solutions.

To contact Industrial Automation, email them at inquiry@iasb.com.my or visit https://www.iasb.com.my/


GM said to be planning 50 new digital features, services by 2026

                DETROIT: General Motors aims to turbocharge its non-vehicle revenue by introducing dozens of new fee-based digital features by 2026, including one enabling a car to predict when it will need maintenance, a top executive said on Thursday.

"We have 50-some value-added products and services that we'll be rolling out over the next 36 to 48 months," Steve Carlisle, president of GM North America, said at an investor conference.

Carlysle said GM's OnStar unit, which now offers insurance in addition to concierge services to drivers, generates about US$32 a month per customer, and its enhanced Super Cruise driver assist feature will further bolster that.

The new digital products, including in-vehicle subscriptions, will be supported by GM's Ultifi software and connectivity platform. Ultifi also will enable over-the-air software updates, and help drivers and passengers with tasks such as online shopping.

Carlysle said some of the digital features are designed to take advantage of larger displays that GM is installing on the GMC Hummer EV, Chevrolet Silverado EV, Cadillac Lyriq and other future electric vehicles.

"The bigger screens on our EVs will enable us to bring more of the data-oriented software products to the customers," he said.

He also said GM is considering flexible pricing options for a number of those digital features, including monthly, annual and lifetime subscriptions.

The introduction of more data-driven services and products is part of CEO Mary Barra's plan, announced last October, to double GM's annual revenue to around $280 billion by 2030


Christmas decorations on cars — a safety hazard? Yes, say German cops

                WIESBADEN (Germany): Christmas is the time of road safety hazards, it would seem. If drivers aren't battling with ice and snow, then they are trying to cram large evergreens into their boot in ways that can limit their vision.

Police in Germany are, meanwhile, nervous about what might be a risky new trend: Christmas decorations attached to the outside of cars.

Recent years have seen a growing number of cars decorated with Rudolph noses, reindeer antlers, candy canes and Santa hats in countries where Christmas is celebrated.

Christmas wreaths and fairy lights are taking things too far, however, police in Germany say. On Nov 13, two muscle car owners were fined for decorating their radiator grilles with a wreath, a red bow and colourful fairy lights.

"It's certainly nice to look at, but it's not allowed," police in the western state of Rhineland-Palatinate said after a police patrol spotted them on a highway late one evening.

Amazon and other online retailers currently offer countless decorations designed for car grills, notably lit-up wreaths and reindeer antlers to be attached with zip ties.

Germany's highways are relatively lawless when it comes to top speeds, and many stretches have no speed limit at all. However police are strict about the risk of decorative objects coming loose from a car and turning into high-speed projectiles.

"Hopefully, the two won't let this ruin their Christmas spirit," police said.


Charge your EV at Petronas

                SERI KEMBANGAN: Petronas officially launched its first ChargEV charging station here at Solaris Serdang and also announced its availability at nine other stations around Peninsular Malaysia.

This spells good news for Electric Vehicle (EV) and Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PHEV) owners as Petronas plans to install more ChargEV units at 56 other locations by the end of the year. And the service is free at the moment.

Petronas' move came in the wake of BHPetrol's launch of its charging stations at selected petrol stations last month, making it the first among the oil companies to do so.

The charging station consists of New Motion three-phase units rated at 400V and 22kW.

The ChargEV units is provided by Malaysian Green Technology Corporation (GreenTech Malaysia) who signed the Memorandum of Understanding with Petronas Dagangan Bhd last year.

The official launch event was attended by Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili and  Petronas Dagangan Berhad managing director and chief executive officer Mohd Ibrahimnuddin Mohd Yunus.

The other Petronas stations with ChargEV facilities are located at Solaris Putra, NKVE Damansara, Elite Bukit Jelutong, NKVE Subang, Kesas Timur, Kesas Barat, Genting Sempah, Ayer Keroh Arah Selatan and Federal Highway Batu Tiga.


Takeover of SsangYong Motor by consortium collapses

                SEOUL: Troubled South Korean off-roader SsangYong Motor has voided the agreement for its takeover by a domestic consortium led by electric truck maker Edison Motors.

The consortium had let the deadline for paying the full takeover price pass, SsangYong said in a stock exchange release on Monday.

The takeover agreement was thereby "automatically" suspended.

The consortium wanted to take over SsangYong Motor for 304.86 billion won (RM1bil).

Both sides had signed the contract in January. The takeover had been approved by an insolvency court.

Edison, which produces e-trucks and e-buses, had paid 10%. The balance was supposed to be received by last Friday, according to SsangYong, but Edison Motors had problems raising the necessary funds for the takeover, according to reports by South Korean news agency Yonhap.

SsangYong said it would now try to find a new buyer and submit a new restructuring plan to the bankruptcy court.

SsangYong is South Korea's fourth largest carmaker. Since 2011, it has been majority-owned by Indian commercial vehicle maker Mahindra & Mahindra.

The Indians have been attempting to sell their majority stake since 2020.

SsangYong's 2021 sales fell 21% year-on-year to just under 84,500 cars, according to its own figures.


Royal Enfield Scram 411 arrives from RM26,900

                PETALING JAYA: Didi Automotive Sdn Bhd, the exclusive distributor of Royal Enfield motorcycles in Malaysia, has unveiled the latest Scram 411.

The multi-purpose urban scrambler is available in three variants of Base, Mid and Premium priced from RM26,900, RM27,100 and RM27,400 respectively.

Built on Royal Enfield's proven LS-410 engine platform and the Harris performance chassis, the Scram 411 delivers agility on urban streets as well as rugged capability on rough country terrain.

Powering the motorcycle is a fuel injected four-stroke single-cylinder 411cc air-cooled engine with 24.3bhp and 32Nm of torque, promising smooth power delivery and strong bottom end torque.

The Scram 411 also gets a class-leading ground clearance of 200mm, front suspension with 41mm forks and 190mm travel, and rear suspension with monoshock linkages and 180mm travel.

The front and rear disc brakes have dual channel ABS for confident stopping power.

Its dual-purpose tyres ensure a confident grip over tarmac and on loose gravel, while the combination of front 19-inch tyre with rear 17-inch tyre ensures handling agility.

Aside from a long saddle designed for maximum rider and pillion comfort, the Scram 411 also comes with ideal handlebar position and seat height to make the ride experience dynamic and engaging.

Riders will also find it easy to operate the Scram 411 when seated or standing up.

Its colourway inspirations feature hip-hop cultures like skating, and night streets in cities like Tokyo and New Delhi, and is available in seven choices of Graphite Yellow, Graphite Red, Graphite Blue, Skyline Blue, Blazing Black, White Flame and Silver Spirit.

Also available is a collection of 19 motorcycle accessories that complement the lifestyle and purpose, and provide enhanced comfort, protection and style of the Scram 411, backed by a comprehensive three-year warranty.

There is also an apparel and riding gear range that is stylish and functional.

Didi Group Chairman Rewi Hamid Bugo said Scram 411 is a brand-new model designed for multi-purpose rides on off-road and urban city roads.

“Combining the authentic vibes of a scrambler and adventure bike genetics, the Scram 411 will bring riding enthusiasts experiences to a new level. We have no doubt believe this model will do well in Malaysia and be much loved by our local riders,” he said.

Royal Enfield Business Head for Asia Pacific markets Anuj Dua said Scram 411 could navigate a wide spectrum of terrains and challenges.

“Most scrambler motorcycles focus only on aesthetics and looks. When we began work on the Scram 411, we were determined to create a motorcycle that would be distinct in design and purpose, and bring the best of rough road capability to urban riding,” he said.


Empty roads: How the Coronavirus is (and isn't) changing speed limits

                BRUSSELS:  Covid-19 may have emptied our streets, but that doesn't mean it's now alright to break the speed limit — at least according to some road authorities.

