Ford Focus ST makes wagon body style debut

                LONDON: Ford today revealed the first images of the all-new Focus ST in wagon body style.

The Focus ST – developed by Ford Performance – goes on sale in the summer powered by a free-revving 280PS 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine with six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission; or 190PS 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine with six-speed manual transmission.

Advanced Focus ST sports technologies including an electronic limited-slip differential, rev-matching and selectable Drive Modes help blend track-day performance with everyday usability.

The ST Wagon is priced from £30,595 (RM164,000) for the 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel variant, and from £33,095 for the 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol.


Nissan's CEO will step down if recovery plans fail

                TOKYO: Nissan Motor Co's chief executive officer Makoto Uchida has reiterated that he will step down should his plans to improve the company's performance fail.

Uchida took over the Japanese carmaker in December 2019 and recently addressed its shareholders after posting its first annual loss in 11 years last month.

The new plan by the CEO is to trim the fat off the company and turn it into a smaller, more efficient carmaker.

This is the company's new four-year plan which includes cutting down production capacity and model range by 20% - all to help reduce its US$2.8bil (RM12.3bil) fixed costs.

The company will shutter its plants in Spain and Indonesia, leave the South Korean market and pull out its Datsun brand in Russia.

The trimming is also part of its recently unveiled strategy to share production on a global scale with its partners Renault and Mitsubishi.

Uchida admitted that improving cash flow was the company's biggest challenge but does expect to be somewhat relieved in the second half of its financial year.

The company said in April that it still has enough cash and access to untapped credit lines as well as additional new funds to weather the economic effects of the coronavirus thus far.

But the company did show its cautious side stating that if the current situation persists to weigh on sales, more funding might be required.


Nissan plans big electrification push

The IMx Kuro concept the new Nissan EV SUV is to be based upon.—
PARIS: It can't have escaped the notice of too many people that despite being a trail-blazer for all-electric cars with its LEAF EV, Nissan's current range isn't exactly brimming with electrification.

That's definitely going to change soon though, as the Japanese auto giant is set to launch a whole range of hybrid models to keep the LEAF EV and the production version of the IMx Kuro electric SUV company in future.

At the moment, Nissan isn't being specific about which models will get the hybrid treatment, but both hybrids and plug-in hybrids are in the pipeline and Nissan even expects 35 percent of its European sales to be electrified by the year 2025.

Before going on to outline part of the new strategy, Warwick Daly, Nissan's advanced product planning manager said: "The [Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi] alliance is evaluating the best technologies available across the group for its hybrid programme"

To increase its portfolio of electrified vehicles to meet that 2025 target, Nissan is going to be able to draw on the considerable hybrid expertise of its new alliance partner Mitsubishi. Nissan and Renault also have eight years' experience each when it comes to developing and selling pure EVs.

 The LEAF.

Nissan currently offers three different powertrain options in its range: petrol, diesel and all-electric. Adding hybrids and plug-in hybrids to its armory will up that to five, which should allow the company to meet its aim of 35 percent of sales being electric by 2025, and 20 percent of its sales being plug-in models by as soon as 2020.

Daly said Nissan wants to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to electrification, and that he anticipates that the mild hybrid way of electrifying vehicles will become obsolete as electrification changes over time. With the latest second-generation of the LEAF already having a sales rate 40 percent higher than its predecessor, he expects it to become one of the brand's biggest-sellers alongside the electric SUV and the more conventional Juke and Qashqai models.

While Nissan can rightly claim to have had a huge early impact on the growth of EVs with the LEAF, its focus on that model has been so strong it has risked the brand falling behind with its wider electrification progress. The new hybrid and the IMx electric SUV need to arrive sooner rather than later, otherwise Nissan might be remembered as an EV pioneer that gave away its early advantage.


First VW convertible SUV coming up

                WOLFSBURG: Volkswagen is launching its first convertible SUV.

Based on the T-Roc, the new model is to be produced from the first half of 2020. A production volume of up to 20,000 vehicles per year is planned.

The car maker is pouring more than €80 million into the Osnabrück plant where convertible SUV will be built.

SUVs are currently making a key contribution to the growth of the Volkswagen Group's core brand.

With 720,000 Tiguan vehicles delivered, this model is among the 10 best-selling models in the world and the top three SUVs. By 2020, the brand intends to expand its SUV range throughout the world to 20 models.

By then, about 40 percent of the vehicles sold by Volkswagen are to be SUVs. With the new cabriolet, Volkswagen will further reinforce its presence in the compact SUV segment, one of the fastest-growing segments globally.

With the new cabriolet, Volkswagen is bringing this body style into the currently particularly strong growing SUV segment. This model continues Volkswagen's cabriolet tradition, which dates back almost 70 years.

The original version of the T-Roc was launched in European markets at the end of 2017. To date, more than 40,000 orders have been taken for the model.

Volkswagen Osnabrück GmbH currently has about 2,300 employees. In 2017, the plant assembled more than 76,000 units on three production lines. Currently, Volkswagen Osnabrück assembles the Tiguan and the Porsche Cayman.

In addition, the plant is responsible for part of the painting work needed for the Škoda Fabia. Since Volkswagen Osnabrück GmbH was founded in 2011, more than 280,000 vehicles have rolled off the assembly lines.


Maserati starts testing MC20

                MODENA: Maserati has begun testing of the prototype MC20 super sports car.

The model is expected to be available in three variants: with V6 petrol engine, hybrid and an all-electric version. A convertible MC20 will arrive in 2021.

The model name "MC20" stands for Maserati Corse 2020. It will be launched in May.

While the MC20 will be undergoing road and track tests to acquire vital data for the preparation of the car's final setup, it will also be driven to some of Italy's iconic locations to whip up some buzz.

The prototype has been photographed at night in Piazza degli Affari in Milan, below Maurizio Cattelan's sculpture L.O.V.E., a symbol of "Italian audacity" in international contemporary art.

The new MC20 marks a new phase in Maserati's involvement in motorsports. The first racing car to wear the Trident logo was the Tipo 26, where the number indicated the year of manufacture.

The MC20 is an evolution of the highly successful MC12, the car that in 2004 marked Maserati’s return to racing after 37 years.

The MC12 won 22 races (including 3 victories in the 24 Hours of Spa) and 14 Championship titles across Constructors’ Championship, Drivers’ Championship and Teams’ Championships in the FIA GT from 2004 to 2010.

The MC20 was developed at the Maserati Innovation Lab, will be built at the historical plant in Viale Ciro Menotti and will have its worldwide debut here.


Daimler Truck predicts engine job losses in transition to 'green' trucks

                STUTTGART: The transition to zero-emission fuel cell trucks will slash about half the jobs at Europe's truck engine plants in the next 15 years, Daimler Truck chief executive Martin Daum said today, urging policymakers to prepare for that now.

Truck makers are moving towards a zero-emission world as hitting sustainability targets becomes more important for their customers but the fuel cells have fewer moving parts and require less labour to make than combustion engines.

"We have to be cognizant that about 50% of the jobs will go away because a fuel cell and a battery are far less complex than a diesel engine and a transmission today," said Daum.

"But the good thing is, we have a transition period of about 15 years and we have to start preparing for that today."

The world's largest truck maker is going "all-in" for electric and hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles and on Thursday said zero-emission vehicles should make up 60% of its sales by 2030 and 100% of sales by 2039. read more

However, Daum said building hydrogen fuelling infrastructure is crucial to persuade sceptical fleet operators to buy the trucks that will help Europe meet its climate goals.

"If we already had the trucks today that we will have in 2025 and beyond, we wouldn't sell a single one. Why? Because we have no hydrogen fuelling network," he said.

This week Daimler AG's truck unit announced an agreement with Shell under which from 2024 the oil major will launch heavy-duty hydrogen-refuelling stations between the green hydrogen production hubs at the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands and in Cologne and Hamburg in Germany.

The German company and rival Volvo AB last month called for EU policies to boost fuelling infrastructure. read more

"The fear of running out of power is the issue where the customer is the most sceptical," Daum said. "The decisive edge will be the availability of fuelling infrastructure."

Carmaker Daimler will spin off Daimler Truck later this year as it seeks greater investor appeal as a focused electric, luxury car business. read more

Ahead of that spin-off, Daimler Truck said this week it would focus on raising profit margins by 2025, in particular in Europe.

Daum said the company's problems in Europe revolved around cutting product costs and improving its service quality.

"We have a good product in Europe, it's too expensive to produce," he said. "So we have to get the complexity out of the product."


Czinger 21C hypercar to get a widebody variant with extra 100hp

                LOS ANGELES: The limited edition Czinger 21C hypercar, of which just 80 will be built, will get a more powerful widebody variant meant for track thrills.

The Czinger 21C is designed, built and manufactured in Los Angeles with a twin-turbo 2.88-litre, flat crank V8 engine and hybrid powertrain that produces a combined 1,250hp.

The Californian hypercar maker has been reported as stating a widebody version with a combined power output of 1,350hp is available for those who want a track version that would provide more fun.

Lightweight, proprietary high-performance alloy and carbon fibre multi-material structures form the 21C chassis.

Computationally engineered, printed and assembled, the chassis is home to an in-house designed strong hybrid powertrain that drives all four wheels.

The 21C can perform an 8.1 second quarter mile, 0-100kph in 1.9 seconds, 0 to 300kph in 15 seconds and 0 to 400kph in 29 seconds.

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

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


Russia's Sberbank unit unveils self-driving vehicle FLIP

                MOSCOW: SberAutoTech, a subsidiary of Russia's largest lender Sberbank, has developed a fully self-driving vehicle, FLIP, which the company on Thursday described as a "taxi of the future".

Sberbank is diversifying in areas ranging from food delivery and taxi services to cloud computing and cyber security, and has made technological strides, last year unveiling a new virtual assistant, smart speaker and other gadgets.

FLIP is the size of a conventional passenger car but with space for six passengers, SberAutoTech said.

It has met the maximum requirement of international automated driving standards, but so far has only been tested on closed tracks.

SberAutoTech did not disclose how much it had invested in the project or any details about prices, suppliers or its expected production timeline.

Replaceable batteries power the vehicle's electric motor, but it can also harness the power of alternative fuels like natural gas and hydrogen, SberAutoTech said.

