Goodyear's Oxygene tyre is 'moss' interesting

                GENEVA: Goodyear's latest Oxygene concept tyre, introduced during this year's Geneva International Motor Show, has quite literally brought the future of mobility to life.

The concept tyre has a unique structure that features living moss growing within the sidewall to absorb and circulate moisture and water from the road surface, allowing photosynthesis to occur, thus releasing oxygen.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) more than 80% of people who live in air pollution-measured urban areas are exposed to air quality levels that exceed WHO limits.

“With more than two-thirds of the world population expected to live in cities by 2050, the demands on transport networks in urban environments will increase substantially. Smarter, greener infrastructure and transport will be crucial in addressing the most pressing challenges of urban mobility and development,” said Goodyear Europe, Middle East and Africa president Chris Delaney.

With emphasis on reducing material waste, emissions, and energy loss, the American tyre maker's concept is designed to integrate seamlessly into future cityscapes, featuring several performance solutions.

The tyre absorbs moisture from the road through its unique tread and 'inhales' carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air to feed the moss in its sidewall to release oxygen via photosynthesis.

In a city similar in size to greater Paris with about 2.5 million vehicles, this would mean generating nearly 3,000 tons of oxygen and absorbing more than 4,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year.

The tyre features a non-pneumatic construction that is 3D-printed with rubber powder from recycled tyres.

The lightweight, shock-absorbing structure provides a long-lasting, puncture-free solution intended to extend the life of the tyre and minimise service issues, delivering worry-free mobility.

Additional safety is ensured by the tyre’s open structure, which improves wet grip by helping absorb water from the tread.

It also harvests the energy generated during photosynthesis to power its embedded electronics, including on board sensors, an artificial intelligence processing unit, and a customisable light strip in the tyre’s sidewall that switches colours, warning both road users and pedestrians of upcoming manoeuvres, such as lane changes or braking.

The tyre also makes use of a visible light communications system (LiFi) for high-capacity mobile connectivity at the speed of light.

LiFi enables the tyre to connect to the Internet of Things, allowing vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) data exchange, which is critical to smart mobility management systems.

“Like the concept designs Goodyear has presented at Geneva in the past, Oxygene is meant to challenge our thinking and help drive the debate around smart, safe and sustainable future mobility. By contributing in this way to cleaner air generation, the tyre could help enhance quality of life and health for city-dwellers,” Delaney.


BMW X2 sDrive20i M Sport introduced at RM320,800

                KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Group Malaysia today has introduced its newest member that will take aim at the compact premium segment - the X2 sDrive20i M Sport.

The X2 will be priced at RM320,800 (with GST but without insurance) and will be made available in four different colours of Galvanic Gold Metallic, Misano Blue Metallic, Sunset Orange Metallic (with Black interior and contrasting Grey seams) and Black Sapphire (with exclusive Magma Red interior and contrasting Grey seams).

The X2 features a 2.0-litre (1,998cc) turbocharged engine with a maximum output of 192hp from 5,000 to 6,000rpm and 280Nm of torque from 1,350 to 4,600rpm and can be altered via three driving modes of Comfort, ECO PRO or Sport mode. A Performance Control system is also available, which allows engine control and brake intervention during cornering.

The new X2 has a wheelbase of 2,670mm and stands 4,360mm-long, 1,824mm-wide and 1,526mm-tall.

 Power is managed by a seven-speed steptronic sport dual-clutch transmission that'll help it go from 0 to 100kph in 7.7 seconds before reaching a top speed of 227kph, while rolling on 19-inch M light alloy wheels double-spoke style 715 M wearing 225/45 R19 run-flat tyres.

Extetrnally, the X2 comes slapped with the German premium automaker's Individual High-gloss Shadow line, BMW emblem on the C-Pillars, exterior mirrors in matching body colour.

There's also a driver's side powered aspheric glass mirror, chromed two-sided exhaust tailpipes, M Aerodynamics package with wheel arch trim and doors claddings in matching body colour.

The X2 also comes with the company's M Sport suspension system that lowers the ride-height by 10mm as well as a M rear spoiler, satinated aluminium roof rails, matching side sill covers and Dark Shadow inserts.

The front end features LEDs for the fog lights, automatic headlights, 3D-icon design daytime running lights.

Inside, the cabin features six ambient light colours (Orange, Lilac, Mint, Bronze, Blue and White) for personal choice as well as a black panel instrument cluster and information display.

Additionally, the headliner uses anthracite from BMW Individual, while the seats use perforated Dakota leather and the door sills are finished with a 'M' that can also be found on the leather steering wheel that greets the driver in the powered sport seats with memory function (for front passenger too).

There's also a dual-zone automatic climate controls with rear air blower, keyless access with push-start button, hands-free boot (470-1,355-litre) and powered front seats with memory function and a full-colour heads-up display.

Also included is a 100-watt amplifier for the four-speaker and two-bass sound system managed by an 8.8-inch touchscreen display with split view, navigation, BMW ConnectedDrive services (Intelligent Emergency Call, Teleservices, Concierge Services, BMW Online and BMW Remote Services), Bluetooth and USB port, with Extended Smartphone Connectivity and Radio.

For safety, the X2 includes six airbags, anti-lock braking system, dynamic traction control, dynamic brake control, electronic differential lock control, flat-tyre monitoring system and ISOFIX anchor points.

“The BMW X models have long made its mark in Malaysia. Last year alone, we delivered over 4,200 BMW X Series vehicles, equating to 39.6% of BMW’s deliveries of 10,618 vehicles. Today, we’re proud to expand our BMW X portfolio here in Malaysia with the first-ever BMW X2,” said BMW Group Malaysia managing director and CEO Harald Hoelzl.


The battery metal really worrying China is lithium, not nickel

Pieces of lithium sparkle in an ore sample. — AP
HONG KONG: Nickel has captured much of the limelight among battery metals in recent weeks, and understandably so.

Wild price swings, including an unprecedented 250% advance over two trading sessions amid a short squeeze, and concerns tied to Russia’s role as a key supplier have added to longstanding worries among automakers about securing enough of the material.

Even so, it’s another metal that’s been causing concern in the world’s largest electric vehicle market.

China’s government last month hauled in a whole range of market players for two days of talks focused on halting a breakneck run-up in lithium, the metal that’s vital for almost all rechargeable batteries and critical to the roll-out of emissions-free cars and clean energy.

Lithium carbonate in China jumped about 472% from a low last June to a record high on March 15, according to pricing provider Asian Metal Inc.

An index of global lithium prices compiled by Benchmark Mineral Intelligence has surged almost 490% in the past year.

At the March seminar, which included industry groups, raw materials suppliers and battery manufacturers, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, demanded "a rational return” to more typical lithium prices.

Talks focused on supply bottlenecks, pricing mechanisms and what officials described as the healthy development of the country’s new-energy vehicle and battery sectors.

While similar interventions to manage soaring commodity prices have been common for coal and steel, it’s a rare step in the electric vehicle sector and underscores Beijing’s nervousness about the impact of rising lithium costs.

Automakers are already grappling with the hikes in raw materials. Several have raised sticker prices in response.

By making electric models too expensive, they risk slowing the pace of adoption.

"The industry is facing a very strong headwind from cost escalation,” Brian Gu, president of Xpeng Inc., told Bloomberg Television last week.

The Guangzhou-based producer last month raised the price of its vehicles by between 10,100 yuan (RM6,697) and 20,000 yuan (RM13,261).

Vehicle manufacturers are suffering from "opportunistic price hikes,” to lithium products, Nio Inc.’s founder William Li said on an earnings call last month.

He urged suppliers to consider the impact of higher costs on development of the EV industry.

The sector’s challenges follow decisions to slow or halt expansions and new projects during a two-year lithium price slump through the middle of 2020.

That, combined with Covid-19 disruptions, means additions to supply simply can’t keep pace with rising requirements.

Demand for lithium will jump fivefold by the end of the decade, according to BloombergNEF.

Roughly US$14 billion (RM59bil) of investment is needed to finance lithium resource and refining capacity by 2025, plus another as much as US$5 billion (RM21bil) by 2030, BNEF forecasts.

There are some signs that governments, producers and consumers are now recognising the scale of that task.

Tesla Inc. signed two recent supply pacts with developers of future projects in Australia, while Ganfeng Lithium Co. - one of the world’s largest producers - said last week it’ll use record profits to support a huge expansion program, aimed at delivering eventual capacity of 600,000 tons of lithium carbonate equivalent, compared to production of about 89,000 tons now.

China’s authorities have called for quicker development of a domestic lithium sector that already dominates world production, highlighting growth prospects in Qinghai, Sichuan and Jiangxi provinces.

In the US, President Joe Biden last week added battery metals, including lithium, to a list of items covered by the Defence Production Act, meaning companies can access funding to boost output or to study potential new developments.


BMW E36 named Britain’s favourite car of the 1990s with Mazda MX-5 in second place

                LONDON: The one-time king of the fast lane and darling of the company car park, the BMW 3 Series E36, has been named the top affordable car of the 1990s by readers of Car Mechanics Bargain Cars, the new motoring magazine celebrating the UK’s most desirable, interesting or best-value cars.

The bargain Beemer was voted into the top slot by followers of Bargain Cars on Facebook and Instagram, narrowly pipping the Mazda MX-5 into top spot. The MX-5’s arch-rival, the MGF, took third spot ahead of the luxurious Jaguar XJ saloon.

Other Nineties icons in the list included the Ford Mondeo, BMW 5-Series E39 and Alfa Romeo 156, along with the BMW E36 named Britain’s favourite cars of the 1990s with Mazda MX-5 in second place.

But more unusual cars also got a look in, with the quirky Fiat Bravo and Brava twins putting in an appearance in the final top 10, proving that enthusiasm for Nineties cars of all shapes and sizes is out there and being celebrated by enthusiasts.

Bargain Cars editor Peter Simpson said: “Bargain Cars is about iconic models that represent the best value they ever will and it’s cars of the 1990s that offer the most in terms of future classic appeal and investment potential, yet they’re still capable of being maintained at home and being used daily. There’s a huge groundswell of enthusiasm for cars of this era and the diversity of the top models voted for by our readers and followers shows that the passion is very real for all types of Nineties classic.”

