Porsche finalises new Cayenne testing ahead of 2023 launch

                STUTTGART: Porsche is doing final testing on the Cayenne ahead of its launch in spring this year.

Following its launch in 2017, Porsche has enhanced the third generation of the Cayenne that involves its powertrain, chassis, design, equipment and connectivity.

“It’s one of the most extensive product upgrades in the history of Porsche,” said series manager Michael Schätzle.

In addition to realigning the drive portfolio, the engineers at the Porsche Development Centre in Weissach made major revisions to the Cayenne’s chassis system. The aim was to achieve an even wider range between the typical Porsche on-road performance, long-distance comfort and off-road capability.

To this end, the Cayenne will feature, among other things, a new, semi-active chassis. In addition, drivers and passengers will be treated to a new and extensively digitalised display and operating concept with enhanced connectivity functions.

Innovative lighting technology in the HD-Matrix LED headlights would enhance both comfort and safety in the new Cayenne.

Lighting technology would also see a big change.

The new high-resolution Porsche LED main headlights with HD matrix beam offer a high-resolution light distribution up to twice as bright than previous systems.

With so many new technologies, complex and elaborate testing was required in order to perfectly tune the components, most of which were completely new developments.

In the course of endurance tests, a vehicle’s life is simulated under the tough conditions that are only rarely experienced in the customer’s hands.

Under everyday conditions, the vehicles complete well over 200,000km in urban traffic, on country roads and on highways within a few months.

To simulate extreme conditions, the prototypes also travel around the world, with the aim being to put their quality and durability to the test in different climate zones.

For the new Cayenne, tests took place in Asia, Africa, Europe and North America.

In total, more than four million test kilometres were covered.

“What we demand from the new Cayenne in tough off-road tests in Spain, on punishing sand dunes in Morocco, or during highly dynamic drives on ice tracks in Finland and on the Nürburgring Nordschleife isn’t something we presume many customers will ever do,” said Dirk Lersch, who leads the prototype assembly and testing team for the Cayenne.

“But anyone who purchases a Porsche should know that it can withstand exceptionally high loads – regardless of the surface being driven on."


Here’s to a hopeful New Year, and oh, you gotta pay more to drive your car

                PETALING JAYA: Fuel prices will see an increase across the board for the month of January.

RON95 petrol will go up 20 sen and will retail at RM2.10 per litre, while RON97 fuel will be priced at RM2.40 per litre, up 15 sen from December.

Meanwhile, the price of diesel will increase to RM2.05 per litre, up 20 sen from RM1.85 previously.

Petron Petrol Dealers Association president Datuk Alang Zari Ishak confirmed the latest prices when contacted on Saturday. The new prices take effect from Jan 1.

The Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry have set the prices of petrol and diesel on a managed float system since Dec 1, 2014, following the removal of fuel subsidies.


Airspeeder — a radical flying motorsport for the 21st century

                LONDON: Airspeeder – a radical new airborne motorsport for the 21st century – will make its global public debut at this week’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, the world’s largest automotive garden party.

The thrilling new Airspeeder race series, which combines the format of Formula E, the thrills of air racing and the glamour of F1, announces Equals, provider of money management solutions previously known as FairFX, as Title Sponsor ahead of its formal launch at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, hosted by the Duke of Richmond, on Thursday.

International media and VIP guests will be treated to a spectacular flying display and race around an aerial track at the Goodwood Aerodrome, and adjacent to the Goodwood hillclimb route, during the festival weekend. A static display of the Airspeeder Mk. IV, the world’s first piloted octocopter, will take centre stage amid the immersive technology of the Festival of Speed Future Lab.

Developed by Alauda Racing, an Australian start-up with the long-term ambition to use its technology to develop a world-beating flying sports car for sale to the public, the Mk. IV octocopters will hit speeds of 200kph and offer a power-to-weight ratio superior to an F-18 fighter jet.

The first Airspeeder World Championship – featuring five teams and ten pilots – will take off in 2020.

With global giant DHL already on board as Airspeeder’s Logistics Partner, each sky-high Grand Prix will take place at a different landmark motorsport venue around the world, with Mk IV Airspeeder pilots competing in timed trials and head-to-head races 20 metres above ground. Manned demonstrations of the new Mk. IV race speeder, which will compete in the first world championship, will begin in the Mojave Desert this November.

“Flying cars are no longer a fantasy, they are a reality and Goodwood Festival of Speed is the perfect place to introduce Airspeeder to the world," said Matt Pearson, founder and CEO of Alauda Racing, and the driving force behind the Airspeeder race series.

"We’ve taken design cues from the golden era of racing, and we’re sure the tens of thousands of enthusiasts present will instantly appreciate this evolution of motorsport. Totally absorbing, and all electric, it will appeal to a whole new generation of race fans.”


German prosecutors raid Volkswagen offices

                BERLIN: German prosecutors raided Volkswagen's headquarters and other offices on Thursday as part of their investigation into the carmaker's rigging of diesel emissions tests.

Prosecutors from Braunschweig, close to the German company's home town of Wolfsburg, said they were targeting documents and data storage devices that might help with their inquiries.

Volkswagen said it was supporting the investigation and had handed over a "comprehensive" range of documents.

Almost three weeks after it confessed publicly to rigging US emissions tests, Europe's largest carmaker is under huge pressure to identify those responsible, fix affected vehicles and clarify exactly how and where the cheating happened.

The biggest business crisis in Volkswagen's 78-year history has wiped more than a third off its share price, forced out its long-time chief executive, prompted investigations across the world and rocked both the car industry and German establishment.

Later on Thursday, the company's top US executive will tell a panel of US lawmakers he knew the carmaker might be breaking US emissions rules as long as 18 months before it admitted cheating diesel tests to regulators.

The admission by Michael Horn, in a written testimony to a congressional oversight panel a day ahead of the hearing, is likely to raise questions about why the company did not act more quickly to tackle its wrongdoing.

"In the spring of 2014 ... I was told that there was a possible emissions non-compliance that could be remedied," Horn,  President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, said in his statement published on a US House of Representatives website.

"I was also informed that the company engineers would work with the agencies to resolve the issue," he said, without identifying the people providing him with the information.

It was not until Sept 3, 2015, that Volkswagen told US regulators it had installed so-called "defeat devices" in some diesel engines to mask their true level of toxic emissions. US regulators made public the wrongdoing on Sept 18.

Volkswagen has come under fire on both sides of the Atlantic for its handling of the crisis, with lawmakers, investors and customers saying it has been too slow to release information.

Analysts are still unsure how widespread the cheating was.

Germany's Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper reported on Thursday that Volkswagen's manipulation software was switched on in Europe, citing a company spokesman.

The carmaker has previously said the software could be installed on up to 11 million vehicles, mostly in Europe, but that for the majority of them it "does not have any effect".

In a statement on Thursday, Volkswagen said it was still investigating whether or to what extent the software interfered illegally with vehicles.

"We are working intensely on technical solutions," a spokesman said. "For that reason, questions posed at this point of time are speculative."

Volkswagen has suspended more than 10 senior managers, including three top engineers, as part of an internal investigation. It has also hired US law firm Jones Day to conduct an external inquiry.

But some analysts have questioned whether new chairman Hans Dieter Poetsch and new CEO Matthias Mueller, both company veterans, will introduce the sweeping changes in business practices they think are necessary to restore Volkswagen's reputation.

Poetsch said on Wednesday it would take "some time" to get to the bottom of the matter.

The company, controlled by the Piech-Porsche clan, is not drawing on outside restructuring experts to help with its plans for a new company structure, one source close to the board said.

"There's a strong tradition to handle such matters in-house," the source said, adding the company was also unlikely to draw on outside experts as it reviews investment plans and steps up cost savings to help meet the cost of the scandal.

Critics say giving top jobs to company insiders could also complicate the clean-up. For example, it would make it hard for the supervisory board to take legal action against the management board because, until he became supervisory board chairman, Poetsch sat on the management board as finance chief.

UBS analysts estimate Volkswagen could face a bill of around 35 billion euros ($40 billion) to refit cars, pay regulatory fines and settle lawsuits, though they also say this is more than factored into the stock price after its plunge.

The crisis has been a major embarrassment for Germany, which has for years held up Volkswagen as a model of the country's engineering prowess and looks to the car industry as a source of export income and an employer of more than 750,000 people.

Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel on Thursday urged Volkswagen to be pro-active in addressing its problems, but also said critics should not overstep the mark.

"There should not be a debate about the automotive industry or about diesel technology," Gabriel said after attending a meeting of Volkswagen's world workers council.

Data on Thursday showed German exports plunged in August by the largest amount since the height of the global financial crisis in the latest sign that slowing emerging markets are hurting Europe's largest economy.

European carmakers rely heavily on diesel vehicles, which account for about a half of new sales in Europe compared with only a small fraction in the United States.

Horn, reaffirmed in his position by Volkswagen on Sept 25, also said in his testimony Volkswagen had withdrawn its US certification application for some model year 2016 vehicles over a software feature that should have been disclosed to regulators as an auxiliary emissions control device.


More electric vehicle related incentives soon

                KUALA LUMPUR: More electric vehicle (EV)-related incentives are expected to be in the revised Budget 2023, which will be tabled on Feb 24, according to International Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

“Also, opportunities abound in the areas of renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy storage systems and support services for EVs such as EV charging stations, operations and maintenance,” said Tengku Zafrul in his speech at the EV Conference 2023 held at the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) headquarters yesterday.

He added that the ministry is seriously looking into policies that will support these sectors to ensure the country’s EV ecosystem is complete and fully supported.

These include standards, certification and verification related to charging systems, battery disposal activities, battery swapping and wireless charging.

Tengku Zafrul also pointed out that a total of 26 projects worth RM14.7bil in the EV sector were approved by Mida from 2018 to September 2022.

The projects are in the EV sector and related ecosystems including assembly, parts and components manufacturing, as well as charging components, he said.

These include projects by South Korean companies SK Nexilis and IMM Technology, as well as Samsung SDI Energy Malaysia’s RM1bil investment in its first-phase project in Negri Sembilan.

China’s battery producer EVE Energy Sdn Bhd also aims to produce cylindrical lithium-ion batteries in Malaysia, while Volvo Malaysia wants to electrify more of its models assembled at it Shah Alam plant.

