Hyundai Grand Starex Smart Lease Programme introduced

                PETALING JAYA: Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has launched its Hyundai Grand Starex Smart Lease Programme in partnership with Sime Darby Rent A Car (SDRAC), offering corporations, businesses as well as individuals an attractive three to five years leasing programme with great savings.

Customers who sign up for the programme will enjoy the ownership experience of a new vehicle without having to worry about loan application, long-term maintenance cost, road tax and insurance, resale value or the hassle of disposing a vehicle.

Customers will only need to pay the agreed fixed monthly payment, a two-month deposit and a booking fee of RM500 upon signing of the Hyundai Smart Lease Agreement.

Among the benefits are:

• Worry-free ownership,
• Zero inflation,
• Fixed monthly payment,
• Lower deposit fee compared to a downpayment,
• Flexibility at the end of term,
• Less tax payable,
• Free from car disposal, and
• Lease Rentals covering all soft costs (i.e. insurance, maintenance, etc.) of vehicles.

HDSM managing director Low Yuan Lung said the programme was tailored to fit the business vehicle needs of companies.

“The Smart Lease programme will provide greater flexibility without the hassle and burden of hefty upfront payments and other costs,” he said.

Four variants of the the Grand Starex are available - Standard Corporate, Executive Plus without bodykits, Executive Plus with bodykits and Executive Prime.

The monthly payment for the Standard Corporate variant is as low as RM2,800 for a 5-year leasing programme with mileage capped at 15,000km per annum, that also includes a car replacement benefit of three days.

Customers can choose to extend the mileage cap up to 30,000km per annum or 40,000km per annum with a monthly repayment of
RM3,250 and RM3,550 respectively.

The Grand Starex is a large premium 11-seater multi-purpose vehicle that features a 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, swivel seats on the second row, a suite of safety features, overhead display monitor and more.

Customers can opt to renew the lease programme with a brand-new unit.

The Hyundai Smart Lease Programme offers significant cost savings of approximately RM17,000 for a five-year ownership.

Interested parties can head over to any of Hyundai’s showroom nationwide or register their interest via www.hyundai.com.my/showroom/grand-starex to sign up.

READ MORE: Hyundai Staria debuts


Kuala Lumpur's Bukit Bintang may bar vehicle entry

                KUALA LUMPUR: The busy shopping district of Bukit Bintang may be the next area here to go vehicle-free here.

Deputy Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias said this would follow the weekly Sunday closure of Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (TAR).

“After Jalan TAR, we are looking (to implement the concept) around the Federal Hotel area as it is a pedestrian hotspot.

“We are still conducting engagement sessions and will announce in due course,” he said after launching the 9th CityNet Congress here.

Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Mahadi Che Ngah said feedback from the public had mostly been supportive of the Jalan TAR weekly closure.

“We are planning more content and activities to make the place more vibrant,” he added.

The Jalan TAR closure implemented by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) from 6am to midnight every Sunday took effect from Aug 28.

The closed stretch is from Sogo shopping centre at the Jalan Esfahan junction until Jalan Tun Perak near Panggung Bandaraya.

Meanwhile, some 230 local and international participants converged on Kuala Lumpur for the three-day CityNet Congress.

This is the first time the Malaysian city is playing host to the programme, with delegates from more than 15 countries taking part.

“This congress brings together city mayors, government officials and stakeholders to share ideas and experiences,” Jalaluddin said during the launch.

This year’s theme is “City for All: Activating Access for Urban Growth”.

Participants will also visit the Sustainable Development Goal Centre in Jalan Raja, Wangsa Maju Carbon-Neutral Growth Centre and Razak Mansion Development, among others.

It is co-organised by Seoul-based CityNet, an association of urban stakeholders committed to sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region, together with DBKL.


Naza Kia Malaysia announces zero GST prices

                KUALA LUMPUR: In light of the announcement made by the Ministry of Finance to fix the GST at 0%, Naza Kia Malaysia will honour purchases made from now until 31st May 2018 with a 6% GST reimbursement.

Eligible customers will receive instant cash redemption on the interim during this period until the new Sales & Service Tax has been established by the Ministry of Finance.


Intel to supply self-driving systems for delivery trucks

                SAN FRANCISCO: Intel on Monday said it is supplying self-driving systems to Silicon Valley startup Udelv, which plans to have a fleet of autonomous delivery vehicles in action within two years.

Udelv and the Mobileye unit at Intel aim to produce more than 35,000 driverless "Transporters" by the year 2028, the companies said in a joint release.

"Our deal with Udelv is significant for its size, scope and rapid deployment timeline," said Mobileye chief Amnon Shashua.

"Covid-19 has accelerated demand for autonomous goods delivery, and we are delighted to partner with Udelv to address this demand in the near term."

The comprehensive Mobileye Drive system will allow Udelv to ramp up production and deployment of Transporter vehicles, according to the startup's chief executive, Daniel Laury.

Udelv automated delivery vehicles combine self-driving technology with robotics to assist with unloading cargo, according to its website.

"Early on, we determined that one element is inseparable from the other," Udelv said in a post.
"Without autonomy, one cannot remove the driver; and without the delivery robotics, an autonomous vehicle remains utterly useless."

The company said it has made thousands of automated deliveries in the US, carrying payloads of more than 363kg.

Autonomous driving technology is expected to catch on first for deliveries, since they involve carrying products instead of people along typically repetitive routes.

E-commerce colossus Amazon; internet giant Google, and electric car maker Teslas are among companies investing in systems to enable vehicles to safely drive themselves.

Intel recently said it will invest US$20 billion in building two new plants in Arizona as part of a plan to ramp up chip production in the United States and Europe.

The move comes as a global chip shortage has countries and companies in those regions looking to reduce reliance on plants in Asia for semiconductors, which are used in a growing array of products such as cars.


Lamborghini Huracan STO to roll on custom Bridgestone tyres

                TOKYO: Bridgestone has been selected by Lamborghini to be the tyre supplier of the Lamborghini Huracan STO (Super Trofeo Omologato).

The partnership will see the Japanese tyremaker provide the Huracan STO - due to arrive in 2021, with customer-developed tyres.

Bridgestone claims that it has developed a tailor-made Potenza tyre capable of maximising the Huracán STO’s potential in terms of traction, handling and performance thanks to a recent collaboration.

The key aspects lie in the combination of the tyre's pattern and cavity design - including an asymmetric tread design that's said to aid steering response and cornering stability.

The internal crown structure helps to distribute the tyre's footprint pressure evenly during cornering.

These features, combined with a newly developed tread compound for better grip, help
to bring the Huracan STO’s track-level performance to road users.

Both Lamborghini and Bridgestone combined their efforts in the virtual realm during the Covid-19 pandemic.

This allowed Bridgestone to test several tyre combinations in its virtual environment before integrating the tyre behaviour in the vehicle’s system to find the ideal match within Lamborghini's virtual driving simulator.

In addition to the road-going tyres, Bridgestone says that a track-oriented road-homologated version of the tyre for dry conditions will also be in development.

“The Huracán STO is an incredible piece of engineering that deserves a custom tyre that can fulfil its full potential," said Bridgestone EMIA vice president (Consumer Replacement OE) Steven De Bock.


New Porsche 911 Carrera S and 4S: Whooping it up in NZ

                Due to its far-flung location at one remote part of southern Pacific Ocean, New Zealand was not settled until the late 13th century by Maoris with Europeans arriving some 500 years later.

Auckland seems to be the favourite city as its 1.6 million residents account for a third of the island nation’s population of 5 million.

In addition to a vibrant cosmopolitan feel, the modern city with a cool and pleasant climate is clean and home to the 328m Sky Tower, the tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere.

The telecommunications tower has become an icon with more than 400,000 tourists visiting its observation deck yearly to catch a bird’s eyeview of Auckland.

 The 911 Carrera S. Below the 911 Carrera 4S is framed against a backdrop of Auckland with the Sky Tower dominating the skyline.

The Sky Tower also seems a fitting backdrop for another icon, the all-new Porsche 911 sports car whose motoring legacy goes back to 1963.

In total, Porsche has produced more than a million units of the 911 since its debut until the end of October last year.

Now in its eighth generation, the new model which is also known internally as 992, is more refined, powerful and yet instantly identifiable as a 911.

Without deviating much from the original 911 design DNA, Porsche however had added some new styling interpretations to tell it apart from the previous model.

Reprising the familiar bug-eyed front with new LED headlights, the latest 911 retains the same wheelbase but is 20mm longer and 45mm wider, giving it a sleeker and hunkered appearance.

The bonnet now has a distinctive recess in the centre, a styling once used in earlier 911 models.
The active air intake flaps at the front lower bumper can open or close to improve cooling and aerodynamics.

Wheel arches are bolder for a more muscular appearance and the new 911 gets 20-inch wheels at the front and 21-inch wheels at the rear.

Previously where the all-wheel drive 911 variant would get a wider rear section, now both the rear-wheel drive Carrera S and all-wheel drive Carrera 4S versions come in the same wide styling.

 The Carrera 4S (left) and Carrera S.

Aside from the rear badging giving away the variants’ identity, you can also easily tell them apart as the rear grille of the Carrera S comes with black louvres while those of the Carrera 4S are chromed.

Door handles are now more flush with the body panels and they electrically pop out when the car is unlocked.

The biggest exterior change is at the rear where the Porsche name is displayed in 3D lettering on a narrow ledge just under the horizontal light bar.

The rear spoiler which has a “clam-shell” design, is cleverly designed into the 911’s tail and is deployed electrically whenever the car needs more rear downforce.

Inside the all-leather interior, the 10.9-inch Porsche Communication Management (PCM) touchscreen takes centrestage, while the instrument panel now comes with an analogue tachometer in the centre and sandwiched by two electronic screens, which project two virtual gauges each to mimic the 911 series’ classic five-gauge layout.

For another classic feel, a row of five toggle switches are placed just below the PCM screen.

Another big change is that the large “attention-seeking” gearshifter in the previous model has been replaced with one that is way smaller and looks like a keyfob.

