What to watch for at the 2018 Detroit motor show

                DETROIT: The grandly named North American International Auto Show is probably better known to most as the Detroit Motor Show, but there's no doubting the fact it's one of the biggest events in the global automotive industry calendar.

As well as being a massive showcase for the American market, it's also used a platform for manufacturers to launch models of key significance to the global industry. So, here's a quick look at some of the models to look out for at the 2018 show in January.

There will be some real extremes at this year's show, and although it made a sneak appearance in Texas last week, the redesigned 2019 Chevrolet Silverado light-duty pickup is sure to be a big focus of attention. Pickups don't get redesigned as often as cars tend to, and as pickups outsell cars in the United States a new look for the second biggest-selling model out there is going to be a big deal.

Crossovers and SUVs are big news and big business everywhere in the world right now, and plenty will be making debuts in Detroit in January. The all-new BMW X2 is going to create a lot of interest, but so is the new "crossover flagship" concept from Lexus that's recently been teased, the LF-1 Limitless.

But if SUVs are big at the moment, hybrids and all-electric vehicles are going to be even bigger going forward, and they could dominate the show this year. We've just learned Honda is going to be showcasing an all-new version of the previously discontinued Insight sedan, and BMW will be unveiling its new version of the somewhat more exotic i8. There are also likely to be a number of exciting electrified concepts from the likes of Subaru, Mitsubishi and others.

On the more mainstream front, although it's long been discontinued in some parts of Europe, the Volkswagen Jetta remains the German auto giant's biggest-selling vehicle in the United States. So, the first completely new generation of the Jetta in some time will be making its global debut, and it wouldn't be a shock if there were to be some sort of hybrid included in the range.

 Honda Insight Prototype

Mercedes has already unveiled a new CLS, but an AMG version is in the pipeline that could make an appearance in Detroit, along with a new AMG 53 moniker dedicated to models with new high-performance hybrid powertrains. But even those could be overshadowed if the latest incarnation of the Mercedes Project One hypercar makes an appearance on the stand.


Carpooling the Tripda way

                KUALA LUMPUR: For many Malaysian motorists, they may not have heard of Tripda but the team behind the app hopes to make it as popular as social navigation app Waze.

Tripda offers an online carpooling service that connects car drivers and passengers heading the same way. Using the Chinese New Year as a hook, Tripda is promoting its app by urging motorists travelling back to their hometowns this festive season to carpool as a way to ease congestion on highways.

According to PLUS officials, traffic volume along the North-South Expressway is expected to reach 1.5 million vehicles on the peak days namely Feb 18, Feb 19, Feb 21 and Feb 22.

Tripda said carpooling was the fastest way to reduce traffic congestion on highways while reducing travel cost with the driver and passengers sharing cost.

“Traffic volume can be reduced tremendously if single-occupant vehicles heading the same direction were to carpool,” said Tripda Malaysia country manager Victor Ang.

“Single-occupant vehicles in Klang Valley make up more than 70% of the total number of vehicles travelling on the road everyday,” said Ang.

Users can download the Tripda app via Apple App Store or Google Play and also access Tripda via its www.tripda.com.my. To use the service, users have to sign up on Facebook and register in order to offer a ride or find a ride by entering the date of travel and destination.

Tripda is free for now.


Lisbon bars cars from driving through city centre

                LISBON: This month, Lisbon will become the latest European city to bar through-traffic from its city centre.

The plan, to be introduced for a three-month trial period on April 26, will see cars barred from driving through (but not from driving to) the heart of Lisbon’s downtown.

A larger zone beyond this will bar access to most vehicles over 3.5 metric tons — including tourist buses but excluding all forms of public transit — between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

After the zones’ introduction, cars trying to cross town will instead be directed to a semi-circular ring of major roads just beyond Lisbon’s downtown, which will act as a de facto beltway. While the plan will not be a complete car ban, it could significantly reduce traffic through the Portuguese capital’s historic heart.

These changes are happening in a somewhat tentative, under-the-radar fashion — Lisbon deputy mayor for mobility Anacoreta Correia has stressed that the plan “is dynamic, it does not have an end in sight and will change as the completion of the works progresses.”

And the zones are being justified with reasons that even the most avid devotee of private cars might see the sense of.

This summer central Lisbon is undergoing substantial major construction, including a metro extension that will create two new stations, an installation of new storm drains to prevent flooding along the city’s waterfront, street resurfacing and work on the sewers.

These combined disruptions risk clogging roads, especially if traffic continues circulating as normal.

There’s nonetheless a greater sense of change in the air than this short-term pragmatism alone might suggest.

The city has said that at least some of the measures will be maintained in perpetuity, with the ban on daytime heavy goods vehicles almost definitely intended to be permanent.

Lisbon’s current metro extension works will also continue on two further lines in the near future, meaning the sort of disruption to the central road system that the city faces this summer could well be ongoing.

As some Portuguese transit experts have pointed out, the plan could also help Lisbon reach the challenging goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030, a target that was actively promoted by Lisbon mayor Carlos Moedas in his previous role as European Union Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation.

The city is one of 122 EU cities that have pledged to achieve this goal.

Whether or not Lisbon’s current construction is a pretext for the policy changes, they do not put the city at the vanguard of car-banning policies. Paris and Amsterdam are already introducing measures to bar inner city through-traffic, while London has long had a strong deterrent to central through-traffic in the form of its congestion charge.

Across major European cities, it’s starting to look as if the habit of driving through central urban zones en route to somewhere else could soon become a thing of the past.


Peugeot and Citroen 3S outlet opens in Alor Star

                ALOR STAR: A new RM2mil bi-marque Peugeot and Citroen 3S (sales, service and spare parts) dealership has opened here.

“The launch of this new bi-marque Peugeot and Citroën Alor Setar outlet is the continuation of our expansion plan to increase our network and reach in Malaysia. This also ensures that we are able to cater to the needs and demands of our customers at an accessible location,” said Naza Corp Holdings deputy group CEO (automotive group) Datuk Nik Hamdam.

Besides a showroom that can display eight cars, there is a family lounge and customer lounge with Smart TVs, private lounge and a cafe corner.

This 3S outlet measuring 15,000 sq ft can service an average of 200 to 250 cars per month with its five hoist bays.

Unique to the bi-marque outlet is the full implementation of the new Peugeot and Citroen showroom concept – Peugeot Bluebox and Citroen La Maison.

The Peugeot Bluebox concept aims to introduce customers to an immersive Peugeot experience that is modern and upmarket while the Citroën La Maison offers customers an interactive and fluid experience inspired by its warm and contemporary living space.

This 3S outlet is at 97 M&N, Batu 1 1/4 Mergong, Seberang Jalan Putera, Alor Star, Kedah.

It is opened from 9am to 6pm (Monday to Saturday), and closed on Sunday and public holidays.

 From left: CS Euro Auto Sdn Bhd directors Ooi Peng Hng and Datuk Ismail Mamat, founder Datuk Ooi Ting Chong, Nasim Sdn Bhd and Naza Euro Motors Sdn Bhd chief operating officer Izwan Wong, and Groupe PSA head of sales and marketing (South East Asia)Jean Christophe Calandot officiating the opening of the new bi-marque Peugeot and Citroen 3S dealership in Alor Setar.


Geely Auto promises more models to support sales in uncertain domestic market

                BEIJING: China’s Geely Automobile Holdings said that it will invest more in new energy vehicles and higher-end models after forecasting flat sales in 2019 due to uncertainty about domestic demand.

Geely, China’s highest profile car maker globally thanks to the Geely group’s investments in Volvo and Daimler, sold 1.5 million cars last year, 20 percent higher than the figure for 2017.

However, it is forecasting largely unchanged sales this year as the country’s giant auto market struggles with slowing economic growth and more cautious consumers. Last year, the overall market contracted for the first time since the 1990s.

“We can’t say whether the target of 1.5 million in 2019 can be reached, because we don’t know the changes in the economic situation. We will manage the company based on market conditions” Zhao Yang, a senior Geely official, told a news conference in Hong Kong on Thursday, adding the company is facing record high car inventory.

However, it remains hopeful on its export prospects.

“The domestic market has some uncertainties, but the international market has good opportunities for Geely,” he added.
New models

The company said it is launching a series of new energy and electrified vehicles as well as some upscale models to achieve higher profit margins. Zhao said that a total of six new models will be introduced in 2019.

“We will firmly advance electric vehicle and develop our own technology. Hybrid technology is also a key part of our research and development in the next five to seven years” said An Conghui, Geely’s president, adding the carmaker is also promoting methanol fuelled cars.

Geely said that the deterioration of consumer confidence in China, the world’s biggest auto market, caused by increased political and economic uncertainties had affected demand, but that its sales had missed its own annual target for 2018 by only 5 percent.

It achieved a record net profit of 12.55 billion yuan (RM7.6bil) in 2018, an 18 percent jump from the previous year.

That compared with the 12.8 billion yuan average estimate of 34 analysts, according to Refinitiv data.

Total revenue for the year was a record 106.60 billion yuan, up from 92.76 billion yuan in 2017. That slightly missed the 108.59 billion yuan estimated by analysts, according to Refinitiv data.

Geely also in its results statement said the group plans to acquire an engine plant in Zhejiang’s Yiwu City from its parent company, Zhejiang Geely Holding, without providing more details.


VW Up! gets 'GTI-ed', goes up against first-gen Golf GTI

                BERLIN: Volkswagen presented the compact Up! GTI concept with an output of 115PS - almost the same output as the Golf GTI MkI that debuted in 1976 with 110PS.

