Isuzu D-Max completes Borneo Safari with flying colours

                KUCHING: The Isuzu D-MAX impressed with its off-road capabilities again in the recent Borneo Safari, which is among the most challenging events on Malaysia’s off-roading calendar.

Liveried this year with a gorilla motif, a media convoy spearheaded by three Isuzu D-MAX ploughed through all the obstacles of the eight-day event.

The Isuzu D-MAX media units are driven in most cases, by members of the media themselves; many of whom have never driven off sealed asphalt surfaces in their lives.

“The Isuzu D-MAX has proven to be the ideal vehicle for the job, not only because of its dependable nature or its confidence-inspiring stability, but also because the large cargo bed is able to swallow just about everything the team require to survive in the jungle for days on end. Be it LPG gas tanks, rations of water, cooler boxes full of food, the D-MAX can be depended on to deliver with quiet confidence,” said Isuzu Malaysia executive director Hajime Machimura.

According to Borneo Post writer Patricia Peng Hului who covered the event for the first time this year, being an off-roading greenhorn was intimidating but once behind the wheels of the Isuzu D-MAX, her confidence immediately grew.

“I never expected to be driving the D-MAX, particularly in the jungle. It was so empowering to drive over the obstacles and mud. While I was driving, those on the outside were telling me that the wheels were off the ground and hanging in mid-air but I didn’t feel it at all. It just felt so stable in my hands,” gushed Patricia.

This was echoed by Ruslan Lusi of Harian Metro who confessed to having experienced off-roading before but never encountered such capabilities displayed by the Isuzu D-MAX.

“I am amazed that the D-MAX is just a standard vehicle with minor modifications made to its suspension system only. It is so easy to handle and the traction is really very impressive. Even in the deep mud, the car is able to continue to crawl out. It was simply fantastic,” said Ruslan.

With its low centre of gravity and excellent torque delivery, the Isuzu D-MAX remains sure-footed and predictable without even a hint of drama despite the numerous muddy ridges and narrow pathways.

This impressed seasoned motoring journalist and editor of CAR Malaysia Arvind Kumar.

“I am simply amazed at the level of capability these D-MAX displayed. This event has opened my eyes to the incredible tractability of these vehicles in such difficult terrain. I will definitely tell my grandchildren one day about my experience,” said Arvind.

The Borneo Safari has been Asia’s premier off-road event with a history that stretches 25 years. Isuzu Malaysia has been the Diamond Sponsors of the event for the last four years although the association stretches nearly a decade when the first Isuzu D-MAX was used to ferry members of the media back in 2006.


Truck racer sets record ‘flying’ over US ghost town - VIDEO

 Menzies with his Pro2 truck.

SANTA FE (New Mexico): While it may not have unfolded in a perfect manner, after six months of preparation, off road truck racer Bryce Menzies made history by jumping his truck 115.6 metres (379.4 feet) over a New Mexico ghost town to set a new truck distance record on Aug 26.

Throughout the course of the project, Menzies was flanked by a camera crew that created an hour-long documentary, which aired on NBC a few days after the Aug 26 feat.

With the help of Red Bull and Pennzoil, the crew had spent the last six months bringing the dream to life.

The stunt broke the official Guinness World Records distance record of 91.7m as well as the unofficial record of 101.2m. An adjudicator for Guinness World Records was on-site to verify the distance and authenticate the new record.

A live show planned for the next on Red Bull TV had to be cancelled after Menzies crashed. While the truck sustained severe damage, he was able to walk away with a broken shoulder.

Despite the setback, Menzies said he wasn’t upset. “I’m extremely happy with the outcome," he said. "We broke a world record, which is incredible; we went 379 feet flying a truck. This has been my dream and to see it come to life was surreal — it was one of the greatest moments of my life. I’m so glad I did it. I came away with a broken shoulder, that’s not bad at all, and I’m just glad I’m in the record books."

Menzies has been a familiar face in US and Mexico racing and plans to expand into international racing following the record jump.


Nissan-Renault deal on alliance could come as early as Feb 1, says source

                PARIS: A deal between French carmaker Renault and Japanese partner Nissan could be announced as early as Feb 1 as months of negotiations on how to reshape their alliance progress, a source familiar with the matter said today.

The deal would see Renault cut its stake in Nissan to 15%, equalising the carmakers' holdings in each other, sources previously said.

The two automakers had readied plans to announce a restructured tie-up last month but failed to reach terms. They have been in intensive negotiations since October, when Renault CEO Luca de Meo went to Japan to meet Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida.

Renault has consistently declined to comment publicly about the timing of a possible deal announcement. Nissan representatives in Europe did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Renault is looking for Nissan to invest in an electric-vehicle (EV) business it will carve out of its operations, while Nissan wants Renault to sell most its roughly 43% stake in Nissan to put the 23-year alliance on a more equal footing.

One complicating issue has been Nissan’s concern about the treatment of intellectual property - including EV, hybrid and autonomous driving related technology - that it sees as key to its own future competitiveness, people involved in the discussions have said.

Renault provided proposals intended to address those concerns, which were given the green-light by a Nissan board committee on Monday, Reuters has reported.

The potential deal will be examined again by an alliance board meeting on Jan 26 in Japan, which could be attended by de Meo and Renault chairman Jean-Dominique Senard, the source said.

An agreement would then have to be approved by the boards of the two carmakers during meetings yet to be scheduled.

If both agree, a formal announcement could come after de Meo makes his first outing as the new chairman of the European carmakers association in Brussels on Jan 31, the source added.

The timetable could change, but both companies would prefer to make a formal announcement before the release of their annual results, scheduled for Feb 9 for Nissan and Feb 16 for Renault, the source said.


Renault-Nissan announce plan to deepen cooperation to ensure group's survival

                PARIS/TOKYO: Renault SA and Japanese partners Nissan Motor Co. and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. unveiled steps to standardise platforms further and push for more joint purchasing to reduce costs, which each company focusing on its strengths.

The measures will help deliver savings of as much as 40% in model investments for jointly developed vehicles, the companies said in a statement today.

Nissan will focus on autonomous driving, Renault on the body of electric cars and electric powertrains while Mitsubishi Motors will work on plug-in hybrids, they said.

Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors need each other more than ever now, with the global coronavirus pandemic forcing automakers to shutter showrooms and factories.

The industry is also facing a once-in-a-generation shift to electric vehicles and autonomous driving that will require significant investment in technology and filter out losers and winners. After coming under strain last year, the partnership is seeking a fresh start, backed by new measures at the companies to improve profitability.

"The new model focuses on efficiency and competitiveness, rather than on volumes,” Jean-Dominique Senard, chairman of the Alliance Operating Board and Renault, said in a news conference.

Nissan will lead efforts in China, North America and Japan, while Renault will focus on Europe, Russia, South America and North Africa. Mitsubishi Motors will continue its efforts in South-East Asia, where it already has a strong footprint.

In designating the so-called leaders and followers for projects, the partners are tackling one of the most prickly issues they have faced during the past decades: infighting and power struggles between French and Japanese engineering teams. The goal is to have half of the car models in the alliance produced under the new operating model, they said.

Cost cuts

Renault is preparing to unveil on Friday a cost-cutting plan worth €2 billion (RM9.6bil) over three years that is expected to include site closures in France and staff reductions.

Renault has been caught in a political whirlwind this week due to union opposition to shutting factories and talks with the government, its most powerful shareholder, on a €5 billion (RM23.9bil) state-backed loan.

READ MORE: Renault does not need to merge with Nissan, says chairman

Renault is considering shutting an engine and transmission factory in Choisy-le-Roi, France, and is mulling the future of four other production sites, Franck Daout, spokesman for the CFDT union, said by phone Tuesday following meetings with Renault chairman Jean-Dominique Senard and Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire.

These include Flins, iron foundry Fonderie de Bretagne, a factory in Dieppe and its Maubeuge site.

Le Maire on Tuesday said Flins shouldn’t be closed and any plans for Maubeuge need to be closely examined, while acknowledging the company’s manufacturing capacity is twice production levels.

Nissan mid-term plan

Nissan is due to announce its own restructuring plan on Thursday that will cut costs by 300 billion yen (RM12.2bil) and phase out the Datsun brand, a person with knowledge of the matter has said.

Nissan has been in turmoil since the November 2018 arrest of former chairman Carlos Ghosn, with an ageing car lineup and management paralysis denting its outlook.

The automaker warned last month it expects to post a loss for the latest fiscal year through March.

The Yokohama-based company also plans to shut down one production line in addition to the recently closed operation in Indonesia and reach the reduced spending target this year by cutting marketing, research and other costs, the person said.

Although Nissan is forecasting a 12% decline in sales to 10.2 trillion yen (RM414bil) for the just-ended fiscal year, the new mid-term plan calls for a return to revenue of 11.5 trillion yen (RM466bil) within three years, with fixed costs kept at reduced levels, the person said.


Sutton Monster Truck CS3500 arives at RM780,888

                KUALA LUMPUR: Fancy a souped-up and customised pick-up truck with a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 450hp and 691Nm of torque priced at RM780,888 on the road without insurance?

Check out the Sutton Monster Truck CS3500 at Hamawangsa Automall at Jalan Damansara, Kuala Lumpur.

Built by the Bespoke division of British supercar dealer and tuner Clive Sutton, the CS3500 is the specialist's take on the Ford F-150 Raptor pick-up truck.

The CS3500 has a 10-speed automatic transmission and tremendous off-road performance, with a suspension with Fox Racing Shox, as well as 315/70 R17 BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 tyres.

In the cabin, there are eight-way electric front seats, dual-zone air-conditioning, a twin panel moonroof, adaptive cruise control, a trailer tow package, Active Pack Assist, 360-degree camera, black leather bucket seats, FX4 off-road package, lightning bar, carbon fibre replacement tailgate, and a auxillary front bumper.

"The right hand drive build is the result of precision machined components including our own steering rack. We have premium items such as lane departure warning a;erts, collision sensing, a 50-inch LED roof light bar, LED costume grilles, carbon fibre external trim, and electric remote controlled tonneau covers," said Sutton at the launch of the bespoke performance pick-up at Hamawangsa Automall.

