Aggressive drivers drive faster and make more mistakes, study finds

                LONDON: From delays and traffic jams to bad-mannered behavior, sources of frustration when driving can be numerous and can lead to stress and anger in some people. A new study conducted by researchers in the UK reveals that aggressive driving is a high-risk behavior, impacting both road users and the transition to the self-driving cars of the future.

Have you ever felt the red mist rise when driving? Let's face it, sometimes it doesn't take much to feel stress and frustration on the road, whether it's a driver who's too slow, a dangerous pullout, or someone who's slow off the mark at a green light.

While anger certainly doesn't make things better, a new study by researchers at the University of Warwick shows that it can actually make things worse, and adversely affect a driver's performance on the road. The scientists looked at the performance of more than 1,700 drivers who were confronted with a situation of frustration, with the aim of determining whether this could have an impact on their driving.

A greater risk of accident

Published in the journal Accident Analysis and Prevention, their research, which is based on a meta-analysis, reveals that so-called aggressive driving does induce a change in behavior that leads to multiple errors on the road. In fact, the researchers report that aggressive drivers drive faster (5 km/h on average), and respect the rules of the road much less (not using the turn signal when changing lanes, for example) than the control group. Angry or stressed drivers even made 2.51 times more driving errors.

In light of these findings, and as the deployment of autonomous cars approaches, the scientists believe that these results could pave the way for the development of systems to monitor aggressive driving in vehicles.

"This research is significant because, as the era of autonomous vehicles approaches, road traffic will be a mix of both autonomous and non-autonomous vehicles, driven by people that may engage in aggressive driving. This is the first study to characterise aggressive driving behavior quantitatively in a systematic way, which may help the autonomous vehicles identify potential aggressive driving in the surrounding environment," says study lead author, Zhizhuo Su, a PhD student, at the Institutes of Digital Healthcare and Intelligent Vehicles, WMG at the University of Warwick, quoted in a news release.

Playing relaxing music

More concretely, this kind of system could allow vehicles to detect aggressive driving, and therefore an increased risk of driver errors, and to react accordingly.

Roger Woodman, assistant professor at WMG and co-author of the study, adds: "Over the last few decades, road safety policies, infrastructure changes, and improved vehicle safety have significantly reduced road casualties. However, human error, which is often a result of aggressive driving, remains a leading cause of crashes. To make driving safer, our research focuses on methods for understanding the state of the driver, to identify risky driving behaviors, through the use of driver monitoring systems (DMS)."

The researcher suggests that this could be achieved by deploying calming techniques, such as reducing the noise level inside the car or playing relaxing music, or even by reducing the speed of the vehicle. These are all solutions that could be implemented to reduce the risk of accidents linked to aggressive driving.


New model coming on MINI's 60th anniversary

                KUALA LUMPUR: MINI Malaysia today announced that a new model would be unveiled to mark the 60th anniversary of MINI on July 19.

The model is the first of two new models that would be introduced, it said in a statement.

It would be interesting to see when the electric MINI Cooper SE would come, having just debit in Britain last week.

Along with this announcement, MINI Malaysia also revealed that it had got together MINI owners and fans to help form the number "60" with their cars here.


Audi revives Horch name for China-bound A8 limo

                BERLIN: Audi is harking back to the historic Horch brand name for a prestige Chinese market version of its refreshed A8 flagship limousine.

The long wheelbase Horch L for China is 13cm longer than the regular extended version of the fourth-generation A8 introduced in 2017.

Rivalling the Mercedes-Benz Maybach version of the S Class, the Horch L is packed to the gills with tech and features up to 40 assistance systems.

The 5.45-metre long limo Horch also cossets its rear seat passengers with back massage seats, feet warmers, four-zone air-conditioning and even a fold-down table.

The extras are designed to appeal to wealthy buyers in China where plutocratic, fully-equipped limos go down well. Most of the A8s sold there and in North America are long versions.

Young buyers will probably have never heard of Horch which is old German for the latin-derived brand name Audi, meaning the imperative "listen!".

There are no plans to introduce the Horch L in Europe where the new car will still be badged as an A8.

A notable new A8 feature are new headlamps which each contain around 1.3 million micro-mirrors which disperse the light into tiny pixels, meaning they can be precision-adjusted.

The enhanced A8 also comes with OLED rear lights as a standard feature.


New extended limited warranty plans for Mercedes-Benz cars

                KUALA LUMPUR: Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia and Mercedes-Benz Malaysia have introduced their upgraded Extended Limited Warranty Programme to all Mercedes-Benz customers in Malaysia.

Offered for vehicles in their fifth and sixth year, the programme adds more value and comprehensive coverage for customers.

The programmes’ unique offerings include optional Essential or Comprehensive plans with full flexibility for a one-year or two-year subscription with coverage up to RM250,000 per plan.

The components replaced under this plan is further covered by a 24-month Mercedes-Benz Parts guarantee which allows for free repairs or replacements at any Mercedes-Benz authorised service network beyond the extended warranty period.

The programme also provides unlimited mileage coverage for cars not exceeding 125,000km before the start of their fifth year and 150,000km before the start of their sixth year before opting-in for this programme.

Terms and conditions apply and customers may inquire further at all Mercedes-Benz dealerships nationwide.

The Essential Coverage package covers key components such as air-conditioning, brakes, engine, front-wheel drive, power windows, steering, rear wheel drive in addition to suspension and transmission.

The Comprehensive Coverage will cover nine additional components on top of the Essential package including active and passive safety components, airmatic struts, audio system, ECU and tyre pressure monitoring system, instrument cluster, sensors, all other control units and electrical components, in addition to rear entertainment system for selected vehicles across the Mercedes-Benz model range in their fifth and sixth year.

The Extended Limited Warranty Programme can be opted in during or after vehicle purchase, for both new and pre-owned within the first four years from registration date.

All insured customers will be entitled to a total claimable value of RM125,000 (Essential plan) and RM150,000 (Comprehensive plan) for individually purchased plans and RM200,000 (Essential plan) and RM250,000 (Comprehensive plan) for customers that purchase combined fifth and sixth-year coverage.

Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia managing director Anamika Talwar said the Extended Limited Warranty Programme was developed and designed to offer our customers the flexibility to choose additional coverage best suited for their lifestyle and driving needs.

“Not only does the programme offer them extended peace of mind, but it also aims to enhance their overall ownership experience in the later years. We are confident that our customers will see the value of this additional coverage as this ensures their vehicle will receive ultimate protection for absolute peace of mind,” she said.

Mercedes-Benz Cars, Malaysia vice-president of Customer Services Edmin Naidoo said customers are their top priority.

“Our goal is to provide them confidence and peace of mind. This Extended Limited Warranty Programme is one of the many programmes to come in providing our customers a comprehensive and seamless ownership experience throughout their journey with us,” he sid.

The Extended Limited Warranty Programme is a Mercedes-Benz product, undertaken by Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia and underwritten by AXA Affin General Insurance Bhd.

For more information on Mercedes-Benz Extended Limited Warranty Programme, visit mb4.me/ELW.


British consortium formed to develop solid state EV batteries

Solid state batteries in development.

LONDON: A group of seven British organisations including battery materials firm Johnson Matthey, start-up Britishvolt and Oxford University said today they had formed a consortium to develop solid-state batteries for electric vehicles.

The consortium will build a facility to develop prototypes and technologies for the mass production of solid-state batteries. It also includes the government-funded Faraday Institution, which aims to help UK businesses develop and manufacture EV batteries.

"Delivering enhanced range and safety...will be a key driver for battery electric vehicle adoption, supporting the transition to a net zero future," Christian Gunther, head of battery materials at Johnson Matthey, said in a statement.

Carmakers are racing to develop EVs amid tightening CO2 emission standards in Europe and China and currently use lithium-ion batteries which consist of a liquid or gel-form electrolyte.

A number of manufacturers, including Ford Motor Co and BMW AG, are researching or investing in solid-state battery technology, which should be able to store more energy - meaning greater driving range - and prove safer due to a lack of flammable components.

Britishvolt plans to build a battery factory in northern England that should go into operation in 2023. The plant will be built in three phases and in the last of these - due for completion by 2027 - the company aims to produce solid-state batteries.

Earlier this week Britishvolt and Glencore signed a long-term deal for the supply of cobalt.

The mining giant also bought an undisclosed stake in Britishvolt.


Mercedes-AMG deals out most powerful E-Class - VIDEO

                AFFALTERBACH (Germany): The Mercedes-AMG E 63 4MATIC+ and E 63 S 4MATIC+ are the most powerful E-Class ever and will make their world première on Nov 16 at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Delivering even faster acceleration, the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine generates up to 612hp, enabling the  E 63 S 4MATIC+ to go from 0-100kph in 3.4s. This makes it the most powerful engine ever installed in an E-Class. It’s also even more efficient thanks to a cylinder deactivation system fitted as standard.

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT (Multi Clutch Technology) nine-speed sports transmission is combined with a wet start-off clutch for the first time. This allows more agile response times to be achieved. Another highlight is the completely new AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system. It combines the advantages of various drive configurations.

Torque distribution on the front and rear axles, which until now was strongly rear-biased, is fully variable for the first time. This ensures optimum traction right up to the physical limit, whatever the road conditions. The exterior design, featuring a new radiator grille and coupé-style inset bonnet, underlines the performance figures.

The exterior design is all about sleek edges and defined muscles. With a new design forward of the A-pillar, the bonnet is inset between the wings and bumper like on a coupé. More powerful-looking and 17mm wider, the wheel arches accommodate the greater track width and the larger wheels on the front axle.

The new radiator grille with twin louvres in silver chrome, vertical black struts and “AMG“ lettering likewise emphasises the distinctive look. The wide front apron is inspired by the design of a jet wing.

On the side of the car is an arrow-shaped wing signet in silver chrome bearing three-dimensional “V8 BITURBO 4MATIC+“ lettering – an eye-catching way to highlight the drive system. The side sill panels make the saloon appear to sit even lower on the road and elongate the overall line. Inserts in silver chrome differentiate the S model.