The 997kg up! GTI also has 200Nm of torque on tap and is able to sprint from 0-100kph in 8.8 seconds before reaching a top speed of 197kph

It is being made available in the classic colours of Tornado Red, Pure White, Dark Silver Black Pearl and a blue named Costa Azul.

The most powerful up! to date is immediately recognisable with its typical GTI insignia, red stripe across the radiator grille with honeycomb pattern and double stripes across the wide side sill panels while the exterior mirror caps are in high-gloss black.

It also has a red strip as well as a larger roof edge spoiler and rolls on newly-designed 17-inch alloy wheels for its 15mm lowered ride height.

Lastly, the interior includes leather-trimmed sport steering wheel, a GTI gear knob and the legendary "clark" seat pattern.


Mick Schumacher shuts down speculation about his F1 future

                LONDON: Mick Schumacher shut out speculation about his Formula One future today as his friend Esteban Ocon continued to push for the German to join him at Renault-owned Alpine as replacement for Fernando Alonso.

Schumacher, son of seven-times world champion Michael, is out of contract with the Ferrari-powered Haas team at the end of the season when he could also leave the Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA).

"What is being discussed behind the scenes between us is something I'd rather keep between us," the German said at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort when asked about his future at Haas and FDA.

"That's contractual matters which I can't go into detail with," he added.

The Formula One rumour mill has gone into overdrive since Spain's double world champion Alonso announced a month ago that he would be leaving Alpine for Aston Martin at the end of the year.

Alpine announced reserve driver Oscar Piastri as his replacement but the Australian said he would not be racing for them.

McLaren — linked to Piastri — have meanwhile announced a split with Australian Daniel Ricciardo, who joined them from Renault, at the end of 2022.

The game of 'who goes where?' has shifted week by week, with the latest rumours linking AlphaTauri's French driver Pierre Gasly with the Alpine seat in what would be an all-French lineup.

Gasly has a contract with his Red Bull-owned team for 2023, however.
schumacher and Ricciardo could also be contenders, unless Alpine win a contract dispute and can somehow convince Piastri to change his mind.

Ricciardo has been linked to Haas too, although that team have close ties with Ferrari who may also be keen to put their reserve Antonio Giovinazzi into it.

"The team will take the right decisions," Ocon told reporters ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, adding that Alpine knew his preference.

"People know that my choice if I had anything to say would be Mick, if he doesn't have anything lined up for next year.

"He's a good friend of mine first of all. If I can help on that, that's no problem. I think he has shown talents in the junior categories as well, he's been very fast.

"Sometimes in Formula One it's not easy to perform with a car that's a bit on the back foot. I had that when I started in F1. He's a great guy and he could perform very well if he had a competitive car and at the moment the Alpine is competitive."

Alpine are currently fourth in the 10 team championship.


New Bond trailer shows return of Aston Martin DB5 and plenty of car action

LONDON: The second trailer of the James Bond film No Time To Die has been released and is filled with action: bullets flying, fights erupting and the classic Aston Martin DB5 springs into action too.

The film has been pushed back several months because the Covid-19 coronavirus from its April release to November 2020.

MGM, Universal and producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli announced on Twitter Wednesday that the film would be pushed back from initial date.

The 25th movie from the British spy franchise will be the last for 52-year-old Daniel Craig as 007 agent James Bond.

The story sees Bond's retirement in Jamaica cut short when he's called to rescue a kidnapped scientist.

Bond will be up against new enemy, Safin, played by Rami Malek. Jeffery Wright reprises his role as CIA agent Felix Leiter, Ralph Fiennes as M, Ben Whishaw as Q, Naomie Harris as Miss Moneypenny, and Lea Seydoux as Madeleine Swann. Christoph Waltz also returns as Blofeld.

No Time To Die will hit theatres in Britain on Nov 12 and worldwide on Nov 25.


New design chief Andreas Mindt to take Bentley into electrified future

                LONDON: Bentley Motors announced on Tuesday the appointment of Andreas Mindt as design director, starting March 1.

He succeeds Stefan Sielaff who has left the company after nearly six years to pursue other opportunities.

With more than 25 years of automotive design experience, all within the Volkswagen Group, Mindt was most recently Head of Exterior Design for Audi. In this six-year period, he oversaw the exterior design evolution of the breadth of the Audi model range, and the launch of the premium SUV coupé, the Audi Q8, and the e-tron, Audi's first full-electric production model.

Working at Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe, Britain, Mindt will lead a team of 50 design experts with responsibility for the exterior, interior and colour and trim design for the full current and future Bentley product portfolio, concept and showcars.

“Bentley is a jewel within the Volkswagen Group. Designing a car, and a future, is always a process based on the performance of many, not one, and so I look forward to working with my colleagues to help define the next phase for Bentley, into an electrified future,” said Mindt.

He will report to Dr Matthias Rabe, Bentley’s Board Member for Engineering.


US boost fines for automakers not meeting fuel economy rules in Tesla win

                WASHINGTON: The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on Sunday reinstated a sharp increase in penalties for automakers whose vehicles do not meet fuel efficiency requirements for model years 2019 and beyond.

The decision was a win for Tesla that could cost other automakers hundreds of millions of dollars or more.

Confirming an earlier report by Reuters, NHTSA said the decision "increases the accountability of manufacturers for violating the nation’s fuel economy standards" and the penalty increase "incentivises manufacturers to make fuel economy improvements."

President Donald Trump's administration in its final days in January 2021 delayed a 2016 regulation that more than doubled penalties for automakers failing to meet Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) requirements starting in the 2019 model year.

NHTSA's final rule, which takes effect 60 days after it is published, reinstated the higher penalties and boosted them further for the 2022 model year.

The agency has not collected penalties for 2019 to 2021 model years, while the issue was under review and is the subject of court challenges.

The final rule was signed on Thursday by NHTSA's top official, Steven Cliff, ahead of its formal publication.

For the 2019 to 2021 model years, the fine is US$14, up from US$5.50, for every 0.1 mile per gallon new vehicles fall short of required fuel-economy standards, multiplied by the number of noncomplying vehicles sold. For the 2022 model year, this rises to US$15.

Automakers protested the penalty hike in 2016, warning it could raise industry costs by at least US$1 billion annually.

The decision is expected to cost Chrysler parent Stellantis, for instance, as much as US$572 million by the company's prior estimates, while boosting the value of compliance credits sold by Tesla.

Automakers whose vehicles achieve higher fuel economy than required can sell credits to automakers that do not meet CAFE rules.

Under President Barack Obama, the higher penalties were set to start with the 2019 model year, but the Trump administration set the effective date as the 2022 model year following a court decision.

NHTSA estimated that for the 2019 model year, automakers would owe US$294 million at the new rate, up from US$115.4 million under the prior rate.

NHTSA added automakers that made plans for 2019 through 2021 "thinking that penalties would not increase did so at their own risk."

The head of a trade group representing nearly all major automakers except Tesla said Sunday it would be a "better outcome" if the penalties "were invested in electric vehicles, batteries and charging infrastructure instead of disappearing into the general fund of the Treasury."

In August, NHTSA proposed hiking CAFE requirements by 8% annually for 2024 through 2026, reversing a Trump-era regulation that rolled back higher requirements starting in the 2021 model year. NHTSA is expected to issue its final CAFE rules through 2026 this week.

On Sunday, Stellantis said it would "like to work with the administration and Congress to allow the agencies to use the proceeds from penalties to bolster investments in the technologies and infrastructure required to accelerate a robust US market for EVs."

Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Congress in 2015 ordered federal agencies to adjust civil penalties to account for inflation.

US fuel economy fines lost 75% of their original value, having risen only once since 1975 - from US$5 to US$5.50 in 1997.


First drive: Porsche Macan

                The Macan has been a Porsche mainstay for years, catering to those who want a compact luxury SUV with sporty credentials.

And as the lowest-priced model, it helps to expand the base of new customers to the brand.

We were handed the latest Macan some time ago and decided to take it from Petaling Jaya to a location a little out of our way.

Given the chance to spend a day with the Porsche, we headed to Sekinchan. Having being there once on a dine-in-the-padi field outing, we thought it would be interesting to explore more of the Selangor locale, while giving the car a shakedown.

The first-generation Macan started selling in 2014 and has had a good run with over 600,000 sold since. In 2022, SUVs continued to dominate demand in the Porsche range, with over 86,000 Macans sold globally, just behind the Cayenne’s 95,604.

Porsche is gearing up to introduce an all-electric Macan later this year, which will be produced alongside its combustion-engined sibling until at least 2025 before the latter is retired.

On the local front, the fully imported Macan is available in four versions namely the base Macan, Macan T, Macan S and Macan GTS. The test unit was the base variant, which starts from RM450,000.

The refreshed AWD Macan arrived in Malaysia early last year. Its second update has resulted in a number of exterior, interior and engine tweaks.

As with all facelifts, the nose is the first to go under the knife. The grille is slimmed down with a textured bar below and there’s an inlay in the exterior colour that emphasises the Macan’s width, making it look more imposing.

The LED headlights with the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) and Sport Design exterior mirrors are now standard.

The rear is rounded off towards the road by a diffuser that also has a textured look. That 3D structure is reflected in the car’s sideblades, too.

The striking orange of the test car, called quaintly enough, Papaya Metallic is a new colour introduced to the latest Macan.

In the cabin, the centre console is now all about touch surfaces instead of tactile buttons. While Porsche says this brings a clear structure and modernity to the cockpit, it may not sit well with some who still prefer physical buttons for key functions.

Buttons have been reduced to those controlling the air-conditioning and entertainment.

In addition, the gear selector lever is now shorter for a sportier accent, while the analogue clock has been revised and become standard equipment.

Online functions and services can be controlled via the 10.9-inch full HD touch display of the Porsche Communication Management or by means of voice commands. The current Macan gets the 911’s new multifunction and GT Sport steering wheel.

