New Kia Sorento and Peugeot Landtrek previewed

                THE distributors of Kia and Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia have unveiled two all-new models that are expected to arrive in Malaysia.

The vehicles are the all-new Kia Sorento sports utility vehicle (SUV) with an estimated price ranging from RM220,000 to RM255,000, and the Peugeot Landtrek medium-size pick-up truck with an estimated price of RM123,000.

The media was given the opportunity to view the vehicles at a gathering organised by Bermaz Auto here last week.

Sorento
The fourth generation Sorento now subtly appears longer, with shorter front and rear overhangs and a longer wheelbase.

The flagship SUV features the 'refined boldness' concept that incorporates sharper lines and uninterrupted surfaces, making it more sculpted compared with its predecessor.

The concept maintained the robust, tough-looking aesthetics of earlier Sorento generations while injecting a greater level of refinement, elegance and sportiness.

The front gets a new interpretation of Kia’s hallmark ‘tiger nose’ grille, displaying a wider shape that wraps around the integrated headlamps that now feature a new ‘tiger eyeline’ LED daytime running light.

Inside, the Sorento retains the model's well-known cabin spaciousness and versatility, and is fitted with premium quality materials such as metallic trims, leather upholstery and embossed wood-effect surfaces, while its cutting-edge infotainment system supports Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity.

Its 12.3-inch digital driver instrument cluster is paired with a 10.25-inch infotainment system at the centre of the dashboard.

The Sorento also gets a wireless smartphone charger and a Bose surround-sound system to provide an immersive in-car audio experience.

Available in three variants, the base 7-seater comes with a 2.5-litre Smartstream MPI petrol engine delivering 177hp and 232Nm of torque, a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, while the mid-level 6-seater version comes with the same powertrain but with all-wheel drive.

The top-of-the-line 6-seater variant gets a 2.2-litre Smartstream CRDi turbodiesel cranking out 199hp and 440Nm of torque, an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive.

Safety features across the range are driver, front passenger, side and curtain SRS airbags; anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS), Multi-Collision Brake Control (MCB), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC) and ISOFIX child restraint anchor points with top tethers.

Kia distributor Dinamikjaya Motors says the Sorento is locally assembled at the Inokom Assembly plant in Kulim, Kedah.

Landtrek
Available in one variant with the upcoming Malaysian launch as the first in the Asia Pacific, the Landtrek offers an alluring appearance unlike other pick-up trucks offered locally.

The Landtrek’s exterior design exudes a strong personality that perfectly fits with the Peugeot brand’s current vehicle line-up, with signature brand features like a vertical grille with the Peugeot Lion emblem in the centre and LED signature lighting.

Aside from its attractive styling, the Landtrek is also functional, suitable for outdoor leisure activities and still capable of handling tough terrain.

This new pick-up truck also comes with state-of-the-art onboard technologies, advanced adaptability and SUV-like driving pleasure.

Inside, Landtrek's dashboard features a 10-inch HD screen that sets the tone for a high-tech interior that includes innovative features such as ‘toggle’ switches for access to all the functions.

The rear bench which can seat up to three passengers, comes with folding backrests to increase its versatility.

Powering the Landtrek is a 1.9-litre diesel engine with variable turbine geometry turbocharging delivering 150hp and 350Nm of torque.

Transmission is a six-speed automatic featuring 4WD.

Other features are driver, front passenger, side and curtain SRS airbags; ABS, EBD, Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Anti-Skid Regulation (ASR), Hill Assist Descent Control (HADC), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and ISOFIX child restraint anchor points with top tethers.

The Landtrek is available for booking from distributor Bermaz Auto Alliance.


Tesla reveals plans to build cars in Shanghai

                SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla on Tuesday revealed to shareholders that it is working with officials in China to build electric cars and battery packs in Shanghai.

Tesla head of worldwide sales Robin Ren disclosed the planned location of Tesla's second "Gigafactory" while co-founder and chief Elon Musk fielded questions at an annual shareholders meeting.

"We are incredibly excited to build the first Gigafactory outside the US in China, specifically it is going to be in Shanghai," Ren said.

He added that discussions with government officials in China have been "really great" and that more details about the Shanghai plant would be shared "soon."

For Tesla to make affordable vehicles, "it is going to be important to localize production to at least a continent level," Musk said.

Tesla hoped to have pinpointed a spot for a Gigafactory in Europe by the end of this year, according to its chief, who added that the company ultimately expects to have 10 to 12 such plants worldwide.

Gigafactories will produce battery packs and cars on site, according to Musk. Tesla's gigafactory in the US state of Nevada makes batteries for the company's cars, which are built in northern California.

Tesla last month Musk told employees the electric carmaker is being re-organised to speed up production of Model 3 vehicles — a key to profitability at the fast-growing firm.

"To ensure that Tesla is well prepared for the future, we have been undertaking a thorough re-organisation of our company," said the memo.

"As part of the re-org, we are flattening the management structure to improve communication, combining functions where sensible and trimming activities that are not vital to the success of our mission."

During an earnings call in May, Musk said Tesla was on the road to hitting goals in coming months for the more affordable Model 3 and achieving profitability by the end of this year.

Tesla has a company in Shanghai focused on technology development in China, a crucial market for the California-based firm as the country plans to scrap ownership limits for foreign automakers.

In an apparent vote of confidence in Musk, shareholders rejected by a large majority a proposal on the ballot to split the chairman and chief executive roles, both of which are held by the co-founder.

The move would have removed Musk as chairman of the Tesla board. Shareholders also re-elected board members whose seats were being challenged.


Burnt-out ship carrying Porsches and Lamborghinis sinks in rough seas

A photo issued by the Portuguese Air Force showing the Felicity Ace on fire on Feb 16, the first day of the disaster.

UPDATE: Volkswagen said all customer cars would be replaced.

NEW YORK: The cargo ship that caught fire in the Atlantic while transporting roughly 4,000 Volkswagen AG vehicles to the US has sunk despite efforts to tow it to safety.

The Felicity Ace sank 220 nautical miles off the coast of Portugal’s Azores Islands around 9am local time on Tuesday after being battered by waves and leaning 45 degrees to its starboard side, the ship’s operator said.

"The weather was pretty rough out there,” Pat Adamson, a spokesperson for MOL Ship Management (Singapore), a unit of Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd., said by phone.

"And then she sank, which was a surprise.”

Volkswagen had VW, Porsche, Audi, Bentley and Lamborghini-branded models on the vessel, which was on its way to Rhode Island from Germany’s Emden port when the fire broke out on Feb 16.

The blaze is believed to have lasted more than a week after the Panama-flagged ship’s crew was evacuated and it was left adrift.

Tug boats and salvage craft accompanying the vehicle are in the area to monitor the situation, Adamson said.

"There doesn’t appear to be any oil pollution yet - they’re checking on that,” the spokesperson said.

Volkswagen declined to comment today. The German carmaker had feared that large numbers of its cars on the vessel would not be salvageable, with brands and dealers notifying customers that the US-bound vehicles likely wouldn’t be delivered.

Damage to the cars is covered by insurance, the automaker had said last week.

In a projection assuming all vehicles would be lost, the risk-modelling company Russell Group last week estimated that the incident could cost the automaker at least US$155 million.

Around US$438 million worth of goods were aboard the ship, US$401 million of which were cars.


RM20 VEP charge to start on Aug 1

                JOHOR BARU: The implementation of the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) charge of RM20 for every foreign vehicle entering Malaysia from Singapore is expected to start on Aug 1.

Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abd Aziz Kaprawi said the government was procuring and installing the equipment at the Causeway in Johor and Malaysia-Singapore Second Link to facilitate collection of the fee.

"This is the first time Malaysia is implementing the charge and definitely it will take time in terms of procuring and installing the equipment," he told reporters after flagging off participants in the “Funride and Criterium Road Race” in conjunction with the coronation of the Sultan of Johor at Dataran Bandaraya here today.

Bernama quoted Abd Aziz as saying that the same charge would be imposed if VEP is implemented for foreign vehicles entering the country via other entry points such as from Thailand.

In a related development, Johor plans to ban heavy vehicles from using the Causeway to transport goods from Singapore in an effort to reduce traffic congestion at the link.

State Public Works, Rural and Regional Development chairman Datuk Hasni Mohammad said a proposal on the directive would be submitted to the Federal Government for further action.

He said banning heavy vehicles from using the Causeway here would facilitate and make way for the construction of the proposed rapid transit system (RTS) linking Johor Baru and Singapore.

“His Majesty (Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Sultan Iskandar) had earlier this year brought up the issue to the state government and we’ll submit the proposal to the Transport Ministry,’’ Hasni said in a press conference after launching the intervarsity engineering leadership programme 2015 at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Skudai Campus here.

Hasni quoted Sultan Ibrahim as saying that heavy vehicles should use the Second Link Crossing in Tanjung Kupang, Gelang Patah permanently instead of the Causeway.

He said although the Causeway had been designated as the route for lorries from Malaysia and Thailand under the Asean Protocol 1, Malaysia and Singapore could designate the Second Link Crossing for them to use the link.

“We don’t see any issue with Singapore as it will help to improve connectivity and accessibility at the Causeway. This benefits Johor and Singapore economically,’’ said Hasni.

Johor Baru and Woodlands in Singapore are linked by the 1.056km Causeway, with 80,000 to 100,000 vehicles using it daily.


Honda in deal to develop power supply on moon

                TOKYO: Honda Motor Co has signed a research and development contract with Japan’s space agency for an electric power supply system for vehicles used in lunar exploration.

The company aims to build a prototype by the end of fiscal 2023 and use it in manned lunar exploration planned for 2025 and beyond.

Honda recently announced the contract with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.

Long-term lunar exploration requires electricity for a vehicle to run and for people to live in the vehicle.

Electricity can be generated on the moon via sunlight, but in some locations there is a repeating cycle of 14 days of light and 14 days of night, so it is essential to have a means of ensuring power is available at night.

Honda will develop a system that uses electricity generated during the day to electrolyse water, storing hydrogen and oxygen separately in tanks, and utilise the two to generate electricity during the dark hours.

The company plans to apply the technology it has developed for fuel cell vehicles.