As standard, the E 63 4MATIC+ comes with 9.5 J x 19 (front) and 10 J x 19 (rear) 10-spoke light-alloy wheels painted titanium grey with a high-sheen finish, with tyres in size 265/35 ZR 19 (front) and 295/30 ZR 19 (rear). The E 63 S 4MATIC+ runs on tyres of sizes 265/35 ZR 20 (front) and 295/30 ZR 20 (rear) mounted on 9.5 J x 20 (front) and 10 J x 20 (rear) 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted matt titanium grey with a high-sheen finish.

A new design of 20-inch cross-spoke forged wheel, which looks as though it is centrally locked, is available as an option. Both cars ride on a three-chamber air suspension system.

The muscular rear end has a defined spoiler lip in the colour of the vehicle on the boot lid, the rear apron with diffuser-look insert, and the two bright chrome-plated twin tailpipe trim elements on the selectable sports exhaust system. The E 63 S 4MATIC+ also features a trim strip in silver chrome on the rear apron.

Although both cars have all-wheel drive as standard, it is still possible to drift thanks to fully variable torque distribution. This is where drift mode, part of the standard specification for the E 63 S 4 MATIC+, comes into its own. This can be activated in the “Race“ drive program using the shift paddles, provided that ESPis deactivated and the transmission is in manual mode. When drift mode is activated, the E 63 S 4MATIC+ becomes a purely rear-wheel drive vehicle. Drift mode remains engaged until the driver deactivates it again.

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT nine-speed sports transmission is specially tuned to requirements in the new E 63 4MATIC+ and E 63 S 4MATIC+.

To improve traction and vehicle dynamics the E 63 4MATIC+ has a mechanical rear differential lock and the E 63 S 4MATIC+ has an electronically controlled rear differential lock. Both differentials reduce the slip on the inside wheel when cornering, without control interventions in the braking system. This ensures that the driver is able to accelerate out of corners earlier and with more power thanks to the improved traction.

The car remains more stable when braking from high speeds, and the limited-slip differential also improves traction when moving off.

The greatest benefit of the electronic rear-axle limited-slip differential is the even more sensitive and proactive control, which pushes the thresholds higher and makes it even easier to drive at the vehicle’s limits. To deliver optimum cooling, the housing of the limited-slip differential has additional cooling fins.

Both variants offer room to personalise. The Night package, attractive wheel alternatives and two carbon-fibre packages can be used to customise the exterior specification. In the interior the Performance steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA microfibre and the Performance seats, which are available for the first time, reinforce the sporty character. Carbon-fibre trim parts or glass-fibre elements in matt silver round off the possibilities.

Available for around a year after the market launch, the E 63 S 4MATIC+ “Edition 1” features a paint finish in night black magno and stripes on the side sill panels. Added to this are new AMG 20-inch forged wheels in matt black with high-gloss polished rim flange and the Night package.

The interior gets AMG Performance seats in black nappa leather with yellow topstitching. Also colour-matched are the AMG Performance sports steering wheel, door armrests, centre console, AMG floor mats and IWC-designed analogue clock with yellow topstitching or accents. The sports steering wheel in black DINAMICA microfibre features “Edition 1” lettering and a 12 o’clock marking in black. Carbon-fibre trim elements further amplify the sportiness.


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia sales surge

                KUALA LUMPUR: Sales performance for Mercedes-Benz Malaysia boomed in April after the German luxury car brand announced it had sold a year-to-date total of 2,822 vehicles.

Referring to the Malaysian Automotive Association April report, the brand founded by Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz in 1926 has managed to find homes for 932 vehicles in April alone – giving it a 75% jump compared to April 2014.

According to Mercedes-Benz Malaysia vice president sales and marketing (passenger cars) Mark Raine, it was thanks to the successful introduction of the E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid, which sold 293 units.

Deliveries for the brand’s more compact models came in second and comprised of the A-Class, CLA, GLA and B-Class, with 284 units sold in that same month.

Not far behind in third is the locally produced C-Class that saw an increase of 250%, which translates to 270 units being sold.

As for the larger vehicle segment, 83 units of the S 400 L Hybrid where delivered to new owners as did two units of the M-Class were sold.

“With this result we are confident, that we will be able to further strengthen our leadership position in the luxury segment,” said Raine.

“After the record-breaking 1st quarter, we were delighted to deliver in April 932 units to customers and by this buck the trend of the automotive industry,” he added.


Govt still studying plans for takeover of Khazanah stake in PLUS

                KUALA LUMPUR: The government is still scrutinising the various proposals received to take over Khazanah Nasional Bhd’s 51% stake in PLUS Malaysia Bhd.

Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said the government was evaluating the financial impact of the takeover and to fulfill the responsibility to the highway users by reducing the cost of using it.

"Among the steps we are thinking about is to reduce the toll rate or if we can abolish toll in the near term, because if we are to refer to the Pakatan Harapan manifesto, it does not state that.

"The manifesto clearly states that we will discuss in stages with the concessionaires. This is all being still considered as we do not want to burden the government’s present financial position, while extending assistance to the people and highway users, ” he told reporters after the Malaysia SDG Summit 2019 here today.

Mohamed Azmin said this when asked to comment on a news reports that the Finance Ministry (MoF) would take over Khazanah’s stake in PLUS.

According to the news report, the MoF is believed to be eyeing Khazanah's stake as Putrajaya seeks to prevent the much sought-after asset from falling into private companies.

Citing sources, it also said the MoF would buy the stake in the country's biggest highway concession holder and retain the asset within the public sector, while the proposed acquisition would be brought to the Cabinet for deliberation soon.

Mohamed Azmin said he had yet to see the reported proposal by the MoF.

"We have no decision as now (PLUS) is 51 per cent owned by Khazanah and the Employees Provident Fund at 49 per cent. Technically, both are investment arms of the government, so we will see how they can assist in supporting the government’s policy to reduce toll on the said highway.

"I have not seen the proposal (by MoF) as I believe it is being scrutinised by the Works Ministry," he added.

Putrajaya had previously confirmed receiving four official offers from interested parties to take over PLUS, namely Widad Group Bhd, Maju Holdings Sdn Bhd, RRJ Capital and businessman Tan Sri Halim Saad.


GM to stop making Camaro but a successor may be in works

                DETROIT: The Chevrolet Camaro, for decades the dream car of many teenage American males, is going out of production.

General Motors, which sells the brawny muscle car, said Wednesday it will stop making the current generation early next year.

The future of the car, which is raced on NASCAR and other circuits, is a bit murky. GM says another generation may be in the works.

"While we are not announcing an immediate successor today, rest assured, this is not the end of Camaro's story,” Scott Bell, vice president of chevrolet, said in a statement.

The current sixth-generation Camaro, introduced in 2016, has done well on the racetrack, but sales have been tailing off in recent years. When the current generation Camaro came out in 2016, Chevrolet sold 72,705 of them.

But by the end of 2021 that number fell almost 70% to 21,893. It rebounded a bit last year to 24,652.

GM said last of the 2024 model year of the cars will come off the assembly line in Lansing, Michigan, in January.

Spokesman Trevor Thompkins said he can't say anything more about a future Camaro.

"We're not saying anything specific right now,” he said.

If GM revives the Camaro, it almost certainly will be electric, said Stephanie Brinley, an associate director with S&P Global Mobility.

"It would be unlikely to see another internal combustion engine vehicle,” she said.

GM has said it plans to sell only electric passenger vehicles worldwide by 2035.

Brinley said the push to sell more electric vehicles makes it likely that all new muscle cars will be powered by batteries. But if there's still a mixed combustion and battery fleet on sale in 2030 or 2040, some gas-powered muscle cars could survive.

Thompkins said GM has an understanding with auto-racing sanctioning bodies that the sixth-generation car can continue racing. GM will have parts available and the Camaro body will stay on the race track, he said.

NASCAR said that because the Generation 6 Camaro was in production when GM originally got permission to race, it remains qualified to race in NASCAR Cup and NASCAR Xfinity Series races.

GM will offer a collector's edition package of the 2024 Camaro RS and SS in North America, and a limited number of high-performance ZL-1 Camaros.

The collector's edition cars will have ties to the first-generation Camaro from the 1960s and its GM code name "Panther,” the company said without giving specifics.

GM's move comes as traditional gas-powered muscle cars are starting to be phased out due to strict government fuel economy regulations, concerns about climate change and an accelerating shift toward electric vehicles.

Stellantis, will stop making gas versions of the Dodge Challenger and Charger and the Chrylser 300 big sedan by the end of this year. But the company has plans to roll out a battery-powered Charger performance car sometime in 2024.

Electric cars, with instant torque and a low center of gravity, often are faster and handle better than internal combustion vehicles.

Stellantis, formed in 2021 by combining Fiat Chrysler and France’s PSA Peugeot, earlier this week announced the last of its special edition muscle cars, the 1,025 horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170.

The company says the car can go from zero to 60 mph (97 kilometers per hour) in 1.66 seconds, making it the fastest production car on the market.

In addition, Ford rolled out a new version of its Mustang sports car in September.

The Camaro was first introduced in 1966, two years after Ford's wildly popular Mustang.

GM retired the Camaro nameplate in 2002, but revived it as a new 2010 model with hopes of appealing to enthusiasts and younger buyers.

The 2010 version was similar to its predecessors, with a long, flat front and side "gills” that evoke the original, while still sporting a modern overall design.


Proton's R3 rolls out new lubricants and merchandise

                SUBANG JAYA: Proton’s motorsports arm, R3, has launched a new range of lubricants and merchandise to reconnect with fans and expand the reach of the brand.

With the brand now parked under Proton Global Services (PGS), a fully owned subsidiary of Proton Edar, the event marked a new direction for R3 to bring its heritage and products closer to the public.
 Lee.
R3’s range of Premium Genuine Oils is developed together with Petronas and is available in fully-synthetic and semi-synthetic formulations. Both P1 and P2 genuine oils are formulated using Petronas’ latest Etro 6+ base oil and are designed to fight excessive heat to ensure better performance for the current generation of direct injection turbocharged engines.

