F1 sets July deadline for cockpit safety device

                SOCHI (Russia): Formula One will decide by July which head protection device it favours for 2017 with more testing likely at the Spanish and Monaco Grands Prix, race director Charlie Whiting said on Sunday.

Red Bull tested an “aeroscreen” fitted to the front of the cockpit in Friday practice at the Russian Grand Prix while Ferrari tried out a “halo” device in pre-season testing in Barcelona.

Whiting told reporters in Sochi that it "would be unreasonable" to leave a decision any later than July 1 because teams needed to incorporate the new device into their 2017 designs.

New rules, aimed at making cars faster and more exciting with wider tyres and revised aerodynamics, are being introduced for 2017.

"There are different load cases for each design because the halo has a central mounting and the aeroscreen has two on the sides with nothing in the middle," Whiting said.

Whiting, who also oversees safety for the governing International Automobile Federation (FIA), said only one of the two concepts would be taken forward with a likely sole supplier. The FIA's F1 Commission will make the final decision.

Before then, further tests will be carried out to ensure there is no risk of the driver's head hitting the structure in an impact.

"What we are doing is some sledwork with a dummy to try to simulate more precisely just how much room you need in order to make sure that the driver's head doesn't make contact with it -- as they are both substantial structures," Whiting added.

"That is the next phase of work, which I am told should be completed within two weeks."

Red Bull were also seeking special coatings for the interior and exterior of the “aeroscreen” to reduce glare and ensure nothing sticks to it. The halo has no screen.

"It's quite difficult where you have tall buildings, trees, low sun, those sorts of effects, that you will probably get in Monaco and Monza, where there are natural features," Whiting said of the screen.

Improving head protection has become a priority after the deaths last year of Briton Justin Wilson, who was hit by debris in an IndyCar crash, and Frenchman Jules Bianchi.

Sunday also marked the anniversary of the 1994 death of Brazilian triple champion Ayrton Senna at Italy's Imola racetrack.

The front wheel of the Williams bounced back in that impact with the wall, with Senna's helmet penetrated by a suspension arm.


Laws needed to regulate peer-to-peer rental business

                PETALING JAYA: With an abundance of in-app and other peer-to-peer car rental business opportunities, the government needs to regulate the industry to safeguard the interests of all involved.

Peer-to-peer car rental is a business model where owners lease their vehicles for them to be rented so they can make some extra money on the side. However, what many do not know is – it is illegal.

Technically, a car bought with a loan belongs to the bank until the owner finishes servicing the loan.

“Unfortunately, many think the car belongs to them so they can do whatever they want, including modifying the vehicle.

“Actually no, they cannot do that,” explained Vehicle Theft Reduction Council of Malaysia coordinator Mas Tina Abdul Hamid.

“Some families have extra cars so they want to rent them out. However, if the car is stolen, although there is an insurance policy, the insurers will not cover it, including if there is an accident,” she said.

She said peer-to-peer car rental was not new and has been practised in many developed countries.

“Malaysia, I think, is also moving towards that. There’s an initiative for this peer-to-peer because there’s a gap,” she said.

“The insurance industry and Bank Negara have discussed this but the initiative is yet to be finalised and legalised.

“I think the Land Public Transport Agency is also looking into the rules and regulations. But laws need to be passed in Parliament,” she said.A car theft victim, who wished to be known as Zack, learnt this the hard way.

His car was stolen after he rented it to a man in Kuala Lumpur but he was shocked to learn it had reached Narathiwat in Thailand in just under 12 hours.

Zack, who was lucky enough to be able to retrieve his car with the help of his friends, said he was shocked by the investigating officer’s reaction.

“I had all the details about the renter, where he lives and even his identification card.

“But the police officer asked me to withdraw my case to avoid any issues with my insurers. He told me it was wrong for me to rent out my personal car,” he said.

Zack said the officer told him that his agreement, which included a clause that he may report the renter should they go against the agreement, was worthless.

“I am still traumatised because the main car key is still with the thieves. I had to spend another RM2,500 to change my car key,” he said.


Get up to 90% discounts with Renault parts campaign

                PETALING JAYA:  TC Euro Cars (TCEC), the sole franchise holder of Renault vehicles in Malaysia, today announced a mega parts clearance campaign offering up to 90% savings on selected parts for selected vehicles from Nov 1 to Dec 31 or while stock lasts.

On top of the special offer on parts, customers who choose to replace or install the purchased parts at Renault authorised service centres will receive the following benefits:

- 50% discount on labour charges, free inspection and free car wash at the Renault Petaling Jaya Service Centre,

- Alternatively, up to 30% off labour charges at all other Renault service centres and free inspection.

Additionally, exclusively only at the PJ service centre, customers who are Maybank credit card holders will enjoy a 0% instalment plan with a minimum spend of RM500 via the Ezy Payment Scheme.

Applicable models include the Kangoo, 2015 Captur, Scenic, 2014 Koleos, Fluence, Megane (2012 and earlier), Megane R.S. (R.S 26, R.S. 250, R.S. 265, R.S. 275), Clio, Clio IV R.S., Espace III, Espace IV and Laguna III.

There are two main platforms for customers to purchase the parts - Renault Service Centres or the Renault Store on Shopee.

Customers can first visit the Renault website to browse through the parts lists by models and submit a request for the parts to check on availability before finalising the purchase.

To visit the campaign page, visit www.renault.com.my/deals-news.

Customers who prefer to shop at the Renault Store on Shopee can check out the list of selected parts available at www.shopee.com.my/renaultmalaysia.os. Limited parts are available and on a first come, first served basis.

Customers can also choose to walk-in to purchase their parts but are required to first book an appointment at their preferred service centre through Renault E-Store to confirm the parts availability as parts are limited.

This also helps ensure proper SOPs are observed given the on-going pandemic.

Upon confirmation of their purchase, the Renault aftersales team will arrange delivery of the parts to the customer’s preferred delivery address. Delivery charges will apply.

For details, visit www.renault.com.my or call 1800-18-8663 (Monday–Sunday, 8am–8pm).


China consumer show targets VW and Nissan

                SHANGHAI: Carmakers including Volkswagen AG, Nissan Motor Co Ltd and Daimler AG were scrambling late on Sunday after China's annual consumer rights day TV show said the firms oversold repairs and spare parts to drivers.

The annual "3.15" investigative special on China Central Television (CCTV), similar to the CBS network's "60 Minutes" in the United States, also criticised Jaguar Land Rover for gearbox problems in some cars.

China is the world's top auto market, and media criticism can dent reputations and drag on sales. iPhone maker Apple Inc made a rare apology in 2013 after criticism on the show of its after-sales service.

German carmaker Volkswagen, a target two years ago, was further criticised in an article before the show for its handling of a recall of its Sagitar model car.

"We have paid close attention to CCTV reporting ... and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused to our customers," said Volkswagen China spokesman Larissa Braun.

Nissan's China joint venture said it would set up a team to investigate the allegations and strengthen the regulation of its service teams, according to a statement on its official microblog. Daimler declined immediate comment.

Land Rover apologised to its customers on its official microblog and said it was working to resolve the issue.

Multinational firms and their public relations teams often scramble to respond to the allegations after seeing their company named and shamed for the first time on the night itself.

CCTV itself has come under fire in China over the last couple of years, with some consumers rushing to defend its targets or simply changing channel.

But marketing experts said that without damage control the impact of such shows in China could damage companies severely.

"The 3.15 show still packs a punch to the firms targeted, and a poor or flippant response from a targeted company can evoke consumer outrage," said James Feldkamp, chief executive officer of consumer watchdog MingJian.


Organiser promises exciting Malaysian Cub Prix 2015

PETALING JAYA: The Petronas AAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship 2015 season promised a better experience not just for the competitors but also for the fans.

Safe Aim Mutual Sdn Bhd (SAM) promotions director Ron Hogg revealed during the launch that in the premier CP130 class, three riders are allowed per team with the best two riders’ results taken into account for the team standings.

In the past, the team award was based on the results of only two riders per team.

With three riders in action it will provide additional impetus for teams to utilise their rookies to gain exposure in the premiere class.
 The prize money in the CP130 class will now be paid to the top 10 riders compared to the top eight in previous years.
Hogg said that the CP130 represents the cream of the crop of Cub Prix and therefore it is only fair that they raise the standards and make the sport more exciting by introducing new rules.

“We also have good news for the fans. SAM together with Petronas will be giving away not one but two Yamaha Lagenda bikes in each round,” said Hogg.

The Malaysian Cub Prix will be held over 10 rounds with the opening race in Temerloh on March 14 and 15.

The other legs are in Batu Kawan, Penang (April 11-12), Muar (May 1-2), Kuala Terengganu (May 22-23), Malacca (June 13-14), Aug 15-16 (venue to be decided), Teluk Intan (Sept 19-20), Kangar (Oct 17-18), Jempol, Negri Sembilan (Oct 31-Nov 1) and Taiping (Nov 28-29).


Sept 19-25: Fuel prices trend lower


Ford tests viability of hydrogen technology with Transit van

                LONDON: Ford has announced it will test hydrogen fuel-cell Transits as the firm explores alternatives to EVs for high-mileage drivers with limited charging options.

While Ford already offers the electric E-Transit, and will launch EV versions of the smaller E-Transit Custom and E-Transit Courier in the next few years, it says it is ‘exploring’ new propulsion types for its ‘hardest working vans’.

Part-funded by the UK government-supported Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC), Ford is working with six companies to get its hydrogen fuel-cell Transit project up and running.

Ford will set up eight fuel cell models that will run for six-month periods at a time until 2025, with the test data looking at the cost of refuelling, the range and the available operating hours.

The E-Transits will be fitted with a high-power fuel cell stack, as well as "significant" hydrogen storage tanks. Ford hasn’t said how far it expects the vehicles to be able to travel on a single fill-up.

