Battle of the plug-ins: Mercedes-Benz C 350 e vs BMW 330e

Let the duel begin. In one corner is the Mercedes-Benz C 350 e. In the other, the BMW 330e.  — Photos by AZHAR MAHFOF
To spur adoption of fuel-efficient hybrid and electric cars, Government incentives in the form or tax rebates or purchase subsidies are vital.

This is where cars like the BMW 330e and Mercedes-Benz C 350 e plug-in hybrids benefit tremendously from tax incentives designed to spur local assembly of EEVs (energy efficient vehicles).

For example, without the EEV incentives, the BMW 330e M Sport would be priced RM130,000 higher. As it is, the 330e which is seen here in M Sport form, is priced at a more accessible RM258,800.

Meanwhile, the C 350 e is priced at RM289,888 (Avantgarde trim); RM294,888 (with AMG Line interior); RM299,888 (AMG Line exterior and interior). Both the 330e and C 350 e use lithium-ion batteries that can be recharged by plugging to a charging station or wall socket.

For example, with the 330e, a full charge using a conventional domestic power socket would take five hours. The BMW Wallbox Pro charging station, meanwhile offers a quicker charge time of 3.5 hours.

Compare this to the C 350 e, where the lithium-ion battery can be fully charged from 10% to 100% in about one hour and 45 minutes with the 230V 16A 3.7kW single-phase wallbox (RM7,000) or about two hours with a 230V 13A 3.0kW wall socket.

What the lithium-ion batteries provide is the juice to run the cars in pure electric mode; up to 35km in the BMW and 31km in the Mercedes-Benz. Fuel consumption for both cars can be as low as 2.1 litres per 100km.

However, in reality, it is quite impossible to achieve although judicious use of the hybrid driving modes can result in fuel consumption of around 4.5 litres per 100km, as seen on a fuel economy challenge for the C 350 e earlier this year.

 The Mercedes cabin looks more sophisticated than that of the BMW (below).

Now, the batteries and electric powertrain also add volume and weight. This results in the 330e M Sport having an unladen weight of 1,735kg which is 190kg more than the non-hybrid 330i M Sport. As for the C 350 e, it has a kerb weight of 1,780kg which is 300kg more than the non-hybrid C 250.

Due to the batteries, both cars also lose boot space – the 330e M Sport has a 370-litre boot, compared with a 480-litre boot in a typical 3 Series. The C 350 e has a smaller 335-litre boot (compared with a 480-litre boot in the C 250).

Depending on trim package, the C 350 e is priced at least RM31,000 higher than the 330e. At the higher price tag, the Mercedes-Benz buyer gets extra kit such as the Airmatic air suspension which is provided as standard, for outstanding ride comfort with minimal road roar and tyre vibration.

 The C 350 e meter cluster and (below) the one from 330e.

Also standard on the Mercedes-Benz is an exceptional sound experience from a Burmester surround sound system, consisting of 13 speakers, a 9-channel DSP amplifier and an output of 590 watts. The BMW, meanwhile, gets a 205-watt, nine-speaker HiFi audio system which we feel also provides top-notch audio playback quality.

Both cars have run-flat tyres, and the Mercedes-Benz gets bigger 19-inch wheels compared with the BMW, which has 18-inch rims. The Mercedes-Benz possesses a powered tail gate for convenience.

Still, a big draw here is that the C 350 e is a more powerful machine. Both cars have 2.0-litre turbocharged engines, but the C 350 e outputs an adrenalin-inducing 279hp and 600Nm of torque, while the 330e generates 252PS (249hp) and 420Nm of torque in comparison.

However, this does not mean the 330e is a laggard as its zero to 100kph sprint is done in a respectivle 6.1 seconds (compared with 5.9 seconds for the C 350 e).

BMW 330e M Sport

After four decades of existence, no one would have guessed that the sixth-generation BMW 3 Series (F30) would be the one to get a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, let alone, receive the 330e nomenclature.

While draped in Mineral Grey, our eco-friendly 330e, costing RM258,800, also happens to have the M Sport designation and if you have guessed it right, it is practically a 330i M Sport with a set of 18-inch double-spoke M light alloy wheels with 225/45 (front) and 255/40 (rear) tyres.

Difference is, there is now a 5,700kW/h lithium-ion battery tucked under the 371-litre boot floorboard, powering a 87PS (86hp) / 250Nm electric motor and a M Sport suspension package that sits the car 10mm lower instead of the adaptive suspension system found in the 330i.

Consequently, the new additionals mean that the car has gained some 190kg at 1,735kg (kerb).

But just to make it a little more distinguishable, there is also a flap located just aft of the front left wheel which opens up for ‘charge’ duties and there is also an ‘e’ in place of the usual ‘i’ after the numbers 330 as well as the ‘e-Drive’ badges planted on both C-pillars to help it stand apart from its internal combustion-powered stablemates.

Even though the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-potter is supposed to push out 252PS and 350Nm – as in the 330i, output has been detuned to 184PS and 290Nm, but thankfully, the electric motor bumps up the total system output to 252PS (249hp) and 420Nm (+70Nm), which subsequently gets managed by an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Other than the usual driving modes of Eco, Normal, Sport and Sport+ (a favourite with this writer), the 330e also comes with three other modes of AUTO eDRIVE which lets the car determine the use of engine, electric motor or both; MAX eDRIVE uses mostly electric motor; and SAVE BATTERY uses the engine for most of the time.

Other than the additional parts, the cabin’s layout and controls are pretty much identical, save the ‘e-Drive’ badge at the base of the gear selector and the simplistic layout allows drivers to concentrate on their main duty – driving.

The Dakota black leather upholstered sports seats are tough yet plush.

The 330e will move off silently at first in electric power and as soon as it detects slightly more throttle input, the engine smoothly joins in with just a touch of vibration as an indicator. In full electric mode, the 330e is perfect for those who commute daily to and from work within a relatively short distance.

As long as it remains charged there won’t be a need for petrol usage. In Eco Pro or Normal mode, everything remains smooth and gentle in response.

In Sport+ mode, the 330e’s steering just got heftier, throttle becomes responsive and power surges in quicker. Throw it into a corner and it wants to soak up the lateral g-forces before spitting out the exit with smoking rear tyres or with scalpel-like precision – the choice is really yours.

Mercedes-Benz C 350 e

The test drive unit here has the Avantgarde exterior kit, with AMG Line interior, and is priced at RM294,888.

The AMG Line interior which costs RM5,000 more than the Avantgarde interior trim, provides upgrades like a 360-degree Surround View camera which enables all-round visibility, including a bird’s-eye view – a top-down view of the car and its immediate surroundings. This is great help especially when parking and manoeuvring in tight spots.

There is also an upgrade from a regular sunroof to a panoramic sliding sunroof, with two powered sunblinds as well a more sophisticated COMAND Online multimedia system with DVD player.

To recap, the C 350 e uses a seven-speed 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission to manage the familiar 2.0-litre (1,991cc) M274 aluminium engine – producing 211hp at 5,500rpm and 350Nm of torque from 1,200 to 4,000rpm.

With an electric motor to generate 80hp and 340Nm, the car’s combined output is a beefy 279hp and 600Nm of torque. The lithium-ion battery is under the boot’s floor board, and this reduces the boot volume – but rear storage space can expand to 1,370 litres with the seats folded down.

In addition to the Dynamic Select driving modes of Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual, drivers also have four hybrid modes of Charge (uses combustion engine to help recharge battery while driving), E-save (uses combustion engine when driving and saving electric charge for later use), E-mode (uses electric motor when driving), and Hybrid (uses combustion and electric motor for best efficiency).

You get a silent start in electric mode, as the combustion engine is not active at start-up.

Take-offs are silky smooth, as the switch from all-electric mode to using the combustion engine is quite seamless – there are no unpleasant jerks.

There is a lot of innovative technologies here, including Collision Prevention Assist Plus, which protects against collision at speeds of over 7kph and, if the danger remains and the driver fails to react, can also undertake autonomous braking at speeds of up to 200kph.

We were also impressed by how the Airmatic air suspension in Comfort or Eco mode soaks up the bumps and uneven road surfaces very well at low speeds, despite the C 350 e being shod with low profile tyres wrapped around 19-inch wheels.

Rear knee and head room is quite accommodating for 170cm people, and in terms of ride quality and cabin appointments, the C 350 e is impressive.

There is a lot of power here for performance-oriented drivers, which seems to be at odds with its frugal hybrid powertrain. Power delivery is linear, and the C 350 e provides marvellous refinement.

You get the best of contrasting worlds – lots of muscle for brisk drives, a fuel economy champion and a luxuriously appointed interior.

Verdict

With both plug-in hybrid cars hailing from Germany, the Mercedes-Benz is from Stuttgart and the Bimmer from Munich - they ultimately appeal to two very different types of drivers.

Both cars are similarly-sized, both on the outside and inside, but it is the C 350 e that appeals to those who demand comfort and sophistication, while the 330e will draw in those who are attracted to something more along the lines of sporty-aggressive and each car has been built within these parameters.

Also, they both feature keyless entry with Start/Stop button but the C 350 e gets a powered boot.

Speaking of which, the 330e has the bigger boot space at 370 litres with a wider opening, but lacks width inside and while the C 350 e has lesser at 335 litres with a more cavernous appearance, its opening isn’t as accommodating and the floorboard is not flush.

In terms of cabin feel, the C 350 e is the winner thanks its combination of plush seats, polished/brushed metallic surfaces, intricate details etched into the controls and perhaps to a degree the changeable ambient lighting system with three colour options to help bring about even more sophistication.

This makes the 330e’s interior, with its blue metallic stripe that runs through the dashboard to indicate performance and its relation to the M Sport family, seem rather rudimentary.

While the C 350 e’s cabin controls are nicely presented in a single row, it is quite comprehensive though some acclimatisation may be required for quick operations.

On the other hand, the 330e’s controls is less complicated on the centre dash with the audio controls above and climate controls below it – making it more intuitive and with ease of reach thanks to its driver-centric layout.

In terms of performance, the C 350 e’s system output of 279hp and 600Nm means that it catapults from 0-100kph in 5.9 seconds - 0.2 seconds faster than the 330e and its 252PS (249hp) and 420Nm output.

