Sneezing at the wheel? Get your car's pollen filter replaced

                BERLIN: Research has found drivers suffering from acute pollen allergies are potentially as accident prone as drunk drivers, as one sneeze at 100kph can mean driving blind for about 30 metres, according to Germany's TÜV inspection agency.

While certain medication may help against symptoms such as runny noses and watery eyes, you'll want to check the instructions to see if your driving ability will be impaired.

Your best friend when driving, however, is your car's pollen filter - if it's still filtering, that is.

When new, filters keep pollen and dust out of the car’s interior, but filters that have not been changed in a long time can clog up and a become a breeding ground for mould and other spores.

The filter's antibacterial and fungicidal coatings also stop working after a long period of use. At the very latest, drivers should put in new filters after the pollen count reaches its peak.

Pollen filters in cars usually need to be changed every 15,000km. But even drivers who don't drive that much should change them at least once a year to ensure they continue to effectively filter out allergens, inspection experts say.

"This usually happens during an general inspection," says technical inspector Vincenzo Lucà. However, if you have to regularly drive through pollen-laced areas, you might have to change your car sooner.

Only a few car models allow the owner to easily switch out the filter themselves. Most drivers will have to bring their car to the workshop to get it replaced.

So-called multi-filters with activated carbon can be retrofitted into many vehicle models, although this option is somewhat more expensive. Activated carbon filters also keep out foul odours and certain contaminants in addition to pollen and dust.

If you suffer from hay fever, you should also try to avoid parking under trees during pollen season; otherwise, your car could be covered with tree flowers and pollen when you return.

To keep your allergy symptoms to a minimum, you should try to avoid direct contact with the pollen. After spending time outside, put your jacket in the car's boot so as not to carry the pollen on it into the vehicle's interior.

While driving, it's best to keep the windows - and sunroof, if you've got one - closed.


Singapore also has its own car 'vending machine' ala Carvana

                SINGAPORE: A vending machine that dispenses luxury cars to well-heeled buyers is the latest space-saving innovation in land-starved Singapore — just don't try to shake it if it gets stuck.

Used car dealer Gary Hong has taken to displaying his wares in a glass-fronted, 15-storey building.

Like choosing a chocolate bar, the buyer can see everything on display, before pressing some buttons and having their choice delivered.

Hong, 45, said he got the inspiration for AutoBahn Motors (ABM) during a trip with his four-year-son to buy toy cars.

"From there I realised that the Matchbox arrangement is a mini version of our inventories that can be displayed and arranged nicely," he said.

 Hong operates AutoBahn Motors. - AFP

From the comfort of a plush sofa on the ground floor, potential buyers can order a Ferrari, Maserati or Lamborghini among other brands, all with the touch of a hand-held device.

Once a selection is made, a promotional video of that car is played on a flat-screen television while the vehicle is automatically transported down by a lift.

"When the customers see a car that is presented in a best way like a beauty pageant, they just decide that this is a winner, and we got a deal," said Hong, who added that sales have risen by 30 percent since the move to the new premises in December.

With a population density ranked by the World Bank to be third highest in the world, behind Macau and Monaco, land comes at a premium in the tiny city-state.

 Luxury cars are displayed inside the AutoBahn Motors (ABM) building in Singapore. - AFP

But Hong said his unorthodox S$3.0mil (RM9.3mil) solution can boost land use.

The company stores between 70-80 cars at its facility — an amount that would otherwise require five times the space if the vehicles are parked traditionally, Hong said.

A similar car vending concept currently exists in the United States, through online auto retailer Carvana, which was last reported by US media to have five such facilities around the country as of April.


Continental said to explore sale of turbocharger business

                HANOVER: Continental AG is exploring a sale of its turbocharger unit as the German auto-parts maker conducts a major restructuring to stem losses, according to people familiar with the matter.

Europe’s second-largest car-parts supplier is working with Citigroup Inc. on the disposal, the people said, asking not to be identified discussing confidential information.

The business is no longer seen as strategically important and lacks the scale required to compete globally, one of the people said.

Talks with potential buyers are ongoing and there’s no certainty they will result in a sale. Representatives for Continental and Citigroup declined to comment.

Turbochargers were for years a popular way for automakers to shrink their engines and make them more efficient. But stricter auto-emissions standards are now forcing companies to embrace electrification, limiting the growth potential for turbos.

Garrett Motion Inc., one of the top suppliers of the components along with BorgWarner Inc., has said roughly 56% of vehicles will use turbos by 2023, up modestly from 51% last year.

Garrett’s filing for bankruptcy last month has put the company spun off from Honeywell International Inc. in play for a sale. While private equity firm KPS Capital Partners has offered US$2.6 billion, the judge overseeing Garrett’s reorganisation said this week that the company must engage with Centerbridge Partners and Oaktree Capital Group about their restructuring plan.Seismic shift

Auto-parts makers have been under pressure from the seismic technology shift towards electric and self-driving vehicles. The financial strain of tackling this transformation has been exacerbated this year by the coronavirus outbreak that has shuttered factories worldwide.

Continental on Wednesday announced it will record another quarterly loss as impairments and restructuring measures take a toll. The supervisory board last month approved a dramatic overhaul affecting as many as 30,000 jobs that could be shifted or eliminated after earlier plans for a revamp were rendered insufficient by the pandemic.

The company also said on Sept 30 that it will consider asset sales as part of its overhaul efforts.

A deal would echo the sale of Robert Bosch GmbH and Mahle GmbH’s turbocharger joint venture to private equity firm FountainVest Partners in 2017.

Turbochargers force compressed air into combustion engines to boost efficiency and power output. Continental has supplied the devices to automakers including Volkswagen AG and Ford Motor Co.


BMW X range roadshow - July 6 till Sept 30

                CYBERJAYA: The BMW X range roadshow will be held at various shopping malls in Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, Seremban, Melaka, Ipoh, Kuantan and Penang from July 6 till Sept 30.

Check out the range of SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) and Sport Activity Coupé models from BMW Malaysia such as the X1 sDrive20i, X2 sDrive20i M Sport, X4 xDrive28i M Sport, X5 xDrive40e M Sport and X6 M.


KLIMS'18: X-Concept hints at Perodua vision, Myvi explores sporty side

                KUALA LUMPUR: Perodua has unveiled a concept vehicle called  "X-Concept" that hints at its future direction at the Kuala Limpur International Motor Show 2018.

Taking centrestage at Perodua's showcase themed "Illumination", the futuristic vehicle in hatchback guise, features an LED-illuminated grille with Perodua logo, low-set Y-shaped LED headlamps, dynamic pulse turn indicators and rear-hinged back doors.

The car also does not have a B-pillar to make entry and exit easier.

Said to be designed by local talents for the tech-savvy generation, the X-Concept comes with an advanced-looking dashboard that has a TFT instrument panel, a 12.9-inch central touchscreen and a flat-bottom steering wheel.

"The Perodua X-Concept is much more than a vehicle in the accepted sense. It is the manifestation of Perodua's vision of the future where cars are lifestyle statements first, means of transportation second, and bristling with connected technology," said Perodua president and CEO Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh.

Myvi GT

Also making its debut is the Myvi GT which explores a sportier version of the current generation Myvi.

Under this design exercise, the Myvi GT gets more aggresive front and rear bumpers, flared wheel arches, upgraded brakes, 17-inch alloy wheels, Alcantara bucket seats, and flat-bottom steering wheel.

Perodua is also giving a sneak preview of its up-coming offering which is placed inside a special enclosure with peepholes to view specific parts of the product.

Other items include a showcase of a next generation powertrain by Daihatsu, Perodua's technical partner, and fun games and contests.


Cycle & Carriage treats for Fathers' Day

                KUALA LUMPUR: Cycle & Carriage is offering several ideas to keep dad's Mercedes-Benz in tip-top condition for the upcoming Fathers' Day celebration.

The Mercedes-Benz dealer has the Premier Express service where a team of dedicated experts, which includes a Service Advisor and a team of two Technical Specialists to attend to his car.

The service ensures Mercedes-Benz engines are running smoothly for any long distance trips.

Meanwhile, Cycle & Carriage’s Engine Valve Cleaning Promotion would also enable Mercedes-Benz cars to reach optimum performance for a faster and smoother journeys no matter the distance.

In addition to a well-serviced car, Cycle & Carriage is offering the Express Spray Paint Promotion that comes with additional savings and complimentary gifts while the car gets a new coat of paint.

Alternatively there is also the Complete Spray Paint Promotion for owners to enjoy up to 50% savings and get complimentary wheel alignment, complimentary vehicle grooming, and guaranteed original paint from the factory.

For protection against minor dents, dings and scratches, Cycle & Carriage’s Paint And Dent Protector Programme offers coverage for up to four years from RM888.

Also available are new leather steering wheel, a cool coat hanger, Mercedes-Benz car covers or classic velour floor mats to dress up the car.

There are also stylish Mercedes-Benz branded collared shirts, T-shirts, bags, and watches to look his best, while dads who are proclaimed die-hard fans of Mercedes-Benz will appreciate cool, branded keychains and additions to his Mercedes-Benz model car collection.

If you are considering purchasing an all new ride for dad, you can also head to a Cycle & Carriage Autohaus and arrange a test-drive in Mercedes-Benz’s latest fleet.

Discover more about Cycle & Carriage at https://www.ccb.mercedes-benz.com.my/.


Ingolstadt, a city steeped in tradition and innovation

Audi cars parked at Audi Forum awaiting customer delivery.
Ingolstadt is a quaint historic city about an hour’s drive to the north of Munich in Bavaria, Germany and through which flows the Danube River.

Rich in European history, it was once a fortress city with a medieval defensive wall, parts of which would comprise highlights of a modern-day city tour.

Fans of Frankenstein would probably know that Mary Shelley based her engaging novel at the Old Anatomy Building of an old university, which is today a museum for medical history.

In the automotive world, Ingolstadt is wh ere Audi has its roots; more than 40,000 of its 138,000 population work at the Audi Forum, a central complex that houses a car factory, the headquarters, the Audi museum and a car delivery centre.

Furthermore, some 20,000 of the Ingolstadt citizens work for the companies that supply items and components to Audi for the production of its cars.

