Ellie Goulding drives Range Rover Velar in the Big Apple

                NEW YORK: The Range Rover Velar made its US debut with an exclusive live performance from Ellie Goulding at Hearst Plaza here, which was broadcasted live online to a global audience. The chart-topping singer’s New York show precedes a charity auction of the hotly anticipated new mid-size SUV later this week.

Goulding brought a touch of British glamour to the Velar US launch party when she arrived in Manhattan – the Metropolitan home of Range Rover – to be one of the first people to drive the new Velar.

Ellie said, “I have always been a big Range Rover fan and it was a pleasure to be a part of its launch here in the US. Even more rewarding to be supporting a local charity that improves over 10,000 lives every year in one of my favourite cities.”

A Velar will be auctioned at the East Side House Settlement charity gala, at the Jacob Javits Center on Thursday in advance of the 2017 New York International Auto Show. The winning bidder will be among the first customers in the world to take delivery of the vehicle. The New York-Metropolitan area remains the world’s biggest Range Rover market.

Proceeds from the gala will benefit the East Side House Settlement, a non-profit organisation providing education and social services in the Bronx and north Manhattan. The 2017 gala will mark the second occasion that Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC has served as sole sponsor of the event, which last year saw a First Edition Jaguar F-PACE sell at auction for US$101,000 (RM448,000) and raised a grand total of nearly US$500,000 (RM2.2mil) in support of East Side House Settlement.

The Velar slots in between the Evoque and the Range Rover Sport.

Among the Velar key features is an all-new infotainment system called InControl Touch Pro Duo, featuring two 10-inch screens, making the in-car technology experience clearer, quicker and more enjoyable.

Three engine options will be available at launch including a 247hp 2.0-litre Ingenium gasoline, a 180hp 2.0-litre diesel and a potent 380hp supercharged V6 gasoline engine.

It is sold in the US at a starting price of US$49,900 (RM221,000) and will be available for deliveries in late summer.


Proton puts X70 on active duty with healthcare frontliners

                PETALING JAYA: Proton is doing its part to support Malaysia’s frontliners battling the Covid-19 pandemic by putting 50 units of the X70 at the disposal of the Health Ministry.

The vehicles on loan will be used mainly to ferry medical workers to and from work as well as to any hot spots in the country.

The X70 offered last week to the healthcare workers are a combination of the fully imported units and the locally assembled version, Proton said in reply to a CarSifu query. It also said it would provide maintenance support for the SUVs for as long as the ministry requires the vehicles to fight the virus.

On the pandemic front, some glimmer of hope prevailed despite the rising infections in the country.

Health Director-General Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said today that 156 new infections were recorded, bringing the country’s tally to 2,626 cases. The death toll is 37.

On a positive note, he said today saw the highest number of Covid-19 recoveries in a day, with 91 patients discharged.

The cumulative total Covid-19 patients who have recovered is 479. “This is 18.2% of the total number of Covid-19 cases in the country," said Dr Noor Hisham.


Renault Captur previewed

                KUALA LUMPUR: TC Euro Cars, the sole franchise holder of Renault in Malaysia, has previewed the French-made Captur urban crossover.

The vehicle is estimated to be priced from RM118,000 to RM123,000 and will make its official debut in Malaysia sometime in the fourth quarter this year.

The new crossover looks to provide something safe, sporty and versatile to new owners by combining a high SUV-like driving position with the space of a multi-purpose vehicle and a car’s driving enjoyment.

The French carmaker built the Captur on its new Clio hatchback’s platform while rolling on 17-inch wheels with 205/55 series tyres and comes in measuring 4,122mm-long, 1,770mm-wide and 1,573mm-tall.

With plenty of curves for its sheet metal and sporting daytime running lights, the Captur’s power comes from its Turbo Control Efficiency (TCe) 120 1.2-litre engine with Eco-mode that’s mated to a six-speed Efficient Dual-Clutch (EDC) transmission.

Power has been rated at 118bhp at 4,900rpm and 190Nm of torque from 2,000rpm, allowing it to sprint to 100kph from standstill in 10.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 192kph. Fuel efficiency on the combined cycle is rated at 5.4L/100km.

The European New Car Assessment Programme (EuroNCAP), which crash tests all vehicles being sold in the European Union has accorded the Captur with the full five-star crash test rating.

Its safety features include four airbags, anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control with roll movement intervention, hill start assist, and emergency brake assist.

In terms of convenience, the Captur gets automatic headlights and wipers, keyless-entry with push-start button and a 377-liltre boot that’s expandable to 455 litres via the sliding rear bench seat.

The centre console features a seven-inch touchscreen that has AUX and USB ports as well as Bluetooth connectivity, GPS navigation and a reverse camera.

The French crossover comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty and is available in four two-tone colours of Arizona Orange / Diamond Black (roof), Pacific Blue / Ivory (roof), Beige / Diamond Black (roof) and Ivory / Diamond Black (roof).

Last but not least, the Captur also features three removable seat-covers (depending on variants) in Orange, Blue and Ivory Black, which has a zip and velcro system to allow the covers to be removed them with ease.

“Compact on the outside, yet spacious and versatile on the inside, it is particularly suited for today’s modern men and women,” said TC Euro Cars CEO Kian Kim Luen.


Kia Concept EV5 unveiled

                SHANGHAI: Following on the EV9 reveal, Kia has taken the wraps of a smaller electric car called the Concept EV5 at Kia Chinese EV Day.

The Kia Concept EV5 is a prelude to Kia’s next dedicated EV model

The production model of the EV5 will be released first in the Chinese market later this year. Details regarding any future plans for the other global markets will be made in due course.

The all-electric SUV concept took center stage at the event to present the brand’s strategy to establish global leadership in electrification.

Like the EV9, the Concept EV5 follows by Kia’s "Opposites United" design philosophy.

It also heralds a new design era for Kia and gives an intriguing glimpse into the aesthetic direction of the brand’s future fully electric models.

At the front, a new form of Digital Tiger Face pays homage to the famous Kia Tiger Nose grille.

The new design is integrated with Kia’s Star Map signature lighting technology, which introduces the concept of a constellation connecting stars to a clean face.

The futuristic flowing pattern provided by the digital lighting extends down the side of the Concept EV5.

The sculpted lines and fenders form a powerful stance amplified by a paintwork finish inspired by a rich, natural hue – Iceberg matte green. Striking 21-inch wheels and an aerodynamic-enhancing roof spoiler complete the picture.

The completely flat floor and the generous space found within the cabin create a "space of coexistence."

The interior colour palette brings calmness and purity, while the centre fascia uses contrasting materials. A large, wide panoramic display provides greater levels of content for occupants to enjoy.

Innovative swivel seats enable occupants to sit in relaxed comfort, and, depending on where they have parked, enjoy uninterrupted views of the scenery around them.

At night, the wide, full-length panoramic sunroof, which also acts as solar panels, provides an opportunity for occupants to enjoy the stars. The advanced bridge lighting technology within the SUV can be adjusted to suit the needs and reflect the moods of the occupants.

The cabin uses a wide range of sustainable materials such as seaweed extract and upcycled PET bottles on the seats, doors, dashboard, and headliner.


Mercedes' launches C-Class as notchback and estate

STUTTGART: The latest generation of the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 rival is launching both as a saloon and as an estate with a large tailgate and a bit more muscle under the hood as standard, Mercedes says.

An all-electric model is still missing, however. And yet things are still moving forward in terms of electrification with all petrol and diesel engines becoming mild hybrids, while the plug-in hybrid makes a technological leap.

The latter now has a purely electric range of around 100km. In future available exclusively with four-cylinder engines, the C-Class will initially be launched with three petrol engines and two diesels.

The line-up starts with a 1.5-litre, which produces 170 hp in the C 180 or 204 hp in the C 200, and a 2.0-litre for the 258 hp C 300. Mercedes is kitting the diesels out with a 2.0-litre engine, which produces 200 hp in the C 220 d or 295 hp in the C 300 d.

This means that the C-Class, which will be available exclusively as a four-pot engine, will be able to reach the top of the range.

The C-Class, which is also available with all-wheel drive in the more powerful versions, can reach a maximum of 231 to 250kph and has a fuel consumption of between 5.0 litres of diesel and 7.0 litres of petrol (131 to 161 g/km CO2).

The plug-in hybrid is considerably more economical. Here Mercedes combines an electric motor with 95 kW, a 25.4 kWh battery and a 150 kW/204hp petrol engine.

With a system output of 312hp, it achieves a standard value of 1.3 litres (14 g/km CO2). Next year, this package will also be available with a diesel, Mercedes says. All-wheel drive variants are also in the pipeline.

In addition to the new engines, there is a sportier design and slightly changed dimensions. Compared to its predecessor, the model series is almost 7 cm longer and almost 3 cm longer in the wheelbase. It now measures 4.75 metres in both body versions.

The luggage compartment remains unchanged at 455 litres for the Saloon and grows by 30 litres for the Estate at 490 to 1,510 litres.

According to the manufacturer, the technical innovations include a screen landscape inspired by the S-Class, rear-axle steering used for the first time in the C-Class, and assistance systems with more vision and greater influence on driving.

Launch prices for the notchback start at €41,138 in Mercedes' home market in Germany. The estate T-model is around €2,200 more expensive and starts at €46,975.


Maxxis Concept Store opens in Ipoh

                PETALING JAYA: Kian Hon Tyres Sdn Bhd has kick-started its business operations in Ipoh to better serve its customers and moved to a new location with better facilities.

This includes a new Maxxis retail shop and a bigger warehouse to provide quality service to our customers.

The Kian Hon Tyres Ipoh branch also serves as the second Maxxis Concept Store (MaxxPit), which is also a car service center.

The first Maxxis Concept Store was set up last year in May 2017 at Petaling Jaya.

The opening ceremony drew over 200 guests comprising of business partners and dealers across Perak region.

Also present was sales manager of Cheng Shin Rubber Industry Co Ltd, Kevin Cheng.

For over 50 years, Kian Hon Tyres is a reputable supplier of high quality tyre products and a reliable service for all types of motor vehicles. It has branches in Penang, Shah Alam, and Kedah.

The Ipoh branch of Kian Hon Tyres Sdn Bhd is located at: 299, Persiaran Klebang 1, Kawasan Perusahaan IGB, 30010 Chemor, Perak.


