Care for a MINI Folding Bike?

                MUNICH: If you are already have a car — a MINI or otherwise — a folding bicycle would complement it.

The collapsible two-wheeler can be quickly loaded into any car boot, and provides a flexible means of getting around, whether it's a short trip or a leisurely ride in the countryside. Plus the calorie-burning effect of such a pedalling exercise cannot be underestimated.

The new MINI Folding Bike features a clever mechanism that allows the high-quality, lightweight aluminium frame to be collapsed and unfolded again in seconds.

This means the bike can be downsized into its space-saving form quickly and easily, and stowed inside the practical transport bag. It has a matt dark-grey frame with silver-coloured accents and MINI Wing Logo on the crossbar. The saddle and handlebar grips are in cognac-coloured leather.

MINI says a padded leather saddle, eight gears and 20-inch wheels make the bike comfortable to ride, yet it weighs less than 11kg. The Teflon-coated chain protects against rusting and stubborn dirt, so it’s ready for action come rain or shine. There are also mudguards at the front and rear for additional protection from dirt and water splashes in wet and muddy conditions.

The MINI Folding Bike is available now at www.shop.mini.com and from selected MINI dealers. It is priced at €650 (around RM3,200) and comes fully assembled and ready to ride. Matching accessories, such as the MINI Bike Light, can also be found online and at selected MINI dealers.


New Aston Martin chief says focus on SUV launch, restart

                LONDON: Aston Martin’s immediate priorities will be restarting manufacturing and launching production of its crucial first sport utility vehicle, its new boss, Canadian businessman and Formula 1 team owner Lawrence Stroll, said today.

“In the midst of the most challenging environment, globally, that any of us have ever experienced, all of my and the management team’s energies will now be dedicated to building on the inherent strengths of the company,” Stroll, now the company’s executive chairman, said in a statement.

While the coronavirus pandemic could dent demand, the company says its order book "remains significant,” including over 2,000 commitments for the DBX SUV. The company is banking on the US$189,000 (RM829,000) DBX selling in higher volumes than the stylish sports cars made famous in the James Bond movies.

Deliveries of the DBX are planned to begin in summer. It will compete with prestige brands like Lamborghini’s Urus and the Bentley Bentayga, which have already established themselves in the ultra-luxury SUV market. — Additional reporting by Bloomberg


Mercedes start production of electric EQS at Factory 56

                STUTTGART: Mercedes-Benz has begun production of the EQS electric sedan.

It is being assembled at Factory 56 in the company's Sindelfingen plant, 20km south-west of here.

The EQS is integrated into ongoing series production at the site as the first all-electric model.

The S-Class sedan, the long-wheelbase version and the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class are already rolling off the production line at the plant.

Mercedes-Benz holds up Factory 56 as an example of sustainable and CO2-neutral vehicle manufacturing.

For example, photovoltaic systems on the roof of the hall cover yearly around 30 percent of the electricity demand. Due to maximum flexibility, the assembly of different models and drive types on one line is possible.

The processes and equipment in the production hall of Factory 56 can therefore be adapted to the requirements of the EQS electric model.

Efficiency in production has also been significantly increased - which is partly due to the high level of digitalization.

The 1,500 factory workers have also been trained to handle high-voltage technology.


Go Auto Higer Ace commercial van: 15 to 18 seats; RM138,500 to RM145,000

                PUTRAJAYA: Go Automobile Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (GAM) has launched its first commercial vehicle, which is the Higer Ace van in 18-seater and 15-seater variants.

Nett selling prices of the Higer Ace van are:

- 3.0-litre 6-speed manual 18-Seater RM145,800, 15-Seater RM145,300
- 3.0-litre 5-speed automatic 18-Seater RM143,800, 15-Seater 143,300
- 2.5-litre 5-speed automatic 18-Seater, RM138,500, 15-Seater RM138,300

Customers also get to enjoy a 5-year warranty or 150,000km mileage (whichever comes first) offer for private registration.

The 3.0-litre diesel engine with CRDI (common rail direct injection) makes 148hp at 3,400rpm and 330Nm at 2,000rpm.

It has a front independent double wishbone suspension, and rear variable stiffness springs.

Safety features include anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic brake force distribution (EBD), and rear parking sensors.

In terms of dimensions, the Higer Ace is 5990mm long, 1880mm wide and 2285mm in height with a wheelbase of 3720mm.

With a 200mm ground clearance, it not only provides adequate buffer for vans going through rough terrain or humps but also provides elevated visibility for the driver.

“Go Auto-Higer Ace is our commercial van with 18 and 15-seater fitted with 6 and 5 speed manual transmission with DK5 and DK4 high performance engine with Japanese technology. Furthermore, the dual sliding

door gives passengers more ease to move in and out of the van. The van also features heavy duty components that usually cater to buses - these include the axles, clutches and the propeller shaft,” said executive director of Go Auto Group, Datuk SM Azli Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin.

"The van can be customised to become a school van, workers van, an ambulance and more - depending what is asked by our clients. In addition, the high roof window van ensure spaciousness - so passengers can walk without needing to bend over too much,” continued Azli.

“Moving forward, we also plan to provide narrow van, coasters, minibus and coaches. Our collaboration uses technology from Higer, China to produce commercial vehicles,” added Azli.

“We targeting to sell 400 commercial vehicles by 2019. To date, Go Auto has 3 master dealers which are Car2U Sdn Bhd, Ang Trading & Motor Credit Sdn Bhb and KEC Sdn Bhd,” added Azli.

The Go Auto-Higer Ace van are available for test drive and booking at Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Kelantan, Johor, Kedah and Penang.


Honda Malaysia gets new managing director and CEO

                PETALING JAYA: Honda Malaysia has announced the appointment of new managing director and chief executive officer Hironobu Yoshimura which took effect from April 1.

Yoshimura replaced Madoka Chujo who has returned to Japan to assume a new role at Honda Motor Co Ltd in the Automobile Operations Sales Supervisory Unit, Sales Division.

Yoshimura comes with an extensive experience at Honda, totalling 34 years and has built his expertise in the areas of Corporate Planning, Business Planning, Marketing and After-Sales Services.

He has also held key roles in various countries including Japan, Thailand and Pakistan.

Before his arrival in Malaysia, Yoshimura was president and chief executive officer of Honda Atlas Cars (Pakistan) Ltd.

Yoshimura said he was excited to take up this new role at Honda Malaysia.

“This unique and diverse nation is truly an important market in the Asia and Oceania region for us at Honda.

“My predecessors have built the Honda brand to become the success that it is now in Malaysia; as the forerunner in introducing Honda’s advance technology in the region, launching exciting new models and leading the Non-National Passenger Vehicle segment for many years.

“Most importantly, Honda Malaysia has persevered through and overcame many challenges over the years. I look forward to leading the Company in a post-pandemic business environment and to contribute positively towards the growth of the company,” he said,

He also said the Honda City, City Hatchback and Civic have been ranked No.1 in their respective segments for the first quarter of 2022.

During Chujo's brief tenure in Malaysia, the company managed to retain its No. 1 position in the Non-National Passenger Vehicle Segment for the eighth consecutive years since 2014.

She also successfully launched two all-new models - the City Hatchback in December last year and Civic in January 2022.


2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé: Petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid options

                STUTTGART: The new 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé uses the conceptual and technical innovations of the C-Class and E-Class, and will be offered in five variants.

The CLE Cabriolet will follow next year for open-air connoisseurs.

Mercedes-Benz will also offer the CLE Coupé as a plug-in hybrid at a later date.

The range of engines includes four-cylinder units and a six-cylinder engine from the current modular Mercedes-Benz engine family FAME (Family of Modular Engines).

The sporty, elegant two-door's most powerful engine is the 3.0-litre straight-six (M 256 M) in the CLE 450 4MATIC, which develops 381hp and 500Nm of torque.

The combination of twin-scroll turbocharger and ISG (integrated starter generator) ensures excellent power delivery without turbo lag.

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (M 254) is available in two output levels: with 204ps as the CLE 200 and CLE 200 4MATIC, and with 258ps as the CLE 300 4MATIC.

Meanwhile, the CLE 220 d Coupé has a four-cylinder OM 654 M diesel engine, powered by a single-stage exhaust gas turbocharger with variable turbine geometry.

Both the diesel and petrol engines are mild hybrids. In addition to a turbocharger, they have a second-generation integrated starter generator (ISG). It provides support in the low-speed range and ensures excellent power development.

The ISG includes the 48-volt vehicle electrical system. It ensures functions such as coasting, boost or recuperation and thus enables significant savings in consumption.

Another advantage: the engines start very quickly and conveniently. As a result, the start-stop function is almost imperceptible, as is the transition from coasting with the engine switched off to powerful propulsion with engine power.

With a new battery, the power of the electric motor increased from 15 to 17 kW compared to other series. The boost torque is 200 Nm.

Meanwhile, the nine-speed automatic 9G-TRONIC transmission was further developed for the adaptation of the ISG and is used in all CLE models.

The weight of the transmission control has been reduced by 30% compared to its predecessor.

The 4MATIC all-wheel drive has also been further developed. With the front-axle drive, higher torques can be transmitted and axle load distributions that are ideal in terms of driving dynamics can be achieved.

In addition, there is a significant weight advantage compared to the corresponding component of the previous series. Less weight contributes to CO2 reduction.

The new two-door is the largest coupé in the mid-size segment. The CLE Coupé offers significantly more space than the C-Class Coupé. The trunk volume offers 60 litres more volume and can easily hold three golf bags.

Eye-catchers in the interior are the free-standing 12.3-inch, fully digital instrument display, the 11.9-inch, driver-oriented central display in user-friendly portrait format and the dynamic ambient lighting featuring 64 colours.

Another highlight is the front seats in integral sport design, developed exclusively for the CLE.

In conjunction with the optional Burmester 3D surround sound system, they each have two loudspeakers at the level of the headrests and thus create a particularly individual and immersive music experience with Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio close to the ears.

Specific Easy-Entry function: For the first time at Mercedes-Benz, the front seats are not unlocked using a lever, but instead with an elegant loop made of Nappa leather, located at the upper edge of the backrest.

The CLE Coupé adopts numerous digital innovations from the new E-Class. With the third-generation MBUX infotainment system, it offers an interactive entertainment experience with third-party apps and automated convenience functions (routines).

