Allianz General rolls out roadside assistance policy for goods vehicles

Habbig (centre) at the launch with Allianz General chief claims officer Damian Williams (right) and deputy chief sales officer Sazali Abd Rahman.
KUALA LUMPUR: Allianz General Insurance Co (Malaysia) Bhd has launched Allianz Truck Warrior, a new supplemental benefit that provides roadside assistance to Allianz Goods Carrying Vehicle (comprehensive) policyholders involved in accidents or breakdowns.

This is also the first coverage of its kind in Malaysia which opened for issuance on Jan 12.

With Allianz Truck Warrior, policyholders can expect roadside assistance services up to three times a year, towing of their goods carrying vehicles up to 100km roundtrip by Allianz General's dedicated fleet of tow trucks for superior service guarantee, on-site repair service for breakdowns and flood relief allowance of up to RM5,000 per flood event.

Allianz General chief sales officer Horst Habbig said the average cost of towing a lorry when it breaks down is about RM800 and is subject to cost increases with distance.

“With Allianz Truck Warrior, we offer you a solution that solves all the haggling, waiting, and negotiating at only RM120!

“No more waiting for a tow truck and risk having your productivity adversely affected by this as we will be there, on time when you need us.

“On top of that, towing is up to 100km (round trip) and on-site repair services are available for breakdowns plus you are entitled to flood relief worth RM5,000,“ he said.

To qualify for the coverage, the vehicle has to fulfil the following criteria; the goods carrying vehicle has to have an A and C permit with Comprehensive Cover, up to 7.5 tonnes Gross Vehicle Weight or more popularly known as Berat Dengan Muatan (BDM), and the age of the vehicle is up to 20 years.

“At Allianz Malaysia, size doesn’t matter, big or small, we tow it all!

“Based on statistics from Insurance Services Malaysia Report, there are approximately 670,000 goods-carrying vehicles which were insured in 2021.

“Therefore it only makes sense for us to extend our services to goods-carrying vehicles and for us, the circle is now complete – we cover cars, motorcycles and goods-carrying vehicles. We have bridged the gap and are proud to say that we stand alone in this field,“ Horst said.

For more information on Allianz Truck Warrior, visit https://www.allianz.com.my/corporate/liabilities-operations-and-asset-protections/motor/truck-warrior.html


Magna nears deal to make more models in China

                MUNICH: Magna International Inc. is in advanced talks with automakers to produce more vehicles in China that could compete on the international market.

The Austrian-Canadian parts-maker and contract manufacturer has been churning out cars for the domestic market for Beijing Automotive Group Co. since last year at its joint-venture facility in China.

The factory can make as many as 180,000 cars and is currently using around 35% of capacity for BAIC’s ArcFox Alpha-T, Magna’s head of Europe and Asia, Guenther Apfalter, said in an interview.

"We have the option to take on car makers who want to compete on the international market.”


Ineos delays production start for new Grenadier 4x4

                LONDON: Production of Ineos' first car, the off-roader Grenadier, will be pushed back to July 2022 to make sure rigorous testing targets are met following delays last year, the company said today.

Billionaire Jim Ratcliffe's firm announced in December it would manufacture the model in Hambach, France, from late 2021 after a deal to take over a site run by Daimler, ditching plans to build a factory in Wales.

It said today that more than 130 second-phase prototypes would accumulate 1.8 million kilometres as they are tested in extreme environments around the world.

"We only have one opportunity to get this right and our quality and performance targets for the Grenadier remain paramount," said CEO of Ineos automotive Dirk Heilmann.

"We won’t cut corners."

Ratcliffe has approved the latest prototypes after they successfully underwent punishing pace in the Austrian mountains.

"We've made great strides since the very early versions of the Grenadier I drove a year ago," said Ratcliffe. “The Schöckl is a proper challenge for any 4X4. Today was a real test for our prototypes, and they came through very well. There is still work to do, but I am confident that the Grenadier will do the job we have developed it for.”

Renowned for their unforgiving and destructive hard-rock terrain, the Schöckl mountain and surroundings have been used for decades by Magna Steyr, INEOS’s engineering partner, as the ultimate test of off-road capability and durability for special purpose vehicles.


Bentley Colour Collection celebrates Ramadan with 20%-off

                KUALA LUMPUR: Bentley Kuala Lumpur has announced the availability of its Colour Collection, which provides discerning customers with a collection from a series of carefully crafted and selected luxury products.

The collection draws inspiration from the extensive colour palette of the English ultra luxury marque and it's being offered at a preferred rate of 20%-off from now to June 14:
Ladies Polo (RM499)With raised Bentley emblem on the chest, short button tab with Bentley branded button on sleeve. Matrix grille pattern on split hem. Contrast neck tape. Available in Kingfisher Blue and Dragon Red.Gents Polo (RM499)Pure pique cotton with raised Bentley emblem on the chest. Button tab with Bentley emblazoned buttons. Contrast neck tape. Available in Kingfisher Blue.Wings Keyring (RM289)Leather keyring featuring the iconic metal Bentley wings emblem. Available in Dragon Red, Kingfisher Blue, Portland and Beluga.Baseball Cap (RM259)Raised Bentley emblem on the front. Shield with contrast piping. Metal buckle with Bentley emblem. Adjustable by approximately 2.0cm. One size. Available in Portland.Matrix Grille Mug (RM259)Depicting the iconic Bentley matrix grille, our mugs have been expertly colour matched to the most popular paint choice from the Bentley palette, white in Malaysia, with Living Green contrast to the rim.Bentley Wings Ball Pen (RM269)Highly distinctive design inspired by the matrix grille mesh of our cars. Influenced by tones from the Bentley palette. Crafted in brass and aluminium. Available in Black, White and Living Green.2 in 1 Lanyard (RM219)Lanyard and keyring in one product. Stainless steel buckle. Knurling, stylized ‘B’ emblem and engraved ‘Bentley’ wordmark on clasp. Matrix grille print. Security clip for easy opening. Available in Moroccan Blue and Highland Hare.
For more information, visit Bentley Kuala Lumpur at Lot 1.1 Ground Floor, Etiqa Twins, 11 Jalan Pinang 50450 Kuala Lumpur from Monday to Friday (9am – 6pm) and Saturday (10am – 3pm) or call +603-2165 1688.


Win new cars in Toyota WOW Road Tour

                SHAH ALAM: The Toyota WOW Road Tour returns this year to thrill with stunt drivers, shopping voucher rewards and chances to win new cars.

"Visitors will also get a sneak preview of the all-new Toyota Hilux,” said UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd president Datuk Ismet Suki.

Thrilling activities include the Toyota Vios TRD Sportivo rallying on an off-road course, and the Toyota Corolla Altis in a gymkhana on a specially-designed course.

"There will also be fun activities and contests with attractive prizes to be won,” said Ismet.

The Toyota WOW Road Tour will be held at Setia City Convention Centre (March 26 and 27), Batu Kawah New Township in Kuching (April 2 and 3), Juru Auto City in Penang (April 2 and 3), Linear Park near Aeon Tebrau in Johor Baru (April 9 and 10), Kompleks Sukan Likas in Kota Kinabalu (April 9 and 10) and RTC – Teman in Kota Bharu (April 22 and 23).

Test drive a new Toyota car and get rewarded with shopping vouchers.

Those who book and register a new Toyota car during the event period stand a chance to win a new Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8G or Toyota Vios TRD Sportivo in the “Buy and Win Contest”.


VW revises service maintenance schedule to improve cost effective ownership

                KUALA LUMPUR: Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has announced a revised Service Maintenance Schedule for its vehicles effective April 1.

The revised Service Maintenance Schedule also offers up to 26% savings for Volkswagen owners (calculated based on five-year or 75,000km).

According to VPCM managing director Florian Steiner, the move is in-line with the company’s continuous efforts to optimise the ownership experience and in giving owners peace-of- mind.

“The revised Service Maintenance Schedule, paired with the three years’ free maintenance programme which we introduced on Jan 1, makes owning a Volkswagen even more cost-effective,” he said.

A list of the revised Service Maintenance Schedules for all current and previous Volkswagen models sold in Malaysia can be found in detail on the official Volkswagen website.

The revised Service Maintenance Schedule is only applicable to models sold by the manufacturer, and does not cover models imported via unauthorised distributors.

This revised Service Maintenance Schedule is implemented, due to extended replacement intervals of certain components and translates to better savings for the owner.

Volkswagen technicians will still perform routine checks, as part of the standard service process and will advise accordingly, if any parts replacement is required.


Toyota unveils new Prius, betting hybrids will stick around

                TOKYO: Toyota Motor Corp. took the wraps off the latest iteration of the Prius, the hybrid vehicle that that paved the way for electric cars more than two decades ago.

The fifth generation of the car, with bigger wheels and a sportier design, offers three different hybrid powertrain options and will go on sale starting this winter, the carmaker said at an event here today.

Pricing for the new model wasn’t disclosed, although Toyota stressed it would be "affordable for everybody.”

The world’s No. 1 automaker pioneered mass-market hybrid vehicles with the debut of the Prius in 1997, and contends that the technology still has a long way to go.

It’s a bet on the longevity of the brand and technology at a time when Tesla Inc. and other upstarts have seized the narrative to say that the era of electric vehicles has already arrived, even though they still only make up about 6% of total global car sales.

"It’s a car to be driven by all people, not just the few,” Simon Humphries, Toyota’s senior general manager of design, said at the unveiling.

"That’s its greatest strength and reason for its existence, and it’s the reason why the Prius brand should not be lost.”

The new Prius will have a 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre engine hybrid powertrain options, which combines a combustion engine, electric motor and battery to deliver better fuel economy and acceleration.

There’s also a 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid system that boosts power and range.

A lower chassis, swept body and shark-like nose, in addition to black accents on the exterior and dark interior tones, are all aimed at giving the Prius an edgier look, a departure from the wedge-shaped and grey interiors seen in prior models.

"This is meant to showcase Toyota’s most advanced technology,” said Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Tatsuo Yoshida.

Toyota has sold 4.75 million Priuses to date, while Tesla only just passed the 3 million mark for cumulative production of all its vehicles.

After peaking in 2010, when more than 500,000 units were sold worldwide, there’s been a gradual slide, with customers buying almost 86,000 Priuses last year.

Even though Prius sales have tapered off, hybrid technology is now spread across Toyota’s product line, including the Lexus brand.

Other Toyota hybrids, such as the RAV4, do even more volume.

"The reason why Prius sales have declined isn’t because hybrids aren’t selling well,” Yoshida said.

