New Triton Quest unveiled

                SHAH ALAM: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has introduced the new Triton Quest low-rider that is said to be the most affordable pick-up truck in the local market.

Priced at RM79,890, the Triton Quest comes with the "Dynamic Shield" styling and is offered with a five-year or 100,000km (whichever comes first) warranty.

Meant to be a tough and versatile workhorse with a "sedan" appearance, the Triton Quest's cargo area is low and this makes for easy loading of heavy items.

The Triton Quest also has a rear seat secret storage compartment that is easy-to-reach yet concealed from prying eyes.

The vehicle can carry up to 970kg load inclusive of passengers, and has the biggest cargo deck in the low rider category.

Its functional J-Line cabin design gives more room and comfort for rear passengers while retaining a spacious cargo area.

 Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia senior vice-president Hoffen Teh (left) and chief financial officer Hidehiko Amano at the launch of the new Triton Quest pick-up truck.

Powered by 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine that delivers 110PS and 200Nm of torque, the Triton Quest promises more than enough performance and efficiency needed by its users.

The vehicle also has the best-in-class turning radius of 5.7m, making it easier to handle and drive on narrow roads and crowded working sites.

Features include seatbelts with pretentioners, Electronic Time and Alarm Control System (ETACS) which comes with Lane Change Turn Signal System, power window timer, headlamp auto off function, open door alarm, auto door relock system, auto speed adjustable wipers and a 15-second interior light switch-off delay.

In addition to the Mitsubishi Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body construction, the Triton Quest also comes equipped with dual SRS airbags and anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution.

Its Multi-Information Display can also present useful data such as mileage range traveled, service reminder, fuel range and average fuel consumption.

Meanwhile, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has upgraded the Triton Adventure X with an all-round monitor that uses multiple cameras around the vehicle to create a bird’s-eye-view to aid parking and maneuvering.

The Triton Adventure X also gets a Driving Video Recorder (DVR), sporty side body stickers and premium solar/security tint.

Like the Triton Adventure X, the Triton AT Premium is also upgraded and now gets DVR, leather seats and 7-inch touchscreen audio with Apple Carplay and Android Ready as standard.

The Triton range in Malaysia is available in a choice of six variants and four colours.


Three new drivers to join W Series Esports

The three new drivers are (from left) Wood, Rdest and Schiff.
LONDON: W Series, the international single-seater motor racing championship for female drivers only, will add two new race drivers and one new reserve driver to the line-up for the W Series Esports League.

They are Australian Caitlin Wood, 23; Polish Gosia Rdest, 27; and German reserve driver Naomi Schiff, 25.

The three drivers will join the 18 drivers who have qualified to race in the on-track W Series this year, all of whom are expected to take part in the W Series Esports League.

Working with Logitech G, Beyond Entertainment and iRacing, W Series will stage W Series Esports League races on 10 circuits in the world, and up to three races of varying lengths/durations will be run at each of these circuits.

The W Series Esports League aims to publicise, promote and empower a shared commitment to raising female sim-racing visibility in order to encourage more women and girls to take up e-racing, currently a male-dominated activity.

Further information on the new W Series Esports League, including race dates and details would be revealed soon.

No decision has yet been made on any W Series Esports League prize money.


Still no to interstate travel

                PETALING JAYA: The government has yet to give the green light for interstate travel ahead of the Hari Raya festive season as the number of Covid-19 cases and transmission risk are still high, says Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

He said a decision would only be made once the Health Ministry conducted its own risk assessment.

The public, he said, should not be lax as the number of infections remained high.

“We have over 1,000 cases daily. During our first lockdown, it was about 300-odd cases daily, ” he said after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Pharmaniaga Bhd and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu that was also witnessed by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad.

Ismail Sabri warned that stern action would be taken against those “buying” travel permits or pre-stamped letters with a police seal.

Action would also be taken against police officers found to be selling those permits, he added.

“If you purchase (permits) outside with police approval, that is wrong. The police never issue anything like that.

“How can the police give blanket approval without going through a proper screening process? The authorities need to know why an individual wants to travel, ” he said.


Honda and SoftBank in 5G Connected Car Technologies joint research

                TOKYO: SoftBank and Honda R&D have begun discussions into starting a joint research project to strengthen connected car technologies that involves internet connectivity and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication.

The joint project will look towards offering users new experiences and value by connecting mobility products, primarily cars, and various other items.

The two companies will pursue this joint research with a view of future adoption of fifth generation (5G) mobile communication system standards.

In the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2018, SoftBank will install experiential 5G base stations at Honda R&D’s Takasu Proving Ground (in Takasu-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido, Japan), and the two companies will start full-fledged joint research under the 5G environment.

The two companies will create a 5G environment by utilizing Honda’s closed test course (Takasu Proving Ground) and work to develop High-speed handover technology.

This looks to the development of technologies and on-board antennas which will enable a stable handover of base stations for communication by a vehicle moving at high-speed.

Furthermore, Recovery technologies will also be looked into to help secure data sending/receiving performance for areas with weak or out-of-range signals.

Lastly, both data processing technologies and further technological developments for various other usages will be dabbled in.


Mazda MX-5 Miata RF sold out

                LOS ANGELES: Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) announced that it has sold out of the 1,000-car allocation for the 2017 MX-5 Miata RF Launch Edition.

In the first week of ordering, which started Sept 26, more than 500 loyal Mazda customers put down deposits to buy a Retractable Fastback MX-5 Miata.

When ordering opened to the general public on Oct 3, the remaining cars sold out in just 13 hours. In all, 67% of customers opted for manual transmissions.

Each US-bound MX-5 RF Launch Edition will be painted Machine Gray Metallic and come with Auburn Nappa leather seating appointments, a hand-painted black roof and special badging—the latter three exclusive to the MX-5 RF Launch Edition for 2017.

Customers also will receive a serialized Tourneau 42mm MX-5 RF Launch Edition watch.

“The 2017 MX-5 RF Launch Edition preorder program was created to reward loyal Mazda customers with exclusive access to some of the first MX-5 RF models to be sold in the US, as well as to ramp up anticipation for what was arguably the star of the 2016 New York International Auto Show,” said Robert Davis, senior VP, US Operations.

“By every measure, this program was a success, and we’re excited to be that much closer to getting these cars into the garages of customers from all over the US.”

Production of MX-5 RF started last week, and orders have been submitted this week for the US MX-5 RF Launch Edition, with deliveries to customers beginning early 2017.

With the MX-5 RF Launch Edition having sold out, focus now shifts to the standard-production MX-5 Club and Grand Touring models.


Lack of active safety features like ABS may cost lives, says Dr Wee

                PETALING JAYA: All cars should come with active safety features, especially those with light bodies and small wheels, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, adding that it could ultimately cost some people their lives.

The former transport minister said there had been instances of light vehicles that did not have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), for example, that went out of control under emergency braking situations, especially on wet roads.

"There have been accidents where victims complained that their steering is out of control, and the cause of it was that the front brake had locked," he said in a Facebook post today.

He was commenting on Perodua's announcement of its low-cost Axia E model, which would cost just RM22,000 but would not be equipped with active safety features like ABS and electronic stability control (ESC).

"When a driver loses control (of his vehicle) due to lack of ABS, it will not only affect the driver but also other road users, including pedestrians and motorcyclists," said Dr Wee.

He also said adding ABS and ESC would add a mere RM2,000 to the cost of the car.

"The monthly instalment for a RM22,000 car with a seven-years loan is RM326 per month," he said.

He added that an additional RM2,000 to the cost would increase the monthly instalment by RM30 to RM356, which is just RM1 a day.

"Isn't an additional RM1 daily worth the price if it is safer for the driver?" he asked.

"I support any companies or manufacturers that offer low car prices.

"However, please do not put the lives of Malaysians at risk as a compromise to a lower price tag," said Dr Wee.


Four men charged over BYD showroom vandalism in HK

BYD's showrooms were daubed with red paint last week. — Reuters

HONG KONG: A Hong Kong court today charged four men with criminal damage to property at showrooms and a service centre of Chinese automaker BYD Co Ltd after they were vandalised last week in the financial hub.

The automakers' offices in the special administrative region were daubed with red paint, while a car also rammed into the roller shutter at its Yuen Long showroom on June 12, said police.

The men arrested were all of Chinese nationality and aged between 29-48 years, according to charge-sheets released by the court. Two were unemployed while one was a garage worker and the other a mechanic. The case is being handled by the city's regional anti-triad unit.

None of them made any pleas in the court today.

All will be kept in the custody of the correctional services department until the next hearing on July 17.

BYD's showrooms in the districts of Wan Chai on Hong Kong island and Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon, as well as its service centre in Tin Shui Wai in the New Territories, have since resumed normal operations, BYD's local agent JC Motor said.

Police said last week that there was no evidence that the men had deliberately targeted the mainland auto brand and that an investigation was ongoing


Audi A4 latest to undergo 'INKA' torture test - VIDEO

                INGOLSTADT: Audi Quality Assurance has conducted its 100th "INKA" test – on an Audi A4. The Ingolstadt corrosion and aging test is one of the toughest assessments a car has to go through at Audi. Performed at the Audi global headquarters, it simulates the challenges of 12 years of a car’s lifetime in a span of just 19 weeks. Quality Assurance uses this method to verify an Audi's effective corrosion protection and durability.

In the course of performing 100 INKA tests, Audi Quality Assurance has completed a total of 322,500 testing hours, covered more than one million kilometres and driven through 2,800 mud tests and 1,900 salt tests.

“Audi stands for superior build quality, high-quality material appearance and high reliability – even many years after a car is first registered,” explains Sylvia Droll, Head of Materials Engineering. “The INKA test is an essential tool for assessing the quality of our models and for further optimising our production methods.”

The endurance test covers five phases. First the car is misted with salt in a climatic chamber at 35 degrees Celsius. Next it is exposed to a tropical climate of up to 50 degrees Celsius and maximum air humidity of 100 percent. In phase three, 80 halogen metal vapour lamps, each with an output of 1,200 watts, heat the body to a maximum of 90 degrees Celsius. In the process, the colours in the interior must not fade and the materials must not become brittle.

