What the colour of your car says about you

                DETROIT: The next time you buy a car, you might want to pause a while longer to decide what colour you choose.

Top automakers throw millions of dollars at researching what the latest tastes are, and say the colour of a vehicle is so important to customers that it can be the difference between buying or not.

The ongoing auto show in Detroit saw many of the classic colours - reds for Porsches and other sports cars - and a few less conventional (a Nissan Titan pickup truck decked out in “forged copper“).

But there was no mistaking the pre-eminence of white. Particularly at the Volkswagen stand, where several cars, the stairs and much of the furniture was white.

In a multibillion-dollar industry, nothing is put to chance and nothing is done by mistake, of course.

At least two designers in Detroit referred to the “Apple effect” -- the Californian tech giant -- to explain the propensity for white vehicles.

Sitting at a white table, on white chairs, in a white room, Oona Scheepers of Volkswagen told AFP: “White for cars really peaked in the 1970s and 1980s, and then all of a sudden disappeared.

“But in the last 10 years we have noticed an increase again in white. And it definitely came with the Apple iPod era because Apple started to do everything with white, and a lot of nice chrome or metal finishes.

“In combination it was really nice and fresh. But before that, white was really not selling in Europe because people associated it with delivery cars and it looked cheap.

“But the combination with metal and chrome looks fresh and completely new. White is booming worldwide.”

However, Scheepers, head of design, colour and trim, said black was still Volkswagen’s best-seller - but only just.

So if one were to choose a black vehicle over a white one, what kind of person would that make you? “You could be sporty. But people in hot countries like white.

“White definitely deflects heat, but if you have a black car it can get damn hot inside. And then in a country like South Africa you often have to overtake into direct, oncoming traffic, but white is very visible.

“So it’s a safety feature as well in some countries. Metallic gray or black just melts into the colour of the tar, so it is not that visible.”

Susan Lampinen, chief designer, colours and materials, at Ford, said the colour was so crucial to some people that they would buy a car purely because of that - never mind the design of the vehicle.

She too identified an Apple ripple effect in propelling white to a best-seller worldwide for Ford.

“White is very clean, very technical, very modern. So most cars look good in white,” she said here, adding other popular colours included blacks and silvers, while blue is also on the up.

Lampinen identified only “slight differences” in preferences in different countries because, she said, of globalisation.
Environment, culture and climate can all effect what colour car someone might buy, she added.

Scheepers, however, saw stark contrasts between some countries, particularly when it comes to the United States and China.

“China is going for very, very bold colours. America is still quite subdued. White sells extremely well here and there is still a preference for champagne-toned body colours and a movement towards the reds in America as well,” she said.

“But China is going for gold, extreme greens - it’s a mixture of a green and a brown - very expressive.

“There is a new awareness in China, they are becoming very self-confident, and they are expressing themselves.”

That also applied to vehicle interiors, said Scheepers, with Chinese consumers going for much bolder designs.

Volkswagen research turned up a surprising anomaly, said Scheepers. It found that younger buyers want more sober-coloured vehicles - while older consumers go for brighter ones.


Ford taps Google to offer cloud-based data services

                DETROIT: Ford Motor Co will tap into software, artificial intelligence and cloud computing offered by Alphabet Inc’s Google to develop new consumer services and modernise internal operations, the companies said on Monday.

As part of the six-year partnership, the Dearborn, Michigan-based company will incorporate the tech giant’s Android operating system into its Ford and Lincoln vehicles starting in 2023.

Ford also plans to offer its customers built-in Google apps, that will include its map and voice technology.

The companies will also form a group, Team Upshift, to explore uses of data to develop new retail, create new ownership offers and other services for Ford customers.

“We’re proud to partner to apply the best of Google’s AI, data analytics, compute and cloud platforms to help transform Ford’s business and build automotive technologies that keep people safe and connected on the road,” said Google CEO Sundar Pichai.

Last year, Amazon.com Inc joined hands with Japan’s Toyota Motor Corp to help manage and monetize data gathered from the automaker’s global vehicle fleet, while Volkswagen AG in 2019 struck a deal with Microsoft to cooperate on cloud computing in China and the United States.


Volkswagen drops dealership with Nazi poster

                MEXICO CITY: Volkswagen (VW) recently cut ties with a distributor in Mexico City after images of a poster with the infamous swastika symbol - used by the Nazis during World War Two (WW2), was seen on one of its walls.

"We strongly disapprove of (the distributor) showing those images at its facilities, which showed a regime that emphasized hatred and discrimination at a point in history that has fortunately been left behind and German cars in Mexico are unacceptable if they come with the swastika,” said VW in a statement.

The image of the poster was captured by a Twitter user while in a VW dealership located in Coyoacan in Mexico City and was quickly circulated on social media.

The German carmaking giant caught wind of it, prompting its Mexico unit to condemn the images.

Unfortunately, a prominent Jewish human rights organization also came across the images and urged the company to end its relationship with the business.

In a letter sent from the Simon Wiesenthal Centre to Volkswagen Mexico: "The most appropriate thing would be to drop the concession completely, in order to pass a clear message to your customers that you have learned from your history.”

VW was founded in the 1930s by Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler to build the “people’s car" (Volkswagen) and when WW2 started, forced labourers were introduced to help in Germany's war efforts.


CATL to start mass output of M3P batteries that offer 700km EV range

                SHANGHAI: Chinese battery giant CATL plans to start this year the mass production and delivery of batteries based on a new materials technology, M3P, which will perform better and cost less than nickel and cobalt-based ones, its chairman said.

M3P batteries will have greater energy density and perform better than lithium-ion phosphate batteries, a market CATL dominates. They will also be cheaper than nickel and cobalt-based batteries, Zeng Yuqun told an online investor briefing on Friday.

CATL disclosed in August last year that it was working on M3P technology, which can enable an electric vehicle to run 700km per charge when combined with CATL's next generation of battery-pack technology.

Zeng said CATL was finding it difficult to come up with a technologically feasible and competitive product based on solid state batteries, a competing technology that is also being researched by Japan's Toyota Motor Corp and Germany's Volkswagen .

CATL, whose clients include Tesla, Volkswagen, BMW and Ford, is the world's biggest battery maker accounting for more than a third of the sales of batteries for electric vehicles (EV) worldwide.

The company's dominance attracted attention from Chinese President Xi Jinping, who said earlier this month he was both "pleased and concerned" over its rise.

Since last year, a number of CATL's customers have complained about its market position, with some opting for alternative suppliers or choosing to develop their own batteries, Reuters has reported.

Asked on Friday how these rival batteries could affect CATL's market share, Zeng said that he expected them to have more impact on second-tier and third-tier battery-makers and that CATL would remain the primary battery supplier.

He said new energy vehicle sales in China have been recently affected by inventory clearance efforts by combustion engine car makers ahead of a change in emissions rules, but he remained confident about the overall EV sales outlook.

More than 40 brands have slashed vehicle prices in China in recent months, deepening a price war ignited by Tesla's first salvo in January.


Audi R8 Panther ready to prowl in US

                WASHINGTON: Audi of America will be releasing the R8 Panther edition in rear-wheel-drive guise.

It is limited to just 30 examples.

Each of the limited-edition rear-wheel driven R8 will feature an exclusive Panther Black crystal effect paint job with carbon exterior mirror housings. and gets priced at US$183,300 each (RM746,000).

It will roll on 20-inch five-double-spoke design wheels that have been milled, cut and finished in matte black with red trim before fitting on sticky performance tyres.

Adorning the body are the blacked-out Audi rings and badges, LED headlights and taillights with dynamic turn signals and a carbon exterior package that includes the engine compartment, sigma sideblades and exterior mirror caps.

A sports exhaust system will trumpet the V10 engine's presence and can be adjusted using the dedicated satellite button on the steering wheel or via the Audi drive select setting.

The interior sports an exclusive full-leather black interior with Crimson red stitching, racing shell seats in Crimson red, Nappa leather for the power-adjustable front seats.

Also included is Alcantara for the gear selector and parcel shelf, while a Diamond stitched Alcantara has been reserved for the headliner and floor mats with Crimson red leather edging.

The steering wheel can be had in either leather or Alcantara with a crimson red stripe at the 12 o’clock position and comes with four satellite buttons - engine Start/Stop, Audi drive select, Performance Mode selector, and Sport exhaust.

A carbon interior package has been included along with high-gloss surrounds for both the virtual cockpit and the air vents, as well as the centre console.

An Audi virtual cockpit, Audi smartphone interface, Audi phone box (requires compatible smart device) with signal-booster and MMI navigation plus, 13-speakers, 550-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system and illuminated door sill inlays round off the provisions.

Powering the rear wheels is its 5.2-litre FSI V10 engine that punches out 532hp and 540Nm of torque to get it from 0 to 100kph in 3.8 seconds before reaching a top speed of 325kph.

This rear-wheel-drive model has been specifically adapted for rear-wheel drive duties and uses solid rear axle as opposed to hollow ones.

The front anti-roll bar has been stiffened before adding a little more negative camber for the rear wheels.

Audi says boasts that the electromechanical power steering system is free of torque-steer and enables precise handling and driver feedback.

The R8 Panther edition joins the previous RS 5 Panther edition that was limited to just 100 units and featured the same Audi exclusive Panther Black crystal effect paint and red-stitched interior with Alcantara accents.


Hyundai to showcase walking car concept at CES 2019

                LAS VEGAS: Get ready for a totally new vehicle concept from Hyundai at CES 2019.

The Hyundai Elevate as shown above combines the power of robotics and EV technology to take people where no vehicle has been before.

It combines wheels with robotic legs that allow users to drive, walk or even climb over the most treacherous terrain.

The four-legged Elevate will redefine our perception of vehicular mobility. This design concept and prototype will be showcased here at the Hyundai’s press conference on Jan 7.

CES 2019 runs from Jan 8-11.


Singing the Blues

                PETALING JAYA: Back in the day, the colour blue was associated with one particular car - the Subaru Impreza WRX - and it still holds true to this day.

The combination of blue and the gold rims forever sealed its fate as these high performance cars roared through dirt and tarmac during World Rally Cross stagings.

It’s such a distinct colour that Subaru even named it World Rally Blue Pearl. There is another blue option called Galaxy Blue Pearl.