Fiat celebrates 60th anniversary of 500 Jolly Spiaggina

                TURIN: For the 60th anniversary of the Fiat 500 Jolly Spiaggina — the first special series model of the legendary little car — the Italian car manufacturer is releasing a new Fiat 500 "Spiaggina 58," limited to 1,958 units.

Symbolic of the "Dolce Vita" era in which it was launched, summer 1958's Fiat 500 Jolly Spiaggina is being celebrated in style for its 60th birthday, with a modern and highly chic interpretation. With its vintage styling, the new Spiaggina 58 is available only as a convertible and comes in Volare Blue with a beige soft top. The interior promises sophisticated design features, with dashboard details in the same blue as the exterior paintwork, two-tone seats and model-specific floor mats.

 The Fiat 500 'Spiaggina by Garage Italia.'

Firmly rooted in 2018, the Fiat 500 Spiaggina 58 comes with a seven-inch Uconnect infotainment system — compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto — plus Tom Tom navigation and DAB digital radio. This special edition also has automatic climate control, rear parking sensors and height-adjustable seats.

Garage Italia creative hub has joined forces with design studio Pininfarina on a showcar version, the Fiat 500 "Spiaggina by Garage Italia." This model loses the roof and turns the rear seats into a generous compartment ready to load up with beach gear. The showcar also has a lowered nautical windshield. This customisable model will be available soon via Garage Italia.


Six steps to knock out road rage

                PETALING JAYA: Road rage cases have become all too common these days. As a driver, experiencing someone else’s road rage is something that can be quite scary. With the correct frame of mind and a bit of planning, you can easily avoid this unpleasant situation from ever happening to you. Remember that in such unexpected moments, a strategy is better than no strategy.

Here's how to minimise becoming a road rage victim, and what to do if it does escalate.

1.  Let it slide

The first point is that with any conflict between two parties, both are likely to have played a part. So try to take yourself away from the problem – let the other driver go on ahead. You might feel wronged, but letting the other party go will make no difference to the rest of your day.

2. Diffuse situation

If both of you have stopped your cars to "iron out" the problem, admit it and apologise if you were at fault.  It may be enough to diffuse the situation quickly. And do not do anything that can be interpreted as retaliation.  Even if you weren’t at fault, is the argument really worth it?

If the other person is being confrontational or aggressive, don’t make eye contact and don’t react visibly. And in your own mind, try to think about a different subject as quickly as you can, so that the incident doesn’t affect you afterwards.

3. Film for evidence

If you or better, your passengers, can film any behaviour on your mobile phone it will help in terms of evidence, including the registration number of the other vehicle involved.

4. Call the police

If the conflict is more serious and other processes aren’t working; call the police, especially if you feel there is a threat or possibility of violence against you.

Don’t open your door, don’t open your windows fully and don’t start or get provoked into an argument.

As mentioned earlier, a sure way of remaining calm in this situation is to put this incident in the context of your day. How big a part is this compared to your other activities? You might feel frustrated, but letting it go is the best course of action.

5. Drive away safely

If the other party approaches you in your car, can you drive away safely? If you can, consider doing so.  But don’t rush off and drive like the getaway driver in a film, or drive off if you think the other driver is going to chase you.

6. Lastly, take your mind off it

Hopefully by now the matter is over and you are driving away. Do acknowledge that this incident will have affected your behaviour. If you feel upset or emotional pull over and get some fresh air or walk around if you need to before resuming your journey.

Again find some distraction, like listening to the radio - move your mind deliberately onto something else – deliberately driving well would be a good example – but don’t dwell on the incident.

> Tips courtesy of  Institute of Advanced Motorists


Kawasaki has electric motorcycle in the works

                TOKYO: Kawasaki has confirmed that the brand is joining the EV (electric vehicle) revolution by officially announcing that an electric motorcycle is on the way.

It follows the footsteps of Harley Davidson with its LiveWire.

In a video demonstrating the speed of the bike, the company's innovation senior manager Yoshimoto Matsuda said that the motorcycle is equipped with a next-generation power unit which has been in the works since the turn of the century.

Like its engine-powered bikes, the electric iteration has been designed in accordance with the company's Rideology philosophy which means that it will be fun to ride.

Of the few specs revealed by the company, it has been confirmed that the motorcycle will have a manual transmission, "performance on par with a mid-size displacement model," and a 100km range.

Matsuda said Kawasaki has been busy patenting technologies for electric bikes over the years like a thumb brake-activated energy recovery system, but he did not confirm whether such components will be present on the concept or not.

In any case, this concept basically functions as a preliminary version of upcoming production models which will no doubt incorporate some of these elements.

After years of development, Kawasaki only revealed that the electric motorcycle will be unveiled in the near future.


Infiniti Q60 first drive

                Coupes are uncommon on our roads, but they do make lasting impressions, especially so with the Q60.

Infiniti recently organised a drive from Kuala Lumpur to Penang. And the vehicle of choice was the third-generation Infiniti Q60.

Fully-imported and costing RM308,800, two Q60 premium sport coupes draped in Dynamic Sunstone Red and Graphite Shadow were prepared for the journey north.

Visually, there’s a lot going for the Q60 with its intricate curves and that very distinct and sharp crease along the shoulder line to connect the front end of the car to the rear.

Being the sportier and more compact version of the Q50 luxury sedan, it certainly looks the part with its long hood and short “muscular” rear haunches.

While there’s that aura of sportiness from its compact dimensions and 19-inch wheels, the bodywork seems to provide some play of light and shadows to emasculate the Q60 with enough femininity to bring about some elegance and sophistication.

Although a glance from the outside-in might seem a little cramped, it really isn’t the case after dialing in those preferred settings on the powered front semi-aniline leather seats with good amounts of bolstering and a generous amount of shoulder room.

The controls are housed in an angled centre console that feature an 8.0-inch (upper) and 7.0-inch (lower) stacked touchscreen displays.

While the centre console’s design aids reach, it has unfortunately left the leather-wrapped gear knob pushed a little too rear-ward.

With it being a sports coupe that’s marketed as a 2+2 seater, the confines of the rear seats are usually next to useless, but in this case, it’ll actually fit two with a surprising amount of leg-room. The lack of headroom back there is due to the aerodynamic roof line.

The boot isn’t impressive as in most coupes, but the plus point is that Q60’s tailgate opens high.

With the brakes engaged, pushing the “Start” button brings the 2.0-litre (1,991cc) turbocharged Mercedes-Benz M270 engine with 211hp and 350Nm of torque to life.

In Normal mode, the ‘German’ engine wants to be ‘uber’ smooth when taking off from standstill and the suspension has a note of suppleness to its borderline-harsh disposition.

Switching over to Sport mode and it’s ‘bye-bye’ suppleness and ‘hello’ responsive engine and weighted, reactive steering wheel - only it won’t feel weighted till the car thinks it’s speeding up.

That said, new owners need to take heed when flooring it out of a T-junction from standstill, which will suddenly make the steering wheel feel reluctant to return back to its straight-line position.

With a 0-100kph time of 7.3 seconds, the Q60 undoubtedly feels sporty in the hands, but unfortunately with the lack of paddle shifters, the experience just wasn’t able to come to full-cirle.

This relegates the driver to some old-fashioned gear-knob ‘tapping’ to cycle through the seven-speed automatic when in Manual mode, but with the gear knob’s current position. The left arm felt wedged between the gear-knob and the seat’s side-bolster.With two hands on the wheel and cruising along on the highway, the cabin was well insulated, but plant the right foot down and the 13-speaker Bose Performance Series Audio system starts to emulate the engine with its speakers.

Unfortunately, the Q60’s corner-hugging abilities weren’t experienced, but the extended time spent on the highway did allow us to appreciate the firmness of the suspension, which kept us stable and from wallowing over uneven road surfaces.

The Q60’s straightline stability is undoubtedly confidence inspiring with the driver feeling very much in control and and knowing that there’s a set of strong biting brakes to help keep them out of trouble.

Even with the suspension that’s seemingly borderline harsh, we expected the stiff 255/40 run-flat tyres to be communicative than the current ‘muddled’ state.

Still in Sport mode, the steering is quick to repond, but still lacked that fundamental connection between driver and road with its synthesised feedback resistance (like in a video game) rather than actual steering load.

Ultimately, it felt more unnatural than real and left us assuming as to what the wheels were doing - something that might not bode too well for the purists.

Switching back to Normal mode might have drivers having less of that unnatural feedback, but it was inherently still pronouned. While a touch of suppleness returned to the suspension the engine now felt anaemic.

Luckily for Personal mode, it allowed us to tailor the experience so that the engine remained responsive in Sport mode, while we set the suspension to a more compliant Normal mode.

This provided a touch more suppleness when rolling over bumps as we cruised along at lower speeds towards the conclusion of our drive.

To sum up the Q60, this might not be a coupe to attract the purists who prefer a more visceral behaviour from their coupe.

Rather, it’s more for those who seek to stand out from the crowd and occasionally enjoy that rare burst of performance that this stylish coupe has to offer.


Hans Zimmer to compose sounds for BMW electrified cars

                MUNICH: German film score composer and record producer Hans Zimmer has landed a choice gig with BMW.

He has been asked to stay on in a joint project with the car maker to develop the sounds of its range of electric cars, known collectively as "BMW IconicSounds Electric".

Zimmer was in the spotlight in June when he and BMW sound designer Renzo Vitale presented their e-sound for the BMW Vision M NEXT.

Zimmer operates from his studio in Santa Monica, California, where he usually composes his famous scores for Hollywood movies. Some of his notable film scores included Dunkirk (2017), Interstellar (2014) and Lion King (1994).

For Zimmer, composing electric car sounds is the next step in an illustrious career.

“We have the unique opportunity to turn electric driving in a BMW into a magnificent experience with outstanding sonority," he said.

LISTEN: BMW IconicSounds Electric sound

"I am really looking forward to the challenge of shaping the sound for future electric BMWs."

The silence of driving electrically is often cited as a major advantage of electric mobility.

However, as the range of electrified models increases, a gap in the emotionality of the driving experience arises for the driver.

Under the brand name "BMW IconicSounds Electric" a visionary sound offer will be created for future electrified vehicles from BMW.