Police and transport officials in several countries are warning motorists not to take advantage of empty roads during the pandemic by putting the pedal to the metal.

Officials in Canada, meanwhile, say it's now ok to go full steam ahead past some schools. The 30-kph speed limit near schools in the city of Winnipeg are currently not being enforced as long as there's no children in them due to school closures, police told local media.

By and large, however, officials are pleading with motorists not to get themselves injured in a car crash at the moment, as hospitals can't handle the extra patients.

The Isle of Man is trying to lighten the load on the country's healthcare system by reducing the number of road accidents with a new speed limit of 65kph across the British island.

"The move is designed to minimise the risk of accidents leading to bed spaces being occupied as the Island’s health service plans for a spike in the number of people needing hospital treatment," local officials announced.

Emptied roads in US appear to have changed the behaviour of drivers in the US. "Troopers have received increased reports of aggressive driving and excessive speeding," Minnesota State Patrol said on Twitter.

Meanwhile in Germany, police caught a pizza chef doing 95kph in a 50kph zone in the city of Luedenscheid on Tuesday. When apprehended by officers, the man tried to blame the coronavirus crisis, police said in a statement.

Officials in Belgium's Walloon region have likewise said their emergency services already had enough work to do in caring for Covid-19 patients.

The strict lockdown in Belgium has led to a drop in road traffic of 97% near the end of March, the Walloon transport authority AWSR said.

As such, authorities are nervous that motorists will be tempted to break the speed limit — 120kph on Belgian motorways.

The road officials have only one message for drivers: "Stay at home, and if you absolutely must be on the road, do so as safely as possible."


Mazda to shift some output from Thailand to Japan, says Nikkei

                TOKYO: Mazda is shifting some production of cars destined for the Australian market from Thailand to Japan, citing the adverse impact of a stronger Thai baht, according to the Nikkei newspaper.

Assembly of CX-3 sports utility vehicles will be moved to its Yamaguchi factory in southwest Japan this year, the report said on Sunday. Mazda has the capacity to make about 135,000 cars in Thailand annually.

The baht has climbed more than 8% against the dollar over the past year, hurting Thailand’s export-oriented economy.

Thailand is on track for its slowest economic growth since 2014, facing headwinds including the US-China trade dispute and political uncertainty.


Kia presents all-electric Niro EV crossover at Busan Motor Show

                BUSAN: Kia has unveiled the all-electric version of its Niro crossover at the Busan Motor Show in South Korea. The Niro EV features numerous advanced driving aids, as well as a range topping 450km.On paper, the standout feature of this new EV is its range, promising just over 450km from its zero-emission powertrain.

The manufacturer also claims that the vehicle's battery can be charged to 80% in under an hour using a 100kW fast charger. The Niro EV is powered by a 150kW motor, equivalent to 204hp.In January, the car maker presented a concept preceding this new production model at this year's CES in Las Vegas.

The Niro EV evidently inherits the concept's looks, including the so-called "tiger-nose" grille - which has an integrated charging port - and the signature arrowhead-shaped LED lights. On the inside, the Niro EV brings new features and technology, with a shift-by-wire drive-mode selector, a mood lighting system, and a 7-inch touchscreen with an infotainment system capable of locating nearby charging points while also showing remaining battery level and range.

Driver assistance systems in the Niro EV include an autonomous emergency braking system, adaptive cruise control and Traffic Jam Assist. This technology allows the vehicle to autonomously follow vehicles in front of the car when in traffic, adapting to their speed and automatically correcting the trajectory to keep the car in lane. According to Kia, the system operates between 0 and 130kph.

The Niro EV will make its European debut at the Oct 4-14 Paris Motor Show, and will go on sale shortly after. It will be the second all-electric Kia vehicle to go on sale globally, following the Soul EV.


Subaru confirms all electric model for Europe

                BRUSSELS: Subaru Europe, the subsidiary of Subaru Corporation in Europe, has confirmed the company is preparing for the launch of a full electric vehicle.

Scheduled for introduction in the first half of 2020s, Subaru’s all-electric vehicle will be a mid-size SUV, similar in size to the Forester model. It will be built on a platform shared with Toyota.

Additional information will be shared next year.

The news underlines Subaru’s efforts to reduce its environmental footprint in Europe and satisfy a growing demand for alternative powertrains.

It also signals the brand’s second electrification step in Europe after it recently launched mild-hybrid variants of two core models in the region, where the Subaru XV e-BOXER and Forester e-BOXER models today represents 60% of the sales volume.

READ MORE:  Toyota and Subaru team up to develop electric SUV in battle against costs


German carmakers to invest 60 billion euros in electric cars and automation, says VDA

                FRANKFURT: Germany’s car industry is to invest nearly 60 billion euros (RM278bil) over the next three years on electric cars and automated driving, the head of the VDA car industry association said ahead of the Geneva motor show.

“We will invest over 40 billion euros in electric mobility during the next three years, and another 18 billion euros will be invested in digitisation and connected and automated driving,” VDA president Bernhard Mattes said in a statement today.

The range of electric car models from German manufacturers would treble to around 100 in that period, he said.

The Geneva International Motor Show, where manufacturers showcase their latest models and concepts, runs from March 7 to 17.

“The ramp-up of electric mobility is coming in Europe,” Mattes said. “Without it, the EU’s CO2 targets cannot be achieved by 2030,” he added, calling for what he called appropriate regulatory conditions across Europe.

Germany, together with a few other major European economies, is set to have a much higher share of electric vehicles among its new registrations than the EU average, he said.

Charging infrastructure for electric cars must be expanded and incentives offered to buyers of e-cars, he said.


Corolla Cross joins Toyota SUV line-up in Malaysia, starts from RM124K

                PETALING JAYA: Malaysian SUV buyers now have even more variety as UMW Toyota Motor launches the Toyota Corolla Cross today.

It comes in two variants: Corolla Cross 1.8V priced at RM134,000 and Corolla Cross 1.8G at RM124,000.

Prices are without insurance and with SST exemption and are valid until June 30.

For the time being, the new model is fully imported from Thailand, which was the first market in the world to get it. Local assembly will start at the end of 2021.

The Corolla Cross is available in a choice of five colours namely Red Mica Metallic, Nebula Blue Metallic, Metalstream Metallic, Platinum White Pearl and Graphite Metallic.

The arrival of the Corolla Cross makes it four SUV models from Toyota in Malaysia. The others are Rush, Fortuner and RAV4. The smaller albeit stylish C-HR has been dropped.

Although a member of the Corolla family, the Corolla Cross has entirely different styling from the popular Corolla sedan.

It has a bold design which indicates a sporty and fun-to-drive character with the functionality of a SUV.

Using the same proven engine as the Corolla sedan, the front-wheel drive SUV is powered by a 4-cylinder 1.8-litre petrol DOHC engine with Dual VVT-i, producing 137hp at 6,400rpm and 172Nm at 4,000rpm.

Top speed is 185kph. Power is relayed to the front axle by a 7-speed CVT with Sequential Shiftmatic. The gearbox has improved performance with an electronically-controlled throttle to provide responsiveness, smoothness and quietness.

Like many of the latest Toyota models, the Corolla Cross is built around the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), a structure and platform that allows more engineering flexibility and offers a host of benefits.

With TNGA, a lower centre of gravity can be achieved to Improve stability while the highly rigid body enhances agility and ride comfort.

READ MORE:First drive of Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8G

Compared to the Corolla sedan, the Corolla Cross has a marginally shorter body with an overall length of 4,460 mm. However, it has 45 mm more overall width at 1,825 mm, and stands 185mm taller at 1,620 mm. The extra height allows ground clearance to be raised to 161 mm.

Modern SUVs have a passenger car-like interior with all the comfort and convenience features, pioneered 25 years ago by the RAV4. The Corolla Cross continues with this concept, providing an urban space with a tough premium expression.

