Digital cockpit and infotainment system standard on VW Polo

                WOLFSBURG: The new VW Polo is launching with a digital cockpit as standard.

Overall, the new Polo has become more digital, connected, informative and communicative.

Volkswagen designed the architecture of the control centre so that all the information relevant for driving is available in a single line of vision.

The digital cockpit has a display diameter of 20.32 cm. It is operated by means of the now also standard multifunction steering wheel.

Also included in the basic price: the Composition Infotainment system with a 15.5-cm touchscreen (for the Polo and Life trim levels).

As an alternative to the buttons on the unit itself, the driver can also control many functions via the multifunction steering wheel – including access to the integrated Bluetooth mobile phone interface, digital radio reception (DAB+) and volume control.

The standard features also include various online services and functions of We Connect (unlimited activation) and We Connect Plus (activated for one year).

A wide range of information can also be accessed by smartphone from outside the Polo – such as the status of the central locking system, the driving data or the current parking position. If the parked Polo has been left unlocked accidentally, even this can be changed via smartphone. With the Polo Life trim level, App-Connect is also always on board. Here, native smartphone apps – including telephone, music, news, calendar and voice control (Siri / Google Assistant) functions – can be integrated into the Infotainment system.

Those who opt for the Polo in the Style trim level automatically activate the next level of digitalisation.

In this case, the functions are enhanced with the Digital Cockpit Pro, which features a 26.04-cm display (optional for Life and R-Line trim levels).

Using a View button on the multifunction steering wheel, the driver can choose between three graphical options and configure the content with a great degree of freedom. For example, a large map view can be shown on the display in vehicles with navigation function. The media library with cover flow function can be projected between the rev counter and speedometer.

In the case of the Polo Style and Polo R-Line, the Ready 2 Discover Infotainment system also comes as standard.

The spectrum of We Connect Plus can be extended to include streaming & Internet, Internet Radio and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

For the first time, App-Connect can be integrated in Ready 2 Discover not just by USB-C, but also as App-Connect Wireless. Passengers on board have a clear view of everything thanks to the large 20.32-cm touchscreen with proximity sensors.

Ready 2 Discover offers much more: the navigation function can also be activated subsequently as a feature on demand via the system’s In-Car Shop. This then also makes additional online services and functions available: among other things, the Polo driver has access to Online Traffic Information, Online Route Calculation and Online Destination Import from their smartphone.

The two navigation systems Discover Media (display diagonal 20.32 cm) and Discover Pro (screen diagonal of 23.5 cm) are also available as optional extras. The systems feature enhanced music performance and a host of extended menu functions.

A camera integrated into the windscreen is also connected to the systems’ Dynamic Road Sign Display function. The current road signs are communicated to the display and digital instruments as real-time information. Additionally, Discover Pro is equipped with intuitive voice control that can be used to operate the radio, telephone and navigation functions.

If the new Polo is ordered with the optional two-zone automatic air conditioner (Climatronic), this system also features digital control for the first time.

The temperatures and fan are adjusted by means of touch sliders, and all other air conditioning functions and the heated seats by means of digital touch controls.

The base model comes with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with 80hp, followed by 95hp or 110hp options from a 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-pot mill and a natural gas option with 90hp.

The Polo GTI is expeected in the summer.


Riding record sales, Detroit auto show to dazzle with 40 new models

                CHICAGO: Forget the winter chill: the mood at the Detroit auto show is expected to be nothing short of exuberant when carmakers riding high on record US sales reveal their latest wares on Monday.

“The industry is truly firing on all cylinders, and that will be reflected at this year’s show,” said Paul Sabatini, chairman of the North American International Auto Show.

Nearly every major automaker is racking in huge profits after US auto sales hit a new record high of 17.5 million vehicles in 2015.

The boom times are especially sweet given they come just six years after General Motors and Chrysler clawed their way out of bankruptcy after the financial crisis knocked US auto sales to 10.4 million in 2009, the lowest level in nearly three decades.

 The new Buick Envision (also below).

That downturn accelerated much-needed restructuring at the Detroit Three carmakers, which are now producing far more attractive vehicles with significantly lower operating costs.

“There’s been a lot of learning and we do have profitable growth now,“ Stephanie Brinley, an analyst with IHS Automotive, told AFP. “We had a period where we drove sales using the wrong levers and I don’t think that’s going to happen in the near term.”

With sales expected to continue to accelerate in 2016, there’s plenty of room for others to profit as well. Though the competition will, as always, be fierce.

More than 40 new vehicles will vie for the attention of over 5,000 journalists from dozens of countries during two days of official press previews.

“There are certainly important vehicles there,” Jack Nerad, an analyst with Kelly Blue Book, said in a telephone interview.

Chrysler will be unveiling the next generation of its Town and Country minivan (now renamed Pacifica). “That was their bread and butter for several decade and they need to win that back. I imagine they’re pulling out all the stops,” Nerad said.

 2017 Chrysler Pacifica (left) and Pacifica Hybrid.

General Motors will reveal its Buick Envision sport utility vehicle at a party on Sunday night.

With annual sales expected to come in around 40,000 vehicles, the Envision is not going to be a huge part of GM’s portfolio. But it’s a landmark because the Envision is the first vehicle that a major automaker is importing to the United States from China.

“If the quality is good, I don’t know if people are necessarily going to care,” said Jessica Caldwell, an analyst with automotive site Edmunds.com.

“There may be some balking at first if people want to make an issue of it but I imagine in the long run it won’t be a deal breaker for a lot of people.”

Mercedes will also try to steal the spotlight by revealing its new E class luxury sedan at a party Sunday night.

The luxury market will be crowded, with an all-new Porsche 911 Turbo set to debut alongside Volvo’s new S90 premium sedan, Ford’s much-anticipated updated Lincoln Continental and fresh models from BMW and Infiniti.

Korea’s Hyundai is hoping to replicate the success of Japanese rivals Toyota, Honda and Nissan by introducing a separate luxury brand, Genesis.

Technology will take centrestage, said Joe Wiesenfelder, executive editor of Cars.com.

“Manufactures will be talking up semi-autonomous features and maybe even the possibility of full autonomy in the future,” he said in a telephone interview.

“Forward collision warning with autonomous braking is going to be a big growth area.”

The one dark spot at the show could be Volkswagen, which is reeling from revelations that it had installed software in 11 million diesel vehicles worldwide to  fool tough pollution tests.

The scandal first came to light in the United States, where the government on Monday sued the German auto giant for more than US$20 billion over the scam.

“Maybe in Detroit they’ll have some news for us that won’t end in an apology,” Caldwell said in a telephone interview.

Press previews will be held on Monday and Tuesday at Detroit’s convention centre. The show opens to the public on Jan 16 and 800,000 people are expected to attend by the time it closes on Jan 24.


Rolls-Royce taps S. Korea to open its first Asian 'studio'

                SEOUL: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will open its first studio dealership in Asia on Nov 1 and the only Rolls-Royce facility in the world to offer closed-course test drives.

The studio aims to offer prospective buyers an insight into the world of the marque in a relaxed atmosphere and differs from the standard Rolls-Royce dealerships in that it is designed to be like a club or lounge.

Located close to Incheon International Airport, the 200 m2 space is divided into two sections. Visitors are first greeted by the "Car Gallery", showcasing the latest Rolls-Royce models on a rotating basis. In the adjoining "Atelier" lounge, visitors can explore the world of Rolls-Royce Bespoke by appointment.

Displays allow visitors to appreciate first-hand the luxurious detailing that goes into making a Rolls-Royce and the breadth of personalisation offered in the wood, leather, paint and features available. Those who want to buy could order a customised Rolls-Royce.

Guests will also be able to drive a variety of models on the facility’s 2.6 km closed circuit and surrounding roads. Instructors trained by the Rolls-Royce driving academy in Goodwood will offer tips on the best way to ride in or drive a Rolls-Royce.

Rolls-Royce is targeting South Korea as it is the fastest growing Asian market for the brand. Vehicle deliveries in the country last year grew at the fastest rate in the region.

The Rolls-Royce Studio concept began in 2013 with the Rolls-Royce Studio in Cannes on the Cote d’Azur. In summer 2014 Rolls-Royce Motor Cars launched a second "Summer Studio" in Sardinia, Italy.

The exclusive studio is the third facility for Rolls-Royce in South Korea following the Seoul and recently announced Busan showrooms.

“South Korea is an increasingly popular destination for wealthy clientele in Asia, with Seoul flourishing as a luxury retail destination," Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös told reporters when opening the South Korean studio. "As a luxury house with a busy clientele, we find it crucial to be able to interact with our customers in a more casual environment when they travel for business and leisure."


Germany's new electric car discount scheme draws nearly 2,000 applicants

  A row of BMW X5 plug-in hybrids ready to be driven off in Munich.
BERLIN: Nearly 2,000 people in Germany have applied for the government's electric car discount scheme, introduced on July 1, and a third of them are buyers of BMW models, a government agency said on Thursday.

The scheme, similar to those established in other European countries to spur electric car sales, grants buyers of electric cars a 4,000-euro (RM18,000) discount and gives buyers of plug-in hybrid vehicles a discount of 3,000 euros (RM13,478).

Since its introduction, 1,791 buyers of electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles have applied for the discounts and 581 of them were buyers of BMW models, notably its i3 electric car, the BAFA economic affairs and export control agency said. BMW has pioneered the production of such cars in Germany and offers more models than other carmakers.

There were 444 applications for the discounts from buyers of Renault models and 154 applications from buyers of Volkswagen models, BAFA said.

The total 1.2 billion euro ($1.3 bln) cost of the incentives is being shared equally between the German government and carmakers, with a goal of selling around 400,000 electric cars in Europe's biggest car market. Out of the 45 million cars on German roads, only about 50,000 are purely battery-powered vehicles or plug-in hybrids.

The incentive scheme expires at the end of June 2019, BAFA said. BAFA said 1,194 requests for the discounts on electric cars and 597 requests for plug-in hybrid discounts have been submitted, adding a third of all requests were filed on behalf of companies.


Audi e-tron provides leading charging speeds

                INGOLSTADT, Germany: With its e-tron and e-tron Sportback models, Audi is making electric mobility a reality for long-distance driving – thanks in part to a charging curve that is unique.

