New Kia Sportage driven in Dubai - VIDEO

Fuelled by petroleum wealth and governed by astute state planning, the once backwater desert-edge Bedouin settlement of Dubai has turned into the perfect model of a progressive Arabian city.

With the skyline of this United Arab Emirates city constantly evolving with new skyscrapers added on every year, Dubai is also the home of the 830m-tall Burj Khalifa, the planet’s highest building.

This ultramodern architectural marvel is so tall that it can even be seen miles away from the sandy outskirts.

Featuring a tapering styling, this gleaming steel and glass tower is picturesque from all angles and is the backdrop for our recent test drive with the all-new Kia Sportage compact sports utility vehicle.

READ MORE: Kia Sportage and Sorento launched in Malaysia

Like Burj Khalifa, Kia designers have refined the appearance of the new Sportage to look desirable from all sides.

The most distinctive re-boot is the front of the Sportage which now features the Kia signature “tiger-nose grille” with softer edges.

Headlamps and grille are positioned apart from each other unlike the previous generation Sportage which had its headlamps and grille formed as a single continuous unit.

The new HID bi-xenon headlamps along with a sharply-ridged bonnet give the new Sportage a bolder face to suit its new sporty persona.

The side profile, though appears similar to the previous generation Sportage, now comes with slimmer C-pillars and a slightly longer body.

Slim rear tail lights with a long satin chrome strip and larger roof spoiler adds viewing pleasure to the eyes.

(You have to manually turn up the volume slider in this video if you can't hear the audio)

Aerodynamics is improved to 0.33Cd from 0.35Cd previously.

Inside, the vehicle feels more refined now with a large 8-inch centre colour display, leather upholstery, dashboard stitching, metallic trimming and other higher quality materials.

The dashboard has also been slightly angled towards the driver and this evokes a sports car-like styling.
Although the new Sportage’s width and height remains unchanged compared with the previous model, its wheelbase is now 30mm longer which gives rear passengers more legroom.

The backrests of the rear seats also come with a 39 degree recline with eight-step setting, up from the out-going model’s 28 degree recline and two-step setting.

In addition, the new Sportage also gets smart features such as blindspot detection with lane change assist, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic assist, rear view camera, Bluetooth connectivity, sat-nav, smart key with push start/stop button and wireless charging for smartphones.

Cargo space has also been increased to 465 litres to 503 litres and the boot lip is now lower by 47mm to 732mm from the ground to make loading of heavy items much easier.

Its four petrol engine options are the 1.6-litre GDI (132PS/160Nm), 1.6-litre Turbo GDI (177PS/265Nm), 2.0-litre MPi (157PS/196Nm) and 2.4-litre GDi (184PS/237Nm), while its two diesel powerplants are the 1.7-litre CRDi (115PS/280Nm) and 2.0-litre CRDi (185PS/400Nm).

Transmission are either the six-speed manual, six-speed automatic or seven-speed dual clutch with front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

Our near two-hour drive from Meydan Hotel in Dubai towards Hilton Fujairah Resort, some 120km away which faces the Gulf of Oman, took us along desert and mountainous settings on highways which allowed us to test the Sportage’s high-speed cruising and hill climbs.

The 2.0-litre MPi variant with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system assigned to us had more than adequate performance for a speedy take-off with three persons onboard.

The engine does not feel strained when we were going on uphill stretches and it emits a sporty note when the accelerator pedal is “kicked down” for quick overtaking.

While the 2.0-litre MPi engine is a carryover from the previous model, Kia engineers have improved its efficiency with advanced continuously variable valve timing, new variable induction and oil pump systems, low-friction oil seals and better engine cooling.

Aside from good feedback, the electric motor-driven power steering also feels responsive and sharp as the front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link suspension have been tuned for sporty handling.

Kia says that the improved handling was a result of higher torsional rigidity brought upon by the extensive use of advanced high-strength steel in body construction.

However, comfort has not been compromised as the suspension was able to soak up jolts and knocks when we drove on rough roads and desert trails.

For more pizazz, there is the GT Line upgrade package which offers a flat-bottom steering wheel, paddle shifters, “ice cube” LED foglamps, 19-inch alloy wheels, black high gloss centre fascia, sports pedals, and more satin chrome trimmings among others.

The third generation Sportage was the best-selling model to-date with some 1.6 million units sold globally during its six-year production starting 2010.

With a host of enhancements, the new model is expected to sell more than three million units in its life-cycle.

Local Kia distributor Naza Kia Malaysia is targeting to launch the new Sportage on May 25 with prices and specifications to be revealed then.


Mercedes wants to abandon combustion engines by 2039

                STUTTGART: Mercedes-Benz said Monday it wants to stop selling traditional combustion engine cars by 2039 and plans for its new vehicles sold worldwide by that time to be carbon-neutral.

"We aim to have a carbon-neutral new passenger car fleet in 20 years," said Ola Kallenius, current head of Mercedes research, who is to succeed Dieter Zetsche as chairman of the Daimler group next week.

All Mercedes models will be electric or hybrids within two decades, a company spokesman said, but different approaches were possible.

"Our current focus is on battery-electric mobility. But there's also room and need to continue to work on other solutions, for example, the fuel cell or eFuels," Kallenius said in a statement.

"Today, no one knows for sure which drivetrain mix will best serve our customers' needs 20 years from now.

"That's why we encourage policy makers to pave the way for tech neutrality: Let's fix the target, but not the means to achieve it."

Daimler says synthetic fuels produced with renewable energy must allow hybrid cars to run without CO2 emissions, but these fuels are not yet on the market.

Daimler aims to achieve a 50 percent share of sales for electric vehicles by 2030 and promises to make its European plants CO2 neutral by 2022, Kaellenius added.

German car manufacturers are taking the plunge on electric power faced with looming tougher emissions rules in the European Union from 2020, loaded with hefty financial penalties if they are breached.


Subaru produces 15 millionth all-wheel drive car

                TOKYO: There are 15 million Subaru cars with the automaker's famous All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system.

The milestone was achieved almost 44 years after Subaru introduced the Subaru Leone 4WD Estate Van in September 1972, the first model to feature a drivetrain technology that is now synonymous with the Subaru brand and its products.

In 2015, AWD-equipped models accounted for 98% of Subaru’s global sales.

Powered by horizontally-opposed ‘Boxer’ engines, all of these AWD models featured the latest version of Subaru’s distinctive Symmetrical AWD system.

Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive offers a combination of superior stability and traction intrinsic to AWD, and the combination of the symmetrical drivetrain with a longitudinally-mounted Boxer engine helps to balance weight distribution.

The synergy between engine and drivetrain delivers a consistently high level of driving stability at all speeds, both in a straight line and under hard cornering.


Renault restyles Koleos large SUV

                PARIS: Renault has given its large Koleos SUV a facelift, promising greater style and comfort for both driver and passengers.

In terms of exterior design, just a few minor touches set this restyled Koleos apart from the current version, such as a more pronounced front grille and new rims.

Renault has above all sought to boost comfort in the cabin, with, for example, a driver seat with integrated massage function, warming and cooling cup-holders, and a reclining rear bench seat with two positions, allowing passengers to relax as they ride.

Note that this new Koleos model can also be fitted with a glass sunroof which extends over the rear seats.

On the technology front, Renault has added "LED Pure Vision" headlamps, acting as both high- and low-beam headlights, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system. Depending on the version, the R-Link 2 multimedia system comes with a 7-inch horizontal or an 8.7-inch vertical display.

Under the hood, this restyled Koleos is fitted with a new generation of 150-190 horsepower Blue dCi Renault engines (gaining 15hp compared to the current offer) and a seven-speed XTronic automatic transmission as standard.

All in all, there's no major overhaul in store with this refreshed SUV, which is due in dealerships this fall. Pricing is yet to be announced.


Nissan's Kelly examined at Japanese hospital after securing bail

Kelly is seen in a car as he leaves after being released from a detention centre in Tokyo on Tuesday. — Reuters
TOKYO: Nissan director Greg Kelly was being examined in a hospital today, a source said, a day after he was released on bail from a Tokyo jail where his former boss Carlos Ghosn is still being detained.

Kelly, an American who was released late on Christmas Day after more than a month in detention, has been charged with conspiring to under-report Ghosn’s income. He posted bail of 70 million yen (around RM2.7mil).

Their Nov 19 arrests jolted the global car industry and has strained Nissan’s alliance with French car maker Renault SA. Nissan’s board last month fired Ghosn as chairman and Kelly as representative director, although both men technically still remain board members who can only be removed by shareholders.

Kelly suffers from spinal stenosis, causing numbness, tingling and shooting pain in his extremities, according to a video message last week from his wife, Dee Kelly, appealing for his release. The condition compresses or pinches the spinal cord.

Those symptoms worsened during his five weeks in the Tokyo Detention Center, his wife said, citing Kelly’s lawyer.

Kelly was scheduled to have surgery on Dec 7 in Nashville, Tennessee, but flew to Japan last month after being told that he was needed in person at a board meeting, Dee Kelly said in the video. Kelly was arrested soon after his arrival.

Under the conditions of his bail, Kelly is barred from travelling overseas and his residence must be restricted to a designated place, the Tokyo District Court said. Lawyers say that travel exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis.

Kelly walked out of the detention centre wearing a light-coloured jacket and was whisked away in a black taxi. Japanese media showed footage of Kelly entering a hospital around midnight.

After his release from detention, Kelly issued a statement through his lawyer saying he had not falsified any documents and looked forward to restoring his honour in court. “I believe my innocence will be revealed in the trial,” he said.

Kelly also said in the statement he wanted to see a doctor immediately and get the appropriate treatment or operation originally scheduled for early December.

The office of his lawyer, Yoichi Kitamura, did not respond to requests for comment.

Ghosn was re-arrested on Friday based on suspicions that around October 2008 he shifted personal trades to Nissan to make it responsible for 1.85 billion yen (RM70mil) in appraisal losses, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors also said Ghosn had inflicted damage on Nissan by having it deposit a total of US$14.7 million (RM62mil) on four occasions between June 2009 and March 2012 into a related bank account.

Ghosn said through his lawyer that he was not guilty of the allegations, for which he has not been formally charged. He will remain in Tokyo’s main detention centre until at least Jan 1, although prosecutors can request to extend his detention.