Also present were Hamawangsa Kredit executive director SM Fauzi SM Shalahuddin and Sutton Bespoke director of product development Peter Hill.

The CS3500 comes with a three-year/60,000km warranty provided by Nazamax and buyers should note that built-to-order lead time is six months.

Options also include power and wheel upgrades, and different load covers.


BMW X2 gets exclusive Original BMW Accessories

                MUNICH: Lovers of camouflage and all things BMW can rejoice with the introduction of an optional extra to have the compact X2 Sport Activity Coupe (SAC) wrapped in a special digital camouflage provided by Original BMW Accessories.

Taking four days to complete, the new camouflage has an asymmetrical pattern that's made up of dark grey and light colour areas.

While it will help to protect the vehicle from stone chip damages, it also echoes its Galvanic Gold paint finish as well as the colouring of the pre-series prototypes.

In the equipment lines of M Sport and M Sport X, the German carmaker assures that the specific characteristic details of both variants remain unaffected.

The wrapping does not cover the high-gloss attachment parts at the front and rear and the details in Frozen Grey.


Westar Maxus announces price revisions based on 0% GST

                KUALA LUMPUR: For the month of Ramadan, Westar Maxus, the sole distributor of the Maxus brand in the country, has announced a price reduction based on the 0% GST for its G10 people mover and V80 commercial vehicles.

“This initiative is aimed at making the full range of our vehicles more affordable to Malaysians,” said Weststar Group group managing director Tan Sri Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim.

The price reductions range from RM5,000 to RM10,000 (depending on variant) and will last until May 31 before the re-implementation of the new government's 10% Sales and Services Tax (SST).

“We are now in an expansion phase and want to strengthen our brand and quality proposition to the widest target segments across the country,” he added.

Following the opening of a new showroom in Bangsar in February, the company also announced that two new showrooms will be opened within a few months in Penang and Kota Bharu.

“The marquee value of Weststar Maxus has gained considerable traction among family and commercial segments in the last two years, and we are confident that our product range has the price, quality, and features advantages to succeed as a premium brand,” said Azman.

The Westar Maxus G10 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged (225hp / 345Nm) engine mated to a six-speed automatic and is currently priced from RM130,000 with six colour options of Obsidian Black, Blanc White, Aurora Silver, Weststar Blue, Amber Gold, and Lava Grey.


Toyota aims to make self-driving e-Palette a just-in-time mobility service

                TOYOTA CITY: Toyota announced today that its e-Palette electric autonomous car will provide just-in-time mobility service that "go to where it is needed, when needed, and on time".

The e-Palette had its debut at last year's Tokyo Motor Show. It will provide a loop-line bus transportation service for athletes and related staff in the Olympic and Paralympic villages at the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 that were postponed until July next year.

Toyota is also working with partners to operate the vehicles in Woven City, a fully connected prototype city, while targeting commercial use in multiple areas and regions in the early 2020s.

To achieve the just-in-time mobility services, Toyota has developed an operations management system for the e-Palette based on the Toyota Production System (TPS) ideology.

This operations management system will be provided as new functions on Toyota's Mobility Services Platform and will consist of the Autonomous Mobility Management System for connecting to vehicles and the e-Palette Task Assignment Platform for connecting to people. The system will reduce customer waiting times and alleviate congestion.

The e-Palette Task Assignment Platform was introduced as a visual management function. Visualisation of abnormalities in vehicles and workers enables a single person to manage several vehicles, rather than one person continually monitoring one vehicle, which enables operation with fewer workers.

Work instructions are automatically provided to workers required for operation, including on-board operators and maintenance personnel. The system also enables shorter lead-times for maintenance and the provision of high-quality services even with limited workers.

Under the operations management system, operation schedules can be changed flexibly, with vehicles automatically dispatched and returned, according to real-time mobility needs.

When additional vehicles are introduced into a service, the intervals between vehicles are adjusted to ensure even spacing of services. Vehicle abnormalities are also automatically detected and, if that happens, the vehicles are automatically returned to the depot and replacement vehicles are immediately dispatched on the route to ensure stability of operation.

In an emergency, the vehicles can be stopped and returned to service remotely.


Mercedes-Benz to sell electric EQC in US at US$67,900

                ATLANTA: Daimler will begin selling its electric Mercedes-Benz EQC in the United States early next year at a starting price of US$67,900 (RM284,000), the German carmaker said on Wednesday.

The Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 4MATIC, which can also charge its batteries on the move, can recharge from 10% to 80% in 40 minutes, Mercedes-Benz USA said.

Daimler’s electric sports utility vehicle will face competition from Tesla Inc’s Model Y SUV, which starts at a price of US$39,000 (RM163,000) and will be available in 2021.

Daimler in September reiterated its plan to have up to 10 electrified car variants by 2022, and ex-chief executive officer Dieter Zetsche said he hoped the EQC and other electric cars would account for 15% to 25% of its sales by 2025.

In a related development, Daimler chief executive Ola Kaellenius on Wednesday said the resulting drop in sales of electric and hybrid vehicles in China after incentives were curbed shows that they are still needed.

The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), said sales of new energy vehicles (NEVs) fell 45.6% in October from year-ago levels, following a 33% decline in September.

“When China pulled back incentives for new energy vehicles the market was down. It went into free fall. It is important to have an incentive structure during the transformation phase,” Kaellenius said, commenting on the shift away from combustion engines.

CAAM said last week that fewer NEV’s could be sold in China this year than in 2018 as customers hold back purchases following the government’s decision this year to cut back subsidies.


VW forges US deal arising from diesel emissions scandal

                SAN FRANCISCO/WASHINGTON: Volkswagen AG, driving to move beyond a scandal that has disrupted its global business and sullied its reputation, announced a sweeping US deal on Thursday to buy back or potentially fix about a half million polluting diesel cars and set up environmental and consumer compensation funds.

The settlement, which sources and analysts said could cost VW at least US$10 billion, is not likely to end the Dieselgate controversy that began last September when the world's No. 2 automaker admitted using sophisticated secret software in its cars to cheat exhaust emissions tests.

VW still faces US Justice Department fines as part of an expected civil settlement, an ongoing Justice Department investigation that could lead to criminal charges and an outcry in Europe to do more for millions of owners of vehicles there that also have illegal software to defeat emissions testing.

The framework of the deal was hammered out by VW with the Justice Department, state of California, the US Environmental Protection Agency and Federal Trade Commission as well as lawyers for car owners who filed class action civil lawsuits.

It was brokered by former FBI director Robert Mueller, the court-appointed mediator, in marathon talks at a Washington law firm over the past week. It is expected to settle more than 600 class suits in US courts.

US District Judge Charles Breyer, who outlined the agreement during a hearing in San Francisco, said he expects the issues of Justice Department fines and resolving the 3.0 liter engines will be addressed "expeditiously."

Breyer did not disclose the amount of money involved, and ordered lawyers for all parties not to disclose details until they were final. He said there is "definite momentum" towards a final resolution.

The judge set the June 21 deadline for VW and the other parties to nail down the final details before the agreement faces a public comment period. It would need final judicial approval before taking effect.

The judge said the settlement includes VW's offer to buyback 482,000 2.0-litre vehicles, fix them if regulators agree on that step after further testing, or cancel outstanding leases.

Big automakers have shown resiliency once damaging scandals are resolved. Toyota Motor Corp and General Motors Co have been rocked by safety scandals in recent years, paid substantial penalties to regulators, and both are now healthy.

Many questions must be answered. Among them is whether Volkswagen will be allowed to resell repurchased vehicles and how to fix nearly 90,000 Porsche, Audi and VW cars and SUVs also made by the company that are equipped with six-cylinder diesel engines that do not comply with US clean air standards.

The US settlement will include an environmental remediation fund to address excess emissions and a fund to promote green automotive technology, and additional "substantial compensation" to owners to sell back or have their vehicles fixed, Breyer said.

Many other issues remain, including what happens if vehicles are not deemed fixable and owners opt not to sell them back. A fix could potentially reduce vehicles' road performance and it is not clear if VW would have to compensate owners for that. Also unanswered is when VW can sell thousands of diesel cars sitting in showrooms that are subject a government-ordered stop sale.

One of the key issues of contention in the talks had been whether regulators would accept a remedy that does not eliminate all excess emissions to meet the requirements of the US Clean Air Act. In March, a California Air Resources Board official said only a partial fix may be possible.

Democratic US Senators Edward Markey of Massachusetts and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut said VW should extend the same buyback offer to owners of 3.0 litre vehicles.

"Volkswagen's offer is a welcome development but too limited in scope and very late," they said.

Republican US Representative Fred Upton of Michigan called the deal "welcome news for the hundreds of thousands of American consumers" but withheld judgment until the agreement is finalized.

Outside the courthouse, Joyce Ertel Hulbert, owner of a 2015 diesel Golf station wagon, held up a sign reading "Invested US$30,000, worth US$00,000. Buy it Back!"

"They're not doing enough," she said of VW.

VW said in a statement it reached "an agreement on the basic features of a settlement with the class action plaintiffs in the lawsuit in San Francisco. This agreement will be incorporated into a comprehensive settlement in the coming weeks."

VW said the deal "will have no legal bearing on proceedings outside of the United States."

"Volkswagen is committed to winning back the trust of its customers, its dealers, its regulators and all of America," VW lawyer Robert Giuffra said.

Volkswagen has more miles to travel before the scandal is behind it. The Justice Department said its other investigations into VW's conduct "remain active and ongoing." Environmental and consumer groups said they are not convinced the deal goes far enough.

"Without strict penalties, and without fixing or removing the polluting vehicles, people will continue to breathe dirtier air, consumers will lose faith in watchdog agencies, and manufacturers will believe they can endanger our health without feeling the full consequence," the Sierra Club environmental group said.

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said the deal "does not in any way resolve the consumer and environmental penalty claims of the states, or the states' claims for injunctive relief."

Volkswagen spokesman Jeannine Ginivan said customers do not need to take any action immediately. Based on the court schedule outlined on Thursday, the earliest buybacks would begin is likely in July.

