W Series has the resources to race on next year, says CEO

W Series driver Chadwick at home in London on her W Series Esports League set-up.
LONDON: The all-female W Series has the resources to get through this year even if no races can be held because of the Covid-19 pandemic, says founder and chief executive Catherine Bond Muir.

W Series, which launched last year in support of the German Touring Car (DTM) championship, has yet to draw up a revised calendar for 2020 after the new coronavirus outbreak changed everything.

It had planned also to join Formula One for the first time at grands prix in Mexico and the United States, both of which remain up in the air.

"It is absolutely robust enough," Bond Muir told reporters on a conference call on Monday when asked about her series' business model.

"There's a very clear message here. We will be racing next year irrespective of what happens this year."

W Series, which aims to help women move up the male-dominated motorsport ladder, is sanctioned by the governing FIA and offers points towards an F1 super-licence for the first time this year.

Britain's Jamie Chadwick banked US$500,000 (RM2.1mil) for winning the inaugural season.

The DTM faces an additional crisis, with Audi leaving at the end of the year and leaving BMW as the sole manufacturer.

Asked whether W Series might hook up permanently with Formula One, Bond Muir said discussions were ongoing.

"We would be delighted to continue our relationship with Formula One, and I don't think that has an impact on whatever happens with DTM," she said.

"At the moment, I think Formula One are working flat out at trying to make 2020 work and we certainly haven't had those conversations yet."

Bond Muir said W Series had limited flexibility to go along with Formula One if the dates of the Mexico and US races changed.

"I don't know how big our flex is," she said.

"We have to have races that make sense. We can't race in Europe and then race in the United States two weeks later. We need to ship things by sea, we don't have the money or finances to go and rent a 747 unfortunately."

The scrapped 2020 W Series schedule envisaged a last race in Europe with the DTM on Sept 5 and then Austin, Texas, on Oct 24 with Mexico a week after.


Honda Super Cub refreshed, over 100 million units sold

                TOKYO: As an underbone bike, the Honda Super Cub has been in series production for almost 60 years. And it looks set to grow ever more popular.

Honda announced on Thursday that total global sales of the Super Cub series had crossed the 100 million-unit milestone this month, and that production has relocated from China to Honda's Kumamoto plant in Japan.

It also announced a raft of updates to the evergreen model which includes LED headlights. All versions get the efficient air-cooled 4-stroke single-cylinder engine with low-friction technologies.

Since the original Super Cub C100 was released in August 1958, the Super Cub has evolved, increasing fuel economy while reducing noise, developing low-floor backbone frames and automatic centrifugal clutches, to appeal to a wide range of customers.

Honda has given the Super Cub 50 and Super Cub 110 some styling updates with smooth lines flowing from the leg shield to rear fender. Detachable side covers on both sides aim to enhance usability, while energy-saving long-life LEDs built into the round headlight results in a compact handlebar.

The Super Cub 50 Pro and Super Cub 110 Pro were introduced to cater to the demands of newspaper and package delivery services. They were based on the Super Cub 50 and Super Cub 110, respectively. Standard equipment such as small-diameter 14-inch tyres, and a large front basket and rear carrier make the Pro range suitable for delivery needs.

The new Super Cub will go on sale on Nov 10.

Prices in Japan (excluding insurance and taxes) vary from 232,200 yen (RM8,661) to 297,000 yen (RM11,078). Honda expects to sell 20,200 units annually of the Supercub domestically.

Super Cub 50 / Super Cub 110 featuresEngine
> Highly efficient air-cooled 4-stroke single-cylinder engine with low-friction technologies applied throughout
> Tougher and lower-friction piston and cylinder
> New replaceable oil filter, and screen filter positioned at the drain bolt area. Oil changes made easier by adding insert guide to oil level guage, among other improvements.
>Needle bearings added to shift drum axis to attain smoother, lighter and controlled shift feel
> Compliance with Japan’s 2016 exhaust gas regulations, through adopting two-stage catalyzer muffler, among other measures

Styling
> Smooth curves from leg shield to rear fender defines body line
> Detachable side covers equipped on both sides. Inside the right side cover, easy access to electronics such as the ECU improve maintainability. The left side cover contains maintenance records for convenient stowage.
> Energy-saving long-life LEDs built into the round headlight and amber turn signals create a traditional Super Cub front fascia
> Instrument panel designed for visibility. LED turn indicators help to realize exceptional panel visibility in a compact design.
> Rounded, vertically elongated tail lamp ensures good visibility

Other features
> Urethane seat material and seat base design optimised for comfort and firm footing
> Super Cub 110 is equipped with a larger drive chain for improved durability and longevity.
> Super Cub 50 is available in Pearl Shining Yellow, Virgin Beige, Moonstone Silver Metallic-U, Tasmania Green Metallic, and Urbane Denim Blue Metallic.
> Super Cub 110 is available in Glint Wave Blue Metallic, Classical White, Virgin Beige, Tasmania Green Metallic, and Urbane Denim Blue Metallic. Each colour fits in with a wide range of situations from business to personal use.

Super Cub 50 Pro / Super Cub 110 Pro features

> Small-diameter 14-inch tyres make handling easier, while a large front basket and rear carrier improves utility
> Front brake locking mechanism makes parking more secure, while a reinforced side stand improves stability during loading
> Position lamps can be turned on if the key is set to the ON position, even when the engine is stopped
> Energy-saving long-life LEDs built into the headlight
> Super Cub 110 Pro is equipped with a larger drive chain for enhanced durability and longevity.
> Super Cub 50 Pro and Super Cub 110 Pro are available in Seychelles Night Blue, a calm color ideal for business use

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2015 Tokyo Motor Show: Straight up

                TOKYO: The Tokyo Motor Show is now open to the public following two days of international media preview, which began on Oct 28.

CarSifu's team of two led by editor Hong Boon How scoured the show floor and were exposed to some of the most powerful cars on earth and new concepts and innovations that border on the bizarre.

Hong shortlisted the Lexus LF-FC, Toyota Kikai and Yamaha Sports Ride - all concepts - as easily the most outstanding cars in his book.

The Honda NSX, BMW M4 GTS and Mazda RX-Vision top Thomas Huong's list of personal favourites on the basis of their dramatic styling, sheer performance and innovations.

The show will end on Nov 8.

We have put together all the coverage of the show here for your reading convenience.

Cool conceptsShow in pictures and videosFirst look at cars and conceptsBetween the outlandish and ingeniousNissan out to woo 'digital natives'Where the girls areToyota's three conceptsLexus brings progressive luxury What's up at HondaFirst Honda BR-V pre-show driveTokyo world premiere for BMW M4 GTSWackiest concepts through the years


BMW to reveal facelifted 5 Series (G30) in South Korea

                MUNICH: BMW's seventh-generation G30 5 Series executive sedan is being refreshed and it's set for an official debut in South Korea.

The unveiling of "das neu 5er" is said to be taking place alongside the 6 Series Gran Turismo as well.

Details about the G30's life cycle impulse (BMW-speak for facelift) wasn't revealed but its silhouette was shown ahead of its official unveiling.

With the rumour-mill slowly spinning along, we can expect the G30 to get a power boost.

For the US, the entry-level 530i with its 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four powerplant might get its 248hp and 350Nm bumped up to 255hp and 400Nm.

Moving up the hierarchy, the 540i's 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six might make way for the latest version of itself that's currently found in the M340i with 382hp and 500Nm of torque.

As for the M550i, it's twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 engine with 523hp and 750Nm of torque should be allowed to rumble on as with the M5 that uses the same engine, only it produces 591hp and 790Nm of torque while the M5 Competition gets a more potent 617hp tune.


Get up to 70% off from Ducati Malaysia online shopping

                PETALING JAYA: Ducati in Malaysia is making it easier for fans to live up the Ducati lifestyle during the MCO.

Ducati apparels and merchandise are now available with up to 70% off from now till June 28.

Among the items available are riding boots, helmets, riding jackets, gloves, caps, sunglasses, t shirts, miniature Ducati models, watches and many more.

You can shop from the comfort of your home at bit.ly/FBShop_Ducati and Ducati will deliver it right to your doorstep free of charge.


Win a new Saga with 'Proton Search'

                SUBANG JAYA: Proton is holding a 13-week contest called "Proton Search" to look for loyal Proton car owners in Malaysia, with the grand prize winner getting a brand new Saga.

The Proton Search from March 8 to June 8 calls out to customers who have owned their car for the longest time to share their "love stories" with the car. The car must still be in running condition. The winning entry would be a car that is kept in an immaculate condition with the highest mileage.

The contest is open to all Malaysians with a valid identification card and driving licence. The car must have a valid road tax and insurance renewed annually since ownership. The Proton car ownership is non-commercial, which means it is not a taxi and must either be from a single owner, and/or has been used and kept within the family since it was bought. The car must be roadworthy, well maintained and looks in its original state.

The contest is part of the recently launched "The New Proton" campaign to provide better value and experience to Proton owners.

To take part, contestants are to submit the entry form, a short written story of the car which includes a memorable photo of the car or a creative submission of a 60-second video. The form can be obtained from selected Proton outlets or downloaded from the website at www.proton.com. A photocopy of the form is also accepted.

“Eleven winners will be selected from this search, with the grand prize being the soon to be launched Proton Saga. The 10 consolation winners will be awarded with a refurbishment of their current Proton car worth RM5,000 and RM1,000 cash," said Proton CEO Datuk Abdul Harith Abdullah, adding that the winners would get the chance to tour the Proton plant.

For more information on the contest, visit Proton’s website at www.proton.com or its Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ProtonCarsOfficial or instagram@ProtonCars.


Malaysia's EV production to start in July 2016

                BEIJING: The electric vehicle assembly plant in Gurun, Kedah, which is set to turn Malaysia into a hub for electric vehicles in Southeast Asia, is expected to be operational in July next year with an initial investment of up to RM300 million.

The project is undertaken by China's Beijing Auto International Cooperation (BAIC), the country's top and world's second biggest electric vehicle manufacturer, in collaboration with a Malaysian partner, Amber Dual Sdn Bhd.

Amber Dual managing director Shabudin Md Saman said the project got off the ground with research and development (R&D) in Gurun, mainly to change the left-hand drive system to right-hand drive at the cost of about RM50 million.