Drivers of a fully electric Audi model thus benefit from high charging speeds because the charging capacity of up to 150 kW is available for a large portion of the charging procedure.

This enables sophisticated thermal management of the lithium-ion battery.

In order to assess the everyday usability of an electric car, customers should take not just the nominal maximum charging capacity but also the charging speed into account.

Most charging processes of an electric car generally occur at home or at work. The time factor generally does not play a substantial role there.

By contrast, every minute counts and fast charging is essential on a long-distance journey. After a brief break, the car should be ready for the next stage again.

Therefore, many customers orient themselves toward the maximum charging capacity of their electric car to assess the charging characteristics – but this value is of only limited use if it concerns quick refueling of range at a fast charging terminal.

 Charging capacity vs. charging speed: What constitutes high charging performance

High charging speed (kWh / minute recharged) over the entire charging process is essential for a short charging duration. In other words, a high charging capacity must be available for as long a period as possible.

The e-tron models with their continuous output impress with precisely this property.

The Audi e-tron takes the lead with a high-performance charging capacity.

The difference is in the details: The ability of the HPC fast charging (High Power Charging) to provide the highest possible output at the charging terminal may be a necessary prerequisite but it is not the one crucial factor.

A high current consumption on the part of the battery for a large portion of the charging procedure is, at the very least, just as important.

However, if the car charges with maximum output over a relatively short period and needs to lower its power early, the charging speed is also simultaneously lowered – i.e. battery capacity recharged per unit of time.

Thus, thanks to an ideal charging curve with maximum output available for a long period of time, the charging speed is the more substantial criterion when it comes to charging performance and, ultimately, it guarantees a short charging duration at the charging terminal.

As well as the average consumption, it also depends on how much range can be recharged on average over a defined period, for example within ten minutes.


New MINI Connected introduced

                PETALING JAYA: MINI, the compact premium automotive brand in Malaysia introduced the new generation MINI Connected with built-in 4G SIM technology to enable owners to integrate their MINI more seamlessly into their digital lifestyle.

The new MINI Connected will be available in all 2019 Year Make MINI models.

The new MINI Connected includes relevant services to maximise safety and convenience, offer up-to-date information, superb entertainment and staying connected to the people who matter most, even while on the road.

The new MINI Connected also offers MINI Online which provides useful information about the news and weather that can be read out via the audio system.

For iPhone users, the wireless Apple CarPlay allows selected apps to be shown on the central display and operated via the MINI  controls. Popular iOS apps such as Spotify, Waze, Google Maps and WhatsApp are also supported.

Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia added, “The BMW Group has over 20 years of experience in developing innovations that connect the driver to the car and to the world they live in. This expertise is now introduced in all MINI vehicles here in Malaysia with MINI Connected.

"In the age of personalisation and digitalisation, MINI Connected presents the best of both worlds with extensive connectivity capabilities and personalized services.”

Hoelzl added that MINI Connected aims to create more value and enrich the lives of MINI owners with unique and creative digital services to support the modern and sophisticated lifestyles of MINIacs in Malaysia.


The Chevy Suburban SUV is a Hollywood legend

LOS ANGELES: The Chevrolet Suburban became the first vehicle ever to receive the Award of Excellence star at Hollywood & Highland.

Presented by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and unveiled at a ceremony on Hollywood Boulevard, the award recognizes the Suburban for its 67-year career in Hollywood film and television.

“For six decades the Chevrolet Suburban has been Hollywood’s longest-working actor,” said Rana Ghadban, president and CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.

“Appearing in classic feature films and on must-see television shows, the Suburban is a well-established industry mainstay. With the Chevrolet Tahoe also making an impact in movies and on television, it’s impressive to have both vehicles now join an illustrious group of actors and characters that are forever known as Hollywood legends.”

The relationship between the Chevy Suburban and Hollywood began in 1952, when it first appeared on the silver screen.

Since then, the Suburban has starred in more than 1,750 films and television series. It has appeared in at least one television series every year since 1956, and at least one film every year since 1960.

The Suburban has also appeared in more than 30 award-nominated films.

The filmography is even more impressive when combined with the Chevy Tahoe. Together, Tahoe and Suburban have appeared in more than 2,500 films and television shows. Since the Tahoe was introduced in 1995, it has appeared in at least one film and television show every year.

According to Tim Kozub, design manager for Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, their on-screen persona also influenced the all-new Suburban and Tahoe, which will be unveiled later this month.

“This is a great example of how life and art influence each other. The popularity of Suburban and Tahoe in film was first inspired by the real-life roles they played in the military, in law enforcement and family trips around the world.

"Today, their role in Hollywood inspired the design of the all-new models, as we integrated the sense of capability, action, and importance associated with Suburban and Tahoe on screen.”


Toyota steps up self-driving technology investment

                TOKYO: Toyota Motor Corp said a new venture would be investing more than US$2.8 billion to develop automated-driving software - the latest salvo in an increasingly frenetic battle to be ahead in a sector hit by a slew of disruptive technologies.

The Tokyo-based venture, which will bring together some 1,000 employees including new hires, will be 90 percent held by Toyota with group suppliers Denso Corp and Aisin Seiki Co each taking 5 percent.

“This company’s mission is to accelerate software development in a more effective and disruptive way, by augmenting the Toyota Group’s capability through the hiring of world-class software engineers,” James Kuffner, who will lead the venture, said in a statement.

The establishment of the new venture, Toyota Research Institute-Advanced Development, comes as firms such as Alphabet Inc’s Waymo and Tesla Inc give traditional automakers a run for their money in building self-driving and electric cars.

English is set to be the main business language of the new venture, the statement said.

Toyota is also investing US$1 billion in artificial intelligence and other technologies through its US-based Toyota Research Institute, and has struck up technology partnerships with Microsoft Corp and Uber Technologies.

Last month, Toyota Research Institute’s venture capital unit said it was co-leading an US$11.5-million seed investment in May Mobility, an Ann Arbor-based startup that is developing self-driving shuttles for college campuses, central business districts and similar low-speed applications.


Another new Ford Malaysia sales record

                KUALA LUMPUR: Ford Malaysia recorded its best-ever monthly sales in January 2015, with a 38% year-on-year jump to 1,544 units.

The record month was fueled by strong demand for the Ranger pickup truck (1,169 units), sporty Fiesta (168 units) and EcoSport compact urban SUV (73 units).

The stylish Kuga SUV also contributed sales of 71 units.

The Kuga is equipped with smart features and technologies including Ford’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system, hands-free lift gate that operates with a gentle kicking motion, and Ford SYNC connectivity system.

“We hit the ground running in January, as more and more customers discover the safety, quality, and value for money offered by our full lineup of global Ford vehicles,” said Ford Motor Company (Malaysia and Asia Pacific Emerging Markets) managing director David Westerman.

“The unmatched safety features and capability of the Ranger continues to define the pickup segment in the market today. As for the Fiesta 1.0L EcoBoost, it continues to connect with Malaysians who appreciate the class-leading combination of power, fuel efficiency and safety,” said Westerman.

Westerman added that he was confident that the Ford brand in Malaysia would be further strengthened in 2015.

“There will be more segment-leading global Ford vehicles coming to Malaysia this year, and a growing network of authorised Ford dealerships and commitment to continue building on our overall customer experience,” he said.

January also saw the reopening of an upgraded Ford facility in Batu Pahat, Johor that now offers sales, service and spare parts under one roof.

This is part of Ford’s strategy to continue enhancing its customer and ownership experience, with Sime Darby Auto ConneXion investing RM140mil in new and existing dealerships over a two-year period.


Driven to distraction: Pyongyang's 'traffic ladies'

A ‘traffic lady’ at work. - AFP
PYONGYANG: Snapping their heads from side to side, marching into the roads in close-fitting blue uniforms and black heels, the "traffic ladies" who marshal vehicles at the intersections of Pyongyang are an emblematic image of the North Korean capital.

Officially known as traffic security officers but universally referred to as traffic ladies, they are chosen for their looks in a society that remains traditionalist in many respects.

They must leave the role if they marry, and have a finite shelf-life, with compulsory retirement looming at just 26.

The 300-odd ladies are unique to Pyongyang, which North Korean authorities are always keen to present in the best possible light despite their nuclear-armed country's impoverished status, and ensure a steady supply of photogenic young women who are the favourite subject of visiting tourists and journalists.

"They are representing the capital city," explained a senior officer of the ministry of public security, which supervises traffic regulation. "That's why they are selected based on their appearance and physique."

No age limit applies to their roughly 400 male counterparts - who tend to be stationed at roundabouts.

The rules were because "normally, the women in our country marry at the age of 26 or 27", explained the officer, who did not want to be named. "Because the role is tough and difficult, they can only do the job when they are single."

The traffic ladies were originally introduced in the 1980s, when vehicles were a rarity on the streets of Pyongyang and remained so for decades, giving rise to the surreal sight of them directing - with precision and energy - non-existent cars on wide but deserted boulevards.

As part of North Korea's security forces they hold officer ranks, and Senior Captain Ri Myong-Sim, 24, said: "I have to carry out each and every action with discipline and spirit."

A seven-year veteran, she cuts an imposing presence in her high-peaked cap and white gloves.

Her "tough training" had involved "exhausting repetition" of the moves, she told AFP.

"But every time I felt that, the thing that kept me going and drove me was the thought that our leader, who cares for only the happiness of our people all year long, was watching us work," she said, standing ramrod-straight at the Changjon crossroads in central Pyongyang.

"So I could practise throughout the night and keep going on the next day without feeling tired at all."

Ordinary North Koreans normally only express officially approved sentiments when questioned by foreign media.

An obelisk down the road proclaimed: "The Great President Kim Il-Sung and the Great Leader Kim Jong-Il will always be with us."

Vehicle numbers have increased in the capital in recent years as authorities quietly liberalise the economy, leading to growth despite United Nations sanctions imposed over Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programmes, although the North keeps most statistics secret and precise figures are not available.

Traffic lights have been introduced at most intersections, but the ladies - who say they work an hour on, an hour off, although their feet can still get sore - have no fear of their blue uniforms being replaced by red, amber and green.

The lights "help the humans do their jobs more easily", said Ri.