"Ford believes that the primary application of fuel cells could be in its largest, heaviest CVs to ensure they are emission-free, while satisfying the high daily energy requirements our customers demand," Tim Slatter, chair of Ford in Britain, said.

"Ford has an unmatched history in the commercial vehicle sector with the indomitable Transit, and we are excited to be exploring new ways to make clean deliveries an option for even our hardest working vans on the road."

Ford is working with partners such as Ocado, who will be running the vans in the Thames Estuary area near Ford’s UK headquarters in Dagenham, Essex. The firm says it hopes to create a "low-volume assembly" of vans adapted to run on the fuel, as well as "develop the hydrogen economy".  — PA Media


Johor JPJ ironing out VEP registration

                JOHOR BARU: There are teething problems with the online registration of foreign vehicles for the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP), acknowledges the Road Transport Department.

The Transport Ministry was ironing out the issues since the registration started on Aug 15, said JPJ deputy director general (administration) Datuk Arifin Che Mat.

It is learnt that the Johor JPJ has been receiving more than a dozen enquiries about the online registration daily.

Asked whether booths had been set up at the Causeway or Second Link for people to register, Arifin said that this would be done at a later date.

He was speaking to reporters after attending a corporate integrity pledge with 38 representatives from driving schools in Johor, Negri Sembilan and Malacca here on Tuesday.

The Star reported that Johor exco man Datuk Hasni Mohammad had asked for the registration period to be extended due to the online problems.

Arifin said that based on feedback, the JPJ needed to address some issues, such as the registration forms being too complicated or ambiguous.

Earlier, the ministry announced that the VEP registration could only be done at www.jpj.gov.my/vep to encourage online transactions.

The affected categories of vehicles are private (vehicles owned by individuals, companies or organisations for private usage); commercial(vehicles owned by companies and used to transport goods or persons for hire), and VIP or Diplomat (vehicles owned by governments, consulates or embassies).

The VEP is implemented by the Transport Ministry via JPJ for foreign-registered vehicles entering Malaysia.

It will initially involve foreign-registered vehicles entering via Johor and will be implemented at the rest of the 12 road entry points in Malaysia in stages.

The second phase will cover Thailand, the third phase Brunei and Indonesia, and the fourth phase other designated entry points.

Meanwhile, Arifin said that so far 113 driving schools from the 207 active ones nationwide had participated in the integrity pledge to weed out corruption.

He said most of the complaints that JPJ received from the public were over excessive prices charges and long waiting time to sit for tests.


Counting the cost of riding a motorcycle

                ONTARIO: To try to understand how much more risk is involved in preferring vehicles with two wheels, rather than four, Researchers from the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Centre for Leading Injury Prevention Practice Education & Research and the University of Toronto, crunched through data relating to hospital admissions for road accidents in Ontario, Canada over a six-year period.

They found that between 2007 and 2013, some 281,826 adults were admitted to hospital because of injuries incurred in a car crash, while just 26,831 required treatment because of a motorcycle accident.

However, on average motorcycle accidents were much more severe. According to the data, on average the injuries were 10 times as severe as when compared with car accidents and were five times more likely to result in death.

Bikers were also more likely to be men than women (81% of admissions were for male riders) and younger. Over the period studied, motorcyclists being admitted to hospital had a mean age of 36.

Every year, cars become increasingly safer and more protective of their occupants in the event of an accident, whether it's due to more and better positioned airbags; through structural changes; or through technological innovations such as Emergency Autonomous braking, blind spot monitoring or 360° external view cameras.

However, the same can't be said of motorcycles.

"We know that the additional risk associated with driving a motorcycle has not translated into improvements in motorcycle safety," said Daniel Pincus, author of the study, PhD candidate at Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences and an orthopedic resident physician at Sunnybrook Hospital.

With the notable exception of traction control and ABS — which are now standard equipment on premium motorbikes — the average powered two-wheeler has changed very little over the past two decades in terms of structure and on-board safety features.

For safety innovations that could make a difference between a fatality and an injury, one must look instead to accessories like airbag jackets, lighter, yet stronger full-face helmets and suits packed with improved under armor and made from materials less likely to give in the event of an accident.

But, as none of these accessories are mandatory for riders wishing to hit the road, this study, published on Monday in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, could help riders to make greater considerations as to their attire when saddling up.

Likewise, as the study has attempted to calculate healthcare costs related to motorcycle accidents -- on average a person involved in a motorcycle accident costs six times as much to treat as someone involved in a car crash -- the researchers hope that they can trigger debate at government level regarding higher safety standards, even if it's to reduce strain on a country's health service.

"Estimating the medical costs of care for motorcycle crashes may provide an additional incentive to improve safety," said Pincus. "Although exact health care costs vary in other health care systems, we argue that the conclusions drawn from the relative comparison of motorcycle to automobile crashes apply beyond Canada to the rest of the developed world."


Polestar releases second limited edition of CAKE Makka electric moped

                GOTHENBURG: Electric car maker Polestar and CAKE have revealed a second limited Polestar edition of the fully electric moped Makka in the sky colour first shown on the Polestar electric roadster concept.

The first edition of the CAKE Makka Polestar edition, in Polestar Snow matte colour, was launched in 2021 instantly sold out.

It added a distinctive Polestar touch and design features to the electric moped. Besides the bespoke colour, the Polestar edition includes a slim headlight and dampers from high-end suspension company Öhlins.

The new edition in sky colour also adds a detachable rear carrier to use for improved cargo carrying, adaptable for configurations like boxes, racks, passenger seats and more, making the electric commuter even more flexible.

The CAKE Makka Polestar edition has a top speed of 45 kph and two ride modes for extended range or balanced performance.

It is sold and delivered by CAKE but the Polestar edition is available exclusively to selected Polestar markets via the Polestar Additionals webshop now with a retail price of £4,350 (RM23,373).

CAKE is a Swedish maker of premium lightweight, electric motorcycles, and mopeds.


Toyota Supra returns to US after 21 years for 2020 model year

                DALLAS: After 40 years and four generations since the very first model was launched, Toyota is debuting the fifth-generation Supra, inspired by the red-hot, performance-oriented FT-1 concept sports car.

At the Detroit Auto Show in January, the 2020 Supra made its first public appearance, officially ending the 21-year production pause of the model in the United States — sales of the car continued outside the US after 1998 but only until the early 2000s.

Featuring a two-seat cabin and a 335 hp turbocharged I6 engine with an 8-speed transmission and paddle shifters (for use when desired), this Supra has been designed for both driving and sports car enthusiasts alike. The rear-wheel-drive paired with a standard active differential and adaptive suspension will provide owners with a sporty combination of power, precision, and agility.

The 2020 Supra can make the sprint from 0-100kph in 4.1 seconds — the fastest acceleration time to date of any production Toyota model — and continues on to a maximum speed of 250kph.

Thanks to the Sport and Traction Modes, the Supra can be tuned by drivers for the track which can be even further enhanced by an active differential which can "control torque distribution between the rear wheels when cornering under both acceleration and braking, enabling greater momentum through a corner."

The model will be available in two trims with a third Launch Edition based on the 3.0 Premium grade. Though both use the same powertrain, the 3.0 Premium trim replaces the 6.5-inch display of the 3.0 grade with an 8.8-inch display complete with features like a built-in navigation system, Apple CarPlay support, a 12-spear JBL audio system, wireless phone charging, and a heads-up display.

Both come equipped with a series of safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking and steering assist.

The first 1,500 models to be available in the US will be Launch Editions which come in white, black, or red with red mirror caps and matte black alloy wheels.

The 2020 Toyota Supra will be available for purchase this July with a starting price of US$49,990 (RM209,000). The Launch Edition will start at US$55,250 (RM231,000).


AIG Malaysia joins Lazada's markdown sale

                PETALING JAYA: AIG Malaysia will be offering travel insurance plans to customers in the biggest markdown sale of the year, the Lazada Online Revolution, together with Lazada’s partners, MedKlinn Malaysia and Universal Traveller.

The Lazada Online Revolution is on now till Dec 12, 2017. This is the first time AIG Malaysia is participating in such an online sale.

Lazada has also brought on board its partners, MedKlinn Malaysia, a leading air and surface sterilizer manufacturer, and Universal Traveller, a leading winter wear brand in Southeast Asia.

Those purchasing products from MedKlinn and Universal Traveller will be offered access to travel insurance products offered by AIG Malaysia.

“We want to break the mindset of consumers that travel insurance can only be bought through the insurer. As innovators and a thought leader in the industry, we want to make it easier, faster and more convenient for consumers to purchase travel insurance through a leading e-commerce platform,” said AIG Malaysia’s Chief Executive Officer, Antony Lee.

“With an award-winning claims record in Malaysia, we are confident consumers would enjoy even greater peace of mind. We offer consumers protection before, during and after their trips.”

Those who wish to purchase travel insurance via an AIG agent can still do so, in addition to direct purchases on the AIG website at www.aig.my.


Hella suitors near last round of US$9bil battle

                FRANKFURT: French automotive suppliers Faurecia SE and Cie Plastic Omnium SA are competing in the final bidding for a majority stake in German rival Hella GmbH, people with knowledge of the matter said.

Hella’s founding Hueck family has asked for binding offers by Aug 11 and could make a decision on a winner in the following days, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because the information is private. Any deal could value Hella at around €8 billion (US$9bil/RM40bil), equivalent to more than €70 a share, the people said.

That could make it the second-largest takeover in Germany this year, behind Vonovia SE’s pursuit of real estate rival Deutsche Wohnen SE, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

It would also be one of the biggest ever acquisitions of a German company by a French suitor. Shares of Hella jumped 11% in Frankfurt trading today, hitting an intraday record and valuing the company at about €7.5 billion.

Faurecia and Plastic Omnium, which both have smaller market values than Hella, are both planning capital increases to fund the potential acquisition if successful, the people said.

