Unixx engine oil range launched

                KUALA LUMPUR: Singapore-based lubricant specialist, Contix Asia Pte Ltd, has introduced its range of specially formulated Unixx engine oils to Malaysians with a commitment to providing consistently high quality engineered performance at competitive prices.

The Unixx engine oil is available in the Full Synthetic 5W-40 (4L) Engine Oil priced at RM222; Semi Synthetic 10W-40 (4L) Engine Oil at RM119; 10W-30 Diesel (6L+1L) at RM208 and 15W-40 Diesel (6L+1L) at RM153.

These engine oils use only the highest quality basestocks and are produced at ISO certified facilities in Singapore and Thailand.

 Chen at the launch of Unixx engine oils.

Managing Director of Contix Asia, Justin Chen, said “We are constantly developing our range of proprietary products and will expand our range of products in Malaysia to include our Unixx Racing Formula engines oils. These oils are formulated with Polyalphaolefins (PAO) and come in a range of viscosities. We also have a specially formulated 5w50 fully synthetic oil for cars operating under extreme conditions like racing.

"For now, we will bring in our more popular range of oils which includes our fully synthetic Unixx Professional Formula 5W-40 engine oil, a synthetic blend Unixx Performance Formula 10W-40 engine oil, a 10w-30 and 15W-40 diesel engine oil.”

Unixx also produces a range of industrial lubricants which is available in China, Thailand and Myanmar.

For more information, visit Unixx website at https://contix.co/ or follow Unixx Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/unixxmsia/ for the latest news.


Porsche opens brand store in Stuttgart

                STUTTGART: Porsche Germany opened its first brand store worldwide in the Dorotheen Quartier in the heart of downtown Stuttgart.

The opening ceremony was held as part of an exclusive evening event on Oct 13. The store opened to the public on Oct 15.

Under a "Porsche Driven by Dreams – the Brand store in Stuttgart" retail format, the sports car maker is creating a space with an ideal downtown location where the brand and brand purpose can be experienced up close and personal.

Over an area of more than 300 square metres, current models and rarities from the Porsche Museum will be shown in changing exhibitions – each accompanied by thematically related art installations.

This includes "Dreamer Objects" of famous faces who have realised their lifelong aspirations and personal objects with inspiring stories.

Partner companies of Porsche will also exhibit limited editions of their products. Customers can buy selected Porsche Design items in the Brand store too.

A bar with a lounge area invites visitors to linger. To really boost the feel-good factor for guests, the Brand Store’s catering and beverage offerings will be provided by local and regional partners.

It is also possible to pre-order a car online. In the Fitting Lounge, customers can use vehicle configurators and virtual reality applications to create their dream Porsche and pre-order it directly from the dealer in a relaxed setting.

A live-chat function enables direct contact with the dealership as well as reservations of available in-stock and previously owned cars.

The brand store also marks the opening of the 27th Porsche Drive Rental location in Germany, where cars can be rented for a period of between one and 28 days.

Cars can be booked via the brand store website and are ready and waiting in the underground car park of the Dorotheen Quartier.

The brand store will regularly host daytime and evening events. The kick-off event, a Dreamer’s Dinner with photographer and influencer Paul Ripke, was held on Oct 18.

Information about future events can be found in the brand store newsletter and on the website porsche-brandstore.de, where tickets can also be booked. The new location also has its own Instagram channel: porsche_brandstore


Nissan shareholders reject proposal to deem Renault as parent

                TOKYO: Nissan Motor Co Ltd today rejected a shareholder proposal at its annual general meeting (AGM) that would have led to the disclosure of a decades-old agreement with 43% stakeholder Renault SA.

Ahead of the AGM, one investor proposed deeming Renault as Nissan's parent company for disclosure purposes which by law would force the publication of the agreement, which stipulates the automakers' capital and business alliance.

Lack of publication prevents shareholders discussing the alliance which consequently remains "unequal", the investor said. Nissan owns only a 15% non-voting stake in Renault.

Observers expected opposition from the French automaker to scupper the proposal.

Still, Nissan last month said it would disclose the agreement's content in its annual securities report to the extent it does not violate a confidentiality obligation.

Full disclosure of the Restated Alliance Master Agreement would reveal the scope of the 23-year-old tie-up, formed when Renault rescued Nissan from the brink of bankruptcy.

The deal has long been the source of tension as it allows Renault to increase its involvement in Nissan's management.

The alliance, which in 2016 added Japan's Mitsubishi Motors Corp, was rocked by the 2018 ouster of alliance founder Carlos Ghosn amid a financial scandal.

The automakers have since pledged to pool more resources and work closer to make electric vehicles (EVs).

Still, Renault in April said all options were on the table — including a possible public listing of its EV unit — when it comes to overhauling its business in response to the swift electrification of the auto industry.

For Nissan — an EV pioneer with its 2010 LEAF — it is too early to consider spinning off its EV division, its chief operating officer said last month.


New feature on Grab app allows passengers, drivers to record audio during ride

AudioProtect will act as a safety measure for users and drivers when on a ride. - ST
SINGAPORE: Grab Singapore introduced a new feature on its app that allows passengers and the driver to record audio for safety purposes.

AudioProtect will be rolled out progressively as part of a trial from March 21, Grab said on Tuesday.

It will act as a safety measure for users and drivers when on a ride, as the recordings can be used to resolve safety incidents in a more efficient manner.

These incidents may include accidents and verbal, physical, and sexual harassment, or abuse cases.

Both parties are required to give consent before a recording takes place.

The recording will be paused when a passenger is on a call and resume only after the call ends, but may continue on the driver’s phone.

Passengers and drivers can enable the feature on the app under “account safety settings” after a ride is booked. Once it is activated, it will remain as the default setting for all future rides if their fellow passenger or driver consents.

The user can disable the feature by making the change in account safety settings before a ride.

All recorded audio files are encrypted and stored on the device for a maximum of five days before being deleted, if no safety incident has been reported.

The files cannot be accessed by either the passenger or the driver, and will only be accessed by Grab’s safety team if a safety-related incident occurs, Grab said.

If a safety incident is reported in the the time frame, files will be securely stored for six months and automatically deleted from Grab’s servers permanently after that period, unless the incident takes longer to be resolved, in which case the files might be kept for longer as needed, Grab added.

Kimberly Lim, head of safety and quality at Grab, said: “We have come a long way from just having an SOS button for users to reach out to authorities if they are in an emergency situation.

“Tech advancements have allowed us to play a more preventive role instead of only providing assistance post-incident. Today, the majority of our Grab rides already occur without incident, but we need to keep doing more.”

The feature will be available on all Grab rides, except for GrabShare and GrabHitch.


BMW Motorrad's iParts 3D printer revolutionises spare parts management

                MUNICH: BMW Motorrad has created a three-dimensional (3D) iParts printer for the rider who loves a lengthy outdoor adventure but dislikes getting interrupted by broken or worn parts or worse - a premature end to what was supposed to be a lengthy tour.

As an optional extra, BMW Motorrad will be offering its iParts 3D by the middle of the year, while its Mobile 3D printer will arrive from September onwards.

This is a 3D printing system which will allow BMW Motorrad dealers and customers to print out spare parts as required on site so as to be able to continue their journey as quickly as possible.

This is why 250 selected BMW Motorrad sales partners worldwide will be initially fitted with a permanently installed 3D printing system.

This system, which includes an integrated processing centre, allows for the manufacture and subsequent machining of large and complex parts such as bevel gears, crown gears and engine housings.

In this way, the company will be raising the whole area of spare parts to a new level, where the new system will mean that even very rarely required parts not generally stocked by BMW Motorrad sales partners can be supplied on a just-in-time basis.

Smaller parts such as handbrakes, clutch or gear levers, valve caps, fork bridges and turn indicator glasses can even be printed out by the customers themselves using the printer from home or while out and about since it can be stowed in a top or side case.

In order to compensate for the additional weight of the mobile printer, a special top case made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) has been developed offering a weight reduction of approximately 4.5kg as compared to a standard top case.

Special layer structuring in the CFRP's fibre composition ensures noise and vibration damping for optimum, disruption-free use of the printer.

It was also possible to integrate the power supply in the laminate so as to avoid cables being visible on the outside.

The design data and material specifications required for printing purposes are supplied from the BMW iCloud and is downloaded directly onto the 3D printing systems via mobile phone, tablet or PC. A functioning internet connection is of course required for successful download.

No connection? No problem.

Riders can also make use of another optional equipment item - BMW Motorrad iParts Explorer which allows the spare part's data to be directly saved onto a smartphone before a journey.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing was established in the area of parts development some 20 years ago in the form of so-called Rapid Prototyping.

Even back then it was possible to create spare parts from plastic using laser technology and a CNC-controlled layering method.

This technique has since advanced considerably and it is now possible to produce spare parts made of various metal alloys using Selective Laser Sintering (SLS).

In addition to creating parts from metals such as aluminium, steel and titanium, the printers also allow fast turn-out of plastic parts.

This means that a turn indicator glass which is broken during a fall, for instance, can quickly be replaced with a print-out version.

It is even possible to replace a cracked rear mirror by using the printer.

BMW Motorrad has carried out extensive functional and strength tests on all the parts approved for 3D printing – initially in the lab and later in the field.

"Once again we were able to draw on in-house synergies and tap into the relevant preliminary development work carried out by BMW Automobiles. Ultimately the challenge was to develop a small, portable yet high-performance 3D printer for transportation on the motorcycle. We managed to achieve this in the form of the BMW Motorrad iPart 3D Mobile Printer. The SLS unit is equipped with its own power supply – a high-performance saline battery – and was subjected to a range of highly rigorous functional tests both in extreme cold and in blistering heat with a high level of dust exposure," said BMW Motorrad iParts head Ignaz Druckmeyer.

The BMW Motorrad iPart 3D Mobile Printer was most recently exposed to extreme conditions in the Australian outback, for example.

Even at peak temperatures of 48-degrees Celsius and with high volumes of dust, the replicated parts equalled their conventionally manufactured counterparts in all respects.

