BMW seeks to be 'coolest' ride-hailing firm with autonomous car

                MUNICH: BMW will test autonomous vehicles here next year as it seeks to keep up with ride-hailing firms like Uber, which have spent billions on pay-per-use personal transport.

The German carmaker will have about 40 vehicles with self-driving functions in Munich's inner city and then expand the project to other cities, BMW executives said on Friday.

"There is a trained test driver behind the wheel of every car," Klaus Buettner, BMW's Vice President in charge of Autonomous Driving said.

Uber's rapid growth has prompted BMW to consider how autonomous vehicles may help them accelerate their own push into pay-per-use transport.

Software and technology companies like Lyft, Juno and Uber have shaken up the traditional auto industry business model of selling cars by offering customers an alternative to vehicle ownership through smartphone-based ride-hailing services.

Now traditional car companies are expanding their own ride-hailing schemes, while investing in self-driving technology.

"Ride hailing is nothing more than manual autonomous driving," Tony Douglas, Head of Strategy for BMW's mobility services said. "Once you dispense with the driver, you have a licence to print money."

BMW has already made significant progress expanding into the market for car sharing by introducing pay-by-the-minute services like ReachNow in Seattle, Douglas said.

"We had 14,000 people sign up in four days, in a market already served by Zipcar, Uber, Lyft and Car2go," Douglas said.

"Someone else spent the money to educate the market and then we came in with a cool product. We will not be the largest, but we can be the coolest," Douglas said.

BMW plans to use not just its expertise making premium vehicles, but also its ability to manufacture, own and manage fleets of premium vehicles.

"Uber and Lyft do not operate their own fleets of cars. Owning the fleet means you can make offers that Lyft and others are unable to provide. For example providing car sharing for a specific community only," said BMW's chief executive Harald Krueger.


Moto Guzzi V7 III Carbon launched

                PETALING JAYA: Didi Resources Sdn Bhd, the local authorised importer and distributor of Moto Guzzi motorcycle brand, unveiled the all-new V7 III Carbon at Gasket Alley, Petaling Jaya last week.

The Guzzi V7 III Carbon has a completely matt black offering the ‘mystery’ look plus little red as second colour giving the ‘sexy’ appearance.

You can find the red colour on the Brembo front disc brake calliper, the logos on the side fairings and the eagle on the fuel tank.

The most outstanding red is the satin finished red cylinder head covers. Ooo la la.

The V7 III Carbon is made in limited number, only 1921 to be exact, a number that matches the year Moto Guzzi was established.

This 744cc machine delivers 52hp and 60Nm of torque.

The V7 is one of the most celebrated and well-known Moto Guzzi models.

Since 2009, V7 III has been the brand’s best-selling model worldwide.

The V7 III Carbon is priced at RM74,900 (without GST) and can be viewed at Gasket Alley, Petaling Jaya and Sheng Fatt Sdn Bhd in Penang,

For more information on the V7 III Carbon visit www.motoguzzi.com/my_EN/ and Facebook motoguzziMY.


Lotus's first electric hypercar will be the Evija

                LONDON: Lotus is set to unveil its first 100% electric hypercar on July 16 here.

It will be called the Evija, as announced at Britain's Goodwood Festival of Speed, which opened yesterday.

Until now known only as "Type 130," the car said to be "the very first British electric hypercar" will in fact be Lotus's first major model produced since its purchase by Chinese firm Geely in 2017. The brand intends to hit hard by presenting a racer with at least 1,000 hp, emphasizing the sporty DNA which has brought success in the past.

Just days before its presentation, Lotus has not yet given a single detail. The only thing that is certain is that the Evija, due out in 2020, will only be created in 130 models. For the rest, especially for performance specifications, we'll have to wait for the official presentation.


Lexus heads for the seas with first luxury yacht

                NEW YORK: No longer content with being just in driveways, Lexus is coming for the docks of the super rich.

The Toyota division debuted the LY 650 on Thursday, its first yacht. The 65-foot beast is the realisation of a concept boat Lexus first showed in January 2017.

The yacht is a floating amalgam of Japanese craftsmanship, Italian design and American manufacturing.

It’s being built in collaboration with Marquis Yachts in Pulaski, Wisconsin, which adopted the famed Toyota Production System. Italian yacht-design studio Nuvolari Lenard worked with Lexus on the living-space layout, including three bedrooms each with their own showers.

"The LY 650 symbolises the challenge taken by Lexus, which aspires to be a true luxury lifestyle brand, to venture beyond the automobile,” Toyota president Akio Toyoda said in a statement.

"I am truly looking forward to seeing the advanced, high quality LY 650 display its beauty on the oceans across the globe.”

Sales start Oct 30. While Lexus hasn’t yet released a price, an executive said last year the boat will be comparable to others in its class. Sunseeker’s 66-foot Manhattan goes for about US$3 million (RM12.5mil).


SIC out to woo families to F1

                SEPANG: The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) has gone all out to offer family and child-friendly activities for the 2015 Formula 1 Petronas Malaysian  Grand Prix weekend

This year’s programme – themed "Experience F1 Like Never Before" - transforms SIC’s premises into a huge entertainment space dubbed the "F1 Carnival" from March 27 to March 29.

A giant Ferris Wheel at the heart of the circuit where you can view the race from 50ft above provides the perfect message that a carnival is in town.

Activites will included a fun fair with games, amusement rides and other carnival-style attractions, and a food and beverage festival.

It will be a family fiesta, as fun activities include a "Haunted House", an inflatable Olympic course and a Cool Zone water games area for the children.

Adults can spend time drifting, or go-karting or rallying at the X-Track.

Fans can also check out the F1 Village, where they can get exclusive Formula 1 team merchandise and includes a fully air-conditioned game zone with F1 simulators.

On March 27, from 6.30pm to 7.15pm, there will be a Malaysian School Pit Walk which is open to 1,500 school kids and fans, and provides a close view of the pit garages.

The lucky guests can see what goes on behind-the-scenes at the team garages and even take photographs with the cars, teams and possibly the attending drivers.

On March 29, from 11am till noon, at the Main Stage mall area, there will be a meet-and-greet session for fans to get up close and personal with their favorite F1 drivers and get autographed posters.

The opening ceremony at 2pm on March 29 will showcase more than 100 soldiers performing the army dance at the starting grid.

There will be an after-race Concert at the SIC Helipad, which will feature top K-Pop groups Girls’ Generation and SHINee as the joint headline acts.

For the first time, the concert will be open to all ticket holders at no extra charge.

The concert will also start earlier with gates opening at 4.30pm and is expected to end by 8pm.


Fuel pump replacement campaign for Toyota and Lexus

                SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT), the distributor of Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Malaysia, has announced a Special Service Campaign (SSC) to replace the fuel pump on certain units of Toyota and Lexus models.

This SSC is an extension of an earlier campaign.

The company said the safety of its customers is always the top priority.

Based on the information received from Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), some 9,500 new units of Toyota (Alphard, Vellfire, Camry, Corolla, Fortuner, Innova, C-HR and Harrier) and 850 new units of Lexus (ES250, GS200t, GS350, IS200t, LC500, LS500, LX570, NX300, RX300 and RX350) models manufactured from July 2017 to July 2019 and distributed by UMWT are involved in this campaign.

Other models are not affected in this exercise.

Such vehicles are equipped with a fuel pump which may stop operating.

If this occurs, warning lights and messages may be displayed on the instrument panel, and engine power hesitation may happen.

UMWT will officially notify all its affected vehicle owners to replace the fuel pump unit at no charge.

However, the replacement work should depend on the car models.

For details, owners of affected cars may contact any authorised Toyota Service Centre or call the Toyota Freephone at 1800-8-TOYOTA (869682).


BMW 118i Sport coming in at RM189K

                PETALING JAYA: The new BMW 118i Sport will be available in Malaysia from Nov 25, priced at RM188, 800.

It comes with a new-generation engine with the latest BMW EfficientDynamics technology, the latest driver assistance systems and mobility services courtesy of BMW ConnectedDrive as well as a host of safety features, making the premium segment hatchback one of the safest in its class.

The new car features subtle but key differences to refine yet further the overall package.

At the front, a new lower apron with larger air intakes and a horizontal bar combines with the reshaped BMW kidney grilles and front ornamental grille in chrome surround with its exclusively designed kidney bars in high gloss black to provide the sight that the new BMW 118i Sport was designed with dynamism and sportiness in mind. Full LED headlamps with low and main beam have also been added to the new variant of the BMW 1 Series.

At the rear, new tail lamps with the now familiar BMW ‘L’ shape design adopt striking LED technology. Further to this, a single round exhaust tailpipe in chrome matt finish and the rear bumper with specific design elements in black-high further accentuates the sporty expression of the new BMW 118i Sport.

In terms of wheel options, the new BMW 118i Sport offers 17’’ light alloy wheels Star Spoke 379 71/2 J with 17’’ tyres 225/ 45 R17.

The driver-focused cockpit of the new 1 Series is an even more welcoming, sporty, comfortable place to sit, thanks to enhancements to the design and the use of Sensatec Leather for its upholstery. The instrument cluster with red highlight and chrono scaling as well as interior trim finishers in Black High-Gloss with highlight trim finishers in Coral Red Matt further adds the sporty feel inside the car. Further driving this sporty expression inside the car are the sports leather multifunction steering wheel and the sports seats for both the driver and front passenger.

The BMW Radio Professional and iDrive operating system continues to be standard across the entire range so the 1 Series model also features the segment leading freestanding, 6.5-inch Control Display, the controller wheel mounted on the centre console and the direct menu control and favourites buttons. The controls arranged below the Control Display have also benefited from detailed refinements. Both the air vents and the controls for the radio and the automatic air conditioning now feature high-quality chrome surrounds. The radio and automatic air conditioning keypads, meanwhile, are set against high-gloss black panelling.

The 118i Sport sees the introduction of the new Engine of the Year 2015 award winning 3-cylinder petrol engine to the premium compact segment. The BMW TwinPower Turbo 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine, also found in the i8, delivers a maximum output of 136hp, torque of 220Nm and accelerates from 0 to 100kph in 8.7 seconds. The combined fuel consumption of the new 118i stands at 5.1 litres per 100 km with C02 emissions of 119 g/km.

