Perodua comes up with new Alza and Myvi variants

KUALA LUMPUR: Amid a softening automotive market, Perodua is continuing its offensive to boost sales with new variants of the Alza and Myvi.

It is introducing the Alza S and Myvi Premium XS 1.3 litre at Perodua showrooms nationwide starting today.

“The new variants, the Alza S and the Myvi Premium XS 1.3 litre, are the result of our continuous efforts to improve our product offerings in line with consumer preferences,” said Perodua president-cum-CEO Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh.

The tactic is comparable to what Toyota has done earlier this month by upgrading existing models  to give “more value” to the car-buying public and keeping prices unchanged (at least for the Alza).

The Alza S replaces the standard Alza, and adds front, rear and side skirtings, rear spoilers, rear combination tail lamps with clear lens and fog lamps on the exterior.

In addition, its interior is fitted with a steering leather wrap including an audio switch, an audio system with USB & Bluetooth and a meter panel with white illumination.

The full Alza line-up comes in Passion Red, Ebony Black, Mystical Purple, Glittering Silver and Ivory White, while the Metallic Electric Blue is exclusively for the Alza S variant.

As for the Myvi Premium XS 1.3 litre, it is RM2,000 more than the Premium X. Like the Alza S, Perodua has also introduced a sportier image with GearUp skirtings at the front, side and rear, as well as projector headlamps with guide lights.

“This will give Myvi customers options if they want a much sportier Myvi 1.3 litre at an affordable price,” Aminar said.

For the interior, the compact car company installed a new fabric seat design, with a dark interior finish.

“These new variants will complement our existing model line-up for both the Alza and Myvi, while the price positioning will hopefully attract more consumers to be part of the 2.5 million customers who have touched us,” said Aminar.

The Alza S solid colour is priced at RM52,332 for the manual transmission and RM55,332 for the automatic transmission, while the Myvi Premium XS 1.3 litre solid colour is priced from RM48,862.16, and is only available in automatic transmission.

“With the introduction of these two new variants, we expect our monthly sales volume for the Alza and Myvi to reach 3,400 units and 7,500 units respectively”, said Aminar.

Both the Alza S and Myvi Premium XS come with a five-year warranty, similar to all other Perodua models.


June 22-28: Fuel prices unchanged

                KUALA LUMPUR: The retail prices of RON97 and RON95 petrol and diesel will remain unchanged for the period from June 22-28.

The Finance Ministry, in a statement, said that RON97 petrol remains at RM3.37 per litre, RON95 (RM2.05) and diesel (RM2.15).

The weekly retail prices of the products were set based on the Automatic Pricing Mechanism formula.


Ferrari to leverage on brand as it promises faster growth

                MILAN: Ferrari has announced a new brand strategy promising even more growth.

The "Cavallino Rampante", or "Prancing Horse", launched a plan to enhance its brand through new apparel and accessory collections, entertainment offers, and luxury products and services for clients.

They include an agreement with Italian fashion house Giorgio Armani and the opening of a restaurant with star chef Massimo Bottura in the group’s hometown of Maranello in northern Italy.

Ferrari expects the new brand initiative to represent around 10% of the group’s profitability in the next seven to 10 years, in what Chief Executive Louis Camilleri described as an “ambitious but realistic target”.

“It is our intention to increase the size of the cake and our share of the cake,” he told analysts in an earnings call, referring to the group’s bid to expand revenues outside of selling cars.

The new branding strategy builds on the group’s aggressive roll-out of new premium models.

Ferrari said core earnings would be around 1.27 billion euros for the full year, topping a previous forecast of 1.2-1.25 billion euros.

Camilleri said that this year Ferrari would match what it forecast last year for 2020. “I think it’s rather premature for us to address 2020 at this time. But clearly, we do anticipate a strong year,” he told analysts.

The carmaker also increased its outlook on 2019 revenues to about 3.7 billion euros, from a previous forecast of more than 3.5 billion euros, and industrial free cashflow.

“We expect the stock to rise but (the) focus will be on 2020,” Morgan Stanley said in a note, adding that Ferrari’s results were better than expected across the board.

Ferrari will present its latest new model in Rome next week, taking the total to five this year, including the F90 Stradale, its first hybrid car in series-production.

To support Ferrari’s growth and profitability Camilleri’s strategy plan from September last year promised to launch 15 new models between 2019 and 2022.

Ferrari, known for its racing pedigree and roaring combustion engines, is also considering a full-electric model, though that will not hit the road before 2023.

“We’re taking our time to ensure that it will be a true Ferrari DNA car,” Camilleri said.


Designed to take on any job: 75 years of the Unimog truck

                FRANKFURT: The cabin is dirty, the seat coverings have long since burst open, the speedometer is almost impossible to read behind the faded glass.

The Mercedes star on the faded bonnet is held on only by cable ties. Yet Andreas Rauscher wouldn't part with his old Unimog truck.

Winemaker Rauscher uses the 45-year-old, wine-red U421 to travel around his vineyard in the Neckar Valley in south-western Germany almost every day. He wouldn't dream of exchanging it for a modern vehicle despite its limitations.

The 2.4-litre diesel with its 52hp is not the most powerful and it takes a lot of gas and patience to reach even 67kph.

And anyone who has driven the tight bends up to Rauscher's vineyard three or four times without power steering won't need to go to the gym.

The vineyard owner's powerful upper arms are testament to the hard work involved in steering the truck he inherited from his father.

Gear shifting with the unsynchronised transmission requires a lot of skill with the clutch and accelerator.

On top of all that, the cabin is cramped, the doors are narrow, and the seats would be uncomfortable even if the upholstery hadn't worn out over the past few decades.

"But in the sum of its properties, the Unimog is still superior to any other vehicle to this day," Rauscher says as he crawls up the steep slopes between his vines and laughs at his colleagues' modern tractors.

The sum of its properties — that is exactly what Albert Friedrich, former head of aircraft engine design at Daimler-Benz, and his partner Heinrich Roessler had in mind when they sketched the specifications for the first Unimog in late summer 1945, says Mercedes spokesman Ralph Wagenknecht.

The medium-sized, all-wheel-drive truck was planned as a "universal motor device" — hence the acronym Unimog — that could play a variety of roles in the most demanding environments.

The essential requirements were high ground clearance, great traction, excellent slope-climbing ability, the capacity to take a one tonne load, and a power take-off shaft for running other equipment off.

In addition the truck needed to have good brakes, a speed range of 3 to 50kph, and a reasonably comfortable driver's cab with at least two seats.

"In an emergency, the makers wanted it to be able to replace not only the tractor, but also the flatbed truck and the passenger car," says Wagenknecht.

The first prototypes appeared 75 years ago in autumn 1946 and the Unimog made its debut to acclaim at an agricultural exhibition in Frankfurt in 1948. The rugged vehicle quickly became a worldwide success and is still in production today.

Unimog fan Rainer Hildebrandt reckons that more than 400,000 vehicles have been built and he believes that many are still on the road today "because the Unimog is not only versatile, it is also incredibly robust."

If you wanted to buy a secondhand one today you could get a well-used but fully drivable model for around US$6,000, Hildebrandt estimates. Particularly well restored and polished specimens can change hands for as much as US$95,000.

Rauscher laughs to hear that Unimogs are now appearing at classic car meetings and are kept polished and shining. For him U421, which like its owner was born in 1976, is a working vehicle in everyday use.

True to the specifications of its inventors, he uses the Unimog universally. Sometimes he uses it to haul rubble to the landfill, other times the truck pulls two trailers to the cooperative.

And every now and then, on special occasions, the winemaker polishes the veteran vehicle to a high gloss and even decorates it with flowers, for example when the harvest is brought in in the autumn or one of his friends ties the knot.

He has even heaved an old sofa onto the flatbed and used the Unimog to chauffeur the bride and groom to the church — a role which, 75 years ago, even its designers would probably not have foreseen for their universal motor device.


Shell Advance 'Outride Anything' roadshow starts today

                KUALA LUMPUR: Shell Advance will be embarking on a four-month long ‘Outride Anything’ nationwide roadshow (including Sabah and Sarawak) from now until Oct 29.

The campaign will be held at 19 locations that will include bike workshops, shopping malls and hypermarkets with plenty of activities, free-gifts and tickets to the 2017 Shell Malaysia MotoGP. For details of the locations log on to www.shell.com.my/advanceroadshow.

Visitors to the roadshow can participate in a special `elbow down’ challenge, spin the Shell Advance ‘wheel of fortune’, purchase Shell Advance products to win Shark helmets worth RM1,250 each and a bike simulator time trial to win two tickets to the 2017 Shell Malaysia MotoGP.

Furthermore, a professional trainer will be conducting ‘live’ training sessions at selected locations to help mechanics from Shell Advance’s network of partner workshops to upgrade their knowledge and expertise.

The training is part of the exclusive Shell Advance Masterclass series that guide mechanics on how to properly maintain nine key components of a motorcycle.

Registered mechanics who successfully complete the entire eight modules by September 30, 2017 will be incentivised with two tickets to the 2017 Shell Malaysia MotoGP™ and certification from Shell Malaysia.

“As the lubricant market and technology leader, we at Shell believe that our investment in this programme would benefit the entire value chain as it creates a pool of professionally trained and certified mechanics,” said Shell Lubricants marketing manager (Malaysia and Singapore) Alex Lim.