Their kit includes thick cotton coats for winter - when their breath condenses instantly in the bitter cold - flashing orange halters for night work, and sunscreen.

"The great leader shows them endless care and love," the ministry officer said. "That's why they do their best in their efforts, to repay the great love of the great presidents and dear Respected Marshal Kim Jong-Un."

The traffic ladies are "second to none" as a photo subject for tourists visiting Pyongyang, said Simon Cockerell, general manager of specialist travel agency Koryo Tours, who has been leading trips to North Korea for more than 15 years.

"They appear to have the dual function of directing traffic and brightening up the streets of the capital," he said.

"I don't believe there has been a tourist who has visited Pyongyang and not taken a photo of a traffic lady."

"I think it would be no exaggeration to call them iconic," he added - although they were "somewhat objectified" by visitors.

With retirement ahead Senior Captain Ri is taking a training course to become a teacher.

But she let the facade of discipline slip when asked if the focus was annoying.

"We are so concentrated on doing our jobs we rarely notice the attention," she giggled.


Porsche sinks 25% in North America after war, supply chain, ship disaster

                NEW YORK: Even the most buoyant of automakers is facing squalls after a perfect storm of supply-chain shortages, war, and the sinking of a cargo ship carrying millions of dollars worth of product across the Atlantic.

Porsche Cars North America Inc. announced on April 1 that U.S. retail deliveries in first quarter 2022 sunk 24.9% compared to the same quarter in 2021.

The company delivered 13,042 units during the first three months of this year, down from 17,368 delivered during that period last year.

Company executives blamed supply and transit issues for impacting customer deliveries in what has historically been the brand’s biggest and most important single sales market.

Russia’s war on Ukraine, where Porsche sources components, has also hampered the company’s ability to produce cars, Porsche AG chief executive officer Oliver Blume told reporters in a conference call on March 17.

"We do have different suppliers in Ukraine; we do have delivery delays,” he said.

"It’s up to us to manage the challenges. The whole model range is affected. That is clear.”

Those troubles compounded when the Felicity Ace sank near Portugal’s Azores in March.

The vessel held at least US$400 million worth of vehicles from Bentley, Lamborghini, and Porsche, among others.

At the time, Porsche executives said they would work to replace all of the customer vehicles destroyed, although it would take time to build new ones.

One customer expected to wait as many as eight months for his special-order Porsche Boxster Spyder to be replaced.

The fire was estimated to pose a total of US$155 million in losses for the brands affected.

On the March 17 call with reporters, Porsche AG chief financial officer Lutz Meschke admitted that all vehicles produced by Porsche would face significant delays because of the multiple challenges the brand faces.

"All model lines will be affected in the next coming months,” he said.

All Porsche model deliveries were down in this year’s first quarter, save for the Panamera sedan, which saw deliveries jump from 451 in 2021 to 787 in 2022.

The Macan was the company’s bestseller, even though its deliveries plummeted from 6,391 to 4,772 compared with those in 2021. Deliveries of popular darling  911 cars fell from 2,782 in 2021 to 2,123 in 2022.

Meanwhile, a dearth of new cars has led to used Porsches selling for tens of thousands of dollars above market values, with some specimens setting records.

The earnings news came the day after Volkswagen AG snubbed Germany’s Deutsche Bank in favour of American banks Goldman Sachs Group Inc., Bank of America Corp., JPMorgan Chase & Co., and Citigroup Inc. to play the lead role in Porsche’s impending initial public offering.

The listing could value Porsche as high as US$100 billion, making it one of Europe’s biggest-ever offers, Bloomberg reported on March 31.


Nissan Safety Campaign and Merdeka promotion

                PETALING JAYA: The second series of the 2017 Nissan Safety Campaign will be conducted simultaneously with ETCM’s Nationwide Test Drive Carnival, to educate Malaysians with road safety knowledge through fun and creative activities on Aug 12 and 13, 2017 in the following locations:

Aug 12 – 13, 10am – 8pm
Central ETCM Petaling Jaya, SelangorNorthern ETCM IpohSouthern ETCM SerembanSarawak ETCM Miri
Aug 12 - 13, 10am – 10pm
Sabah GIANT Superstore, Sandakan
Aug 18 – 19, 10am – 10pm
Eastern AEON Kota Bharu, Kelantan
An exclusive Safety Talk conducted by Captain K. Balasupramaniam, founder of Road Safety Marshal Club, will be held only at ETCM Petaling Jaya 3S Centre on Aug 12 from 11am to 1pm.

This session is free and entries are subject to a ‘first-come, first-serve’ basis.

Additionally, a host of safety activities await visitors in all carnival events which includes;
 Takata Airbag Inflator replacement: free replacement for affected NISSAN vehiclesBlind Parking Experience: enhance your parking skills through NISSAN’s first 360°
Intelligent Around View Monitor with Nissan X-Trail
Impaired Vision Experience: experience and understand the potential dangers of vision
impairment especially when due to lack of sleep or driving under the influence of alcoholChild Seat Presentation: a session that demonstrates the importance of a child seat, and its
proper installation method in Nissan vehicles. This workshop is only available in ETCM IpohKids Safety Games: a session for children to learn road signage for better safety
Members of the public who wish to attend may contact ETCM’s Customer Relations Department at +603-4047 8788 or send an email request to crd@tanchonggroup.com.

In conjunction with our Nation’s 60th Merdeka Day celebration, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has kicked-off its “Merdeka Bonus” Campaign in the month of August 2017.

The campaign offers attractive deals for every purchase of selected Nissan model with options comprising of Merdeka Bonus of up to RM6,500 or Merdeka Bonus Set with RM1.00 promotion for premium accessory package and rebates of up to RM4,500 (terms and conditions apply).

Members of the public are also invited to visit Nissan Roadshows Nationwide as date and location below:

Date Venue
9 – 10 Aug IIUM Gombak Campus, Kuala Lumpur
14 – 20 Aug AEON Kota Bharu, Kelantan
14 – 20 Aug AEON Klebang, Ipoh
16 – 20 Aug Alamanda Putrajaya
21 – 27 Aug Vivacity Megamall, Kuching

For more information, visit www.nissan.com.my or call ETCM’s NISSAN Customer Care Centre at 1800-88- 3838.


Global debut for Nissan Arizon SUV concept

                SHANGHAI: At Auto Shanghai 2023, Nissan premiered two concepts - the Max-Out convertible sports car, which made its China debut, and the Arizon SUV, which made its global debut.

The all-electric Arizon concept, created by a Chinese team leveraging Nissan’s global EV (electric vehicle) expertise, has a richly appointed cabin that exudes a warm, high-tech glow.

Built on the Common Module Family (CMF) EV platform, the Arizon features a low center of gravity and a spacious, pillarless open-air cabin with an expansive auto-dimming glass roof.

The Arizon concept features a new virtual personal assistant named Eporo which is said to be able to interact with passengers in a human-like manner and provide accurate responses utilizing time, weather and other data.

The Arizon also features an innovative interactive lighting system that recognizes people and automatically adapts the illumination to suit their preferences.

The lighting ambiance can also be adjusted through intuitive modes including leisure, relax, sleep and surprise.

Nissan COO Ashwani Gupta says, “China is one of the most technologically sophisticated markets in the world. Market and customer needs are rapidly changing, making China a global driver of electrification as well as a leader in connected car services. There is a need for increased electrification and advanced sustainability in the market, and we are working hard to meet it.”


Next Audi A4 unmasked

                INGOLSTADT: The new Audi A4 and A4 Avant (wagon) is putting the heat on its German rivals with a series of innovations to refine and enhance every aspect of the driving experience.

Technological highlights of the new car include the Audi virtual cockpit, the Audi Matrix LED headlights, the Audi smartphone interface, the Bang & Olufsen Sound System with 3D sound, the Audi phone box with wireless charging, the head-up display, and new driver assistance systems and Audi connect services.

The focus here is on two innovations. The optional Audi virtual cockpit, a fully digital combination instrument, features a 12.3-inch LCD screen that displays the most important information in high-resolution graphics.

The MMI control concept in the centre console is also a newly designed feature and acts as the main control element. The top-end infotainment system, MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch and a large 8.3-inch monitor, has a touchpad in the rotary controller to zoom in and out and to enter characters.

The Audi smartphone interface is a new standard feature. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto platforms and displays smartphone contact and information such as navigation mapping on the MMI screen.

The MMI control logic includes an intelligent free-text search function. The new, more natural, voice-control system also understands input in normal everyday language, such as “I want to call Peter Miller.”

Standard equipment highlights include 17-inch alloy wheels, Xenon headlights with LED DRLs, Audi smartphone interface, Audi drive select, three-zone climate control and 7-inch colour MMI monitor.

Compared with the previous model, the car’s dimensions have grown but its weight has been reduced significantly – by up to 120kg, depending on the engine.

At 4.73 metres long and with a wheelbase of 2.82 metres – the new A4 and A4 Avant exude a confident stance. A prominent horizontal line on the front and rear emphasises the car’s width. The flowing design with concise lines communicates the sporty elegance of the brand.

The Singleframe grille is wide and low; the optionally available headlights in LED and Matrix LED technology (including dynamic indicators) make technology a visual trademark.

When it comes to aerodynamics, the two new models boast superior figures. The A4 has the best drag coefficient in its class at 0.23, and the A4 Avant pierces the air almost as cleanly with a 0.26 figure. The new models also have low CO2 emissions which in the 2.0 TDI ultra dips below 100g/km.

Audi claims all occupants will get generous space. The front of the dashboard features a broad band of air outlets and a large decorative surface. At night, optional discreet contour lighting illuminates the doors and the central console.

The luggage compartment of the new A4 Avant offers storage space of 505 litres, which is the highest value in this class. With the rear seats folded down and loaded to the roof, a volume of 1,510 litres is available. The electric luggage compartment cover and electric tailgate are standard equipment.

An optional extra is sensor control for opening and closing the tailgate.

The A4 and A4 Avant will launch with seven engines - three TFSI and four TDI. Their power output has increased significantly and ranges from 150PS to 272PS, but fuel consumption has been reduced by up to 21 percent. CO2 dips below 100g/km in the 2.0 TDI ultra Saloon.

The most powerful engines are two TDI six-cylinder units with up to 272PS.