"The company's know-how is the battery layout, which allows for all modules to be replaced in no more than five minutes, comparable to refilling a standard car with traditional fuel," the company said in a statement.

"The flexible architecture of SberAutoTech's self-driving technology will enable us to roll out solutions across a variety of verticals, like freight transport, last mile, and taxis," said Sberbank chief technology officer David Rafalovksy.

The curved design, with no obvious front or rear, resembles the flying vehicles from the 1985 Soviet TV series "Guest from the Future", which were also called 'Flip'. SberAutoTech did not say whether the film had inspired the design.

Russian market leader Yandex has already tested thousands of driverless hours in Russian cities and abroad, while its driverless robot buggies have started delivering restaurant meals in Moscow.


Honda starts logistics hub in Kuching and KK

                PETALING JAYA: Honda Malaysia made good on its promise in March to boost its presence in Sabah and Sarawak by setting up a logistics hub in Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.

The East Malaysia Centralised Distribution Centres would help Honda Malaysia push total sales in Sabah and Sarawak to over 600 units a month by 2016.

The two hubs are expected to ease Honda dealers’ operational activities and Honda Malaysia’s daily operations. With a hub in each state capital, vehicle delivery period to Honda dealers in each state is expected to be reduced from nine days now to only three days.

The quality of Honda vehicles being delivered to its dealers could also be maintained via efficient services provided at the hubs because Honda Malaysia previously faced issues of damages and minor scratches on the vehicles as a result of logistic transportation and longer hours of exposure under the sun while waiting for delivery.

The hubs would be operated and managed by Giga Shipping Sdn Bhd. It would undertake Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) Management, which would include standard key management system, washing bays for vehicles to be cleaned before delivery to Honda dealers, security system to ensure safety of vehicles from thefts, parking lot management system, stock monitoring, Kaizen system to ensure that vehicles remain in good condition while in storage and a thorough inspection facility.

Honda’s sales grew from 2% to 3% in Sabah and from 3% to 5% in Sarawak last year. Both states contributed 5.6% to overall Honda sales.

Honda Malaysia is planning to set up a regional office, training facilities and parts warehouse to support Honda dealers and customers there. It also expects to set up four 2S dealers by March and to improve the services of 10 existing 3S dealers in key areas within both states.


May 20-26: RON97 petrol up one sen, rest unchanged

                KUALA LUMPUR: The retail price of RON97 will go up by one sen per litre, while the retail prices for RON95 and diesel will remain at RM2.05 and RM2.15 per litre respectively from May 20 to 26.

In a statement today, the Finance Ministry said the new price of RON97 will be RM2.61 per litre.

The prices are based on the weekly retail pricing of petroleum products using the Automatic Pricing Mechanism (APK) formula.


Report traffic offenders to JPJ at Whatsapp: 013-449 8997

                PETALING JAYA: If you see someone committing a traffic offence, report the person to the Road Transport Department (JPJ).

Send the information to JPJ at Whatsapp at 013-449 8997 or e-mail aduantrafik@jpj.gov.my.

JPJ director-general Datuk Seri Shaharuddin Khalid said complainants should include details such as the traffic offence, date, time and plate number of the vehicle.

He added that road users can also send in complaints on vehicles with "fancy" number plates.


UiTM team wins Shell Eco-marathon Asia 2017

                PETALING JAYA: Raking in the top spot yet again, Team UiTM Eco-Sprint from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam, Malaysia brought home victory for the fourth consecutive time in the Hydrogen category at the recently held Shell Eco-marathon Asia 2017 competition in Singapore.

Emerging as the runners up in the same category, University of Malaya’s Eco-Voyager earned Malaysia a sweet 1-2 victory.

The Shell Eco-marathon Asia is an annual competition that challenges teams to design, build and drive the most energy-efficient cars.

This year, 123 student teams from 20 countries competed in either of two categories of the competition: Prototype – futuristic and highly aerodynamic vehicles – or UrbanConcept – highly economical vehicles that resemble today’s cars.

 The winning team UiTM Eco-Sprint.

These categories were further divided into three sub-categories of energy sources, of which students would select from: Internal Combustion Engine (ICE): Gasoline, diesel, ethanol (biofuel), Gas to Liquid (GTL) fuel made from natural gas, CNG (compressed natural gas); hydrogen fuel cell; and battery electric power.

“For eight years now, the regions’ brightest minds have come together to design, build and test their energy efficient vehicles at the Shell Eco-marathon. I’m especially proud of our young Malaysian engineers and innovators who have showcased their tenacity and perseverance alongside their technical expertise to address the global need for cleaner energy.

"Year after year, we see them improving not just their designs, but also their confidence – after all, the competition puts more than their engineering capabilities on display. It also harnesses their soft skills such as team leadership, marketing and communications, and business acumen as well,” said Datuk Iain Lo, Shell Malaysia Country Chairman.

Team UiTM Eco-Sprint manager Amirah Athirah Rohazam said, “This competition has tested us beyond our technical abilities and really pushed us to better our time and project management skills, all of which are useful non-technical proficiencies in our field.

"I wish more teams will benefit from the competition like we did and hope that the future teams representing the country will win again with better results! In addition, I hope competitions like this will help to popularise STEM subjects in Malaysian education institutions, especially amongst aspiring women engineers.”

Team UM Eco-Voyager manager S. Inthiran said, “Our team members are all from various engineering departments – some are from mechanical, some others are from electrical. And in designing this car, we came together to produce a more fuel-efficient automobile, integrating our learnings from a diverse expertise and bringing our theoretical knowledge to life. We also really pushed ourselves to win as this competition put us on an international stage and representing Malaysia beyond our faculties and university was an honour.”

The competition that has been running in Europe for more than three decades and in the United States since 2007 made its debut in Asia in 2010 and Malaysia was the first country in this region to host the competition. In every region, similar rules apply in which, all vehicles must pass a set of technical tests before they are allowed onto the competition circuit to see how far they can get on the least amount of fuel, and potentially achieve the highest mileage in the competition.

Celebrating the best of energy and mobility, the competition saw student teams from Asia Pacific and the Middle East showcase their self-built vehicles at the eighth edition of Shell Eco-marathon Asia that was featured as part of the Make the Future Singapore festivals for the first time.

For more information on Make the Future Singapore, please visit http://sg.makethefuture.shell/.


CKD BMW 530e and 530i in M Sport trim roll in from RM335K

                KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Malaysia today introduced the new 530e M Sport and the 530i M Sport.

Both are locally assembled. The 530e is priced at RM334,353.95 and 530i at RM384,941.86 without SST. The SST-inclusive prices are RM340,800 and RM 395,800 respectively. They were launched alongside the RM418,000 630i GT M Sport.

The 5 Series variants come with the latest-generation driver assistance systems and a redesigned appearance.

The new variants use the same turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, but the plug-in hybrid has an electric motor as well. Both send power to the wheels via an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.

Combined output in the 530e is 292hp and 420Nm of torque, with the electric motor producing 109hp. The 0-100kph sprint is completed in 5.9 seconds. It has a top speed of 235kph. BMW says the electric motor offers up to 67km all-electric range but expect the real-world figure to be lower.

 The 530i and 530e (below).

The Li-ion battery can be fully-charged with a BMW i Wallbox in 3 hours and 35 minutes, or under 6 hours with a conventional main socket via a standard charging cable.

The driving mode in the electrified variant can be personalised via the eDrive button in the centre console. The standard AUTO eDRIVE setting enables all-electric driving up to a speed of 110kph.

Switching to MAX eDRIVE mode enables all-electric speeds up to 140 kph. The BMW Xtra Boost mode is also available, giving the car additional power of up 40hp during acceleration.

In contrast, the 530i is less powerful, dishing up 252hp and 350Nm of torque, enabling the car to sprint from 0 to 100kph in 6.4 seconds and onwards to 250kph.

Both cars get Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and Antilock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist.

Only the 530e can make a specially-created sound through the loudspeaker system to alert pedestrians and cyclists of the vehicle. This is turned on when the vehicle is travelling in full electric at speeds of up to 30kph.

Equipped with M Aerodynamics package, the new variants sport larger kidney grilles and slimmer headlights with a new daytime running light design.

The 530e has adaptive LED headlights, in addition to the standard LED headlights, while the 530i is equipped with BMW Laserlight. Both include high-beam assistant with automatic switching on and off of the high-beam headlights depending on the traffic situation.

The BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line frames the 530e, while the 530i gets the BMW Individual Exterior Line Aluminium Satinated. The front and rear bumpers on both variants are also redesigned with larger air intakes, alongside new LED taillight elements in the signature BMW L-shape. For the first time, the light source is integrated directly into the taillight’s outermost layer, maximising the 3D effect.

Both cars wear 19-inch alloy wheels with mixed and runflat tyres. They have adaptive suspension and M Sport brakes with blue-painted M Sport brake callipers.

The two cars offer an interior design that is comfortable and elegant.

The new variants feature the exclusive M leather steering wheel, along with sport seats for both the driver and the passenger. Trim finishers are in Aluminium Rhombicle, seats are wrapped in Dakota Leather, and headliner is made of BMW Individual anthracite.

There's ambient lighting, but the 530i also gets sliding panoramic glass roof.

The dash features BMW Live Cockpit Professional, running the latest BMW Operating System 7. This infotainment concept is distinguished by its restructured display set-up, consisting of a user-configurable 12.3-inch instrument cluster and an equally large touchscreen Control Display.

The BMW Live Cockpit Professional comes with navigation, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, 4G LTE connectivity, two USB ports and functions such as Remote Software Upgrade as well as over-the-air map updates for the navigation system.

Exclusive to the 530i are BMW Gesture Control, Head-Up Display, BMW Display Key and Harman Kardon surround sound system. The cheaper 530e uses a HiFi Loudspeaker system instead.

Driving Assistance for the variants are Lane Departure and Lane Change Warning, front collision alert with brake intervention, rear collision prevention and crossing-traffic warning. The Parking Assistant Plus features the Surround View camera for both variants.

The new variants will be available in Alpine White or Carbon Black, paired with either the Black or Cognac Leather Dakota upholstery; or in Phytonic Blue, Sophisto Grey or Bluestone paired with Black Leather Dakota upholstery.

