JPJ to offer 'Malaysia 1' to 'Malaysia 9999' numbers for sale from July 2

Loke showing the special series number plates that will open for bidding from July 2. — Bernama
PUTRAJAYA: One time-tested way to boost government coffers is to call for the public to bid for special numbers.

New Transport Minister Anthony Loke said here today that the numbers “Malaysia 1” to “Malaysia 9999” will open for bidding from July 2-16. The special numbers are expected to contribute RM20mil to government funds and are being issued in conjunction with National Day 2018.

Successful bidders would know the results on Aug 23.

Loke had said nearly two weeks ago that the the Road Transport Department (JPJ) would no longer use non-government organisations (NGOs) to sell special numbers.

The move was aimed at maximising all sources of legitimate government revenue for the new administration.


Can power napping solve electric car charging challenge?

                STUTTGART: Automakers around the world are pushing hard for new networks that can charge electric cars fast. In Europe, some power companies and grid operators are testing whether it might be smarter and cheaper to move into the slow lane.

A 15-month study of electric car charging behaviour in Germany has concluded that consumers can be persuaded to accept slow, overnight recharging that could help avoid brownouts from surges in electricity demand or costly upgrades to power grids.

The prospect of millions of EVs hitting the roads as governments gradually ban new diesel and gasoline cars is seen as a major challenge for power companies, especially in Germany which is switching from nuclear and coal to less predictable sources of energy such as wind and solar.

The small study in the wealthy Stuttgart suburb of Ostfildern-Ruit though has helped alleviate the concerns of some grid operators that too many electric vehicles (EVs) charging at peak times could cause network crashes.

The engineers at Netze BW, the local grid operator behind the trial, found that all the households involved came around to leaving their electric cars plugged in overnight and only half ever charged simultaneously.

“Since the experience with the project we have become a lot more relaxed. We can imagine that, in future, half of the inhabitants of such a street own electric vehicles,” said Netze BW engineer Selma Lossau, project manager for the study.

Still, with limited EV battery ranges for now, slow, overnight charging doesn’t get around the problem of how to persuade drivers to ditch petrol cars altogether.

Without a network of fast-charging stations offering quick refueling, drivers may be wary of using EVs for long trips - which is why some automakers want lots of fast-charging stations to encourage the widespread adoption of electric cars.

‘Changed my outlook’

Slower, or delayed, charging has already gained traction in Norway, Europe’s leading EV market, where nearly 50% of new car sales are zero-emission vehicles.

A study by energy regulator NVE showed that Norway faces a bill of 11 billion crowns (US$1.2 billion) over the next 20 years for low- and high-voltage grids, substations and high-voltage transformers - unless it can persuade car owners to charge outside peak afternoon hours.

The investment cost to the country of 5.3 million people could drop to just over 4 billion crowns if cars are charged in the evening, and may fall close to zero if batteries are only plugged in at night, NVE said.

NVE is now working a tariff proposal which will penalise peak-hours charging. Tibber, a Norwegian power company, already offers cheaper electricity for EV charging if you let it decide when your car is charged while firms such as ZAPTEC offer ways to adjust charging to the available grid capacity.

Some of the 10 households participating in the Stuttgart trial said they initially wanted to keep topping up their cars for fear of running out of juice, but soon adapted to leaving the power company to handle it as it saw fit overnight.

“At the start, I did not want to take any risks and charged frequently in order to feel secure. Over time, I changed my outlook,” said Norbert Simianer, a retired head teacher who drove a Renault Zoe during the trial. “I grew used to the car and became more at ease in handling the loading process.”

Simianer and his neighbours were given electric cars and 22 kilowatt (kW) wall-boxes for their garages, alongside two charging points in the street, all free of charge.

In return, they gave up their normal cars and allowed Netze BW, which is a subsidiary of German utility EnBW (EBKG.DE), to monitor and carry out a deferred and down-scaled charging process during a seven-and-a-half-hour period overnight.

Netze BW tried various options, either slotting cars in at the maximum 22 kW charging flow one after another, or lengthening the charging time for individual cars by adjusting the power flow, or combining both methods, Lossau said.

The participants, who used apps to check the status of their car batteries, grew accustomed to the lack of instant charging capability because their vehicles could always handle their everyday commutes of up to 50km.

EnBW said nine of the 10 households in the trial on Ostfildern-Ruit’s Belchenstrasse had opted to keep the wall-boxes and most were exploring leasing electric car.

Two-way street

Lossau said monitoring 10 households did not in itself provide the “empirical mass to draw conclusions for the load profile of all of Germany”.

She also said there would need to be better two-way communication between EVs, the grid and consumers for the system to function efficiently on a large scale.

“There will have to be more exchange of information between e-cars and the grid to update the loading status in real-time, because otherwise, there can be the wrong impression about the speed of loading,” she said.

READ MORE:
Claims data points to high-end electric car risks, says AXA

Utility companies developing so-called vehicle-to-grid (V2G) services, however, are struggling to persuade some automakers to use technology that allows two-way flows of information, and power, between batteries and grids.

Carmakers such as Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE), Daimler (DAIGn.DE) and Ford (F.N), for example, are prioritizing one-directional fast-charging instead to overcome consumer resistance to EVs.

Japan’s Nissan (7201.T) has been leading the way among carmakers exploring V2G though Germany’s BMW (BMWG.DE) has now decided to develop it too, saying cooperation between cars and grids will be key to making e-mobility ready for mass markets.

“It is about making sure there is enough supply for the electric cars and that the lights do not go out elsewhere,” a BMW spokesman said. “The cars don’t just load when it’s best for the market, but they can also supply power back to the grid to help even out demand spikes.”

“There has to be more progress on the data exchanges, however. It is not yet the standard,” he said.

Nevertheless, the Ostfildern-Ruit trial has raised hopes that power grids might be able to cope with an influx of electric cars, especially if the consumers play ball.

Even if drivers resist overnight charging, suppliers of software and equipment to power grids, such as Germany’s Siemens (SIEGn.DE), are also looking at safer and more efficient ways to manage how and when power is used to charge cars.

More data please

The German city of Hamburg, for example, started a three-year pilot project this month with Siemens to pre-emptively identify overloads on transformers and along cables, and manage EV charging points accordingly.

“Loading processes offer so much flexibility that the overload on the networks can be reduced by deferring loading times or reducing the load that is supplied,” said Thomas Werner, expert at Siemens Digital Grid.

“This happens through the digitisation of hardware and software and with communication technology,” he said.

Using software to help protect ageing power networks from predictable surges could also avoid costly hardware upgrades to parts of the 1.7 million km of distribution grids in Germany.

With few than 100,000 electric-only cars in Germany at the moment, there is little threat of blackouts from over-demand. But the Transport Ministry in Berlin envisages up to 10 million electric cars on the roads by 2030.

The number of charging points across the country also only stands at 21,000. That’s up 50% over the last year but still barely a fraction of future needs.

Next up for Netze BW is a trickier test.

Managing the power for 10 households with electric cars in a suburban street of 22 homes is one thing, now the power company is launching a study of car charging behavior in an apartment block with 80 flats, where quarrels over access are likely.

It is also looking at a study in rural areas, where the longer cables required present challenges in maintaining stable voltages for charging.

But that’s still only part of the story. Lossau said power companies would have to work more closely with carmakers to fill knowledge gaps and exchange information.

“It can only work if we get more data from each other.”


Shell's Mint Hotel station is first-of-its-kind to get Gold GBI-certified in Malaysia

                KUALA LUMPUR: Shell Malaysia's Mint Hotel Station is the first petrol station in the country to be awarded the Provisional Gold Standard by Green Building Index (GBI).

The Mint Hotel Station is integrated with a multi-faceted approach of combining both renewable energy (RE) and energy-efficient (EE) innovations that reflects the GBI Gold Standard requirements.

The solar Photo Voltaic (PV) rooftop system at the station is able to generate almost 90,575KWh of electricity per year, enough to power an average of 382 households per month.

The electricity generated through the solar power panels are also able to reduce the station’s carbon emission by 62.8 tonnes per annum, which is equivalent to saving 1,118 trees.

To reduce the station’s usage of water from municipal systems, a rainwater harvesting system is utilised to collect and store rainwater for the station’s facilities.

The water conservation system coupled with efficient waterflow fittings saves approximately 167,749 gallons of water per year, which is equivalent to supplying water to 24 households for a month.

Another feature at Shell Mint Hotel station is its food waste composting machine that converts food waste into fertilisers.

The station is capable of collecting about 30kg of food waste every day and convert it into approximately 6kg of fertilisers; which is equivalent to producing up to 2,190 kg of fertilisers in a year that can fertilise up to 4,000 potted plants.

Other low carbon innovations include energy-efficient air conditioners and chillers, recycling facilities and smart LED lighting system at the forecourt.

 Green Building Index (GBI) Accreditation Panel chairman Serina Hijjas (left) and Shairan showing the mock GBI-certification.

In January this year, Shell reached another milestone in its journey to lower carbon emissions in its mobility operations by the installation of solar panels at 100 of its petrol stations in Malaysia.

Together with Cleantech Solar, Shell has installed solar panels at another 51 stations as of May.

A total of 15,929 solar PV panels with a total capacity of 7.17-megawatt peak (MWp) were installed on the stations’ roofs, enough to power 1,853 households per year.

These 151 solar-powered Shell stations can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 4,448 tonnes per year, which is equivalent to planting 79,185 trees.

Shell Malaysia Trading and Shell Timur managing director Shairan Huzani Husain said the company were committed to powering progress by providing more and cleaner energy solutions.

"Shell Mint Hotel Station is our latest milestone towards fulfilling this commitment. By powering Malaysia with cleaner energy and innovation mobility solutions, Shell hopes to mobilise the energy sector and increase its efficiency by offering products and services with lower carbon emissions,” he said.

Shell’s commitment to making life’s journeys better for its customers and the communities it operates in is reflected in its dedication to reducing carbon emissions by Reusing, Recycling and Repurposing.

Among the examples of the innovative low carbon initiatives include Shell Recharge and bringing innovative Reverse Vending Machine to its petrol stations.

Shell Recharge EV charging bays are available at seven locations: Shell Mint hotel, Sunway Medical Centre, iOi City Mall, Lot 10, Sunway Pyramid, Sunway Velocity and 163 Retail Park Mont Kiara.

The Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles/ Electric Vehicles (PHEV/EV) charging bays can be utilised via the ParkEasy mobile app available on both iOS and Android.

Furthermore, to enhance the electric mobility experience in the country, Shell and Porsche Asia Pacific recently announced the implementation of Southeast Asia’s first cross-border high performance charging (HPC) network with 12 charge points at six Shell stations strategically located along Malaysia’s North-South highway, offering EV drivers the possibility of smooth and convenient travel between Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Penang.

The innovative Reverse Vending Machines called Klean Machines at Shell Taman Tun Dr Ismail and Shell SKVE Serdang (Kajang-bound) allow customers to be rewarded 1 BonusLink point per PET plastic bottle or aluminum can recycled at the machine.

The recyclables collected are then transported to authorized recycling centers, thus preventing deeper landfill pollution.

Within two months of launching, more than 5,000 PET plastic bottles and aluminums cans were collected. Shell is currently working on plans to bring Klean Machines to more Shell stations in the coming years.

Currently, Shell has three GBI-certified sites while five other stations are being assessed for GBI certification.

In the pursuit of mitigating carbon emission, Shell aims to have a total of 300 solar-powered and 40 GBI-certified sites by 2021.


Toyota joins new grouping to promote hydrogen propulsion

                TOKYO: Toyota has joined the Japan Hydrogen Association (JH2A), a new organisation that promotes global collaboration and the formation of a hydrogen supply chain in the field.

JH2A avowed goal is to work with stakeholders to ensure that Japan continues to lead the world in the use of hydrogen, which is expected to play a central role in combating global warming.

As part of Toyota's move to cut emissions and global warming, it said would work with JH2A partners to "establish a hydrogen society at an early point".


Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic variant enters at RM723K

                PETALING JAYA: Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia has just rolled out the 3.0L R-Dynamic variant of the Range Rover Velar, which is being pitched as a vehicle for those looking for more power in a luxurious mid-sized SUV.

Priced at RM722,787, this variant is now available at all showrooms nationwide.

The P380 supercharged V6 petrol engine enables the all-wheel drive Velar to sprint from 0 to 100kph in 5.7s before reaching an electronically limited top speed of 250kph. The 3.0-litre engine, mated to an 9-speed automatic, produces 376hp and 450Nm of torque.

The exhaust note has been enhanced to produce a deep powerful note to match the refined cabin.

The Velar cabin uses premium and luxury materials to reflect extravagance. The instrument panel’s strong, horizontal beam is the defining element of the Velar’s interior architecture while the slender air vents reinforce the Velar’s reductive, technology-enabled design. The seats are covered with perforated leather combined with Kvadrat’s (only available with the Premium Textile Interior Pack) luxurious fabric for an opulent plush.

Pioneering consumer technologies such as the flush deployable door handles and the Touch Pro Duo infotainment system are among the advanced features of the Velar. The Touch Pro Duo features two 10-inch high-definition touchscreens integrated seamlessly behind secret-until-lit surfaces.

The flush deployable door handles are a futuristic feature and deploy when the vehicle is unlocked and retract once the vehicle is locked. The door handle design contributes to the low drag coefficient of 0.32.

The Matrix LED headlights, one of the most slender headlights to appear on a Land Rover vehicle. These boldly designed headlights produce a quality of light close to daylight, giving excellent illumination and reducing eye fatigue.

The Velar’s body is built with aluminium-intensive monocoque using Jaguar Land Rover’s Lightweight Aluminium Architecture. Aluminium alloys account for more than 81 percent of the body-in-white – a figure no competitor can match. Its light, stiff, aluminium-intensive body, together with double-wishbone front and Integral Link rear suspension provides the basis for agile handling, ride comfort and refinement.

Safety features includes six airbags and a suite of technology advanced driver assistance system such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Emergency Braking system.

The 3.0L Velar features a sophisticated all-wheel drive system, four-corner air suspension, class-leading ground clearance of 251mm, class-leading wading depth of 650mm. The air suspension’s ride height drops by 10mm when cruising at speeds above 105kph to reduce aerodynamic drag and improve fuel efficiency.

All Land Rover vehicles distributed by authorised dealers also come with the Land Rover Care programme which includes a five-year warranty, five-year free service and three-year roadside assistance.


Over 60,000 Toyota cars in Malaysia recalled over power window switch

                SHAH ALAM: Over 60,000 Toyota cars in Malaysia are part of a global Toyota recall to check for a defective power window master switch.

Local Toyota distributor UMW Toyota Motor said 66,830 units of Vios, Corolla Altis,  Camry, Yaris and RAV4 manufactured from September 2005 to December 2010, are involved in the recall.

UMW Toyota Motor said if the switch is still usable, it will be coated with a special grease for optimal operation. But if it is defective, it will be replaced for free.

For more information, call the Toyota hotline 1800-8-869682.


Booking opens for new Toyota Corolla Altis

                SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota Motor has started taking orders for the all-new Toyota Corolla Altis which will be launched locally soon.

Orders for the new sedan can be placed at any authorised Toyota showroom nationwide from today. The car will be available in variants of 1.8G estimated at RM136,888 and 1.8E at RM128,888.

The Corolla Altis has been completely redesigned and re-engineered using the Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform that promises to deliver better performance, superior driving
dynamics and comfort.

The car will also get the latest Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), an integrated safety systems that provide a safer driving experience and other sophisticated features.

The Corolla is considered the best-selling car in the world and is among the first cars to be assembled in Malaysia about 50 years ago.

Other brands are also upping their game by incorporating advanced safety features in their cars. One example is Honda with its Honda Sensing in the Odyssey, Accord and the CR-V.

The order-taking comes two days after Honda Malaysia said it is accepting orders for its refreshed Civic, the rival to the Corolla Altis, which is due for launch by the fourth quarter.


What to expect from Honda at Tokyo show

                TOKYO: Honda has announced a wide range of concepts, production cars and motorcycles that it will present at the 44th Tokyo Motor Show from Oct 30 to Nov 8.

Covering the largest floor area of any single brand at the show, Honda’s stand highlights the diversity of its current product line-up and includes innovative mobility solutions designed to improve the day-to-day lives of customers.

Highlights include the first chance to see its all-new fuel cell vehicle, provisionally called the FCV, the all-new NSX hybrid supercar and a range of racing machines from a range of international race series.

Honda FCV
Honda’s original technologies have made the tentatively-named FCV, the world’s first production model of a fuel-cell powered saloon to house the entire fuel-cell powertrain in the space normally occupied by the engine and transmission. This powertrain layout has enabled a full cabin package that seats five adults comfortably. Moreover, the all-new FCV features a cruising range of more than 700 km while exhilarating driving is made possible by the high-output motors. The Japanese specification FCV can also act as a mobile power plant thanks to its external power feeding inverter, meaning that it will generate and provide electricity to communities in the case of an emergency.

New models for Japan
Following strong sales in Europe this summer, the all-new Civic Type R will make its Japanese debut at the show. Produced at Honda of the (UK) Manufacturing in Swindon, sales in Japan of the all-new Civic Type R will start later this year.

Honda will also be displaying the all-new S660 open-top sports mini-vehicle. The S660, which is sold exclusively in Japan, has been designed to deliver the same excitement as a fully-fledged sports car in a compact and efficient package.

Concepts
Honda will be exhibiting several concept models, including Honda Project 2&4 powered by RC213V, which made its global debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Designed to deliver an immersive driving environment, Honda Project 2&4 uses Honda’s experience to provide the freedom of a motorcycle and the manoeuvrability of a car.

Other concepts on display that address the challenge of future mobility are Honda’s WANDER STAND and WANDER WALKER. Both have been designed to explore the joy and freedom of mobility, and the WANDER WALKER was specifically designed to manoeuvre freely among pedestrians.


Europe's auto industry shuts factories, cuts output as virus hits

                BARCELONA/MILAN: Europe’s major car and parts makers rushed on Wednesday to close factories and cut output in Italy and considered sending workers home elsewhere, in the first signs that coronavirus is disrupting the region’s struggling automotive industry.

Fiat Chrysler said it was temporarily halting operations at some of its Italian factories and would reduce production in response to Europe’s largest coronavirus outbreak.

The Italian-American carmaker has stepped up measures across its facilities, including intensive cleaning of all work and rest areas, to support the government’s directives to curb the spread of the infectious disease.

Italian tyremaker Pirelli said it was cutting production for several days at its Settimo Torinese plant in northern Italy after a worker tested positive for the virus.

Italy is the worst-affected country in the world after China and the unprecedented lockdown of the country has heaped fresh pressure on the region’s ailing car sector.

Other companies including Britain’s biggest carmaker Jaguar Land Rover and Peugeot owner PSA were also scrambling to deal with infections among staff, highlighting the risks to business beyond supply chains and Italy’s borders.

The French carmaker was beefing up safety rules on Wednesday at its Mulhouse plant with a 5,000-strong workforce in eastern France after one employee tested positive, a spokesman said. The man has been on sick leave since Feb 29.

The actions come as SEAT, the Spanish unit of German carmaker Volkswagen, was considering sending staff home temporarily from its Barcelona-area plant due to issues with supplies.

“The Martorell plant is currently working normally. However, there are several risks derived from Covid-19, which has affected the supply chain,” a SEAT spokesman said.

Brakes on

The disruptions are the latest blow to Europe’s car makers, which are struggling with weak global demand and high costs of meeting the region’s tough emissions targets.

The virus has already taken its toll on business in China, the world’s top car market, where vehicle sales tumbled last month as customers stayed home due to the epidemic.

An industry association warned last week that car sales in Italy, Europe’s third-largest economy, could shrink by more than 15%.

SEAT would make temporary layoffs if it had to cut production due to supply issues, the spokesman said.

SEAT union representative Matias Carnero said the company’s supply chain was being affected by the worsening coronavirus outbreak.

“It all looks like it is going to be requested,” said Carnero, a representative for UGT, the main labour union at SEAT, referring to the potential temporary layoffs.

Under temporary layoffs, Spanish workers are normally paid part of their salary.

The company spokesman said the duration of these layoffs had not been discussed yet, but Carnero said they could last between two and five weeks, adding that this could potentially affect about 7,000 people at the plant.

