Turbo engine for Mazda3 in North America

                LOS ANGELES: The 2021 Mazda3 is now offered with a turbocharged Skyactiv-G 2.5T engine, producing 250hp and 434Nm of torque with premium (93 octane) fuel, or 227hp and 420Nm of torque with regular (87 octane) fuel.

The Mazda3 2.5 Turbo will come with i-Activ all-wheel drive (AWD), and standard i-Activsense safety technologies such as Mazda Radar Cruise Control with stop and go function, Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning with Lane-Keep Assist, Driver Attention Alert, Adaptive Front-lighting system and High Beam Control.

The top tier Premium Plus Package will offer more i-Activsense safety technologies such as Rear Smart City Brake Support with Rear Cross-Traffic Braking that will automatically apply the brakes when the vehicle is in reverse, if an obstacle or a crossing vehicle is detected.

A new convenience feature, Traffic Jam Assist enhances Mazda Radar Cruise Control by providing steering inputs at speeds under 64kph.

The Premium Plus package includes leather seats, navigation and adds HomeLink to the frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror.

The 2021 Mazda3 is also available with two naturally aspirated engine options, the Skyactiv-G 2.0 engine or an available Skyactiv-G 2.5 engine with optional i-Activ AWD.


Barcelona bans older, most polluting cars

                BARCELONA: Barcelona imposed a ban Thursday on older, more polluting vehicles during most of the day in a bid to reduce air pollution in Spain's second largest city.

Gasoline-powered cars registered in Spain before 2000, and diesel-powered cars registered before 2006 are now banned from most city streets on weekdays between 7:00 am and 8:00 pm and face a fine of at least €100 (RM458) if they violate the rule.

All banned vehicles will be allowed to enter the city 10 times a year.

Owners of vehicles registered outside of Spain can request permission from city hall to drive in the Mediterranean coastal city, which is home to 1.6 million people.

Beginning in 2021 older, more polluting vans, trucks and buses will also be banned.

The new rules are expected to affect around 50,000 vehicles a day and lead to a 15-percent cut in nitrogen dioxide emissions, a poisonous gas in car exhaust.

Since last year, Madrid has restricted driving in the old city centre to people who live there. Residents from outside the area can only drive there if they use an electric or other low-emissions vehicle.

While that rule is more restrictive than the policy put in place in Barcelona, the area of Madrid that is affected is much smaller.

Barcelona's far-left mayor Ada Colau has raised the possibility of introducing a congestion charge like those in place in other European cities such as London, Stockholm and Milan.

Barcelona has since 2002 exceeded the level of airborne carbon dioxide set by the European Union, according to a 2017 report by the city public health department.

The city's poor air quality caused a yearly average of 424 premature deaths between 2010 and 2017, the report said.

Last year Brussels asked the European Union's Court of Justice to take action against Spain for its "systemic violations" of rules limiting nitrogen dioxide emissions.


Hyundai waxes lyrical about new Sonata N Line looks

                SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Company has revealed the racy design of its highly anticipated 2021 Sonata N Line, promising a pulse-quickening experience in the hottest-looking sedan on the road today.

The new Sonata N Line expands Hyundai’s midsize sedan lineup following the launch of Sonata and Sonata Hybrid in 2019.

The N Line provides an attractive entry point to N Brand and gives the new Sonata nameplate a high-performance look, broadening its appeal.

“The 2021 Sonata N Line will attract more customers to both the rock solid Sonata lineup and our increasingly popular N Line sub-brand. Sonata N Line will appeal to customers who desire sporty styling in a sedan package,” said SangYup Lee, Head of the Hyundai Global Design Center.

Based on Hyundai’s ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design identity, Sonata N Line’s exterior styling looks bold and athletic. Sonata’s N Line design elements are evident throughout, starting with the signature cascading grille, bold front fascia, three air intakes and N Line badging.

Sonata N Line’s side skirts and 19-inch alloy wheels provide an aggressive stance that suggests that fun is just around the corner. The dynamic side styling carries over to the taut rear end where a sleek black lower bumper, dual twin exhausts and N Line rear diffuser amplify the sport sedan’s ready and willing attitude.

The interior design reinforces the dynamic feeling of the exterior with a high-tech flair. Dark chrome trim, signature N Line red stitching on the steering wheel and sport seats complete the performance-inspired interior and exterior design.

No engine details were announced and we will have to wait until Oct 21 when the Sonata N Line will make its global debut.

Hyundai had said last year that the Sonata N Line would get a souped-up version of the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine producing over 275hp. Some sources are saying it could go as high as 290hp.


Subaru WRX STI Type RA NBR achieves incredible Nurburgring lap time

                BIRMINGHAM: There's no getting away from what a stunning piece of technology and automotive engineering the Porsche 918 Spyder was when it was revealed to the world a couple of years ago, and it was no surprise when it put in an amazing lap time at the world famous Nurburgring.

It's only right then that we would have expected a genuine challenge to that lap time to come from some equally advanced hybrid hypercar, but Subaru has come extremely close to beating the 918's time without an electric motor in sight with its WRX STI Type RA NBR.

To be fair to both Porsche and Subaru, the WRX STI Type RA NBR isn't exactly your run-of-the-mill car by any means. In fact, it's actually a specially-built race car and the somewhat distant cousin of the WRX STI Type RA production car that takes its name from this race car. The type RA NBR Special is really an upgraded version of the model Subaru took to the Isle of Man time trial last year, where it broke the old record already held by Subaru.

Prodrive actually built the car and at the heart of it is a 2.0-litre turbocharged flat-four that has been designed and built primarily for rally use. The additional wizardry carried out on the car has led to it now developing in excess of 600hp at 8,500 rpm, which is 50hp more than it was capable of last year.

Work has also been done to update and enhance the Subaru's aerodynamics, which means it provides an incredible 295kg of downforce at the RA NBR's top speed. The power-adjustable rear wing is still present from last year though, and the driver is able to adjust the angle of the rear wing to reduce drag and increase speed on straights with just the press of a button.

As well as the power and aerodynamic upgrades, other contributing factors to the stunning performance of the Subaru are the nine-inch wide slick tires it rides on and its rally-spec sequential transmission that's capable of shifting gears in as little as 20 to 25 milliseconds.

As for the lap time itself, the Subaru completed it in 6:57.5, which is just half a second slower than the Porsche 918 Spyder managed.


Heads up - augmented reality is coming to your car

                NEW YORK: In recent months both Volvo and Mercedes have announced development partnerships with Microsoft for exploring automotive uses for HoloLens but soon in-car AR will be the norm.

According to new ABI Research data, within the next decade more than 11 million new cars on the road will boast integrated augmented reality technology while a further 5 million systems will be installed in cars as after-market head up display units.

And this move to AR doesn't mean that it will be easier for drivers to hunt down difficult-to-find Pokémon while on a road trip or have a quick game of "Doom" while the passengers aren't looking.

Instead, it should lead to safer, less distracted, yet more informed driving. Leveraging the full capabilities of AR as part of a head up display will enable the "painting" of navigation and safety warning information on a car's windshield - whether literally highlighting a cyclist that's getting too close or superimposing an arrow on the road ahead to indicate which turn to take.

However, there are challenges that need to be overcome before all of these next-gen tech innovations can realistically become the norm.

"These include how to capture and interpret road geometry through computing intensive sensor fusion, precise vehicle positioning, laser projection, driver monitoring via inward facing cameras, and designing sophisticated algorithms to generate precise augmentation content in the viewing field of the driver," said Dominique Bonte, Managing Director and Vice President at ABI Research.

As cars move towards greater autonomy, the number of sensors and other systems on board will increase dramatically and successfully filtering everything each of these systems is monitoring into useful, timely information for the driver is going to be key.

Get it wrong and the driver could be so overwhelmed and distracted that it's potentially dangerous, especially if things like contextual advertising or social media feeds start flashing up on the windshield.

"It will be critical to use AR sparingly, in a minimalistic way, and only to display relevant, contextual information when needed to improve the driver's perception of the road environment and reducing response times," said Bonte.


New Volkswagen R logo

                NEW YORK: Volkswagen R is introducing its realignment with the presentation of the new R logo.

Jost Capito, managing director, Volkswagen R, says: “Volkswagen R is all about excitement and thrill, and in the future, we will continue to focus our efforts on integrating theseemotions into the Volkswagen brand. We are taking a strategic and operative approach to working on great products and creating a unique customer experience.”

The new R logo symbolizes the performance brand’s fresh start. It is more modern, distinct and sleek: Reduced to its essential components, it can be used for various purposes, remaining particularly suitable for digital media.

The new logo was developed at the Volkswagen Design Center.

The team surrounding Klaus Bischoff developed the new R logo together with Technical Development and the Volkswagen R Marketing team.

The new company logo is characterized by the pristine line width and a clearly horizontal arrangement featuring dynamic curves.

Moreover, the prominent diagonal line serves as a stark contrast, thus underscoring the brand’s overall progressiveness.

The elongated R creates a broader, more powerful impression and defines Volkswagen’s commitment to performance and exclusivity.

Klaus Bischoff, head of Volkswagen Design, explains: “The R marks the athletic apex of our model program and the R logo serves as an expression of both aesthetics and sportsmanship. At the same time, it is gaining in terms of both clarity and charisma, as is the new Volkswagen brand logo.”

Jost Capito emphasizes: “The new logo for the R models and the R-Lines also goes hand in hand with the realignment of the Volkswagen R brand. Our entire team is intensely working on the brand and product image and we are looking forward to continuing to roll these out in the coming months.”

The redesigned R-Line badge can be seen for the first time on the Atlas Cross Sport R-Line in North America.

The vehicle, which was presented as a concept car at the New York International Auto Show in spring, will celebrate its world premiere on October 11.


Mitsubishi introduces new Triton variant and limited edition ASX

                KUALA LUMPUR: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has introduced a new Triton variant, revised the range-topper's price and has a new limited-edition ASX sport utility vehicle (SUV) available.

The Japanese brand is taking aim at active lifestylers with its new Triton VGT AT Premium variant that's priced on-the-road with GST at RM116,300, which comes with new 17-inch wheels, leather seats, and reverse camera with guidelines.

