Suitable locations in Johor to expand unsubsidised fuel scheme sought, says Salahuddin

                JOHOR BARU: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry is researching to identify a suitable location to expand the unsubsidised petrol station scheme in Johor.

Its minister, Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, said that a pilot project of the programme had already been implemented under the Border Economy programme in Padang Besar and Wang Kelian, Perlis.

The implementation of the project since February has helped to save almost RM6mil in the government's fuel subsidy allocation, he added.

"This is part of the government's effort to reduce the cases of subsidised RON95 purchases by foreigners as Johor is close to Singapore.

"We are currently looking into finding the strategic location (in Johor), and once we do, we will implement this programme," he said when met by reporters after the iTTV e-Learning Online Tuition Rahmah Package launching ceremony, at White Hall Event Space, here, today.

He said this when asked to comment on the recent case of an altercation between a food delivery rider and two Singaporeans at a petrol station in Sunway Iskandar, Iskandar Puteri, for allegedly buying RON95 inside a container.

"The government is very clear in its policy that RON95 should only be sold to locals as it is one of the subsidised items in the country.

"Any petrol station owner or foreign individual who is caught violating this policy will face legal action.

"However, I was informed that based on the CCTV footage, the Singaporean in the video did not get the chance to purchase the RON95 fuel," he said, adding that the full report of the incident would be given to him on Monday (June 26).

On May 18, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was reported saying that a pilot project on unsubsidised RON95 petrol and diesel supply projects at petrol stations has been implemented under the Border Economy Programme in Padang Besar and Wang Kelian, Perlis.

The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry was in the final stages of increasing the number of petrol stations selling unsubsidised fuel, especially in Kelantan, Kedah, Perak, Sabah, and Sarawak, as well as Johor.

On June 24, Iskandar Puteri OCPD Asst Comm Rahmat Ariffin was reported saying that the police were looking for two Singaporean nationals involved in an argument with the food delivery rider on June 16.


Michelin's puncture-proof airless tyre expected in 2024

                PARIS: Michelin's Uptis airless tyre, unveiled as a prototype two years ago, is now in the road-testing phase ahead of a scheduled market launch in 2024.

While preventing punctures, this technology promises to be safer on the road.

Uptis - which stands for "Unique Puncture-proof Tyre System" is an airless tyre that eliminates all risk of puncture.

Compared to a conventional tyre, air is completely eliminated in favoUr of a completely new structure made of patented composite materials.

READ MORE: Pollution from tyre wear 1,000 times worse than exhaust emissions, says UK testing firm

At the last IAA Mobility show in Munich, the tyre was demonstrated on a MINI Electric, the idea being to test this tyre intensively with a view to marketing it in the future. This is now scheduled for 2024, probably with General Motors, the French manufacturer's partner in this project.

The aim is to make driving safer and reduce raw material waste.

Every year, some 200 million tyres worldwide are prematurely discarded because of a puncture or wear due to incorrect tyre pressure.

Michelin's ambition is to one day recycle every tyre at the end of its life.

To this end, a first recycling plant is currently under construction in Chile and is expected to recycle around 30,000 tonnes of tyres per year starting in 2023.


More motorists settling late traffic summonses

                PETALING JAYA: More people have come forward to pay their outstanding traffic summonses, 12 days after Ops Warta was launched on May 19.

Federal Traffic Police chief Senior Asst Comm Datuk Mohd Fuad Abd Latiff said as of Saturday, 58,177 summonses with warrants of arrests were settled and 550,487 summonses were paid.

Police had also arrested 2,691 people, while 13,191 others had surrendered themselves.

SAC Mohd Fuad said although 58,177 warrants of arrest had already been settled, the number was less than 4% of the total of 1.59 million outstanding warrants of arrest.

“We will increase our effort to search, track and arrest those who still refuse to come forward to settle the warrants of arrest that were issued against them,” he said in a statement.

He added that traffic police would also seek help from more teams to make arrests at offices and workplaces as well as carrying out road blocks more frequently.

“We know where they are. If they do not want to be arrested and embarrass themselves, they should come forward to any police station to avoid being dragged to court.


DFSK EC35 all-electric van introduced from RM130,000

                CYBERJAYA: QC Fleet Management has launched the DFSK EC35 all-electric van for the Malaysian market priced at RM130,000, excluding registration and insurance.

The EC35 also is available for leasing with options ranging from three to five years.

Available in both two and five seater configurations, the van offers a rear access height of 1,270mm with a rear door access width of 1,440mm.

The van comes with a 38.7kWh lithium-ion battery that promises a range of 268km under WLTP or 200km in city driving, can be charged up through a CCS connector.

A 40kW DC rapid charger can power up the battery from 20% to 80% in 35 minutes, while 6KW AC fast charger can top up the battery to 100% in six to seven hours.

Features include tyre pressure monitoring system, pedestrian warning system, triple reverse sensors, a reverse camera linked to the built-in display and automatic headlights.

The EC35's payload of 1,090kg is comparable to the traditional petrol or diesel van but with zero carbon emissions.

The van also promises higher cost efficiency with an estimated annual saving of 33% in servicing and in excess of 78% in daily fuel costs.

The powertrain comes with a five-year/120,000km warranty.

QC Fleet Management managing director Lim Khoon Yee said the company's electric vehicles offered practical sustainable solutions for companies involved in the last-mile deliveries, light and service industries, and SMEs.

“Many companies are looking for sustainable solutions to meet their transportation requirements. Contrary to popular opinion, going green doesn’t have to be expensive.

“The EC35 provides companies a way to reduce their carbon footprint and operational cost at the same time,” said Lim.


Mahindra & Mahindra says demand for cars outstripping capacity

                NEW DELHI: Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd said today demand for its cars is outstripping production capacity as people rush to buy the automaker's popular sport-utility vehicles (SUVs), boosting profits.

The automaker reported a sharp jump in first-quarter net profit as sales of its passenger vehicles soared to 149,803, up 74% from a year ago, while it has open bookings for more than 273,000 vehicles.

"We have kicked off capacity expansion programmes but had not anticipated this kind of demand," Rajesh Jejurikar, executive director at the Mumbai-headquartered company said.

"We are ramping up capacity to make sure we can leverage all the demand we have," he told reporters, declining to give further detail on how much capacity the company is adding.

Mahindra said it received more than 100,000 orders within 30 minutes of opening books for its Scorpio-N SUV, worth around 180 billion rupees (RM10.3bil) in sales value. It currently has capacity to produce around 6,000 of these vehicles a month, Jejurikar said.

While demand for cars has been strong, Indian automakers, including Mahindra, say they are also seeing an easing of the semiconductor shortages, which have hampered the industry since the pandemic. Mahindra was hit hard by a chip shortage, curbing supplies of its vehicles last year.

Jejurikar said the company sources chips from multiple locations and there are no early signals of supply disruption due to the geopolitical situation in Taiwan.

The company reported a consolidated net profit of 21.96 billion rupees for the three months ended June 30, up from 4.24 billion a year earlier.

Revenue from operations rose 48% during the quarter to 284.12 billion rupees.

Its operating margin, however, narrowed 200 basis points to 11.9%.


No American cars in North American Car of the Year shortlist

                DETROIT: The days of American cars looking like they were designed on another planet compared to those from Europe and Japan are long gone as American manufacturers now design cars that often look as though they could quite easily have come out of a design studio in Stuttgart, Paris or London as one in Detroit.

However, it appears America prefers models from foreign manufacturers; just take a look at the shortlist for this year's North American Car of the Year (NACOTY) Awards. The semifinal shortlist of 10 contenders has just been published, and there isn't a single American car on the list.

To be fair, a good number of the semifinalists are built on production lines in the US, but the manufacturers are almost exclusively German, Japanese and South Korean. The only contender from outside those three territories is the Alfa Romeo Giulia. If anything, the list shows the growing dominance of Asia as a powerhouse of automotive excellence.

Three German cars make the list, which are the Audi A5/S5 Sportback, the BMW 5 Series and the Porsche Panamera. Two evergreen models that have dominated the American sedan market for decades, the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry, predictably make the list in their 2018 model year forms. The other Japanese representatives are the relatively niche Subaru Impreza and the Lexus LC.

The list is completed by three models from South Korea in the form of the Hyundai Ioniq, Kia Rio and the Kia Stinger, which is testament to just how far those two brands have come in the last decade or so.

Of course, trucks are the really big-selling vehicles in the US, and the three contenders for the truck of the year award are all American: the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, the Ford Expedition and the Lincoln Navigator.

Three finalists for the NACOTY award will be announced during the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, with the winner then being unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.


Toyota gives US man new truck in exchange for his million-mile unit

                BATON ROUGE: It's not every day that you get a new truck for an old jalopy but this guy did it.

The Toyota pick-up truck owner, Victor Sheppard, accepted the exchange from Toyota on Wednesday after having driven his over a million miles (over 1.6 million km).

What's in it for Toyota? Toyota saw the million-mile Tundra as a golden opportunity for its production engineers to study the truck’s longevity which would offer invaluable insight for future products.

The remarkable Tundra, a 2007 model year, was one of the first of its kind assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas, in San Antonio. Since buying the truck, Sheppard has been the sole owner and has put an average of 201,000km a year on the odometer, regularly driving long-haul trips from his home to North Dakota, Wyoming, and Virginia for his job.

The truck still has its original engine, transmission and paint job. In maintaining his truck to the extraordinary million-mile mark, Sheppard has logged 117 dealership service visits over nine years, ranging from timing belt replacements, oil changes, and the manufacturer’s regularly scheduled check-ups.

“My truck looks great, and, except for a few little dents, it’s almost like new,” said Sheppard. “Even the seats look just as they were when I bought it. They’re not as clean, of course, but they’re not busted or worn out.”

Toyota engineers plan to strip down the truck over several months as they examine each part of the engine, chassis, body, and other components. With the knowledge gained, the engineers will apply their findings to future trucks.

As for Sheppard, his million-mile truck has been replaced by a new 2016 Tundra. Ironically, the 2016 Tundra is also his 16th Tundra.


