Audi SQ7 TDI: Most powerful turbodiesel SUV around

                INGOLSTADT: Audi is determined to promote diesel power to the max despite being embroiled in the Dieselgate scandal. It has just announced the biturbo V8-engined SQ7 TDI that it claims is the most powerful diesel SUV.

The engine makes 420hp and 900Nm, allowing the SUV to sprint from standstill to 100kph in 4.8s and onwards to a top speed of 250kph.

In terms of outright pace and speed, the fastest SUV title goes to the petrol-fuelled 600hp/900Nm Bentley Bentagya SUV which can hit 0-100kph in 4.1s with a top speed of 301kph.

The SQ7 TDI features a world first by having an electric powered compressor that Audi said removes turbo lag and allows the engine to be immediately responsive.

While immensely powerful, Audi said the SQ7 TDI is also easy on fuel consumption with combined fuel consumption of 6.2l/100km, which is equivalent to the figures for a six-cylinder engine.

The 3,956cc 4.0 TDI has been redesigned from the ground up. It combines best-in-class performance with impressive efficiency credentials through the use of two exhaust-gas turbochargers which are activated selectively according to the concept of sequential charging, since exhaust gas only flows through one turbocharger at low and intermediate load. The second turbine is only activated at higher loads. The electrically powered compressor (EPC) augments the work of the two turbochargers, particularly in the lower engine speed range, providing for responsive off-the-line performance.

 48-volt electrical system

The electrically powered compressor  is placed in the air path downstream of the intercooler, close to the engine. Because the compressor does not require any exhaust-gas energy to develop boost, it can be used at any time, thus making it the solution for the traditional weaknesses of the classic exhaust-gas turbocharger.

The compressor  provides the engine with the boost energy needed for the dynamic delivery of power in less than 250 milliseconds. Driven by a compact electric motor, its compressor wheel spins up to 70,000 revolutions per minute. The 4.0 TDI thus develops its immense power immediately, with no perceptible lag.

The power for the compressor, which reaches a maximum of 7 kW, is provided by the 48-volt electrical subsystem which uses lithium-ion battery mounted beneath the luggage compartment.

The Audi valvelift system (AVS) is also making its debut in a diesel model from Audi. The inlet and exhaust cam shafts each have two cam contours per valve. On the inlet side, one cam contour supports starting off in conjunction with the compressor, while the other optimises cylinder filling and thus power at high engine speeds. The AVS system on the exhaust side enables activation of the second exhaust-gas turbocharger.

The sequential charging system controls the two exhaust-gas turbochargers so that only one turbocharger is used at low engine speeds. The second is activated additionally at higher loads and engine speeds. The customer benefits from very good torque delivery and dynamic response across the entire engine speed range.

The SQ7 TDI uses a redesigned eight-speed Tiptronic changes gears more quickly and efficiently, and at high speeds allows coasting at idle.

The maxim of lightweight construction also applies to the suspension – its links are made primarily of aluminium. Electromechanical power steering, the Audi drive select driving dynamics system and adaptive air suspension with S-specific tuning are standard. Lightweight carbon fibre-ceramic discs will become optionally available shortly after the market launch. Audi offers the SUV with 20-inch wheels on 285/45 tyres, with options up to 22 inches.

Also optional upgrades are all-wheel steering and sport differential.

Audi offers the SUV with a choice of either five or seven seats.

The SQ7 TDI offers a wide range of 24 driver assistance systems to help drivers travel safely, fuel-efficiently and comfortably. The predictive efficiency assistant, for example, provides additional information in the instrument cluster to help the driver save fuel. The standard Audi pre sense city – an anticipatory warning and emergency breaking function for avoiding accidents and protecting pedestrians – makes the SQ7 TDI even safer.

The adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist relieves the driver in slow-moving traffic on well-paved roads by taking over the steering in many situations. The predictive ACC enables the anticipatory adjustment of driving speed to the route and speed limits, such as when entering towns.

In Europe, the Audi SQ7 TDI can be ordered beginning spring 2016. It will be offered in Germany for a base price of €89,900 (RM407,000).

electro-mechanical active roll stabilization (eAWS)Detail,
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Jay-Z’s VC firm leads investment in robot pizza truck startup

                LOS ANGELES: Jay-Z’s venture capital firm was the lead investor in a Los Angeles-area startup that’s building pizza-making robot trucks.

Stellar Pizza said Monday that it raised US$16.5 million (RM77mil) in a round led by the hip-hop icon’s Marcy Venture Partners.

The pizza startup joins a portfolio for the VC firm that includes Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty clothing brand.

The pitch from Stellar Pizza is to make ordering a pie quicker and more affordable using automation.

A customer would place their order on a mobile app, which signals a robot inside of a truck to assemble and bake pizzas from scratch.

 Jay-Z. - AFP

A worker removes the pie from the oven to cut and box before serving.

Once the service is fully operating, a Stellar truck will take less than five minutes to make a pizza, while cutting down on real estate and labour costs, according to the company.

Stellar Pizza was founded in 2019 by three former Space Exploration Technologies Corp. engineers.

The startup, led by chief executive officer Benson Tsai, had over 30 employees from the spacecraft manufacturer on their original team.

They’ve bolstered their culinary credentials with the addition of the former SpaceX executive chef Ted Cizma and guidance from artisan pizzaiolo Noel Brohner.


Volvo Trucks Malaysia to deliver 54 Euro 5 prime movers to FGV

                SHAH ALAM: Volvo Trucks Malaysia has inked a deal to deliver 54 units of Euro 5 Prime Movers to FGV Holdings Bhd (FGV), Malaysia's premier food and agribusiness company.

The Letter of Award signing ceremony between FGV and Volvo Trucks Malaysia was held at Volvo Malaysia headquarters in Shah Alam.

Signing on behalf of FGV was Fakhrunniam Othman, group divisional director, logistics & others sector of FGV; while his counterpart from Volvo was Anthony O’Connell, managing director of Volvo Truck Malaysia.

“We are thrilled to support FGV’s transition to fuel efficient Euro 5 engines, well ahead of the industry’s compliance deadline set for 2027. Our efforts in Malaysia are in line with our global Volvo Trucks brand promise of leading the way in improving efficiency for the transportation industry. This is driven by new technologies with the introduction of fully electric and gas-powered prime movers,” said O’Connell.

“At FGV, we believe that sustainability comes first, and profit and growth will follow. This collaboration signifies our unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence in the agribusiness industry. The course of this 30-year partnership has seen our fleet grow to encompass over 600 units of various Volvo trucks,” said FGV group CEO Datuk Nazrul Mansor.

The acquisition of these fuel-efficient Euro 5 prime movers will be for general cargo and CPO (Crude Palm Oil) tankers.

“Volvo Euro 5 prime movers meet stringent international emission requirements which offer businesses better fuel economy and a cleaner fleet,” product manager for Volvo Malaysia, William Ee, explained.

“Euro 5 emission trucks are designed to reduce harmful pollutants such as NOx (Nitrus Oxides), PM (Particulate Matter), HC (Hydrocarbon) and CO (Carbon Monoxide). In high concentration, these pollutants can cause health issues and also global warming. By using Euro 5 trucks in their fleet, FGV is in line with Malaysia’s 2050 carbon neutral goal.”

The Volvo Trucks Euro 5 range are equipped with the latest software and the engines specifically tuned for greater fuel efficiency.

In addition, features such as I-roll which disengages driveline when not needed,enables logistics companies and their drivers to achieve greater fuel savings of between 3% to 5%.

Meanwhile, Volvo Trucks' driver development programme has been continuously offered to all customers helps drivers learn about fuel-efficient driving techniques.

This programme also educates drivers about the significant co-relation of fuel-efficient driving and enhanced safety on the road.


Husqvarna Norden 901: Great for tarmac and off-road

                IN Malaysia and around the world, Husqvarna is popular among the off-road biking community.

The Husqvarna recently introduced the all-new Norden 901, a mid-size adventure bike which is the brand's first step towards engaging a larger audience.

I was given the opportunity to review this bike by Welly, Sungai Buloh which is the authorised dealer of Norden 901 for Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

The first thing that caught my eye about this bike was the tastefully placed Husqvarna branding in black over dark grey, complemented with the yellow and white accents.

This colour scheme is definitely eye-catching and adds character to the bike.

The bike comes with a non-adjustable off-road windshield that has a round front light and two round signal lights that can be mistaken for fog lights.

Riders’ fingers on the clutch and accelerator are protected by hard plastic hand guards supported by metal braces.

Meanwhile, the tank and the engine are protected by aluminium panels strong enough to resist impacts.

This is sturdy design is perfect for any keen off-road riding enthusiast.

The black saddle is firm and wide enough for my rear end to move around.

The saddle is also long enough for a pillion to have a comfortable long-distance ride.

I took the bike to Malacca and the twisty trunk roads of Ulu Yam, Selangor.

This bike is definitely at home on the highways and back roads.

Its 899cc engine with 103hp and 100Nm of torque is taken straight from the KTM 890 Adventure.

For readers’ information, KTM owns Husqvarna.

Every time I twist the throttle, power is delivered gently yet in a nice aggressive way.

There are no surprises or sudden surges of power.

Mated to a six-speed transmission, power delivery to the wheel is smooth at any rev range.

While I was clocking beyond the approved speed limit, there were no vibrations on the bike.

At one point I pushed the rpm to the red line and still could not feel any stress on the engine.

When I dropped from the red line to lower revs, the engine was still happily spinning away.

Every time I upshift or downshift the transmission, I did not hear any gear clunk noises.

The upright sitting position on this bike is spot on with the handlebars and the footpegs placed in the right places.

The Norden 901 comes with four riding modes of Street, Rain, Off-Road and the optional Explorer mode which was not available on my test bike.

Like all other adventure bikes, the throttle response changes according to the riding mode selected.

I was able to change the traction control level and peak power to my needs but I did not get the opportunity to ride this bike off-road.

However, the Husqvarna staff informed me that the Off-Road mode shuts down ABS and traction control, allowing some unobstructed free play at the rear wheel while off-road.

I was blown away by this bike's performance on the highway where it handled all sorts of corners with panache. T

The smooth and spirited engine along with a flawless clutch also makes the Norden 901 ideal for touring purposes.

