Porsche Taycan testing enters final stage

                STUTTGART: In Scandinavia, just a few kilometres away from the Arctic Circle, the Porsche Taycan is proving its potential in terms of driving dynamics on snow and ice.

Meanwhile, in South Africa, they are conducting performance tests, as well as final adjustments in terms of continuous performance and reproducibility.

In Dubai, they are carrying out hot-climate endurance runs and testing battery charging under extreme conditions.

These are some of the countries, out of the 30 across the globe, in which comprehensive tests are being carried out which have temperatures ranging from -35 to 50-degree Celsius.

The German sports carmaker's electric cars must undergo the same rigorous testing programme as those with combustion engines.

In addition to displaying superior performance, this always includes proving unrestricted suitability for everyday use in all climate conditions.

Particularly demanding features such as charging the battery or temperature control of the drive train and the interior under extreme conditions are additional aspects in the battery-powered models.

Other typical Porsche development targets include circuit performance, multiple accelerations, as well as a range suitable for everyday use.

Test experts were able to build upon the comprehensive findings from the digital testing stage using digital prototypes.

At present, computers are used to design the body, drive, chassis, electronics and overall vehicle of a new model and to simulate their functions – which includes how they work together.

In total, the virtual prototypes of the Taycan have completed more than ten million digital kilometres.

This meant that development engineers started driving a Taycan around the Nürburgring Nordschleife in a driving simulator at an early stage so that they could test and evaluate its circuit performance.

During this process, they focused on electrical energy management, which plays an important role in achieving a sub-eight-minute lap time on the 20.6km (timed distance) Nordschleife.

The Taycan will be introduced in September and will be launched onto the market at the end of the year.

Across the globe, there are already more than 20,000 serious prospective buyers. The potential customers have put their names down on an option programme list and made a down payment.

The Taycan accelerates from 0 to 100kph in significantly less than 3.5 seconds and has a range of more than 500km (according to the New European Driving Cycle - NEDC).

The 800-V architecture in the vehicle guarantees that the lithium-ion battery can be recharged in just four minutes, providing enough energy to drive 100km (according to NEDC).

The NEDC is a driving cycle designed to assess the emission levels of car engines and fuel economy in passenger cars.

Facts from the Taycan testing phase:Overall distance covered: Approximately 6.0mil kilometres, of which 2.0mil kilometres were endurance runs.

Countries: A total of 30, including the USA, China, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Finland.

Temperatures: From -35 to 50 degrees Celsius.

Air humidity: From 20 to 100%

Altitude: From 85m below to 3,000m above sea level.

Charging cycles: Over 100,000 using various charging technologies across the globe

Development team: Around 1,000 test drivers, technicians and engineers.


Nissan unveils LEAF cabriolet

                YOKOHAMA: Nissan has produced a convertible version of the world's best-selling all-electric car, although it's a one-off creation designed to celebrate the milestone of 100,000 sales of the LEAF in its native Japan.

If asked what could be done to make the Nissan LEAF EV more attractive to the mass market, it's probably fair to say most people would say longer battery life and not many would come up with the idea of making it a convertible.

But an alluring model that goes by the name LEAF Open Car, as unveiled to the world in front of a forum of 100 people in the Japanese capital, Tokyo. And there are no plans whatsoever to put the LEAF Open Car into production, which now having seen it seems a bit of a shame.

From the image released by Nissan of the convertible LEAF it's hard to tell if the roof folds into the trunk or if it's been removed completely. It probably doesn't matter either way though, as practicality isn't really an issue for a one-of-a-kind concept.

The LEAF was launched in 2010, and the world's most famous EV recently entered its second-generation with improved battery capacity and more conventional styling than the original. More than 300,000 units have now been sold worldwide since its introduction, and the car remains an integral part of Nissan plans for an electrified future where the brand intends to be selling more than a million all-electric cars per year by as soon as 2022. The company's Infiniti luxury sub-brand is also going to start introducing EVs into its portfolio in 2021.

Over the next five years Nissan has plans in place to launch eight all-new electric models, although four of them are planned as China-only models at the moment. We know one will be a new crossover using the same platform as the current LEAF, and if it retains a healthy portion of the styling of the IMx concept it's said to be inspired by it could be something pretty special when it reaches production in 2020.


Facelifted Nissan Almera launched

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Nissan Almera has received a facelift, and features a newly-designed front bumper, new multi-reflector headlamps, chrome-highlighted fog lamps, sleek wing mirror signal lights and new Y-Spoke 15-inch alloy wheels.

The facelifted Almera is available in five colours; Graphite Blue, Diamond Black, Bronze Gold, Brilliant White and Tungsten Silver.

It is priced at RM66,900 (E variant, manual); RM69,900 (E variant, automatic); RM76,900 (V variant) and RM79,900 (VL variant) on-the-road with insurance, with a warranty period of three (3) years or 100,000 km (whichever comes first).

Buyers can also choose to upgrade to the full Nismo Performance Package which is priced at RM14,000 or alternatively, the Nismo Aero Package at RM9,000.

Nismo is Nissan's renowned global motorsport, performance and personalisation brand.

The new and latest Almera Nismo Package makes its global premier in Malaysia, and gives the car a more aggressive and aerodynamic look.

The package can include front and rear bumper spoilers, side skirts, trunk lid spoiler, 16-inch alloy wheels with Continental tyres, a sports exhaust muffler, and a performance suspension system.

The facelifted Almera has an elegant new steering wheel with integrated audio controls, Fine Vision meter with multi-information display, and a redesigned centre console in premium piano black.

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has also made available the latest, first-in-segment Android-based multimedia navigation system with a 6.5-inch screen.

The system offers internet connectivity with Virtual Acoustic Positioning System (VAPS), rear view camera, iPod connectivity, USB and Bluetooth.

In conjunction with Nismo’s 30th anniversary, ETCM is offering customers attractive deals and discounts on the Nismo packages with the facelifted Almera.

There are also additional discounts from other great value packages on the facelifted Almera, with options comprising of an Elegance package, Navi with DVD package, and Navi with internet connectivity package.

Interested customers can also enjoy exclusive facelifted Almera activities when they visit Nissan showrooms on the two weekends beginning January 9 and 16.


Flood-hit? BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad owners can get up to 20% on parts repair

                CYBERJAYA: BMW Group Malaysia today announced up to a 20% reduction on parts repair for BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad owners affected by the flood in several states over the weekend.

Authorised dealerships will also provide an RM300 rebate on the towing cost for affected owners.

"BMW Group Malaysia and our network of dealers stand ready to provide our customers with the needed support when it comes to their vehicles,” said BMW Group Malaysia managing director Hans de Visser.

Vehicle owners can contact their preferred authorised dealership or call BMW Roadside Assistance for more information.

Alternatively, they can also get in touch with BMW's customer interaction centre at 1 800 88 3000. The reduction and rebates are valid until Jan 31 next year.


Toy cars get eco makeover to inspire children

A toy Tesla Roadster from Matchbox. — Reuters

LONDON: Matchbox is launching a new series of toy cars based on real-life electric and hybrid vehicles, in a bid to make its miniatures more sustainable and to raise awareness among children of the environmental impact of motoring.

The first model off the production line is a scaled-down version of the Tesla Roadster, which will be joined by toys based on cars made by Nissan, Toyota and BMW. Electric charging stations will also go on sale this year.

“We are unveiling a concept car, just like the real car industry does,” said Nuria Alonso, head of Matchbox marketing for EMEA.

She added that it would be the first die-cast model made of 99% recycled materials.

“We wanted to work with Tesla to inspire kids as the future drivers of tomorrow. We think their parents will love to see how their kids play with cars that encourage environmental consciousness, like electric cars.”

The launch is part of an overhaul in Britain and Europe at Matchbox, which is owned by toy maker Mattel.

The Matchbox brand was created nearly 70 years ago and sells more than 40 million die-cast vehicles each year.


Get into CNY mood with this local Nissan film

                PETALING JAYA: Chinese New Year is around the corner. Like every car maker trying to boost sales during festive occasions, the Nissan distributor is doing it through the traditional dealership channel.

On top of that, it has come out with a Nissan promotional clip that centres around family during the Chinese New Year.

Five models are featured in the “My One Better Than Your One” film namely the X-Trail, Serena S-Hybrid, Grand Livina, Almera and Navara. Frankly, it's unrealistic to imply that every car-buying adult in a typical Malaysian family would get just Nissan cars.

But, hey, this is a Nissan production presented by Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd, and it is paying for the right to stuff it with its range of cars.

As the title suggests, the video is about sibling rivalry and how blood is thicker than water to surmount ill feelings in the larger interest of keeping the family tight. The film focuses on the message of humility, harmony, and to always cherish loved ones. All very heart-warming, whichever festivity such type of car film is played out.

In the end,  Edaran Tan Chong Motor is using this film to soft-sell the range of models in its line-up.


WATCH: Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ reclaims Nürburgring crown

                AFFALTERBACH: Mercedes-AMG has apparently gone ahead and made the GT 63 S 4MATIC+ even faster.

Utilising the infamous Nordschleife Nürburgring as its test-bed, AMG development engineer and former racing driver Demian Schaffert managed to fine-tune the GT 63 S 4MATIC+ to shave off 2.3 seconds from its original lap time.

This puts the four-door coupé from Affalterbach at the top of the time-sheet in the “luxury class” category for the 20.832km-long track at 7 minutes 27.8 seconds - regaining the crown after three months from the Porsche Panamera (7 minutes 29.81 seconds).

The GT 63 S 4MATIC+ set the new record in standard form and comes with active rear-axle steering, electronically controlled rear-axle limited-slip differential and AMG DYNAMICS agility programme.

For grip, it uses Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 tyres to take on the 73 turns along the “Green Hell” while the included optionally extra aero package helped provide a reduction in drag as well as some much-needed downforce for added stability.

Power comes from a 4.0-litre (3,982cc) twin-turbo V8 engine producing 639hp from 5,500 to 6,500rpm and 900Nm of torque from 2,500 to 4,500rpm.

With a nine-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission, 0 to 100kph sprints take 3.2 seconds before reaching a top speed of 315kph.


