KL-Karak, East Coast Expressway traffic to see firm recovery in 2022

                KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Rating Corporation Bhd (MARC) expects traffic flow along Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway (KL-Karak) and Phase 1 of East Coast Expressway (ECE1) to decline next year before staging a firm recovery in 2022.

The rating agency said on Tuesday under its sensitised scenario, it assumed a 30% and 20% decline in traffic for KL-Karak and ECE1 in FY2021 followed by a recovery to 90% of FY2020’s level in FY2022.

However, by FY2024, MARC expects a full recovery and a growth trend of 1%-2% onwards.

In the statement, MARC affirmed its AAIS rating on ANIH's RM2.5bil senior Sukuk Musharakah programme with a stable outlook. ANIH is the concessionaire of KL-Karak and ECE1 until 2032.

“The affirmed rating reflects ANIH’s healthy cash flow generation and adequate debt coverage, underpinned by stable traffic performance of KL-Karak and ECE1, ” it said.

MARC added the rating also benefits from the subordinate and equity-like features of ANIH’s RM620mil junior bonds, which should provide some cushion against operational underperformance.

“However, high gearing remains a key rating constraint for ANIH. The stable outlook on the rating reflects MARC’s expectation that ANIH will continue to demonstrate a commendable liquidity profile by maintaining healthy cash levels over the next 12-18 months, ” it said.

The rating agency took note of the impact of the Movement Control Order (MCO) following the fall-out from the Covid-19 pandemic and how it has reduced the traffic on the two highways.

“KL-Karak and ECE1’s traffic data over April-July 2020 reflected the impact of Covid-19. Traffic on KL-Karak and ECE1 fell 47.3% and 41.5% y-o-y during the period, but have rebounded strongly since May 2020 after measures to curb the spread of the virus were eased in the country; road travel has in fact returned to pre-coronavirus levels by July 2020.

“Notwithstanding some weaknesses in the last few months following the coronavirus crisis, traffic on the mature KL-Karak and ECE1 have been on a path of steady, albeit moderate, growth, ” it said.

Road traffic for the two highways have grown at a compound annual growth rate of 1%-2% over FY2015-FY2019 and MARC expects this to continue once Covid-19 is brought under control.

Assuming the decline in the traffic flow, MARC projects average finance service coverage ratio (FSCR) at 2.15 times with a minimum coverage of 1.93 times in FY2028.

“Our projections indicate that ANIH would be able to withstand a revenue decrease of 32% y-o-y in FY2021 and still meet the covenanted 1.75 times FSCR, ” it said.


Over the last 10 years, the steering wheel has become a focus of innovation

                INGOLSTADT: The steering wheel has evolved significantly since the creation of the automobile. Some car manufacturers are working at making it simpler and ultra-efficient.

One such example is Audi, which is now developing steering wheels equipped with touch screens and capacitive grip recognition technology that detects the pressure exerted by the driver's hands and acts accordingly.

While we await a fully self-driving car, the steering wheel remains a fundamental element when it comes to maneuvering a car along a road. In recent years, Audi has been investing time in this element, so much so that the most elaborate of all its steering wheels, the one in the Q4 e-tron, can control no less than 18 different functions, from communication to infotainment to driver comfort. It also comes in 16 different versions depending on the customization options chosen.

The design of such a sophisticated steering wheel requires several steps.

After determining the functions to be controlled from the steering wheel, it is necessary to adjust where to position them, both from a practical and design point of view. It's of course necessary to establish how each function will be activated: through a physical button/ feature or by touch control. Then, the finishes will depend on the model in question, its style and its unique attributes.

The German manufacturer's latest steering wheel is no exception to these rules. It must also meet very precise specifications — specifically be as compact as possible, so that any control can be operated with the thumb without interfering with the steering.

New technologies have also appeared in recent years, such as small touch screens or capacitive grip recognition. Small bumps form an outline between the haptic feedback touch screens to facilitate their use without the driver having to look down. As for capacitive grip recognition, it allows the car to know whether the driver is holding the wheel or not, even in the case of driver assistance.

In a semi-automatic driving episode, if the hands are not on the wheel for at least 15 seconds, a series of warnings (visual and audible) will be deployed.


Kumho Tire appoints new president/CEO

                SEOUL: Kumho Tire has appointed Il Taik Jung as its new president and CEO.

Having joined the company in 1988, Jung previously held a number of senior positions, including head of both the R&D Centre and Quality Division.

He has always emphasised that "R&D technology is the means by which future responsiveness in a competitive environment is best developed".

Kumho said Jung's appointment is expected to accelerate the company's drive towards an agile organisation culture that can quickly react to changing tyre markets and consumer needs.

Part of Jung's mission is to secure new revenue streams for future growth such as the development of smart and airless tyres.”

 The US plant.

In a related development, Kumho said it is investing US$305 million on the expansion of its Vietnamese plant, with the aim of doubling its capacity by 2023, by which time output should be at least 9.3 million tyres per annum.

The project would start in the third quarter of this year and run until the early part of 2023.

The company is also increasing the capacity of its North American facility in Macon, Georgia. The project is due for completion by the fourth quarter of 2022. By then, the US plant would be able to produce an extra 500,000 tyres a year.

Kumho currently operates eight plants around the world, with sites in its native Korea, China, the United States and Vietnam.


British survey reveals public's misconception of EVs

                LONDON: After two annual surveys in the United States both showed a high level of public mistrust of driverless vehicle technology, a new survey has just been published that shows an alarming level of public misconception when it comes to pure electric cars.

To give an idea of how many myths regarding EV technology persist, a massive 42 percent of respondents weren't even sure if an all-electric car could be put through a car wash.

The survey of 2,000 people was carried out in Britain by an organisation called Go Ultra Low, which is a first-of-its-kind collaborative campaign that's brought together a consortium made up of vehicle manufacturers, government and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The aim is to increase consideration and take up of electric vehicles by helping motorists understand the benefits, cost savings and capabilities of the increasing number of plug-in and hydrogen-powered vehicles now available.

As well as the car wash issue, the survey also revealed 52 percent of those asked thought they wouldn't be able to describe what a pure electric car is to someone else, while underestimating the performance of alternative fuel cars is also a common problem.

Almost half (47%) of those questioned still think a petrol or diesel car accelerates quicker than a pure electric, even though, in the majority of cases, the opposite is true.

It appears most people also have big misconceptions regarding the costs associated with owning and running a pure electric car.

Some 25 percent believe maintenance costs for an EV over its lifetime will be more than for a petrol or diesel car, when the truth is it can be as much as 70 percent lower for an EV.

And when it comes to recharging an EV, respondents estimated an average cost to fully recharge would be £21.45 (around RM115) when at home it would be as little as £3.64 (around RM20).

Most people underestimated how many different EVs are currently available to buy. The average estimate was 9, when in fact there are currently 17 on sale in Britain, and 42 percent thought there were fewer than 15,000 EVs on the road at present in the UK when in fact there are almost 40,000.

Speaking about the findings, the head of Go Ultra Low, Poppy Welch says: "The research shows that there is much confusion and misunderstanding with the British public when it comes to pure electric cars."

Over a quarter didn't even realise an electric car could be recharged with a charging point installed at home, so the survey shows there's a long way to go to make EVs mainstream.


2016 New York Auto Show: Expect lots of refreshes

                NEW YORK: At the Geneva Auto Show earlier this month, big luxury had its day.

Maserati showed its US$72,000 Levante SUV; Bentley debuted a stretch-limo version of its US$304,000 Mulsanne; Rolls-Royce gave us a blacked-out version of its US$296,000 Ghost. And that's not to mention the unveiling of the US$2.6 million Bugatti Chiron.

Next week in New York, luxury automakers are catching their breath. Which means many of them-McLaren, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bentley, Bugatti, Tesla, Fisker, and Cadillac-are skipping it altogether. (Tesla, for its part, will unveil the Model 3 on March 31.)

“I think most of the auto manufacturers are entering the show with a feeling of what I would call ‘hopeful trepidation,'” said Jack Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book.

“Sales results in the US so far this year have been positive, but there remains an aura of ‘When will the next shoe drop?’ Presidential election years are notoriously volatile.”

It still behooves many auto brands to show what they can in the world's most important car market, North America. Manufacturers know they can’t let products sit in the marketplace for more than a couple of years without at least giving consumers the impression that they've changed, so a key theme this year will be the “mid-cycle refresh.”

That's industry jargon for making a car look new by redoing the aesthetics on the front grill or side body lines without redesigning it from the ground up.

A perfect example of this is the 2017 Toyota Highlander, an important midsize SUV for Toyota that will get a new look on the front, plus additional features. (Toyota is focusing most of its efforts on a new Prius.)

Acura's MDX, the latest Buick Encore, and Lexus's RC-F and RX (wrapped in a graphic created by fashion designer Jeremy Scott) also fall into this mid-cycle category.

Mercedes will proffer a wide range of refreshes and updates, including the GLC Coupe, AMG GLC43, AMG E43, and newCLA sport sedan. The thinking here for Mercedes is to capitalise on volume and mass appeal in the premium market; it is certainly beating competitors BMW and Audi for sheer number of “new” things. Audi is even foregoing grand events and pre-hype announcements, having declined to say whether it will show anything brand new at its press conference next week.

