After years on the market, Tesla Model S gets major interior makeover

                SAN FRANCISCO: Remember when Elon Musk said Tesla only continued to build the Model S and X for sentimental reasons? (during an earnings call, October 2019).

Now we have refreshed, updated "Plaid" versions of each. Tesla has given the cars all-new interiors, with updated screens and climate controls.

The biggest change is the vertical centre display is replaced by a 17-inch landscape format touchscreen that looks like the one found in the Model 3 and Model Y. The screen resolution is much higher now at 2200 X 1300 with brighter colours and better responsiveness, according to Tesla. On top of that, the steering wheel is heavily revised, with the top chopped off to look like a yoke steering wheel with no stalks or paddles behind it.

It’s also redesigned the battery pack and modules in the new cars and has been making upgrades to the plant in Fremont ahead of their launch later this quarter.

Exterior revisions are focused on the lower portion of the front fascia. Along with new wheel designs, the tweaks make the exterior look sportier and more aggressive.

The Model S Plaid is quite something. Tesla says it’s capable of 0-60 in less than 2 seconds, claiming in the earnings presentation that it’s the fastest-accelerating production car in the world, beating out the Porsche 918 Spyder and Bugatti Chiron.

It will cost US$112,990 (RM458,000), including potential incentives. That will get you 627km of range and a top speed of 320kph. Deliveries will start around March, according to the company’s website.

There’s a higher-spec US$132,990 (RM538,000) Plaid+ model which has a greater 836km range on a single charge. The company estimates it will be set for delivery in late 2021.

The Plaid version of the Model X has had a similar makeover and injection of speed and power.

In fact, Tesla claim it’s the “highest performing SUV ever built” in terms of power and acceleration, according to its website. Starting at US$113,190 (RM458,000), inclusive of incentives, it has a maximum range of 547km (less than the more standard Long Range model) and can do 0-60 in 2.5 seconds.

Three high-performance motors give the X Plaid peak power of 1,020 horsepower. Musk said in the Q4 earnings call deliveries of the Model S Plaid will be in February.

Meanwhile, the much-anticipated Cybertruck pickup is on track to debut later this year, but Musk said high-volume production won’t begin until 2022. He also said Tesla plans to join others racing to build electric vans but cautioned that battery-supply constraints will force the company to pace its debuts of new vehicles.

“We will take as many batteries as they can produce,” the CEO said, mentioning leading suppliers such as Panasonic Corp., LG Chem Ltd. and Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. “We urge them to increase their production, and we will buy as much as they can send to us.”


People are interested in robot cars, just not older people, says study

                PARIS: Tech-savvy youngsters and high-earners are keen on the prospect of self-driving cars, but older people are often wary and suspicious, according to a survey by car manufacturer Audi.

Market research institute Ipsos interviewed 21,000 people from China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Spain, Britain and the United States for a project called "The Pulse of Autonomous Driving".

A total of 82 per cent showed interest in autonomous driving, with 62 per cent saying they were curious about the new technology. A further 53 per cent of respondents said they were keen to try out a self-driving vehicle.

The study found five car user types ranging from “status-oriented trendsetters” who look forward to autonomous driving through to the "suspicious driver" who prefer to take the wheel themselves.

Fans of robot cars tend to "tech-savvy" while the wary are usually older with a lower level of income and education, the study found.

The largest user group are the "open-minded co-pilots", who are fundamentally open to autonomous driving as long as they can take control at any time.

Enthusiasm varied too. The Chinese are euphoric about self-driving cars and South Koreans take an above-average positive view of the technology, showed the survey.

The Spanish and Italians are the pioneers in Europe while Germans and the French are still cautious, along with Americans, the Japanese and the British.

The overall level of knowledge about autonomous driving appears to be low. Only only 8 per cent of respondents said they could explain the subject.

The study is part of the carmaker's ongoing research into social acceptance of autonomous driving which began in 2015. The study looks into rational arguments, emotions, values and lifestyles which shape people's attitudes to autonomous driving.

"Automated and autonomous driving has the potential to improve our mobility substantially," said head of Automated Driving at Audi Thomas Mueller. "On the way there, alongside technical development, it is of decisive importance to convince people."


Zero Motorcycles announces new electric bike on entirely new platform

                SAN FRANCISCO: Zero Motorcycles followed Wednesday's teaser video announcing the Feb 25 release of the upcoming SR/F electric bike with some more juicy details on Thursday.

On Wednesday, Zero Motorcycles gave us the SR/F's release date and a dimmed clip of the electric bike just before and after turning on its LED headlight. On Thursday, the company revealed that this electric bike will feature state-of-the-art technology and the most powerful powertrain ever created during Zero Motorcycles' 13-year existence.

The February release date was reiterated, as well as the bike's basis on a brand-new platform.

A corresponding tweet teasing the release described the upcoming bike as "providing an effortlessly powerful experience in the naked street bike category," a category that Zero Motorcycles has solidified itself in by appealing to both EV and petrol engine fans alike, a feat that few electric motorcycle companies have accomplished.

In fact, it sells more full-size electric bikes each year than its competitors combined.

The current standard SR roadster produces 158Nm of torque and has an average combined range of 190km. Power peaks at 70hp and speed at 164kph. Compared to the V9 from Brutus Electric Motorcycles in all these categories, Zero Motorcycles is the weaker competitor, though the SR is over 136kg lighter.

Bringing a more powerful electric bike is a smart move from the company to keep up with its speedy competition.


Proper AES rules would have prevented controversy

                PETALING JAYA: The controversy surrounding the Automated Enforcement System (AES) could have been avoided if there were proper guidelines, Transparency International (TI) Malaysia president Datuk Akhbar Satar claimed.

“Authorities like the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) and particularly its Public-Private Partnership Unit (UKAS) experts along with universities, should map out and review all such high profile public projects to avoid conflicts of interest,” he said.

Although the AES project – which was to set up, operate and maintain a speed trap camera system – was funded by taxpayers, it lacked public consultation, he claimed.

“In the end, the Government had to scrap it and now is faced with paying a heavy compensation which will come from public funds,” he said in a statement.

AES was initially supposed to start in 2012 but it came under public objection.

In December 2013, the Dewan Rakyat adopted a motion to allow the Government to take over the AES.

Reports emerged last week that two firms originally appointed to implement the AES could get about RM500mil each after they took up a case against the Government at the Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre for Arbitration.

Akhbar said the settlement amount being sought would be controversial especially in the backdrop of economic uncertainties today.

“TI-M absolutely disagrees with the amount of compensation being discussed as reported,” he said.

Akhbar said any compensation should be kept to the minimum and the concession holder should be reimbursed for what had actually been spent without any profit element or loss of opportunity.

Malaysia Consumers Movement president Darshan Singh Dhillon said the AES was still necessary in light of increasing road fatalities in Malaysia especially during festive seasons.

He cited the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Road Safety Report 2013, which indicated Malaysia had 25 deaths per 100,000 population compared to a regional average of 17.91.


Touch ‘n Go eWallet can now pay for street parking at 5 local councils

                [pdfviewer width="600px" height="849px" beta="true/false"]KUALA LUMPUR: The Touch ‘n Go eWallet is enabling more features beyond toll payments; it now allows a payment feature for street parking at five local authorities.

They are Kuala Lumpur City Hall, Majlis Perbandaran Subang Jaya, Perbadanan Putrajaya, Majlis Daerah Kuala Langat Selangor and Majlis Perbandaran Kota Baru.

More local authorities would be covered in the coming months.

While the street parking feature is currently available at five districts, the Touch ‘n Go eWallet is currently working with different municipalities across Malaysia to enable more street parking payment options for its users in the coming months.

On a related note, Touch ‘n Go eWallet is holding two promotions to reward its users for going cashless and making payment via the in-app parking feature.  They are RM3 Cashback campaign and a lucky draw campaign.

Go to www.tngdigital.com.my/promotions for details of the promotions.


Motorcycle lanes in Putrajaya to be converted into cycling lanes

                PUTRAJAYA: The Federal Territories Ministry plans to convert the motorcycle lanes here into bikeways in line with a proposal to make the administrative region a cycling-friendly city.

Federal Territories Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa said towards that end, the Putrajaya Corporation (PPj) would take steps to convert the motorcycle lanes, which has been gazetted, into cycling lanes.

“We have an area that was previously built to separate the lane for motorcycles from other vehicles, but there are not many motorcyclists in Putrajaya, which is why we want to renovate the route to be used as a bikeway,” he told reporters today.

He said the cycling lane network would have an outer loop, stretching 34km, and an inner loop of about 15km which is expected to be completed within two months.

He said various other facilities would also be built, including cafes, workshop, bicycle spare-parts and accessories shop, as well as a car park.


Limit issuance of driving licences to senior citizens, police urge Govt

                KUALA LUMPUR: The police have proposed that the government limit the issuance of motor vehicle licences to senior citizens.

Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director Datuk Azisman Alias said this was because the health condition of senior citizens could be a factor that contributed to road accidents.

He said senior citizens also needed to undergo a medical check-up and get doctor’s approval confirming that they are fit to drive.

"As people age, they are more likely to suffer from health conditions such as Alzheimer's and blurred vision which can indirectly cause accidents on the road.

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"There was a case where a senior citizen who was caught driving on a motorcycle lane. Therefore, the government needs to study issuing LKM to senior citizens," he told reporters at Bukit Aman here today.

Azisman said it would not be appropriate for a senior citizen, who is say, aged 70, to renew the driving licence for a five-year period because of his advancing age.

He also suggested to the government to issue a policy for low-powered motorcycles to not make excessive noise.

The policy was needed because there were low-powered motorcycles’ owners who have modified their exhaust but did not follow the set specifications.

Meanwhile, Azisman said motorcycle accidents were still the major contributor to traffic fatalities in the country at 70 per cent or 2,075 deaths from January to August this year.

This was followed by accidents involving cars at 450 deaths, pedestrians (168), lorries (87), bicycles (54), four-wheel drive vehicles (53) and buses (1).