The Hueck family owns about 60% of Lippstadt-based Hella, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. There’s no certainty the suitors will submit final offers, and other bidders could still emerge, the people said.

Representatives for Hella and Plastic Omnium declined to comment, while a spokesperson for Faurecia wasn’t immediately available for comment.


Global carmakers re-engineer India strategy to grow sales

                NEW DELHI: Leading global carmakers are reviewing their blueprint for India to boost sales and avoid more painful cutbacks, after struggling to win over consumers even as the market swings to growth and dominant local players begin to raise prices.

Automakers like General Motors, Nissan Motor Co and Renault SA have over the past weeks announced hundreds of job losses. Some have already reduced output, and industry analysts expect more to come.

Others, like Skoda Auto, part of Volkswagen AG, are retreating to their roots - for Skoda, "premium" cars.

"India is not the most easy market in the world to crack," Guillaume Sicard, president of Nissan India told Reuters after the company said it would cut "hundreds" of jobs at the Renault-Nissan alliance plant in south India.

The Indian market is showing signs of recovery. After a return to growth in the year to March 2015, this year every month has seen sales improving.

But the benefit is being felt mainly by India's dominant players like Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. Maruti in July reported its market share was once again above 50 percent, its highest in more than a decade.

Passenger car sales in India rose 5 percent in the year to end-March, but global carmakers Renault, GM, Volkswagen, Skoda and Ford reported a double-digit decline, industry data showed. In contrast, Maruti and Hyundai Motor Co sales rose 11 percent.

Now Maruti and Hyundai, India's two best selling brands, are turning up the competitive heat - entering the one segment companies like Renault, Nissan and Ford Motor Co had dominated: sport-utility vehicles (SUVs).

Maruti recently launched a sedan-SUV crossover and Hyundai, the Creta SUV.

Lured by a large customer base and low car penetration, automakers built large capacity in India expecting a surge in sales: India will be the world's No. 3 car market by 2020.

Instead, they were undone by their lack of small models, a sparse dealer network and steep aftersales service costs.

Nissan introduced its inexpensive Datsun-branded cars last year but failed to ramp up sales given a lack of dealerships in smaller cities, where demand for such cars is high.

And consumers' hesitance to make big purchases during a sluggish recovery has made a bad situation worse.

"They looked at India as one of the markets they need to be in, but India is a very different kind of market," said Abdul Majeed, automotive head at consultant Pwc.

"They thought if they bring the car at a good price, people will buy. It is not just about the initial price, it is also fuel efficiency and the whole cost of ownership," he said.

Nissan and Renault say they will compete with new models, especially small cars, and by growing their dealer network.

GM, which announced plans to stop production at one of two plants in the country last month, is betting on 10 new locally-made models over five years.

GM will ramp up exports as well, joining Volkswagen and Ford, which are also targeting the domestic market with new compact cars.

For Skoda, plans revolve around launching three premium sedans in India next year and increasing the proportion of local engineering to drive down costs.

"Multinational companies tend to operate the same way worldwide," said Skoda India Chairman Sudhir Rao.

"We are trying to develop more of a hybrid approach between Asian engineering and European quality."


Open up to a Targa lifestyle

PORSCHE is as much a visual statement about outright performance as it is about lifestyle.While little needs be said about the former, the latter hardly needs prompting either especially when the 911 Targa is driven up your alley.The Targa is Porsche’s version of the coupé-cabriolet model and is the new model addition to the current 911 range.This is not a new concept though but one that Porsche has developed into an iconic benchmark since it was introduced to the 911 family in 1965: since then the Targa has accounted for about 13% of all 911 produced thus far.
The name Targa was derived from the famous road race of the 1960s, the Targa Florio and Porsche patented the name after adopting it.Based on the original design, the latest 911 Targa retains the broad B-pillars and the wraparound windscreen that is integrated with part of the rear panel forms the C-pillar.The roof is the one that is electrically stowed under the rear windscreen when the wind-in-the-hair experience is desired.The stowing and restoring of the roof has to be done while the car is stationary as a matter of safety, and the motion either way is done pretty quickly in about 19 seconds: you can do it with the key fob or a control button inside the sports car.
Porsche has even thought of making this procedure safe in that there should be no damage to the moving parts, especially in the raised rear windscreen colliding with a parked vehicle or a lamppost, among other things, that could be at the rear of the car.This is done by using the standard integrated rear ParkAssist to monitor the area behind the 911 Targa: should the sensors detect an obstacle within range of less than 40cm, a warning sound will go off and the motion is stopped.The development does not stop there as the roof system itself is said to be special: the roof shell and magnesium roof bows stretch the high-quality fabric hood very tightly.This is a Porsche technology that stems from the panel bow roof of the 911 Carrera Cabriolet.
There is additional insulation under the soft top to provide thermal protection and reduce driving noise when the roof is up.To highlight the lifestyle aspect of the latest 911 Targa, Porsche Asia Pacific arranged for the regional media to take a leisurely drive around Singapore, where speed limits are strictly enforced and going beyond 100kph on expressways was asking to be flagged down by the traffic police.Given this scenario, we decided that the best way to get acquainted with this Porsche was to drive with the roof down, encouraged no less by the cloudy sky that didn’t unload its moist content during our 110km plus drive.It was virtually a ‘scenic’ drive around the island, starting from the Changi Airport and taking in succession Seletar Airport, Kranji War Memorial, Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve, Jurong Hill Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, Gardens by the Bay (for lunch and checking out the wide range of flora from all over the world) before heading back to Changi.The car, the only one brought in at that time, was a 911 Targa 4 and that means it was an active all-wheel drive with the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) system transferring more engine power to the rear wheels on the move.Power comes from a 3.5-litre water-cooled flat-six engine located at the rear with 350hp and 390Nm of torque: yes, it is a lot of push available at one’s foot and the best we could do to enjoy the deep growl of the engine was during some hard initial acceleration in a few ‘quiet’ areas with sparse traffic.It was all too easy to draw unwanted attention along denser sections of the route being in a Porsche 911 Targa with the roof down, and we toed the indicated speed limit most of the time by flowing with the general traffic.By all counts, the 911 Targa would take your breath away if you wish to tempt the traffic cops: it would sprint to 100kph in 5.0 seconds, to 200kph in 17.5 seconds and a top speed of 280kph.
We did have a brief charge through a short 5km winding stretch near the Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve to experience a hint of the 911’s high handling capabilities.The 911 Targa also came with the optional Sport Exhaust System for a throatier sound of the flat-six engine: it got a little tiring on the ears after a while so we turned it off to enjoy the rest of the drive on a quieter note.Apart from the deep exhaust note and sporty orientation of the car, the Porsche 911 Targa felt right at home driven along at a relaxed manner and pace.Long gone are the days when it was a very involved experience, working the heavy clutch pedal, manually selecting the gears and turning the weighted steering wheel to drive such a performance beast.You could hop in from a normal sedan, move the shift of the seven-speed double clutch transmission (PDK) to Drive mode, ease on the accelerator pedal and be on your merry way.
With the top down, the high air turbulence was a little annoying, messing up our hair: by adjusting the wind deflector integrated in the cowl, the draught was reduced considerably.It was also best to have both door windows wound up to reduce traffic noise and keep some road grime out.Our experience of the car’s ride comfort was not fully complete as the majority of the roads along the route were on well paved surfaces.The few jarring moments along some development areas gave us an idea of the 911 Targa’s capacity to absorb bumps and spare us the jolts despite its firmer suspension settings.The Singapore Porsche 911 Targa drive experience would have been better enjoyed if the latest GPS software was installed.
We almost missed our lunch stop and having a great time at the Gardens by the Bay as the dated GPS software could not guide us there: we had to make some ‘educated’ guesses to reach the place, albeit a little late for lunch.The bright note was that we had more time driving the 911 Targa around while figuring out the likely roads to take to reach our awaited ‘pit stop’.


Three local e-racers fired-up for Toyota Gazoo Racing GT Cup Asia tomorrow

                SHAH ALAM: Three simulator racers, Taj Izrin Aiman Taj Madira, Muhammad Iqbal Ahmad Suji and Nabil Azlan will spearhead Malaysia’s challenge in the Toyota Gazoo Racing GT Cup Asia tomorrow (on Oct 16).

The event, organised by Toyota Motor Asia Pacific (TMAP), will see team Malaysia going up against the region’s elite racers from Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Korea, India and Taiwan for a chance to become Asia’s two representatives at the TGR GT Cup Global Finals, and a cash prize of US$6,000 (RM25,000).

Gunning to become champion this time round is Taj Izrin Aiman who finished second overall in the same event last year.

Compatriot Muhammad Iqbal meanwhile, will also be making his second appearance in the TGR GT Cup Asia after finishing fourth overall last year.

Both e-racers had earned their way to the event by finishing in the top two positions respectively in the recently-concluded Toyota GR Velocity Esports Championship with Taj Izrin Aiman winning his second consecutive title.

The TGR GT Cup Asia will be contested over four online races with competitors awarded points based on their placings.

The opening race will see drivers competing behind the wheel of a GR Yaris in a five-lap bout around the 7.3km Tokyo Expressway – where the top-ten will proceed to the finals.

They will then switch to a GR Supra for another five-laps for the consolation race, this time at the famous 4.5km Fuji Speedway – where the top-five will given second wind to be part of the finals.

Making its debut this season will be the all-new GR 86, and racers will take on five laps of the 7km Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium which will include a mandatory pit stop and a compulsory tyre change.

The fourth and final race will, and undoubtedly the most grueling, will be three long laps of the 13.6km historical Le Mans circuit in France behind the wheel of a TS 050 Hybrid sports car.

Besides competing for the individual grand prize of US$6,000 (RM25,000), Malaysian drivers will also be vying for the US$6,000 (RM25,000) team prize pool money.

For 23-year-old Taj Izrin Aiman, two straight Toyota GR Velocity Esports Championship titles and his second appearance in the TGR GT Cup Asia, is indeed the boost he needs to psyche himself up for the competition.