As composer and curator of BMW IconicSounds Electric, Zimmer will contribute his expertise to various projects for sound creation for electrified BMW vehicles worldwide.

The variety of projects may include sounds for vision vehicles and concepts, series vehicles, composition of sound signs, but also sound creation for communicative occasions focusing on the acoustic-emotional character of electric mobility.

Vitale said he and Zimmer had recently worked on the sound signalling readiness for driving in purely electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The sound will enter BMW series vehicles in 2020.

“Sound design gives us the opportunity to evoke positive emotions in our vehicles," said Vitale. "This new start-sound triggers joyful anticipation of the electric drive, when the customer enters his vehicle and presses the Start/Stop button.”


Launch of the AMG Owners Community Malaysia

                BALAKONG: The AMG Owners Community Malaysia (AOCM) is the latest initiative by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia to elevate the AMG experience to greater heights, driven by passionate enthusiasts and customers.

Members become a part of a dedicated and exclusive community with access to all things AMG - driving days, product previews, elite motorsport events, and unique collectables.

“It gives us great pleasure to welcome our Mercedes-AMG owners to join The World’s Fastest Family via the AMG Owners Community Malaysia, where the cost of membership is nothing more than ownership and enjoyment of your Mercedes-AMG automobile.

"We look forward to hosting these passionate fans and enthusiasts of our most powerful and dynamically desirable cars with experiences that are exclusive only to them as we uphold the AMG ideal of Driving Performance in everything that we do,” said Mark Raine, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.

The AMG product range in Malaysia is currently represented by the A 45, CLA 45 and GLA 45 from the progressive compact car range, the versatile and practical range of AMG 43s which includes the locally-assembled Mercedes-AMG C 43 limousine and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 SUV, the C 63 Coupe, C 63 Limousine, E 63 Limousine and S 63 Coupe along with the recently added CLS 53 and AMG GT C - the latter joining the AMG GT S and AMG GT R in the unrivalled AMG GT collection.

Owners who register new Mercedes-AMG vehicles, as well as existing owners who sign up from now until Nov 30, 2018, will receive a Welcome Pack which includes a numbered member card, car sticker, custom-designed polo-shirt and laser-engraved paperweight.

With the introduction of Performance Agility Care, customers now can drive a Mercedes-AMG with flexible financing solutions that comes with a service and maintenance package.

For a limited time, the first few customers to activate Performance Agility Care will receive an exclusive Mercedes-AMG merchandise package worth RM5,000. The campaign ends on Oct 31, 2018. For more details, contact 1-800-88-1133.


Motorcyclist rams into car after driver stops on SUKE to take pictures

                KUALA LUMPUR: An accident occurred on the newly opened Sungai Besi-Ulu Kelang Elevated Expressway (SUKE) involving a motorcyclist and a car whose driver had stopped on the emergency lane to snap pictures of the scenic surroundings.

Ampang Jaya district police chief ACP Mohamad Farouk Eshak said the motorcyclist suffered leg injuries after ramming into the rear of the car in the 2.45pm incident today.

"The car driver stopped on the emergency lane (city bound) to take photographs of the scenic view before the vehicle was rammed by the motorcyclist. Both vehicles sustained damage,” he said in a statement here.

He said the case is being investigated under Rule 16 LN/166/59 of the Road Traffic Rules 1959 for obstruction leading to an accident, with those negligent facing a compound of up to RM300.

ACP Mohamad Farouk advised the public not to stop their vehicles on the emergency lane without a valid reason as doing so will only endanger road users.

Following the accident, Projek Lintasan Kota Holdings Sdn Bhd (Prolintas) group chief executive officer Datuk Mohammad Azlan Abdullah also urged SUKE users not to stop at the road shoulder except for emergencies.

He said Prolintas through its subsidiary Projek Lintasan Sungai Besi-Ulu Klang Sdn Bhd was aware that some highway users were stopping on the emergency lane to take snapshots of the scenic view at several locations of the the expressway.

Bernama reported him as saying several hotspots along the highway alignment have been identified by SUKE Highway operations division to be points of interest for users and safety cones have been placed at those locations to prevent users from stopping without an emergency reason.

He added that Prolintas auxiliary police or "peronda SUKE" was located at hotspots to make patrolling rounds more often and are on duty for 24 hours.

Mohammad Azlan said "NO STOPPING UNLESS EMERGENCY" signage would be installed in the identified areas as soon as possible and the same message would be displayed on the variable-message sign (VMS) along the expressway to alert users.

"The operations division of SUKE Highway will ensure an optimal level of highway maintenance and continue to work with the local authorities, Road Transport Department and Police to ensure smooth traffic flow.

"Every kilometre along the alignment of the SUKE is equipped with 40 units of closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras in both directions. The operations division constantly monitors traffic movements and sends signals to ‘peronda SUKE’ to go to the location in case of emergencies or anomalies detected,” he said.

Mohammad Azlan said rest and service area would be built near the Tasik Tambahan Interchange in the future for highway users to comfortably and safely enjoy the panoramic view of Kuala Lumpur.

Mohammad Azlan said nearly 100,000 vehicles had been recorded passing through the SUKE phase 1 in the first 24 hours after being opened to motorists beginning at noon of Sept 16 to Sept 17.

Highway users started forming a queue as early as 11.30am on Friday (Sept 16) at every entrance of SUKE, within the 16.6km alignment, starting from the Cheras-Kajang Interchange to the Bukit Antarabangsa Interchange.

The opening of SUKE phase 1 was announced by Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof with a one-month toll free ride which involves two toll plazas namely the Bukit Teratai Toll Plaza and the Ampang Toll Plaza as well as 11 interchanges.

READ MORE: SUKE is KL’s new highway with a view


Tesla drives on Autopilot through a regulatory grey zone

A Tesla Model S is shown in Autopilot mode in San Francisco. — Reuters
WASHINGTON: The fatal crash of a Tesla with no one apparently behind the wheel has cast a new light on the safety of semi-autonomous vehicles and the nebulous US regulatory terrain they navigate.

Police in Harris County, Texas, said a Tesla Model S smashed into a tree on Saturday at high speed after failing to negotiate a bend and burst into flames, killing one occupant found in the front passenger seat and the owner in the back seat.

Tesla chief executive Elon Musk tweeted on Monday that preliminary data downloaded by Tesla indicate the vehicle was not operating on Autopilot, and was not part of the automaker's "Full Self-Driving" (FSD) system.

Tesla's Autopilot and FSD, as well as the growing number of similar semi-autonomous driving functions in cars made by other automakers, present a challenge to officials responsible for motor vehicle and highway safety.

US federal road safety authority, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has yet to issue specific regulations or performance standards for semi-autonomous systems such as Autopilot, or fully autonomous vehicles (AVs).

There are no NHTSA rules requiring carmakers to ensure systems are used as intended or to stop drivers misusing them. The only significant federal limitation is that vehicles have steering wheels and human controls required under federal rules.

With no performance or technical standards, systems such as Autopilot inhabit a regulatory grey area.

The Texas crash follows a string of crashes involving Tesla cars being driven on Autopilot, its partially automated driving system which performs a range of functions such as helping drivers stay in lanes and steer on highways.

Tesla has also rolled out what it describes as a "beta" version of its FSD system to about 2,000 customers since October, effectively allowing them to test how well it works on public roads.

Harris County police are now seeking a search warrant for the Tesla data and said witnesses told them the victims intended to test the car's automated driving.

No requirements

Adding to the regulatory confusion is that traditionally NHTSA regulates vehicle safety while departments of motor vehicles (DMVs) in individual states oversee drivers.

When it comes to semi-autonomous functions, it may not be apparent whether the onboard computer or the driver are controlling the car, or if the supervision is shared, said the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

California has introduced AV regulations but they only apply to cars equipped with technology that can perform the dynamic driving task without the active physical control or monitoring of a human operator, said the state's DMV.

It said Tesla's full self-driving system does not yet meet those standards and is considered a type of Advance Driver Assistance System that it does not regulate.

That leaves Tesla's Autopilot and its FSD system operating in regulatory limbo in California as the automaker rolls out new versions of the systems for its customers to test.

NHTSA, the federal body responsible for vehicle safety, said this week it has opened 28 investigations into crashes of Tesla vehicles, 24 of which remain active, and at least four, including the fatal Texas accident, occurred since March.

NHTSA has repeatedly argued that its broad authority to demand automakers recall any vehicle that poses an unreasonable safety risk is sufficient to address driver assistance systems.

So far, NHTSA has not taken any enforcement action against Tesla's advanced driving systems.

White House spokesman Jen Psaki said NHTSA is "actively engaged with Tesla and local law enforcement" on the Texas crash.

The NTSB, a US government agency charged with investigating road accidents, has criticised NHTSA's hands-off approach to regulating cars with self-driving features and AVs.

"NHTSA refuses to take action for vehicles termed as having partial, or lower level, automation, and continues to wait for higher levels of automation before requiring that AV systems meet minimum national standards," NTSB chairman Robert Sumwalt wrote in a Feb 1 letter to NHTSA.

"Because NHTSA has put in place no requirements, manufacturers can operate and test vehicles virtually anywhere, even if the location exceeds the AV control systems limitations," the letter said.

Reviewing regulations

NHTSA told Reuters that with a new administration in place, it was reviewing regulations around AVs and welcomed the NTSB's input as it advanced policies on automated driving systems.

It said the most advanced vehicle technologies on sale required a fully attentive human driver at all times.

"Abusing these technologies is, at a minimum, distracted driving. Every State in the nation holds the driver responsible for the safe operation of the vehicle," NHTSA told Reuters.

NTSB also says NHTSA does not have any method to verify whether carmakers have adopted system safeguards. For example, there are no federal regulations requiring drivers to touch the steering wheel within a specific time frame.

"NHTSA is drafting rules on autonomous vehicles, but it has been slow to regulate semi-autonomous vehicles," said Bryant Walker Smith, a law professor at the University of South Carolina. "There is a growing awareness that they deserve more scrutiny priority and regulatory action."

New York has a law requiring drivers to keep at least one hand on the wheel at all times but no other states have legislation that could prevent the use of semi-autonomous cars.

When it comes to AVs, 35 states have enacted legislation or state governors have signed executive orders covering AVs, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Such rules allow companies such as Alphabet's Google and General Motors, among others, to test their Waymo and Cruise vehicles on public roads.