He said the prototype electric vehicle developed in Gurun is expected to be ready in December, with the first production expected in July 2016.

The Gurun plant, being built at the cost of between RM200 million and RM300 million, will also serve as a marketing centre for BAIC vehicles not only for the Malaysian market but also that of the Southeast Asia, he said when met at the BAIC production plant here.

Shabudin said BAIC is targeting a production of between 2,000 and 3,000 electric vehicles next year, after which it would be increased gradually yearly as demand for electric vehicles are still low as it is a new technology.

"BAIC has appointed us as its representative that tap into the markets in Southeast Asian and the region.

"Our company has also set our mind on a higher goal as we do not want to rely solely on BAIC technology, instead we aim at adding value in the vehicle design. We aspire to lead Malaysia's electric vehicle technology.

"Government help is also needed as electric vehicle technology requires high financing, especially in installing vehicle battery-charging facilities.

"We are also working on battery technology on our own. For an electric vehicle, the battery alone accounts for one-third of its cost," he said.

Meanwhile, BAIC senior vice-president (sales) Li Ji said the company is confident that Malaysia would become an important electric vehicle hub in Southeast Asia as it has good infrastructure to support its growth.


Ferrari debuts three project cars at Goodwood Fest

                LONDON: Get ready for the world-debuts for the one-off Ferrari P80/C and Ferrari SP3JC models, as well as a UK debut for the Ferrari Monza SP2 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2019.

Adding to the impressive history of Ferrari Special Project cars, the Ferrari P80/C and the Ferrari SP3JC will be on display at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2019.

This is the first time these cars will be shown to the public, and both cars will be taking part in the Supercar Runs up the famed Goodwood hill climb.

 Ferrari P80/C.

Based on a Ferrari 488 GT3 car, the P80/C had the longest development time of any Ferrari one-off made to date. The decision was made to use the 488 GT3 chassis as a basis, not only for its performance, but also for its longer wheelbase (+50 mm compared to the 488 GTB) which allowed more creative freedom.

The SP3JC is based on the chassis and the running gear of a Ferrari F12tdf. The sole one-off car to be commissioned on this limited-series special, the SP3JC is the maximum expression of open-air motoring, harking back to Ferrari’s epic V12- engined spiders of the 1950s and 1960s.

The Monza SP2, another Ferrari Special Projects car, will also be making its dynamic debut in front of the Goodwood crowd.

 Ferrari Monza SP2.

Part of the new ‘Icona’ range, the Monza SP2 is inspired by barchettas of the 1950s which were driven to victory in international motor sport, not just by official works team drivers from the Scuderia, but also by a legion of gentlemen drivers who, in those years, frequently found themselves wheel to wheel with legendary professional drivers of the era.

A number of former Ferrari Formula One cars will also be coming to Goodwood, paying homage to the legendary Michael Schumacher. All of the F1 cars that will be at the event are cars from Schumacher’s reign in Formula One.

As well as the FXX-K Evo, the current range of Ferrari models will also be present, which includes the Ferrari Portofino, 488 Pista, 812 Superfast and GTC4 Lusso models. A 488 Challenge car, the same as those being used in the new Ferrari Challenge UK series, will also be in attendance.

 Ferrari SP3JC.


Proton chips in for Tabung Harapan Malaysia, fund has RM18m and rising

                PETALING JAYA: Besides individuals, more companies are coming forward to donate towards Tabung Harapan Malaysia, the newly set up government trust fund to help the country pay its national debt.

Proton is believed to be the first car maker to voice support for Tabung Harapan Malaysia, and has pledged RM10 from every Proton car purchase to be donated to the fund. Proton will donate money to the fund from June 1 until Dec 31, 2018.

"As a caring organisation, Proton feels the need to come forward to provide additional assistance towards this worthy cause, for the country and the people of Malaysia," it said in a statement.

The Government set up the fund after numerous Malaysians expressed a desire to donate to help the country alleviate its national debt, which Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng had said was now more than RM1 trillion.

Malaysians across the country and from all walks of life have since opened up their hearts and wallets to help the nation, burdened by astronomical debt left by the previous administration.

Tabung Harapan Malaysia has collected over RM18.6mil just two days after it was launched on Wednesday.

The Finance Ministry announced on Twitter that it had collected RM18,608,926.36 as of 3pm today.

On Thursday, Lim revealed that Malaysians had donated RM7mil within 24 hours of the trust fund's launch.

Anyone can donate any amount to Tabung Harapan Malaysia which operates from a Maybank account: 5660 1062 6452. The finance ministry will post daily update of the amount collected.


Sept 12-18: Fuel prices take a dive


Hyundai and Gurnade create race-ready Veloster concept for SEMA show

                LOS ANGELES: Hyundai Motor America and Gurnade Inc. combined talents to develop the race-ready Gurnade Veloster Concept for the 2016 SEMA show.

The Gurnade Veloster Concept takes the aggressive stance of the Veloster and magnifies it further with integrated flares, front splitter, racing canards, three-piece lightweight forged wheels and a custom rear spoiler.

“Gurnade has always been drawn to the uniquely aggressive lines of the production Veloster,” said Joshua Cloud, owner of Gurnade, Inc. “So when Hyundai approached us with the opportunity to develop one of their vehicles for SEMA, we didn’t hesitate to create the Gurnade Veloster Concept. It leverages all the strengths of the Veloster and takes it where we always envisioned it could go.”

Key modifications to the Gurnade Veloster Concept covered the engine, chassis, exterior and interior. Below is the list of changes made to the Veloster.

Engine
845 Motorsports intercooler, downpipe and cold-air intake
845 Motorsports ECU tune
Synapse blow-off valve
ARK Performance cat-back exhaust

Chassis
NEO Motorsports coil-overs and 6-piston big brake kit
Pierce Motorsports strut bar, rear torsion bar, and tie brace
Rotiform 19-inch OZT three-piece forged wheels
Toyo competition-spec tires

Exterior
PPG Refinish Magic Magenta paint
Lightner Motorsports custom fender flares and grille
EPR carbon-fiber front spoiler, side sills, and rear garnish
Seibon carbon-fiber hood and hatch
ARK Performance carbon-fiber spoiler
Tippett Auto Design vented bumper cover
Cappelletti Design custom headlamps and foglamps
Front crash bar
InShane Design paint protection

Interior
Cobra Nogaro racing seats
Takata racing harnesses
Pierce Motorsports roll cage
Glowshift gauges and LEDGlow lighting
SoCal Garage Works carbon-fiber steering wheel
Phoenix Gold subwoofer and amplifier with Stinger audio system wiring
Creative Car-Tunes audio system


Gradual recovery seen for automotive sector

                PETALING JAYA: The auto sector is seeing positive signs of recovery in the second half although key challenges remain, said a CGS-CIMB research report.

The research house has maintained its “neutral” rating on the auto sector despite total industry volume (TIV) recovery prospects, amidst stricter lending requirements from financial institutions, a relatively higher motorisation rate and unfavourable foreign exchange environment.

CGS-CIMB research had recently hosted Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) president Datuk Aishah Ahmad (pic below) at a virtual webinar, and key takeaways included the fact that stricter lending approvals from financial institutions remain a key challenge.

For example, while hire-purchase loan applications reached nearly RM8bil in June – the highest in 24 months, the loan approval rate fell to 50%, compared with the 65% average during the 2018 tax holiday period.

And with consumers being more cautious on spending on big-ticket items like motor vehicles, the second half TIV may not be as exciting as the previous tax holiday period in 2018.

MAA had upgraded its 2020 TIV forecast from 400,000 to 470,000 after taking into account the government stimulus packages including a waiver of sales taxes on cars until end-2020.

Also, MAA expects TIV recovery to take more than two years before returning to pre-Covid 19 levels, with the TIV forecast to reach 550,000 in 2021 and 600,000 in 2022, as consumer sentiments normalise and businesses resume production.

To boost auto sales, MAA is also appealing to the government to revert to the previous open-market value methodology, which was scheduled to be revised in 2021, so that it will not lead to higher car prices, especially for completely-knocked-down (CKD) models.

MAA also proposed for tax incentives in the upcoming Budget 2021 to encourage the assembly of electric vehicles to promote Malaysia as an energy-efficient vehicle (EEV) hub in the region.

Another MAA proposal is the implementation of a vehicle end-of-life (ELV) policy by offsetting the amount of excise duties paid by automotive players to the government.

This will help address the funding issue to incentivise consumers to swap their older vehicles for new ones.

Aishah also highlighted that sport-utility vehicle (SUV) sales growth will continue, driven by new SUV launches and lower entry point for ownership.

The SUV penetration rate surged from 14% in 2018 to 23% in 2019, mainly driven by new SUV models from Proton and Perodua.

Aishah noted that demand for ride-hailing and car-sharing had been affected due to a drop in ridership and active users over increasing health concerns.

In turn, the pre-owned vehicle segment has benefited, as pre-owned vehicle sales jumped 100% year-on-year in June and 20% month-on-month in July.

She said this was due to consumers downgrading to cheaper vehicles, in light of the economic uncertainty, and health concerns (as consumers are hesitant to use public transport and feel safer driving their own cars).

Aishah added that demand was particularly strong for pre-owned vehicles in the sub-RM30,000 price range.

According to CGS-CIMB research, valuations in the auto sector are reflective of improving sector earnings prospects in the second half.

The research house said Bermaz Auto, Sime Darby and DRB-Hicom are the preferred proxies to the new vehicle sales tax exemption, given their leading market positions in the premium and luxury segments.


PLUS highway toll hike decision to be announced by June

                KUALA LUMPUR: The decision to raise toll charges on highways managed by PLUS Malaysia Bhd will be known by June, said UEM Group Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Izzaddin Idris (pic).

PLUS, the expressway arm of UEM Group, is the concessionaire for the North-South Expressway (NSE), New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE), Federal Highway Route 2 (FHR2), Seremban Port-Dickson Highway, North-South Expressway Central Link (NSECL), Malaysia-Singapore Second Link (MSSL), Butterworth-Kulim Expressway (BKE), and the Penang Bridge.

"Discussions are currently ongoing between us and the Works Ministry, which must be concluded before June," he told a press conference.

