Spare us: The real danger of fake car parts

Oil filters are often the object of fakery.
COLOGNE: You may think you have found a bargain online when you stumble upon that spare part you desperately need for half the normal retail price.

Unfortunately, when things seem to be too good to be true, this is indeed usually the case with car parts.

Imitation spare car parts that try to mimic official versions are increasingly common online, and unwitting motorists that purchase the items can be making a life-threatening decision.

These supposed bargains can often turn out to be a very dangerous purchase. So how can car owners protect themselves from such bad quality fakes?

The problem is that, while the spare parts in question are often of much poorer quality to the originals, they look almost identical.

Parts that are most commonly forged include the V-belt, bulbs, brake pads, brake discs and oil, fuel and air filters.

Counterfeiters also make sure that packaging, test marks and security holograms are also identical to the original, says Thomas Fischer, member of the board of the German independent spare parts market (Vrei), representing the interests of auto parts manufacturers.

Especially with safety-related components such as brakes or steering, the inferior materials used in production can fail under certain circumstances, leading to accidents and even injuries.

"If a brake pad suddenly fails to brake properly, it can be life-threatening," says Fischer.

He advises consumers to critically compare prices to avoid fakes. "If spare parts on the Internet are clearly too cheap, it's time to get suspicious."

The easiest way to protect yourself, according to Fischer, is to leave ordering a new part to a mechanic, and not to do you own hobby repair work on a budget.

Thomas Caasmann of the German testing organization GTU agrees, advising motorists to buy parts from the vehicle manufacturer or from the original parts supplier and not from unknown Internet shops.

He sees rims, parts for brakes and chassis as well as electronic components as the most dangerous counterfeit items, urging extreme caution when confronted with a "bargain" car part.

"If a replacement part is offered at extremely low prices, either the seller does not know what it's worth. Or it is stolen goods. Or fake. Then the alarm bells have to start," he says.

Customers should compare the supposed original part with the real original also for any obvious visual differences.

Also, it is important to remember that each accessory must have a valid general operating permit (ABE) or a parts certificate that proves it has been subject to a prescribed test procedure and been produced in a quality-controlled environment.

Likewise, in a service test, inspectors would usually recognize badly-made fake parts and would deem the vehicle in question as unfit to drive.


Bermaz launches Mazda Privilege Card for Mazda owners

                PETALING JAYA: Bermaz Motor announced today the launch of the Mazda Privilege Card as part of its constant effort to improve the Mazda Peaceful Ownership Program.

The card offers 15% discount on Mazda Genuine Spare Parts, 5% discount on labour cost and 15% discount on Mazda official merchandise.

The Mazda Privilege Card is the first of its kind in the industry, rewarding customers through the Mazda Peaceful Ownership Program.

On top of being the latest addition to the Mazda Peaceful Ownership Program, the Mazda Privilege Card is also designed to aid those who are less fortunate through Bermaz’s CSR program – Mazda Medicare Fund.

The sign-up fee of RM 100.00, for a validity of 3 years, will serve as a tax-exempted donation to the Mazda Medicare Fund in the name of the applicant.

Mazda Medicare Fund, established in 2014, has raised more than RM900,000 to assist charity homes, dialysis patients, and a non-profit hospital.

Cardholders are rewarded with rebates on aftersales services required beyond Bermaz’s 5 Years Manufacturing Warranty and 3 Years Free Maintenance package provision.

Any Mazda vehicle purchased within Malaysia is eligible to apply for a Mazda Privilege Card. Benefits of card issued will be exclusive to the Mazda vehicle that it is registered to.

Currently, the card can only be used at Showrooms and Aftersales Service Centres operated by Bermaz Motor Trading Sdn Bhd and Prima Merdu Sdn Bhd. Bermaz plans to expand the use of Mazda Privilege Card to include all outlets nationwide in the near future.

Mazda Privilege Card can be applied at any Showrooms and Aftersales Service Centres operated by Bermaz Motor Trading Sdn Bhd and Prima Merdu Sdn Bhd.

For more information on the Mazda Privilege Card and a list of participating outlets please visit www.mazda.com.my.


Red Bull Racing F1 team to break up with Nissan and Infiniti

                HONG KONG: Nissan, Infiniti and the Red Bull Racing Formula One team will disband their partnership at the end of December this year.

Infiniti said in a statement that Red Bull Racing will discontinue the commercial partnership with the car maker at the end of the 2015 season, one year earlier than originally planned. With the termination of the agreement,  Nissan will also stop supplying light commercial vans to Red Bull Racing.

The underperformance of the V6 turbo hybrid power unit supplied by Renault has been a prickly point with the F1 team.

Infiniti would be joining Renault since the latter announced last week that it would acquire Lotus and come back as a full works team.

The partnership between Infiniti, Nissan and Red Bull Racing has been one of the most successful ones in recent years.

The team won four consecutive Formula One constructor and driver world championship titles between 2010 and 2013. Infiniti and Red Bull Racing started their commercial partnership in 2011 before Infiniti became the title sponsor of the team in 2013.


Aston Martin sues Swiss dealer over Valkyrie sports car

                LONDON: Aston Martin (AML.L)is suing a Swiss car dealer that it says withheld customer payments for its US$3 million (RM12.4mil) Valkyrie sports car, the luxury carmaker said today.

The London-listed company has also ended its commercial agreement with the dealer, Nebula Project AG, saying it would now take customer deposits directly for special vehicles such as the Valkyrie rather than involve a third party.

Aston Martin is also ending agreements with AF Cars AG, which runs the British carmaker's St Gallen dealership in Switzerland and is led by Nebula board members, saying that some cars were sold in breach of dealership agreements.

Nebula and one of its board members, Andreas Baenziger, did not respond immediately to emailed requests for comment. Florian Kamelger, another board member, said in an email that Nebula would release a statement later today.

"Both Aston Martin and its customers have been impacted by Nebula Project AG and its board members' behaviour," Aston Martin said in a statement.

A source close to Aston Martin said the case will be filed in a Swiss court today, though neither the source nor the company disclosed the size of damages being sought.

Aston Martin's statement said it could face a £15 million (RM86mil) hit to its 2021 results because of the alleged withheld payments but added that it was on course to meet financial expectations for the year.

The Valkyrie is a limited-edition supercar that uses Formula One technology and sells for about US$3 million, though the company hasn't listed an official price. First deliveries are on track for the second half of this year, the company said.

Aston Martin said it would work to ensure affected customers receive their Valkyrie cars as scheduled despite the company not having received all of their money.


Jaguar Land Rover opens three European self-driving tech hubs

                LONDON: Luxury carmaker Jaguar Land Rover said today it is opening three new engineering hubs in Europe to develop autonomous vehicle technologies as part of its partnership with Silicon Valley artificial intelligence company Nvidia.

The hubs in Munich, Bologna and Madrid will develop self-driving systems for JLR's next generation of luxury vehicles. JLR already has six global tech hubs in the United States, China and Europe.

JLR, unit of India's Tata Motors, said the locations were chosen because of the local availability of digital engineering specialists and will create almost 100 engineering jobs focused "on developing driver assistance systems and artificial intelligence for self-driving cars of the future."

JLR and Nvidia announced a multiyear agreement last year under which they will jointly develop the computer brains and nervous systems for Jaguars and Land Rovers launching in 2025 and beyond.

The partnership with Nvidia gives JLR a well-funded ally as it tries to catch up with Tesla Inc and other luxury vehicle rivals in a digital technology arms race.


Get this! Malaysian flying car to be revealed this year

The view from the air if ever a Malaysian flying car takes off.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's first-ever flying car – driven by local technology – is expected to be unveiled this year, says Datuk Seri Redzuan Md Yusof.

The Entrepreneur Development Minister said a prototype of the car already exists.

"This year is a realistic target because we have the technology. It is all about the speed of implementation," he told reporters after launching the Growth Malaysia initiative here today.

He said the car would be safe and capable of flying at low altitude at "a reasonable speed".

"Investment to build the prototype was slightly over RM1mil," he said.

Mohd Redzuan said the flying car project is a way for the government to create an environment that stimulates people to think about new technology.

"We are providing the catalyst and ecosystem to stimulate the people to think beyond what we do today," he said.

He said the project is also to use the country's capabilities in the aerospace, drone, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and automotive sectors.

"Malaysia has the skill set to excel in the field of aerospace, drone, UAV and the national car. We need to use our skill set because the bottom line is we want to be a producing nation," he said.

However, he said the project is separate from the third national car project sought by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

On Growth Malaysia, he said the movement is led by online to offline platform operator Fave to help Malaysian offline retailers to go digital in terms of payments, marketing, data and financial services.


BMW to buy control of China venture in 'new era' for foreign carmakers

                SHENYANG: BMW will pay 3.6 billion euros (RM17.3bil) to take control of its main joint venture in China, the first such move by a global carmaker as Beijing starts to relax ownership rules for the world’s biggest auto market.

The luxury carmaker said today it would increase its stake in its venture with Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Ltd to 75 percent from 50 percent, with the deal closing in 2022 when rules capping foreign ownership for all auto ventures are lifted.

The move will likely spur BMW to shift more production to China, helping to protect profits amid a whipsawing trade war between Washington and Beijing that has raised the cost of BMW importing cars manufactured at its US plant in South Carolina.

The deal also marks a milestone for foreign carmakers which have been capped at owning 50 percent of any Chinese venture and have had to share profits with their local partner, and could encourage rivals such as Mercedes maker Daimler.

“We are now embarking on a new era,” BMW chief executive Harald Krueger said in a speech in Shenyang, northeast China, where the joint venture is based. He thanked Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, whom he said “personally supported” the plan.

Evercore ISI analyst Arndt Ellinghorst called the deal a major breakthrough. “In the future, BMW will have the full control over the biggest regional profit pool of its business,” he wrote.

Beijing has been keen for global carmakers to invest more in China and has also eased restrictions that cap foreign ownership of electric vehicle businesses at 50 percent.