Ni Hsin EV Tech Sdn Bhd has also announced the introduction of its EV motorcycles, noted Tengku Zafrul.

“The efforts of the government in developing the EV industry have attracted significant investments.

“These highlight the country’s appeal as a destination for various investors, who have helped enhance Malaysia’s competitiveness and innovative leadership in the EV industry by leveraging on our highly skilled workforce and proficient technology experts,” he said.

Tengku Zafrul said the country’s Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint (LCMB) 2021-2030 will evaluate the best energy and greenhouse gas mitigation options for the transportation sector.

Under the LCMB, the country aims to achieve at least 15% of electrified vehicles (xEV), including hybrids, out of the total industry volume by 2030 and 38% of xEVs by 2040 under the National Energy Policy (2022 to 2040).

“By 2025, the government aims to provide 10,000 public charging facilities comprising 9,000 units of alternate current type and 1,000 units of direct current type,” he said.

Tengku Zafrul added that the International Trade and Industry Ministry has established and is leading the national EV task force consisting of representatives from key stakeholders, including the industry, to strategise and implement the development of EVs and their ecosystem nationwide.

He said this initiative is in line with the New Investment Policy, which aims to attract investments and build capacity in technology-focused industries including the next-generation mobility.

Tengku Zafrul said the nascent global EV industry provides significant room for growth, particularly in South-East Asia which has plenty of potential as both a manufacturing hub and market for EVs.

The Asean EV market is estimated to be worth nearly US$500mil (RM2.17bil) in 2021 and is forecast to grow to US$2.7bil (RM11.74bil) by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate of almost 33% from 2022 to 2027, according to Mordor Intelligence.

Tengku Zafrul pointed out that the country is a leading electrical and electronics manufacturing hub in South-East Asia.

“We are serious about leveraging on our position. We have an established ecosystem, backed by solid research and development, and standards facilities (through agencies such as Sirim) as well as an established components’ sub-sector that could service the whole EV value chain comprising semiconductors, sensors, automotive electronics, transceivers, batteries and auto assembly,” he said.

The conference, themed “Gearing up for EV revolution: the Malaysia story”, was organised by Mida and the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute.


Honda open to new alliances to bring down EV costs, says CEO

                TOKYO: Honda Motor Co's new chief executive said on Friday the Japanese automaker was willing to form new alliances to make electrification profitable.

"If through an alliance Honda can accomplish early what it should aim to be, then we'd be willing to form an alliance," Toshihiro Mibe, who took the top job in April, told a press briefing, when asked how he envisions global alliances on electrification.

Mibe's comments reflect the pressure on the global auto industry to share technology and costs to meet demands for cleaner vehicles. He has assumed the top role at Japan's second-largest automaker at a time of a growing shift in automobile technology to electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous driving.

Honda and its alliance partner General Motors Co have said they would introduce two jointly developed large-sized EV models in North America, using GM's Ultium batteries, in 2024 and will launch a series of new models which feature a new EV platform dubbed 'e:Architecture'.

The two companies already collaborate on autonomous vehicles as well as on fuel-cell vehicle (FCV) technology, and are exploring more ways to expand their alliance.

 2020 Honda e.

Honda has said it aims to increase the ratio of EVs and FCVs to 100% of all sales by 2040.

The price of electric vehicles, like home appliances, drops rapidly once the products are out in the market, Mibe said.

"Building an alliance will become a huge direction in terms of increasing the number of electric vehicles, considering how electrification is not commercially feasible right now," he added.

Traditionally known for its fuel-efficient internal-combustion engines, Honda launched its first mass-produced all-battery vehicle in August.

Honda could differentiate itself in the electrification race with next generation batteries for EVs, Mibe said.

The Honda chief also said that the automaker expects to see profitability of its car business improve in the next fiscal year as a result of shutting down several unviable manufacturing facilities, including its factories in the United Kingdom, Turkey and Japan.

Last year, Honda saw operating income margin at 13% for motorcycles and 1% for cars.

The company will take electrification as an opportunity to review its product lineup and to improve profitability, Mibe said, adding that Honda is considering a new digital service or business by using customer data.


BMW unveils the 5 Series Touring ahead of Geneva

                MUNICH: Hot on the heels of the all-new sedan, the station wagon version of BMW's benchmark-setting executive car offers the same creature comforts, powertrain performance and active safety technology, but doubles the luggage space.

The new Touring is more generously proportioned than the outgoing model - it's 36mm longer and the roof sits 10mm higher. And while those increases don't sound huge, when added together they offer owners up to 30 litres more trunk space. With the rear seats folded flat there's 1700 litres on offer.

But rather than simply make the trunk roomier, BMW has really thought about how people that will buy this car are going to use it. For example, the rear seats can be folded down individually with the touch of a button.

There's a split tailgate so that when parallel parked on a crowded street for example, accessing the trunk is still simple via the rear window. But one of the biggest selling points will be the air suspension that comes as standard and means that the car can transport a payload of up to 730kg - 120kg more than the outgoing model.

And the company has managed to do all this while keeping the car 100kg lighter than the outgoing model, and without diluting its sporting, driver-focused characteristics. This will be a car that offers thrills for all of the family.

And, like the new sedan version, it will also be one of the smartest cars on the road, complete with remote control parking and the ability to stay in lane and autonomously follow the curve of a road at speeds of up to 210kph.

In recent years, BMW has noticed a drop in the average age of its client base and younger owners need many more family-friendly features than those offered in BMWs past.

It's one of the reasons behind the company's move into the MPV segment with the Active Tourer and the development of a GT line that offers coupé styling mixed with a load capacity greater than that found on a similarly sized station wagon.

"I am sure that the versatility of this new, fifth generation will prove even more popular with those customers who appreciate the 5 Series Touring's characteristic roomy, variable loading space combined with its distinguished appearance and - of course - its BMW-typical driving dynamics," said Dr Ian Robertson, BMW's global head of marketing.

The new car will go on sale in June and will initially be offered with a choice of four engines.

READ ALSO: Mercedes-AMG previews E63 S Wagon


Tesla says sorry to China’s state grid for charging blame video

                SINGAPORE: Tesla Inc. has publicly apologised to State Grid Corp of China after a video showed one of the carmaker’s staff purportedly telling a customer that an overload in the national grid damaged their electric vehicle, Caixin reported.

The owner of the Model 3 car told local press that his new EV wouldn’t start after he charged its battery at a charging station, according to Caixin. In the video, which went viral, the Tesla employee appears to blame the state utility’s charging infrastructure.

The power company’s Nanchang branch denied the allegations, saying that "our power grid has been operating at a stable voltage, and no abnormality has been detected.”

Tesla said the video had been edited and the overload explanation was only one possibility discussed that might have caused the vehicle’s inverter to burn out, according to Caixin.

"We are deeply sorry for the misunderstanding and would like to apologise to the Nanchang Power Grid for the inconvenience caused,” Tesla said in a video of its own. "We have already resolved the problem with the customer and are carrying out tests and investigations on the cause of this failure.”

China is an important market for Tesla, with sales topping 120,000 units last year, according to local registration data. The California-based group globally delivered almost 500,000 cars in 2020 and expects more than 50% growth in 2021, implying it will hand over at least 750,000 vehicles.

China is also the world’s biggest EV market and sales of new energy vehicles are expected to jump 40% this year to 1.8 million units, the China Association of automobile Manufacturers forecasts.

In an electric car, the inverter changes the battery’s DC electricity to AC in order to power the vehicle’s motor. An official with the China Alliance for the Promotion of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure told Caixin that the likelihood of a charging station damaging an inverter was very small.


Geely beats Nissan, Honda in China as sales to top 2018 target

                BEIJING: Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd surpassed its top three Japanese rivals to become the third-largest carmaker in China, helped by models that appeal to the nation’s young consumers.

Reporting a 54 percent jump in net income for the six months through June, the carmaker said in a filing Wednesday that sales this year will beat its target of 1.58 million units.

Geely now trails only Volkswagen AG and General Motors Co. in China, after overtaking Nissan Motor Co., Honda Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp. in the period.

Controlled by billionaire Li Shufu, Geely is among Chinese carmakers seeking to dominate the auto industry as newer technologies such as electrification and automation define the future of transportation. With an eye on leadership in its key market, Geely has been expanding, offering vehicles such as those under the Lynk & Co. brand jointly developed with Volvo.

“In view of an even stronger new products pipeline ahead, the Group should be in a good position to secure higher market share in China’s passenger vehicle market in the near future,” Geely said in its filing.

The mainland market share of the Hong Kong-listed company increased to 6.4 percent in the first half of this year, from 5 percent in 2017. It sold 766,730 vehicles in the period, beating Nissan’s 720,447. Geely sold 1.25 million vehicles in 2017.

Li has also been active overseas, expanding his automotive empire. After his purchase of Volvo Cars in 2010 from Ford Motor Co., he snapped up stakes in the iconic British sports-car maker Lotus Cars and Malaysia’s Proton Holdings Bhd.

In February this year, he disclosed a 9.7 percent stake in Daimler AG, emerging as the largest shareholder in the maker of Mercedes-Benz.

Although cuts in subsidies for electric vehicles and the tariff war between the world’s biggest economies will weigh on industry sales in the second half, the company will build on the momentum from the first half, it said. Shares of Geely fell 1 percent to HK$16.22 as of 1:58 p.m. in Hong Kong.

Chinese car sales slumped for a second consecutive month in July as a slowing economy and a tit-for-tat trade war with the U.S. kept consumers away from showrooms.

Retail sales of cars, SUVs and multipurpose vehicles fell 5.4 percent to 1.6 million units in July, the China Passenger Car Association said. That compares with a 3.7 percent drop in June, trimming the year-to-date growth in the world’s biggest automobile market to 2 percent.

Geely has been far outpacing the broader market by posting 43 percent increase in its sales in the first seven months this year.

Net income at Geely rose to 6.67 billion yuan (US$975 million) from 4.34 billion yuan a year ago, according to the filing. Revenue jumped 36 percent to 53.7 billion yuan.


Tesla remotely extends range of some cars to help owners escape hurricane Irma

                SAN FRANCISCO: While there's no shortage of stories projecting how vehicle technology will change our daily lives, sometimes it takes something a little more dramatic to really get the message home.