After 15 minutes on the corners on the way to Ulu Yam, I realised that the chassis is simply remarkable.

Every time I take any corners, the bike offers undeniable stability that gives me the confidence that I can knee the tarmac, which I did not.

I was taking turn after turn like a GP rider without any hesitation and this was possible because of the flawless suspension system that comes with the bike.

I managed to take the bike onto an abandoned rubber estate which gave me a good idea of how this bike could have fared off-road.

The ride on the estate was fun and manageable due to the WP suspensions on the bike.

The front fork comes with 220mm wheel travel, and the rear offers 215mm travel.

The suspension travel settings are decent for a comfortable ride.

On a few occasions, I was bottoming the fork and yet my ride was comfortable.

Every time the suspension takes the beating, the suspension rebounds well.

The Norden 901's brakes are good and instantaneous without being abrupt.

I do not need to squeeze the brake lever hard every time I wanted to stop the machine, in fact, three fingers are good enough,

The front wheel is equipped with two 320mm discs with four-piston radial callipers and the rear is fitted with a single 260mm disc with a two-piston floating calliper.

The Norden 901, priced at RM98,900, is a versatile adventure motorcycle that is well-suited for both road and off-road use.

SPECIFICATIONSHusqvarna Norden 901Engine: 889cc, liquid-cooled, parallel twin
Maximum power: 105hp at 8,000rpm
Maximum torque: 100Nm at 6,500rpm
Transmission: Six-speed
Suspension: Front 43mm fully-adjustable WP Apex forks; rear adjustable WP Apex monoshock
Brakes: Front 2X320mm discs with four-piston radial callipers; rear single 260mm disc with two-piston floating calliper
Fuel capacity: 19 litres
Wet weight: 223kg
Price: RM98,900 (without registration, road tax and insurance)


Lotus Cars' new China plant ready to make 3 EV models

                WUHAN: British sports and racing car producer Lotus Cars has completed building its new factory in the Chinese city of Wuhan in central Hubei Province reported Xinhua.

Covering an area of around 100 hectares, the factory is located in the Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Zone, one of China's automotive clusters.

It involves a total investment of 8 billion yuan (RM5.3bil), according to Chinese automaker Zhejiang Geely Holding Group which bought Lotus Cars in 2017.

The new factory will produce three models of electric vehicles with a designed annual capacity of 150,000 units, according to Geely.

The Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Zone is home to more than 10 automobile manufacturers and some 500 auto parts companies. It churns out nearly 1 million vehicles each year, with an annual industrial output of over 320 billion yuan (RM211bil).


Be careful and stay focused: Safer driving in storms

                BERLIN: Howling wind, the car shaking from left to right and lashing rain while the windscreen wipers are at top speed: Storms can be frightening.

If you're driving, stormy weather requires your full attention and different measures to normal conditions.

For one thing, keep both hands on the wheel at all times, even more than usual, says ADAC, Europe’s largest motoring association.

That’s because a sudden gust of wind can pull the car one way or the other and you need to be ready to steer back on track.

Steer gently, as if you pull too hard on the steering wheel to counteract the wind, you risk an accident if the gust stops abruptly. If that happens and you steered too hard, you could wind up in the ditch or the opposite lane.

It’s easier to react to a steady crosswind than to sudden gusts from different directions. To see which direction the wind is coming from, look at the trees and bushes along your route.

Speed makes a difference

The slower you drive, the better you can react. If a 70kph gust hits a car travelling at 100kph, the car can be displaced by one metre, according to a German expert bureau.

If the car is travelling at 130kph, the displacement can be as much as four metres.

The same tips also apply to motorcyclists. If possible, motorcyclists should stay in the middle of the road so that they have more room to steer on both sides.

Plus, you are better off not wearing clothing that flutters. Wear something that fits tightly to the body instead, the ADAC recommends.

Streamline your luggage, too, as any attachments such as tank bags or luggage rolls give the wind a larger surface to attack.

The perils posed by strong winds increase in open areas, for example on bridges or forest roads or at tunnel exits.

Overtaking large vehicles such as buses and trucks can also be dangerous once your car moves out of their slipstream.

Trailers can be a hazard

High-sided vehicles such as motor homes and delivery vans are more sensitive to wind and in the worst case scenario can even tip over.

Watch out with trailers, too. "Anyone who notices that the trailer is getting unsteady should immediately reduce their speed and brake while observing the traffic behind," says Vincenzo Lucà of the German advisory bureau. "That should restore stability.”

The surface area that the wind can strike is also increased by items such as roof boxes or roof-mounted bicycles.

If storms are forecast, avoid tree-lined routes. Start being extra careful with winds any stronger than force 5 (29 to 38 kkph). If forecasters predict severe storms (from wind force 10) or even hurricanes, the ADAC advises that you don’t drive at all.

If in doubt, look for a safe rest area

If you find yourself caught suddenly in windy conditions "stop at the nearest possible safe place," Lucà says. Avoid parking in places where there is a risk of danger from falling branches or trees.

The safest place to park your car during a storm is in a garage. If you don’t have one of your own, it’s worth paying to park in one for the duration of the storm.

"This costs comparatively little money, but the car will not be damaged," Lucà says.

When flood follows storm

Sometimes storms are accompanied by heavy rain. If that's the case and the road is flooded, it’s best to drive around the flooded area if you can’t tell how deep the water is. After all, getting water into the engine can cause serious damage.

How deep a car can generally drive through water without being damaged is known as the fording depth. For normal passenger cars and most SUVs, that's a maximum of 20 to 40cm, according to ADAC.

Even then, the rule is to drive no faster than walking speed. A good indication of a critical depth is when the water reaches the level of the door sill.


iPhone assembler Foxconn to help launch EVs in 2021

Foxconn Technology is set to reveal two light vehicles designed using its platform in late 2021. — Reuters
TAIPEI: Foxconn Technology Group’s new EV platform is expected to help launch vehicles later this year, a company official said, signifying major progress in the Taiwanese electronics giant’s push into the automotive space.

Two light vehicles designed using Foxconn’s platform will be unveiled in the fourth quarter, chairman Young Liu of Foxconn’s flagship unit Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. told reporters at the company’s headquarters in suburban Taipei on Saturday.

The company may also help launch an electric bus around the same time, he said.

Foxconn has been seeking to strengthen its automotive capabilities at a time when technology companies including its customer Apple Inc. are looking to expand in vehicles. Foxconn in October unveiled its first-ever EV chassis and a software platform aimed at helping automakers bring models to the market faster.

The company set up a joint venture with Chinese carmaker Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. last month. Liu said the venture is currently in talks with startup Faraday Future and others on cooperation on EVs.

While Foxconn will see revenue from automotive ventures grow this year, Liu expects EV-related business to start making a meaningful contribution to the group’s overall sales only in 2023.

Separately, Liu said an ongoing chip shortage has only limited impact on the company’s major customers and that it doesn’t expect a trough this quarter, which is typically a low season.

Foxconn will continue its efforts to acquire an 8-inch wafer facility, Liu added, after Malaysian media outlets reported earlier that Foxconn losing its bid for SilTerra Malaysia to another consortium.

Liu said Foxconn still wants to secure a partnership with the Malaysian chipmaker.


Meet the woman who gets that US$30m Ferrari to Pebble Beach

Grove has built a reputation of being able to move blue-chip cars safely and reliably around the world as well as deal with the cross-border paperwork.  — Bloomberg
SAN JOSE: The Rimac Nevera is a US$2.5 million electric hypercar with 1,914HP and a predicted 0-100kph sprint time, 1.8 seconds, that would earn it the title of fastest production car in history. Set for delivery this year, just 150 Neveras will be made.

Naturally, you don't trust just anybody to move the thing.

You get Robin Grove to do it. The chief executive officer of Classic Automotive Relocation Services (CARS), Grove moves most of the blue-chip cars that descend on the world's most prestigious car show and auction event, the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance this weekend in Carmel, California near here.

Bugatti, Koenigsegg, McLaren, Pagani, and Rivian trust her to move their multimillion-dollar wares; so do RM Sotheby's, European banking billionaires, and the Kuwaiti royal family. If there's an old racing Ferrari being ogled by stillettoed ladies on some misty verdant fairway, there's a good chance Grove was the one who got it there.

"We are like travel agents and lawyers for cargo," Grove says. Last year the company moved 1,000 of the world's most valuable vehicles worldwide.

Vivacious, with Joan Jett hair and an Instagram-perfect smile, it's not surprising that Grove, 62, wanted to be a rock star growing up. (The electric violin was her specialty.) It's more of a thrill to hear her deal with the daily challenges of moving millions of dollars' worth of vehicular legend.

She set aside her typical warm demeanour the day this writer visited and firmly ensured that the driver who had arrived to load a Porsche 993 GT2-not the usual guy-did the job right.

"Unbelievable," she said, walking into her 20,000-square-foot garage in Gardena, Calif. "It's a US$2 million car, and he has no idea what he's doing."

Her headquarters is temperature-controlled with extensive security cameras and closed-circuit TV running 24/7. It holds dozens of cars triple-covered (cotton sheet, plastic sheet, top cover) and connected to battery chargers.

Under wraps, for those eagle-eyed enough to recognise their shape: a US$31 million Ferrari, a US$10 million Jaguar D-Type, a few US$13 million Zagatos, a US$35 million Alfa Romeo, and a US$2 million Koenigsegg Regera, among others.

READ MORE: How to park a supercar like a pro

"We deal mostly with billionaires," explains Tony Rackley, the British-born head of the specialties division at CARS. "We very rarely see these guys; we see their people."

August is a busy time for their 11-person Los Angeles operation, thanks to the upcoming annual car week in Monterey. (She also has offices in Amsterdam, Dubai, London, and, soon, Miami. CARS employs 200 people worldwide.) But shipping never stops, Grove says.

Rates range from around US$10,000 to get a short-wheelbase Porsche 911 to LA from, say, Amsterdam — the smaller size means the car can fit on the cheaper lower deck of the cargo plane.