The complete top 10 was:

BMW E36Mazda MX-5MGFJaguar XJFord MondeoBMW E39Alfa Romeo 156Citroen SaxoPeugeot 306Fiat Bravo/Brava


Viper Niza Racing bets on Aston Martin Vantage GT3 and GT4 in pursuit of racing glory

The GT3.
KUALA LUMPUR: An all-Malaysian racing team has partnered with Aston Martin Racing Asia to spearhead its regional and international racing campaign in the GT Sports Car class.

Viper Niza Racing has armed itself with the latest generation and race-winning Vantage GT3 and GT4 cars in the next chapter of its racing history after seven years of competing in the touring car and prototype classes.

The two cars, decked out in the team's livery, were showcased at Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur here today.

As a partner team of Aston Martin Racing Asia, the Malaysian-based Viper Niza Racing will also be managing and providing services for customer racing programmes.

The team is led by owner, principal and driver Douglas Khoo and longtime endurance racing partner Dominic Ang.

Both the Vantage GT3 and GT4 cars will carry on with Aston Martin Racing's successful legacy in sports car racing, and is built upon the marque's latest generation 4-litre V8 twin turbo Vantage.

 The Vantage GT4 is an entry-level race car and is less aggressively styled than the Vantage GT3.

The Vantage GT3 is a full-blown race car designed from the ground up and replaces Aston Martin's most successful customer car the V12 Vantage GT3.

It offers customers the latest in race car technology, embracing all the experiences from years of engineering and competing in international sports car racing. The car produces in excess of 536hp of power and more than 700Nm of torque.

The heavier Vantage GT4 meanwhile, is modelled after Aston Martin's standard production Vantage sports car and is engineered for gentlemen drivers, giving customers and enthusiasts a direct and hard-edged race car with competitive package, advanced aerodynamics and state-of-the-art safety features that can be maintained by amateur teams.

It is rated at more than 469hp and more than 550Nm of torque.

 Khoo (left) and Tan with the Vantage GT3.

"Endurance racing has always been where our passion lies and we will continue to focus on long distance races as we have done previously in the TCR and Asian Le Mans Series," said Khoo.

The TCR Seat Leon Cupra remains in our racing programme moving forward, but sadly our time with the Ligier JS P3 LMP3 race car has come to its end as the car is no longer technically eligible to compete under current regulations," he added.

Elaborating on the Vantage GT4 Customer Racing Programme, Aston Martin Racing Asia director Weiron Tan said the company would continue to provide customer racing support.

"Customer racing is the backbone of sports car racing and there is no doubt we believe Viper Niza Racing has what it takes to do a good job and also be title contenders. We are there to provide support every step of the way," said Tan.

 Vantage GT3.

Tan told StarCarsifu that the best way to differentiate between the GT4 and GT3 is that the GT4 is basically 10% race car and 90% road car. "It's an entry-level car for newcomers to come into racing, so that they don't feel completely overwhelmed."

The GT3 is the complete opposite of the GT4 as it caters to the more experienced racers. "It's 10% road car, 90% race car," said Tan.

The Aston Martin Racing works programme is fully outsourced to Prodrive, which handbuilds each race car according to customer specifications. Depending on the orders load, it can take the UK-based Prodrive around three to four months to put together each customer race car, said Tan.

 Vantage GT3.

Aston Martin Racing offers plenty of options for both models. The base GT4 starts from £200,000 (RM1.04mil) and could be outfitted with up to £40,000 of options. On the other hand, the base GT3 starts from £550,000 (RM2.86mil) and could come with £20,000 of options.

Present at the announcement of Viper Niza Racing getting its Vantage GT3 and Vantage GT4 was a standard Vantage on display.

The Vantage GT3 and GT4 cars today compete in more than 20 major international race series globally which includes countries like Australia, Japan and China and also in the South-East Asian region.

In 2022, the Vantage GT3 took its first endurance race win at the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship's new top GT class in the United States.

The Vantage GT3's accomplishments include clinching its first major GT championship title in Japan when it won the 2021 Super Taikyu Series championship.

The Vantage GT3 also raced to its first overall class victory in the 2019 TOTAL 24 Hours of Spa.

That same year, the car went on to deliver the perfect score of a pole position, race win and fastest lap in the Donington Park round of the British GT Championship, as well as winning on its debut race in Japan at the opening round of the Japanese Super Taikyu Series.

The Vantage GT3 has also recorded a glorious class victory in the 10-hour US endurance classic Petit Le Mans; and scored a podium finish in the 2018 Gulf 12 Hours race at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.

The Vantage GT4 track record meanwhile, include racing to a victorious debut where it won its class in the 2019 ADAC TOTAL 24 Hours at the legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany.

 The standard Vantage was on display in the same showroom where the two works cars were unveiled today.

Vantage GT3

Vantage GT4


Limited edition KIA Stinger GTS breaks cover

                NEW YORK: Kia Motors America unveiled a new limited edition Stinger GTS with a newly-developed dynamic all-wheel drive system (D-AWD)

Limited to just 800 units, it is said that the Stinger's D-AWD system is also peppered with rear-wheel drive DNA.

This system tries to close the gap in behaviour between the AWD-equipped and RWD-equipped Stinger GT.

Mechanical limited slip rear differential is added to the D-AWD system, which is designed to enhance traction and distribute power more evenly between the rear wheels when slip is detected.

The Drive Mode Select amplifies rear-biased dynamics where Comfort mode sends 60% of power to the rear for a feeling of stability.

Sport mode sends 80% of power to the rear for more spirited driving while Drift mode sends up to 100% of power to the rear wheels and holds gears without upshifting.

The new Control Logic system detects slip control, counter steer, transmission shift pattern and stability control.

Available in either D-AWD or RWD, the Stinger GTS maintains the Stinger GT’s potent powertrain - a 3.3-litre V6 twin turbo engine with 365hp and 510Nm managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission.

There's a number of exterior and interior enhancements tailored to make it look ready for time on the track or carving hairpin turns.

This includes exclusive “Federation” premium orange paint colour, centre Stinger emblem that replaces the Kia logo, GTS rear emblem, genuine carbon fibre parts that outline the signature tiger-nose grille, side mirror caps and side vents.

Inside, the steering wheel and centre console are wrapped in Alcantara, while the headliner is blanketed in premium suede-like Chamude.

As part of the GTS treatment, the limited edition fastback includes a sunroof, 720W Harman Kardon audio system with Quantum Logic and Clari-Fi signal enhancing technology as well as a wireless charger for compatible smartphones.

In terms of pricing, the GTS starts its price hike from USD$44,000 (RM185,000) for the RWD and around USD$46,500 (RM195,000) for the D-AWD.


Europe's car repairers call for competition rules rewrite

                LONDON: Europe's car repair and spare parts industry is calling for a rewrite of EU competition rules, arguing they allow carmakers and franchise dealers to disadvantage independent operators.

The European Commission has recommended extending 2010's Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation (MVBER) for five years when it expires in 2023, with some supplementary guidelines.

In January, European Union members are due to discuss the future of the rule, which has become another front in a growing struggle for access to and control of car data, as the EU is already working on laws governing access to in-vehicle data.

Proponents of a rewrite say automakers restrict access to vehicle data, which can make repairs more expensive, while also dictating how repairs should be undertaken and with which parts.

"In the last 10 years things have changed dramatically, the rules of the game are no longer the same," said Alex Gelbcke, chief executive of spare parts provider Fource.

"The regulation deserves an in-depth refresh and if that does not happen we will all suffer," added Gelbcke, whose company covers the Benelux countries and France. Fource's parent company LKQ Corp has annual turnover in Europe of around 6 billion euros (RM28bil).

Sylvia Gotzen, CEO of the International Federation of Automotive Aftermarket Distributors, which is part of a broader alliance of repair shops and parts makers that employs 3.5 million people in Europe, also called for changes.

"Car manufacturers sit on that data like a chicken on eggs," she said, adding that this makes carmakers "masters and gate-keepers for the entire repair process".

A spokesperson for the Commission said its evaluation had shown "there had been no material developments in the last decade that would justify a major revision of the regime."

"However, the evaluation revealed that an update was necessary to reflect the importance that access to vehicle-generated data is likely to have as a factor of competition."

The Commission needs to make a decision before the current MVBER expires on May 31, 2023.

The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) said it supports the commission's approach.

"If the Commission has decided not to change the rules, we assume that the complaints made by the independent aftermarket were not sufficiently substantiated," a spokeswoman said.

Critics also complain automakers have increasingly relied on the use of "captive parts", which include software coding that often can only be accessed by franchise dealers.

Neil Pattemore, technical director of Britain's Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) said to replace headlights on some newer models requires a code, or brake pads have QR codes, but only branded dealers have access to them.

Britain's Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) has proposed changes to its MVBER that addresses some aftermarket complaints, including using clearer language in vehicle warranties that consumers can use independent repairers without losing benefits.

Major European carmakers including, Stellantis and Renault did not respond to requests for comment.

Volkswagen said the current regulation "is still fit for purpose," but it also supports the Commission's approach to supplementary guidelines that would enable access for independent operators to "vehicle-generated data to the extent that such data is essential for repair and maintenance."


Renault to scrap Ghosn's 30 million euro golden parachute, say sources

                PARIS: The board of Renault was poised to cancel as much as 30 million euros (RM138mil) in deferred pay and severance to its ousted boss Carlos Ghosn (pic), as directors met on Wednesday to approve its full-year accounts, sources told Reuters.

Renault will scrap around 460,000 performance shares attributed to Ghosn since 2014-15 and now worth 26 million euros (RM120mil), under proposals backed by the French government, its biggest shareholder, two people familiar with the matter said.

The board is also likely to drop a two-year non-compete clause worth 4-5 million euros (RM23mil) to Ghosn, who was forced out in January following his arrest in Japan for suspected financial misconduct at Nissan, Renault’s alliance partner.