Porsche, fresh off the installation of its new president for North America, Klaus Zellmer, will show a 718 Boxster and Boxster S, the racing-worthy 911R, and a new Macan that comes with a tiny four-cylinder engine. Expect Porsche purists to turn up their noses at that last one, which they take as an affront to Porsche's esteemed racing heritage and success.

As for more dramatic debuts, look for the biggest stories this year to come from opposite ends of the luxury spectrum.

On one side, Koenigsegg will be showing its new Regera, a US$2 million “Bugatti-killer” developed in Sweden to challenge the French marque as the most dominant automotive brand in the world. The car, which has never been seen before in the US, will reach 62 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds and hit 248 mph at top speed, according to Koenigsegg. The automaker will also show the pristine, white One:1 supercar in New York, too, although it showed the model at the Monterey show last year.

Aston Martin will show its stunning DB11, which we saw in Geneva (and at Bloomberg headquarters in Manhattan), which will turn heads at its official North American debut in New York. And Acura will show a new, reportedly racing-ready version of its NSX, which we got avideo of in Detroit.

Nissan, too, will show a high-end halo car, its 2017 GT-R. This is the latest update to the model Nissan made to compete against the likes of the Audi R8, BMW M6, Chevrolet Corvette, and Porsche 911.

Along with the excellent M760i, BMW will show its new Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo, an ultra-exclusive sedan that will hit 62 mph in 3.7 seconds and has a top speed of 193mph. It has a spectacular 4.4-liter V8 bi-turbo engine and 608 horsepower, plus unique 21-inch rims, famous “Alpina Deco-Set” stripes, and Alpina signature front and rear spoilers. Consider it the perfect piece to celebrate 100 years of BMW this year. (BMW will not show the futuristic new Vision Next Concept, although that car will be on display in Los Angeles later this year.)

 Camaro ZL1.

Chevrolet will unveil the 2017 Camaro ZL1, a 2+2 performance coupe expected to cost around US$65,000, more than US$30,000 more than the “regular” Camaro. It will have a new supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine that gets 640 horsepower and 640 pound-feet of torque. (That's 60 horsepower more than the 2015 version-and there has been no change to the car since then). The car will have a standard six-speed manual transmission or, as a new option, a 10-speed automatic transmission. It hits dealerships later this year, when it will become a massive attraction for Chevy lovers nationwide.

Elsewhere, Ford's premium brand Lincoln will reportedly show an all-new Navigator. The SUV is important because it will replace the stop-gap “face-lift" model that Ford uses to compete against the Cadillac Escalade, Lexus LX, and Infiniti QX80. Buick, meanwhile, has said that 60 percent of all of its sales are of SUVs, so it will renew its fleet with the 2017 Envision, a four-cylinder, Chinese-made crossover.

Land Rover will show new premium SUVs as well. Next year's versions of the Land Rover Range Rover, Range Rover Sport Diesel & SVR, LR4, and Range Rover Evoque Convertible will all be on display.

These will provide ample competition for the Levante, which Maserati will show next week in New York for the first time in North America. That's the one that has a standard 430hp, twin- turbo V6 engine, eight-speed transmission, and all-wheel drive. It will hit 100kph in 5.2 seconds.

Jaguar will show its new SUV, the F-Pace, even though it already showed it stateside. Jag will have its new, much- improved-over-previous-years full lineup (F-Type, XF, XE, XJ, F- Pace, and F-Type SVR) at the show, too, even though the big rig will demand the most attention.

Even MINI is adhering to the SUV trend, showing a new Clubman ALL4, a full four-door wagon-sized car with all-wheel drive. MINI has developed it to help grab some share of the still-burgeoning global market for small luxury SUVs.

MINI will also show a new convertible from John Cooper Works. (BMW will not show the promised i8 Roadster, but you should expect to see it later this year.)

Buick will show a 2017 Cascada soft-top convertible that has four seats and a small 200-horsepower, four-cylinder engine. It is meant to appeal to the younger buyers Buick so desperately needs. And Mercedes will show a 2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet that comes with AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive and will be available in U.S. dealerships this fall.

They’re all refreshes, sure. But they’re primed just in time for fair-weather drivers to spend some cash.

The New York International Auto Show is open to the public March 25-April 3. Press days begin March 22. Check back then for more news on all the debuts.


Introducing the Jannarelly Design1 sports car

                DUBAI: Anthony Jannarelly, designer of the W Motors Supercars and Frederic Juillot, owner of Equation Composite, a company specialized in carbon fiber parts, announced that they have combined their skills and talent to create a new sports car called the Jannarelly Design1.

Both passionate and owners of a Caterham and a Donkervoort respectively, they show a great admiration for classic car design with timeless lines as well as the essence of the 60’s motoring era.

The new brand, centered on automotive emotions is all about self-expression and creativity. Its whole purpose is to allow a great freedom in selfcustomization and pure performance.

The first model takes inspiration from the universe of Petrolicious, Jay Leno's garage and Magnus Walker.

The pair began with a straightforward concept: A really simple and mechanical car with stateoftheart components, that can be customized until it reflects its owner, in a pure outlaw spirit similar to the projects created by Porsche fans.

Speaking of which, Ferdinand Porsche’s famous quote “I couldn’t find the sports car of my dreams so I built it myself” couldn’t be more apt for the duo.

Both the Jannarelly's lines and its simple and flexible mechanical approach pay a reverential tribute to the golden age of the sports car, when design and technology were in perfect sync, generating organic, feminine lines, naturally modelled.

“The Jannarelly is a tribute to the golden age of sports cars for today's drivers” Anthony said. “It was conceived to be the start of an emotional journey through the essence of motoring: the thrill of driving and the emotion of owning a beautiful object expressing their very own self with the same free spirit taken from the golden age of sports cars.”

The Jannarelly Design1 is a rear wheel drive 2seater roadster with a steel tubular frame and structural aluminium panels for the chassis. It is fitted with a midrear V6 DOHC 24valve engine.

Most of the body is made out of fiberglass and carbon fiber. A first series of 30 cars is expected to start delivering summer 2016 in accordance with the interest generated for the Jannarelly Design1.


Ferrari revamps leadership, three top managers to leave

                MILAN: Ferrari announced plans on Monday to shake up its leadership structure, in one of new boss Benedetto Vigna's first major moves, and said three top managers will leave the company.

Those who have decided to leave include chief technology officer Michael Leiters, the carmaker said.

The planned re-organisation, to be unveiled in detail on Jan 10, was consistent with Ferrari's "strategic goals of exclusivity, excellence and sustainability", it said.

Vigna, an industry veteran, took the CEO role at the beginning of September with a task to drive Ferrari into the new era of electrification.

The new management structure will "further foster innovation, optimise processes and increase collaboration both internally and with partners", the carmaker said.

Leiters, a German national who joined Ferrari in 2014, has helped develop Ferrari's recent most successful models, including the 2019's SF90 Stradale and this year's 296 GTB, the house's first two hybrid electric cars.

Other top managers leaving the company are chief manufacturing officer Vincenzo Regazzoni and chief brand diversification officer Nicola Boari, who oversaw Ferrari's push into luxury, with the unveiling in June of its first in-house fashion collection.

Key figures in the new organisational framework have been already identified through internal promotions and new hires, and will join the company starting from next month, Ferrari said.


VW explores flying cars in China

Volkswagen is studying whether it's feasible for it to jump into the space Lilium is trying to carve out.
HAMBURG: Volkswagen is conducting a feasibility study in China about flying cars, Europe’s biggest automaker said today, joining a growing number of companies looking into the potential technology.

“Beyond autonomous driving the concept of vertical mobility could be a next step to take our mobility approach into the future, especially in the technically affine Chinese market,” the German group said in a statement.

“Therefore we are investigating potential concepts and partners in a feasibility study to identify the possibility to industrialise this approach.”

In an interview here with Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess on Linkedin, the carmaker's China head Stephan Woellenstein said the company wanted to develop a drone that could be licensed, giving it a way to participate in this future market.

China is the world’s biggest autos market, and also accounts for the largest part of Volkswagen’s sales.

The news comes as companies from start-ups to other global carmakers are racing to develop commercial “robo-taxis”, hoping to cash in on a market Morgan Stanley says could be worth US$1.5 trillion by 2040.

In addition to big players such as Volkswagen and Airbus, groups including US-based Joby, Germany’s Lilium, and Volocopter, whose financial backers include Daimler and Intel, are pursuing such plans.

Munich-based Lilium said in November it would set up its first US hub near Orlando, putting more than 20 million Floridians within range of its winged electric aircraft that can take off vertically and cover 300km.


It's a wrap: Russian Batmobile towed away in plastic after city jaunt

The Batmobile replica was stopped by traffic police in Moscow as seen in this handout photo released by Interior Ministry of Russia on Feb 25. — Reuters
MOSCOW: A would-be Russian superhero returned to reality with a bump when police pulled him over as he drove a replica Batmobile through Moscow.

The vehicle was too wide for the city’s streets and had not been certified as roadworthy, a Moscow interior ministry spokesman said late on Tuesday.

Police said the 32-year-old driver, whom it did not name, would be charged with violating traffic laws.

The vehicle, which was stopped on Saturday in western Moscow, was towed away wrapped in tape and black plastic, footage released by police showed.

