Toyota reproduces and sells spare parts for A70 and A80 Supra

                TOKYO: Toyota announced that it will reproduce spare parts for the A70 and A80-model Supra as GR Heritage Parts Project, and will sell them both domestically and overseas.

The project would reproduce spare parts that were no longer available, and sell them as genuine parts, in order for Supra loyalists to continue driving them into the future.

The A70 Supra was sold from 1986 to 1993, while the A80 was from 1993 to 2002.

Details on the specific parts and sale periods will be announced at later dates on the Toyota Gazoo Racing website.

In addition, customers can also buy the parts from Toyota dealers in the same way as normal genuine parts.

Among the parts slated for reproduction are propeller shaft, door handles and fuel sender gauge for the A70 and headlamps, door handles and brake booster for the A80.

The GR Heritage Parts will also be on display at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2020 from Jan 10-12.

 The A80 (left) and A70 Supra.


Naza Group brands at KLIMS'18

                KUALA LUMPUR: Naza Automotive Group, the automotive division of the Naza Group of Companies, will make an appearance at the 9th edition of the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2018 which is set to showcase a range of motoring machines from passenger and commercial vehicles, to motorcycles, accessories and more at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC).

Naza Automotive Group will showcase an impressive line-up consisting of European marques Peugeot, DS and Citroën and Korean brand Kia at the largest automotive industry event in Malaysia.

Peugeot: Motion & Emotion

Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official distributor and custodian for the Peugeot brand in Malaysia will be displaying their dynamic range of SUVs and sporty hatchbacks that personify ‘Motion & Emotion’.

As the most innovatively modern SUV in its class, the ‘European Car of the Year 2017’ Peugeot 3008 SUV was built on the principles of design, advanced technology and function. The 3008 SUV is adorned with a powerful and refined style that provides convenient versatility unrivalled in its segment.

The Peugeot 5008 SUV makes a smooth transition from its MPV predecessor and breaks new ground as a large, expressive 7-seater SUV in the C-segment. As a new contender in this competitive segment, the 5008 SUV breathes new air in this segment with its blend of space and practicality of an MPV and the dynamic appeal of an SUV – combining the best of both worlds in one modern automobile, giving users the attractive combination of status, sophisticated technology, impressive practicality and driving emotions.

Expressive, high quality, sporty and designed by speed enthusiasts, the Peugeot 308 GTi is a successful model that was engineered and designed by Peugeot Sport – Peugeot’s motorsport division devoted exclusively to developing the marque’s most high-performing models, consisting of a team of expert engineers sharing the same passion. The compact sports car exudes an athletic allure for the ultimate driving pleasure, perfect for the adventurous souls with a desire for exhilarating driving experiences.

Meanwhile, the New 308 THP, an upgraded variant of the best-selling Peugeot model in Malaysia, will make a grand addition to Peugeot’s range on display at KLIMS 2018. Built for people inspired by stylish design, engineering excellence and pure driving pleasure, the New 308 THP exudes European flair and function with its state-of-the-art technology and exemplary road handling.

Visitors to the Peugeot booth will get to try out a racing simulator and Virtual Reality experience, apart from being able to take advantage of their Autovaganza year-end promotions with rebates up to RM12,000 and free gifts with purchase.

DS: Spirit of Avant-garde

Visitors to KLIMS 2018 will also get to experience the premium automobile marque of Groupe PSA, DS. Making its very first appearance on Malaysian soil is the All-New DS 7 Crossback, the New Luxury SUV by DS Automobiles. Naza Euro Motors picks KLIMS 2018 as the perfect platform to preview the All-New DS 7 Crossback, ahead of its local debut in 2019.

As a Crossback, the DS 7 is beautifully crafted to be an object of desire right away. The DS 7 Crossback is immediately recognisable by day or by night, from the front or from the rear. The DS 7 Crossback comes loaded with premium features such as DS Active LED Vision, FOCAL HIFI Speakers, a clock by luxury watch makers BRM and more.

Also making an appearance at the DS booth will be the DS 5, the brand’s global best-seller vehicle of avant-garde styling, allying dynamic behaviour, refinement and attention to detail with a selection of advanced technologies.

Citroën: Inspired By You

Naza Euro Motors, which is also the official distributor for Citroën brand in Malaysia, will preview the New Citroën C3 Aircross to the Malaysian public for the very first time at KLIMS 2018. A new-generation SUV, the New Citroën C3 Aircross’ unique styling with a robust SUV design commands attention everywhere it goes. Powered by a Puretech Turbo engine under the hood, the New Citroën C3 Aircross delivers 112 PS and 205 Nm of torque. Despite delivering more performance, the New C3 Aircross is more fuel-efficient at 900km on a single tank. In addition, the spacious boot space is exceptional for its segment at 410 litres in capacity.

A fun and vibrant display reflective of the brand’s global identity, Citroën’s booth at KLIMS 2018 will be one to watch out for. Visitors to the booth stand a chance to be prominently featured on their special ‘media wall’ when they pose and snap a photo with the New C3 Aircross.

Also making a presence at the Citroën booth is the newly-launched New Grand C4 Spacetourer 7-seater MPV. Designed with space, versatility and innovation in mind, the Citroën Grand C4 SpaceTourer is a feature-packed 7-seater MPV that turns heads on the road. The MPV’s enhanced design, unique experience of comfort and latest-generation technologies presents a modern, user-friendly and family-oriented drive that allows drivers and passengers to travel in style and comfort.

KIA: The Power to Surprise

The official distributor of Kia vehicles in Malaysia, Naza Kia Malaysia, will be going all out at KLIMS 2018 showcasing its full product line-up ranging from A-segment to D-segment vehicles.

KIA’s fastest automobile yet, the Kia Stinger ushers in a new era of innovation for the Korean marque as a supremely designed gran turismo purebred, having earned a global recognition for its blend of high performance and best-in-class comfort. The sport sedan sets a revolutionary benchmark for the future of Kia vehicles and has been well received by car enthusiasts worldwide.

Visitors to KLIMS 2018 should also watch out for Kia’s newly introduced models – the New Optima GT, New Sorento, New Grand Carnival – and upcoming GT-Line models the New Sportage GT-Line and New Picanto GT-Line.

The facelifted New Optima GT now features a new aggressive front grille, LED fog lamps and rear combination LED lamps while retaining the 18-inch alloy wheels. Its feature-packed infotainment system is now paired with a 7-inch touch screen with Around View Monitor (AVM) camera, which uses cameras at the front, rear and sides of the vehicle to provide the driver with a 360-degree view of their surroundings, making it easier to complete low-speed parking manoeuvre. The New Optima GT’s sleek seat design dons a new two-tone red and black leather, with the front seats embroidered with the GT signature logo.

One of Kia’s best-selling SUVs in the country, the sophisticated and bold-looking Kia Sorento comes equipped with 8-speed automatic transmission providing smoother acceleration and improved fuel efficiency.

On the other hand, the New Grand Carnival’s versatility and style epitomises the perfect blend of day-to-day practicality and high-end luxury. The 8-speed automatic transmission of the both variants provide a smoother acceleration and improved fuel efficiency, with other new upgrades such as the Electronic Parking Brake and 18-inch alloy wheels in Light Metal Silver for KX variant and in Dark Grey Two Tone for the SX variant.

Fan favourite Kia Sportage GT will also appear at Kia’s booth at KLIMS. Designed and engineered to appeal to those looking for a sportier driving experience from their Sportage, the GT-Line specification delivers all the versatility of the Sportage while adding greater visual and dynamic appeal to those who desire it.

Kia’s New Picanto GT-Line, a racing-inspired variant and flagship of the all-popular Picanto range, is set to impress at the KLIMS 2018. Boasting new features designed to give the car a sportier look and feel, the New Picanto GT-Line features it’s the iconic GT-Line sport package with colour accents on the full body kit that are unique to the GT-Line variant. Completing the muscular expression are Kia’s signature ‘tiger nose’ grille at the front and sporty-looking dual exhaust pipes that lend an aggressive vibe. Despite its size, the A-segment vehicle packs a punch with performance and class-leading safety standards.

KIA is also slated to give a sneak preview of a future Kia model that will make an appearance at KLIMS 2018.

Catch what Peugeot, DS, Citroën and Kia has to offer at the upcoming Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2018 held from 23rd November until 2nd December 2018 at MITEC.


Aston Martin Valhalla hybrid open for booking in Malaysia

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Aston Martin Valhalla is open for booking in Malaysia now. But you better hurry as only three units are left.

According to Aston Martin in Malaysia, five units have been allocated for Malaysia, with two already spoken for.

Only 500 units of the coupe would be produced and first deliveries will start in late 2023.

No official Malaysian price for the car yet but it will be sold in Britain at the base price of £600,000/RM3.6mil (excluding duties and taxes).

The Valhalla is a mid-engined hybrid supercar with a combined output of 937hp and 1,000Nm of torque.

More details about the Valhalla can be found in this CarSifu article.

Call +60 3 2163 1196 or e-mail astonmartinkl.enquiries@wearnes.com for more information.


Volkswagen's self-driving Aurora deal axed

                BERLIN: Volkswagen has ended its partnership with self-driving car software firm Aurora, two days after the Silicon Valley start-up said it would build autonomous platforms for commercial vehicles with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

“The activities under our partnership have been concluded,” a VW spokesman said in a statement on Tuesday following an earlier Financial Times report on the move which said VW now wanted to work with Ford Motor Co on autonomous driving. Ford’s majority-owned subsidiary Argo AI is building an automated “driver” that could compete with Aurora’s technology.

Aurora said Tuesday “Volkswagen Group has been a wonderful partner to Aurora since the early days of development of the Aurora Driver.” The company’s statement added that it continues to work “with a growing array of partners.”

The autonomous vehicle industry is still in its infancy, and alliances and strategies are fluid. Aurora has sought to remain independent and serve a number of would-be autonomous vehicle makers rather than be acquired.

Aurora, which said in February it had raised US$530 million in new funding, also has partnerships with Hyundai Motor Co and China’s Byton to develop and test self-driving systems for automakers, fleet owners and others.