Power is relayed to the rear axle via an 8-Speed Steptronic automatic transmission and Driving Experience Control modes which includes the ECO PRO mode.

Safety-wise, the car comes with air bags for front and rear passengers, side air bags for driver and front passengers which are integrated into the front seat backrest and head airbags at the front and rear with curtain head protection and splinter protection capabilities. There's child seat ISOFIX attachments for the rear seats and a central locking system with electronic immobiliser and crash sensor.

A leading feature amongst its peers in the industry, the 118i Sport offers Intelligent Emergency Call, Teleservices  and Remote Services functionalities.

A SIM card built into the vehicle enables customers to enjoy optimum connectivity and access to the range of services from BMW ConnectedDrive without the need for a smartphone.

Intelligent Emergency Call, a standard feature in the new BMW 118i Sport, ensures maximum safety on the road. If the airbags are triggered in an accident, this system uses the built-in SIM card to automatically transmit the severity of the accident, the potential risk of injury to the occupants and the vehicle’s location to the BMW Call Centre. This information is then used to arrange the best possible emergency response while the Call Centre stays in contact with the occupants if desired. The manual emergency call function also allows rapid help to be summoned for other road users in emergency situations at a touch of an SOS Button.

Remote Services, on the other hand, transforms the owner’s smartphone into an intelligent and convenient remote control for the vehicle – via the MY Remote app (BMW iRemote app) or the BMW Call Centre. Users can use their smartphone to lock and unlock their car or find it immediately by flashing the headlights or sounding the horn.

The new 118i Sport comes in a colour choice of Black Sapphire, Mineral Grey, Crimson Red, Midnight Blue and Alpine White.


China fines GM venture RM130mil for monopolistic pricing

                BEIJING: China will fine General Motors Co's joint venture 201 million yuan (RM130mil) for monopolistic pricing, state television reported on Friday, ending speculation after an official warned of penalties against a US carmaker.

Shanghai's pricing regulator said it would fine GM's venture with China's largest automaker SAIC Motor Corp Ltd for setting minimum prices on certain Cadillac, Chevy and Buick models, according to China Central Television.

"GM fully respects local laws and regulations wherever we operate," the US automaker said in an emailed statement. "We will provide full support to our joint venture in China to ensure that all responsive and appropriate actions are taken with respect to this matter."

SAIC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The fine follows comments by US President-elect Donald Trump questioning the "One China" policy and his naming of Peter Navarro, a hardliner on trade with China, as a trade adviser, although there is no evidence that the penalty is a form of retaliation.

An official at the National Development Reform Commission on Dec 14 told state-owned China Daily that the commission would fine a US automaker for monopolistic behaviour, sending GM and Ford Motor Co shares skidding.

Auto industry sources have said the investigation was already under way before Trump's recent comments, although it has raised fears that China could be seizing on the case to send a shot across the bow of the incoming US administration.

The penalty is the latest against automakers after the commission began investigations in 2011, with Audi AG, Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz, Toyota Motor Corp, and one of Nissan Motor Co Ltd's joint ventures previously being targeted.


Lucid Motors set to reveal production version of Lucid Air in April

                SAN FRANCISCO: After unveiling a concept version of the model in 2016, Lucid Motors announced this week that a production version of the Lucid Air electric sedan will be revealed this April in New York.

Lucid Motors previously stated that the EV will have a driving range of over 644km and a 0 - 100lph acceleration time of under 2.5 seconds, a pair of numbers that would make the model a direct Tesla Model S competitor.

Unlike its Tesla counterpart which starts at US$79,990 (RM326,000), however, this electric sedan is expected to start at over US$100,000 (RM407,000). Reservations are currently open at US$1,000 (RM4,069) for early production models.

In April when the Lucid Air will be revealed in New York, the company will announce specs, configurations and pricing. In the meantime, Lucid promises to publish frequent updates about the model.

Full production is expected to be under way by the end of 2020.


Hyundai Ioniq 6 takes ‘drag’ to a new low and range to a new high

                FRANKFURT: The Hyundai Ioniq 6 delivers an impressively low 0.21 drag coefficient and 614km (WLTP-rated) on a single charge.

It achieved this through 1930s-style aerodynamic design and technological advances that are functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Designers also used "morphing technique" to develop optimal rear spoiler shape and several other advanced aerodynamic solutions

While aerodynamic efficiency is important for every vehicle’s fuel economy, it is especially critical for an EV’s AER due to the weight of the battery system.

By excelling at aerodynamic performance, Ioniq 6 delivers what Hyundai’s designers call ‘emotional efficiency’ with simple yet sensuous curves and technological advances that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Simon Loasby, Hyundai’s Head of Styling, cites the 1947 Stout Scarab, Phantom Corsair and Saab Ursaab as major influences on Ioniq 6’s sleek design. Those iconic ‘Streamliner’ cars epitomise the functionally efficient aesthetic on wheels. It’s easy to see how the symmetry and relative simplicity of their contoured shapes found their way onto Hyundai’s new Electrified Streamliner.

Another key influence was the Supermarine Spitfire, a famous World War II British fighter plane. Designers applied a Spitfire-inspired winglet to the side of Ioniq 6’s rear spoiler to absorb the air flow from the roof and reduce drag by minimising vortices at the spoiler’s tip. This technology also effectively reduces the eddy currents generated from the side of the vehicle, helping to reduce drag.

The car itself has a streamlined shape like the wing of an airplane, so when running fast, lift is generated aerodynamically by the difference in pressure between the top and bottom of the vehicle. The downforce generated by Ioniq 6’s rear spoiler reduces lift even during high-speed driving to ensure stability.

Once Hyundai’s Design team finished its initial work on Ioniq 6’s exterior, they entered the wind tunnel, facing winds of up to 200 km/h generated by a 3,400hp fan, to chase another 10 per cent of efficiency with the help of Hyundai’s aerodynamic engineers.

For the rear spoiler and several other advanced aerodynamic solutions, they used what is known as the ‘morphing technique’, which is a shape transformation technology, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis using a supercomputer.

This allowed the designers to select the optimal spoiler shape from about 70 different options. It also enabled the application of an active air flap, wheel air curtains, wheel gap reducers, separation traps and wheel deflectors to problem areas.

The aerodynamic design is executed extensively, even underneath the car. Ioniq 6 is equipped with an undercover that blocks the front of the lower part to improve air flow, and the most important item in the lower part is the diffuser under the rear bumper.

Besides the full cover of the undercarriage, Hyundai’s efforts to achieve better aerodynamics is evident in the optimised front wheel deflector and minimised wheel guard gap. In addition, the shape of Ioniq 6’s wheel deflector was optimised, and the underbody covering was carefully finished to complete the aerodynamic performance.

“In the EV era, air resistance is more important than any other performance,” says Min Byung-hoon, Executive Vice President and Director of Vehicle Performance Development at Hyundai Motor Company. “Through their collective efforts, Hyundai’s aerodynamic engineers and designers have achieved with Ioniq 6 a new benchmark for Hyundai and the Ioniq dedicated EV line-up brand.”


Full charge in 10 mins. Fast electric charging comes to Malaysia but ...

                PUTRAJAYA: Putrajaya will be the pioneer city to test a revolutionary new technology for electric vehicle (EV) buses that will allow the vehicles to fully charge their batteries in only 10 minutes.

This is a tremendous difference from the technology currently used in electric vehicles, where batteries must be left to charge overnight to be fully charged.

This pilot project, dubbed the “Putra NEDO EV Bus Project”, is the result of a collaboration between Putrajaya Corporation (PPj) and Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation (NEDO).

Federal Territories Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Adnan Md Ikshan was present to officially launch the project at Putrajaya Sentral.

“The ministry believes that the implementation of this demonstration project in Putrajaya will put us on track towards turning Putrajaya into a sustainable, low-carbon, and green city by 2025,” he said.

“We hope the operation of EV buses eventually results in the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions from the transportation sector in the city.”

NEDO executive director Makoto Watanabe said that this was the first ever demonstrative operation of Super Quick Charge (SQC) Large EV Buses in a city, worldwide.

Representing the Japanese Consortium of corporate partners involved in the project, Toshiba Infrastructure Systems and Solutions Corporation director and corporate vice-president Isao Aoki said some of the technology supporting this project was not even deployed in Japan yet.

“It is necessary to promote effective measures with a strong top-down policy to realise a green city, and I hope that Putrajaya can become the first model city in the world with zero-emission buses,” he said.

PPj president Datuk Seri Hasim Ismail said Putrajaya has eight of these single-decker buses, which began commercial operations in June, servicing two 23km routes in Putrajaya and Cyberjaya.

Hasim said they would add another two single-decker buses to the fleet by the end of the year, with an additional two double-decker buses sometime next year to be used mainly for tourism purposes.

The buses can run for up to 30km on a full charge before requiring to stop at an SQC terminal to recharge.

Three SQC terminals are located in Putrajaya Sentral with one more at the Bus Depot in Precinct 14.

While the technology for the battery is imported from Japan, the bus is manufactured, maintained and managed locally.


Porsche launches 911 as lightweight Carrera T

                BERLIN: Lose some weight, gain some fun: Every now and then Porsche builds a purist 911 according to this formula, and the new 911 Carrera T is trying to prove that you don't have to buy an expensive GT to get this level of exhilaration.

Launching in February, the Carrera T is said to focus primarily on fun at the wheel and, rather than being a spin-off of some expensive Porsche model, it's instead a development of the basic 911.

As such, it's priced at the lower end of the model range, with prices in its home market of Germany starting at €123,845 (RM581,000).

Buyers can expect not only more performance, but also better handling from the lighter weight.

Although the same 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with 385hp as in the 911 Carrera is fitted in the rear, the T-badged version weighs 35 kilos less.

This is mainly due to the manual gearbox instead of the dual clutch PDK gearbox, as well as thinner glazing and the absence of a rear seat.

However, buyers can also request the usual PDK dual-clutch automatic gearbox and the leather upholstery at no extra charge.

