Toyota Gazoo Racing returns with more action in Season 5

                SHAH ALAM: Six years after its introduction in Malaysia in 2017, Gazoo Racing will ride on strong public awareness and acceptance to make an even bigger and impactful contribution in 2022.

Gazoo Racing’s activities in 2022 will focus on four key areas, central to which are the racing activities both on the track and as well as online, via the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival and the GR Velocity Esports Championship respectively.

UMW Toyota Motor president Ravindran K said racing has opened up a multitude of opportunities for Toyota locally.

“We will continue to build on this strong momentum to drive both the Toyota and Gazoo Racing brands ahead with exciting activities as well as products,” said Ravindran.

UMW Toyota Motor will also continue to launch new GR and GR-Sport models throughout the year, enhancing its GR Garage network and activities nationwide.

Season 5 of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival will continue to be anchored by the Vios Challenge one-make series which will feature three rounds and a total of six races with Round 1 kicking off in March (18-20), followed by Round 2 in June (24-26) and the third and final round in September (23-25).

Out of which, two of the rounds will be held in Sepang International Circuit with one street racing planned.

Racing will once again be divided into four classes: the Promotional Class for local celebrities; the Super Sporting Class for elite and professional drivers; the Sporting Class for amateur and gentlemen drivers; and the Rookie Class for young drivers.

In total, more than a half a million ringgit in prize monies is up for grabs, including RM70,000 and RM50,000 which will go to the overall champion of the Super Sporting and Sporting Class champions respectively making the Vios Challenge the most lucrative motorsports event in the country for the last five years.

In four seasons of the Vios Challenge so far, the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival and Vios Challenge has successfully attracted more than eight million spectators and online viewers, garnering a social media reach exceeding 19 million, to make it one of the most watched domestic motor-racing events.

The format of a one-make series in the Vios Challenge meanwhile, made it attractive and affordable for not only amateur racers, but also the elite and professionals.

The series has since grown to include even talented rookies competing under the Gazoo Racing Young Talent Development Programme which is envisaged to provide more young drivers between the ages of 16 and 20, an impactful and affordable platform to transition into saloon car racing in Malaysia.

New this year will be the Vios Sprint Cup, which is run independent of the Vios Challenge, and will feature two rounds scheduled for April and July in tandem with the Malaysia Championship Series (MCS).

Each round will feature two races with a total of more than RM200,000 in prize monies at stake.

The event will provide even more racing and rewards for participating drivers, teams and dealers already signed up to compete in the Vios Challenge.

Gazoo Racing will also continue to make its presence felt in the national series by once again participating in the prestigious Sepang 1000KM Endurance Race (S1K) in November.

The race will also see the second running of the Vios Enduro Cup which will put up RM30,000 in prize monies.

Ravindran said the overall the objective of the company's racing activities is to contribute to growth of Malaysian motorsports from all aspects.

He said the move would provide an affordable platform for competition; grow awareness and appreciation for motorsports among the masses; and uncover, develop and provide a conducive platform for the nation’s next generation of young and talented drivers to step up in motor racing.

Online racing will also continue with the fifth season of the GR Velocity Esports Championship.

Billed as one of the most lucrative local online racing series in the country, the championship which was first held in 2018, today attracts close to 1,000 participants with more than 1 million online spectators.

Toyota and Gazoo Racing will also be introducing several GR and GR-Sport models soon, and will be paired with the organising of GR driving clinics, experiences and activities for the respective owners to equip them with the necessary experience and skills to be able to safely take full advantage of their vehicle’s potential.

Efforts are already underway to enhance and expand on UMW Toyota Motor’s network of dedicated GR Garages nationwide.

This will include offering a comprehensive aftermarket parts list as well as merchandises for GR and Toyota owners as well as enhancing and expanding UMW Toyota Motor’s network of dedicated GR Garages nationwide.

Meanwhile, three-time Vios Challenge Super Sporting Class champion Tengku Djan Ley Tengku Mahaleel will continue as Gazoo Racing's Malaysian Ambassador.

Tengku Djan Ley was instrumental in assisting to develop the GR-Sport Vios.

New UMW Toyota Motor deputy chairman and chief motorsports officer Takashi Obata gave an assurance on his commitment to chart the way forward for Gazoo Racing to continue to make an impactful and valuable contribution to Malaysia.

Obata said this would be done through involvement in motorsports and the development of young talent, through more GR experiences and touchpoints through its GR vehicles, the assembly of GR-Sport vehicles in Malaysia, the expansion of the GR Garage network and the offering of performance parts and merchandises for Toyota and GR customers.


March 23-29: Fuel prices unchanged

                KUALA LUMPUR: The retail prices of RON97 and RON95 petrol and diesel will remain unchanged for the period from March 23-29.

The Finance Ministry, in a statement today, said that RON97 petrol remains at RM3.35 per litre, RON95 (RM2.05) and diesel (RM2.15).

The weekly retail prices of the products were set based on the Automatic Pricing Mechanism formula.


Rumble on with the Benelli TRE 1130 K

Benelli is making you an offer that you can’t refuse with its TRE 1130 K.

Many motorcycle enthusiasts, including me, thought that Benelli had vanished from the scene.

But Benelli is slowly making its presence felt again among the motorcycles manufacturers for the last five years.

Now, Benelli is owned by the Qianjian Group of China.

Despite the change in the ownership, all Benellis are still produced in their Italian factory at Pesaro.

When I was introduced to Benelli Tre 1130 K, I had mixed feelings.

I was not sure what to expect out of this 1,131cc machine.

At first look, the overall design of the bike was not appealing and it is very surprising that the Italians did not pay attention to the aesthetics of TRE1130K.

The Benelli Tre 1130 K’s engine uses an in-line three-cylinder set-up.

The maximum power and torque, respectively 123hp (92kW) at 9,000rpm and 112Nm at 5,000rpm.

This bike is fitted with electronic injection, overhead double camshaft timing system, four valves per cylinder, clutch with hydraulic control and six-speed gearbox.

The Benelli’s ability on the road was put to test during my ride from Kuala Lumpur to Teluk Intan, Perak.

The motorcycle has an upright riding position, decent saddle and an acceptable level of protection against the wind.

It is very obvious that Benelli has paid a lot of attention to the ergonomics as opposed to comfy seats.

My reach to the handlebar is easy and the seat-to-peg distance is perfect, making long distance journeys a blissful experience.

However, the Tre 1130 K does not have any electronic aides unlike other touring motorcycles.

There are no gadgets to play with.

It is a simple bike with loads of raw power that promises to excite and thrill any rider.

The Benelli’s front section is built on tubular steel trellis which is completed by aluminium alloy cast plates to give a sporty look.

The swing arm also has a trellis structure, with a large cam that allows effortless and quick adjustment of the final drive chain.

The noise from the engine was loud and rude. There was so much of mechanical noise.

And for your information, all Benellis do sound like that.

After four days with the bike, I started to warm up to the engine sound.

It reminded me of how I reacted negatively to the Ducati engine sound when I was first introduced to the red machine.

On the highway stretch from Sungai Buloh to Bidor, I was clocking high speeds with relative ease.

The Benelli has plenty of power in reserve and I was always tempted to unleash it and tear up the highway on the early Sunday morning ride.

The Tre 1130 K has a lovely rumble when you twist the throttle for power.

The engine is lovely and allows you to zoom the motorcycle out from tight corners on second gear.

I could not have asked for better throttle response, every single twist on the throttle was a pleasure with even power delivery.

There were times, I felt slight vibration when I was on the first and second gear but the minute I am on higher gears, the vibration disappeared.

I was grinning like a Cheshire cat the minute I was cruising on the 5th and 6th gear. The ride was smooth and it was fulfilling.

Meanwhile on the trunk roads from Bidor to Teluk Intan, I realised that the suspension is a bit stiff but still pleasant enough.

The fully adjustable Marzocchi 50mm inverted forks and Sachs rear shock work together symbiotically to soak up the imperfection of the rough roads giving me a nice riding experience.

Meanwhile brakes were super- efficient.

A must mention is that the rear brake – a two-piston Brembo caliper with a 240mm disc – has a fierce bite. One must be gentle with this.

The front brake is a pair of four-piston Brembo calipers pinching two 320mm floating discs which is more predictable. You can’t go wrong with Brembo brakes.

The Benelli is definitely a right fit for any road touring but don’t expect too much off-road ability.

The Tre 1130 K is designed to be fast, smooth, nimble with near to perfect ergonomics with abundance of torque.

Besides, being a simple touring machine packed with loads of power, the Tre 1130 K priced at RM71,999 (without road tax and insurance) gives sheer motorcycle riding enjoyment.

Isn’t that what motorcycle riding is all about?


Trevo upbeat for 2023

                KUALA LUMPUR: Car-sharing service provider Trevo says it is confident it would continue to grow in 2023.

It said it would focus on optimising the Trevo app to provide a better user experience.

“While the Malaysian economy shows promising signs of growth, we will continue our efforts to build the sharing economy, empowering more Malaysians to benefit and increasing their disposable income through renting out underused vehicles,” said Trevo Malaysia general manager Susan Teoh.

Trevo said more Malaysians now know about the option of car-sharing as a mobility solution.

Trevo said it recorded a six-fold increase in the number of trips booked – at an average of over 1,800 trips monthly compared to 300 trips monthly during the pandemic when travel restrictions were imposed.

At the same time, car owners became more confident in listing their cars for rental on Trevo, with listings growing steadily in 2022, from a total of over 4,000 cars listed on the platform at the end of 2021 to a new total of over 6,000 cars available for booking by the end of 2022.

New services such as Buddy Driver that allows Guests to book a driver on demand also saw big growth, with over 10,000 bookings completed across 2022, since Malaysia entered the endemic phase, said Trevo.

“The existence of Trevo, which offers multi-pronged benefits to Malaysians, from offering a source of additional financial sustainability when they list their cars for booking to offering flexible mobility for drivers who only want access to a car on limited occasions, without hidden charges, is clearly welcome among Malaysians, looking at the growth in the number of bookings and listings across 2022.

“We have also addressed the concerns of potential hosts by introducing Trevo Shield insurance coverage to protect hosts and guests," said Teoh.