After announcing its partnership with Aurora in early 2018, VW last June began discussions with Ford to develop a range of commercial vehicles, later extending the discussions to include electric vehicles and Argo’s autonomous driving technology as part of an alliance designed to save billions in costs. VW and Ford have not announced partnerships involving electric or autonomous vehicle technology.


Home Ministry finalising new Malaysia-Indonesia border crossing in Borneo

                TUMPAT: The Home Ministry is finalising the new border crossing between Malaysia and Indonesia following the development of Indonesia’s new capital city, Nusantara, in Kalimantan.

Its minister, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, said the new border crossing is among the matters discussed by both countries under the Cross Border Agreement (CBA).

"Our prime minister has been to Indonesia. We will have a new border crossing with Nusantara.

"The Home Ministry will now be involved in finalising the CBA that we hope will be settled soon,” he told reporters after inspecting the Pengkalan Kubor Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex in Tumpat today.

During the visit, he also viewed the border controls along Sungai Golok which acts as the country’s border with neighbouring Thailand.

Saifuddin said three components would be finalised about the new border crossing.

"We will identify the ‘point to point’ crossing on our side and the Indonesian’s side, how wide an area we will cover under the agreement and the categories of residents (near the border crossing).

"In terms of the scheduling, tentatively, Indonesian president Jokowi’s (Joko Widodo) official visit to Malaysia this year will include the signing of the agreement,” he added.


David Beckham buys stake in UK electric car firm Lunaz

Beckham has taken a 10% stake in Lunaz. — Reuters
LONDON: David Beckham has taken a 10% stake in Lunaz, a UK-based car restoration and electrification firm, as the former England soccer captain builds on diverse investments in companies related to e-sports, cannabis and now automobiles.

Beckham had invested in Lunaz through his investment vehicle, DB Ventures, the company said today, but did not disclose the value of the deal.

"I was drawn to the company through their work restoring some of the most beautiful classic cars through upcycling and electrification," Beckham said in a statement. He will join Lunaz's founders and the Barclay, Reuben and Dellal families as a shareholder.

Founded in 2018 by David Lorenz, Lunaz re-engineers and electrifies classic cars made by Rolls-Royce, Jaguar and Range Rover and Bentley.

Beckham, 46, became co-owner of London-based virtual sports academy Guild Esports last year. He also co-owns Major League Soccer's Inter Miami and has a nearly 5% stake in Cellular Goods, which makes skincare and athletic recovery products based on biosynthetic cannabinoids.

Lunaz did not immediately respond to a request for comment, while the former Manchester United player or his publicist could not be immediately reached for further comment.


200 EVs for UN's Paris climate conference

                PARIS: The Renault-Nissan Alliance will provide the world’s largest electric-vehicle fleet ever to an international conference. As the official passenger-car provider for the United Nation’s COP21 climate conference in Paris, the Alliance will provide 200 pure electric vehicles to the annual summit which runs from Nov 30 to Dec 11.

This marks the first time the UN will use a zero-emission or 100% electric fleet for its entire passenger-car shuttle at a climate summit.

The COP21 car fleet will feature the Renault ZOE subcompact car, the Nissan LEAF compact car and the 7-seater Nissan e-NV200 van. The vehicles will be available to shuttle delegates 24 hours, seven days a week to and from the Le Bourget conference venue, as a complement to public transportation.

Together, the vehicles are expected to cover more than 400,000km, emitting zero emissions while shuttling delegates during the 21st annual Conference of Parties (better known as COP21). More than 20,000 UN participants from 195 countries are expected to attend COP21.

“Electric vehicles are a practical and affordable mode of transportation. At the same time, they offer a solution for drastically reducing tailpipe CO2 emissions," said Renault-Nissan Alliance chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn.

"They also reduce regulated exhaust pollutants, helping us to improve the air quality in our cities. Together, the public and private sectors can accelerate the transition to a zero-emission society.”


International opposition mounts over proposed US EV tax credit

                WASHINGTON: The European Union, Germany, Canada, Japan, Mexico, France, South Korea, Italy and other countries wrote US lawmakers saying a proposed US electric vehicle tax credit violates international trade rules, according to a joint letter made public Saturday.

A group of 25 ambassadors to Washington wrote US lawmakers and the Biden administration late Friday saying "limiting eligibility for the credit to vehicles based on their US domestic assembly and local content is inconsistent with US commitments made under WTO multilateral agreements."

The US Congress is considering a new US$12,500 tax credit that would include US$4,500 for union-made US electric vehicles and US$500 for US-made batteries. Only US built vehicles would be eligible for the US$12,500 credit after 2027, under a House proposal released last week.

Canada and Mexico have issued separate statements in the last week opposing the plan.

The US State Department declined to comment Saturday and the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The proposal is backed by President Joe Biden, the United Auto Workers (UAW) union and many congressional Democrats, but opposed by major international automakers, including Toyota, Volkswagen AG, Daimler AG, Honda, Hyundai and BMW AG.

A dozen foreign automakers wrote California's two senators on Friday urging them to abandon the plan that they said would discriminate against the state.

UAW president Ray Curry said the provision will "create and preserve tens of thousands of UAW members' jobs" and "would be a win for auto manufacturing workers."

The EV tax credits would cost US$15.6 billion over 10 years and disproportionately benefit Detroit's Big Three automakers - General Motors, Ford Motor and Chrysler-parent Stellantis NV - which assemble their US-made vehicles in union-represented plants.

The ambassadors that also include Poland, Sweden, Spain, Austria, Netherlands, Belgium, Cyprus, Ireland, Malta, Finland, Romania and Greece said the legislation would harm international automakers.

They said it "would violate international trade rules, disadvantage hard-working Americans employed by these automakers, and undermine the efforts of these automakers to expand the US EV consumer market to achieve the (Biden) administration’s climate goals."

The letter added it "puts US trading partners at a disadvantage."

Autoworkers at the foreign automakers in the countries that wrote are nearly all unionised but not in the United States.

"Our governments support workers’ right to organise. It is a fundamental right and should not be used in the framework of tax incentives, setting aside the opportunities for nearly half of America autoworkers," they wrote.


Hino Poncho begins trials in Johor Baru

                JOHOR BARU: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was recently signed between Hino Motors Sales (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and Handal Indah Sdn Bhd to start a trial run of a low-floor mini-bus in Johor Baru (JB).

Known as the Hino Poncho, the low-floor 7.0m minibus will start its trial run within the JB area under the operation of Handal Indah (also known as Causeway Link) - one of the largest bus providers operating in the State of Johor.

The one-month trial (June 15 to July 12) run will cater to Route 10B which travels along the JB City route which includes Pelangi, Sentosa, Pandan, Taman Daya and Taman Setia Indah.

In 2017, the two companies began a collaboration to conduct a trial on Hino’s low floor 10.5m hybrid bus model.

“We have been working together on our past collaboration to run the first hybrid bus in Malaysia supporting economical and clean public transport system.

"It was an obvious choice to work with Handal Indah again for this Poncho trial in Johor and we are glad that they are
as excited as we are to run this,” said Hino Malaysia managing director Atsushi Uchiyama.

He added that Handal Indah is an experienced company and provides great insight into JB's public transportation needs that have been deemed vital in this trial.

The trial operation comes hot on the heels of the Iskandar Regional Development Authority's (IRDA's) plan to develop the Iskandar Malaysia Bus Rapid Transit (IMBRT) project.

The project aims to transform the public transportation system in Iskandar Malaysia with three main lines running from Skudai, Tebrau and Iskandar Puteri to JB's city centre.
This is further supported by direct and feeder routes, with a network of more than 1,200km covering 90% of the populated areas of Iskandar Malaysia.

The IMBRT will consolidate some existing routes as well as opening new routes with the intention to serve the people of Johor better in terms of its public transportation needs.

The main of the project is to provide people with better access to an extensive network of bus routes that use sustainable green technology.

The Poncho is able to cater up to 31 passengers (including standing passengers) and will be used in IMBRT's expansion into new routes while being able to manoeuvre through narrow city roads and quiet residential areas.

The low floor design with "kneeling function" (down by 50mm) will help make boarding easier for senior citizens, children and wheelchair-bound passengers.

Likewise, the function is able to raise the mini-bus up by an additional 30mm to traverse over rougher uneven roads.

The trial unit is equipped with a 5.0-litre Euro-5 common-rail diesel engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.

The combination is said to be environmentally friendly with better fuel economy and reduced emissions thanks to its Diesel Particulate Reduction (DPR) system - an after-treatment system that helps to reduce particulate matter.

This feature differs from other current Euro-5 vehicles where the Poncho does not require any additional fluid such as AdBlue urea fluid, which eventually will save the operating cost and maintenance time for the customer.


Setel app now offers 'One-Tap Fuelling'

                KUALA LUMPUR: Setel is enhancing the refuelling journey for motorists in Malaysia with a new "One-Tap Fuelling" feature.

The feature enables users to activate the pump with one tap upon arrival at all Petronas stations nationwide, proceed to refuel and earn Mesra
points instantly.

The solution is now available to the first 1,000 registered Setel app users across the country, with a staggered rollout in the next two months.

Setel's new service comes in the wake of a separate tie-up between Shell and Touch n Go to make contactless refuelling a reality through the RFID tag.

Setel users who are interested to receive early bird access can opt-in by posting an Instagram Story or Tweet of their Dah Setel So Far page with the caption: “I want One-Tap Fuelling now”, tag @setel and include the #SetelOneTapFuelling hashtag.

For more information, visit www.setel.com/promotions/one-tap-fuelling.


Over 3,000 inspections made to check on subsided fuel leakages, says DPM

                KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 3,423 inspections have been conducted nationwide to check on subsided fuel leakages, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

This involved 92 cases and seizures amounting to RM3.02mil as of March 31.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry had enforced Ops Tiris for a period of six months to stop the leakages of subsidised diesel that had caused a huge loss for the government and resulting in a lack of supply.

"As of March 31, this year, a total of 3,423 spot checks were conducted nationwide that involves 92 cases, with 88 arrests as well as confiscation amounting to RM3.02mil, involving 41 handover cases," he said in a statement after chairing the second meeting of the National Action Council on the Cost of Living 2023 in Parliament today.

