Say goodbye to the Aston Martin DB9

                LONDON: After almost 13 whole years in production the DB9, one of the most beautifully designed GT cars in history and the car that put Aston Martin back on the map as a serious alternative to the best that Ferrari, Porsche or Bentley could offer, is finally going out to pasture.

A replacement for the DB7, it was called the DB9 rather than the DB8 because the company wanted to indicate that the new car was revolutionary, rather than evolutionary (and there were concerns that a car called DB8 might lead people to think it only had eight, rather than 12 cylinders).

So it is fitting that this week the final nine examples rolled off the company's Gaydon, Warwickshire, England production line - a facility set up to build the DB9 - and after a month's downtime, the line will fire up again retooled and ready to make its replacement, the DB11.

Thirteen years is a very long time in super GT circles. Though the company did its best to up the car's power - from an original 450bhp to the current 510hp - and to add more connectivity to its cabin, by 2010, the gap between the DB9 and its competitors was widening.

However, the car continued to find fans right up until the end. The final nine DB9s are each custom finished by the company's Q Division bespoke customisation firm. Therefore each one is unique and each one already has an owner.

When it made its debut at the 2003 Frankfurt motor show, grown men went weak at the knees. During a test drive, "Top Gear" presenter Jeremy Clarkson fell in love with the car and even car-obsessed stand-up comic Adam Carolla could only find fault with the fact that it was the first ever DB-badged Aston to have been designed without a hood scoop, an issue he soon resolved by taking his DB9 to car customiser extraordinaire Chip Foose.

The love for the car was such that it turbocharged the company's sales. In 2003, Aston had only managed to sell 1,514 cars. But by the end of 2005 that figure had jumped to 4,400 and by 2007 had hit an all-time high of 6,850. And though Aston doesn't break down those figures by individual model, the majority of those sales were the DB9 or its more aggressive counterpart the DBS - the car that Daniel Craig's James Bond totally destroyed in not one, but two Bond films - "Casino Royale" and "Quantum of Solace."

The British spy also helped out in the last Bond film "Spectre" by driving a one-off Aston, the DB10. This allows Aston to jump straight to 11 for the new car because, like the DB9, the new model promises a revolution not an evolution.

But just because a new car is coming, doesn't mean that the DB9 is completely dead. Classic car insurance and classic car industry experts, Hagerty have noticed that since mid-2015 demand for and prices being paid for 2004-2007 DB9s is clearly on the rise.


Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani to perform at drive-in concert in July

                NASHVILLE: As the music industry is scrambling to find ways to hold live concerts amidst the coronavirus pandemic, production company Encore Live has announced a series of drive-in summer concerts across the United States and Canada.

"Encore Drive-In Nights" will kick off on July 25 with a special concert by American country star and "The Voice" coach Blake Shelton, who will perform alongside Gwen Stefani and Trace Adkins.

While their performance will be pre-taped, the one-night-only event will also feature "cinematic interviews and storytelling" from the artists.

"This is such a great way to enjoy music with your family and friends and stay safe. I'm excited we're getting the chance to perform a concert for fans and we're going to go back and play old hits like 'Austin,' newer songs like 'God's Country' and we might even introduce

something brand new! So fill up those popcorn tubs and get ready for some country music!" Shelton said in a statement.

Available for purchase from July 14, tickets for "Encore Drive-In Nights" will have the particularity of admitting one passenger car, truck or SUV, with up to six family members or friends on board.

Each automobile must be parked with at least six feet of space from other vehicles to ensure social distancing between concert-goers, who will all have to use contactless payment and ticketing systems.

Encore Live is not the only production company launching a series of drive-in summer concerts in reaction to the global pandemic, which is estimated to generate a total revenue loss of US$10 billion to US$12 billion for the music industry.

Major concert promoter Live Nation announced back in June that American rapper Nelly and country artists Brad Paisley and Darius Rucker will perform in a "completely unique outdoor concert series that will allow fans to enjoy live shows again, while socially distanced."

Those drive-in shows will take place from Friday, July 10 through Sunday, July 12 in and near the cities of St. Louis, Nashville and Indianapolis.


Tesla, EV rivals absorb costs after China pulls plug on subsidy

                SHANGHAI: China’s decision to end a more than decade-long subsidy for electric vehicle purchases has forced automakers, including Tesla, to deepen discounts to maintain sales as demand eases in the world's largest market.

The government originally planned to phase out the support scheme for EV makers and battery suppliers by the end of 2020, but extended it until the end of December in response to the pandemic.

As China grapples with the upheaval of an upsurge in Covid-19 cases and its economy grows at the slowest pace in decades, Tesla, Xpeng and SAIC-GM-Wuling, have opted to hold consumer prices flat in January.

The subsidy accounted for around 3% to 6% of the cost of the best-selling electric vehicles in China last year, a Reuters analysis found.

Other EV makers, including Tesla's larger rival BYD and SAIC-Volkswagen, have raised prices for some models but opted to absorb most of the cost of the subsidy, the Reuters tally showed.

The subsidy, paid to the automaker at the point of purchase, began in 2009 and was scaled back over time. It paid out nearly $15 billion to encourage EV purchases through 2021, according to an estimate by China Merchants Bank International.

As some consumers rushed to take advantage of the subsidy while there was time, BYD doubled its retail sales in China in December from a year earlier, while Tesla's retail sales in China fell by 42%.

J.P. Morgan said in a research note on Thursday, it expects "a transitional pain period," with January and February industry-wide sales of EVs and plug-ins in China down between 40% to 60% from year-end levels.

Dynasties and discounts

BYD raised prices on its best-selling EVs, named after Chinese dynasties.

Tesla, meanwhile, is defending its market share by selling the basic, rear-wheel drive Model Y for 288,900 yuan (RM186,000) in China, unchanged from December.

It is also offering another 10,000 yuan in cash incentives and insurance rebates for buyers in January, which means it has effectively cut prices in China by up to 12% since early September, when that model was sold for 316,900 yuan.

Buyers of BYD's best-selling electric cars have to pay 2,000 yuan to 6,000 yuan (RM3,847) more in January, depending on the model they choose, compared to those who placed the orders in 2022, posted prices show. That represents a price hike of between 2% and 3%.

China's Association of Automobile Manufacturers said in December it expected sales of EVs and plug-in hybrids to grow by 35% in 2023, accounting for a third of total vehicle sales.

But William Li, chief executive of automaker Nio, said it could take until May for China's EV market to begin to recover.

"It will take time for both the supply chain and consumer demand to recover," Li told reporters last month.


Nissan admits falsifying emissions data on cars made in Japan

                YOKOHAMA: Nissan admitted Monday that data on exhaust emissions and fuel economy had been deliberately "altered", dealing a blow to the Japanese car giant's efforts to recover trust after an inspection scandal last year.

The company did not say how many cars were affected by the falsifications, which were uncovered during voluntary tests of all parts of Nissan's operations conducted in the wake of last year's scandal.

It said tests on exhaust emissions and fuel economy had "deviated from the prescribed testing environment".

In addition, it said inspection reports had been drawn up "based on altered measurement values".

Nissan's share price dropped 4.56 percent to 1,003.5 yen after it said it would make a statement on exhaust measurements following a report of falsification. It made the statement after the market had closed.

The firm vowed a "full and comprehensive investigation" into its latest fake data scandal.

Nissan said it had rechecked "reliable" data and confirmed that all vehicles, except the GT-R, had met Japanese safety standards.

It did not offer additional information about the GT-R, which the firm describes on its website as a high-performance sports car.

"Nissan has also re-verified log data to confirm that all models subject to sampling tests guarantee the Nissan catalogue specifications for fuel economy, meaning there are no errors within the fuel economy figures disclosed by Nissan," the statement added.

In October, Nissan was forced to recall some 1.2 million vehicles after admitting staff without proper authorisation had conducted final inspections on some vehicles intended for the domestic market before they were shipped to dealers.


Hyundai Promise opens KL outlet following strong demand for used cars

                PETALING JAYA: Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has expanded its sales operations for Hyundai Promise Approved Used Car Programme (Hyundai Promise) to Sime Darby Auto Hyundai, Old Klang Road, Kuala Lumpur.

Apart from its flagship outlet located at Lot 33, Temasya Industrial Park, Glenmarie, Shah Alam, customers looking to buy Hyundai’s approved used cars can now head over to Sime Darby Auto Hyundai, Old Klang Road, Kuala Lumpur.

Pre-owned Hyundai models sold through Hyundai Promise come with genuine parts and the original engine.

Certified vehicles are free from major accident defects.

All approved and certified vehicles come with an extended warranty of two to five years depending on the age of the vehicle and the clocked-in mileage.

All pre-owned cars are covered by manufacturer’s and dealer’s warranties as well as a 24-hour road assistance service.

Both the Hyundai Promise Centres are open from 9am to 5pm on weekdays and 9am to 12.30pm on Saturdays. The centre is closed on Sundays.

Hyundai Promise Approved Used Car Programme is owned and managed by HSDM, and supported by Sime Darby Auto Hyundai.


Hyundai Ioniq 5 selling like hotcakes in Indonesia

                SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Co said it has bagged purchase orders for more than 1,500 of the all-electric Ioniq 5 in Indonesia within a week after its official release.

The South Korean automaker clinched purchase deals for 1,587 vehicles in the first five days since its official release on April 22, said Hyundai's sales unit in Indonesia as reported by Yonhap news agency recently.

The amount of purchase orders marks double the number of entire EVs sold in Indonesia for all of last year, reflecting the growing popularity and demand in the country, according to Hyundai.

READ MORE:
First 11 buyers in Malaysia get their Hyundai Ioniq 5
Hyundai Ioniq 5 now on sale in Malaysia as well
Hyundai Ioniq 5 is World Car of the Year, wins two other titles

Hyundai also displayed the Ioniq 5 at the Indonesia International Motor Show that took place in Jakarta from March 31-April 10.

The Ioniq 5 crossover is sold at between 718 million and 829 million rupiah (RM216,000 - RM249,000).

Last year, Hyundai sold 605 Ioniq and Kona EVs in Indonesia, representing 87 per cent of the market share in the country.