GM, Isuzu end pick-up truck tie-up, GM eyes more upscale market

                BEIJING/TOKYO: General Motors Co and Isuzu Motor Co have agreed to stop working together on developing midsize pick-up trucks made in Asia, as the US automaker focuses on the higher end of the market while the Japanese firm sticks to selling vehicles for everyday commercial purposes.

The automakers said on Friday they had cancelled their pick-up truck deal struck in 2014, the latest under a joint product development arrangement which began in 2006.

They added that separate collaboration agreements, including one for commercial vehicles in the United States, remained intact.

"The direction each company wanted to take (for the vehicles) was changing," an Isuzu spokesman said, adding that the Japanese truck maker intended to continue making trucks to be used as workhorse vehicles in markets including Australia, the Middle East, and Asia.

"Both GM and Isuzu agree that due to unique requirements for each company, joint development of the next-generation midsize pick-up truck for (GM) markets is no longer the optimal model for this project," GM said in a statement.

Under the agreement, Isuzu, which specialises in light trucks and commercial vehicles, had developed its D-Max pick-up truck, marketing the model in Asia and beyond, focusing on markets including Australia and the Middle East.

GM produced a version of its Colorado pick-up trucks and Trailblazer SUVs for Asian and Australasian markets. The Asia-produced Colorado pickup is different from a model sold under the same name in the United States, which GM has developed on its own.

One GM executive said the "unique requirements" for GM are about the strategic shift it began making last year in Southeast Asia where it is now trying to focus more on competing in the higher end of the region's truck and SUV markets.

Despite the obvious benefits of collaborating on development such as sharing costs, the executive, who declined to be named because he is not authorised to discuss the move, said that GM had decided not to try to copy its Japanese rivals in Southeast Asia where brands like Isuzu, Toyota Motor Corp and Mitsubishi Motors Corp dominate.

"It doesn't make sense for us trying to copy the business strategy of the Japanese rivals in Southeast Asia," the executive said.

GM's revamped strategy is especially pronounced in Thailand, where the automaker is now launching sleeker pick-up trucks.

Isuzu and Mazda Motor Co earlier this month announced that Isuzu would produce next-generation pick-up trucks for Mazda outside North America.


Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport goes through final testing before production

                PARIS: Bugatti will soon start production of the new Chiron Pur Sport as the model goes through final testing in Italy.

And according to its test driver, the hyper car is shaping up to be an agile ride with "super direct feedback" to make driving on public roads easier.

Based on the Chiron, the €3mil (RM14.8mil) Pur Sport will be the most capable track car Bugatti has ever created.

Only 60 units will be made. Its W16 engine produces nearly 1,500bhp, and it will feature new magnesium wheels and improved acceleration, with 0-100kph done in a blistering 2.1 seconds.

Bugatti test driver Andy Wallace had been busy tweaking the driving dynamics of the car at Italy's Nardò Technical Centre.

And that means driving it hard. At one point, Wallace was spotted sending all four wheels of the hypercar airborne as he pushed it to the limit.

Speaking after completing his first laps, Wallace said: “The Chiron Pur Sport is extremely agile for driving on public roads, but it still offers enough comfort. The engineers have set up the running gear perfectly. Firm and direct, but not too hard.

"The shorter-ratio gearbox results in even more brutal acceleration out of the bends. The lateral acceleration potential is incredible."

This was Wallace's first time on the Nardo track and it left him with a good impression

"I like the proving ground very much, above all the handling track with its many varied corners.

“The fast right-left-right combinations on the demanding 6.2-kilometre long track are great fun in the Chiron Pur Sport."


China recovers US$333 million from firms cheating green car subsidies

Xiao Jie answering a question after a press conference in Beijing today. - AFP
BEIJING: China has recovered 2.3 billion yuan (US$333 million) from companies that cheated a subsidy programme to promote green energy cars, the country's Finance Minister Xiao Jie told a briefing today.

China's central government has spent billions in subsidies to aggressively promote battery electric and plug-in hybrid cars, aiming to cut urban air pollution and encourage domestic car makers to leapfrog global competitors in automotive technology.

Last year, the finance ministry concluded its investigation into the cheating scandal, with dozens of companies eventually being named for wrongfully obtaining subsidies.

Automakers, predominantly coach bus makers, were found to have used various methods to cheat the programme, including fabricating production and sales entirely, selling cars to their own leasing companies and seeking subsidies for vehicles that did not meet minimum technical requirements.


MAA confident of achieving TIV of 470,000

                PETALING JAYA: Car sales for the year are inching towards the annual target set by the automotive association, with the sales tax exemption driving enthusiasm.

According to the latest data from the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), total sales had reached 398,159 in October.

With the sales figure for November to be known later this month, MAA president Datuk Aishah Ahmad said the association’s forecast of 470,000 TIV (total industry volume) was within reach.

“The sales tax exemption has been effective and has generated more sales than expected. I believe we will exceed the forecast figure for 2020, ” she said when contacted.

For the corresponding period (January to October) last year, 496,855 vehicles were sold.

The automotive industry has received a much-needed boost with a six-month sales tax exemption approved by the government, to last till Dec 31.

Aishah said the sales tax reprieve was a boon to the industry, adding that car companies were expecting a strong finish to the year.

“It looks very positive with December being the last month for payment of duties with the sales tax exemption for CKD (completely knocked down) and 50% off for CBU (completely built up) vehicles, ” she added.

In June, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced a 100% tax exemption on the purchase of new CKD vehicles and a 50% exemption on new CBU vehicles till December.

CKD vehicles are those assembled at a local facility, while CBU vehicles are assembled in a foreign country and imported as a complete vehicle.

The automotive industry was one of the sectors that took a huge hit due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the movement control orders.

In April, MAA recorded only 141 sales of passenger and commercial vehicles – a stark contrast to the 49,935 sold in the same month the year before.

The association also reported that 22,960 vehicles were sold in May this year, a decline of more than 160% compared to the same period in 2019.

Total vehicle sales last year amounted to 604,287 units.

Following the announcement of the sales tax exemption in June, vehicle sales jump-started significantly.

A total of 57,552 car sales were recorded in July, a 11.64% increase from the same month the year before, while September saw 56,444 car sales – a 20% increase compared to the same period last year.

Car salesman Fazly Hizwan said vehicle sales had shot up since the sales tax exemption was announced.

“It is worth it as car buyers can save up to RM5,000, excluding promotions given by car companies.

“Stocks of vehicles have also been running low with more people bringing forward their purchases.

“During the movement control order in May, we got three walk-ins a day – sometimes none at all.

“Business has bounced back and is comparable to how it was last year, ” said the salesman, who is based in Melaka.

Another car salesman in Seremban said vehicle sales have been on the road to recovery in recent months.

“Some customers tell me they prefer to drive their own cars than take public transport at this time.

“We get about 20 to 30 enquiries a day. The number of enquiries have dropped since November, but it could be because customers want to take their time and visit showrooms now that the movement restrictions have been lifted, ” he said.


Hackers breach cameras at Tesla, banks, jails and more

                SAN FRANCISCO: A US hacker collective on Tuesday claimed to have tapped into footage from 150,000 security cameras at banks, jails, schools, carmaker Tesla and other sites to expose "the surveillance state."

Images captured from hacked surveillance video were posted on Twitter with an #OperationPanopticon hashtag.

"What if we just absolutely ended surveillance capitalism in two days?" a purported member of a group called APT-69420 Arson Cats asked amid a string of tweeted images.

"This is the tip of the tip of the tip of the iceberg."

The hacker group claimed to have ferreted out credentials of an high level administrator account at Silicon Valley firm Verkada, which runs a platform operating security systems online.

"We have disabled all internal administrator accounts to prevent any unauthorised access," a Verkada spokesperson said in response to an AFP inquiry.

"Our internal security team and external security firm are investigating the scale and scope of this issue, and we have notified law enforcement."

Verkada added that it has notified companies that rely on its platform.

Surveillance camera imagery posted on Twitter included a jail cell block and a man wearing a fake beard dancing in a bank storage room.

The Verkada breach shows the risk of outsourcing security surveillance to companies in the internet cloud, according to Rick Holland, chief information security officer at Digital Shadows, a risk protection firm.

"Verkada positions itself as a 'more secure, scalable' alternative to on-premises network video recorders," Holland said.

"You don't always get more secure when you outsource your security to a third party."

He said he expected the breach to trigger investigations by privacy regulators in the US and Europe.


Jaguar F-PACE and Aman Sveti Stefan: Where luxury begets luxury - VIDEO

It's like a page out of a travel magazine. Perched on an islet facing the Adriatic Sea, the Aman Sveti Stefan is a village-style resort that has welcomed the rich and famous for years.

People like Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor and Princess Margaret have walked through its cobbled lanes and shaded courtyards and admired its historical roots as a 500-year-old fishing village. Those were the days when it was a hotel by a different name and different ownership.

In more contemporary times under a new stewardship, it continues to be a magnet to famous people.  It was the venue for the wedding of Wimbledon tennis ace Novak Djokovic in July 2014. Sylvester Stallone and Bruce Willis have holidayed there as well. Celebrities and royalty aside, business tycoons also flocked here to get some peace and quiet. Its first name Aman, after all, means “peace” in Sanskrit. And that’s what it offers in an exclusive setting.

The fortified surroundings are linked to the mainland by a narrow stone causeway. And on the Sveti Stefan beach, within view of the island resort, is located the 8-suite Villa Millocer, which is part of the Aman Sveti Stefan complex. Villa Millocer offers a more intimate experience and was formerly the summer residence for the Serbian royal family in the 1930s.

For the F-PACE drive in April, Jaguar put up its media guests overnight at the Aman Sveti Stefan. At the entrance of the resort was parked an F-PACE First Edition, which seemed apt under the circumstances since this is the sort of car, with its own rich sporting heritage, that would appeal to the clientele that the resort caters to.