The meeting also agreed that another initiative to address leakages of subsidised fuel was to expand gas stations without subsidy in phases at areas near the country’s borders.

Among them were Rantau Panjang and Bukit Bunga in Kelantan; Tebedu, Ba'kalan and Lundu in Sarawak; Pengkalan Hulu in Perak, as well as the Johor Causeway and Second Link in Johor.


New Delhi banishes some cars in hope of clearing the air

A Delhi traffic policeman wearing a pollution mask directing traffic earlier today. — AP
NEW DELHI: Authorities in the Indian capital today banished from the roads cars with number plates ending in an odd number in a bid to cut hazardous air pollution shrouding the city.

The US Embassy air quality index, which measures the concentration of tiny PM 2.5 particles, exceeded 500, indicating serious aggravation of heart and lung disease, and premature mortality in people with existing diseases and the elderly.

Pollution at this level also means serious risk of effects on the respiratory systems of the general population.

The city government has declared a public health emergency, and imposed an "odd-even" system on private vehicles, at least until Nov 15.

Drivers today with even-numbered license plates were the lucky ones. Morning traffic was thin and drivers appeared to be obeying the rule — a Reuters reporter saw no vehicles with odd-numbered licence plates on the streets.

"It' a huge inconvenience because I'm not going to make it on time for my meetings," said Sagar Bajaj, 29, struggling to find a taxi in central Delhi's busy Connaught Place.

Bajaj said he normally drives to work but his car's licence plate ends in and odd number.

Ride-hailing services were exempt from the rule and both Uber and Ola had announced they would not impose surge pricing for the duration of the odd-even scheme.

Vehicular exhaust along with emissions from industry contribute more than 50% of Delhi's air pollution on most days through the year, according to official estimates.

The city also ordered schools shut today.

Authorities have also ordered all construction work to stop.

A government monitor on Sunday showed air quality had hit the worst level for the year, at 494 on a scale of 500. The level was well above 400 early on Monday.

According to independent online air quality index monitor AirVisual, New Delhi was the most polluted major city in the world on Monday, at twice the level of Lahore in Pakistan, which was a distant second.


New 7-seat Kia Sorento and 5-seat Sportage launched

                KUALA LUMPUR: Kia distributor Naza Kia Malaysia today launched two of its latest offerings — the all-new seven-seater Sorento and five-seater Sportage.

The Sorento is offered in three variants, starting from RM155,888 while the Sportage is two from RM121,888. Pricing for both models are on-the-road with GST and insurance, which comes with a five year unlimited mileage warranty.

READ MORE: First Sportage drive and video review in Dubai

The Sorento 2.2 LS diesel, 2.4 MS and 2.4 HS are priced at RM155,888, RM165,888 and RM175,888 respectively. The Sportage comes in the RM121,888 2.0 KX and RM141,888 2.0 GT variants.

The Sorento is available in Clear White, Aurora Black Pearl and Silky Silver, while the Sportage gets Mercury Blue, Fiery Red, Snow White Pearl and Mineral Silver for colour choices.

Both vehicles make use of front Macpherson Struts and a rear Multi-Link suspension as standard, but in terms of the Sorento, there's projector headlamps, LED daytime running lights, signature 'tiger-nose' grille with 3D-like cubic mesh pattern and 19-inch wheels.

Inside, the cabin gets fitted with soft-touch materials that includes leather as well as other amenities (depending on variant) such as a seven-inch TFT LCD screen on the supervision cluster, powered tailgate, 10-way power adjustable driver's seat, smart parking assist system, tyre pressure monitoring system, electronic parking brake and drive mode select system (Normal, Eco or Sport).

With a six-speed automatic as standard, there are two engine options, starting with the petrol-powered Theta II 2.4-litre multi-point injection (MPI) engine with 171PS and 223Nm and the more potent diesel-powered R 2.2-litre CRDi engine producing 200PS and 441Nm of torque.

The Sorento also gets a an all-wheel-drive (AWD) coupling system to help it maintain optimum traction on rough, loose or slippery surfaces, while helping to improve lateral stability when cornering.

In terms of safety, all variants get six airbags, vehicle stability management, electronic stability control, anti-lock brake system and hill-start assist control, to name a few.

It also received the full five-star rating from the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP), the American-based National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) NCAP and was selected as the 'Top Safety Pick' by the American-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

 Naza Group joint group executive chairman SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin shaking hands with Kia Motors Corp president of Regional Headquarters for Asia, Steve Lee, today at the launch of the Sportage and Sorento at KL Performing Arts Centre, Kuala Lumpur.

As for the Sportage, it now comes with a new sportier ‘GT Line’ specification, which includes items such as LED daytime running lights and ice cube LED fog lamps.

Inside, it gets fitted with improved soundproofing materials for the the driver-oriented cockpit, as well as an eight-speaker JBL sound system with Clari-fi technology, a supervision cluster with a 4.2-inch TFT-LCD screen and power-adjustable seats for both driver and front passenger.

Under the bonnet is a Nu 2.0-litre MPI engine, producing 155PS and 192Nm that's mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Safety features include six airbags, anti-lock brake system, electronic stability control, dynamic brake control and hill-start assist control, while an Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS) body structure takes on crash impacts and has been rated with the full five-star rating by Euro NCAP.

“In 2016, we expect our sales volume to expand by double-digits and the all-new Sorento and all-new Sportage will both play an integral part in achieving this target.

"Leading the way in refinement, innovation, distinctive design and high quality material, these SUVs will help Kia reinforce its position among the market leaders in their respective segments,” said Naza Corporation Holdings group chief operating officer (Automotive Group) Datuk Samson Anand George.

Kia Sorento

Kia Sportage GT Line


These are the world's most popular cars of 2016

A name you probably never heard before until now. This is the Wuling Hongguang.
From sub compact city car to full-size luxury sedan, these are the 10 biggest-selling models around the globe in 2016.

A segment: Hyundai i10
Of the 4.68 million sub-compact cars sold in 2016, Hyundai's city car (also known as the Grand or the Xcent in certain regions) made up the majority of sales, though, thanks to booming demand for new cars in India — due in part to easier access to credit, the Renault Kwid is catching up.

B segment: Volkswagen Polo
Its bigger brother, the Golf, might have slipped up thanks to the continued fall-out from Dieselgate, but elsewhere, Volkswagen's compact Polo sits on top of a segment representing 10.29 million vehicle sales last year.

C Segment: Toyota Corolla
Before the rise of SUVs and crossovers, the mid-size car was the world's most popular choice. And although sales aren't what they used to be (15.48 million), the biggest seller is still a Toyota — the Corolla.

D Segment: Toyota Camry
As well as being America's most popular car, the Toyota Camry can claim to be the world's most popular full-size sedan/hatchback, though it's facing competition from the Chevrolet Malibu which saw its share of the 7.63 million car market increase the most over the course of 2016.

E Segment: BMW 5 Series
The world's most popular executive car (European definition) or mid-size luxury car (US) is the BMW 5-Series. The segment contracted by 2.4% over 2016 to 2.09 million vehicles, but this drop in demand could have been due to a number of cars in this segment being refreshed or replaced towards the end of the year — the 5 Series included.

F Segment: BMW 7 Series
The 5-Series' big brother, the 7 Series is also the king of the full-size luxury car market — a segment that's seen an 11.7% expansion over the past 12 months and now accounts for 312,000 car sales around the world. However, the real picture is slightly clouded as vehicles such as the Range Rover or Volvo XC90 which are first and foremost luxury vehicles, are counted in the SUV sales category.

Pickup truck: Ford F-Series
Nearly 5 million pickups were sold around the world in 2016 and most of those were of the Ford F-Series variety, making it the world's most popular vehicle. And the pickup market is about to get even more exciting over the next year as Mercedes enters the segment.

Sportscar: Ford Mustang
Ford can also claim to make the world's most popular sportscar in the form of the current-generation Mustang, its first muscle car to be offered officially in Europe as well as the US. The demand for sportscars contracted by just 1.1% over the course of 2016 to 563,000 cars and over the same period, demand for the Mazda MX-5 Miata rose significantly, helped in no small part by it being named 2016 World Car of the Year in April.

MPV: Wuling Hongguang
A vehicle type invented in Japan and perfected in the US, the minivan/MPV was once the only choice for the average American family with an active lifestyle. Yet it's a Chinese car, the Wuling Hongguang that is currently outselling everything from the Honda Odyssey to the Chrysler Pacifica.

SUV: Nissan X-Trail/Rogue
After several years at the top, the Honda CR-V has been overtaken by the Nissan X-Trail/Rogue as the world's most popular SUV. Over the course of 2016, 24.32 million crossovers and SUVs were registered around the world, or 28.8% of all vehicles sold this year.


March 24-30: RON97 petrol price down 17 sen

                PETALING JAYA: The retail price of RON97 petrol will decrease by 17 sen a litre from March 24 to 30, while the price of RON95 and diesel remains unchanged.

The Finance Ministry said today the retail price of RON97 petrol would decrease from RM4 to RM3.83 per litre, while RON95 and diesel remained at RM2.05 and RM2.15 per litre, respectively.

It said the government will continue to monitor the impact of changes in world crude oil prices and take appropriate measures to ensure that the people’s welfare and well-being continue to be protected.


Social media users dump jokes on Selangor's new 'BRK' plates

                PETALING JAYA: Selangor's new vehicle registration series, which comes into effect today, is becoming the butt of many jokes on social media.

The new number plate, which carries the alphabet "BRK", resonates with a Malay word that means emptying one's bowels.

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) stated on social media that bidding for the BRK number plate series will start on Wednesday at its website https://jpjebid.jpj.gov.my, with successful bids to be announced on April 10.

The numbers not bid on will then be made available to the general public.

The JPJ's Facebook timeline has been inundated with many rib-tickling comments.


Reports suggest Subaru WRX-STI to get 2.4-litre turbo mill

                TOKYO: Japanese auto portal Carsensor.net has reported that the next Subaru WRX-STI will get a 2.4-litre turbo mill, to comply with fuel emission regulations and more driving enjoyment.