Introduce some twists and turns into the test drive and it’s the 330e that is more agile.

While the suspension of the C 350 e will stiffen up in Sport and Sport+ modes, there’s still some wallowing on fast corners.

On the other hand, the 330e’s suspension is already set to firm and this will help the driver push its handling closer to the limit.

The C 350 e is without doubt a luxury-laden eco-friendly road rocket. Though the comfort-oriented Airmatic suspension system is undoubtedly great at providing smooth rides over rough roads, the C 350 e’s steering feel and high speed handling are behind the 330e’s.

This is where the 330e shines the most.

Along with the planted feel, uber quick down-shifts, abrupt up-shifts, responsive throttle and a neutral balance for a rather confidence-inspiring drive in Sport+ mode - the 330e is simply easier to manhandle and drive.

Don’t get us wrong, it’s not to say that the C 350 e is not a fun car, but the 330e seems to be able to perform the same acts with more excitement.

Our pick is the 330e as we essentially enjoy having an engaging drive.

And at roughly RM36,000 less than the C 350 e along with an additional year of warranty over it, three years free concierge service, BMW Tyre Warranty Programme package and five years free scheduled services (up to 100,000km) – the 330e seems quite compelling. —  JAY WONG and THOMAS HUONGSPECIFICATIONSBMW 330e M Sport

Engine: 1,998cc four in-line, petrol, twin-scroll turbocharger
Maximum power: 184hp at 5,000 to 6,500rpm
Maximum torque: 290Nm from 1,350 to 4,250rpm
System output (with electric motor): 252PS (249hp) and 420Nm
Top EV speed: 120kph
Transmission: 8-speed automatic with Steptronic
Features: Airbags, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Cornering Brake Control and Dynamic Traction Control, M Sport suspension, LED headlights, two-zone automatic air-conditioning, run-flat tyres and flat tyre indicator, cruise control with braking function, Parking assistant for parallel and lateral parking manoeuvres, rear view camera, electric glass roof, push-start ignition
Price (on-the-road with GST without insurance): RM258,800
Warranty: 5 years, with unlimited mileage and free scheduled service for 5 years or up to 100,000km

Mercedes-Benz C 350 e Avantgarde
Engine: 1,991cc four in-line, petrol, turbocharger
Maximum power: 211hp at 5,500 rpm
Maximum torque: 350Nm from 1,200 to 4,000rpm
System output (with electric motor): 279hp and 600Nm
Top EV speed: 130kph
Transmission: 7G-Tronic Plus automatic
Features: Airbags, Pre-Safe system, Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, run-flat tyres, Airmatic air suspension, reverse camera, Park Assist with Parktronic, automatic climate control, LED headlights, Adaptive highbeam assist, sunroof, attention assist, push start ignition
Price (on-the-road with GST without insurance): RM294,888 (with AMG Line interior)
Warranty: 4 years, with unlimited mileage.


Don't get blinded by the light: Tips on driving after dark

                MUNICH: Driving in the dark can be a tricky experience, and most people are familiar with common symptoms such as tired and burning eyes, haloes around street lights and the sudden glare of oncoming traffic.

Modern automotive technology has done little to minimise these potentially hazardous effects, but there are a lot of things that can help.

The first step towards boosting night vision is understanding in the first place why it is more difficult to drive when the light is poor.

"Some 90% of the information we need for driving comes through our eyes," says Thomas Wagner, a traffic psychologist who works for Germany's Dekra testing agency.

When vision is limited as a result of darkness or bad weather, the eyes have to adjust. The pupils do not dilate as much in the dark, and as people get older, their retinas stop taking in so much light.

This reduces depth perception and the ability to judge distances as well as impairs colour recognition and peripheral vision.

Three factors come together to make after-dark driving a pain: the driver's age and ability, highway and light conditions, and the behaviour of other road users.

"People driving at night are actually working against the biological clock within the brain," says Matthias Graw, who is president of the German Society for Traffic Medicine.

Those who need to take medication at bedtime should ask a doctor whether it is safe to undertake a lengthy drive at night.

Painkillers containing morphine make the pupils contract, and it is harder to see clearly, especially after dark.

Cataracts can have a similar effect. "This is a clouding of the lens, a gradual process which people often do not notice at first," says Wagner. He advises drivers over age 50 to have their eyes tested by a doctor at regular intervals.

Driving after eye drops have been administered is also fraught. The eyes dilate and vision will usually be be blurred. The impairment can last between four and six hours.

Night blindness is not a complete lack of vision at night, as the name suggests. It refers to a below-average ability to see at night and can be present at birth. It can also be caused by certain drugs or a vitamin A deficiency, explains Wagner. Unfortunately the condition is often not detected during a regular eye test.

A person's ability to see also declines naturally with age.

"Compared to a 20-year-old with a visual capability of 100%, a 60-year-old retains only around 74%," says Wagner. Not surprisingly, many motorists over age 50 need spectacles to drive.

Drivers should have their car headlights checked to ensure they are aimed correctly and turn down the brightness of the lights on the dash - there is a reason why they are fitted with a dimmer switch.

The windscreen should be clean too, since streaks that may not be noticeable during the day can cause serious glare at night. A cotton cloth is ideal for the job, but if need be, a newspaper can also be used to polish glass.

However, even the best lighting set-ups will not help if the driver is too tired to keep his eyes open.

A power nap in a lay-by can work wonders, but only if the sleep is deep, as Graw explains. "If a short break is possible, push back the seat, take the key from the ignition and allow yourself to fall asleep. Keep the key in your hand - if it falls onto the floor, it shows you managed to reach recuperative deep sleep or REM phase."

Strong cups of coffee can help too but remember that the waking effect will kick in between 30 and 40 minutes after consumption.


Lamborghini clocks up record luxury car sales despite pandemic

                BERLIN: Buying a new Lamborghini is not high on most people's priority list during the coronavirus pandemic, but that has not stopped luxury sports car maker Lamborghini from selling a record number of models in September.

Although the virus continues to hammer the sales of everyday cars worldwide, it seems cash-loaded consumers are keen to snap up an expensive new set of wheels since they are unable to spend their money on international holidays.

Low interest rates and tax write-offs have also boosted the amount of disposable cash money to be spent on luxury cars. Lamborghini says it moved 738 units last month, adding up to 2,083 deliveries this year.

The Volkswagen-owned maker said success was down to the introduction of new models and the company's ability to motivate the workforce after a seven-week shutdown at the Italian factory in Sant’Agata Bolognese earlier this year because of the health crisis.

The resumption of production coincided with the presentation of a fresh line-up for the brand, with three new models coming on stream, the Huracan RWD Spyder, Sián Roadster und Essenza SCV12.

Lamborghini has also now sold 10,000 of its Urus sports utility car and 10,000 of the Aventador sports car.

Industry experts say sales of other prestige marques including Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Bentley, Ferrari, Hummer, Jaguar, Lexus, McLaren, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Rolls-Royce have suffered less than the makers had feared and dealers have reported busy months.


BMW launches car-sharing in Seattle in US push

SEATTLE: Germany's BMW launched on Friday a car-sharing service here, where it will offer customers the use of 370 BMW and MINI vehicles, before expanding to other cities in the United States.

Established carmakers worldwide are looking for ways to stay relevant for a generation of drivers that increasingly prefer the convenience of using car-sharing and ride-service companies offered by a string of new technology rivals such as Uber Zipcar and IGO.

"Our customers rightly expect uncomplicated and fast solutions to their individual mobility needs, especially in metropolitan regions," Peter Schwarzenbauer, BMW's board member responsible for mobility services, said.

The service, called ReachNow, will offer several options, including short-term rental, delivery service, chauffeur service or longer-term rental. Car sharing can also be made available to closed groups such as companies or entire residential complexes, BMW said.

Users will be able to unlock and use the cars using their smartphones.

Consultants Roland Berger say the market for car sharing will grow by 30 percent a year and generate revenue of between 3.7 billion euros and 5.6 billion euros by 2020.

In Europe, BMW launched its DriveNow service in 2011, rolling it out in major German cities, Vienna and parts of London with a model that allows users to make one-way journeys without having to return the car to the point of departure.

The scheme now has more than 450,000 users and makes a profit. It has gained popularity because it allows clients to use cars without having to worry about fuel costs, insurance, repairs, vehicle tax and - most importantly - where to park.

About 38 percent of clients who tried DriveNow - mainly those living in cities and who only used their cars at weekends - sold their own vehicles, BMW said, illustrating the dilemma facing the industry.

ReachNow is also offering customers the option of renting out their private vehicles to the ReachNow fleet for limited periods, such as when the owner is on holiday.

Rival carmakers are making similar moves. Toyota has a scheme renting cars from dealerships, Ford launched Ford2Go car-sharing in Germany, while General Motors' Opel arm has its CarUnity scheme.


Karma to show off latest Revero EV in Shanghai

                LOS ANGELES: Karma Automotive celebrated its fifth-year anniversary with a teaser of the all-new 2020 Revero luxury-electric vehicle.

The Revero will be available for sale or lease in the second half of this year. It promises to be faster, smarter, and even more stunning in design than its ageing predecessorm which dates back to 2012.

The Revero, along with Karma’s Pininfarina-designed concept car and its all-electric Vision concept, will form the automaker’s “Shanghai Big Three” product announcement at April 16-25 Auto Shanghai 2019. Taken together Karma’s Shanghai Big Three products shows the automaker’s short, medium and long-term vision.

“Karma is a luxury car company, born in California, that’s driven by exclusive design and craftsmanship, advanced technology, customization and delivering only the very best customer experience,” said Karma CEO Dr Lance Zhou.

“We now have a vision and roadmap for the company that’s building strong momentum and I can confidently say our best days are ahead of us.”

You may recall Karma was previously known as Fisker Automotive before it ended up in the hands of China company Wanxiang Group.


A unique Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta is heading to auction

                MARANELLO: On Sept 9 during the "Leggenda e Passione" sale at Ferrari's Fiorano test circuit, a special edition of the company's flagship soft top will be auctioned off in aid of the Save the Children charity.