In 2015, Audi achieved its best ever worldwide sales of 1,803,250 cars, a 3.6% improvement over 2014, and this would surely have added well to the economic well-being of Ingolstadt.

Understandably, Audi is as much a part of Ingolstadt as the well preserved old buildings that represent its heritage and the city proudly promotes that with Audi memorabilia at the souvenir shop.

Never mind the fact that Audi started car production in this city only after World War II by acquiring an existing facility belonging to NSU.

A third of Audi buyers in Bavaria pick up their vehicles from the car delivery centre in Audi Forum and this is reflected in the wide selection of new Audi models parked in the collection area.

To engage these proud owners further, Audi would arrange for these loyal customers to visit the Audi museum or the car factory.

We had the benefit of visiting both, albeit on different days due to the tight schedule that Audi had, especially for the factory visit, which appears to be a firm favourite among its customers.

During our visit to the factory that has its share of robots, especially in the painting and welding sections, we learnt that an Audi A3 (which was assembled then) came off the line every 30 seconds and it took 32 hours from the time its panels were stamped to the car rolling off the line ready to be delivered.

Audi’s immediate history may stem from Auto Union but as the name suggests it goes much further back as the then ‘union’ comprises four brands in DKW, Wanderer, Audi and Horch; this number explains its interlinked four-ring logo.

 A 1914 Wanderer motorcycle with 2hp at Audi Museum.

It first moved to Ingolstadt in 1945 because its original factories in Chemnitz, which was then in Soviet-controlled East Germany, were destroyed during the war.

A visit to the Audi museum shows up the colourful history of the four separate entities before they merged to become one; in fact, there were more than 60 car makers way back then but only few survived to this day.

To sum up the company’s rather complex beginnings, it all began with August Horch, a mechanical engineer, who started Horch & Co in Cologne in 1899; his first automotive products carried the Horch name.

Following a disagreement with the supervisory board (the company was now a share issuing entity called A. Horch Motorwagenwerke AG), Horch started another company again using his name in 1909 but changed it to Audi the following year to avoid conflicts.

 Horch’s image appears behind the 1903 Horch 10-12 PS Tonneau.

The choice of name was easily explained; Horch in German means to listen and to retain his name in another language, he chose Audi, which in Latin carried the same meaning.

The Auto Union was formed in 1932, merging Horch, Audi, DKW and Wanderer; all four brands made cars although DKW and Wanderer also made motorcycles.

August Horch was an ambitious man with pioneering ideas; he was credited with introducing cast light alloy for engines and transmissions and overhead inlet valves for engine timing way back then.
His automotive achievements were duly recognised as he was accepted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in Detroit in 2000.

Horch’s ambition was to make Audi the top brand in the early days and he used the Number One numeral on his cars; his products were considered luxury cars with special bodywork.

 Auto Union Type-D racing car.

After the war, Auto Union was subsequently acquired by Daimler-Benz in 1958 and it wasn’t until the mid-1960s that Volkswagen came into the picture, initially by securing a 50% stake in the company before gaining complete control in 1966.

VW took that opportunity to use the Ingolstadt factory to assemble an additional 60,000 Beetles a year to cater to the strong demand at the time.

In 1969, Auto Union was merged with NSU, which was once the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles that subsequently ventured into making cars, and the company was renamed Audi NSU Auto Union AG.

It wasn’t until 1985, when the Auto Union and NSU brands lost significant market share and were discontinued that the name was shortened to Audi AG.

A visit to the Audi museum also offers a glimpse into the future as a concept car that is expected to form the base of the next generation models is put on display.

Today, Audi’s growing pool of customers for its wide range of vehicles is keeping the car maker busy by engaging them through many channels.

The Audi Driving Experience Centre, about 15km from Ingolstadt, is one of them; it organises drive events, come rain or shine, to allow customers to be better acquainted with their respective Audi models.

It is also involved in German soccer, Bayern Munich in particular, where its presence in the stadium is clear not only in the electronic advertising around the football pitch but also with cars at the point where the players walk onto the field and in the souvenir shop.

August Horch would no doubt be proud that Audi is heading very much in the direction he had envisioned it; to be among the leading automotive brands in Germany and globally.


2017 Frankfurt Motor Show: Kia reveals Proceed concept

                FRANKFURT: Kia got a lot of attention and credit for its crossovers like the Sportage, and the Optima sedan also got a lot of the credit for transforming the brand from the cheap-and-cheerful manufacturer it used to be to the serious global contender it now undeniably is.

But there are other Kia models that deserve a greater share of attention than they probably get at the moment, and that might start to change with the unveiling of the all-new Proceed Concept at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show.

Representing Kia's bold vision for a potential new member of the next-generation cee'd family; the Proceed Concept was unveiled in Frankfurt alongside the new Kia Stonic that was also making its debut at this year's show. The Picanto X-Line and upgraded Sorento were also shown off for the first time, before they go on sale all around the world later this year.

The Proceed Concept is an entirely new body type for Kia. The extended hot hatch styling delivers a very low roofline, muscular proportions and a very compact overall footprint.

The concept features a striking 'Sharkblade' in the sheet metal that reinforces the absence of any B-pillars, while some fetching lateral strakes work hard to exaggerate the car's waistline and give the rear of the Proceed Concept an air of aggressive muscularity.

Kia Motors' Chief European Designer, Gregory Guillaume, said of the new concept, "With many European drivers now seeking performance alternatives to the three-door hot hatch style, we began thinking about a different halo model for the cee'd family.

The Proceed Concept represents a bold new vision of how the vibrant soul of the pro_cee'd could be reincarnated and revitalized for a new generation of performance-oriented drivers."

The new Stonic is an eye-catching and confident model that's going to be entering what is now Europe's newest and fastest-growing vehicle segment. This attractive compact crossover is without doubt the most colorful Kia ever, and one of the company's most strident and striking designs to date.

Finally, the crossover-inspired Picanto X-Line looks to broaden the appeal of what is still Kia's smallest car. The Picanto X-Line combines the Picanto's most outstanding qualities with a very new look and a 15 mm raised ground clearance, which draws much of its inspiration from the manufacturer's popular crossover and SUV model lines.

The Picanto X-Line will be available in the UK from early 2018, but will be available in mainland Europe during the final quarter of 2017.


Kejara system and more AES cameras later this year

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Kejara demerit points system will be implemented later this year, while more cameras will be added to the automatic enforcement system (AES), says Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai (pic).

The two systems, cumulatively known as the Automated Awareness Safety System (Awas), are being implemented to reduce traffic accidents and currently awaiting Cabinet approval.

Liow, the Transport Minister, said signboards would be put up to warn road users of the any speed cameras ahead.

"The systems are not meant to punish traffic offenders, but to educate and raise their awareness – and together, will make the road a safer place for all travellers," he said.

Liow was speaking to reporters after launching a road safety campaign in conjunction with Hari Raya at the Sungai Besi toll plaza Monday morning.

He said many initiatives would be taken to reduce road accidents and fatality rates this festive season.

He said the nationwide Ops Bersepadu would be held from June 29 to July 13 this year.

During this period, speed limits on Federal roads will be reduced from 90km/h to 80km/h while the maximum speed for state roads will be dropped to 70km/h, he added.

Liow also reminded the motorists and passengers to buckle up, adhere to the speed limit and follow traffic rules to ensure a safe journey.

He also warned that driving on the emergency lane constitutes an offence.


All-new Peugeot 5008 seven-seater SUV launched at RM173,888

                PETALING JAYA: Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of Peugeot in Malaysia, officially launched the all-new Peugeot 5008 seven-seater SUV priced at RM173,888 (on-the-road without insurance).

The all-new Peugeot 5008 SUV breaks away from its multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) predecessor and has now transitioned into a seven-seater sports utility vehicle (SUV) in the C-segment.

The new 5008 SUV utilizes the Efficient Modular Platform (EMP2) as found in the 308 and 3008 SUV.

As such, it features the inline 4, 1.6 litre Twin Scroll Turbo High Pressure (THP) petrol engine with direct injection, 16 valve, variable valve timing (VVT) which produces 167PS at 6,000rpm. It is mated to the six-speed auto transmission with Quickshift technology with a maximum torque of 240Nm from 1,400rpm.

The overall size of the vehicle is now at 4,641mm long and 1,844mm wide, making the all-new Peugeot 5008 SUV 11cm longer than its predecessor.

Design-wise, there is the expressive front-end design with the Lion brand’s marque; the advanced full LED headlamps with sequential scrolling indicators give it a piercing feline gaze whether in day or night, and its striking form is accentuated by a chrome insert on the front wings that extend to the headlights, in a nod to Peugeot’s concept car – the HX1.

The new Peugeot 5008 SUV is also fitted with 18-inch alloy Los Angeles wheels with two-tone diamond finish, and stainless steel roof and prominent black wheel arches.

At the rear, the raised body line and chromed roof arc trim finishes elegantly at the quarter panel, giving off a more aerodynamic design profile that is further complemented by Peugeot’s signature three-claw LED rear lights.

An extra-wide tailgate and low boot sill at 676mm also hints at just how spacious the boot is at 1,060 litres with the 5-seat configuration and 2,042 litres with the second row folded flat.

Incidentally, the front passenger seat is also foldable for long loads.

The interior is decked in leather for all seven seats and the futuristic-looking Peugeot i-Cockpit – the French marque’s very own intuitive interior architecture receives an update on the 5008 SUV, which puts the driver at centre stage.

It has an unobtrusive and completely redesigned compact steering wheel for greater character, an 8-inch Multifunction Colour touchscreen with USB, Bluetooth, Apple Carplay, Andriod Auto, Mirrorlink, voice recognition and Arkamys 3D sound staging.

There is also a 12.3-inch high-resolution Digital Head-Up Cluster Display that shows the speedometer, odometer, and trip-computer among others.

Further embellishing the dashboard are central satin chrome ‘Toggle Switches’ for quick access to the main passenger comfort and safety functions: audio, air-conditioning, assistance settings, telephone, apps, and hazard warning lights.

Feature-wise, the new 5008 has full LED headlights and tail lights, LED front fog lights, rear fog lights, sensor activated headlights and wipers, front and rear parking sensor and a motorized smart hands-free tailgate.