The chassis is lowered by 15mm as standard. The optional Dynamic Body Control, with continuously adjustable damping on the front and rear axles in combination with rear-axle steering, both offered in the Technology package, ensures particularly agile and at the same time comfortable driving pleasure.

The steering angle is up to 2.5 degrees. This reduces the turning circle by 50cm. Despite its larger dimensions, the CLE Coupé with rear-wheel drive has a smaller turning circle than the C-Class Coupé.

Numerous driver assistance systems, offer situation-specific support for more safety.

The extensive standard equipment includes Attention Assist, Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Speed Limit Assist, and the parking package with reversing camera. In Western Europe, Active Distance Assist Distronic is also standard equipment.


This is one Honda to thrill cyclists

FRANKFURT: Honda's show car for this year's event is a vehicle that even the most committed cyclists could get excited about.

Developed as a way of highlighting the Civic's huge amount of cabin and trunk space, the Tourer Active Life Concept could well be the perfect car for families that love nothing better than to spend each weekend competing in a cycling event.

The car has a special mechanised rack at its rear that can hold two bikes and lift them into the trunk. It also has an adjustable arm that can be used for clamping a bicycle still during on-the fly maintenance and repairs.

If that weren't enough, the car has a built-in air pump, a retractable canopy and bench, a toolkit and a water tank, plus a rear-mounted spotlight to make it easier for working in low light conditions or for the peloton to follow.

The finishing touch is an aerodynamic whole roof box for storing equipment and accessories so that there is always space inside the car for the driver and passengers.


New boss for Skoda amid reshuffle at Volkswagen Group

Zellmer to head Skoda.
PRAGUE: Volkswagen's Czech subsidiary Skoda is getting a new boss after less than two years: the VW core brand's head of sales, Klaus Zellmer, is moving to Skoda headquarters Mlada Boleslav near here on July 1, the carmaker announced earlier this week.

Skoda has been part of the Volkswagen Group since 1991 and produces, among other things, the Octavia mid-size car, the Karoq compact SUV and the Enyaq iV electric car.

 Schäfer.
Zellmer will succeed Thomas Schäfer, who is to take over as chief executive of the Volkswagen passenger cars brand.

Ralf Brandstätter will continue to serve as Volkswagen brand boss until June 30, and then take responsibility for the board's China division.

Zellmer, 54, began his career at Stuttgart-based sports car manufacturer Porsche, where he was responsible for the North American business before joining VW.

One of the key challenges for Zellmer at Skoda will be coping with the suspension of the VW Group's Russian business due to the Ukraine conflict.

Russia was Skoda's second most important sales market in 2021 with 90,400 vehicles delivered.

The most important market was Germany with 136,800 vehicles.

Worldwide, Skoda delivered 878,200 vehicles last year.


Ford CEO Fields received US$18.6 million in 2014 compensation

                DETROIT: Ford Motor Co chief executive officer Mark Fields made US$18.6 million in salary and other compensation last year, below the US$23.2 million that predecessor Alan Mulally received in 2013, the company said on Friday.

Last year's compensation for Fields, 54, was for half the year as CEO and half as chief operating officer. For 2013, he made US$10.2 million as COO.

Mulally, who was replaced by Fields on July 1, made US$22 million in salary and other compensation for 2014. Ford's board decided he deserved a full year's worth of stock awards because the company felt his impact for the full year, a spokesman said.

Earlier this month, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles said its CEO, Sergio Marchionne, received 31.3 million euros (about US$38 million at end-2014 exchange rates).

General Motors Co has said its CEO, Mary Barra, would make about US$14.4 million for 2014. The company has not yet disclosed her specific 2014 compensation.

Fields, Marchionne and Barra will have their compensation compared with that of unionised assembly line workers ahead of and during this summer's labour talks with the United Auto Workers.

The Center for Automotive Research last week estimated that Ford labour costs for each of its US union workers averaged US$57 per hour, including benefits. Hourly pay is between US$15.78 and US$28.50 for Ford line workers.

Ford executive chairman Bill Ford made US$15.1 million in 2014, up from US$12 million in 2013.

"We remain absolutely committed to aligning executive compensation with the company’s business performance and to tying a significant portion of executive compensation to long-term shareholder value," the company said in a statement.

Ford executives are compensated in part on meeting performance targets. The company achieved 91 percent of the targets last year, compared with 112 percent in 2013.

It surpassed targets for automotive cash flow, Ford Credit earnings and quality, but missed on automotive revenue and operating profit margin.

The company's pretax profit in 2014 was US$6.3 billion, down from US$8.6 billion the previous year, while net income fell to US$3.2 billion from US$7.2 billion. North American pretax profit in 2014 was US$6.9 billion.


New Mercedes-Benz E-Class at a glance

                STUTTGART: The generous dimensions of the passenger compartment are partly due to the wheelbase, which is 22mm longer than that of the preceding model (2,961 mm).

The illuminated surround of the radiator grille (optional extra) has two optical fibres behind the chrome strips. Light is fed into the glass-fibre bundles via LED modules.

With two display styles (Classic and Sporty) and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service), the graphics of the screens can be individualised. The new MBUX is accompanied by a change in the presentation of the main icons on the displays. They are presented in a simpler way, and based on the colours used for smartphone tiles.

Depending on the market, a communication module with 5G as the transmission technology is used. This mobile phone standard makes much faster data rates possible than LTE/UMTS.

With the Digital Vehicle Key, the iPhone and Apple Watch become a car key (BMW is one step ahead with its support also for Android phones) . If the driver is carrying a compatible device, it can be used to start and lock the E-Class.

Key sharing is also possible: The Digital Vehicle Key can be shared with up to 16 persons. In those markets where Mercedes me connect services are available, Pre-installation for the Digital Vehicle Key forms part of the KEYLESS-GO Convenience Package. This equipment combination is available in the new E-Class from the Premium Package onwards.

The blocking function of the passenger screen operates in two stages: first of all, the seat occupancy recognition system registers whether the seat next to the driver is occupied. If this is the case, the touch surface of the display can be used from the front passenger seat via MBUX. If the front passenger seat is not occupied, the screen becomes a digital decorative feature.

In the new E-Class, customers can create their own routines in MBUX. In doing so, they can link conditions and functions with each other. For example, "Switch on the seat heating and set the ambient lighting to warm orange if the interior temperature is below twelve degrees Celsius".

Many passengers have experience of car sickness. The new anti-travel sickness program of ENERGIZING COMFORT can help alleviate the front passenger's symptoms or delay their onset, reduce the perceived severity and generally increase well-being.

In the new E-Class, the acoustics can now be experienced with a third sense: the active light strip at the top of the instrument panel and in the front door panels can be used to produce a visual interpretation of any content from any of the sources of entertainment sound.

The THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control system (optional extra) uses a new type of air vent: all the nozzles in the front area can be adjusted electrically as if by magic. The new comfort function is called Digital Vent Control. It is technically implemented with actuators. Two of these small electric drive units are located in each ventilation duct.

With a Cd value from 0.23, the new E-Class performs very well in its vehicle segment. The frontal area A of 0.236 sq. m. is slightly larger than that of the preceding model (0.234 sq. m.).

Mercedes-Benz uses almost 500 microphones during the aeroacoustic development work.

The new E-Class is both particularly agile and highly stable with the optional rear-axle steering. The steering angle at the rear axle is 4.5 degrees. In the E-Class models with 4MATIC, the turning circle is 11.1 metres instead of 12.0 metres, while in the rear-wheel drive versions it is reduced from 11.6 to 10.8 metres.

Thanks to systematic electrification and intelligent downsizing, the new E-Class sets new standards in efficiency. Half of the models available at the time of the market launch in Europe will be fourth-generation plug-in hybrids. The product range already achieves this high proportion at market launch. With a purely electric range of up to over 100km (WLTP), the models will in many cases be on the roads under purely electric power, without using the petrol engine.

The standard Active Parking Assist can now be started intuitively via the touchscreen. Furthermore, automated parking and unparking is much faster than before, as the speed has been increased to up to 4kph.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS


Even a quarter-century later, the Renault Spider still feels radical

                BERLIN: The 1990s roadster revival may have been triggered by Mazda's MX-5, but it was the Renault Spider, an outsider more radical than anything that had ever rolled out of German factories, that really took the car world by surprise when it was unleashed in 1995.

At its core, the Spider consists of only a chassis, an engine and a tubular frame around which only the most bare essentials of bodywork have been added. The original plan didn't foresee the need for a front windscreen - and totally forget about side windows or a roof.

With a 3.8-metre-long and only 1.25-metre-tall plastic body and a skeleton mostly out of aluminium, the Spider weighed in at only 930kg  - a good 400 kilos less than its competitor, the Audi TT.

Just one four-cylinder motor, featuring 147 horses, is enough for a spectacular driving experience in this car, which can go from 0 to 100kph in 6.9 seconds. Taking the Spider to its max, 215kph, feels faster in this roadster than full tilt in a Ferrari.

The Spider's grip is even more spirited: With bone-dry tuning and board-hard suspension, without any power-steering or other electronic help, driving this radical car feels more like being in a go-kart.

Considering that it was developed by Renault's sports department - and intended less for the road and more for the racetrack - it's no wonder that the Spider's tuning is as dynamic as it is radical.

The reigning engine world champion had intended the Spider to in fact be driven in a separate customer cup as a prelude to the Formula 1, but after Renault fans got a taste, there was no escaping it: "We were literally forced to build a road version," says press spokesman Thomas May-Englert.

The Spider was never designed for a wide release, and in this discipline couldn't compete with German roadsters. After Renault discontinued the Spider after four years, only just under 1,500 units had left the Renault Sport factory, making the model a real rarity.

The prices are correspondingly high, says Renault collector Walter Steding, who says that the Spider is one of the few cars from Renault's recent history whose value used exceeds that of a new car.

The collector from the German city of Hamburg estimates the current price at around €40,000 (RM194,000), if offered at all.

As far as older cars go, the Spider isn't so prone to problems: While accidents can be an issue, as it's hard to find any body parts left, the roadster's aluminium construction and plastic body mean that it's at least immune to the ravages of time. The drive is closely related to the Clio and Megane, and is thus easy to repair, says Steding.