Italian brake maker Brembo warned on Tuesday that its northern Italian production could struggle if the government introduced even more stringent measures to tackle the spread of the coronavirus.


Honda and GM seek North America alliance to share car platforms

                DETROIT: General Motors and Honda are laying the groundwork for a deeper partnership in North America to jointly develop petrol engines and crossover SUVs, seeking to cut costs as the auto industry moves towards electric vehicles.

The two automakers signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to establish a North American automotive alliance, they said in a statement Thursday.

While each manufacturer will sell vehicles under its own US and Japanese brands, the companies will cooperate in areas such as parts and materials purchasing, research activities and connected-car services.

It marks a major step in the integration of operations at two of the world’s largest automakers, even though terms are still being worked out and the two companies don’t plan a capital tie-up.

Their pairing signals the industry’s struggle to fund next-generation electric, driverless and connected technologies while still keeping their existing petrol-powered car and truck businesses flush.

“This alliance will help both companies accelerate investment in future mobility innovation by freeing up additional resources,” Mark Reuss, GM’s president, said in a statement.

GM and Honda plan to jointly develop four crossover SUVs for the North American market, freeing up cash for battery-powered vehicles.

GM is planning to sell at least 20 EVs globally by 2023, and Honda will develop two plug-in models using the Detroit carmaker’s Ultium battery pack.

“This is an important first step for them to see whether their partnership will create more synergies,” said Takeshi Miyao, an analyst at Carnorama in Tokyo.

Cruise precedent

If the collaboration works out as promised, analysts say the partnership could see GM and Honda move closer in terms of engineering integration and could even eventually end up with the two companies taking minority stakes in each other.

There is precedent for that since Honda already owns a minority stake in Cruise LLC, the self-driving car company that is majority owned by GM. Two years ago, Honda committed to investing US$2.75 billion over 12 years in the venture.

 General Motors' new modular platform and battery system, Ultium, is sought after by Honda.

While limited geographically to North America, the alliance represents a high-stakes bet because crossover SUVs make up the bulk of the two automakers’ sales in the highly profitable region.

“GM and Honda are on a progression that could be a very big deal,” said Jeff Schuster, senior vice president of Forecasting at research firm LMC Automotive. “It feels like it’s moving towards something bigger.”

The tighter collaboration to conserve capital comes as electric-car leader Tesla Inc. has benefited from an upswell in demand for its shares and as several private and recently publicly listed EV startups have captured the imagination of investors.

Mixed record

Over the past decade, carmakers have been forging increasingly close partnerships to help handle the costs of developing technology. Ford Motor Co. and Volkswagen AG have joined forces to develop electric vehicles and self-driving cars.

GM and Honda also will face off against other major partnerships, including the shaky alliance among Nissan Motor Co., Renault SA and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. They also will contend with the combined strength of Peugeot owner PSA Group and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV, which plan to merge next year.

The track record of automotive mergers and joint ventures is checkered because of the cultural and engineering challenges that come with pairing far-flung companies with distinct brand identities.

The Renault-Nissan alliance has been on the rocks since the former chairman of both companies, Carlos Ghosn, was arrested in 2018 on corruption charges and fired. Daimler AG’s 1998 acquisition of the former Chrysler Corp. failed and the Germans sold it to private equity fund Cerberus Capital Management, which led it into bankruptcy.

GM has had failed equity tie-ups with Italy’s Fiat prior to the formation of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, as well as a trio of Japanese automakers: Isuzu Motors Ltd., Suzuki Motor Corp. and Subaru Corp. when it was known as Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. A more recent deal with Peugeot ended similarly in a write-down of GM’s investment and few joint projects to show for it.

Honda has eschewed tight partnerships and sought to remain fiercely independent, but it has collaborated with GM over the past seven years on hydrogen-powered fuel cell system development.

GM and Honda might be more willing to share a broader range of technology thanks to trust established in their existing cooperative efforts in autonomy and fuel cells, Schuster said.


US calls on automakers to make cyber security a priority

                WASHINGTON, D.C.: Automakers should make shielding the electronic and computer systems of vehicles from hackers a priority, developing layers of protection that can secure a vehicle throughout its life, US regulators said on Monday.

The cyber security guidelines issued by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are recommendations, not enforceable rules. However, they mark a step toward establishing a road map for industry behaviour as lawmakers and consumers pressure automakers to show how they will protect increasingly connected and automated vehicles from cyber attacks.

Some of the agency's proposals, included in a paper titled "Cybersecurity Best Practices for Modern Vehicles," echo moves major manufacturers are making already, including establishing a group to share information about cyber security threats.

Automakers will carefully review the technical aspects of the agency's proposals as well as proposals related to the disclosure of information about "the secret sauce" of electrical and data systems, which is highly competitive, Jonathan Allen, acting executive director of the Automotive Information Sharing and Analysis Center, said in an interview on Monday. The group, often referred to as the AUTO-ISAC, was established by automakers as a clearinghouse for companies to share information about cyber security threats and countermeasures.

Automakers accelerated efforts to address hacking threats over the past year after data security researchers successfully took remote control of a Jeep Cherokee and publicised their feat. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in July 2015 recalled 1.4 million vehicles to install software to protect against future data breaches.

Other automakers, including BMW AG and Tesla Motors Inc, have disclosed actions to fix potential data security gaps.

The security of data and communications systems in vehicles is also critical as more auto manufacturers gear up to follow Tesla's lead and begin offering significant vehicle upgrades through wireless data links. The Federal Bureau of Investigation earlier this year warned that criminals could exploit online vehicle software updates.

The NHTSA recommends manufacturers conduct tests of vehicle systems to see if the cyber security systems can be breached, and document their testing and their assessment of the risks.

READ ALSO: HARMAN way to check car hacking

Democratic US Senators Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut said the NHTSA should do more. “If modern day cars are computers on wheels, we need mandatory standards, not voluntary guidance, to ensure that our vehicles cannot be hacked and lives and information put in danger," the lawmakers said in a statement on Monday.

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers said on Monday the NHTSA guidelines appear to support the steps being taken by the AUTO-ISAC. The Alliance represents General Motors Co, Ford Motor Co and Daimler AG, among others.


Perodua Myvi: The little car that delivers

                It's not easy living up to expectations as the top selling car in Malaysia especially when any changes made with subsequent model upgrades are critically viewed and appraised.

And the latest evolution of the Myvi, which is in its third-generation status, sees a very significant change in going Dual Mode CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) from the previous model’s four-speed automatic.

While the Myvi might share a 1.5-litre engine similar to that in the Toyota Vios and Yaris, the D-CVT is said to be developed by Daihatsu to befit the driving needs expected of the Myvi.

The D-CVT is described as a compact and lightweight transmission that was designed to enhance transmission efficiency further, provide ‘powerful and smooth’ acceleration at low speeds with quieter performance and increase fuel efficiency (meaning better mileage).

In Perodua’s reckoning, the Myvi with D-CVT should return a 5% improvement in fuel economy (or an additional 1km) for every litre of petrol and 20% better acceleration.

In addition, the latest Myvi variant is equipped with a full suite of safety features that qualifies it to be a car with Autonomous Level 2 technology.

This is the Perodua Smart Drive Assist (PSDA) that has four features – Advanced Safety Assist (ASA), Driving Assist, Parking Assist and Head Lamp Assist.

A further breakdown of what each safety system comprises reveals that only the top AV variant has the full line-up of what’s available and this is pared somewhat for the other versions down the line.

Still, the entire model spectrum (except for the 1.3 model without PSDA) remains well equipped with safety features, both active and passive.

This includes the full ASA package of Pre-Collision Warning, Pre-Collision Braking, Pedal Misoperation Control and Front Departure Alert, along with the Lane Departure Warning and Prevention features and Auto High Beam.

The Myvi 1.5 AV earns its flagship status with such Driving Assist features as Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Control and Blind Spot Monitor as well as Parking Assist items in the Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Reverse Camera.

Body styling saw minimal changes between old and new, and the most obvious one that immediately stands it apart from the previous edition are the vertical daytime running lights in front and vertical strips on the rear bumpers.

Perodua obviously saw the need for the latest Myvi to be driven to fully gauge its newly minted status and organised a media drive from Putrajaya to Johor Baru and back.

We had our hands-on experience with the top model Myvi AV and came away convinced that the Myvi has retained its hot pace despite a change of transmission and the addition of ‘assisted driving’ conveniences.

While previous CVTs have this deep transmission roar on kick-downs, improved electronic control of the operation has reduced that significantly and this was noted in the Myvi AV.

We could make direct comparisons somewhat to the Alza that we used to own and felt that the transmission roar between the four-speed automatic and D-CVT was similar; maybe a tad louder in the latter.

Of course, we could do without that by selecting the gearshift to S for Sport or press the PWR (for power) button on the steering wheel.

Doing so had the electronic control ‘shifting’ the D-CVT to a lower ‘gear’ to tap on the engine’s power or torque curve for stronger moving acceleration.

The pick-up in speed on the move was generally good and we could make reasonably quick passes on the highways, supported by the good engine output of 103hp and 137Nm of torque.

Driving along at constant high speeds was pretty easy to do without pushing the engine hard and it was even easier on the engine at a lower 110-120kph; engine speed for the latter was quite similar to what we were used to in our Alza at 2,200-2,300rpm.

Starting out with a full tank, we almost made it to Johor Baru after taking a detour to Batu Pahat for a nasi briani lunch.

We were pretty close to empty by the time we arrived in Kulai as what was left in the 36-litre fuel tank could provide us a mileage of about 50km; we decided to fill up at this point to slightly more than RM60 worth.

After covering at least 50km in JB for meals and photo shoots over two days, we made it back to Putrajaya on less than RM100 of fuel all in; pretty good considering the lively driving we were doing.

Road roar was a constant note on highway drives and wind noise, mostly around the door mirrors and roof area, became obvious from 120kph onwards.

The steering wheel system is electronically assisted and it stiffened up as we hit highway speeds, giving it a weighted feeling that took some getting used to.

And like all lane departure warning systems, there would be beeps if we changed lanes without using the indicators.

In urban driving, the steering feel was a lot lighter in operation, which is how it should be for easy parking manoeuvres and less demanding arm-work.

