Porsche in partnership to expand charging network in Singapore

                SINGAPORE: Porsche Asia Pacific and SP Group have announced a partnership to further expand the Porsche Destination Charging network in Singapore, with new lifestyle destinations enabling wider access to seamless charging for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles.

The Porsche Destination Charging network forms a key part of the brand’s three-pronged approach to developing a comprehensive charging ecosystem in Singapore.

Porsche’s recently-announced High Performance Charging network along the North-South highway in Malaysia caters to ultra-fast, en-route charging needs for long-distance travel.

Finally, the expanded Porsche Destination Charging network will further augment public charging with AC and DC charging points at frequently-visited lifestyle locations.

The three new Destination Charging locations at Gardens by the Bay, South Beach and Sembawang Country Club are scheduled to go live by January 2022, adding 15 new charging points to the existing network.

Porsche and SP have also joined hands with City Developments Limited (CDL) to expand EV charging infrastructure at four of its properties, e.g. the City Square Mall and Quayside Isle. They will add another 15 charging points.

Combined with existing Destination Charging sites at Marina Bay Sands and Sentosa Golf Club, the Porsche Destination Charging network will number a grand total of 11 locations and 51 charging stations island-wide by mid-2022, becoming the largest manufacturer-branded EV charging network in the country whilst continuously expanding to even more locations.

All upcoming Porsche Destination Charging points will be available on a central app, which allows EV drivers to easily locate the nearest available charging point, start and track the charging process, and make payment.

The Porsche Destination Charging network is open to all electrified vehicle drivers, with additional benefits accorded to owners of Porsche cars.

SP operates currently over 450 charging points across more than 100 locations, including shopping malls, commercial buildings, business parks, industrial sites and residentials islandwide.

Around one-third of SP’s nationwide charging network are high-speed DC chargers.


Aptera: The electric vehicle that doesn't need charging

                LOS ANGELES: The American manufacturer Aptera Motors has made a splash with the launch of its new all-electric three-wheeled vehicle boasting a record range of up to 1,600km on a single charge!

As well as its sleek, bold design, this is above all thanks to the solar panels covering the vehicle's roof. In fact, continuous solar charging alone should be enough to meet the day-to-day needs of most drivers.

The Aptera EV is already available to preorder although production of the vehicle has not yet begun. The first models are expected to ship by 2022.

This EV is above all striking with its three-wheel design. In fact, this Aptera is billed as a "solar vehicle" rather than a "car" by its maker.

It promises to be one of the world's most advanced solar electric vehicles and the first of many to come. In terms of aerodynamics, the vehicle stands out with its sleek rounded contours and boasts a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.13. Its design has been optimized to deliver record range.

On the roof, over three square metres of solar cells can be configured to provide up to almost 40km of range per day, which should be plenty for most drivers. In that case, it wouldn't even be necessary to recharge the vehicle from one day to the next.

The price of the Aptera vehicle depends on the battery capacity selected, with the firm offering range options of 400km to 1,600km. Pricing ranges from US$25,900 to US$46,900 (RM106,000 to RM191,000). A deposit of just US$100 (RM406) is required to reserve a model and be sure to stand out on the roads.


Audi employs drones to locate vehicles at its Neckarsulm plant

                INGOLSTADT: Audi is using a specially developed drone system to locate vehicles that are ready for dispatch at the Neckarsulm site.

The flying device flies over the vehicle dispatch area autonomously at Audi's assembly plant in Neckarsulm autonomously.

The drone uses GPS and RFID technology to identify and save the exact position of all vehicles it flew over, thereby helping Audi employees to plan the necessary steps from completion of the vehicles to dispatch to the customers.

Many different Audi models roll off the lines at the Neckarsulm site every day including the A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A6, A7, and the A8 as well as the R8 from Böllinger Höfe.

Following production, employees park the vehicles in the designated areas in the plant.

Ensuring that each Audi finds its way to its new owner from here requires exact planning from production to dispatch.

As of recently, the German carmaker's employees in Neckarsulm are getting help from above with this process.

They use a drone that makes it even easier and more efficient to locate the vehicles at the site.

Given that so many different models are built there, the site is one of the most complicated within the Volkswagen Group, making precise order planning particularly challenging.

“The fast locating of the vehicles creates even higher process quality and is a further stepping stone on the path to digital production. The drone provides support from a completely new perspective. We will now share our experiences with other Audi sites and within the VW Group,” explained Audi innovation management project manager Steffen Conrad at Neckarsulm.

The basis is a technology that the four rings have been using for quite some time: the RFID (radio frequency identification) chip with the associated vehicle identification number that each Audi already receives in the body shop.

The specially developed hexacopter, a drone with six propellers, flies over the vehicle dispatch areas on predefined routes at a height of around 10m and determines the exact position of the cars parked there.

The drone uses an RFID reader to read out every vehicle while flying directly over the dispatch area and saves the GPS position identified.

As soon as the flying device has landed, the data is transmitted to a database via Wi-Fi automatically.

After the flight, the result is then displayed on a digital map for the employees.

The drone takes off, flies, and lands in a completely autonomous manner.

The trained Audi employees start and monitor the flight from a laptop or tablet.

In the event of an emergency, they can use a remote control to intervene in the otherwise fully automatic operation.

Four employees have already been trained on how to use industrial drones.

As part of this training, they also obtained what is known as a “drone license.”

Before each flight, the drone receives the weather conditions around the plant premises in Neckarsulm automatically.

If the wind is too strong or gusty or there is too much rainfall, the drone will not take off.

In addition, the software checks the drone’s battery level and battery temperature before each flight.

Should something not fall within the specified safety parameters, it will remain on the ground.

The pilot project is currently being transferred to permanent series testing, as part of which the experts at the Neckarsulm site will gather further experience.

It is conceivable that drones will be used to locate vehicles at other Audi sites as well in the future.


Bracing for EV shift, NGK Spark Plug ignites all solid-state battery quest

Hikosaka, a member of NGK Spark Plug's solid-state battery R&D team, showing a prototype of its all solid-state battery under development in Nagoya on Dec 12. — Reuters
NAGOYA: Facing the eventual demise of gasoline engines, the world’s biggest maker of spark plugs is turning its focus to a component it believes will be just as vital in the coming era of electric vehicles - next-generation all solid state batteries.

Japan’s NGK Spark Plug Co has for years leveraged its expertise in ceramics technology used in spark plugs to expand into sensors, semiconductors and other products mainly for automobiles.

Now, it sees a future in all solid-state batteries, which experts believe will be safer and more powerful than the lithium-ion batteries currently used in battery electric vehicles (EVs).

After dominating transport for 150 years, the internal combustion engine is facing the end of the road in the coming decades as tightening global emissions regulations force automakers to develop more electric cars.

“We realised that it was inevitable that the industry would at some point shift from the internal combustion engine to battery EVs, and that ultimately this could make our spark plug and oxygen sensor businesses obsolete,” Takio Kojima, senior general manager of engineering and R&D at NGK Spark Plug said in an interview.

“Our expertise is in advanced ceramics, and so we have decided to pursue all solid-state batteries.”

Established in 1936 and based in Japan’s automaking heartland of Nagoya, NGK Spark Plug’s realisation that its main business faced obsolescence came around 2010, Kojima said.

That was the year Nissan Motor Co rolled out the LEAF, the first mass-production all battery EV, and just after Tesla Inc came out with the Roadster, its first production car.

Other global parts suppliers are also scrambling to overhaul their product portfolios.

In Japan, Denso Corp has teamed up with Toyota Motor Corp and Mazda Motor Corp to develop battery EVs while transmission maker Aisin Seiki Co is developing hybrid transmission systems and EV-specific, four-wheel-drive units.

In the United States, powertrain products maker Borg Warner has expanded into hybrid and electric car parts, including transmissions and drive modules for electric cars.

Industry experts anticipate plug-in hybrid petrol-electric vehicles and all-battery EVs will account for as much as 26 percent of global car sales by 2030, versus just over 1 percent last year, data from the International Energy Agency shows.

The rise in EV use will require a steep increase in manufacturing capacity for longer-life batteries which are more powerful, lighter and can charge quicker than conventional lithium-ion batteries.

NGK Spark Plug joins Toyota and other companies developing all solid-state car batteries, which offer more capacity and better safety than conventional lithium-ion batteries by replacing their liquid or gel-like electrolyte with a solid, conductive material.

Toyota is developing batteries with sulfide-based solid electrolytes, which offer high conductivity and are relatively flexible but can release toxic hydrogen sulfide when exposed to moisture.

NGK is betting on a different technology with an oxide-based chemistry using ceramics which is highly stable at extreme temperatures, but has less conductivity. In addition, brittle ceramics can be difficult to process.

Japan’s TDK Corp has developed small, ceramic, all solid-state batteries for use mainly in wearable devices like personal fitness monitors, while Murata Manufacturing Co is developing similar products.

But NGK Spark Plug has bigger plans, developing a larger format necessary for cars.

“It’s relatively easy to work in smaller sizes, but when you get to larger sizes it gets very difficult to assemble each layer because it’s difficult to make each layer the same thickness,” said Hideaki Hikosaka, a member of NGK Spark Plug’s solid state battery R&D team.

The company has spent the past five years developing a solid, oxide-based electrolyte which incorporates an additional material to make it resemble a sulfide-based one.

This makes the electrolyte easier to process into larger, thin layers which are compressed, making them easier to stack with anodes and cathodes.

“It’s because of the addition of that material that we’re able to process layers using compression (rather than sintering) to make a bigger, oxide-based battery cell. At the same time, it doesn’t release any gases like sulfides do,” Hikosaka said.

As a result, the company has developed a 10cm by 10cm battery pouch cell, much bigger than 4.5mm by 3.2mm cells developed by TDK.

NGK Spark Plug declined to comment on the material used in its oxide compound and the capabilities of its battery.

Hikosaka said his team was working to raise the battery’s energy density to enable it to match the performance of lithium ion batteries by around 2020, and to develop more powerful, lighter and competitively priced batteries “in the 2020s”.