US firm GlobalFoundries pours US$4bil into Singapore chip plant

An artist's impression of the Singapore plant once it's completed.
TAIPEI: GlobalFoundries Inc. will build a US$4 billion chipmaking plant in Singapore slated to start in 2023, choosing Asia for the site of its latest expansion despite Biden administration calls to bring home semiconductor manufacturing.

The US-based company joins rivals from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. to Samsung Electronics Co. that are expanding capacity to help address a persistent shortfall of chips for everything from cars to smartphones.

GlobalFoundries - which is prepping a US initial public offering that could value the chipmaker at US$30 billion - said it’s focusing on Singapore but will also devote US$1 billion apiece to building out its Dresden, Germany and US sites.

GlobalFoundries will fund the lion’s share of that US$6 billion global expansion with contributions from pre-payments for its capacity as well as government partnerships, chief executive officer Tom Caulfield told reporters during an online briefing Tuesday.

“We’ll be accelerating our global footprint,” Caulfield said. “We have certain products for customers where they give us one of the products, it’s called taping-out, we can build in factories continents away. That gives us ultimate supply chain flexibility and security.”

The decision by GlobalFoundries, controlled by Abu Dhabi sovereign fund Mubadala Investment Co., coincides with debate in the US and Europe about whether the high concentration of global chipmaking capacity in Asia carries national security implications.

Caulfield said he was expanding in Singapore first because that’s where the company’s capacity is stretched.

The Biden administration is proposing to spend US$52 billion to fund chip production and research at home, an effort to secure supply of the intricate components at the heart of most modern devices and many military systems.

Beijing has appointed a top deputy of Xi Jinping’s to oversee the creation of a world-class industry of its own.

About “70% of all foundry manufacturing takes place in Taiwan, a couple of hundred miles away from China, from one company,” Caulfield said. “It’s put a huge risk to the world economy.”

GlobalFoundries is a big investor in Singapore alongside peers Micron Technology Inc. and Infineon Technologies AG.

It has previously committed to expanding production in the city state as well as in Europe and the US. Chipmaking facilities typically start producing chips 18 months to two years after breaking ground. When completed, GlobalFoundries’s Singapore facility, which will be a few generations behind the cutting edge, should primarily serve smartphone and auto demand.

Singapore itself has focused on expanding its talent pool in semiconductors, an industry it’s long sought foreign investment in.

The chip sector is viewed as critical to the island’s electronics firms, which account for about 7% of the economy. In the first four months of this year, electronics output grew 21.7% from a year ago as demand surged in the wake of the pandemic.

Singapore now aims to grow its manufacturing sector by 50% over the next 10 years to maintain its competitiveness.

GlobalFoundries was created when Mubadala bought Advanced Micro Devices Inc’s manufacturing facilities in 2009 and later combined them with Singapore’s Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing Ltd.

Contract chipmakers like GlobalFoundries, TSMC and Samsung fabricate chips for large technology companies such as Apple Inc, Nvidia Corp and Amazon.com Inc that design their own silicon.

GlobalFoundries is going to market as governments from the US to China gear up financial support for domestic semiconductor production, which is increasingly falling behind pandemic-era demand for everything from PCs to electric vehicles.

The chip shortage has already forced several carmakers around the globe to idle plants and could cost them US$110bil (RM451bil) in lost sales. Longer term, governments worry about lack of access to the critical components.

Caulfield said he expects chip demand to outpace supply over the next five to eight years. GlobalFoundries has sold out the capacity for the new Singapore fab and is now planning a second phase, he said.


Vauxhall showcases GT Concept interior ahead of Geneva

                LONDON: Vauxhall (Opel in Europe) has revealed its GT Concept’s interior, which showcases a host of innovative technology to improve driver experience, ahead of the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.

In particular is the company's Human Machine Interface (HMI) programme, which allows drivers of the sports car to operated it purely by voice control and a central touchpad for a button-less experience.

It is also a self-learning system that recognises the driver’s habits and adapts to their needs.

The car has the ability to respond via dialogue to its driver and is able to chose the right music, route or temperature according to the situation.

The HMI can even recognise whether passengers want to listen to other genres of music.

Furthermore, the software can learn from every command, touch of the steering wheel and setting over time.

Rather than control the car via voice commands, the driver may use the round touchpad on the centre console.

The two classically inspired round instruments are actually projection surfaces that can be backlit in different colours and display a variety of information three-dimensionally - previously shown in the 2013 Vauxhall Monza Concept.

Should the GT Concept be used for business, while permanently connected to the office, the right instrument facilitates navigation with an intuitive graphic without numerical values, but when under time pressure, it displays consumption.

The HMI is capable of optimising the accelerator, transmission and engine control according to the needs of the driver, or perhaps when a spirited driving experience is preferred, with the right instrument panel able to display the g-force values of the longitudinal acceleration.

The programme is able to keep a close eye on the vehicle's surroundings to help improve overall safety and can issue spoken warnings such as “Be careful. Don’t overlook the motorcycle behind us!”.

Instead of external mirrors, the concept relies on cameras mounted behind the front wheel arches that are transmitted to the round monitors on the left and right of the driver, while the central screen displays all desired information.

The concept's two sporty seats have been ergonomically optimised for comfort and the low beltline of the doors create an easy arm position.

Additionally, both the pedals and retro-spoke designed steering wheel are electrically adjustable.

With the concept's instrument panel made from brushed aluminum, the round camera monitors have been embedded in outer aluminum air jets with the polished GT emblem and the shining red seatbelt retractors reflect the design of the red front tyres.


All Tesla vehicles to ship capable of self-driving, says CEO

                SAN FRANCISCO: Billionaire Elon Musk moved the world one step closer to robotic vehicles, saying every car and SUV that his Tesla Motors Inc. is currently building will roll out of the factory with all the equipment needed to be fully self-driving.

Drivers can’t let go of the steering wheel permanently - at least not yet - but that’s a goal after a series of software refinements that will be made over time, chief executive officer Musk told journalists on a call Wednesday evening.

All Tesla vehicles being produced will have eight cameras and 12 sensors giving full 360-degree visibility, backed by a computer with 40 times the processing power of previous models, the company said in a statement.

The announcement moves Tesla beyond the driver-assistance feature called Autopilot that has been on all its vehicles built since October 2014 - more than 114,000 autos worldwide. The plan may bring added scrutiny to all automakers’ plans for self-driving vehicles, which are moving towards the marketplace faster than regulators can keep pace.

Ford Motor Co. has announced plans to sell robotic taxis to ride-hailing services in 2021. “It’s a big up-front commitment to self-driving technology that other automakers may not be willing to make at this point,” said Karl Brauer, executive publisher for Kelley Blue Book.

Every vehicle built “will have the hardware needed for full self-driving capability at a safety level substantially greater than that of a human driver,” the company said in its statement. “This system provides a view of the world that a driver alone cannot access, seeing in every direction simultaneously and on wavelengths that go far beyond the human senses.”

Musk says the latest iteration can bring added safety, and that buyers will have a choice for how much autonomy they want to give their vehicle.

”Full self-driving will take care of more complex situations in urban environments,” Musk said on the call. “There are two options people can pick in buying a car: an improved version of Autopilot or full self-driving.”

Autopilot has been under scrutiny after a fatal crash in Florida on May 7 prompted probes by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board. After two other non-fatal accidents, Consumer Reports called on Tesla to require drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel and to change the Autopilot name to avoid confusion. Dutch regulators have also raised concerns, and Germany has asked the company to stop using the term.

The new technologies will also be available on the Model 3, a more affordable Tesla than the Model S sedan or Model X sport utility vehicle. The Model 3, which is supposed to start production in late 2017, fulfills the Palo Alto, California-based company’s longstanding vision of accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable transportation.

Musk first revealed the Model 3 in March at Tesla’s design studio in Hawthorne, California. He said then that the driver-assist Autopilot features would be standard on the car, which also would have a continuous plane of glass to give the cabin an expansive feeling of openness. And, in a March 30 tweet, he hinted that there was more to come: “Tomorrow is Part 1 of the Model 3 unveil. Part two, which takes things to another level, will be closer to production.”

The tweet prompted speculation that “level” refers to the auto industry’s scale for vehicle automation, with Level 0 being none and Level 5 as a fully self-driving car. Tesla’s current Autopilot system would be classified as Level 2, with the expectation that the human driver is consistently monitoring the environment and is prepared to engage as needed.

”Tesla is not saying they have the capability to do Level 4 autonomy right now -- they are saying they are building out the hardware for Level 4 when the software is ready,” said Bryant Walker Smith, a law professor at the University of South Carolina who has written extensively on driverless car liability. “At some point they will flip a switch and the world will look different. They haven’t flipped a switch yet, but they are building out the wiring.”

Tesla now makes the Model S sedan and Model X sport utility vehicle on a shared assembly line in Fremont, California, and in addition to the upcoming Model 3 has said it will eventually add a semi-truck and transit bus.

The company also makes the Powerwall battery for homes and the larger Powerpacks for commercial businesses and utilities.

Customers earlier this year stood in long lines at Tesla stores around the world to place US$1,000 reservations, giving Musk an “iPhone moment” that is unprecedented in the auto industry. About 373,000 pre-orders for the Model 3 have been placed, according to figures Tesla hasn’t updated since May. The car will seat five adults and is expected to begin at US$35,000 before incentives.


Ladies go rallying in Infiniti QX80

Chase (left) and Wakelin.
NASHVILLE: The Infiniti QX80n has been designed to be as capable offroad as it is on-road.

That is being put to the test in October when it will have to tough it out in the US desert during a 10-day all-female navigational off-road competition - the 2020 Rebelle Rally.

Team 142 - Wander Women, comprised Nicole Wakelin (driver), of New Hampshire, and Alice Chase (navigator), of Texas.

Both are professional automotive journalists, who possess decades of driving experience on and off-road and have covered the Rebelle as journalists.

Rebelle Rally, in its fifth year, will take place from Oct to 17 through the California and Nevada desert.

The rally spans over 2,000km and participants will navigate using maps, a compass and a route book to find hidden checkpoints with time checks.

No GPS or outside help is permitted.

This year, 40 pairs of women will drive production vehicles in 4x4 and Crossover classes.