But regulations differ by state.

AV regulations in Texas state that vehicles must comply with NHTSA processes, though there are no such federal regulations. The Texas Department of Public Safety, the regulator charged with overseeing AVs, did not respond to a request for comment.

Arizona's transport department requires companies to submit regular filings to verify, among other things, that vehicles can operate safely if the autonomous technology fails.

While most automakers offer vehicles with various forms of assisted driving, there are no fully autonomous vehicles for sale to customers in the United States.

Red flags

Concerns about the safety of autonomous driving technology, however, have been mounting in recent years and Tesla has warned about its limitations.

In February 2020, Tesla's director of autonomous driving technology, Andrej Karpathy, identified a challenge for its Autopilot system: how to recognise when a parked police car's emergency flashing lights are turned on.

"This is an example of a new task we would like to know about," Karpathy said at a conference during a talk about Tesla's effort to deliver FSD technology.

In just over a year since then, Tesla vehicles crashed into police cars parked on roads on four separate occasions and since 2016 at least three Tesla vehicles operating on Autopilot have been in fatal crashes.

US safety regulators, police and local government have investigated all four incidents, officials told Reuters.

At least three of the cars were on Autopilot, police said. In one of the cases, a doctor was watching a movie on a phone when his vehicle rammed into a police trooper in North Carolina.

Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Accidents and investigations have not slowed Musk's drive to promote Tesla cars as capable of driving themselves.

In a recent Tweet, Musk said Tesla is "almost ready with FSD Beta V9.0. Step change improvement is massive, especially for weird corner cases & bad weather. Pure vision, no radar."

Tesla also said it has used 1 million cars on the road to collect image data and improve Autopilot, using machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Tesla's Karpathy said he has ridden in his Tesla for 20 minutes to get coffee in Palo Alto with no intervention.

"It is not a perfect system but it is getting there," he said in a "Robot Brains" podcast in March. "I definitely keep my hands on the wheel."


Transport Ministry mulling suggestions on reducing speed limit in cities

                KAMPAR: The possibility of reducing the speed limit in big cities will be considered by the government, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

"We have received such suggestions - to set up driving speed limits in the cities," said the Transport Minister.

"However, there are many factors to be considered and speeding isn't the only reason that contributes to road accidents," he said after launching a fundraiser held by MCA for Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Hospital at the university today.

"We will meet with all stakeholders to discuss the matter from all angles before deciding on anything," he said.

It was reported in a Malay daily on Jan 12 that the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety (Miros) and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) would be working together to set up a speed limit between 30kph and 50kph at selected zones in the city.

Dr Wee, who is MCA president, said the UTAR Hospital would not be just a teaching hospital for the university but would also be for the public.

"I believe this is a good project that will benefit all, especially folk in Kampar and Perak.

"The hospital is not for profit but built for the sake of people and their health," he said, adding that the cost of the hospital was about RM330mil.


Porsche Cayenne driver ‘picks up’ unwelcome passenger

                IPOH: It was a dark though not stormy night. But beware of buffalo crossing!

A family of three had a traumatising experience when they “picked up” an unexpected fourth passenger.

They were heading to Langkap from Teluk Intan in a Porsche Cayenne when they accidentally hit a buffalo that was crossing the road at KM12 Jalan Changkat Jong in Teluk Intan, about 90km from here.

“The impact caused the buffalo to be thrown into the air,” said Hilir Perak OCPD Asst Comm Mohd Marzhuki Mohd Mokhtar.

Strangely, the animal somehow became wedged into the sunroof of the car.

The buffalo died on the spot.

ACP Mohd Marzhuki said the driver and two passengers, including a nine-year-old girl, suffered light injuries.

“They were treated at the Anson Bay Treatment Centre,” he said.

ACP Mohd Marzhuki said the weather was normal and the two-way straight road was dry at the time of the accident, but there were no streetlights.

“Breeders should take proper care of their livestock.

“It is their responsibility not to let the animals roam freely,” he added.


Harley's Pan America and Sportster S on roadshow from Nov 6

                PETALING JAYA: Harley-Davidson’s latest line-up of motorcycles will be going on a roadshow following its Oct 30-31 "Open Day" at its dealerships nationwide.

The Harley roadshow offers all bike enthusiasts a chance to test-ride the new Sportster S and the comapny's first adventure bike, the Pan America.

Beside the motorcycles, another attraction is the blacked-out 40-footer Harley trailer.

The trailer, designed as a mobile showroom, will transport the Pan America and the Sportster S around the peninsula starting Nov 6.

The first stop is Genting Highlands from 10am–5pm. The trailer will be parked at the Tropicana Grandhill Gallery Genting Permai (same row as the famous Genting Starbucks).

More details about the roadshow are available on the social media pages of Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Baru and Kota Kinabalu.

Harley motorcycles are distributed by Didi Resources in Malaysia.


Shell FuelSave 95 Challenge 2023 nearing final stage

                KUALA LUMPUR: The nationwide search to find the Malaysian who could achieve the best mileage through Shell FuelSave 95 Challenge 2023 has almost come to an end with the final regional drive challenges conducted at two regions; Central and East Malaysia on April 16, 2023.

The drive challenge is organised in conjunction with the launch of the new maingrade fuel, allowing Malaysians to test out and prove themselves that the improved Shell FuelSave 95 gives users up to 15km further with with every full tank.

Jeffrey Tan Teck Seng, 62, from Subang Jaya, Selangor and Lai Siaw Feng, 37, from Kuching, Sarawak clinched the winning title as the most efficient drivers in their respective regions.

Both winners have booked their spots in the grand finale for the national-level drive challenge with other regional winners.

The drive challenge started with the driver recruitment process taking place in these regions garnering over 550 total applicants.

The flag-off for the Central region took place at Shell SM Alisha, Shah Alam driving through Federal Highway -Elite Highway - Nilai - L’raya Utara Selatan - Kesas Highway - LDP Highway and returning to the flag-off point.

In East Malaysia, the challenge flagged off from Shell Jalan Tun Jugah driving through Jalan Datuk Bdr Mustapha - Jalan Kuching/Bau - Jalan Batu Kawa and returning to the starting point, across various of types of roads.

Jeffrey Tan and Lai Siaw Feng secured the best fuel mileage of 26.61km per litre and 25.45km per litre in their respective region where each won a RM5,000 cash prize.

“I’ve always been a frugal and careful driver to get the best out of the fuel I use, however with the improved fuel formulation, I’ve been experiencing better mileage with minimum effort,” said Jeffrey Tan, while Lai shared, “I used my usual driving method of not accelerating and using the breaks abruptly and to my surprised it really worked. I believe the new fuel also gave me the extra boost”.

The victory in the central region was followed by Evelyn Lim Xin Yi (26.30km per litre), Lim Ming Kiat (25.93km per litre), Mohammad Raffi Suradi, (25.49km per litre), and Mohd Amirul Nadli Md Azmi (23.62km per litre).

Meanwhile, Tan Hui Choo (23.33km per litre), Liew Wen Ching (21.38km per litre), Mohd Faisal Abdullah (21.28km per litre), and Norfazli Mohd Ishak (20.04km per litre) bagged the consolation prize for Borneo region.

Other contestants were awarded the consolation prizes of RM500 Fuels Voucher and Shell Helix FuelSave 4-litre.

Jeffrey Tan and Lai Siaw Feng will compete with other regional winners in the grand finale for the national-level drive challenge in a race to battle for a winning title as the most-fuel efficient driver in the country and stand a chance to win the RM20,000 grand prize.

In the previous weeks, Chin Li Qin, 26, from Johor, Muhammad Jazli, 29, from Ipoh, and Ahmad Amirul Runass, 31, from Kuantan, were crowned regional winners, taking home the RM5,000 grand prize and clocking in the best mileage at 25.45km per litre, 22.58km per litre and 27.80km per litre respectively.


VW can be sued anywhere in the EU, says top court

                LUXEMBOURG: Volkswagen can be sued for damages linked to the "Dieselgate" scandal anywhere in the EU, a top court ruled on Thursday, handing a setback to the auto giant that faces a wave of court cases.

The case stemmed from Austria, where a consumer organisation is seeking at least €3.6 million (RM17.2mil) on behalf of hundreds of car owners.

"A motor vehicle manufacturer whose unlawfully manipulated vehicles are resold in other member states may be sued in the courts of those states," a court statement said.

Since the scandal broke, Volkswagen has had to deal with numerous legal actions, both criminal and civil.

A top German court ruled in May that Volkswagen must buy back a diesel car it had modified, a decision that could influence outcomes in thousands of other "Dieselgate" cases.

One of the next major trials expected in Germany is that of former Audi boss Rupert Stadler, who is due to appear in court from Sept 30.

The total bill for the Volkswagen scandal is expected to exceed €30 billion (RM144.5bil), including several billion in the United States to compensate customers.


Honda to sell British car plant to logistics giant

Honda cars leaving the Swindon plant in this 2019 image. — Reuters

TOKYO: Honda has agreed to sell its only British car plant at Swindon in southern England to logistics giant Panattoni, a company spokesman said, as the new owner reportedly plans to make a large investment at the sprawling site.

The Japanese automaker, which builds about a tenth of the 1.5 million car output in Britain, made the decision two years after it announced its intention in 2019 to cease production at its Swindon plant. The plant closer is expected to lead to 3,500 job losses.

Honda, which has been struggling in Europe, has said the closure of the plant was not related to Britain’s departure from the European Union but it needed to focus activities in regions where it expects to sell most cars.

Panattoni said it was making a £700 million (RM4bil) investment in its logistics-related development, with the aim of creating new jobs, once Honda completes decommissioning of the plant that builds its Civic hatchbacks, likely next spring, the Financial Times reported earlier.

The latest move followed decisions by electronics firms Sony and Panasonic to move their headquarters to the EU from Britain, while Hitachi has shelved a nuclear power project in Britain amid Brexit.


Kia develops fuel-saving Active Shift Control for hybrids

                SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Group, Kia Motors parent company, has developed the world’s first Active Shift Control (ASC) transmission technology.

Active Shift Control reduces gear-shift times by 30 per cent, adds to driving fun, and improves fuel economy

The new technology will benefit upcoming Kia hybrids.

The technology also delivers smoother gear changes despite quicker shift times.

