Europe up against Asian juggernaut in electric car battery drive

                LONDON/FRANKFURT/STOCKHOLM: Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD is looking at launching battery production in Europe, joining Asian rivals aiming to cash in on a green car revolution and threatening attempts by Brussels to nurture a home-grown industry.

Keen to capture a European car battery value chain that will be worth an estimated 250 billion euros (1.1 trillion) by 2025, the European Commission launched an alliance of local companies last year aiming to build 10-20 huge battery factories.

But only Sweden’s Northvolt have plans for large lithium-ion battery factories in Europe so far and some leading European carmakers have already struck deals with Asian suppliers setting up in Hungary and Poland.

“We are considering cell production outside of China and that includes Europe,” Julia Chen, Global Sales Director at BYD Batteries, told Reuters, speaking about the production of both automotive and home storage batteries.

BYD, which also makes electric buses, cars and solar panels, said it was not clear where in Europe a battery site might be. “It would be possible wherever there’s a market.”

The company, which is backed by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, joins Korea’s SK Innovation, Japan’s GS Yuasa Corp and China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology in looking to locate battery plants in Europe.

South Korea’s LG Chem, Samsung SDI both have European factories due to open soon while China’s GSR Capital already produces battery cells at a UK plant it bought from Nissan.

While Asian electric vehicle (EV) cell battery factories in Europe would bring jobs, Brussels is concerned companies in the bloc are missing out on a growth industry and risk becoming dependent on foreign technology.

“We have to move fast because here we are in a global race. We need to prevent technological dependence on competitors,” European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic said at the launch of the European Battery Alliance’s action plan in May.

But some investors say they are wary of backing European EV battery suppliers after seeing local solar panel firms founder in the face of cheap Chinese imports over the past decade.

European battery companies would need billions in EU support to rival Asian firms that have received similar state subsidies and Brussels may be better off promoting next-generation solid-state EV batteries instead, investors say.

“I don’t believe anyone in Europe can be competitive with the Asians,” said Gerard Reid, founder of Alexa Capital, which advises firms in the energy, technology and power infrastructure sectors.

‘Green’ batteries

Electric and hybrid vehicles are expected to account for 30 percent of the global auto market by 2030, according to metal consultants CRU, up from 4 percent of the 86 million vehicles sold last year.

Global automakers plan to invest at least US$90 billion in electric cars and batteries, the most expensive component in the vehicles, to finance hundreds of new models over the next five years.

For now, carmakers in Europe have been importing batteries from Asia, but as production ramps up that will become less viable. Setting up production in Europe would cut shipping costs by a quarter, consultancy P3 Group.

But some carmakers are not waiting for a European industry, instead signing contracts with Asian firms coming to the region.

German’s BMW said it was not involved in the European alliance while Europe’s biggest automaker, Volkswagen, said it plans to get batteries from LG Chem’s Polish factory due to open this year. Mercedes maker Daimler has awarded a contract to CATL.

The European Commission’s plan calls for 110 million euros in battery related research, help for projects from a 2.7 billion euro EU innovation fund and the development of an EU “green battery” trademark.

Supporters of the initiative argue Europe can carve out a niche by selling green batteries produced with renewable energy and ethically sourced raw materials.

Financing round

Northvolt, which has held talks with European automakers, aims to launch its US$5 billion gigafactory in late 2020 and produce 32 gigawatt hours of battery capacity each year by 2023.

But investors have been cautious about pouring money into new European battery ventures.

Northvolt’s first financing round, intended to raise 80 million euros to 100 million euros to help set up a test factory, took slightly longer than expected, a spokesman said.

In the end, the bulk of the financing was provided by the Swedish Energy Agency and the European Investment Bank, which provided a loan of up to 52.5 million euros.

Much of the profit from the battery value chain is generated by producers of raw materials, such as cobalt and lithium, and those who assemble cells into complex systems, experts say.

“There’s been a bit of imbalance in that value chain and that’s one of the reasons you see a limited amount of players in Europe,” said Northvolt founder and Chief Executive Peter Carlsson. “But we think that the model that we’re applying is changing this.”

Carlsson, who used to work for U.S. electric car pioneer Tesla, says Northvolt can make a profit through economies of scale, by using cheap hydropower and controlling the processing of raw materials.

But Northvolt and TerraE will probably need about US$2 billion each in government funding to build their gigafactories - given the state support provided for similar projects in Asia and the United States, said Asad Farid, an associate director at private bank Berenberg who specialises in battery technology.

Four months after the European alliance launch the world’s biggest automotive supplier, Germany’s Robert Bosch abandoned plans to make battery cells, saying it was too risky.

Solid-state solution?

Investors are wary because of their experience with solar panel manufacturers as well as rapid advances in technology that are slashing the price of battery packs, which consultants Arthur D puts at US$190-250 per kilowatt hour now.

“In battery manufacturing ... it’s very much about scale. So the established producers in Korea, China and Japan have clear advantages over new entrants,” said Simon Webber, lead portfolio manager on the global & international equities team at Schroders .

Tim Crockford, who manages Hermes Investment Management’s Impact Opportunities Fund, said he was more interested in European firms researching cathode technology, areas with major barriers to entry in terms of research and development.

“The attraction of the industry decreases as you move further down the value chain. Things like battery manufacturers and the battery pack assemblers, it’s much more fragmented market with lower barriers to entry,” said Crockford.

While Hermes has avoided companies mass-producing EV cell batteries it has taken stakes in a lithium producer and a company that makes materials for battery cathodes, he said.

The lithium-ion batteries used now are also likely to be overtaken in a matter of years by so-called solid-state technology that is expected to produce even cheaper batteries with higher energy density.

“The development cycle and the speed of technology progress in batteries is so huge at the moment, there’s an opportunity for new and additional players to enter,” said Timo Moeller, head of the McKinsey Center for Future Mobility overview in Cologne.

Developers in Europe believe that gives the region an opportunity to catch up.

“Everybody is developing solid-state batteries so the gap (with Asia) will be narrower and narrower as we go along,” said Diego Pavia, CEO of InnoEnergy, a sustainable energy company that has invested in Northvolt.


How to react when your car hits a wild animal

                BERLIN: The best way to avoid hitting a wild animal when you're on the road is by staying alert and driving at a safe speed.

And yet sometimes, when driving along miles of road through a forest, running into an animal is just impossible to avoid, so you need to know what to do in the event that it does happen.

The first thing to do is make sure the scene of the accident is safe, say experts from a European driving association (ACE). Turn on your hazards, put on your high-visibility vest then place the warning triangle a safe distance from the car.

Call the police and, if possible, the forestry service too, as you will likely need their help with the paperwork for full insurance cover.

As much as you might want to help the animal you've just hit, it's best to wait until the police or local forester is on the scene, as the animal may be carrying a disease. Larger animals have also been known to get aggressive and hurt drivers when injured.

What's more, touching a lightly injured animal could make its recovery harder. Even if it survives the accident, your scent on the animal could cause it to be rejected by its herd.

Driving the animal to a vet may also be a risky business. Depending on your local laws, could be charged or even jailed for poaching.

What you can do, however, is take pictures of the scene and of any damage to your car, as this will help make sure you get insurance coverage.

Usually if you have partial or full insurance coverage, they'll pay any damages resulting from accidents with animals such as deer or wild boars.


Google self-driving car effort expands hiring, posts manufacturing jobs

                SAN FRANCISCO: Alphabet Inc's self-driving project is advertising dozens of jobs on its website with a special focus on manufacturing expertise.

Thirty-six jobs related to the Google X car project were listed including engineers working on motion control, displays, robotics and sensors as well as managers charged with operations, materials and marketing.

Google, which declined to comment, has denied in the past that it had any interest in making cars. Many industry experts believe the tech giant will partner with an established carmaker, supplying the software that will pioneer the fully autonomous vehicle.

But the jobs listed provide a window into how much hardware Google may build to contribute to the cars of the future.

Developing self-driving cars has been a key priority of traditional carmakers, technology companies like Apple Inc , Uber Technologies Inc and auto suppliers.

A manufacturing process engineer job listing says the post is responsible for "designing factory assembly stations, optimizing production floor layout, automating critical manufacturing processes and approving fixture designs used in the assembly of electronic modules for the self-driving car."

A manufacturing supplier quality engineer will create and approve "manufacturing inspection processes, equipment, tools gauges and fixtures for raw material, mechanical components and mechanical assemblies." A mechanical global supply chain manager, meanwhile, is responsible for manufacturing development execution, among other tasks.

In January, president of the Google self-driving car project, John Krafcik, said he wanted to form partnerships with established carmakers and suppliers in 2016 to accelerate work.

When he was hired in September, Krafcik's prior experience at Hyundai and Ford fueled speculation that Google planned to build its own cars.

Google posted other jobs outside of manufacturing that provided clues as to the scope of the growing project.
A marketing manager position posted nine days ago requires someone to "shape go-to-market strategy and storytelling to win hearts and minds of community members, influencers and governments."

The company is even searching for a head of real estate and workplace services, suggesting that hiring may continue to rise.

Google currently tests its prototype cars in its home base of Mountain View, California and Austin, Texas. It announced last week it would expand testing to Kirkland, Washington later in February.


Briton Dean Hodge is Hyundai's top mechanic

Hodge (centre) with other winners of subsidiary categories.

SEOUL: Briton Dean Hodge is the world's best mechanic — at least in the eyes of Hyundai.

Hodge emerged as the champion at the 2019 Hyundai World Skill Olympics held here last week.

The contest pitted the company’s top automotive service experts from around the world for intense skills competition.

“It is a tremendous honour winning this prestigious competition after contending with talented technicians from all over the world,” said Hodge, the single gold medalist at the event. “I have always felt proud to be a staff member of Hyundai Motor, a truly international company. I will put my knowledge and skills to constantly serving customers better and winning their hearts.”