"It’s because there are other hybrid options, so it is no longer necessary to buy a Prius.”


Malacca varsity targets RM5mil from bidding of number plates

Dr Raha showing one of the special number plates for bidding. — Bernama
MALACCA: Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) hopes to rake in RM5 million within three years from the bidding of its exclusive vehicle number plates starting today.

UTeM Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Raha Abdul Rahim said on Tuesday that the five categories of the exclusive number plates, namely bronze, silver, gold, diamond and platinum, would be open for bidding starting from RM450 to RM30,000.

She said the first phase would involve the bronze and silver categories, starting Dec 9 until Dec 14.

She said the Road Transport Department had approved the registration numbers 1 to 9999 and that the UTeM acronym would be in capital letters

"A rebate of RM100 will be given to UTeM staff, students, alumni and retirees who are successful in the bidding and the rebate is only valid for one number per person," she told reporters after the launching ceremony here today.

Raha said the bidding would be conducted through the ebida.utem.edu.my system developed by the university.

She said that besides generating income and easing its financial burden, the sale of the exclusive vehicle number plates was also aimed at specifically raising funds for the university’s research and development grants as well as promoting the university to people from all walks of life.


Rolls-Royce Cullinan accompanies Nat Geo photographer on exploits

                LONDON: Rolls-Royce talks with award-winning National Geographic photographer and explorer Cory Richards, in the latest of a series of ‘Inspiring Greatness’ films created by the marque.

The series of films created by Rolls-Royce have previous episodes that include Moving Image Artist Refik Anadol, Ndebele (South Africa) Artist Dr Esther Mahlangu and Portrait and Fashion Photographer Rankin.

One of the episodes is about Richards' exploits and his personal insights on risk-taking as he strives for perfection in his work - much like the British coachbuilder's philosophy as it hand-builds each vehicle at its Global Centre of Luxury Manufacturing Excellence at Goodwood in the UK.

“Everything I do is driven by risk-taking. If we don’t take risks, we don’t fail, and when we don’t fail, we don’t learn. Rolls-Royce, to me, occupies a space that I resonate with in terms of perfection, where there is an absolute attention to detail that is unrivalled," said Richards.

The film documents his life starting from his challenging childhood right up to summiting Mt. Everest without the use of supplemental oxygen.

Richards' photography has taken him across the world – from the unclimbed peaks of Antarctica and the Himalayas of Nepal to the forgotten war zones of Angola, Uganda, and Pakistan.

In 2011, he climbed Pakistan's Gasherbrum II, making him the only American, and one of only a few people, to climb the 8km peak in the dead of winter where he managed to survive an avalanche during his descent and taking a picture of himself just moments after his recovery.

In 2018, Richards also took part in ‘The Final Challenge’ which saw him journey to some of the most remote parts of Scotland, the United Arab Emirates and the US in a camouflaged Rolls-Royce Cullinan sports utility vehicle (SUV) - testing it to the point of destruction and showing it abilities on all types of terrain.

The photographer managed to document the challenges the Cullinan faced ahead of its world debut in May 2018.

“Cory Richards is an extraordinary individual. His skill behind the lens is unquestionably inspiring. The Final Challenge, documenting Cullinan’s final gruelling testing phase, perfectly captures the Cullinan’s Effortless, Everywhere nature, in some of the world’s most spectacular locations," said Rolls-Royce Motor Cars chief executive officer Torsten Müller-Ötvös.

To view the films, visit www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com.


Ferrari 296 GTB arrives from RM1.22mil before tax

                KUALA LUMPUR: Official local Ferrari importer and distributor Naza Italia has introduced the latest Ferrari 296 GTB plug-in hybrid which aims to elevate pure driving excitement to a next level.

Priced from RM1.228mil before duties, customisation options, taxes and insurance, the 296 GTB is the latest evolution of the Prancing Horse's mid-rear-engine, two-seater berlinetta that redefines the concept of fun behind the wheel.

The 296 GTB's name is a combination of 2.99-litre engine displacement featuring 6 cylinders and the Gran Turismo Berlinetta (GTB) designation.
Moving away from the usual V8 or V12 engine designs, the 296 GTB gets a 120° V6 turbocharged block that delivers 663CV and 740Nm of torque to the rear wheels.

Its hybrid electric motor offers additional 167CV (122kW) for a total output of 830CV for a 0-100kph dash in 2.9 seconds, 0-200kph sprint in 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 330kph.

The 296 GTB can also brake from 200kph to a complete halt in 107 metres and completes the Fiorano track in 1 minute and 21 seconds.

Featuring the latest Ferrari combustion chamber development introduced on the SF90 Stradale, the engine gets central injectors and spark plug with 350-bar pressure injection system that improves the fuel-air mix in the chamber, performance and reduces emissions.

The new V6 block has been designed and engineered from a clean sheet by Ferrari’s engineers specifically for this installation and is the first Ferrari to feature the turbo chargers installed inside the vee banks.

The IHI turbochargers have been completely redesigned using higher performance alloys to increase maximum revs to 180,000rpm, with a consequent improvement in performance and boost efficiency by 24%.

The engine, which is coupled to an eight-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT), now sets a new specific power output record for a production car at 221cv per litre of displacement.

The shorter V6 powertrain design also allows the 296 GTB to have a shorter wheelbase that increases its agility for the road and track driving.

The 296 GTB also gets a redesigned “hot tube” that is positioned prior to the exhaust gas treatment systems so that it channels the pure sound into the cabin, further enhancing driver involvement and excitement.

Inside the cabin, the engine soundtrack features the pure V12 orders of harmonics which then, at higher revs, guarantee that typical high-frequency treble.

The V6 engine is decoupled from the electric motor in eDrive mode for up to 25km of all-electric driving range powered by a 7.45kWh high voltage battery.

The 296 GTB also has an all-electric top speed of 135kph.

The signature aerodynamic element at the front of the 296 GTB is the ‘tea-tray’ that produces greater downforce over the front axle.

The LaFerrari-inspired active spoiler integrated into the rear bumper allows the 296 GTB to generate a high level of rear downforce when required up to a maximum of 360kg at 250kph in high-downforce configuration with the Assetto Fiorano package.

Inside, the 296 GTB gets a visor-style windscreen that wraps around onto the side windows while the main instrument cluster is set into a deep cleft carved out of the dashboard trim, itself characterised by a deliberately clean, taut surface.

Other features that enhance the 296 GTB's performance include brake-by-wire system, the ‘Aero’ brake callipers, electric power steering, magnetorheological dampers and a six-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor among others.

It also gets the Transition Manager Actuator (TMA) that delivers very rapid static and dynamic transitions from electric to hybrid/engine mode and vice-versa, thereby guaranteeing smooth, progressive torque.

Also available is the Assetto Fiorano package that enhances performance by weight reduction and aero content.

Among the upgrades these include special GT racing-derived adjustable Multimatic shock absorbers optimised for track use; high downforce carbon-fibre appendages on the front bumper for additional 10kg of downforce, a Lexan rear screen, more extensive use of lightweight carbon-fibre for both cabin and exterior, and grippy Michelin Sport Cup2R high performance tyres.

Naza Corp Holdings Sdn Bhd automotive group CEO Datuk Nik Hamdam Nik Hassan said the 296 GTB is a part of Ferrari’s new era of electric technology and takes the marque to new heights as its first rear-wheel drive hybrid mid-engined V6.

 Hamdam (left) and Knechtel.

“Its technology combined with immense power and striking design, make the 296 GTB a definite showstopper and we are delighted to introduce this model to the Malaysian market,” he said at the launch which was also attended by Ferrari Far East Hub and Middle East Hub president Dieter Knechtel.

Covering the 296 GTB is an extended seven-year maintenance programme that underscores Ferrari’s unparalleled quality standards and increasing focus on client service.

Details on Ferrari in Malaysia are available at the official Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/ferrari.nazaitalia.

Follow@ferrari.nazaitalia on Instagram for the latest updates and offerings of Ferrari and Naza Italia.


Tesla is nearing debut of longer range China-made Model 3

                SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla Inc. plans to expand its lineup in China by offering a locally built Model 3 sedan with a longer driving range from as early as this week, according to people familiar with the matter.

The vehicle would have a range of more than 650km on one charge, compared with about 450km for the current most basic version that starts at 323,800 yuan (RM199,000), the people said, asking not to be identified as the information isn’t public.

The variant would start at about 350,000 yuan (RM216,000) before rebates, though exact pricing has yet to be decided, they said.

A longer range could help Tesla fend off competition from the likes of Volkswagen AG and BMW AG, who are also bringing out new electrified models in China. Carmakers are betting on new vehicles to spur demand in a market hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

The longer-range Model 3, like the existing cheaper version, would qualify for electric-vehicle subsidies and is exempt from China’s car purchase tax.

Tesla representatives didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.
Registrations of Tesla vehicles have fallen for two consecutive months in China, showing the US carmaker isn’t immune to the broader auto-industry slump.

The slowdown has come amid Tesla’s multibillion-dollar push to expand in the world’s biggest electric-vehicle market.

Yet Tesla’s factory in China has recovered from a virus-related shutdown better than many in the industry, helped by aid from local authorities.

After resuming operations on Feb 10, the Shanghai plant — Tesla’s only outside the US — has surpassed the capacity it had before the shutdown, reaching a weekly production of 3,000 cars, the company said last month.


Low inventory, strong order to spur MBM growth

                PETALING JAYA: MBM Resources Bhd is cautiously optimistic about its outlook for this year, as its low inventory levels and strong order book are set to fuel sales growth on the back of a recovering economy.

The supply constraint led by the shortage of microchips is also easing and this should further benefit auto manufacturers.

However, the rise in raw material prices and logistics expenses as well as intermittent disruption in the supply chain due to Covid-19 could still pose some challenges to the group’s operations, said TA Research.

Nonetheless, the research house added that the group will be able to continue riding on Perodua sales, as well as introduce new models including electric vehicles at more competitive prices, to drive revenue growth for this year.

Hong Leong Investment Bank Research (HLIB Research) pointed out that new orders are still coming in strongly, as consumers take advantage of the lower car prices during the sales and service tax exemption period, which was extended to June 2022.

Note that the group recently announced stronger-than-expected results for the financial year ended Dec 31, 2021 (FY21), with performance in the final quarter boosted by its 23%-owned Perodua.

Based on that, Maybank IB Research has raised its FY22-FY23 earnings forecast by 15%-16%, on stronger consumer spending post-pandemic with a focus on improved FY22 onward.