According to Carsensor.net, the 2.4-litre direct-injection turbo mill is already seen in the Subaru Ascent SUV, and the seventh generation Legacy and Legacy Outback.

Subaru also plans to fit a 1.8-litre direct injection turbo engine for the next Levorg, and a 1.5-litre direct injection turbo engine to replace the current 2.0-litre naturally aspirated mills, said the Japanese auto portal.

The next Subaru WRX is rumoured to be coming in 2022.


German court expects conviction for former Audi boss in diesel scandal

Stadler in a 2021 photo. — Reuters
MUNICH: Former Audi boss Rupert Stadler is likely to become the first top executive to be convicted in the diesel emissions scandal, with a Munich court giving a preliminary assessment on Tuesday that an accusation of fraud had been substantiated.

The former CEO, and three other defendants who were engineers, were charged in 2020 over their roles in the scandal after parent group Volkswagen and Audi admitted in 2015 to having used illegal software to cheat on emissions tests.

Presiding judge Stefan Weickert said that Stadler, former Audi executive Wolfgang Hatz and an engineer named Giovanni Pamio could face prison sentences, which would only be suspended "in case of a full confession".

In the case of the fourth defendant, also an engineer, the court did not see any significant evidence of a criminal offence.

Fraud is punishable with up to 10 years in prison under German law. A verdict is expected in the coming months.

The trial is one of the most prominent court proceedings in the aftermath of the diesel scandal at Volkswagen and its subsidiary Audi. Revelations that millions of emissions tests had been manipulated emerged in September 2015.

According to prosecutors, the three engineers manipulated engines in such a way that they complied with legal exhaust emission values on the test bench but not on the road.

Stadler is accused of failing to stop the sale of the manipulated cars after the scandal became known.

The court said it saw no evidence substantiating the other charges against the defendants - indirect involvement in falsification of documents and false advertising tied to illegal pollution levels in its cars.


SpaceX beams cool video of Tesla Roadster in space

                CAPE CANAVERAL: What a fine view of Mother Earth and what a smooth ride. Tucked into the nose of the mammoth SpaceX unmanned rocket that blasted off Tuesday was tech pioneer Elon Musk’s own cherry red convertible Tesla roadster, a vehicle that was in fact manned — by a spacesuited dummy nicknamed Starman.

Once a protective coating called the fairing peeled away from the nose holding the payload, video beamed down live and broadcast via Twitter showed the slick, shiny automobile seeming to float in the dark of space until our big gray-blue planet drifted into view behind it, filling the background.

Whisps of white hinted at weather systems churning busily high above Earth’s surface. Starman had its right hand on the steering wheel and left arm stretched casually along the open left side of the car.

At another point in the video, a skinny, elongated reflection of the Earth — an image shaped roughly like a space rocket, of all things — crept forward along the left side of the car.

And through a strange optical effect, a similar reflection headed in the other direction from the front of the Tesla.

The tips of the two reflections kissed and merged into one shape, even as the rest of each kept flowing in opposite directions, lava-like, towards each other.

The original plan was to propel the car near Mars so that it orbits around the sun.  However, the car will actually circulate in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter because the rocket carrying the car overshot the original trajectory.

While the SpaceX feat has drawn admiration from observers, it has also come under fire from critics for introducing more space junk.

According to Nasa, over 500,000 pieces of debris, or “space junk,” are tracked as they orbit the Earth. They all travel at speeds up to 28,163kph, fast enough for a relatively small piece of orbital debris to damage a satellite or a spacecraft.

Nasa said the rising population of space debris increases the potential danger to all space vehicles, but especially to the International Space Station, space shuttles and other spacecraft with humans aboard.

Meanwhile, the rockets that introduced the first car into outer space were newsworthy as well.

The Falcon Heavy is powered by three Falcon 9 two-stage rockets that are able to return to Earth and be reused. SpaceX developed the reusable rockets to reduce the cost of space travel.

Falcon 9 rockets have been used multiple times on resupply missions to the International Space Station. SpaceX has returned Falcon 9 rockets 21 times to land or to a barge on the ocean, according to space.com.

Launch of the Falcon Heavy has been anticipated for years. Musk announced that it was under development in 2011, but it ran into delays.

Falcon Heavy was the biggest and most powerful rocket launched into space since a Saturn V belonging to the US space agency Nasa blasted off in 1973. It also marked the first three-way landing back on Earth of reusable booster rockets.

A pre-launch test last month went well, according to Musk. The rocket fired its engines for about 10 seconds while remaining securely attached to a launch pad. It was one of the last steps SpaceX had to take before setting the launch date for the inaugural flight.

No auto brand has pulled off a publicity stunt quite like the one Tesla Inc. just managed. Not even Kia which have scored some kudos and Lexus which has attracted eyeballs with Super Bowl ads on Sunday.

Images of the car posted by Musk on Twitter and Instagram will serve as the latest example of electric-car maker’s unconventional promotion methods. It’s shunned traditional auto advertising and relied on its CEO’s star power to become a US$56 billion company, making it more valuable than Ford Motor Co.

“When automakers buy an ad spot in the Super Bowl, they aspire to create a spectacle with a commercial. In Elon Musk’s case, he makes the spectacle his own reality,” said Jessica Caldwell, executive director of industry analysis at Edmunds. “The buzz he creates with a stunt like this is far beyond what marketing dollars can buy you.”

The chief executive officer of both Tesla and Space Exploration Technologies Corp. equipped his Roadster with three cameras to capture what Musk said on Monday would be “epic views” as the car hurtles toward Earth-Mars elliptical orbit around the sun.

“No one” does publicity stunts better, Michelle Krebs, an analyst with car-shopping website Autotrader, said by phone after tuning into the launch. “It was on every cable network. It’s like the old days of space launches. It was very impressive.” — Agencies


Road tax, driving licence renewal deadline extended to Sept 30

                AYER HITAM: In line with the extension of the recovery movement control order (MCO), the Transport Ministry is extending the deadline for the renewal of road tax and driving licence.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said the renewal period, initially slated to end on Aug 31, had been extended until Sept 30.

He said the decision was made after taking into consideration the hardships and financial problems faced by the people due to their income being affected by the pandemic.

“I still receive feedback from the public about their financial difficulties, so I have decided to exercise my authority as minister to extend the payment period until the end of September.
“The one-month extension is a reasonable amount of time for those with expired road tax and driving licence to find the means to settle the payment as soon as possible, ” he said at a Road Transport Department community programme here today.


HERE to start mapping Sabah and Sarawak

                KUCHING: HERE Technologies is set to start mapping Sabah and Sarawak with particular emphasis on the Pan Borneo Highway, which stretches over 2,000km across the two states.

The highway, set for completion in 2021, will be mapped in 3D to provide users with highly precise information that could one day be used for autonomous driving.

It would also allow for location intelligence to contribute to the development of smart cities and enable future transportation and logistics use cases, said HERE Technologies SEA product operations director Abhijit Sengupta.

HERE has been mapping Peninsular Malaysia since 2015, and this is its first foray into Sabah and Sarawak.

HERE True mapping technology captures real-world features with 360-degree high definition imagery. Using four wide-angle 24-megapixel cameras and a LiDAR system with rotating laser, a HERE True car measures the world in 3D. Its capabilities allow for map production of roads and highways, shops and businesses, and residential areas.

These data are then transformed into geometric locations and attributions for places, which is then integrated into HERE products and services.

“For the past 30 years, we have observed first-hand the key role that digital mapping and location technology have played in the development of people and societies," said Abhijit.

"As such, we have made it our mission to provide the richest and most accurate map data in the market for Malaysia. Today, we’re creating futuristic three-dimensional maps that contain tons of insights,” he said at the kick-off event held at the Borneo Convention Center here today.

HERE, based in Amsterdam, was formed in 1985. It is owned by a consortium of companies that include Audi, BMW, Daimler and Intel.


Maserati Levante S updated from RM808,800

                PETALING JAYA: The Maserati Levante luxury sports utility vehicle has been refreshed with new styling for a more unified identity across the brand's key models.

Priced from RM808,800 inclusive of local taxes and duties, the Levante S comes with full specifications and options.

Among the updates are a new front grille and new rear light clusters which have a boomerang shape inspired by Giugiaro's 3200 GT introduced in the late 1990s.

The front grille with tuning fork design comes in chrome for the GranLusso trim and Black Piano for the GranSport, while the rear lights are made with state-of-the-art 3K injection moulding technology, giving them a three-colour lens of black around the edge, red in the middle and clear in the bottom section.

On the GranSport trim, the side air intakes in the lower fascia have a more aggressive design, defined by two aerodynamic wings that give a sense of further stability, visually “pushing” the weight of the car’s nose towards the massive front wheels.

The side bezel blades and the splitter are styled to improve the airflow distribution.

The wider, more muscular rear end has a sharper horizontal element and a body-colour lower extractor embracing the four exhaust tips.

Alongside the sportier bumpers, the GranSport exterior also comes with front and rear Black Piano inserts, GranSport badges on the front fenders, red brake callipers and either 21-inch Helios or 21-inch Anteo wheels.

The GranLusso trim is identified on the exterior by a series of elegant chrome inserts in the front fascia, chrome front/rear skid plates, body colour rear spoiler, black-painted brake callipers, 21-inch Anteo wheels and GranLusso badges on the fenders.

On the interior, the new 8.4-inch central display and instrument cluster come with major updates.

The central screen is now frameless for a more contemporary look, with almost all the surrounding bezel removed.

This improved resolution, graphics and visual effect make it look like a single curved screen with the air vents cut into it, enabling vertical reading of the whole display.

The instrument cluster now includes a large rev analogue counter and speedometer, and gets updated graphics on either side of a seven-inch TFT display along with anti-dazzle flat glass covers.

The Levante's Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) now gets the Active Driving Assist (ADS) that is the evolution of the Highway Assist introduced in model year 2018.

The system uses a radar unit and a forward-looking camera and works with the EPS to control the direction of the car when driven on any well-maintained road at speeds up to 145kph with the Adaptive Cruise Control system activated.

