Ferrari launches limited edition of its most limited edition

                MARANELLO: The new Ferrari FXX-K Evo is the company's most insane track-only car to date and is only available to clients who are already taking part in the company's XX development programme.

Based on the FXX-K, which itself started out as a track-only version Ferrari LaFerrari, the new car is lighter despite having even more external aerodynamic elements. This external package of elements is key to the car's increased performance.

Downforce has been boosted by 23%, meaning it can develop 830kg of downforce when the car is at the redline in its highest gear for magnet-on-steel levels of grip. This is partly due to a new rear wing design and partly due to external fins that create a vortex of air, passing clean air over the spoiler and pushing away the hot air coming from the car's front and powertrain components.

This aero package upgrade also means that suspension has had to be overhauled and brake cooling significantly improved, particularly at the front of the car, via new larger air intakes.

Inside, the cabin has been improved with few distractions and better coherence. The KERS hybrid boost system controls are now on the steering wheel. The screen that displays vital performance information has been redesigned to bemore user-friendly, while the camera that serves as a rearview mirror has also been vastly improved.

Yet, as amazing as this car sounds, and as expensive as it will be to own, it can only ever be driven on the track — and even then, only in Ferrari's own racing series.

All of which begs the question: "Why?" In 2005, Ferrari launched the XX programme — it was a racing series with bespoke track-only cars based on its best road-going models, but more importantly as a test for researching and developing the next generation of Prancing Horse supercars and hypercars.

The cars cost millions of dollars: you have to be invited to own one and, while, technically speaking, it's your car, Ferrari maintains and stores it until it's time to race, at which point they ship it to the track along with a pit crew.

There's little doubt that the XX race series is incredible fun and one that takes in some of the most renowned circuits in some of the world's most far-flung destinations. However, the real motivation behind XX is to put the company's most important clients firmly in the driving seat when it comes to developing the next generation of road-going Ferraris and ensuring they're significantly better in every way relative to the outgoing generation.

The FXX-K Evo will be available as a turnkey car or as an upgrade for owners of the FXX-K. But the only way to know how much the car will cost is to get an invite to the XX programme.


Volvo Cars and Northvolt pick Gothenburg for new battery plant

                STOCKHOLM: Volvo Cars (and battery manufacturer Northvolt will build their joint battery manufacturing plant in Gothenburg, western Sweden, the two companies said today.

The new 50-gigawatt-hour (GWh) plant will create up to 3,000 jobs and make battery cells specifically developed for use in next-generation pure electric Volvo and Polestar cars, the Sweden-based companies said in separate statements.

Last year, both companies had announced plans for a joint venture to develop batteries for electric cars, including setting up a gigafactory for production and an R&D centre, a total investment of about 30 billion Swedish crowns (RM13.8bil).

They had said in December that the joint R&D centre, also located in Gothenburg, will begin operations this year.

Volvo Cars and Northvolt, whose biggest shareholder is Volkswagen, said today they expect operations in the new plant to begin in 2025.

"Establishing this gigafactory in Gothenburg is a decisive move - both to continue to transform one of the most dynamic automotive regions in the world, and to become the leading global supplier of sustainable batteries," Northvolt chief executive officer Peter Carlsson said.

Volvo Cars, majority owned by China's Geely Holding, aims to sell 50% pure electric cars by the middle of this decade and fully electric cars only by 2030.

Northvolt's gigafactory in the Swedish town of Skelleftea assembled its first battery cell at the end of December, making it the first European company to design and manufacture a battery in Europe.

Northvolt, which rivals the likes of Tesla, LG Chem and CATL, has so far got more than US$30 billion worth of contracts from customers such as BMW, Scania, Volkswagen, Volvo Cars and Polestar.


More incentives for EVs under revised Budget 2023

                PETALING JAYA: More incentives to expedite the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in Malaysia are anticipated under the revised Budget 2023 that will be tabled on Feb 24.

This is given the “still sluggish” EV adoption domestically, said RHB Research in its latest report.

The research house said Budget 2023 would likely provide incentives to attract original equipment manufacturers to assemble their EVs locally, which in turn could incentivise them to sell domestically.

This will also further increase the EV options and units availability, it added.

RHB Research also anticipated a longer tax-free period for EV purchases which could help more buyers take advantage of the tax break, when more EVs enter the market.

Note that Budget 2023 under the previous government only extended the import and excise duty tax exemptions for completely built-up unit EVs by one year to end-2024 from end-2023, while the completely knocked-down EV tax exemption period remained at end-2025.

The research house said direct incentives for corporations to install EV chargers could help address the impediment to adoption.

Recently, Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said there would be more EV-related incentives in the revised Budget 2023.

On the long wait for EVs, RHB Research pointed out that BYD’s new Atto 3 has received about 1,500 orders within a month of its launch.

“However, we believe that the demand for EVs in Malaysia is still soft,” it pointed out.

Currently, all existing popular EV models here such as the BMW iX, Hyundai IONIQ5, Kia EV6, Mazda MX-30 have available stocks.

Although more affordable brands such as Lingbox are set to enter the market, RHB Research said certain impediments to EV adoption were still present.

Firstly, many consumers find existing EVs too pricey, relative to internal combustion engine vehicles.

“This is mainly due to the high battery costs of about 30% to 40% of the EV, which are expected to remain elevated in 2023,” noted the research house.

Secondly, customers are not used to the long charging period from around 30 minutes to over eight hours compared with the short time spent refuelling at the petrol stations.

Having said that, the time used to charge an EV should gradually decrease with technological advancements.

Thirdly, insufficient charging infrastructure would make EV ownership challenging, said RHB Research.

Another important point is that auto companies currently are lacking visibility on the excise duty reform implementation slated for 2023.

The reform is deemed unpopular amid the current high cost of living environment.

“As the government has just come into power and strives to tackle the cost of living crisis, we think that implementing the excise duty reform may lead to a step back in achieving its objective,” the research house said.

The policy will likely lift car prices by 8% to 20%, according to the Malaysian Automotive Association.

RHB Research said: “While we expect a slew of strong fourth quarter 2022 earnings, we remain ‘neutral’ on the auto and auto parts sector.

“We expect 2023 car sales to soften from a high 2022 base due to the lack of sales and services tax exemption and higher car prices,” it added.

Furthermore, the auto-related companies’ valuations are at or above historical means and also, lack rerating catalysts.

The research house’s top picks are Bermaz Auto Bhd and Sime Darby Bhd for their sturdy dividend yields of 7% and 5% respectively.

“Both companies have the most EV offerings among companies under our coverage, positioning them to capture the growing EV adoption in Malaysia and in the region,” it pointed out.

For Sime Darby, given its significant operations in China, the stock is also an attractive China reopening play, said RHB Research.

The key downside risks include persistent macroeconomic headwinds that may further soften orders, higher-than-expected interest rates and a resurgence in supply chain constraints.


Novitec elevates the Maserati Levante

                MUNICH: Maserati's first SUV can already compete with the best that Porsche and Mercedes have to offer in terms of styling, luxury and exclusivity, and now, thanks to some under-the-hood tinkering courtesy of Bavarian tuners Novitec, it should be a match in terms of performance, too.

Unlike the Range Rover, the Porsche Cayenne or the BMW X5, the Levante is currently only available with a six- rather than eight-cylinder powerplant under its bonnet.

And while Novitec hasn't added two extra pistons, it has remapped the engine and its twin turbos so that the car can now output 494hp and 660Nm of torque (up from 424hp and 580Nm). That means it can go from 0-100kph in 4.8 seconds - that's nearly a whole second faster than the standard model -and on to a 272kph top speed.

As well as greater speed, the Novitec Esteso also comes with greater visual aggression, thanks to a wide-body kit that increases wheel arch space - to better fit the 22-inch offset ‘Y' spoke alloy wheels, but also improves handling.

The tuners have added a front bumper spoiler to reduce front axle lift and there's a working hood scoop to help with engine breathing. The car also gets side skirts that will help it hold the road plus upgraded air suspension that drops the car's ride height by as much as 25mm.

And, of course, many of these new external components can be ordered in naked carbon fiber so that the material's weave becomes a decorative element.

Like all serious aftermarket tuners, Novitec can also overhaul the car's interior with a choice of leather and Alcantara and of course wood and other trim elements.

But perhaps best of all, considering the styling of the standard Levante, clients can pick and choose the elements they want - whether it's the full aerodynamics package, or simply an engine mapping upgrade.


Honda report shows that it wants to be loved

                TOKYO: Honda Motor Co today became the first Japanese company to issue a report outlining its approach to sustainability as well as initiatives it has undertaken based on key challenges identified in non-financial areas.

The report came in the wake of separate emissions scandals rocking Volkswagen, Mitsubishi and Suzuki. Honda itself is in the midst of a global airbag recall that has been linked to several fatalities. The dangerous Takata airbag flaw is also found in some cars made by Toyota, GM and Daimler.

Honda said the report was a way for it to prove its worth to society so that it could become "a company society wants to exist."

Striving to further increase the quality and quantity of the information its discloses, Honda prepared this year’s Sustainability Report in accordance with the “Comprehensive” option of the G4 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines.

GRI (Global Reporting Initiative), formally inaugurated at the United Nations as a new global institution and a collaborating center of UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme), develops globally applicable guidelines for sustainability reporting. GRI’s latest version of the guidelines, the G4 Guidelines, offers two “in accordance” options - Core and Comprehensive. The Comprehensive option requires a broader range of disclosure.

The G4 Guidelines also define the GRI Content Index, which is a reporting template that offers a quick overview of reported sustainability information.

The car maker said the Honda Sustainability Report 2016 was the first sustainability report prepared by any Japanese company where GRI verified that the GRI Content Index of the report is accurate.

In the report, Honda corporate activities are reported in correlation to these four themes.

Environment: While viewing “climate change,” “energy issues” and “effective utilization of resources” as the most critical challenges in the area of the environment, Honda strives to reduce its environmental footprint from the perspectives of both “products” and “corporate activities.” The Sustainability Report introduces results and future plans of such efforts along with data related to Honda’s global environmental performance.

Safety: The Sustainability Report introduces Honda initiatives in various areas of safety, including traffic safety/driving education, development of safety technologies and offering of information that enhances safety. Honda pursues these activities to realize a “collision free society” based on its concept of “Safety for Everyone.”

Quality: Based on the concept of “Aiming for 120% product quality,” Honda is striving to improve quality by establishing the “Honda quality cycle” which starts from the phase of design/development and goes all the way through production, sales and service phases. The Sustainability Report introduces such quality improvement initiatives being implemented by Honda.