Having a Polo to go

The locally assembled 2014 Volkswagen Polo sedan comes across as a roomy and comfortable car, with a refined and smooth ride quality.It is quite decently appointed with safety and comfort equipment, including a few segment-leading features.This is not surprising as the 1.6L Polo sedan is battling in the highly competitive non-national B-segment dominated by Japanese marques.Launched in October last year, the Polo sedan has cruise control, automatic up/down for four powered windows, height-adjustable front seats and “Climatronic” automatic air-conditioning with rear vents for extra comfort.Safety features include four airbags (front and side), anti-pinch windows, LED third brake light, ISOFIX child seat system, ABS (anti-lock braking system) and BA (brake assist).There is plenty to like here, and we were impressed by the torquey 1.6L engine and smooth power delivery from the six-speed automatic transmission.Acceleration is swift, from a standing start and we never felt the car to be “under-powered”.On hilly slopes in the Bangsar area, there is more than enough grunt to propel the car’s 1,182kg kerb weight with two adult occupants.Sporty-minded drivers would like the automatic transmission which comes with sport mode and Tiptronic manual gear shifting, although we suspect the majority of Polo sedan owners would be content to drive in pure automatic mode.The Polo sedan is a refined and quiet highway cruiser, especially at between 90 and 100kph when the gauge needle is around 2,000rpm.The cabin’s sound insulation is solid, with very low NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) levels.Engine roar was far from intrusive even when we stepped hard on the accelerator pedal, and pushed the car close to the 6,000rpm red-line.Now, Volkswagen claims the Polo sedan has a combined cycle fuel consumption rating of 6.5L per 100km.It was tough for us to put this to the test, as we are heavy-footed drivers.We did record 430km over four days of stop-start traffic in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, leisurely highway journeys from Klang to the city centre as well as some spirited driving on near-empty motorway stretches.The car’s multi-function display showed a remaining travel range of 180km, and the 55L petrol tank was more than a quarter full.It should be noted that the car’s calculation of remaining travel range can change based on driving style, or how gently one steps on the accelerator pedal.Based on this, we obtained 11.1km per litre or 9L per 100km.Although this was a far from accurate test, it was an indication of its fuel efficiency when impatient drivers like us are behind the steering wheel.We found the fabric seats to be comfortable, and rear head room was adequate for 1.7m adults like us.The car has a 2,552mm wheelbase and there is very decent leg room in the spacious cabin.Cabin equipment and storage options are quite decent, with rear reading lights, door bins, front seatback pockets, cupholders and a recess within the centre armrest.Boot space is respectable at 454L.For convenience, there are steering wheel buttons to adjust audio volume and select music playback from the RCD 320 radio system with USB, iPod interface, SD card slot, AUX-in and Bluetooth connectivity which is connected to four speakers.We found the controls for the audio system, with a black-and-white display screen, to be quite user-friendly.It was easy to programme and select our favourite radio stations at a press of a button.The height-adjustable driver’s seat and tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, provided convenience with regards to our preferred driving position.The suspension tuning is typically European, which means it is a tad firm but at the same time, still offers plenty of comfort.The speed-sensitive electronic power steering is firm when compared with the light steering of other cars in the B-segment, but it is accurate and responsive.Running on 185/60 R15 tyres, it has solid handling characteristics, as we found out when we had to swerve suddenly at 80 to 90kph to avoid a dead monitor lizard on the highway.We counter-steered and the car quickly straightened, without any unpleasantness.Now, we think the Polo sedan should have electric folding mirrors which would be handy in tight parking spots, but this is not a deal-breaker.One feature which we found annoying was the loud honking emitted when locking and unlocking the doors (sound emitted once and twice respectively).This kept drawing attention from passers-by, and is also irritating when we arrived home late at night when the family or neighbours are sleeping.However, we found a great use for this - the loud honking made it easy to locate the car when we could not remember where it was parked in a busy shopping complex.Volkswagen says this is a security-related feature, and owners have the option of disabling this at authorised dealers.In summary, we think the Polo sedan is a nicely packaged car with a spacious and well-insulated cabin, that makes for an ideal daily driver.


10th-gen Honda Accord launched in Indonesia

                JAKARTA: Honda Prospect Motor (HPM) in Indonesia has launched the 10th-generation Honda Accord at the 2019 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) in ICE-BSD Tangerang.

The new Accord is being sold in Jakarta, Indonesia at Rp698mil (RM206,000) on-the-road with four colour options of White Pearl Platinum, Crystal Black Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic and Lunar Silver Metallic.

It is accompanied by free periodic maintenance of up to 50,000km or up to four years and a 24-hour Honda Experience Service as well as a variety of optional Modulo accessories such as door visors, trunk tray, step illumination and child seats.

The Accord not only sports a new 1.5-litre VTEC turbocharged engine, but also the Japanese carmaker's SENSING suite of safety technology while being built on a new platform that gives it a lower and wider stance as well as a lighter and more rigid unibody structure.

Externally, it poses with its chrome wing grille and streamlined wing-shaped headlights, aggressive air inlets, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED bulbs as standard for all external lightings that include the daytime running lights, headlights, one-touch turn signals, and rear light cluster.

Power comes from a 1.5-litre VTEC turbocharged engine with 190PS and 260Nm of torque from 1,600 to 5,000rpm while mated to a continuously variable transmission with paddle shifters and driving modes of Sport and fuel-saving Econ.

Safety is bolstered by Honda SENSING advanced safety technology that includes Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow (LSF) and Auto-High Beam.

The system works in tandem with the likes of vehicle stability assist, electric power steering system and brake assist while being equipped with six airbags anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, auto-brake hold, hill start assist, a multi-angle rearview camera, Honda LaneWatch, and the new Driver Attention Monitor.

Inside, there's leather upholstery, a 7.0-inch multi-information display and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, powered front seats with driver's memory function, 48mm increase in legroom over the previous generation, two USB ports at the rear and a larger sunshade and a large 573-liter boot.

The cabin boasts of added insulation was applied throughout the body, including a new Wheel Resonator to lower tyre and underbody noise while driving as well as an Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system.

For convenience, the Accord gets Remote Engine Start, Push-start Button, Walk-away Auto-lock, electric parking brake, Auto-dimming rearview mirror and automatic wipers among others.


Hyundai Mobis seizing on holographics tech to improve in-car experience

                LONDON: British holographic specialist Envisics has today announced receiving over US$50 million (RM226mil) in a further funding round led by Hyundai Mobis.

Other investors in Envisics are InMotion Ventures, the investment arm of Jaguar Land Rover, SAIC Motors and Stellantis.

Envisics’ holographic technology enables Augmented Reality Head-Up Displays (AR HUD), an advanced display technology that is fast becoming a must-have feature for auto makers and consumers alike.

"Envisics stands apart as the only company that has created and delivered dynamic holographic technology as a viable product at scale,” said Envisics’ CEO and founder Dr Jamieson Christmas.

Hyundai Mobis is expected to integrate the Envisics technology with other technologies to improve the in-car experience that will then be offered to global automakers.

General Motors will be the first company to deploy the second-generation Envisics AR-HUD technology, debuting in the 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ.

In 2010, Jaguar Land Rover was the first automaker to see the potential of Envisics Holographic technology for HUD applications and was the first OEM customer of this technology.

Based in Milton Keynes, UK, Envisics has built an R&D centre where it is pioneering the deployment of holographic technologies for automotive and mobility applications.


Volkswagen may sell or list Lamborghini

                WOLFSBURG: Volkswagen is looking at options for its luxury brand Lamborghini, including a sale or stock listing, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

Chief executive Herbert Diess in March said Volkswagen was reviewing its portfolio of brands, which also include Ducati and Bentley, and whether to divest some non-core businesses. Last month, Diess said the company was working to free up resources for the development and mass production of electric cars.

Volkswagen is readying to fold Lamborghini into a separate legal entity, in a process that may wind up toward the end of next year, Bloomberg reported last Friday, citing sources.

Volkswagen had aggressively expanded under the leadership of Ferdinand Piech, who was chief executive and chairman between 1993 and 2015, acquiring Bentley, Bugatti and Lamborghini in a single year.


Nissan launches safety campaign in Legoland

                ISKANDAR PUTERI: Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM), the franchise holder of the Nissan brand in Malaysia, launched its nationwide Nissan Safety Campaign starting at Legoland Malaysia Resort.

The campaign looks to engage Nissan customers in raising safety awareness as well as enhance essential road safety skills and knowledge in two modules - Kids Safety Carnival ‘My First Safety Programme with Nissan’ and a Safety Driving Experience catered to adults.

 Tan (left) with Legoland Malaysia Resort director of operations Casper Bonavent (dressed in black)

The children's module is free of charge and is on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis, which teaches about traffic rules – to respect and obey them, to be observant of traffic around them for better safety and how to stay safe both in and out of the car.

Just for this year, parents have the opportunity to be involved in their children's learning by participating together with them in the modules.

A hands-on wheels session at the Nissan LEGOLAND Driving School allows children to drive in a true-to-life traffic circuit requiring them to steer pass several road signages, traffic lights and other drivers, in order to qualify for their very own personalised Nissan Legoland Driving School’s license.

ETCM intends to bring the Kids Safety Carnival to Nissan customers throughout Malaysia, followed by the Safety Driving Programme. The venues for each of the workshops have been tentatively set up as follows:

Attendance for the Kids Safety Carnival is free with its next venue set to be at ETCM Butterworth (May 7) followed by ETCM Glenmarie (May 14), ETCM Kuantan (Aug 13) and ETCM Kuching (Sept 3).

The Safety Driving Programme meant for adults will be held on Sept 24, however both venue and registration fees have yet to be confirmed.

Members of the public are advised to log on to www.nissan.com.my for more updates and details about the campaign or contact ETCM’s Customer Relations Department at +603-4047 8788 or email crd@tanchonggroup.com.

“The safety of our customers and their families are very important to us, and with the increase number of road mishaps involving children, it is important that safety skills are well communicated through a fun and interactive way to encourage learning. After all, our younger generation is literally driving the future.” said ETCM sales and marketing director Christopher Tan.


Porsche and Google in talks over Google Apps access

                BERLIN: Porsche is considering fully integrating Google software into its car cockpit, a source close to the company said on Thursday, marking a shift in strategy for the newly listed carmaker.

The deal, which is only being considered for the Porsche brand and not the Volkswagen Group more widely, would enable Porsche customers access to Google applications like Google Maps and Google Assistant without needing to connect the car to an Android phone.

Spokespeople for Porsche and Google were not immediately available for comment. A spokesperson for Volkswagen software unit Cariad declined to comment.

Porsche chief financial officer Lutz Meschke said on a conference call last October that the company was in close contact with Google and Apple as well as Baidu, Tencent and Alibaba in China following the end of its cooperation with Volkswagen's Cariad unit on software research and development.

Porsche had previously been reluctant to use Google software because Google asked for too much data to be shared, according to Manager Magazin, which first reported the talks.

Technology companies from Google to Apple and Amazon are in a race to control carmakers' dashboards as software becomes an integral part of car design.

Carmakers including General Motors, Renault, Nissan and Ford use embedded Google technology in their vehicles via a Google Automotive Services (GAS) package, offering features like Google Maps, Google Assistant and other applications.