The 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder turbo engine, shared with the base Audi Q5, has been reworked to give an extra 13hp/30Nm. It now makes 261hp and 400Nm of torque, enabling the Macan to sprint from 0-100kph in 6.2s (with Sport Chrono Package). Top speed is 232kph.

On the move, the Macan is no sluggard despite its entry position. The engine is punchy and lively, emitting a throaty roar accompanied by an enormous mid-range thrust. All that power is put down to the axles effectively through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

The active suspension dampers, tuned for greater feedback and responsiveness, provides a firm and pliant foundation. It enables the Macan to show a playful side when weaving through the twisties. One forgets it’s an SUV as it manifests itself as a precise and nimble road carver.

The base Macan gets 19-inch wheels as standard but the test unit came with 21-inchers wrapped in low profile Pirellis, which steps up its sporty aesthetics. The ride was taut, grippy and was suprisingly not as harsh as one might imagine.

While it’s far from being a 911 in driving prowess, the Macan still offers a measure of athletic fun — the result of being able to adjust the ride height, comfort level and mechanical stance of the entire machinery. Enabling that was the

Drive mode knob on the steering wheel, which makes for quick access to the settings whether they be Normal, Sport, Sport+ or Individual.

As we handed back the key, it drove home the point that the Macan was still very much a Porsche at heart with enough keen performance to back it up.


Parliament passes new system that combines AES and Kejara

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Road Transport (Amendment) Bill was passed to allow for the implementation of the Automated Awareness Safety System (Awas) - a combination of the Automated Enforcement System (AES) and the Demerit Points System (Kejara).

Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Aziz Kaprawi, in his winding up speech in Parliament, said the previous AES summons are still valid.

“However, the ministry will propose to the Cabinet for a discount of between RM100 and RM150 to be given,” he said in reply to Anthony Loke (DAP – Seremban).

He added that the AES in 14 locations would continue to operate as usual, with summons issued to traffic offenders.

Loke had also asked which party would be maintaining the AES camera system as previously, it was handled by two private companies – Beta Tegap Sdn Bhd and ATES Sdn Bhd.

In reply, Abdul Aziz said the cameras would come under the supervision of the Road Transport Department (JPJ).

Abdul Aziz said the ministry would also look into a suggestion by Datuk Othman Aziz (BN – Jerlun) to have a mechanism where offenders could check their demerit points online.

The Ministry has already proposed that the summons rate under AES be reduced once Awas takes effect, but the amount subjected to the Government’s decision.

AES cameras will be installed in stages at accident-prone areas on highways, federal roads and intersections.

Under the Kejara system, drivers who accumulate 60 demerit points will have their driving licence revoked.

For instance, drivers who speed, fail to obey traffic lights or cut double lines will receive four demerit points.

The demerit system will kick in when the driver collects 20 demerit points, which comes with a warning.

When the driver collects 40 demerit points, his licence will be suspended, and at 60 demerit points, the suspended license will be entirely revoked.

The JPJ will also offer a rehabilitation programme to drivers whose licences have been suspended.


Shell shows off its idea of an energy-efficient car

                BEIJING: This is the oil giant Shell's T25S, a concept city car which was unveiled today in the Chinese capital. It is a 3-seater, weights 550kg, has a 660cc engine and a super low fuel consumption of 2.64 litres per 100km.

If massively deployed, the T25S could result in marked reduction in energy use in the road transport sector.

However,  Shell has no plans for mass production. “We are not going into the car-making business. This is a concept for further development of fuel efficient technologies,” said Shell vice president of global commercial technology Andrew Hepher.

Shell's move at promoting the ultra-efficient car comes amid a fundamental shift in the global auto industry that is seeing more car makers exploring non-fossil and non-polluting sources of mobility such as fuel cell vehicles and electric cars. Hybrids are also gaining traction in many countries.

Shell said the T25S car is proof of energy efficiency improvements that can be achieved by using cutting edge technology available today through a process of “co-engineering” whereby vehicle body, engine design and lubricants are all created together.

The concept car uses a Mitsubishi engine that produces 43bhp and 64Nm, mated to a 5-speed semi-automatic sequential gearbox. The engine’s motor oil or lubricant is Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus, made from natural gas, with a pioneering viscosity 0W-12. It's a very thin oil, and Shell lubricant technology manager Robert Mainwaring said, "To reduce engine friction, we had to reduce motor oil viscosity. But you need to protect the engine too. So, with this prototype 0W-12 oil, we went close to the edge, but it’s safe to use."

Independent testing and a rigorous life-cycle study shows that Shell’s concept car would deliver a 34% reduction in primary energy use over its entire lifecycle when compared to a typical city car available in Britain. The Shell Concept car would use around half the energy required to build and run than a typical small family car available in Britain and 69% less than that of a typical sports utility vehicle available in that country.

The Shell Concept car is a total rethink of the Gordon Murray Design T.25 city car produced in 2010 for which Shell produced a prototype oil to improve the vehicle’s energy efficiency. The new car is the result of a co- engineering collaboration between world leading vehicle, engine and lubricant designers, with each of the three elements of the vehicle tailored to work optimally with each other.  It takes a holistic view on energy reduction focusing on design material selection; reduced energy demand via aggressive downsizing, and streamlining while enhancing the efficiency of energy delivery through innovative engine design and engine oil formulation to minimise the impact in terms of overall energy lifecycle use.

The car’s petrol consumption was measured using a range of vehicle testing protocols covering both steady state and urban driving styles. Sample test results include a steady state consumption of 2.64 litres per 100km was achieved at 70kph on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) from the use of bespoke lubricants, equivalent to a 5% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to standard lubricants available in Britain.

Mark Gainsborough, Executive Vice-President of Shell’s global lubricants businesses which backed the project said, “This is a significant automobile engineering milestone. I’m very proud of what Shell’s scientists and their partners at Geo Technology and Gordon Murray Design have achieved. Insights gained from this project could be transformational in terms of how we address energy use in the road transport sector. Energy use and climate change are major issues for society. This project shows that if we use the best of today’s technology, including cutting edge lubricants science, we could potentially have a major impact on energy use and reduce CO2 emissions.

The improvement in economy derived from the collaborative design of engine and engine oil is impressive and highlights the enormous benefits achieved from close relationships between design partners. It also shows the powerful role that lubricants can potentially play in helping achieve CO2 reduction targets.”

The Shell Concept car was independently tested at a British-certified automotive testing facility alongside a range of other cars under comparable conditions to measure fuel economy and CO2 emissions. In the formal NEDC test, the Shell Concept car produced lower CO2 emissions than both a typical petrol-powered city car (28%) and a hybrid car (32%).

Shell provided all the fluids for the car, specially ‘designing’ the motor oil to complement and enhance the overall efficiency of the vehicle, principally by minimising friction. Shell’s Lubricants technology team created bespoke engine oil, based on its premium product Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology.

In parallel, engine guru Osamu Goto’s group at Geo Technology optimised the three cylinder petrol engine by re-designing and optimising many of the internal engine components associated with friction. On the cold portion of the NEDC, these fluids reduced CO2 emissions by 7.1% and on the combined cycle by 5.0%, compared to standard lubricants available in Britain, again highlighting the value of co-designing engine and fluids.

Built around Gordon Murray Design’s patented iStream platform, the Shell Concept car represents a radical rethink on the way in which cars are designed, developed and produced. It combines cutting-edge lightweight technology – the car weighs just 550kg – and is built using carefully chosen materials which have a low energy and CO2 footprint. Gordon Murray’s experiences in Formula One racing have been used to develop the car, particularly its crashworthiness and lightness.

A number of the car’s components were created using 3D printing to accelerate the construction of this prototype vehicle.  The car also uses recycled carbon fibre for its body that can be assembled for a quarter of the price of a conventional steel car and almost the entire car can be recycled at the end of its life.  The car makes use of a modified version of Shell’s Drive App via a smartphone.  This app provides the driver with real time feedback via an on-screen graphic which emphasises the fact that fuel consumption is highly dependent on driver’s behaviour.

From a styling perspective, the Shell concept car offers a new take on the "tall and narrow" look, and dials up the fun factor with its sporty central driving position and two passenger seats behind.  The design produces an extremely novel seating arrangement allowing three people to be carried despite the car’s diminutive exterior dimensions and gives it a turning circle smaller than that of a London taxi, making it ideal for urban driving.

Hepher said: “Our car may be small, but it’s packed with potential. We want to accelerate the conversation about how we make road vehicles more energy efficient and less carbon-intensive. In the coming weeks and months, we look forward to sharing our research insights from this project with engine designers, car manufacturers, academics and other experts across the automotive sector.”


Mercedes-Benz to invest RM280mil over four years

                KUALA LUMPUR: Luxury automobile firm Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is set to invest RM280mil over the next four years to strengthen its foothold in the country due to its encouraging sales performance.

Mercedes-Benz has invested about RM500mil in Malaysia over the past decade.

Its president and chief executive officer Roland Folger said the RM280mil was slated for upgrading production facility, introducing new models, enriching customer experience and looking into the investment of its dealer network, among others.

 Folger

This is supported by its robust sales performance. Last year, Mercedes-Benz registered a record-breaking sales performance that reflected a 17% year-on-year (y-o-y) increase to a total of 9,419 units of vehicles.

This was led by the annual retail volume of its passenger car segment that rose 29% y-o-y, totalling 6,932 units in 2014. Mercedes-Benz’s bread-and-butter models, namely, the C, E and S Classes’ sales volume totalled 4,575 units cumulatively last year, registering an 11% increase over 2013.

