Hyundai and Giorgetto Giugiaro collaborate to rebuild 1974 Pony Coupe Concept

                SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Company is working with Italian design firm GFG Style, notably its father and son founders Giorgetto and Fabrizio Giugiaro, to rebuild the influential 1974 Pony Coupe Concept that young Giorgetto created for Hyundai's debut at the 1974 Turin Motor Show.

The rebuilt concept will be shown in the springtime.

The announcement was made during a Design Talk in Seoul, featuring Giorgetto and Fabrizio Giugiaro along with Luc Donckerwolke, Chief Creative Officer of Hyundai Motor Group, and SangYup Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai Motor's Global Design Center.

 1974 Pony Coupe Concept.

Donckerwolke said the company was thrilled to welcome Giorgetto and Fabrizio to Seoul for this rare occasion and they look forward to collaborating with GFG Style on this extraordinary design project.

"Not only does this project hold historical value, but it also represents a cross-cultural exchange that could pave the way for more collaborations down the road," he said.

Lee said the original Pony and Pony Coupe Concept were one of those rare creations that influenced the designs of not just one but multiple production and concept vehicles, including Hyundai's award-winning Ioniq 5 and attention-grabbing N Vision 74.

"Since the original concept car no longer exists, we've commissioned Giorgetto Giugiaro to rebuild it based on our design philosophy, 'Shaping the future with legacy'," he said.

 1974 Pony Coupe Concept.

Of his original design, Giugiaro said, "I designed the Hyundai Pony when I was still a young designer at the start of my career.

"I felt very proud that I was in charge of creating a vehicle for a company and country that was about to take on a fiercely competitive global market.

"Now, I'm deeply honored that Hyundai has asked me to rebuild it for posterity and as a celebration of the brand's heritage," he said.


Jaguar F-TYPE updated and yours for RM575,800

                PETALING JAYA: The refreshed Jaguar F-TYPE has arrived in Malaysia, priced at RM575,800 (excluding road tax,registration and insurance).

It sports improved visual appeal as seen in its headlights, rear lights and bumper. The interior enhancements makes the turbocharged coupe more luxurious than before.

The F-TYPE Coupe has a 2.0-litre turbocharged Ingenium engine that produces 296hp and 400Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0-100kph in only 5.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250kph.

 The F-TYPE for Malaysia will be right-hand drive and not as shown in this stock photo supplied by Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia.

New futuristic LED headlights and rear lights are among improved exterior aesthetics of the F-TYPE.

The new headlights from the optional LEDs has a colour temperature of 5,500-6,000K, which feature a colour temperature that is close to daylight resulting in better visibility for night driving and adds on to the styling of the car.

With three different beam pattern modes to choose from (i.e: city, highway and bad weather), the driver can choose a mode that suits the driving environment.

A redesigned bumper, a new single exhaust tailpipe finisher and a new 18” wheel also give the F-TYPE a redefined look thereby adding more masculinity to the character of the car.

The introduction of the new Silicon Silver exterior colour also emphasise the character lines further and plays up the boldness of the F-TYPE.

The cabin sees the addition of lightweight slim line seats as well as a new chrome and
aluminium trim finishers, which complement the interior colour schemes including the Siena Tan leather option now available across the range.

READ MORE: 2019 Jaguar F-Type gets new tech and torque vectoring

The seat frames are more than 8kg lighter than before as they are made from pressure die cast
magnesium alloy.

Every F-TYPE now features the Touch Pro, the most advanced infotainment system Jaguar has to offer.

It comprises a 10-inch touchscreen. Its fast responses, tablet-style operation, smart navigation functions such as Share ETA and online services put key information at the driver’s fingertips.

Since launch in 2012, Jaguar’s all-aluminium two-seater has won more than 170 awards worldwide.

The new F-TYPE is now available at all Jaguar showrooms nationwide.

Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia said the vehicles it sells are compatible with the Malaysian climate, environment, fuel quality and meet the Malaysian emission standard.

All Jaguar vehicles distributed by authorised dealers also come with "Jaguar Care" programme which is based on whichever comes first i.e a 5-year warranty or 150,000km, 5-year servicing or 65,000km and 3-year roadside assistance.


Factories fire up in Europe to pull economy back from the abyss

                FRANKFURT: Volkswagen AG is rebooting plants and other industries are also starting to fire up again as Europe starts returning to work after coronavirus shutdowns plunged the region into its worst economic slump in living memory.

Factory doors are reopening after nations from Denmark to Germany began easing restrictions on public life, with Italy, France and Spain to follow.

But it won’t be a sudden return to business as usual. Companies will have to implement social distancing and hygiene measures to keep workers safe, after the pandemic claimed more than 110,000 lives in the region.

The restart is crucial to pull the European economy out of a tailspin that’s forced governments to pledge hundreds of billions of euros to keep companies afloat.

 The first shift of VW workers returning to work today at the Wolfsburg plant was cause for media attention.

Measures of private-sector business activity plummeted to an all-time low in April, with record job cuts. Even in Germany, the nation that may weather the crisis best, business sentiment is “catastrophic,” according to the Ifo research institute.

But while shutting down factories is relatively easy, ramping them up again is more complicated because even small kinks in the supply chain can cause major disruptions, said Michael Groemling, an analyst at the Cologne-based German Economic Institute.

“What complicates matters even more is that no one knows for sure how demand in the key markets in Europe and the U.S. will shape up in the coming months,” Groemling said by phone.

PSA Group, for one, isn’t saying when it will reopen European factories. The maker of Peugeot, Citroen and Opel automobiles said there’s no point in building up inventories while sales are dormant. “It’s important to have dealership and sales activity before we push the button,” Chief Financial Officer Philippe de Rovira told analysts.

READ MORE: VW reshapes workplace safety as virus threat lingers

While the extent of the reboot differs by country (Portugal, for example, has allowed most factories to keep running throughout the crisis), it’s happening gradually.

Moving too quickly, or carelessly, risks contributing to a second wave of infections that would turn the recovery effort on its head. And some segments of the economy - think bars and restaurants, air travel or movie-going - will probably remain disrupted for some time.

Europe’s car industry, which accounts for about 14 million jobs across the region, is eager to get back to work, even though it’s unclear whether buyers will return to showrooms once lockdowns are lifted.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV, the Italian-American carmaker, will restart production at its Sevel light van plant in southern Italy and resume some operations at other factories across the country today. Ferrari NV plans to reopen its Maranello and Modena factories in northern Italy on May 4.

Volkswagen, the world’s largest automaker, resumed production at its Wolfsburg plant today with 8,000 workers returning to work. Initially, Golf production would restart on a one-shift basis — with reduced capacity and longer cycle times.  The car maker had also restarted its new ID.3 electric car production at a factory in Zwickau, Germany, on Thursday, saying it expects to start European deliveries of the vehicle this summer as planned.

Renault SA began a gradual ramp-up in France last week, starting with three engine and parts factories and as little as a quarter of employees. It’s providing safety measures such as protective gear, temperature monitoring and extra cleaning. The company has already reopened plants in countries including Spain, Portugal, Morocco and Russia.

Most carmakers aren’t revving up all their factories at once, and those that restore output are expected to run assembly lines at slower rates until demand climbs back toward pre-crisis levels.


405 Beetle car fans turned up for VW gathering

                KUALA LUMPUR: Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) recently welcomed 405 Beetle cars from across the country at the Beetle - An Iconic Gathering held at Putrajaya.

The celebration kicked off early in the morning with a convoy of 138 Beetle cars making their way through the streets of Kuala Lumpur before heading to Putrajaya to join the gathering.

The parade comprised Beetle cars of all colours, uniquely customised to reflect the personalities of their owners.

VPCM  managing director Erik Winter said he was delighted by the huge turnout, with Beetle owners coming from as far north as Perlis and from Johor Baru.

“It was an emotional moment for us to see the rows and rows of colourful air-cooled and water-cooled Beetle cars and I believe all those who were present today shared this sentiment.”

“This is a car that has united people across all walks of life, and they all gathered in Putrajaya over one common passion – the Beetle. The sense of kinship was apparent everywhere, and we are grateful to all owners, and especially to our Beetle car clubs and classic Volkswagen communities for making the event a success.”

Out of the hundreds of Bugs present, three Beetle cars stood out from the crowd and were awarded “Best in Show”, while one Beetle car, which garnered the most popular vote on social media won “Most Liked Car”.

The winners of the “Best in Show” cars were Fairul Irwan, Raja Gopal and Thavanesan A/L Selvaratnam, while Siti Aishah Ismail’s Instagram posting of her Bug earned the “Most Liked Car” title.

On display at the event was the Collector’s Edition Beetle, launched in Malaysia just one day after the last Beetle rolled out from the production line at Volkswagen’s Puebla factory in Mexico.

The Iconic Gathering attracted visitors who spent the day celebrating the legacy of the Beetle, and enjoying performances by local acts, delicious food from popular food trucks, shopping at the Beetle car boot sales, test driving other popular Volkswagen models, and other fun activities for the family.

READ MORE:
Grab a Volkswagen Beetle while you can
Bye, bye, Beetle The last Beetle to roll out of VW's Mexican plant.


2019 Geneva Motor Show: Alfa Romeo's Tonale plug-in hybrid

                GENEVA: Alfa Romeo has unveiled the company's second-ever SUV, albeit in concept form. The Tonale demonstrates the company's in-progress transition towards electric vehicles that are littered with high-tech features.

Just three years after Alfa Romeo launched the Stelvio, the company's first SUV powered by a petrol engine, the Tonale concept SUV was unveiled with an electric motor.

More specifically, the Tonale is a compact plug-in hybrid SUV whose electric motor is accompanied by a gas engine, though the model offers an "Advance E" mode that prompts the car to perform entirely electrically.

On the other hand, the "Dynamic" and "Natural" modes focus on maximum output and performance optimisation, respectively. Unfortunately, no specs accompany these claims, as the powertrain is still in the works.

However, Alfa Romeo did give us some insight about the tech integrated throughout the model, which includes a 12.3-inch full digital cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. This digitalised infotainment system keeps drivers and passengers fully connected to the Alfa Romeo Lifestyle and Social communities via the in-vehicle app "Alfista," in addition to the "Paddock" app, basically a shopping application for brand equipment, performance updates, and merchandise.