A Nissan spokesman said the company is not in a position to comment on the latest twist in the more-than-month-long saga.

“The company’s own investigation uncovered substantial and convincing evidence of misconduct, resulting in a unanimous board vote to dismiss Ghosn and Kelly as chairman and representative director. Our investigation is ongoing,” a spokesman said on Tuesday.


VW previews its first all-electric SUV, the ID.4

                WOLFSBURG: Volkswagen has published teaser images of its first all-electric SUV, now confirmed to be named the ID.4, glimpsed in its most revealing camouflage yet.

In addition to confirming the name of the brand's first fully-electric SUV, Volkswagen published the most revealing images yet of the ID.4 and detailed a few of its performance specs.

Like the ID.3, this model will be built upon the brand's dedicated EV-oriented MEB drive platform. Depending on which drive package an owner selects, the range could reach up to 500km on a single charge.

At launch, the ID.4 will only be available with rear-wheel drive; however, all-wheel drive will be available for the model at a later date.

For Volkswagen, the launches of this SUV and the ID.3 represent a significant step forward in accomplishing its goal to reduce its CO2-emissions by a third in about five years and to be completely carbon-neutral by 2050.

Complementing these vehicles on this mission are those with hybrid drivetrains like that of the recently refreshed Touareg and Golf GTE.

Despite the launch of the production iteration of the ID Crozz being delayed, this new model is slated to launch this year. Its official reveal, while originally scheduled for the New York Auto Show, will likely take place a few months later at the Detroit Motor Show. When it goes on sale, the ID.4 will be available for purchase in China, Europe and the United States.


Proton marks 30th birthday with free 30-point check

                SUBANG JAYA: It’s been 30 years today since the first Proton Saga rolled off the line in 1985 and to celebrate its big ‘three-oh’, Proton, together with Petronas Dagangan Bhd (PDB), has organised a free 30-point inspection at all of the national carmaker’s outlets nationwide.

The free inspection is currently available at all authorised service outlets nationwide till Oct 31, and will include four Petronas stations and an R&R stop area.

 The Petronas station at KM 15.3 along the NKVE in Damansara.

The other five inspection teams can be found at the Petronas station at KM 15.3 along the NKVE in Damansara, Petronas Juru in Penang, Petronas Tok Giring in Terengganu, Petronas Station Seremban in Negri Sembilan and the R&R rest stop along the East Coast Highway in Gambang, Pahang.

Meanwhile, a free goodie bag will be provided to each customer bringing their Proton in for an inspection between 3.00pm and 7.00pm, till July 15.

Also, PDB will be distributing free coffee break pouches containing tinned coffee and snacks that will be distributed from noon onwards, while stocks last, to motorists driving into any of its 40 participating stations nationwide on July 15-16 and 20-21.

The 30-point checks will include inspecting of fluid levels, battery, wiper blades, radiator cap, pedal operation as well as other systems such as suspension, steering linkage, ball joints, cooling, fuel, brake and tyre pressure (including spare tyre).

Furthermore, a free consultation will be given to customers on engine and car maintenance as well as how to differentiate between genuine and imitation parts, while discounts for absorbers, brakes, clutch and timing belts are also available.

“Through the services and offerings available in this campaign, we hope to contribute towards creating awareness to our customers and road users in the importance of vehicle maintenance and safety,” said Proton CEO Datuk Abdul Harith Abdullah.


Hoonicorn V2 races to the clouds

                DENVER: The race to the clouds of Pike's Peak at an altitude of 4,302m has seen some epic moments that have been accomplished within the shortest possible time, but with Ken Block at the helm of the Hoonicorn V2 (version 2), it's obviously going to be more hoon-like.

Forget Gymkhana, this time its Climbkhana as Ken's 1,400hp Hoonicorn - a twin-turbo all-wheel drive 1965 notchback Mustang performs burnouts, doughnuts and a series drift sequences to our collective heart's desires.

But this time around, it's gotten a touch of understated refinement as it looses it's massive hood ornament to better the car's peripheral view while wearing its custom carbon fibre body panels that hide a seam-welded and reinforced tubular-frame chassis

The Mustang - unlike the more commonly seen fastbacks, in question is a revision from three years ago when it first made an appearance in Gymkhana 7 with an extremely large shaker scoop to feed the naturally-aspirated 6.7-litre Roush Yates V8 engine with 845hp - yes it now has an additional 555hp.

To get the engine pumping to epic levels, a Motec M150 ECU was remapped to manage the two Garrett GTX3584RS turbocharger units that don't have an intercooler, since methanol fuel is used - yes the same stuff IndyCar racecars use that can burn colourless, have no visible smoke and their fumes are rather toxic.

The Hoonicorn V2 rolls on 18.0-inch Fifteen52 R40 wheels that wear custom compound R888R from Toyo tyres while a F1-style pushrod suspension system has been employed.


VW in talks with Foxconn over plant for Scout vehicles, says paper

A 1969 International Harvester Scout 800. — Photo from Barrett-Jackson
BERLIN: Volkswagen is in talks with Taiwan's Foxconn about a partnership to build vehicles for the Scout brand, German autos publication Automobilwoche reported today, citing Volkswagen company sources.

Volkswagen said in May it planned to reintroduce the Scout off-road brand, creating a separate, independent company to build Scout trucks and SUVs starting in 2026 that will be designed, engineered, and made in the United States for US customers.

Foxconn, best known for assembling Apple's iPhone, has expanded into building electric vehicles for auto brands, hoping for 5% market share in EV manufacturing by 2025.

Volkswagen is in talks with both Foxconn and Magna Steyr, a subsidiary of Magna International, who have been looking to build a plant in the United States, Automobilwoche reported.

It could also build its own plant, though this is the least likely option, the report said.

Volkswagen said it would not comment on speculation about possible partnerships. Foxconn and Magna were not immediately available for comment.


Malaysians can now renew driving licences for up to 10 years – at a discount, too

                PUTRAJAYA: Malaysians can now renew their driving licence for a maximum of 10 years under a new initiative by the Transport Ministry.

Its minister, Anthony Loke, said those who want to renew their licence for up to 10 years would also enjoy a 10% discount on the fee.

“They will be charged the same fee of RM30 per year, but if they renew for 10 years at one go, the fee is RM270.

"This means they will only be paying for nine years.

“Those who want to renew must ensure that their licence has not expired for more than a year," he told a press conference here today.

On another initiative, Loke said those whose licences expired as of Jan 1, 2018 will also be able to renew them without having to retake the driving test.

This renewal period is only valid until Dec 31, and the driving test requirement will apply again from Jan 1 next year.

“We decided to allow the renewal of expired licences given the fact that many Malaysians living abroad were unable to do so during Covid-19 with the movement control order.

“Both these initiatives will commence on May 8 at all Road Transport Department (JPJ) offices only,” he said.

Loke added that the initiatives were only applicable to Malaysian citizens, and not to foreigners holding special passes such as the MyKAS card.

He said those who wished to renew their licences should also not be blacklisted by the police, nor have any existing restrictions imposed by JPJ, and free from any suspension due to a conviction or court order.


Two Dakar icons and nine MINIs set for Dakar Rally action

                MUNICH: The Dakar Rally will be visiting the Arabian Peninsula for the first time from Jan 5 to 17 and it will feature two Dakar legends in the MINI JCW Buggy and a total of nine MINI race cars.

Record Dakar winner Stéphane Peterhansel (FRA) – alongside co-driver Paulo Fiuza (POR), is looking for his 14th success in total at Dakar.

Also, two-time winner and former world rally champion Carlos Sainz (ESP) and co-driver Lucas Cruz (ESP) are also counting on the further-developed MINI JCW Buggy and the support of MINI Motorsport partner X-raid.

Among those tackling the iconic event in the four-wheel-drive MINI JCW Rally are Jakub ‘Kuba’ Przygonski (POL) and his co-driver Timo Gottschalk (GER), as well as Orlando Terranova (ARG) and Bernardo ‘Ronnie’ Graue (ARG).

This year's Dakar Rally (2020) consists of twelve stages, with the route following roughly 7,500km from Jeddah (KSA) to Al-Quiddia (KSA) via the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh, where the competitors will have a rest day.

About 5,000km of the route through the country’s deserts will be against the clock.

Peterhansel had originally planned to contest the Dakar Rally with his wife - Andrea (GER) who is also an accomplished rally driver under her maiden name Mayer.

Andrea navigated for her husband when the pair won the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies in 2019.

However, due to health reasons, Andrea will be sitting this one out.

Instead, Fiuza (POR) will be taking Andrea's place in the MINI JCW Buggy cockpit.

Peterhansel has won the Dakar 13 times in the past – six times on a motorcycle and seven times on four wheels - including the first joint victory for MINI and X-raid in a MINI ALL4 Racing in 2012, and the successful defence of his title the following year.

For Przygonski, winner of the 2018 FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies, this will be the first Dakar Rally alongside German co-driver Gottschalk, who tasted victory in this event in 2011.

Przygonski and Gottschalk have been competing together since spring 2019 and finished runner-up in the MINI JCW Rally behind their team-mates Terranova and Graue in last season’s FIA World Cup for Cross Country Bajas.

Another two MINI JCW Rallys run by the X-raid team will be driven by Vladimir Vasilyev (RUS) / Vitaly Yevtyekhov (UKR) and local favourite Yasir Seaidan (KSA) with his co-driver Alexey Kuzmich (RUS).

Aleksandr Dorosinsky (RUS) / Oleg Uperenko (LAT) will drive a MINI ALL4 Racing.

Outside the X-raid team, Denis Krotov (RUS) / Dmitry Tsyro (UKR) and Vaidotas Zala (LTU) / Saulius Jurgelenas (LTU) will also put their faith in the MINI JCW Rally at the Dakar Rally 2020.


Take breakaway threat seriously, Ecclestone urges F1

                MELBOURNE: Formula One's former commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone (pic) has warned owners Liberty Media to take the threat of a breakaway series seriously and said Mercedes could follow Ferrari out of the championship.

Ferrari chairman Sergio Marchionne has threatened his team could quit if F1's American owners follow through on plans for simpler engines and a redistribution of prize money after contracts expire in 2020.