VW funding 'diesel renaissance'

                BERLIN: The chief executive of the world's largest carmaker Volkswagen said Tuesday he was convinced of a comeback for diesel motors, two-and-a-half years after the firm admitted to emissions cheating on a massive scale.

"I don't only hope that diesel won't be talked to death, I am convinced that diesel is experiencing a renaissance," Matthias Mueller told journalists here.

While the automaker is engaged in a massive push to develop new electric and hybrid models, "we will create the technical conditions for existing drive concepts and electric vehicle concepts to co-exist," he added.

Over the coming five years, VW plans to spend more than 34 billion euros (RM164bil)) on research and development and investments in its range of future projects, from electric cars to autonomous driving.

But the same time period will see the Wolfsburg-based group pump more than 90 billion euros (RM435bil) into traditional diesel, petrol and natural gas motors, with a new generation of internal combustion engines set for release next year.

"We are investing strongly in tomorrow's mobility, but without neglecting the current technologies and vehicles that will continue to play an important role for decades," Mueller said.

Diesel still highly profitable

Diesel's market share in Germany has slumped to just 33 percent since September 2015, when Volkswagen admitted to cheating regulators' tests for harmful emissions on 11 million vehicles worldwide.

Fallout from the scandal cost it 3.2 billion euros (RM15.5bil) last year, it said in February, but did not hold it back from booking 11.4 billion euros (RM55bil) in profit — around the same level as the year before "dieselgate" became public.

The "diesel issue", as the group labels it, remains one of the group's top four challenges for the year ahead.

Meanwhile, VW finance chief Frank Witter told journalists Tuesday that the group "takes very seriously" protectionist threats from US President Donald Trump.

Planned tariffs on imports of steel and aluminium to the world's largest economy would only have a "negligible" effect on VW, Witter said.

However, "there are still other tariff questions being discussed," Witter recalled, in a reference to Trump's declaration that he would tax car imports from Germany if the European Union responded in kind to his border levies.

"It's important for dialogue to be maintained and for there to be no 'arms race', (because) I believe in that case there will only be losers," Witter said.


Fuel subsidies to stay for now

                KUALA LUMPUR: The much-hyped about withdrawal of subsidies for petrol is not going to happen any time soon.

The government still has sufficient funds to continue providing the subsidy despite rising global crude oil prices.

Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the government still had enough money and would continue to support the people in terms of protecting their livelihoods, especially that of the vulnerable groups.

“Our inflation target (this year) is still within what we have said before – between 2.3% and 3.3%,” he told reporters after the launch of the “Khazanah Sustainability Framework & Targets: Investing in a Sustainable Transition 2022” here yesterday, according to Bernama.

In recent days, there have been talk about the withdrawal of the fuel subsidy and the implementation of targeted subsidies, which would see only the deserving getting petrol at subsidised prices.

There have also been suggestions of a tiered subsidy as the government could not bear the cost.

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, in pushing for a targeted fuel subsidy system, said a BMW owner should not get the same subsidy as someone with a Kancil.

Tengku Zafrul, however, said yesterday that the government would continue to monitor the global oil prices to draw up a long-term plan, with one of the measures being to implement a targeted subsidy.

“As the government has said before, the subsidies for this year will reach RM70bil, meaning that the fuel subsidy will reach RM30bil. We have made a projection based on Brent oil price. Last month (May), it (fuel subsidy) already reached RM5bil a month.

“However, at this moment the government will continue to allocate for the subsidy. We are still able to help the people through the subsidy, so we will continue,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said the government had no intention yet of asking Petronas for an additional dividend to bear the cost of the subsidy.

“We will see all (options). The government revenue is increasing as our revenue depends on commodity prices. Companies like Petronas have also announced strong financial positions (but) whether we will ask for more dividend from them or anything, has not yet been discussed.

“The government’s revenue has also increased although the increase is not as high as the (increase in) subsidy. We will continue to monitor as this is not only a phenomenon in Malaysia but also at the global level,” he added.


Mazda, Mitsubishi add 624,000 more cars to Takata air bag recall

                TOKYO: Mazda and Mitsubishi Motors Corp said on Friday they would recall about 624,000 more vehicles to replace air bag inflators made by Japan's Takata Corp, following similar moves last week by domestic automakers.

Mazda said it was recalling about 112,000 vehicles including the Atenza sedan, Bongo van and two models it builds for Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors. A spokesman said it was still working out plans for any recall overseas.

Mitsubishi Motors is calling back about 100,000 cars in Japan and 412,000 overseas, it said.


Shelby Baja 700: The pickup truck that thinks it's a supercar

                LAS VEGAS: The Shelby Baja 700 is based on the already agreeably aggressive Ford SVT Raptor pickup but whereas Ford's version develops 411hp this one, which is being limited to just 50 individually numbered examples, has over 700hp on tap.

That's because Shelby American has fitted the 6.2-litre V8 with a 2.9-liter Whipple supercharger, ditched the standard exhaust, added new injectors and throttle bodies and crucially, a better heat exchanger.

The company, founded by the late great Carroll Shelby, has a habit of doing this sort of thing. Alongside its supercar-baiting pickup trucks it offers heavily overhauled 1000hp+ Mustangs and a host of other cars.

"The Shelby Baja 700 is striking in looks and most of all, its capabilities," said Vince LaViolette, Shelby American Senior Designer and Test Driver.

"The off-road performance suspension system allows the Shelby Baja 700 to go most anywhere and stand out as it does so. We believe that we've built a truck with ultimate performance and off-road capabilities."

Taking what was conceived as an automotive beast of burden and endowing it with the sort of performance levels more commonly associated with exotic, usually Italian motoring marques may seem like a mild form of insanity.

But when one considers the limitations of a pure-blooded supercar, then maybe the Shelby Baja 700 isn't such an affront to common sense after all.

Supercars are so low to the ground they can't cope with a speed bump, a pothole or even the gradient of some off-ramps and car park entrances.

Looking out of the rear window can be like looking through your letterbox and as for parallel parking, or finding somewhere for the shopping, or what to do in the event of a puncture, well...

The Baja can take all of these everyday obstacles in its stride and more. It can carry members of the family and even heavy pieces of furniture as well as the weekly groceries; and it doesn't constantly scream "look at me" everywhere it goes, even if Shelby has bestowed it with its signature racing stripes.

However, plant the accelerator and you'll unlock more horsepower than a a McLaren 650S, a Ferrari 488 GTB, a Lamborghini Huracan or pretty much any Porsche currently in production can offer. And it's considerably cheaper.

Once you've spent US$45,000 buying a Raptor SVT from Ford, another US$45,000 will cover the conversion costs.
And as well as more horsepower, better wheels and tires and an upgraded suspension system, the cabin of each Baja 700 also gets a leather-wrapped overhaul.


Mercedes drivers can soon turn to ChatGPT for voice control

                STUTTGART: ChatGPT will soon hit the road.

Mercedes-Benz said today US drivers could power some of their luxury vehicles with ChatGPT in a test program starting June 16.

Compatible with some 900,000 vehicles that have the automaker's "MBUX" systems, ChatGPT will download over the air after drivers opt in via a Mercedes app or by voice command, the company said. The test will last three months during which Mercedes will see how drivers use the technology.

Mercedes said ChatGPT would make its car system's answers sound more natural and would let drivers ask for destination information or address other queries, like what to cook for dinner.

The automaker had previously let drivers and passengers issue a range of requests by voice, such as turning on seat heaters.

The ChatGPT deal spells business for Microsoft, which is providing a version of the popular chatbot through its cloud.

Rival Amazon.com has long worked to install its voice aide Alexa in more cars, and now Microsoft has an answer through its investment in ChatGPT's creator, OpenAI.

In a press release, the German automaker said drivers not only will be able to utter commands via the phrase "Hey Mercedes," but they would also be able to hold conversations with their cars.

In a separate blog post, Microsoft said ongoing integrations known as plug-ins one day could let drivers make restaurant reservations, book movie tickets and carry out other tasks from behind the wheel.

Findings from the test program will inform Mercedes' plans for adding such artificial intelligence to other countries and in other languages, the company said. Voice data is stored, anonymized and analyzed in the Mercedes cloud, it added.

Rival General Motors said in March it was exploring uses for ChatGPT in vehicles as part of its broader collaboration with Microsoft.


Build a Porsche 911 scale model with this automotive advent calendar

                MUNICH: German publisher Franzis Verlag has a surprising advent calendar out this year for fans of sleek rides and model making. The concept involves collecting the different parts required to build a diorama and a scale model of a 1965 Porsche 911 over the course of 24 days.

This original and entertaining advent calendar contains a detailed 1:43 scale model of a 1965 Porsche 911 in six parts, as well as a sound module, a plastic base and various other accessories.

Each part is hidden in one of the advent calendar's 24 individual gift boxes, allowing the diorama to take shape a little more each day.

Created in collaboration with the Porsche Museum, this original advent calendar is sure to please fans of the German automotive brand and its cars. Note that it is accompanied by a detailed construction guide and a booklet featuring background information about the Porsche 911, both of which are in German and English.

The Franzis Verlag Porsche advent calendar is out now priced €49.95 (RM236).


Volkswagen ID.3 electric car can be ordered from July 20

                WOLFSBURG: Volkswagen says the electric ID.3 can be ordered through dealerships across Europe starting July 20.

The announcement came four weeks after the start of ordering for the limited ID.3 1ST for pre-bookers.

Customers will be able to choose from seven pre-configured ID.3 models at dealerships and to order the appropriate charging equipment at the same time. Buyers will benefit from attractive concessions for charging via WeCharge for up to three years.

All seven ID.3 models will be eligible for the maximum state subsidy of €9,480 (around RM46,000) granted as an environmental bonus in Germany. Subsidies will also be available for the ID.3 in many other European countries.

“I am convinced that e-mobility will now make its breakthrough,” says Stackmann. Our model names like Family, Style, Tech and Tour already reveal that we will have the right ID.3 for everyone – at an attractive price. This way, we are realising our vision of enabling emission free mobility for all," said said Jürgen Stackmann, Volkswagen Brand Board Member for Sales.