Society: The Sustainability Report introduces Honda initiatives to meet the expectations and the demands from society. Such initiatives include use of diverse human resources on a global basis, social activities that take root in local communities and working with its suppliers to establish an outstanding supply chain at the spot of development and production.


Porsche reveals 'Project Gold' restored 993

                STUTTGART: A couple of weeks ago, Porsche issued some early images of what appeared to be a 911 Turbo 993 undergoing restoration.

And now the car dubbed "Project Gold" has been officially unveiled in all its glory as a 1998 model that's been upgraded to Turbo S specification as a Porsche continuation model.

The car is still powered by the classic 3.6-litre air-cooled twin-turbo flat-six engine, but in this incarnation it now develops 450hp that's sent to an all-wheel drive system through a six-speed manual transmission.

The engine and driveline are not the originals, but have instead been sourced from the extensive inventory of Porsche Classic.

As for the aesthetics, Project Gold certainly lives up to its name with bodywork painted in Golden Yellow Metallic, which is a colour also used for the 2018 Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series.

It's not entirely gold-coloured on the outside, but the only bits that aren't gold are the wheels, door handles, rearview mirrors, window trim and wing air vents that are instead finished in black. Black leather dominates the inside though, but the gold theme is continued in a nicely subtle way with some bright yellow contrast stitching.

Along with a healthy dose of carbon fibrer trim on the dashboard, there's also a badge proclaiming the one-of-one nature of a car also given a new chassis number that follows immediately after the last 993 to roll off the production line.

There was some conjecture about what would eventually happen to Project Gold, but we now know it's going to be auctioned off on Oct 27 at RM Sotheby's 70th Anniversary of Porsche that's being held at the Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta, Georgia.

At the moment, there's no word about any estimate of what the car is expected to go for, but it's sure to be a lot. Under any circumstances a car like this, professionally restored by Porsche itself, would fetch a hefty price, but because the proceeds are going to the worthy cause of the Ferry Porsche Foundation that focuses on "education, social issues, and youth development," this one will probably go for top dollar.

Unfortunately, there is a downside with paying a king's ransom for this car, and that downside is the fact that - like another recently announced continuation car - it's not actually road-legal. If you're going to go to bid at the auction then, you'd better take a trailer as well as plenty of money.


KTM 1290 Super Adventure S ridden

                Adventure motorcycles are popular nowadays, and many brands are always trying to outdo each other to find favour with buyers.

The engineers at KTM decided to build an adventure model which would inject a fresh perspective and break away from the standard mould. They designed a bike that has all the riding aid that any rider could think of. Well, almost all.

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S offers traction control, four riding modes, cornering ABS and semi-active suspension plus a motor slip regulator which prevents the rear wheel from locking upon downshifts. It also has hill-start assist to stop backward rolling at a slope.

And of course, there are also cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring, a new colour TFT dash and a pocket and USB charging port for smartphones.

The 6.5-inch TFT display on the Super Adventure S is perfectly intuitive to navigate and visually crisp. The headlight has a unique design that reminded me of the mask of the Predator creature from the 1987 movie that starred Arnold Schwarzenegger.

But I was told that the design was inspired by the human lungs. Hmm…didn’t look like it to me.

It is a vertically split headlight design with daytime running lights and LEDs for low and high beam. The cornering lights, meanwhile, come on when the bike leans during turns.

On the first few attempts, I could not start the engine right after turning on the ignition. I had to press the start button few times before I was able to crank the engine.

After a few more attempts, I realised that I had to wait for a few seconds after turning on the ignition before I could hit the start button.

The TFT display and the ECU need to be operational before the powerplant kicks in. As mentioned earlier in the article, the bike comes with four riding modes, which are comfort, street, sport and off-road. Each of these modes can change the suspension setting for a particular ride behaviour. These modes can be controlled while on-the-fly.

The riding modes are very responsive, I could feel the change of the suspension characteristics immediately. Amazing technology.

You ride in a comfortable upright position. The arm, leg and sitting offers a perfect triangle riding stance. Being a 6ft tall fella, I was able to plant my foot on the ground especially in start-stop traffic.

I decided to test the suspension of the 1290 Super Adventure S at Genting Highlands and Bukit Tinggi. After a few hours of riding in all types of corners and sweepers, my verdict is the suspension has no flaws and it held the riding line well.
Even under heavy braking, the suspension was firm enough to give me the confidence to continue riding without fearing losing control.

I selected two of the four riding modes which were street and sport while on the two hills. These modes allow suspension control unit to adapt the damping rates in real time to the road conditions and my riding style.

When I braked before entering a corner, damping at the front fork was increased to prevent dive.

Meanwhile, on less challenging off-road environment in Ladang Ayer Tawar in Manjung, Perak, I was able to tame this machine with the off-road mode.

On three occasions I rode the bike in the estate at about 80kph and could not believe that I could do it without falling flat on my face.

Don’t forget that with so much power, the front wheel can become very light, which could lead to unpleasant kick-back on uneven roads.

The Super Adventure S prevented this with a subtle WP steering damper that kept me from being thrown off the bike.

On highways, this bike has so much power, it is unbelievable. The Super Adventure S is a great long-distance machine.
Every time I twist the throttle, the bike glides on the tarmac effortlessly. It was so tempting to push it to the red-line, but my editor’s face kept popping up in my mind, thus making me restrained myself.

Most of the time I was either in sport or comfort mode on highways. The difference in the ride is obvious. Sport was fun where acceleration was fast, and I was able to give my riding mate’s Ducati Pannigalle a good workout.

Truth be told, the red machine disappeared in front of my eyes after a few minutes of intense challenge, Only later was I able to catch up with him at one of the rest areas along Karak Highway.

For long easy rides, the comfort mode is perfect. The power and torque delivery are much more smoother and less strained.

The sixth gear on this bike serves as a long overdrive, saving fuel and adds to your cruising comfort. A must-mention is the bike’s cornering lights.

While taking the winding roads on my way down from Genting Highlands at about 8pm, the cornering LEDs did just what they were supposed to ... illuminating the dark turns and making them more visible.

The cornering lights seemed to match perfectly with the trajectory of the turn, as though lights have a mind of their own.

Price at RM108.490 (with 0% GST) the Super Adventure S is designed to serve any riders with fun, exciting and safe riding.

You can trust this machine without a shadow of doubt.

SPECIFICATIONS

KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S

Engine: 1,301cc, liquid-cooled, 75° V-twin, four-stroke, DOHC
Maximum power: 160hp at 8,750rpm
Maximum torque: 140Nm at 6,750rpm
Transmission Six-speed with overdrive
Front suspension: 48mm WP semi-active fork, 200mm travel
Rear suspension: WP Semi-active monoshock, 200mm travel
Front braking system: Dual Brembo four-piston radial calipers, dual 320mm discs, Bosch MSC lean-sensitive 9ME combined ABS
Rear braking system: Brembo two-piston caliper, 267mm disc, Bosch lean-sensitive 9ME MSC combined ABS
Fuel capacity: 23 litre
Wet weight: 238kg
Features: Traction control, cruise control, USB port, four riding modes, cornering ABS, semi-active suspension, a motor slip regulator, hill-start assist, off-road traction control and ABS modes
Price RM108.490 (with 0% GST)


Cadillac teases all-electric Lyriq SUV

                DETROIT: As part of GM's push towards electrification, Cadillac will finally be offering an EV in the near future: the Lyriq luxury SUV.

This news comes a few months after the model was first officially introduced in January with a series of design sketches. On Wednesday, however, the company published a teaser clip of the real deal which is slated to make its debut next month.

At a private event recently held by the company, a handful of people were able to see a precursor of the production model which, according to those who saw the vehicle, looked similar to the unnamed Cadillac crossover teased in January.

Though details about the model are slim at this point, GM revealed in a publication outlining its electrification strategy that the Lyriq will be built upon the third generation of its EV platform and use its Ultium batteries — the same ones which will give power to the resurrected and electrified Hummer that will debut in May.

The reveal of the Cadillac Lyriq EV is scheduled for April 2.


Hydrogen-powered cars can race in Le Mans in 2026, says organiser

                TOKYO: Cars with hydrogen powered engines will be allowed to enter the 24 Hours of Le Mans — the world’s most famous endurance race — in 2026, said Pierre Fillon, president of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO).

“Both technologies — the fuel cell and the hydrogen internal combustion engine — will be accepted and authorised,” in the hydrogen class at the same level as hyper class category, Fillon told reporters at the Fuji International Speedway in Japan’s Shizuoka Prefecture on Saturday.

It’s the venue of the Super Taikyu Fuji 24 Hours event this weekend, where a vehicle will race with liquid hydrogen fuel for the first time.

Toyota Motor Corp. has been stressing the importance of hydrogen as a medium to achieve carbon neutrality, company president Koji Sato said at the same press conference.

While the Japanese carmaker’s hydrogen-powered Corolla has already entered in the Super Taikyu, Sato said he would make an announcement on its participation in Le Mans “in the near future.”


A unique Porsche Type 64 going under the hammer in August

                LOS ANGELES: The prestigious Sotheby's auction house is selling an exceptional Porsche Type 64 — the forebearer of all the German brand's legendary sports cars — in an auction in Monterey, California, Aug 15-17, held during Monterey Car Week, which culminates with the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

Created in 1938, this model is considered by many to be the first car produced by what would become the Porsche company, or, in any case, the first model to bear the automaker's name.

Based on the VW Beetle, it used a flat-four type engine delivering 50hp and a top speed of 160kph. The aluminum bodywork was crafted by Reutter. Post-World War Two, it went on to inspire all the automaker's legendary sports car series, from the 356 to the 911.

The Porsche Type 64 was originally built to take part in a Berlin-Rome auto race scheduled for September 1939, which was canceled when the Second World War broke out.

The model being sold by Sotheby's is the only one of three models from the era to survive. The auction house has not yet given an estimated price for this exceptional vehicle.


James Bond’s Aston Martin DB10 heads to London

                LONDON: Just a few days after the premiere of Spectre, James Bond’s latest car – the unique Aston Martin DB10 – will be one of the attractions of the annual free-to-view Regent Street Motor Show.

Created specially for the movie, the hand-built DB10 is the latest in a long line of Aston Martins to have been driven by UK’s favourite secret agent. Bond’s first Aston was the famous DB5 from Goldfinger in 1964.