The powertrain and the chassis of the A4 and A4 Avant have been completely redeveloped. The six-speed manual transmission, the seven-speed S tronic (now also available for front-wheel drive) and the eight-speed tiptronic have been redesigned; the automatic transmissions now offer a fuel-saving freewheeling function. Wheel-selective torque control supplements the work of the front-wheel drive and the quattro drive. For the most powerful TDI, Audi will offer the sport differential on the rear axle as an option from 2016.

Audi said handling has also been vastly improved. It said the suspension and steering filter out disturbances such as an uneven road surface, but communicate to the driver important information such as increases in lateral forces and tracking. This performance is based on the redeveloped five-link axles and the electromechanical power steering. They lay the foundation for dynamic handling and high ride comfort while also reducing fuel consumption.

Additional options are dynamic steering, which varies its ratio according to the car’s speed and the steering angle, and suspension with adjustable shock absorbers with which the driver can for the first time select between two settings: sports or comfort. Both of the suspension settings are included in the Audi drive select driving-dynamics system.

Numerous driver assistance systems are included. The predictive efficiency assistant helps drivers to save fuel, Audi active lane assist helps them to stay in lane and the Stop&Go adaptive cruise control including traffic-jam assist eases driving in slow-moving traffic.

One special feature of traffic-jam assist is its control strategy. It takes into account a large number of parameters such as road markings and the traffic ahead. Some more innovations that make important contributions to safety are parking assist, rear cross-traffic assist, exit warning, collision avoidance assist, turn assist and the Audi pre-sense systems. Camera-based traffic-sign recognition is also available.

> See the latest A4 and A4 Avant video reveal below (in German, but we will replace it if the English version shows up).


Actor Jim Carrey gives RM165,000 car to film crew member

Carrey's gift of a car was won by a grip crew member. — AFP

LOS ANGELES:  Some people express their gratitude with a thank you note. Others, like Jim Carrey, do so by gifting a new car.

Carrey was in Vancouver recently to shoot Sonic The Hedgehog 2 and wanted to show his appreciation for the crew's  hard work by holding a raffle, for which the grand prize was a Chevy Blazer RS, Variety has confirmed. It retails for around US$40,000 (RM165,000).

The winner, who was picked on May 7, worked as a grip.

The Toronto native will return as the evil Dr Robotnik for the Sonic The Hedgehog sequel.  Directed by Jeff Fowler and written by Pat Casey and Josh Miller, it is set to premiere in April 2022.

TMZ was the first to report the news of Carrey's good deed.


US indicts six as Volkswagen agrees to US$4.3bil diesel settlement

                WASHINGTON: Volkswagen AG has agreed to pay the largest ever US criminal fine levied on an automaker to settle charges that it conspired for nearly 10 years to cheat on diesel emission tests, while prosecutors on Wednesday charged six current and former senior VW executives for their roles in the scheme.

The German automaker agreed on Wednesday to pay US$4.3 billion in US civil and criminal fines and pay California US$153.8 million. In total, VW has now agreed to spend up to US$22 billion in the United States to address claims from owners, environmental regulators, US states and dealers.

Among those indicted was Heinz-Jakob Neusser, former head of development for VW Brand, who was suspended in 2015. He was also previously head of engine development. Two other former heads of engine development, Jens Hadler and Richard Dorenkamp, were also indicted.

"It is now clear that Volkswagen's top executives knew about this illegal activity and deliberately kept regulators, shareholders and consumers in the dark - and they did this for years," said Andrew McCabe, the FBI's deputy director, at a press conference. "We can't put companies in jail but we can hold their employees personally accountable. We can force companies to pay hefty fines."

Five of the six current and former Volkswagen executives are in Germany and it is unclear if they will come to the United States to face charges since Germany typically does not extradite its citizens.

The indictment said the executives engaged in a 10-year conspiracy to cheat US emissions tests and then cover up the excess emissions even as regulators questioned irregularities.

The Justice Department said that in 2006 VW realised it could not meet the tougher rules and VW engineers designed a system to detect when cars were being tested in the lab and then to emit up to 40 times legally allowable pollutants when driven. VW executives destroyed documents and other evidence in an attempt to avoid detection, the Justice Department said.

US attorney-general Loretta Lynch declined to say if any higher level executives could face charges. "We will continue to pursue the individuals responsible for orchestrating this damaging conspiracy," she said.

Volkswagen chief executive officer Matthias Mueller said in a statement the company "deeply regrets the behaviour that gave rise to the diesel crisis" and vowed to continue changes in how the company operates.

One of the six charged, Oliver Schmidt, who was a manager in charge of VW's environmental and engineering office in Michigan, was arrested in Florida on Saturday. He faces a hearing Thursday in Miami to determine if he should remain jailed before trial.

VW will pay a US$1.5-billion civil fine and US$2.8-billion criminal fine. It will not be required to make any additional restitution payments.

According to the plea agreement made public Wednesday, the company has fired six employees, suspended eight and disciplined three who participated in misconduct. The criminal agreement still must be approved by US District Judge Sean Cox in Detroit, while the civil consent decree needs approval from a federal judge in California.

The VW plea agreement says the automaker could have been fined as much as US$34.1 billion for its criminal conduct under federal guidelines.

A person briefed on the matter said the Justice Department initially sought significantly higher fines but during intensive talks reached a deal.

The deal surpasses the US$1.2 billion fine Toyota Motor Corp paid in 2014 for concealing safety defects from US regulators.

VW admitted in September 2015 to installing secret software in hundreds of thousands of US diesel cars to cheat exhaust emissions tests and make them appear cleaner than they were on the road, and that as many as 11 million vehicles could have similar software installed worldwide.

Last year, VW agreed to spend nearly US$3 billion to offset the excess emissions and US$2 billion to boost zero emission vehicles.

Many senior managers departed following the scandal, including chief executive Martin Winterkorn, and VW has been barred from selling diesels in the United States since 2015.

The automaker will also face oversight by an independent monitor for three years and has agreed to make significant reforms.

VW still faces lawsuits from about 20 US states, lawsuits from US investors and will spend years buying back or fixing nearly 580,000 polluting vehicles.

The company's board met for more than 10 hours Tuesday in Wolfsburg, Germany and two hours Wednesday before approving the deal. VW was in intensive talks with regulators in recent weeks to reach a deal before the end of the Obama administration. Without a deal by next week, a final resolution could have been delayed by months until the Trump EPA and Justice Department teams are in place.

Volkswagen, which may have topped Toyota in 2016 as the world's largest automaker, is eager to move past the scandal and focus on introducing new vehicles for the US market. It's shares rose 3.4 percent on news of the settlement Wednesday to their highest level since the scandal became public in September 2015.


Hyundai scales up with premium Staria MPV

                SEOUL: Hyundai Motor has released teaser images of its new multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) lineup called Staria.

The Staria is equipped with various driver-centric features and futuristic design elements.

Staria offers a futuristic and mysterious exterior, resembling a spaceship. The front is highlighted by a long, horizontal daytime running light and headlamps positioned underneath.

The spaceship vibe is echoed by its expansive panoramic windows and lower belt lines, underscoring the openness of the interior. The height of the cabin is also optimised for premium comfort and convenience, making it ideal for both business and family use.

A higher-end variant called Staria Premium was also announced. Hyundai said it would be available in select markets and takes mobility to the next level, sporting premium features and variant-exclusive finishes for a more luxurious look and feel.

"Staria is Hyundai's new MPV lineup that opens up a new mobility era," said SangYup Lee, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Hyundai Design.

"Staria will provide a completely new experience and value proposition for customers through its unprecedented design features."

Hyundai will unveil more details regarding design features of Staria and Staria Premium in the coming weeks.

According to Hyundai, the name Staria is derived by combining "star" and "ria".
It said Staria references the vehicle's future-oriented product values and streamlined design characteristics defined by one curve gesture silhouettes as well as a clean and pure body volume.


30 Ruf CTR 2017 to be built

                MUNICH: It is best known for modifying Porsches, but now car tuner Ruf is set to release a model of its own.

The Ruf CTR 2017, a small-scale super-sporty production model, is the first car to be entirely designed and built by the German manufacturer. Its prototype debuted at the recent International Motor Show in Geneva.

The Ruf CTR has many of the features of a Porsche 911, including the rear spoiler. Beneath the cars light carbon fibre shell, there is nothing but pure race car technology.

The bulk of the chassis is made of carbon fibre monocoque, with other parts, including the integrated roll-over protection system, made of high-strength steel.

The suspension is based on classic Formula One technology, featuring a double-wishbone system with springs and dampers.

Rufs 3.6-litre twin-turbo flat engine delivers 710 horsepower and a top speed of over 360 kilometres per hour. The vehicle also has rear-wheel drive and six-speed manual transmission.

Weighing a minimum of 1,200 kilograms, the two-seater can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds and, according to the manufacturer, to 200 km/h in just nine seconds. When needed, perforated and internally ventilated ceramic brake discs help bring the speedster back down to earth.

The new limited release model is also a homage to the first Ruf CTR sports car, known as the "Yellow Bird," which set a speed record of 339.8 km/h in 1987.

Since then, a new CTR has followed roughly every 10 years. The new version will cost just under US$1mil, with 30 models to be built starting next year.


MaxxOil for better engine performance and protection

                KUALA LUMPUR: Motor oil brand MaxxOil has launched its Nano Plus formulation promising better protection of petrol engines.

The Nano Plus technology is said to use mechanical means instead of chemicals, which can deteriorate over time.

It contains billions of nanometre-sized diamonds that act like ball bearings, which fill the pores of the metal, thus helping to sustain an oil film on the inner surfaces of the engine and sealing out corrosion-causing debris and moisture.

The nano diamond ball bearings also cuts friction within the engine, which reduces generated heat and wear. With lower heat, the life of the motor oil can be extended along with less engine drag to help improve fuel economy.

Made in the United States, among MaxxOil Nano Plus products for petrol engines are Pro-Max with 5W-40 viscosity (4.73-litre pack priced at RM228) and Pro Racing with 10W-60 viscosity (0.946-litre pack priced at RM98) - both being fully-synthetic motor oils.

Besides reduced friction and extended engine life, benefits of the Nano Plus motor oils can include increased performance, cooler running engine, and reduced noise.