The fourth phase simulates winter-like conditions at the polar circle. At minus 35 degrees Celsius, a four-post hydropulse machine rocks the car to simulate the body torsion and strain on parts of the vehicle and engine mounts that cars endure on rough roads. In parallel – phase five – test drivers repeatedly drive through specially prepared routes on the open testing grounds.

A total of 12,000 kilometres are travelled with each model, including driving through saltwater and mud. At the end of the test, the quality inspectors dissect the entire car into around 600 individual parts and check these for weak points.

Audi Quality Assurance conducted the first INKA tests in 2002. Technical Development has been assessing pre-series cars using the same test method for 40 years now.


Japan set to target zero emissions by 2050 in policy shift

Suga is expected to announce the new target when he makes his first address to parliament on Monday. — Reuters
TOKYO: Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is set to bind Japan to a target for carbon neutrality by 2050, a shift in stance that will bring the country in line with the European Union and more than 60 other nations in efforts to combat climate change.

The new target will be announced by Suga when he makes his first address to parliament on Monday, after taking office last month, the Nikkei reported earlier this week.

Japan previously said it would aim to reduce emissions by 80% by 2050 and achieve net-zero emissions sometime in the latter half of the century.

The move, if confirmed, would make the world’s third-largest economy the second Asian country after South Korea to aim for the 2050 target that is considered the minimum needed to keep global average temperatures from rising by more than 1.5 Celsius.

Japan is the world’s fifth-biggest emitter of carbon dioxide, the heat trapping gas that scientists say is already causing major heatwaves, bigger and more powerful cyclones and periods of drought around the world.

Under pressure from many business sectors, moves are also afoot to increase the use of renewable energy as the government starts forcing the shutdown of older, dirtier coal plants.

But investors say the apparent change in position is at odds with the country’s plans to roll out new coal stations.

“Any net zero commitment from a coal-intensive economy, such as Japan, has to be coupled with an urgent and credible coal phase out plan to be taken seriously,” said Jan Erik Saugestad, CEO of Norway’s Storebrand Asset Management.

Storebrand has assets under management of around US$90 billion with investments in Japanese companies and has been critical of Japan’s stance on coal.

“Japan’s solar and wind power potential is huge and Prime Minister Suga has the opportunity to accelerate this and embrace a modern and coal-free energy system,” he added.

Pressure has also been building from below with the number of cities, towns and villages aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050 increasing to 163 from 4 in a little over a year, according to the environment ministry.

Still, there are plenty of vested interests to stymie the efforts including from the old power utilities, car and steel makers, along with industrial companies that use coal boilers to produce steam needed for manufacturing purposes, all of whom have plenty of lobbying power.

Companies running smaller, older coal plants are already lobbying the government heavily for exemptions to the plans shut to them down, an official at one of Japan’s trading houses that supplies them with fuel told Reuters this week.

But Japan’s most powerful business federation, known as Keidanren, is now advocating the 2050 target with its chairman Hiroaki Nakanishi pushing the line at the prime minister’s economic advisory council, according to minutes from the Oct 6 meeting.

A report released in August showed how Keidanren is dominated by energy-intensive sectors representing less than 10% of the economy, resulting in national policies that favour coal and hindering efforts on climate change.


WHO calls for 30kph speed limit in cities to reduce road deaths

                GENEVA: Governments around the world need to do more to prevent road accidents, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said, calling on cities to introduce blanket 30kph speed limits to save lives.

Spain has increased road safety by introducing a speed limit of 30kph, the WHO reported, while Paris, too, has introduced the same speed limit on most roads.

According to the WHO, of the 12,000 people worldwide who die every day as a result of accidents and violence (a total of about 4.4 million per year), one in three of do so in road traffic.

Much more remains to be done in the area of road safety, the WHO analysts write, citing regulations such as alcohol limits, helmets and seat belts in cars, and safety standards for vehicles.

The experts attribute the number of deaths, among other causes, to "weak laws and inadequate law enforcement on key risks such as speeding, driving while intoxicated, failing to use motorcycle helmets, seat-belts and child restraints, and distracted driving."

Not only do laws need to be tightened, but regulations must also be well monitored and violations should be punished.

An important contribution to more road safety would also be an affordable public transport network.


New Audi 2021 models expected in Singapore

                SINGAPORE: Audi in Singapore has revealed an exciting line-up of introductions for next year set to hit the shores of the island republic.

The first half of the year will be lined with the all-electric and high-performance models such as the Audi e-tron Sportback SUV and an updated Audi R8.

Other models include the updated Audi e-tron GEN2 and the all-new Audi RS 7 Sportback sedan.

 Audi e-tron GT prototype.Audi RS 7 Sportback.Audi R8 Spyder.Audi Q2.Audi Q5 Sportback.Audi e-tron S Sportback.Audi e-tron.Audi Q5.

For the rest of the year, the other models include the updated Audi Q2 1.5 TSI compact SUV, the refreshed best-seller Q5 SUV, the new Q5 Sportback and the new all-electric sports car Audi e-tron GT which comes off the same assembly line as the R8.

Also making its way will be the all electric variants the Audi e-tron S and Audi e-tron S Sportback.

Technical specs and a more exhaustive list will be available soon.


BMW Group Malaysia retains crown with over 14,000 cars delivered in 2022

                KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Group Malaysia has surpassed pre-pandemic business performance with over 14,400 units of BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad vehicles delivered in 2022 – of which over 70% are locally assembled, cementing its leading position in the premium segment in Malaysia for three years in a row.

Over 31% of all BMW and MINI deliveries were electrified vehicles in 2022, adding to a total of over 25,000 units of electrified BMW Group Malaysia vehicles on the road to date.

With over 37% in growth compared to the same period from the year before, the BMW brand delivered over 11,800 vehicles, while MINI recorded an upward of 25% with over 1,300 units delivered.

Meanwhile, BMW Motorrad delivered over 1,300 motorcycles, recording a growth of over 20%. These equate to an increase of over 34% in total deliveries across the BMW Group portfolio from the year before.

The success of the BMW portfolio was led by a delivery of over 2,300 units of 3 Series in 2022, with the 320i Sport being the key contributor.

The 2 Series became a new favourite with 1,357 units delivered – led by the 218i Gran Coupé; followed closely by the 5 Series at 1,328 deliveries, of which more than half were of the 530i M Sport variant.

The BMW portfolio also more than doubled the deliveries of the X family of Sports Activity Vehicles (SAVs) in 2022 to over 5,100 units.

The X3 reflected this upward trajectory and took top spot for the X range with over 1,300 deliveries following a successful introduction of three new, locally assembled variants in 2022, including the electrified X3 xDrive30e M Sport.

The X1 and X5 followed closely with over 1,200 and 1,100 units delivered respectively.

MINI’s success in the local market was led by the Countryman. With over 800 units delivered, the adventure-ready model accounted for over 65% of deliveries for the MINI portfolio.

Electrified mobility continues to grow with MINI as well in 2022, where over 24% of MINI vehicles delivered were electrified. This marks a growth of over 83% in deliveries compared to the same period last year.

BMW Motorrad also inspired more Malaysians to ride in 2022, where over 700 chose to do so with the adventure motorcycles. The success of this segment was contributed by the R 1250 GS Adventure at over 340 units. The sports segment saw a delivery of over 230 motorcycles led by the G 310 GS.

BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia also celebrated success with over 5,000 BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad financed in 2022, equating to over 35% vehicles delivered last year.

Over 2,800 contracts were funded digitally last year. The BMW Easy Drive financing programme also saw a 100% growth as it doubled in contracts signed. Healthy penetration rates of 32% for the BMW brand, 31% for the MINI brand and 59% for BMW Motorrad were also recorded last year.

The market’s reception of electrified vehicles was successfully exemplified with the delivery of over 4,000 electrified BMW and MINI in 2022 alone, of which over 31% were fully electric.

The BMW i portfolio was led by deliveries of the iX, which saw over 970 new owners.

To facilitate the progressive adoption of electric vehicles, BMW Group Malaysia also continued to accelerate its public charging network nationwide throughout 2022.

To date, BMW Group Malaysia provides BMW and MINI EV owners with access to over 610 charging facilities nationwide.

Existing partnerships with ChargEV provide BMW and MINI EV owners with access to over 330 charging stations – including the 26 charging facilities powered by ChargEV and Yinson GreenTech at 17 Starbucks stores within Klang Valley, Penang, Malacca and Johor.

BMW Group Malaysia has also partnered with JomCharge to enable access to over 65 charging stations, and Gentari with 117 charging stations nationwide.

Over 80 BMW i charging facilities are also available at most authorised BMW and MINI dealerships across the country, with a strategic infrastructure expansion plan already in place for 2023.

Beyond introducing new BMW i models and services, the automaker also ensured an EV-ready workforce through the BMW High Voltage Expert Certification, as part of its long-term commitment to upskilling the local automotive talents through transfer of technological know-how from across the BMW Group.

With strong assembly capabilities anchored in Kulim, Kedah, over 11,200 BMW and MINI vehicles delivered last year were assembled here, of which more than 2,500 were electrified.

In mid-2022, BMW Group Malaysia also celebrated its 100,000 th vehicle assembled milestone at the BMW assembly plant in Kulim, with the assembly of the new electrified X3 – a significant achievement for the organisation in its 19th year of business in the country.

This performance also cemented BMW Group Malaysia’s role as the largest premium automotive exporter in Malaysia.

It is also the largest automotive exporter with over 6,700 deliveries to neighbouring countries including Thailand and the Philippines.

Last year saw 17 model variant introductions from the BMW Group portfolio, of which three were all-new fully-electric i vehicles presented at NEXTGen Malaysia – a three-day conference on sustainability by BMW Group Malaysia in January last year.

This year will see an expansion of the BMW Group’s product line-up in Malaysia, coupled with new sustainability undertakings in collaboration with key industry players.