The joint venture plans to add a new plant, spending over 3 billion euros on a large-scale expansion of the existing production facility, Krueger said.

Yale Zhang, head of Shanghai-based consultancy Automotive Foresight, said: “Others will follow over time, but the divorce schedule depends on how strong or capable the local partner is.”

Daimler’s chief executive Dieter Zetsche said last week that recent signals from the Chinese authorities were encouraging, but the German carmaker did not yet have legal permission to make a move.

“If we do, we need to see what opportunities there are,” Zetsche said at the Paris Motor Show, adding any steps depended on talks with BAIC Motor Corp, Daimler’s partner in joint venture Beijing Benz.

As trade tensions have escalated, China’s government has pledged to open up its markets more widely, including cutting taxes on imported vehicles, cancer medicines and a range of consumer goods.

The country’s leaders have also played up other milestone deals such as German chemical maker BASF winning approval in July to build China’s first wholly foreign-owned chemicals complex.

The rule changes have already helped Tesla Inc gain Beijing’s approval for a wholly-owned manufacturing and sales company in Shanghai, the first time a foreign carmaker will be able to establish a full presence in China without a partner.

 The Shenyang plant where BMW cars are made.

BMW is one of the biggest exporters of vehicles from the United States to China, putting it firmly in the crosshairs of the trade war.

“Given the trade dispute between the US and China, there is a powerful incentive for automakers to produce vehicles in the market where they sell them,” said independent auto industry analyst James Chao.

He said control of the joint venture could spur BMW to bring production of models like the BMW X4, X5 and X6 sport utility vehicles, which are currently built in the United States, to China.

But if the move is a big win for BMW, it spells a diminished role for its Hong Kong-listed partner.

Brilliance, which makes the vast majority of its revenue from BMW-branded cars, has seen its shares tumble nearly 50 percent this year on talk that such a deal was in the offing.

Brilliance chairman Qi Yumin lauded the venture’s past success and said the future offered further opportunities, in comments posted on the firm’s WeChat account. He added that while the situation was complex, the partners would need to “stick together through thick and thin”.

A number of carmakers said earlier this year they had no immediate plans to change their Chinese joint venture structures despite the planned rule changes.

But Chinese demand for mass-market passenger cars has fallen, increasing the dependence of some local players such as BAIC on income from ventures with premium brands like Daimler.

Industry insiders and analysts fear sales could fall this year for the first time in decades. China auto sales dropped in July and August.

BMW finance chief Nicolas Peter, however, said the firm remained bullish about its top market.

“Number one reason why we invest in China is because we are absolutely convinced the market has a further growth potential,” Peter said in an interview at the Shenyang event. He said the firm was also investing in extra capacity in the United States.

The term of the joint venture will also be extended to 2040 from 2028.


Tesla expanding to India in 2021, says daily

                NEW DELHI: Tesla Inc will come to India early next year, country’s transport minister Nitin Gadkari told national daily the Indian Express on Monday.

The electric-car maker will start with sales and then might look at assembly and manufacturing based on the response, the minister told here the newspaper.

Tesla and the minister’s office could not be reached by Reuters for comment.

READ MORE:  Tesla’s dominant position in China could be threatened in 2021
India has been keen to reduce its oil dependence and cut down on pollution, but its efforts to promote electric vehicles have been stymied by a lack of investment in manufacturing and infrastructure such as charging stations.

The first model to be launched will be Model 3, the cheapest among Tesla vehicles, with prices starting at over US$74,739 (RM304,000), according to a report in the Economic Times on Saturday.

Chief executive officer Elon Musk on Sunday confirmed the India foray in 2021 in a reply on Twitter, but said it would not happen in January.

In October, the government of Maharashtra had invited Tesla to the state, weeks after Musk suggested entering the country next year.


Waze incorporates railroad crossings into map

KUALA LUMPUR: Waze, the GPS navigation software app has announced a new feature that will provide alerts to users approaching a railroad crossing.The app ups its safety abilities by highlighting potential risks associated with driving over railroad crossings.Currently available globally, local map editors have helped to incorporate railroad crossings into for countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, the UK, Italy, Israel, Brazil, Colombia, Belgium, Poland, Hungary, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, New Zealand, Netherlands and Ireland.The new feature will automatically alert drivers using the latest version of the app on Android and iOS that they are approaching a railroad crossing with a banner and to exert caution.“The Railroad Crossing feature is a result of a cross-industry, cross-sector collaboration, both internally within Waze and the community, working together to help fellow drivers map out all highway-railroad intersections,” said Waze public sector partnerships head Dani Simons.


Latest Porsche Macan gets way more than fancy new colours

                PARIS: When you think of Porsche, SUVs probably aren't the type of cars that come to your mind first. This Macan, however, which comes in four new colors, is definitely one you will remember.

Since making its debut a couple months ago in July, the 2019 Porsche Macan is back for its European premiere at the Paris Motor Show. The model has changed quite a bit from the first version that debuted in 2014, with some of the most significant changes being the exterior design and completely connected communication system.

The front end, which is now equipped with newly-designed LED headlights, has received a "full makeover" to seem broader, though the alterations are subtle. The rear aesthetics were also updated with a tail light stretching across the entire width of the vehicle, which gives it a wider appearance. As for the most obvious change, the small SUV comes in four fresh new exterior colours: Mamba Green Metallic, Dolomite Silver Metallic, Miami Blue, and Crayon.

With this model, it's become the standard for Porsche vehicles to be fully interconnected with Porsche Connect Plus and online navigation. The HD touchscreen is 10.9 inches wide and "can be adapted to suit personal requirements via predefined tiles," the brand outlines. If you haven't had enough talking to Siri or Alexa, you can talk to your Macan, too, which can provide you with navigational instructions.

This updated model also has a new traffic assist system with adaptive cruise control. With the ability to accelerate and semi-automatically brake, long drives can be easier and more relaxing than ever, especially with the heated windshield and standard air ionizer.

Tthe 2019 Macan is ready to order at a starting price of €46,344 (RM222,000).


Honda announces global restructure

                LONDON: Honda has announced it will restructure its global manufacturing network and as a result, Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd. has informed employees of its proposal to close its Swindon vehicle manufacturing plant in the UK in 2021, at the end of the current model’s production lifecycle.

The plant currently produces 150,000 cars per year, and employs approximately 3,500 people.

This restructure comes as Honda accelerates its commitment to electrified cars, in response to the unprecedented changes in the global automotive industry.

The global restructure will also involve Honda’s automobile operations in Turkey. Honda Turkiye A.S. currently produces 38,000 units per year.

The company will cease manufacturing current Civic sedan model in 2021 and intends to continue its business operations. Honda Turkiye A.S. will continue to hold constructive dialogue with Turkish stakeholders during this period.

Katsushi Inoue, Chief Officer for European Regional Operations, Honda Motor Co., Ltd., and President, Honda Motor Europe said; “In light of the unprecedented changes that are affecting our industry, it is vital that we accelerate our electrification strategy and restructure our global operations accordingly.

"As a result, we have had to take this difficult decision to consult our workforce on how we might prepare our manufacturing network for the future. This has not been taken lightly and we deeply regret how unsettling today’s announcement will be for our people.”  Photo by AFP.


Third gen VW Polo R WRC breaks cover

                WOLFSBURG: Volkswagen gives an insight into its next generation Polo R WRC and it's going to be more powerful, faster, lighter, wider and more aerodynamic.

The third generation Polo R WRC is going to be 50mm wider, 25kg lighter and 60hp more powerful at 380hp thanks to a 3mm increment on the air restrictor to 36mm for the next WRC season.

Furthermore, the 3,900mm-long 2017 WRC contender will use an electronic centre differential as part of its power transmission and will sport a larger rear wing, broader front spoiler, 25kg weight-reduction to 1,175kg come the start of the new WRC season in January 2017 at the Rally Monte Carlo.

Whilst the final phase of development of the Polo R WRC is already underway, Volkswagen currently tops the standings in all of the classifications in this year’s world championship, having won the first three rallies of the season.

The team from Wolfsburg’s next outing is the fourth WRC round of the year - the Rally Argentina (21-24 April 2016).

"The 2017 WRC regulations include many spectacular technical innovations for the World Rally Championship. The World Rally Cars of the future will incorporate all the experience that teams have gained in recent years. They will be considerably more dynamic, whilst at the same time being safer," said Volkswagen Motorsport director Jost Capito.

"As usual, we are working painstakingly on the development of the next generation of the Polo R WRC. The key between now and the start of next season is to achieve the best possible prerequisites to allow the 2017 Polo R WRC to be as successful as its two predecessors," he added.


Mercedes' armoured S-Class — an assassination-proof car for VIPs

UPDATE:A four-wheel drive version will be unveiled at the 2021 IAA in Munich, with a lower top speed of 190kph.

FRANKFURT: For some drivers, safety means more than airbags and assistance systems. For those with extra needs, Mercedes is offering its S-Class as a bulletproof, grenade-proof, you-name-it-proof saloon with its own fire extinguishing system.

The S-Class Guard fulfils the highest ballistic test level (protection class VPAM VR10) for civilian vehicles allowing it to withstand not only explosive attacks but also hand grenades and sniper rifles, the manufacturer says.

Built for world leaders and members of royalty, the S-Class Guard uses a construction of overlapping armoured steel and special fibres under an aluminium body, as well as thick-as-your-arm window panes with particularly robust foils in between.

Despite sounding like a tank, the car's thick protection is almost invisible from the outside.

And yet all this safety comes at a price.

Those who order the S 680 Guard in its home market in Europe will need to pay upwards of €547,400 (RM2.8mil) to get this beat of an armoured car unlike any other series-produced vehicle.

At the same time, all this security also increases the weight, and because this car weighs more than four tonnes, the Guard version is only available as the S 680 with a V12 engine that produces the necessary 612hp.

That also means that top speed is limited to 210kph in consideration of the bullet-proof tyres.

While Mercedes hardly makes any compromises when it comes to comfort equipment and adds most of the extras from the S-Class, the German manufacturer has also developed a few more added security features.