The seats generally have short squabs that did not provide ample thigh support but we made the long distance runs without suffering any discomfort.

Likewise, the front seatrests might be a bit lower than expected but back support was generally good as we didn’t feel any ache in that area as well.

A brief spell as a rear seat passenger allowed us to enjoy the good legroom, thanks in part to the short seat squab.

Luggage space is ample at 277 litres and if you want more, the 60:40 folding rear seatrests could be folded away according to the additional space required.

The Myvi AV is the only one with leather seats albeit with rather bold red styling that is more for flash than upmarket appeal.

For its flagship status, it commands a top price at RM58,800 on the road without insurance and sales tax.

With more than 14,700 orders received for the new Myvi at the time of the Putrajaya-Johor Baru drive, Perodua says the waiting list averages four months.

It’s definitely worth the wait if you want a compact car that is comfortable and delivers reasonably quick driving on the highway without burning up too much fuel.


Tesla vehicles can now be bought using bitcoin, says Musk

                SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla Inc customers can now buy its electric vehicles with, its boss, Elon Musk, said today, marking a significant step forward for the cryptocurrency’s use in commerce.

“You can now buy a Tesla with bitcoin,” Musk said on Twitter, adding that the option would be available outside the United States later this year.

The electric-car maker said last month it bought US$1.5 billion worth of bitcoin and would soon accept it as a form of payment for cars, in a large stride toward mainstream acceptance that sent bitcoin soaring to a record high of nearly US$62,000.

Bitcoin, the world’s biggest digital currency, rose more than 4% after Musk’s tweet and was last trading at US$56,429.

Musk said bitcoin paid to Tesla would not be converted into traditional currency, but he gave few other details on how the bitcoin payments would be processed. The company was using “internal & open source software”, he said.

Most mainstream companies such as AT&T Inc and Microsoft Corp that allow customers to pay with bitcoin typically use specialist payment processors that convert the cryptocurrency into, say, dollars and send the sum to the company.

READ MORE: Buy a car with bitcoin? Some US car dealers were years ahead of Musk

Like other cryptocurrencies, bitcoin is still little used for commerce in major economies, hampered by its volatility and relatively costly and slow processing times.

Nusk, who regularly posts comments on Twitter about cryptocurrencies, last month criticised conventional cash, saying when it “has negative real interest, only a fool wouldn’t look elsewhere”.

He had said that the difference with cash made it “adventurous enough” for the S&P 500 company to hold the cryptocurrency.

Following Tesla’s investment in bitcoin, companies including Mastercard Inc and Bank of New York Mellon Corp have embraced the emerging asset, sparking predictions that bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies will become a regular part of investment portfolios.

Uber chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi said the ride-hailing company discussed and “quickly dismissed” the idea of investing in bitcoin. However, he said Uber could potentially accept the cryptocurrency as payment.

General Motors Co said it would evaluate whether bitcoin could be accepted as payment for its vehicles.

Tesla recently added “Technoking of Tesla” to Musk’s list of official titles.


Electric I.D. CROZZ concept refined

                WOLFSBURG: Volkswagen will be showing off a further developed version of the I.D. CROZZ next week at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The further refined concept car is based on the all-electric architecture and is characterised by a clean, powerful design.

The front and rear ends point more in the direction of a production model. Also defining its styling are the wide bonnet with the front wings contoured in large radii and the roof whose exterior surface is finished in high-gloss black.

The contemporary SUV look continues into the interior thanks to its compact electric drive and integration of its lithium-ion battery in the vehicle floor, which results in an ‘open space’ – a lounge-like spatial concept with four variable individual seats.


Sales of used cars likely to be flat this year

                PETALING JAYA: Sales of used cars are expected to be flat this year, despite being largely unaffected by the goods and services tax (GST).

An industry observer said the decrease in car prices would encourage people to buy new cars instead of used ones.

According to Federation of Motor and Credit Companies Association of Malaysia (FMCCAM) president Datuk Tony Khor (pic), many consumers are still cautious about how the GST will affect the market.

“There will be a teething period of between six months and a year,” he said.

This is despite the fact that car prices of some models have dropped marginally since April 1 when the GST kicked in.

“The used car market is like the new car market. When prices of new cars fall, the same thing will also happen to used cars. And if that happens, it means that used car dealers will have to sell at a lower value, below the margin price,” said Khor.

Some industry observers said that around 400,000 units of used cars were sold in 2014. Khor said it was still too early to determine if used car sales would be better than last year.

He said while used car prices would be subject to the GST, these prices have, however, been placed under a “margin scheme” to avoid double taxation.

This would mean that the GST would be imposed only on the dealers based on the profit from a sale.

For instance, if a used car dealer buys a car from an individual for RM10,000 and sells it to another for RM20,000, then the GST will be imposed on the profit.

According to reports, vehicle prices are expected to drop by between 2% and 3% post-GST.

On another note, Khor said many of the FMCCAM used car dealers would be absorbing the 6% GST cost.

“They are bearing the cost, as they don’t want to disrupt the market and create confusion now,” he said, adding that many of its members would also need time to “adjust” to the new “margin scheme”.

Khor said the FMCCAM was conducting nationwide roadshows for its members to better understand the workings of the GST.


2016 Audi S4 - sporty high tech

                FRANKFURT: Audi launched the new S4 and S4 Avant at the  2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The top models from the A4 series will be out in 2016, and are ahead of the competition – with an extensive package of new technologies, and 354hp, 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds.

“At Audi, we have more than 20 years of expertise in developing our sporty S models,” says Professor Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Audi Board of Management for Technical Development.

The heart of the S models is a newly developed V6 engine with petrol direct injection and turbocharging.

The 3.0 TFSI has an output of 354hp; its 500Nm of torque is available from 1,300 to 4,500 rpm.

In the NEDC cycle, the S4 Sedan consumes less than 7.4 liters of fuel per 100km.

The new eight-speed tiptronic transmission is highly efficient.

Whenever the driving situation allows, it switches to freewheeling to save fuel.

The five-link suspension on the front and rear axle precisely separates the longitudinal and transverse forces, thus ensuring optimum handling in all driving situations.

The standard 18 inch wheels in 5-twin-spoke star design roll on 245/40 size tyres.

A 19-inch alternative is available from quattro GmbH.

The second major innovation on the S4 models is the MMI operating system.

Its operating logic is similar to that of the latest smartphones, including the intelligent free text search function.

On the top infotainment system, MMI navigation plus with MMI touch and 8.3 inch monitor, the rotary pushbutton features an integrated touch pad for zooming and scrolling, and for entering characters.

Also, the Audi connect hardware module provides a high-speed connection to the Internet using the LTE standard.

The integrated Wi-Fi hotspot enables passengers to surf and send mail on mobile devices, while the driver can use the online services from the Audi connect portfolio.

These include the Audi smartphone interface, which integrates iOS and Android mobile phones.

The Audi phone box links passengers’ smartphones to the on-board aerial.

If the phones have the appropriate features, they can be inductively charged at the same time.

The Audi tablet is used for flexible rear seat entertainment.

Hi-fi fans can order the Bang & Olufsen Sound System with state-of-the art 3D sound.


Renault rattled by threat from imports of Chinese electric cars

                PARIS: A flood of Chinese electric cars coming ashore in Norway — one of the biggest markets for battery-powered vehicles in Europe — is a sign of the "ferocious competition” awaiting the region’s automakers.

That warning by Jean-Dominique Senard, chairman of struggling French carmaker Renault SA, comes as European manufacturers roll out more electric cars in the midst of a deep slump brought on by the coronavirus.

Tighter emissions rules across the European Union have prodded automakers to lean into the transition to electric powertrains or face big fines this year. To further spur electric-car sales, the governments of France and Germany have included extra incentives for the purchase of electric vehicles in economic stimulus packages.

As a result, the Chinese models are arriving in a market that’s becoming increasingly crowded with new EVs, including Renault’s updated Zoe subcompact and Volkswagen AG’s coming ID.3.

"We are going to face ferocious competition from within and outside Europe,” Senard told French lawmakers Thursday at a parliamentary hearing.

"We have to turn around quickly to be able to counter these new entrants” selling inexpensive but reliable cars, he said.

Norway is the fourth-biggest market for all-electric cars in Europe, thanks to generous incentives implemented before its larger neighbors. As an early mover, it’s been used by manufacturers including Tesla Inc. as a commercial testing ground.

In the first quarter, electric-car sales in the country slid 12% due to the virus slowdown. Yet with 16,347 vehicles sold, it still took fourth place behind much more populous Germany, France and the UK, according to figures published by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association.

New players

The arrival of Chinese brands in Europe is a relatively recent phenomenon, and they are converging on the Nordic market at a tricky time for European manufacturers.

British brand MG Motor, owned by Chinese giant SAIC Motor Corp., has sold 600 of its EZS models in Norway, while a number of other companies are preparing their entry this year, according to the Norwegian automobile Federation.

These include BYD Co., the Chinese electric-vehicle maker backed by Warren Buffett, and Polestar, the venture between Volvo Cars and Zhejiang Geely Holding. Alibaba-backed Xpeng Motors also is planning to start sales in the country, as is Shanghai-based automaker Aiways.

Domestic European manufacturers are rushing out new hybrid and purely electric models to meet regulatory requirements. VW’s ID.3 is one of 70 new battery-powered cars planned by the German group in coming years. Renault is pushing its new Zoe, while rival PSA Group is offering a less-expensive, two-seater called the Citroen Ami.

For Renault, an accord between Aiways and a local Hertz Global Holdings affiliate for electric SUV rentals on the Mediterranean island of Corsica is striking even closer to home. Senard told lawmakers that may be a prelude to a broader marketing push on the Continent.

"There are a lot of Chinese startups making electric vehicles, including one testing SUVs in Corsica to see if they are adapted to the European market, and then to sell them all over Europe,” he said.


G7 reaffirms commitment to a highly decarbonised road sector by 2030

                HIROSHIMA: The Group of Seven (G7) nations has reaffirmed their commitment to a highly decarbonised road sector by 2030 and committed to the goal of achieving net-zero emissions on roads by 2050.

A G7 statement highlighted various actions countries are taking, including policies for achieving 100% or the overwhelming penetration of sales for zero-emission vehicles in the light-duty vehicle (LDV) category by 2035 and beyond.