There is an abundance of safety features such as six airbags, 180 degree reverse camera, lane departure warning, tyre pressure sensor, hill assist descent control (HADC), hill start assist, electronic stability program (ESP), electronic brake distribution (EBD), emergency brake assist (EBA), anti-skid regulation (ASR), dynamic stability control,  driver attention alert, tyre pressure sensor and three ISOFIX points.

“We are positive that the arrival of the all-new Peugeot 5008 SUV will be the catalyst to ensure that Nasim’s sales target of 3,600 units in 2018 is achieved,” said Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn Bhd, Automotive Group, group chief executive officer, Datuk Samson Anand George.

Also present at the launch were Nasim Sdn Bhd chief executive officer, Yasser Awan, PSA Groupe, general director Asean operations, Lionel Faugeres and Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn Bhd, Automotive Group, deputy group chief executive officer, R. Devaraju.

The new 5008 SUV is available in four colours: Emerald Green, Amazonite Grey, Nera Black and Pearl White and comes with a five-year manufacturer’s warranty together with 24-hours Peugeot Assistance service and complimentary access to SkyLounge by Naza at Subang Skypark.


SOCAR adds more pickup venues in Penang and Johor Baru

                KUALA LUMPUR: With the restrictions on interstate travel lifted, car-sharing app SOCAR has expanded its coverage area in Penang and Johor Baru.

The SOCAR app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store for free.

The company's SOCAR-2-YOU - a door-to-door delivery service, was only previously available in Bayan Lepas for
Penang and Johor Baru City Centre for Johor Baru.

Now, the services have been extended to include Butterworth, Bukit Mertajam, Johor Jaya and Nusajaya.

However, if this service isn't to your liking, there's always the company's other promotions such as After Work Commute.

This is where subscribers can enjoy a drive from RM40 a day when booking a SOCAR from Mondays to Thursdays (5.00pm to 9.00pm) and return the next morning before 9.00am.

The promotion is only available until July 31 and is meant for 12-hour bookings (applicable for all cars except for BMW and the Mini Cooper) and is great for those requiring a car for after-work errands

- DAYPASS allows users to book their drive and enjoy 30% off (capped at RM100) and is only applicable for bookings made for a minimum of 12 hours which allows for over 240km of free mileage and is Only available until Sept 30.

“This expansion makes it easier for SOCAR members in Penang and Johor to live out their own cuti-cuti Malaysia dreams. They no longer need to worry about their closest SOCAR of choice getting booked up and having to make that extra journey to pick up their car- just a few taps on their phone serves up a ride at their doorstep," said SOCAR Malaysia CEO Leon Foong.

For more information, log on to the company's website  - blog.socar.my/2020/01/21/how-to-socar2you.


US Postal Service issues stamps featuring historical Ford trucks

                DETROIT: Ford fans can now send their first-class mail with stamps featuring the truck brand that has been the No. 1 seller in the United States for 39 years.

The US Postal Service is now selling four new stamps that celebrate the history of pickup trucks, the rugged and reliable work vehicles Americans have driven for nearly a century.

Two of the stamps feature Ford trucks – the 1948 Ford F-1, the first-ever F-Series truck, and the 1965 Ford F-100, which debuted breakthrough twin I-beam ride comfort technology.

USPS art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamps with original artwork by Chris Lyons.


March 29-April 4: Fuel prices unchanged

PETALING JAYA: Fuel prices remain unchanged from last week.

To recap, RON95 petrol is priced at RM2.20 per litre and RON97 ar RM2.47. Diesel is RM2.18..

The new prices were announced on the Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Ministry’s official Twitter account on Wednesday (March 28) evening and will take effect from 12.01am on March 29 until April 4.


Thailand edges closer to being EV hub with plans for 8GWh battery plant

                MIAMI: US-based electric mobility company EVLOMO Incorporated and Thailand's Rojana Industrial Park Public Co Ltd announced plans to set up an 8GWh lithium battery plant in Thailand.

The companies will invest up to a total of US$1.06 billion (RM4.4bil) through a new joint venture company. In this new JV company, Rojana Industrial Park Public Co., Ltd. would own 55% shares and balance 45% would be owned by EVLOMO Incorporated.

The battery plant will be on a greenfield site at Nong Yai, Chonburi, Thailand that will create more than 3,000 new jobs and bring required technology to Thailand

Self-reliance in battery manufacturing is critical to Thailand's ambitious EV plans.

READ MORE: Thailand lays out bold EV plan, wants all electric cars by 2035

The battery plant will establish Nong Yai as an EV hub of Thailand and in the Asean region.

At the start, both parties will set up a 1GWh plant with an investment of US$143 million within 24 months. Groundbreaking is expected to take place this year.

The batteries will be for electric four-wheelers, buses, heavy vehicles, two-wheelers, and energy storage solutions for Thailand and overseas markets.


VW and Bosch drop joint venture plans for battery cells

                STUTTGART: Volkswagen and Bosch have cancelled their plans to create a joint venture to equip battery cell factories, Bosch said today.

"We are not setting up a joint venture," Bosch chief executive officer Stefan Hartung said, adding that the partnership with the German carmaker to digitise its battery factories would continue.

As speed is key in digitalisation, it would be "better to work together on a project level than in such a construction" Bosch's head of digital Tanja Rueckert said.

The joint venture, announced at the beginning of 2022, was designed to deliver battery production systems, as well as assisting battery cell manufacturers in scaling up and maintaining their production sites.

"Volkswagen and PowerCo are sticking to their plan to get involved in equipping battery cell factories in the future. We are in talks with potential partners. We will inform you about the exact constellation in due course,” said a Volkswagen spokesman.


We drove the Mercedes GLA in Spain

Ask anyone where the Sierra Nevada mountain range lies and a good number of people will reply that it’s somewhere in the American mid-west.

Probably because this range had been regularly used as the backdrop for old American wild west movies featuring gunslinging cowboys and outlaws, the less publicised “original” Sierra Nevada range in southern Spain seems to draw a blank among many.

While both rocky ranges are continents apart, they look quite similar in dark gray with snow-capped peaks.

The Spanish Sierra Nevada range, if observed from the outskirts of Granada close to sunset, will look red instead of gray, projecting an eerie Martian-like landscape and identity.

This phenomenon coincided with Mercedes-Benz’s recent global media test drive of its latest GLA-Class model which some how also comes with more than one identity.

The standard GLA looks like a stylish urban crossover but Mercedes-Benz has also created two spin-offs - an AMG-enhanced variant that delivers a sportscar-like performance and a serious off-roader version with elevated ride height.

At a glance, the GLA looks similar to the five-door Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback but this new crossover is more muscular as well as being slightly longer and wider.

Other visual cues to tell the GLA apart from the A-Class are the roofrails, aggressive front, flared wheel arches with cladding, a bulbous bonnet with ridges and wider rear shoulders.

The GLA has the same wheelbase as the A-Class as both vehicles are based on the same platform.

Its boot space of 421 litres can be increased to 1,235 litres with rear seat backrests folded down, allowing versatility for those with active outdoor lifestyles.

GLA 250 4MATIC

Inside, the GLA 250 is as premium as the A-Class; the cabin features a large freestanding multi-information screen dominating the softtouch dashboard that has wood trimmings and five circular aluminium air vents.

The driver sits higher than in most passenger cars and this gives a better forward view.

Rear leg room is not as generous as those in larger Mercedes-Benz models but is enough if you are not fussy.

Our unit’s 2.0-litre turbo engine produced 211bhp and 350Nm of torque, and was more than enough to provide excitement for our drive from Granada to Malaga.

The electromechanical steering has been tuned to give more feedback compared with earlier Mercedes-Benz models so the GLA 250 feels more symbiotic in your hands.

The 4MATIC all-wheel drive system became more sure-footed when we were charging hard on twisty trunk roads.
Power goes to the front wheels most of the time but can be split equally between front and rear wheels if required for better traction.

The GLA can be specified in front-wheel drive only if owners do not need the 4MATIC capability.

Driven sedately, the GLA 250 is serene and quiet inside.

Go heavy on the accelerator and the GLA 250 is fast and responsive.

The exhaust note also goes sportier as we drove faster.

The twin clutch DCT transmission with seven speeds is quick as well as smooth with gearshifting as not to interrupt our driving pleasure.

Mercedes-Benz says the GLA’s bodyshell was wind tunnel-developed and has a best-in-class low drag co-efficient of 0.29, promising low wind noise and fuel consumption.

GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC

This variant, tuned by Mercedes-Benz’s AMG performance division, is the Usain Bolt of the GLA line-up.

Complete with more aggressive AMG-styled bodykits, bucket seats and oversized 20-inch wheels, its 2.0-litre turbo engine delivers a staggering 360bhp and 450Nm of torque.

It rockets from 0-100kph in 4.8 seconds and the engine electronically limits the top speed to 250kph.

The already fast GLA 250 would be easily be left behind if you race it against this speed demon.

Also, the soundtrack delivered by the engine is full-bodied and should appeal to hardcore drivers wanting an edgier sensation.

In addition, the GLA 45 AMG is fitted with a 15mm-lowered stiffer  suspension that provides better cornering and road handling.

Although the vehicle can take sharp corners with little or no body rolls, the downside is a ride quality that tends to be a bit choppy on rough roads and poorer overall comfort compared against the GLA 250’s.

Those still not satisfied with the GLA 45 AMG’s appearance can opt for the Edition 1 package that is even more extreme with a revised front bumper featuring a big splitter and side wings, black 20-inch wheels with red lining and a large rear wing.

 GLA 200 CDI 4MATIC

Equipped with an off-road suspension system, the GLA 200 CDI stands 30mm higher compared with the standard type and gave an elevated driving view close to a 4X4’s.

An off-road test drive path that looked like it had been randomly savaged by a deranged excavator was the site for us to test the GLA 200 CDI’s mettle.

The combination of a turbodiesel with 300Nm of torque and the 4MATIC system was enough for the vehicle to crawl through the ruts and inclines effortlessly.

Aside from giving a higher clearance, the off-road suspension was also comfortable and could absorb the shocks during the drive over the unfriendly terrain.

It also comes with a Downhill Speed Regulation that assists off-road downhill driving using engine and wheel braking.

To ensure the vehicle’s off-road hardiness, the GLA also underwent endurance tests on the same military training ground in southern Germany used by tanks and tracked vehicles of the German Armed Forces.