It’s not just avocado toast: American millennials love sedans

                NASHVILLE: Recent research reveals that the youngest generations of US car buyers – millennials and Generation Z – may have their sights set on sedans.

According to a survey of American car owners commissioned by Nissan, desire for sedans remains strong.

Among overall respondents who don't currently own a sedan, 78% would consider buying one, and younger respondents reported an even higher affinity for the body style.

Nissan recently unveiled its latest sedan, the all-new Versa, which features an energetic new design inside and out along with technology not generally seen in the subcompact class.

Last year, Nissan also introduced the all-new Altima, sporting lower, wider and more athletic proportions than its predecessor.

The sixth generation Altima is the first sedan to offer Nissan's ProPILOT Assist driver assistance technology.

Nissan also recently unveiled the refreshed Maxima, adding safety and convenience features along with updated styling.

"We see great opportunity in the sedan segment, which is why we're continuing to launch all-new and refreshed products," said Rob Warren, director and chief marketing manager at Nissan North America.

"Sedans are still extremely popular with our customers, so as our competitors exit the category, they're creating even more prospects for Nissan."

Nissan surveyed car owners and non-owners in the US between the ages of 18 and 65 and found:

> A top choice:78% of American drivers who don't own a sedan would consider buying one now or in the future.

> Choice of younger generations: 86% of those 18-34 years old (Generation Z and younger millennials) who don't own a sedan would consider buying one now or in the future. The same is true for 81% of older millennials and Generation X'ers (age 35-50).

> Satisfied owners: US sedan owners are just as satisfied with their cars (89%) as non-sedan owners (88%).

> Function with four doors: SUVs and trucks don't have a monopoly on being seen as functional. 95% of sedan owners listed functionality as the No. 1 thing they love about their car, versus 94% for non-sedan owners.

"What we're hearing from younger buyers is that they appreciate the features, versatility, fuel economy and value in our sedans," said Warren.

"Sedan design has also come a long way, as these traditional four-door cars shed their generic look, add more technology and take on a more aggressive, stylish profile. As sedans become more exciting to look at and to drive, younger buyers are putting sedans at the top of their consideration list."


Renault F1 test signals a 'new beginning' for Alonso

The test in the RS20 car came 20 years after Alonso first tested with Benetton — the team that then became Renault — at the same circuit. — AFP
LONDON: Double world champion Fernando Alonso said he was ready for a fresh start as he tested the latest Renault Formula One car in Barcelona today .

The Spaniard, a two-times Le Mans 24 Hours winner, has not competed in a grand prix since he left McLaren at the end of 2018 but is returning next year as replacement for departing Australian Daniel Ricciardo.

"It’s going to be like a new beginning, getting surprised about the speed of the car, the braking performance, the corner speed, a lot of things that will surprise me once again," the 39-year-old said before the limited-mileage filming day.

The test in the RS20 car came 20 years after Alonso first tested with Benetton — the team that then became Renault — at the same circuit.

It will also be one of his last opportunities to drive a Renault F1 car, with the team changing name to its Alpine sportscar brand in 2021.

Alonso said preparing for the outing had been complicated by Covid-19 restrictions, with fewer days in the simulator to adjust, but the run was worth it.

"I know that I will learn and I will discover a lot of things during those laps," he said.

Team boss Cyril Abiteboul said after Sunday's Eifel Grand Prix at Germany's Nuerburgring, where Ricciardo finished third for Renault's first podium since their return as a constructor in 2016, that Alonso was champing to return.

"We received a message before, during and after the race," said the Frenchman.

"I think Fernando is like a big shark. And as soon as he starts to feel the blood he wants to attack. That's what I see — I see a shark very hungry."

The Spaniard, who won his titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006, has competed in the Dakar Rally and Indianapolis 500 since he was last in Formula One.


US House passes new North American trade deal, Senate timing unclear

                WASHINGTON: The US House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a new North American trade deal on Thursday that includes tougher labour and automotive content rules but leaves US$1.2 trillion in annual US-Mexico-Canada trade flows largely unchanged.

The House passed legislation to implement the US-Mexico Canada Agreement 385-41, with 38 Democrats, two Republicans and one independent member voting no.

The bipartisan vote contrasted sharply with Wednesday night’s Democrat-only vote to impeach US President Donald Trump.

The House vote sends the measure to the Senate, but it is unclear when Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell will take it up. He has said that a USMCA vote would likely follow an impeachment trial in the Senate that is expected in January.

But the timing of that trial remains up in the air as the two parties clash over how it would be managed.

The USMCA trade pact, first agreed upon in September 2018, will replace the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement. Trump vowed for years to quit or renegotiate Nafta, which he blames for the loss of thousands of US factories to low-wage Mexico.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi gave USMCA a green light last week after striking a deal with the Trump administration, Canada and Mexico to strengthen labour enforcement provisions and eliminate some drug patent protections.

US industry groups breathed a sigh of relief at the vote.

“House passage of the USMCA is a huge step towards finalising this long-awaited 21st century trade agreement,” said Matt Blunt, president of the American Automotive Policy Council, which represents Detroit automakers Ford, General Motors and Fiat Chrysler.

“This modernised trade deal between our North American trading partners will strengthen the US auto industry and the auto manufacturing supply chain,” Blunt added.

Concessions for Democrats

The changes negotiated by Democrats, which include modestly tighter environmental rules, will also set up a mechanism to quickly investigate labour rights abuses at Mexican factories.

The endorsement of these provisions by US labour leader Richard Trumka, head of the AFL-CIO, was considered crucial to winning support from Democrats, who control the House.

“This isn’t a perfect agreement. It still has room for improvement,” Trumka said, adding it could take eight to 12 years to begin reversing US job losses.

US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer made a concession by dropping a requirement for 10 years of data exclusivity for biologic drugs, a provision that Democrats feared would keep drug prices high and that they called a “giveaway” to big drugmakers.

But those changes were not enough for some rust-belt Democrats to overcome the scars from factory closures blamed on Nafta over the past 26 years.

“USMCA will not bring back the 155,000 jobs in Ohio that were lost to outsourcing after Nafta,” Representative Marcy Kaptur said of her home state in explaining her “no” vote.

“It does nothing for our small farmers suffering under President Trump’s trade wars, and it holds no true labor protections that the Mexican government is capable of enforcing,” Kaptur said in a statement.

Representative Ron Kind, a pro-trade Democrat from Wisconsin, one of the top dairy-producing states, praised new access to Canada’s closed dairy market under USMCA.

“A no vote is a return to the failed policy of the old NAFTA, the status quo, rather than this more modernised version,” Kind said in floor debate.

Autos, digital, currency

The US International Trade Commission estimated in April that USMCA would modestly boost the US economy, adding 176,000 jobs over 15 years but may reduce vehicle assembly in the United States. It would boost economic output by 0.35% a year, or US$68.5 billion annually versus a Nafta baseline.

The agreement modernises Nafta, adding language that preserves the US model for Internet, digital services and e-commerce development, industries that did not exist when Nafta was negotiated in the early 1990s. It eliminates some food safety barriers to US farm products and contains language prohibiting currency manipulation for the first time in a trade agreement.

But the biggest changes require increased North American content in cars and trucks built in the region, to 75% from 62.5% in Nafta, with new mandates to use North American steel and aluminum.

In addition, 40% to 45% of vehicle content must come from high-wage areas paying more than US$16 an hour - namely the United States and Canada. Some vehicles assembled in Mexico mainly with components from Mexico and outside the region may not qualify for US tariff-free access.

“We’re going forward. Good news,” Mexican foreign minister Marcelo Ebrard said on Twitter after the House vote, which caused the Mexican peso to strengthen slightly to 18.91 to the dollar. For nearly three years, the peso has risen and fallen on news about Nafta negotiations.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told CBC television that Canada’s Parliament would approve USMCA “as quickly as we can.” But Parliament is not scheduled to return to Ottawa before Jan 27.


Sime Darby Motors sets record with 1,000 BYD Atto 3 delivery in 100 days

                KUALA LUMPUR: Sime Darby Motors achieved a new record feat with its delivery of 1,000 BYD Atto 3 cars in 100 days.

Held at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium car park, the historical moment was celebrated together with the first 1,000 BYD owners in Malaysia at the one-of-a-kind mass delivery event.

This marks another success for Sime Darby Motors, following its delivery of 100 units within the first 10 days of the BYD launch in Malaysia.

Customers from all over Malaysia attended this event, with fun-filled exclusive activities for BYD owners only.

Customers were treated to a live band and energetic performances while lucky owners also took home exciting prizes as part of a lucky draw.

Sime Darby Motors Malaysia, Hong Kong and Macau managing director for retail and distribution Jeffrey Gan said the milestone event had shown the increasing popularity and acceptance of EV in the country.

“We are pleased to sustain the momentum of our Atto 3 deliveries to customers and today’s occasion is a celebration for all the new car owners. We look forward to continue driving EV demand across our market segments,” he said.

Meanwhile, BYD Malaysia Sdn Bhd and PT BYD Motor Indonesia managing director Eagle Zhao said the record-setting feat is testament to the strong partnership with Sime Darby Motors and both companies are optimistic on the growth prospects of EV in Malaysia.

“We hope the new BYD owners enjoyed their one-of-a-kind experience with us today and we look forward to continue bringing in even better new energy technology and products to Malaysia in the future.

In tandem with the impressive delivery of the new vehicles, BYD recently opened its latest showroom at Gurney Plaza, Penang.

Located at a popular and convenient location in Penang, this state-of-the-art showroom offers a comfortable and inviting 1,500sq ft space for customers to relax, interact with BYD’s professionally trained and knowledgeable staff and learn more about the advanced technology offered by BYD.

Customers can take the opportunity to test drive the Atto 3 during their visit to the showroom.

Its aftersales service centre is 6km away in Sungai Pinang.

The service centre which has a built-up area of 20,000 sq ft, provides vehicle maintenance, wear and tear repairs, as well as body and paint services.

Available in two variants, the Atto 3 is priced from RM149,800 for the Standard Range and RM167,800 for the Extended Range, with a choice of five vibrant colour palettes of Surf Blue, Parkour Red, Boulder Grey, Forest Green and Ski White.