The Artemis Programme, an international space project in which Japan is participating, plans to explore the moon in the late 2020s. Honda is improving its system in preparation for this project. — The Japan News


MINI Clubman gets JCW treatment

                LONDON: The MINI Clubman is the biggest MINI to date to get the full John Cooper Works (JCW) treatment, meaning it now has ample speed as well as ample interior space.

Due to make its public debut at the Paris Motor Show, the new JCW model gets a more potently turbocharged 2-litre engine than the one in the Cooper S Clubman.

This one has an extra 39hp on tap, meaning that it delivers 231hp plus 350Nm of torque, which is accessible at just 1,500rpm - making it great for pulling away quickly from traffic lights or for around town overtaking.

It can pull off the 0-100kph dash in 6.3 seconds whether specified with a six-speed manual or optional eight-speed automatic transmission and will go on to a top speed of 238kph, indicating that it's just as well suited to long highway journeys as it is to city-centre commutes and school runs.

The Clubman is much longer than a standard MINI - it's 2.35m from nose to tailgate so to ensure that it still delivers go kart-esque handling, this is the first ever JCW model to boast all-wheel drive as standard, and when that works in concert with the re-tuned sports suspension and the electronic stability aids - including a trick electronic differential, the car should feel much, much smaller and compact from the driver's seat.

When practicality is called for over performance, the new car retains the same interior layout as the standard model - five proper seats, 360 litres of storage space (which increases to 1250 litres with the rear seats folded flat) and rear split tailgate doors that open automatically for loading the trunk with one's hands full.

However, there are also the usual JWC appointments, inside and out. There's a leather-wrapped sports multi-function steering wheel, the front seats are trimmed in Dinamica and the pedals and footrest are stainless steel. Plus there's the option of a performance optimised head up display showing sporty as well as directional information.

Outside the car sits on 18-inch lightweight alloys, there are exaggerated air inlets where the parking lights would usually be found and there's hexagonal radiator grille complete with honeycomb detailing. The final touch is the JWC racing stripes on either side of the hood.

The 2016 Paris Motor Show opens to the public on Oct 1.


Didi Resources takes over local Aprilia distribution

                PETALING JAYA: It’s official. Didi Resources is now the new distributor of the Aprilia motorcycle brand in Malaysia with effect from Aug 1.

Didi Resources chairman Rewi Hamid Bugo said the company was honoured to be picked to manage Aprilia, a premium Piaggio Group brand for the Malaysian market.

“This complements the Moto Guzzi range which we have established since August 2017 and completes our premium Italian motorcycle product range under Piaggio.

“Through this acquisition, Didi Resources is firmly committed to building the Aprilia brand through a dedicated aftersales support, strengthening of the Aprilia community and ensuring that engagement with the brand is continuous in the light of a competitive 2-wheel environment in Malaysia,” he said.

Rewi also promised current Aprilia owners of a smooth transition in customer care and service support.

The Gasket Alley in Section 13, Petaling Jaya will house a dedicated showroom for both Aprilia and Moto Guzzi brands with aftersales support and a service workshop.

It will also have a new service team equipped with specialized technical skills and expertise fully trained by Aprilia.

The previous local Aprilia distributor was Naza Premira which acquired the business in 2011.

Aside from the Italian motorcycle brands, Didi Resources also became the local distributor of Harley-Davidson early this year.


Aussie company appointed distributor for right-hand drive BYD electric vehicles

                SYDNEY: Australian company Nexport Pty Ltd has secured a long-term exclusive agreement for the distribution of BYD right-hand drive electric vehicles.

BYD Auto Industry Limited is the largest selling electric car company in China with sales in 2020 in excess of 415,000 cars.

At a signing ceremony today at Sydney Harbour, Nexport managing director Luke Todd and BYD Asia Pacific general manager Liu Xueliang signed (via zoom) an exclusive distribution agreement to supply the next generation of BYD passenger and commercial vehicles into the right-hand drive markets of Australia and Asia Pacific.

The European styled and designed BYD passenger models are expected to compete head-to-head with petrol/diesel models across categories in both performance and price. Pre-sales orders will be available by end of Q2 this year.

"This is exciting news for Australian consumers who will soon be able to access affordable, best of class electric vehicles in both the passenger and commercial space," said Todd.

"The right-hand markets have been undersupplied in the electric vehicle space and this agreement ensures certainty of local supply in these best of class electric vehicles."

Today's agreement further cements the existing supplier relationship with Nexport & BYD who already supply electric bus chassis for NSW government buses.


Is the future of car interiors leather-free?

                PARIS: More and more car makers are abandoning leather in the interiors of their new models in favour of recycled, more durable materials.

The latest example is Volkswagen.

Prior to the official presentation of its brand new model, the ID. Buzz, the German carmaker had announced that the interior of the vehicle will be mainly made of non-animal materials.

The steering wheel, for example, will be made of polyurethane, imitating the look and feel of leather. The seat covers, floor mats and roof liner will be made from recycled materials, mainly from plastic bottles.

The ID. Buzz is the updated, electric version of Volkswagen's iconic Kombi (also known as the Camper or Bus).

Before Volkswagen, other manufacturers have already embraced using non-animal based materials.

One example is Volvo, which has already announced future "vegan" oriented interiors, i.e., without any trace of leather.

The trend is now gaining steam among other manufacturers. Jaguar Land Rover, for example, has also announced that it will integrate elements made of 100% recycled nylon into the interiors of its next models, essentially made of waste buried or recovered at sea, starting with fishing nets.


Ford Mustang finally arrives, priced from RM488,888

                KUALA LUMPUR: After several delays, Ford Motor Company and its local distributor Sime Darby Auto Connexion today officially launched the iconic Mustang locally.

Malaysia is one of a select number of markets in Asia to receive the all-American muscle car.

For the first time in more than 50 years, Malaysian fans can now own a piece of Mustang history for themselves which comes in a choice of two exhilarating engines - a 5.0-litre V8 producing 416PS and 530Nm of torque, and a 2.3-litre EcoBoost direct injection, variable cam timing and turbocharging unit producing 317PS and 432Nm of torque.

Both pony cars deliver heart-pounding performance, and feature an array of safe and smart technologies. The 2.3-litre EcoBoost Mustang is priced from RM488,888, while the 5.0-litre V8 Mustang is priced from RM598,888,on the road without insurance.

Both powerplants are complemented by a smooth, six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, making the pony car a great all-around performers. SelectShift gives drivers the thrill of using a manual transmission with the ease of an automatic by toggling the race car-inspired paddle shifters on the steering wheel to shift gears up or down, for smooth and effortless gear changes without having to use a clutch.

The clean-sheet design for Mustang evokes the essential characteristics of the brand, retaining key design elements – including the classic long sculpted hood and short rear deck – with contemporary execution. It is more aerodynamic, more fuel efficient, more powerful, and with world-class handling and precise steering control, even more fun-to-drive than previous generations.

Active grille shutters help increase fuel efficiency by further reducing drag at higher speeds when extra cooling capacity is not needed. The shutters can completely close off the grille, sending air over and around the car instead of through the engine compartment. With eight airbags and Ford’s SYNC 2 connectivity system with 8-inch touchscreen, it’s also smarter and safer than ever before.

 The 5.0-litre V8 variant.

Other key technology and safety features include:

> MyKey–a programme that promotes good driving habits, such as seat belt use, limiting vehicle’s top speed and decreasing audio volume
> Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) – in an emergency, EBD balances brake force between front and rear wheels, giving the driver greater control
> AdvanceTrac with Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
> Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) – adjusts to provide the driver with greater control in a range of road and weather conditions, in comfort, sport and normal modes
> SOS – Post-Crash Alert System
>Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
> Rear View Camera, with audible parking sensors
> Intelligent Access with Push Button Start

 The 2.3-litre EcoBoost variant.

Ford Mustang is built at the Flat Rock assembly plant in Michigan, United States.

Both variants are available in five colours namely Race Red,Oxford White, Shadow Black, Deep Impact Blue, and Magnetic. A special Triple Yellow Tri-Coat colour is also available for the 5.0-litre V8 variant.

“Mustang is truly the heart and soul of Ford, and the all-new Mustang takes its no-compromise,raw power and performance to a whole new level,” said Ford Motor Company managing director (Malaysia and Asia Pacific Emerging Markets) managing director David Westerman.

“We are thrilled to give our customers in Malaysia the opportunity to become part of a global family of Mustang enthusiasts,” said Sime Darby Auto Connexion managing director, Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz.

“Mustang inspires passion like no other car. It resonates with people, even if they’ve never driven one – and I know Malaysians will jump at the chance to experience the thrill and excitement of this fantastic performance vehicle.”

5.0-litre Mustang2.3-litre EcoBoost MustangEcoBoost


Vienna's gay traffic signals get green light to stay for good

                VIENNA: Gay-themed traffic lights installed here for the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest have proven so popular that authorities have now decided to keep them for good and even turn them into t-shirts.

The Austrian capital, which hosts this year's kitsch pop competition, launched the revamped lights a fortnight ago at 120 zebra crossings as a symbol of tolerance.

Instead of the traditional single figure, they now show either a gay or heterosexual couple holding hands, along with a heart symbol.

 The quirky traffic lights will become a permanent fixture following wide public support. - AFP

The city confirmed on Wednesday it had ordered 2,000 t-shirts featuring the small figures in red and green on a black background.

One t-shirt costs 5 euros (RM20).

This follows an earlier announcement by officials that the lights, which cost 63,000 euros (RM26,000), would become a permanent fixture in response to an overwhelmingly positive public reaction.

More than 20,000 people signed an online petition to keep the quirky signals.

"They have acquired cult status," said city councillor Maria Vassilakou.

"It's great for the acceptance of gay couples and of course also for Vienna tourism."

Campaigns are already under way to install the lights in other Austrian cities.

The idea has even spread across to Germany where Munich apparently plans to launch its own gay traffic lights in July.

A total of 27 countries will take part in the Eurovision final held at Vienna's Stadthalle arena on Saturday night. The event is expected to attract up to 200 million viewers.