The increase in its earnings forecast mainly reflects Perodua’s improved performance. It expects Perodua to register higher vehicle sales of 233,000 units (22% growth year-on-year) in FY22.

Perodua is aiming to sell 6,000 units per month for its face-lifted MyVi model, which was launched in the fourth quarter of 2021. It will also continue to bank on Ativa and the refreshed Aruz to spur sales.

Perodua is one of the prime beneficiaries of a cyclical recovery in the auto sector, given its dominance of about 40% market share.


Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak officially unveiled

                PARIS: Volkswagen has officially pulled the cover off its fully-electric supercar - the I.D. R Pikes Peak, in Alès, France.

Customers have always benefitted from the findings made in motorsport, and we expect to take these findings and use them as a valuable impetus for the development of future I.D. models”, said Volkswagen member of the board of management Dr Frank Welsch.

The upcoming Pikes Peak International Hill climb in Colorado Springs will be held on on June 24 where the all-electric supercar will be setting its sights on beating the existing electric car record of 8 minutes and 57.118 seconds.

Weighing in at less than 1,134kg with Lithium-ion batteries, the supercar brings with it two electric engines producing a combined output of 680hp and 450Nm.

The supercar's performance translates to a 0-100kph sprit time of 2.25 seconds — faster than a Formula 1 or Formula E car.

Roughly 20% of the electric energy required is generated during the drive, so the key here is energy recovery.

When braking, the electric engines act as generators, converting some of the braking energy into electricity and feeding this into the battery.

The company revealed that the bulk of its tests were conducted at racetracks and was limited to certain sections of the 20km route. But with the car finally revealed, testing over the full route can finally commence.

Helming the car will be 39-year old Frenchman and Alès native, who also happens to be the current defending Pikes Peak champion - Romain Dumas.

The Frenchamn, who names motorsport legend Jacky Ickx as his idol, already has three victories at Pikes Peak and two 24 Hours of Le Mans victories under his belt.

The upcoming race involves a 1,340m vertical-climb, 156 corners, and just one single attempt.

It is not uncommon for finish-line temperatures at the 4,300km-summit of Pikes Peak to be below freezing at the end of June.


Grab appoints Adelene Foo as MD for Malaysia

                PETALING JAYA: Grab has appointed Adelene Foo as managing director of Grab Malaysia, effective Feb 1, succeeding Sean Goh.

In a statement, Grab said Foo would oversee the business strategy and operations of Grab’s businesses in Malaysia.

A ten-year veteran at Grab, she was previously the country head in Malaysia between 2012-2014 before moving on to regional roles, most recently the regional head of merchants & regional head of GrabExpress as well as newly appointed chief executive officer of Jaya Grocer.

Goh will assume the position of regional head of deliveries and mobility.

Group managing director of operations Russell Cohen said Grab had evolved rapidly over the past 10 years as it introduced new services and features in its "superapp".

“We are now more focused than ever on building amazing products and services for our customers, using tech for the good of the Malaysian community to help them earn, ride, eat, shop and access financial services.

“Foo’s proven credentials and entrepreneurial spirit in scaling and growing Grab across Southeast Asia fits perfectly for this next phase of growth for Grab in Malaysia and I’m so excited to welcome her back to the country leadership team," Cohen said.


Tesla launches EV charger that plugs into home wall

                SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla has unveiled a home EV charging station, and you can already add it to your virtual shopping cart.

Tesla released on Wednesday its first at-home EV charging station that can be installed without an electrician, as long as you have a NEMA 14-50 high-voltage plug and, chances are, you probably do.

According to the product description of the Wall Connector, which is already available as of this week on the Tesla online shop, the installation directions are as follows: "Simply mount your Wall Connector to a wall or post and plug in." That's it. If you don't have an existing NEMA 14-50 out, though, you're going to have to call in an electrician.

This charger works similarly to the Gen 2 Mobile Connector but with much higher power. While the Mobile Connector can charge your car at "medium to low speeds," the Wall Connector can provide 40 amps of power to the Model S, X, and 3 Long Range Vehicles, and 32 amps to the mode 3 Mid Range and Standard Range vehicles.

Like the existing hardwired version, the Wall Connector costs US$500 (RM2,058) and comes with a 7.3 metre-long cable.


SpareXHub to hold BMW, MINI and Volkswagen surplus parts sales from Sept 1-14

                KUALA LUMPUR: SpareXHub will be organising a two-week sale from Sept 1 to 14 with discounts up to 85% on genuine BMW, MINI and Volkswagen car spare parts.

The sale will take place at Aramex, No 12, Jalan Tandang, Seksyen 51, Petaling Jaya.

Sale commences from 10am to 6pm on weekdays and 10am to 1pm on Saturday.

Sign up here and the SpareXHub Xperts will be in touch with you.

Buyers will be able to get original car spare parts at prices that are even cheaper than the aftermarket options, with added discounts of up to 85% with special clearance sale.

On sale will be over 2,500 BMW and MINI spare parts and 500 Volkswagen parts ranging from service items such as filters and sensors to body parts such as bumpers.

SpareXHub said its brand experts would also be present to ensure buyers get the right parts as well as providing the necessary knowledge, information and guidance.

All customer visits are strictly by appointment only.

A registration form has been prepared to ensure that the organisers are ready for customers' arrival and to ensure that all Covid-19 regulations are strictly adhered to.

SpareXhub also encouraged all customers to use its online platform and e-payment services for a more seamless process.

For more information about SpareXHub or to find a part for your car, visit the SpareXHub website https://www.sparexhub.com/.

Buyers may also contact a representative of SpareXHub directly via Whatsapp at 018-205 0120 or via email at sales2@sparexhub.com.


Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+ Final Edition debuts

                AFFALTERBACH (Germany): The W/S 213 performance model series is bowing out with Mercedes-AMG introducing the E 63 S 4MATIC+ Final Edition as saloon and estate.

Only 999 units would be made.

The Final Edition sets new standards with its 612hp 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine and fully variable all-wheel drive including Drift Mode. The refined appearance and extensive standard equipment make the Final Edition a unique combination of performance and luxury.

The Final Edition is available exclusively in matt graphite grey magno paint. 20-inch AMG forged wheels in a cross-spoke design, aerodynamically optimised, high-sheen black with gloss-tinted clearcoat, emphasise the special status, as do the AMG emblem on the C-pillar and the foiling on the sides of the car.

Added to this is the AMG Night Package. It includes numerous exterior elements in high-gloss black: the front splitter of the AMG front apron, the inserts of the AMG side sill panels, the trim element in the front wings, the beltline trim strips and window surrounds, the outside mirror housings and the trim strip of the AMG rear apron.

Also included in the package is heat-insulating dark tinted glass from the B-pillar. Two trapezoidal, black chrome twin tailpipe trims form the matching finish at the rear. Carbon Packages I and II can be ordered as options.

The ambient lighting projects the AMG brand logo in LED technology next to the open side doors.

The cabin is equipped with the AMG Performance Seat Package High-End, which promises ideal lateral support for dynamic driving manoeuvres - combined with aesthetics and comfort.

All seat positions, including the seat cushions, can be electrically adjusted to perfectly suit the driver's physique. The integrated seat heating ensures a comfortable driving experience as quickly as possible, even in cool temperatures. And the upholstery in fine AMG nappa leather titanium grey pearl/black with yellow contrasting stitching emphasises the sporty character. The instrument panel and beltline trim are also in nappa leather.

The AMG Performance steering wheel is wrapped in black nappa leather/microfibre DINAMICA. The yellow contrasting stitching matches the colour of the upholstery. The flattened shape characteristic of AMG comes from motorsport and reinforces the sportiness of the cockpit.

The AMG trim elements in carbon also include the centre console and lend the Final Edition the hallmark motorsport touch.

The centre console also features the "AMG FINAL EDITION" badge with the designated "1 of 999" limitation.

The black AMG brushed stainless steel door sill trims has exclusive yellow illuminated "AMG" lettering that enhances entry and exit.

To protect the car from dust in the garage, every customer also receives a customised AMG Indoor Car Cover with "AMG E 63 S FINAL EDITION" lettering in the matching colour.


Batur: Bentley’s ultimate grand tourer begins real-world testing

                LONDON: The Bentley Batur has begun real-world road trials across Europe.

Following its debut at Monterey Car Week in August 2022 and attendance at numerous events for Bentley Customers, global media and the public, two development Baturs are now starting a rigorous programme of tests.

The limited series of just 18 examples are due to begin deliveries mid-2023 after completion and sign-off of an extensive engineering program.

The validation activities include durability for both the engine and whole vehicle, environmental compatibility & sunlight simulation, high speed stability, aerodynamics, noise & vibration, and driving dynamics.

More than 120 individual tests in all cover everything from the quality of the surface finish of the gold “organ stop” ventilation controls to the new W12 engine hardware and software.

Over 58 weeks of vehicle validation have been scheduled across the two pre-series cars, supplementing 100+ weeks of vehicle development already completed to validate the increased engine power, making the Batur the most powerful Bentley in history with at least 740 PS.

The first activity for one of the development Batur’s – Car #0 - is an extensive 2,500km drive across Europe to simulate real world conditions. The route leaves Germany and travels through Italy, France and Spain before high speed testing work is undertaken at proving grounds.

At the proving grounds, Batur Car #0 will begin seven weeks of durability work on handling tracks, mixed road conditions, high speed testing and abusive surface conditions. During all of these activities data and feedback are collated ensuring the technical targets are being met.

When the proving ground work is complete, another 7,500km of real world driving will be undertaken before environmental testing starts.

In just under four weeks the car will endure 600 hours of solar loading - equivalent to five years in an Arizona desert. This is particularly important for the new sustainable materials used in the exterior components, as an alternative to carbon fibre.

By the time the first customer deliveries begin, over 810 unique parts will have completed 160 weeks of testing and development, delivering the ultimate coachbuilt grand tourer.

The Batur will also be the most powerful Bentley yet, with a 729+ bhp (740+ PS) version of the iconic, hand-assembled 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine that has powered Bentley’s success for the last two decades.

Over 100+ weeks of powertrain development have already been completed to confirm the new air intake system, modified turbochargers, revised intercoolers and new calibrations for the engine gearbox and electronic stability control for the W12.

As the engine enters its twilight years as part of Bentley’s Beyond100 transformation journey to being fully electrified, the Batur forms the first part of a celebration of the W12’s extraordinary power, torque and refinement.