Besides having a higher seating position, the extra height of the vehicle provides significantly better headroom than other competitor SUV models in the same class.

While the 1.8G uses projector-type halogen headlamps, the 1.8V variant has bi-LED units that give better illumination.

The integrated Daytime Running Lights feature an intricate "light curtain" graining for a unique, high-quality appearance. The same "light curtain" feature can also be seen on the rear lighting units.

The overall colour theme for the cabin is black with black leather upholstery for the seats, while satin-finish paint is used to highlight ornamentation parts.

LED illumination on the front door trim creates a high-quality feel and gives a premium impression. To enable drivers of any size and height to achieve a comfortable position, the seat has 8-way power adjustment.

The instrument panel has a sporty appearance with a dominant speedometer in the middle and a 4.2-inch colour Multi-Information Display (MID).

The large 9-inch panel in the middle of the dashboard serves as the display for the audio and infotainment system, as well as the image from the rearview camera.

The system is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ready so compatible smartphones can be linked to the infotainment system. Other connectivity options include USB mirroring, AUX and Bluetooth.

Besides the convenience of a Smart Entry & Push Start System to lock/unlock the doors and start/stop the engine, the Corolla Cross also comes with a powered tailgate with kick sensor that opens and closes automatically by just positioning a foot under the rear bumper which has a proximity sensor.

This allows for hands-free operation which will be convenient when both hands are holding bags or other items.

The cargo area has a volume of 440 litres with the rear backrests raised. This can be expanded by folding down one or both backrests and when folded, the floor is flat.

With both backrests down, it is possible to carry two road bicycles.

To conceal the items in the cargo area, there is a tonneau cover which can be rolled up when not needed.

The 5.2-metre turning radius – best-in-class – makes parking and moving around easy.

At the same time, the increased ground clearance allows the Corolla Cross to handle rough urban roads with ease, not to mention flood conditions.

Additionally, with an 18° approach angle, it can also travel over uneven terrain and up steep inclines, as well as cross over speedbumps with ease.

In the higher-end Corolla Cross 1.8V, Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) – a suite of integrated active safety systems to assist the driver – demonstrates Toyota Synergised Mobility.

The safety systems in TSS 2.0 consist of a Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) and Automatic High Beam (AHB).

These core technologies, which use a radar and camera, are complemented by other safety technologies such as a Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and a Tyre Pressure Warning System (TPWS).

The Corolla Cross is also equipped with a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) at the front (optional for rear).

Every new Corolla Cross has a factory-installed security system that includes an engine immobiliser.

Additionally, a Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) can track the vehicle’s position using GSM/GPS signals.

The owner can also monitor ignition vehicle status and vehicle speed and if the vehicle is stolen, a 24/7 Command Centre will locate it and inform relevant authorities to recover it.

In the event there is an impact detected, the centre will inform emergency services to provide assistance at the vehicle’s location.

Owners of Corolla Cross will enjoy 3-years free subscription of the VTS.

The Corolla Cross has scored a maximum 5-star Asean NCAP safety rating.

Additionally, there are 7 SRS airbags around the cabin (including one for the driver’s knees). Isofix points (with tether anchor)
are also available in the rear outer seats for installation of compatible childseats, which are now required by law.

Also introduced at the online launch of the model were the two Corolla Cross Ambassadors – Diana Danielle and Danny Koo – who will be closely associated with the new model in advertising and promotional activities.

Both are former racers in the Vios Challenge One-Make Series, and lead active lives that the Corolla Cross has been designed to support.

 The Corolla Cross Ambassadors.

According to UMW Toyota Motor deputy chairman Akio Takeyama, initial market studies have shown a strong and positive response to this new type of Corolla.

“This response is not surprising as there is great demand for SUVs globally."

In introducing the Corolla Cross, UMW Toyota Motor president Ravindran K. said the new model caters "to a new generation of mobile adventurous consumers."

The Corolla Cross is backed by a 5-year/unlimited mileage factory warranty with strong aftersales support nationwide.

The 1.8G variant is now available for viewing, testing and purchase at the showrooms of all authorised Toyota dealerships and UMWT branches nationwide.

The 1.8V will be available at a later date but bookings are accepted now. Bookings can also be at Toyota's virtual showroom.

DOWNLOAD: Toyota Corolla Cross brochure with specifications


Cookware maker Ni Hsin diversifies into electric motorcycles and EV batteries

                PETALING JAYA: Ni Hsin Group Bhd’s unit has signed a deal with MNA Energy Sdn Bhd to develop battery technology for electric motorcycles.

The cookware maker said the agreement signed by its wholly owned subsidiary Ni Hsin EV Tech Sdn Bhd would also allow the group to take part in the business and growth of MNA Energy.

Ni Hsin EV Tech managing director Khoo Chee Kong said: “Our collaboration with MNAE complements our venture into the e-mobility business as battery systems are critical to electric two wheelers that we are developing in a collaboration with Dongguan Tailing Electric Vehicle Co Ltd.”

“We are now working towards getting the Vehicle Type Approval permit from the Road Transport Department for motorcycles as the permit is important for MNA Energy’s SmartSwap programme,” said Khoo.

MNA Energy was set up in 2016 and has been awarded research grants by the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry for the development of next-generation battery technology.


Will 2016 mark the beginning of the end of automotive design?

                TURIN: Renowned car designer Chris Bangle explains why he is getting animated, quite literally, about the future of automotive design and how if, as he fears, designers are about to be replaced by software, that their unique talents could be the key to bringing a human feel to robotics instead.

"I am concerned that the culture of car design as it has been evolving for almost 100 years is coming to an end," says Chris Bangle. He has researched the subject thoroughly  - even publishing a thesis - and believes the profession could cease to exist at some point between 2025 and 2040.

"We are closing in on that date," he continues, "and as the handwriting-on-the-wall such as self-driving cars and the UBER-ization of the customer landscape appears with greater intensity, I have been wondering how much longer the exclusive relationship between car designers and the automobile will last?"

Bangle now runs a design consultancy company but was one of the world's most powerful and influential car designers of recent times. As chief designer at BMW he completely reenergised the brand, shaking off its conservatism and pioneering a new aesthetic that seemed avant-garde to many in 2000, but today is a core design element of almost every modern car.

 An Arky Arch rendering by Bangle's outfit.

In 2009, after 17 years in the role, he quit BMW and the industry. Yet he is more focused than ever on the essence of design and trying to understand, communicate and articulate what makes the profession so unique, important and emotional - car designers can give "life" to an object without referencing nature.

And through animation, he may have found the ideal way. "I penned a series of cartoon characters who are all derived from the 'things' around us," he explains. These things include an egg-beater and a truss-and-strut tower and the main character, a triumphal arch called ‘Arky Arch.'

Although ‘the Adventures of Arky Arch' is growing into a three-chapter, 13-episode-per-chapter cartoon and is about to be translated into Italian, it was born out of Bangle's attempt to express the tenets of car design via another medium. "What if we could help kids find excitement in the 'things' around us by giving those things the personality and character we put into cars? But as car designers we would not resort to the standard Disney and Pixar tropes of putting eyeballs and hands and feet on them; what if we only had gesture to work with? Could we make one such character a true female personality without using the trite 'gender indicators' - like hair ribbons and pump shoes?" he asks.

And it's a personality that excites rather than repulses. A new Jaguar car "Embodies exactly the feline grace and predator aggressiveness of the big jungle cat - it IS a jaguar - and all this without giving it cute fuzzy ears or a swishy tail," says Bangle.

Therefore, car designers could revolutionise other industries, starting with robotics. "A 50 horsepower machine the size and shape of a man really is scary; Terminator come to life. But car designers routinely create 500 horsepower cars that are not unapproachable at all."

And, if as Bangle says, car design is dying, robotics could be where the industry's biggest stars decamp. "Perhaps as the automobile fades into the horizontal elevator-taxi it was always meant to be, it will be car design's lifeboat."


