In Finland, speeding fines are indexed to income

                PARIS: Between the country's young prime minister who isn't afraid to hit the dance floor and numerous innovations, Finland may not make a lot of international headlines every day but it has originated a lot of unique practices.

The idea of linking the amount of a fine for certain traffic offences to the offender's salary is being debated in many countries such as France.

However, it is already a reality in several places, starting with Finland, which introduced this system more than a century ago.

Since 1920, Finland has had a day-fine system for certain offences, starting with speeding over 20kph.

The driver is then subjected to a fine that is proportional to what they earn. But how does it work in practice?

To calculate the amount of the fine, the Finnish authorities take into account several criteria, starting with the offender's net daily salary and the number of dependent children.

Depending on the offence, a scale determines the number of days of fines to be paid.

Sometimes this leads to comical results, as when in 2015 a millionaire had to pay a fine of more than €54,000 for a speeding offence of exceeding the limit by just over 20kph.

The absolute record is held by a motorcyclist, who had to pay €116,000 in 2002 for exceeding the speed limit by 25kph in a city..

Finland has inspired other Scandinavian countries such as Sweden and Norway, in addition to Switzerland and, more recently, Britain.

In all these countries, fines for speeding are now indexed in some way to income, with scales that are specific to each country.

In contrast, the United States uses a flat-fine model.


Mercedes-Benz C 200 official details revealed

                STUTTGART: Mercedes-Benz has revealed official details of the upcoming C 200 (W205) facelifted sedan and it's going to arrive with a new 1.5-litre turbocharged engine among others.

Externally, the C 200 will be sporting a new front and rear bumper, aerodynamic wheels for better brake cooling, front diamond grille and a pair of front LED High Performance headlamps.

Under the hood, lies a new 1.5-litre (1,497cc) turbocharged engine coupled with a 48V onboard electrical system (EQ Boost) that aids the engine by allowing it quickly reach its ideal rev-range quickly; spool up the turbo and reduce gearshift times.

The engine is able to produce 184hp from 5,800 to 6,100rpm and 280Nm of torque from 3,000 to 4,000rpm.

A nine-speed 9G-TRONIC transmission manages power delivery to the rear while the standard 17-inch wheels wear 225/50 series tyres that partially obscure the 305mm(front) and 300mm (rear) disc brakes.

For a configurable driving experience, a new DYNAMIC BODY CONTROL suspension system with damping characteristics adjustable in three stages as well as Sports Direct-Steer system or AIR BODY CONTROL suspension.

In terms of combined fuel consumption, the C 200 gets rated at 6.3 to 6.8 litres per 100km, while combined CO2 emissions are from 144 to 154 grams per kilometre.

The C200 is able to reach 100kph from standstill in 7.7 seconds - thanks to the EQ Boost's assistance by providing an additional 14hp/160Nm, before reaching a top speed of 225kph.

For better fuel consumption, the engine has been given the German carmaker's patented Conicshape process, which slightly opens up the cylinder wall towards the bottom in order to reduce friction and wear, while also being equipped with a particulate filter - like all diesel engines in Europe.

Also, there's recuperative braking system, glide mode, start-stop functionality to further help improve fuel economy.

Inside, there's now a 12.3-inch digital cockpit, a larger 10.25-inch media display and a new multifunction steering wheel with touch control buttons.

Furthermore, the cabin gets new open-pore trim elements that can go with one of the 64 lighting system's colours and Energizing comfort control.

To further bolster safety levels, the new C-Class comes with Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and Active Steering Assist,  Active Emergency Stop Assist and Active Lane Change Assist.


BMW Group shows off its Personal Mover Concept

                MUNICH: BMW Group recently began dabbling into innovative mobility concepts that are geared towards sustainable, individual and digitalised mobile solutions and they've managed to come up with the Personal Mover Concept.

The concept is an electric single-person mode of transportation that's meant for covering short distances within an operating site.

But, for the employees who are sometimes required to cover up to 12km per day on foot while carrying small parts and work materials at the company's plants and logistics centres, it's better known as the BMW Plant Commuter.

Experts from the BMW Group Research and Technology House in Garching took up this challenge, together with the staff who run the BMW Group’s central aftersales logistics network at the Dingolfing location.

Employees at various sites were surveyed on a random basis and their needs recorded, while environment analyses were conducted in parallel and the legal framework, such as site safety guidelines, were taken into account.

“It had to be flexible, easy to manoeuvre, zippy, electric, extremely agile and tilt-proof – and, at the same time, suitable for carrying objects. The Personal Mover Concept can do all of this – and is also fun to drive. We hope to start using it as soon as possible," said central aftersales logistics network department head of operations Richard Kamissek.

Research into existing options failed to come up with satisfactory solutions, but experts from the "Research, New Technologies, Innovations" department concluded that only customised in-house development could provide an adequate solution.

To generate creative and unconventional concept ideas quickly, the in-house design thinking format "think.make.start", whereby interdisciplinary teams use agile methods to develop and evaluate ideas and prototypes were used and thus the Personal Mover Concept was born.

Although the initial ideas met all the requirements, they entailed too much technical and financial effort for simple and straightforward implementation.

The body platform of the concept is 600mm-wide and 800mm-long and 1,100mm-tall so that a person can stand comfortably on it and still have room for larger, heavy objects.

The 20kg concept has two wheels at the rear corners of the platform and two support wheels at the front ensure that it does not tip over, even in tight bends. The two front wheels can rotate 360 degrees.

The handlebar and drive wheel are sunk into the middle of the body platform at the front.

The handlebar contains the entire electrical system including the battery and drive wheel, which can be rotated 90 degrees to the left and right, allowing the concept to turn on the spot.

A thumb-throttle is integrated into the right grip, which is used to start the concept, operate the light, select drive mode or check the battery status.

For safety, there is also a bell for warning other employees.

The left grip operates the brake and also acts as a dead-man’s control.

If not accelerating, the concept recuperates in a similar manner to the BMW i3, by feeding released braking energy back into the battery.

The electric drive accelerates up to a maximum of 25kph, has a range of about 20-30km and can be charged from a regular household socket via a power adapter.

Occupational safety guidelines require a permanent daytime running light, so an LED front light is mounted on the handlebar, with two red LED lights integrated into the bumpers at the rear of the platform for this purpose.

The bumpers, basket mount and handlebar mount covering were all fabricated using two different additive manufacturing 3D-printing techniques – the familiar FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) and a state-of-the-art two-component Polyjet process.

Five prototypes of the concept were presented at an internal international BMW Group aftersales logistics conference and were very well received.

The maximum speed is limited to the 12kph permitted on plant grounds.

The range available in normal operation allows it to be used for a full shift without recharging.

The concept was designed with deployment at FIZ Future in mind. Once completed, the campus will extend for about 1km from north to south.

It is also conceivable for the concept to be used outside of the company's locations.

Initial discussions with operators at airports, exhibition centres and major shopping centres have shown that it could also be an attractive solution for applications of that kind.


EON appointed as an official dealer for smart Malaysia

                SUBANG JAYA: Proton New Energy Technology Sdn Bhd (Pro-Net) has appointed Edaran Otomobil Nasional Bhd (EON), the automotive retail arm of DRB-Hicom, as an official dealer for smart Malaysia.

This follows a signing ceremony with Hap Seng Smart earlier this month, with five other dealership appointments to be announced soon by Pro-Net.

The dealership appointments into the smart family also enhances the EV brand’s visibility, in the build up towards the introduction of the award winning smart #1 in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Pro-Net aims to be a game-changer in the premium EV (electric vehicle) space, and part of its strategy is an app that enables customers to enjoy online services – from getting product information to making orders and payments conveniently.

It also provides easy access to an EV charging map and DC charging facilities.

In a statement, Pro-Net said smart dealers offer full sales and service support, a premium customer experience and services including quick charging, quick repair services and a delivery center.

“With our exciting new smart #1 model, we are confident that we will be making a great contribution to the future of electric mobility for the Malaysian market, and dealership appointment is one of the key strategies. We will be announcing a few more appointments in the coming weeks," said Pro-Net CEO Zhang Qiang.

“Pro-Net believes EON’s vast knowledge and experience coupled with DRB-Hicom’s extensive customer reach will create an ideal synergy that will propel smart Malaysia’s vision to great heights,” added Zhang Qiang.

EON is among the largest multi-brand dealerships representing automotive brands including Proton, Audi, Mitsubishi and Volkswagen.

“EON is committed to contribute towards the success of this new partnership,’’ said Akkbar Danial, CEO and head of automotive distribution for DRB-Hicom.

“We have chosen to start our pure EV journey from our iconic building along the Glenmarie automotive corridor to serve customers from the region”, added Akkbar Danial.


You leave, you pay, Indonesian dealers tell Ford

                JAKARTA: Ford Motor Co's dealers in Indonesia are demanding around US$75 million in compensation after the US carmaker announced in January it would close all operations in Southeast Asia's biggest economy.

The car market in Indonesia is dominated by Japan's Toyota Motor Corp and Honda Motor Co Ltd. Last year, General Motors Co shut its factory near Jakarta.

Six businesses which oversee 31 Ford dealerships in Indonesia say they have sent a second letter about possible legal action to Ford, Ford International Services and PT Ford Motor Indonesia.

In a joint statement on Monday, the dealers say they will take the Ford companies to a Jakarta court if there is no settlement, Harry Ponto, the dealers' legal representative, said by phone. They say they account for 85 percent of Ford's total sales in Indonesia.

Ford's decision came "out of the blue" for local dealers, which had made sizeable investments in showrooms and other facilities to support an expansion plan that Ford announced in 2011, Ponto said. "This is something that was done unilaterally and was unfair for the Indonesian partners. It's an action that is beneath an international brand like Ford," Ponto said.

Ford's move could damage the confidence of Indonesian businesses in foreign investors, he said.

The automaker, which had a less than one percent market share in Indonesia, said in January it would exit all areas of business including sales and imports. Ford said it was engaging with its dealers to implement its plan to exit Indonesia later this year, while ensuring that its customers continue to receive service, parts and warranty support.

"Our decision to exit the Indonesia market came after pursuing every possible option," a company spokesman said in an email on Monday. "It became clear, however, that there would be no path to sustained profitability."

