Formula One to stop using grid girls

                LONDON: Formula One is ending the use of female models who parade on the starting grid and stand with the drivers' name boards before every grand prix.

The decision was announced in a statement on Wednesday with the change, which also applies to all support races, coming into effect from the start of the season in Australia on March 25.

"While the practice of employing grid girls has been a staple of Formula One grands prix for decades, we feel this custom does not resonate with our brand values and clearly is at odds with modern day societal norms," said commercial manager Sean Bratches.

"We don't believe the practice is appropriate or relevant to Formula One and its fans, old and new, across the world," he added. "Another sport making a clear choice about what they want to stand for."

Cycling, professional boxing and the UFC still have women parading between bouts or featuring as podium hostesses but the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) recently scrapped such walk-on roles.

Britain's Sun tabloid newspaper took a different view, however, with a front page headline on Thursday blaming 'killjoys' for turning the sport into 'Formula Dumb'.

Formula One has not had a woman race driver on the starting grid since the 1970s but is now far more mixed off the track, with female engineers, aerodynamicists and mechanics as well as in media and marketing.

Two of the 10 teams have had female bosses, including former champions Williams, and Formula One management has a number of women in senior positions.

The use of female models, even if not as scantily-clad as in the past, has been increasingly criticised as sexist and outdated in a sport that is now undergoing a revamp since Liberty Media took over last year.

Liberty, who ousted octogenarian former supremo Bernie Ecclestone a year ago, have been looking to make the pre-race show more of a feature with the emphasis on entertainment for fans and promotion.

"Formula One considers the time spent by teams and drivers on the grid before a race as one of celebration, where guests and various performers can add to the glamour and spectacle of the Grand Prix," the statement said.

It added that the change would allow promoters and partners "to showcase their countries and products".

Ross Brawn, Formula One's managing director for motorsport, gave notice last December that the use of female models on the grid was under review.

"There's a lot of people who respect the tradition of the grid girls and there's people who feel that it has become a bit dated, so we're addressing that," he told the BBC at the time.

In 2015, men were deployed in place of the women at the Monaco Grand Prix -- a move welcomed by some fans and deplored by others.

That same year, the FIA-sanctioned World Endurance Championship announced an end to the practice at the Le Mans 24 Hours sportscar race.


Porsche Taycan customers can now explore the vehicle in VR before they buy

                STUTTGART: Porsche has created something that it calls the Taycan VR Experience, a chance for customers to digitally explore the EV even if it's not yet available for purchase in their market.

The Taycan VR Experience allows customers to "view the new Porsche up close and even under the bodywork using virtual reality goggles."

According to the company, the digital iteration of the model is nearly identical to the real deal.

In addition to exploring the vehicle inside and out, users can see how air moves over the Taycan's aerodynamic design by superimposing and controlling virtual airflow over the exterior.

The experience is available to users in over 100 Porsche Centres around the world, even in the markets where the model has not yet launched. Thus far, both English and German is supported by the experience with Chinese and French coming at a later date.

Porsche has plans to offer virtual car configuration in the future, a tool that is in the works and is expected to roll out to Porsche Centres over the next few months.


VW aims rapid rollout of augmented reality head-up display

                WOLFSBURG: Volkswagen says it is the first volume car maker to introduce augmented reality head-up display in the compact segment with the electric ID.3 and ID.4.

The innovative system superimposes selected symbols onto the outside world and displays them dynamically.

The new convenience function cascade to other models after showing up in the ID.3 and ID.4 models.

The augmented reality head-up display projects important information onto the windscreen – separated into two fields and levels.

The large window for the dynamic displays is located in the driver’s field of view at a virtual distance of around 10 metres and has a diagonal measuring around 1.8 metres.

Information from the assist systems as well as the turn arrows and starting points and destinations of the navigation system are displayed in this far-range window.

The close-range window is located as a flat band under the large far-range window. This shows the driving speed, road signs, and assist and navigation symbols as static displays. They appear to float around three metres in front of the driver.

All displays are positioned perfectly in line with the real world outside the vehicle and are shown dynamically.

When the vehicle approaches a junction where it should turn off according to the navigation route, the driver sees two indications: in the first step, an advance notification on the road level, and then three arrows located at the junction.

The closer the driver gets to the junction, the larger the arrows become. At the same time, their textures fade in order to ensure a clear view of the road. When developing all displays, Volkswagen followed the basic concept of “Less is more”. This ensures that the driver is not overwhelmed with distracting information under any circumstances.

The Lane Assist function is also visualised in the far-range window: if the vehicle moves closer to a boundary line at the edge of the road without indicating, this line is displayed in orange.

Two green lines appear after switching on Travel Assist, which keeps the car in the middle of the lane. When following another vehicle, the display marks the vehicle in front with a coloured stripe as soon as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) or Travel Assist is activated.

When the assist systems are switched off, the driver sees a red warning signal if they drive dangerously close to the vehicle in front.

The technical heart of the augmented reality head-up display is the picture generation unit (PGU) display located deep inside the dash panel. The beam bundles generated by an especially bright LCD display are transmitted onto two flat mirrors, and special lenses separate the portions for the close and far range display levels.

The flat mirrors deflect the beams onto a large, electrically adjustable concave mirror. From here, the beams reach the windscreen and thus enter the driver’s field of view. The driver sees the symbols with the same sharp definition as the real world at an apparent distance of just under 10 metres.

The images are generated by an AR creator located in one of the two central computers in the ID. models. The AR creator calculates the positioning of the symbols corresponding to the surroundings.

To make these calculations, it receives information from the raw data of the front camera, radar sensor and navigation map. The displays that appear in the large window are stabilised with respect to the vehicle’s movements and adapted to the geometry of the optical projection system.

The augmented reality head-up display is part of the Infotainment package Plus, which also includes the Discover Pro navigation system with touch display.


Hyundai to recall Kona EV in S. Korea over concern of fire risk

                SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Co will voluntarily recall its Kona electric vehicles as a possible short circuit due to what may be faulty manufacturing of its high-voltage battery cells could pose a fire risk, South Korea’s transport ministry said today.

Starting on Oct 16, the recall, which includes software updates and battery replacements after inspections, involves 25,564 Kona electric vehicles (EVs) built between September 2017 and March 2020, the ministry said in a statement.

The safety recall “is a proactive response to a suspected defective production of high-voltage batteries used in the vehicles, which may have contributed to the reported fires”, Hyundai said, adding that it will deploy all necessary measures to identify the cause of the fire and address customers’ needs.

Some 13 incidents of fire involving the Kona EV, including one each in Canada and Austria, have been documented, the office of ruling party lawmaker Jang Kyung-tae said in a statement.

READ MORE: Booking opens for conventional Hyundai Kona in Malaysia

Kona EVs use batteries made by LG Chem Ltd.

LG Chem said the exact cause of the fire had not been determined and a reenactment experiment conducted jointly with Hyundai had not led to a fire, so the fires could not be attributed to faulty battery cells.

It would actively participate in future investigation with Hyundai to find the cause, LG Chem added in a statement.

Hyundai’s shares fell 1.4%, reflecting investor concern that the recall and battery replacements could be costly, as the battery accounts for about 30% of an EV’s price, analysts said.

In contrast, LG Chem shares rose 1.8%.

The Kona Electric is the South Korean automaker’s first long-range subcompact SUV EV.

In July, Hyundai Motor Group leader Euisun Chung said Hyundai Motor and sister company Kia Motors aim to sell 1 million battery-driven electric vehicles in 2025, targeting more than 10% of the global market share for such vehicles.


VW accelerates shift to electric, autonomous era

                FRANKFURT: Volkswagen is paring back the variety of combustion-engined cars and retooling more factories to build electric vehicles in an effort to keep up with rival Tesla, the chief executive of the world's largest carmaker said.

German factories in Emden and Hanover will be converted to build electric cars as part of a €73 billion (RM355bil) investment plan to ramp up development of zero-emission and self-driving cars, the company said on Monday.

“Our business so far has been running valuable brands. To increase brand value, driving margins,” Herbert Diess explained in a call with investors and analysts on Monday. “We have to be seen as a tech company.”

On top of focusing on achieving economies of scale in electric and combustion engine components, Volkswagen is seeking to also gain expertise in software programming, so it can build and develop intelligent self-driving vehicles.

“Yes, it is going to be a race with Tesla,” Diess said.

“They are also ramping up fast. We have more different body styles, and when it comes to an established dealership network, we should have an advantage over Tesla,” Diess said.

Policymakers have clamped down on exhaust emissions, forcing carmakers to accelerate the development of low-emission technology or face a penalty of €95 (RM463) for each gram of excess CO2 they emit in Europe.

The Volkswagen factory in Hanover will be retooled to build the all-electric VW ID.BUZZ microbus, as well as large premium-branded electric sports utility vehicles for Audi, Bentley and Porsche, which will share common vehicle underpinnings.

“The rationale was keeping those cars together in one manufacturing site,” Diess explained.

The VW factory in Emden will be retooled to build electric cars and production of the combustion-engined VW Passat sedan will be shifted to a factory in Bratislava, Slovakia where VW will also build the next generation Skoda Superb.

READ MORE: VW starts making electric drivetrain in ChinaSUVs sales pay for cleaner tech

Low-end Volkswagen variants will see their prices increased or be struck from the lineup altogether, Diess said, adding that European policymaker proposals for further tightening emissions rules are effectively putting combustion engines at risk.

“So long as you have to burn coal to make electric vehicles’ run it doesn’t make any sense,” Diess said, commenting about the need for burning fossil fuels to generate power for the electricity grid.

“It would make a lot more sense to postpone those targets because those engines are really clean now,” Diess said of his wish to see combustion engined cars on sale for longer.

Volkswagen needs the profits from combustion engined sports utility vehicles to generate the cash for investing in cleaner technologies, he said.

Shifting the Golf segment of passenger cars to becoming electric will take up to a decade, the carmaker said. It has also forced managers to question the need for some of the more exotic niche brands.

VW is legally separating its Lamborghini supercar and Ducati motorbike brands, confirming an earlier Reuters report, as the German automaker seeks to streamline its operations and focus on mass-producting electric cars.