Supporters will be able to follow Wander Women's journey on INFINITI's Twitter, Instagram and YouTube channels and on www.rebellerally.com.

"We are excited to welcome Infiniti  in this year's Rebelle Rally. As the ultimate proving ground for vehicles, we look forward to seeing the QX80 showcase its abilities through the course's wide variety of terrain," said Rebelle Rally founder Emily Miller.

Infiniti global marketing general manager Phil York said "10 days navigating the desert in a QX80 will certainly showcase that our flagship SUV has as much grit as it has grace."

Infiniti's participation in the 2020 Rebelle Rally in California marks its first involvement in the rigorous off-road challenge and falls under the banner of "QXploration" - where the brand encourages owners of the QX lineup to use the luxurious vehicle on their driveway for urban escapes and adventures.

The activation follows previous expeditions in breathtaking but unforgiving terrains of the Gobi Desert and Jordan.

The QX80's All-Mode 4WD system and advanced Hydraulic Body Motion Control system have been designed to handle harsh conditions including sand and snow.


Volkswagen Malaysia ramps up aftersales benefits

                KUALA LUMPUR: Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM)'s aftersales offers under its Volkswagen Cares initiative aims to ease the upkeep costs for car owners during these trying times.

As a brand that always prioritises customers’ safety and welfare, these cost-effective plans help Volkswagen car owners save money while allowing them to enjoy the ownership experience.

Financial Flexibility with 0% Interest Payment Plan for Aftersales

Owners can now rest easy about the cost of service and repairs with this easy and flexible payment plan.

They can opt to spread out their bill over six or 12 months at 0% interest rate, so long as they use credit card as the payment method.

Available at selected authorised Volkswagen service centres, owners are advised to check with their preferred dealer on the specific terms and conditions.

20% Service Discount for VCP (Volkswagen Care Plus) Members

VCP members will enjoy more savings with these offers and they are entitled to three 20% rebate vouchers for their maintenance service.

The vouchers can be used from the fifth year of service and the following two services in the period of three years.

Additionally, customers will enjoy two years free roadside assistance under VCP (terms and conditions
apply).

30% Discount for Volkswagen Repair Packages

Every ringgit saved is a ringgit earned, and this is the basis of VPCM’s Repair Packages offerings.

Customers will enjoy 30% discount on selected Repair Packages when they repair their cars at authorised Volkswagen service centres.

This is applicable for Volkswagen models older than five years.

Benefits of Volkswagen Insurance Plan (VIP)

Under Volkswagen Insurance Plan, there is no betterment cost for vehicles up to 10 years old, and policy holders will receive comprehensive coverage and various value-added services without having to pay any extra fee.

Additionally, there is an agreed sum and insured value for vehicles up to 10 years old in the event of total loss.

Other VIP benefits include prioritised claim approval, windscreen replacement approval within two hours, roadside assistance with 24-hour emergency towing, and assurance that repair work is conducted at authorised Volkswagen body and paint centres in accordance to Volkswagen repair standards with only genuine parts used.

With all cost savings packages and convenient service offered by Volkswagen, customer satisfaction remains top of mind.

Owners are also encouraged to participate in the Car Advisor survey which will be shared by their respective dealers after the completion of each service as a means for Volkswagen to continue improving its level of customer experience management.

For details, visit www.volkswagen.com.my


Test drive a Renault Captur for one year!

                PETALING JAYA: Renault in Malaysia is giving you the option of test driving a Renault Captur for a whole year under the Renault Subscription promotion.

Nobody said it was free though and you have a monthly subscription of a reduced rate of RM799 per month for the first six months and RM1,299 from month seven to 12.

The monthly rates are inclusive of road tax, insurance, regular servicing and an annual mileage cap of 20,000km, with an option to upgrade.

A booking fee of RM200 applies when customers book via Renault Store on Shopee, which will be deducted from the first subscription month payment.

However, you can get a 50% discount on the booking fee for 20 units available through the Shopee Malaysia ‘Shocking Sale’ which takes place at 4pm -8pm on Sept 9, 2020 during Shopee’s 9.9. Super Sale.

All pre-owned Captur vehicles provided will be no more than two years old and will have passed thorough inspection to meet Renault quality and safety standards.

Customers can decide to buy, subscribe to a Renault Subscription Fixed or Switch Plan, or simply end with the Pre-Owned Captur offer after one year when the subscription term is over.

“We understand that many Malaysians have some reservations about buying or even trying out a continental car. This latest promotion aims to help lower the barrier to entry, with no obligations and at the same time, customers can experience a real-life test drive of the Captur for a whole year,” said Wong Hoe Mun, CEO, TC Euro Cars.


Health Ministry gets final batch of UD buses

                SUNGAI BULOH: Tan Chong Industrial Equipment Sdn Bhd (TCIE) has delivered the last five units of the 32 UD buses bought by the Health Ministry.

The ministry’s secretary for the Training Management Division (TMD), Ellam Endin Nom, received the vehicles from TCIE deputy general manager for nationwide sales Lum Chee Leong at a handover ceremony at Kolej Sains Kesihatan Bersekutu (KSKB) in Sungai Buloh, Selangor.

Lum said the UD Buses’ NU41BT model were provided in three batches - the first batch consisted of 15 units and the second batch consisted of six units.

“We are delighted to have been entrusted by the ministry to provide 11 buses this time around, whereby six units will be delivered to Sabah and Sarawak.

“Although the short delivery schedule was a huge challenge for Tan Chong, we have successfully fulfilled the agreed delivery schedule with the help of all parties involved.”

Colleges under the authority of the TMD regularly transport trainees to and from many of the division’s practical training centres nationwide.

 Lum (third from left) handing over the mock key to Ellam (fourth from left).

“We are very fortunate to have made this purchase despite the government’s efforts in reducing spending as the ministry is heavily reliant on buses to transport its trainees. This is due to the fact that the existing fleet of buses are old and prone to breakdowns, and that its small size could not cater to the increase in trainees,” said Ellam.

Since the company first rolled onto Malaysian roads in 1978, UD Buses have become a leader in the bus manufacturing industry with 38 years of experience, renowned in the market as a Japanese brand that offers durability and dependability at affordable prices. On top its own service network, UD Buses are also supported by TC Trucks Sales (TCTS) to maximise the buses’ performance.

“TCTS also offers a network of service centres and spare parts, including a 24-hour nationwide breakdown service. With the existing network, we can ensure the best after-sales support to all of the buses purchased by the ministry so that their operations are not disturbed,” said Lum.

UD Buses is currently distributed exclusively by TCIE, with more than 41,000 vehicles on Malaysian roads.


Skoda aims for at least half its European car sales by 2030 to be electric

                PRAGUE: Skoda Auto, part of Germany's Volkswagen Group, wants electric cars to make up at least half of its sales in Europe by 2030 as it transitions from internal combustion engines in the coming decade, the Czech carmaker said today.

As part of its strategy, Skoda will unveil at least three more all-electric models, adding to two models currently. The new models will be positioned below its Enyaq iV electric SUV.

Skoda has not set a date on when it will fully switch away from engines but aims to have 50-70% of its fleet in Europe with electric drive by 2030. Less than 5% of its current car sales are electric.

Fleet emissions should fall 50% in that time, Skoda said as part of its 2030 strategy goals announced on Thursday.

Skoda, the Czech Republic's biggest exporter, delivered 1.005 million cars globally in 2020, a 19% year-on-year fall amid the coronavirus pandemic but above the 1 million mark for the seventh straight year.


2017 Detroit auto show: Lexus releases new LS flagship

                DETROIT: Lexus has revealed the latest LS here,featuring a radical new design with coupe-like silhouette, yet spaciousness of prestige sedan. It’s also a car that can automatically swerve to avoid hitting a pedestrian.

Inside and out, the fifth-generation LS flagship sedan reflects a strong, Japanese identity and approach to luxury. It will be sold in 90 countries.

Longer and lower than the sedan it replaces, the new LS debuts a bold design with a coupe-like silhouette punctuated by the Lexus design language.

Highlights

>New platform for greatest-ever LS agility and comfort
>All-new twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 with 415hp/601Nm
>10-speed automatic transmission
>All-new available Lexus Advanced Safety Package
>Interior inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics
> On sale in US by end of 2017

A new driver-centric performance feel comes from building the LS on the company’s new global architecture for luxury vehicles (GA–L). This premium rear-wheel drive platform, an extended version of the one used for the LC 500 coupe, promises a more dynamic experience on the road while improving comfort.

“We set previously unheard of targets and resolutely pushed ahead towards these ambitious goals,” said LS chief engineer, Asahi. “The customers who are going to want to own a Lexus flagship are already surrounded by luxury on a daily basis, people who have a sharp eye for authenticity to begin with. We wouldn’t turn their heads with a conventional premium product.”

To enhance centre of gravity height and weight distribution, the new LS has a wide and low design.

The GA-L platform is the stiffest in Lexus history, setting the stage for enhanced handling, ride smoothness and cabin quietness. The 123-inch wheelbase is 1.3-inch longer than the current LS long-wheelbase model.

Helping to provide the uncanny ride and handling balance in the new LS is the latest generation of a chassis control technology known as Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM). This system implements cooperative control of all vehicle subsystems – braking, steering, powertrain, and suspension – to control basic longitudinal, lateral and vertical motion as well as yaw, roll and pitch.

Optimal control of these motions helps to enable exceptional ride comfort, enhanced traction and safety and handling agility.

Handling can be further enhanced by active stabiliser bars and the Lexus Dynamic Handling (LDH) System with independent front and rear steering. VDIM is capable of aiding stability when the car is traversing split-friction surfaces, such as dry pavement and ice.

In creating the new LS, engineers used lightweight materials including ultra-high tensile steel sheet and aluminum to carve over 90kg from the current LS platform and body. These savings, along with the implementation of the new V6 engine and enhanced body rigidity, allow for a more dynamic driving experience.

Critical to its driving performance, the new platform lowers the car’s centre of gravity by placing most of the mass, including the engine and the occupants, in a position more centralised and lower in the chassis. Special braces in the engine compartment, stiff aluminum front and rear suspension towers, and other features help bolster the strength of key chassis structures.

