10,000th Aventador goes to Thai client

                BOLOGNA: The 10,000th Aventador Lamborghini has made is bound for a customer in Thailand.

The car with chassis number 10,000 is an Aventador SVJ Roadster in Grigio Acheso (grey) colour with Rosso Mimir (red) livery and Ad Personam interior in Rosso Alala (red) and black.

It took Lamborghini nine years to reach the historical milestone with its V12 model.

The Aventador range debuted in 2011 in the coupé version as Aventador LP 700-4.

Its innovative carbon fibre monocoque produced in the Sant’Agata Bolognese factory is “single shell” and is unique because it combines the cockpit, floor and roof of the car in a single structure, ensuring extremely high structural rigidity and maximum performance.

A new high-performance V12 engine was developed for the Aventador LP 700-4: with 700hp at 8,250 rpm, it set a new benchmark in the world of super sports cars at the time of its introduction, enabling blistering acceleration of 2.9 seconds from 0 to 100kph and a top speed of 350kph.

The ISR robotised transmission promises thrilling ultra-fast shifts.

Since 2011, Lamborghini has created variants of the Aventador such as the Roadster version, Aventador J, Aventador Miura Homage, Aventador SVJ and Aventador S.


EU to propose rules for last generation of combustion engines

                BRUSSELS: The European Union is set today to propose emissions rules for the continent’s last generation of combustion engines, according to a document obtained by Bloomberg News.

The trading bloc is expected to announce regulations governing the so-called Euro 7 engines, powering the final wave of petrol and diesel cars that’ll hit the market before they’re effectively banned by new emissions rules in 2035.

The new framework will tighten restrictions for pollutants including carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides from 2025.

Adoption of the rules has been delayed several times amid wrangling over their contents.

Automotive executives including Carlos Tavares, chief executive officer of Stellantis NV, have argued the latest steps in cutting CO2 from cars pose unnecessary burdens on the industry and will slow the sector’s shift to electrification.

Supporters of the rules argue that some vehicles going on sale between 2025 and 2035 will be sold in the second-hand market and run on the roads for decades, meaning more stringent rules on particulate pollution could end up saving thousands of lives.

"Transition towards zero-emission cars/vans fleet will be spread across at least two decades, not least given the average lifetime of cars/vans of more than 11 years,” the draft said.

"Meanwhile, in order to achieve the above policy objectives, the internal combustion-engine vehicles which will continue to be placed on the market need to be as clean as possible.”

The rules, part of the European Green Deal aimed at putting the continent’s economy on a sustainable footing, will develop stricter emissions standards for all petrol and diesel cars, vans, lorries and buses.

A decision on Euro 7 would come after the bloc last month reached a landmark deal to effectively ban new combustion-engine cars from 2035, forcing companies to overhaul their lineups.

The push poses risks to employment and vehicle affordability, EU Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton said last week, hinting a delay in the policy may be possible in 2026.


Nov 7-13: Fuel prices down across the board

                PETALING JAYA: Fuel prices in Malaysia continue their downward trend after staying unchanged for two straight weeks.

Pump prices of RON95 and RON97 petrol will drop by three sen per litre to RM1.61 and RM 1.91 respectively. Diesel price will be priced at RM1.68 per litre, a drop of six sen.

The changes take effect from Nov 7 to Nov 13.


Ford introduces improved SYNC 3 in new Kuga

BARCELONA: Ford is launching its new SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system in Europe, allowing drivers to control their connected smartphones, audio, navigation, and climate functions with more conversational voice commands.

SYNC 3 features a redesigned 8‑inch touch screen and faster performance. Simply by pushing a button and saying “I need a coffee,” “I need petrol,” and “I need to park,” drivers can find nearby cafés, petrol stations or car parks, as well as locate train stations, airports, and hotels. The system then guides the driver to the selected destination via the navigation.

The system will be demonstrated for the first time at Mobile World Congress here on the new Kuga, which Ford also is revealing at the event. The company announced new apps for the system that can be voice-activated using SYNC AppLink, enabling drivers to earn money by transporting packages, to record and share audio clips, and to check the weather. SYNC 3 launches in Europe in the summer, starting with Mondeo, S-MAX, and Galaxy.

The new Kuga offers customers a more technologically advanced, refined and sportier redesign of one of Europe’s favourite sport utility vehicles.

The new Kuga also will offer Ford’s Perpendicular Parking technology that helps drivers park hands‑free in spaces alongside other cars; an enhanced version of the Active City Stop collision avoidance system; and Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting System for optimised visibility in low light. Further sophisticated technologies include Hands-Free Tailgate and Ford Intelligent All Wheel Drive.

Ford is launching the new Kuga and the larger Edge SUV this year, after introducing an updated EcoSport last year. Ford is bolstering its SUV line-up just as it has been predicted by industry sales analyst IHS that sales in the SUV segment are poised to increase to 27 per cent of all vehicle sales in Europe by 2020.


Modenas unveils Dominar D400 Sports Tourer from RM13,788

                KUALA LUMPUR: Modenas has finally brought in a big bike with the launch of the Dominar D400 Sports Tourer. This is the first big bike in nearly 20 years from Modenas.

Priced from RM13,788 with a two-year or 24,000km and five free services, the D400 features a six-speed manual gearbox with an assisted slipper-clutch to manage the 373cc single-piston motor with four valves and a digitally controlled triple-spark ignition system (DTS-i).

The motor is fed by a 13-litre fuel tank to produce 35hp at 8,000rpm and 35Nm of torque at 6,500rpm. Additionally, the motor is touted to provide 28Nm of torque at just 3,000rpm.

The 182kg (kerb) bike has a 1,453mm wheelbase and measures in at 2,156mm-long, 813mm-wide and 1,112mm-tall.

The beam-type perimeter frame is suspended by 43mm front telescopic forks, while the rear gets perched up by an adjustable multi-step Nitrox mono-shock absorber.

Slowing the bike are the two-piston (front) and single-piston (rear) Bybre callipers that bite down on the 320mm (front) and 230mm (rear) discs that comes with a two-channel anti-lock braking system - all of which have been mounted on the 17-inch wheels wearing 110/70 (front) and 150/60 tyres.

Other equipment include LEDs for the front automatic headlamps with daytime-time running lights and rear lights and  a split reverse LCD speedometer to provide better clarity for the rider.

"The demand for street bikes is set to grow with the increasing preference among youth who enjoy carving out a a fast-paced lifestyle for themselves," said DRB-Hicom CEO (automotive distribution, defence, manufacturing and engineering) Datuk Abdul Harith Abdullah.

"This new model will undoubtedly enrich the riding experience of the average Malaysian motorcycle enthusiast."


Shell launches new fuels with Dynaflex technology

                KUALA LUMPUR: Shell Malaysia has launched its new fuels containing Dynaflex technology.

Available at Shell stations nationwide, the new fuels are designed to keep engines clean and protected for efficient running.

Shell’s new fuels are the result of over five years and tens of thousands of hours in research and development, to help enhance the efficiency of customers’ journeys.

“We place customers at the heart of everything we do, and we aim to make their life’s journey better by giving them one less worry on the road. Our new Shell fuels aim to clean and protect car engines, making them more efficient to help you enjoy your journeys on the road. We believe it is not just where you go, but also how you go that matters,” said Shairan Huzani Husain, managing director of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd.

Shell fuels with new Dynaflex technology help to clean and protect key fuel system components such as intake valves and fuel injectors from the build-up of performance robbing deposits.

 From left: Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd national sales manager Au Tong Sing, managing director Shairan HuzaniHusain, Shell Global Solutions senior scientist Mae Ascan and Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd head of retail marketing Ben Mahmud.

This keeps engines clean and protected for efficient running.

Also, a unique Dynaflex technology for diesel has been developed.

The new fuels are also available to industrial customers and commercial fleet owners through Shell’s B2B channels.

Shell also announced the results of its new ground-breaking research to better understand Malaysian motorists, that used the latest wearable technology and mobile apps.

Monitoring over 2,500 journeys in Kuala Lumpur, the research found the average speed of drivers was just 14.5 km/h, placing increased stress on vehicle engines as well as drivers.

In partnership with Goldsmiths, University of London, the research used a combination of wearable emotion tracking devices with chatbot technology, GPS from the Shell Motorist App, and weather and traffic information, to gain a more complete picture of what drivers are experiencing on the roads.

Dr Chris Brauer, director of innovation at Goldsmiths, University of London, said: “What’s unique about this driving experiment is that we are able to observe drivers during their everyday journeys. Looking at Malaysian drivers we can see that despite the harsh conditions brought about by traffic congestion, they are both resilient and resourceful. We explored performance signals from personality traits through to nutrition, hydration, and lifestyle choices that were linked to our highest performing drivers.”

Shairan continued, “We are excited to be the first fuels retailer in Malaysia to roll out this exciting research to better understand drivers. We know that driving places stresses on both engines and drivers. Our aim is to use the findings of the research to develop and design products, services, and initiatives that respond to our customers’ needs.”


2021 Hyundai Santa Fe revealed for Europe

                MUNICH: Hyundai Motor Europe has revealed the first images of the new Santa Fe, to be released in Europe starting in September 2020.

The enhanced version of Hyundai’s flagship SUV in Europe offers a range of premium updates and new hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

It will be the first Hyundai vehicle in Europe to utilise the company’s all-new third-generation vehicle platform, resulting in improved performance, efficiency and safety.

The striking front end design stands out through its distinctive wide grille shape, accentuated 3D pattern of the grille mesh, and T-shaped LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs).

The new Santa Fe interior now provides more space, comfort, and convenience compared to the previous model.

It features a new lower dashboard design, a redesigned centre console and a new 10.25-inch AVN touchscreen.

For the first time, the new Santa Fe comes with a Terrain Mode selector: a control knob located in the centre console to conveniently switch between different drive modes.

Also, the new Santa Fe is the first Hyundai in Europe to go on sale with the new ‘Smartstream’ hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The all-new third-generation Hyundai vehicle platform improves air movement through the engine bay and allows heat to dissipate, thus enhancing stability in the lower part of the vehicle.  .

Vehicle stability is further enhanced by the lowered position of heavy equipment within the platform, which reduces weight and lowers the centre of gravity.

Aerodynamics have also been improved so that air resistance is minimised to deliver excellent fuel efficiency, power and driving performance.

The fixed points for the steering arms have been positioned closer to the middle of the front wheels, allowing for more agile handling.

Meanwhile, noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) performance is improved through reinforced sound-absorbing systems in vibration-sensitive parts.