“We are working on our Italian legal structure,” Diess said, referring to the creation of a separate legal entity for housing the Lamborghini, Ducati and the Italdesign design studio.

Luxury brands which owe their attractiveness in large part due to high horsepower high-cylinder combustion engines, may not fit in to the era of intelligent, networked vehicles which provide on-demand mobility, Diess said.

“Are those really valuable in the new world, we don’t know yet,” Diess said.

The CEO said on Monday that Volkswagen would miss its CO2 compliance target this year by “a gram or so” but would meet emissions goals for 2021 thanks to a mass production push of electric vehicles.

He saw business recovering next year, with the company planning for a return to pre-Covid-19 crisis levels in 2022, he added.


New Toyota Vios launched

                PETALING JAYA: The new third generation Vios now comes with a new powertrain and has been certified with the Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) status and prices start from as low as RM76,500 for the 1.5 J with 5-speed Manual transmission.

The new Vios comes in six variants, including an all-new GX variant, and features the new 1.5 litre 2NR-FE engine and a CVT (Continuously-Variable Transmission) in place of the conventional 4-speed automatic transmission except for the base model 1.5 J with a 5-speed manual.

Prices are as follows:

1.5 TRD Sportivo with CVT - RM96,400

1.5 GX with CVT - RM92,800

1.5 G with CVT - RM89,800

1.5 E with CVT - RM83,900

1.5 J with CVT - RM79,800

All prices are on-the-road for Peninsular Malaysia including GST with insurance.

The new 2NR-FE engine, like the one it replaces, has a 1.5-litre displacement with a DOHC 16-valve cylinder head.

However, where the previous engine had VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) on just the intake side, this new engine has Dual VVT-i which means that the opening/closing times of the valves on the exhaust side are also continuously variable according to driving conditions.

 GX Variant-Dashboard.

Safety-wise, vehicle stability control (VSC) has now been made standard on all variants. Other Active Safety systems available include include anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and brake assist (BA).

For extra stopping power, rear disc brakes are fitted to the Vios 1.5 TRD Sportivo, 1.5GX and 1.5G.

The exterior design of the Vios remains as fresh as ever with a dynamic side profile. Projector headlamps are fitted to the Vios TRD Sportivo, 1.5GX and 1.5G and there is a manual levelling feature on all variants.

Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) are also integrated in the front bumper of all variants to provide better visibility of the car to other road-users in all lighting conditions and from a distance.

 GX Rim.

The new Vios TRD Sportivo also has a new design aerokit and comes with an exclusive black grille for a sportier image.

All variants have black interior colour schemes and for the 1.5 TRD Sportivo, there are also red highlights on the leather seats.

For the new Vios 1.5GX, the upholstery is perforated two-tone (black & saddle tan) leather and there is new cubic print trim design with a metal hairline pattern.

For the Vios 1.5 TRD Sportivo, 1.5GX, 1.5G and 1.5E, the 2-DIN head unit has a large 6.8-inch touchscreen and a DVD player. Various connectivity options such as AUX and USB ports as well as Bluetooth allow personal music selections to be played.

 TRD Sportivo interior.

For the 1.5J variants, there is also a 2-DIN head unit with connectivity options such as AUX and USB ports as well as Bluetooth.

The boot volume is also generous at 506 litres. Also the rear backrests are folded down to 60:40 and provides even more space if need be.

Two new exterior colours have been developed for the Improved Vios – Crimson Spark Red Metallic and Super White II.

These are complemented by three other colour choices - Medium Silver Metallic, Silver Metallic and Attitude Black. White Pearl CS, also a new colour choice, is only available with the Vios 1.5 TRD Sportivo.

The new Vios comes with a 5-year Warranty with Unlimited mileage. The fully-backed factory warranty is transferable to the next owner if it is still in effect when sold off.

 TRD Sportivo.


Perodua Global produced 250,000 vehicle since August 2014

Aminar speaking to reporters on Saturday.
RAWANG: Perodua Global Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, the advanced manufacturing arm under the Perodua group, has rolled out its 250,000th vehicle recently since it began operations in August 2014.

Of the 250,000 units produced, 85% was the Axia and 15% was the Bezza. Bezza production only began from June this year.

Perodua sold 167,000 vehicles for the first 10 months of 2016, of which the Axia was the bestseller with 44.2% sold this year followed by the Myvi at 24.9%, Alza 17.3% and the Bezza at 13.6%.

On Perodua’s latest model, Perodua has delivered over 22,000 Bezzas since its launch in July and the average waiting period for the is less than two weeks subject to and following bank approval of the hire purchase loan.

“This is a historical accomplishment for the entire group; the Perodua Global team has worked hard to ensure that our customers’ orders are met in an acceptable timeframe,” said Perodua president and chief executive officer Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh.

Aminar said Perodua is maximising delivery of all its products as part of the compact carmaker’s pledge to ensure speedy delivery of cars to customers.

The car maker is currently having promotions at its showrooms as part of its year-end sales.


Nico Rosberg rides electric with Volkswagen ID.R

                MILTON KEYNES: Nico Rosberg, 2016 Formula 1 world champion, took his place at the wheel of the fully-electric 680PS Volkswagen ID.R at the Nürburgring.

Despite rain, wind and temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, Rosberg still had a smile on his face as he climbed into the ID.R, which currently holds ﬁve records on three continents.

“It is a while since I have driven a real race car in the rain, but I immediately felt like a ﬁsh in water again in the ID.R. It feels fantastic to drive,” said Rosberg after his test drive.

“The traction, the acceleration, the downforce – it was all very familiar,” said the man who won 23 Grands Prix over the course of his Formula 1 career.

“Compliments to the engineers at Volkswagen, who have done important pioneering work in the ﬁeld of electromobility with the ID.R. Motorsport’s job is to change mobility as a whole. It should be the test and development platform, in order to transport technology into production. That is exactly what has happened with the ID.R and the ID.3. I could even imagine getting an ID.3 for my family.”

“We are delighted that Nico wanted to test our ID.R. The fact that our electric racer put a smile on the face of a Formula 1 world champion is great feedback and underlines the fact that electromobility can create a lot of fascination and emotion,” said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Sven Smeets.


Carlos Ghosn, Nissan to be indicted Monday, says Nikkei

                TOKYO: Tokyo prosecutors plan to indict former Nissan Motor Co Ltd chairman Carlos Ghosn on Monday for financial misconduct, the Nikkei business daily reported, ratcheting up their case against the auto tycoon.

Prosecutors also plan to indict on the same day former representative director Greg Kelly as well as the automaker itself, the Nikkei said today, citing unidentified sources.

The Nov 19 arrest of Ghosn and Kelly shook the foundations of the Renault-Nissan alliance and stunned the auto industry, where Ghosn is renowned for turning around the French and Japanese carmakers. Ghosn remains chairman and chief executive of Renault SA.

Ghosn and Kelly’s detention period runs until Monday, when prosecutors must decide to indict, release, or re-arrest them on new claims.

The Nikkei said the two former executives and Nissan would likely be indicted over the alleged under-reporting of salaries in five annual reports through the business year that ended in March 2015.

Ghosn and Kelly are also likely to be rearrested on suspicion of making misstatements in reports for the subsequent three business years, the newspaper reported.

The Nikkei said making false statements in an annual report was a crime for which not just the individuals involved but also companies can be held accountable, and prosecutors wanted to charge Nissan for not preventing the alleged crime.

Representatives for the Tokyo District Public Prosecutor’s Office and Nissan declined to comment.

Ghosn was arrested for allegedly conspiring to understate his income by about half of the actual 10 billion yen (RM369mil) over five years from 2010. Kelly was accused of assisting.

Ghosn and Kelly have not made any statement through their lawyers, but Japanese media reported that they have denied the allegations.


Lamborghini sees its first fully electric model, an SUV coupe, at end of decade

                MILAN: Italian supercar brand Lamborghini plans to roll out its first fully electric model at the end of this decade, its chief executive Stephan Winkelmann said in remarks confirmed on Tuesday by a company spokesman.

The plan underscores an even more cautious approach by Lamborghini - part of the Volkswagen Group - to electrification, after Winkelmann last year said the brand's first fully electric car model would appear in the second half of the decade.

Lamborghini and other players in the high-performance sports car market, which include Ferrari, Aston Martin Lagonda and McLaren, are wrestling with how to shift their ranges to battery power without losing the high performance that supports their premium pricing.

 Urraco.

Lamborghini's first fully electric model will be a four-seater coupé sport utility (SUV), with a nod to the tradition of grand tourers (think Urraco of the 1970s), the spokesman said confirming comments made by the chief executive to Italian press agency Ansa.

Winkelmann reiterated Lamborghini would make its entire lineup, including the Huracan and Aventador sports cars and the Urus SUV, hybrid in two or three years.

This timetable, however, puts Lamborghini behind rival Ferrari, which has already rolled out three hybrid models and has promised to have a battery-electric car by 2025.

Winkelmann said sales volumes for this year were expected to be in line with those of last year, when the brand shipped 8,405 cars, and that orders were already covering a good part of their planned production.


Shell contest offers winners chance to catch bike races in Japan

                KUALA LUMPUR: Shell is holding another contest again. This time, it's an engine oil contest aimed at motorcyclists with two winners getting to go on an all-expense paid trip to Japan in October.

The highlight of the Shell Advance Power On contest is the chance to catch the Malaysian riders in action in the fifth round of this season’s Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup motorcycle racing championship at the famous Twin Ring Motegi racetrack.

Consolation prize winners will get limited edition GIVI items namely 10 Monolock boxes, 20 units of full-face helmets, 30 units of rainsuits and 50 units of backpacks.

To enter,  a contestant must buy one a 1-litre pack of any Shell Advance Ultra synthetic motorcycle engine oil or two packs of Shell Advance VSX, AX5, AX5 Scooter or AX7 from participating outlets from April 1 to June 30.

He must apply the stickers that come free with the purchase as creatively as possible on his motorcycle.  He needs to snap a photo of the finished work of art, caption and upload it to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #PowerOnShellAdvance.


Will Citroen's new C4 be a Golf killer?