One of the most important elements of ensuring Ferrari flagships retain their value and are viewed as absolute objects of desire is to limit production. The company never builds more than 499 examples of a hypercar, and the first model off the production line is never offered for sale. Instead it joins the company's permanent collection and becomes a museum piece.

However, when Ferrari decided to break with this tradition and build an extra LaFerrari and auction it off in aid of the rebuilding efforts following earthquakes that had devastated Italy, the car set a new world record.

When it went under the hammer at a charity auction in December 2016, the car, which boasted a unique paint treatment and livery, fetched a staggering US$7mil, making it the most expensive modern car ever to sell at auction.

And less than 12 months later, the company has decided to do it again. However, this time, the car is even more impressive. The Ferrari LaFerrrari Aperta is the soft-top version of the ‘standard' LaFerrari and was launched at the beginning of the year to mark the company's 70th anniversary.

Every example was sold in advance of the car's official unveiling and every lucky owner of one of the original 498 examples is under strict orders not to sell their car on for at least the next two years, or see their chances of ever owning another limited-edition Ferrari significantly curtailed.

The Aperta going under the hammer this weekend is finished in metallic Rosso Fuoco red features a unique metallic Bianco Italia double racing strip running from the hood to the rear. Inside the cabin is trimmed in black Alcantara and black carbon fiber with red leather inserts and red contrast stitching.

The "Leggenda e Passione" sale, organized in conjunction with RM Sotheby's is the largest single marque auction in history. The three-day event will see 42 Ferraris going under the hammer including a 1960 250GT SWB Berlinetta. One of the most desirable of all cars ever to carry the prancing horse badge, it is estimated to fetch in excess of US$10mil.

As for the unique Aperta, RM Sotheby's has estimated its value at between US$3.5mil and US$4.5mil (between RM14.9mil and RM19mil).


Bentley adds Akrapovič sports exhaust to new Bentayga's options list

                LONDON: Bentley has four new accessories collections for customers of the new Bentayga and that means an Akrapovič sports exhaust system is now in the options list.

The accessories collection is made up of the Exterior, Interior, Touring and Protection packages.

The sports exhaust is a lightweight system that's made from high-grade titanium and consists of a set of link pipes, a muffler, and two sets of oval tailpipes, which have been engraved with the Bentley and Akrapovič logos and specially coated for increased durability and protection.

The central silencer is replaced with straight pipes, which channel the exhaust gases into the customer rear muffler where they are swirled through internal baffles to create a more characterful voice.

Through close cooperation between the two companies, the exhaust system has been specifically designed for the Bentayga and uses complex parts cast in Akrapovič’s in-house foundry, including the housings of the exhaust valves, which offer added control over the sound of the exhaust for discerning users.

The system is inspired by the special exhaust system made by Akrapovič for Bentley’s Pikes Peak Bentayga that set a new record for production SUVs on the infamous Pikes Peak hill climb in 2018.

It is available now for the Bentayga V8 in Bentley’s North American and Middle East markets, while a version of the exhaust for the first generation Bentayga W12 is available globally as an aftersales accessory.

The Exterior accessories package is designed for customers looking to accentuate the look and sound of their Bentayga.

Along with the Akrapovič exhaust system, another performance-inspired option is specially-developed high-gloss carbon fibre mirror cowls, which can be paired with Bentley’s Blackline Specification that replaces all exterior bright chrome with gloss black versions.

The Bentayga can also be fitted with a fixed sidestep or added practicality and convenience during ingress or egress and can be had in either Black Gloss, Carbon or Moonbeam painted finish.

A rubber tread features diamond quilting along the full length of the vehicle between the wheel arches and provides grip under-foot.

The Interior Range of accessories offers a relaxation pack that includes leather-trimmed scatter cushions and additional footrests upholstered in deep pile carpet - both personalised to the car by matching the main hide and interior carpet colour.

A bespoke luggage set offers a combination of a traditional luggage case and a casual weekender.

The cases can open fully flat while retaining a casual soft look when closed and featuring a unique ‘V’ shape inspired by the design language of the Bentayga.

Standard luggage is also available as an option in Beluga calf leather.

There are also golf bags available which are water-resistant and will use the interior's design cues to match while featuring diamond-quilted details for the Cart and Stand Bags.

Moving to the Touring Range, these accessories will help to expand the Bentayga's 484-litre boot capacity and also throw in a roof box.

All of which will give its owner the capability to carry up to three bikes or six sets of skis and storage for other valuables.

Branded crossbars are the base of Bentayga’s roof-mounted storage system, and secure the roof box or ski and snowboard carrier to the car.

Designed to support aerodynamic performance, they lock securely to the roof rails to ensure safe transit in all conditions.

Similarly, the ski and snowboard carrier holds up to four snowboards or six sets of skis.

Elegantly styled to complement the vehicle’s shape, the lockable roof box offers secure storage and has a load capacity of 75kg and a volume of 320 litres.

A multi-functional boot stowage box option fits securely to the boot floor and allows an internal drawer to slide out.

The drawer can be divided into two separate sections and offers secure storage for valuables.

The interior walls and floor are also covered with a durable and waterproof thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and an integrated drain plug enables any water or dirt to be removed easily.

With a capacity of up to 100 litres, it is an ideal way to transport wet sporting equipment or clothing.

The storage box is finished in an anodised satin finish to match the bootload rails.

Providing an effective method to reach the back of the boot, the load assist tray option is integrated into the boot runners and slides out allowing for easy access to stored items.

The tray has a load capacity of 300kg and is manufactured from lightweight aluminium.

Two versions of the Bentley Cycle Carrier are available, to carry two or three bikes mounted to the car via the tow bar.

The boot is still accessible when the carrier is in use and when not, it can be folded away for easy storage.

The protection range consists of car covers, heavy-duty interior mats and mud flaps.

Two different exterior covers are available, both shaped to match the contours of the new Bentayga.

The indoor cover offers an extra barrier against moisture and dust, even when stored inside, while the outdoor cover offers additional waterproofing and ensures the paint finish and bright ware is protected from extreme weather and pollution.

Specifically designed for the Bentayga, the mud flaps have been developed to protect the car’s paintwork and help maintain its exterior condition.

Made from a durable TPE and secured to the body of the car, they have been styled by the design team in Crewe, England, to complement the styling cues of the Bentayga while still providing an extra barrier from road debris.

For adverse conditions, heavy-duty floor mats provide high-quality protection and excellent grip, even when wet.

Tailored to fit perfectly within each individual footwell, the branded floor mats have raised edges to protect the existing carpets.

Lastly, at the rear of the vehicle is the bumper protector which will help to keep the upper surface of the rear bumper free from scratches and or damage, in addition to the heavy-duty boot mat to protect the boot floor.


How Hyundai Motor, once a rising star, lost its shine

                SEOUL/DETROIT/CHONGQING: At a near-empty Hyundai Motor showroom in the Chinese mega city of Chongqing, the store manager is grumbling about his shortage of customers and a lack of bigger, cheaper SUV models popular in the world’s largest auto market.

Even with discounting of as much as 25 percent, his dealership was selling barely a hundred vehicles a month, said the manager surnamed Li. A nearby Nissan dealership was selling about 400 vehicles a month, a store manager there said.

“The sales are simply poor,” said Li. “Look at the Nissan store next door, they have tens of customers while we just have two.”

An hour’s drive away is Hyundai’s massive US$1 billion manufacturing plant, which opened last year with a target to produce 300,000 vehicles per year.

But with sales weak and the Chinese auto market slowing sharply, the factory is running at roughly 30 percent of capacity, two people with knowledge of the matter said. The sources asked not to be identified because the information was not public.

Hyundai, the world’s 5th largest automaker, declined to comment on the Chongqing plant’s production or the showroom’s sales but said it is “closely co-operating” with local partner BAIC to turn around the China business. BAIC did not respond to requests for comment.

Hyundai’s woes mark a major reversal for the automaker which was an early success story in China as it quickly and cheaply rolled out popular new models into a surging market.

In 2009, Hyundai and partner Kia’s combined sales ranked third in China after General Motors and Volkswagen.

The South Korean duo now ranks ninth and its market share in China has more than halved to 4 percent last year, from more than 10 percent at the beginning of this decade.

Executives and industry experts say Hyundai conceded its once stronghold in the low-end segment to fast-growing Chinese rivals such as Geely and BYD.

Foreign rivals not only defended their turf in premium segments but also kept pricing competitive for mass-market models, squeezing Hyundai’s positioning as an affordable foreign brand, they said.

In the United States, the world’s second-biggest auto market, Hyundai’s market share fell to 4 percent last year, near a decade low.

Hyundai ran into problems in China and the United States for similar reasons: It missed shifts in consumer tastes, especially the surge in demand for SUVs, and it sought higher prices than its brand image could command, four Chinese dealers and half a dozen former and current US dealers, executives and employees said.

In a statement to Reuters, Hyundai said it is addressing its problems in its key US and Chinese markets, revamping designs, launching new SUVs and giving regional units more autonomy to quickly develop products tailored to local tastes.

Wrong products, wrong prices

Japanese rivals such as Honda, long a role model for the Korean automaker, have also struggled to adapt to the industry’s emerging challenges including self-driving cars and electric vehicles.

Last month, Hyundai posted a 68 percent plunge in third-quarter net profit and reported its operating margin shrank to 2.7 percent in the January-September period. In 2011, Hyundai’s operating margin of 10.3 percent was the industry’s highest after Germany’s BMW.Hyundai’s lack of a strong SUV line-up in key markets has also hurt.

Last year, SUVs accounted for just 36 percent of Hyundai’s US sales, compared to GM’s 76 percent and the industry average of 63 percent, according to US market research firm Autodata Corp data.

“One of our challenges back then, and I know it would continue to be a challenge, was that the management at (headquarters) was really big on sedans,” said Ed Kim, a Hyundai US product manager between 2004-2008 who is now vice president for California-based auto consultancy Auto Pacific.

“(US) product planning staff, marketing staff really wanted more truck products, more SUVs, but in so many cases, it was very difficult to convince management.”

Hyundai America chief operating officer Brian Smith acknowledged the automaker was “caught a little off guard” with a rapid market shift towards big vehicles.