“If last year’s event is anything to go by, All I can say is that the TGR GT Cup Asia is insanely competitive considering we will be racing against the region’s best drivers,” said Taj Izrin Aiman.

His performance in the Toyota GR Velocity Esports Championship has been exceptionally consistent and almost dominant when he won two of the three races and finished second once earning him the overall prize of RM20,000.

More than 800 participants participated in the championship which began with qualifying rounds from Aug 21-29, before the top 20 elite racers moved on to compete in semi-finals held on Sept 18.

Gazoo Racing Malaysia’s chief motorsports officer Akio Takeyama said e-racing has taken the country and the region by storm, and this has uncovered an incredible pool of talented simulator racers.

“Racing is an integral part of Toyota’s heritage and today that takes place both in the real and virtual worlds.

“Simulator racing technology has also evolved exponentially over the years and today it is becoming an increasingly important training platform to bring new drivers into motor-racing.

“This is something we have already experienced firsthand with the participation of virtual racers in the Vios Challenge - street racing championship in Malaysia. They are not only capable of making a quicker transition into a racing car, but they are also excelling in racing,” he said.

UMW Toyota Motor president Ravindran K said both the TGR GT Cup Asia and the Toyota GR Velocity Esports Championship supports UMW Toyota Motor’s ongoing initiative to bring motorsports to the masses.

“Our objective in Malaysian motorsports is to cultivate greater interest, awareness and appreciation for the sport. There is also enormous talent both on the racing circuit and online, and we would like to bring this to the forefront in support of youth development,” he said.


New Hyundai i30 N updates looks and transmission

                LONDON: Hyundai Motor has unveiled the new i30 N, which comes with an enhanced design, a new wet-type eight-speed dual clutch transmission (N DCT), and new advanced driver assistance and safety features.

With a variety of new features to improve both every day and high-performance driving situations, the new i30 is truly a racetrack-capable everyday sports car.

The new i30 N comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with either a six-speed manual transmission (6MT) or – for the first time – a wet-type eight-speed dual clutch transmission (N DCT).

With the standard trim, the new i30 N with 6MT delivers a maximum power output of 250PS and a maximum torque of 353Nm.

New i30 N customers can also select the Performance Package option. With the Performance Package, the engine delivers 280PS.

This is an increase of 5PS from the original i30 N, and is available with both 6MT and N DCT. The maximum torque for the Performance Package variation has been increased by 39Nm to 392Nm.

The i30 N became Hyundai’s first high-performance production car when it launched in 2017. So far, over 25,000 i30 N units have been sold in Europe.

The new i30 N builds on the success of its predecessor. As well as offering a range of design and driving enhancements, it is also equipped with more lightweight materials, resulting in more agility and better handling.

Like the previous version, the new i30 N is available in both hatchback and fastback body types.

“Since its market debut in 2017, the Hyundai N original high-performance car has received multiple outstanding reviews and awards. Drivers seeking maximum fun-to-drive on the road as well as on the track, now receive an even wider range of performance and design features, with the new Hyundai i30 N,” says Thomas Schemera, Executive Vice President and Head of Product Division at Hyundai Motor Company.

“Especially the new design, new wheels, N Light Seats and the new wet-type eight-speed dual clutch transmission, make the Hyundai N experience sportier and more convenient than ever before.”


Vietnam’s richest man bets US$2bil to sell cars to US

Vuong wants to make VinFast an international brand by breaking into the US market. — Bloomberg
HANOI: The billionaire behind six-month-old Vietnamese auto startup VinFast plans a feat even Toyota Motor Corp. and Hyundai Motor Co. couldn’t pull off during their early days: sell a car in the United States.

Pham Nhat Vuong, the South-East Asian country’s richest man and now in charge of the new automaker, is so intent on exporting electric vehicles to the lucrative American market in 2021 that he’s plowing as much as US$2 billion (RM8.3bil) of his own fortune to reach that goal.

His cash would account for half the capital investment of VinFast, which began delivering cars to Vietnamese consumers with BMW-licensed engines earlier this year and aims to expand into electric vehicles.

"Our ultimate goal is to create an international brand,” the 51-year-old tycoon said in an interview at the Hanoi headquarters of the car company’s parent Vingroup JSC, which Vuong founded and holds the title of chairman.

"It will be a very difficult road, and we will have to put in a lot of effort. But there’s only one road ahead.”

The homegrown cars made under Vuong’s sprawling real estate-to-hospitals conglomerate faces an uphill battle to succeed overseas: carmakers such as India’s Tata Motors Ltd. and Malaysia’s Proton Holdings Bhd. struggled to win over consumers away from their home turf.

Even in Vietnam, VinFast Trading and Production LLC has formidable competition from established foreign players such as Toyota, Ford Motor Co. and Hyundai.

Shares of Vingroup fell 1.2% as of 9:37am local time, poised for its lowest close since July 15. The benchmark VN Index of Vietnamese stocks dropped 0.3%.

VinFast follows a long list of Chinese automakers that have also had ambitions to sell vehicles in the US going back more than a decade.

Though the plans have yet come to fruition, Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Zotye Automobile Co. and others have set up local sales units and research-and-development operations to show just how serious they are. Some Chinese brands have also exhibited at American auto shows in recent years.

The tycoon, whose net worth is US$9.1 billion (RM37bil), according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, is undaunted. He sold some of his shares in Vingroup last year and plans to sell as much as 10% more to raise funds for the ambitious project. He owns 49% of VinFast, while the parent, Vingroup, holds 51%.

The automaker won’t be profitable for as many as five years, said Vuong, adding the local market is "too small” and overseas sales are key to becoming profitable. Vuong directly owns 26% of Vingroup, according to Bloomberg data. vietnam Investment Group JSC, in which Vuong has about a 92% stake, holds 31.6% of Vingroup.

And VinFast will have to overcome an even more daunting task of winning over demanding consumers in the US and other developed markets, where emissions and crash standards are stringent.

Adding to these challenges is successfully manufacturing and selling electric vehicles. Many Chinese startups, backed by billions of dollars in funding, bet on the prospects for EVs in the world’s biggest auto market, but few are making money.

BAIC BluePark New Energy Technology Co., China’s biggest maker of pure electric cars, forecasts a 2019 loss. Unprofitable NIO Inc., which is traded in New York, has struggled to assuage concerns that it’s running short on cash amid sputtering EV demand.

High hurdles

VinFast’s first EV won’t roll off its assembly line until late next year, but Vuong said he plans to export those vehicles to the US, Europe and Russia in 2021.

VinFast must clear several high hurdles to compete outside Vietnam, said Michael Dunne, chief executive officer of automotive consultant ZoZo Go LLC, which specialises in the Asian market.

"It will be some time before the company is ready to compete in the US — still the world’s toughest market,” he said. "You need a solid brand name.”

Many consumers prefer a second-hand Honda Motor Co. or Toyota vehicle over a new car with an unfamiliar brand name, Dunne said.

The Vietnamese automaker will need to produce at least 100,000 vehicles a year to be cost competitive, develop a global brand and establish a parts-and-services network, he said. Still, VinFast has an opportunity to crack smaller South-East Asian markets, Dunne added.

VinFast, which operates a 335-hectare factory in the northern port city of Haiphong, is selling its first line of vehicles — a hatchback, sedan and SUV — at below cost. The hatchback retails for the equivalent of US$17,000 (RM71,000), while the four-cylinder sedan goes for US$47,400 (RM198,000)and its SUV is offered at US$60,400 (RM252,000).

The company targets production of as many as 500,000 vehicles a year by 2025. The carmarker also makes electric scooters.

In the next few years, Vingroup will have to spend "many trillions of dong per year” to cover losses for VinFast, estimated at as much as 18 trillion (RM3.2bil) annually, Vuong said. Those losses include financing and depreciation, and as much as 7 trillion dong each year to absorb the hit of selling cars below cost, he added.

Vingroup will divest stakes in other units to fund VinFast, while other subsidiaries have been ordered to reduce costs, Vuong said, without providing details.

VinFast will also seek additional loans, in addition to about US$1.95 billion (RM8bil) of international loans it has already raised. Vuong also plans to list VinFast on a Vietnamese exchange and possibly overseas, he said, without elaborating.

"We have the desire to build a Vietnamese brand that has a world-class reputation,” he said.

"Our biggest challenge is that Vietnamese products do not have an international brand. To many international friends, Vietnam is still a poor, backward country. We will have to find a way to market and prove our products represent a dynamic and developing Vietnam that has reached the highest standards of the world.”


The Brits got a thing for EU exotics

                LONDON: As the UK leaves the EU, new data shows that Brits are in love with one European export…its supercars.

Indeed, bookings for Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Porsches, BMWs and Audis with leading driving experience provider www.trackdays.co.uk are outpacing other supercars from different parts of the world, including the UK, America and Japan.

Nearly half of all bookings for its supercar experiences, 44%, were for prestige models manufactured in mainland Europe, while just 19% were for UK models despite nearly half of all supercar marques available being British.

Dan Jones, operations manager at TrackDays.co.uk, said: “The UK has now left the EU but our appreciation of the pinnacle of European automotive engineering is stronger than ever.

“Whether it’s Italian styling or German engineering, Brits can’t get enough of driving some of the fastest European supercars, many capable of reaching 200mph.”

TrackDays.co.uk has also revealed the most popular supercars for driving experiences by individual model with six out of the top ten coming from mainland Europe. These were the Lamborghini Gallardo, Audi R8, Ferrari 430, Ferrari 360, BMW i8 and Porsche 911 Carrera.

Dan added: “It’s great to see that we’re as close to our European cousins as ever, well at least when it comes to our love of exotic supercars!”


Bentley says its coronation cushions are fit for a king

                LONDON: To celebrate the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on May 6, a team of Bentley’s craftsmen have worked together to produce a limited series of bespoke cabin cushions for a fleet of Bentleys.