One of the Ford dealers, PT Kreasi Auto Kencana, invested more than 500 billion rupiah (US$38 million) in buildings, equipment and manpower over the last few years, Nugroho Suharlim, Kreasi's operation and marketing division head, said by phone.

It now faces substantial losses, Suharlim said, adding that the contract it signed with Ford, which was renewable every two years, did not contain any clause governing what would happen if Ford were to leave Indonesia.


VW releases Beetle Dune and Denim

                WASHINGTON, D.C.: Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced the production version of the 2016 Beetle Dune, which will go on sale early next year.  Inspired by classic Baja Bugs, the vehicle will enter the Beetle family as a new trim, offering a rugged addition to the rest of the model lineup.

Volkswagen also said a special edition Beetle Denim would also be available. Paying homage to the 1970s Jeans Bug, the vehicle revives the rich heritage of the Beetle brand, offering fans a modern take on this classic model.

Beetle Dune

The Beetle Dune will have its world premiere at the LA Auto Show, which runs from Nov 20-29.

Overall, the Beetle Dune has a more aggressive appearance than the rest of the Beetle range, thanks to the fitment of new front and rear fascias and pronounced black wheelarch extensions that flow into the bumpers. Additionally, the Dune’s raised ride height of 0.4 inches and track that is 0.6 inches wider give it a more rugged stance.

Highlighting the front end’s sporty look, the new front bumper features a large central air intake that widens towards its bottom edge, and a black honeycomb screen has an aluminum-look surround that morphs into the front skid plate. On either side of the intake, two black honeycomb vents contain the foglights. A Lighting Package will be available, which will add Bi-Xenon headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights and LED license plate lighting.

The side of the vehicle is characterized by the contrast between the polished aluminum sills and the black trim strips that are reminiscent of the original Beetle running boards. Distinctive 18-inch Canyon aluminum-alloy wheels are fitted with 235/45 all-season tyres. The side mirrors have contrasting black lower portions and Reflex Silver uppers, and “Dune” graphics are displayed on both doors. At the back, the Dune features a large rear spoiler, standard LED taillights, and a new bumper design that integrates matte black and aluminum elements, as at the front of the car. The rear diffuser also acts as a skid plate.

Inside, the 2016 Beetle Dune features sport seats with contrasting orange stitching and a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel. Standard equipment includes the latest generation MIB II infotainment system, which serves as the foundation for Volkswagen’s available Car-Net suite of features. VW Car-Net connectivity includes App-Connect technology which allows integration with the three major smartphone platforms—Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink —allowing seamless integration for compatible smartphones.

The Dune is fitted with the Composition Color infotainment system that has a 6.3-inch screen with a capacitive touch sensor (similar to smartphone and tablet technology) that enables gesture controls like swiping and pinch-zooming. MIB II also features a proximity sensor, which detects when a hand is nearby and automatically switches its display to allow easier selection of specific features.

At launch, the Beetle Dune will be equipped with a 1.8-litre direct-injection and turbocharged TSI four-cylinder engine, offering 170hp and 184 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Dune coupe will go on sale in the first quarter of 2016, while the Dune Convertible will arrive in showrooms in the third quarter of the year.

Beetle Denim
This special edition  is a contemporary tribute to the 1970s Beetle Jeans model

As a special edition vehicle, exclusive design elements have been added to the 2,000 production units. The 2016 Beetle Denim is offered in two exterior color options—Pure White or Stonewashed Blue. The production run will be split equally between the two colors. The convertible top has been finished in Dark Blue with a brand new textured fabric that resembles denim.

Interior design features include a unique light-blue-and-silver dashpad and jeans-inspired seat pockets with small Beetle tabs in red.  The light blue denim-color cloth seating surfaces also feature white piping and dark blue leatherette accents.

For model year 2016, the vehicle is equipped with Volkswagen’s new MIB II infotainment system, which offers higher resolution, faster processing speeds, and crisper graphics than ever before. A 5.0-inch resistive touchscreen display comes with a host of standard features including AUX-in, SD card slots, and a USB multimedia interface with iPhone and iPod device connectivity, reverse camera display, and Bluetooth technology for compatible devices.

Like the Beetle Dune, the Beetle Denim uses the same engine and transmission.

Golf GTE Sport Concept for LA Auto Show
This concept, combining race-car performance and hybrid fuel economy, will be making its North American debut.

The Golf GTE Sport is powered by a 395-hp plug-in hybrid system. The drivetrain combines two electric motors, World Rally Championship turbocharged engine, and innovative all-wheel-drive system. The car accelerates from 0 to 100kph in 4.3 seconds and has a top track speed of 280kph.

In the NEDC cycle for plug-in hybrid vehicles, the GTE Sport’s fuel economy is 2l/100km.

The design of the Golf GTE Sport illustrates how Golf GT models could develop in future. The car's striking silhouette features C-pillars with a unique two-level design.  This C-pillar treatment is not only dynamic from a design standpoint—with the vehicle taking an hourglass shape from front to back—but also functional, as the airstream flows between the two levels and contributes to the aerodynamic downforce and cooling for the rear brakes.

The body of the Golf GTE Sport is largely made of lightweight carbon fibre, following the high-tech example set by other Volkswagen vehicles like the XL1 and the Bugatti Veyron 16.4.


UK insurance companies, not users, to be liable for claims in self-driving cars

                LONDON: Users of self-driving cars will not be responsible for crashes under proposed changes to the Highway Code.

Insurance companies rather than individuals will be liable for claims in those circumstances, the Department for Transport said (DfT).

The update to the Code will make it clear that motorists must be ready to take back control of vehicles when needed.

The DfT also intends to allow drivers to watch television programmes and films on built-in screens while using self-driving cars.

It will still be illegal to use a phone behind the wheel.

These measures - which follow a public consultation - were described as an interim measure by the Government to support the early deployment of self-driving vehicles.

A full regulatory framework is expected to be in place by 2025.

There are no vehicles approved for self-driving on Britain's roads, but the first could be given the go-ahead this year.

The DfT announced in April 2021 it would allow hands-free driving in vehicles with lane-keeping technology on congested motorways.

Existing technology on the market such as cruise control and automatic stop/start is classified as "assistive", meaning users must remain fully in control.

Transport minister Trudy Harrison said updating to the Highway Code will be a "major milestone in our safe introduction of self-driving vehicles", which she claimed will "revolutionise the way we travel, making our future journeys greener, safer and more reliable".

She went on: "This exciting technology is developing at pace right here in Great Britain and we're ensuring we have strong foundations in place for drivers when it takes to our roads.

"In doing so, we can help improve travel for all while boosting economic growth across the nation and securing Britain's place as a global science superpower."

The development of self-driving vehicles could create around 38,000 new jobs in Britain and be worth £41.7 billion to the economy by 2035, according to the DfT.

Steve Gooding, director of motoring research charity the RAC Foundation, said driverless cars "promise a future where death and injury on our roads are cut significantly" but there is likely to be a "long period of transition" while drivers retain "much of the responsibility for what happens".

He stressed the importance of changes to regulations being communicated to drivers.

"Vehicle manufacturers and sellers will have a vital role to play in ensuring their customers fully appreciate the capabilities of the cars they buy and the rules that govern them," he said. — The Press Association


Gracshaw's Japanese edition helmets debut from RM420

Farizan (right) and Double Site Marketing sales division's Ooi Chik Thean at the launch.
KUALA LUMPUR: Double Site Marketing Sdn Bhd has launched six Japanese-inspired edition helmets under its Gracshaw brand.

The company targets to sell 10,000 units of the Gracshaw Gennex Japan Edition helmets which have been priced at RM420 and come in six designs of Kurita, Tsuru, Japop, Tengu, Oda and Karasu.

Buyers will also get an exclusive backpack to make it easy to carry the helmet and protect it.

 Kurita.

The 1.55kg made-in-Malaysia motorcycle helmet was designed in Penang and manufactured in Jitra, Kedah - taking eight months to develop from concept to production.

Available as an open-face double-visor helmet, it was first showcased during the recent Terengganu Bike Week 2023.

 Tsuru.

With plans for export to other Southeast Asian markets in 2024, the helmets are touted to have been crafted based on the needs of riders who have a sense of individuality.

The six designs are categorised into three main themes, namely intriguing folk-tale, exciting pop culture and historical chronicles.

 Tengu.

Under the intriguing folk tale category is the Kurita design which takes its design cues from a popular Japanese fable and highlights the giant octopus - a sea monster sent to recover the sacred jewel stolen from the Palace of the Dragon King by a pearl diver, Princess Tamatori. Other design elements include the katana sword, pearl, waves and flowers.

The Tsuru design features the red-crowned crane, one of the rarest in the world. It is widely regarded as a symbol of luck, longevity and fidelity. In Japan, this crane is known as the tanchozuru and is said to live up to 1,000 years. Cranes are said to grant favours in return for acts of sacrifice, as in Tsuru no Ongaeshi (crane's return of a favour).

 Japop.

Within the Pop Culture category is the Japop design which makes reference to Japanese Anime and Manga-inspired art which includes a combination of traditional elements such as fish, animals with dinosaurs and the ever-popular Astro Boy character.

For an element of mystery, the Tengu design would be preferred. Tengu is a mischievous supernatural being from Japanese folklore that is said to have the ability to control the powers of the wind. With his red face long nose, robes and wings, the Tengu is not to be messed with as he can cause chaos to ensue.

 Oda.

Under the historical chronicles is Oda, a design which pays tribute to the Nobunaga Oda - a fearless Japanese warlord from the Sengoku period and head of the powerful Oda clan who managed to unify all of Japan in the 1560s.

Lastly, Karasu features weapons associated with ninjas such as the shuriken, kunai and kusarigama.

 Karasu.

"We firmly believe that our Japan Edition will capture the imagination of Malaysian riders, many of whom have grown up with Japanese culture and are familiar with the icons, motifs and characters featured," said Double Site Marketing marketing division's Farizan Mohd Akir.

For more information, log on to www.gracshaw.com or to purchase visit https://shop.gracshaw.com or https://shopee.com.my/gracshaw or visit the company's official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/gracshaw.


Honda NSX brings 'Hummingbird' to life - VIDEO

LOS ANGELES: Here's a much more sophisticate art than the one produced by the Alfa Romeo MiTo. Honda has combined its NSX hybrid supercar with advanced GPS visualisation equipment to recreate one of the world's most famous geoglyphs – huge artworks that can be viewed in full only from high altitude.