Events don't get much more dramatic than hurricane Irma, and when it comes to how the vehicles we drive are changing, this terrible natural disaster has provided a staggering example of how far vehicle technology has come.

That's because Tesla saw a way of helping out its customers by extending the range of their electric vehicles to make it easier for them to evacuate areas threatened by the storm.

Of course, drivers of conventional internal combustion powered models could extend the range they could go without stopping by simply filling some extra fuel cans. However, that could potentially have meant queuing for quite some time at a fuel station - and that's if supplies hadn't already run out.

Where the Tesla situation is so incredible is the upgrade to the batteries to allow a greater driving range on a single full charge was done remotely over the air, so there wasn't even the need for owners to drop into a dealership.

The vehicles in question were the Model S and Model X 60 or 60D variants that were purchased originally with a 75 kWh battery that was artificially limited to 60 kWh to reduce the purchase price. Depending on the model, this restriction could be lifted by the owner agreeing to pay between US$4,500 (RM19,000) and US$9,000 (RM38,000), which would then increase the range by between 50km and 60km.

Tesla didn't make any big announcement about upgrading these batteries, and it was only discovered when an owner contacted Electrek when his vehicle suddenly had greater range and the 75 badge appeared in the software. When contacted, Tesla later confirmed the extension.

The additional 60km of range isn't an insubstantial amount even in the best weather conditions, so it would have been particularly welcome in the wake of an oncoming hurricane. The increase, however, is temporary and the vehicles will be returned to their original ranges when the danger has passed.


Kia cars cheaper, too

                PETALING JAYA: Five of six models from Kia are priced lower now, with the biggest change in the Sorento, which is now RM2,088 cheaper, representing a 1.3% drop in price following the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on April 1.

The 2.4-litre SUV is now priced at RM156,800.

The price of the manual and automatic transmission Picanto remain unchanged.

Distributor Naza Kia Malaysia also sells the Rio, Cerato, Optima K5 and Sportage. All models are locally assembled except for the Optima K5.

The Cerato, introduced locally in 2013, remains the bestseller and sees a price drop of up to 1.02% depending on variants.  For example, the base 1.6-litre Cerato is RM208 cheaper at RM89,680, while the 2.0-litre version is RM1,208 cheaper at RM117,680.

See the table below for the latest pricing.


BMW and Scott Eastwood partner up in 'Overdrive'

                MUNICH: Hollywood star Scott Eastwood and BMW are in action together again with the German carmaker providing a whole fleet of different models for the new film “Overdrive” starring Scott Eastwood.

Fans had the chance to preview “Overdrive” at exclusive screenings in Paris, France, and in Berlin, Germany.

The movie is produced by action specialist Pierre Morel (“Taken”), where “Overdrive” is expected to deliver fast-paced, explosive action with a healthy dose of humour.

Eastwood, who has starred in “Snowden”, “Suicide Squad” and “Fast8: The Fate of the Furious” and Freddie Thorp (“The Head Hunter”) play two cool brothers alongside female leads, Ana de Armas (“Blade Runner 2049”, “War Dogs”) and Gaia Weiss (“Vikings”).

The film also features Simon Abkarian (“The Cut”) and Clemens Schick (“Point Break”, “James Bond 007 – Casino Royale”).

The screenplay was written by Michael Brandt and Derek Haas, who also wrote the script for movie hits like “Wanted” and “2 Fast 2 Furious”.

Scott Eastwood is the son of legendary actor-director Clint Eastwood, who was recently the subject of a fake news report that he had died at the age of 87.


Record quarterly sales for Mercedes-Benz Malaysia

                KUALA LUMPUR: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia saw its best ever first quarter in 2016, after selling 2,658 units which marked a 41% year-on-year growth.

The C-Class was the volume leader in the "bread-and-butter" segment with sales of 1,359 units, followed by the locally produced E- and S-Class which delivered 260 and 195 units respectively.

As for Mercedes-Benz compact cars, the recently launched A-Class led the pack with sales of 300 units.

Mercedes-Benz’s compact sport utility vehicle, the GLA, also saw strong sales of 159 units.

In the first quarter, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also delivered 121 GLC and 49 GLE sport utility vehicles.

The Mercedes-Benz Dream Cars line-up also maintained a steady momentum, with 20 units delivered.

"Following a stellar 2015 performance, we have successfully maintained our lead in Malaysia’s premium automotive segment," said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia vice president of sales and marketing (passenger cars) Mark Raine.

In the first quarter, two revamped Mercedes-Benz Cycle & Carriage Bintang Autohauses were launched.

Carrying the latest Mercedes-Benz corporate identity and featuring upgraded showrooms and customer lounges, upgrading the Mercedes-Benz Cycle and Carriage Bintang Autohauses in Petaling Jaya, Selangor and Georgetown, Penang required an investment of RM11mil.

In the same quarter, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and Cycle and Carriage Bintang also introduced the new RM4.3mil Mercedes-Benz City Store.

“In the year that the Mercedes-Benz brand celebrates its 130! Years of Innovation, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia will continue to focus on key customer touch points through our dealer network,” said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia president and CEO Dr Claus Weidner.


F1 teams approve Toro Rosso name change to Alpha Tauri

Toro Rosso in action during qualifying at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday. — Reuters
LONDON: Formula One teams have agreed to let Red Bull-owned Toro Rosso compete under the new name of Alpha Tauri from next season after an email vote, sources said on Wednesday.

There was no official word from Italy-based Toro Rosso or the FIA.

Alpha Tauri is a fashion brand also owned by the Austrian energy drink company.

Scuderia Toro Rosso, the Italian translation of “Red Bull Team”, raced as Minardi before the change of ownership at the end of 2005.

They won the Italian Grand Prix from pole position at Monza with Sebastian Vettel in 2008, a rare occasion of a Ferrari-powered team beating the works outfit. Toro Rosso now use Honda engines.


Food stall operator gets back part of RM2,000 booking fee from car dealer

A consumer filling his case at the Johor Baru Consumer Claims Tribunal at Menara Ansar in Johor Baru. — Filepic
JOHOR BARU: A second-hand car dealer was ordered to return RM1,500 of a RM2,000 booking fee to a customer who had changed his mind on buying a vehicle from them.

Johor Baru Consumer Claims Tribunal president Rashidah Abu Bakar said the dealer should have at least returned the calls made by the customer to cancel the booking when he was not reachable earlier due to the long Chinese New Year holidays in January.

She ordered that the booking fee be refunded to the claimant within two weeks.

Food operator Muhamad Atiq Mohd Fauzy, 32, and his wife went to a used car dealer in Taman Molek, Johor Baru, on Jan 16 to book a five-year-old eight-seater reconditioned minivan.

“We needed a bigger vehicle for our growing family and the minivan seemed perfect for us,’’ he said when met outside the tribunal office in Menara Ansar.

He paid a RM2,000 booking fee that day and the salesman who attended to the couple promised the necessary documents would be processed within a week.

Muhamad Atiq said the salesman called him on Jan 20, informing him that there would be a delay in processing the documents as Chinese New Year was approaching. (The lunar new year was on Jan 22 and 23).

“I called the salesman many times on Jan 26 to cancel my booking but my calls went unanswered,’’ said the claimant.

He then decided to book a multi-purpose vehicle with a different used car dealer in Taman Kebun Teh, Johor Baru.

On Feb 4, Muhamad Atiq managed to speak with the earlier salesman to cancel his booking because the company had taken too long to process the documents.

“We went to the dealer on the same day to collect the deposit of RM2,000 but he refused to return the money, giving the reason that it would jeopardise the company’s business,’’ he said.

The claimant, who runs a nasi lemak stall in Jalan Rosmerah, Taman Johor Jaya, lodged a police report on Feb 5 as the dealer refused to return his money.

At the tribunal hearing, the respondent told Rashidah that it was the company’s policy not to return a customer’s booking fee.

“We already blocked the sale of the vehicle booked by the claimant and it is a normal practice among used car dealers to reserve a car booked by a customer for 10 days,’’ he said.

Rashidah said the least the respondent could have done was to return calls by the claimant, but in this case the call was only picked up on Feb 4.

The respondent said at the hearing that the company could not return the full sum of RM2,000, and would only pay the claimant RM1,000.

The claimant appealed to increase the amount to RM1,500 and the respondent agreed.

Those who need assistance with regard to tribunal matters, can call 07-2271755/1766.


Take a look inside the Aznom Palladium

                MILAN: The first Aznom Palladium is almost ready for its debut happening very soon during an exclusive event here.

The car is set to become one of the main highlights of the Milano-Monza Open Air Motor Show, set to run from Oct 29 to Nov 1.

The first ever “hyper-limousine” manufactured by Aznom Automotive based in Monza, has recently completed a second round of tests in northern Italy and is now receiving the finishing touches in its interior.

Designed and crafted with attention to the tiniest of details, the interior of Palladium has its own story to tell.

For example, the rear area is equipped with an ultra-comfortable reclining seat, refrigerated compartments and hidden drawers.

Everything is manufactured and assembled with extreme care and precision, elevating the inside of Palladium to a superior standard.

In addition, every choice on the materials and details will be discussed with the client in order to provide almost unlimited customizations thanks to the best suppliers and the most talented craftsmen Italy has to offer.


Stellantis aims to relieve 'charging anxiety' with new service for EV users

                MILAN: Stellantis launched a "Charging & Energy" business unit today to make it easier to keep electric vehicles on the road and cash in on an expanding range of services around greener mobility.

The unit will offer a platform called Free2move Charge providing customer services including access to over 500,000 charging points in Europe "through partners" by the end of this year, the company said, as a still insufficient charging network across the industry created "charging anxiety" for all drivers of electric vehicles (EVs).

The world's third largest carmaker by sales however reiterated that it was still evaluating Tesla's charging standard after rivals including Ford and General Motors signed deals to adopt it in North America.

"We look forward to discussing more of that soon," Ricardo Stamatti, senior vice president of the new Charging & Energy Business Unit, said.

Stellantis, whose brands include Jeep, Ram, Peugeot, Fiat and Opel, has plans for 100% of its European passenger car sales and 50% of its US passenger car and light-duty truck sales to be battery EVs by 2030.

The group sees business opportunities from operating charging stations, Stamatti said.

"The margin on energy (used for charging points) itself is fairly rich," he said.

"But ultimately charging is going to be more than energy, it's going to be about what people do while charging (...), think of advertising, retail, media consumption".