This new gearshifter is easier to use as you do not need to grab it - just curl your fingers to “hook” the shifter and pull back or push forward to select D or R from the default N.

 The gearshifter is a stub rising up from the centre console.

The new 911 also comes standard with acoustics sensors in the front wheel housings to detect if the road is wet and slippery.

The car will then prompt the driver to switch drive mode to Wet where throttle response would be reined in with stability and traction controls set to higher sensitivity.

Also, if the car is driven above 90kph, the front air cooling flaps would be opened while the rear spoiler fully deployed to give maximum downforce to the rear axle to reduce oversteer.

Another optional feature is the electro-hydraulic lift system that raises the front axle by 40mm to clear unusually high speed bumps and multi-level car parks with steep ramps.

Output from the bi-turbo 3.0-litre flat-six rear mounted engine is now up by 30PS to 450PS with torque also higher by 30Nm to 530Nm compared with the older model.

New upgrades include bigger turbochargers with symmetrical layout, electrically control wastegate valves, revised charge air cooling system and piezo injectors.

The Carrera S can do the 0-100kph sprint in 3.7 seconds and the Carrera 4S in 3.6 seconds, much quicker than the previous generation’s 4.0 seconds.

Add the optional Sport Chrono Package with overboost function and both variants will reduce their 0-100kph sprint times by 0.2 second.

We got both variants for our 120km drive from Auckland to Brick Bay and back.

 The Carrera $S leads the way.

Our first car was the Carrera 4S which also has the optional rear-wheel steering.

At low speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction of the front wheels, making tight U-turns easy especially on urban roads.

When driven faster, the rear wheels will turn in the same direction with the front ones for better driving stability and fluidity especially when lane changing.

At fast sweeping turns, we could feel the rear-wheel steering system gently loosening up the car’s tail so we do not get the usual howls of rear tyres fighting to maintain grip found in cars with fixed-angle rear wheels.

With 450PS and 530Nm of torque, the Carrera 4S is an adrenaline-infused ride whose instant and yet refined acceleration easily puts a grin on your face.

 This is the Carrera 4S cabin.

The eight-speed dual clutch transmission upshifts seamlessly so as not to interrupt the car’s rapid momentum.

The flap-controlled exhaust system can be set to deliver an intoxicating burble and increase driving pleasure.

Even with the suspension set at firm, the ride still feels comfortable when driven on New Zealand’s country roads.

Shocks from going over bumps and potholes are easily absorbed without ruffling the ride.

The well-padded and supportive seats contributed to ride comfort beside providing a luxurious feel.

 The Carrera 4S and the S (below).

Steering is pin-sharp and high-speed tight corners can be taken with barely noticeable body roll, thus elevating driving confidence.

At high speeds, the Carrera 4S is well-planted and stable even over undulating stretches.

We later changed to the Carrera S and found there were differences in the persona of both cars.

Overall, both variants returned a similar level of ride comfort and emotive soundtrack.

 Active spoiler in normal driving. It flips up automatically at higher speed to exert greater downforce.

But the steering of the Carrera S was not as taut as that of the Carrera 4S, making it more enjoyable and effortless to manoeuvre.

We can only assume this was because the Carrera S had a lighter front set-up and power was not sent to the front wheels to influence the steering feel.

Also, the Carrera S felt more eager to go, giving an impression it’s the quicker sprinter even though the specification sheet showed the Carrera 4S had a 0.1 second faster 0-100kph dash.

We could conclude that the all-wheel drive system of the Carrera 4S managed to put down the 450PS from the engine to the tarmac more efficiently, thus giving it more push and composure.

In our view, the Carrera S with its bit of brashness was more fun to drive, while the Carrera 4S felt safer and more grounded.

However, both variants would not disappoint anyone looking for a luxury high-performance everyday car.

With more bang and poise, well-heeled 911 fans are sure to be knocking on the door of local Porsche distributor Sime Darby Auto Performance to make booking enquiries ahead of its arrival.


Piaggio's service centre opens in Section 13, PJ

                PETALING JAYA: Piaggio's brand new service centre catering to Piaggio, Vespa, Aprilia and Moto Guzzi makes is now open in Gasket Alley, Section 13 here.

This 3,000 sq ft service centre is equipped with the state-of-the-art diagnosic tools and staffed by specialists trained by Piaggio in Italy.

The specialists can repair and service all sorts of engines - boxer, twin, V-Twin, V4 and those used in scooters.

The service centre is part of Motoplex Petaling Jaya feature.

At present, Motoplex Petaling Jaya is situated next to Gasket Alley and is under construction and scheduled to be operational in August.

 Pang and his team at the service area.

Dealer Principal of Motoplex Petaling Jaya, Idon Pang, said the centre has spare parts for Piaggio, Vespa, Moto Guzzi and Aprilia from 1997 onwards.

"If the bike is older and built before 1997, their spare parts must be ordered from Piaggio in Italy," he said.

The service centre is able to accommodate 12 bikes a day for repair and maintenance work.

There are four bays and each has a dedicated technician.

This brand new facility also has a large customer lounge with a cafe bar which is fully air-conditioned.

An owner would be able to see work done on his bike in the service area from the lounge.

Aftersales assistant manager Nurzihan Mohd Ali said the service centre's goal was to complete servicing as fast as possible with a high level of quality.

“We want to ensure that they have a great customer experience. We will not settle anything less than that,” she said.


US automakers imposes masks at all US plants but not requiring vaccines

                WASHINGTON: Detroit's Big Three automakers and the United Auto Workers (UAW) union said on Tuesday they will reinstate requirements to wear masks at all US plants, offices and warehouses beginning today, but are not requiring workers to be vaccinated.

The move is in response to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) change in Covid-19 guidance for masks for fully vaccinated people related to the Delta variant, General Motors Co, Ford Motor Co and Chrysler parent Stellantis NV said in a joint statement with the union.

Toyota Motor Corp said effective today it will reinstate mask requirements at nearly all US facilities, with the exception of two Michigan facilities that are in counties with moderate transmission rates.

Nissan Motor Co also said Tuesday it was reinstating its mask requirements for all US employees. Volkswagen AG said it was requiring masks at US facilities in Covid-19 hot spots, while Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz US unit said it had reinstated mask requirements at US plants late last week.

The UAW does not support requiring all workers to be vaccinated for Covid-19 and US automakers have not mandated vaccines. The union and automakers are strongly encouraging workers to get vaccinated.

"We are urging all UAW members and their families to get vaccinated. The science is telling us very clearly that the only way to get back to normal is to reach a heightened level of immunity," UAW president Ray Curry told members in a letter Tuesday.

"However, we also know that for some, there are religious and health reasons for not getting vaccinated."

The CDC said last week fully vaccinated people should wear masks indoors in public spaces in places with substantial or high Covid-19 community transmission rates. The CDC said on Monday that almost 80% of US counties are now at those levels.

In June, the US automakers and UAW announced that fully vaccinated workers at their US factories would not have to wear masks on the job beginning on July 12.

Numerous automakers operating in the United States had already begun lifting pandemic mask mandates as cases declined.

Other companies as well as federal, state and local governments are putting more pressure on individuals to get vaccinated.

New York City on Tuesday said it will require proof of vaccination for people engaged in indoor activities such as dining, working out in a gym, or seeing a show. read more

Meat packer Tyson Foods said it will require workers to get Covid-19 vaccinations, joining companies including Walt Disney Co and Walmart Inc in instituting such a requirement for some parts of their workforces.

US president Joe Biden has ordered workers at federal agencies to get vaccinated or submit to regular testing.


The one thing you should absolutely not do when driving in a storm

                BERLIN: A random cloudburst, and all of a sudden your pleasant drive becomes a test of concentration and quick reaction. But there are some situations that drivers should steer clear of in such weather.

Underpasses, for example, should be approached with caution, because even if the water doesn't appear to be that high, they can quickly fill up and become a trap, say the car safety inspection agency Dekra.

If the water goes up half the height of your rims, the engine can suck it up, damaging it. So if you are in a situation where you can't estimate how deep the water is, it's better to look for a detour.

For the reasons listed above, it's not a good idea to keep driving on flooded roads. You could also quickly lose your bearings and end up in a ditch, or the entire vehicle could be swept away if the water rises sharply, warns Dekra.

Anytime there's mud and debris across the road, the surface is so slippery that even a slight current is enough to wash away a car, warns the ADAC, Europe's biggest driving club.

Dekra advises not putting yourself in such a situation in the first place: If there's a severe weather warning, avoid driving and wait for the situation to improve. If you're caught in a storm without warning, then try to find a place to shelter, preferably higher up.

In the event of a storm, you also want to avoid a spot in the direct vicinity of trees or houses, from which things can fall on your, or a sloping street, as there is a danger that a torrent could form.

Dekra says it's important to keep an eye on the surroundings in a storm.

And by no means should you go into a basement parking lot: As Dekra points out, they can become a "death trap" during heavy rain, as masses of water come not only from above, but also from the sewers below, and they can sometimes fill up within minutes.

Retrieving your car from the garage could turn into a life-or-death situation: It's better to flee on foot.

Anyone still in the car should get out as quickly as possible, because when the water rises above the door sills, it's increasingly difficult to open the doors.


Honda BeAT 110 introduced at RM5,724

                PENANG: Boon Siew Honda (BSH) has officially introduced the new Honda BeAT and its new stylish graffiti stripes are meant to attract young scooter enthusiasts.

Priced in showrooms at RM5,724 (including GST), four colour options are available, including Space Magenta Metallic (new), Vital Metallic Blue, Pearl Magellanic Black and Viva City Red.

The scooter has a 4.0-litre fuel tank feeding the 108.2cc four-stroke single overhead cam air-cooled motor.

The scooter's motor holds 0.8 litres of oil and produces 8.77PS at 7,500rpm and 9.14Nm of torque at 6,000rpm while mated to a V-belt automatic transmission, and has both a kick and electric starter.

The 94kg (dry) scooter has a wheelbase of 1,256mm and measures 1,864mm-long, 666mm-wide and 1,068mm-tall - putting its saddle height at 742mm and giving it 146mm of ground clearance.