The amazing "NSX Driving Drawing" – depicting the "Hummingbird" geoglyph in the Nazca Desert in Peru – has been documented in an online video.

The Nazca Lines geoglyphs in Peru, created between 500 B.C. and A.D. 500, are formed from shallow trenches, where the top layer of dark pebbles has been removed to expose a lighter-coloured layer of earth below. Over time, the exposed earth develops a protective layer that shields the drawn lines, preventing distortion or erosion.

While the original "Hummingbird" is 93 metres long, Honda "supersized" the earthwork, with a final design more than 10 times the size, measuring 965 metres end to end. A high-resolution image of the Nazca Lines was used to trace and digitise the Hummingbird, producing a set of GPS co-ordinates accurate to within three metres.

READ MORE:
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The intricate design incorporates more than 30 hairpin turns, so the Honda NSX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) technology was crucial to achieving the precision cornering required to recreate the earthwork. The two electric motors driving the front axle meant the NSX could execute exceptionally tight turns, slowing the inner wheel in sharp corners, while increasing the drive on the outer wheel to accelerate through the hairpin.

Recreating the geoglyph required a huge effort from a joint Japan-US Honda team, using high-accuracy GPS mapping and tracking, as well as a head-mounted display to enable the NSX driver to follow the design precisely. While the car sped along the planned route, its GPS signal was tracked and displayed on a monitor in real time, revealing the giant 601,195 square-metre artwork to the team back at the staging site.

The feat took place on the El Mirage salt flats in California, which became an expansive white canvas for the day, with high-tech drones and camera cranes on hand to capture the event on video.

The NSX gets power from a mid-mounted twin-turbocharged V6 engine, paired with a nine-speed dual clutch transmission and direct drive motor that supplements the engine. Allied to this set up is the front Twin Motor Unit (TMU), with two electric motors capable of independently driving the left and right front wheels.

This powertrain is coupled to Honda’s Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, a first-of-its-kind technology in the supercar arena.


New Goodyear outlet opens in Batu Caves, KL

                KUALA LUMPUR: Saudagar Rim Rawang – better known as SDGR – has partnered with Goodyear Malaysia Berhad to launch its first Goodyear Autocare outlet in Batu Caves.

Located along Jalan Sungai Dua, Batu Caves, this outlet comes equipped with state-of-the-art service bays and comprehensive automotive service kits.

Goodyear Malaysia Berhad managing director Ben Hoge said, “To redefine our customer’s experience, we rolled out the new Goodyear Autocare outlet concept since 2016 that combines impactful visuals, comprehensive products and service offering, and modern outlet design to make the tyre purchasing journey different here in our outlets for today’s discerning customers.

“This is an inaugural partnership between Goodyear and SDGR. It reflects Goodyear’s commitment in offering a competitive advantage for its partners, from the areas of product and knowledge support, wide range of product availability, to services and after-sales support. We always seek ways to support our partners and be a part of their journey as they expand their business with the establishment of more Goodyear Autocare outlets under their belt,” added Ben.

The outlet’s officiating ceremony was graced by Hoge as well as Chee Lip Choon, sales director, Goodyear Malaysia; Mohd Sany Hamzan, member of parliament for Taman Templer; Brigadier General Mislan Anuar; Professor Dr Ibrahim Hashim; as well as Iskandar Zabani and Loh Chee Hoe, co-owners of SDGR.

SDGR not only offers some of the latest Goodyear tires, including the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 and the Goodyear Assurance Triplemax 2, which will be officially launched in November and is the successor of the legendary Goodyear NCT5, but a wide selection of performance rims as well.

Iskandar and Loh, founders of SDGR shared, “After building SDGR as a household brand in the rims industry, we are always looking out for ways to expand our business. We are very excited to have this venture with Goodyear, tapping into their deep product knowledge and business support to expand our presence within the Klang Valley region.”

Goodyear Malaysia will be adding 28 new stores alongside 38 refurbished stores in 2018. This brings the grand total to 66 shops that feature the new Goodyear AutoCare concept.


BMW invests in faster and cheaper 5G rollout

                LOS ANGELES: BMW i Ventures is investing in GenXComm, a company with ground-breaking technology that improves the performance and capacity of communication networks, and aims to significantly increase the speed of global 5G deployment.

“GenXComm is ushering in the next revolution of computing and connectivity,” said Marcus Behrendt, partner, BMW i Ventures. “Autonomous systems, like self-driving cars, are essentially datacenters on wheels, and require fast, low latency connections. GenXComm’s technology will rapidly increase the speed of 5G penetration that is critical for the future of connected vehicles.”

Traditionally, it’s been impossible for electronic devices to transmit and receive data at the same time, on the same frequency, because the intensity of data transmissions drowns out the signal that’s being received.

Therefore, electronic devices are extremely wasteful - they either have to transmit and receive on different frequencies (using twice the spectrum they should) or transmit and receive at different times (using twice the time that they should).

GenXComm has developed new technology that will allow cellular operators to roll out 5G using relays and integrated access that can backhaul their own wireless transmissions without waste.

With the switch to 5G costing global carriers a 60% to 300% increase in infrastructure costs, GenXComm’s technology has the potential to save 5G providers billions of dollars, reducing the cost of implementing 5G by up to 80%.

“Our technology improves performance networks, meaning consumers will have supercharged mobile connections in addition to major cost savings,” said Dr. Sriram Vishwanath, co-founder and CEO of GenXComm.

“We’re looking to use technology to change the world, from cell phones to machine learning capabilities to WiFi, and infinite other use cases.”

5G has become a much-needed advancement in today’s world.

The ability to significantly reduce costs and speed up the continued 5G rollout by introducing full duplex wireless networking capable of maximizing spectrum utilization across all bands will enable the future of telecommunications, including 5G, 6G, and Wi-Fi 6.


AutoFlight achieves world’s longest eVTOL flight with new Gen4 aircraft

                AUGSBURG (Germany): AutoFlight says it has achieved the world’s longest eVTOL (electric Vertical Take Off and Landing) flight in history with distance of 250km on a single charge of the aircraft’s lithium-ion batteries.

The aircraft used in this record flight is the world’s first look at AutoFlight’s newest Generation 4 model, which was penned by legendary car designer Frank Stephenson.

Stephenson’s vehicle design portfolio includes iconic successes from brands including Ferrari, Maserati, McLaren, MINI and now AutoFlight.

The previous longest flight for an eVTOL was 248km set by Joby Aviation in 2021

The flight, which took place at AutoFlight’s eVTOL testing facility on Feb 23, consisted of 20 circuits on a predefined flight track, with the plane remotely piloted from the ground by AutoFlight’s flight test team.

The flight is recognised as the longest fully electric aircraft flight in history, where the aircraft both takes off and lands vertically.

This long-range test flight is a key milestone in the development of the Prosperity I aircraft, as it undergoes continued testing towards the company’s goal of airworthiness certification in 2025 with EASA.

AutoFlight’s Prosperity aircraft is a state-of-the-art electric aircraft that uses rotors to lift the aircraft vertically for takeoff, then transitions to horizontal flight on the wing (like a traditional airplane).

The aircraft is capable of speeds in excess of 200kph, over a range greater than 250km. AutoFlight is one of only a few eVTOL OEM’s to have mastered the challenging "transition phase" from vertical to horizontal flight and have done so hundreds of times, clocking thousands of flight miles on multiple iterations of their aircraft.


Honda City Hatchback V-SENSING variant launched at RM91,700

                PETALING JAYA: Honda Malaysia has introduced a new City Hatchback V-SENSING variant that gets the Honda SENSING suite of smart driving features.

The new variant comes with on-the-road without insurance inclusive of sales tax exemption price of RM91,708.

The V-SENSING variant is based on the V variant that is priced at RM87,860 or some RM3,800 cheaper.

The V-SENSING is also the second City Hatchback variant after the e:HEV RS variant to get Honda SENSING array of advanced equipment.

Honda Malaysia had launched the City V-SENSING in November last year and the variant has accounted for 34% of the sedan's sales in the first quarter of the year.

The Honda SENSING package includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Auto High Beam (AHB).

In addition, the V-SENSING's instrument panel has also been upgraded to a 7-inch Interactive Thin Film Transistor (TFT) type.

The V-SENSING is powered by a 1.5-litre DOHC i–VTEC engine delivering a top-of-its-class 121PS and 145Nm of torque coupled with Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) for a balance of fun-to-drive experience and fuel efficiency.

Other key features include the multi-configurable ULTRA seats, leather upholstery, LED Headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), LED Front Fog Lights, Tailgate Spoiler, LED Taillights, 16-inch alloy wheels and an 8-inch Display Audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Safety features include Honda LaneWatch camera, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Rear Seat ISOFIX I-SIZE Type, Rear Seatbelt Reminder and six airbags.

Honda Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer Hironobu Yoshimura said the Honda SENSING system has been well-received by Honda customers.

“For the first quarter of 2022, the City V-SENSING contributed 34% to the total City sales, which shows a positive trend for this variant and also the recognition of Honda SENSING, our advanced safety technology.

“We are now excited to introduce the V-SENSING variant to the all-new City Hatchback. We believe that with two City Hatchback variants now available with Honda SENSING, it will further add value for our customers while raising the benchmark in the segment,” he said.


Hyundai's first concept showroom opens in Gurney Paragon Mall, Penang

                PETALING JAYA: Hyundai’s first concept showroom, the Hyundai Penang City Store, has recently opened in Gurney Paragon Mall, Penang to provide greater accessibility and a new lifestyle shopping experience for customers.

The Hyundai Penang City Store is inviting ambiance with its modern and chic interior design as well as a
digitalised interactive wall.

In addition to displaying the latest Hyundai models, the new showroom also offers digitalised service for the public to experience the “look and feel” of their desired cars using a car configurator.

With this innovative car configurator, customers will have the virtual experience of personalising their cars
according to the colour of their choice.

Unlike conventional car showrooms, the Hyundai Penang City Store has more self-service options with an interactive screen and a Hyundai Collection merchandise area that offers wider selection of Hyundai collectables.

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors managing director Low Yuan Lung said the Korean brand is revolutionising the way cars are sold by engaging customers in a more personal manner.

“We believe that the public will be drawn to a more relaxed and cozier environment. They can check out our latest models and shop for their favourite merchandise at ease,” Low said.