In terms of exterior design, the Tonale is reminiscent of the Stelvio with its triangle shaped grille, though on either side, you'll find a set of extremely narrow headlights that have replaced the wide set of the original model. The side mirrors look to have been replaced with cameras, and the taillights follow the same design scheme as those on the front.

The interior has been streamlined in comparison to the Stelvio and outfitted in richer materials —upgrades that make the new tech look right at home.

As of now, no launch date for the car has been announced, but with so many features already in the works, we can probably expect to see a production version in the early 2020s.


Bugatti teases new track-focused Chiron Divo limited edition

                MOLSHEIM (France): Even as teaser images go, a new one from Bugatti about an upcoming limited edition version of the Chiron doesn't give much away. What we know though, is that it suggests a new track-focused version of the current Chiron hypercar is in the pipeline. And that's got to be something for auto enthusiasts to get worked up about.

What the teaser image actually shows is the embroidered "Divo" branding of the car, so this limited edition model will be paying homage to Albert Divo, the famed French driver who won the Targa Florio for Bugatti back in the 1920s. Bugatti has also launched the hashtag 'Built for corners,' which leads us to believe this will be a version of the Chiron designed to suit the demands of track driving, rather than being an all-out top speed monster.

We'll have to wait until later in the summer to see a full reveal of this exciting addition to the Bugatti portfolio as it's set to be revealed at The Quail Motorsports Gathering on Aug 24, which is held at the Quail golf club in California as part of the famed Monterey week.

 The Chiron Sport.

No price has been announced for the Divo, and we don't know how big, or small, the limited run will be. The car will add to the "standard" Chiron that costs around US$3.3million (RM13.3mil), and the lightweight, more hardcore Chiron Sport. As the Divo will be the third Chiron variant launched in a two-year period, it's likely to complete the car's lineup for the foreseeable future, and it has to be expected the price will be close to US$4 million (RM16.1mil).

It's thought the engine won't get any significant alterations to the 8.0-litre W16 quad-turbo that produces a mind-blowing 1,479bhp in the existing Chiron. But to make it better for the track it could feature a degree of weight reduction, some downforce-boosting bodywork, an upgraded suspension setup and other tweaks aimed at making the Divo more corner-friendly than current Chirons.

Bugatti isn't currently suggesting any motorsport aspirations for the Chiron Divo, other than the intended location for its launch. However, it would have to be considered a serious contender for an attempt at the production car Nürburgring lap record, which is currently held by the Nio EP9 with a time of 6:45:90.


Online bookings open for Proton X70

                SUBANG JAYA: Bookings for the new Proton X70 can be made online via Proton's corporate website www.proton.com.

Those who want to book a unit are required to provide their personal details, preferred model and colour choice as well as the city and state where they wish to collect their car.

Following payment of the booking fee, also done online, a system-generated receipt will be sent to the customer’s email.

Proton then assigns a sales advisor to handle the order who contacts the customer within seven days to process the booking.

As with bookings made at any Proton outlet, a full refund is given should a customer change their mind.

Proton will also feature full details of the Proton X70 on its website, including full specifications for each model variant.

To promote the use of its new online booking platform, Proton is holding a ‘flash sale’ from 17-19 October where customers who book the Proton X70 via the platform only need to pay a booking fee of RM99.

It is apt that this is the first Proton model that can be booked online, as Proton’s first SUV also offers an embedded eSIM card, Wi-Fi connectivity, preloaded apps offering services like online radio, online music, navigation and weather forecasts as well as advanced voice recognition software.

“After studying consumer preferences and market trends, Proton believes the time is right to offer an online booking facility to our customers. The platform allows bookings to be made from anywhere a customer is as long as there is an Internet connection available. The Company has also decided to reward those who make a booking prior to the launch of the Proton X70. This will come in the form of special gifts for all early birds regardless of whether they booked their unit online or at our outlets,” said Abdul Rashid Musa, CEO of Proton Edar.


BMW plans for all new cars to be reusable before 2026

                MUNICH: BMW AG will unveil plans this week for all new vehicles to be made of reusable parts as of 2025, German newspaper Bild am Sonntag reported.

Chief executive officer Oliver Zipse will announce the transformation on Wednesday at a press conference, the newspaper reported, citing unidentified people familiar with the plans.

A BMW spokesman declined to comment to Bloomberg.

The strategy is to use as many recyclable raw materials in a car’s design as possible. Zipse’s goal is to build the “greenest” car in the world, Bild am Sonntag said.

Bloomberg reported on Friday that BMW is also set to announce plans for its MINI brand to go all-electric from 2030 as the automaker intensifies its transition to battery-powered vehicles.


Honda teases WR-V crossover for Latin America

                PETALING JAYA: We have all heard of the CR-V, HR-V and BR-V. And now Honda is introducing another letter to a new model called WR-V, cashing in on a global love-fest for compact SUVs/crossovers.

Honda has released a design sketch of the WR-V, a compact SUV whose initials, get this, stand for "Winsome Runabout Vehicle."

The fact it's launched in the obscure (by Malaysian standards) Sao Paulo International Motor Show, signals it's designed mainly for the Latin American market.

The WR-V is related to the Jazz/Fit, and chances are it will also have a 1.5-litre VTEC four-cylinder petrol engine with either a five-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission.

The trendy-looking WR-V is a tad smaller than the HR-V, and could debut in near production form at the Sao Paulo show, happening from Nov 10-20. If the actual car looks as attractive as the chiselled surfaces of the sketch suggests, it should draw plenty of interested buyers looking for their first starter crossover.


Volkswagen CEO seeks cut to board bonuses, say sources

                WOLFSBURG: Volkswagen chief executive Matthias Mueller will push for a significant reduction in bonuses for the carmaker's management board today, said sources familiar with the matter.

The proposal being put forward at a supervisory board steering committee meeting follows criticism from one of Volkswagen's major shareholders, the state of Lower Saxony, about intentions to pay bonuses to top managers while the company grapples with the diesel emissions crisis and prepares to cut costs elsewhere.

Bonuses for senior managers have become a flashpoint in an escalating dispute with powerful labour leaders at Europe's biggest carmaker as it prepares to finalise a new strategy.

Separately, Germany's Bild am Sonntag newspaper said in an unsourced report that Mueller would ask board members to accept a voluntary bonus reduction of about 30 percent.

Volkswagen declined to comment.

On Friday, sources familiar with the matter said the steering committee would use Monday's meeting to discuss the emissions scandal investigation and VW's financial position ahead of its annual report, due to be published on April 28, as well as bonuses and friction between management and labour.

Monday's meeting will lay the groundwork for a full meeting of the supervisory board, originally scheduled for April 20, which is due to ratify 2015 results and executive compensation.

Lower Saxony, which holds a 20 percent stake in VW, has two seats on the 20-member supervisory board.

Handelsblatt newspaper reported on Saturday that the full supervisory board meeting would be delayed by at least two days because talks were dragging on with US authorities about how to make almost 600,000 diesel cars compliant with US environmental standards.


Volkswagen looks to Pahang university for skilled workers

Dr Daing Nasir and Auerswald at the signing ceremony in Pekan today.
PEKAN: Volkswagen Group Malaysia is working with Universiti Malaysia Pahang and Volkswagen Group Malaysia to produce an industry-relevant workforce.

Both parties signed a memorandum of understanding towards this objective today.

The partnership also aims to boost advancement in education, research and technology, especially in autotronics, where students learning electronic and programming at the university have the most to gain.

Volkswagen's Pekan plant will be offering students fromt the university internship placements as well as access to the plant to broaden their practical understanding of what is learnt in the classroom. There will also be workshops on new technology and research findings.

The agreement would also see an exchange of staff and academic material between the two parties.

The memorandum of understanding was signed by vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Sri Dr Daing Nasir Ibrahim and Volkswagen plant manager Danny Auerswald at the university's Pekan campus.


On the road with Mercedes-Benz S 400h

                The S-Class is in a spot many would envy. Sales have been so good Mercedes-Benz has been putting off issuing media test cars since it rolled out locally in mid-2014.

Until now, that is. Yes, it has been a long while. This locally assembled hybrid, which stunned the local industry with its attractively low pricing in 2014, has landed in our hands.

But even as that happened, a refresh is due out locally soon to spur S-Class sales. In fact, Daimler has just started production of the latest S-Class at its plant in Sindelfingen, Germany.

In the absence of that other car, introduced with great fanfare at Auto Shanghai in April, here’s a look at what the S 400h offers. It’s a last glance before the latest iteration sweeps in, loaded with new bells and whistles.

Even after three years, the current V222 model still looks sharp, exuding a sporty elegance for a car so big. Unlike the norm, the long wheelbase V222 version was created first before the standard wheelbase W222 model came along. It’s upon this foundation that the upcoming facelifted model is built upon.

Exterior and interior
In the pictures shown here, you can see that the S 400h cuts a dignified stance, with almost a regal look in black paintwork. Soft lines pervade and its size is only appreciated when seen sideways as the front and rear lend an illusion that it’s not all that big.

At 5.2 metres long, the S 400h has a hefty presence and should gain some respectful overtures from hotel valets as it wafts into view.

In keeping with its luxurious credo, the flowy interior is decked out with generous lashings of wood panelling that runs from dashboard and wraps itself all the way door to door, appealing to conservative-minded buyers who are the target of the classic theme.

Mercedes-Benz knows luxury and comfort like the back of their hands and you expect no less in their flagship model. There’s little to gripe about the interior fitments of this outgoing model as everything from switchgear to interior space and feature set reflect attention to detail and the promise of plush comfort.

Of course, that much-talked about ultra-wide digital screens first seen in the S-Class, and which has seeped down to the lower liners like the E-Class, has arguably no equal from other luxury car makers and takes centrestage upfront.

At 510 litres, boot space is still generous after the lithium-ion battery stack has taken its share.

Backing up a large car into a parking bay is always going to be a hassle but the S 400h makes it much less so with an all-around view that removes all blind spots and ensue you don’t run over someone’s pet iguana on the loose.