It rides on 14-inch wheels with 80/90 (front) and 90/90 (rear) tyres for grip, while uneven road surfaces are mitigated by the front telescopic and rear unit swing arm.

Stopping power comes from the combined efforts of a hydraulic disc (front) and a mechanical leading trail (rear) and has Combi Brake system to help improve braking power - lessening stopping distances.

For added safety, a Smart Lock System helps keep brakes locked during start-up or parking and helps to avoid accidental acceleration in traffic.

There is also a Side Stand Switch which automatically stops the engine once the kickstand is flipped down.

“Last year, BSH launched Honda BeAT that is targeting to the youngsters’ market. Now, we have upgraded its outlook with new colour choice and improvements on stripes.

The Honda BeAT first entered the Malaysian market in 2016.

For more information visit BSH's Facebook page or call toll-free at 1-800-88-3993 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, exclude Public Holiday)


Lorry driver claims trial to ramming into 18 cars

                NIBONG TEBAL:  A lorry driver who rammed his tipper truck into 18 cars near the Taman Berjaya market here has claimed trial to a charge of reckless driving at a magistrate's court here.

G. Mathan, 30, from Kampung Ladang Transkrian pleaded not guilty to a charge of driving without a valid driving licence and under the influence of alcohol.

The offence under Section 43(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for reckless driving carries a maximum fine of RM10,000 and a maximum jail term of one year if convicted.

Magistrate Rashidah Baharom set RM8,000 bail and March 22 for handing in of documents and for the accused to appoint a lawyer.

Mathan appeared calm when he was brought to the magistrate's court in Jawi here in a police car this morning.

On Sunday, market-goers at the Taman Berjaya market were shocked to find their cars dented and damaged after Mathan drove his lorry into the cars which had blocked his path.

Mathan had fled the scene but his lorry was later discovered near a banana plantation not far away.

He surrendered to the police at the district's police headquarters in Jawi on Sunday night.

Earlier, Malaysians chimed in on the road rage incident, with some saying that they understood why Mathan did what he did as they too have experienced similar frustrations.

“The lorry driver deserves a Datukship, more than Shah Rukh Khan does,” Harivin Krishnan said on The Star Online’s Facebook page.

Mohd Faiz added: “This lorry driver is our true hero. If horn doesn’t cut it, ram the hell out. Teach these illegal parkers the hard way.”

“How can we go about hiring this driver? Services needed in Klang... Multiple locations!” said Jeremaiah Dawson Lazarus.

Raquel Golfarini said: “Many times I wished I had a lorry... sometimes it’s not about road rage, but about people who simply takes others for granted.”

“Good job lorry driver. I don’t blame him. It’s a lesson to all drivers who love to park as though the road belongs to their grandfather,” said Chandrasegaran Uthamaseelan.

While some seem to treat the reckless act quite lightly, others said that the lorry driver had overreacted.

“I don’t understand why the lorry driver drove his lorry in the crowded day market area. Even I rarely go over there as I understand the place is a crowded place,” said Lim Meng Wooi.

And then there were also those who found a middle ground (somewhat).

“As much as I find it somewhat good, I’m still against the lorry driver’s behaviour of intentionally damaging people’s cars... though I’d prefer using a tank to crush these cars,” Kenny Yeap Lin Chung said.

Zabri Abidin added “Mr Lorry Driver I am proud of you. But don’t do it again.”


Range Rover P400e debuts

                LONDON: Land Rover has introduced its latest Range Rover P400e in plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) form while being offered with a choice of standard or long wheelbase body styles.

The P400e is available in five variants starting with the Vogue, Vogue SE Autobiography, SDV8 Autobiography LWB (Long Wheelbase) and SDV8 SVAutobiography LWB. Depending on variant, prices range from £86,965 (RM483,970) to £168,015 (RM935,000).

Designed and engineered by Jaguar Land Rover in the UK, the new P400e will be produced at the company’s Solihull production facility and is available to order now, with first deliveries starting in early 2018.

To help it stand apart, the P400e gets an exclusive Graphite Atlas mesh grille with chrome inserts and a revised rear bumper with integrated metal tailpipe finishers.

Under the hood, the 300hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine mated to a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission residing next to a 7kW on-board charger combines its efforts with an 85kW electric motor to provide a total system output of 404hp and 640Nm of torque for its permanent four-wheel drive system.

Powering the electric motor is a 13.1kWh high-voltage prismatic cell lithium-ion battery, which can be fully charged in two hours 45 minutes via a dedicated 32 amp wall box or seven hours 30 minutes with a 10 amp home charging cable supplied as standard.

The access point for the cable is at the front of the vehicle, while the battery is mounted at the rear beneath the boot floor.

Warranty for the battery is covered by an eight-year, 160,000km, 70% state of health warranty.

In terms of capabilities, the P400e is able to travel up to 50km in electric vehicle mode and is able to sprint from 0-100kph in 6.6 seconds before reaching a top speed of 220kph.

There's still Land Rover's Terrain Response 2 technology infused into this luxury SUV and it also has a unique calibration that helps precisely distribute torque from the electric motor, which has no creep speed and is able to deliver maximum torque from zero rpm, to all four wheels.

Inside, the cabin has been given higher levels of comfort as well as new consumer technologies such as the new frames for the 24-way powered front seats that comes with deeper and wider foam and heated arm rests.

The Autobiography Long Wheelbase model offers an additional 186mm of legroom to 1,206mm at the rear with heated/cooled seats as well as heated arm, foot and calf rests.

The rear seats can also recline up to 40 degrees at the touch of a button to offer a 'tranquil sanctuary' while enjoying one of the 25 massage programmes from Hot Stone.

For additional convenience and personalisation, all seat functionality can be controlled via a smartphone app, whether inside or outside the vehicle.

Additionally, there's also up to 17 connection points including domestic plug sockets, USB, HDMI and 12V ports to compliment the 4G WiFi hotspots for up to eight devices and storage compartments for the business traveller.

Aside from creature comforts, the centre console has been fitted with Touch Pro Duo which consists of two high-definition 10-inch touchscreens which has been codenamed 'Blade'.

Other notable features include gesture-controlled sunblinds, cabin air ionisation purifier, pixel-laser LED headlights and an activity key among others.


Should SUV drivers be given higher fines for beating a red light?

                BERLIN: The height, weight and overall size of SUVs have been linked to a significant increase in road fatalities since the trend towards larger-sized cars swept the automotive industry in the past decade.

So should SUV be drivers be hit with greater fines when they break traffic laws?

It's a question that German legal officials have been wrangling with in recent weeks, after one SUV driver questioned his unusually steep punishment for ignoring a red light.

Environmental concerns aside, road safety and cycling advocates have long railed against the design of SUVs, which can increase the likelihood of severe injury to pedestrians, cyclists and passengers in other cars around them.

Children are eight times more likely to die when hit by an SUV than by a passenger car, US researchers found in a study published in the Journal of Safety Research in September, which noted that the number of accidents in the US had risen with the advent of SUVs.

Some manufacturers say they have lowered their SUV bumpers to limit damage to other car passengers and installed "active height control systems" which lower the vehicle's height at high speeds.

However most SUVs continue to tower over smaller saloon models, and in addition to being linked to far greater risks to children walking or cycling to school, SUVs crashes have also been associated with greater levels of property damage and larger insurance payouts.

And yet, according to a German court decision in the city of Frankfurt, the very fact of driving an SUV alone is not enough to justify a higher fine for beating a red light.

The Frankfurt Higher Regional Court ruled in late October that deviating from the rules on fines is only possible if the specific individual case clearly deviates from them.

In other words, higher fines should be based on more "than the vague designation of a vehicle type or model."

The so-called sport utility vehicle is typically a car designed for off-road use with a higher ground clearance and far taller front than conventional cars.

However not all SUVs are alike, says Stefan Bratzel of Germany's Centre of Automotive Management, and it can't be said that all SUVs are inherently more dangerous than other cars.

"The high mass of heavy, powerful SUVs can make a difference in an accident, especially if their drivers are giving full gas," Bratzel previously told dpa.

"But that would also be the case with heavy saloons. And small, compact SUVs operated normally aren't more dangerous."

In the SUV case that prompted the ruling, a Frankfurt district court had imposed a driving ban of one month and a fine of €350 (RM1,636) instead of the usual €200 (RM935) for a red light violation.

In addition to the SUV driver's prior conviction, the court also justified this on the grounds that the boxy design and raised front end of an SUV increased the risk of injury to other road users.

The initial decision, made public at the end of June, had rekindled a debate in Germany about SUVs. The country largely remains friendly to drivers of large and fast cars, notably with its no-speed-limit motorways, and city governments have been slow to implement more bicycle-friendly measures.

Despite the German court's ruling that driving an SUV should not automatically mean higher fines, the SUV driver in question will still have to accept the one-month driving ban and the increased fine that the district court had already imposed on him.

The court decided that the higher fine was justified by the "serious previous conviction" of the driver, who had already been found guilty of a red light offence 13 months earlier.


Govt mulling mandatory ABS for motorcycles

                PETALING JAYA: A study is being done to determine if the Government should make it mandatory for all new motorcycles above 150cc to have anti-lock braking systems (ABS), says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

He said the Transport Ministry and the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) will conduct a detailed study on mandating the ABS technology, which is capable of reducing accidents and deaths involving motorcyclists up to 30%, according to Miros' studies.

ABS technology helps to stop a motorcycle from slipping, skidding and failing to dodge while braking.

Dr Wee said the research is expected to be finalised within six months, adding that the mandatory ABS requirement is expected to be implemented within two years of the study's completion date.

"The same time period will be used to amend existing rules.

"When ABS is mandatory later, it is hoped that the level of motorcycle safety will be increased and further reduce the probability of deaths due to road accidents involving motorcycle users in Malaysia," said Dr Wee during the 10th anniversary celebration of the Miros Provisional Crase Crash Centre (PC3) in Melaka today.

Dr Wee added that the study will involve relevant stakeholders, including those from the motorcycle manufacturing industry as well as consumer representatives.

He also said according to accident data from the police and analysis by Miros, there were over 6,000 deaths in 2019 and over 60% of that involved motorcycles, which he described as "very worrying".