Ecclestone, who moved aside in January 2017 after Liberty took over, suggested both Ferrari and Mercedes, who have swept the last four drivers' and constructors' championships, were on the same page.

"Talking to people like Sergio and (Mercedes boss) Toto (Wolff), they are not idiots," the 87-year-old told Autosport.

"They will weigh up whether it's better for everyone to leave and do their own series, or do we need the (governing body) FIA to look over things? So people will start to think what to do.

 Mercedes' British driver Lewis Hamilton driving around the Albert Park circuit during the first Formula One practice session in Melbourne today, ahead of the Formula One Australian Grand Prix. — AFP

"The trouble now is that Sergio has come out and said, 'The next time I see you, I'm going to punch you in the face'. And when he sees the people, he's got to be sure that he's going to punch them in the face.

"Sergio is not the guy that makes threats as a joke and then runs."

Although fierce rivals on the track, Ferrari and champions Mercedes are closely aligned off it on financial matters and engines — supplying six of the 10 teams in the series.

The threat of a rebel series has rumbled only days before Sunday's series-opening Australian Grand Prix.

Ferrari team principal Maurizio Arrivabene said on Friday that Marchionne knew "very well what he is talking about". "My only suggestion is please take him seriously," he told a news conference at Albert Park.

Wolff, who was sitting alongside Arrivabene, struck a more conciliatory tone but would not rule out Mercedes leaving Formula One after 2020.

 Ferrari team principal Maurizio Arrivabene (left) and Mercedes executive director Toto Wolff at a press conference ahead of the Formula One Australian Grand Prix this weekend. — Reuters

"It is clear that the current governance, how the rules are being made is not functional, there is too much different opinions and agendas on the table and we need to sort it for 2021, for the best interests of the sport," he said.

"We have at least three more years together in this great sport, regulated by the FIA, owned by Liberty, run by competent men and we just need to give our input support into the best possible way so it's great and we're not devaluing it."

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner quipped that Mercedes and Ferrari were "about the only two teams in Formula One that do agree" and said it was up to Liberty and the FIA to table a plan rather than hope for a consensus.

"My view on this is very simple, trying to get a consensus between teams that have got varying objectives, different set-ups, it's going to be impossible," he said.

"It's down to the commercial rights holder and the FIA to get together, come up with a set of regulations.

"Put it on the table and it's down to the teams whether they want to sign up to that or not."


Traffic volume up on highways as holiday makers journey back

                PETALING JAYA: Traffic on all major highways are congested on Monday as city folks return home after the Worker's Day weekend.

Star Traffic reported that traffic on the North-South Expressway in the northern region is congested from Changkat Jering to Kuala Kangsar, at the Menora tunnel heading towards Jelapang, Simpang Pulai to Gopeng, after Gua Tempurung to Tapah, and Bidor to Sungkai as of 3.30pm.

In the southern region of the NSE, traffic is congested from Machap to the Machap Rest area and from Putra Mahkota to Bangi due to an accident at KM294. Delays are expected from a 31km crawl from Simpang Ampat to Port Dickson.

Traffic was also congested on the Karak Highway from the Karak toll to Bentong, Bentong Timur to Bentong Barat. Vehicles are backed up over a 6km after Lentang to Bukit Tinggi and 5km approaching the Gombak toll to Kuala Lumpur.

On the East-Coast Expressway traffic is backed up from Bukit Gambang to the Gambang Rest area possibly due to an accident at KM206.

However, traffic is heavy but moving from Maran to Temerloh.

Traffic congestion is also reported at since noon in Cameron Highlands. Expect continuous delays for an hour at the surrounding areas of Ringlet, Tanah Rata and Brinchang.

According to Star Traffic, the public can also expect delays along Kuala Pilah to Tanjong Ipoh, the surrounding areas of Mahkota Parade and Pantai Klebang in Malacca.

At the Johor Causeway, expect delays on all lanes heading towards Singapore while on the Penang Bridge traffic is clear for now in both directions between the island and the mainland.

The public can obtain the latest traffic information via the toll-free Plusline (Tel: 1-800 88 0000) or Star Traffic via twitter.com/mytraffic (Tel: 03-7725 1133).


Siemens renames mobility signaling unit Yunex Traffic as part of carve-out

A monitor showing technical data as the world's first autonomous tram Combino is presented by Siemens Mobility during a media presentation in Potsdam, Germany in 2018. — Reuters
MUNICH/ZURICH: Siemens’ Intelligent Traffic Systems (ITS) will now be called Yunex Traffic as the German engineering company presses ahead with plans to carve out the signalling business ahead of a potential sale.

The business, which operates in more than 40 countries and has annual revenue of €600 million (RM2.9bil), was due to be renamed by the end of February as part of the process.

Siemens has been simplifying its business in recent years, separating and floating its energy and health equipment divisions as it seeks to become a more focused technology company and lose the conglomerate discount which has weighed on its stock price.

New CEO Roland Busch said last week the ITS spin-off, announced in November, should be completed by mid-2021.

After the carve out, the unit, currently part of Siemens’ mobility business, will be put up for sale this summer, insiders said last week.

Workers were informed of the new name on Friday.

The company makes traffic lights and also manages traffic systems in Dubai, London, Berlin and Miami. It generates around a third of its revenue in each of software, hardware and services.

It also provides technology which will give drivers on Austrian motorways information about road conditions, congestion and accidents.

“As an independent company with a clear focus, Yunex Traffic will be able to pursue its growth strategy even better, shape digitalisation in the industry and, as a next step, also actively pioneer data management in cities,” Siemens Mobility CEO Michael Peter said.

Yunex is an invented name and intended to be international, and easy to say in different languages, as well as sound technical and future-orientated, Peter told Reuters.

The conditions for a successful future are good, he said, with a growing order intake of 8% on average in recent years.

Further steps after the carve out will be examined, Peter added.

“We will take the appropriate time to examine the most suitable options, there is no hurry,” he said.


Why thieves are after your car's catalytic converter

                STUTTGART: Purses, cameras, mobile phones: All of these may be the most common items to be stolen during the holiday season. But many don't realise that the catalytic converter under the car is also valuable - and sought after by many thieves.

The high-quality components inside made of precious metals such as palladium, platinum and rhodium are highly coveted, according to the Auto Club Europa (ACE).

Although the catalytic converter contains only tiny amounts of these, the prices for such precious metals are rising - as are the number of reported crimes.

Last year, the ADAC road patrol service alone counted 420 thefts in Germany alone, while this year there were even 448 catalytic converters stolen up to mid-July.

Which cars are particularly targeted by thieves?

The phenomenon seems to affect mainly older cars with petrol engines, as these contain more rhodium in the catalytic converters.

It's also easier for thieves to get at them. The catalytic converters are usually easier to access and they are usually located in the middle of the car's floor.

In newer cars, the catalytic converter is often placed near the engine to get it up to operating temperature more quickly after a cold start.

It's also harder for thieves to get to it there. Moreover, newer catalytic converters no longer have so many precious metals.

Some of the most at-risk models are the VW Polo III (model years 1994 to 2001), Opel Astra G (1998 to 2005), Toyota Prius III (2009 to 2016), Mitsubishi Carisma (1995 to 2004) and Space Waggon (1998 to 2002) as well as Seat Arosa, VW Lupo and Honda Jazz,according to the ACE.

Thieves meanwhile also target diesel particulate filters in models such as the Mercedes Sprinter and VW Crafter.

Taller vehicles like older panel vans and motorhomes are also easy prey. They do not even have to be lifted to remove the catalytic converter, and trained criminals only need a few minutes to get what they need.

Preventing theft

To get to the catalytic converter, the thief will usually jack up the car and then cut the exhaust pipe in front of and behind the catalytic converter.

A flex or electric saw is often used on noisy roads, while in quieter places thieves use an exhaust or chain pipe cutter.

Thieves often find it easier during the summer holidays. On the one hand, cars are often left unattended for longer because the owners are away. On the other, they may not always be able to keep their car in sight when travelling on holidays.

As ever, the safest place for cars remains a lockable garage. But what about when you're on the road? That's where you should look for parking spaces in busy, well-lit places. There, jacking up a car and sawing something off is likely to attract attention.

What happens when there's no catalytic converter?

Don't worry, even if you don't see the missing catalytic converter right away, you will certainly hear the difference. A very loud engine noise is generally the result after a theft.

Unfortunately this also means your car is no longer allowed to be driven on the road, as the exhaust gas purification - the job of the catalytic converter - no longer works. This also voids the car's licence to drive on the road.

"If you discover a theft, you should inform the police and your insurer and coordinate everything with them," advises Kathrin Jarosch from the German Insurance Association.


Setel Lite introduced

                KUALA LUMPUR: Setel has introduced a lightweight version of the app known as Setel Lite that comes with a small download size, works on Android devices with Android 4.4 or EMUI 3 and above.

The app also works on slower internet connectivity like Edge, 2G and 3G to provide a seamless yet simplified refuelling experience to Lite users.

Setel Lite users can use Setel Wallet to pay for fuel from their vehicle, earn up to 3x Mesra points with fuel payments and check their Mesra points through the app.

They can also top up their Setel Wallet either with cash via e-voucher which is available for purchase at Petronas stations nationwide or through online banking.

Furthermore, Family Wallet users that are paying for fuel for family members can encourage them to use Setel Lite if a lightweight version of the Setel app is more suited towards their preferences and needs.

Setel chief executive officer Mazlin Erawati Ab Manan said Setel Lite was built as a product of listening to customers, understanding their mobility pain points and continuously innovating for inclusive mobility.

“With Setel Lite, we hope to make the refuelling experience via the Setel app more accessible and user-friendly to the underserved segment with limited connectivity and phone functionality.

“Setel Lite also hopes to alleviate the fear of using an app to refuel due to advanced features, especially amongst the elderly.

“Setel Lite is an initiative to bridge the journey to a cashless society for customers who are cash-dependent with a lighter version of the app that consumes a small phone storage space and an offline option to top up their Setel Wallet by cash,” he said.

Setel Lite is available for use at Petronas stations nationwide.

Refuelling is the first feature that is introduced in this lightweight version of the Setel app, with more features to be rolled out progressively.

Download Setel Lite for free via the Google Play Store or Huawei AppGallery.

