Toll booths emerge as latest driverless car battleground

                PARIS: On the face of things, driverless cars are a pretty straightforward idea. After all, we've had drones without pilots flying thousands of miles away for years now. To be fair, the technology for cars to be able to operate without a driver has been around for a while now, but it's dealing with the vehicles interacting with the rest of the environment that's the real challenge.

While we already have systems that can read road signs and understand traffic signals, toll booths have now emerged as the latest battleground between manufacturers pursuing truly driverless car technology.

This all got started on Monday with Renault announcing a new collaboration with Sanef, a French highway operator, with the focus of the partnership being how self-driving cars navigate toll lanes. Somewhat inevitably, just a couple of days later Renault's French rival, PSA Group, also announced it was partnering with road infrastructure company Vinci. It was also revealed that one of the group's Citroen C4 prototypes had successfully managed to negotiate a toll booth without any input whatsoever from the driver.

Toll exchanges are just the latest particular challenge to become the focus for making autonomous vehicles viable in the real world. The main issues are that lanes don't have dividing lines for onboard cameras to capture, the toll booths measure just three metres wide, and of course other drivers can frequently indulge in unexpected moves.

Perhaps, the reason why toll booths have emerged as such an important hurdle to overcome for self-driving cars is that it's believed if they can be made to adjust to those conditions, they'll also be able to handle other potential dangers, such as traffic circles and work zones.

This new toll-booth rivalry between the French manufacturers Renault and PSA is the perfect illustration of just how competitive the race to develop autonomous vehicle technology and bring it to market has become. The consulting firm AlixPartners has revealed a new study that suggests only a handful of the 50 major companies currently spending billions on the technology will emerge successful.


All-new Toyota Veloz open for booking, price from RM95,000

                SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota Motor today announced that the highly anticipated all-new Toyota Veloz is now available for pre-launch booking.

The Veloz is available for order taking at all authorised Toyota showrooms nationwide with an estimated on-the-road price of RM95,000 without insurance.

The seven-seater Veloz replaces UMW Toyota Motor's long-standing favourite Avanza model in the local B-segment multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) market.

The Veloz is more spacious than the Avanza, gets a front-wheel drive platform (Avanza was rear-wheel drive), better driving performance and more safety equipment.

 This image and subsequent ones are of the Veloz model offered by Toyota in Indonesia.

Launched in Indonesia in November last year, the Veloz became the archipelago nation’s third best-selling car in April.

UMW Toyota Motor will be offering the locally-assembled Veloz, powered by a 1.5-litre (2NR-VE) engine coupled to a seven-speed CVT, with the highest specification and advanced features for the best driving experience.

Targeted for Malaysians with active lifestyles, the vehicle also features the tagline “Happiness Inside Out” and offers the best of both worlds - the confident image of a premium crossover and the family comfort of a larger interior space MPV.

Equipment include class-leading advanced Toyota Safety Sense, Electric Parking Brake (EPB), “Qi” smart device charging pad, LED headlights with daytime running lights, roof rails, automatic air-conditioning and alloy wheels with 205/50R17 tyres.

Available colours are Silver Metallic with black roof, Blue Metallic with black roof, White, Metallic Bluish Black and Red Metallic.

UMW Toyota Motor president Ravindran K said the company was committed to go the extra mile for its customers and ensure that they experience only the best.

“With the SST exemption ending on June 30, commencing the order taking for the all-new Toyota Veloz today is a token of appreciation to our customers for their support towards the Toyota brand and enabling them to drive the car of their dreams.

“We hope that Toyota fans and other potential buyers looking to purchase a car for their family will take the opportunity to do so and leverage on the Sales and Service Tax (SST) exemption before it ends,” he said.

Ravindran also expressed his appreciation for the support that the Malaysian Government had given the automotive industry through the implemented SST exemption from June 2020.

“Our positive sales performance can be attributed to the government’s initiative to drive the recovery of the local automotive industry and bolster the impact of the pandemic.

“UMW Toyota Motor will continue to provide best-in-class products and services, with the best financial packages and rebates to customers.

“As for customers who are waiting eagerly for vehicle stock availability, we seek your kind patience and understanding due to the current microchip shortages. Please be assured that UMW Toyota Motor is working towards fulfilling the outstanding orders at the soonest,” he added.


Launch of 2017 revised Honda City: VIDEO

                SHAH ALAM: Carsifu.my covers the launch of the 2017 revised Honda City compact sedan which comes with extra features, at no additional cost.

Watch the video, shot at Setia City Convention Centre and check out the new features of the 2017 City.

It comes in three variants priced at RM78,300 (S variant); RM84,600 (E variant) and RM92,000 (V variant).

Warranty for the new City remains at five years with unlimited mileage at 10,000km service intervals.

For more details on the new City, check out our story "Honda City facelift launched, more kit same price, from RM78,300"


RON95 petrol price to be floated in stages from January

                PETALING JAYA: Get ready, folk. The price of RON95 petrol will be increased one or two sen a week from January 2020 until it reaches market price.

Deputy Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Chong Chieng Jen announced this at the Dewan Rakyat today. He was replying to a supplementary question from Rubiah Wang (GPS-Kota Samarahan) who had asked what Putrajaya was doing to prevent the prices of goods from soaring once fuel subsidies are withdrawn.

Sabah, Labuan and Sarawak would continue to benefit from the subsidised price of RM2.08 per litre, Chong said without elaborating.

At present, the price of RON95 petrol under the automatic price mechanism is RM2.36 a litre.

Chong said the gradual move to float the RON95 price would ease the burden on the people. It would also stop traders from profiteering, he said, adding that action would be taken against such offenders.

The RM2.2bil fuel targeted subsidy programme is expected to benefit more than eight million Malaysians. They include 2.9 million people in the lower income group (B40) who are receiving the Bantuan Sara Hidup (government aid) as well as those in the middle class (M40).

A microsite on the Petrol Subsidy Programme was put up on Oct 15 to allow eligible B40 recipients to check their personal details and inform them of their entitlement.

READ MORE: Security hole in petrol subsidy website patched, calls for accountability


Daimler to test self-driving trucks in Germany this year, says daily

                FRANKFURT: German carmaker Daimler is planning to test self-driving trucks as early as this year, executive board member Wolfgang Bernhard told a German newspaper.

"We are positive that we will get approval for tests on German motorways within the next weeks," Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung quoted him as saying. "Then we will start immediately."

First tests of semi-autonomous trucks will take place in Daimler's home state Baden-Wuerttemberg while the start of production is 2-3 years away, Bernhard, who is in charge of Daimler's trucks business, told the paper.

"We are leaders in this technology and will stand up for ourselves," Bernhard said, acknowledging that Apple, Google and other companies were trying to position themselves in the promising business of autonomous driving.

He said that Daimler was unfazed by moves of companies like Apple to poach Daimler employees. "That is a clear sign of recognition if Apple decides that your business - cars - are so important to them that they want to be part of it."

Google earlier this month began testing its self-driving cars in Austin, Texas, expanding efforts to gather information on how the prototypes interact with traffic, road conditions and people.

Technology groups as well as automotive manufacturers and suppliers have said the technology to build self-driving cars should be ready by 2020.


Motorists recount nasty encounters with illegal racers

                KUALA LUMPUR: Local motorists are full of tales of their encounters with illegal racers on the roads.

Client services manager K. Geetha, 46, said she and her family were on their way from Penang to Kuala Lumpur a few years back when they were suddenly “sandwiched” between two racing cars.

“They must have been speeding because one second they were 100m away and the next moment, the two cars were beside us.

“One swerved to the left while the other sped towards the emergency lane,” she said, adding that the driver in the second car eventually lost control of his vehicle and rammed into them.

Geetha said four of them in the car were injured due to the impact.

“The driver did not even apologise and drove away as soon as the ambulance arrived,” she said.

A freelance writer, who only wanted to be known as Tanya, said she was almost killed when two of her friends decided to race along the highway heading towards the KL International Airport.

“He was driving normally until my other friend decided to tailgate him and ‘instigate’ a race,” she said, adding that she screamed for her friend to stop the car but he pressed on.

The “race” only ended when her friend’s car skidded after hitting a puddle, spun several times and was rammed by another vehicle.

“The car was a total loss. Honestly, I am lucky I did not die,” she said.

Dr K. Prabagaran, 40, said he got so fed up of a group of young racers near his home in Balik Pulau, Penang, that he decided to tell them off.

However, he claimed the group scolded him back and even revved their vehicles in front of his house whenever they passed by.

In Kajang, Road Safety Department deputy director-general Abdul Haris Lakar advised motorists to slow down and make way if they came across racers or speeding cars.

“We encourage them to slow down their vehicle and avoid taking photos or videos using their mobile phones. Let the authorities take action against these culprits.

“The last thing motorists should do is tailgate or follow the illegal racers,” he told reporters after launching the United Nations Global Road Safety Week 2015 yesterday.

Abdul Haris said he also supported the proposal to make it compulsory for child seats to be used when ferrying young kids.


10 road habits that will rile other drivers

                Malaysian roads are not for the faint-hearted and can be a cut-throat place.

There are the queue-jumpers who try to get ahead, the emergency-lane users who coast on the fast track, the ruthless ones who won’t let you get ahead of them when you are trying to switch lanes, motorcyclists who will not be stopped by a mere red light leaving everyone to eat their proverbial dust, and lumbering heavy vehicles in the middle lane that hinder others from progressing.

These are everyday occurrences familiar to most, if not all, Malaysian drivers.

But there are special instances where even the most jaded and blasé motorist would go, “Huh! I did not expect to see that!”

Here are just 10 of the #facepalm moments that we have encountered on the road:

1. Back up now, slowly ...

The first time you see a car reversing on the highway, you might stare in disbelief but after the third, fourth or fifth occasion, you’ll get over it quickly enough and just drive past with only a shake of your head.

Yes, this scenario is more common than you think.