It appeared to be a copy of the Batmobile from “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”.

A life-size replica of the car from that film was put up for sale by its owner for 55 million roubles (RM3.5mil), according to online media outlet The Village. A second website that listed the vehicle, Auto.Ru, said it had been sold, without specifying the price or the buyer.


China and EVs offer automakers hope after a dire 2020

                LONDON: Sales of luxury cars in China and electric drives in Europe were the two bright spots for European automakers in a 2020 blighted by the Covid-19 pandemic, company updates showed on Tuesday.

China’s auto industry rebounded swiftly following its shutdown to tackle the Covid-19 outbreak, while in Europe manufacturers’ battle to meet tough new emissions targets helped electric vehicles (EVs) move from the margins to the mainstream.

Volkswagen, the world’s biggest carmaker, reported a drop in sales at its core VW brand of just over 15% against 2019.

While VW brand sales fell nearly 10% in China, Volkswagen’s luxury Audi brand had its best-ever fourth quarter and full-year sales in China rose 5.4%.

The VW brand also saw global sales of fully-electric cars jump 197% from 2019 to 134,000, although that still only represented 2.5% of the total.

“Year 2020 was a turning point for Volkswagen and marked a breakthrough in electric mobility,” said Ralf Brandstatter, head of the VW brand.

Rival BMW saw sales rise 3.2% in the fourth quarter and ended 2020 down 8.4%. But the carmaker, which also owns the Mini and Rolls-Royce brands, said sales were up 7.4% in China, its best performance since entering that market in 1994.

Meanwhile, Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz brand, which reported figures on Friday, remained the world’s top-selling luxury carmaker for the fourth year running. While global sales fell 7.5%, the premium brand saw sales in China increase 11.7%, including a 22% jump in the fourth quarter.

 Renault Captur plug-in hybrid.Electric avenue

The race is now on to develop EVs to meet emissions targets and challenge market leader Tesla.

The major carmakers need to produce large numbers of EVs to achieve economies of scale and make them profitably, and 2020 gave some hope they may be on course to achieve that.

EVs were the only good news in an otherwise bleak 2020 for France’s Renault, which underperformed the global and European car markets.

While Renault’s group sales fell more than 21%, its EV sales in Europe leapt more than 101%. The company confirmed it had met its 2020 EU emissions targets, thus avoiding fines.

Renault’s chief executive officer Luca de Meo will present a strategy update on Jan 14 that sources say will focus on reviving some older best-selling models as EVs.

BMW said global EV sales rose 31.8% versus 2019 and accounted for 15% of sales in Europe, “meaning electromobility is also a significant growth driver for the company in absolute terms.”

BMW also met its 2020 EU emissions targets.

The carmaker said that by 2023 it would almost double its line-up of electrified vehicles to 25 models, with more than half of them fully electric.


China's BYD to set up EV plant in Thailand

Photos show the Dolphin which will be the first BYD model to be launched in Thailand and the region.
BANGKOK: Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker BYD today announced it would set up a facility in Thailand to start producing 150,000 passenger cars a year from 2024.

BYD announced in a joint statement with Thai industrial developer WHA Group that a purchase agreement had been signed for 96 hectares of land in the eastern province of Rayong for the plant.

The 17.9 billion baht (RM2.2bil) project to produce EVs was approved by Thailand's Board of Investment last month.

Nikkei Asia reported that BYD would start selling its Dolphin model in Thailand by the end of this year, with other EV models to follow. BYD has appointed Rever Automotive Co. to be its  local distributor.

China's biggest manufacturer of EVs aims to sell 10,000 units in Thailand and export to South-East Asian and European countries.

Its factory in Thailand will be its latest among more than 30 others in the United States, Brazil, and India. In the past few months, BYD has said it would expand into new overseas markets such as Japan, Cambodia, Denmark, Germany and Israel.

Thailand is a regional autos production and export base for the world's top carmakers, including Toyota and Honda and has recently offered incentives including tax breaks and subsidies to attract EV makers.


England rugby star takes on Range Rover Evoque

                LONDON: There are all sorts of publicity stunts and viral videos around these days, but we all love those that pit man against beast or man against machine. But while one that did the rounds a while back was a cobbled together video of what it would be like if Usain Bolt was to race a Cheetah, at least Land Rover has actually got the two protagonists together in the same place for its latest effort. In this case, we see England, British and Irish Lions and Saracens Rugby Union star, Owen Farrell, taking on a Range Rover Evoque in an all-terrain bleep-test challenge.

If you're not familiar with a bleep test, it's a challenge that's generally regarded as one of the ultimate tests of fitness and stamina for any athlete. It's actually very simple, but it's also incredibly punishing. A bleep test is where a competitor runs repeatedly between two points, but each run has to be completed before the next bleep sounds. As time goes by, the gap between the beeps reduces at each new level and the winner is the one still going when the other has failed to reach the designated point in time.

Of course, Farrell was never going to beat the Evoque in this test of endurance unless he could keep going until the Range Rover ran out of fuel. But taking the second round onto the grass from the gravel surface used in the first instance was a good way of showcasing the off-road credentials of the Evoque.

Farrell, who was the inaugural winner of the Anthony Foley Memorial Trophy for the European player of the year, said of the test: "Every sportsman knows bleep tests are one of the toughest tests on the road to peak fitness because there is no hiding place. The bleep test was a great way to challenge myself because the Evoque was relentless."

Although the Evoque has proved to be a huge success for Jaguar Land Rover in markets all around the world, it's probably not unfair to say many of them will never be tested to anywhere near their potential off-road. The Range Rover Evoque may well be a compact luxury SUV, but it's still very much a Land Rover product and that means it can be just about as capable off-road as almost any other consumer vehicle in the world. But as this was the first Land Rover product to ever be offered with two-wheel drive, it's understandable that the manufacturer wants to keep reminding us of its capability in ways like this.


WATCH: Asean-made Peugeot SUVs

                PETALING JAYA: Peugeot posted up a video earlier this month about the local assembly of the 2008, 3008 and 5008 at the Stellantis plant in Gurun that was bought over from the Naza group.

Peugeot sees the Asean market as pivotal to its growth and has made the Gurun plant its hub for export to other Asean markets.

In the video, Peugeot regional product planner Aswi Bujang said the vehicles are subjected to harsh weather testing and road conditions specific to our region to ensure they pass with flying colours.

Field trials of the 2008 have exceeded 200,000km, while the 3008 and 5008 have been more rigorously tested to over 300,000km. All three models are now selling in Malaysia.

Watch what Peugeot executives have to say in this 4-minute plus video clip.

READ MORE:
Peugeot 2008 Allure testedFirst drive of Peugeot 5008 and 3008Stellantis takes over Gurun plant, ramps up production


Chery lands in Indonesia

                JAKARTA: Chery launched its brand in Indonesia on March 31 at the ongoing 2022 Indonesia International Motor Show here.

Chery is eyeing Indonesia as a manufacturing base for export to other Asean countries and regions.

The Chinese carmaker said it plans to bring advanced vehicles, including electric vehicles, to Indonesia, provide technical support for partners and get involved in the transformation of the Indonesian automotive industry.

Chery said in a statement it aims to achieve a network of over 100 outlets throughout Indonesia within the next two years, covering major cities and regions such as Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Bali.

It also plans to establish parts hubs in the four core islands (Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan and Sulawesi) to provide fast parts supply and after-sales service.

Chery International president Zhang Guibing said Indonesia is one of the world’s most promising auto markets and a strategic market for Chery in South-East Asia.

At the Indonesia motor show, Chery showed off the Tiggo 8 Pro, Tiggo 7 Pro, Omoda 5 and the fully-electric EQ1.

The Omoda 5 only started production in China in February, and this is its first appearance in the Asean region.

The Tiggo Pro family of SUVs incorporate Chery’s latest R&D concepts and technologies, while offering fashionable design inside and out to elevate the driving experience.

The flagship Tiggo 8 Pro is powered by Chery’s latest 2.0-litre TGDI engine, which produces 254PS and 400Nm of torque, and delivers a thermal efficiency of 41%.

Also featured are remote start, a 360-degree camera and Chery’s Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) incorporating many functions including Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking and Front Collision Warning.


Bids for Malaysia 1-Malaysia 10 numbers start at RM10,000

Loke launching the 'Malaysia' series vehicle registration numbers at the Negri Sembilan Road Transport Department. With him is JPJ director general Datuk Shaharuddin Khalid.
SEREMBAN: Those who wish to own any of the special "Malaysia 1" to "Malaysia 10" vehicle registration number will have to make a minimum bid of RM10,000.

Those who wish to have special numbers such as from 11 to 19, double 2 to 9, triple 1 to 9 and quadruple 1 to 9 will have to pay a minimum of RM2,000.

The minimum bid for other popular and running numbers is RM300.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook, who launched the special Malaysia series registration numbers, said the bidding will be open from Aug 1 till Aug 15.

Loke said those bidding for the special number would need to go to the Road Transport Department (JPJ) office to register.

He said there will be no numbers reserved for any individual except, Malaysia 2020.

"As Transport Minister, I will use my power to reserve the Malaysia 2020 number for our Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

"All other numbers are open for bidding, as the ultimate aim is to get revenue for the Government," he said, adding that it would however be up to Dr Mahathir to accept the offer.