But some automakers are wary of allowing the tech giants unfettered access to the data generated by connected cars, or to allow them to displace the automakers' brands with their own in dashboard displays.

BMW , for example, was "definitely not taking the path" of integrating GAS into its cars, a spokesperson said on Thursday: "It is important to the company to keep hold of the customer interface," they said.

Porsche, which overtook its former parent as Europe's most valuable carmaker after listing on the stock exchange last September, reported earlier on Thursday a 3% rise in deliveries in 2022.


Muse shares Lamborghini passion

                BOLOGNA: Is there a difference between giving a concert in front of thousands of spectators and driving a super sports car?

According to British rock band Muse, it would seem not.

The band, in fact, have an irrepressible passion for Lamborghini, and it’s the members themselves who say that “driving a Lamborghini is like being on stage”.

Maybe that’s why lead singer and guitarist Matt Bellamy and drummer Dom Howard, in advance of their performance at Firenze Rocks on June 17, decided to visit the Sant’Agata Bolognese headquarters and drive a Huracán STO on the Modena circuit.

Muse have a real passion for Lamborghini. The band used a Countach in the video for their 2018 track “Something Human”. And in 2019 they had already visited the company headquarters and taken to the track to try out its super sports cars.

“It was all very exciting: it’s the same kind of emotion and adrenaline rush we get when performing,” said Bellamy and Howard at the end of the drive.

And when asked about their favorite models, the answers were: “The original Countach, but if we had to choose a model today, it would be the Aventador.”

They also had clear ideas about a possible travel itinerary: “If we were to take a road trip, however, we’d choose a Huracán Spyder, and the location might be the American Pacific coast, especially Malibu, or with an STO it could be southern Europe, specifically the Italian coast.”

There’s also no doubt about the accompanying music: “As a soundtrack, Jimi Hendrix or Daft Punk would be perfect.”

Muse is Matt Bellamy, Dominic Howard and Chris Wolstenholme. Their last album, Simulation Theory, debuted at #1 and marked the band’s sixth straight album to debut in the UK top spot.

Their previous studio album, Drones, went on to win a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album, the band’s second, in February 2016. Since forming in 1994, Muse have released eight studio albums, selling over 30 million albums worldwide.

Their latest album Will of the People is due out on Aug 26.


Pope's Lamborghini Huracan sells for RM3.3mil

                MONTE CARLO: Only last week it was being reported a Mercedes-Benz S-Class Maybach previously owned by Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton was up for sale, but now a Lamborghini Huracan owned by someone even more famous has been auctioned off. The owner of the car was none other than his holiness Pope Francis, although, it has to be pointed out the proceeds are destined for charitable causes and not for bolstering the papal bank account.

The rear-wheel drive Huracan was given to the Pope by Lamborghini last November, and it was customised in the familiar white and gold colours of Vatican City. The Lambo finally rolled across the RM Sotheby's auction block in Monaco recently, where after what the auction house described as a "frantic bidding war" between a "large number of bidders," the hammer eventually came down at a price of €715,000 (RM3.3mil).

Even by the standards of celebrity charity auctions that's a lot of money, especially considering a brand new Huracan can be bought for around a fifth of that amount. Even so, that sum didn't even get the swanky "Pope Mobile" into the top 10 most expensive sales of the weekend's auction held at the Grimaldi Forum here.

The most expensive car sold was a euro-spec 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB that went for an eye-watering €2,142,500 (RM10mil), and the Pope's Lamborghini was kept from making the top 10 by a 1999 Lamborghini Diablo GT that sold for €815,000 (RM3.8mil).

If anyone dared to doubt the provenance of the Huracan, the car was extensively photographed at a special presentation ceremony at the Vatican when the Pontiff took possession, and he even marked the event, literally, by signing the bonnet of the car.

Proceeds from the sale of the Papal Lamborghini will go to four charities selected by the Pope, all of which place a special focus on helping women and children. Somewhere around 70% of the proceeds from the sale are set to be used for rebuilding housing and public structures in Nineveh Plain, Iraq, where ISIS fighting has led to massive destruction.


97,000 Toyota cars recalled in Malaysia

                SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota Motor will recall about 97,000 units of Camry, Corolla Altis, Vios, Yaris and RAV4 manufactured from year 2001 – 2007 for suspected faulty front side passenger and driver front airbag inflators that could cause ruptures and deploy abnormally in crashes.

The company will contact all affected customers for repairs and replace the inflators if necessary at no cost to the owners.

No other Toyota and Lexus models sold by UMW Toyota Motor produced before year 2001 and after year 2007 are affected by this campaign.


Kia starts pilot of last-mile delivery service in Singapore

                Ahn (left), and S.lab Asia Inc CEO Suah Lee, at the MOU-signing ceremony in Seoul.

SEOUL: Kia is partnering cold chain startup S.lab Asia Inc to lay the foundation for the South Korean carmaker's innovative Purpose Built Vehicle (PBV) business to break into Singapore's last-mile delivery market.

Both companies signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at launching a pilot project in Singapore using the Niro EV and evaluating the potential for a future PBV-based business model.

The Niro EV model optimised and modified for last-mile logistics service will be used in Singapore's city centre, in the process responding to the needs of the rapidly growing e-commerce market.

The strategic model will also help strengthen the PBV capabilities and service operations of both partners.

Kia vice-president and head of the PBV Business Group DongSoo Ahn said Kia would leave a strong image of itself as a collaborative partner providing new value to global mobility service companies through the co-operation.

"Kia will strive to lead the global PBV market by establishing partnerships with various operators through not only last-mile delivery services but also various open-innovation collaborations," he said.

Purpose built vehicles – the development of which forms the core of Kia's mid- to long-term business strategy, known as "Plan S" – are vehicles that are designed for specific applications, such as last-mile delivery, autonomous shuttles and chauffeur-driven luxury vehicles.

Kia's pilot PBV venture, 'last-mile delivery service' refers to the last leg of a product's delivery from a warehouse hub to a customer, with a focus on maximising delivery quality and service differentiation.

S.lab Asia is a startup that produces special boxes for cold-chain fresh product deliveries and offers advanced delivery services.

It is currently building a logistics network that will sell and distribute fresh products to Korea and Southeast Asia.

As Kia's next-generation PBVs are currently undergoing final product development and optimization, Kia, in co-operation with S.lab Asia, will use the Niro EV with a modified interior for the ease of unloading and uploading S.lab Asia's boxes with a maximum loading space.

The operations will begin in Singapore in the first half of this year, during which Kia will assess and advance its PBV business model, including product and service aspects, by applying the real-world lessons learned from utilising the modified Niro EV in Singapore.

Through the pioneering scheme, Kia will gain core PBV project competencies and experiences, including: developing EV-based PBVs that are optimized for last-mile delivery; advancing the Car as a Service (CaaS) platform for fleets and leasing needs; establishing an EV-charging ecosystem; and creating an EV fleet management services structure.

Singapore was selected as the optimal location for its next PBV project, taking advantage of the city-state's world-class infrastructure, vibrant economy and rapidly advancing e-commerce.

Instrumental in Kia's decision was Singapore's plans to gradually phase out internal combustion engine transportation by 2040 via a forward-looking set of eco-friendly mobility policies, including increasing subsidies for EVs.

To successfully implement the project, Kia plans to establish a collaborative framework with key partners in this area, including Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center in Singapore; SP Group, Singapore's largest EV-charging company; and Kia's local authorized dealer, Cycle & Carriage.

Kia will also collaborate with S.lab Asia to further develop and optimize its PBV business model for the Korean market, and expand similar services to the country in the first half of this year.


Volvo joins forces with Northvolt on European EV battery factory

                FRANKFURT: Volvo Car Group and Swedish battery maker Northvolt AB will jointly build an electric-car battery factory in the latest move by European manufacturers to localise cell production in the region.

The Chinese-owned carmaker and Northvolt will build a factory with capacity to make 50 gigawatt hours of cells a year, enough to supply around 500,000 vehicles and complement Volvo’s plan to only sell battery-powered cars by 2030.

The companies also will establish a joint research-and-development center in Sweden.

“By working with Northvolt we will secure a supply of high-quality, more sustainable battery cells for our pure electric cars,” Volvo chief executive officer Hakan Samuelsson said in a statement. The R&D centre will be operational next year, and the plant is scheduled to begin production in 2026.

Volvo is emerging as a surprise front-runner in Europe’s race to build more EVs.

The company has set a target to sell only electric cars by the end of the decade, and its road map for doing so is among the more credible in the industry, according to the nonprofit Transport & Environment.

With support of its Chinese owner, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., it has ramped up spending on EVs and will unveil a new model each year in the first half of this decade.

Northvolt, founded by former executives from Tesla Inc., is leading European efforts to build a domestic supply chain for lithium-ion batteries that is presently dominated by Asia-based suppliers.

The manufacturer counts Volkswagen AG as a major shareholder and earlier this month announced it had raised US$2.75 billion in its biggest financing round yet.


Bugatti touts green ambitions while storming full speed ahead

                PARIS: Bugatti, fresh off one of its best years, wants the world to know it has taken environmental concerns to heart even as it prepares a next generation of heart-pounding - and gas-guzzling - speed machines.

The French automaker has implemented a series of measures to offset the carbon emitted by the 81 racers it produced last year, including a shift to biogas and other green energy sources to power its plant in northeeastern France.

But will Bugatti, which has hinted at "surprises" this year, be joining other luxury carmakers in shifting to electric or hybrid models?

The short answer: Not right now.

"For the next 10 years to come, only the W16 motor provides the emotion and the passion expected by our supercar clients," Stephan Winkelmann, the firm's chief executive, said recently in reference to its massive 16-cylinder engine.

Nonetheless, the Volkswagen-owned brand believes it can offset its own greenhouse gas emissions as well as those of its clients, a challenge admittedly made easier by its limited production runs.

Fewer than 700 Bugattis are in circulation worldwide, and on average they are driven just 1,200km a year.

That's probably because the average Bugatti owner has a collection of 42 cars to choose from, the brand says.

"In 2018, that represented the equivalent of 1,380 tonnes of carbon dioxide emitted by Bugatti and its clients," the firm's managing director Christophe Piochon told journalists this week.

'Our responsibility'

The firm has employed a full-time environmental coordinator since 2016 to oversee a range of carbon-offset efforts, including buying up parcels of the Amazon rainforest to prevent them from being cleared by loggers or farmers.