A Renault spokesman did not immediately return calls and messages seeking comment.

Ghosn, 64, was arrested in Japan and ousted as Nissan chairman last November and has since been indicted along with Nissan and a fellow director for failing to disclose more than US$80 million (RM326mil) in additional 2010-18 compensation that he had arranged to be paid later. Ghosn denies the deferred pay was illegal or required disclosure.

The scandal, triggered by a Nissan internal investigation, initially strained ties with 43.4 percent-owner Renault as the French carmaker continued to back Ghosn until he was eventually forced to resign last month.

Renault appointed new chairman Jean-Dominique Senard on Jan 24 and last week passed evidence to prosecutors that the company had paid part of Ghosn’s 2016 Versailles wedding costs, in a first case of his suspected misconduct at the French carmaker.

Ghosn’s representatives say he was unaware the 50,000 euro (RM231,000) rental had been charged to Renault and now plans to repay it.

The proposal to scrap most of Ghosn’s severance package was drawn up by Renault’s remuneration committee and is unlikely to be rejected by the full board, the sources said.

Left intact, his golden parachute could have been politically explosive in France, where President Macron is battling “yellow vest” street protests over low pay and inequality.

Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire had asked the government’s lead board representative at Renault to “ensure that Mr Ghosn’s compensation is cut as much as possible”, a ministry official said today.

“We’ve always been against excessive pay,” the official said. “It’s not about the presumption of innocence but ethics and decency.”

In Japan, Ghosn’s chief defence attorney Motonari Otsuru resigned and was replaced by a team that includes hotshot lawyer Junichiro Hironaka, in a change of strategy three months after Ghosn was arrested.

The auto executive hired Hiroshi Kawatsu as head of a new defence team, his office said today.

Hironaka, 73, has won several high profile cases, helping acquit senior lawmaker Ichiro Ozawa and senior bureaucrat Atsuko Muraki.


Lexus LIT IS covered in LEDs featured in Dua Lipa's music video - VIDEO

                LOS ANGELES: To highlight the new styling of the 2017 Lexus IS, the Japanese luxury-arm of Toyota unveiled a custom vehicle wrapped in 41,999 programmable LEDs - effectively turning the car into a screen.

The custom IS is now capable of broadcasting dynamic graphics and videos and has been featured in the UK chart-topping artist Dua Lipa’s new music video for her hit song “Be the One.”

The first-of-its-kind collaboration pairs Lipa’s powerful vocals with an ethereal storyline, featuring the vehicle as a character and visual anchor in a story that also casts actor Ansel Elgort (“Divergent”; “The Fault in Our Stars”) as her former love.

This unique collaboration between Lexus and Vevo showcases the IS as a work of art, technology and design through the lens of a music video.

The new IS has a commanding design and Lexus was intent on amplifying its styling cues.

To create the LIT IS, the LEDs were hand-applied to turn the vehicle into a screen.

In addition to broadcasting graphics, the LIT IS can also generate colorful, mesmerizing animations in response to gestures and music.

Through this responsive technology and the animations, an expressive car was turned into an actual vehicle for expression, and the concept for a new Dua Lipa music video was born.

“A car as visually striking as the LIT IS required an equally dramatic debut,” said Brian Bolain, Lexus general manager of product and consumer marketing.

“A music video was a perfect place to launch the LIT IS and working with Dua Lipa allowed the concept to come to life, putting a spotlight on the Lexus IS in an entirely new way.”

The custom car produces 175,000 lumens when fully illuminated, and the LED strips, if placed end-to-end, would stretch around 800m in length.

Three distinct modes allow the LIT IS to interact with sounds and people in its vicinity.

Attract mode features a loop of colorful graphics that highlight the strong lines of the IS and play into its bold styling.

Music Viz mode is designed to respond to music, as the LEDs will create custom, responsive displays that perfectly sync to any song.

Gesture mode allows the motion of the LED animations to be controlled by users’ hand movements with the help of a gaming console - this mode directly connects the car and the driver, allowing the person to send a signal and watch the car respond.


Mercedes teases new-gen GLE

                STUTTGART: Mercedes has released a set of teaser images of its next-generation GLE SUV, but they certainly don't reveal anything about how this important new model will look like when it's out on the road. Instead of the usual stylised artist's impressions of the exterior, the luxury manufacturer has put out a bunch of artist sketches of the interior, showing off the new MBUX twin-screen infotainment system.

Although this is one of the most high-end models in the Mercedes range, the twin-screen infotainment and driver display setup is actually already available in the entry-level 2019 A-Class.

Plenty of other design elements borrowed from the latest E-Class and A-Class models are likely to figure in the all-new version of the GLE, but there will still be enough unique design cues to give the GLE a character all of its own.

For example, if you were in any doubt about the GLE's SUV credentials there are some pretty prominent grab handles for the driver and passenger you're never going to see in an A or E-Class. There are also some distinct large trapezoidal air vents to add another degree of character to the new GLE.

Of course, even though Mercedes hasn't shown us any shots of the exterior design so far, the ubiquitous spy shots have been doing the rounds recently showing the new GLE to have a sportier and more contemporary look that's a little reminiscent of the new A-Class and the CLS.

The overall shape doesn't appear to be too far removed from the current model, but the sharper, squinting headlights and reshaped grille give the new model a much more modern face.

As mentioned earlier, the GLE is a very important nameplate for Mercedes as the company sold a total of 712,100 SUVs in 2017, with the admittedly ageing GLE playing a major part in that success.

The new model is expected to be built on an entirely new scalable platform and will feature a fresh selection of powerplants. Base models will probably get a version of the 2.0-litre diesel the E-Class currently uses, but the platform will also support the use of full plug-in hybrid technology.


Cars keep getting pricier and the commodity boom makes it worse

                MANCHESTER: Cars are back in vogue courtesy of the pandemic. They’re also getting more expensive, thanks in part to surging commodity prices.

Many of the essential ingredients for automakers, such as copper, steel and aluminum, are hitting or approaching record highs this year as the lagging supply can’t keep up with stimulus-driven demand. The Bloomberg Commodity Spot Index jumped to its highest since 2011, with metals up 21% so far this year.

Should the current rally morph into a supercycle, rising car prices could forebode inflation across the board.

Analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co estimate the price of an auto’s raw materials have climbed 83% in the year through March. Those pieces typically make up about 10% of the cost of building a vehicle, meaning the price tag for a US$40,000 (RM164,499) car would have to increase 8.3% to offset the rally, analysts for the bank wrote.

“We’re definitely feeling the commodity headwind, ” Jim Farley, chief executive officer of Ford Motor Co, said last week. “We’re seeing inflation in a variety of parts of our industry, kind of in ways we haven’t seen for many years.”

Carmakers usually struggle to pass on higher costs, but demand is booming as major economies reopen and many consumers continue avoiding public transportation. The global semiconductor shortage also is inhibiting production, keeping inventory tight and driving up vehicle prices.

In the US, car supply is so limited that rental companies are resorting to buying used vehicles at auction rather than new ones.

The main contributor to higher commodity costs hitting the industry is the steel needed for chassis, engines and wheels. The metal’s recent rally has smashed records as China – by far the biggest producer – took measures to curb output.

The boom in copper prices adds to the costs of electric vehicles (EVs) just as the industry implements an energy transformation to meet tighter emissions standards. EVs use nearly 3½ times more copper than gas guzzlers because of the larger amount of wiring inside.

The increases may hurt automakers like Tesla Inc and Volkswagen AG that are trying to make EVs more price-competitive with traditional cars. They also may encourage automakers to explore alternative chemistries for their EV batteries. The majority of cells use some combination of lithium, cobalt and nickel, which have jumped a minimum of 47% each in the past 12 months.

Ford and BMW AG were among those investing US$130mil (RM534mil) this month in battery startup Solid Power Inc, which is working on cells that would remove the need for those metals, leading to a 10-fold decline in power pack costs.

BMW expects headwinds from rising commodity prices of as much as €1bil (US$1.2bil or RM4.93bil) for the year, chief financial officer Nicolas Peter said during an earnings briefing. The luxury-car maker singled out rhodium, steel and palladium as particular worries in the coming months.

BMW is working to be less exposed to price squeezes in raw materials. From 2025, it plans to produce vehicles on a new architecture that will allow recycling of materials such as steel and aluminum to make new cars. “We’re seeking partnerships” to refine the necessary technologies, CEO Oliver Zipse said.


Ford holds special promotions

                KUALA LUMPUR: Ford customers can enjoy attractive cash rebates and monthly repayments for selected models nationwide from as low as RM588 for Fiesta, RM908 for EcoSport and RM1,258 for Kuga from now till July 15.

Those who book any Ford model from now till June 30 can participate in Ford’s Ramadhan Raya Lucky Draw.

Five lucky winners will each walk away with a 10g gold bar, while 50 winners will receive a GPS navigation unit.

To qualify, customers simply need to complete the contest entry form during the delivery process and submit it at any authorised Ford dealer nationwide.


Honda Malaysia recalls four models for precautionary safety measure

                PETALING JAYA: Honda Malaysia has announced a proactive product recall involving the City, City Hatchback, HR-V and BR-V in a precautionary safety measure.A. Inspection of the nut torque on the Alternating Current Generator (ACG)
This recall is a precautionary safety measure to inspect the nut tightening on the ACG terminal of the engine harness.

This may cause poor contact terminal and battery malfunction which may lead to engine halt while driving or unable to start the engine after the car stops.

The models affected are 1,068 units of City 2021 Year Model and City Hatchback 2022 Year Model.

B. Inspection of the bolt earth grounding tightness
This recall is a precautionary safety measure to inspect the tightening of bolt earth grounding that may lead to loose wire harness.

This may cause poor contact terminal and may result in engine halt while driving or unable to start the engine after the car stops.

The models affected are 343 units of HR-V 2020 Year Model and 116 units of BR-V 2021 Year Model.

Honda Malaysia said it apologises for the inconvenience caused to the affected customers and reassures that all current production and selling models are not affected in this product recall.