“Our achievements in 2022 have been nothing short of extraordinary as we not only matched but far surpassed our performance from even before the Covid-19 pandemic," said BMW Group Malaysia managing director Hans de Visser.

"While we experienced a slowdown in 2020 and the chip shortage in most parts of 2021, 2022 has been a stellar year of recovery and growth for BMW Group Malaysia, as we re-emerge from the challenges of the last two years stronger than we have ever been."

“As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of BMW Group Malaysia this year, we are reminded that it is our ambition and strategies for the Malaysian automotive sector that has brought us here today; not just to become the leading automaker in the premium segment, but also an established market leader for electrified vehicles in the country."

The local achievement reflects that of the brand’s global success, as close to 2,400,000 vehicles across the BMW Group portfolio, including Rolls-Royce, were delivered to customers globally.

The performance of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) from the BMW Group portfolio more than doubled in 2022 with over 215,000 units to achieve a 108% growth, reflecting a strong uptake of electrified mobility across the globe.

Maintaining their No. 1 position in the global premium segment, the BMW brand delivered a total of 2,100,000 units worldwide, while MINI delivered over 290,000 units and BMW Motorrad over 202,000 units. Rolls-Royce also reported its highest deliveries in its 118-year history, which saw over 6,000 units delivered globally.


No cars allowed at Paris's Champs-Elysees once a month

                PARIS: Paris's famed Champs-Elysees will soon be closed to traffic one day a month, allowing pedestrians to take over the chic avenue lined with some of the world's most expensive stores, the city's mayor said Wednesday.

The broad, glittering avenue, a must-see for visitors to the French capital, stretches from the vast Place de la Concorde square up to the Arc de Triomphe monument.

However its renowned beauty can be hard to appreciate with eight lanes of traffic roaring past major chains such as Louis Vuitton and Abercrombie&Fitch, while tour buses line up bumper to bumper dropping tourists off for a photo opportunity.

Mayor Anne Hidalgo's office said the plan to bar cars one day a month would likely start in April.

The environmentally minded mayor also said that from April, one in two Parisian parks would be open 24 hours a day.

Pollution has become a major problem in Paris and several other French cities, whose air periodically becomes clogged with tiny floating particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and the blood system and can cause cancer.

The World Health Organization says fine-particle air pollution is responsible for about 42,000 premature deaths in France each year.

Last March, French authorities briefly forced half the cars off the roads of Paris under an even-and-odd licence plate scheme used during dangerously high smog episodes.


Indonesia president signs new EV decree to bolster industry

                JAKARTA: Indonesian President Joko Widodo said today he signed a decree that lays out government support to build an electric vehicle (EV) industry in South-East Asia’s largest economy, the Cabinet Secretariat said in a statement.

Widodo did not elaborate, but a draft of the decree reviewed by Reuters ahead of the signing showed it contained a series of incentives to boost production and purchase of EVs.

Widodo said in the statement that the key to the EV industry is in the construction of the batteries they run on and the “raw materials to make a battery: cobalt, manganese and others, we have in this country.”

Resource-rich Indonesia has been seeking to carve out a downstream industry based on its supplies of nickel laterite ore, which is used in lithium batteries.

“The business strategy can be designed in this country so that we can get ahead of others in building an inexpensive electric car industry, which is competitive because the raw materials are here,” he said on the sideline of an event at the headquarters of the Association of South-East Asian Nations, according to the statement.

READ MORE: Malaysian engineering services firm picked to develop third national car project

Widodo warned that building such an industry would take longer than “a year or two”, because it must also create a new market.

The draft regulation seen by Reuters gives automakers reductions in import tariffs for machinery and materials and lower luxury taxes for buyers, among other things.

Widodo today also suggested that city administrations across the country could provide more incentives, such as free parking or free administrative fees, to further support adoption of EVs by private consumers and public transportation firms.

Indonesia aims to become an EV hub for Asia and beyond with a target to start EV production in 2022 and for the share of EV output to reach 20% of total car production by 2025.

Indonesian authorities said Toyota Motor Corp, which has the biggest market share in the domestic car market, and Hyundai Motor would invest US$2 billion and US$880 million in the country, respectively, to develop EVs over the next few years.


New MINI JCW Clubman and Countryman roll in from RM329K

                KUALA LUMPUR: MINI in Malaysia has unveiled two new variants to join the iconic British automotive brand with the introduction of the Clubman and Countryman, which now bears the John Cooper Works (JCW) badge - signifying more power and kit.

The new variants are currently estimated to be priced on-the-road with GST without insurance at RM328,888 and RM348,888 for the Clubman and Countryman respectively, while being accompanied by a four-year unlimited mileage warranty and free scheduled service intervals.

They are also covered by a five-year Roadside Assistance programme that provides a 24-hour Accident and Help on the Phone as well as On the Spot Hotline, free towing services (over 200km from residential home, replacement vehicle, accommodation, mobility services solutions and repatriation service.

Both models are available in two colour options of Rebel Green and Midnight Black, while White Silver is exclusively tagged to the Clubman and Light White for the Countryman.

 JCW Clubman JCW Countryman

Externally, both the Clubman and Countryman have been garnished with JCW parts that include an Aerodynamic body kit, Burnish Black 19-inch Course Spoke wheels, grille, Chili Red roof and mirror caps, Chili Red decals, rear spoiler, stainless steel tail pipes, side scuttles, door sills and MINI Yours Logo projection for the puddle lights. Meanwhile, the Countryman exclusively receives a Picnic Bench which folds out from the boot.

Under the hood, the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine now plays to an uprated tune of 231hp and 350Nm of torque for the ALL4 all-wheel drive system, managed by an eight-speed automatic gearbox with tiptronic and paddle shifters - allowing them to sprint from 0-100kph in 6.3 seconds (Countryman - 6.5 seconds) and onwards to a top speed of 238kph (Countryman - 234kph).

 JCW Clubman

The ALL4 system electronically controls the distribution of drive torque between the front and rear wheels, allowing for better acceleration and agility, while ensuring optimum traction and stability regardless of road conditions.

According to MINI, the latest ALL4 is also more compact, lighter and more efficient system, which consists of a bevel gear on the front axle differential called a power take-off, a dual-section propeller shaft and a rear axle differential with an electro-hydraulically controlled hang-on clutch.

 JCW ClubmanJCW Countryman

This allows for an ideal balance of power distribution between the front and rear wheels to ensure that optimum traction and driving fun is achieved.

In terms of fuel consumption on the combined cycle, the Clubman burns 7.2 litres per 100km, while the Countryman goes through 7.4 litres.

Inside, there's also JCW touches such as the sports seats with Dinamica Leather upholstery in Carbon Black and Red Stripes, stainless steel pedals, leather-wrapped steering wheel, instrument cluster, centre display trim - while being accented by Fibre Alloy (Clubman) or Piano Black (Countryman).

There's also a high contrast colour Heads-up Display (HUD), which displays the current speed, gear, rev-gauge and also alerts its driver when to shift up a gear.

Also included is a 3D navigation system that's displayed on a new 8.8-inch screen (now with touchscreen technology), while a split-screen function is also available to display two map views simultaneously.

 JCW Clubman JCW Countryman

Other features include MINI Connected, Bluetooth connectivity, a 20GB hard drive, a LED ring around the centre instrument, Parking Assist, six-speaker 410W Harman Kardon sound system, reverse camera, keyless-entry with red start-stop toggle and automatic tailgate for greater convenience.

Another new feature is the unique MINI Find Mate, which helps to keep track of the any knick-knacks and comes with two Bluetooth tags that can be attached to a luggage or a set of keys - allowing the vehicle to detect if the item(s) is in the vehicle.  If not, an audible signal and the location of the item will be sent to the driver's smartphone, but should the item(s) be out of range, the car will navigate the driver back to its last known location.

Depending on mood, there are three driving modes to choose from via  a rotary switch at the base of the gear knob for SPORT, MID or GREEN, which changes the characteristics of the accelerator and steering sensitivity (Sport being the most sensitive) as well as the engine acoustics and shift characteristics of the transmission.

If fuel is scarce, selecting GREEN mode will provide efficiency-optimised driving with coasting function where the drivetrain is decoupled at speeds between 50 and 160kph once the driver's foot is off the accelerator pedal. This also alters the Countryman's adaptive Dynamic Damper Control suspension system, while the Clubman sits on a set of tightened sports suspension.

The brakes have also been uprated, with a set of Brembo four-piston callipers for greater braking performance that have been splashed in bright red paint and bearing the JCW badge.

To help with handling, both Clubman and Countryman have Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Traction Control and Electronic Differential Lock Control - acting as an electronic locking function for the front axle differential, and Performance Control for more agility when taking on bends at speed.

"As we celebrate John Cooper's 94th birthday, we are pleased to introduce two new MINI John Cooper Works models which carry the legendary high-performance DNA set by John Cooper as well as the reputation of premium sophistication that MINI is known for," said BMW Group Malaysia managing director and CEO Han Sang Yun.

MINI John Cooper Works Clubman MINI John Cooper Works Clubman (left) and Countryman.MINI John Cooper Works Countryman


Tesla rushes Model 3s to China before trade-war truce expires

File pic of a Model 3 on display last April at Auto China 2018 in Beijing.— Reuters
SAN FRANCISCO:At least three ships roughly the length of two football fields are slated to arrive at ports in China by the end of this month, each carrying precious cargo from Elon Musk.

Tesla Inc. is loading as many Model 3 sedans as it can onto vessels destined for the People’s Republic ahead of March 1, when a trade-war truce between presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping is scheduled to expire.

Musk fears the two countries could ratchet tariffs back up, which would make the chief executive officer’s electric cars more expensive in China and boost costs of key components the country sends to his U.S. assembly plant.

Other carmakers are at risk of seeing expenses rise again if the Trump-versus-Xi dispute flares back up. But Musk is in perhaps the most precarious position in the industry.

Global giants such as BMW AG and Daimler AG can wiggle around the tariffs to an extent by boosting production at existing China factories, but Tesla’s manufacturing presence there was merely a muddy field as of last month. It won’t be assembling any vehicles in China until the end of 2019 at the earliest.