 Some M Performance Parts to splurge on.

If you are itching to spend more money, BMW is happy to turn your attention to its trove of BMW M Performance Parts for some customisation options so that your can be that little bit different from the rest.

The optional parts cover the usual stuff namely grille, mirror caps, side sills, rear spoiler, rear bumper and diffuser. The whole set is priced at RM17,410.29, with a 10% discount from now until Dec 31.

The RM5,437.12 Shadow Line Package is only for the 530i to give it that glossy black touches in the kidney grille, air duct trim and window frames. It's RM5,000 only (excluding labour) from now until Dec 31.

SPECIFICATIONSBMW 530eBMW 530iBMW M Performance Parts


Toyota recalls 625,000 Prius cars, other hybrids globally

                TOKYO: Toyota on Wednesday recalled 625,000 hybrid vehicles globally, mostly the Prius model favoured by the eco-conscious including Hollywood celebrities, over a defect that can bring the car to an unexpected stop.

The Japanese automaker said the problem was linked to software that controls a power converter, similar to an issue last year that led to the recall of 1.9 million Prius cars - Toyota's biggest ever for its signature petrol-electric vehicle.

Toyota, the world's biggest car maker, added that no accidents or injuries had been reported.

"In limited instances, the hybrid system might shut down while the vehicle is being driven, resulting in the loss of power, bringing the vehicle to stop," it said.

The latest call back affected the Prius V, which is also sold as the Prius Alpha and Prius+, as well as some Auris hybrid vehicles.

More than half the recalled vehicles were sold in Japan with most of the others in North America and Europe between May 2010 and November 2014.

The Prius was one of the first hybrid cars to go mainstream and was quickly adopted as a symbol of green technology, with the likes of actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Cameron Diaz snapped behind the wheel.

Toyota has sold more than seven million hybrid cars globally since the debut of its Prius hybrid in 1997 in the first mass production of green cars.


Saudi crown prince plans car-free city for future beyond oil

Mohammed announcing the zero-carbon city called 'The Line' to be built at Neom. — Handout via Reuters
RIYADH: Crown Prince Mohammed Salman unveiled his latest vision for Saudi Arabia’s future beyond oil: a city with no cars, roads or carbon emissions.

The 170km long development called “The Line” will be part of the US$500 billion project called “Neom,” the crown prince said in a televised speech on Sunday. Construction is planned to start in the first quarter.

A news release described The Line as a walkable “belt of hyper-connected future communities, without cars and roads and built around nature.” It said the city would have 1 million residents and create 380,000 jobs by 2030. The infrastructure will cost US$100 billion to US$200 billion, the crown prince said.

Neom is the crown jewel of Prince Mohammed’s plan to diversify the economy of the world’s largest crude exporter.

Announced in 2017, the project spans more than 10,000 square miles in a remote area of the country’s northwest. It’s described on its website as “a bold and audacious dream” that will become a hub for new technologies and businesses.

The project has been plagued by scepticism and political controversy since its launch. Analysts question if it’s realistic and can attract the investment needed.

“The backbone of investment in The Line will come from the US$500 billion support to Neom by the Saudi government, PIF and local and global investors over 10 years,” the prince told reporters in Al-Ula, referring to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

The announcement on Sunday shows the extent to which Prince Mohammed is thinking about life after oil for the kingdom, which earned over half of government revenue from crude in 2020. The project was the first major development to be announced within Neom.

“Why do we accept sacrificing nature for development?” the prince said, citing rising sea levels and carbon emissions in a manner rare for a Saudi official. The city, he said, would be a “revolution for mankind” with “zero cars, zero streets, zero emissions.”

No journey within The Line will be longer than 20 minutes, he said. The city would be built around “ultra-high-speed transit and autonomous mobility solutions,” according to the statement.


Ghosn's Japanese lawyers quit after ex-Nissan chief absconds

Hironaka said everyone involved in the case at his practice had resigned.. — AFP
TOKYO: Japanese attorneys representing Carlos Ghosn, including lead lawyer Junichiro Hironaka, quit tosday following the former Nissan chief’s flight to Lebanon from Japan, where he had been fighting financial misconduct charges.

In an emailed statement, Hironaka said that everyone involved in the case at his practice had resigned. A spokesman there declined to give a reason.

A second lawyer in Ghosn’s three-person legal team, Takashi Takano, also quit on Thursday, according to an official at his office.

A person who answered the phone at the office of the third lawyer, Hiroshi Kawatsu, said she didn’t know if he still represented the former automotive executive.

Ghosn, who fled from Tokyo last month, told Reuters in an interview in Beirut with his wife Carole on Wednesday that he was happy to stay in Lebanon for the rest of his life and claimed he was treated with “brutality” during his detention and bail in Japan. Carole said she was “done with Japan.”

Japan has issued international wanted notices for the couple, which means the two will live in Lebanon as fugitives and could be arrested if they leave their country. Japan’s Justice Minister Masako Mori has described Ghosn’s criticism of her country’s judicial system as “absolutely intolerable.”

Hironaka, who earlier expressed disappointment at his client’s decision to abscond, had said he would quit once his client had settled his account.

Hired by Ghosn in February, the 74-year-old lawyer is known for his combative style. He has been called the “Razor” after winning high-profile cases, including the acquittal of a senior lawmaker on financial misconduct charges and the exoneration of a bureaucrat jailed for four months on corruption charges fabricated by prosecutors.


Lorry ban on key Butterworth route lauded — and also condemned

A view of heavy traffic along Jalan Chain Ferry in Prai, Butterworth, during peak hours. — Photos: MUSTAFA AHMAD/The Star

GEORGE TOWN: THE hundreds of lorries and trailers that clog up Butterworth’s Jalan Chain Ferry at peak hours are banned from doing so starting Monday, sending waves of relief among motorists but cries of unfair treatment from hauliers and factories.

Factories fear this ban will erode their productivity while hauliers feel the ban will only create congestion elsewhere.

From Monday, any vehicle heavier than five tonnes face a fine of RM300 if they traverse the 3.5km stretch of Jalan Chain Ferry between the Jalan Assumption interchange and Jalan Baru junction from 6.30am to 8.30am and 5pm to 7pm daily excluding public holidays.

It is infamous for being chock-full of large trailers because it links North Butterworth Container Terminal (NBCT) with Prai Industrial Estate and even Kulim Hi-Tech Park while connecting the heart of town with many residential estates.

Calling Jalan Chain Ferry a “dreadful stretch”, she said she felt like celebrating after years of struggling with the jam there.

“I live less than two kilometres from my factory in Prai, but driving to work sometimes takes over 30 minutes because there are so many heavy trailers,” she said.

Kindergarten teacher Siti Nur Hasmah, 28, from Seberang Jaya, observed that jams happen because heavy vehicles are slow to accelerate when the lights turn green.

“Sometimes only two trailers get to cross with each green light, and they always take up both lanes,” she said.

The ban has left hauliers and factories frustrated.

Association of Malaysian Hauliers northern region chairman R. Amaiappan objects to the ban, saying that hauliers, as stakeholders, were never consulted.

“We also pay road tax and more than 90% of us need that road to reach NBCT every day.

“Our customers (factories) will be the first to feel the effect, and we will be blamed again when we congest other roads,” he said, adding that hauliers were not consulted on the ban.

Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) Penang chairman Datuk Dr Ooi Eng Hock said he worried that the ban will affect the productivity of at least 100 decades-old small and medium industries in Taman Limbungan, Taman Limbungan Indah and Kampung Perlis because the road is their only access.

“From the port, trailers with cargo containers reach Prai Industrial Estate via Jalan Chain Ferry after crossing the flyover in front of Taman Inderawasih.

“But there is no exit to Prai Industrial Estate from Butterworth Outer Ring Road (BORR). They will need to take the exit towards Penang Bridge and join the jam from Bukit Mertajam and Juru to reach the factories,” he explained.

Dr Ooi said factories could cope with the morning ban but the 5pm to 7pm ban would wreak havoc on their productivity.

Penang Port Sdn Bhd chief executive officer V. Sasedharan agrees with Dr Ooi, pointing out that 6.30am to 8.30am is low-peak hours for NBCT but it faces the heaviest traffic from 5pm to 7pm.

“If trailers unload in NBCT in the late afternoons but dare not leave the terminal because of the ban, we can end up with a terrible bottleneck here,” he said.

Local authorities, for now, refuse to budge.

Seberang Prai Municipal Council (MPSP) president Datuk Rozali Mohamud said heavy vehicles want to use Jalan Chain Ferry as it is shorter and toll-free, “and up to 400 of them use it during peak hours”.

“Factories can adjust their timing or use the PLUS highway or BORR,” he said.

MPSP councillor David Marshel said the municipal council proposed the ban in 2014 while approval from the Federal Government was obtained this July.

He felt heavy vehicle drivers were reluctant to use BORR as they wanted to save on toll.

“BORR was specifically designed to connect factories to NBCT and they should make use of it,” he said, adding that the ban is permanent and not a trial run.

The ban was announced on Tuesday by Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy, who is also Prai assemblyman.


Proton X50 Flagship:  First impressions at the race track

                Few will disagree that the Proton X50 looks great in the metal. One will naturally wonder next how well it drives.

If looks and dynamic performance impress, then the battle for sales success is a battle half won. It also hinges on other factors important to customers such as specifications, pricing and aftersales support.

How the X50 drives was the motivation for the media to gather at the Sepang International Circuit recently.

Prior to the drive, Proton held a presentation and revealed as well as confirmed some details about the X50. Pricing will be revealed at launch, which should be soon.

Malaysia's first national carmaker said the X50 would be powered by two 1.5-litre (1,477cc) turbocharged three-cylinder engines for the front wheels and both will have dual variable valve timing (VVT) technology.

The powerplants are managed by a seven-speed (wet) dual-clutch transmission with Tiptronic "manual" mode as standard. There will be no paddle-shifters.

The transmission is the same as the one found in the X70, but its shift ratios have been adjusted to fit the engine's power ratings.

The X50 Standard, Executive and Premium model variants will use a port-injection system for its engine which allows it to produce 150PS and 226Nm of torque.