The Free2move Charge "ecosystem" will offer other services for private customers of Stellantis brands including support for home charging facility installation, and for businesses.

It will also allow access to a network of public charging points "through partners" in North America, Europe, and other regions to be announced later, Stellantis said.

Investments will be significant while key partners will include energy companies, retailers, hardware manufacturers and utilities, he added. More details will be provided over the course of 2023, including for the business unit's financial targets.


King stops motorcade by road to check on accident victim

                PETALING JAYA: A motorist caught in an accident in Putrajaya this morning was offered help by a most unexpected person – the King.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, who was on his way to a pre-cabinet meeting with the Prime Minister, stopped his car to offer help to the accident victim.

Several photos of Sultan Abdullah standing by the road checking on the driver while his bodyguards looked on were posted on the Istana Negara's Instagram page (@istana_negara).

"His Majesty was on his journey to Istana Melawati, Putrajaya for a pre-cabinet meeting with YAB Prime Minister when the motorcade stumbled upon the accident," it said.

"Fortunately, the driver Puan Jasliza Jamil suffered only minor injuries," it added.

Prior to this, on Friday (June 21), Sultan Abdullah was seen at a KFC outlet in Temerloh, Pahang queuing up for food just like any other customer.

Malaysians said they were touched by the King's humility.


Current Rolls-Royce Phantom to end production in 2016

                LONDON: The Rolls-Royce Phantom will end production this year.

The announcement by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes follows the recent news that Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has begun testing its all-new aluminium architecture, which will underpin every future Rolls-Royce arriving in-market from early 2018.

He also announced that Phantom Coupé and Drophead Coupé models would also reach their end of life, going out with a special collection of 50 cars to be called Phantom Zenith.

The current seventh-generation of Phantom started production in Goodwood over 13 years ago and became the base for the resurgence of the car maker, owned by BMW.

During November this year, the build of the last Phantom Coupé and Drophead Coupé at Goodwood will be completed along with the last Phantom VII limousines.


RFID stickers to speed up toll collection, may deploy in 2018

                BENTONG: Move aside, SmartTag. Here comes RFID to replace you.

Malaysian Highway Authority director-general Datuk Ismail Md Salleh said traffic flow through toll plazas could be speeded up with the expected implementation of the Multi Lane Free Flow (MLFF) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems by 2020.

“If everything goes well, it will be introduced to the public by January 2018,” he said.

The speedier RFID system is expected to replace in stages the Touch ‘n Go/SmartTag payment system at toll plazas.

He said the RFID sticker was currently used by the police, Fire and Rescue Department and ambulance services which were exempted from paying toll.

Ismail Md Salleh said the systems were being studied as it involved other aspects including law enforcement.

Ismail added that the MLFF would be on a trial run, under test for a single lane first and later expanded to more lanes when the time comes.

He said the barriers at the toll collection plazas would not be demolished until all related systems were proven to be up to mark.

Speaking to reporters at the launch of the full use of electronic toll collection (ETC), Ismail said as of noon on Monday, all collection at the 177 toll plazas nationwide were being conducted electronically, replacing the previous manual method.

He said the 19 toll plazas on the East Coast Expressway (LPT1) and LPT2 (Jabor to Kuala Terengganu) were the last to implement the ETC system.

Ismail said studies showed that ETC could process the toll collection for 600 vehicles in an hour through the use of Touch ‘n Go cards and some 1,000 cars through SmartTAG.

He said by collecting cash, only about 240 vehicles could pass through a toll plaza in an hour.

“There are between 13 and 14 million vehicles using the highways throughout the whole country every day and the ETC system will ensure smoother traffic flow at the toll plaza exit points.

“As a start for both LPT1 and LPT 2, we will give away Touch 'n Go cards to road users for free. They can then top up the credits either at the R&R stops or anywhere it is available,” Ismail said at the Karak toll plaza here.

Also present was Anih Bhd executive director Datuk Nik Fauzi Nik Hussein.

Nik Fauzi said all nine toll plazas on the LPT1 had implemented ETC. These are at Karak, Lanchang, Temerloh, Chenor, Maran, Sri Jaya, Gambang, Kuantan and Jabor.

“The company has installed self-service kiosks at R&R Temerloh and R&R Gambang for users to buy or top up their Touch ‘n Go cards.

“They can also buy or top up the cards at the three customer service centres at the Karak, Temerloh and Kuantan toll plazas from 7am to 10pm daily,” he said.

For inquiries on the ETC system, call LPT-Line at 09-547 9111/ 1700-818- 700 or go to the Lebuhraya Pantai Timur page on Facebook or Twitter @LPTTrafik.


Govt will not force the unvaccinated to be tested before travelling interstate

                KUALA LUMPUR: The government does not intend to monitor the public with large-scale roadblocks anymore, even if it means individuals taking advantage of it to flout Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOP).

When asked if the government plans to compel unvaccinated travellers to take tests before going interstate, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said it was not viable to do so.

“We cannot be having roadblocks and checking all travellers one by one to see if they are vaccinated. And then if they are not, ask each one of them to take a test?

“It’s not viable. It will also cause a traffic jam and only anger people who only want to return to their hometowns after not being able to do so for a long time.

“Interstate travel is not the same as the Langkawi travel bubble where the number of entry points is controlled.

“As we transition towards the endemic phase, it is up to each of us to be honest and responsible.

“This is not a case of the government trying to wash our hands off. The police will still be conducting random checks on the ground under Ops Patuh to enforce SOP compliance,” said Khairy at a press conference at Hospital Kuala Lumpur after a working visit there today.

Khairy said even if an unvaccinated individual manages to cross borders, their movement will still be limited because of their vaccination status.

“If they travel into another state, and they try to dine-in, they can’t. And if they manage to, there will be police conducting random checks. If the unvaccinated are caught dining-in, they and the premises owner can be punished.

“Eventually, the law catches up to you,” said Khairy.

The government is expected to allow interstate travel once 90% of Malaysia’s adult population are fully vaccinated.

As of Oct 6, 88.8% of adults have completed their Covid-19 jabs and the 90% threshold is expected to be reached in the coming days.


Five toll plazas to go cashless

                GEORGE TOWN: Toll payment will go cashless at five toll plazas in Penang and Kedah from Sept 9.

A PLUS Malaysia Bhd official confirmed that a message that has been circulating over Whatsapp that only Touch N Go cards and SmartTag devices could be used at the toll plazas at Bukit Kayu Hitam and Jitra at the North-South Expressway, Kubang Semang and Lunas at the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway, and the Penang Bridge.

He said the Association of Highway Concessionaires Malaysia would issue an official statement on the matter. The message was attributed to PLUS.

A motorist said Thais coming into Malaysia without the devices might have problems making payments at the Bukit Kayu Hitam toll plaza.

In a related development, Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said there will be no toll rate increase for now.

He said concessionaires were citing higher operating costs as the rationale for asking for an increase.

“The Cabinet is mulling the request from all angles.

“If we don’t increase rates based on the concessionaires’ agreements this year, the Government will have to pay them RM580mil in compensation.

“And by next year, this amount can be RM1.6bil,” he said at a press conference here yesterday.

Fadillah said this sum could otherwise be used to build roads, schools and hospitals.

Negotiations, Fadillah added, were still going on between the Government and the 30 concessionaires.

Noting that concessionaires were entitled to raise toll as stipulated in their contracts, Fadillah said the Government had not increased the rates since 2008.

“The public also has to bear in mind that highway construction is highly dependent on stakeholders, which include foreign investors and banks."


VW hopes new software will banish accidents by 2050

                BERLIN: Volkswagen will launch a new software operating system this year that it hopes will make accidents involving its cars a thing of the past by 2050, the company said.

Next-generation cars will be equipped with software, sensors and processors that enable vehicles to anticipate and avoid accidents, and to keep learning new reflexes, the German car brand’s strategy chief Michael Jost said in Berlin.

“We want to have no more accidents by 2050,” he said.

The new software-based vehicle operating system, which is being launched with Volkswagen’s new ID:3 electric car, will be continually updated as software algorithms improve, Jost said.

“How quickly can data and algorithms improve? Our customers should benefit from deep learning every week, and every day. We are moving from being a device company to being a software company,” he said.

First-generation cars, which are due to go on sale in Europe in the summer, are still being tweaked, said Thomas Ulbrich, the VW brand’s board member responsible for electromobility.

“We are not yet at 100%,” Ulbrich said about the status of the ID:3’s software development. “It is normal that there are still technical tasks to be done shortly before market launch.”

The ID:3 will cost from €24,000 (RM115,000), once green car tax breaks and incentives are included, when it goes on sale in Germany this summer.

That will put it on a par with VW’s combustion-engined vehicles, and forms part of a big expansion by the company in electric cars.

The VW brand expects to build 1.5 million electric cars by 2025. Volkswagen Group, whose brands also include Porsche, Audi, Skoda, Bentley and Bugatti, will launch 75 electric cars by 2029 and be capable of building 26 million vehicles.

Jost also said that the current low oil prices would not detract it from going all-out for electric vehicles, according to a Bloomberg report.

VW will start developing its last mass-market technology for combustion-engine cars in 2026 as it expects sales of new petrol-powered vehicles to begin fading out around 2040, said Jost.

The current oil price development is "one of those dips that last a month, or some months or maybe a year,” but in the longer run oil "won’t get cheaper,” Jost said. "We have a clear commitment to become CO2 neutral by 2050 and there is no alternative to our electric-car strategy to achieve this."


BMW teases X2 in camouflage

                MUNICH: The new BMW X2, first shown in concept form at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, went on display this year again.

The front-wheel-drive compact crossover is not the production vehicle yet and was given a striking camouflage paintwork that comprised yellow, grey and black highlights.

The X2 is expected to be a sportier vehicle than the X1 and will likely feature a sharper design. BMW bills the X2 as "the perfect Sports Activity Coupé for young, extrovert and active individuals."

BMW hasn't said what will power the vehicle but we can hazard a guess that it will use the same mill as in the X1, namely a turbocharged, 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that makes 228hp and 350Nm of torque. Power to the front axle is to be relayed via an eight-speed automatic transmission. BMW will also want to milk the X2 for all its worth with an xDrive all-wheel variant, and M kit like its other models.