By opening the concept showroom in a mall where footfall is higher, Low said this would help to elevate brand awareness for Hyundai and ultimately drive sales.

An AC charging station has also been installed on Basement 2 of Gurney Paragon Mall for the convenience of Hyundai electric vehicle owners who frequent the mall.

The charging station operates daily during the mall operation hours from 10am to 10pm.

Customers who purchase their cars from this 1S centre will be supported by Sime Darby Auto Hyundai’s full-fledged service centre, located nearby at Jalan Sungai Pinang for all their service and repair needs.

Apart from offering the usual preventive maintenance service, other services offered at the full-fledged service centre also include air-conditioning service, body and paint restoration, collision repair and insurance claim as well as vehicle insurance renewal.

For the comfort and convenience of customers, this service centre also comes with a customer lounge that is equipped with Wi-Fi and a refreshments corner.

Quick Service is also offered to customers who require basic servicing for their cars.

Those who are interested to find out more or have any other enquiries related to Hyundai’s products, may
contact Hyundai at 1300-13-2000 or log on to www.hyundai.com.my.


Don't clean wiper blades, just clean the windscreen, expert says

                MUNICH: When preparing their car for adverse weather conditions, drivers shouldn't clean the rubber of 21st-century windscreen wiper blades with cloths or with anything else, an expert says.

"Any cleaning of the rubber lips peels away the graphite layer along the wipers, whether it's wet or dry, whether using glass cleaner or just water," explains Jochen Oesterle of a major automobile club, ADAC.

This graphite layer ensures that the wipers glide across the windscreen steadily, cleanly and smoothly.

"If this layer is removed, the wiper blades will begin to rub and cause streaking." This, in turn, affects visibility and also shortens the wipers' lifespan. "Under normal circumstances, dirt will not stick to the rubber itself," says Oesterle.

However, the windscreen itself should always be clean and free of insect remains. The latter increase abrasion and wear on the wiper, and can be dealt with easily and efficiently with the same automotive glass cleaning fluid you load into the window washer tank.


First all-new electric TX taxi from the London EV Company handed over

Harris with his new LEVC TX electric taxi
LONDON: All-electric taxis might be pretty thin on the ground at the moment, but it might not be too long until they become commonplace. And this week was a landmark day for the electric taxi cause as the very first example of the all-new electric TX taxi from the London EV Company (LEVC) was handed over to a very eager and excited driver.

The driver in question was 49 year-old David Harris from Chingford in north East London, and he's been a driver of the UK capital's iconic black cabs for 21 years. Harris was one of the first of his ilk to be forward-thinking enough to put down a deposit for one of the new electric taxis when the order books were originally opened back in the summer of last year.

Before embarking on a career as a black cab driver, Harris was actually a professional tennis player who would spend something like 40 weeks of the year traveling around the world. Now he spends his working hours touring the streets of London, but in the new TX he will be doing so in pretty unrivalled comfort.

It will also be the same for passengers as the new TX boasts the likes of class-leading wheelchair accessibility, on-board Wi-Fi, phone/laptop charging, a very spacious six-seat cabin, wide opening rear hinged doors, contactless card machines, and even a panoramic roof.

The TX is currently the world's cleanest and most advanced taxi ever, and claims to offer zero emissions operation thanks to eCity technology. eCity technology comprised an advanced battery electric powertrain with a small range-extending petrol generator as a back-up, which then offers a total range of up to 643km, including as much as 128km of pure electric driving.

Harris said of his new workplace, "I'm absolutely delighted to get the keys to my new TX electric taxi, and there are two reasons I bought the cab. First, I can't wait to see the response from passengers. I know that they're going to love it. And second, I'm going to see some a significant saving on running the electric taxi. Even though I can't charge the vehicle at home, I should be able to charge the cab once a day at Heathrow. Combined with lower servicing and overall running costs, this means I should end up £500-£600 (up to RM3,300) a month better off before I even go out to work."


British owner gets first UK Steeda Steve McQueen Limited Edition Bullitt Mustang

                LONDON: Over 50 years since the original film was aired, Bullitt has now become a legendary movie starring Steve McQueen and an iconic Ford – the Mustang Fastback.

Playing homage to such a well-known film star car, the world’s largest aftermarket Ford tuners Steeda partnered with Chad McQueen, Steve McQueen’s son, to reinterpret the Bullitt Mustang for the modern era, creating the Steeda Steve McQueen Limited Edition Bullitt Mustang.

It is priced from £26,000 (RM142,000) plus donor vehicle.

Now, the first British customer has taken delivery from Steeda’s latest and preferred dealer, Sandicliffe Ford.

Produced to celebrate the Bullitt film, its star, Steve McQueen, and the iconic Ford Mustang, just 300 Steeda Steve McQueen Limited Edition Bullitt Mustangs will be made globally, with less than 100 still available.

Based on the MY2018+ S550 Ford Mustang Bullitt Edition, and built with the sole intention to match the original formula of being understated yet performance-focused, Steeda has substantially revised the Mustang.

The first UK customer order, the sixth car sold in Europe, and the second fitted with a supercharger, has just been delivered to its owner, complete with a range of Steeda-packaged power, suspension and driver-centric performance upgrades.

Under the bonnet, the first UK car features a supercharged 720hp Stage One Bullitt upgrade; adding a 3.0-litre custom and coloured-coded Whipple twin screw supercharger, and 10 rib belt pulley system to the original 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8 engine. It is also fitted with Ford Performance 1500 hp-rated half shaft axles, which are standard fit for all cars fitted with a supercharger kit.

All Steeda Steve McQueen Limited Edition Bullitt Mustangs feature substantially revised suspension upgrades, derived from over 30 years of developing Ford Mustangs.

Its "Stop the Hop" package comprises the Steeda IRS alignment and subframe bushing system, IRS subframe braces, vertical links and rear adjustable toe links.

By stiffening and aligning the rear subframe, the set up minimises IRS frame movement and wheel hop that impacts this generation of Ford Mustang.

With billet steel bushing sleeves and spacers, deflection is reduced crucially without compromising NVH. The overall result is increased traction to the rear wheels, straighter launches off the line and a noticeable gain in overall vehicle handling.

Making the most of the Ford MagneRide dampers, Steeda has opted for its latest, track-proven, Dual Rate Ultimate Performance springs that offer comfort on the road whilst still providing increased roll control and reduced nosedive on circuit.

All cars also receive Steeda’s Tri-Ax shifter, which is machined from billet and delivers a 30 per cent shorter throw and more precise gear shifting action.

While the main focus has been on the engine, drivability and performance upgrades to transform the driving experience, Steeda has introduced a number of restrained and subtle visual upgrades that enhance the understated, cool stance.

These include a new aggressive front bumper, Steeda’s 10” and 11” wide 20” wheel design in gunmetal and a polished finish - exclusive to the Steve McQueen Edition Bullitt. These are fitted with 275/35/20 and 305/35/20 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, providing a larger contact patch than the 255 and 275 OEM fitment and cope with the extra power and handling prowess, as well as adding to the aggressive stance and muscular look.

Finishing touches inside include subtle McQueen badging inside and out and the convenience of gas bonnet struts. Owners also receive a letter of vehicle authenticity, an exclusive Steve McQueen Edition baseball cap, key fob, as well as a signed and numbered Steve McQueen Edition Bullitt print by Camilo Pardo.

For those seeking more, Steeda has created a list of desirable options that can be fitted at any time. These include a Stage Two 800hp supercharger kit, green Alcantara wheel, 3.1kg lighter and free flowing H Pipe exhaust designed to specifically accentuate the classic V8 rumble, plus the option to delete the rear seats and add a colour-coded half roll cage with embroidered harness belts.

After having the Steve McQueen Limited Edition Bullitt Mustang appear alongside the reveal of the 2021 Mach 1 Mustang at this year’s Goodwood SpeedWeek, Steeda has confirmed it is already preparing performance aftermarket parts for the Mach 1, which will be offered by Steeda in the UK and Auto IN in Europe next year.


BYD Atto 3 warranty period cut is early setback to overseas ambitions

                HONG KONG: Expectant owners of BYD Co. electric cars in Australia recently discovered they won’t get the warranty they were promised, triggering an outcry and a 1,660-word response from its under-fire local distributor.

The row between EV Direct, BYD’s exclusive distributor in Australia, and prospective buyers is a setback for China’s biggest electric-car maker and its efforts to become a global brand.

This was already going to be a tall order for the Berkshire Hathaway Inc.-backed company, whose vehicles are little known outside China.

The dissatisfaction of would-be customers in Australia has spurred a Change.org petition that’s garnered some 1,400 signatures.

Here’s what happened: EV Direct offered customers a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty for their Atto 3 crossovers, then unilaterally changed terms before customers took delivery.

The warranty has been cut to six years and 150,000km, with some components covered for shorter periods.

EV Direct has tried to convince customers the warranty has changed for the better, noting it will provide “a best-in-class eight-year warranty on the most valuable part of the BYD product — the LFP blade battery.”

Buyers in Hong Kong and New Zealand, however, still get a full six years on the complete car. EV Direct referred requests for further comment to BYD.

The tinkering with small print has soured the deal for several prospective buyers, including PK Saxena, who featured in a Bloomberg Businessweek story in July.

He spoke back then about how keen he was to get behind the wheel of a BYD. He’s now cancelled his order.

As BYD is quickly finding out, charting an expansion is one thing, and executing that plan is another — whether one chooses to go it alone or appoint a local partner.

The automaker has a lot of markets where it’s going to have to make those calls, as it’s set its sights on countries from Germany to Thailand.

Other much smaller Chinese carmakers including Nio Inc. and Xpeng Inc. also are looking to make inroads abroad. Many have primarily targeted northern Europe early on, with Norway being a popular initial market.

The warranty dust-up isn’t big enough to be fatal to BYD in Australia, but it’s a cautionary tale nonetheless.

It also highlights the varying expectations and cultural challenges that moving into new markets entails.

Back home, BYD’s cars are known for their high-tech features. Translating that to a non-Chinese audience isn’t going to be easy, especially if the company distributing its vehicles suddenly gets cold feet about covering issues with the infotainment for as long as initially promised.

Name recognition is another issue.