BMW, Mercedes grapple with unauthorised exports from US to China

                NEW YORK: Mercedes-Benz and BMW are probing unauthorised exports of luxury cars from the United States to China, which have recently surged and threaten profit in the world's largest auto market, senior executives said.

So-called gray imports to China have jumped since the country allowed dealers registered in Shanghai's free trade zone to import cars without the consent of foreign carmakers, exacerbating price pressure for German manufacturers.

As a result, Daimler AG, which owns premium auto brand Mercedes-Benz, said it intensified efforts to clamp down on exports of US models to China about a year ago.

"We got concerned when it hit 4,000," said Steve Cannon, head of Mercedes-Benz USA, referring to the number of vehicles being shipped to China from the United States.

Mercedes can penalise US dealers who knowingly sell vehicles to so-called gray-market exporters, who operate through unauthorized channels.

As a first step it has encouraged dealers to vet buyers of exclusive models such as the GL large SUV, using online resources such as Zillow to check addresses of would-be buyers, and has discouraged cash payment for cars, Cannon said.

"We nipped it in the bud," Cannon said, referring to the ability of unauthorised buyers to acquire vehicles in the United States for immediate export to China. "We took it down to almost nothing." China has had a gray market in auto sales for some time, centered around the northern port city of Tianjin, where about half of China's total car import deals are done. Together, Audi , BMW and Mercedes have about 70 to 80 percent market share in the premium segment.

A BMW 650i xDrive Convertible that sells from US$97,900 in the United States can cost close to 2 million yuan (US$320,179) in China.

Ian Robertson, BMW AG's board member responsible for global sales, said the company is concerned about the effect of new Chinese laws that clear a legal path for parallel imports. The automaker is cooperating with US law enforcement authorities investigating the source and flow of the money used to acquire such vehicles.

BMW does not have a precise figure for how many vehicles are being shipped to China from the United States through unofficial channels. "It's not a single entrepreneur," Robertson said.

"It's difficult to know." But BMW is seeing vehicles turn up in China with navigation systems and engines that are specified for the United States, not China.

One concern, he said, is that US engines are designed to run on different fuel than is commonly available in China, and the result could be that gray-market BMWs perform poorly.

After years of growth that turned China into the world's biggest car market, cooling demand is exacerbating tensions between global automakers and local car dealers.

Earlier this year, BMW said it will pay 5.1 billion yuan (US$823 million) to its established China dealers who are suffering from slowing sales as the economy cools and competition from unauthorized dealers increases.


Highway roadblocks will keep changing location, says Bukit Aman

                SEREMBAN: Police have launched the week-long Ops Rentas to deter people bent on crossing borders to return to their hometowns to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Bukit Aman Traffic and Enforcement Department deputy director Senior Asst Comm Datuk Mohd Nadzri Husain said the exercise, which started on Monday was also to ensure those who had approvals to travel interstate adhered to traffic rules during the festive period.

He said under Ops Rentas, roadblocks would be set up along the North South Expressway and the East Coast Expressway to ensure motorists adhered to the interstate travel rule enforced due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

To ensure the programme was a success, the highway network in the peninsula has been divided into five zones and 28 sectors and roadblocks would be set up at scheduled times.

“The highway network will be divided into the northern, central A and B, southern and eastern zones.

“The roadblocks would not remain static at one location but will keep on moving after a few hours at one spot, ” he told reporters when launching the operation which would be held until May 16.

He said the respective state police contingents have also set up 349 roadblocks in their respective areas and the move to set up more along the highways was to ensure those bent on returning to their hometowns would not have it easy.

He also advised the people not to violate the interstate travel ban as offenders would not only be ordered to turn back but would be slapped with a compound for violating Act 342 (Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988).

“We sincerely hope all Malaysians will give us their cooperation because we do not want the Covid-19 situation to worsen, ” he said.

Senior Asst Comm Mohd Nadzri said apart from accident hotspots, the roadblocks along the highway will be set up at spots where people had the opportunity to cross interstate.

On complaints that such roadblocks would cause traffic congestion, he said the police had no other option as it had to thoroughly check the documents provided by motorists.

“We need time to check the documents as there had been cases where people had tried to cheat their way through using photocopied letters and other fake documents.

“But I am confident that if people who have no business being on the highway during the MCO stay at home, then we will not have much congestion, ” he said.

He said traffic during this MCO would be heavier compared to during the last Hari Raya as more economic activities were allowed this time.

Police, he said, would also use special equipment such as In Car Radar and i-Cops during the operation to detect those who flout traffic rules.

The high-tech equipment allows cops to among others immediately check if a particular vehicle had outstanding summonses or the speed it was being driven.

On a separate matter, Senior Asst Comm Mohd Nadzri said police issued 28,919 summonses to motorists nationwide for various traffic offences during the week-long pre-Ops Rentas held beginning May 3 and in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

The summonses were issued for offences such as speeding, driving or riding without a valid driving licence or road tax, beating the red light and not wearing a helmet among others.

“Based on statistics, the number of accidents increased from 114,820 during the said week from 99,397 the previous week (April 26 - May 2).

“However, the number of road fatalities decreased to 80 during the pre-Ops Rentas against 88 the week earlier, ” he added.

Four people, he said were slapped with compounds for violating the no interstate travel rule while another one was arrested.


Automakers are about to give an inkling of the sales collapse ahead

                NEW YORK:  A year that started off well for the US auto market, with only a subtle down shift expected following years of strong demand, is suddenly shaping up to be a disaster.

The coronavirus pandemic has disturbed the virtuous blend of lofty consumer confidence and low interest rates that buoyed sales in January, February and even early March. Analysts are now all over the map for how low sales will go, with virtually no one expecting a speedy recovery.

"The whole world is turned upside down right now,” said Jessica Caldwell, executive director of insights for market researcher Edmunds, which sees the industry’s annualised selling rate slowing to 11.9 million in March. That would be the worst reading since the 2011 tsunami that hit Japan and interrupted shipments of cars and components for months.

April is normally one of the better months of the year for auto sales, with the spring selling season bringing car buyers out of their winter torpor. But 2020 will be different.

Ford Motor Co. is expected to report the biggest first-quarter decline among the traditional Detroit-area automakers, followed by Fiat Chrysler automobiles NV and General Motors Co. Numbers being released Wednesday are expected to be far weaker in the following months.

"There are basically no US auto sales right now,” Adam Jonas, an analyst with Morgan Stanley, wrote in a March 27 report.

"Investors have fully embraced the reality that the US auto industry may be shut down for one or two full months. We’re now being asked to run scenarios of six-month or nine-month shutdowns.”

The pessimism intensified over the weekend when US President Donald Trump extended to April 30 the social-distancing guidelines aimed at containing the virus.

Auto factory shutdowns that began in the middle of March are now going to last longer than companies including Ford had hoped.

With a global recession increasingly likely, fearful US consumers remain stuck in their homes with little or no desire to make a major purchase like a new automobile.

"We just don’t know when and how this ends, and that’s the biggest problem right now,” said Jeff Schuster, senior vice president of forecasting for research LMC automotive.

"All of this uncertainty creates a lot of angst and that has been spreading really like a wildfire through the industry.”

Schuster predicts the annualised selling rate will decelerate next month to between 9 million and 10 million vehicles. That’s lower than the 10.4 million autos sold in 2009, when both GM and Chrysler filed for bankruptcy.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. analysts are even more downbeat, predicting the pace next month will be between 6 million and 7 million. That would be below the 9.1 million level reached in February 2009, the worst monthly rate in decades.

Sapped confidence

The quarterly data many major automakers report Wednesday will partially reflect the heady and outdated optimism from the first 10 weeks of the year.

That has been overtaken by the coronavirus crisis that has deflated stock prices, fractured the economy and sapped the confidence of previously resilient American consumers.

The University of Michigan’s closely watched measure of consumer sentiment tumbled in March to its lowest level since the 2008 financial crisis and is on pace to have its largest two-month decline ever.

The data indicate the economy is already in recession.

Even the US government’s US$2 trillion stimulus package and automakers’ generous incentives will do little to change the mood, said Richard Curtain, University of Michigan economist and director of surveys.

"Mitigating the negative impacts on health and finances may curb rising pessimism, but it will not produce optimism,” Curtain said.

"Rebuilding confidence first requires a clear and unmistakable turning point in the fight against the virus as well as continued financial support to avoid a deeper and extended recession.”

Late-year bounce?

The February collapse of vehicle sales in China, where the pandemic originated, could be an indication of the extent of damage ahead for the US.

Deliveries in the world’s second-largest economy plummeted 79% last month and have recovered slowly.

The virus has already sickened more than 160,000 Americans and killed almost 3,000. Dr Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said March 29 that millions of American could become infected and between 100,000 and 200,000 could die.

Analysts are hoping for a fourth quarter bounce-back once the number of people laid low by the coronavirus diminishes. But without a vaccine to prevent further outbreaks, an economic recovery is far from assured.

"Do we get any lift in the fourth quarter? That’s really what’s in question,” LMC’s Schuster said.

"There is the potential that we have waves of infection, where you essentially shut things down for a short period to try to manage outbreaks. If we’re dealing with that next year, obviously we don’t get the rebound.”


Electric car startups fuelled by Chinese money aim to catch Tesla

                SAN FRANCISCO: A few miles from Tesla Motors Inc's Palo Alto headquarters, a Silicon Valley startup plans to challenge the electric car maker with a rival family of vehicles designed and built in the United States with major backing from Chinese investors.

Atieva plans to put a premium electric sedan on the road in 2018, followed by a pair of luxury crossovers in 2020-2021, company executives told Reuters in an exclusive interview. The company is racing not just against Tesla, but also against three China-based startups that are using Silicon Valley technologists.

Two of those startups are funded by the same Chinese Internet billionaire backing Atieva. All three have opened technical facilities in Silicon Valley in the past year. Only one of those companies, Faraday Future, has said it also plans to build its electric vehicles in the United States.

Unlike those companies, Atieva was started in California. Former executives from Tesla and Oracle launched it in late 2007, and hired several former Tesla hands including Atieva Chief Technology Officer Peter Rawlinson. With its first car still at least two years away from production, Atieva is using a Mercedes-Benz Vito commercial van to test the drivetrain: a pair of high-output electric motors, a lithium-ion battery pack, inverters and controllers.