Under the concession agreement, PLUS would review rates every three years, for the entire duration of the concession which ends in December 2038.

On the outcome of the tender for the Pan Borneo Highway, Izzaddin said an announcement would be made soon.

The UEM Group teamed up with MMC Corp and a Sabah company to tender for the Sabah component of the project.


Bookings open for 2018 Lexus NX 300: priced from RM311,900

                KUALA LUMPUR: Lexus Malaysia has open bookings for the 2018 NX 300 which comes in four variants, and are due to arrive in early February 2018.

Imported from Japan, prices for the 2018 Lexus NX 300 are:

- RM311,900 (Urban)
- RM329,800 (Premium)
- RM387,900 (F Sport)
- RM397,800 (Hybrid)

Prices are on the road including GST (without insurance).

It comes with a comprehensive warranty of five years covering unlimited mileage.

Complete aftersales support is available at seven locations across Malaysia.

The Lexus NX 300 was unveiled at last year’s Shanghai Motor Show, receiving bold exterior styling refinements.

The entire front fascia of the new NX has been refreshed, with the upper portion of the grille and the front bumpers redesigned to give the car a sleeker overall shape and excellent aerodynamics.

The rear end sports a new look as well; with its rear bumper cover now incorporating elements of the grille’s spindle motif.

Powering the NX 300 is Lexus’ turbocharged 2.0-liter engine churning out 235hp for dynamic performance.

The hybrid variant conversely comes with a 2.5-liter inline-4 combined with a pair of electric motors, offering customers class-leading power and fuel economy.


TomTom CEO sees maps destined for use in self-driving cars

                Dutch navigation company TomTom  aims to become a main provider of technology for self-driving cars as it charts its way back to success after seven lean years, chief executive Harold Goddijn said.

Goddijn said an overhaul of TomTom's digital mapping architecture lies behind a renaissance that has seen its automotive division win big contracts in recent months, prompting analyst upgrades and a 40 percent surge in its shares.

He said carmakers are now betting on TomTom as one of the few companies besides Google capable of providing location data good enough and fast enough to meet the safety requirements for computer assisted driving -- and ultimately, self-driving cars.

"We are seen by our customers as the guys with the right ideas on how you do those things," he said in a interview, relishing the company's comeback story.

A rare example of a global consumer electronics brand to come out of Europe in the 2000s, TomTom went into a tailspin after overpaying for digital map-maker TeleAtlas in 2008.

The market for its main product, personal navigation devices, entered a brutal decline. Prices fell and margins were crushed as cheaper competitors entered an increasingly saturated market for dashboard-mounted GPS systems, and smartphone navigation apps offered an even cheaper substitute. With the PND market stabilising, Goddijn thinks TomTom's other business lines are poised for a new cycle of growth.

Analysts' enthusiasm has been fired by contract wins with carmakers, including two with Volkswagen this year as well as deals with Fiat , Hyundai  and Kia.

But TomTom's revenue base has also diversified. Its consumer product offerings have expanded to include fitness watches and a line of 'GoPro'-style action cameras launched this week.

It also licenses its digital maps to tech giants. One of TomTom's few bright moments during the dark years came in 2012, when Apple, seeking to end its reliance on Google , choose TomTom's maps to use in its own navigation app, starting with the iPhone 6.

And finally, TomTom has been quietly building up a "telematics" business, providing the telecommunications systems used in car fleet management, which has become the largest of its kind in Europe's fragmented market.
In the interview, Goddijn said the unit, which reported sales of 110 million euros (US$124 million) in 2014, has the potential to grow sales at more than 20 percent per year for the coming five years without acquisitions.

But TomTom's mapping technology is at the core of investor demand that has given the company a 1.8 billion euro market capitalisation despite 2014 profits of just 22.7 million euros.

The company's maps can now be redrawn on the fly, integrating feedback from cars on the road, and then shared immediately with other drivers.

"No one else has that," Goddijn said, flatly.

Cars are increasingly equipped with multiple sensors, not only GPS positioning and mobile phone connections but radars, cameras and driver heart-rate monitoring systems. Lidar (reflected laser imaging) may also be added in future.

Goddijn said the overhaul of TomTom's digital mapping architecture "gives us a lot of confidence" this proliferation of data can be processed in a way that ensures users' safety.

"It's exciting and it's scary, because millions of cars will come and there's tons of data going to be produced," he said.

The biggest question mark hanging over TomTom's strategic future is Nokia's plan, announced this month, to sell its map-making arm HERE, which has US roots. Google, TomTom and HERE are the three major digital map-makers with the potential for use in self-driving cars.

Though TomTom has won almost all major automaker contracts renewed in the past year, HERE still has more than 70 percent of the automotive market.

Potential buyers include tech giants Apple and Uber, or less realistically, Microsoft, which could have taken HERE when it bought Nokia's smart phone operations. Google is also mentioned although it already has its own technology.

A consortium of automakers who view Google as an undesirable rival is also seen as a realistic possible buyer of HERE, as are private equity buyers who could build the business up -- or wind it down. The worst case scenario for TomTom would probably be a takeover of HERE by navigation arch-rival Garmin Ltd.

What does Goddijn think will happen? "That question is too complex to handle," he said. "Even if I wanted to I couldn't give you the answers, because a lot of it depends on who it is and how they want to handle it." He said his focus for now is on continuing TomTom's winning streak with automakers.

"Let's face it, our market share is not where it should be.

There is an incumbent and we need to take market share away."


McLaren to return to Mercedes engines from 2021

                SOCHI (Russia): McLaren will be reunited with Mercedes engines from the 2021 season as the former champions go back to using the German manufacturer’s power units in their bid to return to the top.

The Woking-based team are currently supplied by Renault, having joined forces with the French company last year.

They will see out that deal, which runs until the end of 2020, before making the switch back to Mercedes as part of a long-term agreement until at least 2024.

“We are delighted to welcome McLaren back to the Mercedes-Benz racing family with this new power unit supply agreement,” said Mercedes’ motorsports head Toto Wolff in a joint statement with McLaren issued at the Russian Grand Prix on Saturday.

“We hope that this new long-term agreement marks another milestone for McLaren as they aim to take the fight to the sport’s top teams, including our Mercedes works team.”

The McLaren-Mercedes partnership initially ran from 1995 to the end of 2014.

It turned McLaren, enduring a slump after their heady days of dominance during the late 1980s and early 90s with Honda, into a force to be reckoned with once again.

The combination won 78 races, a constructors’ title and three drivers’ titles with Mika Hakkinen (1998, 1999) and Lewis Hamilton who raced to his first Formula One title with the team in 2008.

McLaren find themselves in a similar phase now, rebuilding after three dismal years with Honda, the Japanese manufacturer they rejoined forces with at the end of 2014 in a bid to recreate their dominance from 30 years ago.

Fielding a fresh driver line up of British rookie Lando Norris and Spaniard Carlos Sainz, they have made big strides this year and are currently locked in a battle for fourth in the overall standings with Renault’s works team.

But they haven’t won a race since the season-ending 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix, when they were still powered by Mercedes.

“Renault has been instrumental to our Formula One recovery plan and a fantastic partner to McLaren Racing,” said Zak Brown, chief executive of McLaren Racing.

“This agreement is an important step in our long-term plan to return to success in Formula One.”

McLaren’s new deal with the German manufacturer, whose power units have set the benchmark in Formula One’s turbo-hybrid era, coincides with a planned rules overhaul aimed at leveling the playing field and creating better racing.

The shake-up could be just what a team like McLaren need to make that final jump up to the top.

Mercedes are set to supply four of Formula One’s 10 teams following the McLaren deal, including their own factory outfit, former champions Williams and Canadian team Racing Point.

Ferrari will supply three teams (their works team, Haas and Alfa Romeo), Honda two (Red Bull and Toro Rosso), while Renault will have only its factory team running its engines.


Volvo’s best-selling XC60 is now more intelligent than ever

                GOTHENBURG: Volvo Cars is introducing a range of upgrades to its iconic XC60 mid-size SUV, including the addition of the company’s new Android-powered infotainment system with Google apps and services built in, making the Volvo best-seller smarter than ever before.

The intuitive, next generation infotainment system offers customers unprecedented personalisation and an unparalleled connectivity, which is further enhanced through the introduction of a brand-new Digital Services package.

The centrepiece of the Digital Services package is access to Google apps and services, which offer hands-free help with Google Assistant, best-in-class navigation through Google Maps and a broad offer of native in-car apps via Google Play.

By signing up for a Digital Services package, customers will gain access to all services and features offered in the package. All hardware needed to run the services already exists in the car, and all data required is included in the package.

Volvo Car Group is the first company to team up with Google on integrating an infotainment system powered by Android with Google apps and services built in, and after years of close development between the two companies, the fully electric XC40 Recharge became the first Volvo car to carry the system.

This makes the XC60 the next step in a continuing rollout of Android-powered infotainment systems in Volvo cars, further improving the consistently popular SUV.

For more than a decade, the XC60 has been ever-present in the top tier of one of the most competitive segments on the market. It has been Volvo Cars’ top seller since 2009, and up until 2020, it has reached over 1.68 million units sold worldwide.

In 2020 alone, the XC60 reached almost 200,000 units sold and accounted for nearly 29 per cent of Volvo Cars’ total sales. In terms of market share, it was the most popular car in the European mid-size premium SUV segment and took its place in the top five in the same segment globally.

With a World Car of the Year title in 2018 as one of its most prominent achievements, the XC60 has been lauded with global awards over the last decade, in categories ranging from design to safety.

In terms of safety upgrades, the XC60 now comes equipped with Volvo Cars’ latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) sensor platform, a modern, scalable active safety system that consists of an array of radars, cameras and ultrasonic sensors.

This platform enables the development and deployment of active safety systems in the XC60, such as the detection of other road users, automatic braking and collision avoidance. It also allows for gentle driver support from standstill up to highway speeds, through the Pilot Assist function.

While major changes take place deep inside the XC60, the company’s designers have also made a number of subtle refinements to the exterior design, including a new grille, new front bumpers, and new exterior colour and wheel options.

New interior materials, including luxurious leather-free options as well as the availability of the City Weave textile upholstery, offer further possibilities for personalisation.