Life - Style – Business – Family – Tech – Max

These are six out of seven models which customers can order starting on July 20, available for delivery from October. They are based on the basic model ID.3 Pro Performance with a 58-kWh battery (net battery energy content) for a range of up to 420km (WLTP) with the 150 kW Performance rear-wheel-drive system.

The drive system delivers a maximum torque of 310Nm for smooth acceleration from standstill to 60kph in 3.4 seconds.

With delivery in October, customers will receive a free-of-charge update for the two outstanding digital functions AppConnect and the distance feature of the augmented reality head-up display for the “Tech” and “Max” models in the first quarter of 2021. All models delivered in the first quarter of 2021 will already be equipped with all functions.

Without optional equipment, the ID.3 ProPerformance costs €35,574.95. Depending on the customer group, the preconfigured models offer the most popular equipment packages. Each model has a navigation system for range-optimised navigation, Adaptive Cruise Control and the “Comfort” telephony function with inductive charging on board.

The ID.3 “Life” for €37,787.72 is intended for customers looking for an economical entry-level product without sacrificing comfort. The comfort package includes steering wheel heating, seat heating and two additional USB-C ports.

For customers who emphasise style, there is the “Style” model for €40,946.04 with the major design package including matrix LED headlamps, LED tail lights with dynamic swiping function, and panoramic glass roof.

A typical all-rounder is the ID.3 “Business” with the small design package including matrix LED headlamps and tinted windows, comfort package and assistant package with rear-view camera and the “Keyless Access” locking system for €41,287.22.

The ID.3 “Family” offers considerable space, light and convenience with the major design package including matrix LED headlamps and large panoramic glass roof, the major comfort package with 2-zone “Air Care” air conditioning system and the assistant package with rear-view camera and “Keyless Access” for €42,305.87.

Technology fans will gravitate to the augmented and assisted driving in the ID.3 “Tech”: with a major design package including matrix LED headlamps, major assistant package with Travel Assist, Side Assist and Emergency Assist as well as major infotainment package including Head-up Display and Premium Sound package for €44,810.

The ID.3 (Max) for €43,680.32 offers a maximum of design, technology, sport and comfort, with all the equipment packages, an electric 12-way massage seat, progressive steering and DCC (Dynamic Cruise Control) on board.

In addition to the seven pre-configured models, customers in Germany will also be able to order the two basic models ID.3 Pro Performance and ID.3 ProS, a four-seat model with a larger battery for a longer range.

Four-seat Tour

The 7th preconfigured model “Tour” can also be ordered starting on July 20. It is based on the four-seat ProS model that allows for a bigger battery (77 kWh net battery energy content) with a range of up to 550km (WLTP) and 125kW DC charging, starting at €40,936.31.

The ID.3 “Tour”, available for €45,917.48, is already equipped with all the features you would like to have on long journeys: Head-up Display and Sound package, matrix LED headlamps, comfort package, 12-way massage seat and assistant package with all driver assistance systems are all included, together with 19-inch aluminum wheels.

The ID.3 is produced at Volkswagen's plant in Zwickau.

Under its electric offensive, the Volkswagen brand is planning to offer electric vehicles in all of the main vehicle segments by 2022. Volkswagen is seeking to become the world market leader in e-mobility over the coming years and is investing €33 billion throughout the group up to 2024, €11 billion of which is earmarked for the Volkswagen brand alone. For 2025, the Volkswagen brand expects to produce 1.5 million electric cars.

The Pure entry-level model with a range of up to 330 km (WLTP) will be available at a price of less than €30,000 a few months later.


The 'Hey Google' car: Fiat 500 family given Google branding

                TURIN: "Hey Google, how much petrol is left in the car," you ask from your couch. That's one of the scenarios envisaged by Fiat and Google, who have teamed up for one of the most striking branding exercises in the modern car world.

In what is believed to be the first time that a tech company has given its logo for use on car bodywork, three models in the 500 line-up get "Hey Google" badges above the front wheel arches and on the central B-pillars.

Inside, the centre section of the front seats features a design resembling the swirling dots used in Hey Google animations and headrest tags are embroidered with the same label.

The trio of special editions, a Fiat 500, 500X crossover and 500L MPV, already have seven-inch touchscreens with the Google Assistant as standard.

Fiat says you can even speak to your car remotely, meaning you can ask your phone or smart speaker how much fuel is left or where it's parked while you're still at home. Some special features are also available via Fiat's Mopar Connect telematics box.

The Google Fiats come in a range of paint finishes, with optional two-tone white and gloss black exterior, 15-inch alloy wheels and a new matt silver dashboard fascia with the 500 logo in white.


Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross set for debut in January 2018

                BARCELONA: Mitsubishi is set to expand its range of SUVs and close the gap between its ASX and Outlander models with the release of the new Eclipse Cross in January 2018.

With sporty contours resembling a coupe, the four-door Eclipse will seek to make headway in a segment that includes so-called lifestyle SUV models such as the Nissan Juke, Range Rover Evoque and BMW X2. The Eclipse Cross will cost at least US$25,800 (RM107,000) .

The 4.41-metre-long four-door will feature a newly developed 1.5-litre petrol engine with 163hp, as well as a choice of front-wheel drive with manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT), or four-wheel drive with CVT.

The Eclipse Cross can reach speeds of up to 205kph, while Mitsubishi has listed its fuel consumption values at between 6.6 and 7.0 litres per 100 km.

For next year, the Japanese carmaker has already announced the release of a 2.2-litre diesel-engine variant, as well as optional eight-speed automatic transmission.


LG Chem and SK Innovation spar over EV recalls in trade dispute

                WASHINGON/SEOUL: South Korean battery makers LG Chem and SK Innovation are sparring over whether the US International Trade Commission (ITC) should consider recent electric vehicle recalls in a trade secrets case.

LG Chem, an EV battery supplier for Tesla and General Motors, filed its trade complaints against SK Innovation last year in the United States. Alleging trade secret theft, LG seeks to block SK from producing battery cells in the United States and from importing the components necessary to make them.

SK has denied wrongdoing.

Last month, SK asked the ITC to consider that “LG Chem batteries have been involved in a series of fires and explosions, raising substantial public interest concerns.”

In the request, SK said General Motors Co and Hyundai Motor Co had each issued recent recalls for EVs with LG Chem batteries. The recalls “raise questions of public safety and underscore the critical need for SK batteries in the United States,” the company said.

It added the fires are “compelling grounds” not to impede SK’s ability to manufacture batteries at its US plant.

LG Chem in a response filed Wednesday said the filing was “untimely and irrelevant” and should not factor in the ITC review “because the electric vehicle recalls cited by SKI do not impact future-year battery models and do not impact EVs with batteries manufactured in LG Chem’s Holland, Michigan plant.”

GM said last month it was recalling 68,677 EVs worldwide for high-voltage batteries after five reported fires and two minor injuries. In October, Hyundai recalled nearly 77,000 Kona EVs worldwide, saying possible defects in battery cells increased fire risks.

LG Chem, which spilt off its battery business renamed as LG Energy Solution this week, also said on Friday that it is voluntarily recalling its residential energy storage batteries in the United States over concerns of thermal issues after receiving five related reports.

“This is a free replacement of some of the batteries in residential energy storage system products that preemptively prioritize customer safety. We are currently working with related companies to determine the cause,” LG Energy Solution said in a statement to Reuters today.

The ITC is expected to have a decision on the dispute between the two South Korean battery makers on Dec 10. An adverse ruling could potentially cause setbacks for Volkswagen and Ford Motor as they move to build new electric vehicles using SK Innovation’s batteries and components.


Toyota's Oculus Rift educates about distracted driving

                DETROIT: Toyota has launched its new TeenDrive365 distracted driving simulator with Oculus Rift at the Detroit auto show, marking the first time the virtual reality technology is being used to educate the public about the dangers of distracted driving.

To experience the new Toyota TeenDrive365 simulator, a user gets behind the wheel of a stationary Toyota car, put on the Oculus Rift headset and is fully immersed in a virtual reality driving experience, complete with the three dimensional sights and sounds of a busy city street.

During the simulation, he is challenged to drive safely using the car’s steering wheel and pedals, while navigating a series of common distractions, including traffic noises, the radio, text messages and virtual friends who occupy the passenger and back seats.

If he loses focus, he would experience the consequences of distracted driving within the virtual setting. But, hopefully, you’ll come away a little wiser about what it takes to be safe behind the wheel.

“Oculus Rift provides a virtual reality driving experience that mirrors real life behind the wheel, giving us a powerful, one-of-a-kind way to show parents and teens how everyday distractions can affect their ability to drive safely,” said Marjorie Schussel, Corporate Marketing Director for Toyota.

“This is the most innovative example of how we’re helping teens and parents become safer drivers together through our ongoing Toyota TeenDrive365 initiative.”


Bonkers pick-up truck from Hennessey is as big and bad as they get

                WASHINGTON: Everything is meant to be bigger and better in the US state of Texas, so it is no surprise that local hypercar maker Hennessey has come up with a colossal six-wheel-drive pick-up truck.

Powered by a 6.2-litre supercharged V8 engine with a whopping 1,102 horsepower on tap, the jacked-up Mammoth 6x6 is the biggest truck ever created by the 30-year-old company.

Billed as "terrifyingly imposing, monstrously capable, and unthinkably fast." the pick-up dwarfs regular cars and vans.

And standing at 2 metres tall and 2.2 metres wide, the Mammoth will probably frighten the living daylights out of their drivers too.

Hennessey obviously sees a market for the bonkers creation, but only 12 will be made - each at a cost of around US$449,950 (around RM2mil).

The recipe for the pick-up was straightforward. Take a base model of the Dodge Ram TRX, which is pretty big to start with, add a third axle and extend the truck’s length.

Hennessey’s engineers then extracted an extra 300hp from the stock engine and added off-road kit ranging from locking rear axles and Bilstein suspension to 20-inch wheels clad with fat tyres.

"Everything on the Mammoth 6x6 is bigger, badder, and more imposing – plus, it's still super-fast, while being a total powerhouse off-road. It's the undisputed king of the road," said John Hennessey, company founder and CEO, with characteristic Texan modesty.