                PARIS: The compact class is a crowded one, but Citroen isn't deterred, and its new C4 is gunning for the ubiquitous VW Golf with a mixture of innovation and flexible driving options.

The car, which starts at around US$30,000 (RM122,000), has an eye-catching design that looks like a mixture of a conventional hatchback and an SUV. While other compacts disappear in the crowd, the C4 is hard to overlook.

Inside, too, Citroen goes its own way and furnishes the C4 like a living room with soft and comfortable seats in front and something reminiscent of a sofa in the rear.

There are also small digital instruments, a large touchscreen, and textile decorative elements such as idiosyncratic fan nozzles, all of which makes the car stand out.

There are also plenty of practical shelves and a drawer in front of the front passenger to which a tablet can be attached.

Even though at 4.36 metres long, the C4 is at the upper end of the compact segment, room in the rear is relatively tight. The headroom is rather modest and the view is not exactly great because of the narrow windows.

However, at 380 litres the boot space is on par with the competition.

When it comes to drive options, drivers can choose between petrol, diesel, and electric. The only thing missing is all-wheel drive.

There's a three-cylinder petrol engine and a four-cylinder diesel offering a power range from 100 to 150 horsepower.

Standard fuel consumption for the diesel (eight-speed automatic) is put at 3.8 litres (CO2 emissions 100 g / km) and 4.8 litres (108 g / km) for the petrol engine (manual or automatic transmission).

For those who go for the electric option there's the e-C4, which starts at around US$42,000 (RM171,000) and looks more or less indistinguishable from the conventionally-driven C4.

The e-C4 has a 100kW/136hp motor and a 50 kW/h battery. At a public charging station the car can be charged to 80 per cent in 30 minutes and is capable of travelling 350km on a single charge.

Whether electric or conventional, the Citroen provides an extremely comfortable driving experience. With its refreshingly different design, unique ambience, and choice of power unit, the C4 looks set to provide serious competition to the Golf's dominance of the compact class.


South Korea's LG Chem to team up with China's Geely on EV batteries

                SEOUL: South Korean battery maker LG Chem Ltd said on Thursday it had signed an agreement to set up a joint venture with China’s Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd to produce batteries for electric vehicles.

The joint venture would have annual production capacity of 10 GWh by the end of 2021, and its products would be supplied to Geely’s electric vehicles from 2022, LG Chem said in a statement.

The two parties would invest US$94 million each in the venture, LG Chem said in a statement.

Vehicles equipped with South Korean batteries currently are not eligible for government subsidies in China, the biggest auto and EV market in the world.

But Korean battery makers including LG Chem have announced investment plans to expand capacity in China, hoping China’s plan to phase out subsidies over the next couple of years will level the playing field.

“Through the joint venture, LG Chem has secured a stable structure to provide batteries for electric vehicles to the Chinese market,” LG Chem said in a statement.

The South Korean company said it would pursue more joint ventures with other global carmakers.


Kawasaki ER-6n a smooth operator

Twin-cylinder bikes are a good choice for those upgrading from 250cc or smaller rides.

In-line four engines, where four cylinders are lined up alongside each other in a straight line, are known for their smoothness.

However, their complexity means that production costs are higher.

With two cylinders, production costs can be lower, but the fun factor is not any less.

 Kawasaki ER-6nhas the most well-designed helmet hook I have ever seen.

In fact, in-line two-cylinder engines produce more torque at lower rpms, and that is why they are still around today, especially when they come from Kawasaki.

In 2006, Kawasaki Inc introduced a 649cc parallel-twin engine called Ninja 650R Sport that pumped out around 65hp and 61Nm of torque in North America.

In Europe, the same bike was marketed as ER-6, in both faired and naked versions.

When the ER-6n made it into our shores in CKD form in 2010, there was such an agonising waiting period for delivery, so much so that some compared it to the wait for a Proton when it was first launched 30 years ago.

The overwhelming reception is understandable, given that there were not many motorcycles above 500cc priced below RM35,000 (the price had crept up slightly since).

 Kawasaki ER-6n - exhaust pipe.

The in-line twin is a proven formula, and I had lots of good memories with the first in-line twin I owned – a Kawasaki ZZR-250.

Nine years later, I am glad to report that the ER6 still remains relevant, with its refreshed look keeping up with the times.

The 2012-2014 model retains all the goodness that made the bike successful, and all the incremental enhancements only serve to retain its appeal across a broad audience.

 Kawasaki ER-6n. Check oil level or colour by peeping here.

The ER-6n’s muscular appearance is matched by a reasonably responsive and torquey engine, which in this case is a liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve engine that delivers where it matters.

The bike is all about fun and easy handling, though this by no means suggests that only novice riders should look at it.

The parallel-twin powertrain produces just enough amount of power and torque so that nearly all of them could be extracted by most riders, without bordering on outright dangerous behaviour on public roads.

The good weight distribution of the bike contributes to its agility when maneuvering tight spots, such as between cars in a traffic jam, or cruising and looking for a parking spot. However, the relatively beefy feel, no thanks to a curb weight of 204kg, is a mild liability when you have to push it around.

 Stopping power is good, thanks to front and rear discs.

Thankfully, Kawasaki had the sense to build in a pair of functional grab bars, so I was never in any danger of dropping the bike when pushing it.

The ER-6n is considered rider-friendly to the extent it is now almost the default choice for driving schools, though I did my test on the now-discontinued Yamaha Virago 535 in the pre-ER-6 days.

At 1.64m, I felt at ease with the bike, which has a seat height of 805mm.

I get the feeling that I was one with the bike; as though it was designed just for me.

Other things that tick the boxes that matter to me are the dual tripmeters, other than the odometer.

At its worst, the bikie still returned at least 21km per litre of RON95, which I suppose is okay for a bike of this weight.

The seat is comfortable, and that goes for the pillion as well (wifey gave her full approval for this one).

Shifting is reasonably smooth, and I don’t remember encountering false neutrals during my test.

The 16-litre fuel tank is nice as it minimises the need to refuel.

The design of the fuel tank inlet is also practical as it allows me to easily observe the level of fuel when the tank is about to be full.

Topping the cake for me is what I consider to be the best helmet hook design I’ve seen in a long time.

Engineers who need to know how to make a proper helmet hook should take a serious look at this fine example.

That said, this bike is by no means perfect.

Attempting to inflate the front tyre proved nearly impossible as the massive twin-discs get in the way.

In the end, I managed, but that proved to be a sweaty struggle to connect the air pump nozzle with the valve.

Available in black and red, the ER-6n costs RM35,039 nett.

Due to widespread adoption by Malaysians, many fine used examples are also around for less than RM20,000.

Riders here have a lot to be thankful to Kawasaki for the ER-6n, as it has opened the way for them to move up confidently from 250cc or smaller motorcycles to something that rightly belongs in superbike territory.


Harsher fines, longer jail time for reckless driving in proposed Road Transport Bill amendments

                KUALA LUMPUR: Those charged with causing death due to dangerous or reckless driving can face up to 10 years in jail and a maximum fine of RM50,000 if convicted.

These are among the proposed amendments for the Road Transport (Amendment) Bill 2020 which was tabled for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat by Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

The Bill proposed that those charged under Section 41 with dangerous or reckless driving can face between five and 10 years as well as a fine of not less than RM20,000 and not more than RM50,000.

In the case of a second or subsequent conviction, a person can face a 10 to 15 year jail term, and a maximum fine of RM100,000, should the Bill be passed.

Those who cause deaths due to dangerous or reckless driving will also have their licenses disqualified for five years.

Currently, Section 41 of the Act states that those guilty of the offence face between two and 10 years in prison and a fine of between RM5,000 and RM20,000.

The Bill also proposed that those who are charged with dangerous or reckless driving can also have their licenses disqualified for a period of five years, instead of the current two-year period.

Apart from that, it proposed that those charged under Section 43 for careless and inconsiderate driving can face a fine of between RM5,000 and RM10,000, as well as be liable for a jail term of not more than 12 months for the first offence.

Second or subsequent convictions will see an individual being fined between RM10,000 and RM15,000, and be jailed for not more than 12 months.

The Bill also proposed that anyone who drives a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, liquor or drugs and to an extent of being incapable of having proper control over the vehicle, or has alcohol content exceeding the limit, which can cause the death of anyone can also face harsh punishments.

Under a proposed amendment in Section 44, anyone guilty of the offence can be jailed for 10 to 15 years and fined between RM50,000 and RM100,000.

Those convicted under this section will also be disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for 10 years from the date of conviction.

In the case of a second or subsequent conviction, the individual can face jail time of between 15 and 20 years, and a fine between RM100,000 and RM150,000.

Those who drive a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, liquor or drugs and to an extent of being incapable of having proper control over the vehicle, or have alcohol content exceeding the limit that can cause injury to anyone, will also face the music.

They shall be liable to a jail time of between seven and 10 years and a fine of between RM30,000 and RM50,000.

In the case of a second or subsequent conviction, an individual can face jail time between 10 and 15 years, and a fine between RM50,000 and RM100,000.

A person convicted under this section can also be disqualified from holding or obtaining their driving licence for not less than seven years from the date of conviction.

The Bill also proposes to amend Section 45B and Section 45 C to increase the punishment and disqualification period for Offences related to failure to provide a specimen of breath, blood or urine for offences committed under Section 44,45 or 45 A of the Act.

It further seeks to amend Section 45 G to lower the prescribed limit of alcohol content allowed in an individual to be lowered to 22 microgram of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath; 50 milligram of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood; or 67 milligram of alcohol in 100 millilitres of urine.

Finally, the Bill also proposes to introduce microbility vehicles into the Act. A microbility vehicle is defined as any vehicle that is propelled by electrical means, an internal-combustion engine, or human power, or a combination of electrical means and having a maximum speed of 50kph.


Triumph expands into motocross and enduro

                LONDON: Triumph Motorcycles has recently announced that it will be producing motocross and enduro bikes.

Triumph is also committed to race and win at the highest level in the sport, is further supported by bringing on board the motocross legend Ricky Carmichael and five-times Enduro World Champion Iván Cervantes.