Rawlinson, who while at Tesla led engineering of the Model S sedan, said Atieva's software is the "secret sauce" tying all that hardware together to deliver a combined 900 horsepower to the 5,000-pound four-wheel-drive van he has named "Edna." The drivetrain propels the van from zero to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds, a fraction slower than the fastest Tesla Model S.

 Jenkins (left) and Rawlinson.

Atieva's 0-100kph acceleration target for its 2018 sedan is 2.7 seconds, faster than a 12-cylinder Ferrari supercar. The Atieva sedan, being developed under the code name Project Cosmos, looks like a futuristic descendent of the Audi A7. Its headlamps are ultra-thin, with thousands of insect-inspired micro lenses. Its dashboard has a three-piece reconfigurable digital display that can be controlled by voice or touch.

Atieva has raised several hundred million dollars from investors including Mitsui & Co Ltd, the Japanese trading giant, and Venrock, a Silicon Valley venture capital firm connected with the Rockefeller family that once funded Intel and Apple.

Atieva's launch schedule would add its new sedan to a bumper crop of electric luxury vehicles vying for customers in a rarified market Tesla now has largely to itself.

This week, Daimler AG's Mercedes luxury car brand said it would unveil in October a long-range electric car it intends to put on sale before 2020. German rivals Volkswagen AG and BMW AG have said they are also working on premium electric cars.

Tesla did not reply to a request for comment about these would-be rivals, but the company is not sitting still and waiting for them to pounce. Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk raised $1.46 billion with a share sale last month, and outlined plans to launch a high-volume Model 3 sedan in 2017.

Tesla's lead in the electric luxury vehicle segment has bolstered the price of its shares, which remain more than double their level of three years ago despite a 9 percent decline for the year to date.

As Atieva looks for where it will build its US factory, manufacturing director Brian Barron says the company has narrowed its search to two sites and expects to choose later this year. Barron, who spent 20 years overseeing various BMW plants, said the factory will be designed to build 20,000 electric cars a year initially, ramping up in stages to 130,000 a year.

Two of Atieva's biggest shareholders are Chinese: State-owned Beijing Auto and a subsidiary of publicly traded LeEco, an internet company that has also declared it intends to offer an electric car. LeEco is controlled by Chinese tech entrepreneur Jia Yueting.

Jia also controls Faraday Future, an electric vehicle startup whose US headquarters is based near Los Angeles and which also shares space in LeEco's San Jose technical center in Silicon Valley.

A fourth Chinese-backed startup, NextEV, has a new San Jose facility near LeEco. NextEV is backed by Valley venture capital firm Sequoia Capital, which funded Google in its infancy. NextEV was launched in 2014 by William Li, the founder of Chinese website Bitauto, and financed in part by Tencent, the Chinese internet services provider.

Atieva design vice president Derek Jenkins said the company will set itself apart from its Chinese rivals using its "California DNA" and its "California mindset." He did not provide specifics, but Jenkins led the team that designed the latest Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster.


Musk says Tesla would be shut down if its cars spied in China, elsewhere

Musk urged greater mutual trust between the US and China. — Reuters
BEIJING: Tesla Inc chief executive Elon Musk said today his company would be shut down if its cars were used to spy, his first comments on news that China’s military has banned Teslas from its facilities.

“There’s a very strong incentive for us to be very confidential with any information,” Musk told a prominent Chinese forum during a virtual discussion. “If Tesla used cars to spy in China or anywhere, we will get shut down.”

Sources said on Friday that the Chinese military has banned Tesla cars from entering its complexes, citing security concerns over cameras installed on the vehicles.

Those restrictions surfaced as the top Chinese and US diplomats were holding a contentious meeting in Alaska, the first such in-person interaction since US president Joe Biden took office in January.

Musk urged greater mutual trust between the world’s two biggest economies, in his remarks to the China Development Forum, a high-level business gathering is hosted by a foundation under the State Council.

He was holding a discussion panel with Xue Qikun, a Chinese quantum physicist who heads the Southern University of Science and Technology.

In China, the world’s biggest car market and a key battleground for electric vehicles (EVs), Tesla sold 147,445 vehicles last year, 30% of its global total. However, it is facing more competition this year from domestic rivals from Nio Inc to Geely.

Musk has made several high-profile appearances in China, where Tesla makes as well as sells EVs. In 2019, he discussed Mars and artificial intelligence with Alibaba’s outspoken founder Jack Ma.

At a delivery event last year for China-made Model 3 sedans, Musk danced enthusiastically on stage, stripping off his jacket in what became a social media storm.


BMW says no to B10 biodiesel

                PETALING JAYA: BMW Group Malaysia is aghast at the government plan to introduce the use of B10 biodiesel, saying its use could lead to engine damage.

It said modern diesel engines in Malaysia could run on the B7 biodiesel but not B10.

"In our tests with B10 biodiesel worldwide, we have found technical challenges present when blending 10% of palm based methyl ester with the current conventional fuel," said  BMW Group Malaysia managing director and CEO Alan Harris.

 The gunk and the damage to an engine. What a wrongly formulated biodiesel can do to the oil filter (left) and cylinder heads.

"Testing on vehicles have found that fatty-acid methyl ester, which boils at high temperatures will move into the motor oil due to the regeneration setting resulting in thinning of the motor oil as it does not evaporate when the engine runs at high temperatures. This in turn leads to oil sludge, reduced lubricity with the risk of severe engine damage."

B10 biodiesel also results in higher levels of water in the fuel, which leads to corrosion of parts, which transport the fuel and promotes oxidation in the tank, causing a blocked fuel filter.

Harris said the Government should have consulted the automotive industry before announcing the B10 biodiesel plan.

"While biodiesel is introduced with the intention of promoting the use of clean and green technology as well as to increase the domestic use of palm products in the country, we must ensure that the technology is safe and proven to also benefit the industrial and the automotive sector," said Harris.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also said the introduction of B10 biodiesel was incompatible with current engines.

It said its diesel cars could accept B7 diesel and its Fuso trucks could only use a B5 blend, Bloomberg quoted the company's president Roland S. Folger as saying.


Socar promotion and tips during MCO

                PETALING JAYA: Existing users of Socar can enjoy 50% off (cap at RM50) on your bookings to run to the nearest grocery store and purchase the essentials using Socar's DRIVEAGAIN50 from now till Apr 14th, 2020, which applies to both normal bookings and the SOCAR-2-YOU service.

If you are not an existing user, Socar has you covered too as new users would be entitled to a promo that is available under the “My Coupon” tab on the app - 50% off for all bookings (cap at RM100).

If you are within the SOCAR-2-YOU 12 major coverage zones, you can continue to opt for the SOCAR-2-YOU service by having it delivered to your doorstep.

Socar also shared some useful community tips that Malaysians can adhere to.

For those living with family, friends or the elderly within their vicinity, do always remember to check with them if help is needed to purchase groceries or medical supplies because a little goes a long way, especially during times like these.

Socar also encourages users to wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content to kill the virus and most importantly, plan trips.

Users are also urged to always clean up after themselves after using the cars by wiping the commonly touched areas. Socar will also be doing its part to curb the spread of COVID-19 by regularly cleaning and sanitising all our vehicles.

Users are urged to contact our support team via our in-app chat function SOCARE Live Chat, should they find any cars that need to be cleaned urgently.

To find out more on the coverage area for the SOCAR-2-YOU service, please visit this website.

Download the app on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.


New VW Polo to be revealed on Friday

                WOLFSBURG: The sixth generation VW Polo will make its world debut in Berlin on Friday.

According to a brief statement by VW, the latest edition is larger, more spacious, more comfortable and will continue the success story of the compact model of which more than 14 million units have been sold.

The new Polo makes a confident, sporty and emotional impression, said Klaus Bischoff, Head of Design Volkswagen Brand.

"This Volkswagen can immediately be made out as the original of its class, but also as a completely new generation. A Polo with an expressive design which makes the compact sportier, cleaner and unique within the brand range. This is a car that fits in perfectly with our times – both visually and technologically."


Polestar 4 to debut at Shanghai auto show

                GOTHENBURG: Polestar will reveal its next car, Polestar 4, at the Shanghai auto show on April 18.

For the latest addition to its portfolio of cars, Polestar has taken the SUV coupé and transformed it for the electric age. Polestar 4 marries the aerodynamics of a coupé with the space of an SUV in a package enhanced by modern technology.

Design cues and sustainability enhancements initially showcased in Polestar’s concept cars will make their production debut in Polestar 4.

The electric SUV coupé will also be the fastest Polestar production car to date.

Positioned between the Polestar 2 and Polestar 3, the car is expected to be priced from US$60,000 to US$80,000 (RM265,000 to RM354,000).

Autocar had reported that the Polestar 4 is aimed at the upcoming Porsche Macan BEV, and would have a higher ground clearance than the Polestar 2. It would also have a shorter wheelbase than the Polestar 3, hence a smaller cabin volume.

There's every chance Polestar would have a rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions as in the Polestar 2.

If it gets the same motors as the Polestar 2, we will be looking at performance figures that are 299hp/489Nm for RWD variety and 455hp/740Nm for the AWD one. Range of 482km and 434km would be the result of such respective specs.

“Polestar 4 is not simply a modified version of our first SUV. Instead, we reconsidered the entire design to create a new breed of SUV coupé,” said Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath.

Polestar 4 will be joined by Polestar 3 and the recently updated Polestar 2, making their first public appearance in China.


Formula One to have louder and simpler engine in 2021

                LONDON: Formula One will have simpler, cheaper and noisier engines from 2021 as part of a “road map” for the future presented to teams on Tuesday that could entice new manufacturers to enter the sport.

The Paris presentation was the product of research by experts assembled by former team boss Ross Brawn, now Formula One’s managing director for sporting matters.

“We’ve carefully listened to what the fans think about the current power unit and what they would like to see in the near future,” Brawn said in a statement.

He said the aim was to come up with regulations which, apart from making engines more affordable and louder, would also make it easier for new manufacturers to come in and for teams to be competitive.

