Tesla's Model Y and Model 3 top-selling vehicles in California in 2022

                SACRAMENTO: Tesla Inc's Model Y and Model 3 electric vehicles were the top-sellers in California last year, outselling Toyota Motor Corp's RAV4 and Camry models, according to an industry body report.

It is the first time a Tesla model topped the annual sales list in California, a major vehicle market where one in five cars is electric.

Austin, Texas-based Tesla sold 87,257 Model Y electric sport utility vehicles and 78,934 Model 3 electric sedans last year, while Toyota sold 59,794 units of its RAV4 SUV and 55,967 of its Camry sedans, the California New Car Dealers Association said in its report.

In 2021, the Camry was the top-seller in California, followed by the Model Y, Honda's Civic and RAV4, and the Model 3.

Toyota retained its top spot in the state for vehicle brands, with a market share of 17.3% in 2022, followed by Tesla at 11.2%.

The report noted that the appetite for Tesla's vehicles is much larger in California than the nationwide average, which accounts for only 3.5 percent of the brand market share.

Last year, zero-emission vehicles accounted for 19% of all cars sold in California, which brought in 40% of all sales of electric vehicles, including hybrid vehicles, in the United States.


Toyota Corolla Hatchback to debut in NY

NEW YORK: Toyota will roll out the all-new Corolla Hatchback at at the New York International Auto Show.

The hatchback comes in SE or XSE grades and is touted as having a lengthy list of standard features that includes Entune 3.0 with Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa Connectivity; a revised sport-tuned suspension and new Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform; and the first North American application of Toyota Safety Sense 2.0.

It’s lower (by 2.5cm), wider (by 3cm), and longer (by 3.8cm) than its predecessor, Corolla iM. It also has wider front and rear tracks, and a longer wheelbase.

Its bonnet sits two inches lower than before to offer better forward visibility. The new frontal styling with a rounded nose and trapezoidal-shaped under grille is a further evolution of Toyota’s Under Priority Catamaran and Keen Look design philosophies, both of which emphasise Corolla Hatchback’s increased width.

Slim, J-shaped Bi-Beam LED headlamps wrap deep into the front fenders and accent the front in both stylishness and precise illumination. Wheel sizes range from 16-inches to 18-inches in diameter.

Its hatch – now made from Toyota Super Olefin Polymer and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene – is not only lightweight to aid fuel efficiency, it is set at a steeper angle (moved 14 degrees forward) for a sporty look. The rear all-LED taillamps feature a diffusing inner lens designed to highlight the hatchback’s stout stance.

Both grades receive LED headlamps and taillights, chrome rear diffuser, and alloy wheels. XSE ups the ante with 18-inch wheels, LED fog lights, chrome front grille surround, and an available innovative Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS). AFS – available only on XSE CVT – allows for the focused distribution of light in an area that matches the vehicle’s speed and steering angle. The Bi-Beam LED units move vertically and horizontally to provide optimal light output by analysing steering angle, vehicle speed, and the vehicle’s longitudinal axes angle to adjust lamps.

The 2.0-litre direct-injection inline four-cylinder engine adopts the latest in Toyota technology and structural efficacies for gains in power, fuel efficiency, and cleaner emissions.

Physically, the engine is smaller and lighter than its 1.8-litre four-cylinder predecessor, which helps to lower Corolla Hatchback’s center of gravity and benefits its overall balance. The 2.0-litre is also quieter for improved Noise Vibration Harshness with additions like a more rigid crank case with integrated stiffener; a lighter resin cylinder head; and a ribbed oil pan.

The engine is equipped with Toyota’s latest D-4S fuel-injection that uses high-pressure direct-injection and low-pressure Port Fuel Injection. The setup adapts its injection method based on driving conditions so that ideal combustion is executed. The engine also features Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligence), with VVT-iE (Variable Valve Timing-intelligence by Electric motor) on the intake side and VVT-i on the exhaust. VVT-iE uses one electric motor instead of oil pressure to control the variable valve timing. Together, the valve timing systems enhance power output and fuel mileage, and cut harmful emissions.

The second generation of Toyota Safety Sense adds new active-safety technologies and capabilities that enhance protection. Some of the features are Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection; Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control; Automatic Emergency Braking; Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist; Automatic High Beam; and Lane Tracing Assist.

The hatchback has seven standard airbags and Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, Anti-lock Braking System, and Smart Stop Technology. Blind Spot Monitor is standard on XSE and available on SE.

The hatchback goes on sale in summer.


Blueshark electric scooter maker gears up for Malaysian entry

                KUALA LUMPUR: China's electric scooter maker Blueshark and EP Manufacturing Bhd have announced a partnership with several local industry players as part of its market introduction in Malaysia.

The impending launch of the scooters would also see the development of an electric ecosystem to ensure the venture is sustainable.

The other stakeholders are Blueshark Ecosystem Sdn Bhd and the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation.

With the Blueshark R1 smart electric scooter, riders will be able to experience the integrated ArkRide operating system that is proprietary to BlueShark, complemented by a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery-swap technology to enable a seamless recharge while on-the-go.

Introduced with a leasing model, Blueshark aims to enable small and medium-size businesses and bigger companies to lower total running costs across the entire ecosystem.

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The business model would lead to raising the standard of living for people in the lower income bracket by offering them green job opportunities.

Blueshark would kick off a pilot programme soon with delivery and infrastructure partners to demonstrate the feasibility of its first-to-last mile electrified platform and market-ready ecosystem in the Klang Valley.

Its first 3S centre is set to open in Glenmarie, Shah Alam..

Blueshark Ecosystem chief executive officer (Asean) Jeff Chong said the company's business proposition was unique.

“We will be making our products accessible to all, especially the B40 group and we will be putting a lot of focus on empowering this underserved group of people with subsidies, green jobs creation, green entrepreneurship programs and much more.”

More details at Blueshark's new Malaysian website.


Google self-driving cars not crash-proof

                SAN FRANCISCO: Google on Monday said that even self-driving cars that can sense and react faster than humans still wind up in accidents.

“We’ve been hit from behind seven times, mainly at traffic lights but also on the freeway,” Chris Urmson, the head of Google’s autonomous car program, said in an online post.

“We’ve also been side-swiped a couple of times and hit by a car rolling through a stop sign.”

Google self-driving cars, of which there are now more than 20, have been in 11 minor accidents in the six years since the project began but they didn’t cause any of the crashes, according to Urmson.

None of the accidents involved injuries, Google said.

Google self-driving cars, which have “safety drivers” at the wheels to take over when deemed appropriate, have logged some 1.7 million miles, according to the California-based Internet titan.

“Even when our software and sensors can detect a sticky situation and take action earlier and faster than an alert human driver, sometimes we won’t be able to overcome the realities of speed and distance; sometimes we’ll get hit just waiting for a light to change,” Urmson said.

“And that’s important context for communities with self-driving cars on their streets; although we wish we could avoid all accidents, some will be unavoidable.”

Google’s fleet of self-driving cars are averaging 10,000 autonomous miles weekly, mostly on city streets.

“All the crazy experiences we’ve had on the road have been really valuable for our project,” Urmson said.

“We have a detailed review process and try to learn something from each incident, even if it hasn’t been our fault.”

He recounted self-driving car experiences that involved people-driven vehicles heading straight into oncoming traffic or turning hurriedly from wrong lanes. “These experiences (and countless others) have only reinforced for us the challenges we all face on our roads today,” Urmson wrote.

“We’ll continue to drive thousands of miles so we can all better understand the all too common incidents that cause many of us to dislike day-to-day driving.”

Non-profit organization Consumer Watchdog called for Google to release reports of accidents involving driverless cars in California so people can decide for themselves whether to trust the technology.

“Unbelievably, Google is planning to offer its robot cars without a steering wheel, brake pedal or accelerator so there would be no way for a person to take control in an emergency,” Consumer Watchdog president John Simpson said in a letter to Google.

“That plan underscores the need for the public to know the full details of all accidents.”

Accident reports are considered confidential by the California Department of Motor Vehicles.


New Mustang will be the fastest Ford ever sold in Europe

                COLOGNE: At a special live-streamed event on Monday, Ford continued to stoke up excitement about the latest iteration of its classic muscle car - set to go on sale in Europe for the first time in its 50-year history - by demonstrating its vital performance statistics.

And those statistics are very impressive the 5-liter normally aspirated V8 version of the car will be able to accelerate from 0-100kph in 4.8 seconds, making it faster than the 2005 Ford GT hypercar and as quick as the current Porsche Cayman and Bentley Continental GT V8, yet significantly cheaper than either.

Even the entry-level model that uses a much smaller, efficient 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine can still manage the 0-100kph sprint in 5.8 seconds, which is very respectable, especially considering it's also capable of returning 35mpg.

Officially bringing the pony car to Europe is a potential gamble for Ford and that's partly why the company has been hyping up its imminent arrival since the end of 2013 - it's as much to gauge a reaction as it is to get customers to reorder the car.

Ford has an enviable reputation for performance, racing, quality and value for money in the EU thanks to a host of fabulous, European-built or European-developed cars that goes right back to the original Le mans-winning GT40 of the 1960s and includes a host of hot and hotter hatchbacks such as the Sierra and Escort Cosworths and the current Fiesta ST, which combines the punch of a welterweight with the poise of a ballerina and sufficient space for two small children and some shopping in the back.

Hence, Ford is making every effort to highlight that the new Mustang is a serious driver's car, not simply a boulevard cruiser or lifestyle extension. Therefore, straight-line acceleration is only one element what it can do in the bends is just as, if not more, important for Europeans.

And this is where things get more impressive. Ford will be offering the car in Europe with a performance pack as standard that includes better brakes, cooling, and some chassis and suspension tweaks.

"The new Ford Mustang will be wickedly fast off the line and throw you back in your seat with a thrilling engine soundtrack," said Hermann Salenbauch, Mustang vehicle line director. "But Mustang isn't just fast in a straight line. The ride and handling will be a revelation for European drivers."