Engine performance will be matched to the most advanced Bentley chassis ever, with Speed-tuned air suspension, electric active anti-roll control, eLSD, four-wheel steering and torque vectoring.

All 18 customer Baturs are already reserved. Each one is being designed collaboratively with each customer, guided by Mulliner’s in-house design team.

The engineering development car – Batur Car #0 – has had the same level of attention to detail as a customer’s own specification. The exterior paintwork is a bespoke colour – Purple Sector – that provides a deep vibrant colour across the curvaceous surfaces. The bodywork is underscored by front splitters, side skirts and rear diffuser in a high gloss natural fibre finish.

The front of the car features a grille of exceptional art – with the main matrix finished in Gloss Dark Titanium, accented with contrast chevrons in a horizontal ombré pattern that flows from Purple Sector in the centre and gradually darken to the sides to Black Crystal.

The “endless bonnet” line is finished in Satin Titanium paint, as are the 22” wheels – with the spokes in Gloss and Satin Black Crystal to match the grille.

One small addition customers will not receive that can be seen on Batur Car #0 are the small white arrowheads found at the edges of the body panels. These markers help to provide feedback on panel movement and any form of relaxation whilst the car is undertaking the durability testing.


June 17-23: RON97 petrol up 2 sen to RM2.67

                KUALA LUMPUR: The retail price of RON97 petrol will increase by 2 sen per litre from RM2.65 per litre to RM2.67 per litre from June 17 until June 23.

Pump prices of RON95 petrol and diesel remain unchanged at RM2.05 and RM2.15 per litre respectively for the same period.

The Finance Ministry said in a statement today that the prices were fixed based on the weekly retail pricing of petroleum products using the Automatic Pricing Mechanism formula.


All-electric MINI Cooper SE arrives at RM219K

                PETALING JAYA: MINI Malaysia has introduced the three-door fully electric MINI Cooper SE and it's now available at all authorised dealerships nationwide.

Launched alongside the high-powered MINI John Cooper Works GP, the Cooper SE is priced at RM218,381 on-the-road without insurance (with sales tax exemption).

The electric MINI is covered by a four-year unlimited mileage warranty as well as an eight-year or 100,000km (whichever comes first) high voltage battery warranty with free scheduled service.

In addition, the Cooper SE buyer will benefit from a five-year Roadside Assistance programme (1800-88-8808), Free Towing Services, Replacement Vehicle and Seamless Mobility, Accommodation, Mobility Services Solutions and Repatriation services as well as an Accident and Help on the Phone and On the Spot Hotline that's available around the clock.

At present, the company is offering the MINI Wallbox Plus wall-charger with a RM1,756.34 discount at RM6,500 (not inclusive of installation) while the MINI Public Charging Cable has been priced at RM1,388.20 (-RM653.27).

With the Balloon Financing programme from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, ownership of the electric MINI starts from RM2,421 per month - based on an 80% loan over a five-year tenure.

Bookings for the electric MINI can be made on the company's online site with a fee of RM1,000.

Also, MINI owners are now able to make a service appointment via the company's new online service programme at their preferred MINI authorised dealerships via www.service.mini.my.

As to colour choices, the electric MINI can be ordered in an exclusive White Silver body colour that's accented by Energetic Yellow, while two other colours are British Racing Green and Chili Red in combination with black roof.

The MINI's front wheels are spun by an electric motor producing 184hp at 7,000rpm and 270Nm of torque from 100 to 1,000rpm - and all that is relayed to a single-speed transmission and an integrated differential.

The electric motor derives its power from a 28.9kWh 12-module T-shaped lithium-ion battery which can be recharged up to 80% in two hours and 30 minutes via a dedicated wall-charger. Plugging into a normal household wall-plug overnight will have this MINI fully charged up.

On a full charge, the MINI Electric's power consumption has been rated at 14.8 to 16.8kWh per 100km of travel which means up to 270km is possible as well as 7.3 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100kph and onwards to a top speed of 150kph.

In standard form, the MINI Electric comes fitted with 17-inch lightweight alloys in a dedicated MINI Electric Power Spoke design that's fitted with 205/45 series run-flat tyres.

The mirror caps and front splitter can be specified in Vigorous Grey or Energetic Yellow (as seen above).

Other standard fitments include LEDs for the automatic adaptive headlights with matrix function and high-beam assist, daytime running lights, fogs lights and the Union Jack design taillights.

It also comes equipped with white signal lights, power-folding exterior mirrors, automatic wipers, MINI Logo Projection and keyless entry with a Yellow "Start"-toggle.

The cabin gets an Anthracite headliner while the seats are upholstered in Carbon Black leather with Cross Punch design.

There's a choice of either adding to the cabin's darkness with Carbon Black or have a touch of neon-yellow with the MINI Electric Interior Surface while the interactive LED ring on the central instrument display tries to brighten up the dark environment.

Convenience comes in the form of an automatic anti-dazzle rear-view mirror, dynamic reverse camera, automatic wipers, automatic dual-zone climate controls, adaptive cruise control, an electronic gear-shifter and 5.5-inch digital instrument cluster.

There's also a wireless charger, heads-up-display and the world of information and entertainment that is MINI Connected.

A 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system is controlled by the MINI Visual Boost 8.8-inch LCD touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port and navigation.

Safety-wise, the MINI Electric is equipped with Approach Control Warning and Person Warning, crash-sensor with automatic unlock function, Driving Assistant, Light City Braking Function, Parking Assistant and Tiredness Warning.

These are on top of six airbags, anti-lock braking system, Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Traction Control with electronic differential lock control, Automatic Stability Control with Traction, front and rear parking sensors as well as Run-flat tyres and a flat tyre indicator.


Xpeng’s flying car hits the skies for the first time in Dubai

                DUBAI: Xpeng Aeroht, an affiliate of Chinese electric-vehicle maker Xpeng Inc., staged the first public flight of its X2 flying car in Dubai this week, displaying a vehicle designed for low-altitude city trips such as sightseeing and medical transportation.

Xpeng president Brian Gu described the event as a "major step” in the company’s exploration of future mobility.

The two-seater electric vertical take off and landing vehicle, or eVTOL, has an enclosed cockpit and a carbon fibre structure. It has both manual and autonomous flying modes.

"Xpeng X2’s public display in Dubai represents a significant milestone for Xpeng Aeroht and the international achievement of flying cars,” Gu said in a statement dated Oct 10.

The X2 is Xpeng Aeroht’s fifth-generation flying car. The company said it plans to announce progress on its sixth-generation model that can drive on roads as well as fly at the 1024 Xpeng Tech Day, due to take place on Oct 24.

Several other startups including China’s TCab Tech and AutoFlight are exploring low-altitude city flights, or global urban air mobility, a market that could reach US$1 trillion (RM4.7tril) by 2040, according to Morgan Stanley.

Still, there have been plenty of setbacks, including the air-taxi company backed by billionaire Google co-founder Larry Page, which said last month it will close down.


Ford patents unique 3D-printed wheel nuts to thwart theft

                LONDON: As car security systems become increasingly more sophisticated, thieves are targeting car parts instead, including alloy wheels which is why Ford has come up with a solution - unique 3D-printed wheel nuts.

One method to deter wheel thieves is to use locking nuts, one on each wheel, which require a special adapter, or key, to loosen.

But even these are vulnerable, leading Ford engineers to harness 3D printing technology to develop next-generation locking wheel nuts.

Voice pattern defines the nut’s shape
Together with EOS, a leading supplier for high-end solutions in additive manufacturing, Ford has created locking nuts with contours based on the driver’s voice.

Like an iris scan or a fingerprint, a person’s voice can be used as a unique biometric identification.

Engineers record the driver’s voice for a minimum of one second, saying something like “I drive a Ford Mustang”, and use software to convert that singular soundwave into a physical, printable pattern.

This pattern is then turned into a circle and used as the design for the locking nut’s indentation and key.

With the geometry in place, the nut and key are designed as one piece, then 3D-printed using acid and corrosion-resistant stainless steel.

When finished, the nut and key are separated, with a small amount of grinding required to make them ready for use.

The design also includes second-level security features that prevent the nut from being cloned or copied.

The unevenly spaced ribs inside the nut and indentations that widen the deeper they go prevent a thief from making a wax imprint of the pattern, as the wax breaks when it is pulled from the nut.

If not using the driver’s voice to create the contours, the nuts could feature designs specific to a vehicle, such as with the Mustang logo, or use the driver’s initials.

The design could also take inspiration from a driver’s interest, for example, by using the outline of a famous racetrack.

Expanding the use of 3D printing

3D printing, or additive manufacturing, offers design flexibility to help reduce weight, improve performance and create parts that wouldn’t be possible using conventional methods.

For more than 30 years, Ford has increasingly used 3D printing to make prototype parts which help reduce the development time for new vehicles.

The company has also used this technology to create parts that feature in the Ford GT, Focus and Mustang GT500, and will make more 3D-printed parts in the future.

Special bespoke car parts are also 3D printed, including the intake manifold in Ken Block’s Hoonitruck and the pair of wind louvres found on the M-Sport Ford Fiesta World Rally Championship car.

On the Ford production line, 3D printing is used to create assembly line tools that are up to 50 per cent lighter, which makes repetitive tasks less physically stressful and helps improve manufacturing quality.

As many of these tools are made of nylon, Ford has introduced a recycling programme that turns old 3D-printed pieces and plastics from manufacturing areas into 100 per cent recycled nylon.

Ford also creates 3D-printed safety equipment, such as protection sleeves for rotating tools used on the production line, which prevent operators from incurring finger and arm injuries.

“Making wheels more secure and offering more product personalisation are further proof that 3D printing is a game-changer for car production,” said Ford Advanced Materials and Processes research engineer Raphael Koch.


Germany's car association cuts 2021 sales growth forecast

                BERLIN: Germany's automotive industry association on Wednesday cut its growth forecast for 2021 car sales in Europe's biggest economy to 3% from 8% citing production hurdles posed by semiconductor shortages.

The Association of German Automobile Manufacturers (VDA) now expects car sales in Germany to be at 3.15 million units this year. It slashed its production forecast on Tuesday.

Presenting the figures at its summer news conference, VDA warned against a possible European Union de facto ban on combustion engines from 2035 and called for more investment in charging stations for electric cars in the bloc.

VDA said a ban on internal combustion engines would take a toll on jobs, innovation and consumers' freedom.

"People don't want bans, they want offers: innovative, attractive, networked," VDA said in a statement.

German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung reported on Tuesday that the European Commission was drafting a law, to be proposed next week, to reduce allocations for CO2 rights to zero by 2035 "at the earliest".