Aston Martin keen to be engine supplier in F1

                LONDON: Aston Martin is looking to get more engaged in Formula One, chief executive Andy Palmer said amid speculation of a title partnership with Red Bull and future engine involvement.

“We want to be more involved in the sport,” Palmer told Britain’s Channel 4 television while attending the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday, where Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton won the race.

“We’re studying the 2021 engine. If we get a reasonable regulation that brings down the cost of the engine, Aston would like to be involved in the engine,” added the Briton.

“And then of course we’d like to be involved a little more next season and then join the dots. But it really depends on what happens with the engine regs.”

Red Bull and Aston Martin have an existing relationship, with the team’s race cars carrying branding for the marque since last year.

Top designer Adrian Newey, whose Renault-powered Red Bull race cars won four successive drivers’ and constructors’ titles between 2010-13, has worked with Aston Martin on the AM-RB 001 Valkyrie ‘hypercar’.

Media reports have suggested Aston could beco˘me Red Bull’s title sponsor next season.

Former Nissan executive Palmer was a key figure in negotiating just such a previous deal for the Japanese manufacturer’s Infiniti brand, which has now gone to the Renault works team, to partner Red Bull.

The British-based team currently use Renault engines, branded Tag Heuer.

Formula One, under new management since U.S.-based Liberty Media took over in January, and the governing FIA are looking at what sort of unit will power the series once the current agreement expires in 2020.

The aim is to bring down costs and allow a cheaper and less complex engine than the current 1.6 liter V6 turbo hybrid power units, one that could also encourage new manufacturers into the sport.

Aston Martin, a 104-year-old firm whose road cars have become closely associated with fictional British secret agent James Bond, last competed in Formula One in 1960.

The company is now owned mainly by Kuwaiti and Italian investors and is seeking to boost its share of U.S. markets.

Last month Aston reported its first half-yearly profit in almost a decade and it expects full-year volumes to rise by around a third to roughly 5,000 cars.


Audi takes on Tesla’s Model Y with entry-priced electric SUV

                INGOLSTADT: Audi’s new Q4 e-tron will go head-to-head with Tesla Inc. in the fast-growing market of compact crossover SUVs to help parent Volkswagen AG narrow its electric-car sales gap with the world leader.

The model Audi will unveil today is among a dozen models including VW’s ID.4 and an electric version of the Porsche Macan that should enable the VW group exceed Tesla’s deliveries by 2023, Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Michael Dean said in a recent report.

VW has targeted selling roughly 600,000 purely battery-powered cars this year as Europe’s biggest carmaker seeks to gain ground on its California-based rival.

The Q4 e-tron "is Volkswagen’s first real competitor to Tesla, being a modest-sized SUV which hits the right segment,” Dean said. He expects the model to offer more than 480km of battery range and sell for about £40,000 (RM228,000).

So far this year, Tesla has done well defending its dominance. Demand for the Model Y and Model 3 in China supported strong first-quarter deliveries and has reignited investor optimism about the world’s most-valuable automaker holding its own in an increasingly crowded EV market.

Incumbent manufacturers including VW, General Motors Co. and Mercedes-Benz have stepped up plans to churn out EVs while smaller upstarts such as Nio Inc. and XPeng Inc. also vie for tech-savvy customers.

VW has positioned Audi at the center of its challenge to Tesla by building up its EV lineup and tasking it with taking lead on developing software — an area where Tesla remains well ahead. Audi is also responsible for running an engineering task force called Artemis that’s looking to speed up vehicle development.

The Q4 e-tron models "play a central role in the brand’s electrification strategy by launching in a particularly popular market segment,” Hildegard Wortmann, Audi’s sales chief, said in a video message. They represent the entry point of Audi’s electric offerings and "showcase how our brand and our design are moving forward.”

VW group’s biggest profit contributor after Porsche unveiled the US$121,000 (RM500,000) Audi e-tron GT sports car in February as Tesla prepared to amp up the Model S sedan with a fresh performance version.

While the e-tron GT shares underpinnings with the Porsche Taycan, the Q4 e-tron is based on VW’s architecture for mass-market electric cars.

The platform, called MEB, stacks up well against Tesla on a number of key aspects, UBS Group AG analysts said in a detailed report last month.

MEB underpins the VW brand’s ID.3 and ID.4 models as well as Skoda’s upcoming Enyaq SUV. A separate platform for other upscale Audi and Porsche models, dubbed PPE, will launch next year.


Batman and The Riddler now available in Waze

                KUALA LUMPUR: Waze, the GPS navigation software app has partnered with Warner Bros Consumer Products (WBCP) and Detective Comics (DC) to introduce Batman and The Riddler.

From now until Oct 31, users of the app - available for free on Apple's App Store and Google's Play Store, can activate the experience.

Users who choose the Batman experience means that Kevin Conroy will be giving directions and the app will automatically activate "Stealth" mode.

Additionally, the Batman experience will provide the option to change the vehicle icon to the Batmobile and provide users with the Super Hero's Spotify playlist.

Likewise, choosing The Riddler experience (played by Wally Wingert) will allow users to follow the Super Villain's clues, change the vehicle icon to the Riddler's racer and provide a Spotify playlist too.

The Spotify app is a Swedish music streaming and media services provider that's been integrated into Waze as an official Audio Player partner.

Spotify can be downloaded separately for free on Apple's App Store and Google's Play Store.

"We can’t think of a better way to do it than with the first-ever Waze program that features two iconic characters’ Voice navigation, Moods, and Cars. We’re also thrilled to be working with our Audio Player partner, Spotify, to bring the experience to life with fun music for drivers around the world,” said Waze brand programs head Erin Bellsey.


Peugeot's latest concept car Fractal inspired by all the senses

                PARIS: The Peugeot Fractal, which will be making its official debut at the Frankfurt motor show on Sept 15, has been designed to engage a driver's ears and sense of touch as well as simply being easy on the eyes.

In fact, it's an electrically powered coupe that comes with its own theme tune, created by sound engineer Amon Tobin, which plays whenever the car's doors are remotely opened via its smartwatch app. But that's just the start.

Much research has been done on how acoustics and auricular stimulation can heighten an experience or make it more immersive or memorable. Celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal provides diners at his Fat Duck restaurant with headphones and sound effects to enhance the flavours of a number of his dishes. Yet, when it comes to the automobile, the focus is often on stopping sound from penetrating the cabin or on tuning the exhaust note.

Not so with the Fractal. It puts auditory perception front and centre. So the sound system is designed to give sound depth and direction which makes it easier to process when heard, something that can be of critical importance while using a navigation system. "The spatialisation of sound sources allows the driver to absorb and understand information more effectively and easily," said Vincent Roussarie, New Acoustic Services specialist, PSA Peugeot Citroёn.

It also means that listening to music takes on a new dimension. The bass frequencies from songs pass through the cabin's solid materials so that the listener perceives them in the inner ear via his or her own body.

But as well as clear navigation instructions and faithful reproductions of a Spotify playlist, the electric - and therefore almost silent - car also broadcasts sound effects to alert other road users such as pedestrians and cyclists that it's in the vicinity. And these sound effects change based on whether the car's accelerating, slowing down or cruising.

Away from sound effects, the car also engages the driver's sense of touch and sight via a holographic head-up display and tactile feedback from cabin surfaces and switchgear.

And while it's just a concept, it should also be enjoyable to drive. The Fractal's hard top is removable, and, although it's designed to seat four, the vehicle's compact, city-focused dimensions - 3.81m long and just 1.77m wide - plus the fact that it has a wheel at each corner will make it very nimble and agile, even on the most crowded or busy of roads.

Add to that the fact that it's very lightweight and uses electric motors to power all four wheels and output up to 204hp and it promises to handle and go like a go-kart for up to 450km on a single charge.

In other words, putting this car into production could be a very sound idea indeed.


Mazda introduces contactless servicing

                SHAH ALAM: Bermaz Auto Group, has announced that it has fully resumed its service activities for Mazda vehicles and has implemented precautionary measures for its customers and employees to check the spread of Covid-19.

The sole distributor of the Japanese car brand in Malaysia has also carried out social distancing measures as outlined by the Ministry of Health.

As part of such measures, the company has introduced the Mazda Contactless Service where human contact is minimised.

The vehicle to be serviced will be disinfected before and after a scheduled service regardless whether the customer chose a Collect & Deliver Service or Mobile Service.

The Collect & Deliver Service (available at selected service centres via appointment only) is available to owners within a 10km radius from their pickup location.

The Mobile Service, first introduced in 2017, will have a Mazda service representative arrive at their customers' doorstep via appointment only.

On warranty, Mazda said that it has extended the warranty and free service maintenance by the same period of time from the start of the movement control order (March 18), and subsequent conditional movement control order, that's scheduled to end on June 9.

For more information and a list of operational service centres, log on to www.mazda.com.my or call 1-800-22-8080.


Toyota and Lexus release new vehicle prices

                SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd, the distributor of Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Malaysia, has announced its new pricing for its vehicles that will take effect from June 15 onwards.

The new prices are based on the incentives provided to the Malaysian automotive industry as announced by the Prime Minister and will last until Jan 31, 2021.

As such, the Japanese brand in Malaysia has managed to reduce its vehicle prices from 1% to 6% that have been paired to their latest monthly Sales Promotion and Rebates for budding car buyers.

READ MORE:
BMW prices
Renault prices
Volvo prices
Volkswagen prices

“Toyota vehicles are now more affordable than ever and customers should take this opportunity to upgrade or purchase a new Toyota," said UMWT president Ravindran K.

He added that all relief from the new tax structure has been factored into the new pricing for the best interest of its customers and added that the price changes will vary between its CKD (locally-assembled) and CBU (fully imported) model line-up,”

NEW TOYOTA PRICES

NEW LEXUS PRICES


Lexus LF-FC puts a premium on hydrogen power

TOKYO: It was an open secret that Lexus would be showing off a new concept pointing to the future direction of its LS executive sedan. However, no one was expecting the LF-FC unveiled to the world's motoring press in Tokyo on Wednesday, to feature a hybrid hydrogen fuel cell rather than a big V8.

