A Model S. All Tesla cars built since late 2016 are equipped with sensors and other hardware that allow them to function without a human driver at the wheel, according to the company. — dpa
LOS ANGELES: Elon Musk frames his company's aggressive push into driverless car technology as a moral imperative. Along with sustainable electric transportation, he views autonomy as a core element of Tesla Inc's "fundamental goodness."

Humans will be freed of the tedium of driving, he told Wall Street last year. Millions of lives will be saved.

There is another incentive for Musk to put driverless cars on the road, though. The day he does that, hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of stored-up revenue become eligible for a trip straight to Tesla's perpetually stressed bottom line.

All Tesla cars built since late 2016 are equipped with sensors and other hardware that allow them to function without a human driver at the wheel, according to the company. Since then, buyers of Tesla Models S, X, and 3 have been able to pay US$3,000 to US$6,000 to eventually get what Musk calls Full Self-Driving technology, or FSD. (The price will soon rise to US$7,000.)

Tesla has sold 500,000 cars over that period. The electric-vehicle website Electrek has estimated that 40 per cent of customers choose the FSD option. Owners who haven't can buy it when available, albeit at a higher price.

Tesla cars will just need new lines of computer code beamed into the car to go full robot when the software is ready, the company says. Musk is aiming to make that happen by the end of the year.

But is Tesla anywhere close to ready with fully driverless technology? And what would that even mean?

The answers concern many in the auto industry, and not just for reasons of competitiveness. Auto executives worry that premature deployment of driverless technology would result in crashes, injuries and deaths and rile up politicians and regulators. It could also damage public trust in the technology - which surveys show is already low - and set the field back by years, they fear.

On Tesla's website, where FSD is offered for sale, the company says that automatic driving will be available on city streets by the end of the year. FSD will recognise stop signs and traffic lights, it says. And Musk is aiming to release a self-parking feature by the end of the year. The technology, originally scheduled for a May release, would allow a car to drive itself around a parking lot, find an empty spot and park.

Tesla does not say how a car equipped with FSD might respond to a child crossing the street chasing a ball, or whether it would swerve over a double yellow line to avoid a bicyclist. It is "edge cases" such as these that Waymo - the autonomous-driving unit of Google parent Alphabet, and the acknowledged industry leader - and others say are taking them so much time to perfect.

Asked to provide a timeline for Tesla's transition to totally driverless cars, a Tesla spokesman pointed to the Autopilot section of its website where the company discusses future use of Tesla cars without driver supervision. As for what Tesla means by "full" self-driving, she offered the following quote from a recent presentation by Musk:

"There's three steps to self-driving. There's being feature complete, then there's being feature complete to the degree where we think that the person in the car does not need to pay attention. And then there's being, at a reliability level, where we also convince regulators that that is true."

The lack of clarity on FSD's capabilities and timeline concerns the National Safety Council, a nonprofit health and safety advocacy group. "Most people don't understand the technology that's already in their cars," said council Vice President Kelly Nantel. "It's confusing to drivers. When you call something Full Self-Driving or Autopilot (Tesla's driver-assist technology) you give the impression that the vehicle has capabilities it doesn't have."

Moving the millions collected from FSD customers onto Tesla's bottom line could be enough to ensure a profit in the fourth quarter, which Musk told stock analysts last month he's "pretty confident" Tesla can do. That would be huge for a company that is struggling to prove it's not a perpetual money loser. Tesla hasn't produced an annual profit since its founding in 2003. In the second quarter of this year, Tesla sold a record 95,000 cars but lost US$389 million.

As of the second quarter, Tesla listed 1.18 billion dollars in deferred revenue. The company doesn't break out how much of that is for FSD. But if Electrek's estimate is correct, then more than 200,000 car buyers have paid somewhere from 600 million to more than 1 billion dollars for the option.

There are other advantages to flipping on the self-driving switch. Musk has said the "take rate" - the number of owners who will want the option - will jump when Full Self-Driving goes live.

Of course, Musk is known for his aggressive claims of actual and future Tesla technology. He boasted in April, for instance, that the company would have the first of a fleet of robotaxis on the road next year.

Some of the company's claims have landed it in hot water. Consumer Reports found that a new Navigate feature that allowed unassisted lane changes "doesn't work very well" and "could create potential safety risks." Bloomberg reported Wednesday that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration sent Tesla a cease-and-desist letter in October focused on a Tesla website claim that its newest car, the Model 3, has "the lowest probability of injury of all cars the safety agency has tested." The safety agency also alerted the Federal Trade Commission to Tesla's claims.

In addition, the highway safety agency hit Tesla with subpoenas for information on several crashes involving Tesla's Autopilot.

Musk's own statements indicate Tesla's Full Self-Drive technology remains in the early stages of development. Just several months ago, in a conference call with stock analysts, Musk talked about the difficulty of programming a car to reliably read traffic lights. "It's easy to recognize stop signs. Traffic lights and intersections will be the next really tricky one," he said. That is one of the capabilities the company says are "coming later this year."

In the same call, Musk said navigating multilevel parking lots at a shopping mall "with lots of traffic and pedestrians ... is where things get real tricky." But the Tesla website claims, "your parked car will come find you anywhere in a parking lot. Really."

On Twitter in June, Musk said that "we've been working on curbs" and that "excessive shades of gray" are making concrete seams hard to identify.

Even Tesla's instruction on current technology seems problematic. A few weeks ago, Tesla's head of manufacturing, Jerome Guillen, said that the "No 1" reason for owner visits to Tesla service centers is to learn "how to use Autopilot." Musk himself has been shown several times driving with his hands off the wheel while using Autopilot - most famously in a "60 Minutes" segment last year - even though the Tesla driver's handbook warns against that.

In the robotaxi fleet Musk envisions, Tesla owners would send the driverless cars out to pick up passengers Uber-style and make money on the side for themselves and for Tesla - so much money that Tesla cars would appreciate in value, Musk said, a claim that prompted widespread skepticism.

A big hurdle to any self-driving push is that driverless cars are not yet legal in most locations. Musk said regulations are so tough in Europe that he's not even thinking of deploying there. Florida and Arizona, both with ultra-light regulations on driverless technology, are two likely locations for an initial rollout, although Tesla's Autopilot has been involved in at least two fatal Florida crashes, and in Arizona an Uber driverless test car with an inattentive test driver hit and killed a woman walking her bicycle across the street.

Such cars are technically legal in California, but companies that deploy them must undergo a permit process more complicated and time-consuming than the requirements in more liberal self-drive states. Driverless cars are being tested in California but have not been commercially deployed or made available for sale.

At the same time, Tesla has not made clear what it means by Full Self-Driving. The term seems to imply Level 5 full driverless automation. But when asked for clarification, Tesla's public relations department sent this quote from a recent Musk presentation on the subject: "We expect to be confident enough from our standpoint to say that we think people do not need to touch the wheel, look out of the window."

Adding to the confusion, Musk told analysts in July that "we already have full self-driving capability on highways." After several high-profile crashes in which Autopilot might have been activated, however, Tesla issued statements saying the driver must pay attention at all times.

The lack of clarity extends as well to how Tesla is treating the FSD funds on its balance sheet. Tesla may have moved some deposit money off the balance sheet already. Its financial statements are opaque on the matter. Tesla's chief financial officer, Zach Kirkhorn, told stock analysts recently that FSD revenue will be recognised "upon the release of additional features."

"Everybody's waiting to see what Tesla does," said Nantel at the National Safety Council. "Federal regulators will be watching." - How close is Tesla really to full driverless technology? — LAT/dpa


Koenigsegg Jesko gets ready to rumble

                ÄNGELHOLM (Sweden): The Jesko is the roomiest Koenigsegg yet and features what is arguably the world's fastest transmission.

A pre-series production model was recently rolled out.  The hypercar made its world premiere at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show.

Named after CEO/founder Christian von Koenigsegg's father, the Jesko is a visual homage to the early original Koenigsegg CCR colour palette with its body painted in Tang Orange Pearl with silver and carbon-fibre accents.

Inside, the car is a full suite of tech-empowered creature comforts – including its racing-inspired SmartCluster instrument screen behind the steering wheel (where the graphic turns just as you do on the wheel), as well as an updated SmartCenter infotainment touch screen system.

“We are very excited to showcase this pre-series Jesko in conjunction with the start of production of the 125 Jesko and Jesko Absolut customer cars. As part of our gradual expansion, the Jesko’s pre-assembly begins at an extended 10,000 square metre facility,” said Koenigsegg.

He said that throughout its prototyping phase, the Jesko had proven to deliver ultimate responsiveness and driving sensation. Recent shakedowns and test runs demonstrate its unmatched handling attributed to an active triplex damper added to the front suspension, active aerodynamics, development-integrated Michelin tyres, the Koenigsegg Electronic Stability system, he added.

The Jesko comes with a patented in-house Koenigsegg Light Speed Transmission (LST). It represents a scale of evolution not seen since the development of modern dual-clutch technology at the turn of the century.

“The Jesko feels very natural to drive. Because of its seamless shifting, whether up or down, everything just happens much faster. There are no delays, it is very responsive and behaves exactly the way you want it to. For a car of its size and power, it is very agile in the way it reacts to steering and does not spin out even with sudden movements at full throttle”, said Jesko prototype driver Markus Lundh.

Set to be the world’s fastest shifting transmission, LST comprises nine forward gears and seven wet, multidisc clutches in a compact, ultra-light package.

It is claimed to have upward and downward gear changes between gears at "near light speed", while maintaining positive torque. This is thanks to the simultaneous opening and closing of clutches that allow for seamless acceleration or deceleration. These shift-time benefits apply when changing between any forward gears.

The first Jesko customer cars are slated for delivery in spring 2022.


Facelifted BMW M2 Coupé arrives, priced at RM536K

                CYBERJAYA: BMW Group Malaysia today introduced the new M2 Coupé, priced at RM 535,800.

Offering a more aggressive stance, the new car also now offers new interior highlights and advanced technology for connectivity.

The refreshed F87 M2 has a newly designed front and rear section as well as new bi-LED headlights in place of xenon units found on its predecessor.

At the rear, M-specific twin exhaust tailpipes and newly designed all-LED tail;ights gives the coupe a sharper and more aggressive appearance. Also introduced for the first time are 19-inch aluminium wheels in M twin-spoke design.

