Toyota Gazoo Racing and Vios Challenge go night racing this weekend

                SHAH ALAM: With the overall championship too close to call, Season 4’s Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival and Vios Challenge finale is gearing up to be nothing short of a nail biting race weekend this Saturday and Sunday (Nov 20-21) at the Sepang International Circuit as the series “goes dark” in its first ever night race weekend.

With no clear favourites after two rounds or four races, there are no less than five contenders that have a shot of becoming the overall champion in each of the four classes of racing being contested.

The classes are the Super Sporting Class for elite and professional drivers; the Sporting Class for amateur gentlemen racers; the Promotional Class for local celebrities; and the Rookie Class for young drivers.

UMW Toyota Motor President Ravindran K said Season 4 would be remembered as one of the most challenging due to the pandemic.

“This may to some extent, have had an impact on the performances of teams and drivers. Immediately after Round 1 in February, the country was forced into a movement control order (MCO) which lasted for eight months, resulting in Round 2 only being able to resume last month (October) and now the finale this weekend,” he said.

“At the other end of the spectrum, it has also paved the way for even closer competition. No single driver has an unassailable advantage and the champions will have to be decided in the final round.

“This is a task made even more challenging for the drivers it is the first ever night race for the Vios Challenge!,” he said.

Ravindran also thanked the Government, the Ministry of Youth & Sports, the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) and the Sepang International Circuit for facilitating the reopening of motorsports and putting in place strict measures to prevent any further outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In addition, UMW Toyota Motor has also implemented additional safety measures which include continuing to restrict the race to only critical personnel and guests, and instead broadcasting the weekend’s activities live online for race fans.

“UMW Toyota Motor is committed to the series and we are extremely pleased to be able to conclude the Season amidst these challenging times.

“The success of the Vios Challenge has largely been fuelled by the support of the participating teams and drivers as well as all race fans, and I would like to convey our utmost appreciation for making it the best and most well accepted racing series in Malaysia,” he said.

SUPER SPORTING
With 55 points to his tally, M7 Japan Project Team’s Syafiq Ali finds himself in the best possible position to win this season’s overall Super Sporting Class championship.

“Four points is never a comfortable margin to lead a championship, especially when it will all be decided in the last two races of the season. Anyone in the top five is more than capable of winning the overall championship – that’s just how close it is this season,” said Syafiq who despite having only one race win to his credit this season, has been the more consistent driver with three podium finishes in four races.

After a subdued start to the year, Syafiq redeemed himself with a third place finish and a race win in Round 2 to consolidate his position at the top of the championship standings, just four points ahead of two-time Super Sporting Class champion and race favourite Tengku Djan Ley Tengku Mahaleel.

Tengku Djan Ley began the season strong with back to back race wins in Round 1 but endured an unexpectedly challenging second round missing out on a podium finish in both races.

Also in the running for the championship are Laser Motor Racing’s Mark Darwin with 41 points and two points behind him the teenager Hayden Haikal representing SpeedAddix. The dark horse capable of spoiling the victory party for the top four front runners however, is 23 Motors driver Mitchell Cheah who despite being a newcomer to the series drove to a dominant debut in Round 2 with a race
victory and a second place finish in the two races. He is currently fifth in the standings with 37 points.

SPORTING CLASS
In the Sporting Class, Crestmax Motorsport’s Adam Khalid leads the overall championship with 53 points, 10 points ahead of privateer Eric Yong on 43.

In third is Clement Yeo with 36 points followed closely by Haji Sutan Mustaffa Salihin with 33 points, and Aylezo Motorsport’s Mirza Syahmi Mahzan just 1 point adrift with 32 points.

Mathematically, all five drivers still have shot at becoming Season 4’s Sporting Class champion.

With two race victories and a third place finish under his belt, Adam will be going out with all guns blazing.

“While it is great to be leading the championship, it will be a mistake to take things for granted when you’re in the company of the most determined racers on the grid. Qualifying well will be critical to give me a great boost in confidence leading up to the race,” said Adam.

In Race 2 of Round 2 held last month, the rain had proven to be the x-factor he needed when he stormed from 15th position on the starting grid to win the 20-lap race.

PROMOTIONAL CLASS
With two race wins each, actors Zizan Razak and Shukri Yahaya are currently only separated by a single point as the two go head-to-head in the final two races of the season for the chance of being crowned the overall champion of the Promotional Class.

Zizan had taken the first two race victories in Round 1 while Shukri fought back valiantly to win the following two races in Round 2.

“I have to go for the championship win this time. I need to prove to myself that I can do it,” said Shukri who faces the tremendous pressure of being the most senior competitor in the Vios Challenge having competed in all four seasons, and finishing second in the Promotional Class twice.

Lying third with 41 points is singer Khai Bahar, followed by Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia Chief Motorsports Officer Akio Takeyama on 39, and television host Nabil Ahmad in fifth a further one point behind.

ROOKIE CLASS
The battle of the Rookies has so far been dominated by simulator racer Naquib Azlan who has amassed three race victories from the four races to build a commanding lead with 74 points in the overall championship.

Second with 59 points is 17-year-old Amer Harris, followed closely by another simulator racer Mika Hakimi on 54 points, while in fourth and fifth are Jwan Hii and Putera Adam with 35 and 20 points respectively.

“The Rookie Class has been the most highly anticipated this season given their reputation as newcomers in racing but all five drivers have produced some surprising results which underlines the credibility and success of the Gazoo Racing Young Talent Development Programme,” said Takeyama.

TGR in Sepang 1000KM Race (S1K)
Meanwhile, within days of this weekend’s Vios Challenge finale, Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia will also be joining the Sepang 1000KM race.

This will include fielding two cars in the MTC Production Class and SP2 production class, in addition to concurrently running the very first Vios Enduro Cup for privateers and dealer teams competing in the SP2 Production Class.

Fighting for outright victory in the MTC Production class will be the trio of Tengku Djan Ley who is also Gazoo Racing Malaysia’s Ambassador, Rookie Class driver Naquib and Takeyama.

The SP2 Production Class will see Rookie Class drivers Jwan and Mika partnering our very own Promotional Class driver and actor Zizan Razak.

The Vios Enduro Cup offers a first prize of RM10,000.00 to the privateer and dealers teams, while the second and third place winners stand to win RM8,000 and RM6,000 respectively.

A cash prize of RM4,000 and RM2,000 awaits the fourth and fifth place finishers.

The 1000km race is expected to take nine hours covering 181 laps of the Sepang circuit.

“This will be a great way of completing this year’s racing calendar. Of course, winning the MTC Production Class will certainly be the icing on the cake! We will certainly be gunning for the overall victory but we will be equally happy to finish competitively at the very top,” said Takeyama.

“Joining a prestigious national series event like the S1K is also the start of extending Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia’s presence in Malaysian motorsports.”

In 11 years that the race has been held since 2009 to 2019, Toyota has won the race twice with private entries behind the wheel of an AE86 in 2010 and a Corolla Altis in 2011.

All the action of Round 3’s Vios Challenge finale will be broadcast live on the UMW Toyota Motor website at www.toyota.com.my, and on the Toyota Malaysia and Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia Facebook pages.


Ford launches high-performance Bronco Raptor

                DETROIT: Ford Motor Co on Monday launched a Raptor variant of its Bronco SUV, expanding its Bronco lineup with a new high-priced model.

Ford said the Bronco Raptor is set to hit the roads this summer and customers can begin placing orders in March.

The Raptor's improved off-roading capabilities and 3.0 litre twin turbo ecoboost engine making over 400hp will help Ford directly compete with the Jeep's Wrangler Rubicon model.

The Raptor lineup, which usually features pickup trucks like its F-150 and the Ranger, was created to mirror off-road trophy truck designs onto their street-legal counterparts.

 Uniquely designed shock towers are a major part of the upgraded frame to support the FOX Live Valve 3.1 dampers.

To build the world’s first Ultra4-inspired SUV, Ford Performance set the bar high. Bronco Raptor had to be even faster and bring more off-road capability, agility and maneuverability than Bronco already delivers.

“We had to build the Bronco Raptor – it’s our ultimate vehicle for hardcore off-road enthusiasts who demand something more,” said Carl Widmann, Ford Performance chief engineer. “Like the Ultra4 desert race trucks, the ‘Raptor of SUVs’ conquers desert dunes at highway speeds and is equipped with competition-level off-road technology and hardware.”

Starting with the Bronco frame foundation, the Ford Performance team knew it needed a Raptor-specific version for increased suspension travel and track width for handling stability during high-speed desert runs. At the Raptor core is a fully boxed, high-strength steel frame with new shock towers that increase wheel travel and off-road durability.

 Preproduction model with available equipment shown. Available Summer 2022

Heavy-duty bash and skid plates provide continuous driveline coverage from the front bumper to the back of the engine, transmission and transfer case. In the upper body, B-pillar cross bar and C-pillar reinforcement help deliver a greater than 50% total body-in-prime torsional rigidity increase over a standard Bronco four-door model.

Competition-level, Ford Performance-developed axles, also used on the Bronco DR race truck, further deliver on the Ultra4-inspiration. The solid rear axle is upgraded to a semi-float Dana 50 Heavy-Duty AdvanTEK with 235-mm ring gear, while the Dana 44  AdvanTEK front-drive unit includes upgraded half-shafts with 210-mm ring gear. These upgraded front and rear axles increase the track width by 8.6 inches (73.6 inches versus 65.0 inches) over a base Bronco for even more sure-footed confidence.

Larger front and rear driveshafts support increased wheel torque. Bronco Raptor also runs with a minimum ground clearance of 13.1 inches, 4.8 inches more than a base four-door model.

An advanced 4x4 system with three modes includes a higher-capacity clutch designed to withstand the demands of high-performance desert events. The upgraded transfer case also features a 3.06 4x4 LO ratio for up to 67.7:1 crawl ratio.

The Ford Performance team collaborated with FOX to upgrade the High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension (HOSS) system with Live Valve technology.