Take the Atto 3, for example. This model sells as the Yuan in China and is hugely popular there. Tesla Inc. hasn’t felt the need to change up what it calls its cars across different markets. BYD deciding that it needs to indicates a lack of familiarity with the nameplate overseas.

It’s still the early days of BYD building its presence abroad. Last week, the company signed a land-purchase deal in Thailand to construct its first EV plant in Southeast Asia, building on a partnership with local distributor Rever Automotive.

In August, it highlighted Cambodia and Denmark as the latest nations in its global push, on top of Japan, Sweden and Israel.

While it still has a lot to prove, BYD has the resources to get traction outside China.

Net income in the six months through June tripled from a year earlier as revenue jumped almost 70%. It’s reached the scale where earnings back home are plentiful enough to support big ambitions elsewhere.


Aussie gets new Honda NSX with VIN '001'

                MELBOURNE: Honda Australia, in conjunction with Melbourne metropolitan Honda dealer, Yarra Honda, has delivered the first NSX hybrid supercar to an Australian customer.

The second-generation Honda NSX has gone to Melbourne supercar enthusiast and long-time Honda fan, Allen Cheng - now the first official owner in Australia to secure the prized VIN ‘001’ for the local market. It even trumps Honda Australia’s own NSX demonstration vehicle - VIN ‘002’.

“The new Honda NSX is so much more exclusive than many European supercars on the market. As soon as its return was announced, I made sure I was on the waiting list straight away,” said Cheng who is now the founding member of the second-generation NSX owners in Australia.

Cheng is currently an owner of more than 10 Honda models over the last few years which includes a Civic Type R, Integra Type R, S2000 convertible and an Odyssey VTi-L.

During the handover ceremony, he was presented with a framed letter of congratulations and a 1:18 scale model of the car, finished in matching brilliant white paintwork.


Pledge safety this Ramadan with Volvo Car Malaysia

                PETALING JAYA: The holy month of Ramadan sees Volvo Car Malaysia pledging its support for social distancing via an online pledge campaign, to further reinforce the government’s mandated Movement Control Order (MCO).

Through the Ramadan Safe Pledge campaign, Volvo Car Malaysia will reward Malaysians who pledge to maintain social distancing with RM10 GrabFood vouchers.

The campaign runs from May 4 to May 23, 2020, from 10am to 3pm daily, and will be hosted on Volvo Ramadan Safe Pledge Campaign microsite, with the pledge being posted by participants on Instagram.

For a period of 20 days, Volvo Car Malaysia will give out 10,000 vouchers worth RM100,000.

To participate all you need to do is demonstrate solidarity by reposting on Instagram, one of five different images found on the Volvo Ramadan Safe Pledge Campaign microsite.

Alternatively, the pledge can be done directly through Volvo Car Malaysia’s Instagram page by clicking on the link in the bio or through its Instagram Stories.

All postings will need to tag @VolvoCarMalaysia, accompanied by the hashtag #MYVolvoSafePledge.

The vouchers will be emailed directly to successful participants via the email address used to sign the pledge. Each voucher has a validity of six months and successful participants are selected daily, on a “first-pledge-first-repost” basis.

Every Instagram account can only participate once. Volvo Car Malaysia will select the first 500 entries per day, and throughout the 20-day campaign period, will give out 10,000 vouchers.

Nalin Jain, Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia said: “The Ramadan Safe Pledge campaign provides a platform for Malaysians to reinforce their ‘stay at home’ commitment. Each chosen pledge will be rewarded with a voucher.

"We hope that the daily 500 vouchers we give out will enable as many individuals as possible to purchase necessities such as food and groceries, from the safety of their homes. This campaign truly echoes our ethos and enables us to humbly contribute to the community. We also would like to take this opportunity to wish our Muslim brothers and sisters a blessed Ramadan.”

In conjunction with Hari Raya, Volvo Car Malaysia will be rolling out special offers from now to June 30, 2020. Volvo Car Malaysia is offering a five-year maintenance service package (VSA5+) for new owners and all car models.

Also, Volvo Car Malaysia will be giving Recharge package for selected models worth up to RM30,888 and a Hager Wallbox for selected PHEV variants worth up to RM8,000. In addition, any bookings done online will receive a complimentary Polestar Optimisation package worth RM5,250.


Dashcam proves its worth in this incident

Caught in the act. The dashcam from a following car showed the moment the accident happened.
KUALA KUBU BARU: The driver of the Ford Ranger who was captured on dashcam driving recklessly and hitting a motorcyclist along the Kuala Lumpur-Seremban Highway has been arrested.

The man claims he was in a rush.

Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Noor Azam Jamaludin said the driver was arrested after he surrendered at the Section 11 Police Station in Shah Alam on Monday (Jan 20) evening.

The motorcyclist was thrown off his bike upon impact but suffered minor injuries.

"Initial investigations revealed the driver, in his 30s, was on his way to meet with some friends in Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan.

"He claims he was in a hurry," Comm Azam told reporters after witnessing the handing over ceremony for the Hulu Selangor OCPD at the district police headquarters here on Tuesday (Jan 21).

He said the driver has been remanded for three days to help with further investigations.

"The driver tested negative for alcohol and drugs.

"In this instance, the dashboard camera (dashcam) footage has helped us with our investigation.

“We need the driver of the vehicle that recorded the footage to come forward and assist in our investigation," he said.

Meanwhile, Selangor Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department chief Supt Azman Shariat said dashcams were good gadgets to have in vehicles.

"These dashcams can help us in our investigations in crime and accident cases.

"Motorists should, however, make sure to buy dashcams that record in high resolution so that it clearly records details such as number plates," he said.


Hyundai Motor to accelerate EV push for growth

                SEOUL: South Korea's Hyundai Motor Group said Tuesday it will accelerate a wider transition to electric vehicles (EV) this year as it aims to morph into a future mobility solutions provider reported Yonhap.

In his meeting for the new year with employees, the group's executive chair Euisun Chung said the company will gain a bigger share in the global EV market and generate a new growth driver in autonomous driving, future mobility and robotics in 2023.

"The company will make an aggressive investment to hire proven talents in new-growth business sectors and develop new technologies to become the first mover that leads the future mobility market," he said in a statement.

Last year, Hyundai Motor Co's Ioniq 5 won the 2022 World Car of the Year and Kia Corp's EV6 was named the 2022 European Car of the Year. It marked the beginning of the group's "successful" shift to electrification, he said.

The Ioniq 5 and the EV6 are equipped with the Korean automotive group's EV-dedicated platform called E-GMP.

In autonomous driving, the group plans to launch a Level 3 car, which allows lane changes and other autonomous driving functions to work without intervention from the driver in the domestic market this year.

In the first half, Hyundai Motor Group said it will introduce the Level 3 Genesis G90 and the Kia EV9 autonomous driving models, while planning to commercialise the Level 4 Ioniq 5-based robo taxi services in the United States through Motional, a joint venture set up between Hyundai Motor and the US mobility startup Aptiv.

At Level 4, a vehicle can drive itself under limited conditions and will not operate if all required conditions are not satisfied. At Level 5, a vehicle's automated driving features can drive under any conditions.

The group plans to begin launching most of its new vehicles as "software defined vehicles" (SDVs) in global markets in 2025 and aims to regularly update the performance and function of all vehicles to be sold globally in the same year.

As for business environments, the executive chair said the lingering impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, rising interest rates and prices, volatile exchange rates and geopolitical risks, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, remain major worries for carmakers.

Hyundai and Kia have set a combined sales goal of 7.52 million units in 2023, up 9.8 per cent from 6.85 million units they sold last year.

Hyundai and Kia aim to sell 4.32 million autos and 3.2 million units, respectively, in global markets this year.


Germany's car industry shows signs of recovery, says Ifo

                BERLIN: Germany’s car industry has seen demand picking up after coronavirus-related restrictions were eased and auto industry exports are expected to rise, a survey published by the Ifo economic institute today showed.

Business expectations, demand and order books all improved last month, Ifo said, but it cautioned that the survey’s indicator for the current business situation was still negative in July.

Volkswagen and Daimler have said customers have returned to showrooms after corona lockdowns eased, resulting in a gradual rebound in demand in Europe and China.


Vintage Mercedes  300 SLR Uhlenhaut fetches record €135mil at auction

                STUTTGART: A 1955 Mercedes-Benz, one of only two of its kind, was auctioned off earlier this month for a whopping €135 million (RM627mil), making it the most expensive car ever sold, RM Sotheby's announced.

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut was sold to a private collector, the classic car auction company said in a statement, fetching almost triple the previous record price for a car, which was set in 2018 by a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO that went for over US$48 million (RM211mil).

The invitation-only auction took place on May 5 at the Mercedes-Benz Museum here, the auction house said, adding that the vehicle's high price places it in the "top 10 most valuable items ever sold at auction in any collecting category".

According to an AFP ranking of artworks sold at auction in recent years, the 300 SLR ranks sixth or seventh, with the all-time record being held by Leonardo da Vinci's "Salvator Mundi", which sold in November 2017 for US$450.3 million (RM1.9bil).

Next is "Shot Sage Blue Marilyn" by Andy Warhol, which also sold this month for US$195 million (RM858mil).

The car is one of just two prototypes built by the Mercedes-Benz racing department and is named after its creator and chief engineer, Rudolf Uhlenhaut, according to RM Sotheby's.

"The private buyer has agreed that the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe will remain accessible for public display on special occasions, while the second original 300 SLR Coupe remains in company ownership and will continue to be displayed at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart," the auction company added.

According to RM Sotheby's and press reports, the 300 SLR, recognisable by its unusual lines and butterfly doors, was modelled on the W196 R Grand Prix race car, which won two Formula 1 world championships in 1954 and 1955 with Italian Juan Manuel Fangio in the driver's seat.

But in June 1955, tragedy struck the Mercedes-Benz team, when at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, a crash of one of its 300 SLR vehicles killed French driver Pierre Levegh and 83 spectators.

That tragedy — the deadliest in the history of motor racing — forced the company to withdraw from the sport for years.

RM Sotheby's said the proceeds from the auction will be used to establish a worldwide Mercedes-Benz Fund that will fund environmental science and decarbonisation research.

 Uhlenhaut with his creation.


Jaguar I-PACE arrives, two versions from RM461K

                PETALING JAYA: Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia today officially launched the Jaguar I-PACE, Jaguar’s first premium all-electric performance sports utility vehicle (SUV).