Inside, redesigned and illuminated is the new M-specific black instrument panel with contrast stitching which features the new infotainment system with live tiles and touch screen capabilities. Ownership experience is further enhanced with Apple Car Play, now available via the BMW ConnectedDrive Store.

Steering wheel with M Drive buttons is wrapped in "Walknappa" leather and interior trim finishes come in high-gloss carbon fibre.

Powering the car is a 3.0 litre M TwinPower Turbo in-line six-cylinder engine producing 365hp at 6,500rpm and a peak torque of 465Nm with a short-term maximum of 500Nm using the overboost function.

The car uses a lightweight M Sport suspension system with adaptive damper settings to retain ride comfort.

Other highlights include the dual flow oil return pump to ensure oil is distributed evenly throughout the engine during heavy acceleration, braking and on fast curves. The electronically controlled Active M Differential, which optimises traction and directional stability, also plays a significant role here. It
provides greater driving pleasure with the M Dynamic Mode, which allows for slight wheel slip and controlled drifting.

The M2 is available in four colours - Long Beach Blue, Black Sapphire, Alpine White and Mineral Grey. The interior and seat colour comes in Dakota Black Leather with Contrast Stitching in Blue in M Sport seats for the driver and passenger.

Price is on-the-road, without insurance, and with BMW Group Malaysia’s Industry leading 5 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Program as well as 2 Years/ 24 Months Tyre Warranty Programme.

*Figures are based on the BMW Balloon Financing programme of 80% and 90% loan margin.


Jaguar I-Pace: Making a big leap

                THE Jaguar I-Pace all-electric performance sports utility vehicle (SUV) certainly lives up to its promise of delivering performance, refinement, luxury and agility.

Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia recently organised a day-long media session with the I-Pace, which is priced from RM460,800 for the Black Edition and RM498,800 for the HSE.

It’s also worth noting that the I-Pace Black Edition is now the lowest-priced British big cat from Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia, thanks to the government’s tax incentives for battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

The after-sales package includes a warranty for five years or 150,000km (whichever is first), five years of servicing or 65,000km (whichever is first) and three years of roadside assistance.

It also includes complimentary servicing for up to five years or 102,000km as well as a traction battery warranty of eight years or 160,000km (whichever comes first).

With a 90kWh battery, the I-Pace is rated for a WLTP (worldwide harmonised light vehicle test procedure) range of up to 470km.

DC quick charging can charge the battery from 0% to 80% in under 40 minutes (100kW).

The I-Pace offers all-wheel drive performance, and tremendous muscle with 400PS and 696Nm of torque which propels it from a standstill to 100kph in just 4.8 seconds.

The HSE trim costs RM38,000 more and highlights include get air suspension and adaptive dynamics, upgrade cabin lighting, a Meridian 3D surround sound system, Windsor leather performance seats, and 14-way heated and cooled electric driver memory front seats.

As for the Black Edition, highlights include coil suspension, duo leather sport seats, and 12-way power front seats with memory function.

Upon unlocking the car, the door handles extend out.

Inside the cabin, everything looks plush and classy, with high-quality leather upholstery, as well as smooth polished and soft-touch surfaces.

And unlike some of the BEVs and the latest premium fossil-powered European cars that we have seen, the dashboard is not overwhelmed by huge digital displays and touchscreen interfaces.

Besides the 12.3-inch digital display for driving data behind the steering wheel, there are two smaller panels (10-inch upper and 5-inch lower touchscreens) in the centre of the dashboard to access navigation, media, phone connection and air-conditioning.

There’s a push start-stop power button, rotary dials and even push buttons for the transmission modes - D, N, R, P and we found this interface set-up to be quite convenient.

In the deep storage box between the front seats, there are USB-A, USB-C and 12V sockets, and a Nano SIM card slot.

Rear occupants benefit from two USB-C ports and another 12V socket.

A fixed glass panoramic roof allows more sunlight into the cabin, while rear air-conditioning vents on the B pillars cool down occupants.

While there is ample legroom, 1.7-metre rear occupants will find headroom to be tight.

Only the HSE trim variants were provided for the media session, and the air suspension provided ample ride comfort as we took a short spin around Cyberjaya.

As expected from the British big cat marque, the I-Pace has a sporty feel and inspires confidence when cornering at speed.

The steering feels well-weighted and shod with 20-inch wheels wrapped with grippy Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 tyres sized 245/50, the I-Pace was an agile creature in motoring through road bends.

There’s no thrilling exhaust roar here, and the five-seater SUV delivers a quiet and refined ride, and at the same time, a rapid pace and an engaging drive when you are in the mood for some thrills.


World premiere of Mercedes-Benz F 015

                LAS VEGAS: Mercedes-Benz had a world premiere of the self-driving luxury sedan F 015 Luxury in Motion, at the International Consumer Electronics Show 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Offering maximum space in a lounge-like interior, the F 015 elevates comfort and luxury to a new level.

The F 015 Luxury in Motion is the visionary answer of Mercedes-Benz to a rapidly changing world.

By 2030, the number of mega-cities with more than 10 million inhabitants will increase from about 30 to over 40.

"The single most important luxury goods of the 21st century are private space and time," says Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

"Autonomously driving cars by Mercedes-Benz shall offer exactly that. With the F 015 Luxury in Motion, this revolutionary concept of mobility becomes tangible for the first time."

The pivotal feature of the innovative interior concept is the variable seating system, with four rotating lounge chairs that allow a face-to-face seat configuration.

All four passengers can use their time aboard to work, to relax or to communicate.

In order to make getting in and out of the car easier, the electrically powered seats also swing outwards by 30 degrees as soon as the doors are opened.

One key aspect of the research vehicle is the continuous exchange of information between vehicle, passengers and the outside world.

This is facilitated by six display screens harmoniously integrated into the instrument panel and the rear and side panels, which turn the interior of the F 015 Luxury in Motion into a digital arena.

Passengers can interact intuitively with the connected vehicle through gestures, eye-tracking or by touching the high-resolution screens.

Employing laser projection and LED displays, the electrically propelled F 015 Luxury in Motion establishes contact to the outside world and is a real social partner in traffic.

Dr Zetsche: "Already two years ago, with the S 500 INTELLIGENT DRIVE we showed on the historical route Bertha-Benz took in 1888 that we have the technology which makes autonomous driving reality in everyday traffic. We have a master plan in place to take the big leap required getting from technically feasible to commercially viable. The F 015 Luxury in Motion demonstrates where this may take us."


Apple in talks with CATL, BYD over battery supplies for its electric car

                SAN FRANCISCO: Apple Inc is in early-stage talks with China’s CATL and BYD, about the supply of batteries for its planned electric vehicle, four people with knowledge of the matter said.

The discussions are subject to change and it is not clear if agreements with either CATL or BYD will be reached, said the people who declined to be named as the discussions are private.

Apple has made building manufacturing facilities in the United States a condition for potential battery suppliers, said two of the sources.

CATL, which supplies major car makers including Tesla Inc, is reluctant to build a US factory due to political tensions between Washington and Beijing as well as cost concerns, the two people said.

It was not immediately clear if Apple is also talking to other battery makers.

Apple, which has yet to make a public announcement about its car plans, declined to comment. CATL, the world's biggest automotive battery maker, and BYD, the world's No. 4, also declined to comment.

Shares in BYD extended gains on the news to be up 5.4% in Hong Kong in late afternoon trade and closing 6.5% higher in Shenzhen. CATL reversed earlier losses to finish 0.5% higher.

Apple is in favour of using lithium iron phosphate batteries that are cheaper to produce because they use iron instead of nickel and cobalt which are more expensive, the four people said.

It has been working on self-driving technology and has targeted 2024 for the production of a passenger vehicle, Reuters reported in December.

People familiar with the matter have previously said Apple's planned EV could include its own breakthrough battery technology. It was not immediately clear if the discussions with CATL and BYD involved Apple's own technology or designs.

The discussions come at a time when the U.S. government is looking to attract more EV manufacturing. US president Joe Biden's proposed US$1.7 trillion infrastructure plan includes a US$174 billion budget to boost the domestic EV market with tax credits and grants for battery manufacturers, among other incentives. read more

Many battery makers are ramping up production to meet soaring worldwide demand as car makers accelerate their shift to electric vehicles to comply with tougher emission rules aimed at tackling global warming.

Chinese battery makers are expected to grow at a faster pace than their foreign peers thanks to further expansion of the world's biggest EV market, SNE Research said in a June report.

Reuters reported last week that CATL is planning a major new automotive battery plant in Shanghai, continuing a blistering pace of expansion that will cement its lead as the world's No.1 supplier. The factory would near Tesla's China manufacturing operations.


Win a RM3,000 Mydin shopping spree at Caltex stations

                KUALA LUMPUR: With the final “Spend & Sweep” challenge set to happen in Mydin USJ on 22 March 2019, you can be one of 16 lucky people to win a shopping spree at Mydin worth RM3,000 when you:

- Spend RM30 and above in a single receipt on fuel purchases (RON97, RON95 & Diesel) at any Caltex Stations with Caltex JOURNEY Card and B Infinite Card, which is equivalent to 1 entry; and/or

- Spend RM30 and above in a single receipt on purchases at any Mydin outlets, which is equivalent to 1 entry (all Mydin receipts must be submitted to www.caltexjourney.com.my); and/or

- Combine both receipts from Caltex and Mydin, which brings a bonus entry (i.e. a total of 3 entries).

Chevron Malaysia Limited is the market retailer for the Caltex brand.

Chevron Malaysia country chairman Shahid Ahmed said, “We received an overwhelming response from the previous rounds of our “Spend & Sweep” campaign at Mydin Bukit Mertajam in Penang and Mydin Gong Badak in Terengganu, where our winners have accumulatively won shopping sprees worth a total of RM57,000. We owe the success of this campaign to our loyal customers and would like to thank them by continuously providing top-notch services and high-quality products that go beyond their expectations.”

The recently concluded 2nd round of the “Spend & Sweep” challenge at Mydin Gong Badak, Terengganu, saw 9 winners walking away with RM3,000 worth of goodies each within the given time of three minutes.


Be IMPUL-SIVE - Grand Livina Tuned by IMPUL

The dressed-up Livina gets our vote for being bold.

Those who want a more exciting variant of the popular Nissan Grand Livina MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) can opt for the Tuned by Impul unit.