Safety kit is taken care of with an array of tech goodies such as blind spot assist, active lane keeping, Distronic Plus with Steering Assist, adaptive headlights, night view assists and eight airbags.

The kind of person who buys this particular S-Class isn’t too concerned about performance, pivoting towards sheer comfort. He’s also drawn to the accessibility of the luxury car with the tax breaks that it gets from being a locally assembled hybrid. The thought he could save a few ringgit in fuel bills with a petrol-electric motor is a nice afterthought, not to mention that hybrids are de-rigueur these days, whichever segment they are in.

We would be remiss in not acknowledging that many an S-class owner pay a premium for the chance to occupy acres of space in the rear — when they are not driving — and the S-Class bends over backwards to please. While technically a five-seater, four persons in the car would be ideal, so that each can better enjoy the vehicle’s charms.

Space front and back have been enlarged, more so for rear passengers when compared to the previous generation of the S-Class, while wheelbase remain unchanged. The two reclining rear seats are satisfying, allowing passengers to kick back and revel in the car’s sumptuous offerings, which includes the 590-watt, 13-speaker Burmester hi-fi system.

The left-side rear passenger is pampered the most, being able to shove the front passenger seat (when empty of course) forward to gain even more legroom.

Driving it
Where performance is concerned, the S 400h is no sluggard. But it’s not going to make you go “Wow!” either. Under the lid is a 306hp 3.5-litre V6 engine and a 27hp electric motor, which is good for only 1.6km in electric mode.

You could feel the naturally aspirated engine pushing it as it sprints from standstill to the century mark in 6.8s, which is quick for a car that approaches two-tonnes. Top speed is capped at 250kph, and combined fuel consumption is rated at 6.3 litres per 100km.

The motor and engine works flawlessly with only a slight sensation to signal the engine has kicked in.

The air suspension does a fabulous job of ironing out most road irregularities so the S-Class occupants glide along in blissful abandon. Steering feel is muted but there’s precision in the way it tracks the road and the corners. Body roll even in Sport mode is noticeable when the car is pelted hard into corners.

Most of the time, we left it in comfort mode and were quite happy with it. The only reason we dial it to sport mode was for the purpose of this review. In sport mode, the Airmatic suspension stiffens up but not by much, and still deliver the underlying comfort the car was designed for.

Some S-Class drivers have recommended downsizing the 20-inch tyres to 19-inch for better comfort and durability.

It's a wrap
The outgoing S 400h has enjoyed a great run since it debuted locally in May 2014. It’s time to chart a fresh course to the future. If that obsidian black metallic S-Class that heralded the start of production in Sindelfingen is anything to go by, the future is even brighter for the S 400h as it pulls up alongside with the latest from BMW and Audi.

We hear the new A8 from Audi is the car to beat as its Level-3 self-driving technology enables the car to completely control driving at up to 60kph.

Specifications

Mercedes-Benz S 400h (V222)

Engine: 3,498cc, naturally aspirated V6
Maximum power: 306hp 6,500rpm
Maximum torque: 370Nm from 3,500-5,250rpm
Transmission: 7G-TRONIC automatic
Electric motor: 27hp
Features: Engine stop/start, twin 12.3-inch high-resolution TFT screens, 16-way powered front seats, LED Intelligent Light System with Intelligent Headlight Control Plus and Dynamic Light System, and electric panoramic sliding glass sunroof. rear-seat entertainment system with remote control, automatic climate control, ambient lighting, Distronic Plus with Steer Assist and Stop and Go Pilot, BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, PRE-SAFE Brake with Pedestrian Recognition, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, and PRE-SAFE PLUS, 20-inch alloy wheels
Acceleration (0-100kph): 6.8s
Top speed: 250kph
Fuel consumption (combined): 6.3l/100km


Discover the high-tech road of tomorrow

                JEFFERSON CITY (Missouri): If things go as planned, Solar Roadways could one day be paving high-tech roads across America.

The Idaho-based company is now working with Missouri’s Department of Transportation (MoDOT) to run a trial project to pave a small section of the iconic Route 66 with the advanced solar panels. The panels would be installed at the Route 66 Welcome Center in Conway and is expected to be ready by the end of the year before winter sets in.

The advantages of solar-powered roads are many, according to Solar Roadways. Potholes will be history. Such roads can be walked and driven upon, while collecting energy from the sun and has the capacity to recharge electric cars.

The solar panels contain LED lights to create lines and signage without paint. They contain heating elements to prevent snow and ice accumulation. The panels also have microprocessors, which makes them intelligent. This allows the pressure-sensitive panels to communicate with each other, a central control station, and vehicles.

The panels made of tempered glass are strong enough to support the weight of semi-trucks, and has a tractioned surface equivalent to asphalt.

“If their version of the future is realistic, if we can make that happen, then roadways can begin paying for themselves,” Tom Blair, head of the Road to Tomorrow Initiative at the MoDOT, told the Kansas City Star.

Solar Roadways said its ambition is to modernise the infrastructure with modular, intelligent panels, while producing clean renewable energy for homes and businesses.

To realise its goal, the start-up has started to solicit money via an Indiegogo crowd-funding campaign and has raised US$2.2mil so far.

Route 66 is now a “National Scenic Byway” after it was replaced entirely by the Interstate Highway System in 1985. When it opened in 1926, it stretched 3,940km from Chicago to Santa Monica, California and passing through states such as Missouri and Texas. In its hey-day, it was known as the Main Street of America.

It was immortalised in pop culture by the Route 66 television show in the 1960s and the hit song "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66”.


Goldman warns carmakers against buying miners: 'It always end in tears'

                NEW YORK: Car manufacturers acquiring mining companies to secure raw materials needed for electric vehicle batteries will end badly if history is any guide, according to Goldman Sachs Group Inc.’s head of commodities.

History is littered with examples of consumers trying to move upstream in commodities markets, Goldman’s Jeff Currie said in an interview Wednesday with Bloomberg Radio.

"It always ends in tears,” he said.

"Going in and being involved in mining projects in places like southern Africa, it requires an expertise that is very different than producing cars.”

Currie was commenting in response to a question about the prospect of Tesla Inc. acquiring Sigma Lithium Corp.

The electric-car maker has been mulling a takeover of the miner amid rampant demand for the material crucial to powering EVs, Bloomberg News reported last month, citing people with knowledge of the matter.

Automakers have been pushing into mining more aggressively to lock in supply for batteries that increasingly are replacing internal combustion engines.

Stellantis NV took a 14% stake in a McEwen Mining Inc. copper subsidiary, and General Motors Co. is said to be vying for a stake in Vale SA’s base metals unit.

In January, GM struck a US$650 million pact with Lithium Americas Corp. to develop the top US lithium deposit.

Car companies will be better off sticking to their core competencies and reducing their exposure to commodity price swings through hedging, said Currie, who declined to comment on Tesla specifically.


Hotlink, Grab Malaysia collaborate for Pokemon GO fans

                KUALA LUMPUR: Fuelling speculation that Pokemon GO may be launched in Malaysia soon, Hotlink and Grab Malaysia, which also manages ride-sharing service GrabCar, have begun a publicity campaign to promote a joint service for fans playing the game.

Both companies announced that in the first two days following the launch of the wildly popular augmented reality game, players can book free rides on a special PokeMobile car through the Grab mobile app to the destinations of their choice to catch Pokemon.

Fashioned with the wings and flaming tail of a Charizard, there will be four of these PokeMobiles roaming around the Klang Valley.

PokeMobile riders who are Hotlink customers will also be given US$100 (RM405) worth of PokeCoins via Hotlink Cash Online. PokeCoins are used to level up Pokemon in the game.

Hotlink customers can also enjoy 10% discounts for all in-app purchases in Pokemon GO, said Hotlink content and engagement head Maybel Chan.

"Everyone is anxious. We are also anticipating this. Pokemon GO is going to come, it’s just a question of when. That is going to be soon," she told reporters during the campaign launch here Monday morning.

Grab Malaysia country manager Jaygan Fu said the campaign would also allow a lucky few Pokemon GO players to start off their gaming experience safely.

Pokemon GO releases in other countries have been followed with media reports of injuries and accidents resulting from players transfixed with the game on their phones.

"We wanted to encourage and help Pokemon trainers hunt for the Pokemon while travelling from one PokeStop to another safely.

"In addition to our exclusive PokeMobiles, players can truly enjoy an immersive Pokemon GO experience and up their ante as each car comes equipped with a special Grab goodie bag, a car handphone charger and water for uninterrupted gaming pleasure," he said.

Maxis and Grab Malaysia were tightlipped on when the highly anticipated game will be debuting here, though leaked information suggests it will be within this month.

Malaysia, which was initially left out in the Pokemon Go craze during the announcement of the creation of servers in eight countries in Asia, will finally get its own server soon.

The augmented-reality game requires players to go outdoors and "catch" Pokemon via the geo-location on their smartphones.

Pokemon Go was first released in United States, Australia, Germany and Britain.

But, Japan, the country of origin where game company Nintendo started the mythical creature franchise 20 years ago, had to wait 12 days after its launch to receive the game.

Game Freak, who is the primary developer of Pokemon and Niantic, its partner in developing the new mobile game, later issued an apology to the Japanese public for the delay.


German car giants and Asian battery kings: a match made in Hungary

                BERLIN/BUDAPEST: German automakers and Asian battery suppliers are getting together in Hungary in a multi-billion-dollar marriage of convenience to drive their electric ambitions.

The companies are flocking to central Europe, where Viktor Orban's government is defying Western wariness of China and offering generous benefits to host foreign operations and stake Hungary's claim as a global centre for electric vehicles (EVs).

Investment in the Hungarian auto industry is being dominated by three countries - Germany, a champion carmaker, plus China and South Korea, EV battery leaders way ahead of European rivals.

Companies from those three countries have accounted for 29 out of the 31 cash subsidies handed out by Hungary for major investments in its auto and battery sector over the past decade, according to a Reuters analysis of government data that shows the scale of German, Chinese and Korean convergence there.

"Cathodes, anodes, separators, assembly lines, the full battery supply chain is here," said Dirk Woelfer of the German-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce in Budapest.

"This is a foot in the door to Europe."