Porsche says a new tuning of the chassis, which has been lowered by 1cm, also adds to the driving dynamics, as do the mechanical differential lock in the rear and the optional rear-axle steering, which is otherwise reserved for the more powerful models.

On paper, the Carrera T is ever so slightly inferior to the base model, and because of the manual gearbox, it can only hit a top speed of 291kph (instead of 293kph) and the sprint from 0 to 100kph takes even three tenths longer at 4.5 seconds.

But in practice, the weight difference means the two cars are worlds apart, says series manager Frank Moser.


What are the rules for letting children ride in the front car seat?

                BERLIN: The fight between siblings for the front passenger seat in the car is a time-honoured tradition for many families. For many children, it's an honour to get to sit with Mom or Dad up front.

But kids first need to be big enough to sit in the front seat before they can start fighting over it.

Regardless of age, "a child who is at least 150cm tall can sit up front," says Andreas Schaeuble, from the Dekra expert group. The minimum age varies between countries, but 12 years old is a good benchmark for when a child can sit in the front regardless of size.

Children under age 12 and smaller than 1.5 metres should sit in seats equipped with seat belts. And "in the case of vintage cars that are not equipped with seat belts, children under 3 years old should not be taken along," period, according to Schaeuble. After that age, they should be able to ride along, but only in the rear seats of the car.

Another thing to keep in mind for driving around kids: Rear-facing baby carriers that also do double duty as car seats should only be buckled in the front seat if the passenger airbag can be deactivated.

"Correctly securing a child is of central importance in order to not endanger his health," says the accident researcher from Dekra. Otherwise the child could, in the worst case, suffer serious injuries in a collision. In general, it's a good idea to have a car seat suitable for the child's height and weight, and it should be regularly checked that the child is being buckled into it properly.

"When buying a car seat, take the child and car along, and try out everything to make sure that it fits," says Schaeuble, who also recommends reading through the operating instructions thoroughly, and not just rely on instinct in order to get it right. "Also pay attention to the information about the seat's durability," he says.


Targeted fuel subsidy likely, says Minister

                KUALA LUMPUR: The government is likely to introduce a targeted fuel subsidy mechanism, especially for the lower income group, to cushion the impact of rising crude oil prices.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Economic Affairs) Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said the government was still working on a suitable structure and expected it to be completed soon.

He also noted that the finance ministry was currently looking at whether the government was able to bear the subsidy as prices for RON95 petrol and diesel remained for the time being.

“Those who can afford should pay more and the people who do not deserve (the subsidy) should not be given it at all.

“Subsidies are meant for the poor, particularly the B40. The issue is timing,” he said during a programme on Bernama TV today.

Mustapa said fuel subsidies had played an important role in moderating price increases to between 2% and 3% for the last 10 to 20 years.

“However, it will be a big strain on the budget. When we outlined our budget last year, the estimate was about RM5 billion in subsidies.

“Now the estimate is somewhere around RM30bil, representing a six-fold increase in subsidies,” he added.

Mustapa said oil subsidies involved four items – RON95 petrol, diesel, liquefied natural gas and cooking oil.

He added that the rise in crude oil prices had affected the country’s inflation rate, where the consumer price index last month rose by 2.2% to 125.6 against 122.9 in March last year, surpassing the average inflation for the January 2011-March 2022 period, which stood at 1.9%.

“We believe this will be challenging for us moving forward. The impact is mainly on prices. We have not revised our growth projection and we are still sticking to Bank Negara Malaysia’s forecast of 5.3% to 6.3% growth this year.


Win a BMW Motorrad GS at the Sixth BMW Motorrad Night Fuel Malaysia

                KUALA LUMPUR: The sixth edition of the largest gathering of premium motorcycle enthusiasts across Malaysia will be held at the former RMAF Airbase in Sungai Besi.

Touring across Malaysia since 2016, the BMW Motorrad Night Fuel Malaysia event returns to Kuala Lumpur once again in 2019.

Celebrating Making Life a Ride, the BMW Motorrad Night Fuel Malaysia event is open to all BMW Motorrad owners.

Held on Saturday, 22nd June 2019 at The Base, Sempang Airport, Royal Malaysian Air Force Base along the Sungai Besi area, the event will host a night filled with great food, music, camaraderie and the introduction of new motorcycles from BMW Motorrad Malaysia as well as a lucky draw chance to win a BMW Motorrad GS model.

The sensational line-up of live performances includes the TC Buskers, Arjuna Band and a special performance by a legendary Malaysian rock legend.

Details of the event:

Date		: 	22nd June 2019, Saturday

Time		: 	7:00PM to 11:00PM

Venue		: 	The Base, Sempang Airport, Royal Malaysian Air Force Base, 57100 Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur.

Ticket entry to the Sixth BMW Night Fuel Event Malaysia 2019 is at RM 90 via online registrations from now until Monday, 17th June 2019 and at RM 110 for walk-in registrations during the event itself.

Online registrations can be done at BMW Motorrad Malaysia’s website at www.bmw-motorrad.com.my or just go HERE


Weekend crowd packs KLIMS’18

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Kuala Lumpur International Motorshow 2018 (KLIMS’18) saw a packed weekend crowd, with visitors eagerly checking out the latest cars, innovative automotive products, exotic vehicles, souped-up cars, the longest limousine in Malaysia and fancy customised bikes.

The 10-day motor show at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) will end on Dec 2.

The Petronas area was a beehive of activity, with visitors constantly surrounding a Formula One racing car courtesy of Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport and racing bikes from the Petronas Yamaha SIC MotoGP team.

At the Petronas area, a range of Mercedes-Benz cars namely the A 200, AMG C 43, S 450 and CLS 450 coupe, and racing simulators as well as a special room that offers an immersive surround-view experience of Petronas' Fluid Technology Solutions for vehicle performance were also big hits with visitors.

Among the visitors was 34-year-old Zuharri Yusoff who drove from Seremban, Negeri Sembilan with his wife and children.

"I want to expose my young kids to the exciting automotive world. It's the weekend and the motor show is a good event where I can spend quality time with my family," said Zuharri.

Meanwhile, 30-year-old automotive distributor Kent Lim opined that the motor show was "pretty impressive in terms of activities."

"It's my first motor show and I think it's very cool. For me, the beautiful ladies (brand ambassadors) is a highlight," said Lim.

As for 24-year-old student Vernon Raj, the Art of Speed Zone which showcases the latest custom-built bikes is a prime attraction.

"I find the motor show to be quite exciting as there are so many varieties of vehicles," he said.

KLIMS’18 features over 74 marques of vehicle brands and automotive products spanning over six exhibitions halls covering two levels at MITEC.

Participating automotive brands include CAM, Citroen, Daihatsu, DS, Ford, Grand Max, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Kia, Lexus, Petronas Motorsports, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Perodua, Peugeot, Proton, Tata, Toyota and UD Trucks.

KLIMS’18 opening hours are from 11am to 10pm on weekdays and 10am to 10pm on weekends.

Every entrance ticket purchased stands a chance to win either a Toyota C-HR, a Honda City or a Perodua Myvi through a lucky draw.

Entrance tickets secured via online at AirAsia Red Tix are also entitled to win a fortnightly draw with AirAsia return flights to Bangkok, Hong Kong, Bali, Taipei, Jakarta and Shanghai as well as the grand draw to Tokyo.

Online tickets are available via https://airasiaredtix.com or KLIMS 18 website www.klims.com.my.

Entrance fees are RM20 on weekdays and RM25 on weekends.

For children aged three to 12 years old, entrance tickets are RM5 and students/senior citizens are charged RM5 (weekdays only).

There is also a family package where parents and up to five children aged 12 years old and below are charged RM40 (weekdays) and RM50 (weekends).

Those with special needs (with handicapped card/physically handicapped) get free entry together with one accompanying person.

Star Media Group is the official media partner of KLIMS’18.


Lamborghini wants hybrid cars in its range beyond 2030 with e-fuels

                MILAN: Italy's Lamborghini wants to have two hybrid supersports cars in its range beyond 2030 powered by e-fuels, the head of the Volkswagen's brand was quoted as saying in a newspaper interview today.

Lamborghini's chief executive Stephan Winkelmann told Italian daily Il Corriere della Sera that synthetic fuels would allow the automaker to have very low carbon emissions.

Like its rivals Ferrari, Aston Martin Lagonda and McLaren, Lamborghini is wrestling with how to shift ranges to battery power without losing the high performance that supports their premium pricing.

"We do not yet know if there will be a large enough quantity of this fuel to meet the needs of all manufacturers," Winkelmann said. "We need lawmakers to follow us on this path".

Synthetic fuels, known as e-fuels, are being developed along with biofuels to allow modified versions of combustion engines to continue to be used rather than a wholesale switch to battery electric vehicles (BEV).

Lamborghini, part of the Volkswagen Group through Audi, plans to turn all its line-up hybrid between next year and 2024, while its first full-electric model is expected at the end of the decade.


All-electric BMW iX xDrive40 variants launched, booking opens at RM5,000

                KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Group Malaysia has affirmed its move into full electric mobility with a slew of new electric vehicles (EVs) from the BMW i range.

The company today launched the  iX xDrive40 and the iX xDrive40 Sport. Plans are afoot to introduce the iX xDrive50 Sport as well as the iX3 and i4 eDrive40 later.

The iX xDrive40 and iX xDrive40 Sport come with retail pricing of RM419,630 and RM472,630 respectively.

If extended warranty, service package and power package consisting of BMW i Wallbox and public charging cable are included, prices go up to RM440,400 and RM493,400 for the iX xDrive40 and iX xDrive40 Sport respectively.

Both electric vehicles are now available for booking on the BMW Shop Online platform via https://shop.bmw.com.my/ at a fee of RM5,000.

 iX xDrive 40 Sport.

With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the iX xDrive40 and iX xDrive40 Sport can be owned with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM4,888 and RM5,478 respectively (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure).

Registration of interest for the iX xDrive50, the iX3 and the i4 eDrive40 are also open on the official BMW website via their respective hyperlinks.