As well as the DB10, Aston Martin will also be displaying a number of cars from its current model range including the latest DB9 GT, limited edition Vantage GT12 and a four-door Rapide S.

The Oct 31 Regent Street Motor Show is just one element in the Royal Automobile Club’s London Motor Week, seven days when the capital honours cars.

Enticing as many as 350,000 visitors last year, London’s premier shopping street is closed to traffic for the day to allow cars from the past, present and future to be displayed for all to enjoy. The Regent Street Motor Show attracts not just petrol-heads but also tourists and people shopping early for Christmas.

The Show’s centrepiece will be a display of more than 100 veteran cars all taking part in the EFG International Concours d’Elegance.


Lamborghini unveils Aventador LP750-4 Superveloce Roadster

                CALIFORNIA: Automobili Lamborghini unveiled its latest Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce Roadster in limited numbers during the Monterey Car week in California.

Deliveries of the roadster will begin in early 2016 priced from US$530,075.00 (RM2.2mil) and only 500 units will be produced worldwide.

The roadster is the first open-top Lamborghini to bear the Superveloce (SV) nameplate, which means it gets an extra 50hp at 750hp and weighs 50kg less at 1,575kg (dry) – translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 2.1kg/hp.

A unique aspect for the roadster is that it now features a power rear window that allows the noise from the 6.5-litre V12 engine to enter the cabin.

The roadster is equipped with a Haldex Generation IV 4WD system and has 750hp at 8,400rpm and 690Nm of torque that’s managed by a seven-speed ISR transmission, which means 0-100kph sprints take 2.9 seconds with a top speed of over 350kph.

Furthermore, the roadster comes with an adaptive Magneto Rheological Suspension combined with a pushrod damping system as well as Lamborghini’s Dynamic Steering (LDS) for better driving dynamics.

The SV Roadster also comes with a two-piece carbon fibre hardtop – each weighing less than 6kg, and can be stowed in the luggage compartment

“The Superveloce is the purest, most sports-oriented and fastest series production Lamborghini ever. The Roadster version represents our commitment to satisfying our passionate clients with immensely emotional driving dynamics combined with an extraordinary open air experience,” said Automobili Lamborghini president and CEO Stephan Winkelmann.


4WD Renault Koleos now on sale at RM202K

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Renault Koleos line-up now includes a four-wheel drive (4WD) variant.

It is available at RM201,800 (on-the-road inclusive of GST, without insurance). The new variant will be on display to the public at Ground Floor, Centre Court, Mid Valley Megamall from July 19-23.

The current Koleos was introduced locally as a front-wheel drive model in September last year. It is now priced at RM182,800.

The new Renault Koleos 4WD variant features the ALL-MODE 4x4-i technology, an unparalleled four-wheel drive technology that permanently monitors grip levels to ensure optimal traction for more dynamic performance, greater stability and enhanced safety.

New to the 4WD version also is a hands-free power tailgate. The power tailgate can be easily controlled via buttons from within the vehicle and directly on the power tailgate, as well as using the Renault Smart Keycard. Even with arms fully laden and the keycard buried deep in a pocket or handbag, the boot can be opened with a simple swipe of the foot underneath the rear bumper while the height can be programmed according to individual needs.

 Kuan showing the 4WD Koleos in Marron Red.

Additionally, a new elegant Marron Red colour is also available for the new Renault Koleos 4WD model.

“The Renault Koleos has been well-received since the launch of the 2WD variant last year. We are confident that with its added capabilities and the Koleos’ powerful design, the 4WD version will appeal to even more SUV buyers in Malaysia,” said TC Euro Cars Sdn Bhd CEO Kuan Kim Luen.

The ALL-MODE 4x4-i technology has been proven on millions of Renault-Nissan Alliance vehicles worldwide. The system includes an easy-to-use control switch, which allows drivers to choose from three modes – 2WD, 4WD Auto and 4WD Lock, each with its specific advantages based on driving conditions.

In the 2WD mode, the new Koleos runs with a front-wheel drive for optimised fuel consumption, ideal in good to normal driving conditions.

In 4WD Auto mode, the ALL-MODE 4x4-i technology permanently monitors both longitudinal and lateral acceleration, as well as yaw rates and steering angles. Based on this information, the system calculates the ideal front/rear torque split (from 100/0 to 50/50) to provide the most efficient grip possible to eliminate understeer and oversteer.

When travelling off-road or in conditions where grip is at a premium, such as on mud and sand, the 4WD Lock mode allows the driver to engage permanent four-wheel drive at speeds of less than 40kph to distribute available torque equally between the front and rear axles (50/50) for maximum stability.

Standard equipement

> Six-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat
> Power lumbar adjustment for the driver’s seat
> Auto-dimming rear view mirror
> Keyless entry with automatic “walk away” door locking
> Automatic wipers and headlamps
> Electronic parking brake
> Four USB ports
> Cooled front cupholders
> Three 12V sockets
> Eight speakers

Infotainment

> R-LINK 2 multimedia system with 8.7-inch portrait screen
> Same capacitive touchscreen functions as personal tablet
> Navigation display with 3D representation of buildings
> Connectivity and charging options include Bluetooth, a USB port, a 3.5mm jack socket, a 12V power supply and, depending on version, an SD card slot
> Voice recognition for telephone use
> Four customisable homepages

Safety equipment

> Six airbags
> Anti-whiplash front and rear head rests
> Anti-submarining front seats
> Rear ISOFIX anchorage for i-Size child seats
> All seat belts have pretensioners and load limiters
> Blind spot warning system
> Latest-generation electronic stability programme (ESP) with traction control
> Braking assist and electronic brake force distribution
> Hill Start Assist
> Rear view camera
> Front, rear and side parking sensors


HPI unearths scariest car names for Halloween

The Phantom.
LONDON: With Halloween round the corner, experts at HPI have revealed a Top 13 list of eerily named vehicles following a poll amongst its team of expert editors and analysts.

“We thought it would be fun to look at some of the scary names car manufacturers give to their models," said Fernando Garcia, consumer director at HPI, a British automotive data and valuations vendor.

"Getting the name of a car right is really important for manufacturers so that it appeals to consumers and sells well. By giving their cars a menacing but memorable name can help manufacturers to drive sales.

“The Cap HPI team has compiled some outlandish and terrifyingly named vehicles ranging from obscure concept cars, supercars and high-value models to more mainstream cars.”

The Top 13 list of eerily named cars polled by Cap HPI is:

1. Rolls-Royce Phantom
2. AMC Gremlin
3. Pontiac Banshee
4. Hillman Imp
5. Lamborghini Diablo
6. Alfa Romeo Spider
7. Plymouth Prowler
8. Ford Probe
9. Spectre R42
10. Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
11. Rolls-Royce Wraith
12. DF Goblin
13. Lamborghini Murcielago (Murcielago is Spanish for ‘bat’)

“Whether attempting to sound genuinely scary or to simply stand out from the crowd, car manufacturers have a long history of coming up with car names that sound dark and frightening," said Garcia.

"There is also a tendency for manufacturers to name cars after animals and these are generally based on fearsome predators.”

And by the way, Halloween is this coming Wednesday.


Shell Advance launches new scooter oils

                KUALA LUMPUR: Shell Advance has launched a full range of lubricants formulated specifically for scooters.

Recommended retail prices (inclusive of GST) for the Shell Advance Scooter oils are:

• Shell Advance 4T Ultra Scooter with PurePlus Technology 5W-40 - Fully synthetic (1 litre) -- RM68.30 (PM)/RM68.70 (EM)

• Shell Advance 4T AX 7 Scooter 10W-40 - Synthetic technology (1 litre) -- RM32.50 (PM)/RM33.00 (EM)

• Shell Advance 4T AX5 Scooter 15W-40 (0.8 litre) -- RM22.52 (PM)/RM22.80 (EM)

• Shell Advance Scooter Gear Oil (0.12 litre) -- RM12.00 (PM)/RM12.50 (EM)

Together with the Shell Advance 4T AX 5 Scooter 15W-40 oil that has been in the market since 2014, the new product range caters to the growing population of scooters.

The new Shell Advance scooter oils, with PurePlus Technology and Active Cleansing Technology, can clean engines 33 percent better and retains oxidation stability 43 percent longer than conventional oils while also being able to retain viscosity 42 percent longer than the API (American Petroleum Institute) limit.

Scooters make up about 11 per cent of the estimated 12 million total two wheelers population in Malaysia and are different from motorcycles not just in terms of looks.

The engines, which are usually smaller, run at higher revolutions per minute (RPM) and operate at higher temperatures.

They also use an automatic instead of a manual clutch.

"Although scooter engines have to work so much harder, few owners and even mechanics are aware of the importance of using the right oils to ensure optimum performance. Shell Lubricants brings world-class technological insights to its products, offering you the best formulations for your vehicle," said Leslie Ng, general manager for Shell Lubricants Malaysia and Singapore.

New express oil change service for bikers

Meanwhile, Shell Advance plans to introduce an express oil change service for motorcycles with engines below 250cc at selected Shell stations.

The Shell Advance MotoCare Express (SAMCE) was first pre-tested at the 2016 Shell Malaysia MotoGP to overwhelming success.

The pilot initiative is being tested during this Chinese New Year festive season at 12 Shell retail stations in the Klang Valley, Northern Region, Southern region and the East Coast.

Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd Managing Director Shairan Huzani Husain said that SAMCE was an important new addition to the company's one-stop center for road users, especially motorcyclists, as the company continued to put the "service' back into the service stations.

"Quick, convenient, accessible and affordably priced, SAMCE will hopefully help bikers maintain their two-wheelers in good condition, avoid breakdowns and ultimately, reach their destinations safely. It is very much in line with our #ShellSelamatSampai road safety movement to drive road safety awareness and behavioural change among motorcyclists," said Shairan.


Nationwide Toyota roadshow starts

                SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota Motor has begun a nationwide Toyota roadshow that will go on until May 10.

The highlight of the show is the introduction of the Camry Hybrid, which features full hybrid technology, blind spot monitor, dual exhaust system and seven airbags.

The TRD Sportivo range will also be on display and these include the Vios TRD Sportivo and Hilux TRD Sportivo.

In addition, customers will receive a special sign-up offer when they register for selected models at the roadshow.

Click for Toyota roadshow locations


Hyundai Ioniq concept balances power with responsibility

                LAS VEGAS: For this year's SEMA show, Hyundai and Bisimoto have teamed up on a hyper quick, hyper custom - yet hyper green take on the Ioniq hybrid.