Battery experts believe producing affordable, all solid-state batteries in the 2020s, a target also shared by Toyota, is ambitious given the challenges of achieving a fine balance between numerous performance characteristics.

Once they do come to market, some experts believe competition between batteries based on oxides, sulfides, and other chemistries would likely heat up, as producers vie to deliver batteries with diverse specifications.

“If these chemistries can compete and win against lithium-ion and we see a shift to all solid-state, we might see a diversification in the materials used in them, as in lithium-ion batteries,” said Venkat Srinivasan, director of the Argonne Collaborative Center for Energy Storage Science in Illinois.

“Some automakers and battery makers might be more interested in conductivity than oxidative stability, for example ... Batteries are all about compromise. You’re not going to hit every metric.”


Mercedes-Benz sells 2.05 million passenger cars in 2022

                BERLIN: Mercedes-Benz delivered 2.05 million passenger cars in 2022, the company said on Tuesday, down 1% on the previous year as the carmaker felt the impact of Covid-19 measures and bottlenecks.

Still, fourth-quarter sales rose 17% as logistics and supply chain bottlenecks eased, and battery-electric sales grew 124% over the course of the year to 117,800 units.

Demand for the carmaker's high-end Maybach vehicles was particularly strong, with 2022 sales up 37% year-on-year driven by higher sales in China, Japan, Korea and the Middle East.

The only key region to see a year-on-year fall in sales was China, with a 1% drop, according to Tuesday's data.

Europe and North America saw 1% and 3% growth, respectively, while the rest of the world saw a 27% fall in sales largely due to the carmaker suspending operations in Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.

Entry-level vehicles, the lowest price segment, saw a 10% sales drop primarily due to supply chain bottlenecks, the carmaker said.

Rival BMW Group delivered just under 2.4 million vehicles in 2022, down 4.8% from the year before, with brand sales down 5.1% as bottlenecks caused by lockdowns in China as well as the war in Ukraine dampened deliveries.


Mercedes to showcase the future of mobility at CES

                STUTTGART: Mercedes will be making the ‘CASE' for autonomous driving, ride-sharing electric mobility and the car as an element of future healthcare when the doors to the 2017 International Consumer Electronics Show (International CES) open in Las Vegas on Jan 5.

CASE - Connected, Autonomous, Shared & Service and Electric Drive - is the carmaker's newly created corporate strategy for bringing together all of the megatrends that are set to disrupt the traditional concept of the privately owned, gasoline-powered motorcar. And of course, ensuring that Mercedes is at the forefront of any innovations regarding these changes.

"Our CASE strategy will help us to shape the future of mobility," said Daimler board member Ola Källenius. "Our notion of mobility will change more dramatically in the next five to 10 years than in the preceding 50."

The biggest immediate changes will be the move from fossil fuels to more environmentally friendly forms of propulsion, and from driving to being driven.

Therefore, Mercedes-Benz will be bringing its concept EQ fully electric SUV (which debuted at the Paris Motor Show in September) and its Mercedes-Benz Vision Van - a physical study of the autonomous, networked cargo carrier of the future - to the event. But that's just the start.

Greater autonomy means that cars need greater networking capabilities - to connect to other cars, the infrastructure, their owners and soon, their homes.

Mercedes has already managed to integrate its cars with Google Home, holding the first media demonstration on Dec 16.

From January when the feature goes live, Mercedes owners with a smart home and Google's connected speaker can simply inquire about their car's fuel levels, inside temperature, battery charge levels; or unlock the doors form the comfort of their living rooms.

"This newest integration shows just how intelligent the car of the future will be, and we plan to roll out more applications as the year progresses that will make daily life even more accessible and convenient," said Sajjad Khan, Daimler's VP for digital vehicles and mobility.

But why stop there? The same technology that underpins smart homes, wearable technology and active driver safety features will also enable services such as ride and car sharing and with it an opportunity to show how, as Mercedes describes it, "Society's growing health consciousness can be intelligently combined with future mobility."

"The objective is to make the car a platform for future mobility concepts and a space that offers a digital experience. The car of the future must be networked, autonomous, emissions-free and deliver the possibility of shared mobility," said Källenius.


Can't afford a Lamborghini? Then get the Ixoost EsaVox Speaker system

                MODENA: The Ixoost EsaVox Speaker system is inspired by a Lamborghini's quad exhaust and ventilation set up and comes with the automotive marque's seal of approval.

Like the most exclusive and most extreme cars in production, the Ixoost EsaVox is hand crafted in Italy. But what makes this company's products stand out from the rest of the pack is that the sound amplification is achieved using the same principles and materials as sports exhausts complete with headers and manifolds.

As well as a unique sound, the speaker systems - which can connect to a source via cables or Bluetooth- have a unique look but this is the first device from the company to come with full Lamborghini co-branding.

However, all of this style comes at a premium - US$21,000 (around RM94,000) - still it's 20 times less expensive than the Lamborghini Aventador, the car that inspired its design.


Cops record statement of person who used fake number plate on McLaren car

                KUALA LUMPUR: The police have recorded the statement of the vehicle owner who used a fake number plate on a McLaren supercar.

Kuala Lumpur Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department chief Asst Comm Sarifudin Mohd Salleh said the individual's statement was recorded at the Kuala Lumpur Traffic police station.

"The case is being investigated under Section 108(3)(f) of the Road Transport Act 1987. The investigation paper will be referred to the Deputy Public Prosecutor once the investigation is completed," he said when contacted.

It was previously reported that the Road Transport Department (JPJ) had sought the help of the police to track down a man known as Opai, who is the husband of an actress.

The police had been asked to assist the investigation over the use of the number plate "QPA 1", which is not registered to a McLaren car.

KL JPJ deputy director Erick Jusiang said the department had to ask the police to help as the man had not cooperated even after a notice to come to the JPJ office was issued.

Previously, the man was heavily criticised by the public after a recent video in which he had allegedly insulted non-supercar vehicles at a car exhibition went viral.


Mercedes announces pricing and specs of S-Class Cabriolet

                STUTTGART: If you can't wait to go and buy the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet, you now know how much money you'll have to find for one as the German luxury automaker has just announced pricing for Britain.

The most "affordable" version, the S 560 AMG Line, will be priced at £115,910 (RM630,000), the Mercedes-AMG 63 version will cost from £140,610 (RM765,000), and the top of the range AMG S 65 is priced at £197,510 (a little over RM1mil).

That's obviously a lot of money, but this is also an awful lot of car and is described by the manufacturer as "the epitome of luxury motoring, mixing effortless performance with impressive refinement and a sumptuous interior."

In line with what seems to be the trend at the moment, Mercedes has shunned the folding hardtop that used to be a favourite option for such cars until quite recently.

Instead, the S-Class Cabriolet comes equipped with a well-insulated multi-layer folding soft-top, which should make the new model suitable for all markets and folds away electrically in less than 20 seconds.

As for what's going on under the hood of the S 560, which is the replacement for the outgoing S 500, Mercedes has adopted a new 4.0-litre bi-turbo V-8 producing 469hp and 700Nm of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic gearbox. The AMG S 63 has a similar unit, but this time it's a hand-built version tuned to 612hp and 900 Nm. Finally, the incredible S 65 boasts a hand-built 6.0-litre V-8 that puts out 630 hp and 1,000Nm of torque.

Obviously, all three versions of the new S-Class Cabriolet come packed with standard features and equipment, but one of the more exciting available options is the Driving Assistance package, which costs £2,580 (RM14,000) for the S 560 but is standard with the other two models.

It includes a number of features that have come from autonomous drive development, such as Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Steering Assist, Active Speed Limit Assist, Active Braking Assist and Evasive Steering Assist.


New system detects blacklisted cars

                KUALA LUMPUR: Criminals and traffic offenders will find it difficult to evade authorities when the new Automated Number Plate Recognition (APNR) system is implemented.

Federal Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department deputy director Asst Comm Ruslan Khalid said police have taken possession of 20 ANPR units purchased from the United States this month.

He said police have already started using the devices in operations carried out nationwide, especially during traffic operations.

The system uses a high-definition camera that captures and reads number plates to detect blacklisted vehicles or even vehicles in the crime hotlist, he added.

It can also detect vehicles with summonses or even arrest warrants on them.

ACP Ruslan said that when the devices were used in a traffic operation in Johor recently, 2,000 traffic offenders as well as those with outstanding summonses were detected.

“A total of 87 crime cases which involved mostly stolen vehicles were detected by traffic police using the ANPR,” he said during a joint operation called Ops Terancang at the Sungai Besi toll early yesterday.

Ops Terancang was conducted in four different zones on major highways in the country.

The four zones – central, northern, southern and eastern – included Sungai Besi in Kuala Lumpur, Gurun in Kedah, Gunung Semanggol in Perak, Bukit Gambir in Johor and the Temerloh R&R in Pahang.

ACP Ruslan also said the recently implemented Mobile Compound Online Payment System (MCOPS) would enable officers to issue summonses by merely keying in an offender’s details.

The device, similar to a mini printer, has to be synced with smartphones on which the mobile app has been downloaded.

Upon issuance, the summonses will be uploaded to the police system and the police officer can print out a copy on the spot, saving time.

The system is also linked to the Road Transport Department.

In the two-hour operation yesterday, a total of 3,361 summonses were issued to traffic offenders.

ACP Ruslan said that 46 people who tested positive for drugs were also arrested during the operation, with another 29 foreigners detained for failing to produce valid documents.

He said that three million summons notices have been issued this year to traffic offenders while 833,000 warning letters have been sent for failing to respond.

 File pic of stolen cars.

In a separate development, Bernama reported that vehicle theft syndicates in Malaysia are not limiting their so-called “business” just to the closest neighbouring country, Thailand, but are believed to have expanded even to Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia.

A source who disclosed the syndicates’ modus operandi said, chances would be very slim to find back the stolen vehicles if they had reached those Indochina countries.

He believed that the vehicle theft syndicates in these countries had a strong networking among them which complicated the authorities’ effort in handling the cross border crime.