But a slew of new planned SUVs including a “crossover” pickup truck in 2020 will help drive a “slow, steady” recovery in sales, Smith told Reuters in an interview.

Hyundai has also in recent years hired several new designers to revamp design for next-generation models, he said.

Asked if Hyundai will be able to return to its record market share of 5.1 percent in 2011, Smith said: “It’s going to take a few years.”

Design dialled down

Hyundai made a crucial mis-step with its flagship Sonata sedan four years ago when it decided to dial back distinctive design features including its sporty, fluid curves. The redesign contributed to falling sales, US dealers and former Hyundai executives said.

Scott Fink, who owns the biggest US Hyundai dealer by volume, vividly recalls the moment when Hyundai brought about 20 US dealers to its headquarters in Seoul to show off the new Sonata before its 2014 US launch.

“I’ll never forget it. They pulled the sheet off of it and there were 20 people in the room and not one person clapped,” Florida-based Fink told Reuters.

The design was too conservative and mainstream, falling flat with dealers and consumers, he said.

“Then, more than anything else, it just became a price war,” Fink said.

In 2007, the Sonata was 10 percent cheaper than Toyota’s popular Camry sedan but by 2014 it cost more, according to US market research firm Edmund.com. Hyundai, which sold nearly 200,000 Sonatas in the US market in 2010, sold just 131,803 units last year.

Hyundai did not comment on the design changes or the cool response to the unveiling of the Sonata design described by Fink.

Sales slump

Back in the Chinese city of Chongqing, dealers at four Hyundai showrooms visited by Reuters say the new Encino SUV, based on its small South Korean SUV Kona and launched this year in China, missed the mark.

Global automakers often tweak designs for the Chinese market, adding features such as bigger, more luxurious rear passenger zones to cater to buyers, many of whom have drivers.

“We don’t sell Encino. It simply doesn’t fit the Chinese market,” said another store manager surnamed Liu at one of Hyundai’s first dealerships in Chongqing. “Most Chinese prefer bigger, cheaper and prettier cars.”

Hyundai had a target of producing 60,000 Encinos a year, one source with direct knowledge of the matter said. But just over 6,000 Encinos have been sold in the six months since its April launch, regulatory filings show.

During a recent earnings call, vice president Koo Zayong said Hyundai will also shorten its development period for new models in China, where market trends are changing fast, driven by the rise of young customers.

Hyundai created a division dedicated to improving Chinese products in August, and replaced its China operation head in July.

But the China recovery will likely be “gradual” given an economic slowdown and intensifying competition from rivals, Hyundai said in a statement to Reuters.

Father’s legacy

Company officials, dealers and analysts expect the task of leading a revival will fall heavily on Hyundai’s third-generation leader, Euisun Chung.

Chung, 48, was promoted to executive vice chairman in September, moving him a step closer to succeeding his octogenarian father and current chairman, Mong-koo Chung, who has been absent from public view and key internal meetings for the past two years.

The elder Chung is credited with catapulting Hyundai to the big leagues by drastically improving product quality and rapidly building production capacity at home and abroad.

Under his tight grip over the sprawling conglomerate and centralized decision making, Hyundai shunned partnerships and made everything in-house, from steel to key components such as engines and transmissions.

But Hyundai also invested less than rivals in research and development. Last year, Hyundai Motor spent just 2.6 percent of its revenue on R&D, compared with 6.7 percent for Volkswagen, 3.8 percent for Toyota and 3.6 percent for BYD, according to their annual reports.

In a break from tradition, the younger Chung has been investing in start-ups, hiring outsiders and forming partnerships with self-driving tech firms and others.

Last year, Hyundai appointed a chief innovation officer from Samsung Electronics to oversee a division on ride-sharing, robotics and artificial intelligence.

Euisun Chung has had some early setbacks. At the 2011 Detroit auto show, he unveiled Hyundai’s new brand vision - modern premium - to revamp its value for money image, and four years later announced the automaker’s first premium brand, Genesis.

US sales of Genesis fell 45 percent year-on-year to 9,281 vehicles from January to October.

Chung declined an interview request from Reuters.

Nick Reilly, a former chief executive of GM Korea, told Reuters that Hyundai’s brand image has certainly gone up but still is “not anywhere near a premium brand”.

“So I think they have to go back to the mentality to be very price-competitive in order to maintain the volumes,” he said.


Eight things to know about HERE

                LONDON: Nokia announced this week an agreement to sell HERE to a consortium of leading automotive companies, comprising AUDI AG, BMW Group and Daimler AG.

Here are eight facts about HERE that you should know:

1.   HERE has been mapping roads for 30 years

HERE combines expertise in the fields of mapping and location services that Nokia has developed since the mid-2000s. The roots of HERE lie in 1985 when a start-up began by mapping the San Francisco Bay area. This start-up became NAVTEQ (acquired by Nokia in 2008), and the areas covered and detail of its maps increased rapidly and in 1994 it installed its first ever automotive-grade map in the BMW 7 series.

2.   Today, HERE is building the map of the future for automated cars

Automated cars can’t work without extremely detailed high definition (HD) maps. As a crucial component of automated driving technology, these HD maps allow cars to precisely position themselves on the road. They also serve as a foundation for real-time data about the road environment to enable vehicles to react to changes on the road in a timely manner.

3.   There are hundreds of HERE cars mapping the world’s roads right now

HERE uses cars equipped with laser-based LiDAR technology to map roads around the world to centimeter-level accuracy. In total, HERE calls upon 80,000 data sources to constantly update its maps including cars, land-registry data and a global community of cartographers.

4.   HERE already provides map data to the majority of car makers

Four out of five new cars with in-dash-navigation in Europe and North America are fitted with HERE maps. That equates to a new car every three seconds or 10 million cars a year. It also provides additional features and functionalities like routing, traffic and local search to a number of premium car manufacturers.

5.   HERE helps businesses to be faster, cost-effective and efficient

The world’s leading enterprise software and logistics companies like FedEx, Oracle, SAP and UPS are working with HERE. Location intelligence from HERE helps to make fixed and mobile asset management more safe, productive, efficient and sustainable.

6.   HERE can predict traffic 12 hours into the future

HERE uses its expertise in predictive analytics and cloud computing to help predict traffic up to 12 hours ahead of time. Its real-time traffic service covers 50 countries up-to-the-minute information about current traffic conditions and incidents that could cause delays. It’s also is the only traffic service on the market today that updates the direction of traffic flow on metropolitan reversible express lanes.

7.   HERE maps public transport, too.

HERE doesn’t just map roads, it also has up-to-the-minute information on public transport routes and timetables. It offers public transport information for 1,000 cities across 44 countries globally.

8.   You can use HERE maps for free on your smartphone

The HERE maps app is available to download for Android and iOS for free, with users able to download maps to their device to reduce mobile data use at home and abroad. It offers turn-by-turn navigation for 131 countries, real-time traffic information for 50 countries and public transport routing for 1,000 cities worldwide.


As EV sales grow, battle over US road weight limits heats up

                WASHINGTON: Car haulers are pushing the Biden administration and lawmakers to increase truck weight limits on US highways so they can transport more heavy electric vehicles, a move fiercely opposed by the rail industry and safety advocates who say the heavier loads are significantly more dangerous.

Even before a recent spike in EV sales, US roads have been carrying heavier loads, as cars and trucks climbed from an average of 1,451 kilos to 1,905kg over the last four decades, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Electric vehicles, with their heavy batteries, weigh significantly more than petrol-fuelled cars.

While they make up less than 1% of cars on US roads, President Joe Biden wants EVs to reach half of vehicle sales by 2030, and he and his Democratic Party have put billions in federal funds behind the goal.

Car haulers, the pipeline of the auto industry, move thousands of cars each day from factory parking lots, ports and rail yards to dealers, often using open double-decker trailers.

If decades-old US road weight limits are not increased, it could slow deliveries and increase costs, putting at risk this historic bet on zero-emission vehicles, they say.

"The truth is we will not be able move as many electric vehicles under the current weight limit. That could mean more trucks on the road, delays in orders and increased costs," said Sarah Amico, executive chairman of Jack Cooper, among the largest car haulers in North America.

Individual trailers are currently restricted by federal highway safety standards dating to 1975 to 36,287kg gross vehicle weight, including a truck and trailer that can account for half of the limit.

In recent months, the car hauling industry has stepped up lobbying efforts with lawmakers on key committees and officials at the Department of Transportation, Commerce and the White House National Economic Council, interviews with industry and administration officials show.

They have pled their case in face-to-face meetings, letters, and round tables. However, the move is firmly opposed by their rivals in the freight rail industry, and safety experts who warn heavier vehicles are harder to stop, easier to roll and result in more wear and tear on roads and bridges.

This is the latest effort by the trucking industry to leverage a political situation like growing interest in EVs to push for higher weight limits, something motorists oppose, says Cathy Chase, President of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety.

"With any incremental change comes incremental danger, and that results in more fatalities," Chase said. US traffic fatality rates are higher than Europe, and deaths have jumped since the pandemic to nearly 43,000 people a year.

Congress, not Biden, will decide

The US Department of Transportation declined to say whether it supports or opposes lifting weight limits on car haulers, noting the ultimate decision lies with Congress

Congressional committees overseeing transportation said they have yet to take a position on the issue.

However, Rodney Davis, a Republican lawmaker from Illinois who serves on the House Transportation Committee and is ranking member on the highway subcommittee, says he's working to increase weight limits.

"The auto transporter industry needs a modest 5% to 10% weight variance. Otherwise, an already-challenged supply chain will require more tractor trailer rigs on the nation’s highways to deliver the same number of finished vehicles. That means more miles driven, more wear and tear on our roads, more fuel used, and more emissions," Davis said.

The American Trucking Associations has asked lawmakers to increase the weight limit by 10%, to 88,000 pounds, saying the current weight limit is unsustainable given the trends.

That extra 36,000kg could allow car haulers to carry the same number of EVs as traditional cars: Ford’s new F-150 Lightning all-electric pickup truck weighs about 725kg more than its petrol-powered F-150 counterpart.

Similarly, the all-electric Volvo XC40 Recharge SUV weighs about 450kg more than a petrol-powered Volvo XC40.