With two Jaguar-designed electric motors at each axle, producing 400PS and 696Nm, aluminium construction and a low centre of gravity, the I-PACE offers all-wheel drive performance, refinement, luxury and agility.

Equipped with a 90kWh battery, the I-PACE has a certified Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) range of up to 470km.

Customers can enjoy significantly faster charging when connected to an 11kW wall box, as it can achieve 53km of WLTP range per hour, and a full charge from empty-to-full takes 8.6 hours, making it ideal for overnight charging at home.

The I-PACE can accelerate from zero to 100 kph in 4.8 seconds and a 400m sprint in 12.4 seconds. It has a wading depth rating of 500mm and comes with an air suspension.

The interior is integrated with innovative technology, including the latest Pivi Pro infotainment system which is powered by a state-of-the-art processor providing fast start-up.

On the dashboard, drivers are greeted with a 12.3-inch high-definition virtual instrument cluster, 10-inch and 5-inch upper and lower touchscreens featuring multi-function haptic rotary controllers alongside crisp and clean graphics.

The all-new Jaguar I-PACE will be available in two variants, priced from RM460,800 for the Black LE and RM498,800 for the HSE, with a comprehensive warranty coverage period of 5 years or 150,000km, whichever comes first, and 3 years of roadside assistance.

It also includes complimentary servicing for up to 5 years or 102,000km as well as a Battery Electric Vehicle traction battery warranty of up to 8 years or 160,000km, whichever comes first.

Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia is also giving away a free RM1,000 credit on their DC GoToU app for orders collected during the launch period until May 28, enabling users to easily view charging locations along their drives.

The I-PACE has won more than 80 awards globally, including "World Car of the Year", "World Car Design of the Year" and "World Green Car".

Bookings can be made at Jaguar showrooms at Ara Damansara here and Penang.

Interested customers can register at www.jaguar.com.my/i-pace-viewing-registration-form and are invited to view the SUV from March 29, at Jaguar Land Rover, Sime Darby Motors City, No. 6, Jalan PJU 1A/7, Ara Damansara, 47301 Petaling Jaya.

Alternatively, they can contact the sales team at +603-7651 2000 (Ara Damansara) or +604-226 2279 (Penang), or visit www.jaguar.com.my/ for more information.

> FACT SHEET Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia managing director Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz at the launch today.


Ducati posts second half 2020 rebound to reduce delivery gap

                BOLOGNA: Ducati Motor Holding concluded 2020 with a record second half despite the global pandemic situation and a seven-week halt in production right at the peak period of the season that heavily impacted the first six months.

From July to December, Ducati was able to deliver a total of 48,042 bikes in 2020, representing only a drop of 9.7% compared with the corresponding period of 2019.

The company said the overal deliveries in 2020 was a significant result if the impact of the pandemic and the forced closure of the Ducati factory between March and April were taken into consideration.

It also said Ducati's growth trend that has characterised the brand in recent years in China continues, with 4,041 motorcycles sold (+26%), and the country is now its fourth largest market.

Other sales growth were also recorded in Germany, with 5,490 units (+6.7%), and in Switzerland (+11.1%).

Italy is Ducati's largest market with 7,100 units.

Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali said 2020 was a complex year in many ways and a whole new challenge for everyone in the world.

"Inevitably, it ended in a different way than we would have liked, but Ducati was able to make the most of the recovery trend of the two-wheel market that began in June, achieving an excellent second half of the year with a result that was better than we had expected back in March.

"By redefining working methods and processes we managed to maintain the safety of our employees, to stay close to the fans and to consolidate the Ducati brand in the world by growing in some markets such as China," he said.

On another note, Domenicali said Ducati won the Constructors' World Title in MotoGP for the second time in its history.

In 2020, Ducati also continued the strengthening the sales network, the opening of the new Australian subsidiary and the start of production of one-off limited series such as the Superleggera V4 and the Diavel 1260 Lamborghini.

 Streetfighter V4 S.

The Streetfighter V4 was the best-selling model with 5,730 units while the Scrambler was the best-selling family with 9,265 bikes.

The positive trend that distinguished the end of 2020 allows a solid Ducati to look to the future with optimism and confidence.

For 2021, Ducati's product range will be more complete than ever, and the interest of enthusiasts was immediately reflected in an order portfolio that is the largest ever observed at the beginning of the year.

The first deliveries of the Multistrada V4, the first motorcycle in the world equipped with front and rear radar, has already begun.

In the coming months, Ducati dealers will also receive the other new bikes of the 2021 Model Year, including the Panigale V4 SP, the SuperSport 950, the Monster and the Ducati Scrambler Night Shift.

“We are starting 2021 with the certainty that we have an increasingly complete range that is careful to meet the needs of different types of motorcyclist," said Domenicali.


Continental TechShow 2019: PreviewESC automatic braking and Power Electronics for EVs

                HANOVER, Germany: There were lots of driving fun and smoking tyres at the recent Continental TechShow 2019, held at the ADAC driving safety centre in Hanover, Germany.

The technology company highlighted many of its innovations under the tagline of “Mobility is the Heartbeat of Life.”

While Continental AG is renowned as among the largest global tyre manufacturers, the technology company is also a leading automotive supplier for tyre and brake technology, vehicle dynamic control, as well as electronic and sensor systems.

 An Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce saloon demonstrated the reliability of Continental's automatic PreviewESC braking function. PreviewESC anticipatory automatic braking

With the PreviewESC braking function combined with eHorizon road data processing in the cloud, brakes can  be automatically applied to adjust the vehicle speed if the car is traveling too quickly to safely negotiate an upcoming bend.

This is a predictive stability control system that warns the driver before a curve in the road if the vehicle is traveling too fast and automatically brakes, if necessary.

This works by using the cloud-based eHorizon system which processes the data collected from a vehicle fleet with the aid of artificial intelligence, to detect road objects and predict arising hazardous situations.

Thanks to matched sensors, data processing, and assistance systems, the car can anticipate what to expect from the bends and road surface conditions ahead.

Thus, road data is supplied by eHorizon, and PreviewESC compares this with the current vehicle speed to determine whether the vehicle is, for example, traveling too fast to make it safely around the next bend.

“PreviewESC provides support in situations in which the driver is approaching the bend too quickly, whether because it’s a blind bend, the driver is distracted, or he or she misjudged the road surface conditions,” said Jakov Sprljan, technical project manager for PreviewESC at Continental.

At the ADAC training centre, a powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce saloon fitted with Q4 all-wheel drive and Continental PremiumContact 6 tyres sized 225/50 R17, successfully demonstrated the reliability of the automatic PreviewESC braking function on a water-filled track.

 Continental's PreviewESC braking function can save lives by automatic intervention before hitting slippery bends. High power electronics for E-Mobility

Continental also showcased its new-generation power electronics which is crucial for delivering outstanding driving performance in electric cars.

When it comes to electric vehicles, the focus is mainly on the electric motor and battery.

However, there is another vitally important key component, namely the power electronics – a mini computer that manages the interaction between motor and battery or, in other words, the “brain” of the electric drive system.

This power electronics with a new kind of microchip technology enabling currents of up to 650 amps – a first in the automotive industry - is already in series production for the powerful all-electric crossover Jaguar I-Pace EV400.

The I-Pace has plenty of muscle with 400ps and 696Nm of torque, and a 90 kWh lithium-ion battery, and can travel up to 470km on a full charge.

“Over decades, Continental has built up electronic expertise into one of the company’s core competencies. This is now bearing fruit, because the overwhelming majority of mobility innovations are based on electronic components,” said Andreas Wolf, CEO of Continental’s  powertrain business.

 The all-electric crossover Jaguar I-Pace uses Continental's high power electronics.


Proton X70 SUVs complete Hangzhou mission; Geely Bin Yue aka Proton X50 a highlight

                PRIDE of vehicle ownership stems from various sources; the long-standing reputation of a brand in making reliable and comfortable vehicles, a marque that subscribes to exclusive tastes or outrageous performance, or simply in awe of a fast-growing entity that seems sound in its development approach.

The final criterion is best subscribed to by Dr Ling Tung King who organised the Proton X70 13,000km-plus and 33-day round-trip drive from the Klang Valley to Hangzhou in China, via Thailand and a short 200km plus route through Laos.

As a person who had participated in and organised marathon drives to explore places mostly in China over the last 10 years, he noticed the Geely brand during one of those adventures and was impressed by how it had grown over the years into a major player on the world automotive platform.

 Geely headquarters in Hangzhou

When Proton came into a partnership with Geely and the X70 SUV (sports utility vehicle) was introduced, he bought not one but two X70s to add to his growing fleet of personal-cum-professional use vehicles; he is involved in the veterinary services.

We met up during a visit to Geely’s Experience Centre within the premises of Geely’s headquarters in Hangzhou where the entourage of nine Proton X70 SUVs were assembled and the drive tour participants given an insight into Geely Auto.

Needless to say, the Geely Bin Yue, a smaller SUV model, which was put on display in the Geely Experience Centre drew much attention as the participants oohed at the vehicle while getting a firsthand feel of the compact SUV in addition to the selfies and wefies being taken.

It’s an open secret that the Bin Yue would eventually assume the guise of the Proton X50 as a ‘prototype’ vehicle is already being put through its paces on Malaysian roads.

 Geely Bin Yue

Dr Ling, who is 62, takes pride in the fact that it took him under three months to organise this marathon drive event, of which 25 days are spent motoring through various townships and tourist places in the southern part of China.

The general feedback from the participants was generally positive regarding the smooth and comfortable ride and the low fuel highway consumption of under 8l/100km (about 12.5km/l).

The second feature was important as the participants have to pay for fuel and toll, although Proton as a part sponsor has provided a RM1,000 petrol allowance per vehicle, among other support.

Apparently, Proton has also been planning a marathon drive involving the X70 for quite some time but decided to ride on this event to Hangzhou.

It appears that such marathon drives are beginning to catch the imagination of other car brands, including Perodua, which organised an event for Aruz owners to motor from Kuching to Tawau over a 1,500km route.

 Geely Bin Yue

Many would be surprised though that such marathons actually go back many years, to the year that the Proton Saga was first introduced to the market in 1985 (Geely started making cars in 1998 although it started in 1986 with making refrigerator parts and components).

We were part of that 1985 adventure, which was dubbed the Sabah-Sarawak Sagathon to pun on the first Proton car model’s name.