Hennessey has been making monster 6x6 trucks for a while, having built and sold more than 20 each of the Ford F-150 Raptor-based VelociRaptor 6x6 and the Goliath 6x6 truck based on the Chevrolet Silverado.

On a side note, Hennessey is also looking to the future where it would cater to electric car fans.

Last November, it announced "Project Deep Space" where it would roll out a six-wheel-drive pure-electric hyper-GT.

It would boast prodigious levels of power and performance, four-place diamond seating, and private-jet-class lavishness.

This next phase of Hennessey’s strategic product plan would introduce three all-new vehicles over the next 10 years.

Production of the world’s most expensive EV, priced from US$3 million (RM13mil), is set to begin in 2026.


Porsche and Embraer hit it off with a Duet

                STUTTGART: "Sir, would you like a Porsche 911 Turbo S to go with your Embraer Phenom 300E jetplane?"

It's entirely possible as the Brazilian private jet maker has teamed up with Porsche to create a limited edition plane and car respectively.

Named “Duet”, it is based on the two sportiest and most successful products from each segment. The press release did not state the prices of these vehicles but limited editions typically cost more than the standard. In this case, the standard 911 Turbo S starts from US$204,000 (RM838,000) while the buyer of the Phenom 300E would end up paying US$10 million (RM41mil).

“As part of our cooperation, we are using the know-how of both brands to jointly develop a one-of-a-kind duo of a sports car and jet that appeals to both customer groups, ” said Porsche Personalisation and Classic chief Alexander Fabig.

The special edition – limited to 10 units – is aimed at customers who place great importance on performance, innovation, technology and personalisation. At the same time, the focus for both products is on combining performance and everyday usability.

The sports car and light jet have the same two-tone paintwork in Platinum Silver Metallic (gloss) and matt Jet Grey Metallic (satin gloss) with trim strips in Brilliant Chrome and Speed Blue. The paint finish has been produced in a complex manual process.

A logo was specially designed for the cooperation. It takes its cue from aerodynamics and is made up of a stylised aeroplane wing from the Phenom 300E and the rear wing of the flagship 911 with the Sport Design package.

Exterior: Two-tone paintwork and elegant details

The latest generation of the 911 Turbo S is powered by a 3.745-litre boxer engine with 650 PS. It can sprint from 0-100kph in 2.7s (with Sport Chrono package), peaking at a top speed of 330kph.

For the Coupé produced as part of the cooperation with Embraer, Porsche has combined gloss and satin-gloss paintwork for the first time: the upper part of the sports car is finished in Platinum Silver Metallic, while the bottom part is in Jet Grey Metallic.

A trim strip with lines in Brilliant Chrome and Speed Blue runs over the sides and doors. All the paintwork is completed by hand, like the painting process for the jet.

The Duet logo is used on the exterior and in the interior of both products: it is embossed on the head restraints, for example, and also features on the limited-edition badge. Other design details on this special 911 Turbo S establish a link to aviation: the individual registration of the respective jet can be found on the underside of the rear wing and on the sides of the vehicle key.

The door sill trims feature “No step” lettering illuminated in red – a reference to the corresponding signs on aircraft wings. The dial on the stopwatch from the Sport Chrono package has a printed-on artificial horizon.

The alloy wheels in Exclusive design are painted in Platinum Silver Metallic and feature lines in Speed Blue on the rim flange. These are produced using laser technology. The side air intakes and side window trims are painted in Brilliant Chrome and therefore pick up a design feature of the jet’s engines.

The LED door projectors cast the cooperation logo onto the ground. There is a special emblem on the B-pillar: in addition to the cooperation logo, it includes 10 small rectangular fields corresponding to the limited number of units. One of these fields is blue. Every customer can select where this field is placed, signalling that the car is one of 10. This emblem is repeated on the outside of the jet.

Interior: Exclusivity in every detail

Exclusivity is also the motto in the interior of the 911 Turbo S: here, the designers have realised a special colour scheme and combined black and chalk-coloured leather. The black leather surfaces are decorated with stitching in Speed Blue.

The steering wheel also features the two-tone leather combination, matching the jet’s yoke. The 12 o’clock marking is in Speed Blue, the Carbon interior package is on board as standard and comes with a high-gloss finish. The roofliner is covered with chalk-coloured Alcantara. The front seats have decorative elements made of high-gloss carbon. The cooperation logo is embossed on the head restraints.

The leather loop for folding the front seat backrests is red, matching the loops of the jet’s seats. The entire vehicle interior is hand-crafted, installed by the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, and is not available in this form for the series production range.

In the cockpit of the jet, a similar gyroscope provides information about the flight attitude, that is to say movements about the longitudinal and lateral axes, particularly during instrument flights. On the front passenger side, the dash panel trim features a “One of 10” logo.

The front luggage compartment is hand-finished in black leather, with contrast stitching in Speed Blue. The sides of the vehicle key are painted in Speed Blue and are marked with the jet registration. The logo is embossed in the leather of the key pouch. An indoor car cover with “Remove before flight” tags is also included.

 Accessories: From Globetimer to luggage set

Every customer who buys the plane and the car will also receive a Porsche Design luggage set. The high-quality luggage includes a pilot’s case and two weekend bags. The unique offering is rounded off by a special edition of the new 1919 Globetimer UTC watch from Porsche Design.

The innovative timepiece picks up on the design details of the cooperation. For example, the dial features the same Platinum Silver Metallic and Jet Grey Metallic paint colours used for the sports car and jet as well as altimeter markings as a finishing touch.

Phenom 300E: Spacious and high performance

The Phenom 300E is the fastest and longest-ranged single-pilot jet, with a high-speed cruise of 464 knots and a five-occupant range of 3,724km  reserves. With the best climb and field performance in its class, the Phenom 300E costs less to operate and maintain than its peers.

The aircraft is capable of flying at 13,716 metres (45,000 feet), powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535E1 engines with 3,478 pounds (15.47 kN) of thrust each. The Phenom 300E offers a spacious cabin and its baggage compartment is among the largest in its category.

The largest windows in the class deliver abundant natural lighting in the cabin as well as in the private lavatory.

The comfort of the seats, with recline and full movement capability, is enhanced by the best pressurisation among light jets (6,600 ft. maximum cabin altitude). The Phenom 300E features distinct temperature zones for pilots and passengers, a wardrobe and refreshment centre, voice and data communications options, and an entertainment system.

The pilot-friendly cockpit enables single-pilot operation and offers the advanced Prodigy Touch Flight Deck, based on the acclaimed Garmin 3000 avionics suite. The features it carries from a class above include single-point refuelling, externally serviced lavatory and an airstair.

The Phenom 300E made its world debut in October 2018 and updates the Phenom 300 that has been around for 10 years. The Phenom 300 has been the most delivered private jet in the world since 2013.


2019 Mercedes-Benz V-Class facelift: 9G-TRONIC transmission and better safety

                STUTTGART: The facelifted 2019 Mercedes-Benz V-Class gets a re-styled and striking front-end design, and a new look which follows the design idiom of the current Mercedes-Benz passenger cars.

The new V-Class can be ordered in Europe from March 2019. There's a new bumper design with striking cooling air inlets and a new diamond structure in the radiator grille.

In the cabin, there are new air vents in a more sporty turbine look as well as new dials in the instrument cluster.

The facelifted V-Class has a four-cylinder OM 654 diesel engine with different outputs:

- the V 250 d with 190hp and 440 Nm torque

- the V 300 d with 239hp and 500 Nm torque

While accelerating, the V 300 d can briefly deliver an additional 30Nm of torque ("overtorque") in addition to its 500 Nm of torque. The V 300 d accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds. It can reach a top speed of 220 km/h.

For the first time, the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission is standard for the V 300 d and V 250 d.

Rear-wheel drive is standard, but 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive is available as an option.

The vehicle height remains under the two-metre mark even when equipped with all-wheel drive. Thus the new V-Class doesn't lose any of its daily usability and can still fit in regular garages.

The facelifted V-Class gets a new Active Brake Assist that can now detect the risk of a collision with a vehicle driving in front and initially initiates a visual and acoustic warning.

If the driver reacts, Active Brake Assist increases the brake pressure to suit the requirements of the situation. If the driver fails to react, the system initiates autonomous braking.

In urban traffic the Active Brake Assist also reacts to stationary obstacles or pedestrians crossing. In this way, accidents can be avoided or, at the very least, the consequences thereof reduced.

There's also the optional Highbeam Assist Plus, where in main-beam mode, the driver enjoys a permanent, broad illumination of the roadway without dazzling other road users.

In the event of vehicles in front or oncoming traffic, the LEDs of the main-beam module are partially deactivated and thus create a U-shaped cut-out in the cone of light.

The remaining areas of the roadway continue to be illuminated with the main-beam headlamps (partial main beam).

Meanwhile, in the MPV segment, Mercedes-Benz Vans will soon be the first premium manufacturer to offer a fully-electric model.

Mercedes-Benz Vans will provide an initial outlook on the electric future of its MPV at the Geneva International Motor Show with the near-series study, Concept EQV“, which will celebrate its premiere there.


Nuro unveils delivery van with no driver or passengers

                SAN FRANCISCO: A recent report showed that Americans are still sceptical, and perhaps even scared, about the idea of being a passenger in a driverless car. That's probably easy to understand, but it means autonomous vehicles with no passengers and no driver are likely to be the first driverless models that are actually going to be employed on our roads doing real jobs that benefit us all.

And that's good news for a startup company called Nuro, which now claims to have enough investment to launch its own self-driving delivery vehicle.

Of course, there's a whole army of automakers, shippers and little-known companies out there working on such vehicles, so the first to make this vision of the future a reality really will have a huge advantage going forward.

Nuro is a company that has been founded by two engineers who formerly worked on Google's self-driving vehicle project, Dave Ferguson and Jiajun Zhu. Choosing to look beyond the ferocious race for self-driving passenger cars, they decided instead to focus on goods delivery, which the company unsurprisingly says is easier to solve and will be quicker to bring to market.

The vehicle Nuro has come up with is about half the width of an average sedan car, it looks like a very small minivan, and it therefore takes up a lot less room on the road than a traditional car. Of course, it doesn't have to be big as it doesn't need space for people, and Nuro says that means it will be safer on the road when it's coming into contact with pedestrians who are collecting their purchases from it.