“It is believed, that the cars stolen in Malaysia will be transported via sea by container ship from Singapore.

“Then, it will stop at its first destination, Thailand. It is also believed that Laem Chabang Port, in Thailand is their main destination (to unload the stolen vehicles),” he told Bernama, recently.

Depending on the situation, the source said, parts of the stolen vehicles in the container would be unloaded in Thailand, and the remaining would continue their journey to the Indochina countries.

If the cars were not sold in Thailand, there were also possibilities of the unloaded stolen vehicles being smuggled into its neighbouring countries by land.

Thailand shares land border with three Indochina countries, namely Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia, possibly as the final destinations for the stolen vehicles, he said.

“If it reached those countries, the chances to find them back are as good as nothing,” he said, adding that information on the stolen vehicles in the three Indochina countries would also be hard to obtain.

According to him, one of the latest and popular trends to sell or “dispose” of stolen Malaysian vehicles in Thailand was through online websites.

Early this month, Thai police handed over 22 stolen Malaysian vehicles worth RM2.2mil found in that country to the Malaysian police.


GM to spend US$7bil in Michigan to build electric auto capacity

                DETROIT: General Motors has announced plans to invest US$7 billion in the US state of Michigan as it converts assembly plants and builds batteries for the transition to electric vehicles (EV).

Calling the announcement on Tuesday "the largest single investment in GM history," the auto giant said the push in its Midwestern home state would create 4,000 new jobs and retain 1,000 more positions.

GM has previously projected that it will double revenues by 2030 as it ramps up EV production. The company expects 50 percent of its North American capacity to be EVs by that date.

"Today, we are taking the next step in our continuous work to establish GM's EV leadership by making investments in our vertically integrated battery production in the US, and our North American EV production capacity," said chief executive Mary Barra.

"These investments also create opportunities in Michigan for us to bring our employees along on our transition to an all-electric future."

The biggest component is US$4 billion to remake the Orion Assembly plant north of Detroit to enable production of new EVs such as the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra.

GM is also spending US$2.6 billion to build a new battery plant in the city of Lansing, with the rest going to enhance to assembly plants in the area.

The announcement was applauded by President Joe Biden, who said his administration "has been laser focused on making sure that America leads the manufacturing future of electric vehicles."

Biden, who toured GM's Detroit-area EV plant in November, hailed the US$7.5 billion for new EV charging stations included in a US$1 trillion infrastructure bill he signed into law last year.

But another Biden initiative to establish higher tax credits for EVs built in union shops like those at GM looks uncertain given congressional gridlock over his Build Back Better social spending and climate change package.


New vehicle models driving industry

                PETALING JAYA: Passenger cars sales this year will continue to be spurred by new volume-driven launches such as the Perodua Ativa, Proton X50, Honda City, and Toyota Yaris and Vios along with overflowing back-logged bookings and the extension of sales and service tax (SST) exemption, and seasonal promotions.

According to Kenanga Research, the total industry volume (TIV) is targeted at 545,000 units, which is 3% higher year-on-year (y-o-y).

There was also a mild recovery in the consumer sentiment in the first quarter of this year.

In its latest sector report, the research house said the various government assistance announced under the Penjana and Kita Prihatin packages helped to maintain some consumer confidence for the first quarter, particularly the exemption in sales tax for passenger vehicles in mid-June 2020 to end-2021 and the extended loan moratorium for financially distressed individuals.

“This prevented financial conditions in the first quarter from worsening, and with hopes of better income and job prospects, and consumers expect shopping to return, but not without growing jitters over rising essential item prices, ” it added.

Meanwhile, the passenger vehicles’ loan approval rate remained unexciting at 53.3% as of April 2021 but charted a positive recovery from the lowest of 31% in April 2020 during the enhanced movement control order.

“This is due to stringent loan approval based on employment criteria for several economic sectors that still see high risk impact from Covid-19 restriction such as aviation and hospitality.

“This is further worsened by only a slight reduction in unemployment rate to 4.6% from the start of the year at 4.9%,” said the research house.

For the first quarter reporting season, Kenanga Research noted that the financial results of almost all automotive groups were within expectations including DRB-Hicom Bhd, MBM Resources Bhd, Sime Darby Bhd, Tan Chong Motor Holdings Bhd and UMW Holdings Bhd.

As for the second quarter, Kenanga Research expects most of the auto players to chart a slower drive with the total lockdown in June resulting in all the marques’ show rooms, vehicle productions and deliveries to be temporarily closed, halted and delayed for the phase one of the National Recovery Plan period.

Its economics research team believes that an expected global growth recovery and the impact of the large fiscal stimulus on the domestic economy would result in a projected gross domestic product growth rebound between 5% and 6% in 2021.

Kenanga Research’s auto pick is MBM Resources with a target price of RM3.50 given its status as a pure proxy to the largest national Perodua dealership with deep value in its 22.58% stake in Perodua.

It has upgraded Sime Darby to outperform with unchanged target price of RM2.35 due to the recent weakness in its share price and the continuous improvement in its main China operation, while its Malaysia operation remains clouded by uncertainty of phase one of the National Recovery Plan but offset by SST exemption till end-2021.

Kenanga Research meanwhile has downgraded Tan Chong Motor to underperform with unchanged target price of RM1.10 due to its uncertain direction as its overall unit sales continued to be weak despite the launch of the popular all-new Nissan Almera.


KTM 1290 Super Duke R and Super Adventure S launched

                PETALING JAYA: KTM Malaysia has introduced the 2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke R and KTM 1290 Super Adventure S, priced at RM118,000 and RM115,000 respectively.

The fully imported motorcycles would be available at dealerships nationwide from May.

The two motorcycles were launched at a hotel here on Friday. Both use the same 1,301cc V-twin engine in different states of tune.

Duke R
The Duke R is also known as the "Beast 2.0" for its immense torque and peak power, which is now at 177hp and 141Nm of peak torque.

KTM said the new Duke R has the smoothest, widest power band yet, the result of a higher compression ratio, shortened intake funnels and an exhaust flap with a smart actuator system.

New resonator chambers on the cylinder heads serve to further increase refinement below 5,000 rpm while cutting CO2 emissions by about 10%.

The torsionally rigid WP split forks with separate damping circuits receive stiffer springs
and a sportier setup. At the rear, the WP shock absorber also gets a stiffer fork spring and a setup tuned to handle high speeds.

The latest Metzeler Sportec M7 RR super sport rubber is fitted as OEM. The TFT dashboard instrument and illuminated menu switch on the handlebar have been designed to be intuitive allowing the rider to receive the required information at every speed.

The new electronics onboard include a cruise control that works in the four upper gears between 60kph and 200kph.

The new DUKE R is now activated via the key transponder of the new KTM RACE ON system, which also includes the filler cap release.

Options available for the Duke R are the “Performance Pack” for fast up and down shifting
without using the clutch; “Track Pack” for scorching take-off via launch control; and wireless smartphone integration via the KTM My Ride pack.

Adventure S
Its engine makes 160hp and 140Nm of torque, and the bike comes with a semi-active suspension and Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC).

A new dashboard with a large, full-colour, 6.5-inch TFT display is built into the fairing, allowing a more comfortable and intuitive operation of the electronic equipment and assistance systems via the new, illuminated menu switch on the handlebar.

Behind the windshield – which now features a new and easier adjustment mechanism – the instrument made of bonded, antiglare glass is protected from fingerprints by a special coating, while its tilt can be adjusted for optimal read-out. On the go, the rider’s mobile phone is kept safe within a waterproof compartment with USB charger.

The Adventure S uses the same 1,301cc 75° V-Twin engine as the Adventure R model (another variant of the travel sportsbike) but also the full assistance package with stability and traction controls as well as convenient features like the cruise control and the KTM RACE ON system. The Adventure R, which wasn't introduced last Friday, has a Travel Enduro chassis, and is the most extreme Adventure; it is designed to excel on-tarmac as well as off-road, allowing the rider to adopt a go-anywhere attitude.

However, sporty cast aluminum wheels in 19-inch in front and 17-inch on the rear as well as a suspension travel slightly shortened to 200mm lend the “S” a lower centre of gravity for better cornering ability.

A key highlight is the standard, semi-active WP suspension, allowing the rider to select “Comfort”, “Street”, “Sport” or "Offroad” damping settings for the front forks and the shock absorber via a handlebar menu switch, even on the go.

For ideal chassis geometry at any load, the spring rate of the rear suspension is also easily adjusted electronically in four stages. The pre-installed mountings for the tightfitting KTM luggage system are now floating, to make the Adventure S even more stable.

As an option, buyers of the Adventure S may also specify the “Travel Pack”, with the Hill Hold Control (HHC), the Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) and the quickshifter+ for up and downshifting.

Also included, the KTM MY RIDE features a hands-free kit to receive incoming calls on the go as well as an audio player function.


Highway toll operators offering three incentives for motorists to go cashless

                KUALA LUMPUR: The toll plazas of six more highways in the Klang Valley and Penang that will go cashless from June 1 are offering three types of incentives for toll highway users to switch.

A total of 108,500 Touch N’ Go cards will be given out for free with a minimum credit purchase of RM5. Smart Tags will also be sold at a promotional price of RM104.95 (inclusive of 6% GST) with a minimum credit purchase of RM20. Motorists who use Class 1 vehicles (cars) on these six highways will also enjoy a 10% rebate between June 1 and July 31.

To ensure a smooth conversion process, Association of Highway Concessionaires Malaysia vice-president Sazally Saidi advised new users of the cashless system to ensure that their Touch N’ Go cards had enough credit for their journey and that their Smart Tags had working batteries and were functioning properly.

The six highways are the Sungai Besi Highway (E9 Besraya), Butterworth Outer Ring Road (E17 LLB), Kajang SILK Highway (E18), South Klang Valley Expressway (E26 SKVE), the Second Penang Bridge (E28), and the New North Klang Straits Bypass (E30 Grand Sepadu).

“We want to implement full ETC system to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the toll plazas so that motorists will have shorter waiting time." said Sazally.