Two silver medals went to James George (New Zealand) and Ilia Fedulov (Russia), while three bronze medals went to Hsin Chih Lin (Taiwan), Mohamed Aly (Egypt), and Jidhinraj Rajan Rema (Oman).

The biennial Hyundai World Skill Olympics is designed to improve technicians’ skills through systematic training and by sharing up-to-date information in a uniquely interactive environment. First held in 1995, the competition has been a much anticipated and celebrated congregation of Hyundai’s expert technicians, who vie for top prizes and honors.

Each year, Hyundai Motor conducts a series of national training programs for its technicians to systematically upgrade and refresh their skills, and ensure they are in tune with the latest technological developments in the automotive industry.

Held at the Hyundai Cheonan Global Learning Center in Korea last week, this year’s iteration drew 117 participants, including 66 entrants (dealer technicians) and 51 observers (dealer staffers) from 51 countries. By region, they hail from North America, Central and South America, Europe and Russia, the Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa.

Ahead of and during the main event, the contenders had gone through a written test (on products and repair procedures) and two rounds of practical tests (first on the engine, electrical and chassis systems and components; the second on multi-systems diagnosis and repair).


Nissan in partnership to turn electric vehicles into mobile energy sources

                PARIS: Nissan and Enel, Europe’s second largest power company for installed capacity, have signed an agreement on Tuesday which both claim would revolutionise the way consumers and businesses manage their energy usage.

The two companies teamed up to develop a Vehicle 2 Grid system allowing drivers as well as energy users to operate as individual “energy hubs” with the ability to use, store and return electricity in excess to the grid.

Trials are already under way to test the viability of Grid Integrated Vehicles, the first time ever these systems are tested, and showing how electric vehicles can actively contribute to the development of the energy market.

The agreement with the ENEL Group will bring the first Grid Integrated Vehicles to countries where regulation allows sufficient value generation. Denmark will host the first set of trials with Germany, Netherlands and other northern European regions following suit. This endeavour is part of Enel’s and Nissan’s commitment to support the entire electric vehicle ecosystem, going way beyond the car itself and delivering new services to the power industry.

The Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology allows electric vehicles to be fully integrated into the electricity grid by also improving grid capability to handle renewable power and will make renewable sources more diffused and affordable. V2G charging infrastructure and V2G-enabled electric vehicles give together EV owners and businesses with large EV fleets the opportunity to create mobile energy hubs integrating their vehicles with the grid.

The system works by allowing Nissan LEAF owners to connect to charge at low-demand, cheap tariff periods, with an option to then use the electricity stored in the vehicle’s battery at home when costs are higher, or even feed back to the grid to generate additional returns.

In France for example, where there are 38 million vehicles and where the current electricity generation capacity is 130 GW, a future where all vehicles on the road are EVs/PHEV, the grid integration of the vehicles could generate a virtual power plant of up to 380 GW (3 times the national generation capacity of France).


How to stay safe when a wrong-way driver is on the road

                MUNICH: Wrong-way drivers can be very dangerous on any road, and especially on motorways due to the higher speeds involved.

Traffic psychologist Juergen Brenner-Hartmann from TÜV, a German safety inspection agency, advises drivers to avoid the affected section of road if they hear reports of a wrong-way driver in their area.

If this isn't possible, drivers should slow down considerably, to give them time to spot the oncoming car in time and avoid it. Under no circumstances should drivers pass other cars.

The best course of action is to find a place to stop and wait for the all-clear on a traffic radio station. According to Brenner-Hartmann, the most important step in order to be prepared for wrong-way drivers is to switch on the radio and listen to traffic reports.

Brenner-Hartmann also warns against trying to stop a wrong-way driver on your own, and instead recommends calling the police as soon as one is spotted and providing their exact location.

In order to avoid becoming a wrong-way driver yourself, Brenner-Hartmann advises looking carefully at signposts, especially on highway slip roads and at roadside petrol service stations. Whenever possible, park facing the direction of travel so that you can find the correct exit more easily.


Triumph Speed Twin available from RM77,900

                PETALING JAYA: Fast Bikes Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of Triumph motorcycles in Malaysia, has brought in the latest Triumph Speed Twin.

Price starts from RM77,900 for standard colour of Jet Black and RM78,900 for premium colours of Silver Ice/Storm Grey and Korosi Red/ Storm Grey combinations.

Significantly different from its predecessor, the new model comes with a new anodised headlight, mudguard mounts, tank graphics and Metzeler Racetec RR tyres.

The bike also gets brushed stainless-steel headers for the twin upswept silencers.

The new Speed Twin also gets more features like a ride-by-wire system, switchable traction control, and three riding modes of Rain, Road, and Sport.

For better handling, the Speed Twin gets a higher-spec Marzocchi USD forks, Brembo M50 monoblock calipers and lighter cast aluminum 12-spoke wheels.

The Speed Twin’s liquid-cooled, 1,200cc parallel-twin makes 98.6 hp at 7,250rpm and 112Nm of torque at 4,250rpm. Wet weight is at 216kg.

In celebrating its introduction to Malaysia, Fast Bikes is offering an early bird package to those who place their bookings by July 15.

Buyers will receive two free lube services and be eligible for a 35% discount on accessories.

Additionally, they can also choose from three complimentary kits comprising protective and styling items for their new bike.

The total value of the entire package is worth over RM4,000.


Groupe PSA launches anti-bacterial service at retailers

                PARIS: Groupe PSA has launched a new Complete Anti-Bacterial Refresh service across its retailer networks to help drivers minimise the risk of spreading Covid-19.

Participating Peugeot, Citroën, DS Automobiles and Vauxhall retailers are offering drivers a complete anti-bacterial clean and refresh to ensure their vehicles are as safe as possible amid the Covid-19 crisis. This includes:

>  A comprehensive clean of the air conditioning system to remove bugs and nasty odours that may be the result of inactivity during the lockdown

> Complete replacement of pollen filters to ensure the air circulating in the vehicle is clean as well as dust and pollen free

> An extensive 29-point vehicle health check of key components and parts, including brakes, tyres, drive belt and battery condition

> An internal and external full disinfection of the vehicle

Owners can book the Complete Anti-Bacterial Refresh service from their respective retailers online.

To ensure the safety of its customers and staff, Groupe PSA has introduced strict social distancing and hygiene guidelines. These include contactless drop-off arrangements and a collection and delivery service from home or places of work.


Thailand gets all-new Honda Civic

BANGKOK: The 10th generation Honda Civic is launched in Thailand today in four variants led by an all-new turbocharged TURBO RS with a 1.5-litre engine displacement.  Prices ranged from RM102,704 to RM141,653.

There are five choices of exterior colours, namely White Orchid Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, and two new colours namely Lunar Silver Metallic and Cosmic Blue Metallic.

Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co Ltd said it expects sales of the Civic to reach 25,000 units within a year.

READ MORE: Two CKD Honda cars coming to Malaysia

The TURBO RS retails at 1,199,000 baht  (RM141,653), TURBO at 1,099,000 baht (RM129,811), 1.8 EL at 959,000 baht (RM113,274), and 1.8 E at 869,000 baht (RM102,704).

The new body, based on “Wide and Low” body styling concept, is designed for a sportier and self-assured driving while offering a more spacious cabin than its predecessor. The exterior comes with a premium and bold appearance which includes sleek sporty design with sharp character lines and a chrome front grille in wing shape, extended to sporty headlights with LED daytime running lights and distinctive C-shaped LED tail lights.

Honda said the latest Civic's interior space is comparable to those in D-segment cars.

A full range of advanced technology provides convenience and ultimate comfort in all driving and easily control of all features.

For example, a 7-Inch Display Audio Touchscreen provides Advance Touch controls of entertainment features, wireless telephone connectivity via Bluetooth, and USB port that supports Apple CarPlay (compatible with some smartphones). A Multi-Information Display allows many utility functions which could be switched displayed information and searched by alphabet using control buttons on the steering wheel. To get the engine ready and the cabin temperature comfortable before a journey starts, Engine Remote Start can turn on the engine and the air-conditioner remotely while the doors remain locked and the car is immobilized until the driver enters inside the car with the smart key and start the engine.

 Honda Lanewatch.

Innovations include a new VTEC TURBO engine which provides a powerful performance and excellent fuel efficiency, as well as advanced technologies that enhance comfort and safety.

The Civic is available in two different drivetrains – a brand new 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine as well as an improved 1.8 litre normally aspirated petrol engine.

The 1.5-litre DOHC VTEC TURBO engine and a new CVT, both developed under Earth Dreams Technology, provides 173hp at 5,500 rpm and maximum torque of 220Nm at 1,700 – 5,500 rpm - a performance comparable to a 2.4-litre engine but with better fuel efficiency equivalent to a 1.8-litre engine.

The 1.8-litre SOHC i-VTEC engine is the same as before and is mated to a CVT developed under Earth Dreams Technology to offer a responsive driving performance and better fuel savings. The engine, also compatible with E85 fuel, produces 141hp at 6,500 rpm and maximum torque of 174Nm at 4,300 rpm. This is the same engine also found in the HR-V.

The RS grade, added for the first time, is the style statement of the line-up and comes with an integrated body kit with a striking black grille, LED headlights, LED front foglights and RS badging.

The Civic also offers class-leading safety systems such as Honda LaneWatch, which provides a better view of the vehicle’s left-side blind spot, Electric Parking Brake, Auto Brake Hold, and Walk Away Auto Lock.

The Civic will be arriving in Malaysia soon though Honda Malaysia hasn't indicated a date for it. The car will however be available in Australia from June where it is the key revenue driver in the Honda line-up there.