Similar to the F-150 Raptor truck’s position-sensitive damping design, the Raptor HOSS 4.0 system features FOX 3.1 Internal Bypass Semi-Active Dampers (3.1-inch diameter) that are uniquely tuned at the front and rear and feature integrated reservoirs up front and remote reservoirs in rear. Suspension height sensors and other sensors at each corner monitor terrain conditions independently hundreds of times every second and adjust suspension tuning accordingly.

Unique Ford Performance-designed front and rear control arms help deliver maximum wheel travel of 13.0 inches in front and 14.0 inches at the rear, or 60% and 40% more, respectively, than a Bronco base model. To deliver the confidence and high-speed needs of the world’s first Ultra4-inspired SUV, the Ford Performance team reached out to BFGoodrich for standard 37-inch KO2 all-terrain tyres (37x12.50R17LT), the largest of any production SUV in America.

Two Ford Performance-designed 17-inch x 8.5-inch beadlock-capable wheels are available. An electric-power steering rack and housing influenced by F-150 Raptor, as well as larger-diameter inner and outer tie rod ends, were added to further upgrade Bronco Raptor.

To give Bronco Raptor even more desert-running power, the Ford powertrain team developed the proven twin-turbo 3.0-litre EcoBoost engine with specific Raptor-level tuning to meet Ford Performance standards. With a target of more than 400 horsepower, Bronco Raptor will be the most powerful street-legal Bronco ever, with intercooling and air-induction systems designed to endure the higher ambient desert temperatures.

For higher-speed desert capabilities or crawling over rocks, the compacted graphite iron-block engine, which saves weight while providing strength for added durability, is paired with a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission tuned to meet Ford Performance standards.

A true dual-exhaust system, featuring first-for-Bronco active-valve technology, uses near-equal-length pipes for an improved exhaust note. The system allows drivers to alter the sound of their Bronco Raptor with four selectable exhaust modes, including Normal, Sport, Quiet and Baja.

Bronco Raptor builds on the brand’s exclusive G.O.A.T. Modes (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) Terrain Management System designed to help drivers better navigate off-road. Seven driver-selectable modes include a uniquely tuned Baja Mode that activates a turbo anti-lag calibration to maximize performance over high-speed desert runs. New to Bronco is Tow/Haul mode, which helps enable a tow rating of 2,041kg, a 453kg improvement over the base model. Trail Control, Trail Turn Assist and Trail One-Pedal Driving are also included.


GM China starts employee carpooling pilot programme

                SHANGHAI: General Motors China has introduced a carpooling pilot programme for employees based here that enables them to arrange rides together using a self-developed mobile app.

This is one of GM’s recent moves worldwide to gain a better understanding of urban mobility issues and insights into car-sharing user experiences. The mobile app will enable about 700 employees at GM China’s Shanghai headquarters to share a ride with their colleagues while making an effort to reduce emissions and congestion.

Drivers can input their preferred route, departure time and number of seats available. Riders can submit their commuter requests. The self-developed matching system quickly offers a list of potential drivers for riders to approach. When the driver accepts a rider, the system automatically shows one fewer available seat in his or her vehicle.

“The employee carpooling pilot program merges the Internet with intelligent mobile technology,” said Vivian Yu, who is leading GM China Urban Active Projects. “It will not only benefit our team members, but also enable us to test software systems in everyday usage scenarios.”

“This initiative will further expand our activities in alternate transportation models in one of our most important markets in the world,” said Julia Steyn, GM vice president, Urban Active. “It will help us learn more about vehicle user behaviour as we develop business models for future global mobility solutions.”

GM CEO Mary Barra and her leadership team recently outlined the company’s plans to capitalise on the future of personal mobility, building upon nearly two decades of connectivity leadership through OnStar.

In addition to internal campus-based car-sharing and ride-sharing programs in the US, China and Europe, GM recently announced its first residential car-sharing initiative, Let’s Drive NYC, in the US. Unlike other mobility service offerings, Let’s Drive NYC leverages integrated and existing OnStar connectivity technologies and services such as remote diagnostic status and access to OnStar advisors with the push of a button.

In Europe, the company’s Opel brand has deployed a peer-to-peer sharing service called CarUnity, which incorporates dealers and their fleets to provide an array of available vehicles for sharing. In China, a fleet of EN-V 2.0 electric concept vehicles went into service at Shanghai Jiao Tong University earlier this year as part of a multi-modal campus transportation system alongside bicycles, cars and shuttle buses.

Further car- and ride-sharing initiatives will follow starting in the first quarter of 2016.


Automakers warned by EU to significantly cut emissions

                BRUSSELS: The European Union told automakers to do more to meet stringent emission targets after a new report showed carbon dioxide pollution from cars increased.

Average emissions of new passenger cars registered in the EU and Iceland in 2018 rose to 120.8 grams of carbon dioxide a kilometre, up 2 grams from the previous year.

That’s more than a quarter higher than the fleet-wide target of 95 gram taking effect from this year.

“Manufacturers will have to improve the fuel efficiency of their fleet and accelerate the deployment of zero- and low-emission vehicles,” the European Commission said in a statement on Wednesday.

Reducing emissions from transport is one of the biggest challenges for the EU, which wants to become climate-neutral by 2050 under the ambitious Green Deal strategy.

The commission is considering even stricter goals for car pollution and an extension of the region’s carbon market to cover road transport.

The increase in average emissions for new passenger cars was caused mainly by the continuing shift away from diesel to petrol vehicles, with the share of diesel fleet dropping by 9 percentage points. In 2018, 60% of new cars were petrol, while diesels accounted for 36%, according to the EU.

It was also affected by changing consumer preferences, with buyers leaning towards larger and heavier sport-utility vehicles powered by petrol. Their market share rose to 35% in 2018 from 29%.

“New registrations of zero- and low- emission cars increased in 2018 but represented only around 2% of new car registrations, compared to 1.5% in 2017,” the commission said. Some 150,000 battery vehicles and 150,000 plug-in hybrid cars are on the road.

The average CO2 emissions of new vans were at 157.9 grams, increasing for the first time year-on-year.


Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport unveiled at Sepang

                SEPANG: The Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport celebrated its premiere in Malaysia at Sepang International Kart Circuit.

It is powered by a 3.8-litre flat-six engine. The racing version features Porsche's double clutch transmission with shift paddles on the steering wheel and a mechanical rear-axle locking differential. The spring-strut front suspension is taken from its larger 911 GT3 Cup brother, which competes in Porsche's 20 one-make championships around the world. The impressive racing brake system is fitted with steel brake discs all round measuring 380-mm in diameter.

Tipping the scales at just 1,300kg, the Cayman GT4 Clubsport, delivered ex-works with a welded-in safety cage, a racing bucket seat as well as a six-point harness, is truly lightweight. Base price of the Cayman GT4 Clubsport is 111,000 euros (RM523,000) but the example shown today cost 175,000 euros (RM824,000) as it comes fitted with accessories and racing kit.

The Cayman GT4 Clubsport closes the gap between the road legal cars and the GT3 Cup, which used to be the entry-level Porsche race car.

"With a lower driving requirement and reduced maintenance costs, the Cayman GT4 Clubsport receives popularity among amateur, young and gentleman drivers" said Arnt Bayer, CEO of Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP).

"With the 2017 Blancpain GT Asia series now offering a GT4-category, customers have the opportunity to participate in this series within Asia," said Earl Bamber, Porsche Works Driver who was also present at the event. He added that four race teams had already confirmed their participation using the GT4 Clubsport.

In 2017, Bamber will be competing in LMP1 racing, the premier class of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) including the 24-hour of Le Mans, driving a Porsche 919 Hybrid LMP1.

In other developments, SDAP said the new Panamera announced last year would arrive in Malaysia in March, followed shortly by the 718 Cayman. It also updated the local prices of the Porsche line-up.

SDAP also said it aims to improve customer service this year. One way is to give buyers of new cars registered in 2017 complimentary access to the "Introduction to Porsche" driving programme at the Sepang International Circuit.

Buyers will be mentored by Porsche instructors to improve their driving skills in their own Porsche. The programme also includes a driving experience in a 2-door sports car on the racetrack.

SDAP offers new Porsche owners a four-year warranty as well as a four-year free maintenance package which includes complimentary service.

 SDAP chief executive officer Arnt Bayer (right) with driver Earl Bamber.


Savings of up to RM17bil if T20 not given petrol subsidy, says Ahmad Maslan

                KUALA LUMPUR: Up to RM17bil can be saved from government coffers if it decides to implement a targeted subsidy mechanism for petrol, says Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.

This was because Putrajaya spent RM50.8bil in subsidies for petrol, diesel and liquified petroleum gas (LPG) last year, the Deputy Finance Minister said.

Ahmad said it was estimated that the T20 group constituted about 35% or RM17.8bil of the amount.

The M40 group made up 41% of the RM50.8bil and the B40 group 24%, he added.

“If we don’t want the T20 to receive subsidies for petrol, LPG and diesel, the government can save between RM15bil and RM17bil.

“You can imagine how the RM15bil to RM17bil can be used to assist Malaysians through programmes from all 26 ministries,” he said during Question Time in Parliament today.

Ahmad was responding to a supplementary question by Datuk Ahmad Amzad Hashim (PN-Kuala Terengganu), who asked if families who slipped from the M40 to B40 group will still benefit from government subsidies.

Earlier, Ahmad told the House that last year, a total of RM66.3bil was spent for various forms of subsidies in petrol, diesel, LPG, cooking oil and electricity, as well as chicken and eggs.

Ahmad said subsidies had helped reduce the rise in cost of living.

“But implementation that is not targeted has led to leakages,” he added.

Ahmad said that of the RM66.6bil, approximately RM2.4bil was spent to subsidise cooking oil, RM9.8bil for electricity, RM1.8bil for chicken and eggs, RM1.5bil for other forms of subsidy for Sabah, and the remaining RM50.8bil for fuel.

Meanwhile, Ahmad said diesel subsidies rose to RM8.4bil last year, compared to RM5.8bil in 2018 and RM6.1bil in 2019.

“Was it due to actual consumption or smuggling?