It has also planted 4,000 trees to help forests in its native Alsace region recover from a devastating infestation of bark beetles in recent years.

"Bugatti is a highly visible brand, so it's important for us to take these steps and set an example for the industry," Winkelmann said.

While big business has jumped on the tree-planting bandwagon, the science underpinning it is under question, and such offset schemes have been derided as greenwashing that allows them to continue pumping CO2 into the atmosphere.

The car industry has come in for particular criticism as it is estimated to account for nine percent of total annual greenhouse gas emissions, with a recent Greenpeace report accusing it of trying to delay fundamental change towards zero-emission cars while raking in money with highly-polluting vehicles like SUVs.

While the typical Bugatti buyer is no eco-warrior, "lots of them donate to environmental causes, even though most people might not know it," said Tim Bravo, the firm's head of communications.

Green concerns certainly aren't weighing on its business yet.

"2019 was an excellent year for Bugatti, the best since 1998 in terms of revenue, deliveries and earnings," Winkelmann said.

Bugatti buyers - a Chiron sells for 2.5 million euros (RM11.2mil) before taxes while the Divo speedster goes for a cool 5 million euros (RM22.4mil) - are shelling out for performance as well as luxury.

'Depends how you're driving'

Bugatti does not reveal the names of its buyers, though some have shown off their prizes on social media, such as football stars Cristiano Ronaldo or Karim Benzema, or the American boxing champion-turned-promoter Floyd Mayweather.

When clients come to pick up their cars at the firm's headquarters in Molsheim, they get a demonstration of what the 1,500-horsepower cars can do from one of Bugatti's in-house drivers.

One is France's Pierre-Henri Raphanel, an ex-Formula One and 24 Hours of Le Mans driver; the other is former British racing champion Andy Wallace, who recently hit a record 490kph in a Chiron.

As for fuel economy, "it depends on how you're driving," Wallace said, recounting a recent trip to pick up a journalist at the Bale-Mulhouse airport some 115km away.

"In dense traffic and driving normally, I was at 13.5 litres per 100km, which is pretty reasonable for a car like this," he said.

But he admitted that's not the figure most buyers are likely to worry about.

"If you had a perfectly straight 60-kilometre road and you kept your foot down the whole way, you would empty the 100-litre tank in seven minutes," Wallace said.

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Toyota USA launches exclusive GR Supra A91-CF Edition

                PLANO (Texas, USA): To sports car enthusiasts the world over, the Supra nameplate is synonymous with Toyota performance.

This latest generation keeps finding ways to blend speed, power and style with the introduction of the GR Supra A91-CF (Carbon Fibre) Edition. The limited edition was announced at the same time as the reveal for the new GR 86 and arrival of the Corolla Cross in the United States.

Limited to just 600 vehicles, this 2022 special edition is the most exclusive Mark V Supra to date.

It offers all the style, performance and technology that drivers expect, with an obsessive attention to detail that fits a racing legend. With the bold, sleek look of carbon fibre accents and a duckbill spoiler, this eye-grabbing new limited-run special edition is sure to sell fast.

The fifth generation Supra shook the automotive world when arrived on the scene in 2019. Like the rest of Supra’s fifth-generation lineup, the A91-CF Edition serves up a balanced handling and g-force generating power.

In this case, 382 horsepower from a turbocharged three-litre inline-six, delivers a zero-to-60 time of just 3.9 seconds. This special edition takes the performance formula even further with an array of carbon-fibre elements – hence the “CF” in its name.

The GR Supra A91-CF Edition features new carbon fibre front splitter and larger canards, while its carbon fibre side rockers define the lower edge along the sides. Around back, the carbon fibre treatment continues, with a duckbill spoiler catching the air up top and lower canards doing so down below.

This aero kit isn’t just for looks. Its functional purpose improves downforce and stability during both everyday drives and hot laps around the local track.

Additionally, unique 19-inch wheels sport a matte-black texture that complement A91-CF Edition’s available matte-gray Phantom paint color – Absolute Zero White and Nitro Yellow round-out the colour choices.

Supra’s other features remain standard, including an aggressive eight-speed Z-F8 transmission with paddle shifters, Adaptive Variable Sport suspension and active rear sport differential, and front Brembo brakes with red calipers and emblazoned silver Toyota Supra logo come standard.

GR Supra A91-CF Edition brings an exclusive, refined interior as well, with a red-and-black theme throughout its Alcantara-and-leather-trimmed cabin. It includes red stitching details on standard 14-way power adjustable, heated sport seats, along with carbon fibre interior trim, leather wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, and sport pedals.

The Supra A91-CF Edition is one more way that the obsessive, gear heads on the GR Team keep things interesting. Additional changes across the Supra lineup for 2022 include standard heated seats in the 3.0 grade and a new red interior for the 3.0 Premium grade. All models with premium audio add full screen Apple CarPlay compatibility.

Every 2022 GR Supra comes with a complimentary one-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association. As part of this membership, GR Supra owners will enjoy benefits like a free High Performance Driving Event and discounted admission to sanctioned events.

Pricing will be announced in the coming months, with dealer availability expected this fall.


Continental sides with BMW-Intel-Mobileye alliance for self-driving cars

                BERLIN: Continental said it would join a self-driving platform developed by BMW, Intel and Mobileye with the German auto parts and tyre maker handling integration of components and software.

The costs to integrate hardware, software and data and the accelerating pace of development of self-driving vehicles has sparked a growing number of alliances between automakers and suppliers.

Continental, the world's second-biggest supplier to carmakers by sales, said it would play a key role in commercialising the new platform, which is to be sold to other auto manufacturers.

"We can meet the steep demands in autonomous driving through an industry-wide collaboration more comprehensively, rapidly and at lower costs than by going alone," chief executive Elmar Degenhart said in an e-mailed statement.

BMW already last year joined forces with US chipmaker Intel and Mobileye, the vision system and mapping expert on the self-driving platform, which is targeted for production in 2021. US parts maker Delphi Automotive has since joined the tie-up.

In April, Germany's Daimler formed a similar alliance with supplier Robert Bosch to speed development of self-driving vehicles.


Fifth-generation Range Rover revealed

                LONDON: The latest fifth generation Range Rover has been unveiled at the Royal Opera House, offering more comfort, smart connectivity and refinements while retaining the key styling of the nameplate.

The luxury sports utility vehicle, said to be the preferred ride with off-road capability of the royalty and rock stars, will start deliveries next year.

It is also the first model to use Land Rover’s new flexible Modular Longitudinal Architecture that can accommodate internal combustion, plug-in hybrid and 100% electric powertrains.

It is available with a choice of efficient mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains and four, five or seven-seat interiors across Standard and Long Wheelbase body designs.

A pure-electric Range Rover – the first all-electric Land Rover – will join the line-up in 2024.

It will also be the first in a series of all-electric Land Rovers.

The new Range Rover maintains the model's characteristically short front overhang, formal front end, upright windscreen and distinctive boat tail rear.

Rear lights are the new "hidden-until-lit" type that will become a Range Rover signature.

The top-of-the-line powertrain is a 4.4-litre V8 twin turbo engine with 550PS and 750Nm of torque mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The plug-in hybrid with 510PS and 440PS deliver a WLTP certified pure-electric driving range of some 100km.

All-wheel steering provides greater high-speed stability and the tightest turning circle of any Land Rover, while advanced Electronic Air Suspension pre-emptively reacts to the road ahead using eHorizon navigation data.

New Dynamic Response Pro technology provides fast-reacting electronic roll control for elevated composure and agility in all environments.

It also features a wading depth of 900mm and a sonar system to warn the driver if the water depth exceeds the safe level.

Also included is a suite of innovation, among them the new third-generation Active Noise Cancellation technology to deliver one of the quietest cabins on the road.

The system uses microphones to record outside sounds and reproduces opposite waves from headrest speakers to create personal quiet zones for the cabin occupants very much like high-end active noise cancelling headphones.

The Range Rover also offers intuitive voice control with Amazon Alexa built-in to manage everything from favourite infotainment features and music track selection to navigation or phone contacts all while keeping the driver's hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Occupant comfort and well-being are enhanced by Cabin Air Purification Pro, which combines dual-nanoe X technology for allergen reduction and pathogen, including Sars-CoV-2 viruses removal, to help significantly reduce odours and infection, while CO2 Management and PM2.5 Cabin Air Filtration enhance air quality.

Materials used to reduce the environmental impact of producing and driving the new Range Rover include a Kvadrat remix wool blend fabric that will be a leather-free interior option.

Its wool blend is warm and cossetting, making it the perfect cloth to accompany the technical Ultrafabrics material, which has all the tactile qualities of leather but is 30% lighter and generates only a quarter of the CO2.

The new Range Rover was been designed, developed and engineered in the UK and will be produced exclusively at Land Rover’s Solihull Manufacturing Facility – the historic home of Range Rover – on a new state-of-the-art production line.

Jaguar Land Rover chief executive officer Thierry Bolloré said: “The new Range Rover is a superb manifestation of our vision to create the world’s most desirable luxury vehicles, for the most discerning of customers. It writes the next chapter in the unique story of pioneering innovation that has been a Range Rover hallmark for more than 50 years.”

Also unveiled at the Royal Opera House was the Range Rover SV version that will give customers even more scope to create a truly individual vehicle when it goes on sale next year.

The SV model is an exquisite interpretation of Range Rover luxury and personalisation, epitomising exceptional craftsmanship.

Materials for exclusive Range Rover SV design details include lustrous plated metals, smooth ceramics, intricate mosaic marquetry, as well as a choice of high-grade leathers or sustainable non-leather Ultrafabrics.


Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing performance boat

                MIAMI: Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing are proud to mark 11 years of collaboration with the debut of the most impressive and innovative performance boat ever constructed by the iconic Miami-based boat manufacturer.

Designed from the ground up using the latest technology and methodologies, the Cigarette Racing 515 Project ONE was inspired by the highly anticipated Mercedes-AMG Project ONE supersports car.

Representing the ninth special edition boat created from this partnership, the Cigarette Racing 515 Project ONE  allows 6  passengers the ability to be seated comfortably.

The boat's deck is constructed completely of carbon fiber to reduce the total weight and lower the center mass of the boat.