Hyundai Motor and Kia sold twice as many EVs in the US in the first seven months of this year than all of 2021; sales for market leader Tesla are also outpacing last year.

One industry idea is higher weights for up to 300 miles. Haulers often unload a car by then, putting them under the 36,000kg limit.

California, which just passed a law banning sales of petrol-powered cars by 2035 has done essentially that, increasing weight limits for trucks carrying goods in and out of its ports to ease supply-chain bottlenecks and clear containers off the docks of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

Temporary permits starting in November of last year lift weight restrictions for trucks to 40,000kg. The state hasn't researched whether increasing the weight limits helped ease congestion or posed a safety risk.

“The department is also not aware of an collisions or other safety impacts of trucks that are utilizing these permits,” William Arnold, a California transportation department spokesman, said.


Ford F-150 Raptor rocks with custom-made FOX shocks

                DETROIT: Ford has released a video of the F-150 Raptor that show how a new set of FOX shock absorbers have enhanced its onroad and offroad capabilities.

The shocks were jointly developed by Ford and FOX to create a purpose-built setup exclusive to the off-road pickup.

The new 3.0-inch FOX shock adds a base valve piston that enables lower gas pressure, resulting in a more comfortable-riding truck on the road. The internal bypass in the front and rear shocks has nine distinct zones that progressively manage shock forces, allowing for smooth on-road trips along with hard-hitting off-road driving.

The final zones act like hydraulic bump stops to send fluid through the top of the piston while the shock is fully compressed, preventing Raptor from bottoming out. This allows Raptor to maintain a comfortable ride, and leads to improved confidence for the driver to explore all of its extra-long suspension travel.

F-150 Raptor’s front and rear FOX shocks have grown from 2.5 inches to 3.0 inches in diameter for improved performance – offering 44 percent more volume for increased heat dissipation and fade resistance. Nearly two inches more suspension travel over the previous truck’s 11.2-inch front and 12.0-inch rear bring 2017 F-150 Raptor shocks to 13.0 inches at the front and 13.9 inches at the rear – roughly a 15 percent increase in overall suspension travel.

With a larger-diameter outer body and internal piston, the new FOX shocks allow Raptor to handle harder impacts while reducing harshness to the driver.


BMW teases M-Series concept

                MUNICH: BMW has published a series of ambiguous photographs by artist Thomas Demand of BMW's upcoming Vision M Next concept, a model that will allegedly represent what the "new era of Sheer Driving Pleasure" looks like.

Instead of conventionally teasing its latest concept car with shadowed images and darkened pictures, BMW sought out artist Thomas Demand to produce a collection of photographs "which pull back the covers on some early details of the car — without removing them completely."

Demand's photos of the Vision M Next concept show parts of the vehicle in such a way that they're nearly undecipherable. Based on the four images, it's obvious that the model will be painted in various shades of gray, feature vibrant red accents, and will be defined by sharp angles and contours.

No further details or specs are revealed through the cryptic images; however, considering that the concept dons the M series designation, it's expected to be a sporty, high-performance vehicle equipped with the latest automobile technology designed to "enhance driving pleasure."

In fact, the company states that the M Next concept will satisfy both drivers' and passengers' "emotions and needs."

Demand's photographs don't offer much insight as to how these experiences will be incorporated into the model; in any case, the BMW M Next Concept is slated to be revealed later this month in Munich.


Chery sets new sales record in 2021

                WUHU (China): Despite a pandemic and global chip shortage restricting production capacity, Chinese automaker Chery Group saw a record-breaking 2021 with a new milestone of 961,926 vehicles sold (31.7% higher year-on-year).

In a statement, the automaker headquartered in Wuhu, Anhui province said the new sales milestone included exports of 269,154 vehicles (up 136.3% year-on-year).

This also meant the group continued to be the top Chinese passenger vehicle exporter, a record which it has held for 19 consecutive years.

According to the group, Chery has a global user base of over 10 million, including 1.95 million users outside China.

Chery attributes its growing global sales to the launch of the new Pro family models.

In Russia, where Chery cars are seen as value-for-money machines, the new Tiggo 8 Pro sport utility vehicle (SUV) won three awards namely The Most Popular Chinese SUV, The Most Technological SUV and The Media’s Favorite Medium-Sized SUV.

In Qatar, the Tiggo 7 Pro became the top selling SUV in its segment in less than six months, and also won the best-selling SUV award in Qatar in 2021.

Also, since its launch in Brazil in October 2021, the Chery Arizzo 6 Pro mid-sized sedan has won two authoritative industry awards in Brazil.

Meanwhile, Chery's 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol direct injection engine which delivers an impressive 258hp and 400Nm, recently won the 2021 "China Heart" Top 10 Engines Award.

The "China Heart" Top 10 Engines Award is billed as among the three authoritative engine awards in the world, including "Ward Top 10 Engines" and "International Engine of the Year".

In rigorious vehicle development processes, Chery cars undergo tests all year round around the world in countries such as Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Russia.

The test cover extreme working conditions such as extreme high and low temperatures, and meet all-weather test standards in different regions.

A globally unified production management system, the CPS (Chery Production Mode), aims for top product quality.

Chery maintains close cooperation with top automotive suppliers such as Bosch, Continental and Siemens.

In November 2021, Chery won the coveted gold medal which was the highest honour at the final selection of the 46th International Convention on Quality Control Circles (ICQCC), where the Chinese automaker was pitted against 904 teams from all over the world.

ALSO READ:

Chery plans to launch EQ1 micro BEV in Malaysia in 2022

Chery Tiggo 4 Pro may launch in Malaysia in 2022

Chery 2.0T GDI engine wins 2021 'China Heart' Top 10 Engines Award


Ford Ranger facelift - from highway to dirt road

                The best-selling model out of the Ford stable in Malaysia is its pick-up truck, the Ranger.

The popular pick-up, which is available in six variants with automatic and manual transmissions, has been updated for a bolder appearance.

It is centred on the front fascia with big chrome-trimmed trapezoidal grille, creases on the hood and new projector headlamps.

Sime Darby Auto Connexion, the official distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia, organised a day out of fun behind the wheels of the new facelifted vehicles.

The journey took us from Subang Jaya to Tadom Hill Resorts in Banting for off-road activities.

Two variants were on hand for members of the media to test out and it was the 2.2-litre XLT and the top-of-the-range 3.2-litre Wildtrak, both with the six-speed automatic transmissions.

The new Rangers not only updated its looks but have tuned the turbocharged Duratorq TDCi engines to be more fuel efficient and, in the case of the 2.2-litre four-cylinder mill in the XLT, output has been bumped to produce 160PS at 3,200rpm and 385Nm of torque from 1,600rpm to 2,600rpm.

The Wildtrak comes with a five-cylinder engine and is at the top where brute strength is concerned with 200PS at 3,000rpm and 470Nm of torque from 1,750rpm to 2,500rpm.

There is a big difference between the 2.2 XLT and the 3.2 Wildtrak as the latter just outguns the former on the road.The amount of torque available at the low rev range means it can pull away with ease. On top of that, it is smooth and quiet in the cabin and very comfortable too.

In fact, the interior of the Wildtrak is comparable to a premium sedan.

If you like comfort, ease and safety, then the Wildtrak is right for you.

It has high-quality seat fabric and leather inserts with stitching, adaptive cruise control, electrical power assisted steering (EPAS), the latest in-car connectivity system SYNC 2, an 8-inch colour touchscreen with radio, mp3, CD, Aux, 2 USB ports, SD card, iPod, Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition and six speakers.

And it has a whole load of safety features such as six airbags, rear view camera, lane departure warning and assist, forward alert & collision mitigation by brakes, and distance indication and alert on top of the usual anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability control and emergency brake assist.

Driving the Ranger, be it the Wildtrak or XLT, is really a breeze whether on tarmac or off it.

At Tadom, a course with water crossing and other obstacles was specially constructed to try out the Ranger’s off-road capabilities.

While the XLT does not have the extra features of the Wildtrak, it is still very capable of doing the job.

And the interior is comfortable too, just not as premium as the Wildtrak.

Just by switching to the low range 4X4 gearing and an electronic locking rear differential kicks in to improve traction.

The XLT is just a joy to drive in such harsh conditions.

Whether it was wading through water up to 800mm deep, driving through muddy terrain, getting through the bumpy elephant steps, hill climbing and descending through various approach and departure angles, the Ranger makes its occupants feel confident throughout.

The Hill Launch Assist really helps boost your confidence because you can be up a steep hill and take your foot off the accelerator and not hit the brakes and the Ranger just stays put ... up to three seconds.

Which is more than enough time to get your foot over from the throttle to the brake pedal.

The Hill Descent Control is another big plus because you can just go over a steep hill at a speed which is automatically set and just concentrate on steering.

These are the features that make off-roading a real joy and even when you are not, the Ranger
is an all-round fun car to drive.

It’s no wonder the Ranger is so popular.

The Wildtrak is priced at RM136,154 and the XLT at RM112,078 (all prices are on-the-road with insurance).


Porsche Asia Pacific reports strong growth in vehicle deliveries

                SINGAPORE: With an increase in sales of 6% compared to the year before, Porsche Asia Pacific, together with its importer partners, has been reaffirming the potential for the Porsche brand in its 13 markets.

Singapore claimed the first position among the region’s markets delivering a total of 567 units in the preceding 12 months.

Thailand followed closely with 499 units delivered, making it the region’s fastest growing market with an impressive 44% growth year-on-year.

The newly introduced Cayenne, which enjoyed an 86% year-on-year increase to 422 units, showed the fastest growth of any model line, whereas the Panamera continued its sales success in 2018 with an increase of 40% to 473 units. With 591 units delivered to customers, the Macan defended its position as the best-selling model. With the new Macan making its debut across  he region this year, it is expected to further extend its lead.

Among the two-door sports cars, the demand for 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman remained on a strong level, registering a 3% increase to 357 units, while the iconic 911 enjoyed a 51% increase in deliveries to 304 units in the year of its transition to the 992 generation – a remarkable achievement by any measure.

“2018 was an exceptional year for us”, said Arthur Willmann, Managing Director of Porsche Asia Pacific. “The strong sales performance across all models and markets underlines the full commitment and dedication of our importer partners across the region, the Porsche Asia Pacific team in Singapore as well as the Porsche headquarters.