The team, based at Bentley’s plant in Crewe, used a combination of skill and cutting edge technology to digitise the special Coronation Emblem before creating each cushion by hand

Bentley said its team took three days and four iterations of embroidery processing before it was satisfied with the quality.

The emblem consists of two separate thread colours, and three different colourways of the emblem were used, to contrast the individually-selected hides for different colours of cushions to match the interiors of the Bentleys that will use them.

Each cushion took over three hours to produce and uses hides sourced from northern Europe where the temperate climate and lack of barbed wire fencing reduces imperfections.

Trim developer Ella Mitchell led the job that’s produced the bespoke cushions for this special occasion. The cushions will remain with Bentley’s press cars for a time and are not available for purchase.

The most noticeable element in the cabin of any Bentley is the choice of colour of the leather used. The colour combinations for the cushions have been matched to the individual specifications of two Bentayga EWBs and two Bentayga Hybrids, and one other highly bespoke Bentley, in time for this weekend’s coronation celebrations.

The colours of the cushions include Cricketball, Cumbrian Green, Imperial Blue and Saddle, using 1.4mm thick leather with accent piping of Beluga, Porpoise, Newmarket Tan and Imperial Blue respectively.

Contrasting the leather, the emblems have been sewn in Black, White, Red and Blue thread. The size and shape of the cushions have been modelled from the cushions of the 1958 S1 Continental Flying Spur in Bentley’s Heritage Collection.


Experts invent device to check microplastic pollution from tyres

LONDON: The microplastic collection device created by The Tyre Collective is an electrostatic collection device which sits behind a tyre close to the road.

Microplastic pollution from tyres is a significant ocean pollutant and is likely to increase in volume as electric vehicles (EV) become more common.

That is because the weight of the batteries in EVs causes more wear and tear on tyres. The end result is fewer exhaust fumes, and more microplastics, which can become airborne and thus present no less of a danger to human and environmental health than the emissions from gas-powered vehicles.

READ MORE:
Tyre industry weighs in on microplastic polution
Tyre wear vs exhaust emissions

The Tyre Collective is an interdisciplinary team of engineers and designers studying at Imperial College and the Royal College of Art in London. In laboratory tests, the device currently collects 60 per cent of all airborne particles.

Determined to create a closed-loop recycling system, the team ensured that the design makes emptying the device and separating different sized particles quick and easy to do. Some particles are suitable for reuse in new tyres, while others are usable in objects as disparate as ink and soundproofing and 3D printing materials.

The project is currently receiving support from InnovationRCA, and finding other commercial partners is a focus for the next stage of development of this project.

Other ways Springwise has spotted vehicles becoming more environmentally friendly include using sustainable bioplastics made from food waste in car parts and a rooftop cargo box with an integrated solar panel.


How an anthropologist fits into Nissan's plan for autonomous driving

                Designing the autonomous vehicle of the future requires an array of the best technical talent available: automobile and software engineers, experts on sensor technology and artificial intelligence, computer scientists, production specialists and many others.

But one profession you might not expect to find at the design table — an anthropologist — is playing a key role in developing Nissan's next generation autonomous vehicle, analysing human driving interactions to ensure that it is prepared to be a "good citizen" on the road.

"Car technology is continuing to evolve and change," said Melissa Cefkin, principal scientist and design anthropologist at the Nissan Research Center in Silicon Valley. "And now, we're adding this autonomous dimension to it that will bring around further changes in society, all the way down to the everyday way in which we interact and behave on the road."

 Cefkin

While the term anthropologist may conjure up names like Claude Levi-Strauss, Margaret Mead and Gregory Bateson, Cefkin represents a decidedly modern branch of the field. She is a corporate and design anthropologist specializing in ethnography — which is the systematic study of people and cultures from the viewpoint of the subject.

In the case of autonomous vehicles, Cefkin said that means taking a fresh look at how humans interact with "a deeply and profoundly cultural object" — the automobile — and gaining insights into how new technologies might interpret or act on those behaviours.

"(With autonomous vehicles), if there's someone in the driver's seat, that person may not be physically driving the car," said Cefkin. "And in the future, we may go all the way to driverless so that there may not even be somebody in the driver's seat."

Cefkin and the other members of her team are focused on the third milestone in Nissan's autonomous vehicle program — development of the capability for the vehicle to navigate city driving and intersections without driver intervention.

That system is expected to be introduced in 2020, following the release in July 2016 of the first of Nissan's autonomous drive technologies, known as "ProPILOT," an autonomous drive technology designed for highway use in single-lane traffic, and a "multiple-lane" application that can autonomously negotiate hazards and change lanes during highway driving, due in 2018.

When Cefkin joined Nissan in March 2015 after stints at IBM, Sapient Corp. and Silicon Valley's influential Institute for Research on Learning, she and her team immediately began documenting not just interactions in the city involving drivers, but also those between vehicles and pedestrians, bicyclists and road features.

"We're trying to distill out of our work some key lessons for what an autonomous vehicle will need to know — what it perceives in the world and then how it can make sense, make judgments and behave itself to be able to interact effectively in those different systems," said Cefkin.

Cefkin cited four-way intersections with stop signs as a "problematic and incredibly interesting" situation her team examined closely.

"What happens at a four-way stop – it's open to a lot of interpretation," she explained. "Yeah, I'm supposed to stop, (but) once I've stopped it doesn't tell me when to go again, so that's up to me to figure out."

Initial learnings from the study show that drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists often use "eye gaze" and forms of "direct communications," such as a hand wave, "to give off very clear signals about their intentions" in such situations, Cefkin said.

"We are working at the heart, the guts of the core technology and bringing insights and the kind of understanding that we have about human practices and human experience right into the fundamental design of the system," said Cefkin.

That led to early planning on how an autonomous vehicle might communicate its next move, one vision of which was presented in the IDS Concept car.

Cefkin said that some features depicted in the video may end up closely resembling those of Nissan's autonomous vehicles in the next decade — like a light that "acknowledges" the presence of a pedestrian. The team is also exploring how to communicate the car's intention in situations where "multiple agents" – say numerous pedestrians or cyclists – are present. The key would be how to communicate what the vehicle is doing – like stopping, waiting, yielding, about to go, going, things like that –" in a way that would be interpreted in the same way by everyone.

Cefkin said such studies demonstrate the wisdom of having anthropologists involved in the earliest stages of vehicle design, rather than making adjustments later in the product cycle as some other automakers have done.

"What's different for us is we are working at the heart, the guts of the core technology and bringing insights and the kind of understanding that we have about human practices and human experience right into the fundamental design of the system," said Cefkin.


First drive: Lexus NX

Oh, look at the black bear down below.

With legs dangling freely on the open chairlift as the three of us made our way down the mountain, we spotted the lumbering beast foraging for food mid-way on the slopes, with another nosing around a few hundred metres away.

We were glad we were high enough, held up by steel cables, in the slow descent to the foothills. With frigid air blasting into us, we shivered but managed to fish out cameras and clicked away at the unusual spectacle as excitable tourists are wont to do.

This part of the high country occasionally sees bears bumping into human communities but attacks are rare. The omnivores tend to stay away from people unless food is scarce.

No one was a target of hungry bears that July in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia.

READ ALSO: Lexus NX test-drive in Malaysia

We were in Whistler – two Malaysian writers and a Lexus rep – enjoying the interlude before the drive of Lexus’ new baby, the NX, the next day.

Whistler, 125km north of Vancouver, is a ski resort better known as the venue of the 2010 Winter Olympics. It apparently takes its name from the hoary marmot, a type of mountain squirrel, which makes a whistling sound whenever it alerts the rest of the colony to danger.

Whistler is also famous for its 4.4km peak-to-peak cable ride between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, said to be the longest and highest cable car ride in the world, providing a stunning view of snow-draped volcanic peaks and coastal forests from over 2,000 metres up.

It’s quite a charming place to explore.

For 16 years, Lexus cruised along with RX, GX and LX SUVs. Then compact versions started sprouting up to become one of the fastest-growing segment, with the Range Rover Evoques, Audi Q5s, BMW X3s and Porsche Macans providing affirmation. And Lexus realised as far back as 2009 that it was missing out on a golden opportunity to bolster its cashflow.

 Driving the NX 200t F Sport.

Well, no longer. With Lexus now wielding the NX, a gap in the line-up is plugged. For Toyota’s luxury division, it’s better late than never.

Unlike the NX Concept, the production NX is less flamboyant but still cuts a stance that is stylistically attractive for some, while others may not concur.

No matter how you dice it, the sculpted lines, creases and flared wheel arches on the bodywork conspire to deliver a striking image.  The oversized spindle grille, flanked by new LED headlamps and daytime running lights, offers the most distinctive “face” in the current Lexus line-up.

The rear design featuring L-shape combination lamps and LED lighting complements the spindle grille treatment.

With such an attention-grabbing bod, Lexus is betting the NX, and its overall packaging, would strike the younger set as cool enough to start throwing cash its way instead of to the usual Euro suspects.

Lexus Malaysia will be offering the 2.0-litre NX and a 2.5-litre hybrid early next year, and bookings are now open for the five variants. Another Lexus, the RC sports car that we have tested in New York in September, is set for launch next month. Indicative prices for the NX ranges from RM300,000 for the 200t to RM390,000 for the hybrid.

All are expected to be all-wheel drive vehicles and the hybrid will have an electric motor each for the front and rear axles. It shares the same platform as the Toyota RAV4 but Lexus is quick to say that 90% of the parts are NX-specific.

What’s also notable is that the NX is the first Lexus to be turbocharged; a non-turbo version is destined for China and Russia.

We spent more time with the 200t and less than an hour with the hybrid, a front-wheel drive Luxury grade version for North America with a “US face”, which differs from the “global face” version. (Fog lamps, for instance, are different and the US version sports a grille that is not as deepset and has a better approach angle to meet US regulations.)