The model year 2022 of the XC60 will go into production end of May.


VW set to tap Bentley, Porsche executives for software shakeup

Bosch heads production at Bentley.

BERLIN: Volkswagen AG is expected to replace the leadership of its troubled software unit later today, with the German carmaker’s new chief executive officer installing a range of trusted managers.

Peter Bosch, a former Oliver Wyman consultant who heads production at VW luxury brand Bentley, is set to lead Cariad, three people familiar with the plans said.

Two former Porsche managers will also join the unit’s board: current Cariad motion and energy vice president Thomas Günther and Porsche software chief Sajjad Khan, one of the people said, declining to be named discussing non-public information.

The changes are set to be approved by Cariad’s supervisory board later today, the people said. Spokesmen for Cariad and VW declined to comment.

For VW CEO Oliver Blume, who has led Europe’s biggest carmaker since September as well as retaining leadership of Porsche, turning around Cariad is a central issue.

Internal discord and overloading the unit with tasks led to delays with software platforms, pushing back several EV models at Porsche and Audi, as well as causing significant software glitches for the ID electric model range.

Bosch is set to take over from Dirk Hilgenberg, who was installed under ex-CEO Herbert Diess to oversee the unit’s ambitious push to create a scalable EV software platform completely in-house. Handelsblatt first reported the news of Bosch’s appointment.

Under Blume, Cariad has narrowed its focus to delivering the software architecture for models like the Audi Q6 e-tron and Porsche’s electric Macan, which have already been delayed by at least two years.

Plans for a cross-brand platform, meant to bolster Volkswagen’s Trinity project and deliver self-driving capabilities, have been pushed back.


Indonesia to give tax incentives for sales of some cars

File pic of motorists commuting in heavy traffic in Jakarta. — AFP
JAKARTA: Indonesia will temporarily remove a luxury tax on sales of some cars to bolster its automotive industry, which has been badly hit by mobility restrictions to contain the coronavirus epidemic, its economic ministry said.

From March to May, the government will remove a luxury tax for sales of sedans and two-wheel drive cars with engine power below 1,500 cc, according to a statement from the coordinating ministry of economic affairs late on Thursday. The current luxury tax rates for such sales range between 10% and 30%.

In the next three months after that, the government will give a 50% discount for luxury tax payments and the following three months, the discount will be halved, the ministry said, adding that the scheme would be evaluated every three months.

Car sales in Southeast Asia's largest economy have recovered after a dramatic plunge at the beginning of the pandemic, but have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels. Total sales in 2020 were just over 532,000 units, about half of the previous year.

The economic ministry said the auto industry is important for Indonesia's economy, with car makers, dealers and workshops providing employment for 1.5 million people. The tax incentive could boost production by 81,752 units, the ministry said.

Indonesia's gross domestic product contracted for the first time since the 1998 Asian financial crisis last year, by 2.07%, as the pandemic dealt a blow to household consumption and investment.

The car market in Indonesia is dominated by Japanese brands, with Toyota, Daihatsu, Mitsubishi and Honda leading sales.

The automakers association Gaikindo had previously been pushing the government for months for tax breaks to entice buyers.

Gaikindo and car companies were not immediately available to comment due to public holiday.


Honda City Hatchback RS e:HEV price unveiled from RM107,780

                PETALING JAYA: Honda Malaysia has announced the price of the all-new City Hatchback RS e:HEV hybrid variant at RM107,783, on-the-road without insurance and SST.

The City Hatchback RS e:HEV was launched in Dec 7 last year alongside three petrol-powered variants of S, E and V priced at RM75,670, RM83,080 and RM87,860 respectively.

The top-of-the-range City RS e:HEV comes with the sporty RS embellishment such as gloss black front grille, solid wing and door mirrors for a two-toned body colour expression.

The flagship variant also gets red-stitched Ultrasuede seats, tailgate spoiler, rear air conditioner vents, 16-inch alloy wheels and its exclusive-styled lower grille, fog lamp garnish and rear bumper to differentiate it from other City Hatchback variants.

In addition, the City Hatchback RS:eHEV also comes with the Honda Sensing suite of driving aids, Honda LaneWatch camera system and Honda Connect advanced telematics system.

The City Hatchback e:HEV's key attraction is the Sports intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) powertrain system that delivers delivers 109PS and segment leading 253Nm of torque.

The powertrain consists of a 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine coupled to an Electric Continuous Variable Transmission (e-CVT) and an advanced two-motor hybrid system to return a low fuel consumption of 3.6 litres per 100km.

“We launched the all-new City Hatchback in December 2021 and the response from Malaysians have been overwhelming. To-date, we have collected more than 5,200 bookings,” Honda Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer Madoka Chujo.


BMW Motorsport expanding sim racing activities for 2021

                MUNICH: BMW Motorsport is expanding its sim racing activities in the coming year.

As well as various different BMW SIM Cup formats, it will focus on new partnerships with four top teams and founding a “BMW Motorsport SIM Academy”.

A “BMW SIM World Tour” is also planned, and is scheduled to start with a roadshow in Austria in 2021. Even more virtual BMW race cars will be available on the most important sim racing platforms, and the development of innovative sim racing hardware with BMW Motorsport know-how will also continue.

The goal is to incorporate the sim racing community as an equal partner in all programmes and, together, to continue the boom that virtual motor racing in Esports has enjoyed in 2020.

“At BMW Motorsport, we have learned a lot this year and are determined to put what we have learned into practice, with regard to our 2021 programme. The area of hardware development will also focus on technological innovations and new developments next year," said Rudolf Dittrich, Head of BMW Motorsport SIM Racing.

The BMW SIM World Tour will – if the pandemic situation allows it – kick off in April 2021 with an innovative roadshow through Austria, under the motto “From Showroom to Racetrack”.

Mobile BMW racing simulators offer customers and interested parties the opportunity to enjoy an immersive motorsport experience, with the prospect of winning attractive prizes and a place in the national final.

A total of 40 event days throughout Austria are planned for the pilot project. The car of choice for the virtual heats will be the entry-level model in the BMW M Customer Racing range – the BMW M2 CS Racing.


When driving, tyres emit pollution, and EVs make the problem worse

                NEW YORK: The Tyre Collective does not yet have a name for its device.

Hanson Cheng, one of the London-based startup’s three co-founders, calls it a "box.”

Built to attach behind the wheel of a car, truck, van or bus, it’s designed to capture emissions from an oft-overlooked source: tyres.

Every vehicle sheds tiny bits of its tyres as it rolls, but "where the rubber meets the road” is a bit of a misnomer: The tyres on most passenger vehicles contain little natural rubber. Instead, they’re made from a stew of petrochemicals, particles of which ultimately wind up in soil, air, waterways and oceans.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature pegs tyres as the second leading source of microplastic pollution in oceans, and one 2017 study found a global per capita average of .81 kilograms in tyre emissions per year, ranging from .23 kg per year in India to 4.7 kg  in the US.

That may seem minor stacked up against the nearly 136kg in plastic waste the average American generates each year, but microplastics are tiny by definition — and an insidious source of toxins that researchers are only beginning to understand.

"When we talk about zero emissions, a lot of that conversation is about electric vehicles,” says Cheng, 30. "But there's a whole world of non-exhaust emissions that also needs to be addressed.”

Switching to electric cars helps to lower carbon emissions — even after accounting for manufacturing and charging batteries — but it actually exacerbates the problem of tyre emissions.

EVs typically weigh more and accelerate faster than their gas-burning counterparts, which adds to tyre wear.

The EV transition will also keep the world’s fleet of cars growing until nearly 2040, well after the peak for gas-burning cars that’s expected in the next two years, according to BloombergNEF, a clean energy research group.

"Most of these EVs are big monstrous things, so it's perfectly intuitive that they will be chewing up tyres faster,” says Nick Molden, founder and CEO of the UK-based research shop Emissions Analytics.

Results from the company’s latest road tests, published in May, show that under normal driving conditions a gas car sheds about 73 milligrams per kilometer from four new tyres.

A comparable EV, the company estimates, sheds an additional 15 milligrams per kilometer, or about 20% more.

For decades, tailpipe emissions - both the greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming and the particulates that cause air pollution - have overshadowed the tyre problem.

That means researchers are only beginning to catalog what’s even in tyre emissions. Across the different tyres it studied, Emissions Analytics found an average of more than 400 organic compounds. "Part of the work we're doing is to try to resolve what on earth these compounds are,” Molden says.

"If we can't identify them, then we can't even fathom what the toxicity may or may not be.”

One landmark study makes the potential stakes clear. In 2020, researchers in Washington state solved a decades-old mystery of why storm runoff was causing mass deaths of coho salmon: 6PPD, a preservative commonly used in car tyres.

When exposed to sun and air, 6PPD transforms into a chemical called 6PPD-quinone, which turns out to be highly toxic to coho salmon - causing them to circle, gasp at the surface and then die within hours.

"In our lab it’s usually just one or two hours,” says the study’s lead author, Zhenyu Tian, now a professor at Northeastern University. "In the field, they struggle for an afternoon, and they die.”

That stark finding set in motion a hunt for 6PPD alternatives that can help keep tyres from breaking down in the elements without killing salmon or other fish. In May, California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control announced plans to add tyres containing 6PPD to its list of hazardous products, a move that would force manufacturers to evaluate safer alternatives.

But there’s no guarantee that the industry will be able to find a workable substitute.

"[They] didn't even know that the 6PPD-quinone existed until the Washington researchers found it,” says Anne Cooper Doherty, the DTSC’s head of chemical and product evaluation, adding that it could be years before 6PPD-free tyres come to market.

"Our members are committed to supporting the alternatives analysis work in California,” says Sarah Amick, vice president of environmental health, safety and sustainability at the US Tyre Manufacturers Association, a trade group representing a dozen of the world’s largest tyre brands.

For now, drivers can mitigate their tyre emissions by driving gently. Electric motors are great for providing instant torque at the wheel, allowing for lightning-fast acceleration that is also hard on tyres.

On the flip side, EVs allow for regenerative braking (running the motor in reverse to create drag), which is a gentle way to decelerate. EV drivers who want to minimise their tyre emissions — and compensate for the added emissions associated with battery weight — should go easy on the accelerator and heavy on the regenerative braking.