 Mitsubishi Triton VGT AT GL

The new variant is positioned between the recently introduced Triton VGT AT GL, costing RM103,800, and the range-topping Triton VGT Adventure - which gets a RM3,910 price reduction to RM126,990 and now has a newly designed sports bar.

All Triton models are imported as a Completely Built-Up (CBU) unit from Mitsubishi Motors’ global production hub in Thailand and are covered by a five-year or 200,000km warranty, while the Triton Quest gets a five-year or 100,000km warranty instead.

The Triton is powered by a 2.4-litre MIVEC turbodiesel engine with Variable Valve Timing technology and a Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT) producing 181PS
and 430Nm of torque.

 Mitsubishi Triton VGT Adventure-X with new sports bar.

Also new to the family is a limited-edition variant of the locally-assembled ASX Adventure SUV in 2WD form that will only have 60 examples made.

It will be priced at RM123,988 while draped in Sporty Blue Metallic and accompanied by a five-year unlimited mileage warranty.

Externally, it will feature a new front grille, rear bumper garnish, side door and fender garnish as well as new 18-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the cabin gets aluminium pedals, air vent rings and a Sporty Blue lining accent on the door trim and leather seats.

In conjunction with the year-end holidays, MMM is offering customers cash bonuses of up to RM11,000 for selected ASX variants and RM8,000 for selected Triton variants for bookings and registrations made before Dec 31.


The fifth Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Exhibition coming in October

                KUALA LUMPUR: The fifth Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Exhibition (MCVE) will be held at the Malaysia International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MIECC) at The Mines from Oct 21 to 23.

Organised by Asian Trucker Media, the bi-annual exhibition is the biggest event for the commercial vehicle industry in South East Asia.

With a strong line-up of exhibitors, the three-day exhibition promises to be a success yet again with adjustments made to the current circumstances and respecting the prevailing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in place to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.

The fringe programme is being developed and will be announced in due time.

First held in 2013, the event has expanded with increased number of visitors and has evolved into a platform to showcase innovations and for anyone involved in transportation of goods or people, to network and conduct business.

Event organiser Stefan Pertz said the event programme would be refined every two years to provide a unique experience.

"We keep advancing just like the industry is moving forward, and in finding ways to make the event meaningful. Return on investment is important for our exhibitors and our efforts are aligned with their ambition,” he said.

As a result of the pandemic, many brands have not been able to showcase their new products and services to live audiences.

Pertz believed that many have been holding back with their launches as they are looking for a right platform, such as MCVE to do so.

 Pertz.

The commencement of the vaccination programme in Malaysia has also led to a renewed interest in the exhibition.

The current list of exhibitors who have confirmed participation includes first-time joiners as well as brands that have been part of the exhibition in the previous four instalments.

“We believe that our event could be the launchpad for many products that have been waiting to be put in the limelight. Even products launched in the MCVE that is intended for a global market can be showcased globally through the use of modern technology and broadcasting techniques, should international travel be still not possible by October,” Pertz said.

Bookings for exhibition spaces will be open until very close to the show dates.

Updates about the event can be found on www.mcve.com.my.


Protocol for real-world fuel consumption released

                PARIS: Peugeot and Citroën are publishing details on how they achieve realistic fuel consumption figures.

This follows the official release of real-world fuel consumption figures for 30 Peugeot, Citroën and DS models in July. The protocol, a scientific framework, is jointly agreed to by the PSA Group, Transport & Environment, France Nature Environnement and Bureau Veritas.

The protocol for measuring real-world fuel consumption defines the means (necessary equipment) and methods (measurement and processing) that should be systematically applied to calculate the average real-life fuel consumption of the average customer. The protocol breaks down into the following three steps:

> selecting and checking the vehicle
> driving the vehicle and performing the measurements
> processing the measurement results

The measurements should be taken when the car is being driven by a non-professional driver on public roads open to traffic and under real-life driving conditions, with normal use of air-conditioning systems, passenger and luggage loads and road gradients.

In addition to the results already published in July 2016, Peugeot and Citroën will release the real-world fuel consumption figures of another 10 models (including the new Peugeot 3008 and Citroën C3) on their website in time for the 2016 Paris Motor Show.

By the end of 2016, real-world fuel consumption figures for 50 models tested during the year will be published on the Peugeot, Citroën and DS website. At the same time, a simulator to enable customers to predict their vehicles' fuel consumption based on driving style and conditions will also be released online.

In 2017, the PSA Group, Transport & Environment, France Nature Environnement and Bureau Veritas will extend the same procedure to the measurement of real-world nitrous oxide emissions.

“This robust protocol is the result of cooperation between a manufacturer, NGOs and a certification organisation," said PSA Group executive vice-president for quality and engineering Gilles Le Borgne. "It is now available for all to see and use as inspiration to encourage greater customer transparency.”


Lighter, faster Murray T.50 supercar unleashed

                LONDON: Gordon Murray Automotive has announced a racing-focused version of the T.50 supercar that will be even lighter, faster, and more powerful.

The Cosworth GMA V12 engine has been extensively reworked to extract maximum performance. Its power output is now boosted beyond 700PS through completely revised cylinder heads and camshafts, a higher compression ratio, plus an all-new free flow exhaust system.

To harness the power, the T.50s features an entirely new six-speed IGS (Instantaneous Gearchange System) pre-selector gearchange system by Xtrac. The bespoke transmission features new drive ratios, optimised for speed, with paddle-shift replacing the road car’s manual set-up.

With all of the road-going T.50 supercars selling out within 48 hours of the global premiere, customer demand has turned to the 25 super-exclusive and highly-individual racing models.

The new car also features a 1,758mm-wide delta wing mounted to the rear of the car, which works with the rear-mounted fan, a new front splitter, underbody aerofoil and adjustable diffusers to generate more than 1,500kg of downforce – 170% of the weight of the car.

The new car’s historically-significant official name will be announced later this year at its global reveal. More than half of the exclusive production run has already been sold – before any details were released. Murray now expects interest to soar as prospective owners hear of the boundary-breaking performance potential of the T.50s.

Professor Gordon Murray: “With an unwavering focus on performance, and free from road-going legislation and maintenance considerations, the T.50s will achieve astonishing performance on track, demonstrating the full extent of the car’s capabilities. We’ve thrown everything at pushing this car beyond the levels of anything that’s been done before – it’s a celebration of British engineering and our team’s extensive motorsport experience.”

The extensively re-engineered T.50s features hundreds of significant revisions for race and track use over the road-going T.50.

The stripped-back interior highlights the track focus and contributes to the new car’s 94kg weight loss. This enhanced lightweighting and the car’s phenomenal downforce ratio will ensure the car performs like nothing else on a racing circuit.


Toyota upgrades virtual crash dummy in safety research

                TOYOTA CITY: Toyota's latest virtual crash dummy software has introduced a new muscle model that is able to simulate changes in occupant posture prior to collisions.

Until now, the Total Human Model for Safety (THUMS) virtual human model software was only able to simulate changes in posture after a collision.

THUMS Version 5 can simulate a variety of states from relaxed to braced, thus enabling more detailed computer analysis of injuries caused by collisions.

This makes it possible to more accurately study the effectiveness not only of seatbelts, airbags and other safety equipment, but also of active safety technologies such as pre-collision systems. In turn, this will lead to development of active safety technologies that better protect vehicle occupants.

Studies show that roughly half of drivers take defensive action (such as sudden braking or steering) to avoid collisions, with vehicle occupants commonly bracing themselves at the same time. Occupant posture, whether braced or relaxed, has a significant effect on body movement during a collision.

However, current human surrogate models used in virtual crash simulations are unable to simulate the reflexive defensive actions that humans take in the moments before an imminent collision, such as bracing one's body for impact.

By simulating the many characteristics of various parts of the human body, from its overall shape to its bones and skin, THUMS enables detailed analysis of bone fractures, severed ligaments, and other injuries that can occur during a vehicle collision.

Toyota began developing THUMS in 1997 in cooperation with Toyota Central R&D Labs, Inc. THUMS Version 1 was completed and commercially launched in 2000, followed by Version 2 in 2004, which added a face and bones to the model. Version 3, launched in 2006, added a precise brain model. Version 4, with detailed modelling of internal organs, was completed and released in 2010.

THUMS Version 5 is available through Tokyo-based JSOL Corporation and ESI Japan. THUMS has been adopted by dozens of companies, including automobile and parts manufacturers, who are using it to improve vehicle safety.


Singapore Grand Prix organisers stock up on anti-smog masks

A view of the Singapore F1 Grand Prix night race Marina Bay street circuit shrouded by haze in Singapore on Wednesday. — Reuters
SINGAPORE: Singapore Grand Prix organisers are stocking up on disposable face masks to potentially sell to spectators as the worst air pollution in three years threatens to taint the city-state's marquee sports event.

Organisers will be keeping close tabs on air pollution readings as the $100 million street race kicks off on Friday, just days after Singapore authorities warned haze levels could worsen and advised people to reduce outdoor activity.

Singapore and large parts of Malaysia have been blanketed in recent days by smoke emanating from forests across Indonesia, where blazes are often started to clear land for plantations.

Singapore Grand Prix said disposable masks, which cover the nose and mouth to protect the wearer from breaking in small particles in the air, will be available for sale at merchandise booths if the pollution hits certain predetermined levels. They will also be made available to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children and pregnant women at first aid booths.

"The haze situation is highly changeable not only from day to day, but from hour to hour," a spokeswoman for Singapore Grand Prix said.

Air pollution readings and health advisor will be available on the official website and mobile app, and also broadcast on screens and radio during the three-day event, which has brought in more than S$1 billion in tourism receipts over its history.

Hundreds of thousands of international visitors have been lured in recent years by both the action on the track and stellar music line-ups, which this year includes the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Gwen Stefani.

Jean Ng, sports director of the Singapore Tourism Board, said organisers would be keeping a "watchful eye on the health and well-being of everyone involved."

The city-state of 5.6 million people has a national stockpile of 16 million disposable masks and has been supplementing dwindling supplies among retailers in recent days, local media reported today.

The health ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.


Ford names company veterans to lead auto, mobility units

Farley (left) and Hinrichs.
DETROIT: Ford today named two company veterans to lead its auto and mobility businesses as the No. 2 US automaker shifts its focus to autonomous vehicles and re-aligns its automobile portfolio.