The range-topping Flagship variant makes use of direct-injection technology that uprates the performance to 177PS and 255Nm of torque - allowing it to sprint from 0 to 100kph in 7.9 seconds.

Proton assured that the engines, which was jointly developed by Volvo and Geely, are durable after having undergone more than 1.9mil kilometres of testing and has been used in more than 550,000 vehicles worldwide.

With respect to carbon buildup around the intake valves - a condition which plagues direct-injected engines, Proton said that even after 100,000km of testing by their Geely donor vehicle - the Binyue - there were no such deposits.

Proton also said the X50 will have three driving modes of Normal, Eco and Sport, which will adjust the steering, transmission and handling characteristics accordingly.

Proton explained that the reason for having two engine variants is part of its powertrain strategy as they would be used in future models.

The X50 suspension system is different from the Geely Binyue's in that it has been altered to suit the Malaysian market. It was found that the suspension settings for the Chinese market were too stiff.

Proton benchmarked the X50 against other vehicles within the market and tuned the suspension's absorbers, springs, anti-roll bars and bushings down towards a more comfort-oriented setting without compromising control.

During the presentation, Proton vice president of sales and marketing Roslan Abdullah announced that the X50 had received its EEV certification as well as a five-star Aseasn NCAP (ASEAN New Car Assessment Programme) crash-test rating. Roslan is also Proton Edar's chief executive officer.

Expect the X50 Flagship to be well-equipped with safety features.

The X50 marks the first time the national carmaker has fitted level-two advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) into their vehicles.

Level-two ADAS refers to partial driver automation where the system is able to assist in terms of steering, acceleration, braking and maintaining cruising speed with another vehicle ahead.

This does not mean that drivers are able to remove their hands from the wheel at any given moment while driving.

Drivers must always keep their hands on the steering wheel and always be at the ready to take control when necessary.

Certain ADAS systems fitted in the X50 include Lane Keep Assist which helps to keep the X50 within a marked lane and will remain active for about 10 seconds before disengaging.

The X50 has also been fitted with adaptive cruise control with Corner Detection and stop-go function as well as autonomous parking - a feature not available in the X70.

READ MORE:
Book X50 only through authorised dealers, says Proton
Proton X50 looking like a winner from the get-go
Viral X50 price list is fake, says Proton
Proton X50 previewed at plant, launching soon

To test the X50's accelerative qualities, it was pitted against a BMW X1 sDrive18i and a Honda HR-V for a 0-100kph sprint.

From the get-go, the X50 would lag behind by up to half a car's length during the first 150 to 200m, but as the X50 overcame its turbo-lag, it surged ahead to take the lead and finish as the winner.

The BMW seemed to consistently finish in second with the HR-V bringing up the rear.

In the ADAS demonstration, the X50 Flagship impressed with its ability to navigate through a corner with its adaptive cruise control engaged.

The X50 was also able to maintain its distance from the vehicle ahead as well as come to a full stop when needed and move off with the vehicle.

The X50 also demonstrated that its stopping abilities were equally as impressive.

The system is able to help its driver prevent a frontal collision when at slow speeds by automatically increasing brake input via its electronic brakeforce distribution system.

The X50's Automated Parking Assist (APA) system proved competent and is tuned on by the driver holding down a dedicated button.

Releasing the button during the manoeuvre will halt the APA operation mid-way, but holding down the dedicated button again will allow it to resume its operation.

The system helps the driver to enter and exit a parallel parking spot as well as provide reverse-parking assistance.

During the slalom test, the X50 Flagship demonstrated its ability to weave its way at around 50kph with an almost neutral feel.

The X50 will begin to understeer progressively when passing the front tyre's grip limits to keep the rear-end planted and to give the driver a chance to dial-back some speed in order to regain more control.

In addition, the cabin was nearly devoid of vibrations coming from the little three-cylinder engine in the engine bay.

Some roll was experienced due to the softer suspension setup, higher ride height and high-profile 215/55 series tyres fitted on 18-inch wheels.

The thicker anti-roll bars used did help to keep this compact SUV from experiencing any unexpected loss of control.

Overall, the X50 was found to be a sporty compact SUV. It has a refined suspension and offers considerable control through a well-weighted steering, great stopping power and advanced driver-assistance systems that add value and inspire confidence in those who will buy it.


Weird: some tunnels demand you turn on the radio before driving through

                HANOVER: Most of the time, it’s impossible to get any reception on a car radio when driving through a tunnel. But according to a German safety inspection group, there are some tunnels where radio usage is actually possible - and encouraged.

These tunnels tend to be more than 500 metres in length and are usually part of a highway or freeway. In the famed Gotthard Tunnel in Switzerland or Hamburg’s Elbe Tunnel, for example, special broadcast systems have been installed to ensure proper radio reception.

Leading up to the entrance of these kinds of tunnels, there are in fact signs that instruct drivers to turn on their radios, and for good reason: if there is an accident or fire in the tunnel, police road patrols can provide traffic warnings or even instructions to create aisles or use evacuation corridors.

TUV Nord says these announcements will automatically be broadcast on the car radio when it is turned on and the "traffic announcement" function has been activated.


Nio takes on BMW, Mercedes in home market with flexible battery plan

                SHANGHAI: Chinese electric-car startup Nio is looking to grab a share of Europe’s growing market for electric vehicles by rolling out a battery leasing and swapping network to cut costs for users, its president told Reuters.

Nio plans to build 1,000 battery swapping stations outside China by 2025, most of them in Europe, to service the expanded range of EVs it will begin selling this year in Germany and other markets, said Qin Lihong, who is also a Nio co-founder.

"We are comprehensively ahead of our competitors in terms of products and services," Qin said in a telephone interview from Germany on Tuesday.

"It’s true there will be more EV models to be launched in Europe in three years, but we are also making more progress."

Nio opened its first overseas plant in Hungary this month to make power products such as battery swapping stations, which are costly to ship from China because of their size, Qin said.

At the heart of Nio's move to woo European car buyers is separating the battery – the most expensive component of the EV – from ownership to reduce up-front costs.

Nio’s battery swap stations also promise to send drivers out with a new, fully-charged battery in just a few minutes, faster than current charging alternatives.

The strategy has set Nio off from rivals in China’s EV market, but shifts costs – and risk – to the company, one reason why most established automakers have sought other ways to cut battery costs and boost charging efficiency.

Qin said Nio was also looking to partner with an asset management company in Europe to finance the ownership of batteries for leasing as it begins to roll out sales this year.

In China, Nio set up a company with partners including battery giant CATL to buy the battery packs for leasing and then collect subscription fees from Nio users.

Nio’s revenue grew 22% in the second quarter from a year ago while its net loss more than quadrupled to the equivalent of US$410 million.

Its shares have more than tripled since being listed in New York Exchange four years ago, and the company has managed to build a fan base in China on the strength of its design, pricing and reputation for concierge-like service.

Over the past year, Nio has been experimenting with battery leasing and swapping in Norway for its ES8, an electric-drive SUV. The company has sold 800 of the SUVs and installed two swapping stations in Norway, executives said.

Qin said that experiment had given the seven-year-old start-up confidence that its EV offering was "comprehensively ahead” of EVs from the likes of BMW, Mercedes and Volkswagen and ready to compete in their home market.

Nio will roll out other models in Europe, including the ET7 and ET5 sedans, starting this year.

"It’s just like two runners on their tracks," Qin added. "If you have a great lead, you just need to keep your own pace."

Nearly all the buyers in Norway and more than half in China have opted for battery leasing, said Shen Fei, Nio's vice-president for power management.

Nio sells the ES8 in Norway without a battery from the equivalent of just over US$52,000 (RM237,000). Buyers can pay just over US$8,700 (RM40,000) to own a 75-kWh battery pack. Almost all opted to pay a monthly subscription fee equivalent to US$135 (RM615), Nio said.


Win a Proton Iriz and Huawei smart devices from Proton/Huawei contest

                SHAH ALAM: Proton and Huawei have jointly organised the “Together. Light Up the Moments” contest to reward customers for their support and celebrate Chinese New Year.

The contest runs from Feb 11 to April 30 with a grand prize of a Proton Iriz 1.6L Premium along with other prizes from Huawei.

Open to all residents of Malaysia who possess a valid identity card (IC) and valid Malaysian driving license (D-class), participants can enter the contest by bookin a Proton Persona, Iriz, Exora, or Saga from any authorised Proton dealer or branch from Feb 11 to April 30 and successfully register the booked vehicle by May 31.

Those who bought a Huawei branded device from a participating Huawei Brand Store and Huawei Operator Store in Malaysia from Feb 11 to April 30 are also entitled to join.

Only one entry per Malaysian IC is allowed.

Participants are required to snap and post the most creative photo of the booked Proton car, or Huawei device on their Facebook or Instagram accounts.

They are also required to include hashtags “#PROTONHUAWEITOGETHERLIGHTUPTHEMOMENTS, #HUAWEI, and #HIPROTON in their posts.

They should also complete the sentence “I like Proton cars because …" or “I like Huawei because…” and add it as a caption in your post.

Their Facebook or Instagram post should also be set to public.

Participants can also go to

SHAH ALAM: Proton and Huawei have jointly organised the “Together. Light Up the Moments” contest to reward customers for their support and celebrate Chinese New Year.

The contest runs from Feb 11 to April 30 with a grand prize is a Proton Iriz 1.6L Premium àlong with other prizes from Huawei.

Open to all residents of Malaysia who possess a valid identity card (IC) and valid Malaysian driving license (D-class), participants can enter the contest by bookin a Proton Persona, Iriz, Exora, or Saga from any authorised Proton dealer or branch from Feb 11 to April 30 and successfully register the booked vehicle by May 31.

Those who bought a Huawei branded device from a participating Huawei Brand Store and Huawei Operator Store in Malaysia from Feb 11 to April 30 are also entitled to join.

Only one entry per Malaysian IC is allowed.

Participants are required to snap and post the most creative photo of the booked Proton car, or Huawei device on their Facebook or Instagram accounts.

They are also required to include hashtags “#PROTONHUAWEITOGETHERLIGHTUPTHEMOMENTS, #HUAWEI, and #HIPROTON in their posts.