The policies include actions to achieve 100% electrified vehicles for new passenger car sales by 2035 and promotion of infrastructure and sustainable carbon-neutral fuels, including sustainable bio- and synthetic fuels, it said.

"We note the opportunities that these policies offer to contribute to a highly decarbonised road sector, including progressing towards a share of over 50% of zero emission LDVs sold globally by 2030," the document added.


Current movement restrictions to carry on into July

                PETALING JAYA: Don't call the current Covid-19 restrictions the Movement Control Order 3.0 (MCO 3) anymore. Call it phase one of the National Recovery Plan (NRP), says the Government today.

So this phase one will be extended into July, with the Government saying it could last two weeks.

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said phase one had to be extended as the number of Covid-19 infections in the country has not dropped below the threshold of 4,000 cases required to move to the next phase.

"Now they say the movement control order (MCO) is about to end. I want to say that from now on, we don't call it MCO, but we say we are in a particular phase and now we are in phase one (of NRP) until July, maybe the middle of the month or so.

"It is wrong to say June 28 is the end of the MCO.

"I want to say we are still in the first phase of NRP, and this will continue until the threshold value of below 4,000 cases is reached, cases in the intensive care unit have dropped from the critical level and vaccinations have increased," he told reporters after visiting the vaccination centre at the Sunway Pyramid Convention here today.

Muhyiddin added that phase one was to test the country's resilience so that it could go through all the NRP phases smoothly.

On June 15, Muhyiddin announced the NRP, which has four phases that will transition in stages.

To enable the transition to phase two, the average daily cases of Covid-19 should drop below 4,000, the public health system should be out of critical stage including the rate of bed use in ICUs returning to moderate levels, and 10% of the population should have received two doses of vaccine jabs.

For phase three, it will be implemented if, among others, the average daily cases of Covid-19 drop to below 2,000, whereby the threshold is expected to be reached as early as the end of August, while the transition to phase four is expected to be achieved as early as the end of October 2021.

On the spread of Covid-19 infections in Selangor, Muhyiddin said the government was paying special attention to the state as the daily number of cases was above 2,000.

He said the enhanced movement control order (EMCO) imposed in any area in the state would be enforced more strictly.

"Why so? Because there are many cases in Selangor whether at work, in residential areas or communities. If you want to reduce the rate, attention should be paid to these areas (under EMCO).

"Maybe we will take another follow-up step so that overall case numbers across the country continue to go down, but what is important is the cooperation of all. The public needs to adhere to standard operating procedures (SOP)," he said.


Nissan 370Zki brings new meaning to ‘winter sports’

                CHICAGO: Nissan is getting into the winter sports spirit this month with a specially constructed, one-off 370Z Roadster "snowmobile."

Dubbed the "370Zki" – pronounced "370-Ski" – the 332-horsepower 370Z Roadster is ready to tackle ski slopes and backwoods trails alike with its front skis and rear snow tracks replacing the iconic sports car's usual high performance tires. The Nissan 370Zki makes its world debut this week at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show.

"The Nissan 370Zki continues our recent tradition of bringing imaginative winter vehicle concepts to the Chicago Auto Show. With the Nissan Z's long heritage of motorsports competition, the 370Zki seemed like a natural combination," said Michael Bunce, vice president, Product Planning, Nissan North America, Inc. "Prior to its debut here in Chicago, we put the 370Zki through its paces on the slopes in Wyoming where its performance heritage really came through."

Transforming the factory stock 370Z Roadster to the snow track-carving 370Zki presented a few obstacles.

To make room for the rear DOMINATOR Tracks from American Track Truck, Inc., the entire drivetrain was first removed from the 370Z Roadster. Then a custom lift kit was designed and engineered, lifting the vehicle three inches from the normal height. Next came fabrication of custom mountings for the rear suspension springs and three-inch custom spacers to mount the snow tracks to the wheel hubs.

The factory brakes were retained but the brake lines had to be rerouted and the exhaust system was modified to fit under the vehicle. The rear wheel wells were also modified for clearance of the four-foot-long snow tracks.

In front, the suspension was modified to accommodate the new ride height, and adaptors were made to allow the appropriate travel and rotation for the front skis – which were also supplied by American Track Truck, Inc. – and mounted with spacers to the stock wheel hubs. The engine and transmission also had to be custom-mounted and a front skid plate fabricated to prevent damage during snow excursions.

By comparison, the cosmetic part of the conversion was relatively easy. The custom body wrap was created and applied by Icon Image Graphics and the headlights were tinted yellow to resemble ski goggles.

"Nissan's full range of winter adventure-ready vehicles will be on display throughout the Chicago Auto Show, from our best-selling Rogue AWD to the powerful TITAN 4x4 and TITAN XD 4x4 lineups," said Bunce. It's also fun to shake things up with something totally unexpected once in a while – and that's the Nissan 370Zki."

This year's Chicago show is open to the public Feb 10–19.


McLaren to launch 18 new cars in bid to go 100% hybrid by 2025

                GOODWOOD: Luxury British sportscar and supercar maker McLaren Automotive has announced its ambitious, wide-ranging business plan that will take the company to its fifteenth anniversary.

Track25 is an evolution of the Track22 plan that was first launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 2016 and the updated plan now includes significant new milestones.

Track25 sets out a clear roadmap for future vehicles, production and technology that will allow the brand to continue to position itself as a major global player in the sportscar and supercar market.

McLaren is committed to ensuring that its sportscar and supercar range will be hybrid within seven years.

True to the spirit of pushing the boundaries of technology to benefit drivers, McLaren will also evaluate new augmented driving features and help develop a lighter, superfast-charging, high-power battery system for performance applications that is expected to have over 30 minutes of electric range around a race track.

The company will also continue its drive to win the new supercar ‘weight race’ by ensuring, as it does today, that each of its products is the lightest in their segment.

Having launched the world’s first ever petrol-electric hybrid-hypercar five years ago with the iconic McLaren P1, fittingly McLaren plan to unleash its successor as part of the Track25 plan.

While staying faithful to the core idea of creating and hand-assembling the world’s best drivers’ cars, McLaren will remain focussed on crafting mid-engined sportscars and sportscars.

Investment in 18 new models or derivatives will help lift production by almost 75 per cent over current levels to around 6,000 cars a year by the middle of the next decade. As now, all will be hand-assembled at the McLaren Production Centre in Woking, England.


Infiniti aims to launch first electric car in three years, made in China

                BEIJING: The first electric car for Nissan Motor Co’s premium brand Infiniti will be a sporty sedan produced in China, the Japanese carmaker said in a statement viewed by Reuters ahead of a public announcement expected as soon as Wednesday.

The vehicle would hit the market in around three years, and consumers would get a taste when the company unveils a concept car, dubbed the Qs Inspiration electric sedan, at the Shanghai auto show later this week, Nissan officials said.

“China has the most growth potential for electric vehicles globally, especially in the premium segment,” Infiniti chairman Christian Meunier said in the statement seen by Reuters.

Automakers operating in China have to sell more so-called new-energy vehicles, either battery electric cars or plug-in electric hybrids, to comply with official production quotas designed to reduce smog.

It was not immediately clear whether Infiniti planned to produce its first electric vehicle in other markets. An Infiniti spokesman said, however, the brand did not intend to export the e-sedan from China.

The planned e-sedan is part of Infiniti’s longer-term strategy to significantly “electrify” its product lineup.

Brand officials have said that from 2021 every Infiniti model launched will be either an all-electric car or so-called “e-Power” hybrids, underlining Nissan’s previously announced plan to make Infiniti primarily an electrified offering.

The e-sedan likely would be built on a new flexible architecture developed specifically to accommodate electrified powertrains, Infiniti said in the statement.

Its design, especially the interior, would be significantly different to current models, design chief Karim Habib said. EVs do not have bulky gasoline engines and transmissions, opening up space inside the car.

“It will have a flat floor, and if you are a passenger you can cross your legs or stretch out your legs,” Habib told Reuters.

Competition in China’s rapidly emerging electric car market is heating up amid an onslaught of models from startups such as Nio and WM Motor, as well as those from established automakers.

In the luxury segment, Infiniti will be competing with the top-selling Model S and Model X by Tesla Inc, as well as other models due to be launched in coming months by Audi, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Lexus.


Subaru Fest in US charts record with largest parade of cars

                PHILADELPHIA: Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) announced it has broken the Guiness World Records title for the largest parade of Subaru cars with 1,751 Subaru vehicles which is three times as many vehicles as the previous record.

The parade, organized by the 2020 Subaru Tecnica International Subiefest, took place at the OC Fair & Expo Center in Costa Mesa, California on Sunday, Oct 4 which spanned two miles long.

The record for largest parade of Subaru cars was previously broken in 2015 with a total of 549 vehicles.

Subaru Tecnica International (STI) Subiefest is one of the largest annual gatherings of Subaru enthusiasts in the US.

This year, STI Subiefest offered an alternative to its traditional festival by organizing a parade that ensured attendees’ safety during the pandemic.


Tesla to announce two surprise innovations this month

                SAN FRANCISCO: Elon Musk is decidedly firing on all cylinders. Having unveiled his programme to send humans to Mars via his company SpaceX, he has now announced two new events at Tesla Motors: a new model to be presented on Oct 17, and a solar energy package in collaboration with SolarCity on Oct 28.

For the first event on Oct 17, the Tesla Motors CEO has promised to unveil an unexpected model. So there is little chance that the announcement will be about the Model 3, a compact and affordable sedan that was unveiled in March 2016 but which will not be delivered before late 2017 in the USA, and not before 2018 in Europe. What is imaginable is that the announcement could concern a crossover version of this sedan that would be cheaper and perhaps less spectacular than the current Model X, the American brand's high-end SUV with a starting price of US$74,000. If the new vehicle is named Model Y, the future acronym for the Tesla range will be S3XY.

Not quite so much mystery surrounds the joint conference planned by Tesla and energy services specialist SolarCity to be held on Oct 28. The two companies, both of which belong to Elon Musk, are expected to unveil a mass market residential solar energy system, that includes a Powerwall battery and a Tesla charger. The Powerwall “home battery” was first launched in 2015.