On Thursday, Germany's justice minister and Europe's industry boss raised the pressure on Volkswagen to compensate European consumers as well.

Reuters reported on Wednesday that owners will get around two years to decide whether to sell their vehicles back including the 2009-2015 diesel Jetta and will be offered the estimated value of the vehicles from September 2015, before the scandal erupted, along with an unspecified premium.

Another German automaker, Daimler AG, said late Thursday it is conducting an internal investigation of its certification process for diesel exhaust emissions in the United States at the request of the Justice Department.

The investigation comes six months after the US Environmental Protection Agency said it would review all light-duty diesel vehicles in the United States following the Volkswagen scandal.


Bentley to launch Bentayga PHEV at Geneva Motor Show

                LONDON: Bentley probably isn't the first name most of us think of when it comes to SUVs, but the company's first foray into that section of the market has gone so well that it keeps adding new engines to the Bentayga SUV range.

But now a truly revolutionary step is coming for the legendary luxury brand as it's set to unveil a plug-in hybrid variant of the Bentayga at the Geneva Motor Show in March, Automotive News reported.

This won't just be a first because it's an electrified Bentayga though. In fact, this will be the first time Bentley has ever offered a hybrid powertrain of any sort in any one of its vehicles, but it's only the start of what it has planned in this direction going forward.

A year ago, Bentley announced it would be offering plug-in hybrid variants of all its models in the future, so it probably makes sense to start the rollout with what is now Bentley's best-selling model.

Ever since the luxury SUV was launched back in late 2015, Bentley has been increasing the engines that can be specified in the Bentayga. It all started with a 12-cylinder petrol powerplant, which was then joined by a V-8 diesel at the start of last year.

A turbocharged V-8 is being launched later this month, and the plug-in hybrid will go on sale in the second part of this year. At the moment, customers in the important US market only get the W12, but three of the four units will eventually be made available there, with the diesel likely to be the one left behind.

As Bentley is part of the Volkswagen Group, it's highly likely the plug-in hybrid powertrain will be an adapted version of the unit that's already available in the Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid. That system is a 2.9-litre V-6 petrol engine coupled to a 136hp electric motor, which in the Porsche develops a combined 462hp.

The only problem on the horizon appears to be supply of the batteries, as Porsche recently revealed its supplier was struggling to keep up with demand.

As the Bentayga is already Bentley's biggest seller with 5,586 units sold in 2016, a plug-in hybrid using the same battery as the Panamera E-Hybrid is sure to place considerable further pressure on supply.


Volvo introduces SELEKT certified used-car programme

                KUALA LUMPUR: Volvo Car Malaysia has officially introduced its SELEKT 360 total-care used car programme.

Under the new programme, all Volvo SELEKT vehicles have undergone Volvo-approved checks to ensure that they meet the safety, performance and appearance standards.

The checks and selection process is performed by authorised Volvo Car dealers in Malaysia, where new Volvo SELEKT car owners will be given a certificate of verification upon purchase.

Potential customers are guaranteed that each pre-owned Volvo is under five years old and has less than 100,000km of mileage.

The company further assured that all services and upgrades have been conducted by a trained Volvo technician who will put the pre-loved vehicle through a 125-point inspection which includes it running on the latest software version and using only genuine Volvo parts.

Each pre-loved vehicle is accompanied by a 12-month warranty that includes a complimentary one-year maintenance service package (VSA 1) and one-year Roadside Assistance.

Furthermore, the Polestar optimisation package is also available as an optional extra (+RM5,250) for select models which helps to improve certain aspects of the vehicle including engine performance,  throttle response, off-throttle response, gearshift speed and gearshift precision gear hold as well as more power and torque from the Drive-E powertrains used in Volvo models.

“Through Volvo SELEKT, we hope to give customers the choice of an alternative option while maintaining all the criteria of excellence, reliability and performance of a premium luxury car. Volvo SELEKT guarantees that customers will receive the same level of quality and service as that of a new Volvo car, but at a package that fulfils their financing needs,” said Volvo Car Malaysia managing director Nalin Jain.

The Volvo SELEKT programme is currently only available at Sisma Auto Glenmarie SELEKT Centre, with more authorised dealers to participate later.

For more information log on to www.volvocars.com/my/cars/volvo-selekt.


New Mercedes-Benz GLC teased ahead of June 1 online world debut

                STUTTGART: Mercedes-Benz will unveil the new GLC on June 1, 2022 in a digital world premiere.

The German carmaker issued a teaser photo of the rear view of the new GLC in making the announcement today.

Besides sharing design cues from the new C-Class, the next GLC will also use the same powertrains from the sedan. That will mean Mercedes-Benz will introduce mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants.

Three plug-in hybrids are being readied that will offer over 100km of electric range. Top speeds of up to 238kph will be offered.

An AMG version will follow after the first wave of GLCs arrive.

An all-electric EQC SUV will also be available later just as an EQC sedan, based on a new all-electric platform, is slated for a 2024 debut.

Mercedes-Benz said the new generation GLC will boast improved on and off-road features, a fully digitalised cockpit and extensive standard equipment.

Expect the SUV to combine an expressive, sporty design with a luxurious interior. In addition to a variable space and the versatile MBUX infotainment system, it is characterised by excellent off-road properties thanks to the standard-fit 4MATIC all-wheel drive and special driving modes.

The digital world premiere at 11:00 a.m. EST (11pm in Malaysia) is based on a completely new film concept.

It provides an entertaining look behind the scenes of digital product launches. The viewer experiences the highlights of the new GLC as an observer of the preparations for the shoot on the film set – with a passionate but slightly confused director, an overzealous team and a smart Formula 1 driver.

The world premiere will be streamed live for the public through various Mercedes-Benz channels, including YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter.


Race has begun: Daimler delivers first electric trucks

                DETROIT: Daimler AG on Thursday said United Parcel Service Inc will be the first US commercial customer for its new battery-powered eCanter truck, and the company will expand its electric truck production as lower cost, longer-range batteries become available within two to three years.

The market for electric medium- and heavy-duty trucks is in its infancy. Manufacturers such as Daimler and Navistar International Corp, as well as electric car maker Tesla Inc and a host of other new entrants, are racing to overcome the challenges of substituting batteries for diesel engines as regulators crack down on carbon dioxide and soot pollution.

“The game has started,” Daimler Trucks Asia chief Mark Llistosella said in an interview on Thursday. The Fuso eCanter is a relatively small urban delivery truck, but Llistosella said larger, Class 7 electric trucks are coming and hinted that Daimler will show a larger electric truck at the Tokyo Motor Show next month.

Daimler said at a news conference in New York on Thursday that UPS will deploy three of the eCanter trucks, while four New York based non-profit organisations will get a total of eight electric trucks. The trucks have a range of about 100km between charges.

Daimler is leasing the trucks to UPS, Llistosella said, because within about two years “we know there will be a next level of technology” that will produce batteries with longer range, lower cost and lower weight.

Battery costs that are currently about US$180 to US$200 a kilowatt-hour could drop to about US$100 a kilowatt-hour, Llistosella said. “This is the main lever” to move electric commercial trucks to higher sales volumes, he said.

Daimler is limiting sales of the eCanter to about 500 vehicles for the first two years of production, in anticipation of the improved batteries, Llistosella said. “The market demand is much higher.”

Daimler’s Mitsubishi Fuso unit began building eCanter trucks at factories in Portugal and Japan earlier this year.

Tesla chief executive officer Elon Musk tweeted on Wednesday that the Silicon Valley company would show off a prototype of an electric semi-trailer truck on Oct 26 in Hawthorne, California.

“Worth seeing this beast in person,” Musk tweeted. “It’s unreal.”

Reuters reported last month that Tesla’s semi is expected to offer a range of up to 480km, far less than the 1,600km for some diesel-powered counterparts that US long-haul truckers use.


Citroen DS5 tested

If you are different from the rest, then Citroen’s range-topping DS model is probably the car for you.

The Citroen DS5 is the flagship model of the French automaker and it is, without a doubt, a piece of art.And you do not have to be a car enthusiast to see that.Just by looking at the beguiling exterior design will set you wondering whether it is a state-of-the-art station wagon or a hatchback (it is a crossover between the two, actually).Even motoring journos are amazed at the car’s design because, more often than not, it is more akin to a concept car that travels auto shows around the world without ever going into production.Yet, lo and behold, Citroen’s premium offering is available at RM188,888 (on-the-road with insurance).Its sleek and aerodynamically sculptured body is aesthetically pleasing, whether you are looking at the bold front fascia, the large headlamps with daytime running lights, or the chrome-finished ‘sabre’ running from the bonnet to the A-pillar.Usually a car with this much stuff going on has the tendency to be over-designed.But that’s not the case with the DS5 as its styling is refined with elegant touches all round.If you thought it looked cool outside, wait until you get in because it is just as amazing.The cabin is basically a cockpit with its aviation-inspired centre console and driving position.It has front and rear sunroofs with rear passengers enjoying a much wider sunroof.
You have seats as big as sofas covered in leather with a bracelet confection (that’s the folds which look good enough to eat).And there are overhead controls in the upper central console for the sunroof and head-up display (HUD) including compartments for your sunglasses (preferably aviators of course, maybe Citroen should include that as an option).Now when I say aviation-inspired, perhaps you think driving the DS5 is like piloting a jet fighter.Of course, it isn’t but it does feel like it especially when its colour HUD emerges from the dash.It is right in your line of sight, so with a little bit of imagination you could conjure up a crosshair with a horizon line projected on it when in actuality it displays driving speed and navigation information.Another thing that’s aviation-inspired are the controls.Everything is placed centrally including the power window switches.
There is quite a bit going on at the centre dash with the display screen, rectangular timepiece, push start button and an array of controls for the radio, CD player and dual zone climate control.It may look all over the place at first but then you realise that Citroen has compartmentalised every bit of space to make it as artistic and functional as possible.And then there’s the flat-bottomed four-spoke steering wheel which is rather large but has a really nice grip to it.The DS5 offers a relaxed, smooth and comfortable ride with its cosy seats, pliant suspension and smooth gear changes.The cabin is well insulated, keeping NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) levels to a minimum and I really enjoyed the sound quality from the Arkamys audio system with 10 Denon speakers.