From the looks of it, the world premiere of the production X2 isn't far off and it could stage its debut at this year's motor show in Frankfurt come September or Los Angeles in December.

 The early build of the X2 Concept as seen at the 2016 Paris Motor Show.


Watch the dawn of electric flying car racing with historic first test drag-race

                ADELAIDE: A landmark moment in the future of motorsport played out in the deserts of South Australia last week as a pre-season test concluded with the first ever timed electric flying car drag-race.

The drag-race was part of a key pre-season testing session for EXA, Airspeeder’s first electric flying car racing season, created by Alauda Aeronautics.

This historic moment provided a first glimpse of flying car racing as a sporting entity, ahead of international competition in 2022.

The first drag race was held between internal Alauda teams at over 100kph.

Team Bravo crossed line 3 seconds ahead of Team Alpha over the quarter mile.

“We are on the cusp of making motorsport and mobility history with the world’s first electric flying car races. This test race provides the world a glimpse at the next generation of motorsport and mobility," said Airspeeder & Alauda Aeronautics founder/CEO Matt Pearson.

Race events will see a grid of full-scale electric flying cars known as Speeders race blade-to-blade in landscapes where motorsport has never been before.

Teams from a broad range of industries will be provided with the Speeders but given technical and tactical freedom to approach gaining competitive edge in the series as they see fit. This will ensure close motorsport based on pilot skill and race management.

Fans from around the world will watch via global broadcasts with coverage enhanced by technology that communicates the virtual tracks and race telemetry data projected directly to pilots through augmented reality.

Because flying car racing does not require the same physical infrastructure as legacy motorsport, this presents a sport built from the ground-up with sensitivity to the global requirement to race with minimal ecological impact.

This first drag-race represented the culmination of intense internal competition between two-sides of the Alauda Aeronautics technical team.

The result was a tense and visually enthralling encounter with the internal teams forced to adapt strategy in line with wind and dust conditions in the selected desert location.

As races play out in varying conditions including over ice, over sea, deserts and even forest locations, mastery of external factors add a compelling tactical layer to the sport.

With the successful completion of this historic first drag-race, Alauda is poised to announce the world’s first electric flying car Grand Prix calendar under the banner of the EXA Series.

These remotely piloted races will serve as a vital feeder series for the forthcoming crewed Airspeeder Grand Prixs.

In addition to developing the technology that underpins the sport, it will be a breeding ground for the elite pilots that will pioneer the dawn of the electric flying car racing era.

These women and men are drawn from the very elite of motorsport, eSports and civil, military and acrobatic aviation.

They will play the same role pioneer racing drivers did at the genesis of the automotive and aviation eras in accelerating a new mobility revolution. Indeed, the eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) is predicted to be worth US$1.5 trillion by 2040.

Airspeeder will soon make announcements on the first tranche of teams that have committed to these historic first electric flying car Grand Prix and the locations in which they will be staged.


Toyota Mirai sets green example with billboard that purifies air

                LOS ANGELES: The latest US advertising campaign for the Toyota Mirai uses eco-billboard technology that actually purifies air around the billboard.

The Toyota Mirai eco-billboard campaign, in coordination with Clear Channel Outdoor Americas, will help clear the air from April 3 to May 28. Thirty-seven billboards in Los Angeles and San Francisco will create 24,960 square feet of pollution scrubbing surface and reverse the equivalent of 5,285 vehicles worth of nitrogen dioxide (NOx) emissions per month. NOx is a key ingredient in acid rain and smog.

Clear Channel Outdoor Americas said the Mirai campaign marked a US first for the use of this outdoor technology.

This “catalytic converter” of billboards uses a titanium dioxide coated vinyl to purify the surrounding air. When oxygen reacts with the energised titanium dioxide catalyst, NOx is converted to nitrate and removed from the air. The light-activated, smog-reducing billboards continue to purify the air as long as light, humidity, airflow and the titanium dioxide coating are present.

“Toyota consistently searches for new environmental technologies across all operations. When Clear Channel Outdoor Americas brought us the opportunity, we saw it as a perfect match,” said Mark Angelacos, advanced technology general manager, Toyota Motor North America, Inc. “This new campaign delivers Toyota Mirai’s ‘vehicle of change’ message on a medium that lives up to that promise.”

PURETi Group, LLC, developed the titanium dioxide coating technology used on the eco-billboards, and Clear Channel Outdoor Americas has exclusive usage rights in the outdoor advertising category.


B10 Biodiesel Trans Borneo Expedition a success

                PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) last week concluded a safe, smooth, problem-free and successful 1,060 km journey from Sarawak, across Brunei and into Sabah, to evaluate the performance of the newly-formulated B10 Biodiesel fuel involving the use of 14 SUVs and 4x4 vehicles, and 4 fully laden fuel tankers.

The Expedition was held from Mar 1 – 5  this year.

The drive, from Bintulu in Sarawak to Kundasang, Sabah was jointly conducted in the presence of representatives from nine media organizations nationwide and attracted a total of 34 participants, including vehicles from the Malaysian Rubber Board, Malaysian Cocoa Board, Sarawak Oil Palms Berhad and Genting Plantations/SPC Biodiesel Sdn Bhd.

Leaving Bintulu, the convoy of vehicles entirely fuelled by B10 Biodiesel, made its way to the MPOB Research Station in Sungai Asap, Belaga, before being officially flagged off by Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities Datuk Datu Nasrun Datu Mansor on the first leg of their journey to Miri.

Also present were the Chairman of MPOB Datuk Ahmad Hamzah and MPOB Director-General Dr Haji Ahmad Kushairi Din.

“In the context of greener motoring, B10 biodiesel offers cleaner and more efficient fuel, reduced exhaust emissions and lower toxicity levels compared to petroleum-based diesel. It is a step up from the existing B7 blend,” said MPOB Principal Research Officer and Group Leader Biodiesel Technology Engineering and Processing Division, Dr Harrison Lau.

“The introduction of B10 biodiesel for the transportation sector is estimated to remove emissions equivalent to 600,000 cars on the road. And it is these incremental improvements in biodiesel quality that we hope, will go a long way towards helping Malaysia reduce its carbon footprint and environmental pollution," Lau added.

The affect of B10 Biodiesel could also be visibly seen throughout the journey where none of the vehicles emitted puffs of black smoke - common to diesel engines - during hard acceleration or when ascending the steep mountainous roads to Kundasang.

B10 biodiesel is essentially a blend of 10% palm methyl ester and 90% fossil fuel, a 3% increment in the use of palm methyl ester as compared to the existing B7 biodiesel available at pumps currently.

The introduction of the fuel is in line with the national aspiration of making biodiesel a sustainable and renewable source of fuel as the country strives to reduce its carbon footprint and environmental pollution.

Biodiesel not only reduces emissions and carbon monoxide pollution in the pursuit of a greener automotive footprint, but also brings about tremendous positive industrial, economical, commercial and social benefits for the country as a whole.

Since the Government first mentioned its intention to introduce B10 biodiesel in 2013, it has undertaken comprehensive measures to ensure that it engaged all stakeholders within the automotive industry and to ensure that B10 biodiesel is safe to be used by all diesel engines.

In addition to laboratory and rig testing, MPOB has been conducting on-the- road tests involving a number and different make and model of vehicles powered by B10 biodiesel since 2013.  It even has dedicated team whose task is to drive at least 1,000km per day.

MPOB's tests also extend to the use of B20 biodiesel which is ongoing since 2013.

Since 2014, a total of 50 vehicles belonging to the Kuala Lumpur City Hall ranging from tractors, excavators and backhoes to pick-ups, tipper trucks, vans, tow trucks and water tankers have also been exclusively powered by B10 biodiesel in its every day operations.

In laboratory, rig and real kilometer testing, there have been no reports of fuel filter plugging, no injector deposits, and no damage to engine components - the main concerns of which have been raised by certain quarters opposed to and skeptical of the B10 biodiesel mandate in the transport sector.

Overall, B10 biodiesel adheres to international biodiesel blend standards; and has been validated by experiences, evaluations and millions of problem-free genuine on-the- road kilometers recorded by various make and model of vehicles, car owners and transport operators that are currently in operations in countries with the B10 or higher biodiesel mandates.

The almost sulphur-free content in B10 biodiesel also equates to reducing the risk of corrosive wear in the engine without inhibiting engine performance. In older diesel-powered vehicles, the use of regular diesel can cause significant sulphuric acid build up which quickly corrodes, thus requiring these vehicles to undergo more frequent oil changes.

In newer vehicles, the high pressure diesel direct injection systems such as common rail diesel engines are highly sensitive to high sulphuric levels. Overall, high sulphur levels increases vehicle repair and maintenance.

B10 also has a higher cetane number which allows fuel to combust more easily.


Meet BMW's little X2 Edition M Mesh

                NEW YORK: BMW has announced that a special edition trim package for the X2 Sports Activity Coupe will be made available for the sDrive28i and xDrive28i models in the US.

The new design package costs USD$3,550 (RM14,800) and adds on the M Sport X exterior package, high-gloss black M Mesh kidney grille with three-dimensional mesh-inserts, new 19-inch M Aerodynamic Style 919M wheels with orange or black highlights.

There's also an eight-speed sport automatic transmission with paddle shifters and M Sport Seats with leather upholstery.

Lastly, it'll come slapped with specially selected interior appointments including Edition badging and a newly included Brooklyn Grey Metallic paint for the first time to join the rest of the options such as Alpine White, Phytonic Blue Metallic, Black Sapphire Metallic and Sunset Orange Metallic.

The Edition M Mesh includes exterior features from the optional M Sport X package such as the M Sport Exterior package, Shadowline Trim and Extended Shadowline Trim.

The Shadowline exterior trim includes high-gloss black window and exterior mirror surrounds as well as B-pillar and C-pillar trims, black chrome rear trunk lid badge surround and exhaust tips,

The 19-inch wheels are fitted with 225/45 run-flat tyres while the optional 20-inch M Aerodynamic wheels with either black or orange high-lights use 225/40 run-flats.

Inside, the cabin's seats are wrapped in Black Perforated Dakota Leather with the door sills bearing the “Edition” lettering, Aluminum Hexagon trim with Pearl Grey Chrome accents and an M Sport steering wheel with paddle shifters are included.

Both the front-wheel and all-wheel-drive X2 28i models are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 228hp from 5,000 to 6,000rpm and 350Nm of torque from 1,450 to 4,500rpm.