There are also MaxxOil Nano Plus semi-synthetic motor oils with 5W-30 and 10W-40 viscosity, priced at RM128 for a 4.73-litre pack.


To benefit the climate, Indonesia's electric vehicle push needs greener power

                KUALA LUMPUR: Indonesia's electric vehicle drive is likely to overtake its ambitious biodiesel programme within a decade, but will only achieve its aim of helping curb climate change if the country ramps up clean energy investment, environmental researchers say.

The Southeast Asian nation - home to the world's third-largest tropical forests - has steadily increased the share of its biodiesel mandate derived from palm oil since 2018, despite the risk that could fuel deforestation.

In 2018, Jakarta introduced a three-year freeze on new permits for palm plantations, in a bid to help reduce the loss of forests cleared to produce the vegetable oil, used widely in cosmetics, food products and biofuel.

But if the plantation moratorium is renewed this month, when it expires, green groups say the country may struggle to produce an adequate supply of biodiesel made entirely from palm oil.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo has targeted so-called "green diesel" to help curb fuel imports and the country's planet-heating emissions, and to bolster demand after moves by the European Union to restrict use of palm oil-based biofuels.

Indonesia has also set its sights on becoming an electric vehicle (EV) hub for Asia, and in June said it aimed to sell only electric cars and motorcycles by 2050.

Danny Marks, assistant professor of environmental politics and policy at Dublin City University, said the dual biodiesel and EV policies would not remain compatible beyond the next decade or so, once electric vehicles dominate the market.

"Indonesia should prioritise ramping up EVs in order to meet its international climate goals," he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Electric vehicles help ease air pollution from diesel and petrol fumes, and reduce costly oil imports. If the electricity that powers them is from renewable sources, they can also help meet emissions reduction targets to limit climate change.

Under the Paris Agreement to tackle global warming, Indonesia - among the world's top carbon polluters - committed to cut its emissions by 29% by 2030 versus business-as-usual levels, and in July said it hoped to reach a net-zero emissions goal by 2060 or sooner.

"Pushing biodiesel is not a long-term viable strategy to transition from fossil fuels," said Marks, citing palm oil's role in driving forest loss and fires, which significantly increase carbon emissions.

Indonesia was named as one of the top four countries for rainforest loss in 2020, according to Global Forest Watch, a monitoring service that uses satellite data.

Battery hub

Two years ago, President Widodo signed a decree outlining government support for the EV industry, in a bid to rein in carbon emissions and capitalise on Indonesia's metals resources which are used to make batteries for electric transport.

The government has set a target of putting 13 million electric motorbikes - including converted conventional ones - and 2.2 million electric cars on the roads by 2030.

Last month, it launched a pilot project to switch motorcycles with combustion engines to electric power, and officials said work had also begun to convert public buses.

As of 2019, the world's fourth-most populous country had more than 15 million cars and 112 million motorcycles on its roads, according to Indonesia's automotive industries association.

Shobhakar Dhakal, vice president for academic affairs at the Thailand-based Asian Institute of Technology, said Indonesia's biodiesel and EV policies could work in tandem until 2040 or 2050.

EVs will eventually dominate Indonesia's light-duty vehicles and passenger transport, but biodiesel will still make sense for heavy-duty and freight as a low-carbon option, he added.

Today almost 85% of Indonesia's electricity supply comes from fossil fuels - coal, natural gas and oil - which casts doubt on how "clean" its EVs will be, Dhakal warned.

Jakarta aims to have 23% of the country's energy coming from renewable sources by 2025, up from about 9% in mid-2020, but progress on developing renewable power projects has been slow.

A top thermal coal exporter, Indonesia plans to retire all coal-fired power plants by 2056.

It is also important that Indonesia does not scale back its EV ambitions over time - as seen in India - Dhakal said, noting the country's rich supplies of nickel ore should guard against this as the aim is to exploit them for EV battery production.

Transition fuel

Biofuels can be useful as a "transition" fuel, but promoting palm oil-based biodiesel longer term will not bring down Indonesia's emissions trajectory, which is heavily influenced by land use and forestry, said Rory Clisby, a climate change analyst at consultancy Verisk Maplecroft.

Amid growing demand for private transport, however, the switch away from biofuels to EVs could take time, he added.

"The EV target is certainly ambitious and at present there are many structural barriers to achieving it, including a lack of supporting infrastructure," he said.

But if Indonesia can expand the share of renewables in its energy mix, EV expansion is a better policy for reducing emissions, he added.

Chuck Baclagon, Asia finance campaigner at climate activism group 350.org, urged Indonesia to invest in public transport to reduce the need for private vehicle ownership of all kinds.

Unless the grid that powers EVs adopts cleaner energy sources, the impact of moving from biofuels to electric transport will be negligible, he added.

"Electric vehicles only work as a climate solution if their charging stations are powered by renewable energy," he said.


CarSifu drives Honda Clarity PHEV and Fuel Cell variants

                MOTEGI (Japan): Like any fully electric powered vehicle, the 2017 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell is a quiet and refined car to drive, as a bunch of Malaysian writers discovered during brief test drive sessions at a small test track in Twin Ring Motegi.

The Clarity Fuel Cell has a class-leading 650km driving range, based on Honda’s internal tests.

However, unlike conventional electric cars which are powered by lithium-ion batteries which can be charged at home, Honda's third-generation fuel cell vehicle runs on liquid hydrogen which is used to produce electricity for the car's lithium-ion battery pack, with only water coming out from the exhaust pipe.

In the 2017 Clarity Fuel Cell, the fuel cell stack (which produces electric power from liquid hydrogen) is now 33 percent more compact with a 60 percent increase in power density compared to its predecessor, the Honda FCX Clarity.

The more compact fuel cell and integrated powertrain, now comparable in size to a V6 engine, fits entirely under the bonnet of the car, allowing for a more spacious cabin with seating for five occupants.

The complete fuel cell powertrain under the bonnet is comparable in size to Honda’s latest 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and transmission.

To give you an idea of its size, think of the D-segment Honda Accord.

So, there's a very spacious cabin, with lots of rear legroom and very good headroom for 1.7-metre adults like us.
However, like NGV (natural gas vehicle) cars in Malaysia, boot space is limited as the 2017 Clarity Fuel Cell has two tanks to store the liquid hydrogen - with a smaller 24-litre tank under the rear seats, and a bigger 117-litre tank behind them.

Refueling time is three to five minutes at a pressure of 70 MPa at a hydrogen refueling station.

A year ago in Japan, Honda started lease sales of the Clarity Fuel Cell - priced at 7,660,000 yen (RM283,000) - mainly to local governments and authorities.

In the United States, the Clarity Fuel Cell is offered for lease only in California where the state government has co-funded 62 hydrogen fueling station projects.

Many of these stations are currently open, and all funded station projects are due to be open for retail hydrogen sale to the public by 2020.

In Europe, the Clarity Fuel Cell is being trialled in limited numbers in UK and Denmark through the HyFIVE project.

The arrival of the new Clarity Fuel Cell in Europe is a key part of Honda’s ‘Electric Vision’, announced at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, which aims to have electrified powertrains in two thirds of its cars sold in Europe by 2025.

At Twin Ring Motegi, we had only two laps in the car on a small test track.

The 2017 Clarity Fuel Cell runs on low rolling-resistance Bridgestone ECOPIA EP160 tyres sized 235/45 R18.

The drive motor’s maximum output is 174hp and maximum torque is 300Nm.

Like any electric car, there is no engine noise and vibrations and you also get instant maximum torque delivery, which means you accelerate very quickly from a standstill.

Real-time fuel cell power use shown by a glowing blue ball graphic on a digital display in front of the driver, and the blue ball becomes bigger or smaller according to the energy being discharged.

Capping the day for the writers at Twin Ring Motegi was a ferocious taxi ride in a Clarity Fuel Cell modified race car, where the instant maximum torque delivery of the car was emphasised.

2018 Clarity Plug-in Hybrid

We also had one lap on the test track in a trial unit of the 2018 Clarity Plug-in Hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), which has earned the highest all-electric range rating among all midsize plug-in hybrids with its EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) range rating of 47 miles (76km) on a full charge.

The Clarity Plug-in Hybrid also received an EPA fuel economy rating of 2.6 litres per 100km.

For longer trips, the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid uses its 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder engine to generate electricity and, under certain conditions, to act as a direct power source, resulting in an overall EPA driving range rating of 340 miles or 547km.

The vehicle's electromotive power comes from a 181-horsepower electric motor producing 314Nm of torque and drawing power from both the petrol engine and a 17-kilowatt hour (kWh) battery pack with a recharge time of just 2.5 hours at 240 volts.

The Clarity Plug-in Hybrid features three selectable modes – Normal, Econ and Sport.

A fourth mode – HV mode – is provided to maintain the battery's state of charge and can be selected in conjunction with Normal, Econ and Sport driving modes.

You can't tell a lot about the car from only one lap, but here's what we experienced from the trial unit.

The car started in EV (electric vehicle) mode before our Honda Motor minder pushed a button, and the combustion engine came alive.

However, the process was so seamless that we hardly felt the engine in operation - there was no judder or unpleasant vibrations.

Gallery: 2017 Honda Clarity Fuel CellGallery: 2018 Honda Clarity PHEV


VW admits 'Voltswagen' an April Fool's marketing stunt

                WASHINGTON: Volkswagen AG’s US unit issued a false news release on Tuesday claiming it would rename its US operations as “Voltswagen of America” in a marketing stunt designed to call attention to its electric vehicle efforts, the company said.

VW came under criticism on social media for its misleading news release, some commenters recalling the company’s diesel emissions scandal and years of misleading customers and regulators.

“Volkswagen of America will not be changing its name to Voltswagen. The renaming was designed to be an announcement in the spirit of April Fool’s Day, highlighting the launch of the all-electric ID.4 SUV and signalling our commitment to bringing electric mobility to all,” a VW US spokesman said in a statement.

The news release, posted on its website and accompanied by tweets, was reported by Reuters and other outlets globally and included a detailed description of its purported rebranding efforts and new logos. The company pulled it late Tuesday.

A Volkswagen spokesman in Germany called the rebranding a “nice idea” with a focus on marketing.