The launch of the Civic in Thailand followed the launch of the facelifted Accord there last month.


Sporty and engaging i30

The i30 will always have a special position in Hyundai Motor Co's remarkable success story in recent years.

This award-winning C-segment family car was the Korean automaker's first "i" model and had its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in 2007.

The "i" badge stands for Hyundai's brand promise of innovation, inspiration and intelligence.

It was also the first Hyundai to achieve the maximum five-star score in the rigorous Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) crash test.

Designed to meet the demands of European consumers, the latest-generation i30 features Hyundai’s signature fluidic sculpture design and an athletic look that exudes a bold stance.

According to Hyundai, it is the Korean automaker's best selling model in Europe and globally, it has hit sales of more than 1.5 million units.

Thus, we were not surprised to find that it handles well and has a firmer, sportier-tuned suspension compared with the softly-sprung or "floaty" ride of many Japanese passenger cars in this region.

This five-door hatchback has a MacPherson strut front and rear torsion beam set-up, and we found a nice blend of sportiness and comfort concerning its ride quality.

Fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 3 performance tyres sized 225/45 ZR17, the i30 stayed well-planted when we took road corners in a spirited manner.

There were no unpleasant body rolls, and the i30 handled impressively on twisty stretches.

The 1.8-litre engine is powerful, and the i30 has a perky feel to it during hard acceleration.

Power delivery was constantly smooth and steady with the six-speed auto tranmission.

We like the sporty ambience of the cabin, which has comfortable fabric seats.

Like other premium Hyundai cars, the i30's cabin was quite a cocooned environment where NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) is concerned.

Our only niggle was the presence of the traditional handbrake, which we feel is not in harmony with premium positioning of the i30.

A space-saving electric button handbrake would be more suitable here.

We also found generous head, shoulder and leg room - as the i30 boasts of having best-in-class cabin space.

Regarding the motor-driven power steering, it is precise and light in Normal mode - one of three operating modes available via a button-activated Flex Steer system.

Other steering modes are Comfort which offers a "lighter" steering wheel that is suitable for city driving and parking, and Sport which reduces electrical assistance and provides a "heavier" steering wheel.

While varying the level of steering support via a switch or button sounds like a great idea, we found ourselves keeping the steering in Normal mode most of the time.

We hardly used the Sport steering mode, and only occasionally, switched to the Comfort mode when parking in tight spots.

Meanwhile, the i30 has a high level of safety and comfort kit that befits its premium price tag.

There is a panoramic sunroof for those who prefer more natural light in the cabin, six airbags, vehicle stability management (VSM), a msart key system with start-stop button, and motorsports-like metal brake and accelerator pedals.

We also appreciated the novelty of the i30's Smart Welcome system, especially at night - as one walks towards the car, the smart key is detected and the wing mirrors unfold, and puddle lamps illuminate the door areas.

We found a fair bit of storage spaces and cup holders, as well as bins on all four doors.

To sum it up, there is a lot to like about the i30, particularly its solid European design and engaging drive quality.

This i30 Sport variant comes standard with a bodykit, which provides sportier looks.

An Executive variant without the bodykit is also available, and cheaper by around RM5,000.

To sweeten the deal for buyers, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors provides a five-year or 300,000km warranty (whichever comes first) and free 24-hours, seven days a week Roadside Assist.

Hyundai i30 SportEngine: Nu 1,797cc MPI (multi-point fuel injected), dual CVVT (continuous variable valve timing)
Maximum power: 150ps at 6,500rpm
Maximum torque: 178Nm at 4,700rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Features: Six airbags, anti-lock brake system (ABS), brake assist, electronic stability programme (ESP), vehicle stability management (VSM), panoramic sunroof, all-round disc brakes
Price: RM132,888 on-the-road with insurance (five-year or 300,000km warranty - whichever is earlier)


Brabus Mercedes-Maybach: A car your chauffeur will love to drive

BOTTROP (Germany): If cars were living organisms that could reproduce, the Brabus Mercedes-Maybach is what would happen if a Lamborghini and a limousine decided to start a family.

Potentially the perfect vehicle for the indecisive car connoisseur, the latest Brabus-modified Mercedes solves the problem of having to choose between taking the limousine to arrive in comfort or taking the supercar to arrive quickly.

Based on the new Mercedes-Maybach, which was developed by Mercedes to represent the pinnacle of chauffer-driven luxury, Brabus has turned it into a 5.4-metre-long 2.8-ton road-going rocket.

The work of a crack team of engineers, technicians and craftsmen, the engine that powers the car is based on the 6-litre V12 unit used in the standard Maybach, but after Brabus has finished its tuning, it's capable of outputting 887bhp. This translates into a 0-100kph time of 3.7 seconds and a scarcely believable top speed of 217mph (350kph).

This phenomenal performance - which makes the car faster off the mark than an Aston Martin Vanquish and gives it a higher top speed than any current Aston or even a Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, which tops out at "just" 340kph - is thanks to new turbochargers, pistons, exhaust system and aerodynamics package.

As long as the car is standing still, onlookers will be able to tell that it's a Brabus-tuned machine thanks to special 21-inch alloy wheels, a redesigned front and rear bumper and the addition of a rear air diffuser, a device usually only found on supercars.

So that the car, which is one of the longest currently on the road anywhere in the world, can make the most of all this speed, Brabus has lowered the ride height by 25mm and integrated a front spoiler into the new front bumper which, it claims, will stop lift on the car's front axle at higher speeds.

Inside, clients can personalize the cabin finish to their exact specifications, much like the standard Maybach. But as well as woods and leathers, Brabus also offers carbon fiber as a surface finish and its own iBusiness productivity suite, developed from Apple components, for those who want to work quickly, on the go.

As a final touch, the new exhaust system has two modes - "Coming Home" and "Sport" - which the driver can switch between at the touch of a button. In Sport mode the pipes and the volume open up to the maximum so that it sounds like a supercar, while selecting "Coming Home" turns things down to a whisper so as not to upset the neighbours.


New Land Rover Defender nears end of testing while helping to save lions in Kenya

NAIROBI: The new Land Rover Defender has moved a step closer to production after successfully completing a demanding testing programme with Tusk in Kenya, in support of their lion conservation initiatives in Africa.

A prototype Defender fitted with an integrated raised air intake and wearing a unique camouflage, which was specially devised for the surroundings, supported operations at the 14,000-hectare Borana Conservancy, tracking radio collared lions and transporting supplies.

The unique test programme gave Tusk operatives a chance to put the new Defender through a series of real-world tests as wildlife managers forded rivers, pulled heavily loaded trailers and negotiated challenging terrain.

The prototype model was even used to help replace the inoperative tracking collar fitted to a male lion, which was sedated at close range from the security of the new Defender.

Land Rover has been an official partner of Tusk for 15 years and the Defender was put to work at the Borana Conservancy to support its lion conservation programme, to highlight the critical situation faced by lions across Africa.

Three-quarters of lion populations on the continent are in decline and black and white rhinos now outnumber the big cat in Africa. Fewer than 20,000 lions survive in the wild globally — a figure that has declined from 200,000 over the last century.

"We are now in the advanced stages of the new Defender’s testing and development phase. Working with our partners at Tusk in Kenya enabled us to gather valuable performance data. The Borana reserve features a wide range of challenging environments, making it a perfect place to test to the extreme the all-terrain attributes of the new Defender," said Jaguar Land Rover vehicle line director Nick Collins.

The overall initiative was supported by Jaguar Land Rover’s worldwide logistical partner and supporter of Tusk, DHL to help celebrate 2019 as Tusk’s Year of the Lion.


Mitsubishi holds US auction of Lancer Evolution Final Edition No. 1

                SAN DIEGO: Mitsubishi will auction off the first Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Final Edition in aid of the US National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The Lancer Evolution, is in its 10th and final year, and only 1,600 Final Edition models will be produced for the United States, each carrying a unique numbered plaque.

To make the vehicle available to collectors across the country and raise as much money possible, the auction went live 10 days in advance on Nov 11 on eBay. Bidding will conclude Nov 21 at the MS Dinner Auction at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort in Coronado here.

The Lancer Evolution is revered by "gear heads" around the world and is arguably the originator of the four-door sports car genre. The Final Edition model features a 5-speed transmission paired with a turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder 2.0L engine, making the Final Edition the most powerful mass-produced Evolution ever built with 303hp.

The car is based off the current GSR model and features lightweight two-piece Brembo brake rotors up front, accompanied by Bilstein shock absorbers and Eibach springs at all four corners and Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control system.

"Mitsubishi Motors has been involved with the National MS Society for more than 16 years, raising money through a variety of activities and event sponsorships," said Don Swearingen, executive vice president, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

"It was only fitting that this year, to enhance our title sponsorship of the event, we donate something that means so much to the brand. By expanding the auction nationally, we hope to increase our donation to a charity that is near and dear to the hearts of everyone at Mitsubishi."


Brabus tweaks Mercedes-EQS to boost range

                BERLIN: Tuning electric cars is hard since the motors are so efficient in the first place but that has not stopped German experts Brabus from improving the Mercedes-EQS electric saloon.

The changes focus on improving the aerodynamics of what is already a slippery shape, with a Cd value of 0.2.

Brabus claims the improvements boost range by up to 56km in what could turn out to be a new benchmark for tuned cars instead of straight-line speed and performance.

Visual details include new carbon parts, a revised front lip and eye-catching 22-inch forged wheels.

Brabus said the rear diffuser, side skirts and lip reduce aerodynamic lift and cut drag by up to 7.2%.

The acceleration and top speed of the e-limousine, however, remains unchanged. In normal trim the EQS will top 220kph.

The price for the aerodynamic tuning is high and customers will need to ask Brabus for an individual quote. They will also need to supply a new EQS for modification.