They should also complete the sentence “I like Proton cars because …" or “I like Huawei because…” and add it as a caption in your post.

Their Facebook or Instagram post should also be set to public.

Participants can also go to www.protonhuaweitogetherlightupthemoments.com, answer a simple question, and key in their contact details.

Proof of booking (for Proton cars) or purchase (for Huawei devices) should also be uploaded to the website together with the link to the post.

, answer a simple question, and key in their contact details.

Proof of booking (for Proton cars) or purchase (for Huawei devices) should also be uploaded to the website together with the link to the post.


G20 BMW 3 Series launched at RM329K,  Z4 roadster previewed

                KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Malaysia unveiled the all-new BMW 3 Series, the seventh generation of the iconic sports sedan and it comes in one variant, the 330i M Sport priced at RM328,800 (on-the road without insurance).

The new ultimate sports sedan from BMW is introduced in the M Sport package exclusively for Malaysia, and features a dynamic sporty design with new dimensions.

Its clear, precise lines and beautifully contoured surfaces lend to a new chapter in its iconic design language, while classic elements such as its kidney grille, headlights and Hofmeister kink are reinterpreted for a stronger athletic look.

 Hoelzl with the new 3 Series.

Under the hood is a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol engine, which outputs 258hp with a peak torque of 400Nm from 1,550rpm to 4,400rpm and mated to an updated 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.

It is capable of a top speed of 250kph and goes from 0 to 100km in just 5.8 seconds.

The appearance of the new Series exudes strength and athleticism although it is 76mm longer (4,709mm), 16mm wider (1,827mm) and just 6mm taller (1,435mm) than its predecessor.

The comfort of passengers in the rear seat is assured with the longer wheelbase by 41mm (2,851mm).

The classic kidney grille is now notably larger and wider. It extends to the twin headlights that are fully LED- equipped and boasts a Bi-LED technology.

Slim, three-dimensional taillights are fitted in an L shape with emphasis on the use of smoked glass for a classy appeal.

Innovative functions such as the BMW Digital Key is now also available in the new 3 Series, enabling owners to unlock their vehicles and start its engine all with the use of a selection of Android smartphones with Near Field Communications (NFC) technology.

READ MORE: First drive of BMW 3 Series in Portugal

It is also equipped with the Parking Assistant which also features the new Reversing Assist which records the cars journey every 50 metres, enabling it to semi-autonomously reverse at low speeds through narrow corners.

The M Sport suspension highlights BMW’s first-ever lift-related dampers that continuously functions in relation to the changing spring travel, neutralising the vibrations that occur when compensating for going over bumps and making dynamic cornering.

The M Sport package also include the 18-inch M Light Alloy wheels Double Spoke Style 790 M bi-colour Orbit Grey with mixed tyres.

Inside, the M Sport leather steering wheel with multifunction and shift paddles as well as the ambient interior lighting give it a sporty driving experience.

The latest generation of the BMW Live Cockpit Professional combines the customisable and situation-linked displays on a fully-digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 10.25-inch Control Display. Intuitive operation can be chosen from the Control Display’s touch control, the iDrive Controller, the steering wheel buttons and voice control.

The new model also features the BMW Connected Package Professional subscription which in combination with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and the BMW Digital Key.

"Today, the All-New BMW 3 Series in its seventh generation, takes the signature characteristics of a BMW to another level with a new dynamic design, superior driving dynamics as well as technology and innovation never seen before in the Malaysian automotive industry,” said managing director of BMW Group Malaysia Harald Hoelzl.

The 3 Series is offered in five colours namely Portimao Blue, Black Sapphire, Alpine White, Mineral Grey and Sunset Orange, paired with premium Black or Cognac Leather Vernasca upholstery and interior trim finished in Aluminium Tetragon.

It comes with BMW Group Malaysia’s 5 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty, Free Scheduled Service Programme and BMW Tyre Warranty Programme.

BMW Z4 sDrive30i M Sport

Following the launch of the 3 Series, BMW Group Malaysia surprised members of the media with a preview of the the next Z4, which comes in the Z4 sDrive30i M Sport variant, priced at an estimated RM460,000 (on the road without insurance).

It is capable of hitting the 0-100kph mark in just 5.4 seconds what with its 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine offering 258hp with a peak torque of 400Nm from 1,550rpm to 4,400rpm and a top speed of 250kph.

The BMW Z4 sDrive30i comes equipped with the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, M Sport Suspension and Variable Sport Steering.

The new Z4 also boasts a perfectly tuned suspension, superior steering precision and dynamic rear-wheel drive system that leaves its steering unaffected by drive torque.

The low centre of gravity and equal front-to-rear weight distribution showcases its true classic BMW roadster characteristics.

Inside, the new BMW Z4 has the driver-focused cockpit design with a sporty two-seater, a classic canvas roof, minimalist interior trim surfaces and a low seating position.

The BMW Live Cockpit Professional is strategically placed at the same level as the central touchscreen information display supplements the drivers with information directly within their line of vision.

It also features the BMW Digital Key that enables the driver to access the vehicle with the use of select Android smartphones.

The Digital Key employs Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to allow the new luxury sports car to be locked and unlocked from a smartphone.

Also offered is the Intelligent Parking Assistant featuring the Reversing Assistant. The Parking Assistant is a highly capable system that can help owners easily manoeuvre out of tight parking spots.

BMW Z4 comes in four vibrant exterior colours in San Francisco Red, Misano Blue, Black Sapphire and Alpine White, matched with interior options of Black décor with Black stitching, Magma Red with Black stitching or Cognac with Black stitching.


PSA Group and Japan's Nidec to set up electric motor venture

                PARIS: Peugeot maker PSA Group and Japan’s Nidec Corp said today they will invest 200 million euros (RM962mil) in a joint venture to develop and produce electric car motors in France.

The aim of the joint venture is to make high-performance “electric traction motor” for PSA Group and potentially other car makers. Nidec Corp will act via Nidec Leroy-Somer, the French electric motor company that it acquired in February 2017.

The market for automobile electric motors is expected to double to 45 billion euros (RM217bil) by 2030, said the companies.

The transaction remains subject to antitrust clearance and consultations with employee representatives. The joint venture’s headquarters will be in Carrieres-sous-Poissy near here.

“Groupe PSA makes the strategic choice to anchor in France the design and production of the main components of the electric traction powertrain,” the statement said.


Mazda CX-5 officially launched; 5 variants with GVC

                PETALING JAYA: The 2018 Mazda CX-5 was officially launched today at 1 Utama Shopping Centre.

Its main rival is the new Honda CR-V.

The new five-seater 2018 Mazda CX-5 sport utility vehicle (SUV) comes in five variants, consisting of two 2.0-litre petrol, a 2.5-litre petrol, and two 2.2-litre diesel models.

On the road prices without insurance are RM134,605.50 (2.0-litre GL petrol); RM148,605.50 (2.0-litre GLS petrol); RM160,996.70 (2.5-litre GLS petrol); RM164, 579.10 (2.2-litre GLS diesel 2-wheel drive) and RM175,179.10 (2.2-litre GLS diesel all-wheel drive).

READ MORE:New Mazda CX-5 rolls out of Kulim plant PLUS full specs

All new Mazda vehicles (except the BT-50 pick-up truck) registered from Feb 1, 2017 enjoy a five-year or 100,000km (whichever is first) manufacturing warranty and three-year or 60,000km free maintenance after-sales package.

Optional upgrades for the entry-level 2.0-litre GL petrol CX-5 are leather seats (RM2,900) and a navigation system (RM1,270).

Also, buyers will need to pay RM2,000 extra if they choose the three new premium colours, namely Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray and Snow Flake Pearl White.

Soul Red Crystal is billed as having 20 per cent greater colour saturation and 50 per cent more depth than Soul Red, for a fresher, lustrous look.

The premium colours are said to have exceptional depth and lustre, due to Mazda’s Takuminuri painting technology, which gives vehicles a precise high-quality finish that looks like it has been hand-sprayed by a master craftsman.

The new paint retains a simple three-layer structure comprising clear, translucent and reflective coats.

Non-premium colour choices for the CX-5 are Deep Crystal Blue, Sonic Silver, Meteor Grey, Jet Black and Arctic White.

The 2018 Mazda CX-5, featuring Mazda’s KODO: Soul of Motion design language, has a new honeycomb-style grille, and slimmer front headlights.

In the cabin, the 7-inch full colour touchscreen display for the MZD CONNECT Infotainment has been redesigned and repositioned to the top of the dashboard.

The interior has 85 per cent soft touch materials with genuine leather stitching, and wood and metal finish.

Standard on the new CX-5 is G-Vectoring Control technology which improves handling, stability and comfort.

Depending on variant, the CX-5 also has Mazda i-ActivSense safety features such as Adaptive LED Headlights, Adaptive Front-Lighting System, Smart City Brake System, Lane Departure Warning System, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Driver Attention Alert.

Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH) which individually controls a number of LEDs to broaden visibility at low speeds, shape the high beam to help avoid dazzling other drivers and raise beam height at highway speeds to extend vision area.

Adaptive Front-Lighting System (AFS) whereby the headlights are specifically designed to help you see around corners at night. As the driver turns into a corner, the headlights pivot up to 15 degrees in the direction of the turn, improving visibility and allowing driver to spot potential hazards and dangers ahead.

Smart City Brake System (SCBS) monitors the vehicle in front or rear to access the likelihood of a collision. If a high risk is detected it issues visual and audio warnings, and primes the brakes for a faster response. If the driver doesn’t brake, SCBS brakes automatically.

Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) automatically senses lane marking on the road and alerts driver when it predicts the vehicle is going to unintentionally depart from its lane.

Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) helps detect and alert when objects are in your left and right blind spots by activating a door mirror mounted warning light on the relevant side of the vehicle. If you then indicate prior to turning, the warning lights flashes with an audible alert bleep.

Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) will alert driver when it detects vehicles approaching from either side during reverse operation. Lane-Keep Assist System (LAS) adds to Lane Departure Warning System by performing minor steering corrections to re-centre the vehicle in its lane upon sensing an unintentional lane departure.