Plus there’s plenty of room for rear passengers and space in the boot too with 468 litres.The DS5 has a turbocharged 1.6 litre engine which churns out 154hp at 6,000rpm and 240Nm of torque at 1,400rpm.It takes 9.7 seconds to go from 0 to 100kph but the availability of maximum torque at low revs means you can pull away effortlessly.I was also pleased to learn that the DS5 handles pretty well in corners.My only gripe would be the narrow visibility of the rear windscreen but other than that, it has useful features like a reverse camera, front and rear parking sensors and an automatic rain sensor.And you have a lot of safety features too with six airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), emergency brake assist (EBA) and electronic stability program (ESP).The DS5 is a car that captures the finer points of art, design and auto engineering and put it all in a practical and functional package.


Tesla to deliver its first China-built cars on Monday

China-made Model 3 electric vehicles are seen at the Gigafactory in Shanghai earlier this month. — Reuters
SHANGHAI: Tesla Inc. will start delivering China-built cars on Monday, a major milestone for Elon Musk’s company as it mounts a push to expand in the world’s largest electric-vehicle market.

The first 15 units of Model 3 sedans assembled at Tesla’s new multi-billion-dollar Shanghai plant — it’s first outside the US — will be delivered to company employees on Dec 30, a Tesla representative said by phone today.

Chief executive officer Musk is counting on the China plant to help build on recent momentum for the company in the world’s largest market both for EVs and autos in general.

The Model 3 will compete with electric cars from local contenders such as NIO Inc. and Xpeng Motors, as well as global manufacturers including BMW AG and Daimler AG.

The Shanghai Gigafactory, which only broke ground at the start of this year, is a crucial test of Musk’s bid to keep his carmaker profitable as he bets big on Chinese appetite for electric cars. Originally just a muddy plot about a 90-minute drive away from Shanghai’s city centre, Musk has said he’s never seen a factory built so quickly.

With Tesla’s volatile stock price and strained finances, investors will be watching closely how the ramp-up unfolds. The multibillion-dollar investment will be a deciding factor to determine whether Tesla will be able to take on local competitors and fend off challenges by the likes of Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi.

The launch will also provide clues about Tesla’s ability to truly go global. The company is planning to follow up with a production facility in Europe, where it is enjoying burgeoning sales growth in several markets.

Musk has predicted Tesla will make at least 1,000 cars a week in Shanghai by the end of the year — a volume the company’s original factory in California spent months trying to hit — and has said a weekly rate of 3,000 is a target at some point.

Earlier today, the China-built Model 3 was included on a list of vehicles qualifying for an exemption from a 10% purchase tax in the country. Tesla said in October the locally built Model 3 will be priced from about US$50,000 (RM207,000).

Further helping Tesla, the China-built model this month qualified for a government subsidy of as much as about 25,000 yuan (RM15,000) per vehicle.

The company may lower the price of the locally assembled sedans by 20% or more next year as it starts using more local components and reduces costs, people familiar with the matter have said.


Real-world emissions ratings will help economy post Covid-19 outbreak

                LONDON: New real-world data on vehicle emissions will allow revitalisation of an automotive industry and global economy devastated by the Covid-19 outbreak but with cleaner air and reduced impact on climate change.

The AIR Index at airindex.com identifies the cleanest cars to give buyers confidence to switch to cleaner vehicles and restore the automotive industry badly impacted by the pandemic.

The freely available ratings database is the result of rigorous on-road testing according to the legal standard method, CWA17379.

It details real-world nitrogen oxide (NOx) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions – important pollutants that are measured to assess air quality and climate change.

It shows that clean and efficient vehicles, which have low NOx and low CO2 emissions already exist, without having to wait for new technology at scale.

As the world marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day today, the AIR Index data can allow the revitalisation of the industry but also lock in the improved air quality that has been a result of the global lockdown.

Published by the AIR Alliance (AIR), the AIR Index demonstrates the risk of selecting vehicles based only on the official emissions figures that are not detailed enough to identify the cleanest cars.

A Euro 6 vehicle may be clean, or it may be dirty, but the official data do not give enough clarity to differentiate.

AIR is an open alliance of like-minded members. Any organisation, public or private, that shares its values and manifesto is encouraged to join.

Leading scientists have recognised the importance of the AIR Index and are urging car makers to utilise the figures in order to build cleaner vehicles.


Dad who drove son to school in Ferrari 488, under fire instead of being admired

                HANGZHOU: A father in eastern China who dropped his son off at school in a Ferrari is facing a social boycott for showing off wealth and has been removed from the class WeChat group after refusing to use a less expensive car, local media has reported.

The man, surnamed Li, is the father of a junior school pupil in Hangzhou in Zhejiang province, and is a senior executive in an unidentified property developing company, earning more than 4 million yuan (RM2.4mil) a year and driving a Ferrari 488, according to City Express, a newspaper here.

Chat records show Li was told by a teacher that some parents had complained in the class group in messaging app WeChat about him driving the sports car to school. The teacher said it would lead to unhealthy comparisons in class that were not conductive to developing fellowship among pupils.

Many parents backed the teacher and suggested Li change car for taking his son to school.

“It’s not proper. You should not show off, no matter how rich you are,” said one parent.

“If it’s just dropping the kid at school, can’t you just use a regular car?” said another. “You are not short of money anyway.”

Li refused to back down. He said he had worked hard for his money and would give his son only the very best.

“If [seeing others] driving a racing car hurts feelings, your children are too sensitive,” he wrote. “Besides, why should I buy another car just to serve your needs?”

But he soon found himself removed from the chat group. His last message – “What’s wrong with you people?” – bounced back.

The incident has triggered a social media debate about flaunting money. There were nearly 30,000 comments and over 12,000 forwards to the top three accounts carrying the story on Weibo, China’s equivalent of Twitter.

While some people disagreed with the teacher removing a parent from a chat group because of a difference of opinion, others said the teacher and parents could have used it as an opportunity for the children to learn about values.

“The teacher and the parents who were offended have failed to teach children the right values on life and money,” one person commented. “Can they make luxury products vanish from the world?”

“Wealth gap is a real thing. It’s better to educate children to face it rather than castigate others for driving sports cars to show off their wealth,” said another.

When wealth is not enough: China’s rich seek luxury experiences to show off their fortunes

China has had a yawning wealth gap over the past four decades. The Gini coefficient, which measures income inequality, increased in China to 0.465 last year. The United Nations considers a Gini coefficient higher than 0.4 to be a sign of severe income inequality. The current figure for the United States is 0.479.

The gap in disposable income between urban and rural residents in China has risen more than tenfold from 210 yuan (RM126) in 1978 to 22,964 yuan (RM13,779) last year.

The wealth divide is also stark between provinces. Average disposable income in the well-off Beijing and Shanghai was just short of 60,000 yuan (RM36,000) last year, while in the more backward western provinces of Gansu and Guizhou it was just over 16,000 yuan (RM9,600), according to the National Bureau of Statistics. -  South China Morning Post


Hyundai IONIQ 5 crossover debuts

SEOUL: Hyundai launched the IONIQ 5 on Monday during a virtual world premiere event.
It's the first model in Hyundai’s new IONIQ brand dedicated to battery electric vehicles (BEV).

IONIQ 5 is built upon Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated BEV architecture called Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), enabling it to have unique proportions on an elongated wheelbase.

With E-GMP, IONIQ 5 offers innovative interior design with eco-friendly materials in many touchpoints, strong performance mated with ultra-fast charging and a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function as well as advanced connectivity and driver assistance features that will offer the ultimate in-car experience while ensuring safety.

IONIQ 5’s unique exterior design is characterized by the Pony-inspired profile over a 3,000-mm wheelbase.

The front of the car is equipped with Hyundai’s first clamshell hood that minimizes panel gaps for optimal aerodynamics. The front bumper is defined by an eye-catching V-shape incorporating distinctive daytime running lights (DRLs) that provide an unmistakable light signature unique to IONIQ 5. These small pixel-like clusters also appear at the rear of the vehicle.

On the sides, auto flush door handles provide clean surface styling and enhanced aerodynamic efficiency.

The front and rear forms of the vehicle merge together at its doors, offering another example of Hyundai’s ‘Parametric Dynamics’ design first seen on the all-new Tucson. The strong C-pillar shape, inspired by Hyundai’s ‘45’ EV concept, gives IONIQ 5 a commanding presence clearly identifiable from a distance.

Aero-optimised wheels further echo the Parametric Pixel design theme and are offered in a super-sized 20-inch diameter, the largest rims ever fitted to a Hyundai EV. These complete IONIQ 5’s perfected proportions, optimized for Hyundai’s E-GMP.

The ‘Living Space’ theme runs throughout the interior, most notably embodied by the Universal Island, a moveable center console that can slide back as much as 140 mm. Universal Island, along with the flat floor where the batteries are stored, allows more freedom of movement inside the vehicle.

IONIQ 5 is also equipped with electronically adjustable front seats. The seats recline to the optimum angle, offering a weightless feeling for the occupant. Hyundai reduced the thickness of the front seats by 30 percent, providing more space for those seated in the second row.

Many of its interior touchpoints — seats, headliner, door trim, floor and armrest — use eco-friendly, sustainably sourced materials, such as recycled PET bottles, plant-based (bio PET) yarns and natural wool yarns, eco-processed leather with plant-based extracts, and bio paint with plant extracts.

Customers can choose from nine exterior colours, including five nature-inspired hues exclusive to IONIQ 5. The interior has three colour options.

IONIQ 5 is available with a range of power electric (PE) configurations. Customers can select from two battery pack options, either 58 kWh or 72.6 kWh, and two electric motor layouts, either with a rear motor only or with both front and rear motors. All PE variations provide outstanding range and deliver a top speed of 185 kph.

At the top of the electric motor lineup is an all-wheel drive (AWD) option paired with the 72.6-kWh battery, producing a combined power output of 225-kWh and 605 Nm of torque. This PE configuration can go from 0 to 100kph in 5.2 seconds.

When equipped with two-wheel drive (2WD) and 72.6-kWh battery, IONIQ 5’s maximum driving range on a single charge will be around 470~480 km, according to the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) standard.