Germany's carmakers have been accelerating a shift to electric vehicles but charging infrastructure expansion has been a hurdle to the mass adoption of battery-powered vehicles.


Japan central bank, govt step up to ease funding strains

                TOKYO: The Bank of Japan will do “whatever it can” to mitigate the growing fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, Governor Haruhiko Kuroda said on Tuesday, warning that a collapse in global activity has had severe consequences on the economy.

The government will also use all available tools to help Japan’s car and autoparts makers hit by supply chain disruptions, slumping demand and factory shutdowns caused by the health crisis, its top spokesman said.

“The industry is suffering deeply from sluggish US and European sales, and suspension in domestic output,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters on Tuesday.

“We’ll deploy all policy means to assist in their accessing funding,” such as through financial aid and payouts, he said.

The remarks came as earnings announcements underscored the damage the pandemic has inflicted on Japan’s big automakers including Toyota Motor Corp, which expects profit to drop 80% to its lowest in nine years.

A key indicator gauging the state of the economy fell at the fastest pace in 9 years, data showed on Tuesday, forcing the government to warn of a deep recession as the virus takes a heavy toll on business activity and consumption.

In a semi-annual testimony to parliament, Kuroda said Japan’s economy was in an “increasingly severe state” as the pandemic paralyses global activity.

The BOJ has various tools at its disposal if it were to ramp up stimulus such as accelerating money printing, increasing market operation tools and cutting interest rates, he said.

With companies continuing to hoard cash to guard against the risk of a prolonged shut-down in businesses, the BOJ will focus on steps to ease corporate funding strains rather than stimulate demand, he said.

“What’s most important for us is to take steps to smoothen corporate financing and stabilise markets,” Kuroda said. “We will do whatever we can as a central bank, working closely with the government.”

Kuroda ruled out the possibility of adding municipal bonds to the list of assets the BOJ buys, however, saying he saw no need to do so for the time being.

No tax cuts - yet

The world’s third-largest economy is on the cusp of a deep recession, as the pandemic forces households to stay home and businesses to shut down.

While the government plans to lift the state of emergency for some prefectures that saw infection numbers stabilise, many big cities including Tokyo will likely see current restrictions kept in place at least for the rest of this month.

The BOJ expanded stimulus for the second straight month in April. For both months, it focused on steps to ease corporate funding as efforts to prop up demand would run against government requests for households to stay home.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has pledged to take additional fiscal stimulus measures to combat the fallout from the pandemic, which would come on top of a record US$1.1 trillion package focusing on cash payouts to citizens.

The move is in response to growing pressure from lawmakers for bolder steps to cushion the blow from the pandemic.

Some politicians have called for cutting the sales tax, which was raised to 10% last October to rein in the country’s huge public debt that is twice the size of its economy.

“Japan’s fiscal condition is in a severe state and will likely turn more dire due to the pandemic,” Finance Minister Taro Aso told parliament on Tuesday. “Cutting tax isn’t something I have in mind for the time being,” he said.

About 15,847 coronavirus infections and 633 deaths have been confirmed in Japan as of Monday, excluding cases from a cruise ship previously quarantined in Yokohama, according to NHK.


Honda shows off tech that prevents junction collisions in US city

                MARYSVILLE (United States): Honda has announced a demonstration of its "Smart Intersection" technology for vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication designed to reduce traffic collisions at roadway intersections, one of the first such deployments of V2X technology in a real-world setting.

Developed in partnership with the city of Marysville as part of the 33 Smart Mobility Corridor project, the pilot project seeks to address the limitations of on-board vehicle sensors in addressing traffic collisions at roadway intersections. Intersection collisions account for roughly 40% of all collisions and 20% of the nearly 35,000 traffic-related deaths that occur in the US each year.

The "Smart Intersection" technology, using Honda's proprietary object recognition software in conjunction with intersection-mounted cameras and V2X communications, allows cars to virtually see through and around buildings and walls in virtually all weather conditions to help identify and alert drivers to otherwise hidden hazards.

Four cameras mounted above the traffic lights at each corner of the intersection capture bird's-eye-view video of surrounding vehicles and pedestrian traffic out to a 300-foot range. Honda's proprietary image processing software then creates a 360-degree image of the intersection that classifies vehicles and other moving objects, such as pedestrians, motorcycles and emergency vehicles, and broadcasts pertinent information to surrounding vehicles via a dedicated short-range communication signal.

Each connected vehicle's on-board computer decodes the information and, when necessary, provides both visible and audible alerts to the driver, helping them to take corrective action to avoid a potential collision.

Honda has committed to using 200 connected vehicles for evaluation in the 33 Smart Mobility Corridor and Smart Columbus projects.

"Honda believes that V2X technology is an essential component of a smarter and safer transportation ecosystem and can play a role in our dream for a zero-collision society," said Ted Klaus, vice president of strategic research at Honda R&D Americas, Inc.

"By partnering with Marysville and Ohio, we believe this research will give us a better understanding of how V2X technologies can be further advanced and most effectively deployed for the benefit of all road users."


Mercedes-Benz Dream Cars Collection launched

                KUALA LUMPUR: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia unveiled a range of powerful and luxurious models for its 2018 Dream Cars Collection including the all-new CLS-Class Coupe, the E-Class 300 Cabriolet and the performance-oriented Mercedes-AMG GT C.

 Vice president Sales & Marketing Passenger Cars, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, Mark Raine at the Dream Cars Collection launch.

The all-new CLS-Class Coupe is offered in three variants: the range topping Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4Matic+ (priced RM810,000), Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 (RM650,000), and CLS 350 (RM530,000).

While the E-Class Cabriolet is priced at RM588,888 and the Mercedes-AMG GT C sits above the rest price-wise at RM1.46mil.

All prices are on-the-road without insurance with 0% GST subject to change upon implementation of SST.

The all-new CLS-Coupe

On display at the launch event was the AMG CLS 53 and CLS 450 as the CLS 350 is only due later in the year.

 Mercedes-AMG CLS 53.

The four-door CLS-Coupe, now in its third generation, has an elegantly styled exterior and a new electrified powertrain in 3.0 litre and 2.0 litre in-line six cylinder twin turbo guises. As such, the engines feature a 48-volt on-board electrical system and an EQ Boost integrated starter generator for the added assist of 22hp and 250Nm over short periods.

 AMG CLS 53 interior.

The AMG CLS 53 4Matic+ has the most output with its 3.0L mill pushing out 435hp at 6,100rpm and 520Nm from 1,800rpm to 5,800rpm.

And the CLS 450, which is available only as the Edition 1 trim, features the same 3.0L engine which produces 367hp from 5,500rpm to 6,100rpm and 500Nm of torque from 1,600rpm to 4,000rpm.

Lastly, the CLS 350, features the 2.0 litre engine which outputs 299hp from 5,800rpm to 6,100rpm and a maximum torque of 400Nm from 3,000rpm to 4,000rpm.

Transmission comes in the form of the 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic.

 The CLS 450 interior.

The AMG CLS 53 features the AMG exterior night package and AMG Line interior, Airmatic package, Burmester sound system, AMG carbon fibre spoiler and exterior mirrors, Nappa leather trim, sunroof, analogue clock, widescreen cockpit and Comand Online infotainment among others.

The CLS 450 Edition 1 features the Copper Art interior, with seats finished in black pearl Nappa leather and diamond design print. It also has the AMG Line exterior and interior, lowered comfort suspension, and AMG sport steering wheel in Nappa leather along with the Burmester sound system, widescreen cockpit and Comand Online infotainment system.

The soft-top E-Class Cabriolet

The new E 300 Cabriolet has grown compared to its predecessor and is now longer by 123mm, wider by 74mm and a an added wheelbase of 113mm. This larger footrpint benefits the rear passengers in particular.

The distict fabric soft top structure is available in various colours such as dark brown, dark blue, red and black. It can be opened and closed silently in 20 seconds with speeds up to 50kph.

It features the AMG Line exterior and interior trim with Nappa leather upholstery, open-pore black ash wood trim, Dynamic Body Control suspension, Air Balance package, widescreen cockpit, Comand Online infotainment system and head up display among others.

It has a 2.0 litre engine mated to a 9G-Tronic automatic transmission which produces 245hp at 5,500rpm and a maximum torque of 370Nm from 1,300rpm to 4,000rpm.

Mercedes-AMG GT C

Power, performance and luxury is bundled in the AMG GT range and this GT C sits in-between the AMG GT R and the AMG GT S.

As such, it has the 4.0 litre biturbo V8 mated to the 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) which produces 557hp and 680Nm of torque.

This coupe goes from 0-100kph in just 3.7 seconds.

The GT C has a long low hood, the vertically oriented Panamericana grille with new Jet Wing air intakes and broad rear for an aggressive stance.

While performance may be dripping out of its ears, the GT C offers comfort in the form of the AMG Ride Control suspension, AMG Line interior with AMG Performance seats, black Dinamica microfibre trim, Comand Online infotaintment and Burmester Sound System.

 AMG GT C interior.

And if you want to better hear the performance, one can engage the two variably adjustable flaps to modulate the exhaust note via the AMG Performance Exhaust system. The sound varies depending on the AMG Drive Select mode which comes in Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Race.


Lancia Concept brand manifesto to be unveiled on April 15

                MILAN: Italian automaker Lancia is set to unveil its Lancia Concept or brand manifesto for the next 10 years, at a "Emozione Pu+Ra" press event on on April 15th.

While no other details were announced, this is likely a follow-up to the Lancia Design Day event held last November, at the Palace of Venaria, near Turin.

That event debuted the brand's new "Pu+Ra" design language which will inspire the future style of Lancia cars.

In a statement, Lancia had said future Lancia vehicles will be inspired by the language of furniture, architecture, and fashion, as well as by the brand's sports history.

"With "Pu+Ra" design, the result is an overall language that is not typically automotive," said Lancia.

As for the car interiors, Lancia draws from the Italian furniture design to create a space, and ensure that same home feeling experienced in refined and eclectic Italian living rooms.

All of this is enriched by a ʺcolor blockingʺ approach and by the choice of fine and sustainable materials.

In November 2022, the brand also unveiled its new logo,which marked its entry into the electric mobility.

This new logo was mainly inspired by the 1957 logo, which was first introduced on the Lancia Flaminia, and will be displayed on the new Ypsilon, on the new flagship, and on the new Delta.

Meanwhile, Lancia's 10-year strategic plan entitled "Renaissance" includes an efficient range of three new models, one every two years to cover 50% of the market.