“The development of world’s first ASC technology incorporates precise motor control to automatic transmission,” said KyoungJoon Chang, Vice President and Head of Powertrain Control System Group of Hyundai Motor Group.

“It will not only save fuel but also provide a more fun driving experience.”

The in-house developed, world-first technology improves gear-shift efficiency for hybrid vehicles and is now set for mass production.

Conventional hybrid vehicles do not have torque converters in order to further improve fuel economy as torque converters lose energy during the process of transmission.

ASC technology allows the hybrid’s electric motor to also take control of gear shifts by applying new software logic to the Hybrid Control Unit (HCU) to mitigate issues with slower shift time.

This not only improves hybrid vehicle’s acceleration performance and fuel economy, but also durability of the transmission by minimising friction during gear shift.


Fixter helps elderly Londoners with delivery of essential items

                LONDON: Necessity is the mother of invention, as they say.

Fixter (www.fixter.co.uk), said to be Britain's first end-to-end online car maintenance service, is doing its bit to help vulnerable people in London, the worst hit British city during the Covid-19 crisis, by offering London-based customers over the age of 65, the chance to request delivery of essential items when their cars are collected and returned.

Anyone can book a car MOT, service or repair, either for themselves or on behalf of their relative, friend or neighbour, who is over the age of 65, and then ask for the additional help such as the delivery of essential supplies.

Fixter will then contact the person making the booking the day before the car is picked-up to check the help required and ask its drivers to help wherever practically possible.

 Fixster CEO and founder Limvirak Chea.
Fixter has found that demand for its “physical-contact free” service has increased significantly over the last week and recent days as customers want to minimise contact and not leave their homes.

Fixter has this week stepped-up sanitising cleansing measures of vehicle steering wheel, gear levers, driving controls and interior and exterior door handles and provides further reassurance of “physical-contact-free” service with no need to sign documents or touch the screen of a handheld computer device.

Fixter said its drivers wash their hands with soap and water and use sanitiser gels at regular intervals, whilst keeping a distance and wearing protective gloves.

A network of garage partners and the latest networking digital technology enable Fixter to remain fully operational and ensure customers’ needs are met whilst staff work at home.
Fixter operations are under daily review to respond to government instructions to the crisis.

“We have seen the demand for Fixter’s service increase significantly over the last week and days, as customers want to minimise physical contact and for those wishing to stay in their homes,” said Fixster CEO and founder Limvirak Chea.

“This got us thinking, how could we further help the most vulnerable and do our bit to help in the COVID-19 crisis? So, from today, we are offering customers over the age of 65 - in London - the opportunity to request additional help from the drivers collecting and returning their car – such as picking up essential supplies.”

Fixter was founded to make car maintenance as easy as booking a taxi. Since launching in Manchester in 2017, Fixter has expanded to more than 100 cities across Britain.


Alleycats' ex-manager dies in parking lot assault

                PETALING JAYA: Police are looking for a man believed to be involved in the fatal assault of Stephen Joseph, the former manager of 70s band Alleycats, on Monday.

The man is described as "big and wearing a t-shirt" at the time of the incident - around 7.30pm in a parking lot in front of a food court on Jalan SS2/63.

It was reported that Joseph, 54, had an argument with a driver of a white Proton Saga at the food court where he and his wife, Mary Ooi, 53, were looking to park their car.

They found one and Ooi alighted to wait at the parking lot for Joseph to park the vehicle.

The man in the Proton Saga was said to have shouted at them for “reserving” the lot.

A fight ensued between the man and Joseph who was reportedly beaten on his left chest, face and stomach. A passer-by later broke up the fight.

Joseph was rushed to a hospital in his car but lost consciousness on the way to University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC). Police were informed at about 4am Tuesday that Joseph had died at the emergency ward of UMMC.

It was reported that Joseph’s lungs had bled but there was no sign of a heart attack.

Initial investigations revealed that Stephen died from blows to his chest.

Those who witnessed the incident at the car park can contact the Petaling Jaya police at 03-7966-2222.


Italy's 'Motor Valley' proves fertile ground for supercars

                BOLOGNA: If Tuscany has Chianti, the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna has "Motor Valley", an area that boasts one of the highest concentrations of luxury sports cars and motorbikes in the world.

The so-called Land of Motors, covering around 1,000 square kilometres of prime agricultural land roughly between Bologna and Modena, is home to Lamborghini and Ferrari, Maserati and Ducati, in addition to less well-known brands.

Every year — with a hiatus for coronavirus — industry types and fans flock to Modena for a weekend to talk business and admire the spectacular cars and bikes displayed around town.

Among those on show this year was a Pagani Huayra, a futuristic hypercar produced just a few kilometres away in Pagani's base at San Cesario sul Panaro, where vehicles are made to measure — and start at a cool €2.6 million (RM12.2mil).

Christopher Pagani, the son of the founder and communications chief, said it takes between eight and nine months to make a car, with customers normally waiting two years between order and delivery.

"In 2022, we are producing some 40 to 45 cars. They are all special because every customer has the opportunity to get in touch with us, visit us, and go on this journey," he said.

In the factory — dubbed the "workshop" — a few dozen mostly young people work in the hushed and ordered environment of a science lab.

For the brand, weight is everything and they use 40 different types of carbon fibre, as well as titanium and aluminium to make the car as light as possible.

But Pagani said talks were under way with clients about a potential electric version, even if it would be heavier due to the battery, as part of a trend towards greener vehicles.

Best place to be

Pagani's father, Horacio, founded the company in 1998 after working at Lamborghini, another of Italy's top luxury brands based in the area.

According to legend, Ferruccio Lamborghini, the wealthy owner of a tractor factory, turned his hand to sports cars in the 1950s after complaining about the Ferraris he owned.

Enzo Ferrari is said to have told him that if he didn't like what he made, he should go and build his own.

Ferrari's Maranello site is located outside Modena, while the region also boasts Dallara, which provides cars for IndyCar racing in the United States, and motorbike firm Energica.

"The success dates a long way back, it is the fruit of several generations," said Andrea Corsini, who handles transport, infrastructure and tourism for the Emilia Romagna region.

The name "Motor Valley" alludes to California's Silicon Valley, where a grouping of tech companies drew talent and cash.

Here, manufacturers found a ready skills base among farmers who, in the immediate aftermath of World War II, had to learn to repair their own machinery.

Today, the area comprises 16,000 companies, four racing tracks, six training centres, and employs more than 90,000 people, according to think tank Riparte l'Italia.

"In terms of job opportunities and contacts with companies, this is the best place to be," said 24-year-old Emilio, studying car engineering in the south of Italy, who came to Modena for the weekend.

The sector records a turnover of €16 billion (RM75bil) a year, of which seven billion (RM33bil) is in exports, and is in good health, with Bugatti, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bentley and Porsche all posting record results in 2021.

It was also here that Bugatti produced in the early 1990s its celebrated B110 GT, sold for a staggering 500 million lire (around €260,000/RM1.2mil at the time).


Smart headlights know where to shine

                DETROIT: Ford is developing a new headlight technology that can illuminate individual hazards and obstacles and that uses GPS coordinates to better illuminate the road ahead.

Like all leading automakers, Ford already offers adaptive headlight technology on its cars that automatically dips so as not to dazzle oncoming cars and which can shine #34;around' cars in front for a clearer view of the road ahead.

However, the new camera-based system will take things up a notch. For example, the existing system can direct a headlight beam based on the steering wheel's movements, but the next-generation system will use GPS so it will know there is a bend or a junction and illuminate it before the driver has reacted.

And when no GPS data is available, the system uses a further camera mounted in the rearview mirror to understand the undulations of the road and save them to memory so that the next time the car is traveling along the same route, the headlights already know where to shine.

"Camera-Based Advanced Front Lighting can help make it easier for the driver to travel at night in unfamiliar surroundings, and to more easily see unexpected hazards. At roundabouts, for example, our system helps the driver to clearly see the exits - and check if cyclists and pedestrians are crossing the road," said Michael Koherr, research engineer, Lighting Systems, Ford of Europe.

Ford expects this feature to be ready "in the near term" but it is also working on a complementary infra-red guided spotlighting system which is just moving into the pre-development phase. It is designed to monitor the road ahead and the areas parallel to it at distances of up to 120m in search of potential obstacles or hazards.

"Spot Lighting makes potential hazards in the road ahead more easily visible to the driver - whether that is a pedestrian, a cyclist, or even a large animal," said Koherr.

It can track up to eight obstacles at a time and can spotlight the two biggest potential hazards. The objects are also displayed on the car's dashboard screen and marked in yellow or red based on proximity and potential danger.

"Many people who drive at night have had to quickly react to someone or something suddenly appearing in the road - as if from nowhere," said Ken Washington, vice president, Ford Research and Advanced Engineering.

"Ford's Camera-Based Advanced Front Lighting System and Spot Lighting help ensure the driver is quickly alerted to people or animals that could present a danger."


McDonald's to let electric car owners in UK charge up while they eat

McDonald's newest strategy to pull in customers for fast food is fast charging. — dpa
BERLIN: Recharge more than half of your electric car's battery in the time it takes to eat a burger.

McDonald's newest strategy to draw in customers for fast food is fast charging, and the company has announced that it's installing hundreds of electric car charging points in drive-thrus across the UK.

Drivers will be able to charge up to 80 per cent in under 20 minutes, McDonalds says according to Britain's Press Association. The fast food chain says its goal is for 1,300 restaurants in the UK to double as charging points.

"Appetite for electric vehicles, which will be a central part of the UK's efforts to build back greener post Covid-19, is growing," McDonald's UK and Ireland CEO Paul Pomroy was quoted as saying.

The announcement follows a similar effort in Sweden, where the company says it allow EV drivers to "McCharge" their cars in at least 49 restaurants.

The number of charging points across the UK has already dramatically increased in recent years, however thousands more will be needed if a government plan to ban petrol and diesel cars in 2035 can succeed, according to PA.


Mercedes to offer first look at new compact car line-up in 2023

                STUTTGART: Mercedes-Benz is expected to focus on compact models that are successful globally and will cut the number of models in this segment to reduce complexity.

At the end of the day, it's all about making as much money as possible. The German automaker aims to allocate over 70% of future investments on bigger models - from the C-Class and up - as they earned better profits for the company.