Lexus tuned the LS exhaust to convey a more authoritative tone, yet also designed the cabin to ensure utterly quiet cruising. New sound suppression methods further hush the environment compared to previous LS models. Active Noise Control quiets the cabin even more by detecting the sound of the engine coming into the vehicle and cancelling certain frequencies using antiphase sound from the audio speakers.

The serenity of the LS cabin provides an ideal stage for the standard premium audio system or the audiophile-worthy available 3D surround Mark Levinson audio package with in-ceiling array speakers. The package features a more inviting graphic user interface.

Its next-generation remote touch is designed to mimic smartphone operation, also supporting handwritten input. In addition to its 12.3-inch wide navigation display, the LS can incorporate an optional 24-inch colour heads-up display (HUD)—the largest in the world—that projects a variety of information onto the driver’s forward view.

Lexus designers gave the new LS a stretched, ground-hugging appearance. Compared to the current LS, the new model is about 1.5cm lower, while the bonnet and boot are 5cm and 4cm lower, respectively.

The new LS is the first Lexus sedan with a six- side window design. Also a first for a Lexus sedan, the flush-surface windows smoothly integrate with the side pillar.

New seating designs, including available 28-way power front seats that feature heating, cooling and massage, exemplify this approach. The organically shaped dash design clusters information displays at uniform height to support the “seat-in-control” layout that emphasises the driver’s ability to operate all systems without the need to change posture.

Lighting and attention to detail express a unique aesthetic in the LS. A new approach to creating trim elements again turned to Japanese culture, combining traditional Japanese aesthetic with advanced manufacturing techniques. This is reflected in signature touches, such as beautiful interior ambient lighting inspired by Japanese lanterns and armrests that appear to float next to the door panel.

Structurally, the all-new LS offers a high degree of passive safety for occupant protection in collisions. Lexus has also equipped the LS with technologies that can possibly help prevent crashes from occurring or mitigate their effects.

The LS will feature the brand’s Lexus Safety System + and offer the Advanced Safety Package, which features the world’s first system with Intuitive Pedestrian Detection with Active Steering within the lane.

With this system, if a pedestrian is detected in the lane ahead and a collision is imminent, the LS is designed to automatically brake and potentially steer around the person while staying in the lane. The available colour HUD is used in alerting the driver.


Clean energy innovation slowing, report warns

                MUNICH: A joint report by the European Patent Office and the International Energy Agency found that found that the average annual growth rate of patents for low carbon emissions technologies has fallen to 3.3 percent since 2017, considerably slower than the average level of 12.5 percent in the period 2000-2013.

At the climate summit last week in Washington, many nations reiterated pledges to reach net-zero carbon emissions by mid-century or soon thereafter.

However, the EPO-IEA report "Patents and the energy transition" found that around 35 percent of the cumulative CO2 emissions reductions needed to shift to a sustainable path to reach net-zero emissions by 2070 are still currently at the prototype or demonstration phase.

It said that "the energy sector will only reach net-zero emissions if there is a significant and concerted global push to accelerate innovation."

The report found that energy efficiency and fuel-switching technologies remained at the top of patent activities, accounting for about 60 percent of the total.

Patent activity in renewable energy technologies such as wind and solar has been in decline for nearly a decade however, and represented just 17 percent of the total in 2019, it found.

The key driver of patent growth since 2017 has been innovation in cross-cutting technologies such as batteries, hydrogen and smart grids, along with carbon-capture, use and storage (CCUS).

The report said these enabling technologies of energy transition increased from 27 percent of patent applications in the sector in 2000 to 34 percent in 2019.

"Electric vehicles are driving the dominance of end-use technologies in low-carbon energy patenting," it said.

While China has taken the top position for international patent applications and has been an early adopter of electric vehicles, the report found it is lagging in low emissions innovation.

Europe came in top with 28 percent of total patent filings in that sector, followed by Japan at 25 percent, and the United States at 20 percent.

South Korea followed with 10 percent and China accounted for eight percent.


Indonesia extends luxury tax break on cars with smaller engines

A 2017 photo of a traffic jam in Jakarta. Gaikindo reported that Indonesia’s domestic car sales sank by almost half in 2020 compared with the previous year. — AFP
JAKARTA: Indonesia has extended relief from a luxury tax on automotive sales for cars with smaller engines, in an attempt to boost demand amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The government will continue to fully bear the tax on sales of new cars with engine capacity of as much as 1,500cc until August, according to Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita.

It will then cover half of the tax for new purchases made from September to December, he said in a statement today.

President Joko Widodo’s administration announced the incentive in February to support the automotive sector and related industries, which contribute around 700 trillion rupiah (RM203bil) to Indonesia’s annual gross domestic product and employ more than 1.5 million people.

Under the original incentive plan, the government would bear 100% of the tax payment from March until May, then 50% from June to August and 25% from September to November.

In March, the government said it would also pay some of the luxury tax on vehicles with engine capacity between 1,500cc and 2,500cc., according to a statement.

Indonesia’s domestic car sales sank by almost half in 2020 compared with the previous year, according to data from Indonesia’s Automotive Industry Association, known as Gaikindo.

The decline was driven by reduced consumer demand, as well as factories being shut due to movement restrictions introduced to battle Covid-19.

Sales volume jumped after the policies were put in place, with sales in March rising 73% month-on-month, Gaikindo data showed.


Hyundai Ioniq hybrid launched from RM104K

                PETALING JAYA: Hyundai Sime Darby Malaysia has unveiled its locally-assembled Ioniq Hybrid in two variants - the HEV and HEV Plus that's been priced on-the-road with insurance at RM103,390 and RM114,166 respectively.

With seven colours of Phantom Black, Polar White, Platinum Silver, Aurora Silver, Iron Grey, Marina Blue and Phoenix Orange (applicable for HEV Plus) for choice, the 4,470mm-long hybrid from South Korea has a 2,700mm wheelbase and stands at 1,450mm-tall and 1,820mm-wide.

As standard, the IONIQ HEV is equipped with 45-litre fuel tank for its 1.6-litre (1,580cc) Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) Kappa engine, providing 104hp and 147Nm of torque and is mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission that relays power to the front wheels.

Supplementing the engine is a 32kW electric motor producing 43.5PS and 170Nm of torque, which is fed by a 1.56kWh lithium-ion polymer battery with a power output of 42kW, to elevate the IONIQ's performance to 139hp and 265Nm of torque.

The 1,370kg Korean hybrid uses a combination of high-tensile steel (53%) for its main structure and aluminium for its hood and tailgate to help it achieve a 0.24 drag coefficient, while rolling on 17-inch wheels with 225/45 series tyres and sporting a 750-litre boot.

A set of 15-inch (front) and 14-inch (rear) disc brakes takes care of bleeding speed, while the front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link suspension takes point on ride and handling.

The IONIQ is touted to have damping in the floor panels as well as enhanced A and B pillar fillings, thicker window glass and noise cancelling film on the windshield to help provide a quiet and comfortable ride.

The entry-level HEV is characterised by its black glossy hexagonal grille, halogen projector headlamps, LED daytime running lights, bulb-type rear combination lights, chrome door handles, and electric-folding external mirrors.

Inside, the cabin features manual fabric seats, dual-zone climate controls, a 4.2-inch TFT LCD supervision cluster, a 5.0-inch LCD audio system with reverse camera, steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth handsfree connectivity, AUX and USB ports.

Other conveniences include keyless entry with push-start button, automatic headlights, a tyre-pressure monitoring system and automatic cruise control system,

As for safety, there's seven airbags, anti-lock braking system, brake assist, hill-start assist, electronic stability control and vehicle stability management.

Opting for the range-topping HEV Plus means a chrome finish for the front grille, HID  Bi-Xenon headlamps, adds LED positioning lamps and LED rear combination lights.

The cabin sees leather for the seats and steering wheel as well as an eight-way powered driver's seat with two-way lumbar support, 7.0-inch high definition TFT LCD digital cluster, electrochromic rear-view mirror and a 7.0-inch LCD audio system with all the standard goodies.

The list of conveniences are further bolstered by the addition of wireless charging, blind spot detection, lane keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking, smart cruise control and automatic wipers.

In conjunction with the launch of the new IONIQ, HSDM also introduced its Care Plus Programme which consists of five elements:

> Five-year or 300,000km (whichever comes first) vehicle warranty.
> Eight years unlimited mileage warranty for the battery and a battery price below RM10,000 for the following 8 years should the battery needs replacement.
> Three years or 60,000km (whichever comes first) of free service that includes parts, labour and engine oil.
> Three years Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP) Insurance - Should the car be declared as total loss within the three years of ownership due to any untoward incident, customers will be reimbursed fully (100% of the value of the car).
> Interest rate as low as 2.28% based on the reducing balance calculation.

"Hyundai Motor Company has a proven capability in electrified powertrains with their pioneering fuel cell electric vehicle and several hybrid and plug-in hybrid models sold around the world. Therefore, HSDM is confident that the Ioniq will be well accepted in Malaysia," said HSDM managing director Lau Yit Mun.

Hyundai-Ioniq_Malaysia-specs-2016.pdf
Alternative Hyundai Ioniq specs linkHyundai Ioniq HEV Plus

Hyundai Ioniq HEV


Chip crunch will last through 2022, warns Toyota supplier

                TOKYO: Japan’s Rohm Co. says that vital semiconductors for automobiles and industrial machinery will likely remain in short supply at least throughout next year, adding to ominous warnings about further fallout from the global chip crisis.

The Kyoto-based chipmaker, whose customers include Toyota Motor Corp., Ford Motor Co. and Honda Motor Co., has been hampered by a severe shortage of key materials as well as full production lines, said chief executive officer Isao Matsumoto.

The company started beefing up its capacity last September and plans to spend another 70 billion yen ($636 million) in the current fiscal year, but the full contribution from such investments won’t be seen immediately because production machinery is taking longer to arrive, he added.

"All of our production facilities have been running at their full capacity since September last year, but orders from customers are overwhelming,” Matsumoto said in an interview this week. "I don’t think we can fulfill all the backlog of orders next year.”

It joins peers like Infineon Technologies AG in warning that supply chain struggles are likely to persist for far longer than previously anticipated.

Chip delivery times have already surpassed 20 weeks, as the Covid-19 delta variant complicates efforts to resume normal operations from Japan to Southeast Asia.