"Among the main factors of motorcycle accidents in Malaysia are the motorcycles skidding or failing to dodge while riding.

"Ineffective braking systems are one of the causes. Thus, a better and more effective braking system is highly hoped for and encouraged in our search for solutions to end motorcycle accidents," he said.

Dr Wee added that the ABS is one of the latest technologies used for motorcycle safety, especially with low engine capacity motorcycles which constitute the majority in Malaysia.

Commenting on the Miros collision test laboratory, Dr Wee praised Miros for helping to improve vehicle safety.

He said he is proud to see that the Miros-built PC3 is able to play an important role in testing passenger vehicles through the Asean NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme for South-East Asian Countries).


Tesla drives towards US$1 trillion club on record Hertz order

                SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla Inc today neared US$1 trillion (RM 4.2tril) in market capitalisation as the company founded by Elon Musk received its biggest-ever order from Hertz, which announced plans to buy 100,000 electric rental cars.

Tesla shares opened up 4.5% at US$950.53, a new record high, following the order. Shares were also buoyed by news of the company's Model 3 becoming the first electric vehicle to top monthly sales of new cars in Europe.

The news from Hertz comes as Tesla is coping with a backlog of unfulfilled orders for its vehicles and continuing supply chain disruptions, but it does solidify the mainstream appeal of electric cars.

Interim Hertz chief executive Mark Fields in an interview told Reuters the order, delivered by the end of 2022, will primarily be Model 3 vehicles. Tesla vehicles will start being available at Hertz rental facilities in November.

"We absolutely believe that this is going to be competitive advantage for us," Fields said of the Tesla order. "We want to be a leader in mobility... Getting customers experience with electrified vehicles is an absolute priority for us."

Hertz has around 430,000 to 450,000 vehicles worldwide, Fields said. He said Hertz would work with other automakers producing electric vehicles.

Tesla would have to top US$995.75 to become a company worth a trillion dollars, according to Reuters calculations based on its latest filing. The world's most valuable carmaker will join an elite club that includes Apple Inc, Amazon.com Inc, Microsoft Corp and Alphabet Inc.

The world's most valuable automaker delivered a record 241,300 electric cars globally in the third quarter, even as it warned that supply chain headwinds would pressure margins. read more

Tesla's cheapest Model 3 sedan starts at about US$44,000, making this order worth about US$4.4 billion, if the entire order were for its mass-market sedan.

Fields declined to say how much Hertz was paying for the order. Tesla was not immediately available for comment.

With the current order, Hertz said EVs will make up more than 20% of its global fleet.

"It (the order) puts an exclamation point under guidance for 50%+ growth in deliveries," Roth Capital analyst Craig Irwin said. "Another solid piece of evidence EVs are going mainstream."

The car rental firm also said it was installing thousands of chargers throughout its network. Customers who rent a Model 3 will have access to 3,000 Tesla supercharging stations throughout the United States and Europe.

"Electric vehicles are now mainstream, and we've only just begun to see rising global demand and interest," said Fields.

US President Joe Biden has made it a priority to support the rollout of electric vehicles to combat climate change, but a lack of charging network infrastructure could remain a key hurdle to his ambitious plan.

Analysts at Morgan Stanley bumped their price target on Tesla by 33% as the brokerage expects the electric carmaker to keep posting higher volumes, reaching more than 8 million deliveries in 2030.

A Cox Automotive study said Americans are hesitant to buy EVs due to anxieties about the ranges of the vehicles and high price tags, as well as weak charging infrastructure.

Bloomberg News was first to report about the order.

Hertz had filed for bankruptcy protection last year as travel demand sank during the height of the pandemic and talks with creditors failed to provide relief.

It was rescued by a group of investors including Knighthead Capital Management, Certares Opportunities and Apollo Capital Management.


US consumers don't know what to make of self-driving cars

                NEW YORK: Although many can accept that autonomous vehicles could cut accidents caused by drunk driving or distractions and even increase productivity and leisure time, one third of US adults say that they would never consider buying or leasing one.

Truly autonomous vehicles may well be some 20 years away from becoming an everyday reality, but the buzz around the technology has already reached deafening levels.

To try and understand how this increasing media coverage is impacting consumer opinions, Harris Poll has surveyed a representative sample of 2,276 US adults and the results are surprising.

Even though a number of active assist systems are already appearing on cars on sale at the local dealership right now, including park and traffic jam assist features, there is no consensus among the general public as to whether this particular technological breakthrough is a good or a bad thing.

Just under one in five (19%) feel that self driving cars are "insanely cool" and 22% would go as far as to say it's a technology they'd love to have on a future car, but 12% say that the whole subject is just "confusing."

READ ALSO: What Malaysia's Miros think of autonomous driving technology

As for perceived benefits and drawbacks, the computing power needed to take over driving responsibilities is weighing heavy on some people's minds -- 80% think that computer "glitches" are going to be an issue and 37%personal data breaches.

A large percentage is also focused on costs - 69% think these cars will be more expensive to service and 45%think that insurance will cost more. Only 7% of respondents couldn't see any drawbacks, even when presented with a list of potential options.

On the flipside, 25% of Americans can see no benefits in self-driving cars, while 30% are excited about better fuel economy and 21% more free time.

A number of studies have highlighted how many accidents self-driving cars could prevent each year and a number of tech-focused companies in the industry, most notably Google and Tesla, have talked up how moving the human element from driving is the key to preserving life, yet there's no consensus on this point either.

Over half (52%) of respondents think that self-driving cars are potentially dangerous for their occupants, while 57% think that self-driving cars are potentially dangerous to other road users and 61%think that they're dangerous for pedestrians.

Yet conversely, 53% agree that the technology could reduce accidents caused by drunk driving and those caused by driver distraction and half think that it could mean an end to speeding tickets.

With all of this in mind, the fact that one third of respondents said that they'd never own a self-driving car seems less surprising.

Still, even though the technology is at en embryonic stage, there is already a clearly identified early adopter market - long distance commuters.

Americans who drive more than 30 miles a day were the most positive about the technology - 27% of respondents in this group said it was a technology they'd love to have and 23% pointed to increased productivity as a potential benefit.


Audi to make EVs only from 2026, says CEO

                BERLIN: Audi plans to bring only electric-powered vehicles onto the market from 2026, chief executive Markus Duesmann told the Wirtschaftswoche weekly in an interview published on Thursday.

Audi's entire offering will be exclusively electric-powered long before 2035, when the European Union plans to effectively ban the sale of combustion engine cars, Duesmann added.

In 2021, Audi doubled its product portfolio of all-electric models, bringing more electric cars to market than combustion engines for the first time. With the Audi e-tron GT quattro, Audi RS e-tron GT, and the first all-electric models in the compact segment, the Audi Q4 e-tron and Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron, Audi’s electric portfolio has grown by four more models.

The company has plans to offer more than 20 all-electric models by 2026.

Audi has said before that it would spend around 18 billion euros on electrification and hybridization between 2022 and 2026, based on the planning round approved at the end of 2021.

With total investments of around 37 billion euros, this means that nearly half of its outlays are earmarked for the development of future vehicle projects.


Rolls-Royce announces a new Dawn

 The Wraith fastback.

LOS ANGELES: Rolls-Royce has a new model to entice the moneyed. Called the Dawn, it is a convertible based on the Wraith.

As such, the engine is likely to remain the same as the current Wraith fastback, which gets a twin-turbo 6.6-litre V12 engine that produces 624bhp and 800Nm of torque.

Rolls-Royce, owned by BMW, hasn't yet released more details about the car or photos of the new Dawn.

The car was unveiled to representatives of the marque’s 130-strong global dealer network at the 2015 Rolls-Royce World Dealer Conference here on Wednesday.

The new Rolls-Royce Dawn will revive another famous and rare Rolls-Royce name first used in 1949, but only ever applied to 28 drophead (aka convertible) bodies between 1950 and 1954. The original Silver Dawn was the first Rolls-Royce to be offered with a factory-built body. The cars bearing the name Dawn continued to be coach-built for individual customers.

It will launch during the first quarter of 2016.

 Mueller-Oetvoes

“Our new Rolls-Royce Dawn promises a striking, seductive encounter like no other Rolls-Royce to date,” said CEO Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes.

The Dawn is the next step forward for Rolls-Royce, which began in 2003 with the launch of Phantom and subsequent introductions of Ghost and Wraith.

“Dawn is a beautiful new open-top motor car with a name that suggests the fresh opportunities that every new day holds – an awakening, an opening up of one’s senses and a burst of sunshine. It will be the most social of super-luxury motor cars for those beautiful people who wish to bathe in the sunlight of the world’s social hotspots.”

Earlier over in New York, Relaxnews reported that Rolls-Royce had introduced the Wraith Inspired by Fashion, the latest bespoke model out of its workshops in Goodwood, England.

Unveiled at the Pratt Institute last Friday, the bespoke luxury coupe is a tribute to haute couture, designed with colours, materials and techniques taken from the fashion world.

The colour scheme is dominated by two shades of white Andalucian and Arctic. Inside, the cabin is outfitted with black and white upholstery, a two-tone steering wheel and a custom-made clock set in the dashboard like a jewel. The dashboard alone took nine days for Rolls-Royce's craftsmen to make, according to the manufacturer.

Like the Wraith Inspired by Film, which featured a two-tone grey exterior and an interior outfitted in Anthracite leather and Indonesian ebony, the fashion-inspired model is designed to showcase the capabilities of the Rolls-Royce bespoke workshops.

According to Rolls-Royce, 95 percent of the Wraiths sold worldwide are purchased with some form of customisation.

In the past, Rolls-Royce has also presented special bespoke editions of its Phantom, including the Limelight collection, a limited edition of just 25 luxury sedans trimmed in high-end wood, leather and embroidery. The edition also features the Phantom Suite, a system of exclusive and customisable storage compartments built into the rear doors, as well as a brand new seat configured to optimize passengers' relaxation.

At the Geneva Motor Show last March, Rolls-Royce introduced the Phantom Serenity, a one-off model with a hand-decorated interior geared towards calm and relaxation.