The printer was also subjected to extreme cold in the Antarctic at temperatures of negative 52-degrees Celsius, the BMW Motorrad testing team followed in the footsteps of Roald Amundsen, travelling on four BMW R 1200 GS to reach the South Pole on Dec 16, 2017 – exactly 106 years after Amundsen's discovery.

As was the case on Amundsen's own expedition a shelter was erected, in this case symbolically representing the BMW Motorsport tent – with aluminium tent poles produced directly on site using the BMW Motorrad iPart 3D Mobile Printer.

The market launch of the new optional equipment item BMW Motorrad iParts and the BMW Motorrad iPart 3D Mobile Printer will be in September 2018.


New driver joins Lynk & Co Cyan Racing team

                BARCELONA: 22-year-old Yann Ehrlacher will complete Lynk & Co Cyan Racing's 2019 FIA WTCR line-up, adding young talent to the star-studded squad with already confirmed team-mates Thed Björk, Yvan Muller and Andy Priaulx.

The four drivers of Lynk & Co Cyan Racing together represent the strongest line-up of the 2019 FIA WTCR with 79 victories and eight titles among them in World Touring Cars.

"This is a dream coming true and I cannot imagine a better team to be in than Cyan Racing. I have still a lot to learn and to have Andy, Thed and Yvan as team-mates will enable me to both learn from them and at the same time set a very high target of results. While I am the youngest in the team, my ambitions are at least as high as theirs for the 2019 WTCR," said Yann Ehrlacher, who has three WTCC/WTCR victories to his tally.

The Frenchman made his international racing debut in the 2017 FIA World Touring Car Championship, claiming one victory and three podium finishes, and finished tenth overall with two victories and three podium finishes last year.

"Yann has impressed us all with his speed and maturity relative to his young age, we haven't seen a young talent like him in many years. He completes our line-up for the 2019 FIA WTCR in the best possible way alongside our experienced drivers," said Christian Dahl, CEO of Cyan Racing.

Yann Ehrlacher will drive the new Lynk Co 03 TCR race car for the first time at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain today together with team-mates Andy Priaulx and Yvan Muller.

Cyan Racing will continue pre-season testing in southern Europe throughout the winter ahead of the season start in Morocco on April 7th.


Princess Diana's old Ford Escort to be auctioned off in June

                LONDON: With 133,500 km on the clock from trips to polo matches and other royal duties, an unassuming Ford Escort once owned and driven by Princess Diana is set to go under the hammer later in June.

Prince Charles gave the Ford Escort to his fiancee in May 1981, two months before their wedding, according to the auction house Reeman Dansie in the English town of Colchester.

The car, which bears the premium Escort badge Ghia, had disappeared from the public eye for 20 years and is now expected to sell for between £30,000 and £40,000  (up to RM236,000) at the auction on June 29.

Needless to say, prospective buyers will be bidding for Lady Di's car, not just any old Escort Ghia, which can be bought elsewhere for as little as £1,000  (RM5,838) and with much less mileage.

The mother of Princes William and Harry, who died in a car crash in 1997, often drove the Escort to the polo matches of the heir to the British throne.

She used the silver-coloured 1.6l Ghia car until the birth of William in August 1982.

With a frog emblem on the bonnet, the car still has its original number plate WEV 297W, as well as the original colour and seats.

The car initially belonged to an antique dealer, but was bought by its current owner around the year 2000. The Royals fan had rarely driven the car and only shared the secret of its origin with the family.

More than 20 years after her death, Princess Diana remains an extremely popular figure in Britain. Only last year, another former car of hers, an Audi Cabriolet, was sold for £58,000 (RM339,000).

Just days after the new auction, on her 60th birthday on July 1, sons William and Harry are to dedicate a statue of Lady Di here. Both princes have given their daughters the name Diana as a first name.


Range Rover Sport HST to make debut in NY

                NEW YORK: Land Rover will present the global introduction of the Range Rover Sport HST at the New York International Auto Show next week.

The HST features a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 engine, unique chassis settings and enhanced design features.

A range of updates to the 2016 MY Range Rover Sport line-up will also be showcased in New York, including the availability of a new Gesture Tailgate and the introduction of Automatic Access Height.

David Mitchell, Vehicle Programme Director Range Rover Sport, said: "The HST extends our Range Rover Sport line-up giving customers even greater choice. Sitting between the existing 340PS Range Rover Sport 3.0-litre V6 supercharged and the 550PS supercharged variant, it delivers enhanced V6 performance to go with Range Rover Sport's renowned comfort and refinement."
With today's Range Rover Sport announcement, the 2015 New York Auto Show is set to host the largest number of world and North American debuts in its 115-year history. Last year, 63 vehicles from the world's automakers were unveiled.
The Auto Show runs from April 3 - 12 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan.


BMW Mottorad has HUD for helmets and laser light for bikes

                MUNICH: BMW Motorrad unveiled two innovative motorcycle products at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas today in the form of helmet with an in-built heads-up display and laser light technology for motorcycles.

With just a fraction of a second required for riders to find themselves in a dangerous situation, the new helmet incorporating a heads-up display (HUD) is able to keep vehicle information directly in the rider’s field of vision without having the need to glance down at the instrument panel.

All displays are freely programmable to provide the best-possible support for rider-safety; only information that is helpful and relevant to the current situation should be displayed to the rider at any given moment.

The display options comprises of safety-relevant information that includes technical status of the motorcycle, such as tyre pressure, oil level and fuel level, travel speed and selected gear, speed limit and road sign recognition, plus warnings of impending dangers.

By means of the future vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, it might also be possible to display information in real time, for example to give due warning of any sudden hazards.

Furthermore, the HUD also allows the visualisation of content designed to increase rider comfort such as a planned route along with navigation advice prior to commencing a journey.

The HUD unit can also provide other interesting possibilities such as a forward pointing action camera installed within the helmet, can record video footage of the journey.

A second camera oriented towards the rear could at some point in the future perform the function of a 'digital rear-view mirror'.

And, this technology also enables the visualisation of other riders in a motorcycle group – keeping the locations of riding companions known at any given moment.

The helmet has been fitted with an integrated mini-computer and loudspeakers and can be controlled from the left-hand handlebar fittings using the BMW Motorrad multicontroller.

As well as operating the camera, this allows the rider to comfortably select the information required and can be integrated in existing helmets, while having an operating time or about five hours with two replaceable batteries.

The company is looking to further develop its new innovation before reaching series production within the next few years

However, BMW Motorrad isn’t the first company to come up with this idea with Skully already having achieved that with its P1 concept in 2013 that came with heads-up display, virtual rearview mirror, smartphone connection and voice controls.

It subsequently went on sale in the US as the Skully AR-1 - priced at US$1,499 (RM6,600).

With regards to light technology, that’s already available in the new BMW 7 Series as well as in the BMW i8, BMW Motorrad has now adopted this technology for motorcycling applications.

Not only can the headlamp with laser light technology generate a particularly bright and pure-white light, its high-beam has a range of up to 600m - double that of conventional headlights.

Moreover, the laser technology has a very long service life and although it is rather costly for use in motorcycles, BMW Motorrad is still keen on making it available for its motorcycles once economies of scale takes effect to being about a downward trend in price.

BMW Motorrad helmet with HUD

BMW K 1600 GTL concept with laser light technology


Glencore makes large cobalt deal, securing EV battery supplies for VW

                LONDON: Mining giant Glencore has signed a major deal to sell up to 20,000 tonnes of cobalt products to a Chinese firm, a move that in turn helps Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) secure car batteries for its shift to electric vehicles, four sources said.

The four-year agreement between Glencore and Chinese battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd (CATL), struck last October, comes as global carmakers race to lock in battery supplies and move away from traditional combustion engines.

The trend was reinforced this week by Chinese-owned, Sweden-based Volvo, which said all of its models launched after 2019 will be electric or hybrid.

Cobalt is a key ingredient in the lithium-ion batteries used to power electric vehicles (EVs), with sales expected to grow fast in coming years as governments around the world clamp down on polluting fossil fuels such as diesel and gasoline.

"It was a triangular deal where Glencore, CATL and VW got round the table," said a cobalt trading source. "CATL on their own weren't willing to commit to such a large quantity so VW said they would buy the batteries (from CATL)."

The contract to supply cobalt hydroxide and alloys, the sources said, was based on cobalt metal prices which at the time were around US$28,500 a tonne on the London Metal Exchange. They have since more than doubled to above US$58,000 a tonne.

Glencore and CATL declined to comment on the agreement.

"There is no guarantee from the VW group to anyone," said a spokesman for VW's operations in China.

A source at VW said the carmaker was talking to Chinese suppliers about securing batteries for its EV program, with those discussions focusing only on supplies and not the possibility of creating a joint venture for battery production.

"CATL is among the suppliers VW is currently talking to," the VW source said.

Asked whether this was true, the spokesman said: "We are not commenting on our business relations."

Volkswagen, which has been slow to develop battery-powered vehicles, is pushing an electric-car offensive, aiming to launch more than 10 electrified models by the end of next year and is targeting over 30 new battery-powered models by 2025.

Electric cars are a key part of VW’s efforts to draw a line under its diesel emissions scandal as it battles to regain trust among customers and investors.

VW wants to increase electric-car sales to 1 million autos a year by 2025 from a five-digit number at present.

"All the big car manufacturers even early last year were thinking EVs were pie in the sky. They've been caught by surprise, especially VW ... That's when they panicked and did this deal," a Europe-based cobalt trader said.

"Volkswagen quickly identified raw materials would be an issue and there would be advantages to securing supplies."

Minerals such as cobalt from Democratic Republic of Congo have been associated with fuelling conflict and child labor, but analysts say Volkswagen would derive a measure of comfort from locking in supplies from Glencore as a listed company answerable to shareholders and regulators.

For Glencore, the advantage was the removal of a massive overhang of inventory capping prices, though some sources did question the timing of the sale.

"To clear that inventory without hurting prices would have taken 12 to 18 months. Selling it in one chunk allowed them to be more aggressive on prices for new production," a cobalt producer said. "But nobody thought prices would rise so much."

Glencore this year tightened its grip on Congo's copper and cobalt resources by buying the remaining stake in one mine and upping its share in another for $960 million. It said the complex had the potential to become the world's largest cobalt producer.