Carbon Fiber is also used for the inner structural laminate of the hull, forward bulkheads, cabin liner, engine hatch, consoles and storage hatches to significantly reduce the overall weight.

"For 11 years, Cigarette Racing has been our trusted partner that has allowed us to extend our likeminded core performance principles from the land to the water," said Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes AMG GmbH.

"By directly translating Formula 1 technology from the track to the street, the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE is our most ambitious and awe- inspiring vehicle yet. It is incredible to see our vision reimagined for the water in such an impressive and highly compelling form."

The Cigarette Racing Team worked in close cooperation with Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer for Daimler AG, to design  the hallmark characteristics of  the boat.

The distinctive matte  black and  silver paint and  special badging instantly evoke the unmistakable Mercedes-AMG Project ONE.

The Cigarette Racing Team 515 Project ONE is powered by a pair of Mercury Racing 1,350/1,550 QC4v (Quad Cam 4 Valve) engines and M8 stern drives, delivering up to 3,100hp.

These sophisticated powerplants are dual calibration engines, which enable the operator to switch engine power levels through an electronic key fob.

The Race Key fob unlocks up to 1,550hp, requiring race fuel. The Pleasure key fob is used for operating at 1,350hp with 91 octane fuel.

A staggered engine configuration lowers the center of gravity by allowing the motors to be placed closer to one another, deeper in the vee of the boat, which improves dynamics and stability.

The Cigarette Racing 515 Project ONE draws inspiration  from the Mercedes- AMG Project ONE, a two-seater supersports showcar that will bring the very  latest and highly efficient Formula 1 hybrid  technology  from  the race  track to the road.

This mid-engined (ahead of the rear axle) high-performance hybrid showcar will have over 1,000hp, offer a top speed beyond 350kph and reach 11,000rpm, which is currently unique for any roadgoing vehicle.


Infiniti QX80: A behemoth experienced

                The Incredible Hulk, sans the green hue, comes to mind upon seeing this behemoth of a sport utility vehicle (SUV), which is billed as an eight-seater.

As a friend remarked, when seated in the Infiniti QX80, which is almost 2m in height, people have to “look up to you.”

During the three days spent with the QX80, it certainly drew attention wherever we went.

Nissan’s luxury marque is frank about what customers appreciate about the QX80 - it is designed to attract attention, and convey power and strength.

There are few vehicles in the country that come close to the QX80 in terms of size, power and breathtaking road presence.

Its enormous 22-inch wheels and Bridgestone Dueler H/T 275/50 size tyres are in a class of its own.

In fact, Infiniti Malaysia was quite worried about the QX80’s height - we were “advised” to be wary when entering covered car parks.

Its height meant you have to hoist yourself into the SUV, by using the step running boards and grip handles.

Its width (slightly over 2m) and length (around 5.3m) also meant we had to be extra careful when entering tollbooths and car parks.

To move its massive 2,829kg kerb weight, there is 405hp and 560Nm of torque from a 5.6-litre V8 naturally aspirated engine, which is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission.

These huge numbers translate into a quick sprint, as the QX80 can hit 100kph from a standstill in 6.8 seconds onwards to a top speed of 210kph.

Given its power and weight, it is not surprising that the QX80 is a thirsty beast with a huge 100-litre petrol tank.

Infiniti rates its combined fuel efficiency at 6.9km per litre but we never got close to that figure.

A friend told us: “The way you guys drive this SUV, you would need a full tank refill before reaching Ipoh on a Kuala Lumpur-Penang journey.”

Given its RM799,000 price tag, it is no wonder that the QX80 is filled to the brim with high-tech occupant safety and comfort features.

The premium entertainment features include a Bose Cabin Surround sound system with 15 speakers, an 8-inch LCD screen, dual seven-inch wide angle LCD screens in the front headrests (for second row passengers) as well as wireless headphones and DVD, USB and Bluetooth capabilities.

There is also three-zone automatic temperature control as well as a plasmacluster ion generator and grape polyphenol filter for air ventilation, cooling and heating functions for front seats, and powered recline adjustment for third row seats.

The QX80 has a long list of safety features and we recommend that interested buyers do a detailed study of the impressive safety systems here.

One highlight is its Backup Collision Intervention (BCI) technology, where in reverse gear, the QX80 will help the driver detect moving vehicles and objects behind the SUV, and, if necessary, the system can automatically engage the brakes to help avoid a collision.

Now, to park and move this mammoth safely in tight spots, there is Around View Monitor with front and rear sonar as well as Moving Object Detection (MOD).

In layman’s terms, this means there are cameras and software on the QX80 which provide a virtual 360-degree or a “Birds-Eye view” of objects around the vehicle.

The MOD function can detect large moving objects within the displayed image, and provide the driver with visual and audible warnings.

Those who want to bring the QX80 off-road can check out Infiniti’s All-Mode 4-wheel drive system with Auto, 4-High and 4-Low modes.

It also has multi-terrain mode (sand, on-road, snow and rock) as well as hill descent control, and active brake limited slip and a very respectable ground clearance of 232mm.

Still, we think the open highway is where the QX80 really belongs, with its commanding view and quiet, refined ride quality.

Infiniti has thrown a lot of technology into the QX80, resulting in a silky smooth ride quality, a welcome departure from the soft, floaty or boat-like sensation commonly experienced in several huge, tall SUVs.

The QX80 has front and rear independent double-wishbone suspension set-up and Infiniti’s Hydraulic Body Motion Control (HBMC), which reduces body roll during cornering or turns.

HBMC varies suspension travel independently on either side of the vehicle; thereby counteracting body roll and providing a luxurious, grounded ride sensation.

And if it’s your chauffeur’s day off, you will find driving the QX80 a nimble and fun experience.

It has very decent levels of agility and a sharp steering feel, which we did not expect from an SUV of such height and size.

The cabin is also well insulated where external noise intrusion is minimised.

The QX80 is aimed at those with deep pockets who want a massive and imposing set of wheels that commands awe and respect.


When picking a car colour, choosing pink could leave you in the red

                LONDON: British model, TV personality and pink Range Rover owner Katie Price found out the hard way that her extravagant choice of car colour had lost her money.

As she tries now to sell the SUV for what is expected to be lower than the market rate, her misfortune has been used as an example by automotive data and valuations expert hpi to warn buyers to be careful when choosing their car colour.

“I would say that the decision to go with Barbie Pink has wiped another 3,000 pounds (RM16,000) off its value," says Mark Bulmer, consumer specialist and SUV analyst at cap hpi.

“When choosing a car, exterior colour with a matching interior colour is key," said Bulmer. “Black, grey and silver have been in the top five most popular colours for a decade or more, so they’re always likely to be a safe bet.”

Bulmer's advice echoes that of a recent survey by US multinational PPG paint company, which says conservative colours, such as white, black, grey and silver are among the most popular sold today.

The same survey also found that blue is the fastest-growing colour choice for cars around the world, with that increase expected to continue.


Malaysian Automotive Association lowers vehicle sales outlook

                PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) has revised its total industry volume (TIV) for this year to 670,000 from 680,000 units earlier, owing to declining vehicle sales in the first half of this year.

According to MAA, sales from the start of the year to June fell to 322,184 from 333,156 units in the previous corresponding period, mainly due to subdued business optimism and moderation in consumer spending as a result of the economic uncertainties and increased cost of living.

MAA president Datuk Aishah Ahmad said on Tuesday that stringent lending practices, especially for hire-purchase loans, also had an impact on vehicle sales.

"We believe the second half of the year is going to be a much more challenging one for the local economy as well as the automotive sector," she said at a press conference.

Vehicle sales in June slipped to 57,437 from 58,561 units in the previous corresponding period. Sales in June was, however, higher by 6,183 units compared with May, due the rush for deliveries in conjunction with Hari Raya.

Sales volume for July is expected to be maintained at last month's level.


Jaguar F-PACE leaps in from RM599K

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Jaguar F-PACE sport utility vehicle leaps in with two variants that are eager to go on the prowl - meet the Prestige and the R-Sport.

The Prestige version is priced from RM598,800, while the higher-spec R-Sport retails from RM658,800 and both get Jaguar Care's five-year warranty that includes free servicing for five years and roadside assistance for three years.

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We managed to get a hands-on experience with the F-PACE while on a trip to Montenegro back in July.

The 80% aluminium chassis holds the 4,731mm-long, 2,175mm-wide and 1,667mm-tall SUV together while it rolls on the F-PACE's 2,874mm wheelbase.

At 1,820kg (kerb), this SUV has a 63-litre fuel tank feeding a 3.0-litre (2,995cc) V6 engine fitted with a Twin-Vortex supercharger to dish out 340PS at 6,500rpm and 450Nm of torque at 4,500rpm, while getting managed by an 8-speed ZF 8HP70 automatic gearbox.

While the F-PACE is able to sprint from 0-100kph in 5.8 seconds before reaching an electronically limited top speed of 250kph, it can also tow up to 2,400kg.

The F-PACE has a bold front grille, muscular bonnet and full-LED headlights.

With a 508-litre boot, the cabin for five adults feature the British sports car maker's 8.0-inch InControl Touch infotainment system that supports smartphone and tablet "swipe" gestures.

The more premium Touch Pro system that's available for the R-Sport variant uses a 10.2-inch touchscreen with navigation instead and changes out the instrument cluster to a 12.3-inch HD virtual instrument cluster.

Ride and handling is taken care of by the F-Type's double wishbone front and integral link rear suspension that uses monotube dampers, or an optional electronically-controlled Adaptive Dynamics (AD) system.

Other standard features include torque vectoring and an electric power-assisted steering system, intelligent driveline dynamics, dynamic stability control, all surface progress control and low friction launch.

But, get the R-Sport and AD comes as standard - measuring body and wheel movement 100 and 500 times per second respectively.

Also, an exclusive Black Pack option applies a gloss black finish to the front grille and surrounds, body colour door claddings, side power vents and then adds a "R-Sport" badge as a final finishing touch to help discerning owners stand out.

More additionals for the R-Sport includes configurable dynamics - allowing for individual settings for the throttle, automatic transmission, steering, and, where fitted, the AD system too; adaptive surface response (from Land Rover's Terrain Response technology),

For those with active lifestyles, there is Jaguar's Activity Key (waterproof, shockproof wristband with an integrated transponder) wearable that's available as an optional extra.