“They’re uniquely exposed,” said Robin Zhu, an analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein.

Musk, 47, said getting cars to China before a potential increase in tariffs was a key priority when Tesla reported a smaller-than-expected profit on Jan 30.

Higher duties would combine with already elevated transport and labor costs to make the company’s vehicles much pricier than competitors’. Plus, imported electric cars aren’t eligible for local tax credits.

“Our car is just very expensive going into China,” Musk said on the earnings call. “The demand for Model 3 is insanely high. The inhibitor is affordability.”

Trump and Xi agreed to a 90-day detente in December. The US said it would delay a planned tariff rate increase-to 25 percent from 10 percent-on almost half the goods it buys from China, worth some US$200 billion. While officials have been negotiating since then, Trump has said he and Xi won’t meet again before March 1.

On Tuesday, Trump said he’s open to extending the deadline if the two sides are near an agreement. China has said its suspension of an additional 25 percent tariff on US autos and parts will apply through the end of March. For months before the truce, China had slapped American-built cars with 40 percent levies.

In recent days, a steady stream of trucks hauling Tesla models has arrived at the gates of Pier 80 in San Francisco, where workers can be seen unloading them into a parking lot packed with thousands of cars. The vehicles then are loaded onto ships for the roughly two-week journey to Asia.

The vessel Glovis Symphony docked at the port of Tianjin early this week and is due to arrive in Shanghai on Wednesday. Two more carriers, Morning Cindy and Emerald Ace, are at sea and scheduled to reach China’s shores on Feb. 19 and 24, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Other ships being loaded at Pier 80 are headed to Europe.

The Model 3 is the linchpin of Tesla’s effort to appeal to a wider global audience, with Musk promising for years that a version eventually will be available for US$35,000 before incentives. That’s generally in line with the average selling price of a vehicle in the US.

But following through on that vow has bedeviled Musk. The cheapest version available now-almost three years since he first showed a concept of the car-is US$42,900. In Europe, where deliveries are just getting under way, prices vary by country, with customers in Belgium paying a base price of 58,800 euros (US$66,600), compared with 55,400 euros in Germany and 53,500 euros in France.

In China, the Model 3 starts at 433,000 yuan (US$63,900). Some of the best-selling electric cars in the market-the world’s biggest for battery-powered vehicles-can be had for less than a sixth of that price. Beijing Electric Vehicle Co.’s EC Series and Chery Automobile Co.'s eQ are listed at 65,800 yuan after subsidies.

The US-China trade war risks making the Model 3 costlier worldwide. In addition to the possibility that Xi’s administration could reimpose higher tariffs on American autos, Trump’s levies could make it more expensive for Tesla to source key parts.

Tesla asked the Trump administration for a tariff exemption on the Model 3’s computer, which is made in China and essentially acts as the brain of the car, overseeing everything from the touch-screen display to the advanced driver-assistance system known as Autopilot.

The US Trade Representative’s office has been reviewing whether the product is available only from China and whether higher tariffs would severely hurt the company or US interests. Tesla argued as much in its request, filed in August.

Musk has a case to make that Tesla punches above its weight on trade. While researcher Autodata Corp. estimates the carmaker’s US market share was only about 0.7 percent last year, U.S. Census Bureau data suggests the company may account for almost 16 percent of vehicle exports by value.

In 2017, California shipped US$1.37 billion worth of electric vehicles to China, according to the bureau’s foreign-trade statistics. Through October 2018, the figure was US$936 million. Virtually all of those cars were Teslas.

If the trade war escalates further, Tesla could shift part of its supply chain to other countries in Asia, or to Mexico where it already has several established suppliers. The company also is working closely with government officials in Shanghai to build a vehicle and battery factory. Musk said he expects to make several trips to China this year.

“We’re thinking about demand almost zero right now,” Musk said during the earnings call. Getting cars to China before there’s a potential rise in tariffs is “really on top of mind.”


Rhodium White is Mazda's third signature body colour

                HIROSHIMA: If there's one automaker that can talk at length about a single colour, it's Mazda.

Last week, it issued a long statement devoted to a new body colour it calls Rhodium White.

It said it's a special paint created using Mazda’s "Takuminuri" painting technology. With a reputation for striking exteriors and award-winning design, the new colour joins Soul Red Crystal and Machine Grey as a third signature body colour and will debut on the all-new CX-60 later this year.

Takuminuri refers to Mazda’s painting technology that reproduces a precise, high-quality paint finish as if done by a skilled craftsman on an automobile mass production line.

Mazda believes that paintwork is a crucial part of what gives shape to a vehicle, and so it has focused its efforts on developing hues that accentuate the dynamic and delicate expression of the company’s Kodo: Soul of Motion design philosophy.

Rhodium White is a pure white inspired by Japanese aesthetics, finding beauty in simplicity and the absence of superfluous elements. Furthermore, the paint’s fine grain accentuates the shadows on the surface of the vehicle complementing the metallic texture of Rhodium White.

Mazda’s approach uses advanced paint technology to create colours with rich depth and radiance that highlight every sensuous curve and line of a car, while also ensuring to reduce the environmental impact of the painting process in keeping with the brand’s long-term Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030 vision.

The Takuminuri process uses painting robots that has been fed data obtained through simulation painting with Mazda’s best craftsmen to replicate traditional techniques to give mass-production vehicles a precise, high-quality and hand-sprayed finish.

While developing Rhodium White, Mazda was able to take Takuminuri to new heights, successfully mass producing an expressive finish using only three layers: a clear layer, a reflective layer and the coloured layer.

The coloured layer provides a newly developed white pigment that delivers a silky smooth, fine-grain white.

As standard practice with white paints, the undercoat tends to show through, and the clear coat is generally thicker than for other tonalities. Rhodium White however, uses a newly developed pigment which Mazda was able to reduce the thickness of the clear coat by up to 30 per cent. This contributes to a more efficient use of resources and a reduction of CO2 emissions during the production process.

Mazda uses a method in which paint containing ultra-thin, high luminance aluminium flakes are applied to achieve a uniform thickness and which then shrink in volume during the drying process for the reflective layer. The result is an extremely thin reflective layer of 0.5 microns or about 7 per cent of the thickness of a typical reflective layer.

In addition, the Hiroshima-based company was able to achieve a hand-painted like finish with the aluminium flakes smoothly aligned at regular intervals in the reflective layer.

The entire surface gleams when exposed to light and displays a realistic metallic texture. Individual aluminium flakes are distributed evenly and parallel to the undulations of the body surface, producing a glossy and shaded appearance when touched by light despite the brightness of Rhodium White.

After CX-60, the colour would be rolled out across upcoming models in Mazda’s Large Product group.


Two new Dunlop tyres launched

 (From left) Henry, Chin, Shen and Sim at the launch of two new Dunlop tyres.

PETALING JAYA: Continental Tyre Malaysia has introduced two new Dunlop tyres - Dunlop Formula D05 and Dunlop SP Sport J5 - which have been designed specifically for the Malaysian climate especially during rainy and wet conditions.

“Travelling in the rain can be a nerve-wrecking experience, as such a tyre with superior wet weather traction can be a big safety benefit for drivers who need to travel at speed in wet conditions.

“Both our Dunlop tyres are engineered with German technology and designed with Malaysian road conditions in mind,” said national sales manager of Continental Tyre Malaysia, Sim Wee Chung.

Also present at the launch was chief executive officer Continental Tyre Malaysia, Benoit Henry; project manager Continental Tyre Shanghai, Jason Shen and product development engineer Continental Tyre Malaysia, Cornelius Chin.

Both Dunlop tyres have improved water dispersion rates for increased road contact and grip as well as enhanced braking performance.

The Dunlop Formula D05 line is available in 28 sizes ranging from 15in to 18in and is targeted for performance vehicles while the Dunlop SP Sport J5 has 17 sizes from 12in to 15in and is made for comfort.

Another new and innovative feature of the new tyres is the Sun and Rain tread depth indicator which is embossed on the tyre itself. Once both these indicators wear out, it’s time to change your tyres.

“With the new Dunlop tyres, we have tailored a product for a specific market which is Malaysia and is not available in any other country. This is Continental’s commitment to Malaysians,” said Henry.

The Dunlop Formula D05 and Dunlop SP Sport J5 tyres are available all over Malaysia in Continental Best Drive, Continental Stores, Dunlop Klinikar and Viking Stores.


VW to test quantum computing in battery research

                WOLFSBURG: Volkswagen experts will simulate the chemical structure of batteries on quantum computers.

Quantum computing technology comes out of Volkswagen Group of America’s CODE Lab in San Francisco.

The objective is the “tailor-made battery”, a configurable chemical blueprint ready for production.

For the first time, Volkswagen experts have succeeded in simulating industrially relevant molecules using a quantum computer. This is especially important for the development of high-performance electric vehicle batteries, as the experts have successfully simulated molecules such as lithium-hydrogen and carbon chains.

In the long term, the quantum algorithm could simulate the chemical composition of a battery on the basis of different criteria such as weight reduction, maximum power density or cell assembly, and provide a design which could be used directly for production. This would help significantly accelerate the battery development process, which has been time-consuming and resource-intensive to date.

"We are focusing on the modernization of IT systems throughout the group”, said Volkswagen Group CIO Martin Hofmann.

“The objective is to intensify the digitalisation of work processes – to make them simpler, more secure and more efficient and to support new business models. This is why we are combining our core task with the introduction of specific key technologies for Volkswagen. These include the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence, as well as quantum computing."

Using newly developed algorithms, Volkswagen experts have laid the foundation for simulating and optimising the chemical structure of high-performance electric vehicle batteries on a quantum computer in San Francisco, California.

“We are working hard to develop the potential of quantum computers for Volkswagen. The simulation of electrochemical materials is an important project in this context,” said Florian Neukart, Principle Scientist at Volkswagen’s CODE Lab in San Francisco. “In this field, we are performing genuine pioneering work. We are convinced that commercially available quantum computers will open up previously unimaginable opportunities. We intend to acquire the specialist knowledge we need for this purpose now."