As of today, there are no incidences of crashes or injuries caused by this issue reported in Malaysia.

The company said this product recall is necessary as customer safety is Honda Malaysia’s top priority. Honda Malaysia will continue to uphold transparency and stringent controls for customers.

All affected customers will be informed via notification letters, which will include details of the product recall.

Affected customers can contact any Honda authorised dealer to make an appointment upon receipt of the notification to have their vehicles checked and repaired if required, subject to parts availability.

The inspection, repair and replacement of the affected parts are free of charge and all costs related to this recall activity will be borne by Honda Malaysia.

Vehicle owners can obtain information or check their vehicle status on this product recall by calling Honda Malaysia’s Toll-Free number at 1-800-88-2020.


No congestion charges on private vehicles, says Loke

                GEORGE TOWN: Congestion charges will not be imposed anywhere in the country on private vehicles to improve the ridership of public transport.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke confirmed the government has no such intention as it wants people to use the public transport by providing various incentives.

A congestion charge is a charge for driving a vehicle within a particular zone, usually in a busy traffic area.

"Let us use more carrots first, before we use the stick and the congestion charges would only be considered if there was an alternative," said Loke at a press conference after launching the unlimited travel Mutiara Pass for Rapid Penang and Rapid Ferry at the Rapid Penang terminal in Weld Quay today.

Loke said people should use public transport and the government is doing all to improve connectivity for people to move and reach their destinations.

"The proposed motorcycle e-hailing was one of the ways where connectivity could be improved in areas where feeder buses would not go.

"The ministry has been given one month to come out with a complete framework on the e-hailing service and every issue will be thoroughly studied before we move into implementation," he said.

On the proposed RM90mil funding upgrade of the iconic Penang ferries, Loke said the money had been set aside but was not channelled to Prasarana just yet due to some legal issues.

"The upgrade will be done and some of the ferries would be converted to tourism ferries while the others would be maintained to carry vehicles.

"Prasarana is also planning to introduce the passenger only catamarans probably next year as it is still in the planning stage," he added.


Audi SQ2 updated

                INGOLSTADT: The 300PS Audi SQ2 adopts the sharper new look and upgraded lighting technology already favouring the other members of the compact SUV range.

Enhancement of the S model that first brought sub-five-second acceleration potential to the Audi Q family’s singularly stylish lead-in SUV two years ago has also taken place beneath the skin.

The cabin now benefits from additional equipment, improved infotainment and web-based Audi connect functionality and an expanded portfolio of driver assistance systems.

As is the case with all S models, the interior of the SQ21 is dominated by dark tones and high-quality surfaces. The headlining is designed in black and the door panels feature a new material that is pleasant to touch. The pedal caps and the footrest are made of stainless steel and the illuminated door sill trims sport S logos. The display shows S-specific start screens when the ignition is switched on.

All equipment in the sportiest Q2 model is bundled in packages; there are four packages for the upholstery and colors. Customers can choose from a combination of fabric and leather (standard), pure fine Nappa leather – with a rhombus pattern as an option – and a mixture of leather and the microfiber material Dinamica, which is replacing Alcantara.

It looks and feels like suede but consists mainly of recycled polyester, which is sourced from textiles and PET bottles, for example. Accent stripes and contrasting stitching adorn the seats. They are available in rock gray, black, and magma red. The optional backlit trim strip constitutes a major exception in the segment.

The compact SQ2 comes with the Audi pre sense front safety system as standard. This system can contribute to preventing potential accidents involving pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles in front of the car or reducing their severity.

The adaptive cruise assist, which can help the driver in many situations with accelerating, decelerating, and steering within the lane, is a new addition to the optional systems. In order to maintain lateral guidance, the driver only needs to touch the capacitive steering wheel gently, which is part of the system, to prove that they are paying attention.

In combination with the camera-based traffic sign recognition, the adaptive cruise assist ensures that the car decelerates in certain situations, for example when approaching speed limits and town signs. As soon as the restricted area ends, it accelerates the SQ2 again. The park assist is another optional system. It steers the sports SUV into and out of parking spaces automatically.

The 2.0-litre TFSI engine powering the new generation SQ2 draws its 300PS output and makes peak torque of 400Nm of torque.

The turbocharged four-cylinder always responds keenly to throttle inputs, and its sound becomes fuller as speed increases thanks in part to the switchable flaps in the exhaust system.

The key figures it delivers speak for themselves: 0 to 100kph in 4.9 seconds, and a top speed of 250kph. Average fuel consumption is 7.7l/100km.

Presales of the revised SQ2 will start shortly in Germany and other European countries. Deliveries are scheduled to start at the beginning of 2021. The prices in Germany start at €45,700 (RM223,000 including VAT).


Is Toyota GR Hilux coming?

                PETALING JAYA: Scouring the web for exciting automotive rumours has led us to Australia where a Toyota Australia spokesperson said that "There’s no reason Land Cruiser or Hilux couldn’t have GR models... and we’ve trademarked (GR Hilux)."

The quote was taken from Australia's Carsales and reported by Motoring.

GR stands for Gazoo Racing, with the Gazoo part of the name meaning "garage." It is yet another performance offshoot from Toyota.

Toyota has plans for introducing a GR variant for a wide range of its model line-up and has already launched the GR Yaris and GR Supra among others.


Toyota, pressed to innovate, is cutting marketing costs to fuel research

                BEIJING: Toyota has begun slashing costs, starting with sales and marketing, and shifting resources into research that will help it keep up with new competitors, four people familiar with the matter said.

One of the company’s first moves was to cancel contracts with the China unit of its long-term communication and advertising agency, Dentsu Inc, the sources said.

Chief executive Akio Toyoda and chief financial and risk officer Koji Kobayashi want to follow the example of Tesla, Google and Tencent - all of which rely heavily on cheaper, often more innovative non-traditional marketing.

They say the savings should be plowed into investment in emerging technology such as autonomous vehicles.

“We may be posting record profits, but we don’t think we are keeping up with their pace of investments,” one of the sources, a senior Toyota official, told Reuters.

To do that, Kobayashi wants to tap into money once earmarked for automotive marketing and general expenses, which for the year that ended in March totaled 2.72 trillion yen (RM99bil).

The company reported 2.4 trillion yen (RM87bil) in operating income in the same period, making Toyota one of the world’s most profitable automakers.

The company’s profit margin is about 9 percent. But companies like Google and Apple - now competing directly with Toyota in automotive technology - boast numbers several times larger.

 The new Lexus ES was launched at the 2018 Beijing auto show.

Toyoda and Kobayashi see a sharp contrast between Toyota’s hyper-efficient factory side and its more wasteful sales operation, the sources said.

Barring Beijing Dentsu from new business with the automaker next year, and scaling back work already approved, shows the effort to cut spending is serious, the sources said.

Although the company may bid for Toyota contracts again in 2020, it will be a hard sell, they said. Beijing Dentsu had been doing about US$50 million (RM200mil) worth of business for Toyota annually.

None of the four wished to be identified because they were not authorised to speak to the media about the issue.

Toyota was frustrated with the cost of at least two events Dentsu organised in China: a ride-and-drive for Toyota’s premium Lexus brand in March and the Beijing auto show display stand for Toyota in April.

A review by the automaker showed “out-of-control extravagance in how it executed those events - not over-billing,” another one of the sources said. Beijing Dentsu declined to comment.

It was not the first time Toyota had clashed with Dentsu; in 2016, the marketing company admitted to billing for services it did not perform.

Toyota’s cost-cutting effort takes aim at wholesale outsourcing, known in Japan as “marunage,” according to two of the sources. It can encompass items such as media buys, promotional events, and consumer and market research.

The sources added that Toyoda and Kobayashi see marunage as flab weighing on the efficiency of Toyota’s non-factory operations, and hurting the company’s ability to research and produce better vehicles.

At Toyota factories, engineers make a point of knowing everything they can about each component and process, all the way down to what each part costs. Even if they outsource production, they would produce it on their own first to understand its cost structure, the sources said.

Toyoda and Kobayashi want to instil more discipline in Toyota’s sales and marketing teams, and to move in-house some of the jobs routinely outsourced today, the four sources said.

 Toyoda is said to be on a cosst-cutting spree and wants to instil more discipline in Toyota’s sales and marketing teams.

That, the executives hope, will help give the company more financial firepower to keep up with Silicon Valley, which is pouring money into future automotive technology.

For instance, a lawsuit Waymo filed against Uber over trade secrets revealed that Google’s parent company, Alphabet, spent US$1.1 billion (RM4.4bil) developing self-driving tech from 2009 to 2015. That’s about what Toyota set aside to fund a research institute it launched in 2016.

On June 13, Toyota invested US$1 billion (RM4bil) in the Southeast Asian ride-hailing app Grab, giving it access to trip data that could help it develop next-generation services.

Other established automakers are also taking steps to reshape their marketing operations. Ford has tried to “drive greater marketing efficiency” by using new tools and technology rather than investing in traditional methods, the company said in a response to questions. The effort, however, doesn’t include Ford’s China unit or Lincoln brand.

Toyota’s current cost-cutting drive began in January, propelled by Kobayashi.

Kobayashi and Toyoda focused first on Beijing Dentsu in part because of the outsized Lexus event in March in the southern China city of Shenzhen, which Toyoda attended, the sources said. Both men declined to be interviewed for this story.

What infuriated Toyoda and Kobayashi most, according the four sources, was what they described as the unnecessary extravagance of the event.

Toyota in late March then began a last-minute cost-cutting effort on the display Dentsu had designed for the Beijing auto show in April.

At a visit to the display during the event, it was clear where expenses had been trimmed: some rooms did not have ceilings, and downgraded VIP areas originally outfitted with upscale tables and seating now had steel-pipe chairs and other simple furniture.

Generally, a stand such as the one Dentsu assembled would cost one billion yen (RM40mil) or more. Toyota was only able to slightly reduce that cost.

“Why spend this much money when we use an auto show stand once?” said one of the knowledgeable individuals. “It’s this kind of out-of-control expense we had rein in.”