Joe Hinrichs was named president of its automotive unit and Jim Farley as president, new businesses, technology & strategy, effective May 1.

Both the executives will report to chief executive officer Jim Hackett, the company said.

“In the past two years, we have made tangible progress in improving the fitness of our business, overhauled our regional strategies, created a winning product portfolio, and are working to transform Ford to succeed in an era of profound change and disruption,” Hackett said.


Tryst with BMW 316i

Having an entry-level variant is usually a tough decision for many luxury car brands. Price it right and you gain access to a new market of buyers, spec it wrong however, and you risk diluting your brand and model.So how does BMW 316i fare?The 316i is the entry-level variant for BMW’s legendary 3 Series range, slotting below the 320i.While some might question the need for such a model when the 1 Series exists, I believe many would agree the 3 Series pulls off the familiar “traditional” BMW look better.Externally, there is very little to distinguish the 316i from higher variants in the stable.Other than the rear badging and some bumper details, there isn’t much to tell it apart, especially to the average Joe.This means the car retains most of the elements of the 3, which is possibly one of BMW’s handsomest efforts of late, featuring understated lines with plenty of elegant details in the design.The car has a neat overall silhouette and rolls on muscular-looking 17-inch five spoke alloys.Vehicle lighting is also something BMW has mastered to perfection - quad daytime-running-lights adorn the front while light bars garnish the rear, and they certainly look gorgeous.The main selling point of the 316i I believe, would be the propeller badge up front.Many Malaysians may agree that image counts a lot here in our country, and driving the 316i is certainly a testament to that – people give way to you on the highways and when it comes to jockey parking service, you’ll even have the doors opened for you.Step on inside and you’ll notice that there isn’t much cost cutting here either. Unlike some makes that give you a bare-bottom car for the entry variant, the 316i is quite generously equipped, with a 6.5-inch multimedia display, Driving Experience Control, iDrive, automatic start-stop, keyless entry, Dakota Black leather seats, rear air-conditioning vents and power-adjustable front seats, among others.That’s a whole lot of kit and some features (like iDrive and other BMW-related gizmos) might be daunting at first, but isn’t something difficult to get used to.The dash has a nice, sweeping shape with the touch screen panel at the top and climate control below the air conditioner vents - it’s nice, but its fellow German rivals have churned out better designs of late.Instrument panel layout is very Teutonic in design, simple and very legible.The overall feel inside is rather upmarket and doesn’t strike as being entry level.If I were to nitpick, it would be the driver seats, which could do with a little more bolstering for comfort.Pop open the spring-loaded boot and you’ll find that the car comes with plenty of storage space, with a little more hidden under the boot floor.Performance-wise, the equipped 134hp 1.6-litre TwinPower turbocharged engine is no slouch, and paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission provides sufficient power for the car.Driving Experience Control gives three drive options - Eco Pro, Comfort and Sport - at a touch of a button.The Eco Pro mode, while an almost numbing experience - does what it is expected to do and I managed to increase my driving range by12km.The Sport mode sits on the other end of the spectrum, gave instant throttle response and a sportier drive, making the 316i feel more satisfying.Handling is sharp at high speeds, and excellent dynamics means you’ll find yourself doing lots of spirited driving in this car.Some may argue that performance might not be up to the level expected from the ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’, but honestly I feel its enough for the average driver.At RM209,800, it might just tempt those in the market for a German-made car.


Country’s tallest road now open in Penang

                GEORGE TOWN: At 61.5m above ground level, the tallest road in the country here is now open to traffic.

The 3.3km-long stretch of road winds around Bukit Kukus from Lebuh Bukit Jambul to Jalan Tun Sardon and Paya Terubong.

It connects Paya Terubong and Ayer Itam – the most densely populated neighbourhoods on the island – with the bustling Bayan Lepas industrial area.

The elevated road features a bicycle lane.

Prior to the Penang road, the 58.2m-high Rawang Bypass in Selangor was  the highest elevated road in Malaysia.

Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang said the project is the biggest ever implemented by the council, and cost RM378.2mil for construction, land acquisition and consultancy.

“Due to the rapid development of the island, new infrastructure is required,” he said today when a portion of the 3.825km road was opened.

He added that off-road cycling enthusiasts could also use trails under the viaduct.


Ford names new China head to tackle daunting turnaround task

Chen will take the helm at Ford China from Nov 1. — Reuters
BEIJING/SHANGHAI: Ford Motor Co has hired a new chief for its troubled China operations, ending a nine-month search after the previous head suddenly quit and tasking him with fixing a deep sales slump in the world’s biggest car market.

Anning Chen, 57, a former Ford engineer and chairman of Chery Jaguar Land Rover in China, will take the helm from Nov 1. An American national, he has roughly 14 years experience of working in China.

The move comes at a pivotal time for Ford which has struggled to turn around a sharp slide in China sales this year, hurt by lack of local leadership and a popular SUV for the market as well as rocky relationships with its Chinese joint venture partners.

“Getting a local person in this role is a good move. This will likely give Ford a better understanding of the market,” said Bill Russo, head of Shanghai consultancy Automobility Ltd.
 Luo.
Ford’s vehicle sales fell 43 percent in September from a year earlier and are down 30 percent in the first nine months of the year. Ford blames its weak China business on an ageing model lineup that is awaiting an overhaul.

By comparison, industry-wide sales are up 1.5 percent for the year to date with rival Toyota Motor Corp logging a 12.5 percent gain.

The appointment comes as Ford restructures operations worldwide and the US automaker said its China business will now become stand-alone business unit, reporting directly to global headquarters. Chen will report to Jim Farley, president of global markets.

“China is absolutely essential to Ford’s profitability and growth,” Farley said in a statement, adding the new structure would help the China operation be “more fit as a business, increase our decision-making speed and be closer to our customers.”

China is Ford’s second-biggest market by sales volume, behind the United States.

Chen’s predecessor Jason Luo - also brought in to turn around the business - resigned abruptly in January this year after leading the US automaker’s China operations for roughly five months.

Industry insiders said Chen’s arrival would help Ford in the market - including mending bridges with its partners in the market Changan Automobile Group and Jiangling Motors Group, but that success was no sure thing.

Tensions in Ford’s China partnerships have hurt the morale of the joint ventures’ sales forces, especially after the US automaker tried to streamline its two separate brand identities and its dual distribution systems, sources have previously said.

Jiangling Motors said it welcomed the appointment.

“We are pleased to see that Ford is paying more attention to the Chinese market and better implementing its ‘In China, for China’ strategy,” said a company spokesman.


Tata Motors to gear up in Malaysia; 3 new vehicles for 2018

                KUALA LUMPUR: Plans are afoot to launch three new commercial vehicles, including a small pick-up, from Tata Motors in 2018 in Malaysia.

"We will be offering three all-new products – two in the light commercial vehicle segment and one in the small pick-up segment,” said Datuk Abdul Harith Abdullah, chief operating officer (Automotive, Distribution, Manufacturing and Engineering) of DRB-Hicom Bhd.

A local assembly programme is also in the pipeline by DRB-Hicom Commercial Vehicles Sdn Bhd (DHCV), the authorised importer and distributor of Tata Motors Ltd commercial vehicles in Malaysia.

“This is our debut in the small pick-up category with an all-new product,” said Chin Tan Hee, chief operating officer for DHCV.

Chin added, “Small pick-ups constitutes two percent of the total pick-up segment. The Tata Motors small pick-up is a highly successful product, many of which are reliably plying the roads in other regional markets.”

With the all-new Tata small pick-up, DHCV expects to corner 10 to 15 percent of the small pick-up segment by 2022.

Tata Motor’s customers in Malaysia are currently served by a network of 24 outlets.

Since its brand launch in 2015, DHCV has sold 654 units of Tata commercial vehicles consisting of pick-up trucks, light trucks and prime movers.

This puts Tata in 10th place amongst a total of 28 competing brands in the commercial vehicle (CV) category which includes pick-up trucks, trucks, prime movers, panel vans and buses.

In 2017, the total volume for CV in Malaysia was 61,956 units.

Pickups commanded 67 percent of this volume (41,316 units), while trucks took 22 percent (13,860 units).

Prime movers, vans, light buses and buses make up the balance volume.

The Malaysian Automotive Association recently forecasted a 2.3 percent growth in total industry volume (590,000 units) for 2018.

Of that total, 63,500 units will consist of commercial vehicles, representing a 2.5 percent growth in the CV category.

Tata Motors (which also owns Jaguar and Land Rover) is currently the world’s tenth largest motor vehicle manufacturer in the world, and the world’s fourth largest truck and second largest bus manufacturer in the world.

Its manufacturing footprint, including design and research-and-development facilities, span the world with six manufacturing and assembly facilities in India, in addition to overseas facilities located in Argentina, Indonesia, South Africa, Spain, Thailand and the United Kingdom.

Its product portfolio ranges from sub-tonne and 49-tonne mass movers to five-seater minivans and 81-seater buses.

Tata is also a renowned manufacturer of medium- and heavy-duty trucks.


Lexus UX debut for 2018 Geneva Motor Show

                LONDON: The Lexus UX, the first urban compact crossover from the luxury Japanese marque, has broken cover with the release of a first official image and video clip, ahead of its world debut at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show on March 6.

These first visuals reveal the UX's bold and stylish design, combining powerful bodywork with a condensed appearance.

Its crossover credentials are signalled by its muscular wings and haunches and high beltline, but under the skin an all-new platform gives the UX exceptional body rigidity and a low centre of gravity for the agile handling of a hatchback.

In the cabin, there is a highly focused driver's cockpit, a spacious passenger cocoon and a commanding view of the road.


BMW and Mercedes pivot from enemies to partners in new auto era

                FRANKFURT: BMW AG dodged a takeover attempt by Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler AG six decades ago, and ever since the two luxury-car icons have been bitter rivals — until recently.

Reflecting the historic challenges gripping the auto industry, BMW and Daimler are reaching across the aisle to team up in what’s become an emerging trend in the sector. The latest rapprochement between the German manufacturers involves talks to join forces on key components including vehicle platforms, electric-car batteries and autonomous-driving technology, according to people familiar with the matter.