Volkswagen Group of America CEO Scott Keogh did not respond to messages.

At least one analyst wrote a research note praising the name change. VW’s preferred shares closed 4.7% higher. Ordinary shares closed up 10.3%.

The world’s second-largest carmaker expects to double electric vehicle deliveries and boost profits for its core brand this year after stepping up its switch to fully electric vehicles.

Some VW officials have expressed frustration that its significant US EV efforts have not drawn as much attention as Tesla or General Motors.

The Volkswagen brand aims to invest €16 billion euros (RM78bil) in electrification and digitalisation by 2025. It has committed to sell one million EVs worldwide by 2025.

Volkswagen in 2015 admitted to using illegal software to rig diesel engine tests in the United States, sparking Germany’s biggest corporate crisis and costing the carmaker more than €32 billion (RM156bil) in fines, refits and legal costs.

In 2017, VW pleaded guilty to fraud, obstruction of justice and making false statements as part of a US$4.3 billion (RM17.8bil) settlement reached with the US Justice Department over the automaker’s diesel emissions scandal.


Honda to use Facebook to find owners with defective Takata airbags

                TOKYO: Honda Motor Co Ltd said on Monday it will use Facebook Inc’s custom audiences tool to find car owners with defective Takata airbags.

The tool, which allows advertisers to reach a specified list of users, will match encrypted email addresses associated with recalled vehicle identification numbers to Facebook users.

Japan’s Takata Corp’s air bag inflators have been linked to at least 18 deaths and 180 injuries around the world because they can rupture and shoot metal fragments into vehicles.

Honda, whose vehicles account for 17 of the 18 deaths worldwide, has been by far the most aggressive in reaching out to affected customers.

A report issued on Friday by an independent monitor of the Takata recalls said more than 10 million US vehicles and 18.5 million faulty Takata air bag inflators remain unrepaired in the largest ever auto recall.

Automakers have recalled or expect to recall by 2019 about 125 million vehicles worldwide to replace air bag inflators, including more than 60 million in the United States.


Honda City Sport Hybrid i-DCD: full specifications

                PETALING JAYA: The Honda City Sport Hybrid i-DCD shares similar features with the E variant of the non-hybrid City.

Together with the recently launched Honda Jazz Sport hybrid, Malaysia once again becomes the only country outside of Japan to introduce this new hybrid powertrain in a City.

Priced at RM89,200 without insurance, the City Sport Hybrid i-DCD can deliver performance equal to a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated engine.

Honda City Sport Hybrid i-DCD- 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine
- 7-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)
- 137ps and 170Nm of torque
- Electric Power Steering
- Fuel consumption is 3.9 litres per 100km

- Front disc brakes/rear drum brakes
- 185/55 R16 tyres
- Temporary repair kit for flat tyre

- Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
- Smart entry/Push start button
- Paddle Shifters
- 536 litres boot

- 6.8-inch Display Audio
- 4 speakers
- 1 HDMI port, 1 USB port, 3 accessory ports
- Touch Panel Air-Conditioning

- Rear air con vents
- Halogen headlights
- Daytime Running Lights
- LED Tail Lights

- Black fabric seats
- 8 cup holders

- 60:40 rear seats
- 16-inch Dual Tone Alloy Wheels
- 4 airbags
- Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
- Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
- Hill Start Assist (HSA)
- ISOFIX child seat points

- Reverse Camera
- Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)

ALSO READ:Honda City Sport hybrid launched at RM89,200


Local radio DJ's new car stolen 78 hours after buying it

 DJ Yoon says she has reason to believe the theft was premeditated. — DJ Yoon/Instagram & DJ Yoon/FacebookReuters
PETALING JAYA:  Buying a new car is undeniably an occasion worth celebrating as it signifies a degree of personal achievement.

For local radio announcer DJ Yoon, unfortunately, her celebration was cut short after her new ride was stolen just 78 hours after purchasing it.

Taking to Facebook on Wednesday (March 8), Yoon shared a CCTV footage of the theft that occurred. According to her, the incident happened around the noon of March 6 at SS17 in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

In her post, she revealed that her husband parked the car outside a restaurant they were dining at. As they were about to leave, they discovered to their horror that the car had vanished.

"We immediately requested for the restaurant's CCTV footage. In the footage, we saw a person in black approaching my white MPV.

"It only took a minute or two for the thief to drive away like they owned the car," Yoon said, adding that she had reason to believe the theft was premeditated.

Yoon also mentioned that she and her husband had been planning to install an anti-theft lock and a GPS system this week, but it was unfortunately too late.

"The police officers (handling my case) told me that MPVs often get stolen. After this, I'm considering getting a strong steering wheel lock to prevent a repeat of this incident," she explained.

Yoon also urged everyone to be careful and ensure that the car is well equipped with a sturdy anti-theft system before driving it out and about.

Many netizens have since left comments consoling the radio announcer over the unfortunate incident, with some suspecting that it could have been an inside job due to how fast the thief was able to unlock the car.

Some however, had not been kind – saying that it was a "prank" and that Yoon will be fine as she "has lots of money".

Responding to the comments taking lightly of the situation, Yoon said: "To those who see other people's misfortunes as a joke, I hope you stay healthy and safe."


Limited edition Bugatti Chiron to celebrate 110th anniversary

                MOLSHEIM (France): The French hyper sports car manufacturer is celebrating its 110th-year anniversary with a special edition of the Chiron Sport limited to 20 cars.

This new edition is not only extremely exclusive but also pays tribute to France.

“With the limited Chiron Sport 110 ans Bugatti, Bugatti is ushering in the 110thanniversary of its foundation. At the same time, we are underlining our origin and our French roots in Molsheim,” says Stephan Winkelmann, President of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. “Molsheim in the Alsace region of France is an essential element in Bugatti’s brand history and this is also where we are planning our future.”

The new Chiron Sport 110 ans Bugatti bears the French tricolour “Le Bleu-Blanc-Rouge”, with its colours of blue, white and red, decorates the body and interiors at several points and harmonizes perfectly with the extraordinary Chiron Sport.

Hyper sports cars have been a Bugatti tradition since the establishment of the brand. When Ettore Bugatti designed his first model in 1909, the Type 10, he deliberately broke new ground in terms of design.

The Type 10 was light, small and nimble with an adequate power output – an agile racing car with function following form in an uncompromising way. At the beginning of the 20th century, this was a new approach and it has defined the mission of Ettore Bugatti’s successors to the present day.

With the assistance of some partners, Ettore Bugatti set up in business at a disused dyeing plant in Molsheim at the end of 1909. Shortly afterwards, he continued the development of his Type 10 to create the Type 13 – the first official Bugatti model.

This first Bugatti was followed by some high points in the history of the automobile. In the 1920s, these included the Type 35, one of the most successful racing cars ever, as well as the Type 41 Royale, the epitome of absolute automobile luxury. The founder’s son Jean Bugatti created his own memorial with the Type 57 SC Atlantic, a design manifesto.

Up to 1956, about 7,950 vehicles of Types 10 to 252 were produced, of which an estimated 2,000 or so are still in existence. In 1987, Romano Artioli revived the brand and produced the EB 110, a super sports car with a top speed of over 340kph – the fastest production car in the world at the beginning of the 1990s.

The Chiron features a superlative powerplant: the 8.0-litre W16 engine with four turbochargers delivers 1,500PS and 1,600Nm of torque.

The car can accelerate from 0 to 100kph in less than 2.4 seconds, reaching 200kph in 6.1 seconds and 300kph in 13.1 seconds.

Even the magic figure of 400kph can be reached in only 32.6 seconds. The maximum speed is far higher, at 420kph.

“The ultimate hyper sports car from France is still the most powerful, highest-quality, fastest and most comfortable gran turismo in existence – a blend of elegance, quality, unique character and power,” says Winkelmann.


World's first 'supercar' up for auction

1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 'Gullwing'.
LONDON: The term "supercar" is bandied around a lot, and it's not surprising when you consider how many incredibly powerful cars are being produced these days, especially now that car makers are realising the potential of electric and hybrid performance cars.

When the term was first used and which particular car brought it into our everyday language are rarely considered, but there's a car going under the auctioneer's hammer in Florida next month that could provide a few answers.

The car in question is a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL with "gullwing" doors, which, when the model was introduced in 1954, was pretty much unlike anything anyone had seen before. With those doors, and the 212-horsepower direct injection straight-six engine under the hood that made it the fastest production car of its time, it's no wonder some sources cite the 300SL as the world's first supercar.

This particular example is a 1957 model that has only had three owners from new, and it will be going up for auction by RM Sotheby's in Fort Lauderdale in Florida next month. Only four more of these were built after this bright red example came off the production line, it last had a change of owners in 1967, and it was then put on display at the ACD Automobile Museum in Auburn, Indiana.

The car is largely unrestored with the majority of its original paint still intact. In 1968 it had 36,375 miles on the clock, and no more have been added over the last 40 years.

A car of such rarity and originality is always going to bring a high price at auction, but the fact all the proceeds from this one are set to go to the YMCA of Jackson, Michigan to fund the construction of a new building could see a few additional dollars added to the hammer price, so the auctioneers have put an estimate on the car of US$1 million.

Much of the black colour has faded away from the leather seats over time, even though they were recovered decades ago in the same leather it came with originally, which has now been unavailable for many years.


Peugeot Landtrek: Bold foray

                For Malaysians, the Peugeot brand has always been associated with sedans, hatches and SUVs for the longest time.

Now they have to wrap their heads around the fact Peugeot also has a pick-up truck to sell 'em.

The Landtrek was launched in Malaysia last month in a calculated move by Stellantis to grab market share in a hotly contested segment dominated by the Japanese.

Malaysia is the first country in Asean to get the RM120,072 Landtrek, which is available in only one version.  It's backed by a standard 5-year manufacturer warranty with a 100,000km mileage limit, whichever comes first.

Peugeot said it is open to introducing more Landtrek variants and more engine options subject to market demand and viability.

The launch in Glenmarie, Shah Alam, was followed immediately by a media drive to Sekinchan, Selangor.

Since its global introduction in 2020, the Landtrek has largely found success in the Middle East and Africa, where it has achieved an 81.1% increase in sales in 2022 compared to the previous year.