Morgan Stanley analysts expect global car sales to rise 50 percent by 2050 to more than 130 million units a year. Its base case is for battery EVs to account for 47 percent of that total.

Glencore produced 28,300 tonnes of cobalt last year, dominating a market estimated at 100,000 tonnes. Roughly half was used in batteries for electric cars, as well as products including mobile phones, laptops, digital cameras and cordless power tools.

Cobalt is mostly a byproduct of nickel and copper. The DRC is estimated to produce 65 percent of the world's cobalt.


Porsche goes digital

                STUTTGART: The company that cemented its place in automotive history via a "slow and steady wins the race" evolutionary approach to sportscar design is taking a revolutionary approach to digitisation.

Porsche Digital will have offices in Berlin, Silicon Valley and China and is tasked with ensuring that regardless of technological changes, Porsche will stay in pole position when it comes to digital mobility in the higher echelons of the automotive market.

"Our business environment is changing ever more dynamically," said Dr Wolfgang Porsche, Supervisory Board chairman of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG of the decision to start the new subsidiary company. "We are combining the traditional Porsche spirit with the power of new technologies."

The new subsidiary will focus on new customer services and experiences and new products. "Digitization is leading to the renaissance of the automobile and is making it the central element of our digital lifestyle," said Thilo Kozlowski, who will be Porsche Digital's managing director. "We will create digital customer experiences typical of Porsche which are fascinating and intelligent - both inside and outside the vehicle."

However, the business will also be focused on other companies, institutions and even individuals. And that's because like a host of other car companies, Porsche is realizing that as consumers become more digitally connected and as new mobility trends develop, that it will need to work with tech companies in order to continue to understand customers' future needs.

Porsche Digital is therefore being positioned as a link between the Porsche Car Company and innovators around the world that can help the car maker open up a lead in areas such as smart mobility and autonomous driving.

"Innovation does not emerge by itself. It is all about developing ideas systematically," said Porsche CEO Blume. "Porsche has many ideas. The challenge is to think across functional divisions, use external resources, and take concrete action very rapidly -- especially in the digital environment."


Honda launches new HR-V Hybrid and RS

                PETALING JAYA: Honda Malaysia has launched two new variants to its compact HR-V SUV: the RS and Sport Hybrid i-DCD. The latter is another milestone for Honda in Malaysia as it is the only country outside of Japan to introduce the intelligent Dual-Clutch Drive (i-DCD) Hybrid system in the Compact Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).

The new HR-V Sport Hybrid i-DCD is priced at RM120,800 and the RS is priced at RM124,800 (all prices are on-the-road without insurance).

Honda Malaysia was also the first car manufacturer to produce Hybrid vehicles locally and the third country among Honda globally after Japan and United States of America to produce the Completely Knocked Down (CKD) Hybrid model since 2012.

 The RS variant.

Honda Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer Toichi Ishiyama said, “Our focus now is to lead the way in introducing next generation advanced technologies in all our products, providing the Joy of Buying to our customers. We have introduced the Sport Hybrid i-DCD, Turbo engine and advanced safety technology known as Honda SENSING in order to meet the demands and provide the best products to our customers in Malaysia.”

The HR-V Sport Hybrid i-DCD is powered by a 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine with Direct Injection which provides a boost to the vehicle performance with excellent fuel efficiency. Combined with 7-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission and Integrated High Power Motor.

The combined output of the engine and motor assisted by the High-Power Lithium-Ion Battery provides Hybrid power that is equal to a 2.0L engine with quick response and an exhilarating drive. The Sport Hybrid i-DCD system enables the vehicle to transfer power from its battery to motor during EV Mode which results in an efficient drive.

The system also includes an Electric Servo Brake System for improved energy regeneration and Fully Electric Driven Compressor air-conditioner system for the comfort of drivers and passengers. Other Hybrid exclusive features include the 3D Illuminated Meter Cluster Multi Information Display, Shift by Wire and Sport Mode.

Meanwhile, the RS has added features such as Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, 8-Way Driver Power Seat, full leather seats, Honda LaneWatch camera, Cruise Control and Paddle Shift. Standard Safety features in the New HR-V include six airbags, Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and ISOFix.

The new HR-V is available in 5 colour options: Passion Red Pearl (a new colour in the Honda model line-up), Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, Ruse Black Metallic, and White Orchid Pearl.


Mercedes-Benz EQC gearing up to hit the road

                STUTTGART: The electric vehicles from Mercedes-Benz is ready for launch as the all-electric EQC is produced at the Mercedes-Benz Bremen plant – and can be ordered now.

There the EQC can be flexibly integrated into the ongoing series production of vehicles with combustion engine or hybrid drive.

As a CASE pioneer, the EQC 400 4MATIC offers extensive standard equipment and attractive services.

"With the Mercedes-Benz EQC, we are entering a new era of mobility. It is part of the growing family of all-electric vehicles at Mercedes-Benz and combines brand-defining features such as quality, safety and comfort.

"We offer our customers progressive design and unique ride comfort – and this with a range absolutely suitable for everyday use," states Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales.

With its seamless, clean design and colour highlights typical of the brand, the Mercedes-Benz EQC is a pioneer for an avant-garde electric look while representing the design idiom of Progressive Luxury.

In combination with the extensive services and a range of 445 - 471 km (NEDC), it makes electric mobility convenient and suitable for everyday use.

The EQC is the forerunner in Mercedes-Benz's new electric drive generation and thus represents the "Electric Drive" CASE field. The EQC has a total output of 408hp.

An electric motor on each axle converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, offering impressive propulsion with 760Nm.

The EQC can basically be charged at a domestic socket; however, the Mercedes-Benz Wallbox Home enables all Mercedes-Benz battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids to be charged many times more quickly than at a conventional domestic socket.


Honda reveals new HR-V for Europe

                LONDON: Honda has revealed the first details of the 2019 HR-V for Europe.

The new model, its most sophisticated subcompact SUV to date, features enhanced exterior styling, updates to the interior and a range of advanced technologies.

Upgrades to the elegant exterior design include a more substantial interpretation of Honda’s 'Solid Wing Face’ graphic, with a new, high-gloss dark chrome panel that replaces the black-and-chrome combination above the grille. The front bumper features deeper air intake sections that house circular fog lights, and the headlights now have projector lenses with redesigned LED daytime running lights as standard.

At the rear, a dark chrome garnish across the tailgate mirrors the new trim at the front, and the rear lights sit within darker lens casings.

Higher-grade models feature a new 17-inch alloy design, and the exhaust tailpipe has a unique chrome finisher. The headlights and rear lights are upgraded to full LED units, and the rear casings are enhanced with dark "smoked" effect.

Honda will offer a choice of eight exterior colours for the new HR-V, including the addition of Midnight Blue Beam Metallic. The other colour choices comprise: Milano Red; Platinum White and Crystal Black in a pearlescent finish; and Lunar Silver, Modern Steel, Brilliant Sporty Blue and Ruse Black metallic hues.

The HR-V retains Honda’s innovative "Magic Seat" system. Redesigned seats for the driver and front passenger incorporate changes to the seat cushion and back rest, providing enhanced overall support – especially for the shoulder area. The standard fabric upholstery now uses a higher-quality material, while top grade models feature a full leather interior as standard.

READ MORE:
Honda to sell sportier HR-V RS in Malaysia
Honda HR-V versus Toyota C-HR

From launch, the 2019 Honda HR-V will be available with the highly-efficient 1.5-litre i-VTEC naturally aspirated petrol engine, which offers a high output of 130 PS and peak torque of 155Nm at 4,600 rpm. Acceleration from 0-100kph takes 10.2 seconds when equipped with the six-speed manual, and 10.9 seconds with the optional CVT. The petrol engine promises a blend of power and efficiency, with average fuel economy from 4.4 l/100km and official average CO2 emissions of 121 g/km for the CVT model.

The i-VTEC engine has been enhanced by "advanced plateau honing", that lowers the friction level between the pistons and the cylinder bores by creating an ultra-smooth surface. Its timing chain guides also feature a new friction-reducing coating, which further helps to reduce long-term wear and boost engine efficiency.

Honda has improved the interior quietness and refinement of the HR-V by adding greater levels of insulating material around the car, including around the front bulkhead and wheel arches, the boot structure, and both front and rear door panels.

Depending on model grade, the 2019 HR-V will also be equipped with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) for the first time. ANC is designed to reduce low-frequency noise in the interior by monitoring for such noises using two in-cabin microphones, and then cancelling them out with precisely-timed ‘reverse phase’ audio signals through the speakers.

Production of 2019 HR-V 1.5L i-VTEC variants has started with the deliveries starting from October. A sportier, 1.5L VTEC TURBO engine will follow with availability from spring 2019, alongside a 1.6L i-DTEC diesel engine.


Volkswagen hosts nationwide "Togetherness" Raya open house with durians!

                KUALA LUMPUR: Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia is hosting a nationwide "Togetherness" Raya Open House this weekend at all dealerships.

The celebration will be held on June 22 from 11.00am to 5.00pm where visitors can not only enjoy test drives on the available German models but also take advantage of its Hari Raya sales and aftersales deals.

Those who place a booking on that day will receive an additional RM2,000 petrol voucher on top of the ongoing promotion of RM1,000
petrol voucher.

This is applicable to bookings made on June 22 and for vehicles registered by June 30.

Additionally, the open house will allow visitors to feast on delicious Raya delights as well as durians and take part in fun activities for the whole family.

Eligible customers can also enjoy free Volkswagen Care Plus programme membership.

The Blue Durian is synonymous with Volkswagen’s nationwide Raya Open House and will be making its yearly appearance on that day, so
don’t miss out on selfie opportunities with the blue King of Fruits.

Don't forget to hashtag #VWDurian and #VolkswagenMalaysia.


Two new Modenas motorcycles in bid to expand market share

                KUALA LUMPUR: Motosikal dan Enjin Nasional Sdn Bhd (Modenas), a subsidiary of DRB-Hicom Bhd (DRB-Hicom) introduced two new motorcycle models, the KRISS 110 and Pulsar NS160, in its bid to capture a bigger share of the two-wheel market segment.