“Because of that, we estimate that diesel is being smuggled, the same goes for RON95 petrol,” said Ahmad.

“We will monitor this through various government agencies,” he added.

There have been several proposals for the government to implement a targeted subsidy mechanism to ensure that it addresses the rise in cost of living for those in the M40 and B40 groups.


Vespa Sprint Carbon introduced at RM19,000

                KUALA LUMPUR: Naza Premira Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of Vespa in Malaysia, has expanded its Sprint scooter line-up with the inclusion of a new Carbon variant.

Starting at RM19,000, the Sprint Carbon is available in two colours of Black Vulcano and a new White Innocenza.

The new fixtures and fittings include a re-designed "tie" logo, “Carbon” logo, carbon textured speedometer cover and a red horn cover.

Also included are the rim stickers and a grey-finishing for the shield edge and lamp cover.

All that gets added to the standard provisions chromed handlebars and mirrors, Italian “Tricolore” flag, single saddle and LEDs for the front and rear lamps.

For power, it uses a single-cylinder four-stroke 150cc air-cooled i-Get motor that's touted to be efficient, comfortably smooth, quiet and, above all else, environmentally-friendly.


Infiniti and Renault Sport F1 create Project Black S

                GENEVA: Infiniti's Project Black S features unique-for-the-road technology inspired by Formula One.

The Infiniti Q60 sports coupe provides the ideal platform for a performance hybrid powertrain, and the concept vehicle revealed in Geneva features a new high-performance titanium twin exhaust system, maximising the efficiency of air flow through the powertrain.

Suggesting a radical reinterpretation of the Infiniti Q60 coupe, the Project Black S features a stand-out, aerodynamically-optimised new design.

It also hints at how a performance hybrid powertrain – developed in close collaboration with the Renault Sport Formula One Team – could significantly enhance the performance and dynamics of an Infiniti production car.

The performance hybrid powertrain features an 'energy recovery system' (ERS) to harvest energy, deploying recovered electric power to boost power and torque.

The result is instant, significant, lag-free acceleration.

Inspired by the dual-hybrid system proven in Formula One, the technology does not yet exist in a current road car.

A new 'Black S' grade, showcased by the new concept, could represent the maximum level of performance and dynamic capability offered by Infiniti.

Project Black S suggests how higher power and torque output could be deployed by fusing the performance hybrid technology with the award-winning 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine, the most advanced V6 engine Infiniti has ever offered.

Project Black S also suggests how lightweight 21-inch wheels and wider performance tires could be deployed for greater traction, while hinting at a weight reduction program to fully offset the additional weight of the performance hybrid system.

The concept vehicle is finished in matte grey and black.

Gloss black trim replaces the chrome found on the standard car, which surrounds the double-arch grille and lines the crescent-cut C-pillar.

Large front splitter, rear diffuser, fenders and side skirts are all constructed out of carbon fibre to minimise weight and enhance downforce, while ultra-thin aero 'blades' in the side sills ahead of the rear wheels channel air around the lower body of the car.


Isuzu opens 3S centre in Taiping

                PETALING JAYA: With Isuzu vehicles growing in popularity, a new Isuzu 3S dealership has been appointed in Taiping, offering more accessibility for residents and businesses in the Matang region.

Officially opened by Isuzu Malaysia’s CEO Koji Nakamura, the outlet operated by GB Motors is strategically and conveniently located along Jalan Simpang close to main cross road leading to Taiping town.

Boasting a spacious 5,300 sq-m land area, the new outlet is designed to offer a full range of sales and after-sales services for the entire range of Isuzu models ranging from the D-Max to medium- and heavy-duty trucks.

Speaking at the ceremony, Nakamura remarked how pleased he was to welcome the Goh Brothers group to the Isuzu family.

“As one of the largest independent automotive retailers in Malaysia with over 25 years of delivering positive experiences here in the northern region, I believe that this new Goh Brothers outlet will offer excellent professional service and play a key role in developing the Isuzu business here and serving the growing population and businesses around the Taiping area,” said Nakamura.

With a built-up area of approximately 1,400 sq-m, the new GB Motors outlet boasts of a spacious showroom for those shopping for a new Isuzu while a suitably-comfortable waiting area ensures customers can wait while their vehicles are cared for by trained technicians.

“I thank the management of Isuzu Malaysia for choosing the Goh Brothers Group as your business partner. As a member of the Isuzu family, we are committed to enhancing the Isuzu Customer Experience in this region through timely and professional service to customers,” said dealer principal Goh Chern Earn.

To celebrate their appointment as an Isuzu Authorised 3S Centre, GB Motors will be holding a month-long test drive campaign between Oct 24, 2020 and Nov 23, 2020 where the first 100 to test drive any Isuzu vehicle at the showroom will receive a special goody bag.


UK lockdown causes biggest drop in new car sales since World War II

                LONDON: British new car sales fell nearly 30% last year in their biggest annual drop since 1943 as lockdown measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus hit the sector, a trade industry body said today.

Demand stood at 1.63 million cars in 2020, preliminary data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showed. It was particularly hard hit by a 97% fall in April, the first full month of a national lockdown.

Dealerships gradually reopened in June across the United Kingdom’s four nations.

“We lost nearly three quarters of a million units over three or four months, which we never got back,” said SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes.

Showrooms in England were closed again during a second lockdown in November but many were better prepared with “click and collect” options, allowing more purchases, but still leading to a 27% year-on-year slump.

The performance leaves new car sales at their lowest level since 1992, and suffering the biggest drop since 1943.

Then, Britain was fighting World War II and industry was re-purposed for the effort.

Last year, the sector was also awaiting a trade deal with its biggest export market, the European Union. An agreement was reached on Dec 24, meaning immediate tariffs and disruption were avoided, but the sector warned today of additional costs.

Diesel cars accounted for around one in five sales while battery electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles stood at a tenth.

In common with other non-essential retail, the car sector faces the challenge of new national lockdowns announced in England and Scotland this week.

The SMMT expects sales to be below 2 million this year, with the sector nervously looking ahead to March, one of the top two selling months of the year due to the change in the licence plate series.

“Where the industry is focussed at the moment, is what do we need to do to try to sustain sales..., sustain manufacturing over the next two to three months, especially with March being such a critical month for the industry and that will undoubtedly be affected,” said Hawes.


2019 CarSifu awards: 3 top winners to be revealed

                PETALING JAYA: The CarSifu Editors’ Choice Awards is back! And this year, it will be held at Hotel Istana, Kuala Lumpur, tomorrow (Sept 26).

Sixty-one cars representing 25 brands, are in the running for a wide menu of awards that include compact cars, sedans, hatchbacks, pick-up trucks, crossovers and SUVs as well as performance cars competing in mainstream and luxury segments.

This year's awards format has been altered. There will not be a single "Car of the Year" winner. Instead,
three car brands across three geographic regions will be conferred top awards as adjudged by CarSifu’s
editorial team. American brands are part of the Continental camp for the purpose of these awards.

The top awards, of equal standing, are:

> Local Car of the Year 2019> Asian Car of the Year 2019> Continental Car of the Year 2019

Why did we change the format? The reason for the change is to highlight and recognise car models
whose core strengths have marked them out as a cut above in their respective fields. We considered
that such a triple award format would do justice and take cognizance of various expert opinions that
there are numerous great cars in the Malaysian market. Not just one.
Aside from the top three awards, 30 subsidiary categories have been mapped out. Nominated cars are
those launched in Malaysia between Oct 1, 2018 and Aug 31, 2019.

Among the categories are Most Fun Car (1.0L – 1.3L), Best Compact SUV, Best Large-size SUV/Crossover (2-Row Seating), Best Pick-Up Truck (Manual), Best Hybrid, Best Electric Vehicle, Best Family Ride of the Year (RM100K–RM200K, 3-Row Seating) and Business Ride of the Year.

The awards will honour outstanding cars for advancements and innovations in areas such as design,
features and green technology.

Included in the judging criteria are key areas such as safety, performance, comfort, fuel economy, handling, styling as well as their individual “wow” factor.

The 61 vehicles shortlisted are from diverse brands such as Aston Martin, BMW, Citroen, DS, Ferrari, Ford, Hyundai, Honda, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Perodua, Peugeot, Porsche, Proton, Renault, Subaru, Toyota and Volvo.

Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) president Datuk Aishah Ahmad is the guest of honour at tomorrow's gala dinner.

This is the fourth year the annual CarSifu Editors’ Choice Awards is being held.

It is organised by Star Media Group and StarCarSifu. The Official Tyre is Toyo Tires and Silverstone.


BMW eDrive Zones help clear the air in urban areas

                MUNICH: With the new digital service of BMW eDrive Zones designed to support all-electric drives, BMW Group is providing greater support for its plug-in hybrid models within city limits.

BMW eDrive Zones trigger an automatic change to the purely electric operating mode as soon as the vehicle enters a designated low emission zone and have been hardwired into the German carmaker's plug-in hybrid models.

Additionally, the BMW Points loyalty programme will be introduced later in the year, with which owners of the plug-in hybrid models bearing the blue and white roundel will be rewarded with attractive premiums via a points system.

Every electrically driven kilometre counts, and within an eDrive Zone, twice as many points can be collected.

With these points, participants are able to gain access to attractive rewards such as free charging volumes on BMW Charging.

The aim of the BMW eDrive Zones is to help greatly reduce emissions in urban traffic by bringing together the company's expertise in the fields of electromobility and digitalisation.

Both fields of development are components of the future topics D+ACES (Design, Automated Driving, Connectivity, Electrification and Services) which are anchored in the corporate strategy NUMBER ONE > NEXT.

With the introduction of the innovative BMW eDrive Zone and BMW Points digital services, the company is determined to use technological innovations consistently and even independently of legal regulations in the interests of greater sustainability in the field of individual mobility.

The company says that BMW's technology can also be applicable for plug-in hybrid models from other brands.

Aside from that, there is the option of defining an eDrive Zone for each metropolitan area.

This could give cities a comparatively simple way of promoting electromobility even further and thus contributing to improving urban quality of life.