Driver Attention Alert (DAA) reduces accidents caused by inattentiveness due to driver fatigue. The system comes into play at speeds above 65km/h and begins to “learn” the driver’s habits, watching inputs and the vehicle’s movements in the early stages before fatigue becomes a factor.

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New semiconductor plants will end global auto chip shortage next year, says Musk

                TURIN: Tesla Inc CEO Elon Musk said that thanks to new semiconductor plants that are planned or under construction, the global chip shortage that has pummelled the car industry this year should be short term in nature.

Asked how long he thought the global chip shortage would affect vehicle production, Musk said: "short term I think".

"There's a lot of chip fabrication plants that are being built," Musk said during a joint session with Stellantis and Ferrari chairman John Elkann, at Italian Tech Week last Friday.

"I think we will have good capacity for providing chips by next year," he added.

The two automotive industry leaders agreed on potential support coming from nuclear power to cover for increasing global energy needs.

"I am surprised by a recent move away of some countries form nuclear energy, which is safe," Musk said.

But in their dialogue they avoided referring to competition issues between top electric mobility leaders such as Tesla and legacy automakers now investing heavily to expand their offer of electrified vehicles.

Musk however thanked Elkann for a support Tesla received between 2017 and 2019 from Comau, the robot unit of Fiat Chrysler, now part of Stellantis, during what he called "one of the most painful periods" for his company, linked to the launch of production on Model 3.

"John helped me a lot in that period," Musk said, adding Tesla had come close to bankruptcy "half a dozen times".

Stellantis chief executive Carlos Tavares has said the group, formed through the merger between Fiat Chrysler and France's PSA, expected to achieve its European carbon dioxide emission targets this year without credits bought from Tesla.


2019 Bangkok Motor Show: 10th-generation Honda Accord

                BANGKOK: The new 10th-generation Honda Accord appears in Modulo kit, as well as 1.5-litre turbocharged and 2.0-litre hybrid variants at the 40th Bangkok International Motor Show 2019.

Fuel efficiency is claimed to be 16.4km per litre (turbocharged variant) and 24.4km per litre (hybrid variant).

To recap, the new Accord offers Honda Sensing safety technology, a more spacious cabin, Head-Up Display (HUD) and supports Apple CarPlay, SIRI voice command support, and wireless charging for smartphones.

READ MORE:  2020 Honda Accord launched in Bangkok


Hyundai explores flying cars, picks ex-Nasa expert to head new setup

                SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Group has appointed Dr Jaiwon Shin (inset) as executive vice president and head of its newly established Urban Air Mobility Division.

Urban Air Mobility is expected to become a critically important part of the integrated mobility solution for ever-increasing traffic problems in mega cities around the world.

Through the Urban Air Mobility Division, Hyundai Motor Group aims to provide innovate and smart mobility solutions never seen or thought of before.

A world renowned engineer, Hyundai said Dr Shin would lead the company into "a new era of developing smart mobility products within the aviation industry".

"Having worked on cutting-edge aviation research and development at Nasa for 30 years, I am very excited and humbled by the opportunity to now shape urban air mobility strategy at Hyundai Motor Group,” Dr. Shin said about his new role.

Dr Shin recently led the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate at Nasa, where he shaped the agency's aeronautics research and development strategy for over 11 years.

His expertise in airframe, engine, aviation safety, and air traffic management technologies is expected to give Hyundai the edge in the fast-growing urban air mobility sector. The new business unit would develop core technologies and innovative solutions for safe and efficient airborne travel.

Dr. Shin received his doctorate in mechanical engineering from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia.

His bachelor’s degree is in mechanical engineering from Yonsei University in Korea, and his master’s degree is in mechanical engineering from the California State University, Long Beach.

A graduate of the Senior Executive Fellowship Program at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, Dr. Shin has authored and co-authored more than 20 technical and journal papers.

He is a Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society of Britain.


Kia issues a more youthful Picanto

SEOUL: Kia has today released images of the all-new Picanto, the third-generation of one of Kia’s global best-selling cars.

Created by Kia’s design centres in Namyang, South Korea and Frankfurt, Germany, the new Picanto brings youthful and energetic character to the A-segment.

The all-new model – revealed in Kia’s sports-inspired "GT-Line" specification – conveys a more assertive stance through bolder body lines and subtly sculpted surfaces. A 15 mm-longer wheelbase (2,385 mm to 2,400 mm) also pushes the wheels further out into each corner for a more confident appearance. The Picanto’s colour palette is more vibrant than ever, with a range of bold paint colours designed to make the car stand out.

Inside, Picanto’s suite of high-tech comfort, convenience and safety features is underscored by a modern and refined new cabin design. At the heart of the cabin is a new "floating" touchscreen infotainment system, making the latest in-car technology available to occupants.

Buyers of the new Picanto will enjoy smarter packaging efficiency than ever before, with more cabin and cargo space than rivals in the segment. In spite of its extended wheelbase, the Picanto retains its characteristically compact dimensions. With a shorter front overhang and longer rear overhang, the all-new model is the same length (3,595 mm) as the car it replaces.

Kia will reveal the new Picanto in public for the first time at the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show in March, and it will go on sale in the spring of 2017.


Tesla moves a step closer to opening first European factory with German property deal

A demonstrators holding pro-Tesla poster during an action to support plans by Tesla to build its first European factory and design centre in Gruenheide near Berlin. — Reuters
BERLIN: US electric car pioneer Tesla has agreed to buy a property on the outskirts of Berlin, bringing it a step closer to opening its first European factory, local authorities said on Sunday.

The US carmaker last November announced plans to build a giant factory in Gruenheide, in the eastern German state of Brandenburg, giving it the coveted “Made in Germany” label just as local rivals prepare to launch competing models.

Tesla’s board of directors approved a purchase agreement with the state of Brandenburg on Saturday to acquire a 300-hectare property, Brandenburg government spokesman Florian Engels said in a statement. The state parliament’s finance committee had already approved the sale on Jan 9.

A Tesla spokesman confirmed the deal.

 In this Jan 8 photo, members of a bomb disposal team search for World War II munition at the site of the planned new Tesla Gigafactory in Gruenheide near Berlin. — AP

The agreement states a preliminary property price of €40.91 million (RM184mil) which can be amended if an external review provides a different value, Engels said.

The property is in a designated industrial area and is being checked for weapons from World War II as there are most likely unexploded US bombs still in the ground, he added.

Politicians, unions and industry groups have welcomed Tesla’s move which is expected to create up to 7,000 jobs in Brandenburg.

But some 250 locals took to the streets to protest on Saturday, fearing the factory could endanger the water supply and wildlife in the surrounding forest.


Mercedes-Benz starts building new G-Class Experience Centre in Austria

                STUTTGART/GRAZ: Mercedes-Benz aims to open a new G-Class Experience Centre in Austria by the end of 2019.

It began ground-breaking work on the former Nittner aerodrome in Kalsdorf, around 15km to the south of Graz.

This is where customers and fans will be able to experience the on and off-road capabilities of the G-Class.

The site measuring more than 100,000 sq m will house a total of four test modules in addition to a reception and presentation area: a natural and an artificial off-road section, a hill with various approach ramps with gradients up to 100% and an on-road section on the former taxiways. This is where participants will be able to perform such exercises as braking and slalom with the G-Class.

The routing on the natural off-road section was chosen in co-operation with specialists and the Graz-based planning consultancy Ökoteam, ensuring that vulnerable biotopes are protected and only a few trees needed to be felled.

The Magna Steyr plant, where the G-Class has been produced for Mercedes-Benz since 1979, is only around 20 minutes drive from the new G-Class Experience Center.

The current G-Class has been in the market since June 2018 and is renowned for its performance, modern assistance systems, outstanding handling, and safety. In the present model, the new suspension, the DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes, the "G-Mode" and the three 100% differential locks promise elevated ride comfort and agility on any surface.

"The new G-Class has even better off-road capabilities than its predecessor. In future, at the new G-Class Experience Center near Graz, customers and fans will be able to find out for themselves that it masters even the most demanding challenges," says Dr. Gunnar Güthenke, Head of the Product Unit Off-Road Vehicles at Mercedes-Benz.

"Our traditional test track on the Schöckl mountain slopes near Graz is one of the world's most demanding off-road test facilities, and remains the measure of all things for our professional development and test drives."


Feb 22-28: Fuel prices down again

PETALING JAYA: Fuel prices are down across the board for the next seven days.

RON95 petrol will drop six sen to RM2.17 per litre. RON97 is down seven sen to RM2.43.

Diesel is down six sen to RM2.13. This is the second week in a row that fuel prices are seeing a downward trend.

The new fuel prices will take effect at the stroke of midnight from Feb 22-28.


TnG card production to be ramped up to 3.5 million in 2023

                PUTRAJAYA: In a bid to curb the shortage of Touch 'n Go (TnG) cards, over 3.5 million cards will be made available this year.

In a statement today, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry said this was among the feedback received over the immediate action taken by the TnG company from issues raised.

"Through engagement sessions of the special task force led by the ministry's secretary-general Datuk Azman Mohd Yusof, there are some immediate improvements that have been taken by TnG within the given one-week period.

"The company has increased the number of cards up to 3.5 million in 2023 compared to 2.68 million cards in 2022 and the company has sent proactive/pre-expiration reminders to TnG card users including notification emails also sent one month before the card expires," the ministry said, adding that notifications through the ewallet application and date checks have also been printed on the back of the card.

"On the issue of return and refund of card balances, the company will examine and implement the refund process immediately to the users after the concession company conducts investigation, verification and approval.

"On advocacy related to the TnG Visa card functions, the company has made improvements in communication and clarification of the use of the TnG Visa card to avoid confusion by displaying the notification "This is not a TnG card" before an application is made by the user.

"On the removal of unregistered card sales advertisements, the company has taken immediate action by sending an official notice to the e-commerce platform to remove all unregistered TnG product sales advertisements," the ministry said.

It added that official notices have also been sent to oil company operators, retailers and authorised distributors to ensure they follow the set prices including the control of the sale of one card for each customer.

"The ministry however is of the view that the initiative taken by the company is still insufficient.

"Accordingly, the next engagement session will focus on a clear action plan, especially in terms of the time period set and the activities in more detail," it said adding that it would also continue to monitor and ensure that these issues raised are resolved immediately in the public interest.