The HyperEconiq Ioniq Concept, as it's been dubbed, is as much about using precision engineering to boost efficiency as it is about all-out driving thrills and spills.

Bisimoto Engineering has applied hypermiling techniques - i.e., shaving and cutting metals and alloys to the tightest possible tolerances - to make the car's hybrid system even more efficient and to absolutely minimize any areas of parts friction where energy can leak.

"The HyperEconiq Ioniq takes the Ioniq where we always knew it could go, without sacrificing drivability," said Bisi Ezerioha, president, Bisimoto Engineering. "Leveraging the outstanding Ioniq electrified platform and powertrain, we've focused on a variety of technical elements to bring efficiency, aero and design to the highest level."

That means as well as working to closer tolerances, the company has developed a new external aerodynamics package including covered rear wheels for cutting wind resistance even further.

The wheels are one-piece carbon fiber for ultimate weight saving and are wrapped in tires with a high silica content to cut rolling resistance. Even the brake calipers are aluminum to reduce un-sprung weight.

The engine runs a special synthetic oil that minimiSes friction, while a new exhaust system increases volumetric efficiency - i.e., it lets more waste gases escape more quickly so that the next cylinder can complete its combustion more effectively.

The finishing touches include a reprogrammed engine management system and lightweight Recaro racing seats, all of which help the concept to a combined fuel economy of over 80mpg in Bisimoto's initial tests.

The 2017 SEMA Show opens its doors to the automotive industry and the world's motoring press on Oct 31 here.


No ban on heavy vehicles on roads during CNY

                PUTRAJAYA: The Transport Ministry will not ban heavy vehicles from operating on roads during the Chinese New Year celebrations this year, said Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

According to him, every year the ministry would issue a ban on heavy vehicles from using roads for several days during Chinese New Year to increase the level of road safety and to avoid traffic congestion.

“Since all states except Sarawak are still under the Movement Control Order (MCO) till Feb 18 and the conditional MCO (CMCO) in Sarawak will last till Feb 14, the ministry will not implement the ban on heavy vehicles during the Chinese New Year celebrations this year,” he said in a statement today.

Wee also said there were no operational ban on essential services throughout the MCO period including during Chinese New Year.

This is in line with the existing regulations throughout the MCO and CMCO including the inter-district and inter-state travel ban with the exception of allowed critical sectors, he said.

"All standard operating procedures set by the National Security Council must be followed without compromise,” he added.

In addition, Wee said the ministry has updated the Essential Services Operations Authorisation Letter for the use of logistics and transport industry players following the extension of the MCO throughout the country with the exception of Sarawak to Feb 18.

He said the update was made after taking into account feedback and input from transport and logistics industry players regarding issues on the ground and with the people’s interests at heart.

Transport and logistics industry players that who have registered can download the letter through the SMILE system at https://application.mot.gov.my.

“The ministry would like to stress that transport and logistics industry players must be fully responsible for complying with the conditions set by the government,” he said.

He added that compounds for offences would be in accordance to Section 25 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342).


Lexus to lead Toyota's push for next-generation EVs, says incoming CEO

Sato said Toyota would step up its battery-electric offerings. — Reuters

TOKYO: Toyota Motor Corp will use its Lexus luxury brand to lead a pivot towards next-generation battery electric vehicles, Koji Sato, its incoming chief executive, said today.

Sato, who takes over as the next head of the world's largest automaker from April 1, made the comment at a news conference here, his first since being introduced as the successor to outgoing chief Akio Toyoda last month.

The automaker has faced criticism that it has been late to embrace battery electric vehicles, in favour of hybrids and hydrogen technology. It has long said that different markets need different technologies for the drive to zero emissions.

Sato said that while the company's thinking that it needed to offer multiple options to consumers had not changed at all, it would accelerate its battery-electric offerings.

An engineer by training, Sato started his career at Toyota in 1992 before rising through the ranks to become chief engineer of Lexus International in 2016.

While he oversaw the creation of Lexus's first fully electric model, he has previously spoken of keeping open other options for powering vehicles.


Beijing Auto Show (2016): Volvo S90 Lounge Console Concept

                BEIJING: Volvo Cars has unveiled a unique piece of art at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show, based on the interior of the new S90 Excellence sedan, Volvo Cars’ top-of-the-line variant of the S90.

The sculpture clearly illustrates how the Lounge Console could look in the new S90 Excellence, and Volvo Cars’ take on progressive luxury.

“We had such positive feedback with our original Lounge Console Concept in the XC90 that we wanted to take it a step closer to reality in an S90 Excellence interior. With this interior we wanted to create a piece of art, a sculpture. We’ve taken many of the original concepts and made them come to life,” said Robin Page, Vice President Interior Design at Volvo Cars.

Starting at the rear, the Volvo Cars Design Team added the most comfortable seating and the supreme convenience of a centre control panel for features such as the heated/cooled cup holder, the sound system, massage function and the large multi-media screen.

The rear armrest is home to a refrigeration unit and comes complete with two hand-cut crystal glasses from Swedish glassmaker Orrefors.

“One of the key elements is the removal of the front passenger seat. We removed this to provide unrestricted forward visibility and the sense of space and light that this brings. It has an immediate and extremely calming effect,” said Robin Page.

The Lounge Console Concept in the S90 Excellence provides three comfortable alternatives – a mobile working station that combines a fold-out work table and large screen for checking your emails or video conferencing; a pure entertainment mode where you can catch up on your latest Netflix shows and a pure relaxation mode where you can recline your seat, take a cold drink from the fridge and relax with your feet on the heated foot support.


Aston Martin unveils first video of upcoming SUV

                LONDON: Aston Martin had shared photos of an almost-complete prototype of the DBX in late 2018, showing off a sturdy capable of tackling extreme terrains from the Arctic to the sweltering deserts of the Middle East.

The British firm didn't however share information on the SUV's engine, but did mention that it hopes to market the world's most powerful SUV model, ahead of the Lamborghini Urus' 650hp.

Besides the first few images, which focus on the grille and light signature, the SUV's manufacturer has set the official unveiling to December 2019.

Recently, Aston Martin posted a teaser video of the DBX on social media before it updated its YouTube channel with the SUV.

The first deliveries should then be coming sometime in 2020. In spite of this, it is currently possible to preorder the model on Aston Martin's web site (astonmartin.com), although the DBX's pricetag is still unknown.

Aston Martin's very first series SUV is a direct descendent of the DBX concept it showed off in 2015 at Pebble Beach' USA. Aston Martin is thus following in Bentley, Lamborghini and Rolls-Royce's footsteps, with their respective Bentayga, Urus and Cullinan high-end SUVs, but is ahead of Ferrari in the niche market.


GM to launch 10 EVs in S. Korea by 2025, no plans for local manufacture

                SEOUL: General Motors Co will launch 10 electric vehicles (EVs) for the South Korean market by 2025, but has no plans yet to make EVs in the country, Steven Kiefer, the head of GM's international operations said today.

The No.1 US automaker, which warned last year that persistent industrial action was preventing further investment in South Korea, builds EVs in the United States and China. It also has plans to build the vehicles in Mexico and Canada.

Kiefer's visit after a Korean labour union delegation went to Detroit in June had led to speculation in local media that he could announce new EV production plans.

"We are not announcing any plans yet to produce electric vehicles in the county, so stay tuned for that," Kiefer told a media briefing.

 General Motors's Ultium modular platform and battery system. (Inset) Kiefer.

GM's South Korea unit builds about 600,000 vehicles a year, shipping many to the United States including the popular Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV, and employs about 12,000 people. It reported an operating loss of 309 billion won (RM1bil) last year.

Kiefer also said GM's partnership with South Korea battery maker LG Energy Solution was "very bright".

"Clearly more (battery) capacity is going to be required, so stay tuned for some additional announcements," he said.

GM and LG are building two battery cell plants with a combined annual production capacity of about 70 gigawatt hours in the United States, which could power about 1 million EVs.

In October, GM said LG units had agreed to reimburse it for US$2 billion in estimated costs and expenses associated with a recall of Bolt electric vehicles.


Sales tax holiday: Sime Darby Motors seeing demand boom

                PETALING JAYA: Thanks to the sales tax holiday, Sime Darby Motors is seeing a boom in demand for its vehicles.

Sime Darby Motors is currently represented by its 27 branches retailing BMW, MINI, Motorrad, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche, Ford, and Hyundai vehicles, as well as Sime Darby Auto Selection, which retails quality pre-owned cars.

The government had recently moved to fully exempt sales tax for locally assembled cars, and halved the sales tax for imported cars to 5% (from 10%) from June 15 to Dec 31, 2020.

Jeffrey Gan, the managing director of Sime Darby Motors’ retail and distribution arm said, “With the added tax exemptions as incentive, we are seeing signs of recovery as foot traffic and orders across all our brands in Sime Darby Motors are returning to pre-lockdown levels”.

“Nevertheless, we remain committed in upholding the standard operating procedures (“SOPs”) set by the government by ensuring that social distancing is strictly practiced at all times at all our premises. We do this by limiting the number of customers at our premises depending on the size of the retail area to avoid overcrowding. The safety and health of our employees, customers and business partners remain our utmost priority”.

Also, Sime Darby Motors recently launched its Corporate Programme which entitles a company, its directors, employees and their spouses to enjoy fleet membership entitlement, which includes car price discounts of up to 10%, when they buy at least two cars.

Sime Darby Motors also invested over RM560 million in building the first of its kind auto mall in the region known as Sime Darby Motors City located at Ara Damansara.

With the sales tax holiday, car buyers get significant savings.

For example, BMW buyers get savings of around RM7,000 for a 320i Sport, to savings of RM31,388 for a 840i Gran Coupe M Sport.

For MINI buyers, savings range from around RM9,000 to RM14,000.

Meanwhile, the Hyundai Santa Fe now comes with savings up to RM6,250 while the i30N performance hatchback is now cheaper by RM5,090.

Volvo car buyers can save RM13,348 for a S60 T8 R-Design and see savings of RM23,078 for a XC90 T5 Momentum.

As for Porsche models, the new base prices are reduced from RM13,000 up to RM48,000.

For example, the Macan with a new base price of RM439,351 has a price adjustment of RM15,649.