The BYD ATTO 3 contains state-of-the-art features and offers an excellent battery range capable of travelling up to 480km on a single charge.

The vehicle can also be experienced first-hand at BYD showrooms at Sime Darby Motors City in Ara Damansara, TREC KL in Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, and Gurney Plaza, Penang.


Prince Philip designed custom-built Land Rover for his own funeral

                BERLIN: A custom-built Land Rover Defender hearse, which Prince Philip himself helped to design, will carry his coffin on its final journey on Saturday, Buckingham Palace has announced.

The green Land Rover bearing the prince's coffin – draped in his personal standard, a wreath of flowers and his naval cap and sword – will be followed by the Prince of Wales and other senior Royals on foot.

The vehicle is believed to be a modified Defender 130 Gun Bus, which Philip, who was also known as the Duke of Edinburgh, commissioned in 2005, British media reported.

 The Discovery.

The prince was a keen motor enthusiast and he helped a team of engineers create the specially modified vehicle, the Daily Mirror reported. A second one was produced at the Jaguar Rover plant in Ryton, Coventry as a back-up in case the first hearse broke down.

In the past, gun carriages have been used for royal funerals

Rugged British-made Land Rovers have long been a favourite vehicle of the Queen and Prince Philip, and Land Rover holds a royal warrant as a supplier to the royal family.

On Saturday, the funeral for Prince Philip is to be held in the afternoon in Windsor. Owing to coronavirus restrictions in place, only 30 people are allowed to attend the funeral.


Alfa Romeo reveals plans for new Giulietta and 4C replacement

The 4C Spider.
TURIN: Alfa Romeo used to be a carmaker whose cars were admired by many but not always seen as practical. The company has definitely gone some way towards re-inventing itself lately with the introduction of the brand's first-ever SUV in the shape of the Stelvio, and with another larger, 7-seat SUV to take on the Audi Q7 already in the pipeline.

But now it appears to be turning attention back to its cars, with a new Golf rival and a replacement for the 4C coupe on the cards.

Of course, the company's priority has to be the most profitable models with the biggest global appeal, which is why the next new Alfa will be that Audi Q7 rival, which will also see the manufacturer's first foray into the world of hybrid propulsion systems.

 The Giulietta.

Although crossovers and SUVs dominate markets around the world at the moment, Alfa's chief technical officer, Roberto Fedeli, sees a need to fill a couple of gaps in the company's portfolio. A C-Segment hatchback to take on the all-conquering Volkswagen Golf is one, which could be a new, smaller Giulietta, or at least something built using the same platform. And of course, the Italian automaker also has to have an obviously sporty product in its lineup, which sounds as though it could mean a complete rethink of the 4C.

Fedeli recently admitted, "In order to complete the Alfa range of products we need another couple of pillars – something in the C-Segment and then obviously a sporty product, a very sporty product."

The problem with the C-Segment is Fedeli concedes that it's "a very local market and not a global one," which he then went on to clarify means, "it's very difficult to make a profit."

An update to the 4C coupe and spider will be produced before the decision is finally made on whether to completely re-engineer and redesign the 4C.


Elon Musk's space Roadster just passed Mars

                SAN FRANCISCO: SpaceX announced on Friday that Starman, the Tesla space Roadster's makeshift pilot, has officially passed Mars' orbit. The car is expected to reach its far point this Thursday.

In February, Elon Musk's SpaceX launched a Tesla Roadster car manned by Starman, a mannequin in an astronaut suit, into the sky. Nine months later, the sportscar passed Mars' orbit as SpaceX tweeted on Friday.

The Roadster is right on schedule to reach its farthest point this Thursday at 249 million km from the sun, according to Ben Pearson's model on Where Is Roadster?, a website tracking the Roadster's journey.

On Nov 8, Starman will be at its maximum distance from the sun, after which its orbit will marginally shrink over hundreds of years.

According to Pearson, the car will reach its farthest point from Earth this coming February but will return for a close approach in November of 2020, at which time it will be just51 million km away from us.

As of today, nearly nine months since the launch, Starman has exceeded its 57,900 km warranty over 10 thousand times by travelling a distance equivalent to 16.4 times the combined length of every road on Earth.

At 55,678kph, this is definitely the fastest roadster the Earth - and the solar system - has ever seen.


Self-driving car from Google's Waymo company runs over dog

                SAN FRANCISCO: In a rare accident involving a self-driving car, a vehicle from Google's sister company Waymo killed a dog that ran into the road in front of it.

The car was driving autonomously here with an employee in the driver's seat, according to Waymo's report to the California Transportation Authority.

The accident occurred at a critical moment for the technology, with Waymo and General Motors subsidiary Cruise currently building autonomous taxi services here, despite opposition.

Waymo stressed in a statement to the website Ars Technica on Wednesday that the software had correctly recognised the dog in the May accident, which had run into oncoming traffic from behind a parked car.

However, Waymo's system was not able to prevent an accident in time. Waymo told the tech news website TechCrunch that neither the software nor the human at the wheel had braked.

One of the reasons for this was that the dog was running fast. A later computer simulation confirmed that the collision was unavoidable.

A central argument in the industry for robot cars is that they are safer than cars where humans are driving, even if not immune to accidents.

In San Francisco, both Waymo and Cruise have begun dispatching their autonomous cars onto streets without a safety driver, and residents have complained that the vehicles sometimes block roads when malfunctioning.

The SFMTA public transport authority also criticised that the cars made bus and tram operation difficult. Cruise updated its software a few weeks ago after a collision with a public bus.

The only known fatal accident involving a self-driving car so far occurred in 2018, when a car from ride-hailing company Uber hit a woman crossing the street during an evening test drive.

She was pushing a bicycle with plastic bags on the handlebars next to her - and the situation overwhelmed the Uber software, which at first couldn't understand what it was dealing with. Uber cancelled its own development of self-driving cars at the end of 2020.


2019 Geneva Motor Show: Mercedes-Benz V-Class facelift

                GENEVA: Following its world premiere in January, the new V-Class celebrates its first presentation to the public at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show.

The main attractions are the introduction of the OM 654 four-cylinder diesel in a number of power variants – the V 300 d with a new top output of 239hp (fuel consumption combined: 6.3-5.9 l/100 km) – the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, available for the first time in the V-Class, as well as the very latest safety and assistance systems, including Active Brake Assist.

The new front end gives the V-Class a broader stance and an even stronger visual presence, aided by a restyled bumper with a distinctive air intake as well as a new diamond structure on the grille.

The Mercedes star is positioned centrally on the grille and flanked by two silver fins.

The individualisation concept with the attractive AVANTGARDE and EXCLUSIVE lines has been retained, while the facelift gives the AMG line even greater visual impact.

It sets a sporty accent with a new diamond grille and chrome pins.

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


Lotus set to bloom and go all-electric by 2028

                LONDON: British sports carmaker Lotus said today it will invest more than £2 billion (RM11.4bil) in new technology and in massively expanding production of its sports car models, and it hopes to switch to selling only electric cars by 2028.

The Hethel, England-based firm, said its owners, Chinese firm Geely and Malaysia's Etika Automotive, will provide the financial muscle so the niche carmaker can ramp up production from an average of 1,500 cars per year to tens of thousands worldwide that will be sold at dealerships or online.

Those investment plans include a new Lotus plant in the Chinese city of Wuhan. Lotus' managing director Matt Windle told Reuters that thanks to Geely's backing the carmaker has been able to invest in a new automated paint shop for its UK facility and has leveraged the Chinese company's relationships with suppliers to get better prices.

 The Emira is set to launch in July and will be the last sports car with an internal combustion engine from Lotus.

Lotus plans to launch its last combustion engine sports car model, the Emira, in July. The company's sports cars sell for between £45,000 ($62,473.50) and £100,000 and Windle said Lotus will stick within that price range as it expands.

"This really is a new era for us," Windle said. "Not only will it be accessible in terms of price point, but our quality is going to take a huge leap forward as well."

When asked exactly how much Lotus will invest, Windle said "more than two billion."

Windle said Lotus aims to be all electric by 2028 - when the carmaker turns 80 - though the exact date may depend on the Emira's popularity.

"But definitely before the end of the decade, we'll be fully electric," Windle said.

Windle said Lotus' first electric sports car will be released by 2028, but the timing depends on cutting the vehicle's weight.

Batteries are very heavy and premium carmakers like McLaren are wrestling with how to cut a vehicle's weight without losing sports car performance.

Lotus also said the Evija, its first pure electric "hypercar," will go into production later this year.

The Evija will have a limited production run of 130 cars and sell for around £2 million (RM11.4mil) each.

Lotus is also developing a new electric sports car platform as part of a partnership with Renault for the Lotus and the French company's Alpine brand, which will also be available to other carmakers.


Honda stages world premiere of new HR-V in Japan

                TOKYO: The third generation of the Honda HR-V or Vezel has made its world premiere in Japan ahead of domestic showroom sales in April.

Markets around the world will get this version later this year except in North America, where Honda is releasing a different version of the crossover to cater to their taste. That version would also debut later this year.

Back to the Japanese Vezel or HR-V to the rest of us. This time around, Honda has opted for a cleaner and more grown-up look, avoiding the creases commonly seen in the previous-gen HR-V. The new HR-V looks bigger too though Honda has not revealed dimensions yet.

The front has a "unified" face, with thin slates of the grille appearing to blend in with the bumper. At the same time, slimmer headlights with upper LED daytime running lights create a visual connection as a result of a chrome strip straddling the grille.

From the side view, one can see that Honda has retained the hidden rear door handle that works well with the coupe roof line. The back sees some radical revamp in keeping with current trends to stretch tail lights among car makers. Honda has copied the same format with an LED light bar spanning across the tail lamps.

Honda is offering wheel sizes of 16 to 18 inches depending on trim level. Expect a powered tailgate in the higher-end variants.

The new HR-V will feature a panoramic glass roof lending the interior an airy feel.

The cabin sees major changes in the form of a tablet-like infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen.

Also new is a large air cond vent that strteches across the dash, interrupted only by the meter cluster. Useful features like Honda's Magic Seats for versatile storage configurations are carried over from the second generation.