Our Grand Livina Tuned by Impul came in Brilliant White, inclusive of the Impul Aerokit slapped on in matching colour, a sports suspension, Blast 2 exhaust muffler and a set of four 17-inch Impul Auro SX-20 alloy rims wrapped by 215/45 series Goodyear Eagle F1 Directional 5 tyres.

However, that’s just it; some extra RM14,000 over the Grand Livina 1.8’s RM99,880 on-the-road price tag.

The Grand Livina Tuned by Impul looks “visually” fast, without any tweaks to the engine to wring out a little more performance.

Visually, it’s a far cry from what the recently-revised standard Grand Livina had to offer – 15-inch alloy wheels, newly designed front and rear lamps, a new grille, repositioned fog lamps and wing mirrors with integrated LED turn signals.

Although this seven-seater MPV has been in service for over six years, having its looks spruced-up was certainly a welcomed breath of fresh air, but with the Impul variant it becomes a rather large gulp of it.

It now sits 25mm lower than the standard, and the 17-inch wheels do well to help fill the wheel arches for a lowered stance.

Under the hood lies the same 1.8L MR18DE engine, which is a four-cylinder all-aluminium DOHC block with multi-point fuel injection, and it’s not been tinkered with.

That means its still churning out 124bhp at 5,200rpm and 174Nm at 4,800rpm, while coupled to a four-speed transmission.

Opening the doors revealed a beige interior, a stark contrast compared to its aggressive new looks. Everything inside seemed to be standard trim.

A blacked-out interior, a pair of semi-bucket seats and perhaps a set of brushed pedals would have helped to match its sporty exterior looks.

Starting up the Impul version, the new exhaust gave a bassy-tune that lingered at the rear.

Pulling off the line from standstill, the Impul variant seemed just a tad sluggish compared with the standard Livina, perhaps due to the heavier and wider 17-inch wheels.

At higher speeds, it felt significantly stable and planted compared with the standard Livina.

We loved how the Grand Livina was able to provide a somewhat neutral feel around the bends (without payload or passengers); its weight-distribution still felt more pro-forward than its Impul-tuned counterpart.

Combining the traits of a stiffer and 25mm lowered suspension with the lower-profile tyres, this Impul variant becomes a real peach to slip and slide through traffic, regardless of its 1,280kg kerb heft.

The Grand Livina’s pitch and roll have been subdued, and that in turn made driving the Impul variant more confidence inspiring.

Don’t get us wrong, it’s not that it doesn’t get the job done, we’d just like it better if the brakes could provide a harder bite to fit the “uber” sporty outlook of theImpul variant.

After all, the Impul variant does look like it wants to be driven hard and fast.

The Grand Livina is plenty tame when puttering about; it’s four-speed automatic gearbox making sure the rpm’s are nice and low, but to get some real action out of it, the pedal literally needs to be stepped all the way down.

Put the Impul-tuned Grand Livina in the hands of a capable driver (minus the insanity), the fun factor can become rather high.

But in doing so, we can’t stress how mindful drivers need to be with the light steering feel and arguably adequate braking power.

With that, memories of the beige and cream cabin is quickly forgotten and all that’s left is a large grin – definitely not the place to look for sophistication.

SPECIFICATIONS: Nissan Grand Livina Impul
Engine: 1,798cc, 16 valves all-alluminium alloy construction 4-cylinder powerplant with CVTC and Drive-by-Wire Technology

Maximum power: 124bhp at 5,200rpm
Maximum torque: 174Nm at 4,800rpm

Transmission: 4-speed electronically controlled automatic with lock-up torque converter.

Suspension: Performance Impul Sports Suspensions system (RM2,800) consisting of absorbers and springs, designed for a 25mm drop in ride-height for sportier and a more neutral handling characteristic.

Features: Dual front airbags, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist system, seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, Nissan anti-theft system immobiliser, electric power steering, Nissan Intelligent key, front and back door request switch, Impul Blast 2 exhaust muffler (RM1,800), Impul complete aero-kit (RM3,500), double-DIN audio system with radio/CD/MP3 playback and AUX connection port for ipod interface, 17-inch Impul Aura SX-20 Alloy rims (RM4,500) with 215/45 series Goodyear Eagle F1 Directional 5 tyres (RM450/pc).
Price: RM99,800 (on-the-road with insurance) + RM14,400 (Full Impul Accessories).


Amazon vows to be carbon neutral by 2040, buying 100,000 electric vans

Bezos speaking at a press conference in Washington ahead of the upcoming Climate Week in New York. On the left screen is an image of the Rivian electric van Amazon has ordered.
WASHINGTON: Amazon.com Inc chief executive officer Jeff Bezos on Thursday pledged to make the largest US e-commerce company net carbon neutral by 2040 and to buy 100,000 electric delivery vans from a start-up, as employees and consumers around the world plan protests to address climate change.

Cutting emissions is a challenging goal for Amazon, which delivers 10 billion items a year and has a massive transportation and data center footprint. “We know we can do it and we know we have to do it,” said Bezos.

Bezos announced a number of actions at a press conference here ahead of the upcoming Climate Week in New York, a global gathering of world and company leaders seeking ways to fight climate change. Global marches to push for climate action are planned for Friday.

The Amazon vans, under the exclusive deal, will be built at Rivian’s plant, a former Mitsubishi factory in Normal, Illinois, said Rivian spokesman Amy Mast. The first vehicles will be delivered in 2021 and 10,000 should be on the road by late 2022, she said. The vehicles will be serviced by Rivian.

Rivian CEO R.J. Scaringe has described the Rivian vehicle’s platform as a skateboard that packages the drive units, battery pack, suspension system, brakes and cooling system all below wheel height to allow for more storage space and greater stability due to a lower centre of gravity.

Amazon and Ford Motor Co are among the investors in Rivian. Bezos said the first electric delivery vans for Amazon will be on the road by 2021, and all 100,000 will be deployed by 2024. A Rivian spokesman said 10,000 of the vehicles for Amazon will be on the road by late 2022.

Plymouth, Michigan-based Rivian, founded in 2009, has raised close to US$1.9 billion from investors, including a US$700 million February round led by Amazon.

Amazon is the first major company to announce such a goal by 2040, according to US non-profit group Ceres, which works with companies on sustainability commitments.

“What Amazon has announced today is groundbreaking and potentially game-changing,” said Sue Reid, vice president of climate and energy at Ceres. “This will certainly have ripple effects because Amazon is so intertwined with the entire economy.”

Bezos said Amazon will meet the goals of the Paris climate accord 10 years ahead of the accord’s schedule, and it will use 100% renewable energy by 2030, up from 40% today. The Trump administration said in June 2017 it was withdrawing from the Paris climate accord.

Environmental advocacy group Greenpeace USA welcomed the commitment, but a spokesman said the company still lags peers Google, Apple and Facebook in transparency around its renewable projects.

Amazon also pledged to buy 100,000 electric delivery vehicles from US vehicle design and manufacturing startup Rivian Automotive LLC.

The company said Amazon currently has 30,000 vehicles delivering customer orders in the United States. That excludes vans from United Parcel Service Inc and the US Postal Service, which are also carrying non-Amazon parcels.

Amazon will invest US$100 million to restore forests and wetlands, said Bezos, adding the company will take a “careful look” at political campaign contributions it makes that could be going to politicians that deny climate science.

Amazon previously said it would order 20,000 delivery vans from Daimler AG. Bezos did not put a total dollar figure on the efforts to decarbonise but said many of the initiatives would save money.

Impact of faster delivery

Moreover, the company’s move to accelerate delivery to same-day or next-day has the counterintuitive effect of decreasing carbon emissions, Bezos said. “Once you get to one day and same day, because you are eliminating the possibility of air transportation, you have to get those products closer to the customer,” he said.

He vowed to try to convince other company CEOs to sign on to Amazon’s plan, called The Climate Pledge.

Amazon workers who have pushed the company to take action on climate change called the plan a “huge win” but not enough. Amazon should halt support of the fossil-fuel industry and politicians that deny climate change, the Amazon Employees for Climate Justice group said in a tweet. They plan to join climate awareness marches on Friday.

Bezos said Amazon would continue to work with energy companies. “To ask oil and energy companies to do this transition with bad tools is not a good idea and we won’t do that,” Bezos said.

A proposal that the company report how it plans to deal with climate change received 29.8% of votes at Amazon’s shareholder meeting in May after garnering signatures from nearly 7,700 employees.


VW and Mahindra deepen EV component cooperation

                FRANKFURT: Volkswagen AG and Mahindra & Mahindra on Monday expanded their cooperation and signed a term sheet under which the German carmaker will supply electric components to its Indian peer.

The agreement covers components of Volkswagen's open platform for electric vehicles (EVs), called MEB, to be supplied to Mahindra's new electric platform INGLO, the companies said.

The INGLO platform, which will power all of Mahindra's EVs, offers options ranging from 60-80 kilowatt hour (kWh) battery capacity and fast-charging of up to 80% in less than 30 minutes, Mahindra said, without specifying the range of the EVs.

Tata Motors, which currently dominates India's EV market, says its Nexon EV's 40.5 kWh battery offers a range of 437km.

The cooperation aims for a volume of more than 1 million vehicles by 2030 and includes the equipment of five electric sports utility vehicles (SUV) based on INGLO, the companies said.

"The partnership not only demonstrates that our platform business is highly competitive, but also that the MEB is well on track to become one of the leading open platforms for e-mobility," Volkswagen management board member Thomas Schmall said.

Schmall declined to provide firm numbers but said that the agreement would translate into a significant operating result that he said would be comparable to a medium-sized brand within the Volkswagen group.

Volkswagen and Mahindra in May said they were exploring a partnership in the supply of electric components, making Mahindra the second large customer for the MEB platform after Ford.

They said at the time they would finalise the agreement by the end of 2022.

Mahindra has said it expects electric models to make up between 20% and 30% of its total SUV sales by March 2027. The company sells some of India's most popular combustion engine SUVs, including the Scorpio and Thar.


Maserati to offer electric versions of all its cars by 2025

                MODENA: Maserati will make an electric version of all of its models by 2025, chief executive officer Davide Grasso told reporters during a conference call on March 17.

The company also plans to phase out all of its internal combustion engine vehicles by 2030, Grasso said, although he declined to give a firm deadline.

“That’s the landing spot,” he said. “The consumer decides.”