The new platform also brings with it significant improvements in collision safety, thanks to improvements in engineering.

Through the use of a multi-load path structure, hot stamping, and the integration of a super high-tensile steel plate, the platform will enable the car to better absorb the impact in the event of a collision while at the same time minimising the deformation of the passenger space.


Tesla cooperating with Chinese authorities after accident killed police officer

Visitors looking at a China-made Tesla Model Y electric vehicle at 2021 Auto Shanghai last month. In the latest troubles for Tesla, a Model Y was linked to the death of a police officer in China. — Bloomberg
BEIJING: Tesla Inc said today it would work with authorities to investigate a car accident in China that local police said caused the death of a police officer and injured another.

A video circulated on China's Twitter-like Weibo and in local state media showed a Tesla Model X next to two police officers lying on the ground after an accident.

The driver of the vehicle involved in the Monday accident has been detained, police in the eastern city of Taizhou said in a post without explaining the circumstances of the accident.

News of accidents involving Tesla cars in China have gone viral on social media in recent weeks after an unhappy customer made headlines by clambering atop a Tesla at the Shanghai auto show to protest the company's handling of her complaints.

China is the electric car maker's second-biggest market, accounting for about 30% of its sales.


Volkswagen offers to buy back new diesels if bans introduced

                FRANKFURT: Volkswagen will buy back new diesel cars if German cities ban them, it said on Thursday, seeking to reassure potential buyers and stem a plunge in sales of diesel vehicles.

Europe’s biggest automaker also said it would extend incentives for buyers of new diesel cars. The moves come after a German court ruled last month that cities in the country could ban the most polluting diesel vehicles from their streets.

Many German cities exceed European Union limits on atmospheric nitrogen oxide, known to cause respiratory diseases.

Fears of bans have led to a plunge in demand for diesel vehicles, which are also key to carmakers’ attempts to meet new EU rules on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. While diesel cars are heavily criticised for emitting nitrogen oxide, they spew out less CO2 than gasoline equivalents.

Diesel car sales plunged 19 percent in Germany last month.

At its core VW brand, Volkswagen said its buyback offer applied to new diesels bought between April 1 and the end of 2018 and would kick in if the city in which the buyer lived or worked banned diesels within three years of the purchase.

It said its dealerships would buy back diesel vehicles affected by bans at their current value if their owners at the same time bought a new vehicle that was not affected by cities’ driving restrictions.

At Czech brand Skoda, the guarantee applies to cars bought between April 1 and the end of June, but will cover bans introduced within four years of the purchase date.

At premium brand Audi, the offer only covers leased vehicles.

Volkswagen also said it was extending to the end of June incentives for customers trading in older diesels for new ones.

Fellow German carmaker BMW said earlier this month it would offer to take back leased vehicles if diesels were banned within 100km of the operator’s home or place of work.

There has been a global backlash against diesel-engine cars since Volkswagen admitted in 2015 to cheating US exhaust tests.

But Germany’s government is seeking to avoid widespread bans on heavily polluting diesel vehicles, which companies say could cut the resale value of up to 15 million vehicles in Europe’s biggest car market.

In Germany, where motorists expect to drive powerful cars on motorways with no speed limits, any restrictions will be unpopular. Yet air quality is also a big concern, with green and consumer groups pushing for action.


Chinese customers ordering more than 500 Mercedes-Maybach cars a month

                FRANKFURT: China is now by far the biggest market for Mercedes-Benz, a region where the luxury carmaker is still selling more than 500 Maybach limousines, Hubertus Troska, Daimler’s board member responsible for Greater China said today.

The Maybach is the top of the range variant of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class car with a starting price of 140,000 euros (RM714,000).

“We are still seeing more than 500 sold a month. And if you see the prices, which we have no control over, then some customers are paying above list price,” Troska told reporters at the Frankfurt car show.

China’s importance is also reflected in the design and development of all Mercedes-Benz cars, Troska said.

“The cars are being tailored to the Chinese market more and more, and there is no big discussion about why,” Troska said, adding that for almost every Mercedes-Benz model, China makes up 30 percent of sales.

Chinese customers want more comfortable rear seats, and more connection points for phones, among other features. Also, Mercedes-Benz’s advanced safety systems need to be carefully calibrated to work in China’s traffic conditions, he said.


Volkswagen hires utility executive to lead electric charging unit

                FRANKFURT: Volkswagen has hired Elke Temme, a long-time executive at Germany’s top utility RWE, to head the carmaker’s newly created division for energy and electric vehicle charging, it said on Monday.

Temme’s move is the latest illustration of the growing convergence of the autos and energy sectors amid an expected boom in demand for electric vehicles.

Most recently, Temme was chief operating officer of Innogy eMobility solutions. Innogy was carved out from RWE in 2016 and later broken up in an asset swap with E.ON, which acquired the firm’s e-mobility activities in the process.

She will be in charge of pooling and managing existing group activities in the fields of energy, charging services, charging equipment and charging infrastructure across all brands, said Volkswagen.

“With Elke Temme, we have won a proven expert in the fields of energy and charging for our company,” Volkswagen board member Thomas Schmall said in a statement.


Ferrari 488 GTB: A wondrous rush

                As the successor to the naturally aspirated 458 Italia, the turbocharged 488GTB shows that the extra 100hp in this bad boy is a sure way to heighten the visceral driving experience.

The 458 Italia’s replacement looks every bit as stunning as the first day it was unveiled.

The best part was that we had a full day out with this RM2.4mil beauty (including all duties and RM280,000 worth of accessories fitted).

There it sat in the showroom dressed in Rosso Corsa (Racing Red) metallic with its five-spoke Matt Grigio Corsa (Matte Grey Racing) 20-inch wheels flaunting the 399mm (front) and 360mm (rear) cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc brakes with yellow brake callipers.

The front-end is dart-like and sharp, tightening slightly at its mid-section to accentuate the rather muscular-looking rear haunches - which happens to house its mighty 3,902cc 90-degree dry-sump twin-turbo V8 engine fed by a 78-litre fuel tank.

Only paddle shifters will dictate the actions of the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which manages the engine’s 670hp and 760Nm before reaching the fat 305/30 Michelin Pilot Super Sport rear tyres, while the front 245/35 tyres take care of directional changes and holds up 41.5% of this Prancing Horse’s 1,475kg kerb weight.

At 1,213mm-tall, this 4,568mm-long supercar is 1,952mm-wide - that’s 53mm-wider than a Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222), but of course the Italian supercar’s cabin is not nearly as copious as the Panzerwagen’s.

Inside, the cabin is generously leather-wrapped.

There’s a multitude of buttons that will quickly overwhelm anyone unfamiliar to the cockpit layout and will need some moments to orient themselves.

After adjusting the powered contoured seats dressed in a combination of Charcoal #4304 and Bordeaux #4481 coloured leather with stitches in Beige Chiaro #1209 hold everything together, there’s a realisation that will come quickly as to how many of the buttons such as the horn, signal lights, Magnetorheological suspension’s control button, wiper activation and engine start-stop button are within thumb’s reach on the leather-wrapped and carbon fibre accented steering wheel.

Then there’s the Tifosi’s (Ferrari fan’s) favourite - the ‘Manettino’ switch, that’s a simplified version of what’s found in Scuderia Ferrari’s (Ferrari stable) Formula 1 cars, which provides five driving programmes of Wet, Sport, Race, Traction Control off and Electronic Stability Control off - all adjustable with a quick twist of the wrist.

As long as the passenger is able to hold his/her composure and refrain from screaming their lungs out when the driver hits the throttle, they can divert their attention directly in front of them to a monochrome screen that displays the current speed, gear number and engine speed if the view gets too blurry.

With much of the nitty-gritty out of the way, it’s time to step on the brake pedal and push hard on the springy large red button marked “ENGINE START-STOP” to fire up the throaty V8 engine.

At that instance, the analogue part of the instrument cluster undergoes a staging process that winds the needle up and then back down again while the LCD screens flanking it brightens to life.

Now take a minute to wallow in the magnificence of the bi-turbo’s drone, trumpeted by the titanium exhaust.

Since there’s no actual gear lever, pulling on the right paddle shifter marked “Up” will engage first gear, while pulling on both “Up” and “down” paddles puts the transmission into neutral.

Easing on the throttle gets the wheels gently rolling.

It just does what the foot demands and the same goes for the brakes.

There’s going to be a firm initial bite at first, but if more is required don’t be afraid to push deeper and feel the blood surge to the head.

The chassis feels absolutely rigid, unwilling to bend to the laws of physics and there’s plenty of road surface information getting sent to the driver’s posterior and up the nervous system.

Tight curves are dispatched with ease and even if there was any form of rear-tyre slippage, there still wasn’t any fear emerging, instead it seems to will the driver on, asking for more. This is one Ferrari that simply likes getting spanked all the time.

With the ability to reach 100kph from standstill in 3.0 seconds, and onwards to a top speed of 330kph, the 488 can easily get its driver drunk on its responsive performance that will take just 0.8 seconds to react to an accelerator pedal getting stomped into the firewall. Pretty instant.

There’s almost no roll experienced with the adaptive suspension taking care of such nuisance to keep it nice and flat around the bends, while the steering feels absolutely direct for a nimble encounter.

Over uneven Malaysian roads, the adaptive suspension takes very good care of them.

It’ll still come off as stiff, but there’s also a hint of cushioning taking place, post-bump or dip.

With the inclusion of a suspension lift, unusually high speed-bumps or getting on/off steep inclines/declines can be cleared - making it more of a necessity than merely an optional extra.

At unlawful speeds, the 488 simply wants to remain grounded at all times thanks to the bodywork having the ability to generate up to 325kg of speed-generated down force if 250kph can ever be reached.

So who cares if this particular ‘prancing horse’ only has two seats, 230 litres of cargo space under the front hood, is loud, has the ability to guzzle fuel and isn’t able to provide a supple ride.

It’s the exhilaration provided that’s hard to replicate and once the spooling twin-turbo’s hiss intrudes into the cabin and the body quickly starts to leave an imprint on the seat’s back rest, it’s time to say a prayer that the fuel doesn’t run out too quickly while giving thanks to Enzo Ferrari for starting up this company.

Avanti cavallo!