There are compartments built into its sides that are capable of carrying around 10 shopping bags, but can also be configured to accommodate a wide variety of applications such as lockers, shelves, heating or cooling elements, and any number of other storage systems.

After 18 months of development, the company says the US$92mil (RM359mil) investment it's secured will allow it to have the vehicle in limited service by the end of 2018. At the moment, Nuro is in talks with retailers both large and small, as well as with potential partners who could manufacture the vehicle in suitably big numbers.

It will be interesting to see if any big names come forward to embrace it as early adopters in the same way as they have with Tesla's electric semi-articulated EV truck.


Polaris partners with Battlefield 2042 to give gamers a virtual off-road vehicle experience

                MEDINA (Minnesota, USA): Polaris recently announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with the latest Battlefield 2042 video game from EA, making it the official off-road vehicle partner of the platform.

Through the partnership, players can operate the Polaris Sportsman ATV within the gameplay, showcased in an immersive trailer that fuses the virtual world of the game with real-world riding.

“At Polaris, we are passionate about creating products that enable possibilities for work and play in the outdoors," said Polaris corporate branding and partnerships director Holly Spaeth.

"Our partnership with Battlefield 2042 brings that real-life passion to a virtual world to help enhance the player’s experience and ability.”

The partnership between Polaris and EA taps into the field of powersports and gaming, which are both expected to see continued growth in the coming years.

The gaming industry is estimated to reach US$200 billion by 2023, while the powersports category is projected to eclipse US$25 billion by 2027.

Battlefield 2042 is available now worldwide.


More US consumers want EVs but prices are a concern, Deloitte survey shows

                NEW YORK: More US consumers want to buy an electric vehicle (EV) but are concerned about rising prices, while fewer aimed to purchase gasoline-powered vehicles, a survey by consulting firm Deloitte showed today.

Nearly 7 in 10 prospective EV buyers in the United States expect to pay less than US$50,000 for their next vehicle, according to the survey conducted between September and October 2022.

More than half of the respondents in the survey said a lack of affordability was the biggest concern when it comes to EV adoption, at a time when top EV makers are raising prices amid high inflation.

Tesla Inc's popular Model Y starts at US$65,990, while legacy automaker Ford Motor Co's Mustang Mach-E begins from US$46,895, according to the companies' respective websites.

Despite the pricing pinch, the intent to buy an EV is up 3 percentage points year-over-year in the United States, with an identical increase recorded for hybrid electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, Deloitte said in its "2023 Global Automotive Consumer Study".

Internal combustion engine purchase intent dropped to 62% from 68%.

"Although historically high transaction prices are a significant challenge for consumers, a strong desire to reduce refuelling costs is driving EV purchase intent around the world," Deloitte LLP vice chair and US automotive leader Karen Bowman said.

The survey also showed that 30% of US consumers do not trust anyone with the data from their vehicles, signalling a significant challenge for manufacturers looking to further monetise the mobility experience.

Globally, consumers would rather pay for connected technologies upfront as part of the vehicle's transaction price or per use, compared with a subscription plan, the study said.


All nine cars given away at Honda campaign's grand finale

Chester Lim drives home a BR-V.
KUALA LUMPUR: Honda Malaysia celebrated its 900,000th sales unit achievement with a fun-filled, two-day extravaganza, that was opened to the public.

One of the key highlights of the day was the handover ceremony of the nine Honda models to the winners. In the run-up to the grand finale on Saturday and today, Honda Malaysia had already announced the first two winners of the giveaway who won a Civic and HR-V.

The winners of the remaining seven Honda models were announced at the “Road to 900,000th Unit Milestone Campaign” grand finale.

Winners of Road to 900,000th Unit Milestone Campaign

Over 122,000 participations had been received in the two months since the campaign was held. However, the Honda press statement did not disclose what model the 900,000th unit was and to whom it was sold to. CarSifu has reached out to Honda for an answer.

The public also had a chance to get a first glimpse of the facelifted Civic at the weekend event. The new Civic is due for local launch in the final quarter of 2019 and booking is now open.

"We are very happy to reach such a significant milestone of 900,000th sales unit since our establishment in 2002 and we want to celebrate it with all Malaysians,” said Honda Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer Toichi Ishiyama.

“This campaign is made extra special as it is the first time Honda Malaysia collaborated with popular homegrown brands - Astro Radio, Tealive and unifi – to give away the nine cars."

 Ee Shi Lin gets a Jazz. With her are (from left) Ishiyama and Loob Holding Sdn Bhd CEO Bryan Loo.

Honda Malaysia rolled out the first Completely Knock-Down (CKD) model, the CR-V in 2003. The CKD models have contributed the most to Honda Malaysia’s total sales by 95% and 5% is from Completely Built-Up (CBU) models.

Overall, the City contributed the highest at 37%, followed by Civic at 15% and CR-V at 11% since the company’s establishment.

At present, Honda Malaysia assembles 10 models namely Jazz, Jazz Hybrid, City, City Hybrid, Civic, BR-V, HR-V, HR-V Hybrid, CR-V and Accord. The top three selling models for this year up to August are the City with 33%, followed by the HR-V and CR-V with 18% and 14% contribution respectively.

 Nik Siti Nurhidayah Juhan adds the HR-V Hybrid to her household. Posing with her are Ishiyama and Unifi executive Azmi Abdullah.

At the grand finale, fun activities were also organised for adults and children such as a 380 feet-long Giant Water Slide for thrill seekers, picturesque Insta-Luminous displays, immersive Virtual Reality (VR) Games and a mini food fair.

Visitors were also able to experience Honda’s Advanced Technology through interactive game activities such as Sport Hybrid i-DCD X-ray Scanner as well as Sport Hybrid i-DCD and VTEC Turbocharged Game Tower.


VW makes crossroads safer with Siemens' help

                WOLFSBURG (Germany): Volkswagen and Siemens want to further improve road safety, especially at crossroads.

To achieve this, new functions have been developed for the local exchange of information between vehicles and digital transport infrastructure. The overall system uses the Car2X technology WLANp (ITS-G5) and is currently undergoing tests on Wolfsburg roads.

In a joint project, the city of Wolfsburg, Volkswagen and Siemens are currently setting up a test section on a main road in Wolfsburg in which 10 traffic signal systems will transmit the traffic light phases in the vicinity via WLANp (ITS-G5).

Future Car2X vehicles will be able to process that information and inform the driver, for example, when all traffic lights in succession are on green.

That way, they can avoid braking or accelerating unnecessarily. In the near future, assistant functions will be able to do this without driver intervention.

The forward-looking traffic light functions in the vehicle improve the flow of traffic in built-up areas.

Both companies hoped that this project will also contribute to road safety in general.

To do this, two crossroads in Wolfsburg are being equipped with modern sensor technology to detect pedestrians and cyclists.

“Crossroads equipped with radar sensor technology are able to significantly increase accuracy in the detection of pedestrians and cyclists," said Siemens Mobility Germany head Manfred Fuhg.

"Information that vehicles are not able to detect themselves is provided at complex intersections and accident black spots in particular.”

To distribute the sensor object data from the traffic infrastructure to the vehicle, the Car2X technology WLANp, to be introduced by Volkswagen next year, will be supplemented with additional messages.

The addition enables cooperative security functions to be implemented. They intervene in situations in which the driver or vehicle cannot recognise the surrounding road users with their own senses/sensors or can only do so at a very late stage. In particular, road users such as pedestrians and cyclists, who are often involved in accidents, should be better protected in this way.


Lidar, radar, cameras: The sensors making self-driving cars possible

                STUTTGART/KARLSRUHE: The steering wheel moves as if by magic. Seemingly on its own, the car follows the vehicle in front, maintaining the correct distance.

But at work is neither Harry Potter nor any other kind of magic, but rather a series of driver assistance systems. These systems rely on sensors that meticulously measure the vehicle’s surroundings.

Quite a few sensors of various kinds are used in the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which has a Drive Pilot assistant that enables the car to travel autonomously on highways at speeds of up to 60 km/h.

"Only when the external conditions are met does the car take control," says Gregor Kugelmann, who heads driver assistance systems development at Mercedes-Benz.

Seeing like a human — almost

One of the sensors is the stereo camera. That comes close to the human eye, says Professor Christoph Stiller of the Institute of Measurement and Control Technology at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Germany.

The camera essentially sees what humans see, including lane markings, traffic lights, and information signs. The disadvantage is that a stereo camera cannot see very far ahead — its maximum range is 80 metres, which is not much when driving fast.

So for all-around vision, vehicles need more than just cameras. Radar systems are better at long-distance vision, but, Stiller says, they can't detect the colour of traffic lights, road signs or lane markings.

Radar and laser beams

Radar is useful for distance control systems. "A radar can measure speeds very well and is ideal for detecting moving objects," says Professor Markus Lienkamp from the Department of Automotive Engineering at the Technical University of Munich (TMU) in Germany.

Then there’s lidar. Unlike radar, such systems do not emit microwaves, but rather focused laser beams. This enables a lidar sensor to scan individual points in the environment.

It then measures the time between transmission and reception, and uses this to calculate the distance to the object.

Lidar systems compile an image with around 1 million pixels per second using these data points. This 3D point cloud represents the environment around the vehicle with higher resolution than a radar image.

As a result, it can map complex objects and distinguish a pedestrian from a car, for example.

A lidar sensor only recognises lane markings to a limited extent based on the reflections it receives back and traffic light colours not at all.

"A major advantage is the early detection of pedestrians, which, unlike cars or two-wheeled vehicles, offer little metal for reflection, as required by a radar," Stiller says.

Each type of sensor therefore offers advantages and disadvantages. But if they are combined, they make autonomous driving possible.

No snoozing in the driver’s seat

In the Mercedes S-Class, a lidar sensor is located in the front to produce a 3D environment display, along with a radar for distance and speed measurement.

A stereo camera in the windshield provides optical image capture while another camera in the cockpit watches the driver to make sure they don’t fall asleep.

In the wheel well, a sensor listens to detect whether the road is wet or not — in heavy rain, the driver has to take over. And on the roof, a sensitive antenna relays the car’s exact position, which is compared with high-resolution maps.

