China's Sinopec completes successful trial of crude to olefin technology

                SINGAPORE: China's Sinopec Corp said today it completed a successful trial processing crude oil directly into olefin, making the top Asian refiner one of the world's few companies that have applied the technology at an industrial scale.

With a yield of close to 50%, the manufacturing process cuts significantly production cost as well as carbon dioxide emission, compared with the traditional approach of refining crude into intermediate fuels which are further processed into olefin, Sinopec said.

Olefin - mainly ethylene and propylene - is the key building block for making petrochemicals such as plastics and synthetic fibre.

Following the trial at Sinopec subsidiary plant in Tianjin, the refiner will follow up with building a one million tonne per year crude-to-olefin plant, it said, without giving further details.

China, the world's largest emitter of green house gases, is expected to cap its primary crude oil refining capacity at one billion tonnes annually by 2025 (20 million barrels per day), under a national goal to hit carbon emission peak before 2030.

But it remains short of petrochemicals such as plastics and synthetic fibre.

ExxonMobil is another firm equipped with such technology, Sinopec added.

The US oil and gas major said last week it had made a final investment decision to build a multi-billion dollar petrochemical complex in south China, which will incorporate a similar manufacturing process, according to industry experts.


Davinci Motor to debut DC100 electric motorcycle to the European market at EICMA

                MILAN: Davinci Motor, the new Chinese manufacturer of high-performance robotic electric motorcycles, is making its European debut at EICMA, the world's leading exhibition of motorcycles, taking place this year between Nov 8- 13 here.

At the exhibition, Davinci Motor will be launching the futuristic DC100, the first electric motorcycle designed to rival the performance of 1000cc conventional motorcycles.

"We see EICMA as the perfect stage to officially introduce our brand and product to the European market. Davinci Motor is a start-up that has been working on developing a new technology and product design for over 7 years, and we're very much looking forward to showing the world what our products are capable of," said Davinci Motor international business manager Rosanna Libia.

Designed to strike a balance between acceleration, speed, and range, the DC100 has an acceleration of 0-100kph in about 3 seconds, can reach a top speed of 200kph and has a range of over 400km. It can be charged at level 3 DC fast-charging stations, with a full charge taking 30 minutes.

Additionally, with its intelligent robotic control system, the DC100 gives the riders complete control over the 100 kW (135 hp) power that is delivered by Davinci's self-developed synchronous AC motor mounted directly on the rear wheel, as well as a safer ride experience thanks to advanced features including traction control and ABS.

Lastly, the DC100 features the novel cell-to-chassis EV battery technology that cuts down on the number of components, therefore increasing interior space and reducing vehicle weight.

"We all know of the big motorcycle culture in Europe and we're very excited to embrace this culture", said Davinci Motor COO Qi Wang.

"EICMA 2022 marks DC100's first appearance outside of China and we'd love to invite all attendees to visit our booth at EICMA."


Oct 17-23: Petrol prices up 1 sen, diesel up 5 sen

                PETALING JAYA: The retail prices of both RON97 and RON95 petrol will increase by one sen to RM1.98 per litre and RM1.68 per litre respectively for the period between Oct 17 and Oct 23.

The Finance Ministry latest update on fuel prices also said that diesel price would see an increase of five sen from RM1.69 per litre to RM1.74 per litre.

In its statement released today, the ministry said the government would continue to monitor the trends of global crude oil prices and take appropriate measures to ensure the continued welfare and well-being of the people.


MINI brings back the manual transmission in US lineup

                NEW YORK: Manual transmissions are making a comeback in MINI's US-market lineup and has confirmed its latest range.

“With standard manual transmissions now available on a range of 2021 MINI models, we like to say that when you buy two pedals you get one free,” said MINI USA product planning head Patrick McKenna.

The manual transmission makes a return to the US MINI line-up after a brief delay in availability during the 2020 model year.

As of March, production has resumed for the British/German carmaker's Hardtop and Convertible models which will be designated with manual transmissions.

These include the MINI Cooper 2-door Hardtop, Cooper 4-door Hardtop, Cooper S 2-door Hardtop, Cooper S 4-door Hardtop, MINI John Cooper Works 2-door Hardtop, Cooper Convertible and Cooper S Convertible.

The exceptions, however, include the high-performance MINI John Cooper Works GP, which comes exclusively with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission to manage its 301hp.

Also included is the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible which only comes with a standard seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

As for the Clubman and Countryman models, manual transmission offerings will be confirmed at a later point in the year and will be excluded from the ALL4 all-wheel-drive system offerings as well as the new 301hp John Cooper Works versions.

Instead, these models will continue to be offered exclusively with standard automatic transmissions.

"Fun to Drive is the number one reason why customers choose to purchase a MINI, and many of them enjoy the experience of driving a MINI with a manual transmission," added McKenna.


Updated Toyota Innova coming soon

                SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) will be launching the 2021 Toyota Innova range soon with updated styling and features as well as additional safety systems being made standard.

With immediate effect, customers can place bookings for the new Innova which is available in three variants.

The variants are 2.0X priced from RM129,677, 2.0G (from RM121,483) and 2.0E (from RM111,622).

There are six exterior colour choices are Medium Silver Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, Phantom Brown, Silver Metallic, Super White II and Bronze Mica Metallic (new).

The 2.0X has an additional colour of Crimson Spark Red Metallic.

While retaining the crossover styling and spacious, flexible cabin space, the 2021 Innova comes with cosmetic changes at the front end which give a more refined and clean look.

READ MORE: New Toyota Fortuner open for booking

The 2.0X and 2.0G get a chrome and black theme for the grille with the door mirrors having chrome housings and integrated turn signals.

The foglamps and foglamp bezels have also been redesigned and contribute to a bolder appearance.

The 2.0X comes with exclusive styling enhancements such as new wheel arch mouldings for protecting the bodywork, new bodyside mouldings and redesigned side skirts that add a sporty touch.

While the lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels of the 2.0X are now in Dark Mica Metallic instead of black, those on the Innova 2.0G get a more dynamic new design.

At the rear, the garnish on the back door has been restyled, while the roof spoiler (only for the 2.0X) has been reprofiled for aerodynamic improvements.

The large and bright 9-inch capacitive touchscreen for the infotainment system also serves as a display for the Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) which is now standard for the 2.0X and 2.0G.

The PVM display has been changed from a 2D view to a 3D view to provide the driver with a better perspective of the vehicle and its surroundings for more precise manoeuvring in tight spaces.

Responding to customer feedback, more charging ports have been added.

The front two USB ports have been repositioned in the dashboard from the centre console and an additional USB port has been provided for those in the third row of seats. All the ports have Fast Charging capability.

Additionally, a wireless charging pad located in the centre console is also available as an option which can be included at the time of booking.

The Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) systems are now standard for the 2.0X and 2.0G.

The Innova range qualifies for the maximum 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating.

All variants are fitted with seven SRS airbags and every occupant of the three seating rows has a 3-point auto retracting seatbelt.

Also standard across the range are anti-lock braking system with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), as well as Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRC), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).

Besides the standard electronic security system, UMWT is now installing a Toyota Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) which can track the vehicle’s movements using GPS and GSM technology to provide greater peace of mind to owners.

In the event that the vehicle is stolen, the VTS Command Centre can determine its location and inform relevant authorities to make recovery faster.

The Innova range is offered with a 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage, subject to terms and conditions.

Bookings can be made at all Toyota showrooms nationwide as well as online atbuild.toyota.com.my.

Locations of Toyota showrooms can be found at www.toyota.com.my or by calling the Toyota Freephone at 1800-8-TOYOTA (869682).


Ferrari creates one-off car for customer based on F12tdf

                MARANELLO (Italy): The latest Ferrari one-off project, the SP3JC, has been officially consigned to its owner.

Designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre, the SP3JC was commissioned by a Ferrari client and collector whose brief set out to create "a pure, uncompromising roadster" using the chassis and running gear of the F12tdf.

The sole one-off car to be commissioned on this limited-series special, the SP3JC is the maximum expression of open-air motoring, harking back to Ferrari’s epic V12-engined spiders of the 1950s and ‘60s.

The striking one-off makes an important and individual styling statement and represents the outcome of over two years of intense work, with involvement from the client throughout the process.

The SP3JC features a very muscular stance with dynamic sculpturing on the flanks designed to emphasise the front-engine layout, a distinctive air intake outline at the front, and a dramatic rear fascia with horizontal slashes contributing to a wider stance.

The client’s passion for Pop Art is reflected in the strong graphics, and the unique combination of the Azzurro Met and Giallo Modena livery over the main Bianco Italia colour scheme underlines the car’s sensual volumes.

The sporting theme is reinforced by specific detailing such as split glass inserts on the bonnet to show off the 780cv V12 engine, a flying bridge between the fairings of the integral carbon-fibre roll hoops and a brushed aluminium external fuel filler cap.

The seats are trimmed in blue leather with a white insert. The blue leather extends to the lower dashboard and the colour is picked up in the contrasting stitching to the rest of the interior trim.


Ford Ecosport gets serious with all-wheel drive

                FRANKFURT: The Ford Ecosport is taking the gloves off. For the compact SUV's second facelift, Ford is equipping it with all-wheel drive for the first time.

The revamped version of the competitor to the Opel Mokka and VW T-Roc made its debut at the International Motor Show here and will hit markets at the end of the year. Ford has yet to name prices for the new Ecosport.

Ford is combining the new all-wheel drive with a 1.5-litre diesel engine delivering up to 125hp. A second diesel engine will also come available for the existing front-wheel drive variant: a 1.5-litre four-cylinder with 100hp. In addition, there will be two options for the 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine, with either 125 or 140hp.

Beyond the all-wheel drive, the facelift has given the Ecosport a fresh look in the front, as well as a new, sportier special edition called the ST-Line and a broader spectrum of optional features.

The Ecosport can now be ordered with cruise control and speed limiter, partial leather trim, a heated steering wheel and ambient lighting.


Silk-FAW drops plan to build Italian plant for electric sports cars

The Hongqi S9 is displayed at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. — Reuters
MILAN: The Silk-FAW start-up comprising US automotive engineering and design company Silk EV and Chinese automaker FAW has abandoned plans to build a production plant in Italy, according to a local government document reviewed by Reuters today.