That could mean models like the BMW 2-Series coupe and Mercedes A-Class sedan could one day share similar underpinnings, a prospect that would have been anathema to both sides just a few years ago. That’s changing as crushing development expenses for next-generation vehicles, a looming slowdown in conventional models and agile new competitors prod unprecedented cooperation.

“The pressure on carmakers is enormous right now, and this year we’ve seen signs of crisis,” said Juergen Pieper, a Frankfurt-based analyst with Bankhaus Metzler. “Broader collaborations are on the rise to help fight costs and spending in parallel.”

Sales slump

Strains have been evident. The Stoxx Europe 600 Automobiles & Parts Index has declined 26 percent this year, and both BMW and Daimler lowered 2018 profit targets, blaming trade tensions as well as rising expenses to develop vehicles that consumers may not even want. Daimler is adding a suite of 10 electric vehicles over the next four years, while BMW said it will offer 12 battery-only models by 2025.

The speculative spending comes as global auto sales slumped this year for the first time since 2010, according to Jonathon Poskitt, director of market researcher LMC Automotive. Amid trade tensions, tightening interest rates and political conflicts, the outlook for 2019 “is not without its risks,” he said in a report.

With headwinds intensifying, competitive silos are giving way in the effort to spread out costs for developing electric cars and counter cash-rich technology giants like Alphabet Inc. as they push into ride-hailing and other alternatives to vehicle ownership.

Volkswagen AG is in negotiations with Ford Motor Co. to cooperate on vans and potentially autonomous vehicles and has linked up with Microsoft Corp. on an automotive cloud to connect its vehicles to new digital services. BMW is jointly making the Z4 and Supra sports cars with Toyota Motor Corp. and working with Intel Corp. and others on driverless-car technology. Daimler has a series of engine sharing and production projects with Renault SA and Nissan Motor Co.

Lopsided Fiat

It’s a strategy long-promoted by the late Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV chief executive officer Sergio Marchionne, who had derided the industry for wasting money by developing multiple versions of the same technology.

Ironically, Fiat Chrysler lacks significant partnerships with other carmakers. The US-Italian group reaped almost all of its third-quarter profit from the Ram and Jeep brands in the US, and the lopsided business prompted one investor to write to Fiat’s board urging it to consider selling its European business and eventually spin off the Maserati and Alfa Romeo divisions.

Jaguar Land Rover and Volvo Cars are also exposed. While the manufacturers are owned by Indian and Chinese automotive groups, respectively, they lack global scale.

Spending 'bluff'

Project-based partnerships offer less risk than mergers, which have proven notoriously difficult to make work —the ill-fated DaimlerChrysler deal being a prime example. Even so, reaping rewards can be difficult, as developing cars can involve decade-long planning and plenty of obstacles along the way.

Even modest partnerships have imploded. In 2013, General Motors Co. sold its stake in France’s PSA Group after failing to find savings through joint purchasing and product development, while an alliance of Volkswagen and Suzuki Motor Corp. broke down in 2016. But going it alone is no longer an attractive option for the embattled industry.

“The misallocation of capital remains the auto industry’s largest dilemma,” Arndt Ellinghorst, a London-based analyst with Evercore ISI, said in a note last month. “Auto executives continue to guide the market that investments will peak in the early 2020s. However, the market is calling their bluff.”


Bosch picks Hartung as new CEO to tackle industry transformation

Hartung (left) and Denner.
FRANKFURT: Robert Bosch GmbH chief executive officer Volkmar Denner will hand over the reins to automotive unit head Stefan Hartung at the end of the year after running the German engineering giant for almost a decade.

Denner, 64, will become a scientific adviser focused on the company’s research into quantum technology, Bosch said Thursday in an emailed statement. The CEO changeover and additional management appointments take effect on Jan 1, 2022.

Denner navigated the world’s largest maker of vehicle components through the fallout of Volkswagen AG’s diesel-emissions scandal and the dramatic industry slump triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic.

He transformed Bosch’s sprawling operations to focus on technology for the so-called Internet of things that connects products from car parts to refrigerators and power tools to the web.

Closely held Bosch is targeting an operating profit margin of around 3% this year, or about 4% adjusted for restructuring costs. It has warned the global shortage of semiconductor components might drag on for months and could pose a risk to earnings. The company opened a €1-billion (RM5bil) chip factory in Germany this month to help alleviate supply-chain constraints.

Bosch’s long-time chief financial officer Stefan Asenkerschbaumer will become supervisory board chairman, succeeding Franz Fehrenbach, Denner’s predecessor as CEO. Markus Forschner takes over as new finance chief at the storied manufacturer with roots dating back to 1886.


Audi SQ8 TDI boasts titanic torque at 900Nm

                INGOLSTADT: The 4.0-litre biturbo V8 in the Audi SQ8 TDI will be notable as the most powerful diesel engine available on the European market. It combines its potency with a high level of economy and integrates a whole package of high-tech solutions.

The engine delivers 429hp and a mammoth 900Nm of torque between 1,250 and 3,250 rpm, credentials that enable it to propel the SQ8 like a sports car: acceleration from rest to 62mph requires just 4.8 seconds, soon after which the electronic propulsion limit kicks in at 155mph. The power of the V8 engine is emphasised by an engine cover specific to the S model series. Red applications flank the striking contours of the cylinder and visualise the air ducting.

In the eight cylinder heads, the intake side is on the outside and the hot exhaust side with the two turbochargers is in the inner “V.” As a result, the gas travel paths are short, working in favour of immediacy of response. The turbos are operated according to the principle of sequential turbocharging. Only one charger is active at low engine speeds; the second charger exerts its influence from around 2,200 rpm. The sonorous sound of the eight-cylinder engine is amplified by a sound actuator in the exhaust system, which drivers can adjust to their personal preferences via Audi drive select.

An electrically powered compressor (EPC) assists the turbochargers when starting off and when accelerating at a low engine speeds. It is located in a bypass behind the intercooler and is activated when the flap is closed. If the load requirement is high while the amount of energy available in the exhaust gas is low, the intake air flows into the EPC, where it is compressed a second time. It thereby ensures consistently strong power delivery and excellent overtaking capability.

The driving force behind the EPC is the 48-volt main on-board electrical system, which is also the backbone of the mild hybrid system (MHEV). A compact lithium-ion battery serves as its energy storage unit. The belt alternator starter (BAS), which is connected to the crankshaft, allows up to 8 kW of recuperation power to be generated during deceleration and can feed this energy into the battery.

Power transmission in the SQ8 TDI takes place via an eight-speed tiptronic transmission.

As standard, the SQ8 TDI is equipped with the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, all-wheel-steering, Audi drive select dynamic handling system with seven modes and the adaptive air suspension sport with regulated damping. The air suspension changes the ride height as needed by as much as 90mm.

The SQ8 TDI features a taut, muscular surfaces and a coupé-like roof line with octagonal singleframe and S-specific details. Standard HD Matrix LED headlights illuminate the road,

With its three-metre wheelbase, the SQ8 TDI provides a generous amount of space. As is typical for an S model, the interior is primarily finished in black, with diamond stitched black Valcona leather upholstery, but the seats, the front centre armrest and the door armrests can be trimmed in rotor grey or Arras red as an option.


Perodua Myvi, Axia, Bezza are Malaysia’s top three best-selling cars so far

                RAWANG: Perodua registered 23,203 vehicles in July, beating June as its best sales month so far this year by 9.2%, and boosting its year-to-date (YTD) sales total to 97,373 units.

The carmaker estimates its July and YTD market shares to stand at 40% and 42% respectively, spearheaded by the Myvi, Axia and Bezza, which are Malaysia’s top three best-selling vehicles YTD, selling 29,313, 28,107 and 25,416 units respectively.

“The Myvi, Malaysia’s best-selling vehicle every year since 2006, has recently been upgraded with the latest Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) 2.0 suite of driver assistance safety systems. It remains one of the most affordable cars with advanced safety features in the country,” said Perodua president and chief executive officer Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

READ MORE: Proton's July sales status

“Since our operations restarted after a two-month Movement Control Order (MCO) closure, our volume has rebounded swiftly, aided by the government’s sales tax exemption which will run until year-end.

“Should this encouraging trend continue, the healthy volume will enable us to further bolster Malaysia’s automotive eco-system of suppliers and dealers in this time of need,” he added.

According to Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) estimates, a total industry volume (TIV) of at least 500,000 units is needed this year to ensure the continued survival of the automotive eco-system.

“Amidst the Covid-19 crisis, we understand that we must work to our fullest capacity to help shore up the Malaysian economy and ensure jobs are protected."

All of Perodua’s current models have over 90% local content.


Asean aims to cut deaths by half within five years, says minister

                KUALA LUMPUR: Asean countries are determined to reduce road fatalities by half in the next five years.

“It is a big target. We have outlined a lot of details on how to reduce accidents in all member states,” Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai told reporters at the end of the 21st Asean Transport Ministers Meeting yesterday.

The goal was part of the Asean Strategic Transport plan, also known as the Kuala Lumpur Strategic Transport Action Plan (KLSTP), which was adopted during the two-day meeting.

Spearheading the initiative would be the Institute of Road Safety Research, which would help the region adopt good road-safety management practices, Liow said.

He added that the institute, which was appointed as the Road Safety Centre for South-East Asia last year, would be promoting and educating Asean nations on road safety.

The KLSTP, Liow said, had outlined 30 specific goals, 78 action plans and 221 milestones over the next decade in the areas of air, land, maritime, sustainable transports and transport facilitation.

During his winding-up speech, Liow added that the plan would serve as a successor to the Brunei Action Plan 2011-2015, which saw more than 90% of its measures successfully implemented.

The meeting was attended by transport ministers from all Asean member states and partner nations including China, Japan and South Korea.

It concluded with a signing ceremony for the Protocol of the Ninth Package of Commitments on Air Transport Services.


2017 Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition from RM698,000

                KUALA LUMPUR: Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) introduces the new Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition.

For example, the vehicles' large 20-inch wheels in RS Spyder design are housed in wider wheel arches.

The exclusive interior is dominated by leather sport seats with electric eight-way adjustment, Alcantara centre panels and the Porsche crest on all head rests.

Porsche uses the Platinum Edition designation for selected model series that are offered for only a limited time.

“The introduction of this Platinum Edition is a celebration of the success of the Cayenne model line," said Arnt Bayer, CEO of Sime Darby Auto Performance.

