Renault Captur in GoCar car-sharing fleet

                KUALA LUMPUR: TCEC, the sole franchise holder for Renault vehicles in Malaysia, will be providing 150 units of the Renault Captur compact crossover to GoCar, Malaysia’s leading on-demand car-sharing platform, bringing the total fleet to 450 GoCars on the road.

Through the GoCar sharing service, the Renault Captur is offered with a rate of RM18.90 per hour, RM189 daily, RM1,323 weekly or RM5,670 for a month.

To access the service, simply download the GoCar mobile application and register as a member.

Upon verification, members can easily make bookings as well as lock, unlock and start the Captur via the GoCar mobile app. Extensions for reservations can also easily be managed via the app.

In conjunction with the Renault Captur joining its fleet, GoCar is offering Malaysians the opportunity to #TakeCaptur for a road trip between now until 31 December 2018.

Valid for new members only, the promotion offers RM30 off the Captur, with a minimum booking of 10 hours, through the special promo code GOCARCAPTUR.

The collaboration was announced at a handover ceremony at TCEC’s headquarters in Petaling Jaya during which the first 50 units of Renault Captur were delivered to GoCar.

The remaining 100 units will be fulfilled in subsequent months.

The turbocharged Renault Captur is Europe’s best-selling crossover in its segment.

“The Renault Captur is the perfect embodiment of 120 years of Renault know-how and technical expertise,” said Kuan Kim Luen, CEO, TC Euro Cars Sdn Bhd.

Powered by Renault’s turbocharged TCe 120 engine that is mated to a six-speed Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) transmission, the EEV-certified Captur is capable of delivering the performance and acceleration of a normally-aspirated 1.8L engine, with excellent fuel efficiency and lower emissions.


Renault electrifies the Mégane

                PARIS: Renault is entering a new chapter in its history with the Mégane eVision which is currently a show-car but one that showcases the brand's latest line of electric vehicles and is set for release in 2021.

The Mégane eVision is based on the its new modular CMF-EV platform which features a smaller engine compartment, one of the thinnest batteries in the market and a new compact powertrain to offer more space and roominess.

Its sophisticated looks coupled with the eye-catching lighting signature of its headlamps is bound to be one of the most attractive EV hatchbacks in the market.

Renault also claims the the ultra-thin battery of the eVision significantly reduces electric consumption and allows for faster charging times. And best of all, it promises an optimised driving range.

"Thanks to our barnd-new Alliance platform CMF-EV, we broke the rules of size, use, design and energy efficiency to imagine the Mégane eVision show-car. With the thinnest battery on the market, a 4.21 meters compact body offering the roominess of a C-segment vehicle, the Mégane eVision is a masterpiece of packaging!

"We took our 25-year bestseller and took it to the future. This is just the beginning; a whole new generation of innovation-packed electric vehicles is to come," said chief operating officer Groupe Renault, Luca De Meo.

Renault's future all-electric vehicles will be built on the CMF-EV platform which was designed by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance.


Toyota-Shell campaign offers 36-point check for all car brands

                PETALING JAYA: UMW Toyota Motor and Shell Malaysia have teamed up for the first time to hold a nationwide “Balik Kampung Safety Campaign” aimed to make motoring safer during the festive holidays.

Both companies are offering a 36-point free inspection to vehicles of all makes at 20 selected Shell stations nationwide.

The campaign is being held in conjunction with Ramadan, Harvest Festival, Hari Gawai and Hari Raya.

The free vehicle inspections will start from 10am until 5pm on the following dates at selected Shell stations from May 30-June 2 in Peninsula Malaysia. The campaign in the Sabah leg (May 23-26) and Sarawak leg (May 23-25) have ran their course.

Each inspection should take not more than 15 minutes. Car owners who send their vehicles for the free inspection will receive a goodie bag (while stocks last).

For Toyota car owners, they will receive a 10% discount voucher for selected parts bought at Toyota Service Centres. On top of that, the first 10 customers of the day will receive a RM10 Fuels voucher from Shell Malaysia.

The Shell stations were selected based on their convenient locations and the fact they offer an integrated range of products and services.


Alpine aiming to 'max out' car sales in Europe before any global expansion

                PARIS: Renault-owned sportscar brand Alpine wants to expand its global footprint but has to be well established in Europe before looking further afield, chief executive Laurent Rossi said on Tuesday.

Speaking to Reuters ahead of the announcement of Alpine's plans for endurance racing, Rossi did not rule out an eventual presence in Asia and the Americas but said that was not under current consideration.

Renault is absent from the US market, after two previous failed attempts, but has a strong presence in Latin America.

Alpine also has a team in Formula One, with the United States a key market for the sport.

The brand currently focuses on the A110 model but three new sporty electric cars are due to come on stream from 2024.

Rossi said increasing sales in Europe was an immediate priority. Alpine sold 1,200 cars in the first half of this year, mostly in France, Germany and Britain.

"The US is 50% of the sportscar market. The Renault Group is not in the US for good reasons. It exited the US twice. We need to make sure that if we make a return, it’s a successful one," he said when asked about that possibility.

"We would probably err on the side of caution because you can’t really mess up a third time. And the Alpine brand is in a rebirth so we have a lot of things to accomplish first, to establish it as a solid, graduated brand in Europe."

Rossi said Alpine would use the Renault Group's network of dealers in Europe to drive growth and hoped the next generation of cars would sell in much greater numbers.


Largest Harley-Davidson gathering in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: A new Malaysia Book of Records achievement has been set with a mass gathering of 902 Harley-Davidson motorcycles at the Velocity Motor Show 2022 held at Stadium Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur recently.

Harley-Davidson owners and their motorcycles from all over Malaysia were present for the effort.

The record was made possible with the collaboration between Didi Group (Harley-Davidson official distributor in Malaysia), Velocity Motor Show (VMS), Harley-Davidson Asia Pacific and its official Harley-Davidson dealers in Malaysia.

Velocity Motor Show 2022 is an automotive event themed around automotive lifestyle and music.

Didi Group general manager Juan Chow Wee said it was an exciting day for all the Harley-Davidson owners able to gather at one venue after being prevented from doing so for a long time under the Covid-19 restrictions.

Juan also said the event was also an opportunity for the public to view various motorcycle brands under Didi Group such as Royal Enfield, Vespa, Moto Guzzi, Aprilia and more.

"The record would not have been possible without the assistance of VMS headed by Jason Tan who is also the founder of the automotive event," Juan said.


Electroheads Motorsports' e-karts charge up for the action!

                LONDON: The Electroheads Motorsports electric kart (e-Kart) race series will finally have its debut race at Whilton Mill Kart Track in Northamptonshire, UK.

The Electrocheads e-kart race series is to be held from July 23 to 24 and is the brainchild of former Ferrari and Williams F1 engineer Rob Smedley - the co-founder of the Electroheads group.

The launch of the e-kart race series was delayed due to the Covid-19 lockdown, but finally, it will now to be able to take to the track for their first competitive action in an exclusive race meeting.

Such an event will help budding racers take their first step into the world of racing while simplifying and reducing the cost as well.

Young entrants will be able to compete in equal karts that have been designed, tested and prepared by a team of F1 engineers.

The series will operate via a unique ‘Arrive and Drive’ basis which offers people the chance to experience fully-fledged, next-gen e-kart technology without having to invest in their own expensive equipment.

The company will provide racers with everything needed for the race – be it a half-day ‘taster’ for a complete novice or as a competitor in a full race weekend.

The e-karts’ F1-inspired technology will ensure that every racer on the grid has precisely the same power available and the team will be transparent about sharing that data, so all competitors can see that absolute drivetrain parity exists.

The race series will be launched across two kart categories which starts with Bambino and Cadet.

The entry-level Bambino karts are powered by 3kW electric powertrains in fully race-specced ‘RS Electroheads by Birel Art’ kart chassis.

With an age span of six to eight years old, the Bambino class is aimed strictly at teaching the youngest drivers the basics of kart driving before they climb the ranks of racing.

From ages eight to 12, drivers can race in more powerful 5kW Electroheads Cadet machines that feature state-of-the-art electric powertrains in the latest ‘RS Electroheads Birel Art’ Cadet kart chassis.

Advanced virtual powertrain simulations were carried out by ex-Formula 1 engineers to create an electric kart powertrain that has no equal.


Hannah on the BMW M550i

                Automakers are slicing the luxury sedan segment so thinly these days it’s enough to make your eyes glaze over.

It takes real time to discern-or possibly, even care about-the difference between an XF, 5-Series, E Class, or an A6. (Porsche, to its credit, has made the Panamera seem somehow separate from those-it looks and drives substantially different-but that’s a different column.)

They all operate with roughly 400hp and plenty of creature-comfort options. The choice between them often comes to matters of style rather than substance.

Here’s what the US$72,100 (RM305,091) BMW M550i has going for it: It’s the quickest 5 Series ever, it’s the only V8 5 Series the brand is selling at the moment, and it makes a driver feel active and engaged. It’s also the best big BMW you can get for the money-the 7 Series is phenomenal, but it’s also way more expensive. If you’re looking in this price range for a sedan-and congratulations if you are-look no further.

(There are other, much less-expensive alternatives to the M550i in the 5-Series line: Try the US$53,500 (RM227,000) 530i xDrive, which is less powerful but appropriately engineered and trimmed for its price range. The casual driver will not miss the difference between the two.)

Engineered to drive

The BMW M550i with xDrive (AWD) is a complete-package vehicle. It has BMW’s stout, 4.4-litre turbo engine inside-good enough for 456 horsepower-and an eight-speed transmission with sport and manual shift modes. Zero to 100kph is an admirable 4.0 seconds; top speed is 250kph.

 Hannah Elliott as seen on her Facebook page.

What that means in real life is that it can beat the Mercedes AMG E43 and the Audi S6 off the line and will stay up with them in third and fourth gears with little apparent effort. Of the four drive modes, Sport+ brings the best thrills; it tightens the suspension, adjusts steering-wheel resistance, and opens the throttle for maximum maneuverability at speed.

That means you can bear down on that S-Class in front of you with eager abandon.

