Auto sector shifts gear towards recycling parts, batteries

                PARIS: From ageing electric batteries to old engines to rearview mirrors, the auto industry is revving up its recycling efforts as it faces pressure to reduce its colossal carbon footprint.

The world's automakers are investing in facilities to salvage old parts but the industry is also looking to recycle the millions of electric batteries used for the cars of the future.

While electric cars are cleaner than their fossil fuel forebears, the raw materials needed for their batteries are extracted from mines in Africa that are often accused of environmental damage and using child labour.

"As demand for these materials increase, the pressures on these (economically marginalised) regions are likely to be amplified, risking the goals of a socially and ecologically sustainable renewable energy system," according to the Institute for Sustainable Futures at University of Technology Sydney.

How the auto industry will manage its electric transition is likely to be among the hot topics at the two-week COP26 climate summit hosted by Britain starting Oct 31.

The sector produces more greenhouse gas emissions than the entire European Union, with 20 percent of it coming from manufacturing, according to the World Economic Forum.

Batteries can account for as much as half the price of electric cars, with a life expectancy ranging between eight and 15 years.

Recycling them could have a considerable impact.

It could reduce demand for lithium by 25 percent, cobalt by 35 percent, and nickel and copper by 55 percent in 2040, the Institute for Sustainable Futures said in a report in April.

But new mining projects are under way, with "the potential for adverse impacts on local environments and communities, including pollution of soil, air and water, human rights abuses and unsafe working conditions," the Australian institute said.

It is technologically possible to recover over 90 percent of the metals used in batteries, but the effort is "limited by the lack of a strong economic driver or policy that could encourage the use of recycled materials," the report said.

The European Commission wants to require that 12 percent of the cobalt, four percent of lithium and four percent of nickel used in electric batteries be from recycled material from 2030.

Leading a 'Revolt'

China is ahead of the game, according to experts, with battery maker CATL recently announcing the construction of a 32-billion-yuan (RM21bil) recycling plant in Hubei province.

Redwood, headed by one of the founders of US electric car champion Tesla, raised US$500 million (RM2bil) in July to expand its recycling facility.

Swedish startup Northvolt - a Volkswagen and BMW partner - plans to launch next year a factory capable of recycling 25,000 tonnes of batteries per year.

The company has pledged that 50 percent of its battery components would be made from recycled materials by 2030.

The project, dubbed Revolt, is part of the company's promise to be the greenest battery maker in Europe.

Northvolt's chief environmental officer Emma Nehrenheim warned that all market forecasts have underestimated the growth of battery production.

"Production is constantly growing," Nehrenheim said.

"I'm more worried about the fact that Europe won't be ready. I see lots of interest, but there could be some gaps. Readiness is needed. We have to act now," she said.

French nuclear giant Orano is launching a project to apply techniques used for extracting uranium to recycle batteries.

French waste management company Veolia has a pilot project at a plant in eastern France that recycles smartphone and computer batteries.

At the plant, batteries are stripped of their plastic covering and the aluminium foils that hold the cells, which are then shredded to dust to extract the different metals.

Recycling dashboards

It is not just electric batteries that are being recycled as the industry aims to one day produce "circular cars" - vehicles with a net-zero carbon footprint.

In France, a joint venture of automaker Renault and utilities group Suez dismantles 5,000 cars per year for their parts.

The company, Indra, has taken its industrial process to Belgium, Portugal and Switzerland.

Workers empty fuel tanks and strips a car of its engine, tyres, dashboard, rearview mirrors, and other parts within two hours - around 35 percent of the weight of the vehicle.

Each car can fetch up to €400 (RM1,934) in salvaged parts which are sold to repair shops or private consumers. The rest is pressed, melted, burned or recycled for other sectors.

Jaguar Land Rover has a project to recycle aluminium from scrapped vehicles, which the company says could cut CO2 emissions from production by 26 percent.


Toyota and Lexus to introduce new safety systems in 2018

                TOYOTA CITY, JAPAN: Toyota Motor Corp and its luxury marque Lexus will roll out second-generation safety systems in their vehicle line-ups from 2018.

Toyota Safety Sense is a set of active safety packages developed to reduce accidents.

Key features include:

- Pre-Collision System (PCS), which helps prevent and mitigate collisions with vehicles and pedestrians ahead
- Lane Departure Alert (LDA), which helps prevent vehicles from departing from their lanes
- Automatic High Beam (AHB), which helps ensure optimal forward visibility during nighttime driving

The second-generation Toyota Safety Sense being rolled out in 2018 will continue to use the single-lens camera and millimeter-wave radar currently used in Toyota Safety Sense P.

Smaller-sized units will be designed for easier installation.

It will be further enhanced with the following:

- Expansion of the scope of hazard detection, and improved performance for the camera and radar

Adding night-time pedestrians and cyclists to the scope of hazards detected by PCS.
The current system is unable to detect nighttime pedestrians and cyclists.

Road Sign Assist (RSA)

Key road signs are read by the camera and displayed in the instrument panel.

This reduces the possibility of overlooking speed limits and traffic rules, such as stop signs, no entry signs, and no overtaking signs.

- Advanced driving support feature Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)

Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) keeps the vehicle in the center of a lane by assisting the driver in steering control when using Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

LTA also comes with Lane Departure Alert (LDA).

With the ability to recognize shoulders on straight roads without white lane markings, it gives alerts when deviating off roads, and assists in regaining track.

The rollout (either as standard or optional) of the first-generation Toyota Safety Sense in almost all passenger cars in Japan, North America, and Europe has recently been completed.

Already, a total of five million vehicles worldwide are fitted with Toyota Safety Sense.

In actual traffic conditions, effects of accident reduction can be seen, such as a 50% reduction in rear-end collisions and 90% in combination with the Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS).


deli by Shell opens at Abdullah Hukum LRT station

                KUALA LUMPUR: Shell Malaysia has unveiled deli by Shell, Malaysia’s first stand-alone deli out of Shell retail stations at the Abdullah Hukum LRT station.

Designed to provide extra convenience to Malaysians in their daily commutes, deli by Shell offers meals and beverages on-the-go featuring Shell’s signature deli2go delicacies, as well as local favourites including nasi lemak bungkus, ikan bilis doughnut and Buttermilk Chicken rice bowl.

The first-ever instalment is part of Shell’s initiatives to go beyond the forecourt to give Malaysians a convenient pit-stop in their daily commutes to refuel with a warm meal, caffeine boost, or a quick bite.

Shell Malaysia Trading and Shell Timur managing director Shairan Huzani Husain said that the company was constantly innovating with the customer at the heart of its decision making.

"We’re looking after not just vehicles, but people on their journey.

"As people’s busy lives require even more on the move convenience, we took this bold step to offer convenience and great food and drinks to commuters beyond our stations,” he said.

Shairan also said, “LRT riders can now enjoy extra convenience at deli by Shell amidst their busy schedules. We want customers to enjoy Malaysian comfort food whether it is a hot cup of Kopi O or a pack of freshly prepared nasi lemak. Shell strives to provide customers with that extra ‘oomph’.”

Customers can choose from more than 20 delicious food items on the current menu.

Highlights include local favourites such as nasi lemak bungkus, cheong fun, Hainan breakfast, buttermilk chicken rice bowl, and Shell’s classic deli2go pastries with a local twist.

In addition, customers can also enjoy the all-day combo that comes with Kopi-O and Teh-O for a complete meal.

deli by Shell at Abdullah Hukum LRT station marks the beginning of a new journey as the company expands beyond the retail station.

Shell strives to continue making a difference in the everyday journeys of every Malaysian — whether on the road or public transport.

For more updates and information on deli by Shell and other Shell’s initiatives, visit www.shell.com.my.


Mercedes amps up renewable energy switch with Iberdrola wind deal

                BERLIN: Mercedes-Benz said on Thursday it had signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Spain's Iberdrola for 140 megawatts (MW) of wind energy from a Baltic Sea wind park, part of automakers' push to make production costs more predictable.

Production chief Joerg Burzer said Mercedes was focusing on securing wind capacity in northern Germany and installing solar capacity in the south of the country, which gets more sunshine but is less windy.

The Iberdrola deal, in which Mercedes will invest a three-digit million euro figure, means the carmaker has solar, onshore and offshore wind PPAs for capacity equivalent to half of its electricity demand in Germany by 2025, Burzer said in an interview.

PPAs are long-term contracts to buy electricity directly from a generator at a pre-negotiated price, providing producers with guaranteed financing. Big companies, including carmakers, are increasingly signing such deals to better control production costs and cut CO2 emissions.

The contract is one of the largest ever signed with a car company, Iberdrola said in a statement, but also did not disclose its value.

Iberdrola said the Baltic Sea Windanker project will have 315 megawatts of capacity and will fully operate in 2027. The Spanish power utility already operates the 350-MW Wikinger wind farm also in the Baltic Sea and is building the 476-MW Baltic Eagle in the same area.

Mercedes aims for 70% of its energy demand from vehicle production to be covered by renewable sources by 2030. It said on Thursday it has reached its target of a 50% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from 2018 levels by 2030 early, and so is raising that target to 80%.

Burzer said he was confident that battery storage would develop to the point of enabling consistent renewable power supply, and that hydrogen would play a role in providing baseload energy.

"Of course there are periods where the sun doesn't shine and the wind doesn't blow, but these are not so common in Europe. Hydrogen can secure the remaining part," he said.

"It is the last few percentage points that are the hardest... there is still a lot to do on the technology side," Burzer added.

Renewable energy accounted for 46.9% of German power consumption in 2022, with the rest coming from coal, nuclear, and natural gas. In Europe, the latest available figures from 2021 show around 22% renewable energy consumption.

Plans to fuel industry via hydrogen in Germany are still in their infancy, with the construction of the first hydrogen pipeline network approved last December.


Jaguar Land Rover to build electric cars at British plant, says paper

                LONDON: Britain’s biggest automaker Jaguar Land Rover is expected to announce plans this week to build electric cars at its central English Castle Bromwich factory, the Sunday Times reported.

An all-electric version of its XJ luxury sedan will be the first of three new vehicles to be made from a common skeleton followed by a sport utility vehicle, the newspaper said.

The company could not immediately be reached for comment.