The route back then (we relied on a general map and rally route guide) was more than 40% dirt tracks in timber trails, estate roads and overgrown patches linking remote villages.

The Sagas were shod with normal road tyres and we covered the 1,200km plus journey from Kota Kinabalu to Kuching over two days, with a night stopover in Miri.

What we remembered most about the 1985 event was flying to Kota Kinabalu in an army Hercules plane as we accompanied the Raja Muda of Selangor (now the current Sultan) and his Saga, painted in Selangor flag colours of yellow and red.

 Geely Jia Ji MPV

We also had a little excursion during the off-road drive by ramming into a mound of earth while following blindly in the dust trail of the Raja Muda’s Saga.

Coming back to the present day, our visit to Geely was a bit underwhelming although we sort of expected it to be so.

Having visited the premises of many long established car makers in Japan and Europe, the Geely Experience Centre was a place you could cover in mere minutes while we could barely cover half the place for the other brands.

Given that scenario, credit should still be accorded to Geely for its tremendous effort to build itself as a credible player in the global automotive market.

It bought Volvo of Sweden, a car maker rich with history and achievements, and turned it into a profitable company with a strong range of vehicles as well as the iconic London taxi and shares in Daimler.

The enthusiasm and positive vibes were effervescent among the media team members we met, including Victor Yang, vice-president of public relations Geely Group.

 Geely Bo Rui GE

During the interview, he was very hands-on about Geely, the directions it is going and how it has to react to the ever-changing whims of the market, both China and elsewhere.

Just as Geely has helped Volvo turned around in under 10 years, he foresees Geely having a similar target with Proton such as producing a million cars at the end of a similar period.

Lotus is a more specialised product but he believes it still needs economy of scale to gain profitability and a firmer foothold in the automotive industry.

A design centre is set up in the UK, a research and development facility is in Germany and a state-of-the-art manufacturing centre for Lotus is planned for China.

While Geely is setting its sights on China and US as the main markets for Lotus, he says there is generally a need to move fast to meet consumer demand especially in introducing new and green technology that the younger customers are ready to embrace.

He gave an example of consumer demand in China; the buying trend for SUVs had been increasingly strong till 2018 when the demand for cars was slightly higher.

This was due to the fact that the market was warming up significantly to electric vehicles (EVs) and most of the EV range comprises cars as they were lighter to power on electricity.

Geely responded by introducing a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) car (Bo Rui GE) as well as an SUV PHEV and an electric car is well in the pipeline.

It already has its first electric SUV, Emgrand GSE, with a range of 430km and an MPV (multipurpose vehicle) PHEV in the Jia Ji, which is hailed as the first hybrid MPV in China.

 A London Taxi displayed at Geely’s Experience Centre

On a global scale, Geely aims to be among the top 10 automotive makers by volume; in 2018, the Group produced 2.2 million vehicles and the lowest ranked brand among the top 10 sold 3.3 million units; as such the goal is within reach.

Geely’s success is driven by the belief that it could make cars cheaper (30-40%) against established brands without sacrificing quality and technology.

It has five research and development facilities worldwide and more than 15,000 engineers; as a carmaker driven by technology and the will to succeed, Geely is just embarking on the journey to be a world class player and its cars would continue to fuel pride of

ownership for many customers to come.


Survey shows increase in German drivers who want a petrol-powered car

                DUSSELDORF: Despite a strong push from environmental activists for zero-emissions vehicles, petrol-engined cars in Germany are once again enjoying increasing popularity, a survey published on Sunday showed.

In a Forsa survey of motorists commissioned by Targobank, 30% of respondents said they would prefer to buy a petrol-engined car if they were in the market for a new vehicle.

A year earlier, this figure was 22%.

At the same time, the popularity of hybrid cars declined to 15% from 18% and interest in buying purely electric vehicles also declined slightly to 16% from 17%.

The environmentally-friendly image of electric vehicles has been steadily declining since 2016, the survey showed.

Only 39% of respondents now consider electric cars to be more environmentally friendly than cars with combustion engines, down from 44% in 2022.

According to the survey, reservations about e-cars are partly based on sustainability: 57% criticise the environmental damage associated with batteries, 49% their limited lifetime, 63% cite the lack of charging stations and 66% the short range as arguments against buying an electric car.

For 64%, the purchase price is an argument against an electric car.
Interest in buying a diesel car has been declining since 2019 and now stands at 10% of respondents. A fuel cell car would be preferred by 6%. The rest are undecided.

Forsa surveyed more than 1,000 German-speaking Internet users aged 18 and older who drive a car and are involved in auto purchasing decisions.


Singapore's LTA probes case of Singapore driver changing car licence plate in Malaysia

                SINGAPORE: While waiting for his car's petrol tank to be filled at a station in Johor, the driver of a Singapore-registered gold BMW 320i switched his licence plates to that registered to a Hyundai car before speeding on a Malaysian highway.

The incident on May 18 has prompted an investigation by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), which told The Straits Times that the owner of the Hyundai vehicle has filed a report with the authority.

It happened at around 7.30am at a Petron station in Gelang Patah, Johor, about a 10-minute drive from the Tuas Checkpoint.

The male driver was seen switching the original licence plate SLX27E to one bearing the registration number SKD2777C.

A check on the LTA's One Motoring website showed that the other number belongs to a Hyundai Elantra.

The BMW was caught speeding on a Malaysian highway about an hour after switching the plates. But the RM150 summonses was issued to the Hyundai vehicle instead.

John (not his real name), who witnessed the incident, told The Straits Times: "There were many Singapore cars at the petrol station that morning. And this driver was changing his car plate so openly. Many of us were shocked at what we saw.

"The (BMW) driver was so arrogant and a very bad example for Singaporeans. What if he had got into an accident in Malaysia and someone had been injured or killed? His insurer could contest his claims."

The licence plate-switching act was caught on video by another Singaporean driver who posted screengrabs on Facebook that same afternoon.

Facebook page SG Road Vigilante also carried the post, which went viral.

Netizens then posted screengrabs from Malaysia's e-payment portal showing two outstanding speeding summonses issued to the Hyundai car - one last July and another on May 18 this year.

"This thing has gone viral. If nothing is done, people might start copying the BMW driver and change to a different vehicle number plate when driving in Malaysia," said John, who managed to snap a photo of the BMW travelling on the North-South Expressway while bearing the other car plate number.

Johor police deputy chief Mohd Kamaruddin Md Din said he has not come across any case of Singaporeans changing their vehicle number plates in Malaysia.

"So far, we don't have such cases against Singaporean drivers. If it is true, we want this irresponsible act to be stopped. We will not hesitate to take stern action," Datuk Mohd Kamaruddin told The Straits Times.

Under Malaysia's Road Transport Act, if a car is found with a vehicle number plate that does not belong to it, the offender could be fined up to RM5,000 and jailed for up to a year. The vehicle could also be seized.

Tampering with the registration plate is an offence in Singapore, said lawyer Chia Boon Teck from law firm Chia Wong.

"Although the Singapore-registered car bearing a false Singapore number plate was driven outside Singapore, if as a result of the forged car number plate, another driver in Singapore is penalised for offences not committed by him, there may be enough nexus for this scenario to fall within 'exhibiting forged or imitation number plate' under the Road Traffic Act, or 'cheating' under the Penal Code," he added.

In Singapore, the penalty for displaying a forged number plate is a fine of up to $5,000 and/or jail of up to a year.

A check on Malaysia's e-payment portal showed that the summonses issued to the Hyundai car number plate were no longer visible on May 20. The BMW, sporting its original plate, was seen heading into Singapore that same day.


Volvo steers clear of Ford and Tesla’s electric-car price war

                STOCKHOLM: Volvo Cars' top executive said on Thursday that the Swedish automaker has no intention of cutting its electric vehicle (EV) prices despite a similar move by market leader Tesla that has put pressure on others to follow suit.

Speaking after the Swedish carmaker posted a lower fourth-quarter profit, chief executive Jim Rowan said there was no need to cut prices because demand for Volvo's cars remain high and the company has a solid order backlog for its full EVs.

Volvo's EV unit sales tripled the fourth quarter, and fully electric vehicles accounted for 18% of sales in that period compared to 6% the year before, its results statement showed.

"We don't see (price cuts) at this point in time," Rowan told Reuters. "Demand for our (battery electric vehicles) is the highest that we've ever seen, the backlog for that as well."

"We don't have any intention to reduce pricing."

Last month Tesla slashed prices globally on its EVs by as much as 20%. Those price cuts are expected to hit EV startups like U.S. firm Rivian more than established brands.

Companies focused exclusively on EVs - including Polestar , which is owned by Volvo Cars and its majority owner Chinese automotive group Geely Holding - were also seen as more affected than those with a mixed range.

Ford Motor has already followed Tesla's lead, cutting the price on its SUV Mustang Mach-E by up to US$5,900.

German automaker BMW however has raised the retail price for some models it sells in China because of higher raw material and logistics costs.

Henrik Fisker, CEO of U.S. EV maker Fisker, told Reuters he also has no plans to lower prices, arguing that the EV startup's cars were already competitively priced.

"I think we already priced our cars well," Fisker said, adding that the carmaker hadn't changed the price of its cars since 2020, while rivals had raised prices several times.

The Financial Times reported on Thursday that other carmakers such as Volkswagen, Hyundai, Kia and General Motors would also not slash prices.

Aside from car makers, suppliers are worried they may be forced to cut prices to keep up with Tesla.

Despite the price cuts, some suppliers say they have seen no EV production surge so far.


Honda CB250R and CBF250 reintroduced from RM23K

                PENANG: Boon Siew Honda, today introduced the newly updated CB250R and CRF250 Rally that are renown for its 250cc motors and big-bike characteristics.

The CB250R carries a price tag of RM23,499 (Candy Chromosphere Red) and RM22,999 (Graphite Black and Mat Crypton Silver Metallic) without registration.

The CRF250 Rally with antilock braking system (ABS) costs similarly at RM26,999 and comes in two colour choices of Extreme Red or Black.

Both bikes, as well as all other bikes from Boon Siew Honda, carry with it a two-year or 20,000km manufacturer's warranty, whichever comes first and are powered by the same 250cc motor mated to a six-speed manual, only tuned differently.