Honda said it would start selling a hybrid in Japan with a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine mated to two electric motors for AWD capability. The same combo in the hybrid Jazz makes 107hp by the way. A cheaper 2WD non-hybrid variant would also be offered.


All-electric Mazda MX-30 launched from RM198,000

                PETALING JAYA: After being previewed locally two months ago, Bermaz Motor Trading has officially launched the MX-30, the Japanese brand's first battery electric vehicle.

The fully-imported MX-30 EV High specification comes with on-the-road without insurance and sales tax of RM198,780 in Peninsular Malaysia for private ownership.

In Sabah and Sarawak, the vehicle costs RM201,540 for private and company purchases.

The “2020 Red Dot Design” winner uses Mazda’s new electric-drive technology, e-SkyActiv that combines outstanding response with smooth dynamic behaviour.

Its electric motor and a 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack combination allows a driving range of approximately 199km.

The front-wheel drive powertrain delivers an output of 107kW (143hp) and 271Nm of torque.

The high voltage battery can be charged up to 80% within 36 minutes using the DC fast charging of 40kW.

The battery pack comes with a refrigerant cooling system that keeps the temperature from rising excessively.

The MX-30 also gets an evolved version of Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control (GVC) called e-GVC Plus to improve chassis performance by leveraging the torque characteristics of the electric motor to optimise the front-rear load shift under an even wider range of usage scenarios.

Inside, the floating centre console features an electronic shifter with multi-function commander knob and shortcut buttons that allows the driver and passenger to safely operate the 8.8-inch Mazda Connect Infotainment system.

The MX-30 is also equipped with a 360 degree view monitor that provides an all-round view around the vehicle and the interior features fabric and leatherette seating equipped with eight-way power adjustment.

Among its i-Activsense Advanced Safety Technology are Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Driver Attention Alert (DAA) with Driver Monitoring, Lane-keep Assist System (LAS), Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH), Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA), as well as Cruising and Traffic Support (CTS) feature.

In addition, the MX-30 is equipped with a 12-speaker Bose sound system which adopts Mazda Harmonic Acoustics audio system with a speaker layout.

Available colours include Polymetal Gray and Machine Gray for the single color, while the two-tone color choices are Jet Black Mica (with silver roof pillar), Zircon Sand (with black roof) and Soul Red Crystal (with black roof).

Bermaz Auto executive chairman Datuk Seri Ben Yeoh said the MX-30 is an ideal runabout especially for office workers who drive short trips within city limits on a daily basis.

"Women who do not like to visit petrol stations to fill up their car's tank due to safety concerns could consider the MX-30 as it can be charged up at home," he said.

Yeoh said that as the MX-30's battery is not big, the vehicle could also be fully charged up overnight using an AC home charger instead of a more powerful DC type.

The MX-30 is open for booking at the Mazda Glenmarie Flagship showroom.

Manufacturer warranty is five years or 100,000km, whichever comes first.

In addition, the battery warranty coverage is up to eight years or 160,000km, whichever comes first.

READ MORE: All-electric Mazda MX-30 previewed


Your iPhone will soon be able to replace your car keys, says report

                BERLIN: An official announcement is still pending, but some newly spotted text buried in Apple's user privacy agreement has all but confirmed everything: You'll soon be able to leave your car keys at home and use an iPhone to unlock the car.

Apple has long been rumoured to be working on a new "CarKey" feature for an upcoming iOS release, but with the company's WWDC developer conference just around the corner in June, the launch of the digital car key appears imminent.

Tech paparazzi on the Apple beat such as Mac&i, iphone-ticker and 9to5Mac have pointed to a new passage in the company's data protection agreement stating that Apple's wallet app allows "adding and sharing car keys for certain vehicles."

BMW, Tesla and Audi already offer drivers the possibility to store a digital car key on their smartphones. However, this has mostly been exclusive to Android devices so far.

Now Apple's Wallet app appears set to manage your car keys for you. BMW is expected to be the first manufacturer with iPhone compatibility, according to Mac&i.

A corresponding CarKey interface is already available since the iOS version iOS 13.4, but tech blogs suspect the feature will formally arrive in the coming iOS 13.6 release.

According to the data protection declaration, the function can be set up using the app supplied by your car's manufacturer or with the help of a code that links the vehicle and iPhone.

Like when you add a credit card to your phone, a "token" containing information about the Apple ID and, if tracking services are enabled, the user's current location is transmitted to Apple. The company then shares an individual device ID with the respective car manufacturer to prevent misuse.

Apple reportedly also wants to let you share your keys with family members and friends. To do this, you'll simply tap "Invite" on the back of the digital key card and set what kind of access you want to give them.

You can then share the key card with others using Apple's iMessage chat service, presuming the other person also has an iPhone. Apple says in its privacy policy that it does not collect any data on how you use your car.


Indonesian students win Shell awards for smart car contest using plastic waste

Royal Dutch Shell CEO Ben van Beurden presenting a Shell award to the Smart Car MCS team led by Herman (second from left).
YOGYAKARTA: Gadjah Mada University's Smart Car MCS team took home wins at the Shell Ideas 360 Awards in London earlier this month, beating four other finalists in a global competition organised for students to develop new ideas to tackle energy, food and water issues.

The team, comprising four students from the university's chemical engineering department, won the competition's judges choice and audience choice awards for their idea of developing a smart car capable of turning plastic waste into fuel that emits low levels of carbon dioxide.

The team was led by manager Herman Amrullah. Other members in the group were Sholahuddin Alayyubi, Thya Laurencia Benedita Araujo, and Naufal Muflih.

Thya said to get to the top, the team had to compete in stages with over 1,000 teams from 140 participating countries. Five finalists, including the UGM Smart Car MCS team, were selected to further pitch their ideas to the judges.

The other four finalists were from the American University of Sharjah, University of Texas at Austin (United States) University of Bordeaux (France) and University of Melbourne (Australia).

UGM's winning idea involved the use of the heat from car exhaust fumes to break down plastic waste and turn it into liquid fuel, thus turning a waste product into clean energy.

With the idea and supervision of their supervising lecturers Hanifrahmawan Sudibyo and Yano Surya Pradana, the team engineered a car capable of processing plastic waste into raw liquid fuel that could be further processed into fuel ready to be used as alternative energy.

The idea also involves the use of microalgae cultivation support to reduce CO2 emissions of the project car, said Herman.

The university's chemical engineering department secretary, Aswati Mindaryani, said the project reqauired firther research before it could be considered for expanded trials. - The Jakarta Post /Asia News Network


Norway may scale back EV perks to boost public transport

                OSLO: Norway is considering paring back some of the incentives that made it the leading nation in electric car sales in a bid to boost public transport usage.

The government has asked the public roads administration to give its view on a proposal to reduce the benefits of using an electric car in and near urban areas, such as reduced road tolls, driving in bus lanes and parking benefits, according to a statement last Thursday.

While such perks have already been gradually scaled back in last couple of years, EV owners still enjoy clear advantages over those with fossil fuel cars.

“Electric cars give us greener transport, but they also have a clear intermodal competition with public transport in urban areas,” Transport Minister Jon-Ivar Nygard said in the statement.

“We must make it more attractive to travel by public transport, cycle and walk.”

Public transport took a hit during the pandemic as movement was restricted and working from home became the norm for many. While car traffic in urban areas is back at and slightly above the 2019 level, there are still fewer using public transport than before the Covid-19 crisis.

Norway’s high uptake is a result of a slew of incentives, including reduced taxes on new purchases, aimed at reaching a target that all new cars sold in 2025 are zero-emission vehicles.

In 2020, the Nordic nation became the first country in the world to see electric cars overtake fossil models among new vehicles.


Thai cabinet approves registration of personal cars for ride-hailing services

                BANGKOK: The Cabinet today approved a draft regulation proposed by the Transport Ministry to allow people to register their personal cars for commercial use.

Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob explained that only cars with maximum capacity of seven people would be eligible for registration.

The draft ministerial regulation was drawn up to serve the ride-hailing market via apps such as Grab.

Currently, taxi drivers are required to have a public-vehicle licence, but many drivers in the call-taxi business only have a personal licence.

The ministerial regulation aims to close this loophole and legalise all cars operating in the call-taxi business. — The Nation


Land Rover Discovery Sport arrives: RM380K (5 seats) and RM410K (7 seats)

                KUALA LUMPUR: Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia has launched the new Land Rover Discovery Sport, a compact premium SUV.

Available in two variants - the 5-seater and the 5+2 seating high-spec, the Discovery Sport R-Dynamic variants are priced at RM379,800 and RM409,800 respectively (Peninsular Malaysia; excluding road tax and insurance).

Interested parties can register for a test drive at their preferred Jaguar Land Rover showroom via this link: Book a Land Rover Test Drive

All vehicles distributed by Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia are compatible with the Malaysian climate, environment, fuel quality and meet the Malaysian emission standards.

All Land Rover vehicles distributed by authorised dealers also come with ‘Land Rover Care’ programme which is based on whichever comes first i.e. a 5-year Warranty or 150,000km, 5-year Servicing or 65,000km and 3-year Roadside Assistance.

New design cues include a sportier silhouette and a bolder front fascia.

It has new signature LED headlamps and tail lights, alongside a new front grille and bumpers while maintaining the Land Rover’s trademark design which includes a prominent clamshell bonnet, rising beltline and a tapered roof.

To improve the driving experience, it has a new power transfer feature called the Driveline Disconnect, which has been employed into the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system.

This feature works by disconnecting the drive of the front axle to the rear wheels under steady state cruising, thereby reducing frictional losses and re-engaging AWD in less than 500 milliseconds.

In addition, the Terrain Response 2 is now also made as a standard feature on the new Discovery Sport.

Terrain 2 Response allows a simple twist of the dial to optimise performance on different surfaces for better traction and control.

Each driving mode tunes the response of the throttle, brakes, differentials, and transmission to deliver premium handling.

Drivers can select Comfort, Sand, Grass-Gravel-Snow, Mud & Ruts or activate the Auto mode which will automatically adjusts its torque delivery to suit the terrain.

The powertain is the 2.0L turbocharged Ingenium Petrol engine, mated to the ZF nine-speed automatic transmission.

Meanwhile, the ClearSight Ground View, Land Rover’s world-first technology is a new feature which provides drivers with a clear virtual view of the ground in assisting them to navigate through rough terrains, park in tight spaces and to avoid side kerbs on the road.