Highly specialised IT experts from Volkswagen, including data scientists, computer linguists and software engineers, are working together at the IT labs in San Francisco and Munich to develop the potential of quantum computers for applications. The main focus is on the programming of algorithms on quantum computers. These are subject to different laws than conventional computers. In the field of quantum computing, Volkswagen Group is collaborating with Google and D-Wave, who provide the Volkswagen experts with access to their systems.

Volkswagen will present its quantum computing research at June 12-15 CEBIT in Hanover.


Covid-19: Proton provides basic vehicle maintenance tips during MCO days

                SHAH ALAM: The Government has extended the movement control order (MCO) period, to help curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus, during this time, Proton has a few tips to help keep your car ship-shape.

So reminders are constantly given on how to stay safe but the MCO (on until April 14) also means most cars will be parked for up to 28 days and not many have considered what to do to their own vehicles during this period.

Here are some suggestions from Proton on how to keep your vehicle in tip-top condition during the MCO period.

1. Charge up
While technology has progressed since the early years of automobile production, one fact remains – a vehicle needs to be started periodically (the recommended period is every seven days) in order to maintain functionality.

One of the basic components a car has – is the battery. The battery primarily starts the engine and provides electrical power to other parts of the vehicle so if the engine is not run frequently, the alternator is unable to charge the battery.

To avoid this, start your vehicle’s engine and keep it running for 10 minutes to allow the alternator to do its job.

While doing this, do not turn on the radio or climate controls because doing so will draw the electric current away from the battery and reduce the effectiveness of the charging process.

Once done, don’t forget to lock your vehicle by activating the alarm.

2. Under pressure
Tyre pressures should also be checked bi-weekly to ensure that they are up to the recommended pressure.

The best way to do so is to use a tyre pressure gauge or view the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System display found in the X70 sport utility vehicle.

If they are underinflated, go to the nearest petrol station and pump them back up.

Additionally, leaving your vehicle parked in the same spot for several days could result in flat spotting the tyres.

Eventually, the tyre will lose its shape which can cause vibrations to be transmitted through the steering wheel when driving, even on smooth roads.

To avoid this, move your vehicle forwards or backwards when you’re charging the vehicle’s battery.

3. It’s all about sanitising
During the MCO, it’s a perfectly good idea to practise sanitising your hands and the surfaces you’ve touched, particularly in your vehicle.

After each journey, make sure you use some disinfectant to wipe surfaces like the steering wheel, door handles, window switches and gear lever.

If you have an audio system with a touchscreen, mist some disinfectant onto a
soft cloth and gently wipe the surface.

Take extra care not to overdo it as too much moisture could damage the vehicle’s
equipment surface.

4. A tale of two wipers
If you leave your vehicle parked in the sun, it’s good practice to lift up the windshield wipers.

The heat transfer from your windscreen glass and prolonged exposure to UV rays will cause the wiper blades to harden, making them less effective.

With these easy-to-follow steps, your car should be in great shape and after the MCO period is over it will be ready to take to serve.

Till then, stay safe and more importantly stay home.


Luxury or bust for foreign automakers in Japan

                TOKYO: Tokyo businessman Randal Furudera isn’t about to swap his German-made BMW M5 for a “boring” Japanese car, although he’ll give them some grudging respect for their ho-hum dependability.

Deep-pocketed buyers like Furudera are driving sales in Japan of high-end foreign brands, which dominate the niche sector in a car market long seen as all but shuttered to overseas automakers.

“Most Japanese cars these days are sort of becoming moving appliances,” the 54-year-old told AFP.

“They’re very reliable, they’re good quality, they never break and all that, but they’re not very interesting to drive.”

Mid-range foreign vehicles are a rare sight on Japanese streets, but it isn’t hard to spot a Porsche zipping around the capital or a nouveau riche billionaire behind the wheel of a half-a-million dollar Lamborghini.

Sales of the Italian sportscar in Japan doubled to about 300 vehicles in 2015 from a year earlier. The jump comes as US car giant Ford announced in January it was quitting the country, blaming the “closed” market, after it sold fewer than 5,000 cars in 2015.

Less than six percent of the more than five million vehicles sold last year in Japan -- the world’s number three car market -- were made by foreign automakers.

US auto unions have blasted what they say are non-tariff barriers that shut the door on a sector already dominated by eight domestic carmakers, including Toyota, Nissan and Honda.

In 2013, former Ford boss Alan Mulally accused Tokyo of manipulating the yen’s sharp decline to gain a trade advantage for domestic firms, which sell millions of vehicles overseas, including top markets China and the United States.

The imbalance hasn’t gone unnoticed by bombastic US Republican party frontrunner Donald Trump.

“When did we beat Japan at anything?” Trump said in a speech last summer to announce his run for the presidency.

“They send their cars over by the millions, and what do we do? When was the last time you saw a Chevrolet in Tokyo? It doesn’t exist, folks.”

Trump is not far off - Chevrolet and Cadillac maker General Motors sold a puny 1,600 vehicles in Japan last year.

But it’s a different story for prestige foreign brands, whose success didn’t come without a fight.

They had to “overcome stereotypes like Western cars break down easily or they’re expensive to repair”, said Miki Kurosu, communications director for BMW Japan, which sold about 46,000 vehicles last year, along with 21,000 MINIs.

Japan’s luxury car market has remained frothy despite a years-long downturn in the economy, while a stock market rally in recent years has also helped buoy sales.

Nissan considered selling its high-end Infiniti brand at home, as Honda did with Acura. But those plans were scrapped owing to foreign automakers’ dominance in the market.

Meanwhile, rival Toyota has struggled to score big with its Lexus in Japan, although sales have been on an upswing lately.

“Lexus is a bit behind. They had great ambitions when they launched the brand (at home) in 2005, but have not achieved their goals,” said Yoshiaki Kawano, an auto analyst at IHS Automotive.

German brands have slick marketing campaigns and a top-notch image in Japan, and rich drivers rarely switch brands so domestic automakers were late to the party.

“There is quite a bit of prestige attached to certainly the three main German brands,” said Furudera.

Foreign brands tend to focus on the driving experience, rather than just passenger comfort, added the car enthusiast.

In Japanese cars, “(passengers) are probably enjoying it more than the drivers - watching DVDs, getting a massage from their chairs - but the driver is not enjoying it that much”, Furudera said.

“In a German car, the driver gains the most - that’s kind of the big difference.”

While he may consider buying a Lexus down the road, it’s not likely to happen any time soon.

“I wouldn’t say never, but for now I think BMW still has the edge in terms of driving experience.”


The car is the preferred place to co-listen to podcasts

                PARIS: Are you more likely to listen to podcasts with friends or loved ones in your car than at home? So suggests research from SXM Media, Carat and Edison Research for the subscription-based music streaming service, Pandora.

They surveyed 1,850 Americans over the age of 13 about how they listen to podcasts. More and more Americans are getting together to listen to the radio or podcasts with others. In fact, 12% co-listen to podcasts daily. Women, Hispanic Americans and parents are the most likely to listen to podcasts with others.

More people co-listen in the car than at home

According to the study, the car has become the preferred place to co-listen to podcasts on a daily basis. Some 16% of people who listen to podcasts in the car did so with other people at their side.

The car even manages to surpass the home, which represents 13% of group listening. Between connected cars, Smart TVs and games consoles, there is no shortage of devices via which listeners can tune in to their favorite podcasts. However, the smartphone is the most popular device for co-listening to podcasts.

Listeners also prefer podcasts in the "Comedy," "News" and "True Crime" genres for listening together with others. Certain times are also more conducive to co-listening, such as vacations, car trips and social events.


Stay safe with Ford

                PETALING JAYA: Ford invites all members of the public to join its‘Future of Safety with Ford’ tour – a fun, interactive and hands-on experience designed to raise awareness of road safety – as it stops in Malaysia.

Aimed at both vehicle drivers and passengers, the safety tour features Ford experts sharing tips and advice on a range of topics – from choosing the right child seat, to considerations for driving while pregnant.

Participants will also have the chance to try on proprietary suits that Ford engineers use in designing vehicles to address the needs of drivers with specific mobility issues, as well as learn about new safety and driver assistance technologies.

At the tour, all participants will be invited to make their own personal safe driving pledge.

The 40-minute interactive tours will be held on Aug 6 and 7, every half-hour, from 10am-8pm, at 1 Utama Shopping Centre (Ground Floor Concourse – opposite Parkson), Petaling Jaya.

Advance bookings are not necessary, and admission is free.


Cosmetics entrepreneur Aliff comes to terms with loss of RM1.8m Ferrari in fire

                PETALING JAYA: Cosmetics entrepreneur Datuk Seri Aliff Syukri Kamarzaman has accepted the loss of his Ferrari 458 Italia which went up in flames on the Kesas Highway on Thursday.

Aliff, 30, refused to speculate how it happened, and said he had handed the matter over to authorities to investigate the cause of the fire.

"My hopes are dashed … it's not even been 10 minutes and only ashes are left.

'Let the police investigate, I have accepted it and have resigned myself to it. Please give me strength, friends on Instagram and Facebook," he wrote on his Instagram account on the same day.

The Italian supercar is estimated to have cost RM1.8mil.

The incident occurred at KM39.5 on the Kesas Highway, heading from USJ to the Sunway toll plaza.

In a statement, the police said the car was being driven by an Australian man at the time, who realised that a fire had started at the exhaust pipe of the car and had stopped the vehicle in the emergency lane.

Police have ruled out foul play. Selangor police Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department chief Supt Azman Shari’at said on Friday that the cause was "a mechanical issue".

The Ferrari was destroyed in the fire, which was extinguished by a team of firemen from the Subang Jaya Fire and Rescue Station.

On Friday, Aliff uploaded a video which showed him in tears after seeing his Ferrari in flames.

In the comments section, the Badang actor confessed that the vehicle was his.