This allows the keyfob to be securely locked within the vehicle - especially when going kayaking, surfing, biking or running. By locking the F-PACE with the wearable, it disables any keyfobs left within the cabin.

Compared to other luxury SUVs in its segment, the F-PACE offers a better proposition all-round – better drive, better looks and better technology,” said Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia managing director Datuk Aishah Ahmad.

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New UD Quester heavy-duty truck launched

From left: TCIE director Wong King Yoon, UD Trucks International sales & marketing vice president Filip Van den Heede, TCIE executive director Tan Keng Meng, Deputy Transport Minister of Malaysia Datuk Haji Kamarudin Bin Jaffar, Hedouin, TCIE chief operating officer Jaclyn Loy and UD Trucks Quester product line management vice president Toshihiko Odawara.

PETALING JAYA: UD Trucks Malaysia unveiled its new Quester truck with added enhancements.

The launch was held during the Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo 2019 at the MINES International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MIECC) from June 20 to 22.

The new Quester is touted to enable logistics companies in Malaysia to tackle critical industry challenges and boost their bottom line through Smart Logistics.

It comes featuring an ESCOT automated manual transmission, retarder, electrical cab tilt, engines with higher horse-power and user-friendly telematics.

The new truck also boasts of a 10% better fuel efficiency over the current Quester with an ESCOT automated manual transmission, lighter tare weight, optimized driveline and, depending on operational conditions, driving behaviour as well as vehicle maintenance.

The ESCOT includes software which optimizes gear shifting according to the engine rev, vehicle speed, loading weight and even road gradient.
The smart system also includes a sensor that will select optimum gear automatically instead of assuming a first gear selection.

In terms of power, the new Quester is equipped with engines that deliver high torque and pulling power at low RPMs, while the flat torque curve minimizes the need for gear changing.

This enables it to deliver higher average speeds and lower fuel consumption in the long run.

Improved fuel performances also align with the increasing focus on environmentally friendly regulations to curb fuel consumption.

The new Quester now features an improved air-suspended cab to provide better ride comfort with reduced cab vibrations of up to 18%.

The driver’s comfort is also enhanced by ergonomic seats with lumbar support for long-distance assignments.

The new truck also supports fleet management and driver performance with innovative customer telematics such as real-time
vehicle tracking and geofencing for better fleet visibility and optimization.

Equipped with UD Telematics, the new Quester can connect directly to UD Trucks workshops to monitor and detect each vehicle’s condition and service needs before a potential emergency occurs.

Preventive maintenance analysis guides customers with monthly driving behaviour and fuel consumption reports, ensuring higher uptime and more
optimal fuel economy over time.

Owners of this truck can also enjoy an increased uptime of up to 2.5 to 3 times longer clutch life span with an ESCOT automated manual transmission.

"The new Quester is the truck that can help meet our customers’ requirements and expectations to manage their key business challenges," said UD Trucks Hub Malaysia and Oceania managing director Steve Hedouin.


Uber agrees to sell Southeast Asia business to Grab after costly battle

                SINGAPORE: Ride-hailing firm Uber Technologies has agreed to sell its Southeast Asian business to bigger regional rival Grab, a source with direct knowledge of the matter said today, in what would be the US company’s second retreat from Asia.

The deal, which could be announced as early as Monday, marks the first big consolidation in the industry in Southeast Asia, home to about 640 million people, and will put pressure on rivals such as Indonesia’s Go-Jek, backed by Google and China’s Tencent Holdings.

As part of the transaction, Uber would get a stake of as much as 30 percent in the combined business, the source said. He did not want to be identified as the deal is not public yet.

A multi-billion dollar investment in Uber earlier this year by Japan’s SoftBank Group, already one of Grab’s main investors, had stoked expectations that Uber would consolidate its Southeast Asian business with Grab.

Grab’s deal with Uber would be similar to the one struck in China in 2016, when Didi Chuxing bought out Uber’s China business and handed over a stake in return.

During a visit to India in February, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi had, however, pledged to continue investing aggressively in Southeast Asia, even as the company expected to lose money in the fast growing market.

Both Grab and Uber have raised billions of dollars from global investors to fund their expansion plans, as they offer heavy discounts and promotions to attract both riders and drivers.

Uber declined to comment and Grab, which has an estimated valuation of about US$6 billion, declined to comment.

Citing people familiar with the matter, Bloomberg reported earlier on Sunday that Uber had agreed to sell its Southeast Asian business to Grab.


Backlog of car orders at around 300,000 ahead of March 31 deadline

                PETALING JAYA: As the March 31 deadline looms for carmakers to deliver units ordered by customers to enjoy sales tax exemption under Penjana last year, analysts estimate that the total current backlog of orders across the top key brands is above 300,000 units.

Perodua’s suppliers and dealers have been in overdrive mode as the year-to-date production is up by 32.95% to 51,134 units from 38,460 units.

Perodua president and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said its sales had increased by 33% to 46,385 vehicles from 34,865 vehicles for the first two months of the year.

“The increase is attributed to improved efficiency in terms of production, better financing facilities for dealers, and greater communications within the ecosystem and with customers.

“While there are still challenges with the supply of semiconductors and cost increases, we have managed to see double-digit growth in production and sales, and we thank our partners for their dedication,” he told The Star yesterday.

He said demand for Perodua vehicles has also remained healthy, and the company is ramping up production to meet demand.

As a result, the average waiting period as of Feb 28 is now between two and half to eight months but this timeframe is subject to model, variant, and colour, Zainal said.

READ MORE: Dealerships in overdrive to fulfil orders

Zainal said Perodua would continue to improve its operations as well as the delivery time.

Moving forward, Zainal said the outlook for the automotive industry and Perodua is positive given the current economic situation.

“The focus is on labour stability for automotive suppliers to ensure production can be improved.

“We also hope policymakers continue to engage with the ecosystem on future changes in policies that may impact the industry,” he said.

Meanwhile, Proton chief executive officer Roslan Abdullah said the company’s production this year jumped by 67%, or 11,700 units, compared to last year as parts supply shortages had been sorted out.

“In market demand, bookings still projected an increase in the trend for year-to-date 2023.

“The top contribution comes from the Saga model with 54% incremental booking numbers compared to the same period last year.

“In terms of production, the highest contribution is mainly from Saga at 39% and SUV models at 37%,” he said.

With the demand for SUV models continuing to sustain itself, stable production has enabled deliveries to take place with shorter waiting periods, Roslan added.

It was reported that the vehicle sector may possibly outperform the Malaysian Automotive Association’s (MAA) target for 2023 by selling more than 650,000 units with backlog orders exceeding expectations.

But analysts think it cannot replicate last year’s record-breaking sales.

In 2022, the total industry volume (TIV) was recorded at 720,000 units, breaching the 700,000-mark for the first time in history.

The SST exemption was first announced on June 5, 2020, and extended twice, first to June 30, 2021, and then Dec 31, 2021.

The Finance Ministry later announced that the SST exemption would end as scheduled on June 30, 2022.

However, the ministry extended the grace period for car buyers to register their cars until March 31, applicable only to those who booked their cars before June 30, 2022.


Manhunt on for suspects after car ploughs through jam-packed road

The policeman trying to stop the car (left).
KUALA LUMPUR: Shots rang through Kampung Padang Balang here as a policeman tried his best to stop a car from speeding away on a jam-packed road.

In a viral video, a traffic policeman was seen tailing a sedan cutting the queue on the packed dual carriageway as it desperately made its way down the road.

Confirming the incident, Kuala Lumpur Traffic Enforcement and Investigations department chief Asst Comm Zulkefly Yahya said the policeman had spotted the car earlier when he was on duty on Jalan Genting Klang on Monday (May 18) at around 4.30pm.

"There were two men in the car and they had run a red light, so the policeman chased after it on his motorcycle.

"In an attempt to lose him, the driver drove towards Jalan Gombak," he said.

The policeman did not give up pursuing the car as it entered Kampung Padang Balang's congested dual carriageway and hit a few vehicles as it tried to escape.

Slow-moving traffic allowed the policeman to chase the car on foot and he fired shots at the car's front wheel on its right side to force it to stop.

However, the driver ploughed through traffic as it headed towards the DUKE Highway, where it crashed into a road divider and was abandoned.

Police personnel then searched the car and found a packet of drugs believed to be syabu inside.

ACP Zulkefly said police are tracing the suspects, adding the car is registered to a woman in Johor and that it had not been reported stolen.

The case is being investigated for obstructing a public servant from discharging his duties under Section 186 of the Penal Code.


A 1961 Bentley is the latest cherished car to get an electric rebirth

                LONDON: Classic car electrification specialist Lunaz has launched what it calls "the world's first electric classic Bentley" for fans of the brand who want to boost their green credentials.

The electric-powered 1961 Bentley S2 Continental Flying Spur looks just the same as the original version which is driven by a petrol-guzzling 6.2-litre V8 engine.

The petrol unit has given way to a 80-kWh battery pack which offers a range of more than 380km and a respectable claimed zero to 100kph time of less than five seconds.

The first car has recently rolled off the production line and Lunaz says its owner plans to drive the car daily.

The limited-edition Bentley is the latest classic to be added to the portfolio of the British company and Lunaz says it is moving to a larger factory in response to a global need for exclusive electric classics.

Lunaz said electrification offers an ideal way of making classic cars future-proof without compromising on the performance and looks of the original.

Like the regular S2 Continental, the electric version is aimed at wealthy buyers who will need to part with upwards of a cool £350,000 (nearly RM2mil) for the pleasure of owning one.

Lunaz said it will offer electrified Bentley Continental S1, S2 and S3 models in two-door and four-door versions along with rare convertible examples.

Before the electric motor is implanted in a cherished donor car, each Lunaz Bentley is subject to bare-metal restoration process. The rejig includes uprated suspension, brakes and the addition of power-steering and air-conditioning.

Inside, a new infotainment screen blends in discreetly to provide navigation and modern features like Apple CarPlay. The walnut fittings and leather seats in the cabin are also hand-restored.

Previous Lunaz electrified classics include an emission-free version of the opulent Rolls-Royce Phantom V, the Jaguar XK 120 sports car and the Mark 1 version of the Range Rover.


Toyota rolls out RM85K Vios Sports Edition

                SHAH ALAM: In conjunction with the inaugural Vios Challenge, UMW Toyota Motor has prepared a special Toyota Vios Sports Edition.