The driver, after realising they have missed their exit, throws the gears into reverse to get back to the slip road on the left lane. Just think about the unsuspecting motorists approaching from behind at about (minimum) 80kph. Such a reckless move should be avoided. Use the GPS on the cellphone.

2. Multi-tasking? No problem!

The most bizarre sight I had come across was a man reading – a book, no less – while he was driving along the Shah Alam Expressway. It looked like a good 200-page-thick tome and if you were wondering, no, we were not stuck in a bumper-to-bumper crawl.

While many motorists have, at one time or another, tried to read (or even reply) messages on their phones while driving, this chap takes multi-tasking behind the wheel to a whole new level.

3. Child’s play

Parents who drive with toddlers on their lap should have their licences revoked and made to attend Parenting 101. One such parent was spotted exiting the Federal Highway, while another was seen entering the Shah Alam Expressway.

Babies and toddlers sitting with their mothers in the front passenger seat are in just as much danger.

Also at risk of injury are children left to bounce around in the back seat.

Get a baby seat and secure your child in it even for a short drive. Older children who have outgrown the booster seat should be buckled in with the safety belt in the back seat.

4. The braking game

If you have the misfortune of coming up behind one of these drivers, you have all the time in the world to observe that they brake every 200m or so. I kid you not!

And they remain firmly in the right-most lane!

5. Two-wheeled flexibility

I had a mild panic attack while driving along the New Klang Valley Expressway one night when I saw a single light heading towards me.

But it soon became clear it was not a ghostly light but an actual motorcyclist riding down the expressway – against traffic!

6. Out of left field

This frequently happens at busy U-turns, where drivers find the queue on the right lane way too long. So they take the left lane and make a 180°-turn from the outer lane, at times causing you to jerk to a stop because the space is too narrow and they are suddenly in your path. Conversely there are drivers who occupy the U-turn lane just because there are fewer cars here, although they have no intention of making the turn but are heading straight.

7. Always right

These are Malaysian drivers who seem to think that Malaysia uses a left-hand drive road system. So, they chug along in the overtaking lane although they are moving slower than the vehicles (which sometimes include buses and lorries) whizzing past on their left.

The ones who will make you pull your hair out will, after slowing down traffic on the right lane over some 7km, suddenly veer to the far left to exit the highway!

A facepalm moment within this #facepalm instant is seeing a four-lane highway seemingly only having two lanes as far as drivers are concerned when traffic is flowing smoothly but suddenly a three-lane street magically becomes six lanes when cars are all jammed up.

8. Free for all

Along with roadhogs, drivers who double and triple-park or park illegally on the roadside despite vacant bays being plentiful, are the bane of civic-conscious motorists. In one instance in Shah Alam, the driver of an SUV spent more than five minutes inching backward and forward, manoeuvring out of the designated bay because he was impeded by a car illegally parked on the side of the road. In Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur, the owner of a car blocked from exiting the parking bay was furiously honking for nearly 15 minutes before the offending driver turned up to remove the double-parked vehicle.

9. What’s a roundabout?

Shah Alam is a city of roundabouts. They exist in all sizes here. When it is small enough, drivers wishing to turn right take a shortcut by going counter-clockwise. This happens a lot on residential roads.

10. Waste bins not needed

Although technically not “on-the-road”, you would have come across car owners clearing their vehicles of rubbish by unconcernedly sweeping everything out onto the ground in whatever public place they are parked.


Emissions rose an 'unsustainable' 2% in 2018, says BP study

                LONDON: Global carbon emissions grew by 2.0 percent last year, the highest rate since 2010-2011, a closely-watched review by energy giant BP said Tuesday, calling the trend "unsustainable".

"There is a growing mismatch between societal demands for action on climate change and the actual pace of progress, with energy demand and carbon emissions growing at their fastest rate for years," said BP chief executive Bob Dudley.

"The world is on an unsustainable path," he said.

The BP Statistical Review of World Energy is viewed as an energy industry standard, pooling data on everything from the size of countries' oil reserves to their production of renewable energy and various consumption rates.

Growth in demand

It found that global energy demand grew by 2.9 percent. Part of that rise was met by booming shale rock reserve exploitation in the United States, which recorded the fastest rise of oil and natural gas production in the world, the report said.

Governments across the world are coming under intensifying pressure from campaigners to set deadlines by which they will cut their net greenhouse emissions to zero.

Britain's top advisory body on climate change has recommended that the government target 2050, the same date eyed by some other European governments.

The progressive wing of the US Congress is pushing for 2030, although most analysts view the target as unattainable and prohibitively expensive to reach.

The BP report found that while the use of renewable forms of energy grew by 14.5 percent in 2018, it still accounted for just a third of the total rise in power generation last year.

This meant that a focus on "green" forms of energy would not be able to achieve net-zero targets, with governments instead having to do more to cut the use of polluting coal and oil, Dudley said.

"This is not a race to renewables, but a race to reduce carbon emissions across many fronts," Dudley said.
WATCH VIDEO: BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2019


Aug 19-25: Fuel prices unchanged

                KUALA LUMPUR: Retail prices of RON97 and RON95 petrol as well as diesel remain unchanged from Aug 19-25.

The price of RON97 petrol remains at RM2.74 per litre, RON95 (RM2.05) and diesel (RM2.15).

The Finance Ministry, in a statement today, said the prices were set based on the weekly retail prices of petroleum products using the Automatic Pricing Mechanism.


In big shift, India said to be revising perks for autos to boost EVs, fuel cell cars

                NEW DELHI: India has revised its proposed US$8 billion scheme for the auto sector which will now focus on incentivising companies to build electric and hydrogen fuel-powered vehicles, say two sources familiar with the plan.

This is a significant shift from the government's original plan to incentivise auto and auto part makers to build mainly gasoline vehicles and their components for domestic sale and export, with some added benefit for electric vehicles (EVs).

The move to clean technologies comes as Tesla Inc is gearing up to enter India and is lobbying for lower import duties on electric cars.

While the government is considering the request, it wants some economic benefit in return which could include a commitment from Tesla to produce cars locally.

Under the new proposal, India will give incentives to automakers for building EVs and hydrogen fuel cell cars only, the sources said.

"The government does not want to spend money on promoting old technologies," one of the sources said.

Auto parts makers, however, will get incentives to produce components for clean cars as well as for investing in safety-related parts and other advanced technologies like sensors and radars used in connected cars, automatic transmission, cruise control and other electronics, the sources said.

"The idea is to promote the development of technology that is currently not manufactured in India but is imported either because regulation demands it or customers want those features in their cars," said the second source.

The sources said the original incentive outlay of about US$8 billion may also be cut and that the production-linked scheme, which would apply on domestic sale and exports, could be finalised as soon as September-end.

India's industries and finance ministries did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

India's efforts to promote EVs, which make up a fraction of total auto sales, have been stymied so far by a lack of investment and weak demand, as well as the patchwork nature of existing incentives that vary from state to state.

But the government is focussed on adopting clean mobility so it can reduce its oil dependence and cut pollution, while also meeting its commitment under the Paris Climate Accord.

Domestic automaker Tata Motors is currently the largest seller of electric cars in India with rival Mahindra & Mahindra as well as motor-bike companies TVS Motor and Hero MotoCorp firming up their EV plans.

However, India's biggest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki, has no near-term plan to launch EVs as it does not see volumes or affordability for consumers, its chairman said last month.

The incentive scheme is part of India's broader US$27 billion programme to attract global manufacturers so it can boost domestic production and exports.


Kelantan JPJ nets RM2.28mil for DDY number plate series

                KOTA BARU: The Kelantan Road Transport Department (JPJ) recorded the highest collection for bids involving the DDY vehicle registration serial numbers amounting to RM2.28 million.

Its director, Hanif Yusabra Yusuf, said the bidding, which opened on Jan 29, exceeded the initial target of RM1.9 million.

It was also the highest collection of registration number series since the electronic bidding for vehicle registration number plates (JPJeBid) was introduced in Kelantan, he said.

The highest bidding was for the DDY 1 registration number, worth RM155,500, followed by DDY 9 (RM64,700), DDY 8 (RM55,800), DDY 7 (RM55,452), DDY 6 (RM48,010), DDY 3 (RM46,100), DDY 2 (RM45,021), DDY 5 (RM44,000), DDY 33 (RM34,888) and DDY 11 (RM31,200).

“A total of 2,937 bidders were involved for this series and only 1,398 them were successful,” he said in a statement here today.

Hanif Yusabra said the any registration number that is successfully bid must be registered on a vehicle within 12 months from the date the offer letter is issued at the state JPJ office or branch.

He said the remaining unregistered numbers would be open to the public at the minimum price.

“The bidding price will be according to the category that has been set, namely the key category with a value of RM20,000; attractive numbers (two digits) at RM3,000; attractive numbers (three digits) at RM2,500; attractive numbers (four digits) at RM2,000; and popular numbers at RM500 and current numbers worth RM300.

“Members of the public who are interested in the remaining registration number, can do so at the state JPJ office or branches,” he said.

He added that the public is also advised to have mySIKAP ID to get a list of current numbers that have yet to be registered and then buy them online.

Thus far, Kelantan JPJ has recorded a collection of bid revenue of RM16,019,573 during the implementation period of the JPJeBID system introduced starting with the DDP to DDY series.


ABB Robotics unveils world’s first robot-painted art car

                STOCKHOLM: ABB Robotics has collaborated with two world-renowned artists, eight-year-old Indian child prodigy Advait Kolarkar and Dubai-based digital design collective Illusorr, to create the world’s first robot-painted art car.

ABB’s award-winning PixelPaint technology has, without human intervention, perfectly recreated Advait’s swirling, monochromatic design as well as Illusorr’s tri-colour geometrical patterns.

Equipped with 1,000 nozzles in the printer head, ABB’s IRB 5500 paint robots were able to complete the highly complex artworks in less than 30 minutes.

The PixelPaint technology demonstrates unprecedented precision and speed, capturing intricate, elaborate detail that would be impossible to achieve by hand. A film highlighting this world-first achievement can be seen here.