Recipients of such subsidies included the likes of German automakers BMW and Mercedes-Benz, and battery makers such as China's BYD and Korean rival Samsung SDI. The median subsidy level has been 15% of investment.

In total, Hungary has received over 14 billion euros (US$15 billion) in foreign direct investment into its battery sector alone in the past six years, according to government figures.

Major investments are broadly classed as those worth over 5-10 million euros, varying with factors such as jobs created.

State incentives and the opportunity for automakers and battery suppliers to work next door to each other is proving a strong pull, according to interviews with about 20 industry players and consultants in Germany, Hungary, China and South Korea.

China's CATL, the world's No. 1 EV battery maker, and Korean battery giants SK Innovation and Samsung SDI, all told Reuters that the planned proximity to German carmakers was a key factor in their decisions to invest in Hungary, as well as being able to source separators and other components there.

CATL is investing US$7.6 billion to build Europe's largest battery plant in Hungary. This plant and the US$2.1 billion BMW factory will both be sited in the city of Debrecen, which is attracting an ecosystem of suppliers, ranging from makers of brakes and battery cathodes to industrial machinery.

Mercedes-Benz is converting its factory in Kecskemet to produce electric cars, while Volkswagen's Audi is making cars and electric motors in Gyor.

Such big business could present a boon for Prime Minister Orban's government as the country faces its toughest economic environment in more than a decade, with inflation running above 20%, the economy slowing and EU funds in limbo.

Yet the Hungarian EVs project also faces stiff obstacles, according to many of the industry insiders.

One key concern is the huge demands that massive battery plants will place on the electricity grid, which needs to shift away from fossil fuels towards renewables to meet the net-zero emissions targets of much of the auto industry, the people said.

A lack of specialised workers in Hungary to work in battery cell manufacturing could also drag on capacity, they added.

HIPA, the Hungarian Foreign Ministry agency responsible for attracting investments in areas ranging from batteries and cars to logistics, did not respond to Reuters queries about the EV industry.

'China's made good steps'

Hungary's welcome to Asian battery makers might jar with concerns expressed by Brussels and Berlin about the perils of Europe becoming too dependent on China and other foreign powers, particularly in technologies central to the green transition.

Still, for now, the need to ramp up EV output leaves the European auto industry little choice but to source from Asian players, said Csaba Kilian of Hungary's automotive association.

"I absolutely agree that European manufacturers should have their own sources ... but it's a competition, and China has made good steps," he added. "There is a learning curve."

Europe should have a EV battery manufacturing capacity of 1,200 gigawatt hours (GWh) by 2031 if current plans come to fruition, outstripping expected demand of 875 GWh, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence (BMI) estimates.

But of that 1,200 GWh, 44% will be provided by Asian companies with factories in Europe, ahead of homegrown firms on 43% and US pioneer Tesla with 13%, according to a Reuters calculation based on BMI data.

The prospects for developing a battery sector in Germany have been set back by record energy there as a result of the loss of Russian gas, according to autos consultants at Boston Consulting Group and Berylls Strategy Advisors.

Hungary offers a comparatively stable energy system bolstered by nuclear energy, as well as high subsidies and Europe's lowest corporate tax rate of 9%.

The entire battery supply chain has come to the country, said Ilka von Dalwigk, policy manager at the European Battery Alliance, launched by the European Union in 2017 to kick-start a homegrown industry.

"Everything is located there. When we look at the forecast for 2025 and 2030, it looks like it will have one of the largest production capacities in Europe," she added.

"It might very well be that Hungary is in fact the next big battery production cluster in Europe."

Asked about concerns about reliance on Asia for technology, an EU official said the bloc - which must approve member state subsidies to investors - had a system in place to cooperate and exchange information on investments from non-EU countries that may affect security.

The European Commission is currently in talks with Hungary over the size of the subsidy the country will offer to CATL for building the Debrecen plant, the official added.

'Sending the wrong signal'

For some Western companies, setting up shop in Hungary is a tough decision.

German autos supplier Schaeffler said it was on the verge of setting up its primary electric motor plant in Hungary rather than Germany in August because of the appeal of Hungary's incentives, but decided on Germany for fear of sending "the wrong signal" to Germans who fear a loss of jobs to overseas.

Other industry players expressed a range of concerns over potential pitfalls for the burgeoning Hungarian auto industry as factories ramped up, including the power grid issue.

Batteries, in particular, are highly energy-intensive parts of EVs to produce, requiring high amounts of power for the drying the materials and machine operation.

Hungary's sources of energy in 2021 comprised 80% fossil fuels, 14.5% nuclear and 3.6% solar, according to a Reuters calculation of data from the BP Statistical Review of World Energy.

The mix spells trouble for carmakers who will soon need to showcase carbon-free credentials across their supply chains under new German and European legislation.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto met senior executives from BMW and auto suppliers including Schaeffler and Knorr-Bremse in Munich last month, ahead of the German carmaker announcing it was beefing up its investment in the country.

Topics discussed included plans to improve logistics infrastructure in Hungary and increasing the amount of renewables energy used for the power grid, according to one of the companies that attended.

When BMW first announced its plan to build its Debrecen plant, in 2018, the government committed to spending around 135 billion forints on improving local infrastructure, according to calculations by the German-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce.

On the battery side, CATL told Reuters it was considering developing solar power with local partners in Hungary.

Despite the risks, Alexander Timmer, a partner at Munich-based consultants Berylls Strategy Advisors who has worked on several autos and battery projects in Hungary, said the country presented an appealing package.

"The combination of cost advantages, state subsidies, and closeness to automakers' plants makes Hungary increasingly attractive to battery producers, he added.


How carmakers are trying to protect pedestrians, not just passengers

                FRANKFURT: The occupants of modern cars are protected by numerous airbags and other safety advances in the event of a crash, but what if you're a nearby cyclist or pedestrian? Technology is now addressing the need to protect them too.

In the past, the pedestrian protection provided by cars was exclusively passive — the so-called crumple zone. Now cars are using cameras and radar sensors to warn drivers about the locations of pedestrians, ideally preventing an accident happening at all.

“Pedestrian detection with emergency braking function” is the name of this system, which is now part of the standard equipment of almost all new vehicles.

What used to be an expensive extra is now standard because without it new cars won't get the coveted five stars in the Euro-NCAP vehicle safety test.

Many manufacturers combine this feature with other advances, such as systems that recognise objects on the road, such as a cyclist or a deer, and help the driver to achieve the correct steering angle to avoid hitting them.

Other assistants for pedestrian protection are primarily aimed at improving visibility in the dark. For example, the French brands Peugeot, Citroën, and DS use infrared cameras with special image recognition and show relevant objects on the display.

Other manufacturers such as Audi program their intelligent headlights in such a way that pedestrians at the edge of the road are specifically illuminated at night in order to warn the driver that they're there.

If, despite all the electronic foresight and warnings, there is contact between the car and a person, passive pedestrian protection takes effect. This is anchored in the design and construction of the vehicles, says Mercedes spokesman Koert Groeneveld.

For example, there's the soft foam-backed radiator grille, which is called a "soft nose" in industry jargon.

In addition, the height of the bonnet and the edges of the fenders are calculated and tested with crash test dummies so that the impact on the human body is reduced and serious injuries avoided as much as possible.

Many manufacturers are now installing pyrotechnics under the bonnet to raise it a little in the event of a pedestrian impact, thus reducing the unyielding engine block's impact. Some models also have airbags on the outside of the bonnet and in front of the windscreen.

A comparatively new technology in pedestrian protection is the sound generator, which is aimed at making otherwise silent electric vehicles easier to hear. This consists of loudspeakers built into the car that emit a defined warning tone.

According to European Union regulations, the tone only has to be audible up to around 20kph as after that speed the tyres generate enough noise.

However, pedestrian protection doesn't have to be confined to technology located within the car.

Korean company LG has presented the test version of a smartphone app that monitors movement and position data in real time and can warn users if they're on a collision course.

So if a pedestrian crosses a street carelessly while a car is approaching, the phone will sound an alarm and vibrate.

Researchers from the Fraunhofer Institutes in Germany are also using external intelligence and have developed a radar sensor system that can observe pedestrians and warn road users before a danger even exists.

To do this, the technology creates movement profiles and forecasts of people waiting at a bus stop, for example, but only triggers an alarm when someone actually approaches the road.

The system could advise networked and automated vehicles to drive more slowly at busy bus stops and, on the other hand, allow the maximum speed when there are no people standing at the bus stop, the scientists say.

Supplemented with artificial intelligence and infrared cameras, the system may even be able to analyse a situation and predict what is about to happen, giving the driver more time to react.

For example, it could see a rolling ball and predict that there is probably a child following behind it.


BMW M8 GTE’s lights honed at the races

MUNICH: A race car taking part in 24-hour races has to have lasting headlights that provide great visibility. This is exemplified in the BMW M8 GTE, which has signed on for the 2018 motorsport season.

The light system on the new GT flagship not only set benchmarks in terms of technology, but the headlight design also looked impressive. The design is based on the iconic twin circular headlamps, with two LED rings. The rear lights underline the proximity to the 8 Series Coupé and take their inspiration from the design of the production lights.

The engineers at BMW Motorsport created the light system for the M8 GTE from scratch, consistently designing it for use in motor racing. The latest technology was used in the production process, including Metal Additive Manufacturing. The cooling elements in the light system on the M8 GTE were made using this special 3D printing procedure.

The engineers also used Additive Manufacturing to immediately check the results of simulations at track tests, with the help of parts produced with the 3D printer. The endurance test in Le Castellet (France) played a particularly important role. “You can run through various light scenarios at Paul Ricard, ranging from the circuit being partially lit to fully lit,” said Martin Tomczyk (Germany).

“We were all impressed by the lights on the M8 GTE. Good visibility is incredibly important for us drivers at night. We had precisely that.”

Fans will be able to check out the design and performance of the light technology on the M8 GTE at the Daytona International Speedway at the end of January.


Porsche opens own storage amid pandemic, says paper

                STUTTGART: Porsche is changing its supply-chain strategy and opening its own auto-parts storage facilities to cope with shortages amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the Autombilwoche trade newspaper reported, citing the division’s sales head Uwe-Karsten Staedter.