For more information on Setel, visit https://setel.com/setel-lite.


Volkswagen to buy credits from Tesla in China to meet eco rules, say sources

                BEIJING: A Volkswagen joint venture in China has agreed to buy green car credits from Tesla to help meet local environmental rules, three people briefed on the matter told Reuters.

The deal, the first of its kind to be reported between the two companies in China, highlights the scale of the task Volkswagen faces in transforming its huge petrol carmaking business into a leader in electric vehicles to rival Tesla.

Shares in Volkswagen, the world’s second-biggest automaker, have soared this year as investors warm to its plans to go electric. But in China, and elsewhere, the German company is still heavily reliant on traditional combustion-engine vehicles.

China, the world’s biggest auto market where over 25 million vehicles were sold last year, runs a credit system that encourages automakers to work towards a cleaner future by, for example, improving fuel efficiency or making more electric cars.

Manufacturers are awarded green credits that can be offset against negative credits for producing more polluting vehicles. They can also buy green credits to ensure compliance with overall targets, though trade is usually between affiliated companies that share a major stakeholder.

To help meet increasingly tough targets, Volkswagen’s joint venture with state-owned Chinese automaker FAW, or FAW-Volkswagen, has agreed to buy credits from Tesla, the sources said, declining to be named as the talks were private.

Volkswagen declined to comment on the deal. It said in a statement it was “strategically targeting to be self-compliant” with rules in China, but that if required it would buy credits.

Tesla did not respond to requests for comment.

FAW-Volkswagen sold 2.16 million cars last year. The business and another Volkswagen venture in China - with SAIC Motor - were among the most negative credit-generating automakers in the country in 2019, according to data from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

The ventures’ gasoline sedans and SUVs have so far proved far more popular in China than their electric vehicles.

It is unclear how many green credits FAW-Volkswagen will buy from Tesla, but FAW-Volkswagen’s offer was around 3,000 yuan per credit, higher than prices in previous years, the sources said.

The deal effectively sees Volkswagen, the biggest foreign carmaker in China, subsidising a rival while the German group ramps up production of electric vehicles. Its ventures in China plan to roll out five electric ID series models this year.

In the United States, where regulators also set environmental requirements, Tesla has sold regulatory credits to rivals such as Fiat Chrysler, now part of Stellantis, but it has not so far reported any deals in China, where it started making cars in late 2019.

Tesla’s revenue from selling regulatory credits totalled $1.58 billion in 2020, according to a regulatory filing.


UMW Toyota Motor to introduce new eco-friendly and performance models in 2023

                KUALA LUMPUR: Aiming to retain its title of Malaysia's No. 1 non-national automotive brand next year, UMW Toyota Motor will be rolling out a line-up of new and exciting models in 2023.

Its president Ravindran K said the new offerings would include carbon-reducing Hybrid-Electric vehicles (HEVs), carbon-neutral Battery-Electric vehicles (BEVs) and performance GR models.

“We will be announcing further details on these new offerings in 2023, so stay tuned,” he said at the Toyota Move Your World Media Night here.

Stressing on the company's emphasis for eco-friendly vehicles, Ravindran said the company's green line-up, that includes the carbon-reducing Corolla Cross Hybrid Electric, would joined by a second HEV in 2023.

 Corolla Cross HEV.

Ravindran said HEVs are the most viable way forward in achieving carbon neutrality.

He said HEVs are the most accessible and affordable option for car owners in Malaysia to begin their carbon-reducing journey until the nation progressively move towards more forms of electrification.

UMW Toyota Motor is set to close 2022 with a stronger sales of 90,595 units (Toyota & Lexus) recorded in the 11 months of the year, a 44% increase over same period last year.

The November sales stood at 10,442 units (Toyota & Lexus) compared to 8,487 (Toyota & Lexus) in the same month last year, representing a 23% increase.

Ravindran said the Toyota brand was transitioning from an automobile company to a mobility company.

“Car ownership will be more convenient than ever, with delivery to your doorstep, holistic car maintenance assistance services, simpler ownership cost management, and much more,” he said.

 Yaris.

In line with the Move Your World branding direction, Toyota has upgraded its website in Malaysia to strengthen a customer-centric web design concept with new user-friendly features and a modern interface to enable optimal engagement through enhanced data-driven personalisation.

The new features, which include a search function, branding pages, home page personalisation, and a preferred dealer setting, will provide website visitors with a seamless web-browsing experience.

UMW Toyota Motor is also running a year-end promotion with low monthly instalments starting from RM498 for the Toyota Yaris and RM598 for the Vios.

For selected variants of both models, there is also an additional RM4,000 promotional offer.

 Vios.

All Toyota showrooms provide the full range of services to make purchases, including different financing packages from a panel of financial institutions.

Customers can also visit the Toyota Online Showroom for more information and place a booking from the convenience of their homes or office.

For details, on Toyota’s offerings in Malaysia, visit https://www.toyota.com.my/ or call the Toyota freephone line at 1-800-8-TOYOTA (869682).


Bridgestone creates bespoke Potenza tyres for Maserati MC20

                BRUSSELS: Bridgestone has been selected as the exclusive tyre supplier for the MC20, Maserati’s new super sports car.

The tyre company said it has developed special Potenza tyres for the car that would optimise handling, control and driving dynamics.

According to Bridgestone, the bespoke Potenza tyres feature an asymmetric tread design for enhanced steering response and cornering stability, a newly developed tread compound that enhances grip, and an internal crown structure that distributes footprint pressure evenly when cornering.

Combined, these elements provide a high-performance tyre which delivers an optimum mix of control, speed and stability that improves the supercar’s overall performance, it said.

Both Bridgestone and Maserati used in-house R&D centres and virtual development technology to develop and test the new MC20 and its bespoke tyres.

Bridgestone claimed its proprietary virtual tyre modelling technology cut the development time and time to market. This resulted in the MC20 design being produced in 24 months.

An electric variant of the MC20 is expected to be introduced soon.


Volvo S90 T5: Standing tall

                Volvo wants to beat the German luxury car makers at their own game. It’s trying hard and has to its credit made some headway with models like the S90 sedan and XC90 SUV.

Let’s focus on the S90 for the purpose of this review. For Malaysia, the S90 is offered in regular T5 petrol version and a T8 plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The latter in Inscription grade hives off an even more luxurious Inscription Plus that adds rear air suspension and a top-of-the-line hi-fi system.

The locally assembled T5 Momentum came along after the T8 Twin Engine Inscription (RM366,888) and T8 Twin Engine Inscription Plus (RM386,888) were introduced to Malaysia.

Undoubtedly, Volvo’s hallmark safety suite is a big part of the customer buying decision and the T5 doesn’t stinge on it, retaining the full set of advanced safety systems as in the T8. While Volvo still flogs its safety credentials, it has to go beyond that in order to sell more cars. Performance and luxury are very much on the radar on top of electrification, which virtually every brand is pursuing these days.

Like its higher-end variants, the RM338,888 T5 is a handsome brute. Fronted by signature “Thor’s Hammer” daytime running lights, character lines on the raised bonnet confer a sturdy stance to the car, complemented by sheetmetal creases across the sides. Full LED headlights with Active High Beam and cornering lights are standard across the S90 range.

What you get
The T5 loses most of the chrome found in the T8 and strikes out to be the sporty one with blacked-out concave grille and rolls on 19-inch five-triple spoke matte black alloy wheels shod on 255/40 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres.

The distinctive rear with LED lights may be polarising to some but it sits well with the rest of the exterior styling and gets two round chrome exhaust tips to differentiate it further.

Despite some deleted features, the T5 still looks and feels premium. Gone are the drive mode roller switch, head-up display, 360-degree surround camera, Park Assist Pilot, Nappa leather and rear window/windscreen blinds, among others. No Orrefors crystal gear lever here either; the T5 makes do with a leather-wrapped lever instead.

Still the interior manages to look well put together, hewing to the brand’s Scandinavian roots with a neat and clean dashboard that comes with a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster and a 9-inch infotainment display. The tablet-size colour touchscreen with crisp graphics is intuitive to use and navigating through the contols and settings is easy.

Slabs of aluminium-like inlays populate the dash and doors but they are actually plastic that avoids looking low-rent.

The leather seats don’t look and feel as luxurious as Nappa but it’s fine for the base variant of the S90. Seats are largely comfortable and rear headroom and legroom are adequate. The outer rear seats have integrated booster seats that aid in child safety.

Boot is deep and generous. At 55l, the T5’s fuel tank is 5 litres less than the T8’s.

For those who struggle with parallel parking, the T5 comes to the rescue with a simplified parking aid. Activate the feature, follow the simple instructions on the centre display, and you should get it right the first time.

The Pilot Assist is a delight to use when you want your drive to be that much more relaxing. It combines a bunch of sensors, radar and cameras to do the job to steer the wheel and stay within a set lane while maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front.

As the driver, you still have to stay alert and offer corrective steering inputs whenever the car starts veering too close to lane markers or not picking up speed after stop/start traffic crawls.

Volvo has preserved the full ensemble of Intellisafe safety feature across the S90 range. Included in the list are Lane Keeping Aid, City Safety, Support, Pedestrian, Cyclist & Large Animal Detection, Cross Traffic Alert, Emergency Brake Assist, Full-Length Inflatable Curtains and Run-Off Road Protection.

How it drives
The Drive-E engine is competent and rises to the occasion when hauling 1,716kg of mass. The 2.0-litre turbocharged mill dishes up 254hp and 350Nm of torque from a lowly 1,500rpm.

An 8-speed automatic relays drive to the front axle. The T5 goes from zero to 100kph in 6.8s, and onwards to a top speed of 230kph. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 7 l/100km. We managed 10.8 l/100km in a variety of conditions that include urban crawls, hill climbs and high-speed commutes to suburbia.

Steering feel is muted. However, the T5 rides confidently and feels planted on the highway, retaining a degree of refinement that’s more associated with the T8.

There’s a slight lag when accelerating from low revs but the car picks up speed fast. Once it settles into the rhythm, it’s a cosy long distance cruise. Beware the highway speed limit though as you don’t really feel the pace even when the car is going stonking fast.