With SP and SN Plus ratings, they meet the highest levels of certification by the American Petroleum Institute (API).

“The launch of our new R3 Premium Genuine Oil range and merchandise products is the first step in R3’s rebranding journey," said Proton Global Services CEO Lee Yeet Chuan.

"They will be sold to the public via our Premium Merchandise Partners in 20 locations throughout Malaysia. There will be more product launches coming up in the future, including accessories for Proton car owners, which will help us build our connections with R3 fans."

The R3 Premium Genuine Oil is priced at RM208 for the P1 fully-synthetic formulation and RM158 for the P2 semi-synthetic product.

However, they will be offered at an introductory price of RM178 and RM128 until April 30. The new range of t-shirts and caps are priced between RM49 to RM60 and will also be available at all Premium Merchandise Partner locations.


VW CFO Poetsch to become chairman

                BERLIN: Volkswagen's finance chief Hans Dieter Poetsch was set to become the new VW chairman as he was endorsed by the carmaker's top-level committees and ex-chairman Ferdinand Piech.

Europe's biggest carmaker has been looking for a permanent successor to Piech, who was ousted in April after clashing with chief executive Martin Winterkorn over strategy but still wields influence through his family holding.

One day after proposing to extend the CEO's contract by two years until the end of 2018, the supervisory board's executive and nomination committees proposed to elect Poetsch, 64, as chairman, VW said today.

"Mr Poetsch distinguishes himself by strategic foresight, profound knowledge of the auto industry and great expertise in financial markets," said Berthold Huber, VW's interim chairman.

VW's plans to appoint Poetsch, who has been the German group's finance chief since 2003, to the helm of its 20-member board were reported earlier on Thursday by Reuters.

Volkswagen's controlling parent company Porsche Automobil Holding SE said Poetsch had the unequivocal support of its supervisory board - which includes Piech.


Ferrari F430 up in flames near Butterworth

                BUTTERWORTH: A Ferrari had to be written off after it caught fire along the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway in Seberang Jaya here.

Penang Fire and Rescue Department officer Supt Nafis Ariff Abdullah said they received a distress call at around 2.10pm today.

“When the Fire and Rescue team arrived at the scene, it found that the Ferrari F430 was already 80% destroyed. There were no victims involved, ” the department said in a statement.

It added that the fire was extinguished by the Sungai Puyu voluntary firefighting squad before the fire engine arrived at the location.

READ MORE: It was in 2016 when black Ferrari F430 caught fire in Penang

“The firemen performed follow-up action at the site, and the operation ended at around 3pm, ” said Supt Nafis.

The mid-engined F430 is a Pininfarina-designed sports car that was produced from 2004 to 2009. It has a 4.3-litre V8 petrol engine yielding 490hp and 465Nm of torque.

The F430 takes 3.9s to sprint from 0 to 100kph and has a top speed of over 315kph. It replaced the 360 and was succeeded by the 458 in 2009.


Polestar to debut Polestar 5 prototype and Polestar 2 BST edition 270 at Goodwood

                GOTHENBURG: Polestar is returning to the Goodwood Festival of Speed on June 23 and will debut a Polestar 5 prototype and the new high-performance, limited-edition Polestar 2 BST edition 270.
Polestar’s electric roadster concept and its existing product range will also be present.

“Goodwood is our favourite place to show our cars in an enthusiast environment,” said Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath.

The Polestar 5 prototype will be stationed in the First Glance Paddock and complete several drives up the hill during the event.

Polestar Precept, the concept car that is evolving into Polestar 5, will be on the main Polestar stand, together with Polestar’s electric roadster concept and the Polestar 2 BST edition 270.

The updated Polestar 2 will be positioned in Electric Avenue, and Polestar will again host its exclusive test drives adjacent to the main event area at Molecomb, where visitors will have the opportunity to book a Polestar 2 test drive on a closed route on site.

Polestar has debuted various cars at the iconic event over the years – including the Polestar 1 prototype in 2018 and the Experimental Polestar 2 in 2021.

The limited-edition Polestar 1 in Sun and the Experimental Polestar 2 will be stationed alongside the Polestar 5 prototype in the First Glance Paddock, and also drive up the hill.

In line with the ongoing development of Polestar 5, the latest episode of Polestar’s YouTube documentary series, “Precept: From Concept to Car”, reveals the process of creating the production car’s interior.


Synthetic fuel-powered Toyota GR86 wins Thai race

                Buri Ram, Thailand: In the Carbon Neutral Power Cup category at last weekend's (December 16 to 18, 2022) Idemitsu 1500 Super Endurance race at the Chang International Circuit, two synthetic fuel-powered Toyota GR86 cars were the fastest.

Toyota Gazoo Racing Thailand was the winner, followed by Toyota Motor Corp president Akio Toyoda and his Rookie Racing privateer team.

Second runner up went to Rookie Racing's hydrogen powered GR Corolla.

The race cars are a testament to Toyota Motor Corp's vision of a world with regular cars with combustion engines that run on hydrogen or synthetic fuels - derived from renewable energy sources.

There is no fuel cell stack or lithium ion battery here, or electric motors found in EVs (electric vehicles).

The hydrogen powered engine uses hydrogen instead of petrol, and emits almost no carbon dioxide (CO2) - aside from a little engine oil burned during driving.

https://twitter.com/ROOKIE_Racing_/status/1604426991087689728?s=20&t=5C_wjlcR5yJyK80jOGCNEw&fbclid=IwAR2fRFxKsFacP59va3W9GdYRdvljE5dV87yOOOfAOqa7VtICP

In 2021, when Rookie Racing entered the hydrogen powered car in the Fuji 24 Hour race (round 3 of the Super Taikyu Series), it was the first time that the hydrogen powered engine made its global race appearance.

"Many people in Japan associate hydrogen with explosions. I want to show that it is safe by driving in a race myself," said Toyoda.

Toyoda added that there are multiple paths towards achieving carbon neutrality.

"If we pursue BEVs as the only option to reach carbon neutrality, it would eliminate many jobs in the auto industry."

Toyoda explained that to speed up the process of mastering hydrogen powered engine technology, motorsports is a key approach.

"Going straight into a 24 hour race brings all the problems to the surface and forces us to fix them for the next race," he said.


Hyundai wins 2020 FMOTY awards

                SEOUL: Hyundai Motor has won two 2020 Future Mobility of the Year (FMOTY) Awards for HDC-6 NEPTUNE and the company’s built-in e-scooter.

Established by the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) Graduate School for Green Transportation in 2019, the awards recognize concept vehicles that make outstanding contributions to the future of mobility.

FMOTY awarded the hydrogen-powered fuel cell heavy-duty truck HDC-6 NEPTUNE in the ‘Public & Commercial’ category and the built-in e-scooter in the ‘Personal’ category.

Sixteen judges, including top automotive journalists from 11 countries, selected Hyundai Motor’s submissions from a total of 71 concepts that have debuted at international motor shows for consideration in three categories: Private, Public & Commercial, and Personal.

The judges lauded Hyundai Motor’s concepts for introducing innovative transport technologies and services for the future of mobility.

HDC-6 NEPTUNE, which debuted at the North American Commercial Vehicle Show last November, took inspiration from the iconic Art Deco streamliner railway trains of the 1930s.

The concept embodies Hyundai Motor’s vision for a zero-carbon emission future as the company leads a paradigm shift to eco-friendly commercial vehicles.

As the demand for zero-carbon and eco-friendly commercial vehicles is expected to increase gradually, FMOTY judges showed support for the first concept vehicle to incorporate hydrogen fuel cell power into commercial delivery.

The built-in e-scooter, which debuted as a prototype at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in 2017, is currently being considered as an option for future vehicles.

As its name suggests, the electric scooter will be integrated into vehicles, charging itself while the car is operating to provide the last-mile mobility – a feature the judges regarded highly in addition to its great build quality.

“HDC-6 NEPTUNE is like an ambassador concept vehicle that illuminates Hyundai Motor’s top status and prowess in next-generation fuel-cell electric vehicles and fuel-cell technology,” said SangYup Lee, Senior Vice President and head of the Hyundai Global Design Center.

“It embodies Hyundai Motor’s vision and customer value as the leader of global hydrogen mobility industry in its futuristic design.”

Dong Jin Hyun, Head of Robotics Lab at Hyundai Motor Group, added: “The built-in e-scooter delivers both mobility and usability, and sets a new standard for the individual last-mile mobility market.”

This year’s FMOTY ceremony took place today at the KAIST Academic Cultural Complex in Daejeon, attended by SangYup Lee, Senior Vice President and head of the Hyundai Global Design Center; Hak Soo Ha, Design Director at Hyundai Motor Group; and Dong Jin Hyun, Head of Robotics Lab at Hyundai Motor Group.

Last December, Hyundai Motor unveiled its ‘Strategy 2025’ roadmap, under which the company will develop Smart Mobility Devices and Smart Mobility Services as the twin core pillars of its business.

The synergy between the two pillars is expected to facilitate the company’s transition into a Smart Mobility Solution Provider.

Hyundai Motor aims to become one of the world’s top three manufacturers of battery and fuel cell EVs by 2025 and lay the groundwork for platform-based businesses.


Volvo and publisher kick off first interior design contest

                PETALING JAYA: Volvo Car Malaysia has teamed up with publisher Aurizn to host the first Volvo Aurizn Design Challenge which will see interior design firms submitting their most creative work.

Contestants are required to produce work based on a human-centric design – a design philosophy that focuses on making products that are aesthetically pleasing, functional and easy to use.

The final leg of the contest will be held at The Estate, a high-end residence, in Kuala Lumpur.

Finalists will get a chance to win a trip to the Volvo Design Centre in Gothenburg, Sweden, and meet top designers from Volvo Cars.