READ ALSO: White is the world’s favourite car colour – again

Fast forward to 2015, and the colour blue in all its shades seem to be a hit with carmakers everywhere and it can be seen in a range of categories from mainstream passenger vehicles to performance compacts to high performance sports cars.

So what does the colour blue say about the car and their owners?

Colour consultant and trend forecaster Leatrice Eiseman told US-based Today news site that blue suggests calmness, confidence and being authoritative.

“Light-to-mid blue is always considered cool to the touch, cool to the eye,” says Eiseman. “Those who drive this shade like the coldness of it in the metal. And they’re the kind of people who have a calm demeanour to the point of really being unshakable. They’re very faithful.”

Whatever the case may be, here is a look at some of the cars launched this year and the special names they give the colour blue.

Caesium Blue - Jaguar F-Pace:
The colour is said to emulate the C-X17 concept car, which featured this shade of blue, and was first seen at the Frankfurt Motor Show back in 2013. The production model however, turned up in 2015, again at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and promises refinement, unrivalled dynamics and everyday usability.

Long Beach Blue - BMW M2:
The new BMW M2 has a striking blue paintjob option which makes this compact high-performance coupe look even more dynamic.

With its high-performance six-cylinder in-line engine, rear-wheel-drive agility, lightweight aluminium M Sport suspension and extrovert styling, the new M2 coupe is said to deliver the last word in driving pleasure.

Deep Crystal Blue Mica and Dynamic Blue Mica - Mazda CX-3:
Yes, this has not been launched yet but it’s coming real soon. The two blue hues are available in Australia and only time will tell if these colour options will be available for Malaysians.

The 2.0-litre Mazda CX-3 compact crossover features the “Kodo – Soul of Motion” styling and has a bold face, and curvaceous body with high belt line and large wheels for an aggressive look.

Dark Blue Metallic and Sapphire Blue Metallic - Porsche Cayman GT4:
The Cayman GT4 represents the first time Porsche is introducing a GT sports car based on the Cayman.

Here are some numbers to make a motorhead drool: a lap time of 7 minutes and 40 seconds on the North Loop of the Nurburgring puts the Cayman GT4 as the new benchmark in its segment.

Sepang Blue Pearl Effect/Sepang Blue Matte/Sepang Blue Pearl Effect (Black Roof) - Audi R8 V10:
The good people at Ingolstadt honoured Malaysia by naming it after the prestigious racing circuit. They also have Catalunya Red after the Spanish circuit. But the fact of the matter is, Sepang Blue doesn’t look slow on this performance beast which spews out 525hp!

 Ford Focus RS in Liquid Blue.Liquid Blue and Nitrous Blue - Ford Focus RS 2016:

Sadly, the Liquid Blue is a show-car colour only - it was the colour used when it was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show this year. Officially, when the RS is released next year, another blue hue will take its place: Nitrous Blue. The Nitrous Blue is a brighter shade compared to the Liquid Blue. Honestly, I’d want the more aggressive Liquid Blue for an RS which outputs 345bhp and 439Nm of torque.

Malta Blue - Renault Clio GT Line:
It is a serene colour so it is aptly named. The Clio is powered by a turbocharged 1.2-litre TCe 120 four-cylinder petrol engine with 120hp and 190Nm mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Twilight Blue Metallic - Honda Civic 2015 facelift:
This colour was previously available on the Honda CR-V and comes in three variants: the entry-level 1.8S, the mid-range 2.0S and the high-spec 2.0 Navi.

Hermosa Blue - Infiniti Q70:

We received a test unit last month in Hermosa Blue, one of five colours available for this facelifted model that was introduced locally in June. It’s a rich shade of blue with a mirror finish that makes the car looks outstanding. Sold in three variants, the base Q70 2.5L V6 we tested comes with a 2.5L engine that produces 218hp and 253Nm of torque. A seven-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control and manual shift mode is standard across the variants. In addition, the transmission also has Downshift Rev Matching feature which brings the engines up to the correct rpm for fast and smooth gearshifts.- RIZAL JOHAN and THOMAS HUONG


Mahindra’s new CEO seeks to revive growth at US$19b group

                MUMBAI: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., the Indian sports utility vehicle maker better known for its tractors and farm equipment, is betting on electric cars and digital services to revive its fortunes under new chief executive officer Anish Shah.

Shah, 51, has his task cut out for him. The US$19 billion group’s SUV market share has plunged to 13%, from 50% seven years ago. It has struggled with failing investments and the pandemic’s blow to the automobile industry, which led it to report quarterly losses last year, its first in nearly two decades. Last week, it ended plans to collaborate with Ford Motor Co.

That’s all in the past, said Shah, who was previously Mahindra’s chief financial officer. “At this point I’m looking at it as more of a growth story rather than a turnaround story,” he said in an interview.

Shah is setting out a road map to revive the Mahindra Group, a 76-year-old conglomerate that is exiting money-losing businesses and writing down almost all losses in a restructuring. The executive, who has worked at the group for seven years, said its future growth will be underpinned by SUVs, electric vehicles and digital startups.

Investors appear to be on board. Mahindra’s shares have climbed 11% so far this year, outperforming the 3.9% gain for the benchmark S&P BSE Sensex.

With one in three cars sold in India being an SUV, regaining market share is critical for Mahindra, which gets more than 60% of its revenue from the automotive business. Shah is betting on its new Thar model, a four-wheel drive reminiscent of its earlier success Scorpio. The new model has a waiting list that stretches to early next year, in contrast to the tepid reception its mini van like the Marazzo or micro SUV like the KUV got from local customers.

“What we’ve learned is it doesn’t make sense to venture out of our core,” Shah said. “A core Mahindra SUV has the ability to be an off-roader while having the elegance to be driven around a city.”

The conglomerate is also banking on electric vehicles as Shah sees them overtaking gas guzzlers by 2030. He will invest 30 billion rupees (US$408 million) in EVs in the near term and launch electric variants of its SUVs, helped by its early purchase of an Indian electric carmaker in 2010.

Although Mahindra made early moves in the EV space, the market is getting crowded with a slew of manufacturers from Hyundai Motor Co. to Kia Motors Corp. offering their zero emission cars, while Tesla Inc. weighs its entry. But the lack of charging infrastructure and the high prices of EVs have slowed the shift from combustion engines.

BloombergNEF expects just one-third of new passenger cars sold in India to be battery-powered in 2040, compared with 70% in China and Germany.

Difficult turnaround

The rebound in India’s overall car sales could also be dented by another wave of coronavirus spread, which has sparked curfews and lockdowns in parts of the country. Vaccine roll out has been slow -- at this rate, it will take two and a half years to cover 75% of the population - possibly prolonging the weakness in consumer demand.

“Turnaround is possible but it’s going to be difficult,” said Mayur Milak, senior analyst at BOB Capital Markets. Mahindra needs to shed its “rural rugged player” image as the Indian market has moved to premium SUVs, while price-conscious buyers gravitate to compact SUVs. “Mahindra can’t afford to lose focus out of the SUV segment,” he said.

Shah is also looking beyond automobiles for growth, with plans to venture into digital startups that have potential to grow into unicorns.

Mahindra will rely on its new strategy to avoid bleeding cash, a lesson it took from having to sell a majority stake in Ssangyong Motor Co. after reeling for months under mounting losses.

The company took an impairment charge of 12 billion rupees from Ssangyong in the quarter ended December. From now on, units must have a clear path to 18% return or strategic impact, or else it will exit, Shah said.

“Our focus on capital allocation isn’t over,” Shah said. “We would continue to have the financial discipline that will drive the prudence in deploying cash but beyond that it will also ensure our businesses stay on track from a returns standpoint.”


Renault to open first electric-car-only concept store in Sweden

                PARIS: Renault will open its first electric-car-only concept store in Stockholm on Friday, the carmaker has announced.

The "Renault Electric Vehicle Experience Center" is billed as an urban concept store in the heart of one of Sweden's largest shopping malls.

As well as offering consumers a chance to learn more about the concept of electric motoring it is also - and above all - a showcase for the carmaker to present its fully electric models.

The store will feature several "zones," with areas for displaying cars, for information on charging methods and infrastructure, or for the low-down on local regulations and government subsidies, etc. Like any dealership or showroom, customers will also be able to test-drive models and place orders.

Other European concept stores are expected to follow.


BMW and Daimler to base joint mobility company hub in Berlin

                STUTTGART/MUNICH: The BMW Group and Daimler AG plan to locate the headquarters of their proposed global mobility company in Berlin.

Both companies will hold equal stakes in the joint venture.

They said they plan to offer their customers a holistic ecosystem of intelligent, seamlessly connected mobility services, available at the tap of a finger. The plan was first mooted in March.

Subject to approval by competition authorities, both companies said they would combine and expand their existing on-demand mobility offering in the areas of car sharing, ride-hailing, parking, charging and ultimodality.

“Our vision is to create a major global player for seamless and intelligent connected mobility services together. As a hub for creativity and innovation, Berlin is the right location for our plans,” said Daimler chairman and Mercedes-Benz Cars head Dieter Zetsche.


Ford testing buzzing wristbands to keep workers apart

                DETROIT: A dozen Ford Motor Co. workers are experimenting with wearable social-distancing devices that could be deployed more widely once the carmaker re-opens idled manufacturing plants.

The small group of volunteers at a Ford factory in Plymouth, Michigan, are trying out wristbands that vibrate when employees come within six feet (1.8 metres) of each another, said Kelli Felker, a company spokesman.

The aim is to keep workers from breaching the distance that health experts recommend to avoid spreading the coronavirus.

The social-distancing wearable could be part of a broader array of new safety protocols Ford deploys as it resumes production as early as next month after at least a roughly six-week shutdown.

The automaker is also expected to subject all workers entering a facility to a thermal-imaging scan to detect a fever. And it will provide staff with masks and, in some cases, plastic face shields, Felker said. The company is devising the measures along with the United Auto Workers union.

"Ford and the UAW are working closely to identify different ways to keep our people safe while they are at work,” Felker said.

Ford has been piloting the new safety procedures at factories where it’s now producing ventilators and respirators to supply hospitals fighting the Covid-19 pandemic.

Those practices — which include requiring workers to complete a daily online survey on their health and those they’re in contact with — are expected to be rolled out to the company’s traditional auto factories as they reopen.