DRB-Hicom group managing director Datuk Sri Syed Faisal Albar said that with the launch of the motorcycle models, Modenas is confident of increasing its market share for moped and street bikes from 3.9% currently to 6% by the end of the year.

“These are interesting times for Modenas. The launch of these new motorcycles, aimed at two different market segments – the entry-level and the intermediate segment, will further widen our market offering to the millions of motorcyclists in the country, and further strengthen the Modenas brand as a whole,” said Syed Faisal.

Joining him at the launch event were Modenas chief executive officer Roslan Roskan and over 300 guests made up of Modenas dealers and stockists, Modenas business partners and associates, members of the media, as well as the management and staff of DRB-HICOM and Modenas.

Syed Faisal hoped the KRISS 110 will re-ignite the popularity of the first Modenas bike, launched in 1996.

“The original KRISS 110 was a huge success, with more than 800,000 units sold nationwide. We believe the new KRISS 110 will continue to build on the success and good name of the legendary bike in 1997”, he said.

He also hoped the latest Pulsar variant will be well-received, noting that the range of street bikes that were launched in 2017 (Pulsar, V15 and Dominar) has sold more than 10,000 units.

A four-stroke 110cc moped, the KRISS 110 is aimed at young adults looking to purchase their first motorcycle and who are seeking a reliable and easy-to-handle machine.

The bike produces 4.7bhp at 8,000rpm. It features a front drum and rear drum brake system complete with twin shocks and telescopic forks to help soften the bumps. Other features include a sporty headlamp and tail lamp designs, while the large 4.2 litre capacity fuel tank is capable of covering 200km per full tank.

 Modenas NS 160.

Meanwhile, the Pulsar NS160 is a four-stroke, 160cc naked street bike with a fuel injection DTSI engine, aimed at young executives and those who are looking to migrate from a moped to their first street bike at an affordable cost.

Featuring a single overhead cam engine, and running on a Bosch Fuel Injection System which is capable of delivering 11.05kW at 8,500rpm and 13.99Nm of torque, the engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox.

Modenas has set an annual sales target of 35,000 units for the KRISS 110 and 1,500 units for the Pulsar NS160. Both models will be available for purchase in October 2019.


2019 Toyota Hiace for emerging markets

                MANILA: Toyota Motor Corp has unveiled in the Philippines its first new Hiace model designed for overseas markets.

The new Hiace is built on a special revised platform, with a focus on emerging markets and usage as tourist minibuses, private buses, and vehicles for use in logistics.

The current Hiace model will continue to be sold in Japan as-is, due to the different local market environment.

"The Hiace was developed using the key words of "Hiace Pride," and from the concept of being a faithful partner that makes people feel safe, satisfied, and proud. Owners, drivers, and passengers know they are in good hands when they own, drive, and ride in a Hiace," commented chief engineer Takuo Ishikawa, who was responsible for development.

Two body types are available: Normal/Standard Roof and Long/High Roof.

Interior

- Up to 17 people can be carried in the "Commuter" versions―the most in its class―for private bus use.
- A specialized interior and functions for comfort in the new "Tourism" versions.
- The "Van" versions feature storage space sufficiently large for pallets.
- Large door pockets and generous under-seat stowage.

Driving performance

- The new Hiace offers greatly improved ride comfort, quietness, and safety via an all-new body based on the design ideas of TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture), such as high-level body rigidity achieved through ring-shaped frame structures.
- The comfortable interior reduces driver fatigue even over long distances, and high durability delivers safety and peace of mind whatever the road conditions.
- The engine is available either as the 1GD (2.8-liter diesel) or the 7GR (3.5-liter petrol).


Proton Exora refreshed from RM62,800

                SUBANG JAYA: Proton has updated its long-standing Exora multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) with new exterior and interior touches.

In Peninsular Malaysia, the Exora 1.6T Executive CVT comes with on-the-road without insurance price of RM62,800, while the Exora 1.6T Premium CVT is priced at RM69,800.

In Sabah and Sarawak, prices for the Executive and Premium are RM65,300 and RM72,300 respectively.

The new Exora comes with new Proton logo on the grille and tailgate, LED daytime running lamps, 16-inch alloy wheels in dual tone finishing, side skirtings, rear spoiler and a black roof with black rear garnish.

Inside, the seven-seater gets full leatherette seats, a leather wrapped multi-function steering wheel, armrests for the front seats, individual air-conditioning vents with N95 Cabin Filter for all rows.

The infotainment system features a seven-inch touchscreen monitor with the “Hi PROTON” Voice Command that features online navigation, music streaming, weather forecast, 4G and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Also available are smartphone connectivity to mirror link with Android devices and two USB ports for recharging electronic devices.

Powering the Exora is the familiar 1.6-litre turbocharged engine delivering 140PS and 205Nm mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Safety features include two front SRS airbags, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Emergency Stop Signal (ESS).

The Exora comes in Snow White, Indiana Grey, Rosewood Maroon, Ruby Red and Cocoa Grey.

At the vehicle's launch in Proton KEB Auto Sdn Bhd in TTDI Kajang, Selangor, Proton Deputy Chief Executive Officer Roslan Abdullah said the Exora is Malaysia’s first home-grown MPV and was designed and built with Malaysia’s rakyat in mind.

“With this latest update, we took a class-leading product and made it even better for drivers and passengers alike, across a variety of applications, by reinforcing its proposition of power, space, and value.

“With more than 180,000 units sold over 13 years, the Exora is Malaysia’s best-selling C-Segment MPV and to this day retains that position,” he said.


New Proton X70 1.5-litre Premium X variant: RM127K

                SHAH ALAM: The Proton X70 1.5 TGDi is now available as a Premium X 2WD variant with Quartz Black as an exclusive colour option, starting July 4, 2023.

The new Premium X 2WD variant also has a panaromic sunroof, and is priced without insurance at RM126,800.

Available colours for the Premium X 2WD variant are Space Grey, Snow White, and the exclusive Quartz Black.

In a statement, Proton pointed out that the 1.5 TGDi engine has been assembled in the Tanjung Malim plant since April 2022, which is one of the most advanced automotive engine assembly lines in the country.

The 1.5 TGDi engine produces maximum power of 177ps and maximum torque of 255Nm.


Open-top Ferrari 812 Superfast could be coming

                MARANELLO: As spotted by CNET's Roadshow, Ferrari owners using the FerrariChat forum have said that they've received invitations from the company to an 812 Superfast Spider model reveal event in September.

Starting on Tuesday, European Ferrari owners began receiving invitations for a 812 Superfast Spider reveal event scheduled for either Sept 2 or Sept 8.

While details about this version of the model are virtually non-existent, considering that Spider-ised cars are simply drop-top renditions of the standard models, the specs are reasonably predictable — we can expect them to line up relatively closely with the existing Superfast.

The 812, originally launched in 2017, is equipped with a V12 engine whose power measures in at about 790hp and has maximum torque is 720Nm. Accompanied by the iconic Ferrari engine roar, the model can make it to a top speed of nearly 340kph and can sprint to 100kph from a standstill in 2.9 seconds.

So far, the company has not publicly commented on the invitations, the events, or the upcoming model.

With the Ferrari 812 Superfast having a starting price of US$363,730 (RM1.5mil), the Spider version's price tag is expected to only go up.


Reckless driver causes three-car pile-up on MRR2 in KL

                KUALA LUMPUR: Several videos of a car speeding and weaving through traffic before getting involved in a multi-vehicle accident has gone viral on social media.

One of the videos, a three minute long clip believed to be dashcam footage, shows the black car weaving through several lanes along a three lane road.

Traffic then begins to slow down and the motorist in the car is heard saying that he believes the speeding car has met with an accident.

As the driver moves through the traffic, his hunch is proven right and he sees the wrecked black car as well as several other vehicles which were involved in the accident.

Another clip, also dashcam footage from another vehicle, shows the black vehicle trying to squeeze between a car and a pick-up truck and crashing into the rear end of the car before ramming into the rear of a third vehicle.

Ampang Jaya OCPD Asst Comm Mohamad Farouk Eshak said the incident occurred at around 10.05am on Saturday along the Middle Ring Road 2 near Kuala Ampang.

"Investigations showed that the driver of the car lost control while avoiding another.

"The vehicle then spins before hitting the rear of an MPV and skidding into the left lane," he said in a statement today.

He said the driver had suffered multiple injuries and was sent to the Ampang Hospital for treatment.

"The drivers of the other vehicles escaped uninjured.

"We have sent a blood sample from the driver of the car to the Chemistry Department for a toxicology test," he said, adding that the case was being investigated under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for driving recklessly and dangerously.


Huawei and carmakers team up for 5G adoption

                SHENZHEN: Huawei, the world’s leading ICT provider, has established an alliance with 18 automakers to build a 5G-enabled automobile ecosphere to accelerate commercial use of 5G technologies in the industry.

The first batch of 18 automakers of this alliance include First Automobile Group, Chang'an Automobile, Dongfeng Motor Corporation, SAIC Motor Corporation, Guangzhou Automobile Group, BYD Auto, Great Wall Motors, Chery Holdings and JAC Motors.

"Together with the deep convergence of automotive and ICT, intelligent connected vehicle emerges as a new revolutionary development engine of human society, with its impact goes far beyond the two industries themselves," said Eric Xu, Huawei Rotating Chairman.

With advantages in transmission speed, reliability and low latency, 5G technology is considered essential for enhancing connected vehicles’ self-driving and entertainment capabilities.

According to GlobalData, Asia-Pacific (APAC) will be the leading region in terms of 5G technology adoption with 1.14 billion subscribers, accounting for 65% of global 5G subscriptions by 2024, which will significantly influence the segments like IoT and automobile.

Since the launch of its first 5G communications hardware MH5000 in April 2019, Huawei has provided products and technologies such as the T-Box platform for ecosystem partners to support 5G vehicle and 5G+C-V2X intelligent network application innovation.

In April, Huawei launched a new DC fast-charging module product “Huawei HiCharger”, a solution to NEV charging infrastructures. The company is also building an open intelligent-driving platform to study app interface, car controlling systems, smart cockpits and the internet of vehicles.