While Mercedes-Benz said it is still committed to making smaller models, it told Automotive News Europe: "We will focus on the models that we believe are the most successful on a worldwide basis. We might later this year even tease what that future would look like."

It's believed that Mercedes-Benz would retain the CLA, CLA Shooting Brake, GLA, and GLB, while the A-Class hatchback, A-Class sedan, and the B-Class MPV would be retired.

Last year, Mercedes had teased a small sedan that looked like the CLA. Based on the new Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA), it would be produced at the company's Hungarian plant from 2024.

MMA would underpin the "Entry Luxury" class under the Mercedes hierarchy, meaning all the compact models would use the bespoke EV platform.

As with all things new and laden with tech innovations, customers will have to pay more.

"The vehicles of our entry-luxury MMA platform will be based on the MB.OS software architecture for the first time in 2024. They will feature many innovations that stem from the tech program behind the Vision EQXX," Mercedes chief technology officer Markus Schafer once said in rationalising the price jump.


Citroen's DS brand electrifies its DS3 and DS7 SUVs

                PARIS: Citroen offshoot DS is adding two new electrified models to its range with the E-Tense badge: A battery-powered DS3 Crossback SUV and a larger DS7 Crossback SUV as a plug-in hybrid.

The DS3 gets 136hp electric motor fed by a 50kWh battery, allowing for an electronically limited top speed of 150kph and a standard range of 320km.

With 100kW charging you can refill the battery up to 80 per cent in as little as 30 minutes under the right conditions.

The DS7 Crossback, meanwhile, is being offered as an E-Tense with a 200hp petrol engine and two electric motors in the front and rear, all combining to an output of 300hp. The DS7 can reach speeds of up to 135 km/h and has an electric-only range of up to 58km.

When all engines work in harmony, the Crossback can turn on all-wheel drive, reach 100kph from a standstill in 5.9 seconds and hit a top speed of up to 240kph, according to DS figures. Standard consumption is put at 1.3 litres (30 g/km CO2).

The electric DS3 costs at least €38,390 (RM183,000) in its home market, while the plug-in DS7 Crossback starts at €50,290 (RM239,000).


Vacuum-maker Dyson to develop electric car, says paper

                LONDON: British government documents have hinted that vacuum-maker Dyson, founded by British inventor James Dyson, may be working on an electric car at its headquarters in Wiltshire, according to The Guardian.

The information, which appears to have been leaked accidentally, reveals that the UK government is set to fund Dyson's development of "a new battery electric vehicle at their headquarters in Malmesbury, Wiltshire," using tax payer funds to the tune of £174 million (about RM990mil).

The move would see Dyson, well-known for its high-powered motors in a range of products, generate 500 jobs primarily in the engineering sector, and join tech giants such as Apple and Google in the quest to build a new generation of clean-powered cars.

Last year, Dyson CEO Max Conze conceded he was "ruling nothing out" when asked if the company would ever consider venturing into electric cararena.


UMW sold over 9,500 cars in August

                KUALA LUMPUR: UMW Group posted a surge in automotive sales to 9,512 units in August, a significant improvement over 2,105 units sold in the previous month, as its showrooms and automotive assembly plants restarted operations.

The August figures were based on about two weeks of operations, which resumed following the easing of the Full Movement Control Order restrictions on Aug 16.

"Both UMW Toyota Motor and its associate company Perodua registered improved sales in August despite operating for less than half the month," it said in a statement today.

UMW Toyota Motor delivered 2,524 units, 74% higher than 1,450 units in July, underpinned by sales of the Toyota Vios, Yaris and Hilux, which made up 69% of total sales for the month.

Year-to-date, UMW Toyota Motor has sold 38,085 vehicles, 20% higher than 31,734 units in the corresponding 2020 period.

Perodua meanwhile posted sales of 6,988 units in August, which was a significant improvement over 655 units in July.

Sales of the national marque over the first eight months of the year were 12.5% lower year-on-year at 104,933 units.

Consequently, Perodua cut its 2021 sales target to 214,000 units from the previous 240,000 units target.

"Currently, both marques have a healthy level of outstanding bookings, and will be focusing on ramping up production to ensure timely delivery to our customers whilst ensuring full compliance with the Standard Operating Procedures (“SOPs”).

"Our domestic parts and components suppliers have also resumed operations as well as having secured our planned Completely Knocked Down (CKD) parts to meet our customers’ demand," said UMW president and group CEO Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Kenali.

He added that he expects the automotive sales momentum to continue for the remainder of the year, especially with the extension of the sales tax exemption to Dec 31, 2021.


Honda Malaysia recalls 46,710 cars

                PETALING JAYA: Honda Malaysia announced a precautionary update for another 46,710 units of Honda vehicles. This extension involves 26,186 units of vehicle which include City (2008-2009 YM), Civic (2007-2009 YM), CR-V (2007-2008 YM) and Jazz (2007 & 2009 YM).

These models are affected by the front passenger airbag inflator.

There are also 20,524 units of Accord (2003–2007 YM) which are affected by the driver front airbag inflator.

This precautionary effort is to replace the driver and passenger airbag inflators with newly produced inflators for all affected models.

Honda Malaysia is taking this proactive measure to ensure customer safety and deeply regrets the inconvenience caused to all customers.

Honda Malaysia would like to assure its customers that all current selling models are not affected.

Honda Malaysia will be informing all affected customers via notification letters which will include details of the product update. Customers who receive these letters are advised to send their vehicles to the nearest authorized Honda dealer for inspection.

The replacement works will be carried out once the parts are ready, and the costs of parts and labour will be borne by Honda Malaysia.

Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd continues to urge owners of Honda vehicles affected by the airbag inflator product updates to get their vehicles checked and parts replaced at any authorized Honda dealers as soon as possible.


Aston Martin to work with Chinese firm on electric vehicle

                FRANKFURT: Technology company LeEco and luxury sports car brand Aston Martin are teaming up to develop a production version of the Aston Martin RapidE electric vehicle concept.

It is anticipated that the partnership will see the two companies working together in developing and manufacturing RapidE, with potential for adding a range of next-generation connected electric vehicles on behalf of Aston Martin, LeEco and Faraday Future. LeEco, formerly known as LeTV, is the backer of Faraday Future.

This new signing extends the existing collaboration between the two companies.  In January 2016, LeEco and Aston Martin revealed the first results of their partnership – an Aston Martin Rapide S incorporating the latest Internet of the Vehicle (IOV) system. The second area of the partnership – the development of low-emission vehicle technologies – has been accelerated as they have developed their respective plans for launching a range of new electric vehicles during the second half of the decade.

The first model developed by this partnership will be the Aston Martin RapidE. The Aston Martin RapidE concept was created to explore how the company can take an existing production vehicle and create an all-electric sports sedan. Since the creation of this concept vehicle, Aston Martin and Letv have been advancing the work on production feasibility including the identification of technology solutions for battery systems and powertrain. Both companies are now focused on bringing the RapidE to market in 2018.

They signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) towards the creation of the partnership on Wednesday.


All-new Hyundai Staria 7-seater MPV introduced from RM358,888

                PETALING JAYA: The all-new Hyundai Staria multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) has arrived, promising innovative features and redefining in-car travel experiences in a futuristic design.

Launched by Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM), the luxury seven-seater MPV in Premium specs comes with on-the-road without insurance price of RM358,888 for Peninsular Malaysia inclusive of the Penjana Sales Tax waiver and a two-year or 50,000km (whichever comes first) warranty.

The price goes up to RM368,888 if the buyer opts for a five-year or 300,000km (whichever comes first) warranty and a 3-year or 50,000km (whichever comes first) free maintenance service.

 (from left) Low, Malaysian Automotive Association president Datuk Aishah Ahmad and Gan at the Staria Premium's launch.

An add-on package which consists of a roof monitor infotainment, retractable side-step and 3M tinting is also available at RM20,000.

The appearance of the Staria Premium evokes the streamlined form of a spaceship with its sleek exterior defined by a single stroke running from front to rear.

It's also inspired by the curve of light that illuminates the Earth’s horizon at sunrise when viewed from space.

The Staria’s front is embellished with horizontal daytime running lights (DRLs) and a positioning lamp, together running across the width of the vehicle, complemented by a bold, wide radiator grille with a unique pattern.

While its clean silhouette is further accented by a pair of low-set headlamps, the Staria Premium comes with same body colour for all frontal parts to maximize the vehicle’s modern and pure style.

Tinted brass chrome treatment is applied to the Hyundai emblem, grille, headlamp bezels, front and rear bumpers, wheels, side mirrors and door handles to emphasize the vehicle’s premium and modern look.

The high-end features a large powered-tail gate and Hyundai’s unique Parametric Pixel design for the taillights.

Its 3,273mm wheelbase with an overall length of 5,253mm, width of 1,997mm along with low beltlines result in large panoramic windows for a feel of spaciousness.

The MPV also comes with Premium Relaxation Seats in the second row that recline electronically with sliding capabilities for easy reach or to maximize cargo space.

Even when the seats are reclined by this mode, there is enough room for an adult passenger to sit comfortably in the third row due to a spacious interior layout.

When the 2- and 3-seater option is used, maximum cargo space goes up to almost 5,000 litres.

The driver’s seat has a futuristic high-tech look with an advanced 10.25-inch front display screen, touch-based centre fascia and a button-type electronic shift lever.

The digital cluster is located on top of the dashboard, providing an unobstructed view for the driver.

Hyundai’s smart infotainment system that is equipped with a wide-angle camera also enables the driver and front passenger to view rear passengers in the back seat on display screen.

Powering the Staria Premium is an improved 2.2-litre CRDi turbodiesel engine delivering 177 PS and 431Nm of torque mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

In addition to a 64-color ambient mood lighting, the luxury MPV is also equipped with Hyundai Smartsense active safety and driving assistance technologies.

Included in the system are Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM), Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA) with Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go.

Other features are Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW) with Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA), Parking Distance Warning (PDW), Surround View Monitor (SVM), Rear Occupant Alert (ROA), Safe Exit Warning (SEW) and High Beam Assist (HBA).

Sime Darby Motors managing director of retail and distribution Jeffrey Gan said that the Staria Premium offered unique value propositions for customers seeking a luxurious experience in an MPV.