These range from a discreetly hidden blue light to an integrated fire extinguishing system and the electric closing aid for the centimetre-thick armoured doors, project manager Andreas Zygan says.

Mercedes says it does check the reputation of its customers and delivers most Guard models to high-level officials, notably members of government and royal families.

But basically anyone can buy the car, says Zygan. Only the driver is limited: Given the weight of this behemoth, you need a truck driver's licence for this S-Class.


Toll-free travel for Raya season on April 19, 20, 21 and 24, says Anwar

                PUTRAJAYA: Those travelling for Hari Raya Aidilfitri will enjoy toll free journeys on four days, says the Prime Minister.

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the toll would not be imposed for four days from April 19 to 21, and on April 24.

This initiative will involve 33 highways for all classes of vehicles (see graphic).

“We hope that this initiative will lessen the burden of those who are going back to their respective hometowns for the festivity,” he said today.


Toyota Camry will return to Europe as hybrid

                TOKYO: Toyota has announced that its Camry sedan will return to the European market in a hybrid-only version. It's expected in dealerships in Q1 2019.

The Camry hasn't been officially distributed in Western Europe in 14 years. This time around, Toyota's large sedan - which will replace the Avensis - will only be landing in a hybrid version with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor.

Aimed at households as well as business fleets, the latest-generation Camry, launched in 2017, is billed as a spacious and comfortable sedan.

With annual sales of more than 700,000 units globally, the Camry remains the world's best-selling three-box sedan.

The Camry Hybrid is set to go on sale across Western Europe from 2019. Pricing has not yet been released.


G-7 eyes ambitious shift to electric cars and away from oil

                LONDON: Group of Seven leaders are discussing ambitious plans to shift the balance of car buying away from gasoline to greener vehicles by the end of the decade, as part of a package of measures to combat climate change.

Under one proposal contained in a document seen by Bloomberg, G-7 governments would “strive” to ensure that the majority of all new passenger car sales are not petrol or diesel-powered “by 2030 or sooner.” Countries are divided on how specific the measures should be.

All seven national leaders gathering for their summit in Cornwall, south-western England, are also set to promise more funding to help the developing world cut carbon emissions, though details of how much are not clear.

The commitments have not yet been agreed to by G-7 officials who are drafting the conclusions of this weekend’s summit. But setting the goal for moving away from gasoline could represent a turning point in efforts to reduce global oil consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

With a day to go before the summit begins, the plans are still in draft form and it’s not clear yet that leaders – crucially including US President Joe Biden - will endorse the proposed wording on moving away from polluting cars.

A US official declined to say whether the White House supports the drafting under discussion, including whether to set a goal that more than half of vehicles sold in 2030 are non-emitting.

The official said Biden believes in strong investment in electric vehicle markets and the supply chain as a way to tackle climate change and create jobs. But the US' domestic plan doesn’t go as far as to call for a ban on combustion engine cars.

The biggest US automakers have recently set targets for greener vehicle production.

General Motors Co. announced in January that it aspired to eliminate tailpipe emissions from new light-duty vehicles by 2035. Ford Motor Co. pledged last month that four of every 10 vehicles Ford sells would be battery powered by 2030.

Sales of new electric cars will reach 34% of the global total by 2030 and 68% by 2040, assuming no further policy incentives from governments, according to BNEF forecasts.

Jobs risk

Japan also issued a green strategy plan in December to make all new cars hybrid or electric by the mid-2030s, despite Toyota Motor Corp. president Akio Toyoda warning days before that governments announcing combustion-car bans were overlooking risks to jobs.

In the UK, Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is hosting the G-7 leaders’ gathering, will ban the sale of new cars running entirely on petrol or diesel from 2030, though the other nations are not likely to back such a dramatic step.

At the moment, only a fraction of new vehicles sold in the UK are fully electric, with costs putting most consumers off.

According to proposed wording in the draft summit communique, leaders would commit to decarbonise their transport sectors throughout the 2020s by accelerating the spread of electric vehicles, and the development of zero carbon trains, buses, shipping and aviation.

On other climate change measures, the draft agreement include:

> Confirming the commitment of wealthier countries to spend US$100 billion to help the developing world cut carbon emissions
> A promise for “each” G-7 member to increase its financial contributions to helping the poorest countries decarbonise their economies. The specific contributions will be for discussion between leaders, with discussions still going on over how much each country should pay
> Decarbonising G-7 countries’ power systems by the 2030s and phasing out new direct government support for international, carbon intensive fossil fuel-based energy
> Scaling up new technology to accelerate phasing out unabated coal capacity in the 2030s and ending new international investment in unabated coal power generation by the end of this year
> As part of a “nature compact” to deal with the threat to biodiversity, leaders will commit to take action across four pillars including to protect at least 30% of their own land and waters.


Kia Optima, Sorento, Grand Carnival and Rio updated

                KUALA LUMPUR: The refreshed Optima, Sorento, Grand Carnival and enhanced Rio are now available in Malaysia.

They are Naza Kia Malaysia's best-selling models. It also sells the Stinger, Sportage, Cerato and Picanto.

Optima
The Optima GT on-the-road presence receives a boost, making modifications to the exterior such as the new aggressive front grille, LED fog lamps, rear combination LED lamps whileretaining the 18-inch alloy wheels. For added style, the 2.0-litre Optima GT now features ambient lighting around the dashboard and car doors.

The infotainment system is now paired with a 7-inch touchscreen with Around View Monitor camera. The system uses cameras at the front, rear and sides of the vehicle to provide the driver with a 360-degree view of his surroundings, making it easier to complete low-speed parking manoeuvre.

The Optima GT’s seat design features a new two-tone red and black leather, with the front seats embroidered with the GT signature logo. Available in five exterior colours – Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black, Gravity Blue, and the newly introduced Silky Silver and Platinum Graphite, the Optima GT is available at RM169,888 (all prices on-the-road without insurance).

Sorento
The Sorento is now re-introduced as the EX for the 2.4L petrol variant and SX for the 2.2L diesel turbo variant which comes equipped with 8-speed automatic transmission providing smoother acceleration and improved fuel efficiency.

Both versions now feature triple-barrel LED headlamps with Dynamic Bending Light System and LED fog lights to improve driving conditions and safety precautions. The LED combination rear lamps also received a design update to refresh the exterior finish.

In the cabin, Bluetooth is now activated by voice recognition, memory seat package and a wireless smartphone charger. The Sorento EX is fitted with newly designed 18-inch alloy wheels while the SX rides on newly designed 19-inch alloy wheels.

The Sorento is available in Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black, Silky Silver, Platinum Graphite, and Rich Espresso. The EX is priced at RM169,888, while the SX is priced at RM179,888.

Grand Carnival
The 8-speed automatic transmission of the diesel KX and SX variants now offer a smoother acceleration and improved fuel efficiency. Other upgrades are the electronic parking brake and 18-inch alloy wheels in Light Metal Silver for KX variant and in Dark Grey Two Tone for the SX variant.

The KX front also features a new projector headlamps design with LED daytime-running lights and foglamps.

The SX's face receives new LED projector headlamps with auto-levelling and LED daytime-running lights as well as a new "Ice Cube" LED projector foglamps. Additionally, this variant comes with blind spot detection, memory system for driver’s seat and a wireless smartphone charger.

Colours available are Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black Pearl Silky Silver and Panthera Metal. The 2.2-litre KX is priced at RM155,888, while the 2.2-litre SX is RM184,888.

Rio
The B-segment Rio now comes with 6-speed automatic transmission instead of the 4-speed previously. Other feature upgrades includes auto cruise control with speed limiter, blind spot detection and electrochromic mirror with auto dimmer. The Rio is the first in its class to be equipped with blind spot detection. The 5-door hatchback runs on 16-inch alloy wheels.

Colours available are Signal Red, Aurora Black Pearl, Smoke Blue, Deep Siena Brown, Clear White and Platinum Graphite; and is available at RM78,888on-the-road without insurance.
“We are confident with the advanced automotive technologies and upgraded features, our vehicles will provide a more refined driving experience and satisfaction to our customers," said Naza Corporation Holdings (Automotive Group) group CEO Datuk Samson Anand George.


All-female police motorbike squad to fight gender crimes in Delhi

Commuters out and about in New Delhi.- AFP
NEW DELHI: An all-female police motorbike squad is set to take to Delhi’s streets next month, a senior police official said, as reports of violence against women rise in the Indian capital.

The ‘Raftaar’ or ‘Speed’ squad of 600 policewomen will ride in pairs through the streets on state-of-art motorbikes, equipped with guns, pepper sprays and body cameras.

“Basically it is a robust street criminal containment strategy,” Delhi police spokesman Dependra Pathak told the Hindustan Times.

“There will be a specifically designed helmets with ear-pieces. The pillion will carry a weapon like an AK-47 rifle and the rider carrying a 9 mm pistol ... They will have all the accessories to make them effective on the ground.” Women and girls in India face multiple threats - from rape, abduction and murder over dowry to sexual harassment, acid attacks and child marriage.

An October poll by the Thomson Reuters Foundation found Delhi, along with Brazil’s Sao Paulo, was the world’s worst megacity for sex crimes against women, earning it the unsavoury title of India’s ”rape capital”.

Reports of violence against women in Delhi have almost doubled since 2012, with 11,588 crimes, such as kidnapping and assault, recorded up to Nov. 15 this year, police data shows.

Public awareness of violence against women in Delhi, particularly sex attacks, has surged since the fatal gang-rape of a 23-year-old student on a bus in December 2012.

The case triggered a wave of public protests across the country, throwing a global spotlight on gender violence in the world’s second most populous nation.

Indian authorities enacted stricter punishments for gender crimes, and set up a 24-hour women’s helpline, fast-track courts for rape cases and a fund to finance crisis centres for victims.

Women’s desks in many of Delhi’s police stations have been established, thousands of police received gender sensitisation classes, and Delhi has more patrols, surveillance and checkpoints at night.