"Many premium quality features are now included as a standard for a superior sporty look.”

Standard equipment in the Cayenne Platinum Edition includes Bi-xenon headlights with the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS), Power Steering Plus and ParkAssist in the front and back.

The latter system not only uses an audible beep to indicate the distance to objects or other cars in front of and behind the vehicle; it also graphically depicts the direct surroundings on the central display.

A non-metallic black and white finish is standard, with Deep Black, Purpurite, Mahogany, Carrera White or Rhodium Silver metallic paints available as an option.

The broadened wheel arches also come in the chosen colour scheme.

The models' exclusive appearance is rounded out by a high-gloss exterior package.

For anyone entering the vehicles, the special status of the Cayenne is plain to see with stainless steel door sills with "Platinum Edition" lettering.

As an additional high-end standard feature, the Platinum Edition models come with the latest generation Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system that includes online navigation, and the Connect Plus module.

The dashboard is adorned with a beautifully designed analogue clock.

The 3.6-litre V6 engine in the Cayenne Platinum Edition has an output of 300hp and consumes 9.2 litres of fuel every 100km, depending on the tyres fitted.

Retail base price for the Cayenne Platinum Edition starts from RM698,000 and covers a four-year warranty and free maintenance package.

The stated price includes all applicable duties, except registration fee, road tax and insurance.


Ford overcomes computer chip shortage, posts surprise profit

                DETROIT: Sky-high sales prices for its pickup trucks and SUVs helped Ford Motor Co. turn a surprise second-quarter profit despite a global shortage of computer chips that cut factory output in half.

The Dearborn, Michigan, company said Wednesday that it made US$561 million from April through June, largely because of cost cuts and higher-than-expected prices for its vehicles.

The automaker warned earlier in the year that it would be hit especially hard by the chip shortage and a fire at Japanese supplier Renesas that manufactures many of its automotive-grade chips, resulting in a second-quarter loss.

But Ford surprised investors by earning 13 cents per share excluding one-time items. That was far better than Wall Street expectations of a 3-cent-per-share loss, according to FactSet.

Revenue was US$26.8 billion, also above analysts' forecasts of just over US$23 billion.

Ford raised its guidance for full-year pretax income by about US$3.5 billion to between US$9 billion and US$10 billion. But it cautioned that higher commodity prices and capital investments would offset second-half wholesale volume that it expects to rise by about 30% over the first half.

Orders are up for the electric Mustang Mach-E SUV and the new Bronco SUV, making Ford's business "spring loaded" for a rebound when chip supplies stabilise, CEO Jim Farley said in a statement.

Chief financial officer John Lawler said Ford expects production to improve in the second half of the year.

He said it has a bank of orders seven times larger than it was a year ago due to new vehicles.

For instance, the company has about 120,000 reservations for the new F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck, and about three quarters of them are new customers for Ford, he said.

During the latest quarter, sales in the US, Ford's most profitable market, rose nearly 10% over last year's pandemic-ravaged quarter. But the company lost more than a quarter of its US market share, which fell to 10.6%, according to Edmunds.com.

Still, Ford's average US vehicle sales price, led by the F-Series pickup, rose 6.3% to US$47,961 for the quarter, bringing the company badly needed revenue.

Lawler blamed the market-share decline on short supplies due to factories being shut down because of the lack of chips. He said the company has a good chance to regain that share as the shortage wane, and it will work hard to fill orders.

Ford had predicted in April that the chip shortage would cut its second-quarter production 50%, or by 1.1 million vehicles worldwide.

Lawler said it did indeed lose about half of its production worldwide, with factory output about 700,000 vehicles below Ford's initial plan.
But the company allocated available chips to its most profitable vehicles, he said.

Lawler said the Renesas plant's production line damaged by the fire should produce more in the second half of the year, alleviating some of the chip shortage. He said he sees the shortage running through this year into the first part of 2022.

"We need to see relief coming through before we can really feel comfortable that we're out of the woods here," he told analysts on a conference call.

But Lawler cautioned that increased prices for raw materials will take about US$2 billion out of its pretax income in the second half.

Also, pretax profits at Ford's credit arm — US$1.6 billion last quarter — will likely fall by US$1 billion from the first half as values of vehicles returning from leases drop closer to normal.

"We do have some headwinds but we like the underlying strength of the business," he said.

High prices are likely to continue as long as there is an imbalance between low supplies and strong demand, Lawler said, although he said he expects prices to fall a bit in the fourth quarter.

"We expect to have relatively strong pricing power for the foreseeable future," he said.

Lawler said the company has produced and stored 60,000 to 70,000 vehicles without chips, and it will retrofit them when the parts are available.

Ford will increase inspections to make sure the vehicles have the same quality as those that went directly through assembly lines, he said.

Ford's stock was up almost 4% in extended trading following the release of the earnings report after the close of Wall Street's regular session Wednesday.


Vietnam importing most of its vehicles from Thailand

Morning rush hour in Ho Chi Minh City. — AFP
HANOI: Vietnam imported 8,800 cars of various types worth US$202 million in August, a surge of 85.6% compared with the previous month, according to a report from the country's General Department of Customs.

Thailand contributed the highest volume with more than 4,700 units imported. It was followed by Indonesia with 2,500 cars and China with 570 cars. The vehicless from the three countries accounted for nearly 90% of the country’s total imports, Vietnam news agency (VNA) reported.

Of the imports, the number of cars with nine seats or less were 6,136 units worth US$ 127 million, accounting for 69.4 per cent of the total, an increase of 91.6 per cent month-on-month.

The import of trucks gained 2,200 units worth US$55.7 million, up 167% in volume, and 176% in value. Meanwhile, special-purposed vehicles reached 483 cars worth US$19.6 million.

Although August imports sharply increased, it could not raise the total volume of automobiles in January-August, which decreased by 44.3% year-on-year to 53,800 units, due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Of that volume, 39,600 units were cars with nine seats or less, down 46.9%, and trucks were 10,759 units, down 47.8%.


Power shift for Mumbai's double-decker buses

                MUMBAI: India's entertainment capital is expanding its fleet of London-style red double-decker buses nearly a century after they made their debut - this time as electric vehicles.

The first of 200 new buses are expected to start service on Mumbai's busy roads from December, joining nearly 400 single-floor EVs already in operation.
India - home to 1.4 billion people - is the world's third-biggest carbon emitter, and the government has pledged to reach net-zero emissions by 2070.

The drive to electrify public transport is fuelled in part by the need to reduce pollution in cities with some of the world's worst air.

The electric bus was developed by Switch Mobility, an arm of Indian auto manufacturing giant Ashok Leyland. Similar electric double-deckers built by the company were rolled out in London in 2014.

"We want common people to use electric mobility and achieve their goals of net-zero," Switch Mobility India chief executive Mahesh Babu said at Thursday's unveiling of the new fleet.

The Switch EiV 22 vehicle, built in India, has 65 passenger seats and a battery pack that would give it a range of 250km.

Fossil fuel-powered red double-deckers made their Mumbai debut in 1937 and up to 900 of them worked city routes at the peak of their operations.

The ageing fleet has been slowly phased out since the 1990s and now less than 50 operate in the city.


Drivers to get traffic updates from Google Maps with Commute function

Google says its goal is to help commuters avoid traffic problems completely using live traffic data it receives about potential delays. — dpa
SAN FRANCISCO: The time of checking local radio stations for possible traffic delays may soon be over. Google Maps wants to alert you to possible traffic jams before you leave the house.

Google has added special features for commuters to its Maps app, so that drivers and other commuters can check for traffic jams or other delays before they set off.

Drivers, cyclists and public transit users will now get early warnings about possible disruptions on their commute to and from work.

Google says its goal is to help commuters avoid traffic problems completely using live traffic data it receives about potential delays.

Maps can then also offer solutions in the form of alternate route planning, so that you can, for example, switch to another train and then walk the rest of the way to your place of work to get there on time.

For car drivers, there’s now an integration of music streaming services from Spotify, Apple Music and Google Play Music, designed especially for motorists who put their smartphone in a holder.

Now, these services can be controlled directly in Maps to save the drivers from having to switch between applications, and thus distracting them from the road.

Since the new functions are gradually being rolled out worldwide, it may take some time before the new “Commute” tab appears on each device.


'This car crushes' Musk says, as Tesla launches faster Model S 'Plaid'

                SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla Inc delivered a high-performance version of its Model S on Thursday, aiming to reignite interest in the nearly decade-old sedan and fend off rivals such as Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and Lucid Motors in the luxury electric vehicle market.

Tesla redefined electric cars in 2012 when it launched its high-end Model S with a sleek design and long driving range, and chief executive Elon Musk said the new version was designed for a future where cars drove themselves.

"This car crushes," Musk said at an evening delivery event held at Tesla's US factory in Fremont, California.

"It's like, man, this is, just, sustainable energy cars can be the fastest cars, be the safest cars, gonna be the most kick-ass cars in every way."

Musk's irreverent attitude and speeches peppered with engineering terms, have given him a star power he uses to draw attention to the brand, allowing Tesla to avoid advertising.

The model is "faster than any Porsche, safer than any Volvo," said Musk, wearing a black leather jacket, after he drove the Model S Plaid down a test track onto the stage.

He said he expects to produce 1,000 a week next quarter.

Ahead of the event, Tesla raised the price by US$10,000 (RM41,208) to US$129,990 (RM536,000) against US$79,990 (RM330,000) for a long-range Model S.

"The Model S has not been changing a lot in terms of looks over the past almost decade," said Jessica Caldwell, executive director at car information provider Edmunds. "I think Tesla has to offer consumers something more ... like new and fun things."

The launch of the Model S Plaid, which has already been showcased online, has faced delay and some controversy over an expected airplane-style yoke steering wheel. Musk cancelled another variant, Model S Plaid+, which would have had a 33% higher driving range than the Model S Plaid and used advanced battery technology, known as 4680 cells.

"The Model S Plaid is definitely intended to help reduce the migration of current Tesla owners out of Tesla," said Ed Kim, vice president at consultancy AutoPacific. "I think what we're seeing now is that Tesla can no longer operate in a vacuum."