To take part in the contest, go to the contest site. http://www.aurizn.com/volvo-aurizn-design-challenge


New Subaru Forester SUV driven in Taiwan

                Subaru Corporation has reworked its Forester mid-sized sport utility vehicle (SUV), and following its recent regional launch in Taichung, Taiwan, we were treated to an on and off-road experience.

The purpose was to showcase the new Forester’s new-found prowess against its predecessor — and another all-wheel driven Japanese brand that’s based in Hiroshima, with many (including this writer) having a high regard for its road-going abilities.

This would be the first time we actually pitted both new and out-going Forester SUVs against a direct competitor. In all honesty, I was under the mistaken notion how similar they’ve become.

To recap, the new Forester has grown in size to offer prospective owners greater cabin space, thanks to its added overall dimensions for better cabin ergonomics as well as a wider and faster operating powered tailgate among others.

A seven virtual speed Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission with paddle shifters manage the 154hp/196Nm 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated boxer engine for the Symmetrical All-wheel Drive system.
The short circuit was divided into three sections that included a slalom, S-bend and a “wet surface” coupled with a sharp turn.

Rival and old Forester

Starting with the Hiroshima-based competitor’s AWD system, it provided a good feel of traction off the line.

Going though the slalom, its body-roll felt controlled when dealing with abrupt side-to-side weight transitions, but gunning it through the S-bend did show to have some understeer, while the wet section just saw the front end completely wash away.

 New Forester (right) takes on its predecessor.

Taking to the older Forester, the amount of body roll was more apparent compared to the competition, with the only difference being the lack of understeer, as a result of the four-channel anti-lock braking (ABS) system that takes into account the driver’s steering input and traction on all four wheels.

While trying to turn into the corner, the ABS system will apply the brakes to an individual wheel (which sounds like gears grinding) to try and help “pull” the car into the turn.

Even when going into the corner with excessive speed, the SUV simply maintains a neutral stance and refused to let understeer set in.

New ForesterNext up was the new Forester. My only regret was not having a timed-lap for better comparison. It is markedly better than its predecessor in the way it behaves.

The amount of roll has been significantly reduced, which adds to the confidence when tackling the tight bends. Together with its four-channel ABS system to help keep the nose pointed in the intended direction, the new Forester felt surprisingly nimble to steer.

The offroad course was meant to showcase how well the vehicle’s various systems cope. Aside from the AWD system, the new Forester has a 40% more rigid chassis, similar 220mm ride-height and an improved X-Mode feature.

The course comprised six sections starting with the cross-rollers and bumpy road section (laden with large rocks) to show off its higher torsional rigidity that resists chassis-flex.

Although this SUV doesn’t look the part, it does have the ability to tackle different loose surfaces, thanks to the inclusion of the updated X-Mode, which allows the Forester to deal with gravel and loose dirt or muddy situations.

It was also up to the offroad challenges with its hill descent control as well as a respectable 20-degree angle of approach, 26-degree angle of departure and 22-degree tip-over point to endow it with the ability to handle situations like a steep hill, side ramp and an off-road slalom.

During the new Forester’s launch, Subaru said it is marketing it as a vehicle with creature comforts that can be trusted to go anywhere - whether it’s onroad or offroad.

This SUV is due to arrive in Malaysia by the second half of 2019.


256 cloned car drivers blacklisted by Terengganu JPJ

File pic of cloned cars seized by police.
KUALA TERENGGANU: A total of 256 cloned car drivers have been blacklisted from 2015 to May this year for failing to appear in court, according to the Terengganu Road Transport Department (JPJ).

Its director, Zulkarnain Yasin, said all the drivers who were blacklisted would be barred from renewing their road tax and licence or conduct all other JPJ-related matters until their court cases were settled.

"From 2015 until May this year, 51 cases of cloned cars in Terengganu were resolved, and the drivers paid fines in court totalling RM384,900," he told reporters at the JPJ Terengganu Aidilfitri dinner here on Monday.

He advised people who bought cars at 50% below market price to check with JPJ in order to avoid being duped by car-cloning syndicates.

READ MORE:
Buy cloned cars at your own peril, warns JPJ
Embedded smartcode tags to stop the clones
JPJ says car cloners getting help to abuse system
MACC going after car cloners
JPJ estimates RM30mil lost to car cloning syndicates

"The inspection service is provided free by the JPJ's automotive engineering division.

"These syndicates are cunning. They claim each of their vehicles is sold at a low price because it is a used vehicle when it is actually a clone. The syndicate is also difficult to detect. As soon as they have closed a deal with the buyer, they will disappear and their phone numbers would no longer be in use.”

A June 29, 2016 report by The Star showed that Terengganu had also become a haven for syndicates selling Singapore cars with forged registration documentation.

Apart from the demand for luxury vehicles, Terengganu’s geographical location – far away from major cities where the cars they are “cloning” are to be found – is also a plus factor for the syndicates.


Volkswagen ID. R sets sights on Nürburgring Nordschleife

                WOLFSBURG: The next challenge for the fully-electric Volkswagen ID. R awaits at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, because come summer, the German carmaker looks to set another new record.

The performance arm of the German car company, Volkswagen Motorsport, are currently working intensively on the continuing development of the purely electric-powered race car.

The focus of the testing and development phase is on increasing the efficiency of the vehicle with two electric motors that dish out a system-output of 680hp.

“The developments in electro-mobility are immense, and once again this year we want to underline Volkswagen’s capabilities in producing fast electric cars that awake your emotions. Just like Pikes Peak, the Nürburgring-Nordschleife presents a serious challenge for an automobile. We want to show just how much performance potential exists today with electric-powered cars,” said Volkswagen Motorsport director Sven Smeets.

“It takes ingenuity to strike the right balance with top speed and the limited electric energy available. So we’re concentrating on the continuing development of the drive technology and battery management,” explains François-Xavier Demaison, technical director of Volkswagen Motorsport.

Volkswagen Motorsport is developing the battery alongside the laboratories that are also involved in researching the technology for the ID. product family and a clearly visible alteration of the ID. R will be the aerodynamics.

“In the thin air of Pikes Peak, which sits 4,302m above sea level, we gave the ID. R a very big rear wing to produce the maximum amount of downforce,” said Demaison.

On the Nordschleife, Volkswagen Motorsport will bring a new aerodynamic configuration that will target the greatest efficiency possible, rather than maximum downforce.

“This concerns not only a smaller rear-wing but also the front splitter and floor of the vehicle,” explained Demaison.

For this, different specifications are simulated on the computer to be then examined in the wind tunnel at the beginning of April before the test drives.

Volkswagen Motorsport in Hannover carried out these simulations, which are also put to use in order to optimise battery management and to adapt suspension components for the higher loads of the Nordschleife.

“We are receiving a great deal of support from the technical development in Wolfsburg,” said Volkswagen Motorsport head of calculation/simulation Dr Benjamin Ahrenholz.

Romain Dumas will sit in the cockpit of the ID. R again this year.

The Frenchman, who is somewhat of a Nordschleife expert with four overall victories at the 24-hour race, is excited by the continuing development of the car.

“Viewed in isolation, the individual changes don’t appear to be so pronounced, but the ID. R is a very complex overall package. It will all come down to the sum of the tiny details,” he said.

The current record for a purely electric-powered vehicle on the Nordschleife stands at 6min 45.90s – set by Briton Peter Dumbreck at the wheel of an NIO EP9 in 2017.


Hummer EV launch put off, online launch mulled

                DETROIT: General Motors Corporation (GMC) has deferred the launch of its Hummer electric vehicle (EV) on May 20 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

What was supposed to be launched in Las Vegas that day will be postponed to a date to be announced. However, the US carmaker's top brass has indicated that the Hummer EV will go on sale as planned in 2021 and its team’s development work continues on track.

The company is currently mulling if it will conduct a virtual event for the Hummer EV as the virus continues to wreak havoc in the US with the number of deaths managing to top 60,000.

The Hummer EV has been planned to roll out of the company's Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant which was undergoing refitment to become the company's EV manufacturing hub but such efforts have been placed on hold to comply with the state of Michigan's "stay-at-home" order that will tentatively end on May 7.

In January, the company announced that the Hummer will return after a decade-long hiatus after it was dropped from its model lineup.

The company plans to offer the Hummer EV with a few battery pack options that will provide as high as 1,000hp and 15,592Nm.

While pricing for the Hummer EV has yet to be announced, its competition, which includes the Rivian's RT1 electric truck, Ford F-150 EV and Bollinger Motors startup (electric truck and SUV), continue their developmental works.


Infiniti talks colours

                LONDON: Colour has always played a major part in car design. But just as the creases and curves of a car's outward form have evolved down the years, so too has the palette of colors adorning the metal.

Much of this, of course, may be attributed to the transient nature of fashion and the constant evolution of taste.

Colours often capture and reflect current trends, fluctuating between flamboyant and conservative with the passing of time. However, the emergence of new paint technology and processes has, perhaps, been an even bigger factor – giving designers and colour teams the ability to play with new shades and finishes to delight the senses, inject personality, heighten visual impact and accentuate the aesthetic.

And this brings us to Infiniti Design London. It's led by Matthew Weaver, director of Infiniti Design London and Infiniti Colour Manager Sandra Boberg.

Watch the video as they explains the trends and Infiniti's work at the forefront of the next colour revolution.


Jaguar XE shows how 'green' it is

                LONDON: As the Jaguar XE celebrates its first full-year of sales in the UK, ‘REALCAR’ - the pioneering recycled aluminium project that contributes to the awarding winning saloon’s aluminium-intensive body has reached a significant milestone.

Jaguar Land Rover has reclaimed over 50,000 tonnes of aluminium scrap, the weight of 200,000 XE body shells, back into the production process during 2015/16, preventing more than 500,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent from entering the atmosphere by not using primary aluminium material.

The figures are a result of project ‘REALCAR’, which involves 11 UK press shops implementing a closed-loop, segregating waste aluminium scrap so that it can be sent back into production to be re-melted into recycled aluminium sheets for use in Jaguar Land Rover vehicles.