French carmaker PSA launches Citroen C5 Aircross SUV in India

                NEW DELHI: PSA Group today launched its Citroen C5 Aircross SUV in India and said it would be available before the end of 2020, as the French carmaker re-enters the Indian market to expand beyond Europe.

The SUV is the first product from the Citroen brand aimed at the Indian market and the company plans one new launch every year from 2021 after the flagship vehicle.

Paris-based PSA, known for its legacy Peugeot, Citroen and DS brands said in February it would launch the Citroen brand in India as it pursues a 50 percent group sales increase outside its home region by 2021.

To expand internationally, PSA is also relying on the Opel re-launch in Russia and the Peugeot comeback in the US market.

PSA already has a presence in India through its “Push to Pass” plan, which began in 2017 with two joint ventures with New Delhi-based conglomerate CK Birla Group, both of which are based out of Tamil Nadu.

The partnerships focus on the assembly and distribution of cars and the manufacture and supply of powertrains in India.


Toyota’s tech chief lays out path to selling millions of EVs

                TOKYO: Toyota Motor Corp. executives are sounding more confident in their ability to build and sell millions of electric vehicles.

Consumers making the transition to fully electric cars from hybrids are giving the world’s largest automaker a good indication of where the market will be in three years, chief technology officer Hiroki Nakajima said during a day-long set of technology briefings last week at Toyota’s research facility near Mount Fuji.

"Development and production will be ready when there’s demand for 1.5 million units,” he said, offering assurance that Toyota will achieve its goal to sell that many battery-electric vehicles by 2026.

The comments and hours of presentations contrasted from years of Toyota executives speaking cautiously about how quickly car buyers will be ready to go all-electric.

The manufacturer’s management team also opened up about innovations in the pipeline for next-generation EVs, ranging from longer-range batteries to slicker aerodynamics and more efficient production processes.

While Toyota pioneered electrifying vehicles with the hybrid Prius, it’s now playing catchup to Tesla Inc. and China’s BYD Co. in selling cars powered entirely by batteries.

Toyota is still espousing a multipronged approach to reducing vehicle emissions - it remains a believer in the potential of hydrogen and carbon-neutral fuels - but new Chief Executive Officer Koji Sato has championed an EV-first approach.

This was on full display near Fuji, a few hours from Tokyo, where Toyota engineers and product managers showcased their research and product plans.

There were test drives of new vehicles and prototypes, including an EV that simulated a manual-transmission car with a clutch, and a Lexus SUV equipped with a hydrogen-burning combustion engine.

The manufacturer detailed its battery roadmap - including the potential commercialisation of solid-state batteries within a few years - and showed off more advanced vehicle software, more compact e-axles and more affordable fuel cells.

Soon after taking over as CEO in April, Sato laid out plans to introduce 10 new EV models by 2026 and sell 1.5 million battery electric vehicles annually, as an interim step toward reaching 3.5 million by 2030 - a goal set by his predecessor Akio Toyoda, who’s now chairman.

Those are ambitious objectives, considering that Toyota sold around 38,000 battery EVs in the fiscal year that ended in March.

To put Toyota’s targets in perspective, it took the carmaker two decades from the introduction of the Prius in 1997 until its first year selling 1.5 million electrified vehicles, the vast majority of which were hybrids.

By combining a battery, electric motor and smaller combustion engine in an integrated powertrain, the carmaker was able to achieve efficiencies never seen before, giving hybrids significantly greater range and gas mileage that competitors.

Celebrities and environmental groups embraced the Prius, burnishing Toyota’s green credentials and helping propel it to overtake Volkswagen AG as the world’s largest carmaker. While Prius sales have tapered off, hybrid technology is now spread across Toyota’s lineup, including the Lexus brand.

Reduced emissions from gas-electric vehicles remain a key element of Toyota’s multipathway approach to reducing emissions.

Nakajima was less declarative about Toyota’s sales goal for the end of the decade, given the differences in readiness for EVs and regulatory requirements across major markets, among other factors.

"There’s a reasonable basis for the target of 3.5 million units in 2030, but it is also quite far in the future,” Nakajima said.

"It is true that we are still trying to assess whether that’s going to happen, for sure.”

Takero Kato, who leads Toyota’s battery EV efforts, said car buyers should expect a quicker tempo of product releases in the coming months and years.

Two of the test vehicles at the event were battery-electric models that are close to production: a Hilux pickup truck unveiled in Thailand in December, and a mini EV from Toyota subsidiary Daihatsu Motor Co. that will hit the Japanese market by March.

"I don’t think these numbers are unachievable,” Kato said of the EV targets.

Toyota plans to roll out at least two new types of batteries within the next few years. One will debut in 2026 with a range of 1,000km, along with improvements in weight reduction and airflow design, while cutting costs by 20% compared with the battery in the bZ4X sport utility vehicle.

The other, a lithium iron phosphate battery slated for 2026 or 2027, will aim to reduce costs by 40% compared to what’s in the bZ4X while increasing range by 20%.

A bit further out, in 2027 or 2028, Toyota aims to start producing vehicles with high-nickel cathodes that will offer even greater range and cost improvements.

Toyota also spent time showing some of its new ideas for vehicle manufacturing, aimed at halving development costs and plant investment.

Just as Tesla has worked with suppliers on simplifying the body structures that underpin its vehicles, using much fewer pieces of metal, Toyota will embrace what it referred to as a "giga casting” system.

Moving to three-part body architectures will allow for greater interchangeability between front and rear structures and the batteries wedged in between.

One of the more radical ideas that the company vaunted for its production system is pursuing is to do away with assembly line conveyors by building EV powertrains on wheels that can drive autonomously from one workstation to the next.

Toyota’s executive team was convincing, according to Koji Endo, a managing director of SBI Securities Co. who attended last week’s briefings.

"Many doubted whether they can boost output by 500,000 units a year,” Endo said. "But after going to the research centre, most analysts now think they can.”


2019 Geneva Motor Show: Mercedes-Benz EQ Silver Arrow 01

                GENEVA: The "teaser" version of the first all-electric racing car to be entered by the Mercedes-Benz EQ Formula E Team has made its world debut.

The Formula E show car represents the entry of the Mercedes-Benz EQ Formula E team into the ABB FIA Formula E Championship in the 2019/2020 season.

Also, at the start of its debut season in 2019/20, the Mercedes-Benz EQ Formula E Team will be entering not one but two all-electric racing cars.

The brand with the three-pointed star will thus become the only automobile manufacturer in the world to compete in both Formula 1 and Formula E.

The parallel commitment to the two racing series will enable Mercedes to transfer the lessons learned in both arenas to the road.

The EQ Silver Arrow 01 has been given a special "teaser livery" which gives an idea of the team’s Formula E campaign to come. The definitive design will be presented at a later stage ahead of the season opener.

“The Mercedes-Benz EQ Silver Arrow 01 teaser car gives a foretaste of the first all-electric Silver Arrow from Mercedes-Benz,” says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler AG.

On the side of the vehicle, running all the way from the front to the rear, is a horizontal blue line symbolising the EQ brand.

At the same time, it serves as a colour contrast similar to the PETRONAS green on the Mercedes-AMG F1 W10 EQ Power+ in Formula 1.

At the rear of the vehicle there is a star motif for both the Formula 1 car and the Formula E teaser version.

This subtly conveys the high-value Mercedes-Benz brand.

The team still has a lot of work to do before the Mercedes-Benz EQ Silver Arrow 01 contests its first race towards the end of the year.

“Formula E is going to be a completely new playing field for us,” adds Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport Toto Wolff. “But we are looking forward to the challenge of demonstrating the performance of our intelligent battery-electric drives in motorsport and of giving a positive boost to the EQ brand.”


Waze will no longer lead you onto unplowed roads

                SAN FRANCISCO: Waze is a mobile navigation application that, in addition to giving directions, alerts drivers about road conditions like traffic, construction, and accidents immediately after another driver reports them. Most recently, as reported by TechCrunch, the company has added the ability to report unplowed roads.

The addition was originally requested by Virginia Department of Transportation and, just in time for snowstorm season, the feature began rolling out Tuesday.

Within the reporting tool, users can tap on "Hazards" and then "Weather" to find unplowed roads as a road condition to alert to other drivers. This information will also be provided to the Virginia Department of Transportation to help the organization locate unpaved roads and more efficiently clear them.

This tool rolled out on Tuesday and is live in every country where Waze is available.


PLUS to conduct open toll payment system trial run at Penang Bridge, BKE in September

                GEORGE TOWN: PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS) will conduct a trial run for the implementation of its open toll payment system using credit and debit cards at the Penang Bridge and Butterworth-Kulim Expressway (BKE) in September.

Through the open toll payment system, motorists can use credit and debit cards to pay toll charges once the system is fully operational in September.

PLUS chief operating officer Datuk Zakaria Ahmad Zabidi said they will work with the Malaysia Highway Authority (LLM) to implement the system.

"PLUS welcomes the statement by Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi about the implementation of the open toll payment system, especially allowing motorists to use debit and credit cards on several highways, including the Penang Bridge.

"We are currently preparing to have a trial run of the system where motorists can use the debit and credit cards at the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) lanes, as well as use the ewallet Touch 'n Go at the Penang Bridge," he said in a statement here.

He added that a similar trial run will be carried out to test the system at the BKE toll plaza in Kubang Semang as PLUS is always finding ways to provide a more conducive toll payment system for motorists.

Nanta Linggi had said the open toll payment system will begin in September at the Sungai Besi Expressway, Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (DUKE), New Pantai Expressway (NPE), Guthrie Corridor Expressway and Penang Bridge.


New Mercedes-AMG SL to get completely new bodyshell

                STUTTGART: The upcoming Mercedes-AMG SL will have a completely new vehicle architecture.

Developed by Mercedes-AMG, the lightweight composite aluminum chassis provides the basis for high comfort, precise driving dynamics, optimal packaging and sporty body proportions.

The first SL came out in 1952 and used a filigree space frame that combined low weight with the highest possible torsional rigidity. This construction was conceived for its original use in motorsport and further developed to provide the backbone for the later production SL model in coupe and roadster form.