Mercedes-Benz seems to have developed a good-looking crossover that is rugged for the off-the-beaten track and yet glamourous enough for the urban lifestyle.

The GLA will be launched locally tomorrow by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia with prices starting from RM238,888.


Win petrol gift cards in Goodyear contest

                KUALA LUMPUR: In celebration of the upcoming Chinese New Year, Goodyear Malaysia is reminding road users to be safe on the roads by encouraging the replacement of worn-out tyres through a campaign.

Running from 1 January till 29 February 2020, those who buy a pair of tyres that are part of Goodyear’s Worry Free Assurance (WFA) programme can win up petrol gift cards worth up to RM1,688.

Alex Ng, managing director of Goodyear Malaysia said: “With good tyres, the chances of being affected by hazards becomes significantly lower, which is why Goodyear is once again encouraging drivers to opt for tyres covered under our Worry Free Assurance programme.”

Through WFA, Goodyear offers free replacement tyres within six months if there is damage done to tyres as a result of road hazards such as punctures, cuts, bulges and other impacts during the course of normal driving.

WFA also provides a 5-year limited warranty on tyres from any manufacturing defects.

To join the contest, buyers need to register their new tyres and complete a slogan.

Every entry ending with the numbers 8, 88 and 888 will stand a chance to win RM68, RM168 and RM1,688 worth of petrol gift cards respectively.


F1 gears up for new season

                The 2015 season looks set to deliver excitement with renewed rivalry in the Mercedes camp, two world champions changing teams and the return of Honda engines.

What a difference a year makes.

And no other season in the history of Formula 1 (F1) demonstrates this better than the 2014 season which saw attention grabbing headlines every step of the 19 race season.

This time last year, we knew we were in for a very different style of Formula 1.

The most radical technical regulation shake up meant that the engineers had their hands full trying to create a high performance race machine that was capable of beating the competition.

For the average race fan, it wasn’t the shape of the new 2014 models that proved most controversial, instead it was the deafening silence of the new 1.6-litre V6 turbocharged engines that became a hot talking point.

Gone were the screaming 2.4-litre engines that could rattle your bones as they screeched past at over 300kph.

Instead, earplugs were made redundant and bringing your baby to the circuit became a realistic option for the formula mummies and daddies.

The preseason headlines predicted that reigning World Champion Sebastian Vettel’s four year championship streak would come to an end as the Renault engine suffered massive teething problems in testing.

Mercedes looked to have a mastered the new power units the best and the honour of snatching Vettel’s crown would be a toss up between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.

The season got underway in Australia and the pecking order was established, but not without hiccups.

Even the invincible Mercedes suffered from technical problems that forced Lewis Hamilton to leave Melbourne without points as Rosberg chalked up the first win of the season.

But with the gloves off, it was clear where every team stood relative to their rivals and the competitiveness of their race machines would later prove to be the catalyst for even more shocking headlines.

Red Bull Racing’s newcomer, Daniel Ricciardo, stepped out of the shadows and into the limelight pretty quickly after finishing on the podium on his Red Bull Racing debut in front of an ecstatic home crowd, only to be later disqualified for a technical infringement.

The Aussie took the blow on the chin and won the hearts and respect of many fans over the course of the season as he regularly outpaced his star studded teammate and notched up three victories before the season end.

Sebastian Vettel was clearly not comfortable playing second fiddle in a team that he had secured four consecutive championships with and their lack of performance left him wide open to poachers.

Ferrari were quick to move in.

Enticing the German over to the Italian squad wasn’t the hard part, figuring out what to do with their incumbent world champions, Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen, proved harder!

Lucky for them, Alonso helped ease matters. After yet another disappointing start to the season, it was clear that 2014 would not be a championship challenging year for Scuderia.

Frustrated, the Spaniard put himself on the market and not a single expert would have put money on the double world champion returning to McLaren under the stewardship of Ron Dennis.

But then again, Murray Walker always warned us that “anything happens in Grand Prix racing, and it usually does”.

And so this year, Alonso returns to the team he helped expose in the 2009 “Spygate” incident, hoping that their new partnership with Honda can help him achieve another World Championship title.

The feel good headline of the season was the revival of the Williams team.

After a decade of being stuck at the rear end of the grid, one of the two entities that exist only to race, finished in the top three in the constructor’s championship thanks to their Mercedes power unit.

2014 also saw the end of the Formula 1 dream for Marrusia and Caterham as both were put into administration, concluding the demise of all new F1 entries that joined the bandwagon back in 2010 alongside HRT who made an exit two years earlier.

Formula 1 is set to start this year with just nine teams on the starting grid, the lowest since 1967.

Sadly the season ended with a heavy cloud hanging over it following Jules Bianchi’s crash into a recovery vehicle in Japan.

The Italian has been in a coma since the October incident and faces a long road to recovery ahead of him.

The silver lining is that sport has since amended its procedures to ensure that a similar incident does not occur.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with Bianchi and Michael Schumacher for that matter, as we hope they both have a successful recovery.

Perhaps the least surprising headline of them all was that Hamilton clinched the 2014 World Championship.

Given the superiority of the F1 W05, it was clear that the title would be an inter Mercedes battle.

What was more surprising was how resiliently Rosberg held his ground against Hamilton to take the championship battle down to the wire.

The German proved his pace by winning the inaugural pole position trophy however his race pace was no match for Hamilton who stormed to 11 victories compared to Nico’s five wins.

Claiming his second World Championship was a fantastic result for Lewis Hamilton whose then shocking decision to leave McLaren for the then struggling Mercedes in 2012 doesn’t seem so shocking anymore.

So how does Formula 1 follow up such an eventful season? Can the show get even better both on and off track?

Well with Vettel and Alonso in new Ferrari and McLaren livery respectfully, the return of Honda engines and the likes of fresh blood in Red Bull Racing and Williams looking to topple the dominant Mercedes duo of Hamilton and Rosberg.

I’d be surprised if the 2015 Formula 1 season didn’t have it’s fair share of attention grabbing headlines.


Allianz Malaysia revs up protection with Allianz Motorcycle Plus

Allianz Malaysia Berhad Chief Executive Officer Zakri Khir (left) with Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad Chief Sales Officer Horst Habbig.

KUALA LUMPUR: Beginning May 1, small bike riders will be able to enjoy big protection with Allianz Motorcycle Plus.

With the new offering, Allianz Malaysia’s general insurance arm, Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad is the first insurer to provide motorcycles under 245cc added protection at no extra cost.

Motorcyclists will be able to choose between either Allianz Motorcycle Plus (Comprehensive) which comes complete with Accident Cover of RM5,000 (for death or permanent disablement), Hospital Income of RM50 a day (up to 60 Days) and the All Special Perils Full Sum-Insured Protection (covering flood, landslides or any natural disasters) or Allianz Motorcycle Plus (Third Party Only) which offers Accident Cover of RM5,000 (for death or permanent disablement) as well as Hospital Income of RM50 a day (up to 60 Days) with no added premium.

As part of the launch campaign from May 1 to July 31, all new policyholders of Allianz Motorcycle Plus will stand a chance to win six SYM SM Sport 110cc motorcycles. The winners will be selected through a raffle from the pool of eligible policyholders.

“Products and services should not just be curated and packaged to build brand affinity, they should also be thoughtful and serve a larger purpose of providing protection and serving the customer’s needs. And with Allianz Motorcycle Plus, we want to reach out to the masses. We want to offer the millions of motorcycle owners out there, an affordable product with the best protection and the best coverage that money can buy,” said Zakri Khir, CEO of Allianz Malaysia Berhad.

Last year, the JKJR Road Safety Statistics Book of 2018 revealed as at September 2018, there were close to 13.6 million motorcycles on Malaysian roads last year, making up close to 46 percent of the country’s road users.

The report also showed that motorcycles were the leading cause of motor vehicle fatalities with 3, 179 deaths.

“These numbers do not lie. In fact, they are very disturbing to us as an insurer especially because we are in the very business of protecting lives,” said Zakri.

“The safety and vulnerability of motorcyclists is often over looked and riders also fail to understand that your motor insurance is not just a pre-requisite to a road tax. Quite frankly, most of them are perfectly fine with leaving their vulnerability in the hands of others, thinking someone out there will protect them. And as insurers, our biggest challenge today is to get Malaysians to change that mindset and take ownership of their vulnerability,” added Zakri.


Germany rejects EU plan for ban on new fossil-fuel cars from 2035

                BERLIN: Germany's government will not agree to European Union plans to effectively ban the sale of new cars with combustion engines from 2035, Finance Minister Christian Lindner said on Tuesday.

In its bid to cut planet-warming emissions by 55% by 2030 from 1990 levels, the European Commission has proposed a 100% reduction in CO2 emissions from new cars by 2035.

That means it would be impossible to sell combustion engine cars from then (with some exceptions)

European Parliament lawmakers backed the proposals this month, before negotiations with EU countries on the final law take place.

Speaking at an event hosted by Germany's BDI industry association, Lindner said there would continue to be niches for combustion engines so a ban was wrong and said the government would not agree to this European legislation.

Lindner, a member of the pro-business Free Democrats, which shares power with the Social Democrats and Greens, said Germany would still be a leading market for electric vehicles.


UMW Toyota Motor transfers more outlets to dealers

                PETALING JAYA: UMW Toyota Motor has announced that it will transfer three of its own outlets in the Klang Valley, Sabah and Sarawak to dealers from today in an ongoing exercise to divest itself from retail operations.

Borneo Mobility (Sabah) Sdn Bhd takes over the Kota Kinabalu outlet, Borneo Mobility (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd the one in Kuching and PCM Subang Motor Sdn Bhd assumes control of the Subang Jaya branch.

READ MORE: UMW Toyota Motor to exit dealership operations

“It is essential for us to continue achieving high customer satisfaction standards. This allows us to increase intensity on high value-added upstream activities such as product development, marketing and dealer network support. Dealers will continue to deliver customers satisfaction,” said UMW Toyota Motor president Ravindran K.

For more information on Toyota’s network of sales and aftersales locations, go here or call the Toyota Freephone 1800-8-TOYOTA (1800-8-869682).


Win a chance to drive the Proton X90 for three days

                SUBANG JAYA: In conjunction with the launch of Proton's first mild-hybrid sports utility vehicle (SUV), the national carmaker is running a contest where 10 winners will get to use the X90 for three days.