The first European Mustangs will arrive in Europe in July and the first left-hand drive versions for Britain will arrive in the autumn.


Updated Renault Koleos line-up unveiled

                KUALA LUMPUR: TC Euro Cars has updated its Renault Koleos premium sports utility vehicle (SUV) line-up with more assertive exterior design and enhanced interior comfort.

The flagship model is available in three variants of Koleos, Koleos Signature and Koleos Signature Plus.

For private individual registration in Peninsular Malaysia, the Koleos comes with on-the-road without insurance price of RM181,885, while the Koleos Signature costs RM201,086 and Koleos Signature Plus RM206,886.

In Langkawi, the Koleos and Koleos Signature are priced at RM110,888 and RM120,888 respectively.

The Koleos range sports a new lighting signature with PureVision full LED head and tail lamps.

The new generation PureVision LED technology maintains excellent lighting performance while achieving a 10% improvement in energy efficiency compared with the previous iteration.

At the rear, dynamic turn indicators have been incorporated into the redesigned 3D-style cluster.

The Signature and Signature Plus variants get an electric panoramic sunroof that provides an upmarket feel and enhances in-cabin ambience.

Inside, the Koleos is spacious and ergonomically designed with meticulous attention to detail in the trim and finish.

For 2021, two fresh interior styles are available - the Koleos comes with an elegant black Riviera leather upholstery with dark striped wood trim while the Signature and Signature Plus trims come with luxurious new Sand Grey Nappa leather upholstery with natural grain Grey wood trim.

Signature and Signature Plus variants come with a suite of luxury features including ventilated front seats with cushion length adjust and wide Relax headrests for added support.

The driver's seat comes with massage and memory setting functions ensuring a comfortable and relaxing drive.

Also included in the Koleos range are the #EasyLife technologies embedded within, among them the hands-free power tailgate.

The Easy Folding System allows the rear seats fold completely to provide a flat floor while the R-LINK2 navigation and multimedia is presented in a customisable 8.7-inch portrait touchscreen and comes with Apple CarPlay™ and is Android Auto™ ready.

Like all Renault mainstream vehicles, the new Koleos comes with a five-year manufacturer warranty with 150,000km mileage.

A new colour of Highland Silver has been introduced to replace the previous Ultra Silver.

The Koleos is also available under the subscription programme which covers road tax, insurance and regular maintenance service.

For Koleos, the subscription package is RM2,599 per month for three years, RM2,799 per month for two years or RM2,999 per month for one year.

The Koleos Signature comes with a subscription package of RM3,099 per month for three years, RM3,299 per month for two years or RM3,499 per month for one year.

For Koleos Signature Plus, the subscription package is RM3,399 per month for three years, RM3,599 per month for two years or RM3,799 per month for one year.

Test drives are available at selected Renault showrooms by appointment only and can be requested via the Renault Malaysia E-Store at www.renault.com.my.

For details, call tel: 1-800-18-8663 (Monday – Sunday, 8am – 8pm).


Self-charging hybrids outsell diesel in Europe for first time, says ACEA

                BERLIN: Self-charging hybrid cars, which operate on both an internal combustion engine and a battery, outsold diesel cars in Europe for the first time in 2021, albeit by just 48 vehicles, data showed today.

One in 11 cars sold were battery-electric, the data from the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association showed, totalling just under 880,000 vehicles.

Self-charging hybrid cars contain a battery charged by an internal combustion engine, and generally can only drive a limited distance on electric power.

Plug-in hybrids are powered primarily by a battery charged externally and thus seen as more environmentally friendly, but are backed up by an internal combustion engine, while battery-electric cars run on the battery alone.

A total of 1,901,239 million self-charging hybrid cars were registered in the European Union throughout the year, a significant jump from the 1.1 million registered in 2020.

Diesel registrations, which have cratered since the Dieselgate scandal in 2015, fell by a third from last year's 2.77 million to 1,901,191.

New government subsidies for low- or zero-emission vehicles that took effect as part of pandemic recovery programmes trebled sales of plug-in hybrid and battery-electric vehicle sales in 2020 to over one million, with a roughly even split between the two types.

The plug-in hybrids are seen by carmakers as a technology of transition to fully-electric cars, but their green credentials have been criticised by environmental groups as studies have shown drivers rely more than hoped on the internal combustion engine over the battery, pushing up the vehicles' emissions.

In 2021, battery-electric vehicle sales grew by 63.1% to nearly 878,500 cars, the data showed, while plug-in hybrid sales grew 70.7% to nearly 867,100.

Petrol remained the most common fuel type but by a lower margin than last year, constituting 40% of new registrations, down from 48% in 2020.


Carlos Ghosn sues Nissan for US$1bil

                BEIRUT: Carlos Ghosn said on Tuesday he will fight "to the end" in a US$1 billion lawsuit the former Nissan chairman has brought against the Japanese carmaker, marking his first such challenge.

Ghosn's lawsuit, which he filed in Lebanon, includes allegations of defamation, slander, libel and the fabrication of material evidence by Nissan as well as 12 individuals and two other firms.

A Nissan spokesperson said it will not be commenting.

"We have a long battle in front of us. We are going to fight it to the end," Ghosn told Reuters in Lebanon, where he has lived since fleeing Japan hidden in a box aboard a private jet.

Ghosn's lawsuit seeks US$588 million in lost remuneration and another US$500 million in moral damage.

"What I am asking for is only a little compensation compared to what they've done to me," the 69-year-old, wearing a blue open-necked shirt, said during an interview in Beirut.

Once a global car industry titan, Ghosn was arrested in Japan in late 2018 and charged with under-reporting earnings, breach of trust and misappropriation of company funds.

He denied the charges and said his detention was part of a plot against him by Nissan.

Ghosn fled Japan in December 2019 as he awaited trial and after arriving in his childhood home in Lebanon said he was escaping a "rigged" justice system and would clear his name.

Tokyo prosecutors have previously said Ghosn's allegations of a conspiracy were false.

Asked whether he would expand his legal action to include Renault, part of the alliance with Nissan which he masterminded, Ghosn said his focus was currently at Nissan.

"I'm not precluding anything for the future. Today we are concentrating on the Nissan plot," he said.

If found guilty, Nissan "will have to pay", Ghosn said.

"It's a large company and they have assets everywhere and you can go after their assets anywhere, so this is not a joke," he said.

"I hope they are going to provide this amount of money and I hope they are going to talk to their shareholders about what is happening and why this is happening," he said.

Ghosn, who holds French, Lebanese and Brazilian citizenship, said he has not left Lebanon since 2019 because of an Interpol Red Notice issued by Japan.

"I'm stuck here. I cannot make a complaint of this size in another country," he said, adding that putting his case together had taken his legal team time as they reconstituted the facts.

A judicial source in Lebanon said the prosecutor has scheduled a court session on Sept 18 to begin proceedings.

Ghosn said documents had been taken from his home in Lebanon under false pretences on the day of his arrest in Japan and shared with Japanese authorities.

His lawsuit alleges that "the sanctity of a residence" had been violated and says crimes were committed in Lebanon, Japan, France, Brazil, the United States and the Netherlands.

"I have the intention to get my rights back, to repair my reputation," he said.

"I am going to dedicate all the time necessary for the truth to prevail."


Scania continues expansion up North

                PENANG: Scania Malaysia recently held a handing-over ceremony for its vehicles to three of its customers in the northern region.

Scania Southeast Asia managing director Marie Enström was on hand to present the mock keys at its Scania Butterworth service centre.

The mock keys were received by Sin Hock Soon Transport marketing director Tony Yew (17 trucks) and LLZ Haulage director Tajnoor (two trucks), which bought 17 and two G410LA6x2MSZ trucks respectively.

Last but not least was Nurkasih Holiday and Tours director Hafisol Hassan who received the mock key to the company's five K360IB4x2 and one K250IB4x2 bus.

Facilitated by Scania Credit, the new trucks and buses come with the standard two-year free Scania Maintenance, two-year free 24/7 Scania Assistance and a ten-year free Scania Fleet Management System (FMS).

“We are proud to be a partner for Sin Hock Soon Transport and LLZ Haulage for their long-haul operations. We are also proud of our partnership with Nurkasih Holiday & Tours for their tour operations. We are indeed very happy that these established companies that have placed their trust in Scania for the sustainability of their businesses, ” said Enström.

The event also saw Scania presenting an award to Express Seni Budaya (M) Sdn Bhd for achieving the best fuel savings for a competition for the bus category based on the Scania Fleet Management System.

The handover of vehicles was held in conjunction with the Scania Open Day, which served as an opportunity for staff and their immediate family members as well as customers to mingle, understand what Scania can offer as an employer and have a more intimate look at how the company operates.

Also on site for them to see and understand were information counters for Scania Genuine Parts and Scania Fleet Management System, a Scania Truck Simulator game console and a Scania autonomous platooning table that depicts the future of the industry which Scania is developing.


From PJ to Penang in the Honda BR-V

                Aesthetics plays a big part when it comes to attracting car consumers today. When a car looks outstanding, heads immediately start turning and they rush to the nearest showroom like moths to a flame.

And it has been proven. Just look at the new Honda Civic sedan. Its radical new design attracted a whole lot of people to a car and segment, which previously, has been trending downward.

And Honda knows this all too well. The Japanese marque knows that the way to your heart starts with the eyes. And when that design catches your attention, you will be even more endeared with its features and price. Just like the new BR-V. Prices range from RM85,800 to RM92,800.

Since its official launch in early January, it has already received bookings of around 8,700 units in just two months. How is it that an MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle) is suddenly garnering so much attention? To be sure, we are talking about a mom-and-dad car of which there are cheaper alternatives.

Is it the features? Surely 11 cup holders isn’t the reason the BR-V is being snapped up as it is.

It’s all about the looks and the BR-V stands apart from other MPVs because it doesn’t look like a boxy MPV. No, it looks like a sprightly SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) and the parents who have had to make serious life choices of owning an MPV for the sake of the family can now drive such a car while holding their heads up high. Why? Because the BR-V has style!