“To better support our Trevo community, we also introduced services like Buddy Driver and education-oriented features like 'Trevo University', to continuously improve the experience of Trevo users in Malaysia.”


First-ever online car insurance policy with interest-free instalment plans arrive

                KUALA LUMPUR: Dreamshop.com.my, an e-commerce platform that hosts more than one billion products, together with insurtech startup PolicyStreet.com have announced a first-in-market collaboration offering 0% interest-free instalment payment plan car insurance.

The plan is supported by 10 insurers across 10 major banks in Malaysia.

The  e-commerce platform is owned by parent company DCR Marketing.  Polisea Sdn Bhd, a financial adviser approved by Bank Negara, operates under the brand name PolicyStreet. Based here, the insurtech startup is a marketing and technology partner for insurance providers with a product range that appeals to millennials in particular.

DCR Marketing and Polisea claimed the "Car Insurance Made Easy" product would revolutionise the way car owners in Malaysia compare quotes from insurers, buy, renew and pay for their car insurance - all done online.

According to the two companies, "Car Insurance Made Easy" also enables private vehicle owners to renew and get their insurance cover note within 24 hours on a working day.

Customers are also able to opt for road tax renewal as an add-on service at a flat rate via the car insurance platform and the physical copy will be delivered to them, they added.

DCR Marketing CEO Rosalie Lin said the online insurance purchase facility with 0% interest-free instalment payment plan is the first of its kind in the local market.

 Lin and Yen.

“The ‘Car Insurance Made Easy’ collaboration with PolicyStreet marks the expansion of our offerings into services," she said.

“The experience of purchasing and renewing of motor insurance will be revolutionised with the launch of ‘Car Insurance Made Easy’."

PolicyStreet.com CEO Yen Ming Lee said the company aims to provide an easier and more affordable alternative insurance solutions for motorists.

“We are working with more than 40 insurance and takaful providers in Malaysia offering the best choices and options for customers.

“And now together with Dreamshop, we bring affordability to the next level by allowing our customers to purchase insurance with instalment payment plan.

“This collaboration is timely as we are recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic and want to help our cash-strapped customers by easing their financial burden,” he said.

The 10 comprehensive car insurance policies available on Dreamshop.com.my are from AXA Affin General Insurance Bhd, Berjaya Sompo Insurance Bhd, Tune Protect Group Bhd, Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Am Bhd, Pacific & Orient Insurance Co. Bhd, Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Bhd, MSIG Insurance Bhd, RHB Insurance Bhd, Zurich General Insurance Malaysia Bhd and Etiqa General Takaful Bhd.

Meanwhile, the 10 banks offering 0% interest-free instalment payment plans include Malayan Banking Bhd, United Overseas Bank (M) Bhd, CIMB Bank Bhd, HSBC Bank Malaysia Bhd, Hong Leong Bank Bhd, Public Bank Bhd, RHB Bank Bhd, AmBank (M) Bhd, Standard Chartered Bank and OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Bhd.

"Car Insurance Made Easy" accepts credit cards from most major banks in Malaysia.

The minimum payment for six months is RM500 (except for CIMB RM600), while the minimum payment for 12 months is RM1,000 (except for CIMB RM1,200).

Log on to www.dreamshop.com.my for details on the Dreamshop & PolicyStreet ‘Car Insurance Made Easy’ or to start buying a 0% interest-free instalment payment plan.

Follow Dreamshop Facebook Page www.facebook.com/dreamshop.com.my/ and Instagram account www.instagram.com/dreamshop.com.my/?hl=en for more updates, contest and promotion.


Foreign vehicle owners to face action for breaking local laws, says JPJ

A view of the Malaysian-Thai border at Wang Kelian. — Bernama

PADANG BESAR: The Perlis Road Transport Department (JPJ) will not hesitate to take action against foreign vehicle owners who fail to comply with local traffic regulations, said its director, Fatimah Mohamed Ali Piah.

She said the department has been monitoring the situation since the Malaysia-Thailand border was opened, to ensure that vehicles entering the country through Wang Kelian and Padang Besar border gates complied with the Road Transport Act 1987.

The Wang Kelian-Thailand border gate was opened on April 1, while the Padang Besar-Thailand border gate reopened on May 5.

"JPJ will take action, including issue a summons against any vehicle owners who do not follow our traffic rules, regardless of whether it is a Malaysian or Thai vehicle," she said today.

She reminded Thais bringing their vehicles into the country to apply for the International Circulation Permit (ICP) and buy insurance coverage in advance.

Fatimah also advised Malaysians who wish to enter the neighbouring country to abide by the rules set by the authorities there.

He said most of the vehicle owners from Thailand were seen to comply with the traffic rules and laws probably due to the local authorities’ frequent patrols.


CarSifu drives Honda City hybrid

                The Honda City sedan is currently one of the most popular cars in the country and in July, Honda Malaysia introduced hybrid versions of the City and the Jazz.

Dubbed the Honda City Sport Hybrid i-DCD (Intelligent Dual-Clutch Drive), it features a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine mated to a seven speed automatic dual clutch transmission with an integrated electric motor, a lithium ion battery, an electro servo brake system for energy regeneration and an electric driven compressor.

The combined output delivers 137PS and 170Nm torque, equal to what a 1.8 litre combustion engine produces. While the regular City has 120PS and 145Nm of torque.

The City hybrid is thus more powerful and sits in the mid variant range in terms of features and is priced at RM89,200 without insurance.

The regular City is offered in three variants: S, E and V.

READ MORE: First drive of new Honda Jazz hybrid

There are no exterior design changes to distinguish the hybrid and the petrol version except the blue hybrid badge.

The interior though is quite distinct where the dashboard is concerned.

It has an eye-catching instrument panel featuring an advanced 3D Meter Design (Multi-Information Display) to provide a variety of information such as Energy Flow, Sport Meter, Fuel Economy, Drive Info, Customisation and ECO Display at a glance.

Also the space-age design of the gear-shift lever in the centre console is another give-away when you are in the hybrid car.

And it is not stingy with accessories either as it comes with LED taillights, smart entry and push start button, shark fin antenna, chrome door handles, auto folding wing mirrors, rear air conditioning vents, paddle shifters and eight cupholders.

There are plenty of safety features too like four airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), vehicle stability assist (VSA), hill start assist (HSA), ISOFIX child seat points, reverse camera and emergency stop signal (ESS).

The all important boot space of 536 litres remains as well as the 60:40 folding rear seats for even more luggage space.

As the lithium-ion battery is placed underneath the boot, the compromise here is that you don’t get a spare tyre but a temporary repair kit which is not a deal breaker by any means.

I came away impressed with the City hybrid because of the way it drives.

The car feels heavier and that may be due to the powertrain and battery but it’s no slouch and more importantly, this car handles better in turns and corners.

When we were driving through the B-roads, I was constantly amazed at how precise it took the turns and bends.

The car really came alive in these road conditions and the ability to shift gears with the paddle shifters was satisfying. Not to mention how smooth the power delivery is.

That is not to say driving on highways was a completely boring experience although long distance drives do tend to get boring anyway.

What it does offer though, is a quiet and comfortable ride with very minimal noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). And this applies whether you are behind the wheel or as a passenger.

The only thing that may surprise some people, especially those who have driven a dual-clutch transmission before, is that this dual-clutch does not change gears as fast.

We were informed that this set-up was done to promote fuel efficiency.

Nevertheless, I much prefer the mild roar of the exhaust note to the drone of the CVT (continuously variable transmission) with the non-hybrid Honda.

In all, if you’re looking for a more powerful City with all the creature comforts and better consumption (3.9 litres per 100km), then this may be the car for you.


New Renault CEO de Meo will be much better paid than predecessor

                PARIS: French carmaker Renault will grant its new chief executive, Luca de Meo (pic), a pay package of around €5.8 million (RM26mil), which is an increase of nearly 57% of what his predecessor was awarded last year.

According to company files released on Monday, de Meo, a former Volkswagen’s SEAT brand executive, will this year receive a fixed compensation of €1.3 million (RM5.9mil), an annual variable remuneration that can amount up to 150% of the fixed compensation and 75,000 Renault shares.

His predecessor, Thierry Bollore, was granted, respectively, €900,000 (RM4mil), a maximum variable compensation of 125 percent and 50,000 shares.

Renault named de Meo, who will start on July 1, at the end of last month, as the car maker looks to draw a line under a year of turmoil by finalizing a long-awaited management shake-up.


Audi to launch new EV venture with China's FAW

                BEIJING: Audi AG has signed a memorandum of understanding with China's state-owned FAW Group to launch a venture to make premium electric vehicles (EVs).

Audi has a long partnership with FAW, which is based in the city of Changchun in the northeast of China, the world's biggest car market. The German firm also plans to make vehicles with Shanghai-based automaker SAIC Motor.

Audi said it would produce models based on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), a base developed with Porsche. It said the new venture would start making several models in China from 2024.

Audi aims to have electrified vehicles make up a third of Chinese sales by 2025. It sold 512,081 vehicles in China in the first nine months of 2020 and about 690,000 vehicles last year.

Audi and Porsche’s representatives in China said there was no plan for Porsche production at the new venture.

EV makers such as home-grown Nio Inc and Xpeng Inc as well as foreign firms like US leader Tesla Inc are expanding manufacturing capacity in China where the government promotes greener vehicles to reduce air pollution.


March 11-17: RON97 petrol up 5 sen, rest unchanged

                PETALING JAYA: The price of RON97 petrol will increase by five sen from March 11 to 17, says the Finance Ministry.

It said that the retail price for RON97 petrol will increase from RM2.35 to RM2.40 per litre.

The price of RON95 petrol and diesel will remain unchanged at RM2.05 and RM2.15 per litre, respectively.

The ministry also said that to protect consumers from global oil price increases, the government would maintain its ceiling price of RON95 petrol at RM2.05 per litre and diesel at RM2.15 per litre despite increases in market prices.

The weekly price changes of fuels have shifted from the Saturday-Friday timeframe to Thursday-Wednesday. The change took effect from late February this year.