With an eight-speed transmission, the sDrive28i to sprint from 0 to 100kph in 6.8 seconds while the xDrive28i gets the deed done in 6.5 seconds.

As standard, the BMW X2 28i models come equipped with an 8.8-inch high-resolution centre touchscreen display with navigation, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM and Bluetooth connectivity. A wireless charger is an optional extra.

Active Driving Assistant is standard and includes frontal collision warning with city collision mitigation, lane departure warning, speed limit information and automatic high beams.

Active cruise control with stop & go is available as an option.


Vehicle sales drop 20% in April, cautious outlook for May

                KUALA LUMPUR: Total industry vehicle (TIV) sales in April fell 20% to 42,746 units from March and the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) expects the outlook to remain downbeat in May.

It said on Friday that sales fell in April on-month due to the rush for deliveries by companies which had their financial year ending March 31.

“The changes in the sports utility vehicles (SUV) and four-by-four (4X4) excise duty structure might have affected sales,” it said

The MAA said another factor for the lower TIV could be the stringent hire purchase loan approval.

The TIV for April of 42,746 units comprised 37,741 passenger vehicles and 5,005 commercial vehicles. The April sales were 544 units higher than the 42,202 units a year ago.

As for the outlook for May, the MAA expected the sales volume to be maintained at the April level.

“Consumers are expected to continue to face difficulties in getting hire purchase loans. Consumer spending will remain cautious,” it said.


Cash in on Shell RM1 promotion

                PETALING JAYA: The "Get more with RM1" promotion from Shell, which runs for nine weeks beginning March 1 to April 30, rewards customers whenever they spend at least  RM40 and are able buy selected items for RM1.

With RM40 or more of any purchase of Shell fuel such as the FuelSave 95, FuelSave Diesel, FuelSave Diesel Euro 5, V-Power 97 or V-Power Racing including Shell lubricants like Helix, Advanced and Rimula, customers can buy up to three products from a variety of Shell partners such as Lipton, Yeo’s, Gatorade, Seasons, Kit Kat, Oishi, Milo, Revive, Wonda, Tropicana Frutz, 100 Plus, Ranger, Coke, Mountain Dew and SL Peanut.

Alternatively, you can choose to redeem these products with 100 BonusLink Points instead of RM1.

“At Shell, we aim to help motorists across the country enjoy more value whenever they are on the road, which is why we have launched ‘Get More with RM1’ to deliver a diverse range of quality products and offerings at only RM1.

“With this promotion, customers can choose - from Shell Select and Kedai stores nationwide - two food and beverage products that are rotated on a weekly basis, which gives them more choice, in adition to greater value,” said Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd managing director, Datuk Azman Ismail.

For more information, visit  this website or call the Shell hotline at 1-300-88-1808 or email generalpublicenquries-my@shell.com


Once rivals, Honda, Yamaha Motor announce scooter tie-up

                TOKYO: Japan's Honda Motor Co Ltd and Yamaha Motor Co Ltd today said they were joining forces to develop scooters for the domestic market, burying the hatchet on a decades-old rivalry and consolidating production in response to a shrinking motorcycle market.

Honda, the world's largest motorcycle brand by sales, said it would start producing Yamaha's 50-cc engine scooter models for the domestic market at its plant in southern Japan by the end of 2018, based on the manufacturing platform for Honda's small scooter models.

The two companies said that pooling resources would be a way to mitigate increasing costs to develop new scooter technologies and keep pace with ever-tightening emissions regulations in the face of falling domestic scooter sales.

"The slowdown in the scooter market seen in the past few years has made business in the sector very difficult for both companies, so partnering will have merits," Honda operating officer Shinji Aoyama told reporters.

Both companies said they would continue to market scooters separately, and that the partnership was limited to Japan. By far the largest market for both companies is Asia ex-Japan, where a growing demand for scooters from an expanding middle class has created their biggest battleground.

Yamaha managing executive officer Katsuaki Watanabe said having Honda manufacture Yamaha models on contract would likely be more cost efficient than Yamaha's current arrangement of producing the vehicles in Taiwan and exporting them back home.

The two companies said they would also jointly update their respective delivery scooter models, which Honda may also manufacture for Yamaha, while also considering collaboration on electric scooter projects.

The partnership stands in contrast to a bitter rivalry between Honda, the top seller of scooters in Japan, and second-ranked Yamaha which dates back to around 1980, when both companies released dozens of motorcycle models and competed over distribution and pricing to increase market share.

"There's absolutely no bad feeling or ill will left over from that period," Yamaha's Watanabe said.

Since then, overall domestic sales of motorcycles and scooters have fallen sharply due to a slump in demand from a rapidly growing elderly population and falling interest in vehicle ownership among younger consumers particularly in the past few years.

Motorcycles are a key part of both companies' product line-ups, although domestic sales contribute little to global revenue.


VW and Mercedes-Benz want Berlin to speed up EV charging network expansion

                BERLIN: Mercedes-Benz and VW have urged the government to do more to scale up the number of electric vehicle charging stations across the country, German paper Bild am Sonntag wrote on Sunday.

"To speed up the change (to electric vehicles), we need to be sure that the charging station infrastructure is being built up," Mercedes-Benz chief executive Ola Kallenius was quoted as saying by the paper. "That's also a question for politics."

VW chief executive Oliver Blume agreed more speed was needed and that the construction of charging stations was "a common task of the economy, federal government and communes".

The German government last October approved a plan to spend 6.3 billion euros (RM30bil) to rapidly scale up the number of charging stations across the country, as part of its push towards net zero emissions. The plan included speeding up state approvals to build charging points.

Industry associations, which have long complained the government has not kept pace with the rapid expansion of electric vehicles, said the implementation of the proposals was key.

"The future of the car is electric," Kallenius was quoted as saying. "By the end of this decade, we want to be ready to completely transition to electric cars in our market segment, wherever the market conditions allow it," he said.

"It's not a foregone conclusion, rather it will require a gigantic industrial conversion."


Harley in talks to raise US$1.3bil to boost cash in midst of collapse

                DETROIT: Davidson Inc. is in talks with major US banks to secure US$1.3 billion in funding and expects to tap capital markets for more after sales of its motorcycles declined in every market worldwide, including a 13th consecutive quarterly drop in the United States.

The American manufacturer ended the first quarter with US$1.47 billion in cash and marketable securities, almost double its balance a year ago, after amending and extending credit and loan facilities. But Harley apparently isn’t counting on that amount of liquidity lasting for long after posting an 18% plunge in worldwide retail sales

After starting 2020 off with a 16% drop in first-quarter US retail sales, Harley is in all likelihood headed for its sixth straight year of decline, a dubious streak that began as the American economy was benefiting from confident consumers and a strong labour market.

There are virtually no tailwinds present now to support the company’s comeback efforts

Total motorcycle shipments to dealers fell 10% to 52,973 units in the first-quarter ended March 29, while retail sales at its dealers declined nearly 18% to 40,439 units.

Harley said it would expand its lineup of profitable “iconic” motorcycles, while also targeting to boost sales of some of its new products such as adventure touring, sport bike Streetfighter and electric motorcycles.

“These efforts will pave the way for...improved profitability and long-term growth,” said acting chief executive officer Jochen Zeitz, who took over the helm in February.

Zeitz, who was a board member at Harley and best known for turning around the Puma brand’s near-bankrupt business, replaced CEO Matt Levatich. — With additional reporting by Reuters


Ferrari CEO confirms V-8 hybrid for 2019

The LaFerrari.
 MARANELLO: Ferrari's CEO Sergio Marchionne has finally confirmed that we can expect to see a V-8 hybrid from the evocative Italian brand next year, but he refused to go as far as telling what vehicle it would be powering.

Apart from the 488, every model in Ferrari's current range is either recently introduced or recently refreshed, and the 488 has only been around itself for a couple of years. This has inevitably led to fervent speculation the V-8 hybrid will finally break cover powering Ferrari's first foray in the world of SUVs in 2019.

But if anyone is expecting something entirely groundbreaking and even more cutting-edge than the purely performance-based kinetic energy recovery system in the LaFerrari, they'd better think again. The new V-8 hybrid will still be a mighty performer, of course, but Marchionne suggests a more conventional hybrid with a strong focus on efficiency as well as performance.

 The 488 Pista and its cabin.

"The hybrid element will be much more of a mainstay of the powertrain than it was in the LaFerrari," and that it will therefore "yield additional performance" along with decent fuel economy, Marchionne told Britain's Auto Express.

Unlike rivals such as the Lamborghini Urus and Bentley Bentayga, which first launched with hugely powerful conventional powertrains before getting around to plug-in hybrids, the Ferrari SUV could be a plug-in hybrid with some degree of all-electric range right from the start.

Ferrari's reasons for looking towards a hybrid V-8 might not be entirely altruistic though, and that's because the company could fall into an escalating emissions target in the important American market in 2020.

The targets only currently apply to automakers selling more than 10,000 units per year, and Ferrari only sold 8,400 cars in the United States in 2017. But the Italian manufacturer expects to move more than 9,000 units in 2018, and adding an SUV to its portfolio would almost certainly push it beyond the 10,000 units per year threshold.

But we must also keep in mind what Marchionne says have to be taken witha pinch of salt at times. After all, it was only a couple of years ago when questioned about the possibility of a Ferrari SUV Marchionne said: "You have to shoot me first."


More all-new generation Kia models for Malaysia

                SHAH ALAM: Kia brand in Malaysia is looking towards exciting times with four all-new models slated for locally assembling.

In a media briefing, Kia Asia Pacific president and CEO Ted Lee said the range of new generation models, as well as new business partnership and local assembling, were among its plans to expand the brand footing in Malaysia and Asean region.

The models are the Carnival large multi-purpose vehicle, Sorento large sports utility vehicle (SUV), Sportage SUV and Niro SUV crossover.

The Carnival and Sorento are expected to arrive next year with the Sportage and Niro planned for 2023.

The Carnival, Sorento and Sportage would be equipped with internal combustion engines for a start before electrified drivetrain versions are offered later.

The Carnival and Sportage would get a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) version in 2024, while the Sorento would also be offered with HEV and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variants as well.

Meanwhile, the Niro would available in HEV, PHEV and battery electric vehicle (BEV) versions.