"Lexus wants to surprise and evoke emotion with its distinctive design and forward-looking technology," said Tokuo Fukuichi, Lexus International President. "The LF-FC expresses our progressive luxury and high-tech vision of a not so distant future."

From the outside, the concept car is much more striking and flowing than any current Lexus and much more in keeping with the current design trend for bringing coupe-like lines and proportions to the large sedan market -- think Mercedes CLS, BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe and of course, the Audi A7.

But Lexus claims that the shape should evoke more than just GT thoughts, but GT performance too. This concept is meant to be as agile in the bends as it is comfortable on the straight.

And this is down to the hydrogen fuel cell drivetrain powering electric motors that in turn drive each of the four wheels individually. This sort of set-up in itself isn't revolutionary the Porsche 918 Spyder and upcoming Honda Acura NSX have clever torque and power juggling electric motor systems for boosting acceleration, improving grip and keeping the body stable and less prone to rock and roll.

What makes the Lexus stand out is that the motors are powered via a hydrogen fuel stack rather than electricity from plugging in and charging up a battery and filling up a traditional internal combustion engine with fuel.

In cruise mode, the chemical reaction of oxidizing hydrogen generates electricity that drives the rear wheels and charges the batteries that power the front wheel motors. However, floor the pedal and the car jumps into acceleration mode, bringing both the fuel cell plus the power stored in the batteries online together for rapid progress and all-wheel grip.

Inside, the car is packed with next-generation gesture recognition technology and semi-autonomous driver aids and there are the obligatory touchscreen interfaces, for both front and rear passengers. But, thankfully none of it is overpowering or so blatant in its presentation that it detracts from the quality and feel of the leather adorning the seats or the use of book-matched wooden veneers on door panels and facia.


Indonesia’s addressable market for EVs exceeds USD$20bil

                JAKARTA: While still nascent, Indonesia’s electric vehicle (EV) sector shows a total addressable market exceeding USD$20 billion, according to a report by Southeast Asian venture capital firm AC Ventures (ACV) and non-profit organisation AEML.

The report, titled “Indonesia’s Electric Vehicle Outlook: Supercharging Tomorrow’s Mobility,” noted that Indonesia has set ambitious renewable energy goals, intending to augment the proportion of renewables to 23% of the country's energy composition by 2025.

This marks a significant rise from the 9% established in mid-2020, and Indonesia envisions a broader nationwide energy transition to be completed by 2056.

These initiatives are consistent with Indonesia's obligations under the Paris Agreement to decrease emissions by 29% by 2030 and to attain a net-zero emissions target by 2060 or
earlier.

The report by ACV and AEML showcases a coalition of vital factors setting the stage for exponential growth in the nation's EV market.

These include a surge in consumer demand, supportive government policies, and advancements in technology that enhance performance while reducing production and ownership costs.

The report pointed out that EVs in Indonesia promise 75% greater efficiency and significantly lower operating costs for businesses, thus offering the potential for the country's electric mobility market to grow at a remarkable CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 58.5% until 2030.

Further, EVs also have the capacity to substantially reduce the nation’s energy imports, which currently total USD$35 billion annually.

Currently, EV motorbikes account for a mere 0.2% of Indonesia's two-wheeler market.

However, the report suggests an opportunity for this to exceed 10% over the next five years, assuming that public and private stakeholders collaborate effectively to nurture a conducive local EV sector.

Encouragingly, considerable capital and resource investments are already in progress, noted the report.

Local brands and venture investors are actively forging deals and strategic partnerships, and the sector has already ushered in global automotive giants such as Hyundai, Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi and Wuling.

AC Ventures managing partner Helen Wong explained, “The current surge and trajectory in electric two-wheelers speak to the market's clear demand and potential for remarkable returns. As a pioneering investment firm in this sector, we're committed to  fostering strategic collaborations to exceed Indonesia's renewable energy targets, promising a future of reduced emissions and enhanced sustainability."

AEML general chairman Dannif Utojo Danusaputro added, “We partner with the government of Indonesia, international organizations, key actors in the EV ecosystem, as well as other associations, to reach out to more people and promote a positive campaign for EVs. Our mission of electrifying mobility in Indonesia is based on a calling to protect the environment by reducing pollution for future generations. AEML is committed to supporting the adoption of EVs and fostering the creation of a globally competitive EV ecosystem.”


First-class travel in Hyundai i40 wagon

THE Hyundai i40 wagon or Tourer Sport is a much refined machine, and is another example of the Korean automaker’s remarkable leap in quality and substance in recent years.
The 2.0L i40 is positioned as an upmarket D-segment European-designed car.
Engineered at the European headquarters of Hyundai in Russelsheim, Germany, the i40 has a striking coupe-like silhouette and sleek profile, which is the result of Hyundai’s “fluidic sculpture” design language.
Now, there is low demand for estate cars or wagons in Malaysia, but the i40 might just be the game changer that shifts our car-buying mindset.Hyundai touts the i40 as “your ticket to first-class travel and serene comfort”, and we completely agree.
Yes, it does sound like we are giving far too much praise here, but the i40 wagon is the kind of car that we love driving mile after mile.
It is not just about its barnful of high-end comfort features and impressively roomy cabin; it is the way that everything about the car combines to provide a highly enjoyable ride.
Regarding its front-end, the i40 has HID (high intensity discharge) headlamps with automatic light control, and distinctively designed LED daytime running lights as well as wing-shaped fog lamps.Its rear end has large, wraparound LED combination lamps.
For those who prefer more sunlight in the cabin, the i40 has a twin-panel sunroof.
The black-themed cabin has a premium feel-good ambience, with its leather seats and chrome interior door handles.
Controls are well laid-out and the cabin equipment level meets high expectations, given its RM184,859.30 on-the-road price tag. There are a lot of storage compartments and bins for small items, and the in-car infotainment system is impressive.
There is a six-speaker audio set-up, with DVD and CD playback, USB, MP3, Bluetooth handsfree capabilities and a large touch-screen GPS navigation system with reverse camera.
The audio system has a surround sound mode with options for pop, jazz, rock and classical settings.
It is a nice audio system, and delivers high-quality sound reproduction. Adding the icing on the cake for rear occupants, are two separate video display screens mounted on the front headrests.
Other cabin appointments include powered front seats, smart key with engine start-stop button, and a sporty-looking TFT LCD gauge cluster.
Features which we really like are the space-saving electric parking brake switch, and the auto-hold function which is a blessing when we got stuck in Kuala Lumpur’s traffic congestion as it automatically keeps the brakes applied until we step on the accelerator pedal.
This eases muscle work for our left arm and right leg in traffic congestion.The i40 has a 2,770mm wheelbase and provides plenty of shoulder and leg room.
This being a wagon, its cargo capacity ranges from 553L with the rear seats occupied, to 1,719L with the rear seats folded down.
We had no problems stacking a few large 26-gallon water containers in the luggage area, even with the rear seats up, during the recent water rationing exercise in the Klang Valley.
Its powered tail-gate provides convenience.Concerning power delivery, the i40 Tourer Sport has plenty of grunt due to its highly fuel-efficient 2.0L Nu petrol direct injection engine with dual continuously variable valve timing (DCVVT), which is mated to a ultra-smooth six-speed automatic transmission.
According to Hyundai, the car’s refined driving feel is also partly due to the engine’s all-aluminium ladder frame construction which provides improved durability as well as reduced noise and vibration.
Those who want a bit of sporty driving can also take advantage of the steering column-mounted paddle shifters, for quick gear up and down-shifts.Hyundai engineers also did a great job where the car’s NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) package is concerned, and the i40 wagon’s cabin was quite a cocooned environment.
The motor-driven power steering feels a bit numb, but is precise and light.
Fitted with ContiMaxContact MC5 215/50 R17 tyres, and a front MacPherson strut suspension and multi-link rear, the i40 wagon provides a very comfortable ride over rough surfaces and road bumps.
It is far from being the most sporty of cars, with a bit of roll when we charged through corners.
However, it excels as a smooth and well-planted highway cruiser.
In summary, the i40 Tourer Sport is an impressively well-designed and packaged wagon with an elegant interior styling that provides a new emotional dimension to sitting in a Hyundai.
It has a powerful and responsive drive train, and is certainly a long-distance cruiser that provides a premium motoring experience and good value for money.
It should be noted that the i40 Tourer Sport variant comes standard with a bodykit, roof rack and bicycle rack.Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors Sdn Bhd also offers an i40 Tourer variant which is cheaper by around RM6,000 but this is not fitted with the bodykit, roof rack and bicycle rack.
There are also more affordably priced i40 sedan variants, which have attractive comfort and safety appointments.
To sweeten the deal for buyers, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors provides a five-year or 300,000km warranty (whichever comes first) and free 24-hours, seven days a week Roadside Assist.
Hyundai i40 Tourer SportEngine: Nu 1,999cc dual CVVT (continuously variable valve timing), petrol direct injectionMaximum power: 177ps at 6,500rpmMaximum torque: 213Nm at 4,700rpmTransmission: Six-speed automaticFeatures: Nine airbags, anti-lock braking system, brake assist, parking assist (front and back), reverse camera, vehicle stability management, electronic stability programme, hill-start assist, auto hold function, paddle shifters, panoramic sunroof, all-round disc brakesPrice: RM184,859.30 on-the-road with insurance (five-year or 300,000km warranty - whichever comes first)


Morgan enlists top British fashion talent for its latest model

                LONDON: Morgan has chosen the Salon Prive classic car show at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, which this year takes place Sept 1-3, as the venue for the global unveiling of the 1909 Edition EV3 — an electric car that blends craftsmanship with haute couture.

All Morgan cars are hand-built, but for this particular model, conceived as a celebration of the company's 107th anniversary, the sportscar maker has enlisted the help of storied British department store and fashion retailer Selfridges.