No motorised vehicles can enter the islet compounds beyond the main courtyard entrance as the hotel deliberately retained the narrow stone pathways, snaking up various elevations, for walking. It’s like going through a maze but a map from the reception would help you get your bearings quickly. There’s even a church as you walked further in to the side facing the sea. What’s interesting is that the whole area, spanning 12,400 sq metres, is a protected heritage site.

The islet houses 50 rooms, cottages and suites topped with terra-cotta tile roofs. Each accommodation is different from the other and designed to retain the historic atmosphere while having modern amenities such as free WiFi and flatscreen TVs.

The Deluxe Cottage where we stayed had acres of space and would be better suited for a couple or a family of four. It had windows with a fantastic view of the coast and the Mediterranean. The king-size bed was comfortable and service was prompt and discreet.

It was a stay as memorable as the Jaguar F-PACE drive in a country that this writer will personally be coming back to one day.

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Rates range from €770 to €5,000 (RM3,400 to RM22,000) a night depending on accommodation type and season.

Aman Sveti Stefan is part of the ultra-luxe Aman Resorts hotel chain, which operates 31 properties globally. Aman Resorts was started by Adrian Zecha and Anil Thadani with its first boutique resort in Phuket, Thailand, in 1988. Since then, the group has spread across Asia and Europe, Africa, the United States and the Caribbean.


Isuzu moving into used cars

                TOKYO: Isuzu Motors Limited is expanding into the used car business.

It announced today that it has acquired a 9.9% stake (about 400 million yen) in Japanese used car company, Apple International Co., Ltd.

Both companies will form a strategic capital and business alliance for domestic and overseas joint ventures.

Isuzu said the used vehicle business was a way for it to enhance its aftersales business.

Apple International has an extensive distribution network mainly in the used passenger car segment in Japan and Thailand.


New Kia Seltos open for bookings ahead of October launch

                KUALA LUMPUR: Naza Kia Malaysia is now taking orders for the all-new Seltos at selected Kia showrooms.

The B-segment SUV comes in two variants, the EX and GT Line. Both variants are available in Glacier White Pearl and Gravity Grey. While the EX trim also comes in Intense Red, Intelligency Blue is exclusive to the GT Line trim.

Those who wish to view and find out more of Kia's latest offering can visit selected showrooms nationwide as listed here.

Both variants come with a five-year manufacturer’s warranty. Prices will be announced at launch in October.

Stay updated with Kia Malaysia’s Facebook pageREAD MORE: Kia debuts new Seltos compact urban SUV


Ford halts production of F-150 plug-in pickup over battery woe

                DETROIT: Ford Motor Co. has temporarily halted production and stopped shipments of its hot-selling F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck over an unidentified problem with its battery.

The automaker confirmed Tuesday it stopped building the plug-in pickup at its factory in Dearborn, Michigan, while engineers seek a solution to a "potential quality issue” discovered on a truck at the plant.

Ford said in an emailed statement that it’s not delivering trucks that are in transit to dealers.

Demand for the Lightning has been strong since Ford began selling the battery-powered model of the best-selling vehicle in America last April.

It helped the company more than double EV sales last year, making it the No. 2 seller of EVs in America behind Tesla Inc., which controls nearly two-thirds of the US market.

Ford has been running the Lightning factory on three work crews, seven days a week with a goal of boosting output to 150,000 annually by the fall of this year.

The production halt was reported earlier by Motor Authority.


Honda and GM expand EV partnership

                DETROIT: General Motors and Honda Motor Co today said they will co-develop a series of electric vehicles based on a new global architecture, allowing production of millions of vehicles starting in 2027.

The announcement expands on plans for GM to begin building two electric SUVs for Honda starting in 2024.

The automakers said the new deal is for "affordable" EVs, including compact crossover vehicles, built using GM's Ultium battery technology.

The companies said they will also discuss future battery technology collaboration for electric vehicles in a push to drive down costs.

"GM and Honda will share our best technology, design and manufacturing strategies to deliver affordable and desirable EVs on a global scale, including our key markets in North America, South America and China," GM chief executive Mary Barra said in a statement.

The deal is part of GM's push to achieve carbon neutrality in its global products and operations by 2040 and eliminate tailpipe emissions from light-duty vehicles in the United States by 2035.

Honda has said it is aiming to reach carbon neutrality on a global basis by 2050.

The Japanese carmaker owns a stake in GM's Cruise self-driving car subsidiary and the carmakers are co-developing the Cruise Origin autonomous EV.

The companies also have a joint venture to develop and produce hydrogen fuel-cell systems at a plant in Brownstown, Michigan.


BMW heralds in M3 30 Jahre Limited Edition

MUNICH: With the launch of the first generation of the BMW M3 in 1986, the BMW M GmbH revolutionised the sporty mid-range segment and since then BMW M has continuously refined its automotive icon across five model generations.

To mark the 30th anniversary of this automotive icon this summer, BMW M is launching the exclusive special BMW M3 30 Jahre Special Edition, which is limited in the UK to only 30 cars with 500 cars worldwide.

The BMW M3 30 Jahre Edition builds on the Competition Package which is available for the BMW M3. The Competition Package comprises an increase in engine output by 19hp to 450hp and a combined fuel consumption of 34mpg with 194 g/km CO2 emissions.

It has 550Nm of torque and the 7-speed M DCT gearbox sprints from 0 to 62mph in just 4 seconds, which is 0.1 seconds faster than the series production model.

Also included on this model is the Adaptive M suspension, which has been comprehensively aligned to the increased performance.

Optimised features also include new springs, dampers and stabilisers, modified characteristic curves of the three modes COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ as well as a correspondingly modified standard Active M differential on the rear axle and Dynamic Stability Control feature (DSC).

Moreover, the edition model includes forged 20-inch M light-alloy wheels with 666 M star spoke design and mixed tyres (front: 265/30 R20, rear: 285/30 R20).

All of these measures lead to a noticeable increase in dynamic performance, which is not least also reflected in enhanced acceleration.

However, the changes on this car are not just technical, the special-edition M3 has been given the BMW Individual treatment. As a result, it cuts a more dynamic, head-turning figure than its standard siblings.

The striking BMW Individual Frozen Silver metallic paint accentuates the elegantly muscular forms of the BMW M3 and in terms of exterior design, it also includes the BMW Individual High Gloss Shadow Line with enhanced features, including a black chrome tailpipe trim for the M sports exhaust system as well as a variety of carbon fibre additions. These include a carbon fibre front splitter and trims, mirror caps, rear diffuser and a carbon fibre rear spoiler.

The edition model also features exclusively designed M gills in the front wings bearing the logo “M3 30 Jahre”.

Both the driver and front passenger in the M3 30 Jahre Edition can settle into the specific BMW M sports seats with a skeletal design that combine perfect support with distinct travel comfort over long-distances.

Seatbelts with woven-in BMW M strips also enhance the sporty interior ambience. Other additions include the BMW M Performance Alcantara Steering wheel and the BMW M Performance Alcantara Gear Selector trim and surround.

The logo “M3 30 Jahre” on the front doorsills reminds owners of the BMW M icon’s unique history. The wording “30 Jahre M3 1/30” on the carbon fibre interior trim of the instrument panel and stitching on the front headrests gives indication of the exclusiveness of the BMW 30 Jahre M3.

The BMW M3 30 Jahre Edition features an exclusive full leather Merino trim in bicolour Black/Fjord Blue with colour-matching contrast seams that effectively underscore the anniversary model’s sporty and sophisticated character.

This special edition model features a high standard specification including harman/kardon surround-sound system with a total of 16 speakers. In addition to the exclusive content this car it also features as standard such equipment as Adaptive LED Headlights, BMW M Carbon Ceramic braking system, BMW M Head-up display, BMW M Double-Clutch Transmission, Comfort Access, Surround View, Comfort Access, Advanced Parking Pack, Extended Storage and a Speed Limit Display.

Priced at £82,675 (RM496,884) OTR, the BMW M3 30 Jahre Edition goes on sale in Summer 2016, this being exactly 30 years after the signing of the first contract for the purchase of a BMW M3 – the original version of the car having made its debut at the 1985 Frankfurt Motor Show.


Price of CKD cars may increase 8-20% next year, says MAA

                KUALA LUMPUR: The price of locally assembled completely knocked-down (CKD) cars is expected to increase by eight to 20 per cent next year, based on the new open market value (OMV) excise duty calculation method.

Malaysian Automotive Association president Datuk Aishah Ahmad said however, the industry has asked the government to revert to the previous calculation methodology to avoid an increase in CKD car prices.

"The implementation of the excise duty was postponed in 2020 to end-2022, and will be enforced starting next year.

"We (MAA) have already submitted a proposal to the Finance Ministry (MoF) to revert to the previous policy which did not include non-manufacturing-related costs in calculating the OMV, thus lowering the car prices,” she said to reporters after chairing the MAA’s annual general meeting today.

However, she said the association has yet to receive any reply from the ministry.

The new Malaysian excise duty arrangement was prepared by the MoF during the Pakatan Harapan administration and was gazetted on Dec 31, 2019.

Aishah said the OMV is the final market value set for CKD vehicles fresh out of the factory, before the addition of the excise duty.

She emphasised that automotive companies would not be increasing their margins, and that the rise in car prices would be due to the increase in taxes.

"Buyers will be the ones affected by this move, and this, in turn, will cause car sales to drop," she said.

Meanwhile, Aishah said the MAA is also drafting an appeal to the MoF to further extend the sales and services tax (SST) exemption period for new vehicles, in light of the microchip shortage issue.

Previously, the government had extended the SST exemption period for new vehicles to June 30, 2022, under Budget 2022.


Škoda presents design sketches of new Octavia

                PRAGUE: Škoda has released two exclusive design sketches providing the first glimpse of the new Octavia.

The new Škoda design language reveals that the fourth generation of the brand’s best-selling model will have a more emotive look; combining compact dimensions with a generous amount of interior space.