Material and component shortages, compounded by jammed trains, ships and planes, have forced global automakers from Toyota to Volkswagen AG to cut or suspend production in recent weeks.

The Japanese car giant said last week it would temporarily halt production at 14 plants.

Founded more than 60 years ago, Rohm has become an integral part of the automotive supply chain as carmakers add more electronics and semiconductors to vehicles. The Japanese manufacturer’s automotive solutions include devices used for power management, air conditioning, lighting and entertainment.

The most severe bottleneck is a lack of materials like those required to make leadframes -- the metal structure inside a semiconductor unit that communicate signals with the outside of the package.

"Offers to hike prices won’t do a job at all anymore because our suppliers just don’t have a unit of stock at hand,” Matsumoto said.

"Even for the ones we reserved, the pace of arrival at our site isn’t living up to our expectations.”

The shortages may benefit the bottom line.

"Rohm’s operating profit margin may widen as its planned capacity expansion could bode well for sales and profit growth as well as overseas market share gains amid looming global chip shortages,” Bloomberg Intelligence Masahiro Wakasugi and Ian Ma wrote in a research note this month.

Still, some analysts warn a sudden drop in demand may eventually follow, as beefed-up production lines start contributing to capacity and customers finish securing enough inventories.

"The current crunch is stemming from suppliers’ lack of output and makers trying to buy more components than what they need due to concerns,” said Morningstar’s head of equity research Kazunori Ito. "Both should go away in 2023 or so.”

The current supply shortage means Rohm has had to put on hold a previously outlined multi-year plan to outsource a part of its chip production process to foundries overseas.

The arrangement - especially for chips that require cutting-edge technology - was intended to serve as part of its business continuity plans given the increasing frequency of natural disasters in Japan.

"Our plan to increase the quantity of chips we ask others to make on our behalf hasn’t changed, but these foundries have no such capacity right now, and next year looks very tight as well,” Matsumoto said.

"Maybe we can resume it from a year after next, albeit gradually.”

Rohm this year received two sets of government subsidies to strengthen its production in Japan and Malaysia. But to support semiconductor makers and their subsidiaries further, Matsumoto said his home country’s government can offer more benefits including tax incentives and lowering the cost of renewable energies, given rising customer demand for a carbon-neutral production process.

"How much renewable energy we should use in Japan is a big challenge, as we consume a lot of electricity and the cost of such energy here is very expensive,” he said.

"That could become a problem for us when it comes to beefing up our domestic production capacity, and relocating these production lines outside of Japan could become an inevitable option for us to think about.”


Coming soon: McLaren 600LT in Stealth Grey by MSO

                LONDON: The show-stopping "McLaren 600LT in Stealth Grey by MSO" produced by bespoke division, McLaren Special Operations, is set to have its global reveal at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California, come Sunday.

McLaren 600LT pricing starts at US$240,000. To re-create the "McLaren 600LT in Stealth Grey by MSO" would cost US$363,500.

Finished in a Stealth Grey MSO Bespoke paint, this unique car features a wide selection of upgrades from both the MSO Defined catalogue of options and MSO Bespoke customer choices, giving a preview of how much personalisation can be incorporated into McLaren’s lightest, most powerful road-legal Sports Series car.

Introduced in July at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the McLaren 600LT highlighted the McLaren philosophy of producing lightweight sportscars and supercars that deliver extreme performance and high driver engagement. Featuring the unique LT top-exit exhaust, the car delivers 592bhp and can sprint to 100kph in just 2.8 seconds on its way to a maximum speed of 328kph.

The exterior of the car is distinguished by a Stealth Grey Bespoke paint finish with a Matt Black and McLaren Orange Exterior Pack to accent the car’s aerodynamic features.

The iconic Visual Carbon Fibre Roof Scoop, inspired by the legendary McLaren F1 Longtail, is a key MSO Bespoke addition and operates as a fully functional air intake system that invigorates the driving experience with its active air induction sound. A track telemetry camera is integrated into the scoop cover to record inspirational moments.

Other MSO Defined options on the car include all three Carbon Fibre Upgrade packs available for the 600LT, which include door mirrors, exterior door inserts front splitter, rear bumper, diffuser, and rear deck and service cover. An MSO Defined Carbon Fibre Roof and Cantrails, plus Carbon Fibre Front Fender Louvres– which help further reduce weight, are also fitted. Ultra-Lightweight 10-spoke forged alloy wheels with a gloss black finish complete the overall "Stealth" look.

Inside, the occupants are reminded of the 600LT’s track-focused heritage with a myriad of MSO touches including Super-Lightweight Carbon Fibre Racing Seats – taken straight from the McLaren Senna –featuring a McLaren Orange contrast stitch to mirror the exterior striping, a Carbon Fibre Interior Upgrade Pack including central tunnel and door insert panels, and the harness bar and 6-point harnesses from the MSO Clubsport Pro Pack.

The interior’s character is further transformed by the presence of the visual carbon fibre roof scoop cover incorporated into the headliner and the twin visual carbon fibre intake hoses for the scoop that are seamlessly integrated into the 600LT’s cabin design.

Adding a touch of extra luxury is the upgraded 12-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Audio System for enjoying those drives to the track, while beautiful detail touches that complete the picture include Bespoke Embroidery in the headrests, the discrete etching of "600LT" on the throttle pedal and a Bespoke set of hand-painted keys that unlock the passport to 600LT adventures.

“MSO Bespoke was established to help customers realise their dreams and allows an almost limitless level of customisation where imagination is the only restrictive factor," said McLaren Special Operations managing director Ansar Ali.

"With MSO Defined, we offer a range of personalisation beyond the standard factory options. For this special 600LT, we have combined a sprinkling of both to create a car that showcases the lightness and track-focused performance of this latest Longtail variant.”


F1 team and British university fast-track new breathing aid in virus battle

                LONDON: Engineers from a Mercedes Formula 1 team and University College London have helped to develop a new breathing aid for coronavirus patients.

Put together by a group from Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains, University College London Hospitals and University College London, the devices will cut the need for invasive mechanical ventilation among patients, according to a statement from UCL. The aid has been approved for use in the British National Health Service.

"These devices will help to save lives by ensuring that ventilators, a limited resource, are used only for the most severely ill,” said Mervyn Singer, a critical care consultant at UCLH.

The British team took an off-patent device and improved it to create a model suitable for mass production, according to Tim Baker of UCL. "We were able to reduce a process that could take years down to a matter of days,” he said.

 Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains is based in Brixworth, Northamptonshire. A team of over 500 people are responsible for the complete design, manufacture and testing of Formula 1 engines for their works team Mercedes-AMG Petronas as well as for Racing Point and Williams.

Known as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, such devices have been used extensively in hospitals in China and Italy to help coronavirus patients with serious lung infections to breathe more easily when oxygen alone is insufficient.

Britain, like many other countries, is struggling with a shortage of life-saving ventilators as the deadly virus spreads. British manufacturers have warned they might need months to respond to the government’s call to ramp up production.

The NHS has less than a third of the ventilators it needs. The makers of the new device said 100 instruments will be delivered to UCLH for clinical trials, with plans for a rapid roll-out to hospitals.


Porsche Taycan Turbo S hits 165kph indoors

                NEW ORLEANS: Even when circumstances mean that being indoors is the safe and, at times, unexciting option, racer Leh Keen recently found a way to make being indoors considerably less boring.

There’s a Guinness World Records title for the fastest speed by a vehicle indoors – and, until recently, it stood at 140kph.

It has now been elevated to 165kph by Leh.

The rules – strictly enforced by Guinness World Records - are daunting. Leh had to start his record attempt and finish it at a standstill, all within the space of the building – there could be no run up, no safety net and no doors open and therefore no escape route. For good reasons, therefore, the record has stood for seven years.

Nevertheless, Leh picked the all-electric Taycan Turbo S for the job.

It has 750hp and four wheel drive to maximise grip, powerful carbon ceramic brakes and the ability to accelerate to 100kph from a standstill in 2.8 seconds.

The venue was the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center here. At just over one million square feet, the convention centre boasts having the largest contiguous exhibit hall in the United States, ideal for the distance it provided.

However, like many other indoor facilities, the polished concrete surface replicated ice when being driven over at speed.

“I didn’t really appreciate the scale of the record attempt until my first exploratory run. The surface is so unpredictable, so slick, that you have to have complete trust in your car," said Leh.

"It truly was like ice – and you’re accelerating flat out, facing a really hard wall at the end. Suddenly, even in a massive space like the one we had, it seems very small,” said Leh after his record attempt.

“I could feel the Taycan’s systems figuring it out, working so hard to keep me heading straight – it was such an impressive feat. To accelerate so hard on such an erratic surface was incredible. Not for a moment did I doubt I could do it.”

Leh’s strategy was to build up slowly, with low speed exploratory runs.

The stock street tyres were preheated as a precaution. And, when it came to the record attempt, one run was all it took.

“I did take a moment on the starting line – knowing I was going to have to go as fast as I could, and stop again, all before reaching the wall I was facing. It got my attention. I used the car’s launch control and the Taycan just hooked up – the sensation of speed indoors, even in such a big space, is enormous – that wall rushed up fast.

"I was gentle on the brakes in the end – the Taycan’s brakes were more than up to the job. Of course, I didn’t look down at my speed so it came as a surprise and a relief that I’d beaten the record, and by such a margin. It was a rush! I’m thankful for Porsche for trusting my abilities and for their preparations and encouragement – 102mph (165kph) inside a building. What was I thinking?”


Bugatti has built 400th Chiron, 100 more to go

                PARIS: Bugatti has produced the 400th example of the Chiron, with 100 left to be made.

That is an important milestone. The assembly took two months to complete by 20 skilled craftsmen, putting together around 1,800 components into the car.

Production of the Chiron was capped at 500 when the car was launched in 2016.

For the 400th – a Chiron Super Sport – a bare carbon fibre body, tinted dark green had been chosen by its owner.

The complex dark green tinted body is paired with Super Sport Magnesium Wheels – lightweight and extremely strong – and an engine cover finished in a subtle “Nocturne” shade, while touches of “Fierce”, which blends seamlessly with the tinted carbon fibre panels, are used on several of the exterior details, such as the Bugatti Horse Shoe grille, and EB Logo Wheel Caps.