The firm is looking to store enough parts for its models to meet requirements for two weeks of production.

To ease the pressure on suppliers, Porsche is also helping them financially, said Staedter.


2017 CarSifu Editors’ Choice Awards: The what and why - Part 1/3

                PETALING JAYA: The annual CarSifu Editors’ Choice Awards have come and gone. Next up is the CarSifu Auto Show, set for Oct 25-29 at the Mid-Valley Mega Mall, Kuala Lumpur.

This year’s awards nominated a total of 53 vehicles across 31 categories. Judging was conducted on new models introduced to Malaysia from Oct 1 last year to Sept 30 this year. The gala dinner on Oct 5 saw the Honda CR-V winning the "Car of the Year" award.

The vehicles are from BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jaguar, Kia, Lexus, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Porsche, Proton, Renault, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo and Westar-Maxus. For this year, the best petrol and diesel engines categories were also included.

The event had expanded from the initial 23 categories last year to 31 in 2017.

The panel of CarSifu judges set out to evaluate short-listed cars introduced within the judging window in key areas such as safety, performance, comfort, fuel economy, handling, styling as well as their individual “wow” factor.

Lest you think the cars won on a whim and fancy, they didn't. There's a rationale behind each choice. As it's a long list, CarSifu will split them into three parts to be published consecutively from today until Wednesday.

READ MORE:
Honda CR-V is 2017 ‘Car of the Year’
2017 CarSifu Editors’ Choice Awards in pictures

Below are the reasons for the first batch of selected cars winning in their respective categories:

Car of the Year
Honda CR-V 1.5 TC-P 2WD
This top-grade new 2017 Honda CR-V has a mix of comfort features, driving performance and good handling. The Honda Sensing safety system breaks new ground in this segment, as these driver-assist technologies are typically found in cars from premium marques.  What this intelligent system does is it makes driving easier as well as much safer.

Best Compact Hatch
Proton Iriz 1.6-litre Premium CVT
The upgraded Proton Iriz displays better noise insulation and improved powertrain tuning, similar to the Proton Persona, for better driveability and gear shift response. It has a maximum 5-Star Asean NCAP rating for all variants, and represents great value for money.

Best Economy Car (1.0-litre to 1.5-litre)
Peugeot 208 PureTech
The Peugeot 208 Puretech wins the frugality test hands down. It is a competent small car that’s well-packaged with safety features, offers a smooth ride and can achieve a miserly fuel consumption of 4.2 litres per 100km and an incredible 1,190km driving range.

Best Mid-size Car (C-Segment)
Mazda3 G-Vectoring Control (High SkyActiv)
The Mazda3 features top-notch safety features such as Smart City Brake Support and Lane Departure Warning, as well as extra kit like Head-up Display, I-stop Idling technology, electric parking brake, and innovative G-Vectoring Control technology which improves handling, stability and comfort.

Best Large-size Car (D-Segment)
VW Passat 2.0 TSI Highline
Sturdy design language of the Passat combined with a torquey engine, comfortable ride, spacious interior with sporty handling, give it the edge over its rivals.

Best Mid-size Luxury Executive Car
Mercedes-Benz E 250 Avantgarde
Already a luxury car with plenty of presence, refinement and top-notch features, the now locally assembled Mercedes-Benz E 250 Avantgarde gets even better with a RM40,000 lower price tag without reduction in specifications.

Best Large-size Luxury Executive Car
BMW 740Le xDrive
The new generation 7 Series model features a high level of sophistication, luxury, comfort and technology, while inheriting that ‘sheer driving pleasure’ that’s synonymous with the ‘blue and white’ roundel.

Best SUV/Crossover - Compact
Honda BR-V 1.5L V
Sheer practicality and space makes the BR-V a stand-out choice. Attractive packaging wrapped at a most attractive price point. For less than RM95,000; the BR-V seven-seater offers trendy SUV styling and the roominess of an MPV.

Best SUV/Crossover - Mid-size 4X2
Honda CR-V 1.5 TC-P 2WD
The new 2017 Honda CR-V is bigger, much safer, more powerful than before, and continues to offer sedan-like handling, and provides class-leading interior spaciousness and practicality. It also has an impressive suite of Honda Sensing safety systems that break new ground in this segment.

Best SUV/Crossover - Large-size 4X4
Renault Koleos 4WD
Updated with an intelligent 4X4 drive system and hands-free power tailgate, the Koleos combines a big interior with classy touches and smooth revving 2.5-litre engine for a refined driving experience.

Best Luxury SUV/Crossover - Compact
MINI Cooper S Countryman
A legendary name triumphs in the Cooper S Countryman for its winsome combination of chicness, comfort and pace. A potent 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and a fun-to-drive character are its key strengths, coupled with a practical 450-litre rear cargo space, versatile storage options, and high levels of safety and comfort features.

Go to Part 2


What will be the top car tech of 2018?

                LOS ANGELES: With the leaps and bounds being made in automotive technology, what a 2018 model-year vehicle offers in terms of in-car entertainment and assistance features should now be at the top of your list when trying to make a purchasing or leasing decision on a new car, according to the experts at Kelley Blue Book.

"Where driving dynamics, comfort and safety are concerned, modern vehicles are steadily marching down a path toward parity," said Kelley Blue Book group managing editor Michael Harley.

But not all technological features were created equal, and so the vehicle valuation and information service has put together what it believes will be the top 10 in-demand, car-ownership experience-improving features for the coming year and the options that will make the car more attractive than its peers when it comes to getting the best possible trade-in price down the road.

"The tech we've identified as the best for 2018 should be considered when searching for your next new vehicle. Regardless of price point, it shouldn't be too difficult to find a vehicle with most of them -- and they're all very helpful," said Harley.

Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Compatibility
According to Strategy Analytics, most consumers in the US, Europe and China are already prepared to pay a premium to make sure their car offers full connectivity with their smartphone so that they can use its features safely while behind the wheel. Little wonder that with the exception of Toyota and Lexus, every major carmaker has now pledged support for one or both of the technologies.

Connected mobile apps
Many premium car companies already offer a smartphone companion app that lets owners remotely lock, unlock and start their car, adjust climate control or locate the vehicle in a crowded parking lot. And thanks to much of the technology behind the system being developed by an automotive supplier — Bosch — the features are quickly trickling down to mainstream motors.

Autonomous Emergency Braking
A host of independent studies plus data from insurance companies already proves without a shadow of doubt that this system, which monitors the car's surrounds and hits the brakes automatically to avoid a collision, whether with a pedestrian, cyclist or other vehicle, is saving lives and cutting insurance premiums. Though the feature won't be mandatory on US cars for several years, most manufacturers are already offering it as a cost option, or in the case of VW and Volvo, as standard equipment.

A 360° camera
A feature pioneered by Japanese carmakers, this camera array gives drivers a virtual birdseye view of everything around the car and displays it on the screen in the center console. It's fast becoming an option on even entry-level models.

USB ports
Drivers and passengers want to be able to charge their phones and tablets on the go and don't want to have to carry around a 12-volt adaptor and a host of cables to do so. For example, the new Ford Excursion offers seating for eight and USB ports for every single row of passengers as standard.

Teen driver technology
A huge range of vehicles, from the Ford Fiesta and Volvo XC90 to the Dodge Challenger Hellcat, offer a system where owners can program the keys so that when the car is borrowed, engine power and speed limit are capped, the distance travelled can be monitored and the sound system's volume locked down. What's more Chevrolet's system also complements these lock-down features with a report card telling worried parents if the car had to brake suddenly.

Rear cross-traffic alert
Using sensors to keep an eye on things like cars passing behind, shopping carts rolling across carparks and people walking behind the car, it makes reversing out of a space simple and safe.

Adaptive Cruise Control
US drivers in particular spend an inordinate amount of time behind the wheel, particularly in congested highway driving situations. Adaptive cruise control can automatically maintain a safe speed behind the car in front, slowing down or speeding up as gaps narrow and widen.

Lane Departure Warning
Over longer drives, it can be easy to let the mind, and as a result, the car drift. Lane departure warning systems alert the driver when he or she is straying across the line and some systems, such as in the latest Mercedes and Volvo models, can apply opposite lock to the steering wheel to automatically maintain lane discipline.

LED/Xenon Headlights
They may seem like little more than a flashy, unnecessary option, but LED lights in particular are brighter, quicker to respond and never need changing. What's more, in recent IIHS car crash and safety testing, many cars have come under criticism for the poor quality of their headlights for spotting and avoiding collisions at night time.


Porsche-Shell venture expands fast charging to Thailand in regional masterplan

                BANGKOK: Porsche Asia Pacific and Shell have announced the launch of the first Shell High Performance Charging (HPC) site in Bang Yai here.

The fast charging site launch marks the start of the construction of a total of eleven 180 kW and 360 kW direct-current (DC) chargers at 11 Shell stations located throughout Thailand, enabling seamless emission-free travel within the country.

When the network starts operations in H1 2023, the HPC network in Thailand will also plug in to a wider regional Shell HPC network of six locations in Malaysia and three locations in Singapore, making emission-free travel possible across a distance of more than 2,200km on all three countries – more than 800,000 square kilometres of land mass.

The joint initiative between Porsche Asia Pacific and Shell will then become the longest emission-free driving route in South-East Asia, enabling long-distance travel for all electric vehicle owners.

“With specific benefits accorded to Porsche Taycan owners, and a network length that now spans more than 2,200km, we look forward to more consumers benefiting from long-distance, emission-free travel, and encouraging more customers to make the switch to electromobility,” Porsche Asia Pacific new business fields director Dr Henrik Dreier said on Friday.

The 180 kW and 360 kW DC chargers at Shell would offer the fastest charging capacity in Thailand and allow for emission-free travel from the southern province of Songkhla, to the northern province of Chiang Mai.

At 180 kW charging speeds, a Taycan can go from a 0% State of Charge (SoC) to 80% in around 30 minutes, providing up to 390km (WLTP) of driving range. At 270 kW, the maximum rate at which the Taycan can be charged, this figure is reduced to just over 22 minutes.

The partnership also accorded special benefits to Taycan owners.