The design sketches show the Octavia’s flowing silhouette marked by a coupé-like roofline. A distinctive new front section, large wheels and tail lights with crystalline elements add further highlights.

Originally launched more than 60 years ago, the Octavia has sold more than 6.5 million units to date.


Peugeot boss rules out introducing more affordable electric models

                LONDON: Peugeot’s boss has ruled out introducing more affordable electric models, but will instead focus on making the cars it already has more accessible.

Peugeot offers a wide choice of electric models, including the e-208 supermini and e-2008 crossover, as well as a diverse line-up of battery-powered vans.

Peugeot will be introducing EVs of its popular 308 and 3008 in 2023 too and will offer a fully-electric derivative of every car it sells by 2025.

However, despite Peugeot being adamant that it “won’t price customers out of the market”, smaller, more affordable city cars are not set to play a part in the picture.

Asked by the PA news agency if the firm would introduce electric models below its e-208, Linda Jackson, chief executive of Peugeot, said it was “concentrating” on making the cars it already sells more affordable.

Jackson said: “I think at this stage what we want to do is ask how we make the current line-up [of cars] we’ve got and we’re concentrating on more affordable. And that’s Peugeot-as-you-go, subscriptions, offers and a variety of things.

“Quite honestly, right now we’re concentrating on our current range, because this is where we are. We’re all in this transition phase before full electric, so we want to make our existing cars more accessible for our customers.”

"Peugeot-as-you-go" is a scheme currently operating in France, which customers pay a monthly payment of €150 (RM691) for, and which includes the car and 500km of driving a month. If motorists need to do more miles than this they can ‘top-up’ the mileage at €0.07  a kilometre.

Phil York, marketing director of Peugeot, added: “The cost of living is rising, and the cost of raw material pricing is going up and it’s really vital that we don’t price customers out of the market. There are several options we’re working on that we’re trialling right now, and the first of those is like a mobile phone package, which is ‘Peugeot as you go’.

“It makes it very easy, very accessible and very affordable for those customers that don’t do long distances.”

York added Peugeot wanted to “expand Peugeot-as-you-go to other markets” outside of France and to more cars, but wouldn’t add which countries would be included.

He also added that “subscriptions are well adapted to electric cars” and that Peugeot was seeing “a lot of interest” in this method of flexible all-inclusive ownership, which includes the cost of the car, along with maintenance, servicing, insurance and even charging. - PA Media


New racing security measures to follow F2 death

                PARIS: Fresh security measures are being considered after a study into 28 serious and fatal accidents on circuits during 2019, motorsport's governing body said on Monday.

In one of the incidents studied promising 22-year-old French racing driver Anthoine Hubert lost his life during a Formula 2 race at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.

"The findings of these investigations will lead to improved safety in the next generation of cars designed for circuit racing and new innovations in circuit infrastructure," the FIA statement said.

One proposal to warn drivers of accidents on the track was to use the rain light on the back of the car.

"The rain light or any other light mounted to the rear of the car could be used to display the track status i.e. acting as a 'yellow flag repeater' directly located in the line of sight of following drivers," it said.

"Additionally, the rear-mounted light could possibly be used to indicate to a following driver when the car significantly slows as a result of encountering a yellow flag zone."

Hubert died last August following a high-speed collision that occurred after a crash ahead of him spread debris across the track. The FIA also suggested measures to reduce debris.

In addition, headrest design and fixation were being looked at "to increase robustness and the probability that all (or some) of the headrest remains in position during and following a major impact."

"As with all accident investigation work, our findings related to circuit racing form the basis of a range of technical and operational initiatives, both to prevent serious accidents occurring and to mitigate the consequences if they do," said FIA safety director Adam Baker.


India's top carmaker mulls hydrogen alternative

                NEW DELHI: The use of hydrogen power for mobility is an "interesting alternative" for India, especially as it would reduce dependence on lithium imports, the chairman of Maruti Suzuki, India's top-selling carmaker, said today.

Demand for lithium for batteries is soaring as governments across the world push automakers to meet stringent targets for cutting carbon emissions, partly by phasing out internal combustion engines.

In India, however, the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) by carmakers has been slow due to the high cost of batteries, as well as insufficient charging infrastructure. India also does not have lithium reserves, the majority of which are controlled by China globally.

This makes EVs a hard sell in a country like India where per capita income is around US$2,000, or about 5% of that in Europe and Japan, and 95% of cars sold are priced below US$20,000, Maruti chairman R.C. Bhargava told shareholders in the company's annual report.

"We need to recognise that our strategy for moving towards net zero emission has to be consistent with the economic and infrastructure conditions prevailing in the country," Bhargava said.

To reduce fuel consumption and emissions, Maruti is pushing sales of cars that operate on compressed natural gas (CNG), and is also investing in hybrid technology, he said, adding that "the use of hydrogen is also an interesting alternative".

Suzuki Motor Corp, which controls Maruti, is also prioritising development of clean technologies suitable for the Indian market, Bhargava said, adding that Suzuki's alliance with Toyota Motor Corp in Japan would prove valuable for this effort.

Bhargava's comments come as debate around EVs is gathering steam in India, with Tesla Inc lobbying the government to lower import duties on electric cars.

Tesla's demands have polarised India's auto industry, with South Korea's Hyundai Motor Co - which has a share of about 18% of the country's car market and is Maruti's closest competitor - supporting a tax cut on imports.

Maruti's comments in support of hydrogen also come weeks after Mukesh Ambani, chairman of refiner Reliance Industries , said it would invest US$10 billion in clean energy, including setting up giga factories to produce fuel cells and green hydrogen.


VW to set up over 150,000 public charging points across Europe

                BERLIN: Volkswagen announced on Monday that it would implement a new charging service in Europe with over 150,000 public charging points installed by mid-August.

"As electric mobility increasingly takes to the road, public charging is becoming ever more important," said Richard van Tatenhove, head of digital charging services at Volkswagen.

The charging service would not have a monthly fee and could be used via a single card. According to Volkswagen, users could also get additional information on the charging process by using an app created for this purpose.

The app would provide information on charging prices and the availability of charging points. Additionally, the app would also show charging points that operate on green power only.

Volkswagen aimed to make the switch to electric cars "as attractive as possible" and announced that 75 new electric models would be launched within the next 10 years.

Germany's largest carmaker was focusing on electric vehicles more consistently than any other German carmaker, Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer, director of the Center for Automotive Research (CAR), told German national broadcaster ZDF on Monday.

Although Volkswagen was taking a high entrepreneurial risk, it was the right choice, added Dudenhoeffer. "If we want to change the world, we need the all-electric car, not a thousand compromises." — Xinhua


VW's new e-Golf model priced in US to compete with Nissan LEAF

                DETROIT: Volkswagen AG's entry-level electric car, the e-Golf SE, will be priced about US$4,500 lower than VW's current lowest-priced electric car, the company said on Wednesday.

The lower price for the new 2016 model, to be introduced in part of the US market this fall, is an attempt to compete with the Nissan LEAF, which is the US sales leader for fully electric cars, said VW of America in a statement.

At US$29,815, the starting price for the 2016 e-Golf SE - which includes destination charges - will be US$55 lower than that of the 2015 Nissan LEAF. Nissan has yet to announce any details for its 2016 LEAF.

The 2016 e-Golf SE and its premium stablemate, the e-Golf SEL, will be sold in 10 US states in the Northeast and Pacific Coast. Most are likely to be sold in California, said Volkswagen spokesman Mark Gillies.

US sales for fully electric vehicles including the Nissan LEAF have fallen this year as gasoline prices have dropped.

LEAF US sales through July were down 30 percent at nearly 11,000. VW's has sold 1,831 e-Golf SEL premium and e-Golf Limited versions this year.

Sales of plug-in hybrids have also declined this year. Sales of Toyota's Prius Plug-In Hybrid have dropped 67 percent and sales of General Motors Co's Volt have fallen 35 percent.

The 2015 e-Golf SEL model was introduced last November. The price for the SEL 2016 model will rise US$150 to US$36,415.

The e-Golf Limited version, priced about US$2,000 lower than the SEL version, is being discontinued, Gillies said.

The 2015 e-Golf models have a range of 83 miles on a full charge and, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency, have a miles per gallon equivalent of 126 in city driving and 105 on the highway.

VW and Nissan are among automakers racing to add range to their lower-priced fully electric cars.

Volkswagen does not sell its e-Golf models in Canada.


BMW employs high-tech augmented reality

                MUNICH: BMW Group is using a new augmented reality (AR) application in vehicle concept and prototype engineering to help cut design time by as much as a year.

The design factor ranges from individual vehicle sections through to complex production stages.

The AR goggles allow real geometries – on the body of a vehicle, for instance, to be overlaid with true-to-scale holographic 3D models.

This allows for a range of concept variants and assembly processes for future series vehicles can be assessed flexibly and cost-efficiently.

Another major advantage is that utilising AR will help to save the company time and money when integrating new vehicles into the production line.

Vehicles and their components are visualised on a platform linked to the BMW Group’s product data management system.

CAD files of components are drag-and-dropped from the web-based database to the AR goggles, which the specialists can then use to reproduce the data in 3D and their original size in a realistic environment.

The AR application is controlled by hand, allowing direct interaction with virtual components.

With the AR application, a simple hand movement is enough to modify not only the size but also the position and angle of components.

In addition, cross-sections can be created to provide a view of the vehicle’s inner structures.

Another advantage is collaborative working where people at different locations around the world can now employ multi-user mode to team up and review designs and concepts together and identify any errors.

As part of this project, the German carmaker is working with a Munich-based start-up and a research organisation.

Work on developing and piloting the first augmented reality application commenced within a year at the BMW Group’s Vehicle Pilot Plant in Munich.

Research and methodology development focuses on cloud-based visualisations and smart object recognition.

The BMW Group’s Pilot Plant is located in the Research & Innovation Centre in Munich, with three further associated facilities to the north of the city, in Hallbergmoos, Oberschleissheim and Garching.