The move would be a rare bright spot for the British automotive sector which has been hit by job cuts, plant closure announcements and falling sales in recent months linked to tumbling demand for diesel vehicles and Brexit uncertainty.


Ex-Daimler boss Dieter Zetsche tapped for new auto-focused SPAC

                NEW YORK: Kensington Capital, whose blank-check firms have already taken public QuantumScape Corp and Wallbox NV, has tapped former Daimler AG chief Dieter Zetsche as vice chairman for a fourth automotive-focused special purpose acquisition company.

Its latest SPAC, Kensington Capital Acquisition Corp IV, filed Thursday to raise US$200 million in an initial public offering.

The company said it will focus on acquiring a business “operating in the global automotive and automotive-related sector.”

SPACs offer early stage companies an easier route for going public than a traditional IPOs.

As is typical with other SPACs, Kensington Capital IV will have two years to find a merger target and complete a deal, or face the prospect of refunding its investors.

Zetsche, who left Daimler in 2019, brings more than 45 years of automotive experience to the SPAC, including his role in the 2007 split of Daimler and Chrysler, according to the filing.

Zetsche also serves on the board of Luminar Technologies Inc, a company that was backed by tech billionaire Peter Thiel and went public in a SPAC deal in 2020.

Kensington’s first SPAC reached a deal in 2020 to acquire solid-state battery startup QuantumScape. The combined company’s shares listed in November that year and have fallen about 26% from its price at the time.

Kensington’s second SPAC took Barcelona-based electric vehicle charging company Wallbox public last in October. Wallbox shares have jumped 49% since then.


The McLaren show stopper

                LONDON: The second-generation McLaren Super Series, which will be unveiled on March 7 at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show, is set to redefine expectations of supercar capability with phenomenal stopping performance to equal its extreme acceleration.

Reaching 200kph (124mph) in 7.8 seconds, McLaren’s new supercar can then brake to a standstill in just 4.6 seconds and 117 metres – six metres less than the 650S and almost on par with the legendary McLaren P1.

“As well as delivering the outstanding driver involvement and enjoyment for which the brand is renowned, McLaren’s new supercar will also excel in everyday driving,” explained McLaren Automotive Chief Test Driver, Chris Goodwin.

“The extreme performance and dynamic prowess of the second-generation Super Series, honed by testing at the limits and beyond, provides the perfect foundation for it to be the most complete supercar across the full range of use.” McLaren has released a short film showing the car during dynamic testing, driven by Chris Goodwin.

The exceptional braking capabilities of the second-generation Super Series were perfected during the most rigorous development programme of dynamic technologies ever undertaken by McLaren Automotive. Lighter, stiffer brake calipers, carbon-ceramic discs as standard and optimised brake pedal feel and modulation at the limit are key elements in delivering the incredible stopping power, with tyre performance also critical.

Working in close co-operation with Pirelli, McLaren engineers developed a new, bespoke Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyre for the second-generation Super Series that supports a six per cent improvement in mechanical grip compared to the McLaren 650S. The Corsa tyre is one of a range of Pirelli tyres developed specifically for McLaren’s new supercar, all of which provide superb driver feedback as well as ensuring extreme levels of grip and braking performance.


New Hyundai i30 revealed

                LONDON: Hyundai Motor has released new details of the new i30 before its debut at the Geneva Motor Show. The new i30 will feature a new design, advanced connectivity features and offer an electrified 48-volt mild hybrid option, resulting in increased fuel efficiency.

Hyundai is also updating its i30 N Line range. The i30 N-inspired design features will continue to be available on the i30 hatchback and fastback models. For the first time in the model's history, the i30 wagon is available with the motorsport-inspired N Line trim like the hatch and fastback iterations.

“By listening to our customers, we’ve determined there is a need for a safe, reliable car in the C-segment that also offers modern features such as state-of-the-art connectivity and efficient powertrains – and that looks good,” says Andreas-Christoph Hofmann, Vice President Marketing and Product at Hyundai Motor Europe.

 i30 N Line.

The new i30 comes with an enhanced powertrain line-up to offer customers even more freedom of choice.

The 1.0-litre T-GDI petrol engine with 120PS will be available with a new 7-speed dual clutch transmission, in addition to the previously-available 6-speed manual transmission. It is now available with 48-volt Mild Hybrid technology for better fuel efficiency and for the first time with a 6-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT).

The new i30’s exterior design is both bold and sleek, giving it more emotional appeal. The front is characterised by a wider-looking, more modern stance. The wider grille features an accentuated 3D pattern that emphasises the agile look of the car.

 i30 N Line.

At the rear, the new i30 5-door is enhanced with a new bumper design, which was developed to improve aerodynamic performance. The LED rear combination lamps create a V-shape for a symmetrical effect between the front and the back.

The new i30’s value is further enhanced by an improved Hyundai SmartSense advanced safety package, making it safer and more convenient than ever before.

Lane Following Assist (LFA) automatically adjusts steering to help keep the vehicle centred in its lane. The Rear Collision-avoidance Assist (RCA) system can activate the brakes to avoid a collision when the car is in reverse.

And also new to the i30 is LVDA (Leading Vehicle Departure Alert), a system which warns the driver when the vehicle ahead of them starts moving forward and they don’t react quickly enough – for example, at traffic lights.

 i30 N Line.

The new i30 is now available with new, redesigned diamond-cut 16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels that round off the side view of the new i30.

The dynamic, motorsport-inspired trim N Line trim has undergone a comprehensive design update for i30 Hatchback and Fastback also.

The new i30 N Line features bold new design with an even sportier look. At the front, the new i30 N Line has a wider central grille and new headlamps.

The completely new design of the rear bumper underlines the dynamic N Line character. The wide diffuser makes a sporty statement and a gives the rear an impressive stance, while the repositioned fog lights focus the visual centre of gravity closer to the ground.

In addition, the new i30 N Line Hatchback and Fastback features tuning updates for suspension and steering in combination with the 1.5 T-GDi 160PS engine for a more dynamic ride.

 i30 wagon N Line. i30 N Line.


Two men, one woman nabbed over viral Mercedes Benz street racing incident

Police have seized the cars for illegal racing.— Photo courtesy of Sinar Harian
PETALING JAYA: Police have arrested three individuals, including a woman, to assist in investigation into an illegal race involving two yellow Mercedes-Benz, Sinar Harian reported.

Kota Baru District Police Chief ACP Abdul Rahim Daud said the individuals, who were in their 30s, were arrested between 8pm and 9pm on Monday.

"The woman was arrested at her house, while the two men came to the district police station after they were called.

"All of them are self-employed, and the two vehicles were also seized for further investigations," he said when contacted by Sinar Harian today.

ACP Abdul Rahim said the case was being investigated under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for reckless driving.

"I want to remind the public not to treat roads as a racing track or to show off and cause inconvenience to others.

"The police will take stern action," he said.

A viral 2.28-minute video showed two yellow-coloured Mercedes Benz illegally racing on the streets at Jalan Kubang Kerian heading towards Pasir Hor.

The race was said to have halted traffic for other road users.

Sinar Harian said the incident, which occurred at 2am, was believed to be connected to a cosmetics businessman in Kelantan who owned one of the luxury cars.


BMW kicks off OTA upgrades for 2 million cars worldwide

                MUNICH: BMW has announced its third over-the-air (OTA)upgrade this year – this time for around two million BMW vehicles worldwide.

By the end of 2021, the world’s largest upgrade-compatible fleet will be on the roads, with over 2.5 million connected BMW vehicles, from conventionally powered cars to plug-in hybrids to the fully-electric BMW.

BMW’s most extensive Remote Software Upgrade campaign to date began with the rollout of the latest version of BMW Operating System 7 (Ver. 21-07) on Monday.

The campaign kicked off in Germany, with other markets to follow in stages.

This comprehensive Remote Software Upgrade campaign will focus on expanding and improving driver assistance functions.

Spotify will also enhance the entertainment experience offered by BMW Connected Music and can now also play podcasts.

M3 and M4 drivers can look forward to a unique new sound experience while driving, thanks to M Sound Control.

New to this campaign is that My BMW app users can exclusively download this version during the first two weeks.

The upgrade will then be available to all customers as an automatic download directly through their vehicle.

The My BMW app connects customers to their vehicle via their smartphone, turning it into an intelligent interface.

In addition to allowing the new Remote Software Upgrade to be downloaded into the vehicle, the app also provides a convenient way to plan trips or set up a service appointment.

From November 2021, the My BMW app will offer functional enhancements in the field of electromobility and information on the vehicle status, among other features.

With the current upgrade, more than 30 models and 1.6 million vehicles worldwide will be able to update their software directly.

It will also be possible to roll out the current version (Ver. 21-07) to almost 400,000 more vehicles with an older software version.

The requirement is that these vehicles have a software version with upgrade capabilities (Ver. 20-07); this can easily be achieved by installing the previous version.


Most parents text while driving, but millennials may be more dangerous

                BOSTON: More than half of US parents believe it’s unsafe to text while driving, but most of them do it anyway, a new survey suggests.

"I think many people believe that texting and driving is unsafe, but also have gotten away with reading and/or writing texts at some point, reinforcing a false sense of safety," said senior study author Dr Regan Bergmark of Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston.

Indeed, 52% of millennial parents (22 to 37 years old) and 58% of older parents said they thought it was "never" safe to text and drive, researchers report in JAMA Pediatrics.

But almost two-thirds of parents have read texts while driving, and more than half of them have also written texts, the survey of 435 parents in 45 US states found.

"The problem with smartphones is that they have become an unavoidable part of daily life for most people," Bergmark said by email.

"Many people are expected to be reachable by phone or email immediately, to be reachable for their children or work," Bergmark added. "Being a responsible adult therefore often means always being reachable – yet we also know that while driving, being reachable carries with it the risk of a crash."

About 16% of millennial parents and 10% of older parents in the survey said they had been in at least one crash in the previous year.

Compared to people who didn’t experience a crash, those who did were much more likely to have a variety of unsafe driving habits like speeding, texting, emailing, and doing other things on their phones, the survey found.

Roughly three in four parents said they didn’t recall their child’s paediatrician speaking to them about distracted driving or the dangers of texting while driving.