“This will allow for a reduced concentration of vehicles at toll plazas and smoother flowing traffic.”

Sazally said cash transaction at toll plazas take an average of 15 seconds per transaction, allowing for about 400 vehicles to pass through a single toll lane in one hour. However Touch N’ Go lanes can process 6-second transactions and 550 vehicles in one hour, while Smart Tag lanes can process 3-second transactions and 1,000 vehicles in one hour.

He referred to a case study on the Damansara toll plaza on the Sprint Highway, where the longest queues recorded before and after the implementation of the full cashless system in March were 300m and 10m respectively.

He added that the government hoped to convert the remaining 12 of the 31 highways operating nationwide into full cashless system by 2018.


Truckers battle it out at Hino Smart Driving Contest

                SENDAYAN: Hino Motors Sales (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (Hino Malaysia) recently organized the Hino Smart Driving Contest to promote its Hino Smart Driving Program in Hino Total Support Customer Center (HTSCC) here.

The two-day event was held on Oct 9 and 10 and there were 25 Hino truckers from 13 companies, taking up the challenge to participate this friendly competition to build their skill and compete spirit to each other in the same profession.

The drivers were tested through several exciting challenges and programmes which includes both theoretical and practical tests.

Utilising the first Hino training centre outside of Japan, Hino Total Support Customer Centre (HTSCC), Hino truck drivers in Malaysia are now able to further enhance their professional skills especially in road handling, safety, and fuel-efficient driving techniques.

 From left: Executive Director Hino Malaysia Datuk Johnny Chan; Manager Indah Water Roslan Said; 1st Runner Up Mohd Faizal Samsaini; Head of Transport GD Express Sdn Bhd Ling Kui Loong; Champion Mohd Zul Amali Razali; Manager Radifleet Sdn Bhd Abdul Rahim Nayan; 2nd Runner Up Mohd Zaidi Ibrahim;  and Managing Director Hino Malaysia Atsushi Uchiyama.

According to the Managing Director of Hino Malaysia, Atsushi Uchiyama, “This competition is a great opportunity for drivers to show their skills and be motivated to improve to be able to emerge as the winner. This is a proud recognition not just for the drivers but a boost for the company image as well.”

Keeping in tune with the local commercial vehicle market, Hino Malaysia plans to open the training centre for the use of government and public agencies to ensure their training projects for professional drivers are successful with the Human Resource Development Fund (HRDF) claimable.

Hino brand has built a solid reputation through outstanding products based on QDR which stands for Quality, Durability, and Reliability. Hino sets a mission to develop a product that perfect fit for each customer’s businesses with its core Two Values; ‘Maximise Vehicle Uptime’ and ‘Minimise Vehicle Lifetime Cost’.

Hino Malaysia is confident its presence of more than 40 years in the country will not only increase performance in sales but also after-sales services through various customer engagement programmes.


VW CEO sees Apple mounting major challenge with auto push

 Volkswagen's Herbert Diess praised Apple's latest move, saying 'the unbelievable valuation and the practically unlimited access to resources instill a lot of respect in us.' — dpa
FRANKFURT: Volkswagen AG chief executive officer Herbert Diess said cash-rich technology giants invading the auto industry pose a much bigger challenge for the German manufacturer than traditional rivals like Toyota Motor Corp.

“We look forward to new competitors who will certainly accelerate the change in our industry and bring in new skills,” Diess said in a LinkedIn post when asked about reports that Apple Inc. is developing a self-driving car.

“The unbelievable valuation and the practically unlimited access to resources instill a lot of respect in us.”

Diess, 62, received a fresh vote of confidence from the VW supervisory board this month to make the sprawling industrial conglomerate more nimble after internal wrangling had spooked investors.

VW faces a critical year in 2021 to escalate its electric-car push with new models like the ID.4 compact SUV and a more spacious version of the Porsche Taycan.

Diess mapped out a plan during an internal meeting last week to pit VW’s huge Wolfsburg plant against Tesla Inc.’s factory that’s under construction outside Berlin.

The electric-car maker’s new site in Gruenheide is bound to stoke competition for engineers, workers and customers on VW’s home turf.

“I’ve said it before: the most valuable company in the world will again be a mobility company,” Diess said. “It could be Tesla, Apple or Volkswagen.”


Kia offers 'KiaMobility' for those who want to rent cars

                SEOUL: Kia is continuing its efforts to diversify mobility services with the launch of a new mobility service, "KiaMobility".

The dealer-led service allows users to rent vehicles from dealers for just a single day or up to a whole year.

'KiaMobility' offers a new mobility option at a time when people are seeking new modes of transportation following the Covid-19 outbreak.

The company has developed its own fleet management platform for the mobility service, allowing collective operation of vehicles at the dealership. The platform is designed to provide personalised service for customers to reserve vehicles of their choice, pay via a mobile app, and visit the dealer for pick-up and drop-off of the vehicles, which undergo thorough sanitation to ensure safety.

'KiaMobility' is first being launched at 16 locations through dealerships in Italy and Russia. Following the pilot scheme, Kia plans to expand the service next year in Europe and other regions such as Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Middle East.

Kia announced its shift to become a provider of personalised, customer-centric and sustainable mobility services under the "Plan S" strategy it revealed in January. The plan outlined the company’s intentions to develop a diverse range of mobility services and popularise electric vehicles worldwide.

In August, the company also announced plans to expand partnerships with global mobility companies to meet the diverse needs of its customers worldwide.

In Korea, Kia operates the ‘Kia Flex’ vehicle subscription program, with a fleet of up to 200 vehicles available for use. In Europe, the company established ‘WiBLE’ car sharing service in 2018 to enable users to rent and return vehicles at designated locations with its "free-floating" system.

Kia also provided 200 e-Niros to the car-hailing firm Lyft in North America last year, and the company partnered with companies such as Grab, Ola, and Revv to prepare for changes in the mobility service domain in emerging markets.


Jay Chou's wife gives him Lambo Urus on his 40th birthday

Jay Chou and wife posing with his new birthday gift. — All images from Instagram/Jay Chou
TAIPEI: Mandopop singer Jay Chou received a shoebox during a gift exchange game at a Christmas party which led him to a Lamborghini Super Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).

The party was hosted by his actress wife Hannah Quinlivan, Oriental Daily reported. When Chou opened the box, it contained clues to the exchange game and required him to close his eyes. It eventually led him to the Urus.

The Urus, touted as “the world’s first super SUV”, was introduced in Taiwan in July at a price of NT$999,890,000 (RM1.36mil). It boasts a 4.0 litre V8 twin-turbo engine with 650hp and top speed of 305kph. It can race to 100kph in 3.6 seconds.

The present was also to mark Chou’s 40th birthday next month. Chou said this was the first time he had ever received a car from a woman.

Quinlivan, 25, married Chou in January 2015. They have a daughter and a son.

Chou is set to star in the fourth instalment of the xXx action flick alongside Vin Diesel. Filming would start next year. The singer-actor made his Hollywood debut in the 2011 movie Green Hornet.


Refreshed Volvo XC60 lands in Sabah

                KOTA KINABALU: Volvo Car Malaysia takes another step towards full electrification as it officially unveiled its latest model in East Malaysia.

Dubbed “the new Smarter XC60”, this refreshed model comes with added safety features, a fresh exterior look and state-of-the-art technological integration with Google Services.

Volvo Car Malaysia managing director Charles Frump said the company was excited to introduce the new Smarter XC60 to the East Malaysia.

 Arif and Frump posing with the XC60 in Kota Kinabalu.

“Sebangga Mitsinbo is a valued dealership partner for Volvo Car Malaysia, and it is through their support that we can deliver our most personal vehicle to date and reiterate our commitment to providing the freedom to move in a personal, sustainable, and safe way to our customers in Sabah,” he said.

The new XC60, priced from RM317,506, is a culmination of the partnership between Volvo Cars and Google to provide a first-of-its-kind built-in infotainment system, complete with a host of Google Services.

This enhanced model will feature a new Digital Services Package consisting of an integrated voice-controlled Google Assistant which enables control of many in-car applications including Google Maps, allowing more to be done without glancing away from the road ahead, therefore eliminating the need to take your hands off the steering wheel.

Sebangga Group chairman Datuk Arif Ambrose Ng said the company welcomed the latest XC60 to its Volvo fleet here in Sabah.

“Built with technology and innovation in mind, this vehicle delivers the most intuitive infotainment experience in the automotive industry, making it Volvo Car Malaysia’s most sophisticated mid-sized SUV to date,” he said.

The new XC60 features a rich Scandinavian design with refined enhancements to the exterior.

The changes include a new grille, new front bumpers, and a new exterior colour.

For the Recharge T8 plug-in hybrid, the XC60 comes with a new 19-inch 6-multispoke black diamond-cut alloy wheel design and a Bowers and Wilkins sound system.

The new model also gets drive modes, tailored to the driver’s preferences, from Pure Electric mode with zero tailpipe emissions for the environmentally conscious to Power mode for the driving enthusiast.

Powering the XC60 is a 4-cylinder 2.0-litre twin engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission featuring Geartronic.

The engine is assisted by a supercharger as well as a turbocharger, producing 407hp with 640Nm of torque, with 87hp and 240Nm from the battery.

It can do the 0-100kph sprint in 5.3 seconds and deliver a low fuel consumption of 2.2 litres per 100km.

The XC60 is also equipped with Volvo’s latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that includes collision avoidance, lane-keeping aid, run-off road mitigation, cross-traffic alert with auto braking, Blind Spot Information System, and a surround-view camera.

Another highlight is the Volvo Car App and Connected Services, which is an app that connects you with your Volvo, enabling convenient remote control of several car functions.

Owners can use their mobile devices or voice control to remotely pre-climatise their parked car, check its status, lock or unlock the doors and much more.

Online bookings can also be made through Volvo Car Malaysia’s website.

For details, visit www.volvocars.com/my or follow Volvo Car Malaysia on Facebook http://bit.ly/VolvoMY-FB and Instagram bit.ly/VolvoMY-IG for more updates.