"Together we celebrated 70 years of Porsche at the global Sportscar Together Day, enhanced our product offer in various markets and passed important milestones on the road to E-Performance – gearing up for our first all-electric model, the new Taycan and an even stronger 2019.”


How soon will we be able to 3D print a car?

 A 3D printer. - dpa
HAMBURG: It's a technology that has arrived in millions of people's daily lives, but mostly remains unnoticed.

From hearing aids to dental crowns, and from cars to planes, a wide range of products are being shaped by additive manufacturing (AM), better known as 3D printing.

One area where the technology is increasingly cropping up is in engineering, with Siemens gas turbines, MTU aircraft engines and Rolls-Royce motor cars all making use of AM.

Between its burled walnut dashboards and leather seats, RollS-Royce has been using 3D-printed plastic holders for hazard lights, electronic parking brakes and sockets produced in series for the past few years.

The luxury automaker's parent company, Munich-based BMW, has already equipped many of its factories with AM machines. When a component is needed in the United States or China, it's faster and cheaper to make it on a 3D printer.

The machines are particularly well suited for producing small quantities of complex components. Tools and casting moulds don't have to be produced, and there's also no need for manual labour or for material-intensive drilling and milling a workpiece from a solid block, as is usually the case in conventional, subtractive manufacturing.

In 3D printing, a powder material - typically plastic, ceramic or metal - is melted and fused with a laser beam or infrared lamp, grain by grain, layer by layer, until the desired object is created on a build platform using a computer file as a blueprint. The layers are only hundredths of a millimetre thick.

The process results in completely new honeycomb-like structures that would be impossible to make with conventional techniques. They are lightweight yet highly stable, with hollow spaces that can't be produced by drilling or injection moulding.

So might it be possible to 3D-print an entire car?

"Even in 20 years there won't be a 3D-printed automobile," says Udo Haenle, head of Production Strategy and Technical Integration at BMW's Research and Innovation Centre.

However, he admits that there is already a prototype, containing more than 3,000 additive-manufactured components.

At the very least, manufacturers will no longer warehouse the rarely needed spare parts for older car models, but 3D-print them for customers as required.

Car manufacturers are just one part of the boom in 3D-printing, with a recent study from professional services company EY (formerly Ernst & Young) showing that 3D-printed products generate annual revenues of nearly US$11bil worldwide, says EY consultant Andreas Mueller.

Meanwhile in the aviation industry, AM pays off especially fast since the lighter an aircraft is, the less fuel it burns.

Airbus CEO Tom Enders forecasts that "by 2030 so many metal parts will be replaceable by lighter elements from 3D printers that an Airbus A350 can save about a tonne in weight."

The aircraft maker is now 3D-printing double-walled titanium fuel pipes and is now testing 3D-printed cabin walls in the Airbus A320. If all A320s had such walls, Enders says, the environment would be spared 465,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

While AM is increasingly becoming a reality in the automotive industry, 3D printing for cars at home or even in repair shops is a far-off dream.

Due to the high acquistion costs of 3D printers and the know-how needed to operate them, even small and medium-sized businesses still remain on the sidelines of this technology, Mueller says.

The cost of these machines, the size of a clothes cupboard, runs as high as 2 million euros.

Looking ahead, BMW says it is hard to imagine every large auto repair shop having one. They're simply too expensive.


Honda Malaysia offers special rebates and rewards in April 2019

                PETALING JAYA: With Honda Malaysia's “Enjoy the Gifts of Booking Early” campaign, there are special rewards such as Honda Bonus, free service voucher or cash options worth up to RM3,500, plus an exclusive gift.

The rebates are applicable for Jazz, Jazz Hybrid, City, City Hybrid, BR-V, Accord, CR-V and Odyssey models registered on 1 April 2019 to 30 April 2019.

Honda has been the top non-national brand for four consecutive years and second (behind Perodua) in vehicle sales for three consecutive years.

In January 2019, the upgraded Honda HR-V with new features in its V and E variants was launched.

The HR-V RS variant was also introduced, and it has a Variable Gear Ratio Steering System (VGR) for a sportier drive.

At the same time, the new HR-V 1.5L Sport Hybrid i-DCD also joined the Honda Hybrid family in Malaysia.

The HR-V Hybrid model has a 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine with Direct Injection engineered to generate performance equal to that of a 2.0L engine.

It also has a 7-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission with High-Power Electric Motor that enables smooth and quick gear-shifting.

The HR-V features a Multi-Utility Cargo Space for better space usage, and also has standard safety features such as Six Airbags, Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and ISO Fix.

Since its launch in January, the upgraded HR-V has sold close to 6,000 units and to-date Honda Malaysia has received close to 11,000 unit bookings, thus maintain the HR-V's position as the Compact SUV segment leader.

Meanwhile, Honda Malaysia sold more than 22,000 vehicle from January to March 2019, and the City was the best-selling model in the first three months of 2019, followed by the HR-V and CR-V.

Honda Malaysia is optimistic that it will be on track to achieve its 2019 sales target as it continues to emphasise Honda’s Next Generation Advanced Technology, which comprises three pillars of technology, namely Honda SENSING, VTEC Turbocharged and Sport Hybrid i-DCD.


Buy suitable car seats for your kids, Miros advises parents

                PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) has advised parents to buy suitable child car seats or child restraint systems (CRS) for their children, as a ruling for the use of these seats begins in January.

Miros director general Dr Siti Zaharah Ishak said that a suitable CRS corresponded to the height and weight of the child.

“The seat can reduce the risk of injury or being thrown out of the car or hitting the hard object in the car during harsh braking or collision, ” she told The Star.

According to guidelines by Miros, every child below the height of 135cm (or approximately below 12 years old) should use the CRS.

Malaysia has adopted the United Nations R44 or R129 Standards for CRS.

The guidelines specify four different types of seats – from birth up to 13kg (up to a height of 83cm, approx 0 to 18 months), 9-18kg (71cm and above, approx 15 months to four years), 15–25kg (100cm and above, approx four to seven years) and 22-36kg (up to 135cm, approx six to 12 years).

Dr Siti said that correctly installed CRS may help to reduce the risk of death by 71% for infants and by 54% for children aged one to four years old and reducing the need for hospitalisation by 69% for children aged 4 years old and below.

“Seat belts are a proven intervention to reduce the risk of fatalities during road accidents for adults. However, it is not designed to protect a child, ” she said.

READ MORE:
Lazada Malaysia working with Miros to expand use of child seats
Some parents fret over expensive price tag of child seats

Based on recent observation during Ops Hari Raya 2019, Miros found that only 33% of children were sitting in a car seat.

Checks at outlets selling these items revealed that there is a growing demand for them.

Retailer of baby and childcare products Mothercare said that they have recorded a 250% increase in sales of CRS since October, compared to the same time last year.

Another company that sells these products U-baby similarly said there was a spike in the sales of the CRS.

“We are importing more stock in anticipation of the growing demand, ” said a spokesperson of the company.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that child seats will be made compulsory by 2020.

However, he has directed the Road Transport Department (JPJ) not to penalise drivers for the first six months of the new ruling.

His deputy Datuk Kamarudin Jaffar later clarified in Parliament that large families would be exempted from installing child car seats in their vehicles.

Meanwhile, the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) will closely monitor the online sale of CRS, which are widely available, to ensure they comply with the stipulated standards.

Its minister, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, said KPDNHEP has the right and duty in terms of enforcement of the items to ensure that the issue of fake and unsafe goods being sold does not crop up.

“The guideline on the characteristics for child restraint seats has already been issued by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) this year (Nov 23), ” he said in Bukit Mertajam yesterday.

“And when the use of the CRS is enforced in 2020, we (ministry) will immediately carry out our duty, namely, to conduct enforcement in line with the conditions stipulated by Miros, namely, product safety standard and trademarks, whether false or genuine.

“And if an outlet advertises (its products), we will ensure what is advertised are available on the products sold, ’’ he told reporters when asked to comment on a Malay newspaper report that mobile car seats are available for as low as RM18 to RM39.90 each via online purchase.

He said this after handing over school uniforms and other schooling items to 150 pupils from B40 families in the Kulim-Bandar Baharu Parliamentary Constituency at the Econsave Supermarket here today.

On Oct 23, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail announced that the use of CRS in private cars will be mandatory from Jan 1.


Tesla Model S heading to Malaysia

                KUALA LUMPUR: Tesla is coming. Malaysians will see the flashy electric cars zipping silently along the roads of the country by 2016, if not earlier.

Well, it won't be showing up in showrooms yet, if that’s what you are thinking.

Greentech Malaysia is leading the charge in bringing in 120 Tesla Model S as demonstrator units to be leased to government-linked companies and agencies to try out and assess over a 24-month period.

 Tesla overturns the traditional way of buying a car. You can order a Tesla Model S (seen here)  online.

Its CEO, Ahmad Hadri Haris, said on May 14 that it hopes to settle the paperwork and approval processes for tax exemptions and Approved Permits within two months before ordering the Model S, which has the size and premium refinements to make it the only executive electric sedan to come here at the moment.

“The Vehicle Type Approvals with the Road Transport Department has been done and certificates issued, ” he said, adding that buying the electric car was a simple process of ordering it from the Tesla website.

It is expected to buy the all-wheel drive and rear wheel drive variants with auto pilot and air suspension options included. The range for the all-wheel drive 70D is 386km while the rear-wheel drive 85 has a 427km range. This means driving from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore is well within the ability of both cars.

Top speed for both variants is capped at 225kph but they differ in output and 0-100kph sprint times, with the 70D producing 329hp/5.2s and the 85 362hp/5.4s.

The monthly lease would be around RM6,000, inclusive of servicing and maintenance, said Ahmad Hadri, whose organisation, placed under the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology & Water, was set up to develop and promote green technology.

Depending on variants and options specified, each Model S unit could be priced up to US$90,000 excluding taxes. If the Tesla cars eventually hit Malaysian roads, it would make the country the first in South-East Asia to deploy them for government use.

Ahmad Hadri pointed out that the purchase of the Teslas would be privately funded and that Greentech would handle the leasing and maintenance of the electric cars.