To move a Bizzarrini from London to Carmel can run US$40,000, because it'll need to be inside its own wooden crate. It can cost as much as US$67,000 to air freight, say, a Ferrari F40 into LA from Hong Kong — to be sure, the far-flung distance and special cargo-box air freight command a high sum, but it's just a fraction of its US$1.6 million overall value.

Importing cars from Europe and Asia means clearing them through the myriad National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and US Environmental Protection Agency safety and air requirements for cars entering the country; navigating international trade treaties; sorting through customs policies; and paying associated duties, surcharges, taxes, and fees.

"Sometimes, clients call us a year ahead of time, but ideally they call us at least four months in advance, because whether the car is going by air or ocean, you never really know what is going to go on," Grove says.

"Then we immediately start talking with their restorers, who might say they need this or that amount of time, or they want to ship it really early because they want to do a stop in New York on the way to get work done there."

Size matters. Twenty-foot containers are standard for most collectible cars, though one private customer requested a more expensive 40-foot container to house his tiny Porsche Speedster alone. It also matters whether the car can be driven or must be rolled onboard.

Grove asks clients things like whether the steering column works, since vintage cars tend to wear out, and whether a cargo plane or ocean liner will do.

She also needs to know the car's age and how long it will be in the country, since different import rules apply depending on the car's age and reason for entry. Cars over the age of 25 have more lenient standards for entering the US than do modern ones.

Understanding nuances such as how to handle vintage aluminum bodies while being able to navigate the complex computer systems of modern hypercars requires experience, skill, and on-the-ground savvy.

"As portable assets, the coachwork (on the cars) is now considered and valued as artwork, like that done by Picasso or Renoir," Grove says.

A licensed customs broker, Grove has a US$15 million insurance policy on all of her trucks — it's been the key to winning those auction house clients who can't find another provider to promise total coverage in the event of an accident.

Additional industrial-strength coverage comes in handy when, as was the case with the cracked front splitter on a Koenigsegg recently, airline workers aren't as careful as they should have been. "That's why you buy insurance!" Grove says.

Then there's the matter of physically loading and unloading the car, the most fraught portion of all. Some cars are pushed on using a series of dollies and ramps; others are put into wooden crates and rolled inside on a system of ramps; others can be driven-slowly, slowly onboard the semitrucks that take them up the road.

Rackley personally meets cars coming in at the airport and inspects them himself — often climbing like a cat burglar through the windows of the still-boxed vehicle inside the storage container. He does it in stocking feet so as to not leave even the faintest mark. "His other name is ballerina," Grove says.

Then Rackley whisks the vehicle in a covered truck either for holding at the CARS warehouse or straight up to Pebble Beach, where he keeps them under extreme watch inside the trucks until their final unveiling at dawn on the golf course. In true dramatic fashion, the final reveal starts under cover of dark.

"I unbuild the crates myself; I don't even let anyone else take the straps off," Rackley says.

"The guys on the ground don't like me, but I'm forceful-to them it's just another piece of cargo." — HANNAH ELLIOTT


Volkswagen Wearnes Sg Besi 4S Centre has moved

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Volkswagen Wearnes Sg Besi 4S (Sales, Service, Spare parts and Spray paint) Centre has successfully relocated their facility to a nearby location today.

The new location at No. 8, Jalan Dua, Off Jalan Sungei Besi, KL, is now fully operational - just across the road from where it was previously and is housed within a 75,181 square feet facility with two levels for the showroom and aftersales department.

At the front, the showroom is able to display up to nine vehicles at one time, while the rear possesses 34 service bays that are manned by 34 technicians.

For the comfort and convenience of customers a lounge with cable TV has been provided as well as several conference rooms and coplimentary Wifi.

The new 4S centre's showroom is open throughout the week from Monday to Friday (9.00am - 7.00pm), Saturday (9.00am – 6.00pm) as well as on Sunday and public holidays (10.00am – 5.00pm).

The aftersales and service centre operates from Monday to Friday (8.00am – 8.00pm), Saturday (8.30am – 5.00pm), but is closed on Sunday and public holidays.

As for the body and paint shop, the facility is open from Monday to Friday (8.30am - 6.00pm), Saturday (8.30am to 5.00pm) and closes on Sunday and Public Holidays.


New DS3 looks set to battle MINI and Audi A1

PARIS: Citroen's standalone luxury marque is going after the MINI and the Audi A1 with its new-look compact hatchback and convertible models.

The new car, officially revealed on Tuesday evening in Paris has a much stronger design language reminiscent of the new DS4 and DS5, plus a sharper, accented front grille.

And behind that new nose, will sit a choice of seven different engines ranging from hyper efficient three-cylinder units to a very potent 205bhp 1.6-litre motor.

The cabin is also suitably upgraded and there's a greater emphasis on connectivity thanks to a new 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports iOS and Android smartphones.

However, one thing that hasn't changed is the huge potential for personalisation, the feature that made the original such an innovative and appealing car.

"Refined, high-tech and high-performance, the stylish Parisian car appeals to customers looking for expressiveness, personalisation and motoring thrills. This sparkling model expresses an ‘art de vivre' in town and country alike," said Yves Bonnefont, CEO of DS Automobiles.


Toyota and other other major Japanese firms hit by quake damage, supply disruptions

                TOKYO: Toyota, the world's biggest-selling automaker, said today it would suspend much of its production at plants across Japan this week after earthquakes in the country's south led to a shortage of parts, while some other manufacturers extended stoppages due to damage to factories.

The earthquakes on Thursday and Saturday, which killed at least 41 people, reflected the vulnerability of Japanese companies to supply chain disruptions caused by natural disasters, and also highlighted the "just in time" philosophy pioneered by Toyota and followed by many others.

Companies had made efforts to address these problems after a 2011 earthquake and tsunami, which led to a nuclear disaster and nearly 20,000 deaths, badly dented output. The way that companies deal with the impact of the latest quakes will likely show how robust these changes have been.

Honda said it would keep production suspended at its motorcycle plant near the quake-hit city of Kumamoto in southern Japan through Friday, though Nissan said it would resume operations at its plants north of the epicentre from Monday.

Electronics giant Sony Corp said production would remain halted at its image sensor plant in Kumamoto, as the electronics giant assessed structural and equipment damage. But the company said it had resumed full operations at its plants in nearby Nagasaki and Oita which also produce the sensors - used in smartphone cameras, including Apple Inc's iPhone.

Also on Sunday, semiconductor manufacturer Renesas Electronics Corp confirmed it had sustained damage to some equipment at its plant in Kumamoto which produces microcontroller chips for automobiles. Having suspended operations following the first earthquake on Thursday, the chipmaker said it would assess damage at the entire facility before deciding when to resume production.

Toyota said it would suspend operations in stages at most of its vehicle assembly plants across Japan for roughly a week beginning Monday as it was unable to source parts from some of its suppliers including affiliate Aisin Seiki.

Earlier this year, Toyota offered limited details about what changes it made to its production system after the 2011 quake exposed the vulnerability of the "just in time" system, which allows companies to operate without big and costly inventories and instead receive small quantities of parts from suppliers only when needed.

Japanese supply analysts have said that other domestic suppliers have stuck to the core ideas of "lean" production, although they have made moves to make it more resilient to natural disasters.

Since 2011, Toyota, which spent weeks at the time identifying how its suppliers had been affected by the quake, and Nissan have both developed supply chain databases which offer a detailed view of their supplier base to identify how their supply chain may be disrupted during emergencies.

Aisin Seiki, whose plants in Kumamoto sustained damage from the quake, said it would make the parts produced in the quake-hit city in other facilities at home and abroad. The parts include sun roofs, door handles, semiconductors and other products.

"If there's a part we make in Kumamoto which is identical to a part we make at the Aisin headquarters in Aichi (in central Japan) we'll shift production there," an Aisin spokesman said.

Aisin stressed that it had kept to the "just in time" system, and hadn't built up big inventories, but instead did have robust plans for shifting production elsewhere.

"As a Toyota-affiliated company, we don't hold significant inventory," the spokesman said. "So as a rule we wouldn't have been holding inventories to last, say, one week or a month."
The latest stoppage is Toyota's second in Japan this year, after production came to a halt for a week in February when a fire at an affiliate's steel plant resulted in a gap in supplies and drove the car company's global production down around 4 percent on an annualised basis in the first two months of 2016.

So far this year, domestic production has accounted for roughly 40 percent of Toyota’s global output, with nearly half of all its vehicles produced in Japan exported overseas.

Renesas, which suffered significant damage at its semiconductor plants in northeastern Japan following the 2011 quake, leading to months of delays to the global supply chain for automakers, previously said it had not been stocking extra inventory for risk management purposes since that disaster.

However, it has begun to standardise more parts across various models to enable in house production at alternative plants during emergencies.


Wear a custom Porsche on your wrist

                STUTTGART: While the automobile industry is trying to recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, sports car aficionados will soon be able to custom-build their own Porsche wristwatches.

Founded in 1972 by Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche to apply the principles of luxury car design to other products, Porsche Design has now launched a new Custom-Built Timepiece programme.

Although Porsche Design has been selling special watches tied to matching cars since 2016, the new digital custom configurator and the new watches will be available to anyone, whether they already own a Porsche or not.

The programme is based on the same production principles used in the making of Porsche sports cars, offering customers the chance to create a custom-built wristwatch, choosing from 1.5 million configurations.

These watches are all built around a 42-mm case, either glass bead-blasted natural titanium or black-coated titanium.

"Titanium and black-coated titanium cases are what Porsche Design timepieces have become known for. This originated with the designer of the Porsche 911, Ferdinand Alexander Porsche and we will never change anything about it," Porsche Design Timepieces AG managing director Rolf Bergmann said in a statement.

Buyers can also customise the signature element of the self-winding WERK 01.100 movement, certified by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute. A total of six design variants are available for the winding rotor of the mechanical, emulating wheel designs from the newest Porsche 911.

Porsche also offers up to 300 different configurations for the metal and leather watchbands.

While the metal bracelets are made of titanium, the leather straps are crafted from the same hides used for Porsche automobile interiors and come in the 14 official interior color options of the Porsche 911.

Once customers have made their selections, the Custom-Built Timepiece configurator generates a custom code necessary to place an order through any Porsche car dealership.