READ ALSO: What supercars cost around the world

SPECIFICATIONS

Ferrari 488 GTB

Engine: 3,902cc, 90-degree V8, dry-sump, twin-turbo
Maximum power: 670hp at 8,000rpm
Maximum torque: 760Nm at 3,000rpm in 7th gear
Power per litre: 172hp
Compression ratio: 9.4:1
Transmission: 7-speed F1 dual clutch
Acceleration (0-100kph): 3.0 seconds
Acceleration (0-400m): 10.45 seconds
Acceleration (0-1,000m): 18.7 seconds
Maximum speed: 330kph
Fiorano track lap time: 1min 23sec
Wheels: Front 20-inch 245/35 and rear 20-inch 305/30
Brakes: Front 15.7-inch and rear 14.2-inch
Kerb weight: 1,475kg
Weight distribution (front:rear): 46.5:53.5
Luggage capacity: 230L
Fuel tank: 78L
Features: Four airbags, anti-lock braking system with Ferrari Pre-Fill, traction control (F1-Trac), stability control, seatbelt pretensioners, electronic differential (E-Diff 3), Magnetorheological suspension control and side slip angle control, steering wheel with shift-up indicator, paddle shifters, manettino switch and horn.
Price: RM2.4mil - includes all duties and RM280,000 worth of accessories.


Go Almera Go

Nissan Almera VL Nismo PackageEngine: 1,498cc, 4-cylinder, DOHC with Continuously Variable-Valve Timing Control, Drive-by-Wire Technology.
Maximum power: 100bhp at 6,000rpm
Maximum torque: 139Nm at 4,000rpm
Transmission: Four-speed automatic
Features: Dual front airbags, Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Brake Assist, Intelligent Key with immobiliser, keyless entry system, illuminated Push-Start button, automatic climate control, 4-speaker audio system with radio tuner, CD, MP3 and AUX-IN terminal, fabric seats, Nismo sports exhaust muffler, 16-inch Nismo alloy wheels with 205/55 Continental Max Contact MC5 tyres, front and rear bumper spoilers, side skirts and trunk lid spoiler.
Price (on-the-road-with insurance): RM92,813.50

As a family car, the Nissan Almera comes highly recommended for its value for money proposition and interior space.

But the downside is that its styling slants towards the ordinary, lacking the aggressive looks that enthusiasts might want.

That is until the Nismo Performance Package.

Equipped with a front lip, rear diffuser, side skirts, a rear boot lip, sports suspension system, sportier exhaust and a set of 16-inch alloy wheels wrapped by grippy Continental tyres – the Almera now looks the part.

Rather than have the additional “bodyparts” in matching Tungsten Silver as the car, the Almera’s new-found sportiness has been further personified with the kit in contrasting gun metal.

Although the Almera’s 4-cylinder twin cam engine hasn’t been tinkered with, it still stirs up a respectable 100bhp and 139Nm of torque at 4,000rpm.

Transmission is the four-speed automatic.

Nonetheless, the front end sits 40mm lower, while the rear is down by 20mm, lowering its centre of gravity for a more sportier drive.

It isn’t all about aesthetics because the Nismo aero-package has been genuinely aerotuned, capable of providing some 36% of additional downforce at speed while reducing aerodynamic drag.

There is plenty to admire externally though the interior won’t have that same affect, a  sudden anti-climax if you will, with everything left unexcitingly stock.

The exhaust note isn’t at all overtly intrusive, but not so much that it was rendered inaudible.

The bass from the exhaust was subtle enough to partially fulfil our desire for refinement ... better something than nothing, we say.

With the pedal to metal, that note does finally make a proper intrusion and that’s the main characteristic of all sport exhausts.

Those who can appreciate it will find the sound of the engine screaming ahead and that bassy exhaust note combination, to be quite invigorating.

There’s that hint of refinement while mixed into a deluge of mature sophistication, unlike most other exhaust systems that blatantly blare their existence to all as they slowly go about their business.

As we pulled away from standstill, the combination of a stiffer suspension with larger wheels fitted with lower profile tyres made the ride a bit more firmer than the standard Almera.

Although there’s significantly less suspension travel, the dampers perform admirably over uneven surfaces with some comfort dialled into its stiff nature, and that makes for a perfect ride in our books.

At speed, the Almera is rather capable of maintaining a tight line, to which we’d dare say that neutrality best describes its cornering etiquette.

And while it is capable of carrying a little more speed around the bends, we couldn’t help but prefer the brakes to have a little more bite in them, rather than to have left them as stock.

But, then again, what’s more to ask of the Almera, considering it carries a price tag from RM66,813.50 for the entry level Almera E with a manual gearbox to RM79,813.50 for the range-topping Almera VL (prices mentioned are OTR with insurance).

The full Nismo package will require an additional RM13,000, with its individual parts available separately if preferred.

Originally, the Almera was meant to serve the masses as an affordable yet economical car. With the Nismo package, you can also say hello to a youthful breath of vitality and better cornering velocity.

The Nismo package definitely adds more character to the Almera.

We only wish it could have been extended to the cabin, engine and brakes, but for now it’s enjoyment for most who have adopted this spacious and affordable B-segment sedan.


Will a BMW pick-up truck look like this?

                PETALING JAYA: Will BMW follow Mercedes-Benz in coming up with a posh pick-up truck?

Maybe. Maybe not. Until we see a BMW test mule that looks like a pick-up, everything's up in the air. But BMW is watching how the Mercedes X-Class truck, slated to go on sale later this year, pans out. If it sells well, BMW might be drawn by the smell of money to jump on the bandwagon as well.

Still, it hasn't stop some creative types from conjuring up an unofficial BMW pick-up.

The rendering above, based on an X5, comes from indianautosblog which posted it up about two weeks ago. It's just for fun and the actual pick-up, if it ever sees the light of day, will likely look very different.

 BMW might look to the Toyota Hilux to do a pick-up truck. It's a big if at this point in time.

While the Mercedes X-Class is based on the Nissan Navara, BMW could choose to borrow the Toyota Hilux to speed up development and introduction of its own pick-up. After all, it is already working closely with Toyota on the next successor to the Z4/Supra. It makes sense to extend this alliance to a pick-up if BMW signs off on it.

BMW has done special one-off projects on pick-ups based on the E30 and E92 M3 before, so it's a question of dollars and cents whether it wants to go full throttle with a production series pick-up.

What do you think the BMW pick-up should be called? T5 perhaps?


BMW Group acquires ALPINA brand

                MUNICH: The BMW Group has bought over the ALPINA brand.

The deal is still subject to approval by antitrust authorities.

The long-standing cooperation agreement, which was extended for another five years in late 2020, will expire on Dec 31, 2025. Both parties have agreed not to disclose any financial details. No shares in the company will be acquired.

BMW and the small-series manufacturer from Buchloe, outside of Munich, have worked closely together for over half a century.

The company owned by the Bovensiepen family will continue to use its engineering expertise in developing, manufacturing, and selling BMW ALPINA vehicles within the existing cooperation until the end of 2025.

This results in base BMW cars receiving extensive modification by the ALPINA team - including the engine and transmission, as well as the chassis, aerodynamics, and interior equipment.

BMW ALPINA vehicles are pre-assembled on BMW production lines before final assembly of the vehicles taking place in workshops in Buchloe, also comprising individual interiors built to customer specifications.

The service, parts and accessories business for the existing and legacy BMW ALPINA vehicle portfolio will continue at the Buchloe location in the long term.

There will be no changes to the existing aftersales cooperation. As part of a strategic cooperation between the two companies, there will be a further expansion of the existing development services business for BMW out of Buchloe.

The wine business that also forms part of the family firm will be unaffected.

"For over 50 years, the Buchloe firm has demonstrated how to deliver top-quality car cachet through meticulous attention to detail. The BMW Group is also driven by this same passion for cars that capture the imagination. That is why we are now embarking on a new chapter in our long-standing partnership. Acquiring the trademark rights will allow us to shape the long-term course of this brand steeped in tradition," said Pieter Nota, member of the Board of Management responsible for customer, brands and sales.

 CEO Florian Bovensiepen (left) and his brother, Andreas.

"We made a conscious decision not to sell ALPINA to just any manufacturer, because BMW and ALPINA have worked together and trusted one another for decades. That is why it is the right decision strategically for the ALPINA brand to be managed by the BMW Group in the future,” said Andreas Bovensiepen, co-managing director of ALPINA Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH + Co. KG.

ALPINA was active in BMW tuning and motorsports from the 1960s onwards and began manufacturing passenger cars based on BMW AG products in 1978.

Since 1983, the company has been registered as an official automotive manufacturer with the German Federal Motor Transport Authority in Flensburg and employs around 300 people.

Around 2,000 vehicles were produced in Buchloe in 2021. In addition to Germany and Europe, Japan, the US, and the Middle East are also important markets for ALPINA.


New Aprilia SR GT scooter and Tuareg 660 adventure touring unveiled

                KUALA LUMPUR: Didi Group, the sole distributor for Aprilia bikes in Malaysia, recently launched the 2022 Aprilia SR GT and Aprilia Tuareg 660.

The Aprilia SR GT comes the latest generation i-get 174cc single-cylinder engine featuring Start & Stop system, and offering 17.4hp at 8,500rpm and 16.5Nm of torque at 7,000rpm.

With a wet weight of 148kg, the scooter also has a 9-litre fuel tank that offers about 350km of riding range.

It also gets a 25-litre under-seat compartment that is big enough to store a full-face helmet.

Available colours are Aprilia Black, Street Grey and Infinity Blue, while the Sport version has Street Gold, Iridium Grey and Red Raceway matte colour schemes

Features include full LED lights, LCD instrumentation, Aprilia MIA connectivity system (optional) and suspended wide
windscreen.

The front suspension is a Showa fork (122mm travel) while the rear comes with two double-acting Showa shock absorbers with five-position adjustable pre-load (102mm travel).

The introductory selling price for SR GT 200 is RM19,900 and SR GT 200 (Sport) is RM20,900 (excluding road tax, insurance and registration).

 (From left) Didi group general manager Juan Chow Wee, managing director Goh Kian Sin, chairman Rewi Hamid Bugo and Piaggio Asia Pacific head of marketing with the Tuareg 660.

Meanwhile, the Tuareg 660 is an adventure touring motorcycle weighing at 187kg (dry weight) with a 18-litre fuel capacity.

The 659cc powerplant comes with Aprilia forward-facing twin-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid cooled.

The engine churns out 80hp at 9,250 rpm and 70Nm of torque at 6,500rpm.

It is fitted with APRC Suite that includes ATC (traction control), AEB (engine brake) AEM (engine maps), ACC (cruise control), four riding modes (Urban, Explore, Offroad and Individual), Aprilia Quick Shift (AQS) System, Brembo brakes (front 300mm double discs and rear 260mm disc), Kayaba fork (43mm, 240mm travel) and Kayaba monoshocks (240mm travel).