But research by Human Rights Watch (HRW) this month found that India’s criminal justice system continues to fail victims.

HRW said survivors of sex crimes often suffered humiliation at police stations and hospitals, police were frequently unwilling to register their complaints and victims and witnesses received little protection.

“While it is important to have a woman officer, particularly during testimony gathering in sexual violence cases, putting more women on patrol will not necessarily solve the problem,” said Meenakshi Ganguly, HRW’s South Asia director.

“What is needed is better training for the entire police force, so that survivors are treated with respect and dignity, that the investigation is properly done to ensure evidence-based convictions,” she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.


Pininfarina looks at M&A after return to profit

                TURIN: Italian car designer Pininfarina SpA is looking at acquisitions after returning to profit for the first time in three years, chief executive officer Silvio Angori said.

"We can move on after the restructuring and look actively to opportunities in the market for inorganic growth, in addition to our organic growth plans,” Angori said in a phone interview.

The company, which has designed some of the most iconic Ferrari sports cars, swung to a profit of €2.4 million (RM11.2mil) last year, for the first time since its restructuring process started in 2019.

Cost cuts, refocusing on the automotive business helped the restructuring succeed, Angori said.

Pininfarina, founded in 1930 by Battista "Pinin” Farina, was bought in 2015 by India’s Mahindra & Mahindra.

Its other businesses are micro-mobility, city cars with low environmental impact, yachts and urban design.

Potential targets include digital designers, to eventually expand the business of consumer-experience services and virtual reality technologies, the CEO said.

Angori aims to gradually increase the company’s revenues from its non-automotive business to 50% of the total, from 25% now, during the next three years. "automotive will still be key, but we want to widen more our range of vision and of action,” Angori said.


First owner gets amazingly expensive born-again Bizzarrini GT

                LONDON: Only 24 of the revived Bizzarrini 5300 GT Corsa racing car are being made and now the first customer has taken delivery of this hand-built homage to the 1965 Le Mans-winner.

Each of the 24 continuation models is finished in Bizzarrini Rosso Corsa red, with white numbered roundels so that the client can choose their own unique number to be hand-applied to the car.

Further examples of the sleek machine, which costs €3.4 million (RM15.5mil) to buy, are being completed and shipped until the limited production run is fully delivered in 2023.

The car is a tribute to the 5300 GT Corsa chassis #0222, which achieved legendary status at the 1965 Le Mans 24 Hours. French racing drivers Regis Fraissinet and Jean de Mortemart drove the 5300 to finish first in its class.

Chassis #0222 ran the race at an average speed of 169km/h and clocked 303km/h on the famous Mulsanne straight before Giotto Bizzarrini himself drove the car back home to Northern Italy after the race.

The new cars are built using the original blueprints, using components from original suppliers, with the input of experts originally involved in the 5300 GT project.

The hand-built vehicles use a lightweight single piece composite body, over a steel frame giving an overall weight in the region of 1,230 kilos. Inside, the two seats are protected by a more comprehensive six-point roll cage and safety fuel cell.

Independent rear suspension to Giotto's Corsa specification and all-round disc brakes are paired with a 5.3-litre V8 engine with Weber 45 carburettors developing some 400hp to give a power to weight ratio comparable with a modern-day supercar.

"The team are incredibly proud to see the first 5300GT Corsa Revival leave the factory on the way to its new owner," said Bizzarrini chief Simon Busby.

Bizzarrini will show a full production specification model of the revival series at the Concours of Excellence at Hampton Court in southern England on Sept 2-4.


BMW i5 can do automated lane changes via eye activation

                MUNICH: The series production development process for the first-ever all-electric BMW i5 is entering the home straight with the fine-tuning of its suspension control and driver assistance systems.

The all-electric version of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan's automated driving capability has Highway Assistant, which controls the distance to the vehicle ahead, carries out steering adjustments and carries out lane changes for the first time by means of eye activation.

Highway Assistant can be used at speeds of up to 130km/h.

An interior camera helps monitor the driver’s level of alertness and also enables another innovation: in a world first, the automated lane change – included as part of the Driving Assistant Professional and Highway Assistant – in the new BMW 5 Series Sedan can be controlled using eye activation.

Looking in the exterior mirror prompts the car to initiate the lane change process and carry out the necessary steering movements and speed adjustments at speeds of up to 130km/h once the driver has confirmed they want it to do so and the traffic situation allows.

The purely visual gesture complements the previous use of the turn signal lever, which is also available as an alternative.

As the range-topping model variant, the BMW i5 M60 xDrive is fitted as standard with Adaptive Suspension Professional including electronically controlled dampers.

This suspension system can also be specified as an option for the BMW i5 eDrive40.

Thanks to an innovative form of BMW Vertical Dynamics Management, it offers a noticeable increase in sports performance combined with a level of ride comfort that also represents a clear step forward from that of its predecessor.

The latest version of BMW’s Vertical Dynamics Management, now in its ninth generation, is making its debut in the new BMW 5 Series Sedan.

This technology is based on a newly developed, extensively networked control logic, and ensures clearly defined body control and precise suspension response in every driving situation.

Adaptive Suspension Professional is offered for all variants of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan (either as standard or optionally, depending on the model), and thus, is said to blend ride comfort approaching BMW 7 Series levels with the sporting agility familiar from the BMW 3 Series.

Production of the new, eighth-generation BMW 5 Series Sedan will begin in summer 2023 at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing in Bavaria.

The car’s market launch will get underway in October 2023.


Toyota joins Japan peers in agreeing to higher base-pay raises

                TOKYO: Toyota said today it would raise the monthly base salary for workers by 4,000 yen (RM122), its biggest increase in over a decade, joining other major domestic firms in agreeing to larger rises in annual wage talks.

The rise was short of union demands for 6,000 yen (RM183) per month, but up from last year's 2,700 yen (RM82) hike. Earlier, electronics firm Panasonic and auto maker Nissan announced monthly base-pay rises of 3,000 yen (RM91) and 5,000 yen (RM152) respectively.

Higher wages are considered key to sustaining growth and decisively ending deflation in the world's third-biggest economy.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government has been calling for Japan Inc - sitting on record levels of cash amid hefty profits - to do its part in stimulating the economy and lift workers' pay.


zFAS - the brain behind Audi automated driving

                The central driver assistance controller (zFAS) is the core of future systems for automated driving currently under development by Audi AG. This mastermind unit uses cutting edge, high performance processors and will work its way into the Audi model range step by step in the foreseeable future.

It is a key milestone on the road to new, automated driving functions and the pioneering role that Audi is assuming in the field of piloted driving. The technologies specialist Delphi has been awarded the contract for series production of the units.

Audi developed this elemental control centre unit in collaboration with internationally leading technology partners.

Under the direction of Audi AG, a team of specialists from TTTech, Mobileye, nVidia and Delphi jointly developed the various hardware and software components. Audi has chosen Delphi as the future system supplier for the zFAS electronics board.

Delphi recently completed an over 5,000km coast-to-coast autonomous driving trial in the United States using a modified Audi SQ5.

A wide range of sensor information comes together in the zFAS unit. The controller uses this to quickly compute a complete model of the vehicle surroundings and makes this information available to the various on-board assistance systems. It is thus the central interface for all piloted driving functions.

At the moment, most driver assistance systems are managed by separate control elements. In the future, Audi will be the first automobile manufacturer to implement this function in a single, central domain architecture. Audi has taken a holistic approach to consolidate the portfolio of functions, the sensors necessary, the electronics hardware and the software architecture into a central system. From the very beginning, the primary focus was on the safety concept.

High-performance electronic components are a prerequisite for high-powered computing in a compact package. The zFAS board is equipped with both the EyeQ3 mobile processor from Mobileye and the new Tegra K1 from nVidia. The tremendous computing power provided by this solution corresponds to the complete electronics architecture of a well-equipped mid-size car.

Thanks to the high degree of integration, the new board is barely the size of a tablet PC. Its modular concept makes the zFAS flexible, scalable and thus future-proof in every respect.

Audi is also working with leading suppliers such as Bosch, Continental, Valeo and Delphi on the sensors and actuating elements, such as braking and steering systems. The objective is to develop common standards and offer customers modern driver assistance systems for greater safety, comfort and convenience on the road to fully automatic driving.

In the near future, Audi connect will enable the piloted cars from Audi to also learn continuously as they drive. The data computed by the zFAS board will be transferred via the cellular phone network — via LTE, where available — to an IT backend in the cloud.

This will process these data using algorithms for machine learning and artificial intelligence before sending the data back to the car. The zFAS board will in this way continuously extend its capabilities to master even complex situations increasingly better. The piloted cars from Audi thus learn more every day and with each new situation they experience.


Audi declares its e-tron is a world market leader in its segment

                INGOLSTADT: Audi's e-tron sports utility vehicle (SUV) seems to have become an international best-seller.

With reference to the e-tron GT, the Q4 e-tron, and the Q4 Sportback e-tron, the German carmaker is now "electrified" to know what 2021 will hold.

In the first half of this year, the company managed to deliver 17,641 e-tron models internationally despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

This marks an 86.8% increase in sales compared to last year, allowing the company to declare that it is way ahead of its competitors in the full-size battery-electric vehicle SUV segment worldwide.

In Europe alone, it seems that the e-tron is being highly sought after - especially in the Scandinavian market.

Norway, the pioneering country when it comes to electric mobility, made the e-tron the top-selling passenger-car model in the first half of the year.

The e-tron makes up 92% of the volume of Audi models delivered in Norway.

It also makes up a significant portion of deliveries in Iceland (93%), Sweden (12%), and Israel (14%).

In the US, the e-tron has recorded an increase in sales by more than 50% as compared to the previous year.

“Our first fully electric SUV combines design, dynamic handling, and interior quality with the latest technology – for emissions-free driving without having to make compromises," said Audi member of the board of management (Sales and Marketing) Hildegard Wortmann.

He added that the e-tron is the beginning of a new era for the company and it will continue this success story.

next year, the brand with the four rings will be launching the e-tron GT.