Its new-generation flagship S-Class model, which redefined the luxury benchmark, posted sales of 635 units, surging 388% since 2013.

“This past year has been incredible for Mercedes-Benz Malaysia in every way. We saw record sales, especially in the passenger car segment. We have flexed our muscles across the entire product line with the new-generation compact car portfolio and brought customer experience to an all-time high,” said Folger at a press conference after a briefing on its performance last year.

Its key milestones last year included the launch of the RM60mil Hap Seng Star Balakong Autohaus and also its continued support of national aspirations to become an energy-efficient vehicle hub with a RM15mil investment in its Pekan production plant.

The production plant has an assembly line for the S400L Hybrid, which received full duty exemption following its launch in March last year.

For this year, Mercedes-Benz expects another record-breaking sales figure despite the expected introduction of the goods and services tax in April that may dampen consumer sentiment.

“I don’t deny that overall consumer sentiment may be affected but our brandname is so strong and we are introducing an array of exciting new models this year, including the new E300 BlueTEC Hybrid.

“As a member of the Daimler Group, we will ensure that our targets surpass what we have achieved so far. With the help of our dealer partners, the entire organisation will lead us to another phenomenal year in 2015,” he said.

 The Hap Seng outlet in Balakong is the largest Mercedes-Benz dealership in Malaysia.


Production of new Aston Martin Vantage starts

                LONDON: Aston Martin has started production of the new Vantage, the most sporting model in the luxury carmaker’s series production range.

With the first Vantage coming off the British brand’s Gaydon production line last Thursday, deliveries to customers will start later this month.

Hand-built at the company’s sports car production plant and headquarters, in Gaydon, Warwickshire, the new Vantage joins the Rapide S, the DB11 family, and the soon to be launched DBS Superleggera.

The new Vantage is the second in a line of seven new models to be launched over a period of seven years, in line with the company’s “Second Century Plan”, which takes the 105-year-old company into its next century of operation.

“The outgoing Vantage was the single most successful model in Aston Martin’s history and we believe its successor will surpass that. The new Vantage ticks all the boxes for a luxury sports car and unashamedly aspires to be the best in its segment,” said Aston Martin president and CEO Dr Andy Palmer.


Limited edition Ford Ranger Splash fully booked

                PETALING JAYA: Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), the sole distributor for Ford in Malaysia, announced that all 19 units of the Limited Edition Ford Ranger Splash had been pre-booked ahead of the Lazada 11.11 Shopping Festival yesterday.

The success of this online sales event marks two milestones in the local automotive industry – the first pickup truck to be sold via eCommerce and the first vehicle in the country to be sold via “Chup Dulu” – a promotional mechanics that allows buyers to reserve their product ahead of the shopping festival on Lazada.

Under the “Chup Dulu” mechanics, customers were able to pre-book their Limited Edition Ford vehicle from Oct 28 until Nov 10, 2019 ahead of the 11.11 Shopping Festival.

“The runaway success of the recent collaboration with Lazada demonstrates how fully Malaysian consumers have embraced eCommerce.

"It is also a proof point of the on-going strong demand and consumers’ confidence in our ‘Built Ford Tough’ Ford Ranger," said Sime Darby Auto ConneXion managing director Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz.

The sporty and rugged Limited Edition Ford Ranger Splash comes in all black and is differentiated by fluorescent ‘Ranger Splash’ decals on each side. Its exterior styling is enhanced with a matte black front kangaroo bar, special front grille, side mirror cover, rear bumper, sports bar, alloy wheels and fender flares.

It is also fitted with the latest smart, safety and convenience technologies, a built-in toll reader and a 360º Around View Monitor Camera.


Global light vehicle production to grow 50% in Q2, supply woes persist, says IHS

                LONDON: Global light vehicle production is expected to grow 50% in the second-quarter as the industry recovers from the pandemic, but supply constraints remain a challenge, data firm IHS Markit said on Wednesday.

IHS estimates semiconductor capacity will be able keep up with demand starting only in the first quarter of 2022.

"The rise of new (Covid-19) strains especially in regions with limited vaccines continues to threaten the availability of semiconductors due to workforce reductions," IHS said.

Supply chains were hit hard in the first-quarter by the storms in Texas, the Fukushima earthquake in Japan and the fire at a Japanese semiconductor factory owned by Renesas Electronics Corp (6723.T). IHS estimates the greatest impact of supply disruptions was felt in the second quarter.

Reduced production due to shortages of semiconductors has resulted in the lowest levels of unsold cars and trucks on dealer lots in years, according to consulting firm AlixPartners.


Porsche unveils T versions of the 718 Boxster and Cayman

                STUTTGART: Porsche announced this week that the 718 duo is getting the T treatment.

For Porsche, T stands for Touring and driver experience, so when the company says that the 718 Boxster and Cayman now have respective T models, it means that they've gotten a more driver-focused aesthetic.

Basically, the design of the 911 T has been transferred to Porsche's lineup of two-seat sports cars which don't focus on excessively luxurious and high-tech features, but rather on the essence of driving:

"The 718 T will be most at home on winding country roads, offering the joy of dynamic driving as its ultimate goal." Because of this, the models are fairly basic with several components optional.

Both the Boxster and Cayman retain the turbo-charged four-cylinder flat engine that puts out 300hp, but the wheels were replaced with a 20-inch alloy set and the PASM sports chassis has been lowered by 20mm. The new sports seats can only be adjusted in two ways and the Porsche Communication Management module was replaced with just a storage compartment, though an entertainment system can be installed for no extra charge.

The Sport Chrono package comes as standard for the 718 T, as does the Active Suspension Management system and fabric door pulls. A couple logos make appearances throughout the model on the headrests and on the door entry strips, for example, but nothing too lavish.

Porsche hasn't announced an official launch date or price tag yet, but the last T model to be released came in with an MSRP over US$100,000 (RM419,000).


TC Subaru launches sales promotions: value up to RM20K

                KUALA LUMPUR: TC Subaru Sdn Bhd, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in Malaysia, has launched a Peace of Mind campaign this month.

Buyers can get products, services and rebates worth up to RM20,000.

Buyers also enjoy a sales tax exemption of up to RM5,000 when they buy a new XV or Forester between 15 Jun to 31 Dec.

For test drives upon request, the company’s sales consultants will bring the car to the customer's home, or preferred location.

Sales consultants are equipped with hand sanitisers and face masks and shields.

Buyers just need to fill out the Online Booking form for XV or Forester to secure a booking fee payment of RM188.

A Subaru sales consultant will finalise the booking and registration for the selected Subaru model within five working days.

The Subaru XV, priced from RM117,788 (before sales tax exemption) is available in three variants; XV 2.0i, XV 2.0i-P and XV GT Edition 2.0i-P.

Customers who purchase a new XV can opt for a six months zero-instalment plan as part of the Peace of Mind package.

The Subaru Forester is priced from RM149,788 (before sales tax exemption) and comes in three variants; Forester 2.0i-L, Forester 2.0i-S and Forester 2.0i-S Eyesight.

Customers interested in anew Forester can trade-in their old vehicle through TC Subaru’s Special Trade-In Assist programme for added value.

Every new XV and Forester sold under the Peace of Mind campaign also is entitled to:

> A complimentary Subaru Eco Sterilising In-Cabin 3D Spray Service worth RM1,500 that removes up to 99% of harmful bacteria and viruses, and

> Five-year comprehensive warranty


London gets premium all-electric Jaguar I-PACE chauffeur service

                LONDON: A new all-electric premium chauffeur service called Havn has launched in London with a fleet of all-electric Jaguar I-PACE performance SUVs.

Each ride can be tailored to the preferences of the passenger with options such as playlist, temperature, and chauffeur interaction all customisable ahead of your journey via the iOS and Android app or an online booking portal.

All Havn drivers are carefully selected, full-time employees of the company who will undertake a rigorous training programme, arming them with the skills to deliver Havn’s customer-focused experience.

This is reflected in the official app’s approval rating of 4.8/5, which to date has been downloaded over 5,500 times.

Havn has clocked up over 18,000 miles in trials since September 2019.

Havn is backed by InMotion, Jaguar Land Rover’s venture capital and mobility services arm, which is committed to investing in innovative new technologies for an autonomous, electrified, connected and shared mobility future.

All this is helping to deliver Jaguar Land Rover’s Destination Zero vision, a future underlined by zero emissions, zero accidents and zero congestion.

Since the trial phase in September, the fleet of Jaguar I-PACEs has grown thanks to demand from individuals and customers of premium businesses and corporate travel.

Luxury hotels in London using the service allow guests to request a vehicle from the concierge and be picked up at the door.


Ranger on the rails

                LONDON: Known as "rail buggies", utility vehicles are not new to the railway maintenance industry, but the development of the custom Polaris Rail Ranger presented an opportunity to innovate the design, including the introduction of technology and equipment which is normally reserved for bigger, more expensive plant equipment.

The custom Ranger was built by Fitzgerald Plant Services Ltd, an established provider of specialist services for the rail and construction industries, including repair work, maintenance, engineering and heavy haulage transport.

Based in Cwmbran, South Wales, some 220km west of here, Fitzgerald Plant Services aims to provide a one-stop-shop for all of their customers’ requirements – including specialist solutions like the Polaris Ranger.

“These machines are very versatile and can be utilised in a number of different ways,” said Clayton Greenman, Fitzgerald Plant Services Ltd engineering manager.

“That’s one reason why they’re so suited to working on the rails because it depends a lot on what kind of maintenance work the contractors are undertaking. Transporting personnel, towing trailers with tools and equipment, weed spraying, leaf clearance, track inspections – the Rail Ranger is the ideal vehicle to do it all.”