Nvidia, Volvo Cars accelerate auto industry's data-processing power race

                DETROIT: Volvo Cars said Monday it will use a new generation of high-powered chips from Nvidia Corp to enable more autonomous driving functions in future vehicles, starting next year.

Volvo is among a crowd of new and established automakers putting digital processing power ahead of horsepower as they try to catch up with Tesla Inc.

Nvidia, a maker of high-powered chips for gaming and data processing centers, has benefited from the computing power race among automakers. Company chief executive Jensen Huang told investors Monday Nvidia forecasts it can generate US$8 billion in revenue over the next six years from sales of its Nvidia DRIVE automotive systems.

Tesla, the world’s most valuable automaker, has taken the lead in software-driven features and functional capability in part by equipping its cars and SUVs with powerful, and expensive, on-board computers that can manage complex tasks such as automated driving, and be upgraded over the air.

For Nvidia, the Volvo agreement, a similar deal with electric vehicle startup Faraday Future, and other agreements expected in the coming weeks mark a reboot of growth for the gaming and data centre processor company’s automotive business.

“Nvidia’s pipeline of automotive orders has grown into the many billions of dollars,” Danny Shapiro, Nvidia’s senior director of automotive, told reporters ahead of the company’s GTC21 conference Monday. Revenue for the company’s automotive business fell 23% in 2020.

Volvo Cars, owned by China’s Geely Holding, said it will use Nvidia’s new Drive Orin system, with far more processing power than current Nvidia chips used in Volvo vehicles, starting with a new generation XC90 sport utility due to launch next year.

In a nod to Tesla, Volvo said vehicles equipped with the new Nvidia Orin systems will be “hardware-ready” for autonomous driving features such as a “Highway Pilot” feature that will be activated via a software download “when it is verified to be safe for individual geographic locations and conditions.”

Faraday Future said it will offer autonomous driving, parking and a “summon” feature in its FF 91 model due out in 2022. Tesla already offers a “summon” system that allows a car to navigate through a parking lot at the owner’s remote command.

Rival automakers including Daimler AG and several Chinese electric vehicle startups are taking a similar approach.

Nvidia also said Monday it is developing a new on-board computer system on a chip called Atlan that will give a car the computing power currently found in a data centre. This chip should be ready for 2025 models, Nvidia said.


2017 Bangkok Motor Show: Isuzu MU-X facelift

                BANGKOK: The facelifted Isuzu MU-X sport utility vehicle (SUV) was another highlight at the 2017 Bangkok Motor Show.

Powertrains in Thailand remain the same; namely the 1.9- and 3.0-litre turbo diesel engines mated to a 6-speed Revtronic automatic transmission.

The 1.9-litre engine delivers 150ps at 3,600rpm and 350Nm at 1,800 to 2,600rpm while the 3.0-litre engine produces 177ps at 3,600rpm and 380Nm at 1,800 to 2,800rpm.

This D-Max pick-up truck-based facelifted SUV with seven seats gets new bumpers and LED lights, a newly-styled grille, and roof-mounted spoiler, together with new soft-touch plastics and wood-look trim in the cabin, as well as an 8-inch infotainment system.


Ford trials four-legged robots, to scout factories, saving time, money

                DETROIT: These four-legged dog-like robots can sit, shake hands and roll over. They also can perform 360-degree camera scans, handle 30-degree grades and climb stairs for hours at a time.

That’s because they are actually 30kg quadruped robots with distinctly dog-like mobility. They’re part of a Ford manufacturing pilot programme designed to save time, reduce cost and increase efficiency.

Fluffy, the name given by the robot’s handler Paula Wiebelhaus, is one of the two models Ford is leasing from Boston Dynamics, known for creating sophisticated mobile robots. (The other Ford robot is named Spot after the product’s actual name.)

The robots, which Ford is piloting at its Van Dyke Transmission Plant, are bright yellow and easily recognisable. Equipped with five cameras, the robots can travel up to 4.8kph on a battery lasting nearly two hours and will be used to scan the plant floor and assist engineers in updating the original Computer Aided Design which is used when we’re getting ready to retool our plants.

“We design and build the plant. After that, over the years, changes are made that rarely get documented,” says Mark Goderis, Ford’s digital engineering manager. “By having the robots scan our facility, we can see what it actually looks like now and build a new engineering model. That digital model is then used when we need to retool the plant for new products.”

Without Fluffy, the update would be far more tedious.

“We used to use a tripod, and we would walk around the facility stopping at different locations, each time standing around for five minutes waiting for the laser to scan,” Goderis recalls. “Scanning one plant could take two weeks. With Fluffy’s help, we are able to do it in half the time.”

The old way also was expensive – it cost nearly US$300,000 to scan one facility. If this pilot works, Ford’s manufacturing team could scan all its plants for a fraction of the cost. These cutting-edge technologies help save the company money and retool facilities faster, ultimately helping bring new vehicles to market sooner.

In time, Goderis says, the intent is to be able to operate the robots remotely, programming them for plant missions and receiving reports immediately from anywhere in the country. For now, the robots can be programmed to follow a specific path and can be operated from up to 50 metres away with the out-of-the-box tablet application.

The key to Fluffy and Spot’s success is their agility, says Wiebelhaus, who controls her robot through a gaming-like device that allows her to remotely see the camera view. Should an issue occur, Wiebelhaus’ control device features a safe stop that stops it from colliding with anything.

The robots have three operational gaits – a walk for stable ground, an amble for uneven terrain and a special speed for stairs. They can change positions from a crouch to a stretch, which allows them to be deployed to difficult-to-reach areas within the plant. They can handle tough terrain, from grates to steps to 30-degree inclines. If they fall, they can right themselves. They maintain a safe, set distance from objects to prevent collisions.

At times, Fluffy sits on its robotic haunches and rides on the back of a small, round Autonomous Mobile Robot, known informally as Scouter. Scouter glides smoothly up and down the aisles of the plant, allowing Fluffy to conserve battery power until it’s time to get to work. Scouter can autonomously navigate facilities while scanning and capturing 3-D point clouds to generate a CAD of the facility. If an area is too tight for Scouter, Fluffy comes to the rescue.

“There are areas in the plant that you might not want to walk into because they might be tough to maneuver,” says Wiebelhaus. “It’s easier and safer to send Fluffy back there.”

Although Fluffy is perfectly capable of rolling over, Wiebelhaus doesn’t see dog shows in his future.

“Fluffy is an amazing manufacturing tool,” said Weibelhaus. “Yes, it’s interesting and new, but Fluffy should really be valued for his work and tenacity. He can do so much more than dance and roll over. We want to push him to the limits in the manufacturing plant and see what value he has for the company.”


PAL-V flying car is now street legal

                ROTTERDAM: Dutch flying car PAL-V Liberty has been approved for use on public roads — at least in EU member countries.

However, further tests are still required of the prototype that has been 20 years in the making. The PAL-V will be undergoing endurance testing in the coming months on European roads.

Since 2015, the PAL-V Liberty design has been going through aviation certification with EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency). It's expected to be finalised in 2022, making deliveries only possible after it wins this key approval.

After flying and driving the test prototype in 2012, PAL-V started the design of the Liberty.

The vehicle had recently passed the stringent European road admission tests, giving it the right to don an official licence plate. This completed a rigorous and extensive drive test program carried out on test tracks since February 2020, where the Liberty was subjected to high-speed ovals, brake and noise pollution testing.

The first PAL-V Liberty models on the market will be the Pioneer Edition. Worldwide, only 90 vehicles of this edition will be sold. It would be followed by the Liberty Sports models. The Pioneer Edition would be priced from €499,000, while the Sports model would retail at €299,000.

"The trick in successfully making flying car is to ensure that the design complies with both air and road regulations," said PAL-V chief technology officer Mike Stekelenburg.


Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door gets updated and adds a new luxury edition

                AFFALTERBACH (Germany): Mercedes-AMG has added more features into the GT 4-Door and introduced a new edition that focusses on the luxurious side of the sporty car.

The new edition is available for all V6 engine options of GT 53 and GT 43 and comes with the V8 Styling Package.

Its exclusive paintwork in the dark gemstone shade of rubellite red suits the Exterior Package in high-gloss chrome and the new, 21-inch AMG forged wheels in a 5-twin-spoke design, painted silver and with a high-gloss finish.

The standard light-show setting rounds off the lifestyle character of the exterior.

It also comes with the optional panoramic roof lets plenty of light into the interior, which is dressed in the new neva grey Exclusive nappa leather trim.

The AMG Performance steering wheel is finished in neva grey/black nappa leather to match.

Inside, new open-pore wood trim in grey ash, the door sill panels illuminated in the vehicle colour and the AMG Edition badge on the instrument panel underscore the luxurious overall impression.

Meanwhile, the GT 4-Door across the range gets an array of features that include updated driving assistance systems and, fitted as standard, the Widescreen Cockpit including the MBUX multimedia system with AMG-specific displays and functions.

It comes with three new exterior colours of spectral blue metallic, spectral blue magno (matt finish) and cashmere white magno (matt finish).

The new AMG Night Package II provides for an even more sportily accentuated appearance while the vertical slats in the AMG-specific radiator grille are in dark chrome.

The reconfigured AMG Ride Control+ suspension, while continues to a multi-chamber air suspension system, combined with adaptive, electronically controlled adjustable damping, now has two pressure limiting valves and an increase in the spread between sportiness and comfort settings.

The suspension package has also been updated for more longitudinal flexibility without losing precision and feedback in the steering.

A wider choice of AMG wheels include new 20-inch light-alloy wheels in a 10-twin-spoke design or intricately designed, sporty 21-inch forged wheels in a 5-twin-spoke design while red-painted brake callipers can now also be ordered for the V6 variants.

New interior colours include new combination of Exclusive nappa leather in titanium grey pearl/black with contrasting topstitching in yellow, or fine Exclusive nappa leather in truffle brown/black in the Style finish (diamond stitching).

In addition to the popular two-tone seats, five further colours in Exclusive nappa leather Style expand the interior portfolio of sienna brown, classic red, yacht blue, deep white and neva grey.

The newly designed AMG Performance steering wheel with its distinctive twin-spoke design and seamlessly integrated buttons combines stability with lightness.