Tesla opens first charging station in China with energy storage facilities

                BEIJING: Electric-vehicle maker Tesla Inc said today it has opened its first charging station in China with its own solar and energy storage facilities.

The charging station in Lhasa city will generate power from sunlight and store it in the energy storage facilities for electric vehicles to charge, the company said in a Weibo post.

Tesla moved into the solar business in 2016 with its US$2.6 billion purchase of California-based SolarCity, and has said it is keen to develop its energy business.

The company's solar services include Solar Roof, a power generating system meant to look like normal roof tiles, and Powerwall, which can store power generated by solar panels.

Last year, Tesla, which is making electric vehicles in Shanghai, put out job ads for solar and energy storage project managers in China.


Batman collection returns to Caltex

                KUALA LUMPUR: Chevron Malaysia Ltd has unveiled the fan favourite Batman Collection now available at Caltex stations nationwide.

The Dark Knight collection comprises one Batwing, and three iconic Batmobiles featured throughout the various Batman films with sizes and specifications exclusively designed for Caltex.

They are available separately at RM19.90 each by (i) signing up for Caltex’s Journey loyalty card for free and (ii) pumping a minimum of RM30 of fuel via cash, credit/debit card, StarCash, StarCard or ShopeePay, to be eligible.

Those in Klang Valley who are using the newly launched CaltexGO app to fuel up and are eligible will be entitled to a discounted price of RM17 per collectible.

Eligible fans can also purchase an exclusive Collector’s Kit at RM49.90 to show off their collection. The collectibles are sold separately.

Chevron Malaysia country chairman Jay Gomez said the company is continually looking for avenues to drive customer centricity through quality products and innovative promotions.

“The Batman Collection provided an opportunity to expand our offerings alongside our high-quality fuel and services. We are committed towards ensuring the quality of our customers’ journeys and this promotion is to reward them for their never-ending loyalty towards the Caltex brand.

“We have also made this promotion more accessible to our customers by utilising various channels including our Caltex Official Store on Shopee,” he said.

The Batmobile collectibles are available for RM19.90 on Caltex’s Official Store on Shopee where customers are required to purchase a selected lubricant product to be eligible.

Alternatively, RM4 discount e-vouchers selling at RM0.01 are also available on the Shopee App while stocks last.

Apart from the Batman collection, these e-vouchers can be used to purchase fuel and lubricants too.

As for Journey card members, they can redeem one figurine by spending 1,800 BPoints or a combination of 500 BPoints and RM13.

In addition, AirAsia customers can redeem their BIG points for a RM50 StarCash on the Air Asia Big Loyalty app that can be used to purchase the collection at Caltex stations.

In conjunction with this latest Batman Collection, a Collector’s Kit and RM100 StarCash are up for grabs through the Caltex Snap, Tag & Win contest.

To participate in the contest, customers must take a selfie with the Batman standee located at Caltex stations and upload it to Caltex Malaysia Instagram while completing either of the following captions.

• “Saya suka Batman Collection kerana…” dan #CaltexMY #CaltexCubaTry #CaltexBatmanCollection

• “I like the Batman Collection because ….” and #CaltexMY #CaltexCubaTry #CaltexBatmanCollection

Winners for this contest will be announced on Nov 30 and Dec 31 respectively.

Additionally, every RM30 ShopeePay transaction at Caltex stations will result in one entry to win a Collector’s Kit that will be announced on the same dates.

More information can be found at www.caltex.com/my/.


Kesas: Bridge joint repaired the day video of damaged car went viral

                KUALA LUMPUR: The damaged bridge joint on the Shah Alam Expressway (Kesas) was repaired on March 3, the same day that the video of a car claiming to have its wheels and body damaged by the faulty structure went viral, says Kesas Sdn Bhd.

According to the highway concessionaire, the damaged bridge joint was located at the Sukom intersection, KM50.8, west-bound on the highway, near Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur.

"The damaged structure was repaired immediately after it was brought to our attention," said Kesas chief operating officer Mohamed Shah Samin.

"It was repaired by the contractor for the Sungai Besi-Ulu Kelang Elevated Expressway (SUKE), as that particular stretch was handed over to the SUKE concessionaire in Jan 2017 for the construction of their highway.

Mohamed Shah also advised social media users to not continue making the video viral.

"Kesas will not be responsible for any untoward incident from the sharing of such videos," he said.


Do not repair vehicles on highway emergency lanes, warns Miros

                KUALA LUMPUR: Motorists on highways whose vehicles have broken down are urged not to conducts repairs on the emergency lane and to call for help instead.

Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) board of directors’ chairman Datuk Suret Singh said attempting to repair vehicles or changing tyres in the emergency lane of highways was very dangerous.

Those seeking help should contact the 999 emergency hotline or the highway’s operator.

“All highway operators have patrol and rescue units, so contact them for assistance and to avoid any loss of life. If you don’t have the number on your phone, you can obtain it through a Google search.

“Usually, a highway patrol unit will arrive as soon as possible and tow the vehicle to the nearest rest area. Also, all passengers need to exit the vehicle and gather outside the road barrier,” he said in a statement today.

He advised motorists to learn from the fatal incident at occurred at North-South Expressway Central Link (Elite) on Dec 18 that killed 10 people.

A mother and eight of her children as well as a mechanic were killed in an incident involving three cars and a lorry at the Elite USJ rest area heading towards Shah Alam.

The lorry rammed into three cars stopped on the emergency lane, one of which had broken down.

Suret said the vehicle emergency or hazard lights should be turned on and a reflective triangle or a safety cone placed around 30m behind the vehicle as well as to use a flashlight.

He also suggested that motorists keep a reflective vest to be used at night in cased of emergencies.


Hyundai to invest US$7.4bil in US by 2025, with EVs in focus

                SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Group said it planned to invest US$7.4 billion in the United States by 2025 to produce electric vehicles, upgrade production facilities and further its investment in smart mobility solutions.

Hyundai's announcement comes as US president Joe Biden's administration prioritised a push towards electric cars, aiming to replace the 650,000 vehicles in federal fleets with US-made electric vehicles.

In January, Biden also signed an executive order aimed at imposing tougher rules on government procurement practices to increase purchases of American-made products, strengthening domestic manufacturing and create markets for new technologies.

Analysts said Hyundai's US investment was essential to take advantage of the Biden administration's EV policies and to receive subsidies and tax incentives.

"If Hyundai seeks to fully leverage US EV policies, they need to pursue not only EV production but also sourcing major auto parts in the United States," said Kevin Yoo, an analyst at eBEST Investment & Securities.

Lee added that it is up to how the South Korean carmaker sources US-made batteries for its US EV production, raising potential further investment in the United States by top battery makers.

Hyundai's announcement came before Biden meets with South Korean president Moon Jae-in in Washington next week in talks that are expected cover North Korea, Covid-19 vaccines and other topics.

Biden has called for US$174 billion in new spending to boost electric vehicles and charging.

Hyundai will begin electric vehicle production at a US facility in 2022, while affiliate Kia Corp also plans to build electric vehicles in the United States. Hyundai has a factory in Alabama, while Kia produces cars at a plant in Georgia.

"We are reviewing options including expanding on our production facility after we’ve taken a closer look at US market conditions and US government’s new EV policy," Hyundai said in a statement.

The move comes as Hyundai's major electric battery supplier, SK Innovation, proceeds with construction of new US factories for Volkswagen and Ford and plans to expand capacity in the United States.

SK Group chairman Chey Tae-won has said SK could invest up to US$5 billion for battery business in the United States, meaning it appears there is room for SK to invest further in the US, a person familiar with the matter said on Friday.

Since 2018, SK Innovation has so far invested about 3 trillion won (US$2.6 billion) to build two EV battery factories in Georgia.