Ford hasn’t set a date for when it plans to resume production.


Your choice of car tyres determines how much microplastics you emit

                BERLIN: Speeding doesn't only drive up petrol consumption, it also increases tyre wear, and therefore the amount of rubber residue and microplastics you leave behind.

For this reason, frequent drivers in particular should make sure they buy car tyres with low wear.

Synthetic rubber, one of the plastics in tyres, accounts for around a third of all microplastic emissions as abrasion from car tyres in some countries.

Rainfall washes much of these microplastics - small plastic pieces less than five millimetres long - into seas, rivers and lakes, where researchers say they pose a massive threat to marine animals.

The problem is: Not all tyres cause the same levels of pollution. A test by German car club ADAC showed that some models generate relatively low levels of microplastics compared with other brands.

The association has compared abrasion data from around 100 summer, winter and all-season tyres from different manufacturers and across different dimensions.

The result: A vehicle's average tyre wear is just under 120 grams per 1,000km.

READ MORE:  When driving, tyres emit pollution, and EVs make the problem worse

According to the ADAC, Michelin tyres performed better in the tests, with tyre abrasion averaging 90 g per 1,000 km. In the case of the Michelin Cross Climate plus model in the 185/65 R15 dimension suitable for small cars, average wear was 58 g per 1,000km - half of the average.

In general, sports models don't do as well when it comes to abrasion. In the 225/40 R18 summer tyre category, ADAC found above-average abrasion of up to 160 g per 1,000km for all models examined.

According to the association, the benefits of sports tyres are questionable. While they often do well on dry roads, they are often a disadvantage on wet surfaces.

While the impact on the environment is massive, tyre-wear particles are not yet known to be as harmful to humans as particulate matter from other sources such as brakes and road surfaces, which has been linked to millions of annual premature deaths, mostly in city dwellers.

However microplastics have been found all over the planet, from the bottom of the seas to the placentas of pregnant women. Environmental activists have called on governments to ban or limit the sale of tyres with high abrasion.


Get more out of your Ranger with Ford Ranger Getaways

                KUALA LUMPUR: Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC)'s unique Ford Ranger Getaway will give Ranger and Ranger Raptor owners th eopportunity to discover the full potential of their rugged pick-up trucks.

The featured getaway is a one-day guided session with trained driving instructors covering tarmac and off-road driving scenarios within the district of Sepang.

There will be one session on March 26 for Ranger and Raptor owners.

As part of the launch of the Ford Ranger Getaways, customers can enjoy 50% off on this Sepang training experience.

Each participant can also bring along a companion for free.

Slots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

SDAC managing director Turse Zuhair said the Ranger was chosen by buyers for its renowned strength, engineering capabilities, smart technologies and increasingly luxurious cabin and passenger vehicle features.

“Customers are choosing a Ranger not just for work, but also for play and family. With our new brand experiential programme Ford Ranger Getaways, we aim to provide a platform for owners to uncover the full potential and versatility of their Rangers through a series of handpicked local adventures,” he said.

“Ford Ranger Getaways not only offers Ranger and Ranger Raptor owners in Malaysia a unique experience of Living the Ranger Life but also an opportunity to support the local businesses we have partnered with who have been impacted by the pandemic,” he added.

Ford Ranger and Ranger Raptor owners attending the full-day training session on March 26 will learn valuable tips and tricks on seating and steering methods.

They will also have hands-on experience navigating an autocross course on the tarmac, a 4X4 off-road course and a Baja course that will showcase the true prowess of Ford’s performance truck.

Participants will also experience a Baja hot lap with the instructors.

Ranger owners will have the same modules as the Raptor experience except for a dirt cornering and drifting course in place of the Baja course and a drifting hot lap with the instructors.

Training on both days will begin at 8.30am starting at the Sepang International Circuit.

A certificate of completion will be presented to all participants at the end of the day.

Ford Ranger Getaways is the latest offering under the new “Live the Ranger Life” brand positioning that encapsulates the values and persona of the Ranger, which has evolved from a pure workhorse to a versatile and premium truck that enables a customer’s every need and lifestyle choice.

Open to all Ranger and Ranger Raptor customers, Ford Ranger Getaways covers a multitude of interest categories to cater to Malaysians from all walks of life who desire short local adventures, be it on their own, with friends and family or for those who simply want to meet like-minded individuals.

Each getaway has been thoughtfully curated to reflect the diversity of the Ford Ranger lifestyle – from fun city outings and outdoor or off-road excursions to foodie trails and even flying a plane through Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC).

To book the special Ford Ranger Getaway Sepang experience on March 26, or to find out more about other fun and exciting outings, visit https://www.sdacford.com.my/shop.

For more information about SDAC and Ford, follow the Ford Malaysia Facebook, Instagram,
Twitter and YouTube channel or visit www.sdac-ford.com.my.


Vintage Porsches rising as next blue chip classic cars

                NEW YORK: Earlier this month in London, Bonhams sold a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL for US$1.34mil. The sum was about this year's average for the iconic coupe, which amassed considerable value since similar models started going for US$3mil- and US$4mil back in 2012.

But prices, while sure to stay stellar for the next several years, won’t continue their exponential rise indefinitely. So the real question is, what's next?

If you ask the number crunchers, they say it is Porsche. Recently in New York, a 1973 Porsche Carrera RS 2.7 Touring sold for just under US$1mil.

“Of all of the people who sold a [classic] SL this year, 50 percent of them turned around and bought a Porsche,” McKeel Hagerty, the CEO of Hagerty.com, said recently. “Of that group, half bought a 911, and half bought a 356. I don’t think that's a coincidence.”

Of course, the other 50 percent of those guys bought another Mercedes, a Ferrari, or a Jaguar, to varying degree. And Ferrari still dominates the classic market, with seven of the 10 highest North American sale prices of 2015 belonging to that Italian icon. (No. 1 was a 1956 Ferrari 290 MM Spider that sold for more than US$28mil Dec. 10 in New York.) But it is significant that Porsche alone dominates the next-up cull.

Recent auction numbers do seem to indicate an uptick. Blue chip cars in general have risen from an average value of US$600,000 in 2007 to US$2.6mil today.

(As with company stocks, “blue chip” autos are the most expensive and consistent in the field) German-made cars vintage jumped from an average value of US$150,000 in 2007 to US$625,000 today; Porsches in particular have gone from five- to six and seven digits in the same time frame, with even models as late as early 2000s’ Carrera GT's hitting near themil-dollar mark on a model that used to be worth US$300,000.

“European sports cars in general have been on a real rise in the last couple of years,” said Gord Duff, the car specialist at RM Sotheby’s. “Ferraris lead the way and then you go to the next greatest European sports cars, which are Mercedes, and then you get to Porsches. If we are saying Mercedes have peaked, Porsches are the next best thing.”

Hagerty data that combines public auction sales and private sales shows that the 1974-1977 Porsche 911 has increased the most in average sale price of any classic car this year, with a jump of 154 percent in value over 2014. That's more than anything from Aston Martin, Ferrari or Lamborghini.

And auction houses offered 27 more Porsches this year at the Monterey auctions than they did last year, especially 930s and 911 SC models. (The 930 is a flat-6 engine that was the top of the 911 range during the late ’70s and ’80s.) Searches for Porsche make up 23.5 percent of all queries by collectors ages 30 to 50, according to Hagerty.

Here's what's likely pushing the Porsche passion: Guys who were kids in the ‘80s.

“With 911s, they were a poster car in the 70s and early 80s,” Duff said. “Guys in their 40s now had a poster of that car when they were 10 years old, and now they’re out there finding them.”

In fact, 1980 and newer vehicles have the fastest growth rates of any models; North American classic car auction sales have reached a record US$1.45 billion total in 2015, an 11-percent increase over 2014's US$1.31 billion. The growth was pushed by activity among collectors who added 17 percent more 1980s-and- newer vehicles to existing Hagerty insurance policies-versus a 2.3-percent increase for pre-1980s classics.

What's more, there are plenty of Porsches on the market now that have been owned by one person who bought it for US$30,000 20 or 30 years ago and are now worth US$150,000. It's just too tempting not to sell. (Or to buy, since the numbers seem to keep rising.)


Fully-electric BMW iX3 begins production

                MUNICH: The first fully-electric iX3 has left the production line at the BMW Brilliance Automotive joint venture (BBA) in Shenyang, China.

The workforce at the BBA Plant Dadong in Shenyang already celebrated the successful start of production on Sept 29.

As well as intelligent manufacturing and state-of-the-art technologies, the BBA production facility in Shenyang is also notable for its quality management system.

BMW said the iX3 is built according to a  "zero defect concept".

It said BBA conducts rigorous testing of everything from the battery to the finished car.  Under the zero defect regime, the car is subjected to 128 mechanical tests and 994 software functionality tests to ensure the high quality of high-voltage batteries throughout the entire lifecycle.

A total of 140 functional tests check every aspect of the vehicle during acceleration, in particular road conditions and on rocky roads.

BBA produces the iX3 on the same line as the conventional X3 for efficiency and flexibility in production.


UMW records 20.4% increase in sales to 24,972 units in January

                KUALA LUMPUR: UMW Group recorded sales of 24,972 vehicles in January 2022, which was a 20.4% jump over 20,740 units in the same month last year.

The group said UMW Toyota Motor's sales nearly doubled to 7,528 units in January on the back of its best-selling Vios, Hilux and Yaris models as well as the launch of its first locally assembled hybrid electric vehicle, the Corolla Cross Hybrid.

"UMW Toyota believes that this will pave the way for the introduction of more HEVs and electric vehicles in Malaysia as consumers aspire towards a cleaner drive, which is evident from the encouraging orders received for the Corolla Cross HEV since it was open for booking in October 2021.

"It is also in line with the Group’s goal to achieve carbon-neutrality by 2050," it said in a statement.

UMW's asociate Perodua registered 3.2% sales growth in January to 17,444 units.

Perodua has raised its sales target by 30% from last year to 247,800 units and plans to increase production to 265,900 vehicles this year.

In the process, it will purchase a record RM7.5bil worth of locally-sourced components in 2022 which will sustain and strengthen the local automotive industry, it said.