Japan's Nidec plans US$2bil EV motor factory in Europe, says Nikkei

                TOKYO: Nidec Corp will spend 200 billion yen (RM7.9bil) on a new plant in Serbia to build motors for electric vehicles as it seeks to win more business from automakers turning away from internal combustion engines, the Nikkei newspaper reported.

Nidec founder Shigenobu Nagamori has said he wants a 35% market share for energy-saving electric motor technology know as e-axle or e-drive by 2030, which is expected to have grown 10 times by then to as much as US$30 billion (RM125bil) a year.

The technology is expected to make electric vehicles more affordable and help cut carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles which account for 17% of global carbon dioxide emissions, according to the International Council on Clean Transportation in Washington.

The plant, which follows construction of an EV motor plant in China, is slated to open in 2023 with annual production of between 200,000 and 300,000 units a year, the Nikkei said.

A spokesman for Nidec declined to comment.

Nidec, also known for its miniature electric motors for smartphones and other electronic devices, acquired automotive electronic control system producer Honda Elesys in 2014 and the automotive electronics unit of Omron Corp in 2019.

It faces competition from other companies such as Japan’s Denso Corp and Aisin Seiki Corp, which last year formed a joint venture called BluE Nexus.


Foton Aumark S City Flyer light truck launched from RM94,000

                KUALA LUMPUR: Angka-Tan Motor Sdn Bhd and Foton Auman in Malaysia, has introduced the all-new Foton Aumark S City Flyer 4-Wheeler BJ1065 light-duty truck in the local market.

The truck, available in the VDJD4 and VDJD6 variants that features a wheelbase of 2,800mm and 3,360mm respectively, promises to meet the demands of local logistics industry.

In Peninsular Malaysia, the VDJD4 comes with a market suggested retail price of RM93,900 and the VDJD6 at RM95,900. In East Malaysia, prices for both variants are RM7,000 higher.

Angka-Tan Motor, the sole distributor of Foton Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV), is a subsidiary of Warisan TC Holdings and member of Tan Chong Group.

The Aumark S City Flyer comes after the inaugural launch of the Aumark S Super Truck 6-wheelers in December 2020, which both models were also built on the Foton’s SUPER (safety, utility, power, efficiency and reliability) philosophy platform.

Developed as a product of the Super Truck Global Innovation Alliance, Aumark S City Flyer sees world-leading technology players like Cummins, ZF Friedrichshafen, WABCO, Bosch and Exedy join forces to combine their expertise and top-notch technology.

The Aumark S City Flyer is powered by the latest generation Cummins ISF 2.8-litre Euro-3 turbocharged engine featuring 129hp (96kW) at 3,200rpm and 310Nm of torque at 1,600 to 2,700rpm coupled with the ZF 5-speed manual transmission.

Its gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 5.6 tonnes, a top feature in the 4-wheeler category and is best suited for inner-city and intra-city trips, allowing customers to carry more payload per trip.

The cabin has been redesigned and improved to give its driver and co-driver more comfort and reduce fatigue during prolonged driving.

Meanwhile, seats are enhanced with an extended foaming life and wear-resistant fabric. The interior also comes with a platform water cup holder and overhead file cabinet.

Safety features include an updated chassis design that meets the European safety standards and is tested in full compliance with Economic Commission for Europe (ECE)’s R29 stringent safety regulations, anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.

Warisan TC Holdings chief executive officer Tan Keng Meng said many business owners were looking for vehicles that are able to deliver efficiency, productivity and uptime especially in times of rising inflationary costs.

“The all-new Foton Aumark S City Flyer 4-Wheeler BJ1065 series meet these criteria and is able to help them swiftly achieve their business objectives,” he said.

Angka-Tan Motor senior general manager Danny Ng said the Aumark S City Flyer development work has gone through a 1.6 million kilometres of extreme environmental durability test to guarantee exceptional ability in weathering the harshest of environments.

Beiqi Foton Motor Co Ltd general manager (Southeast Asia Region) Eric Wang said the Chinese automotive group was speeding up the development of low-carbon and zero-carbon technologies for commercial vehicles to reduce both fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

The Foton Motor Group has sold over 10 million vehicles in more than 110 countries and was ranked first in China’s commercial vehicle industry for 17 consecutive years.

It is the 34th top 500 brand in China, with a brand value of US$26bil (RM114.4bil).

All Foton commercial vehicles in Malaysia come with the Foton Total Care, backed by Tan Chong Group’s service network.


Customs Dept identify owners of 105 imported vehicles who used fake documents

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Customs Department has identified 105 vehicle owners who falsified documents as part of its investigation into undercollected duties for important vehicles in duty-free islands.

Deputy Finance Minister I Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said the owners were found to have falsified documents proving residency and fraud related to their addresses.

"The enforcement team is tracking down and investigating the owners and with enough statements and evidence, criminal and civil action will be taken," he said during the winding up of the Auditor-General's Report 2021 Series 2 that was debated by 19 senators in Dewan Negara today.

According to Ahmad, the Customs enforcement team also identified the syndicate acting as middleman to falsify the documents during the registration process.

According to the Auditor-General's Report, there were weaknesses in the Customs duty collection for imported cars in duty-free islands, resulting in RM72.32mil left uncollected for 2021.

"Checks revealed that out of the RM72.32mil, RM146,424.49 was due to inaccurate calculation of excise duties in Labuan that have been re-collected," he added.


Team effort and hard work drive Proton dealer to the top

Quek says the team immediately maximised sales opportunities once businesses reopened.
PETALING JAYA: Hard work and sacrifice. Those are the two things that come to mind for Setia Gemilang Auto Sdn Bhd managing director Andrew Quek Tze Kean, when explaining how the company has consistently been the top performing dealer for national car company, Proton Holdings Bhd.

Short of waving his magic wand, of course.

In a time when companies are struggling just to stay afloat amid a global pandemic, Setia Gemilang seems to be bucking the trend. For the seven-months period ended July 2020, sales surged 126% to 1,716 units from 1,363 units in the previous corresponding period.

But Quek asserts that there are no magic spells to be cast or pixie dust to be sprinkled when it comes to selling cars.

“Our achievement is a team effort, really. We sacrifice our weekends, our time away from family and seriously it is a lot of hard work. There is no magic or short cut.

“We constantly find ways to up our game and organise ways to make the numbers happen every month. This also means numerous hours of pep talk and motivational guide to the team to lift their spirits, to focus and see the end in sight, ” he says.

Located on two acres of land in Shah Alam, Setia Gemilang is the first Proton 4S (sales, service, spare parts and spray paint) dealer in the country to carry the new corporate identity and colour to meet the standard requirements.

The outlet boasts 16 service bays and 12 body and paint bays. The outlet employs approximately 120 people.

For 2019, Setia Gemilang was the top dealer with 2,826 units. The company’s top sellers were the X70 (54% of sales), Saga (23%) and Persona (14%).

Looking at the year-to-date figures, Quek is confident of surpassing 2019’s total sales.

He attributes the stellar sales performance to having good models, adding that the government’s tax incentives have also helped to spur demand for cars.

Setia Gemilang sold 320 units in January and 348 units in February. Sales in March, April and May were severely impacted by the government’s movement control order (MCO), which was implemented to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic.

In June, the company sold 326 vehicles, before hitting a new record high in July with 475 units. The previous high by a dealer was 345 units, way back in 2011.

In spite of the exemplary sales performance, Quek says most of the second quarter of this year has been a tough period for the company.“There were many rough days and sleepless nights, just thinking about issues to settle. The initial thoughts at the time was definitely the welfare and well-being of my staff. I am glad that during those months we were able to keep them on the payroll.

“The easiest thing to do was to just let the issue slide and maybe not be too bothered as everyone was affected. But at times like this, I have to think further and be prepared for any eventuality. I had to re-group my thinking. After all, these people are my assets. They are the reason why the outlet exists and why we are able to deliver the sales numbers.”

Quek also says efforts were made to provide food and advanced cash to the staff.

At the height of the pandemic, Setia Gemilang donated medical equipment to the country’s front liners.

During the MCO, Proton was constantly conducting surveys with its dealers and vendors on how soon they could get things up and running. Quek says once the government implemented the conditional MCO in early May, Setia Gemilang was already prepped and ready to go.

“I remembered we all rushed to do what we do best. That is, to sell as many cars as possible. Appointments were back on track and we just kept working. The team was eager to perform their best, as they needed to catch up on the lost months.

“We ensured that we followed all the standard operating procedures diligently. In addition, free masks and face shields are provided to walk-in customers, test drive cars are sanitised frequently and cashless payments are encouraged.

“Sitting areas between one customer and another are segregated into transparent cubicles to encourage social distancing.”

In hindsight, Quek says the MCO has thought him and his company a very important lesson.

“If there’s one thing to be learnt, it’s that we need to be ever ready, as everything can change in the blink of a second. The thing that we learned is the power of technology as most queries, discussions and meetings were held online. Without it, no communication would have been possible.”

In terms of performance, Quek notes that a lot changed once China’s Zhejiang Geely Automotive Co Ltd (Geely) completed its acquisition of a 49.9% stake in Proton from parent DRB-Hicom Bhd, in September 2017.

A lot of it had to do with Proton’s current chief executive officer, Dr Li Chunrong.

“Li changed the game. He invested plenty of faith in us and embedded within us the ability to deliver our best. He glorified our successes with constant encouragement. He also has a very able team to manage the network of things in the company.

“The sales and service team at the corporate head office are also excellent. They are highly responsive, fast and quick to offer advice and guidance when we needed their help to manage issues.”

Quek says Proton has laid out a viable plan for its dealers and vendors.

“It is indeed a solid plan and direction. It includes things such as how a new Proton outlet should look like, to how and what we should and must have in the outlet in order for us to operate optimally. This is not to say that, previously, there wasn’t any concrete direction.

“But there was a gap in our cars in the market and consumers are somewhat reticent to the brand, as it lacked high-technology products. Once Geely came in and introduced new technology, it created a buzz and very soon it elevated Proton to a whole new level. The market liked what it saw and they responded well. It was exactly what people wanted!”

Total sales for Proton jumped 45.7% year-on-year to 13,216 units in July, marking an eight-year high for the national car company.