And only about one in four millennials and about one in six older parents had used apps or cellphone features aimed at cutting back on distracted driving.

The study wasn’t a controlled experiment designed to prove whether or how texting or other activities might cause crashes or if any specific interventions might help reduce this risk.

"In general, it is never safe to use a smartphone while driving," said Despina Stavrinos, director of the Translational Research for Injury Prevention (TRIP) Laboratory at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

"There are a number of apps that can help to limit distracted driving, by disabling cell phone features when the vehicle is in motion," Stavrinos, who wasn’t involved in the study, said by email. "The simplest thing to do is to put the phone out of sight and out of reach to reduce the temptation to drive distracted."

Smartphones, however, are hardly the only dangerous source of distraction, Stavrinos said.

"Distractions are tasks that require a driver to take his/her eyes off the road, hands off the steering wheel, and mind off of the road," Stavrinos added.


Bangkok International Motor Show 2023: Lexus RX 450h+

                BANGKOK: Lexus’ first plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) RX is another highlight at the Bangkok International Motor Show 2023, held on 22 March – 2 April, 2023 at the Challenger Hall, Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani.

The Lexus RX 450h+ was launched in Thailand late last year, and comes in two all-wheel drive (AWD) grades, namely Luxury priced from 4.64 million baht (RM602,051) and Premium which starts from 5.09 million baht (RM660,440).

Lexus in Thailand offers a warranty on the 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery for up to 10 years, unlimited mileage.

The fifth generation RX’s adapted GA-K platform allowing the hybrid battery to be located entirely beneath the vehicle floor.

This enhances dynamic performance by contributing to the car’s low centre of gravity and helps secure more space in the cabin and the load compartment.

Along with a multi-link rear suspension and adaptive variable suspension, which automatically adjusts itself in real-time, the new RX is said to deliver outstanding stability, exceptional road grip, and responsive steering and throttle.

The RX 450h+ delivers 304hp and has a 2.5-litre inline-four engine, large-capacity high-output lithium-ion batteries, and front and rear motors.

Its EV (electric vehicle) driving range is said to be 69km, and all-electric driving can be done up to 135km per hour.

Crucially, when the hybrid battery is depleted, the RX 450h+ switches to its advanced 4th generation self-charging hybrid system.

In most other plug-in hybrid vehicles, the car defaults to its petrol engine, which means higher emissions and poorer fuel economy until it can be connected to a power supply for recharging.

In the Lexus, the vehicle switches seamlessly to hybrid electric performance, so that the battery is recharged as you drive.


Facelifted BMW 3-Series debuts

                MUNICH: German carmaker BMW's most popular model has received a subtle exterior nip and a tuck but a serious internal update for 2015.

The new sedan and estate car has been tweaked to look lower, wider and more dynamic - thanks to new bumpers and headlights.

The chassis and suspension system have also received some serious attention so that the car remains fun to drive, even in the face of increasing competition from the like of Jaguar.

The most noticeable change for 2015 however, will be found under the owner's right foot.

That's because each of the three- four- and six-cylinder gas and four-cylinder diesel engines offered for the new car are new powerplants, with new levels of performance or efficiency, depending on whether economy or excitement is at the top of your list.

BMW said Wednesday it was confident about the outlook for 2015 after getting off to a good start in the first three months.

“The BMW group continued to perform well during the first three months of 2015, with sales volume, revenues, profits all rising to new highs,” the automaker said in a statement.

BMW said it “reaffirms its targets for the full year. (We) can look ahead to the rest of the year with confidence.”
In the period from January to March, group revenues grew significantly by 14.7 percent to 20.917 billion euros ($23.5 billion). Underlying or operating profit rose by 20.6 percent to 2.521 billion euros and net profit came in at 1.516 billion euros, up 4.0 percent on the year.

Unit sales climbed by 8.1 percent to 526,669 units, “thus setting a new record for the period,” the statement said.
“We have got off to a good start in 2015,” said chief executive Norbert Reithofer. “We are aiming to achieve solid growth in 2015, and hence new record figures for sales volume and profit before tax,” he said.

Economic conditions in some regions “will, however, continue to pose challenges. The situation on the Russian automobile market, for instance, is likely to remain difficult. The ongoing process of normalisation of the Chinese automobile market is also likely to continue, resulting in less dynamic growth,” Reithofer cautioned.


Infiniti registers first US vehicle in Cuba in 58 years - VIDEO

                NASHVILLE: Cuba is a a country where vintage cars are still running around and visiting the place is like a journey into the past. So when Infiniti took its ultra-modern Q60 there, it was more than just an oddity.

Infiniti executive design director Alfonso Albaisa imported the Q60 to Havana, making it the first US-spec car registered in Cuba in 58 years. The move was also to trace his roots back to his parents’ birthplace.

Now based in Japan, where he oversees all four Infiniti design studios across the world, Alfonso grew up in Miami.

This was his first opportunity to visit Cuba and see the curves of the mid-century modern architecture of his great-uncle Max Borges-Recio, including the Tropicana, Club Nautico, as well as Borges Recio’s own home.

In the process, Alfonso may have also found the origins of his own design DNA that is expressed in the unique flowing lines of current Infiniti vehicles.


NaaS unveils first automatic charging robot

                BEIJING: To meet the rising demand for mobile charging of electric vehicles (EVs), NaaS Technology Inc has launched its first self-developed automatic charging robot with features including active vehicle locating, smart charging, and automatic payment settlement.

One of the largest and fastest growing electric vehicle charging service providers in China, NaaS Technology said intelligent and unmanned EV charging will open up a massive market for smart charging.

As China's first EV charging service provider listed on Nasdaq, NaaS had connected over 515,000 chargers as of Dec 31, 2022.

NaaS has more than 100 domestic and overseas patents across charging services, mobile charging devices, and integrated photovoltaic (PV)-storage charging station solutions.

Meanwhile, NaaS' charging robot was independently developed by the company's Automatic Energy Replenishment Solution team, whose members include former employees of Bosch, BMW, and other globally reputable carmakers and technology companies.

The team has profound expertise and experience in robotics, autonomous driving and vehicles, industrial automation technology, software algorithms, sensors and other related areas.

During an automatic charging session, robots with mechanical arms will automatically dock with the ports of EVs and complete the charging and settlement processes in one go.

Empowered by deep learning, 5G, vehicle-to-everything (V2X), simultaneous localization and mapping, and other underlying technologies, NaaS' waterproof and shock-proof charging robot brings science fiction to life with one-click ordering, active vehicle locating, precise self-parking, automatic docking, charging and undocking via mechanical arms, and automatic return and recharging functions.

It is available in various charging power and battery capacity configurations and can connect with major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) seamlessly through an open API (application programming interface), enabling EV owners to enjoy unmanned service anywhere, around the clock, saving much time and effort.

Currently, the automatic charging robot is already able to connect with the EV car system through its underlying API interface.

In case of insufficient battery power, the automatic charging robot will initiate an automatic vehicle search.

On approaching the vehicle, the independently developed mechanical arm will accurately detect the position of the charging port and complete the automatic plugging and unplugging of the charging gun, executing an unmanned operation throughout the entire process.


Climate protesters tell carmakers 'the party is over'

People taking part in a bicycle demonstration on a highway to protest against climate-damaging cars, as the Frankfurt Motor Show gets underway. — Reuters
FRANKFURT: Thousands of protesters marched in front of Frankfurt’s IAA car show on Saturday to demand a swift end to combustion engines and a shift to environmentally friendly vehicles as Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government prepares to unveil climate protection measures.

Police here said some 15,000, including many cyclists, took part in the march. Organisers put the number at 25,000 and said that around 18,000 cyclists had descended on the city.

Protesters took aim at SUVs, seen by environmentalists as a highly polluting status symbol that has no place in cities.

“STOP SUV,” “SUV not cool,” and “We can’t replace our lungs” read some of the signs held by protesters.

Merkel’s conservatives and their Social Democrat (SPD) coalition partners held talks on Friday about a package of measures expected to expedite Germany’s ambition to double the share of its power from renewable sources to 65% by 2030.

The government is expected to unveil the costly measures on Sept 20.

READ MORE: Greenpeace posts protest sign over Hyundai billboard in S. Korea

“Enough to policies that prioritize cars in our cities,” said Ernst-Christoph Stolper, deputy head of Friends of the Earth Germany. “Pedestrians and cyclists need to conquer the urban spaces that belong to us.”

The protests have urged German carmakers to speed up a transition to electric and hydrogen vehicles, after the 2015 diesel scandal in which Volkswagen admitted to cheating emissions tests.

Germany’s big three, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz maker Daimler and BMW, assume that in 10 years about half of their cars will be emissions-free.

Carmakers are expected to invest some €40 billion on alternative drive terrains in the next three years, highlighting the urgency to fix the image of an industry tarnished by the diesel scandal and avoid bans on diesel cars in cities.

The death of four pedestrians, including a three-year-old boy, on a Berlin street this month after the driver of a Porsche SUV apparently lost control has sparked a debate about whether cities should ban the large vehicles from their streets.

German car executives responded, saying the tragedy could have happened with any car.

“Car industry, the party is over,” said Christoph Bautz of the Compact organisation, which advocates for progressive politics.


VW stamps its mark in Sabah

                KUALA LUMPUR: Volkswagen has expanded to Sabah with a new service centre in Kota Kinabalu.

The centre is operated by Kota Bumi Sdn Bhd. It has three service bays and certified technicians on hand to provide aftersales service.

According to a statement from Volkswagen, the Kota Kinabalu centre is the only site in Sabah where both new and current Volkswagen owners will be able to make warranty claims and queries.

All servicing and repairs are to be carried out only at Kota Bumi for Sabah customers to enjoy Volkswagen’s 5-year warranty coverage.

As part of its launch promotion, the centre is offering a free diagnostic check for all Volkswagen vehicles, 20% discount on labour charges for servicing and an additional 3.5% discount off spare parts. The promotion is valid from now till Nov 30.

The centre is located at Lot 162, Lok Kawi Industrial Estate, KM18, Lok Kawi, 88820 Kota Kinabalu. For more information, call the centre at 016-878 3093.