Inside, this customer has opted for a full leather upholstery combination split of “Green” and “Beluga Black” for the seats.

Elsewhere, “Beluga Black” dominates the interior, subtly highlighted with touches like the bare carbon fibre steering wheel top and bottom and the “Black Anodised” interior trim parts; an elegant finish that belies its complex method of creation.

The customer had also specified an optional Sky View roof to be installed.

The Chiron Super Sport is powered by an 8.0-litre W16 engine, developing 1,176 kW/1,600 PS – 100 PS more than the original Chiron of 2016 – thanks to a significant reengineering with upgrades like an enlarged quartet of turbochargers.

Maximum engine speed increases to 7,100 rpm with maximum torque of 1,600 Nm available between 2,000 and 7,000 rpm. Combined with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission’s controlled shifting, the Chiron Super Sport is capable of accelerating to 300kph in 12.1 seconds, with a top speed of 440kph.

The production run of 500 cars won’t mark the end of the W16 engine. Two more models will crown this definitive era in the marque’s history.

On the road, the W16 Mistral will be the ultimate Bugatti roadster, while the track-only Bolide provides the purest experience of the W16 engine.


Daimler sells French Smart factory to Britain's Ineos

                PARIS: Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler has sold its Smart car factory in northeastern France to Britain's Ineos, which will use it to build a 4x4, a source close to factory management said today.

"The sale was signed on Monday evening," the source said, adding that the deal would preserve 1,300 of the 1,500 jobs at the site in Hambach.

Petrochemicals firm Ineos had initially said it planned to build the Grenadier off-roader, its first foray into the automotive industry, in Wales.

But this summer it said it was considering buying Daimler's plant at Hambach instead.

German auto giant Daimler caused surprise when it announced was putting the factory up for sale to try cut costs in the face of losses caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

It will continue production of an electric-drive Smart and part of a new electric Mercedes SUV at the site until 2024, the source in Hambach said.

The carmaker's departure from Hambach marks the end of an era that began with great fanfare in 1997, when then German chancellor Helmut Kohl and former French president Jacques Chirac inaugurated a plant to produce a mini two-seater city car.

The factory's communications director, Jean-Yves Schmitt, said both Daimler and Ineos would issue statements on the sale later today.


Automakers push to reopen plants with testing and lots of masks

Employees working on the production line of a new medical device called OxyGEN, a respirator to be sent to hospitals, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, at the SEAT car factory of Martorell, near Barcelona, earlier this month. — Reuters
MILAN/DETROIT: Global automakers reeling from the Covid-19 pandemic are accelerating efforts to restart factories from Wuhan to Maranello to Michigan, using safety protocols developed for China and US ventilator production operations launched in recent weeks.

Certain safety measures differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. Italian sports car maker Ferrari NV said on Wednesday it would offer voluntary blood tests to employees who wanted to know if they had been exposed to the virus.

General Motors Co’s head of workplace safety, Jim Glynn, told Reuters on Wednesday GM is not convinced blood tests are useful. But Glynn said GM has studied and adapted measures taken by Amazon.com Inc to protect warehouse workers, such as temperature screening to catch employees with fevers before they enter the workplace.

Auto manufacturers and suppliers are converging on a consensus that temperature screening, daily health questionnaires, assembly lines redesigned to keep workers 0.9 m to 1.8 m apart, and lots and lots of masks and gloves can enable large-scale factories to operate safely.

“We know the protocols to keep people safe,” Gerald Johnson, GM’s executive vice president for global manufacturing, said in an interview. GM has relaunched vehicle plants in China and kept factories running in South Korea, he said.

GM has not said when it will reopen assembly plants in the United States. Other automakers are putting dates out in public, even though health officials and federal and state policymakers are wary of lifting lockdowns too soon.

“You see vehicle manufacturers ... putting a stake in the ground,” said Brian Collie, head of Boston Consulting Group’s automotive practice. By setting a public date to restart production, they signal suppliers to get ready to ramp up, he said.

World turned upside down

The Covid-19 pandemic has thrown the global auto industry into the worst tailspin since the 2008-2009 financial crisis. Consumer demand for vehicles has collapsed as governments have enforced lockdowns in China, and then in Europe and the United States.

For the Detroit automakers and their suppliers, the shutdown of profitable truck and sport utility vehicle plants in North America has choked off cash flow.

In Europe, major automakers have said they hope to begin building vehicles again in mid-to-late April. In the United States, several big automakers, including Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV, Honda Motor Co Ltd and Toyota Motor Corp, are aiming to restart production during the first week of May.

Fiat Chrysler (FCA) and unions are discussing plans for beefed-up health measures at Italian plants to pave the way for production to restart as soon as the government eases a national lockdown due to expire on April 13, unions said on Wednesday.

Among the proposals from Fiat Chrysler’s Italian unions: move meals to the end of shifts, allowing employees to chose to avoid canteens, eat their food elsewhere and leave half an hour earlier without losing pay.

FCA did not comment on specific measures.

In the United States, some non-union automakers have also said they hope to restart vehicle plants as soon as next week.

Tyre maker Bridgestone said on Wednesday it plans to restart US production on April 13.

But the Trump administration has said people should continue to practice social distancing until April 30.

Ventilator assembly

For the Detroit automakers, the United Auto Workers union will play a key role in deciding when and how plants will restart.

UAW president Rory Gamble said in a statement on Wednesday the union is in “deep discussions with all three companies to plan ahead over the implementation of CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] safety standards and using all available technologies to protect all UAW members, their families and the public.”

Among the union’s concerns is that members who report being ill can take time away from work without penalty, Gamble added.

The UAW has supported GM and Ford Motor Co’s efforts to launch production of ventilators in US plants - operations that have allowed the companies and the union to road-test safety measures at small scale.

At GM’s ventilator assembly plant in Kokomo, Indiana, workers and managers have been fine-tuning details such as when employees are handed masks, and when they step in front of a temperature screening device.

At first, ventilator assemblers in training at Kokomo walked down a hall before getting a mask, said Debby Hollis, one of the UAW-represented workers. Last week, she said, “They met us at the door and had us get in the masks there.”

The time workers spend putting on extra protective gear, the time spent doing extra cleaning, and spreading workers out on assembly lines designed to have one vehicle roll off the end every 60 seconds could undercut productivity.

“If we can protect employees we can get work done,” said Johnson, the GM manufacturing chief. “The magnitude of the incremental cost is irrelevant. Costs will be managed.”


Naza Group CEO receives French award

                KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Samson Anand George, Group Chief Executive Officer of Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn Bhd was recently conferred the Ordre National du Mérite by the French government, underlining his contributions towards the French nation through the automotive industry.

The Ambassador of France to Malaysia, Frédéric Laplanche, conferred the distinguished award to George at a conferment ceremony held at the Residence of France here.

The French order established by Napoléon Bonaparte in 1802 and restored by decree in 1963 by President Charles de Gaulle, l’Ordre National du Mérite (the National Order of Merit) is awarded by the President of the French Republic and seeks to reward distinguished men and women for their civil or military achievements.

 George (left) shaking hands with Laplanche after receiving the National Order of Merit.

“I am truly humbled and honoured to be conferred the Ordre National du Mérite, a recognition by the government of the French Republic. Our association with France began with the Peugeot 206 CKD project in 2006 and this partnership has since culminated in a Joint Venture that both NAZA Group and Groupe PSA have forged to make Naza Automotive Manufacturing (NAM) in Gurun, Kedah its ASEAN manufacturing hub.

“We look forward to enhancing business opportunities and greater collaboration with French companies in the automotive industry,” said George.


Haval distributor Go Auto lubes up revenue stream

                SHAH ALAM: Haval distributor Go Auto has rolled out a fully synthetic engine oil that is touted to lubricate and protect petrol engines for up to 15,000km.

Go Auto said using the SAE 5W-40 SN oil would also lead to lower carbon monoxide emissions. The oil is now available at all Haval Malaysia service centres and retails at RM258 per pack.

“The oil reduces friction, resulting in quieter engines. It saves fuel as well as improve engine performance," said Go Auto chief executive officer Ahmad Azam Sulaiman, adding that Repsol formulated the oil, which is marketed under the Go Auto name.

At the ceremony, Go Auto also launched the Haval Club. “We have lined up several activities for our club members this year. They include a treasure hunt, giving food to the homeless and other programmes that will be announced soon,” said Ahmad Azam.

Go Auto sells the H1 and H2 compact SUVs in Malaysia. The H1 was previously known as M4.

 The H1.


Singapore Motor Show 2020: Peugeot 2008 GT Line makes its entrance

                SINGAPORE: Peugeot in Singapore has pulled the covers off its latest second-generation 2008 compact crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV).

Seen here in left-hand drive guise, the 2008 is built on the French carmaker's new Common Modular Platform and sports the GT Line badge which means it is powered by a 1.2-litre (1,199cc) turbocharged three-cylinder engine that sips from a 44-litre fuel tank.

Power has been rated at 155hp at 5,500rpm and 240Nm of torque from 1,750rpm - all of which gets managed by an eight-speed automatic for the front wheels, and can accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 8.2 seconds before topping out at 208kph.

The 2008 GT Line sits on 18-inch wheels with 215/55 Michelin Primacy 4 tyres that obscure the disc brakes from vision and subsequently hides the front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link suspension.

This five-door compact SUV has a 2,558mm wheelbase and dimensionally comes in at 4,118mm-long, 1,802mm-wide and 1,534mm-tall - giving it enough space for five and an expandable 434-litre boot when the rear seats are folded down.

Some notable fixtures and fittings include LEDs for the French carmaker's headlights, tri-Claw daytime running lights and rear light cluster while an i-Cockpit 3D instrument cluster, compact multi-function steering wheel and high-definition touchscreen are found within the driver-centric cabin with Black Diamond headliner and sunroof.


CarSifu Editors' Choice Awards 2016 in pictures

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia general manager Carsten Bauer with the award for Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 4MATIC AMG Line.
PETALING JAYA: Oct 6, 2016. This day will be remembered as the first time the CarSifu Editors’ Choice Awards was held.