Loke said although bidding will be closed on Aug 15, the numbers that have not been taken would still be available until they run out.

Meanwhile, Loke added that the e-bidding system for number plates is not yet available due to technical issues which are being rectified.


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia on standby for recall if necessary

                KUALA LUMPUR: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has assured customers that stringent global guidelines and procedures would be followed if a recall was required in the wake of a recent recall announcement by Daimler AG.

Daimler AG had found that some vehicles may be prone to a "hydrolocked engine" flaw. This arises after the car has been damaged in a flood or after it has been submerged in water. The engine may then experience overload under certain conditions when it is started up.

In a statement today, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia said very high electric current might lead to overheating of the starting current limiter.

The company said it is awaiting further information from Daimler AG and would update its customers as soon as more details are received, it said.

For further queries, customers can call 1-800-88-113.


Honda to stop auto sales in Russia in 2022

                MOSCOW: The Russian subsidiary of Japan’s Honda Motor Co said on Wednesday it would stop supplying new cars to official dealers in Russia in 2022 as part of the company’s efforts to restructure its operations.

The company said it would keep its presence on the Russian market with motorcycle and power equipment sales, and retain its activities related to the after-sales service of its vehicles.

Honda, which has no plants in Russia unlike other Japanese carmakers such as Toyota and Nissan, sold 79 vehicles in Russia last month, a 50% drop from a year earlier, according to the Association of European Businesses.

Its sales from January to November were down 15% to 1,383 vehicles.

More than 1.3 million new cars were sold in Russia during that period.


Tyre change via MisterTyre app: RM25 off for Carsifu readers

                With the MisterTyre smartphone app, you get the convenience of changing your car tyres, batteries and engine oil right at your door step, instead of passing your precious time waiting at a car workshop.

Till May 31, Carsifu.my readers get a RM25 discount via a STAR25 promo code (applicable only in the Klang Valley).

The app also offers a best price guarantee, and is presently only for Klang Valley users.

"You will be refunded the price difference, if you provide proof of a lower price elsewhere," says MisterTyre Malaysia Sdn Bhd chief operating officer Suman Mathevan.

The MisterTyre app can be downloaded at:

For iOS users: click HERE.

For Android users: click HERE.

Mathevan says customers benefits from the company's lower operation costs, as it does not need to keep stocks of tyres, batteries and engine oil.

"Whenever we have orders from customers, we get supplies directly from principals, manufacturers and wholesalers," he says.

The company carries 26 tyre, eight engine oil and four vehicle battery brands.

It offers services consisting of tyre change and rotation, and front wheel alignment, battery change and engine oil change.

Customers pay in advance via credit card or direct debit, and a mobile van will arrive at customer's homes to perform the services.

"For high-rise or condominium residents, we have to do it outside the residence as the mobile van is too tall and cannot enter the covered car park structure," says Mathevan.

Via the app, customers can even track the location of the mobile van as it moves towards their homes - like ride hailing apps Uber and Grab.

"Presently, we have three mobile vans and seven technicians, with 12 to 15 years of vehicle after-sales experience."

Services are available seven days a week, and bookings can be made from 8am to 10pm.

For tyre rotation, balancing and alignment services, customers need to book at least an hour in advance.

For tyre, battery and engine oil change, customers need to book at least six hours in advance.

"In the near future, we will also offer rim and brake pad changes," said Mathevan.

Carsifu.my interviewed Mathevan in Bandar Sunway, where 36-year-old businessman Rajiv Nair had used the MisterTyre app to book a change of tyres on his Mazda CX-5.

"It is convenient and user-friendly. I don't have to waste time going to a car workshop and wait there. I can do my work at home, while my tyres are being changed," said Nair.

Since the app was launched last September, it has seen 10,000 downloads and 700 jobs done.

"The highest demand is for tyre related services," says Mathevan.

The MisterTyre app was founded by entrepreneur Dennis Melka, who owns a stake in British company Tyres on the Drive which provides tyres and tyre change services via a website.

"As far as we know, we are the first in the world to do this via an app. In Europe, they have thousands of mobile vans providing tyre change services, which are contacted via call centres," says Mathevan.

There are plans to offer MisterTyre services in Penang and Johor Baru in the near future.

"We are also planning to expand to the United States, and perhaps the Asean region."


Sept 21-27: RON97 petrol up 14 sen to RM2.67

                PETALING JAYA: The fuel prices of RON97 will increase by 14 sen per litre while RON95 and diesel will remain the same for the following week.

The Finance Ministry said the price of RON97 will increase from RM2.53 to RM2.67 per litre beginning Saturday (Sept 21) until Sept 27.

However, the prices of RON95 and diesel stay at RM2.08 per litre and RM2.18 per litre respectively.
"Based on the calculation under the Automatic Pricing Mechanism (APM), the retail prices for both RON95 and diesel should be increased to RM2.37 per litre and RM2.32 per litre respectively," it said a statement Friday (Sept 20).

The ministry noted that the retail prices for both RON95 and diesel were at RM2.23 per litre and RM2.29 litres respectively last week.

"The increase in oil prices is believed to be caused by the attacks on the two oil facilities in Saudi Arabia on Sept 14, which has affected the production and exports of oil from the country.

"However, in line with Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's statement on Sept 15, the government will continue subsidising to balance the rise in oil prices due to the incident," it said.


Hennessey takes Xmas tree to needle-stripping velocities

                HOUSTON: Hennessey, the Texas-based hypercar manufacturer and high-performance vehicle creator, has attained a new unofficial holiday record, having driven its Venom 1000 Mustang GT500 to a velocity of 308kph with an illuminated Christmas tree strapped to the roof.

The achievement occurred earlier this week at the Continental Tire Proving Grounds in Ulvade, Texas, under the impartial eye of jolly old Saint Nick.

Based on the most powerful factory-produced Mustang of all time, the stock Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 boasts a hand-built supercharged 5.2-litre V8 with a 2.65-litre Roots-type supercharger nestled on top.

Hennessey's Texas team upgraded the iconic pony car with a high-flow induction system, new fuel rails and injectors, and an air/oil separation system.

In addition, fittings, lines, belts, and tensioners were upgraded, and the dual-clutch transmission was recalibrated for its high-output role.

The result is the Venom 1000 Mustang GT500, which is rated at 1,000bhp and 1,152Nm of torque on 93 octane pump gas – all backed by a Hennessey 3-year / 36,000-mile (57,936km) warranty.

Piloted by professional race car driver Spencer Geswein under clear blue Texas skies with temperatures in the mid-50s, the road-legal Venom 1000 Mustang GT500 achieved the record speed on the closed circuit without drama.

This is despite the significant additional drag (and holiday cheer) produced by a festal light-adorned evergreen.

The vehicle was not altered explicitly for the run, except for removing the factory under hood "rain tray" to improve airflow. The coupe, a desirable 2022 "Golden Ticket" GT500, was finished in a very rare – yet seasonally festive – Eruption Green paint.

"Our annual ‘Christmas Tree Run’ serves two roles for our growing company," said company founder and CEO John Hennessey.

"First, testing our performance at a proving grounds is a great opportunity to validate our engineering – the Venom 1000 delivers impressive numbers. Second, adding the seasonal twist allows our hard-working team to end the year with some high-speed fun before they slow down and enjoy their families for the holidays."


PJ City Council to terminate parking concessionarie, bring back coupons

                PETALING JAYA: The city will have a new parking system once the services of current parking concessionaire Godell Parking Sdn Bhd are terminated.

Discussions are still ongoing between both parties but Petaling Jaya mayor Datuk Mohd Azizi Mohd Zain has confirmed that Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) will take back the management of the parking system.

He said the council had engaged a lawyer and they were going through the paperwork. He disclosed that a letter of demand seeking payment of arrears was sent early this year and Godell had offered to pay half the amount, which MBPJ said was unacceptable.

It was previously reported that there were over 700 parking machines in the city to cater to about 21,000 public parking bays, but today, more than half of them are faulty. For every bay, the parking concessionaire is supposed to pay a monthly rental of RM37.45 to the local council.

When contacted, Godell declined to comment on the issue.

In the meantime, MBPJ is working on implementing a new parking system to replace the current coin machines once the existing contract is terminated. MBPJ plans to implement the parking coupon system first as this method can be rolled out easily.

Mohd Azizi said the coupon system was chosen because it was easy to implement on a short-term basis. They are also looking at allowing motorists to pay using mobile parking apps.

Other councils using a parking app in Selangor are Sepang Municipal Council, Kuala Langat District Council and Ampang Jaya Municipal Council.


VW headquarters searched for World War Two bombs

                A general view shows the Volkswagen (VW) factory in Wolfsburg, Germany in this December 8, 2015 file photo. - Reuters

WOLFSBURG: The headquarters of German carmaker Volkswagen were being searched by explosive disposal experts today after construction workers found signs of potentially unexploded bombs dating from the Second World War.

Construction workers last month found metal pieces at four locations at Volkswagen's (VW) massive plant in Wolfsburg, a spokesman for the city administration said.

Should unexploded bombs be found by the expert squad from Lower Saxony, the western German state where Wolfsburg is located, officials would on Sunday evacuate the 700 or so residents from the Sandkamp district by the VW plant, she said. Results of the investigations should be known by this evening, she said.