The last electric vehicle offered by BMW Group Malaysia was the i3s in 2019.

Owners of electric vehicles from the BMW i portfolio can also enjoy battery warranty of up to eight years or 160,000km, whichever comes first.

The first 50 customers to pre-book the iX xDrive40 and iX xDrive40 Sport will receive a pre-booking advantage, consisting of a free charging installation and a free 1-year public charging access.

The promotion is valid until Sept 22.  Terms and conditions apply.

 iX xDrive50 Sport.

The iX is the first of its kind to pioneer the Shy Tech concept which allows modern technology and innovation in the vehicle to discreetly blend in the background until needed.

The vehicle will also feature the very first BMW IconicSounds Electric – developed in collaboration with world-famous composer and Academy Awards winner, Hans Zimmer, offering owners an emotional driving experience with the unmistakable sounds of the BMW and BMW M models.

The iX and its variants also promise an impressive WLTP range of up to 630km which is enough to dispel range anxiety among potential and existing EV owners.

The fully electric vehicle prides itself as a minimalist living space on wheels, offering sheer comfort on every journey.

The iX xDrive40 comes LED headlights while BMW Laserlights are standard on the iX xDrive40 Sport and iX xDrive50 Sport.

Additionally, the Driving Assistant and Parking Assistant features are standard for the BMW iX xDrive40, whereas the Sport variants arrive with the Driving Assistant Professional and Parking Assistant Plus.

READ MORE: BMW iX Specifications for Malaysia

The Sport variants are also exclusively equipped with Harman Kardon surround sound systems and the Interior Applications Clear & Bold offering – which consists of a control panel on the centre console made of sustainably produced, certified wood.

Exclusive to the iX xDrive50 Sport are Integral Active Steering and adaptive two-axle air suspension.

Meanwhile, the all-electric iX3 combines the driving dynamics and premium quality of the BMW X3, world’s best-selling premium mid-sized sports activity vehicle (SAV), with the increased performance and efficiency of the fifth generation BMW eDrive technology, making the iX3 the most anticipated vehicle in its segment.

 iX3.

Being a four-door gran coupe and the latest member of BMW's premium mid-sized passenger car family, the i4 eDrive40 comes with a specific focus on electric driving dynamics from the outset.

Featuring a futuristic sports appearance, the i4 eDrive40 offers the electrical power output of up to 340hp, a 0-100kph sprint time of 5.7 seconds and a WLTP electric driving range of up to 590km on a single charge.

BMW Group Malaysia managing director Hans de Visser said the line-up is a milestone for the BMW Group and BMW Group Malaysia.

“We have been in the driver’s seat in accelerating innovation, awareness on new and sustainable technology for the automotive industry, shaping the infrastructure for premium electrified vehicles in Malaysia since 2015.

“Our success in Malaysia today is cemented by our position as the leader in electrified mobility here, which is underlined by an impressive delivery of over 2,200 units of electrified vehicles last year alone,” he said.

 i4 eDrive40.

De Visser also said the incoming fleet of electric vehicles from BMW i would present all the best possibilities of Sheer Electric Driving Pleasure to loyal BMW customers and EV enthusiasts alike in Malaysia, with no compromise.

“More importantly, it will also drive the All-New Sustainability Strategy for the BMW Group in Malaysia,” he said.

BMW Group Malaysia also has their eyes set on rapidly expanding the BMW i dealer network to key cities across the country.

DC fast chargers will also be installed at all BMW i dealers for public use to further accelerate the availability of charging infrastructures in Malaysia, along with rapid-charging DC chargers to be made available for quick on-the-go charging at selected dealerships nationwide.

“We look forward to reigniting local interest and uptake for electromobility, in foresight of the much-discussed upcoming Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint.

“We have partnered with GreenTech Malaysia from the very beginning to grow the local charging infrastructure network as part of our key strategies to shift Malaysia towards a low carbon mobility future.

“Moving forward, we aim to give Malaysians the confidence to choose electric for their next – or even first, drive.

“In fact, there are more plans set to activate in the upcoming months that will encourage a positive reception of this future-focused way of mobility, of which we hope will also be strengthened by the upcoming revision of government policies towards electromobility,” de Visser said.


BMW Alpina B8 Gran Coupé showcased

BUCHLOE (Germany): Following the success of the BMW Alpina B7 Sedan and XB7 Sports Activity Vehicle, Alpina is expanding its offering in the premium segment with the new Alpina B8 Gran Coupé (B8GC).

It promises the highest levels of performance, dynamics and comfort in a bold and beautiful design.

The 4.4-litre V8 engine with bi-turbo charging produces an impressive 612 hp. The maximum torque of 800Nm is available from just 2,000 rpm for power delivery at all times.

From a standing start, the B8GC accelerates to 100kph in 3.3 seconds and reaches 400m in just 11.5 seconds. The maximum speed is 323kph.

The 8-Speed Sport Automatic Transmission with Alpina SWITCH-TRONIC has undergone substantial development work in cooperation with the transmission specialists at ZF. Depending on the selected drive mode, shift dynamics have been raised to a whole new level without compromising on the smooth shift comfort.

A high-performance hydrodynamic torque converter with reinforced internals is used to reliably transmit the engine’s high torque output. An aluminum transmission oil sump ensures the system is optimally cooled. The advanced turbine torsional damper absorbs drivetrain vibrations noticeably enhancing driving comfort.

The specially developed Alpina sport exhaust system is a stainless-steel wonder. Providing both visual and auditory delight, it is designed to reduce backpressure, and features the bold, natural sound of a powerful V8 engine. The driver can influence the sound by switching between COMFORT and SPORT mode, which controls the active exhaust flaps.

The B8GC’s chassis and suspension have been set up to achieve a balance combining superior long-distance travel comfort with precise handling characteristics. The adaptive dampers provide for a wide range of driving experiences, ranging from COMFORT+ to SPORT+.

The B8GC’s appearance is distinguished by elegant lines that emphasise the vehicle’s flowing silhouette. The athletic character is further emphasised by the Alpina aerodynamic components.

The large air intakes on the Alpina front apron ensure that the high-performance engine is supplied with sufficient cooling air flow. The Alpina rear apron with a black diffuser insert takes up the precise contours of the body. The Coupé’s sweeping silhouette is extended by a subtle Alpina rear spoiler lip.

The Alpina CLASSIC 21-inch forged wheels with their minimalistic 20 spoke design are an exclusive Alpina identifier.

High-quality materials, an extensive range of standard equipment and exclusive Alpina details contribute to an exquisite interior.

Elegant Alpina details, such as illuminated Alpina door sills or the iDrive controller in crystal glass with a lasered Alpina logo, as well as the standard Alpina interior trim in Walnut Anthracite high-gloss, set exclusive accents. Each Alpina steering wheel is hand-finished with natural, untreated LAVALINA leather for a highly tactile experience.

The B8GC comes with extensive standard equipment. They include multi-functional seats, ventilated front seats, seat and steering wheel heating, BMW Individual extended Merino leather upholstery as well as a leather-covered instrument panel and an Anthracite Alcantara Headliner.

The standard panoramic glass sunroof contributes to a light and airy atmosphere in the interior. The standard Harman Kardon surround sound system offers a first-class sound experience. The standard Icon Adaptive LED Headlights with Laserlight offer super high intensity and substantially better performance than conventional light sources.

Extra-cost options include carbon roof, Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system and driving assist features.


Sime Darby Auto ConneXion introduces Ford Raya Aftersales campaign

                KUALA LUMPUR: Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), the sole distributor for Ford in Malaysia, is offering a Raya Aftersales promotion, which is on-going until May 31.

Customers who book a service during the campaign period will enjoy savings of up to 20% on lubricant, timing and brake packages in addition to 10% on labour fees for these packages.

They can also save up to 20% on selected parts.

Other offers include add-on services such as alignment and balancing, basic air conditioning service, polishing and sanitisation.

For more rewards, customers who spend a total of RM1,000 and above on any of these Raya
campaign offers and other selected services will receive a free exclusive sports bag.

For added peace-of-mind, all Ford owners can also take advantage of the free 27-point vehicle
inspection conducted by Ford-certified technicians to ensure their vehicles are in tip-top
condition.

All service customers will also be given free Ford Raya packets.

Customers can rest assured that only Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are used
when servicing at any Ford Authorised Service Centres nationwide.

With Genuine Ford Parts, customers can be certain of the highest standards of quality, fit and
finish as the parts are specifically designed for Ford vehicles to ensure superior performance.

They also come with a warranty of 12 months or 20,000km, whichever occurs first, excluding
wear and tear parts.

For added assurance, all Ford Authorised Service Centres are staffed and equipped only with
Ford-certified technicians and diagnostic tools.

For more worry-free adventures and road trips, Ranger customers can also take up the Ford
Extended Warranty PremiumCare Plan to enjoy two additional years of coverage against unexpected repair costs after the standard five-year warranty expires.

Additionally, owners of Ranger XL, XLT & XLT Plus variants can also enjoy a four-in-one accessories package deal priced at RM1,628 to personalise their lifestyle companion.

Alternatively, they can choose to purchase individual accessories based on their preferences.

Customers can easily book a service appointment online via the Ford website anytime and
from anywhere for their desired or closest Ford Authorised Service Centre.

Real-time e-Service appointment booking option is available for five authorised service centres nationwide - Ford Ara Damansara, Ford Petaling Jaya, Ford Juru, Ford Butterworth and Ford Kuching.

This allows customers to immediately know available time slots as well as select and confirm their preferred schedule (up to one month in advance).

To make a service appointment booking online, click here.

For details on the promotion, Ford Extended Warranty Plan and Ranger accessories available, visit www.sdacford.com.my.


Fuel prices to be announced weekly from April

                LARUT: The ceiling price for fuel will be announced weekly from April, said Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin.

He said the ceiling price would likely be announced on a Monday or Saturday for the week compared with currently, where prices are announced once a month.

He said this would enable consumers to know the current prices and avoid confusion.

"The Government is determining the fuel price to avoid it exceeding the correct market price.

"In reality, what Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and I are doing is to ensure that the people know what has been determined by the Petroleum Dealers Association of Malaysia.