The steering wheel rim with a flat bottom and covered in nappa leather or nappa leather/DINAMICA microfibre, comes with a sensor mat to detect "hands-on."

Power output remains the same - the GT 43's 3.0-litre V6 twin turbo engine delivers 367hp and 500Nm of torque while the GT 53's 3.0-litre V6 twin turbo cranks out 435hp and 520Nm of torque.

Transmission is the nine-speed AMG Speedshift TCT 9G and an in-built power starter/generator motor adds 22hp and 250Nm of torque o the engine output.

The GT 43 is available in rear-wheel drive and 4Matic+ all-wheel drive while the GT 53 comes only in 4Matic+.


Germany to earmark €900 million in subsidies for e-car charging systems

                BERLIN: Germany is to earmark up to 900 million euros (RM4.6bil) in subsidies to expand electric vehicle charging stations for households and companies, the transport ministry said on Thursday.

Europe's biggest economy currently has some 90,000 public charging points and aims to have one million by 2030 in hopes of boosting growth in electromobility as it targets carbon neutrality by 2045.

Germany had around 1.2 million fully electric vehicles on its roads by the end of April, well below its goal of 15 million by 2030, data from federal motor authority KBA showed.

High prices, limited range and a lack of charging stations, especially in rural areas, are seen as the main reasons for the lag in electric vehicle sales.

The transport ministry said it will soon launch two funding programmes to support private households and companies in building charging stations with their own power supply.

Up to 500 million euros in subsidies will be available from this autumn to promote electricity self-supply at private residential buildings, with the prerequisite that residents already own an electric car, the ministry added.

From next summer, an additional 400 million euros will be earmarked for companies that want to build fast charging infrastructure for commercial cars and trucks.

The German government in October approved a plan to spend 6.3 billion euros over three years to rapidly scale up the number of electric vehicle charging stations across the country.

The subsidies programs announced on Thursday are in addition to that funding, a spokesman for the ministry said.


Hyundai confirms details on IONIQ

                SEOUL: Hyundai Motor has revealed technical innovations on its IONIQ hybrid, which is a world first as it combines electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid powertrains in a single body type.

Following its unveiling to domestic media at Hyundai Motor’s Namyang R&D Center in South Korea,

Built on a chassis created specifically to carry the world’s first choice of three efficient and ultra-low emission powertrains, the IONIQ boasts 53% Advanced High Strength Steel combined cleverly with lightweight aluminum.

The new model saves 12.6kg (45%) of weight by casting non-structural bodywork from aluminum, such as the hood, tailgate and suspension components. Where crash structure or energy absorption is necessary, the structure features Advanced High Strength Steel that can withstand significant collision forces.

The new model was created with dynamic ride and handling at its core, a characteristic that sets the IONIQ apart from other hybrid vehicles. Positioning the car’s batteries low and forward achieves a low centre of gravity that enables highly responsive, stable cornering. The IONIQ furthers its handling prowess with dual lower arm multi-link suspension fitted at the rear.

The full IONIQ range will feature a choice of electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid powertrains, a world first for a single model. At the unveiling in Korea, details were revealed  for the first version to come to market – the hybrid.

With the world’s highest thermal efficiency (40%), the new 1.6-litre Kappa GDi engine developed exclusively for Hyundai Motor’s hybrid engines, combines with the permanent magnetic electric motor to deliver maximum outputs of 105ps and 47ps – engine and motor respectively.

Within the engine, class-leading thermal efficiency of 40% is achieved, while the head and block is split for optimised cooling. Plus, the 200 bar high pressure 6-hole direct fuel injector further improves fuel consumption and emissions.

Alongside this, the lithium ion polymer battery promises outstanding charge and discharge performance, optimising output from the high voltage motor and allowing for rapid regeneration. Controlling power distribution is a hybrid-exclusive Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), which presents a dynamic driving experience unique to IONIQ.

Hyundai said class-leading power transmission efficiency of 95.7% delivers a prompt response, acceleration performance and smooth gear changes to delight drivers with handling alongside the hybrid’s efficiency.


ATS GT supercar to debut at Salon Privé 2017

                LONDON: The annual Salon Privé, returning to the opulent grounds of Blenheim Palace from Aug 31-Sept 2, will see many special events, but it will be hard for anything to top the global reveal of the brand new ATS GT supercar.

This event will mark the return of what is perhaps one of Italy's rarest and most revered marques to the international stage.

ATS (Automobili Turismo e Sport) is a legendary Italian automotive constructor, and it will be showcasing its all-new, limited-edition supercar to the public at the Salon Privé automotive event, on Aug 31.

The global reveal of the iconic brand's new GT supercar will be taking place more than 50 years after the company was originally set up by Carlo Chiti and Giotto Bizarrini, along with other notable members of Scuderia Ferrari, who walked away from the iconic team in 1961 as a protest at the actions of Enzo Ferrari.

 The 1963 ATS 2500 GT.

The new company was formed with the intention of beating Ferrari at its own game with both road and race-going cars. ATS went on to build a road-going sports car and a Formula One race car in 1963.

The cars are hand-built using advanced lightweight composites, and the all-new supercar is said to represent a modern interpretation of its forebears.

It will be a blend of modern-day technology, engineering and timeless style with a twin-turbocharged V-8 engine that will be mated to a seven-speed, dual-clutch gearbox.

The GT isn't just created to perform like a supercar, it's been designed to look like one too.

The car's styling is credited to Emanuele Bomboi, ATS's chief designer. It's being built by hand at the company's factory using carbon fiber extensively for the bodywork, interior and chassis, in order to deliver a lightweight supercar that still boasts great strength and rigidity.

An initial limited production of just 12 units of the GT will be made.

ATS owner Daniele Maritan said, "This is a pivotal day for ATS and our new supercar. Salon Privé was the obvious destination for us to launch our luxury and historically important supercar this summer, and we can't wait to show it off to the public."


Ken Block has a Ford F-150 Raptor with enough light to blind

                LOS ANGELES: Ken Block, the rally driver who brought us the Gymkhana and Honigan series of clips on YouTube, recently had his white Ford F-150 Raptor fitted with California-based off-road tuner SVC.

Although Block's Raptor has been significantly modded by the company, it lacked illumination when engaging in some nocturnal trail hopping out in the California desert.

To shed some light, Block engaged Rigid Industries to add their extremely bright LED bars onto his Raptor for a total of about 300,000 lumens.

For the sake of "science", Block tried out the new fixtures by racing his Raptor through a short dirt route in the desert.

The same route was used three times for a comparison test to see what it would be like with stock headlights, partial illumination and finally with everything switched on.

During high speed runs in the dark, visibility is everything. With a crazy 300,000 lumens onboard, speeding and weaving through the turns in the dark is nothing short of incredible.


US urges immediate fix of some faulty Takata airbags

A recalled Takata airbag inflator is shown after it was removed at a Honda dealership in Miami. - Reuters
NEW YORK: US auto safety regulators on Thursday urged owners of seven Honda and Acura models with especially defective Takata airbags to immediately have the cars fixed.

Describing the hazard in these vehicles as “grave,” the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the risk was greatest in hot and humid regions of the US, such as Florida, Texas and the Gulf Coast.

Some 29 million Takata airbags have already been recalled worldwide due to the exploding-airbag defect, which has been linked to 13 deaths worldwide - 10 in the US - and scores of injuries.

The NHTSA announcement came ahead of the July 4th holiday weekend, often a time when Americans take road trips near the peak of the summer vacation season. “The airbag inflators in this particular group of vehicles pose a grave danger to drivers and passengers that must be fixed right away,” said NHTSA administrator Mark Rosekind.

“Drivers should visit SaferCar.gov or contact their local dealer to check whether their vehicle is affected. If it is, they should have the vehicle repaired immediately for free at an authorised dealer.”

The most defective airbags were found in the following Honda-made models: 2001-2002 Honda Civic, 2001-2002 Honda Accord, 2002-2003 Acura TL, 2002 Honda CR-V, 2002 Honda Odyssey, 2003 Acura CL and 2003 Honda Pilot.

The NHTSA said eight of 10 confirmed fatalities in the US due to Takata ruptures were from this group of vehicles.

Honda has repaired more than 70 percent of the vehicles in this group, but some 313,000 vehicles remain unrepaired, the agency said.


Volvo Car Malaysia offers free car insurance for hybrids till Sept 30

                KUALA LUMPUR: Buyers of a new Volvo hybrid electric car in Malaysia from July 1 to September 30, 2023 will enjoy free car insurance for the first year and VSP (5-year Volvo Service Plan) worth almost RM20,000.

VSP is a comprehensive car service package that covers the first five car services including wear-and-tear items and labour costs, free software updates and vehicle health checks.

For more information on Volvo Car Malaysia’s electric vehicles, visit www.volvocars.com/my/v/cars/plug-in-hybrids or follow Volvo Car Malaysia on Facebook http://bit.ly/VolvoMY- FB and Instagram at http://bit.ly/VolvoMY-IG.

In a statement, Volvo Car Malaysia pointed out that its line-up of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) give owners the choice between the electric motor and internal combustion engine – or both at the same time – thus optimising the performance, range and fuel consumption.

"Volvo Cars holds ambitious goals to offer a fully electric range by 2030 but also acknowledges customers have diverse needs, some which require the assurance of a back-up plan as they embark on a journey of electrified mobility," said the company.

The nature of a hybrid powertrain allows drivers to enjoy the pure benefits of electric driving or vastly improved fuel economy while on electrically-assisted petrol power, explained Volvo Car Malaysia.

"By complementing its fully electric ambitions with a transitional hybrid range, Volvo gives more drivers the opportunity to take their first step towards electrified mobility while alleviating the concerns of low-battery life during their journeys," added the company.

The Volvo PHEV range include the XC60 Recharge and the XC90 Recharge sports utility vehicles (SUVs).

In 2022, Volvo Cars introduced newly improved powertrains to all its plug-in hybrids, giving these cars a long-range battery of 18.8kWh and an increased range of up to 90km.

The extended range means owners’ daily commutes can be fully electric with petrol purely as a backup or for longer weekend trips and interstate travel.

Plug-in hybrids can benefit from a dedicated charging box at home.

Also, plug-in hybrids can be charged anywhere as owners can top up on power via an ordinary 3-pin power outlet away from home.