Available colours are Martian Red, Acid Gold and Indaco Tagelmust.

The adventure touring bike is priced at RM75,900 (excluding road tax, insurance and registration) as as an introductory offer.


Say hello to the most extreme Bentley

                LONDON: Bentley today introduced its fastest and most powerful production ever - the 700 bhp Continental Supersports.

A top speed of 336kph and a 0-100kph time of 3.5 seconds make the new Continental Supersports the world’s fastest and most powerful luxury four-seat car.

Similarly, its soft-top sibling, the Continental Supersports Convertible, is the fastest four-seat convertible in the world, despatching the sprint to 100kph in 3.9 secs on its way to a 330kph top speed.

Bentley’s mighty W12 engine, redeveloped for the Supersports with new high-performance turbos and engine hardware, and a torque vectoring system create a Continental Supersports as agile as it is powerful. Meanwhile, unique styling cues inside and out give the new model a sharpened athletic appearance highlighting its performance potential.

As well as offering supercar pace and a highly focused driving experience, Bentley said the Continental’s ride quality continues to be refined.

A bespoke drivetrain featuring Bentley’s W12 engine combines extreme power and torque to offer exhilarating performance.

Key to the Supersports’ additional outputs are newly designed, higher-capacity turbochargers and a revised charge-air cooling system which create more boost and additional power. In order to harness these additional outputs, upgrades have also been made to the Continental’s cranktrain, including new main and conrod bearings.

These extensive engine revisions result in an increase of 79bhp and 217Nm over the 2009 Supersports model – a 10 percent power-to-weight and 25 percent torque-to-weight ratio improvement. The top speed rises by 8kph.

The Supersports also benefits from a new torque converter which locks up faster allowing the car to make best use of the enhanced torque figure of 1,017 Nm, and accelerate from standstill even more rapidly.

In order to rein in this immense performance the new Supersports is fitted with high-performance carbon ceramic brakes with enhanced cooling. The brake discs are the largest of their type in the world, providing high performance with minimal fade under extreme conditions.

The brakes sit behind lightweight 21” forged alloy wheels, together offering a 20 kg weight saving in unsprung mass. A further 5 kg weight-saving is offered via an optional titanium exhaust system. The new Supersports is the lightest-ever iteration of the current Continental GT and lighter than the 2009 four-seat Supersports model.

Enhancing the driver experience still further, the exhaust system has been redesigned to breathe more freely and provide a Bentley soundtrack, with down-shifts eliciting a rifle-fire crackle.

The Supersports has a specifically calibrated and updated version of the torque vectoring system first introduced on the Continental GT3-R.

This system brakes individual front and rear wheels during acceleration out of corners to increase performance, whilst maintaining full power to unbraked wheels, and brakes the inside rear wheel on turn-in to improve agility. It also has a bespoke, less intrusive stability control calibration for a more precise chassis response.

The new Supersports retains the rear-biased torque split of Bentley’s all-wheel-drive system, sending 60 per cent of the engine’s power to the rear wheels as standard for a better balanced, more sporting character, but with the ability to adjust the front-rear power split depending on available traction.

Despite the focus on sharper driving dynamics, the Supersports’ lowered and stiffened dynamic suspension set-up retains all of its luxurious ride quality for passengers wishing to cover long distances in supreme comfort.

The new Continental Supersports features unique exterior and interior styling cues which reflect the significant uplift in the performance capability of this pinnacle grand tourer.

Exterior changes include newly sculpted front and rear bumper designs incorporating a carbon-fibre splitter and diffuser respectively, new side sill extensions and bonnet vents also finished in carbon-fibre, gloss-black front wing vents and a new gloss-black, rifled exhaust tailpipe design. Completing the dramatic exterior look are dark-tint headlamps and tail-lamps, and a complement of black-finished brightware to the front grilles, lights, rear bumper, door handles and window surrounds.

There is also an optional, aerodynamically balanced rear spoiler and front splitter combination for the coupe, new Supersports badging, a new black and bright-machined finish for the 21” forged alloy wheels and optional side decals. Further highlighting the enhanced performance, an optional gloss-finished, Supersports-branded carbon-fibre engine cover can be specified.

The new Continental Supersports Convertible offers the luxury and refinement of a coupé yet transforms into a head-turning open-tourer at the touch of a button. The multi-layer hood ensures high levels of refinement and acoustic insulation. Exhaustively tested in all conditions from -30°C to +50°C or more, it resists even monsoon-force rain and maintains comfortable, draft-free warmth even on the coldest days.

Another practical feature, the neck warmer, makes open air driving an appealing and comfortable prospect even on the cooler days of spring and autumn. With the hood down, the Continental Supersports Convertible offers sensational performance with the sensory amplification of open-air motoring. Hood up, it’s as practical a year-round proposition as its coupé stablemate.

A unique colour split has been created, using three colours: the first tri-tone interior offered in this generation Continental GT. A new diamond-quilted design is incorporated in the seats and door side panels for a unique signature in Alcantara, while chequered Supersports carbon-fibre fascia panels join the existing list of ten veneers and technical finishes available. The interior is completed by new Supersports emblem stitching, and a bespoke Supersports steering wheel and unique gearlever, both featuring Alcantara accents.

A titanium exhaust option is available for drivers seeking a more intense audible experience. As well as a stirring soundtrack, the Titanium system also provides a weight reduction.

For Supersports customers seeking even more personalisation, an ‘X Specification’ pack is available, consisting of eight unique duo-tone paint treatments and carbon-fibre door mirrors and heel plates. The titanium exhaust option is included, as is a carbon-fibre finish to the interior side panels, the carbon-fibre engine cover and a gloss black finish to the 21” forged wheels.

"The Supersports name is legendary at Bentley," said Bentley Motors chairman and chief executive Wolfgang Dürheimer. "From the very first Supersports of the 1920s, to the Continental Supersports of 2009 – and now with the third iteration of this iconic model – it is a name which excites, impassions and thrills. Only Bentley could create a car which blends immense performance and unrivalled luxury in this way.”


Gasket Alley presents Ram Jam Festival

                PETALING JAYA: The Gasket Alley is organising the Ram Jam Festival which takes place on July 15, 2018 from 3.30pm and  will serve as a platform for local talent in music, fashion, art, photography and the automotive sector.

Operating on the concept of ‘vintage carnival’, the premise of Ram Jam is entirely nostalgic, which naturally corresponds to The Gasket Alley’s own vintage industrial ethos.

Enticing activities in Ram Jam’s itinerary include artsy exhibitions, skate jam sessions, and live music performances, among many others. The action-packed day will conclude in a live screening of the final FIFA World Cup 2018.

There will be the Miss Bombshell 2018, the first ever pin-up girl contest brought to fruition by Malaysia’s own pin-up visionary Lee Ming.

Visitors will get to see Bee's Knees Bobber, a photography exhibition unveiling the works of Brian Ong who runs his apparel brand Mutha Puaka and moonlights as a photographer to capture his love for the custom bike culture.

Also, food lovers can look to the multi-layered F&B experience provided by Tiffin Food Court, presented by Freeform. From snapper ceviche to stinky tofu, enjoy delectable offerings from more than 30 Malaysian restaurants and F&B brands.

For more information, check out the website at www.thegasketalley.com


Mercedes-Benz to build wind farm in Germany, examining solar options

                BERLIN: Mercedes-Benz is planning to build a wind farm in the northwestern German state of Lower Saxony, by 2025 that is able to produce a hundred megawatts of electricity, equivalent to over 15% of the carmaker's annual demand in Germany, it said on Monday.

Mercedes will invest a three-digit million figure in a power purchase agreement with an as-yet-unnamed partner to buy the electricity generated by the turbines, the carmaker said.

It is also examining together with local authorities whether it could put solar panels onto the remaining space in the 800-hectare piece of land in Papenburg, a test track owned by the carmaker.


Renault and Nissan delay merger plans to repair their alliance

                TOKYO: Renault and Nissan have shelved plans to push towards the full merger former leader Carlos Ghosn craved and will instead fix their troubled alliance to try to recover from the coronavirus pandemic, say five senior sources.

Nissan has long resisted Renault's proposals for a full-blown merger as executives felt the French carmaker was not paying its fair share for the engineering work it did in Japan, sowing discord that some feared could wreck the partnership.

Now, with carmakers around the world reeling from the pandemic, the partners are planning to overhaul an alliance that largely failed to convert its global scale into a competitive advantage beyond the joint procurement of parts.

Both struggling carmakers are set to announce mid-term restructuring plans this week that will serve as a peace treaty designed to resolve the long-standing tensions, the five people familiar with the overhaul told Reuters.

"After the rain, the earth hardens," said one senior Nissan source, citing a popular Japanese proverb that means relationships become stronger after a period of strife.

All five sources within the alliance, which also includes Mitsubishi Motors Corp, declined to be named because they are not authorised to speak with media.

Nissan and Renault are each planning substantial restructuring and cost cuts that could affect tens of thousands of jobs, with the Japanese company to announce its measures on May 28 and its French partner likely to follow the next day.

Before that, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Renault are holding a joint news conference on May 27 during which they are expected to outline the philosophy behind their new "leader-follower" approach to the alliance.

The sources said the companies were unlikely to disclose many details at the events this week of how the new approach will be used to share costs as the companies were still working on specific projects.

However, the crisis at both carmakers has accelerated efforts to resolve the disagreements that have stymied collaboration and cost-sharing in technology and product development for five years, the sources said.

Mitsubishi, Nissan and Renault all declined to comment officially about alliance plans.

'Leader-follower'

The alliance has steadily ramped up output over the years, delivering over 10 million vehicles for the first time in 2017, the first full year after Mitsubishi joined the partnership.

But persistent quibbles over sharing the costs of innovation and new vehicle development soured relations and stalled plans to forge an even tighter alliance.

Nissan executives believe their engineers are substantially more productive than their Renault colleagues and the way the French carmaker proposed to combine technology and product development did not properly account for Nissan's intellectual property, three of the sources said.

"Nissan engineers on average produced 40% more than their Renault counterparts in a given amount of time spent on a job," one insider said in January.

After his arrest in 2018 in Tokyo on charges of financial misconduct, former alliance head Ghosn said his detention was part of a plot by Nissan executives to bring him down and block any merger.

Earlier this year, relations looked strained to a point where the 21-year alliance was at risk of collapse.