In addition, Kia models would also come with exciting styling and equipped with advanced driver assistance system and intelligent connectivity to boost their appeal.

Kia Asia Pacific co-ordinating director of sales Joey Hong said Kia's strong heritage in Malaysia was among the reasons for the company to invest directly into the local assembling of its vehicles.

He said Malaysia has more than 200,000 Kia vehicles in operation and was the top Kia market in the Asean region from 2003 to 2006.

Other reasons for Kia's venturing into local assembling include Malaysia's favourable policies, and established automotive logistics and vendor programmes.

Kia Malaysia, a joint venture company between Kia and Bermaz Auto, would assemble Kia vehicles for the Malaysian and export markets.

Kia Malaysia aims to produce 100,000 units of the four models in the next five years.

Bermaz Auto's subsidiary Dinamikjaya Sdn Bhd is the distributor of Kia vehicles in Malaysia.


Stellantis' Alfa Romeo to launch new model every year to 2026

                MILAN: Stellantis' Alfa Romeo will roll out a new model each year to 2026, starting with Tonale's SUV next year, the brand's head Jean-Philippe Imparato said on Wednesday.

Stellantis, the world's fourth largest carmaker, formed earlier this year though the merger of Fiat Chrysler and France's PSA, has pooled its Alfa Romeo, Lancia and former PSA's DS brands to cooperate on the premium market.

"Alfa Romeo will launch a new model every year until 2026," Imparato told an Italian dealer's event.

Starting from 2027, all Alfa Romeo new vehicles would be electric, he said.

The Alfa Romeo Tonale, whose production was initially expected to start by the end of 2021, will be presented in March next year, with sales in Italy to begin in June, Imparato said.

Lancia's head Luca Napolitano told the same event he had presented Stellantis CEO Carlo Tavares with a 10-year plan for the brand, which is selling only one model, the small Ypsilon, and only in Italy.

The strategy aims to expand the brand to other European markets, including France, Germany and Nordic countries, with a focus on large cities, to complete the group's premium offer from Alfa Romeo and DS, he said.

"Our target is to bring Lancia (...) to those markets where electric cars are sold, as we'll produce electric cars only from 2026," he told dealers in comments later confirmed by a Stellantis spokesman.

"I want to be in the high end of the market, not abandoning Ypsilon, but pushing Lancia beyond it," Napolitano said, adding the brand will launch three new models by 2028.


FedEx unit to test Ford's electric vans for parcel delivery

                MEMPHIS: FedEx Office will pilot Ford Motor Co's electric vans to pickup and deliver parcels in some regions, the unit of FedEx Corp said today, as part of the delivery giant's move to cut its fleet's tailpipe emissions.

FedEx, in collaboration with Ford Pro, will test 10 Ford E-Transit vans across its "FedEx SameDay City network" in nine markets.

FedEx has set a target of 2040, the year by which it intends to transition its entire pickup and delivery fleet to all-electric zero tailpipe emission vehicles.

The company also has a partnership with Ford's rival General Motors Co's BrightDrop unit to add electric vans to its fleet.


Volkswagen faces EU fine for missing 2020 emissions targets

                BERLIN: Volkswagen faces a fine of more than €100 million (RM489mil) for missing EU targets on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from its 2020 passenger car fleet, the world’s largest carmaker said.

It cut average CO2 emissions in the fleet in the European Union by around 20% to 99.8 g/km, but that was around 0.5 g/km above its target, Volkswagen said.

That implied EU fines amounting to a “very low triple-digit million amount,” a spokesman said on Thursday.

Concerned about global warming, as well as air pollution, European policymakers have clamped down on exhaust emissions, forcing carmakers to spur development of low-emission technology or face a penalty of 95 euros per gram of excess CO2 they emit.

“We narrowly missed the fleet target for 2020, thwarted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” CEO Herbert Diess said in a statement, adding he hoped to meet the target this year as the company’s main brands bring out new electric models.

The group said it had already made provisions for the fines to avoid a hit to its fourth-quarter earnings.

German rivals Daimler and BMW have said that they had achieved their CO2 goals following a rise in sales of electric models.

Volkswagen said deliveries of electric models in the EU, plus Britain, Iceland and Norway, more than quadrupled in 2020 to 315,400 vehicles, making the group the clear market leader with about a quarter of the all-electric market in western Europe.

The company said its core Volkswagen and Audi brands more than fulfilled their CO2 fleet targets due to the launch of popular electric models, with more on the way. Its Cupra sports car and Skoda brands will also present new electric models.

VW was helped closer to its target by a pooling system that allows carmakers above their limit to pay competitors who are below.

Volkswagen is reducing the number combustion-engined cars it offers and retooling more factories to build electric vehicles to try to keep up with electric carmaker Tesla.

It has said the EU’s more stringent emissions targets will force it to boost the proportion of hybrid and electric vehicles in its European car sales to 60% by 2030, up from a previous target of 40%.

Volkswagen admitted in 2015 to cheating emissions tests on diesel engines, a scandal that has cost it more than 30 billion euros in regulatory fines and vehicle refits, mostly in the United States.


Dec 14-20: Fuel prices unchanged

                PETALING JAYA: Fuel prices will remain the same for the following week.

The Finance Ministry said the prices of RON97 and RON95 petrol and diesel remained at RM2.64 per litre, RM2.08 per litre, and RM2.18 per litre respectively beginning Saturday (Dec 14) until Dec 20.

"Based on the calculation under the Automatic Pricing Mechanism (APM), the retail prices for both RON95 and diesel should be RM2.34 per litre and RM2.32 per litre respectively," it said in a statement on Friday (Dec 13).

It added that the estimated subsidy to be borne by the government between Dec 14 and Dec 20 would be about RM111.44mil.

Starting next year, the RON95 petrol price will be floated in stages from Jan 1 as the subsidy is removed for most Malaysians. Only 8 million Malaysian motorists in the lower income and middle income groups will continue to enjoy subsidised RON95 petrol under a targeted subsidy programme.


Pagani gets more hyper with Huayra BC

BOLOGNA: Italian hypercar firm Pagani is building a very special, very limited production run of its already rather rare Huayra that promises to be a remarkable as anything Ferrari or Porsche can offer without resorting to hybrid trickery.

A standard Huayra is one of the few current cars that deserves the hypercar label. Its 6-litre V12 turbocharged engine gives it 720hp, a 0-100kph time of 3 seconds and a top speed well in excess of 322kph. Its exterior is woven from a unique blend of titanium and carbon fibre and its interior is overflowing with intricate leather and metalwork. Then there's the million-dollar price tag.

However, Pagani is about to take everything to another level with the Huayra BC - a car dedicated to Benny Caiola that pushes the laws of physics to their limit in the search of extra speed, road holding and aerodynamics.

In terms of achievements, getting a supercar named in your honour is up there with being singled out for thanks in the liner notes for the next Paul McCartney or Beyoncé album.

But Benny Caiola, an Italian multimillionaire was the first person to take a chance on Horacio Pagani, the man, his company, and his first hypercar, the Zonda, when, for the sums involved, he could just as easily have settled for a Ferrari, a Lamborghini and a Porsche.

As a tribute to the man and what he enabled Pagani to achieve, the company is dedicating its fastest, most extreme and most exclusive road-legal vehicle to date to his memory.

Just 20 will be built and each comes with a €2.35 million (RM11mil) price tag but for that those lucky people will get a car with between 740-800hp (engine fine tuning is still in progress) which will translate into a 0-100kph dash of roughly 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 370+kph.

But that's just the start; although the new car and the existing Huayra look almost identical, save for the large rear spoiler, Pagani claims that every external panel has been redesigned to cut weight, aid downforce or improve aerodynamics. It's also why the suspension components have been made from aluminum alloys and why the usually opulent interior has been slightly pared back, to boost the car's power to weight ratio and its ability to continue slicing through the air as acceleration increases.

The result is a car that should perform on the road and on the track but, sadly one that will most likely be put into storage the moment it is delivered.


Updated Toyota Camry introduced from RM199,100

                SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota Motor has unveiled its updated eighth-generation 2022 Camry 2.5V flagship sedan that features a more powerful engine, higher efficient transmission as well as a host of improved safety, convenience features and upmarket presence.

Fully imported from Thailand, the new model is available for booking and is priced from RM199,109 (with 50% sales and service tax exemption and without insurance).

The previous Camry 2.5V was priced from RM188,763.

Similar with its predecessor, the 2022 Camry is built with the TNGA Platform, an internal structure specially developed by Toyota for increased chassis stiffness and lower center of gravity for better handling and more comfortable drive.

The model gets a new 2.5-litre Dynamic Force A25A-FKS engine with port and direct injection that outputs 209PS and 253Nm of torque which are 25PS and 18Nm more than the engine used in the previous Camry.

The new engine, that is also used in the Lexus ES 250, claims a thermal efficiency of 40% and promises a fuel economy of 6.8 litres per 100km which is 8% better than the previous Camry.

The new vehicle is also equipped with an eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission that is more compact with 25% wider gear ratios compared with the outgoing Camry's  six-speed automatic transmission.

Also included are paddle shifters and three drive modes of ECO, Normal and Sport for seamless maneuvering and a highly responsive drive.

Other improvements include a nine-inch (+1-inch) centre display and an audio system with nine JBL speakers and a subwoofer that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The new Camry’s enhanced state-of-the-art safety features include Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) with Pre-Collision System (PCS) and increased recognition capabilities that can now detect pedestrians and cyclists.

The All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Keeping System and Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), as well as Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Auto Brake (RCTAB), coupled with the new Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS) and Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) makes the new Camry a much safer vehicle.

Additionally, rear passengers can use a control panel on the rear centre folding armrest to power recline their seats by eight degrees and adjust their air-conditioning system, rear sunshade as well as the car's audio system.

Other features include automatic bi-LED projector headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and newly designed 18-inch alloy wheels.

Available colours are Graphite Metallic, Silver Metallic, Red Mica and its signature colours Platinum White Pearl and Burning Black, which will cost an additional RM800.

As a standard in all Toyota vehicles, the latest Camry also comes with a comprehensive five-year warranty with unlimited mileage.

At the car's virtual launch tonight, UMW Toyota Motor president Ravindran K said the company was confident the new Camry would provide a new standard of comfort, luxury and performance with its striking presence and optimised functionality.