"It is up to the petrol station retailers to work with the association and ensure no one is left out of the concept we want to put in place," Hamzah, who is the Larut MP, told reporters after officiating the Parent-Teachers Association meeting of SK Bagan Baru today.

Hamzah said a notice highlighting the ceiling price would be placed at all petrol stations throughout the country to enable consumers to know if it had been raised or lowered.

Asked about the request by the Perak Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) to not undertake a ceiling price mechanism, Hamzah said his ministry had a discussion on the matter on Friday.

"They requested a number of additions to the aspect of margin (commission) which had been given to them to date.

"The Government will consider what they have requested in making a decision on whether we agree or otherwise," he said.


Syed Saddiq meets with Dego Ride CEO

                PETALING JAYA: The Youth and Sports Minister has met with Dego Ride chief executive officer Nabil Feisal Bamadhaj, after snubbing the Johor-based motorcycle taxi company for Indonesia's Gojek in a previous meeting with the Prime Minister and the Transport Minister.

Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman tweeted a photo of himself with Nabil in his office on Wednesday (Aug 28).

“Before they were banned by the previous government, Dego successfully hired 1,500 mat motor (motorcycle riders). Salary RM1,500-RM3,500.

“[About] 85% of the mat motors hired were youths, ” he posted, adding that Dego Ride attracted 60,000 users within three months of launching its operations.

However, Pakatan Harapan’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke upheld the decision in September 2018, saying that motorcycle taxi services would never be legalised due to high motorcycle accident rates.

Now, motorcycle-based e-hailing service is set to become a new industry in Malaysia, after Syed Saddiq's involvement in getting the Cabinet's approval to legalise the service.

The young minister, on a mission to fulfil the Pakatan election promise of creating one million job opportunities, had arranged a meeting between Gojek founder Nadiem Makarim, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Loke on Aug 19.

Syed Saddiq's pitch was to create youth employment through motorcycle taxi services.

The meeting drew both applause and condemnation.

While some welcomed the move, others criticised the Muar MP for endorsing a foreign company rather than supporting the homegrown startup Dego Ride.

In response to criticisms, Syed Saddiq said Gojek would not monopolise the industry as the government would open up the market to allow competition.

“This is not just for Gojek. We forgot that we have one of the most talented Malaysians who ran Dego Ride in Johor, which employed thousands of motorists, ” Syed Saddiq said a day after the Gojek meeting amid the backlash.

The news has already ruffled feathers with the taxi industry in Malaysia.

Big Blue Taxi Services founder Datuk Shamsubahrin Ismail allegedly made a statement deemed derogatory of Gojek riders and Indonesia in a video clip that went viral in that country recently.

Gojek rider-partners in Indonesia had threatened to protest the statement at the Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta.

Gojek began in 2010 as a motorcycle ride-hailing call centre in Indonesia, and has launched in Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand as part of its South-East Asia expansion plan.

It also plans to expand to Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia and Philippines.


Driving the new Nissan Teana

The Nissan Teana has been around for quite a while, having been brought in as an imported model from 2007, probably in a transitional phase to get the market acquainted with this model as the Cefiro was set to be discontinued.

It wasn’t until 2010 when it was locally assembled that the Teana took off as a serious challenger to its two main rivals in the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.

As the Teana enters its latest generation status, the Nissan flagship sedan in Malaysia is set to continue its strong run despite the entry of more rivals from Europe, such as the Volkswagen Passat.

It may sit on the same platform as the previous model but the body was brushed up to portray a new look, with some changes in the dimensions to optimise interior space.

The body is longer by 35mm at 4,885mm, wider by 45mm at 1,530mm and marginally taller by 5mm at 1,485mm, while the wheelbase stays constant at 2,775mm.

Available variants for our media test drive last week were the 2.5-litre 2.5XV and the 2.0-litre 2.0XL.

A major change is in the 2.5-litre Teana that now comes with a new four-cylinder engine with twin CVTC (continuously variable-valve timing control) in place of the V6 in the previous model.

The power output is lower at 173PS against 182PS previously but the torque produced is higher at 234Nm from 228Nm. The maximum torque also peaks earlier as well at 4,000rpm (4,400rpm for the previous V6).

There is no change for the 2.0-litre engine with single CVTC being a carry over from the previous generation unit; power-wise, it stays relevant and competitive with 136PS and 190Nm of torque.

What is new to both Teana models is the ‘next generation’ XTRONIC CVT (continuously variable transmission), for which 70% of the components were redesigned to reduce internal friction.

The advantage of a CVT is its ability to deliver better fuel mileage in urban driving and the new XTRONIC CVT is said to offer even better mileage along with more positive acceleration and improved durability against a conventional automatic transmission.

Based on Nissan’s internal test data, the new Teana 2.0-litre can deliver a combined mileage of 13.5km/l and the Teana 2.5-litre will return 13.3km/l.

Significant changes were also made to its rear suspension and dynamic control systems to improve the car’s ride and handling performance as well as regaining car control on adverse road surfaces.

The rear multi-link suspension is of a similar design over the old but a lower system is designed (that means the various suspension components are now mounted lower and in a more compact way) to enhance ride, stability and road traction.

The steering system is now electrically assisted: it is not fully electric like those used in some new cars but it remains a hydraulic system with electrical assistance at parking speeds.

Improved dynamic car control is provided in the Active Under-steer Control (AUC): using the VDC (vehicle dynamic control) and TCS (traction control system), it uses ‘intelligent’ control logic and the high-response brake system to bring the vehicle under control should the car tend to veer off the road due to poor surface quality – slippery, wet or sandy – when taking corners.

Other areas improved on is a quieter interior with new engine and exhaust mounts to reduce noise and vibration; improved body rigidity and the greater use of noise absorption materials (up by 30% over the previous Teana) in the roof trim, instrument panel, floor mats, among other cabin areas.

Edaran Tan Chong Motor also emphasised that the new Teana now comes with six airbags for both models.
The Drive
A 200km drive from Desa Park City to Tanjung Malim and back, taking in highways and secondary roads through Felda settlements was organised for the media to get a driving impression of the new Teana.

We started with the 2.0XL before moving onto the 2.5XV.

For a start, the ‘Zero-Gravity Inspired’ seat design felt pretty good, giving us the support in the back and thighs to drive without fatigue.

Secondly, the new instrument panel with a small graphic display screen between the two principal meters is a refreshing change from the overlapping design in the previous model.

Thirdly, the central dash area is now integrated, merging the larger multi-info display screen with the radio and air-conditioner control area: we prefer the previous styling that separates them.

The new Teana 2.0XL displayed good pace on the highway, taking us up to high speeds quick enough when we had the open roads to do so (engine speed was about 4,500rpm).

The Teana 2.5XV was not short on expectations either although it achieved about the same at a lower engine speed.

There was a similarity in engine noise as both are four-cylinder units, especially when we floored the accelerator to pick up speed.

The deep V6 growl is gone and in its place was a busier and sharper engine whine as the tachometer needle swept towards 5,000rpm.

The Teana 2.5XV has shed quite a bit of weight with the lighter four-cylinder engine at 1,517kg (against 1,540kg for the previous V6 model).

This has given it a better power-to-weight ratio that compensated well for the slightly lower engine output.

On the winding secondary roads in the Felda settlements, the Sport mode proved its usefulness.

Doing so kept the engine speed from 3,500 to 4,000 rpm, which is the area at which maximum or near-maximum torque is delivered: the strong pulling power gave us the added traction to take the new Teana through corners confidently.

The only setback to doing that is that more fuel is burnt when running the engine at higher revs: by disengaging Sport mode, engine speed fell to about 2,000-2,500rpm.

At higher speeds, the steering is hydraulically activated and this has given good direction feel for driving quickly through winding stretches.

The anti-roll bars also did their job well keeping a near even-keel for the body when the car was taken through bends.
As for the AUC, we had a feel of its dynamic workings at a carpark with a section made artificially wet.

The routine was to drive to a point, turn the steering wheel hard in a 90-degree righthand turn and lift our leg off the accelerator pedal.

We were doing about 60kph at that point, fast enough for the left front wheel to dig in hard, leaving the car wanting to veer to the left.

However, we could feel the car’s AUC ‘control centre’ correcting the yaw rate through working the brakes and regaining poise for us to steer the car into another 90-degree ‘corner’ albeit at reduced speed.

The key word here is ‘control’ and we had three ‘laps’ to feel this dynamic aspect.

Of course, speed is another factor as some of the media group discovered by having the car spin around, hit cones or go off ‘track’ by going too fast.

The Teana’s comfort factor was clearly enjoyed during our drive on the secondary roads as the suspension was tuned equally well for an appreciable ride.

It had the capacity to absorb the harshness of road impacts well and we believed the ‘Zero Gravity-inspired’ seats might have a role too in isolating us from the jolts.

Booking is open for the new Teana, which is slated for launch next month.


Jan 2-8: Fuel prices keep upward momentum

                PETALING JAYA: The retail prices of RON95 and RON97 petrol are set to go up by four sen per litre from Jan 2 to Jan 8, says the Finance Ministry.

In a statement today, the Finance Ministry said the price of RON97 will be RM2.14 per litre, an increase by four sen from RM2.10 per litre.

RON95 will also increase by four sen from RM1.80 per litre to RM1.84 per litre while for diesel, it will increase by three sen at RM2.01 per litre from RM1.98 per litre previously.

The weekly fuel pricing mechanism was re-introduced on Jan 5, 2019, under the Automatic Pricing Mechanism.


Largest Volkswagen facility under way

                PUCHONG: The construction of the largest Volkswagen dealer facility in Malaysia is under way as Volkswagen Malaysia in partnership with the Swire Motors held a ground-breaking ceremony recently.

The 4S (Sales, Service, Systems and Spare parts) centre known as Volkswagen Puchong North marks the second Technical Service Centre for Volkswagen in Malaysia and its first key investment by Swire Motors.

“Swire Group’s close partnership with Volkswagen started in Taiwan and we are happy to be extending this business relationship to Malaysia. We find this market an attractive one as it is constantly growing therefore it seemed natural to embark on our automotive venture here through this iconic German brand," said general manager of Swire Motors SEA, Eric Khoo.