Prince Harry and F1 champion Lewis Hamilton open Silverstone museum

Harry and Hamilton posing with one of Hamilton's helmet as they visit the Silverstone Experience at Silverstone circuit, in Towcester, Britain, today. — Reuters
SILVERSTONE: Prince Harry and Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton opened a new museum today at Britain’s Silverstone race circuit, in one of the prince’s last public duties before he quits as a working member of the royal family this month.

Harry arrived in an electric car driven by six-time world champion Hamilton and was greeted by dignitaries including former world champion driver Damon Hill.

The pair also met F1 drivers George Russell and Alex Albon, along with local schoolchildren.

Silverstone was an airbase during World War II and the first British Grand Prix of the modern era was held there in 1948.

The museum houses cars and bikes from 70 years of racing at Silverstone in central England, with interactive games and replicas for visitors to try.

On Thursday, Harry and his wife Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, attended an awards ceremony for wounded service personnel, appearing together for the first time since January’s announcement that they would stop their royal duties.

Next week, Harry, 35 and Meghan, 38, will carry out what is expected to be their last official appearance alongside other senior royals including the 93-year-old queen, Harry’s father and heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles, and his brother Prince William at the annual Commonwealth Service at London’s Westminster Abbey.


myTukar presents Proton X70 to contest winner

                KUALA LUMPUR: myTukar has just concluded its first car giveaway contest as part of its fourth-year anniversary celebration.

The lucky winner, Mohamad Ariff bin Mohamad Borhanud, 27, from Kuala Lumpur, drove away with a mint-condition Proton X70, 1.8 TGDI Executive 2WD (2019), worth over RM100,000, the highest value car giveaway by myTukar, to date.

The car giveaway contest ran over a period of two months, from Dec 1 last year to Jan 9.

The winner was chosen via a lucky draw on Facebook Live.

Ariff said he was excited and overwhelmed when he found out that he won.

“It definitely turned my entire day around. When I was announced as the winner, I was in shock! With my budget and financial planning, I was just thinking about buying a simple Proton Satria Neo, and did not even consider the possibility that I could win a car as grand as the Proton X70,” he said.

Ariff’s new car, as with all other vehicles sold under myTukar, has undergone an extensive full service to ensure its safety and quality is top notch. The vehicle has also passed through the online used car marketplace's full car inspection, to detect for any defects.

 (From left) Carro chief financial officer Ernest Chew, Derrick Eng, Mohamad Ariff, his wife Habibatun and myTukar sales general manager Siew Weng Hou at the prize giving.

myTukar CEO Derrick Eng said it was encouraging that more people were considering to get used cars.

“We are thrilled and excited to present Ariff with a high quality car such as the Proton X70. This is by far the highest value car giveaway being done in Malaysia to date,” he said.

He also said car purchases done under myTukar, was transparent and hassle free.

“Customers buying their vehicles from myTukar will find the process seamless and smooth sailing, from obtaining JPJ’s approval, securing car insurance and financing options settled by myTukar’s Product Geniuses, right down to the transfer of ownership,” he said.

He also said the company was planning on conducting even more contests and giveaways this year through its retail campaigns.

“We might be even giving away premium car services. More details regarding the contests and giveaways will be revealed upon the commencement of the campaigns,” he said.


Allianz Malaysia revamps EV fleet with two Nissan LEAFs

Zakri (left) and Allianz Life Insurance Malaysia Bhd CEO Joseph Gross with the LEAFs.
KUALA LUMPUR: Allianz Malaysia Berhad (Allianz Malaysia) recently revamped its fleet of electric vehicles (EV) with two 2019 Nissan LEAFs.

This was a continuation of Allianz Malaysia’s green agenda to reduce its carbon footprint, which first began with the first fleet of EV cars in 2015.

The second-generation LEAFs, which are being leased from Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd for the next three years, can travel up to around 300km on a full-charge and is available for employee-use.

Allianz Malaysia Bhd chief executive officer Zakri Khir said that having the Allianz-branded LEAF, the world’s first mass-market EV, was a welcome change.

“We were shopping around for a new fleet of EV cars and the Nissan LEAF was a great fit for many reasons. The car has a great resume — zero-emission and comes equipped with its own safety and driver assist technology. This all bodes well for our green agenda and at the same time, we are looking forward to our employees enjoying a smooth and safe ride on us,” said Zakri.

According to Nissan, the LEAF has saved more than 2.4 billion kilograms of carbon dioxide since they were first introduced in 2010.

Its first batch of electric cars were leased and received from Cohesive Mobility Solutions (COMOS) Malaysia in early 2016. COMOS offers the electric Renault Zoe and Twizy for rental or lease.


Toyota to launch plug-in, hybrid cars in China in 2018

                BEIJING: Toyota plans to sell heavily electrified, so-called plug-in hybrid cars in China starting in 2018, its head of China operations, Hiroji Onishi, said today.

The plan is aimed at taking advantage of generous purchase incentives made available to Chinese consumers buying such fuel efficient near-all-electric cars, along with all-electric battery cars in China.

Onishi told a media event ahead of the Beijing auto show that the Japanese carmaker plans to launch plug-in hybrid versions of the Toyota Corolla and Levin in China in 2018.

"Our decision to launch plug-in hybrid versions of the Corolla and the Levin reflects the depth of our resolve and commitment to the Chinese market," Onishi said.

He did not say whether Toyota plans to produce those cars in China, but the company officials at the announcement said that was a possibility.

To qualify for China's incentives for plug-in hybrids, Toyota officials at the event said it would have to meet certain conditions.

One executive who declined to be identified said those plug-in hybrids for China should be able to run all in electric mode for over 50km at full charge.


Mercedes-Benz S 560 e plugin hybrid arrives at RM660K (est)

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Mercedes-Benz flagship S-Class model range in Malaysia gets expanded with the inclusion of the S 560 e (W222) plugin hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that boasts of up to 50km worth of emissions-free range.

With an estimated price of RM658,888 (on-the-road without insurance) and an optional Wallbox at RM7,745 (with cable), the S 560 e can be also be financed at RM6,588 per month via Mercedes-Benz Malaysia's Agility Financing programme.

The S 560 e - replacing the outgoing S 400 h, uses a 362hp/500Nm  3.0 litre (2,996cc) twin-turbo V6 combustion engine to power the rear wheels and combines its efforts with a 121hp/440Nm electric motor.

With a total system output of 476hp/700Nm of torque, performance is managed by a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox allowing it to sprint from 0 to 100kph in 5.0 seconds and onwards to an electronically-limited top speed of 250kph.

In full-electric mode, this W222 PHEV variant is able to provide up to 50km worth of driving range thanks to a significantly larger 13.5kWh Lithium-ion battery pack (versus 6.3kWh) that can take up to six hours (domestic/home charger) or as little as an hour and 48 minutes (Wallbox charger) to fully charge.

While riding on an air suspension system, the S 560 e rolls on 19-inch wheels with 245/45 series run-flat tyres and has been further outfitted with a panoramic sliding sunroof, multibeam LED headlights with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, Magic Vision Control (automatic wiper with integrated washer system), keyless entry with push-start button and a soft-seal door closure system.

Inside, the cabin receives Nappa leather for the ventilated seats, door inserts, dashboard, centre console, multi-function steering wheel (with paddle shifters) and arm-rest while being accented by high-gloss brown burr walnut wood trim.

Other standard conveniences include a 410-litre boot (+15 litres) as well as pre-entry climate controls, heated/ventilated seats with massage function and Energising comfort control, ECO Assist, Night Package, Chauffeur package and an Air Balance package.

ECO Assist works continuously to generate coasting simulations where it computes whether the vehicle should ideally be allowed to coast freely with the lowest possible driving resistance when releasing the accelerator, or whether it should be decelerated so that the battery can be efficiently charged (recuperation).

The Chauffeur package offers a host of adjustment and setting options in terms of seating position of the front-passenger seat EASY ADJUST luxury head restraint for the front passenger and footrest that is power-retractable on the front passenger side.

Also, pre-entry climate control allows for various cabin temperature settings for the air conditioning, heater, heated seats, steering wheel heater, armrest heaters, and optional seat ventilation prior to setting off.

The infotainment system uses a 13-speaker Burmester surround system that has been integrated with COMAND Online, COMAND touchpad controller and providing connectivity options such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity to name a few.

Driving aids include adaptive cruise control (up to 210kph), Active Steering Assist, Active Braking Assist, 360-degree surround view camera, tyre pressure monitoring system.

Also on display was the C 300 e plugin hybrid electric vehicle which was on showcase next to the left-hand drive EQC all-electric sport utility vehicle during the launch.


Honda announces cheaper CKD cars

                KUALA LUMPUR: Will car prices go down after GST comes into effect? Honda answers that much-asked question with a clear yes.

It has announced that locally assembled models will be RM500 to RM2,500 cheaper with the deployment of the goods and services tax (GST) from today.

Honda assembles the Jazz, City, Civic, CR-V, Accord and HR-V in Malaysia.

For example, the City 1.5L V is now RM89,467.80 compared to the pre-GST price of RM90,813.50. The HR-V 1.8L V is RM118,229.10 compared to RM118,815.30 previously.

READ ALSO: What the other car brands are doing

Fully imported models are now priced slightly higher. For example, the Odyssey will see a price increase of between RM500 and RM1,000 following the GST implementation, said Honda Malaysia managing director and CEO Yoichiro Ueno at its media night gathering on Monday.

Honda Malaysia is among the first car companies to shed light on where its prices will swing, and its announcement is in line with a recent Customs Department declaration that cars will be cheaper with the switch to GST. The 6% consumption tax replaces the Sales and Services Tax.

The local GST is still the lowest in the region. Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia impose a 10% GST rate. In Singapore and Thailand, it is 7%, while the Philippines' GST is 12%.

More good news came with the announcement that Honda's spare parts will on average be 3.7% lower for all models. However, labour costs will see a hike with the addition of the GST.

Looking at the bigger picture however, overall maintenance costs in view of the cheaper replacement parts, would be down 2% to 4%, depending on model, said Ueno.

He also said Honda remains the No.1 non-national brand for the first quarter of 2015.

Its first quarter sales forecast is 21,563 units, a growth of 37% over the same period last year.

Ueno said March sales was the highest on record with 9,000 units expected to be sold, with sales led by the hot selling  HR-V, CR-V and City.