IONIQ 5’s E-GMP can support both 400-V and 800-V charging infrastructures. The platform offers 800-V charging capability as standard, along with 400-V charging, without the need for additional components or adapters.

The multi-charging system is a world’s first patented technology that operates the motor and inverter to boost 400 V to 800 V for stable charging compatibility.

With a 350-kW charger, IONIQ 5 can charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 18 minutes. IONIQ 5 users only need to charge the vehicle for five minutes to get 100km of range, according to WLTP.

IONIQ 5 also provides an innovative V2L function, which allows customers to freely use or charge any electric devices, such as electric bicycles, scooters or camping equipment, serving as a charger on wheels.

The V2L function can supply up to 3.6 kW of power. The V2L port is located under the second-row seats, and it can be activated when a vehicle is on. Another V2L port is located at the charging port on the vehicle exterior. Using a converter, customers can charge high-power electric equipment. The outside port provides power even when the vehicle is turned off.

The wide, configurable, dual cockpit features a 12-inch, full-touch infotainment screen and hoodless 12- inch digital gauge cluster that can be customized to meet customers’ needs.

For the first time in Hyundai, IONIQ 5 features an Augmented Reality Head-Up Display (AR HUD), essentially turning the windshield into a display screen.

IONIQ 5 is also equipped with the next level of Hyundai SmartSense, advanced driver assistance system, ensuring the highest levels of safety and convenience on the road. IONIQ 5 is the first Hyundai model to offer Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2). Other driving assistance systems include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), High Beam Assist (HBA), and more.

IONIQ 5 will be available in selected regions starting in the first half of 2021.


Drive & Dive by Auto Bavaria for new BMW 330i M Sport

                KUALA LUMPUR: Auto Bavaria, the largest retail and service dealership for BMW, MINI and Motorrad in Malaysia, recently organised its first ever “Drive & Dive” event – The Auto Bavaria BMW Drive & Dive.

Participants combined a diving trip with a long distance drive in the new BMW 330i M Sport from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Dungun, Terengganu.

Now in its 7th generation – the new BMW 330i M Sport premium sports sedan is priced at RM 288,800 and offered with attractive financing programs from BMW Financial Services Malaysia.

Leaving behind the city for the weekend, 12 lucky participants took to the road in the BMW 330i M Sport bound for Kuala Dungun where their scuba diving adventure began.

Starting their drive at the newly-renovated Auto Bavaria Kuala Lumpur in the late hours of the night/ early hours of the morning, customers were treated to a sumptuous supper and an introduction to the BMW 330i M Sport by Vi Thim Juan, head of business operations,

Auto Bavaria before beginning their drive to the diver’s haven of Tenggol Island in Terengganu.

The drive to Kuala Dungun provided participants with a great night driving experience and impressions of the new BMW 330i M Sport, beginning in the default Comfort mode, with the Driving Experience Control and later adjusting the steering, transmission and suspension.

Drivers commented that even in Comfort, cruising was sharp, precise and the BMW 330i M Sport offered a very dynamic drive feel.

The windy roads en route also gave drivers an opportunity to switch to Sport mode, revving up the engine as the transmission dropped a gear lower to offer more grunt and force.

Drivers were impressed with the magic courtesy of the suspension that the BMW engineers have developed for the BMW 330i M Sport, offering a more steady and enjoyable ride.

Once on Tenggol Island, participants spent 4 days diving and was thoroughly entertained by Auto Bavaria’s attention to detail on premium hospitality.


Purported image of refreshed BMW 7 Series leaked

                PETALING JAYA: A purported image of the 2019 facelifted BMW 7 Series' nose was recently posted by a Russian Instagram user, only for the user's account to be deleted not long later.

The image does not reveal a lot, except what looks like bigger double kidney grille comprising vertical louvres that angled inwards at the top and eating into the bonnet, giving it a three-dimensional look. Also revealed are a new wheel design and strips of chrome garnishing the bumper.

The huge grille resembles that in the X7, the latest and largest model in the X series line-up, which will have its market launch in March 2019. The X7 features the largest grille ever designed for a BMW model.

The "in-your-face" grille for the 7 Series will feature active grille shutters that automatically closes the slats for better aerodynamics and opens up when the engine needs more cooling. This grille design is also seen in the upcoming G20 3 Series and G05 X5.

The sixth-generation G11/G12 7 Series began production in 2015, so it is about time for some changes that BMW dubs as Life Cycle Impulse (LCI).  BMW applies the nip and tuck to all models around three years into the model year to freshen them up to hold buying interest and as a bulwark against the competition.

We can also expect some tech upgrades from current models to cascade into the new 7 Series. The latest iDrive, an improved digital instrument cluster and the current BMW Operating System 7.0, introduced last year, come to mind.

BMWBlog reported the new 7 Series will get uprated turbocharged inline-six cylinder, V8 and V12 petrol engines that offer from 340hp to 600hp.

The 745e plug-in hybrid performance is also due for a boost, and it is likely to boast overall output of 388hp and 600Nm when it rolls off the production line.

Come March, Malaysian journalists will be going to Europe to get acquainted with the refreshed 7 Series, whose production will also begin in the same month.

 An image of what is believed to be the facelifted 7 Series. See the family resemblance as shown in the new X5 grille (above) and 3 Series grille (below). Both models will start selling in Malaysia in 2019.


Tesla explores building Gigafactory in Europe, says WSJ

                SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla Inc is in talks with authorities in Germany and the Netherlands to build its first major European factory, the Wall Street Journal reported Monday, citing officials involved in the matter.

The electric vehicle maker has had preliminary discussions with two German states vying to host its Gigafactory in Europe to build cars and their batteries under one roof, the Journal reported.

The talks are still in their early stages and may not yield an agreement, according to the report.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk said in June that he favours Germany as the location for its first European Gigafactory.

"Perhaps on the German-French border makes sense, near the Benelux countries," Musk had said here on Twitter, responding to a public tweet.

Tesla already has an engineering division in Pruem, Germany, that is about 30km from Belgium and about 100km from the French border.

A Tesla spokesman declined to comment.

Earlier this month, the company announced plans to build its first overseas plant in China.

Although Musk has said the company will be cash-flow positive this year, analysts have predicted that Tesla will raise capital to fund a long list of projects, including launching an electric semi truck and a pickup truck.

Tesla has been struggling to meet its self imposed production goals for its Model 3 sedan.


Honda Malaysia to launch six new models

                JOHOR BARU: Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd will launch six new models this year instead of four it had initially planned, following its positive performance in the first half of this year, said its managing director/chief executive officer, Katsuto Hayashi.

Hayashi said in the first six months of this year, the southern region recorded sales of over 10,500 units, and 70%, or more than 7,300 units, were sold in Johor.

He said overall, its southern region’s sales increased by 30% compared to the same period last year, and accounted for about 20% to Honda Malaysia’s total sales of 52,527 units.

“Honda Malaysia’s market share grew by 18.5% in the first half of 2017, compared with 14.4% in the same period last year.

“Honda City remains the favourite model in the southern region during this period, with close to 3,000 units sold,” he said at the opening of Wang Loo Motor (JB) Sdn Bhd Honda 3S Centre in Johor Baru on Wednesday.

Hayashi said the new models would help keep Honda Malaysia on track towards achieving its sales target of 100,000 units for 2017.

“We started 2017 on a strong note with the launch of the BR-V, which sold close to 12,000 units within six months, and this was followed by the launch of the New City in March.

“We maintained this good momentum with the recent launches of new Jazz Petrol, new Jazz Sport Hybrid i-DCD, and the all-new CR-V with the Next Generation Advanced Safety Technology, Honda Sensing in June and July respectively,” he said.

He said the models were well-received by Malaysians, and that Honda would continue to deliver its best in order to keep the market interesting.


All-new Honda Civic open for booking, launch expected in Q1 2022

                PETALING JAYA: Honda Civic fans in Malaysia can now officially place a booking for the exciting, long-awaited 11th-generation all-new model.

This new model is technology-packed with advanced features while keeping to the Civic legacy of styling, handling and best-in-class performance.

Honda Malaysia said the latest Civic is one of ‘the most fun to drive Civic ever made’ and will excite the market as well as retaining its C-segment leadership when it is launched in first quarter of next year.

Measuring 4,678mm in length, 1,802mm in width, with a height of 1,415mm and 2,735mm in its wheelbase, the new Civic is larger and wider with the expansion of rear thread to provide low and wide stance.

The Civic is also the first to benefit from Honda’s advanced manufacturing technique and design approach using Lazer Brazing technology to give the car a sleeker roofline and stronger body rigidity.

The focus on the new exterior design is exceptional visibility, with an open feeling of spaciousness and uncluttered view, achieved via an expanded glass area.

Combining a sporty, sophisticated yet premium outlook, the 11th-generation Civic will also see the sporty RS variant being introduced into the Civic line-up for the first time.

The RS exterior include Black Painted Side Mirrors, Shark Fin Antenna, Outer Door Handles, New Trunk Spoiler and 18-inch Black Matte Alloy Wheels.

The new LED Headlights with Daytime Running Lights (DRL) comes in a new design while the Civic’s styling DNA is clearly reflected in the new rear combi LED taillights, emphasising the identity of Honda.

Besides a sporty styling, the new Civic also gets dynamic performance and efficient fuel consumption.

The enhanced 1.5L VTEC turbocharged engine now delivers 182PS and segment-leading 240Nm of torque, which is more powerful than a 2.4L engine.

The new Civic now offered with a new drive mode option; ECON, Normal and Sport Mode which can be switched easily with Drive Mode Switch.

The Sport Mode provides powerful torque sensation and high acceleration responsiveness which is the core of Civic.

The Honda Sensing feature in the new Civic RS has been improved and offers natural and smooth steering operation.

Honda Sensing also gets the new Lead Car Departure Notification System that notifies the driver that the vehicle in front of him had departed while they were waiting at traffic lights.