Formula One changed owners in January when US-based Liberty Media took over and ousted former commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

Liberty have already made a mark on the race weekend, with more of a show for fans, but long-term contracts mean more substantial changes will take time.

Formula One said it and the FIA had proposed an engine that would be the same 1.6 litre V6 turbo hybrid but without the MGU-H, one of the two motor generator units.

The sound would be improved by having a higher engine running speed of 3,000rpm.

Development costs would be restricted and extreme designs discouraged, there will be a single turbo with dimensional constraints and weight limits and a standard energy store and control electronics.

The MGU-K, the electric motor that recovers and supplies kinetic energy from braking, will be more powerful with a focus on manual deployment along with an option to save up energy over several laps and create a driver-controlled tactical element.

“Work will continue over the next 12 months to define certain elements of the Power Unit,” the Formula One statement said.

“But the design and development of the complete power unit will not be possible until all the information is released at the end of 2018. This aims to ensure that manufacturers continue to work on the current specification power unit.”

The current engine, introduced in 2014 and much quieter than the previous V8s and V10s, ushered in a period of Mercedes dominance with the German manufacturer winning both championships for the past four years.

Other engine makers — Ferrari, Renault and Honda — have been racing to catch up with varying degrees of success.


BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition launched

                MUNICH: Everyone loves a winner. BMW M is showing its joy by launching the M4 DTM Champion Edition to honour its works driver Marco Wittmann who secured the DTM driver’s title in the 2016 season finale at the Hockenheimring for the second time. The last win was two years ago.

Compared to the series production BMW M4, the edition model, which is limited worldwide to 200 units, delivers a power output that has been increased by 69hp to 500hp and a maximum torque of 600Nm, an increase of 50 Nm. Top-class motor racing technology for drive and suspension as well as a specific design following that of DTM racing cars built by BMW Motorsport render the BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition a high-performance coupe with a focus on racetrack deployment and a collector’s item.

The M4 DTM Champion Edition completes the sprint from 0 to 100kph in just 3.8 seconds. Top speed is limited to 305kph. This level of performance is due to the use of water injection technology featured in the straight six-cylinder power unit also found in the M4 GTS.

Inside the two-seater M4 DTM Champion Edition 2016, both driver and co-driver sit in M Carbon bucket seats covered in Alcantara/Leather Merino. The entire interior is lined with Alcantara, also used on the M Sports steering wheel sporting a grey “12 o’clock” marker. Behind the front bucket seats of the M4 DTM Champion Edition, a white rollover bar replaces the rear seat system.

The car doesn't lack comfort and safety; it has BMW navigation system Professional, air conditioning, adaptive LED headlights with BMW Selective Beam (glare-free high beam assistant), OLED taillights, Park Distance Control (PDC) at the front and rear as well as automatically dimming interior and exterior mirrors.

In addition to other components, the bonnet, roof, instrument panel support and rear diffuser are made from carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). The end silencer of the double-flow sports exhaust system featuring two pairs of tailpipes is made of lightweight titanium.

Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 high-performance tyres size 265/35 R19 at the front and 285/30 R20 at the rear are designed specifically for use on the racetrack and mounted on light alloys boasting a star spoke design 666 M in Orbit Grey matt. M carbon-ceramic brakes guarantee fade-free braking even in tough racing conditions. The individually adjustable 3-way coilover suspension is mechanically adjustable both for rebound and damping, thus allowing the car’s handling characteristics to be adapted according to personal taste.

The M4 DTM Champion Edition 2016 is available with immediate effect at a price of 148,500 Euros (RM689,000) in Germany.


Do not cycle on highways and expressways or you will be RM1,000 poorer

                KUALA LUMPUR: Cycling along highways or expressways is prohibited, and will result in the cyclist being RM1,000 poorer.

The police on its official Facebook page on Thursday (Sept 18) said action could be taken against those who do so under Section 70(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which prohibits the use of vehicles on certain roads.

"If convicted, those who commit the offence can be fined not more than RM1,000 or face three months' imprisonment or both.

"Cycling has become a hobby that has gained a strong following in Malaysia. However, cyclists must abide by the law and not cycle along the highways," the post said.

The Facebook post has so far garnered 4,300 likes, 1,000 comments and 2,600 shares.

The majority of those who commented agreed that cycling should not be allowed on highways. However, some urged the authorities to provide a dedicated lane for cyclists.


Dego Ride's bike hailing service kicks off, more women riders sought

Under Dego Ride, male and female riders will cater to passengers of their own gender. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: After having been barred over public safety concerns back in February 2017, motorcycle hailing company Dego Ride has gone live on New Year's Day with over 700 approved riders.

Its founder and chief executive officer, Nabil Feisal Bamadhaj, said today that the bike e-hailing operation currently covered areas from Putrajaya to Shah Alam.

However, the company expects to widen coverage as it is in the process of vetting over 4,000 rider applications.

"Under Dego Ride, male and female riders will cater to passengers of their own gender.

"We call on more women riders to join us, as there has been high demand from female passengers for their last mile connections," he said during the launch ceremony of the Dego Ride app and its headquarters in Taman Melawati.

Dego Ride offers the first 3km ride at RM3, with RM1 charged for every subsequent kilometer after that.

Passengers can download the app online and start using the motorcycle e-hailing service immediately.

Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, who came for the ceremony, lauded Dego Ride's effort in providing job opportunities to youths and heling to improve the lives of the B40 group.


Perlis' sole Tamil school given a Hino mini bus

                PETALING JAYA: Hino Motors Sales (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd handed over a mini bus to a non-government (NGO) charitable organisation, The Community Chest, that will be donated to SJK (T) Kangar.

The handover ceremony took place at the Hino Malaysia headquarters here.

The Community Chest bought the 25-seat Hino XZU720L1 Mini Bus at a discount to be given to the school. The NGO was set up by the private sector in 2011 to promote and support education in Malaysia.

The gift was sparked by a request to the NGO from the Parent-Teacher Association of SJK (T) Kangar, which wanted a bus to transport pupils safely.

Hino Malaysia managing director Ken Iwamoto handed over the bus to Community Chest administrator Tan Kong Han. The Community Chest then presented a mock key of the bus to the association chairman, Sreetharan Selwaraju.

“The bus sponsorship is The Community Chest’s first movable asset contribution to a school," said Tan, adding that  SJK (T) Kangar was the only Tamil school in Perlis.

“Ensuring children’s safety on the road is part of our responsibility," said Iwamoto.


Four SUVs to drive in one day: Audi Q2, Q5, Q7 and Q8

                Audi recently previewed the latest offerings of its range of  "Q" sport utility vehicles (SUV) that starts with the compact Q2, mid-sized Q5, full-sized Q7 and the coupe-like Q8.

Ultimately, these SUVs feel Teutonic when helmed and have been infused with the right amount of performance that often elates rather than overwhelm.

Size was the first factor of differentiation.

Q2

Starting with the German carmaker's front-wheel driven Q2, costing RM219,900 (on-the-road without insurance with five-year unlimited mileage warranty), we found it to be a bundle of joy.

With 150hp and 250Nm of torque on tap from its 1.4-litre direct-injected turbocharged engine, throwing it around tight winding roads showed it has a compliant-yet-sporty suspension system that's capable of soaking up uneven road sections, yet remain relatively communicative and responsive to driver-steering inputs.

This helped to control the body's pitch and roll to a large degree and in doing so provided much confidence in carving up the corners to make this SUV a potentially fun ownership as well as an engaging one for the more experienced.

Combining this with a quick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox (without paddle shifters) that's been "coated in butter", power delivery is on point from low engine speeds that will take care of inertia and steep inclines. However, we found engine grunt was lacking when approaching the engine's red-line limit.

In terms of styling, the Q2 is differentiated from the rest by its rear LED light clusters with dynamic turn-signals.

These come from the latest and yet-to-arrive Polo Mk6 here in Malaysia. At current, the Polo Mk5 is still being locally assembled and sold in the country.

But thankfully, inside the Q2's cabin, there was little to indicate that Audi has dipped into its parent company's parts bin.

However, the only Q2 gripe were the front door inserts that had exposed rough plastics where the armrests were - making it rather unbecoming of a brand that associates itself with style, luxury and above all else - technology.

That aside, the Q2's joyful handling helps it to paper over this complaint.

Q8

At the opposite end of the scale is the coupe-like Q8 - priced at RM728,100, which takes on the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE.

This particular SUV is a sportier version of the comfort-oriented Q7, with a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine punching out 340hp (+7hp) from 5,200rpm to 6,500rpm and 500Nm (+60Nm) of torque from  1,370 to 4,500rpm compared to the Q7's mid-revving engine characteristics.

With the same eight-speed automatic with Tiptronic mode and paddle shifters, the Q8 is able to sprint from 0 to 100kph in 5.9 seconds (0.4 seconds faster) before reaching a top speed of 250kph.

Unfortunately, the Q8's higher state of tune has made it less frugal and less environment-friendly - with a combined cycle of 8.9 litres per 100km - burning a whole litre more than before and producing an additional 20g more of CO2 at 203 grams per kilometre.

As standard, the Q8 rolls on 20-inch cast alloy wheels, which looks disproportionate against its gaping wheel arches. Thankfully, the larger 22-inch wheels did it better justice.

On the move, the engine keeps propelling the Q8 forward from a lowly 1,370rpm, while the adaptive suspension keeps comfort/sporty levels in check with both pitch and roll being addressed satisfactorily. The cabin is well-insulated with very low levels of wind noise intruding while at high speeds.

Such a combination of factors helped to accentuate the premium quality of the quattro all-wheel-drive Q8.

The cabin oversupplies on glossy panels that are prone to attract smudges of fingerprints.

Front occupants will find the ventilated Valcona leather-wrapped seats comfortable.

Rear seated occupants will have slide adjustability for the 50:50 split rear bench to dial in their preferred amount of leg room - albeit at the expense of boot space.

Undoubtedly, the Q8 has a sporty look packed with luxury-oriented accoutrements that include pop-out doors when the handle is pulled, frameless windows, powered-sun shades, panoramic roof and a 360-degree camera to name a few.