ALSO READ:BMW Malaysia updates sales tax holiday prices: big savings awaitCheaper Santa Fe and i30N from HyundaiVolvo Car Malaysia releases new price list: up to RM23K savingsNew prices for Porsche cars in Malaysia: 50% drop on sales tax


Hong Leong Yamaha assembles 4 millionth bike in Malaysia

(From left): Khor, Watanabe, Hong Leong Manufacturing Group president and CEO Datuk Kwek Leng San, Yamaha Motor Japan senior executive officer and director Katsuhito Yamaji and Malaysia Motorcycle & Scooter Dealers Association chariman Wee Hong.
SUNGAI BULOH: It was a proud day for the local motorcycle industry as Hong Leong Yamaha Malaysia (HLYM) unveiled its 4 millionth bike assembled in the country on April 26.

The event was marked with a glittering ceremony at its factory here yesterday, as company executives showed off a 2018 Yamaha Y15ZR with a special livery.
HYLM was incorporated in Malaysia in 1978 as a joint venture between Hong Leong Industries Bhd and Yamaha Motor Co Ltd. Production of Yamaha motorcycles started in Malaysia in 1979 with the two-stroke Yamaha RX100. Since then, HLYM production facilities underwent many rounds of upgrades and improvements, including moving its home from Shah Alam to Sungai Buloh.

Attendees were treated to a stroll down memory lane, as HLYM put up a special exhibition of the bikes assembled in Malaysia, starting with the RX100. There was also a Passola scooter introduced in 1983 that became the first two-wheeler for many young Malaysians. And then, there was the Virago 535, a ride that I used to earn my full B riding licence.

In his speech, HLYM managing director Datuk Jim Khor thanked various parties for contributing to Yamaha’s success.

“The unwavering commitment of our dedicated team, from factory personnel to the sales force, vendors, partners and our loyal network of dealers across the country have made this significant event possible. I also wish to make special mention of Yamaha Motor Japan and thank them for their continuous and much valued support,” he said at the event that was also attended by Yamaha Motor Japan executive vice president Katsuaki Watanabe.

HLYM assembles more than a dozen models here, including the E115, Lagenda 115Z, 135LC, Y15ZR, Ego Avantiz, Ego Solariz, NMax, XMax 250, FZ150i, MT-07, and MT-09.


Efkon launches E-TAG device for SmartTag lanes

                KUALA LUMPUR: Austrian technology provider of the Infra-Red Toll Collection System on Malaysian highways, Efkon Asia Sdn Bhd, has launched the E-TAG device for the convenience of motorists who use the SmartTag lanes.

Priced at RM143, the E-TAG, which is to be used together with a Touch ‘n Go card, is sold at selected Shell stations and accessories shops.

The device is powered by a 9-volt battery and has a display for users to check the remaining cash balance in their Touch ‘n Go cards.

The device is similar to MaxTAG sold by Sigma Technology Sdn Bhd which can be bought for RM138 without shipping at www.lazada.com.my and www.11street.my.

Blasch (middle) and models holding the E-Tag device.

Efkon Asia director Helmuth Blasch said both the E-Tag and MaxTAG feature new microprocessors and enhanced display for even better performance and reliability.

“These proven Infra-Red Tag devices provide peace of mind to users by providing secure transactions with the exact toll amount paid immediately visible.

“Most importantly, there is no possibility of cloning and risk of losing control of your finances through incorrect deductions,” he said.

Blasch said both E-TAG and MaxTAG devices are compact and portable, do not require specialised installation, robustly built with a high-impact resistant casing and able to withstand extreme temperatures.

Efkon also has plans to roll out its built-in Infra-Red devices now used in locally-assembled car models such as the Perodua Myvi, in the future as another convenient option to consumers.

For details, visit www.efkon.com.


Govt decision on PLUS and four concessionaires by next week

                PUTRAJAYA: Cabinet is expected to decide on the takeover of PLUS Malaysia Bhd and four other highway concessionaires next week, says Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng.

He said a decision must be made soon so that the government can avoid paying more in compensation.

“The Cabinet is likely to make a decision next week. We have already announced the freeze of toll hikes for this year and the government has to pay compensation to toll operators.

“We need to come up with a decision on this quickly or else the clock will be ticking and the compensation will continue to increase, ” he told reporters after closing the Putrajaya Lift Festival 2019 today.

He said this was requested by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to ensure a proper review of the information before a decision is made.

PLUS is the largest highway concessionaire in the country, operating eight expressways under five concessions.

Its highways are the 772-km North-South Expressway which runs from Bukit Kayu Hitam in Kedah near the Malaysia-Thai border to Johor Baru; the New Klang Valley Expressway; Federal Highway Route 2; the Seremban-Port Dickson Highway; the NSE Central Link’ the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link; Lebuhraya Butterworth-Kulim and the Penang Bridge.

Its concession will expire in December 2038.

The government is also expected to decide on the way forward for four highway concessionaires under Gamuda Bhd.

They concessionaires are Lingkaran Trans Kota Holdings Bhd (Litrak), Kesas Sdn Bhd, Sistem Penyuraian Trafik KL Barat Holdings Sdn Bhd (Sprint) and Syarikat Mengurus Air Banjir and Terowong Sdn Bhd (Smart).

Gamuda has stakes in all companies and the Ministry of Finance Inc announced in June a plan to take over four highways in the Klang Valley for RM6.2bil.


Latest Proton X70 comes with N95 cabin filter

                PETALING JAYA: The Proton X70 has a new selling point. The 2020 model is now able to generate cleaner cabin air with the introduction of a N95 cabin filter.

The new filter is more efficient than the average dust and pollen filter, as it is able to remove more contaminants.

The N95 filter, as the name suggests, can remove 95% of particles that are larger than 0.3µm (microns). It can also remove 98% of PM2.5 dust particulates, which is important to promote respiratory health.

Apart from effectively filtering smoke particulates, dust and bacteria; it can help to promote an allergy-free environment by reducing allergens from pets, aphids and pollen.

The filter is built into the air-conditioning system. It can function in both fresh and recirculation modes, as long as the blower fan speed is switched on.

Proton said more details on the upgrade would be revealed on May 12, which is also the last day the movement control order (MCO) is scheduled to end.

While the N95 filter can do a lot, it cannot filter out SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the Covid-19 disease. The virus strain belongs to the coronavirus family, which measures .06µm to 0.125µm, far smaller than what the filter can block.

But that's the least of health concerns. As long as one practises social distancing, hand hygiene and masked up in public spaces, the threat from Covid-19 is minimal.

READ MORE:
Proton X70 owners can get new N95 Cabin Filter at RM79
Highlights of CKD Proton X70
Video review of CBU Proton X70


These RM990K golf carts cost more than a Tesla in HK

Golf carts pottering along a road in Discovery Bay, a residential project developed by Hong Kong Resort Co., on Lantau Island in Hong Kong on Tuesday. — All pix by Bloomberg
HONG KONG: As carmakers race to sell glitzy new models to wealthy Chinese, the old-fashioned golf cart is the hottest buy in one corner of Hong Kong, with prices topping those of a Tesla Model S and Porsche’s Boxster sports cars.

On the two-lane streets of Discovery Bay - a residential development about a 30-minute ferry ride from downtown Hong Kong - the golf carts are both the transportation of choice and an investment play for the wealthy. The buggies can sell for more than HK$2 million (RM992,000) in the upscale neighbourhood that’s home to airline pilots, bankers and lawyers.

Business executives drive them, expatriates love them and nannies ferry kids to school in them. Private passenger cars aren’t allowed in this neighbourhood, and the Transport Department has capped golf-cart licenses at about 500.

The supply crunch has transformed these slow gas-guzzlers into luxury transportation. Some buyers view them as investments - renting them out or reselling to make money.

Outrageously high prices aren’t an oddity in Hong Kong. Asia’s financial capital regularly appears on lists of the world’s most expensive cities, and property prices are the world’s most unaffordable relative to income. Faced with rock-bottom interest rates and soaring housing prices, city residents have been known to put their money into unusual investments - including high-priced parking lots and taxi medallions.

“You have HK$2 million, better buy a golf buggy rather than put it in the bank,” said Bill Chan, a director at real-estate agency Century 21 Newcourt Realty in Discovery Bay.

Golf carts can be bought for less than US$10,000 (RM39,000) in the United States. In Discovery Bay, buyers are essentially paying for the licences, which can only be owned by residents who also own property. They can be freely traded between individual owners.

That leads to prices typically associated with luxury wheels - the kinds that include windows, air conditioning and a trunk. Tesla lists its Model S at HK$1.03 million (RM511,000), and Porsche lists its 718 Boxster model at HK$972,000 (RM482,000) on its website.

Golf carts attract buyers partly because of the punishing cost of real-estate investments in Hong Kong: There isn’t much you can buy in the property market if you have HK$2 million to spare.

 An attendant refuels a golf cart.

Private homes in Discovery Bay currently sell from about HK$8 million to HK$80 million (RM4mil to RM40mil), said Denis Ma, head of research for Hong Kong at real-estate services company Jones Lang LaSalle Ltd.

Based on recent transactions, his firm estimates that prices in Hong Kong’s Central and Western districts start from HK$5 million (RM2.5mil) for smaller apartments in older buildings. They go as high as about HK$1 billion (RM496mil) for houses on the Peak, one of the highest points in the city.

Discovery Bay residents are generally reluctant to publicise their outlays on golf carts. One expatriate shopper, who walked out of a supermarket to dump groceries into the back of her golf buggy, declined to give her name. She and her husband paid about HK$600,000 (RM298,000) when they bought it more than a decade ago, she said.

They weighed the convenience of driving their kids and the investment potential. Property prices were soaring, and they concluded that its value could only go up. And that’s exactly what happened.

Though it’s like driving a lawn mower, she said.

The area’s developer, Hong Kong Resort Co., said it explored various options before deciding that golf carts would be the best fit for Discovery Bay’s positioning as a town with the environment of a resort. In recent years, it’s introduced electric golf carts. Only holders of valid driving licenses are allowed to take the buggies on the roads.

 Golf carts parked in front of residential houses in Discovery Bay, Hong Kong.

Katie Jepson, one of the owners of real-estate seller Headland Homes, said she’s seen cart sales increase during the last few years after the government introduced higher stamp duties, a type of property tax intended to cool the real-estate market.

“If they’ve got an extra HK$2.5 million, instead of buying a small apartment you have to pay stamp duty on, people have been buying some golf carts,” Jepson said. Carts can earn monthly rents of HK$8,000 to HK$10,000, she estimated.