Based on the standard EV3 the new car will have an electric motor, a range of 190-240km between recharges and a top speed of 145kph but unlike a normal EV3, the UK 1909 Edition EV3 will boast a unique exterior and interior informed by Selfridges' fashion expertise and underpinned by Morgan's bespoke approach to building cars.

Morgan Motor Company's head of design Jon Wells said "Great British design, technology and engineering is what the UK 1909 Edition EV3 is all about." It's also why the two companies have enlisted nine other respected British brands, including Alexander McQueen and Belstaff to create the equally bespoke driving kit that will come with each of the 19 examples planned for production.

"The combination of engineering, style and design seen with the UK 1909 Edition EV3 lends itself to be unveiled at Salon Prive," said event co-founder David Bagley. "[It is an] event that combines cars, glamour and fashion at one of Britain's most glamorous locations."

Once the car has met its public on Sept 1 it will be going on show at Selfridges in Birmingham on Oct 1 and at Selfridges London Oxford Street on Nov 1 where potential owners can get up close and personal with the car.

Despite its inherent rarity, the fact that it will be completely hand-built and that due to the involvement of so many admired brands it will go on to be a future collector car, the UK 1909 Edition EV3 will only cost £52,500 (about RM280,000) when order books open. That must make it one of the world's most affordable bespoke cars.


Ford ‘Smart Mirror’ ensures van drivers get expanded view of what's behind

                COLOGNE: Ford is introducing a “Smart Mirror” - a high-definition screen that displays a panoramic rear view for the driver of Transit and Transit Custom vans.

The Full Display Interior Mirror helps drivers to spot cyclists, pedestrians and other vehicles that may be behind them, even when windowless rear doors or partitions are in the way.

The display shows a live feed from a camera on the rear of the van and features automatic brightness control for optimum visibility in daylight and at night.

The system offers a field of view that is twice the width of a conventional rear-view mirror. This helps drivers to be more aware of their surroundings, for example, when approaching roundabouts, changing lanes or checking before merging or turning into side streets.

“Providing our drivers with maximum visibility – especially in urban areas where there is so much to look out for – increases their confidence and is a key part of making journeys safer for them, and for other road users as well”, said Owen Gregory, director, Commercial Vehicle Aftersales, Ford of Europe.

Ford’s new mirror could be particularly beneficial for delivery drivers making frequent drop-offs in cities, where they are more likely to encounter those on bikes, e-scooters or on foot; vulnerable road users accounted for 70 per cent of road accident fatalities in Europe’s urban areas in 2019.

Fitting the system may also improve uptime – the time when commercial vehicles are working on the road – by reducing the need for costly accident damage repairs. Ford recently announced FORDLiive – a new connected uptime system designed to help maximise vehicle uptime.

The mirror, which will cost close to £675 (RM3,863), is available for Ford Transit and Transit Custom vans fitted with windowless rear doors. The system is compatible with Transit vans built from 2014 and Transit Custom models built from 2012.


Kia teams with Amazon to provide home charging for EVs

                LOS ANGELES: Kia Motors America (KMA) began a new program with Amazon to provide plug-in vehicle customers with easy, one-stop shopping for a home charger and installation services using the same easy digital Amazon shopping experience they have come to love.

Before they even bring home their new Soul EV, Niro EV1, Niro PHEV or Optima PHEV, customers can visit www.amazon.com/ChargeMyKia to learn everything anyone needs to know about choosing a charger, having it installed, and charging at home.

At the website, they will find recommended Level 2 or 240-volt charging units selected by Kia, information about EV home charging installation and helpful reviews from other Amazon customers.

And they can see upfront pricing for electrical services and schedule a licensed electrician to install an EV charger and a 240-volt outlet if needed. Amazon’s Happiness Guarantee backs all home charging installation services.

“Home-charging can’t get any easier than this,” says Orth Hedrick, executive director of Car Planning and Telematics, KMA. “Being able to order a Level 2 charger and installation through Amazon further demystifies and simplifies the experience for new Kia EV and PHEV owners. It’s just another example of how we’re constantly striving to provide the very best vehicles and customer experience.”


Countries agree regulations for automated driving

                GENEVA: More than 50 countries, including Japan, South Korea and the EU member states, have agreed common regulations for vehicles that can take over some driving functions, including having a mandatory black box, the UN announced.

The binding rules on Automated Lane Keeping Systems (ALKS) will come into force in January 2021.

The measures were adopted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) World Forum for Harmonisation of Vehicle Regulations, which brings together 53 countries, not just in Europe but also in Africa and Asia.

"This is the first binding international regulation on so-called 'Level 3' vehicle automation," UNECE said in a statement from here.

"The new regulation therefore marks an important step towards the wider deployment of automated vehicles to help realise a vision of safer, more sustainable mobility for all."

At Level 3 - Level 5 is fully automated - the driver is not driving when the automated systems are engaged, but can step in at any time and must take over at the system's request.

Tesla's Autopilot system is Level 2, where drivers are expected to keep their attention on traffic. Meanwhile in Level 3 they can do other things such as watch a movie or send a text message.

Level 4 is where a driver need not be ready to quickly intervene, at least in limited areas, while at Level 5 vehicles are fully autonomous.

Japan, which co-led drafting the regulation with Germany, will apply the regulations as soon as they come into force.

The European Commission, which also contributed to the project alongside, France, Canada and the Netherlands in particular, said the regulations would apply in the EU at an unspecified later date, said UNECE.

The United States is not part of the forum but its car manufacturers would have to follow the new regulations in order to sell Level 3 vehicles in Japan, for example.

60kph limit

The regulations establish strict requirements for ALKS, which can control the vehicle when the driver is behind the wheel with the seatbelt on.

The rules ensure the ALKS can only be activated on roads equipped with a physical separation dividing traffic moving in opposite directions, where pedestrians and cyclists are prohibited.

They also establish a speed limit of 60kph.

The regulations also require vehicles to be equipped with a Data Storage System for Automated Driving - the so-called "black box" - which will record when ALKS are activated.

Screens for any activities other than driving are automatically switched off as soon as the driver resumes control.

Car manufacturers must also introduce Driver Availability Recognition Systems, which monitor the driver's capability to take back control of the vehicle, including through spotting eye blinking and closure.

ALKS will also need to comply with cyber-security and software update requirements set out in two other new UN regulations also adopted this week.


EU unveils new consumer protections after 'dieselgate' scandal

                BRUSSELS: The EU on Wednesday unveiled rules to bolster European consumer protections by ensuring "tougher fines" for cheating companies and stronger legal ways to compensate victims.

The European Commission proposed a "new deal" for consumers following the Volkswagen "dieselgate" scandal where the bloc's consumers, unlike those in the United States, have not been compensated.

But the 28-nation European Union executive said the rules will not usher in US-style lawsuits across the bloc.

"In a globalised world where big companies have a huge advantage over individual consumers we need to level the odds," said EU commissioner for consumers Vera Jourova.

"With stronger sanctions linked to the annual turnover of a company, consumer authorities will finally get teeth to punish the cheaters," Jourova said. "It cannot be cheap to cheat."

Commission vice-president Frans Timmermans warned traders will face "tougher fines" if they abuse trust and said consumers will have a right to collective redress.

The move to provide stronger protections for consumers came as part of a broader effort to boost public support for the European project following a rise in anti-EU populist sentiment and Britain's vote to leave the bloc.

Markus Beyrer, director of the BusinessEurope lobby, called the new proposals unnecessary, arguing Europeans enjoyed "the strongest consumer protection" in the world.

Monique Goyens, head of the European consumer organisation BEUC, welcomed them because consumers will be able to claim compensation collectively in some cases.

But BEUC feared member states may have too much discretion to determine which cases are chosen.

Under rules still to be approved by the European Parliament and the member states, online consumers will be informed clearly if they are buying products or services from a company or a private person.

Online consumers will also be informed when a search result is being paid for by a trader.

The rules would also ensure free digital services when consumers offer personal data, such as for cloud storage services, social media or email accounts.

Consumer or other qualified organisations will be able in all member states to seek compensation, replacement or repair on behalf of a group of consumers harmed.

Such collective action currently exists only in some member states.

Unlike US-style class action lawsuits, European cases will not be open to profit-seeking law firms and restricted to consumer organisations and other non-profit groups that fulfil strict criteria.

The proposed rules will ensure consumers in all member states — not just in some — can seek financial compensation or end contracts if they face aggressive or misleading marketing.

Under the proposal, national consumer authorities can impose penalties in a coordinated way.

If consumers are harmed across the bloc, the trader will face a maximum fine of four percent of annual turnover in each member state. Member states can also impose higher maximum fines.

Unlike in the United States, the European Union struggled to punish Volkswagen for emissions cheating that erupted in 2015 and ensure customers were compensated.

In a separate consumer-related development, the commission unveiled plans to boost people's trust in scientific studies to ensure the food they eat is safe.

Under the proposals, European citizens will have immediate access to scientific studies supporting applications for approval of products affecting food safety.

The move was sparked by massive citizen and environmentalist opposition to the EU's renewal for five years of the weedkiller glyphosate over fears it could cause cancer.

Critics claimed that US agro-giant Monsanto, which introduced in 1974 the brand-name Roundup containing glyphosate, unduly influenced research into the weedkiller's safety.


Matt LeBlanc may quit 'Top Gear' if Chris Evans stays, says paper

                LOS ANGELES: Britain's Sun tabloid, citing unnamed sources, reported that Matt LeBlanc was unhappy with his co-host Chris Evans and that he threatened to walk away from the "Top Gear" show unless Evans is fired.

LeBlanc's publicist called the report baseless and said the two co-hosts got along fine. Production on the first season just wrapped.

LeBlanc's status as co-host on BBC and BBC America's "Top Gear" appears also to be uncertain for the hit auto show's second season.

The "Friends" and "Episodes" actor is in talks with "Top Gear's" producers to figure out his involvement with the show as he prepares also to star in a new family sitcom for CBS, "Man With a Plan," which launches in the fall. LeBlanc plays a contractor raising three children.

"Top Gear", once one of the BBC's biggest hits, is struggling in the ratings.