There is also a 10-inch high definition Touch Pro infotainment system which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and allows you to pinch zoom and swipe, as well as customise your home screen with wallpaper and add widgets.

The system also allows the driver to control the climate system and Terrain Response 2.

The Interactive Driver Display has also been fitted as standard with a 12-inch high-definition screen that displays multiple driving information, entertainment and active safety data, which includes navigation, phone and media.

Also available is a Generation 2 Head-Up Display which presents a greater amount of key information in high-resolution and full-colour graphics such as vehicle speed, gear position and navigation directions on the windscreen – to make journeys safer by helping drivers to keep their eyes on the road.

The new Discovery Sport also introduces wireless device charging, with a charging mat located below the centre console.

Safety features include seven airbags – driver and passenger airbags, knee airbags, side curtain and thorax airbag, a front and rear parking aid, High-speed Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist and Driver Condition Monitor as well as the 360-degree Surround Camera that has Wade Sensing features.


Tan Chong to set up RM500m auto hub in Bagan Datuk

                KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Chong Motor Holdings Bhd plans to set up a RM500mil automotive hub on 338 acres in Bagan Datuk, Perak, which will tap into the growth regions of the North Corridor Economic Region.

"More than just an automotive hub, this is a strategic business plan that demonstrates the Tan Chong Motor Group's commitment towards Malaysia's industrialisation and economic growth," it said in a press statement.

According to Tan Chong, the investment will create new jobs, the influx of new investments and economic growth in Bagan Datuk.

The group expects to invest an initial RM100mil towards the land acquisition and construction of a bus and truck plant in Phase 1 of the development.

Tan Chong said in addition to its existing export markets of Singapore, Hong Kong and Myanmar, it is exploring potential new markets in the region including Thailand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Indonesia, among others.


Fresh route, new safety measures unveiled for 2021 Dakar Rally

                PARIS: The second edition of the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia, scheduled to run from Jan 3-15 next year, will start and finish in Jeddah after venturing through the desert and along the Red Sea, organisers revealed.

The 2021 version of the gruelling 12-day marathon will take participants into uncharted territory, with all timed sections of the loop course brand new to the race.

Competitors will set off from Jeddah towards the east and then head north, with a rest day in Ha'il on Jan 9, before tracing the Red Sea coastline back to the finish.

"We've made the most of all of Saudi Arabia," said rally director David Castera on Thursday. "The country is so big that we managed to only use 50-100km of this year's course.

"During each stage we find a bit of all the ingredients. We tried to keep a bit of the dunes, the technical sections and the quick parts each day."

Following the deaths of two motorcyclists, Portugal's Paulo Goncalves and Dutchman Edwin Straver, on this year's rally, enhanced safety measures would be introduced in 2021.

Riders would be forced to wear airbag vests, while aural warnings will notify competitors in the approach to potential dangers with designated "slow zones" limiting the speed to 90kph in especially tricky sectors.

Following a test run in 2020, road books would be distributed to participants just before the start of each stage, as opposed to the previous evening. Digital versions would be available in certain categories.

Castera said the coronavirus pandemic had forced organisers to revise their plans for next year's rally.

"We had mapped out a Dakar with other countries. Unfortunately, the week of confinement we should have left for a tour. We weren't able to do it, so we were obliged to abandon our project for this year," he said.

"We'll do it another time. We have three surrounding countries who want it and fit in with our DNA: Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan."

Castera also conceded the financial impact of the global health crisis would likely result in fewer participants over the next two years.

The event, launched in 1979 with its original route between Paris and the Senegalese capital Dakar, moved to Saudi Arabia this year after a decade in South America, a decision which sparked an angry reaction from human rights organisations.


Touch 'n Go denies additional GST to be imposed on reloads

                PETALING JAYA: There will be no additional Goods and Services Tax (GST) imposed on Touch 'n Go reloads on top of those already in place.

In a statement on its Facebook page, Touch 'n Go Sdn Bhd said there was a fake notice circulating on social media that a 6% GST charge would be imposed on all reloads starting Jan 1, 2016.

It clarified that GST was only applicable on the reload fee of 50 sen when topping-up the card at certain agents.

It also listed the agents where no reload fee was charged as well as those that imposed the 50 sen charge.


Penang temple famed for ‘car blessing’ rituals

Melissa breaking a coconut in front of the new car as part of the ritual at the temple along Jalan Kebun Bunga in Penang.
GEORGE TOWN: The advent of technology has made us discard many superstitions and rituals which we may not find practical anymore.

However, there are still many whose beliefs and faith have not changed, such as a couple who only wanted to be known as Nicholas and Melissa.

They were spotted at the century-old Waterfall Shree Muniswarar Temple to seek divine blessings for their new BMW.

Office executive Nicholas, 30, said he is not a religious man but he believes in such blessings.

“The blessing will give me peace of mind and the security that I will be safe while driving,” he said when met at the temple recently.

The temple is famous in the northern region for those wanting to bless their new vehicles.

Company executive Lena Gan, 44, who was also at the temple, said this was her third car which she had brought to be blessed at the temple.

Temple priest P. Somusundaram, 52, said at least eight to 10 cars would come on weekdays and about 15 during weekends.

Many come from as far away as Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and Johor, especially during weekends.

“Not all are new cars, as some would come to seek blessings after their cars were involved in a minor accident.

“The charges for the blessings are on a donation basis,” he said.


Sustainable cities: learning from Ljubljana's car-free zones

                LJUBLJANA: At a time when many major European cities, such as Paris, are introducing low-emission zones, from which most cars will be banned, Ljubljana stands out as a pioneer in the field.

Since 2007, the Slovenian capital has been redesigning its city center so that certain areas are reserved exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists, with already visible results.

The sight of cars and public transport in some parts of central Ljubljana is now a thing of the past.

The idea of a car-free city centre in Ljubljana began to take shape in 2007, with the renovation of some of the city's infrastructure on streets and squares with heavy tourist footfall.

The aim was to give more space to pedestrians, with wider sidewalks and gradual closure to motorised vehicle traffic. Now, in these zones, only delivery vehicles are allowed, for a few hours in the morning.

Over time, Ljubljana has taken into account the needs of pedestrians and cyclists in developing this kind of car-free zone. To this end, these users can now move around the city more easily, including crossing the Ljubljanica River without having to make detours, with no less than 13 bridges renovated and adapted for these mobility modes.

The city's policy has also revitalised the river banks and many trees have been planted in the vicinity.

In addition, former car parking bays have been redeveloped into spaces for people to meet or for holding events - all initiatives that are widely supported by the local population.

At the same time, numerous underground parking facilities have been built, particularly for the benefit of residents living in these car-free zones.

Today, pedestrians and cyclists can enjoy more than 12 hectares of space specially reserved for them in the city centre, which has also led to a reduction in emissions and noise from traffic.

In these areas, CO2 emissions have been reduced by 70%, while noise has dropped by an average 6 dB. In the surrounding streets, however, neither air quality nor noise intensity has decreased.

In the pedestrian area, residents and visitors can use a free "Kavalir" ("cavalier") service throughout the year, with a kind of electric golf cart with driver available for on-demand rides. The city also encourages people to use bicycles whenever possible, including through its own bike-share scheme.


BMW Concept i4 unveiled

                MUNICH: The BMW Concept i4 is a pure-electric four-door gran coupe and represents a look ahead to the BMW i4, slated to enter production in 2021 as the BMW Group’s first all-electric model in the premium midsize class.

Film composer Hans Zimmer provided the soundtrack to the world premiere in Geneva.

The electric motor developed for the BMW i4 generates maximum output of up to 390 kW/530 hp, which ranks it alongside a current BMW V8 combustion engine.

The fifth generation of BMW eDrive also brings a newly designed high-voltage battery which weighs roughly 550kg, has an energy content of around 80 kWh and achieves an operating range of up to 600 km (373 miles) in the WLTP cycle.

“The BMW Concept i4 brings electrification to the core of the BMW brand,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design.

“The design is dynamic, clean and elegant. In short: a perfect BMW that happens to be zero emission.”

The drivetrain’s standout numbers include a range of 600 km (373 miles), output of up to 530 hp, 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration of approximately 4.0 seconds and a top speed in excess of 200 km/h (124 mph).

Blue elements in the front end, flanks and rear end point to the car’s BMW i origins.

Series production of the new BMW i4 will begin in 2021 at the BMW Group’s main plant in Munich.

This means that, in the future, combustion-engined vehicles, plug-in hybrids and all-electric vehicles will be manufactured on the same assembly line in Munich.


Aston Martin's new DB9 GT set for global debut at Pebble Beach

 The DB9 GT.

LONDON: Aston Martin’s new 2016 DB9 GT will make its global debut as part of the marque’s presence at the Pebble Beach Automotive Week from Aug 13, accompanied by a glimpse of Aston Martin’s Second Century with the DBX concept, Lagonda Taraf and Aston Martin Vulcan supercar all set for appearances.

The DB9 GT is the luxury British sports car maker’s most compelling production ‘DB’ to date, designed to offer world-class grand touring and hand-built excellence. It was unveiled in June at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Claiming the title of the most potent DB9 yet devised, by virtue of its uprated 6.0-litre V12 engine which now boasts 540bhp – the DB9 GT continues a tradition of luxury, excitement and style with a raft of engineering, equipment and styling developments calculated to make this the very best of what DB9 can be.

 The DB9 GT dash.

Aston Martin’s "Second Century" plan was announced by Dr Andy Palmer after completion of his first 150 days as CEO of Aston Martin. A comprehensive strategy for the ongoing growth and development of the 102-year old sport car maker, the plan laid out the principle mid-term actions, particularly in the area of new product development that will drive the growth of the company.

The DBX concept – now confirmed for production – underlines Aston Martin’s growth plans by signaling an expansion into the luxury GT crossover market as part of a wider strategy to develop the strongest and most diverse product portfolio in the company’s history.

Offering a challenge to the existing status quo in the high luxury GT segment, the DBX promises stylish, comfortable, practical and environmentally responsible luxury GT travel.

 The DBX Concept.

The DBX, which made a surprise global debut at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, will make its first appearance in North America at the Aston Martin Estate from Aug 13.