In fact, pushing through New York City’s winding tunnels felt like an easy jog on fresh legs. Adaptive M suspension minimised body roll to nil, and multiple systems engineered to monitor throttle control and compensate for brake fading mean the M550i hauls forward smoothly-stops squarely-whether around abrupt city corners or pulling through highway sweeps.

One note: If you’re into the snap-crackle-pop engine sound that has become de rigueur to manufacture for even such things as five-person sedans (Exhibit A, B, C: Jaguar, Maserati, Mercedes), you’ll miss that here. These Germans are more understated than that in this sedan-its engine note is quiet relative to other sedans in this segment.

Styled to the point

BMW has seen fit as well to match elegantly restrained interior design and trim of the M550i with its exterior. On the outside, while there is a back spoiler and chrome tail pipes, they remain small (the spoiler) and dark (the pipes) enough to fly nearly under the radar. They’re the type people won’t particularly notice until the third or four time they see the car-if, after the car has passed by, you asked a casual observer, “Did that car have a little lip on the rear trunk?” he or she would be hard-pressed to answer.

Adaptive full LED headlights, power-folding heated side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, and illuminated door sills and ground lighting come standard. For the US$88,985 (RM377,000) final price of the Mediterranean blue metallic one I drove, Bowers & Wilkins sound, Night Vision, and extensive parking assist systems with excellent camera- and blind-spot positioning were thrown in, too.

On the inside, BMW has always been generous with standard features, and the M550i is no different: Full iDrive dashboard technology, in all its knobbed glory, is there controlling Bluetooth, navigation, tunes, and climate. Trunk space remains ample (530l); shoulder and leg-room throughout the car are non-issues.

A priority has clearly been put on ambient lighting inside: It includes door handle-area lighting, illuminated driver and front-passenger vanity mirrors, front foot-well lights, front and rear reading lights, and 11 predefined selectable interior light designs-plus front map lights and rear reading lights. That, plus dual cup-holders front and back, are clearly included to present this as a slightly smaller (than the 7 Series) option for someone who wants to be driven around and work out of the back seat.

That easy versatility, plus an engineering prowess that has been refined for decades with champion cars (in such models as the M3, M1, and even the i8) is the reason why BMW sold more than 70,000 of these 5 Series globally last year. — HANNAH ELLIOTTSpecifications_BMW_M550i_xDrive.pdfUsing a smartphone? Click this link: BMW 550i xDrive Specs


China's Changan forms electric car JV with local startup Nio

                SHANGHAI: China's fourth-largest automaker Chongqing Changan Automobile Co Ltd and Nio, an electric car startup formerly known as NextEV, will form a joint venture to cooperate on researching and selling electric cars, Nio said on Sunday.

China is aggressively promoting electric cars to combat urban smog and push the industry to the forefront of automotive technology, loosening rules in recent years to allow startups like Nio to flood the industry and challenge established Chinese automakers.

The Changan-Nio JV will focus on research, sales and service for green cars, although under a broader partnership the two sides will also share resources related to smart vehicle technology, manufacturing and other areas, according to a statement from Nio.

Financial terms of the partnership were not disclosed. A Changan spokesman said the company had no further information to release regarding the partnership.

Chinese tech giant Tencent Holdings Ltd was an early backer of Nio, and rival internet company Baidu Inc last month said it was leading a new round of investment into the startup.

Nio has also partnered with Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Corp Ltd to produce electric vehicles on a contract basis.


PIAM explains how motor insurance pricing works

                KUALA LUMPUR: The General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM), the trade association for licensed direct and reinsurance companies for general insurance, has pointed out that it is not involved in the pricing decisions of its members.

It said that during the phased liberalisation starting July 1, 2016 to promote product innovation and competition, insurers were allowed to introduce new motor products to better serve consumers’ needs and priced them accordingly subject to a limit of plus/minus 10 per cent from the original tariff rates as at June 30, 2016.

The limitation were meant to soften the impact of any sudden and significant changes in premium on consumers.

Any increase above that limit would need Bank Negara approval, it said.

"PIAM hopes this clarifies to the motoring public and other stakeholders that while the process initiated for the gradual removal of requirements under the motor tariff has begun, pricing continues to be regulated by the industry regulator.

"The industry anticipates further liberalisation and looks forward to working with Bank Negara on the eventual opening up of the motor market," it said in a statement today.

On the Covid-19 impact on the motor insurance industry, it said the motor business weakened due to poor consumer demand.

According to the Malaysian Automotive Association, the total industry volume (sales of new passenger and commercial vehicles) registered in 2020 was 529,434 units, a decrease of 12.4 per cent compared with 2019.

Gross direct premium for motor insurance fell by 0.21 per cent in 2020 compared with 2019.

PIAM believed that full liberalisation would lead to fairer pricing that would benefit safe drivers and lead to improved products, technologically-driven consumer solutions, and a better overall consumer experience.


Lexus shows off 7-seat RX L in LA

LOS ANGELES: If you have always wanted an RX that could fit more than five people, Lexus has answered the wish with a bigger crossover that can seat seven.

The 2018 RX 350L and RX 450hL hybrid models retain their stylish figures, but now offer the choice of six-passenger or seven-passenger capability, depending on the market.

With some clever vehicle packaging, Lexus extended the body length 110mm at the rear and used a steeper tailgate window angle than on the two-row models, ensuring good headroom for third-row passengers and greater cargo room behind the third row than competitors offer.

The standard seven-seat version uses a 60/40 split bench-type seat. Access to the third row is made easy with the touch of a lever that slides the second seat forward.

The available six-seat configuration features second-row captain's chairs that make third-row ingress/egress easier with "walk-in" convenience. With a longer cargo floor area behind its third row than competitors offer, the RX L exceeds their cargo capacity.

The three-row RX was introduced at the 2017 LA Auto Show.

Lexus claimed it designed the third row of the RX L models to offer the same comfort and luxury as in the middle row. The positioning of the second row is slightly higher than the third row, creating more foot room for rear passengers.

Leather upholstery is standard and come in a range of colours. A tri-zone climate control system gives third-row passengers separate rear air conditioning and dedicated vents, and for convenience, a power-folding third-row seat and power tailgate with hands-free operation are both standard on the RX L models. (placing a hand near the Lexus emblem opens or closes the tailgate.)

Details that enhance three-row versatility in the RX L models include a flat load floor behind the folded third-row, a pair of third-row cupholders, an easily stowable tonneau and covered slide rails.

The Lexus signature spindle grille, a focal point, is set off by an elegant chrome-plated surround and standard Bi-LED headlights. Available L-shaped premium LED headlights use three unique L-shaped elements per side.

The RX L models' elegantly blacked-out C-pillars create a floating-roof effect. The spindle theme repeats at the rear, with L-shaped LED taillights enveloping the tailgate and wrapping into the rear fenders. The SUV is offered with optional 20-inch wheels. All RX paint colours feature a scratch-resistant self-restoring coat.

Safety-wise, a full-length side curtain airbags cover all three rows. The Lexus Safety System + that is standard for most markets includes Pre-Collision System (PCS) and Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam (IHB) and All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Intuitive Parking Assist and Cross-Traffic Braking is available.

To move the RX L along, a 3.5-litre V6 making 294hp and 357Nm of torque. The engine, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, employs the advanced D-4S fuel injection system, which combines direct and port fuel injection systems. To maximize efficiency, Variable Valve Timing with intelligence Wide (VVT-iW) is used on the intake camshaft, along with VVT-i on the exhaust camshaft, allowing the engine to switch between Otto and Atkinson combustion cycles.

The RX 350 L driver is presented with four driving modes: Normal, Sport/Sport S+ and Eco. The hybrid version gets an EV mode.

As on the two-row RX 350, the RX 350L is available with front-wheel drive or available Dynamic Torque Control AWD. Under normal cruising conditions, the system engages front-wheel drive to help reduce fuel consumption.

Continuously taking input from various sensors (such as wheel speed, engine RPM, steering angle, throttle opening angle and yaw rate), Dynamic Torque Control AWD actively governs torque distribution to the rear wheels.

When the vehicle is accelerating, the system automatically shifts to AWD to help prevent front-wheel slippage. While cruising, the system reverts to FWD, and when sensors detect wheel slippage, it can vary front to rear torque distribution from 100:0 to 50:50. The 4.2" TFT multi-information display conveys torque-distribution status (front to rear, and side to side).

The RX 450hL is the most powerful and most fuel-efficient RX version. Its hybrid system pairs the D4-S injection 3.5-litre V6 engine with two high-torque electric drive motor-generators, producing 308 combined system horsepower for strong acceleration and passing performance.

The AWD system is unique to the hybrid model. Instead of transfer gears and a driveshaft to the rear wheels used on RX 350L AWD models, an independent rear-mounted electric motor drives the rear wheels when needed to help maintain optimal traction.

In the RX 450h L, the Drive Mode Select system adds a fourth mode, EV, that enables the vehicle to drive under electric power at lower speeds for short distances. The RX 450h L includes a standard integrated navigation system and a heated steering wheel.

The suspension system comprises front strut and rear double-wishbone, complemented by an electric power steering.

The RX cabin includes form-fitting seats, and the optional finished wood trim (Premium and Luxury Packages) that curves gently up from the centre console toward the glove box.

Available interior ornamentation includes Matte Bamboo, Espresso Walnut, Matte Linear Dark Mocha Wood, Striated Black Trim, and laser-etched Gray Sapele Wood with Aluminum. For the Striated Black Trim on the base model, a glossy black three-dimensional embossed pattern is applied to create a high-quality film design with a sense of depth.

An available full-colour Heads-Up Display (HUD) incorporated into the instrument panel can project key information on the windshield to help the driver focus on the road.

The new three-row RX L models join the two-row, five-seat RX versions that continue for 2018. All RX models now make Enform Safety Connect and Enform Service Connect complimentary for the first 10 years of vehicle ownership. Both were previously offered with a one-year trial.


First Mercedes-Benz City Service opens in KL

                KUALA LUMPUR: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and Hap Seng Star have launched the first Mercedes-Benz City Service.