"If you are a super eco driver, and you don't use the torque, you can actually reduce your tyre emissions in an electric vehicle,” says Molden at Emissions Analytics.

When it comes to buying tyres, consumers have less control, and limited intel.

One new rule in the EU calls for labelling tyres by wear rate, but it can’t take effect until regulators identify a standard method of measurement.

In the US, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration includes a wear score for its tyre ratings — the higher the number, the slower the wear — but it says little about what’s in the tyres.

"There's huge variability in chemical composition, and virtually no regulation,” says Molden. "It's a black hole of information.”

Emissions Analytics has begun to assess toxicity across tyre makes, but hasn’t yet validated its process enough to make it available to consumers.

As a rule of thumb, however, Molden says cheaper tyres tend to be more toxic.

 The Tyre Collective team.

Back at The Tyre Collective, the goal is to reduce tyre emissions by intercepting them at the source: The "box” uses electrostatic plates to draw in shed tyre particles, which are charged from friction on the road. The company, founded in 2020, grew out of a joint project of four graduate students in the Innovation Design Engineering program at the Royal College of Art and Imperial College London.

Earlier this year, its device was one of four winners of the Terra Carta Design Lab awards given for innovations that address the climate crisis.

In the laboratory, Tyre Collective’s device pulled in 60% of airborne emissions by mass, but real-world implementation is proving more challenging.

The company is currently testing a prototype on a pair of delivery vans in London, where it’s so far gathering around a fifth of emissions.

The Tyre Collective’s plan is to begin retrofitting the devices on delivery and bus fleets and, eventually, for EV manufacturers to integrate the technology into their cars — doing for tyre emissions what the catalytic converter did for the tailpipe.

Cartridges full of tyre emissions could then be emptied at collection points as part of routine vehicle service and reused in new tyres, soles of shoes and other products.

"There's a need to create a circular loop around this waste,” says Cheng. "Otherwise, we’re going to all this effort to capture it for it to be released back into landfills.”


Lotus heads to electric future as production ends for Elise, Exige and Evora

                LONDON: Dec 22 was a historic day for Lotus. It marked the end of production of the Elise, Exige and Evora sports cars.

The trio were photographed on site on that day with many of the Lotus team who contributed to the design, engineering, assembly and sales of the cars.

Between these three model lines and over the course of 26 years, a total of 51,738 cars would have come off the production line. Combined, they represent almost half of the total production of Lotus in its 73-year history. In addition, 9,715 sports cars were built for Lotus’ third-party clients, including GM and Tesla.

From 1996 to 2000, the first-generation Elise and Exige sports cars were built in a small assembly hall at Hethel alongside the Lotus Esprit. The current assembly lines, which were installed in 2000, will be dismantled and replaced with all-new state-of-the-art facilities in support of the all-new Emira factory. Full Emira production begins in the spring, after the prototype and test phases currently underway are completed, taking Lotus sports car production into an exciting, high-tech and semi-automated era, and increasing capacity up to 5,000 units per year on a single shift pattern.

The last examples of the Elise, Exige and Evora models are reserved for Lotus’ growing heritage collection.

Joining the collection would be the last Elise, a Sport 240 Final Edition finished in Yellow and the last of 35,124 cars; the last Exige, a Cup 430 Final Edition in Heritage Racing Green – number 10,497; and the last Evora – a GT430 Sport finished in Dark Metallic Grey – the last of a production run of 6,117.

The Elise and Exige sports cars are built around the Lotus "small car platform". On the same platform, and also manufactured by Lotus at Hethel were the Opel Speedster / Vauxhall VX220 (7,200 cars built between 2000 and 2005) and the Tesla Roadster (2,515 cars built between 2007 and 2012). Therefore, including the Lotus 340R, Europa, 2-Eleven and 3-Eleven cars, this brings the total Lotus small car platform production volumes to 56,618 cars.

"As we say farewell to the last few cars, we look forward to the Emira and Evija in the all-new factories at Hethel and sub-assembly facilities in Norwich, which introduce greater efficiencies and automation, higher quality and flexibility and the hugely exciting next chapter in our Vision80 strategy,” said Lotus Cars managing director Matt Windle.

Next out of the Lotus stable is the Emira, the critically acclaimed new mid-engineered sports car from Lotus. Launched last July at Hethel and on a world tour ever since, it’s the last petrol-powered car from Lotus. Joining the first electric Lotus – the Evija hypercar and the most powerful production car in the world – will be the all-electric Type 132, Lotus’ first SUV, which will be revealed to the world in the spring.


Seven complaints of subsidised petrol abuse so far, says Domestic Trade Ministry

The owners of these two Singapore-registered cars doing it right by filling them up with RON97 petrol in Johor Baru.
PUTRAJAYA: The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry has received seven complaints on the alleged misappropriation of RON95 subsidised petrol involving foreign-registered vehicles since the reopening of the country's borders on April 1.

The ministry's Enforcement director Azman Adam said all the cases were reported in Johor and two petrol stations were currently being investigated.

"We are finalising the investigation,” he said in a press conference here today when asked to comment on viral video clips of vehicles with foreign registration numbers filling petrol using yellow nozzles suspected to be RON95.

Malaysia has imposed a ban on the sale of RON95 petrol to foreign-registered vehicles since Aug 1, 2010, to ensure that the petrol subsidy is given only to Malaysians.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, in a statement Saturday, warned that petrol station operators who sell subsidised petrol to vehicles with foreign registration numbers would be punished.

"If the RON95 petrol is used by unqualified parties, it will affect the supply for our own people,” said Azman who also called on consumers to channel complaints directly to the ministry if they come across such incidents.


Lexus Hoverboard lifts off

TOKYO: Following the unveiling of the Lexus Hoverboard in June, the luxury automotive company is completing a full and final reveal of the project concluding a successful testing phase which took place in Cubelles, Barcelona.

Mark Templin, Executive Vice President at Lexus International said: “Embarking on this project, we set out to push the boundaries of technology, design and innovation to make the impossible possible. With this project we call ‘SLIDE’, we collaborated with partners who share our passion for creating enjoyment out of motion. Even through combining our technology and expertise, we discovered making a hoverboard isn’t an easy process. We’ve experienced the highs and lows and have overcome a few challenges, but through mutual determination we have created a demonstration of our philosophy in design and technology to create Amazing in Motion.”

The Lexus Hoverboard project began 18 months ago through a collaboration with a team of scientists from IFW Dresden and evico GmbH, who specialize in magnetic levitation technology. Following extensive testing with pro skateboarder and hoverboard test rider Ross McGouran, in Dresden, Germany, the team were determined to push the hoverboard to its limits and conduct further tests within dynamic surroundings.

"I've spent 20 years skateboarding, but without friction it feels like I've had to learn a whole new skill, particularly in the stance and balance in order to ride the hoverboard. It's a whole new experience,” said pro skateboarder and hoverboard test rider McGouran.

Since the Lexus Hoverboard was unveiled in June, testing has been carried out in a specially constructed hoverpark, combining elements from skate culture with technology within its architecture. Up to 200 meters of magnetic track was transported to Barcelona from the Dresden facility to lay beneath the hoverpark surface in order to create the dynamic test, offering Lexus the opportunity to demonstrate tricks no skateboard could ever perform, like travelling across water.

Lexus has captured the final ride footage and released it as a film led by award winning director Henry-Alex Rubin.

The Lexus Hoverboard technology features two “cryostats”—reservoirs in which superconducting material is kept at -197 degrees through immersion in liquid nitrogen. The board is then placed above a track that contains permanent magnets. Dr. Oliver de Haas, evico CEO, said: “The magnetic field from the track is effectively ‘frozen’ into the superconductors in the board, maintaining the distance between the board and the track—essentially keeping the board hovering. This force is strong enough to allow the rider to stand and even jump on the board.”


JPJ clamping down on illegal taxis at airports in Selangor

                SEPANG: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has arrested 19 suspects in its latest sweep on illegal taxi operators at airports in Selangor.

JPJ director-general Datuk Zailani Hashim said their investigations revealed that these operators charge between RM80 and RM150 for a ride from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to the Kuala Lumpur city centre.

"In comparison, legal taxis and limousine services charge between RM65 and RM80 per trip.

"We conducted an operation at KLIA and KLIA2 from Dec 4 to 12.

"It involved 14 personnel, including several who went undercover and were approached by illegal taxi operators," he told reporters at KLIA on Tuesday (Dec 13).

He said of the 19 arrested, 15 used personal vehicles while four others used public service vehicles.

"We seized 19 vehicles including seven MPVs comprising three taxis and four privately-owned vehicles.

"Our records show that three of them are repeat offenders," he said, adding that since 2015, there had been a total of 630 cases with 29 individuals sentenced to prison.

He said JPJ worked together with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd to create a short video to raise awareness about illegal taxi operators.

"The video was made in Bahasa Malaysia and English and is meant to educate those who land at these airports to refrain from using illegal taxis.

"We will also deploy undercover officers from time to time and use CCTV footage at airports.

"We will use Section 205(1) of the Land Public Transport Act which carries a maximum RM50,000 fine, five years' jail, or both, upon conviction," he said, adding that accomplices of illegal taxi operators could face action under Section 243(1) of the same Act.


Formula 1's Australian Grand Prix called off due to coronavirus

Workers packing up in pit lane after the cancellation of the Australian Formula One Grand Prix in Melbourne today. — AP
MELBOURNE: The Australian Formula One Grand Prix was cancelled today due to worries about the coronavirus outbreak, after a McLaren team member tested positive before the first practice session was scheduled to get under way at Albert Park.

“At 9 am today the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) was advised by Formula 1 of their intention to cancel all Formula 1 activity at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix,” the AGPC said in a statement.

“In light of this decision and updated advice this morning from the Chief Health Officer of the Victorian Government’s Department of Human and Health Services, the Australian Grand Prix Corporation confirms the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix is cancelled immediately.”

There were big question marks over the season-opening race after McLaren withdrew late on Thursday night when a member of their team tested positive for the virus.

The fourth round of the championship in Shanghai in April has already been postponed, while organizers of the Bahrain Grand Prix said last weekend that their race would go ahead without spectators on March 22.