The series underwent a makeover following the departure of popular hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, who have set up a rival car series at Amazon. But "Top Gear's" fans have has so far failed to warm up to Evans and LeBlanc; the latest episode, which featured "Absolutely Fabulous" star Jennifer Saunders, attracted only 2.7 million viewers in Britain, about half the average audience of the last season.

The Sun quoted a source as saying that "Top Gear's" Audience Appreciation Index score, which measures audience opinion of a show's quality based on a survey of 5,000 viewers, was "catastrophic." The first episode of the revamped "Top Gear," which airs on BBC Two, scored 60 - the lowest for any terrestrial TV show that weekend. The average score for a BBC Two show is 82.

The BBC did not respond to a request for comment.


Seven bikers complete Shell-funded road trip to Langkawi after winning contest

KUALA LUMPUR: Seven lucky motorcycle enthusiasts have returned from an all-expense paid 5-day 4-night road trip to Langkawi which they won in the Shell Advance #Advance2Langkawi consumer contest held in December last year.

The seven were Keith Ow, 29, from Penang; Ng Yao Ding, 29, from Ipoh; Zahed Abdul Rahman, 43 and wife, Hamidah Hassan, 43, from Rawang; Koong Wai Hoong, 32, and Shamsul Ridzuan Idris, 42, from Kuala Lumpur; and Miazil Harina Jores, 28, from Johor Baru.

The Shell Advance contest attracted more than 700 entries. The winners were chosen based on the best road-trip photos that they had uploaded and shared on social media with the hashtag #Advance2Langkawi.

As part of the preparations for the road-trip that took place from May 18 till yesterday, Shell Advance provided a complimentary oil change for the winners’ bikes so that they could experience the sustained power and a smoother ride with Shell Advance Ultra with PurePlus Technology. Throughout the almost 1,200km round trip from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi and back, all the bikes would be fuelled by Shell V-Power.

Shell Lubricants general manager – Malaysia and Singapore, Leslie Ng, said that the unique consumer contest was another unique initiative by Shell Advance to reach out to Malaysian bikers.

Shell PurePlus Technology is a revolutionary gas-to-liquid (GTL) process that converts natural gas into crystal-clear base oil with almost none of the impurities found in crude oil. Shell said GTL base oil delivers higher levels of cleansing and superior wear and corrosion protection. As a result, the first-and-only-one of-its-kind motorcycle engine oil, Shell Advance Ultra with PurePlus Technology, is said to be able to offer a clean start and deliver more and sustained power.

For the winners, the hardest part was waiting for the trip to start.

"I have been waiting impatiently for this trip ever since I was announced as one of the winners. Not only do I get to go on a new adventure with other motorcycle lovers, Shell also provided a free oil change. My bike already feels smoother with more immediate power from the Shell Advance Ultra with PurePlus Technology that I am using for the first time.

It will be a great experience and I can't wait for the journey to begin," said French-born Miazil, who has been riding a Victory 8-ball low-seat cruiser for the past one year.

"I am so glad to have won this contest. I did not expect the oil change but my bike feels so much better now that it is running on Shell Advance Ultra with PurePlus Technology,” said Keith, who rides a Kawasaki Versys 650 mid-size touring bike.


Hyundai reveals study on virtual cockpit

                LONDON: Hyundai is working on a virtual cockpit that offers a multi-layer display that it claims offers a natural way of holding the attention of the driver to minimise distracted driving.

It consists of two displays, which are stacked behind each other at a distance of 6mm. The distance between the two displays allows visual 3D effects: one part of the graphic is shown on the front display and the other part on the rear display. In the area where the graphics overlap, the impression of an object in space is created.

This effect is used to guide the user’s attention with less distraction. The information most relevant for the present situation, for example the speed limit, is shown in the front display to catch the driver's eye.

The pieces of information indicated on the steering wheel displays change depending on the current instrument cluster menu level and also depending on the driving situation. Furthermore, the customer can change the layout and the displayed “shortcuts” for entering specific applications tailored to his or her individual needs.

The driver can customise the settings with up to five buttons per display, adjusted to preferences and frequency of usage, much like the layout of a smartphone. Customisable cockpit settings are becoming increasingly important as they offer drivers maximum freedom and strongly improve the user experience, making it more intuitive and comfortable.

To date, Hyundai's steering wheels and cockpits have undergone a major development process and the technology continues to evolve.

Freely configurable steering wheel displays enhance flexibility and are easily adapted to fit several vehicle models and segments.

At this point, Hyundai is still in the early prototype phase of the new virtual cockpit. However, this is an important milestone and the virtual cockpit offers a platform for exciting new features as the technology continues to evolve.

Hyundai said it would use the results of the current clinic and integrate them into its future development plans.

“We are continuously working on new technologies that make our cars perfectly intuitive and user-friendly”, said Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center engineer Regina Kaiser.


BMW Concept iX3 pops up in China

                BEIJING: BMW Group recently pulled the covers off of its all-electric Sport Activity Vehicle - the Concept iX3, during the Auto China 2018 show in Beijing, China.

The concept features the German carmaker's fifth-generation eDrive technology that unifies the electric motor, transmission and power electronics within a new, separate electric drive component that's powered by new and more powerful batteries.

This 'package' has helped advance its performance characteristics, operating range, weight, packaging space and flexibility – and will be making its debut in the production version of the concept SAV.

All BMW electric vehicles will bear the 'i' brand logo as seen on the concept's side and rear.

Propelling the concept model forward will be a 200kW / 270hp electric motor powered by a model-specific high-voltage battery with a net capacity of more than 70kWh so that it can travel greater than 400km (249 miles) on a single charge.

Another feature of the high-voltage battery developed for the fifth generation of eDrive technology is its optimised charging capability.

The energy storage system has a newly developed Charging Control Unit and is designed to be hooked up to fast-charging stations generating up to 150kW - the high-voltage battery can be charged in just 30 minutes.

In the looks department, the kidney and the brand emblem shows off its affiliation with the BMW i brand, while the closed double kidney grille with the a blue accent continues the BMW i Vision Dynamics brand already featured in the BMW i Vision Dynamics. The closed area within the kidney reduces air resistance, providing aerodynamic benefits.

Identifying features of the BMW Concept iX3 include a closed-off BMW kidney grille with familiar BMW i car graphic, BMW i Blue accents around the kidney, around the brand logo at the front and along the side skirts, and a diffuser element in the same colour integrated in the rear apron.

These styling cues provide a striking contrast against the Moonstone Silver matt exterior paint finish, while fitted with light-alloy wheels in an aerodynamically optimised design.

Alongside the world premiere of the BMW Concept iX3 and the BMW i Vision Dynamics study also on display in Beijing, the BMW Group is also highlighting the spectrum of design differentiation between the BMW and BMW i brands.


Ford goes back to black for Frankfurt

                DETROIT: Ford is bringing a new very limited edition pickup to Frankfurt as interest in Europe starts to pique.

With the F Series, Ford can claim to be America's most popular pickup brand. In 2016 alone, it sold over 900,000 in the US, accounting for more than a third of the country's total pickup market.

But whereas the pickup has been an automotive icon on American roads for over 50 years, European interest in such trucks only started to rise at the beginning of the millennium.

At first the demand was driven by financial incentives - pickups offered a more tax-efficient way of owning a company car as a business benefit - but more recently they have started to turn heads as a more rugged, individual alternative to the SUV.

In 2015, Ford sold 27,300 Rangers in total across Europe. However, fast-forward to today, and the company has already sold 23,100 Rangers for the year to date.

To take advantage of this growing appeal and to stem the tide of competition that is set to come from the new Mercedes X-Class, also making its debut in Frankfurt, Ford has come up with a special Ranger Black Edition.

It will be limited to just 2,500 units and will come solely in Double Cab form. It will stand out from other pickups due to its unique exterior finish - it really is completely black, with all brightwork and chrome detailing replaced by a black gloss treatment from the radiator grille to the roof rails, side steps and its alloy wheels.

As for creature comforts, it will come with sat-nav, front parking sensors and a rear-view camera. Other standard features include leather trimmed seats, dual zone climate control plus Ford's latest-generation Synch 3 infotainment system including 8-inch touch screen.

"Ranger customers appreciate the vehicle's tough, go-anywhere capability and its rugged good looks, and we expect this attractive new limited series to be snapped up within weeks," said Hans Schep, general manager, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe.

The 2017 Frankfurt auto show opens to the public on Sept 14.


Nissan offers Rear Door Alert on 12 cars in US

                LOS ANGELES: Nissan will offer its Rear Door Alert (RDA) safety technology on 12 models in the United States.

For model year 2020, RDA is standard on the Nissan Altima, Armada, Kicks (SV and SR), LEAF, Murano, Maxima, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, TITAN (King Cab and Crew Cab) and Versa (SV and SR).

RDA was the industry's first system to use the horn, in addition to door sensors and a message display on the center instrument panel, to remind drivers to check the back seat after the vehicle is parked.

Once activated, the system monitors when a rear door is opened and closed before and after the vehicle is in motion.

If a rear door was used before a trip but was not opened after the vehicle is parked, the system reminds the driver to check the rear seat.

Once the vehicle is in park, the system will first display a notification in the instrument panel. If the driver exits the vehicle and does not open a rear door, the system progresses to distinctive chirps of the horn.

Nissan said it remains committed to bringing its RDA technology to all four-door trucks, sedans and SUVs by 2022.


New Citroën C3 unveiled

                PARIS: French automobile manufacturer Citroën has revealed a new revision of its supermini-sized C3, emphasising what it says is an energetic look, driver and passenger comfort, and integrated camera technology.

Style elements from Citroën's compact SUV, the C4 Cactus, have been carried over to the C3.

An exterior-facing camera mounted above the rear view mirror allows the capture of still images and video footage that can "instantly be shared on social media channels, or saved as evidence in the event of an accident."

Driver assistance options include voice-controlled 3D navigation, a reversing camera, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and various utilities such as an SOS pack, geolocation pack, recovery service, and an emergency assistance service.