When compared to the RM600,100 Q7, the Q8 is far more sure-footed and offers plenty of stability for a communicative and confidence-inspiring drive that's got enough bite in its brakes to offer a big safety margin.

Q7

In contrast to the Q8,  the Q7 is the comfort-oriented sibling. It comes across as soft and overly insulated from the world with little to suggest a sporty side — not even from within the confines of the uber-spacious and premium cabin.

The capable brakes seem to be the only thing that suggests a "rough and tough" element to the big SUV.

The seven-seater Q7 will get going, but power delivery will take a while, seeing as how the engine's power resides in the mid-range rpm — requiring a moment to build up power for the road.

Q5

Saving the best for last, the RM339,300 Q5 simply had the best dynamics of the four vehicles.

For one, the 2.0-litre turbocharged mill provided an almost immediate response upon flooring the accelerator and all its 252hp /370Nm of torque seemed plentiful throughout the engine rev-range.

In terms of comfort and handling, the Q5 performs well with a sporty-yet-compliant setup that would enable anyone to feel comfortable over uneven roads and yet provide for a good amount of handling when the mood takes hold.

Having the quattro all-wheel-drive system ensures the mid-sized SUV is sure-footed.  In most cases, the Q5 feels very nimble around bends and active safety systems keep under or over-steering at bay.

The interior is not ostentatious, unlike the bigger Q8. But it looks pleasing with its practicality, simplicity and good overall ergonomics for five occupants along with a decent luggage compartment for a weekend getaway.

It's a wrap

With four SUVs offering different unique points of their own, it can be hard to make a decision. But we will make it easy for you.

For those who prefer something loud with plenty of grunt, glitz and glamour, the Q8 should do the trick, while the Q7 should appeal to those who prefer comfort over anything overtly sporty.

The Q2 simply provides a basic compact zippy ride with all the necessary Audi styling cues. With a combination of drivability, handling competency and a decent cabin, the Q5 is our choice pick of the four SUVs.

At the end of the day, it all boils down to the premium SUV buyer's preferences. Audi's Q series will certainly put on a good showing should you be shopping around for a solid SUV from among the German marques.

READ MORE: Four Audi Q models launchedAudi Q2

Audi Q5

Audi Q7

Audi Q8


JPJ collected RM8.55bil in revenue in 2019 and 2018, says Transport Minister

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) collected a total of RM8.55bil in revenue in 2018 and 2019, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

According to Dr Wee, the figure consisted of RM4.23bil in 2018 and RM4.32bil in 2019.

From the total revenue collected in 2018 and 2019, physical JPJ counters collected a total of RM5.03bil in revenue, which consisted of 58.82% of the figure, said Dr Wee.

“At present, JPJ physical counters are available in its 15 state headquarters, 65 branches and 19 Urban Transformation Centres.

Dr Wee was responding to Anthony Loke (PH-Seremban) during Question Time in Parliament, who asked about the total revenue collected from tax and non-taxation collections in 2018 and 2019.

In the same period, Dr Wee said a total of RM329.36mil was collected through its mySIKAP system while a total of RM3.19bil was collected through online channels by private companies.

“The services provided through the online channel by private companies include MyEG, POS Malaysia, Puspakom, Touch’N Go, e-Payment, e-Daftar, Puspakom concession fee and internet banking, ” he added.

According to Dr Wee, JPJ did not receive any revenue from its direct and indirect tax collections.

Dr Wee said JPJ’s revenue came from non-tax related collections such as the payment of service fees for the issuance and renewal of driving licenses, the registration of new vehicles as well as the payment of fines.


30 years on, Daimler's massive W140 S-Class is still a great car

                FRANKFURT: It was the wrong car at the wrong time. When Mercedes-Benz pulled the wraps off the new W140 generation S-Class in the spring of 1991, the era of glitz and glamour in postwar Germany was coming to an end.

It was dawning on Germans that their newly achieved unity was going to cost a lot of money. On top of that were increasing concerns about climate deterioration and the second Gulf War sparked renewed fears about the finite nature of oil, A swanky “tank” for celebrities and politicians did not fit into the picture.

The Stuttgart maker quickly cornered 50 per cent of the luxury limo market but critics and some even die-in-the-wool Mercedes-Benz fans baulked at paying 88,000 and 200,000 Deutschmarks – or about €242,000 (RM1.18mil) today – for a huge 5.2-metre-long sedan which looked gross alongside its elegant rival, the BMW 7 Series.

Indignation tuned to ridicule when it turned out that the 1.89-metre S-Class was too wide to fit on the wagons of the car train to the fashionable northern German island of Sylt where stressed-out executives like to go on vacation.

The technical excellence of the car was beyond reproach – after all it was the product of nearly 10 years in development and huge financial investment. Chief engineer at the time, Wolfgang Peter, said it was "the largest passenger car project ever undertaken by Mercedes-Benz" while the motoring gazette Auto, Motor und Sport dubbed it simply the "best car in the world".

Naturally, such luxury polarised the media. The left-leaning Tageszeitung “taz" newspaper castigated the S-Class as "the product of engineering mania and the climate-killer instinct."

The comparisons with chancellor Kohl are inevitable since he was chauffeured around in a range-topping version. Just like the politician though, the W140 S-Class was seen as sedate, a little out of step with the times and reviled as "the fat one".

Yet like the chancellor of unity, who held office for four legislative periods and led the country for 16 years, the W140 had staying power too. It was built until 1998, but many of the 400,000 or so examples have survived in good condition. Production moved to India until 2001 although experts say not all the local components used were up to scratch.

Even critics tend to pipe down once they take the wheel. By the way, to help drivers cope with the dimensions Mercedes-Benz fitted folding exterior mirrors and the small little chrome rods which popped up from the corners of the boot within two seconds of engaging reverse gear. Compared to bulky, modern SUVs the W140 looks almost dainty.

As soon as the heavy doors close automatically with a distinctive clunk, driver and passengers are in a world of their own. The cabin is silent and a small army of electric helpers make life easier for the occupants. Central locking and electric windows were standard for the first team – even contemporary versions of the E-Class executive saloon often came with old-fashioned wind-up windows.

Privacy was ensured by curtains and a powered roller blind in the rear while adjustable and heated individual seats in the second row maximise comfort. A total of 60 electric motors were installed in the big Mercedes.

The car has a decent range of engines from S280 which offered 190 horsepower through to the 228-hp S300, 286-hp S420 and 308-hp S500. Top of the range was an awesome V12 which turned out 408 horses in the S600 (the power was later reduced to 389 bhp in October 1992). For cheapskates there was a turbo-diesel with a measly 150 horses on tap and later a cheaper petrol model with a 2-8-litre six-pot turning out 193 hp.

Reviewers continued to heap praise, enthusing that drivers were oblivious to the massive weight of the car when underway. “This luxury liner is still a pleasure to drive and it feels up to date,” a tester for Auto Motor and Sport magazine wrote.

Thirty years after its premiere, the W140 generation S-Class is formally on the cusp of becoming a classic although examples can still be picked up for small sums of money. The luxury barge is nowhere near as sexy as a coupe or cabriolet and the armada of electric aides on board frightens off novice enthusiasts. Engine management issues can be complex and expensive to fix.

In Germany, the licensing authorities in Flensburg list fewer than 5,000 examples of the W140 as being registered for use. Many are languishing on the docksides of Baltic Sea ports after being sold to customers who cannot afford to keep them maintained properly.

As a used car, the W140 is a bargain. A good example with either a six-cylinder or eight-cylinder engine can be had for well under €15,000 (RM74,000). Fans will however, need deep pockets if repairs arise.

Those tempted to buy one might like to bear in mind that these luxury cars are just a little too big for European roads. With a W140 S-Class finding somewhere to park in gridlocked cities is never going to be easy.


Audi A4 with RM38k of free goodies

                KUALA LUMPUR: Audi Malaysia is offering the A4 1.8-litre TFSI with complimentary upgrades worth RM38,000 in the form of either a Technology or S line Competition package.

This A4 model is priced at RM239,900 on-the-road.

The Technology package consists of adaptive headlights, a rear view camera, 18-inch Audi Sport cast aluminium alloy wheels, Bang & Olufsen sound system, MMI Navigation Plus and comfort key.

The S line Competition package includes Alcantara leather sport seats, Audi exclusive black high gloss styling package, 19-inch Audi Sport cast aluminium alloy wheels, Bang & Olufsen sound system, exclusive S line competition design bumper, and comfort key.


Croatian town to showcase Mercedes love affair with monument

Around half of the 16,000 registered cars in Imotski are said to be Mercedes cars. — Reuters
IMOTSKI (Croatia): A town in southern Croatia whose citizens are obsessed with Mercedes-Benz cars plans to build a monument to the German car that symbolises success for its rural inhabitants.

About half of the 16,000 registered cars in Imotski, which is close to the border with Bosnia, are Mercedes cars, according to Ivan Topic Nota, the main promoter of the plan to build the Mercedes monument.

“I can assure you there are also many kept in the garages. I own 13 Mercedes old-timers (vintages) and four of them are registered for driving,” he said at a ceremony on Sunday to lay the foundation stone for the monument.

He added that the project also aimed to make it into the Guinness World Records by gathering the most Mercedes-Benz cars in one spot in September.

In the 1960s and 1970s, many people from the rural Imotski area went to work in West Germany to support their families back home. When they came for a visit or decided to move back, driving a Mercedes-Benz was seen as a sign of success.

“Those people earned a special kind of respect in the local community. A love story between the locals and Mercedes emerged, so don’t they deserve a monument as well?” Topic said.

The monument in Imotski will be made of stone and will represent Mercedes 115, a popular model among locals which was produced between 1968 and 1976. The cost of the monument is estimated at 450,000 kuna (US$67,633.58).

“We’ve already collected half of that from donations, even the town authorities and our mayor were generous. In September we plan to set a Guinness world record by organising a gathering of 2,000 Mercedes cars on one spot. It will also bring some funds,” Topic said.


New Subaru Forester's EyeSight safety suite previewed

                PETALING JAYA: The new Subaru Forester for 2019 is due to be launched soon in Malaysia but CarSifu has already had a taste of the new SUV's suite of driving assistance system, EyeSight.