It enhances active safety by allowing the car to keep itself centred in its lane and to adapt its pre-selected speed in full autonomy.

The multi-function camera detects horizontal road markings and calculates the distance and speed of the preceding vehicle.

Naza Corp Holdings automotive group CEO Datuk Nik Hamdam Nik Hassan said the company is continuously meeting the discerning tastes of its Malaysian clientele with a comprehensive Maserati product line-up that is luxurious, stylish, refined and technologically excellent while being supported by unique ownership experience.

Warranty is five years with no mileage restriction.

Contact Naza Italia - Maserati showroom at tel: 03 7956 8599 or 1700 81 5051 in Petaling Jaya, Selangor for an exclusive viewing.

Follow www.facebook/maserati.malaysia and @maserati.malaysia (Instagram) for the brand’s latest updates in Malaysia.


Malaysia making inroads as regional hub for electric cars

                BEIJING: Beijing Auto International Cooperation (BAIC), which is among the world's leading electric vehicle producers, wants to make Malaysia the hub for its electric cars for the Southeast Asian market.

Towards this end, BAIC has signed a cooperation agreement with its Malaysian joint venture partner, Amber Dual Sdn Bhd, at BAIC's plant here Thursday.

The first batch of production will take place in July next year at a plant to be built in Gurun, Kedah.

Kedah chief minister Datuk Seri Mukhriz Tun Dr Mahathir who attended the signing ceremony said this was the first foreign manufacturer of electric vehicles to have invested in Malaysia.

"Kedah has a fast-growing automotive industry and constantly updating its technology. Now with the presence of BAIC, it will further boost the state's automotive industry.

"We already have completely knocked down (CKD) vehicle assembly using normal engines, existing hybrid vehicles and latest electric vehicles. BAIC is the number one company in China as a full-fledged electric vehicle manufacturer and number two in the world," he told reporters after visiting BAIC's factory today.

He said with BAIC's cooperation, Amber Dual could penetrate the Southeast Asian market which has a population of 550 million people.

"With the plant in Gurun, it will contribute to the growth of Kedah's economy.

"As electric vehicles are the latest technology, we expect that there will be suppliers who will enter the electric vehicle business," he said.

Mukhriz is now on a Kedah trade and investment mission to China, from Tuesday to tomorrow.


Rolls-Royce unveils bespoke Cullinan in Fux Orange

                PEBBLE BEACH, California: Car collector Michael Fux received his twelfth Bespoke Rolls-Royce commission, and it was another stunning reveal.

Unveiled at ‘The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering’, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars debuted the spectacularly colorful commission, "Cullinan in Fux Orange."

This marks the 10th time the brand has developed and reserved a Bespoke color.

Rolls-Royce’s craftspeople and designers create unique, one-of-a-kind Bespoke commissions.

A Bespoke color is only one of the many hundreds of features offered for luxury collectors seeking a commission from the home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, England.

Fux had challenged the designers to match the exterior color to a vibrant orange ladies wrap that caught his eye in South Florida.

He purchased the wrap and had it delivered to the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective.

Working together for nearly a year, the teams delivered the perfect surface application of more than seven layers of finish polished by hand for multiple hours in the Surface Finish Center.

The exterior even features black Cullinan wheels and pinstripe wheel centers in the bright ‘Fux Orange.’

The interior is decked in hand-crafted Arctic White leather with offsetting Orange stitching and Orange Rolls-Royce ‘RRs’ on the headrests.

Arctic White is carried over to the luxurious box grain leather fascia, steering wheel control stems and carpets.

The designers brought color contrast with ‘Fux Orange’ finished fascia veneer, rear-view mirror and lambswool floor mats.

The contrast of white and color showcased the artisanship with exacting standards for the Rolls-Royce craftspeople.

Fux’s Rolls-Royce cars are the highlight of his collection including more than 150 of the world’s most unique and colorful motor cars.

Arriving in the United States a young Cuban immigrant, Fux built a series of successful businesses in the bedding and linen industry.

Today, he strives to give something back to the communities he has worked in.

Since establishing Te Michael Fux Foundation in 2006, he has donated millions of dollars to enrich the lives of children stricken with serious illnesses.

In addition to building the Fux Family Center at the Miami Children’s Hospital, Fux and his wife Gloria hold multiple events each year to sustain the center and entertain the children.

The colorful collection of cars are used at fundraisers to raise money to benefit those in need.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has dozens of colors reserved for numerous clients around the globe.

Among the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars he has commissioned, Fux now ‘owns’ ten Bespoke colors, more than any other patron of the brand.

These colors can only be used by, or with, the permission of the client.

- Fux Orange (Cullinan)
- Fux Fuxia Pearl (Phantom)
- Fux Fuxia (Dawn)
- Fux Blue Candy (Dawn)
- Fux Intense Jade Pearl (Phantom)
- Fux Aequus Green Jade Pearl (Wraith)
- Fux White (Ghost)
- Fux Purple Candy (Phantom Drophead Coupé)
- Fux Red Candy (Phantom Drophead Coupé)
- Fux Yellow (Phantom Drophead Coupé)


Five dos and don'ts when driving a car with manual gearbox

                HAMBURG: Learning to drive a car with manual transmission was once a rite of passage for many would-be motorists, but with automatic transmission on the rise, cog-swappers are less common.

Here are five dos and don'ts to observe when driving one.

First of all, it's worth noting that while an automatic makes carefree cruising and queue-crawling in town easier, a manual shift enables driving in its purest (and arguably coolest) form.

Added to that, repairing a maltreated clutch is a major, engine-out repair on most cars which will land you with a hefty garage bill.

Here are five things to watch out for.

1. Never allow your foot to dwell on the clutch pedal

If you keep your foot on the clutch pedal while driving, the clutch will slip and wear out more quickly, since the release bearing gets damaged. This is the part responsible for separating the flywheel on the engine from the gearbox when you depress the clutch.

2. Never shift gears without engaging the clutch

It might seem obvious but not engaging the clutch while shifting gears can be harmful to the transmission of your car. It will make a loud sound indicating rough engagement or no engagement at all. Skilled drivers can get away with it in a racing scenario but this is not recommended on the road.

3. Never stay in gear with the clutch depressed at traffic lights

When stopping at red lights, always take the car out of gear, shift into neutral and get off the clutch. This reduces stress on the release bearing. You probably won't get off the mark quicker if you stay in gear, especially not in city traffic.

4. Never leave your hand resting on the gear shift

When your hand is rested upon the gear stick, it puts pressure on the shifter mechanism. The shifter gate then pushes the synchronizers. They touch the gears and friction is created. This friction can cause premature damage to the teeth of the gear.

5. Avoid slipping the clutch when taking off on hills

If you are attempting to take off on or up a hill you can leave the handbrake on while you increase engine revs and very slightly start to ease pressure off the clutch pedal, without letting it slip which wears out the clutch plates. This will pre-load the engine and stop it from stalling when you take off.


Mercedes to roll out GLA in the form of three AMG models soon

                STUTTGART: Mercedes is further flexing its muscles with its small SUVs, bringing the GLA back as an AMG model in three different varieties: the GLA 34, 45 and 45 S, all of which cost at least US$60,000.

A 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine that delivers its power to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission can be found in all three of the versions, according to the manufacturer.

The most powerful of the three, the GLA 45 S generates 421 hp and can reach a maximum speed of 270kph, according to the data sheet, while the other versions stop short at 250kph.

As always with AMG, the powerful engine is accompanied by a correspondingly sporty modified chassis and more direct steering.

The interior has also been expanded, while the design on the outside has sharpened, with its own grilles and contoured metal sheets.


Audi and BMW sell fewer luxury cars than Mercedes

                BERLIN: Germany's Audi and BMW sold fewer vehicles in January than luxury rival Mercedes-Benz, which has benefited from a continued surge in Chinese demand for its compact cars and sport-utility vehicles (SUV).

Volkswagen's flagship division Audi and BMW, the world's biggest luxury carmaker, on Wednesday both posted single-digit gains in Chinese deliveries, which are dwarfed by the 52 percent jump at Mercedes reported last week.

Global sales at Audi, which slipped behind Mercedes last year for the first time since 2010, rose 4 percent from year-ago levels to a record 143,150 cars, the automaker said, powered by redesigned versions of its top-selling A4 saloon and the flagship Q7 SUV.

 The GLE SUVs.

Munich-based BMW posted a 7.5 percent increase to 133,883 cars at its core brand and predicted the "positive trend" to continue through 2016 despite volatility in many markets such as Russia, Brazil and China.

Mercedes, which has reported a 20 percent increase in January sales to 150,814 cars, has benefited from surging demand for its new C-Class mid-sized saloon and expects further tailwind this year from the launch of a new E-Class model.

"Mercedes still has the strongest product momentum and should come out on top of global sales rankings at the end of 2016," Hamburg-based M.M. Warburg analyst Marc-Rene Tonn said, citing the brand's comeback in China.


2016 Geneva Motor Show: Nissan Intelligent Mobility

GENEVA: Pursuing a goal of zero emission vehicles and zero fatalities on the road, Nissan unveiled its ‘Intelligent Mobility’ vision at the Geneva International Motor Show.
Created to guide the Nissan product evolution, Intelligent Mobility will anchor critical company decisions around how cars are powered, how cars are driven, and how cars integrate into society, all while staying focused on creating more enjoyable driving experiences.