ABB’s ground-breaking PixelPaint technology reimagines the paint application process and reflects the growing demand for sustainable personalisation in the automotive industry, particularly in exterior paint.

Multi-coloured car painting has traditionally been a laborious and costly process involving multiple stages of masking and unmasking, but ABB’s technology allows for a detailed, colourful, and exact replication of any design.

Carefully controlled, the paint can be quickly applied in a single application. This breakthrough in the automation of the paint process opens the door to specialized and personalized designs to the automotive market.

Influential automotive designer, Ian Callum, responsible for the design of the Aston Martin Vanquish and more recently the ground-breaking Jaguar I-Pace said: “There’s something very special about a car. People get emotionally attached to them and the importance of personalization is becoming stronger and stronger. In fact, I’m working with customers who actually want the whole car designed in a bespoke way. So this paint offering – with all sorts of new levels of individual design for a motor car – is incredible.”

PixelPaint technology also enhances manufacturing sustainability, removing the need for masking materials and extra ventilation, which lowers emissions while saving water and energy.

Coordinated by the firm’s RobotStudio software, the paint head tracks very closely to the vehicle body to ensure 100 percent of the paint is applied to the car with no airborne misting.

Different paint colours are applied quickly, with the product only running through the paint shop once. For car manufacturers, this can halve the production time and reduce costs by up to 60 percent.

To create the art car, ABB refurbished a Volkswagen SUV that was damaged in the catastrophic floods in Germany in the summer of 2021. Its recycling confirms ABB’s commitment to sustainability wherever possible.


Renault Captur

                The Renault Captur crossover looks to provide something safe, sporty and versatile to new owners by combining a high SUV-like driving position with the space of a multi-purpose vehicle and a car’s driving enjoyment.

The French automaker built the Captur on its new Clio hatchback’s platform while rolling on 17-inch wheels with 205/55 series tyres and comes in measuring 4,122mm-long, 1,770mm-wide and 1,573mm-tall.

READ ALSO: New cars coming in second half of 2015With plenty of curves for its sheet metal and sporting daytime running lights, the Captur’s power comes from its Turbo Control Efficiency (TCe) 120 1.2-litre engine with Eco-mode.

The engine is mated to a six-speed Efficient Dual-Clutch (EDC) transmission and has manual tiptronic-mode too.

Power has been rated at 118bhp at 4,900rpm and 190Nm of torque from 2,000rpm, allowing it to sprint to 100kph from standstill in 10.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 192kph. Fuel efficiency on the combined cycle is rated at 5.4L/100km.

The European New Car Assessment Programme (EuroNCAP), which crash tests all vehicles being sold in the European Union has accorded the Captur with the full five-star crash test rating.

Its safety features include four airbags, anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control with roll movement intervention, hill start assist, and emergency brake assist.

In terms of convenience, the Captur gets automatic headlights and wipers, keyless-entry with push-start button and a 377-liltre boot that’s expandable to 455 litres via the sliding rear bench seat.

The centre console features a seven-inch touchscreen that has AUX and USB ports as well as Bluetooth connectivity, GPS navigation and a reverse camera.

Price range for the Captur is estimated to be from RM118,000 to RM123,000.

For more information about Renault models, log on to the local website.


Hyundai Kona hybrid launched in Europe: 3.9 litres per 100km

                LONDON: Hyundai has launched its Kona Hybrid in Europe, featuring  the Kappa 1.6-litre GDI, a direct-injection petrol four-cylinder engine providing maximum power of 105ps and 147Nm of torque.

Its permanent magnet electric motor delivers 43.5ps with maximum torque of 170Nm.

It has a 1.56 kWh lithium ion polymer battery, the powertrain outputs 141ps  and up to 265Nm of torque.

Fitted with a 6-speed dual clutch transmission, the Kona Hybrid can deliver a combined fuel consumption of 3.9 lires per 100km.

In the cabin, the Kona Hybrid has white accents around the air vent surrounds and gear shift bezel, as well as Glossy Black accents on the door handles, steering wheel spoke and air vent bezel, and a grey headliner.

Standard models feature black woven cloth seats with white stitching, or black leather seats with white stitching on higher trims.

The Kona Hybrid inherits the same expressive design and ‘go anywhere’ attitude of the Kona and Kona Electric.

At the front of the vehicle is Hyundai’s trademark Cascading Grille, while twin headlamps are available with full LED technology.

The Kona Hybrid’s leading safety package includes Front Collision Warning and Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection ability.

Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) is standard.

Also, the Kona Hybrid with the 10.25-inch AVN is equipped with the ECO-Driving Assist System (ECO-DAS) to help improve fuel economy.

The integrated Coasting Guide analyses road information from the navigation system to notify the driver when deceleration (for example change of direction, cross-roads, highway exits) is imminent.

The feature aims to reduce fuel consumption and minimise brake usage.

The Coasting Guide can be activated when in Eco mode between 40 and 160kph.

Eco-DAS is further equipped with a Predictive Energy Management system, which manages charging and discharging of the battery in uphill and downhill situations to maximise the battery usage.


Sweden's best-selling car is now a VW Golf, not Volvo

                STOCKHOLM: For the first time in more than half a century, Sweden's best-selling car of the year was not a Volvo but the Volkswagen Golf, the Swedish automakers' association said on Monday.

The Golf represented 5.9 percent of the new cars market in 2016 ahead of Volvo's three most popular models - the V70, S90 and V90 - with 5.7 percent shares of the market together.

"It's been 54 years since another brand than Volvo topped this statistic," Volkswagen Sweden said in a statement.

"The last time this happened was in 1962 and Volkswagen was at the top even then," it added, referring to the Volkswagen Beetle.

But the market share for Volvo remained the highest in the Swedish market with 21.5 percent. Volkswagen came in second place with 15.7 percent followed by Audi with 7,3 percent.

Volvo, which produced its first car in 1927, is cherished by Swedes who take pride in the brand's reputation for Scandinavian know-how and quality.

This past year marked a new record of Swedish car sales with 372,300 new registrations an 8 percent jump compared to 2015, the year when a previous record of 1988 was beaten.

"The strength of the automotive market in 2016 is explained by the strong economic situation, robust purchasing power, record low interest rates and a stable labour market," said the Swedish automakers' association Bil Sweden which, however, expects a 3 percent drop in the market in 2017.


Mono supercar dealership opens in Taiwan

                LONDON: Briggs Automotive Company (BAC) has set up a dealership in Taiwan to sell at least five of its Mono supercars a year.

BAC had previously been exporting its Mono supercar direct to buyers in Taiwan.

BAC Taiwan will sell the Mono from Taipei and Kaohsiung, which are near to racing circuits.

The Longtan National Speedway is less than an hour from the capital, while Taiwan’s most famous track, Penbay International Circuit, is 45km from Kaohsiung.

BAC Taiwan was launched as part of another big deal for the British manufacturer, as it renewed its contract in Asia for two years.

BAC Hong Kong caters to Mono fans from Hong Kong and China as well as Taiwan, and it will continue to do so on 12- and 24-car deals until the end of 2018.

Managing director of BAC Hong Kong, Duncan Lee, said: “We are delighted to sign a new deal with Neill and Ian Briggs and the guys at BAC. BAC Hong Kong has been a huge success since it opened in late 2015 and interest in Hong Kong, China and Taiwan has been growing. We’re  looking forward to catering for demand across the territories and distributing more Monos over the next two years.”

"Having a specialist dealer in a country (Taiwan) where the Mono isn’t road-legal is testament to just how impressive a machine it is and just how competitive it is as a track car," said BAC co-founder and product development director Neill Briggs,

The Liverpool-based car maker has exported the Mono to 28 markets worldwide.


Cummins to make electrolysers for hydrogen-powered truck fleets

                FRIDLEY (Minnesota, USA): In just a few weeks, global power technology leader Cummins Inc will begin production of an electrolyser - which help produce clean hydrogen that is essential for reducing emissions, according to the group's president and CEO Jennifer Rumsey.

"Support from the Biden administration and Congress with legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act are driving the clean energy economy forward in the United States and critical to our decarbonization efforts,” she said in a statement, in conjunction with the recent visit by President Joe Biden to the group's Fridley, Minnesota plant.

“The electrolyser production in Minnesota and investment in our Indiana, North Carolina and New York facilities are reflective of our dual path approach of advancing both engine-based and zero-emission solutions," said Rumsey.

Over half of all medium- and heavy-duty trucks on the road in the United States today use Cummins engines.

In addition to recent investments in Fridley, the company is investing more than US$1 billion across its US engine manufacturing network in Indiana, North Carolina and New York.

The investment will provide upgrades to those facilities to support the industry’s first fuel agnostic engine platforms that will run on low carbon fuels, including natural gas, diesel and eventually hydrogen, helping decarbonize the nation’s truck fleets today.

“Since I took office, companies have announced over US$2 billion in major manufacturing investments in Minnesota alone,” said President Joe Biden. “All these investments mean that now if you grow up in Minnesota, or you go to school in Minnesota, you can stay in Minnesota.”

In October 2022, just two months after President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act, Cummins announced it will begin manufacturing electrolysers in the United States for the first time at its Fridley location.

Since that announcement, Cummins launched Accelera by Cummins, its zero-emission technology brand.

At the Fridley facility, 89,000 sq ft will be dedicated to Accelera electrolyser manufacturing.

Hydrogen produced by electrolysers can power hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and is used in industrial processes like steel production.

Building electrolysers in Fridley is helping to bring the supply chain for zero-emissions vehicles to the United States – particularly in heavy trucking industries - and employing hundreds of workers in the area with good-paying jobs.

“As a result of this legislation, we saw demand for United States-made electrolysers skyrocket,” said Tony Satterthwaite, senior vice president, Cummins Inc.

“And what you see here today is our ability to capitalize on that demand and create 100 new jobs at Fridley with many more at our supply base, as well as upskill part of our existing workforce.”