Silk-FAW signed an agreement in 2021 with local authorities in the northern Emilia-Romagna region to build a production facility and research centre in the city of Reggio Emilia, in an area known as Italy's "Motor Valley" - home to brands including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and Ducati.

The facility was part of a wider plan to invest more than 1 billion euros (RM4.8bil) to build electric cars in Italy under the Hongqi brand.

Silk-FAW sent a letter last month to the Emilia-Romagna authorities to inform them of its intention to withdraw from the accord, the document seen by Reuters shows.

The document includes acknowledgement by the Emilia-Romagna region of Silk-FAW's decision.

Silk-FAW did not respond to a request for comment via the company's website. The company does not provide contact details for an official spokesman.

The business has showcased prototypes and had initially expected to start car production at the beginning of this year, but the company has not yet bought the land to build the site.

Two sources close to the matter said Italian prosecutors were investigating the Silk-FAW project.

Tax police visited the offices of Italian procurement agency Invitalia last week to collect documents on an application by Silk-FAW for 38 million euros (RM183mil) in public funding to build the Reggio Emilia plant, the sources said.

Silk-FAW did not respond to a separate request for comment on the matter via the company's website.


Venue in NY: Hyundai unveils seventh and smallest SUV in the lineup yet

                NEW YORK: Hyundai has finally unveiled the compact but "bold" 2020 Venue that it has been teasing for weeks.

To prepare for the launch of the 2020 Venue at the New York International Auto Show, Hyundai has been publishing teaser images of the model's name badge, design sketches, and even photographs of millennials partying on a rooftop. On Wednesday, the entry SUV finally made its debut here.

The Venue joins the current SUV lineup as the seventh in the segment and the smallest; despite the size, Hyundai promises that it's "big on practicality and personality" thanks to a collection of advanced safety, multimedia, and connectivity tech that comes standard.

The suite of safety tech includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind-Spot Collisions, Driver Attention, and Rear Cross-Traffic warnings to provide passengers with a "relaxing experience during urban driving adventures."

In terms of connectivity and multimedia system technology, the Venue is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen display -- which includes both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto -- as well as a rearview monitor.

Furthermore, the company's Blue Link connected car service offers Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant integration, so you can do things like remotely start your car in the dead of winter by simply talking to your Google Home.

The SUV is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or Intelligent Variable Transmission automatic. It's estimated to provide 7.1 l/100km.

The Venue will hit dealerships in Q4 of this year and is available in "fun, youthful colours" like Intense Blue, Green Apple, and Denim. This last option can be combined with a denim cloth and leatherette interior and white roof.


Watch: Making of Mercedes' Amber Cube

                STUTTGART: Mercedes-Benz has returned to the story of its Amber Cube, which you may recalled was an original G-Class entombed in resin last year.

It was showcased at the 2018 Detroit auto show after being shipped in from Hamburg, and the Cube with its contents quickly became the most photographed object of the show.

An update on the Amber Cube arrived on July 1, with Mercedes-Benz posting up a clip on how the imposing installation was created. The video has so far attracted over 31,000 since it went live.

A G-Class from 1979 was encased in the resin and it took the crew of workers 90 days and 45 tons of resin to create the installation. The Cube weighs 52 tons with transport rack. With underframe it weighs 46 tons.


BMW to make big splash in 2018 Detroit show

                MUNICH: Any BMW fans visiting the International Auto Show in Detroit next month might struggle to decide which model to check out first, as the German luxury automaker is planning to make a big splash at the prestigious North American event.

The manufacturer has confirmed it will be displaying the i3s, the X7 iPerformance Concept, the M3 CS, the M5 and X3 in Detroit in January. But the most interesting exhibits for keen car enthusiasts could be for the 2019 X2 and i8, which will both be making their debuts at the January show it has now been confirmed.

Unlike other even-numbered BMW X models, the all-new X2 is a more traditional SUV shape without the sporty coupe-like sloping roofline. It's still sleek and sporty though, and is sure to be another big hit with buyers in the crossover-loving US, as well as in the rest of the world.

Based on the same front-wheel drive platform as the X1, the X2 will be equipped with 2.0-litre engines. In America it will have a 228hp petrol unit, while European variants of the new crossover will have a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel producing 190hp and 400Nm of torque. With rear headroom not being restricted by a sloping roofline, the X2 will have plenty of room for passengers and cargo, so it should hit the sweet spot for plenty of potential buyers.

The 2019 i8 has nothing to do with the eagerly anticipated new 8 Series, but is simply a refreshed version of the hybrid sports car that's now been on sale since 2014. The most important upgrades see the battery capacity increased by 70%, and the gross engine capacity uprated from 7.1 kilowatt hours to 11.6.

The electric motor is boosted by 12hp to 141hp, which means the total system output will now be an impressive 369hp. The all-electric range will now be as much as 28km, which means every important performance aspect of the i8 sees notable improvement.


1,000 Touch ‘n Go cards to be given away on Aug 31

                PETALING JAYA: One thousand Touch ‘n Go cards will be distributed at the cash lanes of every toll plaza on the Kuala Lumpur-Kuala Selangor Expressway (Latar Expressway) on Merdeka Day.

Latar operations chief Ahmad Fuad Ahmad Shahimi said the distribution would be done on Monday, Aug 31, from 12.01am until stocks run out.

“This is one of our corporate social resposibilities, and a token of appreciation to our loyal road users for their support.

The cards are also to encourage more road users to move to an electronic payment system for tolls.

“It is a timely move because the cashless toll payment system, either via Touch ‘n Go or SmartTag, will be implemented in all Malaysian highways starting next year,” he added in a statement.

Ahmad Fuad observed that using the Touch ‘n Go or a SmartTag would make road journeys easier and help motorists avoid the long queues and traffic at toll plazas, especially at the cash lanes.

“We also extend our Merdeka Day wishes to all Malaysians, especially Latar Expressway users, and hope this year’s Independence day increases their love for the country, in line with this year’s ‘Sehati Sejiwa’ theme,” he said.


Police vehicle fleet to be replaced in stages, says Deputy IGP

                SEREMBAN: The police will continue to replace its fleet of vehicles which have outlived their economic lifespan in stages, says Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mazlan Lazim.

He said the police would buy more vehicles once it gets the budget from the government to allow it to carry out its work effectively.

Mazlan said although some of these vehicles had surpassed their economic lifespan, they were still in good condition and had served the force well.

"Although more than 80% of the vehicles owned by the Negri Sembilan police for example, are supposed to have been replaced with new ones, we are still able to use them as these vehicles have been maintained well.

"These assets will surely be replaced in stages when the budget is made available," he told reporters after handing over 25 new vans and pick-up trucks to the state police contingent.

Mazlan also thanked the government for approving a budget to buy 640 vans and pick-up trucks for all state police contingents.

"All the vehicles have been sent out to the respective contingents except for Terengganu.

"I will be going there next to personally hand them over to the police contingent," he said.


Denmark's budget affected by switching to electric cars

                COPENHAGEN: A rapid switch to electric cars to meet Denmark's ambitious climate targets will leave a massive gap in its finances, a government commission said on Sept 7.

Moving to electric vehicles from those powered by fossil fuels is central to Denmark's goal of cutting emissions by 70% by 2030 and becoming climate neutral no later than 2050.
However, the Nordic country relies heavily on car and road taxes worth some 50 billion Danish crowns (RM32.99bil) a year, or 2.3% of GDP, to fund its welfare system.
In March, the Danish Council on Climate Change, an independent advisor to the Danish government, said the number of electric cars should rise to at least 1 million by 2030 from less than 20,000 now in order to meet the targets.

"This would create a significant problem for the economy," commission head Anders Eldrup told a press briefing.

 FILE PHOTO: A Tesla Model S electric vehicle drives along a row of occupied superchargers at Tesla's primary vehicle factory .

Increasing the number of electric cars to 1 million through raised subsidies and higher taxes on fossil-fuelled cars would result in a total net loss to society of 5.7 billion crowns (RM3.76bil) in 2030, the commission said.

Under the current tax system, proceeds from car and road taxes are already set to drop by 10 billion crowns (RM6.6bil) each year in 2030, it said.

The commission was asked by the government to suggest how to switch from fossil fuelled cars to electric cars in the coming decade without jeopardising the state budget.

The transport sector contributes about 40% of Denmark's carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, with less than 1% of cars powered by electricity.

With favourable conditions and early support from the government, Denmark now gets about half of its power from wind turbines and is seen as a pioneer in addressing climate change.


Hyundai offers sneak peek of its SEMA plans

                LAS VEGAS: For this year's biggest car customisation show, Hyundai has confirmed it is once again joining forces with Rockstar Performance Garage on at least one special show car.

It may be a Korean automotive giant but over the last several years, the SEMA show and the Las Vegas Convention Center have become a home from home for Hyundai, with the company bringing more and more custom-built rides every year.

In fact, Hyundai has got the SEMA bug so bad that it's expected to bring upwards of seven cars to this year's show, starting with the Rockstar Energy Moab Extreme Concept (pic).

Based on the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport long dash — a sensible family SUV, it has been completely re-imagined as an off-road racer. "The concept was designed to withstand the extraordinary demands of Moab off-road terrain," said Rockstar Marketing's Nic Ashby.

The standard wheels, tyres, brakes and suspension have all been ditched. It now sits on 17-inch bead-lock wheels wrapped in 35-inch Baja off-road tyres. The suspension is a King coilover system, and the underside is fitted with skid plates for protection. There are custom front and rear bumpers, an integrated winch, a portable airtank for refilling tyres on the go and a Cascadia tent for camping out on the off-road trail.

While the engine has also been upgraded with a new exhaust system, air intake and intercooler, the block itself remains untouched.

"Leveraging the outstanding Santa Fe Sport platform and powertrain, we definitely pushed its capabilities to new limits to conquer the pinnacle of challenges at Moab," said Ashby.

This year's SEMA show runs from Oct 31 to Nov 4.