"The new C3 has all the Citroën values and all the qualities to give the brand new impetus, which is especially important as the previous model accounted for almost one in five sales in Europe," said Citroën CEO Linda Jackson. "A comfortable car with real personality, it is set to appeal to new customers looking for a modern car with character."

"The C3 is a bold, fresh, modern car. It illustrates the ongoing Citroën product offensive," said product director Xavier Peugeot.


Aston Martin launching limited DB9 GT Bond Edition

LONDON: British luxury carmaker Aston Martin is celebrating the release of James Bond film "Spectre" with the launch of a special "Bond Edition" of its DB9 GT, limited to 150 examples.

Using the 6.0-litre, V12-engined grand tourer - the most powerful DB9 to date - as its starting point, the special edition adds Spectre Silver paint, sterling silver Aston Martin badges on the front and rear, and "007 Bond Edition" exterior badging.

Inside, it features numbered sill plaques with the 007 logo, gun barrel embroidery and a special Bond Edition start-up screen on the infotainment system.

A suite of Bond-themed accessories complete the package, including an Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m James Bond Limited Edition watch with a unique Aston Martin strap.

The new DB9 GT Bond Edition is now available to order around the world priced at £165,000 (RM1mil).


What's in store at Top Marques Monaco car show

                MONTE CARLO: The McLaren Grand Tourer, the Ferox Azaris and the Zacaria are due to be unveiled at the Top Marques Monaco car show, to be held at May 30 to June 3 at the Grimaldi Forum.

After being announced at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the McLaren Grand Tourer is set to make its debut in Monaco. This mid-engine car boasts a spacious, streamlined and modern interior, finished with high-end materials.

 McLaren Grand Tourer.

Another car premiering in Monaco is the Ferox Azaris, an unusual six-wheeled vehicle with four in-wheel electric motors driven by a central power source. Also coming to Top Marques Monaco will be the Australian-built Zacaria single-seater. Essentially billed as a "road-legal F1 car," this model is powered by a 740-horsepower V12 engine from a Ferrari F12 Berlinetta.

 The six-wheeled Azaris.

Other models on display at this year's edition include the spectacular Pininfarina Battista with its 1,900-horsepower engine and the Quantino 48Volt supercar powered by salt water.

Visitors will also able to see the Bugatti Chiron Sport, one of the world's most expensive supercars, and the Aston Martin RB 003, a concept car developed in partnership with Red Bull Advanced Technologies, which should lead to a spectacular production model hypercar by 2021.

A special-edition Rolls-Royce Wraith, dubbed the "Luminary Collection," plus the Bentley Continental GT Number 9 Edition, launched to mark the British manufacturer's 100th anniversary, will also be on show at the Grimaldi Forum.

 Zacaria.

As in previous years, the exhibition will also showcase a selection of luxury watches and jewelry. Major watchmakers such as Greubel Forsey, Roger Dubuis and Bovet 1822 will all be present.

An auction will see an exceptional lot up for grabs from Rebellion Timepieces, featuring a luxury watch (Magnum 540 Grand Tourbillon Saphir) and a prestigious racecar (Rebellion R-One LMP1, as seen in the World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans).


New Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV to have more range and seats 7

                TOKYO: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will launch an improved plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model of the all-new Outlander crossover in Japan by early 2022.

With improved motor output and increased battery capacity over the current model, the new Outlander is touted as offering more powerful performance and greater driving range.

Plus it's no longer a 5-seater as it will now seat 7 people.

Mitsubishi says the crossover is based on a newly developed platform and has an optimised layout to fit  seven people in three rows comfortably.

The current Outlander PHEV, introduced in mid-2018, uses a 13.8 kWh battery (up from 12 kWh in the original PHEV) and twin-motor AWD system for a 10% higher power output.  Electric range is 45km (WLTP).

Since the launch of the Outlander PHEV globally in 2013, it has been sold in more than 60 countries around the world and is a leader in the PHEV category.

MMC has targeted a 40 percent reduction in the CO2 emissions of its new cars by 2030 by leveraging on EVs — with PHEVs as the centrepiece — to help create a sustainable society.


UMW plans a series of Toyota car launches

                PETALING JAYA: UMW Holdings Bhd, the exclusive distributor of Toyota vehicles, plans to launch a pipeline of new car models this year to mitigate the impact of the market slowdown.

The automotive, equipment and manufacturing conglomerate said yesterday that despite the subdued market environment, it was cautiously optimistic of improving demand from customers post-MCO.

UMW said it expected the group’s automotive segment to benefit from the recent announcement of 100% sales tax exemption on completely knocked down vehicles and 50% exemption for completely built-up vehicles effective from June 15 to Dec 31 this year.

UMW saw its net profit fall 48.8% to RM44.3mil for the first quarter ended March 31,2020, from RM86.5mil in the corresponding quarter last year in tandem with lower revenue.

Consequently, its earnings per share fell to 3.79 sen from 7.40 sen previously.

During the quarter in review, UMW’s group revenue fell 23.8% to RM2.12bil from RM2.78bil in the previous corresponding quarter.

“The decrease in revenue was mainly due to lower sales in the automotive and equipment businesses, following disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, ” said UMW.

For the quarter, revenue from its automotive segment fell 35% year-on-year (y-o-y) to RM1.59bil, mainly due to a lower number of vehicles sold. Pre-tax profit from the segment fell 53.3% y-o-y.

Revenue from its equipment segment fell 11.8% y-o-y to RM289.2mil, while pre-tax profit fell 5.5% y-o-y to RM25.8mil, due to disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

For the remaining part of the year, UMW acting president and group CEO Azmin Che Yusoff said the group would strive to maintain its performance in 2020 despite the unprecedented challenging business environment.

“We will continue to focus on strengthening our core business segments and strategic cost optimisation initiatives to improve our business performance and operational productivity, ” he said.

UMW’s shares fell 14 sen to close at RM2.65 yesterday.


Drivers should avoid putting pedal to the metal in flip-flops

                BERLIN: When it's hot outside, it's tempting to wear flip-flops or even take off your shoes for the drive home. However, while it's certainly more convenient after a trip to the pool or beach, is it legal to take the wheel in such attire?

According to German safety experts Tuv, no specific legislation in Germany and Britain (or Malaysia for that matter) that bans drivers from wearing flip-flops or going barefoot, but they do face a higher risk of being made culpable in any auto-related accidents.

"There is no general ban on going barefoot or wearing flip-flops to drive a car," says accident expert Achmed Leser. "But I advise against it in principle."

There's a risk of the driver's feet slipping off the pedals in dangerous situations, such as when emergency braking is required. Such a risk, in the event of an accident, is taken into account and could be used against the driver by investigators and insurance companies when claims are made.

As an alternative to flip-flops, Leser recommends that drivers wear "lighter but firmly fitting shoes that also provide enough grip."

Also unsuitable for driving - despite not being banned - are high heels, with their small contact surface having an increased chance of slipping off the pedals.

"Due to the extended foot posture, a driver with high heels cannot transfer enough pressure from the ball of the foot to the pedals," explains Leser. "In an emergency situation, this can have fatal consequences."


Aznom Palladium showcases unique computer network

                MONZA (Italy): Aznom Palladium has become a buzz after it recently unveiled its hyper-limousine earlier this month with its unique Controller Area Network or CAN.

The Italian company practically amazed the world with the vehicle's 6,000mm-long and 2,000mm-tall dimensions.

The massive car makes use of a twin-turbo V8 engine that's able to punch out over 700hp while also adding off-roading to its list of abilities.

The company boasts that it will provide extraordinary levels of comfort with an extra-luxurious interior rarely seen in the automotive world.

When fitting the interiors of the car, the designers at the company took inspiration from large yachts with their extreme luxury standards.

One of the most impressive is the company's CAN (Controller Area Network) which works simultaneously with the main controls of the car (the electronic system that controls gear shifts and mechanical elements) and yet is still able to remain completely independent.

This management system allows passengers to control all the comfort features of the car from small displays on each of the four doors.

Through the same kind of display, the driver - the real on board “captain”, controls the locking mechanism of the doors as well as all the windows, the cooling of the fridge, manages all the drawers and hidden compartments, modifies the lighting in the cockpit as well as the air conditioning at the front.

The passengers seated in the large rear seat control a totally independent air conditioning system.

This can be operated from the displays on the respective doors in contrast to the driver’s display and does not allow the control of all the features but just those on the respective side, as is the case for the front passenger.


Polestar updates 2 with more performance and extra range

                LONDON: Polestar has announced a major update for its 2 electric vehicle.

The five-door "fastback" has been equipped with new electric motors, while those versions using just a single motor have made the switch to rear-wheel-drive, having been front-wheel-drive previously.

The new motor can deliver up to 220kW – up from 170kW before – while torque has been increased from 330Nm to 490Nm. As a result, the car’s 0-100kph sprint time has been reduced by 1.2 seconds to just 6 seconds.

Dual-motor versions have seen power and torque increased to 310kW and 740Nm respectively, up from the 300kW and 660Nm you got on the previous car. Plus, the front motor can now be disengaged entirely when not in use, helping to boost efficiency further.

As before, standard and long-range versions will be available, offering battery sizes of 69 and 82kWh respectively.

The standard can be charged at speeds of up to 135kW, too, while the long-range variant will accept a rapid 205kW of charge. Polestar has also managed to lower the carbon emissions for versions with the 82kWh battery thanks to "improved cell chemistry".

But, most importantly for an EV, these changes bring extra range. There have been improvements to all versions, but the long range dual motor variant has seen one of the biggest increases with its range going up by 105km to a total of 592km.

The standard range, single motor version can now travel for up to 518km - an increase of 40km - while the long range, single motor variant can now manage up to 635km, representing an increase of 64km on the previous version.

Prices for the new Polestar 2 start from €51,135 (RM239,000), with standard equipment boosted over the previous version.