Meanwhile, Cummins’ plans include investing US$452 million in its Jamestown Engine Plant (JEP) to upgrade its 998,000 sq ft facility in Western New York to produce the industry’s first fuel-agnostic internal combustion engine platform that leverages a range of lower carbon fuel types.

The X15N is part of the new fuel-agnostic 15-litre engine platform produced at JEP.

Cummins customers, including Walmart, Werner, Matheson, and National Ready Mix, among others, are beginning to test the very first engines of the fuel agnostic platform, the X15N.

Walmart will receive the very first field test unit later in April to take part in the field test of this industry-first, 15-litre advanced engine platform running on renewable natural gas.

In March 2023, Accelera by Cummins had annouced it would supply a 90-megawatt proton exchange membrane electrolyser system for Varennes Carbon Recycling’s plant in Quebec, Canada.

The project, which will be the largest electrolyser project Cummins has announced to date and a key step in advancing North America’s green hydrogen-based economy, will help turn non-recyclable waste into bio fuels and circular chemicals.

Also, Accelera and Blue Bird aim to power a new fleet of 1,000 electric school buses across the United States over the next 12-18 months.

Production of the electric school buses will be significantly accelerated, more than doubling the zero-emissions school buses that the pair have put into operation since the start of production.

With 1,000 new electric school buses on the road, 10,600 metric tons of harmful carbon emissions would be prevented annually.

Recent zero-emissions highlights that Accelera will continue to build on include:

- Completing the acquisition of Meritor, Inc., and Siemens Commercial Vehicle business to advance electric powertrain solutions
- Increasing global electrolyser manufacturing capacity with gigawatt-scalable plants in Fridley, Minnesota – its first in the United States – and in Spain (now under construction)
- Powering the world’s largest proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer in operation in the world in Bécancour, Canada
- Powering the world’s first hydrogen refuelling station for ships, cars, trucks and industrial customers in Antwerp, Belgium
- Powering the world’s first megawatt-scale demonstration plant for storing wind energy in the natural gas grid in Windgas Falkenhagen, Germany
- Powering the world’s first fleets of hydrogen fuel cell passenger trains in Germany
- Deploying four hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered class 8 heavy-duty trucks with several marquis fleet customers in the United States
- Powering 52 fuel cell city buses in Lingang, Shanghai
- Powering refuse trucks with FAUN across Europe


Renault's board triggers process to recover Ghosn's suspect expenses

                PARIS: Renault’s board triggered on Tuesday a process to recover 11 million euros (RM52mil) in Carlos Ghosn’s suspect expenses when he chaired the alliance between the French carmaker and its Japanese counterpart Nissan.

Ghosn is facing financial misconduct charges, which he denies. He was freed in April from jail in Japan on a US$4.5 million (RM19mil) bail.

Renault’s board members were asking the group’s representatives to liaise with counterparts at Nissan to explore legal action to recover sums paid for by the Dutch jointly-owned subsidiary Renault-Nissan BV, the board said in a statement after reviewing results of a joint audit mission with Nissan.

The suspect expenses amount to about 11 million euros, which include air travel fees, gifts to non-profit organisations and “certain other expenses incurred for Mr Ghosn,” Renault’s board said.

Ghosn has been indicted four times in Japan, twice on charges that he failed to disclose a portion of his earnings to authorities and twice for aggravated breach of trust.

The latter included an allegation that he received US$5 million (RM21mil) in payments from a Nissan dealership in Oman after authorising incentive payments to it from Nissan.

Ghosn has said he is the victim of a boardroom coup, accusing “backstabbing” former colleagues of conspiring to oust him as Nissan chairman.


German cities free to ban older diesel cars immediately

                BERLIN: German cities are entitled to ban older diesel vehicles from streets with immediate effect to bring air pollution levels in line with European Union rules, Germany’s top administrative court confirmed last Friday.

A day after the European Commission lodged a complaint with Europe’s top court against Germany for its repeated failure to protect air quality in its cities, the details of the German ruling will add to pressure on Volkswagenand its German peers to provide hardware fixes for polluting diesel models.

Research firm Evercore ISI has said this could cost the industry 14.5 billion euros (RM68bil).

Germany opened the door to diesel bans in February when it allowed environmental groups to sue cities which fail to enforce Europe’s clean air rules, despite fierce lobbying to oppose bans from carmakers.

Dozens of German cities including Hamburg, Munich and Stuttgart exceed European Union limits on nitrogen oxide (NOx), known to cause respiratory disease.

In a 30-page statement on the ruling which was published on Friday, Germany’s administrative court in Leipzig said there should be no grace periods for driving bans.

“Such restrictions, in their intensity, do not go beyond other passage and stopping bans as justified by road law requirements, which motorists always have to reckon with and which they principally have to accept,” the court said.

European carmakers have invested heavily in diesel engines, which produce less of the carbon that causes global warming than gasoline, but more of other pollutants blamed for causing disease. Germany’s move to allow cities to ban diesel engines from streets could have wide implications for the future of the industry.

Bans in the home of some of the world’s biggest automakers are a further blow for the sector, and an embarrassment for Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government, which has faced criticism for its close ties to the industry.

“This ruling is a disaster for the government which one-sidedly stands in for the greed for profit by the carmakers while leaving 10 million owners of manipulated diesel cars alone,” said Juergen Resch, managing director of Germany’s DUH environmental lobby.

Immediate driving bans on major roads or road sections would be legitimate and could affect all models excluding those meeting the latest Euro-6 emissions standards, the ruling statement said.

Of the 15 million diesel cars on Germany’s roads, only 2.7 million have Euro-6 technology which was phased in 2014.

For wider city areas encompassing a multitude of main roads and side streets, the court recommended a phased implementation of bans, starting with older cars that meet Euro-4 emissions standards. The Euro-4 standard was replaced by Euro-5 beginning in 2009.

Germany’s VDA auto industry lobby urged cities to keep a sense of proportion when deciding their course of action, noting that NOx levels should fall significantly in coming months as more Euro-6 models are sold and the emissions-control software of older models is updated.

“What’s at stake are not blanket driving bans but an assessment as to whether local measures are even necessary to meet the legal air quality targets,” VDA president Bernhard Mattes said.

The Leipzig court had said in February that Euro-5 vehicles should not be banned until Sept. 1, 2019. Tradesmen and some residents too should be exempted, it said at the time.

The ruling is the latest regulatory action to come in the wake of Volkswagen’s diesel emissions test-cheating scandal in 2015, and was prompted by legal action from Germany’s DUH.

“The courts have been waiting for the ruling statement received today,” said Remo Klinger, a lawyer representing DUH which is pushing suits in 28 German cities including Munich and Frankfurt.

“We believe that in many cases, it will swiftly come to oral hearings and rulings.”

Germany’s second most populous city Hamburg said last week it had started putting up signs to enforce driving bans of older diesel cars, with local authorities expecting restrictions to start taking effect at the end of this month.


Rolls-Royce shows off 'Dusk until Dawn' bespoke duo

                LONDON: To mark the opening day of its Summer Studio in Sardinia, Rolls-Royce treated its invited guests to the unveiling of two bespoke cars.

Inspired by Porto Cervo marina, on the Costa Smerelda, one of the world's most exclusive summer holiday destinations, and the location where Rolls-Royce is thanking its most valued clients for their loyalty, the two cars, a Dawn drophead and a Wraith coupé collectively entitled "Dusk until Dawn", are a showcase for the marque's bespoke talents.

"Patrons of our marque delight in inhabiting some of the world's most beautiful enclaves," said Isobel Dando, General Manager, Future Retail, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. "The Bespoke Wraith and emerald embellished Dawn, inspired by the sights and colors of Porto Cervo, have been commissioned in the spirit that so many of our customers delight in."

For the one-off Wraith, Rolls-Royce used a two-tone sliver exterior finish to reflect the changing light as the sun sets and the day moves towards dusk.

A twilight colour palate has been used for dressing the interior. The seats are finished in a purple ostrich leather while the wooden veneers and marquetry features slate greys and shades of black as well as mid and dark brown tones.

The Dawn takes the surrounding seascape as its exterior inspiration. It is finished in emerald green with a subtly contrasting seashell and green leather interior.

Teak wood, like that used on the decks of yachts, has been used for not just the tourneau cover that shields the roof when not in use, but also to create a trunk floor mat.

The final touch is a dashboard fascia that features emeralds and mother of pearl set into white gold.

However, the bespoke reveals will not be confined to cars. One of the clients invited to this year's summer studio is tattoo artist Mo Coppoletta. He was given access to the Rolls-Royce studio during the cars' development and has used them, along with the Sardinia surroundings, as inspiration for two tattooed Rolls-Royce headrests.

"The designs I have created for Rolls-Royce evoke the emotion experienced by observing this magical place from the harbour of Promenade du Port," Coppoletta said.


Winners of the Isuzu D-Max Buy and Win announced

                PETALING JAYA: Two proud Isuzu D-Max owners not only got to enjoy their new Isuzu D-Max that they purchased recently but also, they won another brand-new Isuzu D-Max 2.5 Auto 4x4 each as part of the Isuzu D-Max Buy and Win contest.

Held in conjunction with Hari Raya and Gawai celebrations this year, Ghanie Entalang of Sebauh, Sarawak and Sugumaran Nagappan were picked as the winners of the contest simply by purchasing their new vehicles between April and June this year.

The scaffolder from Sebauh, Sarawak was initially skeptical about the authenticity of the call when he was first told of the win and even laughed it off.

 Sugumaran Nagappan (right) with his prize, the new Isuzu D-Max 2.5.

“The first thought that crossed my mind was that this was some kind of a scam. It was only upon listening further to the caller that I recalled filling in a contest form when I bought my car. I was so excited from the news that I didn’t sleep that night,” said Ghanie.

Sugumaran was equally surprised to be picked for the win as he never expected the entry would be selected.

“I just thought it was an ordinary lucky draw to win something small. When I got a call from the dealer, I was quite shocked and thought it was a joke. But later, I got a call from Isuzu head office confirming that I won a car. I was so happy,” said Sugumaran who operates a truck business but spends most days as a safety officer visiting oil palm estates.