In 2024, the new Ypsilon 100% electric will be released, then, in 2026 the new flagship will be introduced; and finally, in 2028, the new “Delta” will be out.

This rapidly moving roadmap will see the brand offer only 100% electric vehicles by 2028.

A second pillar of Lancia Renaissance is sustainability: 50% of the surfaces that can be touched will be made of environmentally friendly materials, thus making Lancia as the Stellantis brand with the highest percentage of recycled materials.

In 2022, the Lancia Ypsilon enjoyed record-breaking success as it reached almost 41,000 registrations.

The Ypsilon was the best-selling car in its category for the fourth year in a row and the second best-selling car on the Italian market with a 15.3% market share, its best ever, and up 1.2 percentage points compared with 2021.


Toyota Gazoo Racing charts historic hypercar win in Bahrain

                TOYOTA CITY: Toyota Gazoo Racing made endurance racing history as the first World Champions of the Hypercar era with a one-two victory in the 6 Hours of Bahrain.

Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and Jose Maria Lopez won the penultimate round of the 2021 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in their #7 GR010 HYBRID.

Sebastien Buemi, Kazuki Nakajima and Brendon Hartley followed closely, bringing the #8 car home in second place.

In hot and challenging conditions, mechanics, engineers and drivers worked hard to earn Toyota Gazoo Racing's fourth World Championship in WEC, and its third in succession.

The victory also maintained the GR010 HYBRID Hypercar's 100% winning record in 2021, with one race remaining.

Focus now switched to the drivers' title fight in next weekend's final race.

The Le Mans-winning #7 crew moved a significant step closer to retaining the World Championship they won in Bahrain 12 months ago. Their third win of the season extends their advantage over the #8 drivers to 15 points.


SoftBank and Toyota's self-driving car venture to add five more automakers, say sources

                TOKYO: The self-driving car joint venture of SoftBank Corp and Toyota will receive investment from a further five Japanese automakers, two sources familiar with the matter said, broadening backing for the all-Japan effort.

Mazda Motor Corp, Suzuki Motor Corp, Subaru Corp, Isuzu Motors and Toyota unit Daihatsu will each take a stake of a few percent in the venture, the sources said.

With the move to autonomous driving and electric vehicles creating ructions across the industry and spawning once unlikely partnerships, the venture, Monet, which is developing an on-demand self-driving service platform, hopes to help Japan’s auto industry ride the shift.

Monet, announced in October, added investment from Honda Motor Co and Toyota’s truck making subsidiary Hino Motors in March, leaving SoftBank Corp the largest shareholder with a 40.2% share and Toyota owning 39.8%.

When Honda and Hino joined in March, the total investment in Monet was 2.5 billion yen (RM96mil). It was not immediately clear how much the five new partners are investing in the venture.

Monet declined to comment on the investment, which was first reported by Nikkei. Mazda, Suzuki, Subaru, Isuzu and Daihatsu also declined to comment.

The venture’s head told Reuters earlier this month it was planning to expand its investor base. Monet hopes to export a basic version of the service to South-East Asia in 2020 and aims to roll out on-demand bus and car services in Japan in the next year.


Germany orders recall of 774,000 Daimler cars in Europe over emissions

                BERLIN: Germany ordered Monday the recall of some 774,000 vehicles from Mercedes-Benz maker Daimler across Europe, citing illegal "defeat devices" designed to conceal high levels of harmful emissions from regulators' tests.

"The federal government will order an immediate official recall because of illegal defeat devices," Transport Minister Andreas Scheuer said in a statement.

The move mostly affects Vito vans and diesel-powered versions of GLC 4x4s and C-class sedans, Scheuer added.

Daimler boss Dieter Zetsche was summoned Monday for crunch talks with Scheuer over emissions irregularities in the firm's vehicles.

"Daimler says the applications in the motor control software the federal government has found fault with will be removed at the greatest possible speed and in cooperative transparency with the authorities," Scheuer said.

So-called defeat devices were at the heart of Volkswagen's "dieselgate" scandal, in which the world's largest carmaker admitted in September 2015 to installing them in 11 million vehicles worldwide.

Vehicles kept to legal emissions limits for harmful substances like nitrogen oxides during lab tests, only to exceed them as much as 40 times in on-road driving.

The scandal has so far cost the world's largest carmaker over 25 billion euros (RM118bil) in fines, buybacks and compensation, and senior executives are under investigation over their roles in the cheating.

Other German carmakers have also been forced to recall vehicles to fix manipulated software, although none has so far admitted to mass cheating as Volkswagen did.


Volkswagen ID. R electric car gunning for 'Green Hell' record

                WOLFSBURG: Volkswagen is driving electromobility forward at high speed, both in production vehicles and on the racetrack.

Following the record-breaking run at the famous Pikes Peak Hill Climb in the United States, the ID. R – Volkswagen’s fully-electric sports car – has now set its sights on another record in the summer of 2019: the lap record for electric cars on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, regarded as the toughest racetrack in the world.

The ID. R is the sporty ambassador to an entire range of electric vehicles, which Volkswagen plans to launch from 2020 onwards.

The ID. R’s motorsport assignments are a declaration of Volkswagen’s commitment to electromobility and underline the huge potential power that the E-drive can deliver on regular roads in the future.

“After the record on Pikes Peak, the fastest time for electric cars on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife is the next big challenge for the ID. R,” said Volkswagen Motorsport director Sven Smeets. “A lap record on the Nordschleife is a great accolade for any car, whether a race car or a production car.”

The ID. R, which is being further developed for the record attempt at the Nürburgring, is powered by two electric motors with a system capacity of 500kW/671hp and weighs less than 1,100kg, including the driver.

“Above all, we will modify the aerodynamics of the ID. R, in order to cope with the conditions on the Nordschleife, which differ greatly from those on Pikes Peak,” said Volkswagen Motorsport technical director François-Xavier Demaison.

Unlike the US classic on Pikes Peak, which starts at an altitude of 2,862 metres and ends at 4,302, the Nordschleife winds its way through the Eifel region at between 320 and 617 metres above sea level.

 Dumas is the key man VW is banking on to make the Nurburgring record happen in summer. He achieved the Pikes Peak climb last June in under 8 minutes, a record feat (below).

The iconic German circuit has a unique characteristic, not least thanks to the long Döttinger Höhe straight. “As part of our meticulous preparations for the record attempt, we will put the ID. R through an intense test and development programme at various racetracks in the spring,” Demaison adds. The record attempt is planned for the summer.

For the Nordschleife event, Romain Dumas would again be at the wheel for the record attempt.

He won the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with the ID. R Pikes Peak in June 2018 and, with a time of 7:57.148 minutes, became the first driver in over 100 years of this race to go under eight minutes. The Frenchman also has four victories in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring to his name.

“The thought of driving the ID. R on the Nordschleife is already enough to give me goosebumps. I know the track very well, but the ID. R will be a completely different challenge, with its extreme acceleration and huge cornering speeds,” said Dumas.

“I can hardly wait for the first tests. Breaking the existing electric record will certainly not be a stroll in the park.”

The current record for fully-electric vehicles stands at 6:45.90 minutes – at an average speed of almost 185kph – and was set in 2017 by Britain’s Peter Dumbreck in a NIO EP9.


Pininfarina PF0 teased ahead of Geneva reveal

The latest Pininfarina PF0 teaser image.
TURIN: After what we have to assume was a successful private reveal at Pebble Beach, United States, the team behind this first model for Automobili Pininfarina as a manufacturer in its own right are returning to their German and Italian headquarters to plan further such events for the Middle East and Europe.

As is the norm with such things, the teaser doesn't reveal a whole lot about the overall look of the concept, apart from the fact there's a radical rear aerodynamic profile including a pair of large, flat floating rear wings featuring integrated LED tail-lights. But if there's one company we can pretty much be guaranteed will deliver an absolutely stunning-looking car, it's this Italian design house with a string of stunning designs in its portfolio for manufacturers as diverse as Ferrari and Peugeot.

When the PF0 eventually makes it into production form, its manufacturer is promising it will be the most powerful Italian sports car available and capable of getting from 0 to 100kph in less than six seconds. A top speed of 402kph is also planned, although the all-electric hypercar is also expected to deliver a range between charges of some 500km.

 Earlier teaser image.

It's not expected to start being delivered to customers until 2020, but performance like that inevitably doesn't come cheap and there will only be 150 units built.

Automobili Pininfarina CEO Michael Perschke said of the first showing: "For a new car company, this US launch programme was hugely challenging, exciting and ultimately rewarding. Our guests in Pebble Beach were classic and performance car aficionados and judged that the PF0 design delivered the right balance of beauty and functional performance visuals. They came to see classic Pininfarina and weren't disappointed.

Most importantly, we have some great feedback from clients who have owned numerous Pininfarina-styled supercars. We know we are on the right track and we will now return to Europe to deliver on our aim of producing the world's most beautiful, innovative and rare hypercar."

More affordable models are planned after the PF0, but what Pininfarina deems 'affordable' remains to be seen.


Kia teases Niro concept and next-gen Cadenza

                SEOUL: Kia has jumped the gun and revealed teaser shots of its concepts that are going to make an appearance next year donning its production-ready sheet metal and they are none other than the Niro hybrid crossover and the next-generation Cadenza luxury sedan.

First previewed in 2013, the Niro is on the brink of its production phase since its launch and subsequent sale has been set for the first half of 2016.

The Korean carmaker will pair a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine churning out 103bhp and 147Nm of torque with an electric motor and a 1.56kWh battery pack - a six-speed dual clutch gearbox will manage power sent to the front wheels.

While Kia prepares to release its Prius-fighter, the company also indicated that a plug-in hybrid version is to follow later on.

The Niro will follow normal convention by ditching its three-door concept and will be sticking to a five-door approach instead, while its aero-tuned sheet metal helps to improve efficiency.

In its move to become a global leader in environmentally responsible motoring by 2020, Relaxnews reported that Kia plans to have 11 significantly different green cars on the road (ip from the current four) that will use everything from tiny, turbocharged engines to hybrid powertrains and plug-in electric through to hydrogen fuel cell technology in order to slash its fleet's CO2 output.

Hyundai, Kia's partner and parent company, already sells a hydrogen fuel cell car and Kia a plug-in electric version of its Soul compact crossover, but the new roadmap will require a further US$10.2 billion investment.

Kia boasts that its next-generation Cadenza will set new standards for design and interior quality in terms of refinement and luxury with sales expected to begin sometime next year in international markets, except for the UK.