Many undetonated World War Two era bombs have been found on the VW factory premises over the years, but modern technology has made deactivating and removing them much easier.

The Wolfsburg car factory employs about 60,000 people in a town of about 125,000. Covering an area three times the size of Monaco, the plant built 815,000 cars last year.

A VW spokesman played down the impact of a possible evacuation on production, saying VW normally does not run shifts on Sunday and plant operations have been phased down since workers departed for the three-week summer shutdown period on July 1.

"There will be no effects on production," he said. Wolfsburg builds as many as 3,800 Golf, Tiguan and Touran vehicles per day during peak times.

The Wolfsburg factory was built under the Nazi regime in 1938 to assemble the People's Car on Adolf Hitler's orders.

But instead of building the vehicle which later became the VW Beetle, the plant was converted during World War Two to produce jeep-type military vehicles as well as aircraft supplies and to repair warplanes, drawing numerous allied air raids.


18 vehicles stuck at dock allegedly due to unsettled payments

                Caught in between. Cheong holding up the police report against the consignment company during a press conference in Shah Alam.

SHAH ALAM: Eighteen cars are stuck at the docks and their owners left in the dark, allegedly due to unsettled payments by a private consignment company.

The company, based in Port Klang, transports vehicles between the peninsula and east Malaysia. It has been using the services of Giga Shipping Sdn Bhd since 2009.

Giga chief executive officer Cheong Yut Seng said it accepted the shipping orders for 65 vehicles from the consignment company in March. He claimed the company then failed to pay RM72,469.44 to Giga, leaving the vehicle owners to bear the brunt of the financial dispute.

Cheong said that without the payment, Giga has no choice but to hold the vehicles in the respective ports. “The owners are blaming Giga for holding the vehicles. They even lodged police reports against us. Our company is bound by maritime law and can only release the vehicles to the consignment firm. Legally, we cannot release them to the owners,” he said.

Cheong said that according to the law, Giga can only release the vehicles once the freight and other charges were fully settled by the consignment company which will then receive the Bill of Lading. A Bill of Lading is a document issued by the shipping line, with details of the shipment and title of ownership.

Cheong also claimed that 30 of the 48 vehicles held by Giga went missing between March and May. He alleged that the cars could have been illegally taken out by either the consignment company or the vehicle owners.

“We understand and sympathise with the owners. We want to resolve this matter as soon as possible. We urge the vehicle owners to lodge police reports against the consignment company,” said Cheong.

Giga has lodged two police reports against the consignment company. Attempts by The Star to contact the company were unsuccessful.


Govt to cap price of RON95 petrol at RM2.08 per litre

                PETALING JAYA: The Cabinet has decided to cap the price of RON95 petrol at RM2.08 per litre, even if the market price exceeds this, says Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng.

"If the market price falls below that, then the weekly price of RON95 (petrol) will be below RM2.08," he said, adding that the Cabinet had agreed to this.

"The prices for RON95, RON97 (petrol) and diesel will be based on the automatic price mechanism and will be announced weekly," said Lim in a statement today.

The current retail prices of fuel per litre are: RON95 petrol (RM2.08), RON97 petrol (RM2.38) and diesel (RM2.18).

Initially, the ceiling price for RON95 petrol was supposed to be 12 sen more at RM2.20. RON97 petrol is not subject to a cap.

Lim added that the lowered price cap of RON95 petrol is in line with the Pakatan Harapan's government pledge of reducing the cost of living for the people.

He had previously said in January that the government had decided on a weekly floating fuel price system to enable consumers to benefit from any drop in global oil prices. The weekly regime may change when a targeted subsidy system is deployed in mid-2019.

To protect consumers in the event of a substantial increase in global prices, the retail price of RON95 petrol would be capped using subsidies, said Lim.

Asked to comment on the latest RON95 petrol cap, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the government is able to absorb the cost of doing so.

He said the decision was made to help ease the burden of the people.


Maserati Grecale SUV finally launches in Malaysia, priced under RM600K

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Maserati Grecale SUV was previewed here last June and then it was all quiet after that. Naza Italia - Maserati today broke the silence on the SUV with the launch of the 300hp Grecale GT.

The base variant is priced from RM598,000 (inclusive of local duties and taxes, before customisation options, road tax and insurance). The price includes 3 years' standard warranty coverage with unlimited mileage.

The Grecale is also available as a mid-range 330hp Modena variant, topped by a 530hp Trofeo variant. These two other variants would be launched in Malaysia later this year.

To complete the model line-up, an all-electric all-wheel drive Grecale Folgore is set for a world premiere in 2023. Packed with a 105kWh battery, it should offer at least 480km per charge and be the most powerful Grecale variant. However, it uses a modified version of the platform which underpins the combustion engine variants instead of a dedicated electric platform.

It was the Trofeo variant that was previewed here last June. It uses a 3.0 litre twin turbo V6 Nettuno engine, producing 530hp and capable of a top speed of 285kph.

The Grecale, which takes its name from a north-easterly Mediterranean wind, is developed at the Maserati Innovation Lab in Modena and produced at the Cassino plant in Italy.

Launched globally in 2022, it opened a new SUV segment that represents the Trident brand’s fullest range ever with three engine variants – conventional internal combustion, hybrid and full-electric.

The Grecale GT is powered by a four-cylinder mild hybrid petrol engine that produces 300hp at 5,750rpm and peak torque of 450Nm from 2,000 - 4000rpm.

Using the 48V mild hybrid system is not just about reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The Grecale employs an innovative e-Booster that backs up the conventional turbocharger to maintain peak performance when summoned.

In the Maserati mild hybrid model, the 48V Belt Starter Generator (BSG) supports the engine when more power is needed, recuperating energy during braking and deceleration. This recovered energy is subsequently used to charge the battery, which then powers the e-Booster.

As the name suggests, the e-Booster provides an energy boost for a faster start and more exciting ride. It works in tandem with the turbocharger, sustaining the engine's power output even at low rpm. Together with the BSG, it also heightens performance when the Grecale is at peak engine speed in Sport mode.

Another interesting detail of the  mild hybrid  system is that the DC converter and the 48V battery are positioned in the rear for optimal weight distribution.

Design-wise, the Grecale embraces Maserati’s new visual symbol, which distinguishes every new model since the MC20.

The front features a low and imposing grille. The profile is notable for its contrast between purity and technique, with a highly fluid body featuring meandering, visual forms.

In the rear, the boomerang taillights are inspired by the Giugiaro 3200 GT and fit in with the trapezoidal line, made even more striking by the coupé effect of the cabin and its finish like a sports car's.

The external look is completed with 19-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels, body-colour bumpers and side skirts and front grille insert in brushed chrome and dual chrome-plated exhausts.

The new SUV boasts a set of “best-in-class” features, including interior space, driveability, handling, acceleration, sound quality and extensive
use of fine materials such as wood, carbon fibre and leather.

Its dimensions are a major factor.

In the GT version, Grecale is 4,846 mm long with a generous 2,901mm wheelbase, a height of 1,670 mm, a width of 2,163 mm (including wing mirrors), with a rear wheel track of 1,948 mm.

It has made it possible to achieve remarkable roominess in the rear, plus the 535-litre space in the boot with a flat loading platform, a cargo box under the platform and rear seats that can be folded down by pressing a button in the boot.

The cabin features a Saffiano leatherwork-inspired leather dashboard insert, combined with burnished inserts on the central console and
door panel.

These are characterised by an unusual laser processing that re-interprets from a Maserati perspective the iconic Maglia Milano, a characteristic of the best jewellery and watchmaking.

For the GT version, the hues selected are warm and enveloping. As an alternative to Black Leather, premium leather in a rich chocolate colour, and sophisticated greige or bold black with contrasting stitching is available as an option.

The steering wheel is upholstered in leather, with aluminium fixed shift paddles.

Inside the cabin, the standout tech specs include the traditional Maserati clockface.

Digital for the first time, it transforms into an in-car concierge, courtesy of voice control.

Everything becomes touch-based, resulting in a clean look.

The technology is controlled from the displays: the large 12.3-inch central screen, the largest ever seen in a Maserati, another 8.8-inch display for the extra controls and a third for the passengers in the rear seats.

An optional heads-up display is available, taking its place among the best currently available in terms of brightness, contrast and viewing angles.

The in-car experience is managed from the Maserati Intelligent Assistant (MIA) Multimedia system, from the state-of-the-art infotainment and from Maserati Connect (not yet available in Malaysia).

The in-car sound is pushed to the limits of enjoyment by an all-round sound experience, ensured by the typical Maserati roar and the immersive Sonus Faber 3D sound system, up to 21 speakers.

The onboard Vehicle Dynamic Control Module (VDCM) system ensures a combination of enhanced comfort, driving experience and handling.

With the VDCM, the drive modes offered are Comfort, GT, Sport and Offroad. The Trofeo variant gets the extra Corsa or Race mode.

The Grecale is available in a choice of colours namely the launch colour called Bronzo Opaco (matte bronze with silky finish), Blu Intenso (metallic blue), Bianco Astro (metallic grey) and Bianco (white solid).

The Grecale is available for viewing and test-drives at the launch event in Sentul Depot here until this Sunday.

According to Naza Italia - Maserati chief operating officer Farid Sulaiman, the Grecale GT has attracted 20 bookings to date. He expects the GT variant to remain the volume seller out of the three versions.