The visual package is priced at around €21,300 (RM97,000), with at least around €6,500 (RM30,000) due extra for the flashy wheels. Straight off the showroom floor, a stock EQS costs at least €107,326 (RM488,000).

Brabus has been tuning EVs for some time but made its reputation with powerful petrol-engined Mercedes, famed for their combination of neck-snapping acceleration and discreet cosmetic alterations.

Brabus has also done work on the smart #1 all-electric car.

And in typical tuner fashion, the SUV will get more aggressive bodywork mods as well as dual motors that will reportedly spit out 422hp for a 0-100kph sprint time of 3.7s.

The smart #1 Brabus will be unveiled to the world at the Aug 26-Sept 4 Chengdu Motor Show in China.

smart was formerly owned by Mercedes-Benz but has now become a joint venture between the German automaker and China's Geely.


SEAT tech can detect if the driver falls asleep

                BARCELONA: SEAT is developing an AI-powered technology for cars that detects if a driver falls asleep and responds accordingly.

SEAT is working with Eyesight Technologies to track one's "eye openness, angle of vision, blink rate and head position of the driver, along with other visual attributes" to determine how focused the driver is on the road.

If they're drowsy, are looking at their phone or fall asleep, an alert will be triggered.

Eventually, the company intends for the technology to be able to detect pedestrians, as well, and then decide if the driver has seen them or not.

Simultaneously in development with this project is another that's in the works with Gauzy, a tech company creating "light control glass," to develop windows that drivers can darken or lighten depending on their environmental conditions.

At this time, both technologies are still in development, but we'll likely be seeing these products or ones very similar make it into SEAT models over the next few years after they have been perfected.


Porsche recalls flagship electric model Taycan over software issue

                FRANKFURT: Porsche AG must recall 43,000 of its electric Taycan cars over faulty software that can cause the battery-powered engine to suddenly shut down, it said today.

The recall affects all Taycan vehicles produced and delivered by June, the company said, adding the cars would receive a software update to fix the issue. The Taycan was launched last year.

Porsche executive Klaus Rechberger told journalists the problem had been observed in around 130 cars, adding no accidents were known to have happened as a result.

The Taycan, a low-slung four-door sports car with a range of 450km, is Porsche's attempt to attract customers to high-end electric vehicles.

Porsche, part of the Volkswagen group, said an over-the-air software update would not be possible in this case, meaning Taycan owners will have to factor in a one-hour visit to a local repair centre.


Perodua sponsors racer Nabil Jeffri

                KUALA LUMPUR: Perodua is sponsoring rising motorsport star, Nabil Jeffri who is currently competing in GP2 series 2016, a stepping stone into Formula 1 for many drivers.

Nabil, 22, is expected to start racing in Formula 1 from 2018.

Perodua did not disclose how much the sponsorship is worth.

Nabil, whose full name is Muhammad Nabil Jan Al Jeffri, began his career in karting and won the Asian Kart Open Championship in 2004 at the age of 10 and the Malaysian Rotax Max Junior titles in 2009. He stepped up to Formula BMW Pacific in 2010, racing for Eurasia Motorsport.

On Sept 1, 2010, Nabil carried out an aerodynamic test for the Lotus Racing Formula 1 team, driving the Lotus T127 on the airfield at Britain’s Imperial War Museum Duxford, becoming the youngest test driver in Formula 1 history to do so.

“Nabil is an inspiration to today’s youth. At 22 years old, he is already poised to enter the F1 league” said Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd managing director Dr Zahari Husin.


Data released on repair times for Proton cars

                KUALA LUMPUR: Motordata Research Consortium Sdn Bhd (MRC) has released detailed research data on repair times for Proton vehicles, following a partnership agreement that was signed with Thatcham Research and Proton Holdings Bhd last year.

The data provides the motor vehicle repair and motor insurance claims processing industry with accurate, vehicle specific repair times based on actual Proton vehicle models.

Steve Miller, CEO of MRC said, “With this data, the local motor insurance and vehicle repair industry can confidently produce accurate vehicle repair estimates using detailed vehicle repair information specifically for the local market. This will help improve transparency as well as provide better quality repair estimates guided by standard maintenance repair works”.

Appointed by General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM) with endorsement of Central Bank of Malaysia (BNM), MRC provides and manages a national automobile parts price and vehicle repair times database for use in creating accurate and transparent motor insurance claims.

The Proton vehicle repair times’ data was generated using MRC’s research expertise, information from Proton and Thatcham Research’s Plaza system.

“Guided by this data, Proton dealers will be able to ensure that the correct repair process is stated and carried out for the damages incurred on the specific vehicles. The research data will also result in a more accurate calculation of the cost of repairing vehicles”, said Abdul Rashid Musa, CEO of Proton Edar Sdn Bhd.

The research area of the repair times included Mechanical, Electrical and Trim (MET) times, Panel times and Paint times.

The project was done by matching the actual measurements, vehicle parts and components using Proton’s technical drawings and Proton’s repair methods. Thatcham’s Plaza system was used to calculate, compile and provide data storage.

The nine models of Proton vehicles included in the research were the Exora, Savvy, Gen 2, Inspira, Subprima S, New Persona, Preve, Iriz and New Saga as well as the 48 model variants.

MRC’s research team and Proton’s team members from its Engineering, Research & Development and Body & Paint services departments collaborated on the research project.

The data was tabulated within six months and was released to approved claims system providers in April 2018 as well as to all insurance-approved vehicle workshops, insurance companies and motor loss adjusters in Malaysia.

“Our commitment at MRC has always been focused on helping to improve the motor vehicle repair and motor insurance claims processing industry. We will continue to introduce new technologies and critical information into Malaysia’s vehicle body repair industry”, said Miller.


Vehicle thefts on a decline, say police

Various devices used by vehicle-jacking syndicates and groups.

KUALA LUMPUR: Ground intelligence, including surveillance and undercover activities, led police to cripple major car theft syndicates, bringing down the number of stolen vehicles drastically in the last five years.

Federal police are not letting up in “breaking” this billion-ringgit industry and are looking for those behind these elusive operations .

In 2013, a total of 70,847 vehicles, worth RM1.6 billion, were reported stolen nationwide.

But the number was reduced to 60,508 cases the following year, a decline in RM300mil worth of losses.

“In 2015, some RM1.2bil worth of losses were reported, followed by RM1.08bil in 2016, RM845,000 in 2017 and RM727,996 last year,” Senior Asst Comm (SAC) Datuk Khairuldin Saad told The Star.

The Bukit Aman CID D4 (operation/intelligence) principal assistant director said vehicles reported stolen have been on the decline.

READ MORE: It takes less than 6 secs to steal your car nowadays

There is a drop of 14.6% in 2014 compared to 2013, 10.7% in 2015 (compared to 2014), 10.4% in 2016, 12.9% in 2017 and 14.7% in 2018, he said.

“Vehicle theft is categorised as a property crime, which contributed to 40% of the nation’s crime index annually.

“In the last five years, vehicle thefts have been reduced from 70,847 cases in 2013 to 35,953 in 2018,” he said.

He added that the success was the result of tireless intelligence work conducted by the D4 officers.

“The decline in the number of such theft is a healthy trend.

“This is due to actionable intelligence and continuous enforcement operations,” he said.

SAC Khairuldin said stolen vehicles were shipped abroad or stripped for spare parts.

“Luxury cars, like Toyota Vellfire, Toyota Hilux, BMW and Mercedes Benz, have been known to be “exported” overland by ships in containers.

“Car theft syndicates falsified documents declaring the vehicles as electric parts or equipment.

“These vehicles were shipped to as far as Japan,” he said.

For overland, cross-boundary shipment, stolen vehicles were driven across to Thailand and Singapore.

“The vehicles were fitted with false registrations and taken across the border in the early morning, peak hour or nearing border closing time.

He said based on investigations, stolen vehicles were quickly driven to the border and smuggled into Thailand.

Cars targeted for parts were usually locally made vehicles such as Proton and Perodua, he added.

“Car theft syndicates were also known to dismantle the stolen vehicles in their own yard before selling the parts,” he said.

He added that based on their success over the years, there is only a small group of car thieves left.

“We will not rest on our laurels. we are going after these gangs,” he added.

He said they had also used the Prevention of Crime Act (Poca) to curb car theft activities.

“Between 2014 and 2018, a total of 449 suspects were detained under Poca.

“We are also keeping a close watch on car thieves who had served their sentences and we have stepped up operations to nab those who are on the wanted list,” SAC Khairuldin said.

In 2013, 24,647 suspected car thieves were arrested, followed by 26,279 in 2014, 25,194 in 2015, 24,823 in 2016, 23,267 in 2017 and 19,958 in 2018.


New BMW M 1000 RR and S 1000 R superbikes introduced

                KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Motorrad Malaysia has introduced the new and highly-anticipated BMW M 1000 RR, alongside the latest variants of the S 1000 R superbikes.

Featuring the powerful BMW M DNA for the very first time, the M 1000 RR brings pure racing technology for the highest performance requirements in motorsports and on the road.

As the first BMW M model in the BMW Motorrad portfolio, the new model far exceeds all expectations in the top segments of Superbikes with its engine output of 212hp, complemented by a suspension and aerodynamics designed for maximum racetrack performance.

The retail price (on-the-road, without insurance, and with BMW Motorrad Malaysia’s All-New 3-Year Warranty and 3-Year Roadside Assistance Programmes) for the M 1000 RR is RM249,500.

 M 1000 RR.

The chassis design of the M 1000 RR is trimmed for racetrack use with modified geometry, optimised wheel load distribution and extended adjustability of the swinging arm pivot point.

The optimised upside-down fork and revised central spring strut come complete with Full Floater Pro kinematics while the new M winglets and high windscreen also offer earlier acceleration with more stability when cornering, thanks to the aerodynamic downforce without any reduction in maximum speed.