That means renting a golf cart can cost more than a “nano” flat. These ultra-small apartments, less than 200 square feet in size, cost between HK$8,000 and HK$12,000 a month to rent, according to Jones Lang LaSalle.

Even so, there’s risk in pouring money into a pokey vehicle built primarily for a round of golf. The buggies are far from a necessity, and there’s no guarantee prices will stay high because residents have alternatives like biking or internal shuttle buses, said David Ji, head of research & consultancy for Greater China at real-estate research firm Knight Frank.

“People trying to bet on this going on forever strikes me as risky,” Ji said. “At the end of the day, you speculate on a house and the house price drops, you still have a house.”

Manufactured by companies including U.S.-based Textron Inc. and Japan’s Yamaha Motor Co., the golf carts so far remain an unshakable staple of life in Discovery Bay, which has a population of about 20,000, according to the 2016 census.

They putter past tennis courts, beach-side eateries and apartment blocks. In rush hour, big commuter buses heading toward the ferry pier often get stuck behind one and can’t pass. Children and dogs are typical passengers, and they’re used by handymen to lug tools around.

Chan, the real-estate agent, recalls the carts selling for as little as HK$35,000 in the 1980s, when he was starting out in Discovery Bay. In more recent years, he estimates, they’ve tended to sell in the range of HK$2.1 million to HK$2.3 million.

“This is Hong Kong,” the real estate agent shrugged.


Ford makes U-turn, shelves plans for EV exports from India

                DETROIT: Ford Motor Co said today it had dropped plans to make electric vehicles (EVs) in India for exports, while it explores options for its two factories in the country that stopped production last year.

The U.S. car maker said in February it would manufacture EVs in India and also got approval for the Indian government's $3.5-billion production-linked incentive scheme for making clean-fuel vehicles.

"After careful review, we have decided to no longer pursue EV manufacturing for exports from any of the Indian plants," a spokesperson for Ford India said in an email.

The company did not offer details on its U-turn, while adding that its previously announced business restructuring continues as planned, including exploring alternatives for its manufacturing facilities in India.

"We continue to work closely with unions and other stakeholders to deliver an equitable and balanced plan to mitigate the impacts of restructuring," the spokesperson added.

Talks for the sale of the Sanand plant in Gujarat with Tata Motors were progressing well, while Ford was pursuing multiple suitors for its Chennai factory, India's Economic Times newspaper said in a report, citing people familiar with the matter.

Earlier this year, Ford had said it was considering producing EVs in India for export, and possibly for sale in the domestic market. read more

The company had less than 2% of the Indian passenger vehicle market when it stopped production in the country last year, having struggled for more than two decades to generate profits.

Several car makers are planning to make EVs in India, with the government offering billions of dollars in incentives to build EVs and their parts locally as it seeks to cut oil imports and pollution.


Acura Type S to make a return to US and Canada

                TOKYO: Acura, Honda's luxury-performance brand in Canada and the US, has marked the start of the return of its Type S performance variants with the introduction of the Type S Concept after a decade-long hiatus.

The Type S will be re-introduced with two variants for choice over the next two years and has been characterized by its wide track and low stance, with an expansive hood that stretches forward from the A-pillars.

At the front, the concept showcases its next-generation four-lamp Jewel Eye LED headlights flanking the open-surface Diamond Pentagon grille while sporting the 'Chicane' daytime running lights and taillights inspired from the Acura ARX-05 Daytona Prototype race car that double as turn signals.

Its large centre and side intakes suggest high needs for cooling of its engine and brakes.

A sharp and distinctive tail features an upswept decklid with a sharply creased centerline (drawn from the hood) and integrated forged carbon spoiler while the 'Chicane' LED taillights, a large rear diffuser and quad chrome exhaust outlets complete the look.

In addition to the rear decklid spoiler, forged carbon – created by bonding layers of carbon on top of one another to exceed the strength of traditional interwoven carbon – is applied to the front and rear splitters, side sills, rear decklid spoiler and multi-spoke 21-inch wheels.

For grip, the wheels have been fitted with 285mm-wide tyres that partially hide the Brembo four-piston callipers and discs.

The concept has been painted over by a bespoke "Double Apex Blue Pearl" paint with Nano pigments and a colour-infused clear coat to enhance its lustre and brilliance.

The concept was conceived by the Acura Design Studio in California and was led by executive creative director Dave Marek and chief designer Ben Davidson.


Which driver assistance systems are the most important to have?

                BERLIN: According to statistics from the vehicle testing organisation Dekra, human error is the cause of more than 90 per cent of traffic accidents. So it’s for good reason that the automotive industry has long been installing and counting on driver assistance systems.

These systems are able to recognise critical driving and traffic situations at an early stage, warn against dangers and, if necessary, actively intervene. But which assistance systems are especially important?

"In addition to anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and electronic stability programs (ESP), the emergency brake assist system is indispensable, with pedestrian and cyclist recognition if possible," says Jens Koenig, head of accident analysis and accident research at German testing agency Dekra.

Predictive emergency braking systems are based on adaptive cruise control systems, and are designed to prevent rear-end collisions or at least reduce the collision speed and thus the severity of the accident.

Accident investigations conducted in Germany have shown that more than half of motorists in rear-end collisions were either too hesitant when braking, or didn’t hit the brakes at all because they were distracted. Emergency brake systems can help by automatically applying maximum braking power, thus saving valuable centimetres that could make the difference between life and death.

Also useful are lane-departure warning systems, which alert drivers if they accidentally veer out of their lane on motorways. Especially on long and monotonous routes when the driver's attention might slip, this is a valuable helper.

The same applies to lane change and blind spot assistants. Vehicles approaching in areas that are difficult or impossible for the driver to see can be detected by sensors, which then alert the driver in order to prevent a collision.

Even so, checking over one’s shoulder is still essential to safe driving. Since the sensors can only detect objects a few metres on either side and to the rear, quickly approaching vehicles cannot be detected.

While other extras such as parking assistants, high-beam assistants, fatigue detection, traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control are often considered comfort features, they can also do a lot to improve traffic safety.

But no matter which electronic assistants are on board, it’s always important that drivers don't rely on them, and stay fully in control of their vehicle and their manoeuvres.

"Just as important as knowing about the functionality of assistance systems is for drivers to know and understand their performance spectrum and, above all, their limits," says Koenig.


BMW R18 First Edition: A gentle beast

                I have seen many modern retros over the years and the BMW R18 First Edition is definitely the best to date when it comes to looks.

I am not the only one who felt that way and many around the world are probably of the same opinion.

You will be hard-pressed to find an online bike review site saying the bike looks mediocre or bad.

I will consider myself lucky to be able to review the motorcycle, courtesy of Datuk Kenneth Lee See Hu.

I bumped into him during one of my rides at Ulu Yam and he was kind enough to allow me to review his R18.

The R18 First Edition is a modern interpretation of classic cruiser motorcycles that were popular in the 1930s.

 Lee on his R18 First Edition.

It's a high-end luxury cruiser that features a traditional look with modern technology, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate classic style and comfort but don't want to compromise on performance.

One of the bike's most alluring features is its classic styling, which turns heads and draws attention wherever you go.

The large fuel tank, teardrop-shaped saddle, fishtail dual exhaust pipes and long and low profile give the bike a timeless look that's both elegant and powerful.

The bike's LED lighting system is also a standout feature, providing ample illumination and enhancing visibility at night.

The pinstriping is done by hand and not forgetting the chromed protruding big cylinder heads are a treat to any eyes.

The R18 is powered by a massive 1,802cc boxer engine, producing 91hp and 158Nm of torque, providing ample power to propel the bike effortlessly.

Transmission is a six-speed type with a hydraulic clutch that is smooth with precise shifting.

The instrument cluster is analogue, featuring a large speedometer and tachometer, and there are no digital displays or unnecessary buttons.

Whenever I thumb the starter, the bike’s noticeable vibration reminds me that this is not a small machine.

I could feel the side-to-side rocking which travelled up my arms and shoulders.

The first time, when I powered up this machine, it caught me unprepared. Don’t take my word for it, try it!

The bike's throttle response is smooth and immediate, allowing me to quickly accelerate and reach highway speeds with ease.

The R18’s suspension system provides a smooth and comfortable ride with the telescopic fork and rear shock absorber soaking up bumps and rough terrain with ease.

The bike's brakes are also highly responsive and effective, giving you the confidence to come to a quick stop when needed.

Around corners, the R18's low centre of gravity, wide tyres, and long wheelbase provide a stable and planted feel, allowing you to confidently navigate through turns.

The bike's suspension system includes a telescopic fork at the front and a rear shock absorber that is adjustable for preload and rebound damping.

The R18's handling is best suited to more relaxed, sweeping corners, where its stability and smooth power delivery allow for a comfortable and enjoyable ride.

The R18 has a well-balanced chassis and suspension setup that provides stability and a smooth ride on less challenging winding roads.

However, I must admit that R18's large size and weight can make it feel less nimble and responsive in super tight corners or when making fast U-turns.

I had to be mindful of the bike's size and take corners at a slower speed to maintain control of the bike.

I nearly dropped the bike twice while taking sharp turns and that was scary.

It will be a nightmare to lift this heavy bike from the tarmac.

The BMW R18 is a cruiser motorcycle designed for long-distance touring, and its handling characteristics are influenced by its large size and weight.

This sexy machine comes with mid-mounted foot pegs for a more relaxed riding experience.

The R18 has a long wheelbase, a low centre of gravity, and a relaxed riding position that makes it easy to control at low speeds and on long straight roads.

On highways, the BMW R18, provides a smooth and enjoyable power delivery with three riding modes of Rain, Roll (similar to cruise mode) and Rock (similar to sport mode).

On the highway, the bike is nimble and feels half the weight of the bike.

I preferred the Rock mode on the highways, meanwhile, on the backroads of Bidor, the Roll mode was the best.

The weight distribution on the bike is perfect and I was able to overtake any vehicle with a twist of the throttle and a gear change.

The bike launches itself instantaneously although I was expecting a bit of lag due to the weight of the bike.

What’s even more amazing was the bike rode solid like a rock even when I was hit by a strong crosswind nearing Ipoh.

On other bikes, I usually have to anchor my feet to the pegs and manage to ride carefully.

The R18 offers a unique and enjoyable riding experience, thanks to its powerful engine, comfortable seating position and classic cruiser styling.

When you first get onto the bike, you will immediately notice how low and convenient the seat is, allowing you to easily reach the ground with your feet.