Contact Naza Italia at 03-7956 8599 in Petaling Jaya for more information on the Grecale.


Project Cars 3 aims to please sim crowd, newcomers

                LONDON: "Project Cars 3" is on track for a mid-2020 release on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Windows PC, as a first trailer relays.

Some 200 cars and 140 tracks will be included, and players can expect to upgrade vehicles on the inside and customize them on the outside.

The "Project Cars" franchise is known for its voracious appetite for the realistic simulation of vehicles, race tracks and conditions.

As a result, this third franchise entry incorporates a day and night cycle and an overhauled career mode.

Yet "Project Cars 3" appears equally aware of another segment of would-be racers, with its newfound emphasis on custom liveries, car collection and street racing.

It's perhaps no coincidence that "Project Cars" company Slightly Mad Studio, now part of the Codemasters empire, is also working on an official tie-in for the "Fast and Furious" movies: "Fast & Furious Crossroads" is due August 2020.

In December 2018, studio CEO Ian Bell had told racing game fans on the GTPlanet website that a third game would be "more 'focused'... more 'fun'... more of a spiritual successor to [previous studio game 'Need for Speed: Shift'] but with all the sim goodness everyone appreciates."

By leaning into customization and street racing, "Project Cars 3" puts itself in the same sort of wheelhouse as the "Forza Motorsport" and "Need for Speed" franchises.

A "Forza Motorsport" game is in development for the Xbox Series X, a new console from Microsoft which launches towards the end of 2020 (alongside the PlayStation 5).

"Need for Speed Heat," which appeared to be very much influenced by the "Fast & Furious" movies, released in 2019. EA has not yet announced a follow-up. Its annual catalog preview event EA Play is currently scheduled for June 11, 2020, though the date may be subject to change.


An all-new Subaru BRZ is coming

A teaser image of the new BRZ, courtesy of Instagram poster subarudwayne.
PETALING JAYA: An Instagram user has posted a teaser image of the new Subaru BRZ sports car, slated to make its debut soon, possibly by November.

Instagram user "subarudwayne" shot a photo of the new BRZ and posted it up during the 2020 Subaru Tecnica International Subiefest World Record Attempt & Charity Drive at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California on Oct 4.

The new BRZ was to have been showcased at the 2020 Los Angeles Auto Show, but the show had to be cancelled because of Covid-19.

There are rumours that the car is getting the Subaru FA24 2.4-litre flat-four engine with 217hp and 240Nm of torque, which is an upgrade to the current 2.0-litre at 205hp (152 kW) and 211Nm of torque.

The present BRZ and Toyota 86 are based on a modified Impreza platform. Word from the grapevine is that the new BRZ, along with its Toyota twin, could switch to Toyota's TNGA platform in order to retain the rear-wheel drive layout.

That is because moving forward, Subaru is adopting the new Subaru Global Platform that supports only all-wheel-drive vehicles.


'Top Gear' host Clarkson settles lawsuit with producer he hit

                LONDON: Jeremy Clarkson, the former host of the BBC's hugely popular "Top Gear" motoring show, apologised and settled a lawsuit on Wednesday with the member of the production team he physically attacked in an incident which cost him his job.

Clarkson, who built a global fan base as presenter of the programme, struck and verbally abused Oisin Tymon during filming, leading the BBC to announce last March it would not be renewing his contract.

The outspoken presenter, a friend of Prime Minister David Cameron, has now agreed to pay Tymon damages to settle a racial discrimination and injury claim, a sum amounting to more than 100,000 pounds according to BBC News.

"I would like to say sorry, once again, to Oisin Tymon for the incident and its regrettable aftermath," Clarkson said in a statement issued through Tymon's lawyers.

"I want to reiterate that none of this was in any way his fault. I would also like to make it clear that the abuse he has suffered since the incident is unwarranted and I am sorry too that he has had to go through that."

Lawyers for Tymon, who was left bleeding and in need of hospital treatment after the fracas with Clarkson, said the case was settled and the producer wanted to focus on his BBC work.

"Oisin is keen to put the matter behind him now that it has been brought to a close," his lawyer Paul Daniels said.

Clarkson became the popular face of "Top Gear", aired in 200 countries, by mixing a passion for cars with blunt banter and swagger that often generated controversy and caused offence.

He had been on a final warning from the BBC over accusations he had used racist language while filming the show when the incident with Tymon occurred.

Clarkson has since signed an exclusive deal to present a new motoring show for Amazon's subscription service alongside his former "Top Gear" co-presenters Richard Hammond and James May.

"Top Gear" will continue fronted by British radio and TV presenter Chris Evans with Matt LeBlanc, former star of 1990s U.S. hit comedy "Friends", among the new presenting line-up.

"We are pleased that matters have now been resolved," said the BBC in a statement. "Oisin is a valued member of the BBC who behaved with huge integrity in dealing with the very difficult circumstances last year."


Toyota offers rebates for Ramadan

                SHAH ALAM: To give its customers a chance to own a new Balik Kampung ride, UMW Toyota Motor is holding a Ramadan Drive campaign with cash rebates up to RM5,000 for its cars.

The eight models which have rebates are the Toyota Camry, Vios, Corolla Altis, Sienta, Hilux, Innova, Fortuner and Avanza.

The cash rebates available for each model are shown on the details below:-

Toyota Camry – RM5,000 cash rebate for all variants. Click here for description.

Toyota Vios - up to RM3,000 cash rebate plus free accessories worth up to RM4,000 depending on variant and RM500 duit raya for a limited time. Click here for new features.

Toyota Corolla Altis - RM3,000 cash rebate plus free accessories worth up to RM5,700 for all variants. Click here for description.

Toyota Sienta - RM4,000 cash rebate or RM3,000 cash rebate with three years free service for all variants. Click here for description.

Toyota Hilux - RM4,000 cash rebate for selected variants. Click here for details.

Toyota Innova - RM3,000 cash rebate for all variants. Click here for details.

Toyota Fortuner - RM3,000 cash rebate for all variants. Click here for details.

Toyota Avanza - RM2,000 cash rebate for all variants. Click here for details.


Jaguar Land Rover using aerospace tech to develop future lightweight vehicles

                LONDON: Jaguar Land Rover is taking part in pioneering research trials to test the capability of advanced lightweight metals and composites to be used in future vehicles.

As part of a two-year project, the company will use technology developed for the aerospace industry to understand how materials respond to corrosive environments, in global markets and over rigorous terrains.

Samples of new metals and composites planned for use in future Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles will be built into aerospace-grade sensors and put through their paces in some of the world’s most extreme physical conditions, tested for over 400,000km across North America.

The sensors will continuously measure the performance of the materials and share data with the Jaguar Land Rover’s product development team in the UK.

With this information, the engineers can accurately forecast the material’s behaviour in the development of future vehicle programmes to ensure that next-generation lightweight metals meet the company’s stringent standards, delivering a longer-lasting, high quality finish.

"We are working alongside world-class partners on this ground-breaking research project and will improve the correlation between real-world and accelerated testing as we continue to raise the bar for quality and durability,” said Matt Walters, Lead Engineer, Metals and Process Materials for Jaguar Land Rover.

The research forms part of Gesamtverband der Aluminiumindustrie (GDA), a consortium of aluminium manufacturers and car makers researching the longevity of materials and how they can be made lighter and more durable.

Working with industry leaders across quality assurance and manufacturing to develop future lightweight vehicles, increasing efficiency and reducing emissions further is a key part of Jaguar Land Rover’s Destination Zero vision - a future with zero emissions, zero accidents and zero congestion.

The project builds on continued research into future materials, from the REALITY project, a pioneering recycling process which gives premium automotive-grade aluminium a second life, to the development of printed structural electronics, which can reduce the weight of in-car electronics by up to 60%.


Lithium producers must wait as pandemic slows EV revolution

                JOHANNESBURG/HOUSTON: The coronavirus pandemic has paused the electric vehicle revolution, forcing producers of battery metal lithium into survival mode with output cuts, expansion delays and sales of major assets.

Lithium industry shares have dropped sharply since January as the economic downturn from the pandemic slammed the brakes yet again on the electrification revolution that for years has seemed just around the corner. Investors are giving the cold shoulder to mine developers seeking funding for lithium projects.

“This pandemic further kicks the EV can down the road,” said Seth Goldstein, a lithium industry analyst with Morningstar.

The holdup will result in a shortage of the white metal available for EV batteries when markets rebound, warned industry analysts, executives and consultants.

“We don’t want to spend a great deal on lithium at the moment,” said Vincent Mascolo, chief executive of Ironridge Resources Ltd, which has put its Ghana lithium project up for sale. “Investor appetite is not there.”

This year began with expectations that global demand for the white metal would jump 15%, according to Morningstar. The advisory group now expects a 5% drop in demand in 2020.

Albemarle Corp has slowed expansion projects in Chile and Australia. Tianqi Lithium Corp, saddled by debt, is selling its controlling stake in the world’s largest lithium mine. SQM said it may shelve lithium expansion plans for the year.

Analysts point to Ganfeng Lithium Co’s move this year to take control of an Argentina lithium project from smaller, indebted miner Lithium Americas Corp as the type of opportunistic deals likely during the pandemic.