Highlights include Blind Spot Information System, Cross Traffic Alert and a 360-degree around-view camera. Wireless phone charging is now included as standard on all versions. — PA Media


Kia Motors tops JD Power quality study

The Kia Optima plug-in hybrid.
LOS ANGELES: Kia Motors topped an initial quality study of new vehicles sold in the United States based on owner responses for the second consecutive year, business consultancy J.D. Power said on Wednesday.

Hyundai Motor’s Genesis cars came second in the survey, followed by Porsche, a sports luxury brand owned by Volkswagen AG, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV’s Ram and US automaker Ford Motor Co’s namesake brand shared the fourth position.

Fiat, Jaguar Land Rover’s luxury car brand Jaguar and Volvo were at the bottom.

BMW’s MINI was the most improved brand, with owners reporting fewer problems than in 2016. Ford was also among the brands with strong improvement in quality, the study said.

Brands of Hyundai, General Motors Co and BMW were among the highest ranked in the survey.

J.D. Power received more than 80,000 responses from owners of new 2017 model-year vehicles in the first 90 days of ownership. In a 233-question survey, the owners reported problems encountered with their purchases.


GM buys Cruise Automation to speed self-driving car strategy

                DETROIT: General Motors Co has announced it is buying Cruise Automation, a San Francisco self-driving vehicle startup, the latest move by the auto company as it competes with Silicon Valley to develop self-driving cars that could be used in ride-sharing fleets.

GM and Cruise did not disclose the value of the deal. Technology website Re/Code cited sources as saying GM paid US$1 billion. A GM spokesman declined to comment on that figure.

GM intends to use Cruise’s technology and people to accelerate its effort to develop vehicles that can operate without a human driver, potentially as part of ride-sharing fleets “as soon as possible,” GM president Dan Ammann said in an interview.

“We will be committing considerable resources to recruit and grow the capability of the team,” Ammann said.

Cruise has been working to develop hardware and software that could be installed in a vehicle to enable the car to pilot itself on a highway, without the driver steering or braking.

GM initially planned an investment in the company but moved within five weeks to buy Cruise outright, said venture partner Nabeel Hyatt of Spark Capital, an investor in Cruise.

"They moved faster than most Silicon Valley companies would move," he said.

Cruise, which has 40 employees, was launched in 2013 and has raised US$20 million in venture capital, founder Kyle Vogt said in an interview.

Vogt impressed Silicon Valley venture capital fund Signia Venture Partners by demonstrating an Audi A4 that could be controlled by a game console, said Signia principal Sunny Dhillon.

More recently, Cruise was working on a system that could make a car "fully driverless," Vogt said.

A flurry of investments by traditional auto companies reflects a fear among industry executives that the century-old business of building and selling cars that people drive themselves is at risk, even though global vehicle demand is strong.

In January, GM said it would invest US$500 million in ride-hailing company Lyft Inc and followed that by forming a new car-sharing operation called Maven. The company has also established a separate unit for self-driving vehicle development.

Other automakers are moving into ride sharing and self-driving vehicles, as are some traditional auto suppliers.

Germany’s Continental AG and Delphi Automotive Plc among others are seeking technology companies to buy for intellectual property and programming talent.


Facelifted VW Touareg undergoes final tests in Arctic Circle

                WOLFSBURG: Volkswagen is providing a first preview of the update for the Touareg ahead of its world premiere in summer.

The German automaker said its large premium SUV would have a comprehensive technical and visual update. The rear and front have been redesigned, the chassis has been further developed to enhance comfort and performance.

The performance Touareg R eHybrid variant, as shown in this set of pictures, would continue to be the range-topper.

The camouflaged third-generation Touareg facelift is still completing its final test miles in Swedish Lapland.

Although the design modifications are still hidden under an oversized QR code wrap, the pictures of the disguised prototype already provide a concrete preview of the first technical details.

At the front, for example, it is possible to see the newly developed IQ.LIGHT HD matrix headlights and the elements of an also new LED light strip integrated between them.

Both headlights comprised a total of 38,400 micro LEDs to ensure more brightness on the road - without dazzling oncoming traffic.

The matrix system projects an interactive carpet of light into the lane of the SUV. This so-called "lane light" makes driving at night more comfortable and makes it easier to drive through narrow motorway construction sites in the dark, as the carpet of light optimally illuminates the lane.

The new Touareg would also be the first VW model in Europe with an illuminated logo on the rear.

Since January 2023, the Volkswagen badge lit up in red has been permitted in Europe. Previously the shining brand logo was allowed only in markets such as China or the US.

Volkswagen has further developed the chassis of the always all-wheel drive Touareg.

Among other things, a roof load sensor is now used, which is networked with the chassis electronics.

This results in increased agility when the roof is not loaded. If, on the other hand, a roof box is installed, the sensor recognises this and passes this information on to assistance systems such as the ESC. This increases the driving stability of the Touareg.

The standard steel spring running gear and the optional two-chamber air suspension running gear have also been given a new setup to achieve an even larger bandwidth between maximum comfort and optimum performance.

The refreshed Touareg would be equipped with the "Innovision Cockpit". It is operated via the 15-inch central touchscreen, the multifunction steering wheel and analogue elements such as the volume control in the centre console.

The "Innovision Cockpit" of the new Touareg offers, among other things, lane-precise navigation and high-resolution HD map data. Voice control has also been further developed. The app integration via smartphone and "App Connect" (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto) can now also be done wirelessly.

Volkswagen said the high quality level of the Touareg was further improved by evaluating customer feedback: the armrests and the centre console panels are softer — a plus in comfort.

As before, the Touareg would be offered in petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid variants. All engines are 3.0-litre V6 units.

The V6 petrol mill makes 340hp, while the V6 diesel would come in two states of tune, producing either 231hp or 286hp.

The performance-oriented Touareg R eHybrid pairs a 3.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to produce a combined 462hp and 700Nm of torque. The electric-range of the motor is likely to be improved and could be closer to 60km.


Toyota Vios Challenge (Season 3) race 2 - Day 1

                KUALA LUMPUR: Bandar Malaysia set the stage for the fastest street racing action for Round Two of Season Three for the Toyota Vios Challenge one-make race series.

Considered one of the fastest and longest ever constructed, the 1.96km street-circuit featured 20 corners, two long straights (up to 600m) and a high rate of attrition with many drivers forced into early retirement from colliding with the concrete barriers.

The racers may have experienced a wet morning practice session but thankfully, the track managed to dry out just prior to the start of the races.

Those who did manage to cross the finish line meant that they were able to survive the gauntlet of 20 incident-riddled laps which brought out the safety car twice in the amateur racing group of the Sporting Class.

It was 23 Motors’ Mirza Syahmi Mahzan (Car 97) who led the opening stages of the race from pole position but his race weekend ruined due to a 15-second penalty for a start infringement before retiring later in the race.

Three laps into the race, Saksama Motorsports’ Ricky Tan (Car 71) drifted too wide going into a left-hander and collided with the barrier to end his race and brought out the safety car for three laps.

But the as soon as the safety car was brought out, it was quickly dispatched out again due to a second collision between Distinctive Model’s Clement Yeo (Car 98) and Panglima City Racing Team’s Kenneth Koh (77).

As the field of drivers settled into their paces, the race ended on the 20th lap with S&D Tama Motorsports’ Tom Goh (Car 33) racing to his first victory of the season, followed by Crestmax Motorsports’ Adam Khalid (car 28) in second and 15-year-old Hayden Haikal (Car 81) in third for S&D Motorsports.

In the professional category of the Super Sporting Class, it was 23 Motorsports' Tengku Djan Ley (Car 23) and Laser Motor Racing’s Mark Darwin (Car 63) who set the pace and were locked in a private battle at the front of the pack.

Neighbouring the battle down the line was Telegamas Toyota’s Freddie Ang (Car 3) and Toyotsu Racing’s William Ho (Car 39) who engaged each other for third place.

At the end of the 20-lap race, it was none other than Tengku Djan who managed to race to victory from pole position to finish two seconds ahead of Darwin in second while Ang settled for third.

Unopposed was the way racing went for the celebrity category of the Promotional Class.

Beatboxer Shawn Lee (Car 6) made a textbook start from pole position with actor Shukri Yahya (Car 24) and presenter Nabil Ahmad (Car 83) following closely to break away from the rest of the pack.

Halfway through on lap-10, the earlier gains of the top three racers were slashed due to actor Syafiq Kyle (Car 88) slamming into the wall to put the race under safety car conditions.

As racing finally got underway, the top three drivers pulled away from the pack once again.

At the fall of the chequered flag to mark the end of racing for the day, it was Lee who finished 2.2 seconds ahead of Shukri in second while Nabil took third, actress Diana Danielle (Car 15) in fourth and Khai Bahar in fifth (Car 94).

Sixth place went to singer Nabila Razali (Car 92) who jostled with fellow singer Wany Hasrita (Car 8) for almost 16 laps while model Ain Edruce (Car 9) finished in eighth after having started in 10th place due to a run-in with the wall during the qualifying session.

Race 2 continues tomorrow with the top six finishers lining up on the starting grid in reverse order.

For race fans and spectators, the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival will showcase Toyota’s fleet of vehicles, test drive sessions, a drift performance by professional Japanese drivers, a concert, a bey blade and racing simulator challenge, and the sale of merchandise.

Visitors to the festival will also be able to get up close and personal with the newly-launched Toyota GR Supra.

Entrance is free of charge and the event runs from 9.00am to 6.00pm.

RESULTS: RACE 1PROMOTIONAL
1. Shawn Lee
2. Shukri Yahaya
3. Nabil Ahmad
4. Diana Danielle
5. Khai Bahar

SPORTING
1. Tom Goh S&D Tama Motorsports
2. Adam Khalid Crestmax Motorsports
3. Hayden Haikal S&D Motorsports
4. Bradley Benedict Dream Chaser
5. Vincent Ng Team Fokus Tetap

SUPER SPORTING
1. Tengku Djan Ley 23 Motors
2. Mark Darwin Laser Motor Racing
3. Freddie Ang Telagamas Toyota
4. William Ho Toyotsu Racing
5. Brendon Lim Tedco Racing


Toyota improves automotive cybersecurity with Tencent Keen Security Lab

                TOYOTA CITY: Toyota's engagement with Keen Security Lab (Keen Lab), a globally renowned cybersecurity research lab of Tencent, has led to discovery of certain vulnerabilities in some Toyota and Lexus models.