The CB250R is known as a lightweight ‘Neo Sports Café’ that was first introduced in 2018, garnered plenty of attention and gets 27hp at 9,000rpm and 23Nm of torque at 8,000rpm.

The new CB250R has been fitted with the signature round headlight to match the bronze rims (only with Candy Chromosphere Red) and a bronze front suspension fork to enhance it with a sporty exterior.

Other notable equipments include antilock braking system, full-LED lights, full-digital LCD meter, Showa upside-down forks, adjustable rear suspension and a large 10.1-litre fuel tank.

As for the CRF250 Rally, this off-roader is touted to have been dialled in with comfort for the serious dual-sport rider who prefers a light and easy-to-handle machine.

It comes with a dual-stripe design inspired by the latest CRF450 RALLY Dakar racer and gets 24hp at 8,500rpm and 23Nm of torque at 6,750rpm.

This bike's list of equipment list includes anti-lock braking system, asymmetric LED headlights, fully-digital LCD meter, floating windscreen, 43mm Showa Upside-Down forks and a 10.1-litre fuel tank as well.


Toyota in damage control mode after American exec arrested

Update: Julie Hamp, who resigned from her post as chief communications officer in June, three months after her appointment as Toyota's first female managing officer, is set to be released without indictment on July 8.

TOKYO:  Toyota Motor Corp moved into damage control mode today after its new communications chief Julie Hamp, an American and its first senior woman executive, was arrested on suspicion of illegally bringing pain killers into Japan just two months after her appointment.

Toyota president Akio Toyoda apologised for the incident at a news conference and reiterated the company's belief that Hamp had no intent of breaking the law.

"To me, executives and staff who are my direct reports are like my children," he said.

"It's the responsibility of a parent to protect his children and, if a child causes problems, it's also a parent's responsibility to apologize."

Japanese media reports, citing police investigators, said 57 addictive Oxycodone pills were found in a small parcel labelled "necklaces" that was sent from the United States and addressed to Hamp in Japan. The pills were in packets or buried at the bottom of the parcel, which also contained toy pendants and necklaces, they said.

Hamp, a former General Motors Co and PepsiCo Inc executive, told police she did not think she had imported an illegal substance, a spokesman for Tokyo's Metropolitan Police Department said.

A police official declined to comment on the latest media reports about the parcel.

Hamp was appointed managing officer in April as part of a drive to diversify Toyota's male-dominated, mostly Japanese executive line-up. She joined Toyota's North American unit in 2012 and this month relocated to Tokyo, where she was to be based. She had been staying in a hotel, a Toyota spokeswoman said.

Toyoda vowed that the automaker would maintain its policy of seeking out talent regardless of gender or nationality and expressed regret that the company had not provided enough support for an employee who was not Japanese and had come to live in Japan.

Oxycodone is a prescription drug in both the United States and Japan. Bringing it into Japan requires prior approval from the government and it must be carried by the individual, a health ministry official said.

Hiroaki Okamoto, a criminal defense lawyer at the Nakamura International Criminal Defense Office in Tokyo who is not involved in Hamp's case, said the large number of pills meant that, if indicted, she could face years in prison, followed by deportation.

The maximum sentence for smuggling drugs with the intent to sell is life in prison, he said. Even if indicted for smuggling for personal use, it would be tough to get a suspended sentence because of the large number of pills, he said.


Lexus NX 300: A stand-out SUV

                If money's no object, one will be spoilt for choice when deciding on a luxury SUV and the Lexus NX 300 Premium should be in your list of cars to check out.

Early last year, the NX underwent a facelift and the NX 200t was replaced with the NX 300 range.

The new range comprises four variants - NX 300 Urban, NX 300 Premium, NX 300 F Sport and the top-of-the-range NX 300h with prices from RM326,000 to RM515,000. All prices are on-the-road without insurance.

CarSifu recently test drove the NX 300 Premium variant, priced at RM345,000, and learnt what makes this fully-imported luxury Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) stand apart from the rest.

Exterior

The NX 300 has some new design features compared to the outgoing model which include a new grille, front and rear bumper, LC 500-inspired tri-beam LED headlights, 18-inch wheels and baffle-type exhaust tips, as well as suspension tuning and shock absorbers for improved comfort.

The changes give it a distinctive and sporty look courtesy of a muscular body design. Its aggressive front is further extended with the addition of the iconic spindle grille and tri-beam LED headlamps.

Interior

Inside, one will find a well-appointed and elegant interior what with leather upholstery and wood finishing capped off with all the modern amenities and creature comforts drivers have come to expect from the Lexus brand.

The dash layout is distinctive and robust-looking mirroring the front-fascia of the SUV with a host of features and buttons occupying the middle and centre console.

It gets an 8.0-inch display screen, driver and passenger powered seats, paddle shifters, smart start system, dual zone climate control, cruise control, moon roof, analogue clock, Lexus Premium Audio, eight speakers, eight channel class D amplifier, AM/FM, MP3, WAV, FLAC, ALAC, OGG Vorbis, compatible with Miracast and Bluetooth, and touchpad-type remote interface among others.

Practicality

The cabin layout is spacious with ample leg and headroom with a wheelbase of and 2,660mm and a total of 500 litres of luggage space. The rear space can be expanded by folding the rear seats 60:40.

For drivers, the NX 300 Premium has a high driving position for a commanding view and although it may feel like a big SUV, it has a small turning radius for easy driving and parking in packed urban areas.

Also, the ventilated seats for the driver and passenger gives an extra bit of relief adding to the luxurious comfort of the car.
It also comes with a wireless charger for compatible handphones.

Safety

The NX 300 Premium comes with a host of safety features such as eight airbags, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), front & rear parking sensor, rear view camera, Hill-Start Assist, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TRC), Vehicle

Stability Control System (VSC), Brake Assist (BA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and ISOFIX.

Ride and handling

Under the hood, it’s the 235hp/350Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, Super Electronic Control Transmission and AI-Shift for the all-wheel-drive system that allows it to sprint from 0 to 100kph in 7.1 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 200kph.

As such, the NX 300 Premium offers more than enough power for an exhilarating drive but it does not neglect comfort as the cabin is well dampened, keeping at bay unwanted noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

Also, the car offers a smooth drive as the suspension soaks up rough, undulating and uneven surfaces.

While the car is equipped with Drive Mode for Eco, Normal, and Sport to suit your driving needs, the NX 300 Premium is definitely built for comfort in mind.

It is steady on the straights but does feel a tad floaty in turns and corners.

For better handling, one might want to opt for the F Sport variant.

The official figure for fuel consumption is 8.3L/100km.

The NX 300 Premium comes with five years' warranty with unlimited mileage.

Summary

The NX 300 Premium stands out in terms of design and is catered to those who want a Japanese interpretation of a luxury vehicle.

It does offer comfort, practicality and safety although for the price it sits in a highly competitive segment.

If you are in the market for a luxury SUV though, be sure to have a look at the Lexus NX range before making up your mind.

SPECIFICATIONS Lexus NX 300 PremiumEngine: 1,998cc, in-line 4, 16-valve, twin-scroll turbochargerMaximum power: 235hp from 4,800rpm to 5,600rpm
Maximum torque: 350Nm from 1,650rpm to 4,000rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic Super ECT with AI Shift
Acceleration (0-100kph): 7.1 seconds
Top speed: 200kph
Features: Smart start system, dual zone climate control, cruise control, moon roof, analogue clock, leather upholstery, 8-inch display screen, driver and passenger powered seats, paddle shifters, Lexus Premium Audio, 8-speakers, 8 Channel Class D Amplifier, AM/FM, MP3, WAV, FLAC, ALAC, OGG Vorbis, compatible with Miracast and Bluetooth, and touchpad-type remote interface, eight airbags, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), front & rear parking sensor, rear view camera, Hill-Start Assist, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TRC), Vehicle Stability Control System (VSC), Brake Assist (BA), anti-lock braking system (ABS) and ISOFIX.

Price: RM345,000 (on-the-road without insurance).


MAN Malaysia to bank on southern region

                JOHOR BARU: The southern region of Malaysia remains a key growth area for MAN Truck & Bus (M) Sdn Bhd (MAN Malaysia) as it contributes towards the company's upwards trajectory in Malaysia following a sterling year in 2022.

Driven by the overwhelming market response to MAN's Euro V-powered new MAN Truck range, a growing number of hauliers are now opting for the new MAN Trucks with low emission Euro V engines as standard that have proven to be able to help businesses achieve both sustainability and profitability goals.

MAN Malaysia managing director Andrew O’Brooks said that the company was grateful for the industry’s support and the growing number of returning and new customers.

“We are delighted to see more and more Malaysian transporters, especially in Johor, commit to reducing their fleets’ carbon footprint with lower emission MAN Trucks.

“Last year was an amazing year of growth for us and with increasing support from key players in the industry across the country, we are looking forward to an exciting year ahead,” he said at the latest handover of new MAN Trucks to Johor-based transporters witnessed by more than 50 members of the Johor Trucking Association.

At the event, three companies that operated the previous generation MAN Trucks received their first units of the Euro V-powered new MAN TGS prime movers along with two first-time customers.

Returning customers Sri Kulai Transport Sdn Bhd and Kiaan Yap Transport Sdn Bhd took delivery of the new MAN TGS 6X4 while Chain Hub Sdn Bhd received the keys to its new MAN TGS 6X2.

New to the MAN family are Modern Wong Transport Sdn Bhd and Soong Ki Trading Sdn Bhd which both invested in the new MAN TGS 6X4 which is ideal for heavy-duty cargo transportation.

The new MAN Truck Generation with Euro V engines as standard leads the way in driver orientation, fuel efficiency, assistance systems, digital networking and above all, sustainability.

O’Brooks said MAN Malaysia has been preparing itself to meet the demands of a growing pool of customers in the country.

After nearly three decades in Rawang, Selangor, the company has relocated its headquarters to a modern and spacious integrated facility in Shah Alam that would eventually house its entire operations, including vehicle assembly, under one roof.

“Having a good product is not enough. We are moving forward with a clear direction, building and developing a great team who are always willing to go the extra mile for customers,” he said.

O’Brooks said the company would continue to work closely with industry associations to champion issues and drive changes.

“We want to earn the respect of the industry and further strengthen the reputation of the MAN brand in Malaysia,” he said.

For more information on the New MAN Truck Generation, visit www.man.com.my.