The BR-V is offered in two variants - E and V - and standard equipment includes rear air-conditioning vents, electric power steering, 195/60 R16 tyres, halogen projector headlights, LED daytime running lights, roof rails, 11 cup holders, and a four-speaker audio system with USB, Bluetooth and hands-free features.

Standard safety features include two airbags, vehicle stability assist (VSA), hill start assist (HSA), anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD) and ISOFIX points for child car seats.

For the drive to Penang, we travelled with the top-specced V variant which features front fog lights, chrome outer door handles, electrical tailgate lock, smart entry with engine push-start button, audio controls on the steering wheel, automatic air-conditioning, leather upholstery, and a 6.1-inch display screen with HDMI port, and rear view camera.

Honda, however, didn’t just bank on looks for the BR-V. This seven-seater has the biggest trunk space in its class at 223 litres.
And if you want even more space, its multi-configuration seats for the second row has an easy one-touch tilt and tumble in a 60:40 configuration, while third row has 50:50 tilt and tumble.

It was also built with passenger comfort and spaciousness in mind and we appreciated the leg and head room in the second row when travelling to Penang. The third row is also suitable for adults as it still has plenty of headroom but less so with leg room.

The rear air-cond vents also kept the car cooler all around during the trip.

Honda also dropped in a 1.5-litre SOHC i-VTEC engine delivering 120PS at 6,600rpm and 145Nm of torque at 4,600rpm. It is mated to a CVT (continuous variable transmission), which we found very capable indeed.

Getting up to highway speeds was done effectively as we watched the speedometer needle climb smoothly and surely without being heavy footed with the throttle.

We even had three passengers and luggage on our way back to Kuala Lumpur and never once did I feel that the BR-V was struggling.

Also noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) were low. The CVT transmission does drone but it’s not immediately obvious and the quietness adds to the level of comfort.

What was impressive though is the car’s handling. For a tall vehicle, with an overall height of 1,666mm, it is surprisingly stable.

Driving around the windier strecthes of Penang island to get to the heart of Balik Pulau, I was expecting the car to roll around the bends but instead, it held up really well. It felt as if I were driving a sedan. And mind you, the BR-V has a higher ground clearance than the average sedan at 201mm.

The suspension also helped absorb bumps and potholes, enhancing ride comfort.

Another thing I liked is that the roof rails aren’t just for show as it can carry loads of up to 30kg.

The BR-V is already a success for Honda Malaysia and the package it offers is tough to beat. It comes with a five-year warranty with unlimited mileage, and service intervals are every 10,000km and up to six free labour services are offered (alternating with paid services) up till the 100,000km mark.

It’s sure to keep everybody in the family happy.

READ MORE:
Honda BR-V launched
First drive of Honda BR-V in Bangkok + video


E-hailing drivers ask JPJ: Why set medical fee at RM80 when clinics charging only RM20?

                PETALING JAYA: The Road Transport Department's (JPJ) decision to set the mandatory medical examination fee for e-hailing drivers at RM80 is not warranted as many clinics charge only RM20, says the Malaysia E-Hailing Drivers Association (Mehda).

Its president Daryl Chong said despite JPJ's best intention to prevent overcharging, the association has already secured a low rate of RM20 to ease the burden of e-hailing drivers.

“In a bid to help our members nationwide, Mehda approached many clinics since May this year, requesting them to impose a minimal charge for the medical examination, ” he said, pointing out that the new ruling would force e-hailing drivers to pay more.

On Aug 20, JPJ issued a circular to the Health Ministry and Malaysian Medical Association to fix a standard rate of RM80 for e-hailing drivers to do their medical examination.

The check-up is needed for the application and renewal of the public service vehicle (PSV) licence.

Chong said so far, a total of 135 panel clinics nationwide had agreed to the RM20 per person for Mehda members taking the medical examination.

“The clinics which agreed to be our panel (clinics) know very well that they do not make any profit from this, which is more of a CSR (corporate social responsibility) initiative to give back to society, ” he said.

Chong added that the examination would normally take between 20 and 30 minutes, and that the clinics took it upon themselves to subsidise the cost.

He said there was no reason to set a standard rate for the check-up when the fare for e-hailing rides was not regulated.

“We understand that the decision may be mooted to prevent overcharging but fixing a standard rate only defeats the purpose for the clinics to do good for society.

“Furthermore, it also adds to the financial burden of drivers, ” he said.

Chong called upon the government to revert to the previous practice of allowing the clinics to decide how much they want to charge.


Mercedes Benz recalls more than 100,000 C-class models, says daily

BERLIN: Mercedes-Benz is recalling more than 100,000 C-class models due to the possibility that moisture could enter the signal acquisition module (SAM) if water were to get into the boot, Handelsblatt reported citing a company spokesman.


Hello officers! Get rid of these parking pests who are extorting motorists in KL

                KUALA LUMPUR: "Pay us or we will smash your wind screen."

It has come to that with "ulat parkir" (parking pests) who prey on motorists in several areas of the city, especially where parking space is limited.

Office workers here recall that these pests used to ask for a few ringgit to "guard" your car. Now it's outright extortion. A 29-year-old administrative officer relates a recent incident when she parked her car in Jalan Maharajalela where she works for a government agency.

"A tall, thin teenager demanded 20 ringgit from me," said Wong Siow Wei.  "I asked him why I should give him the money. He pointed at two cars, one with a smashed windscreen, and the other with four punctured tyres. I paid up."

That was the last time Wong parked her Myvi at that place. She now parks her car about a kilometre from her office. Wong said she hasn't recovered fully from her bad experience. "I still see a few 'ulat parkir' in the area, and get very nervous. I just stay away from them," she said.

A Bernama survey showed that the areas the parking pests haunt include Bangsar shopping centres, Dataran Merdeka and Kampung Baru. The pests are mostly below 30 years of age, and are said to include foreigners. Some of them demand money even from those who park in DBKL bays.

Legal officer Siti Nor Haryani Mat Noor said the windscreen of her Viva was smashed one night in Sentul because she did not pay them money. "I saw several young people asking a man for something. I parked my car beside the road and quickly walked to my house nearby," the 27-year-old said.

"The next morning I found the windscreen of my car had been smashed. My Smart Tag had been taken. Two cars parked near mine also had their windscreens smashed."

A private sector retiree Mohd Baharudin Ismail, 61, said her daughter had a traumatic experience when she parked her car in a dark spot at the back of a row of shops in Bangsar. "They (the parking pests) threatened to damage her car if she did not pay them 50 ringgit. She paid them," he said.

Restaurant manager Muhammad Izzat Izudin, 41, said some of his customers had complained to him about having to pay the pests money to park in front of the eating premise in Wangsa Maju. Others told him that they had their cars scratched and their tyres punctured for not paying the pests.

"I see these pests hanging around waiting for victims ...some of them are in their early 20s but most of them are just teenagers," he said. "The way they behave, it is as though they are following orders. I think someone or group is controlling them."


Fuel prices up after three weeks of decline

                PETALING JAYA: Petrol prices across the board will go up for the third week of May compared to the previous week, ending a three-week period of declining prices.

The price of RON95 and RON97 will go up by 7 sen to RM2.08 per litre and RM2.36 per litre.

The price of diesel will go up by four sen from RM1.95 to RM1.99 per litre.

The new prices will be from Thursday to May 24. They were announced on RTM1 and posted on the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry’s Twitter account on Wednesday evening.

The weekly fuel pricing mechanism came into effect from April this year.


India's top court bans sale of older-technology vehicles from April

A view of the Indian Supreme Court building is seen in New Delhi. - Reuters
NEW DELHI: India's top court on Wednesday banned the sale of vehicles running on older Euro III fuel technology from April 1, a decision that led to a sharp fall in shares of major automakers sitting on unsold inventories.

Shares of two-wheeler manufacturer Hero MotoCorp fell as much as 4.4 percent, while those of truck maker Ashok Leyland were down as much as 6.6 percent and carmaker Tata Motors' shares dropped nearly 2 percent.

The court, in its judgment, said health concerns of citizens took precedence over any financial losses for companies.

India, in 2015, had said automakers must make only Euro IV-compliant vehicles from April 1 as they are less polluting, but did not propose banning the sale of older-technology vehicles from the same day.

Currently Euro IV vehicles, locally known as Bharat Stage (BS) IV, are sold in select states, while Euro III vehicles are sold more widely across the country.

There is unsold stock of more than 800,000 BS III-compliant vehicles, mainly two-wheelers, worth about 120 billion rupees (US$8.2bil), Mumbai-based Angel Broking said in a note.

It added that the older technology two-wheeler inventory could be sold in international markets where such vehicles are still permitted.

"Days before the deadline, they said you cannot sell," Vinod Dasari, president of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), and managing director of Ashok Leyland, told television channel BTVi.

"I don't think this much inventory can be sold off in the next couple of days," Dasari said.


US opens probe into whether VW vehicles infringe Jaguar Land Rover patents

                WASHINGTON: The US International Trade Commission (ITC) said on Monday it is opening in investigation into whether German automaker Volkswagen AG infringed on patents held by Jaguar Land Rover for a system used for off-road driving.

In November, Jaguar Land Rover, a unit of Tata Motors, filed a complaint with the ITC seeking to prevent the import of some VW Porsche, Lamborghini and Audi models with “certain vehicle control systems” that allegedly infringe on its patents.

The models include the Lamborghini Urus, Porsche Cayenne and Audi’s Q8, Q7, Q5, A6 Allroad, and e-tron vehicles and the VW Tiguan. The ITC said it has made no decision on the merits.

VW said in a statement it was examining the action and determining its next steps.

“We will of course cooperate with investigating authorities. While we cannot comment on any details of the proceedings, we strongly believe that the claims have no merit and will robustly defend our position,” VW said.

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) said the vehicles “have used JLR’s patented inventions without payment or permission” notably a patent for an “improved system for driving a vehicle on different driving surfaces, in particular off-road.”

JLR says its Terrain Response technology uses the patented technology to maximise performance on off-road driving surfaces, including grass, snow, mud, sand and rocks.