The Jaguar Land Rover-led research project, part-funded by Innovate UK, also saw the development of a recycled aluminium-based alloy which can accept a higher percentage of the recovered scrap. In 2014, the Jaguar XE became the first car in the world to use this innovative high-strength aluminium alloy, developed by project partner Novelis.

More than £7m has been invested across Jaguar Land Rover’s own Halewood, Castle Bromwich and Solihull press shops to install intricate segregation systems to capture and distribute the aluminium scrap for re-melting, reducing waste, retaining higher quality and value in the material.

Recovering aluminium in this way offers huge sustainability benefits, with aluminium recycling requiring up to 95% less energy than primary aluminium production.

The structural grade of recycled aluminium has since been tested and introduced in the lightweight aluminium bodies of the All-New Jaguar XF and F-PACE models.

REALCAR is part of Jaguar Land Rover’s circular economy strategy to improve resource efficiency across the business.

Jaguar Land ROver group engineering director Nick Rogers said: “Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at Jaguar Land Rover. We are driven by the desire to produce increasingly world-class, light-weight, vehicles, but we also want to be world leading in how we build them.

“Innovative projects such as REALCAR demonstrate our commitment to meeting our sustainability challenges head-on. Its success so far marks a significant step towards our goal of having up to 75% recycled aluminium content in our vehicle body structures by 2020.”


Ferrari to make Le Mans return in 2023 with Hypercar

                PARIS: Ferrari will return to the elite class of the fabled Le Mans 24 Hour Race in 2023 after announcing their Hypercar entry in the World Endurance Championship.

The iconic Ferrari racing car has been absent from the highest level of sports car racing, headlined by the Le Mans showpiece, since 1973.

While the hotly-awaited car has yet to be unveiled, it has been designed and Ferrari are also preparing to name its drivers for the 2023 return.

Ferrari has won the outright title at Le Mans on nine occasions, the last of which came in 1965.

"In over 70 years of racing, on tracks all over the world, we led our closed-wheel cars to victory by exploring cutting-edge technological solutions," said Ferrari president John Elkann on Wednesday .

"With the new Le Mans Hypercar programme, Ferrari once again asserts its sporting commitment and determination to be a protagonist in the major global motorsport events."

The new programme is also an opportunity for Ferrari to diversify its activities with Formula 1 introducing an annual spending limit this season of US$145 million (RM587mil) for each team.

By 2023, Ferrari will be the fifth manufacturer in the Hypercar series alongside the likes of Peugeot, Audi, Porsche and Toyota.

The automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), which promotes the WEC, welcomed the return of Ferrari.

"Ferrari has a long and illustrious history in Endurance and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Maranello team has won nine times, the last in 1965 in an epic duel against Ford," said the ACO in a press release.

"Today is a great day", added Pierre Fillon, the president of the ACO who noted the significance of 2023 which will be the centenary of Le Mans.

Limits on soar-away budgets in F1 have prompted the sport's heavyweights such as Ferrari and Mercedes to review their racing objectives.

To avoid layoffs of engineers and other employees, new outlets for their technological expertise have been sought.

Mercedes, for example, has raced in Formula E since the 2019-2020 season and shares projects with Ineos in sailing and cycling.

On the F1 grid, they have also strengthened their partnership with the Williams team.

Ferrari, which has not won the F1 drivers world title since Kimi Raikkonen's triumph in 2007 and a constructors trophy the following year, endured their worst season in the sport in 40 years in 2020.


How good are your headlights? How technology is making them safer

                LOS ANGELES: How good are your car headlights? Probably not as good as you think.

The US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently issued a list of the 23 safest 2020 passenger vehicles, based mainly on the institute's crash worthiness tests.

Of those 23 vehicles, only six offer top-rated headlights as standard equipment, the IIHS said: the Genesis G70, the Honda Insight, the Hyundai Nexo, the Lexus NX, the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid and the Tesla Model 3. The headlights on the other 17 models on the list are rated as "acceptable."

"Few vehicles have headlights that do their job well," according to the IIHS.

Manufacturers are increasingly replacing old-style halogen bulbs with LEDs, which provide more light per unit of energy. But that's not enough, says David Harkey, president of the institute, which is the research and safety arm of the insurance industry.

Design of the lamp assembly and integration with the car body is key, as are improved manufacturing processes "to make sure the tolerances they need for aim of headlights is much tighter," he says.

Safer headlights provide "the best balance of visibility and lack of excessive glare for oncoming vehicles," the IIHS said in a news release. New headlight technologies available on higher-end cars include swivelling lamps that follow curves and high beams that turn on automatically on dark roads and turn off when an oncoming car is detected.

"People don't use their high beams as often as they should," Harkey says. About half of all traffic fatalities occur between dusk and dawn, he adds.

It seems obvious that good headlights help reduce crashes and the deaths of drivers, passengers and pedestrians. But until recently, carmakers have not made headlight quality a safety priority, according to the IIHS. "Achieving good or acceptable scores has been a challenge to the carmakers," Harkey says.

The IIHS began testing and publicly ranking headlights in 2016. According to Harkey, that goosed carmakers into action. Besides the human carnage, crashes and deaths cost the insurance industry money through payouts and lawsuits.

Car owners unhappy with headlight performance can buy LED modification kits online, but safety experts advise against it: because the lamps are not customised for a particular vehicle and its headlight housing, they could cast light so bright it blinds oncoming traffic. "There's no reason consumers should have to resort to aftermarket products for headlights," Harkey says.

The IIHS also includes pedestrian detection systems in its safety assessments, although that feature is rarely available as standard equipment.

Crashworthiness remains the key component in the group's safety evaluations. For 2020, 64 vehicle models of 219 tested received an IIHS rating of Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick Plus. Good or acceptable headlights are required to achieve a Plus rating.

The Hyundai Motor Group - Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis - had the most models on the safety list, with 14 of the 64 models. Mazda models comprised five of the top 23.

No minivans or pickups made the list. IIHS said most pickups lack pedestrian front-crash warning as an option. No vehicles from Mitsubishi or from FCA, which includes the Fiat, Chrysler, Ram and Jeep brands, made the cut. — LAT/dpa


BMW upgrades 4 Series and M4

                CYBERJAYA: BMW Group Malaysia today announced the availability of the upgraded 4 Series Coupé and M4 Coupé.

The improvements cover appearance, performance, interior offering and added technology for connectivity.

The 4 Series Coupé is offered as a 420i and 430i in M Sport trim, priced at RM 338,800 and RM408, 800 respectively. The M4 is going for RM760,800.

The cars will be displayed during Raya @ BMW, held at all BMW dealerships from July 6-21. They will also be presented at the Revolution by Time Kulture which runs from July 6-16 at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.

What's new in 4 Series Coupé

- revised front and rear section
- modified air inlets in front,
- new bi-LED headlights instead of xenon units
- new apron, twin exhaust tailpipes with larger diameter
- all-LED tailights
- new 19-inch light alloy rims
- Snapper Rocks Blue colour as option for 420i
- stiffer suspension with adaptive damper settings for ride comfort
- Adaptive M Suspension with Driving Experience Control for 430i
- steering retuned for improved precision
- new ambient lighting
- latest touchscreen user interface with six tile icons on 8.8-inch display
- expanded BMW Connected services; concierge services only in 430i

The 420i offers 184hp with 270Nm torque, making the 0-100kph sprint in 7.5 seconds. The 430i offers a 252hp powerplant, producing 350Nm of torque to make acceleration from 0 to 100kph in 5.8 seconds.

What's new in M4 Coupé

- BMW Adaptive Full-LED headlights and tailights
- redesigned and illuminated statement M emblems for front seats

Now edgier in its appearance, the M4 gets the typical M exterior mirrors, M gills, M Double Tailpipe, carbon roof and a powerdome.

The M Sport seats featuring width-adjustable side bolsters for perfect lateral support where the upright seats also apertures for effective ventilation on the racetrack. Aside from an M leather steering wheel with M Drive buttons, interior trim finishes in carbon fibre and premium chrome appliqué communicates a sense of confidence synonymous to the sports car.

The 3.0 litre M TwinPower Turbo in-line six-cylinder engine capable of up to 431hp at 7,600 rpm and a peak torque of 550Nm from 1,850 – 5,500 rpm. The high-revving engine promises an instantaneous response at the touch of the accelerator.

Other highlights include a cooling system where the performance temperature of the car is balanced with the main cooling system working in combination with an electric water pump to ensure a consistent temperature balance of the engine, much like racing cars.

Additionally, the consistency of the oil supply to the engine is maintained by a weight-optimised magnesium oil pan which limits the movement of the oil under strong dynamic lateral acceleration to ensure oil is supplied continuously to all the engine components.

“With the advancements introduced in the new models, we believe the 4 Series will continue to exceed expectations, while the M4 will prove that it is a multiple championship winner," said BMW Group Malaysia managing director and CEO Han Sang Yun.


Perodua Aruz’s delivery time cut to 1 month

                KUALA LUMPUR: Due to higher production, Perodua has reduced the waiting time of the Aruz to between 1 month and 1.5 months, depending on model - from a waiting period of 2 to 2.5 months previously.

The Aruz sold 17,989 units between January and July this year.

We thank you for your continued and strong support which has led to the Aruz being the most popular SUV in Malaysia – this is truly an important milestone for us,” said Perodua president and CEO Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

Zainal said Perodua was able to further improve on its production processes, resulting in quicker delivery of the Aruz.

He added that Perodua is keeping to its sales target of 235,000 units by year-end which is an increase of 3.4% from 227,234 units sold in 2018.

The total production target for 2019 has been revised to 249,000 units, up 2.9% from the previous target of 242,000 units.

Both manufacturing plants are operating at 97% capacity, which Perodua notes as stabilised at the optimum level of operating condition; while defects per unit (DPU) at both plants have recorded steady declines.


Hyundai unveils automatic charging robot for EVs

                SEOUL: Hyundai Motor has developed an automatic charging robot for electric vehicles (EVs).