The M 1000 RR uses a water-cooled four-cylinder in-line engine based on the RR power train with BMW ShiftCam technology for varying valve timing and valve lift, achieving a peak output of 212hp at 14,500rpm and maximum torque of 113Nm at 11,000rpm.

The engine has extensive technical optimisation such as the new two-ring forged pistons from Mahle, adapted combustion chambers, compression increased to 13.5, longer and lighter titanium connecting rods from Pankl, slimmer and lighter rocker arms, fully machined intake ports with new duct geometry as well as optimisation on camshafts and intake area.

 M 1000 RR.

The lightweight exhaust system is also made of titanium, along with the front and rear silencers.

The M 1000 RR is equipped with “Rain”, “Road”, “Dynamic”, “Race”, and “Race Pro1-3” riding modes, along with the latest generation of the Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and DTC wheelie function with six-axle sensor box.

Two adjustable characteristic throttle curves also offer optimum response characteristics, while the engine brake arrives with threefold adjustable engine drag torque in “Race Pro” mode.

 M 1000 RR.

The Shift Assistant Pro, an anti-hopping clutch for optimum Launch Control, the Pit-Lane Limiter, and the Hill Start Control Pro are also standard.

The new model also features an instrument cluster with clearly readable 6.5-inch TFT display and OBD interface that can be used with an activation code for the M GPS data logger and M GPS laptrigger.

Other features include M brakes – a first for BMW Motorrad, M carbon wheels, M lightweight battery, USB charging socket in the rear, and an anti-theft alarm system.

The M 1000 RRR is available in a combination of Light White, Racing Blue Metallic and Racing Red (BMW Motorrad Motorsport for M Package).

 S 1000 R - Hockenheim Silver Metallic.

Meanwhile, the S 1000 R comes in two variants and features adaptive LED headlights and brake lights, along with the Headlight Pro and Daytime Running Lamps.

The retail prices (on-the-road, without insurance, and with BMW Motorrad Malaysia’s All-New 3-Year Warranty and 3-Year Roadside Assistance Programmes) for the S 1000 R (Style Sport) and S 1000 R (M Package) are RM104,500 and RM119,500 respectively.

The S 1000 R continues to be powered by the formidable water/oil-cooled 4-cylinder 4-stroke in-line 999cc engine with a maximum output of 207hp at 13,500rpm and a torque of 113Nm at 11,000 rpm.

Fuel consumption is 6.4 litres of fuel per 100km of travel.

 S 1000 R - Hockenheim Silver Metallic.

The S 1000 R is also equipped with the BMW ShiftCam Technology which varies the titanium valve timings and valve strokes on the intake side.

The new variants are equipped with riding modes of Rain, Road, Dynamic and Race, complete with the Riding Mode Pro.

These riding modes also control functions such as the Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and ABS Pro for increased safety when braking or in banking position, while the BMW Motorrad Integral ABS system provides an even higher degree of safety coupled with the Dynamic Engine Brake Control (DBC).

 S 1000 R - Hockenheim Silver Metallic.

The Dynamic Damping Control (DDC) also equips the new variants, along with Cruise Control and the HP Shift Assistant Pro.

Other features are Keyless Ride function, USB Charging Socket, Passenger Package, and heated grips, along with a motorspoiler.

 S 1000 R - Hockenheim Silver Metallic.

The S 1000 R in the BMW M Package variant will exclusively feature the new BMW M Endurance Chain which is maintenance-free and offers maximum environmental sustainability, as the chain has a resident permanent lubricant filling between the rollers and pins, enclosed by X-rings.

The M Package variant gets the M sport seat, M light weight battery, Sports Silencer, and M GPS Laptrigger.

With the Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, ownership of the M 1000 RR and S 1000 R start from RM3,040 and RM1,270 per month respectively based on balloon financing estimates of an 80% loan on a four-year tenure.

 S 1000 R - M Motorsport.

Owners can also enjoy additional benefits with the All-New Industry-Leading Premium Engine Oil Inclusive, Service Inclusive and Warranty Extension Programmes by BMW Motorrad Malaysia.

For more information, visit https://www.bmw-motorrad.com.my/en/service/warranty.html.


Volvo starts subscription service in UK

                LONDON: Don't want to buy a car? Well, if you happen to be a Brit or staying in the UK, there's an alternative you could consider.

Volvo Cars has announced the new "Care by Volvo" subscription service in the country, which gives customers easy, flexible and convenient access to the car they want, together with associated servicing and maintenance, assistance and data services, all covered by a single monthly payment.

Care by Volvo is available now, with prices starting at £559 (RM3,299) a month (based on a XC40 T3 Momentum).

Recognising that this may be a new concept for many customers, Volvo is giving potential users the chance  to try the service risk-free for 30 days without any notice period.

Insurance is also provided during the try-out period. After the 30 days, customers can change their car or end their subscription with just three months’ notice.

The subscription is open-ended and there is no cancellation fee.

 Care by Volvo

The service is being rolled out nationwide following a successful regional trial and is designed to be an attractive alternative for customers who choose not to lease or buy a brand-new car.

For a clear monthly fee, customers can choose any model from the current Volvo line-up, with a wide range of versions of each car available.

Included in the price is scheduled servicing, wear-and-tear maintenance and repairs, replacement tyres and roadside assistance cover, as part of a comprehensive package of benefits to make using and enjoying a new Volvo as simple as possible.

Separate, dedicated Care by Volvo customer service teams have also been set up to deal with all subscription customer requirements.

Conor Horne, the UK Head of Care by Volvo, said: “In every aspect, we have designed Care by Volvo with the customer in mind – access to premium cars and a terrific range of services in a package that’s transparent, convenient and flexible.

"It is a great way for people to access the car they want, avoiding the complexities and the long-term commitments associated with traditional car ownership. Our subscription offer also makes for easy budgeting because it covers all the essentials apart from fuel, with the option of adding insurance.”


Ariel is racing into the hypercar market

                LONDON: If you thought the Ariel Atom was fast, wait until the company finishes work on its first hybrid hypercar that could well be the world's fastest accelerating car when it goes on sale at the end of 2019.

It's one of the smallest car companies in the world. Yet despite employing fewer than 20 people in a tiny facility in the southwest of England, the 100 or so cars it hand builds each year have quickly achieved global acclaim for their unique combination of simplicity and scintillating performance.

But as exhilarating as the Ariel Atom is on the road and around the track and as formidable as the Nomad is off road, the company is getting ready to dial everything up to 11 with its latest venture, the HIPERCAR.

Looking to give the likes of Aston Martin and Mercedes - both getting ready to unveil F1 inspired hypercars - a bloody nose, the HIPERCAR, or HIgh PERformance CARbon Reduction vehicle, to give it its full codename, is also going to boast a hybrid powertrain that uses a tiny, gasoline-fuelled turbine engine to extend the range of an otherwise electric car with a choice of two or four individual eclectic motors (depending if you want rear-wheel or an all-wheel-drive setup).

Plump for the latter and those four motors working in unison will output a phenomenal 1180hp and 1,800Nm of torque.

But that's just the start. Ariel claims that when the car makes its real-world debut (it is still technically in its development stage) the HIPERCAR will go from 0-100kph in 2.4 seconds, will hit 241kph in 7.8 seconds and then top out at 258kph.

It is the company's most ambitious project to date and one that it's working on in partnership with Equipmake and Delta Motorsports. However, the project is already at a very advanced stage and the companies plan to unveil a phase 1 prototype in September, at the environmentally focused Low Carbon Vehicle (LCV) Show in the UK at the Millbrook testing ground on September 6. The first full-production model will be unveiled in 2019 before going on sale in early 2020.

Ariel promises that the new car, despite its huge power reserves, will be just as nimble and easy to handle as its existing cars. However, in a change of aesthetic approach, it will be the first vehicle the firm has built since going into business in 2000 that will come with a full body and creature comforts such as doors.


Mitsubishi Motors says chairman Masuko resigned for health reasons

Masuko, 71, will stay on at Mitsubishi as a special adviser. The nature of his illness was not revealed. — Reuters
TOKYO: Mitsubishi Motors Corp said today Osamu Masuko resigned as chairman due to health reasons and has handed over the role to CEO Takao Kato on a temporary basis.

A veteran of the Mitsubishi conglomerate, Masuko joined the automaker in 2004, and became president in 2007. He oversaw the creation of the partnership between Mitsubishi and Nissan Motor Co in 2016, which saw Nissan take a controlling stake in the company.

The 71-year-old would stay on at Mitsubishi as a special adviser, the company said in a statement. It did not specify what Masuko was ailing from.

Masuko was at the helm of Mitsubishi during a 2016 scandal in which the automaker was found to have overstated the mileage on its vehicles. An investigation uncovered slack governance and pressure on resourced-starved engineers as chronic issues at the company.

The scandal was Mitsubishi’s third in two decades, and pummelled profits and tarnished the automaker’ s brand. At the height of the scandal, Nissan lent its smaller rival a lifeline by offering the company US$2.2 billion (RM9.2bil) for a 34% controlling stake.

The deal was agreed between Masuko and then Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn, and brought Mitsubishi in as a junior partner in the Nissan-Renault automaking alliance.

Masuko later denounced his ties with Ghosn following Ghosn’s 2018 arrest in Japan over financial misconduct. Ghosn has denied the charges.

All three members of the alliance are currently mired in financial problems after years of aggressive expansion policies under Ghosn’s leadership resulted in falling vehicle sales.

A further drop in global car demand due to the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated these problems, and Mitsubishi, Nissan and Renault are each bracing for steep annual operating losses this year.