With a total area of 100,000m2, it is home to 850 associates, who work on up to six vehicle projects simultaneously.

Like the series plants, the Pilot Plant can assemble both electrically and combustion-powered prototypes.

As the interface between development and production, it allows not only the product but also the series assembly processes to be refined to maturity, ready for transfer to regular plants where they are used in series production.

The Pilot Plant comprises a body shop as well as assembly, prototype and concept car construction units, and the Additive Manufacturing Centre, a centre of excellence for 3D printing.


Fuel prices drop very slightly June 1 to 7

                PETALING JAYA: Fuel prices will drop very slightly by 1 to 2 sen from midnight Wednesday.

The new prices for RON95 will be RM2.10 (from RM2.12) per litre, RON97 at RM2.38 (from RM2.40), and diesel at RM2.02 (from RM2.03) per litre.

The new prices will come into effect from June 1 until June 7.

The prices were posted on the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry’s Twitter account on Wednesday evening.

The weekly fuel pricing mechanism came into effect from April this year.

The prices of petrol and diesel had been placed on a managed monthly float system since Dec 1, 2014, following the removal of fuel subsidies.


Lamborghini blends coupe and race car in new Huracán Tecnica

                ROME: With the engine of a race car packaged as a rear-wheel drive coupé, Lamborghini's new Huracán Tecnica is aiming to offer the best of two worlds.

Built for race tracks and country roads, the V10 Huracán variant is set to launch later this year at a not yet named price. Given that it's positioned above the rear-wheel drive coupé in the model range, it's likely to cost well over 200,000 euros.

While it sports plenty of coupe flair, driving performance is so sporty that it is difficult to picture this Lambo feeling comfortable on city streets.

The Huracán Tecnica accelerates from standstill to 100kph in 3.2 seconds and reaches up to 325kph at full throttle.

The Italians have not yet determined the fuel consumption, but it's unlikely to be low in emissions.

According to the manufacturer, the Huracán Tecnica is based on two model variants and combines the rear-wheel drive version of the Huracán Coupé with a 5.2-litre 10-pot engine from the STO racing model.

This allows it to have 640hp instead of the usual 610hp.

Lamborghini says it has also revised the aerodynamics, reduced drag and increased downforce. This should make the Tecnica the ideal compromise between a racing car and a road sports car, Lamborghini claims.


Energy crisis could cut Europe's car output nearly 40%, says S&P Global Mobility

                LONDON: Auto forecaster S&P Global Mobility warned today that, under a worst case scenario, Europe's energy crisis could cut its car production by close to 40%, or more than 1 million vehicles, per quarter through the end of 2023.

In a report titled Winter is Coming, S&P Global Mobility said the auto industry's supply chain - already reeling from the Covid-19 pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine - "may face extensive pressure" from soaring energy costs or even power cuts.

"With energy prices in Europe skyrocketing... a harsh winter could place certain automotive sectors at risk of being unable to keep their production lines running," the report said.

S&P Global Mobility said costs had already escalated for car production, to between 687 euros ($667) and 773 euros per vehicle, up from a pre-energy crisis level of 50 euros, putting strain on smaller suppliers in particular.

Starting this quarter through the end of 2023, S&P Global Mobility had forecast quarterly production from European car assembly plants would be between 4 million and 4.5-million units.

But "with potential utility restrictions" that could be cut to as little as 2.75 million to 3 million units per quarter.

The auto forecaster warned that because European suppliers export parts around the world, all carmakers would be impacted in some way.

Edwin Pope, S&P Global Mobility principal analyst for materials and lightweighting, told Reuters the analysis was conducted before the likely sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines late last month.

"Events like that will inevitably shift the scales towards the lower end of what we have predicted, especially in terms of how long it takes to repair things of this nature," Pope said.

For individual countries across Europe, the auto forecaster looked at six factors including the size of a country's deficit, debt relative to gross domestic product, level of energy self-sufficiency and gas storage.

While automotive powerhouse Germany has relied on Russian gas and is phasing out nuclear power, it has "more budgetary headroom to ride out the energy storm" than some other European countries including Italy, it said.

Pope said while the auto industry might be able to struggle through this winter, if Europe did not have a plan in place for the following winter then many suppliers might not survive.

"I'm worried we'll have some highly-skilled craftsman shops in the region either go through forced bankruptcy or just hang up their hats," Pope said.


Mazda 3S centre in Jelutong, Penang opens

                PENANG: Local Mazda distributor Bermaz Motor has opened its latest Mazda branch and 3S Centre in Jelutong, Georgetown – Penang.

Strategically located on one of the major roads of Penang, this outlet provides easy access for customers from both sides of Penang (mainland and island).

With a built-up area of 24,138 sq ft and land area of 39,992 sq ft, the Mazda Jelutong 3S Centre is one of the largest outlets in Malaysia.

Complete with Mazda’s latest global visual identity, this new outlet is able to cater to a larger capacity in terms of sales and after-sales service to serve the growing customer base in Penang.

Mazda Jelutong’s showroom has a maximum display capacity of 14 Mazda vehicles and is a full-fledged 3S centre equipped with 7 work bays capable of servicing up to approximately 500 vehicles a month, providing standard maintenance and repair jobs.

Bermaz technicians are trained and certified to provide professional services.

The new outlet is a complete one-stop solution for sales, car trade-in, financing, and after-sales services.

From purchase to ownership, the 28 member team at Mazda Jelutong is dedicated to delivering the Mazda Peaceful Ownership experience to customers.

Penang customers can also opt for Mazda Mobile Service Unit – offering owners convenient car servicing and maintenance at their doorstep at no additional costs.

The Mazda Jelutong 3S Centre is the latest addition to Mazda’s extensive network as the 43rd Mazda 3S Centre and 85th Mazda outlet nationwide.

It is located at 180 Jalan Jelutong, 11600, Georgetown, Penang and open 7 days a week.

Showroom

Monday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Sunday/Public Holidays – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Tel – 04 2828 666

Aftersales Service

Monday to Friday – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturday – 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Tel – 04 2826 893


Boy, 5, drives parents’ car in quest to buy a Lamborghini, caught by police

                UTAH: A five-year-old boy was caught by the authorities after he managed to drive his parents’ car on the highway in Utah, United States.

The unidentified boy was apparently on his way to California to buy a Lamborghini car when a Utah Highway Patrol (UHP) trooper spotted him, according to UHP’s Twitter post on Tuesday.

The traffic enforcer stopped the Dodge Journey crossover thinking it was being driven by an impaired driver. According to UHP’s follow-up post, the boy left his house after having an argument with his mother, who refused to buy the kid a luxury car.

The authorities also said the boy might be short on purchasing any vehicle since he only had US$3 (RM12.93) in his wallet.

The trooper contacted the boy’s parents and they immediately went to the scene, according to the officer’s interview with ABC-affiliate KTVX yesterday, May 4. The parents were apparently both at work when the boy took off.

The trooper added that based on estimations, the boy drove 3.2km before being pulled over. The boy’s family told the authorities that he also had no prior driving experience.

Lastly, the trooper also advised other kids’s parents and guardians to keep a closer eye on their children. – Philippine Daily Inquirer/Asia News Network


Porsche presents new eBikes alongside Taycan Cross Turismo

                STUTTGART: Porsche is expanding its range of e-mobility products and introducing two new e-bikes to the market.

The roadworthy features of the Porsche eBike Sport make it ideal for use in daily life, while the Porsche eBike Cross is suited for rough terrain.

The full-suspension carbon frame features an organic shape inspired by the lines of the Porsche Taycan, the powerful, latest-generation Shimano motor and the Magura high-performance brakes.

Both models were developed in collaboration with eBike expert Rotwild and are made in Dieburg, Germany.

The eBike Sport uses the Shimano electronic gear shifting system and Shimano EP8 motor, which provides motor support up to 25kph.

Thanks to the Magura high-performance brakes that are integrated into the handlebars, the eBike Sport has a clean and compact facade.

It comes with M99 LED lights from lighting specialist Supernova, which are embedded in the handlebar stem and aerodynamic seat post.

Other standard kit are the Magura upside-down suspension fork and the Fox rear shock absorber.

The eBike Cross uses a Shimano motor and Magura-MT Trail high-performance brakes. The mechanical Shimano XT 12-fold shifting system enables fast gear changes according to the rider’s needs and the terrain.

The hydraulically adjustable Crankbrothers Highline seat post ensures the seat can be quickly adjusted to varying degrees. The ergonomically designed handlebars feature the Shimano colour display, which shows not only speed but also distance and range in real time. The clean design is rounded out by a full-suspension carbon frame.

Both models were inspired by the sporty character of the Porsche Taycan. The wheels draw inspiration from the naturally shaped carbon frame of the vehicle’s fly line. The elaborate design, developed by Studio F. A. Porsche, ensures optimum reflection of light.

You know a Porsche eBike won't come cheap. The eBike Sport carries a US$10,700 price tag, while the eBike Cross is US$8,549.

Porsche has also developed a unique strong load-bearing rear carrier for the new Taycan Cross Turismo that can be easily installed, and is designed for transporting the eBikes.

Thanks to long wheel rails and a high payload of 50kg, up to two eBikes can be mounted and the tailgate can still be opened while loaded. The carrier can also be used universally for different types of bikes and can be upgraded with an additional rail for a third bike if desired.


Shell acquires US EV charging firm Volta

                LONDON: Shell Plc agreed to buy US electric-vehicle charging firm Volta Inc. as the fossil-fuel giant works to keep pace with the transition to low-carbon mobility.

The US$169 million takeover of Volta - which installs chargers with large video advertising screens at grocery stores, office buildings and elsewhere - is emblematic of an accelerating shift in focus for a company that has relied on a vast network of traditional filling stations to reach customers.

Shell USA will buy Volta for 86 US cents a share in cash, the San Francisco-based charging firm said Wednesday in a statement. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of this year.

Volta, which went public in 2021 through a merger with a special purpose acquisition company, has struggled in the past year, with its two top executives abruptly exiting last March.