The robot for EVs is a one-arm machine capable of plugging a cable into an EV’s charging port and removing it again once charging is complete.

The new video of the real robot in action follows up on a CGI version released by the group in July last year.

The new video begins with a scene in which the Hyundai Ioniq 6 parks autonomously in an EV-charging bay.

Once the vehicle is stationary, the robot communicates with the vehicle to open the charging port, calculating the exact location and angle through a camera mounted inside.

The robot then picks up the charger and fastens it to the vehicle’s charging port, thus starting the charging session.

Once charging is complete, the robot removes the charger, returns it to its rightful place, and closes the cover of the vehicle’s charging port.

“The robot will help to make EV-charging easier and more convenient, especially in dark environments. It will also improve accessibility, particularly for people with mobility barriers, as charging cables become thicker and heavier to enable high-speed charging,” said Dong Jin Hyun, Head of Robotics Lab, Hyundai Motor Group.

“We will continue developing the robot for increased safety and more convenience, so that all EV customers can soon benefit from using it at charging stations.”

In order for a robot to fasten a charger to the charging port securely, software technology that can simultaneously calculate multiple variables is required.

Hyundai has developed an algorithm that applies 3D camera-based AI technology to robots, and next-generation control technology based on this application allows robots to accurately handle heavy chargers.

Given that most EV chargers are installed outdoors without cover, Hyundai engineers built a bespoke outdoor electric vehicle charging station at its R&D centre and evaluated performance in various conditions.

As a result, the robot has secured a waterproof and dustproof grade of IP65, and its performance has been greatly improved so that it can be stably operated even in extreme environments.

In addition, engineers have installed a safety pole with a built-in laser sensor around the robot to prevent possible accidents by enabling it to detect stationary and moving obstacles.

Hyundai expects automatic charging robots to significantly increase convenience of EV charging, and if combined with autonomous parking control systems in the future, can improve utilisation by sequentially charging several parked vehicles.

The newly unveiled robot will be on display at Hyundai Motor’s exhibition booth during the 2023 Seoul Mobility Show from March 31 to April 9.


Nissan Urvan gets safer

                KUALA LUMPUR: Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM), sole distributor and assembler of Nissan vehicle in Malaysia, has enhanced the safety of the Nissan NV350 Urvan (High Roof).

The updated features are manual headlamp levelizer and rear fog lamp for improved night driving, new a speed limiter and fuel cap with lock to prevent fire risk.

“The NV350 Urvan has been a very popular people mover due to its 14-passenger carrying ability as well as its reliability and dependability.

“It has supported many types of businesses and we believe that the new safety features can further improve our customers’ business success by carrying more passengers and with minimum down-time,” said ETCM sales and marketing director Christopher Tan.


Facelifted Toyota Hilux prices confirmed from RM93K

                SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota has revealed the confirmed prices for its facelifted Hilux pickup truck.

While the official launch date of the Hilux has yet to be announced, it will be arriving in five variants with some changes made to the variants offered.

For starters, a new Hilux Double Cab 2.4 E A/T will be the new addition to the stable while a Double Cab 2.8 Rogue A/T will replace the current Double Cab 2.8 Black Edition.

Also, the Double Cab 2.4 G A/T will be upgraded to the new Double Cab 2.4 V A/T and the L-Edition will no longer be offered.

Still being offered with a manual transmission are the Double Cab 2.4 G and Single Cab 2.4.

For colour options, there will be seven colours to choose from such as Bronze Mica Metallic (new), Crimson Spark Red Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, Phantom Brown Metallic, Medium Silver Metallic, Silver Metallic and Super White II.

The Hilux Single Cab is only available in Solid White.

Furthermore, the range-topping Hilux 2.8 Rogue will now come with Toyota Safety Sense system which adds in Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert and Lane Tracing Assist.

UMW Toyota says that its order books are now open at authorized Toyota showroom nationwide.

To locate the nearest showroom, log on to www.toyota.com.my or call Toyota FREEPHONE at 1-800-88-TOYOTA (869682).

As an added bonus, the company is providing new buyers with a 13% savings on vehicle maintenance as well as discounts of up to 20% on selected items and parts replacement with the Toyota Service Savers package.

Available for the period of five years or three years, the cost of the package can be included in the financing scheme as part of the vehicle purchase cost.

Together with the vehicle purchase, customers are recommended the Toyota Insurance Package, exclusive to Toyota owners.

This package allows owners to regain use of their vehicle in the shortest time possible following an accident, but the claim must not exceed RM20,000.

The claim can usually be approved within 24 hours to enable repair works to commence.

Betterment charges and an Excess Clause are also not included and the insurance companies will pay the entire amount of the claim.

There is an agreed value for the vehicle in the event of Total Loss (for vehicles up to 10 years old) and complimentary 24SEVEN Road Assist for peace of mind 24 hours a day, 7 days a week nationwide.


GM says over 40% of new China launches in next five years will be EVs

                SHANGHAI: General Motors Co is planning an electric car offensive in China with more than 40% of its new launches in the country over the next five years set to be electric vehicles (EVs), the US carmaker said today.

GM’s electric vehicles, many of which will be all-electric battery cars, will be manufactured in China with almost all parts coming from local suppliers, the company said in a statement released at its Tech Day event in Shanghai.

Reuters reported earlier today that GM was planning to overhaul its Chinese line-up to stem a slide of sales after more than two decades of growth in a country that contributes nearly a fifth of its profit.

GM’s new China boss Julian Blissett told Reuters that new technologies, such as EVs and cars with near hands-free driving for highways, would play a key role in GM’s China initiatives, which are part of a push to get annual sales in the country back to the 4 million peak it hit in 2017.

 Blissett..

GM did not say in its statement how many new or significantly redesigned models it was planning to launch in China over the next five years.

“China will play a crucial role in making our vision a reality,” GM CEO Mary Barra said in the statement, referring to its initiative to create what it describes as a future of “zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion” through electrification and smart-driving technologies.

GM has said it plans to invest more than US$20 billion in electric and automated vehicles globally by 2025. It was not clear how much of that investment will be spent in China.


Michael Kors ramps things up with new McLaren-Honda partnership

                Alonso (left) and Button stepping out in London and looking sharp in Michael Kors attire.

LONDON:  Michael Kors has revealed plans to become the official lifestyle partner of the world championship Formula 1 team McLaren-Honda.

The all-American fashion label is moving into the fast lane with the deal, which it hopes will accelerate its growing image as a men's lifestyle brand.

As the team's official lifestyle partner, Michael Kors branding will feature prominently on the drivers' overalls and the McLaren-Honda MP4-31 car, which is being driven in the 2016 FIA Formula 1 World Championship by Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button.

The fashion house has created a limited-edition men's leather jacket to mark the strategic move, featuring both the Michael Kors and McLaren logos, as well as a limited-edition plaque with each piece's unique production number. Only 50 of the garments will be fabricated, and the pieces will be sold exclusively at the new Michael Kors London flagship store.

Explaining the concept of the piece, Kors says: "There is an energy, sophistication and confidence to both of our brands, and we wanted to create a limited-edition piece that spoke to that."

Since being established in 1981, Michael Kors has created a name for itself as a go-to designer of luxury accessories and ready-to- wear. As well as womenwsear, the company also designs menswear, including accessories, footwear, watches, jewelry, ready-to- wear and a full line of fragrance products.

 Kors (middle) posing with Button (left) and Alonso in London.


Weststar Maxus takes part in Indonesia auto show

                KUALA LUMPUR: Weststar Maxus Sdn Bhd, a member of The Weststar Group, will participate at the 2015 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show, which opens today and runs until Aug 30.

The group will be presenting a cohesive combination of its Weststar Maxus range of commercial vehicles to spread its reach to a larger business and individual Indonesian demographics.

"We have identified the Indonesian market as a viable destination for our regional expansion for a good number of years.

"Businesses in various industries, in particular transportation, have grown steadily benefiting from the ripple effects of Indonesia's growing tourism industry that's been driving more demand for commercial vehicles," Weststar Group managing director Tan Sri Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim said in a statement on Wednesday.

PT Weststar Maxus Indonesia offers Indonesian customers a wide array of customisation and fabrication options.

With the recent official launch of the Weststar Maxus V80, Weststar Maxus looks to cater to businesses and a growing segment of high-end lifestyle-oriented customised vehicles to serve a niche market of up-and-coming Indonesians.

"We believe there's a huge potential for the Maxus V80 taking into account its ideal size and various well-thought-out configurations.

"Throwing our expertise in automotive engineering design, customisation and fabrication into the mix, the V80 can be fitted or customised for any commercial, personal and luxury applications," Syed Azman said.

Over the last two years, Weststar Maxus has been driving important stakes to establish its footing in Indonesia.
Weststar Maxus started its retail operations in Jakarta in late 2014, and currently has eight sales and service dealers in six regions in Indonesia - Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Makasar, Lampung and Bali.

Based in Jakarta, PT Weststar Maxus' activities cover marketing, sales, after-sales service, customisation and related activities for the Indonesian market.

The auto show is taking place at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition in Jakarta.


Ford Europe offers upgraded air filter in cars to reduce virus infections

                LONDON: Ford in Europe is now offering with its vehicles an upgraded filter that could provide much-needed relief to hay fever and allergy sufferers.

The Ford micronAir proTect filter, developed by filtration experts Freudenberg, is highly effective at capturing a wide range of harmful germs, allergens and even viruses that can cause significant health problems.

The enhanced system uses carbon and a special active layer made from a secret recipe including citric acid as found in lemons.

This provides protection against unwanted bacteria, yeast and fungi, as well offering antiviral properties.

“For many drivers and their passengers, allergies to pollen and dust can cause great discomfort as well as serious health problems,” said Nigel Brackenbury, vice president, Ford Customer Service Division, Ford of Europe.

“This filter is a low-cost but effective measure that could protect the health and provide greater comfort for anyone travelling in a Ford vehicle.”

The Ford micronAir proTect filter is capable of trapping particles as small as 0.05 microns – less than one thousandth the thickness of a human hair.