“As of today, the plan is to offer only BEVs (battery electric vehicles) by 2030,” a spokesman confirmed in a follow-up email.

Executives participating in the call described the new electric models as part of a range called Maserati Folgore.

It includes a new electric GranTurismo, due out next year, and the all-new electric Grecale SUV, which will debut next week after a half-year delay due to computer chip shortages.

Fully electric versions of the MC20 supercar, electric Levante SUV and electric Quattroporte sport sedan are due out in 2025. (The MC20 Supercar is currently offered as a hybrid V6; a Spider version is slated to arrive later this year.)

The announcement came as Stellantis NV’s only luxury brand reported a slight increase in its global market share, to 2.4%, for 2021. Maserati’s market share increased to 2.9% and 2.7% in North America and China, respectively, according to a company report.

It recorded 41% year-over-year growth last year with a total of 24,269 vehicles delivered worldwide.

Maserati has suffered from uncompetitive products and lacklustre returns as it tries to attract more female and novice buyers to its 107-year-old brand.

Parent company Stellantis, formed in 2021 as a megamerger of 14 brands between PSA Group and Fiat Chrysler, has faced deep shortages of semiconductors and lingering challenges from the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Earlier this month, it said it would need to cut costs and speed electrification in order to maintain double-digit returns.

In October, it said it would retool its historic Turin factory into an electric-vehicle hub, moving production of two Maserati luxury models to the Mirafiori plant as part of its shift.

Maserati brass did not address many specifics in the new EV plan.

Grasso and Francesco Tonon, head of global product planning, declined to comment on the potential source of battery technology for the new electric range or offer any performance or mileage figures for the upcoming vehicles.

“The level of range will be satisfying to our customers,” Tonon said. They declined to say how much money they were spending on the project.

Deliveries of the Grecale will begin in Europe by summer, they said, with deliveries to the US starting soon after.


Bank Negara says banks to provide flexible repayment

                KUALA LUMPUR: The banking industry will provide a targeted moratorium extension and provision of repayment flexibility to those severely impacted by the fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic, Bank Negara said.

The central bank issued the statement on Wednesday following Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s announcement on measures to assist individuals and SMEs who continue to be affected by Covid-19.

“Ahead of the blanket moratorium ending on Sept 30, 2020, Bank Negara has been working closely with banks to ensure that assistance continues to be provided to borrowers affected by Covid-19.

“Banks stand ready to assist borrowers affected by Covid-19 with repayment plans and other arrangements appropriate to their specific circumstances,” it said.

Bank Negara said income and cash flow challenges remain for some, especially those who have lost their jobs or experienced a reduction in incomes.

“In this regard, a targeted approach ensures that financial resources and attention are prioritised where it is needed the most,” it said.

In a statement, it said the flexibility would be for:

> Individuals who have lost their jobs in 2020 and have yet to find a job will be offered an extension of the loan moratorium for a further three months by their bank.

> Individuals who are still in employment but whose salaries have been affected due to COVID-19 will be offered a reduction in loan instalment in proportion to their salary reduction, depending on the type of financing. Banks will offer the flexibility for a period of at least six months. Banks will also consider extending the flexibility at the end of that period, bearing in mind the salary of the borrower at that time.

For hire purchase financing, affected borrowers will be offered revised instalment schedules that are consistent with the Hire-Purchase Act 1967.

In addition, banks have also committed to provide repayment flexibility to other individuals and all SME borrowers affected by COVID-19. The flexibility offered by each bank will take into account the specific circumstances of borrowers. This includes:

> Allowing borrowers to pay only the interest portion of the loan over a period of time;

> Lengthening the overall period of the loan to reduce monthly instalments; or

> Providing other forms of flexibility until a borrower is in a more stable position to resume repayments in full.

All other borrowers who have the means should start to repay as it will reduce their overall debt and borrowing cost.


Honda tempers ‘out of whack’ expectations for EV demand in US

                DETROIT: Honda Motor Co. expects to announce a decision soon on where it will make electric vehicles for the US market, but says questions remain about how much demand there is for battery-powered cars and trucks.

The Japanese automaker will debut two fully electric vehicles in the US in 2024 as part of a co-development deal with General Motors Co., which will supply the batteries.

Honda has accelerated plans to electrify its lineup in keeping with industry trends and shifting government policy, but remains cautious about adoption rates.

"We’ve told our Honda dealers that initially this is going to be very regional” for EV sales, Dave Gardner, executive vice president of Honda’s US subsidiary, said at a briefing.

"What is the consumer uptake? Right now, I think that’s something that’s a little out of whack” with automakers’ efforts to rush EVs to market, he said.

That cautious assessment comes amid an all-electric product push by many rival automakers and just days after a Ford Motor Co. executive said electric vehicles could grow to 10% of the US market this year.

Globally, Honda is targeting 2040 for a phase out of its mainstay gasoline-powered vehicles as part of a pledge by new chief executive officer Toshihiro Mibe, which follows similar vows by larger peers GM and Volkswagen AG.

Rather than swelling demand for battery-powered vehicles by US buyers, Gardner said the increase in EV models is driven by tighter state and national fuel economy standards - and that Tesla Inc. has been the chief beneficiary.

"Right now, most BEV business is being done by one company and that’s being sold in very select markets,” he said.

EV subsidy fight

Honda is looking to the US government to help boost demand for EVs through financial incentives, but has joined other foreign brand automakers opposing the Biden administration’s plan to steer the biggest discounts to vehicles made in US factories with organised labour.

That would likely prevent Honda customers from receiving the maximum subsidy since its US plants are non-union.

"It shouldn’t matter which American is building the vehicle,” Gardner said.

The company hasn’t said where its all-electric Honda Prologue and upscale Acura brand SUV model will be built.

An announcement on that decision will come "soon,” Jessica Fini, a Honda spokesman, said without elaborating.

Honda has had a poor track record with EVs in the US dating back to the late 1990s, when it marketed a vehicle called the EV Plus.

It then offered a battery-powered version of its Fit subcompact in 2013 and, more recently, a fully electric Clarity sedan from 2017 through 2020. But none were dedicated models like the upcoming pair of SUVs.

Honda sees a slow recovery in overall US sales amid supply chain disruptions that have limited the availability of parts - some of which the company is flying into the US due to extensive backlogs at major seaports.

Gardner said the carmaker expects 2022 sales for its mainstay Honda brand of 1.2-1.3 million vehicles and deliveries of some 160,000 Acura models, little changed from the 1.47 million vehicle total last year.

Sales of hybrid gas-electric versions of popular models such as its CR-V compact SUV and Accord mid-sized sedan grew 65% in 2021 to more than 107,000 vehicles.

Honda is ramping up output of hybrids for what it sees as a vanguard of buyers who may one day switch to 100% battery-electric vehicles.

"We believe these hybrid customers will become our first BEV customers in the future,” Gardner said.


Hyundai Kona Electric to offer 470km range

A teaser image of the Kona Electric.
LONDON: Hyundai Motor has released a first teaser image of its first fully-electric SUV ahead of the official unveiling, on Feb 27 ahead of its world premiere at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show in March.

Hyundai said it would be the first automotive brand across Europe to make an all-electric compact SUV available to everyone, coming to the market in summer 2018.

The electric Kona will feature two different powertrain versions with a class leading range of almost 470km (internal target under WLTP regulations) and a fun-to-drive character. The electric SUV is said to offer a wide range of convenience and connectivity features as well as active safety and driving assistance technologies.

The Kona Electric is Hyundai's attempt to combine eco-mobility and widespread interest in SUVs, two of the hottest trends in the automotive market now.

The Korean car maker is at the forefront of eco mobility, already offering the broadest range of powertrains.

Hyundai marketed the first mass-produced fuel cell vehicle, the ix35, and recently introduced its successor, the All-New Nexo. The IONIQ is the only car available with three different electrified powertrains in one body type. The IONIQ Electric has been ranked first in the prestigious ADAC EcoTest 2017.


Hyundai Motor in talks with investors to develop headquarters project

                SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Co is in talks with potential investors to develop its new headquarters planned for the South Korean capital of Seoul to share additional investment costs worth about 3.7 trillion won (RM14bil), it said today.

The South Korean automaker said in a statement that the company is in talks with various investors, including pension funds, that are showing interest in the project.

“The joint development is expected to alleviate the group’s direct investment scale and enhance the group’s overall brand image,” the statement added.

Hyundai Motor aims to construct its new headquarters here by 2023.

Hyundai bought the property in southern Seoul from state-run utility Korea Electric Power Corp (Kepco) at a record US$10 billion (RM41bil) in 2014, more than triple its appraised market price.

The headquarters project has been criticised by Hyundai shareholders such as US hedge fund Elliott Management Corp, which has called on Hyundai to drop the project.

Hyundai and Elliott are heading for a showdown at this month’s shareholders meeting as Elliott has called for higher dividends and made recommendations for new board members.


Renault-Nissan alliance takes Google Android for a drive

                PARIS: Renault's alliance with Nissan and Mitsubishi said Tuesday it would start equipping its cars with the Android operating system to make dashboards smart.

Under a deal with web giant Google, the Renault-led group — the world's largest auto alliance by sales volume — will begin incorporating the most widespread operating system into its vehicle dashboards starting from 2021.

"The main objective is to offer (drivers) the same experience in their cars as smartphone users have on their devices," said the French-Japanese alliance's business development chief Hadi Zablit.

Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi, which sold 10.6 million vehicles worldwide in 2017, will give drivers access to the hugely popular Google Maps while driving.

Drivers will also have access to the artificial intelligence-powered Google Assistant, while they will be able to download applications from the Google Play Store.

Zablit said the objective was to offer customers "a digital continuity between the car and the outside world".

He also said drivers will not be restricted to Google, and that they will be able to download other operating systems, including Apple iOS.

In China, where Google is blocked, the auto alliance will offer drivers unspecified alternatives.

The agreement is the first of its kind, with Bloomberg News noting that many auto makers have long "tried to keep Google and Apple at arm's length, hoping to keep control of such valuable data as a driver's whereabouts, driving patterns, shopping preferences and infotainment use".

Zablit said the agreement was just one of several steps in a "collaborative effort we will undertake with Google".

The auto group also plans to put 12 new electric models on the road, while it seeks to develop its self-driving vehicle technology.