Cars and speakers: Baidu speeds up AI progress

Visitors use virtual reality goggles at the annual Baidu World Technology Conference in Beijing. — AFP
BEIJING: Chinese web giant Baidu unveiled Thursday a smart speaker model and plans for a self-driving mini-bus, its latest foray into the hyper-competitive field of artificial intelligence.

Baidu will collaborate with bus manufacturer King Long to develop and produce the first model of a fully autonomous mini-bus, Baidu CEO Robin Li said during the company's annual technology conference at a glitzy Beijing hotel.

The company aims to start "small-scale production" on the mini-bus in July 2018.

Baidu also plans to launch self-driving car models in 2019 in cooperation with manufacturers JAC Motors and BAIC, as well as the Chery car group, Li said, noting that these vehicles will be able to reduce traffic jams endemic to Chinese cities.

The company, regarded by some as the "Chinese Google", established in September a US$1.5bil fund dedicated to developing driverless cars.

In April, it launched "Apollo," an "open platform" on which its technologies can be shared with developers and automakers. The platform signals a move to compete with Californian giant Alphabet (Google's parent company) and its subsidiary Waymo.

Baidu also unveiled Thursday a voice-responsive speaker — the "Raven H" — similar to Amazon's "Echo" loudspeaker.

The product, which will be sold in China starting December for US$256, takes advantage of Baidu's advancements in voice recognition and artificial intelligence.

Li likewise announced at the conference that the Baidu smartphone application will also be upgraded to better integrate voice recognition — no small feat given the tonal complexities of Mandarin and diversity of Chinese dialects.


Motorbike racing legend Jorge Lorenzo collects his new Lambo Urus S

                BOLOGNA: Jorge Lorenzo, winner of 47 MotoGP races and the fifth most successful rider of all time, collected his new Urus S by participating in Lamborghini’s La Prima customer experience.

On two wheels or four, few people know more about performance or control than the Spanish bike racing hero, Jorge Lorenzo.

A five-time world champion in one of the world’s most thrilling sports, Majorcan-born Lorenzo won back-to-back 250cc world titles before moving to MotoGP in 2008.

His career spanned 12 seasons in bike racing’s premier category, during which time he won three world championships in 2010, 2012 and 2015. In 2022, he was inducted into the MotoGP Hall of Fame, where he was officially anointed a "legend".

Lorenzo is also a Lamborghini enthusiast, and last week visited the home of the Italian super sports car maker for a full factory immersion and to collect his new Urus S.

“Lamborghini is one of the most iconic automotive brands, especially in Italy,” he says. ‘It represents the most extreme sports car you can have. I wanted a true sports car but also something discreet, and I think the Urus S has everything. The engine is extremely powerful and the performance is incredible. But the Urus also has comfort and safety. You have everything in one, right? It’s truly multi-functional.”

Thanks to the company’s La Prima program, customers have the opportunity to collect their new Lamborghini from the factory.

The visit can be tailored according to the client’s wishes, but includes a guided VIP tour through the production facilities.

Lorenzo’s visit included exploring Lamborghini’s recently expanded, world-class carbon fibre facility; a tour of the production lines for both Urus and the company’s newly announced Revuelto super sports car; and a visit to the recently renewed Lamborghini Museum.

Although Lamborghini’s Ad Personam program offers customers a vast choice of colours, Lorenzo elected for a stealthier treatment.

The principal exterior colour is Nero Helene, with Nero Ade as the primary interior hue. Giallo Taurus yellow stitching on the steering wheel and seatbelts enliven the Urus S’s interior.

The Urus S is the latest Lamborghini to grace the racer’s garage, but he also respects the brand’s history.

“I love technology and it’s incredible to see how much has changed here since my last visit. I like to drive the latest car because it is the one that showcases the newest tech. But I’m a big fan of classic cars, too. The Miura has never gone out of fashion, but I love the Murciélago and Diablo too. The truth is that every Lamborghini has something special about it.”

Asked to sum up Lamborghini in one word, Lorenzo finds himself using rather more. “Emotional,” he says. “It’s a car that really lights your flame.’”

Since its launch in 2018, the Lamborghini Urus has established itself as the most successful model in the company’s history.

A highly versatile five-door five-seat Super SUV with impressive all-terrain capability, the Urus S delivers authentic Lamborghini driving dynamics and searing performance. It is powered by the company’s award-winning 4.0-litre, 666 CV twin-turbo V8, and can accelerate to 100kph in 3.5 seconds.

The S has a retuned exhaust system for an even sharper sonic signature. The car’s character becomes progressively sportier depending on which of the six drive modes has been selected.

These include Strada, Sport, Corsa, and Ego, which allows the driver to personalise the settings.

The system takes its cues from the powertrain, gearbox, rear differential, suspension, steering and the 48-volt active anti-roll system to alter the car’s personality.

Power is sent to all four wheels using a variable all-wheel drive system that incorporates an active centre differential and a rear differential, giving the Urus S torque vectoring across the rear axle for phenomenal handling capabilities.


Kia talks up the comfort levels in EV9 as a result of its innovations

                SEOUL: The EV9 Kia unveiled in March is equipped with a heat pump to offer superior cabin comfort – even in the most extreme conditions.

Unlike most EVs, which use a basic electric heater for cabin climate control, the EV9 is equipped with a heat pump for added efficiency.

The heat pump works like a reverse refrigerator: when the outside gets cool, the inside gets warm.

And for even more efficiency, the waste heat of the e-motors and Power Electronics (PE) system is collected and used to heat the cabin.

This reduced energy consumption has a positive effect on driving range, as less electricity is needed to heat the cabin, meaning more battery power can be devoted to driving the car.

“Our goal is to tune the climate system to offer the best compromise between cabin comfort and energy consumption," said Richard Peiler, Group Manager HVAC & PT Cooling at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center.

“We are confident that EV9 customers will experience both a comfortable cabin and a satisfying driving range.”

The EV9 has three rows of seats to accommodate up to seven passengers. Two independent climate control systems create separate climate zones for the driver, the front passenger, and the rear passengers.

It also comes standard with ventilated and heated seats in both the first and the second rows, meaning the EV9 delivers even more comfort to everyone onboard. The wiring of the heated seats has also been improved to be more energy efficient.

“Having two independent HVAC systems doesn’t only increase comfort – it also reduces unnecessary power consumption”, says Gregor Krumboeck, Product Marketing Manager at Kia Europe. “They can save energy by turning off the air conditioning for empty seats, or for passengers who don’t want it.”

During testing, Kia engineers tuned the control algorithm of the climate control to maximise cabin comfort and to optimise power consumption under extremely hot and cold conditions.

The cabin climate control can automatically control the temperature, intensity and direction of air flow, or the passengers can manually adjust them instead.

Kia said the EV9 is the first Kia vehicle in Europe to feature a new climate control panel, improving the user interface as well.

The new panel makes it easier to see and control all climate settings in one click, without needing to open the infotainment sub-menus.

The EV9 also features four new and improved vents in the roof. The vent structure has been updated to optimise air resistance and diffusion angle to heat or cool all second- and third-row passengers evenly.

In addition to the heating and air circulation systems, the air conditioning of the EV9 features improvements as well.

The new after-blow system for the air conditioning reduces condensation build up on the evaporator, preventing the development of bacteria and odours.

It works by detecting if the air conditioning has been used over a long period of time while driving and, if so, using the blower to dry the water which may have built up inside of it. The after-blow system only operates above a certain temperature, meaning it won’t lead to additional battery discharge in winter.

Kia plans to launch 15 new battery electric vehicles (BEVs) by 2027, and to grow its BEV sales to 1.6 million units by 2030.


2018 Geneva Motor Show: Lagonda Vision Concept is Aston's take on future eco-lux cars

GENEVA: Aston Martin showcased the Lagonda Vision Concept at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, marking the start of a new range of state of the art, emission-free luxury vehicles. Production is planned to start in 2021.

Lagonda aims to be the world’s first zero emission luxury brand.

"We believe people associate luxury in their cars with a certain traditional and even old-fashioned approach because, to date, that is all that’s been available to them," said Aston Martin president and chief executive officer Dr Andy Palmer. "Lagonda exists to challenge that thinking and prove that being modern and luxurious are not mutually exclusive concepts."

The Lagonda ‘Vision Concept’ is a near future study that previews the design language that could potentially be seen in production Lagonda models as soon as 2021. Alongside the new concept, two 40% scale models will be displayed, one coupe concept and one SUV concept, to show how the Lagonda design language could be adapted for the future.

The Vision Concept carves out space for four adults, each of two metres height or more, for them to stretch out in luxurious comfort.

The Lagonda Vision Concept doesn’t have a bonnet because one is not required. But it still needs to travel through the air and to do so as efficiently as possible to preserve battery life, which is why its shape is sleek and dynamic.

The rear hinged back doors open outwards, while the roof sections also open upwards to provide ease of access. Occupants can literally stand up inside and walk out of the car, or step straight into it.

Front seats are not mounted on conventional runners which always interfere with where those in the back would like to place their feet, but instead sit on cantilevered arms extending from the floor outside the seat frame providing an uncluttered floor area. Seats are more like armchairs, with heavily bolstered arms.

The Lagonda Vision Concept is designed for Level Four autonomous driving, meaning the car is capable of driving itself in all routine circumstances and on all recognisable roads.

As a result, the steering wheel can not only move from left to right hand drive according to need, in autonomous mode it can also retract entirely allowing front seat passengers to rotate through 180 degrees to engage in face to face conversation with those in the back. The car will not only have 360-degree awareness of the world around it, but also be fully connected to it, allowing occupants access to bespoke concierge services and connectivity.

The Lagonda Vision Concept has been configured to accept powerful solid state electric batteries installed in the floor, enabling it to cover up to 644km between charges, comparable to travelling between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The concept has also has been designed to be compatible with the latest wireless conductive charging technology.

The car will have intelligent all-wheel drive, capable of delivering 100 to zero per cent of available torque to any given wheel on demand.


Porsche Asia Pacific and Puma reveal sneaker venture

                BANGKOK: Sneaker fans, take note. Porsche has teamed up with Puma to create a colourful anniversary sneaker collection for Thailand’s young dreamers, while teaming up with 88rising to discover rising talent in the country.