The full suite of enhanced Honda Sensing

> Lead Car Departure Notification System (NEW)
> Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
> Low-Speed Follow (LSF)
> Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
> Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
> Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS)
> Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
> Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
> Auto High Beam (AHB)

In addition, the new Civic RS also comes with Honda LaneWatch, six airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Agile Handling Assist (AHA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Auto Brake Hold (ABH), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Walk Away Auto Lock, Remote Engine Start as well as the Driver Attention Monitor.

Honda Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer Madoka Chujo said the Civic had a strong identity and is one of the favourite Honda model for Malaysians who loves a car with exceptional styling and powerful performance.

“Since its introduction to the Malaysian market in 2001, we have sold close to 148,000 units of Civic and this legendary model continues to expand its fan base in the country.

“The iconic 10th-generation Civic which was launched in 2016, has contributed more than 66,600 units to the total Civic sales and continues to lead in the C-segment with 71% market share as of October 2021.”

“The 11th-generation Civic is a modern interpretation of the classic and timeless Honda values which is human-centred in approach.

“This model offers a piece of the future, raising the benchmark of a C-segment sedan in every way while maintaining the best of the Civic DNA which is loved by Malaysians. The all-new Civic is truly A Legacy, Reborn!” she said.

For details or to place a booking for the new Civic, visit any of the 102 Honda authorised dealerships nationwide or call Honda’s Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or log onto www.honda.com.my or download the HondaTouch application.


Audi weighs tie-up with McLaren to enter F1 after initial offer

                FRANKFURT: Audi is exploring deals with British sports car-maker McLaren Group as the German manufacturer looks for ways to enter Formula 1 racing and promote its electric-car technology, according to people familiar with the matter.

The manufacturer plans to study the financials of McLaren in the coming weeks to help decide on potential transactions, according to people familiar with the matter.

Volkswagen AG’s premium brand previously floated the idea of acquiring McLaren as a way to gain access to the Formula 1 business, but McLaren deemed the offer as too low, one of the people said.

Audi’s supervisory board reviewed options today as part of the plan to enter F1, the people said, which is led by chief executive officer and long-standing racing fan Markus Duesmann.

The company may not decide until next year whether to team up with McLaren and could also pursue alternative partnerships with the likes of Red Bull Racing or Williams Racing, they said, declining to be named discussing details of the negotiations.

McLaren’s range of backers, including Ares Management Corp and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, have differing views on pursuing a sale or a listing through a blank-check company, one of the people said.

Audi “routinely considers various ideas for cooperation,” a spokesman said, declining to comment further. McLaren didn’t immediately return a request for comment.

Audi is pursuing the world’s most prestigious racing series to showcase electric vehicle technology as Formula 1 moves to become more sustainable, the people said.

A tie-up may face hurdles chiming with Volkswagen’s broader strategy to reduce complexity for Europe’s biggest carmaker, whose attempt at challenging Tesla Inc. is facing stiff competition amid a slew of EV models.

On the racetrack, Audi would have to compete with Mercedes, which dominates Formula 1, and has plans to sustain its edge as the series prepares for the electric-car age.

The plans for Audi and potentially VW group sister brand Porsche to compete in Formula 1 as early as 2026 hinge on it going all-electric and sticking to cost caps, the people said.

The current race cars are powered by high-performance hybrid engines, and Formula 1 has pledged to cut its carbon footprint to net-zero by 2030.

Streamlining push

VW CEO Herbert Diess has been trying to slim down the carmaker’s conglomerate structure and become more nimble as part of an asset review announced five years ago.

The efforts have largely stalled. A plan to separate brands like Ducati or Lamborghini didn’t progress, and VW added to its web of brands with the acquisition of US truck maker Navistar International Corp.

The carmaker currently has more workers than ever before employing 674,800 people worldwide, according to its third-quarter earnings report, dwarfing Tesla’s workforce of about 71,000 employees.

A deal with McLaren would have to overcome a number of economic challenges.

The boutique sports car-maker has struggled financially since the pandemic disrupted its production and the Formula 1 racing circuit.

Over the past year, the company has sold and leased back its headquarters in Woking, near London; sold a stake in its racing unit to a consortium of US-based investors; and raised money from new and existing investors, including Bahrain and Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth funds.


Defender line-up grows with new offerings

                NEW JERSEY, United States: The new Defender 130 Outbound is introduced to the Defender line up along with the 493hp Defender 130 V8 and a new heritage-inspired County Exterior Pack for Defender 1102.

The new additions to the Defender brand offer more choice for Defender clients, while providing customary off-road capability and superior comfort.

Mark Cameron, managing director, Defender, said: “Defender 130 Outbound is an incredibly desirable addition to the Defender family, for our most adventurous clients who love to get out and explore and need greater load carrying space with a five-seat configuration. Its unique design enhancements and spacious interior provide a compelling blend of capability and practicality. The 4x4 family offers something for everyone, with the introduction of the V8 powertrain to Defender 130, while the new County Exterior Pack celebrates Defender’s roots with a modern take on a classic design.”

The New Defender 130 Outbound is a five-seater, with a near flat loadspace floor behind the second row that easily accommodates everything from wetsuits and kit bags to camping and climbing gear.

The Defender 130 Outbound is only available with a P400 petrol Ingenium engine.

Meanwhile, the addition of a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine producing 493hp and 610Nm of torque, means a choice of three engines at the pinnacle of the eight-seater line-up, with the six-cylinder Ingenium P400 and P300 also available.

A stealthy aesthetic is delivered by the Defender 130 V8’s exterior.

Available exclusively in Carpathian Grey or Santorini Black, it includes quad outboard-mounted exhausts – only available on the V8 – a Sliding Panoramic Roof with Black Contrast Roof, V8 exterior badging, Premium LED headlights with signature daytime running lights, darkened taillights, Privacy Glass and 22-inch Satin Dark Grey alloy wheels.

Inside, luxury and dynamism come courtesy of 14-way heated and cooled electric driver memory seats finished in Ebony Windsor Leather with Dinamica suedecloth and Robustec fabric.

Defender 130 V8 also features Four-Zone Climate Control, heated row-three seats and climate seats in the second row – in addition to a Meridian Sound System, Head-Up Display, Interactive Driver Display and Cabin Air Purification Plus.

The awarding-winning Pivi Pro14 infotainment features an 11.4-inch glass touchscreen with Software Over The Air capability meaning it is always up to date.

County Exterior Pack for Defender 1102

Those looking for enhanced personalization on Defender 1102 can specify the new County Exterior Pack.

Inspired by the original Defender County, it features unique exterior elements, with a modern interpretation designed to celebrate the 4x4’s legendary heritage.

County graphics along the doors and body sides are the most eye-catching addition, while illuminated treadplates welcome the driver and passengers with a unique County graphic.

Eye-catching 20-inch alloys are available in two finishes, including Gloss White to complement the exterior pack’s signature aesthetics.

Interior detailing includes tactile Robustec veneer, while the Cross Car Beam is available in Light Grey or White, carrying an element of the County Exterior Pack through to the interior.


Toyota Land Cruiser just keeps on ticking

                ABU DHABI: With sport utility vehicles (SUVs) becoming more popular  in recent years, it has allowed Toyota's older versions of its trusty Land Cruiser (J70 Series) to flourish even more as it continues to be sold with no end in sight.

While other more later SUV models have come and gone (like the FJ Cruiser), the J70 series Land Cruiser  has managed to keep cruising on.

The Japanese automaker still sells this SUV in the Middle East and South Africa as well as in Australia where it's sold with  the tagline:  Still Powerful, Still Indestructible.

But what has contributed to the continued popularity of this SUV to a point that even militant groups have opted to use them in large numbers is because of its durability, reliability and the fact it's easy to service.

Seen as practically "bulletproof", buying  spare parts for this Land Cruiser  is still relatively easy even though the particular model rolled off (and is still rolling off) the production line since the mid-1980s.

Moreover, these parts are relativelyaffordable and are aplenty thanks to the volume of global sales with Australia being its largest contributor at over 40,000 units annually since 2019.

The J70 series of the Land Cruiser comes in a range of body styles from two-door pickups, hard-tops and soft-tops to three-door wagons and four-door vans - all with differing wheelbases.

As for powertrain options, there are a few petrol engines to choose from. On the diesel side, budding owners are spoilt for choice from the usual four-cylinder naturally-aspirated and turbodiesel mills to the.beefy V8 turbodiesel.


JPJ slaps RM49,000 taxes on millionaire’s Rolls-Royce

                KUALA LUMPUR: Cosmetics millionaire Datuk Seri Aliff Syukri Kamarzaman, whose Rolls-Royce was among those impounded by the Road Transport Department (JPJ), had to fork out an additional RM49,000 for using a Sarawak road tax on a vehicle used in Peninsular Malaysia, reported Utusan Malaysia.

Kuala Lumpur JPJ director Ismail Mohd Zawawi said the charge was an outstanding amount under the Motor Vehicle Licence in Peninsular Malaysia, which did not include the penalty charges under Section 23 of the Road Transport Act 1987.

“It is estimated that the charges are about RM54,500 per year, but he only pays RM5,800, which is about 10 times cheaper when it is registered in Sarawak.

“So, he has to pay the outstanding RM49,000 before settling other matters, including using number plates that do not follow correct specifications,” he said.

However, the entrepreneur, who is popularly known as Abang Terlajak Laris, was furious with the backlash he received from netizens who accused him of cheating.

Aliff claimed that the road tax and vehicle registration were handled by his management staff.

Ismail said Aliff had been issued with a notice to turn up at any of the 22 JPJ offices before Jan 22.

Aliff was also required to bring the car along with him for further investigations, he said.

“If he failed to do so, the case will be brought to court, and he might have to pay more and the car might also be blacklisted.

“The case is special because such things rarely happen. We hope that the case will serve as a lesson to those who try to dupe authorities,” added Ismail.


Kia getting sporty with Ceed shooting brake and crossover variants

The Proceed concept.
FRANKFURT: The Kia Ceed has undergone something of a transformation this year: as well as seeing a new-generation launched in five-door hatchback and Sportswagon estate versions it also saw that apostrophe dropped from the name.

Now the South Korean manufacturer is looking to add extra sportiness into the Ceed family with a shooting brake version later this year, and a new Ceed-based crossover in the middle of 2019. As the sporty Proceed is no more, these two are seen as indirect replacements for that three-door variant.