When fitted to the vehicle’s ventilation system this can dilute the concentration of harmful particles entering the cabin and remove droplets containing viruses as quickly as possible, reducing the chance of further contamination and infection.

The filter features an activated carbon element that is designed to offer additional protection against harmful pollution such as particulates and acid gases, and a multi-layer microfibre barrier that traps smaller particles, dust and pollen.

It is also possible for the filter to address threats inside the car – proving 99.9 per cent effective at inactivating viruses that come into contact with the special active layer.

These include Swine Flu (H1N1) and HCov-229E.

Current conditions make it too dangerous to test the filter against SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 disease, but Freudenberg expects that it will achieve the same 99.9 per cent effectiveness.

Coronaviruses are spread in droplets produced when those affected sneeze, cough or breathe, and can remain infectious on surfaces for hours or even days.

Wind disturbances, temperature changes and humidity can all cause these particles to become airborne again – at which point they can be picked up by the filter.

READ MORE: Proton X70 owners can get new N95 Cabin Filter at RM79


First Honda N600 in US gets new lease of life - VIDEO

                LOS ANGELES: Since March, Honda has taken viewers on an in-depth journey of the restoration of the very first Honda in America, the N600 with Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) 1000001 and aptly named "Serial One."

The final episode marks the end of the 12-episode documentary series that has chronicled the meticulous, step-by-step restoration of the N600 through the eyes of Los Angeles-based mechanic Tim Mings.

The series, which is an ode to Honda's automotive roots in the US, showcases the company's many challenges over six months on Honda's social channels and at serialone.com.

In the last episode, the fully restored car is shared with the audience, along with a look back in time, from the start to finish of the restoration process.

Mings and his team take the car through the final finishes, from installing the doors to tightening the last bolts and signing the roof of the vehicle before the roof liner is installed.

For the first time, viewers will see and hear the engine turning over after it is installed.

Throughout the episode, Mings shares his experiences of the elaborate rebuild and the emotional connection he developed with the N600 and Honda.

The finale culminates with the journey of "Serial One" to the Japanese Classic Car Show in Long Beach, California, where it is revealed to fans.

"Throughout the incredible journey of Honda's Serial One to a complete restoration, fans have been able to witness firsthand how meticulous the process has been to bring the first N600 in America back to its original form," said Honda social media manager Alicia Jones.

"Sharing the restoration process with car enthusiasts and Honda fans everywhere is what this program has been all about," she added.

In 1969, after a decade of growth that led to Honda becoming the top-selling motorcycle manufacturer in America and the world, Honda embarked on a new mission to sell cars in the United States.

Honda entered the U.S. market with the Honda N600, which was just 122 inches in length and could actually fit between the wheels of some full-sized vehicles in America, which measured up to 225 inches in length and weighing nearly twice as much as the NSX.

The N600 had an all-alloy engine that could achieve 9,000rpm and reach speeds of 132kph.


Nissan reports Covid-19 infection at Yokohama HQ

                YOKOHAMA: Nissan Motor Co. said an employee working at its global headquarters in Yokohama tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

The employee hadn’t been at work since March 20, the company said in a statement, and was tested on April 3, with the diagnosis confirmed on April 4.

Nissan has determined that no other employees have been in close contact with the infected person since the worker first started showing symptoms on March 23.

There have been no other suspected infection cases at the Yokohama headquarters. Nissan said it has implemented daily health checks at its offices to detect employees who could be infected while recommending that they engage in remote work or stagger their commuting times to avoid crowds.


Jaguar Land Rover wants to build electric cars in Britain

                LONDON: Britain's biggest carmarker Jaguar Land Rover said it wants to build electric cars in Britain in what would be a further boost to the UK automotive sector after the Brexit vote.

The Indian-owned carmaker built just under a third of Britain's 1.6 million cars last year and showcased its first electric car earlier this month, which will be built in Austria.

But chief executive Ralf Speth suggested that the Indian-owned automaker, which operates three car plants in central and northern England, could bring further production to Britain.

"We want to build our EVs (electric vehicles) in the West Midlands, in the home of our design and engineering," Speth told an industry meeting on Thursday evening according to a spokesman.

Speth said in September it made sense to build electric batteries and cars in its home market if the conditions, including pilot testing and support from science, were right.

Britain announced an extra 390 million pounds (RM2.2bil) of funding to support autonomous and green technologies earlier this week, following on from a raft of proposals designed to promote the country as a hub for innovation over recent years.

Jaguar Land Rover said it would not comment on when electric cars would be built in Britain or on potential job creation.

Any new production would be seen as a further boost to the automotive sector after Japanese carmaker Nissan said it would build two new models at the country's biggest car plant following a promise of government support.

After Nissan sought a promise of compensation in the event of Brexit-imposed costs to its car production, Speth said that his firm wanted "fair treatment" and a "level playing field" from the government.

Jaguar Land Rover wants half its cars to be available in an electric version by the end of the decade, after showcasing its first electric car at the Los Angeles Auto Show earlier this month.


Set up a single hotline for potholes, say experts

                KUALA LUMPUR: Fixing pothole-riddled roads has been a never-ending battle, mostly due to the lack of coordination in handling the complaints, according to local experts.

Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Institute of Infrastructure Engineering and Sustainable Management (IIESM) deputy director Prof Dr Ahmad Kamil Arshad said an integrated hotline system involving all road owners is one of the best ways to coordinate the complaints on damaged roads or potholes so that the problems could be resolved swiftly.

“Those who maintain roads know it is their responsibility, but many road users do not know how to channel their complaints and they will blame only one party, so the expected response to their complaints may be delayed or may not be forthcoming,” he said.

While the Public Works Department (JKR) is in charge of road maintenance, most roads in the country, including municipal roads, are owned by other agencies, such as local authorities, he said.

“I think JKR or highway concessionaires do not have much problem in maintaining roads or highways as they have well-trained personnel and their road surveillance is periodic. But it is not the case for local authorities that do not have a response team to handle and act on complaints quickly.

He urged local authorities to set up such a response team.

Potholes arise as roads age; they are also caused by high traffic density and heavy vehicles.

He called on utility companies to carry out early risk assessment in areas with old pipelines that needed replacement so as to prevent leaking that would damage road surfaces and structures.

“Some potholes are caused by stagnant water that softens the underlying soil and road surface. Although the road paving process may use quality materials, road damage will still occur if other causes are not resolved,” he said.

Sharing his view was Professor in Transport Engineering Datuk Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah of Universiti Sains Malaysia who said that there must be clear-cut road ownership by the various government agencies.

He said the public usually know who is repsonsible for maintaining highways but it is often unclear who maintains secondary roads.

“An integrated hotline complaint system can be used by also displaying road owner information as in the Waze application. By revealing the identity of the road owner, the relevant party is then held accountable,” he said.

In a statement to Bernama, JKR said apart from its "Aku Janji Zero Potholes” campaign, it had also introduced a set of standard operating procedures for utility providers to minimise road damage when they are repairing or replacing damaged structures.

JKR also said that it is working with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to develop a weigh-in-motion system to record and detect vehicles carrying an excessive load while passing through the measurement location.

“The system can help JKR and JPJ obtain data relating to over-loaded vehicles that can affect the condition of roads under its supervision.”

Regarding the pavement specifications for a road, JKR said it was based on the "Standard Specification For Road Works Section 4: Flexible Pavemen" which is the latest specification and in line with international standards such as AASHTO, Australian Standard and British Standard.

Ikatan Silaturrahim Lando Brotherhood founder Azlan Sani Zawawi urged local authorities to use high-quality cold mix bitumen to repair damaged roads including potholes. His group has been carrying out voluntary road repair works since 2007.

He said the use of pavement material containing high-quality cold mix bitumen was more practical than that of the commonly used hot mix which is time-consuming as it requires heavy machinery to cut the road before it could be cleaned and re-paved.

“However, with the cold mix method, potholes could be fixed quickly just by using hand compactor and it can be cheaper too depending on the extent of the damage.”


Daihatsu Malaysia introduces drivers safety training programme

SEREMBAN: Daihatsu Malaysia Sdn Bhd (DMSB) has launched its first drivers safety training programme to address road safety concerns in the country and encourage a culture of safe driving behaviour.
“Safer driving behaviour begins with drivers themselves, and we hope this training will raise awareness on the importance of being safe on the road and how to ensure that they play their part,” said DMSB managing director Arman Mahadi.

 Arman (left) with DMSB executive director Makoto Ogawa.

The programme was designed  for Daihatsu fleet customers through the recently launched Daihatsu Business Fleet Programme that provides small-to-medium enterprises, company fleet purchasers, and renewal customers with solutions and service support to maximise their fleet’s potential.
In collaboration with Yamato Transport Malaysia (YTM), the programme aims to promote safer driving on the road.The partnership also leverages on both companies’ safety-related experience and capabilities from Japan and Malaysia by incorporating a Driving Aptitude Test (DAT) which assesses the driver’s personality, safe driving behaviour, danger perception, speed estimation, selected reactions and steering wheel operations.YTM is the only training provider in the country that incorporates the DAT test into any road safety training.Through the programme, DMSB hopes to assist drivers with improving their driving skills and techniques to help contribute to the reduction of road accidents involving commercial vehicle drivers.Although road fatalities have dropped by 6.3% last year, the number of accidents has risen from 533,875 in 2017 to 548,598 cases in 2018.A report by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety recently revealed that 80% of accidents were caused by human error.The day-long programme was carried out at the Hino Total Support Customer Centre (HTSCC) in Sendayan, Negri Sembilan, on its upgraded circuit track and facilities.The programme was divided into three segments starting with theoretical classes and followed by daily vehicle inspection routine as well as a practical circuit training.Each segment focused on various aspects of safety awareness, vehicle knowledge, hazard prediction training by Kiken Yochi Training, which includes a YTM driver’s aptitude test.Participants were also taught to carry out the seven-step daily vehicle inspection routine to ensure that their vehicle is in good condition to prevent accidents and reduce maintenance and repair costs.Finally, participants were introduced to the practical circuit training facility where a safety demonstration was given.The circuit training included emergency brake training on wet roads as well as driving up and downhill to enhance their gear shifting skills with a loaded and unloaded vehicle.“We want to create and sustain a mindset of safer driving behaviour throughout the country. We hope this will assist companies in increasing their efficiency and productivity,” said DMSB product and marketing senior manager of corporate planning Muhammad Fahmi.Both DMSB and YTM have plans in the pipeline to further develop and enhance the program to further encourage safer driving habits in the country.