Coronavirus concerns delay restart of Ford's North American production

                DETROIT:  Ford Motor Co said on Tuesday it was postponing its plan to restart production at its North America plants due to safety concerns for its workers amid the coronavirus pandemic.

To generate cash, the No. 2 US automaker had said last week it was poised to restart production at some plants in North America as early as April 6, bringing back such profitable vehicles as its top-selling F-150 full-sized pickup, the Transit commercial van and SUVs.

But on Tuesday, Ford said that although it had been aiming to resume production at several key US plants on April 14, it would now do so at dates to be announced later on.

“The health and safety of our workforce, dealers, customers, partners and communities remains our highest priority,” Kumar Galhotra, president of Ford’s North American operations, said in a statement.

Still, the automaker will open a plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan, during the week of April 20, that will make ventilators to treat patients afflicted by the new coronavirus.

Michigan, which is home to a large portion of the US automotive industry, has also become a hot spot in the pandemic. Schools and all but essential businesses have been ordered closed through at least April 13 to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Galhotra said Ford was working closely with the United Auto Workers union to “develop additional health and safety procedures” to help keep hourly workers healthy.

“Today’s decision by Ford is the right decision for our members, their families and our nation,” UAW President Rory Gamble said in a statement.

Rival Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV said last week it plans to resume production in North America on April 13.

A spokesman for FCA said the automaker was “continuing to monitor the situation.

General Motors Co has shuttered its plants indefinitely and has not provided a date for vehicle production to restart.

“Once it is safe to resume production, we will do so,” a GM spokesman said.


New Mitsubishi Fuso trucks introduced

                PETALING JAYA: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, the authorized distributor of Mitsubishi Fuso trucks, has launched three new models, the FM65FN, FM65FJ and the FN62FM.

“The truck series has time and time again proved to be a popular contender in the Malaysian market. Since 2012, we have sold more than 2,500 units on an annual basis, and we are confident that with these three new additions, it will further enhance our presence in the Malaysia market.

"The upgraded chassis provides especially good function in the construction, logistics and quarry industries. The FN series, in particular, has provided versatility for off-road applications,” said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicle vice president, Albert Yee.

Succeeding its predecessors launched between 2009 and 2010, the upgraded variants -FM65FJ, FM65FN and FN62FM - feature a complete new engine and chassis.

The FM65FJ is a six inline engine generating a total of 686Nm of torque with a maximum output of 240PS at 2,600rpm. With its taper leaf spring suspension, this vehicle is ideal for construction and heavy-duty use.

The FM65FN, like its counterpart, the FM65FJ, also boasts a powerful six inline engine generating 785Nm of torque, producing a maximum output of 270PS at 2, 600rpm.

Fuso's medium-duty FN62FM stands out for its nine-speed transmission with a high-low range change. The FN62FM generates a maximum output of 270PS at 2,600rpm and 795Nm of torque. Equipped with a crawler gear, the FN62FM provides the maximum torque required in all its’ applications.

The FN62FM fares particularly well in quarry areas, with an all-new transmission, the FN62FM offers drivers better efficiency and lower fuel consumption.

The FM and FN models are equipped with a common rail injection system and are Euro 2 emission and UNECE regulation compliant.

The FM and FN series also incorporates safety features such as anti-lock braking system (ABS) and exhaust braking which assist drivers to avoid uncontrollable skidding and offers better braking performance. Other additional inclusions are the reserve sensor and daylight running light.

Fuso’s cabin design continues to excel with an all new design. The FM and FN cabins now offer drivers and passengers easier access, expanded headroom and an additional footstep for easy in-and out access.

The 4x2 FM65FJ, 4x2 FM65FN and 6x4 FN62FM are priced at RM183,688, RM198,288 and RM265,888 respectively. The models are available from October.

Fuso's new FM and FN models come with a 100,000km or two-year warranty (whichever comes first). Customers will also enjoy three complimentary services for the trucks up to 20,000km free service charge, spare parts and lubricant oil.

Mitsubishi Fuso has an extensive nationwide network with 37 authorised dealers and 44 service centres.


VW reveals delivery vehicle styled as a hippie van

                HANNOVER: The world premiere of the I.D. Buzz Cargo concept, the transporter with "the potential to write history as one of the most advanced," took place this week at the IAA Commercial Vehicles 2018 event in Hannover. The new concept vehicle is a progression from the 2017 I.D. Buzz concept and could make it to market by 2021.

Just like the rest of the I.D. family and as the concept video that made the world fall in love with the idea and what it promised back in 2017, the nostalgic I.D. Buzz Cargo is based on the Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB), meaning that it is a fully electric vehicle reaching up to 550km while being 100% emissions free. Plus, there is an optional solar-panelled rooftop that can extend the driving length up to 15km. Talk about flower power.

But that's far from all the high-tech features this transporter concept has to offer. Keeping the idea of "utility vehicle" in mind, the cockpit and cargo space are connected via a digital cargo system allowing for fast and efficient use of the "Internet of Things."

The vehicle drives with "full automation" through the I.D. Pilot mode. When the driver uses the autonomous mode, the steering wheel will retract and allow the seat to rotate to the right 15 degrees allowing for use of the workspace. Even the third seat placed between the driver and passenger seats can fold down presenting even more room to work. After all, the purpose of creating the transporter was to, "simplify working in the vehicle."

By design, the I.D. Buzz Cargo has an impressive amount of space, especially since the 48-kWh lithium-ion battery is integrated into the floor and there's no combustion engine in the front. Even so, the vehicle can turn in a circle less than 10 metres in diameter - perfect for urban navigation.

Meanwhile, additional workspace can be fashioned outside the transporter thanks to a workbench that can be unfolded out of the back doors.


Say hello to the new Skoda Karoq SUV - son of the Yeti

                PRAGUE: The next generation of Skoda's mid-sized Yeti SUV comes with a completely new design and a new name. The kid brother of the larger Kodiaq is being labelled the "Karoq."

The Czech subsdiary of carmaker Volkswagen said the car will debut officially in Stockholm in May before it enters showrooms in the second half of 2017.

The new compact five-seater car looks more like the Kodiaq than the Yeti it replaces, but it also boasts a more rugged look and is clearly primed for some off-road action.

The car is practical too, with a boot which offers up to 1,630 litres with the seat folded down. This makes it a worthy rival to its main competitor, the Nissan Qashqai, which swallows 1,585 litres of luggage.

The Karoq is technically close to the VW Tiguan and inherits that car's touchscreen infotainment system, with top-of-the-range connectivity. It even has a WiFi hotspot.

The Karoq name continues Skoda's Alaskan theme, which started with the Kodiaq. Karoq is an amalgam of the words for car and arrow in the language of Alaska's indigenous people. Kodiaq is the name of an Alaskan bear.

A choice of five power trains will be available when the Karoq goes on sale - two petrol units and three diesels - offering between 115hp and 190hp.

All drivetrains can be matched up with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed DSG automatic. The range-topping 2.0 TDI comes as standard with four-wheel drive and seven-speed DSG.


Ford trials tech to help foresee traffic incidents

                LONDON: A consortium led by Ford is developing an innovative predictive road safety tool which, using data from connected vehicles and intelligent roadside sensors, could help to make travel in towns and cities safer and easier.

Each year more than 1.3 million people are killed on roads around the world – around 3,700 every day – with road injuries the eighth leading cause of death globally . On top of the human impact, accidents also have significant financial consequences. The UK Department for Transport puts the annual economic cost of road incidents at more than £35 billion.

The Data-Driven Road Safety Tool will analyse information from connected vehicles, smart roadside sensors and local-authority data to predict the likely locations and possible root causes of potential road safety hotspots. The insights will enable cities to take pre-emptive action to address roads and junctions that pose the highest risks to road users.

“Soon every new vehicle will be a connected vehicle, and we see this as an opportunity to reduce road traffic incidents and save lives in a significant way,” said Jon Scott, project lead, City Insights, Ford Mobility, Europe.

“By collaborating with leading innovators, experts and academics – and with the backing of Innovate UK – we truly believe we can help improve mobility for millions around the world.”

Ford Mobility is working alongside partners including Oxfordshire County Council, AI sensor specialists Vivacity Labs, and leading academics from Loughborough University’s Transport Safety Research Centre, with support from Transport for London.

The aim is to develop the tool into a solution that could benefit cities and road users around the world. The initiative has now received financial backing from the Innovate UK, the government-backed innovation fund.


India's Royal Enfield recalls about 237,000 motorcycles on ignition coil defect

                CHENNAI: Eicher Motors-owned Royal Enfield said today it will recall close to 236,966 motorcycles across some models due to defects in the ignition coil that can cause misfiring and, in rare cases, an electric short circuit.

Royal Enfield is an iconic brand in India, the world's biggest motorcycle market, with a dedicated fan-following for its range of cruisers and classic-looking motorcycles.

The recall will apply to Meteor, Classic and Bullet model motorcycles sold in India, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Australia and New Zealand, Royal Enfield said in a statement.

The defect was discovered during routine internal testing and the issue has been isolated to specific batches of material sourced from our external supplier between December 2020 and April 2021, the company said, adding that the issue is rare and does not impact all motorcycles manufactured during the period.

Eicher Motors also makes trucks and buses through a joint venture with Sweden's Volvo.

Royal Enfield also said it expects less than 10% of the recalled motorcycles to need replacement of the defective part.


Allowing dealers temporary car ownership among proposed changes to road law

                PETALING JAYA: Changes will be made to the Road Transport Act 1987 to protect the interests of car owners when they sell their vehicles to used car dealers.

With the proposed amendments, such dealers will be allowed to temporarily have ownership of the vehicle while looking for new buyers.

"At the same time, this move will ensure the rights of the consumer will be protected," said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong in a statement on Saturday (June 18).

He announced this move as among a slew of amendments to the Act, set to be tabled in the coming Dewan Rakyat meeting in July.

He said at present, the existing procedures under the Act only allow for a permanent transfer of ownership of the vehicles.