Harley-Davidson looks for new leadership to end its sales struggle

                MILWAUKEE: Harley-Davidson Inc named a board member hailed for turning around the Puma brand’s near-bankrupt business as its interim chief as the motorcycle maker gropes for an effective strategy to woo young customers and revive sales.

Jochen Zeitz was asked to take over after chief executive officer Matthew Levatich stepped down following the Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based company’s worst sales performance in at least 16 years.

Harley-Davidson said on Friday Zeitz will serve as interim CEO until an external search firm helps find a new chief executive.

Michael Uhlarik, founder of consultancy Motorcycle Global, said Levatich’s exit was expected. He said Harley was likely to give Zeitz a long run as he has “proven turnaround” skills.

Zeitz is well known for transforming the loss-making Puma in the 1990s into one of the world’s top three sports brands.

“It is not about the next quarter or earnings per share,” Uhlarik said. “They will have to build a long-term, multi-year strategy.”

Harley has failed for years to increase sales in the United States, its top market, which accounts for more than half of its motorcycles sold.

As its tattooed, baby-boomer consumer base ages, the Milwaukee-based company is finding it challenging to attract new customers.
 Zeitz.
Levatich, who took the company’s reins in May 2015, bet on new launches, including of battery-powered bikes, to turn around the company’s fortunes in the domestic market.

The results, however, remained elusive.

Harley’s 2019 US bike sales were the lowest in at least 16 years. Falling sales in the past 12 quarters have forced the company to limit production of its bikes to prevent price discount pressure and protect profit.

In 2019, Harley’s bike shipment volume in the United States was the lowest in at least two decades. Global shipments were the lowest since 2010.

With no sales revival in sight, investors were becoming restless.

Falling sales have had made Wall Street speculate whether the company, which symbolized the counterculture movement of the 1960s, would seek refuge in a buyout or turn private to rework its product lines and branding without the pressure from shareholders to shield its profit margins.

Last month, Levatich tried to parry that question by expressing confidence in the current strategy. But he also acknowledged that the challenges facing Harley were “significant” as its heavy and expensive bikes were competing for “people’s scarce time, people’s scarce funding and commitment.”

Levatich will assist with the transition through the end of March, the company said.


Hyundai reveals more Staria design details

                SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Company today unveiled additional design features of its new multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) lineup, Staria, ahead of its digital world premiere slated for the first half of 2021.

Staria is the successor to the Starex.

Designed for both families and businesses, Staria provides next-level mobility solutions that make time in transit more accommodating, productive and worthwhile.

Staria offers a number of seating arrangements, from 2-seater to 11-seater, making it suitable for both families and business use. Staria Premium, a high-end variant, is available in 7-, 9- and 11-seat configurations with exclusive design cues and interior upgrades.

Staria’s overall look is based on an "inside-out" approach, a new design methodology for future mobility that begins the design process with the interior and expands it to the exterior. This reflects Hyundai’s response to recent shifts in consumer needs that prioritise the use of interior space.

Staria’s exterior presents a futuristic, pure, streamlined silhouette, defined by a fluid curve running from front to back, inspired by the halo that illuminates Earth’s horizon during sunrise when viewed from space.

Staria’s simple front is adorned with horizontal daytime running lights (DRLs) and a positioning lamp that together stretch across the width of the vehicle.

The bold and wide radiator grille with unique patterns creates an instantly recognizable façade. Its sophisticated space-age appearance is further defined by low-set headlamps positioned on each side of the grille.

Hyundai uses the same body colour for all frontal parts to maximise the vehicle’s modern and pure style. The lowered beltlines and expansive panoramic windows on the sides improve overall visibility and provide a sense of openness.

Inspired by the traditional Korean architectural style known as hanok, this sense of spaciousness makes passengers feel as if the outer scenes are connected to the inside.

The rear has a simple and pure look, with eye-catching vertical tail lamps as well as a wide rear window. The rear bumper is lowered to help passengers easily load and unload the cargo.

Staria Premium adds exclusive design cues to provide a luxurious look and feel.

The Premium model’s radiator grille is designed with a unique mesh pattern. The chrome line around the cube-type, full-LED headlamps as well as the tinted brass chrome applied to the Hyundai emblem on the front, wheels, side mirrors and door handles highlight the vehicle’s sophisticated and high-end styling. The variant-exclusive, 18-inch wheels include diamond patterns and graphics, emphasizing the model’s premium and modern look.

The high-end model’s rear combination lamps are applied with Hyundai’s unique Parametric Pixel design and lamp-shape garnish on top, providing a connected feeling.

Inspired by the lounge of a cruise ship, Staria’s interior provides a luxurious feeling and relaxed space. The vehicle’s innovative design architecture, with lower beltlines and expansive panoramic windows, creates a spacious, stimulating environment for passengers.

The driver-focused cockpit has a futuristic high-tech look with a 10.25-inch front display screen, touch-based centre fascia and a button-type electronic shift lever. The digital cluster is located on top of the dashboard, providing an unobstructed view for the driver.

Storage space is available on top of the overhead console, bottom of the cluster, and top and bottom of the centre fascia. The center console box is equipped with cup holders, USB ports and additional storage space for both driver and passengers.

The Staria Premium model offers a variety of additional interior features that will transform the passenger’s mobility experience. The 7-seater high-end model includes a one-touch relaxation mode on its second-row premium relaxation seats, automatically reclining to a seat posture that comfortably disperses the passenger’s weight and improves overall body balance.

The 9-seater Staria Premium has second-row seats with the added ability to swivel 180 degrees to face passengers in the third row. This offers a new mobility experience where passengers can talk while looking at each other.

The 64-colour ambient mood lamp, available in all Staria Premium variants, provides exceptional interior atmosphere. The harmonious direct and indirect lighting can be implemented on the cockpit, floor console, door and luggage trims to add to the premium feeling.

“Staria is Hyundai’s first mass-produced vehicle model that is designed with the ‘inside-out’ design approach," said SangYup Lee, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Hyundai Design. “Staria will provide a completely new experience and value proposition to customers through its unprecedented design and innovative features.”


Toyota Yaris returns with prices starting from RM71K

                KUALA LUMPUR: UMW Toyota Motor has launched its all-new Yaris five-door hatchback in three variants after a seven-year hiatus and it has become the company's first CKD hatchback and the second model, after the Vios, to emerge from its new Bukit Raja plant in Klang.

"This new addition to the Toyota range also demonstrates the company’s support towards the government’s aspiration for better localisation in vehicle production", said UMW Toyota Motor president Ravindran K.

 From left: UMW Toyota Motor deputy chairman Akio Takeyama, Jana and Ravindran K during the launch of the new Yaris.

With the company targeting to sell 75,000 units this year, choices start with the entry-level 1.5J that's been priced at RM70,888 (on-the-road without insurance) and is followed by the mid-range 1.5E priced similarly at RM76,888 before ending with the range-topping 1.5G at RM83,888.

For peace of mind, a five-year unlimited mileage warranty covers this B-segment hatchback and can be had in five colour choices of Super White II, Red Mica Metallic, Attitude Black, Silver Metallic and of course signature Citrus Mica Metallic.

The engine is a 1.5-litre (1,496cc) 2NR-FE engine with an integrated control unit to smoothen out power delivery as well as an enhanced Flex Lock-Up Control to help save fuel when decelerating, while stopping power comes from a pair of front ventilated disc brakes and rear drum brakes.

Power for the front wheels is rated at 107PS at 6,000rpm and 140Nm at 4,200rpm and is managed by a continuously variable transmission with seven virtual gear shift-points.

According to the Japanese carmaker, the Yaris has been fitted with more sound insulation materials around the engine compartment and floor as well as expansion foam in the structures and sponges at the seals to help reduce noise, vibrations and harshness levels.

The suspension system consists of front MacPherson struts and a rear torsion beam that works with the usual front and rear stabilizer bars found in all modern-day cars.

In terms of standard fixtures and fittings, the 1.5J variant features 15-inch wheels with 185/60 series tyres, shark-fin antenna, halogen headlamps with Follow-Me-Home function, LED daytime running lights, rear drum brakes and power-adjustable door mirrors with integrated turn signals.

Inside, the cabin gets keyless-entry (button on driver's door handle) with push-start button, fabric upholstered seats, two USB charging ports, large cup-holders, 60:40-split rear backrests, tonneau cover and a four-speaker 2DIN audio system with CD/radio/AUX/USB and Bluetooth connectivity.

For safety, the new Yaris has been awarded a full five-star rating from Asean NCAP and has been equipped with seven airbags, vehicle stability control, traction control, hill-start assist, antilock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, ISOFIX tether points, speed-sensitive auto-lock doors and impact-sensing auto-unlock doors.

The 1.5E variant gets larger 16-inch wheels with 195/50 series tyres, LED rear light clusters, three drive modes (Eco, Normal and Sport), automatic fold and unfold door mirrors as well as a front digital video recorder with front collision warning and lane departure warning.

Also, it has a 6.8-inch DVD-AVX display system with Bluetooth connectivity, reverse camera, panoramic view monitor and a "mirror" function for Android and iOS devices which connect via USB.

In the 1.5G variant, it gets rear disc brakes, six speakers instead of four, leather and wood combination steering wheel (with controls), a 4.2-inch full-colour multi-information display, instrument-cluster staging, automatic climate controls, blind spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert and an automatic electrochromic rear-view mirror.

During the launch, it was announced that local actress and singer Jana Nick who has been involved in the Toyota Gazoo Racing racer for two seasons now is the new brand ambassador for the new Yaris.

"I urge you to get behind the wheel of the all-new Toyota Yaris and feel the excitement and thrill for yourself! I assure you that you will not be disappointed," added Ravindran.