Porsche and Puma have released a batch of limited-edition sneakers as part of "Dreams in Colours", a celebration of three decades of enduring Porsche passion in Thailand.

Alongside the collaboration, Porsche has partnered with pioneering global music and media company 88rising to run a #Dreamsincolours TikTok competition, which aims to empower aspiring Thai artists to achieve their dreams.

The sneaker collection has been designed to complement the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS – 30 Years Porsche Thailand Edition, a limited-edition model created to mark three decades of Porsche in Thailand.

The sports car was unveiled earlier this year in a choice of seven different colours, representing the different days of the week in Thai culture, and sold out shortly after it was launched.

Like the celebratory 911 Carrera GTS, the Porsche x Puma California Pro 911 ‘Dreams in Colours’ Edition comes in seven bright hues: Signal Yellow, Ruby Star, Signal Green, Pastel Orange, Riviera Blue, Ultra Violet and Fire Red.

In a nod to 1993 – the year that Thailand officially began importing and distributing Porsche cars – just 1,993 pairs will be created as part of the colourful new collaboration.

Each Puma California Pro sneaker is panel-matched to the correct Porsche Paint-to Sample colours from the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS – 30 Years Porsche Thailand Edition, and crafted using quality materials.

Like the owners of the limited-edition 911, sneaker fans and aspiring young Thai dreamers can pick the sneaker colour that corresponds to the day they were born for an extra dose of good luck.

The sneaker also boasts bespoke asymmetric details, for example the Porsche Paint-to-Sample colour code on the left tongue and the corresponding day on the right tongue.

The insoles on each side are also different: on the left, a Classic Porsche 964 and on the right, the 911 Carrera GTS – 30 Years Porsche Thailand Edition, matching the colour and day of the sneaker.

Intricate details such as the sneaker’s edition number, a contemporary "911" logo on the rear pull tab, a special box and a set of additional exclusive accessories complete the collection.

The limited-edition Porsche x Puma California Pro 911 "Dreams in Colours" Edition will be released today, and will be available from Carnival Bangkok, and at both Porsche Studios Iconsiam and Siam Paragon, as well as at selected Puma stores in Thailand.

The sneakers will retail for 6,500 baht (RM862).


Introducing the smart forease

                PARIS: smart celebrates its 20th anniversary at the Paris Motor Show (Oct 4 to 14, 2018) with a show car, the smart forease, that interprets and embodies urban driving fun in a refreshing way.

The smart forease is extroverted and offers an uncomplicated solution for urban mobility. Seated under the open sky, the driver is at the centre of the hustle and bustle of the city, in which, thanks to the electric drive, they can freely participate.

The openness and minimalistic style are a tribute to the pioneering smart concept vehicles "crossblade" (2001) and "forspeed" (2011).

It takes up the original motto of smart, reduce to the max, with a twinkle in its eye, standing for the authentic urban mobility that continues to be the underlying concept behind the brand.

"The smart forease embodies a refreshingly simple form of driving fun in the city, standing for urban electric mobility without compromise – because, if in doubt, smart always opts for a consistent approach. The result is a sustainable driving experience built on freedom," says Katrin Adt, new Head of smart from October.

"The smart forease is proof that smart thinks unconventionally. Its design is reduced and pure," says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer, Daimler AG. "The smart forease is a statement of urbanity and individual style. It has the coolness of the metropolis and demonstrates a truly free spirit."


Polish driving test candidate runs over and kills examiner

                WARSAW: An examiner was run over and killed by a 68-year-old woman taking her driving test in the southern Polish city of Rybnik on Monday, police said.

The 35-year-old examiner was run over by the candidate at an examination centre during the part of the test focusing on maneuvers, Rybnik police said in a statement on their website.

“A 68-year-old woman, in circumstances which are unknown at the present time, hit the examiner, who unfortunately as a result of his injuries died at the scene,” deputy police commissioner Ryszard Czepczor told news channel TVP Info.

At the time of the accident, the examiner was probably testing another candidate, the police said.

Footage from TVP Info showed the red Toyota Yaris involved in the accident with its front bumper and number plate hanging off as it was loaded on to a truck.

“When we spoke to the woman she was in a state of shock and because of that speaking to her would be quite difficult,” said Czepczor.


Aston Martin gives the Vanquish an Ultimate send-off

                LONDON: Aston Martin has announced details of a final edition of its current flagship model, the Vanquish S, which is destined to get the company's biggest fans reaching for the phone.

The Vanquish S Ultimate will be capped at 175 editions and offered in three unique design themes.

Under the hood, the engine will remain the same — Aston's own 6-litre, 595bhp V12 — as will the transmission, chassis and braking set up.

But where the new model will differ is with a host of subtle exterior and interior aesthetic details.

"As the much-loved and highly-acclaimed Vanquish S nears the end of production, we wanted to celebrate its success with a limited run of very special cars. The Ultimate edition perfectly captures the spirit of Vanquish," said Aston Martin VP, Christian Marti.

So, for example, regardless of the design theme the owner plumps for, they'll get a car with side strakes (what Aston calls its wing-mounted air intakes) made from carbon fibre and with rose gold Ultimate Edition emblems. While for the interior, the company's craftsmen have developed a new quilting design for the leather seats.

As for what each design theme will offer, the first is about the play of monochrome tones. It comes with a black exterior paint finish including wheels, brake callipers and exhausts, but the single tone is offset with copper bronze detailing around the front air intake and rear diffuser.

The same effect is achieved for the interior by dressing the seats in black leather with chestnut tan contrasting details and stitching.

The second is essentially the inverse of the first with white replacing black for the exterior (while maintaining the copper bronze detailing) and in the cabin too. The seats are Chestnut tan with black leather accents and detailing.

The third is the strongest in terms of colour palette of all the styles Aston has developed for the 175-vehicle run. It comes with a grey paint finish with contrasting cobalt blue detailing plus bright yellow brake callipers. Inside, the seats are finished in grey leather with yellow and blue detailing.

"With the Ultimate Edition we have accentuated the Vanquish S's unique blend of tradition, technology and craftsmanship," said Marek Reichman, the company's chief creative officer. "Our design team has created three unique themes which unite an exterior and interior package, but we have been careful to ensure each exterior colour and interior theme work well together to offer our customers maximum choice."

And being an Aston Martin, the owner can also take the car to the company's Q division for further bespoke touches. But they probably won't as the 'standard' S Ultimate could very well end up becoming a serious collector's car within a few years.


VW to be revamped into four holding companies, say sources

                BERLIN/FRANKFURT: Volkswagen's corporate structure will be overhauled into a decentralised system with four holding companies in a bid to boost profits at Europe's largest carmarker, three VW sources said on Monday.

VW's top management may cede power by setting up the holding companies: one for mass market car brands, one for trucks and two divisions for premium brands, with one to be headed by Audi and other by Porsche, said three company sources.

Former BMW manager Herbert Diess may run the holding company for mass market brands, which will include VW, Skoda and Seat passenger cars, when he takes office on July 1, the sources said.

The decentralised structure was outlined by newspaper Handelsblatt on Monday, citing company sources. VW declined to comment.

The new company structure, to be drawn up by top players at VW over the summer, may spark a wider reshuffle of managers that could cause sales chief Christian Klingler to lose his job, sources said last week.

The Wolfsburg-based automaker wants to boost regional sales operations and become more nimble.

The company's trouble spots were laid bare by the April showdown between former chairman Ferdinand Piech and Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn which led to the surprise exit of VW's patriarch.

VW's overall sales fell for a second month in row for the first time in about five and a half years in May, reinforcing the need for structural changes at the German behemoth.

Some analysts said splitting the structure into four holding companies would have little impact while others said it could make the manufacturing giant more nimble.

"Reorganising brands doesn't sell a single additional product or generate any value per se," Evercore ISI analyst Arndt Ellinghorst said.

VW brand deliveries have started to shrink in China after years of steady growth in the world's largest auto market and analysts believe VW has failed to address product gaps there, as it has failed to do in the United States and Brazil as well.

"VW has in the past often responded slowly to market parameters which are changing quickly," M.M. Warburg analyst Marc-Rene Tonn said.

"Realigning brands in that way makes good sense, it would clarify responsibilities and speed up decision-making."

Winterkorn met with senior members of the supervisory board last Friday to discuss the development of the new structure. The CEO is seeking to make progress on the matter before top management's Aug 3-21 summer break, one source said.


DBKL's response to illegal parking bay 'booking' comes under fire

                KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) enforcement officers say city folk should take proactive action when dealing with people who illegally reserve parking bays.

Unlike clear-cut traffic offences like double parking, obstruction or hogging, the officers are unable to help in cases of people “booking” parking bays.

“We don’t know who put the items there so we cannot issue a summons,” said a DBKL officer who did not want to be named.

“During enforcement ops, those using old motorcycles, bicycles, scooters, flower pots, rubbish bins and chairs to reserve space won’t show their face or admit the objects belong to them. So we can only take the items away.

“But if a member of the public sees such items being used to reserve a bay, the individual can remove them,” said the officer from the Bukit Bintang branch.

Another officer, overseeing the Seputeh area, said, “People are afraid to do so (remove the obstructions from parking bays) because they worry that their car will be scratched or they may get hurt.

“But we have street cameras in most places, which monitor the areas.

“People who belong to a strong residents association or business association that is strict about rules, should work together to stop people from illegally reserving parking bays,” said the officer.

It is no secret that the lack of a parking operator in Kuala Lumpur has left DBKL’s parking system in a chaotic state.

Since the contract of previous parking contractor Vista Summerose Sdn Bhd was terminated in 2018, parking matters have been under the purview of DBKL’s Finance Department.

However, City Hall is struggling to manage parking facilities in Kuala Lumpur, especially since parking is free in many areas.

DBKL’s suggestion for the public to remove the obstacles has not received positive response.

Long-time Brickfields resident Dr Christopher Nicholas said, “I do not agree with DBKL asking residents to become vigilantes. Who will take responsibility if someone gets hurt in the process?”