"The group expects the growth in automotive sales will continue in the coming months supported by the introduction of exciting new models as well as the sales tax exemption," said UMW Holdings Bhd president and group CEO Datuk Ahamad Fuaad Kenali.


OK to raise parking fees but improve public transport first, public tells KL mayor

                PETALING JAYA: Public reaction was swift and predictable. City folks are fuming over increased parking charges in busy areas within Kuala Lumpur.

They said that raising parking fees to reduce the usage of cars without first providing suitable public transport is like putting the cart before the horse.

On The Star Online’s Facebook page, Khatijah Malcolm said: “This is ridiculous. They want to encourage people to take public transport but they couldn’t be bothered to improve the reliability of public transportation. They should increase the efficiency first before making people pay a ridiculous amount of parking fees. This is not fair.”

Wai Onn Chan asked: “Shouldn’t they raise parking fees only after the MRT system is shown to be effective and the public bus system improved?”

“If you want to lower the number of cars in the city, lower the price of public transportation and make them more efficient,” Lemuel Yee added.

Kudut SK Well said: “I have to agree on this (proposal), provided the quality of public transportation is up to the mark. With the implementation of MRT soon, hope the objectives are clear. Just got back from Melbourne and I must say the public transportation is superb, and the parking rates for cars is really expensive!”

“Increasing parking fees in downtown is absolutely necessary to solve our traffic woes. But perhaps the authorities should also consider providing free buses within the CBD and cheaper parking fees at fringe transit stations to encourage park and ride,” said Dominic Loh.

Florencia Sandanasamy said: “First improve the transport system. This is ridiculous. Do you expect citizens to pay RM32 a day just for parking?!”

Other commenters noted that LRT and Monorail lines are already overstressed at peak hours.

Some also pointed out other adverse effects that would take place once the new increased rates are implemented.

“This should give the shopping malls in the district ample reason to jack up their parking rates as well,” said Kiong T Lee.

“A parking summon is paid off with RM30, but a whole day’s parking is RM32? Well, they’ll just increase the saman price then. And of course since we don’t regulate and enforce competition laws, all paid private parking services shall increase their already inflated charges by 150-200% as well,” said Shafeeq Faruqi.

Parking charges at Kuala Lumpur City Hall parking bays within the central business district were increased by 150% effective today.

Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Mohd Amin Nordin Abdul Aziz said the move is not profit-driven but is the only way to ease traffic congestion in the city and encourage people to carpool.

Affected areas are Bukit Bintang, Bukit Damansara, Sri Hartamas, Desa Hartamas, Solaris Mont Kiara, Taman Tun Dr Ismail and Bangsar where 75% to 100% parking spaces are taken up during peak hours.

The hourly parking charges in the CBD has been increased from 80 sen an hour to RM2 for the first hour.

The rates have been raised to RM3 for the second hour and RM3 for the subsequent hours.

This means that if you were to park from 7.30am to 6pm, which is the usual operation hours, you will end up having to pay as much as RM32 a day.

The new parking charges will be enforced in stages from now to Aug 1 and will see an increase of between 100% and 200%, depending on the locality.

Some places outside the city centre will see a hike in fees from RM0.50 to RM1.50 an hour starting Aug 1. However, not all areas in Kuala Lumpur are affected.


Three Perodua Bezza to serve as police patrol cars in Klang Valley

                SHAH ALAM: If you have always wanted to know how a Perodua Bezza looks like as a police car, wonder no more.

Three Bezzas will be whizzing by on public roads soon as police patrol cars. Perodua announced today it has donated the cars to the Selangor Police Contingent.

The Bezzas have been outfitted with radios, beacon lamps and other police equipment. They would be used at the Selangor Police Contingent, Bukit Aman Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department and Hulu Selangor District Police.

“For the 26 years Perodua has made Selangor our home, we have been able to operate effectively and without distress due to the commendable efforts by the Royal Malaysian Police, particularly IPK Selangor, to maintain public safety, peace and harmony.

 Zainal Abidin Ahmad presenting a Bezza mock key to Noor Azam.

“We hope our humble contribution can be accepted by the police as a token of gratitude for their resolute steadfastness, fairness, dedication and courage. We salute you,” said

A handover ceremony was held at the Selangor police headquarters here on Tuesday, where Perodua president and chief executive officer Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad presented the keys to Selangor police chief commissioner Datuk Noor Azam Jamaludin.

“The Bezza makes an ideal patrol car as it is dependable, durable, easy to drive and cost-efficient in terms of servicing as well as fuel economy. Its compactness makes it easy to manoeuvre around tight spaces, and despite its compact size, it is commodious and comfortable inside," said Zainal.

“Factor in the largest vehicle service network in the country and I am confident the police will find the Bezza an effective and valuable companion in their community policing duties.”


Futuristic speedbump creates instant hole in the road for speedsters

                BERLIN: A new road safety device which creates an artificial hole in the road when a driver exceeds the speed limit is making its way onto roads around the world.

After Sweden and Australia, now one of the world's most car-hungry countries is welcoming this new system. The central German town of Hanau is the first in the country to use it to watch over roads where a 20kph speed limit is in force.

Speeding vehicles activate a hatch in the road which lowers a few centimetres, creating an inverted speed bump so drivers get a physical reminder that they are speeding.

Edeva AB in Sweden, which invented and markets the device under the name Actibump, said the active speedbump boosts safety and also reduces tailpipe emissions and noise.

Around 45 Actibumps are in use in Sweden, with four installed at Curtin University in Perth, Australia.

Officials in Hanau said the device was more effective than fixed speed cameras which prove ineffective once drivers get used to them, causing them to slow down only momentarily.

Ambulances and road cleaning vehicles can use a transponder to deactivate Actibump, said Edeva. The firm stressed that only cars driven too fast would be affected, since driving at the prescribed speed does not activate the hatch.

Germany's huge ADAC motoring club remained unconvinced, however: It described Actibump as an "unecessary hazard" which was particularly dangerous for motorcyclists in wet conditions, spokesman Oliver Reidegeld said.

Edeva said trials in Perth showed that after Actibump was installed, only an average of 20% of drivers exceeded the speed limit compared to 73% previously.


Uber tests cash payments for KL rides

                PETALING JAYA: Uber is testing out cash payments for rides in Kuala Lumpur, the ride-sharing company said.

It said that thought credit cards are a common way to pay, many Malaysians still prefer to use cash.

"By testing out cash payments in KL, we’re hoping to provide all Malaysians, no matter which city you call home, more choice and a payment option that suits your needs," it said in a statement on Tuesday.

"Malaysian riders and driver-partners love the flexibility of cash and credit options combined," said Uber Asia Pacific director of communications Amy Kunrojpanya.

She said Uber is introducing cash to remove the "fear factor" for first-time riders.

"Not everyone is comfortable using their credit for online or mobile transactions – we listened to these concerns and introduced an alternative so that every Malaysian can have the freedom to choose the way they travel, and cash is a truly inclusive way to let everyone move around their city easily," said Kunrojpanya.

She added that cash payments can increase the adoption rate of new riders outside core service areas by an average 45%.

There are five steps to paying by cash.

"Go to the ‘Payment’ section in the app. Select ‘cash’ as your payment option. Confirm your pickup location and request your ride.

"At the end of the trip, pay the fare directly to the driver. Pay exact change, or round up the fare to the nearest ringgit," said Kunrojpanya.


Volvo Trucks' tandem axle lift raises the bar

The tandem axle lift is a highly innovative function that gives optimum driving mode with fuel saving capability.
Technological advancements have made headway in the trucking industry, transforming and accelerating its growth.

This has been nothing short of impressive and as a result, many transport companies are increasingly adopting technology to enhance efficiency and productivity.

However, in today’s highly competitive markets with thin profit margins, these companies must decide wisely on their investment as adopting new technology requires upfront capital. It is imperative that the upside that comes with such investment is potential savings and lowering of costs in the long run.

Volvo Trucks’ tandem axle lift is an innovation that delivers immediate and long-term cost-saving benefits for heavy haulage transporters.

Introduced in 2015, the tandem axle lift is a highly innovative function that gives optimum driving mode with fuel-saving capability and is designed for heavy-duty transport.

When the lorry is without any load, the driver only needs to push a button on the dashboard to disengage and raise the drive axle so that fewer tyres and a lower amount of fuel are being used.

As soon as the lorry is loaded for delivery, the drive axle automatically lowers and engages to ensure maximum road grip or traction and drivability. It takes only about 15 seconds from start to finish.

 When there is no load, the driver can disengage and raise the drive axle so that fewer tyres and less fuel are used.

Tandem axle lift is especially ideal if the driver has to move a heavily loaded lorry to one destination but return empty. This is rather common for many transport companies hauling heavy load like timber, construction materials and bulk cargo operations.

With tandem axle lift, these companies can reduce fuel usage by as much as 4% per vehicle.

Tandem axle lift also allows the driver to disengage and raise the second driven axle even while driving and lift up the lorry’s tyres by 140mm above the road surface.

This function is very beneficial especially on soft and muddy surfaces as it can reduce the risk of the lorry getting stuck.

“The tandem axle lift is an exceptional technology created and offered by Volvo Trucks as part of our continuous series of solutions to enable trucks and drivers operating in tough conditions perform their work more efficiently and safely.

“At Volvo Trucks, we continuously strive to create new innovations to give our customers unique solutions to boost their productivity,” said Volvo Trucks Malaysia managing director Mitch Peden.

One of Volvo Trucks’ long-standing customers, Sabah-based Kotamas Oil Sdn Bhd which is a specialist in petroleum haulage servicing clientele such as Petronas and Shell, is the first in the country to deploy and experience the tandem axle lift after receiving 15 units of its custom order Volvo FMX 440 6x4 prime movers that were fitted with the innovation at the end of last year.

 With tandem axle lift, fuel usage can be reduced by as much as 4% per lorry.

Kotamas’ decision to leverage Volvo’s tandem axle lift technology was factored by the hilly and rough terrain its lorries had to traverse, which demanded increased traction from the vehicle and often resulted in additional costs spent on tyres and fuel.

The company also said the tandem axle lift technology, which enhances tyre traction and maintenance, helps them maintain their stellar safety record, which is extremely important given the type of cargo they transport.