However, the turnaround plans due are now likely to be combined to forge what the sources described as a more equitable way of sharing technology and resources, while preserving the distinctiveness of the alliance brands.

Nissan chief operating officer Ashwani Gupta and Renault chairman Jean-Dominique Senard are both key advocates of the new approach that they're calling a "leader-follower" system, the sources said.

The plan is for one company to lead the development of a type of vehicle or technology with the other following, taking a page out of the play-book Gupta used to revive Renault's commercial vehicle business, as well as re-invigorate Nissan's.

When he was in charge of the French business, Nissan used Renault's vehicle architectures as the building blocks for its city delivery vans while Nissan in turn provided the Renault group with technology for pickup trucks.

Off the table

A test of the new approach could come in a several places around the world, such as how Renault and Nissan work together in Europe and perhaps South America, as well as how Nissan and Mitsubishi cooperate in Southeast Asia and Japan.

Under the new working relationship, Nissan could take the lead in Europe on crossover sport-utility vehicles (SUVs), while operating as a "follower" in commercial vans and small city cars, using versions produced by Renault, the sources said.

Nissan's factory in Sunderland in the United Kingdom is of particular importance, they said.

Renault and Nissan are planning to turn the assembly plant into a hub for sport utility vehicles such as Nissan's Qashqai and Juke, and potentially their Renault counterparts, the Kadjar and Captur. The companies are working on the plans, though it's not clear when a final decision will be made, the sources said.

Whether Renault vehicles could be built profitably at the plant is unclear, given the uncertainty over tariffs as Britain leaves the European Union, according to one of the sources.

"It should be a pure economic transaction, but it's also likely a political decision, too," he said.

In the Philippines, Mitsubishi will likely help make cars for Nissan as it already has a plant there while the two will beef up cooperation in Japan's micro mini car business, which makes up about half the country's passenger car market.

The latest effort to salvage the Renault-Nissan alliance comes at a time of rising global economic nationalism and protectionism that represent a risk to the partnership.

But for now, the new approach means the two companies will sideline any discussion of a complete merger, the sources said. Renault owns a 43.4% controlling stake in Nissan, which owns non-voting 15% stake in the French carmaker.

"Will merger talk be revived in the future? No one knows. Everybody has to be prepared for that. But as far as I know, it's not being pursued anymore," said one of the senior alliance sources. "It is totally out of our sight today."


Daimler doesn't rule out future cooperation with Tesla: report

                WARSAW: Daimler AG does not rule out cooperating with Tesla Inc in future even though the German luxury car producer sold its stake in the US electric vehicles company, Daimler’s chief executive told a Polish newspaper.

Dieter Zetsche (pic) told the daily Rzeczpospolita that after selling the Tesla shares he “never regretted it. This does not exclude a co-operation in a future.”

Daimler says Zetsche’s remarks were made in response to a hypothetical question during a roundtable discussion at the Paris Motor Show and that there was no plan currently to explore opportunities to co-operate with Tesla.

The Stuttgart-based maker of Mercedes-Benz cars sold its 4 percent stake in Tesla in 2014. Last month it unveiled its electric SUV to compete with Tesla, which has dominated the fast-growing market for premium battery cars.

Zetsche, who is set to leave his post in May, said he saw no reason to buy Tesla shares again.


Volvo Cars sets carbon price to assess sustainability of new projects

                GLASGOW: Swedish automaker Volvo Cars said on Wednesday it had set a price on carbon emissions from its operations of 1,000 Swedish crowns (RM480) a tonne, part of attempts to ensure all future projects are sustainable.

Announcing the move at global climate talks in Scotland as it joined an initiative to phase out fossil fuel cars and vans, the company said it had deliberately set a relatively high price to "future proof" itself.

Negotiators at the COP26 talks are trying to finish rules to create an international carbon market.

Put simply, it would allow some countries to pay others to cut emissions - with the aim of pushing much-needed cash into green projects around the world.

Volvo Cars said it was the first automaker to set such a price across its whole operations, as part of its aim to be a climate neutral company by 2040.

The price is double the current cost of carbon in the European Union's carbon trading scheme.

Going forward, every new car project would go through a "sustainability sense-check", with a carbon price assigned throughout the life of the vehicle, to ensure it would be profitable even under a much higher government-set price.

"A global and fair price on CO2 is critical for the world to meet its climate ambitions, and we all need to do more," Björn Annwall, chief financial officer, said in a statement.

"We strongly believe progressive companies should take the lead by setting an internal carbon price. By evaluating future cars on their CO2-adjusted profitability, we expect to accelerate actions that will help us identify and reduce carbon emissions already today."

Also on Wednesday, Volvo Cars signed up to the Glasgow Declaration on Zero Emission Cars and Vans, along with peers including Ford and General Motors, aiming to end production of internal combustion engines by 2040.


More Singapore drivers buying used cars to work for Uber, Grab

                SINGAPORE: Rental and private car hire firms are also snapping up second-hand cars, say dealers.

More used cars are being bought by drivers who want to work for private hire firms like Uber and Grab, dealers have told The Straits Times.

Ubi-based Yong Lee Seng Motor has been selling around 20 more used cars a month since January this year to such buyers than it was at the start of last year - a rise of about 30 per cent. I-Deal Auto Trading, in the Sin Ming area, now sells around 10 used cars a month to such buyers, as well as car rental firms and private car hire firms, a 50 per cent rise on last year. Four other used car dealers, including 99 Motors Trading and Prime, said they have seen more people buying used cars to drive for private car hire companies.

Most buyers from Yong Lee Seng Motor intend to drive such cars part-time. Its managing director, Raymond Tang, said: "They want to get extra income because the economy doesn't look good."

Car rental firms are also expanding their used car fleets. Diversified motor group Prime now has about 240 used cars available for rent to such drivers but intends to increase that to 400 this year. Hawk Asia Pacific has seen a 20 per cent rise in people renting used cars here to drive for private car hire firms this year. It has bought about 100 more used cars since last year to cater to this demand.

Uber did not respond to ST queries, while Grab said it does not rent cars to its drivers. However, the easing of loan curbs announced by the Monetary Authority of Singapore last Thursday, which has made new cars more affordable, has raised questions about whether the trend towards used cars will be affected.

Dealers hold mixed views. Some, like Tang, who is also first vice-president of the Singapore Vehicle Traders Association, think the number of people buying used cars to drive for private car hire firms will still rise. Few will go for new cars as the down payment required is still higher, he said. For instance, a new Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6 Standard (A) listed on sgcarmart.com that costs S$112,888 (RM337,314) will require a minimum down payment of S$33,866 (RM101,193). A used car, which is an older version of the same model, registered in 2011, costs S$64,800 (RM193,625), with a down payment of S$19,440 (RM58,087) needed.

One can also recover a larger proportion of a used car's cost if one scraps it in the short term, compared with a new car, said Tang. But Prime chairman Neo Nam Heng said a key factor is certificate of entitlement (COE) prices. Already, demand for new cars is rising and will push COE prices up, he noted. Daily new car sales at his group have increased by 50 per cent since the announcement.

Higher COE prices would make it more expensive to own a new car. People who want to drive for private car hire firms may then prefer used cars to new ones, he said. "Given the crowd that has been appearing in the showroom... the COE will likely shoot up by S$5,000 (RM14, 940) to S$10,000 (RM29,880)," he added. However, Dr Park Byung Joon, adjunct associate professor at SIM University, said some seeking to drive for private higher firms may buy new cars instead as the new car loan rules improve their affordability. "The COE prices may go up but the monthly payment is going to get lower," he noted.

Tang noted that used cars bought for private car hire normally have three years or below left on their COEs and cost S$10,000 (RM29,880) to S$50,000 (RM149,402). Their scrap value ranges from S$5,000 (RM14, 940) to S$13,000 (RM38,844). Models popular with such drivers include the Honda Civic, Toyota Vios and Toyota Wish seven-seater.

Donovan Loh, 27, who sells food at night markets, bought a Honda Civic with about a year left on its COE last September and drives part-time for Uber and Grab. He did not reveal how much he paid for the car, but said he has been earning S$1,000 to S$2,000 (RM5, 976)a month on average - "more than enough" to cover instalments for his car and its expenses.


Refreshed Perodua Alza ready for order taking

                RAWANG: Perodua has officially opened its order books for its latest iteration of its Alza multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that will hit showrooms nationwide in stages from Sept 6 onwards.

“Our latest Perodua Alza continues to offer the comfort, practicality, versatility and ample room for seven that Malaysians have loved and adored for nearly a decade,” said Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Dr Zahari Husin.

The facelifted seven-seater MPV is now available in four variants starting with the Alza Standard with a five-speed manual transmission priced on-the-road without insurance at RM51,490, while the same variant with a four-speed automatic transmission (AT) costs RM2,800 more at RM54,290.

Moving up the ladder, the mid-range Alza SE (AT) is priced similarly at RM56,890 before the range-topping Alza Advance (AT) at RM62,690 tops the list.

All Perodua vehicles, including the Alza, are backed by a five-year or 150,000km warranty, whichever comes first.

Colours options include Granite Grey (new and exclusive to SE and Advance variants), Ivory White, Glittering Silver, Mystical Purple and Electric Blue.

Regardless of variant, the Alza generates power for its front wheels with a familiar 1.5-litre 3SZ-VE DVVT engine producing 104PS at 6,000rpm and 136Nm of torque at 4,400rpm, while being fed by a 42-litre fuel tank.

New to all Alza variants are redesigned instrument panel graphics, centre cluster and a two-motion remote control key (press once to unlock driver’s door, press again to unlock all doors).

The local carmaker also said that air-flow to the third row seats have been improved with better fins between the front centre air vents as well as cooling with an improved evaporator and enhanced heat-exchange piping.

All variants get front fog lamps, rear spoiler, leather-wrapped steering wheel, solar and security window tint, reverse sensors, 15-inch silver alloys fitted with 185/55 series tyres and an audio system with USB and Bluetooth functionality.

The SE, however, is differentiated by its newly designed front and rear bumper, larger front lower air intake, new twin-bar front grille, side skirts, tailgate garnish, corner sensors, 15-inch titanium-coloured wheels and leather seats.

As for the Advance, it exclusively gets a roof-mounted monitor as well as an Android-based touch-screen multimedia system with Smart Link, Bluetooth, navigation and reverse camera functions.

For safety all variants have been equipped as standard with dual front airbags, anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist and ISOFIX child seat anchor points in the middle row to net a four-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating.