Located along Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah (formerly Jalan Ipoh), the Mercedes-Benz City Service is a full-fledged 3S (sales, service and spare parts) facility in the heart of the city. "This first-of-its-kind feature is part of our customer-centric strategy, strategically located, offers easy access for our valued customers located in the Kuala Lumpur City Centre," said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia
president and CEO Claus Weidner.

The RM7mil Mercedes-Benz City Service is a 3S Autohaus that has six showroom vehicles and ?eighteen workbays. It is operated by a 45-person strong team and can service more than 50 vehicles per day, and up to 1,100 vehicles per month.

The Mercedes-Benz City Service adheres to the Mercedes-Benz Presentation System II (MPS) which is the benchmark of customer experience for each Autohaus. It also features the Star Lounge, a cafe
lounge serving a wide selection of beverages and food, Wi-Fi capabilities and internet stations.

Also, the Premier Express Service allows customers to get routine vehicle service maintenance in about an hour or less. There is also Drop & Go Service where customers can drop off their vehicles anytime outside business hours. And for those who are unable to bring in their vehicles, Mercedes-
Benz City Service consultants will pick up vehicles from the customers' locations and it will be returned once ready. All vehicles under this option are fully insured.

"The new Mercedes-Benz City Service by Hap Seng Star is a testament of our strong commitment towards the Mercedes-Benz brand," explained Hap Seng Consolidated Bhd group chief operating officer and Hap Seng Star chief executive Harald Behrend.

To date, Hap Seng Star has invested over RM180mil in the Mercedes-Benz brand. Mercedes-Benz City Star Service by Hap Seng Star is located at 546, Batu 3, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Kuala Lumpur. Hap Seng Star manages six other Autohauses across Malaysia: Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur; Kinrara; Balakong; Kuching; Kota Kinabalu; and Miri.


Thailand International Motor Expo 2017: Audi A4 Avant

                BANGKOK: The A4 Avant 45 TFSI quattro S line Black Edition wagon has been unveiled and is set to enter Thailand's auto market.

This wagon costs 3.3mil Baht (RM415,000) and comes equipped with 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels from Audi Sport in matt titanium.

With a wheelbase of 2,820mm, the 4,725mm-long wagon's weight has been reduced by as much as 110kg compared to its predecessor.

The front end prominently shows off a large front grille, LED headlights while the interior features S Sports seats with Fine Nappa leather and diamond cut stitching plus S line logo, flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel wrapped in perforated leather, powered panoramic sunroof and piano black trim with black roof lining.

Under the hood is a 2.0 TFSI engine providing 252hp for all four wheels of the quattro all-wheel drive system - allowing it to accelerate from 0-100kph in 6.0 seconds.

It also comes with sports suspension and pedals.

Luggage capacity has been increased by 15 liters compared to the previous model and has as much as 1,510 liters of storage with the rear seat backrest folded down.

Loading height has been lowered and the loading sill is now only 630mm from the ground.

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


Car sales rise 14% in October

                PETALING JAYA: Total vehicle sales rose 14% to 53,870 units last month from 47,273 units in the previous corresponding period, buoyed by year-end promotional campaigns.

The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) said in a statement on Wednesday that October’s longer working month (compared with September) also helped to boost sales.

On a month-on-month basis, the total industry volume (TIV) in October was 21%, or 9,204 units, higher than September, said the MAA.

However, year-to-date October vehicle sales dropped 1% to 496,861 units from 502,128 units in the previous corresponding period.

On its outlook for November, the MAA said vehicle sales were expected to be maintained at the same level as October’s.

An analyst from a local bank-backed brokerage said the vehicle sales figures in August were within expectations.

“As it gets closer to the end of the year, it is normal for car companies to provide rebates and incentives to push sales and clear their inventory, ” he said.

In an earlier report, MIDF Research said it expected October to be a better sales month, compared with September, driven by the launch of Perodua’s Axia facelift.

“Perodua TIV saw a decline month-on-month (slightly larger than industry) ahead of the launch of the facelift Axia towards late September.

“The new Axia should reflect in Perodua sales from October onwards. The facelift Axia was reported to have garnered 5,000 units of pre-launch bookings versus a sales target of 6,000 units per month.

“We expect some pick up in October as well as the typical year-end campaigns towards the final month of the year, ” the research house said.

The MAA has maintained its 600,000 units total industry volume (TIV) forecast for this year, in light of the economic uncertainties that are expected to remain for the rest of the year.

In July, MAA president Datuk Aishah Ahmad said consumers and businesses were expected to remain cautious going into the second half of the year, adding that this would only spur aggressive promotional campaigns by local car companies. Most analysts are also maintaining their TIV forecast for 2019.

Kenanga Research in a recent report also said it is maintaining its TIV forecast of 600,000 units for 2019.

“We believe the absence of one-off 2018 tax holiday will be offset by exciting new launches in 2019 and we have factored in a possible delay in new launches’ timing given the backlog of pricing approvals from the authorities and tepid purchasing power.”


Find where you parked your car with Google Maps’ latest update

Users of the new Maps are now able to save their parking location, share it with another person, take pictures and write notes. — Relaxnews
SAN FRANCISCO: The most recent update to Google maps has new features including an option that allows you to manually save your parking location.

While Google Now for Android has previously (2014) offered a "parking card" designed to help find your car, the service has been criticised for inaccuracy. Now, Google Maps is joining in on the hunt with a part of its latest update.

Despite no official announcement from Google at the time of writing, Androidpolice.com has noticed that users of the new Maps are now able to save their parking location, share it with another person, take pictures and write notes (meter expiry times for example) from within the Maps app.

The tool can be accessed via tapping on the blue dot that indicates your location.


Volvo Cars Family Bond gives all employees 24 weeks paid parental leave

                INGOLSTADT: Volvo Cars is opting in its 40,000+ employees around the globe, in all plants and offices, into a new all-gender, paid parental leave policy as of April 1.

The "Family Bond" policy will give all employees with at least one year’s service a total of 24 weeks of leave at 80% of their base pay by default. The policy applies to either parent and the leave can be taken anytime within the first three years of parenthood.

The global policy is more inclusive and supportive than many existing policies around the world, and includes all legally registered parents, including adoptive, foster care and surrogate parents, as well as non-birth parents in same-sex couples.

Some countries do not offer any paid leave to new parents, or exclude certain groups of parents – the latter is particularly true for fathers.

However, should a country have local regulations that offer a more generous parental leave, local regulations would take precedence.

Volvo Cars’ global policy is inspired by national legislation in its home market of Sweden, famous around the globe for its generous parental leave arrangements, which have delivered tangible benefits for parents and children alike in recent decades. It follows a parental leave pilot scheme launched in the EMEA region in 2019, in which 46 per cent of all applicants were fathers.

“We want to create a culture that supports equal parenting for all genders,” said chief executive Håkan Samuelsson.

“When parents are supported to balance the demands of work and family, it helps to close the gender gap and allows everyone to excel in their careers. We have always been a family-oriented and human-centric company. Through the Family Bond programme, we are demonstrating and living our values, which in turn will strengthen our brand.”


Ford Ranger Raptor on the way

                MELBOURNE: The Ranger is the Ford pickup truck most of the world outside North America knows best, probably because it's the only one Ford sells in many markets. While Ford does not currently offer the Ranger in the US, now that consumers are starting to warm to pickups smaller than the full-size models that dominate the US market, the model is gearing up to relaunch in the US.

If some consumers have remained unimpressed until now by the Ford Ranger and its compact proportions, Ford's Raptor version of the Ranger might just change their minds. Teaser images for the Ranger Raptor were released earlier in 2017.

Motoring in Australia reports that Ford has confirmed the new performance pickup truck will be making its global debut in Bangkok on Feb 7 next year.

At the moment, the Raptor is a high-performance, hard-core off-road version of the North American Ford F-150, which performs every bit as good as it looks.

Although consumers in Europe and other markets outside North America may like the look of the F-150 Raptor, it's not exactly a practical option due to its size in relation to most roads. So the news that a Ranger Raptor is in the pipeline is sure to please enthusiasts around the world.

But fans may need to temper some of that excitement when they hear more details.

Anyone hoping for a twin-turbo EcoBoost engine in the new Ranger along the lines of the 450hp beast in the F-150 Raptor is probably going to be disappointed.

The word is the engine will be a 2.0-litre turbodiesel, which is smaller than the 3.2-litre inline-five already in the current Ranger. Of course, the model that finds its way to America will in all likelihood have a petrol unit instead of the diesel, or like the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, may be offered with both options. The 10-speed automatic gearbox that made its debut with the F-150 Raptor last year, however, will probably be available to all markets.


Proton X70 gets Asean NCAP 5-star rating

                SUBANG JAYA: The Proton X70 has achieved a 5-star rating after being tested by the New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries (Asean NCAP).

With a proven track record for manufacturing cars that obtain a 5-star Asean NCAP rating to defend – the Proton Iriz, Proton Persona, Proton Preve and Proton Suprima S are all 5-star rated, Proton’s engineers and designers paid close attention to every detail to ensure the Proton X70 would obtain a high score based on the latest 2017-2020 testing protocol.

Under the new protocol, safety assist technology is now taken into consideration and counts for 25% of the overall score.

Proton introduced Hot Press Forming (HPF) body structures, used to form the passenger cell of its cars, in 2012 and the same technology is one of the reasons why the Proton X70 is able to provide a high level of protection to its occupants.

The HPF cell is supplemented with six airbags for all variants, ISOFIX child seat mounting points as well as seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.

By combining these elements, the Proton X70 received a perfect score for the side impact test as well as for head protection technology.

The SUV is also Proton’s first model to be equipped with a number of safety assist features. Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) are all part of the advanced driver assistance system introduced with the Proton X70.

Thus equipped, the SUV was able to obtain a high score for safety assist technology.

“Thanks to the diligent efforts of Proton’s designers and engineers, the Company has managed to extend its reputation for building cars capable of protecting their occupants in the event of an accident. Aside from the advanced driver assistance system that is making its debut on a Proton model, the Proton X70 is also fitted with various convenience features such as voice command, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC) and a 360 camera for safe manoeuvring in tight spaces,” said Abdul Rashid Musa, CEO of Proton Edar.