 Carmichael.

Both of them will play an active role in bike testing and preparation for racing.

The announcement marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Triumph brand.

 Cervantes.

"We are 100% committed to making a long-lasting impact in this highly competitive and demanding world, with a single-minded ambition to deliver a winning motorcycle line-up for a whole new generation of Triumph riders,” says Triumph CEO, Nick Bloor.

An announcement of the timetable for the launch and reveal of the motorcycles, as well as the racing programme and the full story on the product advantages the new Triumph Motocross and Enduro offer, will follow in the coming months.

However, there is a possibility, these bikes will be revealed at EICMA in Milan, Italy in November.


Nissan banks on 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' to turbocharge sales again

                LOS ANGELES: Nissan has teamed up with Lucasfilm again, this time for Star Wars: The Last Jedi, which is due to hit cinemas on Dec 15.

Nissan kicked off "Master the Drive", a multi-prong campaign with Lucasfilm in a partnership that will see Stars Wars-branded vehicle accessories, TV commercials, virtual reality experience at select dealerships and a contest to win tickets to see the premiere of the film in Hollywood.

The deal was motivated by Nissan's collaboration last year with Lucasfilm on Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, an arrangement it credited with boosting sales of its crossover, which not coincidentally was called Rogue.

That campaign earned over 1.8-billion impressions and led to industry sales records for the Rogue.

READ MORE: Malaysians can take part in the Star Wars mania, too

Nissan said Star Wars provided the platform to make Nissan Intelligent Mobility approachable, while also giving Nissan a connection with the millions of Star Wars fans nationwide.

The 10-minute virtual-reality experience at select Nissan dealerships starts Nov 10, where participants repair droids, donning either Samsung Gear or HTC Vive headsets.

The latest campaign features the entire Nissan lineup and focuses on key Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies.

Star Wars provides the medium to explain these technologies by leveraging the analogy of the symbiotic relationship between droid, pilot and craft: ex. BB-8, Poe Dameron and the X-wing Starfighter. Throughout the films, the onboard droids help the pilot have extra confidence to see what he or she cannot, to help anticipate obstacles and to help make the pilot feel more centered and confident.

Nissan Intelligent Mobility provides an analogous function to the driver – Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) helps brake the vehicle in an emergency, Blind Spot Warning helps to see what the driver cannot and Nissan’s new ProPILOT Assist begins the journey toward autonomous driving.


Qualcomm launches auto chip to handle both assisted driving and entertainment

                SAN DIEGO: Mobile chip maker Qualcomm Technologies, Inc today unveiled a processor chip for the car called Snapdragon Ride Flex SoC that handles both assisted driving and cockpit functions, including entertainment.

Previously those functions were handled on different chips and merging them can help bring down costs, said Nakul Duggal, Qualcomm’s head of automotive.

“Obviously you are reducing the number of physical boxes. So it goes down to a single box. You reduce the amount of memory that you need. The extra external components that you need, those go down,” said Duggal.

Qualcomm has been steadily building up its automotive business in recent years and in September it said its automotive business "pipeline" increased to US$30 billion.

With electric vehicles and increasing autonomous features in cars, the number of chips used by automakers is surging and the automotive market has been a key growth area for chipmakers.

Duggal said automotive customers are already trying out the new chip and it would be commercially available in the first half of next year.


Mercedes to join club of electric car makers

                STUTTGART: Mercedes-Benz is planning its own distinct line of electric vehicles, challenging BMW and Tesla Motors Inc. in a bet that alternative-fuel cars have the potential to become profitable.

Mercedes will add two electric sport utility vehicles and two sedans, according to two people familiar with the plan, who asked not to be named because the details haven’t been disclosed.

Mercedes will create a new sub-brand for the cars, though a name hasn’t been chosen yet, one of the people said. Chief Executive Officer Dieter Zetsche said in June that the company planned to unveil an electric car at the Paris motor show in September.

Tesla’s success with the Model S sedan increased the pressure on other luxury-car makers, even as the US company struggles with missed financial goals and delays in new models.

Germany’s luxury-market leaders need to show they too can make electric innovations that capture the imagination of buyers, and they’re facing emissions regulations that require low-pollution vehicles. Yet customers in Mercedes’s home market of Germany, in particular, have been sceptical of limited driving range, long charging times, comparatively high prices and at times quirky designs.

Mercedes had previously stuck to adding batteries and electric motors to existing models, a cheaper solution than rival BMW AG’s investment in carbon fibre and futuristic design for its “i” brand. Now their positions are reversed: BMW’s holding off on a new “i” model for another five years. Mercedes will start selling its electric line-up before the end of the decade, one of the people familiar with the plans said.

In addition to the e-cars, Mercedes parent Daimler AG is planning its first all-electric heavy-duty delivery truck by the start of the next decade. The company has also promised electric versions of each of the vehicles in the Smart city-car brand.

“When Tesla started coming up many years ago we decided at the time, and I believe correctly, that the technology wasn’t quite ready,” Wolfgang Bernhard, Daimler’s trucks chief, said in an interview last week at the urban e-truck's unveiling. “Now we believe the time has come to earn money in e-mobility over the next five to 10 years.”

Christoph Sedlmayr, a spokesman for Daimler, declined to comment on the number and model type of electric cars planned, while adding there will be more than one.

The first of the new electric autos will be produced at the company’s factory in Bremen, Germany, according to one person familiar with the plans. From next year, the Bremen plant will also build a fuel cell electric version of the GLC SUV that can be charged both with hydrogen and at a wall socket.

The prototype set to be introduced in September will be an SUV capable of driving about 500 kilometers on a single charge. It will also show the distinct design Mercedes has developed to set its electric cars apart.
Mercedes’ previous efforts to establish clean-driving cars had mixed results.

A fuel-cell version of the B-Class sold few vehicles because of a patchy refueling network and high costs. Otherwise, the brand restricted itself to electric versions of existing models such as Smart and the boxy B-Class, which had a 155-kilometer range.

BMW’s earnings this week showed some positive potential for electric-car sales. A new version of the i3 city car helped push deliveries of alternative-drive vehicles up 87 percent in the first half, the company said.


Bringing forward 2040 ban would help to meet net zero target in UK

                LONDON: The UK government must bring forward by a decade its ban on the sale of the most polluting cars if it wants to even come close to its climate change goals, new analysis showed.

The British government is considering toughening its ban on internal combustion engine cars in order to drive sales of electric vehicles. The move would not only cut pollution but also create a market that’ll attract manufacturers and new jobs to the UK.

It’s consulting on bringing forward the current 2040 prohibition on the sale of gas and diesel cars to 2035, or earlier if feasible. The study published Friday by Greenpeace and Green Alliance said that a 2030 ban would cut 90 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in the years 2028-2032 - that’s about a quarter of all UK emissions in 2019.

The showed that only a 2030 ban, that also covers plug-in hybrids, would put the UK on track to meeting its target of reaching net-zero by mid-century.

The government measures the progress of its climate-change targets against five-year carbon budgets that provide an increasingly stringent cap on emissions until 2050. While it’s on track to meet its third carbon budget, it needs to find more CO2 savings to meet its fourth and fifth budgets. The sixth carbon budget, which will be set in December will be even stricter as it will be the first to take in the net-zero emissions goal set in 2019.

Driving down pollution

Only a 2030 ban on internal combustion engines and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles would meet the target

The UK will need to save another 77 million tons of CO2 in order to meet its fifth carbon budget which covers the period 2028-2032, the report said. But in all likelihood, deeper cuts will be needed to account for the net-zero goal.

The less ambitious options of a 2035 ban for all new gas, diesel and hybrid cars and vans would result in the government missing its carbon target by 73%, and a 2032 ban for the same vehicles would result in missing the target by 18%, the researchers found.

“This is yet more compelling evidence that 2030 is the best option for a blanket ban on new polluting vehicles,” Doug Parr, Greenpeace UK’s chief scientist, said.

On Thursday, the opposition Labour Party also urged the government to opt for a 2030 ban ahead of the UK-hosted global climate change talks in Glasgow next year.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Wednesday he’d set out his plans on meeting the Britain’s 2050 net-zero target in the coming weeks.

Cutting pollution from transport is expected to play a major role as it accounts for more than a third of the country’s greenhouse-gas emissions - the biggest of any industry.

The UK’s main car industry advocacy group said 2030 would be too soon for its members.

“Such a challenging timescale would be insufficient for the industry to transition, threatening the viability of thousands of businesses and undermining sales of today’s low emission technologies,” Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said.


Jeremy Clarkson suspended following bust-up with producer

                LOS ANGELES: The BBC has suspended Jeremy Clarkson, the controversial host of hit motoring show "Top Gear," following a "fracas" with a producer.

The British broadcaster said Clarkson, 54, had been suspended "pending an investigation." The show, which is distributed worldwide, will not air this Sunday, according to a Reuters report.

Sources said he was alleged to have attacked the producer after finding that food had not been prepared after a long day at filming.

Britain's Daily Mirror identified the producer as Oisin Tymon, 36.

Last May, the BBC delivered a "final warning" to the presenter after allegations that he used a racist term while filming the show.

The BBC told him that if he made "one more offensive remark, anywhere, at any time" he would be sacked.


Hyundai soups up Veloster N Performance for Sema 2019

                LAS VEGAS: At this year's Sema Show, Hyundai will be displaying a Veloster N Performance Concept that ramps up the performance of the already zippy, racing-inspired coupe.

This concept, designed to showcase the customisation potential of the Veloster, has been outfitted in OEM-quality performance parts including a coilover suspension, steel anti-roll bars, a chassis brace, custom front and rear brake calipers, and a set of racing wheels.

Sprinkled all over the exterior like along the side sills, on the hood, surrounding the grill, and on the side mirrors are vibrant orange accents which give the hatch a motor-sport-inspired appearance.

The interior, however, received only aesthetic and material upgrades. Various components throughout are covered in alcantara, and orange accents on the steering wheel, dash and sport seats bring the aesthetic of the exterior to the inside.

According to Hyundai, all accessories and components on the concept have a "high potential for aftermarket availability."