"However, an administrative measure was made in 2011 to allow vehicle owners to sell and transfer ownership of their vehicles to used car dealers temporarily.

"The ownership will only be permanently transferred to the dealer after a specified time if the vehicle is not sold to a new buyer by the dealer," Dr Wee, who is also MCA president, added.

Through the coming changes in the law, the interim Vehicle Ownership Transfer (Temporary) from the original owner to the dealer would be legalised.

He said the Cabinet had approved the ministry’s proposals to amend the Act to better serve the general public and keep all road users safe.

"The ministry has always sought to find ways to make the law more people-centric and put safety as a top priority without unduly burdening road users," Dr Wee added.

Another amendment to take place is a new provision to allow the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to use the High-Speed Weigh-in Motion (HS-WIM) system.

"This combination of sensors, camera, and computer algorithms can ascertain the presence, identity and most importantly the prescribed weight of vehicles while in motion.

"HS-WIM allows for a more efficient and accurate way of recording vehicles' weight and for enforcement activities to be done automatically without the presence of JPJ’s officers at the location," said Dr Wee.

The system would ensure higher compliance of the relevant rules by all vehicle owners, especially those that transport goods.

It would also ultimately provide for safer roads for all users.

"The ministry is continuously seeking the best approaches to ensure public safety on the road and one of the best ways is through integration of technology into enforcement.

"Such a step can also prevent corruption and ensure continuous monitoring for compliance," he said.

Dr Wee said the law will also be amended to lower the age limit to hold a Vocational Licence to ride a motorcycle as a goods vehicle from the current 21 years to not less than 18 years.

"This is to allow more people the option to earn extra income via the p-hailing (delivery or penghantar in Bahasa Malaysia) business and other platforms to deliver goods," he added.

In a fourth proposed amendment to the law, Dr Wee said it will be mandatory for tour bus drivers to have a valid Vocational License, to be uniform with other types of bus drivers.

This requirement for such a license was already currently imposed on drivers of express buses, stage buses and school buses.

"This move will ensure all drivers are protected with current knowledge and competencies to provide safe and responsible services to their passengers," Dr Wee said.

He added that the ministry was constantly working to improve public policies to make the roads safer for the benefit of pedestrians and motorists.

"We will continue to listen to feedback from the public and all stakeholders to better improve these policies for the future," he said.


Volunteer GoVax Heroes needed to shuttle the elderly for vaccination

                PETALING JAYA: The GoVax Heroes programme is calling for volunteer drivers to assist in providing senior citizens aged 60 years and above and persons with disabilities with free rides to designated vaccination centres in the Petaling district.

Volunteer GoVax Heroes will be assigned to vaccinations scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays so that their work and weekday routines will not be affected.

They will be provided with vehicles, courtesy of GoCar. Petrol and parking fees will also be covered by GoCar.

Interested individuals must be between the ages of 18 and 50 with a valid Malaysian driver’s licence. Those who wish to volunteer can drop their details at this gocar site.

The GoCar announcement was made following the increase of vaccination appointments by the Malaysian government and growing demand for the free GoVax shuttle service.

Since the programme started on May 25, the GoVax Heroes have provided free rides to and from vaccination centres for over 300 senior citizens and persons with disabilities. The GoVax Heroes have thus far been volunteers from GoCar Malaysia’s employee pool.

A CSR programme by car-sharing platform GoCar Malaysia, in collaboration with Kampung Tunku state assemblyperson Lim Yi Wei, the GoVax shuttle service covers Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre, Hospital Shah Alam, Klinik Rakan Medik Petaling Jaya, University Malaysia Medical Centre and Ideal Convention Centre Shah Alam.

READ MORE: ERA radio presenter Haniff Hamzah goes out of his way to be a solo volunteer

“Since we launched the GoVax programme, we have been heartened by multiple queries coming in from members of the public who wanted to volunteer. We welcome all the support we can get as the government continues to intensify vaccination efforts. I am proud that Malaysians are so giving and caring. It is only through a concerted effort that we can beat this ongoing battle with Covid-19,” said GoCar Malaysia CEO Wong Hoe Mun.

To book a free GoVax shuttle, contact the 24/7 hotline 1 300-30-2633 or request via the GoCar mobile app.

Bookings must be made at least three days in advance. Drivers are limited and requests will be processed on a first come, first served basis.

Passengers with mobility challenges will need to be accompanied by an experienced caregiver.

The free GoVax shuttle service ends on Aug 31.

To find out more about GoCar and the GoVax CSR programme, download the GoCar mobile app or click here.


New Land Rover Defender 130 to be unveiled on May 31

                LONDON: Land Rover will be revealing a new eight-seat variant of the Defender 4X4 series called Defender 130 on May 31.

The new Defender 130 will join the existing 90, 110 and commercial Hard Top derivatives.

The latest variant will be ready for any adventure with premium interior practicality for up to eight occupants, across three rows of seating.

The capable off-roader comes with a spacious 2-3-3 seat configuration, the latest digital technologies and advanced integrated chassis technologies.

In Malaysia, the Defender 110 was launched in October last year, available in two engine offerings of P300 and P400.

The P300 comes with the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder direct injection Ingenium petrol engine with 300PS and 400Nm of torque.

The P400 is equipped with the 3.0-litre 6-cylinder direct injection Ingenium petrol engine with MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle) technology to deliver 400PS and 550Nm of torque.

The P300 and P400 have starting prices of RM798,800 and RM998,800 respectively.

Prices are inclusive of 50% Penjana Sales Tax waiver, excluding road tax, registration and insurance.


Fisker relaunches Tesla rivalry with US$40K electric SUV

                LOS ANGELES: Fisker, the electric car brand which was an early rival to Tesla, announced Monday it would produce a new sport utility vehicle priced below US$40,000 (RM164,000) that will be available next year.

The move could relaunch the brand which attracted celebrity buyers before a 2013 bankruptcy.

The brand led by former BMW designer Henrik Fisker underwent a lengthy restructuring and its latest move suggest it is out to revive its challenge to Tesla in the market for mass-market electric vehicles.

Fisker, which made its announcement in a press release with images of the new vehicle, said a drivable prototype would be available later this year.

Like Tesla, Fisker will sell directly to consumers without dealers.

The company said it is "currently finalising the selection of a facility, located in the United States, to produce the all-electric SUV."

The relaunch comes after a high-profile bankruptcy by Fisker Automotive, which received US$192 million in US government loans and left US$139 million of that unpaid.

The US$100,000 Fisker Karma released in 2012 attracted buyers including Justin Bieber, Leonardo DiCaprio and Ashton Kutcher.

But that company filed for bankruptcy in 2013 and a year later its assets were sold to Chinese auto parts maker Wanxiang.

The new car, with an expected range of some 500km between charges, comes from a new corporate entity called Fisker Inc.

A year ago, Henrik Fisker unveiled plans for a US$129,000 electric luxury car, but the group said that vehicle launch will be pushed back until after the lower-priced SUV.

The company projects to eventually have three different vehicles.

"Our team set out on a mission to create an affordable EV that's more exciting and emotion-stirring than what the market has been offering," Henrik Fisker said in the statement.

"We're now excited to be introducing a vehicle that truly re-invents the SUV."

Fisker is among several startups in the US and elsewhere moving into the electric vehicle market which is expected to see strong growth.

The move by Fisker comes as Tesla ramps up efforts for more affordable electric cars including a Model 3 priced at US$35,000 and a Model Y SUV starting at US$39,000.


Lanmodo Pro car tent from under RM1,000

                PETALING JAYA: Remember the "car umbrella" we highlighted in early April?

We spotted a demo unit perched atop a Honda near Starling Mall here recently.

Well, the good news is that Malaysians can get the Lanmodo Pro from this local e-commerce website called Storming Gravity. It sells two versions of the car accessory: the shorter 3.5m version at RM999 and the 4.8m long variant at RM1,149.

The Lanmodo Pro car tent is made of reflective polyester film to help reflect sunlight and 48kph-rated wind channels have been integrated beneath the canopy to help expel hot air. A strong suction cup and tethers anchor the tent to the car while tethers with steel wires between the doors act as an anti-theft deterrent.

Storming Gravity, set up in 2015 and based in Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya, styles itself as a dealer in high quality lifestyle and premium products that includes tech gear.


2016 LA Auto Show: 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf

                LOS ANGELES: In a world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Volkswagen presented the latest generation of the e-Golf.

Compared to its predecessor, the 2017 e-Golf offers an improved range, more power and new features.

For 2017, Volkswagen is using a new lithium-ion battery whose energy capacity has been increased from 24.2 kWh to 35.8 kWh.

The new battery increases the range by about 50 percent, with the aim of a driving range of up to 200km on a single charge.

The 7.2 kW on-board charger is now standard on both SE and SEL Premium trims, which enables the battery to be fully charged in less than six hours at a traditional charging station.

When equipped with DC Fast Charging (optional on SE, standard on SEL Premium), the battery can be charged to 80 percent within an hour at a DC fast charging station.

The electric motor has been upgraded as well.

It now develops 134 horsepower, which is 19hp more than the first version of the e-Golf.

At the same time, the maximum torque of the electric motor has been boosted to 290NM.

The 2017 e-Golf offers new, high-tech features like the fully digital and interactive Volkswagen Digital Cockpit.

With this optional system, all instruments—including specific e-Golf instruments such as the power meter—are virtually implemented on the 12.3-inch color screen.

There are different information profiles which change the type of information displayed and the graphics in certain areas.

Information can be integrated on driving, navigation and assistance functions and display phone contact images or album cover art.

The available Discover Pro infotainment system trim has a large 9.2-inch glass display with a completely new design.

For the first time in a Golf, it is possible to individually configure the home screen.

In addition, the innovative gesture control system, first debuted at CES 2015, is planned to become reality in the next two years for the U.S. market.

Gesture control works in a wide variety of menus.

All it takes is a hand swipe gesture to move the horizontally arranged menu items to the left or right, allowing the user to navigate through the main menu, change radio stations, or skip to the next song.