Rolls-Royce starts suspension testing on new model

                LONDON: Rolls-Royce is testing a prototype, based on a shortened Phantom Series II body, that has been created to begin the development of an all-wheel drive suspension system that will deliver an effortless ride on all terrains.

The body may hint at Rolls-Royce's first SUV, but it features no design aspects of the eventual high-sided, all-terrain car announced by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in February this year.

The mule rides on the first iteration of an all-new suspension that will assist Rolls-Royce engineers in developing a final all-wheel drive system that delivers Rolls-Royce’s hallmark “magic-carpet” ride not only on the road, but off-road too.

The first series of tests codenamed Project Cullinan will focus on the car's on-road behaviour from suspension throw to high-bodied stability, and will test the new suspension across all types of international road surface specification at test facilities. The car will be undergoing tests on public roads this week.

Test surfaces will include; Belgian Pavé, cobblestones, corrugated concrete, noise development and measurement surfaces, resonance road, and acceleration bumps.


Instrument cases not for stuffing yourselves in, Yamaha tells musicians

                TOKYO: Yamaha has warned musicians in Japan against stuffing themselves into their instrument cases to mimic the escape technique allegedly used by fugitive ex-tycoon Carlos Ghosn.

Ghosn, who faces financial misconduct charges in Japan, managed to slip past authorities at the end of December reportedly by smuggling himself on board a plane inside an audio equipment box.

The 65-year-old has refused to shed light on how he fled Japan to Lebanon, but that has not stopped a string of internet users "playing Ghosn" by posing in cases usually meant to protect big instruments.

In one picture posted to Twitter, a young woman curled up inside a padded green harp case, while another post appeared to show somebody standing in a double bass gig bag.

The stunts have not chimed with Japanese instrument manufacturer Yamaha, however, who sounded a note of caution warning people against the trend.

"There have been a large number of tweets showing people climbing into large instrument cases," tweeted Yamaha Wind Stream, the company's account for information on wind instruments.

"To avoid the possibility of a tragic accident, please do not do this... Musical instrument and audio equipment cases are designed to hold musical instruments and audio equipment. Please use them correctly."

Ghosn, arrested on financial misconduct charges in 2018, jumped bail and fled in mysterious circumstances to Lebanon, where he gave a rambling press conference last week.

The Wall Street Journal reported that he was snuck on to a private jet in Osaka in a large case for audio equipment, which was later found at the back of the cabin.

The newspaper cited unnamed sources close to the investigation in Turkey as saying that holes had been drilled into the container to ensure the businessman could breathe.

The report was accompanied by a picture of a large black case which The Wall Street Journal claimed was the one used by Ghosn.


Connected Car Expo emerging as key side event to LA auto show

                LOS ANGELES: Despite the Connected Car Expo being just three years old, it is fast becoming one of the most important events related to the future of personal mobility and the technology that will shape it. Running alongside the Los Angeles Auto Show, as it gets ready to welcome the public on Nov 17, the first innovations are already being unveiled.

OpenCar, a Seattle-based tech start-up will be showcasing InsideTrack, a potentially revolutionary end-to-end platform that will make it easy for any car company to offer its customers potentially any infotainment system app and to keep it seamlessly up to date via over the air updates.

"By empowering app developers to effectively create 'native' apps without knowing the details of each target vehicle, a true automotive app marketplace can flourish. And everyone - automakers, tier 1s, developers and consumers - will realise the benefit," said Jeff Payne, OpenCar's CEO.

The platform, the look and feel of which can be changed to suit specific car companies or their individual marques or ranges, has already attracted over 700 developers because of this commonality.

Taking things one step further is Bright Box, a European company that offers the full connected-car experience in a box. Once Remoto is fitted to a vehicle the owner will be able to control a host of functions remotely via an app such as locking and unlocking doors, activating the climate control, or alerting others in the event of an accident. The box also serves as a platform for car companies for tracking vehicle diagnostics and for collecting data in real time that can be used for developing improvements to future models or for building congestion and other types of predictive algorithms, for example.

Satellite navigation and GPS company Magellan has also given a sneak peek of what to expect from its stand on Tuesday. Among other innovations it will be demonstrating a navigation system specifically for off-roading enthusiasts that could be integrated into a new car's dashboard by the manufacturer as a factory feature.

Called the Magellan Off-Road Vehicle Navigation system it offers detailed 3D maps and over 44,000 trails plus the capability for the SUV driving community to create and upload better and improved routes. The system also supports social media for creating and sharing off-road adventures in real-time.

"Consumers now want to be connected wherever they go, and these solutions fill that need by making the connected car experience available to everyone on and off-road," said Stig Pedersen, associate vice president of product management for Magellan.


Second-gen VW ID.3 is coming in 2023

                WOLFSBURG: Volkswagen will be unveiling the new ID.3 to the public this coming spring.

The upcoming ID.3 is set to be the latest chapter in the ID. family success story: To date, more than half a million ID. models – built on the basis of the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) – have been delivered to customers around the world.

While Volkswagen describes the new ID.3 as a second-generation model, some news websites argue that it's still a first-generation facelift as the updates are not a whole lot transformative. At the risk of splitting hairs, let's go with Volkswagen's official stance that the ID.3 shown here is second-generation stuff.

Currently, the ID.3 is produced at the Zwickau and Dresden plants in Germany. However, the production network will be expanded next year to include the main Volkswagen factory here.

This is in order to meet high levels of customer demand for the fully electric compact car.

“The new ID.3 demonstrates our commitment to quality, design and sustainability. The design has matured, and we’ve upgraded the materials used in the interior”, says Imelda Labbé, Volkswagen Board Member for Sales, Marketing and After Sales.

In coming up with the revamped version, the development team took on board a range of suggestions from customers in order to improve the product and enhance the standard equipment package.

“The needs of our customers are always front and centre for us. That’s why we listen carefully and focus on gearing our product portfolio to their requirements”, Labbé adds.

High-quality and partly sustainable materials will characterize the interior.

The new ID.3 is equipped with the latest software generation, which improves system performance and is able to receive over-the-air updates. In addition, the standard equipment package has had an upgrade: it now includes a display with a diagonal measurement of 12 inches (30.5 centimetres), a removable luggage compartment floor and a centre console with two cup holders.

Functions such as Plug & Charge and the intelligent Electric Vehicle Route Planner make the charging experience in the new ID.3 even more straightforward and convenient. VW is using the latest generation of fully integrated assist systems in the ID.3. Stand-out examples of this are the optionally available Travel Assist with Swarm Data and the Park Assist Plus with Memory Function.

“Part of our mission at Volkswagen is to offer state-of-the-art technologies and innovations across all models, including compact vehicles, and the ID.3 exemplifies this – for example when it comes to new convenience and assist systems:we are taking the next step forward on the way to highly automated driving with the use of swarm data in the latest Travel Assist”, explains Kai Grünitz, Member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management responsible for Development.

German customers can order the pre-configured Life, Business, Style, Max and Tour models from Dec 1.

The starting price of the ID.3 Life is €43,995 (RM204,000). Due to the high order volume, customers who place their order now are expected to receive their new ID.3 from the fourth quarter of 2023.


Honda technologies at CES Asia 2017

                SHANGHAI: Honda Motor Co Ltd is showcasing its advanced technologies at CES Asia 2017, the consumer electronics and technology trade show that started today in Shanghai, China.

Honda Motor's chief operating officer (R&D Centre X) Tsutomu Wakitani said, "Honda set up R&D (research and development) Centre X in April 2017 as a new R&D operation separate from existing motorcycle, automobile, power products and HondaJet business units. Initially, R&D Centre X will focus mainly on robotics and the underlying AI technologies. However, R&D Centre X is planning to flexibly change its target areas along with changes thathappen in the real world."

Honda will accelerate its open innovations also in China where changes are happening in the areas of IT and electrification at a breakneck speeds.

Among Honda Motor's highlights at CES Asia 2017 are:

Honda NeuV

A concept automated EV commuter vehicle equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) technology called an “emotion engine.”

NeuV makes judgments about the driver’s state of stress based on facial expressions and/or tone of voice and provides assistance to the driver to support safe driving.

Moreover, NeuV will learn the lifestyle and driver preferences and suggest different options depending on the situation.

Furthermore, when it is not in use by the owner, and with the owner’s permission, NeuV will self-drive and offer ride sharing to other people.

Honda Riding Assist

Honda Riding Assist is an experimental motorcycle model Honda developed by applying proprietary balance control technologies Honda amassed through its research into humanoid robots represented by Honda’s ASIMO bipedal humanoid robot.

Honda exhibited the world premiere of this concept model at CES 2017.

With or without a rider, Honda Riding Assist self-balances and stands on its own.

Even when the rider loses balance to a certain degree, the motorcycle maintains its balance on its own and mitigates wobbling during low-speed riding and stopping and the risk of a fall while handing the motorcycle.

At the same time, during normal riding, Honda Riding Assist realizes maneuverability equivalent to that of existing motorcycle models.

Honda Riding Assist is Honda’s proposal to make touring and everyday use of motorcycles more fun.

UNI-CUB  Honda UNI-CUB

UNI-CUB β is a personal mobility product that uses Honda’s proprietary balance control technologies, and enables freedom of moving forward, backward, laterally and diagonally simply by shifting body weight.

UNI-CUB is equipped with ROS (Robot Operating System) compatible API (Application Programing Interface) which made it possible to operate the device remotely, so that it can be used in many ways including unmanned delivery service or to usher guests on pre-programmed routes.


Nov 3-9: Fuel prices unchanged

                PETALING JAYA: Fuel prices will remain unchanged from Nov 3-9.

According to a Finance Ministry statement today, RON97 petrol will be retailed at RM3.95 per litre, RON95 remains at RM2.05 per litre and diesel price stays at RM2.15 per litre.

The prices are set through the Automated Pricing Mechanism.


Toyota to suspend output from nine factories in Japan due to quake

                TOKYO: Toyota Motor Corp said on Tuesday it will temporarily suspend vehicle production on 14 lines at nine group factories in Japan due to an earthquake that hit Japan’s northeast last week.