The personalised watch is then produced in the Porsche Design manufacturing center in Solothurn, Switzerland, and delivered within eight to 12 weeks.

The Porsche Design custom-built timepieces start at $6,000 and go up to $12,650, depending on options.

While German watch enthusiasts had the opportunity to check out Porsche Design's new Custom-Built Timepiece programme back in July, customers in the UK and the US will have to wait until Sept 1.


Porsche announces base versions of 911 Carrera Coupe and 911 Carrera Cabriolet

                STUTTGART: Porsche has finally unveiled the base models of the 2020 911 lineup: the 911 Carrera Coupe and the 911 Carrera Cabriolet.

In November at last year's LA Auto Show, Porsche took the wraps off the performance trims of its 2020 911 portfolio; on Tuesday and not a moment too soon, the company followed up with the entry variants.

While the Carrera S is powered by a twin-turbocharged, flat-six boxer engine producing 443hp and accelerating the vehicle up to 100kph from a standstill in 3.6 seconds, the entry model's identical twin-turbocharged, flat-six boxer only puts out 379hp and takes 4 seconds to sprint to 100kph from 0..

Even though the drop-top version of the lowest tier option is equipped with the same engine putting out the same power as its roofed counterpart, it takes 2 extra seconds to sprint to 100kph; top speed is also 3.2kph slower than the standard Carrera which measures in at 290kph.

To upgrade to a model whose top speed clocks in at 307kph, the starting price increases by nearly US$16,000 (RM66,000) despite everything else about the model being nearly identical.

The 2020 911 Carrera has a starting price of US$97,400 (RM403,000) whereas the Cabriolet trim starts at US$110,200 (RM455,000). Both will be available for purchase starting next year.


Carmakers choking on blue-sky emission rules

                HONG KONG: Mazda Motor Corp.’s struggle to save the internal combustion engine from extinction threatens to choke in a cloud of faulty emissions tests. It may not be the only casualty: The widening global emissions scandal perhaps says as much about badly designed standards as the failings of automakers.

Mazda has eschewed the industry’s rush to develop electric vehicles, seeking to prove the naysayers wrong by continuing to focus on conventional engines. The Japanese carmaker announced its intention last year to commercialize a next generation of internal combustion engines that would be 20 percent to 30 percent more fuel-efficient. Other companies had already lost hope of such a development. Investors cheered the plan.

On Thursday, however, the Japanese government said Mazda, Suzuki Motor Corp. and Yamaha Motor Co. conducted fuel-economy or emissions checks on cars that fell short of the country’s stringent testing standards. That brings the global count of automakers that haven’t been able to meet emissions requirements in their jurisdictions to at least seven, including Volkswagen AG, BMW AG and Nissan Motor Co.

No doubt, the extent to which the companies fell short or cheated on tests varies greatly, as do the mechanisms used. The volume of recalls as a result will differ; profits, along with reputations, will be dented.
But the number of carmakers that have fallen foul of their testing regimes also raises the question of whether standards were too high in the first place.

Vehicles of all types account for about 20 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the International Council on Clean Transportation. Fuel-economy standards in countries such as the US, South Korea and Japan have been in place for decades and historical performance data show that these regulations have worked, with carmakers typically tracking the minimum requirements. That might lead you to conclude that setting standards progressively higher is the way forward.

Not necessarily. A study by the ICCT last year showed a growing gap between official values and real-world carbon dioxide (CO2) values in all major markets. The divergence, the non-profit says, means that “laboratory measurements are increasingly overestimating the fuel efficiency of cars.”

In Japan, where requirements are the most stringent, the gap between those values is the greatest. Official CO2 levels in Japan are 115 grams per kilometre, while real levels are more like 168g/km. That compares with a difference of 46 grams per kilometre in the European Union. Admittedly, Japan’s official and real-world CO2 levels are both the lowest globally. In 2013, it required fuel economy of 5 l/100km, compared to the global average of about 6.4 l/100km, normalised to the US Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, according to the ICCT.

Earlier this month, the Trump administration spurred outrage when it moved to ease fuel-economy standards set under former President Barack Obama. The government will freeze requirements at a fleet average of 6.4 l/100km in 2020. Under the Obama rule, they would have risen gradually to about 5 l/100km by 2025. Yet under the Trump rollback, carbon dioxide concentration in the Earth’s atmosphere would rise by only 10 parts per million in about 90 years.

The air is getting dirtier and the summers hotter. So why not take a carrot and stick approach rather than just the stick?

More realistic tests are already being brought in. The Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure, for instance, is replacing an outdated inspection. For instance, this changes the test temperature to 23 degrees Celsius from a range of 20 to 30 degrees, and the speed to 46.5kph from 34. But these still don’t address the growing divergence issues directly. The likes of Tata Motors Ltd.’s Jaguar Land Rover and Volkswagen are already dealing with the increased regulatory costs of the procedure.

Broadly speaking, incentives could include more wide-scale electric car subsidies. Rather than pushing cost-conscious and highly competitive carmakers into cheating because of unrealistic standards, a more effective approach might be to force them to make electric vehicles a certain portion of their sales, while slowing the progression of fuel-economy standards.

The reality is that green cars can grow only with capital and policy support in their initial stages. Nine countries account for about 80 percent of the global car market, so a commitment of capital to clean-energy vehicles in that group would go a long way. Fiscal incentives helped the growth of hybrid vehicles in Japan that have contributed a huge share of the improvement in emissions.

Carmakers are under cost constraints as the pressure to make vehicles with new technology grows. To be sure, this doesn’t excuse the culture of cheating. Evidence from more than 100 data sets suggested automakers were skirting rules and manipulating emissions standards, the EU’s commissioner for climate has said. Companies there could face fines of over $16 billion if they don't comply with tighter regulations.

Rules are rules, but standard-setters need to have realistic expectations for an industry that’s under increasing pressure from all sides. The fight to reduce auto emissions needs a more nuanced approach.


SPONSORED: Honda CR-V is outstanding in the field

                THE new Honda CR-V has proven its supremacy in the sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment again, with 1,400 bookings and hitting a two-month sales target within a week of its launch in mid-July.

Honda Malaysia had set a monthly sales target of 700 units for the new CR-V, which are priced without insurance at RM142,400 (2.0-litre 2WD); RM155,700 (1.5-litre turbocharged 2WD); RM161,600 (1.5-litre turbocharged 4WD) and RM167,700 (1.5-litre turbocharged Premium 2WD).

Of the four variants, the 1.5-litre turbocharged Premium 2WD is the most popular accounting for 40% of the bookings, followed by 1.5-litre turbocharged 2WD at 31%, 2.0-litre i-VTEC (2WD) at 20 % and 1.5-litre turbocharged 4WD at 9%.

In total, bookings for the turbocharged variants stood at 80%.

Despite the high demand, Honda Malaysia is ensuring that the waiting period for customers is one to two months, without compromise to quality.

The fifth-generation new CR-V has a bolder and tougher-looking exterior, with ground clearance improved to 198mm (2WD) and 208mm (4WD), which is higher than its predecessor’s clearance of 170mm.

The sleeker solid wing face and angular body lines, complemented by a full LED package comprising LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights and LED front fog lights, give it a visibly premium quality.

For the interior, it is all about “beautility” where beauty refers to the class-above quality, while utility is what the CR-V has been known for.

Rear legroom is now roomier with 90mm more space, while cargo space can be extended up to 1,084 litres when the rear seats are laid flat.

Cabin comforts include a seven-inch advanced display, with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, and a multi-angle rearview camera, USB and HDMI ports, hands-free telephone with voice recognition, and eight speakers.

Safety features now standard across all variants include six airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Agile Handling Assist (AHA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Alongside the standard features of an electric parking brake, auto brake hold, and walk-away auto lock on all variants, the top-grade CR-V gets a programmable powered tailgate, Honda LaneWatch camera, auto high beam and active cornering light.

Also, the top-grade CR-V has a comprehensive suite of Honda Sensing safety systems that break new ground in its segment, as these driver-assist technologies are typically found in cars from premium marques.

The Honda Sensing system consists of forward collision warning, collision mitigation braking system, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist system, road departure mitigation system and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow.

The top-grade CR-V 1.5 TC-P (two-wheel drive) also took top honours at the CarSifu Editors’ Choice Awards 2017, by taking the “Car of the Year” title.

The awards, organised by Star Media Group, honour the best passenger vehicles in the market and recognise the automotive industry as one of the key pillars of the economy.

The top-grade CR-V also won the Best SUV/Crossover - Mid-size 4X2 as well as the Most Well-Specced Mid-size SUV/Crossover categories.

Award judges were impressed by the top-grade 2017 CR-V won as it is more powerful, continues to offer sedan-like handling, provides well-engineered interior spaciousness and practicality, and is packed to the brim with comfort and high-end safety features.


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia updates pricing to include sales tax

                KUALA LUMPUR: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has adjusted manufacturer’s recommended retail selling prices for each Mercedes-Benz model in line with reintroduction of the sales tax for locally-assembled and fully imported vehicles.

Prices listed below are effective from July 1.

For further information and the full pricelist of the individual models, visit www.mercedes-benz.com.my.


Sisma Auto opens Volvo Service Centre

                PETALING JAYA: SISMA Auto, Volvo Car Malaysia’s newest dealer, has announced that its Volvo Authorised Service Centre at Glenmarie, Shah Alam, has officially commenced operations.

SISMA Auto’s Glenmarie service centre is designed to offer the unique Volvo Retail Experience to customers, with a calming and welcoming environment featuring clean lines synonymous with Scandinavian design.

As a Volvo Authorised Service Centre, SISMA Auto is equipped with all the latest Volvo Diagnostic Equipment, special tools and sells only official Volvo parts.

It is staffed with trained Volvo Service Advisors and Technicians to ensure that every Volvo receives only the best service and all issues are promptly and expertly resolved.

SISMA Auto Managing Director, Syed Khalil Syed Ibrahim said that with the full-fledged Volvo Authorised Service Centre now operational, the company has expanded its signature service proposition to offer unprecedented convenience to all Volvo owners.