Since the foot pegs are mid-mounted on this machine, I had to stop for a few minutes after two hours of riding to shake off the foot fatigue.

Furthermore, on long rides, there is little room to move my legs due to the protruding chromed cylinder head.

The gearing is smooth on this beast complemented by a light hand clutch.

Every time I accelerate, I don’t feel the sudden push forward but rather a gentle speed increase.

However, my only gripe about this machine is it does not come with a windshield although recent R18 editions are equipped with such.

The sixth gear on this machine is perfect for high speed and also cruises effortlessly.

Its wide handlebar and generous saddle allow me to handle the bike confidently.

Overall, the R18 First Edition is an excellent choice for those who appreciate classic styling and comfort but don't want to compromise on performance.

It's a luxury cruiser that features modern technology and plenty of power, making it an excellent choice for long-distance touring or weekend rides.

While its weight may be a bit of getting used to, the attention to detail, comfort and style make it a standout option in the cruiser market.

SPECIFICATIONSBMW R18 First EditionEngine: 1,802cc, air-cooled two-cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Maximum power: 91hp at 4,750rpm
Maximum torque: 158Nm at 3,000rpm
Top speed (estimated): 120mph (193kph)
Transmission: Six-speed
Suspension: Front 49mm telescopic fork with 4.7-inch travel; rear single cantilever shock and adjustable for spring preload with 3.5-inch travel
Brakes: Front 2X300mm discs, 4-piston callipers with ABS; rear 300mm single disc, 4-piston calliper with ABS
Features: Three riding modes, reverse gear, ABS, traction control
Fuel capacity: 16 litres
Range (estimated): 235km
Weight: 345kg
Price: RM149,500 (without registration, road tax and insurance)


Ducati in Malaysia rolls out six new models

                KUALA LUMPUR: Ducati Malaysia is blazing into the second half of 2022 with exciting line-up of six new models led by the new Streetfighter V2, Multistrada V2S, Panigale V2 Bayliss, Streetfighter V4 SP, Scrambler Urban Motard and Scrambler 1100 Tribute Pro.

 Streetfighter V2.STREETFIGHTER V2
The Streetfighter V2 comes with the compact Superquadro 955cc engine that offers the bike with a maximum power of 153hp at 10,750rpm and a maximum torque of 101.4Nm at 9,000rpm.

The 955cc Streetfighter V2 also features Ducati’s Quick Shift technology for changing up and down the gears.

It is fitted with Showa Big Piston Fork (BPF) fork, while the rear suspension unit includes a fully adjustable, side-mounted Sachs shock anchored to a single-sided swing arm.

Stopping power comes from Brembo brakes with Bosch Cornering ABS EVO.

Price: RM101,900 (excluding registration, insurance and road tax).

 Multistrada V2S.MULTISTRADA V2S
The all-new Multistrada V2S is an urban sport and touring riding powered by Ducati’s updated 937cc Testastretta 11° L-Twin cylinder engine which is also 2kg lighter.

The engine delivers a maximum power of 113hp at 9,000rpm and 96Nm of torque @ 6.750rpm.

The Multistrada V2S is 5kg lighter than the previous generation Multistrada 950 and comes with Riding Modes, Power Modes, Ducati Safety Pack (Cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control), Ducati Brake Light and Vehicle Hold Control.

It also gets the full electronics package with additional features that include Ducati Cornering Lights, Ducati Skyhook Suspension Evo, Ducati Quick Shift up/down, cruise control, backlit handlebar switches, 5-inch TFT colour display and full LED headlight.

Price: RM105,900 (excluding registration, insurance and road tax).

 Panigale V2 Bayliss.PANIGALE V2 BAYLISS

The Panigale V2 Bayliss is a special version of the Panigale V2 designed to celebrate Troy Bayliss and the 20th anniversary of his first Superbike World Championship success.

The commemorative model comes with Bayliss' autograph which is reproduced on the fuel tank alongside his signature #21, and the embroidered #21 on the rider seat upholstered in two technical materials with double red stitching.

Racing details also come in the form of its Ohlins adjustable steering damper; a silencer outlet cover trimmed in carbon fiber and titanium; Ohlins NIX30 43mm with TiN treatment, fully adjustable upside down fork; fully adjustable Ohlins TTX36 monoshock mounted to an aluminum single-sided swing arm; and a lithium-ion battery.

Price: RM136,900 (excluding registration, insurance and road tax).

 Streetfighter V4 SP.STREETFIGHTER V4 SP
The Streetfighter V4 SP is the fastest naked model in the market, pushing 208hp at 13,000rpm and unleashing a maximum torque of 123Nm at 9,500rpm.

The Streetfighter V4 SP is an exclusive numbered edition and comes fully trimmed in “track-oriented” equipment that mainly includes an STM-EVO SBK nine-disc dry clutch, Brembo Stylema calipers, and track-oriented suspension front and rear suspension carried over from 2021 Panigale V4 S, together with the biplane wings.

Designed as a single-seater, the Streetfighter V4S SP is also equipped with Marchesini forged magnesium wheels; carbon-fibre wings; carbon fibre front mudguard; adjustable rider foot-pegs in billet aluminium by Rizoma; Ducati Quick Shift that can be configured both as a traditional shift and as a reversed/racing shift.

Price: RM239,900 (excluding registration, insurance and road tax).

 Scrambler Urban Motard.SCRAMBLER URBAN MOTARD
The Scrambler Urban Motard is Ducati’s go-to the everyday urban assault bike but with sporty classic appeal.

The two-wheeler is fitted with 17-inch spoked wheels, Pirelli Diablo Rosso tyres, low variable section aluminium handlebar, a high front fender, side number plates, a dedicated flat seat and exclusive graphics.

The motorcycle is further detailed with machine-finished aluminium belt covers and a black engine with brushed fins.

Power comes from an L-Twin air-cooled 803cc engine that delivers 73hp at 8,250rpm and a maximum torque of 66.2Nm at 5,750rpm.

Price: RM68,900 (excluding registration, insurance and road tax).

 Scrambler 1100.SCRAMBLER 1100 TRIBUTE PRO
The only motorcycle in the Ducati range to feature an air-cooled engine, the Scrambler 1100 Tribute Pro pays homage to the liveries of Ducati’s most iconic motorcycles of the 70s and in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Ducati air twin engine.

It offers three unique riding and power modes of Journey, City, and Active that provides the full 86hp at 7,500rpm and 88Nm of torque.

Other features includes Ducati Safety Pack which comes with cornering ABS and Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Brembo braking system, Marzocchi fork and Kayaba monoshock, LED light, LCD screen, double side silencers and steel tank with interchangeable aluminium side panels.

Price: RM85,900 (excluding registration, insurance and road tax)


Bring on the MINI Paceman

 The Paceman pulls over by a padi field on the way from Petaling Jaya to Lumut.

Update: A new Paceman has been unveiled at the Beijing auto show in April 2014.

The MINI Countryman has passed through our hands on numerous occasions.

The last one was in Munich last year, when we drove the John Cooper Works (JCW) All4 version.

So, when we took the Paceman from BMW Group Malaysia, it was with some degree of familiarity.

After all, this MINI is derived from the tall Countryman. But, with a Range Rover Evoque-style roofline plus other embellishments, this is a funky new model.

It’s not the sportiest, though; the JCW variants of the mainstream MINIs are.

So what are we to make of the Cooper S Paceman?

The stretched body suits the coupe-ish appearance, unlike the MINI Coupe which looks like a chopped-up oddity.

As a brand, MINI has diversified beyond what classic Mini designer Sir Alec Issigonis could have imagined.

The Clubman, Countryman and the Paceman are oxymoronic: they are by no means mini in size. One might label them maxi-mini to straddle the gap between small and biggish.

The Paceman, a 3-door hatch, is a little longer than the 5-door Countryman, but is slightly narrower and lower.

Buying a car is not always about making practical choices. Emotions come into play and the need to stand out can be a driving influence.

While it doesn’t offer the space and practicality of the Countryman, the Paceman is pitched at those looking for a car with Countryman-size, but with a more dashing stance and those who drive alone as many of us do.

The Paceman sets out to fill that perceived need.

The front end adopts the usual MINI look, but adds its own styling.

The big headlights with chrome surrounds sweeps into the front wings, and along with the contoured bonnet, emphasise the front end.

The Paceman features a large tailgate and a lounge concept interior, offering two full-size individual rear seats. All seats are semi-leather.

Unlike the vertical design bias of the Countryman, the Paceman is given a horizontal emphasis that accentuates the width of the car.

The rear nameplate adds to that effect and it’s even copied by the latest Countryman.

But unlike the Countryman, tail lights are laid horizontally to highlight the girth of the coupe form.

In Malaysia, the Paceman is available as a front-wheel drive car (such as this test unit) and a pricier all-wheel drive JCW Paceman.

The cabin is all MINI, but with newly designed surrounds for the air vents; large circular centre speedo, with matt-finished, ring-shaped borders in Carbon Black; surrounds for the central control panel in a contrasting colour; and three-dimensional door ellipses reaching into the rear compartment.

Ambient lighting adds to the trendy decor.

A centre aluminium railing runs from the front to the rear seats, making this a four-seater. The railing is akin to a mini bar where drinks can be placed on supplied cupholders and a casing for sunglasses.

The so-called rear lounge seats add elbow and arm rests for improved comfort.

While all seats offer good all-round support, the rakish roof makes sitting in the back snug with tight headroom, requiring some dexterity in getting in and out of the car.

Window buttons are now located on the door armrests, which is more intuitive and ergonomic compared to having it as toggle switches in the lower centre console as seen in all previous MINIs.

What isn’t intuitive is the Sport Mode switch, which is a reach literally, with the driver having to peer down at the bottom of the centre dash to see whether he’s flipping the right one to get the car in a boisterous state.

The optional glass roof stretches over to second row, but only the front section can be opened.

The fabric mesh cover does little to prevent light and gobs of heat to seep in on a hot day, so be sure the air-conditioning is in working order.

MINI Connected features include Radio MINI Visual Boost with 6.5” LCD Display, a MINI Connected app for the Apple iPhone, Facebook/Twitter connectivity and Mission Control which provides amusing and useful information from the vehicle’s sensors.

For example, Mission Control offers a fun way for the driver to learn about sustainable driving techniques.

The Cooper S Paceman is powered by the Prince turbocharged 1.6L petrol engine that is used across the MINI model line-up.