Ueno continued that while Honda vehicles were selling well in urban areas, it was underrepresented in outlying areas and in Sabah and Sarawak.

He said one of Honda Malaysia’s focus this year is to strengthen its reach across the country via more dealerships, parts and distribution centres as well as training facilities.

 GST Rates across South-East Asia


Zoom Zoom with Mazda BT-50

The BT-50 (model code J97M) is a compact/mid-size pick-up truck produced by Mazda since 2006, and brought into Malaysia a year later.

It is a larger version of the predecessor B-Series pick-up, and is not sold in the Japanese and North American market.

The first version of the BT-50 in 2006 shared its Duratorq/MZR-CD 2.5L and 3L diesel inline-four engines with the Ford Ranger during the Mazda-Ford partnership that started from 1979 and largely ended by 2010.

Mazda fans rejoiced again when the totally updated BT-50 was launched here recently.

At first glance, these CBU units from Thailand look rather handsome.

It is not difficult to understand why this is the case, as the designers wanted to make the truck as car-like as possible.

Words like the Zoom-Zoom philosophy are bandied about, and it means the driving experience is one that is ensconced in comfort.

The new BT-50 gives all the ruggedness of a workhorse, while insulating its occupants from the harshness of the road.

According to Mazda, significant improvements have been introduced in the powertrain, steering system and frame to deliver “driving pleasure and better environmental performance”.

The attractive-looking front uses familiar Mazda design elements.

While not quite the Kodo design philosophy, the exterior aesthetics are still stylish.

At the rear, the horizontally-aligned combination lamps give a hint of sportiness, without overdoing it.

The real pleasure starts when one enters the cabin, which is where the BT-50’s car-like design is really evident, even before the engine is started.

There is a CD player and an integrated multi-function display, as well as dual zone air-conditioning.

Storage space and cupholders in the cabin are aplenty.

The front door pockets can fit one-litre water bottles, and there is a storage box beneath the rear seats.

Billed as the “Active Lifestyle Vehicle”, the BT-50 does not disappoint on the performance front, and delivers the moment one floors the accelerator, thanks to its variable geometry turbocharger mated to the inline-4, 16-valve MZ-CD 2.2-litre common-rail direct-injection power plant.

This turbodiesel delivers 150PS at 3,700rpm, while the maximum torque of 375Nm comes in a rather early 1,500 – 2,500rpm range, giving the BT-50 very respectable performance figures when stacked against rivals sporting larger 2.5-litre engines.

And so, this diesel-powered pick-up feels like a powerful petrol-engined car when it comes to acceleration, with good feel across all gears.

The rack-and-pinion steering that adjusts its power assistance according to engine speed is also a welcome refinement.

The six-speed manual shifts smoothly, and clicks into the right slots without any difficulty, again lending to driving pleasure.

Its large platform provides stability, and the BT-50 felt well planted when driven fast along the KL-Karak Expressway.

Mazda engineers had done extensive simulation and testing, resulting in an aerodynamically efficient shape that also contributes to high-speed stability.

Insulation against engine and wind noise is good.

Switching from two-wheel mode to four-wheel mode is a cinch, with the control dial conveniently located.

According to Mazda, the BT-50 has multiple, high-tensile steel reinforcements, with the frame being optimised to absorb and disperse collision energy.

A six-airbag system has been adopted, and there are ISOFIX child-seat anchors in the rear seats.

While there is no such thing as a perfect pick-up truck, this one comes pretty close with its great handling and solid feel.


Aceman: MINI shows off concept of new electric car

                MUNICH: MINI is giving drivers a glimpse of a new car set to slot in between the shrinking three-door MINI and growing Countryman, an electric crossover called the Aceman.

As it switches to an electric platform developed with Great Wall Motors in China from 2023 onwards, MINI is again shrinking the size of the three-door model, while the Countryman is set to increase in size.

That means there's room in between for another model series from 2024, the manufacturers have announced. The Aceman concept, if put into production, would see the creation of a new five-door electric with slightly increased ground clearance.

The crossover is 4.05 metres long, 1.99 metres wide and 1.59 metres high. However, thanks to the space saved in the car's floor from the electric platform, it should offer more room for passengers than the current Countryman.

In addition to the new format, the British BMW subsidiary is also introducing a new design language with the Aceman. The brand face has been revised, and the Aceman brings a more angular look, even if it's still immediately recognisable as a MINI.

On the inside, the British manufacturer is mainly promoting their new infotainment system. As before, it is based on a circular display in the centre of the dashboard, albeit now larger.

In addition, there are new areas for storing items and a sustainable choice of materials that will do without leather in future.

MINI has not yet given any details on the technology. However, a few months ago the British already announced the key data for the successor to the three-door model built on the same platform.

It will be available in two versions: the MINI Cooper E with 185hp and a 40kWh battery for a standard range of 300km or the Cooper SE with 225hp and 50kWh.

This should make up to 400km possible. Similar values are also expected for the Aceman.


Kejara demerit points system to go ahead

                KARAK: It’s a go-ahead for the implementation of the Demerit Points System – the Kejara – which could see the suspension and even cancellation of driving licences by drivers who flout traffic rules.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said it would expedite the implementation of Kejara to ensure that motorists strictly follow traffic laws and regulations.

“We will implement Kejara (because it makes) motorists obey the rules and traffic procedures, indirectly creating more awareness on road safety, and build better road culture,” he said.

The ministry, said Liow, was in the midst of gathering public feedback on Kejara as well as the Automated Enforcement System (AES) until next month.

“We have the system. The JPJ (Road Transport Department) is building up the software and capability to implement it effectively,” he said at a Chinese New Year gathering with residents from Taman Bukit Dinding here yesterday.

Road accident and death rates, he said, had become a very serious issue in Malaysia, adding that despite the Government conducting many road safety campaigns, it still failed to bring down figures.

Malaysia, he said, had ratified almost all the recommendations by the United Nations on road safety measures.

“We are working with the other agencies and private sector to respond to the UN’s initiatives in reducing road accidents,” he added.

On the Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar’s recommendation to increase traffic fines, Liow said this was only one of the measures that could reduce traffic accidents and fatality rates.

However, he said to effectively reach that goal, this had to be implemented together with other methods such as the Kejara and AES, adding that the ministry was adopting a multi-points approach on this matter.

Earlier, Liow, who is also Bentong MP, visited four families whose homes were destroyed in a 1.20pm fire in Taman Karak here before handing over RM500 in financial aid each.

A committee comprising local residents had been set up to provide help to the victims, he said.

He later attended a Chinese New Year celebration with the residents from Taman Gemilang and Taman Bukit Indah in Bentong.

Earlier, Liow attended the Lunar New Year open house of Tenaga Nasional Berhad, during which hundreds of guests were treated to a variety of food and entertained by, among others, a lion dance troupe and an acrobatic group from China.


Video of motorcycle rider surfing monster waves goes viral

                SYDNEY: A video of a daredevil stuntman surfing the waves of Tahiti on a modified motorbike has captured the attention of the internet, attracting more than 3.1 million hits within a day of being uploaded.

In the four-minute video, Australian motorcycle stunt rider Robbie Maddison makes history, skipping off the surface of impossibly clear blue waters in French Polynesia, before riding the most iconic waves of Tahiti, Teahupoo and Papara on his two-wheeled surfboard.

At one point, Maddison looks dangerously close to being swallowed up by the powerful waves, but a teaser shot shows the biker's form miraculously emerging from the swell.

Though Maddison is no stranger to adrenaline-pumping stunts - he doubled for Daniel Craig in the James Bond film Skyfall" - the biker told Surfer magazine that he feared for his life at one point during the ride.

"I don't think the photos or video show how physical it was," he said. "You can't see that when the wave broke right behind me, I honestly thought that might be the end of my life. I've never felt like I was in the wrong place at the wrong time more than I did right there. It was a near-death experience."

 Maddison.


Car makers try to fight back against TikTok, Youtube theft trend in US

                CHICAGO: Two auto manufacturers say they are taking steps to try to curb the rise in thefts of their vehicles, including providing steering wheel locks to police in impacted areas and affected car owners.

Car thieves in Dayton and other cities across the Midwest and the nation have been targeting certain Kia and Hyundai vehicles because police say they have a security flaw that makes them easy to steal that has been shared all over social media.

"Kia America remains concerned about the increase in auto thefts of a subset of Kia vehicles," the company said in a statement. "It is unfortunate that criminals are using social media to target vehicles without engine immobilisers in a coordinated effort."

While it's unclear how many vehicles have this design vulnerability, data from the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles show that there are more than 475,000 Kias and Hyundais registered in the state, including more than 61,000 in the local Miami Valley region.

Dayton police say thieves have been exploiting a security design flaw in Kias made since 2011 and Hyundais made since 2015.

The security vulnerability means thieves can break open the steering columns on these vehicles and use a common USB charging cord to turn the ignitions and start the engines.

Viral videos on TikTok and Youtube give step-by-step instructions on how to steal these vehicles.

Some videos of people stealing cars and joyriding in them have millions of views, and law enforcement believe social media is partly to blame for the rise in thefts of these cars and SUVs.

Kia vehicles that have been going missing usually have "insert-and-turn" steel keys.

In a statement, Kia America said most of its vehicles in the United States are equipped with a key fob and a "push-button-to-start" system, which make them more difficult to steal.

2022 Kia models and trims have an immobiliser applied either at the beginning of the model year or as a running change, the company said.

Hyundai Motor America said criminals are targeting its vehicles without engine immobilisers. The devices became standard on all Hyundai vehicles produced after Nov 2, 2021.

It's unclear how many vehicles have this security issue, and both automakers did not provide this information when this newspaper requested it.

But the Dayton Daily News obtained state data about automobile registrations that show there are about 475,350 Kias and Hyundais registered in Ohio.

That includes about 20,050 in Montgomery County; 15,850 in Butler County; 9,450 in Warren County; 6,115 in Greene County; 5,500 in Clark County; 3,350 in Miami County and 1,170 in Champaign County.

Dayton police have recorded more than 90 thefts and attempted thefts of Kias and Hyundais this year.

"People who are bent on taking other people's property tend to find new and innovative ways to get that done," said Dayton police Major Jason Hall, commander of the patrol operations division.