When the axle is raised, the Volvo FMX 440 6x4 lorries used by Kotamas behave similar to a 4x2 or a 6x2 lorry, resulting in a tighter turning radius and significantly improving manoeuvrability.

It reduces the turning radius by over 1m, thus there is less wear on the truck’s tyres and suspension systems.

“In any normal driving situation without the tandem axle lift function, the drive axles produce friction and rolling resistance, which increases the amount of fuel usage.

“By disengaging and raising the axle when the driver doesn’t need it, fuel consumption is reduced by up to 4% on a return trip with the axle lifted, and this can significantly improve business bottom line,” according to Peden.

“Our customer Kotamas has given us very positive feedback on their experience with our tandem axle lift technology, such as great drivability, lower fuel cost, less frequent tyre change and maintenance, and comfort for their drivers.

“The tandem axle lift function has helped increase the lifespan of the tyres by three times and significantly improved fuel consumption. As a result, their overall truck maintenance and fuel cost has gone down and they are very pleased with it.

“In addition, their drivers have more confidence and less worries about skidding or getting stuck in heavy mud when driving through challenging terrains. With great traction, safety is markedly enhanced, allowing the business to run smoothly without any unwanted disruption,” Peden said.

The tandem axle lift function also offers the driver better comfort when the truck is driven empty, which in many cases corresponds to 50% of the operating time. The in-cab noise level is lower and steering wheel vibration is reduced when only the tyres of one drive axle are in contact with the road.

> Volvo Trucks’ tandem axle lift function is available for the Volvo FM, Volvo FMX, Volvo FH and Volvo FH16, all of which are powered for heavy-duty tasks.


Volvo Cars in talks to reach emissions deal with California

                WASHINGTON:Volvo Cars confirmed Tuesday it is in talks with California to reach a voluntary emissions agreement.

Mary Nichols, who heads the California Air Resources Board, disclosed earlier Volvo planned to join Ford Motor Co, Honda Motor Co, BMW AG and Volkswagen AG.

In July, the four struck an agreement with California to adopt emissions requirements that were more stringent than the Trump administration rewrite but looser than the Obama-era rules.

Volvo, whose parent is Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, said a deal with California “will serve as "a national path forward.”


From KL to Siem Reap and back on the Victory Cross Country Tour

                When I was offered to review the Victory Cross Country Tour, I immediately got four of my riding buddies to join me on a trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia which we called the Gorden Ride.

This ride was inspired by the late Gorden aka Ahmad Gorden Omar (an experienced motorcycle overlander). The folks at Victory were happy with my decision, because this will the first Victory Cross Country Tour in the world that will make it to Siem Reap. The 4,300km round trip from Kuala Lumpur to Siem Reap, Cambodia took us nine days. It was definitely an epic ride for me and the Victory Cross Country Tour.

Our ride map was Kuala Lumpur-Padang Besar- Surat Thani, - Hua Hin – Ayutthaya – Nakhon Ratchasima - O’smach (border crossing to Siem Reap) Siem Reap – Aranyaprathet (border crossing to Thailand) –Pattaya -Hua Hin – Surat Thani – Hat Yai – Kuala Lumpur.

The Victory Cross Country Tour is powered by a 1,731cc, 4-stroke 50° V Twin counter-balanced and fuel injected engine that generates up to 143.7Nm of torque and is mated to a six-speed transmission. The design of the Victory Cross Country has a timeless American classic design with unique styling which is not found on any other bikes. Angular lines is the design foundation of the Victory Cross Country Tour which is further highlighted by the rear light, tank and side bags.

The bike comes with a cargo space of 155.6 litres (world’s largest space storage for a motorcycle). So I brought everything from my home except the sink for this trip... you know what I mean. This bike is also equipped with basic riders aide - three 12V chargers, easy to read instrument that has useful information like fuel status, speed, engine rev, voltage plus a digital gauge that offers time, gear indicator, temperature, trip meter, odometer, ABS and of course audio system with four speakers.

On every available highway from Malaysia to Siem Reap, I pushed the bike really hard. The Cross Country Tour is at its best when I was riding circa 3,100rpm. The power was plenty from here onwards. The punch was gradual yet lightning fast so gear upshift was a breeze, there was no lag in the response from the clutch and gear. It was smooth as silk.

The minute we passed Padang Besar immigration, we sped off ensuring that we reach Surat Thani before dark.
At that point in time, I realised that on the first gear, the Victory is able to clock 80kph. I was clocking close to 100kph on second gear. Meanwhile on the sixth gear, I was ripping the highway at an unbelievable speed for few minutes. It was scary but at the same time exhilarating. Woo-hoo!

The seats are wide and firm on the Victory. While riding on the bike for nine days, clocking average of 500km per day, my cheek bum was very happy. Even though I did not have a pillion rider with me, from the look of the design, it is quite obvious that it is plush and comfortable. While riding in the back roads of Hua Hin, Thailand to O’smach, the winding roads put the Victory’s suspension and frame to test, which the bike passed with a big A.

The bike did not wallow or plunge forward. The front inverted fork with 43mm travel ensured that I had a pleasant riding experience and the rear mono shock kept my tail bone from being punished by the occasional bad roads that still gives me the creeps till today. On our way from O’smach to Siem Reap, we rode through a barren land as far as our naked eyes could see; where we experienced a strong crosswind for a good 30 minutes. We had to lean to our left, going against the cross wind to keep our bikes up right.

The sturdy chassis of this bike ensured my safety despite the strong crosswind. Right after the strong cross wind I was forced to ride on 20km stretch of unpaved road which was laid with loose stones on red earth. It took me few minutes, which felt like forever; being able to find the right speed to keep the momentum of the heavy bike without dropping it.

This herculean task was also partly possible due to the sheer size of the bike which assisted me to tackle the uneven roads without compromising my safety. One thing I must caution readers, a lot of muscle power is needed to push this bike from an idle position. I struggled few times especially in tight corners in the cities that we rode through.

However if the owner of the bike is at least 80kg and above; this bike will not a pose a problem at all. We encountered heavy rain from Hat Yai on our way back to Malaysia, on two occasions I had to slam the brakes to avoid a big pothole and an oncoming car on to my lane while overtaking a truck.

The brakes definitely kept me in one piece. However, the rear brake can be very sensitive so a bit of caution must be exercised to slow this 400kg of a beast down safely.

My ride with the Cross Country Tour has been nothing less than magnificent. The bike is big but agile, powerful, beautiful and reliable. I would strongly recommend this American bike to anybody who is shopping for a luxury tourer.

Without a shadow of doubt, no one will ever regret buying this RM188,800 machine.


We drove the Porsche Cayman GT4 in Portugal

                Porsche has worked its new compact Cayman GT4 into a sports car that performance purists would love.

There appears to be a growing trend of extending prestigious and exclusive models down the line to expand appeal and market share.

From Porsche, this has surfaced in the Cayman GT4, the entry-level model to purist sports car driving for those who might find the newly launched 911 GT3 RS too big for their liking.

This GT family model is not to be confused with the Cayman GTS, which is provided as a sportier option to the standard one with merely a bigger (and more powerful) displacement engine and firmer dynamic settings.

According to Porsche’s High Performance Cars project manager Jorg Jürgen, the Porsche GT with a numeral is the car that is developed for some really serious fast driving on the road and it is said that more than 80% of those who buy this GT range take them to the race tracks.

Understandably, there are some hand-me downs in the development of the Cayman GT4 from the bigger GT3, with some refinements made to accommodate the more compact body of the Cayman.

The front suspension and brake set up is taken directly from the GT3, with minor adjustments and changes made, while the rear is developed from the mid-engine Cayman base as it is different compared to the rear engine modus of the 911.

Even the brake system is specially adapted to the Cayman GT4; apart from the discs being bigger than that in the Cayman GTS, the brake discs are made of a special composite to achieve a lower unsprung weight for better vehicle dynamic balance.

There is also the option for PCCB ceramic brakes that are mounted differently to handle more forces acting on them during braking and contribute to even better dynamic control.

Although the 3.8-litre flat-six engine is the same six-cylinder unit powering the 911 Carrera S, it has to be turned 180 degrees to accommodate the exhaust and fuel feed trunking that is typical to the mid-engine location.

This is the first time that Porsche has used this engine in a mid-engine location and it was a learning curve for its engineers.

Output for the direct injection engine is improved with 385hp (an additional 45hp) being churned out at 7,400rpm and 420Nm (+40Nm) that is delivered from 4,750 to 6,000rpm.

To raise the purist appeal of the Cayman GT4, Porsche decided that it would be available only with a six-speed manual transmission, also a carryover from the Carrera.

However, the transmission is strengthened in a few areas to provide better gear engagement; interestingly, the gearshift was made 20cm shorter so that the travel between gears is actually shorter for the desired sporty feel.

In body styling, the Cayman GT4 differs from the normal models in a unique front section that has a longer overhang and runs on a longer wheelbase to be 34mm longer than the Cayman GTS: it also sits 30mm lower.

The body styling is refined to achieve greater downforce and engine cooling: three large air intakes in front supply air to three radiators behind them as well as the front brakes, and the large front spoiler extends lower to accelerate air flow between the underbody and the road to generate downforce in front.

At the rear is a fixed rear wing, made of lightweight carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), located by two aluminium brackets that generates downforce with the less distinct rear spoiler bib beneath it.

This arrangement is said to result in a high level of driving stability and exceptional performance through corners.

As proof of Porsche’s ambition to display its competence in building ‘exceptional’ sports cars in every vehicle class, the Cayman GT4 is a top performer in its segment clocking 7 minutes and 40 seconds on the North Loop of the Nürburgring.

Our understanding of that was provided in a drive on familiar grounds, the Algarve motorsport circuit in Portugal that we enjoyed an impression drive of this new generation Cayman two years ago.

Again, the drive format was similar; we drove in a four-car convoy, starting with a warm-up lap and a cooling-down lap, with three fast ones in between.

We had former world rally ace Walter Rohrl as the pace leader and the speed was as dazzling as we had expected.

The lighter than expected clutch action made driving the manual transmission Cayman GT4 easy and the positive short throw gearshift was a delight to use.

Using mostly third gear, an occasional fourth on the short straight and second gear for two hairpins, and with engine speed above 5,000rpm, we could tell immediately that the Cayman GT4 was a different kettle of fish from the standard model.