The firm issued a going-concern warning in May as cash reserves dwindled and fired more than half its workforce to stabilise its finances.

Volta is one of several clean-technology startups including Eos Energy Enerterprises Inc., EVgo and Sunlight Financial Holdings Inc. that went public via SPAC deals in recent years, only to see their shares tumble as investors soured on their products or business models.

The acquisition is part of Shell’s efforts to prepare for a world in which oil consumption ebbs as more industries electrify and people ditch combustion-engine cars.

Volta has set up more than 3,000 charging points with partners including supermarket Kroger Co., the Oracle Arena in San Francisco and Six Flags Theme Parks Inc.

"Both Volta and Shell have a demonstrated ability to meet the changing needs of customers, and this acquisition will bring that experience together to provide the options that are needed as more drivers choose electric,” Vince Cubbage, Volta’s interim chief executive officer, said in a statement.


Singer Yuna dazzles at Mitsubishi event - VIDEOS

KUALA LUMPUR: Internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter and entrepenuer Yuna was in town to celebrate Hari Raya and as Mistsubishi’s brand ambassador as well as the proud owner of the Mistsubishi ASX compact SUV, made an appearance at La Bodega, Bangsar during a high tea gathering.

The event was organised by Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) and the guests consisted of members of the Mitsubishi ASX Malaysia Owners Club (MAMOC), MMM authorised dealers and the media.

Aso present at the event was MMM chief executive officer Yang Won-Chul.

 Yuna (left) and Yang at the Mitsubishi high tea gathering.

Yuna also held a short performance for the event where she performed three songs: Crush, Rescue and Terukir Di Bintang; and also spoke about her ownership experience and her affiliation with Mitsubishi.

“I have been an ASX owner for four years now so this was a chance that I could not resist taking on. When Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia approached me to work with them, I felt honoured. I have known the brand for some time now and I believe in it.

“Once I did my test drive with the Mitsubishi ASX, I fell in love with it straightaway. The stylish look, the comfort and the handling are the reasons why I purchased the ASX,” said Yuna.

She is currently promoting her new album Chapters in the United States and will return to Los Angeles soon after.

The 2.0liter ASX is available in three variants 2WD GL, 2WD and 4WD and features standard equipment such as 17in alloy wheels, daytime running lights (DRL), leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, auto light control and auto rain-sensing wipers.

Prices for the ASX start as low as RM108,980 for the 2WD GL, RM118,980 (2WD) and RM132,880 (4WD) with a five year warranty with unlimited mileage. All prices are on-the-road with insurance and GST.


Sepang Circuit to sizzle with Toyota Gazoo Racing and Vios Challenge this weekend

                SHAH ALAM: Returning fans to Round 2 of the fifth season of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival and Vios Challenge race series can be assured of nothing short of wheel-to-wheel action from start to finish when racing once again resumes with the ambience of spectators at the Sepang International Circuit.

Dubbed as the ‘People’s Race’ as a result of UMW Toyota Malaysia’s unique approach in transforming racing into a festivity for the masses, the Vios Challenge action on the track will be divided into four classes of racing, the Super Sporting Class for elite drivers; the Sporting Class for amateurs; the Rookie Class for young drivers; and the Promotional Class for celebrities.

Battling it out in the Promotional Class will be actors Shukri Yahaya and Zizan Razak; television host Nabil Ahmad; actress Janna Nick; singers Wany Hasrita, Nabila Razali and Khai Bahar; TV personality Ahirine Ahiruddin; and actress and presenter Ain Edruce.

Fans to the festival can also once again get up close and personal with their favourite celebrities during special meet and greet sessions held throughout the weekend.

“We can’t wait to welcome back all the fans and spectators to the Festival. It’s been two long years (racing without fans due to the pandemic).

“This is for sure shaping out to become an exciting weekend,” said Shukri Yahaya who together with Zizan Razak, are two of the hottest favourites on the track in the Promotional Class this season.

Concerts by two mega acts, a chance to win attractive prizes up to RM20,000 and a fanfare of on-ground activities will celebrate the return of fans and spectators to the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival which kicks of this weekend (June 25-26) at the Sepang International Circuit.

Held in conjunction with Round 2 of the Vios Challenge race series, the two-day Festival – that is free of charge and is open to the public and families - will feature Malaysian rock band Bunkface on Saturday (June 25), and Indonesian singer Judika on Sunday (June 26).

Also performing over the weekend will be singers and Gazoo Racing celebrities Nabila Razali, Khai Bahar and Wany Hasrita.

Visitors to the Festival will stand a chance to win two iPhone 13 Mini, four Apple Watch Series 7 and two iPad Air 64gb, and be able to participate in numerous activities.

This includes taking part in a special All-Wheel Fest for non-motorised vehicles (bicycles, roller blades, skateboards, long boards, push bikes, push scooters, among others) for a chance to explore the Sepang International Circuit and participating in a zumba session on Sunday (June 26); joining a pump ramp and a skateboard competition as well as a skateboarding lesson for enthusiasts; and combing through numerous sales, promotional and activity booths.

The Festival will also house an urban street dining area serving up the best in local cuisines and delicacies.

Fans are also invited to sign up for the Gazoo Racing Dream Team TGR Fantasy Game.

This is a racing platform where players sign up and compete against each other by creating their very own TGR Dream Team of racers they think will perform best throughout the season.

Participants will have to select three drivers from each of the four classes of racing, and their team will accumulate or lose
points based on the real racing results throughout the 3 rounds in Season 5.

The player with the most number of points will be declared the winner at the end of the season for a chance to win attractive prizes.

All you need to do to be part of the Festival is to register your attendance at www.toyota.com.my/tgrfestival.

This grants you free access to the Festival, concerts and parking.

Promising spectators nothing short of wheel-to-wheel action from start to finish, the Vios Challenge will feature the very best in both young and experienced racers.

They include Gazoo Racing ambassador and Malaysia’s King of Drift Tengku Djan Ley Tengku Mahaleel, seasoned veterans Eddie Liew and Boy Wong, international drivers the likes of Mitchell Cheah, Mark Darwin and Mohammed Fariqe Hairuman, as well as young guns Hayden Haikal, Alister Yoong, Freddie Ang and Ady Rahimy in the Super Sporting Class for professional drivers.

The Sporting Class for amateur and gentlemen racers will also see a stream of young blood quickly rising to the top.

They include Naquib Azlan who is last year’s Rookie Class winner, Bradley Benedict Anthony, Abdul Miqail, and Mirza Syahmi Mahzan.

Also competing will be five young drivers in the Rookie Class who includes the first female Rookie Adele Liew; sim racers Muhammad Hamdany Abdul Hamid and Nabil Azlan; and karters Sharique Zulqarnain and Muizz Musyaffa.

Racing fans and enthusiasts can also catch the weekend’s action and stage performances streamed live on the UMW Toyota Motor website at www.toyota.com.my and on the Toyota Malaysia and Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia Facebook pages.

For details, and to register to attend the Festival, kindly log on to www.toyota.com.my.


Lamborghini readying paint plant for Urus SUV

                BOLOGNA:  Automobili Lamborghini is building a paint shop for its first-ever SUV called Urus.

The new building will be completed by the end of 2018, in time for the arrival of the Urus.

The paint plant will span over  10,000 square metres, further expanding the production site, which will extend from the 150,000 sq m, envisaged and reached up by end of 2017, to a total of more than 160,000 sq m of covered area.

 Domenicali posing with the upcoming Urus SUV.

The new paint facility will also impact favourably in terms of human resources: approximately 200 new hires will be made by the time the plant reaches full production capacity, adding to 500 jobs created due to the third Lamborghini model.

Stefano Domenicali, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lamborghini, remarked: "We are very pleased with this result, which represents another step on our path of strategic expansion. Thanks to the support and faith of our shareholder AUDI AG, a decision was taken that most effectively safeguards our know-how, job growth in the territory, and brand identity."

The new plant will benefit from the most advanced technological systems with low environmental impact. A staff of highly-skilled workers will guarantee the highest standards of quality on products characterized by a high level of customization.

The confirmation was favoured by a recent organizational agreement made between the company and the union regarding the system of work shifts, aimed at making expansion highly attractive in terms of competitiveness and cost control.


Electric vans — do the advantages outweigh the drawbacks?

                COLOGNE: Amid the growing electro-mobility wave, vans are now also increasingly going electric.

Numerous electric vans are coming out in 2021, including the Citroën e-Jumpy, the Fiat E-Ducato, the eSprinter, EQV and eVito from Mercedes, and the Nissan e-NV200 Evalia.

And there's also the Opel Vivaro-e and Zafira e-Life, the Peugeot E-Traveller and E-Expert, the Renault Master ZE and Kangoo ZE, the Toyota Proace City Electric, and the VW eCrafter.

Buyers of e-vans can include tradespeople and businesses as well as families who want a cheaper method of mass transport than SUVs.

"Depending on the model and size, vans score with plenty of space and the option of mounting up to three child seats next to each other on the rear bench," says Steffen Stumpp from the strategy consultant Berylls.

Current models offer a maximum range of around 300km, but that should be enough for everyday needs. They also offer emission-free driving. The disadvantage is that they cost more than the same vehicle with a combustion engine.

Philipp Meier of Auto Club Europa (ACE) sees the limited top speed and a lack of quick charging points as other disadvantages.

“While the question of speed will be of secondary importance for many city dwellers, range and fast charging options affect most drivers of e-cars,” he says.

Jens Dralle from “Auto, Motor und Sport” magazine also sees range and charging as issues: "Without an intermediate stop and a fast charging option, the charging breaks and thus the journeys will be very long."

This will particularly affect families or others who buy an electric van or minibus for longer trips such as vacations. Charging without a quick charger can take hours.

The situation is different for tradespeople who use their vans within a limited radius, perhaps in a city. They can always charge the vehicle every evening.

The range given by the manufacturer can also be exaggerated. In one e-van test the range in actual use was found to be only 220km instead of the specified 329km.