The Proton X70 will be making its public debut at KLIMS’18.

Five units of the first C-segment premium sport utility vehicle (SUV) from Proton will be displayed, and there will also be special areas to highlight the technology, safety and performance aspects of the vehicle.

KLIMS will be held at the Malaysian International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur from 23 November to 2 December 2018.

The Proton X70 can be viewed at Level 1, Hall 1 and at Booth 1007.


Hyundai teases 'soapbox'

                FRANKFURT: Hyundai Motor has revealed a first glimpse of a new project coming from its European design centre.

In a new teaser image, the shape of the soapbox ride can be seen against a dark background. The vehicle is painted yellow, and the Hyundai logo is visible on the side.

The vehicle features a gently-sloping silhouette at a 45-degree angle. Exposed wheels and a low-lying frame give it a dynamic character. The viewer can just make out long, straight lines stretching at an angle across the car’s body – a clear similarity to the concept car 45.

The term "soapbox" refers to a motorless, gravity-propelled vehicle that was traditionally raced by children on a downhill road.

Originally made from discarded wooden soap crates, today they boast more modern and sophisticated designs. They are particularly popular in Europe and North America, where many soapbox derbies take place.

More details, including Hyundai’s plans to make a design inspired by the traditional soapbox accessible for customers around Europe, will be revealed soon.


Porsche Taycan GTS with 500km range unveiled, priced from RM708K

                PETALING JAYA: Porsche Malaysia introduced on Monday the new Taycan GTS - the first Taycan with a range of over 500km (WLTP figures).

Priced from RM708,000 (with SST exemption), it's positioned above the Taycan 4S and below the Taycan Turbo. The price includes the Premium Package as standard.

With a range of up to 504km, the new sports model is also the first Taycan to break the 500-km mark. It will be available in Q2 2022 in Malaysia.

What's also noteworthy is that Taycan prices (inclusive of SST exemption) are up to RM200,000 cheaper following the government tax-free incentives for fully electric cars. The wagon-type Taycan Cross Turismo sees a reduction of as much as RM171,000.

Under Budget 2022, the government announced that imported EVs will get full import and excise duty exemption for two years till the end of 2023.

Locally assembled EVs will get excise duty as well as sales tax exemption for four years until the end of 2025.

Taycan: RM508,000 (-RM76,000)
Taycan 4S: RM595,000 (-RM105,000)
Taycan Turbo:  RM793,000 (-RM224,000)
Taycan Turbo S:  RM934,000 (-RM218,000)

Taycan Cross Turismo: RM555,000 (-RM90,000)
Taycan 4S Cross Turismo: RM617,000 (-RM111,727)
Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo: RM798,000 (-RM171,000)

GTS

GTS stands for Gran Turismo Sport. Since the Porsche 904 Carrera GTS of 1963, these three letters have held special significance for Porsche fans.

Now, there is a derivative featuring this legendary combination of letters in every Porsche model series.

The Taycan GTS is the sporty all-rounder of the model range, with an impressive 440kW (590hp) of overboost power when using Launch Control. The sprint from zero to 100kph can be achieved within 3.7 seconds, building up to a maximum speed of 250kph.

As a representative of the latest Taycan generation, the GTS features particularly efficient drive strategy.

Other Taycan derivatives also receive this update in the new model year, and in practical terms, this translates to extended range across all models.

Adaptive air suspension, including Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), is specifically adapted to the Taycan GTS to elevate lateral dynamics. The set-up of the optional rear-axle steering is also even sportier. The richer sound pattern of the modified Porsche Electric Sport Sound underscores the character of the new GTS model.

The exterior and interior are distinctive. There are numerous Black or dark details on the exterior, such as the front apron, the bases of the exterior mirrors and the side window trims – as is traditional on a GTS.

Numerous Black Race-Tex features in the interior underscore the elegant, dynamic ambience, as does the standard brushed aluminium interior package with Black anodised finish.

A panoramic roof with Sunshine Control is available as a new optional extra for the Taycan GTS. An electrically switchable liquid crystal film can change the roof from clear to matte at the touch of a button, protecting occupants from glare, without detracting the bright ambience of the interior.

The roof is divided into nine segments that can be switched individually – a world first in the automotive sector. In addition to the Clear and Matte settings, Semi and Bold can also be selected. These are predefined patterns with narrow or wide segments.

Premium Package as standard option

Alongside the launch of the new Taycan GTS, Porsche Malaysia also announces a raft of updates for the Taycan models.

The Taycan and Taycan Cross Turismo models now come with a Premium Package available as standard, offering enhanced specifications such as an on-board AC-charger with 22kW, Mobile Charger Connect, Charging cable (mode 3), Home Energy Manager, Advanced Climate Control (4-Zone), electrically-folding exterior mirrors, passenger display and ParkAssist with surround view.

More fast chargers coming

The launch of the first 180 kW high-performance charging network in partnership with Shell
Shell and Porsche Asia Pacific launched the first cross-border 180 kW high-performance charging site with two charging points in Tangkak, Johor.

By Q1 2022, five more sites and 10 more charging points will go live at Shell stations located strategically along Malaysia’s North-South highway, establishing the first high-performance charging network in the country.

Porsche owners receive exclusive benefits in both Malaysia and Singapore like preferential charging rates and benefits under the Platinum membership, savings up to 50% on all charging sessions,10% cashback on all charging sessions at Shell Recharge AC stations and the ability to reserve charging bays for up to 60 minutes.

The high-performance charging network will also be further developed into Thailand by 2023.

With home charging solutions augmented, Porsche Destination Charging locations in development, and high performance en-route charging now established in partnership with Shell, Porsche completes a suite of solutions addressing the broad mobility needs of electric vehicles.


Locally assembled EVs spur record sales for Volvo Car Malaysia in 2022

                KUALA LUMPUR: Volvo Car Malaysia today announced it closed 2022 with a record of 3,194 total sales from all car models.

The achievement marked a seventh consecutive year of sales growth for the automotive company with a 43 per cent increase from the previous year – a record high for Volvo Car Malaysia.

In addition to that, December 2022 marked Volvo Car Malaysia’s most successful month as it closes the year, registering more than 395 units of sales.

The milestones in sales growth were spurred by the launch of its first two locally assembled electric vehicles, the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric and C40 Recharge Pure Electric.

Launched in March 2022, the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric was a big success, with the company still fulfilling deliveries of cars with a healthy order bank ongoing for the year 2023.

The C40 Recharge Pure Electric also saw encouraging responses from buyers, with more than 100 cars ordered online just 10 days after its launch in December.

Both cars, assembled in the Volvo plant in Shah Alam, are the first two locally assembled pure electric vehicles sold in Malaysia, to further solidify Volvo Car Malaysia’s position as the leader in locally assembling electric vehicles in Malaysia.

Volvo Car Malaysia said it is committed towards its global ambition of sustainability and on track to becoming a fully electric vehicle company by 2030.

It also aims for 75 per cent of its sales to come from their Recharge Pure Electric lineup by 2025.

"The launches of our first two locally assembled electric vehicles have been the catalysts of our sales growth," said Volvo Car Malaysia managing director Charles Frump.

"With an increased market share of our fully electric vehicles globally, we are optimistic the same will apply in Malaysia. In ending a successful 2022, we are excited to drive an all-electric future as we reinforce our commitment to offer Malaysians freedom to move in a personal, sustainable and safe way."

At a global level, Volvo Cars’ total sales of 615,121 cars for year 2022 was affected by challenges across the supply chain and production restraints caused by component shortages and Covid-related lockdowns.

Despite this, the demand for Volvo cars remained steadfast with the sales of the overall Recharge lineup with Pure Electric and Plug-in hybrid powertrains reaching 43.8 per cent in December 2022 whereby fully electric cars accounted for 20.1 per cent of global sales for the same month.


No country for new cars: Singapore gears up for freeze on car numbers

File pic of heavy traffic at the central business district in Singapore. - AFP
SINGAPORE: Singapore will from this month start freezing the number of cars allowed on the road as part of its vision to go "car-lite". Whether the costs of owning a car will become increasingly exorbitant remains to be seen, but one thing is clear - it’s bad news for the auto industry.

Twelve per cent of Singapore’s total land area is taken up by roads, and authorities are introducing increasingly strict measures to curb car usage in the island city state.

Which is fine by research engineer Kheng Hui Yeo. His commute involves taking a bus to the nearest metro station, followed by two separate trains to get from his home in the north down to his office in the south-western part of the island.

His 60-minute journey may sound entirely ordinary, except he owns a perfectly-functioning car - a Japanese KIA - that would slice his travelling time in half. However, he’s happy to let the car sit idly in the garage.

“I prefer the reach of public transportation and its impact on the environment. I’d rather take buses and trains everywhere than drive,” he says. “That way I don't have to worry about looking for a place to park, refuel, or whether my cashcard is sufficiently topped up.”

It is this behaviour that the Singapore government has been hoping to encourage, ever since it levelled its gaze at curtailing car ownership and usage from the 1960s, citing the country’s competing demands for land.

It does this by tightly controlling the number of permits issued, called Certificates of Entitlement (COEs), which grant aspiring owners the right to buy and own a private vehicle.

The cost of a COE can be prohibitive, sometimes surging to as high as the cost of a car itself, as participants vie with each other for one through an open-bidding system.

These COEs are only valid for 10 years, after which owners must decide to either scrap their cars or renew their permits for a maximum of another decade.

Authorities historically allowed for growth rates in the COE quota that hovered between 1.5 per cent to 0.5 per cent per year, but from Feb 1 (today), the growth rate on the quota of new cars and motorcycles on the road will remain at exactly 0 per cent.

In this strictly one-in, one-out system, potential car buyers will have to wait for current owners to de-register their vehicles at the 10-year mark, before being able to bid for these newly-freed up COEs.

Land scarcity and hefty investments in public transport infrastructure were cited as reasons underpinning the move.

There are about 5.6 million people living in Singapore, and as of the end of 2017, there were 575,353 cars on the island city-state's roads.