Lithium executives, investors and analysts expect the downturn to roil their industry for at least a year. Some warned it could crimp operations through the middle of the decade depending on how Covid-19 affects EV deployment plans from Ford Motor Co, Volkswagen AG and other automakers.

Conventional wisdom holds that low oil prices should encourage consumers to buy internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Still, electric vehicle sales should ultimately rise as environmental concerns have prompted EV subsidies and regulations in China and the European Union.

“If you make EVs the only vehicles available on the lot, consumer buying patterns change very fast,” said Devin Lindsay, an automotive analyst at IHS Markit Ltd.

And because China and the EU are the world’s biggest EV producers, their regulations are seen as ultimately forcing greater EV adoption in the United States, where fuel prices might usually influence car buying.

“For good or bad, this EV thematic is driven by regulations and government incentives, rather than economics,” said Paul Graves, chief executive of lithium producers Livent Corp.

EVs are expected to become the most-popular vehicles, globally, though the pandemic makes the timing uncertain.

“The long-term story is a structural trend towards EV adoption. It’s very well on its way,” said Pedro Palandrani of the Global X Lithium & Battery Technology ETF.


Hyundai Staria debuts

                SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Company has launched its new Staria multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) line-up via a digital world premiere recently, establishing a model for its future Purpose Built Vehicles (PBVs).

It will replace the ageing Starex model.

Staria’s debut furthers Hyundai Motor’s transformation as a Smart Mobility Solution Provider and embodies the company’s ‘inside-out’ design methodology that emphasises interior spaciousness and usability.

Staria is Hyundai’s response to shifting consumer needs by offering them purposeful, innovative features and redefining in-car travel experiences in line with the company’s vision of ‘Progress for Humanity.’

It is available in 2- to 11-seat configurations and in two variants of Staria and Staria Premium, the latter elevating mobility to the next level with upgraded features and variant-exclusive finishes for a more luxurious look and feel.

Staria’s sleek exterior is defined by a single stroke running from front to rear — inspired by the curve of light that illuminates the Earth’s horizon at sunrise when viewed from space.

The front gets horizontal daytime running lights (DRLs) and a position lamp, together running across the width of the vehicle, and a bold, wide radiator grille with a unique pattern.

Its silhouette is further accented by a pair of low-set headlamps.

Hyundai uses the same body color for all frontal parts to maximize the vehicle’s modern and pure style.

The interior is simple with a modest layout to highlight driver’s convenience and passengers’ comfort while maintaining a MPV feel.

The vehicle’s lower beltlines and panoramic windows create a spacious, stimulating environment for all passengers.

The driver and passenger seats in the first-row are designed to offer a feeling of space and comfort.

The seven-seat Premium model is equipped with Premium Relaxation Seats in the second row that recline electronically and also have sliding capabilities for easy reach or to maximize cargo space.

The nine-seat Premium model’s individual seats in the second row can swivel 180 degrees to face passengers in the third row.

This makes Staria Premium ideal for corporate vehicles or mobile offices as passengers can turn their seats around and conduct meetings face to face.

Families will also find these swiveling seats convenient as rear-facing passengers will have easy access to those seated in the third row.

Staria’s interior space utilization is made possible by the MPV’s 3,273mm wheelbase with an overall length of 5,253mm and width of 1,997mm.

Its overall height of 1,990mm is optimised for passengers to conveniently enter and exit the vehicle and is high enough for an average school-aged child to stand upright and move with ease.


VW admits that developing in-house software is 'mammoth task'

                HANOVER: As the automobile industry grows increasingly reliant on software, German car marker Volkswagen has admitted that it needs more time than originally expected to build up its own digital systems for future vehicles.

During an industry meeting in Germany on Wednesday, company boss Herbert Diess explained that the problem wasn't only "the software itself. It's also the entire software architecture as a key building block for much else around it."

Besides developing software, VW subsidiary CARIAD (the firm's software company which is also working on a unified software platform for all vehicles of the VW group, including brands like Audi and Porsche) also needs to keep an eye on issues like the integration of control units, networking or connection to the cloud, Diess said.

Another core area will be the technology needed for autonomous driving. "This is certainly the most difficult task," said Driess, adding that Volkwswagen was working on understanding and mapping related functions.

Following reports of delays, cost increase and internal opposition to expanding the division, CARIAD head Dirk Hilgenberg told employees in a letter at the beginning of May: "I see the criticism as an incentive and encouragement to continue working hard and deliver what we promised: our unified software and hardware platform."

While conceding that it was a "mammoth project under massive time pressure", he said that it wasn't "unexpected that not everything is going according to plan."

Asked whether Volkswagen wasn't taking on too much in developing its own software systems, Driess said buying from third parties wasn't an option anymore.

"We don't have to do everything ourselves - only the critical parts," he said, adding that the company had realised how crucial it was to tackle this area.

New driving functions and car-related services, for example, constantly require real-time traffic data, he said, adding that on the other hand, vehicle manufacturers will remain responsible for safety, liability, customer access to the system and regular updates.

Therefore the software needs to be adjusted and updated constantly, Driess said. "You can no longer buy everything from large suppliers."

However, Volkswagen is still working with German supplier Bosch on autonomous driving and on equipping its planned battery cell plants, for example.

Construction of a Volkswagen battery factory in Salzgitter, near company headquarters in Germany's city of Wolfsburg, is due to start in July and become one of six sites planned in Europe, with up to €3 billion in investments expected for each.

The carmaker is looking to built "a new gigafactory roughly every year and a half," Diess said.

Starting in the summer, a separate board of management will also be responsible for VW's battery division. "We need a European manufacturer here," Diess said, adding that he wasn't ruling out taking the division public at some point.

After many discussions with potential suppliers, Volkswagen is now determined to produce batteries itself, according to Diess, including raw material sourcing, research, development, production and recycling.


Feb 16-22: No change to fuel prices

                KUALA LUMPUR: The retail prices of RON97 and RON95 petrol and diesel will remain unchanged for the period from Feb 16 to 22.

The Finance Ministry, in a statement today, said that RON97 petrol remains at RM3.35 per litre, RON95 (RM2.05) and diesel (RM2.15).

The weekly retail prices of the products were set based on the Automatic Pricing Mechanism (APM) formula.


UK-Malaysia in talks to recognise each other's driving licences

                PETALING JAYA: The United Kingdom has affirmed its government's assurance to Malaysia to pursue mutual recognition of driving licences, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

The Transport Minister said that once Malaysia and the UK were able to secure this agreement, it would help the more than 30,000 Malaysians working and studying in the UK, as well as UK citizens in Malaysia.

Dr Wee said this following his visit to the UK’s Department for Transport in St James Park for a bilateral meeting with Minister of State for Transport Andrew Stephenson MP.

"I’m happy to report that HE Stephenson has affirmed his government’s assurance to pursue mutual recognition of driving licences of both countries.

"I also sought the UK government’s support for Malaysia’s bid to be re-elected to one of the 20 seats in the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council Category C, which will be held on Dec 10," said Dr Wee in a Facebook post today.


New Porsche ad stars Maria Sharapova, Muhammed Ali and Magnus Carlsen

                STUTTGART: The tennis, boxing and chess champions Maria Sharapova, Muhammed Ali and Magnus Carlsen square off against themselves in Porsche's commercial for the new 911.

The ad, which is set to roll out over TV, online and in theaters in the US and Europe in the run-up to Christmas, was previewed at the "Maria Sharapova and Friends" event at the UCLA Tennis Center in Los Angeles on Dec 12 and 13.

Entitled "Compete," the commercial plays off the "you against yourself" metaphor, with Porsche explaining in a press release that "only the best have a chance against the best. Only a Porsche 911 can beat a Porsche 911."

The Porsche-supported "Maria Sharapova and Friends" event will feature professional tennis, comedy and entertainment, with players and celebrities such as Karlie Kloss, Chelsea Handler, Andy Roddick, Michael Chang, Kei Nishikori and Jack Sock attending.


Can music affect your driving style? Psychologists give their verdict

                BERLIN: We listen to twice as much music in our cars than we do at home. International studies have shown that pop, rock, jazz and classical music can certainly have a positive effect on a driver's mood.

But doesn't music distract drivers from what’s happening on the road, and thus endanger traffic safety?

"That depends entirely on the current mood and the emotional connection to the music heard," says traffic psychologist Thomas Wagner.

Ralf Buchstaller, Technical Director of the Medical-Psychological Institute of inspection agency Tuv Nord, doesn't see a fundamantal risk when it comes to listening to music in the car.

"However, it always depends on the traffic situation, on the driver's psychological situation and whether or not you picked the music yourself," says Buchstaller.

Ultimately, music can exacerbate whatever emotion you're going through while driving. A few tunes will certainly calm you down even more when the overall situation is already relaxed, Buchstaller says.

But if you're in a stressful situation, lost in a foreign city for example, music can have a disturbing impact.

The key criteria in determining the impact music can have on driving are, above all, the rhythm, volume and tempo of the music. "Hard rock, for example, increases the mental load, which can be seen in a reduced heart rate variability," says Wagner, a psychologist from vehicle testing organization Dekra.

Buchstaller doesn't believe certain genres like death metal or gangster rap will bring an inherent danger with them.

"There is no difference when it comes the style of music," Buchstaller says. "Most drivers choose music that relaxes them anyway."