“Hyundai is expanding its offerings to include more premium vehicles that offer innovative features for a unique in-car experience. The Staria Premium spearheads Hyundai’s evolution in mobility and we are proud to be part of it. There are more innovative products in the pipeline that HSDM customers can look forward to,” he said.

HSDM managing director Low Yuan Lung said the Staria Premium is a notch higher from the company's previous Grand Starex MPV offering.

“It’s Hyundai’s first luxurious MPV that is at par with premium Japanese MPV models,” he added.

The Staria Premium is available for viewing at Sime Darby Auto Hyundai’s showroom in Ara Damansara, Petaling Jaya.

Booking can be done online via Hyundai’s online shopping platform, Cl!ck to Buy or at any Hyundai authorised showrooms.

Customers can also call Hyundai’s Customer Careline at 1-300-13-2000 for more information.


China probes top executive of auto giant FAW

                SHANGHAI: China is investigating the top executive of one of the country’s biggest automakers FAW, the Communist Party’s corruption watchdog said, as a prolonged graft crackdown targets more state-owned companies.

The chairman and party secretary of China FAW Group, Xu Jianyi, had been placed under investigation for “severe” violations of discipline and the law, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) said Sunday, using a phrase that typically refers to corruption. It gave no further details.

 Xu

FAW, originally known as First Automotive Works, is China’s third biggest automaker with sales of more than three million vehicles last year, according to an industry group.

Headquartered in the northeastern city of Changchun, FAW and Germany’s Volkswagen have a passenger car joint venture that produces the Audi brand, among others.

Besides a long career in the auto industry, Xu, now 61, also held government and party posts in Jilin province where FAW Group is based, according to his biography on the company’s website.

“As a responsible corporate citizen in today’s global economy, we are proud of our success in contributing to the success and prosperity of society worldwide,” Xu said in an introduction to FAW on the website.

The group’s Shenzhen-listed unit, FAW Car Co., was down 1.50 percent in late morning trading on Monday after news of the corruption probe.

Chinese President Xi Jinping launched a much-publicised drive against corruption after he came to power two years ago, vowing to target both high-level “tigers” and low-ranking “flies”.

The CCDI said early this year that it plans to investigate all major state-owned enterprises.

But analysts say China has failed to implement institutional safeguards against corruption, such as an independent judiciary and free media, leaving anti-graft campaigns subject to political influence.


Tesla’s first ever diversity report shows white, male leadership

                SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla Inc. released its first report on diversity, equity and inclusion via a blog post late Friday, statistics that Silicon Valley tech companies and banks on Wall Street have been sharing for years.

While the report showcases a heavy presence of minorities in its US workforce, it highlights a lack of diversity with a predominantly male and white leadership team, and offers a peek into a relatively opaque structure without an organisational chart on its website that just lists four male executives as its only leadership.

"I’m thrilled to finally see it,” Kristin Hull, the founder and chief executive of Nia Impact Capital, a social impact fund based in Oakland, California, that invests in Tesla, said in a phone call Saturday.

"It’s a step in the right direction. We need to know more about where Tesla is heading, and I’d like more granularity and to see targets and more specific goals set, particularly for company culture.”

Black and African-American employees represent 10% of Tesla’s US. workforce, but just 4% of managers at the level of director and above, according to the report."We know that our numbers do not represent the deep talent pools of Black and African-American talent that exist in the U.S at every level — from high school graduates to professionals,” Tesla said in the report.

"Many of our programs in 2021 will focus on increasing Black and African-American representation, especially in leadership, while continuing the upward trend in new hires and promotions.”

Hispanic and Latinx employees form 22% of the US workforce, and also just 4% of its management at the director level and above. However, Asian employees make up 21% of its US workers and 25% of its senior management — skewing the ratio with two out of three minorities at the leadership level.

‘Active steps’

In terms of gender, another area Tesla said it’s seeking to improve, women represent 21% of Tesla’s U.S. workforce and 17% of directors and vice presidents.

"We are taking active steps to increase our outreach to women and build an inclusive culture that supports their development and retention,” Tesla said, adding that women made up about one in four of its new hires in the U.S. this year. "Increasing women’s representation at all levels, especially in leadership, is a top priority in 2021.”

Tesla, which is headquartered in Palo Alto, California, is known for its clean energy mission, sleek electric cars, fast-moving engineering culture and chief executive officer Elon Musk.

The stock has rallied more than 600% this year, buoyed in part by a widely anticipated decision by S&P Dow Jones Indices to include Tesla in the benchmark as of Dec 21.

Tesla has faced high profile allegations of racial discrimination in recent years at its Fremont plant, where roughly 10,000 people work. In late 2017, a black worker, Marcus Vaughn, filed a lawsuit saying the plant was a "hotbed of racist behaviour.”

Tesla responded to Vaughn’s case with a lengthy blog post titled "Hotbed of Misinformation” that said the company had investigated the alleged incidents and fired three people as a result.

Workforce

The company has more than 60,000 employees globally and is hiring for numerous positions as it expands its global footprint and builds factories in Austin, Texas, and Berlin.

In the US, Tesla operates an auto plant in Fremont, California, a battery plant near Reno, Nevada, and a solar facility in Buffalo, New York. When Tesla pitched local officials in Austin on the new factory, executives stressed the diversity of its workforce and eagerness to partner with local organizations and community colleges.

"We are proud to be a majority-minority company, and we are proud to report that our business reflects the underrepresented communities that have struggled to break through the roadblocks to equal opportunity,” according to the report.

It wasn’t immediately clear if Tesla’s definition of "workforce” was just full-time Tesla employees, or if it includes contractors and part time, seasonal sales staff in the figures. Tesla did not distinguish between engineering roles and that of sales, human resources, or legal employees. Kristen Kavanaugh, Tesla’s head of diversity, equity and inclusion, did not respond to a message seeking clarification.

Complaints

Since 2014, workers have filed at least 145 complaints with California’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing alleging discrimination against Tesla on the basis of race, age, gender, disability, medical leave, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and national origin, according to a synopsis provided by the agency after a California Public Records Act request.

This May, three other people alleged they were forced to quit because of their race.

Corporate America has been roiled by the #MeToo movement, which unmasked how deeply rooted sexual harassment is, as well as Black Lives Matter.

Scores of companies have made policy changes and pledged to hire more Black and Latinx employees.

As part of its efforts, Tesla says it will recruit at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, or HBCUs, and has a relationship with Huston-Tillotson University in Austin as it prepares to launch Gigafactory Texas.

The company is also expanding its internship program to "become our driving force in attracting diverse talent at our professional entry level.”


Mercedes-AMG S 65 Final Edition aimed at V12 enthusiasts

                AFFALTERBACH: The limited-edition special S 65 Final Edition model from Mercedes-AMG (combined fuel consumption 14.2 l/100km, combined CO2 emissions 325g/km) marks the pinnacle of the 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine's long success story on board the S-Class Saloon.

The special edition, comprising only 130 vehicles worldwide, is aimed at collectors of exclusive vehicles and fans of superlative twelve-cylinder engines. With its stylish looks and a comprehensive scope of standard equipment, this saloon embodies a unique combination of performance and prestige value.

The S 65 Final Edition comes exclusively in a high-gloss obsidian black paint finish. The saloon's special status is emphasized by 20-inch multi-spoke wheels, the air inlet grilles in the special colour matt bronze and the AMG emblem on the C-pillar.

Tailpipe trims in high-gloss black provide for a fitting finale at the rear.

The one-off character continues inside. The upholstery in Exclusive black nappa leather with copper-coloured contrasting topstitching and the trim elements in high-quality carbon fibre streaked with fine copper-coloured threads make the Final Edition truly one of a kind.

The topstitching in the floor mats also features copper-coloured contrasts. In the centre console, the edition badge "1 of 130" confirms the car's limited-edition status. Other individual features include the "AMG Edition" insert on the steering wheel and the pre-configured ambient light in a copper colour.

The loving attention to detail also extends into the engine compartment: the engine fitter's badge ("One Man – One Engine") comes in a special design and is finished in exclusive black instead of silver.

With an output of 630hp and peak torque of 1000Nm at 2300-4300rpm, the V12 top model offers legendary drive dynamics and smooth running.


NY debuts for all-new Subaru Crosstrek and Outback

                NEW YORK: Subaru is going big at this year's 2017 New York International Auto Show with two reveals. As well as the revised version of the ever-popular Outback making its debut at the show, the Japanese automaker will also be unveiling the redesigned Crosstrek, which represents a completely new interior and exterior design language for the brand.

The Crosstrek is built on Subaru's Global Platform, which is designed to offer improved performance, safety, capability and comfort. The Crosstrek is designed to be as fun to drive as it is practical, and it looks to combine Subaru's bold new look with a robust chassis so it's as capable off-road as it is driving in the city.

 The Crosstrek aka XV.

The new design language, known as "Dynamic x Solid," and the new Crosstrek will be the second of the company's vehicles built in the new style. Among the technical wizardry to be found on the car is Active Torque Vectoring Active, which we first saw on the performance WRX and WRX STI models. The system is designed to reduce understeer so the vehicle stays on the driver's intended cornering vector, and it will now be standard on all three Crosstrek trim levels of base, Premium and Limited.

A revised version of the FB 2.0-litre four-cylinder Boxer engine will power the new Crosstrek, with the powerplant now using direct fuel injection and other enhancements for even better performance. The 2.0-litre is mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission or an available Lineartronic CVT in base and Premium trims, while the Limited gets the CVT featuring a seven-speed manual mode function with steering wheel paddle shifters as standard.

The new Outback will be arriving in showrooms this summer. It features revised front and rear styling along with a number of significant upgrades intended to make it more comfortable and safer than the outgoing model, and its multimedia capabilities will also be enhanced for the new model year.

Crosstrek

Outback


Subaru Asia presents Asian Dream reality singing competition

                KUALA LUMPUR: Subaru Asia has partnered with global music legend Michael Bolton to launch the first season of Asian Dream, a reality singing competition which spotlights six talented musicians from across Asia, who compete to perform with Michael on the Asian Dream tour and to become a Subaru Ambassador.

The show can be watched exclusively on AXN on 6 August, Thursday at 7.25pm (6.25pm JKT/BKK).

AXN is available in Malaysia on Astro Channel 701 (HD) and 721.