GM in talks to sell European auto business to Peugeot

GM CEO Barra.
LONDON/FRANKFURT: In a move that could shake up the global auto industry, General Motors Co and French automaker PSA Group said on Tuesday they are in talks that could result in PSA buying GM's European auto operations.

For PSA, owner of the Peugeot, Citroen and DS brands, acquiring GM's Opel and Vauxhall brands would give it a 16.3 percent share of the European passenger car market, vaulting it into second place in the region, ahead of French rival Renault SA and behind Germany's Volkswagen AG.

Any deal would have to overcome financial, industrial and political obstacles. Germany's industrial union IG Metall on Tuesday fired a warning shot, saying that if the companies were discussing the sale of Opel without the union's involvement, that would be an "an unprecedented breach of all German and European co-determination rights."

German Economy Minister Brigitte Zypries said it was totally unacceptable that talks took place on French carmaker PSA Group buying GM's European Opel unit without consulting German works councils or local government.

The French government, which owns 14 percent of PSA, could support a deal that would help PSA reach "critical mass," an economy ministry source told Reuters. The government will "give special attention to the impact in terms of jobs and the industrial impact of these initiatives," the source said. France is in the midst of a heated national election campaign.

A spokesman for the Peugeot family, which holds a matching stake in the carmaker, was not immediately available.

It was not clear what price GM might want for the loss-making European business, or what structure a deal could take.

Both companies cautioned in statements that no deal is certain.

For GM, selling Opel would be the most dramatic demonstration yet of chief executive Mary Barra's strategy of putting profitability and returns on invested capital ahead of market share.

Since taking over as GM's CEO in January 2014, Barra has signed off on decisions to quit markets, including Russia and Indonesia, where GM lost money, pull the Chevrolet brand out of Europe, and slash sales to rental car fleets that long propped up US market share with little or no profit.

GM's global market share slipped by 0.3 percentage points last year. Selling Opel and Vauxhall, which added almost 1 million cars to its sales, could mean abandoning the global volume race in which it is currently ranked third behind Volkswagen and Toyota Motor Corp, with just over 10 million vehicles delivered last year.

In 2015, Barra and GM's board quelled an attempt by an investor group to install representatives on the automaker's board by agreeing to return more cash to shareholders, and to target 20 percent or better returns on invested capital. GM executives said that measure drives them to put more money into high profit markets, such as trucks and SUVs in the United States, or growth opportunities such as developing autonomous cars for ride services, and less in low-earning businesses.

Going forward, GM faces the prospect of heavy investments to comply with European government and consumer demands for cleaner diesel vehicles, and to catch up with a rapid shift toward sport utility vehicles.

GM and PSA have already shared production of commercial vans and developed common vehicle platforms, a relic of their last attempt to forge a broader alliance, which was unwound in 2013 with the sale of the US carmaker's stake in PSA.

Selling Opel would free up GM to invest more to develop vehicles for the North American and Chinese markets, where it makes nearly all of its automotive profits, as well as to expand new businesses.

It remains unclear how PSA would cut costs in a combined group. France's PSA has 10 factories in Europe and General Motors has 11 plants.


Catch and scan the myTukar orange box

                KUALA LUMPUR: myTukar has unleashed a mysterious orange cube in Johor, Penang and Selangor, attracting the eyes and curiosities of onlookers.

Adorned with a QR code, the brightly-coloured box seemingly implores the public to interact with it, scanning the code to uncover the excitement hidden within.

Eagle-eyed members of the public claim to have first spotted the box in Plentong, Johor this past week and the orange cube is said to be making its final appearance on July 1 at myTukar Retail Experience Centre in Puchong, Selangor where myTukar will finally reveal the big surprise.

Set to be Malaysia’s largest unboxing event yet, adventurous individuals can look to catch the orange cube and stand a chance to win lucky draw prizes at:.

> June 24-26 - IOI City Mall, Putrajaya
> June 24-26 - Gurney Plaza, Penang
> June 25-30 - 1Utama, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
> July 1 - myTukar Retail Experience Centre, Puchong, Selangor

For more information on myTukar’s mysterious surprise, visit myTukar’s website or Facebook page.


Amway launches Atmosphere Drive in-car air treatment system

                PETALING JAYA: Amway has launched Atmosphere Drive, an air treatment system designed to provide safe, clean, and fresh air inside your vehicle.

The Atmosphere Drive in-car air treatment system is sold only by Amway Business Owners.

It is available beginning November 15, 2017 for RM1,887.50 with GST included.

This is a first-generation in-car unit from Amway, makers of Atmosphere which is known as the world’s top selling brand of premium home air treatment systems.

"It leverages the proven Atmosphere brand filtration technology inside vehicles - where the air can be up to 15 times worse than the air outdoors,” said Amway director of durables, product development and support Bill Luke at a launch event at Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre.

“Using its unique three-in-one filter, the unit effectively removes 99 per cent airborne particles in your vehicle down to 0.015 microns.”

 Product photography of the car air treatment system from different angles and placed in a vehicle

The three-in-one filtration technology first captures large contaminants such as hair and dust.

Then, the second stage removes small particulates and smoke.

This helps with PM2.5 and other major airborne contaminants.

Another benefit is the reduction of odours inside the vehicle.

“The three-in-one filter not only reduces airborne tobacco smoke, and exhaust, but also chemical pollutants such as formaldehyde, toluene and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs),” added Luke.

 Product photography of the car air treatment system from different angles

Meanwhile, Amway Malaysia marketing head Leong Kok Fong noted that 93 per cent of Malaysians own a car.

"As such, Atmosphere Drive would have ample demand. With a Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) of 30 cubic meter per hour at maximum speed, the system provides proven performance. It is also the first and only in-car air treatment system on the market to receive the Allergy UK Seal of Approval,” said Leong.

The British Allergy Foundation is a medical charity that works with manufacturers worldwide to test and promote the benefits of products and appliances which may be of benefit to people affected by allergies.

Products that receive the Seal of Approval have been through scientific testing carried out by an independent laboratory to protocols that have been created by leading allergy specialists.

 Amway director of durables, product development and support Bill Luke (left) and Amway Malaysia marketing head Leong Kok Fong launching the Atmosphere Drive in-car air treatment system.


2017 Honda Jazz Sport hybrid launched at RM87,500

                KUALA LUMPUR: The 2017 facelifted Honda Jazz is also offered in a Sport hybrid variant priced at RM87,500 on the road with insurance and GST. Deliveries will start from end of July 2017.

The warranty for all Jazz variants is maintained at 5 years with unlimited mileage at 10,000km service intervals at all 91 authorised Honda dealers nationwide. The Jazz Sport hybrid gets an 8-year warranty for its lithium-ion battery on top of the standard warranty.

According to Honda Malaysia, the lithium-ion battery is designed to last the lifespan of the car which is defined as 200,000km. Replacement cost for the lithium-ion battery is RM5,500 after discounts from Honda Malaysia.

READ ALSO:
2017 Honda Jazz arrives; priced RM74,800 to RM88,400

The Jazz hybrid has a 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle DOHC i-VTEC engine, paired to a seven-speed Dual-Clutch Drive (i-DCD) transmission. Fuel economy for the Jazz hybrid which has a electric power steering, is rated at four litres per 100km, and total hybrid system output is 137ps and 170Nm of torque.

The Jazz hybrid is billed as offering the performance of a typical 1.8-litre car, and features a lithium ion battery under the boot floor area.

Compared with the previous Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system, the lithium ion battery system has twice the system power output and 1.5 times its energy capacity while also being lighter and more compact in size.

A fully-electric compressor reduces engine load, and drives the air-conditioning even during electric drive mode.

Malaysia the only country outside of Japan to introduce the Honda Jazz hybrid with the i-DCD system.

According to the Jazz's project leader Takahiro Noguchi, the Jazz hybrid was tested over two years on more than 7,000km in Malaysia, including on hilly, winding roads in Genting Highlands and heavy urban stop-and-go traffic conditions.

"Using Malaysian road conditions, we fine-tuned the i-DCD. Unlike conventional hybrid cars, the Jazz hybrid has a much more sporty feel," said Noguchi.

Honda Jazz (Sport hybrid)

- 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine
- 7-speed dual clutch tranmission
- No spare tyre (has temporary repair kit)
- Cruise control

NOTE: Jazz Sport hybrid shares similar features with Jazz E variant.Honda Jazz (E variant)

- Halogen headlights
- 15-inch alloy wheels
- Halogen headlights
- LED daytime running lights
- Fabric seats (black)
- Touch panel auto air-conditioning
- Steering wheel audio control
- Fabric centre console storage with arm rest
- 7 cup holders
- 6.8-inch touchscreen audio with 1 HDMI port, 1 USB port
- Hands-free telephone steering switch control
- 4 airbags
- Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
- Hill Start Assist (HSA)
- Multi-angle reverse camera


Porsche CEO sees no conflict between e-mobility and e-fuels

                WOLFSBURG: Porsche CEO Oliver Blume characterised the debate over e-fuels as "emotional" and said there was no conflict between electrification and building out e-fuel production during a press call on Monday following the carmaker's results.

Porsche is the strongest advocate for e-fuels as a carbon-free way of driving combustion engine cars among all German carmakers amid a debate in Europe over whether to allow new combustion engines to be powered by e-fuels after 2035.

"We can adjust tax politics to make e-fuels cheaper ... politics should support investments to make prices more attractive," Blume said.

"It is worth it. I know no other possibility to decarbonise combustion engine cars."