“Twelve per cent of Singapore’s total land area is taken up by roads,” said the Land Transport Authority (LTA) in a statement. “In view of land constraints and competing needs, there is limited scope for further expansion of the road network.”

The authorities are intent on keeping the growth rate stagnant for the next three years, until the measure is up for review in 2021.

How car buyers will react to the measure remains to be seen, when the first round of COE bidding after the measure’s implementation is slated to take place on Feb 7.

Average Singaporeans seemed accepting of the measure, despite fears that the chokehold on COE supply may exert upward pressure on prices.

“We definitely cannot expect the number of cars to grow infinitely, which will come with an entirely new set of problems - traffic jams, lack of parking space, and increase in parking fees,” says mother of one Sheila Ang, who owns a hatchback Volkswagen Golf TSI.

“It preserves existing vehicles which may be in good condition rather than forcing the purchase and production of new vehicles,” Kheng says.

Other industry insiders say that the net effect of the measure is likely to be minimal since the number of available COEs is largely driven by vehicle de-registrations than government issuances anyway.

Some venture that this is merely a correction mechanism the government is enacting, recalling the glut of new cars in 2008 when COE prices dropped to an unprecedented 1.47 US dollars.

Those owners may decide to de-register their cars when they hit their 10-year expiry in 2018, which coincides neatly with the expected start of the freeze.

In any case, car retailers agree that the tighter restriction of cars on the road augurs badly for the auto industry, because it means a shrinking pie to carve a slice out of.

“You’re squeezing the market,” said Mohamed Taifoor, the owner of a car dealership. “You lose volume in selling due to the reduction in quota.”

Car agents will have to offer special promotions to create demand, either by reducing car prices, offering softer terms of payment or cutting operating costs from rental and labour, he added.

In 2014, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong first articulated the vision of a "car-lite" Singapore as part of a 1.5-billion-dollar, 15-year plan to reduce reliance on the car and move towards more sustainable transport solutions.

Three years on, a report released by the LTA indicated that the number of private cars in Singapore had sunk to a five-year low of 575,353 by the end of 2017.

If this trend is anything to go by, Singapore may well be on its way to achieving its vision.


Tata Motors to shed 1,100 JLR jobs after pandemic hits earnings

Speth.
BENGALURU: India’s Tata Motors Ltd expects to shed about 1,100 temporary jobs at Jaguar Land Rover after it raised the cost-cutting target at its luxury unit by £1 billion (RM5.4bil) to ride out the disruptions caused by the coronavirus outbreak.

Tata Motors expects to save £5 billion (RM27bil) in costs by March 2021 at its Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) unit, the Indian automaker’s chief financial officer PB Balaji said on Monday, adding that £3.5 billion (RM18.9bil) of the savings had already been achieved.

It will also reduce capital expenditure at JLR to £2.5 billion (RM13.5bil) for the current fiscal year, from the more than £3 billion (RM16.2bil) it has spent annually in previous years.

“Conserving cash and prioritising capital expenditure, and targeting investment spending to the right areas is our focus,” Balaji told reporters, after the company posted a fourth quarter loss.

We anticipate that up to 1,100 agency employees will be affected, a JLR spokesman said in a separate statement.

Tata Motors is reviewing all its businesses and would consider exiting those that do not add strategic value, as part of a broader effort to save 60 billion rupees (RM3.4bil) in its domestic business in the fiscal year to 2021.

The automaker on Monday posted a consolidated fourth quarter net loss of 98.94 billion rupees, as coronavirus lockdowns across its markets ravaged sales, including at JLR.

Total revenue from operations fell 27.7% to 624.93 billion rupees in the quarter, which ended March 31.

JLR, which contributes the bulk of Tata Motors’ revenues, reported a pre-tax loss of £501 million for the period after it took a hit of £800 million because of the novel coronavirus, Balaji said.

He said there were signs sales were recovering in China, one of JLR’s biggest markets, as well as in the United States and in Europe, with strong orders for Land Rover’s sport-utility vehicle Defender and Range Rover’s Evoque.

JLR’s boss Ralf Speth, who has led the company since 2010, will step down from his role at the end of his contract term in September.


Volvo says virus won’t slow its rollout of self-driving car tech

                ETROIT: Volvo Car AB is grappling with plant shutdowns and layoffs, but one thing it’s not doing amid the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic is pumping the brakes on autonomous driving development.

The Swedish automaker said it will use sensors from Palo Alto, California-based Lidar startup Luminar Technologies Inc. for a self-driving system installed in its cars starting in 2022.

It’s the first large-scale production contract with a global automaker for Luminar, which counts Volvo as an investor.

The technical and economic challenges of Lidar sensors, which bounce lasers off objects to guide vehicles, have long been a stumbling block for companies looking to compete in the robotic-car race.

 Luminar Lidar highway perception.

Lidar systems have been dogged by problems with bad weather like thick fog or white-out conditions and costs that can run into the thousands of dollars.

But Volvo, which is owned by China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., and Luminar say they’re using cheaper and better technology. The carmaker plans to use Luminar’s Lidar in Highway Pilot, a new platform enabling hands-free highway driving in its cars. Volvo says its system won’t require drivers to keep their eyes on the road at all times.

Cost-cutting efforts

Volvo is forging ahead despite financial pressure from economic shutdowns triggered by the pandemic. The company eliminated 1,300 salaried jobs last month as part of ongoing changes to its cost structure.

“The priorities we had are standing firm,” said Henrik Green, Volvo’s chief technology officer. “We are actually accelerating our transformation into those priorities.”

In October, Volvo said it would merge its combustion-engine operations with its parent company Geely to cut costs.

 Russell (left) and Green.

And last month, it unwound its joint venture with supplier Autoliv Inc. to create a standalone company housed within Volvo that focuses solely on full self-driving development.

Green said selling cars to individual consumers is the best way to commercialise autonomous technology, rather than betting on robotaxis or automated delivery vehicles. Luminar says it has been able to reduce costs by making all the parts used itself, including chips - which are the single most expensive component.

‘Pipe dream’

Austin Russell, the 25-year-old chief executive officer of Luminar, said more companies seem inclined to buy rather than build self-driving components now that the pandemic has shrunk financial resources. The company is in talks with a dozen other automakers about potential commercialisation of its sensors, but he declined to identify them by name.

The shift from developing propriety systems to embracing outsourced solutions is happening across a range of cutting-edge technologies as the auto industry tightens its collective belt, Russell said.

“It was already happening to some significant extent, and this is just a total waterfall, it’s accelerated it dramatically,” he said. “It separates everything out from what really exists and what’s possible versus what was kind of a pipe dream in the first place.”


VW unveils new Scirocco GTS

SHANGHAI: Volkswagen unveiled the new Scirocco GTS  ahead of its world premiere at Auto Shanghai.

The Scirocco GTS comes with the R-Line package "Exterieur" as standard, which includes distinctive R-style bumpers (at the front with integrated fog lamps and glossy black radiator and air inlet grilles), custom side sill extensions, a roof spoiler (also R-style) and a diffuser.

The wing mirror caps are painted in black and, just like its predecessor, the '82 Scirocco GTS, the new model can be ordered with a sporty GTS decal for the body as an option (standard in China).

This option features two decorative red stripes that run centrally from the bonnet over the roof and the boot (if the car is painted in “Flash Red” the stripes are black). The new Scirocco is also enhanced by 3D GTS logos in the radiator grille and on the tailgate.

The Scirocco  GTS will be equipped as standard with new 18-inch “Norwich” alloy wheels; the popular 19- inch “Lugano” alloy wheels will be available as an option. The red brake callipers of the GTS can be seen through the spokes of both of these wheel options.

The interior of the Scirocco GTS is also customised and dominated by black and red. Leather interior and the panoramic tilt sunroof are offered as standard in China. Pedals are in stainless steel and sports steering wheel comes with red seams and the lower spoke finished in "Black Piano Lacquer".

Seat covers with centre panels made of a new material (with the GTS logo at the top of the backrest) and red decorative stitching. A GTS package also includes the legendary golf ball gear knob.

The "Composition Colour" infotainment system, is available for the first time in the Scirocco. This marks the debut of the second generation of the modular infotainment matrix (MIB II) in this series of sports cars.

Its engine is one of the most popular in the Scirocco range because it is sharing its design genes with the engine of the Golf GTI. A turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine provides what Volkswagen claimed is the most agile four-cylinder engines in the world.  It catapults the Scirocco GTS – either with a manual gearbox or with the 6-speed DSG – to 100kph in just 6.5 seconds.

Top speed is 246kph (DSG: 244kph). The average fuel consumption is 6.1 l/100 km with a manual gearbox and similarly economical at 6.4 l/100 km with a DSG gearbox.

The new Scirocco GTS will be launched in Europe at the end of May, with China following in the summer.


Vanzo launches new sterilising air freshener

                KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's car perfume manufacturer Vanzo Asia has launched its new Sterilizing Air Freshener and also named artist Lin Min Chen as its ambassador again.

Eddie Ng, founder and CEO of Vanzo, said the new air freshener was developed by the company over a year.

The air freshener is suitable for cars and also as a house fragrance.

"The last product we launched is a series of car perfume made solely for women; it is also the first female-oriented car perfume made in Malaysia. The launch is successful and this is the motivation that urged me to make another new product," said Ng.

Ng said Vanzo also the first brand in Malaysia's market that sends its product initiatively for assays.

The new sterilizing air freshener not only passed numerous tests which proved it does not contain formaldehyde, toluene, benzene, and other harmful substances but also successfully acquire the only international SGS sterilization certificate in the market.

It uses premium ingredients produced by Japan fragrance company Ogawa & Co Ltd.

Choices range from classic floral, English pear to freesia for air freshener flavours.

Users can also adjust the density of fragrance (thin, mild, dense) through the attach diffuser sticks. The fragrance can last for 30 to 60 days.

Vanzo was founded in 2017 and collaborates with Ogawa & Co, which has 125 years of history and is ranked as one of the top 5 fragrance group in the world.

Vanzo has also established itself in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Brunei, Singapore, and Vietnam.

Currently, Vanzo has more than 3,000 retail sites throughout Malaysia, including AEON, car accessories stores, car wash, and mini-markets.