The EyeSight system is available on the top specced variant, the 2.0i-S ES, and features Pre-Collision Braking and Throttle Management, Lane Sway and Departure Warning, as well as Adaptive Cruise Control and Lead Vehicle Start Alert.

We were recently treated to a demonstration of a majority of the EyeSight features which is a dual camera based system, except for the Lane Sway and Departure Warning.

It was explained to us that the difference between the Lane Sway and Departure Warning was that the Departure Warning will sound off when the driver moves in and out of lanes without signalling while the Lane Sway alarm goes off if the system detects that the car is driven erratically.

The demonstration of the Pre-Collision Braking system showed that the car will first slow down and come to a complete stop with full brakes engaged if a crash is imminent. This system works from as low as 1kph all the way to 200kph.

The Throttle Management system will disengage the acceleration of the car if the driver has accidentally put the gear in drive mode instead of reverse. This situation is designed when the car is parked.

The Adaptive Cruise Control is a smart system which detects the speed of the car in front of you and adjusts the speed automatically without having to turn the cruise control system off.

So if you have set your speed to 110kph for cruise control and a car enters your lane in front of you at a slower speed, the Adaptive Cruise Control system will automatically change the speed of your car without having the need to brake.

Finally, you have the Lead Vehicle Start Alert which is designed when you are stuck in heavy traffic and haven't realized the car in front of you is already moving.

So if you're not paying attention to the car in front of you during a jam, the EyeSight system will indicate that the car in front has already started moving and can save you the trouble of being honked at by the cars behind.

We came away impressed with this advanced safety feature so watch this space for updates on the new Subaru Forester 2019 for pricing, specifications and variants.


Lamborghini biopic in the making

                LOS ANGELES: Finance, production and distribution company AMBI Group has optioned life rights to the story of Italian icon and carmaker Ferruccio Lamborghini, with details for the film already in the pipeline.

The company, owned and run by Andrea Iervolino and Lady Monika Bacardi, will finance and produce the feature biopic, which has a working title of Lamborghini ‒ The Legend.ComingSoon.net reports that the duo plan to shoot the film this summer in Italy as well as other locations around the world that played a role in shaping the legend of the Italian entrepreneur.

The movie ‒  based on a book and input from Lamborghini's son, Tonino ‒ is set to depict the events that led to his success, from dark beginnings in the midst of WWII, to designing the series of sports cars that have stamped its mark on the global automotive industry.

AMBI Distribution, the worldwide sales arm of the AMBI Group, will handle worldwide sales rights on the film.


EU delays vote on combustion engine phaseout after German pushback

                BRUSSELS: European Union countries have delayed a planned vote next week on the bloc's landmark law to end sales of new CO2-emitting cars in 2035 after Germany questioned its support for the rules.

No new date for the vote was given and a spokesperson for Sweden, which holds the EU's rotating presidency, said EU countries' ambassadors would return to the topic "in due time".

After months of negotiations, the European Parliament, the Commission and EU member states last year agreed to the law, which would require all new cars sold in the EU from 2035 to have zero CO2 emissions - effectively making it impossible to sell combustion engine cars from that date.

But EU countries still need to rubber stamp the decision before it can take effect. EU countries' ambassadors on Friday cancelled the vote that had been planned for March 7, the spokesperson for Sweden said.

That has put the law on ice days before it was due to receive final approval. An attempt to block or change an EU policy this late in the lawmaking process is highly unusual.

German Transport Minister Volker Wissing reiterated on Friday that the use of synthetic fuels should remain possible after the 2035 deadline and that the European Commission's promised proposal on how to make this happen was still missing.

"We want climate-neutral mobility", and to do so means being open to all conceivable technologies, he told a news conference.

A non-binding section of the EU law says the Commission will make a proposal on how vehicles running on CO2-neutral fuels can be sold after 2035, if this complies with climate goals. But Germany's transport ministry wants clearer assurances.

CO2 neutral

A Commission spokesperson said today it "will consider the potential contribution of CO2-neutral fuels to reach climate neutral mobility", adding that it was in contact with countries to discuss their issues with the law.

"The transition to zero-emission vehicles is absolutely necessary to meet our 2030 and 2050 climate targets," the spokesperson added.

Transport accounts for nearly a quarter of EU emissions and has bucked the EU's overall trend of falling CO2 output over the past three decades, threatening to thwart the bloc's targets to slash planet-warming emissions.

Italy, which has previously said it will vote against the EU cars law, on Friday welcomed the postponement of the vote.

"Italy has a very clear position - electric (cars) cannot be the only solution for the future," Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin said, adding that vehicles running on "renewable fuels" should be considered an "equally clean" option.

Germany's FDP has long been an advocate for climate-neutral synthetic fuels, also known as e-fuels, arguing their use would enable the continued use of combustion engines.

But the country's environment ministry, led by the Greens, has said Germany should stick to the deal and not back away at the last minute.

Audi chief executive Markus Duesmann backed that position, saying turning away from the phaseout risked leaving the industry in limbo. "And that would be fatal for the car industry," he told Spiegel magazine.

"Audi has made a clear decision: We are phasing out the internal combustion engine in 2033 because the battery-electric vehicle is the most efficient method for individual mobility," Duesmann said in an interview published today.

If Germany's coalition government cannot agree a position, it would have to abstain. Such an outcome, along with some resistance from Italy and some eastern European countries, could throw the whole EU ban into question.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will attend a German cabinet meeting at the Schloss Meseberg palace on Sunday, where the topic is likely to be discussed.

EU lawmakers already gave the deal their final approval last month.


Toyota to build test track for self-driving cars

                SAN FRANCISCO: Toyota is going all-in on autonomous vehicles, announcing Thursday plans to open a centre this year to test driving scenarios too dangerous to perform on public roads.

The new test centre, which will be operated by the Toyota Research Institute, will be built in Ottawa Lake, Michigan, outside Detroit and not far from Toyota's engineering center, the company said in a statement.

"By constructing a course for ourselves, we can design it around our unique testing needs and rapidly advance capabilities," said Ryan Eustice, TRI senior vice president of automated driving.

"This new site will give us the flexibility to customize driving scenarios that will push the limits of our technology and move us closer to conceiving a human-driven vehicle that is incapable of causing a crash," he said in a statement.

Automakers have begun to test autonomous or automated vehicles on public roads in the United States but have become more cautious in the wake of a fatal crash in Arizona of a self-driving car operated by Uber's research unit.

The new test centre is due to open in October on a 24-ha site that will include congested urban environments, slick surfaces and a four-lane divided highway with high-speed entrance and exit ramps. The company did not disclose the cost of the project.

Toyota said it will continue to test autonomous vehicles at two other test tracks near Detroit, which include real-world driving situations.


BMW hits record sales in Malaysia with nearly 11,000 vehicles sold

                KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Group Malaysia has good news to report back to Munich, achieving its highest ever growth in the country for the 100th year anniversary of the brand.

It delivered a total of 10,906 units of BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad vehicles in the country last year, charting a 16% growth increase compared to the same period in 2015 (9,368).

The achievement is in line with that of the BMW Group, which achieved its best ever sales in 2016 with a total of 2,367,603 vehicles sold worldwide. This marked the sixth year in a row the company has set a new sales record while maintaining its position as the world’s leading premium car company.

For 2016, BMW grew a record 20%, delivering 9,000 BMW vehicles from 7,515 vehicles in 2015. The MINI brand also recorded a 19% growth, delivering 902 MINI vehicles from 756 in the previous year while BMW Motorrad delivered 1,004 motorcycles.

The centenary year heralded in the entry of X5 xDrive40e and BMW 330e plug-in hybrids. It also saw BMW Group Malaysia working with GreenTech Malaysia to offer its i and iPerformance customers access to its ChargeNow services via the GreenTech Malaysia’s ChargEV platform.

For 2017, BMW Group Malaysia is gearing up to make Malaysia its regional export hub for the 3 Series, 5 Series and 7 Series to Vietnam and the Philippines in 2018. It is expected to invest over RM10mil to increase local production capacity from over 7,000 vehicles in 2016 to over 10,000 vehicles with an investment.

BMW will also open its RM130mil regional parts depot at the Free Trade Zone of the Senai airport. Occupying over 45,000 square metres, the facility will be one of the largest in the region.

BMW said in a statement it would also strive to improve customer satisfaction and service through its "Voice to the Customer" programme and roadside assistance.

Speaking on the 2016 achievements, BMW Group Malaysia managing director and CEO Han Sang Yun said: “The growing support from our customers and network of dealerships in Malaysia were the main factors for our achievements."

READ MORE: Mercedes-Benz to overtake BMW as largest premium carmaker


Ford invests US$900mil to build electric vehicles in Michigan

                DETROIT: Ford Motor Co. plans to spend about US$900 million and hire about 900 workers to build electric and self-driving vehicles in Michigan, while moving production of a small commercial van to Mexico from Europe.

The moves, announced the same day Donald Trump visits an Ohio tank plant, follow the president’s sharp criticism of General Motors Co. for idling a car factory in Lordstown, Ohio. Ford is reiterating some previous financial and employment commitments while changing gears for the third time on building electric autos at an underused factory south of here.

Roughly a year and a half after shifting production of a future electric sport utility vehicle to Mexico from Flat Rock, Michigan, Ford says it now plans to build other battery-powered models there and add a second shift of workers by 2023, at a cost of US$850 million.

The automaker also is spending US$50 million to establish a facility near Detroit where workers will add self-driving software to autonomous vehicles that will be built elsewhere. The Flat Rock factory will continue to produce the Mustang sports car and Lincoln Continental sedan.

“When we stepped back and looked at our plans for the future with battery-electric vehicles and electrification in general and the commitment to US$11 billion in investment, it was very clear to us over the last year or so that we were going to need a second plant,” Joe Hinrichs, Ford’s president of global operations, said in an interview. “It became pretty clear to us that Flat Rock was the right plant to have that capacity. It has a lot of experience building multiple different things.”

Trump took note of Ford’s investment, tweeting his praise Wednesday shortly after his speech in Ohio.