“Recognising customers’ fondness for personalising their vehicles, Perodua is introducing a range of unique GearUp accessories for the Alza, for the first time and includes exterior cosmetic add-ons such as quilted seat covers and sun shades,” added Zahari.

Since the Alza's introduction, Perodua has sold over 344,200 units - making it one of the nation's most popular seven-seater compact MPV.

Perodua Alza AV

Perodua Alza GearUp

Perodua Alza SE

Perodua Alza S


Ford takes aim at import crowd with Maverick under US$20,000

                DETROIT: Ford Motor Co. is betting that by going small it can score big with the import crowd, pricing its new Maverick compact pickup truck at less than US$20,000 (under RM83,000) and powering it with a standard petrol-electric hybrid propulsion system.

With the average price of a new car now topping US$40,000 (RM165,000), Ford chief executive officer Jim Farley has long said he wanted vehicles that appeal to younger, entry-level buyers who have been priced out of the market. As part of that effort, this fall Ford will start selling the small, four-door truck.

The Maverick seats five, has an eight-inch touchscreen in the dash and gets 5.9 l/100km in city driving. It will be one of the tiniest trucks in the US. At just under 508cm long — about  5 metres — the Maverick is only 15cm longer than a Toyota Camry and more than 1.2 metre shorter than Ford’s F-250 Super Duty truck.

The Maverick’s starting price of US$19,995 (RM82,359) is about US$1,250 (RM5,149) below a base Honda Civic compact car. It’s even cheaper than a typical used car, which hit a record of US$22,568 (RM93,000) in May, according to researcher Cox Automotive.

“This gives a little bit of choice to the buyer that didn’t have much in that price range, unless you’re looking at a used vehicle, and I’m not sure what you can find used for under 20 grand these days,” said Jeff Schuster, senior vice president of forecasting at researcher LMC Automotive. “I could certainly see it doing well in import-dominated areas like California as kind of a beach vehicle.”

Making a buck

Unlike Ford’s money-losing entry-level offerings of the past, the company says Maverick will still manage to make a buck thanks to sharing many components — including that hybrid drivetrain — with its mechanical siblings in the lineup; the Escape and Bronco Sport compact sport-utility vehicles. Another contributing factor: Ford is making the Maverick at a factory in Mexico, where workers’ wages are a fraction of their US counterparts.

“We’re certainly not doing this to lose money,” Hau Thai-Tang, Ford’s chief product platform and operations officer, said in an interview.

The Maverick, which fully loaded stickers at around US$35,000, is part of Ford’s plan to achieve a 10% North American profit margin by 2023, he said.

LMC forecasts that Ford will sell 40,000 to 50,000 Maverick models a year — a small fraction of the almost 900,000 F-Series full-size trucks it sells annually. But the pint-sized pickup could still have an outsized impact on Ford’s future if it succeeds in diverting young buyers from Honda Civics and Toyota Corollas.

That is Ford’s intention, according to Thai-Tang. But instead of trying to beat the Japanese at their superior sedan game — which Ford has already raised the white flag on by exiting the US sedan market — the maker of the top-selling truck in America is playing to its strengths.

“We’re hoping this brings a lot of new customers into the Ford showroom,” Thai-Tang said. “We want to attract younger buyers and people who didn’t consider our products in the past.”

Pricier pickups

The Maverick is entering a hot segment. Pickups have become kings of the road, but with princely prices. The average transaction price of a full-size pickup hit US$55,664 in May, almost three times the price of a base Maverick. Even midsize pickups, like Ford’s Ranger, were selling at US$39,249 on average, according to Cox.

Once the domain of hard hats and ranchers, trucks have grown popular among adventure seekers. Toyota Motor Corp.’s Tacoma has dominated the smaller pickup segment for years. But the Taco, as its legion of loyalists call it, and rivals like the revived Ranger have grown in size and price over the years, exceeding the grasp of the budget-minded buyers that were once their main target.

A recent Cox consumer survey on the potential of reviving the compact-pickup segment in the US found that prospective buyers covet cargo space the most, followed by fuel efficiency and price. The survey found only 31% of consumers were aware that new compact pickups were debuting in the US and just 20% would consider buying one.

“The compact-truck segment has its work cut out as it will be competing against top volume segments including SUVs and larger pickups,” the Cox analysis said.

Puny payload

The Maverick’s maximum payload of 680kg — which Ford says equals 37 bags of mulch — is less than half of what can be loaded into the back of an F-150.

Ford contends this is a “white space” vehicle aimed at young, urban dwellers who will like its tight turning radius and ease of maneuverability into narrow parking spaces.

Its biggest attribute, though, may be its rock-bottom price. Thai-Tang said the Maverick will start 25% below its only direct competitor, the Hyundai Santa Cruz compact pickup, debuting this summer with an expected starting price around US$25,000 (RM103,000).

The void for diminutive pickups could fill in quickly if the Maverick and Santa Cruz take off, LMC’s Schuster said.

“If it does even remotely well, I would be shocked if GM doesn’t look at doing something like this.”


BMW Motorrad F 750 GS, F 850 GS and F 850 GS Adventure introduced

                MUNICH: BMW Motorrad's range of F-Series bikes, namely the new F 750 GS, F 850 GS and F 850 GS Adventure has been perceived as the "go-to" introduction to enduros and it's gotten a refresh.

It's the type of bike that'll provide every-day controllability on all roads that are accompanied by capable engine power within manageable dimensions.

All three models have been refreshed with added dynamism to its outlook with new colour schemes, expanded standard equipment and new optional equipment.

General changes for all three bikes include new tape designs, the respective style designation on the fairing side panels, new LED flashing turn indicators as standard and a USB charging device at the front right of the cockpit.

Also, ABS Pro and Dynamic Traction Control(DTC) are now standard for added safety.

There no changes to the engine though, as it maintains an 853cc two-cylinder setup with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Power still differs between the variants with the 750 getting 77hp at 7,500rpm and 83Nm of torque at 6,000rpm.

The F 850 GS and the BMW F 850 GS Adventure still provides 95hp at 8,250rpm and 92Nm at 6,250 rpm.

The new BMW F 750 GS: In Light white, sports style or as "40 Years GS Edition", and with expanded standard equipment.

The new F 750 GS now steps up in the new basic Light white paintwork with tank centre cover painted in the vehicle colour.

The black matt painted rims, black handlebars and seat bench in red/black create contrast.

The sports style in San Marino blue metallic is also new for the BMW F 750 GS and comes with a tinted windscreen with Granite grey metallic rims, silver handlebars, a black-grey seat bench and galvanised radiator cowl.

BMW F 750 GS

The new F 850 GS comes in the new basic Racing red paintwork that's also found on the tank centre cover to act as a contrast against the black-coated fixed fork tubes, black rims and black/grey seat bench.

In Rallye style and Racing blue metallic colour, the BMW F 850 GS together with the hand-protector bars, black fixed fork tubes and black-red seat bench is accompanied by gold rims and galvanised radiator cowl.

The "40 Years GS Edition" of the BMW F 850 GS celebrates the 40th anniversary of the BMW GS models in Black storm metallic with "40 Years GS" logo on the fairing side panels.

Exclusive yellow hand-protector bars, gold rims and a seat bench in black/yellow with GS logo assures instant differentiation. Also, black fixed fork tubes and a galvanised radiator cowl are found.

The standard equipment of the BMW F 850 GS has been further enhanced with a windscreen adjustment mechanism and a TFT display including convenient Connectivity functions.

The new BMW F 850 GS Adventure can be had in Ice grey, Rallye style or as "40 Years GS Edition" and with expanded standard equipment.

In the new basic Ice grey paintwork with matching tank centre cover, the new F 850 GS Adventure comes fitted with black fixed fork tubes and rims and grey-black comfort seat.

BMW F 850 GS

The new F 850 GS Adventure is available in Rallye style and Kalamata metallic matt paintwork with gold rims and fixed fork tubes as well as a sports windscreen and a black/grey upholstered Rallye seat with an 890mm saddle-height.

The 850 GS Adventure "40 Years GS Edition" is also available and comes with yellow hand-protector bars with the anniversary GS in Black storm metallic paintwork which is matched with black-coated fixed fork tubes, gold rims and a black/yellow upholstered seat bench for two with 860mm seat height

Also included is a TFT display with Connectivity functions as standard

Now, all three variants (F 750 GS, BMW F 850 GS and BMW F 850 GS Adventure) feature new components of the optional Pro riding modes that have had the DYNAMIC throttle response tweaked for an improved riding dynamics.

Furthermore, dynamic engine brake control and Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) are now permanent residents within the Pro riding modes.

Other new Pro riding mode features include the preselection of up to four riding modes for the button assignment on the right handlebar controls (though only in conjunction with the Connectivity optional equipment in the F 750 GS).

An extra-low saddle, as well as a modified lowered suspension, will be available as an option for all three models in the near future.

Original BMW Motorrad Accessories now supply a holder for the F 850 GS and BMW F 850 GS Adventure for mounting the BMW Motorrad Navigator above the standard TFT display.

This holder was previously reserved exclusively for GS trophy machines and deployment vehicles. The ex-works "Preparation for navigation device" optional equipment is still available for positioning on the handlebar clamp as before.

Since completely switching off the ABS will no longer be permissible under legal homologation regulations in future, the Enduro and Enduro Pro riding modes provide suitably adapted controls for this purpose.

The ABS function can still be switched off on the rear wheel in Enduro Pro riding mode (F 850 GS and F 850 GS Adventure only).

The HP logo will be omitted in future in all optional equipment scopes and Original BMW Motorrad Accessories and the sports silencer for the F 750 GS will only be provided via Original BMW Motorrad Accessories.

BMW F 850 GS Adventure


Ferrari Land takes flight near Barcelona

                BARCELONA: The Ferrari Land theme park has opened its doors to the public. This is the first Ferrari theme park in Europe and the second in the world after Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.

It occupies an area of 70,000 square metres within the PortAventura World resort, about an hour away from Barcelona.

There are 11 attractions on offer and the highlight is the Red Force, the highest and fastest vertical accelerator in Europe, at 112 metres high and with a top speed of 180kph reached in just five seconds.

Racing Legends and Flying Dreams are also two of the park’s attractions , allowing visitors to fly (literally) through the history of F1 and GT. Ferrari Gallery is an interactive journey through the history of the marque. Visitors can have a go at a pit stop or experience the excitement of driving a GT car with Maranello Gran Race and there are also simulators for adults and children to play with.