Volvo’s Dynamic Chassis has to be credited for the T5’s precise handling and zest. The chassis provides active suspension damping, which can adjust ride firmness rapidly, so you get a comfortable drive and high cornering grip with minimal body roll.

Verdict
The T5 offers up plenty of pace, space and reassurance from a safety suite that is second to none.
SPECIFICATIONSVolvo S90 T5 MomentumEngine: 1,969cc in-line 4, Drive-E, turbochargedMaximum power: 254hp @ 5500rpm
Maximum torque: 350Nm at 1,500 to 4,800rpm
Transmission: 8-speed Automatic with Geartronic
Features: Dynamic Chassis, Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold Function, Hill Start Assist, Electronic Stability Control, Digital Instrument Cluster, Road Sign Information System, Voice Control, Rear View Camera, Park Assist Front & Rear, Pilot Assist, 2-Zone Electronic climate control, Clean Zone Interior Air Quality System, High Performance Audio System - 10 Speakers, Apple Carplay & Android Auto, 19-inch alloy wheels, Intellisafe safety suite (includes City Safety, Pedestrian, Cyclist & Large Animal Detection, Lane Keeping Aid, Run-Off Road Mitigation, Blind Spot Information System, Cross Traffic Alert, ABS, Emergency Brake Assist, airbags, collapsible steering column, Isofix Attachment Point, Outer Rear Seats, Integrated 2-Stage Booster Cushion for Outer Rear Seats)
Acceleration 0-100kph: 6.8 seconds
Top speed: 230kph
Price (OTR without insurance): RM338,888


Naza in talks with Ferrari on next step forward, to issue statement soon, says CEO

                PETALING JAYA: Naza Italia is working with Ferrari on the future direction of the brand and would issue a statement soon, says Naza Automotive Group CEO Mohd Rizal Jailan.

He declined to comment on news that Ferrari would terminate the franchise deal with Naza Italia.

WapCar.my reported on March 7 that Ferrari S.p.A had confirmed that it would end its business partnership with the local Ferrari franchise holder from April 8. The Italian luxury brand was reported as saying that Naza Italia would continue to honour all sales and aftersales activities until the cessation date. A new distributor would be announced in due course.

Mohd Rizal said the Naza Group would stay invested in the automotive business and it is working to grow existing brands under its distributorship, which counts Maserati, Suzuki and Ducati.

Naza Italia's other Italian luxury car brand, Maserati, had recently launched the Grecale GT and Levante GT Hybrid SUVs.

The Naza Group is in the midst of a corporate overhaul and had said in early 2021 that it would continue to be involved in the auto business even as it has given up Kia, Peugeot, Chevrolet, Harley-Davidson and a string of other motorcycle brands.

However, the automotive business will no longer be a main revenue source after the revamp as the 47-year-old group is banking on property development and asset management to lead the way.

Under the overhaul plan dubbed Naza 2.0, the highly diversified group would have a “centralised-focus” structure across four verticals – property and construction; asset management; niche & premium automotive; and other businesses.

In the automotive space, Naza will focus on niche, luxury and exclusive brands, group executive chairman SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin had said at the time.

The overarching goal is to change and become lean and streamlined for long term sustainability, he said, adding that the overhaul would cut across the group's more than 40 active businesses.


AAA disputes group’s claims on window film industry

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Auto Audio, Accessories and Air-Condition Traders Association of Malaysia (AAA) has disputed claims by the newly established Malaysia Windows Film Association (MWFA) that it does not have the mandate to represent operators in the vehicle tint film industry.

“Most of the AAA members also deal in selling and installing vehicle tint film, with some of them being leading entrepreneurs in the industry,” AAA said in a statement.

Its comments were in response to claims made by MWFA at a recent press conference that the AAA – which was set up in 1993 – did not represent the majority of companies in the window-film industry.

AAA also took issue with MWFA’s argument that the Malaysia Standard 2669 (MS2669) for vehicle tint film was of a less professional standard.

“The Board of Engineers Malaysia, automotive manufacturers and vehicle tint film industry operators, who are AAA mem-bers, have also given their input in developing MS2669.

“MWFA’s dispute over such standards is seen to challenge the credibility of the related parties,” AAA’s statement added.

It also urged MWFA to provide justification for the allegations.

MS2669 will see tint film affixed with QR code security labels, enabling enforcement officers to obtain the full specifications of the installed tint film, including vehicle make and installation date, and ensuring compliance by scanning the code.

The AAA said the new standard would ensure that the tint film could filter heat and ultraviolet light effectively for at least five years.

Responding to security charges and costs, AAA said it had held briefings with industry players throughout the country, and received support for the standardisation.

“They also understand this mechanism involves complex research and work processes, and agree with the costs involved, which will not be transferred to vehicle owners,” it said.

The association also welcomed any party that could help protect both industry and consumer interests, and advised against focusing on profits at the expense of consumers.


Tesla opens charging network to other EVs for the first time

                SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla Inc is opening its charging network to other electric cars for the first time with a pilot program in the Netherlands, as the world's most valuable carmaker looks to bring electric vehicles into the mainstream.

The program will be tested at 10 locations in the Netherlands, the company said on Monday, adding that Dutch non-Tesla EV drivers can access the Tesla stations, or Superchargers, through the Tesla app.

Tesla drivers can continue to use these stations and the company will closely monitor each site for congestion.

Tesla operates more than 25,000 Superchargers worldwide, while other carmakers have formed alliances or invested in startups for networks as they rush new electric vehicles to market.

The Superchargers are open to cars with the Combined Charging System (CCS) favoured by BMW, Mercedes-Benz maker Daimler, Ford and the Volkswagen, which includes Audi and Porsche.

Tesla uses the CCS standard in Europe, allowing a wide range of cars to charge in stations without an adapter that uses a similar connector.

Charging prices for non-Tesla drivers will include extra costs to support a broad range of vehicles and site adjustments to accommodate these vehicles, Tesla said. The price to charge can be lowered with a charging membership, it added.

"This move directly supports our mission to accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy," the company said.

Tesla, which crossed US$1 trillion in market capitalisation for the first time last week, has defied supply chain issues and global chip shortages to mark a record quarter for car deliveries as demand ramps up and its investments in new factories pay off.


Opinion: Are consumers more willing to buy cars online?

                PETALING JAYA: Proton’s digital journey had started on Oct 17,2018, when customers were able to book the X70 online for just RM99.

Against the slump in car sales, it has seen a 350% jump in online bookings during the movement control order (MCO) period compared with the first two-and-a-half months of the year.

The national carmaker is assessing if this could be the start of a digital trend as it plans to further interact with consumers online.

Even while still studying the trend, capabilities will be developed to transact with customers digitally, especially in view of social distancing that has become the new normal.

Affordability is still a major consideration, while in the face of bread-and-butter issues, consumers are mostly buying out of a need for these vehicles.

In the first quarter of 2020, especially in the first two months, sales had grown by 20.4% against the corresponding period in 2019; a total of 21,757 units were sold.

Much growth in the MCO period from March 18 to date was powered by its low online booking fee and it could have been inflated as consumers had no alternative channels to book a Proton car.

“But it might also be the beginning of a trend where more and more consumers are willing to transact online," said Proton.

These bookings will later be converted into sales once its outlets are reopened.

Actually, digital bookings are only a further step for consumers, the majority of whom are already conducting research online, from reading reviews, scanning owner groups to finding out about equipment levels.

Physically, it was impossible to sell cars during the MCO period, as showrooms were closed and customers could not go for test drives; government departments such as the Road Transport Department was shut, and financial institutions unable to disburse loans.

Despite these limitations, the company continued to connect with its customers through various touch points such as Facebook, Instagram, its website and even the homepage on its apps.

Updating consumers on attractive promotions, it also informed them on servicing and warranty practices.

Proton’s digital journey had started on Oct 17,2018, when customers were able to book the Proton X70 online for just RM99.

They were also able to view the full details of the car, except for the price, on a virtual showroom.

By the time of its launch on Dec 12,2018, the X70 had attracted 10,000 bookings online; this strategy had also successfully filtered down to other models so that by the time the MCO was suddenly announced, Proton still managed to clinch that surge in online bookings.

During the MCO period, customers could book online a Proton Saga, Persona, Iriz or Exora for just RM9.99.

These four models, with lower price points, had received the highest number of bookings; the booking fee for the Proton X70 was at RM99.

Sales growth last year was powered by factors such as a refreshed product range, additional perks and improvements in its 121 outlets; these are its tools to attract new buyers and current owners back to the brand.

With the launch of the Proton X70, the company had updated its entire model offerings in less than nine months, with improved specifications and at lower prices than their predecessors.

Additional benefits included free labour for a number of service appointments and free data for cars featuring its intelligent head units. In view of job losses and business disruptions, it would be natural for many to put off making big ticket purchases, like buying a car.

But Proton has seen that a lot of car purchases are based on fulfilling a need; if they can afford to do so, consumers will still buy cars.

As the affordable range remains the most popular, Proton will stick to selling cars that appeal to the majority of Malaysians even as it explores new market niches.

While evaluating several strategies for the post Covid-19 environment, it will “need the flexibility to pivot, to take into account the uncertainty we now face.’’

“It will take time to ascertain what the future holds’’ but it aims to focus on advanced products, offer a premium sales and service experience, deliver value for money and expand its reach by opening new outlets, as the basis of its growth strategy.

This pandemic has certainly put a lot companies at the crossroads.

We wait patiently for their next move. — YAP LENG KUEN

> This article by columnist Yap Leng Kuen first appeared in StarBiz


Mazda CX-30 launching in Europe ahead of Malaysia

                COLOGNE: Mazda's range of SUVs is growing even wider: the Japanese company is set to roll out the new compact CX-30 in late September that's based off the Mazda3 and will start at about US$27,000.

At that price, the 4.4-metre-long SUV with comparable features, such as series standards like a head-up display and LED headlights, costs some US$1,000 dollars more than the hatchback from the compact class. It's taking the fight to the Toyota C-HR, Honda HR-V and Subaru XV, being a model slotted between the the CX-3 and CX-5.

The good news is that the CX-30 will be coming to Malaysia, probably next year, after it goes on sale in Europe in September. The local distributor is coy about whether the CX-30 will be locally assembled.

With a wheelbase measuring 2.66 metres, the CX-30 offers enough room for five passengers and up to 430 litres of luggage. Put the backseats down, and boot space grows exponentially, to 1,406 litres.