Volvo owners can choose from the following options:
Drop their cars at SISMA Auto Bukit Bintang showroom in Menara Worldwide;Come in person to the newly completed SISMA Auto Volvo Glenmarie Service Centre; orUse SISMA Auto’s Signature Concierge Service for home or office pick-up.
To celebrate the occasion and the upcoming Chinese New Year, the SISMA Auto Volvo Authorised Service Centre is offering a complimentary 20-point inspection and 10% off on any recommended parts from now until Chinese New Year (by appointment only).

This weekend on the February 3 and 4, 2018, SISMA Auto is organising an Open House at the Volvo Glenmarie service centre from 10am till 5pm.

During the open house, Volvo owners can enjoy their complimentary 20-point inspection and browse the selection of pre-owned models with rebates of up to RM30,000.

Volvo owners can call 03-5569 8311 or email to amzry@sismaauto.com for their service inspection appointments.

Those who purchase any new or pre-owned Volvo model from SISMA Auto or send their Volvos for service or repair at the company’s service centre stand a chance to win an all-expense paid trip to Sweden.


Sept 29 to Oct 5: RON97 petrol down 5 sen to RM4 per litre

                KUALA LUMPUR: The retail prices of RON97 petrol will drop five sen per litre while diesel and RON95 remain unchanged from Sept 29 to Oct 5.

The Finance Ministry, in a statement today, said the price of RON97 will drop from RM4.05 to RM4 per litre.

The prices were set based on the weekly retail prices of petroleum products using the Automatic Pricing Mechanism formula.


Honda, GS Yuasa to invest US$3bil for battery development, build plant, says Nikkei

                TOKYO: Honda Motor Co Ltd and battery maker GS Yuasa Corp will invest over 400 billion yen (RM13.3bil/US$3bil) and team up to produce batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) and homes, the Nikkei newspaper reported on Thursday.

The companies will start by building a new plant in Japan, targeting a production capacity of at least 20 gigawatt hours (GWh), the Nikkei added, without citing sources.

A joint-venture, which the companies unveiled in January, will play a central role in the development of batteries and materials as well as capital investment, the Nikkei said.

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry would provide a subsidy of about 150 billion yen, the newspaper added, without specifying whether that would be only for building the factory.

A Honda spokesman said the report was not something it had announced, and there was nothing it could answer about it at this point, while a ministry official said the same.

GS Yuasa could not be immediately reached outside of regular office hours.


MINI makes a business out of electrifying classic Minis

                LONDON: MINI has created a new department that will offer electric conversions of its classic models.

Called the Mini Recharged project, it has been developed following a positive reception to a one-off classic Mini Electric created in 2018 and shown at the New York Auto Show.

Because of this reaction, a dedicated team has been set up at MINI’s Oxford plant to offer the same type of conversion to customers who own a classic Mini.

The classic’s engine is swapped out for a 121bhp electric motor and battery, enabling a 0-100kph time of just under nine seconds and a fully electric range of up to 160km.

The original’s four-speed manual gearbox, meanwhile, is taken out in favour of a single-speed version.

The charger port of the electric MINI is located under the original fuel filler cap, while the battery capacity is relayed to the driver within a redesigned version of the original gauges.

The petrol engine is also marked and stored – rather than being thrown away – so that the car can be returned to its original state should the owner desire. Only reversible changes are made as part of the conversion.

Bernd Körber, head of the MINI Brand, said: “What the project team are developing preserves the character of the classic Mini and enables its fans to enjoy all-electric performance. With Mini Recharged, we are connecting the past with the future of the brand.”

No new vehicles are being created for the project, with only existing cars being converted to electric power. Created "exclusively in the United Kingdom", each car is given an individual number.

MINI has yet to announce a price for the conversion.


Renault reveals the KWID

 India is the target market for the new KWID.

PARIS: Renault has announced a new compact car called Kwid for developing markets.

The A-segment newcomer features SUV styling and construction, combining generous cabin space and a compact footprint for versatility.

Quality interior appointments include a modern Media-Nav navigation/multimedia system complete with large seven-inch touchscreen display and Bluetooth connectivity.

The Kwid combines the comfort and functional user-friendliness of a family city car with a modular interior and a raft of stowage solutions.

Renault has long showcased its ability to develop unique, innovative vehicles designed to meet the specific needs of its international markets.

With the introduction of the Kwid, the brand has gone a step further down the road of designing attractive, affordable vehicles in the small-car segment.

“With Kwid, Renault continues to pursue its strategy of accessible mobility for all to step up its international growth," said Renault chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn.

"Using a new Renault-Nissan Alliance platform and following the trail blazed by the Duster, the Kwid will enable Renault to continue its expansion and address the needs of customers who want a vehicle that is stylish, robust and easy to use.”

The Kwid will be launched in India in the second half of 2015 with a price tag of between 3 and 4 lakhs (up to RM23,000). The KWID Concept was unveiled at the Delhi Auto Show in February 2014.

India is one of Renault’s priority markets, along with Russia, Brazil and China.

With a vehicle ownership rate currently standing at just 20 per 1,000 inhabitants compared with 105 in China, 300 in Russia and 600 in Europe, the Indian automotive market is expanding rapidly.

In 2014, sales increased by 3.1 per cent to reach 2,537,892 vehicles and volumes are expected to be around five million by 2020. As a result, India could become the world’s third biggest market by the end of the decade.

Renault’s ambition is to increase its share of the Indian market from two per cent to a mid-term five per cent, catering to an emerging young middle class.


Why Michelin says changing tyres at 3mm is ridiculous

                PARIS: Michelin is rejecting calls from some quarters of the tyre industry to increase the minimum legal tread depth from 1.6mm to 3mm.

The manufacturer says there is no link between tread depths at 1.6mm and increasing accident rates. In addition, changing tyres at 3mm would cost the motorist money and increase carbon emissions - especially as a tyre becomes more fuel-efficient as it wears.

An Ernst & Young report commissioned by Michelin found that changing tyres at 3mm instead of 1.6mm would cost European Union drivers an extra 6.9 billion euros (RM33bil) a year in unnecessary tyre purchases and additional fuel consumption.

Instead, Michelin is calling for a change to the tyre testing regime to reflect wet braking performance at 1.6mm.

Tyres do not perform the same when new – and as a tyre wears, and the tread depth reduces, the difference in performance will change, and differences may be accentuated. This is because tyre performance is affected by many individual characteristics; casing design, materials used, rubber compounds, tread design, shape of grooves and sipes etc. Modern tyre technology makes it possible to provide high levels of performance and grip from new, and through all of the tyre’s life down to the legal tread wear limit.

Changing tyres early (i.e. before they are fully worn) does not guarantee greater safety, and no current studies have established a direct link between accident levels and tyre tread depth. Suggesting that tyres need to be changed early (before the legal limit / tread wear indicator is reached) is akin to enforcing a form of planned obsolescence.

The good news for motorists is that as long as tyres are not damaged in any way, the safety on dry roads actually improves as their tyres get worn.

As tyre tread depth reduces, the fuel economy of the vehicle will also improve, and with one tank of fuel in five being used to simply overcome the rolling resistance of the vehicles tyres, this is a welcome benefit.


Why Gemballa will leave Porsche fans in a spin at SEMA

                LAS VEGAS: German tuning experts Gemballa have decided to come all the way here to unveil their latest Porsche 911-inspired supercar, the Gemballa GT Concept, and if it's as good in the flesh as its performance figures are on paper, the journey from Leonbergit won't have been wasted.

Starting out with a Porsche 911 Turbo, the company has gone over every inch of it with a fine-tooth comb looking for ways to increase power, reduce weight, boost handling, improve top speed and, crucially, track performance.

When it comes to companies that take already quick cars and make them faster, they can be broadly separated into two camps — those that festoon the vehicle's exterior in look-at-me carbon fibre and force a larger turbocharger into the engine bay; and those that take the car to the track and race it in competition, developing new parts and making improvements based on real-life data, driving behaviour and seeking to shave second after second off lap times.

And while many Gemballa cars can look very wild upon first glance, they are a company firmly based in the latter camp. The new GT Concept is a case in point.

Its carbon fibre exterior is there for improving aerodynamics, lowering the car's centre of gravity and cutting weight. And that's because the company has taken the car's 3.8-litre flat-six twin-turbo engine and completely rebuilt it so that now it outputs 828hp instead of 540hp and serves up an astonishing 952Nm of torque (up from 660Nm).

So now the car is a full second faster off the mark — 0-100kph in 2.38 seconds, but can keep on going right up to 360kph and beyond, whereas the standard 911 tops out at 318kph.

Such huge increases can end in tears unless the rest of the car can cope with the power. So its fenders have been widened to accommodate bigger, grippier tyres, there's an adjustable rear wing for generating downforce and holding the car on the road at higher speeds and, because it was born out of track experience, the chassi and suspension set up are fully adjustable to suit the owner's driving style or the unique demands of a particular circuit.

But best of all, Gemballa can offer the car as a completed vehicle or simply offer the individual upgrades that a customer may want, be it the aerodynamics package, the engine, or the wheels, tyres and uprated brakes.

The full package will cost from €86,280 (RM425,000) plus taxes, shipping costs and, of course the price of a donor car, the €176,930 (RM872,000) Porsche 911 Turbo.
Key factsGEMBALLA GT Concept:Aerodynamics:
Front bumper
Front spoiler lip in genuine carbon-fiber
Side skirts
Fender extensions
Rear bumper
Rear diffusor in genuine carbon-fiber
Enlarged rear wing in genuine carbon-fiber
Engine bonnet with genuine carbon-fiber insert

Wheel-/tyre combination:
21" GRS-F1 forged wheels
FA 9,0Jx21" – 255/30 ZR21
RA 12,0Jx21" – 325/25 ZR21

Power upgrade:
Compression reduced
Inlet/outlet ports enlarged
Larger valves
Reinforced connecting rods
Turbocharger
Manifolds
Intake to the loader
Pressure pipe
Throttle body tube pipe
Sport catalysts
Sport exhaust system
Electronic remapping gearbox and engine control unit

Optional:
Karbon Airbox

Performance:
Performance at rotational speed: 828hp/609 kW at 7,000 rpm
Max. torque at rotational speed 952Nm at 5,200 rpm

0 : 100 in 2,38 sec
0 : 200 in 7,5 sec
0 : 300 in 18,8 sec
100 : 200 in 4,7 sec
200 : 300 in 11,9 secTop speed over 360kph (TBA)


Volkswagen meets European CO2 emissions targets

                BERLIN: Volkswagen's carbon emissions from passenger vehicles in 2021 were around 2% under the European target limits at 118 grams per kilometre, according to preliminary figures, the carmaker said on Monday.