Based on the Changan Kaicene F70 pick-up truck, the Landtrek is built at the Chinese automaker's plant in Shenzhen, China. A Stellantis rep said it has plans to locally assemble this Peugeot.

It may surprise many to know that Peugeot has been a long-standing player in the pickup truck segment.

In 1938, it offered a commercial flatbed vehicle derived from the Peugeot 202, followed by the Peugeot 203 after World War II, and then the Peugeot 403 and 404.

Finally, in 1979, the Peugeot 504 was introduced and officially named a pick-up, with more than 375,000 units produced.

In the modern iteration, Peugeot has decided to work with Changan and "remodelled" the Kaicene F70 into a truck that meets its Gallic standards.

The Kaicene F70 is of itself already a good-looking vehicle inside and out, making for an acceptable starting base for Peugeot.

The Landtrek's strong front has LED signature lighting and a big grille featuring the Peugeot Lion emblem. One can make out the fang-like DRL signature lights that are albeit shortened.

The bonnet is sculpted and muscular, hinting at the Landtrek's off-road capability.

The side profile is dominated by a long bed and a double cab that can take in five passengers. Sidesteps, 18-inch wheels with diamond-cut styling, powered foldable side mirrors, roll bars and roof rails are other notable additions.

The rear of the vehicle features LED/bulb combination taillights and a tailgate with a built-in step, making it easy to access the bed. Overall, the Landtrek's design strikes a balance between form and function, with a look that is both stylish and utilitarian.

Its sports utility vehicle (SUV)-like interior features a 10-inch HD screen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth support, 4.2-inch colour display instrument cluster, six speakers and three USB ports. A flat-bottommed tiller and piano key switches are typical Peugeot that will appeal.

No i-Cockpit digital display here as the meter cluster is part analogue and part digital but it still complements the overall look.

The 360-degree camera view is clear and crisp, and comes with distance and width guidelines to ease parking manoeuvres. It can also be set up to turn on automatically when obstacles are detected, particularly useful when offroading.

Dual zone climate control and rear air-cond vents are also standard. The air-conditioner did a splendid job chilling the cabin even in the noon heat.

Leatherette seats are comfortable with both front seats equipped with six-way power adjustments. Rear seats split 60:40 and come with a centre armrest.

Rear leg and headroom is adequate for tallish individuals. Short stints in the back seat is fine but longer rides would be pushing the limits of comfort as the seatback is not as angled back as we would like it.

Note that the test units did not come with bedliners but customer vehicles would include them.

The 1.9-litre D20T turbodiesel engine, which delivers 150hp and 350Nm of torque, is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with 4X4 drive capability via a 4WD transfer dial.

The engine features a variable geometry turbo (VGT) and 16 valves and it is jointly developed by China's Yunnei Power and Germany's FEW Automotive Group. It is compatible with biodiesel rated up to B10.

The vehicle comes with rear differential lock for traversing difficult terrain. With up to 235mm of ground clearance and wading depth of 600mm, the Landtrek should be good for some offroading fun.

While cabin refinements are noticeable, the engine's diesel clatter at standstill is louder than those from the usual suspects but tones down appreciably as the truck gathers speed.

The journey to Sekinchan and back included time on highways and B-roads.

At highway speeds, the mill pulls well enough and has sufficient power to get up to speed quickly and overtake other cars.

A Sport and Eco mode is available to add more pep or economy as the driver desires.

The truck rides on the firm side but is relatively quiet and comfortable on smooth tarmac.

As we headed onto B-roads, the all-terrain tyres coupled with the double wishbones/leaf springs set-up tended to relay noise and vibrations to the interior especially on uneven and rutted surfaces. It's also partly because there was no cargo in the truck bed. With a laden bed, we figured the Landtrek would settle down somewhat.

As for the six-speed automatic, it occasionally hunts for the right gear when the Landtrek is pushed hard. A manual mode lets the driver row through the cogs on demand.

Standard safety kit includes six airbags, anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency brake assist, dynamic stability control, anti-skid regulation, hill-descent control, hill start assist, lane departure warning and Isofix points.

Other features to make the Landtrek more enticing are cruise control, hydraulic power steering, rain sensing wipers and keyless entry.

The Landtrek comes in six colour options of Ceramic White, Silver Grey, Magnetic Blue, Red Rubi, Rockstone Grey and the model exclusive Olea Green.

So what do we make of the Sino-French four-wheeler?

Peugeot knows from the get-go it will be an uphill fight against the established players on the truck scene.

First drive impressions indicate the Landtrek as having a blend of capability, comfort, and style. Enough for it to gain a foothold locally and appeal to a select group of buyers looking for something different.

As human nature goes, people will often gravitate to the familiar. The Landtrek is for now unfamiliar territory.

It may yet carve a niche for itself as it evolves and gets refined further. Time will tell.


Perodua Bezza debuts in Sri Lanka

                COLOMBO: The Bezza 1.0L (automatic transmission) made its debut in Sri Lanka at a big event launch organised by Perodua’s official distributor, Unimo Enterprises Ltd.

Sri Lanka is the largest export market for the Perodua brand which has so far seen 14,000 units sold between 1997 and 2017 (as at end May).

Currently Unimo imports the Perodua Axia, which sold 1, 400 units last year and now the Bezza.

“We (Perodua) are still relatively small in Sri Lanka but we see a lot of potential as the country’s economy expands,” Perodua president and chief executive officer, Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh said at the launch.

The Malaysia High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah, was present at the event.

 Clockwise from left, Yatawara lighting an oil lamp as part of the Perodua Bezza launch gambit. Also present were Wan Zaidi, Aminar and Perodua Executive Director, Takamasa Kurinami.

“Starting this year, we are seriously looking at further expanding our current export markets and studying new ones as we work to realise our vision of becoming a regional player,” Aminar said.

Since 1997, Perodua has exported 5 models to Sri Lanka, which are the Perodua Kancil, Kenari, Kelisa, Viva and Bezza.

“We believe that the Bezza will be well accepted in Sri Lanka as this car has all the features that appeals to all; it is spacious, well designed, fuel efficient and versatile – a winning combination,” said Unimo Group chief executive officer/executive director Chanaka Yatawara.

The Perodua Bezza 1.0L (automatic transmission) is priced at 3.69 million Sri Lankan Rupees (RM103, 162.29).

Overall, Perodua has exported 1,600 units this year (from January to May 2017) to 6 countries, including to Indonesia under the Daihatsu’s Sirion.

“Since we started our export programme, we have exported 75,000 vehicles. At its height, we exported to 21 different countries,” Aminar said.


Renault's newest car is, you guessed it, an SUV named Arkana

                FRANKFURT: To squeeze every last bit of profit out of the ever-expanding universe of SUVs, many car manufacturers are working hard to fill up even the tiniest crossover-shaped gap in their range.

Now Renault, like so many others, is trying its luck with another SUV, this time one with more of a coupe flair. The Arkana, set to launch in March and cost at least 27,850 euros in its home market.

The 4.57-metre-long Arkana is being wedged in between the Kadjar and the Koleos crossovers, but has a slightly longer wheelbase and, at least with the rear seat backs unfolded, a slightly larger boot with 513 litres. When the rear bench is folded down, it becomes 1,296 litres.

Equipped with LED headlights and a digital cockpit as standard, there are also many assistants available at extra cost. All-wheel drive, on the other hand, is not on offer.

At launch, Renault sells the Arkana as a TCe 140 with a 1.3 litre, 140 horsepower petrol engine with a mild hybrid system, or as an E-Tech 145 with a full hybrid drive. The latter combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine and two electric motors for a total of 143 hp.

For the mild hybrid, Renault quotes a top speed of 200kph and a consumption of 5.3 litres (122 g/km CO2). The hybrid has a top speed of 172 km/h, 4.0 litres and 92 g/km. Later in the year, there will be another petrol engine with 160 hp.


Shell introduces its first carbon neutral engine oil line-up

                KUALA LUMPUR: Shell Malaysia has launched its first carbon neutral engine oils,  made from natural gas.

Shell said they are the world’s first carbon neutral lubricants, created as part of its mission to become a net-zero emissions energy business by 2050.

In conjunction with the launch, Shell Helix is also expanding its offerings with the introduction of 5W-40 viscosity grade under the Power variant, to meet  growing consumer demand.

Shell Helix Power 5W-40 is designed for high power and performance vehicles, and is said to be suitable for a wide range of modern petrol and diesel passenger cars.

This engine oil is now available at participating Shell branded and independent workshops. A four-litre pack in Peninsular Malaysia sells for RM280, while it's  RM280.80 in Sabah and Sarawak.

To promote its products, Shell is giving away a Shell Helix Bamboo Bluetooth speaker with every purchase of Shell Helix Power 0W-40, Shell Helix Power 5W-40, or Shell Helix Protect 0W-30 four-litre pack at any participating outlets, while stocks last.

At the launch, Shell Malaysia chairman Datuk Ivan Tan said the company is able to offer a variety of low-carbon energy solutions to its customers, ranging from electric vehicle charging and biofuels to carbon neutral lubricants.

“Increasingly, we will work on nature-based solutions to deliver high-quality carbon credits, which can be used to compensate the emissions generated when a customer buys and uses a Shell product, such as the new Shell Helix Power 5W. This comes in addition to our existing efforts of responsibly reducing the carbon intensity of oil and gas operations, and investments in lower-carbon sources of energy,” he said.

 Tan.

Shell’s global range of nature-based carbon credits aims to compensate CO2e emissions from the entire lifecycle of these products, including the raw materials, packaging, production, distribution, customer use and product end-of-life.

Shell said it works with projects around the world that help reduce CO2 emissions, while improving the lives of local communities and protecting biodiversity.

Shell said its customers choose Shell Helix because it is designed for high engine performance and improved fuel economy as they are becoming increasingly aware of environmental choices and are looking for ways to reduce their own carbon footprint.

Shell Lubricants Business Malaysia & Singapore general manager Nyon Kam Yew said Shell Malaysia is introducing the Shell Helix carbon neutral engine oil series under its super premium fully synthetic range – Helix Power and Protect.

“These engine oils are formulated with Shell PurePlus technology, which is made from 99.5% pure base oil from natural gas, as well as trusted and recommended by Scuderia Ferrari,” he said.