COO of Isuzu Malaysia Masayuki Suzuki handed over the prize to Ghanie at the KM Mobil Isuzu showroom in Bintulu while General Manager Kenkichi Sogo handed the prize to Sugumaran at the Jumbo Arena Isuzu showroom in Kluang.


Bentley Bentayga makes European market debut in Austrian Alps

                MUNICH: Bentley Motors' Bentayga made its European market debut to mark its first public outing in the Austrian Alps, which coincided with the famous ski-race in Kitzbühel and was displayed at the foot of the ‘Streif’ ski run.

The Bentayga is touted by Bentley as the fastest, most powerful, most luxurious and most exclusive SUV in the world.

It has  an 85-litre fuel tank for the 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine from Volkswagen and is managed by an eight-speed automatic for the permanent all-wheel drive system.

Power is rated at 600bhp from 5,000 to 6,000rpm and 900Nm of torque at 1,350rpm for the 2,422kg (kerb) Bentayga, which has a wheelbase of 2,992mm and comes measuring 5,141mm-long, 2,223mm-wide and 1,742mm-tall,

It has the ability to sprint from 0-100kph in 4.1 seconds before reaching a top speed of 301kph with extra urban fuel economy rated at 9.6 litres per 100km.

Although the Bentayga is a four-seater, it can be converted to fit five within the cabin that's been clad in the owner's choice of 15 fine leathers and four veneers, while the exterior has a choice of 17 piano-finished paints.

Standard equipment includes air suspension with continuous damping control and four height settings, acoustic IR front screen and acoustic side glass, full LED adaptive headlights with high beam assist, drive dynamics mode, panoramic sunroof with electric blind, speed sensitive variable ratio electric power steering, powered tailgate and soft-close doors.

Furthermore, there's an eight-inch touch-screen infotainment with a 60GB hard-drive, navigation, voice control with text-to-speech as well as AMI, CD, MP3, SD cards playback before ending the list with hill descent control, touch-screen remote, Bentley Dynamic Ride and Wi-Fi connectivity.

As for optional features, there are 22-inch five-spoke directional alloy wheels, body coloured lower bodywork, 22-Way front seat with adjustable bolsters, massage function, ventilation, electric seatbelt adjustment and comfort headrests.

There's also a hands free tailgate, Bentley Signature Audio Naim for Bentley, event specification,sunshine specification, veneer specification, city specification, touring specification, Bentley rear entertainment system, all terrain specification and veneered picnic tables.

“We are on course for further growth in 2016, without compromising our exclusivity. In doing so, we will enhance our current retail network across Europe and enlarge our market presence by opening new locations. The all-new Bentayga will play an important role in our growth strategy,” said Bentley Europe regional director Robert Engstler.

In 2015, Bentley Motors achieved a market-leading position in the luxury segment in countries such as Austria and Russia. In the same period, new markets, such as Morocco, were entered. An important pillar of this success was the consistent development and extension of the retailer network. A total of 10 new locations have been opened, for instance in Casablanca, Dresden and Zug.


'Godzilla' among six vehicles seized in ops to weed out illegal racing on Lekas

                KAJANG: A Nissan GT-R nicknamed Godzilla in the automotive world was among six vehicles seized after police conducted a special operation to weed out illegal racing along the Kajang-Seremban Expressway (Lekas) here.

Five drivers and two men believed to be the organisers were arrested for their fast and furious antics.

Kajang OCPD Asst Comm Mohd Zaid Hassan said police from the Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department Intelligence and Operations Unit conducted the operation at around 2am on Thursday (Sept 15).

"Police detained 10 men who were watching the reckless and dangerous races there. Ten vehicles were also seized.

"Investigations were conducted and two men suspected to be the organisers and five men who were driving recklessly were arrested," he said, adding that police also seized six sports cars.

He said those detained were brought to the Kajang police headquarters for further action.

"We are investigating the drivers for reckless and dangerous driving under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act while the two organisers were being investigated under Section 81(3) of the same Act for suspicion of organising the race and being involved in placing bets.

"The six vehicles seized included a Nissan GTR, Mercedes, BMW, Honda Civic and a Toyota Vellfire.

"The police, especially the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department, are committed to curbing illegal racing activities which pose a risk to all road users," he said.

ACP Mohd Zaid urged the public with any information on such activities to contact the Selangor police hotline at 03-2052 9999 or go to the nearest police station.


VinFast introduces three electric SUVs

                HANOI: Vietnam's homegrown auto brand Vinfast, has announced a new milestone by offering three electric sports utility vehicle (SUV) models with partial self-driving capabilities.

The vehicles - the VF31 C-segment SUV, VF32 C-segment SUV and VF33 D-segment SUV - would be among the few vehicles in the world to deploy level 3 autopilot capability affirming VinFast's R&D capacity and ability to produce high-class, pioneering products.

The full-option versions of VF33, VF32 and VF31 would be equipped with high-performance sensor systems including LiDAR sensors, 14 cameras capable of detecting objects up to 687m away, and 19 360-degree sensors allow warning and handling at high speeds (above 100kph).

The self-driving system controlled by the Orin-X chip can process up to 200GB of data per second, allowing control and navigation up to eight times faster than current generations.

In addition, the full-option versions will be equipped with some level 4 autopilot features such as automatic 3-dimensional map setting (first and only in the market), auto-detect parking slot and auto-parking, summoning feature as well as the ability to connect with the transport system and smart cities infrastructures to bring comfort, safety and high-class experience to users.

In addition to outstanding autopilot features - with the "customer-centric" philosophy - VinFast specially invests in smart features (virtual cockpit) with advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence technology (AI), Deep Learning, facial recognition and multi-lingual virtual assistant among others.

VF31
* Overall length: 4,300mm, wheelbase: 2,611mm, 10-12.8 inch infotainment screen, air conditioning system using HEPA filter with activated carbon filter, steering wheel heating, seat heating and ventilation (premium version)
* Permanent magnet electric motor, (Premium version - 150kW, 320Nm of torque); battery capacity of 85kW (Standard version: 190Nm, battery capacity of 42kWh, travel distance up to 300km
* Safety standards: EURO NCAP 5 (premium version); ASEAN NCAP 4 (standard version)

VF32

* Overall length: 4,750mm long, wheelbase: 2,950mm; 15.4-inch infotainment screen; interior lighting system with multi-color adjustment, air conditioning system using HEPA filter with activated carbon filter; steering wheel heating, seat heating and ventilation (premium version)

* Permanent magnet electric motor: (Premium version) two motors, capacity of 300kW and torque of 640Nm; (Standard version) one electric motor with 150kW and 320Nm; 90kWh capacity battery and full-time 4-wheel drive
* Safety standards: NHTSA 5, Euro NCAP 5

VF33

* Overall length: 5,120mm, wheelbase: 3,150mm, 15.4-inch centrescreen, LED Matrix system, panoramic ceiling glass with area of 2.63sq m and 99% anti-UV (high-end version)
* Permanent magnet electric motor: Two motors X 150kW, battery capacity up to 106kW, travel distance up to 550km
* Safety standards: NHTSA 5, Euro NCAP 5

In terms of safety, all three models meet international safety standards such as NHTSA 5, Euro NCAP 5 with automatic detection, warning and notification systems to medical centres when involved in an accident.

The batteries are located under the floor of the car with heat resistance from 40 to 80 Celsius to ensure safety when driving.

In addition, all models have software for automatic updating, fault detection and service station locator among others.

Order taking for the VF31 is expected to start from May in Vietnam with deliveries to customers from November.

The VF32 and VF33 will start order taking from September in Vietnam with deliveries from February next year.

For the US, Canadian and European markets, VinFast will start taking orders from November with deliveries from June next year.

Since joining the auto industry three years ago, VinFast has included electric scooters, electric buses and electric cars in its ambition to become a global EV player.

In addition to its modern factory complex in Vietnam, VinFast also owns a network of R&D centres in Australia, Germany and the US along with a world-class vehicle testing centre in Australia.


'Fish' bags top award at 2015 BMW Shorties

                KUALA LUMPUR: A short film titled Fish has won this year’s BMW Shorties.

With the win, filmmaker Gan Yu Long will receive RM75,000 in production grant from BMW Group Malaysia as well as guidance and mentorship from the panel of judges to make his next professional short film.

Fish is a film about Gan’s interpretation of a conservative Malaysian Chinese family’s lifestyle and philosophy on hard work and conformity through a story about a young boy whose passion and creativity is stifled by his family’s traditional view of diligence and achievement.

 BMW Group Malaysia managing director Alan Harris, the company’s corporate communications head Sashi Ambi (right), judges and contestants at the awards night on Dec 11.

The short film speaks about the loss of passion and creativity due to the traditional belief of conformity and uniformity where the lead character is seen to give up his creative ambition, passion and demeanour in place of mundane conventionality and thoughtless actions.

Fish also took home the award for Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Design and Best Production Design; and was nominated for the awards of Best Screenplay and Best Editing.

This year, Red Films, the production company led by judge Lina Tan have also awarded Winner of the Best Screenplay Award, Audrie Yeo and Fatimah Ruzaimi of the short film ‘Gigi’ a grant to produce a short film, which will later air on Feefo.TV.

This is the ninth year the annual BMW Shorties has been organised by BMW Group Malaysia.

The full list of entries can be viewed on the BMW Shorties website.


Make child seats in cars compulsory, Govt urged

                PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Consumers Association has urged the Government to introduce a law making it compulsory for child seats to be installed in cars carrying infants and young children.

It said statistics have shown that child seats reduce the risk of death by 71% for infants and 54% for children between the ages of one and five.

Maconas secretary-general Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill said in a statement yesterday that making child seats compulsory could help save the lives of children in accidents.

“Thousands of vehicles are driven daily and children ranging from infants to five-year-olds are at risk because they are seated at the back of the car without proper restraints.

“There are also parents who put the child in the front seat or on their laps when the car is driven. This is not only dangerous to the front passenger but also to the child,” he said.