Market turmoil helps rich Koreans cement their succession plans

                SEOUL: Plunging markets have resulted in big losses for the world’s wealthiest, but rich families in South Korea have found a silver lining.

In a country where succession planning can be costly because of high inheritance tax rates, members of some family-run conglomerates are taking advantage of lower stock prices to snap up shares and increase their ownership stakes.

"The current situation can be a good opportunity for them,” said Park Ju-gun, president of corporate governance research firm CEOScore here. "They can spend less for greater control.”

Euisun Chung (pic), the son and heir-apparent of Hyundai Motor Group chairman Chung Mong-koo, paid 41.1 billion won (RM148mil) this week for a 0.32% stake in holding company Hyundai Mobis Co., according to filings. He previously didn’t own shares in the company, whose stock has dropped 34% this year.

He also acquired a 0.3% stake in the group’s flagship unit, Hyundai Motor Co., for 40.6 billion won, filings show. The purchase increased Chung’s stake to 2.6% and came just days after he was named chairman of the automaker’s board. Hyundai Motor’s shares have declined 28% this year.

The move "could potentially help him in terms of the group’s ongoing ownership restructuring,” Kim Joon-sung, an analyst at Seoul-based Meritz Securities Co., said in March 24 report.

"The acquisition of shares in Hyundai Mobis, considered as a key element in securing control over Hyundai Motor, could benefit Chung no matter when and how the reorganisation proceeds.”

The stock purchases demonstrated Chung’s "responsibility as a CEO amid growing uncertainty in global stocks and financial markets,” a Hyundai spokesperson said in an email, adding that other company executives have also bought shares.

South Korea isn’t the only place where the coronavirus pandemic may make it easier for very wealthy families to pass fortunes to the next generation. Low interest rates and falling stock prices are helping rich Americans avoid US estate and gift taxes by lending assets to their children and setting them up to benefit from any recovery.

At Hyundai Motor, the country’s second-largest chaebol after Samsung, it’s critical for Chung, 49, to secure control over his father’s shares. The elder Chung owns stakes in Hyundai Motor and Hyundai Mobis of 5.3% and 7.1%, respectively, allowing him to control the conglomerate through a web of cross shareholdings. His holdings in the group’s listed units, worth $2.2 billion, are subject to inheritance tax of as much as 60%.

Tightening the family’s grip is more important than ever after Hyundai cancelled its US$8.8 billion overhaul plan — aimed at paving the way for the father-son succession — in response to pressure from billionaire Paul Singer’s Elliott Management Corp.

While market fluctuations usually boost demand for safer assets such as cash, it’s a different case for rich families, said Park Sangin, a professor at Seoul National University’s Graduate School of Public Administration.

"It’s not just about making profits as ordinary investors would want,” Park said. "They are buying the shares because it helps them with more control and smooth succession.”


Mercedes-Benz C 200 Coupé now more powerful and connected

 The key change is the engine, which is now a 2.0-litre instead of the 1.5-litre previously.

PETALING JAYA: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today introduced the enhanced C 200 Coupé AMG Line, with a new 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine under its hood.

Priced at RM336,129 replaces the previous C 200 AMG Line, which had a 1.5-litre EQ Boost engine, that was introduced locally in 2018.

The new entry-level dream car now produces more power with an output of 204hp (+20hp) and torque of 300Nm (+20Nm), with acceleration from 0-100kph in 7.2 seconds and a top speed of 245kph. Contrast that with the 7.9s sprint time and the 239kph top speed of the old version. The maximum torque also shows up much earlier in the rev band.

The C 200 Coupé is now equipped with the Mercedes me connect (Mmc) – improving the connection between driver and the vehicle.

The connected car service is designed to make the lives of Mercedes-Benz owners easier and at ease, whether it is unlocking their car, starting the engine remotely, getting customer support or simply checking their fuel level.

The appearance of the AMG Line exterior underscored the sporty character of the C 200 Coupé AMG Line.

The diamond radiator grille, integrated with the three-pointed star and pins in chrome plus an AMG-specific front apron with new geometry gives it an individual character.

The black trim elements in the AMG rear apron accentuates the LED rear lamps. The 18-inch AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels also gives the C 200 Coupé a powerful styling element.

The inside of the C 200 Coupé is also packed with AMG Line features. They include the ARTICO leather upholstery, multifunction sports steering wheel in Nappa leather, galvanised steering wheel gearshift paddles, AMG sports pedals and AMG floor mats.


Perodua on track to meet year-end target

                RAWANG: Perodua registered 5,027 cars on the last day of November, the highest the national carmaker had achieved in a single day.

The single day record on Nov 30 rides on the total 23,119 unit sales Perodua posted in November.

Perodua president and chief executive officer Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad said the November sales represented a slight normalising from the previous two record months the company had – 25,035 units in September and 26,852 units in October.

“Yet the accomplishment is impressive given the challenging economic climate and new normal operating procedures brought about by Covid-19.

"And our 5,027-unit one-day record shows what resilience, persistence and adaptability can bring,” he said.

With 6,295 Myvis, 6,318 Axias, 6,224 Bezzas, 2,617 Aruz and 1,665 Alzas finding owners in November, Perodua has sold over 195,000 cars so far this year.

Based on its sales momentum, Perodua is on track to meet its 210,000-unit year-end registration target.

Zainal said Perodua’s two main priorities at present are to ensure as many of its were able to get their cars before year-end to enjoy the sales tax-exempt prices and to further bolster the Malaysian automotive ecosystem with its economies of scale in these hard times.

“Over 90% of our components are locally-sourced, and coupled with our sales volume, this generates significant business for Malaysian component suppliers and helps them sustain jobs,” said Zainal.

He said the completed cars were then distributed through Malaysia’s largest car sales network, the majority of which constitute independent dealers that benefit greatly from the business, and even more if they do servicing and repairs as well.

“Perodua is proud of its national duty and will continue to serve all Malaysians’ mobility needs with quality vehicles that are safe, practical, efficient and offer the best value, while pushing the boundaries of technology for the masses in the future,” said Zainal.


All-new Hyundai Tucson to get sporty N Line line-up

                FRANKFURT: In the follow-up to the recent launch of the all-new Tucson sports utility vehicle (SUV), Hyundai has introduced a sporty N Line trim line-up.

The Tucson is Hyundai's most popular model in Europe.

The Tucson N Line will combine the futuristic design, comfort and advanced connectivity of regular Tucson with the motorsport-inspired styling and attitude of N Line.

Like the standard model, the new Tucson N Line shouts progressive design, integrating sharp lines, angles and shapes, as well as the SUV's new signature parametric jewel patterns.

The new Tucson N Line's muscular stance is based on Hyundai’s “Sensuous Sportiness” design identity, while at the same time offering refined performance-oriented design prompts.

The N Line trim features prominent geometric patterns known as “parametric jewels”, giving it a powerful and energetic character.

In addition, the N Line gets a low and wide stance to emphasise its sporty credentials.

At the front, parametric jewels are displayed elaborately on the grille, which sits taller and is wider than on the standard Tucson's.

The grille also incorporates the N Line badge while a rectangular shaped bumper and a refined air intake under the grille, is taller and bigger than on the standard Tucson.

The bumper, which is replicated at the rear, works seamlessly with the bright silver skid plates while the headlamps get striking black bezels.

Meanwhile, energetic-looking side moulding in body colour offer dynamic proportions and lines to provide a slimmer look.

At the rear, an aerodynamic spoiler that is longer than that of the standard model is garnished with fins.

The lower rear is accentuated by a red reflector band and a diffusor with aggressive twin tip muffler exhausts that adopted many cues from the world of high-performance cars.

Inside, red stitching is also woven on the door trim and armrest, while the grey cloth crash pad is garnished with red accents.

A dedicated N steering wheel arrives complete with an N logo while other N design elements are to be found on the leather gear shift knob or shift by wire console cover, depending on the chosen transmission.

Meanwhile, a black headliner gives the interior an extra sporty touch.

Like the standard Tucson, the N Line can be equipped with an optional Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS) which provides additional flexibility on the road through adaptive damping technology.

Each powertrain is based on the Hyundai Smartstream engine for maximum efficiency: a four-cylinder 1.6-litre T-GDI gasoline engine.

*1.6 T-GDI 48V Mild Hybrid (180PS or 150PS)
*1.6 T-GDI (150PS)
*1.6 T-GDI Plug-in Hybrid (265PS)
*1.6 T-GDI Hybrid (230PS)

The Tucson N Line will be available in Europe from spring with hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants to roll out from summer.


Ducati has an assisted pedal-power bike, meet the e-Scrambler

                ROME: Ducati, together with Thok Ebikes, have created the e-Scrambler.

The e-Scrambler from Thok is an "urban ready" e-bike that uses an aluminium frame and high-end components inspired by the design and attitude of the "Land of Joy".

Available sizes include S, M, L and XL and is currently being priced at 3,699 euros (RM18,500).

The e-bike has a 250-Watt Shimano Steps E7000 motor that gets powered by a 504Wh battery while rolling on Pirelli Cycl-e GT tyres.

Riders get a Sram NX 11-speed gearbox, Sram four-piston brakes and a complete set of accessories that include luggage racks, mudguards, stand and signal lights.

According to Thok, the company says that the low centre of gravity and the geometry of the frame allow the e-Scrambler to offer the same riding sensations as a traditional bike.

This makes the e-bike an ideal companion for the city or to country roads.


Lamborghini officially unveils Aventador SVJ

                BOLOGNA: For a car that's essentially a track-focused version of an existing model, there's been a lot of noise and anticipation lately surrounding the launch of the Aventador Superveloce Jota (SVJ).

There have been endless spy shots and teasers for weeks now, but Lamborghini has now finally taken the wraps off its stunning new model.

The addition of the number 63 after the SVJ designation of some of these new Aventador flagships has even more significance.

In the first instance, it refers to the year 1963 which is when Lamborghini was founded, and it also refers to the limited production run of just 63 units of these most exclusive of Lamborghinis.