Under the bonnet, there's a 2-litre petrol engine with a mild hybrid and cylinder shutoff, or a diesel engine with a 1.8-litre capacity.

The petrol engine gets 122hp, while the diesel reaches 116hp. With those figures, speeds of up to 186kph are possible, according to the Japanese company.

Mazda plans to expand its engine offerings by the end of the year, offering a Skyactiv-X petrol engine with 180hp that promises fuel efficiency and power with a new ignition process.


WEY teases images of new SUV resembling Ford Bronco

                SHANGHAI: Chinese luxury SUV brand WEY has teased images of a new SUV that resembles the new Ford Bronco in some ways.

There are similarities in the design of the front and rear lamps, and the exterior styling.

WEY is the luxury SUV brand of Great Wall Motors, which developed Haval - known as China's biggest SUV brand.

The new WEY SUV might share the Haval H9's 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, turbocharged engine that produces 241hp and 350Nm of torque, mated to a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission.

READ MORE:2021 Ford Bronco off-road SUVs unveiled


Proton Persona indicative pricing starts from RM47,000

                SUBANG JAYA: Proton says the new Persona is tentatively priced from RM47,000 to RM61,000 in Peninsular Malaysia and from RM49,000 to RM63,000 in East Malaysia.

The car, which will be launched on Aug 23, is now open for booking with a refundable fee of RM300. It is available in three variants - Standard, Executive and Premium (with and without body kit) - and comes with a choice of six body colours - Cotton White, Fire Red, Sterling Silver, Graphite Grey, Quartz Black and a new colour, Carnelian Brown.

To sweeten the deal, Proton will offer a three-year free service (parts and labour included) for bookings made by Sept 30.

READ MORE: First drive of new Proton Persona

With a 5-Star Asean NCAP rating across all variants, it provides comprehensive active and passive safety features such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System, Hill-hold Assist, ISOFIX and top tether, Brake Assist, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as well as 6 airbags for the Premium variant.

First introduced in 2007, the new Persona is the second generation of the Persona family and will follow the "sporty and executive" theme. It is powered by a 1.6L VVT engine for better fuel economy and it is the first Proton car to have an ECO Drive Assist indicator.

The interior promises to be spacious, with ergonomically designed seats and console layout, providing a comfortable ride for the driver and passengers. The car also comes with 510 litres of luggage space.

Other features include a redesigned headlamp, rear spoilers, all-round sensors, 15” alloy wheels as well as electric headlamp levelling.

The imminent arrival of the Persona comes on the heels of a major launch from Perodua, which introduced its Bezza sedan last month.


Ford scraps plan for US$1.6 billion plant in Mexico after Trump criticism

                WASHINGTON: Ford Motor Co said Tuesday it will cancel a planned US$1.6 billion factory in Mexico and invest US$700 million at a Michigan factory, after President-elect Donald Trump had harshly criticized the Mexico investment plan.

The second largest US automaker said it would build new electric, hybrid and autonomous vehicles at the Flat Rock, Michigan plant and add 700 jobs.

Ford chief executive Mark Fields said the decision to cancel the new Mexico factory was the result of sagging demand for small cars in North America and not because Trump was elected president. He told Fox Business that the automaker would have made the same decision even if Trump had not been elected.

"There was no quid pro quo because there was no negotiation" with Trump over the decision to cancel the plant, Fields said.

Fields told reporters the decision related to the need to "fully utilise capacity at existing facilities" amid declining sales of small and medium sized cars such as the Focus and Fusion.

Fields also endorsed "pro growth" tax and regulatory policies advocated by Trump and the Republican-led Congress. "This is a vote of confidence for president-elect Trump and some of the policies he may be pursuing," Fields said.

Trump repeatedly said during the election campaign that if elected he would not allow Ford to open the new plant in Mexico, which he called an "absolute disgrace" and would slap hefty tariffs taxes on imported Ford vehicles.

Ford executive chairman Bill Ford Jr. told reporters he spoke with Trump to notify him of the decision. The company said the decision was influenced by Trump's policy goals such as lowering taxes and regulations but that there were no negotiations over the decision announced on Tuesday.

By contrast, Trump's team held talks with United Technologies Corp in November before the company agreed to keep about 800 jobs at its Carrier air conditioning unit in Indiana out of 2,100 set to go to Mexico. Trump has also held high profile meetings with the chief executives of Boeing and Lockheed Martin to talk about the cost of military contracts.

Also on Tuesday, Trump threatened to impose a "big border tax" on General Motors Co for making some of its Chevrolet Cruze cars in Mexico.

The New York businessman, who has vowed to bring back American jobs that have been outsourced overseas and be tough on illegal immigration from Mexico, takes office on Jan 20.

Fields said Ford will build a battery electric SUV with a 483km driving range at the Michigan plant by 2020 -- taking on companies like Tesla Motors Inc, Volkswagen AG and GM - and will launch production there by 2021 of a fully autonomous vehicle without a steering wheel or a brake pedal for use in ride services fleets.

 Trump talking to reporters as he and his wife Melania Trump arrive for a New Year's Eve celebration in Palm Beach, Florida, recently. - Reuters

Ford also plans new hybrid versions of its F-150 pickup truck, Mustang and police vehicles by 2020 as the auto industry faces rising fuel efficiency mandates.

Ford will add 700 jobs at the Flat Rock plant, Fields said, to cheers from union workers gathered at the factory for the announcement.

Ford in April announced it would invest US$1.6 billion in the new plant in San Luis Potosi, Mexico to build small cars. The company said it will shift production from Michigan of its Focus to an existing plant in Hermosillo, Mexico.

When Trump announced his campaign in June, 2015, he said Ford would cancel its planned Mexico investments. "They’ll say,‘Mr. President we’ve decided to move the plant back to the United States — we’re not going to build it in Mexico.’ That’s it. They have no choice," Trump said.

Trump tweeted a link on Tuesday to a story about the decision.

Ford said it will add two new unnamed products at its Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan, where the Focus is manufactured today.


You can now park and pay with Touch ‘n Go eWallet in PJ and Shah Alam

                PETALING JAYA: For motorists who frequent Petaling Jaya and Shah Alam, here's a bit of good news.

You can do cashless parking now with Touch ‘n Go eWallet.

The digital wallet and online payment platform announced on its Facebook page on Sunday that these two city councils have joined Putrajaya, Subang Jaya, Machang, Kota Baru, Kuala Langat and Kuala Terengganu in enabling cashless payment for parking.

Since Nov 21, street parking in Kuala Lumpur is also supported.

Touch ‘n Go eWallet said it worked with Smart Selangor Parking and Flexi Parking to make the convenient feature possible.

The eWallet app is available for Apple iPhones and Android phones. It can be downloaded from their respective online stores.

READ MORE: RFID use to be expanded to parking


Audi celebrates 70 years in Ingolstadt

PETALING JAYA: To mark the 70th anniversary of the company in Ingolstadt, Audi is presenting insights into the history of the four rings.Audi has been building cars at the Ingolstadt site for 70 years. The heart of the Group beats in this Bavarian city on the Danube: Ingolstadt is where AUDI AG has its headquarters and operates its largest production site worldwide.Three special exhibitions entitled “Audi in Ingolstadt: Yesterday – Today – Tomorrow” were opened simultaneously today in the Audi Forum by Albert Mayer, plant manager at the Ingolstadt site, and Thomas Frank, Managing Director of Auto Union GmbH.The highlight is the extraordinary temporary exhibition “W49” in the Audi museum mobile, which lasts until the end of February 2020.Two additional exhibitions are open to Audi employees and all interested members of the public until Sept 21, 2019.“W49 – New Start in Ingolstadt” temporary exhibition at Audi museum mobile:September 3, 1949, marks an important date in the history of AUDI AG.  With the “W49” exhibit, Audi takes a very special look back on the connection between the company and the city.“49” stands for the year it all began. The "W" originally meant "West" and distinguished the first motorcycle built in Ingolstadt from those built in the “East.”The new temporary exhibition shows the company's first ten years in Ingolstadt from 1949 to 1959 – and quite deliberately in a double sense: The images allow the visitor to change perspective, offering a view through “Audi glasses” as well as from the viewpoint of the city.Audi is exhibiting the first products of the newly founded Auto Union GmbH, including the DKW Schnelllaster and the DKW RT 125 W motorcycle, as well as other important models from the early automotive production.The exhibition also examines the underlying conditions in the company's new home, from the political restart with a young democracy and the refugees of the day to daily life and the reconstruction in Ingolstadt.Audi is positioning itself for the future. In a pavilion in the Audi Piazza, the company is presenting a preview of future investments in the Ingolstadt location. Among other things, the new “Ingolstadt Audi” train stop and the IN-Campus are being presented.IN-Campus GmbH, a joint venture of AUDI AG and the city of Ingolstadt, is refurbishing the site of a former oil refinery for the project and converting it into a technology park – transforming it from a refinery site to a cutting-edge technology center.


As cities push for alternative mobility, bling car business booms

                GENEVA: They are some of the world's top-performing cars, with high-quality engines and cutting-edge technology under the bonnet.

However, if you were actually the owner of one of these luxury cars, it is very unlikely that you would actually want to go anywhere in them - at least according to Bugatti boss Stephan Winkelmann.

"Today our customers do not use the vehicles to drive from A to B, but to drive from A to A," says Winkelmann.

Impractical? Maybe. A sustainable business model? Almost certainly.

In the face of growing industry pressure to adapt to declining consumer interest in cars, the big luxury brands recently turned up at the Geneva Motor Show acting like business as usual.

While major industry topics such as shared mobility concepts and automated cars are in the spotlight, luxury brands like Bugatti, Ferrari, Maserati and Rolls-Royce have a different audience in mind.

Those who can afford a car that can easily cost as much as a one-family house are interested in only the very best in motoring, and the good news is, this group seems to only be getting bigger.

"There are more and more rich people who want to treat themselves to something special," says industry expert Peter Fuss from the consulting firm Ernst & Young. "And they want to show that too."

As a very physical reminder of their exclusivity, the brands at the show - including Lamborghini, Bentley and Russian luxury car brand Aurus - have their exhibition stalls protected by glass fences.