For close range, ultrasonic sensors detect if anyone is near the car such as playing children. A camera in the rear window and microphones detect blue lights and emergency vehicles so that the car can automatically move out of their way.

Autonomous driving — sort of

In December 2021, Mercedes-Benz received approval from the German Federal Motor Transport Authority for the Drive Pilot assistant system and charges an additional €5,950 (RM28,620) for drivers who want to have it in their car.

The system is rated as Level 3 in the five-level classification of automated driving functions with Level 4 being fully automated driving.

The same sensors would be used for Level 4, but the algorithms and software would need to be upgraded, Lienkamp says.


Mercedes putting tech from electric range king EQXX into production

                BERLIN: The Vision EQXX is considered the most efficient Mercedes ever built, perhaps even one of the most efficient electric cars overall, given its ability to cover more than 1,000km without a charging stop.

Too bad it's not on sale anywhere. But Mercedes now says the technology behind the efficiency of this Batmobile-like concept car is set to make its way into real-world production cars from the German manufacturer.

Mercedes wants to bring the technology from this streamlined electric coupé into series production as soon as possible, and during test drives, the manufacturer confirmed that the battery and motor are now planned to make their way onto Mercedes' so-called MMA platform.

Designers say the car has twice completed a long-distance journey of more than 1,000km without stopping to recharge and managed to consume less than 9 kWh/100km - about half the energy that Tesla's Model S burns through.

The EQXX's range, although still only demonstrated in in-house tests, puts it several notches above even the best electrics around today, and so far the Lucid Air had set the upper limit at around 835km, followed by the Tesla Model S at 650km.

If the technology does extend the range of Mercedes electrics, it could help ease the so-called "range anxiety" of many buyers still reluctant to switch from combustion cars over fears of running out of power with no charging station in the area.

The new MMA architecture for electric cars is set to be the backbone of the next generation of EQA and EQC electrics, among others, Mercedes now says, and promises first sales by 2024 or 2025.

The motors developed and produced in-house are to have less energy loss than before, while the battery will have a greater energy density.

With a good 100 kWh, it has a similar capacity in the EQXX as in the current electric flagship EQS, but needs only half as much space and weighs a third less.

In addition, Mercedes wants to raise the operating voltage to over 900 volts in order to shorten charging times. The motor in the EQXX on the rear axle produces 245hp and is good for speeds of up to 140kph.

Other details of the technology carrier also have future prospects. For example, the next generation of the MBUX infotainment system is already running on the enlarged Hyperscreen in the cockpit.

For the first time, Mercedes has installed large-scale solar modules on the roof and the rear. These are supposed to additional energy and on sunny days can deliver electricity for 20km to 30km of driving distance.

In other respects, however, the EQXX is still ahead of its time. Its materials made from renewable raw materials, which are grown in the laboratory with minimal energy input, are unlikely to make it into series production in less than three years.


Germany's Varta steps up plans to mass produce electric car battery cells

                STUTTGART: German battery maker Varta has sealed a research agreement to lay the groundwork for mass production of lithium-ion battery cells for electric cars as it seeks to take on Asian leaders in the sector.

Varta, which currently specialises in batteries for hearing aids and large storage systems for solar energy, has agreed a cooperation deal with Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute, a scientific research body, the two parties said on Monday.

The German government has earmarked 1 billion euros to support domestic companies looking to produce battery cells for electric vehicles as a way to reduce German carmakers’ dependence on Asian suppliers and protect jobs at risk from the shift away from combustion engines.

With the research project, Varta wants to gain technical advantages in battery cell production over Asian manufacturers and is in intensive discussions with relevant market players to broaden its product line, Varta CEO Herbert Schein told reporters here.

He declined to give further details.

Varta, chemical giant BASF and Ford’s German subsidiary Ford-Werke GmbH are among companies involved in talks with Germany’s Economy Minister Peter Altmaier about building local battery cell alliances, sources have told Reuters.

Berlin’s push to shape industrial policy marks a break with its generally “hands off” approach to business decisions and is part of European efforts to forge battery alliances to counter the dominance of Chinese, Japanese and Korean firms.

However, Asian market leaders are already ramping up their output, increasing the risk of a glut that could hinder the establishment of battery cell production by European newcomers.

Volkswagen is also open to joining a Berlin-led consortium exploring production of electric car battery cells in Germany, a person familiar with the matter said last week.

Thomas Bauernhansl, director at the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA, said the focus of the research project was to set up a more digitised production line that will reduce the current scrap rate of 10 percent.

Varta is currently the only company in Germany with experience in mass production of battery cells and this reduces the risk of market entry in new areas such as large lithium-ion battery cells for electric cars, Bauernhansl said.

Economy Minister Altmaier has said there were interested parties for several consortia on battery cell production and that he expected the first concrete investment decisions at the end of the first quarter of 2019.


No ferry service for Penang motorcycles for seven months, terminals being upgraded

                BUTTERWORTH: Ferry services for motorcycles will be stopped for seven months to upgrade berthing facilities at the Raja Tun Uda and Sultan Abdul Halim ferry terminals.

Penang Port Commission chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng said upgrade work at the terminals would take place from Jan 1 to July 31, 2023.

However, he said only ferry services for two-wheeled vehicles would be affected.

"Ferry services commuting from Sultan Abdul Halim ferry terminal (PSAH) and Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) for pedestrian passengers will continue as usual," he said during a press conference here today.

Ferry services for motorcycles will resume on Aug 1, 2023.

He said a total of 200 free sheltered parking slots for motorcycles would be provided at PSAH, Butterworth and SPCT ferry terminal in George Town.

He said the upgrades involve piling work at the seabed to ensure the floating pontoon is secure, which would take some time as it is risky.

He said when the work is completed and new ferries are introduced, Penangites would be able to enjoy modern, comfortable, fast and efficient ferry services.


Goodyear promotes road safety awareness

                PETALING JAYA:  In an effort to increase road safety awareness, especially during this festive season, Goodyear has expanded its road safety awareness campaign to more areas in the Klang Valley.

The campaign aims to provide patrons with free tyre checks and 10-point vehicle checks, on top of the distribution of a Goodyear Hari Raya Thoughtful Pack which contains simple tyre safety tips.

This is part of Goodyear’s Better Future initiative – the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitment.

Ben Hoge, Managing Director at Goodyear Malaysia Berhad said, “At Goodyear, we remain committed in instilling road safety awareness among the public and ensuring they are safe on the road as always. What separates a driver from the road is the tyres that they use; however, they may forget to have their vehicles and tyres checked regularly due to a busy lifestyle.

“Every driver has the responsibility to ensure the safety of their vehicles and help reduce the high accident rates, which spikes every year during festive seasons. If more people are careful on the road, we will be able to protect our loved ones during this balik kampung season.”

Over the course of its awareness program, Goodyear will bring its free tyre check service to selected shopping malls and offices in the Klang Valley.

It will also distribute booklets that feature a basic tyre safety checklist and maintenance tips, to empower road users to uphold the responsibilities of checking their tyres and be safe on the road.

Consumers can visit Quill City Mall on May 26, 2018 to get a free tyre check and receive a copy of the safety booklet, to better understand how they can keep their tyres safe on the road.

Meanwhile, the Goodyear Hari Raya campaign will also be offering a nationwide promotion from May to June 2018, with participating outlets offering customers up to RM80 AEON or Giant vouchers with every purchase of four Goodyear tyres, depending on pattern purchased.

For more information, go to www.goodyear.com.my.


Get your NFC Touch n' Go card at Lazada while stock lasts

UPDATE:Well, as you have already come to expect, the card stock didn't last long. It's sold out. The consolation is you can pre-order and LazMall promises to get it into your hands in 14 days.

PETALING JAYA: Touch ‘n Go Group has teamed up with Lazada e-commerce site to sell its highly sought-after Enhanced Touch ‘n Go (TnG) Card with near-field communication (NFC) capability.

The sale starts at 9am today, and buyers can head over to the Touch ‘n Go eWallet flagship store on Lazada's LazMall to buy the card at RM10. The condition is that the payment must be made using their TnG eWallet.

The sale was held in conjunction with Lazada's "9.9 Brands & Beyond Sale".

To persuade people to spend more, Touch ‘n Go said those who buy other items from Lazada during the one-day sale would get a RM5 off (minimum spend of RM50) when collecting and redeeming a special voucher on the platform.

The first batch of cards are expected to be sold out within the first day, as had happened recently via Touch ‘n Go's eWallet channel.

But Touch ‘n Go said the stock would be replenished as and when it comes into new stock.


EU nations back stricter emissions rules for new petrol engines

                BRUSSELS: EU nations backed measures to strengthen new on-road emissions tests on Tuesday to supplement laboratory-based ones, whose flaws were laid bare by the Volkswagen scandal.

The measures will extend testing to ultrafine particles, which cause thousands of early deaths, EU data shows, emitted from a new generation of petrol direct injection engines.

The new rules will apply for all new car models by September 2017 and for all new vehicles by September 2018 - although carmakers had called for the rules to be delayed until 2019.

 An example of a gasoline particulate filter.

"Car manufacturers should already start designing vehicles with lower particle emissions and introduce the necessary filters in petrol cars that are already widely used for diesel," Europe's Industry Commissioner Elzbieta Bienkowska said in a statement after the measures were approved by EU member state representatives at a regulatory committee meeting.

The Transport & Environment campaign group says cheap technologies such as gasoline particulate filters (GPF) already exist to reduce pollution from GDI engines, which emit as much as 10 times more particles than previous generations of engines.

The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) has said carmakers were left with too little time to implement new rules.

However, a year after VW admitted to rigging US diesel emissions tests, the European Parliament issued a draft report this week criticising delays in adopting new tests on car engine emissions, despite evidence that outdated tests had allowed pollution to surge up to five times above legal limits.

The new rules regulate cold engine starts, during which vehicles pollute much more than at other times on the journey, in a bid to reduce pollution from short city trips.

It will also require carmakers to make emissions performance information available to consumer.