There's an awful lot of carbon fibre on display as well as plenty of less-than subtle graphics that will definitely make this one stand out in just about any crowd, but the main focus of this car is power and performance.

Under the hood of the Aventador SVJ is a V12 engine putting out 770hp and 720Nm of torque, which translates into a 0 to 100kph time of just 2.8 seconds and a top speed in excess of 350kph.

While there are plenty of cars these days that can claim similar or better numbers than those, it's the way this beauty handles that will really set it apart. And we don't just have to take Lamborghini's word for it either as the SVJ is the current Nurburgring production vehicle lap record holder with a time of 6:44.97.A major contributor to the car's performance is Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva 2.0, which is a system making its debut here on the SVJ that's similar to the one found on the Huracan Performante, where electronic actuators can open or close flaps in the front splitter and on the engine cover.

When combined with Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Attiva 2.0, the electronic brain of the SVJ is capable of adjusting between zero and maximum downforce in less than 500 milliseconds. Air passing over the car's rear wing can be sent left or right as required, so downforce is only applied to the wheel needing it.

There may be only 63 of the SVJ 63s being built, but there will be considerably more of the slightly less-exclusive Aventador SVJ. The total production run will number 900 cars, including the 63 SVJ 63s, and prices start from US$517,770 (around RM2.2mil) with deliveries getting under way in the first part of next year.


BMW Films returns in 'The Escape' - VIDEO

                NEW YORK: BMW Films is back!

To kick off its return is “The Escape,” a short film from Neill Blomkamp featuring original actor Clive Owen who reprises his role as The Driver.

Presented as a homage to the 15th anniversary of the original BMW Film series, “The Escape” also stars Dakota Fanning, Jon Bernthal and Vera Farmiga. “The Escape” will premiere on Oct 23 on BMWFilms.com.

The original series, “The Hire,” included eight short films which were released in two seasons from 2001-2002. Each film featured then rising-star Owen as the mysterious Driver hired to complete various missions and was directed by some of Hollywood’s best and brightest talent.

BMW not only brought back Owen for “The Escape,” but also Bruce Bildsten as creative director, Brian DiLorenzo as executive producer and David Carter, who in addition to serving as a creative consultant, co-wrote the film alongside Blomkamp. The trio then brought together a group of producers and designers to bring the film to life.

With “The Escape,” Blomkamp joins the A-list stable of original BMW Films directors from the seminal project including Academy Award winners Alejandro G. Iñárritu and Ang Lee; Joe Carnahan, Wong Kar-wai, Guy Ritchie, John Woo and the late John Frankenheimer and Tony Scott.

“The Hire” also featured A-list talent in front of the camera including: Gary Oldman, Stellan Skarsgård, Forest Whitaker, Mickey Rourke, James Brown, Don Cheadle, Madonna, Adriana Lima, Danny Trejo, Kathryn Morris, Marilyn Manson, Ray Liotta, Robert Patrick and Dennis Haysbert.

“The Hire” inspired the Cannes International Advertising Festival to create the Titanium Lion in 2003, to honour creative ideas that point to a new direction for the industry and redefine the creative landscape. Besides winning the inaugural Titanium Lion, the films went on to win the top honour in virtually every creative competition.


S. Korea's KDB, GM Korea may sign preliminary funding deal by April 27

An employee working at an assembly line of GM Korea's Bupyeong plant in Incheon, South Korea. — Reuters
SEOUL: Korea Development Bank (KDB) may sign a preliminary agreement by April 27 to financially support General Motors Co’s troubled South Korean unit, provided interim due-diligence on the unit is satisfactory, the chairman of the lender said.

This is the first time KDB has offered a time-frame for a decision on whether to financially back GM Korea, in which the state-run lender has a 17 percent stake. The bank and government officials have so far been non-committal.

GM proposed in February an investment of US$2.8 billion into its money-losing South Korean operations over 10 years, days after announcing a sweeping restructuring. It has asked Seoul to provide a share of the funds for the overhaul.

The US automaker owns 77 percent of GM Korea, while GM’s main Chinese partner, SAIC Motor Corp Ltd, controls the remaining 6 percent.

KDB may offer about 500 billion won (US$468.42 million), proportional to its stake, to help fund GM’s pledged investment in the unit, said KDB chairman and CEO Lee Dong-gull.

GM’s president said last week that common ground must be reached on a long-term restructuring of GM Korea by this Friday, and if there was none, the operation would likely seek bankruptcy protection.

GM shocked South Korea in February with plans to close one local plant and leaving the fate of three others unclear. It is seeking government funding and incentives as well as labour cost cuts to save the unit, which in 2017 posted a net loss of US$1.1 billion, its fourth straight year in the red.

“If GM injects equity into the unit, we will inject equity. If GM extends loans to the unit, we will extend loans as well,” Lee said, adding KDB prefers to take part in a rights offering rather than lending to the unit.

“We may be able to reach a very meaningful agreement by April 27, whether it is a verbal promise or conditional MOU,” he said, referring to a memorandum of understanding.

KDB’s interim due diligence report on GM Korea is scheduled to be out on Friday, but GM Korea has so far not submitted sufficient documents for South Korea to assess its financial viability, Lee added.

He said the bank would be able to sign a legally binding deal with the automaker after a final report is out in late April or early May.

“We are in continued discussions with the KDB and the government with intent to inject new funds and convert debt into equity,” a GM Korea spokesman said.

Lee said KDB would have no choice but to consider taking “appropriate legal action” should the US automaker opt to liquidate its unit without consulting the bank. Lee said GM should offer a long-term commitment to South Korea to get government support.

He said many South Koreans believe GM may eventually leave South Korea when government subsidies dry up, as the US automaker did in Australia and Europe. “They have to show a commitment to remaining as a good corporate citizen,” Lee said.

“What GM really needs to know is that anti-GM sentiment is very strong in South Korea. I told GM that they need to make me feel comfortable before I can make some kind of decisions.”

Lee had a series of meetings with Barry Engle, head of GM’s international operations, who visited South Korea to discuss a restructuring plan with the government and the GM Korea union.

GM Korea was one of GM’s major manufacturing and engineering bases in Asia after its 2002 purchase of failed South Korean car maker Daewoo Motors. But the unit has struggled in recent years since GM pulled its Chevy brand from Europe, hitting exports to GM Korea’s major market.

“The mutual trust hit rock bottom. We have to enhance trust and this will not happen overnight,” Lee said.

GM Korea and its union plan to hold another round of talks on a restructuring deal on Wednesday morning, a union spokesman said. “We are trying to resolve the problem with a dialogue.”

On Tuesday, Hong Young-pyo, a ruling party lawmaker, met GM and union officials and called for the two sides to reach an agreement by April 20 to pave the way for government support. “The time bomb is ticking,” he told reporters.


Jaguar Land Rover opens first overseas engine plant in China

                LONDON: Although Jaguar Land Rover is the quintessential British luxury vehicle manufacturer, it could be said it's getting a little less British all the time. After all, it's been owned by the huge Indian Tata corporation for a decade or so, and that's after being sold by US automaker Ford.

The most important markets for its vehicles are also outside Britain, so it should come as no surprise that the company is expanding its manufacturing base beyond its traditional roots in Britain

Already having facilities in Brazil, China and Slovakia, and rumoured to be looking for a suitable site in the southern United States, JLR has now opened its first overseas engine plant in Changshu, China.

JLR, which is currently Britain's biggest carmaker and already has a stake in a manufacturing facility in China as part of a partnership with Chery, says the new facility that opened last Friday was part of a 10.9 billion yuan (RM6.9bil) investment with the Chinese vehicle manufacturer.

In an official statement, JLR stated: "The new engine plant demonstrates Jaguar Land Rover's long-term commitment to the Chinese market, providing customers with an exciting range of vehicles and powertrain options, as well as to its joint venture."

The site is initially going to be producing the company's latest Ingenium 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. And it's hard to argue with the logic behind the move as China was the automaker's fastest growing market last year, accounting for a massive 20 percent of its entire worldwide sales.

 Jaguar XFL.

Jaguar Land Rover's existing facility in Changshu opened just under three years ago now. It currently builds the Range Rover Evoque, Land Rover Discovery Sport and a long wheelbase Jaguar XFL, and the eagerly anticipated Jaguar E-Pace compact crossover will also be added to the roster in the coming year.

Production levels and the model line-up are expanding at a rapid pace to meet strong demand around the world, which is why the decision was taken in 2015 to build a major new plant in Slovakia, instead of expanding operations in Britain further. It was also announced earlier this month that the new Jaguar E-Pace would be built at Magna Steyr in Austria as well as in China, which will make the E-Pace the first Jaguar model for global sale to be built outside of Britain.

 Jaguar E-PACE.


Honda to start producing new hydrogen fuel cell system co-developed with GM

                TOKYO: Japan's Honda Motor Co said it will start producing a new hydrogen fuel cell system jointly developed with General Motors Co this year and gradually step up sales this decade, in a bid to expand its hydrogen business.

Honda will target annual sales of around 2,000 units of the new system in the middle of this decade, the company said today, aiming to boost that to 60,000 units per year in 2030.

The Japanese carmaker is seeking to expand the use of its new system not only for its own fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), but also commercial vehicles such as heavy trucks, as stationary power stations and in construction machinery.

Honda will start production of the hydrogen fuel cell system through its joint venture with GM this year, Honda senior managing executive director Shinji Aoyama told reporters during a company event here.

With the "next-generation" system, the company aims to more than double durability compared with its older fuel cell system and to bring costs down by two-thirds.

"While commercial vehicles are in use all over the world, they'll likely see electrification just as with passenger cars," said Tetsuya Hasebe, general manager of Honda's hydrogen business development division.

That would likely lead to a divergence in trucks using batteries and those running on fuel cells, he added.


VW and Pinterest team up on ID.4 EV virtual test drive experience

                WASHINGTON: Volkswagen of America and Pinterest on Monday launched a unique experience where Pinterest users can virtually test drive for free Volkswagen's all-new, ID.4 through the social platform.

Delivering a full 360-degree view of VW's electric SUV, the campaign is a first-to-market for Pinterest, and delivers a new informative, convenient element in the car shopping process.