He said thieves do not need "advanced technical knowledge" to steal Kias and Hyundais with a USB charger.

"As a policeman, absolutely I wish people didn't put videos online about how to steal cars, but I don't see that stopping," he said during a news conference earlier this month.

Most other local communities said they do not currently have major issues with thefts of Kias or Hyundais.

While many Kias may have push-button engines and newer Kia and Hyundia vehicles have immobilisers, thieves might not know or realise that until after they break into a vehicle and cause significant damage.

Multiple people whose Kias and Hyundais were stolen told this newspaper that the thieves caused thousands of dollars in damage.

Some vehicles are recovered by police, but owners say they face long waits for repairs because thefts of these brands of automobile are so widespread.

Kia America says it has provided steering wheel lock devices at no cost to law enforcement in affected areas to help deter theft and vandalism.

"That effort will continue in close coordination with local police departments for distribution to concerned owners of Kia vehicles not originally equipped with an immobiliser," the company said.

Hyundai says it has and will continue to work with local police departments to offer steering wheel locks to affected Hyundai owners.

The company also said it will make Firstech/ Compustar security kits available to buy and install at Hyundai dealerships and Compustar authorised installers across the country.

The kits, which will become available in October, target the "method of entry thieves are using to access these vehicles," the car company said.

Major Hall said third-party locks and immobilisers for steering wheels and brake pedals can be inexpensive ways to help prevent theft.

Alarms, with kill switches and immobilisers, also are very effective, but they are not cheap, he said.

This year, more than 4,850 vehicles have been reported stolen across Ohio and have been entered into the Ohio State Highway Patrol's Law Enforcement Automated Data System, according to data from the state patrol.

This includes about 323 vehicles in Montgomery County; 98 in Butler County; 62 in Clark County; 55 in Warren County; 38 in Greene County; 26 in Miami County; and six in Champaign County. – Springfield News-Sun, Ohio/Tribune News Service


2018 Geneva Motor Show: Toyota shows off GR Supra Racing Concept

GENEVA: The much anticipated Supra successor has been revealed albeit in concept form.

The GR Supra Racing Concept makes its world debut here, signalling Toyota's commitment to bring back its most iconic sportscar. It also shows the future potential for a car that can deliver high performance on road and track.

The prototype Supra is currently undergoing further testing before Toyota signs off on its production form. Toyota and BMW are using a new platform that the latest Supra and the upcoming Z4 sports car are using as a way to hasten development and reduce production costs.

Close to production

While what we are seeing now is the concept car, Toyota could be saving the final cut for the New York Motor Show later this month. It won't be a surprise if a hybrid is among the powertrain options.

Although it's too early to talk pricing, Forbes had reported that the Supra could start selling at US$50,000 (RM195,000), meaning it will compete with the Mercedes SLC Roadster and Chevrolet Corvette. The Supra is positioned above the Toyota 86, which is seeing waning sales in the United States.

A compact, two-door car, the GR Supra Racing Concept has a front-engine/rear-wheel drive configuration and makes use of advanced lightweight materials in its construction.

Created by Toyota's motorsports arm, Toyota Gazoo Racing, the concept expresses the "fun to drive" quality that Toyota president Akio Toyoda has exhorted the company to achieve.

The large "90" race number on its doors is a historical reference to Supra's codename and a big visual clue to the fact that this concept heralds Supra's return in a fifth generation.

The racing concept has a dramatic bodywork design that includes a large rear wing. It makes extensive use of strong but lightweight composite material for elements such as the wide front and rear bumpers, front splitter and rear diffuser, side skirts, door mirror housings and the rear wing.

The bonnet is crafted from the same material and features louvred air inlets. The windscreen and side windows are made of plastic.

The concept's chassis features lowered front and rear suspension using original equipment (OE) components. BBS racing wheels with centre-nut attachment are fitted with Michelin racing tyres. The braking system uses Brembo Racing callipers and discs and there is a racing exhaust.

The cabin is competition-focused and is fitted with a racing dashboard and OMP driver's seat and safety harness. OMP has also supplied the quick-release steering wheel, mounted on a racing column and equipped with a paddle shift system. The doors are lined with carbon fibre panels and the dashboard includes a racing display.

Bred on race tracks

Competition safety requirements are met by a full roll cage and fire extinguishers, and the fuel and brake lines, pedal box, battery and wiring looms are all designed to competition standard.

The GR Supra Racing Concept is to be featured in a new update of the Gran Turismo Sport video game, developed by Polyphony Digital Inc., and scheduled for release in April 2018.

Toyota Gazoo Racing first competed in Europe in 2007 (as Gazoo Racing). It began a long association with the Nürburgring 24 Hours with two Toyota Altezza cars (equivalent to the first generation Lexus IS) and a team comprising drivers and mechanics who were Toyota employees.

Toyota Gazoo Racing, has claimed two victories during its first season in the FIA World Rally Championship and won five rounds of the FIA World Endurance Championship. Its new vehicle development programme has produced the Yaris GRMN performance hatchback, the latest in a successful series of performance-focused GR-branded cars and the first GRMN model to be developed and built in Europe.

A fabled past

The Supra name evokes power, performance and handling that defined a succession of world-class cars for a quarter of a century. As a true sports car, the Supra built a reputation both as a formidable performer on the road and as an all-conquering machine on the racetrack, dominating Japan's top-level GT racing series and earning legions of fans.

The Supra still enjoys an iconic status among sports car aficionados, 16 years from the end of production. Its enduring popularity has been helped by its success as a popular model in the Gran Turismo driving simulator video game, and as a starring car in the first film in The Fast and the Furious global action movie series.

The Supra badge first appeared in 1978 on a larger and more powerful version of the second generation Celica before becoming established as a successful model in its own right.

Known as the A40, the original Supra was followed by three further generations: the A60 in 1981, A70 in 1986 and A80 in 1993.

The front engine/rear-wheel drive GT sportscar remained in production until 2002, and in its final generation it was Toyota's most powerful production model.

The Supra's reputation was greatly enhanced by its success in motorsport. Most notably, the fourth generation Supra, introduced in 1993, became the dominant force in the All-Japan GT racing?today's Super GT series?winning the GT500 class four times.

The Toyota Supra also competed in American IMSA sportscar racing in the 1980s and twice appeared at Le Mans in the 1990s.


Maserati Quattroporte 2017 is here, starts at RM778,800

                KUALA LUMPUR: Naza Italia, the official importer and distributor for Maserati in Malaysia, has introduced the new Maserati Quattroporte.

The latest-generation Maserati flagship has two new trim options: the GranLusso and GranSport.

Datuk SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, group executive chairman of the Naza World Group, said “The winning combination of elegance, power, versatility and technology that has made the Maserati flagship so beloved is accentuated in the exceptionally stylish new Quattroporte, earning the trident praise the world over.”

An electrically adjustable Air Shutter has been fitted in the front grille between the air vents and the engine’s radiator.

The Air Shutter provides optimal control of the engine’s coolant temperature and, together with the optimisation of the new front and rear bumpers, air conveyor and flat bottom, reduces drag by 10 per cent.

The redesigned central dashboard now accommodates a high-resolution 8.4-inch capacitive touchscreen with multi touch technology.

The new infotainment system is compatible with both the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring functions.

An additional new Surround View Camera is available as an option in combination with the Driver Assistance package.

All Quattroporte cars are now equipped with an Air Quality Sensor, which measures external pollution levels and prevents polluted air from entering the cabin.

Engine-wise, the Quattroporte is based on V6 architecture and available in certain markets with 350hp which is 20hp more than in the previous version, capable of delivering torque of 500Nm, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds and a faster top speed of 270km/h.

The Quattroporte is also available as the Quattroporte S, with the 410hp 3.0-litre Ferrari-produced V6 Twin-Turbo, with rear wheel drive.

This version offers 550 Nm of torque and a 286 km/h top speed, accelerating from 0-100km/h in just 5.1 seconds.

The Quattroporte GTS, powered by the immense 530hp 3.8-litre Ferrari-produced V8 Twin-Turbo with rear wheel drive, is capable of a peak torque of 710Nm with a top speed of 310 km/h, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds.

All versions of the Quattroporte are fitted with state-of-the-art ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and electronically-controlled Skyhook shock absorbers; with an ideal 50:50 weight distribution and extensive use of aluminium.

The Quattroporte is available at starting price of RM778,800.

Prices for the Quattroporte S and Quattroporte GTS are available upon request.

All three variants are petrol-engined and prices include a 3-year/60,000km service package, as well as local duties and taxes.

The New Quattroporte is available for viewing at Naza Italia’s showroom in Petaling Jaya.

As for the two new trim options, namely the GranLusso and GranSport; they are available as an upgrade for both Quattroporte V6 versions: Quattroporte and Quattroporte S.

The trims will be priced at the same level across the range.

The top-of-the-range version, the Quattroporte GTS, which features the twin-turbo V8, will be available exclusively with either the GranLusso or GranSport trims as standard.

GranLusso trim

The GranLusso trim stands out with its new front lower fascia design with an elegant floating bridge element and a delicate spoiler, trimmed with chrome bumper finish and body colour bumper profiles.

The exterior look is capped off with 20-inch Mercurio rims and black brake calipers.

Refining this model’s luxury even further is possible with the optional Ermenegildo Zegna Edition interior that features a patented silk fabric, an industry first, on the seats, doors, headliner and sun visors.

There are also the luxurious Radica wood dashboard and the leather steering wheel with wooden inserts, and comfort-oriented equipment like power foot pedals, electric rear sunblind, four-zone air conditioning, heated rear seats and extended keyless entry.

Gallery: GranLusso trimGranSport trim

The GranSport trim underscores the sporty character of the Quattroporte.

On the front of the Quattroporte GranSport, the dedicated restyling for the centre and side air intakes improves cooling while showcasing an aggressive front end.

An aggressive Black Piano spoiler completes the rear view.

The Quattroporte GranSport is fitted with 21-inch Titano rims and features a glossy black finish on the bumpers, red brake calipers and blue inserts in the front Trident and side Saetta badge, as well as blue Tridents at the centre of the wheels.

As an option, the front grille of the GranSport can be ordered in a gloss black finish.