As sales of traditional sedans have dwindled, Ford is preparing for a future when electric vehicles and self-driving cars transform transportation. The Flat Rock factory has become a symbol of that change: Ford is cutting a shift of workers because of slow sales of the Continental and Mustang, but will now create new jobs to build battery-powered vehicles.

The United Auto Workers union, which is entering contract negotiations with more than 150,000 workers at Ford, GM and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV, praised the new investment.

“As we transition to new technology and future products, Flat Rock through this investment, is well positioned to be a world leader for decades to come in auto industry technology and production,” UAW vice-president Rory Gamble said in a statement.

Chief executive officer Jim Hackett is leading a US$11 billion overhaul of Ford, which saw net income fall by more than half last year. The restructuring will involve cutting thousands of salaried jobs and closing factories in unprofitable overseas operations.

Shifting output

Ford is shifting production of its Transit Connect compact commercial van from Spain to a factory in Hermosillo, Mexico, that’s been producing the Fusion sedan. Hinrichs said he doesn’t expect the move to have any impact on a US Customs case in which Ford has been accused of “tariff engineering.”

Hinrichs said Ford had informed US and Michigan government officials about the investments, but he declined to directly address Trump’s recent criticisms of GM.

“We’re just proud of our presence here in the US,” Hinrichs said.

Ford has wavered with its plans for the Flat Rock plant several times over the course of just a few years. As Trump was taking office in January 2017, then-CEO Mark Fields announced the factory would build both self-driving cars and the electric SUV.

Fields was ousted four months later. In December 2017, his successor Hackett said the electric SUV would instead be built in Mexico, citing the need for more capacity in Flat Rock to build autonomous vehicles.

The announcement Wednesday suggests Ford might not need as much capacity for self-driving cars, since it no longer plans to produce them in Flat Rock as it makes way for electric vehicles at the factory.

Hinrichs denied that Ford is dialing back its autonomous plans.

“Nothing has changed with our volume plans or our commitment to the technology launching in 2021,” Hinrichs said. “But also, in the name of fitness, we were evaluating all of our capital expenditures, so it became clear to us that we could do a less capital-intensive way of manufacturing for the first few years of AVs.”

Hinrichs also dropped a hint on Ford’s plan to arrange for the supply of batteries to power its new electric vehicles. The company will procure them locally, he said, while declining to discuss in detail whether shifting to plug-in cars will hurt employment at powertrain factories.

“Our batteries will be sourced here in North America,” Hinrichs said. “Certainly, we’re all watching what’s happening with internal combustion engine capacity over time, and those are things we’ll work together with our UAW partners on to do the right thing for our people and for our business.”


Ducati in Malaysia introduces financing services and plans two new centres

                KUALA LUMPUR: Ducati Malaysia and Next Bike Sdn Bhd, the sole importer and distributor of Ducati in Malaysia, has unveiled Ducati Corse Credit, an in-house financing facility for the purchase of all new Ducati motorcycles.

They also announced the setting-up of two new Ducati Centres - one each in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru.

The introduction of Ducati Corse Credit is made available by the Group’s wholly-owned subsidiary Naza Credit and Leasing Sdn Bhd, which has been in the business of financing automobiles and motorcycles since 1984.

Ducati Corse Credit would extend greater options, accessibility, and convenience to customers, offering an attractive interest rate from as low as 4.88% per annum, loan tenures of up to seven years, a minimum down payment of 10% and a faster approval rate.

Ducati Malaysia and Next Bike head of company Dennis Michael said, “We continue to work very hard to reaffirm Ducati’s position as one of the top and most sought-after premium motorcycle brands in Malaysia.

“Achieving this not only entails bringing to the market diversity and an exciting range of superior models, but it must also be preceded by elevating our service and standards to ensure that customers obtain the very best from both the sales and after sales experience,” he said.

Michael also said Ducati's expansion programme in Malaysia would be greatly boosted by the addition of two new Ducati Centres in Johor Bahru (Taman Daya) and Kuala Lumpur (Wisma Pahlawan, Jalan Sultan Ismail), expected to be operational in fourth quarter of the year.

They will complement the existing facilities in Sungai Buloh and Penang as well as the largest certified 3S centre in Petaling Jaya.


New Ford F-150 Raptor more offroad-capable than ever before

                DETROIT: Ford created an off-road icon in 2009 when it introduced the desert racing-inspired F-150 Raptor. It was designed to not only speed over rough terrain, but also to jump and catch air.

And today, it’s born again with an all-new third-generation F-150 Raptor that takes the mechanical and technical prowess and precision of Raptor and infuses it with enhanced connected technology that means the experience of owning one will improve over time.

F-150 Raptor has eclipsed the sales of other well-known performance icons. Over the last four years, the previous-generation Raptor cumulatively outsold Porsche’s entire lineup of sports cars and also outsold Chevrolet’s Corvette.

A high-performance off-road pickup is defined by its suspension, and the all-new F-150 Raptor debuts with completely redesigned running gear. It is reengineered with an all-new five-link rear suspension developed specifically for Raptor, designed to deliver more control and power to the ground with greater confidence over rough terrain at high speeds.

The five-link rear suspension features extra-long trailing arms to better maintain axle position on rough terrain, a Panhard rod and 24-inch coil springs – the longest in the class.

The suspension design combined with more sophisticated engine management software means the truck can put more torque to the rear wheels for quicker starts off the line, faster acceleration and better throttle responsiveness while simultaneously delivering comfort, stability, handling, control and traction at speed.

Soaking up giant whoops and landings comes courtesy of next-generation FOX Live Valve internal bypass shocks with state-of-the-art electronic control technology offering position-sensitive damping adjustability.

Raptor’s largest-ever shocks are designed to better resist heat buildup and to react even faster to terrain changes for greater confidence over extended desert running.

The larger 3.1-inch-diameter anodised aluminum shock bodies are filled with all-new low-friction shock fluid specially designed to decrease frictional losses inside the damper for improved off and on-road comfort.

New electronically controlled base valves are race-proven with an upgraded design enabling upward of 450kg of damping per corner at desert speeds.

Readings from suspension height sensors and other sensors around the truck change damping rates independently at each corner 500 times per second, with the shocks responding at the same speed the human brain processes visual information. The truck responds by the time the driver even registers a terrain change.

For the first time, Raptor is available with either 35-inch or 37-inch tyres – the largest factory-fitted to a production light-duty full-size pickup.

These specially designed BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tyres are said to offer maximum traction and handling.

Available in SuperCrew configuration on a 145-inch wheelbase, Raptor features a fully boxed high-strength steel frame with a high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy and composite body. The more capable suspension, stronger, taller shock towers and rear control arm mounting points serve to withstand punishing off-road use.

The all-new Raptor is equipped with a third-generation twin-turbo 3.5-litre EcoBoost high-output engine delivering torque low in the rev range right where it counts.

It features state-of-the-art turbos and 10.5:1 compression ratio as well as new high-power fans built into the cooling system to ensure intense off-roading sessions never end too early.

With its standard 136-litre capacity, Raptor has a projected EPA-estimated range of more than 800km on a full tank of petrol.

Customers will appreciate the added productivity provided by class-exclusive Pro Power Onboard, giving them the ability to use their truck as a mobile generator. Raptor can be ordered with an available 2.0 kilowatts of exportable output to run power tools, camp lights and other equipment, providing more exportable power than any light-duty full-size pickup competitor.

A new three-inch equal-length exhaust system features a patent-pending built-in X-pipe, unique “trombone loop” and first-for-Raptor active valves. The system takes advantage of a true pass-through muffler design that improves sound quality. Customers can configure four sound level modes – Quiet, Normal, Sport and Baja.

The Ford-built 10-speed automatic transmission upgraded with next-generation controls is bolted to an innovative torque-on-demand transfer case.

The all-new F-150 Raptor debuts a high-tech cockpit built for a commanding view in comfort and style. A new standard and customisable 12-inch digital gauge cluster features a large information-on-demand area with Raptor-specific graphics and animations, off-road data and turn-by-turn navigation.

A customisable new 12-inch centre screen is standard, allowing owners to split the screen and control multiple functions simultaneously, including navigation, music or truck features.

Over-the-air updates offer the potential for an even smarter Raptor with more capabilities in the future; possible upgrades like trail maps plus Trail Turn

The Terrain Management System’s seven selectable drive modes allow customers to choose the setting best suited to driving conditions, including Slippery, Tow/Haul, Sport, Normal, Off-Road, Baja and Rock Crawl. Drive modes adjust steering feel, transfer case behavior, stability control, active valve exhaust, active damping system, throttle mapping and transmission shift points, as well as the display on the digital gauge cluster.

The available 360-degree camera package provides an in-cabin view of obstacles around the truck.

Standard Trail 1-Pedal Drive helps make extreme off-road driving like rock crawling easier. In harsh trail situations, a driver typically must use both pedals, modulating throttle and brake simultaneously to advance the truck. Trail 1-Pedal Drive simplifies all that, combining those operations into activating just the throttle – press to move forward, release to brake. The truck applies the brakes proportionally as the driver lifts from the accelerator.

F-150 Raptor also comes with standard Trail Control, which operates like cruise control for off-road use. Drivers simply select a set speed and the truck manages throttle and braking to allow them to focus on steering through challenging off-road conditions.

Standard SYNC 4 includes more natural voice control as well as real-time mapping and customizable information on demand. Customers can wirelessly connect smartphones without a USB cord for seamless integration of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility, as well as SYNC AppLink® apps like Ford+Alexa. The soundtrack to every adventure is provided by an available 18-speaker B&O Unleashed sound system by Bang & Olufsen.

An all-new interior features enhanced materials, unique surface finishes and more storage. A new steering wheel features a laser-etched logo, top centering mark and aluminum paddle shifters.

Seats with large bolsters keep occupants in place, while even more aggressive Recaro buckets are available. Standard aluminum or available carbon fiber interior packages trim the doors, instrument panel and center console. Lockable, fold-flat rear storage is available, adding a vault under the rear seats for stashing recovery ropes or high-lift jacks to aid in recoveries or repairs when others need help along the way.

The 2021 F-150 Raptor will be assembled at Ford’s Dearborn Truck Plant in Dearborn, Michigan, and available in showrooms this summer. Raptor R is coming next year.

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