Meanwhile, shares in Dutch digital mapping company TomTom lost over a quarter of their value on Tuesday, as carmakers Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi announced their partnership with rival Google.

Reuters reported that TomTom shares were down 26.3 percent at 6.28 euros at 0935 GMT, which put them on track for their worst day in seven years, wiping off around 500 million euros in market value.

TomTom made its name in the beginning of the 2000s with the introduction of popular personal navigation devices, but has seen the market falter in recent years with the advent of smartphones.

A large part of its 1.5 billion euro market cap is now based on hopes the company can strike deals with carmakers to supply them with maps for their built-in navigation devices. These licensing deals formed a third of TomTom’s revenue last year.


TVR car off to promising start with 350 bookings

                CARDIFF: TVR, the resurgent British sports car maker, has managed to garner more than 350 deposits for its upcoming new car that will feature innovative design styling as well as F1-inspired ground effect technology.

The body and chassis has been designed by Gordon Murray of Gordon Murray Design Ltd and will be the first production car to be manufactured using the company's revolutionary iStream assembly process.

The car will be powered by a Cosworth-tuned V8 engine and will be produced in a new facility  in the Ebbw Vale Enterprise Zone of South Wales to fullfil orders that run through to the end of 2018.

The Welsh Government will also invest in the car maker, which represents over £30 million (RM180mil) of capital expenditure over the next five years.

The contracts to locate the new TVR factory in Wales were signed on Mar 18 and the deal was  announced by Wales' first minister Rt. Hon Carwyn Jones.

“We have a sports car project that has garnered global approval and excitement, and we are delighted that the Welsh government wish to become a part of an exciting new era for TVR,” said TVR chairman Les Edgar.


Toyota, Mazda in talks on expanding partnership, say sources

                TOKYO: Toyota and Mazda are in talks to expand their technology partnership to fuel-cell vehicles (FCVs), sources said on Saturday, as global automakers face rising costs to comply with stricter emission regulations.

The two Japanese automakers already have a technology and production tie-up, and Toyota was now considering providing fuel-cell and plug-in-hybrid technology to Mazda, said the two sources, who were not authorised to discuss the matter publicly.

Mazda, in return, was considering offering its partner fuel-efficient gasoline and diesel engine technology under its proprietary SkyActiv series, the sources said.

Mazda has been trying to develop FCVs on its own, but it has decided to team up with Toyota, which produces the Mirai, the world's only mass-market fuel-cell car, the sources said.

Toyota has said hydrogen FCVs offer the most promising zero-emission alternative to conventional cars since they have a similar driving range and refueling time.

Toyota has already decided to share some of its patents concerning fuel cell technology for free, hoping this will speed up the development of the infrastructure.

The Nikkei business daily reported the two companies intended to reach an agreement on the partnership soon.

Toyota and Mazda officials said nothing has been decided.


Lexus Malaysia takes orders for 2018 LS flagship luxury sedan

                KUALA LUMPUR: Lexus Malaysia, a division of UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd, is now accepting orders for its newest flagship luxury sedan, the 2018 LS.

There are three variants, namely LS Luxury (RM799,000); LS Executive (RM999,000); LS Executive hybrid (RM1,459,000).

It comes with a warranty of five years covering unlimited mileage, and complete aftersales support is available at seven locations in Malaysia.

The 2018 Lexus LS will be fully imported from Japan, and is due to arrive in Malaysia in the first quarter.

The fifth-generation LS reinvents the brand’s take on luxury.

Debuting earlier this year at the 2017 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, the 2018 LS features Lexus’ first-ever twin-turbocharged 3.5litre V6 engine that delivers 415hp coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission and an intuitive, predictive steering system.

The new LS also boasts a finesse design language that pays tribute to the brand’s intricate Japanese craftsmanship.

From the outside, Lexus’ new sedan sports a “new silhouette”, which has the appearance and appeal of a four-door coupe but maintains the roominess of a traditional 3 Box design.

Its interior is meticulously crafted to feature Kiriko cut glass and a hand pleated door trim – both of which transform according to lighting conditions, creating a one of a kind space that epitomises luxury and elegance.

The luxury sedan is equipped with the Lexus Safety System – featuring the Pre Collision System that helps to warn the driver on the possibility of a collision; and the advanced Lane Departure Alert that is capable of detecting boundaries through improved recognition capability.

Produced at the brand’s Tahara plant, the 2018 Lexus LS is already a big hit in Japan with pre-orders for the new flagship sedan reaching 9,500 units, or nearly 1,600% higher than the sales goal of 600 units a month.


Bentley Continental GT Speed arrives, price starts from RM1.135mil

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Continental GT Speed, billed as the most capable, performance-focused Bentley ever, arrives here priced from RM1.135mil (excluding duties, taxes, and registration).

It's worth noting that this will be among the last Bentley cars to have the iconic W12 engine, as the British carmaker will cease hand-building 12-cylinder engines in April 2024, in order to focus on producing a fully electric model lineup by the start of the next decade.

Phasing out the W12 engine, which has been produced in Crewe, England for the last two decades, will allow Bentley to expand its line of engines used for plug-in hybrids.

Meanwhile, this third-generation model builds on a long tradition of Speed variants.

Originally introduced with the highly-acclaimed, first generation Continental GT Speed in 2007 – itself inspired by the 3.0-litre Speed models of the 1920s, the latest GT Speed is said to represent the ultimate combination of luxury and performance in a Grand Touring package.

It has an uprated version of Bentley’s 6.0-litre W12 TSI engine, delivering 659ps or a 4% increase of 24ps over the current W12 model – whilst maintaining 900Nm of torque.

This results in a top speed of 335kph and 0-100kph in 3.6 seconds.

In Sport mode, the twin-turbocharged W12 has been tuned to keep the engine in the power band longer by up-shifting later, or downshifting earlier.
This creates a more eager response to the driver’s throttle inputs.

The dual-clutch, eight-speed transmission shift is twice as fast in Sport mode as in the standard W12 model, in keeping with the Speed’s ethos.

To maximise fuel efficiency, the model benefits from Bentley’s Stop-Start technology where the engine rests not only when the vehicle is stationary, but also at near-to-stop speeds.

Meanwhile, the Electronic All-Wheel Steering enhances the dynamic nature of the Speed in Bentley and Comfort driving modes.

This is even more apparent in Sport mode, as the steering combines with Bentley Dynamic Ride and an electronic limited slip differential for a level of agility unlike any other Bentley road car.

At low and medium speeds, the GT Speed’s rear wheels are steered in the opposite direction to the front wheels to aid a rapid change of direction, noticeably increasing the feeling of nimbleness.

The steering feels sharper and with a quicker ratio, and a commensurate increase in steering feel provides even more driver confidence.

At high speeds, the rear wheels steer in the same direction as the front, to improve stability.

The system is significantly more active on the GT Speed than it is on the Flying Spur, where its primary purpose is a reduction in turning circle and enhanced high-speed stability.

Featuring Active All-Wheel drive, the traction control and torque distribution has been recalibrated in all driver modes.

For the first time in a Bentley, an electronic rear differential (eLSD) is used to deliver better traction in adverse road conditions.

Key chassis technologies that deliver body control and ride comfort with no compromise, are Bentley’s three-chamber active air suspension with adaptive damping, and Bentley Dynamic Ride – the 48V active anti-roll control system that Bentley pioneered on the Bentayga and third-generation Continental GT.

This innovative system features powerful electric motors within each anti-roll bar to resist body roll.

Meanwhile, an option is a fade-resistant Carbon Ceramic brake system where 10-piston front callipers and four-piston rears supply incredible braking force.

The carbon ceramic material also saves over 33kg of weight (all of it un-sprung mass) and produces extremely low levels of brake dust, helping to maintain the fresh look of the 22-inch Speed wheels.

As for the exterior, Speed models add a Dark Tint radiator grille and lower bumper grille, as well as more sculpted sports sills, a Dark Tint radiator matrix and discreet Speed badging in chrome on the front fender.

Also, “Jewel” versions of the fuel and oil filler caps are standard, while illuminated Bentley treadplates to both sills are a nod to the Speed’s performance credentials.

In the cabin, there are Speed embroidered headrests, and a duotone colour split handcrafted in hide and matching Alcantara, which is also applied to the steering wheel.

The interior can be personalised with a choice of 15 main and 11 secondary hide colours, as well as the use of leather in lieu of Alcantara for the Speed colour split.

Bentley’s Diamond in Diamond quilting is included as standard.

A range of veneers are available in GT Speed, starting with Piano Black veneer as standard.

Customers can also choose Crown Cut Walnut, Dark Stained Burr Walnut and Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus at no extra cost, with three open pore options (Dark Burr Walnut, Crown Cut Walnut and Koa) available as options.

As with all Continental GTs, the Speed offers four seats and grand touring luggage capacity of 358 litres.


Advanced Tesla Model X and Model S windscreens hail from Lima

                FRANKFURT: Did you know that the Tesla Model X and Model S windscreens are sourced from a specialty glass maker in Peru?

The Latin American country is the last place one would think high technology mixes with one of the world's most iconic electric car makers. But it's an unvarnished fact.

The Model X windscreen stretches all the way to the roof above the first row seats and the Falcon wing doors. It's huge and complex to make, but thanks to American Glass Products (AGP), the large panoramic windshield called “Big Sky” is standard fitment in the Model X.

 eGlass designed for Tesla.

The company is one of the more interesting OEM parts suppliers showcasing its automotive range at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, which ends this Sunday.

AGP uses advanced bending capabilities of up to 4 sq m of glass surfaces. This is currently the largest and most complex windshield in the automotive market with an approximate size of 3 sq m and features an advanced dual shade zone for improved cabin comfort and safety. Besides the functional benefits, the Big Sky is touted as giving  the driver and passengers a feeling of openness with a panoramic view.

AGP said its “360 Plus” technology enables it to produce strong yet complex shapes with tight radiuses. Built into the glassware are options to add complementary technologies that include advanced optics for auto pilot cameras and non-metallic solar protection to enable better car connectivity.

 Valdivia (middle) and a visitor listening to an eGlass promoter explain the VarioPlus glass features at its booth in the Frankfurt show last week.

The down side is that such advanced windscreens are expensive to replace if damaged, with one Tesla Model X owner in the United States saying he was quoted around US$2,300 (RM9,655) for the change.