Apple self-driving car testing plan gives clues to tech program

                SAN FRANCISCO: Apple Inc outlined a plan to train operators of self-driving cars in documents submitted to California regulators earlier this month, the latest clues to the company's autonomous vehicle technology aspirations.

Apple was granted a permit to test self-driving cars on April 14 by the California Department of Motor Vehicles but the company has never said anything about its plan.

The state released 41 pages of Apple application documents to Reuters that give some clues about the company's highly secret self-driving effort, which it has never openly acknowledged.

The iPhone maker joins a long list of carmakers, start-ups and technology rivals, including Alphabet's Waymo, that are testing cars on state roads. Apple is looking for new hit products and autonomous car technology is expected to revolutionise the traditional auto industry.

As part of the application, Apple included a 10-page training plan that appeared to be related to operators taking back manual control of the car during automated driving exercises of the system, which it calls a development platform.

Apple declined comment beyond the filing.

The plan includes a document called "Automated System: Development Platform Specific Training Overview" whose objective is "to train safety drivers in various automated driving conditions."

"Development platform will be controlled electronically (e.g. joystick) and safety drivers must be ready to intervene and take control," the document reads.

The document highlights different scenarios to be tested, from high speed driving and tight U-turns to lane changes.

One letter sent from Apple to the state Department of Motor Vehicles noted that Apple's development platform "will have the ability to capture and store relevant data before a collision occurs."

The document does not include detail on how Apple's self-driving platform actually works or other technical details. It also does not say what kind of sensors are found on Apple's three permitted vehicles, all 2015 Lexus model RX450h.

The permit does not necessarily mean that Apple itself is building a full car. Apple could instead be designing a self-driving platform that can be integrated into other manufacturer's cars.


Alpine A110S, the sportiest of the range, debuts

                PARIS: Alpine has released the A110S, the latest addition to the lightweight sports car range.

It joins the A110 Pure and A110 Légende in the Alpine model range. Sitting at the top of the line-up, the A110S is a lightweight coupe characterised by high engine power, a focused chassis setup and refined design elements.

The A110S has been engineered to deliver precise handling response and exacting high-speed stability. Sophisticated styling flourishes inside and out, as well the use of high-end materials such as carbon fibre and Dinamica upholstery, amplify the car’s purposeful nature.

The A110S is a mid-engined, two-seat sports car that delivers 292PS and weighs 1,114kg. Alpine says it is engaging to drive at all speeds while still being comfortable in everyday use. It is said to stay true to Alpine’s underlying principles of lightweight engineering, compactness and agile performance.

Costing €66,500 (RM313,000) before options, the A110S is available to reserve immediately and the first cars will appear in showrooms in October. Deliveries are due to begin before the end of the year.

"Like all versions of the A110, the A110S is easy both to drive and live with day-to-day. It is welcoming of all drivers regardless of their skill level, too," said Alpine managing director Sébastien Erphelin.


UK wants yet-to-launch Mercedes-Benz X-Class pickup truck badly

                LONDON: Following the debut of the Mercedes-Benz X-Class concept in Sweden recently, UK customers have created what seems to be a rush on the yet-to-launch pickup truck that's arriving in 2018.

Due to the phenomenal amount of early demand for the Mercedes-Benz X-Class, Mercedes-Benz Vans has launched a reservation service to enable its potential customers to leave a refundable reservation fee to ensure they are among the first to order the new pickup.

Interested customers can visit the website and place their refundable fee of £1,000 (RM5,600) to ensure that they will be given the first opportunity to order their X-Class.

The one-tonne concept with a ladder-type frame will be able to seat five and can cater for an urban lifestyle as well as family life, while being offered in two variants - the powerful adventurer and the stylish explorer.

The “powerful adventurer” is what Mercedes-Benz defines as a classic pick-up – tough, functional, strong, and with off-road capabilities; whereas the the X-Class stylish explorer goes a step further to make more distinguished.

Power should come from a V6 turbo-diesel that's mated to a 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system that comes with an electronic traction system, a transfer case with reduction gear and two differential locks.

This should allow it to take on a 1.1 ton payload and tow up to 3.5tons, while being equipped with camera-based driver assistance systems, radar and ultrasound sensors among others.

The pickup will be manufactured in a production cooperation with the Renault-Nissan Alliance at its plant in Barcelona, Spain (for European, Australian and South African markets) in late 2017 and Cordoba, Argentina (Latin American market) in early 2018.

"Many customers we have spoken to have a strong desire to be amongst the first to own the new X-Class, which is incredible considering that it hasn’t been unveiled yet,” said Mercedes-Benz Vans UK managing director Steve Bridge.


Aston Martin’s final-edition V12 Vantage heads to Goodwood

                LONDON: Aston Martin’s limited and final-edition V12 Vantage will make its public dynamic debut at the June 23-26 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The new V12 Vantage, announced earlier this year, will be the final Vantage to receive the company’s largest and most potent series production engine, marking the end of an era for this iconic sportscar.

As befits such a glorious era, the new V12 Vantage is the most powerful Vantage and the ultimate expression of extreme performance and thrilling driver-focused dynamics.

Following unprecedented demand, all 333 examples of this final edition sold out ahead of release. The car will make its UK public dynamic debut on the famous Goodwood Hillclimb on Thursday, continuing to excite crowds over the course of the weekend.

Other Aston models will also be present.

Following on from a successful global media launch in Sardinia in March and the first customer cars rolling off the line at St Athan last month, the DBX707 will too make its UK public dynamic debut in the ‘First Glance’ batch over the weekend.

DBX707, the world’s fastest and most powerful luxury SUV, will also showcase several Q by Aston Martin finishes that are available to order through the marque’s bespoke service, including the 2022 Aston Martin Racing Green paint – seen on the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team’s car, Q design graphics and a set of lime green brake calipers.

Powered by a naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine producing 1160bhp, the Festival of Speed couldn’t go without an appearance from the ultimate hypercar, the Valkyrie.

The sound of its engine commanded huge crowds in the supercar paddock last year. With customer deliveries now underway, Aston Martin’s groundbreaking hypercar returns to take on the hillclimb once more, this year piloted by WEC racer Peter Dumbreck; an ex-Aston Martin Racing factory driver with 15 Nürburgring 24 Hours races under his belt.

Also taking on the hill will be the Vantage F1 Edition; motivated by the marque’s return to Formula 1 last year and as a direct result of the engineering that propelled the development of the Vantage as an Official Safety Car of Formula 1.

This will be joined by the V12 Speedster in the classic DBR1 livery – one of only 88 built, along with the beautiful but brutish DBS, and the DB11. The Aston Martin and Brough Superior AMB001 motorcycle will also be making its Goodwood dynamic debut up the hill this year.


Bosch and BMW in move to flatten hydrogen tank

                PARIS: A consortium, including BMW and Bosch, has announced that it is working on a hydrogen tank that is flat rather than cylindrical.

The aim of the consortium, called FlatHyStorn, is to make this type of tank less bulky than current storage solutions, and to develop more comfortable vehicles.

The consortium is supported by the German federal government and intends to build its first prototypes by the end of 2022.

The new hydrogen tanks need to occupy the same space as usually dedicated to the integration of batteries in electric cars.

In fact, these tanks must be made much flatter than their current form in order to fit perfectly in the underbody of a car, between the axles.

This is impossible today, because the containers designed to hold hydrogen are cylindrical and take up a lot of space. They are a real constraint when it comes to designing the car's interior and optimising its comfort for the driver and their passengers.

This kind of breakthrough would make it possible to further popularise the use of hydrogen-powered cars. BMW, which is involved in this project, has so far only presented one vehicle of this type, the iX5 Hydrogen, which is due to be launched this year.

A hydrogen-powered car can travel long distances without producing any CO2 emissions, as the vehicle only emits water.

In addition, it only takes a few minutes to fill up the car, unlike charging an electric vehicle with electricity. Toyota, Honda and Hyundai are currently the manufacturers most involved in the development of cars using hydrogen-powered fuel cells.


Lamborghini owner forgives teen who rode bike onto his car in Singapore

Izzadnaff with the car owner Aaron.
SINGAPORE: It was a reckless stunt, one that earned him not just lots of online vitriol, but also trouble with a supercar owner.

Last Saturday, mountain biker Izzadnaff Abdul Qusyairl, 15, spotted a yellow Lamborghini Gallardo parked outside Bedok Stadium when he was on his way to the community centre to play computer games.

Having seen a BMX video showing a famous YouTuber jumping onto and cycling over the roof of a car a year ago, Izzadnaff decided to do the same.

"When I did it, I never thought of the consequences," he told a local daily. He should have. When the owner of the car later posted online a video of what the teen had done, it went viral, getting up to 272,000 views, 3,800 shares and more than 350 comments.

Many condemned the teen's stunt, and some went on a witchhunt to expose his identity.

 A screen grab of the Facebook video taken of the offence, which was recorded by an onboard recorder.

Thankfully, the owner of the Lamborghini, Aaron Rylan Keder, 28, forgave him and decided not to seek redress from Izzadnaff's parents. Aaron told the daily on Monday: "I met the family on Sunday afternoon and we have resolved the issue.

"All I wanted was an explanation from the boy and to know how he felt when he went on top of my car. I also wanted him to know that what he had done was wrong and not to repeat it."

An avid biker, Izzadnaff has participated in many cycling competitions since he was seven years old.

He even received the Peter Lim Scholarship as a mountain biker in May, which was aimed to fund sports scholarships for those from financially-challenged backgrounds.

When asked how he felt about the entire episode, Izzadnaff said he was remorseful for his actions. "I am really sorry for the hurt and inconvenience caused upon Mr Aaron and my family," he added.

Azizah Mohd Putih, 45, a housewife, said she was angry with her son.

She said: "Izzadnaff is usually obedient. I don't know what happened to him that day.

"He was very afraid to admit to his mistake after that, but I told him that he had done something wrong, so he had to stand up and admit his mistake."

Azizah said she then tried to contact Aaron via Facebook on the same day but did not receive any reply. She managed to get his telephone number from a mutual friend afterwards and contacted him the following morning.