The 800+bhp Aston Martin Vulcan makes its second bow in North America following a New York debut in April and will also be on display at the Aston Martin Estate alongside DBX. Styled entirely in-house by the Aston Martin design team led by Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman and with a design language hinting at the next generation of Aston Martin sports cars, the Vulcan is powered by the most potent iteration yet of the company’s naturally-aspirated, 7.0-litre V12 petrol engine. With a powerplant developed in conjunction with Aston Martin Racing, this front mid-engined, rear-wheel drive sports car draws extensively on the brand’s rich GT motorsport experience.

 The Vulcan.

Marking a first appearance in the North American market, the new Lagonda Taraf super saloon draws inspiration from the highly sought-after William Towns-designed Lagonda of 1976 and features many of the same cutting edge engineering techniques seen in modern Aston Martin sports cars, such as the extensive use of carbon fibre body panels.

The car is hand-built at Aston Martin’s facilities in Gaydon, Warwickshire, UK in a dedicated building previously given over to the creation of the One-77 supercar.

The Lagonda Taraf will be exclusively available for viewings to customers and invited guests at the Aston Martin Estate as well as leading the marque’s presence at  Quail: A Motorsports Gathering ( Aug 14).

The Aston Martin Estate is a private venue, located high above Carmel with panoramic views across the Monterey Bay, provides the scenic backdrop for showcasing Aston Martin’s latest sports car range to customers of the brand.

This grand estate will also serve as the location for a myriad of exclusive events including private viewings of new Aston Martins and test drives of the marque’s current line-up of handcrafted high performance sports cars.


VW considers direct buying to secure scarce chips

                HAMBURG: Volkswagen is looking into buying chip supplies directly from manufacturers, according to a company executive, as automakers battle a global semiconductor shortage.

“We are thinking about entering direct contractual relationships,” said the executive, who declined to be named.

“The industry will have to react due to the significance of semiconductors with regard to vehicles today.”

Automakers around the world are adjusting assembly lines due to the shortages, caused by manufacturing delays that some semiconductor makers blame on a faster-than expected recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

Volkswagen, which warned as early as Dec 4 about the problem, currently sources chips via major suppliers such as Bosch and Continental and has no direct contractual or supply agreements with semiconductor makers.

Carmakers also affected by the shortage include Ford, Toyota, Nissan and Daimler, with the companies having to cut production or planning to reduce working hours due to the disruption.

Volkswagen is currently in multi-party talks with its main suppliers, chipmakers and wafer makers to address the issue, the executive said. “We must ensure that wafer and semiconductor makers know our needs.”

In 2019, automotive groups accounted for roughly a tenth of the US$429 billion semiconductor market, according to McKinsey, with NXP Semiconductor, Germany’s Infineon and Japan’s Renesas among key suppliers to the sector.

The executive said that even though it was still unclear what exactly caused the bottleneck, it was crucial not to rely on just one supply path, potentially breaking with a tradition to source chips only via top automotive suppliers.

Solutions could include increasing stocks, as chips don’t take up as much storage space as other automotive components, the executive said.

Robert Bosch and Continental, the world’s two largest automotive suppliers, declined to comment.

Volkswagen expects chip supplies will remain tight during the first quarter, but recover in April-June. It aims to make up for delayed production in the second half of the year.

“To defuse the problem, a transparent cooperation with semiconductor players is needed as well as clear commitments to secure production volumes vis-à-vis other client groups,” McKinsey partner Ondrej Burkacky said.


Ritz-Carlton hotel chain expanding electric car charging stations

                WASHINGTON: The Ritz-Carlton has become the latest hotel brand to expand the number of charging stations for guests who drive electric cars.

The luxury hotel brand follows the lead of brands like Hilton and Marriott which recently expanded their electric car-charging station programs, in response to the rising popularity of electric vehicles amongst their road-tripping guests.

Guests of the Ritz-Carlton across North America and at select international properties will have access to stations that can charge their cars for the next 241km or two and a half hours.

Last year, Hilton announced plans to expand their electric vehicle-charging program to 100 properties across the US by the end of this year.

Hilton attributed their expansion plans to the rising number of EVs sold in the US citing statistics from InsideEVs Monthly Scorecard, which pegged the number of cars sold at 350,000 since 2010 -- 120,000 of which were sold in 2014 alone.

Marriott also provides more than 250 electric vehicle-charging stations at their properties around the world.


Reality check: Efficient electric car battery recycling proves elusive

                BERLIN: Recycling electric car batteries is the key to making these vehicles greener, but what seems an obvious road to take is being hampered by a lack of raw materials and coordination, reports the German auto trade magazine Automobilwoche.

Unfortunately a solution is not near at hand, say experts who blame a lack of standards, making recycling too complex. They also say there are not yet enough discarded electric cars to provide the reusable batteries needed.

The Berlin-based Öko-Institut estimates the amount of batteries in circulation in electric cars at around 100,000 tonnes per year. In 10 years, the figure will stand at 1 million tonnes.

These batteries can provide up to 80% of their original capacity when repurposed and the current industry focus is on decreasing costs and increasing recycling yields.

Compared to these targets, the recycling plans of the big car manufacturers sound very modest. Volkswagen has been testing processes at its Salzgitter plant for two years and wants to target annual recycling capacities of 1,500 tonnes there.

And Mercedes-Benz, together with the battery recycler Primobius, is currently building a factory in Kuppenheim in Baden-Wuerttemberg with a capacity of 2,500 tonnes. The foundation stone was recently laid.

Since the batteries currently installed in electric cars will still be in use for some time, manufacturers do not expect a larger number of returns until the end of the decade. Moreover, these batteries will first be given a second life as stationary power storage units.

Until the batteries from regular production vehicles have finally reached their end of life, batteries from test vehicles and prototypes will be recycled. Recycling companies outside the car industry are also slowly increasing their capacities.

There are also other obstacles to be overcome. "At the moment, batteries are anything but designed to be recycling-friendly," physicist Kai Peter Birke told the magazine. He conducts research on battery recycling at the University of Stuttgart and the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation.

A lack of standardisation also prevents mass disassembly, since the design of battery cells varies between manufacturers. The great challenge for the future is to automate such a process. Mercedes wants to start this this year, at least as far as disassembly is concerned.


VW to make electric car cells, battery packs in US

                WASHINGTON: Volkswagen AG said it was expanding its Chattanooga factory in Tennessee to make electric vehicle cells and battery packs in the United States, alongside assembling electric vehicles.

The company said it plans to break ground for a laboratory in Chattanooga to develop and test cells and battery packs for its upcoming car models assembled in the US, with the goal of a fully operational lab by spring 2021.

"A lot of auto companies will farm out the development and testing of batteries to another company, and some will actually do the work of developing and testing in-house. We are doing the latter," said Wolfgang Maluche, vice president of engineering, Volkswagen of America.

Volkswagen’s plan to produce its own cells and battery packs for electric vehicles in the United States follows an emissions scandal at the company, which admitted to using illegal software to cheat pollution tests in the country.

The scandal has cost Volkswagen €30 billion (RM149bil) in fines, penalties and vehicle buyback costs worldwide.

Insourcing electric vehicle cells and battery packs reinforces Volkswagen as one of the most ambitious traditional carmakers in the electric vehicle domain, Credit Suisse analyst Dan Levy said.

Last year, the carmaker said it would invest US$800 million (RM3.5bil) to build a new electric vehicle at its plant in Chattanooga.


Aston Martin opens first overseas design studio in China

                SHANGHAI: The iconic producer of hand-crafted luxury sports cars, Aston Martin Lagonda (AML), has opened a brand new design studio in Shanghai.

The British brand’s first design studio to be located outside of the UK, the ‘Aston Martin Lagonda Creative Lab, NICE 2035’ is a partnership with Tongji University in Shanghai, one of the world’s leading universities for the study of design and innovation.

Marek Reichman, Aston Martin executive vice president and chief creative officer commented: “The Chinese market is incredibly important to the future success of Aston Martin.  Collaborating with industry leaders and talented students at Tongji University will allow us to have a deeper understanding of the trends in China, ensuring we are focused on the needs of our Chinese customers.

“The first project of the new studio will be a collaboration on future interior designs for our sports cars and our first SUV, which will be launching in 2019.”

Speaking at the opening of the design studio in Shanghai, dean and professor of the Tongji University College of Design and Innovation, professor Lou Yongqi said: ”I am sure this unique design studio has the potential to produce some truly inspirational ideas by combining the history of two century old organisations, in the culture rich city of Shanghai.”

President of Aston Martin China, Peng Mingshan said: ”Shanghai is one of the world’s most energetic and vibrant cities, a real hub for technology, art and design. The Yangpu District is full of world-class universities and institutions, an ideal location to set up Aston Martin’s first overseas design studio.”

Reichman, who became a visiting professor of the university, delivered his first lecture to over 100 students sharing his knowledge on the importance of beauty in design.


Europe wants to ban combustion engines. Italy says ‘not so fast’

                ROME: As Europe prepares to ban combustion engines, Italy, home of high-powered, high-testosterone sports cars made by Ferrari NV and Lamborghini SpA, is already looking for ways around the proposed restrictions.

Mario Draghi’s government is in talks with the European Union on shielding supercar makers from the phase-out, planned to go into effect by 2035, according to Roberto Cingolani, minister for ecological transition.

While Rome backs Europe’s commitment to cut emissions by phasing out the most-polluting engines, the supercar sector "is a niche, and there are ongoing discussions with the EU Commission” on how the new rules would apply to high-end carmakers who sell far fewer vehicles than mainstream producers, Cingolani said in an interview with Bloomberg TV at the Ambrosetti Forum in Cernobbio, Italy.
 Cingolani. — AFP
"These cars need very special technology and they need batteries for the transition,” Cingolani said.

"One important step is that Italy gains autonomy in producing high-performance batteries,” he said, which is why the country is set to launch a "giga-factory program” for large-scale battery production.

The commission announced the phase-out plan in July as part of the region’s effort to cut emissions that contribute to global warming. But the timeline could be challenging for luxury producers that make cars whose powerful engines emit above-average levels of pollution.

Their lower sales volumes cap possibilities for economies of scale from converting plants.