In future, the e-Golf will be produced at the facility in Dresden, Saxony, in addition to the main Golf plant in Wolfsburg.

Volkswagen is converting the Transparent Factory in Dresden into a production facility again.

From April 2017, the new e-Golf is to be produced there.

A year ago, the Transparent Factory was converted into a “showcase for e-mobility and digitalization” for visitors and customers.

More than 40 exhibits and vehicles currently give a glimpse of the future of mobility in an interactive, entertaining way.

Since then, over 75,000 people have visited the facility.


German tuner rolls out widebodied Rolls-Royce Dawn

                STUTTGART: The SPOFEC Overdose Rolls-Royce Dawn boasts wider flanks, unique wheels, extra horsepower and will be limited to just eight examples worldwide.

For those that don't know, SPOFEC (a name derived from compressing Spirit Of Ecstasy) is a German aftermarket tuner and automotive refiner in Stetten near here that refines Rolls-Royces and Rolls-Royces only.

And for its latest creation, it has taken the company's most elegant current vehicle, the 2+2 seater Dawn drophead, and given it a widebody conversion complete with flared wheel arches.

Co-created by respected German designer Vittorio Strosek, the re-imagined exterior is formed from carbon fibre and makes the car 130mm wider, front and rear. So that the widebody look isn't too jarring to luxury motoring purists, SPOFEC has also given some serious attention to the rocker panels, flaring them out subtly, so that the exterior lines still flow.

Bigger wheel arches also mean bigger wheels and the company has made a special set of 22-inch wheels for the car and reprogrammed the air suspension. At speeds of up to 140kph the car rides 40mm lower to the ground than a standard Dawn, but as the owner continues to accelerate, the car's height rises to that of a standard-specification Dawn.

Under the hood, the standard twin-turbo V12's power output has been tweaked. It now develops 686hp (up by 115hp) and torque jumps to 980Nm from 820Nm. This results in a 0-100kph time of just 4.6 seconds. However, thanks to the 22-inch wheels and their extra low profile tyres, top speed is electronically limited, for safety reasons at 250kph.

Thankfully, this extra power comes with extra responsibility in the form of bigger, fade-resistant carbon ceramic brakes which are both lighter and more effective than the standard braking setup, meaning that the car's unsprung weight is also significantly reduced.

However, those big brakes, plus the extra engine power means that the rear portions of the rocker panels feature vents for extra cooling, something that really will divide opinion, even among the tuning community.

But as with all such cars, once questions regarding taste are out of the way, the only issue remaining is how well the conversion has been completed.

In SPOFEC's case, the company promises that all carbon fibre is perfectly matched and that all body additions blend seamlessly with the original car so that it looks like it rolled off a production line.


Perodua predicts upbeat rebound in 2022, plans next-gen Alza

                KUALA LUMPUR: After much talk in the market, Perodua has confirmed the arrival of a new Alza in the later part of the year.

Perodua president and chief executive officer Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad said the company had originally planned to end the production of the current generation Alza this month.

"But production interruption last year had caused us to have an outstanding order of 3,200 units to be fulfilled. As such, we had to keep the factory line running until March or April to meet the back orders," he said at a media briefing on the company's outlook for 2022 here.

He said Perodua's priority was to ensure that the company was prepared for the introduction of the new model.

"We want to make sure that the transition from the old Alza to the new model is smooth. We will be launching the new Alza this year as we are also working on introducing another new Perodua model next year," he said.

 Alza.

The Alza multi-purpose vehicle, which features a three-row seating layout, was launched in 2009 and had received updates to keep its appeal fresh.

Zainal also said Perodua would be announcing its electrified vehicle strategy soon that includes electric vehicles and hybrid models.

He said unlike other non-national manufacturers that could launch their EVs quickly based on their technology, Perodua had to consider the affordability of its electrified vehicles.

Zainal said pricing is an important factor and  Perodua had to make sure that its electrified vehicles are not too expensive.

At the outlook briefing, Zainal said the company was expecting to improve its market share to 40.6% this year by registering 247,800 vehicles against an estimated 610,000 total industry volume (TIV) as compared to a 37.4% market share in 2021.

Perodua has made an internal projection of 610,000 TIV forecast as it believes that the market could surpass the 600,000 TIV target set by the Malaysian Automotive Association.

“For this year, we expect to produce 265,900 vehicles which is 37.5% higher compared to 193,400 vehicles produced in 2021.

“The increase in production would result in the increase in locally-sourced automotive parts by 41.5% to RM7.5bil as compared with the RM5.3bil purchased in 2021.

“This recovery would help the industry heal faster as the demand for vehicles is still strong,” Zainal said.

Zainal said the demand remained strong last year for all models with Myvi leading the line-up having registered 47,525 units followed by Axia (43,080 units), Bezza (42,698 units), Ativa (26,847 units), Aruz (15,313 units) and Alza (14,828 units).

“Since the new Myvi was launched on Nov 18 last year, Perodua delivered 7,055 units with booking reaching 31,154 orders since Nov 9, 2021.

Zainal also said the sales tax exemption initiative introduced by the government is still an excellent incentive for the consumer to purchase new cars.

“Our order book for new vehicles is still quite healthy with the guarantee that the production will go uninterrupted will mean that we could fulfil the outstanding orders in a timely manner,” he said.

 (From left) Perodua Auto Corp vice-president Datuk Ahmad Suhaimi Hashim, Zainal and Perodua Sales director JH Rozman Jaafar at the media briefing.

Zainal said last year was challenging as the country and its main industries had to cope with various crises throughout the year.

“With that being said, we have learnt a lot from this situation and have incorporated effective counter measures to ensure that we will be able to face them better if they re-occur,” he said.

On the floods in December and early January this year, Zainal said Perodua had received almost 2,103 flood cases throughout the country and of that number, 366 vehicles had been repaired and returned to the respective owners.

The influx of Perodua vehicles to its service centres was in response to the Perodua Flood Assist Programme that consists of a 50% discount for standard parts, free labour for all parts replacement and repairs as well as free 24-hour towing service via Perodua’s 1800-88-5555 hotline number.

In addition, the Finance Ministry had announced a RM1,000 voucher initiative on Jan 7 to assist Malaysians whose vehicles were damaged by the flood.

The automotive discount voucher, which has an expiry date of March 31, can be used to claim against the repair of a water-damaged private vehicle or towards the replacement of a vehicle deemed to be a total loss.


Buying an Isuzu D-Max could win you a dream holiday!

                PETALING JAYA: Isuzu Malaysia has announced the start of its Isuzu Win an Adventure of a Lifetime contest where the Grand Prize winners could be jetting off, via business class for two, to a 10-day experience in Iceland.

To be in the running, simply purchase and register a D-Max pickup truck from any authorised dealerships nationwide.

Also, don't forget to fill out and send in the contest forms - all before Sept 30.

However, missing out on the Grand Prize doesn't mean all is lost.

First Prize winners will receive a nine-day/seven-night trip for two to Greece

Second Prize winners will get to experience a 10-day/ nine-night holiday for two to Turkey.

There will also be five Special Prize winners who will fly with a partner for an eight-day/six-night holiday to South Korea.

All prize winners will be provided with four-star hotel accommodations and will include tours as well as meals in the package.

“The Isuzu Win an Adventure of a Lifetime contest is our way of encouraging Malaysians to take that step back to enjoy what the world has to offer," said  Isuzu Malaysia chief operating officer Masayuki Suzuki.

For more information on the contest, log on to Isuzu Malaysia's Facebook page or log on to www.isuzu.net.my/pickup to find the nearest dealer.


BMW delays next generation MINI due to Brexit uncertainty, costs

                FRANKFURT: BMW has delayed the development of its next generation MINI as it seeks to cut costs and as uncertainty over Britain’s trade relations with the European Union make long-term investment decisions harder.

The German carmaker has developed three generations of the MINI since buying the marque from Rover Group in 1994, keeping each vehicle in the market for about six years.

The current MINI hatch model, which has been on the market since 2014, is built on the company’s technological platform called UKL1.

“The lifespan of this platform has been extended,” said BMW spokesman Maximilian Schoeberl. “For cost reasons and because of Brexit.”

Pressure has risen on carmakers to free up resources so they can shoulder hefty investments to build next generation low emission electric, hybrid and connected vehicles.

The combustion-engined city car has suffered as customers migrated towards larger sports utility vehicles and as tightening emissions rules force carmakers to include costly modifications to exhaust systems.

Anti-pollution rules and cost pressure have already forced Opel and Vauxhall to drop the Adam and Karl models from sale. MINI’s sales fell 4.1% last year to 346,639 cars and showed an 18% drop in registrations in December.

In March BMW said it would seek 12 billion euros in cost savings and efficiency gains by the end of 2022. To reach its goal BMW is cutting the number of available engine and gearbox combinations by 50% and slashing vehicle development costs.

New vehicle platforms cost around 1 billion euros in research and development costs and are used for around six years, Juergen Pieper, an auto analyst at Metzler told Reuters.

It is for this reason that several carmakers have sought to carry over as many common components into next generation vehicles. Volkswagen’s Golf 7 and 8 models share common underpinnings.

Brexit uncertainty

The MINI is currently built in Oxford and in Born, the Netherlands, and any next generation car would require investments into the production lines of both factories.

BMW will not make large scale investments until there is greater certainty over the outcome of negotiations between Britain and the European Union over a trade deal.

“If tariffs are in the range of zero and 5 percent, the business case would not dramatically change,” BMW chief executive Oliver Zipse said last year, referring to Oxford’s status as a production and export hub for the MINI.

But higher tariffs on exports to and from Britain may force BMW to consider shifting more production to the Netherlands.

BMW produced 211,660 cars in the Netherlands in 2018, a 39 percent increase from 2017. BMW uses contract manufacturer VDL Nedcar to build the BMW X1, the MINI hatch, MINI convertible and MINI countryman models at its Dutch plant.

BMW’s plant in Oxford made 234,501 MINIs in 2018.