Supported by their local Polaris dealer – Usk & Wye Valley ATV Ltd – who serve the Monmouth and Forest of Dean areas, the Polaris Ranger was selected because of its refined cab that offers the option to be fully enclosed with the addition of doors, a windshield, rear panel and roof, alongside its class-leading capabilities and durability.

Initially building a prototype with a Polaris Ranger Diesel, Fitzgerald Plant Services will have delivered four Polaris Ranger vehicles to operate across UK rail lines by the end of this year, with many more custom builds planned for 2021.

“From the initial brief to the delivered prototype, the diesel machine took around three years to develop,” said Clayton. “Building the machine in compliance with the Network Rail standards is understandably very time consuming due to the testing and documentation required. Development of the prototype petrol Ranger Crew XP 1000 took less than 4 months as we gained a lot of experience from the previous diesel project. Now we’re in series production, we can complete a full rail conversion in about 3 weeks.”

The custom Ranger vehicles are fitted with spacers to give them a wider track width, ensuring the tyres sit correctly on the railhead, as well as specially-mounted rail gear, an air braking system and hydraulic systems.

As the Polaris chassis has been designed to accommodate a snow plough, the same mounting points could be used to fit the front rail equipment, however, the chassis had to be specially adapted for the rear equipment.

The hydraulic system controls the raising and lowering of the rail bogies and the hydraulic trailer park brake, using a 12-volt DC electro/hydraulic power pack powered from the battery. There is also a 12-volt DC twin air compressor which powers the air brake system – a requirement for towing trailers on the UK rail infrastructure.

Fitzgerald Plant Services Ltd added its own custom display, controllers and software to control the various rail systems and operate as effectively as possible. The operator can get real-time updates on machine status and operate the functions via a user interface. There are also password-protected menus for service engineers where all the system diagnostic information and calibration settings are found.


Top honour for Audi R8

                NEW YORK: The Audi R8 Coupé has been crowned “2016 World Performance Car” in the World Car Awards, at the New York International Auto Show.

With a total of four awards, the Audi R8 is the most successful model in the history of the World Car Awards.

The predecessor to the R8 had already taken home two World Performance Car awards and a World Car Design of the Year award in the prestigious competition.

Now the second generation of the high-performance sports car from Audi was able to win over the international jury of 73 leading automotive journalists.

“With its distinctive design, its driving dynamics and its closeness to racing, the R8 is one of the strongest calling cards for the four rings and is the flagship car from Audi Sport. The first generation of the R8 paved our way toward becoming a premium brand and raised the aura of Audi to a new level. The new R8 will continue this success story,” said Dietmar Voggenreiter, Board Member for Sales and Marketing at AUDI AG.

The Audi R8 Coupé has a mid-mounted V10 and newly developed quattro drive.

The top version, with 610PS, sprints from 0 to 100kph in just 3.2 seconds.


Carsome sets up training academy

                KUALA LUMPUR: Carsome, Southeast Asia’s largest integrated car e-commerce platform, recently set up its first technical institution in Malaysia, offering Malaysian youths technical education and guaranteed career opportunities.

Known as Carsome Academy, the institution is a Sistem Latihan Dual Nasional (SLDN) training center accredited by the Department of Skills Development under the Human Resources Ministry.

Offering industry-oriented training programmes which combine institutional and workplace training, students will undergo 30% of theoretical lessons at Carsome Academy, followed by 70% industrial training at any Carsome Inspection Centres in Malaysia.

Carsome Academy also guarantees a job in Carsome after graduation.

Carsome co-founder and Carsome Academy director Teoh Jiun Ee (pix) said the academy is a human capital development initiative that aims to create positive social impact in the local communities where Carsome operates.

“We want to build a technical workforce that strives for the best standards in professionalism and ethics to move the Southeast Asian used car industry forward in a meaningful way and to serve our customers better.

"Carsome has built a trusted platform over the years which we are proud of. Now, we want to bring that pride to more people working in the industry through an accredited and industry-recognised training and assessment, equipped with the best digital tools available,” Teoh said.

As the first integrated car e-commerce platform to provide skillset courses and certification, Carsome Academy is committed to building a sustainable workforce in the automotive industry.

This is achieved through 1,840 hours of industrial training to develop students’ technical skill sets and strengthen their capabilities.

Carsome Academy currently offers the Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) Level 3 in Motor Vehicle Inspection (Roadworthiness) which is recognised by the Malaysian government and technical industries.

Its inaugural intake, which starts in February, is now open for registration to Malaysians aged below 30 years with a minimum pass in Sistem Pentaksiran Tingkatan Tiga (PT3).

The one-year course costs RM8,000 and is fully refundable upon a graduate’s successful placement and tenure with Carsome.

Study loans are also available for students who wish to further their studies at the Academy.

With the vision of developing a high skilled and industry-ready workforce in Southeast Asia, Carsome Academy will continuously introduce more new courses in the future to create more all-rounded technical professionals in the automotive industry.

In addition, Carsome Academy is also exploring collaborations with various automotive industry players to provide the best learning and practical experience, as well as career opportunities, for students.


Auto Bavaria offers door-step car service

                PETALING JAYA: Auto Bavaria, the largest authorised dealer representative for the premium automaker BMW in Malaysia has launched a first-of-its-kind service for BMW vehicle owners, enabling their cars the service convenience of at their door step, by just booking for their service needs and necessities through Auto Bavaria mobile app.

The Auto Bavaria mobile application enables customers to book their service appointments, check their vehicle service history, view the service progress, and make payments – all in one application.

It also has a special ‘track & chat’ feature to track the location of the i-Service vehicle and chat with technicians to monitor the progress of their vehicle being serviced.

Customers can direct the i-Service vehicle to a location closest to them - be it at home or at the workplace within 40 kilometres radius from Auto Bavaria dealerships - to perform scheduled maintenance services including oil change, brake pad change, tyre change, tyre balancing and battery change.

Every i-service vehicle is equipped with the latest tools and equipment, manned by experienced and qualified technicians using only BMW genuine parts.

“Quality, efficiency and innovation are the three cornerstones of our vision in providing first-class and uncompromising aftersales service to our customers. Auto Bavaria i-Service is a testament to our commitment in delivering greater convenience, innovative solutions and peace of mind when it comes to caring for the needs of our customers, and in preparing ourselves for the future of automotive ownership experience,” said the managing director of Auto Bavaria, Vi Thim Juan.

Customers can be assured of receiving cost estimates, including itemised costs for parts and labour beforehand.

Auto Bavaria i-Service will roll out with three i-Service vehicles initially, to cater to prime areas in Klang Valley within 40 kilometres radius from Auto Bavaria dealerships, with plans for expansion in the near future.

The Auto Bavaria i-Service operates six days a week except public holidays, between 9am and 5pm from Monday to Friday, and 9am to 12pm on Saturday.

For more information, call Auto Bavaria Customer Care at 1300-133-338.


BMW Group and NTU start electromobility research

                SINGAPORE: BMW Group and Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore) have launched a new electromobility research programme, involving the all-electric i3 and plug-in hybrid sports car  i8 that runs on electricity and petrol.

This new research programme will be conducted at the Future Mobility Research Lab located on the NTU campus, which is the BMW Group’s first joint lab in Southeast Asia.

Both parties will be injecting a combined S$1.3 million to drive the new research projects, on top of the initial S$5.5 million funding allocated to the joint lab in 2013.

The new research programme will focus on two new areas, Electromobility in Asia and also Smart Materials. This is in addition to the original three research topics that the joint lab is working on: Advanced Battery, Driver Enhancement and Intelligent Mobility.

At the launch ceremony last Tuesday, the BMW Group announced that the i3 and i8 will be provided as research platforms to the Future Mobility Research Lab.

The scientists at the joint lab will use the two i vehicles to conduct research on real-life driver behaviour and to collect in-depth data on vehicle performance. The two cars will also conduct on-road trials of new technologies such as a mobile application that can accurately predict traffic and estimated end-to-end travelling time.

"The NTU-BMW joint lab has already made important advancements in areas such as new battery materials that can extend the range of an electric vehicle and innovative driver assistive technologies to greatly enhance safety,” said Professor Lam Khin Yong, NTU’s Chief of Staff and Vice President (Research)

“NTU is one of the eight top universities across the globe that BMW has established a strategic partnership with. The BMW i3 and i8 will be used by BMW and NTU scientists to develop and test innovative technologies in real-life conditions and this new research programme extends NTU’s efforts in developing future mobility solutions with global impact,” said Prof Lam.


Mentally unsound woman taken to hospital after being caught on video attacking vehicles in Sabah

                KOTA KINABALU: A woman, believed to be mentally unsound, has been taken to Hospital Mesra Bukit Padang for treatment and evaluation after she went around attacking vehicles at a commercial centre in Penampang near here recently.

The woman in a red baju kurung was caught on video walking around holding what seemed to be a knife while slashing vehicles that were parked at the Plaza 333 area.

From the videos, it was clear that the weapon she had was sharp, as there were stab marks on some of the car windows.

She was also heard shouting at a car owner who quickly ran to his vehicle to move it away at the time of the incident.

Penampang OCPD Deputy Supt Haris Ibrahim said three car owners whose vehicles were damaged in the incident had been identified.

“We have spoken to these owners but none of them wished to take legal action against the lady, as they believe she is mentally unstable, ” he said when contacted today.

He said the owners only wished to lodge police reports for their insurance claims to repair their vehicles.

DSP Haris said the first victim had lodged a report at about 7.42pm on Jan 23.

“The woman has been apprehended and referred to Hospital Mesra Bukit Padang for treatment. No one was injured in the incident, ” he said.