READ MORE:
Toyota Supra will be coming to Malaysia in 2019, too
Toyota brings back Yaris Hatch to US market. It's not the same as Malaysian Yaris

Toyota Yaris Janna Nick Edition


Millennium Welt introduces its first MINI EV charger in Seremban

                KUALA LUMPUR: BMW and MINI dealer Millennium Welt today introduced its first MINI-badged charger in Bandar Sri Sendayan, Seremban.

It is located at the main entrance parking of d’Tempat Country Club. Catering to MINI Electric (aka MINI Cooper SE) owners, it features an 11kWh Wallbox powered by ChargeEV.

It is open daily to the public from 9am to 11pm, with a standard rate of RM5 for every 20 minutes of use.

Millennium Welt has so far delivered over 140 electrified BMW and MINI vehicles.

It said the new charger is expected to help encourage more people to shift to electromobility.

Among those present at the opening ceremony were Millennium Welt managing director Bryan Wong and Matrix Concepts Group general manager of corporate secretarial, governance and sustainability Carmen Loo. Matrix Concepts owns the club.

The latest Wallbox installation by Millennium Welt is part of BMW Group Malaysia’s strategy to develop the infrastructure needed for the charging of electric vehicles, together with local partners, dealers and key charging providers.

Over 670 charging facilities have been made available by BMW Group Malaysia for EV owners in the country thus far, with access to over 360 of these facilities provided through partnerships with ChargEV and Yinson Greentech.

The partnership with JomCharge also enables access to over 65 charging facilities, and Gentari with around 150 facilities.

Over 100 BMW i and MINI charging facilities are also available at most authorised dealerships, as well as partnering venues across the country, with more to come.


Tesla Software 8.0 adds life-saving Cabin Overheat Protection

                SAN FRANCISCO: Just as Apple delivered the iOS 10 in a major software upgrade for the iPhone, Tesla also made the news, releasing on Thursday version 8.0 of its update, which is billed as the biggest user interface revamp since the launch of the Model S.

Version 8.0 for the Model S and Model X combines a modern look with updates to Autopilot, Navigation with Trip Planner, Maps, and the Media Player for a safer, more advanced driving experience.

In an industry-first safety measure, Tesla also debuted Cabin Overheat Protection, focused on child (and pet) safety. This feature keeps the cabin at a safe temperature, even when the car is turned off. Tesla CEO Elon Musk said this was his favourite new feature. He said in a tweet that the feature keeps the temperature below 40 degre Celsius by automatically venting the cabin and turning on the air-conditioner when needed. This could be done for up to a year on a full battery charge. While Cabin Overheat Protection can be turned on or off, Musk said version 8.1 would allow for always-on minimum and maximum temperatures to be set.

Tesla has also greatly improved the Autopilot. Advancements in signal processing use the Tesla's onboard radar to capture snapshots of its surroundings, creating a 3D picture of the world. Displays now show angled vehicles as they enter a curve and the Autosteer indicator has been updated to more clearly indicate when Autosteer is engaged. Among the 200 improvements to Autopilot in 8.0 include making it more responsive in stop-and-go traffic and improved safety which disables Autosteer when safety warnings are ignored.

The media player has been redesigned and personalised to put a driver's favourite content more prominently. Search is now simpler to access and more powerful, accessing streaming radio, live stations, podcasts, and any USB device to help a user quickly find what he is looking for.

Voice controls are now easier and clearer to use. Initiation is quick, and clear visual feedback lets the driver focus on the road. Feedback in the form of a transcript now appears on the instrument panel to confirm a user command. Maps have been updated to span the entire touchscreen, displaying the most important details of a trip. The control bar fades automatically for an uncluttered navigation experience.

The software updates are compatible with Teslas produced from 2012. Only Teslas built from 2014 have sensors to take advantage of the Autopilot improvements.

Musk said the updates would take awhile to roll out globally as its cars sold outside the United States come in different settings.


Honda targets micro cars at people who don't want to drive

                TOKYO: At first glance you might think you’re looking at a photo booth on wheels or a golf cart.

But this is the kind of machine Japan’s Honda Motor Co. is hoping will snag the company a brand new automotive audience — people who don’t want to drive.

The car-maker says it’s considering a range of self-driving electric vehicles targeted at groups including elderly people who no longer drive but still want to get around and the younger, Gen Z crowd which isn’t interested in owning or driving traditional cars.

Honda said it expects growing demand for such casual vehicles, which it calls micromobility devices, as taxi and home delivery services struggle with staff shortages and as more elderly people seek to remain socially active.

The world’s third-largest economy is grappling with a decline in able workers due to an ageing population.

Honda has launched a range of concept cars including the rectangular vehicle for four and a two-seater mini-car to test the idea, and plans to make the technology available for general use in 2030.

The Tokyo-based company has joined other Japanese automakers seeking to catch up with Tesla Inc. and Chinese companies that have roared ahead in the growing global EV market.

It has joined forces with Sony Group Corp. to make premium EVs in North America by 2025.

Decarbonisation efforts by Japan’s three biggest car-makers rank the lowest in the world, according to a Greenpeace study released in September.

It also lags behind others in adoption rates, with just 3% of new car sales in the third quarter being electric ones, compared to 14% in Europe and 22% in China, figures collated by the government show.


RoboGlove lends a hand

                DETROIT: A few days ago, we mentioned on our Facebook page about BMW experimenting with a robotic backpack at its US plant in a move to improve worker safety. It acts as an exoskeleton that a factory worker wears on his back to help in the car assembly process, which can get tiring and monotonous if you are doing it day in and day out.

Here’s more news about such assistive technology seeping into the factory floor.

Robotic glove technology developed out of a partnership between General Motors and Nasa for use on the International Space Station is finding new life on Earth in health care, manufacturing and other industrial applications though a licensing agreement between GM and Bioservo Technologies AB, a Swedish medical technology company.

Working with GM, Bioservo will combine technology from its SEM GloveTM (Soft Extra Muscle) technology with the RoboGlove, a force-multiplying battery-powered wearable developed by GM and Nasa during a nine-year collaboration that included the launch of the humanoid robot called Robonaut 2 (R2) into space in 2011.

The RoboGlove uses leading-edge sensors, actuators and tendons that are comparable to the nerves, muscles and tendons in a human hand. One design requirement for R2 was to operate tools designed for humans, and developers achieved unprecedented hand dexterity. That technology was applied to the RoboGlove.

Bioservo will initially develop a new grasp assist device for industrial use that could increase human operator efficiency while reducing fatigue in hand muscles. Research shows fatigue can occur within a few minutes of continuously gripping a tool.

“Combining the best of three worlds – space technology from Nasa, engineering from GM and medtech from Bioservo – in a new industrial glove could lead to industrial scale use of the technology,” said Tomas Ward, CEO of Bioservo Technologies.

Ward described the technology combination as a major step toward introducing soft exoskeleton technology globally.

GM intends to be the first US manufacturing customer for the refined robotic glove and will test it in some of its plants. Bioservo will make and sell the new glove for a variety of uses including medical rehabilitation and any place additional gripping strength is needed.

“The successor to RoboGlove can reduce the amount of force that a worker needs to exert when operating a tool for an extended time or with repetitive motions,” said Kurt Wiese, vice president of GM Global Manufacturing Engineering.

GM briefly tested RoboGlove in a pre-production plant before looking for a partner to help refine it to fit different size hands and address other issues.


No Causeway roadworks between May 5 and May 13

                JOHOR BARU: There will be no roadworks being carried out at both the land crossings between Malaysia and Singapore during the 14th general election.

PLUS Expressways Bhd said that there was a temporary halt of all its works at the Causeway and Second Link in Tuas from May 5 to May 13.

A spokesman from the concessionaire was responding to a photo that went viral claiming major roadworks was ongoing on the Causeway and that it might be a deterrent for Malaysians working in Singapore to return on May 9 to cast their votes.

“That photo must have been taken earlier because by Friday the section of that road had been resurfaced,” he said. He said the Causeway sees a heavy amount of traffic daily and as such, it has to undergo repair and maintenance work often. “There was a structural repair work that needed us to dig 200mm to 300mm in order for us to rectify it,” the spokesman said.

He said the estimated one-month repair works will continue after May 13 unless something urgent cropped up.

 Heavy machinery on the Causeway triggered a public uproar in the run-up to the May 9 general election. A PLUS spokesman has assured that the machinery would not block traffic.

“If there is an urgent repair that is needed, we would have no choice but to repair it on-the-spot despite the temporary freeze to ensure the safety of motorists,” he said. He added that the heavy machinery used for the roadworks was left near the Causeway but without it obstructing traffic.

“It is a very big machinery which is not easy to transport around. That is why we are keeping it there so that after May 13, work can begin and end faster. He urged all parties to not politicise the matter and spread fake news.

Meanwhile,Tan Sri Shahrir Abdul Samad also gave his views on the matter. “Don’t start imagining all sorts of things and road construction should not be politicised,” he said.

On Friday and Saturday, a photograph went viral online saying it was a ploy to create jam on the Causeway and prevent them from coming back to vote on May 9.

It is estimated that around 300,000 Malaysians travel to Singapore daily for work.


Tesla gets China nod to start selling Shanghai-made Model Y SUV

                SHANGHAI: Tesla Inc has obtained permission to start selling its Shanghai-made Model Y sports utility vehicle in China.

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology published the approval on its website today.

Tesla, now sells its Model 3 electric cars in China and has been building new car manufacturing capacity in Shanghai to make its Model Y SUVs.

It applied for the Shanghai-made Model Y SUV sales permission earlier this month.

It started delivering vehicles made in its Shanghai factory last December and sold more than 13,000 vehicles in China in October.

The company has started exporting China-made Model 3 cars to Europe and said last week it plans to also start making electric vehicle chargers in China in 2021.