 Nissan IDS Concept."Our Intelligent Mobility vision is a framework to move customers around the world towards a safer and more sustainable future,” said Carlos Ghosn, CEO.  “To realize this vision, Nissan has launched a long-term strategy, supported by significant R&D investments.  This enabled Nissan to introduce the breakthrough LEAF, the world’s first mass production EV, in 2010 - years before any of our competitors.
"It has also driven our development of cutting-edge autonomous drive technologies, which will be available in a range of mass production models by 2020.  These steps are allowing Nissan to deliver the benefits of EV and autonomous drive innovations to as many customers as possible and, ultimately, to lead the way toward a new era of mobility.”
At the core of Nissan Intelligent Mobility are three areas of innovation:Nissan Intelligent Driving – creating more driver confidence, spearheaded by Nissan’s autonomous drive technology, Piloted DriveNissan Intelligent Power – more efficiency, more power, spearheaded by electric vehicles (EV)Nissan Intelligent Integration – new links between vehicles and societyEach area represents cutting edge technological advances by Nissan – safety innovations through autonomous technology such as high-stability control and high-reliability drive systems; high-efficiency powertrains, including alternative and conventional fuel engines with advanced transmissions; and energy management solutions. Nissan IDS Concept.Yet beyond the technical specifications, Nissan is focusing on the driver and passenger experience with Intelligent Mobility and bringing those experiences to consumers now. All told, it’s a story of how Nissan is making driving more personal, empowering and exhilarating.Nissan will launch multiple vehicles with autonomous drive technology in the next four years in Europe, the United States, Japan and China. The technology will be installed on mainstream, mass-market cars at affordable prices and the first model will come to Japan this year. An on-road demo event in Europe in 2016, will showcase the maturity of Nissan’s autonomous drive technology. In 2017, the Nissan Qashqai will become the first Piloted Drive vehicle available in Europe.Nissan believes that quiet, yet powerful, acceleration with an increased range is essential to ensure an incredible driving experience. Nissan is boosting EV battery energy density and performance, represented by the 60 kWh battery and up to 550km autonomy, in the Nissan IDS Concept, which is making its European premiere at Geneva.
Nissan technologies also reduce charging time, and develop EV potential in other innovative ways. Alternate sources of on-board electric power, such as fuel cells, will further encourage fuel diversity and renewable energy development.  Also on the path of Intelligent Power is the further improvement of downsized turbo and X-TRONIC transmissions for both fuel efficiency and seamless response and acceleration.”
How does an automaker create new benefits to society, and contribute to cleaner air, a greener planet and traffic safety?  The answer is the networking of cars, individuals, social infrastructure as well as contributing towards the building of the essential charging infrastructure. Nissan IDS Concept.Nissan will help connect cars to social infrastructure such as road, information and electric power networks which will eventually lead to reduced traffic jams, more efficient car sharing, remote vehicle operation and improved energy management.Nissan also continues to support expanding EV charging networks across Europe, the US, Mexico and Japan. To date over 10,500 quick chargers have been installed globally and in Europe, Nissan is working with partners to even further increase quick chargers that can be used by all EVs, helping to grow the entire market and bringing convenience and confidence to the European EV drivers, not just Nissan drivers.Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility technologies are available today in the form of Safety Shield, camera technologies and EV vehicles. It will further expand with Piloted Drive vehicles available in 2016 in Japan and in 2017 in Europe.
As Nissan looks toward a future of car sharing, integrated traffic management systems, and wireless charging networks, the full vision of Intelligent Mobility becomes clear.

 Nissan IDS Concept.


Apple supplier Foxconn halts EV project with China's Byton, says Nikkei

                TOKYO: Apple supplier Foxconn's electric vehicle project with Byton has been put on hold due to the Chinese startup's worsening financial situation, the Nikkei newspaper reported today, citing unidentified sources with knowledge of the matter.

"The (Byton) project is not officially terminated yet, but it is very challenging to proceed at this moment," one of the sources told Nikkei Asia.

Foxconn said in January that the Apple assembler and the Nanjing Economic and Technological Development Zone had agreed to start building electric sport-utility vehicles in 2022 for Byton.

A few Foxconn employees are still stationed at Byton's factory, another source said, but "they are wrapping things up and preparing for the end when it becomes necessary."

Some higher-level talent involved in the project has even left Foxconn, the report added.

Foxconn's plans to build factories in the United States and Thailand to assemble entire vehicles in 2023 are intact, according to Nikkei.

Foxconn declined to comment, while Byton did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

 Deal is suspended. The partnership announced in January this year.


Jaguar teases sporty lines of the new XF Sportbrake

                LONDON: Jaguar has revealed the first glimpse of the new XF Sportbrake over Wimbledon's Centre Court.

With less than 70 days to go until The Championships, Wimbledon 2017, the famously manicured surface of the All England Lawn Tennis Club served as the canvas for a large-scale outline of the dynamic sports estate.

Jaguar design director Ian Callum watched as ground staff transformed the venue’s famous white lines.

“With XF Sportbrake, we’ve created a silhouette which sweeps towards the rear, almost into the distance, and really gives the car a sense of speed and sportiness. It will bring new levels of practicality to the range without sacrificing the dynamic design and agile handling our customers expect.”

The XF Sportbrake will join the award-winning XF sports saloon in the Jaguar line-up when it goes on sale this summer.

Jaguar is official car partner for The Championships at Wimbledon 2017, which runs from July 3-16.


Win child car seats at Shell stations, contest ends April 12

                KUALA LUMPUR: Shell is giving away 138 child car seats at selected Shell stations to promote child safety on the road.

From 17th February 2020 to 12th April 2020, Shell is giving out child car seats at selected Shell stations.

This campaign is ongoing at 136 Shell stations in the Kuala Lumpur and Negeri Sembilan region. Up to 17 Shell customers will stand a chance to win a child car seat every week.

As of this week, 70 lucky parents have already won child car seats.

There are still child seats up for grabs in the next four weeks.

To win an exclusive child seat, it takes only two simple steps:

>  Customers need to spend a minimum of RM40 in a single receipt at participating Shell stations in Kuala Lumpur and Negeri Sembilan.

> Customers need to submit their details via a contest form at the station.

Upon completion of these two steps, customers will stand a chance to win a child car seat every week.

A child on board with proper Child Restraint Systems (CRS) has a lower chance of getting injured as compared to an unrestrained child, in the event of a road accident.

As pointed out by the World Health Organisation (WHO), a major problem today is child injuries, disabilities and even fatalities caused by road accidents.

The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety (MIROS) revealed that only 30% of car drivers use child car seats.

Hence, child car seats were made mandatory in the nation effective 1 January 2020.

Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd, managing director, Shairan Huzani Husain said, “At Shell, we always want to make life’s journey better for our customers. This is a gesture from some of our stations to promote the use of child car seats. Often, many parents do not know how important it is to have suitable Child Restraint Systems (CRS). By rewarding customers with child car seats, we hope we can educate parents to protect their children when travelling on the road.”

“What I value most is the safety of my 2-year-old child. I have been sharing and swapping the child car seat between my wife’s car and mine. Now, with the reward from Shell, I can travel worry free as my child is seated safely and protected while traveling. Thank you, Shell!” shared Lim Yen Wei, one of the campaign winners.

Another campaign winner, Mohd Faizal Abdul said, “My 3-year-old niece used to travel without a child car seat. Now, she gets to travel on the road safely. I am very glad that Shell is promoting road safety by rewarding customers with child car seats! This is a good initiative by Shell.”


Be extra careful when driving in the wet, motorists urged

                PETALING JAYA: With rain and thunderstorm happening at odd hours lately, Kuala Lumpur Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department chief Asst Comm Zulkefly Yahya is advising road users to be extra careful when driving in the wet.

Police records indicate that the number of accidents rose when there is rain.

This is because the rain can lead to limited visibility and the wet surface of roads can reduce the grip of car tyres.

ACP Zulkefly said the second phase of Ops Selamat 15 started yesterday.

Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) director-general Dr Siti Zaharah Ishak said for the Hari Raya season last year, the traffic volume was estimated to have increased by 36% compared to non-festive periods.

“Based on crash statistics from the police, the causes of road accidents are similar to those during the non-festive season.

“However, during the festive season, we can see a high number of road accidents occurring on federal roads and involving head-on crashes.”

She said the majority of traffic collisions in the country were due to human fault (80%), conditions of the road and its environment (13%) and vehicle defect (7%).

The top three human errors are dangerous turning, careless driving and speeding.

Dr Siti Zaharah urged travellers to remain vigilant when on the road by ensuring their vehicles were properly maintained and serviced, and use seatbelts and traffic signals.

She also cautioned road users of the dangers of microsleep, which is a brief episode of sleep that usually occurs when one is tired but still wants to keep awake.

According to Miros research in 2011, about 54% of drivers studied admitted to having at least once been involved in a road accident after drifting off to sleep.

The study also showed that 61% of drivers reported that they almost got into an accident because they were sleepy.

“If you feel that you are losing focus while driving, it is better to stop and rest in a safe area as soon as possible,” she said, adding that a power nap of between 10 minutes and 20 minutes would be optimal.

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) is also encouraging members of the public to send complaints via WhatsApp to clamp down on traffic offences, especially during the Raya holidays.

Passengers can take photos or videos of errant road users and lodge their complaints via Whatsapp to 013-449 8997.

JPJ director-general Datuk Seri Shaharuddin Khalid on June 3 was reported as saying that his department had already issued more than 200 notices based on WhatsApp complaints for its Hari Raya operation beginning May 29.


Like Musk, nickel-rich Indonesia has high electric vehicle ambitions

                JAKARTA: Armed with the world's largest reserves of nickel and a ban on the export of nickel ore, Indonesia is making itself indispensable for the electric vehicle industry, which uses the metal extensively.

In just three years, Indonesia has signed more than a dozen deals worth more than US$15 billion for battery and electric vehicle production in the country with manufacturers including Hyundai Motor, LG Group and Foxconn.

Next up is the mammoth Tesla Inc, the world's most valuable automaker.

President Joko Widodo has pulled out all the stops to convince CEO Elon Musk to manufacture electric vehicles or batteries in the sprawling Southeast Asian archipelago.

"I'm very confident this industry will grow quickly, will grow very fast," the president, popularly known as Jokowi, said in an interview last week.

Indonesia has a total of 21 million tonnes in proven reserves with nickel content, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. That is nearly a quarter of the world's reserves.

The country mined 1.4 million tonnes of nickel in January-November last year, according to the International Nickel Study Group.

That's far ahead of the second-biggest producer, the Philippines, which mined 290,000 tonnes in the same period, and more than double Indonesia's output of 606,000 tonnes in 2018.

Jokowi banned exports of nickel ore in 2020, but allowed export of higher value nickel products - forcing companies to process and manufacture onshore.