He said Model S Plaid is a low-volume, halo model aimed at showcasing the automaker and generating excitement around the sedan, with Tesla needing to successfully roll out new models like Cybertruck and Semi trucks to expand its customer base.

Musk has called the Model S Plaid "the fastest accelerating car ever."

The more powerful sports sedan goes from zero to 60mph (97 kph) in 1.99 seconds and has an estimated driving range of 627km.

While it offers little change in body style, the Plaid charges faster at Tesla supercharger stations, has a roomier back seat and an improved entertainment system, including what he said was the "level of a PlayStation five."

"If we're thinking about the future where the car is often in autopilot to full self driving mode, then entertainment is going to become increasingly important. So you're going to want to watch movies, play games, use the internet..."

Tesla delivered only 2,020 Model S/Xs in the first quarter, down from 18,920 the previous quarter, hampered by production delays.

Musk said in April that production of its new Model S and X would be "contingent on global supply chain issues."


Buy a VW without paying installments for one year

                KUALA LUMPUR: Volkswagen Group Malaysia is offering a new financing campaign, with cash rebates and zero payment for one year.

This promotion rolled out in September, and offers the Polo Sedan, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan and CC at accessible prices.

Cash rebates start from RM9,000 and go up to RM25,000.

The zero installments for 12 months apply to those who buy cars under a seven-year loan package.

Cars bought under this campaign will enjoy five years’ warranty and five years’ mobility guarantee.

“Volkswagen always emphasises the customers’ experience and through this campaign, we want Malaysians to enjoy the best of German engineering,” said Volkswagen Group Malaysia managing director Armin Keller.


BMW Group Malaysia sets new record in electrified vehicles

                PETALING JAYA:  Up until April 2018, BMW Group Malaysia has  achieved huge success with electrified vehicles, as the premium automaker’s portfolio of Plug-In Hybrid deliveries in the country now accounts for 52.7% of its total vehicle deliveries.

Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia, Harald Hoelzl,  said, “Our portfolio of Visionary Mobility vehicles have been developing from strength to strength here, and we now have a Plug-In Hybrid vehicle variant for almost all models which makes for the largest portfolio currently available in the Malaysian automotive industry.”

In the first four months of 2018 alone, BMW Group Malaysia introduced two new plug-in hybrid vehicles in the country – the all-new BMW 530e Sport in January, the first-ever BMW 5 Series Hybrid with eDrive Technology which was also the fifth BMW iPerformance model to be introduced in the country.

The premium automaker then introduced the new MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid, the first Plug-In Hybrid vehicle variant for the MINI brand.

The premium automaker also expanded accessibility to electric vehicle and Plug-In Hybrid vehicle charging facilities nationwide, installing new BMW i Charging Stations at WEIL Hotel in Ipoh, the first in the state of Perak with its dealer partner Tian Siang Premium Auto; Holiday Inn Melaka and The Equatorial Melaka, the firsts in the State of Melaka with dealer partner Seong Hoe Premium Motors, and at CityONE Megamall Kuching, the first in the State of Sarawak with dealer partner Regas Premium Auto Sarawak.

Collaborating with the Malaysian Green Technology Corporation, BMW Group Malaysia’s portfolio of Visionary Mobility with the BMW iPerformance and MINI Electric vehicles are also supported by the ChargEV platform, which has a growing network of more than 270 charging facilities nationwide.

Driving the Future of Electro Mobility further in Malaysia, the premium automaker also showcased the BMW i3, the BMW Group’s best-selling electric car in the premium compact segment worldwide at the recent 2018 Malaysia Autoshow.


New Toyota 3S centre opens in Setia Alam

                SHAH ALAM: A new Toyota 3S centre has sprung up in Setia Alam here.

The new dealership, operated by Fokus Tetap Sdn Bhd, offers the full range of sales and aftersales services to a growing number of Toyota owners in Setia Alam and surrounding areas.

Fokus Tetap has invested RM24mil to build the new outlet which has around 42,000 sq ft (3,902 sq metre) of built-up area on a 8,094 sq metre plot. The showroom can accommodate six cars while the service centre has 16 bays to handle up to more than 70 vehicles daily. There's also a lounge which has amenities such as refreshments and free WiFi service.

Among those present at the latest Toyota dealership opening were UMW Toyota Motor deputy chairman Akio Takeyama, UMW Toyota Motor president Datuk Ismet Suki,  Fokus Tetap managing director Simon Thong Weng Kin and its marketing director, Richard Ther Im Hwa.

 Present at the Setia Alam dealership opening are (from left) Ismet, Takeyama, Thong and Ther.

According to Ismet, Fokus Tetap has been a business partner for 12 years, starting off with just a sales outlet in Prima Damansara. "Now they have expanded and move to a much bigger outlet and able to provide a comprehensive range of services to customers in Setia Alam and the surrounding areas.”

The new dealership joins the network of 97 Toyota outlets which provide sales and aftersales services to Toyota car owners nationwide.

Fokus Tetap is located at No. 2A, Jalan Setia Murni, AH U13/AH, Seksyen U13, Shah Alam.

For enquiries at the dealership, call 03-3344 0908 (Sales) or 03-3344 9080 (Service). Information on Toyota vehicles and the locations of outlets can be found at www.toyota.com.my.


Audi's most powerful production model set to be an SUV, says report

Audi RS Q8 concept.
LONDON: If most people were told a new Audi was on the way that would be the most powerful production model in the German automaker's range when it lands in dealerships, it's likely a new R8 or similar sports car sharing a V-10 with a Lamborghini would be the popular guess.

However, it's actually going to be an SUV in the shape of an RS Q8 with a 670 bhp hybrid V-8 shared with the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, according to a report from Autocar.

Audi Sport's answer to the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 is now being spotted out and about in its camouflage undergoing road tests, and from what has been seen the new model is clearly heavily inspired by the RS Q8 concept Audi unveiled last year.

But it's under the hood where things start to get really interesting as the RS Q8 would be getting the twin-turbo petrol engine and electric motor system already employed in the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid.

In the Porsche the powertrain produces 542bhp and 772Nm of torque, but the electric motor then brings an extra 134bhp and 401Nm of torque to the party through an eight-speed twin-clutch automatic gearbox.

That means when fully deployed, the peak system output of the hybrid powerplant is a massive 670hp and 852Nm. As long as the hybrid system isn't detuned in any way for the RS Q8, it would make the uber-SUV the most powerful vehicle Audi offers from the factory when it eventually goes on sale, even eclipsing the V10-powered R8 by as much as 68bhp and 291Nm.

Of course, even though it could be more powerful than the R8, the RS Q8 will weigh a huge amount more so it won't be able to offer anything like the performance of the supercar. Even so, this would still be quite an SUV with a wide range of driving characteristics ranging from the most environmentally friendly pure electric mode to the less-green Sport mode.

If the RS Q8 does come with the system's full power it will certainly outgun its main rivals the GLE 63 and the BMW X6 M.

The Mercedes falls well short in the power stakes with 577 bhp, and the BMW is even further behind with just 567 bhp on offer. To be fair, both rivals get their considerable weights from 0 to 100kph in 4.2 seconds, but it's expected the Audi will beat that, if only just.


Toyota C-HR looking sharp as it pops up in Singapore

                SINGAPORE: The Toyota C-HR has made its debut at the Jan 12-15 Singapore Motorshow, giving strong vibes that this stylish crossover may be coming to Malaysia.

Although UMW Toyota Motor is not saying one way or the other whether the C-HR (Coupé High-Rider) will be brought in, this avantgarde car will certainly whet the appetite of local Toyota fanboys who are looking for something fresh and exciting. It has begun selling in Japan since last month and is available there in four grades priced from RM98,000 to RM113,000.

Since its global debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, the C-HR has been popping up at one venue to another in the motor show circuit. It also made its presence felt at the 2016 Paris Motor Show when CarSifu was there last September.

And the latest, of course, is down south, close to home.

Designed to stand out both within the Toyota line-up and in its segment, it represents Akio Toyoda’s determination to allow greater stylistic freedom and promote engineering creativity in order to achieve eye-catching designs and enhanced driving pleasure.

The unique character of the C-HR demonstrates the flexibility of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) for vehicle developers in the three key areas of design, powertrain and dynamics, allowing them to deliver a fresh take in the increasingly popular crossover segment.

The coupe-like lines signal the resolve of its designers to create a style that stands out in the Toyota range, and to establish a new direction for mid-sized crossovers.

The C-HR also brings innovation to its segment through the introduction of a hybrid powertrain, using Toyota’s latest 1.8-litre hybrid system.

Under the watch of chief engineer Hiroyuki Koba, the driving dynamics have been deliberately benchmarked on the precision and control experienced at the wheel of a modern C-segment hatchback, thanks to the refinement of the TNGA platform and its low centre of gravity.

The aim was to allow the C-HR to carry its speed through corners, with excellent body control and steering fluidity. C-HR is designed not only to be enjoyable when flowing through busy city traffic but also on the open road independent of the surface condition.

The C-HR introduces a diamond architectural theme with wheel arches projecting prominently at all four corners to emphasise the new crossover’s strength and rigidity. The C-HR’s modulated structure combines the powerful lower body and raised ground clearance with the slim and sleek cabin profile of a coupe.

The lamp clusters incorporate full LED lighting with light guides and sequential turn signals, giving the C-HR its own unique visual signature. Rear light clusters may also be equipped with LED lamp technology to give the C-HR an equally expressive rear light visual signature.

The C-HR will be equipped with a choice of turbocharged 1.2-litre, 1.5-litre, 1.8-litre hybrid and 2.0-litre petrol engines. Transmission is either 6-speed manual or CVT, with the CVT in front-wheel or 4-wheel drive versions.

This crossover is the result of a global co-operation between design centres on three continents and was managed by project chief designer Kazuhiko Isawa. The original exterior design was created by Calty, the Toyota design studio in California.

Over to you, UMW Toyota Motor, for the next course of action.


Dashcam to the rescue: Scammers’ hopes of a quick buck dashed

                PETALING JAYA: A woman driver crashes into a group of mat lajak cyclists, and another driver is shocked when a pedestrian throws himself onto his car windscreen, smashing it.

The woman has been jailed but the driver of the other car managed to escape from a potential scam.

The reason – the second driver had a dashcam.