She said: "I didn't know what was going to happen next, all I wanted to do was to let my son apologise to the car owner."

The family successfully contacted Aaron, a businessman, and they met to settle the matter.

Aaron said: "The boy has a bright future ahead of him and I know if I were to blow it up, it would have severe consequences.

"There were many negative remarks online as well and I felt they were really unnecessary. Izzadnaff apologised when I met him. I knew he was really sorry about it."

Aaron said he has not sent his car for repair due to his busy schedule. "I don't know the exact damage, but I think it might have affected the body kit," he added.

A cyclist who wants to perform a stunt has to do it at designated areas such as skate parks and perhaps trails, not in areas like public carparks. The public should call the police if they witness such occurrences.

In giving this advice, Land Transport Authority's Active Mobility Advisory Panel member Denis Koh, 44, noted that safety helmet and padded gear are highly recommended.

Safe Cycling Task Force president and Singapore Cycling Federation for Safety and Education vice-president Steven Lim, 49, said what the teen did was irresponsible, and that he had disregarded his own safety as well as that of others.

"I believe that when we commit any act, we need to consider if we want others to do the same to us first," he said.

"Safety is a personal responsibility but road safety is a shared responsibility."

Lim also noted that many people have stereotyped cyclists as law-breakers, like those who beat red lights.

"We are very concerned about this, so we have been giving safety talks as we do not want one or two people to bring down the entire community."


GM Korea to cut output of key SUV as virus hits US exports

SEOUL: General Motors' South Korean unit plans to sharply cut output this month at a factory producing its new Chevrolet Trailblazer sport-utility vehicle (SUV), as the coronavirus outbreak weighs on its US exports and also disrupts parts supplies.

GM Korea is responsible for supplying some of GM’s small SUVs to the US market to meet a consumer shift away from sedans. Like peers industry-wide, however, it is grappling with shrinking exports as demand suffers from governments globally restricting movement to slow the spread of the virus.

GM Korea will run its BP1 plant in Incheon, near here, for seven business days this month and idle it for the remaining 11, showed its internal production plan seen by Reuters.

A spokesman said the automaker has suspended the line until May 5 due to the virus impact on parts procurement and US sales, and that its production plan for the rest of May is subject to change.

GM Korea started producing the Trailblazer in January and shipping it to the United States in February, but is yet to begin US sales, she said. The model is currently sold only in South Korea.

On parts, the government’s virus response in the Philippines since mid-March has disrupted supplies of wiring harnesses, company officials said.

South Korea recorded some of the earliest infections after the virus spread from China, where it was first reported at the end of last year. The export-reliant economy has since managed to control the outbreak and allowed manufacturers to resume production — only to be met with slumping overseas demand.

Total exports shrank 24.3% in April versus the same month a year earlier, trade ministry data showed on Friday — the quickest contraction since May 2009. Shipments of vehicles fell 36% and vehicle components dropped 50%.

Hyundai Motor Co, South Korea’s biggest automaker by sales, has idled most of its five factories in Ulsan in the south-east from April 30 to May 5 — including a weekend and public holiday, when it would normally operate at times of strong demand — and extended the suspension of a line producing its Elantra sedan to Friday from May 1.


Japan's minicars attracting elderly drivers

Retiree Yorie Miho owns and drives a kei-car. - Reuters
TOKYO: When Honda Motor Co launched the latest version of its N-Box a year ago, it promoted features on the pint-sized minicar such as error-detecting pedals, automatic emergency braking and moveable seats, part of a push to market the vehicle to young families.

But a drastically different demographic has made the N-Box the country’s best-selling passenger vehicle: roughly half the owners of the most recent model are 50 or older.

Automakers had hoped high-tech options would attract younger buyers to minicars, or kei-cars, even as the number of Japanese drivers under 30 has slid nearly 40 percent since 2001.

Instead, with a price tag starting around US$7,500 (RM32,000) and low ownership taxes, minicars have gained a more loyal following among the rapidly growing population of Japanese elderly, many of whom are on fixed incomes.

“After their children are grown and leave home, more people are looking to downsize from larger family cars to more compact ones,” said Kiminori Murano, managing director at Tortoise, a dealership specialising in minicars in Yamato, Kanagawa prefecture, just south of Tokyo.

At Tortoise, seniors have overtaken young families as the biggest customer group in the past decade, making up more than 70 percent of its clientele.

Kei-cars represent nearly a third of all Japanese passenger car sales, and about one of every 20 cars sold this year has been an N-Box.

All of Japan’s major automakers sell the no-frills, fuel-sipping vehicles, almost exclusively for the domestic market. With their 660cc engines - a size more common in motorcycles than cars - minicars are considered too small for most overseas markets.

 The N-Box is proving to be popular among the elderly. - Reuters

Many in the industry predict that eventually, automated cars, taxis and buses will keep the elderly mobile for longer.

Until that future arrives, demand for cheap, safe and easy-to-drive vehicles such as the N-Box is growing sharply among older Japanese in a country that is home to one the world’s most rapidly aging populations. The success of these cars could also provide a blueprint for marketing such vehicles to older drivers overseas.

When Yoshiyuki Imada’s car insurance expires early next year, the 68-year-old retired truck operator from Kagoshima Prefecture is planning to trade in the Toyota Mark II sedan he has been driving for nearly 20 years for a minicar.

“Smaller cars are easier to drive as you get older,” he said.

Honda said the safety features in the N-Box were not designed just with the elderly in mind. But the company said they could help older drivers stay on the road.

“We wouldn’t want elderly people to become holed up in their homes because they can’t get around. We want to do what we can to enable them to stay mobile for as long as possible,” Hideaki Takaishi, senior safety engineer at Honda, said in an interview.

For years, TV commercials for kei-cars have been a montage of energetic twenty-somethings, often popular boy band members, camping or frolicking at the beach. More recently, ads have featured sentimental snapshots of families with young children.

But minicar marketing is slowly starting to reflect the segment’s biggest buyers. This year, Daihatsu Motor, a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corp, released a TV spot featuring an elderly cabbage farmer who berates his son for suggesting that he switch to a minitruck with automated emergency braking, misreading it as a slight to his driving skills.

“It’s true that our biggest markets are drivers in rural areas, women and elderly people,” Daihatsu spokesman Kazuki Inoue said. “Our minitrucks are widely used on farms, and farming communities are graying rapidly at the moment, so we wanted to market advanced safety systems on this model.”

Honda’s Takaishi said that using sensors to track a vehicle’s surroundings and assess whether drivers have depressed the wrong pedal is among the features that can offset common challenges for older drivers, including reduced alertness and reaction time.

The automaker is also trying to develop artificial intelligence-driven systems for “coaching.”

Cars could theoretically advise drivers via flashing dashboard icons, sounds and steering wheel vibrations if they are about to drift out of their lane or make a potentially risky manoeuvre.

“Elderly drivers in particular, they really want to maintain their independence while they’re driving, as it’s a skill they’ve honed over many years,” said Takaishi at Honda.

In Japan, the number of driving license holders aged 60 and older is growing faster than in other developed countries, and in the past five years has grown to double that of those under 30.

Particularly in rural areas, people are driving well into their 80s and 90s as train and bus services pull out of depopulating towns.

That has led to an increase in traffic accidents involving drivers older than 65, even as the overall number of accidents has decreased. Last year, older drivers were involved in 55 percent of the country’s accidents, up from about 47 percent 10 years ago.

Partly in response, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry last year launched its Safety Support Car system, which categorises safety technology on cars sold in Japan.

“As the number of traffic accidents involving elderly drivers became a national issue, we decided to promote these technologies as a whole, to increase awareness and expand usage,” said Naohiko Kakimi, head of the intelligent transportation system and autonomous driving promotion department at the ministry.

Automakers can use the government-endorsed logo to promote vehicles, and drivers can save on insurance by buying them.

Yorie Miho, a retiree in Kanagawa prefecture, said kei-car safety had come a long way since he bought his Daihatsu Sonica more than a decade ago.

During a recent demonstration outside the Tortoise showroom, the 80-year-old was shaken when the Daihatsu Tanto he was in automatically slammed on its brakes centimetres away from a makeshift wall. But he said afterward the feature would make him feel safer on the road.

“I’m not sure if I’ll live so long that I will need to buy another car ... but this would be nice to have,” Miho said.


Schaeffler signs first of a kind European rare earth deal

                LONDON: German auto parts supplier Schaeffler has signed a raw materials deal to ensure the supply of rare earth magnets from Europe for its burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) motor business, says an executive.

It is the first reported agreement by a European auto sector supplier or automaker to source rare earths within the region.

The European Union is spearheading a drive to boost domestic production of rare earths and super strong magnets used in EVs and wind turbines to cut dependence on top supplier China.

Schaeffler has agreed a five-year deal with Norway's REEtec to supply rare earth oxides from 2024, said Schaeffler chief operating officer Andreas Schick.

He declined to provide the value of the transaction, which is due to be announced today.

"We are transforming into an e-motor supplier and are ramping up significantly," he said in an interview.

"Therefore on the rare earth side we need competent partners, not only going through the standard supply chain through China, we need a local supply chain for Europe."

Automakers planning on massive jumps in EV production have agreed contracts in recent years with miners for battery raw materials such as cobalt, lithium and nickel, but such deals have been limited in the rare earths sector.

General Motors Co in December reached an agreement to source rare earth magnets in the United States, but this is the first reported one in Europe.

The European Union, Britain and the United States are scrambling to build domestic rare earth and magnet industries to wean themselves off China, which supplies 98% of permanent magnets to Europe.

Schaeffler - a leader in bearings that it supplies to automakers such as Volkswagen, General Motors and Honda - usually buys manufactured components from subcontractors referred to as Tier 2 suppliers.

The company's focus on sustainability made it source raw materials for the first time instead of ready-made magnets, Schick said.

Schaeffler, Germany's fifth biggest auto supplier by revenue, is also working with European partners to use the rare earths processed by REEtec to produce permanent magnets.

When asked if Schaeffler was prepared to pay a premium for domestically-produced magnets produced in a sustainable and transparent way, Schick said: "From a commercial perspective, it's not a walk in the park, it's a challenge, but that's our commitment to sustainability."