New Taycan owners in Thailand receive complimentary Platinum membership for three years; during this time, they enjoy a host of benefits, including 50% off the pay-per-use rate, complimentary pre-reservation up to one hour before arriving at any Shell HPC site, and 10,000 Shell GO+ points for redeeming discounts on Shell products and services.

In Thailand and Malaysia, users of the Sharge and ParkEasy apps will enjoy an even more seamless experience, as both apps will be integrated to allow access to the entire network of Shell HPC and Porsche Destination Charging sites in both countries.

All electric vehicle owners in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand will also be able to use the Shell HPC Network via a pay-per-use rate, or subscribe to a membership plan, which offers cheaper rates.


Limited edition Subaru BRZ Series.Yellow revealed

                NEW JERSEY, United States: Subaru of America is offering a limited 500-car edition for the 2017 BRZ Series.Yellow, which has performance upgrades and a brilliant yellow exterior.

Based on the 2017 Limited model equipped with the new Performance Package, the Series.Yellow has a brake system that has been upgraded to Brembo four-piston calipers and rotors on the front and dual-piston calipers and rotors on the rear.

Sachs Performance shock absorbers have been added to all four wheels for advanced handling and steering stability.

Also the special edition comes equipped with 17-inch black aluminum alloy wheels.

The Series.Yellow offers black leather and Alcantara upholstery with contrasting yellow stitching throughout the interior including seats, door and dash panels, steering wheel, knee pads and shifter boot.

The front seatbacks are also embroidered with a yellow BRZ logo.

The final touch for this model is the carpeted floor mats with yellow stitching and a silver embroidered BRZ logo.

The BRZ Series.Yellow comes standard with the 2.0-litre Subaru Boxer engine with 205hp and 212Nm of torque, and a 6-speed manual transmission.

A lower final drive ratio from 4.1 to 4.3:1, paired with the standard Torsen limited-slip differential, improves acceleration.

Also standard are dual-zone automatic climate control, Keyless Access with Push-Button Start, the Subaru Starlink 6.2-inch Multimedia System, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, and rear vision camera.


Less hassle after minor accidents on North South Highway

                PETALING JAYA: MOTORISTS involved in minor accidents along the North South Expressway will no longer need go to the nearest police station to lodge a report.

Perak Police Chief Comm Hasnan Hassan said the police’s new Highway Investigation Unit will assist with the handling of any minor accidents on the highway to save people the hassle and time of going to the nearest police station.

“The unit specialises in investigating small accidents along the expressway.

“Those involved in minor accidents can either sort out the matter at the scene or at the unit’s offices located at major rest stops along the expressway,” he said, adding that there are 14 areas on the expressway where accidents happen frequently and 51 other areas where accidents are likely to occur.

Comm Hasnan said this during the launch of the “Ops Selamat 13 – Rumah Selamat, Selamat Sampai ke Destinasi” campaign near the Jelapang toll plaza last week. He said there the number of accidents and deaths had dropped since the campaign started on June 9.

“Compared to last year in the same period, the number of accidents dropped by 19 cases, fatal accidents by two cases and deaths by one case.

“Based on these statistics, I believe the operation, which is being held until June 22, will continue to have a positive impact on road safety,” he said.

Comm Hasnan said he hopes that road users will be cautious and adhere to traffic rules while on roads or highways.

“Most accidents are usually caused by carelessness. In order to reduce the number of accidents and deaths, motorists need to change their attitude,” he said.

“Through education and the support of effective enforcement, I trust we will be able to do it,” he added

Comm Hasnan said 70 senior officers and 506 policemen are taking part in Ops Selamat 13.

The Police Air Wing Unit Training Base (PLPGU) in Ipoh has been designated the control centre for Ops Selamat 13, receiving and providing reports on the latest traffic condition along the expressway.


Perodua sales up 20% in March, 32,179 cars sold

                KUALA LUMPUR: Perodua's sales rose to 32,179 in March, in line with a jump in production ahead of the end-month registration deadline for the waiver of the sales and service tax (SST).

That represents a sales increase of 20.2% compared with March last year and an increase of 29% compared to February 2023.

Sales for the quarter meanwhile was up 27.5% to 78,564 units compared with 61,624 in the same period last year.

According to Perodua, production in March rose to 33,666 units, which brought its Jan-March production up 33.9% year-on-year to 84,800 units.

"These achievements can be attributed to several factors, such as our efforts to fulfil the Penjana orders before its deadline on 31 March 2023, production improvements throughout the supplier ecosystem and better coordination within our sales network,” said Perodua president and CEO Datuk Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad in a statement.

He added that there were a small number of Penjana orders the company was unable to fulfill but will honour the SST-exempt amount guaranteed under the initiative.

Moving forward, Zainal said Perodua is expected to further build on these achievements as the number of bookings for its models continue to be healthy.

He said the sustained production growth managed to reduce some of the waiting period in certain models.

“Only particular models such as the Bezza, Axia and Alza have a slightly longer waiting period based on their respective variants and colour,” he added.

Zainal said the global price of raw materials decreased recently, which has eased cost pressures for suppliers, Perodua as well as most of the automotive players.

He said the favourable conditions will give Perodua a chance to build up its stock faster while reducing the waiting period for customers.

In late January, Perodua announced a production target of 330,000 cars and sales target of 314,000 cars in 2023.


BMW i Vision Circular is a car made entirely out of recycled materials

                MUNICH: BMW today unveiled the BMW i Vision Circular that outlines a compact electric car for the year 2040 that is luxurious and sustainable.

It's made entirely out of recycled materials and all parts can be reused once the car reaches its end of life.  At least that's the BMW premise for the release of the i Vision Circular.

The four-seater offers a generous amount of interior space within its around four-metre-long footprint. It has furthermore been designed according to circular economy principles and symbolises the BMW Group’s ambitious plan to become the world’s most sustainable car maker.

The Vision Vehicle is one of five different concept vehicles with which BMW is presenting how it views individual urban mobility at the IAA Mobility 2021 event. Under a single umbrella spanning electric mobility, digitalisation and sustainability, the five concepts create a mobility mix on two and four wheels.

The design goal for the BMW i Vision Circular was to create a vehicle that is optimised for closed materials cycles and achieves 100% use of recycled materials and can also be fully recycled.

This involves making use of materials that have already completed a product life cycle – or secondary materials as they are known – alongside certified bio-based raw materials.

The same applies to the energy storage device: the all-solid-state battery in the BMW i Vision Circular is 100 per cent recyclable and made almost entirely using materials sourced from the recycling loop. It will achieve much higher energy density with reduced use of the most valuable resources.

BMW has said before that it aims to achieve climate neutrality. One way is to reduce CO2 emissions throughout a vehicle’s life cycle.

Besides electrifying the product portfolio and switching to renewable energy for manufacturing, the company is focusing on circular economy principles and the use of secondary materials.

These materials, such as secondary aluminium and secondary steel, can be obtained by recycling waste material and then reused. The process for supplying secondary materials is less harmful to the environment and carbon intensive compared to the extraction and manufacture of primary material.

This can improve a vehicle’s carbon footprint, especially on the supply chain side. At present, vehicles from the BMW Group are made using nearly 30 per cent recycled and reused material on average. It plans to raise it to 50%.


VW in talks to buy stake in Russia's GAZ, say sources

                MOSCOW: Volkswagen is in talks to buy a stake in GAZ, a Russian maker of light commercial vehicles (LCV), said five sources familiar with the talks.

It was not immediately clear how big a stake is being discussed or the value of the deal.

GAZ is a part of the Basic Element group that holds the assets of Russian businessman Oleg Deripaska. Both GAZ and Basic Element declined to comment, while a spokesman at VW headquarters said he does not comment on market speculation.

“There are talks, they are trying to reach an agreement. Deripaska has long been looking for a partner and VW does not have a Russian partner,” one well-placed industry source said.

Another well-connected car industry source, two financial market sources and another person familiar with the matter also said talks were under way.

One of the sources said that a decision on the size of the proposed stake sale has yet to be made.

A source close to VW also confirmed that talks were in progress but said the possibility of the German group taking a stake in GAZ is not the only matter under consideration.


BMW Motorrad Concept 9cento

                MUNICH: At this year's Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, the BMW Group provided a look ahead to what an exciting new Adventure Sport model might look like: The BMW Motorrad Concept 9cento (pronounced 'nove cento') which combines emotion and performance with an adventurous spirit, agility and riding fun to create the ideal sports touring bike.

Whether motorways, Alpine passes, narrow alleyways through remote villages or simply seeing and being seen in front of the café on the market square – the BMW Motorrad Concept 9cento is the perfect choice for a spontaneous trip to Lake Como – as well as for the surrounding landscape and far beyond.

The BMW Motorrad Concept 9cento presents a smart concept for the future. "It doesn't always have to be about 'bolder, bigger, brighter' nowadays: this concept bike focuses on achieving a sense of balance," said Edgar Heinrich, Head of Design BMW Motorrad.

"We've created a bike that combines the appropriate power with reliable sports touring properties and above all lots of riding fun, so it's an attractive overall package. It brings together the best of the sports, adventure and touring segments to produce an exciting concept – in a class which has not seen this kind of model from BMW before. The BMW Motorrad Concept 9cento is our interpretation of a modern all-rounder for the new mid-range segment," explained Heinrich.

With its compact silhouette, the BMW Motorrad Concept 9cento conveys agility and lightness at first sight – its proportions simply make you want to get on and ride off.

The basic sporty configuration with lots of volume near the front wheel and a short high rear promises riding fun and agile handling.

The striking styling of the fairing, fuel tank and frame further highlights the focus on the direction of travel. Here, the three-dimensional modelling of the fuel tank area especially comes into its own as a result of the paint finish with reflective chrome effect.

The hovering side panel in Pure Metal Silver is typical of the Adventure Sport segment and is highly recognisable. On all aluminium parts such as the central tank cover, the rear carrier and the footrest holder, the milling is directed towards the front wheel. This finely grooved surface structure is only apparent on close inspection and has the effect of a topographical elevation relief.

The suspension is designed to be ideal for touring. A long spring travel ensures ride comfort and gives the bike a sense of light-footedness.