The contest runs from June 1 to 30, is open to all Malaysian residents with a valid Identity Card (for Malaysians) or valid passport (for non-Malaysians) and a valid Class D Malaysian Driver’s licence.

Participants can comment about what they love most about the X90 through Proton’s Facebook and/or Instagram social media platforms.

They are required to tag three friends and include the hashtag #PROTONX90ATFIRSTSIGHT in their posts.

Participants are also required to make sure that their Facebook and/or Instagram profile is set to ‘Public’ in order for the entry to be viewed by Proton.

Each participant with the same Identity Card number (for Malaysians) or passport number (for non-Malaysians), is allowed to submit or post as many posts as they like throughout the contest period but they are allowed to win once.

Proton will contact winners for verification of information and they are to respond to the email or telephone call from Proton or contact Proton within seven calendar days from the date of the email or telephone call from Proton to confirm the reward.

The contest rewards will be distributed to winners on weekends (Friday to Monday) depending on winners’ availability within three months after the announcement and must be utilised within three months.


New Honda Civic Type R opens for booking from Oct 1

                SEPANG: Honda Malaysia today previewed the all-new Civic Type R ahead of its local launch.

Aptly enough, the car will be on display at the Sepang circuit until Sunday in conjunction with the Formula 1 race weekend, which marks the last F1 race to be held in Malaysia.

Dubbed the most powerful Honda model ever to be introduced in the Honda Malaysia model line-up, the Civic Type R will be open for booking from this Sunday at 21 selected Honda Sport Dealers. Sport Dealers are Honda’s appointed dealers that carry the Civic Type R in Malaysia

It was in July that CarSifu drove the Civic Type R in Dresden, Germany, so you can read the review here.

The Civic Type R model for Malaysian market is manufactured at Honda’s Swindon plant in Britain, with the engine sourced from the Honda plant in Anna, Ohio in the United States.

The Civic Type R is the world’s fastest front-wheel-drive production car, having set a new benchmark lap time record of 7 minutes 43.80 seconds at the Nurburgring Circuit in Germany early April this year.

The Type R is Honda’s iconic racing and sports model whose name and reputation is almost cult-like. Making history for the past 25 years since its first introduction in 1992, the characteristic and development concept of the Type R has always been light-weight, dynamic performance and mechanically simple.

The most significant improvement is enhanced aerodynamics that gives greater performance and excellent stability, allowing this Type R model to achieve much quicker lap time compared to previous-generation (European market) Type R. It is said to deliver the best package in its class, providing powerful performance both on the road and on race track, yet highly adaptable to our daily driving demands.

Its 2.0-litre VTEC turbocharged engine produces 306hp and a maximum torque of 400Nm. Power is relayed to the front axle via a 6-speed manual transmission.

Besides the Civic Type R, the Jazz Hybrid Mugen, Civic 1.5L Turbocharged and CR-V are on display at the Honda booth here.


Citroën unveils new C4 Cactus

PARIS: When Citroën first unveiled the concept version of the C4 Cactus at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2013, it could have been seen as just another quirky design exercise from a manufacturer not exactly averse to unique styling.

However, since the production version was revealed the following year in Geneva, the very individual styling of the Cactus has proved to be a big hit with buyers. The refreshed 2018 model has now been unveiled, and one of its most distinct styling cues appears to have been discarded.

The Cactus has a new, fresher look for 2018, but the unique exterior cladding of this pseudo-SUV has all but disappeared. The large, practical plastic "Airbump" pieces of trim that were designed to protect the Citroën from car park dings and bumps on the doors, and gave the C4 Cactus an appealing and very unique look, have been reduced to just a few inches at the bottom of the doors.

There are other aesthetic changes as well though, which include a new-style front bumper with new LED running lights and a revised rear bumper with a new design of rear light.

The interior remains largely unchanged, although things do move a little more upscale in the cabin thanks to better sound insulation and seats that are now more comfortable than they were previously.

There will be an even greater choice of different engines available for the Citroën this time. The engines from the original model will remain available, but higher specification models get two new engine options.

The smallest engines will be the three-cylinder 1.2-litre petrols of 81hp and 108hp, which are now joined by a more powerful 138hp unit. For those who still want a diesel these days, there's a choice of two 1.6-litre four-cylinder engines of 99hp and 118hp.

The more powerful of the two diesels will only be available with an automatic transmission, and those models are not scheduled to arrive at dealerships until the second half of 2018.

Individual style is still a key part of the appeal of the Cactus, and buyers will have no less than 31 different exterior colour combinations to select from.


Facelifted Proton X70 introduced from RM93,900

                SUBANG JAYA: Proton has launched the facelifted 2022 X70 sports utility vehicle (SUV) in five variants with prices starting from RM93,900 on-the-road without insurance and sales tax in Peninsular Malaysia.

In addition to the 1.8-litre 4-cylinder direct injection turbocharged (TGDi) engine that has been the staple of the X70 line-up, Proton has included an option of a more efficient locally-built 1.5-litre 3-cylinder direct injection turbocharged engine that is similar to that in the smaller X50 SUV.

The top variant 1.8 TGDi Premium 2WD is priced at RM121,800, 1.5 TGDi Premium 2WD (RM117,900), 1.5 TGDi Executive AWD (RM111,300), 1.5 TGDi Executive 2WD (RM105,500) and 1.5 TGDi Standard 2WD (RM93,900).

With higher efficiency per cylinder and a more compact engine packaging, chosen to suit the contemporary millennial driver, the 1.5L TGDi engine achieves a max power output of 177PS and torque of 255Nm, peaking earlier at 1,500rpm.

In comparison to the 1.8L TGDi engine, the new 1.5 TGDi delivers a 7% reduction in fuel consumption on the urban cycle.

The 1.5L TGDi engine has been five years in the making, using the latest technology and involving over 100 key experts in a global collaboration and recording over 12 million kilometres of testing in the most extreme and stressful conditions and climates.

The highly reliable and market-proven engine has recorded over 750,000 units on the road globally and is available in 22 countries with diverse weather and road conditions.

The X70 also comes with refreshed looks and enhanced features, among them quartz black finishing on the front and rear bumpers, new 19-inch alloy wheels, power tailgate with foot sensor and Nappa leather seats with new black headlining.

Also offered is Proton Intelligent Air Purification System (P-IAPS) – a combination of N95 cabin filter (incorporated into the air-conditioning) and air purifier system, works twice as efficiently to improve cabin air quality.

Its Voice Command, saying “Hi PROTON” allows the driver to operate the windows and air conditioning, or even access online navigation.

Additionally, the Proton Link app monitors vehicle status and allows for remote control of specific functions.

Other equipment are six airbags, nine speakers with power amplifier and subwoofer, six USB ports, Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), 360 camera with 3D display and a 5-star Asean NCAP rating.

The 1.5 TGDi Executive AWD variant gets real-time intelligent All-Wheel Drive system, which automatically transfers torque to rear wheels based on demand and driving conditions.

Available colours are Snow White, Armour Silver, Jet Grey, Ruby Red, Cinnamon Brown and Space Grey.

Proton deputy chief executive officer Roslan Abdullah said more than 70,000 units of the X70 has been sold, making it the best-selling C-segment SUV since its launch.

“We have added styling updates and a 1.5L TGDi engine to the range to offer prospective buyers more choice.

“It promises a similar level of performance to the 1.8L TGDi variant while adding improved fuel efficiency, thus fulfilling the desire of our customers for an SUV that is not only outstanding in performance, features and aesthetic appeal but is also affordable to own and run,” he said.

The X70 is available for booking online at https://www.proton.com/en/find-a-car/protonx70 and at authorised Proton showrooms.

READ MORE:  Facelifted Proton X70 gets eco-friendlier spin


GM sells out first year of electric Hummer production

                DETROIT: General Motors Co said it has sold out the first year’s worth of its hulking GMC Hummer EV electric pickup truck after a splashy video reveal on Tuesday.

The GMC website showed a “reservations full” banner over the Hummer EV “Edition 1,” due to start production in the fall of 2021.

The next version of the truck, the US$99,995 Hummer EV 3X, is not scheduled to begin production until the fall of 2022.

The least expensive Hummer EV, starting at US$79,995, is scheduled to go into production in the spring of 2024, GM said.

The Hummer EV was designed and engineered in 18 months, GM officials said during a presentation on Wednesday.

The brawny truck can “crab walk” sideways on rough terrain using its four-wheel steering system, and has a “Watts to Freedom” mode that accelerates the truck to 60mph in 3 seconds.

The Hummer EV is in part a response to Tesla Inc’s Cybertruck, which has a very different but equally eye-grabbing design and a bevy of extreme performance features. The Cybertruck’s starting price is US$39,900, though a model with 804km of range starts at US$69,900.

Tesla has begun building a factory in Austin, Texas to assemble the Cybertruck starting in late 2021.

The head of GM’s GMC division, Duncan Aldred, said about half the brand’s dealers have agreed to sell the Hummer EV lineup. GM is taking orders on its website, and Aldred said the company’s intent is to offer no-haggle prices. The online reservations and firm pricing are similar to the Tesla approach.

High-performance electric pickup trucks could be a crowded niche in the US market, with eight companies promising to launch models by the end of 2021.

Ford Motor Co is promising an electric version of its F-series pickup, though Ford has said its electric pickup will be aimed at customers who want to use the truck for work. GM has Chevrolet versions of its electric truck in the works.

Startups Rivian, Nikola Corp and Lordstown Motors are among other companies that have electric pickups in development.

READ MORE: Additional details on electric GMC Hummer


Renault lifts the lid on hydrogen-powered prototype van

                PARIS: The hydrogen component of the "Renaulution" - the Renault group's major strategic plan - is embodied by the Hyvia joint venture, founded by the French carmaker in collaboration with American company Plug Power.

Hyvia is unveiling a first prototype, together with a designated refuelling station. This is the first step towards building an ecosystem that will soon promote the use of green hydrogen.

With the Renault Master Van H2-Tech, Hyvia is presenting an electric van powered by green hydrogen, thus producing no CO2 emissions.

This vehicle is equipped with a 30kW fuel cell for a range of up to 500km. A production version, intended primarily for companies and local authorities, should be available by 2022.