Feb 24-March 2: RON97 petrol up 2 sen

                KUALA LUMPUR: The retail price of RON97 petrol will increase by two sen a litre from Feb 24-march 2, while the price for RON95 and diesel remains unchanged.

The Finance Ministry, in a statement today, said the retail price of RON97 petrol increased from RM3.27 to RM3.29 per liter, while RON95 and diesel remained at RM2.05 and RM2.15 per litre, respectively.

"To protect consumers from the effects of rising oil prices in the global market, the government has retained the retail price of RON95 petrol at the ceiling price of RM2.05 per liter and diesel at RM2.15 per litre, even though the actual market price of both products has surpassed the ceiling price,” the statement read.


Grab Malaysia targets undergrads with GrabVarsity

                KUALA LUMPUR: Ride-hailing company Grab Malaysia has launched GrabVarsity, which focuses on serving tertiary students and also help them make money.

Caught your attention, didn't we? Designed for students from institutions of higher learning, GrabVarsity is a first-of-its-kind programme in Malaysia.

GrabVarsity can be accessed via GrabVarsity.com, and comprises four pillars:

GrabVarsity Rewards: A university student-based reward programme with exclusive, curated benefits including offerings from Shopee Malaysia, iflix, Photobook Worldwide, Honor, Digi and Pizza Hut.

Transport Partner: Grab tries to ease traffic congestion within and around the university with designated pick-up and drop-off areas whilst providing exclusive promo codes for events such as convocations, sports day, or festivals.

Hands-on Learning Opportunities: Students can apply for apprenticeship placements at Grab Malaysia.

Bridging Income Opportunities: A short-term, student-only Grab driver programme to earn supplemental income.

“The ministry is always supportive of initiatives from companies that enable students to not only gain a degree, but also gain real-life experience that can help them carve a better future," said Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh at the launch of GrabVarsity.

“With GrabVarsity, we are helping to create an ecosystem that goes beyond ride hailing benefits as we help bring meaningful long-term impact to tertiary students via economic opportunities to complement their passion for learning,” said Grab Malaysia country head Sean Goh.


Volvo Cars now also makes armoured cars

                GOTHENBURG: Volvo Cars has expanded into the armoured car market with the reveal of the XC90 Armoured.

The XC90 Armoured (heavy) with VR8 protection rating (VPAM BRV 2009/ERV 2010) . A certified VPAM VR8 rating means the car has 360-degree ballistic resistance as well as explosive resistance.

The armoured car is built on the Inscription version of the Volvo XC90 T6 AWD, which is manufactured at the Torslanda plant in Sweden. The size and nature of the model make it the most suitable vehicle in Volvo Cars’ product portfolio for armouring.

From Torslanda, the car is sent to TRASCO Bremen GmbH in Germany, a company which has specialised for many years in building high-quality vehicles with high protection ratings.

The high-strength steel armour is 10mm thick, while the thickness of the glass can be up to 50mm. The armour adds 1,400kg to the XC90, which brings the total weight of the car up to 4,490kg (including five occupants). To cope with the increased weight, the car is fitted with uprated suspension and new brakes.

The XC90 Armoured is available to order now and the first customer deliveries will be made at the end of 2019.

Volvo Cars also develops a lighter version of the armoured car based on the XC60 T6 AWD Inscription or XC90 T6 AWD Inscription.

These versions are geared towards different clientele than the heavy XC90 Armoured. Users could be individuals or companies requiring a car with a higher level of protection due to a geographical risk or a heightened personal threat. A market for these types of protective vehicles also exists among security services, the police, the diplomatic corps and private individuals.

The cars are intended for Latin America and Europe. After construction, they are retrofitted in Brazil, where there is considerable demand for these types of cars as well as substantial experience of building them. These vehicles are designed to offer lighter protection compared with the XC90 Armoured.

Sales of these cars are scheduled to begin in the first half of 2020.


Feb 22-28: RON95 and RON97 petrol prices up 2 sen


Victorious VW rally team pulls off local Polo Trophy launch

                SHAH ALAM: The limited edition Polo Trophy was introduced to Malaysia on Friday in conjunction with Volkswagen’s success in the World Rally Championship (WRC).

It’s basically a dressed-up Polo, which comes with contrast wing mirrors, a rear spoiler, satellite navigation and tinted windows. Side and bonnet stickers complete the picture.

Only 100 units would be made available, with each priced at RM89,888.

 The Polo Trophy.

“Today’s Polo Rally Weekend is an important one for the team. What a great way to be able to share with you another side of the brand,” said Volkswagen Group Malaysia managing director Armin Keller.

"Volkswagen has had a long history of engagement in different rally platforms through the years."

To stir up more buzz over the limited edition Polo, Volkswagen WRC driver Jari-Matti Latvala and co-driver Miikka Anttila flew in to Malaysia to launch the car.

They were fresh off their one-two-three win on Volkswagen’s home turf; both men are due  to tackle the Australian rally leg,

At the circuit, the duo – who finished second after team mates Sebastian Ogier and Julien Ingrassia at the German Rally – competes in the Polo R WRC, a vehicle technically enhanced and cosmetically upgraded from the roadworthy Polo.

Latvala also gave 60 lucky fans comprising media, consumers and Volkswagen Facebook contest winners a ride of their lives. Sitting shotgun, the 30-year-old piloted them through a thrilling, fast lap displaying precise driving action around the course in daily drive Polos.

And before departing, Latvala – currently ranked 2nd in the WRC arena – got behind the wheel to take on the challenge issued by local drifter Leona Chin on her Facebook page a week prior to his arrival.

 Latvala and Chin had a chance to race against each other in a friendly challenge.

The time attack challenge saw the duo going head-to-head in a gymkhana course where both demonstrated who can outrun the other better and faster in the Polo. While Latvala won, Chin walked away with the experience of having race against a 14-times rally champ.

The public are not left out. Visitors at the Polo Rally Weekend held at Setia City Convention Centre car park here this weekend could go for a ride with two of Malaysia’s top female drifters – Chin and Azrina Jane Abdullah. They could also take a closer look at the Polo Trophy.

Fans of the Volkswagen performance range will also enjoy up to RM30,000 in savings for the Golf GTI, Golf R and Scirocco R till the end of this month.


As EVs go mainstream, a rush for share of home charger market

                LONDON: With electric vehicles (EVs) catching on, the scramble for market share among startups selling home chargers is heating up and that will feed further dealmaking in the sector as tens of millions of units are installed globally over the next decade.

According to a Reuters analysis, more than 100 companies in Europe offer home EV chargers and there are more than 50 such companies in the United States. Many also sell public EV chargers.

Increasing regulations requiring software investments, from cybersecurity to smart-charging capabilities, and rapidly growing sales will only accelerate market consolidation, industry executives said.

"It's a hot sector, it has attracted a lot of talent and capital," said Carlos Fisch, a director at Madrid-based venture capital firm Seaya Venture, which specialises in disruptive and sustainable technologies and owns around 8% of Spanish charging company Wallbox NV .

"We expect a big consolidation."

Fisch said the real winners will be those with superior software to manage power in the home and "bidirectional" charging, allowing EV owners to charge cheaply overnight and sell power back to the grid at higher rates during peak hours, "turning the battery from a cost centre into a profit centre."

Consolidation has already begun, with a number of small startups snapped up.

Among the acquirers getting in to the market are utility companies like France's EDF and Norway's Statkraft, oil giants including BP Plc and Shell and others.

German industrial company Siemens AG has a home charger business and Volkswagen AG's EV charging unit, Electrify America, entered the residential market in early 2021.

Although charging for EV owners who park on the street is a major challenge for US and European cities, around 60% of homeowners in Britain and the United States have access to parking at home.

Juniper Research estimates 35 million home chargers will be installed globally by 2026. Ernst & Young forecasts Europe alone will have 56 million home EV chargers by 2035.

Home chargers range in price from about US$600 to over US$1,000 (from RM2,700 to RM4,500), not including installation, so tens of billions of dollars are at stake. EV owners with home chargers use them for an estimated 80% of charging.

"We're in this because we think it's going to be a huge market," said David Martell, chief executive of recently formed British EV home charger startup EVIOS.

Martell, who previously founded EV charger company Chargemaster which BP bought in 2018 for over £130 million (RM692mil), plans to expand EVIOS into Germany and the Netherlands in 2023.

But there is more at stake than just chargers.

For companies that eventually sell millions of chargers, the data they gather could generate revenue from balancing local and national power grids.

"The first battle will be over making the most money off selling and installing home chargers," said Charlie Cook, CEO of Rightcharge, a UK firm that helps EV owners find the right home charger and low energy tariff.

"The next battle will be between the companies that control the flow of energy to and from those charge points."

'Scale up, not start up'

Growth in the EV charging market will favour companies that build scale.

EVIOS has designed a charger that CEO Martell says is designed with a user-friendly app that can work with Amazon.com Inc's Alexa or Google Home, link up to solar panels and allow eight different users so neighbours can use it (and enable the owner to bill them).

The startup joins a busy UK market alongside established firms like Pod Point, which as of December 2021 had 137,000 chargers installed. Pod Point also sells office EV chargers and public chargers, and CEO Erik Fairbairn said Pod Point's revenue is up 86% this year while its home charger business is growing faster.

Pod Point has also signed deals with BMW and Mercedes-Benz to be their preferred UK supplier.

"We are entering a phase which I call scale up rather than start up," Fairbairn said. "The opportunity for small innovative companies to make major inroads into home charging is probably behind us."

Wallbox, which sells home, public and office chargers, has operations across Europe and launched on the US market last year. Last month, Nissan Motor Co Ltd said it would offer Wallbox chargers to US EV buyers.

Wallbox has sold around 200,000 chargers so far and expects revenue to increase by up to 190% to €205 million (RM930mil) this year and hit US$1 billion (RM4.5bil) by 2025.

CEO Enric Asuncion said Wallbox is currently not in the market to buy other charger makers.

Instead, he said Wallbox is seeking opportunities to boost profit margins with new technologies and services as it did with Electromaps, a European app for finding charging stations that it bought in 2020.

"But we are obviously looking at all the options," Asuncion said. "Eventually the market is going to consolidate."