It was off to an encouraging start with around 270 industry leaders and representatives attending the gala dinner at The Royale Chulan Damansara hotel here to witness who won what in 22 categories.

Present to honour the car brands and their winning models were Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Lee Chee Leong, Star Media Group (SMG) chief revenue officer Lim Bee Leng, SMG chairman Datuk Fu Ah Kiow and SMG chief operating officer Calvin Kan.

The night ended with the announcement that the Honda Civic 1.5 TC-P sedan won the Car of the Year award.

Take a look at what took place in pictures.

READ MORE: Honda Civic bags CarSifu's  'Car of the Year' title Bermaz head of development (CKD) Ricky Hiew (third from left) receiving the award for the CX-5 from Lee. With them are (from left) Lim, Fu and Kan. Naza Corporation Holdings group chief operating officer (Automotive Group) Datuk Samson Anand George posing with the trophy for the Kia Sorento 2.4 HS, which won the 'Most Well-Specced SUV/Crossover' award. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia general manager Carsten Bauer and team with the E-Class. Honda Malaysia president and chief operating officer Roslan Abdullah (middle) and his team are all smiles. The Civic 1.5 TC-P won the Car of the Year award as well as the Best Mid-Size Car category. The Nissan team led by Edaran Tan Chong Motor executive director Datuk Dr Ang Bon Beng celebrating the win for the IMPUL version of the X-Trail 2.5L. Cookie and Band entertaining guests. CarSifu editor Hong Boon How (left) and writer Thomas Huong (right) with Proton Edar marketing head Derick Tan and Proton head of media management and internal communications Juanita Johari. Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia senior vice president Hoffen Teh with award for Outlander 2.4 Petrol. Registration of guests in progress. CarSifu's Hong with the Toyota team. (From left): TC Subaru marketing manager Kong Wai Kee, TC Subaru deputy marketing general manager Karen Yip and TC Euro marketing manager Jocelyn Ong.


Are cars getting too smart for drivers?

                WHEN you look up the definition of the word “Luddite” in a dictionary or online, you will find that it means “a person opposed to industrialisation or new technology”. That is the modern definition.

The original Luddites were a group of artisans during the industrial revolution that feared inventions like the stocking frame, spinning frames and power looms would leave them unemployed. Hence, they... er... destroyed said machines with gusto.

Nowadays, we have the Neo-Luddites, whose abhorrence for all things modern range from personal decisions to forego new technology to groups that actively campaign and promote a “simpler way of life” for the betterment of humanity.

Sadly for them, the car companies and their technology partners are – apparently – not listening.

German multinational software giant SAP SE recent announced a pilot programme with both Volkswagen AG – whose stable of cars include marques like Audi, Lamborghini, Bugatti and, of course, Volkswagen – and oil and gas player Shell.

The trio are working together see how connected smart cars can interact with the world around them.

The ultimate aim is to lay the foundation for a range of services, as well as further collaborations for connected vehicles between the three and other interested parties.

In the announcement, SAP Products & Innovation executive board member Bernd Leukert said, “We believe the combination of simplicity, functionality and innovation is needed to create a seamless consumer experience.”

“No company alone can deliver such an end-to-end experience [and] our collaboration with Volkswagen and Shell is a great showcase for the power of collaboration and innovation within a networked economy to simplify daily complexity,” Leukert added.

Leukert’s optimism was echoed by Volkswagen’s Electronic and Electronic Development head Dr Volkmar Tanneberger: “The successful cross-industry pilot project demonstrates potential implementations of future mobility concepts and their utility and convenience for our customers.”

“Customer feedback on this pilot project is important to us as it helps us consider how to increase the use of mobility concepts in the future,” the good doctor said.

The two gentlemen are probably on to something, i.e. connected cars are the way of the future.

In fact, according to a survey undertaken by researchers Michael Sivak and Brandon Schoettle of the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, the bulk of 1,500 respondents from the US, Australia and Britain are all for connected cars. And most of them had never heard of a smart car.

Not only were the respondents of the survey very open to the idea, many felt that connected cars were likely to happen and that they would welcome such technologies in their cars today.

They would also be willing to pay for it. Of course, a large number wanted their personal communication devices synced to their rides and have internet connectivity to boot.

Looks like most of the 1,500 cannot exist for a few moments without their beloved social media platforms of choice.

The aforementioned cases are, for the most part, academic/corporate studies.

Out there in the real world, are we really ready for smart cars or does the Luddite in the majority of us still feel the odd twinge of fear at the idea of connected cars?

AutoTrader.com recently revealed the findings of a survey that it got Harris Poll to conduct.

The auto news portal was looking to find out, among car buyers in the US, as to how vehicle technology impacts the decision that a car buyer makes.

What this maiden survey discovered was that the more than 1,000 respondents surveyed indicated that, when it came to technology, car makers could not count on brand loyalty to hold on to their customers.

In fact, 56% of the respondents said that they would be willing to switch marques if their current automaker does not come out with a model filled with the right gee-whiz flash bangs that they require.

And, pray tell, what do Americans want in a tech-laden car?

Well, according to the AutoTrader.com survey, 84% chose safety features like blind spot detection and back-up cameras over infotainment and six-in-10 were all for autonomous safety features like parking assist and collision avoidance add-ons.

AutoTrader.com senior analyst Michelle Krebs said: “We live in a world now where nailing the basics – great ride and handling, reliability, compelling design – are not enough to compensate for a lack of the latest safety and infotainment features.”

“The brands who can give consumers the technologies they want in a package that is cost effective and easy-to-use will be winners on sales day,” she said.

However, the survey also indicated that, if a car’s technology was perceived to be too difficult to use, i.e. if buyers cannot wrap their heads around it within 15 minutes of getting into the driver’s seat, almost half of the respondents would walk away from such a car.

This viewpoint was shared by a similar study, the JD Power US Sales Satisfaction index, which found that car makers that loaded up their cars with the best tech and took the most steps to teach their customers how to use the, stood the best chance of snagging sales. Those who did not...

Well, let us give you an example of such customers who were probably not given the proper run-through in a vehicle laden with tech gadgets and paraphernalia... like the ones being driven by the police.

In a joint research undertaken by Minnesota Public Radio News and TV station KARE-TV, the police discovered that 61 squad car crashes over four years were caused by a policeman who was distracted by gadgets like a computer, mobile phone or radio.

While this number is far higher than the 17,000 distracted driving crashes in Minnesota during the same period, former Los Angeles County deputy turned Washington State University Professor Bryan Vila told the researchers that too much tech was making things difficult for the average police officer

“Every gadget that we are stuffing in the car puts demands on the human being that human beings cannot do,” Vila said.

Vila’s sentiment is shared by Brooklyn Park Deputy Police Chief Mark Bruley, who said that his department has to train its officers not to take their eyes off the road for more than two seconds.

Each officer, Bruley said, also has to undertake a course to test their ability to handle the routines required in a modern police car.

This is on top of actually driving a high-powered cruiser, either on cruise mode or when screaming down the motorway in pursuit of a suspected criminal.

Now, if the police are having troubles trying to figure out how to use so much tech while still driving a car, can you blame the Luddites for wanting to go back to the basics and seek a non-connected car?


China's Wuhan offers consumer incentives to support local auto, appliance industries

A man walking near a bridge of Yangtze river in Wuhan. Local authorities will offer from RM3,000 to RM6,000 in subsidies to residents who buy locally made cars. — Reuters
BEIJING: China’s Wuhan has rolled out consumer subsidies to support local auto and home appliance companies as the city in which the coronavirus first emerged tries to revive its economy after months of heavy lockdowns.

Wuhan authorities will offer 10,000 yuan (RM6,127) subsidies to residents who buy locally made electric vehicles, according to a text message sent by city government to citizens today. A petrol-fuelled car would attract a subsidy of up to 5,000 yuan (RM3,064).

Customers who buy Wuhan-made air-conditioners, water heaters or refrigerators will also receive subsidies. The subsidies are valid until the end of this year, the message, which was seen by Reuters, said.

Reuters reported on Monday Wuhan was considering supporting local automaker Dongfeng Motor Corp.

Wuhan produced 1.5 million vehicles last year and the city is also home to plants owned by Dongfeng Motor Group’s joint ventures with Honda Motor and Peugeot SA, and General Motors’ tie-up with SAIC Motor.

The city of 11 million underwent a 76-day lockdown and accounted for over 80% of China’s more than 4,600 deaths from the virus, and suffered a 40.5% slump in first quarter gross domestic product from a year earlier.


Shell, Singapore university to work on RM14mil decarbonisation study

                SINGAPORE:  Royal Dutch Shell  said on Friday it will be working with a university in Singapore in a research project worth S$4.6 million (RM14.3mil)  over three years to convert carbon dioxide to fuels and petrochemicals.

Researchers from Shell and the National University of Singapore (NUS) will develop processes to produce ethanol and n-propanol from carbon dioxide, a byproduct from industrial processes, the two organisations said in separate statements on their websites.

Ethanol and n-propanol can be blended with gasoline to produce cleaner burning fuels or further be dehydrated to produce ethylene and propylene, basic building blocks for plastics, they said.

Current methods of converting carbon dioxide to fuels and chemicals are unable to produce the desired types of chemicals with yields that can meet industrial needs, NUS said.

The university said Shell will contribute its expertise towards scaling up catalysts and processes developed by the NUS team.


Auto players hopeful of recovery for rest of 2021

                PETALING JAYA: The massive losses that the auto industry is suffering has come as a surprise to some. Early this week, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) had put the estimated total losses for June and July 2021 for the industry to be over a whopping RM14bil.

It said this was largely based on the loss of sales of new vehicles in the domestic market.

Industry players say the figure is correct considering how badly their businesses have been hurt in the last two-and-a-half months.

The operations of vehicle production plants, distributions and sales centres, especially in the Klang Valley, have halted since June 1, 2021. This was before the government’s economic relaxation measures allowed their re-opening from Aug 16.

MAA even said that the loss figure of RM14bil did not include revenue from exports of vehicles and components, and sales of spare parts locally.

The association had based its estimate using data from the Statistics Department, and arrived at an average total sales of RM12bil per month for both new and used motor vehicles, excluding motorcycles.