There is high-gloss Black Piano wood trim on the dashboard, the brand new sport seats, the sport steering wheel with aluminium shift paddles, and the stainless steel sport pedals.

A further opportunity for customization is available in the form of the optional Exterior Carbon Pack for the GranSport trim.

This pack features wing mirrors, door handles and B-pillar cover, plus the profile of the front bumper, in carbon fibre.

Gallery: GranSport trim


Geneva Motor Show postponed further until 2023

                MILAN: The organisers of the Geneva International Motor Show said today that they would not organise the event next year due to "industry-wide issues relating to the Covid-19 pandemic".

The organisers said in a statement that direct and indirect issues linked to the pandemic left them "with no alternative".

They included both persisting travel restrictions for exhibitors, visitors, and journalists, as well as an ongoing global semiconductor crisis, which is leaving car manufacturers with new priorities, they said.

The decision comes after the show's 2019 and 2020 editions were also cancelled following the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The president of Comité permanent du Salon international de l'automobile, Maurice Turrettini, said that despite all efforts, organisers had to face reality.

"The pandemic situation is not under control and presents itself as a big threat for a large indoor event," he said.

Turrettini added, however, that he saw the decision as a postponement, rather than a cancellation.

"I am confident that the Geneva International Motor Show will come back stronger than ever in 2023," he said.


Ferrari gets latest JBL system and BMW gets an exclusive diamond surround sound system

                FRANKFURT (Germany): British audio pioneers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), debuted its 16-speaker diamond surround sound system while Harman International Industries featured its latest JBL sound system.

B&W’s diamond dome tweeters are a first of its kind and are part of the company’s 800 series diamond range of loudspeakers, which has a singular goal - to produce an audio experience that feels as though you are there with the artist in the studio.

The company has fitted such a system into the latest BMW 7-Series and says that the hardest material on earth is ideal for offering the perfect combination of lightness and rigidity to deliver crystal clear, lifelike treble for a truly revelatory audio experience.

It has a thin, yet rigid stainless steel speaker grilles feature acoustically optimised Fibonacci-patterned holes that allow more sound to pass through and is able to blend into the 7-Series’ luxurious interior.

The tweeters also feature Nautilus spiral diffusers to ensure unwanted sound gets cancelled out and is exclusively available as a premium option with the German carmaker’s flagship model.

The 16-speaker sound system includes three 25mm Diamond Dome Nautilus tweeters (front, left, centre and right), four 25mm Aluminium tweeters, seven 100mm Kevlar midrange drivers and two 217mm Rohacell central bass subwoofers.

A 10-channel 1,400W Class-D amplifier powers up all 16-speakers and also features QuantumLogic surround (QLS) sound processing as well as five different amplifier sound presets of studio, concert, on stage, cinema and lounge.

Harman, on the other hand, has outfitted the new Ferrari 488 GTB Spider features the latest JBL professional premium sound system with its 12-speaker sound system.

A 16-channel 1,280-watt JBL Professional Class-D high-performance amplifier powers the speakers and comes with QLS and Auravox Tuning to enhance the listening experience and provide maximum aural immersion.

“Ferraristi expect the best of the best, be it the engine or the audio system. So we at HARMAN have aimed at providing a best-possible sound experience, so the audio system will sound as great as the car,” said HARMAN president of lifestyle division Michael Mauser.


Cars are uninvited guests when Americans dine in parking lots

The outdoor movie screen at Kowloon. — Bloomberg
NEW YORK: Outdoor spaces hastily fancified for low-risk dining are keeping thousands of US restaurants from closing permanently. But crashing the dinner party are tropical storms, rats — and the occasional out-of-control vehicle.

On July 5, five people were injured when a sport-utility vehicle crashed into sidewalk seating outside 12 Corazones restaurant and bar in Queens, New York.

Over five weeks, vehicles bulldozed into temporary dining areas in Manhattan, the Brooklyn and the Bronx — missing customers and staff, but causing thousands of dollars in damage.

Such is the cost of trying to provide gracious service amid a national backdrop of hard-to-disguise highways, Dumpsters and chain-link fences.

Eighty kilometres south of Manhattan in Red Bank, New Jersey, where fine restaurants thrive alongside Jon Bon Jovi’s pay-what-you-can community kitchen, servers offer meals amid downtown architectural gems.

But mayor Pasquale Menna — himself a bit of a home chef — said no amount of decorating could bring the same charm to parking lots doubling as dining rooms alongside vehicular traffic.

“It’s not the Via Veneto,” Menna said. “A plastic palm tree just doesn’t do it.”

Covid-19 has decimated restaurants across the country. In an industry that reported US$863 billion in sales last year, four in five independent dining spots expect to close permanently without more federal cash assistance, according to an April survey by the James Beard Foundation and the Independent Restaurant Coalition.

The outdoors and summer’s long, warm days were supposed to be a lifeline. Restaurant owners rehired staff and bought patio furniture, tents and safety barriers. But as hungry crowds ended months of going-out withdrawal, the automobile and nature showed up without reservations.

Defensive dining

In Waldwick, New Jersey, on July 10, unoccupied tables and tents were scattered throughout the parking lot of Nellie’s Place by a car whose driver had fallen unconscious after a coronavirus test. The family-owned spot, famous for its thin-crust pizza, opened the next day with a new attraction: a concrete barrier.

Behind the fortifications, it’s “making enough money to pay our bills,” co-owner Karen Schultz said in an interview.

At the Havana Cafe in the Bronx, owner Ruben Rodriguez was spending more than US$150,000 on repairs after a car rammed hand-built plywood barriers, sidewalk seating and the storefront after hours on June 26.

“We see it as something else to come back from,” Rodriguez said in an interview.

 Customers dining outside a restaurant in Manhattan. — AFP

Even the day-to-day can be tough going. Tropical Storm Isaisis led much of the East Coast to pause outdoor activities, with some mayors ordering restaurants to suspend service, dismantle tents and bring tables and chairs indoors. The hurricane season, through November, is forecast to be busy.

But restaurateurs have little choice other than to set up outdoors in states that have blocked or limited indoor service, such as California, New York, New Jersey, Florida, New Mexico, Washington, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Michigan. Such restrictions have helped slow the spread of a virus that has sickened at least 4.8 million people and killed more than 156,000.

Kowloon, a landmark 1,200-seat restaurant north of Boston, has made a hit of parking-lot movie nights just off six-lane Route 1. Rented barriers surround lawn chairs on artificial turf patches, where customers order Cantonese, Szechuan, Thai and Japanese cuisine and watch “Grease” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark” projected on a screen.

“What worries me is come fall, when the weather becomes colder,” co-owner Bob Wong said by telephone. “What happens when people come inside?”

New York City’s Open Streets program, with more than 60 miles car-free through the pandemic, has at least 9,000 participants, about one-third of the pre-pandemic restaurant total, according to the city transportation department.

Open-air dining has employed at least 80,000 people, mayor Bill de Blasio said Monday, and officials are brainstorming an extension beyond Oct 31 and a return June 1. A day earlier in Park Slope, he said, he spotted “a beautiful New York City moment” of diners distancing and enjoying themselves.

“It was also a reminder that a lot of restaurants have been able to survive and a lot of people have been able to get their jobs back,” he said.

Non-humans are enjoying the meals as well. In New York, some restaurateurs have complained about rats showing up at outdoor venues. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned that rodents may become aggressive as they hunt for food after months of scarce waste-bin scraps.

Automotive ethos

In all, turning America into some sort of European streetscape isn’t easy. The task was tricky even for Europe: It took decades, starting in the 1960s, for Copenhagen’s transformation to pedestrian and cyclist paradise, its medieval streets blocked to motor vehicles and sowed with coffee shops, fine dining, flea markets and entertainment.

In the US, beholden to cheap gasoline and interstate highways that ushered in suburban life, the crashes point to an essential fault with car culture, according to Danny Harris, executive director of the New York City-based safe-streets group Transportation Alternatives.

“When a city gives an invitation for people to get out and take part, part of that is to make sure it’s safe and equitable and dignified,” Harris said in an interview.

Philadelphia, Chicago and Boston closed some streets. The Los Angeles-area Glendale Galleria mall closed one level of a parking garage, and beckoned diners with a decor heavy on fluorescent orange traffic cones. In Asheville, North Carolina, a pop-up grill set up at McCormick Field, a minor-league ballpark.

In 90 degree-plus temperatures on Saturday in Oklahoma City’s Paseo Arts District, Holly Bray and a handful of friends gathered for dinner and beers at Red Rooster, operating since 1937. Decorated flower pots on wheels were all that separated their table from a four-way intersection as traffic crawled by, stopping and starting in a 40kph zone.

Support for such places all over the country, Bray said, showed that people “are just desperate to get out and be around each other.”

“They’re our little neighbourhood restaurant,” she said.


Nissan on recovery path, incoming CEO Uchida tells employees

Uchida whips up employee morale, telling them today that Nissan is on the road to recovery. — Reuters
BEIJING: Nissan Motor Co’s incoming chief executive Makoto Uchida told employees in a video message on its internal website today that his mission is to “restore business performance and regain trust in Nissan,” according to a transcript of the message viewed by Reuters.

“Nissan is on the right path for recovery... although it might be a gradual process,” Uchida said.

Named CEO earlier this month, Uchida is expected to formally take up the post by Jan 1, 2020.

In picking Uchida, the board of Japan's second-largest automaker selected an executive who was not seen as a top contender in recent weeks.

He will be joined by Mitsubishi Motors executive Ashwani Gupta, who was named as chief operating officer. Former China chief Jun Seki, who was widely seen as one of the top contenders for the CEO job, will be vice COO, the company said.

The three will take the helm of a company that has been shaken by turmoil following the downfall of former Chairman Carlos Ghosn last year and the departure of former CEO Hiroto Saikawwa


Veoneer and Volvo Cars to split Zenuity software joint venture

                STOCKHOLM: Geely-owned Volvo Cars and auto tech supplier Veoneer will split their jointly owned software venture Zenuity as the Swedish carmaker focuses on developing autonomous driving software, the companies said today.

Volvo and Veoneer said last year they were conducting a strategic review of Zenuity, which develops software for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving, in part due to a wider introduction of self-driving cars being pushed further into the future.