BMW to use round battery cells from 2025

                MUNICH: BMW AG will start using newly-developed round battery cells from 2025.

The sixth generation of the lithium-ion cells will increase energy density by more than 20 percent, improve charging speed by up to 30 percent and enhance range by up to 30 percent, said a BMW spokesman.

The cell production would cut CO2 emissions by up to 60 percent, he added.

With the round cell designed for the electric architecture of the NEUE KLASSE models, it will be possible to increase the range of the highest-range model by up to 30% (WLTP).

The new BMW round cells come with a standard diameter of 46mm and two different heights.

READ MORE:Inside Tesla's drive to keep Musk's battery promiseSolid Power aims to ship first solid-state battery cells by year-end to BMW, Ford

Compared to the prismatic cells of the fifth BMW battery cell generation, the nickel content in the sixth-generation BMW round cells is higher on the cathode side, while the cobalt content is reduced.

On the anode side, the silicon content will be increased. As a result, the cell’s volumetric energy density will improve by more than 20 percent.

The battery system plays a key role in the body structure of the NEUE KLASSE. Depending on the model, it can be flexibly integrated into the installation space to save space. The cell module level is thus eliminated.

The battery, drive train and charging technology in the NEUE KLASSE will also have a higher voltage of 800 volts.

Among other things, this will optimise how energy is supplied to direct current high-power charging stations, which can achieve a much higher charging capacity with a current of up to 500 amperes – thus reducing the time it takes to charge the vehicle from 10 to 80 percent by up to 30 percent.

To supply the battery cells needed for the NEUE KLASSE, BMW has already awarded contracts for construction of battery cell factories to CATL and EVE Energy.

Both partners will build two gigafactories in China and Europe. Each of the battery cell factories will have a total annual capacity of up to 20 GWh.

Plans call for two more battery cell factories to be built in the North American free trade zone, USMCA, for which the partners have not yet been nominated.


Proton offering RM500 fuel card to e-hailing car buyers

                SUBANG JAYA: Proton is aiming to bump up sales of its cars in the e-hailing industry through an incentive scheme.

It is offering a Petronas fuel gift card worth RM500 to e-hailing car buyers.

The deal applies to those buying the Persona, Iriz, Exora, Saga or X70 from authorised Proton sales outlets. Alternatively, they could get a price rebate on the car of the same value.

To qualify, a customer would need to submit a copy of a valid PSV e-hailing licence as proof and register the vehicle under his or her name.

In addition to the gift card, additional rebates are being offered on selected models, ranging from RM300 to RM1,500.

The promotion will run until Dec 31, and is also open to individuals buying a car to be used for e-hailing by a different driver.

In this instance, a Letter of Consent stating the purpose of the purchase would be required along with the full name and IC number of the e-hailing driver(s) and a copy of their PSV e-hailing licence.

“We want to make it easier for the latter group to purchase a Proton to be used for e-hailing. Therefore, if the buyer is the wife and the driver is her husband, we just need valid documentation for verification to approve the purchase,” said Proton Edar corporate sales head Fazli Hisham Shukor.

The programme is also designed to ease the decision-making process for those new to the industry as well as current drivers who are looking to replace their current cars.

For more information, contact the nearest Proton Edar outlet or email corporatesales@proton.com.


Selangor JPJ issues 632 compound notices to traffic offenders

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Selangor Road Transport Department (JPJ) has issued 632 compound notices for various traffic offences to motorists during a two-hour integrated operation at the Awan Besar toll plaza (Bukit Jalil-bound), here on Wednesday night.

JPJ enforcement senior director Datuk Lokman Jamaan said the notices included 498 summonses involving five major traffic offences – namely failing to comply with traffic lights, driving on emergency lanes, using mobile phones while driving, overtaking at double lines and speeding.

Others were inspection orders (81), prohibitions on using a vehicle (34), weighing orders (10) and vehicle seizures (nine).

"A total of 1,122 vehicles were inspected and action was taken against 401 for various offences," he told a press conference after the operation at the toll plaza.

Lokman said other than JPJ, the operation also involved personnel from various agencies such as the Police, Immigration Department, National Anti-Drugs Agency, Environment Department, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre.

He said in the joint operation, the Environment Department checked 15 vehicles and took action against eight for noise pollution, while 12 foreigners were detained by the Immigration Department for not having valid identification documents.

Lokman added that the operation also saw the arrest of six individuals by the National Anti-Drugs Agency for drug-related offences.


New Toyota Corolla makes world premiere in China, to be rolled out in over 150 countries

                GUANGZHOU: The much-loved Toyota Corolla was unveiled today in a world premiere at the Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition.

Also debuting at the show was the Corolla's sporty twin, the Levin, which is sold only in China.

The two cars deliver enhanced basic performance achieved by the GA-C platform, and include the Sporty model (in North America, China (Levin), Japan, and other countries/regions) with an active, energetic edge, and the Prestige model (in China (Corolla), Europe, and other countries/regions) sporting an exterior design that produces a premium appearance.

 The Sporty Corolla variant. The Prestige Corolla variant.

Sales in the United States and Europe are scheduled to start in spring 2019. The new models will gradually be rolled out in more than 150 countries and regions (yes, in Malaysia too) including the start of sales of the new Corolla and Levin in China after mid-2019. In Japan, new sedan and wagon models, based on the Sporty model, will be optimised for Japanese customers and roads, with sales launch slated for within 2019.

"We have striven to design new models that are eye-catching, and fun to ride in and drive," said Corolla/Levin chief engineer Yoshiki Konishi.

"By enhancing not just the fun factors that are unique to cars, but "connectivity" functions to create new value, I wanted to make this new model a car that enriches mobility for customers around the world."

The Corolla is Toyota's bread-and-butter model, with more than 46 million cars sold worldwide (including derivative models) since the first generation was released in Japan in 1966. This makes it the brand's all-time best-selling model.

With each new generation, the Corolla has evolved. Advanced features and functions have been introduced to suit the needs of the time, all the while espousing its core properties — reliability and usability — from the first generation.

Based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) initiative to structurally transform vehicle development, the new platform has been unified globally within the present 12th generation, including the hatchback model that went on sale in summer 2018, and the wagon model released in regions such as Europe in early 2019.

The new generation hatchback and wagon models in Europe and other countries and regions also take the Corolla name, further strengthening the Corolla brand.

The new platform promises improved performance characterised by smooth driving, ride comfort, quietness, and safety. The Corolla is backed by a total of one million kilometres of test driving in five continents.

The exterior design concept — Toyota calls it "Shooting Robust" — creates a car that has a lower centre of gravity and sporty silhouette, complemented by a lower stance and wider tread than outgoing models.

The interior design is based on "Sensuous Minimalism" — a concept that saw Toyota design a sleek instrument panel that conveys comfortable spaciousness, and integrated functional parts to project refined elegance.

Powertrain options include those developed under TNGA such as the 2.0-litre Dynamic Force Engine. Gearboxes for the new Corolla are 6-speed manual transmission and Direct Shift-CVT.

Models equipped with the latest hybrid technologies will be introduced in more than 90 countries and regions, playing a key role in the widespread adoption of electrified vehicles.

The new models are also equipped with upgraded advanced safety features, in the form of the latest Toyota Safety Sense, with specifications and availability refined for each market.

Appealing to younger customers, the new Corolla and Levin have more connected functions and services tuned to each market.

In China, the new models come standard with an onboard Data Communication Module (DCM), an integral component of Toyota Connected. Connected services will be introduced across all grades, providing "just-in-time" services and offering security and peace of mind to customers 24/7.

Other examples include Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa compatibility in the United States, and services in Europe that allow the car to be connected to an operator in emergency situations and the dispatch of rescue vehicles based on the car's location.


Siemens introduces Sicharge D — a smart EV charger that scales according to needs

                SINGAPORE: Siemens has launched Sicharge D, a new public fast charging and high-powered compact electric vehicle charger, in the Asia Pacific region.

The Sicharge D boasts one of the highest peak efficiencies on the market. It has scalable charging power and dynamic power sharing and is designed for highway and urban charging stations, city parking as well as shopping malls.

The sleek and compact Sicharge D has a scalable charging power from 160kW up to 300kW, either from the start or through plug-and-play upgrades.

The charger supports voltages between 150 and 1,000 volts (V) and currents of up to 1,000 amperes (A) across all DC outlets.

This enables full power loads for future vehicles as well as the lower voltage charging rates demanded by today’s mainstream vehicles. Additionally, Sicharge D can be configured with either a CCS2 (Combined Charging System) or a CHAdeMO connector cable with varying capacities of up to 400A or a 500A liquid-cooled system.

With a constant efficiency of above 95.5 percent and a peak efficiency of 96 percent, the new Sicharge D ensures that almost all the generated electricity reaches the car to be charged.

The charger allows an easy upgrade of charging power to meet future technological developments: Even if the charging capacities of most electric vehicles are still limited today, they will be able to accept higher charging power in the future and demand higher voltage ranges.

With Sicharge D, charging service providers and electric vehicle users will be able to time their investments according to market demands as the option to expand the charger with up to two external dispensers to charge up to five cars in parallel will be possible in the future. The standard configuration will have two DC and one AC outlet housed in a compact design to optimise parking spaces.

The new charger combines all these features with dynamic parallel charging. That means, it accounts for the individual power demand of each connected car and automatically adapts the charging process to the electric vehicle's battery technology and charging status. This optimizes charging time as the connected cars get the maximum power they need without any additional manual intervention.

In response to StarCarSifu queries, Siemens said a number of potential Malaysian customers have expressed interest in Sicharge D, and that it intends to roll out the chargers in late 2021. It said it would begin installations in Singapore by September.

According to Siemens, the installation costs vary and depend on site condition,  number of chargers required, distance from the power source/switch room and cabling length.

It said an installation could vary from one unit to as many as 50 for a charging depot.
 Siddhant.
To ensure maximum uptime and highest availability of the charger, digital connected services is included in individual service contracts with customers. These services range from preventive and corrective maintenance, remote firmware updates, spare parts, support, and consulting as well as training.