The frame triangle of the BMW Motorrad Concept 9cento is reinforced with CFRP fleece: it not only reduces the bike's overall weight but also links the three-dimensional design of the front trim to the aluminium rear carrier.

One particular highlight of the BMW Motorrad Concept 9cento is the innovative storage space concept comprising a clip-on case element.

The double case not only offers storage space, it also extends the seating area for the passenger. It is hooked into the rear carrier from above if required, and there is a powerful electromagnet that attaches the element securely to the lower section of the rear carrier.

The narrow front silhouette likewise promises manoeuvrability and agility. Here, the distinctive front section of the BMW Motorrad Concept 9cento deliberately echoes features drawn from the Adventure Sport segment, interpreting them in its own characteristic way.

The headlight is modern in style, featuring two symmetrical lamp elements. Each of the two elements has an iconic LED daytime riding light in the lower section with a flat, dynamic U shape, while two compact LED lenses on each side provide the low and high beam.

This creates a hallmark lighting design that makes the concept bike instantly recognisable as a BMW motorcycle – both during the day and at night.

The rear lights are just as distinctive in design as the front lights: the two LED elements are integrated underneath the seat and feature the familiar BMW Motorrad design motif of the two C shapes facing each other in a technical look.

Two motorcycling jackets have been developed to go with the BMW Motorrad Concept 9cento. They each reflect the concept bike's properties with their refined mixture of leather and Kevlar fabric: Sport and Touring. The sporty version features striking colouring in black, blue and white.


Kumho to roll out innovative tyres

                SEOUL: Kumho will be highlighting the Wattrun, a tyre developed for electric vehicles that is not only 25 percent lighter than existing such products, but is said to show excellent braking on wet roads and a low noise level.

Also on display will be new run-flat tyres with enhanced safety features, and self-sealing-tyres that prevent air leakage in the event of a puncture – the first such product to come from a Korean tyre maker.

Kumho will also display concept tyres developed for Ssanyong’s SUV Tivoli concept vehicles – XAV and XLV. Specifically designed for off-road driving, the XAV features a tread pattern modelled on the footprint of the mountain goat and offers excellent traction, reduced noise and optimum driving ability on muddy terrain. The XLV boasts superb wet weather performance and is notably quieter than rival SUV products.

Other Kumho products being showcased at this key automotive exhibition are: the ultra-high performance Ecsta HS51 that won this year’s coveted Red Dot Award; the CRUGEN HP91 that’s aimed at the ever-growing SUV/MPV market; the all-season HA31; and winter-oriented Wintercraft Wi31, KW S01 and KWD01.

Kumho is supporting its product presence with an aggressive advertising campaign comprising bill boards on roads leading to the exhibition centre, as well as ones at the entrances of and within the halls themselves. Kumho is among some 1,100 car and automotive parts manufacturers exhibiting at the IAA this year, to which around 1million visitors are expected.


2019 Geneva Motor Show: 'EQ' spawns Concept EQV premium MPV

                GENEVA: Mercedes-Benz Vans is providing an insight into the electric future of the premium MPV with the world premiere for the first purely battery-electric people mover.

It plans to release a series-production vehicle based on the Concept EQV at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

Technical highlights of the vehicle include a range of up to 400km and rapid charging to enable a range of 100km within just 15 minutes. What's more, the vehicle offers the greatest possible level of comfort in its interior and maximum functionality, for example thanks to the diverse range of possible seating configurations.

Accordingly, the concept vehicle has a broad range of potential applications covered. For example, in the private sphere, families or sports enthusiasts benefit from its great functionality and variability. Meanwhile, for VIP transport tasks, the vehicle offers an impressive comprehensive range of equipment and convinces with an especially pleasant ride comfort.

The Concept EQV is representative of the consistent development of the "EQ" technology brand.

Mercedes-Benz founded the technology brand in 2016, kicking off with the "Concept EQ". At the 2017 IAA, the "Concept EQA" followed in the compact segment. In September 2018, the brand presented its first series-production vehicle: the EQC electric drive SUV. The Concept EQV will expand the model range by a premium MPV for up to eight occupants.

The Concept EQV features a compact electric drivetrain (eATS) on the front axle with an output of 150 kW. The electric motor, the transmission with fixed transmission ratios, the cooling system and the power electronics form a compact and integral unit.

Energy is supplied by a lithium-ion battery. Thanks to a capacity of 100 kWh, a maximum range of up to 400 kilometres is realistic. It has a top speed of 160kph.

The concept vehicle can be conveniently charged at home using a Mercedes-Benz wallbox or a regular household plug socket. If the MPV is plug into a rapid charger, it would have a 100km ranger after 15 mins of charging.

By installing the battery in the vehicle's underfloor, the entire interior space is available.

With the Concept EQV, Mercedes-Benz is offering an extremely flexible, fully-electric vehicle concept which can easily be converted to a 7 or even 8-seater with the addition of individual seats or seat benches.

“Our Concept EQV is the perfect vehicle to accommodate all forms of familiy and take plenty of gear for an emission-free ride. And it will not remain a concept for long: The series model will have its world premiere at this year’s IAA”, said Daimler AG chairman Dieter Zetsche.


Volkswagen Malaysia to export CKD Polo and Jetta to Indonesia

PEKAN: Volkswagen Group Malaysia will soon export the locally assembled Polo and Jetta to Indonesia.International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said the first batch for export would consist of 500 completely-knocked-down (CKD) units that were assembled at the DRB-Hicom automotive complex here.DRB-Hicom is the contract assembler for Volkswagen cars. The first model assembled at the facility here was the Passat in 2012."The move is in line with government's aim to see more export for locally-assembled cars," said Mustapa after visiting the International College of Automotive (ICAM) here today.READ ALSO:A media tour of Volkswagen assembly operations in Pekan plant"Indonesia will be the first country (for Malaysian-assembled Volkswagens) because of the facilities provided by its government to export the cars," he said.Mustapa also noted that as of today, a total of 17 out of 22 car manufacturers had reduced their prices after the implementation of Goods and Services (GST) tax at six per cent, replacing the 10 per cent Sales and Services (SST) tax.The government had no intention to ask the other five car makers to cut their prices as it was up to them, he added.He also emphasised that excise duty on fully imported vehicles would not be reduced.On the ICAM, Mustapa lauded DRB-Hicom for its RM360 million investment in setting up the 16.8-hectare campus college with modern facilities that would boost automotive expertise in future."The ICAM graduates are employed after finishing their studies, either by DRB-Hicom or other automotive manufacturers."DRB-Hicom itself is the biggest employer here in Pekan, with more than 4,000 workers," he added.


Honda fuel cell vehicle concept revealed

DETROIT: The next-generation Honda FCV (fuel cell vehicle) Concept made its North American debut at the 2015 Detroit Motor Show.

The Honda FCV Concept showcases the exterior and interior styling evolution of Honda’s next zero emissions fuel-cell vehicle, which is due to be launched in Japan in March 2016, followed by the US and Europe.

The new model will feature a spacious cabin with seating for five passengers, a driving range estimated to be in excess of 300 miles, and an anticipated refuelling time of approximately three minutes at a pressure of 70 MPa.

Its fuel cell stack, which fits entirely under the bonnet, is 33% smaller with a 60% increase in power density compared to that in the outgoing Honda FCX Clarity.

As the next progression in Honda’s dynamic FCV styling, the Honda FCV Concept features a low, wide aerodynamic body with clean character lines.

The interior strives to achieve harmony between man and machine by taking advantage of new powertrain packaging efficiencies delivering even greater passenger space than the four-seater FCX Clarity.


Kia Rio Sedan X now available at RM78K

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Kia Rio Sedan X is now available in showrooms at RM77,888, offering the public more choices in the local mid-size sedan segment.

The Rio Sedan X’s target market is the young and trendy who are looking for a vehicle to suit their lifestyle.

It features a sporty body kit, leather seats and a multimedia infotainment system with reverse camera. The body kit comprises a front skirt, side skirt, rear skirt and rear spoiler.

The infotainment system’s technology incorporates entertainment and communication functions into a single unit. It consists of mirror link function with Android and iOS, a 7-inch LCD screen, radio/MP3/MP4/RDS, voice command function and hands-free Bluetooth function. Mirror Link allows compatible smartphones to display and control applications on-screen.

Designed to add visual width and stronger presence, KIA’s signature ‘Tiger Nose’ grille insert incorporates the now-familiar geometric pattern found on other Kia vehicles. The fog light surrounds include horizontal satin-finish bezels that house projector lenses and bulb-type daytime running lights for a more aggressive appearance and better visibility.

The interior showcases a tilt and telescopic steering wheel with audio remote control and an audio system connected to six speakers with tweeter.

The car offers 389 litre trunk space and 35% extra boot space, with rear seats that can fold 60:40 for more storage room.

The Rio's Gamma 1.4 MPI DOHC CVVT engine produces 108hp and 137Nm of torque, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.

The motor-driven power steering is said to result in fuel savings of 3% compared to a hydraulic steering.

Safety features are six airbags, four-disc brakes, anti-lock brake system, tyre pressure monitoring system and electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, hill-start assist and rear parking sensors. The car comes standard with ISOFIX anchor points for child seats, power windows and door locks along with keyless entry.

The Rio Sedan X is available in four body colours - Bright Silver, Signal Red, Deep Blue and Clear White.

The Rio Sedan X comes with a five-year warranty with unlimited mileage.

Naza Corporation Holdings automotive group chief operating officer Datuk Samson Anand George said Naza Kia Malaysia expects to sell over 1,400 units of the Rio Sedan, contributing significantly to 2016 forecast total sales of over 6,100 units.

The new model variant is now on display at a Kia roadshow until March 27 at 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya. Other models on show are the Cerato Koup, Cerato 2.0, Optima K5 and Sportage.


Watch out, Mercedes pick-up truck is coming

                FRANKFURT: Mercedes-Benz plans to launch a mid-sized pickup truck, expanding its premium brand into a lower-priced bracket in a bid to narrow the sales gap with arch rival BMW.

Pickup trucks have gained popularity in recent months as petrol prices eased, with sales of such models accounting for 90 percent of global pretax margins at General Motors and Ford, according to analysts.