Thailand approves new warrant against Red Bull heir over hit-and-run case

Vorayuth missed eight court summonses before authorities issued an arrest warrant five years after the incident. — The Nation/ANN
BANGKOK: A Thai court today issued a new arrest warrant for the heir to the Red Bull energy drink fortune over his alleged involvement in a fatal hit-and-run accident in 2012, police said.

Vorayuth Yoovidhya was accused of crashing his Ferrari into a policeman, Wichien Klanprasert, and dragging his body for dozens of metres before fleeing.

Authorities last month unexpectedly dropped the case, sparking public criticism that prompted a government review.

The criminal court today approved a new arrest warrant for Vorayuth on a previous charges of reckless driving causing death and a new charge of drug use, assistant national police chief Pol Lt Gen Jaruwat Waisaya told Reuters.

 Vorayuth was accused of crashing his black Ferrari into a policeman on a motorcycle in Bangkok and fleeing the scene, dragging the officer's body for several dozen metres in 2012. - The Nation/ANN

Vorayuth missed eight court summonses before authorities issued an arrest warrant five years after the incident. He later disappeared, apparently abroad, according to social media posts.

Vorayuth's lawyer, Samack Chouvaparnante, said he had no knowledge of the new warrant and had not been in touch with his client.

TCP Group, which owns the Thai Red Bull brand, has previously said it has no direct links with Vorayuth. His late grandfather Chaleo Yoovidhya created the energy drink and his father has part ownership of the international Red Bull brand.

A panel this month revisited evidence previously not included in police reports which suggests that Vorayuth's car was travelling faster than previously thought, and reviewed a blood test taken after the accident that pointed to traces of cocaine in his system.

"We will submit a new report within two weeks so the public prosecutor can issue a issue a prosecution order," Jaruwat said.


Hello drivers, hands-free talking on phone is also risky behaviour

                LONDON: You probably know this just as much as these psychologists that driving while talking on a hands-free phone isn't as safe as previously thought.

New research from the University of Sussex has found driving while talking on a hands-free phone can be just as distracting as talking on a hand-held mobile.

The study, published in the Transportation Research Journal, shows that drivers who are engaged in conversations that spark their visual imagination are much less able to spot and react to potential hazards. When the drivers involved in the study were asked about a subject that required them to visualise it, they focused on a smaller area of the road ahead of them and failed to see hazards, even when they looked directly at them.

The researchers claim their evidence shows conversations may use more of the brain’s visual processing resources than previously understood. Having a conversation which requires a driver to use their visual imagination creates competition for the brain’s processing capacity that is also focussing on driving. This results in drivers missing road hazards that they might otherwise have spotted.

This is the latest study to look at the increased dangers involved with driving and mobile phone use. Previous research has estimated that up to 22% of crashes could be caused by some kind of distraction and drivers who perform a secondary task at the wheel, like using a mobile, are up to three times more likely to crash.

Also, the effect of talking on a phone while driving has already been shown to be worse than drinking certain amounts of alcohol. Driver reaction times are 30% slower while using a hands-free phone than driving with a blood alcohol level of 80mg alcohol per 100ml blood, and nearly 50% slower than driving under normal conditions.

As well as disproving the popular misconception that using a mobile phone while driving is safe as long as it’s hands-free, the researchers from Sussex also say there are still differences between a hands-free conversation and a chatty passenger. A passenger will usually moderate the conversation when road hazards arise, whereas someone on the other end of a phone is oblivious to the other demands on the driver and so keeps talking.


Penangites tear up over 'sulphur in our eyes'

                GEORGE TOWN: Motorcyclists riding home after work on mainland Penang have been getting teary, bloodshot eyes and they think they know why.

Photos on social media show the sides of highways near Juru stained with deposits of sulphur powder.

The problem is that sulphur is not soluble in water, so despite almost-daily evening showers, the sulphur does not disappear and merely collects along the edges of the highway.

Once the water evaporates, the powdered sulphur will be kicked up into the air again.

“It feels like sand in my eyes” said Muhd Hafic Abd Razak, while Facebook user Acu Slumbejer said “so this is the thing that made my eyes tear up last night” this morning.

This sulphuric affliction, according to social media, is at its worst along the North-South Expressway between the Juru and Jawi toll plazas and only motorcyclists seem to be affected as people in cars are shielded in their closed air-conditioned cabins.

Some bikers claim that this is a recurring discomfort, with some thinking that it is spilled by lorries transporting sulphur to nearby factories.

However, this cannot be verified because lorries are required by law to prevent what they are carrying from spilling onto highways.

According to websites on industrial safety worldwide, powdered sulphur is a serious eye irritant, which will also distress a person’s airways.

Even so, the sulphur ordeal did nothing to dampen classic Malaysian humour.

“No wonder I was crying. I thought someone was cutting onions along the highway,” wrote a Facebook user.

“I came home in tears and red-eyed. My husband thought I was crying because of some unhappiness at work,” wrote another.


A million-mile battery from China could power your EV

                NINGDE (China): The Chinese behemoth that makes electric-car batteries for Tesla Inc. and Volkswagen AG developed a power pack that lasts more than a million miles (1.6 million kilometres) - an industry landmark and a potential boon for automakers trying to sway drivers to their EV models.

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. is ready to produce a battery that lasts 16 years and 2 million kilometres, chairman Zeng Yuqun said in an interview at company headquarters in Ningde, southeastern China.

Warranties on batteries currently used in electric cars cover about 150,000 miles (around 241,000km) or eight years, according to BloombergNEF.

Extending that lifespan is viewed as a key advance because the pack could be reused in a second vehicle.

That would lower the expense of owning an electric vehicle, a positive for an industry that’s seeking to recover sales momentum lost to the coronavirus outbreak and the slumping oil prices that made gas guzzlers more competitive.

“If someone places an order, we are ready to produce,” said Zeng, 52, without disclosing if contracts for the long-distance product have been signed.

It would cost about 10% more than the batteries now inside EVs, said Zeng, whose company is the world’s largest maker of the batteries.

Concerns about batteries losing strength and having to be replaced after a few years is one factor holding back consumer adoption of EVs.

Tesla last year flagged it expected to bring into production a battery capable of a million miles of operation, and General Motors Co. last month said it is nearing the milestone. That distance is equivalent to circling the planet 50 times.

Anticipating a rapid return to growth for the EV industry, CATL is plowing research-and-development dollars into advances in battery technology. While the coronavirus outbreak will drag down sales throughout this year, EV demand will pick up in early 2021, said Zeng, who founded CATL a decade ago.

Car buyers holding back during the pandemic is creating pent-up demand that will be unleashed starting next year, led by premium models, he said. CATL’s customers include BMW AG and Toyota Motor Corp.

Zeng’s comments strengthen views that electric vehicles are set to weather the economic slowdown caused by the outbreak better than gas guzzlers.

Battery-powered cars will swell to 8.1% of all sales next year in China, which accounts for the largest share of global EV sales, and to 5% in Europe, BNEF predicts.

“The pandemic may have a lasting effect throughout 2020, but won’t be a major factor next year,” Zeng said. “We have great confidence for the long run.”

CATL struck a two-year contract in February to supply batteries to Tesla, a major boon for the Chinese company as the US electric-car leader has thus far mainly worked with Japan’s Panasonic Corp and South Korea’s LG Chem Ltd.

The deal followed months of negotiations, with Tesla chief executive officer Elon Musk travelling to Shanghai to meet with Zeng.

The CATL batteries are set to go into Model 3 sedans produced at Tesla’s massive new factory near Shanghai, which started deliveries around the beginning of this year.

Batteries are the costliest part of an EV, meaning suppliers of those components have a chance to reap a lion’s share of the industry’s profits.

Zeng said he often shares insights with Musk, with the two exchanging text messages about developments in technology and business. CATL is strengthening its relationship with Tesla, with matters such as cobalt-free batteries on their agenda, Zeng said.

“We’re getting along well and he’s a fun guy,” Zeng said of Musk. “He’s talking about cost all day long, and I’m making sure we have the solutions.”

Zeng said Musk also requested his help in obtaining ventilators for coronavirus patients. The US billionaire delivered more than 1,000 of the breathing machines from China to officials in Los Angeles in March.

Shares of CATL have advanced about six-fold in Shenzhen since its initial public offering in 2018, giving the company a market value of about US$47 billion. Tesla, by far the most valuable EV maker, has a market capitalisation of about US$160 billion.

A “trigger point” for electric cars will occur once they overtake gasoline-powered vehicles around 2030-2035, Zeng said. That view is more ambitious than that of researchers such as BNEF, which expects the shift to take place a few years later.

CATL, which is adding a production facility in Germany, is set to make more than 70% of batteries required by BMW, an early customer, Zeng said. CATL also works with Volkswagen’s Audi unit and is cooperating with Porsche, he said.

Zeng didn’t rule out building a plant in the US, though he said the company has no specific plans for now.

“Our team has made achievements in competing with our global rivals in overseas markets,” Zeng said.


Lotus is gearing up to make a car you can drive every day

The entry-level Lotus model will bear some design cues from the Evija, shown here.
NEW YORK: Lotus Cars, known for low-slung racers that wedge drivers into a tightly honed cockpit, is working on a new, entry-level model that will provide enough interior space for every-day use.

The as-yet unnamed car, destined to be the company’s last combustion-engine model, will be priced at between £55,000 and £100,000 (between RM298,000 and RM541,000), chief executive officer Phil Popham said in an interview.

It’ll take design cues from the all-electric Evija hypercar that the UK firm bills as the world’s most powerful car.

The barbell-like pairing of the US$2 million (RM8.8mil) Evija with the more modestly priced basic auto defines Lotus’s strategy under Chinese owner Geely Group.

Like other performance carmakers, it’s seeking to ramp up volumes by providing more accessible choices that will appeal to regular drivers, while offering wealthy aficionados a chance to spend big on highly profitable limited-edition dream cars.

But unlike rivals such as Aston Martin and Lamborghini that have opted for sport-utility vehicles, Lotus will first produce an accessible sports car - though one with enough interior space to be compatible with every-day use.

That’s a departure from models like the wedge-shaped Esprit, driven underwater by film spy James Bond, that have typically been trotted out only at weekends or on the track.