"We plan to increase our retail sites to 10,000 by next year, which includes shopping malls, petrol stations, and Family Mart."

Vanzo has received awards including the Consumer's Choice Award issued by MTPN (Majlis Tindakan Pengguna Negara).

Vanzo also collaborates with GrabCar by promoting its car perfume in the Grab Driver's app.

The new sterilising air freshener is available via Vanzo's online store: https://vanzoasia.com/


Advisors urge BMW shareholders vote against Reithofer appointment

                FRANKFURT: Advisory firm ISS has recommended that BMW shareholders should vote against the appointment of outgoing chief executive Norbert Reithofer as chairman of the carmaker's supervisory board, newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung reported.

ISS said BMW would go against general corporate governance practice with the appointment as there will be no cooling off period between the two roles, the newspaper said in excerpts of an article to be published today.

Last year BMW said that Reithofer, who is close to the regular 60-year-old retirement age for top executives at BMW, will be succeeded by Harald Krueger, the company's 49-year old production chief.

Fund manager Union Investment, which owns 0.7 percent of BMW shares, according to Thomson Reuters data, told the newspaper it would follow ISS's advice and vote against the proposal during the carmaker's annual general meeting on Wednesday.

Johanna Quandt, the widow of industrialist Herbert Quandt who is credited with transforming BMW, and her children Stefan Quandt and Susanne Klatten own almost 47 percent of BMW, according to BMW's website.


Peugeot 208 named 2020 European Car of the Year

                GENEVA: The results are out, folk. The new Peugeot 208 was named the 2020 European Car of the Year here this evening.

The panel of 60 European journalists acclaimed its engine range: electric, petrol or diesel powertrains providing customers with “the power of choice”

The jury also praised the bold design and technology It is the first Peugeot “2 series” to be awarded the prestigious prize.

The all-new Peugeot 208 is the sixth Peugeot to be named “Car of the Year”.

Seven cars were shortlisted as the finalists. Besides the 208, the other candidates were BMW 1 Series, Ford Puma, Porsche Taycan, Renault Clio, Tesla Model 3 and Toyota Corolla.

Peugeot enters the “top 3” of the brands with the most awards in the Car of the Year history, with six trophies.

The 208 follows the 3008 SUV in 2017, the compact hatch 308 in 2014, the 307 in 2002, the 405 in 1988 and the 504 in 1969.

This trophy joins the 12 other international awards the 208 has already won.

“I am particularly proud that the all-new Peugeot 208 has just won the 2020 Car of the Year prize. This trophy underlines the excellence of the work and great commitment of all the teams of the brand and Groupe PSA," said Peugeot Brand CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato.

"The COTY 2020 legitimises the brand’s 'power of choice' strategy."

Nearly 110,000 customers have ordered the new 208 since its launch in Europe last October. Electric versions make up 15% of the mix. In France, the 208 leads the registration rankings of the car market at the end of February 2020.

Founded in 1964, the award is the longest-running and most renowned European prize. The winner is announced every year at the Geneva International Motor Show.

The award ceremony continued despite this year's motor show being cancelled because of the Covid-19 epidemic, which is spreading across Europe. The outbreak started in Wuhan, China.


VW recalls 58,881 Porsche cars for fuel pipe fault

Updated (Nov 3, 2015):Local Porsche distributor Sime Darby Auto Performance Sdn Bhd said it will be contacting Macan S and Macan Turbo owners for the repair, and the costs will be borne by the company. The Macan S and Macan Turbo are retailed at RM560,000 and RM785,000 respectively.Sime Darby Auto Performance said the base 2.0-litre Macan and Macan S Diesel are not affected.

FRANKFURT: Volkswagen recalled 58,881 luxury Porsche cars globally on Friday for possible leaks in the low-pressure fuel line inside the engine compartment.

Volkswagen said the measure was purely precautionary and added that only petrol engines were affected. The recall applies to Macan S and Macan Turbo vehicles.

Europe's biggest carmaker has been plunged into crisis by admitting it cheated diesel-emissions tests in the United States, putting it at risk of billions of dollars of fines and unseating its chief executive.

Separately, Porsche Cars North America said 21,835 of the affected cars were in the United States and 3,490 in Canada.


Proton 1 Tank Adventure hits tip of Borneo

                KOTA KINABALU: The Proton 1 Tank Adventure arrived in Sabah for its second leg recently, taking participants on a scenic 525km journey from Kota Kinabalu to the Northern most tip of Borneo in Kudat, the town of Kundasang at the foot of Mount Kinabalu before returning to Sabah’s state capital.

The updated Proton Iriz, Persona and Saga delivered impressive results while winning acclaim for their handling, comfort and safety features from the participants.

Kota Kinabalu is a port city, but roads leading in and out of it are dominated by the mountain with which it shares its name.

Therefore, a route that leads inland and away from the coast will invariably encounter steep terrain as the Crocker Range stands as a natural barrier for roads to go over.

The planned route for Sabah’s leg of the 1 Tank Adventure reflected this limitation while also throwing in another geographical feature - the northernmost point of Borneo.

Combined, it set the stage for the toughest real world test yet faced by the participants.

Flagging off from Proton Harapan Maju in Kota Kinabalu, which officially opened a day earlier on 20 September, the event ended at Proton Shirba Auto, also in Kota Kinabalu.

All participants successfully completed the 525km course.

The best results achieved, as verified by scrutineers from the Malaysia Speed Festival (MSF), were 6.06L /100km for the Proton Iriz, an event best 5.75L/100km for the Proton Saga and a record breaking 5.81L/100km for the Proton Persona, breaking last year’s record of 5.85L/100km.

The best theoretical maximum range achieved, based on the 40-litre fuel tank size of the cars used, was 601km.

This was an impressive result because a strict time limit was set at each checkpoint to ensure participants had to keep to a minimum average speed for safety reasons and ensure the figures were obtained under real-world driving conditions.

Queennera Francine Francis Kitingan, a celebrity radio DJ from Kupi FM, owns a Proton Saga FLX and was amazed by the fuel efficiency, style, stability and features of the Proton Iriz she drove during the event.

“I love my Proton Saga as it is easy to drive and park and has been very reliable, but having tested the new Proton Iriz over the last two days, I think I may have a new favourite Proton model. I really like the way it looks and drives because it feels secure yet fun. I also love the intelligent infotainment system as there are so many songs for me to choose from while the fuel economy is truly surprising. I would not hesitate to recommend this car to anyone as I think it’s very impressive,” she said.

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Chipped windscreen: When does it ultimately need to be replaced?

                BERLIN: Getting your windscreen hit by a stone is always annoying, but not enough to make most drivers immediately get it fixed.

But what many owners of more modern cars don't consider: The hit could interfere with the sensitive driver assistance system, says Achmed Leser from Tuv, a leading technical inspection association.

Leser recommends replacing the windscreen entirely if the damage is near a camera sensor. That's because the optical systems usually use the cameras installed in the upper part of the windscreen to detect how much distance is between the vehicle and the car in front of it.

If a stone hits this area, the images could become corrupted. "Even just one hit from a rock can impair the assistance system's sensors so badly that it can no longer detect certain hazards," warns Leser.

Some damage can be patched up, but that usually works only if it's outside the driver's field of vision, and only if it's is no larger than a US quarter. There can also be no cracks, and the damage must be at least 10 centimetres away from the edge of the windscreen.

In the end, however, whether the damage is repairable or your vehicle needs a new windscreen must ultimately be decided by a shop.


UAE seeks to help Tesla accelerate autonomous driving push

                DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates threw open the door to Tesla Inc. to join its push to accelerate autonomous driving over the next five years as the Gulf nation seeks to bolster its digital economy, a UAE minister said.

The government plans to hand out data that would be useful to driver-less cars to help incentivise start-ups, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence Omar Al Olama said in an interview with Bloomberg TV.

Dubai Future Lab, an arm of state-owned Dubai Future Foundation, is also entering partnerships, he said.

"Usually it costs a lot of money for them to collect all this data, but as a government we can collect it and then give it to them as an incentive to start up,” Al Olama said.

Tesla Inc.’s Elon Musk said last week that the carmaker is poised to develop a technology making its vehicles fully capable of driving themselves. Tesla and its competitors are "welcome to come and start in Dubai,” Al Olama said.

The UAE’s economy has been battered by the coronavirus pandemic. But as the country was locked down for weeks, consumers and companies were forced to shift their activities online, boosting the nation’s digital economy.

"The traditional economy has been hammered but the digital economy has been thriving,” Al Olama said.


Subaru kills off combustion engined WRX STI

                NEW YORK: Subaru has announced Friday that the WRX STI as we know it will be axed as the company looks towards a future of electrification.

However, Subaru might still bring it back in electrified form, as the following statement from the Japanese car maker intimated: "Subaru Corporation is exploring opportunities for the next generation Subaru WRX STI, including electrification. In the meantime, a next generation internal combustion engine WRX STI will not be produced based upon the new WRX platform."

Prior to this shock announcement, Subaru fans had been expecting a 345hp STI to be released, but that looks unlikely now except for the hope now that it could be reinvented with an electrified powertrain sporting such beefy specifications.

The WRX STI was introduced in 1994 featuring 247hp.

The WRX STI and the STI brand represent the peak of Subaru’s performance vehicles exemplifying its DNA and rally heritage.


Touch ‘n Go stops selling SmartTAGs, plans to kick off RFID pilot in September

                PETALING JAYA: Touch ‘n Go and key highway concessionaires expect to roll out RFID (radio frequency identification) system for toll payment across all highways in Malaysia starting January next year.

The system uses a sticker embedded with an RF chip which will be pasted on the vehicle. The sticker, which is unique to each vehicle, will be linked to the Touch ‘n Go eWallet, allowing users to easily monitor their balance and top up credit via online banking and debit/credit cards.

The use of RFID for toll payment is not new, as the system has been rolled out in countries such as the United States, Argentina and Taiwan.

The RFID sticker is expected to eventually replace the current SmartTAG devices. In line with the plans to commercialise RFID, Touch ‘n Go will no longer sell SmartTAG devices at all of its authorised channels effective Aug 8 .