It was a point-and-shoot kind of driving dynamics, probably taking a cue from the MINI Cooper S but with a better balance and stability from the mid-engine layout.

We could take the corners noticeably quicker, with less tyre squeals (which are specially ‘homologated’ 20-inch Michelin Cup Sport tyres) and although we did lose the car momentarily coming over on a rise, lifting off and easing on the accelerator helped to regain the car’s poise.

The first Cayman GT4 we drove had PCCB brakes that allowed us to brake deeper into the corner to a comfortable speed before accelerating hard out of it.

Doing the same with cast iron brakes required us to brake earlier or we would be going into the corner faster than we would like and scrubbing off more speed, while trying harder to get the car going in the intended direction.

That was put in a proper perspective by Mathias Hoffsümmer with whom we had a ‘hot’ lap in: being a regular Porsche driving instructor, he was of the opinion that one could drive as fast whether the brakes were cast iron or ceramics.

“It is all a matter of adapting to the braking characteristics,” he said as he put the Cayman GT4 with cast iron brakes quickly through the corners, going off the road slightly in two areas by carrying too much speed.

We heartily agreed with him that the Cayman GT4 was a lot more fun to drive over the standard model with its higher level of dynamic balance.

If you are looking to enjoying the same, you would have to wait till the second half of the year when the Cayman GT4 is scheduled to be brought in.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 3,800cc, flat-six cylinders, naturally-aspirated direct injection, water-cooled

Maximum power: 385bhp at 7,400rpm
Maximum torque: 420Nm from 4,750-6,000rpm

Transmission: Six-speed manual

Features: Side air induction scoops; electro-mechanical steering;fixed rear wing with lower bib; interior door pulls in place of handles; lower ride height; higher level of cooling; bigger and lighter brake discs; Sport seat Plus

Acceleration (0-100kph): 4.4 seconds

Top speed: 295kph

Weight: 1,340kg

Fuel consumption (combined): 10.3l/100km


Feb 29-March 6: RON97 petrol up, diesel down


Jaguar Land Rover, Nvidia ally in vehicle software arms race

                DETROIT: Jaguar Land Rover and Silicon Valley artificial intelligence company Nvidia said Wednesday they will collaborate to develop the computer brains and nervous systems for Jaguars and Land Rovers launching in 2025 and beyond.

The companies did not disclose financial terms of their multi-year agreement.

The collaboration is a high-profile win for Nvidia Corp's effort to expand its reach in the auto industry, building on its base in gaming, artificial intelligence and high-powered chips and software used in servers.

For Jaguar Land Rover Automotive Plc, the partnership with Nvidia gives it a well-funded ally as it tries to catch up with Tesla Inc and other luxury vehicle rivals in a digital technology arms race.

"We can now accelerate our in-vehicle software," Francois Dossa, JLR's executive director for strategy, said during a conference call.

Working with Nvidia engineers, Jaguar Land Rover plans to develop vehicles that can drive themselves under certain conditions, park autonomously and provide more information and software-powered features to drivers, the companies said.

The new Jaguars will be upgradable - as Tesla vehicles are today. The automaker said it will use Nvidia technology to power simulations used to train autonomous vehicles.

Jaguar Land Rover has a previous deal with Alphabet Inc's Waymo unit to deploy autonomous driving technology.

Dossa said the Waymo collaboration was limited to the Jaguar I-PACE electric SUV. The Nvidia alliance covers all Jaguar and Land Rover models to be launched from 2025.

Nvidia technology will act as the brains and the nervous system of Jaguar Land Rover vehicles starting in 2025, said Nvidia's vice president of automotive, Danny Shapiro.

Nvidia last month announced deals with several Chinese electric vehicle brands.

The company has said it has US$8 billion in automotive business booked over the next six years. Shapiro said the company will update the figure during an investor day scheduled for March 22.

Jaguar Land Rover, a subsidiary of India's Tata Motors Ltd has been struggling with rising costs and semiconductor shortages.

Jaguar Land Rover reported a narrow pretax profit for the quarter ended Dec 31, but Tata Motors reported a larger quarterly loss than expected.


Isuzu HICOM Malaysia receives ISO certifications

From left: IHM SHE Manager Mohd Romzi Mohd Aziz, Nakahigashi, IHM vice chief executive officer Tuan Haji Nik Mohd Zaidi Nik Mohd Zain and IMH HRA deputy general manager Datuk Rosmah Hj Hashim with ISO certifications.
PEKAN: Isuzu HICOM Malaysia Sdn Bhd (IHM), an associate company of DRB-HICOM Bhd, has been awarded the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 45001:2018 for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems and ISO 14001:2015 for Environmental Management
System certifications.

IHM chief executive officer Taizo Nakahigashi said that it was important for the commercial vehicles manufacturer to receive the ISO 45001:2018 as it provides a testament of the company’s proactive efforts to improve its overall occupational health and safety performance in preventing injury and ill-health at the workplace, while protecting longevity.

“As a leader in the light, medium, as well as heavy-duty trucks, it is crucial for us to comply with all local and international regulatory requirements. Our effort towards operational improvements, leading to this certification showcases IHM’s commitment to protect our employees, customers, contractors and service providers from work-related accidents,” said Nakahigashi.

The awards are for its Pekan and Shah Alam branches which followed after the company implemented the Occupational Health and Safety Management System complying with ISO 45001:2018.

The certification covers the scope of:

a) Manufacture of pick-up and light duty, medium duty & heavy-duty trucks as well as bus chassis

b) Contract assembly of heavy & light-duty trucks, pick-up trucks, vans, four-wheel drivers and bus chassis for franchise holders.

Additionally, both branches were awarded the ISO14001: 2015 Environmental Management System certification for meeting environmental regulations standards set by ISO.

“This marks another milestone for us in meeting the environmental regulations and enhancing corporate environmental responsibility efforts. We are indeed honoured to be recognised as an automaker that continuously implements efforts to develop products and utilise processes that are more environmentally-friendly and sustainable,” added Nakahigashi.

IHM manufactures Isuzu commercial vehicles such as the N-Series light-duty trucks, F-series medium and heavy-duty trucks and D-Max pick-up trucks.

According to the Malaysian Automotive Association, Isuzu sold 4,135 units of commercial vehicles in Malaysia at the end of June this year and sold more than 11,000 units in 2018 alone.


Tesla said to be in talks to use CATL's cobalt-free batteries in China-made cars

                BEIJING: Tesla is in advanced stages of talks to use batteries from Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd (CATL) that contain no cobalt — one of the most expensive metals in electric vehicle (EV) batteries — in cars made at its China plant, people familiar with the matter said.

Adoption would mark the first time for the US automaker to include so-called lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in its lineup, as it seeks to lower production costs amid faltering overall EV sales in China.

Tesla has been talking to the Chinese manufacturer for more than a year to supply LFP batteries that will be cheaper than its existing batteries by a “double-digit percent,” said a person directly involved in the matter.

Tesla and CATL declined to comment.

EV manufacturers usually use nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA) or nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) batteries on passenger vehicles because of their higher energy density, which is critical in determining how far an EV can drive on a single charge.

To boost the density and safety of its LFP batteries, CATL has been working on its so-called cell-to-pack technology, the sources said.

It was not clear to what extent Tesla intends to use LFP batteries but the automaker has no plans to stop using its current NCA batteries, said one of the people.

Tesla has been ramping up production of its Model 3 cars at its newly built US$2 billion Shanghai plant and cutting prices to win market share from conventional premium automakers such as Germany’s BMW AG and Daimler AG.

Tesla started to deliver cars from the factory in December, helping it save on shipping costs and tariffs for imported models. It is currently seeking regulatory approval to make longer-range Model 3 cars at the plant.

Sales in China of new energy vehicles — referring to battery-only, plug-in hybrid and fuel-cell vehicles — likely sank 54.4% in January, industry data showed, due in part to the Lunar New Year holiday starting earlier than last year as well as the impact of the outbreak in China of a new coronavirus.

The use of LFP batteries will also help chief executive Elon Musk meet a 2018 promise that Tesla would cut the use of cobalt — which costs some US$33,500 (RM140,000) a tonne — to “almost nothing”.

Tesla plans to host a battery event, probably in April, to share its future battery strategy and technology, Musk said at an earnings conference in January.


Continental to phase out activities at German plant by end of 2027

                BERLIN: Continental said today it planned to phase out business activities at its Gifhorn plant near its Hanover base by the end of 2027, with 450 out of 900 jobs at the site initially affected.

The decision was taken "against the backdrop of the sharp increase in cost pressure in the automotive industry, the declining automotive markets, and the high and by international standards uncompetitive cost structure at the site", the company said in a statement.

The measures will include the relocation of the assembly of latest-generation air supply systems in 2024, relocation of the spare parts business from 2024, and outsourcing of valve block and piston head production to suppliers by the end of 2027.

The supervisory board supports the initial measures but will decide on the phase-out at its December meeting, the company said.

HR chief Ariane Reinhart said Continental would either move affected workers to other parts of the company or assist them in finding work on the external labour market.

A local official for the IG Metall union referred to the decision as "bitter", but said Continental had cleared the way for new investments in the Gifhorn site, which could help workers transition into new employment.

"There are signs of possible solutions to get the colleagues from work into work," said local IG Metall representative Thorsten Groeger.


Beguiling Mazda3

Mazda has a lot to be proud of. For one, it recently posted that over a million units of its SkyActiv Technology-fitted models – CX-5, Mazda6 and Mazda3 – have been produced globally.The other, is that the new Mazda3 is an absolute stunner!And for Malaysians, the latest iteration of the Mazda3 comes fully imported from Japan which boasts a 2.0L engine and a price tag of RM138,950.80 (on-the-road with insurance).At this price point, the Mazda3 has its fair share of competition, especially from other Japanese marques.But why would you pick this over the rest?If you’re shallow, like me, then you would snap it up based on its looks alone! When you drive a car that looks this sporty, you feel good about yourself. I know I did when I reviewed this car.