The Renault Master Van H2-Tech has four tanks, able to store up to 6kg of hydrogen in total.

A hydrogen refuelling station has also been unveiled to allow quick refuelling (full refuelling will take about five minutes), in a simple and safe way.

These prototypes are a first illustration of the ecosystem that Hyvia hopes to develop, including green hydrogen production, obtained from water electrolysis using renewable electricity.

Two other vehicle prototypes compatible with this type of hydrogen technology are already in the works: a larger van and a minibus that can carry up to 15 passengers.


Proton: You can't buy our cars with Bitcoin

A man walking past a poster that informs customers that Bitcoin can be used in this shop in Tokyo. — AFP
SUBANG JAYA: Proton has dismissed claims on social media that the Bitcoin cryptocurrency can be used to buy its cars.

It said in a statement that it does not recognise such transaction or offer. It said this following allegations that a dealer was accepting Bitcoin, and another cryptocurrency Ethereum, from the public for the purchase of Proton cars.

Needless to say Proton was not amused and it has suspended the dealer who is now under investigation.

The national car maker said that while it was open to innovative ways to selling cars, Bitcoin, or any other virtual currency, was not one of them.

"We would also like to caution our sales network to exercise consideration and due care in carrying out promotion activities which are not endorsed by the company," it added.

It makes one wonder how many Malaysians out there actually own Bitcoins or other cryptocurrencies.

The price of a Bitcoin has in the past two years surged past US$20,000 (RM79,800) before dropping to around US$16,000 (around RM64,000).

Bank Negara has not banned the use of Bitcoin, which is even recognised as legal tender in a number of countries such as Japan and Canada.


Batang Kali-Genting Highlands road to be widened, to reopen in January

                SHAH ALAM: The Batang Kali-Genting Highlands road, which is currently closed due to the recent landslide disaster in Batang Kali, Hulu Selangor, will be widened and reopened at the beginning or middle of January.

Selangor Mentri Besar, Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, said that the matter was decided as a result of his meeting with the Selangor Public Works Department (PWD) on Friday.

He said that the reopening of the road is expected to help 4,000 to 5,000 residents in Batang Kali, Hulu Selangor, to commute, especially for those who work in Genting Highlands, Pahang.

"We will widen the area on the left or right side of the Batang Kali-Genting Highlands road to allow the residents of Batang Kali to use the road, but only light vehicles can pass through it.

"The area has been embanked with stones and compacted; we will also arrange a security team to control the route,” he said at a press conference after the handing over of the Roda Darul Ehsan Initiative (RiDE), at the Shah Alam Stadium here on Saturday (Dec 24).

In another development, Amirudin said that the Selangor government will not hold any 2023 New Year celebrations as a mark of respect to the victims involved in the landslide incident in Batang Kali, Hulu Selangor.

However, he would not stop other parties, such as private companies or residents' clubs, from holding such events, but they should be carried out in moderation.


Shell opens store on Shopee Mall

                PETALING JAYA: Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd is enhancing its digital presence by launching its new official store on Shopee Mall.

With a clear selection of genuine premium quality lubricants on Malaysia’s no.1 e-commerce platform, it will enable consumers to purchase directly from Shell and provides peace of mind to those wary of the prevalence of fake and unauthorised products sold online.

All Shell lubricants sold via the Shell Lubes Official Store on Shopee Mall are guaranteed 100% authentic and come with a 15-day free return policy and free shipping nationwide.

Additionally, with the Shopee Guarantee feature, payment to Shell Malaysia will only be released after goods received are confirmed to be genuine and in good condition by the buyer.

Among the selection of premium Shell lubricants available is the new 0W low viscosity range comprising the Shell Helix Power, Shell Helix Protect and Shell Helix ECO.

“The current situation has clearly accelerated the adoption of e-commerce among Malaysian consumers. Many of them are loyal customers who trust in the Shell brand and enjoy the experience at our Shell retail stations and branded workshops. We aim to continue delivering a similar experience through Shopee Mall where they can now shop online for Shell products with convenience and confidence,” said Shell Lubricants Marketing General Manager for Malaysia and Singapore, Nyon Kam Yew.

"We will also support the launch of the Shell official store with our fully integrated payments and logistics solutions, in-app marketing tools, exposure in campaigns like the Shopee 10.10 Brand Festival and more to support their business and e-commerce objectives," said Regional Managing Director of Shopee, Ian Ho.

Buy official genuine Shell lubricants only from the Shell Lubes Official Store on Shopee with ‘Untuk Pasaran Malaysia’ labels complete with QR codes that can be authenticated via SHARE website.


Johor Sultan test-drives Proton X70 SUV

                JOHOR BARU: Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar got to test drive the X70 - national car maker Proton's first ever sports utility vehicle (SUV) here.

His Majesty granted an audience to Proton Holdings Berhad deputy chief executive officer Datuk Radzaif Mohamed and Proton Edar Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Abdul Rashid Musa at Mados office near Istana Bukit Pelangi here on Monday (Oct 8).

In a statement posted on Sultan Ibrahim's official Facebook page, during the meeting, Radzaif as well as Abdul Rashid briefed the Ruler about the special features of the Proton X70.

Sultan Ibrahim then test-drove the X70 Executive AWD 1.8 litre turbo gasoline direct injection (TGDI).

Sultan Ibrahim has a passion for collecting old and new cars and motorcycles, which are all parked in garages within the palace grounds.

He is also the proud owner of several aircraft, including a "gold" Boeing 737.

Sultan Ibrahim owns the world's most expensive Mack truck, which has fancy gadgets, including a six-camera CCTV system, two flat-screen TVs, a stone-topped kitchen area, a barbecue grill, a double bed and seats with 72,000 stitches of gold thread.

The Proton X70 is expected to be launched later this year. It has received overwhelming response with bookings already surpassing 8,000 units.

The model is based on the China-made Geely Boyue facelift.  Bbooking is now available at RM1,000.

The actual price and launch date have yet to be announced


Lexus puts on light show ahead of LF-1 Limitless concept debut

                DALLAS: The image above is the second one teased by Lexus as it gets ready to present its latest crossover concept in Detroit, come January.

Currently named the LF-1 Limitless, the concept was created by the company's Calty design studio located in Southern California. The studio has previously been responsible for the LF-LC concept that was revealed at the motor show in Detroit in 2012, and then went on to eventually become the stunning LC coupe.

The luxury arm of Toyota already has a new LC flagship coupe with a price in excess of US$100,000, so it could be looking to introduce a model to mimic it in its crossover line.

The LF-LC was considered something of a design breakthrough at the time, and the teaser image of the LF-1 follows a similar theme with a heavily stylized rear hatch and lots of curves and angles, which certainly suggest a crossover along similar lines to the LF-LC.

 The previous LF-1 Limitless image Lexus issued earlier this month.

As a number of other luxury manufacturers have their own new high-end crossovers in the pipeline, such as BMW with its X7 and Jeep with the Grand Wagoneer, it makes a lot of sense for Lexus to be unveiling a new model to compete directly with them. And of course, Lexus will also have the likes of the Range Rover Autobiography in its sights with this one too.

This certainly isn't the only exciting new model the company has in development at the moment though. Jeff Bracken, the general manager of Lexus in North America, has recently admitted we should expect a slew of new product-related announcements over the next 12 months or so. Among them there will be further new concepts, some special editions of existing models, including anniversary models, and also next-generation versions of current Lexus product.


Uber expands new travel service for pets

                LONDON: Uber is bringing a new service allowing passengers to book journeys with their pets to more countries.

The minicab app firm said the service has been available in the UK since April, after a previous launch in Australia and parts of Europe.

Previously it was at the discretion of drivers whether they allowed passengers to travel with an animal, but customers can now be matched with drivers who are eligible and willing to transport people with their pets.

Passengers travelling with a service animal can continue to use the regular Uber option.

Fares for Uber Pet journeys will include a surcharge of £3.20 (around RM18) here and £2 (RM11) outside the capital.

"We're really happy to be launching Uber Pet in the UK, bringing even more convenient travel options to our riders," Andrew Brem, general manager at Uber UK, said.

"With Covid-19 restrictions lifted, it's the perfect time for new pets to get out and about again with you, no matter what your plans."

The company says it will donate £1 (RM5.40) from every Uber Pet fare to the charity All Dogs Matter.


DTM Audi drivers calling out Gran Turismo racers on PS4

                INGOLSTADT (Germany): Driver in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters race series Mike Rockenfeller for the Audi factory team has initiated a virtual racing series under the motto #RaceHome.

The race will be held on the PlayStation 4 (PS4) with the fully-electric Audi e-tron Vision Gran Turismo on April 21 at 2.00am (Malaysia time) and the proceeds will be used for a good cause.

Once a week, fans of the Audi brand and SimRacing professionals will be competing against the six Audi DTM drivers of Loïc Duval, Jamie Green, Nico Müller, Robin Frijns, René Rast and Mike Rockenfeller.

“Since there are no real races happening at the moment, because of the corona crisis (Covid-19), SimRacing is experiencing an incredible boom,” said the 2013 DTM champion.

He added that #RaceHome focusses on electric sports cars and is in line with Audi’s focus in the change of mobility and the console game is able to reach a particularly large community.

PlayStation Network members have the opportunity to compete against the Audi DTM stars on #RaceHome.

They can win a spot on the grid each week by developing and publishing a design for the Audi e-tron Vision Gran Turismo in conjunction with #AudiTogether and #WeStayHome.

The most creative design will win and will be judged by a jury of the six aforementioned Audi DTM drivers.

#RaceHome wants to generate as many donations as possible to be used for charity projects within the motorsport family.

“There are many freelancers in motorsport who have lost their income from one day to the next and are fearing for their own existence,” said Rockenfeller.

That’s why it will be possible to bid for a spot on the grid every week.

All of the races of the #RaceHome charity racing series can be seen on free live streaming channel www.twitch.tv/visionrcco.


Mitsubishi launches 55th showroom in Malaysia

                KUALA LUMPUR: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has launched its second 3S (sales, service, spare parts) centre in Kuala Lumpur.

This is the 55th showroom for MMM, and the RM1.5mil facility is operated by authorised dealer Sing Kwung Jidosha Sdn Bhd.