Over the course of seven episodes, the contestants from Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam are mentored, coached and pushed to the limits by Michael Bolton, and his co-host, singing sensation Morrisette Amon, along with celebrity guest experts.

Across the progressive elimination format, the singers face a wide range of physical and mental challenges that will make or break them, until the final showdown.

The winner will perform in the Asian Dream concert tour with Michael Bolton next year.

The challengers are: • Becky Yeung (Hong Kong) • Karl Zarate (Philippines) • Linh Tran (Vietnam) • Sasha Ka (Thailand) • Poova Sri Rama (Malaysia) • Tyen Rasif (Singapore)

Motor Image - distributor of Subaru cars in the region and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tan Chong International Limited - is committed to developing Asian talent who have passion, tenacity and drive.

Motor Image previously sponsored programme favourite Asia’s Next Top Model and commissioned Bolt of Talent.

“We are proud to provide a unique platform and opportunity for aspiring singers to pursue their dreams. They are mentored individually by industry veterans, hone their skills through a series of challenges and improve their performance. Through this experience, as they grow as performers, I hope Asian Dream will serve as a launchpad for their future success,” said Glenn Tan, deputy chairman and managing director, Tan Chong International Limited.

Tan also appears on the show as a guest judge.


Grab said close to deal for Uber S-E Asia business

                SINGAPORE: Grab, the dominant ride-hailing service in Southeast Asia, is close to finalising a deal to acquire Uber Technologies Inc.’s business in the region and may sign a deal this week or next, according to people familiar with the matter.

Under terms of the proposed agreement, Grab would buy out Uber’s operations in certain markets in Southeast Asia and Uber will take a stake in Grab, the people said, asking not to be named because the talks are private.

The structure would be similar to the deal Uber struck with Didi Chuxing in China in 2016, when the San Francisco-based company sold its local operation in exchange for equity in the company. Under a scenario being considered, Uber’s stake in Grab is likely to be in the high teens or 20 percent, said one of the people.

Grab has separately been in discussions with existing backers, including SoftBank Group Corp., and new investors for additional capital, according to people familiar with the talks. Grab was most recently valued at US$6 billion, according to CB Insights. The current talks may still fall apart or the terms and timing may change. Grab and Uber declined to comment.

For Grab co-founder and chief executive officer Anthony Tan, the truce would bring to an end a bruising battle for leadership in Southeast Asia’s fast-growing ride-hailing market. The companies have been locked in a struggle for control of as many cities as possible across Southeast Asia, home to 620 million people.

Uber’s new CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, has been pushing to clean up the company’s financials in preparations for an initial public offering next year. Pulling out of markets like Southeast Asia would boost profits at a company that has burned through US$10.7 billion since its founding nine years ago. Khosrowshahi signalled during a trip through Asia last month that he is committed to key markets such as Japan and India.

“I give Grab a lot of credit for executing well,” said Zafar Momin, associate professor at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. “They understand the local context better. Uber has been more about duplicating whatever they do in other parts of the world, and adapting a little bit.”

Japan’s SoftBank became the largest shareholder in Uber in January, setting off speculation that it would encourage ride-hailing startups in its portfolio to cut back on competing with each other. SoftBank also holds stakes in China’s Didi and Ola, the India startup vying with Uber for leadership in that market.


BMW 330e M Sport: The fast and frugal

                AS one of BMW’s key models, the 3 Series has been getting innovations in every new generation to maintain its established image as the premium sports sedan to beat.

Now in its seventh edition, the G20 3 Series is more grown up, projecting a look that is stylish and sporty at the same time.

To maintain its push towards electrification without diluting the brand’s well-known driving dynamics, BMW Malaysia has introduced the G20 330e M Sport plug-in hybrid to continue the march of the previous generation F30 330e M Sport made appealing by its overall offering and attractive hybrid tax breaks.

Exuding a beefy appearance, the G20 330e gets the M Aerodynamics package with plenty of “M” designation badges included, automatic adaptive LED headlights, high-gloss Shadow Line trimming, high-gloss chrome exhaust tailpipe finishers, front ornamental grille in high-gloss chrome and 18-inch wheels with runflat tyres.

Inside, the G20 330e is plush, spacious and gets a dashboard that is angled towards the driver for a sporty feel.

Other features include the 12.3-inch BMW Live Cockpit instrument display, 10.25-inch touch sensitive centre display, M fixtures and fittings, powered front sports seats with driver memory function, front door sill finishers, leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, M-specific metal pedals and Leather Vernasca upholstery.

The locally-assembled G20 330e also gets the BMW ConnectedDrive system and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant that is voice-activated by the prompt sentence “Hey BMW” and helpful in setting certain functions like navigation setting or infotainment selection.

While getting a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine similar to the F30 330e’s, the unit in the G20 330e delivers 10Nm more torque at 300Nm while power output remains the same at 184hp.

The enhancement in the electric drive system is more pronounced in the G20, now featuring an electric motor the churns out with 113hp and 265Nm of torque compared to the F30 330e’s that delivers 88hp and 250Nm of torque.

The G20 330e’s larger lithium-ion battery pack also allows a longer electric drive range of 56km and top electric speed of 140kph that far exceeds the F30 330e’s 35km and 120kph respectively.

With the XtraBoost feature that that temporarily adds 40hp when activated, the total system output of the G20 330e deals a healthier punch of 292hp and 420Nm of torque to deliver a 0-100kph sprint of 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 230kph.

In comparison, the F30 330e’s total system output of 252hp and 420Nm of torque still delivers a respectable 0-100kph dash in 6.1 seconds and a maximum speed of 225kph.

Even with a heavier and bigger mass to push, the fuel consumption of the G20 330e fuel efficiency is still a lowly 2.2 litres of petrol per 100km or 0.1 litre more than the F30 330e’s.

Real world fuel consumption is definitely higher than claimed due to driving style, drive mode settings and traffic conditions, among others.

The G20 330e’s boot capacity of 375 litres is still very useable, though it’s 105 litres less than that of the non-hybrid G20 3 Series to provide space for the high voltage battery.

Another item is that the G20 330e gets a smaller fuel tank at 40 litres compared with non-hybrid G20 variants.

Although the fuel tank size is akin those in 1.5-litre B-segment family cars, the G20 330e should be able to get around 500km of driving distance before the refueling warning sign lights up.

Compared with non-hybrid G20 variants, the G20 330e looks very much alike except for the “e” designation on the boot lid, the electric charging port door flap on the left front wing of the car and brake calipers painted in blue.

Driving the G20 330e is similar to regular BMW except the car takes of in electric vehicle mode which is eerily quiet.

The engine does not fire up until you reach higher speeds or when you slam on the accelerator for the want of more power.

The engine start up is smooth and so is the eight-speed Steptronic Sport Transmission that up shifts seamlessly even during hurried driving.

Drive mode selections of Sport, Hybrid and Electric are conveniently located on the centre console near the gearshifter for easy reach.

Meanwhile, the adaptive suspension ensured a ride that is firm enough to handle high-speed runs and fast cornering with much confidence while still being comfortable enough while going over rough roads and potholes.

Even at speeds above the legal limit, the cabin remains quiet with good aerodynamics of 0.25cd and ample sound insulation to keep wind noises from intruding inside.

Despite tilting the scales around 1.8 tonnes of which the high voltage battery takes up more than 200kg, the G20 330e doesn’t feel too heavy and is still agile.

The steering feel is the typical BMW signature fashion - precise with plenty of feedback.

Being a hybrid, the G20 330e seems to lull you into adopting a more conscientious driving style unlike a M-specification or other high-performance BMW variants that usually yell go faster.

But when the need for speed arises, the G20 330e delivers with satisfying results.

The G20 330e credibly builds upon the foundation of electrified fun and frugal driving pioneered by the F30 330e for the 3 Series line-up.

It also get the latest safety features such as Driving Assistant with Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, front collision warning with brake intervention, cross traffic warning with rear collision prevention and reverse assistant.

Available body colours are Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Portimao Blue, Mineral Grey and Sunset Orange with interior Leather Vernasca upholstery of Black or Cognac.

Its on-the-road without insurance and without SST price of RM264,613 is very tempting, considering the amount of presence, technology and performance included.

SPECIFICATIONSBMW 330e M SportEngine: 1,998cc, BMW TwinPower, twin scroll turbo, high-precision direct injection, double Vanos, variable camshaft control
Maximum power: 184hp from 5,000-6,500rpm
Maximum torque: 300Nm from 1,350-4,000rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed Steptronic Sport with paddle shifters, rear-wheel drive
Electric motor output: 113hp at 3,170rpm
Electric motor torque: 265Nm from 0-3,170rpm
Combined output: 292hp/450Nm of torque
Hybrid battery capacity: 12kWh
Fuel consumption: 2.2 litres per 100km
Acceleration (0–100kph): 5.9 seconds
Top speed: 230kph
Top speed (fully electric): 140kph
Electric power range: 56km
Charging time to 100%: 3.4 hours using BMW i Wallbox at 3.7kW/16A
Tyres: Front 225/45R18, rear 255/40R18
Fuel tank: 40 litres
Weight: 1,815kg
Features: Airbags, Adaptive LED headlights, Dynamic Stability Control including Dynamic Traction Control, Cornering Brake Control, Dynamic Brake Control, anti-lock braking system with Brake Assist, Start/Stop button, eBoost function, Adaptive LED headlights, M Aerodynamics package, Adaptive M suspension, leather Vernasca upholstery, M-specific pedals, variable sport steering, multi-function steering wheel, parking assistant with reverse assist, comfort access with contactless opening of boot, ambient light with 11 predefined lighting designs, rain sensor, automatic air-conditioning with three-zone, heat and sun protection glazing, power front seats with memory function for driver, Driving Assistant with Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, front collision warning with brake intervention, cross traffic warning and rear collision prevention, BMW ConnectedDrive Services including Intelligent Emergency Call, Teleservices, BMW Digital Key and Intelligent Personal Assistant, BMW Live Cockpit Professional with full digital 12.3-inch instrument display, BMW Navigation System Professional with 10.25-inch touch sensitive display, Bluetooth/USB connectivity, wireless charging, ISOFIX child seat points, HiFi loudspeaker with 205W and 10 speakers, 18-inch M light alloy wheels double-spoke style 790 M Bicolour with mixed runflat tyres
Price: RM264,613 on-the-road without insurance and without SST