Dashcams have suddenly become a hot topic again as the debate continues over whether the woman deserves to be jailed or not. A video of the windscreen smashing scam has also gone viral.

Car salespersons and auto accessory dealers have confirmed the increasing demand for dashcams, adding that customers choose to install them for safety reasons.

Salesman Foong Wen Sian said that in recent years, 60% to 70% of customers have chosen to install dashcams when buying their cars. “Customers ask if our vehicles are equipped with a dashcam and also request for it to be installed,” he said.

Foong said dashcams are important especially when accidents or thefts occur in areas without CCTVs.

“With dashcams, the recording can be used as evidence so police can take action,” he said.

Another car salesman, Annison Francis, said dashcams are important for women to defend themselves in cases of unwanted incidents on the road.

 You gotta watch your back as well. Installing front and rear cameras in the car is ideal.

Dashcam salesperson Willie Cheng said there was a 30% increase for the product in the past year.

“More motorists are now educated about its importance,” said Cheng.

Businessman Jason Wong, 70, said he was planning to install a dashcam for both the front and rear sides of his car.

“There are many drivers with bad driving habits nowadays so having a dashcam gives me evidence in case of any accident,” he said, adding that it could also avoid potential arguments.

Fitness instructor Wayne Wong Zhi Herng, 30, said the recent ruling in the mat lajak case – which saw clerk Sam Ke Ting jailed for six years – prompted him to install a dashcam.

“We can never be too sure of what can happen on the road so a dashcam comes in handy in case of any misunderstanding,” he said.

Casey, 29, an accountant, said he installed a dashcam due to concerns about scams and road rage.

“I fear cases where people intentionally get hit by vehicles and then claim compensation.

“Having a dashcam will give us evidence to better explain the situation to the authorities,” he said.

A dashcam video has gone viral showing a man throwing himself onto an oncoming vehicle, leaving the windscreen smashed.

A group of people then suddenly appeared and seemed to surround the driver.

When driver told them to wait for police as he had dashcam footage, the group, including the “accident victim” quickly dispersed.

READ MORE: Myanmar man arrested for hurling himself onto car


Renault considering separate bourse listing for EV assets, says CEO

                PARIS: Renault chief executive Luca de Meo said on Tuesday that the automaker's plans to create a separate division for its electric (EV) assets could eventually lead to a separate listing.

"This could mean a separate listing. This is a conditional, this is precisely what we are reviewing," De Meo told a news conference.

The plan to separate the combustion engines activity could interest Nissan or long-term investors, he added.

De Meo wants to press ahead with plans to create separate divisions for electric (EV) and combustion engine vehicles despite potentially costly uncertainty over its interests in Russia, three sources told Reuters last week.

Playing catch-up with rivals like Tesla and Volkswagen, the French automaker first outlined its strategy shift in February, days before Russia's invasion of Ukraine, saying its turnaround plan was ahead of schedule.

De Meo on Tuesday said Renault was "very confident" to deliver on its turnaround plan as it was financed despite the impact of the Russian assets suspension.

The war in Ukraine has resulted in Western powers imposing extensive sanctions against Russia, leaving Renault, majority owner of Russia's biggest carmaker Avtovaz , faced with what de Meo has called a "very complex situation".

After announcing the suspension of its activities in Russia, Renault is reviewing its options for the Moscow plant and its shareholding in Avtovaz.

"We are well armed to try to find a solution in the long term that can protect our assets and our employees, and in fact not to completely insult the future because life goes on and we hope the situation on the ground returns to normal," De Meo said on Tuesday.


Bosch developing technology to end mileage manipulation

                BERLIN: Hundreds of thousands of cars are running on roads with illegally rolled-back odometers, research has shown.

In a bid to combat the widespread practice of odometer fraud or mileage rollback, German technology giant Bosch has teamed up with the German certification authority TUV.

It's estimated that billions of euros in damage are caused in Europe alone by the manipulation of car mileages.

The practice is illegal in most countries and another downside is that cars containing parts or components showing advanced signs of wear that do not correspond to the vehicle's mileage pose a safety hazard for unwary drivers. Essential maintenance may also have been skipped with potentially fatal results.

Sadly the switch from yesterday's mechanical odometers to the digital instruments used today has not stopped criminals from tampering with the recorders. Indeed anyone with a few tools and some knowledge of computers can add a substantial value to a used car by manipulating the mileage.

Bosch board chairman Volkmar Denner announced the breakthrough at a recent conference in Berlin about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in cars.

Bosch uses so-called blockchain technology to beat the fraudsters. Largely known for its use with the digital currency Bitcoin, a blockchain is a kind of digital logbook which is distributed across many computers.

These shared ledgers use strong cryptography to validate and connect blocks of data. This makes it nigh on impossible to tamper with any individual transaction.

Connected cars using the Bosch technology regularly send their odometer readings to these computers via a simple connector. Using a smartphone app, car owners can also check the actual mileage at any time and compare it to the in-vehicle display.

If an owner plans to sell a car the person can obtain a certificate that attests to the accuracy of the car's mileage. The document can be shared over the internet and even be incorporated into advertisements on online platforms for selling cars.

Another spin-off unveiled at the confab is a connected car's ability to automatically alert the repair shops to work which needs to be done.

Denner used the example of a flying stone cracking a car's side window to demonstrate how the system would work.

The repair shop receives an automatic notification from the car and can gear up to make the necessary repairs.

Connected logistics and forklift trucks in the component stores mean the replacement part is ready and waiting when the customer arrives.

The auto mechanic of the future will probably don a pair of augmented reality glasses with displayed instructions. In this way the mechanic can carry out the work much faster.

Meanwhile drivers benefit by being able to get back behind the wheel quickly after a brief wait. There would also be no need to visit the workshop again to pick up the car the next day or book a costly rental to bridge the gap.


Does ban on combustion engines mean synthetic fuels get trashed too?

                HANOVER: The decision by European Union policy makers to outlaw combustion-engined vehicles from 2035 in order to meet net zero emission targets means Europe is definitely heading down the electric avenue.

Naturally, electrically-powered vehicles will take centre stage but what about promising alternatives like synthetic e-fuels?

Some makers like Porsche and Mazda have been investing in this technology heavily in a bid to save the thermal car engine from doom at the end of the decade. Do they still have a chance of doing so?

Environmental organisations like Germany's Nabu have been breathing a collective sigh of relief over the "virtual end of the internal combustion engine in Europe".

They would have liked an even earlier end but organisation chief Leif Miller seems satisfied: "Without question, the European combustion engine phase-out sends a signal worldwide for climate protection".

Another positive aspect seen by Miller is that car manufacturers will not be able to offset possible reductions in the CO2 output of their model fleets by using synthetic fuels to power combustion engines.

Supporters and suppliers of artificial e-fuels are sore about the Strasbourg vote which they believe could scupper the synthetic fuel industry.

They say that concentrating only on battery-electrics means zero-emission mobility will not work well in regions without enough green electricity to operate them and in those where people do not have enough income to buy new electric cars.

What's more, they see it as a waste of the potential for reducing the world's overall CO2 emission balance. This is something the younger generation of combustion engines can do well, provided they run on e-fuels.

"The EU Parliament is preventing 48 million cars with combustion engine cars in Germany alone from being included in efforts to achieve CO2 neutrality," lamented the head of the German Association of Medium-Sized Mineral Oil Companies, Elmar Kühn.

His association has of course a vested interest in continuing to sell conventional fuels and, in future, synthetic versions too. However, Kühn is voicing an important ecological reason for why he thinks saying "no" to e-fuels is a blunder.

E-fuels only make sense if their production places less burden on the raw materials cycle and the environment compared with making normal petrol, diesel or liquid gas. This means they must not release any more CO2 that was previously bound up over the long term.

And there is the rub: The so-called "power to fuel" processes used to make synthetic fuels do not obtain the fuel from the chemical refinement of crude oil, which has been stored in the ground for millions of years and increases the carbon content of the atmosphere when burned.

Instead, they work the other way around. They assemble hydrocarbon chains from hydrogen and CO2 but doing so is an energy-intensive process in itself.

It also requires hydrogen in its purest form, for which water must be split in an expensive process. When such fuel is used to power a thermal engine, only as much CO2 is is emitted from the exhaust pipe as was previously extracted from air or biomass.

The logic is not lost on climate protectionists but some see it as an attempt by carmakers to keep combustion technology alive for as long as possible.

Meanwhile, industry has been lobbying for green fuel for years. "To achieve the climate targets, we also need e-fuels," said the head of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), Hildegard Müller.

Naysayers also note that the green wind, solar or bioelectric power used to generate hydrogen for synthetic fuels is needed for many other purposes during the energy transition.

Experts said in one report that suppyling just 10% of new cars with e-fuels instead of electrifying them would require 23% more renewable electricity generation in Europe.

On top of that, the efficiency from energy conversion is often lower for e-fuels than for electric motors. Some experts say e-fuels are best kept for large engines in ships or for aircraft which use kerosine.

Projects are now under way to produce kerosene from waste CO2 or cooking fat residues with hydrogen. The quantities are small, but airlines are already showing interest.

The Brussels decision has dismayed the petroleum industry. Opponents of e-fuels are waging an "ideologically motivated battle against the car," said Kühn.

The EU Commission's strategy to date has tended to point toward an end to the internal combustion engine through the back door - without direct bans, but with climate protection targets that have been raised to such an extent that the production of conventional petrol and diesel engines would de facto be phased out.

On average, passenger cars on roads in Germany were just under ten years old in mid-2021 which means there will still be a lot of them around in 2030 and beyond.

In Germany, where the emotional attachment to cars runs high, many citizens reject a ban on internal combustion cars, according to surveys.

In a survey by the opinion research institute Civey, 57% said a ban on internal combustion cars was wrong. Another 35% of those surveyed thought it the right decision. The remaining 8% were undecided.

In its survey the opinion research institute YouGov found a slim majority of 51% of Germans rejecting the EU Parliament's ban, with 37% in favour and 12% undecided.

Although a majority of MEPs recently voted to ban combustion engined-cars from 2035, the EU parliament still has to negotiate details with the EU member states.