“Public fast charging networks are an essential factor in driving a sustainable future in eMobility in Asia Pacific," said Siddhant Gupta, Head of Future Grid for Siemens in Asia Pacific.

"By ensuring that charging is as effortless and as fast as people need it to be, we’re making electric vehicles a viable option for more people. In addition, the Sicharge D’s upgradeable and scalable fast charging technologies allows e-charging service providers and electric vehicle users to expand their investments step by step.”

The smart charger was the winner of the iF DESIGN Award 2021 in the categories of User Interface (UI) and Service Design. For an improved user experience, an integrated 24-inch adjustable display allows Sicharge D to be operated and opens new opportunities for customers to use this flexible screen for tasks beyond interfacing with the charging process such as digital menu boards, information kiosks or outdoor advertising.


Volvo 140 celebrates 50 years

                GOTHENBURG: On 17 August 1966, the Volvo 144 was presented in the midst of an ongoing manhunt.

In eight years, no fewer than 1.25 million cars were produced – creating Volvo’s first million seller.

Almost 400 journalists were in attendance at the Lorensberg function rooms in central Gothenburg on 17 August 1966.

The new Volvo 144 was to be presented, unveiled by raising a dividing wall behind which three pre-series models of the new Swedish car were waiting.

The cars used at the press show in Gothenburg had been lifted into the premises the evening before by crane, hidden in large wooden crates.

Naturally, the entire procedure was supposed to be as discreet as possible, but this proved difficult since a major manhunt was underway to catch two police killers.

A nationwide alert had been issued and as the wooden crates were being lifted into the function rooms, the police received a tip-off that both fugitives may have been in the audience at the adjacent cinema, which had to be evacuated.

The 140 series was well suited to the ideals of the 1960s, giving precedence to function.

It had a spacious interior and large windows.

Scandinavian design, with its clean and simple lines, is a popular approach today and the 140 series is a prime example of its expression.

The 140 series entailed several important advances in both passive and active safety.

The chassis was extremely resilient to twisting and was fitted with crumple zones and a protective roll cage.

The brake system was advanced with disc brakes both front and rear together with a dual-circuit system with twin hydraulic circuits at the front.

Later, the 140 series was also fitted with headrests, retractable seat belts and seat belt reminders as standard.

The Volvo 140 series had a conventional design with a front-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive.

Initially, the series employed the tried and tested 1.8-litre four-cylinder B18 engine from the Amazon, producing 75 hp DIN – or 96 hp DIN with twin carburettors.

The 1969 model had the 2-litre B20 engine, producing 82 hp and 100 hp DIN respectively.

As of the 1971 model, there were also versions with electronically controlled fuel injection, producing 120 hp DIN.

When production of the 142, the 144 and the 145 came to an end in the summer of 1974, a total of 1.25 million cars had rolled off the production line.

The model series became the company's first million seller and helped further Volvo’s position as an international player.

Its replacement, the Volvo 240, borrowed much from the 140 series chassis and went on to become Volvo’s most mass produced model, with some 2.8 million cars in 19 years.


Nissan's electric seven-seater a car for responsibly mixing business and pleasure

                YOKOHAMA: Officially the world's first production seven-seat electric car, the latest derivation of the Nissan e-NV200 is aimed equally at business users and larger families.

Incredibly quiet and very comfortable - thanks to the option of specifying it with the company's highest Evalia trim levels - yet equally practical, Nissan's latest electric car boasts a very impressive 2,940 litres of luggage space when all but the driver and front passenger seats have been rolled forward, folded or stowed.

Even when all seven seats are upright and transporting people, that stowage space figure only drops to 870 litres, meaning that it has enough room for people and luggage alike on a long family break.

While it has a range of just 170km before it needs a recharge, the process at a rapid charging station can take as little as 30 minutes for an 80% top up.

With the Evalia option, the car comes with a reversing camera, air conditioning, cruise control, a navigation system plus Bluetooth support for a smartphone, and auto-on headlights and wipers.

And, Nissan is fully aware of the vehicle's range-based shortcomings and has been investing heavily in improving the charging infrastructure across Europe and the US as well as its native Japan, particularly in and around major cities.

Its latest contribution in this regard was in Berlin where it added new charging stations to enable more environmentally focused soccer fans to drive their electric cars to the UEFA Champions League Final, which was held in the German capital over the weekend.

As such, the car's practicality as a family transporter will grow over time, but it could already be the perfect vehicle for business use. As an increasing number of cities introduce low-emissions zones to combat air pollution, driving an electric vehicle - whether for delivering goods or visitors, will soon be the only solution.

What's more, an emissions-free vehicle can be driven indoors as well as outdoors, presenting some very interesting opportunities for hotel architecture or for loading and unloading goods.


July vehicle sales up nearly 20% on longer working month, says MAA

                KUALA LUMPUR: Passenger and commercial vehicle sales rose 19.5% in July to 50,853 due to the longer working month and the Malaysian Automotive Association expects the sales volume to be maintained in August.

It said today July sales volume rose by 8,327 units from June. However, sales volume fell by 25% from 68,466 units due to the zero-rated Goods and Service Tax in July last year.

Of the 50, 853 units sold in July, 46,189 were passenger vehicles and the remaining 4,664 commercial vehicles.

From January to July, vehicle sales fell by 3% to 347,187 from 358,065 in the previous corresponding period.

MAA said production of vehicles in July declined by 11.3% to 48,912 units from 55,164 units a year ago. Of the 48,912 units, it said 45,748 were passenger vehicles and the remaining 3,164 commercial vehicles.

From January to July, the total production of vehicles were slightly lower at 333,940 compared with 336,111 units a year ago.


Free check-ups and 20% parts discount for flood-damaged Ducati bikes

                KUALA LUMPUR: Ducati in Malaysia is providing free comprehensive check-ups for Ducati bikes that have been affected by the floods.

If your Ducati has been damaged by the recent flash floods, reach out or schedule a free service appointment with the nearest Ducati dealership.

Affected Ducati owners are entitled for 20% off on spare parts and accessories.

Stay safe, Ducatisti!


Here's what you need to know about new VW Tiguan

                WOLFSBURG: The Volkswagen Tiguan (Mk2) has proven itself as a popular mid-sized sports utility vehicle (SUV) and in its next stage of evolution, it will receive a comprehensive update.

The German carmaking giant said in its statement that the refreshed Tiguan will be going on sale in Europe shortly and will include some new interior and exterior styling changes as well as the inclusion of innovative driver-assistance and comfort features.

The updated Tiguan (Mk2.5) will have its front end completely changed with a new front grille which flows into the standard LED headlights to give it a bigger sense of breadth.

The rear will be where the centrally-positioned “Tiguan” lettering resides right below the new VW logo for its badge.

Not to mention, the “4Motion” lettering for the all-wheel-drive variant has also been revamped.

For greater convenience, the company has indicated that the hands-free Easy Open and Close system for the powered tailgate is now available on its mid-range models before providing new wheel designs for every trim line.

Inside, the cabin sees the addition of a digital version of the new multifunction steering wheel which features illuminated touch islands and sliders.

An all-new touch module is also available for the Climatronic automatic climate control functions for the midrange models.

In addition to touch buttons, generously sized and illuminated touch sliders are used for fan and temperature controls.

The touch buttons can also be used to operate functions such as the newly standardised heated front seats, rear window defrost, and to open the air-conditioning menu.

Illuminated USB-C ports will be located under the air-conditioning module.

Entertainment will be handled by the latest third-generation modular infotainment system (MIB3) while the driver will get to peer into a configurable digital instrument panel with the next-gen personalization system as standard.

The MIB3 system offers natural voice control, multi-phone pairing and wireless App-Connect.

Not to mention, every Tiguan will be equipped with Volkswagen's Digital Cockpit, which allows the driver to configure the 8.0-inch instrument display, although top trim models will receive a larger 10.25-inch display.

The next generation of personalization systems is included as well, to customize features from driver-seat and mirror settings to driver-assistance system preferences.

Rounding out the interior changes is the new 15-colour ambient lighting system and new decors for every variant and will continue to offer the 480-watt Fender Premium Audio System as standard equipment for range-toppers.

For those in the US, the Tiguan will continue to be offered as a long-wheel version from next year onwards and will be powered by a revised 2.0-litre EA888 four-cylinder TSI engine producing 184hp at 4,400rpm and 300Nm of torque from 1,600 to 4,360rpm.

All Tiguan models will be equipped with a standard eight-speed automatic transmission with a Start/Stop system to help improve fuel economy.

For safety, the Tiguan will be equipped with advance driver aids that include a Travel Assist system that can take over steering, braking and acceleration from speeds of 0 to 210kph.

However, the company says that the driver must remain responsible for the control of the SUV at all times.

To do so, the system uses functions including Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Assist lane-keeping system — both available in the Advanced Driver-Assistance Package on base models or standard on midrange models.

The driver activates the system by pressing a separate Travel Assist button on the new multifunction steering wheel but must keep their hands on it while the system adding that touch-detection is far more reliable than steering angle-based systems even on long and very flat stretches of road.

Lastly, the latest generation of the company's adaptive cruise control (ACC) - available on top trims, now proactively takes into account local speed limit information, town boundary signs, junctions and roundabouts.

The assist system will use the signals picked up from the forward-facing camera as well as the GPS and map data from the navigation system to improve control.


New national car project can boost Malaysia’s engineering skills, says Dr M

Dr Mahathir at the Future of Asia meeting in Tokyo on Monday. — Reuters
TOKYO: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said that having a new national car project will help boost Malaysia’s engineering capability.

The Prime Minister noted that when he first started the Proton car project back in the 1980s, Malaysia had no knowledge whatsoever about how to build cars, but gradually acquired the knowledge to design, build and mass-produce cars over more than two decades.