The company said that it has maintained the progressive, contemporary image of the current model, while introducing higher levels of luxury and refinement.

In other words, the new Cadenza is fundamentally a reinterpretation of its predecessor and wouldn’t deviate too far from the elongated bonnet, wider, lower stance and sharper styling lines to make it instantly recognisable.

Lastly, the cabin will be feature a fresh appearance and layout that offers a sense of width and spaciousness that’s accompanied by a more high-quality materials being used than before.

 Kia's five-year road map for green car leadership will see it grow the line-up from four to 11 models by 2020.


New Airspeeder race takes off at Goodwood Festival of Speed

                LONDON: The Airspeeder race has made its public debut at this week's largest automotive garden party - the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The airborne motorsport for a new generation of race fans involving full-size quadcopters began at the drop of a flag.

The launch of the event featured two MkII prototype Speeders racing head-to-head up to 100kph with an average altitude of 4m above the ground took to the air to give spectators an idea of what to expect.

The first manned Airspeeder World Championship will begin in 2020 with five teams and ten pilots.

During the unveiling, the Australian start-up behind AirSpeeder was introduced, along with the globally broadcast series’ global title sponsor Equals and money management solutions provider formerly known as FairFX.

With the backing of Equals and official logistics partner DHL, Alauda Racing will use Airspeeder as a platform to develop ‘flying cars’ for commercial use.

The series will tour the world and the Grand Prix will be held at iconic motorsport venues with the series to be broadcasted live to a global audience.

Initially, each Grand Prix will feature head-to-head racing between ten pilots competing for five teams.

Races will take place under rules similar to Formula E, so each race is likely to involve around 30 minutes of flat-out action and include one pit-stop for a battery swap.

The MkIV octocopters, or Speeders, that will eventually compete in the first Airspeeder Grand Prix, will begin manned demonstration flights in the Mojave Desert later this year.

Each will likely hit speeds of up to 200kph and offer a power-to-weight ratio superior to a fighter jet.

The Airspeeder concept developed by Alauda Racing took four years to come to fruition With a team consisting of aerospace engineers, designers, pilots and entrepreneurs.

The speeders use carbon fibre and other alloys in its construction.

Initially, Alauda Racing will be the sole manufacturer, offering a rigorously-tested chassis and body, robust battery technology and motors as well as standardised software.

This will include the company's own IP, including safety and collision-avoidance systems deemed vital to ensuring pilot safety.

The speeders took its design inspiration from competition cars during the 'golden age' of motor racing with a streamlined look.

Each Mk IV Speeder will be 4,000mm-long and weigh roughly 250kg while getting propulsion from eight 50kW motors driving 60-inch blades, with power provided by swappable 500kw battery packs that can provide full thrust for about 15 minutes.

Each speeder is said to be packed with state-of-the-art collision avoidance systems and software to manage power delivery and battery efficiency.

Also, a new approach is needed to ensure fast but safe flight which is why a built-in augmented reality vision system will allow pilots to ‘see through’ the craft’s body in order to provide maximum visibility when manoeuvring and overtaking Speeders out-of-sight underneath the level of the cockpit.

“Our vision sees not just the development of a unique sporting spectacle but also the start of a new industry, with flying cars built for competition providing an ideal environment for innovation and technical evolution,” said Airspeeder founder and CEO Matt Pearson.


Finland's Fortum begins battery material recovery from EV 'black mass'

                HARJAVALTA (Finland): Finnish utility Fortum said on Tuesday it has begun recovering raw materials from the "black mass" of electric vehicle batteries at its new recycling facility in Finland.

Black mass is the shredded material which comes from used batteries, which can include lithium, cobalt, and nickel. These metals can then be extracted and used to make new batteries.

Carmakers such as Tesla, Volkswagen and Stellantis are accelerating their drive to secure these scarce battery raw materials, while the European Union is tightening its regulation on recycling them.

Fortum said it had invested some 27 million euros (RM132mil) in the new facility, which it called the first of a kind in Europe, in Harjavalta, southwestern Finland.

It said it would be able to recover 95% of the raw materials contained in the black mass of lithium-ion batteries, to produce a sulphate of nickel and cobalt for reuse in car batteries.

"Others don't have this and it will be a while before they do," Fortum's head of batteries Tero Hollander said.

Research firm MarketsandMarkets estimates the lithium-ion battery recycling market to grow to US$35.1 billion by 2031, from US$6.5 billion in 2022.

Commodity prices for battery materials have fallen this year after peaking for the past two years but Fortum said the long-term expectation is that demand will explode.

"The need for battery materials is huge and Europe has very limited raw materials production of its own," Hollander said.

Several European companies have announced plans for battery recycling facilities but few are in commercial production.

Fortum's European rivals include battery maker Northvolt which is developing a similar plant in Sweden for raw materials recovery from black mass, which it already produces together with Norsk Hydro in Norway.

Belgium-based Umicore is planning to build a battery recycling plant in Europe by 2026, while Germany's BASF is ramping up a battery plant in eastern Germany where it is also planning to recycle used materials.


New Petronas Primax 97 promises more oomph!

                KUALA LUMPUR: Petronas Dagangan Bhd's latest fuel, the new Petronas Primax 97 with Pro-Race, has been developed to give petrol vehicles more power, engine responsiveness and fuel efficiency.

As Petronas'best fuel to-date, the new fuel has been engineered to meet the demands of present-day high technology engines.

It is formulated with the world’s first Advanced Dual Friction Modifier that is 25% more efficient in reducing friction compared with the previous generation fuel.

It also lowers carbon emission through enhancing the fuel and oil interaction while increasing fuel efficiency for further mileage.

Additional features include removing 99.9% of deposits from key areas in the engine and unlocking the car’s full potential to achieve effortless power.

 Azrul.
Speaking about the new breakthrough, PDB managing director and chief executive officer Azrul Osman Rani  said the new fuel was formulated to cater to the demands of advanced engine technologies and meet the high-performance driving needs of Petronas customers.

"Having translated our fluid technology from track to road, we are very excited to finally let our customers experience an effortless drive, achievable through the 3-in-1 benefit comprising power, responsiveness and efficiency.”

Leveraging on Petronas’ experience in the development of fluid technology that powered the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team to win its seventh consecutive FIA F1 World Constructors Championship in 2020, the new fuel promises unbeatable performance and the power to move beyond.

Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 world champion driver Lewis Hamilton said the competition on the racetrack was intense and he needed a fuel that gave him the power and responsiveness to get ahead of his rivals.

"Petronas Primax 97 with Pro-Race is the fuel that gives your car the power as and when it needs most. I know what power means. You should too,” he said.

The performance of the new fuel was also testified by customers through a series of blind tests.

Conducted in real driving and road conditions, the test results revealed that two out of three participants experienced better performance from the new fuel compared with other premium fuels that they currently use.

Specifically, 69% of the participants concurred that the new fuel delivers more power and 66% agreed that it is more responsive.

In terms of efficiency, 73% of participants confirmed that the new fuel recorded more kilometers per litre, while emitting less carbon.

Azrul said the results of the blind tests and feedback from the drivers were truly encouraging.

"As a leading energy and solutions partner, we continuously seek out avenues to refine and improve our offerings to remain as customers’ brand of choice.

"We are confident that the new Petronas Primax 97 with Pro-Race will surpass customers’ expectations and delight their driving experience,” he said.

For details of the new Primax 97 with Pro-Race, logon to www.primax.my.


Ducati shows off draXter concept

                VENICE: Ducati unveiled over the weekend a further addition to its XDiavel cruiser world, the all-new draXter.

The “concept bike”, which debuted at the Motor Bike Expo in Verona, interprets the XDiavel world from a sports viewpoint. The project was developed by the Ducati Design Center's Advanced Design area, a section dedicated to exploring the future style and design concepts of Ducati motorcycles.

Their ideas and sketches have allowed the Ducati prototype department to come up with the draXter, starting from a standard production XDiavel. The heart of the draXter is that of an extreme dragster with premium racing componentry as seen in the suspension and brakes, taken directly from the Panigale Superbike. This styling exercise has accentuated the lines and proportions of the XDiavel making them more extreme than ever and turning the draXter into a unique "racer".

The number 90 on the side of the Ducati draXter recalls the racing world, yet also pays homage to Ducati's 90th anniversary, being celebrated this year.

Aside from the draXter, Ducati also exhibited XDiavel and XDiavel S factory bikes and the brand's new Cruiser range of accessories and apparel.

The Motor Bike Expo ran from Jan 22 to 24 at Verona, which is 120km west of here.


Lights out for Rolls' Spirit Of Ecstasy in EU

                LONDON: Rolls-Royces car owners in the European Union are barred from having an illuminated Spirit Of Ecstasy on their bonnets.

New EU light pollution regulations state they contribute to "light pollution."

The owners would have to remove the optional accessory and replaced it with an unlit version.

"In February 2019, we sent our dealers a bulletin saying we were removing the option of an unlit Spirit of Ecstasy. It was no longer to be sold to customers. It came off the options list," a Rolls-Royce spokesman told The Daily Mail.

"Sadly, we are telling our customers that we will by law have to disconnect their Spirit of Ecstasy."

Rolls-Royce said owners would be refunded the price of the option, which would then be replaced with a silver-plated Spirit of Ecstasy.

Rolls-Royce owners outside EU countries need not take down their illuminated mascot if they have it.

The latest model change is the new Ghost Extended announced last month. It is based on Rolls-Royce’s proprietary all-aluminium spaceframe that underpins every new Rolls-Royce model.


New Toyota Corolla and Levin to debut at Auto Guangzhou 2018

The Levin.
BEIJING: The new Toyota Corolla and Levin will make a world premiere at the Nov 16-25 Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition (Auto Guangzhou 2018).

The 12th-generation Corolla design is expected to borrow heavily from the hatchback version that was shown at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show.

The motivation for the car will probably come from the familiar 1.8 litre and 2.0 litre Dual VVT-i engines as well as the newer 2.0-litre Dynamic Force powerplant. A hybrid Corolla will be introduced and for the first time, be sold outside China as well.

Although the Levin nameplate has been dropped in Japan for some time, it lives on in China where it is available as a plug-in hybrid as well. The model is based on the Corolla/Altis and is basically a re-styled Corolla. The Corolla spin-off has long been recognised as a lightweight, compact sports coupé.

With the rash of changes to the upcoming Corolla, we can expect the Levin to be updated for the times. The plug-in versions of the Corolla and Levin were unveiled in Beijing in April. They have a electric range of 50km. Toyota has said it would start producing them in China, marking Toyota's first overseas production of PHEVs.