Proton’s total domestic and export sales for 2019 surged by 36,077 units or 55.7% year-on-year to 100,821 units. In January, the group had set a target to sell 132,000 vehicles this year.

For now, looking at the group’s sales performance so far, Quek is optimistic about the outlook for the local automotive industry.

“We are on track to hit another record year. I believe Proton can continue to excite the market and renew faith in the brand for those who are still having doubts in the brand.”


New Perodua Myvi round the corner, priced from RM44,300

PETALING JAYA: The third-generation all-new Perodua Myvi is coming soon, and bookings will open from tomorrow.

Priced from RM44,300 , it is the first local vehicle in its price range to introduce an array of advanced safety features including Pre-Collision Warning and Braking, which are found only in luxury cars.

The new Myvi is lower, longer, and wider than its predecessor. It sits on alloy rims as standard, measuring 14 inches for 1.3 variants and 15 inches for 1.5 variants (with 2-tone finish).

There is a 973 mm tandem distance (distance between front and rear passengers), thus ensuring enough legroom, and an 8 + 1 flexible seating arrangement.

Powering the new Myvi are new 1.3 and 1.5-litre Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) engines. Equipped with Dual VVT-i, the engines are mated to either a five-speed manual transmission (MT) in the 1.3L variant or a four-speed E-AT automatic transmission.

The car features Eco Idle, (1.3X, 1.5H and 1.5AV variants) whereby the engine automatically shuts off when the car is stopped and restarts when the brake pedal is released. Along with aerodynamic improvements, these contribute towards fuel economy figures of 20.1 km per litre for the 1.5-litre Myvi automatic.

READ MORE:
2017 Perodua Myvi: fuel efficient Dual VVT-i engines
2017 Perodua Myvi: Full in-house design for upper body
Automatic braking & Advanced Safety Assist included in Perodua Myvi

Perodua president and CEO Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh said the company has sold over 1 million units of the Myvi (first and second-generations) since the nameplate was launched 12 years ago. The Myvi is the brand's best-selling model to date.

He said the new-generation Myvi is a revolution in design and safety for the Myvi line-up. The new Myvi is also believed to be the only car in its segment to feature four airbags in the standard variants and six in the higher-specced variants.

What's even more unusual is that ALL variants are equipped with Smart Entry with Push Start/Stop button, LED headlamps with Follow-Me function and headlamp levelling. In addition, all variants will also come with ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Vehicle Stability Control.

The 1.5 High variant has a built-in toll reader - a first for any Perodua car. The driver need only insert his Touch n Go card into the reader and the car is good to drive through SmartTAG toll lanes (do note that toll highway operators may start switching to the more superior RFID tech, come 2018)

Five variants are available:

> 1.3 Standard G (MT): RM44,300
> 1.3 Standard G (AT): RM46,300
> 1.3 Premium X (AT): RM48,300
> 1.5 High (AT): RM51,800
> 1.5 Advance (AT): RM55,300

The new Myvi comes with a 5-year or 150,000km (whichever is first) warranty.

Myvi buyers can choose from six body colours: Ivory White, Glittering Silver, Mystical Purple, Lava Red, Peppermint Green (new colour - 1.3 variants only) and Granite Grey (new colour, 1.5 variants only).

Perodua, by the way, is defining the new Myvi as a car with Modern technology, Youthful design, Versatile space and Intelligent safety.

The new Myvi is available for a sneak preview from Nov 9-12 at an auto show being held at the Malaysian Agro Exposition Park Serdang.

Standard G Specs
- 1.3-litre 1NR-VE, 4-cylinder, DOHC with Dual VVT-i
- 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission
- LED headlamps with auto off and follow me home function
- Smart Entry with Push Start/Stop button
- Flexible seating arrangement (8+1 modes)
- Side pockets (front seats)
- Four airbags (front and side)
- Traction Control
- Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)
- 14-inch wheels

Premium X Specs
- 1.3-litre 1NR-VE, 4-cylinder, DOHC with Dual VVT-i
- 4-speed automatic transmission
- LED headlamps with auto off and follow me home function
- Smart Entry with Push Start/Stop button
- Flexible seating arrangement (8+1 modes)
- Side pockets (front seats)
- Four airbags (front and side)
- Traction Control
- Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)
- 14-inch wheels
- Eco idle System

High Specs
- 1.5-litre 2NR-VE, 4-cylinder, DOHC with Dual VVT-i
- 4-speed automatic transmission
- LED headlamps with auto off and follow me home function
- Smart Entry with Push Start/Stop button
- Flexible seating arrangement (8+1 modes)
- Side pockets (front seats)
- Six airbags (front, side and curtain)
- Traction Control
- Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)
- 15-inch wheels
- Front and side skirting with rear spoiler
- Eco idle System
- Built-in toll reader

Advanced Specs
- 1.5-litre 2NR-VE, 4-cylinder, DOHC with Dual VVT-i
- 4-speed automatic transmission
- LED headlamps with auto off and follow me home function
- Smart Entry with Push Start/Stop button
- Flexible seating arrangement (8+1 modes)
- Side pockets (front seats)
- Six airbags (front, side and curtain)
- Traction Control
- Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)
- 15-inch wheels
- Front and side skirting with rear spoiler
- Eco idle System
- Built-in toll reader
- Advanced Safety Assist (A.S.A.)


VW's Diess says to remain CEO, dismisses fossil fuel phase out

                BERLIN: Volkswagen's Herbert Diess said on Wednesday he was confident he would remain as chief executive into next year, dismissing speculation that he could be pushed aside.

Diess, who is facing disagreements with Volkswagen's works council over potential cuts, was asked at an online summit organised by German newspaper Handelsblatt whether he believed he would keep his post to which he replied: "Yes, certainly".

The CEO's relationship with the powerful labour council has been strained over how radical an overhaul Europe's top carmaker needs to achieve electric vehicle dominance.

Diess is due to meet later with works council head Daniela Cavallo, who last week heavily criticised his leadership and implementation of the company's strategy.

He reiterated his confidence in Volkswagen's strategy and business plan, stating it was "equally competitive in the new world as in the old world".

Gridlocked?

Diess also dismissed a pledge by carmakers including Daimler and General Motors at COP26 to work towards phasing out internal combustion engine cars by 2040.

"It could still make sense to use synthetic fuel cars in Latin America in 2035," he said.

Greenpeace Germany filed a lawsuit against Volkswagen on Monday for rejecting a proposal to end production of internal combustion cars by 2030 and cut emissions by 65% before then.

Diess told Handelsblatt that such a phase-out was "not doable", adding: "We need raw materials, new mines, a circular economy. Battery capacity and building renewable energy grids across Europe will be the bottleneck".

Volkswagen has so far committed to producing exclusively electric vehicles in Europe from 2035, and having a CO2-neutral fleet globally by 2050.

Current global chip shortages were affecting production of electric vehicles more than for ICE ones, Diess said.


Mercedes-AMG trio go head-to-head

READ ALSO: 5 reasons to like the AMGs

Mercedes-Benz knew it had a runaway success with its compact series - the CLA, A Class and GLA.

With upgrades from its Mercedes-AMG tuning wizards, these transformed daily vehicles set class-leading standards in performance and panache.

MERCEDES-AMG CLA 45
The first AMG-tweaked model I got up close and personal with was the Mercedes-Benz E 55 AMG in 2007.

At the time of its release, the E 55 AMG was the fastest four-door Mercedes-Benz car and it was capable of doing the 0-100kph sprint in 4.7 seconds.

Enabling this tarmac-scorching feat was a mighty supercharged 5.5-litre V8 block that delivers 476bhp and 700Nm of torque.

The E 55 AMG’s top speed has been electronically limited to 250kph, although the car can go much faster.

To put it bluntly, it was a fun-to-drive sizzling land rocket.

Even though it was based on the E Class (W211), this beefed-up luxury cruiser costs RM1.53mil, putting it only within the reach of the very wealthy.

Even the then flagship S 500L (V221) is some RM100,000 cheaper than the E 55 AMG.

With the Mercedes-AMG compact series - the CLA 45, A 45 and GLA 45 - ownership of an AMG variant is more attainable.

For instance, the CLA 45 which delivers a similar driving excitement of the E 55 AMG costs RM396,888.

You get the-shove-into-the-seat take-off as the CLA 45 can do the 0-100kph sprint a tad faster in 4.6 seconds.

A lighter body and a turbocharged 2.0-litre block dishing out 360bhp and 450Nm of torque enabled the CLA 45 to get a good power-to-weight ratio for a lightning-fast drive.

The quick shifting AMG Speedshift dual clutch seven-speed transmission with 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system ensure every ounce of power goes into propelling the CLA 45 forward.

The AMG bodykit, 19-inch wheels and quad exhaust pipes with a growling note indicate this variant means serious business.

While the dashboard styling is similar to the regular CLAs, the CLA 45 gets more carbon fibre trimming.

The CLA 45’s speedometer has been calibrated to 320kph, up from the non-AMG variant’s 260kph.

Also, the leather wrapped multi-function steering wheel with a motorsports-inspired flat bottom styling is nice to grip and has a meaty feel.

The electromechanical steering is well-weighted and provides ample feedback.

The front Recaro semi-bucket seats with adjustable side support and bolsters ensure you stay put during hi-jink manoeuvrings.

Its 19-inch wheels hold the CLA 45 well on winding roads so I could continue driving with gusto.
At high speeds, the car feels planted and this inspires confidence.

Large disc brakes are more than enough to bring the CLA 45 to a stop quickly and safely.

While the CLA 45 has traded some of the ride comfort synonymous with Mercedes-Benz for a firmer suspension and better roll control, the ride quality is still fine for my liking.

Pothole-riddled roads can still be driven on but preferably at a slower speed, more so because of the CLA 45’s lowered ride height.

In addition to a sports car-like performance and DNA, the CLA 45 still has the makings of a practical car with a bootspace of 470 litres thrown in. - HONG BOON HOW

Our ratings
Overall score: = 8.3
Styling = 9
Comfort = 7.5
Performance = 9.5
Safety = 8
Value = 7.5

MERCEDES-AMG A 45

There are three letters of the alphabet which puts a sparkle in my eye and they are: A, M and G.

AMG or Aufrecht Melcher Grossaspach was set up in 1967 by former Mercedes-Benz engineers Hans-Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher.Grossaspach is the birth town of Aufrecht.