After the trial period, Greentech hopes to attract Tesla Motors and other EV-related suppliers to set up shop in the country.

 The battery pack in the Model S is laid out on the floor.

“Globally, electric mobility is a booming industry. In Asean, it is a nascent industry with a relatively level playing field and as such Malaysia has a golden opportunity to become an industry leader and a hub for EV innovation. This is why it is vital for all stakeholders including government bodies and private organisations to collaborate and align our various policies and initiatives to help realise the potential of EVs,” said Ahmad Hadri.

 Ahmad Hadri

Global sales of EVs reached 175,000 units in 2014, a 54% increase from 2013’s numbers. These figures indicate that EVs have out-paced hybrids in terms of customer demand, with 25 times more EV purchases in Europe during the first 14 months of its introduction as compared to the sales of hybrids during the first 14 months of its debut.

Two days earlier, Renault and BMW, which are involved in car electrification, spoke at a government-held panel discussion and re-affirmed the need for incentives as one of the key criteria for the EV industry to move forward.

“Any country that wants to create a fertile environment for the rollout of electric vehicles must make available incentives and exemptions to offset the financial cost of adoption,” said Renault’s Electric Vehicle Global Program director Eric Feunteun.

“Government incentives are particularly critical for EVs before momentum kicks in through word of mouth and broader social acceptance.”

BMW Group Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer Alan Harris proposed that the Malaysian government look at implementing incentives for imported EVs for up to five years to create public demand for EVs as well as to enable automakers to build capabilities and expertise for greater commitment to set up manufacturing or local assembly.” While its i3 electric car is not sold here, BMW is already selling its i8 plug-in hybrid at RM1.19mil.

 Feunteun

Greentech was in tune with Harris and said more could be done to encourage consumers to switch to EVs, suggesting the government offers income tax rebate of say RM50,000 for three years, a standard annual road tax of RM50 for EVs or allocate special lanes for such cars. This is assuming the charging infrastructure is ready and easily accessible to start with.

Taking the overall view, GreenTech chairman Tan Sri Peter Chin said: “The wide-scale adoption of EVs would spur an entire sub-industry value chain including technology, innovation, recycling mechanisms, maintenance and service. This would generate new avenues of business and create more job opportunities.”

The push for EVs will not threaten the local vendor network or undermine the National Automotive Policy as the technology is different and there are in fact opportunities for the vendors to venture into new businesses, said Ahmad Hadri, adding that no single player can build an ecosystem that requires the input of partners with different expertise.

 Delegates at the May 12 session trying out the Twizy.

As the lithium-ion battery pack forms the major component of an electric car, its usability extends beyond the car. The environmental impact of lithium-ion batteries is also different from that of conventional lead acid batteries, said Ahmad Hadri.

“A car’s Li-ion battery pack can typically lasts 8 to 10 years. After that, it can continue to be used in a house or office for 15 years to power appliances and devices, which have lower energy demands,” he said, following which the battery could be recycled with only 15% of it ending up in a landfill.

Eighty international and local industry leaders took part in the day-long event here on May 12 called Charge Up 1.0 (with more to come as the numbering suggests). Delegates also had the chance to test-drive the Renault Zoe, Renault Twizy, Nissan LEAF and Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric cars.

Present were officials from the finance and transport ministries, banks, Pemandu, Proton, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Toyota, BYD Auto, CMS Consortium, Prasarana Integrated Development and Tenaga Nasional.

Greentech will certainly agree with Nvidia chief executive officer Jen-Hsun Huang, who was once quoted as saying “the car is dying to be re-invented."

Greentech said it welcomes non-car players such as Google and Alibaba into the automotive fold, as they bring exciting innovations and alter the dynamics of a traditionally staid business.

Even Apple is strongly rumoured to be gearing up for a shot at auto, with indications it wants to build its own electric car.  It does say something promising about the future of personal mobility.


Golf carts now run on the same batteries as your EV

                NEW YORK: Sunscreen, fire pits, Yeti coolers, superyachts, RVs, e-bikes. Name a thing that people use for leisure or recreation and it’s a safe bet that sales boomed during the pandemic.

Golf carts are no exception. “The pandemic exploded our business,” said John Evans, who has been running Mission Golf Cars in San Antonio for 40 years. Sales are up 30% since the pandemic began, he said. Now his big problem is getting enough product from manufacturers.

Total retail sales for personal transportation vehicles—or PTVs, as golf cart-type vehicles are known—were more than US$1.5 billion in 2020, a 12% gain over the previous year, according to Stephen Metzger, who runs the research shop Small Vehicle Resource. Metzger estimates sales could hit US$1.8 billion this year, despite continued problems meeting demand.

The buyers driving this surge aren’t traditional golf cart customers—retirees looking for a way to get from tee to tee—but rather a new, younger clientele who are using their carts for neighbourhood trips.

And the vehicles they’re buying aren’t their grandparents’ golf carts. Many sit more than half-a-foot off the ground, with seating for up to six, peak horsepower approaching 30, and a price tag often north of US$15,000.

An increasing number also come with lithium-ion batteries like those found in full-size electric cars. Together, the arrival of lithium and the rise of off-course uses are transforming the golf cart industry from a niche supplier of a sport in decline to a growing part of the micro-mobility revolution.

“Of our total business, maybe 10 percent of it is selling golf cars to golfers,” said Evans.

At Club Car, a leading golf cart manufacturer based in Augusta, Georgia, consumer sales have roughly doubled since the pandemic began, according to Jeff Tyminski, vice president of marketing and product management.

Half, he said, are to customers who will never take the car on a golf course.

“The pandemic accelerated this rise in the younger families who don't play golf and are just using it as a lifestyle vehicle,” he said. “People are realizing that owning a golf car is a lot of fun. It’s easier and more fun to take your golf car up to the pool, as opposed to loading up your SUV.”

Club Car began offering lithium-ion carts to its fleet customers in 2018 and added a retail version the following year.

Now its flagship personal transport vehicle, the Onward, comes in four flavors: gas, two varieties of traditional lead-acid battery, and lithium-ion.

READ MORE: These RM990K golf carts cost more than a Tesla in HK

The price for a four-seater ranges from around US$11,000 to more than US$14,000. The lithium option is most expensive, but that hasn’t stopped customers from flocking to it.

In some cold weather regions, where lead acid fares poorly, lithium now accounts for as much of 70% of Club Car’s sales to golf courses. Roughly a quarter of the company’s online retail sales are lithium.

The rate is about the same industry wide, according to Small Vehicle Resource, with lithium now accounting for 20-25% of all PTV sales.

“It’s on a more aggressive adoption curve than you would typically expect with a new technology,” said Tyminski, who adds that he wouldn’t be surprised to see lead acid disappear entirely.

And good riddance. Lead acid batteries are heavy, dirty, and a hassle to maintain.

They need to be watered regularly, and, like potted plants, will die if they get either too much or too little. (Many golf course owners have battery horror stories.)

They also need to be replaced every three to four years, at a cost of around US$1,000 each time.

While the upfront expense for lithium carts is higher, they last longer, are easier to maintain, and, perhaps most importantly, are more fun to drive, with better acceleration and more power for going over hills.

As range improves, lithium is also becoming a more attractive option for Club Car’s commercial fleet customers—colleges, hotels, and corporations buying vehicles for security and maintenance crews.

These buyers, said Tyminski, are increasingly looking for alternatives to pick-up trucks in order to help meet sustainability targets. While the numbers are still small, he said, PTVs are beginning to eat into trips once taken in Ford F-150s.

“We think this category can be a pretty meaningful part of the sustainability conversation,” said Tyminski.

“You start to replace those short-trip automobile miles with small-wheel electric vehicles, there’s a pretty large sustainability benefit to go along with that.”


Petron partners Formula 4 South East Asia

Petron and Asian Autosport Action Group representatives with F4 drivers.
SEPANG: Leading oil company Petron Malaysia has been named the official fuel and engine oil partner of the Formula 4 South East Asia (F4/SEA) Championship final leg in Malaysia from Jan 20-22.

The Formula 4 South East Asia is certified by the Federation Internationale de PAutomobile or FIA, the International sanctioning and administrative body for motorsport created for young drivers around the world to step up to the world championship of single-seat racing.

As the fuel and engine oil partner, Petron will fuel F4 cars with its high performance petrol, Blaze 100 Euro 4M and high technology engine oil Blaze Racing Fully Synthetic during the 3-day finale championship. This is the first time Petron will provide fuel and lubricants for a formula racing motorsport.

The final round of the F4/SEA will see the FIA-F4 homologated race cars complemented with Petron Blaze Racing engine oil for an optimum engine protection.

Promoted by the Asian Autosport Action (AAA) group, the F4/SEA offers a cost-effective first step to an FIA - certified career ladder in formula racing. The F4/SEA program focuses on driver
experience and development by ensuring a level playing field in a one make FIA single-operator Championship using FIA-F4 homologated race cars and engines.

The 2016 F4/SEA calendar kicked off last August with the first event at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia and continued the series in The Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan and Thailand before concluding in Malaysia this weekend.

Blaze Racing is blended with a "Thermal Stress Stabilising System" (TS3), which Petron said stabilises the oil at extreme temperatures and engine stress. It said the engine oil is suited to most modern vehicles including high performance cars.

Petron made its mark launching the first and only 100RON petrol locally a year ago. Blaze 100 is made with TriAction Advantage - a triple-action formula that Petron said delivers better power, better engine protection and better mileage. The fuel is produced at its Port Dickson refinery.

"We are honoured to partner with F4/SEA as its fuel and lubricants partner. This partnership is another milestone for us in gaining a foothold in motorsports, where it is a perfect testbed for our superior fuel products. We are proud to introduce our most advanced product
innovation Blaze 100 and Blaze Racing engine oil to the world racing championship," said Petron retail chief Faridah Ali.


Honda and Forever 21 in fashion collaboration

                LOS ANGELES: American Honda announced a new and exclusive collaboration with independent fashion retailer Forever 21 that will launch a capsule collection of apparel inspired by Honda racing gear from the '80s and '90s.

Honda's brand management agency, Earthbound—using its expertise in uniting brands—helped bring the two companies together for this collection.