Also present at the event was managing director of Volkswagen Malaysia, Armin Keller who said,"We are very happy to have Swire Group find this investment prospect in Malaysia through Volkswagen. This will help the local market in many ways – from job opportunity for locals to expanding the automotive industry here. Volkswagen Malaysia is excited about the opportunities of growth this partnership offers.”

The 4S showroom will display up to 16 different models while the aftersales section will have 25 service work bays to serve the southern region of the Klang Valley.

The Technical Service Centre will boast the most comprehensive aftersales machinery and a full team of Volkswagen certified master technicians to handle all kinds of jobs from quick services to major engine overhauls.

It also features the body and paint workshop will be furnished with the latest equipment and have highly skilled technicians to operate them to ensure customers have a one stop solution for their requirements.

The construction of Volkswagen Puchong North facility is expected to be completed by November.


Honda's refreshed CR-V SUV with hybrid powertrain destined for US

                LOS ANGELES: Honda USA has announced that the 2020 CR-V, a refreshed version of the company's best selling crossover, will be available as a hybrid for the first time.

The hybrid version of the model was first unveiled in 2017 at the Shanghai Motor Show; after two years of waiting, the semi-electric CR-V is finally ready to hit the US market and will launch with the 2020 refresh of the vehicle.

While the petrol-powered versions of the model are equipped with a 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo engine, the show-stealing hybrid variant is powered by Honda's two-motor hybrid powertrain, the same one found in the Accord Hybrid.

Two electric motors work with a 2.0-litre, 16-valve DOHC Atkinson cycle engine to produce 212hp whereas the non-electric CR-V has a power output of just 190hp. The company has ambitions to offer all its core models as a hybrid with this hybrid-electric system.

Despite going electric, the CR-V has been redesigned with more rugged and sporty details including a more pronounced grille, dark-tinted taillights, and chrome accents.

A suite of driver assistant and safety features come standard on the 2020 CR-V including a collision mitigation braking system, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist.

Additionally, the model offers drivers blind spot information, a rear cross traffic monitor, and auto high beam headlights.

Non-hybrid versions of the 2020 CR-V will launch this fall, and the hybrid variant will be available starting in 2020. Neither the pricing for the hybrid model nor its petrol-powered counterparts have been disclosed yet. More information will be released nearer to the on-sale date.


70 years of Ferrari at Goodwood Festival of Speed.

                LONDON: The world's biggest automotive garden party is almost here and with it a celebration of 70 years of the Prancing Horse.

Between June 29 and July 2, victors to Goodwood House in West Sussex will be treated to an up close and personal view of 70 of the most important Ferraris ever built.

And rather than simply sitting in state, many of these priceless works of automotive art will be taking to the track in competition.

The theme for this year's festival is 'Peaks of Performance - Motorsport's Game-Changers' and will be personified by a collection of cars that were so extraordinary upon their debut that they forced a motorsports rule change.

In the absence of an official British motor show, the event has also become a location for car companies to unveil new models.

As always, the "Style et Luxe' concours d'elegance promises a hand-picked selection of 50 of the world's most stunning historical performance cars including the original 1907 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, a selection of 250-model designation Ferraris, a selection of David Brown-era Aston Martins, 1960s Maserati GTs, and even a selection of McLaren F1 hypercars as 2017 is the car's 25th anniversary.

And, new for this year, is a showcase dedicated to the automobile of the future. Future Lab will look at the biggest ideas of the moment that could shape the next generation of car or indeed do away with them altogether.

So expect autonomous racing cars, flying cars and solar-powered airplanes.


US cars a tough sell in S. Korea

 Chevrolet Bolt EV.Chrysler 300S (left) and 300C Platinum.
SEOUL: US auto imports from the likes of General Motors and Ford Motor must become more chic, affordable or fuel-efficient to reap the rewards of President Donald Trump’s attempts to renegotiate a trade deal with key ally South Korea, officials and industry experts in Seoul say.

Meeting South Korean President Moon Jae-in recently in Washington, Trump said the United States would do more to address trade imbalances with South Korea and create a level playing ground for US businesses, especially carmakers, in the world’s 11th largest auto market by sales.

While imports from automakers including Ford, Chrysler and GM more than doubled last year largely thanks to free trade deal which took effect in 2012, sales account for just 1 percent of a market dominated by more affordable models from local giants Hyundai Motor Co and affiliate Kia Motors Corp.

Imports make up just 15 percent of the overall Korean auto market, and are mainly more luxurious models from German automakers BMW and Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz, which also benefit from a trade deal with the European Union.

“Addressing non-tariff barriers would not fundamentally raise the competitiveness of US cars,” said a senior Korean government official, declining to be identified because of the sensitivity of the subject.

“What we really want to say to the United States is: make good cars, make cars that Korean consumers like.”

In Korea, US imports are seen as lagging German brands in brand image, sophistication and fuel economy, industry experts say.

US imports do have a competitive advantage in electric cars: Tesla Motors’ electric vehicles are seen as both environmentally friendly and trendy, while GM has launched a long-range Bolt EV.

US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross had cited a quota in the current trade deal as an obstacle to boosting imports.

The quota allows US automakers to bring in each year 25,000 vehicles that meet US, not necessarily Korean, safety standards. Should GM, for example, decide to bring in more than its quota of one model - the Impala sedans - it would cost up to US$75 million to modify the cars to meet Korean safety standards, the company told its local labour union.

Asked about non-tariff barriers, a spokesman at GM’s Korean unit said removing them could expand the range of models the company can bring in from the United States.

No US company, however, has yet to make full use of the quota, industry data shows. GM, the most popular US brand, sold only 13,150 US-made vehicles last year.

US cars could also see the benefits of a renegotiated trade deal at a time when diesel-powered cars offered by Volkswagen’s are losing appeal following cheating on emissions tests. However, they still need to appeal to the locals, experts say.

“Upgrading their vehicles and meet the luxurious taste of consumers is more important than complaining about non-tariff barriers,” said Kim Pil-soo, a professor of engineering at Daelim University College near Seoul.


Pandemic cuts 10 million cars from global sales forecast

                LONDON: Automakers are poised for a precipitous drop in worldwide sales this year, according to a prominent forecaster that’s slashing its projections for virtually all regions.

Deliveries probably will plunge more than 12% from last year to 78.8 million, according to IHS Markit.

The estimate released Wednesday is down 10 million units from the researcher’s expectations in January.

“The global auto industry is expected to witness an unprecedented and almost instant stalling of demand in 2020,” Colin Couchman, an IHS analyst, wrote in an e-mailed statement.

“Risks are heavily skewed to downside, especially how low the market could go and for assessing recovery prospects.”

IHS cut its previous estimates by 2.4 million cars and light trucks for the US, 2.3 million for China and 1.9 million for Europe.


Aston Martin updates on Valkyrie hypercar development

                LONDON: Aston Martin has announced further updates on the Valkyrie hypercar that it first revealed last July.

While the essence of the original Aston Martin Valkyrie exterior design remains unchanged, the pursuit of downforce and aerodynamic efficiency has driven many detail changes to the bodywork.

One of the biggest changes in this latest model are openings in the body surface between the cockpit and front wheel arches, key to achieving big gains in front downforce. It was then the job of the Aston Martin Design Team to integrate these new apertures into the overall design and ensure they had aesthetic merit as well as aerodynamic function.

The Aston Martin Design team were keen to keep distractions to a minimum and focus the driver on the road ahead. To this end all switchgear is located on the steering wheel, with all the vital signs shown on a single OLED display screen. The steering wheel is also detachable, both to aid ingress and egress, and to serve as an additional security device.

The teardrop-shaped cockpit’s upper body surfaces and lower tub contours follow the envelope of space available between the huge full length Venturi tunnels that run either side of the cockpit floor. Drawing huge quantities of air beneath the car to feed the rear diffuser, these tunnels are the key to generating the Aston Martin Valkyrie’s extraordinary levels of downforce while keeping the upper body surfaces free from additional aerodynamic devices that would spoil the purity of the styling.

To maximise interior space for two large adults, the seats are mounted directly to the tub, with occupants adopting a reclined ‘feet-up’ position reminiscent of today’s Formula One and Le Mans Prototype race cars, ensuring driver and passenger are safe, supported and feel at one with the car.

A four-point harness comes as standard, while an optional six-point harness will be offered for those who intend to do more track driving.

While aerodynamics and downforce are the dominant story, Aston Martin Valkyrie features some interesting details. Some of the most striking are the headlights, which take inspiration from the pure functionality of a Formula One car’s components.

Aston Martin’s designers stripped things back to the bare essentials, celebrating the engineering rather than concealing it behind cladding. With the low and high beam elements attached to an intricate exposed anodised aluminium frame not only are the headlamp units a work of art, but they are 30-40 per cent lighter than the lightest series production headlamps available to Aston Martin.

The same approach has been taken with the Aston Martin ‘wings’ badge that adorns the nose. With the regular badge considered too heavy, and a simple sticker not befitting for a car of the Aston Martin Valkyrie’s quality and cutting-edge nature, the Aston Martin Design Team came up with a chemical etched aluminium badge just 70 microns thick. That’s 30 per cent thinner than a human hair, and 99.4 per cent lighter than the regular enamel wings badge. The badge (nicknamed the ‘lacewing’) is then attached to the painted body and covered with a smooth coat of lacquer.

Further detail innovation can be found at the rear of the car, with the centre high mounted stop light (CHMSL). Mounted on the tip of the small shark’s fin that runs down the spine of the Aston Martin Valkyrie’s airbox and rear bodywork, the light is just 5.5mm wide and 9.5mm high. Illuminated by a red LED it is the world’s smallest CHMSL and evidence of how every element of the Aston Martin Valkyrie is scrutinised in the pursuit of eliminating unnecessary weight and drag.

“I would say we’re around 95 per cent of the way there with the exterior design," said Aston Martin exterior design director Miles Nurnberger.

"Much of what you see is actually the structure of the car, so this had to be signed-off relatively early in the project. The remaining areas of non-structural bodywork are still subject to evolution and change."