The sports edition Vios is street legal and is available for a limited time (while stocks last) and is priced on-the-road with GST without insurance at RM85,300 and is covered by a five-year warranty with unlimited mileage.

Unfortunately, the company did not wish to disclose the exact number of examples available.

Externally, there are stripes covering about 40% of the bodywork (much like the race-prepared cars), five-part custom-designed Aerokit (front bumper, side skirts, rear wing boot spoiler), blacked-out wheels and a 27mm-lowered sports suspension.

Inside, the sporty design is extended to the fabric seats with the Sports Edition emblem found on the exclusive carpet mats. There's also a sports gear knob and amber illumination for the scuff plates and front footwells.

Optional extras include a panoramic view monitor, digital video recorder, 6.8-inch DVD-AVX touchscreen with touchscreen, radio tuner, MP3 file compatibility, voice recognition capability, AUX and USB ports, Bluetooth and a reverse camera or a 7.0-inch DVD-AVN touchscreen that adds on smartphone connectivity, Wi-Fi, internet browser, voice recognition, HDMI port and navigation.

Other options include the Toyota Premium Security Solar Film or just the Toyota Essential Solar Film - all tints offered by UMWT meets JPJ regulations and is fully compatibility with SmartTag units).

All accessories are installed at UMWT’s own Accessories Centre and are covered by a warranty (terms and conditions apply).

Under the hood, the engine remains stock standard, while safety includes antilock braking system, traction control, vehicle stability control, electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist.

Those who purchase the special edition Vios will receive complimentary Sports Edition merchandise which consists of a Toyota Gazoo Racing polo shirt and cap that can be customised with their name, and a Sports Edition tumbler.


Audi to leave Formula E and focus on Dakar, Le Mans

                INGOLSTADT: Audi will withdraw from the all-electric Formula E series as a works team at the end of next year to focus on the Dakar Rally and endurance racing including an eventual return to Le Mans, the carmaker said on Monday.

The Dakar Rally will replace Formula E as the Volkswagen-owned brand’s focus, although Audi said customer Formula E teams will be able to use a newly-developed powertrain beyond next year.

Audi will compete in the Dakar with an electric SUV prototype. The alternative drive concept combines an electric drivetrain with a high-voltage battery and a highly efficient energy converter for the first time. The energy converter comes in the form of a highly efficient TFSI engine.

“Cross-country rallying will be the spearhead of the factory motorsport commitment in the future,” Audi said in a statement.

The marque has been involved with Formula E since the series, now a recognised world championship, started in 2014 and won the team title in 2018.

Audi said it will enter a new LMDh category class of the world endurance championship, without setting a date for a works return to Le Mans.

Audi also said customer racing would remain important in its future motorsport programme. Audi Sport customer racing will continue to offer its customers a comprehensive model portfolio, as well as intensive service for worldwide racing.

In addition, the programme includes competing with the Audi R8 LMS in major endurance races like the Nürburgring 24 Hours and in international racing series such as the Intercontinental GT Challenge.


Perodua goes big with inaugural MYPerodua Nation carnival

                PETALING JAYA: Perodua is inviting all Malaysians to its inaugural MYPerodua Nation event - the local carmaker's largest carnival that's to be held at the outdoor carpark of Aeon Mall Shah Alam from Jan 20 to 22.

Visitors will stand a chance to win a Perodua Axia in a lucky draw, cash-back of up to RM3,888 for selected Perodua models, free service vouchers and special discounts of up to 50% for parts and accessories.

The carnival will also feature exclusive offers, outdoor activities, contests, a cinematic experience and live concert performances by popular artists.

Additionally, there will be cash prizes up for grabs for the local carmaker's UFirst members who can compete in the annual “UFirst Warrior Challenge”.

To participate, log on to www.ufirst.com.my by Jan 13 to register and become a UFirst member.

“The MYPerodua Nation has everything for everyone, experience the amazing journey with us as the nation’s number one best-selling brand; attractive promotions for the visitors as well as a special surprise waiting for all,” said Perodua Sales managing director Datuk Dr. Zahari Husin.

He added that there will also be "special activities and promotions for college and university students looking to buy their first Perodua vehicle or participate in the Uni-Quest Challenge as part of their promotional activity for the year.”

For more information, visit www.perodua.com.my for more information.


Puspakom to offer free private vehicle checkup for CNY

                SHAH ALAM: Puspakom is offering free inspection services in conjunction with the Chinese New Year. The free inspection services runs from today until Jan 27.

Puspakom chief executive officer Mohammed Shukor Ismail said the inspection could be done at all its centres nationwide, except for Shah Alam, Taman Bukit Maluri, Mak Mandin and Kota Baru branches.

"The inspection will cover a comprehensive 25-level check including brake, side slip test, speedometer test, emission test and lamps.

"Following the report issued by Puspakom, the owners can find out the roadworthiness of their vehicles and take the necessary action...this can also reduce the possibility of breakdown and accident during the festive season," he said in a statement here.

Mohammed Shukor also said vehicle owners could visit Puspakom branches from 8am to 5pm daily (according to branch operating hours) without having to wait or make prior appointment.

For further information, customers can call Puspakom toll free line at 1-800-88-6927 or surf its website at www.puspakom.com.my.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Shukor said Puspakom is holding a "Snap & Win" contest where customers could stand a chance to win prizes.

"The customers only need to send pictures during the inspection via 'private message' on Puspakom's Facebook page.

"The 'Super Grand Prize' winner will be determined based on the highest number of 'Likes' he or she receives," he said.


Genesis GV80 Coupe Concept breaks cover in NY

                NEW YORK: The Genesis GV80 Coupe Concept made its debut at Genesis House here on April 3 ahead of its unveiling at the April 7-16 New York Auto Show.

The concept serves as a statement of intent for the future, hinting towards more emotional and performance-oriented models.

The four-seater’s front fascia sports the Double G-Matrix Patterned Crest Grille surrounded by the quad lights, which have evolved from multi-lens array technology to seamless light performance. Cooling is optimised by four slots within the bumper that reduce shadowed thermal flow.

Genesis’ rear-wheel-drive platform provides the basis for the GV80 Coupe Concept’s long bonnet and generous dash-to-axle proportions. These refined proportions are further emphasised by the anti-wedge parabolic line. It is complemented by the muscular blisters and fenders that contrast with the vehicle’s elegant coupe silhouette.

The front fender wears the "Designed by Genesis" plaque that highlights the exclusive character of Genesis models while the five-spoke forged aluminum wheels and the carbon fibre roof – which contributes to the GV80 Coupe Concept’s dynamic driving qualities by lowering the center of gravity and reducing weight – emphasise the vehicle’s sporty character.

To further reinforce its driving dynamics, the vehicle’s aerodynamic fluidity is complemented by an upper rear spoiler and spoiler lip on the elliptical concave ducktail, which provides increased downforce at speed. The seamless rear lamps complete the Two Lines signature at the rear.

The model’s bold design is also underlined by its Magma exterior colour, which was inspired by the brand’s "Distinctly Korean" ethos.

“The colour symbolises the self-confident and passionate attitude of Korea. There is a quiet, efficient, disciplined and humble first impression soon contrasted by a high performing and extroverted attitude,” said Hyundai Group chief creative officer Luc Donckerwolke.

The three-spoke steering wheel plays an important role in emphasising the sportiness of the GV80 Coupe Concept’s interior, which contrasts black Nappa and suede leather with plaid double stitching, orange piping and carbon fibre weaves on the functional surfaces.

Four bucket seats provide increased body support during cornering, contributing to passenger safety and comfort, while the carbon fibre back rest, painted in body colour, accentuates the GV80 Coupe Concept’s extroverted character. The structural stiffness of the body is reinforced with a G-Matrix strut brace behind the bucket seats.

The four-passenger concept adds a new facet to the Genesis brand. “It emphasises the duality of the Genesis brand by showcasing the antagonistic character that lives within the Athletic and Elegance parameters of Genesis’ design philosophy,” said Donckerwolke.

Inspired by the X Speedium Coupe Concept unveiled here last year, the concept combines the practicality of a lifestyle-oriented SUV with the dynamism of a sports car.

“At its inception, the Genesis brand began creating luxury sedans, which evolved into the G70, G80, and G90 models,” said Donckerwolke.

“Over the past seven years, we have added more lifestyle-oriented models to the portfolio, such as our GV80 and GV70 SUVs. Now we are pushing the envelope with more emotional cars that elevate Genesis’ performance and dynamic attributes.”


June 24-30: Fuel prices unchanged

                PETALING JAYA: The retail prices of RON95 and RON97 petrol as well as diesel remain unchanged from June 24-30, says the Finance Ministry.

In a statement today, the Finance Ministry said that the price of RON97 petrol remains at RM2.67 and RON95 at RM2.05 per litre, which was determined using the Automatic Pricing Mechanism (APM) formula.

The price for diesel remains at RM2.15 per litre.

The weekly fuel pricing mechanism was reintroduced on Jan 5, 2019, using the APM.

Under this system, fuel prices are announced every Wednesday and remain in force for one week.


First glimpse of 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTD

                WOLFSBURG: The new Volkswagen Golf GTD will celebrate its world première at the Geneva International Motor Show in March.

The diesel top-of-the-range version, based on the new eighth generation of the Golf, will have the twin dosing cleanest turbo diesel injection (TDI) engine ever to be installed in a Golf.

Thanks to a new twin dosing SCR with double AdBlue injection, NOx emissions will be greatly reduced as compared to its predecessor.

This makes the TDI in the new Golf GTD one of the cleanest combustion engines in the world.

In 1982, Volkswagen presented the very first Golf GTD.

At that time, Volkswagen brought new excitement into the compact class with its turbo diesel and other equally sporty features, like in the Golf GTI Mk1.

And almost four decades later, this same dynamic concept is still going strong.


Pininfarina and partners to develop high-performance EV platform

                FRANKFURT: Automobili Pininfarina has announced a strategic collaboration with two partners to jointly develop a high-performance electric vehicle (EV) platform.

The two other companies are Bosch Engineering and Benteler.

The partners will evaluate the best technical concept as well as the market potential for the platform that will underpin future Automobili Pininfarina cars.