"Unfortunately, Proton has been sold to the Chinese who have been given the right to manage Proton. So Malaysia now is not making use of those skills,” he told Malaysian journalists at the conclusion of his three-day working visit to Japan on Tuesday.

Dr Mahathir, who first disclosed plans for the new national initiative for Malaysia at the Nikkei Conference here yesterday, said there was a need to create opportunities for Malaysian engineers to do things on their own in Malaysia.

He had pointed out that Proton was no longer a national car.

READ MORE:
Malaysians react to Dr M's move to set up new national car company
Think long and hard before starting another national car project, analysts urge PM
Go electric with next national car, say some Malaysians

At today’s press conference, Dr Mahathir said quite a lot of Malaysian engineering companies had to close down because they could not supply items according to the demand of the new owners or managers of Proton.

“We need to revive them because the whole idea about investing in a national car is not just about building a national car, it’s about becoming a catalyst for growing Malaysian engineering capability,” the prime minister said.

He said that was exactly what happened with the Proton project.

Dr Mahathir said the automotive industry is a very big market.

“All over the world, people are outsourcing parts of motorcars, we can produce parts for branded cars in Malaysia and export them, which will earn us a lot of foreign exchange,” he said.

Dr Mahathir said whoever wants to be involved in the new car project should submit a proposal.

“If the proposal is good, we have to give the opportunity to them. However, we don’t want to give the licence to people for them to sell (to another party). This is something that this government will stop,” he said.

“If we give the licence to that person, that person must do the work. If he’s found to be selling the licence to somebody else, we’ll take it back,” he added.


New auto tech can irk drivers, says survey

                DETROIT: Alerts from new driver assist systems can be so annoying that some motorists are turning the features off, according to a new survey.

The 2019 J.D. Power Tech Experience Index study also found that frustrated drivers may avoid the systems in future vehicle purchases. That's a problem for automakers who want to sell the technology and prepare people for fully automated vehicles, the company said.

"Automakers are spending lots of money on advanced technology development, but the constant alerts can confuse and frustrate drivers," said Kristin Kolodge, J.D. Power's executive director of driver interaction and human-machine interface. "The technology can't come across as a nagging parent. No one wants to be constantly told they aren't driving correctly."

For example, systems that keep vehicles centered or within their lanes were problematic for owners, the study found. An average of 23% of drivers with the systems view the alerts as annoying. The results vary by brand, with up to 30% finding the alerts bothersome. Of drivers who don't like the alerts, 61% sometimes disable the systems. A spokesman said J.D. Power would not identify the brands.

Collision protection systems such as automatic emergency braking fared the best in six categories covered by the survey. Smartphone mirroring was second, followed by comfort and convenience features such as voice recognition and climate controls. Entertainment and connectivity such as linking phones and Bluetooth placed fourth, followed by driving assistance such as blind spot detection or lane keeping systems. Navigation finished last, J.D. Power said in a statement Tuesday.

The survey also found that 69% of owners have Apple CarPlay and/or Google's Android Auto in their vehicles. The phone mirroring systems are starting to jeopardise sales of the automakers' factory installed navigation systems, the survey found.

The company's survey included over 16,400 responses from people who bought or leased a 2019 vehicle in the past 90 days. The new vehicles had to have been all-new or redesigned within the past three years. The survey was conducted from February through July. - AP


Kia reveals first sketches of all-new European-market Sportage

                FRANKFURT: Kia Europe has revealed the first official sketches of the all-new European-market Sportage. For the first time in its history, Kia is launching a dedicated Sportage designed specifically for European customers in what is the fifth generation of the brand’s most popular SUV.

It would be launched online at 10am BST (5pm in Malaysia) Sept 1 on Kia-owned channels. Sales start later this year.

The advanced exterior and interior design pushes styling boundaries, setting the tone for the next-generation Sportage line-up.

Kia said the SUV would have state-of-the-art connectivity tech, responsive and efficient advanced powertrains and the latest passive, active and ADAS safety innovations.

Built on a new architecture, the Sportage is said to offer improved drive and handling characteristics for European roads.

Kia’s new design language – Opposites United – is at the heart of the Sportage, influencing every aspect of its appearance and character.

According to Kia, the sketches revealed today hint at a "sporty, assertive and pioneering SUV".

The Sportage will feature a more compact and adventurous profile hinting at heightened levels of agility and performance seen as ideal for European roads. Designed to be the most dynamic and stylish SUV in its segment, the Sportage will feature a muscular stance and a strong yet refined silhouette with crisp, taut character lines that ripple across the surfaces.

The sketches hint at a bold front-end design with a detail-orientated black grille graphic spanning the width of the face. A fresh interpretation of Kia’s iconic floating signature Tiger Nose grille combines with boomerang-shaped LED DRLs (daytime running lamps) and matrix LED headlamps.

Representing another first for the Sportage range, the sketches show a black roof that helps to further accentuate the sporting profile of the all-new SUV, while also highlighting a dynamic C-pillar design treatment.

At the rear, powerful and broad shoulder lines meet slim rear LED combi lamps flanked by the new Kia logo. A unique black rear bumper design emphasises the Sportage’s sporty, youthful character.


MAN unveils improved line-up at Hanover fair

                HANOVER: MAN is presenting a strong portfolio of future-proof of trucks at the IAA Commercial Vehicles 2016 (IAA 2016) in Hanover, Germany.

For the 2017 range, MAN merges engines with new power levels of up to 640hp and higher torque with finely tuned transmissions and switching functions into application-optimised drivetrains.

This is accompanied by exterior and interior design innovations in the TG range.

The IAA 2016 is the world’s leading trade fair for mobility, transportation and logistics.

This year, senior representatives from several companies from the haulier, logistics as well as from the oil and gas industry in Malaysia will be joining MAN Truck and Bus (M) Sdn Bhd to visit the international commercial vehicle fair that will be held in Hanover from Sept 22 to 29.

“I am delighted at this opportunity to join MAN’s entourage to visit the IAA to learn more about the new innovations of MAN trucks and the latest trends and developments in the transport and logistics industry,” Lee Ting San Group of Companies CEO Lee Kah Chye.

Lee Ting San group has a fleet of close to 1,000 vehicles for its nationwide and cross-border transportation services. Lee will also tour MAN’s manufacturing plant in Munich to observe the production process of MAN trucks.

During the fair, MAN will spotlight on its optimised engine programme that can help improve fuel consumption and ensure increased performance and driving dynamics as well as the expected high level of reliability.

The new generation D38 engine offers up to 640hp and the new D26 offers a power range from 420hp to 500hp with low fuel consumption.

In combination with the new versions of the MAN TipMatic transmission with individually coordinated driving programmes for every area of application, the MAN ranges provide highly efficient, economical and environmentally-friendly drivetrains.

MAN has optimised the automated TipMatic gearbox in their vehicles with individual moving-off and switching strategies for each specific area of application and added various new functions to enhance efficiency and comfort.

The new functions of the gearbox are available for all 12-speed gearbox versions in the new TG generation and can be broken down into various gearshift programmes to be adjusted for both on-the-road and off-road usage.

“We are excited with what we can show our customers at this year’s IAA as well as our manufacturing plant in Munich,” said MAN Truck and Bus (M) managing director Hartmut Mueller.

“We will continue to offer products and solutions to help them decrease the total cost of ownership (TCO) by making maintenance costs transparent and predictable, unlocking savings potential in fleet management.”


2019 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+ Shooting Brake: A model athlete

                AFFALTERBACH, Germany: Mercedes-AMG presents the CLA 45 4MATIC+ Shooting Brake and the CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ Shooting Brake - two powerful new compact cars that complement sporty athleticism with wide-ranging functionality.

They combine extremely sporty performance (acceleration 0-100 km/h in 4.1/4.0 seconds) and a variable interior with increased luggage capacity.

"The new CLA 45 Shooting Brake is already the third model of our completely new Performance compact cars portfolio. The driving dynamics and the sporty product experience are on a level which was previously unimaginable in the compact class," says Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine is more powerful than ever, with an output of 285 kW (387 hp) or 310 kW (421 hp).

The peak torque of 500Nm (480Nm for the basic version) is available in a range of 5000 - 5250 rpm (4750 - 5000 rpm in the basic version).

With an output of up to 310 kW (421 hp), the completely new Mercedes-AMG 2.0-litre engine is currently the world’ s most powerful turbocharged four-cylinder manufactured for series production.

The 8-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8G dual-clutch transmission likewise contributes to the agile and dynamic character.

The standard RACE-START function allows maximum acceleration from stationary, a highly emotional experience.

One new feature is the active, fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive: for the first time, this system offers selective power distribution to the wheels on the rear axle via AMG TORQUE CONTROL.

This means that the power is distributed to the left and right rear wheels highly flexibly and at different ratios, according to the given driving situation – resulting in optimum traction, whatever the road surface conditions.

In addition, spectacular Drift mode (standard on the S-Model, included in the optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package for the base model) provides for even greater driving enjoyment.

This is made possible by a newly developed rear axle differential, which for the first time incorporates two multi-plate clutches.

These open and close at lightning speed to control the torque flow for each rear wheel individually.

The new AMG suspension with specific spring elements and the new, frequency-selective shock absorbers provides the basis for high directional stability and highly dynamic cornering characteristics with low body roll.


BASF, Porsche to develop high-performing lithium-ion batteries

                BERLIN: Germany's BASF said it has been chosen as the exclusive partner to develop high-performing lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles with Cellforce Group, a joint venture between Porsche and Customcells.

As part of the collaboration, BASF will provide materials for high-performance battery cells for fast charging and high energy density. Cellforce Group will produce the high-performing battery.

Sources said last month that Volkswagen was seeking closer ties with Germany's BASF, one of the world's largest suppliers of battery materials.


Teen Tesla driver’s 180kph speed cited in deadly crash

The accident and fire killed the driver and a passenger and destroyed the Model S. — Image from NTSB website
WASHINGTON: A speeding teenage driver caused the fatal crash of a Tesla Inc. vehicle in Florida in 2018 and the subsequent fire in the electric car’s battery contributed to the severity of his injuries, a federal investigation concluded.