For the driver, the increasing share of electric driving also contributes to a reduction in operating costs.

A purely electric trip results in significantly lower energy costs than using the combustion engine as is shown by comparative calculations for current plug-in hybrid models.

This applies particularly to city traffic, where electric power consistently achieves a higher level of efficiency than a petrol or diesel engine.

The development of the BMW eDrive Zones service is based on a BMW Group pilot project in the Dutch port city of Rotterdam.

There, 50 drivers of plug-in hybrid models were given access to the GPS coordinates of defined inner-city areas via a dedicated app.

When entering these areas, drivers were asked to change to the purely electric driving mode MAX eDrive.

After a few months, it was found that the drivers involved in the pilot project had covered around 90% of all routes within the Rotterdam eDrive Zone in purely electric mode.

The BMW eDrive Zones service is now standard in various BMW plug-in hybrid models and uses geo-fencing technology via GPS - allowing it to switch to purely electric drive mode automatically.

When the service is activated, each available eDrive Zone on the navigation map is graphically highlighted in the Control Display as the vehicle automatically switches to pure ELECTRIC mode.

The plug-in hybrid vehicle is locally emission-free for as long as the charge level of the high-voltage battery allows within the eDrive zone.

If the energy reserves run out, the activation of the combustion engine is also shown in the Control Display.

The BMW eDrive Zones service is now available in all variants of the BMW plug-in-hybrid models BMW 745e, BMW X5 xDrive45e and BMW 330e. Further models will follow successively.

At current, the designated zones are available in about 80 European cities with all 58 cities and regions in Germany having already been defined as a low emission zone.

Also included are more than 20 other core areas of major cities in Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium and France, with more to follow.


Carrefour plans EV charging stations at French hypermarkets, supermarkets

Carrefour is joining a host of retailers worldwide, which are banking on the extra service to woo shoppers and also boost their green credentials. — Reuters
PARIS: Carrefour said today it aims to install over 700 electric vehicles charging stations and 5,000 charging points at its French hypermarkets and Carrefour Market supermarkets by 2025.

Carrefour is joining a host of retailers worldwide such as Starbucks, which are banking on the extra service to woo shoppers and also boost their green credentials.

The first charging station will be accessible to customers on the carpark of the La Chapelle Saint-Luc hypermarket in Troyes, northeastern France, from April 8, the statement said.

Governments and utilities need to carry out ambitious plans if Europe is to be ready for 130 million electric vehicles (EVs) by 2035, a report from EY and Eurelectric said in February.

According to the "Power sector accelerating e-mobility" report from the professional services group and Europe's utilities trade body, Europe will need 65 million EV chargers - 9 million public and 56 million residential - to handle the huge growth anticipated in EVs from the 3.3 million on Europe's roads today.


Lamborghini x Lego equals 1:8 Sián FKP 37

                SANT’AGATA BOLOGNESE: Collaborations between brands have been the new normal for some time now but some collaborations are just meant to be like Automobili Lamborghini and the Lego Group.

They partnered to produce the Lego Technic Lamborghini Sián FKP 37: a 3,696 piece, 1:8 scale model that replicates the V12 engine; a moveable rear spoiler; front and rear suspension; and steering powered by a wheel complete with the Automobili Lamborghini badge.

Lego Technic by the way, is designed for experienced Lego builders.

 Even better than the real thing?

Niels. B. Christiansen, Lego Group CEO, said: “This new model truly encapsulates the pursuit of excellence embedded in the DNA of both Automobili Lamborghini and the Lego Group.

"The Lego Technic Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 is a true testament that with Lego Technic, you can build anything your heart desires. I can’t wait to build this authentic replica of this futuristic super sportscar for real.”

READ MORE: The 2020 Spring Summer collection by Lamborghini and Supreme

And there's more elements to make your jaw drop such as the model boasts scissor doors, which open to reveal the intricately recreated cockpit, with a fully-functioning eight-speed sequential gearbox controlled by a movable paddle gearshift.

The vivid lime-green colour and elegant golden rims of the Lego Technic replica are available as colour and trim on the real Sián, with the model measuring over 13cm high, 60cm long and 25cm wide.

And there are so many little details for the owners to discover as the front hood of their Lego Technic Sián to find a Lamborghini overnight bag, together with a unique serial number that unlocks special content.

READ MORE: A sneak peek of the Lamborghini Huracan EVO spyder

Owners can also scan a QR code in the building instructions to access an exclusive series of videocasts by Automobili Lamborghini and Lego experts, exploring the inspiration behind the design of the original car and the Lego Technic model.

Finally, the Lego Technic Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 comes in a unique box inspired by the iconic lines, signature headlight silhouette and eye-catching colour of the original Sián.

"This outstanding replica of the Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 from the LEGO Group presents a brilliant new building experience for both super sports car fans and LEGO enthusiasts and Lamborghini is privileged to share this opportunity with the LEGO Group,”said Stefano Domenicali, Chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini.


Aug 29-Sept 4: RON97, RON95 petrol up one sen, diesel down two sen

                PETALING JAYA: Fuel prices will increase for RON97 and RON95, while the price of diesel will be lower from Aug 29 to Sept 4.

The Finance Ministry said that RON97 petrol would be priced at RM2.02 per litre, up one sen from RM2.01 per litre previously.

The price of RON95 petrol will also increase by one sen from RM1.71 per litre to RM1.72 per litre.

The price of diesel will be lowered by two sen, from RM1.80 per litre to RM1.78 per litre.


Car battery run out? Jumpstart it then take a drive to recharge

                MUNICH: If your car battery goes flat while you are on the road, try and jump start it. After that, continue to drive for a certain amount of time to make sure your alternator can recharge your battery sufficiently so it won't happen again right away.

Take a drive for between 30 to 60 minutes, otherwise, your car might not start right away the next time you want to head out, says German technical inspectorate Tüv Süd.

The amount of time needed to recharge will vary, depending on the age of your car or battery as well as the outdoor temperature, which is why it isn't possible to say exactly how far you should drive.

It might take 50km to 100km to fully charge a battery that is basically intact, according to the experts.

Ideally, recharge the battery at a charger but when you are on the road, make sure to turn off fans or seat heaters if possible to reduce power consumption. Also, deactivate your start-stop function if you have one, to prevent the car from stalling again once you stop at a red light.

"Drive normally, because driving faster does not mean charging faster," says Eberhard Lang from Tüv Süd.

If you find your battery runs out fairly frequently, it is best to get it checked out. After all, it wears down with time and you will want to replace your battery every five to six years.

Broadly, save electricity where you can, especially on short trips in cold weather as otherwise, your alternator may not be able to recharge sufficiently, which will reduce your battery capacity with every short trip you take.


Toyota still world's No. 1 car seller, widens lead on VW

                TOKYO: Toyota Motor Co said today its vehicle sales rose by 10.1% last year, making it the world's biggest carmaker for a second straight year and putting it further ahead of its nearest rival, Germany's Volkswagen AG.

The carmaker said sales were 10.5 million vehicles in 2021, including those by affiliates Daihatsu Motors and Hino Motors.

That compares with 8.9 million delivered by Volkswagen in the same period, 5% fewer than in 2020 and its lowest sales figures in 10 years.

Carmakers have been forced to cut output because a shortage of semiconductors during the coronavirus pandemic disrupted supply chains, boosting competition for the key component among makers of consumer electronic devices.

However, the Japanese company has weathered the pandemic better than most other carmakers because its home market, Japan, and parts of Asia, have been less affected than Europe.

Toyota, which releases third-quarter earnings on Feb 9, has said it is likely to fall short of a production target of 9 million vehicles in the business year that ends on March 31 because of disruptions linked to Covid-19.


Here's the leaner and meaner Porsche Panamera - VIDEOS

                BERLIN: The new Porsche Panamera takes lessons, rather than simply design cues form the latest generation 911. It uses an exotic cocktail of construction materials to increase rigidity while shedding the pounds but when it comes to its look and feel it is finally coming into its own.

"Its strengths have been reinforced, its weaknesses eradicated and above all its character preserved," said Michael Mauer, Head of Style Porsche AG.

Not that the original car was a disappointment, despite being somewhat of a departure from Porsche's core business of focused sportscars, over 150,000 Panameras have been sold to date.

To ensure the new car picks up and accelerates further where the old car left off, many of the proportions remain intact, visually so as not to alienate exiting owners. But everything is tighter and sharper. "The new Panamera can be made out at first glance as a Panamera, but also as the new Panamera," said Mauer. "An observer will immediately recognize the coupé-like roof line, but now it is much ‘faster', even more dynamic and now includes a new side window look that emphasises the coupé-like side view even more."

Ensuring that the car offers more than sporting looks, at launch in November it will come with a 550hp twin-turbo V8 (complete with 3.6 second 0-100kph time) and a 2.9-litre twin turbo V6. A diesel will also be an initial option but four-wheel-drive and an eight-speed paddle-shift gearbox will be standard equipment on all models.

All performance figures top those of the outgoing model even though the car is now longer and wider than its predecessor; in fact it's as big as an Audi A8 or BMW 7 Series sedan.

And while Porsche is certain it can match both for comfort and toys - it has next-generation air suspension, a virtual smartphone and tablet inspired cockpit, plus all associated connectivity services and supporting apps - it leaves them behind in terms of handling and engaged driving.

So confident is Porsche of the new car's impact that at its unveiling on Tuesday evening in Berlin, company CEO Oliver Blume called the car a new generation of Gran Turismo.

"We have tapped into the segment of luxury sport saloons with the Panamera," he said. "In the new model, you see here a completely redeveloped automobile - with new engines, a new design and new technologies."


BMW 7 Series (G12) to receive new rear wheel steering system

                MUNICH: BMW in Germany has announced that it will be updating its flagship 7 Series (G12) luxury sedan with its latest version of its Integral Active Steering system from July onwards and adding more personalisation options.

Additionally, the German carmaker will also provide the G12 with a few more exterior colour options before extended the list within its BMW Individual personalisation options.

Available as an optional extra, the new system basically combines a variable front axle transmission ratio with the vehicle's active steering system for the rear wheels.