Hyundai, South Korea's No. 2 conglomerate, did not provide the investment breakdown but said the spending would be primarily for Hyundai and Kia.

Analysts said that Hyundai is likely to allocate the biggest amount to its EV capex, and that spending for cooperation with other US companies could be more flexible depending on how the US EV market changes.

Hyundai said it will work with the US government and business partners to install hydrogen refuelling stations and offer its NEXO hydrogen SUVs.

Hyundai is also investing in robotics, urban air mobility and autonomous driving technology, the company said.


Volkswagen CEO apologises after row with supervisory board

                FRANKFURT: Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess (pic) has apologised to the carmaker’s supervisory board after accusing some of its members of leaking confidential information to the press.

The German company said on Tuesday that Diess had apologised to the 19-member board for making “inappropriate and wrong” statements at an internal event, without giving details.

A spokesman for Porsche Automobil Holding SE, the holding company of the Piech and Porsche families that controls Volkswagen, said Diess told an internal meeting that members of the supervisory board’s executive committee had leaked information to the media, calling such actions “crimes.”

The CEO’s comments on Thursday were seen as an attack on the company’s directors, prompting the supervisory board to convene an extraordinary meeting on Monday to discuss the matter, two sources familiar with the matter said.

The public announcement here of his apology amounts to a severe admonishment of Diess, who saw his responsibilities reduced on Monday after infighting over the pace and scope of cost-cutting plans.

“The members of the Supervisory Board accepted the apology of Dr Diess, and will continue to support him in his work,” the board said in a brief statement.

The two sources said Diess’s accusations came after Germany’s Manager Magazin reported he had sounded out labour chief Joerg Hofmann about extending his contract as CEO.

Hofmann, who is head of Germany’s largest union IG Metall, sits on the Volkswagen supervisory board’s executive committee. Volkswagen’s worker representatives control nine seats on the board, and have the power to veto contract extensions.

A spokesman for the supervisory board declined to comment on the details of the clash, apart from saying it was not related to a review into how the company came to publish a racist advert.

Spokespeople for Diess and Hofmann also declined to comment.

Volkswagen replaced Diess as the CEO of its main VW brand on Monday and installed chief operating officer Ralf Brandstaetter to lead cost cutting efforts at the company’s largest plants in Germany.

The carmaker employs 297,000 people in Germany, most of them at the VW brand. Its other brands include Audi, Bentley, Skoda, Lamborghini and Porsche.

Diess remains group CEO, a position he has held since 2018.

The incident appears to follow a pattern at the carmaker where board members lose backing if their cost cutting and efficiency measures threaten too many local jobs, prompting the company’s powerful labour leaders to flex their muscles.

Bernd Pischetsrieder, Volkswagen CEO from 2002-2006, and Wolfgang Bernhard, VW brand chief from 2005-2007 were forced out of their jobs after repeated clashes with VW’s works council.


Volvo Cars to review options including IPO, Geely says

                BEIJING: China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding Group said today its Volvo Cars would explore capital market options including a potential initial public offering (IPO) and stock market listing.

Geely bought Volvo Cars from Ford Motor Co in 2010. Geely’s Hong Kong-listed unit Geely Automobile and Volvo Cars scrapped their full merger plan in February.

Geely’s revived consideration of an IPO for Volvo Cars could value the business at around US$20 billion (RM83bil), Bloomberg reported today, citing people familiar with the matter.

A Volvo Cars spokesman said the firm would not comment on speculation.

n IPO of Volvo would add to globe-spanning ties and partnerships in vehicle manufacturing of Li Shufu, Geely Holding’s founder and chairman. Li is Daimler AG’s biggest shareholder and owns the second-largest stake in Volvo AB, the Swedish truckmaker, as well as control of sports-car maker Lotus and London’s iconic black cabs.

This year alone, Li has forged ties with search-engine heavyweight Baidu Inc., Apple Inc.’s Taiwanese manufacturing partner Foxconn Technology Group and Tencent Holdings Ltd., to keep pace with the quickening shift to electrification and more software in cars.

Volvo this month set an ambitious goal to only sell cars powered by a battery from 2030.

The pledge, which goes even further than plans announced by Volkswagen AG or BMW AG, puts Volvo on the trajectory of EV-only newcomers. Their soaring valuations - with China’s NIO Inc. roughly on par with BMW - have been a wake-up call to longstanding manufacturers.

Geely Holding, China’s biggest manufacturer of local-branded conventional automobiles, has also been plowing resources into electric vehicles. Geely and Volvo’s jointly-held brand Lynk & Co. will start shipments to Europe in April of its China-made 01 SUV.

Geely also controls electric-vehicle maker Polestar, which is exploring options to go public as soon as this year in the US or Hong Kong, Bloomberg News reported earlier Wednesday.

Polestar, which is jointly owned by Volvo and Geely, launched the electric Polestar 2 in 2019 to challenge Tesla Inc.’s Model 3. —  Additional details from Bloomberg


Tata Motors to buy Ford India's plant

                MUMBAI: Tata Motors Ltd signed an agreement on Sunday to buy Ford Motor's plant in the western state of Gujarat for 7.26 billion rupees (RM408mil).

The agreement between the Indian automaker's subsidiary Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd (TPEML) and Ford India Pvt Ltd (FIPL) covers land, assets and all eligible employees.

"With our manufacturing capacity nearing saturation, this acquisition is timely and a win-win for all stakeholders," Tata Motors said in a statement.

The Jaguar Land Rover parent said the acquisition of the Sanand plant will unlock a manufacturing capacity of 300,000 units per year that could increase to 420,000.

Ford had less than 2% of the Indian passenger vehicle market when it stopped production in the country last year, having struggled for more than two decades to generate profits.


Toyota Mobility Foundation helps Thailand with 10 sanitised shuttles

                BANGKOK: Toyota Mobility Foundation announced that it will provide 10 connected and sanitised shuttles for free to some Thai hospitals handling Covid-19 cases.

These shuttles will be equipped with software that allow the commuters to book seats and pick the most effective route.

Based on the "Just In Time" management approach, passengers are assured of prompt pick-up and arrival at their destination. The software was designed by Singapore-based SWAT Mobility.

The shuttles will also be adapted for sanitisation with products and services including air purification devices, seat covers that can be periodically changed, and frequent cleansing services.

Social distancing guidelines for passenger numbers would also be adopted.

Representing the foundation, Pras Ganesh, Programme Director for Asia Region, said, "The aim of Toyota Mobility Foundation is to provide the best possible mobility solution that allows the healthcare workers to have a safe, convenient and free commute for peace of mind in this uncertain time.

"Based upon the Bangkok experience, we aim to roll this service out in other South-East Asian countries. Once standardised, the operating procedure, will also be made available to anyone who would like to provide similar services."

The services will be rolled out with operational support from Toyota Motor Thailand Co., Ltd., and Toyota Daihatsu Engineering & Manufacturing Co., Ltd., and aims to start from mid-April and operate for at least three months.


Minister confirms ‘flying car’ project still on

                PETALING JAYA: The “flying car” project by the private sector is still on but the government's current priority is to help entrepreneurs ride out the Covid-19 pandemic, says Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.

The Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister also clarified that “flying car” was a generic term, and that the right context and correct term would be “air mobility”.

He said the ministry was now giving special attention to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), micro enterprises and cooperatives to help them tackle issues during and after Covid-19 and to achieve the objectives of the National Entrepreneurship Policy (DKN) 2030.

"The air mobility or urban mobility project can open up new fields of entrepreneurship that can be commercialised but the priority of the ministry at this time is to implement programmes and initiatives in the DKN 2030.

READ MORE: 'Flying car' test flight on Thursday closed to press, says minister

“We only have 10 years to achieve the objectives, and this is very important because the effects of Covid-19 towards our entrepreneurs would require government resources and expertise to handle, ”he said during Oral Question Time in Dewan Rakyat today.