Confusion reigned earlier today, with fans flocking to the lakeside race-track and local broadcaster Channel Nine reporting that the AGPC chairman had said they would plough on with the race.

Hundreds of fans milled around closed entry gates before Victoria state Premier Daniel Andrews announced that none would be permitted to enter even if the race went ahead.

There was clearly pressure from Formula One teams, with Mercedes saying they had requested organisers call it off and that they had started to pack up and leave the circuit.

Mercedes world champion Lewis Hamilton on Thursday also weighed in, saying it was “shocking” that organizers wanted to push on even with the NBA and other major sports suspending matches and competitions.


Mercedes-Benz S 560 e: Plug in to sheer luxury

                ITS size is imposing. Its stance authoritative. And its interior promises to pamper the few who have the wherewithal to own it.

Such is the general perception of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The fact it has an electric motor, as in the S 560 e, is a technical update that may hold little cachet for a buyer until he experiences the ride in its entirety.

We had a go at the S 560 e earlier in the year. It happened to be the first S-Class plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) sold in Malaysia.

Dive in

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia was flogging the S 400 h from 2014, but that was a non-plug-in hybrid with an electric range of less than 2km, paltry even then. It has since been superseded by the S 560 e with a claimed 50km electric range.

The test unit is the second S-Class PHEV after the S 500 e of 2014, which did not make it to local shores.

Available only in long wheelbase form, the locally assembled S 560 e arrived in mid-2019 as a facelifted model with subtle changes.

The facelift is instantly recognisable by the 3 daytime running light bars in the Multibeam LED headlamps and the crystal-effect LED tail-lamps. The louvres in the grille have been thickened and reduced to three instead of four. Front and rear bumpers have also been revised.

Touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel, new upholstery choices, tweaks to the layout of the dual 12.3-inch digital screens, and a new push-start button are among the key interior changes.

The touch-sensitive controls offer another access point to the dual screens besides the rotary controller and touchpad. In addition, the latest S-Class now supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The S 560 e is characterised by a long bonnet, flowing silhouette and gently slanting rear end, combined with classic architecture, that results in a car that is modern and elegant. The aerodynamic roof line is also in keeping with its sporty coupé-style intentions.

The subtly created convex-concave effect of the entire flank plus a pronounced shoulder above the rear wheel adds further emphasis to the car’s athletic proportions.

The 19-inch Pirelli P Zero run-flat mixed tyres fill out the wheel wells nicely, and plays along with the air suspension to enhance ride quality.

Essence of hybrid

The S 560 e is part of Mercedes’ growing EQ Power range of plug-in hybrids. The aim was to be able to offer customers with well over 20 electrified model variants in 2020 though that figure may need to be revisited with Covid-19 running amok worldwide.

Plug-in hybrids offer the best of two worlds: in town they run in all-electric mode, while on long journeys they benefit from the range of the combustion engine.

They make the vehicle more efficient overall, because they can recover energy during braking and also allow the combustion engine to run in favourable operating ranges.

The S 560 e features third-generation plug-in hybrid technology. New and improved components enables a greater range and better performance in all-electric mode.

 At full battery charge, the longest electric range was at best 38km. But it's often a little less than that.

However, the S 560 e’s real world range is 38km rather than the official 50km. It takes around 5 hours to fully charge up the battery from 10% using the supplied cable at a household socket. One can speed up the charging in under 2 hours with the optional RM7,800 wallbox charger.

The torque converter, clutch and electric motor are housed in the hybrid drive unit making for a compact design. Battery capacity has been increased to 13.5kWh after Mercedes switched from lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePo) to lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt (Li-NMC)

Despite an increase of around 50% in energy content, the new battery is smaller than that of the predecessor S 500 e, resulting in boot capacity expanding 15l to 410l. With typical S-Class boot space at 510l, that’s 100l of space taken by the battery.

Moreover, the battery location just behind the rear seats leads to a stepped boot floor and the rear seats cannot be folded.

Lux up

The measure of luxury here is the interior trappings. In that sense, there’s no lack of creature comforts in the S 560 e cabin.

The refinements are everywhere from leather-wrapped dashboard that echoes the flowing lines of the exterior, complemented by Nappa leather seats and glossy walnut wood trim.

Automatic climate control, pre-entry climate control, air ionisation and perfuming, reclining rear seats with massage function, Burmester hi-fi, rear-seat entertainment, and front/rear wireless charging for mobile devices are included amenities to indulge passengers.

A panoramic sliding sunroof lets in air and light to create an airy feel.

On the move, a well padded interior makes for a serene space even when travelling at speeds.

While driver and passengers will have little to complain about, the best seats are in the back as befits a flagship limo.

Passengers in the outer rear seats have their own switches that control seat ventilation or heating and individual climate control.

The sweet spot is, of course, the rear left seat, which paired with the Chauffeur package, means an individual can really stretched out with plenty of space as the front seat is electrically shunted forward to allow the back seat to recline even more.

However, the rear headrest pillows are arguably not as soft or fluffy as those in the BMW 7 Series.

Drive time

The S 560 e is powered by a 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6 engine making 362hp/500Nm.

Boosting the car’s muscularity is the 121hp/440Nm electric motor, resulting in combined output of 476hp/700Nm of torque relayed to the rear wheels via a 9-speed hybrid-optimised gearbox.

Such figures allow the 2.2-tonne car to catapult from 0 to 100kph in a startling 5.0 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 250kph.

All that torque translates to an effortless driving sensation, aided by an engine-motor transition that’s smooth and seamless.

At the same time, this particular S-Class wants to go emissions-free as much as possible, battery-permitting. It really comes into its own when wafting electrically – and silently – down the road.

The interior is already calm by default; there’s very few road irregularities that flusters the car. So propelling it forward on motor-power alone is initially eerie yet enjoyable, turning the interior into even more of a tranquil oasis.

Four hybrid modes and five driving programs let the driver choose whether to use the dynamic combination of engine and electric motor or opt for the car’s highly efficient mode.

Of the hybrid modes, the default HYBRID allows all functions like electric driving, boost and energy recovery to be used based on the driving situation and route profile.

Charging the battery while driving is possible in CHARGE. E-SAVE hoards battery charge for all-electric driving later. E-MODE is where electric driving is activated up to 128kph, with the accelerator signalling the pressure point at which the combustion engine is started.

The S 560 e benefits from a long list of nannies that help the driver steer the car safely. Among them are Active Steering Assist, Active Distance Assist, Active Braking Assist, 360-degree surround view camera and adaptive brake lights.

Verdict

This big Merc is a luxo barge that is advancing with the times. It’s in its element when called upon to perform frequent short trips punctuated by the occasional long sojourns where the V6 smoothie takes on a more prominent role.

A regular regime of plug-in charging is recommended to make best use of the car’s capabilities.

Motor, engine or a dynamic mix of both, the outcome remains the same for the driver or the chauffeur-driven. The S 560 e delivers exceptional refinements in spades to the inner sanctum.

SPECIFICATIONSMercedes-Benz S 560 eEngine: 2,996cc, V6, bi-turbo
Maximum power: 362hp at 5,500rpm
Maximum torque: 500Nm from 1,800 to 4,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic
Electric motor output: 90kW/440Nm
Hybrid battery type: Lithium ion
Hybrid battery capacity: 13.5kWh
Total system output: 476hp/700Nm
Acceleration (0-100kph): 5.0 seconds
Top speed: 250kph
Fuel consumption (official): 2.6l/100km
Features: Air suspension, Multibeam LED headlights with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, Active Steering Assist, Active Distance Assist Distronic, Driving Assistance package, panoramic sliding sunroof, Magic Vision Control, keyless entry with push-start button, Nappa leather, Exclusive trim package, 10 airbags, Burmester surround sound system, Comand Online with remote control, Air Balance package, Thermotronic automatic climate control, 360-degree camera, rear seat entertainment with wireless headsets, multicontour rear seats with massage function, dual wireless charging, electric roller blinds, Chauffeur package for front seat, hands-free access, soft-close doors and bootlid
Price (on-the-road without insurance): RM658,888


Nissan CNY deals and new insurance product

                KUALA LUMPUR: If you are thinking of buying a Nissan in the first three months of 2018, you could end up with another car for free.

Local Nissan distributor Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd is offering customers a chance of winning the Teana 2.5L XV each month with every purchase of a new vehicle. Other than the Teana, AirAsia Big Points and Hitachi premium appliances are up for grabs. The total value of the prizes is RM600,000.

Edaran Tan Chong Motor also said its Golden Fortune Bonus Set on selected models could offer customers savings of up to RM12,000 or RM1.00 promotion for premium accessory package.

In addition, Nissan customers are also introduced to TC GAP Protector that promises affordable premium payments. The insurance product is offered through Tan Chong Insurance Business Stream and RHB Insurance. It provides additional coverage of up to RM140,000 in the event of total loss of a vehicle due to accident, fire or theft, on top of the motor insurance reimbursement. This insurance product is valid in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.

The coverage is only available for new and existing vehicles with private registration not more than 12 months after first registration.

Test-drive sessions will also be held at selected showrooms nationwide.

TC GAP Protector


New vehicle sales drop 3.6% in April

                KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia recorded new vehicle sales of 56,213 units in April 2022, down 3.63% from 58,329 units a year ago due to a shortage of chips and components.

In its monthly update, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) said the total industry volume (TIV) for April 2022 was 23% lower than March 2022, which was at 73,222 units.

The association said the shortage of chips and components, as well as shipment delays, affected some companies.

"Much of the sales had been fulfilled by companies having their financial year ended on March 31, 2022," it added.

MAA said of the total sales, passenger vehicles (PV) accounted for 49,815 units while commercial vehicles (CV) comprised 6,398 units.

Year-to-date sales stood at 215,965 units, up 7.96% from the 200,043 units recorded in the same corresponding period last year.

In terms of total production, 54,734 vehicles were produced in April compared with 51,390 units a year ago.

The MAA sales volume for May 2022 is expected to be at similar levels seen in April as a result of the short working month due to festive holidays and shortage of chips and components plus shipment delays.


BMW's 8 Series gets a new design and a fancier cockpit

Shown above are the M8 Series.
MUNICH: A facelift on the outside and a more high-tech cockpit on the inside - that's the gist of BMW's latest version of the 8 Series, returning in three body variants later in 2022.