Design-wise, there’s really nothing to find fault with. It has flowing lines, curvaceous from front-to-end; its lean appearance with a crouching stance, just like a predator ready to strike, is simply stunning.This is no coincidence, of course, as Mazda has adopted its Kodo: Soul Of Motion as part of its design theme, which is based on the beauty of a wild animal ready to pounce.Wait for nightfall and discover how dangerous this Mazda3 looks with the new sleek and minimal headlamp and taillight design.It really does look like the eyes of a wild creature on the prowl. And like all stealthy creatures, you won’t notice this during the day.The headlamps are Bi-Xenon with auto-levelling and has LED daytime running lights (DRL) to boot.The front end of the car is all business, too, with its low-hanging grille which is sharper and neater in appearance and the slightly raised rear is ... pert.To top it off, it comes in 18-inch wheels wrapped in 10-spoke alloys and the colour, Soul Red Metallic, is just the right shade for this car.

It also comes in Snowflake White Pearl Mica, Titanium Flash Mica and Meteor Gray Mica.Step inside and things get really interesting. I, for one, was really taken aback with the minimal dashboard design.You see, I’m quite used to dealing with a dashboard flushed with buttons and knobs.That’s not the case with the Mazda3. Right at the top of the centre dash sits the upright seven-inch display which houses the MZD Connect for infotainment, navigation and Bluetooth connectivity.Below that are the air-con vents, followed by three metallic-ringed knobs for climate control.The centre console is where you will find the “commander control” which consists of one big metallic-ringed knob surrounded by five switches to access the MZD Connect system.

You’ll also find the centre armrest which houses two USB ports, an SD-card slot and the 12-volt socket.The leather wrap steering wheel has red stitching, paddle shifters and controls for making calls and browsing through the infotainment system.The Mazda3 has keyless entry with a push start system, electric sunroof and fabric seats, which I thought looked too slim to be comfortable. I was wrong!The padding is soft and comfy and the driver’s seat fits you in quite snugly.It is spacious enough for rear passengers though taller people may find legroom a bit wanting, but there is a fair amount of headroom.

Now, what’s it like to drive the new Mazda3?This is where the SkyActiv technology plays a huge role because it’s embedded in the engine, the SkyActiv-G, adirect injection, in-line four-cylinder DOHC with 16 valves mated to the SkyActiv-Drive six speed transmission system.It’s capable of producing 162hp at 6,000rpm and 210Nm of torque at 4,000rpm.The SkyActiv Technology is also present in the car’s body, aptly named SkyActiv-Body, designed for increased rigidity, safety performance and lighter weight.And then, there is the SkyActiv-Chassis which consists of the electronic power steering (EPAS) and the suspension which features MacPherson struts in the front and multi-link in the rear.This chassis is designed to enhance the driving experience and the feeling of unity with the vehicle. It’s what Mazda calls Jinba Ittai.Mazda deserves a pat on the back because it does exactly that.I enjoyed driving this car. The ride was smooth with a firm and comfortable suspension. The steering was accurate and responsive. It was relaxing to drive in city traffic and even crawling conditions with very low levels of NVH (noise, vibration and harshness).And it’s exhilarating when driven fast; it has composure and stability; and when it comes to corners, the Mazda3 rules!

Mazda has the i-stop idling system which turns off the engine when you come to a full stop, to save on fuel as well as the i-eloop regenerative braking system. Safety-wise, it has six airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and brake assist (BA).The only niggle I had really was the exhaust note. To me, it lacked “oomph”. A bit more throaty and this car would have scored more brownie points. But that’s hardly the deal-breaker here.There are certain features, for a car at this price, which are not available such as reverse camera, auto lamps, dual zone air-con and cruise control.The more I drove the car however, I realised that I really didn’t miss those features.When a car looks this good and drives even better, you’ll understand what it is you’re paying for.


Shootout: Mazda CX-3 vs Honda HR-V vs Renault Captur

Subcompact crossovers or mini-SUVs (sport utility vehicles) are all the rage now among car buyers, and automakers are doing their best to capitalise on this fad.

Honda Malaysia has been wildly successful with the HR-V, which was its second-bestselling model in 2015 with about 20,000 units delivered.

There has also been a lot of buzz surrounding the Mazda CX-3, which was launched locally in December last year.

Featuring a more extreme interpretation of Mazda’s Kodo - Soul of Motion styling, the CX-3 is arguably the Hiroshima-based car maker’s most aggressive looking production car to date.

As for the Renault Captur, it was Europe’s top-selling mini-SUV in 2015 according to automotive intelligence provider Jato Dynamics.

The Captur is also the only turbocharged model in this three mini-SUV shootout, where Carsifu takes closer looks at their strengths and differences.

It’s also interesting to note that all three mini-SUVs here are based on B-segment car platforms.

The HR-V uses the Honda Jazz’s platform, while the CX-3 and Captur are based on the Mazda2 and Renault Clio hatchback respectively.

The HR-V is also the only locally assembled unit here, as it is produced at Honda Malaysia’s plant in Pegoh, Malacca.

The Captur is built at Renault’s Valladolid plant in Spain while the CX-3 is imported from Japan.

18-inch17-inch16-inchMazda CX-3 2.0L (2WD)

The CX-3 is the lowest slung vehicle of the lot here, in terms of height; so if you are looking for a tall car, it doesn’t immediately stand out.

The difference in height is not a lot - only 70mm sets it apart from the HR-V (the tallest of the trio here).
Occupants still get a higher ride height, and there’s a driver-oriented cockpit that underlines Mazda’s Zoom Zoom tagline.

Rear legroom is a bit tight for the long-legged, although the CX-3’s 2,570mm wheelbase is only about four centimetres shorter than the HR-V and Captur.

It’s a great-looking set of wheels, featuring Mazda’s Kodo - Soul of Motion design language.

Inside, the sporty design continues with dark leather suede upholstery, and a dark red accent for the door armrests, knee pads and stitching.

You also get goodies like a seven-inch LCD display controlled by a rotary dial between the front seats, automatic air-conditioning, HUD (heads-up display) showing vehicle speed that is conveniently viewed by the driver above the steering wheel, a reverse camera, automatic headlamps, engine push-start button and keyless entry, and an electrically operated glass sunroof.

In the infotainment menu on the LCD display, you will also find useful car maintenance data including time and mileage remaining before the next scheduled service, tyre rotation and oil change.

While all the comfort kit in the CX-3 is nice, it’s the cabin refinement and fun-to-drive factors here that put smiles on our faces.

You get very brisk, linear acceleration as there’s lots of torque at low to mid-engine speeds, thanks to the 154hp SkyActiv-G direct-injection petrol engine.

Mazda says the SkyActiv-G power unit has the world’s highest petrol engine compression ratio, which results in up to 15% increases in fuel efficiency and torque.
For more dynamic driving, the 6-speed SkyActiv-Drive automatic transmission has a Sport Mode where lower gears are held longer.

The sublime and razor sharp handling is another highlight here.

The EPAS (electronic power assisted steering) is highly responsive; combine this with the taut chassis, spirited powertrain and Toyo Proxes R40 high performance tyres sized 215/50 R18, and you get an exhilarating one-with-the-machine experience.

There’s no turbocharged boost here, but the rapid torque delivery is more than ample for red light sprints and quick overtaking manoeuvres.

The six-speaker audio and infotainment system, with two USB slots and a SD card slot, provides nice sound quality which is enhanced by the well-insulated cabin. There is a refined quality to the drive, and when moving at 80kph on smooth highways, we noted that the tachometer needle was at 1,750rpm.

At 110kph, the needle hovered around 2,250rpm. The CX-3 also has Mazda’s “i-Stop” engine start-stop technology.

When you stop at traffic lights or on heavily congested roads, the car’s engine automatically switches off, and restarts when you step on the accelerator pedal. This “i-Stop” system prevents engine idling, and can result in up to 10% improvement in fuel economy.

We would have liked a central glove box between the front seats, but the two cup holders and a squarish, open compartment here should serve most storage needs.   The CX-3 ticks all the right boxes in terms of zoom-zoom driving, a premium and refined cabin, and it offers both road-carving performance and fuel-saving technologies.

Honda HR-V 1.8L (V-grade)

Whichever way you look at it, the HR-V is sure to turn heads.

The sculpted lines and creases across the body combined with the elegant curves on the roofline, the hood as well as the front wheel arches are testaments to Honda’s design aesthetic.

Its modern and sleek appearance benefits from the coupe-like looks but don’t fret, it has four doors - the rear door handles are located along the rear door frame.

Interestingly, the passenger side of the dashboard is fitted with wide, three air-conditioning vents to enhance the air-flow inside the cabin.

The climate-control touch panel as well as the touch controlled display audio system - no buttons here - is another modern approach which matches well with the overall aesthetic of the HR-V.

The leather wrapped three-spoke steering wheel has switches for the entertainment system, hands-free telephone and cruise control for the driver’s convenience.

The three-dial instrument cluster has a functional design with the speedometer taking centre stage and comes with seven ambient colours to choose from.

The cabin is spacious and comfortable with the wheelbase measuring in at 2,610mm with just enough leg and head room for rear passengers.

Also standard with all variants are the 16-inch wheels, ventilated disc brakes (front) and solid disc (rear) with a MacPherson strut suspension in the front and torsion beam for the rear.

The V variant features all the top trims like smart entry with push start button; LED headlights, daytime running lights and rear combi lights, cruise control, multi-angle rear-view camera, leather steering wheel and gear knob, seven-inch display audio with six speakers and six airbags.

The HR-V comes standard with an array of safety features across the board like vehicle stability assist, hill start assist, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake distribution, brake assist and reverse sensors.

It even features an electric parking brake as the hand brake lever has been replaced with a switch-type.

The automatic brake hold function is really helpful especially in traffic jams as you only need to step on the brakes until the car comes to a full stop and you can remove your feet off the brake pedal while the car remains stationary.

Just step on the gas pedal to get the car moving again.

And driving around the HR-V is a breeze.

It has enough power and torque that it never feels sluggish for a 1.5-tonne vehicle.

You have a slightly elevated view of your surroundings as is common with SUVs and the steering is light and responsive which makes driving a real pleasure.

There is good acceleration and the brake bite is just about right without being too sharp.

The suspension is on the comfortable side and there was only minimal noise, vibration and harshness coming in through the cabin.

The HR-V is a confident car to drive at speed and just as nice driving around town with.