Domestic factories in five prefectures, including Aichi, Iwate and Fukuoka, will halt productions between Wednesday and Saturday, some for as long as four days. The factories produce models varying from Lexus cars to Harrier SUVs.

While the earthquake had no significant impact on Toyota’s factories, it affected some of the automaker’s suppliers, causing a delay in parts supply, a spokesman said.

The company did not disclose the number of affected vehicles.

A strong earthquake hit off the coast of Fukushima prefecture on Saturday, injuring dozens of people and triggering widespread power outages.


Tokyo Motor Show 2019: Lexus LF-30 Electrified Concept

                TOKYO: Lexus has unveiled its LF-30 Electrified Concept at the this year's 46th Tokyo Motor Show as part of its "Lexus Electrified" vision that aims for a fundamental leap in vehicle performance, handling, control and driver enjoyment.

Powered by in-wheel electric motors, the LF-30's form is meant to visually express the energy created by the wheels set at the corners of the vehicle body streaming toward the vehicle cabin and past the driver to directly flow onto the road surface.

At 2,400kg, the LF-30 has a 3,600mm wheelbase for its 5,090mm-long, 1,995mm-wide and 1,600mm-tall body.

A 110kWh battery powers the electric motors that provide 536hp (400kW) and 700Nm of instant power - allowing it to sprint from 0 to 100kph in 3.8 seconds before reaching a top speed of 200kph.

The familiar spindle grille design has undergone a transformation and now widens to the front sides of the car.

Entry into the car is easy, thanks to two large gullwing-type doors and the absence of B-pillars.

Its four wheels get in-wheel motors and this will allow more cabin space for driver and passengers.

The car also adopts next-generation autonomous driving and augmented reality technology.

The steering wheel is the steer-by-wire-type and can be drawn into the dashboard when in autonomous cruising mode.

With steer-by-wire technology and independently powered wheels, the LF-30 Electrified claims better driving dynamics and agility compared with other conventional drivetrain vehicles.

In addition, the steering wheels is not the usual round-type but shaped like handles to give a feel like reins on a horse or 'Tazuna.'

The LF-30 Electrified will feature an Advance Posture Control for more ride comfort, control and confidence.

The concept also gets an autonomous Lexus Airporter drone that can transport baggage from a house's doorstep to the vehicle's luggage area.

Charging is of the wireless-type to simplify daily charging.

Featuring the latest concepts and automotive technologies from Japan, North America and Europe, the show is held at Tokyo Big Sight from Oct 25 to Nov 4.

A Mark Levinson audio system creates a next-generation listening environment.

Miniature speakers provide ideal acoustic spaces for music listening pleasure for the driver and each passenger, with speakers built into the headrests not only provide an optimal audio environment but also a noise-cancelling feature to enhanced quietness.

A glass roof above the rear seats features voice control and a gesture-controlled "SkyGate" display window that uses AR to display various types of information, such as a realistic star-filled sky, user-favourite videos, and even navigation.

In addition to its unique design, the cabin also indicates the direction of next-generation luxury by using sustainable materials to reduce environmental burden.

Yakisugi (charred cedar), a traditional Japanese material, is used in the floor and steering controller while recycled metal was processed into fibres for use in creating the pleated door trim.

The in-wheel electric motors for each of the vehicle's four wheels and low positioning of the battery enable better handling of inertia and high-level driving performance.

Autonomous driving technologies and drone support vehicle technologies look ahead to the year 2030 and the widely expanded value that vehicles can offer.

Lexus Advanced Posture Control technology regulates the drive-power output from high-torque electric motors to adjust vehicle posture in tune with human sensibilities.

Completely independent control of the front and rear drive wheels allows the appropriate provision of front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive, depending on the driving situation.

Compact and lightweight drive-power units expand freedom in vehicle packaging and are used to enable the driver to enjoy ideal driving, regardless of the road surface or driving conditions.

Positioning Lexus Advanced Posture Control technology as a core element of the 'Lexus Electrified' vision, Lexus intends to widely apply this technology throughout its lineup of electrified vehicles.

The steer-by-wire system eliminates a mechanical connection to allow more flexible turning control depending on driving conditions and more precise steering feel aligned with the driver's intention.

It also contributes to a greater sense of openness by allowing the steering controller can be shifted forward and out of the way during autonomous driving.

As a next-generation BEV, the LF-30 uses wireless charging technology to simplify daily charging, and AI-based energy management to enable the optimal distribution of electric power to both the vehicle and the home, and charging control coordinated with the user's daily schedule.

Onboard AI distinguishes the voices of vehicle occupants and uses personalized information stored on the driver's control key - serving as a partner.

This facilitates the adjustment of elements of the interior environment, such as air temperature and audio, and the setting of navigation routes and destinations, while also making proposals for activities after arrival.

Also, it understands the driver's preferences and helps them control the suspension and powertrain settings in real-time according to the driving scene.

The LF-30 also carries the 'Lexus Airporter' drone-technology support vehicle which uses autonomous control.

The Lexus Airporter is capable of such tasks as independently transporting baggage from a household doorstep to the vehicle's luggage area.

Based on the latest autonomous driving technology concept of 'Lexus Teammate', the LF-30 also features advanced driving support functions in the form of a Chauffeur mode and Guardian mode.

Furthermore, a self-parking function and a front-door pickup function is available - allowing it to autonomously move from driveway to doorstep.


India plans safety rating system for passenger cars

                NEW DELHI: India will introduce a safety rating system for passenger cars - a measure it hopes will encourage manufacturers to provide advanced safety features and will boost the "export worthiness" of vehicles produced in the country.

The road transport ministry said in a statement it will assign a rating of one to five stars for cars, based on tests assessing adult and child occupant protection as well as safety assist technologies.

The new system is slated to come into effect in April 2023.

India, which has some of the world's deadliest roads, has also proposed mandating that all passenger cars have six airbags, despite resistance from some carmakers which say it will increase the cost of vehicles.

Current rules call for two airbags — one for the driver and one for the front passenger.

India is the world's fifth-largest car market, with annual sales of around 3 million units a year.

Maruti Suzuki, majority owned by Japan's Suzuki Motor, and Hyundai Motor are the biggest-selling automakers.


Selangor tells state firms to reject toll hike

                SHAH ALAM: Selangor has instructed two state-owned companies with minority shares in two highways to reject the hike in toll which came into effect Thursday.

Mentri Besar Azmin Ali said Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) and Kumpulan Perangsang (KPS) have been ordered to write to concessionaires Kesas Holdings Sdn Bhd and Sprint Sdn Bhd to call for a board meeting to discuss the matter.

PKNS holds 30% of Kesas and KPS 20% of Sprint.

Azmin claimed that the hike was implemented without prior notification of the board of directors of both companies.

"The Selangor Economic Action Council (MTES) have instructed PKNS and KPS to write in and call for special board meetings of both the concession companies and to reject and protest against the toll hike," Azmin told reporters after chairing the MTES meeting Thursday.

He said although both the two state companies hold minority shares, PKNS and KPS had to represent the state government’s stand of not allowing any hike in toll rates at the moment.

“We have told our representatives, as shareholders, to call for the emergency board meetings to discuss the matter and to object the toll hike,’’ said Azmin.

Azmin said PKNS acquired its share in Kesas in 1993 whilst KPS's 20% share in Sprint was acquired in 1999.

He said the state government would look at other options to stop the hike.

He urged the Federal government to use monies collected from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to compensate the concessionaires instead of allowing them to increase the toll.

"The GST collections were more than RM6bil. Why not use it to lessen the rakyat’s burden?’” asked Azmin.

Azmin said in a statement that the toll increase of between 10 sen to RM4.70 will only burden the people who are already faced with a worsening economy and higher living cost.

The affected highways are the Kajang Traffic Dispersal Ring Road (SILK), Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE), Maju Expressway (MEX), Kuala Lumpur-Karak highway (KLK), KL-Kuala Selangor Expressway (Latar), SMART tunnel, New Pantai Expressway (NPE), Besraya Highway, Lebuhraya Kajang Seremban (Lekas), Guthrie Corridor Expressway (Guthrie), Kemuning Shah Alam Expressway (LKSA), Ampang Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (Akleh), LDP, Sprint, Grand Saga Expressway, South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE), Senai-Desaru Expressway and Butterworth Outer Ring Road (BORR).


Car companies need to follow Asean NCAP labelling guideline from March 2020

                PUTRAJAYA: Starting March 1 next year, automotive companies selling vehicles in Malaysia will be compelled to comply with the Asean New Car Assessment Programme (Asean NCAP) Labelling Guideline.

Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the enforcement of the labelling guideline issued by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) would benefit car manufacturers and consumers alike, especially in the improvement of vehicle safety features and specifications.

Once it became compulsory, companies found using fake labels or other than issued by MIROS will face action under the Trade Descriptions Act 2011, which carries a maximum jail term of three years, or fine of RM100,000 for individual and RM250,000 for the company upon conviction, he said.

“For the time being, the ministry through the Consumerism Standard Division will aggressively hold awareness campaigns to educate the public about the labelling system and safety rating based on the safety features of the vehicles owned by consumers.

“We want to improve public awareness that vehicles with Asean NCAP labels are safer for use, with the targets being university students, consumer associations, school children and security agencies,” he said.

Speaking to reporters after launching the guideline here today, Saifuddin said the move would give consumers an option to have a safer new vehicle, and for manufacturers to compete in producing cars with more safety features that can attract buyers.

He said voluntary compliance of the Asean NCAP labelling would begin on March 1 this year, and automotive companies were encouraged to put on display the safety ratings given by MIROS after their cars were tested.

The safety rating is given based on the safety features and specifications for each variant of motor vehicles, with the minimum three-star rating which indicates a score of 50 to 65, four-star (65-75), and five-star (75-100).


Volvo and Uber form driverless car venture

                GOTHENBURG: Sweden-based manufacturer Volvo Cars said on Thursday it would team up with ride-sharing service Uber in a US$300 million joint venture to develop driverless automobiles.