The newly launched 3S Centre has body and paint facilities, and is located at No. 44, Jalan Chan Sow Lin, Sungai Besi.

With a built up area of 30,000 sq ft, the new 3S centre also houses a fully-equipped workshop with parts storage area for Mitsubishi vehicles.

 Exchange of gifts between Sing Kwung Jidosha managing director Ng Sin Yean (left) and CEO of MMM, Yang Won-Chul.

It also also offers free car wash services for all Mitsubishi customers who service their cars there.

The centre also comes equipped with seven service bays with six hoists and has a maximum capacity to service up to 24 cars a day.

“Sing Kwung Jidosha had started its business partnership with Mitsubishi Motors since 2013 with their first showroom in Malacca. With Sing Kwung Jidosha’s strong accomplishment in the southern region, we are confident that they will establish an even stronger presence here in Kuala Lumpur,” said Yang Won-Chul, CEO of MMM.


Taiwan's Foxconn seeks chip, EV cooperation with India

                TAIPEI: Major Apple Inc supplier Foxconn said today it was seeking cooperation in India in new areas like chips and electric vehicles (EVs) after a visit to the country by its chairman, Liu Young-way.

Apple has been shifting production away from China after the country's strict Covid-19 restrictions disrupted the manufacturing of new-model iPhones and other devices, and amid tensions between Beijing and Washington.

In January, India's trade minister said Apple, which began iPhone assembly in the country in 2017 through Wistron Corp and later Foxconn, wants India to account for up to 25% of its production from about 5% to 7% currently.

Taiwan's Foxconn, the world's largest contract electronics maker and formally called Hon Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd, said Liu had visited India from Feb 27 to today.

"My trip this week supported Foxconn's efforts to deepen partnerships, meet old friends and make new ones, and seek cooperation in new areas such as semiconductor development and electric vehicles," Liu said in a statement.

Foxconn has ambitious plans to make EVs, and is also looking to make chips.

"On the basis to share, collaborate and thrive together, Foxconn will continue to communicate with local governments to seek the most beneficial development opportunities for the company and all stakeholders," Liu added.

He did not mention any new concrete investment plans in the country, and Foxconn has not announced any since his trip.

Apple's iPhones will soon be assembled at another site in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, and 300 acres (120 hectares) have been aside to set up a factory, the state government said on Friday.

Currently, iPhones are assembled in India by at least three of Apple's global suppliers - Foxconn and Pegatron (4938.TW) in Tamil Nadu, and Wistron in Karnataka.


Ford returns to Detroit

                DETROIT: Ford may be back in Motor City, but to commemorate its return, the the company with the blue oval for its logo has moved both its electric (Ford Team Edison) and autonomous vehicle business teams into a refurbished former factory located in the historic neighbourhood of Corktown.

As part of a US$11.1bil (RM44.4bil) investment in global electric vehicles announced earlier this year, the American carmaker says that the new location offers a new work environment and customisable work space that will help enable its push into electrification and strengthen its development in self-driving vehicles.

The location of the former factory's neighbourhood allows the electric and autonomous teams to be immersed in lifestyle and mobility challenges within an urban environment that will help them identify problems and generate solutions.

The 45,000 square foot building has been extensively renovated and possesses a layout that fosters collaboration and team building, with rolling desks and interactive screens that allow groups to customise their work space as needed with flexible options for meetings.

The Edison team is currently working to deliver the all-new Mustang-inspired battery-electric SUV that's slated for a reveal in 2020.

Also, in the next few years, the company plans to offer hybrid options on high-volume nameplates such as the Mustang, F-150, Explorer, Escape and Bronco, in addition to hybrid options for every new Ford SUV introduced.

The work done in Corktown will also help accelerate the development of Ford’s battery-electric vehicle program with the aim of providing a total of 40 electrified vehicles available globally by 2022, including 16 full battery-electric vehicles.

The company also said that its new electric vehicles will offer customers additional capabilities such as an onboard electric generator on its upcoming hybrid F-150 as well as better mileage.

Since owning a battery-electric vehicle represents a change in lifestyle, the company is rethinking how to ensure seamless and convenient charging, while also looking to offer full-vehicle over-the-air software updates to enhance capability and features.

Working alongside Ford Team Edison will be the company’s autonomous vehicle business team.

The company is already combining its self-driving vehicle expertise with the robotics and artificial intelligence experience of Argo AI and the work in Corktown will complement that effort.

With its autonomous and electric vehicle teams working side-by-side, the company will deliver on its plan to develop a purpose-built, custom-designed self-driving vehicle that runs on a hybrid-electric powertrain.

Planned to begin production in 2021, its first autonomous vehicles will be designed to move people or goods, making them excellent tools for businesses to enhance and grow their operations.

Other key factors in design and performance include commercial-grade quality for lower cost of ownership, improved durability to operate in tough urban environments, and dependable safety features integrated by the teams deeply involved in development.

“Moving our teams to Corktown will further enhance our electric and autonomous vehicle development. It gives our teams the work space they need to promote collaboration and big thinking, and an urban setting that delivers crucial insight for both programs," said Ford vice president (autonomous vehicles and electrification) Sherif Marakby.

In addition, the hybrid-electric powertrain will help reduce emissions and achieve maximum mileage to keep the self-driving vehicle on the road longer each day.


Petron Malaysia launches Jom Jalan Jalan campaign

                PETALING JAYA: Petron Malaysia introduced the ‘Jom Jalan Jalan’ campaign to promote domestic tourism in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) through its agency Tourism Malaysia

The campaign, which runs from October until March next year, was launched by Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.

The five-month long campaign, which takes advantage of the reopening of domestic inter-state travel, aims to reward customers with exciting prizes including holiday packages and cash rewards to explore the wonderful tourist spots in the country.

Nancy Shukri said the prizes, inclusive of holiday packages with fuel sponsorship and spending allowance, would contribute significantly to the country's recovery through the economic activities of the communities involved.

 Nancy (fourth from left) and Faridah (fifth from left) at the launch of the campaign.With them are (from left) Glamz Genting marketing manager Darren Lee, VIP Pass Holidays chief executive officer Sandeep Grewal, Trevo Malaysia general manager Susan Teoh, Tiarasa Escapes Glamping Resort founder Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina, Orchard Wellness Melaka chairman Tan Sri Zaini Omar and Sunway Theme Parks executive director Calvin Ho.

“These packages will give them the opportunity for various interesting recreational activities such as theme park activities, batik drawing classes and interacting with orangutans,” she said.

Among the local resorts and tourism partners are Tiarasa Escapes Glamping Resort, Sunway Lost World of Tambun, Camp Out! At Sunway Lagoon, Orchard Wellness Melaka, Glamz Genting, Sepilok Forest Edge, Culvert Santubong as well as VIP Pass Holidays (Malaysia) and Trevo which come up with exhilarating holiday packages as prizes.

The campaign aims to reward 1,156 winners, including 56 lucky customers as top prize winners throughout the five-month campaign period.

The holiday packages to be won include 3-day-2night (3D2N) travel packages that offer customers a chance to experience nature in comfort and style at some of Malaysia’s best glamping sites through glamping staycation, recreational activities or food experiences that are uniquely tailored to its home state.

Six winners will win the Grand Prize of up to RM20,000 worth of travel packages from Tiarasa Escapes Glamping Resort, Sepilok Forest Edge or Culvert Santubong, cash rewards and fuel from Petron.

Each Grand Prize winner can bring along six to 10 family members and friends to enjoy an unforgettable glamping experience.

Aside from the grand prize, an additional 10 customers will win RM5,000 worth of travel packages, cash rewards and fuel monthly from October 2021 to March next year.

Each winner can bring up to four family members and friends.

 Nancy (left) and Faridah trying out one of the holiday packages.

Another 100 Consolation Prize winners, to be selected every month, will receive RM2,000 worth of VIP Pass hotel vouchers worth 7 days and 6 nights (7D6N), RM300 cash reward and RM300 worth of PMiles points.

Additionally, 1,000 weekly winners will receive RM200 worth of PMiles points each.

Petron Malaysia general manager Faridah Ali said the company was excited to collaborate with Tourism Malaysia and local tour operator partners to reward some of our customers with these amazing holiday packages to enjoy with their loved ones.

We are happy to do our share of promoting domestic tourism and boosting our economic recovery.”

In addition, the winners will be selected by region - North, East Coast, Central, South, Sabah and Sarawak to ensure every region has their own winners.

“This is also our way to show appreciation to our customers who have always been there with us, supporting us throughout the years. We hope to give more #PetronFuelHappy moments with exclusive rewards such as this campaign every time they use PMiles card,” Faridah added.

The contest is open to all Petron Miles cardholders. They will earn an automatic entry for a cumulative fuel purchase of RM250 in one month to qualify for the Grand Prize Lucky Draw and RM50 fuel purchase for First Prize Monthly Lucky Draw.

Customers will need to swipe their Petron Miles Card when making fuel purchases to participate.

For details on this contest, visit www.petronmiles.com.my.


SUVs continue to drive up global car sales

                LONDON: Over the first three months of 2016 a remarkable 20.44 million new cars hit the roads around the world and as is increasingly the case, whether consumers are in China, Europe or the US, they're most likely snapping up a crossover or SUV.

Despite fears that the market may be cooling, 558,700 more light commercial vehicles (i.e., vans) and passenger cars have been sold than during the same period in 2015 according to the latest consolidated data from Jato Dynamics, published Monday.

And the countries where cars are most in demand? China, the US, Japan, Britain and Germany, which account for 13.3 million vehicle sales alone.

As for the brands we're most hankering for, Toyota is the best selling marque with VW in second and Ford overtaking Nissan to claim third place thanks to a 7% jump in sales.

However, the biggest climber is Mercedes-Benz, a 14% surge in demand saw the premium marque move into 10th place just behind Kia.

Overall, the demand for premium automobiles show no sign of slowing. Luxury marques accounted for 10.8% of global car sales in the first quarter of 2015 and a year later represent 11.4% of the market.

According to Jato's figures, of the 2.15 million premium cars sold over 2016 Q1, 833,300 - that's almost 40% - fall into the SUV/crossover class.

But regardless of the brand, we're most likely to be buying a crossover or SUV. In the first quarter of the year, SUVs accounted for 36% of vehicle sales in China and accounted for 1.1 million new vehicles on the road in Europe.