The Veloster N Performance Concept will be on display at the 2019 Sema show here, which runs from Nov 5-8.


New McLaren Super Series to debut in Geneva

                NEW YORK: The second-generation McLaren Super Series, which will make its public debut on Mar 7 at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show, is poised to raise previously accepted limits of supercar performance.

Drivers will be able to enjoy acceleration from standstill to 200kph in just 7.8 seconds, accompanied by a soulful, clean and crisp exhaust note that is among the most emotive of any McLaren.

“The new 4.0-litre M840T is an outstanding engine powering an exceptional supercar capable of covering a standing quarter mile in 10.3 seconds,” commented McLaren Super Series Vehicle Line Director, Haydn Baker. “Power, torque and throttle response are all significantly enhanced compared to the first-generation Super Series, yet with fuel efficiency and emissions also notably improved.”

The ultra-low inertia, twin-scroll turbochargers fitted to the new M840T engine typify the engineering philosophy of advancement in every area, pursued throughout the development of McLaren’s new supercar.

Spooling up more rapidly than previous designs, they deliver reduced turbo lag and quicker throttle response.

The new 4.0-litre engine signals its performance credentials with an exhaust sound achieved through a sophisticated balance of harmonics and delivering a ‘crescendo’ characteristic, according to engine rpm and load. A sports exhaust is optional for those who want still more aural excitement.

Owners will also be able to showcase the heart of their new car – in particular, the cast-aluminium air intake plenum with McLaren Speedmark logo on top of the new V8 engine – with engine bay illumination that operates on vehicle unlocking.


Bicycle maker launches handlebar tech inspired by car steering assist

                BERLIN: In the latest technological breakthrough for bicycles, German manufacturer Canyon has begun implementing a steering stabiliser technology said to transform handling on the trail and make riding safer and more intuitive.

The mechanical device, dubbed Keep It Stable (KIS) and modelled on steering assist in cars, is mounted in the top tube close to the steerer. It uses a simple spring, a high-strength strap and a cam arrangement to gently re-centre the handlebar during a ride.

This keeps the mountain bike upright and pointed ahead in the direction of travel, making the two-wheeler more fun and easier to control over rough terrain.

"The steering behaviour of bicycles has been the same for a hundred years but no one really asks the question 'is this the best steering behaviour you can get," Canyon engineer Moritz Ströer says in a demo video.

"We believe KIS is for everyone. Right now you see it on a trail bike but you should be prepared to see even more from us in the future," said Ströer.

The makers say the tech was inspired by the self-centring steering of modern cars which keeps them straight on the road after curves.

The system can be specified on the new Canyon full-suspension Spectral 29 CF 8 which costs around €5,000. It is also fitted to an electric 301 CE KIS e-bike from Liteville, a brand owned by the KIS system inventor Syntace.

Like the suspension fork and disc brakes now common on bicycle the system has the potential to improve the steering stability of most bicycles used in the rough.

KIS is adjustable on the fly using a regular four millimetre Allen key and free of maintenance. It adds only 110 grammes to the weight of the bicycle.

Syntace developer Jo Kleiber who runs the Syntace component firm in southern Bavaria, said the feature makes both ends of the mountain bike feel more connected than they are at present using the common freely pivoting conventional headset.

It also counteracts what experts call "wheel flop," which is when a modern long and low MTB tends to turn more than expected due to the front wheel "flopping" over when the handlebars are rotated.

Canyon said KIS has been intensively tested to ensure its reliability. In one gruelling trial the system was activated for 55 days in a row amounting to 55 million function cycles.

In a promotional video from Canyon, various young MTB riders said they took to the system quickly and noticed how it increased stability on the trail, thereby boosting confidence.

Canyon has exclusive use of the patented technology for a year but like most mountain bike innovations it will probably be offered on other makes of MTB before long.


Take a look at Bengala F12 Caballería

                MADRID: European design house Bengala Automotive introduces its brand new Privilege Program with the launch of the F12 Caballería, a bespoke carbon fibre creation based on the Ferrari F12 but sporting more aggressive lines inspired by Ferrari’s own GT3 cars.

The project inaugurates the Bengala Privilege Program with ten specially-made Caballerías: their lucky owners are automatically entered into the exclusive club, joining like-minded people sharing the same passion for individuality.

Bengala CEO and founder Shoghi Saeidnia says: “in most cases, uniqueness is a state of mind; we bring to our customers an interpretation of their desires, based on their dreams. Put it simply, we mastered and created a unique piece of design and engineering, the Bengala F12 Caballería, and ten special individuals earned it.”

All F12 Caballería production will be completed by summer 2017.

The Privilege Program gives instant access to Bengala’s future limited edition projects, along with events and private viewings, with a first choice option to its members before new designs are released onto the market.

Projects are limited to 5-10 units each, and only one a year is planned.


Touch ‘n Go unveils Visa card tied to ewallet, but it can’t be used to pay for tolls

                PETALING JAYA: Touch ‘n Go has confirmed that its newly unveiled Visa prepaid card can’t be used to pay for highway tolls or public transport.

According to an online report by Amanz, TnG was unable to integrate both the Touch ‘n Go and Visa Paywave NFC features due to interference issues discovered during the early development phase.

Some users on Twitter commented that they were looking forward to a card that unified both services.

In other words, it only functions as a Visa card, with the balance tied to the TnG ewallet.

The Visa card is claimed to be the first “numberless card” in Malaysia and is meant to act as a complementary payment channel to the ewallet.

This will allow users to make payments even if the merchant doesn’t have a DuitNow QR code.

Users can also opt for a flexible payment scheme through the app.

The card also allows users to withdraw cash at automated teller machines (ATMs) with the Visa Plus logo, and perform online and offline payments internationally.

A fee of RM1.40 will be charged for local ATM withdrawals and RM15 for overseas ATM withdrawals.

Users can apply for the Visa prepaid card through the company’s ewallet app by tapping on the Visa logo on the homepage.

They will be provided with a virtual card upon successful application, which the company said can be used immediately for online transactions.

Details for online payments can be found on the card dashboard in the ewallet app.

The one-time application fee is RM10. For every card applied, the company will channel RM2 to United Voice, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting self-advocacy for people with learning disabilities.

Its FAQ listed the card’s annual fee as RM8.


RFID payment at 62 toll plazas from Jan 1

                KUALA LUMPUR: Beginning Jan 1, motorists of class one vehicles can pay toll at 62 toll plazas on 24 highways using radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology.

The highways include North-South Expressway (Bangunan Sultan Iskandar toll plaza, Johor Baru; Kempas and Senai, Johor; and Jitra, Kedah); KESAS Expressway; Kajang SILK Highway; and Butterworth Ring Road.

The Works Ministry said in a statement this was a move towards the multi-lane free-flow system along the highways to improve the quality of toll payment service in the future.

 An RFID fitment centre located on the same premises as Giant hypermarket in Kelana Jaya, Petaling Jaya.

“The RFID test run at selected toll plazas since 2018 had received positive response with RFID users exceeding 830,000,” the ministry said.

RFID is expected to enable smoother traffic flow at toll plazas as motorists no longer have to stop to touch their card on the “reader” and there is no extra cost as no battery is used.

The RFID system uses a sticker which is connected to the Touch ‘n Go e-wallet, allowing motorists to top up the value online without having to go to a customer service centre or a top-up centre.

For further information on RFID, check out https://rfid.touchngo.com.my.


Hackers aiming to unlock BMW's seat heating subscription

                MUNICH: BMW has only just started offering an online subscription for seat heating and already hackers have announced plans to help owners unlock the feature, which only works when paid for through BMW's software.

BMW is testing a paid subscription for heated seats and a heated steering wheel, one of a growing number of software-enabled functions which are already built into cars at the factory, but which only work as part of a paid subscription.

High beam assist, which automatically dims the headlamps in oncoming traffic, is also available for monthly or annual payments. Another option is an artificial noise generator for electric vehicles.

Car owners in BMW's home market in Europe pay €17 a month (RM78) to activate seat heating, while "lifetime" use costs €385 (RM1,749).

But now the coding company Bimmer Tech says it wants to let owners activate the subscription-based seat heating for newer BMW models such as the X1 and 2 Series Active Tourer without a subscription.

The hackers' aim is also to help users who buy a pre-owned car for which the previous owner bought the feature. Firms like Bimmer Tech have been offering their services for years in various forums like Ebay and Etsy.

In-car subscription services have been around for some 10 years but the recent move by BMW to charge customers for warm seats in winter has not gone down well.

"We always listen to our customers and look for ways to offer the features they want. As long as BMW allows seat heaters to be enabled, we may consider it," Bimmer Tech's Paul Smith told Vice magazine.

Experts said hacking the BMW features could prove to be challenging. In order to use them, the owner must log into their BMW ID when starting the vehicle or else unlock it with the correctly coded vehicle key.

The software subscriptions are a way for automakers to generate income in the lucrative aftersales area, and premium brands Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Porsche all offer such features on demand.


New Renault Arkana SUV hits UK in 2021

                LONDON: Renault is continuing to expand its model range with the all-new Arkana SUV set to go on sale across the UK and Europe from 2021.

The mid-sized compact SUV offers a standout exterior design with a strong coupé silhouette, increased refinement, along with the latest in advanced hybrid technology and connectivity.

Combining SUV proportions with the sloping roofline of a coupé, the Arkana delivers space and practicality for the whole family in a package only slightly longer than the new Megane Hatchback.

The new model will be built on the Alliance’s CMF-B modular platform which underpins the all-new Clio and all-new Captur, bolstering Renault’s existing SUV line-up, which currently consists of the Captur and Kadjar.

The cabin of the Arkana features the latest interior finishes and design touches to ensure a premium feel and finish as well as exceptional comfort for all occupants.

This is combined with one of the largest digital displays in its segment thanks to two screens, as well as advanced connectivity systems which deliver seamless convenience and minimal distraction for the driver.

The Arkana will be available with a selection of electrified powertrains featuring hybrid technology which ensures refined and efficient performance.

The new SUV model will feature Renault’s latest full hybrid E-TECH technology while mild-hybrid technology will be offered with the 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged direct injection TCe petrol engine.