The new roadster architecture consists of the combination of an aluminum space frame with a self-supporting structure. It was created - as with the first SL in 1952 - literally on a blank sheet of paper: not a single component was taken over from the preceding SL model or, for example, from the AMG GT Roadster.

The requirements for the bodyshell architecture of the new luxury roadster were considerable: the specifications demanded a much more comprehensive scope than for the predecessor model series. In particular, the basic layout with 2+2 seats and the potential to accommodate a wide range of drive systems were realized here for the first time in an SL, a task that presented the developers with completely new challenges in terms of complexity.

The aim was to present the Driving Performance characteristic of the brand with a focus on lateral and longitudinal dynamics, as well as to meet the high expectations in terms of comfort and safety.

In the new SL, the intelligent material composition of aluminum, steel, magnesium and fiber composites ensures the highest possible rigidity in conjunction with low weight. Optimized material cross-sections and sophisticated component shaping create space for the exceptional comfort and safety features, the sophisticated technology and the soft top. Other specific measures include aluminum thrust panels on the underbody and function-integrated struts at the front and rear.

The instrument panel support made of magnesium, along with part of the front module cover bridge in a fiber composite material with a mixture of glass fibers and carbon, also demonstrate the engineers' efforts to achieve the best possible, customized use of the most diverse materials.

This also applies to the windscreen frame made of high-strength, hot-formed tubular steel. This, in conjunction with a system behind the rear seats that extends at lightning speed if necessary, serves as rollover protection.

Cast aluminum components are used at the nodal points where forces come together or where functions are highly integrated, i.e. where large forces have to be transferred. Cast components have the advantage of enabling the specific discharge of forces, and make it possible to vary wall thicknesses locally according to the loads encountered.

Areas of greater rigidity can therefore be realised where required, for example at the chassis connections. Moreover, only the necessary wall thickness is provided at any point of the component, which saves weight in the areas subject to low forces.

Compared to the previous model series, the torsional stiffness of the bodyshell structure increased by 18 percent. The transverse rigidity is 50 percent higher than that of the AMG GT Roadster, while the longitudinal rigidity is 40 percent higher.

The improved introduction rigidity for the chassis connection ensures sporty driving performance with precise handling and high agility. The weight of the pure bodyshell without doors, hood and trunk lid, as well as without add-on assembly parts, is around 595 lbs.

The entire vehicle concept is designed towards the lowest possible center of gravity. This applies both to the low connection points for the powertrain and axles and to the lowest possible arrangement of the rigidity- relevant bodyshell structure.

Modern joining techniques such as MIG welding, laser welding, punch riveting, blind riveting, MIG soldering, glued seams or flow hole bolts as well as precise toolmaking raise the level of the bodyshell value appeal to the highest level. This applies equally to gap dimensions and to radii or joint courses. The new Mercedes-AMG bodyshell architecture meets all internal crash requirements, which in many areas are significantly stricter than legal requirements.

Despite the extremely high quality requirements, the development was implemented at a record-breaking pace: The pre-development was done in only three months. It took less than three years from the time the commission was given to a team of, initially, just six people to the release of the series.

Production of the new SL will take place at the Bremen plant later this year, where the preceding model rolled off the production line.


Honda Malaysia hits a half million unit sales

                PETALING JAYA: Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd announced their achievement of surpassing the half a million vehicle sales milestone in Malaysia.

“Since our establishment in Malaysia in year 2000, Honda Malaysia has grown steadily and has reached the accumulated sales of 500,000 units. It is inspiring to know that we have spread the joy of driving a Honda vehicle to 500,000 Malaysians. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all Honda customers for their belief in the Honda brand,” said Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia, Yoichiro Ueno.

Over the years, Honda Malaysia has evolved and grown together with its customers, introducing variation of vehicles for the people who have different lifestyles and expectations.

Feedback from the customers were taken into consideration and as a result, Honda models are now equipped with advanced features, better safety aspects, good build quality and value for money packages.

2015 indeed became a milestone year for Honda Malaysia. Earlier this year, Honda Malaysia penetrated into the Compact SUV segment with the introduction of HR-V, which has sold a total of 16,115 units since its launch in February.

Together with Accord, City, Jazz, Civic, CR-V and Odyssey, Honda Malaysia now offers a comprehensive line-up which meets different needs and lifestyles of Malaysian customers.

The City and Civic emerged as top contributors for the achievement of 500,000 units sales with a contribution of 209,056 units and 79,864 units respectively, translating to about 40% and 15% of the overall sales.

In order to cater for the increased demand, Honda Malaysia is accelerating the expansion of the dealer network. The Company currently has 86 dealers nationwide which ensure to provide more convenience and accessibility to all customers in both major cities and suburban areas.

Since Honda Malaysia established the No. 2 Line and doubled its production capacity to 100,000 units in January 2014, the Company opened the new PDI Yard 3 in August this year which accommodates the increased in CKD models as well as to speed up the car delivery.

Honda is also strengthening its operations and presence in East Malaysia. In June this year, the Company has established a new Logistics Hub in both Sabah and Sarawak.

This month, Honda also opened its new Regional Office in Kota Kinabalu. These expansions will support Honda dealers’ operational activities and the vehicles delivery process in East Malaysia.

The sales unit of Honda Malaysia from January through October was 74,920 units. The company also received its record-high bookings of 12,713 units in the month of October.

Honda Malaysia is on track in achieving its annual target of 85,000 units and is continuing to lead in the Non-National Segment.

Ueno added, “With this milestone of half a million sales, Honda Malaysia will continue our effort to achieve our goal to be a company that the society wants it to exist, with the support from our valued customers as well as Malaysian Government and business partners. Customer satisfaction will always remain as our top priority. We will continue working towards providing our customers with products that offer excellent value and excitement and strive to be the most beloved brand in Malaysia.”


Aston Martin teases new Vantage GT3 and GT4 race cars

                LONDON: Aston Martin's new generation of Vantage GT3 and GT4 race cars can't seem to wait for their official unveiling within a few short months.

Meant for the upcoming 2019 season, the English sports car builder's raceing division - Aston Martin Racing (AMR) is already taking orders.

The car is based on the next-generation road-going Vantage and a GTE version will make its debut at the FIA World Endurance Championship at Spa-Francorchamps this weekend.

The two new cars will replace the Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 and V8 Vantage GT4 that are currently being raced by its customer teams.

Both new race cars will feature race-modified versions of the 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo engine and will be homologated for racing from Mar 1, 2019.

The Vantage GT3 will draw heavily on the design logic used in the development of the Vantage GTE, which was developed in tandem with the road car over the past 18 months.


Toyota Vios Challenge 2018 race series (MAEPS) Round 2 - Day 2

                SERDANG: It was a stark difference from Day 1 of racing as drivers battled for position with tooth and nail during Round 2 of the Toyota Vios Challenge, held at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) today.

Before this weekend's conclusion, it would be four months before racing resumes in February 2019 and it seemed as though each driver was looking to end the race on a high, that had spectators right on the edge of the seats.

First to take to the grid were the professional drivers of the Super Sporting category, which apparently put a stop to racing just two corners into the race when Kegani Racing’s car 39 of William Ho, who finished in second on Day 1, overturned after coming into contact with Telagamas Toyota’s car 3 of Freddie Ng.

Thankfully, Ho managed to crawl out of the wreckage and waved to fans before walking away unhurt.

The incident caused a 30 minute delay as officials worked to remove the wreckage blocking the track while rectifying the damaged barrier.

At the restart, Ng who started from second on the grid, found himself ahead of pole sitter Kenny Lee in car 38 with Brendan Paul Anthony (car 91) in third place. Lee kept his car glued to the tail-end of Ng's car.

Two laps later, karma struck as Ng - in trying to pull away from Lee, pushed his Vios J racecar a little too hard and ended up contacting the barrier at the very same spot where he came together with Ho.

Again the safety car was dispatched as Lee lead the field until the end, with Brendan taking second and race 1's winner Boy Wong in car 21 taking third.

The first race of the day practically set the level of competitiveness as the semi-professional Sporting category took their places to begin racing.

As the lights went out, Team Nanoplus driver Patrick Tam in car 13 shot ahead of the field from pole position to lead the race from Distinctive Model’s Clement Yeo in car 98 and Prodigy Racing’s 14-year-old Hayden Haikal in car 11.

While Tam set the pace for the rest to catch up, Yeo found himself defending heavily from the Hayden's onslaught to get past and the two racers eventually made contact after six laps,

This caused Hayden to drop to fourth and later incur a 10 second penalty to put him out of competitive contention, while race 1 winner Kenneth Koh in car 28- who lay in waiting, managed to move up into third.

Unfortunately, Koh had to concede his third place soon after and had to pit and repair a damaged bumper from an an earlier contact with Hayden - putting Koh out of contention as well.

Meanwhile, on lap six itself, the safety car was dispatched due to an incident involving Adzeem Eqwan in car 2 for five laps, after which Tam led the pack with Yeo in second and ST Wangan Racing Team’s Eric Yong (car 22) in third place until the end of the race.

As for the Promotional category, singer Aiman Tino in car 77 managed to clinch his first race victory and second consecutive podium finish over the weekend following yesterday’s third place finish.

Although the 20-year-old was placed third position on the grid, he again repeated his strong start to lead the race into the first corner, with car 46's fellow singer Akim Ahmad in close pursuit and car 1 of UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd deputy chairman Akio Takeyama in third.

Chasing in fourth place was race 1’s winner television host and presenter Nabil Ahmad in car 83 with car 15 of actress Diana Danielle in fifth. The top five contenders remained unchanged for three laps until Takeyama was handed a 10-second penalty for a starting offence.

Later, Takeyama managed to escape any hurt after he was involved in an incident when Nabil’s overtaking move, which sent him careening into the concrete barrier to bringing out the safety car.

Nabil later crossed the finish line in third place, but was also served a 20-second penalty for the incident to put him down in sixth - promoting Diana into third place for her second podium finish.