Come Nov 16, exhibits planned for the Toyota booth include information and displays on electrification technology such as hybrid powertrains, and displays relating to "intelligence" and "informatization" technologies and services, which are key fields in China as Toyota re-invents itself as a mobility company.


Earn RM5 BHPetrol voucher with U Mobile Unlimited Power Prepaid purchase

                PETALING JAYA: From now until Mar 31, 2018, customers who purchase U Mobile’s Unlimited Power Prepaid Sim Pack and reload a minimum of RM10 will receive a free RM5 BHPetrol voucher.

The promotion is valid for customers 18-years- old and above, and is available at any participating BHPetrol service stations across Malaysia.

To redeem the RM5 BHPetrol voucher, present the following receipts at the service station payment counters:

1) U Mobile Unlimited Power Prepaid SIM Pack purchase receipt
2) RM10 (or more) U Mobile Reload purchase receipt

The RM5 BHPetrol voucher is applicable to any items sold at BHPetromart except for ePay services, TouchNGo reload, petrol and diesel fuels.

“Our first collaboration with U Mobile in July 2017 was successful as we received positive feedback and many returning customers. We want to continue this partnership with U Mobile to ensure that our customers keep on enjoying great offerings when they visit BHPetrol service stations,” said BHPetrol's Senior Retail Marketing Manager, Baba Tan, when the promotion was officiated recently at The Royale Chulan Damansara Hotel with U Mobile’s Head of Alternate Channel, Peter Tang.

For more info, log on to www.bhpetrol.com.my


VW hands control of Bugatti to Croatian EV maker and Porsche

                FRANKFURT: Volkswagen AG will fold its ultra-luxury Bugatti brand into a joint venture with Croatian electric supercar maker Rimac Automobili, extending a lifeline to the boutique French manufacturer known for hulking 16-cylinder engines.

Rimac will hold a 55% stake in the joint venture with VW’s Porsche sports-car unit owning the remaining 45%, the companies said in a statement on Monday.

Porsche earlier this year lifted its stake in Rimac to 24%.

VW chief executive officer Herbert Diess has stepped up efforts to focus funds on the German group’s namesake, Audi and Porsche brands as Europe’s biggest automaker embarked on the industry’s largest push into electric vehicles to challenge Tesla Inc. While Rimac is closely held, it’s been fielding interest from special purpose acquisition companies.

VW started to review options for niche brands and non-core businesses five years ago, but results have been modest so far.

Bugatti’s shift to the joint venture with Rimac follows the sale of industrial gearbox maker Renk AG and the downsized initial public offering of a minority stake in truck unit Traton SE in 2019. Efforts to separate the Italian brands Ducati and Lamborghini gained little traction and were called off late last year.

Bugatti has consistently generated positive results in recent years, Porsche CEO Oliver Blume told reporters in a webcast. The joint venture with Rimac is set up for yielding “very good profitability” that’s appropriate a hypercar manufacturer, he said.

The Bugatti-Rimac venture is expected to be established in the fourth quarter, pending antitrust approvals. The brands will initially produce the Bugatti Chiron and the all-electric Rimac Nevera.

As VW group’s smallest brand with annual sales of about 80 cars, Bugatti has long been viewed as a prime example of engineering extravagance.

In 1998, it was revived under former chairman Ferdinand Piech after largely fading from existence in the 1950s. Because of high development costs and low volumes, the 16-cylinder Veyron - Bugatti’s first model under VW control - was considered one of the biggest money losers in the auto industry. VW doesn’t break out financials for the division.

Bugatti’s new industrial partner was founded by Mate Rimac in 2009, with the company’s Concept_One electric supercar debuting two years later. Apart from Porsche, investors in the company include Hyundai Motor Co., Kia Motors Corp. and Chinese battery maker Camel Group Co.

Mate Rimac said there will be fully electric Bugattis in the medium term, but he also sees scope for the combustion engine sticking around “for some time” in hybrid vehicles.

“We’re going to listen to the fan base and buyers and make products that make sense for the brand,” Rimac said.


Singer Vehicle Designs descending on Amelia Island

                LOS ANGELES: The southern California company renowned for restoring and re-imagining Porsches with an obsessive attention to detail is bringing two of its newest commissions to the annual the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance on March 11 in Florida

Each Singer recreation is named after the geographical home of its owner and what makes the two cars - North Carolina and Florida - so special is that they are among the very, very few of Singer's 40+ commissions to date to head to US homes.

The North Carolina Car started out life as a 1991 Porsche 911 and is the first Singer recreation to boast clean sides - ie no striping or decals - as well as a more potent 4-litre flat-six engine.

Florida meanwhile is the first Porsche reimagining to leave the Singer workshop finished in its unique Hemingway Blue paint.

Like all its re-imagined 911s both have a completely new Singer-designed carbon fibre exterior and bespoke interiors. The only things that the re-imagined and donor cars still have in common are their doors and the roof, which are left ‘stock'. Every other element is overhauled or replaced in the pursuit of perfection.

"We began in 2008 with a vision to offer aficionados the opportunity to re-imagine their 911 without compromise," said company founder Rob Dickinson. "And now, with more than 40 commissions completed, and a significant global following, we've expanded our promise to remain obsessive in the details and keep striving for more innovations along the way."

Despite prices that start at US$500,000 Singer's services are in such huge demand among the global Porsche collecting community that at any one time there is a six-month waiting list.


Watch CarSifu talk about Perodua Bezza and driving impressions - VIDEO

                CarSifu’s senior writer Thomas Huong tells The Star TV what he  thinks about the Bezza, Perodua’s first sedan, which will be officially launched on July 21.

There are five variants, priced on-the-road at RM37,300 (1.0L manual): RM39,300 (1.0L auto): RM42,800 (1.3L manual): RM44,800 (1.3L auto Premium) and RM50,800 (1.3L auto Advance).

It has a 5-year or 150,000km (whichever comes first) warranty.

Perodua Bezza 1.0LEngine: 998cc 3-cylinder DOHC, VVT-i
Maximum power: 67hp at 6,000rpm
Maximum torque: 91Nm at 4,400rpm

Perodua Bezza 1.3LEngine: 1,329cc 4-cylinder DOHC, dual VVT-i
Maximum power: 94hp at 6,000rpm
Maximum torque: 121Nm at 4,000rpm

Transmission: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
Standard features: Two airbags, ABS (anti-lock brake system) and EBD (electronic brake force distribution), ISOFIX child seat anchors and top tether, and Seatbelt Reminder System (SBR) for driver.
Features (1.0L variants): Remote control boot release, audio system with USB
Features (1.3L variants): Remote control and release-button for boot, audio system with USB and Bluetooth, wiper speed link-to-vehicle-speed, rear USB port, smart entry and engine push-start button, solar and security window film
Features (1.3L auto Advance): Vehicle stability control (VSC), traction control, hill start assist, regenerative braking system, multimedia system with navigation, Smart Link for Android smartphones, reverse camera, dual front Seatbelt Reminder System (SBR), Eco-idle.


How blind spot warnings could be displayed directly in motorcycle mirrors

                TOKYO: Yamaha has filed a new project with the Japanese Patent Office for a system that alerts motorcycle or scooter riders when a vehicle is in their blind spot.

This solution takes the form of LED strips placed directly behind the mirrors that face the rider. The new technology displays specific icons directly on the bike's mirrors.

This solution could prove an effective means of alerting riders to this type of danger.

Most motorcycle manufacturers are actively working on blind spot warning systems.

The system could display the warning on noth or just one mirror, depending on the side where the danger is located.

In addition to the presence of a vehicle in their blind spot, this device could also warn riders of a risk of collision with another vehicle, when they're breaking the speed limit or when they receive an incoming phone call.

It could theoretically be fitted to a motorcycle as well as a scooter. Still, it remains to be seen whether this solution will eventually see the light of day.

Currently, the most advanced solution in this field is Bosch's Blind Spot Detection (BSD), which is used in many motorcycle models, including BMW, Ducati and KTM bikes.

In the event of a risk of impact with a vehicle coming from the rear, the system emits a sound or displays a visual alert on the screen.

Of course, the safest way to avoid this type of accident is to turn your head before pulling out or changing lanes, to make sure that there are no vehicles in your blind spot.


Jenson Button gives his verdict after world-first test drive of Lotus Emira

                HETHEL (Britain): "It's exceptional and I'm a big fan." the words of former F1 world champion Jenson Button after more than 30 laps of the Hethel test track during the launch celebrations for the all-new Lotus Emira.

A film of his exclusive world-first test drive was played to the on-site audience and tens of thousands of viewers from around the world watching the livestream on the Lotus website and social channels.

"You always expect a Lotus to have good mechanical grip through the low-speed corners but there was plenty of downforce in the high-speed corners too," said Jenson.

"That means the feeling of great balance is the same no matter how you're driving it. It's exceptional and I'm a big fan."

Finding the right position when behind the wheel for the first time is key for every driver, not just the professionals, and Jenson said once he'd done that the Emira "just felt right".

"The overall position of the gearstick in relation to the wheel, the pedals, everything was where it should be and that gives you great confidence from the start. I love the infotainment system too, which has everything you need and is really simple so you can get back to the important part, which is the driving."

The everyday useability of the Emira didn't pass him by either, thanks to the high levels of comfort, functionality, technology and practicality.

"The Lotus purists will love it, and the thing that people new to Lotus will love is the premium quality of the interior. When you're in there you're immersed in the seat and cockpit, and there's a lot of lower back support so it will be comfortable for long journeys. That's going to surprise people."

Jenson said one element of the car had stunned him. “I’m still in shock at the price. Starting at under £60,000 (RM346,000),  it’s fantastic and means so many people are going to have the opportunity to experience it first-hand. It’s being called a junior supercar but it would give a lot of supercars a run for their money… and it’s more comfortable than most of them!”

Jenson is a long-time Lotus fan and customer of the all-electric Evija hypercar. In March this year it was announced that Lotus Engineering, the consultancy division of the business, is collaborating as Technical Partner to JBXE, Jenson's Extreme E race team.

A chief engineer with expertise in electric powertrains joined the team for the second round of racing in Senegal last month, helping JBXE to finish on the podium for the first time.

In May, there was news of further collaboration when bespoke British coachbuilder Radford — with which Jenson is involved — announced its first limited-edition project would be a modern rework of the iconic Lotus 62 sports car, created using Lotus technology.