He gave no indication of what the costs might be.

As a mature industry with tight margins, the auto sector is known for being intensely focused on cutting costs, but industry sources said that there is a growing acceptance among automakers and their suppliers that they must pay more for rare earths sourced from Europe.

They can be marketed as more sustainable, which may justify charging the customer a higher price, industry analysts say.

Cleaner technology

Rare earths are not rare, but complex processing, which can generate toxic waste, is required to separate ore into the 17 individual elements and produce the alloys used in a range of electronics as well as in EVs.

Privately-held REEtec uses a cleaner technology needing less energy and under which nearly all the chemicals used in processing are recovered and reused, said chief executive Sigve Sporstøl. He declined to provide the quantity to be produced.

REEtec has been running a demonstration plant since 2019 and the new deal will enable the company to build a commercial separation facility, sourcing raw materials from Vital Metals n Canada, which launched production last year.

Schaeffler, which also has an industrial division, wants to lock in supply of permanent magnets to support its plan to be a major global supplier of electric drivetrains to the fast-growing EV industry.

The EU expects demand for permanent magnets in EVs and wind turbines to increase by as much as tenfold by 2050, when the EU and Britain have pledged to cut net greenhouse gas emissions to zero.

Schaeffler's e-mobility business generated €3.2 billion of orders last year, results showed, nearly a third of total orders in its Automotive Technologies division and much higher than an original target for e-mobility of €1.5 billion to €2 billion.


India's virus lockdown gives world's most polluted capital clear skies, clean air

Skies are clear and air is clean in New Delhi following a 21-day nationwide lockdown. — Reuters
NEW DELHI: Residents of New Delhi are experiencing the longest spell of clean air on record, according to government data, as a stringent lockdown to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus drastically cuts pollution in the world's most polluted capital.

With all transport and construction suspended, good air has emerged as one of the few positive byproducts of the lockdown to stem the virus, that has infected more than 17,000 people and claimed over 500 lives in India.

A combination of industrial, agricultural and vehicle pollution blankets New Delhi and dozens of other Indian cities with a thick grey smog for several months of the year.

Delhi was the world's most polluted capital for the second year running in 2019, according to IQ AirVisual, a Swiss group that gathers air quality data globally.

But during the first 25 days of the lockdown that began on March 22, the concentration of poisonous PM2.5 particles in a cubic metre of air averaged at 44.18, according to a Reuters analysis of government data, indicating a rare "good" rating, the safest level on the scale.

That is sharply down from an average concentration of 81.88, recorded between March 22 and April 15 of 2019, according to the analysis of data gathered by the state-run Central Pollution Control Board. IQ AirVisual said New Delhi's average annual concentration of PM2.5 in a cubic metre of air was 98.6 in 2019.

"Clean air has come as a boon," said Rakesh Singh, a computer engineer who lives in Noida, a satellite city of New Delhi. "Breathing good air will only boost my immunity against the coronavirus."

The reading is the best on record for the city since the government began collecting detailed data. New Delhi had few pollution monitors before 2016, making like-for-like comparisons before then difficult.

Vehicular exhaust and dust from construction work significantly contributes to air pollution in New Delhi.

India's sprawling capital city has nearly 10 million vehicles, more than the other three major cities - Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata - put together.

Shutting down India's US$2.9 trillion economy has also significantly cut India's fuel and power demand, helping pollution levels plummet.

As power demand plunged, 11 of the 12 coal-fired plants situated within a 300km radius of New Delhi have closed their operations, said Sunil Dahiya, an analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). Consumption of diesel is down by nearly a quarter year-on-year, he added.

But while the 20 million inhabitants of New Delhi will be breathing good air ahead of Earth Day tomorrow, the respite from the pollution could be short-lived.

Experts warn that air quality will drop sharply once the government lifts the lockdown, that is scheduled to run until at least May 3.

"After the lockdown, we'll see new stimulus packages and revival plans for the economy, and my biggest fear is that the environment will be the first casualty," said Vimlendu Jha, an environmental expert who founded the activist group Swechha.


2019 updated Maserati Levante S arrives: starts from RM788,800

                KUALA LUMPUR: Naza Italia has launched the 2019 updated Maserati Levante S at the starting price of RM788,800 (inclusive of local taxes and duties) and includes 3 years Standard Warranty coverage with no mileage restriction plus a Maserati Premium Service Plus of 3 years/60,000 km whichever comes first.

The petrol-powered Maserati Levante S comes in either GranSport or GranLusso trims, and is powered by a 430hp/580Nm 3.0-litre twin turbo V6 engine manufactured by Ferrari in Maranello, mated to a eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox.

Enhancements in the 2019 updated Levante S include a redesigned gearshift lever with shorter travel and improved operation.
With the new gearshift lever, the driving modes cluster on the center console is even more user-friendly.

The M button has been eliminated and the Off-Road mode button has taken its place leaving space for two separate buttons – instead of one – for the selection of the Sport driving mode and the Skyhook suspension sport setting.
The selectable modes are Off-Road, I.C.E. (Increased Control & Efficiency) and Sport.

Via the infotainment system, the button that deactivates the Start-Stop function can now be dragged and dropped on the main screen so you can access it in every menu.

The electric panorama sunroof with tilt and slide functionality comes as standard for the 2019 updated Levante S in Malaysia.

For the Malaysian market, the Levante S features 21-inch Helios wheels and a High Glass Metal Weave interior trim.

SM Nasarudin Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, group executive chairman of Naza Corp Holdings Sdn Bhd said, “Following Maserati’s entry into the SUV segment, the Levante has exceeded expectations and continues to be a leader in its class. Naza Italia is delighted to offer our discerning customers the latest evolution of the Levante, which sports a number of attractive enhancements. Whether customers opt for the luxury-oriented GranLusso trim or the sport-oriented GranSport trim, the Levante S promises them a first-class environment.”

The luxury SUV has an Auto Start-Stop function, and the V6 engine’s specific torque of 194Nm per litre is the best in the luxury SUV class, as is its specific power (144hp/l).

The Levante S accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and has a top speed of 264 km/h.

The GranSport trim has new front and rear bumpers that were inspired by the Levante GTS and Trofeo.

Alongside the sportier bumpers, the GranSport exterior is also discernible for the front and rear Black Piano inserts, the GranSport badges on the front fenders, the red brake calipers and the 21-inch Helios wheels.

Meanwhile, the characteristic features of the luxury-oriented GranLusso trim are elegant chrome inserts in the front fascia, chrome front/rear skid plates, body colour rear spoiler, silver-painted brake calipers, 21-inch Helios alloy wheels and GranLusso badges on the fenders.

The GranLusso trim also offers the choice of full premium Italian leather, Pieno Fiore natural leather or Ermenegildo Zegna silk upholstery.

It includes standard 12-way power comfort front seats with memory function, Bowers and Wilkins Surround Sound System, power-adjustable steering wheel and pedals, illuminated doorsills, parking sensors, navigation system and Soft Close Doors system.

A total of 11 colours are offered for the V6 Levante, including a brand-new tri-coat colour, the Blu Nobile with sparkling glass flakes glimmering under the sunlight.

The matt grey-by-default calipers on the baseline Levante V6 versions are painted silver on the GranLusso.

The Levante GranSport is standard fitted with red painted calipers.

The recently introduced Nerissimo package, has also been updated for the 2019 Levante.

It is now available in eight specific body colours – seven of which are brand new – combining black elements (front grille, skid plates, daylight openings and door mirrors) with dark tail lights and exhaust tips.

Details such as the grille upper bezel trim, the rear trunk accent, the side air vents, the Trident on grille and all Maserati badges and logos are finished in Black Chrome.

The updated 2019 Nerissimo package has also adopted body-colour door handles and lower moldings and new 21-inch wheels with dark finish.

READ MORE:
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Passengers must get approval before crossing districts and state borders, cabbies, e-hailing drivers told

                PETALING JAYA: All taxis, rented cars, and e-hailing services must ensure that their passengers have the necessary approval before crossing districts or state borders, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

The Transport Minister said the government had neither restricted nor issued any directive to stop public transport services or prohibited them from travelling inter-district or interstate during the movement control order.

He, however, stressed that only passengers with the necessary approval are allowed to cross districts or state borders.

He said during the MCO, taxis, rented cars, and e-hailing services are allowed to fully operate as they fall under the category of essential services and they are permitted to cross districts and state borders under the commercial vehicles category.

"Taxi, car-rental, and e-hailing drivers must carry a copy of the proper documents, be it in hardcopy or softcopy, as proof for drivers to use after dropping off their passengers to a destination across districts or state borders," he said today.

Wee's statement was issued on the same day the government decided to extend the movement control order enforced in Penang, Selangor, Johor, Sabah, Melaka, Kelantan, Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur and Labuan, until Feb 4. It was scheduled to end on Jan 26 but was extended because of a spike in Covid-19 cases in recent days.

Wee said the ministry had received several complaints from taxi drivers related to the scope of operation for taxis, rented cars, and e-hailing services for inter-district or interstate travel during the MCO.

He said there were claims that drivers involved have been detained and questioned by enforcement officers at roadblocks when making their way home after carrying passengers across districts or state borders.


Another Tesla catches fire — after hitting tow truck in Moscow

A 2018 Tesla Model 3 undergoing safety tests at the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in Virginia last month. — Reuters
MOSCOW: A Tesla Model 3 electric car caught fire after crashing into a parked tow truck on a Moscow motorway late on Saturday, with the Tesla driver saying he had failed to see the vehicle with which he collided.

Asked in a video published on REN TV website if he was using an Autopilot self-driving system, driver Alexei Tretyakov said he was in a drive assistance mode in which he was still holding the steering wheel.

Tesla Inc has stood by safety claims for its Model 3 in the face of regulatory scrutiny, while documents showed the top US automotive safety watchdog issued at least five subpoenas since last year seeking information about crashes involving the company’s vehicles.

Tretyakov said was driving at around 100kph — the speed limit — when the car crashed on its left side into the stationary tow truck that he had not noticed.