The engine produces 184bhp at 5,500rpm, with peak torque of 240Nm available between 1,600rpm and 5,000 rpm. An extra 20Nm is available at overboost.

Although the Paceman and Countryman share the same engine, the more streamlined Paceman is a tad faster (7.8s vs the Countryman’s 7.9s in the 0-100kph sprint) with a higher top speed (212kph vs 210kph).

The Paceman hugged the coast as we left Petaling Jaya for Lumut during an overnight test drive.Average fuel economy is rated at 7.5l per 100km and CO2 emissions at 175g per km.

The engine proved to be relatively zippy for a 1.4-tonne car, with power delivered linearly. Step progressively on the accelerator and the mill just keeps pouring on power without hesitation.

The six-speed auto is effective in connecting the power rapidly to the front wheels, so much so that the paddle shifters are but a gratuitous feature. But they are there, if you are inclined to use them.

Cornering and braking ability are impressive, and the car felt planted even at speeds through the bends, thanks to a tauter and lower chassis.

Flip to Sport mode for enhanced throttle and steering response. Oftentimes, many a car and wannabe-racers were left at the stop lights when we floored the go-pedal as we succumbed to juvenile outbursts.

The tiller felt meaty yet comfortable to handle during the 600km long trip.

Suspension is firm bordering on hard; a jarring sensation was felt every time the 19-inch wheels connected with potholes or hit a road hump.

The cabin tends to be overly noisy when the car travels over poorly surfaced roads. At other times, the interior offers a zone of calmness during the journey.

So gun to the head, what’s it to be?

The RM289,000 Cooper S Paceman shows itself to be a capable and competent car with a sense of style about it.

But it doesn’t quite deliver on the excitement that has come to be expected of a typical MINI.

When people talk about MINI, the inevitable imagery is still one of something smaller and more agile despite the fact the BMW sub-brand has evolved to offer maxi-mini cars.

The Cooper S Paceman is up for consideration if high style and a fair amount of MINI-ness performance is enough for you.

VIDEO EXTRA: MINI shows a clip on the Paceman exploring the beauty of China


BYD reduces shifts at two electric vehicle plants in China, say sources

                SHANGHAI: BYD has reduced shifts at two auto assembly plants in China, people with knowledge of the matter said, in a sign of how weaker demand in the world's largest auto market is affecting its best-selling electric vehicle brand.

BYD, which outsells Tesla in China, asked some of the workers at its Xian plant, its biggest manufacturing hub, to work only four days a week in a factory running two eight-hour shifts per day, according to three people and an internal memo sent earlier this month and reviewed by Reuters.

The Xian plant makes BYD's top-selling Song and Qin EV sedans.

BYD also reduced shifts at its Shenzhen plant, which makes its Han sedans, from three shifts per day to two per day, four people with knowledge of the development said.

BYD declined to comment. The sources declined to be identified because the production schedule is private.

BYD did not give a reason for the reduced shifts in its planning memo reviewed by Reuters. One of the people said BYD was throttling back on production in the face of weaker industry-wide demand in China since the start of the year.

Reuters was not able to determine how long the reduced shifts would last for BYD and if any of its other three assembly plants in China were affected by production schedule changes. It was also not clear how the reduced shifts would translate into production volume changes.

BYD has been growing fast and taking market share in China. Last month it outsold Volkswagen-branded cars in the country for the second time. BYD also outsold Tesla by more than five times in the first two months of the year.

But BYD has also been slowing output since the start of the year when industry-wide sales began to slow and China ended a national subsidy programme for EVs and plug-in electric vehicles.

Analysts have credited aggressive discounts for creating some demand as other automakers have followed Tesla into what has become a price war over market share but industry-wide inventories have been rising.

Local Chinese authorities have also been rolling out buyer subsidies to drive demand and some of these programmes have started to extend to automakers to encourage manufacturing.

On Tuesday, the Xian government announced that to encourage local EV production, it would give a 2,000 yuan (RM1,301) reward per vehicle for every car produced over 2022 levels to a maxmium of 10 million yuan (RM6.5mil) per automaker. It also announced subsidies for EV purchases.

BYD produced 5,749 cars in January and February on average per day, 22% fewer than its average daily output in October and November, according to data from China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

Total sales of BYD including exports and those to dealers increased 89% in the first two months from the same period a year earlier, the company has said. But retail sales, based on insurance registration data, showed slower growth of 66%, data from China Merchants Bank International showed.

To spur demand, BYD began offering discounts for its best-selling Yuan Plus and Seal EVs in March. The company also launched refreshed versions of its Han sedan and Tang crossover last week.


Brazil wants to renew Mexico auto quotas, avoid free trade

                MEXICO CITY/WASHINGTON: Grappling with tumbling auto sales and weak economic growth, Brazil wants to renew an auto quota pact with Mexico that is set to expire in March, a move that could stoke trade tensions.

A treaty between the two nations and auto manufacturers, which sets quotas on how many light vehicles Mexico and Brazil can sell each other, expires in March.

Auto trade between the two was then supposed to be fully liberalised, but Brazilian officials are now looking to extend the pact to avoid unlimited competition from Mexico.

"Our position is that Brazil must seek to renew the agreement while seeking adjustments in that agreement," Brazilian Trade Minister Armando Monteiro said in an interview.

Asked if one option might include reduced quotas, he said: "I would not rule out that possibility but I would prefer to say that something that I do not see is the chance of increasing the quotas."

A source familiar with the situation earlier said Brazil wanted to avoid a return to free trade on autos "because right now, the conditions aren't right for it".

Another source said Brazil wants a broader treaty with Mexico that would allow free trade between the two Latin American peers in areas where Brazilian goods are more competitive, citing Brazil's US$1.2 billion trade deficit with Mexico in terms of cars and auto parts alone.

Brazil would look to renew the car quo$tas while such a broader free trade treaty was negotiated, this source said.
Mexico, which last year passed Brazil to become the biggest auto producer in Latin America, says it wants the existing pact to run its course, and to be able to freely export vehicles to Brazil from March.

Brazil this week invited a Mexican government delegation to a meeting in Brasilia between Feb 20 and Feb 25 for talks to revamp the treaty.

Neighboring Argentina, which recently bought as many as nine in 10 Brazilian cars sold overseas, also imposed severe trade restrictions after a drop in foreign reserves, dragging Brazil's auto exports 40 percent lower to about 335,000 vehicles, the lowest since 1999.

Brazil remains one of the world's five biggest auto markets, with decades-old factories run by Fiat Chrysler, Volkswagen, General Motors and Ford.

The industry has struggled to improve productivity, which hit a decade-low last year as output dropped 15 percent to 3.15 million vehicles. Domestic sales fell 7 percent to 3.5 million vehicles.

Meanwhile, Mexico's auto sector has flourished in recent years, with new plants sprouting up across the country as manufacturers look to benefit from the country's proximity to the US market, and because of the nation's cheap wages and myriad free trade agreements.

 Mazda's plant in Salamanca, Mexico.


Dynamo Lubricants launches in Malaysia

                KUALA LUMPUR: Dynamo Lubricants Group, a lubricants producer and supplier of products for automotive and industrial use, has landed in Malaysia.

“We believe that Malaysia represents the ideal hub towards expansion and accomplishing Dynamo Lubricants’ mission throughout Asia," said Dynamo Lubricants executive director Prakash Dhamala.

With its products manufactured in Malaysia, the Group boasts that their lubricants have been formulated with the latest German and American additive technology.

Products lineup includes petrol and diesel engine oil (mineral to fully synthetic), transmission fluids and lubricants, hydraulic and brake oil, coolant as well as grease.

Together with its prospective partners from Australia, the Philippines, Nepal, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam the group now looks to increase its reach throughout the South and Southeast Asian region.

Our official launch represents a significant milestone for Dynamo Lubricants and will allow us to expand our footprint through strategic partnerships across South East Asia.

"Our oils and lubricants are proudly manufactured in Malaysia, and we are looking forward towards earning greater market share across Malaysia’s automotive and industrial sectors,” he added.

Focused on its corporate and social responsibilities, for every litre of oil and lubricant sold, the company will allocate USD0.01 to help select orphanages and needy schools across the South and Southeast Asian regions which includes Myanmar, Nepal, Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia.

 From left: D.K. Lubricants (M) Sdn Bhd manager Louiz Kheng together with Dynamo Lubricants Malaysia director Prakash Dhamala and finance director Bikash Dhalama.


Watch out for Proton's sales carnival in October

                KUALA LUMPUR:  Proton is marking its 30th anniversary this year with a sales carnival from Oct 3-4 in Shah Alam.

The Alami Proton Carnival 2015 would offer visitors  attractive ownership packages, which include rebates on selected models, fast approval for hire-purchase financing and high trade-in value for used cars.

"The 30th anniversary promotions are also available for those eligible where customers can still enjoy the 1.99 per cent interest rate per annum on the Iriz and full financing for government staff.

"Best of all, all new owners of Proton, will be covered under the seven years’ extended warranty promotion," the national carmaker said in a statement.

Visitors to the Alami Proton carnival would also get a chance to test-drive a wide range of Proton cars such as the Saga, Persona, Preve, Suprima S, Exora and Iriz, it said.

Proton vendors who provide services not only to Proton but other multinational manufacturers too would also be setting up booths to display their technical expertise and capabilities.

For more information on the carnival, go to www.proton.com or Proton’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ProtonCars.


Hyundai to invest over RM250bil by 2018

                SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Group, the world's fifth-largest automaker, said on Tuesday it would spend US$73bil (RM259bil) over four years on expanding capacity, building new headquarters and developing new vehicles.

The country's second-largest business conglomerate unveiled the investment plan as the government of President Park Geun-hye pushes companies with large cash reserves to spend more on investment, employment and dividend payments.

The group, whose 57 affiliates include automakers Hyundai Motor Co and Kia Motors Corp, said in a statement it would spend 49.1 trillion won on capital investment and 31.6 trillion won on research and development by 2018.

It did not elaborate, but the announcement came after Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors said they would build factories in Mexico and China over the coming years, signaling a resumption in capacity expansion.

Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors said they would sharply boost spending to develop, for instance, more eco-friendly vehicles and self-driving cars over the next four years.

The group said in a statement some three-quarters of the investment would be made within South Korea, which would "greatly contribute" to re-energising the local economy.

A large part will likely go into a plot of land that three group units agreed to purchase for 10.55 trillion won, far above the market's estimate.

The group's total investment plan compares with South Korea's national capital investment of 127 trillion won over the past year, central bank data shows.