However, existing SmartTAG devices can still be used at all highways. In addition, highway users can continue to use their Touch ‘n Go cards and MyKad for toll payments as per normal.

READ MORE: Why RFID tags are better
List of highways with RFID lane in the Klang Valley:
1. Kuala Lumpur - Karak Expressway (KLK)
2. Damansara – Puchong Expressway (LDP)
3. Kemuning – Shah Alam Highway (LKSA)
4. Cheras – Kajang Highway (GRANDSAGA)
5. Lebuhraya Grand Sepadu (GRANDSEPADU)
6. Shah Alam Expressway (KESAS)
7. Kajang Dispersal Link Expressway (SILK)
8. Maju Expressway (MEX)
9. Duta - Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE)
10. Stormwater Management And Road Tunnel (SMART)
11. New Pantai Expressway (NPE)
12. Besraya Expressway (BESRAYA)
13. Sistem Penyuraian Trafik KL Barat (SPRINT)
14. Kuala Lumpur - Kuala Selangor Expressway (LATAR)
15. Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (AKLEH)
16. Guthrie Corridor Expressway (GCE)


Toyota Corolla launched from RM128,888

                PETALING JAYA: UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT), the official distributor of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, has officially launched its all-new 12th-generation Toyota Corolla available in two variants.

Priced on-the-road without insurance, the 1.8E costs RM128,888 while the range-topping 1.8G is RM8,000 more at RM136,888.

Both variants hail from Toyota’s regional production hub in Thailand and are imported in Completely Built-Up (CBU) form - hence the reason why it still maintains having an Altis badge.

Five colour options are available for choice which includes Celestite Gray Metallic - a new iridescent shade, White Pearl CS, Silver Metallic, Red Mica Metallic and Attitude Black.

Against its predecessor, the 1,365kg (kerb) Corolla gets a 2,700mm (+100mm) wheelbase for its 4,630mm-long (+230mm), 1,780mm-wide (+85mm) and 1,435mm-tall (-30mm) body.

The 1.8-litre (1,798cc) 2ZR-FE engine with Dual VVT-i gets two driving 'personalities' of ECO or Sport and sips from a 50-litre fuel tank to produce 139PS at 6,400rpm and 172Nm of torque at 4,000rpm.

Power is managed by a continuously variable transmission that comes with seven virtual shift-points for the front wheels that take directional changes from an electric power-steering system.

The 16-inch wheels wear 205/55 series tyres that partially hide the front ventilated and rear solid disc brakes as well as the front MacPherson struts and rear double-wishbone suspension system.

As standard, the Corolla 1.8E comes equipped with halogens for its main headlights and signal lights, LED daytime-running-lights, rear LED lights clusters as well as front and rear fog lights.

There's also power-adjustable auto-folding wing mirrors with integrated turn-signals, acoustic windshield glass to help reduce noise, vibrations and harshness levels and a remote trunk release.

Inside, the cabin is accessible via keyless entry (driver's door only) with push-start button and greets its driver with a standard meter cluster with a 4.2-inch colour TFT multi-information display.

Adding to the features are the black fabric upholstery, leather gear knob and three-spoke multi-function steering wheels as well as single-zone automatic climate controls with rear-blower to help keep situations cool.

Entertainment comes from a six-speaker sound system with a 6.8-inch DVD touchscreen with USB mirroring, radio, MP3 player, voice dial, AUX-jack and Bluetooth connectivity.

For safety, the Corolla gets seven airbags, anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, vehicle stability control, traction control, hill-start assist, emergency stop signal, front and rear parking sensors and tyre pressure warning system.

As for the 1.8G, the RM8,000 premium up-sizes the wheels to 17 inches with 225/45 series tyres before adding on automatic paddle-shifters, Bi-LED projector headlights, reverse-tilt function for the wing mirrors and automatic wipers.

There's also a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster now as well as cruise control leather upholstery and an eight-way powered driver's seat with lumbar support, electrochromic rearview mirror, a rear sunshade, wireless QI charger and an electric parking brake with automatic brake hold.

Also included is a 360-degree camera view as well as a front and rear digital video recorder. However, these items are available for the 1.8E as an optional extra.

Safety is further bolstered by the inclusion of Toyota Safety Sense which includes a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert with steering assist and lane tracing assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam, blind-spot monitoring system,

As an optional extra, both variants can be added with a vehicle telematics system.

“The all-new Toyota Corolla is one of the first models in Toyota’s range to adopt TNGA – Toyota New Global Architecture. TNGA offers enormous flexibility to the designers and engineers to optimize designs for different types of vehicles,” said UMW Toyota president Ravindran K.

Prior to the launch, members of the media were given the opportunity to test drive the new Corolla up to Genting Highlands.

READ MORE:
Toyota ranks highest in Malaysia Sales Satisfaction, says JD Power
First drive of new Toyota Corolla


Polyplastics eyes polymer products in sensors for autonomous driving applications

                KUALA LUMPUR: The rise of electric vehicles is spurring materials suppliers like Polyplastics Co Ltd to position its resin products for use in Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) parts that enable autonomous driving.

A leading global supplier of engineering plastics, Polyplastics’ DURANEX(R) PBT and DURAFIDE(R) PPS materials - targeted for sensors in radar and camera bracket systems - show great promise in delivering low warpage, dimensional stability, and low dielectric constant.

According to a statement, Polyplastics reports that water absorption has little effect on DURAFIDE(R) PPS 1140A6, but some impact on DURANEX(R) PBT 330HR.

As a result, Polyplastics is working on the development of new PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) grades with enhanced low-dielectric properties and low water absorption.

For the radar bracket itself, electromagnetic wave-shielding properties are needed to protect against unnecessary reflected waves.

Polyplastics' electrically conductive grades, DURACON(R) POM CH-10 and EB-10, and DURANEX(R) PBT 7300E, are all being considered while new PBT grades with stronger electromagnetic wave-shielding properties are under development.

The company has also developed matte technology which uses laser treatment to reduce noise (scattered light), resulting in favourable gloss and blackness levels.

Polyplastics said it would continue to research long-term durability and different process conditions to reduce treatment time.


Eight new graduates join upcoming Toyota Vios Challenge race series.

                SEPANG: Six new Malaysian celebrities and two teenagers have graduated from the six-day Vios Challenge Racing School for the upcoming second race-season of the Toyota Vios Challenge.

The new graduates for this season are singers Aiman Tino, Khai Bahar, Nabila Razali, Wany Hasrita, Akim Ahmad and comedian Nabil Ahmad.

The newcomers will be joining the likes of last season's Diana Danielle and Janna Nick who had also completed a refresher course.

Last season's Promotional Class defending champion Shawn Lee and fellow class competitor Syukri Yahaya have been upgraded to Sporting Class and will be joined by 14-year-olds and former karting team mates Mohamed Hayden Mohamad Haikal and Oscar Ng Kok Tung.

The Toyota Vios Challenge will anchor the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival organised by UMW Toyota Motor and features some 40 identically race-prepared vehicles competing in three classifications: Promotional Class, Sporting Class and Super Sporting Class (for elite and professional race drivers).

The racing cars are also prepared under the supervision by Toyota Racing Development (TRD) Japan, with the race run to regulations governed by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and the Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM).

While the cars take after the base model Toyota Vios 1.5, it is fitted with a full roll cage for safety, and equipped with racing equipment and modifications such as aerodynamics, suspension system, exhaust, brakes, clutch, limited slip differential and tyres.

The season opener for the race series will take place on a specially-built street circuit on the grounds of the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium in Kuala Terengganu and kicks off at 9am from Aug 3 to 4 - entrance is free.

From Kuala Terengganu, the festival will move to the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) in Serdang, Selangor from Oct 19 to 21 before relocating to the Batu Kawan Stadium in Penang from Feb 22 to 24 (2019) and finally landing at the Sepang International Circuit from April 12 to 14 (2019) for the season finale.

“The first season of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival and the running of the Toyota Vios Challenge have been absolutely phenomenal from both a promotional and commercial perspective and it visibly demonstrated the Vios’ competitiveness, reliability, durability, safety and agility, propositions of a mid-sized entry level or family sedan,” said UMW Toyota Motor president Ravindran K.

The Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival is a carnival for patrons, with many activities including Toyota's latest vehicle showcase, stage games, promotional activities, lucky draws and a Superfans Signing Session for a chance to mingle with celebrities.


Nov 11-17: RON97 petrol up 2 sen

                KUALA LUMPUR: The retail price of RON97 petrol will increase by two sen per litre, to RM3.08, from Nov 11 to Nov 17, according to the Finance Ministry.

In a statement today, it said the retail price of RON95 petrol and diesel would remain unchanged at RM2.05 and RM2.15 per litre respectively over the same period.

"The government has maintained the retail price of RON95 petrol at the ceiling price of RM2.05 per litre and diesel at RM2.15 per litre, even though the actual market price for both products has increased above the ceiling price set," it said.


Carmakers must overhaul production plans to hit climate goals, says report

                LONDON: The world’s 14 biggest carmakers are on course to miss globally agreed climate targets, a leading sustainable finance think tank said today, urging investors to do more to pressure boards to change their production plans.

The report by the 2° Investing Initiative and the Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change looked at the firms’ plans for electric vehicles, hybrid and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and modelled vehicle emissions and climate scenarios from the International Energy Agency.

None of the companies’ current plans were fully aligned with the Paris Agreement on climate change, which aims to limit global temperature change to below 2 degrees above pre-industrial norms by 2050.

In part, that is down to strong demand for larger engine SUVs, the second-largest contributor to the increase in global CO2 emissions since 2010 after the power sector, the IEA said in a November report.

If the companies were to align production up to 2025 with Paris, they would produce 43 million fewer ICE vehicles and emit 1.5 billion fewer tonnes of CO2 over their lifetime.

“The automotive issue holds a critical role in mitigating society’s impact on the climate: without a doubt, all major global manufacturers are currently failing to address the challenge with the level of urgency required,” said Simon Messenger, Director, 2° Investing Initiative.