Footage of the incident on state TV channel Rossiya 24 showed the car by the side of the road engulfed in flames and thick black smoke.

Two small explosions occurred within a few seconds of each other and the metal frame of the vehicle was all that remained after the fire, TV footage showed.

Russia’s RIA state news agency website posted a video showing the car driving in the left-hand lane of Moscow’s ring road, known as the MKAD, before crashing into a tow truck parked by a safety fence that separates the carriageway from oncoming traffic.

The accident took place at around 2100 Moscow time.

Tretyakov, a financial market expert and the head of Arikapital investment company, said he broke his leg in the incident, while his two children suffered only bruises. They all escaped from the vehicle.

Tesla was not immediately available for a comment on the incident outside normal business hours.


Two Chinese EV sharing platforms in US$730mil push to fuel growth

Men looking at an electric vehicle of Caocao Zhuanche at a new energy vehicle (NEV) trade fair in Zhengzhou, Henan province, in 2016. - Reuters
HONG KONG: Two electric vehicle-sharing platforms backed by powerful Chinese carmakers plan to seek external funding totaling almost US$730 million (RM3bil) to fuel their growth, people with direct knowledge of the plans said.

The moves come as Beijing continues its push into the new energy vehicle (NEV) sector as part of efforts to cut pollution and boost cutting-edge technology.

Caocao Zhuanche, a chauffeur ride-hailing platform backed by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, is aiming raise up to 3 billion yuan (RM1.8bil) in a new funding round, at a valuation of about US$3 billion (RM12.3bil), three people said.

EvCard, an electric vehicle rental service under state-owned SAIC Motor Corp, is also considering raising some 2 billion yuan ($292 million) from external investors, according to a person with direct knowledge.

Both platforms claim that they are the first in China to offer such NEV car-sharing services. Caocao currently operates across 25 cities in China with a fleet of around 16,000 Geely-produced new energy vehicles, while EvCard has operations in 62 cities with over 27,000 cars in use, according to their websites.

Caocao could not be reached for comment via its customer service hotline. A Geely spokesman declined to comment. EvCard and SAIC did not respond to requests for comment. The people could not be identified as the information is confidential.

China’s NEV sector is expanding rapidly with as many as 102 firms producing 355 different kinds of electric, hybrid and fuel-cell vehicles by the end of March, according to government data.

Start-up electric carmakers such as NIO, WM Motor Technology Co and Xpeng Motor have also raised funds totaling billions of dollars from heavyweight investors including Chinese tech giants Alibaba Group Holdings, Baidu Inc and Tencent Holdings.

China’s ride-hailing champion, Didi Chuxing, in February said it would set up an electric car-sharing service with 12 automakers including BYD Co Ltd, local partners of Ford Motor Co, the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance and Geely.

Named after Cao Cao, a Chinese warlord during the period of the Three Kingdoms circa 220-280 AD, Geely’s platform employs its own chauffeurs and also offers business rides and same-city package delivery services, according to its website.

In January, the platform reached a valuation of 10 billion yuan (RM6bil) after a 1 billion yuan (RM600mil) funding round.

EvCard, which rents out cars by the hour, tied up with BMW Group in December to launch a co-branded service in Southwestern China’s Chengdu.


Audi celebrates V10 engine with limited edition R8 Decennium

                NECKARSULM (Germany): A 620PS V10 engine, matt paintwork, bronze-coloured highlights inside and out, and strictly limited: Audi is celebrating the enduring appeal of the V10 engine with the Audi R8 V10 Decennium, a special edition limited to just 222 units worldwide which will briefly form part of the new Audi R8 range.

The name Decennium translates from the Latin as “decade,” referencing the ten years in which the much loved naturally aspirated engine has captivated on the road and in motorsport.

From the outset, the Audi R8 V10 Decennium makes its character abundantly clear. The special model is available as a coupé and painted in exclusive Daytona Grey, matt effect.

The milled 20-inch wheels and the intake manifold of the 5.2 FSI engine are finished in matt bronze. The front spoiler, the side sills and the diffuser are painted in gloss black, supplemented by black Audi rings and badging.

The side blades and the exterior mirror housings are made from gloss carbon fibre. To protect the look, an exclusive car cover with bronze-coloured “Decennium” embroidery is included as part of the package.

The interior of the Audi R8 V10 Decennium is also finished entirely in black, with the inlays in gloss carbon fibre adding highlights. The quilted diamond pattern stitching on the sport seats is finished in gloss black; the contrasting stitching in a gloss copper tone.

The selector lever and the steering wheel – with Alcantara rim and black 12 o’clock marking – feature copper-coloured stitching, as do the centre armrest, the door armrest and the door rail.

A “Decennium” logo adorns the centre console, the doors, the inlays in the gloss carbon fibre door sill trims and the logo projector. The badge in the centre console stands out visually from the gloss carbon fibre around it.

It comes with a partially matt finish – a process patented by Audi. The door light projects the “Decennium” logo onto the ground, supplemented by the model’s sequential limited-edition number.

As with all R8 variants, the Audi virtual cockpit, MMI navigation plus and a reversing camera feature as standard. In addition, the ten Decennium editions arriving in the UK also feature Audi laser lights, Bang and Olufsen audio and Audi magnetic ride adaptive damping.

The naturally aspirated 5.2 FSI in its most powerful output rating forms the heart of the R8 V10 Decennium. With 620PS and maximum torque of 580Nm, it catapults the edition model from zero to 62mph in 3.1 seconds and on to a top speed of 205mph.

The launch of the special edition Decennium model will coincide with the arrival of the new Audi R8, which features an even sharper exterior design and further improvements to suspension and performance.


What's next for 'Top Gear'?

                With Jeremy Clarkson officially getting the boot from the BBC, it appears likely that the pubcaster's "Top Gear" franchise will be reinvented once again with new hosts.

James May, who has co-hosted the show with Clarkson and Richard Hammond since 2003, has indicated that he and Hammond would not continue without Clarkson. All three hosts' contracts are up at the end of the current season.

Speaking to reporters in London on Wednesday, May expressed his dismay at the situation that led to Clarkson's canning - his physical assault on a "Top Gear" producer during filming earlier this month.

"It's a tragedy. I'm sorry that what ought to have been a small incident, sorted out easily, turned into something big," May said, according to DigitalSpy.

In terms of his future plans, May indicated that he would not continue on "Top Gear" without Clarkson.

"The three of us... it works as a package, for very complicated reasons that a lot of people don't fully understand.

So that will require a lot of careful thought," May told journalists outside his home moments after the BBC officially announced its decision.

"Much as I think he's a knob, I quite like working with Jeremy," May said, according to DigitalSpy.

A statement issued by May's agent on his behalf said: "James was disappointed to hear that the BBC will not be renewing Jeremy's contract, however he understands that it will have been a difficult deliberation all round and respects the decision."

It added: "As to the future of 'Top Gear,' it existed before its current format and will no doubt continue to do so. James' involvement in that future requires much thought, deliberation and conversation between many people, and at this moment further speculation on that is not useful.

James will be making no further comment at this time." Judging from his latest tweet, it is far from certain that Hammond will follow the other two, referring to an "end of an era," and adding, "It's been an incredible ride together."

The British press is full of speculation about who might be moving to "Top Gear," and what may be in store for Clarkson, Hammond and May.

There was instant chatter about the trio relocating to Netflix, which has been on a big expansion kick in the U.K., but sources close to the netcaster strongly downplayed the possibility.

"Top Gear" began in the late 1970s as a local automotive news and reviews show on the BBC Midlands surface.

By the late 1980s, it was distributed across the BBC's national networks. Clarkson, a well-known journalist and political columnist, joined the show as host in 1988.

"Top Gear" went on hiatus from 2000-2002. It was revived on BBC2 in 2002 with a mandate to add more entertainment and travelogue elements, as well as reality TV-style competitive challenges for the hosts to broaden its appeal.

The camaraderie and friendly (and not so friendly) sparring among the three hosts has taken "Top Gear" to new heights.

It is the BBC's most popular export, with an estimated audience of 350 million (by the BBC's math) in more than 200 territories, generating some US$75 million a year for the BBC Worldwide commercial division. In the United States, it is typically the most-watched original series on the BBC America cabler.

May and Hammond have both hosted several unscripted series in Britain as solo acts outside of the "Top Gear" banner.

Talent reps in the United States said there will surely be interest in the possibility of the trio setting up a new show, but they also cautioned that the appeal would still be limited.


GM joins other carmakers investing in self-driving startup Nauto

Chevrolet Bolt EV autonomous test vehicles.
SAN FRANCISCO: General Motors Co and Japan's Softbank Group Corp are among the latest investors in Nauto, a Silicon Valley startup developing software for self-driving vehicles.

Nauto, based in Palo Alto, said on Tuesday it closed a US$159 million Series B funding round, led by Softbank and venture capital firm Greylock Partners. Previous investors included German automaker BMW AG and Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corp, as well as German insurance firm Allianz.

Nauto is unusual in attracting money from big-name automakers, and also in its focus on software and data, which cost less to develop than hardware or entire vehicles.

"Any (vehicle) manufacturer is better than any startup at building cars," said Stefan Heck, founder and chief executive officer of two-year-old Nauto. "Our aim is to provide the data, intelligence and a cloud platform" to automakers that plan to begin putting self-driving cars on the road from 2020.

The amount of GM's investment in Nauto was not disclosed. The Detroit automaker bought Silicon Valley startup Cruise Automation in early 2016 for more than US$500 million.

Heck declined to specify the company's post-funding valuation. He did say it was shy of US$1 billion, "unicorn" status in Silicon Valley shorthand.

"But we're getting there," he said.

To develop its technology, Nauto is retrofitting windshields of commercial trucks from North America to Europe and Japan with dual cameras: one aimed at the road and the other at the driver. The goal is to gather data on driver distraction and on the environment around vehicles and speed development of self-driving technology.

Using such techniques as computer vision and deep learning, a form of artificial intelligence, the company is analysing video feeds and data from the retrofit devices to improve driver performance and safety. Learning more about how humans drivers behave is critical, Heck said, because self-driving cars must share the roads with those vehicles for at least the next 20 to 30 years.