Philipp Meier advises prospective buyers to carefully investigate and test an e-van before buying it. For example, they should pay close attention to the battery capacity.

"How does the car behave in real operation, how much electricity does it consume and how far does it get with one battery charge? Personal experience is always the best recommendation to buy,” he says.

Steffen Stumpp recommends making sure that the vehicle has a fast charging option with at least 50kW.

"It is important that the battery can be recharged to 80 per cent within 45 minutes," he says. This is the only way for owners to avoid hours of charging pauses on longer tours.

For private customers, Jens Dralle does not currently see any decisive advantages to e-vans apart from emission-free driving.

However, "that could change in two years if the range continues to increase and prices fall. The market is only now getting a real momentum and efficiency will increase."


Malaysia Autoshow returns from May 4-7

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Autoshow is set for a return from May 4 to May 7 this year at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) after a three-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The show is curated to maximise the potential for both industry players and consumers alike, by developing market awareness on future mobility products and services to spur a more technology-conscious consumer market.

Malaysia automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) chairman Datuk Phang Ah Tong said The Malaysia Autoshow 2023 is a testament to the growing variety of options available to consumers and a catalyst for the advancement of electric vehicle (EV) development in Malaysia.

"This aligns with the government's efforts to support and facilitate the local and international industry players in the development of EV in Malaysia’s automotive scene”, he said.

Themed Mobility Redefined this year, there will be new feature additions in the event for instance the Malaysia Bike Show, Malaysia EV Show and Charged.

"The Malaysia Bike Show will showcase the breadth of the 2-wheeler lifestyle from Sports Bikes to Trail Dirt Bikes.

"Meanwhile, the Malaysia EV Show and Charged will focus on the various types of electric vehicles, vehicle charging technology, as well as accessories, parts and digital applications that make up the EV ecosystem,” Phang added.

He also said that the show is one of MARii's flagship programmes to interact directly with the general public to serve not only as an event to showcase next-generation vehicles, but also a platform to educate and develop awareness in vehicle safety, environmental protection and market expansion of local technology and engineering.

Meanwhile, the 2023 edition will expect visitors to test the latest vehicles at a 3km long test route, learn the experience about vehicle technology features, and participate in immersive mobility-related indoor and outdoor activities in the 30,000 square metres exhibition space at the MAEPS premises.

Phang also said industry experts and businesses will benefit from various industry talks, exhibitions and sharing sessions held throughout the four-day event.

Malaysia Autoshow 2019 saw the involvement of 32 original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and 170 exhibitors from seven countries at the same venue.


Female fans will fuel F1 in 2023

 Chadwick still dreams of racing a Grand Prix. — Reuters
HONG KONG: Liberty Media will find new ways to shift Formula One up a gear.

If more female fans tune in, they will help chief executive Stefano Domenicali fuel revenue at his motor-racing division. Forget Lewis Hamilton. In 2023, he’ll find himself chasing a Louise Hamilton.

The US$29 billion media goliath bought Formula One Group, which holds commercial rights to the F1 championship, for a racy US$8 billion in 2017. While sales for 2021 hit US$2.1 billion, just 5.6% above pre-pandemic levels, operating income was modest at US$40 million, and earnings fell 6% year-on-year in the quarter ending September 2022.

Domenicali can take two roads to speed growth. Scheduling more races would boost sales from sponsorship, tickets and broadcasts. But F1’s race calendar for 2023 is saturated.

Luring more spectators to stands and screens, especially female ones, is a better approach.

Netflix’s “Drive to Survive”, a docuseries tracking F1 teams, topped the streaming company’s viewing rankings in 33 countries when it was released at the beginning of the 2022 season, according to Formula One.

The company says it has been “vital” for reaching new fans, including women. Around 40% of F1 fans are now female, up 8% from 2017, and more women are attending races too, Domenicali said in November.

One way to accelerate the trend could be featuring female drivers.

Audiences for women’s sports are “going nowhere but up” according to media consultancy Nielsen.

Sponsorship for top-level female soccer and rugby rose 146% in 2021 from a year ago, says Nielsen.

Yet, F1 hasn’t welcomed a lady to the grid since Maria Grazia “Lella” Lombardi, who raced in the 1970s. The all-women “F1 Academy”, starting in 2023, is a mere feeder for lower-level races. Domenicali predicts women won’t drive F1 in the next five years.

However, there is a contender.

Britain’s Jamie Chadwick, 24, won every edition of the W Series, an independent women’s championship that became a supporting event for F1.

She also boasts a fanbase of over half a million social media followers – more than the W Series itself. Unfortunately for Formula One, when financial pressures ended W Series 2022 early, she absconded to Andretti Autosport’s team for the US IndyCar NXT races.

Even so, Chadwick still dreams of racing a Grand Prix. Given the financial benefits, finding ways to attract more women on and off the track will keep Domenicali busy in 2023.


Drive time with second-gen Mazda CX-9

                After 400km-plus spent with the CX-9, what do we have to say of the biggest Mazda crossover?

It’s a handsome piece of hardware, no doubt.

More so in black, with 20-inch alloy wheels, trendy headlights and squinty taillights, which seem a little too small for such an ample derriere.

What’s notable are the engine and the resulting driving dynamics. But we are getting ahead of ourselves.

The Mazda we drove recently is the all-new second generation CX-9, which has yet to launch locally but was made available for a media test drive.

Local distributor Bermaz Motor is looking at the second half of 2017 to introduce it as it wrestles with the delicate task of pricing it attractively amidst a volatile ringgit outlook.

The test unit is a fully imported model sourced from Australia and Bermaz would almost certainly specced it differently to go with the premium pricing.

You may recall the last CX-9 model was retailing at around RM289,000 in front-wheel drive form and RM329,000 in all-wheel drive. (Update: Initially, the new CX-9 pricing was announced as RM316,788 (2WD) and RM333,129 (4WD) OTR with insurance but has actually dropped at its Nov 15 launch to RM289,571 and RM306,643 respectively.

The CX-9 we piloted is the front-wheel drive version and feels suitably upmarket what with full leather upholstery, soft plastics and quality trim that signal its positioning. But it’s a little let down by daytime running lights that are bulb-based instead of LEDs.

Making its world debut at the LA Auto Show in late 2015, the new CX-9 is lighter, safer and stronger. It packs a new engine as well as a new range of safety and infotainment technology.

Out went the thirsty 3.7-litre V6 engine and chassis from Ford and in came the full-blown Mazda architecture and a fuel efficient SkyActiv 2.5-litre turbocharged engine. The all-wheel drive CX-9 also gets the same inline turbo four mill in the same tune.

With the latest overhaul, the CX-9 is now in step with Mazda’s “Kodo - Soul of Motion” design theme as have the rest of its passenger vehicles.

The exterior looks contemporary and sleek, which helps improve aerodynamics while the interior see some major revisions. It has also shed 130kg to bring its kerb weight below 1.9-tonnes, and this goes a long way in making the drive feel responsive.

Defining the face of the CX-9 is a huge chrome grille,with the rest of the bodywork moulded to make the vehicle look athletic. Overall, the CX-9 shows presence on the road.

As is typical of soft offroaders, the CX-9 is jacked up and has 22.2cm of ground clearance to better traverse ruts and rocky terrain without running the risk of scraping the undercarriage – or worst, getting stuck.

The latest 7-seat CX-9 has a 5.5cm longer wheelbase than before, which opens up more interior space and improved access to third row seats.

However, overall length is shortened by 3.1cm to around 5.1m, so there’s a little less room for luggage storage but not by much.

Mazda has taken great pains to refine the CX-9 by padding up the cabin with more noise insulation, so you can better enjoy the 12-speaker Bose sound system.

Leather seats in the first two rows support the body where it counts and head and legroom aren’t an issue. Driver seating ergonomics is also a plus point. Even third row seats are good to haul grown-ups in relative comfort on short trips.

The 3-zone climate control is strong enough to push cold air to the last two passengers without the need for air-cond vents in last row. Although Mazda has cut back on luggage space in the new CX-9, it’s still sizeable to store most items for a trip out of town. Storage boot space is 230 litres with all seats up and a voluminous 1,641 litres with last two rows down.

Dashboard is well crafted and modern with an 8-inch touchscreen anchoring the clean design.

Knobs and settings are within easy reach. Enhancing the ergonomics further is a raised centre console that makes for quick access to the centre controller, gear shifter, electric parking brake and sport mode toggle switch.

Steering wheel is leather wrapped and comes with audio and cruise control buttons. Note that this CX-9 doesn’t have paddle shifters, which isn’t a deal breaker.

Coloured HUD, a powered sunroof and memory function for driver’s seat, which has 8-way power adjustment, inject some luxury features to the interior. Adding practicality are plenty of drink bottle storage across all rows and a motorised tailgate.

Satellite navigation is available but didn’t work as the CX-9 was not installed with local maps. Catering to families with babies and small children, it comes with Isofix mounting points in second row and top tethers for second and third row seats.

The second-generation CX-9 is as safe as can be going by the 5-star Australian NCAP rating it has earned. So you can expect it to be loaded up with a smorgasbord of safety features.

Six airbags aside, the crossover features reverse camera, anti-lock braking system, dynamic stability control, traction control, hill launch assist, rear cross traffic alert, trailer stability assist, smart city brake support, emergency brake assist, blind spot detection and roll stability control.

A premium family crossover must be able to move a bunch of people over distances in comfort and with a certain level of classy deportment reinforced by a responsive engine with more than sufficient thrust.

The new CX-9 fulfils this requirement. It’s fast off the pace and is an excellent highway cruiser, sweeping occupants along in cushy and sedate surrounds. The vehicle feels like it has a bigger engine than it really does.

The petrol mill produces 228hp at 5,000rpm and 420Nm of torque at 2,000rpm, and is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox.

Whether you are driving the vehicle leisurely or pummelling it on the highway, turbo lag is barely noticeable. When the mood arises, the Sport mode livens things up, quickening the revs for frisky manoeuvres.