They have also agreed to evaluate opportunities to provide a basis for other car brands’ performance EVs to attain added synergies and enable a more rapid adoption of electro-mobility across all market segments, including the fast-growing luxury and performance markets.

Automobili Pininfarina recently confirmed its strategic plan to bring to market a range of high-performance and luxury electric vehicles that will follow the critically acclaimed Battista electric hypercar, which is due to begin production in late 2020 in Italy. Illustrated by Design Director Luca Borgogno through his PURA Vision design model, Automobili Pininfarina’s future range of vehicles will feature pure-electric performance based on "beautiful design, exceptional luxury and thrilling performance."

"The development of the Battista electric hypercar has provided us with confidence that with the right partners we can design and build beautiful, technically advanced and innovative luxury electric cars that perform as well as they look," said Pininfarina CEO Michael Perschke.

“It is our ambition to see the EV market grow and expand with added offerings across the luxury and performance segments, something that we are confident will be received with much enthusiasm by car enthusiasts and environmentally conscious consumers alike."


LG Energy Solution to supply batteries for Mahindra SUV

                SEOUL: South Korean battery maker LG Energy Solution is set to supply batteries to Mahindra & Mahindra's first electric sports utility vehicle (SUV), a source familiar with the matter said today.

The batteries will power the Indian automaker's XUV400 SUVs, likely scheduled for delivery between the fourth quarter and January, the source said.

The source, who did not confirm the size of the supply deal, declined to be identified as the plans were not yet public.

Before LG Energy Solution was split off from its parent company LG Chem, Mahindra in 2018 signed a deal with LG Chem to collaborate on the supply and technology of lithium-ion batteries based on nickel, cobalt and manganese chemistry, according to a Mahindra statement.

LG Energy Solution declined to comment. Mahindra did not immediately respond.

Mahindra last week raised US$250 million from British International Investment for its new EV unit at a valuation of US$9.1 billion.

The automaker has plans to launch five electric SUVs over the next few years starting with the XUV400 in September. These models are expected to contribute up to 30%, or about 200,000 units, of its total annual SUV sales by March 2027.

Its chief executive said Mahindra could consider investing in a battery-cell company to meet future electrification needs.


Birds hit by cars are, well, bird-brained

Crows have big brains relative to their size and have shown a remarkable knack for navigating oncoming traffic.
LONDON: What's the difference between birds that get killed by cars, and those that don't?

The dead ones tend to have smaller brains, scientists who performed 3,521 avian autopsies said Wednesday.

What might be called the "bird brain rule" applies to different species, depending on the ratio of grey matter to body mass, they reported in the journal Royal Society Open Science.

Crows, for example, have big brains relative to their size, and have shown a remarkable knack for navigating oncoming traffic.

While picking at road kill on Florida highways, earlier research showed, the scavengers learned to ignore cars and trucks whizzing by them within inches, but would fly away just in time when threatened by a vehicle in their lane.

"I don't know if we can say they are 'smarter,' but they do exhibit cognitive behaviour that makes them likely to survive," said lead author Anders Pape Moller, an evolutionary biologist at the French National Centre for Scientific Research.

Pigeons, by contrast, appear to be less adept at avoiding collisions, a deficiency visible in compressed form on most big-city streets.

Not coincidentally, they have teeny-weeny brains.

More surprisingly, the relation between brain size and traffic accidents also holds within the same species, the study found.

"Common European blackbirds, house sparrows and robins all show this difference in individuals that were hit by cars, and those that were not," Moller said by phone.

Undamaged brains from birds killed in accidents - weighed to within a hundredth of a gramme - were consistently smaller, he said.

At the same time, other organs - liver, heart and lungs - all had the same mass.

In total, the researchers examined 251 different species.

The finding raises the question of whether certain species, and certain populations within species, have evolved over the space of dozens of generations such that birds with car-dodging abilities have become more common.

Moller is sceptical.

Recent research has shown that evolutionary changes in many animals - fish and insects, in particular - are occurring in response to climate change and human encroachment on habitat far more quickly that scientists imagined possible.

But given that fast-moving cars have only been on the roads for less than a century, it is unlikely that birds have adapted - as a species level - that fast.

"The other problem is that total mortality due to traffic is not big enough to cause evolutionary change," Moller said.

It would take a very high death toll, in other words, to exert a strong influence on the course of evolution.

Having said that, a lot of birds get killed by moving vehicles.

The State of the Birds annual report estimated in 2014 that 200 million birds perish on the road every year in the United States alone.

Estimates for Europe are lower, but worldwide the grim tally is certainly in the hundreds of millions.

But there are an estimated 300 billion birds in the world, so the death toll is still only a fraction of one percent.

There is one threat, however, to which our feathered friends almost certainly have evolved to avoid, though with limited success.

The same report estimates that 2.4 billion birds fall victim in cats every hear in the United States.


Rising fuel prices: Ways to make driving more fuel-efficient

                PARIS: As prices at the pump soar and the price of a barrel of Brent Crude Oil is now close to its 2008 record of US$147.50, motorists are looking for ways to save fuel.

When applied on a daily basis, some simple maintenance and eco-driving techniques can help reduce fuel consumption by 10 to 15%, which is a significant saving - especially at the moment.

Maintenance and preparation

Under-inflated tyres or an overloaded car can significantly increase fuel consumption.

It is therefore important to check the tire pressure and not to overload your car before setting out on a long trip. It is also advisable to check the oil level regularly to ensure that the engine is running smoothly.

Once inside the car, it is better to keep windows closed, in order to reduce wind resistance and in turn keep fuel consumption down. Similarly, it is advisable not to overuse the air conditioning, which can also affect fuel consumption.

Driving smoothly

Once behind the wheel, it is possible to adopt what is known as eco-driving, which notably involves driving smoothly, i.e., managing your gear changes perfectly, but also driving a little slower on roads and highways if traffic permits, using the cruise control and, above all, avoiding any sudden acceleration or braking.

To do this, it is important to stay focused and to anticipate what's ahead by observing what is happening in front of and around you.

Also note that it is better to turn off your engine during each extended stop, even in heavy traffic.


Ford debuts most advanced Fusion

DETROIT: Ford says the new Fusion has the most technologically advanced lineup ever – including two hybrid models and a new all-wheel-drive Fusion V6 Sport that comes with pothole detection to soften the blow on occupants.

Fusion V6 Sport and the new Fusion Platinum add to a lineup featuring three EcoBoost engine choices, along with two hybrids, Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid – something neither Toyota nor Honda offers midsize sedan shoppers.

“Fusion offers people a lot more car – including helpful technology, beautiful design and a more rewarding driving experience than other midsize sedans,” said Raj Nair, Ford executive vice president and chief technical officer, Global Product Development.

The Fusion V6 Sport is a performance sedan with a twin-turbocharged 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 delivering a projected 325 horsepower and 475Nm of torque. All-wheel-drive Fusion V6 Sport is projected to make 136Nm of additional torque and nearly 50 more horsepower than the 3.5-litre V6 engines in Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.

Fusion V6 Sport adds continuously controlled damping for real-time suspension tuning based on setup and road inputs. The system features pothole detection technology that, in less than the blink of an eye, adjusts the shock absorbers to greatly reduce the severity of impact transmitted to occupants. Power and handling are complemented by unique, performance-inspired style inside and out. The look is distinguished by an aggressive exterior with deeper air intakes and a gloss black-finish mesh grille, 19-inch wheels, rear spoiler and dual twin exhaust outlets.

The new Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi lead America’s best-selling lineup of plug-in hybrids. New software in both hybrids delivers an even more refined and engaging drive for customers, while more efficient electric motors are expected to contribute to better fuel economy and a purer range of electric driving.

The Fusion Platinum is designed for those seeking even greater levels of refinement and craftsmanship in a midsize sedan. With available award-winning 2.0-litre EcoBoost and all-wheel drive, the real story is the interior experience. Instrument and door trim panels are wrapped in antiqued Cocoa leather, and the hand-wrapped steering wheel is finished in premium Venetian leather. A unique grille finished in Magnetic paint makes for an upscale design and 19-inch polished wheels return confident performance.

Together, Fusion V6 Sport, Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi, and Fusion Platinum offer three different flavours of the same car.

Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi are technology-packed electrified vehicles that offer an advanced EcoGuide system to provide drivers real-time coaching to get even better fuel economy.

Fusion Energi features a 7.6-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery for an expected range of 19 miles using electric power only. The car automatically switches to an efficient 2.0-liter gasoline engine when the battery is depleted, allowing customers to drive more than 500 miles.

Ford said it has improved lithium-ion batteries further, making them lighter and smaller to take up less space than the less sophisticated nickel-metal hydride batteries found in Toyota Camry Hybrid. Neither Camry nor Accord offers a plug-in hybrid.

Recharging Fusion Energi can be done overnight in just 2.5 hours. The car is smart enough to know when to begin charging to get electricity at the lowest price. It can even preheat or precool the cabin before drivers leave to save more fuel.

Both electrified Fusions deliver impressive overall performance with electric-only speeds up to 85 mph. Regenerative braking captures up to 95 percent of the energy lost through heat during braking and recharges the hybrid battery on the move.

Fusion is the most technologically advanced midsize car Ford has ever built in North America – the first car sold here with Ford’s pedestrian detection system. Fusion also has hands-free parallel and perpendicular parking capability. The new high-tech gear shift dial results in a roomier cabin with easy-to-reach bins.

Lane-keeping assist helps drivers maintain proper lane position using a small, forward-facing camera behind the rearview mirror that “looks” at the road ahead – monitoring lane lines to ensure the car is on course.

Available Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert includes sensors in the car’s rear quarter-panels that can detect traffic in a driver’s blind spot, providing both audible and visual warnings if traffic – unseen by the driver – is detected. BLIS® enables cross-traffic alert, warning the driver of oncoming traffic when backing out of a parking space with obstructed views. In combination with the standard rearview camera, BLIS makes for confident maneuvering in parking lots.

SYNC 3, Ford’s new communications and entertainment system, is also available. It features faster performance, more conversational voice recognition, a more intuitive smartphone-like touch screen and easier-to-understand graphical interface. SYNC Connect, optional with SYNC 3, enables owners to remotely start their car, schedule future starts, or lock and unlock the car using their smartphone.

The new Fusion arrives at US dealerships this summer. Fusion V6 Sport follows a few weeks later.