A retired teacher from Kepong, Salmiah Hasan, said she was afraid of being targeted if she was to remove flower pots placed by her neighbour to book parking space.

“They might scratch my car or even hurt my cats,” she said.

Salak South Garden Residents Association (SSGRA) chairman Paramasivam Govindasamy is also not in favour of DBKL’s suggestion for residents to get involved in addressing parking space-hogging issues.

“Enforcement is key. If authorities show their presence regularly, people will stop booking bays in such a manner,” he said.

Most agree that regular enforcement is the way forward.

“I think that a better option is for DBKL to instal artificial intelligence (AI)-equipped closed-circuit television cameras in traffic hotspots to nab culprits in the act,’’ said Nicholas.

“Commercial areas like Jalan Sepadu, Brickfields, Bangsar, Wangsa Maju and Kuchai Entrepreneurs Park are notorious for people reserving parking bays. These areas could do with some AI monitoring,” he added.

When contacted, a DBKL spokesperson said the public could remove items from the sites as public parking bays were not personal property.

“However some parking bays are reserved/rented out by DBKL’s Finance Department to shopowners,” said the spokesperson.

These officially booked bays, said the spokesperson, were only reserved from 7.30am to 6pm Mondays to Saturdays.

The bays are open to the public and cannot be blocked or reserved after 6pm daily and on public holidays.

With regards to those hogging parking bays all day, the officer said nothing could be done as long as the vehicle was parked within a bay.

“They are not breaking the law because parking is free in some areas,” he said.

StarMetro observed on Labour Day that there were hundreds of bays in Kuala Lumpur reserved with objects, both in residential and commercial areas.


Fans take BYD to task as recall confusion clouds Chinese EV maker's image

                SHANGHAI: Customers of China's BYD Co Ltd, the world's biggest electric vehicle (EVs) maker by sales, have taken the unusual step of urging regulators to expand a battery replacement recall to safeguard the reputation of a national champion.

Two BYD customers said they and others questioned why BYD had instructed dealers to replace batteries in their cars which were not subject to the recall.

Though compensated, the customers said they wanted BYD to be more transparent.

The Shenzhen-based automaker did not respond to Reuters' requests for comment.

BYD has been a major beneficiary in the auto industry's rapid shift toward electrification, propelled by the backing of US billionaire investor Warren Buffet.

The three-decade-old firm has seen sales more than quadruple so far in 2022, largely shrugging off a slump brought by Covid-19 containment measures.

A maker of both electric cars and buses, BYD also builds batteries which it has portrayed as the industry's safest and which it is close to supplying U.S. EV peer Tesla Inc, BYD's executive vice president has said.

It is this success that supporters fear could be undermined by public relations missteps.

BYD's image has already taken a hit this year when its factory emissions were blamed for causing nosebleeds among local children.

BYD said it complied with emissions rules and called the nosebleed allegations malicious.

"As an icon of the Chinese EV sector, BYD is failing us," said one of the complainants surnamed Wu.

"It should be more transparent and honest facing such problems."

The complaints centre on the Tang DM-i plug-in hybrid sport utility vehicle (SUV) launched in April 2021 and priced around 200,000 yuan (RM132,000).

Tang DM is BYD's best-selling premium series with September-May sales exceeding 60,000 vehicles.

In April 2022, the State Administration of Market Regulation (SAMR) announced a recall of 9,663 Tang DM-i cars saying a defect in the battery pack could cause fires.

Three Tang DM-i owners told Reuters their cars were not on the recall list but that dealers in June had called them in to replace their batteries.

Two said they were told the swap was due to quality issues and that the dealers would not elaborate.

The third said the dealer, when pressed, revealed the swap was on BYD's instruction and was due to the April recall.

A bill seen by Reuters showed all charges covered by the manufacturer.

Two said they and others had submitted letters of complaint at SAMR's Defective Product Administrative Center after contact with BYD proved fruitless.

They want an investigation into what they called a "secret recall" for fear of any damage to one of China's best-known international brands.

"BYD is growing too fast while its management is not able to keep up with its growth," said a complainant, who declined to be identified due to privacy concerns.

"We hope this giant can make breakthroughs from this lesson and create real achievements."

It was unclear what criteria was necessary for SAMR to act. The regulator did not respond to Reuters' requests for comment.

A dealer in Sichuan said the Tang DM-i was being "widely recalled" but was unsure whether the scope was beyond the public recall.

A Shanghai dealer owned by BYD declined to comment. A Shenzhen dealer did not respond to requests for comment.

Fires

Plug-in hybrids - which draw power from batteries and combustion engines - make up half of BYD's passenger vehicle sales, with sales increasing nearly six times in January-May versus the same period a year earlier.

For all new-energy vehicle makers, however, fires constitute a persistent problem.

In the past six months alone, over a dozen videos have been posted on social media showing BYD EVs on fire.

Several reviewed by Reuters showed large amounts of smoke rising from Tang-series SUVs, followed by blasts from the bottom of the vehicles where the battery packs sit.

Reuters was unable to verify the authenticity of the videos.

Two years ago, chairman Wang Chuanfu touted BYD's Blade battery, saying it would "guide the global battery industry back on track" and "put an end to spontaneous combustion" in EVs.

The Tang DM-i Blade battery pack differs in structure to the Blade for battery-only EVs - such as might be supplied to Tesla - but uses the same lithium-iron phosphate chemistry.

In the recall, SAMR said some Tang DM-i battery packs risk malfunction because a defective component could expose the system to water and cause "thermal runaway", or a sudden increase in temperature that could cause an explosive fire.

Recalls not involving casualties usually have little sales impact, said auto analyst Shi Ji at China Merchants Bank International.

That said, of increasing importance is the manner in which an automaker handles the recall, Shi added.

"The e-mobility trend has pushed automakers to be much more customer-oriented than before," Shi said.

"Battery safety is one of the key factors to convince buyers, especially for the mass-market segment that BYD is after."


Mercedes-Benz GLA to get digital launch next month

                STUTTGART: Mercedes-Benz is presenting a car as a purely digital world premiere for the first time in its history.

The new model will mark its first presentation to the world on the communication platform Mercedes me media.

Those interested can view the world premiere from 2pm CET on Dec 11 2019 here.

Against the background of its corporate revamp, Mercedes-Benz is also exploring new communication tools.

For example, augmented reality is not just a feature in the new GLA, but also plays a role in the presentation of the new model by Ola Källenius, Chairman of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, and Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler Group.

The new GLA, the eighth model rounding off the current compact car generation of Mercedes-Benz, is also the entry-level into the brand's SUV model family.


Newest Tesla electric will aim at middle market

                SAN FRANCISICO: Tesla is set to unveil the Model 3, its long-anticipated pitch to middle class drivers and a key component in founder Elon Musk's vision to turn the electric car into a mainstream  product.

Tesla Motors, until now a purveyor of luxurious all-electric cars with equally luxurious price-tags, plans to sell the Model 3 for US$35,000 (nearly RM140,000), half the base price of the flagship Model S.

The Model 3 will be unveiled at Tesla's Design Studio in Hawthorne, California, on March 31.

Now only putting out 50,000 cars a year, Tesla plans to use the Model 3 to turn itself into a mainstream automaker selling 500,000 electrics annually by 2020.

Analysts say the new car is critical to Tesla at a time when cheap gasoline is challenging all green cars, and as rival General Motors stakes its claim on the electric vehicle middle market with its new Chevrolet Bolt.

"The Model 3 is really the measure if Tesla is going to make it long-term as a car company," said Jessica Caldwell, an analyst at the auto industry website Edmunds.com.

"If they want to bring the EV to the mass market they need the Model 3 to be successful."

The Model 3 will be about 20 percent shorter than the S, placing it in the same segment as the Audi A4. It will also have four-wheel drive, according to people close to the matter.

The car is expected to be able to travel up to 500km without being recharged, depending on the battery system chosen, and will include modern safety systems such as Autopilot.

The first Model 3s are to be delivered by the end of 2017 in the US, and 2018 in Europe. Consumers can pre-order the vehicles starting March 31 for a deposit of US$1,000 or 1,000 euros (RM4,470).

Tesla launched its electric car campaign in the 2008 Roadster sports car, constructed on the chassis of a Lotus. It then moved into luxury vehicles with Model S, followed by the Model X crossover.

The Model 3 is the logical next step.

"This is their chance to prove that they are not just a specialized niche automaker, but actually a long-term volume automaker," said Karl Brauer, analyst at Kelley Blue Book.

"They have to establish that they can build a high-quality volume vehicle."

The group also must demonstrate that it has learned the lessons of past launches, which were marred by significant delays, as when the difficulties with the gull wing doors pushed back the timeframe on the Model X.

Tesla also faces direct competition from the soon to be released 322km range Chevrolet Bolt, which will have a one-year head start on the Model 3 in getting the attention of consumers looking for a moderately priced EV.

Darin Gesse, product marketing manager for Chevrolet's electrification division, admitted "There is a cachet and a brand image" at Tesla.

Nevertheless, he said, "We also know Chevrolet has a brand image. We have shown that our customers have been the most happy in the country. Our battery is solid. We have confidence."

Brauer said the Bolt's earlier debut could pose problems for Tesla.

"If it would have hit now, it would have been a game-changer as first to market," Brauer said. "Now it's going to be the second to arrive after the Bolt."

Cheap gas is also a challenge, as more consumers opt for SUVs and other large vehicles.

In February, only about three percent of the 1.3 million cars sold in the US were green cars, according to data from hybridcars.com

"Gas prices are still down," Caldwell said. "I think you will get the Tesla fans, but you may not have a massive mainstream market."


Mitsubishi Outlander roped in as police patrol vehicles

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian police force has recently acquired 15 units of the 2.4-litre Mitsubishi Outlander.

PLUS Highway bought the vehicles and gave them to the police for traffic law enforcement on its highways.

The Outlander would enhance the effectiveness in enforcing traffic laws during festive seasons, said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun.

A handover ceremony was held at Persada PLUS, Subang Jaya, witnessed by local distributor Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia .

 From left: Shinnishi and Fuzi with PDRM and PLUS Highway management personnel.