'Monetise the data'

Asuncion added that a growing number of regulations requiring swift software upgrades would also winnow out smaller companies.

For instance, as of July all UK home EV chargers must by default charge outside peak hours for energy use — with random staggered starts so they do not all switch on at the same time.

Responding to regulatory changes requires sophisticated software and data, Asuncion said.

US consumers have been slower to embrace EVs, but that is changing. Although Europe is Wallbox's largest region, the United States is its largest single market, as it is for Siemens.

"We've seen the US demand for residential charging dramatically rise and really come on par with Europe," said John DeBoer, head of e-mobility for Siemens in North America.

Rob Barrosa, Electrify America's senior director of sales, said the public-charger company has entered the US home charger market because it sees a "big need" to provide ubiquitous charging solutions.

Home EV charger makers are already looking at the potential for their chargers' data.

Wallbox's chargers should become "energy management tools," especially as bidirectional charging becomes more common, CEO Asuncion said. The company already offers a bidirectional charger.

Bidirectional charging enables EV owners to power up during off-peak hours overnight, then sell energy back at higher rates during peak daytime hours.

Large home EV charger networks could also generate fees from utilities by helping to balance out local and national power grids, for instance, by having more cars taking an active charge when there is more renewable power available or taking cars offline if the grid is overloaded.


BMW R nineT 100 Years launched at RM130K, 10 units allocated for Malaysia

                KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Motorrad Malaysia introduced the new BMW R nineT 100 Years on Friday.

Limited to only 1,923 units worldwide – a tribute to the founding year of BMW Motorrad – 10 units have been set aside for the Malaysian market.

It is priced at RM129,500.

The R nineT 100 Years’ is designed with a compact tank and upright seating position, as well as the use of quality materials and stylish design elements.

The centennial edition of the roadster is characterised by numerous features alongside an elaborate surface concept.

The Black Storm metallic paintwork on the chrome-plated tank is a vital, feature of the 100 Years edition, as the traditional paint-on-chrome method is a tribute to the 1969 R 75/5.

On the R nineT 100 Years, the interplay of paint and chrome is represented by a combination of black with chrome and white double-lining on the tank, complemented by tank grips and a 100 Years badge.

The classic chrome finish is also found on the surface of the rear seat cover, while the front fender is painted in black and features white double lining.

Rounding off the look is the two-tone black/oxblood combination used on the seat.

Complementing the look are numerous black components such as the fork tubes and air intake snorkel.

Standard equipment include LED headlights with daytime riding light, dual speed indicator and rational-speed sensor instruments with on-board computer content, and Automatic Stability Control.

The bike is powered by a 1,170cc air/oil-cooled flat twin four-stroke Boxer engine, producing 109hp and 116Nm of torque.

It is equipped with twin-disc brake with four-piston callipers for the front and a single-disc brake with double-piston floating callipers for the rear.

BMW Motorrad ABS Pro is also standard.


Rumble in the jungle - Borneo Safari 2018

                Once a year, man and machine come together to take on mother nature for the Borneo Safari challenge.

For nearly seven years, I tried to attend one of the 4X4 world’s premiere events, the Borneo Safari, but every year something came up.

This year, was different as thanks to the folks over in Isuzu Malaysia and a free calendar, I managed to make my way over to Sabah to enjoy a little bit of fun in the bush.

Unfortunately, I could only attend the three-day “soft-core” section and had to pass on the whole 10-day experience.

The first day started bright and early for me as flag-off was slotted for 7.00am in front of the Sabah Tourism Board’s offices on Gaya Street in Kota Kinabalu.

The sound of gongs, kompang and rumbling engines greeted me after I headed down to the starting line as car after car rolled past, adding to the almost carnival atmosphere.

With almost 400 cars participating, Sabah Deputy Chief Minister and state Culture, Tourism, and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew had the wrist-spraining task of flagging-off event participants which would see them follow 400km route between the state capital, Kota Marudu and Kota Belud.

Just over 1,000 participants along with 27 competitors signed up for the event.

After the flag-off, the media team and I boarded three souped-up D-Max pick-up trucks that Isuzu Malaysia had brought especially for the event.

Out of the three trucks, two of them were built in 2013 and had completed Borneo Safari challenges for six years straight.

Our first stop was a hillside near Tuaran for the first four special stages (SS).

We arrived a bit late to the party as the first few teams had already started their attempts and tensions were running high.

One of the Russian teams ended one of their 'SS’ attempts with a heated shouting match.

From what I could gather, they had misunderstood the directions from the marshal and had gone off course during their attempt.

Thankfully, both the driver and co-driver managed to settle their differences with a hug and a handshake.

It was a thrill to look at the machines they were using though.

Like many of the other cars, it seemed to be stripped down 4X4 competition car that seemed to have been Suzuki Jimnys in a previous life.

Due to the modifications, it was hard to tell.

We then made our way to a camping area near Kampung Toburon in Kota Belud which was about 100km away.

The camp site turned out to be a gorgeous beach facing the South China Sea.

There were already many 4X4s at the campsite by the time that we got there.

In fact, participants had set up camps all along the 5km stretch, turning it into a small town of tents and tarpaulin shelters.

Night time came almost as fast as it took us to set up camp and we were plunged into darkness as the sounds of the forest started to kick into high gear.

The organisers had set up a decent barbecue for dinner to help us recover from our long, hard day on the road.

After dinner, the media team got together for some refreshment and to catch up on the day’s events but I felt I needed to stretch my legs so went for a walk along the beach.

I dropped by some of the other camps just to say ‘hi’ and chat with the participants and found many were friendly and open to chatting.

One of the groups had even set up a mobile ‘disco’ at their camp complete with a DJ, dance floor, special lighting and even a disco ball!

Needless to say, they were committed to ending their first night with a bang.

The next morning started as early as the first but also with a spot of bad news.

Bad weather had slowed down proceedings at Tuaran causing the SS planned at our beach camp to be delayed.

This meant that we wouldn’t be able to catch the competitors in action as we had to leave before lunch.

Every cloud has a silver lining, and our lining was that we had most of the morning to mess about on the beach.

Just before noon, the folks from Isuzu Malaysia rounded up the media team for a photo opportunity of the entire convoy.

It was impressive to see all the 4X4s lined up on the beach, even more so once the convoy started moving.

After the shutterbugs had their fill, we all loaded up into our vehicles and made our way to the next campsite near Kota Marudu.

It looked close on paper, but it took us the entire day to get to, due to road conditions. Let’s just say there was barely a road to begin with.

The view was simply amazing.

Granted we were driving through dense bush but once there was a break between the trees, we were blessed with a spectacular view of the hills and the sea.

The drive was challenging, but thankfully it didn’t rain again so the raw earth that made up our one-track road didn’t turn into porridge.

After a few hours of ups and downs as well as several little villages in between, we finally burst out of the boonies and onto tarmac at Kampung Tonsom, just outside Kota Marudu.

We stopped at some shop houses near the junction to regroup and clean-up.

While my fellow media folk drank tea, I decided to pop over to visit a relative of mine who ran one of the shops nearby.

When I returned, I found that our chuck wagon (the car that carries our food) had broken down and some of the lads were having a go at trying to get it to start up.

I have always found bush mechanics to be an amazing bunch. I’ve seen them do the most amazing things in the most hellish environments imaginable with next to nothing.

It’s like watching Dr Frankenstein trying to reanimate his monster with some duct tape and a toothbrush.

They eventually managed to get it going again so we proceeded to our next camp-site.

My last night out in the bush was actually in someone’s back yard.

Due to the delay our faulty chuck wagon caused, our planned camp site had already been taken so the road crew had to recce for a new spot.

What they came back with was a strip by the road flanked by thick brush with two houses on either side.

We were far from the main road but still in kampung land, but the owner (who lived in the house opposite our camp) was nice enough to let us use the spot. Furthermore, we had access to fresh water which was good.

We were joined by another group of media folk who were going for the hard core section of the trip that evening, and I have to say I did feel a pang of envy at not being able to go along with them.

The evening passed into the wee hours as all of us sat down to chat after dinner and it was quite late before we headed back to our cots to catch some sleep before our long drive back to Kota Kinabalu.

One thing about trips like these is that it does bring about a sense of esprit de corps, as all those involve develop a strong bond thanks to the shared experience, both good and bad, of being on the road.

I suppose its that very feeling that keeps me going for trips like this as the camaraderie is very addictive.

Even for the short time I was there, I already felt the bonds growing between participants and I can only imagine how tight they would end up being by the end of it all.

Hopefully, I’ll be able to find out next year if I am lucky enough to be invited again.

This time, I’ll make sure I’ll go for the whole trip!

By: NIKLAS ALBAKRI


Toyota outsells GM in US for first nine months of 2021

                WASHINGTON: Toyota Motor Corp outsold General Motors Co in the United States for the first nine months of 2021 as the Detroit automaker grappled with production problems stemming from the semiconductor chip shortage.

Toyota during the first nine months sold 1.86 million vehicles compared with GM's 1.78 million, or just over 80,000 more vehicles, data released on Friday showed.

GM has been the largest seller of vehicles in the United States since 1931, when it surpassed Ford Motor Co, according to data from industry publication Automotive News.

GM has been hard hit by the chip crisis but it said that starting next week most of its North American plants would be running at regular production.

GM said its third-quarter US sales fell nearly 33% to 446,997 vehicles, its worst sales quarter in more than a decade, according to Automotive News.

GM's sales are up 0.1% for the first nine months. Its shares, which have gained more than one-fourth in value this year, closed up 0.8% on Friday.

Toyota, the world's biggest automaker by volume, said its US sales rose 1.4% to 566,005 vehicles in the quarter and are up 27.9% in the first nine months.

GM spokesman Jim Cain said on Friday, "We certainly wish we had a few more semiconductors and I bet Toyota wishes they had a few more pickups and SUVs. Nobody should be making long-term judgments about the market" based on the sales numbers impacted by the chip crisis.

A Toyota spokesman said the US sales figures in 2021 were an anomaly due to the chips issue and the automaker emphasised it has never been focused on being No. 1 in terms of sales.