Basically, this means that the G12 will have added agility at low speeds and higher comfort levels during high-speed cruising.

At less than 3kph, the rear wheels will countersteer to provide the G12 with more agility when manoeuvering in and out of tight parking spaces or when passing through narrow areas.

For colour options, the G12 will now have new colour options that include Phytonic Blue metallic and the BMW Individual finish of Frozen Bluestone metallic.

Also, to further enhance the cabin's luxury ambience, a future refinement to the cabin's luxury ambience comes in the form of BMW Individual's Merino full-grain leather trim in a colour combination of Smokey White, Night Blue and Black - paired with the BMW Individual leather steering wheel.


Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival Season 3 officially kicks off

SUBANG JAYA: UMW Toyota has launched the start of the third season of the Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Festival which will feature the first round of the Toyota Vios Challenge one-make race series.
The festival will begin in September along with the race series in Kuala Trengganu from Sept 5 to 7 with three race classes of Promotional (local celebrities), Sporting (amateur) and Super Sporting (professional).

Local celebrities competing in this year's races will be actor Shukri Yahaya, beat-boxer Shawn Lee, presenter Nabil Ahmad, singer Khai Bahar, singer Nabila Razali, singer Wany Hasrita, actress Janna Nick and defending champion actress Diana Danielle.

 Local celebrity racecar drivers of the Promotional Class making an appearance during the event.

The defending champion has been keeping herself active as the opening stages of the races close in.

"I have been practising my skills at go-kart tracks at the moment and have been doing some boxing as well as yoga to keep my fitness levels up," said Diana.

"It's going to take a lot to keep Shukri and Shawn at bay since they're back in the Promotional Class, but I am certain that I can be up there in the top three," she confidently added.

Season three will welcome two newcomers to the scene with the addition of actress and presenter Ain Edruce and actor Syafiq Kyle.

Also making a return for season three within the Promotional Class will be UMW Toyota Motor deputy chairman Akio Takeyama driving the number '1' car.

"Toyota has accomplished so much in motor-racing and we want to bring enthusiasts and customers closer to the brand and products by leveraging on the brand's rich motorsports heritage," said Takeyama.

The Vios Challenge race series is touted as an affordable race format for amateurs and professional drivers alike and is held on specially built street circuits in places such as Penang, Terengganu and Johor.

The second season of the festival ended in April this year after four rounds and eights races which saw the crowning of three new champions in the Promotional, Sporting and Super Sporting Classes

The event was able to attract more than 80,000 spectators as well as more than 1.1mil online viewers.

Making a return to the event will be the Gazoo Racing Velocity E-sports series (first introduced in September last year) with more than 400 participants as will the Gazoo Racing Outlet which will showcase the Gazoo Racing Supra among other vehicles.

"It is important that our products live up to the most enduring conditions, offer customers a high degree of driving satisfaction, performance and ownership excitement," said UMW Toyota Motor president Ravindran K.

The sponsors for this season include Toyo Tires, Denso (automotive technology, systems and components supplier), TRD Asia, Moty (Japanese engine oil and lubricants manufacturer), Enkei wheels, M7 energy drinks and Toyota Capital Malaysia.


Williams no longer a family affair, US investment firm buys F1 team

                LONDON: The historic Williams Formula One team has been bought by US-based investment firm Dorilton Capital, ending 43 years of family ownership, it was announced last Friday.

Founded in 1977 by Frank Williams and Patrick Head, Williams have won nine constructors' titles and seven drivers' championships, the most recent coming through Canadian Jacques Villeneuve in 1997.

They were forced to look for new investment when in May Williams Grand Prix Holdings group reported an adjusted loss of £13 million (RM71mil) for the year ending 2019.

They blamed the losses largely on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic having posted a £12.9 million (RM70.6mil) profit in 2018.

"This may be the end of an era for Williams as a family-owned team, but we know it is in good hands," said Claire Williams, deputy team principal and daughter of Frank in a statement.

"The sale ensures the team's survival but most importantly will provide a path to success."

As Williams's financial fortunes have taken a hammering so has their performance on the track.

They finished as high as third in the constructors' championship as recently as 2015 but last year slid to bottom, the same position they occupy this season having yet to garner a single point.

It represents quite a contrast to the glory years in the 90s when the likes of Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost and Damon Hill were in their pomp and crowned world champion.

Matthew Savage, chairman of Dorilton Capital, believes the new investment and his company's patient approach will herald a change in their on-the-track performances.

"We believe we are the ideal partner for the company due to our flexible and patient investment style, which will allow the team to focus on its objective of returning to the front of the grid," he said.

Williams said the fresh investment allied with the new Concorde Agreement that all the teams signed earlier this week put the team in a good position.

The new Concorde Agreement on Wednesday saw all 10 Formula One teams agree to a crucial five-year commercial deal from 2021 which guarantees the motorsport's "sustainable" future and is designed to usher in a new era of closer and more unpredictable racing.

"This marks the beginning of an exciting new era in the history of Williams," read the team statement.

"Which with its new owner, is well positioned to capitalise upon the sweeping rule changes coming into Formula One with the new Concorde Agreement."

While Claire Williams ran the day to day operations Frank remained the principal, but his close friend and former Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone said that is where the problem lay.

"Trouble was, Frank was hands-on in the way he managed the team," he told AFP in June when he was also seeking a buyer for the team.

"Unfortunately, the current management do not have the same status as Frank has. He could get things done."


BMW bets on design and recycling, not mining, to lower battery costs

                BERLIN: BMW is betting on efficient design and recycling to bring down battery costs and is steering clear of investing in mines, its finance chief said on Friday, setting it apart from some competitors digging deep into the supply chain.

"We don't think it is right to invest in mines. We view it as more important to get back raw materials from cars and other products," chief financial officer Nicolas Peter said in an interview.

Peter, who is due to retire in May, also said the carmaker was experiencing a strong first quarter and said he saw no reason to doubt the company's ability to hit its forecast set earlier in the month of an 8-10% margin in 2023.

BMW has its own battery cell research centre in Germany, but has left large-scale development to partners, placing multibillion-euro orders with CATL and EVE Energy to produce battery cells in China and Europe.

Bringing down battery costs, most of which come from raw materials, is the key challenge for carmakers attempting to generate profits from electric vehicles (EVs) equivalent to those reaped from combustion engine cars, a target BMW hopes to reach with its "Neue Klasse" EV-only line launching mid-decade.

Some, such as Volkswagen, are betting big on expanding their own battery production and investing in mines to secure control down the supply chain.

Mercedes-Benz said on Thursday it had made a "fundamental decision" to allocate capital to mining and had set up a raw material office in Canada, where it signed a raw materials agreement last year.

BMW is taking a different approach, focusing on creating demand via car production and relying on partners with more expertise to build large-scale infrastructure required for electrification.

Peter said although BMW believes in recycling over mining as a way to reap critical minerals and has a battery cell recycling facility via its joint venture in China, it does not see the need to develop large cell recycling facilities of its own.

Instead, it will prove demand for recycled raw materials via the sales growth of its electric cars, and work with partners to recycle at scale, he said. "With our business development, we are creating the motivation to invest - but we do not need to develop big recycling facilities for battery cells ourselves."

Investing in technologies requiring fewer critical raw minerals, including hydrogen-powered cars, is another way BMW plans to bring down costs.

The company is the only major German carmaker working on a hydrogen-powered passenger vehicle, which chief executive officer Oliver Zipse said he could imagine going into commercial production in the second half of the decade if other industries like trucks step up to help provide a hydrogen charging network.


General Motors bets a GEM can deliver gold in developing markets

                DETROIT: General Motors Co has spent five years re-writing its playbook for making money in Latin America and the interior of China. Now, it’s show time for the first results of a project code-named GEM, for Global Emerging Market.

At events this week ahead of the Shanghai Auto Show, the No. 1 US automaker plans to unveil two small SUVs that will be part of a new family of sedans and SUVs the automaker forecasts will make up one in five of its global vehicle sales by 2023.

This is just the opening salvo in a nearly US$5-billion bet by GM to sell up to 2 million technology-laden, modern-looking vehicles annually to consumers who today cannot afford GM vehicles designed for the United States, but may someday as their incomes rise.

GM has struggled for years to crack the code for growing profitably outside rich markets, in part because vehicles designed for the US or China’s wealthy coastal cities cost too much for developing world consumers. The company has abandoned some Southeast Asian countries and pulled back from Africa because it could not compete.

This time around, GM says, through disciplined cost-control it has finally found a way to make affordable vehicles in bulk for emerging markets, loaded with the technology that consumers want and still make a profit.

The Chevrolet Tracker (pic) and the Buick Encore - not be confused with its American cousin of the same name - are the first tests of a new strategy for engineering vehicles to appeal to buyers in around 40 nations of the world’s middle class such as Brazil and Mexico, and the huge developing market that exists within China’s heartland.

The GEM project involved an unprecedented level of cooperation with GM’s Chinese joint venture partner SAIC Motor Corp Ltd. GM and SAIC shared engineering costs and collaborated on purchasing, GM executives said.

What potential customers will see are vehicles that include amenities such as touchscreens, mobile phone connectivity, rear-view cameras, and safety features like automatic emergency braking and airbags.

What GM is counting on them not to notice is that the number of options is limited, to reduce complexity in purchasing and manufacturing, or that touches such as fully-carpeted trunks are absent. “We may not be the absolute lowest price point in China,” GM president Mark Reuss told Reuters at the automaker’s downtown Detroit headquarters. “But we’re going to be right in that segment where this is a pretty good-sized car... (with) a huge value for what you pay for it.”

Fewer parts, less cost

The team that set out to build GM’s new vehicle family included engineers and designers from 14 different countries, meeting at the automaker’s technical center in the Detroit suburb of Warren to hammer out details that were then executed in China and elsewhere, GM executives said.

As the basic design of the GEM vehicles took shape, the strategy for where they would be sold changed. GM pulled out of some markets like India and Vietnam that were originally slated to be among the target markets.