Building off the "Before it can change the world, it has to change yours" all-electric, zero direct emission ID.4 messaging, the integration with Pinterest delivers a new way to educate platform users on the content that inspires them.

Before implementation, many "Pinners" have expressed an interest in engaging with automotive content. Through these engagements, one in three platform users have expressed inspiration to shop for a car they weren't originally considering for purchase.

"A game changing car like the ID.4 deserves a game changing shopping experience, and that starts at the test drive," said Kimberley Gardiner, senior vice president, Volkswagen Brand Marketing.

"This virtual 360 experience we've created with Pinterest allows us to educate potential customers how functional, fun and within reach our new EV is. A platform like Pinterest — which many users visit for both shopping information and inspiration — presents a unique opportunity to reach consumers in a whole new way."

The ID.4 was recently named 2021 World Car of the Year. The German automaker has said before that it aim to roll out at least one new all-electric model to market globally every year.


World’s deadliest roads in focus after billionaire’s fatal crash

                NEW DELHI: The car accident over the weekend that killed Cyrus Mistry —scion of one of India’s best-known business families — has reignited concerns about the poor state of India’s roads, identified by the World Bank as the world’s deadliest.

Mistry, who was 54, died on Sunday during a trip between Ahmedabad and Mumbai after the car he was in hit a divider on a bridge. Images circulating on social media showed skid-marks of a Mercedes veering off the road just next to a pothole.

While India has built the world’s second-biggest road network spanning 5.89 million kilometres, its highways are often marred by shoddy construction and poor maintenance. Prior to the pandemic, there was one deadly road crash in India every four minutes, equal to 11% of all crash-related deaths globally even though the South Asian nation accounts for just 1% of the world’s vehicles.

Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari — one of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s top lieutenants — has set an ambitious target of building more than 100km of roads every day, after achieving what the government calls a world record of constructing 38km a day.

The nation has also allowed 100% foreign direct investment in roads despite big construction projects often facing public backlash over land acquisition and toll charges.

While the police have given scant details about Mistry’s accident, the incident puts the focus back on the condition of roads in India, which are used by truck drivers to transport more than two thirds of the nation’s goods, underscoring their economic importance.

In 2020, India reported more than 3.6 million road crashes with 1.3 million fatalities, according to the Stanford Social Innovation Review.

Seasonal rains can cost the economy billions of dollars in India’s mega cities by disrupting public transport, with flash floods in Mumbai, New Delhi and Chennai often closing roads and shutting rail networks and airports. On Monday, a large part of the major roads in the information technology hub of Bengaluru were submerged following heavy rains.

Road accidents in India did see a downward trend in recent years, but they picked up again in 2021, even though most people preferred to stay at home during the worst of the pandemic, data from National Crime Records Bureau show.

The so-called National Highways — controlled by a state-run agency and sometimes contracted out to private companies against a fee — witnessed the most incidents and most deaths every 100km, the data show.

Apart from roads, drivers in India are notorious for not following rules, which is somewhat catalysed by the relatively low penalties that are imposed.

Fines for driving without a seatbelt could be as low as just over US$1, and even then enforcement remains largely sketchy.


Stand a chance to win RM8,888 in Renault's CNY contest

                KUALA LUMPUR: Renault distributor TC Euro Cars is tapping into the upcoming Chinese New Year mood with its "Capture More with Renault" campaign, offering customers the chance to win up to RM8,888 in cash.

Customers who take part in the contest can test their powers of estimation for a chance to win cash prizes. The first prize is RM8,888, second is RM3,888 and third is RM1,888.

To participate, customers must have bought a Renault vehicle within the Jan 1-March 31 campaign period and will be asked to guess the total number of  "mandarin oranges" packed into the Captur SUV.

The winners will be announced by April 30.

The featured Captur will be on display at all eight Renault showroom branches located in Petaling Jaya, Glenmarie, Puchong, Setia Alam, Setapak, Butterworth, Ipoh and Johor Jaya.

TC Euro Cars is touting attractive deals on the Captur and Koleos. The Captur is being offered at RM99,999 (normal price RM105,980), while the Koleos 2WD is going for RM169,840 (normal price RM173,840).

All promotions and promotional prices listed are for Peninsular Malaysia and are subject to terms and conditions. Vehicle prices are on-the-road inclusive of SST, without insurance, for Peninsular Malaysia and private individual registration only


New report names and shames best and worst driving states in the US

                SEATTLE: Drivers in Michigan have been named the best in the US, while Maine has been given the dubious title of the country's worst driving state.

A new report has been released naming and shaming the states with the best and worst drivers, based on incident reports, data from the Federal Highway Administration and a weighting system that considered total accidents, speeding tickets, DUI citations and fatalities.

"Anyone who has ever gone on a cross-country road trip knows that every state has its share of bad drivers," said Adam Johnson, QuoteWizard content manager in a statement.

"But, to put it simply, some states are just worse than others. We analysed millions of data points on America's drivers to find which states have the best or worst drivers, and the results are both surprising and interesting."

Here are the best driving states in the US: Michigan, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Arizona and Illinois.

Here are the worst: Maine, South Carolina, Nebraska, California and North Dakota


Packing heat: How Ford’s latest tech helps police vehicles neutralise Covid-19

                DETROIT: Ford has designed a new heated software enhancement to pilot with its Police Interceptor Utility – one that law enforcement agencies across the country can use to help reduce the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

The latest example of smart vehicle technology, this software solution is available immediately on all 2013-19 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles in the United States, Canada and other countries around the world.

“First responders are on the front lines protecting all of us. They are exposed to the virus and are in dire need of protective measures,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford chief product development and purchasing officer.

“We looked at what’s in our arsenal and how we could step up to help. In this case, we’ve turned the vehicle’s powertrain and heat control systems into a virus neutraliser.”

How it works

The solution is simple: Bake the vehicle’s interior until viruses inside are inactivated. Using Police Interceptor Utility’s own powertrain and climate control systems, this software solution enables vehicles to elevate passenger compartment temperatures beyond 56 degrees Celsius, hotter than Death Valley on its hottest day, for 15 minutes – long enough to help disinfect vehicle touchpoints. (Note that ambient temperature, installation of partitions or other upfit equipment may impede temperatures from reaching the recommended threshold.)

Once activated, the vehicle’s powertrain and climate control systems work together automatically to elevate passenger compartment temperatures. The software warms up the engine to an elevated level, and both heat and fan settings operate on high. The software automatically monitors interior temperatures until the entire passenger compartment hits the optimal level, then that temperature is maintained for 15 minutes.

To research the effectiveness of this sanitisation method, Ford worked closely with The Ohio State University to determine the temperature and time duration needed to help inactivate the Covid-19 virus.

“Our studies with Ford indicate that exposing coronaviruses to temperatures of 56 degrees Celsius, or 132.8 degrees Fahrenheit, for 15 minutes reduces the viral concentration by greater than 99 percent on interior surfaces and materials used inside Police Interceptor Utility vehicles,” said Jeff Jahnes and Jesse Kwiek, laboratory supervisors at The Ohio State University department of microbiology.

Law enforcement will have multiple ways to monitor progress. Hazard lights and taillights will flash in a pre-set pattern to notify when the process has begun, then will change at the end to signal completion. The vehicle’s instrument cluster will also indicate progress. A cool-down process brings the temperature down from its highest points.

This heated process can be used by law enforcement regularly to help sanitise vehicles when officers are not inside.

When used in conjunction with sanitisation guidelines approved by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flooding the passenger compartment with elevated air temperature can help reach areas that may be missed by manual disinfecting procedures.

Heat has the ability to seep into crevices and hard-to-reach areas, helping reduce the impact of human error in applying chemical disinfectants.

Ford conducted software operational trials in vehicles owned by the New York City Police Department, Los Angeles Police Department, Michigan State Police, Massachusetts State Police, Boardman Township Police Department in Ohio and Seminole County Sheriff’s Office in Florida.

The need to move fast

The Ford engineering team initiated a project in late March to de-contaminate vehicles using heat. Shortly after, a discussion with the New York City Police Department alerted Ford to its need for a more efficient disinfecting process during the pandemic.

“Law enforcement officers are being dispatched as emergency responders in some cases where ambulances may not be available,” said Stephen Tyler, Ford police brand marketing manager. “During one trip, officers may be transporting a coronavirus patient to a hospital, while another trip may involve an occupant who may be asymptomatic.”

Used to supplement recommended cleaning methods, safely heating the passenger compartment can help ensure vehicles are properly disinfected before being deployed again.

“Officers can now use this self-cleaning mode as an extra layer of protection inside the vehicle in areas where manual cleaning is prone to be overlooked,” said Tyler. “This virus is an invisible enemy and we are proud to provide a solution to help the law enforcement community fight it.”

Initial rollout

Large departments with their own service centres can install the software solution using their own diagnostic service tools, while other fleets can work with their local dealers to install the software for 2013-19 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles.

For 2016-19 police vehicles, the heated software process can be activated by a smart sequence of commands that involves pressing cruise control buttons in a predefined order. For 2013-15 vehicles, this mode can be activated and carried out through an external tool that connects to the onboard diagnostics port.

“Vehicles from the 2013 to 2019 model years make up the majority of Police Interceptor Utility vehicles currently in use by first responders,” said Tyler. “Delivering this new capability to these vehicles first allows us to help as many officers as possible, as quickly as possible.”

Ford said it would continue working on ways to bring this software capability to additional Ford police vehicles.


Li Chunrong appointed CEO of Proton manufacturing division

                KUALA LUMPUR: DRB-Hicom Bhd and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely) have named their nominees to the Proton Group boards.

Proton Group has nominated Dr Li Chunrong as CEO of Perusahaan Otomobil National Sdn Bhd (PONSB), following the departure of Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Kenali, which takes effect on Sept 30.

Li will assume the role of PONSB CEO beginning Oct 1, and will be instrumental in working on jointly developed vehicles for Proton. Reuters reported that Li would also lead Proton's global operations.

The first of the jointly developed vehicles will be a mid-sized SUV, the first time Proton has entered into this hotly-contested segment. The SUV would be based on the Geely Boyue.