Felipe Munoz, Global Automotive Analyst at JATO, said: "Q1 2016 saw dramatic changes as the SUV category increased its market dominance. The whole world wants a SUV, and this shift is evident in the brand ranking, as those that focused on this segment, were the brands that posted the largest gains."

More than a quarter (27%) of new cars sold in the first quarter of 2016 are SUVs and this demand has pushed five high-sided vehicles into the global top 10, the Nissan X-Trail, the Honda HR-V, the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V and the Ford Escape.


Bentley Motors Flying Spur keeps up, offers a number of firsts

                LONDON: Bentley Motors today announced details of its new Flying Spur.

While the third-generation car owes its name to its predecessor, it's an all-new model that Bentley claims would offer sports sedan agility and modern limousine refinement

The new Flying Spur, riding on 22-inch wheels, showcases Bentley’s modern sculptural design language through elegant yet muscular proportions, the marque’s latest generation of unique, cut-crystal effect LED matrix headlamps - now enhanced by chrome sleeves - and new wrap-around rear lamps with "B" motifs.

The car is built on an aluminium and composite chassis and integrates a 48V electronic architecture.

Like Rolls-Royce, the "Flying B" mascot on the Bentley is retractable for the first time.

It also features Electronic All-Wheel Steering for the first time on a Bentley, coupled with Active All-Wheel Drive and Bentley Dynamic Ride, promising better handling and ride.

One peculiar option allows for what Bentley refers to as "digital detox." The car's high-tech digital cockpit can simply be hidden away by folding down a wood veneer fascia over non-essential gear. The wood trim also continues around the cabin.

New three-chamber air springs allow a much greater range of suspension adjustment between limousine-style ride comfort and sporting levels of body control.

A host of new Driver Assistance Systems are fitted to the new Flying Spur as standard, including Traffic Assist, City Assist and Blind Spot Warning, while the ground-breaking Bentley uses state-of-the-art, multi-material body construction.

Driving the new Flying Spur is an enhanced version of Bentley’s 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged W12, mated to a dual-clutch eight-speed transmission for faster, smoother gear changes. This new TSI engine delivers 626bhp and 900Nm, 0-100kph time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 333kph.

A 130mm longer wheelbase means the new Flying Spur features a spacious and luxurious cabin. As well as an extensive list of Single and Dual Veneer wood options, the sedan offers both Bentley’s new fluted leather seating and the unique Mulliner Driving Specification diamond quilting on the seats and an automotive world-first: three-dimensional diamond quilted leather door inserts.

Such modern handcraftsmanship is combined with a host of technologies that enhance the driver’s and passenger comfort. For example, the HD digital instrument panel display, the unique rotating centre console with choice of 12.3 inch digital touchscreen, beautiful analogue dials or digital detoxifying veneer, and the remote control touch screen for rear passengers all combine to make the Flying Spur’s cabin the most modern, innovative and luxurious place to travel in.

Tailored specifically to the modern luxury customer, the interior can be further enhanced with a panoramic glass sunroof stretching the full-length of the roof.

The new Flying Spur is available to order from this autumn and customer deliveries will begin in early 2020.


DBKL offering steep discounts on traffic fines from as low as RM15, valid until March 3

                KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will be offering special traffic compound rates as low as RM15 for motorcycles, cars and heavy vehicles from Feb 1 - March 3 in conjunction with Federal Territory Day.

The public may check and settle outstanding fines at all DBKL payment counters and Pos Malaysia branches, via the mobile integrated service (MOBIS) app available at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, or through www.myeg.com.my.

DBKL corporate planning department director, Khairul Azmir Ahmad, said the special rates are to allow people to pay their overdue traffic fines to avoid being blacklisted.

"The offer doesn’t include traffic violations that have reached the court and isn’t extended to offenders who have been blacklisted and are wanted on warrant,” he said in a statement recently.

He said DBKL has taken 107,547 cases to court and till Dec 31, 2019, a total 4,914 cases have been blacklisted by the Road Transport Department.


2022 World Car finalists are all EVs

                TORONTO: The World Car Finals Powered by Brembo has recently announced the top three candidates for its top prize. And it comes as little surprise that they are all electric cars.

The finalists for the 2022 World Car of the Year are Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.

The vote results had been tabulated by KPMG.

In just a few short weeks, the winners in all six categories will be declared live at the 2022 New York International Auto Show on April 13.

A jury of 102 automotive journalists from 33 countries selected the finalists by secret ballot based on their evaluation of each eligible vehicle as part of their work.

The other awards are World Electric Vehicle of the Year; World Urban Car; World Luxury Car; World Performance Car; and World Car Design of the Year

Both the Ioniq 5 and EV6 are also vying for the World Car Design of the Year, with the Ioniq 5 in the running for a third award: World Electric Vehicle of the Year.


Honda City Hatchback: Zesty picks

                FOLLOWING the introduction of the Honda City Hatchback line-up of four variants in December last year, the idyllic island of Langkawi became the destination earlier this month for the media to sample the V and RS e:HEV versions.

Although the V and RS were the top two variants at the time of the test drive at RM87,856 and RM107,783 respectively (on-the-road prices without insurance and sales tax), Honda Malaysia also launched a fifth V-Sensing offering last week.

The V-Sensing now slots itself between the V and RS at RM91,708.

 City Hatchback RS.

This means that by adding a premium of some RM3,800, owners will be able to obtain the V and have it equipped with the Honda Sensing advanced driver assistance for added safety.

The system features include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Automatic High Beam (AHB).

Aside from the V, V-Sensing and RS, there are still the entry-level S and E variants to consider at RM75,669 and RM83,075 respectively.

 City V.

Except for the RS hybrid, the City Hatchback is provided with a 1.5-litre (1,498cc) dual cam i-VTEC engine producing 121PS at 6,600rpm and 145Nm of torque from 4,300rpm - all while being managed by a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Only the RS gets an electric drive motor that outputs 109PS from 3,500rpm to 8,000rpm, and a whopping 253Nm of instant torque right up to 3,000rpm.

Its 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle dual cam i-VTEC engine, meanwhile is detuned to 98PS and 127Nm of torque and mated an Electric CVT (e-CVT).

The V may be the more sober and less flashy sibling to the RS but has all the necessaries that make up a modern day car.

For starters, the key highlights of the V are LEDs for the front and rear lights as well as the daytime running lights and fog lamps.

Thrown in are keyless-entry with push-start button, paddle-shifters, remote engine start, durable-feeling combination leather seats, dual-USB charging ports at the front and an eight-speaker sound system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen that provides Bluetooth connectivity on top of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a multi-angle reverse camera as well as the Honda LaneWatch camera system.

Despite the V and RS getting anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, vehicle stability assist, hill-start assist and emergency stop-signal as standard, the RS offers more with Honda Sensing.

With the slew of safety features already found in the V, it almost seems not much of a point to get the RS, but then again, as the saying goes: “it’s always better to have and not need it than to need it and not have it”.

With the RS costing almost RM20,000 over the V, it means one has to dig deeper into his pocket to get it.

Luckily, with the introduction of the V Sensing variant, City Hatchback owners will be able to obtain the Honda Sensing system without forking out too much.

But at least there’s that notion of long-term fuel cost savings from the RS’ hybrid powertrain which will reward responsible driving buyers with a miserly consumption of 3.6 litres of petrol per 100km compared with the V’s figure of 5.6 - still considered a decent fuel efficiency.

The City Hatchback is a B-segment model that is designed mainly for urban use and yet be able to take on interstate travel in a stylish and pleasant environment.

Although the V and RS are from the same family, their differences are noticeable from behind the steering wheel.

Both cars are able to take on Malaysian back roads competently but the V, with a kerb weight of 1,151kg, seems to need a heavier right foot to wring out the best of the i-VTEC block.

The RS has plenty of punch to go around with its petrol/electric powertrain and it’ll happily bring itself back up to speed with relative ease despite being heavier at 1,249kg.

With the RS needing 9.7 seconds to do the 0-100kph sprint (V - 10.7 seconds), both variants simply outpace the competition although the RS gets a lower top speed of 175kph (V is rated at 194kph).

Steering the V and RS in and out of corners is effortless and crisp, and this is most pleasing.

Even with a cost-effective torsion beam for its rear suspension and MacPherson struts for the front, there’s still a certain amount of refinement available which not only adds comfort to the mix but also a sense of satisfaction when traversing over uneven road surfaces at speed.

This is something that’s often associated with continental brands.

Honda seems to have truly begun closing in by injecting this quality into this segment.

The hefty weight of the RS’ lithium-ion battery pack under the boot’s floorboard made the rear-end feel planted.

The same can’t be said of the V as it has only a lighter 15-inch spare tyre to press the tail downwards.

The less showy V, with its already impressive fuel economy, should be a sufficient fit for a myriad of people seeking a versatile commuter for a wide range of duties.

This and the fact that it also provides access to a class-leading 289-litre boot that’s expandable to 841 or 1,189 litres via the rear’s Ultra Seats that’s able to not only fold the rear 60:40-split backrests downwards but also fold the rear bench upwards to accommodate tall and bulky items.

As for the “jazzed-up” RS, it would be perfect for those with deeper pockets and a preference for a sportier and somewhat sophisticated representation of their “investment”.

The RS buyer will also benefit from a plethora of safety equipment, extra grunt and a way lower fuel consumption. - Jay Wong


Police to shift several locations of roadblocks nationwide

                KUALA LUMPUR: Several locations of roadblocks nationwide will be moved to more strategic positions, says Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bado (pic).

He said this was necessary following the conditional movement control order (MCO), which was announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today.

"Some of these roadblocks will be moved to more strategic locations, including to check the entry of illegal immigrants, ” he said.

Abdul Hamid said more monitoring teams would be formed to ensure public compliance to social distancing.

Prior to this, Muhyiddin, in a special message in conjunction with Labour Day today, said a big part of the economic and social activities would be allowed from May 4.

However, he said they were subject to conditions and standard operating procedures (SOPs), that had been set.

Citing restaurants as an example, he said they are allowed to operate and must observe the business SOP set by the Government.

Outdoor sports activities such as playing badminton or tennis outside without an audience, jogging, cycling, golf and running comprising not more than 10 persons are allowed on condition social distancing is practised, he added.