Cars use chips in their infotainment systems, while the pandemic has fuelled higher demand for chips as more people work from home and depend on smartphones and other electronics.

For all of 2020, GM sold 2.55 million vehicles in the United States compared with Toyota's 2.11 million, which was ahead of Ford's 2.04 million.

For the quarter, Nissan's US sales fell 10%, while US sales of Chrysler parent Stellantis were down 19%.


Doyouthinkhesaurus: Thai 'T-Rex' cop gives traffic safety lessons

Thai police sargent Tanit Bussabong directs traffic wearing a costume where he appears to ride a T-rex dinosaur outside a school in Nakhon Nayok. — AFP
BANGKOK: A high-fiving Thai traffic cop who shrugs off the heat — and the bemused glances of passers-by — to wear a T-rex costume to work says his prehistoric uniform is teaching kids road safety and convincing parents to obey traffic laws.

Sargent Tanit Bussabong has around 20 different outfits he reserves for traffic duty outside a kindergarten in Nakhon Nayok, a few hours outside the capital, including Minnie Mouse and a bear.

But he says the green, furry dinosaur outfit -- complete with tiny arms -- is "the most popular" with children and their parents.

A year after he first donned the costume, which makes him look as though he is riding a T-rex, Tanit says amused children are learning to trust authority and wait before crossing the road.

"They are happy, so am I," he said, adding that their "parents are also developing more respect for traffic laws."


Motorcycling: Three of the best new helmets

                PARIS: The latest helmets from Shark, Touratech and Caberg offer premium levels of protection whether you prefer the added safety of a full-face helmet, the practicality of a modular visor or the style of an open-face or Jet helmet.

Shark Evo-One
The French company founded by pro bike racers has given its already excellent EVO collection a serious overhaul. The new helmets are a full 100g lighter and are even more streamlined while the sun visor has been beefed up. The improvements on the outside mean even less wind and road roar on the inside.

It also has a neat trick: the visor automatically lifts up or down when you raise or lower the chin guard. That visor also sits flat across the face of the helmet creating what Shark claims is a soundproof seal, making wireless calling and listening to sat-nav instructions easier.

Touratech Aventuro Mod
The Aventuro is a modular helmet that offers all of the advantages of being able to flip up the entire front - chin guard and visor - but without any of the design's drawbacks. In other words, Touratech has found a way to stop dirt and stones flying up inside the helmet when off road and has done so without impacting on ventilation.

The helmet also boasts an anti-fog, distortion-free visor and a continuously adjustable sun visor. There is also memory foam integrated into the chin section so that when the front section is flipped up or down, it always reseals perfectly.

The Caberg Uptown
This is a Jet style helmet in that it's open-face but the visor extends past the rider's chin, just like a fighter pilot's helmet. It's a premium, aesthetic choice for long-distance touring and for the urban commute thanks to the wider field of vision the helmet allows.

As well as style, Caberg has focused heavily on ventilation and ensuring that the extra glass doesn't give riders the ‘greenhouse' effect on longer rides. It's also available with the company's Just Speak S wireless communication system, which is compatible with smartphones, standalone GPS systems and other Bluetooth-enabled devices.


Ford co-bots make car assembly easier and safer

                LONDON: Ford is breaking new ground in the way workers and robots are collaborating to manufacture vehicles.

New collaborative robots – or co-bots – are being used to help workers fit shock absorbers to Fiesta cars, a task that requires pinpoint accuracy, strength and dexterity. Employees work hand-in-hand with the robots to ensure a perfect fit.

The trial at Ford’s assembly plant in Cologne, Germany, is part of the company’s investigations into Industry 4.0 – the fourth industrial revolution embracing automation, data exchange and manufacturing technologies. Ford sought feedback from more than 1,000 production line workers to identify tasks for which the new robots would best be suited.

“Robots are helping make tasks easier, safer and quicker, complementing our employees with abilities that open up unlimited worlds of production and design for new Ford models,” said Karl Anton, director vehicle operations, Ford of Europe.

Measuring a metre high, the robots work hand-in-hand with the line workers at two work stations. Rather than manipulate a heavy shock absorber and installation tool, workers can now use the robot to lift and automatically position the shock absorber into the wheel arch, before pushing a button to complete installation.

“Working overhead with heavy air-powered tools is a tough job that requires strength, stamina, and accuracy. The robot is a real help,” said Ngali Bongongo, a production worker at Ford’s Cologne plant.

Equipped with hi-tech sensors, the co-bots stop immediately if they detect an arm or even a finger in their path to ensure worker safety. Similar technology is used in the pharmaceutical and electronics industries. Developed over two years, the robot programme was carried out in partnership with German robot manufacturer, KUKA Roboter GmbH.

Ford is now reviewing further use of collaborative robots that can be programmed to perform tasks ranging from shaking “hands” to making a coffee.


Booking opens for all-new Lexus NX

                SHAH ALAM: Lexus Malaysia has started taking orders for the upcoming all-new Lexus NX sports utility vehicle (SUV).

The second-generation model will be available in the Luxury variant priced at RM370,888 and F-Sport at RM389,888, both on-the-road without insurance in Peninsular Malaysia.

With dynamic and solid stance enhanced by chiseled character lines, the NX also gets a bolder front, offering a more purposeful look.

The character spindle grille features new mesh with criss-cross patterns while the front bumper splitter is finished in satin silver to create a sporty contrast to the gloss black of the grille.

The three-eye LED projector headlights feature a black extension that creates a more subdued impression and enhances the look of the L-shaped daytime running lights (DRLs).

The signature L-shaped rear combination lamps now flank a centrally-positioned light bar that acts as a tail lamp as part of the new brand signature.

Power for the F-Sport is derived from a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine producing 275hp and 430Nm of torque mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission with AI shift control that uses a camera to scan the road ahead and match its shift pattern accordingly.

Meanwhile, the Luxury gets a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine producing a respectable 204hp and 243Nm of torque.

Power is sent mainly to the front wheels for maximum efficiency but an electronically-controlled full-time AWD system intelligently adjusts power distribution between front and rear wheels according to driving conditions.

Built on the Lexus Global Architecture K (GA-K) platform that has 30% improvement in rigidity over the previous generation, the new NX comes with improved cornering control and dynamic handling.

The improved platform’s strengths are achieved through various Lexus firsts including laser peening welding and the use of high-rigidity foam material among others.

The new NX also gets the Lexus Safety System Plus (LSS+) features that include Pre-Collision System (PCS) which even detects pedestrians and bicyclists, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) with stop and go function and Adaptive High-beam System (AHS).

Other features include Road Sign Assist (RSA) that reads posted speed limits, Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) and Parking Brake Support (PKSB) that suppresses engine power and apply autonomous braking when necessary during parking maneouvres.

The NX's cockpit also features the Tazuna Concept that draws on the relationship between a jockey and his horse where subtle movements from the rider is translated to instructions the horse intuitively understands.

Digital modelling and advanced computer design resulted in the repositioning of numerous functions within the cockpit.

A prime example of the Tazuna influence is the reduction of the number of switchgear items from 78 to 45.

Physical buttons are retained only for frequently-used actions while the multi-function buttons on the steering wheel now control other actions, allowing adjustments on the move.

The touch-sensitive buttons offer tactile response with the corresponding action being shown on the heads-up display so the driver’s focus is never removed from the road.

Many of the lesser-used functions have been embedded into the angled 14-inch touch screen that sits in the middle of the dashboard.

This intuitive and clear display panel is the largest in its class and offers drivers with a quick reference to key functions and connects to Android Auto or wirelessly to Apple Carplay.

Making its debut in the new Lexus NX is the use of an e-latch door opener that uses a convenient button to activate the door mechanism allowing a single action to open the door from inside, mimicking the action of opening a Shoji screen.

Lexus Malaysia president Ravindran K said the Lexus NX has endeared itself by combining an intuitive design and nimble performance in an attractively-sized package.

“It was unlike any other SUV in its segment and proved to be a very popular model here, making up one in three Lexus sold by Lexus Malaysia," he said.


VW to halt sales of most vehicles in S. Korea amid emissions probe

                SEOUL: Volkswagen will suspend sales of most of its vehicle models in South Korea from July 25, as pressure builds on the German automaker over its falsified emissions tests.

The move comes as Volkswagen has struggled with a sales slump in South Korea, Asia's second-biggest diesel car market, after the firm admitted in the United States to using software to cheat on emissions tests on some diesel cars.

It also comes ahead of an environment ministry review later this month or in early August on whether to revoke the certification of 32 models made by Volkswagen, its Audi and Bentley units, which would lead to a sales ban of the affected models in the country.

South Korean prosecutors had notified the ministry of the list of models, accusing Volkswagen's South Korean unit of fabricating documents on emissions and noise-level tests, the ministry said. Prosecutors last month arrested a local Volkswagen executive, as part of a widening probe.

"We have decided to suspend sales of the affected models to reduce confusion among dealers and customers," a spokesman for Volkswagen's South Korean unit said, adding that it would take three months to achieve certification again for the models.

Volkswagen, Europe's biggest car maker, will decide whether or not to take a legal action against South Korea's planned decision, which will come after the company presents its case to the ministry on July 25, he said.

Globally, the company has already set aside about US$18 billion to cover the cost of the scandal, mainly vehicle refits and a settlement with U.S. authorities, and analysts had expected lawsuits and potential regulatory fines to increase that number.


Jeep reveals refreshed Renegade

                TURIN: The Jeep Renegade has been something of a surprise hit for the US manufacturer in a number of markets around the world, and a refreshed version for the 2019 model year for Europe has just been shown at the Turin motor show in Italy.

The exterior styling tweaks are subtle but noticeable, but there's also plenty of new tech inside and a fleet of new engines being offered.

Official images show the front fascia of the new Renegade with the available LED headlights that are quite similar to those already offered with the latest Jeep Wrangler.

The individual grille slats are wider than before with slimmer chrome bezels, which definitely deliver a more aggressive look to the compact Jeep crossover. The front bumper benefits from a complete redesign, so the fog lights now seem to be bigger and are positioned in the main lower grille.

And for reasons that are probably more aesthetic than functional, the grille is now flanked by a couple of triangular air inlets.