A total of 472,300 electric vehicles were delivered in the EU, Norway and Iceland in 2021, 64% above the previous year, Volkswagen said in a statement.

The proportion of battery-electric and hybrid vehicles among total sales grew to 17.2% from 10.1% the year before.

BMW and Daimler have said that preliminary figures showed they had also met European emissions targets, but neither has yet released specific figures.


London streets to go car-free to encourage walking and cycling

A cyclist is seen on Tower Bridge on Friday amid the Covid-19 pandemic. — Reuters
LONDON: Cars will be banished from miles of streets in central London to encourage more walking and cycling and help public transport cope with social distancing restrictions, the city’s mayor said on Friday.

Sadiq Khan said the plan, which covers major cross-town routes, would transform parts of central London into one of the largest car-free zones in any capital city.

“Covid-19 poses the biggest challenge to London’s public transport network in TfL’s (Transport for London) history,” he said.

“It will take a monumental effort from all Londoners to maintain safe social distancing on public transport as lockdown restrictions are gradually eased.”

Passenger numbers on London’s Underground network have fallen by 95% since Britain went into lockdown in March, while the number of bus journeys has fallen by 85%.

Earlier on Friday, the transport operator said it had secured £1.6 billion (RM8.4bil) in government funding to cover a shortfall in revenue until October.

TfL has said the requirement to maintain a two-metre distance from other people will mean buses and the tube will only be able to carry 13-15% of the normal number of passengers even when full services had been restored.

Khan said many more Londoners would therefore have to walk and cycle to keep the city moving.

Streets between London Bridge and Shoreditch, Euston and Waterloo and Old Street and Holborn may be limited to buses, pedestrians and cyclists, his office said.

Waterloo Bridge and London Bridge could also be restricted to people walking, cycling and buses only, with pavements widened to enable people to safely travel between busy railway stations and their workplaces.

London’s congestion charge, payable by vehicles driving in a central zone, and ultra low emission zone will be reintroduced on Monday, the office said.

Under the proposals, the congestion charge could increase to £15 (RM79) a day from £11.50 (RM61) next month and the hours of operation extended as part of a package of temporary changes, it said.


Seventh generation BMW (G20) 3 Series set for Paris debut

                PARIS: By next week, BMW's latest seventh-generation G20 3 Series sport sedan will have finally been unveiled at Mondial de l’Automobile 2018 in Paris and until then, the world holds its breath.

According to the interweb, the 'new 3' will be bigger, lighter, more comfortable with greater agility than the outgoing F30, thanks to the combination of a new platform, suspension and materials used for the chassis.

Power-wise, the 2.0-litre mill is expected to see some slight gains in terms of power and fuel economy, while the cabin is rumoured emulate that of the new Z4.

The unveiling of the G20 will take place on Oct 2 and along side it, the new Z4, 8 Series Coupe and the world premieres of the fourth-generation X5 and new M5 Competition will subsequently be unveiled.

To catch the world premiere of the new 3 Series BMW Group has setup a live stream for our benefit at http://www.live.bmwgroup.com/en/live-streaming/> CarSifu will be in Portugal to test-drive the new BMW 3 Series, come November.


Rainbow-themed Bentley Mulliner Bacalar

                LONDON: Bentley has defined two versions of the symbol of hope during the Covid-19 crisis – the rainbow – through seven of its own vibrant paint colours available as part of Bentley spectrum, and a unique Bentley Mulliner Bacalar.

A recent online competition for Bentley staff and their families to design their own Bentley Mulliner Bacalar resulted in a beautiful rainbow-themed winner.

The extremely rare and exclusive Barchetta-style Bacalar relaunches true coachbuilding at Bentley Mulliner, and while real-world production is limited to just 12 cars, anyone is able to imagine their dream specification from Bentley’s unrivalled spectrum of interior and exterior colours.

Judged by Bentley’s director of design, Stefan Sielaff, a winner was selected for both the exterior and interior.

The exterior winner was Eleanor, whose vibrant rainbow-themed concept reflected the current situation with a symbol of gratefulness and hope.


2019 Geneva Motor Show: Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake debuts

                GENEVA: The new Mercedes-Benz CLA will be available as a Shooting Brake from September.

Just like the four-door CLA Coupé, the Shooting Brake puts its own spin on the design idiom of sensual purity and turns the interior into a coolly designed user interface for smart technology.

From the striking sharknose at the front of the vehicle to the clean edge with accented surfaces, the design speaks of elegant athletics.

As this car is aimed at "young individualists", the interior displays the modern, cool and high quality ambience of the Coupé. In addition, it offers passengers more space than the predecessor model in the shoulder, head and elbow areas.

The digital environment of the CLA's technophile customers is integrated into the interior in a creatively and technically pioneering way. Thanks to MBUX – Mercedes-Benz User Experience with intelligent interior assistants and refined voice recognition – operation of ever more functions is becoming more natural and much simpler.

Great emphasis is placed on individualisation in the new Shooting Brake with the Progressive and AMG Line equipment lines as well as an increasing and diverse range of apps and services, which can be downloaded from Mercedes me depending on your own preferences and called up via MBUX.

Mercedes-Benz introduced the first generation of the CLA Shooting Brake in 2015.The outline of the frameless windows is identical to the outline of the Coupés itself up to the B-pillar. Behind it, the windowline runs considerably higher, which makes entering for rear passengers easier. Elongated into the rear, it tapers off into an acute angle.

The new CLA Shooting Brake is 48mm longer than before, 53 mm wider but 2 mm lower. The flat headlamps, the low-slung bonnet and the diamond radiator grille with central star mark the typical Mercedes-Benz sports car look. The narrow two-part rear lamps and the license plate positioned in the bumper are typical for the GT rear with a flush transition between the rear bumper and the tailgate.

The CLA Shooting Brake looks athletic from every angle. At 871mm, the boot opening is significantly wider than in the previous model (635 mm). In addition, the tailgate can also be opened contactlessly with EASY-PACK and HANDS-FREE ACCESS.

The interior of the passenger compartment is identical to that of the Coupé. Both CLAs offer unique room architecture, especially on account of the avant-garde instrument panel: the widescreen display is completely free-standing with no hood on the wing-shaped main body of the instrument panel.

This stretches continuously from one front door to the other. The lower section of the instrument panel is visually separated from the main body of the instrument cluster by a "trench". The ambient lighting amplifies this effect, offering a selection of 64 colours, 10 colour worlds and various effects in three brightness zones.

The CLA Shooting Brake has the latest driving assistance systems with cooperative driver support, and provides the highest level of active safety in this segment with functions adopted from the S-Class. Thanks to improved camera and radar systems, the CLA can look up to 500m ahead and can drive partially autonomously in certain situations, for example by conveniently adapting the speed before corners, cross roads or roundabouts using the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with recourse to maps and navigation data.

As a new function of the Active Steer Assist, among other things, there is also the intuitive Active Lange Change Assist. If the Active Park Assist with PARKTRONIC is additionally onboard, the CLA also has the function extended automatic restart on motorways.

The top-of-the range engine in the CLA Shooting Brake will be the four-cylinder petrol engine of the CLA 250 (165 kW/225 hp, 35 Nm), which drives the front wheels via the 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission. The two-litre direct injection engine has a petrol particulate filter as standard.

By the time of market launch in September there will by a wide range of diesel and petrol engines with manual or dual clutch transmission, front-wheel or all-wheel drive 4MATIC to choose from.

Like the previous model, the new CLA Shooting Brake will be manufactured at the Kecskemét plant in Hungary and comes onto the market in September 2019.


VUHL reinforces presence with flagship centre on home ground

                MEXICO CITY: VUHL, the Mexican lightweight supercar maker established in 2010 is celebrating its most successful year to date with the opening of a brand new flagship showroom in Mexico City’s fashionable Polanco district.

Part of the Surman Group’s site in Polanco’s Campos Eliseos (Mexico City’s Champs Elisees), the new VUHL showroom is situated among the Group’s other brands including Bentley and Ducati. Surman is one of Mexico’s largest automotive retailers, established over 30 years, with some 80 showrooms representing brands including Audi, Bentley, Ducati, Porsche and now VUHL.

Hot on the heels of VUHL cars going on sale in Britain for the first time with Bespoke Performance and the world debut of the new 600bhp-per-tonne VUHL 05RR at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, 2016 marks the company’s most successful year to date, with all cars displayed at the new showroom opening in Mexico City now sold.

Some 100 guests including new customers and VIPs attended the new showroom’s opening – co-designed by VUHL technical director, Iker Echeverria and architect Alejandro Esparza.

VUHL co-founder Guillermo Echeverria said: “This is a very special year for VUHL, we feel properly established in 2016, with a good number of cars sold, new distribution partners in the UK and Middle East and the launch of our ultimate 05RR. Our new showroom here in our home city literally cements our business as a proud Mexican product with a global vision – we plan to emulate this design and feel in our other key markets around the world.”

The new two-storey showroom features three new cars, a monocoque structure (just 78kg) to demonstrate the vehicle’s super-lightweight underpinnings, more lightweight components with VUHL´s bespoke carbon wheel display, exclusive merchandise, while on the upper floor is a unique VUHL configurator and test drive booking service.


Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia launches new insurance solutions

                KUALA LUMPUR: Mercedes-Benz Protection, under Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia (MBSM), has introduced two new insurance and takaful solutions.

The solutions are a first-of-its-kind in the premium motor insurance and takaful category, and include a temporary Mercedes-Benz replacement vehicle benefit for up to 20-days per period of insurance if the insured car is in an authorised Mercedes-Benz workshop for accident repair.

New benefits also include a nationwide limitless towing distance, reimbursement of car key replacement costs, and an all driver cover which does not require a prior driver name submission to the insurer.