For visitors seeking more thrills, there are the Thrill Towers - two towers in the shape of a piston where people can experience the free fall effect.


Polestar opens design studio, embraces new design era with Polestar 3

                GOTHENBURG: Polestar has opened its new design studio in Gothenburg, nestled in a dense forest next to the brand’s global headquarters.

The dedicated facility provides a specialist home for up to 120 design team members, led by Maximilian Missoni, in an environment that combines modernist architecture with the brand’s clean, minimalistic Scandinavian aesthetic.

Born out of a historic former Volvo facility completed in 1984 by Italian Romaldo Giurgola and local architect Owe Svärd, the building has been fully upgraded while maintaining its unique architectural character.

Here, the Polestar Design team will continue to build on the brand’s new design language, previewed by the Polestar Precept and electric roadster concept cars, and carried into production with Polestar 3 which launched in October 2022.

Polestar 3 will go into production in mid-2023 and first deliveries in launch markets are expected in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Aerodynamics were key to shaping the SUV for the electric age. The overall design, with its powerful and wide stance, and low, sweeping roofline, is introduced by the SmartZone and front aero wing.

While exterior proportions are designed to reflect technology and impart a sporty stance, space inside Polestar 3 has been maximised thanks to the long body (4,900 mm) and wheelbase (2,984 mm). Reducing surface volumes around the cabin’s component architecture and increasing occupant space in all positions results in a more spacious and enjoyable interior.

Colours and materials have been selected and combined to express Polestar’s Scandinavian heritage with a premium look and feel, while addressing sustainability and the redefinition of luxury.

The full-length glass roof contributes to the airy feel, and Polestar’s signature logo is integrated into the glass roof in a new way – etched between two layers of the laminated glass and only visible when illuminated.


Nissan opens R&D test centre in Thailand to serve Asean markets

                BANGKOK: Nissan has opened an Asia-Pacific research centre in Thailand.

The new test centre, called Nissan Motor Asia Pacific (NMAP) R&D Test Center, would be the main R&D hub for Asean to better address customer needs in the region and to align more quickly to market requirements.

A total of 12 models would be tested at the Thai site, including Nissan’s core model Navara, Almera and X-Trail Hybrid.

The scope of NMAP’s work would be enlarged from the current quality assurance for product launches to the upstream product development phase of evaluation tests for trial prototypes. NMAP R&D test centre will serve the five Asean-member countries of Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand. The facility also will provide testing for more than 90 countries around the world.

Thailand has been a strategic market for Nissan in the Asia Pacific region since the establishment of the R&D centre in 2003. NMAP today boasts an R&D centre with industry-first testing facilities in Thailand: the anechoic chamber, acoustic chamber and vibration simulator with environment chamber.

Over 1 billion Thai baht (RM112mil) has been invested in the 6,600 square metre facility. By the end of fiscal year 2016, it would have a head count of 330 employees, with local engineers trained in Japan to operate the testing facilities.


New Land Rover Defender in Frankfurt spotlight

                FRANKFURT: Land Rover has revealed the new Defender with a dramatic live-action demonstration of its capability at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The new 4x4 made its first appearance by descending an extreme 42-degree incline at the show – a feat broadcast live to a global audience.

The revitalised Defender is the most capable and durable Land Rover ever made and its debut in Frankfurt marked the end of its first adventure, to the Valley of the Castles in the Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan – one of the most land-locked places on earth.

Professional mountaineer Kenton Cool drove the Defender in Kazakhstan and he was here to give the new model his seal of approval alongside Olympic medal-winning equestrian rider Zara Tindall.

The Defender will be available in 128 markets and meets or exceeds the toughest emissions and safety requirements in the world.

The latest Defender will be available in 90 and 110 body designs, with up to six seats in the 90 and the option of five, six or 5+2 seating in the 110.

The range comprises Defender, S, SE, HSE, First Edition and top-of-the-range Defender X.

Customers will be able to personalise their vehicle in more ways than any previous Land Rover, with four Accessory Packs. The Explorer, Adventure, Country and Urban packs each give Defender a distinct character to help owners to make the most of their world.

Exclusive First Edition models featuring unique specification will be available throughout the first year of production.

A distinctive silhouette makes the new Defender instantly recognisable, with minimal front and rear overhangs providing excellent approach and departure angles.

“The new Defender is respectful of its past but is not harnessed by it," said Land Rover chief design officer Gerry McGovern.

"This is a new Defender for a new age. Its unique personality is accentuated by its distinctive silhouette and optimum proportions, which make it both highly desirable and seriously capable – a visually compelling 4x4 that wears its design and engineering integrity with uncompromised commitment.”

Land Rover’s new D7x (for extreme) architecture is based on a lightweight aluminium monocoque construction to create the stiffest body structure the brand has ever produced.

Three times stiffer than traditional body-on-frame designs, it has been engineered to withstand Land Rover’s Extreme Event Test procedures and provides the base for the fully independent air or coil sprung suspension while supporting the latest electrified powertrains.

A choice of advanced petrol and cleaner diesel engines ensure the Defender has the power, control and efficiency for any environment, while a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain will join the range next year providing the prospect of silent EV-only progress.

The Defender features permanent four-wheel drive, a twin-speed automatic gearbox, a maximum towing capability of 3,720kg and a maximum static roof load of 300kg, making it suited for overland adventures.

The new Defender is also the first Land Rover to feature Configurable Terrain Response, which allows drivers to fine-tune a range of settings to suit the conditions more precisely than ever before.

A new Wade programme optimises the vehicle for fording – giving customers even more confidence when tackling flooded roads and tracks. Defender has a world-class maximum wading depth of up to 900mm.

Inside, the functional cabin design is marked out by exposed structural elements and 21st century technologies, including the state-of-the-art new Pivi Pro infotainment system.

The touchscreen is more intuitive and user-friendly, requiring fewer inputs to perform frequently used tasks, while its always-on design ensures quick responses.

In addition Software-Over-The-Air technology, with 14 individual modules capable of receiving remote updates, ensures Defender customers always benefit from the latest software, wherever they are in the world.

"From the start we had an absolute obsession with functionality beneath the skin, from choosing the right materials through to state of the art connectivity," said Land Rover product engineering executive director Nick Rogers.

"The result is not only the most capable Land Rover ever made, but also a truly comfortable, modern vehicle that people will love to drive."

On the sidelines, a Defender 110 wearing an International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies livery was on the motor show stand here, as Land Rover announced it would strengthen its 65-year humanitarian partnership with the IFRC by providing Defenders to join in the organisation’s Disaster Response vehicle assessment programme.


Renault to reinvent the Espace as a big new SUV

                PARIS: Renault is reinventing the Espace, one of the best-known names in its model history, by turning the van into a new, seven-seater SUV.

The pioneering people carrier has been around for 40 years in six different guises, including as a crossover, but the new generation marks a radical departure.

Styling and tech details are sketchy but Renault said the latest incarnation of the name will be a trendsetter.

Renault unveiled the first Espace in 1983 as one of the world's first lifestyle cars and unleashed am MPV wave which subsided as SUVs gained buyer loyalty.

"The Renault Espace is proof that longevity can be achieved by breaking ground generation after generation and making coherent changes with concrete benefits for customers. The story of this aptly named model isn’t over yet," said Renault's model strategy manager Sylvia dos Santos.

A teaser image of the new Espace lettering shows a copper-coloured, plug-like "E" and there's the rub: the drive will be largely electrified.

The new Espace will still be underpinned by the CMF-C/D platform, on which the previous Espace van and newer model series from the Nissan Qashqai to the Renault Kangoo and Mitsubishi's Outlander are based.

It is not clear if the Espace will join Renault's model range above the five-seater Koleos, which has been available since 2017, or whether it will replace it. The latter is more likely, since the Koleos looks like a relic from a bygone era in Renault's refreshed SUV portfolio.

The CMF CD platform defines the power-trains, with a wide range on offer from a mildly hybridised petrol-burner to a classic diesel or full and plug-in hybrid strands.

The 140hp mild hybrid petrol engine with which the Austral competes is likely to be a little too weak-blooded for the larger car and so a mild hybrid with 158hp and the full hybrid with 200hp are more likely contenders.


Genesis to release all-electric GV60 with 500km range

                BERLIN: Hyundai offshoot Genesis has announced the launch of its new GV60 crossover, the brand's first all-electric car, in Europe this summer.

With batteries said to be able to cover a range of more than 500km, the car means competition for models like the Mercedes EQC and Audi's e-tron.

According to Genesis, the four-door model with elegant coupe lines measures around 4.5 metres. It offers space for five people and, in addition to a 432-litre boot, also has additional storage space of up to 53 litres in the front, depending on the model.

The GV60's cockpit is all about high-tech. The Chrystal Sphere gear selector on the centre console provides mood lighting when the car is turned off, a feature the model shares with the Hyundai Ioniq5 and the Kia EV6, according to the manufacturer.

The GV60 also uses the same battery with a net capacity of 77.4 kWh, allowing for a standard range of 466km for the top model.

According to Genesis, the less powerful versions can travel over 500km.

The battery works with 800-volt technology and can therefore be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in just 18 minutes.

Buyers will have a choice between three configurations.

The standard model comes with a 168 kW (228hp) engine at the rear axle.

The next version runs with 160 kW (218hp) at the rear and 74 kW (100hp) at the front.

The top model has two 160 kW (218hp) motors. With this version, a further 20 kW (27hp) can be unlocked at the push of a button for 10 seconds. This allows the GV60 to accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 4.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 235kph.

Genesis has yet to announce prices.


Cars in proposed SST exemption list

UPDATE: This MAA story supersedes the one below.

PETALING JAYA: Good news for car buyers. Car prices will remain lower when September comes, according to a proposed Customs Department list posted on its website.

This is because passenger vehicles as well as auto parts and accessories are to be exempted from sales tax. In the list issued by Customs Department director-general Datuk Sri T. Subromaniam, the scope of exemption is wide covering four-wheel drive vehicles, sedans, estates and sports cars.

Car makers were blindsided by the surprise move. They are still scrambling to digest the windfall for the industry.

So far, Perodua and Volkswagen, when contacted, said they will issue a statement on the matter soon.

Just yesterday Malaysian Automotive Association president Datuk Aishah Ahmad was pessimistic about 2018 car sales as the association had expected the 10% sales tax to dampen sales.

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng on Tuesday announced that under the re-introduced sales and services tax (SST) from Sept 1, services will be taxed at 6%, while the sale of goods will incur a 10% tax.