"During that transition period, we need autonomous vehicles that are not just smart, but are able to collaborate with humans," Heck said in an interview.

Nauto is working with investors and other companies "to learn from human drivers, the best and the worst, to inform" the development of self-driving vehicles.

Heck declined to say how many vehicles are using Nauto's cameras and software, but said the company expects to accumulate more than one billion miles of real-world data within the next year.


Maeving opens new pop-up shop at Battersea Power Station

                LONDON: New British electric motorcycle manufacturer Maeving is opening a new pop-up shop at the iconic Battersea Power Station here.

The new shop opened on Oct 14, when the Malaysian-owned Power Station opened its doors to the public for the first time ever and will be in place until Nov 11.

Maeving is celebrating the opening of the shop with a special offer worth £200 for any orders placed for the Maeving RM1 motorcycle during the four weeks the pop-up shop is open. The offer comprises a free accessory pack and a GPS tracking app.

Maeving said its RM1 features removable batteries that can be charged at any standard plug socket, has near silent running, is easy to use and has a riding style that directly appeals to those with zero riding experience.

Maeving will be joining a mix of brands opening at Battersea Power Station including Aesop, Nike, Uniqlo, Lululemon, Mango, Mulberry, Ralph Lauren and Hugo Boss.

There will be three bikes for visitors to check out. Bookings can be made for test-rides at Maeving's Maida Vale or Coventry locations.


Toyota C-HR production crossover to be built in Turkey

                BRUSSELS: Toyota Motor Europe (TME) has announced that the C-HR concept crossover will go into production at its Turkish plant,  marking the first time a hybrid-powered vehicle will be produced in the country.

This will be TME’s third plant to produce hybrid vehicles in Europe, after its British plant in Burnaston (Auris Hybrid and Auris Touring Sport Hybrid) and French plant in Onnaing(Yaris Hybrid).

The new hybrid engine for the  C-HR will be sourced from Toyota's plant in Wales, Britain.

The Turkish plant in Arifiye, 150km south-east of Istanbul, currently produces the Corolla and Verso models. Its total production capacity is expected to increase from 150,000 to 280,000 vehicles per year. Annual production of the future crossover will depend on demand.

“The crossover market has been booming and will continue to grow in Europe and elsewhere," said TME president and CEO Dr Johan van Zyl. "We are entering the C-segment crossover market with a fantastic product and with a hybrid powertrain from the start. This will provide our European operations with sustainable growth."


Got a B on your bonnet? Why car mascots, once beloved, are dying out

                BERLIN: Bonnet ornaments are decidedly old-school and amid safety considerations and aerodynamic aesthetics they are becoming rarer too.

One of the most famous insignia is the Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star and it remains a powerful symbol of automobile exclusivity.

The sign is produced at a factory in Germany where Mercedes says production involves 12 steps from casting to polishing and the star passes through 10 pairs of hands before it is ready to be fitted to a car.

Using around seven tonnes of a special zinc alloy, the Witte Automotive plant turns out 30,000 three-pointed stars a month.

But it's no longer the star it once was.

Mercedes-Benz started axing the upright logo in favour of in-grille badges on many models from 2009 and it remains the preserve of high-end cars like the S Class limousine. Buyers in Germany can, however, still order it as an optional extra.

It did not used to be like this. Ruth Schumacher has assembled a collection of around 1,500 bonnet mascots many of which depict animals and mythical figures.

The original idea came not from the car manufacturers but from owners keen to individualise their transport. They commissioned artists to create the figurines and a tradition was born.

At a typical vintage car rally the mascots on cars will range from glass swans to golden-plated lions, Red Indian figureheads shaped from glass and even a dancing elephant.

That figure was designed by sculptor Rembrandt Bugatti and Schumacher said its rarity makes it the equivalent of the Blue Mauritius stamp revered by philatelists.

It was conceived as a satire on the Lady Emily figure used by rival Rolls-Royce and topped the radiator grille of a Royale model used by carmaker Ettore Bugatti.

Only six examples are known to exist and they sell for upwards of €50,000 (RM240,000) apiece.

The Bugatti symbol is a real rarity, unlike the more common "Spirit of Ecstasy" figure used by Rolls-Royce.

It was banned by the EU for safety reasons, but the company came up with typically elegant and ingenious solution. The figure is mounted on a spring-loaded base, which allows it to retract into the radiator grille.

The Roller figure is produced at a small factory in Southampton on the British South Coast in a complicated procedure which includes filling a mould with liquid stainless steel at 1,600 degrees centigrade. The raw figure is polished using tiny ball bearings and finished by hand.

The first production mascot was Saint Christopher figure mounted by Lord Montagu of Beaulieu on his Daimler in 1899.

Schumacher looks ruefully at modern cars, most of which do not have mascot of any kind. "Pedestrian crash protection and aerodynamic considerations make life hard for bonnet ornaments", she said.

Rolls-Royce, Maybach and Mercedes-Benz still sell models with bonnet figures and Bentley recently redesigned the Flying B badge for its modern cars. The ornament can be ordered as an illuminated version too and the company took 12 months to finalise the elegant design.

The owners of other brands have to make do with badges. The Opel lightening bolt, Peugeot's lion and the trident used by Maserati are all still in use, but these are mass-produced cast aluminium or plastic items.

A rare modern mascot is the badge designed by the Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) of Jaguar and Land Rover. The ceramic roundel is fitted to the new Range Rover and is said to symbolise "a passion for modern luxury, performance and capability."

The trouble engineers have gone to here is nothing compared to efforts of Bugatti for its exclusive Chiron supercar.

That car's grille badge is fashioned from massive sterling silver by a jewellery firm in southern Germany and enamelled in a process that takes several days to complete. The badge costs more than €500 (RM2,400) to buy.

This makes it one of the most expensive bonnet ornaments, although the cost is trivial compared to the €3 million (RM14mil) starting price of a regular Chiron.


Israeli startup creates foldable city car

                TEL AVIV: An Israeli startup has come up with a foldable car that can contract or expand at will in order to fit into tight parking spaces.

The two-door runabout from City Transformer is a cross between an electric motorcycle and a small car on a four-wheeled platform. It slots easily into a motorcycle-sized parking lot.

The chassis is foldable which means the car can widen or narrow between 1 metre and a more stable 1.44 metres at the press of a button.

The City Transformer runs on electricity from batteries and has a range of around 150km between charges. The vehicle can run at up to 45kph in narrow form, rising to 90kph when expanded.

Chief innovation officer Udi Meridor said the car can be charged up at home and has promised more powerful batteries when the runabout gets past the test stage. The plan is to trial a small fleet here.

"We want the vehicle to be cheap both to buy and to maintain," Meridor told the Times of Israel Internet news website.

"It will be more like a gadget, not expensive and environmentally friendly. The idea is to upgrade the gadget with new features along the way, and not buy a new vehicle every few years,” said Meridor.

Meridor said small foldable cars like the City Transformer were a good way of ensuring personal mobility in cities which are becoming increasingly crowded.

The final prototype of the City Transformer will be rolled out within the next 10 months, said Meridor. Provided 10,000 orders are received, production could start as early as 2020. The City Transformer is expected to sell for around US$10,000 (RM42,000).

When the platform is in its wider form the vehicle offers the stability and driving experience of a small car, said Meridor. Various versions are planned, including a drophead and a more rugged edition.


China’s biggest carmaker to accelerate push into hydrogen vehicles

                SHANGHAI: China’s biggest vehicle maker is accelerating a push into alternative energy, targeting a lead in hydrogen cars as it moves beyond gasoline and electric autos.

SAIC Motor Corp. plans to gain 10% of China’s hydrogen-vehicle market by 2025 as global automakers step up development of clean-energy cars to help protect the environment.

The company will add at least 10 hydrogen models over the next five years, it said in a statement.
The nascent hydrogen-vehicle market globally is dominated by companies such as Japan’s Toyota Motor Corp. and Canada’s Ballard Power Systems Inc.

China’s government is putting its policy might behind the technology — just as it has done with battery-electric vehicles — encouraging more companies to participate. Three industry sources familiar with policy discussions said authorities could announce a new policy as early as this month.

The government wants 1 million fuel-cell vehicles on the roads in a decade and is spending hundreds of millions of yuan to subsidiSe purchases and spur research and development. And, as seen with battery-powered cars, a slew of startups and established companies are trying to capitalize on the policies.

SAIC, based in Shanghai, said it targets a valuation of 10 billion yuan (RM6bil) for its hydrogen fuel-cell development arm in the next five years.

Commercial vehicle maker Beiqi Foton Motor, a BAIC's unit, said last week it aims to sell 4,000 hydrogen vehicles by 2023, and 15,000 such vehicles by 2025.

China now only has a fleet of over 7,000 hydrogen vehicles, compared with over 4 million pure battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Pilot cities will likely include Beijing, Shanghai, as well as those in northern Shanxi and eastern Jiangsu provinces, according to sources, who declined to be named as the issue is not public.

Some global automakers from Toyota Motor to Hyundai Motor have already announced plans for hydrogen vehicles in China. — Additional text by Reuters


VW and Tarik Jeans collaborate to help save the Malayan Tapir

                KUALA LUMPUR: Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has teamed up with local denim streetwear brand, Tarik Jeans to raise funds and awareness for the endangered Malayan Tapir.

“As ‘gardeners of the rainforest’, they help to disperse and fertilize seeds much needed for the reproduction of trees,” said VPCM managing director Erik Winter.

Utilising an exclusively designed capsule collection dubbed “Modern Nostalgia”, it is currently available for purchase.

The collection features key design elements from both brands by incorporating modern and iconic Volkswagen models that have been married with local classic and vintage design elements.

A variety of merchandise can be had including T-shirts, caps, bandanas, tote bags, key chains and clothing patches.

According to Tarik Jeans founder and CEO Afiq Iskandar, the tapir has been part of the company's design philosophy and brand’s logo.

The collection can be found online at Volkswagen’s and Tarik Jeans’ websites, as well as Shopee, Zalora and all Volkswagen, authorized dealers nationwide.