Moto Guzzi Flying Fortress arrives in Malaysia

                PETALING JAYA: The much talked about heavy hitter from Moto Guzzi - the MGX-21 or also known as the Flying Fortress - is now available at the Gasket Alley priced at RM172,000.

Brought in by Didi Resources, the authorised importer and distributor of Moto Guzzi in Malaysia, the MGX-21 features blacked-out bat wing fairing wrappped around the handlebar and is topped by sporty plexiglass double fly-screen for aerodynamics.

The spacious main seat has an ergonomic design that ensures maximum comfort for riders of different height and size.

Its 1,380cc engine delivers 96.6hp at 6,500rpm and 121Nm of torque at 3,000rpm which is good enough for any open road riding.

The 90° transverse V-twin engine is mated to a six-speed transmission. The MGX-21 also offers a suite of rider's aid and features such as three riding modes, traction control, cruise control, infotainment system and MG Multimedia Platform which comes with a Bluetooth module that can host up to five devices and smart phone integration.

Meanwhile, the brakes are from Brembo - the front is 320mm double stainless steel floating disc while the rear is a 282mm stainless steel disc with two-pistons floating caliper.

The front suspension uses 45mm hydraulic telescopic forks and the rear is fitted with double shock absorbers with adjustable spring preload.

The MGX-21 is priced at RM172,000 and can be viewed at The Gasket Alley.

For details visit www.motoguzzi.com/my_EN  or Facebook motoguzziMY.


Racing Elise readied for the road in S Cup form

                LONDON: Renowned for its race-bred ethos, the development of the Elise Cup R into an enticing new model is now complete.

Following extensive testing, Lotus has finely honed its engaging Elise S into a Cup variant.

A dramatic 3.0s reduction of the Hethel lap time of the Elise S suggests that enthusiasts seeking a viable track-day / road car need look no further.

It has an unladen weight of 932kg, and maximum power of 217hp at 6,800rpm and maximum torque of 250Nm at 4,600rpm.

Visual appeal has been bolstered with the striking addition of a front splitter, with end winglets, lateral bargeboards, a fixed roof, tail wing and a purposeful rear diffuser.

The combined aerodynamic benefits increase downforce by 66kg at 160kph and a remarkably effective 125kg at maximum velocity.

Marking the first Elise S Cup to roll off the Lotus production line, Jean-Marc Gales, CEO Group Lotus plc, stated: “This engaging new model accentuates the pure driving competence elicited by Lotus. Light, agile and significantly faster on-track than the standard Elise S, it will appeal to competition-minded enthusiasts.”

The Lotus Elise S Cup has been developed from the successful Elise Cup R race car.

In line with Lotus history, the crossover between road and race models remains inherent to the brand.

The S Cup variant has been developed both at Hethel and the Nurburgring Circuit in Germany, with the primary aim of not losing the important race car pedigree.

Yet, at no stage of development have the vital Lotus characteristics of combined lightweight engineering and inherent chassis rigidity been compromised. While the modifications are track biased, the ride and handling remains in perfect balance, thereby making the Elise S Cup a realistic and uncompromised ownership proposition.

The ‘fresh out of the box’ appeal, allied to Lotus’s focused attention to detail, means that the Elise S Cup can be used on the track on Sunday and driven to work on Monday, such is its dual-nature character. As the car has been developed by Lotus’s renowned engineering department, embodying the knowledge gained from its long history, owners can feel confident in making the right choice.

To create the transition from road to thoroughly focused track car, the Elise S Cup is equipped with a T45 specification roll-hoop, which allows for future upgrades to competition harnesses and full roll cage.
Electrical modifications enable the easier installation of a fire extinguisher and ‘kill-switch’.


Hyundai reveals first sketch of new i10 compact

                FRANKFURT: Hyundai Motor has revealed the first sketch of the new i10 compact car, ahead of its world premiere later this year at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA).

Designed, developed and built in Europe, the new i10 has a energetic and agile look.

Proportions for the all-new model have been redefined in width, height and wheel size.

The new i10 has a wide front grille that expresses a sporty character and Daytime Running Lights.

The triangular air curtains accentuate the width and stance of the car, as well as improving aerodynamics.

The X-shaped C-pillar, visible from far away, draws the eye to the pillar-mounted logo.

Unique triangular volumes visually emphasise the width of the car and highlight the position of the wheels at the four corners.

The new i10 will also feature a range of new Connected Car and safety features including Apple Car Play, Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging and a rear-view camera,

Its Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist utilises a front radar sensor to detect not just cars but also pedestrians in front of the vehicle.

The car is also equipped with Driver Attention Warning and Lane Keep Assist System as standard.


Harley’s Iron 883 and Forty-Eight make the scene

                PETALING JAYA: Harley-Davidson Motor Cycles of Kuala Lumpur has unveiled two new additions for 2016 to its stable and they are the Iron 883 and Forty-Eight motorcycles.

The Iron 883 is priced at RM89,000 with four colour options of Charcoal Satin, Black Denim, Olive Gold with eagle-and-shield tank logo and Hard Candy Custom Gold Flake with flame detail paired with black fenders.

As for the Forty-Eight at RM106,000, it gets four solid colour options of Vivid Black, Billet Silver, Velocity Red Sunglo and Olive Gold as well as Hard Candy Custom options such as Hard Candy Cancun Blue Flake and Hard Candy Gold Flake.

Prices mentioned for both motorcycles are net, which includes GST and comes with a five-year warranty, two and half-year free service and one-year free Harley-Davidson Owners Group (HOG) assist.

The Iron 883 uses an 883cc (hence the nomenclature) air-cooled V-twin engine with 71Nm of torque at 3,750rpm while mated to a five-speed transmission – unfortunately there’s no mention of horsepower figures.

It has a 12.5-litre fuel tank, a dry weight of 247kg and a seat height of 775mm while rolling on black split nine-spoke cast aluminium 19-inch (front) and 16-inch (rear) wheels with 100/90 and 150/80 tyres respectively.

Other design cues include clipped fenders, blacked-out powertrain and exhaust, drag-style handlebars, solo tuck-and-roll seat cover, ribbed air cleaner cover, bullet-hole details on the belt guard, exhaust shields and front fender brace.

The new cartridge-style forks and new adjustable emulsion rear shock absorbers with progressive-rate springs and a threaded pre-load adjustment collar helps to enhance ride and handling and a pillion seat matching the tuck-and-roll upholstery is available as an added option.

The more costly Forty-Eight uses a more potent 1,202cc air-cooled V-twin to dish out 96Nm of torque at 3,500rpm to get its 247kg of dry heft moving, while sipping from a smaller 7.9-litre fuel tank.

At 2,210mm in length, it’s 40mm-shorter than the 883 and rolls 16-inch cast-aluminium nine split-spoke wheels with solid black finish and machined highlights and 130-90 (front) and 150/80 (rear) tyres.

Other goodies include the 49mm forks secured in forged aluminium triple clamps, aluminium fork brace and chopped fenders while the horizontal stripes on the seat’s stitching, slotted exhaust shields, rear sprocket and belt guard harks back to the 1970s.


All future BMW and MINI models to get superior i3s traction control system

                MUNICH: The lightningn quick traction control system in the i3 will be deployed for all future BMW and MINI models.

The system improves traction and driving stability in adverse weather and road conditions when pulling away, in active Brake Energy Regeneration phases and when accelerating out of tight corners.

At the heart of this innovation is the control system’s 50-times-faster routine, made possible because – unlike conventional driving stability systems – the control process is now calculated directly in the powertrain instead of in a remote unit requiring long signal paths.

The quicker traction control system in electric cars will also be rolled out in vehicles with combustion engines. BMW said it would be fitted in BMW and MINI models with front-, rear- and all-wheel drive to deliver greater safety when road conditions make pulling away difficult.

BMW chassis development chief Peter Langen said the new traction system was created to handle the tougher challenges posed by electric cars.

“With their high levels of torque and instantaneous responses to every movement of the accelerator, electric motors already make significantly higher demands on driving stability systems than conventional power units,” he said.


BMW changes its logos. Don't worry, the new logos are not for its cars

                MUNICH: BMW has just announced a logo change but it's only for online and offline communication purposes.

The logo change applies to its iconic BMW roundel as well as the "i" and "M" sub-brands as well.

The global launch of the new brand design started on March 3. The transition period between March 3 and May 31, 2021 will see rollout continue for all communications, on- and offline, and for international trade fairs and events.

The new logo is a new media branding and will be used in addition to the existing logo. It won’t be use on the vehicles or in the exterior and interior labelling of BMW dealerships.

According to BMW, the logos were revised after more than 20 years in order to keep up with the digital age.

In explaining the thinking behind the changes, BMW said the logos were pared down and two-dimensional, conveying openness and clarity.

The change reflects BMW's transition from focusing purely on the automotive world to being about technology and connections.

“BMW is becoming a relationship brand. The new communication logo stands for openness and clarity.” said Jens Thiemer, Senior Vice President for Customer and Brand BMW. “We want to use this new transparent version to invite our customers, more than ever, to become part of the world of BMW."


Tesla hiring again in Singapore weeks after country head leaves

                SINGAPORE: Tesla Inc is ramping up hiring in Singapore just weeks after it let go of the city-state’s country manager as part of a broader round of executive job cuts announced by chief executive officer Elon Musk.

The US-headquartered electric carmaker is advertising for at least seven positions in Singapore on LinkedIn, including a marketing specialist to help with public relations and retail events on the island, a delivery operations specialist, a sales assistant and a project manager for a corporate social responsibility role.

Representatives from Tesla didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

The increase in headcount comes just weeks after Tesla let go of Singapore country manager Christopher Bousigues, who had been with the automaker for about a year. Bousigues took to social media to explain that his role had been “eliminated”.

He didn’t give a specific reason but said his leaving was related to the staff reductions already flagged by Musk.

Musk said last month that the salaried workforce at Tesla would be trimmed by about 10% over the next three months. The Austin, Texas-headquartered company has grown to about 100,000 employees globally, hiring rapidly as it built new factories in the US and Germany.