With the conclusion of Round 2 at MAEPS, all energies will now be focused into preparing for Round 3 and will be held at the Batu Kawan Stadium in Penang in February 2019.

The two-day Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival had an array of activities for fans and spectators that included the preview and public test drive of the all-new Toyota Rush as well test drives of other current models, promotions and celebrity performances.

Other activities included a fun run around the 1.99km street circuit, a concert by the Toyota Gazoo Racing celebrities, a Superfans Signing Session, a pit walkabout, the appearance by the world famous Baby Shark mascot, display and sales of merchandise booths, stage games, the gathering of car clubs, a Gran Turismo simulator racing challenge anchored by Shawn Lee, and a drift performance by professional Japanese drifters from Toyo Tyres.

Also, college artists Yaulacap managed to beat eight other participants to take home RM3,000 during the Mural competition.

Visitors to the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival were also in the running for attractive prizes in a lucky draw that gave away a Macbook Air, an iPad mini as well as petrol and shopping vouchers.


Automated steering 'not available' on Texas road where Tesla crashed, says safety agency

                WASHINGTON: US  safety officials investigating the cause of a Tesla Model S crash that killed two men in Texas last month said on Monday that testing suggested the vehicle's automated steering system was "not available" on the road where the accident occurred.

But the car's cruise-control function could still have been in operation, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said in its preliminary report.

The report drew no conclusions about the cause and circumstances of the fiery April 17 crash in a suburb of Houston. The NTSB and local police are still investigating.

Local police have said they believed the crash occurred with no one in the driver's seat, raising questions about Tesla's driver-assistance systems.

The NTSB said footage from the owner’s home security cameras showed the owner entering the driver’s seat and the passenger entering the front passenger seat.

The accident has raised fresh questions about the safety of Tesla Inc's "Autopilot" system. Tesla chief executive Elon Musk said last month Autopilot could not have been engaged in the vehicle involved in the Texas crash.

The NTSB report makes clear that Autopilot is in fact two systems. One is a "Traffic-Aware Cruise Control" that controls the vehicle's speed and distance from vehicles up ahead. The second is "Autosteer" which governs lateral steering movements. Both must be engaged for Autopilot to be considered in operation.

NTSB said its tests of a similar car at the crash location showed that Traffic-Aware Cruise Control could be engaged but that Autosteer was "not available on that part of the road."

Autosteer assists within "clearly marked lanes" and is not always available. Tesla says on its website it plans an "upcoming" Autosteer release for use on city streets.

Tesla says Traffic-Aware Cruise Control matches a car's speed to that of surrounding traffic, while Autosteer assists in steering.

Tesla and police in Texas did not respond to a request for comment.

The electric car maker said during an April 27 conference call to discuss quarterly results that a study with investigators showed Autosteer "did not and could not engage on the road condition" during the Texas crash.

The crash in Spring, Texas, killed the 59-year-old owner, William Varner, an anesthesiologist, and the passenger, aged 69.

The Tesla traveled 550 feet (167.64 m) before departing the road on a curve, driving over the curb, and hitting a drainage culvert, a raised manhole, and a tree, the NTSB said.

It said the crash damaged the front of the car’s high-voltage lithium-ion battery case, where a massive fire started. The fire destroyed the car, including the onboard storage device, and NTSB released a photo of the charred remains of the vehicle.

The NTSB said the car’s restraint control module, which can record data associated with vehicle speed, belt status, acceleration, and airbag deployment, was recovered but sustained fire damage.

In addition to the NTSB, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is also investigating the crash. NHTSA, the federal agency responsible for vehicle safety, has opened 28 investigations into crashes of Tesla vehicles, 24 of which remain active. At least four, including the fatal Texas accident, have occurred since March.


BMW skids into ice cream melee at Shanghai auto show

                SHANGHAI: Chinese Internet users berated German automaker BMW today, accusing it of discrimination at the Shanghai auto show amid claims workers at its MINI booth favoured foreign over domestic visitors during an ice cream giveaway promotion.

MINI apologised for the incident in question, saying in a statement on its official Weibo account that it was caused by poor internal management and that it would improve training.

The topic "BMW MINI" became the second most-searched topic on China's Weibo social media platform, with over 93 million views with users reposting pictures and videos, along with negative comments, of an incident that local media said took place on Wednesday.

The controversy comes as BMW and fellow German automakers participate in the Shanghai auto show in full force as they fight to stay on top of consumer trends in a country where domestic rivals have been aggressively taking market share.

One video showed two Chinese workers telling some local visitors to the MINI stand that the free ice cream had run out, only to offer a tub moments later to a Western attendee.

"This has taken away my good feelings towards BMW," said one Weibo commentator.

A person familiar with the matter said the booth had finished giving out 300 servings of ice cream meant for visitors when the incident occurred and the foreigner in the video was a BMW employee.

The workers were temporary workers hired locally for the show, not BMW staff, the person said, declining to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter.

In presentations earlier this week BMW's chief executive Oliver Zipse talked up the importance of the Chinese market to the automaker, saying many of its cars' features were inspired by China and how the country was ahead of the global curve in auto trends.

Chinese consumers have in recent years more closely monitored the behaviour of big brands, becoming increasingly critical of foreign companies or local businesses over perceived slights or for not respecting China's territorial claims.

Such criticism has at times snowballed into consumer boycotts.

In 2019, Dolce & Gabbana saw China sales slow after it faced a backlash for an advertising campaign that was decried as racist by celebrities and on social media.

The Italian luxury brand asked for forgiveness and said there was a "cultural misunderstanding".


Australian competition watchdog sues Honda unit for false dealership closure claims

Honda Australia said it has cooperated with the ACCC's probe. — Reuters
CANBERRA: Australia's competition watchdog today took Honda Motor Co's local unit to court alleging the Japanese carmaker falsely claimed to its customers that two of its dealerships had stopped servicing Honda vehicles.

Between January and June last year, Honda Australia told customers of Brighton Automotive (Astoria) in Victoria and Tynan Motors in New South Wales that the dealerships would no longer service Honda vehicles, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) alleged.

"The ACCC alleges that in emails, text messages and phone conversations, Honda informed Astoria and Tynan customers that these businesses had closed and directed customers to contact a Honda dealership or Honda Service Centre to book their next service," the watchdog said.

But the dealerships continued to service vehicles, including Honda cars and operate independently after ending agreements with Honda Australia in January 2021 following a restructuring of the carmaker's unit in May 2019, the ACCC said.

The regulator accused Honda Australia of causing "harm" to the business of Astoria and Tynan by falsely claiming they had closed or would close, resulting in lower customer footfall, and sought penalty against it in the court.

Honda Australia declined to comment on the claims as it was reviewing the filing, but said in an email to Reuters it has cooperated with the ACCC's investigation.


VW revises up! city car, new concept SUV to show up

                WOLFSBURG: Two models take centre stage for the Volkswagen brand at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show.

The new edition of the up! city car will soon be appearing on the market with a new engine option, a variety of extras and improved smartphone integration. Another car is a concept that is styles as a trendy, affordable SUV.

A number of up! models will be appearing – three equipment lines, a cross-version and the spacious, 2-seater load up! – as well as new exterior colours, seat fabrics, dashpads and decorative decal designs which give each up! its own personality.

Every version of the up! presented will come with new headlights (with LED daytime running lights as standard), new bumpers, a prominent rear diffuser, newly designed tail lights, and new exterior mirror housings with integrated indicator lights.

Another new feature is the smartphone integration which now allows access to navigation, music and vehicle data when used with the Volkswagen app. In addition, Volkswagen throws into the mix the up! beats, blended by US audio specialists BeatsAudio and boasting a 300-watt sound system.

With an expanded choice of petrol engines (now also including a turbocharged 90 PS 1.0 TSI), efficient natural gas or innovative electric power units – the new up! a good variety in drive units. The maximum torque of 160Nm is available from 1,500 rpm. The three-cylinder engine is the first turbo for the up! and the most powerful motor available in the model to date.

The concept car, meanwhile, can be seen as the start of a broad SUV offensive. With the concept expected to be named the T-Cross, Volkswagen will offer its perspective on a new model series and the future production model.

Its operating concept features minimal switches, creating a conceptual bridge to the BUDD-e, which captured the imagination of an international audience at the CES in Las Vegas last month.

With the growing popularity of SUVs/crossovers, Volkswagen hopes to cash in on the trend. It now only offers the full-size Touareg and Golf-based Tiguan in this segment.

 A teaser shot of the new VW SUV concept, which could be called the T-Cross.


Dr Z hands over reins to Kaellenius but not before announcing sweeping cost review for Daimler

The new boss at Daimler AG is now the younger Kaellenius, seen here with Zetsche, at the handpver in Berlin on Wednesday.
BERLIN: Daimler’s chief executive Dieter Zetsche announced a sweeping cost review on Wednesday, his last day in office, as he bid farewell to shareholders following more than a decade at the helm of luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz.

Zetsche, who hands over the top job to 49-year-old Swede Ola Kaellenius, is credited with having returned Mercedes-Benz to the position of top-selling luxury car brand in 2016.

However, the shift toward electric cars, a sputtering global economy and rising costs to keep combustion engines clean have hit car industry margins hard, forcing even profitable businesses like Daimler to renew cost-cutting efforts.

“Everything is under scrutiny: fixed and variable costs, material and personnel costs, investment projects, vertical integration and the product range,” Zetsche told the company’s annual general meeting here, where he was applauded by around 5,000 shareholders.

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“Along with external factors, we are now also feeling the financial effects of the company’s transformation,” Zetsche said.

Pressure to develop electric and autonomous cars has seen research and development expenditure costs at Mercedes-Benz passenger cars rise to 14 billion euros from around 8 billion euros four years ago.

At the same time, China, the world’s largest car market, has seen sales momentum slow for nine months in a row, with a 5.2 percent fall in sales in March.

Mercedes-Benz became the top-selling luxury car brand again thanks to an emphasis on upmarket design which appealed to youthful buyers thanks to large digital display screens.