For the better part of the journey, we drove along Route 99 on the way to Vancouver. The route aka Sea to Sky Highway hugs the coast and, soaring mountains on one side and ocean on the other, provided a picturesque setting that would have roadster owners and bikers hitting the road to embrace the great outdoors.

 The NX 200t F Sport with the global face. Note its differently-shaped fog lamps and lower bumper.

The Lexus NX for US market has a different front for a better approach angle to qualify for US classification as a light truck.

In F Sport trim, the 200t projects a sportier image than the base 200t, characterised by a mesh grille insert, bold front bumper, machined-finish wheels, black exterior mirrors, interior ornamentation, paddle shifters, aluminium pedals and sport seats.

The interior of the 5-seater is cosy and expresses the Lexus signature DNA of premium comfort. As car-like SUVs go, one sits a little higher up with seats that are firmly supportive. Space for rear passengers are not shabby with enough legroom and headroom.

Boot space isn’t the biggest we have seen but it’s respectable. Steering wheel is meaty in the hand and there’s plenty of soft touchpoints around.

A two-dial cluster is standard across the board and a two-tier centre stack defined by silver surrounds houses various controls and that analogue clock to add some edgy contrast.

On the lower tier is a Drive Mode Select button and a touchpad to access features on the 7-inch display up above. The touchpad isn’t as precise or intuitive to use especially if you are in a hurry.

A detachable vanity mirror in the centre console will score with women drivers.

It’s an agreeable space to be in even if the test vehicles were prototypes, whose fit and finish may need further tweaking.

On the move, the all-wheel drive NX exhibits composure, in part due to a highly rigid body and extensive underbody reinforcements. The F Sport’s uprated dampers come in handy to enhance handling stability and agility without sacrificing passenger comfort.

As the first of its kind for Lexus, the 200t has a refined engine that displays little turbo lag but is a wee bit slow on take-off; its punchy sweet spot is to be found in the mid-range for smooth acceleration onwards.

Drive Mode Select go hand in hand with the mood of the moment. You can always stick to Normal mode for city driving or go Eco for a bit of fuel savings.

Or switch to Sport if you are feeling a little frisky. The F Sport is equipped with what the BMW M5 also has – an artificial engine sound piped into the cabin to kick the sporty notes a few notches up.

There’s decent feedback from the wheels and the NX reacts quickly to steering inputs. Brakes are up to snuff and there wasn’t any noticeable flaw in the braking performance.

The 300h hybrid touts a mileage of around 5 litres/100km and appeals to the eco do-gooders and high mileage advocates but its steep pricing locally will make it a tough sell; Lexus Malaysia knows it and is banking on the more powerful yet cheaper 200t to drive NX sales.

With 194 horses on tap, the emphasis is on fuel economy, while performance is credible.

The electric motor is by nature torquey, making for peppy acceleration from a traffic stop.

The 300h calls upon extra acceleration when needed from a kickdown switch.

An electric-driving mode lets the hybrid go a short distance before there’s a perceptible switchover to petrol-electric propulsion. On long ascents, the CVT and engine tend to get busier to overcome drag.

On balance, the NX’s distinctive looks and kit plus more-than-average performance should get it off to a running start once it arrives in Malaysia.

We reckon many will find it compelling in the same way we once relished a certain Canadian café’s sticky toffee pudding.

ALSO READ: Lexus NX launched in Malaysia and Malaysian first drive


New Toyota Highlander makes world premiere in NY

                NEW YORK: After teasing the upcoming 2020 Highlander earlier this month with a brief video clip of the model presented as an art piece, Toyota has now debuted the real deal at the New York International Auto Show.

For the 2020 model year, Toyota transitioned the Highlander onto the TNGA-K Platform, a new foundation that's shared with several other recent models in the company's portfolio. This stronger basis makes the body stiffer, allows the vehicle to make tighter turns, and reduces model noise production inside and out.

Generally speaking, this platform makes the ride far smoother and safer than the previous generation Highlander.

To further aid in passenger safety, the SUV can be equipped with a handful of driver-assistant tech like Toyota Safety Sense (standard in all models), a Blind Spot Monitor, and a Bird's Eye View Camera.

In terms of entertainment and media-oriented technology, all Highlander trims come standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa In-Car compatibility, Waze, SiriusXM, and Wi-Fi connectivity. If you opt for a higher tier grade, your Highlander could come with Dynamic Navigation, a 12.3-inch screen, and a JBL Premium Audio System.

Two powertrain options are available for the Highlander: a V6 engine offering 10.7 l/100km combined fuel economy or a hybrid engine offering 6.9 l/100km combined fuel economy. Additionally, owners can select from five different trims that will add different types of wheels, drive systems, multimedia technologies, and interior finishes among other features.

The petrol-powered Highlander will be available in December, and the hybrid iteration will hit the market next February. The hybrid model uses a Predictive Efficient Drive feature that "analyses the driver's daily driving habits and upcoming road and traffic conditions to more efficiently charge and discharge the hybrid battery accordingly alongside actual driving."

The more you drive, the smarter the Highlander will function.

Toyota has not yet announced the pricing for the model.


Why you should think twice before parking under a tree

                BERLIN: It might seem like the dream spot to park your car when you find it, but when you come back a few days later, your windscreen and bonnet are covered in twigs, leaves and other strange gunk.

Parking under a tree can prevent you from returning to an overheated car in the short term by keeping it in the shade on sunny days.

And yet in the long term, trees will often leave an unwelcome mark on your car. Even worse, a heavy loose branch can cause serious damage during windy weather.

If you do leave your car under a tree for a longer period, car inspection experts say it's worth taking a quick look under the bonnet, especially if you notice the tree has been shedding leaves and twigs.

That's because any petals, leaves or pollen that gets into the nooks and crannies of the engine will only end up blocking drain holes and causing rust - in other words car cancer.


Toyota makes a new US$394mil bet on flying taxis

                SAN FRANCISCO: Toyota is making a US$394 million (RM1.6bil) investment in Joby Aviation, one of the handful of companies with the seemingly implausible goal of making electric air taxis that shuttle people over gridlocked highways and city streets.

Toyota is the lead investor in Joby’s US$590 million (RM2.4bil) Series C funding, alongside Baillie Gifford and Global Oryx and prior backers Intel Capital, Capricorn Investment Group, JetBlue Technology Ventures, SPARX Group and its own investment arm, Toyota AI Ventures.

The deal, for now, makes the Santa Cruz, California-based Joby the best-funded "eVTOL” (electric vertical take-off and landing) startup in a booming category that must overcome
significant regulatory hurdles and concerns about passenger safety and noise, bringing the total money it has raised to US$720 million (RM2.9bil).

"Air transportation has been a long-term goal for Toyota, and while we continue our work in the automobile business, this agreement sets our sights to the sky,” said Toyota president and chief executive officer Akio Toyoda.

"As we take up the challenge of air transportation together with Joby, an innovator in the emerging eVTOL space, we tap the potential to revolutionize future transportation and life.”

Over the past year, the 82-year Japanese automaker has deepened its interests in futuristic transportation technologies. Last year, it backed Recogni Inc., a Silicon Valley maker of autonomous vehicle systems, and May Mobility, an Ann Arbor, Michigan-based operator of self-driving shuttle buses.

At the Consumer Electronics Show in early January, Toyota announced its intention to build a 70ha community, or "Woven City”, at the base of Mount Fuji to serve as a showcase for self-driving cars and other innovations in transportation.

Joby is an emerging player in a field of air-taxi companies that includes Airbus SE; South Korean automaker Hyundai, which recently announced plans to design and produce an air taxi with Uber Technologies Inc.; and Kitty Hawk, the brainchild of Alphabet co-founder Larry Page, which is developing an air taxi in conjunction with Boeing Co.

Volocopter, a startup in Germany, is backed by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co, the Chinese company that owns Volvo, as well as Daimler AG and British automaker Lotus.

In addition to announcing the funding, Joby released an image of its prototype aircraft.

The vehicle, which looks like an oversized toy drone, sports six electric propellers and is capable of flying 240km on a single charge, at speeds of up to 320kph, the company said. It’s designed to carry four passengers and a pilot, an approach that differs from that of rivals such as Kitty Hawk, whose two-seat "Cora” vehicle is intended to fly autonomously, without an onboard pilot.

Joby says it will manufacture prototypes at a facility in Marina, California, near Monterey, but plans to tap Toyota’s famous manufacturing prowess to build "highly reliable complex hardware at increase scale,” said Paul Sciarra, Joby’s executive chairman and a co-founder of Pinterest.

In December, Joby and Uber announced a separate partnership to jointly introduce Joby air taxis in at least two cities, with customers booking and paying for flights via the Uber app.

The most pressing challenge for Joby, which now has around 400 employees, is obtaining certification from the Federal Aviation Authority and other regulatory agencies around the world. Joby says this is a three- to five-year process that it formally began in 2018.

Over the past few years, both the FAA and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have moved to support commercial development of air taxis and released special guidelines to regulate small aircraft, with rules that differ from those governing conventional helicopters and fixed-wing airplanes.

Much work remains, said Robin Lineberger, head of the Aerospace & Defense practice at Deloitte, including creating a system to manage municipal airspace in both normal and poor weather conditions and building physical infrastructure such as mini-airports that can support frequent takeoffs, landings and aircraft recharging.

"The 2023 to 2025 time frame is fairly straightforward” for small demonstrations, Lineberger said. But he looks to 2035 "as a practical date for having a ubiquitous operational fleet in the thousands-not the hundreds-with a well-established framework for regulatory approval.”

Sciarra and Joeben Bevirt, Joby’s founder and CEO, say they’ve spent significant time with Toyoda in Toyota City, Japan, as well as with other Toyota executives at Joby’s headquarters on a windy, 202-ha ranch in the hills north of Santa Cruz.