Wan Junaidi, who is also Santubong MP, reiterated that the air mobility project was a completely private initiative that did not involve public funds.

"The ministry only acts as a facilitator for the development of local SMEs in the industry focusing on drone and super drone services," he said.

He was answering a question by Datuk Dr Mohd Hatta Md Ramli (Amanah-Lumut) on the latest development of the flying car project.

Mohd Hatta wanted to know if the project mooted under the previous Pakatan Harapan administration would continue under the ministry.

Wan Junaidi added that his ministry and the International Trade and Industry Ministry had provided facilities for high-tech initiatives but admitted that Malaysia still lacked expertise in developing urban mobility.

“We also still do not have any specific guidelines or policies as well as laws on this, ” he said.

He, however, added that in the future, the two ministries, as well as the Transport Ministry, could come up with specific guidelines, policies and direction to develop the air mobility project.

“Things like drone technology, the Internet of things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) are still being given special attention by the government, ” he said.


Tesla overtakes Volkswagen as world's second most valuable carmaker

                SAN FRANCISCO:  Tesla Inc has overtaken Germany’s Vas the world’s second most valuable carmaker behind Japan’s Toyota, as the meteoric rise in the US electric vehicle maker’s shares reshuffles the global market.

Tesla’s stock has more than doubled in value in the last three months, with its market capitalisation piercing US$100 billion on Wednesday, a first for a listed US automaker.

During the rally, its value has leapfrogged more established global rivals: Honda, BMW, General Motors and Daimler. On Wednesday, it eclipsed VW’s US$99.4 billion value.

Toyota still holds pole position with a market cap of US$233 billion.

The recent gains have been fuelled by a surprise third-quarter profit, progress at a new factory in China and better-than-expected car deliveries in the fourth quarter.

Many investors remain sceptical that Tesla can consistently deliver profit, cash flow and growth.

But the gains highlight growing confidence among investors about the future of electric vehicles and Tesla’s shift from a niche car maker into a global leader in cleaner cars.

A glance at its results shows it has a long way to go before it can eclipse larger rivals.

Based on 12-month forward sales estimates, it doesn’t even appear in the top 20 in the world. The company’s sales will reach US$31 billion, a slither of Toyota’s US$276 billion, VW’s US$283 billion and Daimler’s US$191 billion, according to Refinitiv data.


Moscow announces car raffle to boost vaccination drive

A healthcare worker administering a dose of Russia's Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine to a patient, at a vaccination centre in Moscow. — AFP
MOSCOW: Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin said Sunday that residents of the Russian capital who get their first coronavirus jab will now take part in a lottery to win a car.

The move comes as authorities seek to speed up Russia's vaccination drive that has stagnated while new infections in Moscow and across the country are on the rise.

"From June 14 until July 11, 2021, citizens who get their first dose of Covid-19 vaccine will become participants in a car lottery," Sobyanin announced on his website.

Every week five cars will be raffled out, each worth around 1 million rubles (RM58,000).

"But of course the main gain for those who get vaccinated cannot be compared to any car — it is their own health and peace of mind," Sobyanin said.

The mayor — who was vaccinated with Russia's Sputnik V in May last year — added that two days ago he got a booster jab and "feels well".

Later on Sunday, authorities in the Moscow region announced that they will be raffling out a three-bedroom apartment among those who get their first jab between June 15 and June 25.

Sobyanin sounded the alarm over the spike in cases earlier this week and announced the reopening of field hospitals and introduced a "non-working" week until June 20.

All non-essential workers will be out of office but will retain their salary. However, they have not been ordered to stay at home.

The mayor also reintroduced a curfew for bars and restaurants that bans them from serving customers between 11pm and 6am.

A government tally reported 7,704 new virus cases here on Sunday, a six-month high.

Despite introducing a strict lockdown after the pandemic swept across Russia last spring, authorities lifted most restrictions by mid-summer in an effort to protect the struggling economy.

Russia started its mass vaccination campaign in December, with the homegrown vaccine Sputnik V — touted by Russian president Vladimir Putin as the best in the world — that is free and widely available in Moscow.

Since the registration of Sputnik V in August, Russia has approved three more vaccines for public use — EpiVacCorona, CoviVac and the one-dose Sputnik Light.

Foreign-made vaccines are not available in Russia.

So far, 18 million people or 12 percent of the population has received at least one dose of a vaccine with polls showing that a majority of Russians do not plan to get immunised.

The Kremlin said Putin was vaccinated against the coronavirus in private but did not reveal which jab he used.


Vietnamese Tesla challenger to stop making petrol-powered cars soon

                SINGAPORE: Vietnamese electric vehicle maker Vinfast said it will stop making petrol-powered autos by the end of August, four months earlier than previously planned as it ramps up global sales of electric SUVs and targets to open a plant in the US.

The company has stopped selling petrol-powered autos after the last batch of Lux and Fadil autos were ordered by customers, according to an emailed statement from Vingroup JSC, Vinfast’s parent.

From now until the end of August, Vinfast will focus on production to fulfill prior bookings, and simultaneously switch to become a full EV business, according to the statement.

The carmaker, backed by Vietnam’s richest man Pham Nhat Vuong, opened six showrooms in California on Thursday as the newcomer tries to muscle into a US market dominated by Tesla Inc.

The showrooms are Vinfast’s first outside of Vietnam, with plans to eventually open more than 30 in the state and elsewhere to sell directly to American consumers.

Vinfast, founded by the billionaire in 2017, started making petrol-powered cars in 2019.

The company, which says it has about 73,000 reservations for its EVs globally, has a factory in Hai Phong in northern Vietnam and is the country’s only homegrown carmaker.

It sold more than 65,000 petrol-powered cars in 2020 and 2021.

Vinfast said this week it has signed agreements with banks to raise at least US$4 billion to help its US expansion.

The company also said it secured about US$1.2 billion in incentives from North Carolina for its planned EV factory in the state, where it intends to start production in 2024.


New AC Cobra GT Roadster launched

                LONDON: The new AC Cobra GT Roadster made its global premiere last week, with confirmed buyers and customers invited to the event as the sports car makes its return.

Held at the world-famous Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, just 40km from where the company was first established, the state-of-the- art roadster  is available in both left and right-hand drive.

It is powered by a 5.0-litre V8, delivering up to 663PS. The car  features a novel extruded aluminum spaceframe chassis and carbon-composite bodywork to deliver an unusual driving experience in a limited-production vehicle.

Showing everything from the evocative bodywork through to the bespoke interior, the new AC Cobra GT Roadster’s premiere allowed customers to experience the new car’s styling, revel in the cabin’s design and meet the team responsible for ensuring the new sports car upholds the famous name’s legacy.

Starting with a clean-sheet design, the AC Cobra GT Roadster is a modern sports car, produced using the latest technology and engineering processes, yet retains styling cues from the AC Cobra of the 1960s.

The new roadster is the result of a multi-million euro investment and was developed over nearly four years.

Just 250 examples of the GT Roadster are expected to be built for worldwide markets every year, with the first year of production already allocated.

Designed to be fully road legal, available in left and right-hand drive, and incorporate modern safety features, every aspect, from the styling through to ergonomics, has been considered.

Significantly larger than the original AC Cobra, the new GT Roadster catches up on 50 years of design evolution.

The modern ergonomics means the car’s cabin accommodates drivers well over six-feet tall, while the car uses modern drivetrain and control technologies to validate its grand tourer credentials.

The new chassis has a wheelbase of 2,570mm, 284 mm longer than the AC Cobra Mk. VI, yet the car’s overall length has grown only 110mm, up to 4,225mm.

The car’s track has also been optimised to give a wider stance, which, along with the car’s weight distribution and centre of gravity, benefits handling and agility.