The cuts, which have affected roles in human resources and software engineering, caught many by surprise, with several employees told they were being terminated immediately.

Musk said the overall reduction in the EV maker’s headcount would only be about 3.5% considering hourly staff numbers are still expected to grow.

Tesla said over the weekend it delivered 254,695 cars worldwide in the three months to June, snapping a two-year streak of quarter-on-quarter gains. While the company doesn’t break out global sales by geography, the US and China have long been its largest markets.


Nissan cycles in the Gripz Concept

FRANKFURT: Nissan has revealed a new concept car which points to an innovative new future for the marque. Conceived by designers in Europe and Japan, the Gripz Concept blends the ability and practicality of a compact crossover with the excitement and performance of a sports car.

Infused with an exciting and adventurous feel, thanks to its radical design and advanced powertrain concept - the hybrid car is a glimpse of how a future compact crossover from Nissan might look.

The Nissan Gripz Concept is designed as a car with a dual personality; a vehicle that can handle the day-to-day commute and deliver an adventure at the weekend.

Although maintaining a similar footprint to a compact crossover, the Nissan Gripz Concept has the silhouette of a sports car with a raised ride height, equipped to handle more challenging driving conditions.

The result pays homage to one of Nissan’s first ‘crossovers’ - the iconic Safari Rally-winning Nissan 240Z. In the 1970s these sports cars were re-engineered using expertise gathered from Nissan’s 4x4 range to cope with the demanding conditions of the Baja Peninsula, the open plains of Kenya, Uganda and present day Tanzania. These rally racers featured a raised ride height, toughened suspension and sported a matt-black finish for the bonnet and trunk set against a deep red-orange body colour.

The Nissan 240Zs were proof that sports cars didn’t have to be low to the ground to be fun. The Nissan Gripz Concept proves this again - incorporating Nissan’s experience in crossovers, 4x4s, sports cars, and to bring it up to date for the new generation, electric powertrain prowess.
The Nissan Gripz Concept is equipped with an EV technology-based Series hybrid system ‘Pure Drive e-Power’. An efficient petrol engine is used to power the electric motor, also found in the LEAF.

The Gripz Concept is seen as a design statement rather than a replacement for an existing model, although it does feature cues from Nissan’s new ‘emotionalgeometry’ design language.

The Crossover concept incorporates four key design elements first seen in Europe on the Nissan Sway, one of the stars of the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. As with Sway, Gripz features a V-motion grille, boomerang lamps front and rear, a floating roof and a kicked-up C pillar.

However, the similarities end there. While Sway hinted at a possible direction for a compact hatchback, the Gripz Concept is different.

“While the Nissan Gripz Concept is not seen as a direct replacement for the Qashqai and Juke, it does show the extremes to which the compact crossover can be pushed,”said Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer.

Exposed carbon elements spear through the design, accentuating features such as the boomerang-shape given to the leading edge of the front door structure. Gripz has four doors – with deep dihedral front doors that swing out and up when opened, and a pair of rear-hinged half-doors behind. There is no B-pillar, allowing easy access to the 2+2 interior.

Embedded in the lamps are forward-facing cameras that record every journey. Using a live feed, adventures through great roads can be beamed around the world, allowing for friends to follow the car’s progress on their computer, tablet or smart phone in real time.

At the rear, a dramatic truncated matt-black Kamm tail gives the concept a ‘codatronca’ effect while beneath the tailgate sits a pair of chromed trapezoidal exhaust pipes.

The three-spoke 22-inch wheels are also inspired by racing bicycles - lightweight yet strong wearing comparatively thin high-pressure tyres, especially constructed for the concept by Bridgestone. Red and white graphics found on the sidewalls are replicated on the car’s steering wheel.

While the exterior was created in Europe, a team in Japan designed the interior.

Again featuring a mix of matt-grey and the deep red-orange colours, the interior underlines the car’s Tour de France inspiration with exposed tubes, moulded bucket seats and layered features echoing the cladding effect found on the exterior.

The seats and centre console are directly inspired by bicycles, as are the door pulls that are shaped like saddles from a racing bike. The three-spoke steering wheel, meanwhile, replicates the car’s road wheels, right down to the special graphics found on the tyre sidewalls.


Honda Banting Star 3S Centre officially opens

                BANTING: Honda owners in Banting can now rejoice as Honda Malaysia officially opens a new Sales, Service and Spare parts (3S) centre in the area.

“This new Honda 3S Centre will provide easier access to more convenience for our customers in the Banting area," said Honda Malaysia managing director and CEO Toichi Ishiyama.

Operated by Banting Star, the new Honda Banting Star Showroom is a RM15mil facility that spans across 23,250 square-feet and is located at Lot 1608, Jalan Klang Banting, Telok Panglima Garang (+603-3191 6100 Sales and Service).

The new facility's showroom floor operates from 9.00am to 7.00pm (Monday to Friday), 9.00am to 6.00pm (Saturday) and 9.00am to 5.00pm (Sunday), while the Service and Spare Parts centre operates from 8.30am to 5.30pm (Monday to Saturday) and 8.30am to 3.30pm (Sunday and public holidays).

With a service capacity of up to 44 cars per day, the new facility houses 16 bays at the rear of the building - 11 of which are reserved for servicing, three for general repairs and two for tyre servicing.

For customers, the new facility provides a waiting lounge, executive lounge, cafe counter, kids corner, Surau, complimentary Wi-Fi, car wash services, road tax renewal and insurance coverage services and a newly added 'fast service' that will have your Honda vehicle serviced within 90 minutes.

At the moment, the company also announced that there are ongoing plans for setting up an online after-sales service portal (to go live later this year) that will allow customers to track their respective vehicle's progress, service history and product updates.

Ishiyama mentioned in his speech that from January to March, the total service intake within the Central region stood at more than 148,100 units and this marks a 10% increase when compared to the same period last year.


Honda Civic owner scampers to car roof in freak tunnel flood

Teh ended up on his car roof as floodwaters swirl around him. — Image from Facebook/Ramesh Kasi
KUALA LUMPUR: An alert driver quickly climbed out of his car's window to safety when he saw water suddenly gushing into a road tunnel near Jalan Tun Razak here during heavy rain on Sunday evening, flooding his car within minutes.

The man identified as Teh, 26, said he was really scared and decided to stay put by sitting on his Honda Civic roof before rescuers came.

“I did not expect the trapped pool of water to be so dangerous as there was a lorry in front of me...suddenly water started seeping into my car so I quickly wound down my window and crawled out to safety.

“I was later saved by rescuers who arrived at the location,” he said.

The incident caused severe damage to Teh's one-year-old car after it was completely submerged in the tunnel.

The tunnel led from Jalan Tun Razak to the KLCC car park, and not the SMART tunnel, as was previously reported.

Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department in a statement said the department received a distress call at 5.56pm and seven personnel from the Jalan Tun Razak station rushed to the location.

“Upon arriving at the scene, we found five vehicles trapped in the tunnel and firemen brought all victims to a safe location,” the statement said.

According to the statement, the rescue operations took about 10 minutes and the five men were unhurt.


When is the right time to part with an older car?

                COLOGNE: No matter how reliable your vehicle, the chances are it will reach a point where repairs become a big cost factor.

Hanging on is an option, but age and high mileage make such vehicles increasingly less desirable to own and selling one will not be easy.

Frustrating roadside faults and constant visits to the workshop put nerves and wallets to the test, and it is easy to fall out of love with a trusty daily drive as the bills roll in.

Some component failures are indeed so costly that a repair can be more than the car is worth. Replacing a turbocharger for the engine is a classic example.

In order to avoid these pitfalls, it is a good idea to sell a car in good time. But when is the right time to part with your familiar set of four wheels, and how will you know when it has arrived?

As usual, there is no simple answer to this question, says expert Carsten Kuerten, who runs a big repair workshop in the German city of Cologne. "The mileage at which you should gradually think about selling can vary greatly depending on the vehicle type, manufacturer or engine fitted".

Whereas a small car might be worn out after covering 80,000km or 90,000km, a large diesel saloon from a premium manufacturer should run for well over 200,000km without hassle.

The way a car has been treated plays a key part too.

A vehicle that has been driven often at moderate speeds on long journeys will last longer than one used for short city hops, with frequent stop-and-go driving. This is because regular motorway trips give the oil time to warm and circulate around the engine, avoiding potential damage and undue wear and tear.

Constantin Hack of the Auto Club Europa (ACE) says there is no hard and fast rule for the right time to sell: "You can't name a definitive age or distance limit at which retention becomes more expensive than selling or vice versa."

Hack believes there is an element of luck involved, since even cars renowned for reliability are not immune to repairs. He suggests applying the five-year cycle as a rough guide.

"It's well known that a new car loses the most value in the first three years, but then the curve flattens out and a decision to keep or sell comes around in the fifth year."

Another guide is the "50-per-cent rule," which advises that when repairs cost 50 per cent of what the car is worth, it's time to replace.

Cars with more that 100,000km n the odometer are often seen by owners and buyers as being more worn out than they really are. "This is a purely psychological threshold" says Hack. "It explains why a seller will generally get less for a car with 103,000 on the clock than one that has covered 97,000".

Consumers will take less interest in cars that have covered more than 100,000km even if they actually run just fine. This makes the models hard to sell privately.

Those who opt to stick with an older car may go through a lean period, as things tend to get worse before they improve. Major repairs at some point are almost inevitable but once these are completed, years of carefree driving can follow.

Of course, there is no guarantee that all the bugs have been ironed out. Some owners just have bad luck. The Cologne expert recalls a well-kept 10-year-old BMW 5 Series estate with just 170,000km that was rendered scrap after a freak breakdown.

The crankshaft broke off at the belt pulley, and a repair was estimated at more than €10,000 (around RM50,000) for a new engine and labour - almost as much as the car was worth.

Kuerten advised against fixing the BMW.

Owners can of course look at car replacement from a green, sustainable perspective. It can make more sense to keep an old car on the road, provided running costs are not too high.

After all, manufacturing a brand new vehicle has much more impact on the environment than keeping an old faithful on the road for as long as possible.