An idle-stop system complements the downsized powerplant whose other goal is fuel efficiency. It delivers a claimed combined fuel consumption of 8.4l/100km, a 25% improvement over its predecessor.

The steering wheel is well weighted and offers a decent amount of road feel for such a big vehicle. Ladies won’t have to struggle with the tiller to make tight turns.

The suspension has been tuned to filter out most road imperfections so what those on board experience is a smooth ride.

Body roll into bends is controlled so it’s not a frightful experience even when attacking corners at speeds.

Although it’s not going to be driven like a Mazda2 or MX-5, the new CX-9 delivers respectably on the brand promise of driving fun.

It has the looks, the space and the agility to make it a viable contender in the big 7-seat crossover market. At the heart of it all lurks a downsized mill that punches above its weight.


Honda goes small with first all-electric car

                UTSUNOMIYA (Japan): As many automakers bet on sedans and SUVs in the switch to electric vehicles (EV), Japan’s Honda Motor Co Ltd has decided smaller is better for its first-ever all-battery car.

The Honda e, released in Europe earlier this month, is a compact model meant solely for city driving. That contrasts with Tesla Inc, whose Model 3 sedan dominates the battery EV market, and others such as Audi AG and Hyundai Motor Co that have focused on SUVs with long driving ranges.

High battery costs have kept EVs at the premium end of the car market, and many automakers are developing bigger, all-purpose models, some of which can drive as far as 570km on a single charge.

The Honda e, however, has a battery capacity roughly half that of the Model 3, driving just 280km per charge.

“Most EVs use large capacity batteries, but often, much of that capacity goes unused during city driving,” said Tomofumi Ichinose, chief engineer of the Honda e, told reporters earlier this week.

“We question whether larger vehicles are appropriate for urban areas, and believe that smaller is a better option for cities.”

With a retro, ultra-compact design evoking Honda’s classic N360 and N600 models from the 1960s, the two-door Honda e is intended as an upmarket city car, whose price tag of around €33,000 (RM163,000) is higher than Renault’s Zoe ZE50, which is roomier and has a longer driving range.

Ichinose said Honda engineers had prioritised accurate and sharp handling to enable easy u-turns in narrow streets. Side mirrors have been replaced with interior displays to avoid bumps and scrapes during parking.

The model will only be sold in Europe and Japan, where it goes on sale in late October. Honda expects annual sales of only around 10,000 in Europe, and 1,000 at home, where it will also introduce the model into its car-sharing fleet.

The automaker said it had no plans to market the car in North America or China, its biggest markets where SUVs dominate.


Superglue breakthrough for multimaterial vehicles

Koenigsegg makes extensive use of carbon fiber in its vehicles.
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Automotive designers say the future lies with multimaterial vehicles: high-strength steel, carbon fiber, aluminium and advanced plastics. The problem arises when it comes to joining these different materials together during production. But there might finally be a solution -- a new kind of superglue.

There are a lot of big things going on in the industry right now, with big leaps in vehicle design, engineering and production. Advanced materials such as carbon fiber and aluminium are increasingly finding their way into mass-market models, hybrid and all-electric vehicles are becoming more common, and autonomous drive technology is also becoming increasingly prevalent.

On the face of things, a new glue doesn't sound like something to get too excited about, but the implications for a new advancement in this area are immense.

Materials like high-strength steel, carbon fibre, aluminium and advanced plastics all have their advantages, but car designers will tell you the future is heading towards multimaterial vehicles. The problem is working out how to combine all these very different materials together on the assembly line.

There might be a solution in sight as researchers at Michigan State University, supported by the American Chemistry Council's automotive group, think they may have come up with a new kind of adhesive that will allow automakers to join multiple materials to each other.

Sandra McClelland, a member of the American Chemistry Council and sales development manager for Solvay Specialty Polymers, the group is promoting the new adhesive, says the new adhesive is a type of superglue capable of adapting to different surface properties that will work at different material temperatures.

Perhaps just as important, possibly even more so, McClelland says the group believes the adhesive will mean mixed auto materials will be able to be cleanly separated at the end of a vehicle's life, which is another increasingly important concern as manufacturers become more and more focused on recycling.

The adhesive is a type of enhanced thermoplastic with extremely small magnetic particles that can bond different types of plastic, different kinds of metals or any combination thereof without having to use any extra rivets or connectors. As the bond itself can be relatively easily reversed, separation for effective recycling at the end of the product's life would be reasonably easy.

At the moment, research into the potential of the new glue is still in the laboratory testing phase, but signs are encouraging for its potential in real-world applications.


Over a hundred workers at VW's Mexico plant test positive for Covid-19

                MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Volkswagen AG (VW) has announced that roughly 2% of its workforce in Mexico have tested positive for the coronavirus (Covid-19).

The workers had contracted the virus at some point, underlining the challenge faced by automakers in reopening factories before the pandemic has peaked in Mexico.

Last Tuesday, the German carmaker began sending workers in reduced numbers back to its factory in the city of Puebla, where Audi also has a major plant.

Many other major carmakers, especially from the United States and Japan, had resumed operations in other parts of Mexico a couple of weeks earlier.

The state of Puebla, however, has been one of the parts of Mexico worst hit by the virus and had delayed reopening factories.

The company, which said that it tested staff extensively for Covid-19 infections and antibodies, said staff who tested positive had contracted it during the period after the plants had shut in late March and before resuming work.

About 45% of the company’s 11,364 workers and collaborators had been tested and nearly 2% had contracted the virus, the company said in a statement - equivalent to about 100 workers.

Mexico has become one of the world’s main coronavirus hotspots, with the Latin American nation on Monday reporting 4,577 new infections and 759 additional deaths.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has been criticised for permitting factories to reopen too soon, with few signs that the number of deaths or infections was easing up.

The company added that the plant in “coming days will remain focused on training and preparation for the start of manufacturing.” (Reuters)


Lamborghini releases teaser video of Huracan Sterrato in action

                BOLOGNA: The world has known for three years now that Lamborghini has plans to make a Huracan for offroad adventures.

The Huracan Sterrato would look unlike its road-legal siblings. Instead it would be reshaped to fit on chunky offroad tyres and get a raised suspension to tackle gravel and dirt roads.

Lamborghini has released a teaser video on Tuesday titled "Beyond the Concrete" showing the Huracan Sterrato in orange and black camouflage livery speeding offroad and later racing with a mountain biker all the way to a hilltop villa.

The Huracan Sterrato is expected to get the same engine as the Huracan Evo, which means a 5.2-litre V10 cranking out 640hp and 47mm of ground clearance to tackle the great outdoors.

The one-minute video, released without any accompanying press release, is nevertheless a sign that series production of the Huracan Serrato is close at hand.


Go, Trabi, go: Germans re-enact fall of Berlin Wall with car parade

Trabant cars driving past during a parade marking the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall at a former border crossing between Eastern and Western Germany in the former border village of Moedlareuth, Germany, on Nov 9. — Reuters

BERLIN: Marking the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall and defying the scorn of vehicle snobs around the world, hundreds of Germans on Saturday marked the historic event with a parade of historic Trabant cars at a former border crossing.

The revellers symbolically opened a gate at the former crossing between Thuringia and Bavaria, which used to divide East and West Germany, and allowed some 65 cars known affectionately as Trabis and other vehicles manufactured in the Communist-ruled German Democratic Republic to pass through.

Earlier, German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier and chancellor Angela Merkel marked the anniversary by thanking Eastern European neighbors for spurring on the peaceful revolution.

The toppling of the wall, which separated the Communist-ruled East from the capitalist West in Berlin for nearly three decades and became a potent symbol of the Cold War, was followed a year later by the reunification of Germany in 1990.


Upgraded Hino 3S centre opens in Johor Baru

                JOHOR BARU: Hino Motors Sales (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (HMSM) has officially launched its new 3S (Sales, Service, and Spare Parts) centre by completing its fully upgraded renovation this year.

Through a strong partnership with Auto Skyline Sdn Bhd, an established Hino authorised dealer, the 3S operation is a one-stop solution centre in meeting its customers’ needs.

Auto Skyline was appointed as Hino 1S (Sales) centre in April 2002 and it has been endeavouring in coachbuilder industry since 1990.

Strategically located in the Tebrau industrial hub in Johor Baru, the 8,160-sq ft centre is expected to build on Hino’s efforts to deliver the brand’s vision to the market and bolster customer confidence.

The centre comes with four service bays with a refreshment area, free Wi-Fi connection and television in its air-conditioned customer lounge.

HMSM to-date has established up to 35 Hino authorised 3S centres throughout the country that conformed to the company’s new standard and corporate image.

HMSM managing director Atsushi Uchiyama said, “We appointed Auto Skyline as Hino authorized 3S centre to offer a one-stop solution under one roof to our customers.

"One-stop solution centre is known as customer-centric main angle in our industry and this will enhance the confidence of our customers from the point of deciding to purchase a Hino. With the full range of service under one roof, we aim to enhance customer service and excellent experience of owning a Hino vehicle.”

“As a reliable business partner, customers remain at the heart of everything we do, and this 3S centre is convenient for the customer from making inquiries about the latest Hino models to purchasing one and getting all the required after-sales services,” he added.

 Atsushi and Beck.

Auto Skyline managing director Beck Kuang Chiaw said, "With the growth of our business, we find that it is imperative to offer a one-stop solution under one roof to our customers.

"The decision to upgrade is based on the confidence in the future and potential of Hino in Malaysia, especially in Johor state.

“I strongly believe that Hino products with its QDR of quality, durability, and reliability will continuously be trusted by our customers and be chosen to contribute to their business," he said.

The 3S centre is located on PLO 178, Jalan Angkasa Mas 6, Kawasan Perindustrian Tebrau 2, Johor Baru.

It is open Mondays to Saturdays from 9am to 6pm.

For inquiries, call tel: 07 355 3433 or fax 07-355 8433.