”Both Uber and Volvo will use the same base vehicle for the next stage of their own autonomous car strategies,” Volvo, owned by China’s Geely, said in a statement. ”This will involve Uber adding its own self-developed autonomous driving systems to the Volvo base vehicle,” it added.

Uber and Volvo were two of the founding members of a coalition unveiled in April to push for a unified US legal code on self-driving cars -- a group that also includes Google, car maker Ford and Uber rival Lyft.

Both companies have previously announced plans to develop self-driving cars, which will take passengers to their destinations of choice without human intervention.

Uber unveiled its first self-driving car in May, announcing it had begun testing an autonomous vehicle on the streets of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Volvo engineers began supervised tests of semi-autonomous cars in 2014 in the Swedish city of Gothenburg, where the company has its headquarters.

It will let a limited number of people test the vehicles on the streets of London and Gothenburg next year. ”Over one million people die in car accidents every year. These are tragedies that self-driving technology can help solve, but we can’t do this alone,” Uber chief executive Travis Kalanick said in a statement.

”That’s why our partnership with a great manufacturer like Volvo is so important,” he added. The chief executive of Volvo Cars, Hakan Samuelsson, said the venture placed Volvo “at the heart of the current technological revolution in the automotive industry.”


Toyota, Honda and Nissan in venture to build more hydrogen stations

                TOKYO: Toyota, Honda and Nissan are among 11 companies that have teamed up to form Japan H2 Mobility, LLC (JHyM) to fast-track deployment of hydrogen stations in Japan.

They will set up hydrogen stations nationwide under the guidance of the Japanese central government's Ministerial Council on Renewable Energy, Hydrogen and Related Issues.

The new company, to be headed by Hideki Sugawara, would start operations next month and would be based here.

The formation of Japan H2 Mobility marked the world's first alliance in which infrastructure developers, car makers and investors are working together to promote hydrogen-based mobility services.

Although it did not say how many hydrogen stations would be set up ultimately, Japan H2 Mobility aims to complete its mission within 10 years. It said it would build 80 stations nationwide by 2021, and to further extend the network afterwards. The Japanese government targets the completion of about 160 hydrogen stations serving around 40,000 fuel-cell vehicles by 2020.

The other partners in Japan H2 Mobility are JXTG Nippon Oil & Energy Corporation, Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd, Iwatani Corporation, Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd., Toho Gas Co., Ltd., Air Liquide Japan Ltd., Toyota Tsusho Corporation and Development Bank of Japan Inc.


First electric truck to arrive in Malaysia

                PUCHONG: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles (MBMCV), the authorised distributor of FUSO trucks in Malaysia, will soon deliver Malaysia's first electric truck.

The company to receive the electric-powered FUSO eCanter, will be Biforst Logistics, which recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with MBMCV to formalise the purchase upon the truck's official launch.

The 2,860kg (kerb) eCanter seats three individuals and uses a 70kWh high-voltage battery that provides power to the 185kW electric motor to help it payloads of up to 4,600kg.

The eCanter, unveiled at the 2016 International Motor Show (IAA), is an alternative to diesel-powered trucks with its zero-emissions - making it suitable for urban transportation and short radius distribution.

It is also touted to have been designed for comfort and functionality, where customers can opt between more battery packs resulting in more mileage; or less battery packs but greater payload.

Additionally, MBMCV also delivered its 300th FUSO truck to Biforst Logistics, a FUSO customer since 2006, which has a fleet of trucks for light, medium and long distance duties and is supported by a nationwide network of 55 FUSO dealers and 44 FUSO service facilities.

 From left: Yee, Biforst Group chairman Yang Teramat Mulia Datuk Johan Pahlawan Lela Perkasa Setiawan Datuk Haji Muhamad Bin Abdullah, Undang Luak Johol, Deputy Minister of Transport Malaysia Y.B. Datuk Ab. Aziz Kaprawi and Biforst Group managing director Hamie Appala Nakkiah.

“The delivery of the 300th FUSO truck to Biforst Logistics represents a significant milestone for us,” said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia vice president (Commercial Vehicles) Albert Yee.

For more information log on to www.mercedes-benz.com.my, www.fuso.my or call 03–8074 1188.


Ford falls further behind Tesla after making Musk-like mistakes

                DETROIT: Ford Motor Co, founded 100 years and 15 days before Tesla Inc, is paying the price for a sudden role reversal: It’s now the one struggling to produce a new model on time, at scale and without losing money.

Ford on Tuesday projected lower-than-expected profit for this year after ending 2019 with a quarterly net loss. Costs linked to launching revamped F-150 pickups will hurt future results and extend an earnings slump partly blamed on the botched rollout of its signature SUV, the Explorer.

The disappointing forecast and faulty introduction of a crucial vehicle are reminiscent of the struggles investors saw Elon Musk go through for years.

Tesla almost went out of business, the billionaire chief executive officer has said, because of the "production hell” the electric-car maker went through ramping up output of its Model 3 sedan.

Now, a week after Musk accelerated the introduction of his new Model Y crossover for the second time in as many quarters, Tesla has a market capitalisation just shy of US$160 billion.

Ford is now valued at just a quarter of that — US$36.4 billion — and is poised to fall further behind. Tuesday’s earnings, reported after the close of regular trading, sent the shares plunging as much as 12% to levels last breached more than a year ago.

 The Explorer ST.

"We can’t miss a beat now in the product launches,” Ford chief executive officer Jim Hackett said on an earnings call, just after chief financial officer Tim Stone summed up the company’s financial performance as "not OK” in an interview.

Ford management "went to the desert to get to the bottom” of what went wrong with the Explorer, Hackett added. "I have zero questions that we have identified what was at risk there, what bad decisions we made, what things we have to change. That’s all in the rearview mirror and now it’s about executing.”

Tesla shares have already more than doubled this year, an ascent that’s left some on Wall Street in awe and others aghast. Musk’s next-largest US foe, General Motors Co., will report earnings and host an investor day today. Its market value peaked at about US$67 billion in October 2017 and has crept below US$50 billion.

Ford trades at a steep discount to Tesla despite continuing to handily outperform Musk’s company on several metrics. For one, Ford shipped more than 5.4 million cars and trucks to dealers worldwide last year, more than 14 times the 367,500 vehicles Tesla delivered to customers.

But the direction those numbers are heading trouble Ford’s investors and excite Tesla’s. Ford’s shipments fell 10% last year, and the company didn’t give a projection for 2020. Tesla just increased annual deliveries by 50% and is projecting at least 35% growth for 2020.

Ford projected earnings before interest and taxes will fall to a range of $5.6 billion to $6.6 billion this year, trailing analysts’ average estimate of US$7.4 billion. Adjusted profit in the last quarter of the year also missed projections.

On a GAAP basis, Ford recorded a net loss of US$1.67 billion. Investors typically focus on adjusted figures that back out special items such as restructuring costs and the remeasurement of pension plans. Ford has said it expects to rack up US$11 billion in charges over several years making its operations more financially fit.

Credit-ratings companies have raised concerns about the efficacy of the automaker’s restructuring efforts, with Moody’s Investors Service downgrading Ford to junk in September. S&P Global Ratings then cut the company to the lowest investment-grade rating in October.

Tesla, by contrast, could be due for upgrades after ending last year with a record cash balance and three straight quarters of positive cash flow.

In closing his call with analysts — who at times sounded frustrated about the lack of specifics Ford provided in its guidance for the upcoming year — Hackett pleaded for patience and vowed progress.
"Can we execute? Of course we can. We will promise that we will earn your trust,” Hackett said.

"I don’t want you to think that we have to struggle on the way to the future. We aren’t going to cancel the future because of the focus on earnings. We think that the improvement in earnings that we all want and the requirement that we have to get to our future can live in a synergistic way.”


Hyundai gets Boston Dynamics robots dancing with BTS

                SEOUL: Hyundai Motor celebrated its acquisition of robotics company Boston Dynamics with a video starring BTS, who also happens to be Hyundai's brand ambassador.

In the video, “Welcome to the Family with BTS,” Boston Dynamic’s robots "Spot" and "Atlas" dance with the Korean boy band to their song “Ioniq: I’m On It,” an anthem released last year to mark the launch of Hyundai's dedicated electric vehicle brand, Ioniq.

The video shows how Boston Dynamic’s robots are programmed to conduct physical movements and—in this case—adapt them for dancing. In the video, the robots are challenged to conduct movements of BTS’ choreography, eventually dancing together with the group to the music.

Hyundai sees robotics as a key part of its business. Last September, the group showed off a wearable robot called VEX that is basically an exoskeleton vest factory workers don to facilitate work. Hyundai is also working on other applications for robotics.

“With the acquisition of Boston Dynamics, Hyundai Motor will expand its new robotics business to provide customers with exciting mobility experiences,” said Thomas Schemera, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Marketing Officer at Hyundai Motor.


Does the world need so many cars?

                HONG KONG: Global automakers are slashing production forecasts, which will cost the world hundreds of thousands of cars in the coming months.

Yet any worries about this outcome belie the underlying problems of an industry marred by slowing sales and brimming output before the pandemic.

In reality, the latest cuts will only help a much-needed (even if painful) rebalancing of the sector.

The cutbacks have come hard and fast: The world’s largest automaker, Toyota Motor Corp, this month revised down its production forecast for the year.

Other Japanese manufacturers such as Nissan Motor Co and Honda Motor Co have done the same, bringing the combined figure to over one million cars.

In the United Kingdom, output fell sharply in July, marking the worst performance in that month since 1956.

In the United States, supply was 50% below last year’s level and 70% below 2019 at end of August, according to Cox Automotive.

Meanwhile production could be lowered by more than 450,000 vehicles in North America in the second half of the year – and 1.5 million units for the whole year.

The prospect of fewer cars rolling off production lines may be troubling. However, this is what was supposed to happen, even before the shock of the pandemic.

“Peak car” was imminent, if not already realised. In that context, having fewer vehicles isn’t necessarily a bad thing – and, perhaps, should be considered the new normal.

Take a look at what was happening before Covid-19. The market was inundated with vehicles – buyers were being lured into showrooms with incentives, price cuts and techie features.