Referring to the fatal accident at the DUKE Highway in which a couple and their seven-month-old baby were killed, Amarjit felt the baby could have been saved if she was securely strapped in a car child seat.

Although seat belt rules already exist, Amarjit said the authorities should enforce the rules strictly, especially during festive seasons and long public holidays.

“If we are going to be serious about road safety, then we have to be serious about making sure that precautions are put in place to ensure the safety of the passengers in vehicles,” he added.


Loke featured in CNY road safety video

                SEPANG: Transport Minister Anthony Loke (pic) was among those featured in a five-minute video clip promoting road safety, in conjunction with the coming Chinese Lunar New Year festivities.

The video sees local artist Adibah Noor performing a song titled "Play Your Role", where she reminds motorists not to flout safety rules while on the road.

There were several lighthearted scenes, where Adibah takes on motorists who use their hand phones while behind the wheel, including two Mat Rempits showing off their stunts.

The video was launched in conjunction with the launching of the integrated operations and road safety campaign at the Dengkil Rest and Recreational Area today.


German car industry heads lobby to drop tariffs between EU, US

                BERLIN: The heads of German car companies including BMW, Daimler and Audi lobbied politicians on Wednesday to reach a trade deal that could see tariffs dropped between the United States and the European Union.

BMW boss Norbert Reithofer said around 40 percent of all cars produced are sold in Europe and the United States. Removing tariffs would yield savings of around 1 billion euros (US$1.1 billion) for the German auto industry alone, he said.

Politicians including German Chancellor Angela Merkel and U.S. President Barack Obama are pushing for a so-called Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), a deal which proponents argue could allow auto makers to simplify vehicle designs and save the industry from paying tariffs.

Carmakers waste resources duplicating efforts for development, certification and crash testing to ensure vehicles meet different regulatory standards in the EU and the United States, Daimler chief executive Dieter Zetsche said.

"Therefore it makes sense to mutually recognise each other's rules and move forward. TTIP is a unique opportunity to better integrate markets on both sides of the Atlantic," Zetsche said at an industry conference in Berlin .

Reithofer and Zetsche said a substantial proportion of German jobs depended on maintaining and improving sales to markets outside of Europe. Lowering the trade barriers therefore helps to safeguard jobs in Germany, they argued.

The renewed campaign to open up markets has however met with scepticism from Germany's powerful labour representatives who on Tuesday warned they would only back TTIP under certain conditions, seeking to maintain protection of workers' rights.

Germany's powerful trade union IG Metall has said key clauses of the TTIP are unacceptable to them - in particular, the so-called investor-to-state dispute settlement (ISDS) mechanism which allows corporations to sue governments for loss of revenue if they choose to ban a product.

Zetsche and Matthias Wissmann who heads German auto industry association VDA said they are open to discussing how the system of investor protection can be improved, including a higher level of transparency surrounding the process of arbitrating disputes and potentially even improving a right of appeal.

The European Commission, which handles trade policy for the EU's 28 countries, has frozen negotiations with Washington on the ISDS issue and needs to restart them to win a deal with the United States, which wants strong investor protection.


Ford joins 3M, GE in speeding up ventilator, respirator production

                DETROIT: Ford today jumped into the emergency push by major US manufacturers to produce thousands of ventilators and respirators needed for critically ill coronavirus patients.

By joining forces with General Electric’s healthcare unit and 3M Co, Ford is taking heed of US president Donald Trump’s call for US automakers to work across sectors in producing equipment needed for the pandemic.

The rapid outbreak, which has killed more than 16,500 people globally, has strained healthcare systems around the world and led to a shortage of ventilators needed to treat patients suffering from the flu-like illness, which can lead to breathing difficulties and pneumonia in severe cases.

“We’ve been in regular dialogue with federal, state and local officials to understand the areas of greatest needs,” Ford chief executive Jim Hackett said, adding that the company’s aim was to increase the supply on necessary medical equipment.

Ford and GE Healthcare will expand the production of GE’s ventilator design to support patients with respiratory failure or difficulty breathing caused by the pathogen, Ford said.

A full-feature ventilator can cost as much as US$45,000 (RM198,000). Most of the major manufacturers have disclosed plans to boost production, including by adding shifts or running assembly plants around the clock, according to a Bloomberg report.

Separately, Ford will work with 3M to increase manufacturing capacity of its air-purifying respirators to meet a surge in demand for first responders and healthcare workers.

The company said it was exploring how it could produce these new respirators in one of its Michigan plants and help 3M boost production ten-fold. It would use fans from its Ford F-150 cooled seats to make parts of the respirators, the company said.

Additionally, Ford said its US design team was starting to test transparent full-face shields for first responders, which when paired with N95 respirator masks, could be an effective way of limiting exposure to the coronavirus.

General Motors Co has also partnered with medical equipment maker Ventec and is building ventilators at its plant in Indiana.

Meanwhile, Fiat Chrysler Automobile NV told employees in an email that the Italian-American automaker would start converting one of its China plants to ultimately make over 1 million masks a month to help combat the coronavirus outbreak.


Renault and Nissan forgo Wednesday announcement of alliance deal

                TOKYO: Renault SA and Nissan Motor Co are set to forgo a Wednesday announcement of a deal to restructure their automotive alliance as they struggle to bridge their differences, three people familiar with the matter said.

In their discussions, Renault is looking to Nissan to invest in its electric vehicle business, while Nissan is seeking the sale of part of Renault's 43% stake in Nissan to put the two partners on a more equal footing.

The French and Japanese carmakers remained apart on how to share intellectual property, the people, who declined to be named, said.

Renault and Nissan declined to comment.

Japanese television network JNN first reported the news on Friday night.

The companies have been aiming to announce the new alliance structure as early as this month, Reuters reported this week.

If more time is needed in negotiations, the companies could opt to meet a week later from Dec.7 and are planning to be ready for an announcement the following week in London, sources said.

The question of how to share technology and intellectual property has proved to be a sticking point in the talks.


2016 Geneva Motor Show: Ferrari GTC4Lusso

                GENEVA: The Ferrari GTC4Lusso four-seater integrates rear-wheel steering with four-wheel drive for the first time, in a sporting Grand Tourer.

The GTC4Lusso’s name references illustrious predecessors, such as the 330 GTC or its 2+2 sister model, the 330 GT - one of Enzo Ferrari’s favourites - and the 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso.

The number 4 alludes to the car’s four seats.

Penned by Ferrari Design, the GTC4Lusso is a further refinement of the shooting brake coupe, reinterpreting  the concept with an extremely streamlined, tapered shape that gives it an almost fastback-like silhouette.

The GTC4Lusso’s 6.3-litre V12 engine punches out a massive 680hp at 8,000rpm.

Maximum torque is 697Nm at 5,750rpm with 80% already available at just 1,750rpm for superb responsiveness even at low revs.

The GTC4Lusso has the Ferrari-patented 4RM Evo four-wheel drive system which is integrated with rear-wheel steering for the first time.

The result is the newly-patented 4RM-S (four-wheel drive and steering) system which, based on yet another exclusive Prancing Horse patent, the latest evolution of the Slip Side Control (4.0) system, now incorporates the electronic differential (E-Diff) and the SCM-E dampers.

The result is tremendous stability and a sensation of masterful control and security that translates into superior performance.

The GTC4Lusso also has new aerodynamic solutions, not least a new front grille with integrated air intakes to improve the efficiency of the radiating masses, the air vents on the wing that recall those of the 330 GTC, a roof-mounted rear spoiler and a new triple-fence diffuser.

The combined effect of these features is a Cd value that is substantially lower than on the FF.

Its Dual Cockpit architecture is another first, with the passenger having an optional display with a plethora of functions.

The GTC4Lusso also debuts the new Infotainment platform featuring a 10.25-inch HD touchscreen.


Brembo unveils G Sessanta LED-illuminated caliper

                DETROIT: In conjunction with its 60th anniversary, Brembo is introducing the G Sessanta, a new concept that incorporates LED technology on the body of the motorcycle brake caliper for the first time.

This solution enhances the form and function of the caliper.

It communicates wirelessly with the rider through a smartphone, and uses colour shades of LED lights to express the motorcycle's "mood" as well act as an aesthetic accessory.

The G Sessanta can also be used to find the motorcycle at night by emitting a courtesy light.


Complaints over one-way loop in Petaling Jaya reach gridlock

                PETALING JAYA: Residents and motorists are frustrated with the congestion along Jalan Utara, Petaling Jaya, especially this week, as it takes them an hour to exit the stretch of road during peak hours.

They attributed the problem to laying of pipes outside SMK(L) Bukit Bintang that had reduced the six-lane road to just one lane.

“Roadworks and lane closure near Brickfields Asia College heading towards the school is driving everybody nuts!” said Chow Keng Chin.

“It takes about one and a half to two hours just to exit Wisma LYL at Jalan 51A/223 to Jalan Utara the past few days,” he said, adding that the distance was less than 1km.

He questioned why the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) could not get the contractor to finish the job within 24 hours, or put a proper traffic plan in place before allowing such works to begin.

Section 14 (Jalan 14/1-14/15) Residents Association chairman Selva Sugumaran Perumal said residents had to endure extremely heavy traffic the past few days.

“There is no council traffic warden or traffic policemen to manage traffic flow at the site. It takes us one hour just to exit our neighbourhood and get on the Federal Highway.

“MBPJ and the contractor should ensure that the utility works are carried out in a more organised way,” he said.

Selva Sugumaran added that the congestion was worse during the morning and evening peak hours, when parents pick up and drop off their children at the two schools along Jalan Utara.

He added that residents were upset because despite numerous complaints about the problems with the one-way loop (OWL), the authorities appeared to have ignored their grouses and welfare.

“The bureau has been receiving complaints from parents who are angry with the haphazard OWL system as it makes it difficult for them to send their children to school,” said Selangor MCA Public Complaints Bureau chief Kelvin Chong.