The 1.3-litre TCe 140 petrol engine produces 260Nm of torque from 1,600rpm.

The Arkana will be available to order in the UK from July 2021, with first customer deliveries expected in September 2021.


Suzuki and SkyDrive sign deal to develop and market 'flying cars'

                TOKYO: Suzuki Motor Corp and 'flying car' firm SkyDrive Inc said today they have signed a deal to team up in research, development and marketing of electric, vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.

In a joint statement, the two companies said they will also work to open up new markets with an initial focus on India, where Suzuki has a roughly half share of the auto market.

Suzuki announced on Sunday it plans to invest 104.4 billion rupees (RM5.8bil) in its India factory to produce electric vehicles and batteries.

The companies didn't disclose details of investments in their partnership, nor outline any production timetable or target.

Founded in 2018, Tokyo-headquartered SkyDrive counts big Japan businesses like trading house Itochu Corp, tech firm NEC Corp and a unit of energy company Eneos Holdings Inc among its main shareholders. In 2020 it raised 5.1 billion yen (RM177mil) in total in Series B funds, according to its website.

SkyDrive is involved in the development of a compact, two-seating electric-powered flying car with plans for full-scale production. The statement did not say whether Suzuki would be working on this specific vehicle.

The company, which is also developing cargo drones, aims to launch a "flying car" service in Osaka in 2025 when the Japanese city hosts the World Expo.

For Suzuki, the partnership will add "flying cars" as a fourth mobility business, in addition to automobiles, motorcycles and outboard motors, the statement said.


Mercedes-Benz A-Class Urban Hunting Activity edition arrives at RM205,888

                KUALA LUMPUR: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has launched a limited edition A 200 in Urban line with Night Package, targeting chic and fashionable trendsetters.

Limited to only 30 units in Malaysia, this A 200 Urban Hunting Activity Edition is priced at RM205,888 on-the-road without insurance.

With a three-year Agility Financing agreement offered by Mercedes-Benz Financial, buyers pay only RM3,441 per month (based on private registration in Peninsular Malaysia, 10 per cent downpayment, 36 months tenure and 20,000km mileage per annum).

Agility Financing offers three options to choose from at the end of the finance agreement, including returning the car or paying off the residual value amount or refinancing the residual value amount.

It still has a 1.6-litre engine producing 156hp at 5,300rpm and 250Nm of torque from 1,250 to 4,000rpm which is mated to a 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission.

The A 200 Urban Hunting Activity Edition celebrates the art and music culture that defines the vibrant city life in Malaysia.

"The Urban Hunting movement is inspired by Mercedes-Benz's compact car that has been revolutionising the premium compact car segment in the industry. Limited to only 30 units, this Urban Hunting Activity Edition is designed to celebrate the culture and diversity of our modern day customers," says Mark Raine, vice president (sales and marketing passenger cars) of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.

The A 200 Urban Hunting Activity Edition features a wing badge with ACTIVITY EDITION lettering, matt black decals on the vehicle sides and 18-inch 10-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in black with high-sheen finish.

The Night package include selected design features in black - from the wheels and exterior mirrors through to the beltline trim strip.

Interior appointments include Artico man-made leather covering the dashboard, door centre panels and sports seats.

Contrasting topstitching and design features in silver chrome also contribute to the exclusive look.

Other highlights include a special Urban Hunting ACTIVITY EDITION badge on the centre console.

The instrument cluster underscores the stylishly sporty character with its tubed-shaped round dials in chequered-flag look and red needles.

Buyers can choose from five different colours including cirrus white, jupiter red, polar silver, elbaite green and cavansite blue.

The kit here includes a lowered comfort suspension, Pre-Safe and Active Brake Assist, Parking Pilot, reverse camera, Attention Assist, powered front seats with memory function, 4-way lumbar support and rain sensing wipers.


Handsome Jag E-Type lay dormant for 50 years — now up for auction

                LONDON: An example of one of the most handsome sports cars ever made is poised to step back into the limelight after laying dormant in a British barn for nearly five decades.

The 1965 fixed-head Jaguar E-Type in blue with contrasting grey was found under a thick layer of dirt and cobwebs and surrounded by junk after being parked up for minor repairs sometime between 1973 and 1974.

It seems the owner in England's eastern county of Suffolk never got around to fixing the car, according to British auction house H&H Classics which is offering the forgotten Jag for sale next month.

With 128,186km on the odometer, the E-Type still has plenty of life in it. The car is a rare Series 1 version with the original 4.2-litre engine. Similar Jags in perfect condition sell for around US$135,000.

On the Jaguar E-Type's release in 1961, Enzo Ferrari called it "the most beautiful car ever made."


Believe it! This Rolls-Royce Ghost is painted with diamonds

                LONDON: Rolls-Royce will be promoting its bespoke services at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. And what better way to do that than to show off a car that it is painted with diamonds.

The Rolls-Royce Ghost Elegance is the first luxury car to be finished in a paint created from diamonds. Rolls-Royce workers crushed 1,000 diamonds to create the exclusive paint. Named "Diamond Stardust", this is the most luxurious and lustrous exterior ever seen on a car, and the most expensive paint to be sprayed onto a Rolls-Royce.

 Diamonds in the mix.

This process saw the diamonds go through extensive testing to ensure their radiance when used in a paint. The diamond powder mixed into the paint are undetectable to the touch.

A new and unique paint process was developed, including the application of an extra final layer of lacquer to protect the diamond particles during the hand-polishing process. This process added an extra two days of paint application by hand and a further day of finishing.

The flanks of the car are accented with Mugello Red and Black twin coachlines. To enhance the exterior further, the centre of the 21 inch wheels are hand-painted with a Mugello Red pinstripe.

The chauffeur’s "cockpit" features black leather seats with accents of Mugello Red stitching on the doors, and piping on the seats. The colour black is continued in the lustrous carpet and lambswool footmats. The detailed fascia of smooth open pore Tudor Oak veneer is also complemented with a Mugello Red single stitch along the top of the dashboard, and finished with a Bespoke clock.

Adorning the rear seats, the lounge seat is contoured with Selby Grey soft leather and also accompanied with Mugello Red stitching and piping. The inner pockets of the rear doors are lined with a favourite material of the owner; a Grey, Black and Red Tartan.

The customer who ordered the Ghost Elegance agreed to let it be displayed at the Rolls-Royce booth.

 Making a fashion statement.

Other than this amazing paintwork feat that only money can buy, Rolls-Royce will be holding its own fashion show as well as art installation to spice up its list of show activities.

It will also show off a "Black Badge" Wraith, a higher performance car that adds more torque, a new air suspension setup and numerous upgraded parts.

 A darker Wraith for the younger set .


Aquaplaning: How to spot the risk and react when driving

                BERLIN: Aquaplaning occurs when a large amount of water gets between the vehicle's tyres and the road, therefore preventing the grooves on the tyres from being able to effectively divert the water away.

The effect results in the driver being unable to control the vehicle or slow down.

Motorcyclists need to be particularly aware of aquaplaning on wet streets. Generally, the safest thing in colder, wetter conditions is to ease your foot off the pedal and ride at a slower pace than you would on a dry, hot day.

As a general rule, bikers should keep an eye on the cars ahead to see if deep or wide puddles are coming up.

The narrow tyres on motorbikes are actually less likely to get into trouble with aquaplaning than the bigger car tyres. But, the consequences can be far more serious if a biker loses control.


Ford guns for China's app addicts, seeks WeChat tie-up

                BEIJING: Ford wants Tencent Holdings Ltd to tailor its popular chatting app for the firm's cars in China, as automakers in the world's largest market vie for drivers that care about high-tech features as much as engine size.

Rivals including Daimler and Nissan Motor Co Ltd are also looking at ways to give drivers safe, hands-free access to mobile apps in China, home to the world's largest number of smartphone users. WeChat is China's most prevalent chatting app, with about half a billion active monthly users.

"There's a demand from our customers," said David Huang, a senior engineer who heads Ford's Asia Pacific connected services unit.

"People want to stay connected, stay informed and stay entertained all the time, even when they're driving."

Ford is in talks with Tencent over the business aspects of putting the app in its cars, Huang said. Tencent declined to comment.

Cars are becoming a key battleground for technology industry giants, including Google Inc and Apple Inc, as they seek to develop a market where drivers will be online while on the road.

China could be on the front line of that battle as predominantly first-time car buyers in the country are also early adopters who understand more about technology than engine specifications.

Huang said Ford envisages drivers syncing their phone to the car's software system and controlling specific WeChat functions, chosen by Tencent and then certified by Ford as safe, through voice commands or limited use of buttons.

Making WeChat and other apps convenient, safe and legal to use while driving could help automakers gain market share in China, especially as auto sales growth eases in a slowing economy.

Yale Zhang, managing director of Shanghai-based consultancy Automotive Foresight, said connectivity was a key deciding factor for Chinese customers buying a car.

"Those kind of things are the fundamental things people will consider," he added.

Many Chinese use WeChat's free voice messaging feature instead of phone calls, holding up their smartphones like a walkie-talkie as they speak, tap and listen to replies.

They often do that while they are driving, breaking a 2004 traffic law that bans any behaviour that hinders safe driving.

"In a car, if you had software that can sync with your WeChat, that would be very useful," said Mao Yanan, a Beijing resident who admits to holding her phone to use the app while driving.

Other automakers are also eyeing apps and online services.

In August, General Motors Co and Tencent launched a platform for GM owners to use WeChat to find a nearby dealership or send the location of their car to a friend.

Nissan wants the app in its cars at some point, a spokesman said.

Daimler, which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand popular in China, is also researching how to include apps and services from Tencent and rivals Baidu Inc and Alibaba Group Holding in its cars, the company's China head Hubertus Troska said.

"The race is on, very clearly," Troska told reporters in Beijing last week.


Jaguar F-Pace: 300 Sport and Chequered Flag Special Editions

                WHITLEY: Jaguar has announced two distinctive special edition models for its award-winning F-PACE; the performance-focused 300 SPORT and the feature-packed Chequered Flag.