MBSM managing director Mike Ponnaz, “Through our customer-centric approach, not only have we widened our insurance partner base, we deep dived into our current offerings in order to develop a more comprehensive motor insurance coverage for Mercedes-Benz owners. Our aim is to increase the number of insured and satisfied customers under Mercedes-Benz Protection by offering products which provide owners with greater peace of mind”, he added.

Under the improved insurance and takaful packages, vehicles will be covered for basic loss or damage such as damage resulting from accidental collision, burglary, housebreaking, theft and attempted theft, or any malicious acts, and liability to third parties, with additional protection for impact damage caused by falling trees due to convulsions of nature.

Other new features of Star Protect and Star Protect Plus include coverage for all drivers of a car, both individually-owned and company-owned, even if a driver’s name is not stated during the insurance submission process.

The towing assistance will also see a plan upgrade which includes unlimited towing distance for breakdown and accident with one-way toll charges of up to RM30 included.

Under the towing plan, customer can utilize the flood towing for up to six occurrences, 24-hour minor roadside repairs and free assistance in arranging value-added benefits that offer accommodation, taxi transportation, and cross-border towing services.

Customers will only have to pay for the value-added benefits if used.

The packages also offer owners car key replacement, compensation for loss of possessions as a result of window snatch theft, flood relief allowance for damage due to flood, and personal accident coverage for the driver and up to four passengers.

Star Protect Plus will come with an additional four tyre and four rim coverage to ensure protection at every turn.

This provides protection for accidental damage caused by road  debris or curbing which can adversely impact the resale value of a car, as well as optimum vehicle performance.

The Star Protect and Star Protect Plus insurance and takaful solutions are available from March 1, 2020 at all authorised Mercedes-Benz dealerships.


GoCar serves up flood aid programme

                PETALING JAYA: GoCar, Malaysia’s leading on-demand mobility-as-a-service platform, has announced a flood relief programme for its GoCar Garage service offering additional assistance to those in need of car servicing and maintenance, starting from now until Jan 31 next year.

Through the programme, GoCar Garage is offering 25% off parts and labour.

To further help alleviate concerns about finances and accessibility to safe private transportation, GoCar is also offering free use of a GoCar Share vehicle for up to 14 days while the customer’s vehicle is in the service centre.

Those who need a car for a longer duration can opt for a subscription with 50% savings on selected GoCar Subs vehicles.

Both options are subject to availability and apply only to customers who sign up for the GoCar Flood Relief Programme.

Available for all passenger vehicle makes and models including pick-up trucks, the offers are applicable only at the GoCar Garage PJ Service Centre.

Customers can rest assured as GoCar will also assist with arrangements in the event any vehicle needs to be towed to the Garage.

Additionally, customers who are Maybank users can also take advantage of the Maybank Ezy Payment Plan to help ease their financial load as they will be able to fulfil their payments for service and maintenance work in monthly instalments.

GoCar Malaysia CEO Wong Hoe Mun said the company hoped the flood assist programme would provide some added relief and savings to customers and those in need of quality car servicing and maintenance.

“GoCar Garage customers can also be assured of OEM-level service excellence and trained technicians,” he said.

For more peace of mind and to ensure there are no hidden charges or surprise costs, GoCar Garage provides transparent pricing structures and upfront quotations for customers to pre-approve before any job begins.

Available via the GoCar App, customers can easily and seamlessly schedule and confirm their service appointments, select or request required services and make payments anytime and from anywhere.


Ford Mustang once owned by Sylvester Stallone on auction

                COLOGNE: Catawiki, a website specialised in online auctions for rare and collectible objects, is offering a bright red 1965 Ford Mustang which used to belong to actor Sylvester Stallone. Bidding is open until July 28.

The car, which was the property of the star of "Rocky" and "Rambo" during the 1980s, is being sold with its original licence plate as well as a special certificate signed by the actor. Catawiki's experts are estimating its value between €55,000 and €85,000 (between RM253,000 and RM390,000).

The car shows relatively few signs of wear and still has its original engine (which has driven 168,000km). Only the white-walled tyres and everything related to regular maintenance checks (engine oil, spark plugs, etc.) are new.

The car's current owner bought the car at auction and has held it in a private collection in Germany for the past 20 years.

To see the Ford Mustang which used to belong to Sylvester Stallone up for auction:
https://auction.catawiki.com/kavels/27807699-ford-mustang-von-sylvester-stallone-1965


Chance to try out or acquire last of Land Rover Defenders at roadshow

KUALA LUMPUR: Call it the last hurrah! Jaguar Land Rover (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd is organising a roadshow to celebrate the Land Rover Defender as part of a tribute to the iconic 4X4 vehicle.

The Land Rover Defender Rover Team’s roadshow will visit more than 14 selected locations including malls, business districts, popular cafes and other popular hangouts in the Klang Valley and Penang from April 23 till May 1.

The roadshow will feature two Defenders equipped with two Final Edition Defender Accessories Packages to suit different lifestyles – adventure or urban.

Visitors to the location can sign up for test drives and upload #CelebrateDefenderMy Instagram posts, take up the Defender Hill Climb Challenge on iPad and other games to win various collectibles.

According to Jaguar Land Rover (Malaysia) managing director Datuk Aishah Ahmad, the roadshow marked the end of an era for the much-loved off-roader.

“Production of the Land Rover Defender officially ceased globally when the last of the current Defenders left the assembly line at its Solihull production facility in England on Jan 29, 2016. What we have here in Malaysia is truly the last batch of this incredibly versatile vehicle with a history that spans 68 years. Therefore, it is the last chance to own a piece of heritage,” she said.

The Land Rover Defender Limited Edition, available locally since November last year, will be customised to order and available from any Sime Darby AutoConneXion Sdn Bhd or SISMA Auto Sdn Bhd authorised dealerships. It is priced at RM153,888.00 plus RM65,388.00 for the Limited Edition Accessories Package, inclusive of labour charges and GST.

More than two million Series Land Rovers and Defenders have been built in Solihull since 1948. What began as simply a line drawing in the sand has gone on to become one of the world's most iconic 4x4s, earning the accolade of being the most versatile vehicle on the planet, capable of taking owners to places other vehicles could not reach.

The Land Rover Defender began its life in 1948 as the Series I, at a time when post-war Britain was struggling with a shortage of steel, which explains the use of aluminium for its bodyshell. Created by brothers Spencer and Maurice Wilks, the Land Rover was originally designed primarily for farming and agricultural use.

Changes followed and in 1958, the Series II brought about a new design and engine updates, including an advanced diesel engine which remained in service until the mid-1980s. Sales reached half a million by 1966, while annual production peaked in 1971 with 56,000 units. During the 1970s, the Series III continued to sell as well as its predecessor, a testament to its enduring appeal. The vehicle earned its new name, Defender, in 1990, which was fitting for a vehicle previously only referred to by its wheelbase length and Series number.

Part of the Land Rover's appeal came from the endless variants that were created off the basic platform, including models as diverse as fire engines, lorry-like Forward Control vehicles, cherry pickers and even an amphibious car capable of floating on water. Over its 68 year history, it has been a vehicle driven by everyone from farmers and famous explorers, to royalty.


New VW Golf GTI open for booking in Germany

                WOLFSBURG: The new Golf GTI is ready for order in Germany with prices starting €37,607.38 (RM184, 634.24) for the Golf GTI with 7-speed DSG dual clutch gearbox.

The latest version of the Golf GTI has been equipped with the turbocharged engine which develops 245PS, and 370Nm of torque. On top of it, the agility and sportiness has been perfected with the new, networked Vehicle Dynamics Manager.

The digital displays of the standard Digital Cockpit and infotainment system start up as soon as the doors are opened.

Discover Media – including streaming and internet – comes as standard, while the 10-inch Discover Pro system is optionally available.

Inside, the classic checked pattern has been given a new, fresh look, and now covers the new sports seats.

The three-spoke sports steering wheel of old has been transformed into a new multifunction leather sports steering wheel with touch controls and an optionally integrated Travel Assist button to permit assisted driving of the Golf up to speeds of 210kph.

The design of the new Golf GTI also matches its added driving dynamics. At the front, the wide air intakes, low-positioned standard LED headlights and signature light on the radiator grille are distinct. The latter is illuminated for the first time by a narrow LED strip, which flows on the left and right into the headlight modules.

At the rear, the roof spoiler, diffuser and two round tailpipes located at the outer sides are some of the sporty features of the GTI variant.

Jürgen Stackmann, Member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management responsible for Sales, explains: “For over four decades, the three letters GTI have stood for sporty driving pleasure and technology at the highest level. We thank our customers for 2.3 million Golf GTI sold. The new GTI is full of innovation. It too will set new standards and thrill our customers.”


Refreshed Proton Iriz and Persona arrive

                SUBANG JAYA: Proton today announced the launch of the new 2022 Iriz and Persona, offering updated design elements plus enhanced features. The latest additions to the company’s range also come in new colours, while offering improved comfort and safety for all passengers.

A new Active variant of the Iriz was also announced.

Each model comes in three variants. The Iriz is priced from RM40,300 while the Persona starts from RM45,200 (OTR without insurance and no SST).

Both models come with a Launch Package and they are now available for booking online at www.proton.com.

“The Proton Iriz and Persona have won many fans since their introduction, so we took a measured approach to updating them," said Proton Edar chief executive officer Roslan Abdullah.

"The styling changes and addition of a new Active variant for the Iriz will help boost their visual appeal while the changes we have made to the interior and infotainment system ensures they deliver better comfort and connectivity while retaining Proton’s trademark driving experience.”

Iriz Active and interior (left).Persona  Premium and interior (right). Exterior

For the exterior, the changes begin with newly redesigned bumpers and the iconic Infinite Weave with Ethereal Bow grille.

On the Iriz, it features a new profile and is presented in red whilst the Proton Persona comes with additional chrome to better frame the new Proton logo.

Also updated are the LED headlamps that support auto on/off and follow me home functions. The design is complemented by new 16-inch alloy wheels, a black roof finish and new finishing on the rear combination lamps.

The introduction of the Active variant takes the Iriz down a more stylish and sportier pathway.

The exterior of the car sports a different front bumper design with new distinctive all-round body mouldings that run from the front
bumper, across the wheel arches and side sills before ending at the rear bumper. A black roof with roof rails completes the look.