The challenge GEM project chief engineer Doug Houlihan faced was how to deliver low-cost vehicles that did not look cheap or lack key safety features.

Sometimes, that meant spending more. Houlihan gave the green light to spend extra on machines that could weld on the tops of car doors rather than stamping the door in one piece. The extra investment delivered a door that fit smoothly into the roof of the car for a sleeker look.

“This gives the customer more than they would expect,” Houlihan said.

To offset that cost, Houlihan and his colleagues dug into logistics and the supply chain.

Shipping some vehicles by sea between Brazilian ports saved money in a market where moving goods by road can be a logistics nightmare.

Houlihan said that Brazilian logistics savings more than paid for the extra US$2 per vehicle GM invested for a rear axle five times stronger than its predecessor in South America. One GM plant in Brazil took over some work on engines and bumpers that had previously been outsourced, saving US$120 per vehicle - a significant figure for a low-cost vehicle.

Integrating the head-rest on the front seat for some models saved US$7 per vehicle.

Chinese suppliers are key to the new GM vehicle line, but the automaker is shifting away from relying on Chinese production.

GM has tried to localise costs for these vehicles as much as possible which can help offset currency fluctuations that hit markets like Brazil.

That can also mitigate the impact of tariffs. US President Donald Trump has escalated trade tensions with China and has threatened a broad tariff on US autos and parts.

“You try and tariff-proof yourself and get it as local as you can,” GM’s Reuss said.

GM’s new emerging market lineup will face plenty of competition. Chinese automakers are pushing into some of the same countries GM has targeted.

Jeff Schuster, a senior executive at auto forecaster LMC Automotive, said GM’s advantage could last just a few years if rivals follow with their own low-cost models that offer modern amenities to match those in new Chevrolets and Buicks.

Internally, a key test will be how GM applies the cost-saving strategies used in the global emerging market project to other vehicle programs.

Houlihan has been named to lead efforts to apply the cost lessons learned from this project to GM’s global lineup of crossovers for the Cadillac, Buick, Chevrolet and GMC brands.


Do or die? Study gives crash course in driverless ethics

The researchers behind the study designed an online quiz with a variety of tough scenarios. — Georgijevic/Istok.com
PARIS: In the not-too-distant future, driverless cars may have to choose between saving their passengers or pedestrians when faced with unavoidable accidents. But how should they decide?

It's one of the thorniest issues faced by policymakers and manufacturers as we edge closer to a future where autonomous vehicles fill our roads, and a new study offers some potential principles based on a survey of millions of people.

The researchers behind the study designed an online quiz with a variety of tough scenarios: should a car favour the lives of the young, or the old? Should it save the fit over the infirm? Is saving more lives always preferable to saving fewer?

They wanted to see if people around the world would settle on some fundamental guidelines.

"We identified three main principles on which people more or less agreed," said Jean-Francois Bonnefon, study co-author and a professor at the Toulouse School of Economics.

They were: "protect human life (over animals), save the largest number of people, and place priority on saving children," he told AFP.

"But even with these strong preferences there was variation from one country to another."

The study, published Thursday in the journal Nature, found sometimes surprising differences among regions, including a "strong preference for sparing women and... fit characters" in France and French-influenced areas, as well as countries in Latin America.

"But the fact that broad regions of the world displayed relative agreement suggests that our journey to consensual machine ethics is not doomed from the start," the study said.

The quiz, dubbed the "Moral Machine", was put online in June 2016 in 10 languages, and the study is based on responses over an 18-month period.

So far, more than two million people have taken the test, which remains online.

Edmond Awad, a postdoctoral associate at MIT and first author of the study, said the data was intended to help guide policymakers.

"Experts don't have to cater to the public's interests, especially when they find these preferences problematic," he told AFP.

"But they should at least be aware of the potential reaction of the public when something goes wrong and their regulations are in place."

The authors of the study acknowledged their decision to use an online quiz to reach the maximum number of participants meant their data set has some shortcomings.

"Our sample is self-selected, and not guaranteed to exactly match the socio-demographics of each country," the authors wrote.

"The fact that our samples are not guaranteed to be representative means that policymakers should not embrace our data as the final word on societal preferences."

And it remains an open question whether government and regulators would be comfortable effectively enshrining a hierarchy of human life into law.

To date, few governments have attempted to codify guidelines for driverless cars, but one example is a 2017 report by a German commission.

It states explicitly that "any distinction based on personal features (age, gender, physical or mental constitution) is strictly prohibited."

sah-pcm/tom/mtp - AFP


Uber cedes Southeast Asia to rival Grab in latest pullout

                SINGAPORE: Uber Technologies Inc. has agreed to sell its Southeast Asian operations to Grab, withdrawing from yet another fast-growing region to end a war of attrition with a fierce local rival.

Under the agreement, Grab will acquire all of Uber’s operations in a region of 620 million people, including food delivery service UberEats. The US ride-hailing behemoth in return gets a 27.5 percent stake in Grab and its chief executive officer will join the board of the Singapore-based company. Bloomberg News reported over the weekend that the two companies had finalised a deal.

The ceasefire marks a victory for Grab as well as SoftBank Group Corp., the biggest shareholder in both companies. Masayoshi Son’s firm is pushing to reduce competition in a Southeast Asian ride-hailing market forecast to reach US$20.1 billion by 2025. Uber and Grab, together with two other SoftBank-backed ride-hailing firms — India’s Ola and China’s Didi Chuxing — provide about 45 million rides a day, according to SoftBank presentation material in February.

For San Francisco-based Uber, pulling out of running its own business in Southeast Asia cuts back on losses ahead of a planned initial public offering in 2019. But the deal marks the latest retreat by the world’s most valuable startup from a rapidly expanding arena: Uber sold its business in China to Didi in 2016 after a battle in which both burned through cash to court drivers and riders with rich subsidies. Uber negotiated a similar move in Russia last year.

Shares in ComfortDelGro Corp., Singapore’s largest taxi company, rose as much as 3 percent today. “Today’s acquisition marks the beginning of a new era. The combined business is the leader in platform and cost efficiency in the region,” Grab CEO Anthony Tan said in a statement.

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has been pushing to bolster the financials of a company that’s burned through US$10.7 billion since its founding nine years ago. Khosrowshahi signaled during a trip through Asia last month that he’s committed to other key markets such as Japan and India. But its latest exit suggests Uber is more than ever dependent on its home market of North America, not unlike Khosrowshahi’s previous US-centric employer, Expedia Inc.

For Grab’s Tan, the truce brings to an end a bruising battle for leadership in Southeast Asia.

Grab, which started out as a taxi-hailing app in Kuala Lumpur in 2012, became the region’s dominant ride-hailing service in past years with US$4 billion raised from investors. It was most recently valued at US$6 billion, according to CB Insights. Today, with more than 86 million mobile app downloads, it offers a wide range of ride-hailing services in 191 cities across Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia.

The deal “will help us double down on our plans for growth as we invest heavily in our products and technology,” Khosrowshahi said in the statement.


'Phua Chu Kang' star Gurmit vows to be a better driver and rider

                SINGAPORE: Singapore actor Gurmit Singh famous for his role in the 'Phua Chu Kang' sitcom has vowed to be a better driver after he was fined S$800 and banned from driving for three months over a speeding charge on Tuesday.

Gurmit who has a big following in Malaysia vowed "to do better to be a better driver and rider”.

"Hi everyone. You may or you may not have heard about the news but I just want to say I’m sorry, and I hope to do better. Take care, ” he said in his Instagram account..

According to The Straits Times, in April Gurmit, 56, was caught driving at about 131kph along Woodlands Avenue 12 towards Seletar Expressway which has a 70kph speed limit.

The news report said Singh told the court he heard a "flapping sound” coming from the car earlier while on his way to pick up his 19-year old son, who was doing an internship at the time,

"After I picked him up, I wanted to see if he heard the same sound, and I realised it appeared at 100kmh. I’m not saying I should drive at that speed... but it was just a short spurt, ” he was quoted as saying.

The actor was also reported saying he did not know how he had reached 131kph, and added that it was a "one-off thing”.

He could have been jailed for up to three months or fined up to S$1, 000 for speeding while those convicted of speeding more than once may be jailed for up to six months or fined up to S$2, 000.

The report said the celebrity, whose full name is Gurmit Singh Virk Chainchal Singh, did not have any prior conviction.


Plant-based materials are being used to make cars

                PARIS: A new Spanish carmaker promises to cause a stir with models made primarily from bio-sourced components.

Two initial vehicles have been announced, with structures partly built from plant-based materials.

The Spanish startup Liux aims to build the most sustainable cars on the market, while making them accessible to all. By using entirely bio-sourced materials, Liux aims not only to reduce costs, but also the weight of its cars and the CO2 emissions associated with their production.

The startup already has two models in its catalog, a small city car called the Geko and a sportier model called the Animal.

The Geko features a body made from a biocomposite of flax fibers and biobased resin, offering, according to Liux, guaranteed performance and safety on par with competitors. Its dimensions are comparable to those of a Smart EQ fortwo. Its speed is limited to 100kph and its range is estimated at 150km, all for a weight of just 550kg.

Production of the Liux Geko is said to cut carbon emissions by 40% compared with the leading city cars on the market.

Even more ambitious, the Animal is a small sedan made from 90% recycled or plant-based materials. The exterior skin, interiors and part of the chassis are made from biopolymers based on organic fibers and resins.

The chassis is made of aluminum, and the modular battery pack offers a range of up to 600km. In terms of performance, the Animal offers the equivalent of 240hp and can reach a top speed of 200kph.

Both of these models are designed to be easy to assemble, disassemble, repair and recycle, reducing the number of parts by 25% compared to a more conventional model. In all cases, the body and chassis molds are 3D printed, which also helps reduce CO2 emissions.

While no price has yet been quoted for the Geko, various configurations are available for the Animal, starting at €39,000 (RM198,000). No delivery date has yet been announced for either model.

Visitors to the recent Viva Technology trade show here were able to discover more about the two models, and Liux was on hand to showcase its expertise.