The renaissance of the Mercedes-Benz brand came after the German company sold Chrysler, helping the carmaker to swing from a US$1.2 billion loss in 2006, the first full year when Zetsche held the top job, to an operating profit of 11.1 billion euros in 2018.

But Daimler still faces heavy investments to retool Mercedes-Benz plants in the United States, China and Germany to build electric cars and battery cells.

The German luxury carmaker is spending 10 billion euros to develop a raft of electric cars so it can boast a carbon neutral car fleet by 2039 and to avoid hefty fines by regulators.

To ensure that customers buy zero-emission cars, the Stuttgart-based group said it was aiming to limit the price of new car technologies for customers.

“To do so, we have to cut costs and increase efficiency throughout the company,” Zetsche said, as he confirmed the carmaker’s full-year targets.

“This was expected, but it doesn’t make it any better. In particular, we cannot and will not be satisfied with the current level of profitability.”

Zetsche, an engineer nicknamed “Dr. Z” who joined the company in 1976, is due to become chairman of the supervisory board in 2021, following a standard two-year cooling off period.

Daimler’s shareholders are also set to approve a new corporate structure, prompting calls from some shareholders for Daimler to consider more radical restructuring moves to unlock shareholder value.

Ingo Speich from fund manager Deka said that despite Daimler’s success in gaining market share for Mercedes, shareholders had failed to see significant improvements in the company’s share price and demanded that Daimler consider listing Daimler Trucks, a step that Daimler dismissed on Wednesday.

Instead CEO designate Kaellenius will work out ways to cut development costs for new Mercedes-Benz cars by a significant amount by 2025 and will intensify alliances with rivals as a way to improve margins.


All grown up: The next-gen Smart is set to be a compact electric SUV

                STUTTGART: The world's best-known brand of two-seater urban runabouts is getting supersized, and Daimler has announced that it has started work on an SUV version of the Smart electric.

Daimler says it will present a near-production concept of the stately new four-door generation in the second half of 2021, together with its new joint venture partner, Chinese automotive company Geely.

The once cute car is also abandoning its playful look and early sketches from designers show a sobre-looking compact crossover, set to measure 2.75 metres in length.

According to Daimler design chief Gorden Wagener, the new Smart will measure well over 4 metres and offer space for up to five people. While unsurprising for an SUV, five seats is almost unthinkable for a brand that made its name with compact two-seater cars.

The new Smart will maintain its trademark two-tone paint scheme, Wagener says, but the electric motor will no longer rely on Daimler's Tridion safety cell.

Daimler and Geely also want to make big changes in infotainment and are promising standard features including over-the-wire updates like in Teslas and digital unlocking via smartphone.

This tech is said to be no longer coming from Daimler or the maker's current partner Renault, but from Geely. The Chinese manufacturer is set to supply a dedicated electric platform and handle development of this. The next Smart generation will be produced in China and delivered from there to Europe.

Like the Porsche Taycan or the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the platform has an 800-volt architecture, is designed for a range of up to 700km and can operate with three motors.

The start of series production is still more than a year out, and Smart brand manager Daniel Lescow has not yet given specifics on the new Smart's specifications.

But designers say they are not holding the current model's 150-km range and 130kph top speed as a benchmark.


Better late than never? Samsung IT arms push into autos

                SEOUL: Samsung Electronics and group companies are trying a belated push into the business of supplying technology to car makers, while rivals are already sewing up lucrative deals with an industry that is notoriously difficult to break into.

Data compiled by Thomson Reuters IP & Science shows the world's top smartphone maker and other Samsung Group tech affiliates are ramping up research and development for auto technology, with two-thirds of their combined 1,804 US patent filings related to electric vehicles and electric components for cars coming since 2010.

The analysis did not include filings made after 2013 due to a lag between filing and publication.

They haven't yet landed significant business, and Samsung Group declined to comment on strategy, but the lure is obvious.

Automakers already incorporate or are developing technologies to enhance safety and provide better smartphone connectivity and entertainment systems, creating an opening for tech companies to break into a market for software, services and components that is worth around USUS$500 billion, ABI Research analyst Dominique Bonte said.

"There are two trends: the car becomes a connected software device, and the entire mobile and ICT ecosystem is getting very interested in playing a part in that evolution," Bonte said.

That is particularly welcome as demand for smartphones, TVs and computers slows, but Samsung is arriving late at a party where some of the best partners are already taken.

Cross-town rival LG Electronics Inc announced a major supply agreement with General Motors in October, sending LG's shares surging, while US chipmaker Nvidia Corp, known for graphics processors that power games consoles and laptops, says its chips will be in more than 30 million cars in the next three to four years.

Unlike Apple and Google, there is no clear sign yet that Samsung is developing its own autonomous driving technology.

IHS analyst Danny Kim said Samsung Group does not yet have a unified, group-wide approach to building its supplier presence in the industry.

"Samsung needs a serious commitment to drive the synergies between all competent organisations within Samsung Group," he said.

A decade after selling its debt-laden carmaking unit to Renault, Samsung Group in 2010 announced its second foray into the auto industry, identifying car batteries as one of its five growth businesses.

Its Samsung SDI Co Ltd is now the world's No. 6 electric car battery maker, counting BMW, Chrysler and Volkswagen among its clients.

Other parts of the Samsung empire are now in the hunt.

Samsung patent filings show a wide range of technologies including a drowsy-driving detection system, an alert system for break-in attempts and a transparent display for directions and traffic information.

Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co Ltd recently formed a dedicated team to sell components such as camera modules to new auto clients and says it would consider acquisitions to boost car-related businesses.

Samsung Display has also cited the auto industry as a potential growth area and has been testing its organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays with BMW and auto parts maker Continental.

The growth prospects are mouthwatering.

Nvidia says its autos revenue was US$148 million for the first half of this fiscal year, nearly doubling in a year.

Consulting firm McKinsey said in a 2014 report that revenue from hardware, software and services for connectivity-enabled cars could grow to 180 billion euros (US$200 billion) by 2020 from an estimated 30 billion euros in 2014.

Carmakers may spend an additional US$6,500 per car when they launch fully autonomous vehicles, the Boston Consulting Group said in a report this year.

Analysts say the supply relationships built by SDI could be expanded by bundling parts and services from other Samsung arms.

Samsung insiders acknowledge, however, that it may take several years before tech arms other than Samsung SDI generate significant auto-related sales.

Product development cycles in the auto industry are far longer than in consumer electronics, and carmakers are cautious about adding suppliers without a track record. It took the better part of a decade for Nvidia to gain acceptance as a global supplier, while LG worked with GM for nearly a decade before it got its supply contract for the Chrevrolet Bolt.

Samsung Electronics could still catch up by taking the one-stop-shop approach, similar to that of LG Electronics, by working with sister companies to combine offerings such as batteries, chips, sensors and software such as the Tizen operating system into a single package, analysts say.

ABI's Bonte said Samsung could also speed things up by acquiring established players such as Japan's Renesas Electronics Corp, which researcher Gartner says was the world's top auto semiconductor maker last year, with US$3.1 billion in revenue.

"It's important for a supplier to be able to sell not just one single component but provide that entire platform," he said.


Classic Land Rover and Jaguar cars get modern infotainment option

                LONDON: Jaguar Land Rover Classic has introduced a new infotainment system to its growing range of genuine parts and accessories, bringing modern functionality to classic vehicles in classically-styled, head unit.

Designed to suit most classic vehicles running on negative earth electrics, single DIN-sized Classic Infotainment System units incorporate customisable satellite navigation in up to 32 languages, smartphone integration, Bluetooth connectivity and dual DAB/DAB+ digital radio, as well as FM and AM analog reception.

Additionally, four branded versions of the Classic Infotainment System will be offered specifically for Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles, with a choice of black or chrome faceplate finishes to suit Jaguars, and a choice of black or silver brushed aluminum for Land Rovers.

Controlled by a 3.5-inch high-resolution touchscreen integrated between traditional rotary controls and buttons, the navigation system’s Europe-wide route guidance can be displayed as 2D or 3D maps, or as turn arrow instructions, and includes TMC traffic alerts.

Other key features of the Classic Infotainment System include:

> Telephone functionality, including phonebook transfer via > > > Bluetooth, supports up to four devices, with 1250 contacts per device
> Internal microphone
> System languages: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian
> Up to 32 languages available for navigation function

All versions of the Jaguar Land Rover Classic Infotainment System are available to buy now at www.jaguarclassicparts.com, priced from £1,200 (RM6,480). For those in Britain, a fitting service is offered at Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works in Warwickshire as well as select authorised Jaguar and Land Rover retailers.


Two strangers, narrow pavement: Social distancing at its hardest?

You should walk against traffic so that you can see and avoid any oncoming cars. — dpa
BERLIN: There's motorised traffic and then there's pedestrain traffic. Most people are doing their best to keep their distance during the coronavirus pandemic, but what happens when there's just not enough space?

"If I’m taking my daily walk and moved to one side of the pavement, when I see someone walking towards me and they don’t move to the other side of the pavement, am I allowed to shout, ASSASSIN?!" asks one London pedestrian on Twitter, where many have shared narrow pavement experiences amid a heightened sense of space.

What are we pedestrians to do when some stranger, who may or may not breathe Sars-Cov-2 all over us, comes barrelling toward us on the pavement?

Walk out onto the side of the road, says Germany's Association for Pedestrian Traffic.

While it may seem like a risky way to avoid a split second of close contact, health officials in many countries have stressed the importance of maintaining a 2-metre distance from other people at all times, especially for elderly people.

If you have to resort to this, however, you'll want to be looking both ways for traffic and stay alert. It's best if the road is clear and well lit, as you may not be seen at night.

You should also walk against traffic so that you can see and avoid any oncoming cars.

Where it's necessary and sufficiently safe, this can be better with reduced car traffic than coming dangerously close to other people on the path, says Roland Stimpel, head of the pedestrian traffic association.

"Elderly people, wheelchair users and the chronically ill now urgently need distance from others."

He also called on healthier and younger people to be considerate of others by giving them plenty of space on narrow pavements.