Indonesia's exports of processed nickel then swelled to more than US$30 billion in 2022 from about US$1 billion in 2015.

Indonesia is expected to account for half of the global production increase in nickel between 2021 and 2025, according to the International Energy Agency, as demand for electric vehicles surges. Each vehicle uses up to 40 kg of nickel.

"The Indonesian government is building a whole value chain for servicing electric vehicle factories," said Victor Chin, principal consultant at metal consultancy firm CRU.

"So it only makes sense for Tesla to consider Indonesia, both for a gigafactory and also for car manufacturing," he said.

Musk's goal is to sell 20 million electric vehicles in 2030, more than a 15-fold increase over the 1.3 million vehicles Tesla sold in 2022.

For that, it would need to build seven or eight more "gigafactories" - facilities that produce electric car batteries on a large scale - at an average of one every 12 months or so. read more

Indonesia has similarly ambitious goals - Jokowi said in the interview nickel exports can grow by 200 times from pre-export ban levels of around US$1 billion if the country successfully manages to build the electric vehicle ecosystem.

Brazilian mining company Vale has predicted a 44% jump in nickel demand by 2030 from 2022 levels due to high demand for batteries meant for electric vehicles.

Jokowi did not give a timeline for the exports growth but said Indonesia was aiming to establish an integrated supply chain for electric vehicle batteries by 2027.

In other moves, Indonesia will also ban exports of copper ore and bauxite in June, both of which are used in electric vehicle production.

Personal stake

The nickel export ban has been challenged at the World Trade Organisation by the European Union. The WTO ruled in the EU's favour, but Indonesia has filed an appeal.

But Indonesia's success has already prompted other countries to emulate its steps, with the Philippines planning to tax exports of nickel ore to encourage miners to invest in processing.

The development of the industry in Indonesia is a pet project for Jokowi. He has taken it upon himself to convince Musk to invest in Indonesia, holding talks with the Tesla chief twice.

Last week, Jokowi said he has even offered Tesla a nickel mining concession and tax breaks to invest in the country, and that he was confident a deal would be finalised.

While Tesla is looking for additional manufacturing hubs, it has not commented on any firm plans in Indonesia. South Korea, Canada and Mexico have also been trying to entice the carmaker.

The company has signed nickel sourcing contracts worth about $5 billion from companies in Indonesia, a government official has said.

One area of concern for potential investors is the nickel mining industry's environmental impact and Indonesia's use of coal for power generation.

The process of making nickel suitable for EV batteries has a high carbon footprint and produces waste that environmentalists fear could be dumped in the ocean.

Still, global automakers are investing or sourcing from Indonesia due to limited alternatives and booming demand, analysts say.

"There is not enough nickel capacity expansion outside Indonesia. Indonesian nickel production has grown its share from less than 20% to nearly 50% in last four years," said ANZ's Soni Kumari.

Even buyers from the developed markets who are more conscious of sustainability credentials will be forced to buy from Indonesia, Kumari said.

"As battery-grade nickel demand continues to grow, battery and auto companies cannot just ignore (criticism) that 'Indonesian nickel is not green enough' when most of the future growth is going to come from Indonesia," she said.


Nikola, CNH building electric truck prototypes for 2021 end launch

CNH said it aims to start testing the Nikola Tre semi-truck later this year and hopes to launch the vehicles commercially by the fourth quarter of 2021. — All pix by Reuters
PHOENIX: Nikola Corp and vehicle equipment maker CNH Industrial said on Monday they are working to build prototypes of the EV maker’s Tre semi-truck, days after a scathing report from short-seller Hindenburg alleged Nikola of "fraud".

CNH said it aims to start testing the semi-trucks later this year and hopes to launch the vehicles commercially by the fourth quarter of 2021.

Meanwhile, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is probing Nikola to assess the merits of Hindenburg's allegations that the EV maker misled investors about its business prospects, Bloomberg News reported.

Nikola, which had accused Hindenburg of manipulating the stock to benefit short-sellers, said its counsel had contacted and briefed the SEC on its concerns regarding the short-seller’s report.

The SEC did not immediately respond to Reuters request for comment.

Shares of the electric-truck maker were down about 9% at US$32.52 in extended trade.

Hindenburg had shorted the stock last week and said it had gathered enough evidence to show Nikola founder Trevor Milton made false statements about possessing proprietary technology to form partnerships with large automakers.

Hindenburg had also alleged that a seemingly functional truck, Nikola One, was “simply filmed rolling down a big hill” in 2017.

Nikola said it never stated the truck was driving “under its own propulsion” and investors at that time were aware of its technical capabilities.

Last week, automaker General Motors Co took an 11% stake in Nikola and said the two companies will join forces to build electric pickup trucks and fuel cell commercial trucks to take on Tesla Inc .

GM’s deal with Nikola gives it scale and validates its technology, GM chief executive officer Mary Barra told investors at an RBC conference on Monday, deferring any questions on the latter to the EV maker.


Fart noises and silver goblets: The car world's quirkiest features

                FRANKFURT: If you are interested in buying a new car that is really tailored to your wants and needs, perhaps skip the yard at your local dealership and instead pick up a manufacturer's brochure.

Thicker than a matress, some of these brochures are a pandora's box of options that range from standard models and optional extras including electric seats and navigation systems, to some rather exotic and exclusive extras.

Here is a quick rundown of the most notable of these left-field add-ons to get your juices flowing the next time you think of what you want from your new car.

Meals on wheels: Those who are often hungry on the go and don't feel like stop at the nearest drive-thru would perhaps appreciate the solution pitched by Britain's luxury brands.

Rolls-Royce, Land Rover and Bentley, are all happy to offer tailor-made and electrically cooled picnic baskets to customers. However, try not to choke on your sandwich when you discover it can cost in excess of US$10,000 (RM42,000).

Crystal: As if a Rolls-Royce and its hood ornament wasn't prominent enough, the British manufacturers offer an elaborate tune up for the sculpture known as the “Spirit of Ecstasy”. On request, the hand-sized hood ornament is available in gold and even crystal glass, complete with its own lighting.

Silver goblets: Bar compartments belong to noble limousines like the reclining seats and the roller blinds in front of the windows. But at the upper end of the price range, people are not satisfied with a refrigerator compartment and a few cheap mugs. The more expensive the car, the greater the care taken when choosing accessories. In the new Mercedes-Maybach GLS, there are solid silver champagne flutes in the armrest for a stylish sip.

Place for pets: Many car manufacturers show a heart for animals on their equipment lists and therefore offer numerous options for the safe and comfortable transport of the Felix and Fidos of this world, especially with station wagons and off-road vehicles.

But where Mercedes, VW and Co. usually have simple dividing grids, protective blankets or cages, Aston Martin has developed a lavish Pet Pack for the new DBX - including a pillow and silver bowls.

The smell of success: Wonder trees and air fresheners are a thing of the past with automakers doing their best to please all the senses.

For the nostrils, they have created their own electronically controlled fragrance dispensers, equipped with individual perfumes. At Mercedes, for example, there are separate scents for coupes and convertibles and, of course, especially for the noble Maybach offshoot.

Crochet blankets and shoehorns: Where others in the luxury class are into paint and leather and spend a fortune on wood or hides, the most expensive Toyota customers apparently have a somewhat more traditional taste.

The Century flagship, which is sold exclusively in Japan, has its own crocheted blankets and protective covers that look suspiciously like grandmother's quilt. And because they like to take off their shoes, the Japanese have even integrated a shoehorn in the rear — as standard.

Fire and flatulence: A few electronic extras that Tesla has hidden in its infotainment system are also fun. Not only can you conjure up a virtual fireplace on the large screen in the centre console, but you can even fool your passengers with artificial fart noises.

But since it is only the odourless sound, perhaps the Americans have saved the air freshener as a punchline for another time.


2017 Frankfurt Motor Show: Audi A8

                FRANKFURT: The new Audi A8 is the world’s first series production automobile to have been developed specially for conditional automated driving in line with the definition developed by the autonomous driving standardisation organisation, SAE International.

The Audi AI traffic jam pilot takes charge of driving in slow-moving traffic at up to 60 kph on highways and multi-lane roads with a physical barrier separating the two directions of traffic.

The driver activates the system with the AI button on the center console.

The traffic jam pilot handles starting from a stop, accelerating, steering and braking in its lane.

Drivers no longer have to continuously monitor the car. When certain conditions are met, they can take their hands off the steering wheel for longer periods and can focus on another activities supported by the on-board infotainment system, depending on the legal situation in the respective country.

As soon as the system reaches its limits, the car will require manual driver control again and will prompt the driver accordingly.

In addition to the radar sensors, a front camera and the ultrasonic sensors, Audi is the first car manufacturer also to use a laser scanner.

The introduction of the Audi AI traffic jam pilot requires clarity regarding the legal parameters for each country as well as specific adaptation and testing of the system.

The brand’s high claim to quality also applies to conditional automated driving. In addition, different approval procedures
worldwide and their corresponding time limits must be kept in mind. For these reasons, Audi will initiate series production of the traffic jam pilot in the new A8 incrementally.


Seat's performance division Cupra uses 3D-printing for race car

                LONDON: Seat's team of engineers from its performance Cupra division is transforming the way vehicles are developed by "printing" car parts.

Cupra is currently utilising its multi-jet fusion technology to fashion parts in a fast and efficient way for its Spanish carmaker's Leon Competición race car that includes 3D-printed door mirrors, air intakes and cooling intakes.

The Leon Competición is a touring car that uses a Volkswagen-derived 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing  335bhp which allows it to launch from 0 to 100kph in 3.2 seconds before reaching a top speed of about 300kph.

The new technique enables the manufacturer to reduce the vehicle’s fuel consumption while also increasing stability, speed and safety.

The process of printing a mirror can take around 20 hours, but Cupra is able to print six at a time, giving the team the ability to create different designs simultaneously so that varying prototypes can undergo wind-tunnel testing quickly.

After the parts are printed, they are immediately fitted to the car to face winds of more than 300kph for performance analysis for the different printed parts in the areas of fuel consumption, stability, speed and safety.