While visitors to other brands can stroll around the vehicles as they wish, these barriers are a reminder that not just anyone gets to take a ride in these cars.

But despite this, these brands are still in high demand.

For example, Bugatti delivers only 70 to 80 vehicles per year, with prices starting from 2.5 million euros. Yet it sells out fast. "We have no shortage of demand," says Winkelmann.

"The Divo costs 5 million (euros) net, 40 pieces are planned, and all are sold out. La Voiture Noire is a one-of-a-kind, sold for 16.7 million euros. Then we have a special series of 20 copies, each piece 3 million euros, and each one is sold."

Lamborghini boss Stefano Domenicali is even more bullish in talking about his consumers and their demand for high-end vehicles.

In 2017, the brand delivered 3,815 cars worldwide, generating around 933 million euros in sales. On average, that's almost 245,000 euros per car.

In 2018, there were already 5,750 vehicles - and in 2019, around 8,000 are set to be produced, with capacity at the Italian plant significantly increased.

"There's one side of the younger generation for whom a car is simply a mobility tool," says Domenicali. "And there's the other side, in our niche of course, who wants to be proud of having such a car."

However, despite the rising popularity, a Lamborghini should remain a Lamborghini - meaning that being rare and expensive is part of the brand appeal.

"It's about finding the right balance between growth and exclusivity," says Domenicali. "If we just wanted to boost sales, that would be easy."

Especially the demand for the new Lamborghini Urus SUV is incredibly high. "But we do not want to go (further) that way," says Domenicali.

Compared to Bugatti, Lamborghini's numbers are already enormous. But for comparison, Porsche takes some two weeks to shift 8,000 vehicles.

Industry expert Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer also sees the premium and super-premium manufacturers in no danger of suffering from the declining interest in cars - provided they still manage to arouse desire and ownership pride.

Bugatti boss Winkelmann does not want to categorically rule out that the brand could eventually position itself a little differently, and explore different, possibly even more affordable,vehicle types.

Founder Ettore Bugatti once built every kind of vehicle, and Winkelmann also believes the brand has the potential for another model range.

"The opportunity exists, and if we were to be present in a different category of vehicles, then of course we would also have the chance to build cars suitable for everyday use - and then you could imagine offering mobility services as well."

Perhaps this is a cautious consideration on Bugatti's part, acknowledging that expensive cars alone will not always be a guarantee for big profits.

According to Dudenhoeffer, it can vary in results for many companies, with manufacturers seeing ups and down in the the luxury car segment. While Ferrari made 69,000 euros in operating profit per car in the first half of 2018, Bentley in each case made only 17,000 euros.


Navigate on Autopilot feature makes Tesla vehicles more autonomous than ever

                SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla recently announced the US rollout of Navigate on Autopilot: a feature providing vehicles with the ability to autonomously merge, change lanes, take exits, and even navigate highway interchanges with driver approval.

Last week, Tesla released the first version of Navigate on Autopilot, "an active guidance feature for Enhanced Autopilot that, with driver supervision, guides a car from a highway's on-ramp to off-ramp, including suggesting and making land changes, navigating highway interchanges, and taking exits."

Though capable of driving cars autonomously, the feature requires action approval by the driver using the turn stalk. Once driverless vehicles have been approved by regulators, future versions of the feature will have the option of deactivating this precaution.

This AI decision confirmation ensures that the driver is still alert while the car navigates through traffic. If working responsively with Navigate, drivers will arrive at their destination via the most efficient route, thanks to vehicle-mandated suggestions that are designed to take into account and analyze information from eight external cameras, combined with ultrasonic and radar sensors. It's like having a dozen sets of eyes on the road rather than just one.

To give your Tesla this supervised control, Navigate on Autopilot and Autosteer must be turned on from the Autopilot settings.

Once this is enabled, the vehicle will suggest lane changes to either keep you in the best lane to reach your destination, or to pass other cars to keep the vehicle at your set speed. The latter option comes with four settings — disabled, mild, average, or 'Mad Max' — which the feature will switch between based on the pace of surrounding traffic.

As vehicles face more and more road situations, the information from all experiences will be fed to Tesla's neural net that consists of "advanced machine learning algorithms [that] allow our cars to collect and process data in milliseconds." In short, Tesla's algorithms are always learning, always analysing, and always getting closer to being fully autonomous.

The rollout of Navigate on Autopilot begins this week in the US to those who have Enhanced Autopilot or Full Self-Driving Capability. As various markets' regulatory bodies approve the technology, the rollout will expand internationally.


Extended warranty for Proton Certified Pre-Owned cars

                SUBANG JAYA: To provide additional peace of mind to buyers of used Proton vehicles, national car maker Proton will provide a one-year extended warranty for all Proton Certified Pre-Owned (PCPO) vehicles.

With immediate effect, all PCPO vehicles sold via Proton authorised used car outlets are eligible for the PCPO Extended Warranty Programme (PCPO-EW) that is underwritten by Allianz General Insurance.

Under the programme, parts of the engine and transmission that are found to be defective under normal use for the first 25,000km or 12 months will be repaired or replaced by the warranty provider.

“With the extended warranty, owners of PCPO vehicles are protected from unexpected costs due to mechanical failure for engine and transmission parts,” said Proton deputy chief executive officer Roslan Abdullah.

Since its inception in 2019, Proton’s Used Car Management (UCM) unit has introduced operating procedures and provided training for used car inspectors to manage transactions at each outlet and ensure services provided are in line with the expectations set by the brand.

Currently, the company has 36 outlets that retail PCPO vehicles in the country.

“With Proton’s sales volume increasing over the past few years, we have seen a similar increase of trade-in or trade-up transactions.

“Therefore, with customer satisfaction in mind, we want to give assurances to our consumers to ensure ownership of a PCPO vehicle is a satisfactory experience on par with other brands,” added Roslan.

 Roslan.

Vehicles sold under the PCPO programme undergo a thorough 201-point inspection and are guaranteed to be free of any flood or major accident damage.

Besides enjoying the 1-year extended warranty which covers the engine and transmission, customers are also entitled to a one-time free basic service after six months from the date of purchase.

With the increasing shift to online platforms, UCM has also set up a dedicated Proton used car website to attract tech-savvy buyers.

Consumers can view stocks without walking into showrooms and browse through the website to get an estimated market price for a used car.


Hyundai and Kia unveil driverless car-charging and parking concept

                SEOUL: Hate waiting for your EV to recharge? What about driving around trying to find an empty parking space? If so, you're certainly not alone; Hyundai and Kia announced a potential solution to solve both these burdens, and the concept models are already in the works. The teaser video released on Wednesday was followed up with a detailed announcement Thursday.

The clip features an animated driver exiting her car after parking it in front of a mall. Upon stepping out, she checks her phone, which informs her that the car's battery is low. The vehicle then locates an available magnetic induction charging station over-air and prompts the driver with a "charge battery" option on her phone. After tapping this button, the car leaves sans driver to charge and, when it is finished, is located and proceeds to an available parking space.

Hyundai claims that these processes will be possible thanks to "continuous communication between electric vehicle, parking facility, charging system and driver." The parking facility would be required to keep the system updated with the locations of vacant spots, while the charging system could autonomously track charging station availability.

To conclude the video, the driver exits the mall, hails the car with her smartphone, and drives off after it autonomously arrives at her location.

The companies intend to launch this technology when electric vehicles reach level 4 autonomy, which is expected around 2025. Additionally, Hyundai and Kia are planning to commercialise their own autonomous vehicles in 2021 and launch fully autonomous vehicles by 2030.


Lewis Hamilton down with Covid-19, out of Bahrain races

                LONDON: Lewis Hamilton will be out of action at this weekend’s Sakhir GP in Bahrain as he has tested positive for Covid-19.

A statement from the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team said Hamilton was tested three times last week and returned a negative result each time, the last of which was on Sunday afternoon at the Bahrain International Circuit as part of the standard race weekend testing programme.

However, he woke up on Monday morning with mild symptoms and was informed at the same time that a contact prior to arrival in Bahrain had subsequently tested positive. Hamilton took a further test and returned a positive result.

He is now isolating in Bahrain. Apart from mild symptoms, he is otherwise fit and well, said the F1 team.

The F1 team said it would announce a replacement driver for this weekend soon.


You now have to pay for parking at Genting Highlands

                GENTING HIGHLANDS: Free parking at the highland resort is a thing of the past with effect from this month.

A China Press report said parking operators are now charging RM5 per day on weekdays and RM8 per day on weekends and public holidays. These rates are temporary as they will be revised from Jan 1, 2018, with parking fees based on an hourly rate.

The Chinese newspaper said the rates will start at RM2 per hour with a maximum charge of RM12 per day on weekdays. The charges will increase to RM3 per hour with a maximum rate of RM18 per day on weekends and public holidays.

Genting Rewards card members will continue to get free parking until the end of this month. However, members with Genting Gold card and above will get tp enjoy free parking until the end of 2017.

Parking at the Genting Premium Outlets is already chargeable, according to China Press.


2017 Detroit auto show: Chevy Bolt named Car of the Year

                DETROIT: The Chevrolet Bolt was announced as the North American Car of the Year at the Detroit Auto Show on Monday.

The Bolt beat the Genesis G90 and Volvo S90 to claim the honor, which was announced by the North American Car and Truck/Utility of the Year jury on their Twitter account.

The vehicle is GM's first mass-market electric car, and has already won the Motor Trend Car of the Year award in November and the Green Car of the Year award at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

 The Bolt EV.

The Bolt is estimated to go 238 miles on a single charge, and with a retail price of around $30,000 after tax breaks is less than half the price of the Tesla Model S and Model X -- the only other cars sold in the US that go more than 200 miles on a charge.

The first of the Bolts were sold in California last month, with a national roll-out expected to happen later this year.

The Chrysler Pacifica won the Utility Vehicle of the Year, beating the Mazda CX-9 and Jaguar F-Pace, while the Honda Ridgeline pickup won Truck of the Year, beating the Ford F-Series Super Duty and the Nissan Titan.

The car, truck and utility of the year awards are given to new or significantly redesigned vehicles at the Detroit Auto Show by a panel of media auto critics.