They would not say whether they offered them a ride on the prototype aircraft, but Bevirt said: "They’re a loyal and tenacious company and this has been a dream of the Toyota family for a very long time.”


Why Carlos Ghosn isn't scared of an Apple EV

                Renault-Nissan Alliance CEO Carlos Ghosn is not losing sleep over whatever Apple is up to. He believes Apple’s entry into the Electric Vehicle (EV) segment would only help the cause of zero-emissions vehicles.

Ghosn said he was more excited than worried, and welcomed the idea of having more players vying for a piece of the EV-pie, which would help to promote EV vehicles as well as expand the charging infrastructure.

“I have always looked at other automakers that build EVs as allies, not competitors. We are all promoting a technology that's important for the sustainability of our industry and our planet and the more zero-emission choices our industry offers consumers, the more attention and interest it brings to EVs,” he said at the 10th Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona earlier this month.

Nissan said it has sold over 250,000 EVs since the LEAF went on sale in 2010 – having travelled more than 2.5 billion kilometres since and has kept an estimated 222 billion kilograms of CO2 out of the atmosphere.

Although he said the EV segment remains a small slice of the overall vehicle market, it's growth is steadily increasing.

Ghosn elaborated that the main drivers that will ensure the continued growth of zero-emission vehicle sales are tougher emissions regulations to combat climate change, an expanding charging infrastructure and improving battery technology.

The CEO explained that there are currently 800mil vehicles on the world’s roads and by 2050, it is expected to more than triple to 2.5bil and will not be sustainable in mitigating the impact of climate change with that many fossil fuel-burning engines.

"This is why governments around the world plan to impose tougher emissions restrictions in the coming decade. The only way automakers can meet those restrictions is by selling more EVs, which is why more have joined Renault and Nissan in offering a range of zero-emission vehicles.”

However, the main reason why EVs are not selling as fast as the company would like has been due to the charging infrastructure.

But where the charging infrastructure has expanded, sales followed in that area.

So far, eight countries in Europe have built quick-charge highway corridors, with nine more planning to do so – helping the number of charging stations in Europe to increase by 60% from last year.

"In Japan, the number of public and private chargers already exceeds the number of gasoline service stations,” he added.

With the advancements in battery technology, the main goal is to ensure that EVs eventually have the same range as a conventional car.

"As charging an EV gets easier and faster, more people will see that EVs offer the most practical, affordable and cleanest alternative to cars that run on fossil fuels. So, like you, I'm curious to see what Apple might offer. And I say, welcome!"


Vehicle pollution zone to cover all of London

                LONDON: Heavily polluting vehicles will have to pay to enter the entire metropolitan area of London from next year, the British capital's mayor said.

Sadiq Khan said on Friday the ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) would be expanded from Aug 29 beyond its current confines, to take in the entire nine million people of Greater London.

Announcing a parallel expansion of bus services in outer London, he argued that air pollution from older vehicles was making Londoners "sick from cradle to the grave".

The ULEZ had already proven "transformational", the mayor said, and its extension would mean "five million more people will be able to breathe cleaner air and live healthier lives".

The zone has already been expanded once since it was introduced in April 2019, and today covers a large area within London's North and South Circular inner ring-roads and the city centre.

Unless their vehicles are exempt, drivers entering the zone have to pay a daily charge of £12.50 (RM68).

Petrol cars first registered after 2005, and diesel cars after September 2015, typically meet the ULEZ standards for nitrous oxide emissions and are exempt.

Air pollution caused around 1,000 annual hospital admissions for asthma and serious lung conditions in London between 2014 and 2016, according to a 2019 report.

A coroner ruled in 2020 that air pollution made a "material contribution" to the death of a nine-year-old London girl in 2013 —- the first time in Britain that air pollution was officially listed as a cause of death.

Air pollution is "affecting children before they're even born, and giving them lifelong health issues", the campaign group Mums for Lungs tweeted.

"Good news for the health of all Londoners," it said in response to the ULEZ announcement.

Billionaire businessman Michael Bloomberg, a UN climate envoy and former mayor of New York, said Khan was "helping to clean London's air and set an example for cities around the world".

But opponents of the ULEZ argue it amounts to a "tax" on poorer drivers least able to afford to replace their polluting vehicles, and has hurt small businesses.

The announcement will be "a hammer-blow for desperate drivers and businesses already struggling with crippling fuel costs" during a cost-of-living crisis, said the head of roads policy for motoring body the RAC, Nicholas Lyes.

All cars and vans entering central London during the day time also have to pay a "congestion charge" of £15 (RM82), a measure first introduced in 2003.

Similar schemes have been set up in several other British towns and cities to reduce emission levels and improve air quality.


Russian truckmaker Kamaz looks to prisons to plug workforce deficit

Kamaz faces a shortage of 4,000 workers at its production facilities in Naberezhnye Chelny. — Reuters
MOSCOW: Russia's largest truckmaker Kamaz is considering bringing in prisoners to work at its largest factories to compensate for a workforce deficit, CEO Sergei Kogogin said today.

"We are assessing how to apply the (work) programme developed by the Federal Penitentiary Service," Kogogin told reporters.

The firm faces a shortage of 4,000 workers at its production facilities in Naberezhnye Chelny, an industrial city more than 900km east of Moscow, he said. It has 24,000 employees there.

The company, which is 47% owned by state conglomerate Rostec and 15% by Daimler, has already brought in migrant workers from Uzbekistan and is now considering looking to Russian prisons for labourers, he said.

Restrictions linked to the pandemic have prompted many migrant workers to leave Russia, forcing authorities and private companies to ponder ways to fill worker shortages.

The Federal Penitentiary Service earlier this year proposed a plan to use convicts to supplement the workforce, insisting the new system would not resemble the vast Gulag labour camp system of the Soviet era.

In April, a government document ordered officials to assess the feasibility of using convicts to build railways.


Higher prices for Mitsubishi cars

                KUALA LUMPUR: Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia will see price increases of 2% to 7%, depending on model, in the first quarter of 2016.

A statement by Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) said this was due to the weakened ringgit.

MMM also said its pricing structure will be reviewed if the ringgit becomes stronger.

“Despite all adversities, rest assured that MMM will continue to offer attractive on-going deals and promotions for our customers,” said MMM chief executive officer Yang Won-Chul.

MMM is represented by 58 showrooms (out of which 49 are 3S Centres) and 53 service outlets throughout Malaysia.

Since 2005, MMM has sold more than 90,000 units of vehicles in Malaysia.

The ASX 2WD and 4WD compact SUV is locally assembled in Malaysia while the other Mitsubishi models are imported as CBU (Completely Built-Up) units from Thailand (compact hatchback Mirage, compact sedan Attrage, Pajero Sport SUV, Triton pick-ups) and Japan (Lancer).


Ford offers zero maintenance deal on Ranger XLT

                KUALA LUMPUR: Ford distributor Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) is sweetening the deal in a move to boost sales of the Ranger XLT.

It is offering for a limited time zero maintenance cost for five years or 100,000km (whichever comes first) plus attractive cash rebates on the pick-up truck. The offer ends on Dec 31.

The Ranger XLT comes with a number of safety features such as Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control and Adaptive Load Control, and Rollover Mitigation.
The vehicle also features electronic power-assisted steering and a 3,500kg towing capability.

The Ranger XLT is available with a choice of either the 2.2-litre Duratorq four-cylinder TDCi diesel engine with 158hp of power and 385Nm of torque, or the 3.2-litre Duratorq five-cylinder TDCi diesel engine, which pumps out 197hp and 470Nm.

The Ranger 2.2-litre XLT is available in five colours: Aluminium Metallic, Aurora Blue, Cool White, Metropolitan Grey and Black Mica. The Ranger 3.2 XLT variant is available in Aluminium Metallic, Cool White, Metropolitan Grey and Black Mica.


Audi concept EV set for April 19 reveal can probably drive itself

                INGOLSTADT: Following the skysphere concept and the grandsphere concept, Audi will debut the urbansphere concept virtually on April 19.

As the name suggests, the urbansphere concept heralds a small car designed for urban mobility. And it's expected to be self-driving as well.

Like the other two concept cars shown last year, the latest concept will be electric - and most likely autonomous as well to take the tedium out of city driving.

It was supposed to have its unveiling at the 2022 Beijing Motor Show but it was cancelled because of the pandemic.

Last year, Audi brand chief Henrik Wenders had said the urbansphere concept would represent the "most condensed" form of an Audi car and likened it to the AI:Me concept first seen at the 2019 Shanghai auto show.

 The AI:Me concept of 2019.


GM seeks US approval to deploy self-driving vehicles

                WASHINGTON: General Motors Co and its self-driving technology unit Cruise have petitioned US regulators for permission to build and deploy a self-driving vehicle without human controls like steering wheels or brake pedals, Cruise said Friday.

Cruise said in a blog post it sought permission to deploy the Cruise Origin that does not need features like a steering wheel to operate safely.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has authority to grant petitions to allow a limited number of vehicles to temporarily operate on US roads that do not have required human controls.

"The submission of this petition signals that Cruise and GM are ready to build and deploy the Origin, here in America," Cruise wrote, saying it would expand mobility options for people who had traditionally faced barriers to reliable transportation, including seniors and the blind.

The Origin, which was developed with GM and Cruise investor Honda Motor, has two long seats facing each other that can comfortably fit four passengers. Production is expected to begin in late 2022 in Detroit at a GM factory with vehicles delivered in 2023, Cruise said Friday.

Cruise and GM first disclosed in October 2020 they planned to seek approval from NHTSA within months to deploy the Cruise Origin.

In 2018, GM petitioned NHTSA to allow a car built on a Chevrolet Bolt without steering wheels or brake pedals on US roads. In late 2020, GM withdrew the petition.

NHTSA, which spent 15 months reviewing the first GM petition before seeking public comment, declined to comment Friday.