Based on Toyota's investigation, operation of certain vehicle functions in certain Lexus and Toyota vehicles equipped with particular multimedia units could occur if the identified vulnerabilities in the Bluetooth function are exploited.

The vulnerability findings and exploit process, as described by Keen Lab, do not control steering, braking, or throttle.

The exploitation of these vulnerabilities requires specific knowledge and expertise of the multimedia system software, a special tool, and maintaining close proximity to a vehicle for an extended period during any attempt to compromise the multimedia system.

Toyota believes that exploiting these vulnerabilities in the manner developed by Keen Lab is extremely sophisticated, and the likelihood of this condition to occur in the real world is limited.

Toyota has already implemented measures to address the vulnerabilities in the vehicles currently being produced. For certain in-market vehicles equipped with the specific multimedia units, owners can update the software.

Toyota acknowledges Keen Lab's contribution in identifying this vulnerability. Toyota takes the discovery by Keen Lab seriously and will continue to enhance the cyber protections of its vehicles.


Mock skyscrapers, simulated rain at Singapore self-driving test centre

An autonomous buggy stopping as it reacts to a pedestrian walking during a trial test at Cetran, run by the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. — All pix by AFP
SINGAPORE: The road sweeper and a golf buggy move around the track with ease, jamming their brakes on when a pedestrian steps out and negotiating sharp turns.

Welcome to Singapore's self-drive test centre, complete with traffic lights and mock skyscrapers, which is at the heart of the city's push to become a hub for autonomous technology.

However, while authorities are keen to tap a global drive by auto giants and startups to develop vehicles, the industry must still prove it is safe and persuade people to use the technology.

The two-hectare site has a track with sharp turns, traffic lights, a slope, and a bus stop to simulate real driving conditions. Shipping containers are also stacked up to emulate how high rises could potentially block satellite signals to self-driving machines.

The CETRAN centre, run by Nanyang Technological University (NTU), even has a rain-making machine that can simulate the frequent tropical downpours in the Southeast Asian city-state of 5.7 million people.

"Before you are ready to go to the public roads, we test them here to see if they are actually ready," said Niels De Boer, programme director at the centre.

Negotiating turns, dodging pedestrians

All companies must put their autos through the centre's testing and certification programmes before they are allowed to hit public roads.

The sweeper is being trialled as part of a government plan that could eventually see them deployed in the city, according to local media, while cars and buses are also being tested, and trials of delivery robots will soon take place.

Orderly Singapore is seeking to lure autonomous tech companies looking to trial their vehicles in Asia, where many other major cities are chaotic and traffic-clogged.

The government has led the drive, as it seeks to attract more foreign firms and because it sees the technology as useful for public transport and delivery services.

The first trials of an autonomous car on public roads took place in 2015.

In 2016, US software firm nuTonomy launched driverless taxi trials in public in Singapore, becoming the first company in the world to do so.

Authorities aim to deploy autonomous public transport in three areas by 2022, and in October announced it was expanding the area where self-driving vehicles can be tested to 1,000 km (620 miles) of public roads.

Self-driving vehicles will mainly be used in the public transport network for tasks such as shuttling people to stations and stops from their homes or workplaces, said Subodh Mhaisalkar, an NTU professor involved in the autonomous vehicle programme.

Drafting the right regulations

De Boer from the CETRAN centre said authorities were working on ensuring the correct regulations, such as traffic laws, are in place for self-driving vehicles.

Countries where private companies are taking the lead risk having "wonderful technology" but not being able to launch it in the market because of the absence of rules, he added.

There are still many roadblocks ahead, however.

Safety remains a major concern for the industry worldwide -- in 2018, a self-driving Uber car was involved in a crash that killed a woman in Arizona.

All trials in Singapore still require a safety driver and most vehicles are not yet ready to cope with the regular tropical downpours.

And the tiny country remains behind other markets, such as the US, where self-driving ride services are in various stages of deployment.

"It would be very difficult to lead in the whole industry simply because the nation is small," said Guoli Chen, associate professor of strategy at French business school INSEAD.

The key challenge may be persuading members of the public to hop aboard self-driving vehicles, and experts say the technology will have to be introduced in stages.

"It's a journey that may take 10 to 20 years, but I think it's inevitable," NTU's Mhaisalkar said.


British consortium ends after making over 13,000 ventilators

LONDON: A British consortium formed by a group of aerospace, automotive and engineering firms to build ventilators for the country's health service said on Sunday it would end after delivering over 13,000 devices.

VentilatorChallengeUK said its production had more than doubled the stock of ventilators available for use in the National Health Service.

The consortium, which was formed on a not-for-profit basis by the likes of Ford, McLaren, Rolls-Royce and Airbus, said in May it was ramping up production in case of a second peak in infections.

But Dick Elsy, chairman of VentilatorChallengeUK, said the NHS was now well-placed for the future.

"We have helped ensure the NHS has always had access to the number of ventilators it needs, and we're pleased to have also contributed to building a resilient stock should ventilators be required in the UK in the future," he said.

Britain sought to "protect the NHS" during its coronavirus lockdown by working to flatten the curve of infections so the health service was not overwhelmed.

The availability of ventilators in the NHS had been a hot political topic as the epidemic started, but the demand for the machines never got close to the 30,000 figures initially estimated as being required.

The government has said that everyone who needed a ventilator during the pandemic has had access to one.

"The Ventilator Challenge has been a great success," Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove said.

"I would like to thank every manufacturer and designer, and their incredible workforces, for the huge part they've played in the national effort to protect our NHS and save lives."


Sampling the new Optima in S. Korea

The current-generation Optima is Kia’s most successful car in the mid-size segment, having achieved global sales of more than 815,000 units since its introduction in 2010.

Now at its mid-life stage based on the current model span of about five years, Kia sees the need to maintain that momentum.

Kia Motors Corp’s Overseas Marketing vice-president Soon-Nam Lee, says the updates were based on customers’ feedback.

And the result is a facelifted Optima that is more than just an aesthetic update – it is enhanced with new infotainment, convenience and safety features, has increased refinement, improved quality and a more premium finish.

The first visual change is the external update, as in the new headlights, front grille, foglights, rear lights, bumpers and alloy wheel design.

Up front, the LED daytime running lights are moved from the bumpers to the headlights to maintain a consistent image with other newly introduced Kia models.

At the rear, the lights are now LED units to achieve parity with “premium models from Germany,” Lee says.

The interior sees a satin chrome finish being adopted, along with a bigger multi-function LCD screen (4.3-inch from 3.5-inch previously) in the meter panel, a new three-spoke steering wheel with flattened bottom for automatic models, and improved front seats, among other improvements.

There is also the option for ventilated front seats.

To improve ride comfort and refinement, interior noise is reduced by fitting a dynamic damper to the rear multi-link suspension, changing the rear wheel arch covers to another material for better sound proofing, and using stronger alloy wheels.

Combined, the interior noise is said to be reduced by 3.3dB.

Another added detail is the Drive-Mode-Select button on the new D-shape steering wheel for the automatic model: it provides the option of Normal, Active ECO (fuel economy driving) and Sport modes.

In Sport mode, the engine responds more immediately to throttle input, the transmission holds each gear longer, and the steering weight (feel) is increased to provide for more dynamic driving.

The paddle shifters may be used for a more engaging drive.

We had a go at the refreshed Optima recently in South Korea: the drive started from the Grand Hyatt, which sat on a hill and provided a splendid view of the south Seoul skyline across the Hangang River, to the Jeongsan hill resort, complete with a casino a la Genting Highlands, some 240km away in Kangwon.

We had the benefit of driving the non-turbo Optima for the first half of the drive to Kangwon: this has the NU MPI engine delivering 162PS at 6,500rpm, while the T-GDI 2.0-litre turbo pushes out 271PS at 6,000rpm.

The transmission for both variants was a six-speed automatic.

As the route covered mostly highways in convoy format, the drive was a quiet and comfortable one, and the brief surges to 130-140kph between speed cameras revealed a relatively quieter roar as the engine revved up.

Though the Optima is designed for executive driving, we had the opportunity to gauge its handling limits at a more gung ho pace at the 2.5km Taebaek Racing Park.

Located a short distance from the hill resort, it sat on a level area nestled between two hills to provide a picturesque track.

Built in 2012, it has a single 900m straight (on which a race car can hit 300kph before the hairpin) followed by a series of corners of varying tightness and camber.

Again the circuit drive was done in convoy style (in groups of five) and no one was allowed to overtake during the three laps of driving.

Though we were limited to 140kph on the straight, we hit the accelerator earlier on exiting the sweeping curve to try for a higher top speed. We hit almost 160kph before reaching the pack leader’s car.

We chose the turbocharged Optima for this track session to see how much more responsive and powerful its engine would be over the normally aspirated model’s.

It may not be a fair comparison as the drive impressions were done over different road conditions and driving style, but we just couldn’t resist sampling the turbo power that would not be made available in Malaysia.

The automatic transmission was duly engaged in Sport mode for this racy pace and we used the paddle shifters on one lap to gauge the difference in gear-engine response between manual and automatic shifting for the respective corners.

As we had driven the Cerato Koup earlier, we had a reference point of sorts to compare the Optima’s handling performance (Kia says the Optima’s suspension is tuned to provide better performance while maintaining comfort).

We could feel more body roll around the corners – which were often taken above the suggested pace of 50kph to 100kph as dictated by the lead car – but we could maintain a similar level of speed with a slightly higher understeer, given that the Optima is a four-door car with more weight to lug around.

All the cars were running on Korean-made Nexen tyres, with the Optima running on bigger 225/45 R18 tyres.

This drive certainly reinforced our earlier impressions of the current Optima regarding its respectable handling limits on public roads.

Local Kia distributor Naza Kia Malaysia is expected to launch the new Optima this month.