It's already been revealed by Jeep that eventually, every model in its lineup will be offered with a 2.0-litre turbo-four petrol, 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain, and the new Renegade should get this system in the new year. And by the end of the decade, every Jeep will also be available as a plug-in hybrid.

Other engines available in the new Renegade include a 120bhp 1.0-litre petrol, and 150bhp and 180bhp versions of a 1.3-litre powerplant to deliver better performance and fuel efficiency than the current 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrols.

Interior enhancements include a larger infotainment screen to replace the current 6.5-inch unit, which absorbs the buttons and controls that surround the existing screen. The new screen is still being housed in the shaped surround, so despite being bigger it doesn't take up any more space than the current screen and its hard buttons.

This is an important model for the American brand in Europe as it's Jeep's biggest-seller, and Europe is a market the FCA boss Sergio Marchionne has identified as needing better results after a poor 2017.

Europe should see the 2019 Renegade in dealerships in September, and prices are only expected to rise marginally from where they are right now. Information on specs for the US 2019 Renegade are expected in the months to come.


Toyota Gazoo Racing is ramping up with two new race cups

                SHAH ALAM: With two races already completed and another four to go in the Vios Challenge, Gazoo Racing and UMW Toyota Motor is stepping into high gear with the introduction of the Vios Sprint Cup and Vios Enduro Cup which will offer another five races this year to make it 11 races for Toyota in 2022.

The Vios Sprint Cup, offers total prize monies amounting to RM60,000 per round, is run independently of the Vios Challenge, and will feature two rounds within the Malaysia Championship Series (MCS) with each round offering two races.

The Vios Sprint Cup will also retain the format of a one-make series as in the Vios Challenge, to ensure a level playing field where the emphasis will be on race craft, driving skills and experience.

Round 1 of the Vios Sprint Cup will be held from May 20-22 at the Sepang International Circuit,
followed by Round 2 in July at the same venue, while the season finale Vios Enduro Cup will coincide with prestigious Sepang 1000KM Endurance Race (S1K) in November.

A total of 26 cars will line up on the grid for the Vios Sprint Cup with each car consisting of two drivers.

To make things interesting and to level the playing field even more, the pairing of drivers must be made up of the combination of professionals, amateurs, celebrities and rookies as per the Vios Challenge classes for Super Sporting (professionals), Sporting (amateurs), Promotional (celebrities) and Rookies (young and new drivers).

The race weekend will consist of two 1-hour races.

Race 1 of the Vios Sprint Cup on Saturday will see both drivers driving in two separate qualifying sessions, and the faster driver required to start the 1-hour race before making a mandatory pit stop for a driver change.

In Race 2 on Sunday, the slower driver of the pair will start the 1-hour race and again required to make a mandatory pit stop for a driver change.

Race 2 will also be started as a reverse grid order based on the results of Race 1.

The overall champion in each of the two races stand to win RM10,000 cash, followed by RM8,000 for the first runner up, RM6,000 to the third place winner, and RM4,000 and RM2,000 for the fourth and fifth place winners respectively.

UMW Toyota Motor President Ravindran K said the objective is to expand on its existing racing activities in the Vios Challenge.

“With the Vios Sprint Cup and the Vios Enduro Cup, it will mean an additional five races on top of the six races already lined up for the Vios Challenge.

“This will provide even more racing and rewards for participating drivers, teams and dealers and at the same time underline UMW Toyota Motor’s commitment to contribute to a more vibrant motorsports eco-system in Malaysia,” said.

The Vios Enduro Cup in November meanwhile, will see Toyota drivers competing over 1000 km in the race that is expected to take nine hours covering 181 laps of the Sepang International Circuit.

Racers who wish to register their participation or for more enquiries about the Vios Sprint Cup and Vios Enduro Cup can get in touch with our Race Management representative Ms Janet from Wing Hin Motorsports at 016-367 3300.

For details, visit www.toyota.com.my.


Parking in KL a pain from tomorrow

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and the Federal Territories Ministry have set new parking rates according to three zones effective Saturday.

Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said in a statement today that a RM1.50 charge would be levied for the first hour of parking in the city centre and RM2.50 for the second hour, with a maximum parking period of two hours.

"For areas outside the city centre with a high-level of activities such as Sentul, Bangsar and Brickfields, the charge for the first and subsequent hours will only be RM1.

"Charges for areas outside the city centre such as Segambut, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Setiawangsa, Sungai Besi and Bandar Tun Razak for the first and subsequent hours is RM0.80," he said, adding that there would be no parking time limit in these two zones.

Tengku Adnan said parking fees may be paid using coins, Touch 'N Go cards, and a mobile phone application.

He said for those parking long hours on a daily basis, DBKL had introduced monthly passes that could be subscribed online, at very reasonable rates.

Tengku Adnan said the implementation of the new parking rates had taken into account the diverse needs of users and was based on the principle of "moving people", not vehicles.

"It is DBKL's intention that when all the plans are implemented, citizens will enjoy a more smooth and efficient traffic flow," he said.

He said people who wished to purchase monthly passes and find out more information on the services provided by DBKL could visit www.citypark.my.


Toyota bets on Lexus flagship revamp to overcome 'boring' image

                DETROIT: Toyota is sprucing up its premium Lexus line with a facelift of its flagship sports coupe for 2017, as the world's largest automaker tries to shake off its reputation for boring designs.

Unveiling the Lexus LC 500 coupe at the Detroit auto show on Monday, Toyota president Akio Toyoda said that the new model featuring the brand's distinct jagged grille, was the company's response to years of public criticism about the brand's uninspired designs.

"I was determined to make sure we became a more emotional brand, and that the words 'boring' and 'Lexus' never showed up in the same sentence," Toyoda told reporters. "This is a brave, new Lexus." Based on a flowing concept design shown in 2012, the new model features a V8 engine and a new 10-speed transmission system, and will be the brand's first model to use a new, luxury rear-wheel drive platform developed under the company's new shared platform production system.

"We want to make clear the distinction between the Toyota brand and the Lexus brand," Lexus International President Tokuo Fukuichi told Reuters.

"The Toyota brand is the anchor which delivers consistently high quality products to the mass market... Lexus is for drivers who are more discerning about drivability, design and quality," he said, acknowledging that the luxury brand may not have been delivering on those fronts in past years.

Fukuichi said that the new model would be released "as early as possible" in 2017. He declined to comment on pricing, but said that the company aimed to sell 6,600 cars annually.

Toyoda also said it plans to market a fuel cell vehicle (FCV) under the Lexus brand "around 2020" as part of its pledge that all of its vehicles would be zero emissions by 2050.

A Lexus FCV would be the second model produced by Toyota which uses hydrogen as a power source, to cut out carbon emissions, following the Mirai launched in late 2014.

 Scion C_HR concept_

Over at Scion, Toyota's youth-oriented brand is targeting an older, more mainstream audience as "millennials" delay car purchases, raising the possibility of weaker-than-expected sales growth this year.

"Millennials are in fact buying cars, they have just waited longer to buy cars because they've come out of college with more financial debt than any other generation, so their decision making around durable goods is being delayed," said Andrew Gilleland, who took over as vice president of Scion in September.

He said the brand expected to sell 70,000 to 80,000 cars this year, acknowledging the risk that sales may come up short of a previous forecast of 80,000.

Scion is Toyota's solution-in-progress to an ongoing slide in car ownership among young drivers, who are increasingly turning to ride-hailing apps and car-sharing services as an alternative to owning cars.

Scion is counting on its first crossover model, the C-HR, which goes on sale in early 2017, as the brand bets on a general boom in US demand for larger vehicles to lift sales to 100,000 next year.

 Scion FRS RS2.


Congestion charges: The urban tolls reducing traffic in city centres

                NEW YORK: Tolls for vehicles entering city centres have been around since 2003 and, in a US first, New York City is now expected to implement its own congestion zone.

This type of urban toll aims to reduce traffic jams and the number of vehicles in cities, while encouraging users to take public transport. Here's a look at how it works.

It essentially equates to introducing a tax on road use where traffic congestion reaches high levels. It encourages motorists to park on the outskirts of a city and use public transport to get to the centre.

With the start of the new school year and the return to a "new normal" in many places, traffic has increased in city centres. And congestion charges, although already implemented in many European cities, are once again emerging as an innovative solution to help reduce vehicle congestion.

In late August 2021, New York State's publicly owned Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the Joe Biden administration announced the launch of congestion pricing in an area of Manhattan below 60th Street — a nationwide first.

Originally planned for early 2021, the project was blocked by the Trump administration and will now be carried out in early 2022.

On the West Coast, Los Angeles is expected to follow suit soon, as a study was launched by LA Metro in 2019.

How does it work in Europe?

This kind of system has been up and running in certain European cities for some years, although operating in slightly different ways from one place to the next.

London introduced its congestion charge in 2003, making it the first major city in the world to do so.

To drive in this zone, it is now mandatory to pay £15 (about RM86) for the day, seven days a week, except Dec 25.

When users enter the congestion charge zone, they are warned by a large letter "C" painted in a red circle on the road. It is the user's responsibility to pay the current rate online, either on the day or up to 90 days in advance.

In Stockholm, prices vary according to the day: the price of the congestion charge varies between 15 and 35 Swedish kronor (up to RM17) in low season, and goes up to 45 Swedish kronor (just over RM22) during peak hours in high season. Users pay at kiosks stationed at the entrance and exit of the zone.

In Milan, the system is similar to other major European cities. A congestion zone, called "Area C," is predefined and a fee of €5 (a little under RM25) is required to enter.

"These schemes are effective in improving traffic conditions"

In most cases, discounts are available for inner-city residents, as well as for vehicles with a more positive environmental impact, such as electric cars or plug-in hybrids.

In London, vehicles with more than nine seats are also eligible for a discount.

According to Charles Raux, a researcher at the CNRS — France's National Centre for Scientific Research — and the LAET transport, urban planning and economics laboratory, "these schemes are effective in improving traffic conditions."

"Motorists are conscious of the cost of using the road, traffic flows more smoothly and the negative effects of vehicle traffic on the environment are reduced. Most socioeconomic evaluations also conclude that these schemes are cost-effective, in that they improve the socioeconomic situation of the community."