To start the project, both companies organised an Instagram contest that require participants to post an Instagram photo of themselves wearing a garment from the F21xHonda collection and stand a chance to win a new CRF250L motorcycle.

Included in the F21xHonda collection are men's and women's attire featuring modern silhouettes adorned with nostalgic iconography and is available in stores throughout North America as well as on Forever21.com

"Honda's motorcycle racing success in the '80s and '90s was legendary, with our riders earning many championships in domestic and international series. While we're focused on winning with our current teams, it's fun to see our racing heritage honoured by Forever 21 with a completely new audience," said Honda Powersports Marketing senior manager Mike Snyder.

For a chance to win the Honda CRF250L, Official contest rules can be found here.


Responsible drinking: Could a 'lickalyser' make self-testing more mainstream?

                PARIS: Could rethinking the breathalyser make it more practical to monitor your alcohol consumption while out and about? During a music festival in Finland earlier this summer, those attending wore a wristband that they could lick to check their blood alcohol concentration.

Whether at a (too) drunken party or in the middle of a festival, the breathalyser's lack of practicality is a brake on the use of this essential self-testing tool, especially before getting behind the wheel.

We don't necessarily think of slipping one into our bag or pocket before a night out. But rethinking devices to monitor alcohol consumption could help address this. For starters, what if a self-test was something that you licked rather than blew into?

The beer brand Karhu, a Finnish brand of the brewing giant Carlsberg, has come up with a brand-new concept of a breathalyser — or lickalyzer — in the form of a wristband.

During the Solstice festival, held in northern Finland in June, festival-goers wore two wristbands: one for access to the shows and another to test their blood alcohol concentration at any time. And the device was very simple to use: you just had to peel back a strip to pass your tongue over it.

Designed by Promilless and backed by the Technical Research Center of Finland (VTT), this "lickalyser" is equipped with precise technology, capable of detecting traces of alcohol in the blood from zero to 0.05%.

The idea behind this innovation is to make it possible to check your blood alcohol level at any time in order to adapt your consumption, drink a glass of water, and especially, wait a while before taking to the road.


BMW teases AirTouch after Mercedes teases E-Class interior

                MUNICH: Just three weeks after Mercedes-Benz offered a glimpse of what the E-Class cabin would look like, BMW is coming up with its own publicity-worthy tease.

While Mercedes-Benz will be highlighting the new E-Class and its trend-setting interior at the Detroit auto show, BMW will be going to the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas to flog a Vision Car to demonstrate what the interior and the user interface of the future might look like.

The rapid advance of networking between driver, vehicle and environment is becoming increasingly intensive and is facilitating new services.

BMW is promoting  AirTouch, a further development of gesture control seen in the 7 Series. AirTouch is said to empower the user with intuitive control of entertainment, navigation and communication functions using simple gestures made with a flat hand. AirTouch allows the display in a vehicle to be operated like a touchscreen without actually having to make contact with the surface.

Sensors record the hand movements in the area between the central console and the interior mirror. This enables drivers or passengers to change the focus on the surface of the large panorama display.

Simple confirmation selects the relevant menu item or activates an icon. Sensors on the instrument dashboard permit 3D control.

Gestire control is nothing new having been seen a year ago when BMW presented it at the CES. Now with AirTouch, the car maker is introducing three-dimensional control  through sensors installed in the area of the instrument dashboard which respond to hand movements.

AirTouch has another option to confirm an action. A concealed AirTouch button is located on the rim of the steering wheel. It is on the left and easy to reach with the thumb, and it lights up when a menu or icon can be activated. One tap activates the desired program or change a setting. The passenger also has a button like this positioned on the side sill in the door area. Passengers are therefore able to use one hand to navigate through the menu and the other hand to confirm inputs.

The AirTouch menu control reduces the number of steps needed to make a selection. For example, when activating the phone pad, the system automatically brings up contacts or call lists to the top select level so that a call can be made with just one further action.

AirTouch recognises which selection and control steps are required next and displays them in advance. This is said to allow the driver to focus on the road ahead or offers additional convenient control options when the vehicle is travelling in highly automated mode.

CES will take place from Jan 6-9, while the Detroit show is from Jan 11-24.


Sime Darby Motors and SpareXhub in joint-digital auto part sales

                PETALING JAYA: Sime Darby Motors Malaysia (SDM Malaysia) has teamed up with SpareXhub in an effort to further improve online experience with added avenue for customers to buy genuine spare parts at competitive prices.

SDM Malaysia’s Retail and Distribution arm managing director Jeffrey Gan said car owners, especially those whose vehicles no longer have manufacturers’ warranties, could now have peace of mind when buying genuine spare parts from SpareXhub in a market saturated with original equipment manufacturer (OEM), aftermarket and used parts.

“This collaboration is a good example of how we consistently innovate and leverage on technology partners to enhance the customer journey, especially in the face of the current pandemic limiting in-person experience.

"It is also in line with our digital transformation plan to have end-to-end digital solutions by allowing contactless orders, payment and delivery, for an improved customer experience," he said.

Gan also said the digital transformation in the automotive industry was certainly opening up new opportunities for the company.

"This collaboration will not only expand our digital outreach to customers with selected post warranty models, it will also cater to stockists and independent workshops who register on the online store at www.sparexhub.com,” he said.

The collaboration with SpareXhub, a genuine spare parts e-commerce platform owned by ACS Pentas (Asia) Sdn Bhd gives customers the ability to source, order and buy original automotive spare parts of their preferred brands via a one-stop contactless platform from the comfort of their home or office, and at unbeatable prices.

Besides the benefit to customers, SDM Malaysia stands to gain operational efficiency by freeing up warehouse space and better management of parts inventory by increasing stock turnover and reducing obsolescence.


Hyundai Elantra N teased — billed as a race proven everyday sportscar

                SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Company has revealed the first glimpse of Elantra N, the latest addition to its high-performance N range.

This is Hyundai Motors’ sixth N brand model, following the unveiling of Kona N in April. In South Korea, Elantra N will be sold as Avante N.

Elantra N is the high-performance variant of the all-new Elantra model launched in April 2020, distinguishable by its "Parametric Dynamics" design theme that imparts a look of sophisticated sportiness.

Hyundai N designers took cues from the curves and lines of a sculpture to give the car a powerful and athletic stance.

Elantra N’s racecar look can be seen in the bright red N dedicated side sills that not only help boost performance by better channeling airflow, but also create the effect of a lowered chassis.

Complementing the overall exterior styling is a distinctive N-exclusive rear spoiler that counteracts lift by preventing airflow from tumbling over the rear edge, which increases driving stability at high speeds.

Additionally, the bold black trim beneath the rear bumper and its dual single exhaust creates a different look from the standard model, further underlining the Elantra N’s sporty intent.

With the introduction of Elantra N, Hyundai Motor now offers a wider range of Elantra models—including the all-new standard Elantra and Elantra Hybrid.

Hyundai Motor will reveal more details about Elantra N in the coming weeks.


VW gears up to build electric I.D.

                WOLFSBURG: The first vehicle based on the new modular electric drive kit (MEB) will be the compact all-electric Volkswagen I.D., which is to roll off the production line at the Zwickau plant in Saxony from the end of 2019.

Volkswagen is expected to launch 32 models worldwide within five years based on the new platform. In 2020, over 100,000 Volkswagen vehicles are planned to be built on the MEB platform, with the Zwickau site becoming the largest European e-mobility centre.

The I.D., I.D. BUZZ and I.D. CROZZ are part of the start-up formation which Volkswagen is introducing at short intervals from 2020 onwards to launch its electric offensive. The new vehicle generation is to be launched in Europe, China and the United States.

The announcement was made 100 weeks ahead of the planned start of production of the first model in the I.D. family.

The electric architecture of the MEB, oriented towards zero-emission digital mobility, is entirely newly developed. The toolkit includes electric motors with different power ratings, flat batteries in the floorpan with innovative technologies and software features such as smart lighting and head-up displays with augmented reality which were previously only available on premium segment vehicles.

"The Volkswagen brand will be offering more than 20 all-electric models by 2022 and will be investing about €6 billion (RM29bil) in e-mobility over the next five years," said Volkswagen CEO Dr Herbert Diess.

"We have significantly reduced the complexity of the I.D. project and shortened the product creation process by 11 months," said Christian Senger, Vice President Product Line e-Mobility.

"The new vehicle architecture, autonomous driving and the topics of networking and services will call for a working model involving close networking with all partners and suppliers. The plan for the product has been set out and we will now devote all our energy to implementing it together."


Kumho is OE supplier to Audi

                MEXICO CITY: Kumho’s Crugen Premium KL33 is to be fitted to the Audi Q5.

The purpose-designed SUV tyre provides the quiet running and ride comfort required of such up-market vehicles.

Kumho Tire’s CEO, Jeon Dae-jin, recently announced that the company is to supply its Crugen Premium KL33 pattern for OE fitment to the Audi Q5.

Since its debut in 2008, the Q5 has been Audi’s best-selling SUV and one of the most popular models in its class.

Its sporty appearance and roomy, comfortable interior have attracted wide praise from consumers.

Kumho’s Crugen series of tyres was specifically developed in response to the emergence of urban SUVs, for which the Crugen Premium KL33 is a top-selling product.

Optimised for the dynamic driveability of high-performance examples in this class, KL33 offers exceptional on-road handling and braking, plus excellent high-speed stability, making this a sought-after product in its native Korea and the world at large.

It also provides the quiet running and ride comfort required of such up-market vehicles, while its upgraded silica compound guarantees improved economy.

Furthermore its tread pattern is designed to improve driving stability and abrasion resistance, and semi-knurling, 3D blocks and a quartet of wide grooves help ensure safe progress on rain-covered roads.

The Audi Q5 is manufactured in Mexico where it is equipped with Crugen Premium KL33 tyres produced in Kumho’s plant in Macon, Georgia, USA.

“Our products will be used in high volumes as OE fit to the Audi Q5, which is a testament to their quality and technological excellence,” said Kim Insoo, senior vice president of OE Sales at Kumho.

“We will continue striving to develop SUV tyres that satisfy the needs of the ever-growing SUV market.”