A Lada transforms into a Porsche Boxster ... not quite

                PETALING JAYA: Well, what do you know? Fairy tales do come true. How else would a Lada turn into a Porsche Boxster if you didn't have a fairy godmother.

In this case, it's the zany Russians of Garage 54 YouTube channel who have pieced together the body of the first-generation Boxster into a Lada, which packs an 800cc turbo engine and drum brakes to boot.

The video shows them test driving the car and while it looks like its been put together with spit and bubble-gum, it works for the most part.

Of course, there's no interior to speak of besides the driving seat and the innards hanging out indiscriminately.

An attempt at pushing the car sideways proves stressful to the body panels and they tried and failed to get the car to reach 100kph.

No, it's not perfect but this highly-ambitious build was not a complete failure either.


Sutton launches VIP Class range in London

                LONDON: At the London Classic Car Show, Sutton Bespoke launched its new ‘VIP Class’ vehicles – a new range of high-specification, highly luxurious people carriers based on Mercedes-Benz V-Class and Sprinter models.

Clive Sutton is one of the UK’s leading coachbuilding, custom and specialist car dealers.

The bespoke people carriers can be specified with a range of seating configurations and are customised using the finest materials.

An extensive list of available luxury options includes electric heated and cooled seats with a 10-point massage function, advanced infotainment for all passengers, and a driver’s partition for enhanced privacy.

Sutton Bespoke displayed two of its coach-built VIP Class models at this year’s London Classic Car Show.

VIP Class Mercedes-Benz Sprinter interior
The first example on display is a new deluxe bespoke reimagining of the Mercedes Sprinter, finished in Obsidian black and trimmed in soft-touch ‘bio-leather’.

Between the driver and passengers is a custom electrically-actuated partition providing privacy for the rear passengers to enjoy two 40-inch 4K Smart TVs and a cinema system with seven-zone audio.

All interior panelling is clad in the same luxurious soft-touch bio-leather with custom stitching, and there is high-quality thick-pile carpet throughout.

The six rear seats have been upgraded to include full reclining functionality, and all have access to a console with a control panel, cup holders and lockable storage unit containing a champagne bucket.

VIP Class Mercedes-Benz V-Class interior
The second is based on the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, with a subtle Obsidian black exterior and a spacious cabin with seven seats retrimmed in ultra-soft Nappa leather (all with black centres and grey bolsters). A double-glazed panoramic roof is surrounded by a stitched headlining in platinum suede, which also covers the A-, B-, C- and D-pillars.

Between the two front seats is a two-tone quilted lifting armrest, which tops a large integrated fridge and cup holders with four cut-crystal glasses.

A roof-mounted antenna provides 4G connectivity for occupants who also have access to Apple TV, DAB and FM radio via the centre console-mounted touchscreen television.

The whole passenger compartment is trimmed in a luxurious thick-pile black carpet.

1967 Sutton Mustang GT500CS
Also on the Sutton Bespoke stand at the London Classic Car Show will be a very special 1967 Sutton Mustang GT500CS.

This contemporary interpretation of the original GT500 is truly unique and provides a full ‘restomod’ specification, with contemporary high-performance upgrades.

Alongside this will be a Sutton Bespoke GT700CS – a modern UK-spec Mustang with a selection of Sutton Bespoke and official Ford Performance upgrades.

Sutton Bespoke fits a Ford Performance supercharger, active exhaust and Recaro sports seats among many other enhancements.

Sutton Mustang GT700CS
The mighty Mustang CS800 displayed in 2018/19 model guise features an all-new enhanced Whipple supercharger, which means the car now produces a massive 850hp and 895Nm of torque.

Also on display at its first UK debut is the right hand drive Sutton Monster Raptor CS520 off-road performance pick-up truck. The CS520 is re-manufactured with an uprated intercooler and a remap, helping it produce 520hp and 698Nm of torque.

The truck is re-engineered in right-hand drive and distributed by Sutton in the UK, Australia and across South East Asia.

Sutton Monster Raptor CS520


No plans to allow toll increase, says Works Ministry

                PETALING JAYA: The Works Ministry has no plans to allow an increase in toll rates for some eight highways.

In a statement touching on the issue of toll increases, the Ministry said that “currently no discussion or decisions were made on this matter at the ministerial level”.

The statement added that as many as eight highways were eligible for an increase in toll rates next year.

It said that if the increase was not agreed to, the Government would have to pay as much as RM593mil in reparations.

“The Ministry is aware of the monetary burdens that the public currently face and will strive for a solution by conducting discussions with the concessionaires.

“In these meetings, issues that demand attention like reducing the monetary burden of toll users, the obligations of the concession holders to bond holders and guarantors, and Government interests and obligations must be addressed,” it said.

The statement added that these meetings would be conducted with the aim of reaching a “win-win situation” between the Government and concessionaires.

Previously, it was reported that PLUS Malaysia Bhd was scheduled to increase toll rates by 5% in 2016.

On Tuesday, Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin said that he would oppose the proposed toll hike by PLUS and would urge the Government not to allow it.

In a related development, Bernama reported that Litrak would be offering toll discounts for motorists using the Damansara-Puchong Highway (LDP) and SPRINT on Christmas Day.

"A 60 sen discount is given to LDP users and 20 sen to users of the SPRINT Highway for all classes of vehicles, this year," said Litrak Group Communication Division manager Shah Rizal Mohamed Fawzi.

"The toll discount for Christmas Day, Dec 25, 2015 begins at 12.01am and ends at 11.59pm (one day)," he said after opening a 2015 Christmas Day special programme with House of Joy Handicapped Children at the National Zoo today.

On another matter, he said Litrak Group would use the electronic payment system fully from next year.

"This system is still at the trial stage and will be fully operational in March, 2016 for the SPRINT Highway and September 2016 for LDP," he said.


Land Rover Defender Works V8: Limited to 150 units

                LONDON: Land Rover has announced a limited-edition Defender, with up to 150 V8-powered examples re-engineered to celebrate the Land Rover marque’s 70th anniversary in 2018.

The Defender Works V8 pays homage to the early high-powered engines in both the Series III Stage 1 V8 from 1979 and subsequent Defenders including the 50th Anniversary Edition, which are highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors today.

Defender Works V8 is the most powerful and fastest version that Land Rover has ever created.

The 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol V8 powertrain produces 405PS and 515 Nm of torque (the standard Defender delivered 122PS and 360 Nm).

The Defender Works V8 will accelerate from 0-100kph in 5.6sec, while top speed is increased to 171kph.

Tim Hannig, Jaguar Land Rover Classic Director, said: “It’s fitting that we’ve been able to release the full potential of the iconic Defender, whose much-loved shape remains synonymous with Land Rover, 70 years since it was seen in public for the first time.

“The idea of reintroducing a V8 Defender was something we were discussing as far back as 2014, when we were still building the Defender in Solihull. We knew the demand was there for a powerful and fast Defender; the Land Rover authenticity is the ultimate finishing touch for discerning clients purchasing these collector’s edition Defenders.”

The V8 powertrain will be fitted to 150 specially-selected and re-engineered Defenders for the 70th Edition, complemented by an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission with sport mode, uprated brakes and handling kit (springs, dampers and anti-roll bars), plus exclusive 18-inch diamond-turned Sawtooth alloy wheels and 265/65 R18 all-terrain tyres.


Price increases to help Michelin exceed pre-pandemic profits this year

                PARIS: Michelin expects this year's profits to exceed pre-pandemic levels, the French tyre maker said on Monday, as it posted better-than-expected 2021 results helped by volume and price increases that offset inflationary pressures.

The company expects its segment operating profit to rise to more than 3.2 billion euros (RM15.2bil), above the 3.01 billion euros recorded in 2019 and in line with its earlier vows to return to pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2022.

The recovery will however vary across markets. "Some markets will be above 2019, (but) for example the original equipment market for vehicles might not be back yet at 2019 levels," said chief finance officer Yves Chapot.

Michelin makes tyres within three main segments - passenger cars, trucks, and specialty vehicles such as agriculture, mining equipment or plane tyres.

This year, the firm forecasts light truck tyre market growth of 0%-4%. The truck tyre market is seen increasing by 1%-5%.

"(Light truck) replacement markets are back at 2019 levels... the original equipment will still be perturbed for sure during the first half-year, and will probably rebound only within the second half, and maybe the last quarter of the year," Chapot said.

Specialty tyres, Michelin's most resilient segment, should grow by 6%-10%, helped again by mining and agriculture but also a recovery in the aircraft tyre market.

The company's sales last year rose more than 16% year-on-year to 23.80 billion euros, above the highest point of the analysts' forecast range it provided. Its operating profits rose to 2.97 billion euros, roughly in line with expectations.

"The overall yearly results have improved mostly thanks to three triggers," Chapot said, pointing to volumes - which were however still 4.5% below 2019 levels - price increases and product mix improvement, and integration of companies acquired since 2018.

"(Last year) we faced 1.2 billion euros of inflators, partly in raw materials, and (factors) outside raw materials such as energy, transportation, maritime shipping," Chapot said.

The company expects similar inflationary pressures in 2022, with an aim to hedge them with the price and mix effect as it did last year, he added.

Michelin's exposure to recent tensions stemming from the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, from where it imports some raw materials, was limited, Chapot said.

The company does not expect any short-term impact on its activities from the recent truck driver protests in Canada, he added.


Apple's next-gen CarPlay with widgets, greater integration

Cook speaking at Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference in San Jose. — Reuters
SAN JOSE: Apple Inc on Monday announced significant updates to CarPlay at the Worldwide Developers Conference event, as the company looks to upgrade it from an infotainment system to a software solution that will allow drivers to control parts of their car and show more information such as speed and fuel level.