China carmakers urge foreign ownership cap to remain for 5 years

                BEIJING: China should keep the 50 percent cap on foreign ownership in local passenger-vehicle joint ventures for at least another five to eight years to ensure Chinese carmakers are ready for full-fledged competition, according to the state-backed auto association.

The government can consider lifting the limit on different parts of the automotive industry according to their maturity, starting with the motorcycle industry in one or two years, followed by commercial vehicles in three to four years, Ye Shengji, deputy secretary general of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, said in an interview on Saturday in Tianjin. The cap on passenger vehicles should be the last to go, he said.

China requires overseas companies to set up joint ventures with domestic partners as part of an industrial policy to ensure local carmakers gain technology and operational know-how. The debate over whether it’s the right time to revise the policy was reignited after Xu Shaoshi, chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission, said in June the government is looking into lifting the 50 percent cap.

“While removing the caps is something that can’t be stopped, it should happen in a gradual and orderly manner and not all at one go,” Ye said, adding that the association has communicated its position to the NDRC and Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the industry’s two principal regulators.

The policy has been criticised in recent years for shielding state-owned companies from competition and reducing the drive to build their own brands. Its supporters say the rule gives China’s automakers a chance to build enough scale and develop technology to withstand global competition.

CAAM has been vocal in its opposition to lifting the ownership cap, arguing that local companies are too weak to be able to compete with the likes of General Motors Co. or Volkswagen AG. In February 2014, the trade group warned that Chinese brands will be “killed in the cradle” if the government allows foreign automakers to become more independent from their domestic partners, after a commerce ministry official said that automakers should prepare for the day when the limits are relaxed.

Even so, the central government has already begun relaxing the policy, saying in July that it’ll exempt foreign makers of motorcycles and batteries from ownership limits in their manufacturing operations in selected free trade zones. Manufacturers such as Yamaha Motor Co. and Samsung SDI Co. previously were required to partner with local companies and could own as much as 50 percent of joint ventures.

“If you open up fully now to foreign companies, those domestic brands and privately owned automakers won’t survive because the entire supply chain will be in foreign hands,” Ye said.


Honda HR-V woos the damsels

                What does the fairer sex have to say about this Honda crossover? CarSifu recently invited three ladies to try out the HR-V and asked them for their feedback.

Well, they had a lot to say about the compact SUV. But the long and short of it was that they found the HR-V capable, comfortable despite its size and downright cute.

But first, let’s look at what this model has to offer.

The HR-V is sold locally in three variants, namely the entry-level S grade that’s priced on the road with GST and insurance at RM98,689.79, followed by the mid-spec E at RM108,026.50 and finally the range-topping V at RM118,228.50.

The V grade is equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) mated to a 1.8-litre engine, which produces 140bhp and 172Nm of torque - more than enough for a spirited drive or for those steep uphill climbs if ever needed.

Also included in the equipment package are all-round brake discs for confident braking, an electronically-activated parking brake for convenience, and larger 16-inch alloy wheels with 215/60 series tyres for a more masculine look.

It uses LEDs for its automatic headlights and daytime running lights and it’s also equipped with keyless entry and push-start button, cruise control, multi-angle rear view camera, automatic dimming rear view mirror, leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, half leather seats and vanity mirrors with illumination.

For safety, it comes with six airbags, rear parking sensors, emergency stop signal, hill start assist, vehicle stability assist, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, automatic brake hold and ISOFIX anchor points.

A seven-inch touchscreen connected to six speakers takes care of entertainment needs; along with two USB ports and a HDMI port, while voice recognition and hands-free telephone control switches on the steering wheel takes care of convenience.

We got the V grade for a week and drove it to where the ladies were.

Although the women didn’t meet each other, they did share one commonality – they would always start out by saying how easy it was to get in and out and how comfortable the seats and headrests were.

Gazing at the HR-V, each of them complimented the overall size and aesthetics of the car – particularly the hidden rear door handles.

Unlike men who tend to get fascinated by the performance and technicalities of a car, women are wired differently and tend to think in terms of what the car has to offer such as comfort and modern conveniences.

For Jennifer Ng, who drives a 1.3-litre Perodua Myvi, it was the stylish alloy wheels that caught her eye and when she ventured into the cabin – it was “love at first sight”.

“Both the driver and passenger get an illuminated vanity mirror!” she said enthusiastically. She discovered “how easy it was to get in and out of the car and I can’t believe how comfortable the seats are - especially the headrests, it’s wonderfully plush!” she exclaimed.

She also liked the cabin and the numerous features such as the electronic parking brake, automatic lights and the keyless entry with push start button and the steering wheel volume controls.

“The HR-V has many conveniences, everything is within such easy reach and it’s absolutely practical for me,” said Jennifer.

Next to have a stab at the HR-V was Vivian Tah who drives a Volkswagen Beetle 1.2 TSI and is “digging” the car’s list of features more than its power.

“It’s so easy to get in and out and it’s almost like sliding on and off the comfortable seats,” she said.

But what appealed to her most was the keyless entry and push-start button. “These two items need to be included in any car for the convenience they offer,” she pointed out.

Driving the HR-V, Vivian noted a few items on her list of “likes”.

“I like the big seven-inch touchscreen and the touch panel controls – they bring a sense of style to the dashboard.

“The steering is nice and light; with the impressive all-round view, I feel raised up and a lot more confident when driving around.”

Like Jennifer, Ruby Lim drives a 1.3-litre Myvi and she finds the HR-V desirable.

At 156cm-tall, Ruby attests that getting in and out was simple and easy, and the overall size of the vehicle was not intimidating at all.

“I thought getting into the HR-V would require more effort considering how ‘high’ it looked, but little effort was required to clamber inside.”

Ruby appreciated the colours in the cabin, pointing out that she liked the HR-V’s blue ambient lighting in the footwells and especially the combination of blue and green hues found in the instrument cluster.

“It’s quite interesting how the HR-V is able to let the driver know if the way it’s being driven is economical by changing the blue hue around the speedometer to a green one,” she remarked.

Taking the HR-V for a short spin, Ruby found the CVT to be a joy to use.

“The way it accelerates is just smooth all the way and I like how the brakes bite firmly, while the suspension absorbs shocks well,” she added.

All in all, the three ladies seemed to have taken quite a liking to the HR-V, with one intent on buying it soon.

Also, check out our previous test-drives in the Honda HR-V, which includes a drive in Thailand, around the quiet island of Langkawi and in and around Kuala Lumpur.

For more information about the HR-V or to make a booking, log on to www.honda.com.my  or visit your nearest Honda dealer.

HONDA HR-V

JENNIFER NG

Vivian Tah

RUBY LIM


Subaru Impreza is 2017 Car of the Year Japan

Abe holding the award alongside the Impreza.
TOKYO: The Subaru Impreza polled strongly to pull away from the Toyota Prius to win the 2017 Car of the Year Japan award recently.

This win gives Subaru only its second ever COTY trophy and its first in 13 years.

In accepting the award, Impreza chief engineer Kazuhiro Abe said, “When we started developing the Impreza over 4 years ago, never did I imagine I’d be standing here today with such a prestigious award. This must be what it feels like to win an Olympic gold. The Impreza’s new global platform has great meaning for the company moving forward and will underpin nearly all of our cars over the next decade.”

Japan’s COTY organisation is made up of 59 jurors who each start with 25 votes and must give their most highly rated vehicle 10 votes. Their remaining 15 votes are then spread across their next best 4 cars. Each juror must vote for 5 cars out of the final Top 10.

At an award ceremony held inside the Tokyo International Exchange Center on Tokyo Bay, the Subaru Impreza polled 420 votes to triumph over the Toyota Prius by 49 votes and win the 2017 Car of the Year Japan (COTY). In a close battle for third, the Audi A4 polled 149 votes and captured the Import Car of the Year trophy, just 4 votes ahead of the strong finishing Volvo XC90.

The Nissan Serena captured the Innovation Award for its Propilot driver-assist, hands-free sliding door technology and clever seat arrangement, while the Daihatsu Move Canbus won the Small Mobility award for its packaging. Given high marks for its performance and handling, the BMW M2 triumphed in the Emotional Award, while the Honda NSX picked up the Car of the Year Japan steering committee’s Special Award for its revolutionary V6 twin-turbo hybrid powertrain.


Electric car startup Canoo names former diplomat as president

                DETROIT: Electric car startup Canoo Inc today named Josette Sheeran, a former diplomat, as its president.

Sheeran, who joined the Canoo board last December, is the executive chairman of the McCain Institute, a Washington think tank.

Previously, Sheeran served as vice chair of the World Economic Forum; executive director of the United Nations World Food Program; US under-secretary for economic, energy and agricultural affairs under President George W. Bush; and deputy US trade representative and ambassador covering Asia, Africa, labour, environment, intellectual property, and trade capacity building. In 2011, Forbes named her the 30th most powerful woman in the world.

"She brings vast experience in US and global negotiations, supply chains, financing and partnerships and, in joining us full-time, will help me to build out the company," Canoo chief executive Tony Aquila said in a statement.

Canoo went public last December through a reverse merger with a special-purpose acquisition company and last month said it planned to build an assembly plant in Oklahoma that would open in 2023. read more

Canoo developed a "skateboard", or a low-rise platform that bundles batteries and electric motors with such chassis components as steering, brakes and wheels, on which a variety of vehicle body types can be built.


Musk tells Tesla staff he must approve all hiring, memo shows

Musk wants to keep a tight lid on new hires.— Reuters
AUSTIN: Tesla Inc CEO Elon Musk has said that the company can make no new hires unless he personally approves them, including contractors, according to a copy of the email seen by Reuters.

According to the email, Musk told executives to send him a list of hiring requests on a weekly basis, while also cautioning them to "think carefully" before submitting such requests.

"No one can join Tesla, even as a contractor, until you receive my email approval", Musk said in the email on Monday.

Last month, the company posted its lowest quarterly gross margin in two years, missing market estimates, as it slashed prices aggressively in markets including the United States and China to spur demand and fend off rising competition.

Tesla did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment.

Musk named former NBCUniversal advertising chief Linda Yaccarino as Twitter's new CEO last week. He said on Friday that hiring Yaccarino would allow him to spend more time to run Tesla.

The billionaire is expected to address Tesla shareholders today at the automaker's annual meeting at its headquarters here.