Automakers were facing tough emissions regulations, the threat of technology and trade frictions that were raising the cost of cars.

In early 2020, Volkmar Denner, CEO of Robert Bosch GmbH, one of the world’s largest automotive parts suppliers said: “It could well be that we have passed the peak of automotive production,” as his company announced job cuts and a drop in profit.

Global car output was expected to fall for a third consecutive year as demand cratered and stayed flat in 2020.

All the while, carmakers’ profits were barely growing, margins were thinning and controlling costs was the biggest challenge.

Yet production continued to chug along because companies saw no other way out of the morass. So intense was the fear of what would come from the waning global auto industry that even the International Monetary Fund sounded the alarm.

In its World Economic Outlook report in October 2019, the organisation noted that the sector accounts for 5.7% of global economic output and about 8% of global goods exports.

The massive production cuts may now paint a stark picture of what could lie ahead for the global economy. But that’s only if companies keep doing what they’ve always done. The coronavirus outbreak – and accompanying supply chain shortages and shutdowns – has now forced automakers into what they had previously been unwilling to do.

That’s a good thing. With all the latest clean air goals, who really needs so many cars, anyway? Especially as they keep getting more expensive.

Sure, there may be frustrated potential buyers who can’t get their hands on a new car immediately, or companies not making as much as they could have.

But the pullback should drive a deeper rethink of business models, especially as automakers now have the safety of profit buffers and hefty operating margins, thanks to the demand-supply imbalance.

Companies can even go a step beyond replacing gas vehicles with electric ones, and consider making fewer, better, greener cars.

Any impulse to ignore this opportunity and go back to business-as-usual, churning out heaps of vehicles carmakers think consumers want, would be misguided – and ultimately far more painful.


Flyover in Bangsar, KL, to open in May

Francisco (left) with Litrak communications head Shah Rizal Mohamed Fawzi showing the traffic plan at Litrak headquarters in Petaling Jaya.
PETALING JAYA: Motorists from Petaling Jaya in Selangor will be able to use the new flyover from Jalan Maarof in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, to Jalan Semantan to get to other parts of the capital city in May.

Sprint Highway engineering department head Francisco Anthony Doss said two out of three lanes would be opened to motorists.

“This is to help alleviate traffic congestion in the area.

“The third lane is expected to be opened in December,” he told StarMetro.

He said there would be an exit from the flyover to head to Jalan Maarof.

“Prior to this, motorists from Petaling Jaya need to make a U-turn before the flyover to get to Jalan Maarof.

“Soon, the U-turn will be eliminated and they will need to take the exit,” he said, adding that this was to ensure smooth traffic flow.

A map sighted by StarMetro showed there would be an exit ramp on the flyover’s right lane that would lead to Pusat Bandar Damansara MRT station, which later merged with Jalan Maarof.

According to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), the flyover has been closed since Oct 29 last year to facilitate upgrading works.

In a StarMetro report on March 10, DBKL said the works involved the construction of a 1.34km three-lane flyover from Jalan Maarof to Jalan Semantan.

The project, which was to be completed in March, was extended to December because of material shipment delays.

On a related matter, StarMetro learned that there were plans to convert the adjacent one-way Jalan Johar into a two-way road to reduce traffic congestion in the area.

Currently, traffic from Petaling Jaya on the Damansara Link flows into Jalan Johar, before heading towards the interchange in Jalan Beringin. A DBKL spokesperson, when contacted, confirmed that there were such plans.

“The plans are part of a requirement in a development order,” he said, without giving the start date or elaborating further.


A new beginning: Proton comes out with new logo and tagline

 From left: Datuk Radzaif Mohamed, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Proton Holdings Berhad; Datuk Mohammad Zainal Shaari, Chairman, DRB-Hicom; Datuk Sri Syed Faisal Albar Chairman, Proton Holdings Berhad and Dr. Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer, Proton Holdings Berhad.

SHAH ALAM: Proton today unveiled its new logo with a new tagline "Inspiring Connections" which encapsulates the brand's aspiration of utilizing technology and mobility.

The previous tagline was "It's in the Drive!"

The proud tiger emblem found on Proton cars has been updated to a more stylized representation, rendered in silver and features a new 'uncaged' design. The tiger's head is now held high, symbolizing Proton like an arrow-head, moving forward towards success.

The new logo was unveiled today as Proton said it was heading into its "next chapter" as a revitalised brand.

"For us, branding goes beyond our logo, tagline or colours. It's about what our company stands for; it is our commitment to our consumers.

"This is why we did not rush to launch the new branding when we began our journey in 2017 but instead we focused our energy on solving customer issues, making a better product, upgrading our dealer network and restoring customer trust," said Proton chief executive officer, Dr Li Chunrong.

Also present at the event was Datuk Mohammad Zainal Shaari (Chairman of DRB-HICOM), Datuk Sri Syed Faisal Albar (Chairman of Proton) and Datuk Radzaif Mohamed (Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Proton).

Proton's new branding is driven by its three core values: Innovative Technology, Reliability and International.

"The modern automotive industry like many other industries today, must adopt a global and international mindset. Global partnerships. Global supply-chain. Global standards. Global talent. This is what the Proton of tomorrow will stand for, and we are proud of our evolution because we are taking the journey to the next level," said Syed.

Proton said teaming up with Geely as strategic partner had paid dividends.

"Since then, we have been working hard to serve our customers better – through our products, services, and technology offerings. This has resulted in a steady and marked improvement in market position and sales, climbing from 4th to 2nd within this year."


Limited edition Puma sneakers have shades of Porsche 911 Turbo elements

                NEW YORK: Porsche and global sports company Puma have teamed up to create a limited-edition collection of shoes celebrating the 911 Turbo.

Iconic design elements from the 911 Turbo, such as period-specific paint colours, rear wings, light bars, interiors and body lines, were all used as inspiration to create a range of shoes as special as the car itself.

“To see the Porsche heritage so seamlessly translated into the design language of Puma has been a thrill,” said Pedro Mota, Vice President of Marketing, Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

“Introducing a new generation of the 911 Turbo this summer was exhilarating, and working with Puma to celebrate the occasion has allowed us to share our sports cars beyond our core enthusiasts.”

Porsche 911 Turbo Type 964 x Puma Future RiderPorsche 911 Turbo Type 964 x Puma Future Rider

For the collaboration, Puma selected two of its “silhouettes”, or model outlines: the 1970s-inspired Future Rider and the motorsport-inspired Speedcat.

These became the basis for two styles reflecting a key evolution in the 911 engine over time: “Air-Cooled” and “Water-Cooled.”

The Future Rider was chosen to represent the first four generations of air-cooled 911 Turbo models: the Type 930 3.0 L and 3.3 L, Type 964 and Type 993; while the Speedcat picks up the more recent variants: the Type 996, 997, 991 and 992.

Porsche 911 Turbo Type 991 x Puma SpeedcatPorsche 911 Turbo Type 991 x Puma Speedcat

Puma used original Porsche vehicle hues including Riviera Blue, Guards Red, Saffron Yellow Metallic and GT Silver Metallic as an inspiration to give the shoes a look instantly recognisable for any Porsche aficionado.

The Puma x Porsche collection will only produce 500 pairs per unique sneaker design across all sizes.

“The World’s Fastest Sneaker Pre-Release” will happen exclusively at www.porsche-design.com/icons-of-fast.  At launch, the shoes will retail for USD150 (RM615.60) per pair and are available online at us.puma.com, www.porsche-design.com/icons-of-fast, as well as in-stores at the PUMA flagship store in New York, Porsche Design stores in the greater Los Angeles and Miami areas, Houston and the Porsche Experience Centres in Atlanta and Los Angeles.


F1 set to reject Bahrain vaccines offer

Sakhir Formula One Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit in the city of Sakhir. — AFP
PARIS: Formula One is set to turn down an offer by Bahrain to vaccinate all teams and personnel against Covid-19 when they arrive for pre-season testing this month.

Following the postponement of the Australian Grand Prix, which was scheduled for March 21, the focus of the new season is firmly on Bahrain with testing due to run from March 12 to 14 with the opening Grand Prix of the 2021 season taking place there on March 28.

"The vast majority of participants will be present in Bahrain for a three-week period ahead of the race," Bahraini organisers of the Grand Prix said in a statement on Sunday evening.

"This, in turn, allows a unique opportunity to provide additional protection for those who wish to take up the opportunity in the form of vaccination (Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine)."

Highlighting "one of the highest vaccination rates globally" with now "five different vaccines" available to the population, Bahrain said it was "extending the programme to major events in the kingdom — on a voluntary basis — where timescales allow".

According to a source within Formula 1, the offer will be rejected.

Based in the United Kingdom, like the vast majority of teams, F1 intends to remain in line with the British vaccination schedule so that its employees are not seen to be benefitting from privilege.

More than 20 million people have already received a first dose of the coronavirus vaccine in the UK, which has recorded almost 123,000 deaths, the most of any country in Europe.

The decision to run Grands Prix in Bahrain has stirred controversy in the past on account of the kingdom's human rights record.

In November 2020, 16 human rights groups wrote to Formula One accusing them of playing a "central role in 'sportswashing' the Bahraini government's human rights abuses and "performing invaluable PR for Bahrain's government and risk further normalising the violation of human rights in the country".


Hyundai aims to have autonomous driving tech on market in 2020

                SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Co said today it aims to commercialise autonomous driving capabilities in some of its cars in 2020, as the South Korean automaker plays catch-up in the increasingly competitive technology.

Car makers such as Mercedes <DAIGn.DE> and General Motors Co <GM.N> as well as technology giants like Google Inc <GOOGL.O> and Apple Inc <AAPL.O> are already developing driverless vehicles which can complete whole journeys without human input.

But some analysts expect self-driving cars will not appear on global markets until the early- or mid-2020s, partly due to regulatory hurdles.

Hyundai Motor, like other automakers, already has autonomous features in premium vehicles like the Genesis, which can be programmed to hit the brakes when a pedestrian steps out.