If they don’t act, companies face the risk governments move sharply to introduce tougher rules in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Among the things investors should ask for when speaking to companies were long-term commitments to achieve zero-carbon vehicle fleets by 2050 or sooner, translated into “operationally meaningful” metrics for product technologies aligned with Paris.

It also called for disclosures on how investments and regional production plans support the targets, executive pay plans that incentivise hitting them and a framework for ensuring firms’ lobbying activities are consistent with the targets.


More motorists seek perils plan to insure against flood damage

                PETALING JAYA: With the recent flood incidents, many people are now considering to add-on special perils plan for their vehicle insurance.

Leven Wong, who has been in the insurance industry for more than 10 years, said there had been a spike in requests for mid-term inclusion of special perils coverage after some states were affected by the floods.

“Some insurance companies allow mid-term inclusion. However, to be fair to the company, we need to verify the car is in good condition.

“Clients will need to provide us some photos of their car’s interior and exterior plus engine compartment in ensuring the vehicle is not damaged by the recent flood before the endorsement is issued,” he said.

According to the General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM)’s website, motor insurance is one of the largest insurance sectors and coverage in Malaysia.

It is compulsory for all vehicles using Malaysian public roads to have a motor insurance under the Road Transport Act 1987.

There are several types of motor insurance policies which include standard cover as well as additional cover.

The common types include act cover; third party cover; third party, fire and theft cover; and comprehensive cover.

However, there are some exclusions for the standard cover policies as they do not cover certain losses, such as the insured’s own death or bodily injury due to a motor accident, liability against claims from passengers in the insured’s vehicle (except for passengers of hired vehicles such as taxis and buses) and loss or damage arising from an act of nature, such as flood, storm and landslide.

To extend the policy to cover flood, landslide and landslip as well as cover passengers, one has to pay additional premiums to do so.

Some additional covers include flood, windstorm, rainstorm, typhoon, hurricane, volcanic eruption, earthquake, landslide/landslip, subsidence or sinking of the soil/earth or other convulsion of nature.

The additional covers can also include breakage of windscreen or windows; strike, riot and civil commotion; tuition and testing purposes; additional named driver, all drivers’ extension for private car policy issued to a company of businesses only; passenger liability; liability of passengers for acts of negligence and additional business use.

Meanwhile, for the standard covers, act cover is the minimum to meet the requirements of the Road Transport Act 1987.

It is the most basic policy and it is required in respect of legal liability for death or bodily injury to the third party (excluding passengers).

The third party cover will insure against claims for bodily injuries or deaths caused to the third party, as well as loss or damage to third party property caused by the insured’s own vehicle.

As for the comprehensive cover, the policy provides the widest protection, for example, third party bodily injury and death, third party property loss or damage and loss or damage to the insured’s own vehicle due to accidental fire, theft or an accident.


Ferrari Purosangue: Interesting facts and figures

MAIN STORY

1. Purosangue is Italian for "thoroughbred".

2. The unconventional location of the headlights made it possible to create two air intakes above and below the DRL. The upper one is used to channel air into the complex blown system which vents underneath the front aerobridge. The lower one is used to channel air to cool the brakes.

3. The Purosangue doesn’t have a front grille – this has been replaced by a dihedral suspended on the lower section delivering a more technical aesthetic.

4. The Purosangue engine layout differs from other modern GTs in that it has a mid-front-mounted engine with the gearbox at the rear to create a sporty transaxle layout.

5. The Purosangue engine can deliver 80% torque even at low revs for unique driving pleasure at all times.

6. The Purosangue is the first Ferrari to get a new active suspension system that controls body roll in corners and help make the car deliver the same performance and handling response as its other sports cars.

7. Carbon-fibre roof is standard to keep weight down and lower the centre of gravity.

8. For the first time in Ferrari history, the cabin has four separate and independently adjustable seats. The heated electric seats will comfortably accommodate four adults. The boot is the largest ever on a Ferrari; rear seats fold to increase luggage space.

9. In a Ferrari first, owners are being offered the chance to personalise the roof of their car: they can opt for a full-length electrochromic glass roof instead of the carbon-fibre version offered as standard.

10. The Purosangue has an air quality sensor that can check the air outside the car and improve quality in the cabin by smart air recirculation control and use of filters that can prevent particles of up to PM2.5 from entering the car.

11. For the first time, the car offers compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay systems as standard. These substitute the traditional built-in navigation system.

12. The Purosangue doesn’t have a rear windscreen wiper. The rear screen is cleaned by the air flow along the glass surfaces at the rear. The lower surface of the suspended spoiler is curved to guarantee the air flow is at the right speed and direct it towards the rear screen.

13. The massaging front seats feature 10 air bags that deliver a relaxing, targeted massage with a choice of five different types of massage and three levels of intensity.

14. Nero Purosangue is one of the launch colours and was developed specifically for this car using pigments that, in certain lighting conditions, create intense red reflections that enhance the car’s volumes.

15. Like other Ferrari models, the Purosangue is offered with an extended seven-year maintenance programme.


Allianz General revamps panel of authorised repairers

                KUALA LUMPUR: Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad (Allianz General) is seeking to strengthen its network of approved workshops.

It is looking for repairers to bid via open tender under its PIAM Approved Repairers Scheme (PARS) nationwide to join its panel of Allianz Authorised Repairers for the year 2023 and 2024.

Allianz General said it would send out invitations to all PARS workshops nationwide today.

Interested PARS workshops are required to submit their applications by Oct 17.

The Allianz Authorised Repairers are an integral part of Allianz General’s Allianz Road Rangers 24-hour accident service, which has served over 330,000 customers since its launch in 2017 to August 2022.

Allianz General previously revamped its panel workshops in 2020 and went on to engage 195 PARS workshops through an open tender process.

“This exercise is about embracing the competitive and competent culture and reaffirming our commitment to delivering the best value-added services to our customers," said Allianz General chief of claims Damian Williams.

"So, we are looking for PARS-certified repairers that match our service expectations and can provide Accident and Roadside Assistance services and other value-added services to our customers.”

“Panel repairers play such an important role in our day-to-day operations but manoeuvring in the post-pandemic environment is challenging with workshops facing shortages of skilled labour, increase in labour cost and part prices. So we have taken all these into consideration in the current tender application exercise,” said Williams.

In addition to the revamp of panel repairers, Allianz General has also enhanced the SOPs to support and ensure panel repairers can stay profitable and remain resilient.

Amongst others, the company is introducing upfront payments for all repairs.

Fifty percent of the total approved sum would be paid upon approval (includes initial approval and approval of supplementary reports, etc), followed by 25 percent paid (includes supplementary approval) and upon the repairer’s update of repair progress at 50 percent, with the final 25 percent paid on the same day once relevant documentation is submitted.

“Our aim with the open tender exercise is to ensure PARS workshops a fair and transparent selection process and to provide equal opportunity for them to work and grow with us," said Williams.


Aston Martin's Valkyrie AMR Pro might exceed expectations

The Valkyrie AMR Pro.
LONDON: The track version of Aston Martin's Valkyrie hypercar isn't due in its production form until 2020, but the numbers already associated with it are pretty incredible. It appears Aston may even have been a little overcautious with the figures it sent out - the Valkyrie hypercar might be capable of much more.

Official figures for the AMR Pro at the moment are 1,100bhp for the 1000-kg car (which also produces the same amount of downforce).

But Red Bull Racing's Adrian Newey, who's leading the development of the car alongside Aston Martin's creative director Marek Reichman, said on Tuesday: "The downforce we are quoting is obviously early days. The model you see now is effectively the ideas that stand behind the project given over to Marek's team to interpret. It will, of course, change quite a lot from that."

The only conclusion that can be drawn from that comment is the AMR Pro could be even quicker than anticipated.

Although a V12 engine was chosen to power the AMR Pro, Newey admitted a radically different powerplant might easily have been selected instead.

 The Valkyrie.

"The obvious choices were a V6 – either single or twin-turbo – or a high-revving, naturally aspirated V12,” he explain. “In the end, I came to the conclusion that it should be the V12 because of what that allowed us to do in terms of structural mounting, because it's a very well-balanced engine with good NVH characteristics. With a turbo, you need intercoolers; by the time you've put those on, the weight is fairly similar. Technically, the V12 was marginally superior, but it was a close call."

The 6.5-litre Cosworth V12 is a recalibrated version of the hybrid powerplant in the Valkyrie. In the AMR Pro it features a new emissions control system, and works with a reprogrammed energy recovery technology for the advanced hybrid system.

The body is made of lightweight carbon fibre, while other weight-saving measures include the ditching of such luxuries as the de-mister, the heater and the infotainment screen.

Newey has already predicted the Valkyrie could challenge the outright Nürbugring record. And if the Valkyrie can't, the track-going AMR Pro certainly sounds like it could.

Aston Martin will make just 175 Valkyries, of which 25 will be AMR Pros. The road version of the car is set to roll out in 2019, followed by the track car in 2020.

sc/nmo - Relaxnews


Kenyan couple set off to ride around the world - but run into Covid-19

                NAIROBI: Kenyan couple Dos and Wamuyu Kariuki loved adventure almost as much as they loved each other. So two months after they got married, they quit their jobs and set off in 2018 to motorcycle across all the seven continents.

“It is unlike Africans to travel and take that kind of an adventure... It is basically done by Westerners,” said 45-year-old Wamuyu, her hair brushing against her collar.

“There is always this belief that it is very difficult to travel as an African and using our passports because they are not as strong as the American and European ones. We have been able to prove that it is possible.”

This year, they were heading into North America via Panama. But their adventure - planned to take three and a half years - screeched to a halt in Nicaragua in March, as countries around the world closed their borders to curb the spread of the new coronavirus.

They got stuck in a low-priced hostel in the Nicaraguan capital Managua for four and a half months, before flying back to Nairobi in August after flights resumed.

They shipped their German-made bikes home, having visited three continents: Africa, South America and Antarctica.

Among their best memories are the frigid beauty of the Antarctica, and the warmth of Colombians despite the nation’s violent past. When the world opens up again, they hope to resume their trip - and to have inspired others on the continent.