They further enhance the World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year award-winning F-PACE range, which offers the unrivalled dynamics and everyday versatility customers expect from a Jaguar performance SUV.

Updates to the entire F-PACE range also include the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment, while improvements to efficiency have seen CO2 emissions reduced by as much as 8g/km.

300 SPORT Special Edition

The 300 SPORT comes with a choice of two 300PS AWD engine options; the 2.0-litre Ingenium petrol and 3.0-litre V6 diesel.

The former has 400Nm of torque and can accelerate from 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds (0-60mph in 5.8 seconds) on its way to a top speed of 145mph, while the latter offers 700Nm torque and can accelerate from 0-62mph in 6.4 seconds (0-60mph in 6.2 seconds) and is capable of 150mph.

The 300 SPORT is identified by 22” Grey alloy wheels and distinctive Dark Satin Grey exterior detailing. Starting with the front grille surround, this extends to the side window surrounds, side vents, mirror caps and door finishers, as well as the rear valance. With 300 SPORT badges on the front grille and rear tailgate, it is available exclusively in Yulong White, Indus Silver and Santorini Black.

Step inside and the yellow contrast stitching on the instrument panel, centre console and leather seats provide a unique feel to the interior. The 300 SPORT logo is badged on the treadplates, carpet mats and steering wheel and is also embossed on the front headrests.

Comfort and convenience features include Touch Pro Navigation with Connect Pro that enables the driver to control essential features remotely. Jaguar’s 12.3-inch Interactive Driver Display provides a customisable and intuitive driver interface. A Meridian sound system, panoramic roof and 14-way heated electric front seats with memory also form part of the standard specification.

Chequered Flag Special Edition

The Chequered Flag is based on the R-Sport model and comes with a distinctive exterior that includes a sport front bumper and striking Gloss Black detailing on the front grille, door cladding, side vents, and roof rails.

20” Gloss Black alloy wheels are standard, but customers can option all the way up to 22” alloy wheels for even more striking looks. The Chequered Flag is available in Yulong White, Santorini Black and in the newly introduced colour, Eiger Grey.

Inside, the cabin has a seamless blend of luxurious materials and crafted finishes, with features including leather trim, meshed aluminium detailing and Chequered Flag treadplates.

Occupants also benefit from a range of features such as 10-way electric front seats, Panoramic roof, Touch Pro Navigation, Meridian Sound System, reconfigurable 12.3-inch Interactive Driver Display and the Touch Pro infotainment system as standard.

A range of 2.0-litre AWD powertrains are available with the Chequered Flag, beginning with the more performance-focused 250PS 2.0-litre AWD Ingenium petrol, which powers the F-PACE from 0-62mph in 7.0 seconds (0-60mph in 6.6 seconds) and to a top speed of 135mph. Diesel powertrains are available in 240PS and 180PS form, with the latter providing up to 6.7l/100km.


Japanese startup invents smart motorcycle helmet with 360-degree vision

                TOKYO: The Japanese startup Borderless presents the CrossHelmet X1, a revolutionary motorcycle helmet offering riders 360-degree visibility, noise cancellation and smartphone connectivity. It is currently available to pre-order via the Indiegogo crowdfunding website.

This smart motorcycle helmet has a wide-angle camera at the back and a built-in head-up display so the rider can see what's going on behind them without any blind spots. With this 360-degree view, the rider no longer has to turn around or make large head movements to maneuver. They can, instead, stay concentrated on the road ahead while keeping a careful eye on what's going on behind them.

The CrossHelmet X1 also has a noise control system, via the accompanying mobile app, to reduce noise from the surrounding environment (engine, wind, etc.).

Finally, it can connect to smartphones over Bluetooth, allowing riders to use voice commands via Google Assistant or Siri, whether for making calls, managing navigation or listening to music.

The helmet also features safety LEDs on either side to improve visibility at night.

The CrossHelmet X1 is available to preorder on Indiegogo for US$1,599 (RM6,680), with estimated delivery slated for June 2019, and should then go on sale priced US$1,799 (RM7,516). It can also be ordered with various accessories (visors, jackets, gloves).

READ MORE: Skully smart helmet reborn under Skully Technologies


Porsche beefs up for 2017

                STUTTGART: German sportscar maker Porsche is giving a host of 911 models a very hefty 30hp boost for the new model year.

It means that from this spring, when ordering a 911 S — be it a two- or four-wheel-drive Carrera or a Targa S — if you decide to put a tick in the Porsche Exclusive Kit option box, the car's output will be raised from its current 420hp to 450hp. That increase might not sound so big, but it will make your new 911 as powerful as the current GTS model.

When Porsche finally added turbochargers to the flat-six engine at the very rear of the standard 911 in September 2015, a number of purists (many of whom were still complaining about the adoption of water-cooled engine blocks back in 1998) were up in arms.

Turbo-charging can mean a lag between dropping the accelerator pedal and the scenery going from static to a blur as the turbines can't start spinning and forcing air into the engine until exhaust gasses have started leaving the already-running engine.

However, it is an incredibly effective way of significantly upping power without burning more fuel or increasing the engine's cubic capacity. And, crucially in the case of this latest update, if the engine wasn't already turbocharged, Porsche wouldn't be able to offer this new power increase.

The upgrade will cost €10,139 (around RM49,000) but as well as adding slightly larger turbos, the kit gives the car all of the elements usually found in the Sports Chrono Package — dynamic engine mounts, an improved exhaust system and better brake cooling so that drivers really can use this extra boost.

And, even with this extra outlay, the resulting car will still be several thousand euros cheaper than an equally potent 911 GTS.

But perhaps the best thing about the new kit is that from this June, anyone who already has a 911 S model built within the last 18 months can take their car back to Porsche and have the kit retrofitted as an ex-factory option.


Porsche Cayenne Coupe to get hybrid variant soon

                STUTTGART: Porsche has confirmed that a hybrid version of the 2020 Cayenne Coupe is on its way.

In March, Porsche announced that the Cayenne will be getting a Coupe treatment for the 2020 model year following in the footsteps of its SUV-manufacturing competitors like BMW and Mercedes Benz.

Three combustion-engine variants — a base model, S version, and Turbo version — of the model are slated to launch later this year; a company executive last week revealed that the coupe will also be available as a plug-in hybrid called the Cayenne Coupe E-Hybrid.

The source only confirmed that, "You can expect a hybrid version;" they did not reveal when it would launch, but it's likely that the E-Hybrid will be available after the petrol-powered versions hit the market.

As a hybrid version of the standard Cayenne already exists, we can assume that the coupe iteration will be equipped with the same turbocharged V6 engine paired with a 14.1 kWh lithium-ion battery.

The Cayenne E-Hybrid has a starting price of US$79,900 and, generally speaking, the respective coupe version of each Cayenne trim is priced between about US$5,000 to US$10,000 more; the price of the upcoming Cayenne Coupe E-Hybrid will probably come in between US$85,000 and US$90,000.


UMW Toyota Motor en route to year-end target despite a slower April

                SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) is confident in its overall performance, projecting a positive increase of 9% in year-to-date sales registered for April 2023 compared to April 2022, despite a modest 3% decrease in month-over-month sales in April 2022.

With a total sales of 6,681 Toyota and 86 Lexus new vehicles sold, it remains on course to achieving its mid-year target even with the shorter operating month in April 2023.

UMWT president Datuk Ravindran K said the company had also seen a promising response to its new models launched in quarter one of 2023, particularly the all-new Toyota Vios.

“We expect this to contribute to our continued growth throughout the year,” he said.

He also gave an assurance that the safety and quality standards of the new Vios are in accordance with all safety regulations and there is no compromise to the quality of the vehicle.

“The safety of our customers and our vehicles are always our top priority,” he said.

 All-new Vios.

In addition to its new models, UMWT announced two upcoming brand initiatives which continue to solidify the Gazoo Racing brand’s presence in Malaysia.

The Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival Season 6 Race 2 will take place on June 3 and 4, which is a one-make racing series featuring the Vios whereby the talent and skills of Malaysian elite professional racers, rising stars, and a line-up of new popular celebrities are put to the test.

The Toyota Gazoo Racing GT Cup on the other hand is a simulator racing challenge that is in its sixth year.

It was first organised in 2018 and has today established itself as the most lucrative online racing series in Malaysia.

On average, more than 1,000 online and simulator racers sign up to compete in the championship which offers a total prize money purse of RM90,000.

 GR Vios Challenge.

The event has also successfully attracted more than 3 million viewers and 40,000 spectators since 2018.

Online and simulator racing have become an important training ground for today’s new generation of racers.

Recognising this, UMWT has been at the forefront of embracing this worldwide phenomenon.

UMWT is the only vehicle manufacturer to be involved in E-sports racing in Malaysia and is directly invested in the promotion and development of young racing drivers via simulator racing.

The GR GT Cup is an important extension of Toyota’s mission to contribute to the growth of motorsports in Malaysia, particularly in the areas of developing a younger generation of talent.

Ahead of the 2023 championship, UMW Toyota Motor will be introducing the GR GT Cup Campus Tour which will make brief stopovers at universities and colleges to give undergraduates the chance to experience racing simulators.

 e-sport GR Supra.

The Tour will also seek to identify potential talent to compete in this year’s Championship.

Ravindran said the company was thrilled to be continuing these brand initiatives, which are reflective of its commitment to providing innovative and exciting experiences for customers.

“We believe these will not only showcase the capabilities of our vehicles but also help connect us with a wider audience of Toyota fans and enthusiasts,” said Ravindran.

For more information, visit toyota.com.my or call the Toyota freephone line at 1-800-8- TOYOTA (869682).


Ducati Malaysia vows to strengthen brand

                KUALA LUMPUR: Ducati Malaysia  has announced its commitment to bring in a complete product line-up, provide more merchandise and services related to the brand.

“For almost 17 years, we have been very proud to provide Malaysians a chance to not only own Ducati motorcycles but also the lifestyle that comes along with the premium brand," said Naza World Group of Companies group executive chairman Datuk Wira SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin.

He added that the company has organised many rides and activities in the past to help grow the brand, while expanding its dealer network.