After assuming that 60% of the sales were from new vehicles, the sales losses of new vehicles for June and July 2021 were estimated at RM14.4bil.

MAA president Datuk Aishah Ahmad tells StarBizWeek that automotive companies have been cutting costs since the first movement control order (MCO) in March 2020.

“The automotive franchise holders would not shutter their doors but car dealers who have high operating costs and cashflow issues may shut down,” she says.

In July, the MAA had cut its 2021 total industry volume (TIV) forecast by 12.3% to 500,000 units from 570,000 units earlier due to disruptions caused by movement restrictions.

Aishah says had the automotive sector shutdown continued, the association would revise downwards its forecast for this year’s TIV.

“But now that the sector can operate again, we will still stick to the TIV forecast of 500,000 units. The sales and service tax (SST) exemption – 100% for new locally assembled cars and 50% for imported cars – till year-end helps because the orders are good,” she says.

Meanwhile, a Honda Malaysia spokesperson says the company suffered a 52% year-on-year drop in car sales for May to July 2021.

“The supply chain and export of parts are also affected during this period,” the spokeperson says, adding the company is adhering to SOPs in restarting car production at its Melaka plant, and “hopes to get back the momentum as soon as possible to fulfill the customers’ demand.”

“We are optimistic that Malaysians will be able to achieve herd immunity soon with the ongoing vaccination programme,” says the spokeperson, adding that the SST holiday till year-end should boost the automotive industry.

As for the Naza group, its automotive group CEO Datuk Nik Hamdam Nik Hassan notes that due to the shutdown, sales for its automotive business in July dropped by about 70%.

Besides the Mercedes-Benz marque, the Naza group is the franchise holder for luxury marques like Ferrari and Maserati, and Ducati motorcycles.

Nik Hamdam says the group had taken many initiatives since last year to withstand the business volatility caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, such as embarking on a digitisation programme.

“Buying and selling can be done online these days. Even during the lockdown, our employees are still able to engage with customers remotely and virtually. However, this is only limited to certain services as customers still prefer to visit a showroom for the touch and feel experience.”

He adds that the group is experimenting with a digital platform to offer vehicle servicing for the convenience of its customers.

Nik Hamdam says he hopes government agencies can do more in assisting automotive players on issues such as registration of cars “which were almost impossible during the lockdown due to physical contact limitation.”

Regarding vehicle sales for the rest of 2021, he believes there is healthy demand for certain segments of the market.

“When there’s an improvement in the economy, hopefully to be driven by high vaccination rates, we can expect new launches to be announced. We definitely want to take advantage of the tax holiday till year-end.”

However, Nik Hamdam says that benefits for automotive players from the tax holiday may be diluted due to factors such as high commodity prices and the global chip shortage.

As for Mazda vehicles distributor Bermaz Auto Bhd, a group spokesperson says there are now constraints in supply of CKD (completely-knocked-down) parts, compounded by the shortage of critical electronic parts and chips.

“The sales tax holiday helps to attract customers and hopefully, we can meet the delivery schedules before the year-end,” says the spokeperson, noting that there would be an initial delay in fulfilling deliveries in the short term as during the lockdown, assembly plants and supporting part manufacturing vendors were shut down.

While Bermaz Auto is unlikely to launch new models this year, it may introduce upgraded models.

Meanwhile, a Proton spokesperson says the national automaker is optimistic of the market mounting a strong recovery for the remainder of the year although the shutdown had affected its ability to meet its targets for 2021.

The spokesperson points out that during the lockdown, Proton had launched three new models namely the X70 SE, and the 2022 Proton Iriz and Persona.

“The response to these models has been very encouraging with a number of online bookings placed. Thanks to our Public-Private Partnership Industrial Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (Pikas) vaccination programme, Proton’s car factories will soon be ready to run – so we are hopeful of being able to start deliveries as soon as possible,” he says.

However, the spokesperson adds that there may be some vehicle production constraints due to the global chip shortage and the ability of vendors to get fully up to speed again.

“Car sales should post a strong recovery in the remaining months of the year. However, the final volume will depend on a number of factors including consumer confidence and the liquidity of the market.”

He says that Proton had not taken cost-reduction measures such as pay cuts or retrench workers.

“Having experienced lockdowns in 2020, the disruption caused in 2021 has been minimal. Our plans to manage operations during a lockdown were already in place. While manufacturing activities were suspended, we used the time to perform maintenance tasks and to re-look at our operations flows to ensure they are protected from the risk of infection,” says the Proton spokesperson.

As for Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, its vice-president of sales and marketing (passenger cars) Michael Jopp say showrooms have resumed operation and “this will help us claw back the lost sales from the past two months.”

Jopp adds that the company is confident it can keep up with existing and new customer orders, as its Pekan plant is now operational, though at limited capacity in accordance to the SOPs.

Jopp points out that during the lockdown, the company’s virtual showroom had played a vital role in sales as customers connect with dealers for their sales needs.

“Our dealers have stock and continued to operate and work remotely to attend to our customer’s needs,” he says.

Jopp also notes that the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and Puspakom were operational though at limited capacity, which allowed new car registrations to be processed.

“The workforce at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia remains strong with no cost reduction measures. However due to the lockdown, some future model launches will be delayed,” he says, adding that the company had recently launched the E-Class facelift and E-Class Coupe despite the lockdown.

Regarding the global chip shortage, Jopp says: “There are delays in vehicle delivery with all customer groups. The handovers to the customers are strongly depending on the individual equipment and the short-term availability of parts.”

He explains that the company is talking with affected customers regarding individual mobility solutions.

“In some markets, this includes, for example, the possibility that customers can choose the originally agreed delivery date of their vehicle with the associated functional restrictions or adequate alternative mobility solutions. The functions will be retrofitted as soon as the corresponding components are available again,” says Jopp.

Meanwhile, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd president Ravindran K. says the company has an encouraging order bank of bookings for various models, and is responding quickly to the resumption of operations to ensure minimal impact to its business and customers.

Regarding the global chip shortage, Ravindran says: “As of now, there is no foreseeable impact to our business.”


Toll charges on SUKE highway starts from Oct 15

                KUALA LUMPUR: Motorists using the Sungai Besi-Ulu Kelang Elevated Expressway (SUKE) will have to start paying toll charges from 12.01am on Oct 15.

Projek Lintasan Kota Holdings Sdn Bhd (Prolintas) said in a statement that the toll collection involved the phase one alignment from the Cheras-Kajang intersection to the Bukit Antarabangsa intersection that has been open to users since Sept 16.

Fees will be charged to users passing through Bukit Teratai Toll Plaza and Ampang Toll Plaza, with toll rates according to the vehicle class, namely cars (RM2.30), lorries (RM4.60), trailers (RM6.90), taxis (RM1.20) and buses (RM2.30).

Toll collection will be fully electronic using Touch 'N Go, SmartTAG and RFID cards.

"The SUKE operations department will constantly monitor the smoothness of the toll collection system at both toll plazas, in addition to stationing staff at the toll lanes in both directions of the highway, especially during peak hours to help users who face difficulty," it said.


Toyota rallies into hot hatch market

                TOKYO: At this year's Geneva motor show, Toyota is promising to take the wraps off a World Rally-inspired hot hatchback version of its usually sensible Yaris city car.

And one of the stars of its stand is set to be a very hot, rally-inspired version of its compact city car, the Yaris - a vehicle that until now was known for practicality, not power.

But that's about to change with the first genuinely hot hatch Yaris from the Japanese carmaker. Toyota won't reveal the car's complete set of vital statistics until March but it has confirmed that the car is inspired by the World Rally Championship (WRC) Yaris which is set to compete in this year's competition and that the road-going car will come with over 210hp and exclusively in three-door form.

READ MORE: New Toyota Camry to go racing at 2017 Nascar

Competition within the hot hatch market is at its most intense since the 1980s and the new Yaris will have to be able to keep up with the established Ford Fiesta ST, Volkswagen Polo GTi and any number of Abarth-tuned Fiat 500 models.

What's more, Hyundai is also tipped to launch a genuine compact hot hatch in 2017. But if the company's horsepower rating is accurate, it should be able to hold its own.

There's also the fact that Toyota never sets foot in a new market unless it's certain it can perform, whether it's high-end luxury (the Lexus brand), genuine off-road prowess (the Toyota Land Cruiser), or Porsche beating straight-line speed (Toyota Supra).

Therefore, like the WRC - a competition it's returning to after an 18-year break - Toyota isn't rushing into a new venture with a product that's not good enough.

In terms of the Yaris rally car, fans will get a chance to see how good it is on Jan 19 when it undertakes the first race of the season in Monte Carlo. As for the hot-hatch incarnation, the 2017 Geneva motor show opens to the public on March 9.


Tough testing for new electric Rolls-Royce Spectre as launch looms

                LONDON: Rolls-Royce's all-electric Spectre coupé has now covered almost 2 million kilometres in what is claimed to be the toughest testing programme in the brand's 118-year history.

Available to order now, the flagship two-door Spectre is set to be launched later in 2023 with a sticker price of around £275,000 (RM1.5mil) in the UK.

Rolls-Royce said the electric car promises refinement and performance on a par with – if not superior to – its current combustion-powered models.

The company said the Spectre will be able to cover up to 520 kilometres on a fully charged battery, deliver 577hp and dash from 0 to 100kph in 4.4 seconds.

Rolls-Royce plans to phase out its signature V12 petrol engine and sell electric cars only from 2030 onwards. The Spectre bows in 11 years after a one-off electric based on the Phantom VII.

The firm said its testing programme is still far from over, and the Spectre is currently undergoing extreme hot weather tests in two locations in South Africa where temperatures can exceed 50 degrees Celsius.

More than 1,500 hours alone have already been spent on perfecting the car’s regenerative braking to ensure it feels effortless, Rolls-Royce claims.

Similarly, anti-roll stabilisation is being tuned to ensure on the marque’s hallmark ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ qualities, the maker says.

Testing began in the winter of 2021 at a facility in Arjeplog, Sweden, just 55 kilometres from the Arctic Circle where temperatures can sink to minus 40 degrees Celsius.

The Spectre is based on Rolls-Royce's bespoke aluminium space-frame, which was introduced first on the eighth-generation Phantom and since used on the Cullinan and Ghost.