The biggest difference can only be seen at night, when the grand tourer's new kidney grille lights up as standard on all models.

From March onwards, the German car maker will roll out the coupé, convertible and gran coupé versions of its luxury car with a modified design and interior - no prices are being given yet.

Looking at it from the outside, the biggest difference you'll notice is at the front end, where new chrome bars pull your eyes towards the kidney grille.

On the inside, the main difference is a screen that has been enlarged from 10.25 to 12.3 inches, in addition to new fabrics and colours.

Nothing much has changed in the drive system, however.

The 8 Series is still available as an 850i with a 4.4-litre V8 engine producing 530 hp, as well as with two six-cylinder engines, each with a capacity of three litres.

The petrol engine comes as the 840i with 333 hp. The diesel bears the abbreviation 840d and is listed with 340 hp.

An M8 is also in the works and set to deliver 625hp/750Nm from the turbo V8. It will also be available in the three bodystyles as the 8 Series.

The central common feature of the M8 trio is the "emotive" drive and chassis technology.

Due to its typical M high-speed character, the engine develops high drive torque over wide load ranges, which is optimally placed on the road via an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and the M xDrive all-wheel drive system.

The 0-100kph is done in 3.2 seconds (M8 Competition Coupé and M8 Competition Gran Coupé) or 3.3 seconds (M8 Competition Cabriolet).

A chassis technology developed with racing know-how and tailored to each model is said to ensure harmony of dynamics, agility and precision in driving behaviour.

The BMW Laser Light of the M8s can be optionally specified with M lamps Shadow Line for a sportier front look. The Shadow Line introduces a dark design of the inserts and chrome elements inside the headlamps, along with the high-gloss black frame of the BMW kidney.


Rolls-Royce among 20 vehicles seized in JPJ op

                KUALA LUMPUR: A Rolls-Royce Ghost allegedly registered under a cosmetics company was among 20 vehicles impounded by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) in an operation, dubbed “Op Patuh”, in Jalan Bangsar here Sunday night.

JPJ deputy director-general (Operations) Datuk Wan Ahmad Uzir Wan Sulaiman said the luxury car was rented and driven by an Australian man before the vehicle was impounded in the operation which began at 8.30pm. The Ghost retails for at least RM2mil in Malaysia.

Wan Ahmad Uzir said the vehicle linked to D'Herbs Holdings Sdn Bhd displayed a road tax which was only valid for use in Sarawak where the price was about RM5,000, which was much lower than the actual tax.

“Investigation revealed that the actual Motor Vehicle Licence (MVL) that should have been paid was about RM20,000,” he told reporters after the operation.

Wan Ahmad Uzir said the MVL for Sabah and Sarawak could only be used for vehicles in the two states.

However, D'Herbs Holdings owner Datuk Seri Aliff Syukri Kamarzaman denied that the seized Rolls-Royce was his. Aliff, who is currently in Indonesia on business, told another media organisation that his Rolls-Royce never left his home at the time of the alleged offence.

Commenting on the operation in the federal capital, Wan Ahmad Uzir said it also involved 170 personnel from the Immigration Department, the police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.


Perodua Ativa Hybrid subscription plan launched, select customers only

                KUALA LUMPUR: Perodua today launched its Perodua Ativa Hybrid subscription plan but it's open only to customers who have registered their interest in it earlier.

The plan was first outlined by Perodua in August and it is now activated.

Basically, Perodua's first hybrid car is being trialled in a move seen as Perodua asking customers what they want in an affordable electrified car and also to find out how well accepted a subscription service is.

Hence, the Ativa Hybrid is not for sale to the public.

A total of 300 units based on the Daihatsu Rocky Hybrid will be offered to approved applicants. They included current Ativa customers who are still waiting for their cars to be delivered and those who had registered their interest to take part in the study project.

 The men in suits are (from left) Zainal Abidin, Asmat, Lokman, Matsubayashi and Takahashi. The subscribers are (also from left) Tan, Abdul Rahman, Farizul, Haliza and Sarina.

The project is divided into two parts.

The first is to understand group driving behaviour of a hybrid vehicle in populated locations of the country, namely in the Klang Valley, Penang and Johor Baru (40% of the subscribers are in the Klang Valley).

The other purpose of this study is to understand consumer acceptance of a 5-year “subscription” service, which Perodua has been offering to corporate clients under its “EZ MOBi” arm since January 2021.

“The Perodua Ativa Hybrid would be the best vehicle for us to gain unique insights on Malaysian behaviour as a controlled group, as this data will be used to anticipate our customers’ needs when using an electric vehicle,” said Perodua president and CEO Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

Selected customers need only pay an upfront fee of RM2,150 and a monthly fee of RM500, which covers the insurance, road tax and maintenance to be borne by Perodua.

The subscription period is five years and customers have to agree to be tracked with a GPS locator to be installed in the vehicle for Perodua to study driving and usage patterns.

The drivers also have to file regular reports on their driving experience and any technical issues they face.

Present to receive their keys to the hybrid were the first five individuals who have been approved to take part in the project. They are Haliza Alias, Sarina Mat Desa, Tan Chiew Woo, Abdul Rahman Mohmad and Farizul Abd Hamid.

Zainal said the remaining 295 subscribers who have been selected from a pool of 600 applicants will be receiving their cars in the coming weeks.

The Perodua Ativa Hybrid uses a “series hybrid” system whereby the electric motor sets the vehicles’ wheels in motion while the engine serves as a generator to charge the electric motor.

The electric motor churns out 105hp and 170Nm of torque, while the 1.2-litre engine (WA-VEX) makes 81hp and 105Nm.

Based on this technology, the Ativa Hybrid’s Series System is capable of reaching distances of 31.3 kilometres per litre (based on Malaysian Driving Cycle test).

“While we believe that vehicle ownership will still be our bread and butter; there is a possibility that a vehicle subscription business model may be acceptable for more users in the near future," said Zainal Abidin.

“This is what we mean by ‘subscription’ – a service where all other obligations of owning a vehicle – such as following a service schedule, paying vehicle insurance and paying road tax – will be managed entirely by us; all the customer has to do is pay a subscription fee to enjoy the package."

The Perodua event was attended by Ministry of International Trade and Industry secretary-general Datuk Seri Lokman Hakim Ali, Perodua chairman Tan Sri Asmat Kamaludin, Daihatsu chairman Sunao Matsubayashi and Perodua Auto Corporation Sdn Bhd president Masanori Takahashi.

Technical Highlights
Others


Bentley celebrates 100 years with Mulsanne W.O. Edition

                CREWE: Bentley Motors is demonstrating the beauty of bespoke with a new very special limited edition Mulsanne. The Mulsanne W.O. Edition by Mulliner pays homage to the founding father of the company and incorporates a genuine piece of Bentley history in every car.

In 1919 Walter Owen (W.O.) Bentley created a company with a simple objective: to build “a fast car, a good car, the best in its class”. This guiding principle has driven Bentley ever since, pushing the brand forward and making it the leader in automotive luxury around the world today.

The 10th of July 2018 marks the start of Bentley’s 100th year and the countdown to the brand’s centenary in 2019.

Inside each of the 100 limited edition Mulsannes, a slice of the original crankshaft taken from W.O. Bentley’s personal 8 Litre car decades ago – the last model he designed for Bentley Motors back in 1930 – is displayed.

As Bentley approaches its centenary in 2019, Mulliner designers reflected on the last 99 years of an extraordinary British automotive story to imagine the new Mulsanne W.O. Edition.

The Mulsanne W.O. Edition can be specified on any of the three-model Mulsanne range, based on customer preference. Key features include a colour split interior cut from Heritage Hide reflecting the patina of vintage cars, elegant Beluga black wheels, and a stunning cocktail cabinet or bottle cooler featuring a slice of W.O.’s own 8 Litre crankshaft set into the armrest.

This special model will make its public debut at Monterey Car Week in California USA in late August, with customer deliveries commencing in 2019 – Bentley’s centenary year.


MINI Bangsar having year-end promo

                KUALA LUMPUR: MINI Bangsar is turning three this December, and from Dec 1 to 20, the dealership is offering an attractive deal to own a MINI starting from RM170,000.

Buyers can also look forward to choices of premium shopping vouchers worth up to RM2,000; iPhone 6S or a selection of accommodation at YTL Hotels in Pangkor Laut Resort, Gaya Island Resort and Tanjong Jara Resort.

Check out MINI Ingress Auto Bangsar showroom this weekend on Dec 5 and 6, from 10am to 6pm.

Contact Ingress Auto Bangsar at 03 2287 9988 or visit facebook.com/minibangsar


Ghosn arranges, then abruptly cancels, late-night press briefing

Ghosn being escorted as he walks out of the Tokyo Detention House following his release on bail on April 25. — AFP
TOKYO: Former Nissan Motor Co. chairman Carlos Ghosn abruptly cancelled a press conference scheduled only hours before, at which he was due to "speak out” about his case. It would have been his first briefing in person since his arrest in November.

Only hours after announcing the hastily arranged briefing, reports emerged that Ghosn would not appear at the event and only his lawyer would speak.

The Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan then said that Ghosn’s lawyers had informed them that he had decided to cancel the briefing, citing opposition from his media adviser and family.

The FCCJ said in its notification that it had "made clear to the lawyers its disappointment” with how the matter had been handled.

Ghosn had previously been scheduled a press conference in April at which he promised to "tell the truth about what’s happening." That briefing was cancelled after he was re-arrested for additional charges.


American Scott Blazey heads BMW Clubs International Council

                MUNICH: BMW Clubs and community management of the BMW Group Classic said the BMW Clubs International Council has a new chairman.

Scott E. Blazey, 71, from the United States, has been elected to the position, succeeding David de Bruyn from South Africa who unexpectedly passed away earlier this year. De Bruyn was chairman of the World Council for nine years.

The BMW Clubs International Council, formed in 1981, currently represents more than 230,000 BMW Club members in around 800 recognised clubs in 78 countries.