A total of 50% of all proceeds generated from sales of the campaign will be donated to the Kenaboi Forest Reserve in Negeri Sembilan on World Tapir Day (Apr 27).

The Malayan tapir is the only Asian species native to the island of Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia and Southern Thailand with a distinctive coat pattern.

With a lifespan of up to 30 years, its numbers have dwindled down to approximately less than 3,000 due to agricultural development and deforestation, poaching and animal trafficking.

"We are pleased to play our part in this meaningful project, and we will certainly not stop here as we will continue to explore ways to contribute to making a difference,” added Winter.

Volkswagen AG currently has over 500 sustainability projects worldwide.


Aston Martin taps into 007 hype with special edition Vantage and DBS Superleggera

                LONDON: Aston Martin is celebrating the release of the 25th James Bond film, with two exclusive 007 special editions inspired by the cars featured in No Time to Die.

This new collaboration between Aston Martin and EON Productions, the company that produces the James Bond films with Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios, delivers exciting new 007 editions of the Vantage and DBS Superleggera.

No Time To Die will be released around the world in November 2020 and will feature no fewer than four iconic Aston Martin sports cars: the iconic DB5; the classic Aston Martin V8; the brand’s latest super GT, DBS Superleggera; and the exceptional Aston Martin Valhalla – the company’s forthcoming mid-engined hypercar.

The two special editions that celebrate the release of No Time To Die, each of which is being offered in limited numbers to buyers around the world from today, have been carefully designed and crafted by the experts in Aston Martin’s bespoke division: Q by Aston Martin.

Aspiring to offer the ultimate in bespoke personalisation services, Q by Aston Martin delivers both carefully curated special editions such as these, as well as the opportunity for individual owners to embark on the creation of  individual sports cars via the Q by Aston Martin – Commission service.

Vantage 007 Edition

The first of the two models is the Vantage 007 Edition, inspired by the original Aston Martin V8 which made its 007 debut in The Living Daylights in 1987 and also features in No Time to Die. The movie sees James Bond uncover the car from his personal lock-up here.

Building on the formidable sporting style and aggressive performance of the regular Vantage, the new car features unique exterior styling treatments led by a bespoke mesh grille with chrome bezel that references the look of the brand’s classic V8.

Further styling details include a dashed yellow diffuser inspired by the hazard stripes on the film car’s rockets. The Vantage 007 Edition can even be delivered with a set of The Living Daylights inspired limited edition skis and ski rack – referencing the "winterised" V8 saloon from the film.

The car will be delivered in Cumberland Grey exterior paint colour, whilst the interior will be presented in obsidian black leather and dark chrome with 007 branding applied on the centre console of cars equipped with a manual gearbox.

The sun visors of all the cars will carry another subtle film reference in the shape of an embroidered radio station frequency – 96.60 (FM) – which 007 buffs will know was the Russian police frequency Bond used to aid his escape in The Living Daylights.

The seats themselves feature heritage fluting reminiscent of that seen in the V8, along with carbon fibre seat backs and, in a detailed nod to the 1980s film, the outline of cello "f holes" inspired by the memorable cello chase scene featuring James Bond (Timothy Dalton) and Kara Milovy (Maryam D’Abo).

The driver can indulge himself further with a laser-etched gadget plaque that references the various weapons and devices seen on the original film car.

These included a rocket motor, missiles, lasers, a targeting display and ski outriggers. Cross hairs etched onto the car’s paddle shift gear levers allude to the missile guidance system seen in the film, too. Available as a manual or automatic, the Vantage 007 Edition also boasts a side strake Vantage badge and is limited to 100 units globally.

“Creating a 007 Edition is always an exciting challenge as we work to develop and style a car that embodies the legend of James Bond," said ston Martin vice-president and chief creative officer Marek Reichman.

"It is an honour to apply carefully judged 007-inspired styling to our sports cars, which gives our customers the opportunity to own a unique piece of both cinematic and automotive history.”

DBS Superleggera

To celebrate the James Bond debut of the range-topping Aston Martin DBS Superleggera, a second unique 007 Edition has been created.

Strictly limited to just 25 production cars available worldwide and featuring the same specification as the muscular DBS Superleggera featured in the upcoming film, the car has a suitably menacing road presence.

The 715bhp provided by the DBS Superleggera’s 5.2-litre V12 twin-turbocharged engine is befitting of the car’s range-topping status while its torque peak, at 900Nm, is not only substantial in its own right but, as things currently stand, the greatest torque figure for any roadgoing Aston Martin yet produced.

To this potent mix, the DBS Superleggera 007 Edition adds a raft of styling and design enhancements that elevate its appeal. The car sports Ceramic Grey exterior paint with the roof, mirror caps, splitter, diffuser and rear Aeroblade IITM featured in black tinted carbon fibre. Also unique to the 007 Edition are visually striking Gloss Black diamond-turned Y-Spoke 21” wheels.

This special edition also features a 007 fender badge, finished in chrome with a black enamel infill and Stainless Steel Silver 007 foil applied to the rear spoiler blade.

Inside, the cockpit of this DBS Superleggera (super light in Italian) is a dark, brooding, leather-clad environment with flashes of red detailing the outline of the seats. Subtle 007 branding can be found on the door cards, armrest buckle badge and on the rear sub-woofer cover. The car is finished with a sill plaque that recognises it is one of just 25 DBS Superleggera 007 Editions.

As a backstory, the original DBS made its first Bond appearance in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service in 1969. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the film, Aston Martin created a now sold-out special edition DBS Superleggera in 2019, inspired by the Olive Green DBS from the film.

The DBS Superleggera 007 Edition with a recommended retail price from £279,025 (RM1.6mil) and the Vantage 007 Edition with a recommended retail price from £161,000 (RM883,000) are on sale separately now. First deliveries will begin in Q1 2021.


Triumph Tiger 800 XCx ridden

Triumph took its first step into the mid-size adventure motorcycling segment in 2011 with the Tiger 800.

Fast forward to end of 2015, Triumph gave birth to the all-new Triumph Tiger XC 800 (dual purpose) and Triumph Tiger XR (road).

I was invited to review the new Triumph Tiger 800 XCx (the lower cap ‘x’ at the end XC and XR simply means it is fitted with extras) which took me on a road trip from Kuala Lumpur to the southern part of Thailand.

The ride was from Kuala Lumpur to Pak Bara in Satun to Pak Meng beach in Trang to Khao Sok in Surat Thani to Hat Yai and back to Kuala Lumpur which I rode together with the Riders Association of Triumph (Rat) Pack and a few other journalists.

Within the first hour of my ride on the highway to Sungai Perak from Kuala Lumpur, it was evident that the new Tiger 800XCx is remarkably easy to ride with plenty of power upon demand, good handling and balance and ergonomics.

The Tiger 800 XCx is comfortable with firm seating which is height adjustable, between 33 to 34 inches from the ground.

My reach to handlebar and foot pegs was natural with saddle position which was ideal for my 6ft frame that allows me to stand at ease.

While clocking above 120kph from Sungai Perak to Gurun petrol station, there was little wind buffeting.

The RM68,773 800 XCx comes with an adjustable windshield that was able to keep my head intact to my neck.

This Tiger also comes with a cruise control which is definitely useful on any long journey of this sort.

I must admit that the new 800 XCx design exudes ‘macho’. It fits the character of an adventure bike and many will surely agree with me on this.

On the highway in Malaysia I had access to ample power and torque at 3,000rpm. I could feel power surging instantaneously.

The Tiger’s power band is very progressive, strong yet manageable as it peaks from 3,200rpm onwards.

With a powerful engine matched to a 196kg weight, accelerating the bike was a breeze. I have no complaints on the throttle response.

Regardless of what speed and rpm I was on; I did not feel any twitch in power delivery. Simply awesome! In Thailand, we were challenged by numerous sweeping and tight corners.

Every corner exits in Thailand was fun because the in-line three-cylinder engine of the Tiger gave me the instantaneous power that I needed.

All together about 30 Triumph owners of various Triumph models rode together.

This fun, loving Rat Pack only reminded me that riding is all about fun and positive attitudes.

One of the more seasoned rider, Mike who is 60-plus years old on his Bonneville definitely got me thinking when he said, “I get old if I don’t ride not because I am old and I can’t ride,”. Made a lot of sense to me.

The gear shifts was smooth and quiet. I found it very easy and quick to shift the gears up and down at any speed.  The engineers have definitely done a good job here.

On first gear, the 800XCx is comfortable at 75kph without any strain on the engine meanwhile the second gear gave me the necessary push to maintain a highway speed at 105kph before going full throttle on the rest of the gear upshifts.

And believe me, there was no vibration at all on this bike be it on any gear at any rpm.

While riding in the rain at about 120kph from Khao Sok to Haadyai, I had to slam on the brakes hard few times because of the huge potholes.

The 800 XCx was able to stop instantly with the reliable dual 308mm disks with 2-piston Nissin calipers up front complemented by a 255mm single piston at the rear.

The Tiger’s Ride-by-Wire throttle control, which comes with Rain, Road, Sport and Off Road riding modes are designed to adapt to any riding possibility with optimum comfort and safety.

On the highway the Sport mode is aggressive and fun. But it was just too much for me.

Meanwhile the rain mode was good enough to give me enough traction on wet Thai roads, yet the ride was pleasant and smooth. But personally, the best riding mode is the touring.

The power delivery on touring mode is very gradual yet fast.

The availability of an off-road mode on the bike gave me all the courage I needed while riding through Khao Sok’s back roads and pot holes.

Going through uneven and muddy road during a heavy downpour can be unpredictable.

But the 800XCx makes its way with ease with the assistance of the traction control and anti-lock braking system (ABS).

And I chose the off-road ride mode which was a perfect match.

The ABS is configured much differently in off-road than for the three road-going modes, which goes to say that the engineers in Triumph knew what they were doing.

After travelling close to 2,900km with the Rat Pack on the Triumph Tiger XCx 800, my conclusion is - this is one bike that I will recommend to anybody looking for a middle-weight adventure bike.

Period!

 The writer takes a breather during a stopover in Thailand.