Production will restart next month at Lotus’s plant in Hethel, England, as soon as Britain lifts its coronavirus lockdown, Popham said. A factory extension is being built to house the new model, which will be unveiled late this year or early in 2021.

Lotus plans to lift volumes from around 1,600 cars a year towards the 5,000-unit limit of its facilities, said Popham, who added the plans won’t be held back by any hit to sales from the coronavirus.

“It’s not as if we have to generate all the money ourselves to invest in our future,” the CEO said, adding that future options could include an SUV, crossover, cruiser or sporting saloon.

“Our focus now is on sports cars but we do think the brand has the potential to move into other segments. And Geely has expertise in areas such as electrification and autonomous driving.”

The Evija will meanwhile enter assembly before the year’s end, Popham said. Only 130 of the cars are due to be built, and deposits have been taken on all production due in the second half, he said. Sales have slowed following the lockdown, with US and European promotional tours curtailed.


Nissan takes zero chances on safety with Ariya

                PARIS: Nissan says it is putting vehicle safety uppermost as it aims to reduce the occurrence of deaths from accidents involving its vehicles, including EVs.

In November 2021, Nissan unveiled Nissan Ambition 2030, its long-term vision for empowering mobility and beyond for a cleaner, safer and more inclusive world.

Ensuring each vehicle, including the Ariya, Nissan’s all-electric crossover is subject to rigorous crash testing to meet the highest safety standards in the event of a collision is vital to achieving this goal.

At the Nissan Technical Centre in Atsugi, Japan, a team of engineers puts Nissan’s flagship EV through hundreds of extensive tests including frontal-side- and rear-impact collisions, as well as those that simulate accidents when pedestrians are on the road.

“More than 100 data points are evaluated on the Ariya,” said Gen Tanabe of Nissan's Passive Safety Evaluation Group.

“Because the upcoming Ariya will be sold in many markets, we will conduct more than 400 tests from the early stages of development to market launch.”

Results reveal that the Ariya's body and unique cabin structure, make it possible to absorb a variety of impacts offering superior protection for drivers and passengers, said Nissan.

Engineers from the Passive Safety Evaluation Group measure the force of potential impact on the vehicle’s body and structural components, as well as its effects on the driver and passengers via test dummies of various sizes and body types equipped with multiple sensors that record simulated injury levels to vital areas of the body.

Nissan said it is leveraging its extensive know-how in electric mobility from over the past decade, with many of the testing procedures employed for the LEAF being adapted for the Ariya.

It claimed its own safety standards are often more comprehensive than those required by regulators. For example, because Ariya’s EV battery pack is high voltage, the safety engineers needed to ensure it retained its structural integrity in the case of a crash without the electrodes leaking.

Serving as the basis for developing safer vehicles, Nissan's safety proposition includes active and passive safety measures to support the safety of vehicle occupants in a variety of scenarios.

The overall goal is to prevent collisions where possible and, in case of unavoidable collisions, mitigate damage and injuries.


Errant motorists have one month to surrender their illegal licences

Loke showing a photo of some of the illegally obtained driving licences.
PUTRAJAYA: Authorities have given those who obtained "lesen terbang" a month to surrender their driving licences.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said should they do so within the deadline, they will not be prosecuted.

"If they don't, we will find them and will take legal action," he said at a press conference today.

"Lesen terbang" refers to licences obtained illegally by making a payment and not sitting for the written and practical tests.

Loke said the Road Transport Department (JPJ) system has the data and information of those who had obtained their licences by paying JPJ officers to get hold of the document by using the conversion of foreign driving licence procedure.

While a majority of the 14,000 drivers believed to have obtained their licences via this method are Malaysians, some are also foreigners, mainly from China.

Loke said that irresponsible people resorted to this service because they wanted an easy way of getting a licence.


Fiat Chrysler gets 6.3bil euro bail-out in Italy

                ROME: Italy's government has approved a 6.3bil euro (RM30.3bil) loan to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' (FCA) Italian division - making it the largest bail-out for a European carmaker.

The official announcement brings to an end a lengthy approval procedure and has subsequently attracted a great amount of flak from Italians.

According to Italian Economy Minister Roberto Gualtieri, the bail-out loan for FCA is to help "preserve and strengthen the Italian automotive supply chain".

The company, which owns global brands such as Fiat, Jeep, Dodge and Maserati, has effectively tapped into Italy's Covid-19 emergency financing schemes to secure a state-backed three-year facility to help it weather the crisis triggered by the virus.

In addition, the aid will also help Italy’s automotive sector where roughly 10,000 businesses operate.

FCA’s chief operating officer (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) Pietro Gorlier said that the entire fund received will go into keeping the company afloat while they progressively shift their efforts towards electric and hybrid mobility.

The fund will be disbursed by Italy’s largest retail bank Intesa Sanpaolo, which has already authorised it pending the approval of guarantees the government will provide on 80% of the sum through export credit agency SACE.

The request for state support has sparked controversy due to FCA being currently engaged in talks about a merger with French carmaking rival Groupe PSA which owns brands such as Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Opel and Vauxhall.

The Italian CEO added that the company would have to meet commitments on investments and jobs, but declined to say whether the Italian Treasury had imposed conditions affecting the company's planned 5.5bil euro (RM26.5bil) extraordinary dividend - a key element in the merger with PSA.

Italian politicians have called the dividend into question, although it should be compatible with the terms of the financing being due only in 2021 and would only be paid by FCA Italy’s Dutch parent company, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV.


New Volvo S60 and V60 set to arrive in Malaysia

                KUALA LUMPUR: MBM Resources Bhd's motor trading division is likely to continue seeing sales volume growth on the back of new model launches such as the latest Volvo S60 and V60.

Following a briefing by MBM Resources, RHB Research said Volvo Car Malaysia has plans to bring the third-generation S60 sedan in by the end of the year, likely as a fully imported model before being assembled locally at a later date.

Also set for arrival is the second-generation V60 wagon. Both models are based on Volvo's Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform.

Meanwhile, sales of the best-selling models, Volvo XC40 and XC90 SUV, among others, look resilient.

The new S60 is the first Volvo car to be sold without a diesel offering, signalling the company’s industry-leading commitment to electrification and a long-term future beyond the traditional combustion engine.

In 2017, Volvo was the first global car maker to announce its strategy that from 2019 all new models will be electrified.

Two turbo-charged and super-charged plug-in hybrid petrol engines are available in the new S60: Volvo’s T6 Twin Engine AWD plug-in hybrid that generates a combined 340hp, and the award-winning T8 Twin Engine AWD plug-in hybrid that delivers 400hp.

Volvo also offers its proven T5 and T6 petrol engines in the S60.

As for the V60, it has been redesigned and repositioned to compete directly with the BMW 3 Series Touring and the Audi A4 Avant, rather than the likes of the wagon version of the Ford Mondeo.

The new V60 is being offered in Europe with a wide range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines as well as electrified powertrains.

One of them will be a T6 Twin Engine badged version, featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine coupled with an electric motor to produce 335hp, while the other will be the more familiar and powerful T8 system with an impressive 385hp.
The V60 exterior is a lot like a downsized version of the V90 estate, but although there are a lot of similarities between the two, there are also areas where the V60 obviously takes some of its design inspiration from the XC60.

On another note, RHB Research said MBM Resources would introduce a facelift to the Perodua Axia soon with an estimated price (without insurance) of RM24,000-RM43,000.

RHB expects this to be positive to MBM's motor trading business as the Axia contributed about 30% to its total sales volume.


Tesla snaps up Audi exec in move to boost vehicle production

                SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla Motors has hired Volkswagen executive Peter Hochholdinger as its vice president of vehicle production.

Hochholdinger will be tasked with improving and increasing production for Tesla's luxury Model S sedan and Model X sport utility vehicle, as well as helping build a scalable, cost-effective manufacturing programme specifically designed for the Model 3, the company said in a statement.

Tesla is looking to ramp up production five-fold in two years to 500,000 vehicles per year, a task many industry observers say appears nearly impossible even with the hiring of key talent.

 Hochholdinger

The electric-auto maker's aggressive new production timeframe, announced by its chief executive, Elon Musk, in a first-quarter earnings call, puts intense pressure on suppliers and calls into question the company's ability to accelerate its assembly line. Design of the Model 3, due in late 2017, is not yet complete, adding to the time crunch.

Musk earlier this month also gave a public shout-out to the sharpest minds in manufacturing, calling on them to come help Tesla meet its target, days after announcing the departure of the company's vice presidents in charge of production and manufacturing.

Hochholdinger spent 22 years at Audi, Volkswagen's flagship premium brand, where he worked across the entire production chain. He served as an adviser for bringing Audi's new production facility online in Mexico.


Stand to win a special edition Myvi at Perodua's big bash

                KUALA LUMPUR: Perodua is inviting all Myvi owners to come together for what it hopes will be the biggest Myvi gathering in the country on May 24.

“We are hosting a public celebration in conjunction with the Myvi’s 10th anniversary or “Myvi 10niversary Celebration”, which will be held to mark this historic occasion in Setia Alam City Mall, Shah Alam,” said Perodua president and CEO Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh.

To participate in the “Myvi Nation, the Biggest Myvi Gathering”, a Myvi owner and/or driver must register at Perodua’s official website www.perodua.com.my from April 21 to May 10 with a minimal fee of RM50.

Those participating must bring their Myvi to the full-day event to receive a certificate and an exclusive gift pack worth over RM400, as well as be in the running to win a special 10th Anniversary Commemorative Edition Myvi car.

“We are very happy to celebrate this very important milestone with our customers and as a big thank you, in addition to the gathering, Perodua invites the public to join our 2-day Myvi 10niversary Celebration, on May 23 and 24 at the same venue,” Aminar said.

The public would qualify for special deals, and enjoy games and fun activities, which would be announced at the event itself.  The public would also be treated to a star-studded concert; fireworks display, or opt to watch movies under the stars after hot air balloon rides.

Those wishing to learn more about the event are encouraged to visit Perodua’s website for details.

The “Myvi 10niversary” is part of Perodua’s “Myvi, Love of the Nation” initiative which started in December 2014 and will end in December 2015.

The Myvi is the best-selling model in the country since it was launched on May 25 with more than 830,000 units on the road to date.