Blazey is a former president of the BMW Car Club of America (BMW CCA), the largest BMW club in the world. He also served as the president of the Kansas City BMW Club, chairman of BMW CCA Club Racing, a delegate to the BMW Clubs International Council, and is currently a trustee of the BMW CCA Foundation, a separate, non-profit charity that promotes teen driver safety among other things.

“The goals for the Council are simple," said Blazey.

"Building on the previous achievements of the council, we will continue to help existing BMW clubs grow; help new BMW clubs get started; work with the BMW Group Classic to foster a sense of community with and enthusiasm for the brand; and do what’s right to help BMW club members worldwide enjoy the very best possible BMW and BMW club experience.”

In the question-and-answer session below, Blazey offers a deeper insight into his enthusiasm for BMW and the BMW Clubs:

When you got the first time in touch with BMW (products)?

Blazey: The first time I really noticed BMW was at the 1973 24 Hours of Le Mans, when I watched the BMW 3.0 CSL (#51) win its class. I bought my first BMW less than two years later, but it was not a car. It was a BMW R75/6 motorcycle. My first BMW automobile, a BMW 2002, came less than a year later and from then on, I have always owned and driven BMWs.

Which/When was the first BMW Club you have joined?

Blazey: I was with the US army in Germany when I took delivery of my BMW R75/6 motorcycle in 1975 and joined my first BMW Club, which was the BMW Club Bad Windsheim. It was there I first experienced the camaraderie, fun, and sense of community from BMW enthusiasts.

What makes BMW Clubs and the community so special to you?

Blazey: BMW automobiles and motorcycles are great fun to drive but even more, they generate in many of their owners an enthusiasm for driving and for sharing the BMW experience. I love motorsports and through BMW Clubs I have gone racing wheel-to-wheel, won time-speed-distance rallies, and traveled all over the U.S.A and the world. Through it all I met and continue to meet fellow BMW enthusiasts who have become many of my best friends.


China launches pilot EV battery recycling schemes

                SHANGHAI: China will launch a pilot electric vehicle battery recycling scheme in 17 cities and regions, the industry ministry said, with Beijing keen to head off an emerging pollution threat.

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said in a notice published on its website late on Wednesday the cities and regions would encourage car producers to establish recycling service outlets and cooperate with battery producers, used car dealers and scrap merchants to build regional recycling systems.

It said the entire industrial chain needed to be fully mobilised in order to ensure that EV batteries were recovered. It would strictly control the number of new enterprises involved in battery recycling and make full use of existing recycling bases in China in order to promote sustainable development in sector.

The ministry also promised to draw up policies to support battery recycling, making full use of existing tax incentives and creating innovative new financing methods. The ministry has already published draft rules to create a “traceability management platform” aimed at tracking the entire life cycle of electric car batteries from production to disposal.

China aims to bring annual electric vehicle output up to around 2 million by 2020 but it has recently taken action to curb ”blind” growth in manufacturing capacity, with as many as 102 firms producing 355 different models of vehicle by the end of March.

Data published by the industry ministry this week showed that China produced 413,200 new energy vehicles (NEV) in the first six months of this year, up 94.9 percent compared with a year earlier. Sales more than doubled to 412,000 units over the period.

State news agency Xinhua said in a separate report late on Wednesday China produced 37.35 million kilowatt hours of NEV batteries last year, with overall prices declining by a quarter to about 1.45 yuan (87 sen) per watt-hour.

Experts have warned that annual lithium battery waste could reach around 170,000 tonnes by 2020.


First experience with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S

                The Michelin Pilot Super Sport is a recognised tyre benchmark for ultra-high performance for original equipment (OE) and replacement applications.

Development, however, never stops and Michelin came out with an even better tyre, the Pilot Sport 4 S, which would take over gradually from the Pilot Super Sport in the OE segment.

This is the higher performance version of the Pilot Sport 4, which is designed as a 100% road tyre, while the Pilot Sport 4 S is meant for 80% road use and 20% track use.

The best part is that despite the general trend in the global tyre industry to raise tyre prices due mainly to rising cost of raw materials and a smaller reason in currency fluctuation, Michelin has bucked the trend by going in the other direction.

For all its improved status, the Pilot Sport 4 S is available in Malaysia from RM1,100 making it a very attractive product when compared to the Pilot Super Sport that is priced from RM1,600.

The Pilot Sport 4 S, which is only suitable for rims from 19-inch onwards, is ranked second to the top Pilot Sport Cup 2, an outright performance tyre often used in motor sport events; it is designed for 90% track use.

As Michelin is involved in several motor sport disciplines worldwide, it uses this competitive environment as a laboratory for the development of future tyre technologies that are subsequently applied in the development of its production tyres.

The French tyre maker says the confidential testing data that is collected during races on tyre technologies and new rubber compound formulas enables its engineers to continue to push the ‘envelope of tyre performance’.

Given this scenario, it is expected that the Pilot Sport 4 S is developed to present maximum, racer-like driving performance for sports car and premium car drivers, or in Michelin’s words ‘those who prioritise performance and safety’.

This latest product from the French tyre maker is said to be crafted through a high precision process and advances simultaneously several criteria on the same tyre.

It starts with the ‘high level of reactivity’ that is possible with the ultra-reactive tread pattern, which is designed to adapt continuously to the road for optimised traction.

This is supported by ‘excellent steering control’ with Michelin’s dynamic response technology that ensures optimum transmission of steering instructions on the road through a hybrid belt of aramid and nylon.

The Pilot Sport 4 S also provides ‘exceptional’ dry grip and improved wet braking with the bi-compound technology using a novel hybrid elastomer on the outer side for dry grip.

In addition, there is a new mix of compounds with specific ‘functional elastomers’ and silica on the inner side of the tyre to provide high wet grip and braking.

For looks, Michelin has given its latest tyre a premium touch finish with a velvet effect to create a variety of black contrasts on the exterior sidewall and a deep rim protector to provide protection for all kinds of wheels.

Compared to Pilot Super Sport, the Pilot Sport 4 S is said to brake shorter on dry and wet road surfaces as well as lasts longer with on-road use.

To give the media an idea of what to expect of this new ultra-high performance tyre, the regional press were assembled at the Sentul International Circuit in Bogor, some 70km south of Jakarta, Indonesia.

There were two drive routines involving four Mercedes-Benz E2 50 cars, the first one in the dry around the circuit and the other on an artificially wet section within the complex.

The comparison in performance was made against a rival tyre; in short two of the Mercs were fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S and the other two ran on the rival tyre.

We were to drive in each of the car in succession to discern the difference between them while executing quick lane changes, braking to a stop and cruising through a corner at a certain speed.

We found the turn-in into a corner quicker and sharper, and the Merc was in good control for the lane change manoeuvre while the rival tyre appeared to make the car a little tail happy and less in dynamic control.

The biggest visible difference was in the 80kph braking performance; we stopped about a car’s length shorter with the Pilot Sport 4 S.

This impression was consistent during the wet drive sessions and the average braking results for the dry session indicated a difference of almost two metres in favour of the Michelin tyre.

The rival tyre appeared to feel more comfortable in ride and that might have been its downfall as an ultra-high performance tyre.

What gives the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S the bigger edge is its very attractive price and that should give the rival brands something to chew on.


One day, you will be able to talk naturally to a Peugeot, Citroën or DS car

                PARIS: Groupe PSA has called upon a Silicon Valley start-up to enable its future cars to converse naturally with their drivers.

It recently signed the deal with SoundHound, Inc, which is developing voice and AI integration technology to tailor the world's fastest speech recognition technology and seamless natural language understanding capability to Groupe PSA’s vehicles. Groupe PSA is the umbrella group that comprises the Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Vauxhall and Opel brands.

At present, the unique Deep Meaning Understanding technology developed by SoundHound Inc. is said to be the only service that, like a human being, can instantly answer multiple questions asked in a single sentence.

The digital personal assistant will be able to act on its own to perform a variety of tasks, such as finding a restaurant that meets several criteria (e.g. open on Sunday evening), activating vehicle functions and launching connected services. With a single voice command, drivers will be able to simultaneously regulate temperature, ventilation and the direction of air conditioning.

Groupe PSA said it hoped to roll out the best conversational experience on the market within two years. It said the easy-to-use voice assistant would simplify life on board for vehicle users and contribute to greater safety.


Thailand International Motor Expo 2017: Mercedes-AMG GT C

                BANGKOK: The Mercedes-AMG lineup has entered Thailand's borders and one of them is GT C - a convertible performance roadster from the German brand bearing the three-pointed star for its logo.

The roadster has a 175-litre boot and features a 4.0-litre (3,982cc) bi-turbo V6 engine under the hood, producing 557hp from 5,750 to 6,750rpm and 680Nm of torque from 1,900 to 5,000rpm, while mated to a seven-speed dual clutch sports transmission with paddle shifters.

All that performance gets the rear 20-inch 325/30 series tyres (front: 19-inch wrapped with 275/35 tyres) spinning to catapult the car from 0-100kph in 3.7 seconds before reaching a top speed of 317kph, while drinking from a 75-litre fuel tank.

On the outside, the German convertible gets automatic wipers, AMG Exterior Night package, power-folding external mirrors (all mirrors - including rear view mirror, are auto dimming), performance exhaust system, soft-top fabric roof, Ride Control sports suspension, rear axle steering, LED headlights, rear-axle differential lock, speed-sensitive sports steering system and performance brake system with Red callipers to name a few.

While the cabin gets brushed stainless steel with white illuminated 'AMG' lettering and piano lacquer accents , it also comes equipped with an Eco Start/Stop function, AMG Performance steering wheel wrapped with black nappa leather, keyless entry, nappa-wrapped powered AMG Performance seats with memory, Airscarf, Artico for the dashboard and beltline, Command Online, Thermotronic climate controls, Burmester surround sound system, DVD player, touchpad, Bluetooth connectivity and AMG Dynamic select.

For safety, it comes equipped with seven airbags, anti-lock braking system, adaptive brake lights, reverse camera, cruise control with Speedtronic, Parktronic, Pre-safe system, tyre-pressure monitoring system, adaptive highbeam assist, nine-level traction control, adaptive brake with Hold function and hill-start assist.

The 34th Thailand International Motor Expo will be open to the public from Nov 30 to Dec 11 at Impact Arena, Muangthong Thani from 12pm to 10pm daily.