US okays spectrum use for vehicle crash prevention technology

C-V2X solutions are multi-faceted. — Graphic from Qualcomm
WASHINGTON: The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Monday approved a request by US state agencies, some automakers, universities and others to use spectrum to deploy connected vehicle technology to prevent crashes, especially at intersections.

The 5.9 GHz spectrum block was reserved in 1999 for automakers to develop technology for vehicles to communicate with each other to avoid crashes but has so far gone largely unused.

The waiver request to use so-called Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) technology was filed in late 2021 by Volkswagen AG's Audi, Ford Motor Co, Jaguar Land Rover, Utah and Virginia's transportation departments, Harman International, Panasonic Corp and others.

The technology, if widely used in US vehicles, could prevent at least 600,000 crashes annually, government studies show.

The waivers are "a missing piece of the regulatory puzzle needed for automakers to deploy V2X," said Hilary Cain, an official with the Alliance for Automotive Innovation in a statement.

She called it "a game-changing wireless safety technology enabling vehicles to see around corners, talk to other vehicles and communicate – in real-time – with pedestrians, bicyclists, traffic lights and infrastructure."

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration last week estimated that 42,795 people died in traffic crashes last year, down 0.3% over 2021 but still higher than any other year since 2005.

"As deaths on our nation's roadways continue to soar, it is critical that we maximize use of connected vehicle technology to keep all road users safe," Intelligent Transportation Society of America CEO Laura Chace said in a statement.

Chace urged finalising rules to "establish a framework of spectrum regulatory certainty that enables investment in and deployment of these important safety solutions."

US Senators Gary Peters and Cynthia Lummis in February urged the FCC to move on the waiver requests saying the "technology is poised to save lives, (and) will pave the way for the future of automobile and transportation infrastructure."

The FCC voted in 2020 to shift 30 megahertz of the 75 MHz reserved for Dedicated Short-Range Communications to C-V2X, while moving the other 45 MHz to WiFi use.

Automakers opposed the split on safety grounds, while major cable, telecom and content companies say the spectrum is essential to support growing WiFi use.


Nissan - A historic journey

                Nissan's history is as colourful as they come and it all started with a car called DAT in 1914; the name was an acronym of the company’s investors’ family names – Den, Aoyama and Takeuchi.

The company went through the usual mill of business partnerships and corporate ownerships before it evolved to what we know it today as Nissan Motor Company.

 Nissan museum

Nissan also decided to re-launch the Datsun brand that’s targeted at emerging markets; this was announced in mid-2013 followed by the world premiere of the Datsun GO in Indonesia in September that year.

The new Datsun range has since grown to four with the GO+, on-DO and mi-DO and it is marketed in India, Russia and South Africa, besides Indonesia.

The Datsun brand is more familiar to Malaysians as it was the name used to promote its models from the 1960s, during which it established itself as good fuel economy cars like the Datsun 1200, 120Y and 130Y, and racy sedans like the Datsun 1600 SSS and 240Z sports car.

 Nissan heritage cars from the 1930s.

Initially, the name started as Datson (Son of DAT) in 1931 but when Nissan took over the company in 1933, it was changed to Datsun (with the last syllable referring to the sun) as ‘son’ was viewed in a negative light since it means ‘loss’ in Japanese.

During those early days, the small car range carried the Datsun name while the bigger cars had the Nissan name, which was an abbreviation for Nihon Sangyo, the holding company.

It was in 1982 that this carmaker chose to use the Nissan name for its entire range of cars, that is, until 2013 although technically, Datsun is now another brand like Infiniti under the Nissan Motor Company group.

During the recent Nissan 360 Asia & Oceania media tour, taking a walk down the Zama Heritage Collection hall was a stroll down Nissan’s history with the display of more than 450 vehicles, including motor sport cars, dating back to the early years.

It was also an amble down memory lane for us although our visit to the Zama premises in 1984 was to see the assembly process of the Nissan Langley, which was introduced to our market shortly after.

 Shimoida showing the high energy density battery pack of an electric vehicle.

At that time, the Zama factory was the pride of Japan with its automated facilities and hosted visits by leaders from other countries; while it started as a production facility for commercial vehicles, it also built the Sunny and other compact car models.

Today, apart from the Zama Heritage Collection hall, the Zama factory is also a lithium-ion battery plant that has produced more than 11 million batteries, about half of the world’s global production.

Our visit here was all too short as there were so many questions to ask of our guide Torchi Hara, a veteran Nissan staff.

Among the impressive array of cars were examples from the Austin Motor Company collaboration (1937-1960s) and Prince Motor Company merger in 1966.

There were also two cars in the collection that never made it to the showroom; this was the Nissan MID 4 3.0-litre prototype that was deemed too expensive to be sold and Nissan Hypermini electric car developed in 2000.

Nissan actually built its first EV (electric vehicle) in 1947 in the form of a mini-truck called Tama; it had a cruising range of 65km.

The amazing thing is that 70% of the cars are said to be still driveable and the vehicles selected for special events, like the Nismo Festival, are duly prepared to be driven.

Nissan’s passion for making sports cars was clear when it introduced the first Skyline GT-R in 1969.

Likewise, the 240Z that was launched to take on the Porsches; in that respect, Nissan felt it had done well because the 240Z could match the German sports car in performance at half the vehicle price.

In the current age, Nissan continues with its passion for making cars that pander to all and sundry, while doing its part in environmental motoring with the LEAF that was introduced in 2009 and is now into its second generation (more than 195,000 LEAFs were sold as of September 2015).

 Nissan Skyline (left) and a Z car.

Yes,this carmaker is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, a unique collaboration that was entered into in late March 1999 when Nissan ran into severe financial difficulties, but Nissan is extremely proud to state its standing as a Japanese company with its distinct corporate culture and brand identity.

From the media perspective, this alliance brought one significant development; most Nissan senior executives could now communicate fluently in English, probably to engage with the CEO Carlos Ghosn who also helms Renault.

This saved the hassle of product and event presentations taking too much time with speeches being translated to English, a prevailing scenario in other Japanese car companies.

In the past, Nissan also showed its willingness to collaborate with other car companies, among them Volkswagen, Alfa Romeo, Ford Motor Company and General Motors.

A more recent development is a Russian joint venture, along with partner Renault, which seeks a gradual controlling stake in AvtoVAZ that owns Russia’s biggest selling brand Lada.

It also develops mini cars for the Japanese market with Mitsubishi Motors that are built at the latter’s plant in Mizushima.

And Mercedes-Benz, which took a 3.9% stake in the Alliance through a share swap, is developing a pick-up based on the new NP300 Navara.

Looking to the future, the IDS Concept subscribes to the autonomous drive trend that is sweeping the global automotive industry and Nissan has its own interpretation of how to go about it.

 Nissan Museum guide Torchi Hara is a veteran Nissan staff.

A peek into the near future was provided at the Nissan Advanced Technical Centre (NATC) nestled among the hills in Atsugi.

Apparently, this R&D facility is not often open to media visits and we were among the fortunate few.

The focus was on battery development and a dashboard that transforms according to how the car is driven as part of the Nissan Intelligent Driving concepts.

Yoshio Shimoida, the deputy general manager of the EV and HEV Engineering Division, gave a brief on the high energy density roadmap in battery development.

He explained how they could provide a higher density battery stack for the new Leaf by improving on the old, which he said had operated reliably over the years.

The NATC also uses its staff LEAF cars to power some of its facility’s electrical needs to reduce expenses and six were ‘hooked’ up during our visit.

This is just one aspect of Nissan’s future ambitions and this carmaker is clearly ready to move in should autonomous driving become the norm in the not-too-distant future.


Audi offers glimpses of new Q5

                INGOLSTADT: Audi has started teasing the world with the Q5 that’s set to be unveiled at the 2016 Paris Motor Show.

The crossover will feature optional matrix LED headlights and dynamic turn signals.

Like the new A4 (which arrived in Malaysia earlier this month),it is based on the MLB Evo platform and is expected to have a bigger cabin than before while being 100kg lighter. Similarly, we are likely to see the new Q5 have a bigger boot; the outgoing model offers 540 litres of boot space which enlarges to 1,560l with rear seats folded.

The second-generation Q5 will be produced at Audi’s new plant in Mexico unlike before when it was built at its base here. Production is set to begin by the end of the year.

> CarSifu will be heading to California soon to drive the new Q5. Stay tuned.


Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 ownership made special

                BOLOGNA: As the 112 Countach LPI 800-4 owners-to-be around the world start to take delivery of their new cars from April 2022, they are also enjoying a series of exclusive ownership and experiential elements to mark ownership of a car that is one of the most emblematic few-offs in the history of Lamborghini.

Lamborghini has created a contact program designed to make the customer experience special.

The 112 owners of the Countach LPI 800-4, which was already sold out (at  €2.4 million or RM10.8mil apiece) before the official launch last August at Pebble Beach, will not only have the privilege of driving a piece of automotive history reinvented for the future, but will also receive a series of special collectors’ item gifts, which make delivery of the car more memorable.

Each item is certified and numbered, celebrating skilled craftsmanship and innovation: the items are not for sale, and are given to Countach LPI 800-4 customers.

On signing their order, owners of the Countach LPI 800-4 received a congratulatory letter from Lamborghini chairman and CEO Stephan Winkelmann.

In the initial months of waiting, Countach LPI 800-4 customers received one of 112 numbered replicas of a painting created by Mateusz Wowk, exterior designer and artist at Lamborghini’s Centro Stile, led by the Head of Design, Mitja Borkert.

With the original work created on a large canvas in Sant’Agata Bolognese, the painting was digitally captured using gigapixel technology.

The work was then replicated in large format on canvas.

Countach LPI 800-4 owners will also get more unique items via the Lamborghini dealer network, involving famous artists as well as Italian artisans.

The Lamborghini buyers can also share the pleasure of these works of art, on wheels or otherwise, through the social media posts that Lamborghini owners generously delight in sharing.

The modern Countach is built on an all-wheel-drive hybrid platform that combines a V12 engine with a 48V e-motor and supercapacitor technology.

The engine produces 770hp while the electric motor makes 34hp to generate a total of 825hp.