American Glass Products is headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, and is a global supplier of  specialty glass production, with advanced laminating, tempering and armouring lines. It has been around for 50 years and has developed a large range of products for the automotive, architectural, marine, mass transit and military markets that it supplies through its  global sales network and three plants in Lima, Bogota and Curitiba, Brazil.

According to AGP eGlass marketing and business development senior manager Ana Sofia Valdivia, this is the first time AGP was at the Frankfurt Motor Show to promote its eGlass range of automotive screens. eGlass is one of three divisions under AGP that focuses on glass products for the mobility sector; the other two deals separately with security glass and defence.

eGlass also showed off its VarioPlus technology which is one of its coolest and futuristic glassware products, dispensing with the need for a separate shade or mesh screen under the glass to keep out the heat and light.

AGP VarioPlus is a laminated system that uses nano technology in the interlayer structure of the glass.

These interlayers have tiny particles, which become activated when an electric current is applied. The glass can be adjusted between opaque and transparent states allowing for privacy on demand.

The glass roof can also be designed with blind-like capability. The glass is split into sections, creating blinds that can be drawn with the swipe of a finger, or selectively dimming each section. This makes it useful not only in cars but also marine and building applications.

AGP also said it makes glass with up to 35% lighter glazing, which reduces overall vehicle weight and contributes to better mileage in conventional cars as well as in hybrids and electric cars.


BMW Malaysia opens pre-booking for five new BMW M models

                KUALA LUMPUR: In conjunction with the 50th anniversary of BMW M today, BMW Malaysia has announced the arrival of the new M3 Competition and M4 Competition Coupé – both equipped with the M xDrive for the first time, the new M5 and M5 Competition, as well as the First-Ever i4 M50.

On-the-road without insurance but with BMW Service & Repair Inclusive and SST exemption are RM430,800 for the i4 M50, M3 Competition (RM827,800), M4 Competition Coupe (RM848,800), M5 (RM998,800) and M5 Competition (RM1.188mil).

The cars are now available for pre-booking on the BMW Shop Online platform via shop.bmw.com.my at a fee of RM5,000.

Buyers will also get complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which includes:

> BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme,
> BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline,
> The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App - BMW Privileges Card,
> BMW Service Online

Additionally, owners of the i4 M50 can also enjoy the battery warranty of up to eight years or 160,000km, whichever comes first.

 M3 Competition.M3 Competition and M4 Competition

The new M3 Competition and the new M4 Competition Coupé are now equipped with the M xDrive all-wheel drive system.

The system precisely channels the engine’s power to all four wheels, providing the driver a thrilling interpretation of the hallmark M performance characteristics, with even faster acceleration times and enhanced traction on wet surfaces in everyday driving.

 M3 Competition.

The M xDrive all-wheel drive system is characterised by a deliberate rear-wheel bias, where power is only channelled to the rear during normal driving – but when the vehicle reaches its traction limits, the system sends power to the front wheels as well.

The M xDrive, complemented by the Active M Differential at the rear axle, also allows the driver to customise the all-wheel-drive system’s characteristics via three different driving modes of 4WD, 4WD Sport and 2WD.

 M4 Competition.

Powering both cars is the BMW M TwinPower Turbo 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol engine, paired with an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and the intelligent all-wheel-drive system.

This configuration offers the new variants an impressive maximum engine output of 375kW/510hp and a peak torque of 650Nm, achieving a century sprint in 3.5 seconds.

 M4 Competition.

The roof of both vehicles is made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) as part of BMW’s intelligent lightweight construction.

Customisation and optional equipment including exterior colours, interior upholstery, interior trim, driving assistance and M Performance Parts amongst others, can be added at special rates later via the online configurator.

M5 and M5 Competition

In conjunction with the 50th Anniversary of BMW M, the M5 and M5 Competition will also arrive with the BMW M 50 Years Emblems as standard.

Both variants feature a host of new M-specific exterior equipment including M rear spoilers as well as a new three-dimensional element on the LED rear lights.

 M5 Competition.

Exclusive to the M5 Competition is the M Sports exhaust system, with slim finish for enlarged and precise look and an exclusive M5 competition badge.

The M5 Competition is also 7mm lower than the M5 and is set up for higher track performance with tweaks to suspension and springs.

The 4.4‑litre V8 engine with BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology has been tuned to a maximum output of 600hp and a peak torque of 750Nm for the M5, and 625hp with a peak torque of 750Nm for the M5 Competition.

 M5 Competition.

This allows the M5 to achieve century sprint in just 3.4 seconds, while the M5 Competition reaches the mark a fraction of a second quicker, in just 3.3 seconds.

Both variants are paired as standard with an eight‑speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, Adaptive Suspension, as well as the M xDrive all-wheel drive- which also includes a 2WD setting for pure rear-wheel drive.

Top speed for the M5 is capped at 250kph, while the M5 Competition gets up to 305kph with the standard inclusion of the M Drivers Package.

i40 M50

As first M-badged electric vehicle (EV), the i40 M50 promises the thrilling sportiness of its internal combustion engine-powered siblings.

The EV will also arrive with BMW M 50 Years Emblems as standard in conjunction with the 50th Anniversary of BMW M.

 i4 M50.

Features include M Aerodynamics package, M rear spoiler in body colour and black rear diffuser insert while the interior comes with Carbon Fibre trim finishers, M Anthracite Headliner, M Sport seats at the front, M seat belts, instrument panel in Sensatec, and electrical glass roof.

The i40 M50 even gets the BMW IconicSounds Electric that recreates the sporty “M” engine sound.

Its M eDrive motors, one on each axle, delivers a dynamic all-wheel drive experience and an impressive output of 400kW/544hp and maximum torque of 795Nm in Sport Boost mode.

 i4 M50.

Century sprint can be achieved in just 3.9 seconds, while top speed is capped at 225kph.

With an energy consumption of 24 – 19kWh per 100km, the driving range is 510km based on the WLTP cycle.

The i4 M50 can be fully charged in just 8 hours and 15 minutes with an 11kW AC charger, or be charged from 10% to 80% in just 31 minutes with a 200kW DC charger.

Safety systems include Acoustic Protection for Pedestrians, Active Protection for Pedestrians, Driving Assistant Professional, Parking Assistant Plus and Active Protection.

 i4 M50.

BMW Group Malaysia managing director Hans de Visser said through BMW M in the last 50 years, the German brand had presented a portfolio of iconic, powerful vehicles which have defined premium performance cars in their times.

“The sub-brand of the BMW Group has strengthened our experiences and achievements as a complete premium automaker, delivering our promise of Sheer Driving Pleasure across the bookends of our product offering.

“M is an exemplification of our engineers’ passion for combining authentic motorsports functionality with the latest innovations in premium and luxurious vehicles.

In conjunction with the 50 Years of M celebrations, BMW Malaysia is also conducting a nationwide search for the oldest BMW M models across the entire model series.

Classic BMW M owners are encouraged to submit details of their vehicles here by June 8, to win exclusive BMW M merchandise and a feature by BMW Group Malaysia.

READ MORE:
BMW M3 and M4 get special edition models on anniversaryBMW Malaysia in quest for the oldest M models in every model seriesBMW M4 CSL unveiledBMW M 1000 RR is dressed up as M RR 50 Years M


Chevrolet offers chance to win tickets to Old Trafford

                KUALA LUMPUR: NAZA Quest, the official distributor of the Chevrolet brand in Malaysia, is offering attractive cash rebates and a chance to win an all expense trip for two to watch a live game between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford.

Chevrolet is offering customers who test drive, book and register any model from now till Dec 10, a chance to participate in the ‘Manchester United For Life’ contest.

Simply visit any of the 30 Chevrolet showrooms in East or West Malaysia to test drive any five models and upon registration, get instant cash rebates and a chance to participate in the ‘Manchester United For Life’ spend and win contest.

The grand prize is two VIP Hospitality match tickets to watch the game at Old Trafford on Dec 28, as well as two air flight tickets and a five day / four night hotel accommodation.

Chevrolet’s cash rebates (while stocks last) include RM20,000 for the Malibu, RM12,500 for the Orlando, RM11,000 for the Cruze, RM12,500 for the Cruze Sport, RM5,000 for the Colorado, RM6,000 for the Colorado Sport and RM11,000 for the Sonic in both hatchback and sedan guises.

Additionally, existing Chevrolet customers will receive a RM500 ‘Retention Incentive’ when they purchase a new model.

“Chevrolet’s recent sponsorship of Manchester United gives us an opportunity to reward our customers with a chance to experience an all-expense paid live match at Old Trafford,” said NAZA Quest vice president 1 Thoo Ai Wuen.

For more information, log on to www.chevrolet.com.my or call 1-800-2-CHEVY (24389).


PJ cops probing video of car using red-and-blue strobe lights

                PETALING JAYA: Police have opened investigations after a video of a car using red-and-blue strobe lights went viral.

The 13-second-video believed to be taken by a motorcyclist shows a gold Proton Preve driving with its hazard lights on and a siren can also be heard.

As the motorcyclist overtakes the vehicle, the rider turns back and strobe lights can be seen on the vehicle dashboard.

Petaling Jaya OCPD Asst Comm Mohamad Fakhrudin Abdul Hamid said police from the Petaling Jaya Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department lodged a report over the video at around 3pm today.

"We detected a video on social media of a Proton Preve using strobe lights while driving.

"The incident allegedly occurred along Jalan Lapangan Terbang Subang here," he said in a statement today.

He said the incident was believed to have occurred at around 6.30pm on Feb 23.

"We have opened investigations under Rule 94 of the Motor Vehicles Rules (Construction and Use) as well as Rule 24(ii) of the Road Traffic Rules.

"Insp Rozilah Hussin will investigate the case further," he said.

ACP Mohamad Fakhrudin urged road users to always abide by the traffic rules and regulations to avoid any accidents and untoward incidents.

"The public is advised to not spread or share any videos or images which could cause public anxiety," he said.

Those with information on the case should contact the police hotline at 03-2052 9999.


Bosch and Riding Pink offering 10 free rides for Raya season

                PETALING JAYA: This Raya season, 10 free rides home will be offered to 10 lucky female Malaysians celebrating Hari Raya.

The offer is courtesy of Bosch Automotive Aftermarket, which is working with ride hailing service Riding Pink.