Solterra: Subaru unveils first EV developed with Toyota

                TOKYO: Japan's Subaru Corp today unveiled it first all-electric vehicle (EV), the Solterra, the result of a two-year joint development project with its biggest shareholder Toyota Motor Corp.

The sports utility vehicle (SUV) launch comes amid accelerating demand for EVs as nations around the world tighten environmental regulation to cut carbon emissions. Toyota last month announced its version of a battery electric vehicle (BEV), the bZ4X.

The technological shift away from internal combustion engines poses a challenge for smaller carmakers, such as Subaru, that are less able to fund expensive development of EVs.

At the same time, its an opportunity for top-tier automakers, such as Toyota, to draw smaller rivals closer.

Toyota, a pioneer of hybrid electric cars but a late comer to the full EV market, plans to have a line up of 15 BEV models by 2025. It is also spending US$13.5 billion over the next decade to expand auto battery production capacity.

Subaru's vehicle sales are less than a tenth of those at Toyota, the world's biggest automaker by production volume.

The front-wheel drive Solterra has a cruising range of 530km, while the all-wheel drive version can drive 460km on a single charge, Subaru said in a press release.

Toyota owns a fifth of Subaru, and has a 5% stake in Mazda Motor Corp, which plans to launch 13 electrified vehicles by 2025, including hybrids and BEVs that will incorporate Toyota technology.


Subaru teases images of STI Viziv Performance Concept revealed

                TOKYO: Subaru caused quite a stir among enthusiasts when it unveiled the Viziv Performance Concept at last October's Tokyo Motor Show, and the inevitable conclusion they drew was that it was really a preview of the next Subaru WRX. That's now starting to seem like something of a certainty now that Subaru has revealed teaser images ahead of the Tokyo Auto Salon (Jan 12-14) of the Viziv Performance STI Concept, which looks to be a preview of the next WRX STI.

As the name suggests, the Viziv Performance STI is pretty much what we'd imagine the original Viziv Performance concept would be like if it was handed over to those clever people at Subaru Tecnica International, which is the official motorsports and tuning arm of Subaru.

The Viziv concept we saw last autumn in Tokyo was already a crowd-pleasing design, but as we'd expect with an STI model, the images we've been given ahead of the full reveal of this one shows a much flashier vehicle altogether. The trademark pink STI badge is right where it should be in the grille, and it's complemented by pink accent lines in the grille, the front lip spoiler, the new air inlet, the side skirts, and on the rear wing.

And as it has to be with any STI worth its salt, the rear spoiler is absolutely enormous. Also unsurprisingly, the flared wheel arches may also be a little wider than they are on the standard Viziv concept.

There's no word about powertrain details ahead of the official reveal, although being Subaru, it's hard to imagine anything else under the hood other than a flat-four engine with all-wheel drive. However, the new WRX and WRX STI were recently said to be scheduled for 2020 and that they could use some form of hybrid propulsion system.

With the way emissions regulations are going these days, a 48V mild hybrid would have to be the very minimum requirement to allow Subaru to market these new models on a global basis.

sc/cm - Relaxnews


Media gets first look at refreshed Nissan X-Trail

                SHAH ALAM: Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) held an early preview of the facelifted X-Trail sports utility vehicle (SUV) for members of the media, which now comes in four variants including the top-0f-the-range hybrid variant.

The variants are 2.0L 2WD, 2.0L 2WD MID, 2.5L 4WD and 2.0L Hybrid.

The facelifted X-Trail is due to be launched sometime in April 2019 and ETCM has provided estimated prices starting with the 2.0L 2WD at below RM139,900, 2.0L 2WD MID (below RM149,900), 2.5L 4WD (below RM159,900) and 2.0L Hybrid (below RM169,900).

It comes with five years unlimited mileage warranty (includes Hybrid parts and Lithium Ion HEV battery).

The 2.0L (MR20DD) Hybrid with Twin CVTC (Continuously Variable-valve Timing Control) engine paired with Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), produces an output of 144PS and 200Nm of torque while the output from the electric motor produces 41PS plus 160Nm of torque.

It also features the best in class fuel economy of 16.1km/L.

The Hybrid variant however is a five-seater compared to the rest which are seven-seaters.

The X-Trail Facelift has new changes to it such as the new signature ‘V-Motion’ front grille design, revised signature LED Boomerang Daytime Running Lights and Headlights, Smoked LED Boomerang Tail Lamps, 7” Navi Infotainment System with Apple Carplay and Android Auto ready, Flat Bottom Steering Wheel with Controls, Dual Power Leather Seats, Leatherette Dashboard and Knee Pads, and 5” Advanced Drive Assist Display.

The X-Trail Facelift has also added a slew of safety features for the 2.0L 2WD MID, 2.5L 4WD and 2.0L Hybrid variants such as Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (FCW) *, Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) *, Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) *, High Beam Assist (HBA)*, 6 SRS Airbags, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM) with Moving Object Detection (I-MOD), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Motion Activated Power Tailgate (that operates by a simple quick kick below the tailgate to open or close it).

* 2.5L 4WD and 2.0L Hybrid only

Other safety features include Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold function, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Hill Start Assist (HSA), and Child Seat Retainer with Top Tether (ISOFIX x2).

It comes in five contemporary exterior colours are available: Brilliant White, Tungsten Silver, Titanium Olive, Diamond Black and the new Imperial Umber.

In conjunction with the pre-launch, the new Nissan X-Trail Facelift also comes with a 2-year or 40,000km Periodic maintenance Service (whichever comes first).

The first 500 registered vehicles will also receive an exclusive gift worth RM488. Official deliveries are scheduled for April 2019.

Members of the public are invited to join the new X-Trail Facelift Exclusive Preview at Nissan Test Drive Carnivals over 3 weekends of 9 th to 10 th March, 15 th to 17 th March, and 23 rd to 24 th March at selected Nissan showrooms nationwide to experience the new X-Trail Facelift.

To find out the roadshow and island display scheduled locations, please visit www.nissan.com.my/new-xtrail .

For more information, call the Nissan Customer Care Centre Hotline at 1800 88 3838.


Roads around circuit closed for KL City Grand Prix race

                KUALA LUMPUR: Those intending to see the KL City Grand Prix are advised to take public transport because roads around the circuit will be closed from Friday to Sunday for the event.

Jalan Ampang, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Raja Chulan, Jalan Perak and Jalan P. Ramlee will be closed from 7.30am to 6pm during the three-day race.

City Internal Security and Public Order chief Senior Asst Comm Datuk Wan Abdul Bari Wan Abdul Khalid urged those attending the GP to use public transport.

“Yes, we know there will be traffic jams, but it does not mean you won’t be able to move at all. Traffic movement will be slow.

“So, the best thing will be to take the monorail or LRT,” he told reporters at the KL traffic headquarters here yesterday.

SAC Wan Abdul Bari said the authorities would make concessions for those who work at companies located along the roads that were due for closure and control access during the event.

“However, they will need an access card to enter the area. These cards are issued by the organiser.

“You can collect them at the media centre in Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur,” added SAC Wan Abdul Bari.

Controlled access would also be given to people living in the area, he added.

City traffic chief Asst Comm Mohd Nadzri Hussain said 200 police personnel would be assigned to monitor traffic for each shift during the race days.

Police would work with the City Hall team to monitor the situation.

“There will also be 500 marshals assigned around the circuit,” he said.

More information on the road closure and recommended parking spots can be found on the official KL traffic police Facebook page.


The battle of the boot: the strange science of cars' cargo space

                FRANKFURT: Their tools of the trade are usually computers, and their instruments provide accurate measurements down to the micrometre. But at some point in every vehicle project, the designers at Opel's manufacturing facility will find themselves playing with building blocks like small children.

It’s no different at other major carmakers like BMW, Volkswagen or Mercedes.

This extra activity has nothing to do with lowering stress levels or teambuilding. Instead, it is a standard step for new production models to measure the size of the luggage compartment and provide customers with key information.

Cargo volume in a car is not simply calculated, but determined through a manual procedure, explains Opel spokesman Michael Blumenstein. According to Blumenstein, the engineers use building blocks with a standard edge length of 5 by 10 by 20 centimetres, which each have a volume of one litre and are stacked in the trunk.

Some of the intermediate spaces, where you might be able to squeeze in a jacket, are left unused, Blumenstein admits. But this method does take into account the fact that suitcases and boxes are also not completely flexible and have sharp corners and edges.

However, as Christian Buhlmann of VW points out, engineers don’t necessarily end up playing with blocks or tetra-packs in automotive facilities around the world. In the United States, for example, volume and cargo capacity are simply calculated based on the units of measurement available and are therefore not actually comparable to European values.

Depending on the vehicle model and interior trim, the figures obtained in the United States, which tend to be in accordance with standards set out by the US-based Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), are often 20 to 30 percent higher than European figures obtained using International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) standards.

Regardless of whether they use SAE or ISO standards, or whether the manufacturer is European, American or Asian, designers are struggling to find extra space and are constantly trying to make as much room as possible for kith and kin in their vehicles.

Among other innovations, engineers are building in double loading floors, using the empty space between the spare tire and toolkit as a "basement," cutting secret compartments into footwells and creating new rear bench configurations.

In the current Mercedes E-Class T-model, for example, there is a special cargo position for the rear seats, explains spokesman Steffen Schierholz.

With the help of a metal hook, the seat cushions are pulled and snapped into place at an angle 10 degrees steeper than normal. This, in turn, creates enough additional space in the trunk for 30 of the designers' one-litre blocks.

Similarly, rather than adjusting the angle of a seat back, a number of other vehicles, such as the VW Tiguan, have rear benches that can be shifted around, allowing either legroom or cargo space to be adjusted as desired.

"Flexibility is the key to family cars," says Hans-Georg Marmit from a major German safety inspection agency. "The more you can adapt a vehicle interior to your needs, the fewer compromises you have to make in your everyday life."

When it's possible to increase the length of the boot by folding back the passenger seat, you don’t need a 5-metre-long estate car just to occasionally transport a few long planks of wood.

Likewise, if the rear seats feature cinema-seat-style folding sections, like in the Honda Jazz or the Smart Forfour, you don't need a van with a high roof just to transport a large potted plant from time to time.