 The Boyue.

Li has 30 years of experience in the automotive industry and has worked with major international brands such as Honda, Kia, and Dongfeng, in various high level roles.

Current PONSB deputy CEO Datuk Radzaif Mohammed will support Dr Li in the revitalisation plan.

At the Proton Holdings Bhd level, Datuk Seri Syed Faisal Albar remains as chairman, joined by DRB-Hicom senior management team members Shaharul Farez Hassan and Amalanathan Thomas as nominees.

Meanwhile, Geely has nominated Geely executive vice president & chief financial officer Daniel Donghui Li and Hong Kong-listed Geely Auto group vice president and chief technology officer Feng Qing Feng as nominees to the board of Proton Holdings board.

All five nominees will also sit on the PONSB board, along with Geely international business vice president Dr Nathan Yu Ning and former Skoda Auto chairman and CEO Winfried Vahland.

Syed Faisal, Farez, Amalanathan, Daniel Donghui Li and Nathan Yu Ning also sit on the board of Proton Edar Sdn Bhd, the Malaysian distribution arm of Proton.


On a mission to patch up potholes of Malaysia

Lando (centre, in chequered shirt) filling in a pothole with members of the Brotherhood.
PETALING JAYA: For the past 10 years, a group of Good Samaritans have been filling up and repairing potholes around the country.

Come rain or shine, the Ikatan Silaturrahim Brotherhood have been going at it every single day.

It started in 2007 when the group's founder Azlan Sani Zawawi, or better known by his moniker Lando, lost a friend in a mishap due to a pothole in Kuala Kubu Baru.

"When I returned to the accident site two weeks later, I was angry to find that that it was still not repaired," said the 41-year-old film producer.

Soon after, accompanied by his wife, he started marking potholes using flowers to warn road users of the danger.

When he had enough funds, he started filling the holes.

He was joined by hundreds of Malaysians and the group, better known as the Brotherhood, is now active in nine states and 71 districts nationwide.

"Most of our members are those living from hand to mouth but they join in because they use these dangerous roads daily," said Lando, who has lost nine loved ones in mishaps caused by poor road conditions.

A typical day for the group starts with patrols where they would mark potholes and give authorities three days before they go in to do the job.

"If we end up doing it, it means that authorities have failed to do so in a timely manner and have failed our challenge," he said.

They use their own brand of high-emulsion cold mix tar, dubbed the Brotherhood Tar, which Lando developed with a tar company.

Every week, they go on at least one ops, which can cost between RM70 and RM3,500 each time, depending on the repairs needed.

Lando still refuses to take donations or organise fundraisers to keep the group afloat, and continues to foot all expenses by selling Brotherhood T-shirts, stickers, and tar.

"My wife and I planned to start our family this year but we have to postpone it because this work takes up a lot of my expenses," said Lando, who has been married for five years.

Lando claimed errant contractors had also taken credit for their work to claim the cost for road repairs from local councils, with some even going as far as to vandalise the repaired potholes.

To date, he has spent some RM100,000 to repair hundreds of roads from Klang Valley to Johor.

"If it's up to me, I would like to stop the ops immediately, if we continue, it means the system has failed or someone is not doing his job," he said.


Auto makers voice fears over govt push for B10 biodiesel

                PETALING JAYA: Some automotive players are crying foul over the upgrading of the B7 (petroleum diesel blend consisting of 7% palm methyl ester) to the B10 (10% palm methyl ester) biodiesel blend to be used for the transportation sector progressively effective this month.

Industry sources said diesel-powered vehicles are not ready for this regulatory move and that the B7 blend is still preferred, given the many unknown factors with the B10 adoption so far.

It is learnt that most auto players are shocked by the announcement and the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) is compiling more feedback from its members.

The sources further said the MAA had recently voiced this issue out to the Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI).

The MAA said the majority of its members had been told by their principals that they would not grant engine warranty for vehicles using biodiesel of more than 7% fatty acid methyl ester (Fame).

“The members have been advised by their principals that diesel engines marketed in Malaysia can run on biodiesel of up to 7% of Fame blending only. This is a big issue for users of diesel engines that are mostly trucks, four-wheel drives and lorries. They are mostly used by commercial businesses,” the sources said.

The MAA said palm methyl ester had a tendency to precipitate at low temperatures such as in highland areas in Cameron Highlands and Kota Kinabalu.

“The amount of precipitation depends on the amount of monoglyceride in the palm methyl ester. The precipitation starts at around 20 degrees Celcius and increases as the temperature drops further. If the precipitation is severe, it may clog the diesel fuel and may not be able to dissolve back into the diesel even if the fuel temperature is increased to room temperature,” the MAA said.

It added that the physical and chemical characteristics of the bio-components in Fame are significantly different from that of conventional petroleum diesel fuel.

“A higher Fame blending in diesel increases the tendency of deposits at swirl ducts, inlet valves, air ducts, cylinder heads, cylinder crankcase, oil sludge accumulation at roller levers and the camshaft,” MAA said in its list of concerns.

Adding to the concerns, said industry sources, was that vehicle sales were already low and this ruling would worsen the situation.

Despite widespread concerns, one marque is ready, but it is believed to be a vehicle for the high-end market. The rest of the diesel-powered marques, including foreign ones, are understood to be not ready.

Industry sources said more research and development (R&D) needed to be carried out on higher blends of palm methyl ester that would be used in diesel engines before it was actually implemented.

“Now car companies channel most of their R&D towards the development of clean engines and hybrid vehicles instead of B10 biodiesel technology. The situation in Malaysia may be quite unique because of the availability of palm oil, but the effects of this on the engines must be thoroughly researched first,” the sources said.

MAA said in the letter that since B7 was only introduced nationwide from December 2015 onwards, the long-term effects of vehicles running on B7 are still relatively unknown.

It added that the B7 biodiesel fuel blend should be made as an optional fuel to consumers at every petrol kiosk following the impending B10 implementation.

The association said its members would not be able to introduce cleaner diesel engines to comply with the Euro-4 and Euro-5 diesel exhaust emission which can run up to 7% of Fame blending only.


New Volvo car design studio opens in Shanghai

                SHANGHAI: A new Volvo car design studio opened last week here, becoming one of the automakers' three global design centres.

Mirroring Volvo Cars' design headquarters in Gothenburg, the Shanghai studio has all the functions needed to facilitate the entire design process, from concept to production, said the company, according to Xinhua.

The 5,500-square metre design studio boasts milling machines, 3D printers, and fully equipped workshops for producing accurate models more efficiently than ever.

The Shanghai designers also have access to VR environments where they can explore designs in the virtual world.

"The new premises and the latest technologies help strengthen the collaboration across our three design studios globally as we continue to take Volvo Cars' design to the next level," said Jeremy Offer, Volvo Cars' head of global design.

With the opening of the Design Studio Shanghai, the company said it is also reinforcing its strategic investment and long-term development in China, following the China R&D Centre, the Chengdu plant, the Daqing plant, and the Taizhou plant. — Bernama-Xinhua


US EPA to relax fuel efficiency standards for autos

                WASHINGTON: The Trump administration rejected an Obama-era plan to make automobiles more fuel efficient, opening up a long process to weaken current standards and putting California and the federal government on a collision course over vehicle emissions.

Scott Pruitt, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, said in a statement that the standards on model year 2022 to 2025 vehicles were not appropriate and should be revised.

The Obama administration set the average fleet-wide fuel efficiency standards ”too high” and ”made assumptions about the standards that didn’t comport with reality,” Pruitt said. He did not offer specifics on revising them.

The standards called for roughly doubling by 2025 the average fuel efficiency of new vehicles sold in the United States to about 4.7l/100km. Proponents said they could help spur innovation in clean technologies.

California has long been allowed by an EPA waiver to impose stricter standards than Washington does on vehicle emissions of some pollutants. And 12 other states, including New York, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, follow California’s lead on cleaner cars.

That has set up a battle on vehicle efficiency between California, the most populous US state and a massive car market, and the administration of President Donald Trump.

Pruitt is a big proponent of states’ rights to regulate themselves, but opposes California’s push for greener cars.
California’s waiver to impose its own efficiency standards is being re-examined, the EPA said. It is in ”America’s best interest to have a national standard,” Pruitt said in the release.

California Governor Jerry Brown blasted the EPA’s action. “This cynical and meretricious abuse of power will poison our air and jeopardize the health of all Americans,” Brown said.

Mary Nichols, the head of the California Air Resources Board, said her state ”will vigorously defend the existing clean vehicle standards.”

Auto industry executives have not publicly sought specific reductions in the requirements negotiated with the Obama administration in 2011 as part of a bailout deal. But they have urged Pruitt and Trump to revise the Obama standards so it becomes easier and less costly to meet complex targets, which vary depending on the size of vehicles and whether they are classified as cars or trucks.

Automakers also want to avoid a patchwork of rules that would add costs to engine manufacturing.
“The best way to achieve our collective goals is under a single national program that provides an aggressive but achievable pathway, a variety of compliance tools, and factors in the role of customers,” said John Bozzella, president and chief executive officer of the Association of Global Automakers.

Gloria Bergquist, a spokeswoman for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, said Pruitt made the right decision and that the administration was working on a way to both increase fuel economy and ”keep new vehicles affordable to more Americans.”

Changes to the standards could affect car manufacturers, including Ford Motor Co, General Motors Co and Tesla Inc Auto suppliers were cautiously optimistic about the creation of a national fuel efficiency plan. Steve Handschuh, head of the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association, said while his group supports adjustments and flexibilities ”we do not support significant changes to the standards.”

Environmentalists decried Pruitt’s decision, saying stricter standards would slash emissions of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. Proponents of the corporate average fuel economy standards, or CAFE, say they have led to big gains in auto technology and that relaxing them could eventually hurt sales of US cars in European and Asian countries that are moving toward mandates for electric cars.

It would ”take America backward by jeopardising successful safeguards that are working to clean our air, save drivers money at the pump, and drive technological innovation that creates jobs,” said Luke Tonachel, a clean vehicles advocate at the Natural Resources Defense Council.