Legislation to speed deployment of self-driving cars on US roads without human controls has stalled in Congress.

Under current law, companies can seek an exemption from motor vehicle safety standards for up to 2,500 vehicles for up to two years that do not meet existing federal rules.

In May 2021, Cruise urged US president Joe Biden to back legislation raising the cap on the number of vehicles that a company can seek to have exempted. The rules were largely written decades ago and assumed human drivers would be in control of a vehicle.

In December, China's Geely Holding said its premium electric mobility brand, Zeekr, will make electric vehicles for Waymo, Alphabet Inc's self-driving unit, to be deployed as fully autonomous ride-hailing vehicles across the United States.

Concept images showed a roomy, low-to-the-ground minivan without a steering wheel and with seating for about five riders.


Washing and sealing: How to keep unwanted critters out of your engine

Snake in a car in this file pic. — Photo courtesy of Pearly Tan
BERLIN: Coolant hoses, ignition cables, insulation materials and rubber seals – these are just a few of the preferred targets for snakes, weasels, and other rodents who find their way into your car’s engine compartment. So what can help keep your car safe?

Anyone who finds traces of animal prints or other evidence on their car should have a proper engine wash done, advises the German Insurance Association (GDV).

After all, even traces of the scent of other animals can increase their aggressiveness. As a result, cars that frequently park in different locations and pass through different animals’ territories are often specifically targeted by critters. If this sounds familiar, regular engine washes can help.

Sealing off the engine compartment is also an effective solution. Some carmakers offer this as a retrofit or even factory installed, explains the GDV. A cheaper alternative is to have an elastic wire mesh under the hood, as small animals don’t usually enjoy treading on such shaky ground. But this is less practical, since it always has to be removed before driving off

Sheathing cables and hoses with a hard plastic exterior can also help. However, these must never come into contact with any hot parts of the engine. In addition, rubber components such as cuffs or insulating materials are still defenceless against a raccoon or weasel’s gnawing teeth.

Odour repellents such as dog hair, mothballs, toilet deodorizers or garlic, are ineffective, since the animals get used to the smells quite quickly. This also applies to devices with ultrasonic waves. In the densely packed engine compartment, these waves, designed to cause discomfort for the animals, are often drowned out, thus reducing their effect.

High-voltage equipment, which is used give animals in the engine compartment electric shocks, should be treated with caution. Given the effects on on-board electronics and potential danger for people, high-voltage systems should only be installed after careful consideration and by a professional, advises the GDV.

Damage caused by nibbling and chewing from critters is usually covered by partial and full insurance. However, some policies cover only the directly damaged parts and not consequential damage, such as when a chewed coolant hose causes general engine damage.


Naza boss gets Italian award

                KUALA LUMPUR:  Naza World group executive chairman Datuk Wira SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin has been awarded the title of “Grande Ufficiale”, bestowed upon him by the Italian president.

The Grande Ufficiale dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia (OSI) is the second highest award of OSI (second class of five), which is rarely conferred on foreign citizens and is the highest granted to those who receive an Italian award for the first time.

The award was presented by the Italian ambassador to Malaysia, Mario Sammartino, during the Italian National day celebration dinner in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday. The award is granted by the President of the Republic, at the recommendation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, in consultation with the Bar Council. Chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the council is composed of four members, one of whom is the Head of Diplomatic Protocol of the Republic.

“I understand that The Order of the Star honours individuals who have distinguished themselves in the promotion of friendly relations with Italy. For that, I’d like to thank the ambassador and the Italian government for honouring me with this award,” said SM Faisal.

Naza World Group of Companies have brought in not only high end, luxury Italian branded vehicles but also introduced lifestyle elements which are associated with Ferrari, Maserati, Ducati, Aprilia and Vespa.

Datuk Wira SM Faisal who is also passionate about Italian fashion spearheads the sartorial brand ‘Spezzato’ in Malaysia.

“This accolade is dedicated to my late father Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, the management and staff of Naza. It is a collective effort and a testament to the quality of our products and services. It also reflects the strength and growth of the organisation,” SM Faisal added.


Make your Bentley stand out with styling gear

                LONDON: Bentley customers can add an extra sporting edge to their Continental GT, Continental GT Convertible or Bentayga with the addition of the Styling Specification.

The Styling Specification includes a front bumper splitter, side skirts with metallic Bentley badges, rear diffuser and boot lid spoiler in high gloss carbon fibre.

The Bentayga package also includes a bi-plane tailgate spoiler and rear screen strakes, again all in high gloss carbon fibre, with the additional options of front air blades, wing vents and mirror caps in a matching finish.

The carbon fibre weave is a 2x2 twill pattern, woven in the same direction for all components to ensure consistency.

The side skirts include a three-dimensional electroformed Bentley badge.

The Styling Specification complements the aerodynamic performance of the Continental GT family and Bentayga.

The first designs are assessed and refined using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software for aerodynamic performance including front and rear lift and overall drag.

Simulations are also made of the effect on powertrain cooling, brake cooling and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

Electrical testing seeks to minimise any affect that the carbon fibre parts may have on vehicle systems from PDC (park distance control) to radar systems and antennae for on-board communications and entertainment.

Only once these virtual assessments are complete are the first physical prototypes manufactured, before being refined in the wind tunnel and on the test track.

The parts are also assessed across all driving conditions up to and including top speed, for stability, feel and performance under both acceleration and braking to ensure that the Bentley driving dynamic is not degraded.

Once functionality is signed-off, the parts are assessed through a variety of validation tests. These include durability programmes – including overall vehicle tests of 100,000km - to abuse testing such as wading, kerb strikes, and rough roads.

Rig testing in Bentley’s Quality lab assesses performance through the rigours of vibration, thermal cycling, point loading and impacts.


Toyota-affiliate Daihatsu rigged safety test for 88,000 cars

                TOKYO: Toyota Motor Corp affiliate Daihatsu rigged part of the door in side-collision safety tests carried out for some 88,000 small cars, most of which were sold under the Toyota brand, the companies said today.

They said the door trim on the affected vehicles had been modified with a "notch" to minimise the risk in testing that the door interior could break with a sharp edge and cause injury to an occupant when the side airbag deployed in an accident.

The modification for testing was not part of the production vehicle, the companies said.

Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda said the companies were investigating how the side-panel of Yaris and other models had been changed for safety testing and apologised for what he called an "unacceptable" violation of consumer trust.

Toyota said it had not received any report of an accident or injury related to the rigged side-crash test.

It was not immediately clear who had rigged the doors for crash testing, how widespread the knowledge of the action had been within Daihatsu and whether senior managers had approved the step.

"We'll proceed with a detailed investigation from here on, but promise to decisively understand what happened at the site, investigate the true intentions and sincerely work to prevent a recurrence," Toyoda told reporters.

"We're going to need some time to do that," he said.

Daihatsu said it had discovered the rigged safety test after a whistleblower report. It said it had reported the issue to regulatory agencies and stopped shipment of affected models.

The affected models include Toyota Yaris Ativs made in Thailand from last August, and Perodua Axias manufactured in Malaysia starting from February.

Of the 88,000-plus vehicles, some 76,000 were Yaris models mainly bound for Thailand, Mexico and Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Daihatsu said.

About 11,800 affected vehicles were Axias manufactured by Daihatsu at a joint venture plant it runs with Malaysian automaker Perodua. Those cars were sold in Malaysia.

Daihatsu said it would run new safety tests in the presence of regulators and confirm the safety of the models before resuming shipments.

The discovery of the rigged safety test is the first crisis for Toyota president Koji Sato, who took over the top job from Toyoda on April 1.

"We have to find the cause of what happened, including examining the environment in which it happened, and once we've confirmed that to take appropriate action to address the underlying cause," Sato said.

Toyoda, who was Toyota president in 2010 when a string of recalls prompted US investigations, said he wanted all Toyota employees and those at affiliates to understand that "making better cars" required a commitment to speak out about problems.

"We can't run away from this or hide," he said.

Daihatsu, which specialises in the production of small cars, became a wholly owned Toyota subsidiary in 2016 when Toyoda was president.

The incident comes at a time when Toyota has been ramping production back up from restrictions imposed by a shortage of semiconductors, facing pressure to move faster to roll out new and cost-competitive electric vehicles and dealing with a sales slump in China, a key market.


Scrap VEP fees, look at bigger picture, businesses urge M'sia and S'pore

                JOHOR BARU: Malaysia and Singapore should scrap vehicle entry permit (VEP) fees on both sides of the Causeway, said SME Association of Malaysia National president Teh Kee Sin.

The two countries should look at the broader picture instead of engaging in “tit for tat” action.

“How can you call yourselves friendly neighbours if you start charging fee for entering each other’s houses?” he asked.

Teh said history had shown that Johor and Singapore were interdependent economically and socially, and they should be complementing instead of competing with each other.

 Teh.

Singapore and Malaysia should also cooperate to further promote, develop and strengthen the economies of the two countries in view of the competitive global economy.

Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Aziz Kaprawi had on Saturday told pressmen that foreign vehicles entering the country from Singapore would be subject to a RM20 VEP fee.

The fee is for the vehicles using the Causeway here and the Second Link in Tanjung Kupang, Gelang Patah.

Johor Baru Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Datuk Loh Liam Hiang said the RM20 VEP fee would not prevent Singaporeans from coming here.

“It (S$7.90) is nothing to Singaporeans due to the strong exchange rate. They will continue to come to Johor Baru,” he said.

He also suggested that the VEP fee should be equally divided between the federal and state governments instead of Johor only getting RM5 from it.

“It must be utilised for the maintenance of roads in Johor Baru as you can see there are many potholes, uneven road surfaces and faulty traffic lights,” said Loh.

Johor Indian Business Association president P. Sivakumar said the real victims would be the people of both countries because they had to fork out extra money to travel, apart from the high toll charges on the Causeway and Woodlands.