BMW Motorrad Definition CE 04 redefines the scooter

                MUNICH: The all-electric BMW Motorrad Definition CE 04 sets out to be both a means of transport and a means of communication for the urban commuter.

"Electric mobility is a central drive system for the BMW Group and we are consistently relying on this technology in our sustainability strategy. Electric drives are also a current topic for BMW Motorrad, especially for the urban environment.

"Since 2013, we have been a pioneer in this area with the BMW C evolution scooter. The BMW Motorrad Definition CE 04 is the logical continuation of the electromobility strategy for urban conurbations and provides a concrete preview of what a contemporary production vehicle could look like, with which we will take two-wheel electric mobility in metropolitan areas to a new level, both technically and visually," explains Edgar Heinrich, Head of Design at BMW Motorrad.

Clear lines, generous surfaces and distinctive design underline the modern impression of the proportions.

This is further enhanced by the use of two colours: beneath the modern surface finish in Mineral White metallic, a matt black area forms the core of the vehicle, the technical heart.

It stretches from the front to the rear and, in addition to the tyres and front lights, also integrating the drive unit and the suspension elements.

The design of the lights is as reduced as it is modern. The two U-shaped LED front lights are characterised by minimalist design.

Their clear-cut layout and the slim contours accentuate the modern and trailblazing visual appeal of the front section. The rear lights have been integrated into the rear side panels in the form of two C-shaped light elements.

The rider is connected through the smartphone via the BMW Motorrad Definition CE 04. Its 10.25 inch display is the largest in the scooter segment to date.

The designers have also broken new ground in terms of rider equipment: "We deliberately wanted to create a fashionable look that is urban yet highly functional rather than classic motorcycle clothing. We want to develop products with which you can get off the vehicle and go about your everyday business hassle-free.

"At the same time, the rider equipment offers the protection you are used to from BMW Motorrad and even becomes part of the vehicle communication to the outside world", explains Julia Lein, Head of Rider Equipment Design at BMW Motorrad.

The rider equipment developed exclusively for the BMW Motorrad Definition CE 04 is a casually cut warm parka suitable for everyday use. Black riding jeans, stylish sneakers and a white open face helmet complete the look.

The parka in a broken white tone offers a high degree of wearing comfort thanks to its wide cut and is distinctive thanks to its urban style. The high collar and the large hood provide an even higher level of coolness.

Details such as the positioning of the zippers or the discreet print emphasise the urban look, which allows you to go from your scooter directly to the office in style.

The high-tech material of the parkas is waterproof, robust and breathable. The flexible protectors incorporated into the parka provide the safety expected from BMW Motorrad.

Innovative features such as the integrated light guides in the sleeves and hood ensure greater visibility in road traffic and can be switched on and changed in colour via sensors in the sleeve.

To ensure that the rider is always fully charged up, the inside pocket of the parka has an inductive charging field for the smartphone. The rider equipment is seamlessly integrated into the rider's life.


Mercedes V-Class MPV goes electric as EQV with over 400km range

                FRANKFURT: Some drivers just need a little more space than an estate or crossover can offer, and that's where minivans (or multi-purpose vehicles aka MPVs) like the Mercedes V-Class become interesting.

And for anyone thinking in environmental terms, this generously sized people carrier now also runs on battery.

Mercedes is launching its V-Class as an EQV with a long wheelbase and an only subtly tweaked design running on a 204-horsepower electric motor powered by a 90-kWh battery in the base.

Range is put at up to 418km, making this electric MPV suitable as a shuttler for day trips, as well as a plus-sized city runabout for lugging cargo around all day long.

The standard version of the van reaches a maximum speed of 140kph, but you can pay Mercedes extra for the EQV to run at speeds up to 160kph.

The EQV is equipped as standard with a water-cooled AC-on-board charger with an output of 11 kW, meaning it can be plugged in both at home and at public charging points.

Thanks to a CCS charging socket in the front left bumper, charging is also possible using DC, so that the batteries can be filled from 10 to 80 per cent within 45 minutes at rapid charging stations.

Despite coming with a large battery built into the car floor, the V-Class still has a spacious interior, Mercedes says, and the seats can still be pushed back and forth and folded down for extra cargo space.

The new electric MPV costs €71,388 (RM345,000) in Europe.


Hyundai i20 N Line revealed

                LONDON: Hyundai Motor has announced the latest model in its N Line portfolio: the all-new i20 N Line.

The newest member of the Hyundai family features exterior and interior design elements inspired by Hyundai’s high-performance N range for an even more dynamic experience.

The i20 N Line will be available exclusively with the 1.0-litre T-GDI 120PS engine. The version has been refined in terms of suspension, engine response and exhaust sound for an enhanced driving experience.

It will also be available with 48-volt mild hybrid technology, resulting in greater fuel efficiency. Another new feature available in combination with the 48-volt mild hybrid system is the Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT), leading to even greater fuel efficiency.

To match the tuned driving performance, the i20 N Line offers dedicated 17‑inch alloy wheels with a two-tone finish.

The dedicated front bumper is accented with a grey character line for an even more sporty feeling. It features a stylish black cascading grille equipped with the N Line badge. The grille pattern draws on the style of a chequered flag.

To emphasise the car’s motorsport-influenced styling, the N Line trim features sporty grey accents and a sleek rear bumper, which combine to enhance optic and aerodynamic performance.

The triangle shaped fog lamp and chrome twin muffler exhaust system sets it apart from the base model i20.

The i20 N Line combines the comprehensive connectivity and safety technology. It offers the latest version of Hyundai’s Bluelink technology including a wide range of Connected Car services such as Hyundai Live Services, as well as remote features via the Bluelink smartphone app.

The all-new i20 is also equipped with Hyundai SmartSense safety features and complies with the highest European standards.

It comes in four colours: Phantom Black, Aurora Grey, Polar White and Brass. Also, the Polar White i20 N Line comes with an optional two-tone Phantom Black roof.

“With the all-new i20 N Line, we are bringing our stylish and sporty trim option to the i20 for the first time,” says Andreas-Christoph Hofmann, Vice President Marketing and Product at Hyundai Motor Europe.

“With this new model, we are ensuring we can meet the needs of an even wider customer base by offering exclusive performance-styling inspired by our N brand to emphasise the motorsport roots of our brand.”

The all-new i20 N Line will be available across Europe from spring 2021.


Third-generation Perodua Myvi launched in Mauritius

                PORT LOUIS (Mauritius): Perodua has launched the third-generation Perodua Myvi in Mauritius.

The 1.3 G AT and 1.5 H AT variants are available, priced respectively at 699,000 (RM81,300*) and 775,000 (RM90,140*) Mauritian Rupees, on-the-road with insurance.

Local distributor Raouf Dusmohamud & Co Ltd gave the Perodua Myvi its Mauritian debut last Friday at the Defi Media Motor Show, which took place at the Swami Vivekananda International Conference Centre over the weekend.

“The third-generation Perodua Myvi has been very well-received in Malaysia and we believe Mauritians will appreciate its many qualities,” said Perodua president and CEO Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

“Perodua aims to export 3,270 cars in 2019 – a 50% increase over last year’s 2,184 units. So far this year we have sold over 1,600 units outside Malaysia and launched the Myvi and Axia in Singapore and the Seychelles respectively.

“The Myvi’s Mauritian debut should edge us closer to our year-end export target and boost Perodua’s brand exposure internationally, what with Mauritius being a major tourist destination,” he added.

The Perodua Myvi has a rated fuel efficiency in excess of 20 km/l and holds a maximum five-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating.

Unique styling, amazing interior space and clever yet practical features join forces with high quality and durability for its occupants’ comfort and convenience.

“With LED headlamps, keyless entry and start, Bluetooth, four or six airbags and stability control standard on both variants, the new Myvi is a very sophisticated and advanced product that Mauritians can truly get excited about,” said Raouf Dusmohamud & Co Ltd Managing Director Mr Raouf Dusmohamud.

“Plus, we’re sweetening the ownership package for our valued customers by offering free servicing up to 30,000 km with every Myvi purchase, which we are now also extending to all the other Perodua models in our current line-up, namely the Alza, Axia and Bezza,” he added.

Mauritius is the third-generation Myvi’s third export market after Indonesia (where it is sold as the Daihatsu Sirion) and Singapore.

Located in the Indian Ocean, the island nation is one of Perodua’s oldest overseas markets – it has sold nearly 2,400 cars there since 1996, including the Kancil, Rusa, Kembara, Kenari, Kelisa, first- and second-generation Myvi, Viva and presently the Alza, Axia and Bezza.


Renault moves up a gear in the circular economy

                PARIS: After a successful first program launched last year in Flins, France, Renault is inaugurating its new Refactory project in Seville, Spain.

The concept behind the plant, based entirely on circular economy activities, is to be able to recondition and recycle as many materials as possible in order to guarantee more sustainable mobility in the future than ever before.

This new "Refactory" in Seville will be built around four areas of activity: reconditioning of used vehicles (Re-Trofit), battery repair and recycling (Re-Energy), recycling and manufacturing for E-Tech gearboxes (Re-Cycle) as well as a training and research and development centre dedicated to the circular economy (Re-Start).

The roll-out of the Refactory will take more than two years, after which it will span more than 5,000 sq m.

The Re-Trofit division will start its activities at the end of 2022, with the ambition of reconditioning more than 10,000 vehicles and repairing up to 1,000 batteries per year.

Earlier this year, the automotive group announced that it had joined forces with French environmental services firm Veolia and Belgium-based chemicals company Solvay to recycle, in a closed circuit, the metals in its end-of-life batteries.

The aim here is to preserve resources and re-introduce them into the production process, while reducing the carbon emissions associated with the manufacture of these batteries.

This is a crucial environmental issue, with some 10 million electric vehicles already on the road worldwide, a figure that could increase tenfold in 10 years' time.

Of course, Renault is not the only manufacturer involved in recycling electric batteries.

The Volkswagen group has also committed to recycling strategic materials used in its lithium-ion batteries, starting with its Salzgitter plant in Germany.


BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia throws a party to thank customers and partners

                KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia recently hosted their Customer Appreciation Night 2019 in recognition of their long-time customers and partners.

Over 185 attendees comprising of top-level corporate customers and esteemed business partners of the premium automotive brand were treated a gourmet dinner accompanied by lively entertainment.

Some also took home lucky draw prizes, which included exclusive merchandise from BMW.

CEO of BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia (BMW Credit (Malaysia)) Sdn Bhd and BMW Lease (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Tobias Eismann said, “Thanks to the many industry leaders we have partnered with over the years, BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia is able to continue sustaining an ecosystem where both individuals and corporate customers can benefit from our extensive list of business and mobility solutions in Malaysia.

"We recognise that our success is driven by the strong relationships with our customers, and tonight is to celebrate just that – the relationships we have upheld with our corporate customers, partners and friends through the years. This celebration of Joy and Unity within the greater BMW family shows that we are stronger together.”

BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia is in partnership with many industry leaders including Allianz, Tokio Marine, Paynet and Celcom; all of whom attended the event. The solutions provided by BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, in partnership with these industry leaders, include financing, insurance, and corporate mobility solutions, amongst other mobility needs.

Amongst the most recent partnerships is one with Paynet and Citibank to provide digitised support to financing called the e-Direct Debit, which is now available to individual customers and will be extended to corporate customers in the first quarter of 2020.

BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia also offers Corporate Mobility Solutions (CMS) together with BMW Group Malaysia, an initiative that provides customised services for corporations’ mobility needs.


BMW Motorrad R nineT Urban G/S: Naked bike with character

                In 2013 BMW launched the R nine T. Five years later the R nine T has got a large group of retro modern bike lovers wanting more. When there is demand, obviously you need to have supply. Thus, BMW produced another four variants of the R nine T.

They are the R nine T Pure, R nine T Scrambler, R nine T Racer and R nine T Urban G/S. These four models sit under the umbrella of BMW’s Heritage line.

The bike which I am reviewing is the R nine T Urban G/S. The Urban G/S pays tribute to the popular R80.

The R80 then was THE bike for adventure-touring. The alphabets G/S means terrain/street (gelande and strasse in German). Now you know.

R nine T Urban G/S is the most popular amongst the BMWs Heritage line. This is due to the details that mimic the retro design of the R80.

In my personal opinion, there are five main reasons why this bike stands out. Firstly, the orange saddle, the beak, headlight cowl, the mini fairing and the pipes.

I took the bike on to the highways and did a day trip to Teluk Intan, back roads of Kuala Selangor, braved through the rain during the evening rush hour and a bit of off road in Sekinchan.

The riding experience was pleasant. The upright sitting position of this motorcycle allowed me to enjoy my rides in all the different environment as stated above.

Besides the sitting position; the wide bars, a low-set seat and well-positioned foot pegs is well designed ensuring no aches and pains if anybody decides to travel interstate.

However, the saddle is bit too firm to my liking. When I clocked about 300km, I realised that my butt needed a short pit stop before continuing. But I guess, it only makes sense to stretch your limbs after a non-stop 300km ride.

Urban G/S promises stability and fun with its sturdy yet agile chassis. And not to forget the front telescopic fork kept the Urban G/S planted while I was busy challenging the twist and turns.

For the speed demons who want to tear the highway, the rear can be fine-tuned to their needs.

Meanwhile the clutch and the gear are super smooth and they work well together. Every time I change the gear, the immediate response that I get on the rev is very applaudable.

The clutch, gear and the throttle are seamless and complemented well by the efficient driveshaft. However, one must be mindful, even though the bike looks like it is designed for the off road but the reality is not.

This is an “Urban” bike as the name states R nine T Urban G/S. The suspension on this bike is tuned to the tarmac as oppose to the off road. A softer suspension will be ideal for an off road adventure.

This 1,170cc machine has a broad torque and enough power for lively execution. The fuelling is spot on and has good short distance acceleration.

The R nine T pulls flawlessly at low speed and over takes other vehicles easily with a squeeze of the throttle.

The Urban G/S churns out 110hp and 116Nm of torque at my disposal. I pushed the bike till 190kmph but like any other naked bikes, the wind was hitting hard at me and I was unable to control the bike. The claimed top speed of this bike is about 240kmph. I must admit that this bike is designed to cruise within the city unless a taller windshield is designed.

The power plant goes into action at about 3,200rpm onwards and I can feel the linear power that is produced by the boxer engine. Any novice can handle the machine even at low speed while the more seasoned riders can twist the throttle to the redline.

This is a simple bike; there are no rider’s aides like traction control, cruise control, riding modes and electronic suspension settings. The bike does not have gear indicators or even fuel gauge.

However, the Urban G/S does have digital display of temperature, trip meter and odometer. But, it does have a lot of character and personality which nobody can deny.

Meanwhile in the corners, this light weight machine allowed me to conquer the corners at ease. The light weight gave me the confidence to flick the bike with style while riding up to Genting Highlands.

The Urban GS glided through the corners like a sail boat on calm water. Throttling in and out of corners were precise and there were ample of ground clearance.

Braking is made easy with the Brembo brakes. The front is fitted with dual floating 320mm disc brakes with 4-piston radial callipers and at the rear single 265mm disc brakes with dual-piston floating callipers.

What does this brakes specification tell us? In short, the brakes are able to stop this machine at any given time at any speed without throwing me off. And not to forget the Brembo is complemented by ABS.

I am a big fan of this naked bike now. It is a definite must have for me when I have loads of cash and don’t know what to do with it.

SPECIFICATIONSModel: BMW Motorrad R nineT Urban G/S
Engine: 1,170cc, four-stroke, air-cooled boxer twin engine
Power/Torque: 110hp at 7,750 rpm / 116 Nm at 6,000 rpm
Transmission: 6 speed
Front Suspension: Telescopic forks, 43 mm
Rear Suspension: Single swing arm with BMW paralever; preload fully adjustable and rebound damping adjustable
Front Braking System: Brembo dual floating 320mm disc brakes, 4-piston radial callipers and ABS
Rear Braking System: Brembo single 265mm disc brake, dual-piston floating callipers and ABS.
Dry Weight: 209kg
Fuel Capacity: 17 litre
Price: RM82,949.72 (before GST)


Ex-Nissan chair Ghosn leaves jail, says to fight Japan's 'meritless' charges

A person believed to be Ghosn (wearing blue cap) leaves the Tokyo Detention House earlier today. — Reuters
TOKYO: Ousted Nissan Motor chairman Carlos Ghosn was released from jail today after posting US$9 million (RM37mil) in bail, giving the executive fresh impetus to craft his defense against financial misconduct charges in Japan.

He was wearing a workman’s uniform, face mask, blue cap and glasses when he slipped out of the Tokyo Detention House and got into a minicar unrecognized by many of the journalists and TV crews camped outside the facility, television footage showed.

The former titan of the global auto industry had been confined to a small, unheated room in the detention centre for more than 100 days since he was arrested on Nov 19 on charges Ghosn has described as “meritless”.

The Tokyo District Court said Ghosn has paid the 1 billion yen (RM37mil) bail, among the highest ever in Japan, after it rejected a last-ditch appeal by prosecutors to keep him in jail.

Ghosn, also the former chairman of Renault and Mitsubishi Motors, was granted bail after he gave assurances that he would remain in Tokyo, surrender his passport to his lawyer and submit to extensive surveillance.

He has agreed to set up cameras at the entrances and exits to his residence, and is prohibited from using the internet or sending and receiving text messages. Ghosn is also banned from communicating with parties involved in his case, and permitted computer access only at his lawyer’s office.

He faces charges of aggravated breach of trust and under-reporting his compensation by about US$82 million at Nissan for nearly a decade. If convicted on all charges, he faces a maximum sentence of up to 15 years in jail, prosecutors have said.

“I am innocent and totally committed to vigorously defending myself in a fair trial against these meritless and unsubstantiated accusations,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.

Building defence

The release will allow Ghosn — the architect of Nissan’s automaking partnership with Renault and Mitsubishi — to meet his new legal team frequently and build a defense ahead of trial.

Last month, Ghosn hired lawyer Junichiro Hironaka, nicknamed “the Razor” for his success at winning acquittals in several high-profile cases, to replace Motonari Otsuru, who once ran the prosecutor’s office investigating him.

Hironaka’s appointment suggests a shift to a more aggressive defense strategy. He has already said that the charges against Ghosn should have been dealt as an internal company matter and that Japan was out of step with international norms by keeping his client in jail.

The case has cast a harsh light on Japan’s criminal justice system, which allows suspects to be detained for long periods and prohibits defence lawyers from being present during interrogations that can last eight hours a day.

While the bail is a significant step, Ghosn still faces a criminal justice system with a conviction rate of 99.9 percent.

Credited with reviving Nissan in the early 2000s, Ghosn was one of the auto industry’s most powerful figures as head of the Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi alliance, whose combined sales rank it as one of the world’s biggest automakers.

At the time of his arrest, he had been seeking a full merger of the companies, an idea opposed by many Nissan executives.

However, his arrest has since muddied the outlook for the alliance, which is based on a web of cross-shareholding and operational integration.


Take a look at Nissan's revised car prices

                KUALA LUMPUR: Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) today announced its revised prices for Nissan vehicles effective June 15, 2020 until Dec 31, 2020.

READ MORE: Renault Malaysia reduces car prices

The new prices for Nissan vehicles are reduced as below.

Customers who purchase the Nissan Serena S-Hybrid or X-Trail from now to June 30, 2020 will receive a complimentary 1-year FWD Protect Direct Family Takaful protection plan (up to a family of 4; parents and 2 children) with a sum insured of RM100,000.

Redemption has to be done before July 31, 2020.

READ MORE: Mitsubishi brings test car to you

Additionally, 20 lucky winners will also stand a chance to win Cuckoo Healthy Home Appliances worth up to RM128,888 in the Nissan Buy & Win contest when they purchase and register any Nissan model from now to June 30, 2020.

For more information, please visit the website or contact Nissan Customer Care Centre hotline at 1800-88-3838.