Despite being a very good-looking car, Kia's European sales and marketing boss Artur Martins confirmed to Autocar at last month's Geneva Motor Show that the Proceed was dropped due to low demand. Although he admitted the company was "skipping the three-door as the segment is really small," Martins also confirmed that "it opens up an opportunity for an additional body type."

That new body type now appears the be the shooting brake, which was previewed in concept form last year and will be the most aggressively styled version of the nameplate to date. In terms of its design, the crossover body style is expected to be more closely aligned with the existing models and could look much like a taller version of the current estate.

Obviously a Ceed crossover could step on the toes of the brand's existing SUV models, but Kia's European design boss Gregory Guillaume insists "there is plenty of room between the Stonic and the Sportage for a new crossover."

Dismissing the possibility that a new high-riding Ceed model could steal sales from its siblings could be seen as optimistic, but in the current market it doesn't seem that the car-buying public or the market is reaching saturation point with SUVs anytime soon.

One step the company appears to be taking to avoid stealing sales from its own models is to streamline the current Sportage range by getting rid of the trim levels that don't sell in big numbers. Also, it's believed the next Sportage that's likely to arrive in 2021 or 2022 is going to grow in size a little to further differentiate it from a new Ceed crossover.


Socar expands B2B business via new partnerships

                KUALA LUMPUR: Socar Malaysia is expanding its B2B business via new partnerships with e-commerce delivery partners Teleport, MrSpeedy, Lalamove and Pickupp.

For those keen on becoming a delivery agent but do not have a vehicle, Socar is offering a special deal on the Perodua Axia, Perodua Bezza, Perodua Myvi, Proton Iriz and Kia Picanto in collaboration with Teleport in Klang Valley, Penang and Johor.

To access this special promo, users would first need to sign up to be a delivery partner with Teleport.

Users can apply through this link: http://teleport.asia/apply

Also, with a new partnership between Socar and delivery platform MrSpeedy, Malaysians would now be able to receive parcels and make deliveries with ease.

To further complement the delivery ecosystem, Socar will also be offering exclusive deals to Lalamove and Pickupp Delivery Partners for their bookings, where they can choose from 12 different car models, namely the Perodua Axia, Honda City, Honda Jazz, Honda BR-V, Toyota Vios, Toyota Rush, Perodua Myvi, Perodua Bezza, Perodua Alza, Proton Iriz, Volkswagen Polo and Kia Picanto.

"Through Socar’s wide range of vehicles, competitive rates, convenient pick-up points and generous mileage and petrol allowance we can support businesses to grow sustainably while also reducing their day to day cash flow needs. Depending on their preference, these businesses can choose from over 2,000 cars in 1,000 locations in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor and Ipoh,” said Leon Foong, CEO of Socar Malaysia.


Volkswagen Merdeka promotions and open house

                PETALING JAYA: In the spirit of unity and national harmony, Volkswagen Malaysia is celebrating the month of August with special Merdeka promotions.

From now till Aug 31, customers are entitled to a series of cash rebates on selected Volkswagen models – RM10,000 on the Vento, RM4,000 on the Polo hatchback, and RM2,000 on the Golf.

Additionally, Volkswagen Malaysia will also be offering other attractive deals during its nationwide Merdeka Open House, happening over two weekends on the Aug 13 and 14; and Aug 27 and 28, 2016.

During the Merdeka Open House, customers are invited to test drive Volkswagen models, and enjoy activities for the entire family.

To add to the excitement, those who place a booking on a Volkswagen car during the Merdeka Open House will be eligible to enter a special giveaway to win premium electrical gadgets such as tablets and music players.

For more information on the Volkswagen Merdeka Promotion 2016,visit your nearest Volkswagen showroom or click here.


US unveils guidelines on self-driving cars

                WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Trump administration released new guidelines Tuesday designed to promote the development of self-driving cars.

"Our country is on the verge of one of the most exciting and important innovations in transportation history," Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said at a press conference at the University of Michigan.

"We are motivated by the potential of automated tech to transform mobility, reshape transportation and revolutionise safety."

Chao, flanked by auto industry representatives and the president of the National Federation of the Blind, said her goal was to prod progress from car and technology companies, while allowing that customers will be the final arbiters of how fast automation comes to America's roads.

She said self-driving technology could reduce accidents and improve mobility for the elderly, disabled and other restricted populations.

The new guidelines, which build on rules under the Obama administration, focus on systems that go well beyond the self-parking and automated braking systems now widely available to much more aggressive self-driving tools all the way up to full automation.

The guidelines clarify existing rules to permit more testing and address regulation between the federal government and states.

They won praise from the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, whose members have been investing heavily in automated technologies.

"This federal guidance is helpful in advancing road safety and safe testing, while also providing more clarity on the role of states," the trade group said.

"The guidance provides the right balance, allowing emerging innovations to thrive while government still keeps a watchful eye over new developments."

The Self-Driving Coalition for Safer Streets, which includes Google, Uber and Lyft, also welcomed the move.

"With more than 35,000 motor vehicle deaths in 2015, the potential safety benefits of fully self-driving technology are too important to delay," the group said in a statement.

But the nonprofit Consumer Watchdog warned of disaster.

"This isn't a vision for safety," said John Simpson, Consumer Watchdog's privacy project director.

"It's a roadmap that allows manufacturers to do whatever they want, wherever and whenever they want, turning our roads into private laboratories for robot cars with no regard for our safety."

The announcement came as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a finding that a May 2016 fatal car crash in Florida was caused in part by the driver's over-reliance on Tesla's Autopilot system.

The driver's "over-reliance" on the Tesla system - designed as a semi-autonomous driving system to be used with a human operator - permitted "prolonged disengagement" that led to the collision with a truck, the NTSB report said.

The system also permitted the driver to use it on a road not intended for Autopilot, NTSB officials said.


GM tries to reboot Cadillac with US$60,000 electric Lyriq SUV

                DETROIT: General Motors Co. has promised to recast the Cadillac brand with electric drive, and it’s in a hurry to do it: The Cadillac Lyriq EV will go into production almost a year sooner than originally planned when it hits showrooms in early 2022.

The Lyriq will go on sale with a price of just under US$60,000 (RM248,000) with most options included and will kick off the GM luxury brand’s plan to go all-electric by 2030.

If the market keeps embracing electric vehicles, Cadillac will ditch gasoline five years before the rest of the company.

The quicker push to sell the Lyriq is part of GM’s strategy to take a leadership position in EVs and sell only zero-emission vehicles by 2035.

In recent months, the company has announced a battery plant in Tennessee, a stake in a battery tech startup, and a Chevrolet electric pickup.

“The industry is at an inflection point,” said Cadillac Vice President Rory Harvey. “We wanted to start the journey sooner. We will be leaving this decade as an EV brand, which means we will not be selling internal combustion vehicle by 2030.”

Cadillac has grown in China but has had a tougher time regaining old glory in the US. Harvey said the brand will rebuild itself with technology like the Super Cruise hands-free driving feature, fast charging and a large interior touch screen. The crossover SUV can go more than 480km on a charge. A fast charger will be able to top up the battery by 120km every 10 minutes.

New technology gives Cadillac a chance to remake itself, but it’s going to be difficult with so much competition coming, said Alexander Edwards, president of Strategic Vision, a consulting firm in San Diego.

“Everyone is trying to reboot their brand with EVs,” Edwards said. “Is it going to reboot the entire brand and make them No. 1 again? No. It can regenerate interest and they will have a short window of time to share their story and turn that interest into sales.”


Reserved parking bays in PJ complex now open to public

                PETALING JAYA: After more than a decade, Petaling Jaya residents’ request to allow them to park on the ground floor of the Kompleks A multistorey carpark has finally been granted.

Effective end of June, Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) will allow the public to park their vehicles for a maximum of two hours on the ground floor of the complex in Petaling Jaya New Town.

For years, 69 parking bays with two bays for the disabled at the ground floor were reserved for city council staff. The public were required to park their vehicles on higher floors.

Parking for MBPJ’s staff as well as those with monthly season parking access has now been moved to the higher floors.

The five-storey building, which has a total of 420 parking bays, is installed with lifts.

MBPJ councillor Derek Fernandez said the city council’s finance committee approved the motion to open the parking bays to the public.

“Businesses in the New Town area have suffered since the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We hope by making it convenient for the public to park and do their shopping quickly, and they will come more often to support the businesses here, ” he said.

In the past, the public generally did not favour parking on higher floors and having to walk up or down the narrow and steep stairways, he added.

Section 6 Rukun Tetangga chairman Rajesh Mansukhla was glad that the city council had finally responded to residents’ requests.

“MBPJ must understand the carpark was built for the public in the 1980s and it was never intended for city council staff.

“I am glad the ground floor is now vacated for public use, ” he said.


14th edition of BMW Shorties kicks off

                KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Group Malaysia announced on Friday the 14th year of the BMW Shorties, Malaysia’s longest running short film competition.

BMW Shorties 2020 presents “CHARGE”, the theme befitting of the new normal as it challenges Malaysians to not only embrace change but to be resilient and to thrive in it; charging boldly towards greater possibilities.

The grand prize winner will win a production grant of RM80,000. Recognition for filmmaking talent will also be awarded in an extensive range of supporting categories, including Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Editing, Best Sound Design, Best Student, along with the crowd-favourite People’s Choice Award.

Over 1,000 filmmakers and digital content creators nationwide have benefited from their involvement in BMW Shorties since it began in 2006.

Entries are now open until 6pm on Nov 1. For further information on the BMW Shorties and how to participate, visit the official BMW Shorties website at www.bmwshorties.com.my or the official BMW Shorties Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bmwshorties and Instagram page at www.instagram.com/bmwshorties.


Carsome's after-sales service business launched

                PETALING JAYA: Carsome is aiming to improve the automotive after-sales service industry through its one-stop Carsome Service Centres that run on a transparent online booking and billing platform, and backed by certified maintenance experts with well-equipped facilities.

At the opening of Carsome's second after-sales service centre in Section 51A here, Carsome co-founder Eric Cheng said Carsome Service Centres offer a full breath of maintenance services for convenient and worry-free car upkeep.