“MBPJ or the contractor should put up signboards to alert motorists about the road works and issue notices so people are aware of any traffic changes,” he said, adding that MBPJ should also brief the parent-teacher associations and teachers of the affected schools.

He added that the OWL system appeared to be a failure as it had not improved the traffic flow in the area.

Bukit Gasing assemblyman R. Rajiv said the utility works outside the school was expected to be completed this weekend and all lanes would be reopened to traffic.

“I was told that there will be similar closures from time to time for the ongoing underground drainage works.

“The entire project is expected to be completed by Aug 31.”

He said MBPJ should improve on its public engagement by issuing notices to the media and residents as well as updating their social media sites.

“I have told MBPJ to update the public on such matters, especially when major roadworks are expected to take place, but it appears that the council has not done so,” said Rajiv.

MBPJ public relations officer Zainun Zakaria confirmed that utility works at the stretch outside the school is expected to be completed by this week.

“The problem is that the congestion is compounded by parents who park by the roadside to pick up or drop off their children at the schools.

“This reduces the two-lane traffic flow during the construction stage to only one,” she said.

Zainun said the council has plans to allocate space for buses and vans for pick-up and drop-off services to the two schools soon.


Tesla says newly reserved Model 3 delivery to start mid-2018

                SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla Motors Inc said buyers who place new orders for Model 3 vehicles can expect to begin receiving deliveries as soon as mid-2018, with production starting as scheduled late next year.

“Production begins late 2017. Delivery estimate for new reservations is mid 2018 or later,” the electric-car marker said on its website Tuesday.

“Today’s website update doesn’t reflect any change in our plans,” Tesla said in a statement. “We still plan to begin Model 3 deliveries in late 2017, and we adjusted the date on our marketing page to reflect more accurate timing for new/future reservation holders.”

After Fortune magazine said in a Twitter post that “Tesla says new Model 3 reservations won’t arrive for close to two years,” chief executive officer Elon Musk responded with a tweet of his own: “This is because the first 12 months of production are sold out.”

The Model 3, which is slated to begin at US$35,000 (RM147,000) before government incentives, is the key to Tesla’s plan to expand to a wider market for its electric cars. The company first unveiled the Model 3 at an event at its Hawthorne, California, design studio March 31. In May, Tesla said it had received about 373,000 pre-orders for the car.

The Model 3 update comes as Tesla is scheduled to unveil a new product Wednesday, leading to speculation about what the company will announce.

“Possibilities include enhancements to the S/X, energy storage products, or showing of a different class of vehicle,” Ben Kallo, a Robert W. Baird & Co. analyst, said in a research note Monday.

In a separate development, Panasonic and Tesla have agreed to start working together on solar energy products.

A spokesman for the Japanese firm told AFP on Monday that the pair have already teamed up on the world’s biggest the lithium-ion battery factory in Nevada, but said they plan to expand their collaboration.

”We agreed to start talks on a tie-up in production of solar batteries in a factory in Buffalo, New York, run by a Tesla subsidiary,” the Panasonic spokesman said. The Japanese company will supply technology used in solar cells and modules for products that are to be designed by Tesla, she added.

The US firm said late Sunday that the partnership will help “accelerate production of high-efficiency, extremely reliable solar cells and modules at the best cost”.

The deal requires shareholders’ approval of Tesla’s planned acquisition of San Mateo, California-based solar-panel company SolarCity Corp, the US company said.


Uber agrees world-first union deal for UK drivers

Uber conferred official recognition on the union - which counts 620,000 members across various industries - in the wake of a ruling by Britain's Supreme Court in February. — AFP

LONDON: US ride-hailing giant Uber announced Wednesday a "historic" pact with a British trade union to represent its 70,000 drivers in the UK, after a court ruling granted them workers' rights.

The GMB union said the collective bargaining agreement "shows gig economy companies don't have to be a wild west on the untamed frontier of employment rights".

"When tech private hire companies and unions work together like this, everyone benefits - bringing dignified, secure employment back to the world of work," GMB official Mick Rix said in a statement.

"We now call on all other operators to follow suit."

Uber conferred official recognition on the union - which counts 620,000 members across various industries - in the wake of a ruling by Britain's Supreme Court in February.

A month later, Uber complied by granting its British drivers worker status with benefits including a minimum wage and paid leave.

It represented a sea change in the business model of a company that had argued before courts in Britain and elsewhere that its drivers are self-employed freelancers, and which has resisted similar reforms in California.

"Whilst Uber and GMB may not seem like obvious allies, we've always agreed that drivers must come first, and today we have struck this important deal to improve workers' protections," Uber Europe executive Jamie Heywood said.

Noting the company's prior commitments on UK benefits, he said "this historic agreement means that Uber will be the first in the industry to ensure that its drivers also have full union representation".

Uber said it would support drivers in Britain if they choose to sign up as GMB members, and union representatives will be given access to company support sites to encourage membership drives.

California 'scare tactics'

The changes in Britain have come as Uber has faced sliding driver bookings owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, despite strong demand for its Uber Eats food delivery service during national lockdowns.

But despite the higher business costs flowing from the court ruling, Uber says it does not expect the changes to affect its net income this year.

"The future of work is too big of an issue for a one-size-fits-all solution, and that's OK," Uber chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi wrote in London's Evening Standard newspaper in March.

Khosrowshahi has previously argued for a "third way" to classify gig workers, rather than as employees or independent contractors.

The British Supreme Court ruling came soon after California's top court upheld a referendum that let "gig workers" like Uber drivers be treated as freelance contractors.

Proposition 22 - passed in November and heavily backed by Uber, Lyft and other app-based delivery services - effectively overturned a state law requiring them to reclassify their drivers and provide employee benefits.

But US labour groups such as the Services Employees International Union have pressed on with their campaigns. The SEIU has said Uber's decision to grant worker status to British drivers debunked the "scare tactics" of rideshare companies in California.

In a first for the European Union, Spain's government in March announced a deal that will recognise riders working for food delivery firms such as Deliveroo and Uber Eats as salaried staff following complaints about their working conditions.

In Italy, prosecutors have told Uber Eats and other food delivery platforms their couriers are employees and not independent workers, fining them 733 million euros for breach of labour safety rules.


Kawasaki returns to local market starting with three models

                SHAH ALAM: Kawasaki has officially returned to the local market with the reintroduction of the Modenas-branded Ninja 250, Ninja 250 ABS and Z 250 ABS models from its sports bike and naked bike segments.

The models will be distributed by Edaran Modenas Sdn Bhd (Emos), a subsidiary of Motosikal dan Enjin Nasional Sdn Bhd (Modenas).

 Ninja 250.

The Ninja 250, which comes in Metallic Carbon Grey and Metallic Matte Graphite, is priced at RM18,900, the Ninja 250 ABS in Metallic Matte Graphite Grey is sold at RM20,500 and Z250 ABS in Metallic Spark Black is offered at RM19,500.

All models, available from Aug 1 at authorised dealerships, are powered by a four-stroke two-cylinder 250cc engine delivering 27.5kW and 23Nm of torque.

 Ninja 250 ABS.

As Kawasaki Motors Ltd had increased its shareholding in Modenas, all Kawasaki motorcycle models up to 650cc will be rebranded under the Modenas.

Modenas CEO Roslan Roskan said the company shared the same ethos with Kawasaki in prioritising customers which would enable them to access affordable, quality and technology-driven products.

 Z250 ABS.

"We aim to bring unique solutions and a heightened experience to the two-wheeled market," he said.

Roslan also gave an assurance to old and new Kawasaki motorcycle owners that they could expect higher levels of service from the company.

"Modenas is continuously observing, learning and adapting the business operations of our technical partner and shareholder, Kawasaki Motors Ltd," he said.


'GT' plate numbers up for grabs

                KUALA LUMPUR: A special prefix for vehicle registration numbers – GT (Generasi Terbilang, Generation of Distinction) – is now open for bidding until Oct 31.

Datuk Akmar Hisham Mohd Yusof, the Malaysian Seven Continents Exploration Club advisor said the prefix for the number plates from GT 1 to GT 9999 was managed by the club in partnership with the Road Transport Department.

"GT is synonymous with the club as it has produced 23 icons of extreme sports since 2009," he said.

He said funds raised from sales of the registration numbers would be used to develop extreme sports and also to organise several expeditions until 2020.

"Those interested can place their bid through the official website www.platgt.com or contact the secretariat at 016-903 5130 (Zulaikha Mokhtar) and 019-364 5538 (Ismail Mokhtar)," he said.


Kia Sorento order books open ahead of launch

                KUALA LUMPUR: Naza Kia Malaysia, the official distributor of KIA vehicles in Malaysia, has announced that the all-new third generation Sorento sports utility vehicle (SUV) is now open for booking ahead of its official launch later this month.

The Sorento will be made available with a petrol and diesel engine with pricing estimated at around RM158,000 on-the-road and will come with a five-year warranty with unlimited mileage.

Inside, the Sorento is said to offer high quality materials and will include, among its long list of new and innovative offerings, a smart power tailgate, smart parking system, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and rear sunshine blind.

In terms of safety there's six airbags, vehicle stability management, electronic stability control, anti-lock braking system and hill-start assist control among others.

“With fuel-efficient diesel or petrol engines to choose from, 7 seats, multiple awards and the only SUV in the market with 19-inch chrome rims, customers who make their bookings early will be among the first in the country to own this one-of-a-kind SUV as soon as possible," said Naza Corporation Holdings (Automotive Group) chief operating officer Datuk Samson Anand George.


Car tries to force its way into Singapore at Tuas checkpoint, three arrested

The driver, who had a tampered Singapore passport in his possession, and his two passengers were arrested. - Immigration & Checkpoints Authority/Facebook
SINGAPORE: A high-speed chase across the Second Link came to a crashing halt after a driver tried to force his way into Singapore through the automated motorcycle clearance lanes and instead crashed his car between clearance counters at Tuas checkpoint.

The driver, who had a tampered Singapore passport in his possession, was arrested, as were his two passengers - a male Chinese national and a female Vietnamese.