Car makers have reported bumper sales since the tax holiday began at the start of June when the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was zero-rated under the new Pakatan Harapan government.


Goodyear Assurance MaxGuard SUV introduced

                KUALA LUMPUR: Goodyear Malaysia has unveiled the Assurance MaxGuard SUV, a new member of Goodyear’s Assurance Family.

Customised for the Asia-Pacific market, the Assurance MaxGuard SUV provides 2-in-1 protection through superior grip and durability making it the perfect partner for drivers and their families to journey out and explore their world of possibilities.

The Assurance MaxGuard SUV is available in 16- to 19-inch rim diameters with 15 sizes in Malaysia.

Its target fitment size includes cars such as the Honda CR-V and HR-V, Mazda CX5, Nissan X-Trail, Proton X70, X50 and other popular mid-size SUV models in the market.

Featuring Goodyear's advanced ActiveGrip Technology, the Assurance MaxGuard SUV offers a tight grip for superior handling and shorter braking distance on wet roads, due to the unique design and increased number of multi-biting edges and optimized distribution, and ActiveGrip cap compound with blended silica.

On the other hand, the DuraGuard Technology builds a robust tyre carcass to withstand cuts and punctures, while enhancing performance durability with a 2-ply construction and a strong steel belt package to ensure a though construction specific for SUVs applications.

The Assurance MaxGuard SUV also promises a quieter ride due to an upgraded tread pattern with an angled block design, noise reduction rib and narrower grooves to make a quieter and more comfortable driving experience.

The tyre offers a longer mileage with enhanced tyre footprint, optimised tread depth distribution and cavity shape to maximize the mileage performance.

Goodyear Malaysia managing director Alex Ng said many Malaysian drivers were family-orientated and wanted the best products to ensure safety and comfort.

“At Goodyear, we are always looking for ways to improve our products, to bring the best from our knowledge on innovation, to the roads our tyres will eventually be used on," he said.

The Assurance MaxGuard SUV is now available at all Goodyear Autocare Centres across Malaysia and Goodyear Lazada Flagship Store online, with very competitive pricing in mid-size SUV segment.

For more information, visit Goodyear Malaysia’s page at https://www.goodyear.com.my.


Delta adds Porsche panache to its private jet service

                CINCINNATI: For those who feel travelling by private jet alone isn't already a significantly luxurious experience, Delta is adding a trip in a Porsche to its service

Now anyone taking a Delta private jet flight within the US can jump in the back of a Cayenne or Panamera when they touch down and be driven to the main terminal and a connecting flight.

"Imagine traveling from Louisville to New York via private jet to connect with a commercial flight to Munich, Germany on Delta Air Lines," said David Sneed, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Delta Private Jets.

"You will be picked up in a Porsche from the fixed-base operator and transported to the main airport where you will be escorted and expedited through security by Delta agents to your connecting flight, while your luggage is taken care of for you."

Delta's SkyMiles Diamond Medallion customers already get the opportunity to go gate-to-gate in a Porsche. This new service - which will initially launch in Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, JFK and LaGuardia in New York, Seattle and Kentucky - will be complementary for Delta Private Jets Card members.

Despite the unquestionable coolness associated with the Porsche badge, being driven in the back of a Bentley or a Mercedes or even a Cadillac might seem a better fit for the jet-setting elite.

Porsche says that the partnership represents the harmony between the two brands. "That same alignment of superior performance and daily, like-minded application, with the customer at the centre,” said Andre Oosthuizen, VP of Marketing at Porsche Cars North America.

However, these connecting flight trips can be huge marketing opportunities for premium car brands.

For example, the actor and erstwhile star of "24," Kiefer Sutherland drives a Porsche Panamera. And when he appeared on "Top Gear" he revealed he bought it not because of its performance credentials but because he flew business class with Lufthansa and was driven to his connecting flight in a Panamera and became instantly smitten. "And I thought, ‘I've got to get me one of these'," he said.


Hilux to lead model launches for UMW Toyota Motor in 2016

                KUALA LUMPUR: UMW Toyota Motor isn't letting current market headwinds stop it from going ahead with plans to release new and improved models for 2016.

Its president, Datuk Ismet Suki, said the Toyota Hilux pick-up truck will be launched in the second quarter of the year. The much-awaited and most popular pick-up truck was recently spotted undergoing road tests through Shah Alam.

Following the Hilux launch, the new Toyota Alphard and Vellfire premium MPVs would roll out in the third quarter.

Ismet urged Alphard and Vellfire buyers to get the cars through UMW Toyota Motor rather than from parallel importers to ensure a good ownership experience. "We have comprehensive aftersales support of service and spare parts. The vehicle engine and suspension are tuned to meet Malaysian specifications, and are optimised for local fuel quality and weather conditions," he said at a media appreciation function here on Friday night.

He also pointed out that vehicles shipped in by parallel importers are tuned  to requirements of other countries and would thus have different performance.

UMW Toyota Motor said it expects to sell fewer cars this year, with a forecast of 87,000 units, of which 2,000 would come from luxury arm Lexus. This is a 9.2% drop from 2015, when it sold 95,861 cars, of which 2,101 were from Lexus sales. Honda emerged as the top non-national make for 2015, toppling Toyota from its perch (see graphic above).

Ismet also announced that UMW Toyota Motor would return to motorsports towards the end of the year by taking part in Toyota Gazoo Racing as "it is a good platform to promote further the Toyota brand."

To gear up for activities this year, UMW Toyota Motor said it is introducing a new tag line "All about the drive" to encapsulate the excitement it is bringing to the local motoring scene in the days ahead.

Last week, Malaysia Automotive Association (MAA) said vehicle sales in Malaysia this year are expected to drop for the first time in six years as subdued consumer sentiment, a sluggish economy, weaker ringgit and tighter lending requirements take its toll on the local automotive industry.

MAA forecast Malaysia’s total industry’s volume to drop by 2.5% to 650,000 units in 2016 against last year.


Kia Grand Carnival in premium MPV segment; RM165,888 and RM185,888

                PETALING JAYA: Naza Kia Malaysia has launched the highly acclaimed Grand Carnival, which is expected to be well received in the premium MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) segment.

The on-the-road prices with insurance for the Grand Carnival, imported from Korea, is RM165,888 (KX variant) and RM185,888 (top grade EX variant).

A lowered-priced D variant tagged at RM153,888 with manually operated sliding doors and no push-start ignition, was sold
out earlier, but can still be ordered by interested buyers.

The Grand Carnival is also offered with Naza Kia Malaysia’s new smart financing package, the Kia Value 5 Plus which ensures more savings for Kia owners.

“This stylish eight-seater MPV is designed to appeal not only to the trendy and contemporary, but customers of all ages and families with active and outdoor lifestyles”, said Naza Corp Holdings Sdn Bhd group chief operating officer (automotive group) Datuk Samson Anand George at the launch of the premium MPV at the Naza Automall in Petaling Jaya.

The new Grand Carnival has a 2.2-litre CRDi (common rail direct injection) VGT turbocharged diesel engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and producing 193ps at 3,800rpm and 440Nm at 1,750rpm to 2,750rpm.

READ MORE: Kia trio coming. Stinger - hopefully

It has a 80-litre fuel tank.

Suspension is front MacPherson strut and a multi-link rear, while the hydraulic powered steering is the tilt-and-telescopic type.

It gets 18-inch alloy wheels with tyres sized 235/60.

The new Grand Carnival measures 5,115mm long, a longer wheelbase of 3,060mm, a height of 1,740mm and 1,985mm wide thus giving it a wider looking stance.

It also has a smart powered tailgate which opens automatically when the key is sensed in close proximity and two powered sliding-doors which opens with a touch of a button.

The dashboard is fitted with two glove compartments, one lying above the other.

The Grand Carnival also has an MP3 CD player with six speakers, USB and AUX-in connectivity, a 4.3-inch TFT LCD colour display touchscreen and a rear view camera, as well as front and rear parking sensors.

Features include automatic projector halogen headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED stop lamp and LED rear combination lamps, foot parking brake and auto cruise control.

Other attractive features include dual powered sliding doors, all-round disc brakes, and push-start ignition.

Safety kit includes six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Start Assist System, and ISOFIX child seat points.

The top grade EX variant gets tri-zone full automatic air-conditioning with cluster ioniser, leather upholstery and a push-button powered tailgate, and a 12-way powered driver's seat.

The Grand Carnival’s interior design is very spacious with plenty of head and leg rooom, storage spaces and flexible seating configurations, as well as fold-flat third row seats for more luggage room.

By design, the roof of the Grand Carnival does not slope to the tailgate, and this allows third row passengers more headroom.

With stand-up seats for the second row, third row passengers can climb in and out of the MPV with ease.

Rear luggage room is 359 litres, and can be expanded to 2,718 litres with the seats folded.

Grand Carnival D

- Manually operated sliding doors
- No push-start ignition

Grand Carnival KX

- All-round disc brakes
- 18-inch Clear Silver alloy wheels
- Automatic projector halogen headlights
- LED daytime running lights
- LED stop lamp and LED rear combination lamps
- 4.3-inch TFT LCD colour display touchscreen
- Radio/CD/MP3/USB/AUX connectivity
- Reverse camera
- 6 speakers
- Grey two-tone fabric upholstery
- 2-way powered driver's seat
- Gas-lift tailgate
- Dual powered sliding doors
- Auto down driver's window

Grand Carnival EX

- 18-inch Machine Finished alloy wheels
- Black high glossy and White Chrome radiator grille
- Roof rack
- Tri-zone full automatic air-conditioning
- Cluster ioniser
- Beige two-tone leather upholstery
- 12-way powered driver's seat
- Push-button powered tailgate
- Auto down for all powered windows


Tesla to accept Dogecoin as payment for some merchandise, says Musk

                AUSTIN: Elon Musk said Tesla Inc will accept payment in Dogecoin for some merchandise, in the latest in a series of tweets supporting the cryptocurrency.

Dogecoin jumped 33%.

Some of Tesla’s "merch” would be buyable with the digital coin, the chief executive officer said today, with products including the US$150 Giga Texas belt buckle featuring the carmaker’s logo.

Last month, Tesla’s US$50 Cyberwhistle sold out almost immediately.

"See how it goes,” Musk said. Dogecoin rose to a high of $0.20 after the tweet, declining to $0.18 after the initial spike.

Musk has been a vocal supporter of Dogecoin, a "meme” cryptocurrency featuring a picture of a Shiba Inu dog.

The tweets from the world’s richest person have contributed to its rising popularity.