To ensure customers are buying genuine Shell products, they should check for the “Untuk Pasaran Malaysia” logo on the front label of the pack.

For details, visit www.shell.com.my/motorists/oils-lubricants/helix-for-cars.html.


Mercedes presents new special editions of SL and SLC roadsters

The SL 500 Grand Edition.
STUTTGART: Spring brings fresh cabriolets from Mercedes, which will be heading to the Geneva Motor Show, with a new SL "Grand Edition" luxury roadster and its last SLC roadster, dubbed the "Final Edition."

Mercedes presents the SL Grand Edition, a new version of its luxury roadster with exclusive specifications. The new SL 400 (367hp V6 engine) and SL 500 (455hp V8 engine) Grand Edition models notably get 19-inch front and 20-inch rear AMG 10-spoke forged wheels, designo leather with metallic accents on the multifunction sports steering wheel and "SL Grand Edition" badges on the fenders. These roadsters boast a neck-level heating system, active multicontour seats with massage function and seat climate control, plus the Driving Assistance Plus Package and Active Parking Assist.

 The SLC 300 Final Edition.

Alongside this, the German auto brand has unveiled the "Final Edition" of its SLC roadster (descended from the SLK, launched in 1996). The four models in the range (SLC 180, SLC 200, SLC 300 and AMG SLC 43) are all equipped with AMG bumpers at the front and rear, as well as sport suspension with 10mm lowering. On the inside, Mercedes proposes Nappa seats and trims. As standard, the models come with neck-level heating, seat heating and four-way lumbar support for the driver and front passenger.

All of these models will be available to order from Feb 22, with the first deliveries expected in March.

The Mercedes SL 400 and SL 500 Grand Edition will be available starting from €114,811 and €135,993 respectively, while the new Mercedes SLC models will range from €41,536 (SLC 180) to €65,045 (AMG SLC 43).


Mudah.my’s Novel Way to Help You Find Your Perfect Car

                KUALA LUMPUR: Looking to find yourself the perfect pre-loved car?

Before you start the search, you need to determine what would best fit your needs and learn how to avoid some of the common pitfalls.

Let Mudah.my help you out!

Malaysia’s No. 1 car marketplace recently launched a two-part video series as part of a campaign called “I Found My Ride”.

 Jazeman Jaafar (right) with one of the Mudah.my "I Found My Ride" car buyer Cody.

In the videos, Mudah.my assists six car buyers, who have completely different sets of criteria, identify the best car choice for them.

Local hip-hop artist MC Vandal is the charismatic host for the videos, which also feature appearances by some of Malaysia’s biggest motoring names.

Get buying tips from pros such as Karamjit Singh, Tengku Djan Ley and Jazeman Jaafar and learn what to pay attention to when taking cars out for a test drive.

The “I Found My Ride” videos are a visual guide for Malaysians seeking their dream car at the right price and right condition.

 Karamjit Singh (left) giving advice to the car buyer (centre) with Mudah.my "I Found My Ride" host MC Vandal looking on.

The series also helps buyers narrow their search through the thousands of cars being sold on Mudah.my.

With useful advice from Karamjit, Tengku Djan and Jazeman, consumers will know exactly what to look out for when choosing the perfect ride.

Mudah.my is your No.1 go-to car marketplace.

We have over 100,000 cars to choose from at any given time and with a wide variety of styles and price – there is certainly something for everyone!

#IFOUNDMYRIDE | Honda CR-Z

Watch #IFoundMyRide as Vandal, Karamjit Singh and Tengku Djan are here to guide you to your dream ride!

#IFOUNDMYRIDE | BMW 320d

Watch #IFoundMyRide as Vandal, Karamjit Singh and Tengku Djan are here to guide you to your dream ride!

Turn your Goodbye into someone’s Good Buy here http://goodbyegoodbuy.my/. Sell your pre-loved barang on Mudah.my and get something power for Raya this year!


Geely Auto grows EV ambition as fossil fuel vehicle demand sinks

Zeekr 009 is an electric MPV designed for the China market.
SHANGHAI: China's Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd aims to increase the proportion of electric vehicles (EVs) in its total sales to 50% in 2023, as it accelerates a transition to electric power amid weakening demand for petrol-driven cars.

Sales of pure electric and plug-in hybrids will already account for more than 30% of Geely's monthly sales in the second half of this year, Chief Executive Jerry Gan told reporters in an online event on Thursday.

One out of five vehicles Geely sold in the first half were full electric or hybrid, sales of which increased nearly four fold, compared with a 20% slump in sales of vehicles with combustion engines, according to the company.

Hangzhou-based Geely, China's highest-profile automaker globally due to the group's investments in Volvo Cars and Mercedes-Benz, posted a 35% fall in first-half net profit.

The company said its vehicle sales, which fell 9% in the first half in China, were below management expectations, citing Covid-19 curbs and shortages of semiconductors.

Those challenges along with intensifying competition and rising raw material and battery costs would put pressure on sales through the end of 2022, it said.

China's auto sector has been hit hard by government efforts to combat Covid-19, with many areas including the commercial hub of Shanghai under lockdowns of varying lengths.

Authorities have tried incentives to revive demand, and the central government has halved purchase tax to 5% for cars priced at less than 300,000 yuan (RM198,000) and with engines no larger than 2.0 litres.

Geely posted a 29% rise in six-month revenue though June to 58.18 billion yuan (RM38.2bil), thanks to better product pricing and product mix which offset the sales declines.

Geely is also seeking to expand further into South-East Asia and Europe. Its exports increased 64% in the first half and accounted for 18% of total sales.

Geely said previously its total annual vehicle sales including EV brands Zeekr and Geometry would hit 3.65 million units by 2025, with more than 30% of them electrified.

READ MORE:
Zeekr 001 breaks two Guinness World Records
Future looks bright as Proton signs deal to distribute smart EVs


Car maker use of the word ‘autonomous’ dangerous and misleading, says Thatcham Research

                LONDON: Use of the word autonomous in carmaker marketing and literature is lulling drivers into a false sense of security, Thatcham Research warns.

Thatcham Research and the ABI (Association of British Insurers) are issuing an urgent call to carmakers and legislators for greater clarity around the capability of vehicles sold with technology that does more and more driving on behalf of motorists.

The call comes in the wake of growing reports of people crashing whilst over-relying on technology which is not yet designed to drive the car independently.

To provide guidance to carmakers and legislators, Thatcham Research has drawn up a list of 10 key criteria that every Assisted vehicle must have, complementing 10 criteria laid out in 2017 which a car must meet before it can be called Automated. These recommendations represent best practice to promote safety on the roads as Assisted vehicles become ever more commonplace.

“It begins with how systems are named and described across carmaker marketing materials and the driver’s handbook. Names like Autopilot or ProPilot are deeply unhelpful, as they infer the car can do a lot more than it can," said Thatcham Research research chief Matthew Avery.

"Absolute clarity is needed, to help drivers understand the when and how these technologies are designed to work and that they should always remain engaged in the driving task.”


Targeted fuel subsidy scheme: Ball in Cabinet's court

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs says it will leave the decision to implement the Petrol Subsidy Programme (PSP) to the Cabinet.

Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the Cabinet would make the decision based on the outcome of discussions on communication plans between the ministry and the Ministry of Finance.

"We had our meeting in the first week of January and together we will prepare our report to the Cabinet. The Cabinet will make a decision.

"The status now is to put a hold on it, not to stop it. We have been given the task to fine-tune (the PSP), " he told reporters on the sidelines of the 2020 Malaysia Economic and Strategic Outlook Forum here today.

The PSP, scheduled for implementation in January 2020, has been postponed to a new date to be announced later.

The programme was initially meant for some 2.9 million people in the B40 group who are eligible for the Cost of Living Allowance.

During the tabling of the 2020 Budget on Oct 11, Finance Minister lim guan eng announced that the PSP would be expanded to include about five million middle-income earners with a monthly household income of less than RM4,000.

Saifuddin said his ministry had identified the eligibility criteria for the PSP scheme.

"There are some methods that we will look into. As far as my ministry is concerned, we are ready," he added.

Asked on the progress of the Monopoly Review Committee, Saifuddin said the process is still ongoing with scheduled meetings chaired by the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

"We discussed companies such as Pharmaniaga and Puspakom in the last few meetings," he added.

Earlier in his luncheon keynote address, Saifuddin said the Monopoly Review Committee is one of the ongoing initiatives taken by the government, and comprises the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs.

He added that the Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) is also currently knee-deep in the process of amending the Competition Act 2010 to incorporate merger provisions that grant MyCC the power to review merger transactions that have harmful anti-competitive effects on the market.

Saifuddin said the amendment would help in substantially lessening anti-competitive mergers and help the ministry control the cost of living of the rakyat.

"In the meantime, my ministry, through the MyCC, will continue to monitor the online ride-hailing market post-merger to ensure that consumers are still fairly treated and offered a fair price for ride-hailing services," he added.

The one-day forum was organised by Kingsley Strategic Institute and the Economic Club of Kuala Lumpur.


Top US utilities team up to build charging stations

A fast charging station is seen in the parking lot of a Whole Foods Market in Austin, Texas. — Reuters
LOS ANGELES: Six major utilities unveiled a plan on Tuesday to add electric vehicle fast chargers to connect major highway systems across United States, as they look to cater to the burgeoning electric vehicle market.

The Electric Highway Coalition – made up of American Electric Power, Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, Entergy Corp, Southern Co and Tennessee Valley Authority - is looking to provide charging stations within their service territories from the Atlantic Coast, through the Midwest and South, and into the Gulf and Central Plains regions.

The initiative comes as US President Joe Biden has made boosting electric vehicles a top priority and pledged to build 550,000 new EV charging stations. Automakers including Tesla Inc, BMW and General Motors plan major expansions in EV production.

“The path to cleaner transportation is a robust charging infrastructure along the nation’s major highways,” said Lang Reynolds, director of Electrification Strategy for Duke Energy.

“Range anxiety is a barrier to more EV adoption. This coalition can erase those obstacles and help deliver the benefits of EV ownership to consumers,” said Reynolds.

American Electric Power said it is working with select customers across its service territory to help them understand the benefits of electrifying their own vehicle fleets.