To qualify for the free ride home, participants are required to post their best Raya family portrait on Riding Pink’s Facebook wall at www.facebook.com/ridingpink. Pictures must be accompanied with a caption, “I wish to win a free Balik Kampung ride to <insert travel location> because <include reason>”.

The post should be made public and include the hashtags, #GetItRight #StartWithBosch and #RayaWithRidingPink. Submissions will be judged based on the number of likes and creativity of the portrait and caption.

The contest will start from June 7-15. Winners will be announced on both Bosch Malaysia and Riding Pink’s Facebook pages on June 16.

There will be one free ride to be won per location: Alor Star, Penang (anywhere), Ipoh, Taiping, Kuala Kangsar, Port Dickson, Seremban (anywhere), Malacca (anywhere), Muar and Kuantan. Once selected, each winner will be allowed to travel with two additional female guests.

All cars making the trips will undergo servicing and maintenance by Bosch prior to the journey. The cars will leave Klang Valley from the Bosch office here at 9am on June 23.

Riding Pink was launched last year by Denise Tan as a service by women for women.


What 2018 holds in store for the global auto industry

The subscription-only Polestar Model 1.
PARIS: This year will likely see a notable shift in the global auto industry: while vehicles inevitably move towards greater electrification, there might also be an even bigger revolution on the way, not in terms of what vehicles we buy, but how we buy them.

Toyota has recently done a significant U-turn by announcing a new strategy that, while focusing on hybrids and lug-in hybrids, will also include all-electric models, which until recently the company claimed weren't a viable option for the short and medium term.

This decision shows just how significant the push towards electrification is. Every manufacturer seems to be embracing electrification now, even the likes of Morgan, and 2018 is likely to be seen in hindsight as the year when green vehicle technology really became part of the mainstream.

 Singapore's 'car vending machine' is actually a vending machine-like tower which allows customers to pick a luxury vehicle on a touchscreen; the car arrives in just a few minutes.

But while environmentally-friendly propulsion systems get all the limelight, there is an equally big revolution underway concerning how we pay for the vehicles we drive.

Leasing is an increasingly popular way of funding new vehicles, but even more imaginative funding solutions and ways of purchasing are likely to break cover in 2018.

Tesla already sells directly to the public, and last week Ford announced it was embarking on a similar retailing model with its partner company in China, which could even be an interpretation of the "car vending machine" concept already seen in Singapore. If that proves successful, it's likely Ford will try it elsewhere.

What Volvo is doing next year is even more significant.

Through its Polestar performance brand, Chinese-owned Volvo will be offering its Polestar 1 model on a subscription-only basis. Ordering will be online, and the monthly subscription will cover everything apart from fuel and insurance.

At the end of the two- or three-year agreement, the driver will simply hand the car back to the manufacturer and take delivery of their new model. The old vehicle will be refurbished and offered to another buyer on a secondary-subscription basis as a pre-owned Polestar experience.

Only 500 Polestar Model 1s will be built next year and offered in this manner, but other manufacturers, especially some Chinese ones, will be keeping a close eye on this as well as other innovative new ways of selling vehicles.


Sarawak side of Pan Borneo Highway project 70% complete

                SIBU: The Pan Borneo Highway project in Sarawak is now 69.60 per cent complete, says Senior Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

He said based on the contract, the completion date was set as September 2022. Due to various constraints including the movement control order, delays were inevitable, he said.

"We had several limitations such as supply chain problems and rising costs of building materials as well as manpower shortage caused by the standard operating procedures compliance.

"In addition there were challenges in complying with the different SOPs specially set for each division in Sarawak which has made it difficult to complete the project on time," he said in a statement today.

The highway project extends into Sabah, whose progress has been much slower than Sarawak's. In Decmber last year, it was reported that the Sabah stretch was only 20 per cent completed. At the time, the Sarawak side had already reached 65 per cent completion.


EU Parliament group votes down stricter 2030 car emissions goal

                BRUSSELS: European Union lawmakers in the Parliament’s environment committee voted against an amendment that would have seen a sharper reduction of emissions in the automotive sector by the end of the decade.

Representatives narrowly failed to garner enough votes that would have raised the 2030 emissions-cutting target to 70% by 2030, from 55% originally proposed by the Commission last year.

An interim target for 2027 also didn’t pass. Other efforts to water down the legislation, such as requiring carmakers to reduce emissions by 90% by 2035, rather than 100% was rejected.

Still, the vote leaves the plan to effectively phase out the combustion engine by 2035 intact.

"I regret that we were not able to raise the ambition for the 2030 target,” said Pascal Canfin, chairman of the environment committee.

"But the direction of travel remains clear and supports the European Commission’s proposal to only allow the sale of zero-emission vehicles from 2035.”

Decarbonising transport is a one of the key pillars of the EU’s plans to reach climate neutrality by the middle of the century, given that it is one of the only sectors to see emissions increase in recent years.

The European Commission also wants to bring road transport into its carbon market, a key vote on which will take place next week in the environment committee.

The regulation on cars still needs to be voted on by Parliament as a whole, before negotiations with member states, which are expected later this year. France, which holds the rotating EU presidency, also put forward its compromise that stuck to the Commission’s 2035 target, according to a draft document seen by Bloomberg.

The Committee did vote on an amendment to provide funding to help support small and medium-sized component manufacturers that are likely to be affected by the transition.

A push to get synthetic and e-fuels granted credit for cutting emissions didn’t pass.


Ramadan cheer from Ducati in Malaysia

                PETALING JAYA: In conjunction with the up-coming Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, Ducati Malaysia and Ducati Official Club Malaysia (DOCM) organised a "Ramadan Basket" programme last week.

Ramadan Basket is an annual event with the objective to assist the less fortunate.

This year, Ducati Malaysia and Telekom Malaysia with the assistance of PermaixGDRN distributed bags of rice, groceries and other daily food essentials to 50 families during the programme.

Non-govermental organisation Amal Ehsan Care helped to identify the 50 families for the programme.

 Ducati Malaysia head Dennis Michael (third from left) and DOCM vice-president Hishamuddin Md Sani (second from left) at the event.


Toyota unit Hino to freeze truck production for two models for a year, says Nikkei

                TOKYO: Toyota Motor Corp's truck and bus unit Hino Motors will halt production of some medium and heavy-duty trucks for at least another year after a widespread data falsification scandal, Nikkei Asia reported today.

The medium-duty Ranger and the heavy-duty Profia truck will not be produced until August 2023, the report added.

Halting production of some truck models is the latest sign of the scandal worsening for Hino since it first announced the data falsification affecting some of its bigger trucks in March.

Since then, it has said it falsified data on some engines going back as far as 2003, at least a decade earlier than originally indicated.

All told, about 640,000 vehicles have been affected, or more than five times the figure initially revealed.

Hino said last month it would suspend shipments of small trucks after a transport ministry investigation revealed that some 76,000 of its small trucks sold since 2019 had not been subject to the required number of engine tests.

Toyota and others involved in a commercial vehicle partnership have since expelled Hino from the group over falsification of engine data by the truckmaker.

The widening scandal at Hino Motors over falsification of engine data has become a headache that will not go away for parent Toyota which has a controlling 50.1% stake in Hino.

Hino became Toyota's subsidiary in 2001 and nearly all Hino presidents since then previously worked for Toyota.

Toyota did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and Hino could not immediately be reached.


BMW 128ti to debut in November

                MUNICH: The new BMW 128ti is the middle sibling in the 1 Series that will be launched in November 2020.

It is positioned between the 120i and the range-topping M135i xDrive. It will sell in Germany from €41,574.79 (RM203,273.73).

With its specially tuned M Sport suspension, a Torsen limited-slip differential and a bespoke steering application, the exclusively front-wheel-drive compact sports model is focused squarely on highly engaging driving pleasure.

The 128ti carries over the firmer anti-roll bars and anti-roll bar mounts with high preload from the M135i xDrive.

Stiffer springs and shock absorbers adapted accordingly provide excellent driving dynamics. In addition, the front-wheel-drive 128ti is around 80kg lighter than the flagship model.

The 2.0-litre engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology develops 265hp. The power is relayed to the front axle via an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.

The standard-fitted M Sport braking system with red-painted brake callipers (a first for a 1 Series model) provides braking performance while the 18-inch Y‑spoke 553 M bi-colour light-alloy wheels are reserved exclusively for the 128ti and sport tyres (Michelin Pilot Sport 4) can be specified as a no-cost option.

Exclusive distinguishing features on the inside and outside of the 128ti give the car a distinctive appearance.

Standard specification in Germany includes extended Shadowline trim with black kidney grille and black mirror caps, while the optional BMW Individual lights Shadowline for the headlights creates a darker appearance.

The interior also contains a host of red accents, including a large Race Red surface in the backrests of the standard sport seats, the embroidered “ti” badge in the central armrest and contrast stitching in the other armrests, door panels and instrument panels.

The 128ti breathes new life into a long tradition at BMW.

Since the 1960s, the “TI” (later “ti”) badge has stood for “Turismo Internazionale” and marks out particularly sporty models – from the iconic 1800 TI and 2002 TI to the 323ti Compact and 325ti Compact of the late 1990s.


Electric motosports series SuperCharge announced

                LONDON: SuperCharge, an all-new global motorsport series based on electric crossover road cars, announced its plans to help shape the new future for motorsport.

With a planned 2022 start, the inaugural series is targeting eight events taking place right across the globe, in cities from Asia-Pacific, China, Europe, Middle East and USA aiming to provide spectacular racing entertainment and ultimately promote the uptake of electric cars.

Designed to appeal to audiences of all ages, SuperCharge has been created, in consultation with some of the world’s leading car manufacturers, as a new racing concept to showcase next-generation electric road cars in the volume and growth part of the market - compact SUVs and crossovers, as well as leading-edge battery technologies.

Resetting the relevance, appeal and value of motorsport, the world’s newest racing series aims to be located in bustling urban environments based around an access all areas, fun, informative, festival-style atmosphere.

“Motorsport is at a crossroads,” says SuperCharge Managing Director and co-founder Rob Armstrong.

“Alejandro Agag and Jean Todt have done a great job pioneering electric motorsport. With many countries and cities already announcing plans to ban internal combustion-engine cars in the coming years, the need for road car-based electric motorsport is becoming more and more compelling.

"We believe it is only a matter of time before there are more electric motorsport series. Given this rapidly increasing EV momentum, we believe the timing and appeal of SuperCharge is ideal and see a clear space for it as the road car-relevant motorsport series.