The iPhone maker said it is talking to several automakers to bring the new generation of the software to their cars, which will be announced from late 2023.

Here's what Apple is working on for CarPlay:

Multiple screens support

CarPlay will support multiple screens on cars irrespective of size and layout and will be able to show information including weather and navigation, according to images posted during a presentation.

Widgets powered by the iPhone will be available across all screens in a vehicle including the instrument cluster, with multiple styles of dials, layouts, themes and colors.

Automakers to support next-gen CarPlay

Apple gave a long list of carmakers that could endorse the program. Among the prominent names are Ford Motor Co, Renault SA, Mercedes Benz, Volvo, Honda Motor Co and Jaguar Land Rover.

Integration with iPhone

With the next generation of CarPlay, drivers will be able to change temperature settings, use apps such as the Audiobooks, News, Podcasts and tune the car's radio without leaving the CarPlay interface.

The iPhone will communicate with the vehicle's systems in real time in a "privacy-friendly way" to show driving information such as speed, fuel level and temperature.


China encourages carmakers to use homegrown rival to GPS system

                BEIJING: China is encouraging automakers to install its answer to the US-developed Global Positioning System and advance autonomous driving technology as part of a broader push to upgrade the country's transportation sector.

The government will promote the state-developed Beidou Navigation Satellite System as the standard configuration for vehicle-navigation devices and smartphones, according to a plan issued Friday by the National Development and Reform Commission and Ministry of Transport.

The policy also encourages carmakers to install anti- collision warning systems and develop the technology essential to autonomous driving through the use of big data and cloud computing. Private investment will be encouraged in the construction and operation of intelligent transport systems, according to the plan.

With a shrinking and aging workforce, China is seeking to guide its economy towards more services-oriented and higher-value industries. The manufacturing sector has been under pressure to move away from the labour-intensive model that's earned the country its reputation as the world's workshop.

China has pushed for the adoption of its own satellite positioning system as it aims for global coverage by 2020. The Beidou system was developed to meet China's national security needs and economic development, according to a white paper released by the State Council Information Office in June.

GPS was developed using US Defence Department funding and is maintained by the government.


BMW and Daimler pulling car-sharing operation from North America

                DETROIT: Daimler AG and BMW AG are withdrawing their joint car-sharing service from North America and halting service in three European cities, citing rising costs and low ridership.

The pullout represents a major setback for the German companies’ ambitions to compete globally with the likes ride-hailing giants Uber Technologies Inc. and Lyft Inc.

Their retreat following a €1 billion (RM4.6bil) investment announced in February is only the latest by carmakers that have had a harder time building new mobility services than they bargained for.

The car-sharing venture — branded Share Now after a merger of Daimler’s Car2Go and BMW’s DriveNow units — will cease operations in Brussels, London and Florence next year and wind down its remaining business in the United States and Canada, according to a statement Wednesday.

General Motors Co. scaled back a similar service in April, while Ford Motor Co. shut down one mobility unit in March and another earlier this month.

Carmakers aren’t alone in struggling to figure out how to profitably move people around. Uber and Lyft both have had trouble making money despite being much larger than Share Now and others.
Share Now has been paring back its North American business for months.

The service suspended operations in Chicago in April after losing at least 75 vehicles to thieves who took advantage of looser background checks. It announced plans in October to pull out of Austin, Calgary, Denver and Portland. That left it with a presence in just five North American cities: Montreal, New York, Seattle, Vancouver and Washington. It will leave the remaining locations by Feb. 29.

"Moving forward, Share Now will focus on the remaining 18 European cities,” the company said in its statement. "We, along with our shareholders, believe these markets show the clearest potential for profitable growth and mobility innovation.”


GM's Cruise delays launch of robo-taxis

                DETROIT: General Motors' autonomous car division Cruise said Wednesday it will take longer than expected for it to hit the streets with self-driving taxis.

Cruise continues to work towards the goal, but will not have a service operating by the end of this year as originally planned, according to an online post by the unit's chief executive Dan Ammann.

"We will be significantly increasing our testing and validation miles over the balance of this year, which has the effect of carrying the timing of fully driverless deployment beyond the end of the year," Ammann said.

"When you're working on the large scale deployment of mission critical safety systems, the mindset of 'move fast and break things' certainly doesn't cut it," he added, referring to a slogan popular at Facebook in its early days.

Cruise in May announced that it raised US$1.15 billion in a new funding round that valued the unit at some US$19 billion.

Cruise is working against rivals such as Uber, Alphabet car unit Waymo, Tesla and others in what is expected to be a large market for autonomous cars.

GM acquired Cruise in 2016 and has been conducting testing in the San Francisco area where the unit is headquartered.

Cruise has hired more than a thousand engineers, raised billions of dollars of capital, achieved deep integration with General Motors and focused testing in complex urban environments, according to Ammann.

He maintained that Cruise and its partners are well on the way to making self-driving cars, but that there is wisdom in taking the time to get the right.

"There is clearly a reckoning happening today around 'Big Tech' and Silicon Valley, and I believe it's something that needs to be taken very seriously," Ammann said.

"We've seen what happens when transformative technologies are deployed without deep engagement with, and consideration for, the community."


Proton Edar gets new CEO

                SUBANG JAYA: Proton Holdings Bhd has appointed Abdul Rashid Musa as the CEO of Proton Edar Sdn Bhd effective Feb 1, 2017.

This confirmed part of a StarBiz report earlier today, titled Geely leads in bid for Proton where it was noted that the national automaker had made management changes in preparation for the entry of a new technical partner.

In the report, Chinese automaker Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd is said to be leading the race to become the technical partner of Proton.

 Abdul Rashid Musa.

Abdul Rashid replaces Rohime Shafie who has been assigned to DRB-Hicom as the Head of Automotive in the Automotive Distribution and Manufacturing & Engineering Division reporting to Datuk Abdul Harith Abdullah, Chief Operating Officer, Automotive Distribution and Manufacturing & Engineering, DRB-HICOM.

Abdul Rashid has over 27 years experience in the automotive field, and was a mechanical engineering graduate from the University of Malaya in 1989.

Prior to this appointment, Abdul Rashid was the Chief Technical Officer of Proton.

In a statement, Proton CEO Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Kenali said he was pleased to welcome Abdul Rashid as the new head of Proton Edar and thanked Rohime for his dedication and commitment since his secondment to Proton on August 20, 2014.

Proton Edar is a wholly owned subsidiary of Proton, which distributes Proton cars and provides sales and after-sales services.


Motorsports-themed hotel launched in Port Dickson

                PORT DICKSON: If regular hotels have become too run-off-the mill for your liking, try out Hype Motorsports Hotel in Teluk Kemang, Port Dickson that gives a motor racing theme.

This first-of-its-kind boutique seaside resort in Malaysia has 64 rooms fully-decorated with motorsports theme and feel.

Motorsports heroes featured include Formula One driver Michael Schumacher, MotoGP riders Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi, motorcross rider Toni Cairoli, rally driver Sebastian Loeb and local MotoGP rider Hafizh Syahrin.

Rooms inclusive of breakfast starts from RM180 per night with 20 units of the top-tier room categories offered with massage chairs and free Wifi.

Other amenities include Astro sports with 10 local channels, mini bar, security safe, kettle, "sports bucket" chairs and touchcard lock system.

Hype Motorsports Hotel also has two guest rooms which caters to needs of disabled.

It also comes with an adult and child pool, mini race circuit, racing simulator, snooker table and foosball.

 Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik astride a superbike at the launch of Hype Motorsports Hotel, Port Dickson. With him are VIP guests.

The hotel which started operations on Dec 15 last year, was offically launched yesterday by Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik.

Hotel Pro chief executive officer Johari Mohd, a national motorcycle racer from 1980s to 1990s, said he dreamt up the themed-hotel after spending 34 years in the hospitality and tourism industry.

"The hotel will offer job opportunities to local residents and perhaps spur more spillover economic activities in the Teluk Kemang area," he said.

Aside from various food and beverages packages, the company is also planning a "Durian Pakage" from June 1 to Aug 15 where guests can enjoy tasty durians.

At the launch, the company also introduced the HYPE energy drink brand.


Volkswagen to launch self-parking ID5 electric SUV in early 2022

                BERLIN: Volkswagen is expanding its ID family with the ID5, set to roll up beside the ID4 and ID3 at the beginning of 2022.

At around €47,000 (RM227,000), VW's first SUV coupe is a more premium car and is set to cost around €2,000 (RM9,631) more than ID4, with which it shares many technical features.

But the ID family's new top car is also set to add a few cherries on top and is bringing several new features, including the ability to overtake cars automatically when you turn on the indicator.

The car can also remember manual parking manoeuvres and subsequently carry them out on its own. Volkswagen is also adding a new adaptive voice control system.

Stretched to 4.61 metres and with flowing lines, the ID5 offers a similar amount of space as the ID4. Although the rear-seat passengers lose some headroom, the luggage compartment is the same size in the basic configuration at 549 litres.

Only when the rear seat is folded down do ID5 owners pay the price for the more elegant rear and have to be content with 1,561 litres, according to VW.

The ID5 is offered in three performance levels: In addition to two rear-wheel drive variants with 174hp and 204hp, there is also the all-wheel drive GTX. The latter has a second motor up front to bring it to 299hp, VW says.

This top model can accelerate from a standstill to 100kph in 6.3 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 180kph. The other two models can reach 160kph.

The battery is always the same and has a usable capacity of 77kWh. Depending on the variant, this is enough for 480km to 520km, VW promises.

Although the ID5 is built on the same platform as the other ID models, the SUV coupe is a little more advanced. For example, its software status not only allows for online updates, but for new smart features to be purchased.

In addition, the ID5 can also be charged two ways, meaning you can use the car to power household devices if needed.