Mercedes, owned by Daimler, said on Friday it would launch a mid-sized pickup truck in the next five years, adding customers were increasingly demanding trucks that have features traditionally found in passenger cars.

 An artist's rendering of the Mercedes truck.

"A similar example was the successful introduction of the M-Class around 20 years ago. As the first sport utility vehicle (SUV) from a premium manufacturer, the M-Class completely redefined the segment," Mercedes said in a statement.

The Mercedes pickup will initially target customers in Latin America, South Africa, Australia and Europe, and no decision has been made about whether to launch the vehicle in the United States, a spokesman for Daimler said.

Last year, three of the four top-selling cars in the United States were full-sized pickup trucks, the Ford F-150, the Chevrolet Silverado and Ram 1500.

The segment has been moving upmarket with Ford's F-150 model fetching prices of up to US$50,000.

Daimler said the new pickup truck would be built by its Vans division. Earlier this month, Mercedes said it would invest US$500 million to build a new assembly plant in South Carolina to build large commercial vans.

Germany's top car companies have been vying for the global title of best-selling premium automaker, expanding into new vehicle categories as a way to expand sales.

Deliveries of BMW's core brand reached a record 1.81 million last year. By comparison, Audi sold 1.74 million cars and Mercedes-Benz sold 1.65 million of its own-branded passenger cars.


Aston Martin picks Beijing for SUV launch with China key to future

                LONDON: Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings Plc will launch its first sport-utility vehicle in Beijing this month, highlighting China’s importance as a key market for a model the company says will help double sales.

The luxury carmaker, whose stock is down 78% since listing 13 months ago, will price the DBX from US$189,900 (RM786,000), pitching it between Lamborghini’s best-selling Urus SUV, which starts at US$200,000 (RM828,000), and the US$165,000 (RM683,000) Bentley Bentayga.

Aston Martin is counting on the DBX to spur demand in markets where wealthy individuals tend to favour more-rugged autos because of the poor quality of roads, such as China and Russia.

Sales at Volkswagen AG’s Lamborghini surged 50% last year, with the Urus accounting for almost a third of the tally, while Ferrari NV plans to join the supercar-SUV club with the Purosangue in 2022.

Gaydon, England-based Aston Martin has also pegged future borrowing to the success of the Welsh-built DBX, with US$100 million (RM414mil) of bonds available only if it sells 1,400 cars by the middle of next year.

The DBX will feature a 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 producing 550hp, with a top speed of over 290kph. Orders will open on Nov 20, the same day as the Beijing event, with deliveries starting next year.

The company, whose traditional sports models have seen demand suffer amid challenges from Brexit and global trade wars, aims to lift total sales to 14,000 autos by 2023 from about 6,440 last year.


Škoda offers first view of Kodiaq GT

                PRAGUE: Škoda reveals the design sketches of the new Kodiaq GT, the brand’s new flagship in the Chinese market. The dynamic coupé version of big SUV Kodiaq will be exclusively available in China.

In the meantime, China will be the only market in which Škoda offers a total of four SUV models with Kamiq, Karoq, Kodiaq and Kodiaq GT.

As the design sketches show, all lines are clearly and precisely designed, the coupé-like side line gives the new Kodiaq GT a sporty and dynamic profile.

The coupé-version of large SUV is differentiated from the Kodiaq by its rear section. Behind the front doors, the roofline gently slopes down, merging into an angled tailgate.

As the first SUV coupé in the Czech car maker’s model portfolio, the Kodiaq GT will serve as the new flagship model in China, and be a key driver of the brand’s image..

The SUV offensive is a key pillar of Strategy 2025, along with electromobility and digitalisation.

In China, where the new Kodiaq GT in addition to Kamiq will actually be the second exclusive Škoda SUV on the market, this segment offers a particular potential for growth.

Even today, the Chinese market is the world’s biggest for Škoda.  Every fourth ŠKODA vehicle is currently delivered to China.


Formula E achieves a first with Buemi and driverless cars

Buemi of Renault e.Dams celebrating his victory.
BUENOS AIRES: Switzerland's Sebastien Buemi became the first driver to win three Formula E rounds in a row on Saturday with Argentine fans also witnessing another milestone with a 'race' between two driverless cars on the streets of Buenos Aires.

Buemi, the reigning champion and an ex-Formula One driver, has now won all three races this season for the Renault e.dams team with Buenos Aires following on from Hong Kong and Morocco.

He leads the standings by 29 points from Brazilian Lucas Di Grassi with the next race in Mexico City on April 1.

Renault e.dams have now won half of all the Formula E races that have taken place.

Frenchman Jean-Eric Vergne was second in Saturday's race for the Chinese Techeetah team with Di Grassi, who started on pole position, third for Team Abt Schaeffler Audi Sport.

Buenos Aires also saw the first demonstration run of two driverless 'Roborace' development, or 'DevBot', electric cars running on track together at speeds of up to 185kph but mostly slower.

The cars used sensors and on-board systems to navigate the street circuit whilst communicating with each other to avoid contact but one of the two still crashed into barriers.

A stray dog on the track posed an additional hazard.

"This is an historic moment for Roborace and for the future of autonomous vehicle development," said Roborace chief executive Denis Sverdlov in a statement.

"Seeing these two cars interacting at speed on a race track shows how fast the technology is progressing and how important a platform Roborace is for further development.

"It is so exciting to see these vehicles functioning without any human intervention, making their own decisions and taking appropriate actions in order to guide themselves around the track."

Formula E organisers hope ultimately to have up to 10 driverless cars racing together, run by teams who write their own software, around city tracks as a support event to their series.


Mercedes debuts two coupes and a Maybach

LANGKAWI: Mercedes-Benz has raised the bar in the local premium car segment with the introduction of Mercedes-AMG S 63 Coupe, Mercedes-Benz E 250 Coupe and the super luxury Mercedes-Maybach S-Class limousine.

The two coupes are the latest members of the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s “Dream Cars Collection” which also consists of the Mercedes-AMG GT S sports car, Mercedes-AMG C 63 S sports sedan and Mercedes-Benz CLS 400 four-door sports coupe.

The S Class Coupe has been voted as the World Luxury Car of the Year and offers a combination of luxury and refinement with sports car performance.

 Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Dream Cars Collection - (from left) Mercedes-AMG C 63 S, Mercedes-Benz CLS 400, Mercedes-AMG GT S, Mercedes-AMG S 63 Coupe and Mercedes-Benz E 250 Coupe.

Aside from exciting lines and curves, this two-door model gets an AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine with 585bhp and 900Nm of torque, the most powerful member of the BlueDIRECT engine family.

It can do the 0-100kph sprint in 4.3 seconds and has the Magic Body Control suspension system that tilts the car at curves to eliminate bodyroll while maintaining stability, handling and driving pleasure.

The S 63 Coupe has an on-the-road without insurance (with GST) price of RM1,493,888.

 S 63 Coupe.

As the introduction model to the Dream Cars Collection, the E 250 Coupe comes with an on-the-road without insurance (with GST) price of RM428,888.

Its elegant two-door styles features an exterior and interior design that are fresh and sharp.

The car gets a new look headlamp design with LED low beam and LED daytime running lamps as standard.

Its 2.0-litre BlueDIRECT engine with 211bhp and 350Nm of torque along with a seven-speed 7G-tronic Plus transmission promises silky smooth power delivery along with a more than satisfying performance of 7.1 seconds to do the 0-100kph dash.

 E 250 Coupe.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also unveiled the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class stretched limousine, the flagship of the German carmaker’s model line-up.

Its extra long wheelbase and length of 200mm compared with the long wheelbase Mercedes-Benz S-Class variant, provides the car with extra legroom and a higher level of prestige and presence.

Inside, passengers are enveloped in lounge-style seating with refined materials, stylish controls and sensuous elegance.

The car can also be specced with the Burmester® high-end 3D surround sound system that provides unrivalled listening experience by virtue of 24 high-performance speakers and 24 separate amplifier channels with a total output of 1,540 watts.

Available in engine choices of a 4.7-litre V8 or 6.0-litre V12, the Maybach S-Class delivers refined performance with poise that is fit enough for royalty.

 AMG GT S.

On-the-road prices without insurance (with GST) start from RM1.35mil.

“Mercedes-Benz has been reinventing the automobile for almost 130 years,” said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia vice president of sales and marketing (passenger cars) Mark Raine at the vehicles’ introduction in Langkawi earlier this week.

“The dream cars of Mercedes-Benz are the embodiment that makes our brand fascinating.

“With the launch of the dream cars collection, we are yet again setting new standards and offering our customers pure performance and most luxurious cars Malaysia,” he said.

Raine also said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia would be adding the new variant of CLS 250 d to its Dream Cars Collection line-up soon.

 C 63 S Edition 1. CLS 400.


Volvo Cars to restart production in Sweden on April 20

                FRANKFURT: Volvo Cars will reopen its Torslanda factory and offices in Sweden next week after overhauling its production processes to help prevent coronavirus infections, following a three-week shutdown caused by the pandemic, says the carmaker.

Volvo’s factory in Ghent, Belgium, will reopen on April 20, but at reduced production output and the carmaker plans to reopen its South Carolina plant in the United States on May 11 after adapting sanitation and cleaning routines.

“We have introduced new health measures. We will work with gloves and masks in the areas where we come too close. The production rate will depend on the market. We can produce at full speed, but this depends on the orders,” said chief executive Hakan Samuelsson on Friday.

The Swedish carmaker, which is owned by China’s Geely, has a good order intake, but three weeks’ worth of production has been lost, Samuelsson said.

Because the European economy has ground to a halt, Volvo will continue to make use of shortened working hours, Samuelsson added.

In Sweden, the layout in all meeting rooms, office spaces and restaurants has been adjusted to allow for social distancing, ensuring that desks are spaced out and limiting the number of people allowed in meeting rooms and restaurants.

Employees in Sweden can also take voluntary temperature tests and measure their blood oxygen levels. Office workers in other markets will continue to follow local guidelines.

The engine plant in Skoevde, Sweden, and the body component manufacturing site in Olofstroem, Sweden will continue to plan their production on a weekly basis and adapt according to needs in the other plants, Volvo said.