For those who want more space out of their car, the HR-V can fold its rear seats to free up space from the trunk. The rear seats can also be folded up for taller objects and the front seat can also be reclined for longer objects. It’s no wonder this car is such a hit.

Renault Captur 1.2L

Here, the Captur is the lightest of the lot in terms of kerb weight, at 1,180kg - thus drivers get to better enjoy the peppy 1.2-litre turbocharged powertrain.

With a lightning quick-shifting dual-clutch automatic gearbox, we found lots of zing and swift acceleration.
This test drive unit has an expensive two-tone finish with a warm Arizona Orange paint job.

The cabin has solid and comfortable black and orange fabric seats.

Those with active lifestyles will like touches like bright orange-coloured elasticated mesh pockets on the front seat-backs which can hold sizeable items such as 1.5-litre water bottles.

The Captur’s removable boot floor is reversible and has carpeted and rubberised sides - which is useful for placing wet produce or sweat-stained clothing.

There are also zippable, removable seat covers which can be machine washed at home, and this makes it easier for removing stubborn stains from the car’s seats.

The Captur is also well-equipped with conveniences such as automatic headlights and rain sensors for the wipers, a reverse camera, and seven-inch touchscreen with AUX, USB, Bluetooth and navigation functions.

The Captur is also another mini-SUV with marvellous handling.

Running on Michelin Primacy 3 205/55 R17 tyres, it is surefooted in tackling road curves and has an electric, variable-rate power steering which is precise and responsive.

Interior materials have a premium European feel and look, and the Captur also provides a smooth and refined motoring experience.

When cruising on the highway at 110kph, we noted that the tachometer needle was at 2,500rpm. At 80kph, the needle was at 1,750rpm.

Its 2,606mm wheelbase offers very decent legroom, and rear headroom is more than adequate for 1.7-metre people.

Those concerned about fuel economy will be happy with the Captur’s ECO mode, activated by pressing the ECO button on the centre console.

A low fuel consumption of 5.4 litres per 100km is possible, according to Renault.

The ECO mode improves fuel economy by up to 10%, as it reduces engine torque and changes the gear mapping.

However, this also reduces the efficacy of the automatic air-conditioning, and you would not want to press the ECO button in the current heat wave.

The Captur has a maintenance-free timing chain, to reduce the cost of ownership. It’s no surprise that it is such a big hit in Europe, with its fuel efficient, peppy powertrain, sedan-like agility, decently roomy cabin and nice comfort features.

Verdict

This V-grade HR-V is the most expensive and extensively equipped variant, and is the heaviest of the three mini-SUVs here with a 1,249kg kerb weight.

That doesn’t mean it has an undesirable power-to-weight ratio, and we found it to be far from sluggish even with four adults onboard.

Powered by a Civic-based single overhead cam (SOHC) 1.8-litre engine, with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), we found the HR-V to be a pleasant and smooth drive in stop-start traffic during peak hours as well as highway cruising.

In terms of the roominess of rear cargo space and versatility of storage options, the HR-V is also the champion here.

The HR-V has a low-floor rear deck and wide opening for easy loading, as well as versatile seat configurations where the seats can be lowered, folded up or reclined.

In other words, when it comes to weekend shopping at the hypermarket, the HR-V is the winner by a landslide.

As for the Captur, it offers premium and radiant European design and a spirited turbocharged powertrain, as well as great driving enjoyment.

The French mini-SUV has an attractive two-tone paint work, which uses a high durability clear-coat finish for improved lustre and greater resistance to scratching.

It also offers nice touches like zippable, removable seat covers which can be machine washed at home and a removable boot floor with a rubberised side to place wet stuff.

TC Euro Cars, the Renault distributor in Malaysia has a great product here, and it’s unfortunate the French marque is low on the radar of Malaysian car buyers.

Meanwhile, like all Mazda cars, the CX-3 is designed for driving enjoyment, and it excels in providing both a refined cabin and smile-inducing motoring experience.

There is abundant torque at low to mid-engine speeds thanks to the SkyActiv powertrain, and this also offers thrilling acceleration.

The CX-3 has a surprisingly enjoyable point-and-shoot quality to the driving, and its steering is communicative.

The cabin is well-insulated from road and wind noise, and in summary, we found the CX-3 to provide driving pleasure that lifts it a few notches above the competition. — Contributing review by RIZAL JOHAN


Toyota to buy out rest of Daihatsu for US$3bil amid push into compact cars

                TOKYO: Toyota Motor Corp, the world's largest automaker, said it would buy out the rest of minivehicle unit Daihatsu Motor Co - an all-stock deal worth about US$3 billion and part of its strategy to strengthen its push into compact cars for emerging markets.

The companies intend to develop Daihatsu into a global brand as they focus on growing markets for compact cars, noting that entry-level car markets were expanding due to economic development and that vehicles were becoming smaller due to environmental and traffic concerns.

Acquiring full control of Daihatsu, of which Toyota currently owns 51.2 percent, will allow it to better leverage the lower-cost brand and enable Daihatsu to more easily adopt next-generation technologies developed by Toyota.

"We see this as the perfect opportunity to cement our relationship with Toyota, and, by doing so, to embark on a new period of growth, and to elevate the Daihatsu brand to a global standard," Daihatsu said in a statement.

Toyota will acquire the remaining Daihatsu shares by swapping 0.26 of its own shares for each Daihatsu share. Daihatsu shares will be delisted after July 26.

Daihatsu specialises in 660cc vehicles and produces models including the Mira and the Cast, while also supplying car bodies and engines to Toyota and Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.

It competes fiercely with Suzuki Motor Corp in Japan, where both automakers each hold about 30 percent of the minivehicle market.

But as minivehicles sales slump at home due to a rapidly ageing society and a lack of interest in car ownership among young people, the automakers have been looking to expand further into overseas markets.

Daihatsu has a 16.2 percent market share of the passenger car market in Indonesia, where it manufactures the Ayla and other vehicles in a joint venture with Astra International. In Malaysia, it operates a joint venture which has a market share of around 32.5 percent.

It also exports to Europe and North America, where some of its models have been sold under Toyota's Scion brand targeted at the youth market.

Global sales for Daihatsu slid 13.3 percent in 2015, the weakest sales performance in the Toyota group last year, which also includes the Toyota and Lexus brands and truck maker Hino Motors Ltd.

The announcement comes days after Toyota denied a media report that it is discussing possible tie-ups with Suzuki from a variety of angles, including cross-share holdings.


Tesla scales back German battery plans, won over by US incentives

                BERLIN: Tesla Inc has begun assembling batteries in Germany but will focus cell production in the US in light of Inflation Reduction Act tax incentives, a spokesperson said, one of the first firms to declare a strategy shift prompted by the package.

The US electric-vehicle maker is also preparing to produce cell components such as electrodes, some of which will be sent from its site in Gruenheide in the state of Brandenburg, to the United States, the Tesla spokesperson said today.

Cars produced at the Brandenburg site would in the "near future" contain batteries assembled locally, the spokesperson added.

"The focus of Tesla's cell production is currently in the United States due to the framework created by the United States Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)," the company said.

EU leaders have expressed concern that local content requirements of much of the US$369 billion of subsidies in the IRA will encourage companies to abandon Europe for the United States.

Tesla rival Stellantis said today the IRA was not affecting strategy significantly, while earlier this month industrial gases firm Air Liquide pledged to take advantage of a historic opportunity to invest in clean energy helped by the IRA, but did not give specific details.

Holcim AG, the world's biggest cement maker, expects the IRA to provide strong momentum for its business in North America, and Linde, has estimated the total investment opportunity for the company in the United States alone could exceed US$30 billion over the next decade.

The European Commission has proposed loosening rules on state aid for investments in renewable energy, decarbonising industry, hydrogen or zero-emission vehicles, though Germany's finance minister has warned Europe must not respond to the US act with excessive subsidies.

Tesla withdrew its application for over 1 billion euros in German state aid for the battery plant in November 2021, and the company's chief executive Elon Musk tweeted at that time that "all subsidies should be eliminated".

However, the carmaker still has an open application for regional funding from the Brandenburg government.

A spokesperson for the German economy ministry said on Wednesday they were "working on clearing up the reasons" behind Tesla's decision. Brandenburg's economy ministry said that to its knowledge, the change of course would not impact the number of jobs available at the German site.

Musk said in March 2022 that the German 50 gigawatt-hour battery plant would reach volume production by the end of 2023, but the plant and car production site have hit their targets later than planned.

Tesla has struggled to ramp up battery cell production in Fremont, California, and Austin, Texas, which experts have attributed to new and unproven techniques the company is having trouble scaling up.

It announced in late January it would invest over US$3.6 billion to expand its Nevada gigafactory complex with two new factories, one to mass produce its long-delayed Semi electric truck and the other to make its new 4680 battery cell.


Indonesia considers US$320mil in incentives to boost EV sales in 2023

                JAKARTA: Indonesia may allocate 5 trillion rupiah (RM1.4bil or US$320mil) from next year's budget to incentivise electric vehicle (EV) purchases, though details of the scheme were still being finalised, a senior minister said today.

Last week, Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita said buyers could get a discount of 80 million rupiah (RM22,800) for EVs made by firms with factories in the country, as well as other incentives for hybrid cars and electric motorcycles. The government plans to offer subsidies to sellers to cover the costs.

Airlangga Hartarto, Indonesia's chief economics minister, said at a news conference on Wednesday that authorities are detailing how much they could provide per sale based on the budget allocation.

The government is also considering subsidising electric bus sales, he said.

President Joko Widodo told the same news conference: "We hope with these incentives, the electric motorcycle and electric car industry will grow".

Indonesia targets 20% of overall car sales in 2025 to be EVs, Airlangga said.

Companies that have invested or have announced planned investments in EV manufacturing in Indonesia include Toyota Motor Corp, Mitsubishi Motors Corp and Hyundai Motor Co.

SGMW Motor Indonesia, part of a joint venture of SAIC Motor Corp Ltd, General Motors Co and Wuling Motors Holdings, has an EV assembly facility in the South-East Asian country.

Indonesia has also tried to court US firm Tesla to invest to produce not just EV batteries but also cars in the country.

Japanese brands currently dominate sales in the world's fourth most populous nation, with Toyota as the market leader.

More than 942,000 cars were sold in the country in January to November this year.