The final development of the 3D printed parts was on a racing circuit, with CUPRA testing the Leon Competición on the Portimao track in Portugal.


2018 CarSifu Auto Show: Visitors won Sharp Aquos TVs

                PETALING JAYA: Paying a visit to the 2018 CarSifu Auto Show and booking a car at the five-day event has resulted in a bonus for 15 winners of the Book and Win contest.

Sharp Malaysia is the prize sponsor for the contest. It gave away five Sharp Aquos 60-inch 4K television sets with Easy Smart and 10 Sharp Plasmacluster Car Ion Generators.

Among the contest winners was 46-year-old Leong Wei Chuet. The account manager took home a Sharp television set.

“We needed a second car and visiting the auto show was a wise choice,” he said.

“We enjoyed the auto show, and the vehicle sales personnel were very helpful,” said Leong, who booked a 2.2-litre diesel-powered Mazda CX-5.

 (From fifth left) Star Media Group general manager of advertising and business development Sara Chacko, Petron Malaysia marketing representative Ho Wai Khin and Star Media Group chief revenue officer Lydia Wang posing with the winners of the Book and Win contest.

Another winner of a Sharp television set was 34-year-old sales resource network manager Lew Jer Jiunn, who booked a six-seater Proton Ertiga.

“The auto show allowed us to explore different options. And the GST (Goods and Services Tax) free period also motivated us to buy a car sooner,” said Lew.

Seventy-seven-year-old Puang Chu Hao also won a television set after booking a Nissan Serena S-Hybrid.

“We enjoyed the carnival-like atmosphere of the auto show,” said Puang.

The auto show, which featured an array of exciting wheels, promotions, lucky draws and fun-filled family activities, was organised by Star Media Group. It was held at Mid Valley Megamall exhibition centre from Aug 22 to 26.

The 2018 CarSifu Auto Show’s official fuel partner was Petron Malaysia while official tyre partners were Toyo Tyre and Silverstone.

The prize presentation ceremony for the 15 winners was held yesterday at Star Media Group’s headquarters here.


2018 updated Maserati GranTurismo at RM717,800 onwards

                PETALING JAYA: The 2018 updated Maserati GranTurismo has arrived and is priced at RM717,800 onwards (without taxes and duties).

It has a five-year warranty with no mileage restriction, plus a free maintenance program of five years or 100,000km (whichever is first) and inclusive of Maserati Premium Service Plus of three years or 60,000km.

It is offered in eight interior colours and five interior trim options – from Carbon Fibre to Black Piano and Walnut Briarwood.

The luxurious four-seater sports coupe is powered by a 4.7-litre engine with 460hp at 7,000rpm and 520Nm of torque at 4,750rpm.

With the 2018 restyle, the GranTurismo gets new front and rear bumpers, headlights and a rear parking camera.

The front bumper features a larger, hexagonal grille with a ‘shark nose’ profile and a chrome insert all around. The new nose is inspired by the sensational Alfieri Concept car.

The track-focused GranTurismo has a carbon-fibre bonnet in body colour as standard.

Also, there are vertical air vents in the front wings, side skirts, titanium brake calipers and 20-inch Grafite Opaco forged wheels.

The central diffuser for the GranTurismo MC is sportier, while the exhaust system gets a remake for a sportier sound.

For the 2018 update, the GranTurismo has a new three-layer colour (Blu Assoluto), while four more three-layer colours are also offered.

There is a range of 14 light alloy wheels in six designs, one of which is in forged aluminium, and an exterior carbon package is offered.

In the cabin, the dashboard features a more sculptured design and the centrepiece is now a high-resolution, 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring functions.

There are also a high-end Harman Kardon Premium Sound system and a new Maserati clock with double dial.

The lower console is redesigned to accommodate a user-friendly, double rotary dial – a standard feature on all Maserati models, while the driving modes button cluster is now in front of the gear lever.

“The lightly face-lifted 2018 GranTurismo and stays true to the car’s most quintessential traits. As one of the last naturally-aspirated V8 engines in the segment today, the GranTurismo is a celebration of Maserati’s heritage and red-blooded racing pedigree,” said Naza World Group executive chairman Datuk Wira SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin.

The public is invited to visit Naza Italia’s showroom in Petaling Jaya to view the GranTurismo.


Subaru opens first plant outside of Japan

BANGKOK: Tan Chong International (TCI) has officially opened its first Subaru assembly plant in Bangkok, Thailand.
The Tan Chong Subaru Automotive Thailand (TCSAT) plant is located in the Ladkrabung Industrial Estate, which is in the outskirts of Bangkok City and is now the first Subaru plant to have been constructed outside of Japan.

 Tan during the official opening ceremony.

"This is truly a milestone for us, to be able to build Subaru cars ourselves in Thailand. From distribution, dealerships and aftersales, we are now also manufacturing Subaru cars," said TCI deputy chairman and managing director Glenn Tan.

The THB5.0bil (RM645mil) plant covers an area of 100,000 square meters and is a joint venture between the company (74.9%) and Subaru Corporation in Japan which was fully completed in March this year.

The plant currently has a capacity to produce 6,000 units and will be increased to 10,000 units next year.

At full capacity, the plant is able to produce up to 100,000 units and accommodate up to four models.

The fifth-generation Forester sport utility vehicle was the first model to roll off the assembly line in Aug 2018 and it will be distributed in Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

A team of Japanese staff have been employed at TCSAT to ensure production standards and processes meet the same stringent levels as in Japan.

Also, high-performance robotics are used at several stages of the assembly process to ensure quality and defects are kept at bay.

At the painting line, the pre-treatment, electrical deposits, primer and top coat are applied automatically.

The key welding points of the car body and the sealer application for glass components are also automated to achieve total consistency.

All this is part of the technology and skills knowledge transfer which Subaru Corporation has committed to.

Quality control and correction processes take place during and throughout the assembly process and is complemented by regular production audits by Subaru Corporation.

Some of the unique features of the plant include a test track which was specially built to assess the condition of every car before it leaves the factory.

The plant employs more than 400 local workers as well as expatriates from Japan and Singapore who are based in Thailand to share their technical and management expertise.

To maintain overall safety levels at the plant, a committee oversees the safety standards of the plant and proactively identifies and isolates potential risks.

To further promote staff health and well-being, the canteen serves nutritious Thai and Japanese meals, while facilities such as a futsal field cater to staff recreational needs.

"This strategic long- term move will allow us to better manage our supply chain, widen our product line up, localise better and be less dependent on supply from Japan. We will be better able to respond and meet consumer demand for Subaru vehicles in the region, and perhaps even beyond the region in future,” added Tan.


VW reveals first images of Atlas Cross Sport SUV concept

The VW Atlas Cross Sport Concept.
NEW YORK: With the unveiling of the Atlas Cross Sport concept at the New York International Auto Show, Volkswagen has confirmed its intention to produce a smaller, sportier version of its seven-seat Atlas SUV. The images of the model the German automaker released ahead of the show are officially of a concept, but it's thought they are about as close to a production model as a concept gets.

At least we now know what the baby Atlas will be called because that was being kept under wraps until now. Atlas Sport was the wide favourite to be the name of the new VW crossover, so Atlas Cross Sport is pretty close. But as this is still officially only a concept the Cross part of the name could potentially yet be dropped for the final production model.

The production version is planned for various markets around the world, most notably China and the USA, where the five-seat second Atlas model will be built at Volkswagen's Chattanooga plant in Tennessee. It's expected to go on sale in 2019 and is part of a wider global SUV offensive the manufacturer has embarked upon under the name "Moving Forward."

Designed to be an affordable alternative to rivals such as the BMW X6, the Atlas Cross Sport should live up to its sporty credentials if it eventually arrives with the same powerplant as the concept.

 Dashboard detail is shown on the Atlas Cross Sport concept SUV. - Reuters

That's because this smaller take on the Atlas in its marquee concept form has the same plug-in hybrid unit under the hood that's already in its full-size seven-seat sibling. The unit in question is a combination of a 3.6-litre V-6 petrol engine boasting 276hp and 362Nm of torque, and front and rear electric motors that add a further 54hp and 220Nm and 114hp and 270Nm, respectively. The battery is an 18 kWh lithium-ion affair that powers the seven-seat Atlas for up to 41km on electric only.

So, if the production version can muster a similar total as the 355hp and 671Nm of the concept, it really would be a contender. But a more likely scenario sees the mild hybrid fitted that pairs a V-6 with a 2.0-kWh battery for a total of 310hp and starting off in hybrid mode.


Musk sees potential for Tesla robot to eclipse car business

                DETROIT: The humanoid robot Tesla Inc. first teased five months ago may be the most important product the carmaker is working on and has the potential to be more significant than its vehicle business, said chief executive officer Elon Musk.

Tesla’s "Technoking” on Wednesday played up the bot - known internally as Optimus - over models the company has had in development for years.

During an earnings call, Musk said the Semi and Roadster first revealed in 2017 and the Cybertruck shown in 2019 will fall further behind schedule and "hopefully” go into production next year.

The first use of the Tesla bot likely will be in the company’s own facilities, Musk said, giving the example of moving parts around a factory.

He first previewed the product after a human dressed as a robot performed a dance routine at an event in August showcasing Tesla’s artificial intelligence efforts.

"The foundation of the economy is labour,” Musk said Wednesday.

"So what happens if you don’t actually have a labour shortage? I’m not sure what an economy even means at that point. That’s what Optimus is about.”

Musk said in August that Tesla planned to put cameras used for its autopilot driver-assistance system into the humanoid robot’s head.

The computer the company hopes will eventually enable Full Self-Driving capability in its vehicles will go into the bot’s torso.

Tesla is working through supply-chain issues that will crimp production this year, though Musk said he does expect the company to "comfortably” exceed 50% annual growth.

The carmaker won’t introduce any new models in 2022 and instead focus on expanding output at existing factories and starting up Model Y manufacturing at new plants in Austin, Texas, and near Berlin.

When Musk first showed prototypes of the Semi and Roadster, the CEO said the former would go into production in 2019 and the latter would be available the following year. The Cybertruck was initially slated for late 2021.