The 18-year-old man, who had previously been cited for speeding, was travelling as fast as 187kph in a Model S and lost control on a street in Fort Lauderdale, where the speed limit was 25mph (40kph), the National Transportation Safety Board found in a report released Thursday.

The driver and a front-seat passenger died as a result of the ensuing fire, the NTSB said. A passenger in the rear, who wasn’t wearing a seat belt, was ejected from the car and survived with multiple fractures.

The crash is one of several under review by the NTSB in which fires erupted in the highly flammable lithium-based batteries used in Teslas and other vehicles. The batteries are difficult for firefighters to extinguish and can re-ignite hours or days after a crash.

The safety board is planning to release a report on the battery fires in 2020. A Teslsa spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In the Fort Lauderdale accident, firefighters arrived at the scene four minutes after receiving the first emergency call. They reported that the heat from the fire was intense and they could see electrical arcing, NTSB said.

They attacked the blaze with 200 to 300 gallons (up to 1,135 litres) of water and foam. Despite that, the battery re-ignited twice, according to the report.

A piece that had separated from the main battery briefly ignited after it touched a metal chain and went out by itself.

Firefighters had to spray more water on the battery after it caught fire again while being loaded onto a tow truck, NTSB said.

Lithium-ion batteries are highly flammable and have their own oxygen supply, making it hard to extinguish fires. If electricity is released after a failure, sparks can ignite the chemicals.


Volkswagen engineer pleads guilty in US diesel emissions probe

                DETROIT/WASHINGTON: A Volkswagen AG engineer pleaded guilty on Friday to helping the German automaker evade US emission standards, and his lawyer said he would cooperate with federal authorities in their criminal probe.

James Liang, who has worked for VW since 1983 and was part of a team of engineers who developed a diesel engine, was charged with conspiring to commit wire fraud and violating US clean air laws. He is the first person to face criminal charges in connection with the diesel emissions cheating case.

The 62-year-old German citizen, who lives in Newbury Park, California, appeared in US District Court in Detroit on Friday and entered into a plea agreement that includes his cooperation with the government in its investigation.

The indictment says Liang conspired with current and former VW employees to mislead the US government about software that federal regulators called a "defeat device," which allowed the automaker to sell diesel engines that emitted more smog-forming gases than the nation's emission standards allow.

"I knew that Volkswagen did not disclose the defeat device to US regulators," Liang said in court. His lawyer, Daniel Nixon, said after the hearing that his client was "very remorseful."

Liang could face up to five years in prison but may get a much lighter sentence if the government finds he provided substantial assistance.

A grand jury indicted Liang in June, but the indictment was only made public on Friday.

VW spokesman Jeannine Ginivan declined to comment on the indictment. "Volkswagen is continuing to cooperate with the US Department of Justice," she said.

Mark Chutkow, chief of the criminal division for the US Attorney in the Eastern District of Michigan, declined to comment on the investigation.

VW has already agreed to spend up to US$16.5 billion to address environmental, state and owner claims in the United States. It still faces billions in potential fines and must resolve the fate of 85,000 polluting 3.0-litre vehicles.

Reuters reported in August that VW and the Justice Department had held preliminary settlement talks about resolving a criminal probe into the emissions scandal.

Liang was one of the engineers in Wolfsburg, Germany, directly involved in developing the defeat device for the Volkswagen Jetta in 2006, according to the indictment.

The engineers had quickly realised the diesel engines they were designing for vehicles targeted at the US market could not meet government clean air standards while appealing to customers, the indictment stated.

So Liang and others, including employees of an entity referred to as "Company A," designed software that would activate the emission controls of an engine undergoing a government test and deactivate them afterward, according to the indictment.

Liang and others referred to the defeat device as the “acoustic function,” or "cycle-beating" software, prosecutors said.

The indictment said Liang and his co-conspirators designed a software update in 2014 that VW told consumers would fix discrepancies being found in emissions testing. In fact, the update was to allow the cheat system to more easily detect when the vehicle was being tested, using the angle of the steering wheel.

After a West Virginia University study showed the cars were emitting more pollutants on the road than tests had indicated, Liang and his co-conspirators lied to regulators, telling them the discrepancy was caused by “innocent” mechanical issues, authorities said.

The indictment quotes early 2015 email exchanges among Liang and other VW employees showing a rising state of fear that officials of the California Air Resources Board could discover the emissions systems were rigged if they conducted more dynamometer testing on early, Generation 1 diesel cars.

"We must be sure to prevent the authority from testing the Gen 1," the indictment quoted an employee who wrote in German. "If Gen 1 goes onto the roller at the CARB, then we'll have nothing more to laugh about!!!!!"


Volvo V40 T5 Inscription launched at RM180,888

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Volvo V40 hatchback has been updated in T5 Inscription form, and its price is unchanged at RM180,888 (on-the-road without insurance, inclusive of six per cent GST).

It comes in four exterior colours including a new Luminous Sand as well as Ice White, Onxy Black and Osmium Grey.

As before, the after-sales package includes a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty and five-year Volvo On Call roadside assist.

Inscription denotes the highest trim level (Kinetic, Momentum, and Inscription) within the Volvo product range.

This new update brings the popular V40 hatchback visually closer to Volvo’s new 90 Series cars.

Highlights include the new Inscription grille mesh cradling the new Volvo Iron Mark and the ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlights, and a new Inscription “rank mark” which was first introduced in the XC90.

In the cabin, Milled Aluminium replaces the Shimmer Graphite inlay and a new Inscription tread plate was added.

The new Volvo Iron Mark update is carried on the steering wheel, Sensus display, and the key fob.

The V40 T5 Inscription maintains its 2.0-litre turbocharged Drive-E powertrain which outputs 245hp and 350Nm of torque, managed by an 8-speed gearbox.

This translates to a 0-100kph sprint in 6.3 seconds.

It also retains its segment-leading active safety system, City Safety – Volvo’s umbrella term for Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) or Collision Avoidance and Mitigation technologies.

“In Malaysia, the V40 is our best-selling model after the XC90. We hope that the new updates in the V40 T5 Inscription will make this very successful model even more attractive,” said Volvo Car Malaysia managing director Lennart Stegland.

The V40 comes with Volvo’s award-winning CleanZone technology which ensures that outside air is effectively filtered before entering the cabin, removing harmful pollutants.

Meanwhile, Volvo Car Malaysia indicated it will also release the V40 T4, which will be priced quite attractively, at a later date.

Volvo V40 T5 Inscription

- 2.0-litre turbocharged Drive-E engine
- 245hp at 5,500rpm
- 350Nm of torque at 1,500 to 4,800rpm
- 8-speed automatic transmission
- 0 to 100kph in 6.3 seconds
- Combined fuel consumption 6.1 litres/100km
- Kerb weight 1,525kg
- Tyres 225/45 R17
- T115/90 R16 Tempa spare wheel
- Engine start-stop
- Electric power assist steering (EPAS)
- Keyless entry and drive
- Rain sensor with tunnel detection
- Park Assist (front and rear)
- Park Assist Pilot
- 2-zone electronic climate control
- Cleanzone interior air quality system
- Sensus with 7-inch colour touchscreen
- 8 audio speakers (4 channels, total 180W)
- DVD player with MP3 encoder
- Bluetooth, USB, iPod-capable
- Leather seats; 8-way powered front seats
- LED headlights with automatic levelling
- City Safety: Collision Avoidance and Mitigation
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)
- Cross Traffic Alert (CTA)
- Fading Brake Support (FBS)
- Regenarative braking
- Electronic stability control (ESC)
- Six airbags
- Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS)
- ISOFIX child seat points


Perodua Tweckbot programme back for Christmas and New Year holidays

                PETALING JAYA: Perodua has kicked off its fourth Tweckbot programme for the year to provide holiday-going owners a free 50-point inspection before embarking on their long journey.

“We hope our customers will take advantage of the Tweckbot service to ensure their
vehicles’ safety and roadworthiness. We would like to wish a very Merry Christmas to all
who celebrate, happy holidays and a Happy New Year,” said Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer Datuk Dr Aminar Rashid Salleh.

The team handling the programme will be stationed at the Giant Hypermarket in Kota Damansara this weekend (Dec 15-17 from 10am-5pm).

The inspection consists of engine, transmission, coolant (coolant level, fan and temperature), brake (fluid and pad wear), power steering, clutch, tyre, suspension and
electrical (battery, lights and water) checks, with each inspection taking about 10-15 minutes.

Additionally, a 20% discount on parts and accessories will be given to all vehicles that
return to Perodua service branches and dealers (terms and conditions apply).

“The Perodua Tweckbot represents our commitment to customers in providing them with the very best in terms of products and services. It is also one of our Road Safety Campaign initiatives.

“At Perodua, You Matter Most, and we want to ensure that during this festive period and
school holidays, your Perodua vehicles are in the best possible shape for the long journeys you and your loved ones may take,” added Aminar.

The programme is a mobile vehicle service team which inspects Perodua vehicles at selected locations during the festive season with almost 5,000 vehicles checked since beginning in 2011.

The Perodua Tweckbot started as a Twitter-based service (Twitter + check + robot)
offering free inspections at specified times and locations.

This gradually expanded into other mediums such as Facebook and traditional media to reach out to more Perodua owners.


Toyota to cut global production plan by 100,000 in June

                TOKYO: Toyota Motor Corp will cut its global production plan by about 100,000 to roughly 850,000 vehicles in June due to the semiconductor shortage, it said today.

The company did not change its estimate of producing about 9.7 million vehicles worldwide by March 2023.

The automaker also announced additional domestic factory line suspension due to supply shortage triggered by Covid-19 lockdown in Shanghai.

The additional suspension will be up to five days between Wednesday and June 3, affecting 16 lines at 10 factories for May and June in total.

It is planning to produce about 850,000 vehicles globally a month on average from June through August, it said, adding chips shortage and Covid-19 outbreaks and other factors "are making it difficult to look ahead."