Petronas to roll out Setel convenience across the country

                KUALA LUMPUR: Petronas customers will soon be able to experience the convenience of Setel nationwide – the country’s first e-payment solution that enables fuel purchases directly from their mobile devices.

Introduced in July 2018, Setel is available for free on iOS and Android via the Apple Store and Google Play Store.

It can be used at over 700 Petronas stations in Malaysia now, and usage is expected to rapidly expand nationwide to most Petronas stations in the next few weeks.

"We are now ready to offer Setel nationwide and will be introducing exciting new features in the coming months,” said Iskandar Ezzahuddin, CEO of Setel.

“As of January 2020, Setel recorded over 3 million transactions," he said.

Setel integrates fuel payments, loyalty, retail and the e-commerce experience in one platform.

Setel recently introduced Mesra points fuel redemption directly from the mobile application.

“At Petronas, we strive to be agile and innovative in meeting consumers’ changing needs. In addition to a wider reach, the nationwide expansion is also us pushing our boundaries in delivering meaningful value to our customers,” said Azrul Osman Rani, managing director and CEO of Petronas Dagangan Bhd.

For the upcoming 34th Anugerah Juara Lagu (AJL34), Malaysia’s most-watched televised music award shows, Setel users are able to vote for their favourite songs and artists directly through the application.

One hundred lucky voters will also win fuel vouchers worth RM1,000 each.


Mercedes to recall about 1 million older models worldwide

                BERLIN: Mercedes-Benz is recalling almost a million older cars from around the world due to possible problems with the brake booster, the company said on Saturday.

Models of the ML, GL (BR 164) and R-Class (BR 251) series produced between 2004 and 2015 are affected, it said. Some 70,000 of them are in Germany.

"We have found that in some of those vehicles, the function of the brake booster could be affected by advanced corrosion in the joint area of the housing," Mercedes-Benz said in a statement.

This could result in an increase in the brake pedal force needed to decelerate the vehicle and/or to a potentially increased stopping distance, it added.

Mercedes-Benz is starting the recall immediately.


Vespa GTS 300 HPE Super Tech launched

                PETALING JAYA: Didi Resources Sdn Bhd, the official Piaggio distributor in Malaysia, has unveiled the Vespa GTS 300 HPE (High Performance Engine) Super Tech.

Priced at RM33,000, the new GTS 300 HPE Super Tech is equipped with a 278cc, 4-stroke liquid-cooled, 4-valve single-cylinder engine with electronic fuel injection.

With an output of 23.8hp at 8,250rpm and 26Nm torque at 5,250rpm, the GTS 300 HPE delivers a top speed of  120kph.

The GTS 300 HPE's fuel tank capacity of 8.5 litres makes it an ideal machine to commute in the city centre.

This scooter also promises lower noise and vibration compared to other Vespa models.

A highlight of the scooter is its instrument panel which is a 4.3-inch TFT colour display that offers a host of useful information such as speed, mileage, fuel level and mobile phone calls management.

Other notable features include:
> Vespa Mia app, compatible with Android and iOS smartphones, allows management of mobile phone calls and music,
> LED lights,
> Double disc braking with ABS, and
> ASR electronic traction control.

The GTS 300 HPE is available in Black Vulcano and Grey Materia.


EU invites industry chiefs to plug into battery revolution

                BRUSSELS: The European Union will host auto, chemical and engineering executives next week to discuss developing battery manufacturing in the bloc to compete with Asian and US manufacturers.

German chemical group BASF, automakers Renault and Daimler and engineering firm Siemens are among those invited to Oct 11's gathering here.

European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic said EU funding could support the creation of a consortium in the sector.

"Our ambition is to create real production in the EU – a full value chain, including recycling," Sefcovic said in an email to Reuters.

"Supporting the roll-out of batteries is simply an imperative if we are serious about the transition into e-mobility," he said.

German carmaker Volkswagen, Total unit Saft Group which makes batteries, automotive supplier Continental AG and materials technology group Umicore are among those to say they would attend the talks.

Europe needs an "Airbus for batteries", said Egbert Lox, vice president of Umicore, which makes materials for the car industry and rechargeable batteries.

"This is a good initiative at the right time," said a spokesman for Volkswagen, whose brand chief called for the industry to create a regional battery supplier last month.

European carmakers have plans to speed up their shift to zero-emissions motoring with electric vehicles in light of stricter EU regulation to meet the bloc's climate goals.

Although European carmakers assemble battery packs for electric cars, the region has no significant player in battery cells – the essential building blocks for the batteries that are now mostly made in Asia.

The market is dominated by Japanese firms Panasonic and NEC, Korea's LG and Samsung and China's BYD and CATL, as well as US manufacturer Tesla.

If sales of electric vehicles rise, as many carmakers now expect, developing European cell capacity could cost as much as US$30bil (RM126.73bil), analysts at Bernstein Research wrote in a note.

"How on earth can the industry build/buy/find enough batteries or raw materials if and when EV demand takes off? This is a critical missing piece of the puzzle," they wrote.

Demand for electric cars remains weak due to limited charging infrastructure and the high costs of purchasing a vehicle. But this may change depending on how quickly battery prices fall, having dropped by 18% in 2016 alone.


May 5-11: Fuel prices unchanged

KUALA LUMPUR: The retail prices of diesel, RON95 and RON97 petrol will remain unchanged at RM2.15, RM2.05 and RM3.94 per litre respectively from May 5 to May 11.

The Finance Ministry, in a statement today, said the prices were fixed based on the weekly retail pricing of petroleum products using the Automated Pricing Mechanism formula.

The ministry said the government would continue to monitor the trends of world crude oil prices and take appropriate measures to ensure the continued welfare and well-being of the people.


BBC to produce drama based on 'Grand Theft Auto'

                LONDON: The BBC is working on a feature-length drama based on the popular video game series Grand Theft Auto.

According to Engadget, the one-off programme will run 90 minutes and chronicle the making of the video game created by a group of British school friends and coders.

The last iteration of the series, "GTVV," released in 2013, earned an eyewatering US$1bil (RM3.7bil) within the first three days of its launch to become the fastest selling entertainment product in history.

The drama is part of a major BBC campaign that focuses on everything digital, including an expanded digital trainee program and dedicated BBC programmes.

No release date has been given.


All-electric BMW 3 Series with 700km range coming in 2025, says report

                LONDON: An all-electric BMW 3 Series is coming in 2025 and could offer over 700km range, according to UK-based publication Autocar.

The so-called Neue Klasse electric architecture is known internally as the "NK1" and will be produced alongside 3 Series models with internal combustion engines running on petrol and diesel.

At present, BMW still have more years to go before retiring the G20 3 Series, having introduced the current generation only in 2018.

The use of an all-new electric platform, fewer parts and a flat floor means the electric 3 Series can be re-packaged to offer a longer wheelbase and therefore more cabin space.

Shorter front and rear overhangs can be expected to maximise wheelbase. The electric 3 Series will also come in options of rear wheel drive or all-wheel drive, translating to the use of either one motor or two motors in the car.

 The current 330e Touring.

BMW would develop the electric motors itself and they would have superior performance compared to the ones used at present. The electric 3 Series would also be able to handle fast-charging at up to 350kW.

The battery is the most expensive and heaviest part of an EV, so to counteract that, the logical approach is to use a mix of lightweight aluminium and carbon fibre to offset the weight penalty.

In an age where consumers are increasingly demanding more eco-friendly cars, BMW will answer the call with a cabin that uses more recycled materials such as seen in the i Vision Circular concept showcased at the IAA Munich show last month.

While an electric sedan is a given, don't dismiss the idea of an electric sports wagon aka Touring variant.

To milk the electric 3 series concept for all its worth, we can also expect BMW to be working on an electric M3.

Exciting times indeed.


Automotive sector in for sustainable recovery

                PETALING JAYA: The automotive sector should see a sustainable recovery, albeit delayed, after the government’s economic relaxation measures included the re-opening of plants and the resumption of operations for distribution and retailing from Aug 16, according to MIDF Research.

“This is a significant positive as it essentially means the entire automotive value chain will be back in operations this week onwards,” said the research unit.

MIDF Research also pointed out that completely-knocked-down kits are now well in stock, given that shipments were still incoming despite the lockdown, which should support a production ramp-up to partly recoup production loss in the past two-and-a-half months.

Outstanding orders are strong with two to four months of outstanding bookings prior to the lockdown, while pent-up demand is likely to return, supported by the tax holiday which runs till Dec 31, 2021.

“We see room for automotive plants to increase production shift cycles once they meet full operating capacity requirements by end-August,” said the research unit.

It added that Klang Valley, which is one of the key demand centres accounting for 41% of total industry volume (TIV), has achieved 64.7% vaccination rate, which should enable meaningful return of consumers to showrooms.

In total, states that have achieved over 50% vaccination rate account for 53% of TIV.

Based on its checks with several listed automotive companies, MIDF Research said the industry’s workforce (inclusive of plant workforce) are already over 90% fully vaccinated, which is well higher than the respective state-level vaccination rates.

This is attributable to the Public-Private Partnership Industrial Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (Pikas).

However, part of the workforce may still need to complete the 14-day post-second dose requirement, suggesting production may see gradual ramp-up from now till end-August.

The rapid progress in vaccination rate lends visibility to the country’s 80% vaccination target by October 2021, which in turn, underpins a sustainable recovery, according to the research unit.

It has “buy” calls on Bermaz Auto Bhd with a target price of RM2.20, MBM Resources Bhd (RM4.20) and UMW Holdings Bhd (RM4.30).

“The simultaneous re-opening of automotive retailing should accommodate further build-up of outstanding bookings in our opinion, underpinned by the tax holiday till year-end, cash transfers under the fiscal stimulus programmes and a low interest-rate environment,” said MIDF Research.