Currently in the pipeline, the company intends to lower the cost of ownership, while maintaining the premium and exclusivity of the brand as well as after sales and service levels.

Greater emphasis will also be placed on expanding the dealer network to help ensure their profitability and will also introduce additional facilities and planned activities from the Italian bike maker.

“The partnership (with Next Bike) has been quite fruitful over the span of about 17 years together, and we're expecting a great 2018 with the new model year products”, said Ducati regional director (Asia) Marco Biondi.

Five new models will be introduced at the upcoming Ducati 2018 World Premiere this weekend, which will be streamed live globally and this includes the highly anticipated Panigale V4.


No change in August petrol prices, diesel up 10 sen

                PETALING JAYA: RON95 and RON97 petrol prices remain unchanged for August.

However, diesel has gone up 10 sen per litre. Diesel is now priced at RM1.70 per litre from RM1.60 per litre. The prices of RON97 is RM2.10 per litre while RON95 is at RM1.75 per litre.

The prices have been confirmed by Petron Petrol Dealers Association president Datuk Alang Zari Ishak when contacted by The Star.

The Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry decided to set the prices of petrol and diesel on a managed float system from Dec 1, 2014 following the removal of fuel subsidies.


Brits get expanded colour choices when buying BMW i8

LONDON: BMW i8 buyers in Britain are having it good as they will have a wider palette of colours to choose from.

BMW UK is extending its programme of exterior paint finishes for the £104,540 (RM624,000) i8 model with an extensive array of new colours. As part of the BMW Individual collection, customers will be able to choose from a multitude of paint finishes which complements the i8s styling and personal style of the customer.

The new colours include: Java Green, Speed Yellow, Solar Orange, Twilight Purple Pearl, Frozen Grey, Frozen Black, San Marino Blue and Grigio Telesto Pearl to name just a few.

A variety of finishes are available including non-metallic, metallic or Xirallic, which uses a mixture of synthetic mica or aluminium flakes to produce scintillating effects.

Even more striking is the matt finish of the frozen paintwork which has a unique shimmer, making the contours of the i8 even more striking and underlining the sculptural character of the vehicle. The addition of the new BMW Individual paint programme for the i8 follows the success of the early orders for the Protonic Red limited edition and is bespoke to Britain.

BMW has sold over 1,400 i8s sold in Britain since the launch in 2014.

The plug-in hybrid sports car boasts an output of 362hp and can also cover up to 37km in electric only mode. It also takes BMW’s EfficientDynamics philosophy to a new high, posting emissions of 49g/km and a combined consumption figure of 2.1 l/100km.

The i8 BMW Individual Exterior Paint Programme is available with immediate effect priced from £5,495 (RM33,000).


Five surprising jobs in the auto industry

                Making a new car is usually associated with professionals such as designers, engineers or assembly line workers. However, vehicle manufacturing also involves several curious professions that require a high degree of craftsmanship, creativity and precision. The following five are a few examples of these:

1. The first driver
Two million kilometres per year. This is the distance covered by the team of expert drivers to test all the cars that leave a car plant in a single year. These professionals closely study the performance of the vehicles as soon as they come off the assembly line, testing them at different speeds on different types of pavement, including cobblestones and uneven surfaces to ensure they do not make any unpleasant noise. During the process they also test that horns, lights and brakes function correctly.

2. The clay sculptor
These sculptors handcraft clay into life-sized cars that even weigh the same as a real vehicle. This requires 2,500 kilos of clay and up to 10,000 hours of patient scraping to elaborate a single clay model, which will fully display a car’s silhouette before locking in its design.

3. The car tailor
They hand sew the vehicle upholstery patterns, coming up with the best combination of colours and fabrics and hides to suit the personality of each car. These expert tailors need more than 30 metres of seams to fully upholster an entire car, and their creations are crafted two years in advance.

4. The seat tester
This profession consists in shaping the ideal seat. Testers and their teams also have to perform up to 20,000 folding operations for each different type of seat. The study is exhaustive: they have to find the right foams, fabrics, structure or stitching that will adapt to different body types and external conditions. They also ensure the correct design of headrests to prevent possible neck injuries.

5. Car sommeliers
Their most important work instrument is their nose to achieve the ultimate goal: the famous “new car smell”. This team of chemists performs more than 400 smell tests every year, exposing cars to temperatures of 60 ºC. This profession also places some curious demands on them: they cannot smoke or wear perfume so as not to alter the outcome of test results.


More than 4,000 cars from Singapore in first 16 hours after border reopened

Vehicles forming a long queue to enter the Woodlands Checkpoint in Singapore today, before crossing the Causeway into Johor. — AFP
JOHOR BARU: More than 4,000 Singapore-registered cars have crossed the Causeway and Second Link in the first 16 hours since land checkpoints were reopened, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

The Transport Minister said that from midnight until 4pm today, a total of 2,835 Singapore-registered cars entered Malaysia through the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex (CIQ).

“At the same time, some 1,600 Singapore-registered vehicles travelled into the country through the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB),” he added.

Dr Wee, who is also MCA president and Ayer Hitam MP, said this in a press conference after visiting BSI here today.

He added that the number of Singapore-registered vehicles entering Johor via the two checkpoints is expected to increase over the weekend.

Dr Wee said traffic entering Malaysia was smooth following the government’s move to waive the RM20 road charge on Singapore-registered private vehicles until April 7.

He also said that some 6,432 travellers have entered the country on international flights at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) while another 10,881 travellers have left Malaysia.

“At KLIA2, the number of travellers arriving in the country stands at 1,296 individuals with 2,394 departures,” he added.

Meanwhile, Dr Wee said stage bus services between Malaysia and Singapore are expected to be fully operational to pre-pandemic levels by May 1.

He added that presently, only 24 buses used for Land Vaccinated Travel Lane (Land-VTL) and six shuttle buses are allowed to cross the Causeway to ferry travellers.

Dr Wee said that the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) was presently discussing the number of stage buses with Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA).

“The number of stage buses for travellers travelling between Malaysia and Singapore is expected to be finalised in two weeks.

“The number of stage buses agreed from Malaysia and Singapore will be the same figure for both sides,” he said, adding that the VTL scheme would continue presently as many people have bought the tickets for it.


Perodua expects even better sales in 2016

                KUALA LUMPUR: Perodua achieved a milestone in 2015 with over 213,300 vehicles sold, backed by the strong demand for its Axia, Myvi and Alza models.

In a statement on Tuesday, Perodua said it aimed to sell 216,000 sales in 2016.

Its president, Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh, said consumers had decided to buy a more affordable alternative such as the Axia, which accounted for 99,700 units, or 46.7 per cent, of Perodua's entire sales for 2015.

READ ALSO: Perodua Axia tested

"Based on our estimation of the total industry volume of 667,000 in 2015, we believe that our market share is around 32 per cent and we would be able to maintain that (market share) level of 32 per cent this year with a sales target of 216,000," he said.

Aminar said Perodua expected the demand momentum for its models to grow this year driven by strong sales and marketing efforts as well as further improving its customer experience through all its sales and service network.


S. Korea accounts for one-third of global EV battery market in H1

                SEOUL: Three South Korean electric vehicle (EV) battery makers accounted for a third of the global market in the first half of the year, but they are facing toughening competition with Chinese rivals, Yonhap news agency quoted a market research today.

The trio — LG Energy Solution Ltd, Samsung SDI Co and SK Innovation Co — accounted for 34.9 per cent of the global EV battery market in the first six months of this year, slightly up from 34.5 per cent a year ago, according to the data from SNE Research.

LG Energy Solution, which supplies batteries for EV models by Tesla, Volkswagen and Ford, stayed in second place with a 24.5 per cent market share over the period, following China's CATL with 29.9 per cent.

Two other Korean makers — Samsung SDI Co and SK Innovation Co —came in fifth and sixth, respectively, with a razor-thin margin.

Their sales of EV batteries sharply rose in line with solid demand for battery-powered vehicles by major automakers, but they are facing intensifying competition with Chinese manufacturers that have expanded their presence on their home turf, the world's top EV market.

"Global competition is intensifying as the Chinese EV market is expanding and Chinese manufacturers are making aggressive forays into the European market," SNE Research said in a report.

"The Korean trio needs to realign their market strategy and enhance battery technologies."


Volkswagen replaces Herbert Diess as CEO of VW brand

Brandstaetter would take over as VW CEO on July 1.
BERLIN: Volkswagen replaced Herbert Diess as chief executive of the VW brand on Monday and installed chief operating officer Ralf Brandstaetter to lead cost cutting efforts at the company’s largest plants in Germany.

The management reshuffle comes after weeks of squabbling between Volkswagen’s powerful labour leaders and managers over the pace and scale of cost cutting plans to free up resources for a radical shift towards electric cars.

Volkswagen said Brandstaetter would take over on July 1 to give Diess, who remains group chief executive, more leeway to run the rest of the company, which includes brands such as Audi, Bentley, Skoda, Lamborghini and Porsche.

“Ralf Brandstaetter is one of the company’s most experienced managers,” Diess said in a statement. “I am therefore very pleased that Ralf Brandstaetter will be forging ahead with the development of the brand as CEO.”

 Diess remains group chief executive and the reshuffle give him more leeway to run the rest of the company.

Volkswagen said Diess retained overall responsibility for Volkswagen passenger cars and that the management reshuffle would also result in the departure of procurement and components chief Stefan Sommer.

Sommer joined VW in 2018 and oversaw ambitious procurement plans, including the construction of large factories to power Volkswagen’s ambitious electrification shift as the carmaker encountered supply bottlenecks.

Earlier on Monday, sources said Volkswagen’s supervisory board was hosting an extraordinary meeting to discuss replacing Diess as CEO of the VW brand.

Diess is trying to get the company’s powerful labour leaders, who control nine of the 19 seats on the supervisory board, to agree to painful costs cuts.

The savings are designed to help pay for a €34 billion  (RM164bil) investment in electric and autonomous cars and 50 billion euros for EV battery procurement.

Diess also came under pressure after Volkswagen was forced to halt sales of its newest VW Golf model because of software glitches at a time when the company is preparing to mass produce VW’s ID.3 electric car.