“We have come a long way since the introduction of the first Camry in Malaysia back in 1994, which was the third generation model, followed by the first locally assembled Camry Hybrid in 2015.

“The current eighth generation Camry was launched in Malaysia in November 2018 and has since sold over 3,000 units,” he said.


New Honda Civic hatchback heads to US

                LONDON: The first mass-production 10th-generation Civics have now set sail for the United States. Due to arrive in dealers across North America by September, the US version Civic is made by Honda’s UK manufacturing base in Swindon.

The story comes after last year’s announcement that Honda of the UK manufacturing (HUM) is to become the global production hub for the 10th-generation Civic hatchback, and received an investment of over £200 million to prepare for the start of production of this new model.

Civic is Honda’s biggest selling nameplate worldwide and this tenth generation is one of the most comprehensive new model developments ever undertaken by the brand. The four-door sedan version was launched in US in late 2015, and received the coveted North American Car of the Year award.

“Production of the hatchback for the UK market will start towards the end of 2016, with sales beginning in the first quarter of 2017," said Honda UK head Philip Webb. "Our factory in Swindon will also export the model to other key markets around Europe and the rest of the world.”

Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) is Honda’s flagship production facility in Europe and a key part of Honda’s global manufacturing network.

The Civic hatchback in prototype form made its Asean debut at the ongoing Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show last week. It is expected to be launched in Indonesia next year. While Thailand assembles the Civic hatch for Australia, the Indonesian version is expected to be locally assembled.


Proton 3S Centre opens in Section 13, PJ

                PETALING JAYA: Proton's latest 3S (sales, service and spare parts) centre has officially opened its doors in Section 13 here after having moved its entire 3S operations from its initial Old Klang Road premises.

The new facility, operated by Regal Motors Holdings Sdn Bhd, covers a land area of 1.2 acres and is located along the automotive belt at 7B, Jalan Bersatu 13/4, of Section 13.

“To serve our customers better, we have decided to open a new 3S outlet here in Section 13. We believe the location is ideal for people to access out outlet. Moreover, the area here is larger and thus this will enable us to provide better facilities for (our) customers’ convenience,” said Regal Motors Holdings managing director Philip How.

For sales, customers can visit the new centre from Monday to Friday (9am to 7pm), Saturday (9am to 5pm) or on Sunday and public holidays (10am to 5pm), while service is from Monday to Saturday only (8.30am to 5.30pm).

Furthermore, it is manned by 13 sales advisers and 11 service employees - consisting of a service manager, two service advisers, a customer relations executive, six technicians and a job controller.

For convenience, the facility has been equipped with free Wifi, laptop charging stations, children’s play area, a lounge area and a viewing window to allow customers to peer into the service area that’s equipped with 12 service bays with six hoists and a car wash area.

The company also has a 1.5-acre standalone body and paint centre on Jalan PJS 7/23 in Bandar Sunway.

“We are optimistic that we will be able to turn things around in Proton, and part of the outlet upgrade and enhancements is to bring about a positive image to the brand starting with the establishment of one-stop-centres nationwide,” said Proton Edar CEO Abdul Rashid Musa.

As at Aug 20, the local car maker announced that it has achieved 88% of outlets ready for upgrades to 3S and 4S centres, and 96 outlets have currently been approved for upgrades.

At present, Proton is offering a savings of RM1,500 for the Saga, RM3,000 for the Persona and RM4,000 for the Iriz or Ertiga.


BMW and LEGO team up for LEGO Technic Hover Ride

                MUNICH: The LEGO Technic BMW R 1200 GS Adventure has also given rise to the LEGO Technic Hover Ride, an alternative model that shows a futuristic concept. And if the Transformers analogy springs to mind, well, you are not the only one thinking that.

The BMW R 1200 GS Adventure has been available as a detailed replica LEGO Technic model since Jan 1 this year. The LEGO Technic BMW R 1200 GS Adventure reproduces the shapes and mechanisms of the full-size original as faithfully as possible.

From the same LEGO kit with 603 parts, the teams from BMW and LEGO created the LEGO Technic Hover Ride.

“It was a great idea and a superb creative challenge to develop a fictitious model from the parts of the LEGO Technic BMW R 1200 GS Adventure set,” said BMW Motorrad Vehicle Design head Alexander Buckan.

“Our concept not only incorporates the BMW Motorrad design DNA with typical elements such as the boxer engine and the characteristic GS silhouette, it also draws on the LEGO Technic stylistic idiom.”

The Hover Ride Design Concept came about as a result of the involvement of the BMW Junior Company Munich, a training unit in which BMW trainees from diverse departments have the opportunity to work together in projects entrepreneurially.

BMW trainees in the second to fourth year of their course used the serial-production parts of the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure to build a life-size model of the LEGO Technic Hover Ride.

Numerous components – such as the front-wheel rim modified to form a propeller – were specially made for the project, demonstrating the youngsters’ skilled craftsmanship.

The full-size model of the Hover Ride Design Concept was displayed at LEGO World in Copenhagen on Thursday. It will then travel via Denmark to various sites such as the BMW Group Research and Innovation Center Munich and BMW Welt.


BMW Vision M NEXT in world debut

UPDATE:BMW has decided to drop the BMW Vision M NEXT, a future hybrid supercar project, as it focuses its resources on catching up in electric mobility and autonomous driving.

MUNICH: EASE or BOOST? In future, drivers of the BMW Vision M NEXT will be able to choose whether they wish to be driven or do the driving themselves.

With the concept car, the BMW Group is revealing its take on how driving pleasure might look in future for those who enjoy taking the wheel themselves.

It offers a foretaste of the BMW M brand’s electrified future by placing the focus on the actively engaged driver. BMW said intelligent technologies on board provide comprehensive yet carefully targeted assistance to turn them into the ultimate driver.

Hosting the exclusive world premiere of the BMW Vision M NEXT is the new #NEXTGen infotainment platform at BMW Welt here.

This standalone event concentrating on personal mobility solutions “made by the BMW Group” adds another regular fixture to the calendar of car shows / technology & future-focused trade events around the world which the company already attends. The group’s latest technological advances in the fields of design, autonomous driving, connectivity, electrification and services will be showcased here, alongside world premieres such as that of the BMW Vision M NEXT.

“The BMW Vision M NEXT provides a glimpse into the future of sporty driving,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “Where the BMW Vision iNEXT illustrated how autonomous driving is set to transform life on board our vehicles, the BMW Vision M NEXT demonstrates how state-of-the-art technology can also make the experience of driving yourself purer and more emotionally engaging. In both models, the focus is firmly on the people inside. Design and technology make the ‘EASE’ and ‘BOOST’ experiences more natural and more intense.”

The BMW Vision iNEXT and BMW Vision M NEXT Vision Vehicles represent prototype versions of BMW’s future experience concepts “EASE” and “BOOST”.

In EASE mode, the car drives itself, transforming the cabin into a living space on four wheels. BOOST is where the human driver decides he wants to drive. The Power PHEV drive system in offers the choice between electric all-wheel drive and pure rear-wheel drive, with either all-electric propulsion or the power of a turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. System output of 600hp produces a top speed of 300kph and enables the BMW Vision M NEXT to sprint from 0 to 100kph in just three seconds.

There is also a BOOST+ mode that puts extra power on tap at the push of a button. The maximum range when driving in all-electric mode is 100km – more than enough to complete the majority of journeys purely on electric power. This means the BMW Vision M NEXT is a sports car that would also be suitable for use in city centres where zero-emissions zones may come into force in the future.

READ MORE:
Composer Hans Zimmer gives voice to BMW electrified cars
BMW's hybrid cars to switch to electric only mode in polluted cities

The BMW Vision M NEXT draws inspiration from the i8 plug-in hybrid and adopts a future-focused interpretation of design elements such as the low-slung, wedge-shaped silhouette, gullwing doors and striking colour scheme. The unmistakable sports-car proportions are composed of surfaces characterised by clarity and pared-down styling. The front and rear ends are finished in the matt-neon shade Thrilling Orange, producing a vivid contrast against the exterior’s otherwise silk-matt Cast Silver metallic paintwork. This use of colour blocking gives the Vision Vehicle an added air of modernity and emphasises its inherent dynamism.

Facial recognition technology allows the car to unlock automatically as the driver approaches. Pressing the touch sensor on the gullwing doors prompts them to swing open, revealing a cabin that is designed to be classy and minimalist.

Taking pride of place in the interior, the BOOST Pod forms the interface between driver and vehicle. It brings together all the control options and information across three distinct visual tiers in the driver’s direct field of view. The first plane is formed by the horizontally arranged steering wheel featuring two small displays. Following this in the driver’s line of sight is a Curved Glass Display, a new addition whose transparent surface stretches around the steering wheel like a visor. The full-surface Augmented Reality Head-Up Display in the windscreen constitutes the third plane.


Touch ‘N Go RFID tags now available for walk-ins

                PETALING JAYA: It is now easier to be part of Touch 'N Go's RFID pilot test community in the Klang Valley.

Touch ‘N Go (TNG) is now accepting new users who walk in at nine selected fitment centres (see list below), where they can get their vehicles fitted with RFID for free.

Previously, users had to register on the RFID webpage and wait for an invitation email from TNG before getting the sticker. Now, users can forgo the online registration process and head to the fitment centre without making prior appointments.

Users are required to bring along the original and one copy of their IC, driver’s license (or passport for non-Malaysians); a copy of vehicle ownership certificate or valid insurance cover note; authorisation letter from vehicle owner (if the Touch ‘N Go eWallet account holder and vehicle owner are different) along with the said vehicle.
Unique to each vehicle, the sticker is linked to the Touch ‘N Go eWallet app, where users can monitor their balance and top up credit via online banking and debit/credit cards.

Those using the RFID feature will get a 20% rebate on their first 10 toll trips until June 30.

Those interested can head to any of these venues from 10am to 10pm for the RFID stickers (available until stocks last):

Aeon Big Bukit Rimau, Shah Alam;
Aeon Big, Kepong;
Berjaya Times Square, KL;
Empire Shopping Gallery, Subang Jaya;
Sunway Velocity Mall, Cheras;
Tesco, Pusat Bandar Puchong;
Tesco Extra, Cheras;
Tesco, Setia Alam;
Tesco Bukit Tinggi, Klang

For more information, go to TNG's FAQ page.