Cloned car syndicate busted, 19 vehicles worth RM3.5mil seized

                KUALA LUMPUR: A cloned car syndicate was busted by the police with the arrests of six men and the seizure of 19 vehicles worth RM3.5mil.

The six suspects are aged between 22 and 42, and were arrested in raids conducted in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Pahang, Johor and Penang from Feb 2 until March 2.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Saiful Azly Kamaruddin said a team from the KL Criminal Investigation Department raided a used car dealership in Cheras and seized a Honda car with a modified chassis number on Feb 2 following a tip-off.

"This led to the month-long operation codenamed Ops Lejang. The suspects were arrested and the cloned vehicles were seized," he added at a press conference at the KL police headquarters on Friday (March 5).

Comm Saiful Azly said the syndicate would target cars with unpaid loans, stolen cars or cars that were brought in from Singapore.

"The syndicate would modify the chassis numbers based on cars that been declared a 'total loss' and they would obtain the information on such cars from accomplices or through the Internet, ” said Comm Saiful Azly.

He added that the original car grants would then be obtained through an inside man in an agency, and the syndicate would then sell the cars to unsuspecting customers after the forgery was completed.

"The cloned vehicles would be sold for about RM100,000. We believe the syndicate sold up to six vehicles a month if the demand was good," he added.

Comm Saiful Azly also said that a check revealed that the chassis numbers for 16 of the 19 vehicles seized had been tampered with.

"Nine of the tampered vehicles were reported stolen in Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Selangor and Perak," he said.

Asked if insurance companies or members of a government agency were involved with the syndicate, Comm Saiful Azly said police were investigating that possibility.

He also urged those with information on cloned cars to call the KL CID special ops room at 03-21460670, the KL police hotline at 03-21159999 or the nearest police station.


Two British firms team up to build electric yacht

                OXFORD: Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) is working with fellow Oxfordshire-based firm, OXIS Energy Ltd, on the production of a world-first battery system, designed for an all-new 40ft electric luxury boat.

Williams Advanced Engineering is part of the Williams Group, a distributor of premium marques such as Land Rover, Jaguar, BMW and MINI.

The craft, from Yachts de Luxe (YdL) of Singapore and designed by the renowned boat designer, Jean Jacques Coste, will be the world’s first ever luxury boat to be powered by Lithium Sulfur (Li-S) cell and battery systems technology.

The objective is to achieve a range between 70 and 100 nautical miles at cruising speed – setting new standards for range in electric boats.

WAE will be responsible for the state-of-the-art 400 kWh battery system, which comprises ultra-light, high-power/high energy density Li-S cells – provided by OXIS Energy Ltd, – and the battery management system (BMS).

The design and manufacture of the cell modules, the BMS and its installation will be carried out by WAE at its dedicated battery facility in Grove.

The latest programme celebrates a history of collaborations between Williams Advanced Engineering and OXIS designed to revolutionise the rechargeable battery market including a UK funded, Lithium Sulfur Future Automotive Battery (LiS:FAB) projectand the ALISE programme; a pan European collaboration focused on the development and commercial scale-up of new materials and understanding electrochemical processes involved in Lithium Sulfur technology.

“We’re extremely proud to be involved in this exciting initiative which we believe showcases the way in which the UK is positioning itself to be at the forefront of this emerging market. In addition, the application has relevance for a number of additional sectors including aerospace, aviation, urban air mobility, transportation and defence” said Craig Wilson, Managing Director, WAE.

Huw Hampson-Jones, CEO, OXIS Energy, added, "“Williams has a significant level of battery technology expertise and skills across the range of vehicle applications. This expertise, combined with OXIS’s world leading Centre of Expertise in Lithium Sulfur, gives vehicle manufacturers, on land, sea and in the air the confidence to engage with our next generation of rechargeable battery technology, with the necessary assurance to achieve their desired mission profile, at a high level of performance and safety - far in excess than what current technology offers.”


VW's sharp new Amarok pickup has North American genes

                BERLIN: Volkswagen's new Amarok pick-up, which has been developed together with Ford in order to cut costs, has plenty of North American DNA but it remains a genuine Volkswagen, the German mobility giant has promised.

The two companies are pooling their resources as part of a global alliance and the Amarok will be assembled alongside the newly-announced Ford Ranger at a plant in South Africa.

The revamped Amarok, which hits showrooms later this year, is the second generation of the load-hauler first introduced in 2010. Its name comes from the language of North American Inuit and means "wolf".

The new car comes with a V6 diesel as standard and the Amarok name debossed in very large letters on the cargo box at the rear.

This one of a number of styling cues which prevent the Amarok from looking like a badge-engineered version of the Ranger. VW said the clear, taut body surfaces and upmarket interior with different switchgear sets the car apart from its rivals.

VW Commercial Vehicle CEO, Carsten Intra, said the Amarok will be a "genuine Volkswagen with clear DNA in both technology and design."

North America is one of the biggest markets for pick-ups and US-made examples accounted for five of the industry’s 10 best-selling vehicles in 2020.

With year-end sales of almost 726,000 units, the Ford F-Series was the best-selling light truck in the United States last year, according to Statista, which gathers market-relevant data on companies worldwide.

Although not very fuel-efficient, high-riding pick-up trucks appeal to a wide range of American motorists for their robustness and versatility.

Designed for towing and hauling, many modern pick-ups can also comfortably fit a family of five. Most models also cope well with the rigours of off-road driving.


Hyundai Kona Electric: Up to 470km travel range

                LONDON: With the launch of the Kona Electric, Hyundai Motor is offering the first fully-electric subcompact SUV on the European market.

The all-new 2018 Hyundai Kona Electric features two different powertrain versions.

The long-range version of the fully-electric subcompact SUV, with the 64 kWh battery provides an electric range of up to 470km and an energy consumption of 15.2 kWh/100 km (internal target under WLTP regulations).

The electric motor delivers an output of 150 kW, accelerating the Kona Electric to 100 kph in impressive 7.6 seconds.

With a battery capacity of 39,2 kWh, the basic version drives you up to 300km on a single charge with the motor delivering 99 kW and an energy consumption as low as 14.8 kWh/100 km (internal target under WLTP regulations).

Both powertrain versions deliver 395 Nm of immediate torque, offering the driver of Kona Electric great fun-to-drive, having the full power available from the first second, providing a maximum speed of 167 km/h.

The shift-by-wire gear control system enables operation of the car simply by pressing buttons to switch driving modes.

Charging the lithium-ion polymer battery up to 80% only takes about 54 minutes using a 100 kW direct current (DC) fast charger.

With the 7,2 kW on-board-charger, charging with alternating current (AC) takes 9 hours 40 minutes for the long-range battery pack and 6 hours 10 minutes for the shorter-range battery pack.

Drivers also have the option of charging their car at a compatible regular household power socket using the ICCB-cable (in-cable control box).

“Hyundai Motor is already leading in future mobility solutions,” says Andreas-Christoph Hofmann, vice president of marketing and product at Hyundai Motor Europe.

“By launching our new Kona Electric, we are pushing our ambitious eco car strategy forward. It's a car of no compromise – combining an SUV body type with electric-mobility."


Volvo V90 Cross Country gets Polestar upgrades

                GOTHENBURG: Volvo's dedicated tuning and racing arm, Polestar, has decided that the new V90 Cross Country station wagon cum SUV is in need of a performance boost.

Rather than a dedicated "hot" variant, when you go to specify a new Cross Country, you'll be able to select a Polestar performance upgrade pack on the model's existing engine with tweaks available for the T6, D5 and D4 models.

However, regardless of a petrol or diesel engine, Polestar claims that owners will notice the difference without having to head out to the closest racing circuit.

"Our focus is as always on creating usable performance, just as when we develop our racing cars to win championships," said Polestar Touring Car race driver Thed Björk. So the cars are tuned to offer more feedback and response at mid-range, such as for getting away from danger quickly, accelerating to overtake or to join a highway.

"[We treat] the entire powertrain, including engine, gearbox, throttle response and more, as one unit when developing our optimisations," said Björk.

In other words, a Polestar Volvo shouldn't just feel more spritely in a straight line.

Since its financial re-invigoration thanks to new Chinese backers, Volvo has been building cars that can go toe to toe with the best premium products coming out of Germany in terms of styling, luxury and practicality.

And now by bringing its Polestar racing division closer to its core cars, it is starting to fill in the gaps in its range that are missing when looking at AMG tuned Mercedes, M-badged BMWs and Audi's ever expanding S and RS variants.

"To include the V90 Cross Country, a true adventure crossover, in our optimization program is a vital part of our operation," said Niels Möller, Chief Operating Officer of Polestar. "Our product provides performance-oriented customers with a new level of driving pleasure."


BMW chief says considering second US plant

BMW may add a second US plant in addition to the one in Spartanburg (shown here), which makes the X series models.
LOS ANGELES: BMW is considering a second US plant that could produce engines and transmissions, chief executive Harald Krueger said on Tuesday, shortly after a report that US president Donald Trump would impose tariffs on imported cars from next week.

Krueger in an interview at the Los Angeles Auto Show also said he backed British Prime Minister Theresa May’s current Brexit plan to divorce Britain from the European Union.

“The compromise on the table is something I can clearly support,” he said. May is drumming up support for the divorce deal with the European Union ahead of a Dec 11 vote in British parliament.

BMW is considering changes to US operations as sales in the region grow, Krueger said. BMW has a US vehicle assembly plant, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, is planning to open a Mexico factory next year, and is considering changes to its current scheme of importing engines and transmissions.

“We’re at the range where you could think about a second location” in the United States, he said, adding that such a factory would provide a natural currency hedge.