Group of EU countries to explore changes to car emissions law

                PRAGUE: Transport ministers from the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia will meet today to discuss potential changes to proposed EU vehicle emissions limits.

The aim is to make the EU's planned Euro 7 standard "acceptable for the EU automotive industry and its customers," Czech Minister Martin Kupka said on Twitter, ahead of the meeting due later in Strasbourg.

The proposed Euro 7 law, which European Union countries and lawmakers will start negotiating later this year, would tighten limits of health-harming pollutants, including nitrogen oxides.

EU officials say ministers are likely to also coordinate their positions on a separate row over the bloc's 2035 deadline to phase out carbon dioxide emitting cars.

"We will also discuss recent legislative acts that strongly influence the automotive sector and the future affordability of individual mobility in the EU," Kupka said.

The CO2 law, the EU's main tool to speed up Europe's shift to electric vehicles, was put on hold earlier this month after last-minute opposition from Germany.

That surprised policymakers in Brussels and other member states, since EU countries and the European Parliament had already agreed a deal on the law last year.

Germany, backed by countries including Italy and the Czech Republic, wants clearer assurances that new cars with internal combustion engines can still be sold after 2035, if they run on CO2-neutral fuels.

Those countries say the law is a threat to Europe's car industry, parts of which are also lobbying to weaken the EU law, which in its current form, would effectively make it impossible to sell new combustion engine cars after 2035.

Porsche CEO Oliver Blume said today in his view Berlin was "taking the appropriate steps" to ensure e-fuels can be used in new combustion engine cars after 2035.

"There is no conflict between electromobility and e-fuels. I know no other possibility to decarbonise combustion engine cars," Blume said.


Hyundai Motor to invest more than US$10b in US up to 2025

Euisun Chung speaking with Biden behind him as the US president ended his visit to Seoul on Sunday. — Reuters

SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Group said on Sunday it would invest an additional US$5 billion in the United States by 2025 to strengthen collaboration with US firms in advanced technology.

The investments, announced during a visit to Seoul by President Joe Biden, are for robotics, urban air mobility, autonomous driving and artificial intelligence, the group said.

Hyundai Motor Group, which houses Hyundai Motor Co and Kia Corp, on Friday announced plans to invest US$5.5 billion in Georgia to build electric vehicle (EV) and battery facilities.

Hyundai's new EV and battery manufacturing facilities will be based in the southern “right to work” state, where labour unions are less prevalent and cannot require workers to join.

Biden, a Democrat, has described himself as the most pro-union president in history. But the deal, announced by Georgia's Republican governor, showed the compromises the president may have to make as he woos investment overseas.

"Hyundai and any company investing in the United States would benefit greatly from entering into partnerships with some of the most highly skilled, dedicated, and engaged workers in the world, anywhere you can find; and that is American union members," Biden said.

"Every venture to manufacture electric vehicles and electric vehicle batteries would be made stronger by a collective bargaining relationship with our unions."

Hyundai Motor Group executive chair Euisun Chung did not comment on US unions.

The new investment brings its planned US total through 2025 to about US$10 billion, above the US$7.4 billion it announced last year.

The world's third-biggest automaker by vehicles sales did not say where in the United States the additional US$5 billion would be invested.

The auto group said on Wednesday it would invest 21 trillion won (US$16 billion) through 2030 to expand its EV business in South Korea.


Make motorists who abuse parking bays for disabled pay dearly, local councils urged

                PETALING JAYA: Widespread misuse of parking bays meant for the disabled is a common complaint received by local authorities.

The parking bays, painted blue with a wheelchair sign, are constantly used by able-bodied people who think little of depriving the disabled members of society of parking space.

Council enforcement officers, who approach delinquent drivers, often hear the same excuses such as the motorist did not notice the blue bay; driver was in a rush to get groceries; sekejap je (using it for a short period of time) while there are some who say they simply do not care.

There are also those who feel that the disabled group should not be allocated dedicated parking bays at all.

StarMetro spoke to a few disabled people who find it, at times, difficult to deal with able-bodied people.

Some of the disabled, who approach motorists to remove their cars or motorcycles, were met with aggressive responses and even had abusive words hurled at them.

Born with spina bifida, music teacher, 36-year-old Grace Goh’s condition affects her mobility.

She said the designated parking bays at Petaling Jaya New Town should not be seen as special treatment as they were a basic need for the disabled community.

“I drive a modified car and I depend on it to get around. But at times, the parking bays dedicated for people with disabilities are taken up by the able-bodied.

“This always happens outside banks, eateries and near clinics, ” she said while adjusting her crutches.

Goh added that while Petaling Jaya City Council’s (MBPJ) enforcement team was fast to react in getting wrongdoers to remove their vehicles, people still occupied the blue bays.

MBPJ issued a total of 1,035 compounds to able-bodied motorists from January to November for parking in bays meant for the disabled that were nearby ramps.

Its corporate communications department assistant director, Ahmad Iskandar Mohamed Mukhtar, said able-bodied people were prone to abusing the designated parking bays but the city council would not hesitate to issue compounds to offenders.

“In 2019, MBPJ issued 1,040 compounds. We feel there could be even more people misusing the 273 disabled parking bays in the city but our Enforcement Department has a large area to oversee with an estimated total of 34,500 bays in Petaling Jaya, ” he said, adding that at present, 143 special stickers had been issued to disabled individuals.

Klang Municipal Council corporate communications department director Norfiza Mahfiz said it was shocking that some people were oblivious to the needs of the disabled and saw little harm in occupying parking bays meant for this group.

“In 2019, we compounded 644 people for misusing bays for the disabled as MPK will not tolerate such selfish behaviour.

“From January to November, only 279 compounds were issued and this could be due to a change in behaviour with people having regard to the specially-designated parking bays, ” she said, adding that the movement control order was also a contributing factor to the fewer compounds issued.

MPK has 261 dedicated disabled parking spaces and an estimated 36,300 bays in the municipality.

Selayang Municipal Council’s (MPS) spokesperson said the 118 disabled parking bays in the town were designed to enable the physically challenged to park their vehicles with ease.

“We do not tolerate able-bodied persons who misuse the parking spaces.

“It is troublesome to deal with the issue of able-bodied people using parking bays meant for the disabled.

“In 2019, the enforcement patrol team issued 2,228 compounds to those who parked their vehicles in the blue-coloured bay for people with mobility issues, ” he said.

He added that from January to November, 1,623 compounds were issued with some changes in motorists’ behaviour while the ongoing MCO had contributed to the drop in figures.

“We gave out an estimated 500 special parking stickers, which are valid for 24 months, to the disabled.

“The Enforcement Department also issues compounds to those who use the designated parking bays without the stickers on their windscreen, ” he said.

Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association (PetPositive) president Anthony Thanasayan said the problem with abuse of parking bays meant for the disabled by able-bodied people was a global problem.

“As much as I detest able-bodied people abusing their use, the real problem is the lack of or no enforcement at all by local authorities.

“Local councils must get serious in monitoring the misuse of parking bays for the disabled and throw the book on anyone abusing them, ” said the former MBPJ councillor who served from 2008 to 2013.

He added that the action must be done through hefty fines with no discounts or even towing away the offender’s vehicle so that people know the local authority means business.

“Local authorities should build an application that allows the public to snap a photo of the wrongdoer and send it to the respective council for immediate action to be taken.

“Regular awareness talks (done together with disabled drivers) can be very effective as there are some people who do not realise how difficult it is for a disabled person to manage when the parking bays are occupied by able-bodied individuals, ” he said.

Independent Living and Training Centre (ILTC) president Francis Siva said able-bodied drivers taking up dedicated parking spots has been a nagging issue affecting people with disabilities for years.

“People without disabilities choose to illegally park in a parking space for the disabled. It is an inconvenience to us.

“For most disabled people, this attitude shown to them is all too familiar. The selfish behaviour of able-bodied people is a big barrier to the handicapped who want to go about their daily routine, ” he said.

Francis urged all local councils to help initiate change among the able-bodied so they would empathise with the difficulties faced by the disabled when attending to their daily chores.

“Our members opine if able-bodied motorists continue to park in the blue parking bays, it just goes to show that they have no consideration for the disabled.

“Local councils must impose stiffer punishment of a higher compound instead of the standard RM300 fine issued to offenders, ” he said.


How to deal with sudden gusts from the side when riding a motorcycle

                BERLIN: Sudden gusts can be fatal for both cyclists and motorcyclists and road safety experts say if you should memorise the two things you need to do when wind surprises you from the side: put more weight on the front wheel and reduce your speed.

When a sudden gust hits from one side, you can expect your bike to suddenly be pushed a little off track.

If the wind is blowing constantly, you can easily lean sideways against it while keeping your hands firmly gripped on the handlebars. You'll want to make sure you don't tense up in this inclined position, however.

Places to watch for sudden side winds are forest roads, bridges and mountainous terrain.

Motorcyclists should also be alert when overtaking: Once you finally pass the car, that's when sudden gusts can surprise you and push towards oncoming traffic in the opposite lane.

To give the wind as little surface as possible to hit, motorcyclists should put some distance between themselves and any luggage behind them. This way the wind has a gap it can blow through.


Daimler to produce first in-house electric motor at Berlin plant from 2022

                BERLIN: Daimler will produce the first in-house electric motor at its oldest plant in Berlin from 2022, the carmaker said today, providing relief to workers worried that the diesel motor production site was on the brink of deep job cuts.

Workers who feared for their positions after Daimler said in September 2020 its Berlin site would end production of the 6-cylinder diesel motor within a year would also be offered retraining in software and coding, the German company said.

Investment in the Berlin-Marienfelde plant, previously pinned at a two-digit million euro amount, will rise to a low three-digit million euro amount in the next six years, Daimler said.

The motor, known as an axial flux motor and designed by the British startup YASA Daimler acquired earlier this year, weighs a fraction of its diesel equivalent and can boost the range of an EV by up to 7%, said YASA's chief executive officer in July.