The highly advanced extruded aluminium spaceframe chassis was designed for an open-top car yet. Clothed in a flowing carbon-composite body, which itself weighs under 50kg, the new AC Cobra’s kerb weight remains under 1,450kg.

Available in two distinct configurations, the new GT Roadster comes with either a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 or a supercharged version using the same modular engine.

Developing up to 654bhp/663PS and 780Nm - or 454bhp/460PS and 570Nm in standard configuration - the supercharged GT Roadster is capable of sprinting from 0-100kph in 3.5s.

Two gearboxes are available: a 6-speed manual gearbox for purists or an advanced 10-speed automatic gearbox with steering-wheel mounted shift paddles.

The cabin features bespoke details and hand-finished elements.

The design and detailing of the GT Roadster’s leatherwork and upholstery blends advanced fabrics with traditional materials.

The car is now available to order for clients worldwide, and customers can schedule a personal consultation with a member of the team, as well as reserve their new AC Cobra GT Roadster, at accars.eu or via email info@accars.eu.


Govt to support EV and hybrid car investments

                PEKAN: Malaysia is committed to attracting investments in the electric vehicle (EV) industry and achieving the national target of making electrified vehicles, including hybrid (xEV) account for 15% of the total industry volume (TIV) by 2030.

International Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said the country is set to achieve the target of making xEVs 38 per cent of the local TIV by 2040.

"In terms of charging infrastructure, the government aims to provide at least 10,000 units of public charging facilities by 2025,” he said in his speech at the launch of the first all-electric Mercedes CKD EQS at the Mercedes-Benz Production Plant here today.

He added that the government is prioritising the development of the EV ecosystem and the Local Government Development Ministry’s Town and Country Planning Department is also drafting a circular to facilitate the approval process of charging stations at the local government level.

 Tebgku Zafrul (left) with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia president and CEO Sagree Sardien with the locally assembled Mercedes EQS EV.

"MITI also welcomes the continuous support from the industry to produce EVs and their critical components in the country.

"The ministry has also proposed additional attractive incentive packages to encourage the development of the EV ecosystem,” Tengku Zafrul said.

Speaking to reporters during the press conference following the event, the minister said the target to make EVs account for 15% of the TIV by 2030 can be achieved through technological advancements, which would also help to reduce the prices of EVs.

Priced at RM648,888 (excluding insurance), the Mercedes EQS 500 4MATIC is the first all-electric luxury saloon to be fully assembled locally and will be available from mid-March onwards.


Bentley's flying bees return to work

                LONDON: The Bentley Bees today return from hibernation to start work with a little extra help from their friends.

The company is installing two additional beehives, with one more to follow, taking the total number of Flying Bees to 300,000, the largest collection in the UK automotive industry.

A phased production ramp-up is expected to produce more than 200 jars of honey by the end of the harvest season.

After spending the winter months in hibernation with local beekeepers, Buckley’s Bees Ltd, the 120,000 bees return home and will be joined by an additional 180,000 British Apis Mellifera honeybees.

The number of national beehives will increase from two to five, all on the edge of Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe.

The area is filled with bee-friendly wildflowers and borders the Cheshire countryside, which provides the perfect habitat for the bees.

Coinciding with World Bee Day - designated by the United Nations – the bees will be put straight to work, with high expectations of matching the productivity of Bentley’s colleagues.

Each hive has the ability to create 15kg of honey; meaning around 200 jars of honey could be produced and shared with Bentley’s colleagues and visitors.

“Bentley’s Flying Bees have become a firm fixture in Crewe and as we come back stronger as a business, now is the time for our bees to return and bring a little extra help with them. This is all part of a wider sustainability programme at Bentley as a significant contributor to local biodiversity and adds to our ambition to lead sustainable luxury mobility in the future,” said Bentley manufacturing board member Peter Bosch.

This week, production on the Continental GT and Flying Spur lines resumed following the return of the Bentayga and Mulsanne production in the previous week.

This is part of Bentley’s Come Back Stronger programme, which includes the introduction of 250 comprehensive and wide-ranging hygiene and social distancing guidelines implemented to enable a safe return, not all of which extend to the 300,000 bees.

Bentley’s environmental credentials were recognised by the Carbon Trust last year with the headquarters in Crewe, England, achieving Carbon Neutral status, reflecting measures taken by the company to reduce the carbon emitted in its operations.

Measures include the use of renewable electricity, with 100% either generated by on-site solar panels or purchased as certified green electricity, and 100% certified green gas.

In a further demonstration to protect local biodiversity, Bentley recently planted 100 native British trees on-site, making the busy bees feel at home, as they ramp up their honey production line.


Traffic noise making birds worse at singing, new research finds

                MUNICH: We've known for decades just how damaging diesel and petrol fumes are for the environment and human health, but the impact of traffic noise pollution on birds is only now emerging.

Young songbirds, just like human infants, are particularly susceptible to noise, and researchers now say roads busy with cars and trucks are making it more difficult for birds to learn to sing.

A new study by Germany's Max Planck Institute for Ornithology says that constant traffic noise is causing "inaccuracies and delays" when young birds learn to sing. It also weakens their immune system.

"Our findings indicate that young songbirds, just like human children, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of noise because of its potential to interfere with learning at a critical developmental stage," said Henrik Brumm, head of the international research project, announcing the findings.

The researchers even believe that traffic noise can alter bird song itself in the long run, as the mistakes birds make when copying other birds in noisy settings will probably accumulate when the songs are passed on, they say.

For the study, published in May, the research team regularly played the songs of adult males to male zebra finch chicks. A group of birds was also exposed to the kind of noise that occurs along busy roads.

The scientists found that the birds from noisy nests had weaker immune responses. Noise is therefore a source of chronic stress in these young birds, they say.

In addition, the chicks' vocal development was severely delayed and their accuracy in learning to sing was significantly lower, they said.

The researchers have been observing zebra finches for some time. In late 2019, they published a study showing that chicks that grew up with road noise were smaller than those from a quiet nesting site.

They were later able to catch up in growth, but long-term consequences cannot be ruled out. Other studies have shown, for example, that birds sing louder and at different times to drown out road noise.


Cadillac to help educate customers with help from Public School

DETROIT: The US motoring brand with international premium ambitions is partnering with American fashion design label Public School to help highlight the upcoming Cadillac XT5's style credentials.

The XT5 will be the company's flagship crossover when it goes on sale next year and in order to ensure that those that know, know, the car is being unveiled alongside Public School's Pre-Fall collection in Dubai this November.

"This is a new way for two American brands to join forces, share a passion for design and grow globally," said Andrew Smith, Cadillac executive director of Global Design. "For Cadillac, it gives new meaning to being a patron of the arts."

The Dubai event coincides with the country's annual motorshow and those attendees with an invitation to view the new Cadillac will also get a special capsule collection of Pubic School clothes inspired by the new car.


Nvidia boosts self-driving AI business with Volvo trucks deal

                STOCKHOLM: Sweden’s AB Volvo is joining forces with Nvidia to develop artificial intelligence used in self-driving trucks, in a boost for the US chipmaker that was ditched by Tesla last year.

The agreement announced on Tuesday by Nvidia and Volvo, the world’s second-biggest truckmaker after Daimler, is a long-term partnership spanning several years. Work will begin immediately in Gothenburg, Sweden and Santa Clara, California.

Volvo, which demonstrated its first autonomous truck last year, said the partnership would develop a flexible, scalable self-driving system, which is planned to be used first in pilot schemes before commercial deployment.

“The resulting system is designed to safely handle fully autonomous driving on public roads and highways,” Volvo said in a statement.

Nvidia, known for its powerful gaming graphics chips, has been aggressively expanding into the automotive sphere, where trucks - with their regular routes that are easier to automate than cars navigating traffic - may lead the way in self-driving.

Potential demand is strong in the United States in particular, where a shortage of truck drivers has been pushing up freight costs.