New exterior colours - Citric Orange and Passion Red for the Iriz and Space Grey for the Persona adds youthful appeal and subtle class to each model.

 Iriz Standard.Interior

The most noticeable change to the interior of the Iriz and Persona is the introduction of a new 8-inch floating infotainment head unit with voice command functions that have been updated to control the air-conditioning and driver’s window.

Housed at the top of the instrument panel for easy access, the new head unit is matched with repositioned air vents while new controls for the air-conditioning now come with a digital display and a N95 Cabin Filter fitted as standard.

Functionality is also enhanced by the new centre console that provides an armrest as well as improved storage space.

For the Iriz Active variant, the interior ambience is lifted further by red highlights – Active embroidery on the front seats, door trims and carpet mats, as well as red stitching on the steering wheel and red seat belts. It also comes with aluminium sport pedals that adds a subtle sporting touch.

The top of the line Persona Premium meanwhile gets its seats and door trims covered in brown leatherette (in the same shade that debuted on the X70) to complement the new interior design and helping to make it look premium.

Convenience and safety

With a total of six USB ports – three at the front, two at the rear and one behind the rear-view mirror, to power a dashcam, both models have ample power outlets to suit the demands of a digital lifestyle.

The Persona also offers 510-litres of boot space that can be expanded by folding the rear seats.

Additionally, both also offer a reverse camera and parking sensors to provide visual and audible parking assistance while an ECO mode switch
encourages more efficient driving resulting in better fuel consumption.

Both models have received the 5-star Asean NCAP rating and comes with some safety features such as reinforced body structure using Hot Press Formed (HPF) steel, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS) and Hill Hold Assist (HHA).

Proton Iriz Active


Silicon eyed as way to boost electric car battery potential

Silicon has a higher energy density than the graphite traditionally used as part of battery anodes.— Image from Sila Nanotechnologies
SAN FRANCISCO: The race to build a better electric car battery is turning to silicon, with several companies working to engineer types of the material that can boost driving range and cut production costs.

About 500,000 electric vehicles (EVs) were sold globally in 2016, a figure that is expected to jump sevenfold by 2022, according to the US Energy Information Administration.

That increase is forecast to be helped by government mandates to cut tailpipe emissions by banning gasoline and diesel-powered cars. But many drivers have so far been put off by the high cost of EVs and worries about driving range, which so far is limited to a few hundred kilometres before needing a charge.

But silicon could, if adopted en masse for EV batteries, help boost energy storage.

One such company, California-based Sila Nanotechnologies, aims to have its technology in over a million electric vehicle (EVs) batteries by the middle of the next decade, Chief executive Gene Berdichevsky said in an interview.

Silicon has a higher energy density than the graphite traditionally used as part of battery anodes. Batteries have an anode and cathode, the negative and positive parts, respectively, between which electrical current flows.

Sila, which started at a laboratory at the Georgia Institute of Technology, says it has developed technology that can replace graphite entirely, helping to boost capacity and range.

Researchers at Vrije University in Brussels estimate that using silicon can cut the cost per kilowatt hour of EVs by 30 percent.

Sila, which counts BMW AG and Amperex Technology Limited - the world’s largest producer of batteries for consumer goods - as key customers, aims to launch its silicon products in consumer goods next year.

“The year we have our eye on for being in the first vehicles is 2023 so we’ll need to get up to many gigawatt hours of capacity to make a meaningful impact in the automotive space,” said Berdichevsky, a former Tesla Inc engineer who helped design the electric carmaker’s Roadster model.

While Sila’s product replaces graphite entirely, Canadian graphite material producer Elcora Advanced Materials Corp is one of a number of companies working on boosting the capacity of graphite anode powders by adding silicon.

“We’ve had a lot of discussions with lithium-ion battery manufacturers and all of them are studying silicon sprinkled into their graphite electrodes,” said Shane Beattie, Elcora’s chief technology officer.

Belgian materials technology and recycling group Umicore , a leading player in nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery chemistries, has also started research into using more silicon in batteries.

“There is a lot of potential value for the battery industry to be gained from these developments,” said Marc Grynberg, Umicore’s chief executive. ”That’s why we want to be out there in the market.”


Daimler teams up with Volvo Trucks in fuel cell venture

                FRANKFURT: Daimler and Volvo Trucks have agreed to join forces to develop, produce and sell fuel cell systems for heavy-duty vehicles, in a sign that the coronavirus crisis is accelerating consolidation.

Global car and truck makers are exploring ways to share costs on new technologies as customers shun showrooms in areas hit by the coronavirus pandemic lockdowns, denting profits.

“The common goal is for both companies to offer heavy-duty vehicles with fuel cells for demanding long-haul applications in series production in the second half of the decade,” Daimler and Volvo said today.

 Development tests on the drive unit of the Mercedes-Benz GLC F-CELL in Germany. The tests are held in freezing conditions with the drive unit tilted at different angles.

The joint venture agreed by the two companies will operate as an independent and autonomous entity, with Daimler Truck AG and the Volvo Group continuing to be competitors in all other areas of business, they said in a joint statement.

“Joining forces will decrease development costs for both companies and accelerate the market introduction of fuel cell systems in products used for heavy-duty transport and demanding long-haul applications,” the companies said.

 The proton-exchange membrane fuel cell is structured like a sandwich. In the centre is a thin plastic film, the proton Eexchange membrane. This membrane is coated on both sides with a thin catalyst layer and a gas permeable electrode made of graphite paper. The membrane is surrounded by two bipolar plates into which gas ducts have been milled. Through these gas ducts flows hydrogen on the one side, and oxygen on the other. Several of these individual fuel cells can be stacked one behind the other to create a fuel cell stack, thus forming a powerful energy source to drive a vehicle.

Volvo will acquire 50% in the joint venture for around €500 million (RM2.4bil), they added.

Daimler Trucks will bring together all of Daimler’s fuel cell activities in a new fuel cell unit, including those of Mercedes-Benz Fuel Cell GmbH. Automotive and non-automotive usage are also part of the new joint venture’s scope.

The preliminary agreement between the two companies is non-binding, with a final deal expected by the third quarter and closing before the end of 2020, the companies said.


Pecca buys land for RM8.45mil to expand auto venture

                KUALA LUMPUR: Pecca Group Bhd’s wholly-owned subsidiary Pecca Leather Sdn Bhd has entered into a sale and purchase agreement with UMW Development Sdn Bhd in respect of the purchase of a vacant leasehold industrial land measuring 4.31 acres at a purchase consideration of RM8.45mil.

Pecca, in a filing with Bursa Malaysia said the land, located at Serendah, Selangor was part of the mixed industrial, commercial and residential development known as UMW HVM Park.

Pecca said that the construction of the factory building will be in accordance with high-value designs and specifications in conformity with the requirements under the UMW HVM Park Master Plan.

Thereafter, both parties will enter into a mutual covenants agreement to maintain the common facilities and services at the industrial park for the parties’ mutual benefits.

Pecca managing director Datuk Teoh Hwa Cheng said the acquisition was proposed to build a second plant for the company’s operations.

“This will enable Pecca to significantly increase its manufacturing and production capacity to cater for future orders.

“Ever since the industry-wide lockdowns have been lifted, the utilisation rate for our current manufacturing facility has seen an increase to nearly 100% due to automobile manufacturers catching up with their backlog orders,” he said.

“Besides fulfilling the need to expand our production capacity, the acquisition of this land in the high-value manufacturing park is also in line with Pecca’s strategy to enhance its operational efficiency by integrating the latest in Industry 4.0-enabled innovations and advanced manufacturing infrastructure.

“This will better prepare and fully equip us to meet all the requirements of any new customers,” Teoh said.


Renault to move ahead with breakup plan even without Nissan

                PARIS: Renault SA will carry out a plan to carve out electric and combustion-engine businesses, even without its Japanese auto-making partners.

"They know that we have to do it, that we will do it and we’ve opened the door for them to each project,” chief executive officer Luca de Meo said Friday in an interview on Bloomberg Television.

"At the end it’s their decision if they want to jump in the boat, but the train is leaving the station.”

The CEO’s plan to split the struggling manufacturer’s operations is gaining traction after talks with French unions got under way and also discussions with top management of its alliance partners Nissan Motor Co. and Mitsubishi Motors Corp.

De Meo has pledged to reveal details of the transformative plan in the fall after "transparent” discussions with the Japanese companies.

Hundreds of people are working on the projects that may go beyond spinning off an EV operation and could include other partners, he said in the interview.

"We’re talking to a lot of people,” he said, adding that these include potential partners from the automotive and tech industries.

Relations between Renault and Nissan and Mitsubishi management are "very good,” de Meo said, pointing to upcoming initiatives for joint industrial projects.

The CEO was speaking after Renault raised its financial outlook for the year in a bid to draw a line under the company’s costly withdrawal from the Russian market.


Even in pandemic, Perodua exceeded sales target with over 220K cars sold in 2020

                PETALING JAYA: Perodua registered 220,154 vehicles in the whole of 2020, 10,154 more than its 210,000-unit sales target for the year, on the back of strong demand for its vehicles as consumers took advantage of the government’s sales tax exemption.

The compact car maker also hit the one million Energy-Efficient Vehicle (EEV) milestone in November 2020 – two years after achieving the half-million – further solidifying its position as Malaysia’s largest EEV manufacturer.

Perodua president and chief executive officer Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad attributed the stellar sales to the sales tax exemption, which has been extended to June 31 this year.

He said Perodua made 220,968 vehicles in 2020 despite temporarily halting production between March and May 2020 because of the Movement Control Order (MCO).

“Despite this, the tax exemption introduced in June 2020 succeeded in spurring car buyers’ interest that was able to sustain the players as well as the local automotive ecosystem.

Zainal said the better-than-expected sales achievement helped the local automotive ecosystem, helping both independent parts suppliers and dealers weather the challenges in 2020.

Perodua's priority now is to continue to fulfil outstanding orders and push for higher sales in 2021, he said.

“We look forward to a better year ahead as there are positive indications that the Covid-19 pandemic would be overcome with the recently-released vaccines. We will announce our 2021 targets and updates later,” he added.