AMG relocated to Affalterbach in 1978 and was acquired by Mercedes-Benz in 1999.

With its decades of experience and expertise in injecting the motorsports spirit into Mercedes-Benz cars, the A Class now becomes a predator.

I know what you’re thinking.

I’m just being dramatic for the sake of bombastic description.

When does a car become a wild animal at the top of the food chain?

Actually, that tells me a lot about you. Because you haven’t driven an AMG have you?

Otherwise, you’d know what I’m talking about.

So trust me when I tell you that the Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC all-wheel drive is not a hatch which takes you from point A to B; it’s for hunting (run GTI, run!).

At its heart, is the same powerful four-cylinder turbo engine used by the CLA 45 and GLA 45 with 360hp and 450Nm of torque.

And it’s mated to the same AMG seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission.

Figures are abstract, I know.

So let me describe what it is like to just start the engine.

You take the key fob and insert it to the ignition and twist (just like back in the day) and the engine roars to life. Literally.

The sounds coming out of this car is nothing short of amazing.

And I’m not only talking about the exhaust note, which is sublime as it snarls aggressively all the way up to redline and then bawls and spits on the upshift like an untamed beast.

Make no mistake, this car is loud and rude.

While it sounds like a hooligan, it also exudes so much class.

The car is dressed to the nines with the AMG-styled front and rear aprons, side-skirts, front splitter, 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, twin tailpipes and that rear spoiler lets you know that it’s a bad boy sporting a tux.

The craftsmanship on this car is another high point with the impeccable fit and finish of the interior.

The A 45 has copious amounts of matt carbon fibre on the centre dash, contrasting red stitching along the dash and flat-bottomed steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather.

You’ve got race-ready bucket seats which hugs you tight and a short-and-sweet hammer-shaped shift lever which lets you know you’re sitting in something special.

Performance-wise, the A 45 just loves to redline even when in Comfort mode ... just floor it and see.

In Manual and Sports mode, it rears its ugly (or pretty) head with an even throatier exhaust and longer rev range.

Unsurprisingly, the car is stable on straight-line acceleration and is planted around corners.

No doubt, it’s a lot of fun speeding around in the A 45, however, doing the opposite is just as engaging.

You want to roll the window down and rest your elbow as you stroll along, occasionally waving to the envious passerby.

Yup, the A 45 is that cool.

The A 45 may be the most affordable AMG at slightly under RM350K but it’s the rudest of them all in my opinion. - RIZAL JOHAN

Our Ratings:
Overall score = 8.3
Styling = 9
Comfort = 7
Performance = 9.5
Safety = 8
Value = 8

MERCEDES-AMG GLA 45 EDITION 1

The GLA 45 Edition 1 isn’t as compact as the A 45 nor as sleek as the CLA 45 or even as fast off the line, just two-tenths of a second slower to 100kph at 4.8 seconds from the other two.

But, it does trump both the A 45 and CLA 45 in terms of practicality that’s simply bigger in both convenience and wheels sizes...try 20 inches of 10-spoke light AMG alloy wheels for size.

Headroom, both front and rear, could even be deemed generous when compared to its other two stablemates.

It just feels less constricted inside, perhaps even a little wider than the A 45 and rear passengers would generally find it quite acceptable to be seated in the rear, unlike the A 45 and particularly the CLA 45 with the largest boot capacity.

Furthermore, loading and unloading the GLA 45 Edition 1 with an electric tailgate adds practicality, but it’s not the largest of the trio nor the smallest and rear-seated passengers actually have some decent headroom.

For in-car entertainment, the Harman Kardon sound system is very capable of “rocking” your world.

In short, although the GLA 45 Edition 1 may seem more bulky of the three with its wide hips and higher stance, it definitely has more function.

The 4MATIC does a seamless job of switching from front wheel drive to all fours and there never seems to be an instance where there’s a lack of grip – allowing drivers to concentrate on steering and paddling through the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The transmission is perpetually smooth and up shifting once reaching the rev-counter’s redline gets a nice “turbo” pop that’s suddenly accompanied by a “I want to go-faster” sensation.

The suspension initially felt stiff from the get-go, but after driving it around at more comfortable and responsible speeds, the GLA 45 Edition 1 was surprisingly compliant when faced with uneven roads – given it wore 20-inch wheels to begin with.

The vehicle constantly speaks to the driver in terms of traction, pitch and roll (or the lack thereof), but thankfully it doesn’t try to overwhelm the senses to a point where going over so much as a grain of sand could be sensed.

The GLA 45 Edition 1 is simply not that intimidating, although it has all the sporty decals, bodykit, wheels and tyres to say otherwise, but it’s the overall shape that tones it all down and makes it feel much less intimidating than its other two stable mates.

It’s a vehicle that a driver would enjoy driving all-day everyday and according to whims and fancies thanks to that all-powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, strong performance brakes, motorsport-like bodykit and the only one in the lineup with decent amount of headroom. - JAY WONG

Unique features: Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system, AMG Performance suspension, electric tailgate and 20-inch AMG 10-spoke light alloy wheels with 235/40 series tyres. - JAY WONG

Acceleration (0-100kph): 4.8 seconds
Top speed (electronically controlled): 250kph
Price with GST but no insurance: RM375,888

Our Ratings:
Overall score = 8
Styling = 8.5
Comfort = 7
Performance = 9
Safety = 8
Value = 7.5

Mercedes-AMG CLA 45

Mercedes-AMG A 45

Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 Edition 1


ADVERTORIAL: Renault is Captur-ing hearts and minds

                Compact SUVs are all the rage these days and most automakers have jumped on board this lucrative segment, offering consumers an alternative when they want something between a sedan and a full-size sports utility vehicle (SUV).

If you are looking for a compact SUV that is stylish, comfortable, practical and with a feature-set of modern amenities that is a must-have, then look no further than the Renault Captur.

The car won the Best Design of the Year category of CarSifu’s Editors’ Choice Awards 2016, thanks to fresh and yet bold looks brought upon by stunning curves that will make it an instant hit for those seeking a trendy vehicle.

It already has made an impact with its audience at home and in Europe; as of 2015 the Captur is Europe’s top-selling compact SUV and one of Renault’s most in-demand models, with over 500,000 units sold globally.

The chic Captur is now available at the price of RM117,200 (on-the-road inclusive of GST, without insurance, for Peninsular Malaysia and private registration).

Besides its good looks, the Captur is compact on the outside, but spacious and versatile on the inside.

Its 2,606mm wheelbase offers very decent legroom, and rear headroom is more than adequate.

These attributes, combined with its expressive styling, high driving position and substantial ground clearance, make the Captur particularly suited for today’s modern urban drivers who increasingly seek safe and efficient vehicles that can complement their active lifestyles.

It is well-equipped with conveniences such as automatic headlights and rain sensors for the wipers, a reverse camera, and seven-inch touchscreen with AUX, USB, Bluetooth and navigation functions.

The Captur is powered by the new 1.2L turbocharged TCe 120 engine, mated to a six-speed Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) transmission, which not only delivers performance equivalent to a traditional 1.8L engine but also enables powerful acceleration from low revs.

This crossover also offers best-in-class fuel efficiency of up to 5.4L/100km.

Renault has paid a lot of attention to detail in the cabin.

Refinements include attractive two-toned seat covers with stylish stitching that are also removable for easy washing, reversible boot floors with carpeting on one side and plastic on the other as well as the sliding and foldable bench seat, which splits 1/3-2/3 for increased boot space.

The Captur also offers four in-vogue two-toned exterior colours which make it stand apart from the crowd.

The four colour combinations are: Arizona Orange (body)/Diamond Black (roof); Pacific Blue (body)/Ivory (roof); Beige/Diamond Black (roof); Ivory (body)/Diamond Black (roof).

It also comes with a five-year unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty which is fully backed by Renault for ease of ownership.


New Triumph motorcycle dealer appointed

                KUALA LUMPUR: Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia has appointed Gene Advance Sdn Bhd as its new central region dealer.

Gene Advance is the sister company of Welly Advance Bikers Sdn Bhd that has carved its name in the Malaysian motorcycling over the last 25 years.

Scheduled to open its doors this month, the new dealership is located at Welly Advance Bikers’ existing facility in Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur.

The new outlet will house a showroom, service centre, and cater to the sale of spare parts and merchandise.

This appointment brings the number of Triumph Motorcycles Malaysia flagship stores and aftersales service centres to six, led by its main showroom in Petaling Jaya and supported by outlets in Penang island, Auto City Juru, Johor Baru and Kota Kinabalu.

“The people behind Gene Advance and Welly Advance Bikers are strong and a very much respected and authoritative motorcycle dealer.

“Only the best will do for Triumph Motorcycles owners, and we have every confidence that Gene Advance will contribute significantly towards supporting the brand and our customers,” saidFast Bikes chief executive officer Datuk Razak Al Malique Hussain.

 Eugene Ngo.

Motoradic Sdn Bhd is the exclusive official importer of Triumph motorcycles in Malaysia, and its subsidiary Fast Bikes is the exclusive official distributor.

“Triumph Motorcycles have a very diverse collection of bikes, and we expect the adventure and touring models to do exceptionally well, as will the sophisticated and desirable range of modern classics that are simply timeless motorcycles,” said Gene Advance general manager Eugene Ngo Ting Jun.


Hyundai working on platform designed only for EVs

                SEOUL: Hyundai plans to debut a new electric car next year on a new dedicated EV platform.

While Hyundai is no stranger to developing electric and plug-in vehicles, all those that are currently on the market use the same chassis that structures their gas-powered counterparts; however the company announced Wednesday that a new electric vehicle will be launched next year on its own, dedicated EV platform.

This is a step in the right direction for Hyundai if they want to accomplish their goal of introducing 44 EVs over the next six years. By 2025, the company plans to be "one of the world's top three EV manufacturers."

So far, no details about the upcoming model have been released, but we can expect it to have similar specs to the Kona Electric (shown above) and Ioniq, at least.

In any case, the new platform is going to be an integral part of Hyundai's transition towards electric, a commitment that the company will be investing almost US$3 billion in for research and development.

This upcoming electrified platform is sure to be the basis not only of the model coming in 2020, but the models that will be introduced through to 2025.