The EU is still in the early stages of considering the plan, as the proposed rules will now be discussed by member states and the European Parliament.

The process is likely to take as long as two years, with some countries likely to propose amendments to protect their companies and industries.

An EU spokesman on Monday declined to comment on the Italian minister’s remarks, noting that "all car manufacturers will have to contribute to this reduction” in emissions.

France has already shown signs of resistance to the new plan, advocating for more lenient targets.

Paris backs a goal of reducing emissions from cars 55% by 2030 and for hybrids to remain on the market for longer, an official in President Emmanuel Macron’s office said in July.

European Automobile Manufacturers Association president Oliver Zipse said he supports the Italian effort given the "special situation” supercar makers face.

"For very small manufacturers, who in the bigger picture of overall emissions play almost no role, there are good arguments for considering these exemptions,” Zipse said at the IAA car show in Munich.

Few vehicles

Cingolani, a former non-executive director at Ferrari, argues that the number of vehicles affected by an exemption would represent a mere fraction of a market that numbers in the millions.

Ferrari sold around 9,100 vehicles in 2020, while Lamborghini’s sales numbered around 7,400.

The exemption "is something we are discussing with other partners in Europe,” the minister said.

"I am convinced there will not be a problem.”

Italy’s attempt to shield its iconic carmakers doesn’t mean the country opposes the move towards electrification.

"This is a global policy problem,” Cingolani said.

"There is a clear awareness about the need for a transition towards electric mobility.”

Still, help from Brussels could be crucial for Ferrari.

The company still does not offer a fully electric vehicle and has been slow to embrace electrification.

A spokesman for the Maranello, Italy-based company declined to comment on Cingolani’s comments.

Ferrari will unveil its first vehicle that runs entirely on batteries in 2025, chairman John Elkann said earlier this year.

In contrast, Porsche Automobil Holding SE’s fully electric Taycan has been on the road since 2019.

Ferrari plans to share more details on its plans during a capital markets day next year.

Charting a course for Ferrari in the waning days of the internal combustion engine will be among the biggest priorities for Benedetto Vigna, who started as chief executive officer on Sept 1.

The former STMicroelectronics NV executive led the chipmaker’s division that supplies key sensors used in Apple Inc.’s iPhone and automakers’ navigation systems.


Zero-rated GST: Honda Malaysia cuts prices

                PETALING JAYA: Honda has joined a flurry of car brands to announce lower prices for its models, with price cuts varying from RM4,000 to a whopping RM18,000.

This follows the government decision to set the GST rate at 0% from June 1 ahead of the re-introduction of the Sales & Services Tax.

Honda’s Completely Knocked Down (CKD) models namely Jazz, Jazz Hybrid, BR-V, City, City Hybrid, HR-V, Civic, CR-V and Accord will see a reduction in prices ranging from RM4,088 to RM9,573. Prices of Completely Built Unit (CBU) models such as the Odyssey and Civic Type R will also go down by RM14,362 and RM18,072 respectively.

“In addition to the post zero-rated GST pricing, customers who buy selected Honda models will also be entitled to receive attractive ‘Welcome Festive Rewards’ starting from June 1,” said Honda Malaysia managing director and CEO Toichi Ishiyama.

The company also said spare parts, service maintenance and accessories would also be zero rated from next month.

Prices shown are for Peninsular Malaysia only. For Langkawi, Labuan, Sabah and Sarawak, call Honda’s Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or log on to www.honda.com.my.


After record 2018 sales, Perodua raises target 1.7% to 231,000 cars in 2019

                KUALA LUMPUR: Perodua, which recorded its best-ever sales performance of 227,243 units in 2018, aims to better that figure by 1.7% to 231,000 units by end-2019, underpinned by the Myvi and the recent introduction of the Aruz.

The Myvi was Perodua’s best-selling model in 2018, with 82,122 registered out of 117,844 booked in that year alone. From its November 2017 launch to date, the Myvi’s numbers have exceeded 91,500 registrations and 147,000 bookings.

The Axia, Bezza and Alza are still at the top of their respective segments with 70,821, 49,911 and 24,389 units sold respectively in 2018.

“Perodua’s aim to boost its sales by 4% this year will not only strengthen the brand but offer some relief to the Malaysian car industry, which is forecast to grow very minimally this year,” Perodua president and chief executive officer Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad told the press today at the company’s Chinese New Year luncheon.

 Zainal presenting his speech today.

The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) expects an incremental 0.21% total industry volume (TIV) growth to 600,000 units this year from 598,714 units last year.

The association explained that last year’s growth was artificial due to the one-off June-August tax holiday, and barring any fresh incentives, the market should remain at this level in 2019.

“For Perodua, the Myvi is expected to remain popular this year, and since we started order-taking for the Aruz on 3 January, we have collected nearly 5,700 bookings to date. Given that our sales target is 2,500 units monthly, the figure is very encouraging indeed,” said Zainal.

Perodua also expects to increase its component purchases by 20% from RM5 billion last year to RM6 billion this year. This is in line with the demand expected in 2019 and will directly benefit local automotive suppliers.

According to Zainal, over 219,000 vehicles rolled out of the Perodua Manufacturing Sdn Bhd and Perodua Global Manufacturing Sdn Bhd plants combined in 2018, and the national carmaker expects to better that figure by 10.5% to 242,000 vehicles in 2019.

In after-sales, Perodua broke many of its own records in terms of service intakes (2018 2.17 million intakes versus 2017 2.1 million intakes – 3% up) and sales of parts and accessories (2018 RM320.8 million versus 2017 RM288.5 million – 11% up). Its Body & Paint and Pre-Owned Vehicle businesses also saw encouraging growth.

“After-sales is just as important as sales to us as it sustains us in this ever-competitive market. We want to improve in this area further as it is with customer care that we will be able to further strengthen our brand in this country."


VW woos Americans with Cross Coupé GTE

                DETROIT: Volkswagen has unveiled a new five-seater midsize SUV concept car at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.  Called the Cross Coupé GTE, it is a plug-in hybrid with all-wheel drive, and previews Volkswagen’s new US design language, combining German engineering with the American way of life.

The new car’s debut at the show, which runs from Jan 12-25, comes ahead of the start of production at the end of 2016 of a new seven-seater midsize SUV at Volkswagen of America’s Chattanooga factory in Tennessee.

The Cross Coupé GTE is the third concept car presented by Volkswagen in the run-up to the introduction of the production version.

Together, all three concept cars – the CrossBlue presented in Detroit in January 2013, the CrossBlue Coupé most recently shown in Los Angeles in November 2013 and the Cross Coupé GTE that is now being presented at the NAIAS – represent just a part of the wide spectrum of SUV variants that can be realised through the modular transverse matrix (MQB), and were developed with the aim of offering an SUV in North America in the near future that is consistently tailored to the US market.

Although the design of all three SUVs was based on the Volkswagen design DNA and they have common stylistic features, the latest model breaks in many ways with previous concepts, and thus increases the momentum towards series production.

The Cross Coupé GTE measures 4,847 mm long, 1,736 mm high and 2,030 mm wide.  Commenting on its appearance, Klaus Bischoff, chief designer at Volkswagen said: "The concept car has a commanding presence; it is powerful with a look that could almost be described as aggressive.  Numerous details hint at how we envisage a future production SUV model for North America."

Powering the Cross Coupé GTE is a 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine in combination with two electric motors.  The six-cylinder direct-injection engine (FSI) delivers 280 PS and maximum torque of 350Nm, while the two electric motors deliver 40 kW and 220 Nm (front) and 85 kW and 270 Nm (rear).

They are powered by a compact lithium-ion battery housed in the centre tunnel, with energy content of 14.1 kWh.  The total output of the drive system is 360 PS, and using this full power, the Cross Coupé GTE, which has a top speed of 209kph, accelerates to 100kph in just 6.0 seconds.  The Cross Coupé GTE can be driven in five different power modes: E-Mode, Hybrid, GTE, Offroad and Battery Hold / Battery Charge.

In E-Mode, activated at the press of a button, the Cross Coupé GTE can travel in zero-emission mode for up to 32km, and in this case the 85 kW rear axle electric motor alone drives the vehicle, with the V6 FSI decoupled from the drivetrain by disengaging the clutch and shutting down.  But as soon as the six-cylinder engine needs to be restarted due to the battery charge status or other parameters, it engages smoothly in the drivetrain again in a fraction of a second.

The Cross Coupé GTE also has a number of different driving profiles: Onroad (with the sub-modes Comfort and Eco), Offroad (with Rocks, Sludge & Sand and Gravel), Sport and Snow, and each of these changes the set-up and driving characteristics of the car.  The Offroad drive mode is particularly important for an SUV and all four wheels are powered as soon as the driver activates this mode.

If Offroad is engaged and the battery state of charge is low, the front electric motor is employed exclusively as a generator that is driven by the V6 FSI in order to provide the power for its counterpart on the rear axle.

As the power to drive the rear axle flows by wire and not mechanically, it is referred to as an "electric cardan shaft".  Due to the fact that the FSI drives the rear electric motor via the front electric motor in off-road mode, all-wheel drive is available even when the battery has a low state of charge.

The design of the cockpit reflects the car’s hi tech engine and drivetrain nature, featuring horizontal lines and clear digital controls with intuitive operation.  The new infotainment system is controlled via a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while a 12.3-inch Active Info Display – similar to that recently previewed on the new Passat – allows extremely high-quality interactive graphic presentation of all details in the digital dashboard.

The Cross Coupé GTE features sports seats at the front and a three seat bench in the rear, which can be folded 1/3 or 2/3, creating a continuous flat cargo floor.

VW is aiming for leadership in global auto markets, backed by timely expansions in China and Latin America as well as its dominance in Europe. But it keeps struggling in North America.

Reuters reported that it swapped US chiefs a year ago, disappointed by the results of a push into competitive midsize sedans assembled at a US$1bil factory in Tennessee. US sales of VW brand cars have dropped 16 percent since 2012.

To fight back, the company plans to triple its product range in the fast-growing crossover segment and refresh models more quickly, company sources said, with the Cross Coupé GTE symbolising part of the offensive.

VW is also stepping up cooperation with dealers and assembling a team of 200 experts in R&D and design at its US plant to ensure vehicles better cater to American tastes.