Together with Intel, Nvidia dominates the fast-growing AI chip market.

Pilot project

Nvidia, which has previously announced technology partnerships with automakers including Volkswagen, Mercedez-Benz and Toyota, said it was thrilled to team up with Volvo.

“The latest breakthroughs in AI and robotics bring a new level of intelligence and automation to address the transportation challenges we face,” said Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang.

Volvo said last week its self-driving truck, "Vera", would begin transporting goods from a logistics centre to a port terminal in Gothenburg in collaboration with logistics firm DFDS, in a first step towards operations on public roads here

Nvidia’s so-called Drive Constellation chips often power the machine learning used to refine self-driving car software algorithms inside data centers, and the company has also been working to build its Drive chips into cars.

Automotive chips accounted for US$641 million of Nvidia’s US$11.7 billion in revenue in its most recent fiscal year.

Tesla was previously a major customer for Nvidia’s automotive chips but last year CEO Elon Musk said the electric-car pioneer was developing its own chip.

AB Volvo’s and Nvidia’s collaboration will be built on Nvidia’s full software package for sensor processing, perception, map localization and path planning.


Patterns can disable self-driving cars, researchers show

A group of researchers seen here wearing T-shirts with patterns that confuse self-driving cars. - Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems
STUTTGART: Who knew self-driving cars were so easy to confuse? For all their high-tech safety, autonomous cars still struggle to make sense of the simplest of things: patterns.

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (MPI-IS) in Tuebingen near here have shown that certain coloured patterns can confuse a car's autopilot system, thus posing a serious danger to passengers.

According to Tuebingen researcher Anurag Ranjan, a pattern, for example on a T-shirt or a shopping bag, can disrupt the autonomous driving systems.

If a car's on-board cameras pick up this colour pattern, it can essentially paralyse the autopilot, posing a huge risk to passengers, especially if the car driving at high speeds.

This particular safety problem is just the tip of the iceberg, says Eric Sax from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT).

"When it comes to automated driving, we are still incredibly far away from general roadworthiness and series production in a demanding environment," said the expert, who was not himself involved in the study.

The researchers also warned about the risk of hacker attacks on autonomous cars, as such disruptive colour patterns could be created within a few hours.

A spokesman for the research team said it had informed companies such as Tesla, Porsche, Daimler, BMW and Bosch about the possible risk.

Researchers cautioned that their results were based on speculations of how autonomous driving systems are programmed to respond in certain situations.


As the Fiat 500 turns 65, this cult car's future is electric (again)

                ROME: Actor Tom Cruise whizzed through Rome in one for film stunts, pop star Jennifer Lopez got behind its wheel in a commercial, and Pope Francis regularly hops into the back of this classic.

The Fiat 500 may not pass for a luxury car, but for decades it has been a car for the people — and not only at home in Italy.

On July 4, 1957, the first models rolled off the production line in Turin in northern Italy, at that time under the name Fiat Nuova 500. At launch, it was advertised as a "big little car."

A "loyal friend" — no matter whether you were going to the seaside or to the mountains, the TV commercial said.

A 65-year-old phenomenon

More than half a century later, it's hard to imagine Italian roads without the Cinquecento ("five hundred").

Over the years, Fiat produced various 500 versions, from the convertible to the sports version to the elongated Giardineria ("gardener's") — a kind of estate car.

More than 7.1 million 500 models have been sold by Fiat since then, as company spokesman Marco Freschi explains.

The company is now part of the Stellantis car group, which was created in January 2021 from the merger of Fiat Chrysler and the French PSA Group.

Turnover of the listed group in 2021: €152 billion. The traditional Italian brand has since joined the ranks of Opel and Peugeot from France.

Back in the 1950s, the company had a clear plan for the new 500: after World War II, Fiat wanted to bring a car onto the market that gave people more mobility, as Freschi explains.

Before that, the brand, founded by Giovanni Agnelli, had already been making the Fiat 500, also called the Topolino ("little mouse"), which was not necessarily a car for everyone in the eyes of some because of its surprisingly high price.

Designer Dante Giacosa had to design a model that could compete with the low costs of scooters. In the end, a new version of the 500 rolled off the production line in 1957, with a 500 cc engine and a price of a little less than 500,000 lire - which explains the name.

An electric future (and past)

"The Fiat 500 is an absolute success model, just like the BMW MINI for example," says car industry analyst Ferdinand Dudenhöffer. "It represents Italy, has reinvented itself again and again and adapted to its time as a modern vehicle."

Especially in Italy's narrow city traffic, the slim 500 can be steered smoothly through alleyways compared to bulky SUVs. Just don't expect to be able to stow lots of luggage, then or now.

Now this cult classic is to trying to turn down a new street and parent company Stellantis thinks the 500 is the perfect car to lead the shift towards urban electric mobility.

"Fiat has a strategy and a clear goal," says Freschi. By 2027, the entire brand is to go purely electric. The company wants to give itself an environmentally friendly makeover.

To underline this, Fiat has made a garden out of the famous test track on the roof of its former factory in the Lingotto district of Turin. Now, on the same spot where, from 1927 onwards, engineers tested out new models, tens of thousands of plants decorate the asphalt.

Dudenhöffer believes the company's decision is the right one. "If you want to carry a cult product into the future, you have to make it fit for the future, otherwise it becomes a museum exhibit," says the expert from Germany's Center Automotive Research.

"That's exactly what's happening with the all-electric Fiat 500."

Fiat tried its hand at an electric car once before in the 1990s with the Cinquecento Elettra, but without success.

The car had 12 clunky battery cells in the rear and initially managed a top speed of 80kph with a range of around 60km. The car could be recharged at home from a socket, but this took hours.

Today, the electric 500 is said to be capable of covering up to 320km depending on the model. In other words, there's a chance it may stay a "loyal friend" to many in the era of electric mobility.


VW could build up to 50 million electric cars, says Automotive News

                FRANKFURT: Volkswagen could build up to 50 million electric cars on its new electric vehicle platform and is looking at expanding its manufacturing footprint in the United States, chief executive Herbert Diess told Automotive News.

“We set up the plant in Chattanooga always with the idea to be able to grow it, to mirror it,” Diess was quoted as saying.

“The plant is still too small, and we are considering different options — it might be electric cars, it might be a different derivative of the Atlas (SUV) - it’s still open.”

Volkswagen and Ford are looking at expanding cooperation, mainly in commercial vehicles, Diess added.

 The MEB platform.

“What we’re talking about is sharing a few platforms and manufacturing sites there, which makes sense. And within the dialogue, we are also touching other options, but this will be the main focus if we come to a conclusion.”

Ford could help VW develop a global successor to the Amarok pickup, or a unibody pickup, Diess said.

VW is open to licensing its MEB electric car platform to third party manufacturers, he reiterated, explaining that was a way to ramp up economies of scale.

“Today, we have hundreds of different drivetrains in our industry, and there’s a lot of differentiation in the drivetrain. I think this will become less, because the battery cells will become very similar on the basis of the same chemistry inside,” Diess said.

He said VW could build 50 million electric vehicles globally across its brands, beginning in 2020, and had battery sourcing agreements for them. He said licensing MEB to other automakers would lead to further efficiency gains.

“It will be more about the economies of scale. Still, the battery pack, for the foreseeable future, will be more expensive than a combustion powertrain, so I think it makes a lot of sense to make more volume,” Diess said.

A VW spokesman said the number mentioned by Diess was a theoretical long-term goal for the MEB electric car platform. The Volkswagen Group’s current vehicle platform, MQB, has spawned around 50 million mainly combustion engine vehicles over several brands and many years, he said.

Volkswagen Group sold 10.7 million vehicles in 2017.

The German company is investing heavily in electric vehicles as it tries to rebuild its reputation following a scandal over rigged emissions tests of diesel engines in the United States that has cost it billions in fines and refits.