Most Fun Gym: Dirt biking lessons for all ages

                SET up by former motorcycle racer "Foreman" Oh Kah Beng in 2014, the Most Fun Gym (MFG) motocross park in Kampung Sungai Penchala, Selangor has expanded its facilities to include a showroom and wider offerings of motocross bikes and protective gears.

When it first started out, there were only a handful of learners but from word of mouth and a strong social media presence, MFG has seen about an uptrend in visitation.

MFG provides students the finer points of riding, tips on defensive and safer riding on public roads such as anticipation and countering of road hazards to avoid accidents.

With a motto of "Learn off-road, master all roads," MFG has even attracted learners as young as five years-old to seniors up to 75 years-old.

MFG has trails for beginners, intermediate and professional riders.

To make it easier for newcomers to get a taste of the motocross world without spending a huge amount into buying a bike and protective clothing, MFG comes fully stocked with two-wheelers, helmets and gears for a memorable off-road biking experience.

But if riders want to get their own equipment such as helmets, high boots, vests,  elbow and knee pads, they are also available for sale at MFG with brands from Shark, Vesrah, Sidi, Gaerne and EVS.

Even toiletries brand Bad Lab is having its products at MFG.

MFG is also getting sponsorship from Bridgestone and Top Oil.

Oh, 67, personally conducts tutorials at the motocross park along with his trained instructors.

Some of the instructors were former students of MFG who had advanced their skill levels to coaching.

Motocross was initially just a hobby for Oh before he turned it into a business venture as well as a way to teach riders how to handle motorcycles correctly and safely while having fun.

For details and booking call Oh at hp: 012 277 1770 or visit FB: MFG - Most Fun Gym. - EDDIE GOH


Special offer on Ducati accessories and performance parts

                PETALING JAYA: From now until June 14, Ducati in Malaysia is offering up to 30% savings with pre-orders of selected original Ducati accessories and Performance parts.

In addition, Ducati owners can expect up to 50% off the installation costs to ensure riding experience is kept at peak perfection.

Visit Ducati Malaysia outlets or m.me/ducatiCAS to order or check out @ducati.pj, @ducati_welly, or @ducati_penang.


Volvo reveals (a little) more of the 360c

                GOTHENBURG: At a time when some doubt is being cast about the public's attitude to driverless cars and manufacturers, including Volvo, appear keen to introduce new electric vehicle sub-brands, Volvo is now giving us another glimpse of its own autonomous electric vehicle, the 360c.

Not too long ago, the Chinese-owned Swedish automaker teased a single tone from an auto-centric chime on its Facebook page. It posted the sound along with the hashtag "360c" and also teased us with the words "Could this be the sound of your future ride?" Apart from that, nothing else was revealed.

But now Volvo has gone a little further by issuing a 13-second video that appears to reveal a portion of the new vehicle's light signature, as well as a little of the shape of whatever the 360c is actually going to be.

The tagline to go along with the new video enticingly says: "Coming soon: our vision for the future of travel. Could time spent travelling become time well spent? #360c." And it seems pretty clear that that's likely to refer to a high level of autonomy for the new vehicle.

Of course, a lot of what is being said about the video and what the vehicle will eventually turn out to be is guesswork at the moment, which is only to be expected when the video gives so little away and is only 13 seconds long.

A self-driving vehicle of some sort with an electric powertrain is the best bet, but from what can be seen of the shape of the vehicle in the video it could be more of a passenger shuttle rather than a more traditional car or SUV.

Back in 2015 Volvo gave us its vision of how autonomous technology will accommodate passengers with the Concept 26, which took a relatively traditional car cabin and transformed it between three phases: Drive, Create, and Relax.

This one could go entirely the other way and be fully autonomous with only the mildest of concession given to a human driver. Either way, it seems we won't have to wait too long because the word from the GoAuto publication is that Volvo will be issuing some concrete details "within days."


Ford Ranger goes on roadshow

                KUALA LUMPUR: Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the sole distributor of Ford in Malaysia, announced the Ford Ranger Explore & Experience Roadshow which begins from February until March.

Held at participating Ford showrooms, visitors will be able to explore and experience the Ranger’s smart and safe technologies which has helped the Ranger continue to set industry benchmarks and win multiple accolades, such as being awarded Pickup Truck of the Year in 2018.

Those who perform a test drive during the roadshow will stand a chance to enter the Ford wind tunnel to win attractive and exclusive Ford merchandise.

Available in Malaysia in nine variants – including the high-speed, off-road performance Ranger Raptor, the high-series Ranger Wildtrak, XLT+, XLT and XL, the line-up features Ford’s latest generation 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine which is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission on selected variants.

Dates and locations of the Ford Ranger Explore & Experience Roadshow are as follows:

16-17 February 2019 - SDAC PJ1 Showroom Lot 5, Jalan 205, Petaling Jaya

22-23 February 2019 - Tesco Kota Bharu

9-10 March 2019 - Auto Lumina Showroom Lot 51699, Jalan Persisiran Perling 2, Bukit Indah, Johor Bahru

22-23 March 2019 - SDAC Juru Showroom 1679-G2, Highway Auto City, North - South Highway Juru Interchange, Prai, Penang


Bosch Rexroth and Universiti Malaysia Pahang collaborate on automation engineering development

                PEKAN: Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) entered into a partnership with Bosch Rexroth Sdn Bhd (Bosch Rexroth) in curriculum development activities to strengthen university-industry collaboration.

The collaboration will involve industrial training, student exchange, offering improved learning courses and making certification-based industrial training modules from Germany as a reference.

The ceremony saw the UMP Vice-Chancellor, Prof Datuk Ts. Dr Yuserie Zainuddin exchange memorandum of understanding (MoU) documents with Bosch Rexroth Malaysia chief executive officer Darren Chan Chon Hoe.

Chan said Industry 4.0 is a strategic pillar that would fundamentally change the way producers manufacture their goods and the way they collaborate with machines.

 Dr Yuserie (left) receiving a momento from Chan.

“It is about building talents and upskilling to fit for the digital economy - driving efficiency and competitiveness,” said Chan.

Dr Yuserie, meanwhile, said the collaboration through Bosch Rexroth Academy in Germany involved the placement of hands-on students with the use of equipment in Malaysia and abroad as well as certification programmes for students especially in the Bachelor of Technology, Bachelor of Engineering Technology and Bachelor of Engineering programmes.

“UMP, as an MTUN university characterised by technology and engineering, has always aspired to become more competitive globally. We sincerely welcome the collaboration networking with industry partners in developing agreed programmes and activities for mutual benefit,” he said.

UMP Rexroth Bosch Academy is also an advanced training centre based on Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0) technology. UMP facility has been equipped with the necessary training equipment from Bosch Rexroth’s training academy – with its syllabus and modules tailored to the local market.

Bosch Rexroth has developed the mMS4.0 for universities and educational institutions – a training system for Industry 4.0, with which content can be taught practically.


Gurmit Singh of 'Phua Chu Kang' fame gets 3-month driving ban, RM2,500 fine for speeding

                SINGAPORE:  Actor Gurmit Singh was caught speeding at around 130kph with his son in the car, on a road with a speed limit of 70kmh.

The 56-year-old celebrity, known for his role in sitcom Phua Chu Kang, was fined today S$800 (RM2,500) and banned from driving for three months.

He pleaded guilty to one charge under the Road Traffic Act.

Gurmit, whose full name is Gurmit Singh Virk Chainchal Singh, did not have any prior convictions.

At about 9.30pm on April 12, Gurmit  sped along Woodlands Avenue 12 towards Seletar Expressway in his car.

The car is believed to be an Audi A8 L, a luxury sedan that was released only recently.

CNA reported that Gurmit  told the court he noticed a "flapping sound", and wanted his son to hear it.

He also reportedly said he did not know how he reached a speed of 131kph, and claimed that it was a "one-off thing".

Gurmit was chided by district judge Salina Ishak who told him he could have put his son's life in danger, to which Gurmit replied that he regretted his actions.

For speeding, he could have been jailed for up to three months or fined up to S$1,000.


Scandinavian dealerships put down electric cars, says study

                LONDON: Car dealerships in Nordic countries actively discourage consumers from buying electric vehicles, researchers who conducted an undercover investigation said Monday.

Their findings, published in the peer-reviewed Nature Energy, reveal an overlooked barrier to the sale of electric vehicles, which are expected to play a key role in lowering CO2 emissions and curbing global warming.

Posing as prospective buyers, the researchers made 126 enquiries at 82 dealerships in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland and Finland.

They report that to an astonishing degree the dealers denigrated electric vehicles (EVs), misinformed customers on specifications such as range or charging requirements, and omitted EVs from their sales pitches.

"In two-thirds of all shopping experiences, sales personnel strongly or solely oriented the customer to select a petrol or diesel vehicle, and actively dismissed EVs," the study concluded.

In more than three-quarters of the exchanges, vendors did not even indicate that they had electric cars on offer.

In one dealership, the researchers were told: "Do not buy this electric car, it will ruin you financially."

In another, the salesman said the model in question "only goes 80kph" — less than half its true top speed.

These discouragements are at odds with actual levels of customer satisfaction, according to a Consumer Reports survey in the US, where electric vehicles were rated as more reliable that internal combustion automobiles.

Electric vehicles are less complex than gas or hybrid cars, and have no need for cooling systems, filters, spark plugs and other parts that can break down or require periodic replacement.

Lower profit margins, lack of knowledge, and the extra time needed to seal a deal were among the reasons sales personnel were reluctant to promote EVs, according to industry insiders cited in the study.

Dealership indifference or hostility to EVs varied across countries, depending in part on government policies.

Phasing out diesel and gas

The most EV-friendly nation was Norway, where — not coincidentally, the study argues — EV drivers benefit from subsidies, access to bus lanes, and free parking.

Norway leads the world in market penetration: five percent of all passenger cars on the road are plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs), as were nearly 40 percent of new vehicles purchased there in 2017.

By comparison, the market share of PEVs last year in Sweden was five percent, in Denmark half a percent, and in China two percent. For Europe as a whole, the figure is less than two percent.