Win great prizes and goodies at CarSifu Auto Show

The inaugural CarSifu Auto Show was held in 2016.
PETALING JAYA: Three high definition televisions and 10 Sharp car ion generators will be among the prizes to be won at the CarSifu Auto Show to be held at Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur, from Oct 25 to Oct 29.
Visitors who book a vehicle at the auto show stand to win great prizes from Sharp. The prizes are a 65-inch Aquos HD television, a 60-inch Aquos HD television, a 50-inch Aquos HD television and 10 Sharp car ion generators.

Golden Screen Cinemas will also be giving free popcorn at the auto show during selected times from Oct 27 to Oct 29 .

The auto show, organised by Star Media Group and Carsifu.my, will be open from 10am to 10pm daily.

Thirteen car brands - Honda, Mazda, Toyota, Isuzu, Volvo, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Infiniti, Kia, Renault, Peugeot, Citroen and Proton - are participating in the show which will see 28 cars displayed.

Some of the cars to be displayed are winners of the recently held 2017 CarSifu Editor’s Choice Awards.

At the prize-giving gala dinner on Oct 5, the Honda CR-V TC-P 2WD was named “Car of the Year 2017”.

Star Media auto show partners  - Boustead Petroleum Marketing and Silverstone Marketing - will also be setting up their displays at the show.

READ MORE:
2017 CarSifu Editors’ Choice Awards: Honda CR-V is ‘Car of the Year’
Why they won
2017 CarSifu Editors’ Choice Awards in pictures Sharp Car Ion Generator.


Maybach S 680: Can Mercedes beat Bentley at extreme luxury?

                Mercedes-Bnez has a special offer for anyone with money to spend on extreme luxury. If you like the S-Class but wish it were made by Bentley and Rolls-Royce, then the new Maybach version might be just what you're looking for.

For just short of €35,000 (RM173,000) more, on top of an already pricy long-wheelbase version of the S-Class, Mercedes will make the radiator grille shine brighter, add splendid 20-inch wheels and stretch the wheelbase by a further 18cm.

While the "normal" S-Class offers plenty of space in the rear, the passenger compartment in the now 5.47-metre-long Maybach becomes a veritable ballroom.

The designers have used all the space to install reclining armchairs of the kind you would find in the business class section of an airplane.

That means you can expect heated leg rests that fold out, a built-in massage function and leather head cushions, as well as plenty of digital entertainment and communication options.

Mercedes says you won't even have to lift your tired arms to turn on something to watch on the touchscreen on the backrest of the front seat - the input also works with voice control. Alternatively you can just use the remote control that pops up from the centre console.

Lots of comfort and costly extras

The added luxuries are largely for those in the back, however, and while the rear passengers may be more pampered than in any other Mercedes, nothing changes if you're behind the wheel.

Except, perhaps, that you'll now need to be even more careful when manoeuvring due to the increase in length. That will make you all the more grateful for the new rear-axle steering.

With a wheel angle of up to 10 degrees, this greatly reduces the turning circle and suddenly makes the Maybach about as manageable as a CLA, which is about a metre shorter.

There are also numerous extras for particularly discerning customers. They range from the two-tone paintwork (€14,875), partly applied by hand over the space of a week, to electrically operated rear doors (€1,606) and a bar compartment between the seats (€1,369).

You can even order matching silver champagne glasses (€3,808) for the centre console.

The last 12-pot with a star

The biggest and most important extra is in the engine, as the Maybach version of the S-Class is the only Mercedes with twelve cylinders.

But you'd better enjoy it, as you'll need to spend €53,000 more than for a V8 with 4.0 litres and 503hp. If you do decide 12 is better than 8, then the luxury liner will cost €217,324 (in its home market), but at that price it can also easily match a Roll Royce Ghost or Bentley Flying Spur for muscle.

Almost imperceptibly and without any effort, the 6.0-litre power plant with 612hp can race this three-tonne, high-calibre car to 100kph in 4.5 seconds, accelerating effortlessly onwards to up to 250kph.

If the world around you didn't pass you by, you'd hardly notice you were driving.

Because with an anticipatory air suspension, finger-thick insulating glass, active counter-sound from the Burmester system and sound-absorbing foam in the tyres, you travel in Maybach as if on a flying carpet.

A better 'best car in the world'

Is the S-Class, as Mercedes so often claims, really the best car in the world? For those who like to drive themselves around, that may be true. But if you have the means to be chauffeured or like to make a grand entrance, the Maybach is miles better.

Of course, this luxury also has its price - especially if you opt for the many extras. But compared to Rolls Royce and Bentley, the Maybach is quite the bargain.


Subaru sets mid-2030s target to sell only electric vehicles worldwide

                TOKYO: Japan’s Subaru Corp set a target today for all the vehicles it sells worldwide to be electric by the first half of the 2030s, in a move toward its long-term goal of a carbon-free society.

The news comes as Subaru has strengthened capital ties with Toyota Motor Corp, in a trend of global automakers joining forces to slash development and manufacturing costs of new technology.

“Subaru’s strong commitment and dedication toward car-manufacturing that we have cultivated throughout our history remain unchanged,” president Tomomi Nakamura said in a statement.

By 2030, the Japanese automaker added, at least 40% of all of its cars sold worldwide would comprise all-battery electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles.

Subaru, which produces the Outback and Forester SUVs, is known for its horizontally placed boxer engines, along with its EyeSight autonomous driver assist and all-wheel-drive technologies.

Automakers worldwide are scrambling to chase scale, manage costs and boost development of the self-driving cars, electric vehicles and new mobility services that are upending the industry.


Mercedes-AMG C 63

                Hailed as the most powerful V8 car of its segment, the Mercedes-AMG C 63 gets a powerful 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine.

The engine which is closely related to the unit used in the Mercedes-AMG GT sports car, develops 476hp in the C 63 but is further tweaked to output 510hp in the C 63 S variant.

With a frugal fuel consumption of 8.2 litres per 100km, the C 63 is the most economical eight-cylinder car in the high-performance segment.

READ ALSO: New cars coming in second half of 2015

Transmission is seven-speed dual-clutch automatic with manual shifting mode.

The AMG Ride Control sports suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers, mechanical rear axle locking differential and the AMG Dynamic

Select transmission modes elevate the C 63’s driving dynamics levels ahead of the regular C Class variants.

The C 63’s adoption of many new and significantly enhanced assistance systems used in the flagship S-Class has also elevated its degree of safety.

Among the features are the enhanced Attention Assist drowsiness detection system and Collision Prevention Assist Plus which help prevent rear-end collisions while increasing comfort.

Top speed is electronically limited to 250kph but can be optionally increased to 290kph.

For more information on models, go to the local Mercedes-Benz website.


BYD hits major milestone with 3 millionth NEV produced

                SHENZHEN: BYD, China's leading new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer, said today that its three millionth NEV has rolled off the production line, reported Xinhua.

BYD chairman Wang Chuanfu delivered the car, a Seal sedan (also known as Atto 4), to Wang Shuang, a soccer player who was named Asian Football Confederation Women’s Player of the Year in 2018. The  fastback sedan is positioned as a rival to the Tesla Model 3.

From January to October, NEV sales of the Shenzhen-based carmaker surged 240 per cent yearly to 1.39 million units. In China, NEVs are defined as plug-in hybrids, battery electric vehicles and fuel cell electric vehicles.

BYD ceased production of traditional petrol-powered vehicles in March.

 Wang Shuang (right) with Wang Chuanfu at the Seal delivery ceremony.

Starting as a niche brand and then becoming mainstream, the development of BYD reflected the rise of Chinese automobile brands and the rapid growth of the country's NEV industry, said Wang.

BYD will reveal its first model of a new high-end brand in the first quarter of 2023 under the name Yangwang with a price tag of between 800,000 yuan and 1.5 million yuan (between RM514,000 and RM962,000), he added.

So far, BYD's new energy buses have been sold to more than 400 cities in over 70 countries and regions globally, including Norway, Germany, Japan, Thailand, and Brazil.


Toyota unveils all-electric C-HR

                BEIJING: Toyota has unveiled an all-electric version of its C-HR crossover at the Beijing Motor Show. The C-HR EV is part of the Japanese automaker's pledge to deliver 10 electric cars to the Chinese market by the end of 2020.

Arriving in 2020, the C-HR electric vehicle is only planned for the Chinese market at the moment. It was unveiled with two new versions of Corolla and Levin plug-in hybrid saloons that will land in 2019.

These models represent part of a very significant commitment to the Chinese market by Toyota, and all three will see their electric motors, batteries, inverters and "other core technologies" for the electrification of vehicles produced locally.

In 2020 the carmaker will also be opening a new battery testing facility in China, as well as strengthening its other research and development and production facilities in the region.

Last year, Toyota sold an impressive 140,000 electrified vehicles in China, which is probably partly why it plans to raise its production capacity for nickel-metal hydride battery units to 220,000 units in 2020.

It's quite a departure for a company that said not long ago that it didn't see a future in the short term for all-electric cars, and would focus on hybrids and more efficient petrol engines.

This conversion to the electric cause isn't a completely voluntary move, though, as the Chinese government is imposing a requirement that a certain percentage of a car brand's sales in the country have to be electric.

No details about the range and performance of the C-HR EV have been released, but it will be the first full-EV on the company's TNGA platform which also underpins the Prius hybrid and the upcoming RAV4. The architecture will also be used for future Lexus models, including the next-generation CT.

Toyota revealed recently that it's working on making solid-state batteries - allow more energy to be stored than their lithium-ion equivalents - commercially viable for vehicles by the early 2020s. If successful, this could be a gamechanger for electric vehicles.


Baidu expects to supply self-driving system to 1 million cars in 3-5 years

                SHANGHAI: Chinese technology giant Baidu Inc expects to supply its Apollo autonomous driving system to 1 million cars in the next three to five years, a senior company executive said today.

Li Zhenyu, senior corporate vice president at Baidu, made the remarks at the 2021 Shanghai motor show. Baidu established its autonomous driving unit Apollo in 2017. The unit mainly supplies technology powered by artificial intelligence and works with automakers such as Geely, Ford Motor Co and GAC.

In January, Baidu said it would set up a company with Geely to make smart electric vehicles (EV), which will count on Baidu's intelligent driving capabilities and Geely's car manufacturing expertise.

Baidu operates autonomous taxi service Go Robotaxi in Chinese cities including Beijing, Changsha and Cangzhou.