Lamborghini says the car will hit 100kph in 2.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 355kph - numbers that decimate the nearly 5-second sprint and 290kph specs of its predecessor.


Geely to include eight Chinese powertrain plants in Renault JV, say sources

                PARIS/STOCKHOLM: Geely will include eight powertrain plants in China and one in Sweden in its future combustion engine joint venture with Renault and Saudi Aramco, two sources close to the matter said.

Code-named "Horse" by Renault and "Rubik" by China's Geely, the JV was signed in November last year to develop more efficient gasoline engines and hybrid systems at a time when the auto industry is focused on the capital-intensive transition to battery electric vehicles.

Renault and Geely want the JV to become a leading combustion engine and hybrid engine supplier for the car industry by the end of 2023, with a workforce of 19,000 and 15 billion euros (RM72bil) in annual revenue.

Renault has previously said the Horse project will have 17 plants - eight from the French carmaker in Latin America, Europe and Turkey - and nine from Geely.

Two people told Reuters on Wednesday that of the nine plants coming from Geely and Aurobay - the combustion engine unit created by Volvo Cars and Geely in 2021, which is now fully owned by Geely - eight are based in China and one is in Skovde, Sweden.

The future JV will also have two Geely-Aurobay research and development (R&D) centres, one in Hangzhou Bay in China and the other in Gothenburg in Sweden. Renault will bring three R&D centres in Latam and Europe to the JV.

"It shows the footprint is very complementary and globally balanced," said one source.

A spokesman for Geely Europe declined to comment.

Geely will bring all of its engine and transmission plants to the JV, but not its electric powertrains.

Renault's EV technology will remain separated from Horse and become the core of its future "Ampere" unit.

Renault's strategy to get back into the electrification race includes a public listing for Ampère, which could take place later this year.

Geely and Renault have said the JV should have an annual production capacity of more than five million internal combustion, hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines and transmissions.

Saudi Aramaco will provide know-how on e-fuels and hydrogen.


NGOs urge Musk not to invest in Indonesia's nickel industry over environmental worries

                JAKARTA: Dozens of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have sent an open letter to Elon Musk, urging the Tesla Inc's chief to not invest in Indonesia's nickel industry on environmental concerns.

The letter by the NGOs, including Wahana Lingkungan Hidup Indonesia (WALHI) and Friends of the Earth United States, follows Indonesian president Joko Widodo's meeting with Musk in Texas in May to discuss potential investments.

Indonesia has the world's biggest nickel reserves and Widodo is keen to develop a nickel-based EV industry at home. The government banned export of unprocessed nickel ore from 2020 to ensure supply for investors.

However, environmentalists are concerned that the process would involve disposing off mining waste into the ocean.

The NGOs said in the letter that environmental damage results from the total area of the forest converted to nickel mining, causing increased deforestation and the threats of polluted water in the river, lake, and the beach.

The group recommended termination of any potential direct investment plan in the nickel industry in Indonesia and to stop nickel sourced and produced in Indonesia in every business line of Tesla.

Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Indonesian government was not available for comment outside regular hours.

Musk in 2020 urged the mining industry to produce more nickel "in an environmentally sensitive way" and derided US nickel production as "objectively very lame".

Used to improve battery storage, nickel is expected to see a surge in demand over coming years as governments, companies and consumers seek to cut noxious fumes emitted by fossil-fuelled vehicles.


More affordable Mercedes EVs coming: e-Citan and EQT due late 2022

                BERLIN: Having just added electric options to its luxury class with the EQS and EQE, Mercedes is now continuing at the lower end of its model range with the electric EQT and e-Citan vans.

The entry-level Citan panel van and high-roof estate and the more comfortable T-Class van variant will soon roll out as electric cars, Mercedes has announced.

The fully electric vans are set to be the cheapest electric vehicles from Mercedes when they go on sale in the second half of the year as the e-Citan and EQT, respectively, project manager Dirk Hipp said during final test drives at the start of April.

Hipp did not yet say how high the price premium would be compared to petrol and diesel vans, which costs at least €26,500 (RM123,000). But since the EQA, the cheapest electric Mercedes to date, costs upwards of a steep €47,000 (RM218,000), Mercedes' electric prices can only improve.

Technically, the vehicles are based on the Renault Kangoo, which Mercedes has partly re-dressed and re-equipped. The electric motor also comes from the French manufacturer and currently offers only one configuration: the engine has 90 kW/122 hp and the battery a capacity of 45 kW/h.

According to Hipp, this should enable speeds of up to 130 kph and a range of 300km. Charging is done with up to 80 kW, so that the battery reaches 80 per cent after 40 minutes.


Benedetto Vigna : Ferrari turns to tech for an electric era chief executive

                MARANELLO:  Ferrari has turned to technology industry leader Benedetto Vigna to navigate the luxury sports car maker known for its roaring, high-octane engines through a new era of silent, electric powertrains.

Vigna, a 52-year-old Italian national, currently runs the biggest division of chip maker STMicroelectronics (ST) , where he has worked since 1995 and helped pioneer screen technology used in early Apple  iPhones.

His appointment fills a six-month vacancy at the helm of the luxury carmaker after former chief executive Louis Camilleri retired nearly two and a half years into the job in December citing personal reasons.

Chairman John Elkann, the scion of Agnelli family which controls Ferrari through its investment firm Exor, said in a statement that the company was delighted to welcome a technology industry leader aboard.

"His deep understanding of the technologies driving much of the change in our industry, and his proven innovation, business-building and leadership skills, will further strengthen Ferrari and its unique story of passion and performance," he said.

Ferrari, which already offers hybrid models, has promised to deliver its first electric car by 2025.

Pietro Solidro, an analyst at Bestinver said Vigna's appointment should reduce market concerns about Ferrari's future and its path towards its first electric vehicle.

"We believe that he will be able to further accelerate Ferrari's ability to remain ahead of the curve in next-gen technologies compared to the automotive sector," Solidoro said.

Elkann has led the company on an interim basis since Camilleri stepped down.

In April, Elkann said Ferrari's new CEO should have "all the right qualities, including importantly the technological capabilities", playing down initial speculation that the new boss could have a background in luxury goods or retail.

Vigna is currently president of ST's Analog, Micro-electromechanical Systems and Sensors group, its largest and most profitable operating business in 2020. He will leave on Aug 31, the chipmaker said in a statement.

He will start at Ferrari the next day.

Despite recently pushing back its 2022 financial targets by a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, Ferrari booked a profit last year and has not delayed its roll-out plan for new models.

Vigna, however, faces several challenges on top of leading the automaker into an era of electric mobility.

He will have to revive Ferrari's fortunes in Formula One after its worst racing season in 40 years in 2020.

He will also have to manage the company's new brand extension strategy without undermining the exclusivity that has supported its premium pricing and profit.


Daimler NextGenAM project develops inexpensive 3D printing process for metal hardware

                STUTTGART: Daimler announced on Tuesday that the NextGenAM project for developing an automated metallic 3D printing process has concluded; the results of the nearly two-year-long pilot project demonstrate that the cost of manufacturing aluminum parts could potentially be reduced by half.

The NextGenAM "Additive Manufacturing" (aka 3D printing) project was conducted by Daimler in partnership with Premium Aerotec and EOS.

When it was launched in May 2017, the purpose of the project was to "develop a digitalised next-generation manufacturing line which would be able to produce aluminum components for the automotive and aerospace sectors significantly more cost-effectively than is currently possible."

On Tuesday, Daimler announced that the project had reached a successful conclusion.

According to the company, the process has the potential to complement or even replace conventional manufacturing techniques and cut costs by up to 50 percent (when compared to traditional 3D printing systems). In fact, no manual work is required at any stage of the process, aiding in the reduction of costs.

The AM process is currently being used by Daimler's truck unit creating replacement brackets for truck diesel engines. Generally speaking, this type of process is especially useful when a replacement part that is infrequently manufactured is needed, as processes using sand or pressure casting are expensive. Likewise, AM is more cost-efficient for the company when developing limited-edition models.

Because parts can be created "on demand," automotive and aerospace companies save on warehouse costs.

This process has the potential not only to save Daimler and its partners money previously spent on part manufacturing, but also to save the company — and whoever uses the system in the future — time and manpower.


Ford making an electrified Mustang

                DETROIT: What better way for a car company to prove it takes environmentally responsible mobility seriously, than by offering a plug-in version of its most iconic gasoline-powered vehicle?

On Tuesday, Ford confirmed that it will be launching seven new electrified vehicles within the next five years and that one of them will be a hybrid version of the Mustang.

"As more and more consumers around the world become interested in electrified vehicles, Ford is committed to being a leader in providing consumers with a broad range of electrified vehicles, services and solutions that make people's lives better," said Ford CEO Mark Fields.

Alongside the Mustang, Ford also plans a hybrid take on the equally iconic F-150 pickup, plus a plug-in hybrid of the Ford Transit van aimed at European customers.

But most groundbreaking of all, a fully electric SUV that will come with a 483km range and which will be offered to Ford customers globally is also in development.

The SUV will make its real-world debut in 2020 as will the Mustang and the F-150, with the Transit earmarked for production in 2019.

Ford is investing US$4.5 billion in fast-tracking the development of electrified vehicles as it aims to keep up with direct competitors such as GM. In December, GM-owned Chevrolet officially became the first US car company to launch an affordable electric car capable of going over 370km on a single charge. The Bolt costs US$30,000 and the first deliveries are under way.

However, while Ford intends to enter the EV marketplace quickly it does not want to compromise its identity as a carmaker.

"[Our] global EV strategy is to build on our strengths," said Raj Nair, executive vice president, Product Development, and chief technical officer. "While some others seem to be focused on marketing claims and numbers, we're focused on providing customers even more of what they love about their Ford vehicles. This means more capability for trucks, more productivity for commercial vehicles and more performance for sports cars -- plus improved fuel economy."

Therefore the hybrid Mustang will help squeeze even more low-end torque and high-end acceleration out of the powerplant, while using less fuel, while the hybrid Transit van will be engineered to minimize running costs even when used for deliveries in Europe's most congested, traffic-jammed cities.

As for the F-150, Ford says that electrification will improve towing and payload capabilities and that the battery could also serve as a power generator for when heading off grid.