At 2.14am today, a Malaysia-registered vehicle driven by a male Singaporean evaded departure clearance at Malaysia's Sultan Abu Bakar Complex and sped towards Tuas Checkpoint while being pursued by Malaysia's traffic police.

The vehicle was spotted by an auxiliary police officer at the entrance of Tuas Checkpoint towards Malaysia who immediately activated the alarm.

The checkpoint was then locked down, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said in a news release today.

The driver attempted to force his way into Singapore through the automated motorcycle clearance lanes, but the lanes were too narrow and the car crashed into the counters.

An ICA officer suffered an abrasion on his right ankle due to the crash.

The driver was detained by ICA officers.

The two passengers in the vehicle attempted to flee the scene on foot, but were stopped by auxiliary police officers.

The female passenger sustained injuries from a fall while attempting to escape.

Both the injured ICA officer and the female passenger were taken to the hospital for their injuries.

Both passengers were also allegedly not in possession of valid travel documents and were subsequently detained, ICA said.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the driver of the vehicle was wanted by the police and the Central Narcotics Bureau, and tested positive for drug consumption after a preliminary urine test.

All three have been placed under arrest by the police and investigations are ongoing.

Offenders found guilty of illegal entry can be jailed for up to six months and given a minimum of three strokes of the cane.

Those found guilty of possessing a false Singapore travel document can be fined up to S$10,000, jailed for up to 10 years, or both.

For damaging government property, first-time offenders can be fined up to S$2,000, jailed for up to three years, and caned. — The Straits Times


Volkswagen committee to discuss future of CEO Diess, say sources

                HAMBURG: A specially convened Volkswagen committee will discuss the future of CEO Herbert Diess, three people familiar with the matter said today, a week after a longstanding conflict with labour representatives flared up again.

The planned meeting of the rarely-summoned mediation committee of VW's supervisory board comes in response to tensions between management and its works council, after sources said Diess told a recent meeting of the board that 30,000 jobs were at risk as part of the group's electric vehicles push.

The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, could not confirm when the meeting would take place.

"Constructive and confidential discussions are currently being held. Possible results will be communicated in due time," said a source close to the supervisory board.

The mediation committee consists of Hans Dieter Poetsch, supervisory board chairman and CEO of Volkswagen's largest shareholder Porsche SE; Stephan Weil, state premier of the German state of Lower Saxony, which owns a fifth of the voting rights of Volkswagen; works council leader Daniela Cavallo; and Joerg Hofmann, head of Germany's largest trade union IG Metall.

Spokespeople for Diess, Volkswagen's supervisory board and Porsche SE all declined to comment.

The escalation of the tussle over Diess's future underscores the fragile balance of power at the world's second-largest carmaker, pitting Diess' ambition to make Volkswagen more competitive with Tesla against Germany's influential trade unions.

Diess, who took the helm at the carmaker in 2018 as the third CEO since the Dieselgate emissions scandal broke in 2015, has been repeatedly criticised for his demanding management style as he seeks to overhaul the company.

His current contract, extended early during the summer, runs until October 2025.

Diess, 63, has been singling out Tesla's success as a benchmark for Volkswagen, hailing the efficiency and lean management of entrepreneur Elon Musk's company, which has drawn the ire of labour representatives who fear this will lead to major job cuts.

Underscoring his admiration for Musk's achievements, Diess even invited him to address 200 VW executives via a video call during a recent company meeting. read more

When Volkswagen released lower-than-expected third-quarter results last week, Diess said that headcount reduction was needed to make Volkswagen competitive with regard to fast growing EV rivals.


VW keeping vintage Beetle alive with electric conversion offering

                WOLFSBURG: With Volkswagen officially ceasing production of the Beetle in July, VW announced last Thursday its plans to keep the iconic model with over seven generations of history alive and running in 2019: by offering a completely electric powertrain for the old models.

VW Group Components makes this possible by partnering with eClassics, a German firm that installs the new, mutually agreed upon electric components. The first model to feature the nearly complete conversion will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

According to Volkswagen, the e-Beetle's battery system can generate a power output of about 80hp which pushes the car up to 50kph in under four seconds.

The top speed measures in at about 150kph, and this e-Beetle can continue on for over 190km on a single charge.

Though this concept is coming to Beetles first, a company executive stated that the company is working on such a conversion of the retro Bus, as well.

Volkswagen did not announce how much this change will cost Beetle owners nor when the conversion will be available for purchase.


WATCH: When Polestar and Koenigsegg bosses plus their designers hang out

                PETALING JAYA: Two exciting car brands. Four guys. Somewhere in Sweden.

These were the ingredients that made for this refreshing video.

Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath, its design chief Maximilian Missoni, Koenigsegg CEO Christian von Koenigsegg and its chief designer Sasha Selipanov got together recently to talk about their most recent models and a host of other topics.

Being car guys, they of course drove their latest products to the rendezvous point, which looked like a remote warehouse somewhere on the Old Continent. Polestar is headquartered in Gothenburg, 193km north of Angelholm where Koenigsegg is based. Both CEOs agreed to meet somewhere in between.

Koenigsegg came to the pow-wow with the 1,700hp 4-seat Gemera hybrid supercar while Ingenlath of Polestar — the all-electric performance unit of Volvo Cars — drove the Precept concept. The electric concept, described by Ingenlath as symbolising Scandinavian minimalism, will be the working base for the Polestar 3 SUV that's due out in 2021.

The idea of meeting up in a super casual way took shape when the 2020 Geneva Motor Show was cancelled in March as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

One day, the CEOs of both companies struck up a conversation and expressed a desire of seeing the latest of each other's cars that did not make it to Geneva. Both cars have since made their respective online premieres following the cancellation of the auto show.

Well, let us not spoil the fun for you.

Settle in and watch the video.


Bad jam on NSE after car-carrying trailer crashes near Seremban toll plaza

A view of the traffic jam near Seremban this morning. — Screengrab from Twitter/LLM Info Trafik
PETALING JAYA: A car-carrying trailer went out of control and crashed near the Seremban Toll Plaza, causing heavy congestion on the North-South Expressway (NSE) for more than two hours this morning.

The trailer, which was heading south, saw most of its load of six new vehicles heavily damaged as a result of the crash.

Seremban OCPD Asst Comm Nanda Maarof said the trailer was driven by a 49-year-old local man and that the case would be investigated under Section 43(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

If found guilty of careless or inconsiderate driving, a person can be punished with a fine between RM4,000 and RM10,000 in addition to possible imprisonment of up to a year.

A survey by Bernama also found that the traffic congestion lasted for over two hours in both directions of the highway following the accident.


Caltex roadshows in Kuantan offers Men: Apocalypse merchandise

                KUANTAN: At roadshows in Kuantan, Caltex will offer customers and fans of the X-Men: Apocalypse film chances to win movie merchandise.

Customers who buy selected Havoline and Delo lubricant gift packs will get an exclusive X-Men: Apocalypse T-shirt and lucky draw opportunities.

The Release the Power of X roadshows will take place at key locations in Kuantan from 21 May to 22 May.


Genesis shows off G80 3.3T Sport ahead of LA show

                LOS ANGELES: Genesis is going to the Nov 18-27 Los Angeles Auto Show with an enhanced Genesis G80

The G80 3.3T Sport builds on the refined performance of the popular Genesis G80 and adds a powerful new 3.3-liter turbocharged V6 engine plus unique sport performance upgrades delivering improved driving dynamics an d sport agility.

In addition, distinctive styling elements and features visually differentiate the new 3.3T Sport. The G80 Sport is powered by a 3.3-litre direct-injected, twin-turbocharged V6 engine boasting 365hp, and is paired with a sport-tuned version of the same eight-speed automatic transmission equipped on both the 3.8 and 5.0.

Exclusive sport exterior enhancements and Genesis signature copper-coloured styling elements visually distinguish the 3.3T Sport from the other G80 trims and purvey its performance credentials.

The G80 Sport features a bold, cross-hatch design dark chrome grille, sport rocker moldings and unique lower front and re ar fascia designs for an aggressive sport appearance. Large 19 -inch dark alloy wheels plus additional dark satin trim details accent the vehicle’s exterior design.

The sport details continue inside the cabin where the driver is presented with sport pedals and a thick, sport-designed steering wheel.

Generously bolstered sport seats with contrast stitching embrace the driver, and are offered in either black or gray leather. A rich, black microfibre suede headliner and genuine carbon fiber interior trim finish the cabin’s interior environment. It will go on sale in early 2017.

Also on display at the auto show will be the 5.0-litre V8 and 3.8-litre V6 option G80s, featuring an updated cabin and minor exterior upgrades.


Govt plans to build drag racing circuits in all states

                KUALA NERUS: The government plans to build a drag racing circuit in all states to enhance the development of motor sports in the country.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the proposal would be included in the 2023 Budget, to be tabled this October.

"So far, two drag circuits have been built, in Terengganu and Melaka," he said when opening the 2022 RXZ Members 4.0 Programme at the Terengganu International Drag Strip in Gong Badak here today.

He said with the facility available, it would give youths the opportunity to participate in motor sports activities through proper channels.

Ismail Sabri also called on the young people to participate in the MyFit@Motorsports 2022, which is a grassroots motoring development programme, involving the development of motorcycle and car sports organised by the Youth and Sports Ministry.

He added that through the programme, they could gain knowledge, through training, courses and clinic, adding that the programme would also help in scouting new talents for participation in motor tournaments and racing at the state and national level.

The government, he said, would also always support activities by motoring clubs, especially in helping help those affected by hardship, such as flood victims.

"Many motoring clubs are involved in charity work...During the flood, they helped to clean houses of flood victims...Perhaps we can organise (a gathering of riders) every year and the government can provide sponsorship.

”In this way, we can highlight the interest of the young people, hence, reduce the negative perception of riders associated with various names such as Mat Motor," he added.

Before ending his speech, Ismail Sabri congratulated the organiser of today’s event, which attracted more than 30,000 motoring fans across the country.