“We have carefully conceived SuperCharge to take account into these societal changes and to consider the needs of car companies, fans, commercial parties and venues in order to make a truly sustainable and commercially viable new series. SuperCharge takes motorsport into a new and hugely relevant arena and we can’t wait to spark the series into life across the globe.”

SuperCharge is working closely with both the British Automobile Racing Club (BARC) and Motorsport UK as it seeks to apply to become an FIA International Series.


MyDriver - Where to boss?

                Drivers in some east Asian countries, where drinking is part of the social fabric, have long been able to hire people to take them home in their own cars if they think they’ve had one too many and can’t safely drive home on their own.

This type of driver-for-hire service has been around for 10 years in countries like South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and China.

Today, it looks like Malaysia will join this bandwagon, as driver-for-hire company MyDriver set up shop in Kuala Lumpur.

 MyDriver managing director Eddie Ng

“I learned about this service from my friends who have actually experienced it in South Korea and Taiwan. It really intrigued me because it is something I would actually want to use,” said MyDriver managing director Eddie Ng.

Ng said he had previously spoken with friends and compared notes to gauge the feasibility of setting up such a business in Kuala Lumpur.

“Many agree when I suggested it be introduced here. They said it was a great way to be a responsible driver,” he tells MetroBiz.

MyDriver set up in Desa Sri Hartamas last November, and Ng said business was slowly picking up.

“People are just not aware and are not accustomed to this service yet.

“It’s like valet services. Years ago when it was not popular yet, nobody had faith in it, but nowadays, people don’t go to a (crowded) place without it,” said Ng.

One of the main reasons Ng started the business is the social issue that surrounds drink-driving.

“Too many times have I flipped open newspapers to find yet another report about fatalities caused by drunk driving, whether driver, passenger or passer-by.

“I also personally knew someone who was involved in an accident for the same reason,” Ng said, adding, that robberies and car thefts can also occur when a driver dozes off in their car, or when they leave it behind.

“Many of these cases could’ve been avoided if a safer option was presented to the people earlier. The other core service MyDriver offers is the part-time chauffeur service, which goes by the hour.

 Ng (right) and MyDriver management member Jackson Chong (left)

“People need drivers for different reasons, and we are flexible with that. Some need a temporary driver for when their in-house driver is away, while some companies hire our drivers to take their guests around during short stays,” Ng explained.

“There are also instances when our drivers are hired for a few hours just to help run errands. Those were usually cases where people want to avoid parking and traffic.”.

“For them, it is time-efficient, thus increasing productivity.”

Ng said there had been occasions when their services were used to drive the elderly for medical check-ups at hospitals when their children were unavailable.

“We have also gone the extra mile when our drivers were hired to take customers out of state, to and fro,” he noted.

MyDriver currently has seven full-time and more than 10 part-time drivers.

“We’re still new now. When we receive good feedback and business picks up pace, we’ll definitely look into hiring more.” .

He added that they were looking to hire female drivers also as there was a demand.

Depending on the trips and hours required of their service the company a payment formula, but it is also open to reasonable negotiations.

The company charges between RM130 to RM150 per trip for night driver service within the Klang Valley.

Part-time chauffeurs cost between RM27 to RM30 per hour, with a five-hour minimum.

Ng says the company runs a profit-sharing scheme with its drivers, giving them 40% of the charges from each journey or assignment.

The company is off to a slow but sure start with about two customers a day, usually expatriates and local Chinese.

“Our target is to have at least 50 customers a day when business is on track,” Ng says.

Currently, the business relies mostly on word of mouth, and like many new companies today, its Facebook page to market its services.

We mostly depend on friends or existing customers to talk about us in the hopes of slowly reducing the reluctance people have about having strangers driving them around,” Ng says.

“Ultimately, we want to communicate that we are a ‘driver service’ and not a ‘taxi service’,” he emphasised.

In South Korea, many drivers-for-hire work alone, freelancing for a side-income. Ng, however, thinks it is best to have a proper system.

When it comes to employment, he said the company only hired locals.

“Potential drives go through three stages of interviewing where they are tested for skills such as driving, communicating and navigating among other things.

“We also cross-check the profiles of employees with the authorities before we officially employ them,” Ng explains.

MyDriver’s employees are also dressed professionally so that customers may identify them with the company.

He said stringent hiring policies were crucial because faith was important for all businesses, more so for the new service category the company was introducing.

“People need to know the company is registered and we vouch for our services. This way, they can be assured and be confident with us.”.

MyDriver also has policies against unruly customers too.

“In cases where customers misbehave or are not sober enough to identify their own addresses, our employees reserve the right to reject the transaction,” Ng said.

“We need to protect the welfare of our employees as well.”

Customers usually call one of two phone lines at 019 2582929 or 019 206 2929 to book before hand.

“We have them provide their location and a pickup time beforehand, although we do accept certain unplanned circumstances or reasonable delays,” Ng said.

 Ng (centre) and two MyDriver employees

For night-time drives, usually two drivers are deployed on a motorbike.

“When one drives a customer home, the other then picks him up with the motorcycle to head back.

“For part-time services, there are arrangements for the driver’s pick up upon completion of the assignment as well.”

Currently, MyDriver operates in the Klang Valley, but Ng is optimistic that the business will expand beyond the area.

“There are endless possibilities, we don’t doubt that, but first we need to focus on getting MyDriver to run smoothly,” he said.

“There are still many details the company needs to iron out.”

Ng also revealed that the company is in the midst of developing a mobile app and website to ease the booking process.

While the service is relatively niche, Ng is keen to see it become commonplace here in Malaysia.

By KELLY TEY
kellytey@thestar.com.my
Photos by SHAARI CHEMAT


Ford and Hyundai discussing EV investments with Indonesia

                DETROIT: Indonesia is in discussions with Ford Motor Co and Hyundai Motor Co to establish operations related to electric vehicles in the South-East Asian country, Indonesia co-ordinating minister for economic affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, told an audience in Washington, D.C. last Thursday.

Ford, nickel miner Vale Indonesia and China's Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt said in July they had signed a non-binding memorandum of co-operation to build a plant in Indonesia to extract nickel chemicals.

Hartarto said Indonesia also is in discussions with Hyundai and South Korean battery maker LG Energy Solution over battery and EV investments.

"We have raw materials for EV battery technologies," Hartarto told an audience at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Indonesia's large supplies of nickel, as well as semiconductor production capacity, "can support the US auto industry," he said.


Shenzhen car restrictions fuel panic

                SHENZHEN: The hordes of people waiting outside the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Centre this week aren’t there to see a famous artist or attend the latest job fair.

Rather, residents in the southern metropolis of Shenzhen have flooded the location to obtain certificates proving they bought their cars before 6pm, Dec 29, when Shenzhen suddenly placed a cap on car purchases.

Buyers who purchase cars after that time will have to get their new car plates by lottery or auction, according to city authorities, who announced the purchase limitation 20 minutes before the policy took effect.

The restriction, aimed at easing congestion, took many by surprise and fuelled panic among locals.

A resident surnamed Zhang said that after hearing about the policy, he rushed to an automobile dealer and bought the car he had always hesitated to buy.

He paid an extra 20,000 yuan (RM11,470) for it, as sellers tried to profit from panicked buyers.

“The sudden restriction is too rude,” said one resident. “As a local citizen, I only hope the coming lottery will be just and fair.”

Rumours about a possible car purchase restriction had swirled prior to the official announcement, fuelling a spike in licence registrations in Shenzhen. — Xinhua


Lamborghini celebrates the 10,000th Urus

                MILAN: The Lamborghini Urus has reached an impressive milestone of the 10,000th car, two years after its market introduction.

The model with chassis number 10,000, destined for Russia, comes in the new Nero Noctis Matt (black) colour, combined with the carbon fiber package and two-tone Ad Personam interiors in black and orange, complemented by carbon fiber components.

In June 2020, a new colour collection was presented for the Super SUV, the Urus Pearl Capsule, which, with a two-tone exterior look, offers ultra-bright pearlescent shades with four-layer paint, in line with Lamborghini colour tradition – Giallo Inti (yellow), Arancio Borealis (orange), and Verde Mantis (green), combined with glossy black roof, rear diffuser, spoiler lip and other details.

The Urus Pearl Capsule comes as an optional extra for Model Year 2021.

2019 was the first full year that the Urus was present in the market, where 4,962 units were delivered to customers.


Here's the Infiniti Q60 Concept

                HONG KONG: Infiniti gave a peek at its vision of a premium sports coupe ahead of the 2015 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

The Q60 Concept is poised to entice coupe fans with its sharp contours and hand-crafted interior, while at the same time suggesting performance and power to match. Result: a no-compromise fusion of looks and speed.

The Q60 Concept sits low and wide in a road-hugging stance hinting at exceptional dynamics and driving pleasure.

While the Q60 Concept is fresh and original, it evokes a sense of déjà vu at times with whiffs and traces of the Q80 Inspiration (shown this past October at the Paris Motor Show) evident in its finest details.

The low roofline and quilted leather seats remind one of the elegant full-size Q80 Inspiration, while the aerodynamic gills behind the front wheel arches are inherited from the Q50 Eau Rouge sports saloon concept.

“The Q80 Inspiration was an indication of Infiniti’s future design language,” said Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti Executive Design Director. “The Q60 Concept is the next step in the journey.

“The sweeping lines of the Q80 Inspiration gave the Q60 Concept its coupe silhouette and looks while the Formula One-inspired touches from the Q50 Eau Rouge endowed the coupe with its sports personality.”

The visual excitement in the edgy lines of the concept is set off by the custom 21-inch wheels which take up the entire wheel arch. Inspired by jet turbine blades, the black spokes in a combination of mattes and chromes stretch to the edge of the wheel, further emphasising how “planted” the coupe is.

The high-quality ambience inside speaks of Infiniti’s attention to detail, evident from the hand-stitched leather to the treatment of the carbon fibre accents.

Infiniti designers use a variety of leathers on the seats to provide a balance of comfort and support. They also made the Q60 Concept a “2+2” coupe by giving rear passengers more legroom through the use of genuine sport seats.

As a foreshadowing of the next generation of Infiniti’s premium sports coupe, the Q60 Concept makes use of taut lines and sports car cues to convey exceptional stance and presence.