Under the new agreement, Veoneer will integrate the current Zenuity business focused on ADAS software, while Volvo Cars will set up a new stand-alone company to take over Zenuity’s development and commercialisation of unsupervised autonomous drive software.

“This means that we will buy today’s systems (ADAS) from a more traditional supplier relationship, but development-wise we now want to put our focus on the next generation of products,” said Volvo chief technology officer Henrik Green.

Volvos’ part of Zenuity will focus on software that will be introduced in the next generation of cars based on Volvo’s SPA2 vehicle architecture platform, starting from around 2022, Green added.

The agreement will see about 600 of the current 800 Zenuity staff and consultants transfer to the new Volvo Cars-owned company, with the remainder moving to Veoneer.

Veoneer, which also makes radars and vision systems and expects 90% of its available market to be for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in the next decade, said the move would help it drive its business strategy more effectively .

The loss-making company said it expected annual savings of around US$30 million - US$40 million from the deal as well as a payment of around US$15 million from Volvo Cars, subject to final agreement.

Analysts at Carnegie said the move was positive for Veoneer, and that its decision to focus on ADAS software was the right one.

The split was expected to be finalised in the third quarter at the latest, the companies said.


Stand a chance to win amazing holiday packages, cash prizes at Caltex

                KUALA LUMPUR: Chevron Malaysia Limited, which carries the Caltex brand, is calling out to all die-hard automotive fans to strap on and get ready for an adrenaline-packed star power adventure and stand a chance to win awesome holiday packages, cash prizes and more.

The campaign was rolled out recently in conjunction with the premiere of Celebrity Car Wars Season 3, which currently airs on History Asia (ASTRO CH555 and CH575 HD).

Caltex is once again the proud presenting sponsor of the award-winning reality automotive competition series, which aims to showcase how Caltex petrol and diesel can help vehicles deliver under even more challenging driving scenarios.

The show features a star power line up from Asia who are competing against one another through 19 challenges to be part of the Celebrity Car Wars Hall of Fame.

Among the challengers on the show are Malaysian actor, producer and director Hans Isaac, who is up against Singaporean actor and comedian Munah Bagharib; Filipino actor and VJ, Diego Loyzaga; American-Filipino actor, model, and singer Xian Lim; Thai-Australian actor, singer, and model, Matthew Deane; his wife and competitor Thai R&B idol, actress, and social media influencer Lydia Sarunrat.

From now until Nov 30, 2018, customers need only spend RM40 on a fuel transaction in a single receipt at Caltex stations nationwide, send a picture of the receipt via WhatsApp to 017 7070683 and type Caltex<space>NRIC<space>date oftransaction<space>transaction total (Example: Caltex 880818008888 12/10 RM 45) to stand a chance to win prizes totaling over RM200,000.

Caltex believes just like the celebrities in Celebrity Car Wars who have pushed beyond their limits to complete the given obstacles to champion the show, the need to always be ahead in delivering the best engine solutions for consumers are a top priority for the brand.

Don’t miss out on the final episode of Celebrity Car Wars Season 3 this Sunday, Oct 28 at 9.55pm on Astro History Channel 555 and 575 HD.


Fuel prices go even lower from May 11

                PETALING JAYA: Petrol prices have dropped for the third week in a row under the weekly pricing mechanism, with RON95 and RON97 going down by 10 sen per litre for the second week of May.

The price of RON95 petrol will be RM2.01 per litre compared with RM2.11 last week, while the price of RON97 petrol will be RM2.29, down from RM2.39 per litre last week.

The price of diesel is also down by 13 sen to RM1.95 compared with RM2.08 per litre last week.

The new prices come into effect on Thursday and will remain in effect until May 17.

With this price reduction, Malaysia will have the 10th cheapest petrol prices in the world, according to the website Global Petrol Prices. Prior to this reduction, Malaysia was No. 12.

The Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry posted the new weekly fuel prices on Twitter.


CES electronics show returns to realism after self-driving bubble bursts

                LAS VEGAS: The age of adventure is being replaced by the realm of reality in the automotive displays at the annual Consumer Electronics Show here, once a fantastical flight of fancy that promised a Jetson’s lifestyle was just around the corner.

But now when the show opens Jan 5, CES will spotlight transportation technologies that are here and now, like autonomous tractors and electric cars.

After the high-profile collapse of Argo AI in October, the former self-driving unit of Ford Motor Co. and Volkswagen AG, the coin of the realm at this year’s CES is profit, not potential.

Car companies and startups alike will show technologies they expect will provide a return on investment in the near-term, not in some hazy tomorrow that may never come.

The show still will be packed with products trying to provide pizazz.

At least 274 auto and mobility exhibitors will cover more than 400,000 square feet – equal to seven football fields – a 70% increase in floor space from last year’s pandemic-depressed levels, according to the Consumer Technology Association that puts on the show.

But practicality and profit will be the buzz words at a more sober CES.

“There’s no question that there’s been a shift,” Gary Shapiro, president of the CTA, said in an interview. “The Biden administration has focused more on electric vehicles than they have on autonomous.”

And the transportation exhibitors are doing the same.

There will be an electric Ram pickup truck concept from Stellantis NV that is set to take on Ford’s F-150 Lightning, Rivian’s R1T and Tesla Inc.’s forthcoming CyberTruck.

Electric truck startup Lordstown Motors will show its Endurance plug-in pickup. BMW will show off a digital services concept car. General Motors Co., Mercedes-Benz and Volvo also are scheduled to tout new EVs.

As for autonomy, instead of robot rides aimed at taking us anywhere, the star of the show is likely to be John Deere’s self-driving tractor that promises to lighten the load on farmers by tilling the fields until the cows come home.

“It’s sexy realism,” Gary Silberg, a global partner and head of the automotive practice for consultant KPMG. “There are great toys out there and it’s going to be awesome, but we’ve got to be real about how we’re going to use them.”

Pushing the pragmatism is the mountain of money automakers have committed to take on Tesla in the emerging electric vehicle market. KPMG estimates global automakers are making a half-trillion-dollar bet on electric vehicles.

With that kind of money on the line, there’s not much appetite for pouring billions into autonomous vehicles every year with little hope of a return any time soon.

“People are realising that the market for large-scale adoption of AVs is still quite a few years away because the technology is just not mature enough,” Sam Abuelsamid, principal analyst of e-mobility with consultant Guidehouse Insights.

“The profits are almost certainly not going to be there in this decade.”

Auto executives are even paring back expectations on electric vehicles after confronting the reality of battery shortages and soaring raw material costs.

A new survey from KPMG of 500 global auto executives found they now expect just over one-third of global auto sales to be electric by 2030, down from nearly two-thirds a year earlier.

And one-third of automotive leaders don’t see autonomous vehicles being commercially available this decade.

With only so much money to spend, auto executives are putting resources into EVs at the expense of AVs.

Some 64% of US auto executives said they are very or extremely likely to sell off non-strategic parts of their business over the next few years to help pay for EV investments.

“When we asked these same questions last year, it was all rainbows and butterflies,” KPMG’s Silberg said. “But now it’s no longer theoretical and you see this realism.”

Private money also is getting real. The days of dazzling deep-pocketed venture capitalists with your whiz-bang display at CES are over, Abuelsamid said.

“We’re beyond the stage where there’s easy VC money to be had,” he said.

“The investment community has decided ‘we’re not going to put any more money into’” self-driving cars “‘because we don’t see it as a near-term growth business.’”

Quicker return

Carmakers have begun redeploying the capital they spent on self-driving research into automated features that promise a quicker return.

After taking a US$2.7 billion writedown on the shutdown of Argo, Ford is shifting its focus to semi-autonomous features, such as its Blue Cruise hands-free driving system that car buyers are showing a willingness to pay for right now.

The automakers “are asking, ‘Where can we make profits?’” Abuelsamid said. With systems that allow drivers to take their hands off the wheel on the highway, “they know they can sell that and the cost to develop it is much more modest” that full self-driving cars.

Carmakers are now turning inward and trying to revolutionize the cockpit with technology drivers can download to their car’s modem. Automakers are looking to offer an a la carte menu of features such as horsepower upgrades and dashboard gaming systems. They say such features could generate double-digit margins.

Stellantis and e-commerce giant Amazon.com Inc. will each have displays at CES showing how connected cars will transform the in-vehicle experience. Volvo and chipmaker Qualcomm Inc. will jointly show how they are revolutionizing the cockpit with infotainment and safety systems.

Many of the changes coming to car interiors started out as technology tested on full self-driving car prototypes, such as sensors that detect occupants in a vehicle.

“The big step,” Abuelsamid said, “is that a lot of the technologies we’ve been seeing at the show over the years are now migrating into areas that are becoming actual products that will launch over the next couple of years.”


Resources for this hydrogen motorcycle project will be open source

                BOSTON: A team of US researchers is beginning development of a prototype hydrogen-powered motorcycle, with the help of a South Korean fuel cell specialist.

In order to encourage other collaborations and projects, the resources related to this project will be made available to all.

The MIT EVT is a department within the Massachusetts Institute of Technology that specialises in the development of innovative electric vehicles.

The idea is to develop a power system based on a fuel cell capable of delivering performance the same as, or better than, a lithium battery.

As a first step, DMI has provided a fuel cell module that will be integrated into a motorcycle designed by MIT EVT.

The aim is for this fuel cell to provide clean energy and allow the vehicle to be completely carbon-neutral. In fact, the module uses hydrogen as a fuel source and converts it into electricity, ultimately producing only water vapour. By one day using green hydrogen, the vehicle's carbon footprint will be perfectly neutral.

Previously, this module was mainly used for drones and robotics, and this is the first time it has equipped a motorcycle.

Although it only provides a maximum of 1.5 kW of power, DMI will be able to provide a more suitable module in the future thanks to the first test data collected. In the long term, the scientists' goal is to develop a motorcycle that is both efficient, reliable and clean.

The original thing about this project is that all of its relevant resources and data will be open source, which means that any researcher or company will be able to use the development of this motorcycle to carry out their own research into hydrogen vehicles.

A large part of the design process will be available online, in order to encourage more companies and/or researchers to work on fuel cell vehicles, but also to assist them in their projects.