Global sales of electric vehicles rose from about 700,000 in 2016 to 1.1 million last year. Nearly half of those sales were in China, with the United States and Europe accounting for another 40 percent.

Currently, there are just over two million electric vehicles on the world's roads, out of about one billion passenger cars worldwide — two-tenths of one percent.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that the number of electric vehicles in use must reach 600 million by 2040 to ensure the Paris climate treaty goal of capping global warming at "well below" two degrees Celsius.

The transport sector accounts for a quarter of all energy-related greenhouse gas emissions.

Energy research group Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) on Monday forecast that sales would increase 10-fold to 11 million cars in 2025, and 30 million in 2030.

By 2040, electric vehicles should overtake those running on petrol or diesel, accounting for more than half of new car sales worldwide and a third of all light-duty vehicles on the road, the group predicted.

"We think that electric vehicles will become cheaper than ICEs (internal combustion engines) after 2025, even on an unsubsidised basis," BNEF's head of energy economics, Elena Giannakopoulou, told AFP.

"But it takes time to launch new models, and for consumers to start buying this technology."


Jaguar Land Rover's new 3D printed glove

WHITLEY(UK): Engineers from Jaguar Land Rover are working on the next generation of protective workplace clothing – a lightweight 3D-printed glove which could help better protect employees from the threat of a musculoskeletal disorder.

The 3D glove is designed for people working on the production line, for example those required to fit clips or fasteners into the chassis during assembly of Jaguar and Land Rover’s luxury vehicles.

Musculoskeletal disorders, which include more than 100 different types of conditions, make up around 30%  of all workplace injuries that result in time off and account for a third of the money paid in compensation to employees.

Musculoskeletal disorders affect an estimated 10% of the global population, rising to as much as 40% in certain industries.

Engineers at Jaguar Land Rover’s Gaydon site – home to one of the largest 3D printing facilities in the UK – saw an opportunity to use the company’s advanced manufacturing expertise to design and 3D print a lattice-style structure which would provide support to reduce muscle fatigue, but also be flexible and comfortable enough to wear during an eight-hour shift.

"The health and wellbeing of our workforce remains our priority across all factories and facilities. Technologies like the 3D-printed glove allow us to use the world-leading expertise and equipment we have, in-house in this case HP Multi Jet Fusion technology, to protect the hands of our makers, developing equipment that will make Jaguar Land Rover a great place to work, now and in the future," said additive manufacturing strategic engineer for Jaguar Land Rover, Chris Noble.


Mercedes experiment with van/drone delivery a success

                STUTTGART/ZURICH: In a global first, online orders were delivered in Zurich for three weeks with the aid of vans and drones.

Declaring the trial a success, Mercedes-Benz worked with Matternet and siroop.ch to test on-demand delivery of e-commerce orders.

The trial of a van and drone combo was carried out over an urban area from Sept 25 to Oct 13.
A group of journalists was invited to watch live on Sept 28 as the first official drone landed on the specially equipped Vito.

Over 10 days, 100 flights were made without incident over Zurich. The project made use of two drones and two Mercedes-Benz Vito vans with integrated landing platforms. Technology installed in the vehicle roofs ensured that landings were accurate and safe.

The main objective for the project team was to test the processes and procedures required to operate a delivery system of this kind and to learn from practical experience. "We are satisfied with the results of the pilot project in Switzerland. The aim was to test the technology and the concept in real-world conditions and find out where optimisation was required. We also wanted to know how people would react to this new form of transportation," said Stefan Maurer, Head of Future Transportation at Mercedes-Benz Vans.

The results of the trials are currently being analysed in depth. "We are convinced that the project will evolve rapidly. We see great potential for our solution and intend to expand it to include further areas of application," Maurer added.


Naza World helps honest taxi driver

                KUALA LUMPUR: Honesty pays and Naza World Group of Companies has awarded Zamrod Adam for his honesty by providing his children with education subsidies.

The story of Zamrod’s honesty went viral on social media after he personally returned a purse belonging to Penang Women’s Development Corp CEO Ong Bee Leng, when she accidentally left it in Zamrod's taxi.

Zamrod's action portrays a good image that the country needs in order to promote good social responsibility among Malaysians, said a statement from Naza World.

At the same time, Zamrod has also helped improve the image of local taxi drivers who have been under fire for many years.

"It is the responsibility of all individuals to return the belongings of others and that should be everyone’s moral and primary principle”, said Zamrod.

Naza World will sponsor two of his four children, namely Athirah Zamrod, 21 years old, who is still studying in Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sarawak and Muhammad Zain Zamrod, 17 years old, who is waiting for his SPM results.

The two children will receive RM500 each month from Naza World for the next three years.


EU reaches deal on service stations for EVs, alternative fuels

                BRUSSELS: The European Union today reached a provisional deal on the deployment of more service stations for cars running on electricity and alternative fuels as the bloc seeks to reduce the carbon footprint of its transport sector.

"The agreement will send a clear signal to citizens and other stakeholders that user-friendly recharging infrastructure and refuelling stations for alternative fuels, such as hydrogen, will be installed throughout the EU," Andreas Carlson, the Swedish minister for infrastructure and housing, said in a EU statement.

Sweden currently holds the bloc's presidency.

Further commenting on what he called a "provisional political agreement" between the Council and the European Parliament, Carlson added: "Citizens will no longer have a reason to feel anxious about finding charging and refuelling stations to their electric or fuel-cell car."

He added it was the bloc's aim to make more recharging capacity available on the streets in urban areas as well along the motorways.

EU energy ministers are set to give final approval later on Tuesday to end sales of new CO2-emitting cars in 2035, after Germany won an exemption for cars running on e-fuels.


Biden pick wins Senate approval as first NHTSA chief since 2017

                WASHINGTON: US president Joe Biden’s pick to run the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration won the approval of the Senate, giving the agency its first full-time chief since 2017.

Steven Cliff has been the agency’s interim chief since January 2021. He is a former deputy executive officer at the California Air Resources Board, which regulates auto emissions in the Golden State.

A key senator previously had blocked Cliff from advancing to the post for months, but he was approved on a voice vote Thursday after navigating through a smooth confirmation vote in a Senate committee.
 Cliff.

NHTSA, the federal regulator charged with keeping US roads safe, had been in its fifth year without a permanent administrator.

Prior to tapping Cliff, Biden faced pressure to appoint a permanent NHTSA chief from safety advocates who were concerned about uptick in the number of US traffic deaths despite reduced driving early in the pandemic.

Additionally, the agency has ramped up its politically fraught investigation of Tesla Inc. and may be on a collision course with the electrive-vehicle maker over its controversial autopilot system.

Biden needed to renominate many of his transportation picks, including Cliff, last year after their nominations lapsed over the Senate’s holiday recess.

US Senator Rick Scott, a Florida Republican, had been stalling on Transportation and Commerce Department nominees since November, saying that he will continue until the commerce panel convenes a hearing with the departments’ secretaries on supply-chain bottlenecks.

A Scott spokesperson confirmed he released the hold after Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo agreed to testify before the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee on April 27.


Upgraded Lexus lineup to make Chicago Auto Show

CHICAGO: Lexus is bringing style, technology and efficiency to the Feb 12-21 Chicago Auto Show, including the all-new 2022 LX 600, NX and IS 500 SEMA Build.

With an all-new 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo gasoline engine, the LX 600 promises seamless power and efficiency.

The full-size luxury SUV, with its newly reengineered body-on-frame platform, avant-garde style and luxurious cabin, embodies Lexus’ commitment to meeting the diversifying needs and lifestyles of customers.

The new NX will also be on display, showcasing an entirely new platform, making the mid-size SUV longer, wider and taller for more passenger and cargo space.

Taking performance further, the new NX features powerful turbo and sporty hybrid powertrains. Its four new powertrains include a new 2.5-litre inline 4-cylinder engine and the first-ever Lexus plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, the NX 450h+, with an EPA-estimated 57km range on electric power.

The 2022 NX delivers a long list of Lexus firsts, including next-generation Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 technology and Digital Latch with Safe Exit Assist to alert the driver and passengers to avoid the risk of accidental door contact with vehicles or cyclists.

The Lexus IS 500 SEMA build will be an eye-catching high-performance sedan for attendees to see up-close.

Lexus partnered with Hiraku Co. and Lexus ambassador, Townsend Bell, to develop a uniquely appealing street performance themed IS 500 build.

The customized body kit was 3D printed specifically for the build, and includes a front lip spoiler, side steps, rear diffuser, front fenders, bumper canards, rear roof spoiler and a Seibon carbon fiber hood and trunk.

On the inside, Sparco SPX carbon fibre reclining seats and a custom Alcantara steering wheel complete the build.

The Lexus booth will also feature a Lexus Interface simulator, allowing guests to engage in the features of the all-new elegant, intuitive connected multimedia system. Auto show attendees can also take part in the Mark Levinson in-car listening experience.


Ex-manager follows dream to set up coffee shop with a twist

                JOHOR BARU: A former estate manager has turned his station wagon into a mobile kopitiam.

Mohd Fauzi Azmi, 52, said he made the decision to quit the job he had been doing for the last 25 years last year to fulfil a lifelong dream of owning a coffee shop.

“However, I wanted my coffee shop to be different, unique and to stand out from other shops around here.

“I found out that car booth cafes are popular in Europe, which led me to an entrepreneur in Seremban who also operated a mobile cafe, ” he added.

Mohd Fauzi said he contacted the person to seek advice before making modifications on his Naza Citra, which he has owned for more than 10 years.

“After getting a clear picture on how I could outfit my car, I started making preparations, ” he said.

He said that he sent his car to a workshop for a month to have it modified.

“I spent about RM20,000 to get the set-up, including purchasing a generator as well as a second-hand coffee machine, ” he said.

By early this year, the business was up and running.

But he was only able to do it for about a month and a half before the movement control order (MCO) kicked in.

“I reopened my business about two weeks ago after the restrictions under the MCO were lifted, ” said Mohd Fauzi who is married with four children aged between 12 and 21.

He makes the drinks himself and his 19-year-old child is learning from him.