“Safety is the Mitsubishi Outlander's strongest suit, befitting its role as a family vehicle. But now, we are delighted to know that besides being one of the best safety specced vehicles on the road, the Outlander is meeting every policing requirement to assist them with the enforcement of traffic laws on the highway,” said Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia chief executive officer Tomoyuki Shinnishi during the handover ceremony.

“With many years of winning experience in the gruelling Dakar Rally under its belt, Mitsubishi is also a specialist in rugged 4WD vehicles. So with the Outlander’s safety function, power and stability, we are confident that the Outlander will do its part in assisting our policemen to eradicate traffic offences and eventually lower the risk of road accidents,” he added.

In a separate ceremony, the police also received eight Mitsubishi vehicles including the 2.4-litre Outlander and ASX compact SUV, contributed by another highway concessionaire, ANIH Berhad.

The total value of contribution made by the two highway concessions were valued at around RM3mil.


Engineers develop cheap, simple tests for car emissions

A new TSI-PET device of US instruments manufacturer TSI to test the effectiveness of particle filters of cars is shown during a meeting of engineering group VERT in Duebendorf on Thursday.
— Reuters
DUEBENDORF (Switzerland): Engineers working to tackle carcinogenic pollution from cars have developed cheap and simple devices to test the effectiveness of particle filters, which could help take toxic vehicles off roads without resorting to blanket bans.

Municipalities across Europe are struggling to find ways to meet new clean air rules without having to invest billions in electric vehicle infrastructure or banning diesel vehicles altogether.

Regulators also need to find inexpensive ways to measure real-world emissions without installing costly equipment.

Engineers have now come up with simple, hand-held, battery-powered tools to check within minutes whether cars at low idle speeds have particle filters that work.

The devices cost around 8,000 euros (RM37,000), making them affordable for police and garages that do emissions inspections.

The new measuring devices will start rolling out in Europe this year for mandatory tests and could help improve diesel engines’ reputation after scandals over carmakers’ use of illegal defeat devices to manipulate exhaust emission tests.

Some German cities have banned diesel cars, primarily to limit harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.

However particulates also kill 5 million people a year globally, Andreas Mayer, director of engineering group VERT’s scientific committee, told Reuters on the sidelines of the group’s annual meeting.

“There is a lot of toxic stuff emitted from cars, and the most toxic are particulates,” Mayer said.

The more than 100 million particle filters in use on European roads can, if they work properly, make vehicles’ exhaust less toxic than the ambient air cars burn.

“These diesel cars, if they are running through cities, are even cleaning the air because the filters are so efficient, so we must do everything in order to keep that quality during the life of the vehicle,” Mayer said.

The problem comes when ceramic filters crack or get plugged with soot, sometimes prompting mechanics to remove or alter them in an improper fix to boost engine power.

Roll-out starts this year

Made by a dozen European companies, the new testing devices will initially be rolled out in the Netherlands and Belgium and eventually spread to all of Europe, Mayer said.

The harmful impact of NOx emissions and fine particulate matter were for years ignored by European regulators until Volkswagen was caught masking excessive pollution levels in cars it sold in the United States.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission is suing Volkswagen and its former chief executive Martin Winterkorn over the scandal, accusing the company of perpetrating a “massive fraud” on US investors.

The fraud caught the eye of European regulators, who had focused mainly on carbon dioxide emissions.

The disparity between on-road emissions and test bench results came to light after Marc Besch, a Swiss student at West Virginia University, decided to study Volkswagen emissions for an academic paper in 2013.

He noticed other carmakers used more sophisticated emissions filters. Together with colleagues he rented a VW Jetta station wagon without knowing that their findings would change the auto industry forever.

Besch needed to measure the VW’s pollution levels under laboratory conditions, so he turned to California’s Air Resources Board (CARB), which would later help blow the whistle on the “Dieselgate” scandal.

The rented Volkswagen passed the laboratory test at CARB’s facility, but behaved very differently on the road, Besch said.

“The Volkswagen did not show a characteristic reduction of nitrogen oxide pollution levels during highway driving,” Besch told Reuters. NOx pollution drops once catalytic converters warm up, but the VW’s levels were more than 30 times the legal limit, Besch’s data showed.


Hyundai's Genesis overtakes Mercedes-Benz as top-selling luxury brand in S.Korea

                SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Co's premium Genesis overtook Daimler's Mercedes-Benz as the top-selling luxury brand in the first seven months of this year in South Korea, reports Yonhap news agency citing industry data today.

If the trend continues, Genesis will regain its top spot in local luxury vehicle sales for the first time in four years.

According to the statistics, Hyundai sold a total of 60,005 Genesis vehicles in the January-July period in South Korea, up 65 per cent from the same period last year,

In comparison, Daimler sold 41,583 Mercedes-Benz vehicles during the seven-month period in South Korea, up 3 per cent from the same period last year.

Hyundai launched the Genesis brand in 2015, and the premium brand became the top-selling luxury marque in 2016. But Mercedes-Benz had unseated Genesis since 2017.

 The GV80 cabin (top pic as well).

The Genesis brand has gained popularity since Hyundai began selling the GV80 sport utility vehicle in January this year.

Hyundai aims to sell 24,000 GV80 vehicles in South Korea this year.

In the first seven months of this year, Hyundai sold 20,016 GV80 vehicles and is on pace to surpass the sales target.

The GV80 is the fourth model of the Genesis lineup, which is currently made up of the G70, G80 and G90 sedans.

The three-row, rear-wheel-drive SUV is equipped with a 3.0-litre diesel engine and various advanced features for safety and convenience, Hyundai said.

The GV80 boasts semi-autonomous driving and forward collision-avoidance assist-junction turning technology, the latter of which helps prevent collisions with vehicles coming from the front when turning left at intersections.

It also has electronically controlled suspension with road preview, alerting the driver to road conditions ahead using cameras and navigation systems.


No plans to ban use of retreaded tyres

                KUALA LUMPUR: There are no plans to ban the use of retreaded tyres as they are deemed safe, Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Ab Aziz Kaprawi said.

“Based on police statistics on accidents, only eight cases involving retreaded tyres were detected out of 30,458 accidents recorded in 2013 or representing 0.03% of the total.

He said retreaded tyres for passenger and commercial vehicles which are used by local motorists met the Malaysian standard and United Nations specifications.

On a separate issue, Deputy International Trade and Industries Minister Datuk Hamim Samuri told the House that approval import permits were given to 22 car franchise companies and 14 motorcycle companies last year.

He said that 100 car and 67 motorcycle companies were provided open import permits on used commercial cars and motorcycles.


From hot hatch to hot sedan:  The compact Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC

AFFALTERBACH (Germany): Following the hot hatch, the next level of driving performance is here: the A 35 4MATIC Saloon is the second model from Mercedes-AMG based on the new compact car platform and the first choice for customers looking for the sportiness typical of the brand combined with a comfortable amount of space for passengers and luggage.

The exceptional driving dynamics of the agile notchback model are ensured by the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine with 306hp, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7G dual-clutch transmission, the AMG suspension and the variable AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

The new A 35 4MATIC Saloon expands the current AMG model range by an additional attractive entry-level model.

It appeals to young target groups who are looking for a high level of performance and a comfortable amount of space for passengers and luggage.

An acceleration time of 4.8 seconds for 0-100 km/h and the top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited) meet these customers' requests for high driving dynamics also in the compact segment.

"Following the very successful launch of the hatchback model, things are moving along dynamically in the compact class segment at AMG. Sport saloons are the origin of Mercedes-AMG and part of the brand's core. With our new A 35, we are transporting this history into modern times in the form of a very attractive model that serves as a point of entry into the world of AMG and also appeals to new customer groups", states Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG.

The four-door saloon car is based on a wheelbase of 2729 millimetres and displays the powerful proportions of a dynamic and at the same time compact saloon car with sporty short overhangs at the front and rear.

In the side view, the aerodynamically optimised 18-inch light-alloy wheels in twin-spoke design and the side sill panels of the AMG Line catch the eye.

The boot holds 420 litres and was designed for practical usability. The boot opening is very large with a width of 950 mm and a diagonal of 462 mm between lock and lower edge of the rear window.

In the interior of the A 35 4MATIC Saloon, the new MBUX multimedia system combines an intuitive operating structure with sporty design.

And needless to say, the trailblazing voice control activated with the words "Hey Mercedes" is also on-board.

The seat covers are available in Artico man-made leather with Dinamica microfibre in black with red contrasting topstitching and red seat belts or in Artico man-made leather in black/neva grey.

The variable AMG Performance 4MATIC combines the best possible traction with lots of driving fun. The torque distribution is infinitely variable to suit the dynamic handling requirements. The spectrum ranges from front-wheel drive only to a 50:50 percent distribution to the front and rear axles.

The five AMG Dynamic Select drive programs "Slippery", "Comfort", "Sport", "Sport +" and "Individual" enable a wide range of vehicle characteristics from comfortable to dynamic.

AMG Track Pace is also available as an option for the new A 35 4MATIC. The virtual race engineer is part of the MBUX multimedia system and permanently records more than 80 vehicle-specific data (e.g. speed, acceleration) while driving on a race track.


Baidu's EV firm Jidu hires ex-Cadillac designer

Wu was a designer of the Cadillac Escala Concept of 2016.

BEIJING: Jidu Auto, a smart electric vehicle venture between China's tech giant Baidu Inc and Chinese automaker Geely, said it has hired Frank Wu, formerly at Cadillac, to lead its design studio.

Jidu's chief executive Xia Yiping said in April that the new company, founded in January, aims to invest 50 billion yuan (RM32bil) into producing smart cars over the next five years.

Wu previously worked for General Motors Co's premium Cadillac brand in Warren, Michigan, and led design studio of Beijing brand of Chinese state-owned automaker BAIC in Beijing.

Baidu's EV making plan comes as tech companies around the world are racing to develop smart cars after Tesla's success in commercialising EVs.

The collaboration is based on Geely's EV-focused platform, Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA). Baidu currently owns 55% of Jidu and Geely has a 45% stake.

Reuters earlier reported Jidu's hiring, citing people familiar with the matter.

Shanghai and Beijing based Jidu also plans to roll out its car brand in the third quarter of 2021.