 Cheng (right) showing the centre's operations to Chang (left) and Lee (centre).

"We are committed to alleviating the uncertainties car owners have to navigate in order to secure a reliable, affordable and trusted car maintenance service provider," he said.

Southeast Asia's largest integrated car e-commerce platform opened its first Carsome Service Centre in Ampang late last year.

 The centre's service bays.

The new centre here was officially opened by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang.

Also present at the opening were Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung, Carsome co-founder Teoh Jiun Ee and senior Carsome management members.

Cheng said that from a business perspective, Carsome Service Centres marked a new chapter to improve legacy practices by leveraging on data and technology to digitalise the customer's vehicle maintenance journey.

 Maintenance packages.

With this, customers can be assured of trusted and quality after-sales services by fully-trained mechanics as well as upfront billing on repair services required.

Chang praised Carsome which started out on humble beginnings eight years ago had managed to become the country's first tech unicorn.

He also said the company is further paving the way ahead by providing its customers with a choice of services that are transparent and trusted.

Carsome Service Centres are open to all car owners and not just those who bought cars from Carsome.

 Mei Han briefing the media on the centre's complimentary 20-point inspection.

Aside from three service packages ranging from RM98 to RM288, the centres can also perform a range of regular repairs, among them wheel alignment and air-conditioner servicing.

Carsome Certified chief executive officer Mei Han said the centres offered genuine parts and are able to service all vehicle brands.

Apart from customers who booked appointments online, Carsome Service Centre also accepts walk-in customers.

Those who booked an appointment will get a free 20-point inspection.


Kelantan JPJ takes action against woman for throwing garbage from car into river

                KOTA BARU: Road users found dumping garbage from vehicles can be fined up to RM2,000 or jailed for a maximum of six months, says the Kelantan Road Transport Department (JPJ).

Referring to a video clip which was posted on social media on Jan 6, the department said it had informed the woman motorist she was under investigation for throwing garbage out of the vehicle into a river.

Her act broke Rule 52 of the Road Traffic Rules 1959 and the person can be prosecuted under Section 119 (2) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for dumping garbage from a motor vehicle, according to the statement today.

Perpetrators who repeat the same offence will face a fine of up to RM4,000 or imprisonment of not more than two months, or both.

On Tuesday, a video clip showed a car stopping by the bridge before a woman threw a plastic package into the river through the vehicle’s window.

Internet users criticised the woman for having no civic awareness in dumping garbage into the river.


Will we soon be using new-gen fuels made from recycled plastic waste?

                PARIS: Among the many alternatives to fossil fuels being developed and tested, is an innovative solution for converting plastic waste into fuel that comes from an American startup.

A first demonstration is expected in partnership with the car manufacturer Bertone.

As we move to reduce the amount of CO2 emissions, one avenue being seriously explored by many players is that of renewable fuels for internal combustion engine vehicles.

American startup Select Fuel's approach focuses on the development of technologies that enable plastic waste to be recycled into fuel.

This solution could be a game-changer as it addresses two challenges: the demand for clean and sustainable fuels, as well as for recycling waste that is particularly polluting for the environment in a useful manner.

Under Select Fuels' process, at least 75% of plastic waste could be converted into multiple bioenergy products.

A first real-life use case is in the works with car manufacturing partner Bertone, on the occasion of the presentation of its brand new hypercar, the GB110.

This car is set to be able to run on fuel made from recycled plastic waste.

And Select Fuel is not stopping there, as the startup aims to develop solutions for all types of internal combustion engines, i.e., passenger cars, aircraft and trucks.

A wide range of other potential sources of renewable fuels are also being studied; these include various raw materials such as biomass (including waste cooking oil), agriculture, various types of food waste, agricultural residue, mowed grass and even paper pulp.


Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV arrives, details inside

                KUALA LUMPUR: Rolls-Royce's first SUV, the Cullinan, is launched today, with estimated price at RM1.8mil (before tax).

In conjunction with the launch, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Kuala Lumpur invited CarSifu to its pre-launch activities a day before.

It showed us how the Cullinan was being prepped and introduced us to two women detailers who formed part of the team tasked with ensuring the Cullinan is at its shiny best when the wraps come off. You can watch the video below of the detailing process as elaborated by detailer Joyce Lua.

Now, back to the launch model.

The Cullinan is fitted with a 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine, developed from the ground up to provide high torque at low revs. Peak torque of 850Nm is available from just 1,600rpm, coupled to an all-wheel drive system via an 8-speed transmission, enabling the super luxury SUV to rise from the get-go with grace and pace.

It gets auto self-levelling air suspension that allows it to be lowered by 40mm to make entry easier through coach doors, or raised 40mm to traverse any terrain. A four-wheel steering system aids urban drivability.

The Cullinan has a stiff yet light body to handle rough terrain and a "Magic Carpet Ride" that Rolls-Royce is known for. This is attributed to Rolls-Royce’s unique all-aluminium architecture called the ‘Architecture of Luxury”.

The high bodied Cullinan riding on 22-inch wheels, reaches 1,836mm, a height accentuated by a large glass to metal ratio as seen from the side. The SUV rides on Continental ContiSeal self-sealing tyres. The front tyres have internal damping foam to make them run more silently than those on the rear axle.

At the rear, two narrow upright units house all the lights and are minimally adorned by thin narrow strips of jewellery at their centre. The rear is also characterised by the exposed metal exhaust pipes and skid plate.

Off-road, the electronically-controlled air suspension uses a powerful compression system to actively push down any wheel when the system detects loss of traction - to ensure every wheel is constantly in contact with the ground and maximum torque is delivered usefully to all wheels.

The "Effortless, Everywhere" sensation when driving the Cullinan starts with the so-called "Everywhere" button, offering four different programmes within the off-road driving mode. Cullinan also delivers the deepest wading depth of any super-luxury SUV at 540mm thanks to its ride height. Both front and rear coach doors wrap low under the sill of the Cullinan, ensuring that dirt remains outside the door and not on passengers’ trouser legs.

Cullinan’s cabin can be ordered in two formats – Lounge Seats or Individual Seats. The former caters to families – creating space for three passengers in the rear, and featuring fold-down seats for the first time in a Rolls-Royce.

The four-seater Individual Seat configuration provides for the highest level of luxury in the SUV segment.

The two individual rear seats are separated by a fixed rear centre console, which contains a drinks cabinet with Rolls-Royce whisky glasses and decanter at the front, and champagne flutes and refrigerator in the rear. The seats feature ventilation and massage functions, and can be adjusted over a number of planes to offer ultimate comfort for rear seat passengers over longer journeys.

In the Individual Seating configuration, a glass partition behind the rear seat isolates the passenger cabin from the luggage compartment, resulting in some of the lowest levels of noise recorded in an SUV cabin, while also protecting Cullinan’s occupants from temperature changes even when the luggage compartment is open.

Those in the rear sit higher than those in the front of the car on Rolls-Royce’s Pavilion Seating, enjoying grandstand views of their surroundings thanks to the large glazed area of Cullinan’s side windows and industry-leading panoramic glass roof.

The interior has a fully-digitised LCD TFT display. For the first time in a Rolls-Royce, touch-screen entertainment systems at the front and rear integrate with the Spirit of Ecstasy rotary controller to enable access to advanced features in the driver-focused cockpit.

On activation via its bespoke key, Cullinan lowers itself by 40mm to make entry – through unique coach doors – easier. Passengers are greeted by wide aperture, electronically-closing doors with touch sensitive door handles.

A studio-grade 18-channel, 18-speaker Bespoke audio system, touch-screen operated video entertainment systems as well as Rolls-Royce’s signature picnic tables stepped up the luxury.

The cabin is flushed with a fashion theme, with the upper dashboard fascia clad in a newly-developed "Box Grain" black leather – a durable and water resistant boarded leather similar to that used in Italian high-end luggage and handbag design.

The Cullinan features laser headlights (600m range); Night Vision (300m), Vision Assist (1000m - oncoming vehicles), daytime and night-time Pedestrian warning; Alertness Assistant; a 4-Camera system with Panoramic View, all-round visibility and helicopter view; Active Cruise Control; Collision Warning; Cross-Traffic Warning, Lane Departure and Lane Change Warning; an industry leading 7x3 High-Resolution Head-Up Display, Wi-Fi hotspot, and the Navigation and Entertainment Systems.

The cabin is equipped with five USB-C ports, whilst phones can be wirelessly charged in the front of the cabin.

Boot volume is generous at 560 litres and can reach 1930 litres when rear seats are folded flat.

With expensive performance cars like this, going custom is the name of the game. Rolls-Royce offers several option packs called modules.

For example, there's a Drone Racing Module from a list of Recreation Modules that the owner can order to meet his or her recreational pursuits. A Cullinan Viewing Suite is also part of the options. Ordered from the authorised dealer and slotted into the boot of Cullinan and powered via its systems, each Recreation Module contains a motorised drawer housing the equipment and paraphernalia specific to each Cullinan owner’s pursuits.

The Cullinan was revealed to the world at its Goodwood home ground in May, 2018 and made its South-East Asian debut in Singapore in August. It is priced from S$1.27mil (RM3.9mil) in the island republic.

READ MORE: Rolls-Royce Cullinan: At this price, it should come with a driver

Last year has been a good haul for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. It charted a double firsts, announcing its highest annual results in its 115-year history. It was also the most successful year for its bespoke division.

The SUV is named after the largest diamond discovered, which is now installed atop the British Crown Jewels.

Msia-Cullinan-specification-sheet-Ext.pdf

Reading from a smartphone? Click this link to Cullinan specs (pdf)


Beijing weighs plans to stimulate auto demand

                BEIJING/SHANGHAI: China’s capital city Beijing is considering plans to stimulate demand for automobiles after the coronavirus epidemic hit sales badly, the state-backed Beijing News newspaper reported today.

It said possible measures being considered by Beijing include introducing incentives to trade in old cars for new, approving at least 100,000 licences to new energy vehicle buyers in the first half of 2020 and launching special plate licences for suburban areas, the newspaper said, citing a statement from China’s commerce ministry.