Mohd Fauzi said that the drinks were priced from RM5 onwards, depending on the size of the cup.

“I would open the ‘cafe’ near my house from 4pm almost every day.

“On weekends, I will also open it from 8.30am to 12pm to serve those who want a fresh cup of coffee on their day off, ” he said.

Although he was well aware of the financial risks, he said he was happy that he could serve freshly made coffee to his customers, who mostly live around his neighbourhood.


S. Korean to head BMW Group Malaysia from 2016

                PETALING JAYA: Come Jan 1, BMW Group Malaysia will have a new managing director and CEO.

Han Sang Yun, the first Asian to head BMW Group Malaysia, is succeeding Alan Harris, who will be retiring.

 Han

Han, a South Korean, has over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry in his home country. He was most recently the sales head for the BMW Group in South Korea and was also responsible for marketing and product management.

Over the two year he headed BMW's Malaysian operations, Harris had presided over the introduction of the X6 and X1 as CKD models, the opening of new dealerships, expansion of  its Johor parts depot and kicked off the first BMW World Malaysia programme.


Nissan's tiny car wash key to lasting paint finishes

                DETROIT: Somewhere in the Nissan Technical Center North America near here is the smallest car wash you’ve never seen. But it serves an important purpose.

The miniature car wash, about the size and shape of a popcorn machine, is equipped with a spinning brush that has vibrant blue bristles that allows engineers to test paint samples to make sure Nissan's exterior paints hold up to the tough environment of automatic car washes.

Nissan said its engineers have to make sure that every shade of exterior paint will stay looking great, even if the customer frequently takes his Altima or her 370Z through the rigours of an automatic car wash.

To mimic an automatic wash cycle, Nissan's miniature car wash spins the brush at around 180rpm, causing the bristles to harshly slap the paint sample as water jets spray and "Arizona dirt" replicates the harsh and abrasive real world.

In the video, the red 1:16 scale model of the 370Z is for illustrative purposes only. In actual testing, Nissan paint is applied to rectangular plates (such as the yellow sample seen in the photos), which are placed into the miniature car wash and tested multiple times to ensure a lasting finish.


US govt may delay decision on electric vehicles biofuel program

                NEW YORK: The US government could delay a decision on giving electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers tradable credits under a renewable fuel scheme, due to concern about legal challenges to the plan, two sources familiar with the matter said.

The plan would have given EV automakers such as Tesla credits for charging vehicles using power generated from renewable natural gas, or methane collected from sources such as cattle or land fills.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last year recommended adding EVs to the US Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which requires oil refiners to blend biofuels into the fuel they produce or buy credits from other refiners that do.

Most credits generated under the RFS are for blending liquid fuels such as ethanol made from corn into gasoline. Adding credits for power generated from renewable gas and then used for charging EVs would take the program in a new direction.

The EPA initially proposed adding EVs to the program when it outlined the mandates for blending biofuels for 2023-2025. The government would now like to split the two things to avoid the possibility that legal challenges to the inclusion of EVs could delay the issue of the next round of RFS quotas on biofuels.

Those quotas need to be finalised in June.

The EPA said it was considering public comments on the proposed change from last year, but could not comment further on whether it would split out EVs from the June mandate.

"EPA staff are currently working to finalise the rule by the June 14 consent decree deadline," EPA spokesman Timothy Carroll said.

The Republican-run House of Representatives' Energy and Commerce Committee recently week wrote to the EPA to challenge the EV program, arguing that the RFS was intended to centre on liquid transportation fuels and not to electrify transportation.

Transforming the nation's car fleet to EVs is a central part of US President Joe Biden's climate change plan. The credits would have added to billions of dollars of incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act to accelerate the transition.

The November proposal foresaw EV manufacturers could generate as many as 600 million credits in 2024 and 1.2 billion of them by 2025. Prices for an equivalent credit were about US$2.30 each in March, EPA data showed.

The delay in finalising the EV credit program may mean more volume is available for other renewable fuel pools under the 2023-2025 mandate, including blending for renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Producers of those fuels have been lobbying the administration for higher volumes for months.


It's now 'Perodua Suppliers Association'

Dr Mahathir, Musa (bearded man next to Prime Minister), government ministers and association members posing for the camera.
KUALA LUMPUR: The country’s largest automotive component supplier body, Perodua Vendors Club, renamed itself last week as Perodua Suppliers Association.

The group comprises 125 member companies with a manpower strength of just over 100,000 people.

Perodua bought RM5bil worth of parts from local suppliers in 2018 alone. The company has also indicated that it would buy more than RM6bil worth of components by 2020.

Association president Musa Zahidin Tan Sri Ahmad Zaidee said the group would strengthen its equipment and processes management as well as human development to be globally competitive.

“We have organised events such as Karakuri competitions (mechanical-based methods of improving productivity in processes), dojo introduction and other industry-based activities in the interest of levelling up our members’ capabilities for Perodua and for Malaysia in facing global challenges.”

The association's new logo was introduced to Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad at the recently concluded Malaysia Autoshow 2019 in Serdang.


Renault-Nissan sets up US$200mil fund to tap startups, say sources

                PARIS: The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance is pooling US$200 million in a new mobility tech fund, three sources said, in the latest move by major carmakers to adapt to rapid industry change by investing in startups through their own venture capital arms.

The fund, due to be unveiled by chief executive Carlos Ghosn at the CES tech industry show in Las Vegas next Tuesday, will be 40 percent financed by Renault, 40 percent by Nissan and 20 percent by Mitsubishi.

“It will allow us to move faster on acquisitions ahead of our competition,” said one of the alliance sources.

Frederique Le Greves, a spokesman for the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, declined to comment.

The traditional auto industry model based on individual ownership is threatened by pay-per-use services such as Uber, as well as ride- and car-sharing platforms, a challenge heightened by parallel shifts towards electrified and self-driving cars.

Wary carmakers are struggling to embrace changes and technologies that some of their executives are only beginning to grasp. To accelerate the process, many are investing directly in the new services - and gaining access to intellectual property - via their own corporate venture capital (CVC) funds.

BMW has bought stakes in a plethora of ride-sharing, smart-charging and autonomous vehicle software firms through its 500 million euro (US$600 million) iVentures fund, the biggest such in-house facility belonging to a carmaker.

Among others that have been increasingly active are General Motors’ GM Ventures, with US$240 million, and Peugeot-maker PSA Group’s 100 million-euro investment arm.

CVC funds, a familiar feature of innovative sectors such as tech and pharmaceuticals, have become more commonplace among carmakers since the 2008-9 financial crisis. They let companies skip some of the formalities otherwise required for new investments, and pounce more swiftly on promising startups.

The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi venture will also obviate the current need to thrash out the ownership split for each new alliance acquisition.

It represents a further step in the integration of the carmakers as they pursue 10 billion euros in annual synergies by 2022. France’s Renault holds a 43.4 percent stake in Nissan, which in turn controls Mitsubishi. Ghosn heads Renault and chairs all three.

The fund is being set up as a Dutch-registered joint venture headed by Francois Dossa, a former banker who led Brazil operations for Societe Generale and then for Nissan, the same people said. They declined to discuss specific investment plans.

Despite Nissan’s ambitions to market fully autonomous cars by 2022 as well as a robo-taxi service, the Japanese carmaker has largely eschewed startups, preferring partnerships with established players such as software group DeNA Co.

Renault has made several such investments including Marcel, a Paris car-sharing platform, and Jedlix, a Dutch specialist in smart vehicle-charging technology. Renault’s RCI Bank & Services arm took control of car-sharing aggregator Karhoo last year and plans to relaunch the business under alliance ownership.

Most or all of the Renault investments will be transferred to the new alliance venture’s portfolio, the sources said.


Daimler and Qualcomm to develop in-car tech, wireless charging

                FRANKFURT: Carmaker Daimler on Saturday announced a partnership with mobile technologies company Qualcomm Inc to explore wireless recharging of mobile phones in cars as well as recharging of electric cars without cables.

The move forms part of a broader push by Daimler, parent company of Mercedes-Benz, as well as rival German carmakers BMW and Audi to build their expertise in software and telecommunications to bolster their status as high-tech carmakers in an era when tightening emission rules force them to downsize engines, once a mainstay of profit.

In a joint statement, Daimler and Qualcomm said they were assessing the application of wireless technology to charge their electric vehicles (EV) and plug-in hybrid EVs without ever having to plug them in.

The companies are also exploring technologies that will enable customers to wirelessly charge devices such as mobile phones while driving in their car, as well as ways to enhance in-car experience through high-speed 3G/4G connectivity.

"It's important that we remain on the cutting edge of technology and continue to deliver unparalleled experiences to our customers," Daimler's board member for research and development Thomas Weber, said.

"With this in mind, we are eager to jointly explore possible fields of future cooperation with an internationally leading tech firm like Qualcomm," Weber said in a statement.

Germany’s premium auto makers are currently on a tear to bulk up their technology expertise, and are readying an offer for Nokia's mapping division HERE.


Bentley cruised to record year in 2021 with luxury cars in high demand

                LONDON: Bentley cruised to a record year in 2021 as global sales jumped 31% amid strong demand for high-end vehicles, the Volkswagen AG unit said on Thursday.

Bentley said its sales rose to 14,659 units from 11,206 in 2020, which was also a record year despite shutdowns caused by the global coronavirus pandemic.

Premium and luxury car sales have been growing more broadly in key global markets like China and the United States as pandemic travel restrictions have left wealthy consumers with more disposable income.

Bentley said sales last year rose 39% in the Americas and 40% in China, with those two markets between them accounting for nearly 60% of its total sales.

"2021 was yet another year of unpredictability, though I am delighted to be able to confirm that we overcame significant headwinds, and deliver a breakthrough in our sales performance," Bentley chief executive Adrian Hallmark said in a statement.

The Bentayga luxury SUV, which has a starting price of around £150,000 (RM855,000), remained Bentley's top-selling model, with sales boosted by a new hybrid option.

The luxury carmaker has committed to going fully electric by 2030.