The heartbeat becomes steadier and thus more uniform as the organism adapts to the situation of tension. This is a biological indicator of stress processes that take place in the body, which makes it possible to "measure" whether the music requires mental resources. This, in turn, is not conducive to the task of driving, and can negatively influence, for example, lane changes, passing or right-of-way situations.

Even people who hear their favourite music in the car and react emotionally strongly to it can become a danger to traffic safety as a result. "Although the music heightens one’s mood – in a way comparable to a low alcohol or drug enjoyment – at the same time it reduces conscientiousness while driving," warns Wagner.

In addition, listening to your favourite music can increase distraction levels, as your thoughts might wander or recall emotional experiences associated with a particular song.

"As a result, the attention resources are heavily constrained and there is less mental capacity for the driving tasks on the road," explains the expert.

Wagner thus has the following piece of advice. While a person’s favourite album can dispel bad moods and aggressive tendencies, this is only in connection with an exercise known as the thought-stop:

"By imagining a stop sign sliding out in front of negative thoughts, you can prevent yourself from constantly thinking about this particular annoyance."

Then you should get out of the car. Next, "take a deep breath, walk around a bit, re-arrange your thoughts, insert your favourite CD and continue," says Wagner.


Bosch opens German chip plant, its biggest-ever investment

                DRESDEN: Robert Bosch opened a €1 billion  (RM5bil) chip plant in Germany on Monday, a record investment by the leading automotive supplier as it stakes a claim to equipping the latest electric and self-driving cars.

The plant, located in a semiconductor hub near Dresden, opens as the automotive industry battles a global chip shortage, and will increase Bosch’s ability to serve carmakers directly, relying less on third-party manufacturers.

"Every chip that we make here in Dresden is one chip less that is lacking. That helps," management board member Harald Kroeger said.

Addressing an online opening ceremony, Chancellor Angela Merkel said semiconductor shortages were hampering Germany's economic recovery, and that it was important to strengthen resilience against external supply disruptions.

"We aren't in pole position - we have to catch up," Merkel said. "We must be ambitious. Our competitors around the world aren't sleeping."

The Bosch plant will make specialist power-management chips and Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) that are designed to carry out a single task, such as triggering a car's automatic braking system.

It will not however address shortages of products like microcontrollers which have forced auto makers to halt production and are expected by industry leaders and analysts to extend into next year.

"The fab (chip fabrication plant) may help to insulate Bosch and its key customers somewhat," said Asif Anwar at Strategy Analytics. "But it is unlikely to serve as a gap filler to the current shortages being experienced in the automotive market."

The Bosch plant, which received €200 million  (RM1bil) in state aid under a European Union investment scheme, will start making chips for power tools in July, with output of automotive chips to follow from September.

"The state-of-the-art technology in Bosch's new semiconductor factory in Dresden shows what outstanding results can be achieved when industry and government join forces," said European Commission vice-president Margrethe Vestager.

Kroeger said Bosch supported a broader strategic push by Brussels to revive Europe’s semiconductor industry. A recently unveiled plan targets doubling the region’s share of global chip production to 20% by 2030.


Ford's 2020 Explorer Hybrid amps up fuel efficiency

                DETROIT: The hybrid version of Ford's family-oriented Explorer SUV recently received a refresh focused on improving the model's fuel economy - one of the variants has an EPA-estimated range of over 800km.

However, the fuel efficiency of the Explorer Limited Hybrid differs significantly depending on whether you opt for the rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive system. Both feature 3.3-litre hybrid engines, though owners of the RWD model will get an extra 1.3 km/l combined, totalling 8.4 l/100km combined.

Those who prefer the Ecoboost engine can choose between 2.3- or 3.0-litre capacities with either a rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive system.

The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the smaller engine with rear-wheel drive to produce 9.8 l/100km combined. The 3.0-litre Ecoboost engine with 4WD has the lowest specs, with a combined fuel economy of just 11.8 l/100km.

The hybrid variant equipped with the 3.3-litre engine has the capability to tow 2.3 tonnes - the same as the 2019 generation Explorer, which was powered by a 3.5-litre Ecoboost engine.

The 2020 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid is available for purchase with a starting retail price of US$36,675 (RM155,000).


Cars getting smarter at 2020 CES

                SAN FRANCISCO: The cars that will be showcased at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) will be smarter even if fully self-driving vehicles may not be ready to go mainstream yet.

The Jan 7-10 show in Las Vegas will be crammed with the latest in connected devices, from light bulbs to underwear, along with the newest technology for automobiles, health and wellness, smart homes, retailing and more.

In the mobility space, car makers are realising more work needs to be done before they could deliver self-driving cars that are safe to use.

"There's a deepening understanding that the companies have a big hill to climb" before deploying fully autonomous cars, said Gartner analyst Michael Ramsey.

Accenture analyst Juergen Reers said CES is increasingly important for the transport sector because "most of the innovation is happening in software and services" rather than in vehicles themselves.

Reers said the industry is changing because "consumers are looking at mobility as a service, rather than simply buying a vehicle".

China-based Futurus Technology says it will launch what it claims is the first "mixed reality interactive windshield" to give motorists real-time information about a vehicle's status, performance and surroundings.

Others will use 5G technology and artificial intelligence to help cars detect pedestrians, bicycles and other vehicles.

California's Xperi is unveiling an in-cabin system using iris identification, facial recognition and other biometrics to unlock vehicles and detect driver fatigue.

Amazon is revving up its auto efforts with a booth showcasing its cloud-computing AWS division aimed at "intelligent, personalised products and services."

And a new Fisker Ocean electric car is set to be unveiled, in one of the latest challenges to segment leader Tesla.

One of the world's biggest trade shows, this year's CES features 4,500 exhibitors, an estimated 175,000 attendees, and 1,000 speakers in exhibit areas equivalent to more than 50 football fields.

Small startups and large tech firms from dozens of countries will be angling for a slice of the trillion-dollar-plus global consumer electronics marketplace.

The show is organised by the Consumer Technology Association.


Automakers to double spending on EVs, batteries to US$1.2 trillion by 2030

                DETROIT: The world's top automakers are planning to spend nearly US$1.2 trillion (RM5.7tril) through 2030 to develop and produce millions of electric vehicles, along with the batteries and raw materials to support that production, according to a Reuters analysis of public data and projections released by those companies.

The EV investment figure, which has not previously been published, dwarfs previous investment estimates by Reuters and is more than twice the most recent calculation published just a year ago.

To put the figure in context, Alphabet, the parent company of Google and Waymo, has a market cap of US$1.3 trillion.

Automakers have forecast plans to build 54 million battery electric vehicles in 2030, representing more than 50% of total vehicle production, according to the analysis.

To support that unprecedented level of EVs, carmakers and their battery partners are planning to install 5.8 terawatt-hours of battery production capacity by 2030, according to data from Benchmark Mineral Intelligence and the manufacturers.

Leading the charge is Tesla, where chief executive Elon Musk has outlined an audacious plan to build 20 million EVs in 2030, requiring an estimated 3 terawatt-hours of batteries. Musk in late October said Tesla already is working on a smaller vehicle platform targeted to cost half as much as the Model 3 and Model Y.

While Tesla has not fully disclosed its spending plans, such exponential growth - a 13-fold increase over the estimated 1.5 million vehicles it hopes to sell this year - will come at a cost of hundreds of billions of dollars, according to a Reuters analysis of Tesla's financial disclosures and forecasts for global EV demand, and battery and battery mineral production.

Germany's Volkswagen, while lagging behind Tesla, has ambitious plans through the end of the decade, targeting well over US$100 billion to build out its global EV portfolio, add new battery "gigafactories" in Europe and North America and lock up supplies of key raw materials.

Japan's Toyota Motor Corp is investing US$70 billion to electrify vehicles and produce more batteries, and expects to sell at least 3.5 million battery electric models (BEVs) in 2030. It plans at least 30 different BEVs and expects to transition the entire Lexus range to battery electric over that span.

Ford Motor Co keeps boosting its spending level on new EVs — now at US$50 billion - and at least 240 gigawatt-hours of battery capacity with its partners as it aims to produce around 3 million BEVs in 2030 — half its total volume.

Mercedes-Benz has earmarked at least US$47 billion for EV development and production, nearly two-thirds of that to boost its global battery capacity with partners to more than 200 gigawatt-hours.

BMW, Stellantis and General Motors each plan to spend at least US$35 billion on EVs and batteries, with Stellantis laying out the most aggressive battery program: A planned 400 gigawatt-hours of capacity with partners by 2030, including four plants in North America.


Borgward, Germany's born-again car brand, vanishes again

                BERLIN: Borgward, the revived German-Chinese car brand, has gone into administration for the second time in the marque's history.

According to the Chinese news portal Gasgoo, Borgward filed for bankruptcy at a court in Beijing on April 8.

In 2020, the company withdrew from the German market where only a handful of its cars were ever sold.

Plans to build a large new Borgward factory in the northern city of Bremen failed to materialise and reports said the brand had been losing money ever since it was revived.

Initial sales of the Borgward BX7, which was a worthy Chinese equivalent of the BMW X3 and Audi Q5, were encouraging, with 6,000 units sold annually but demand later tapered off. An electric version was announced but never built.

Borgward was originally founded in Germany in 1919 and first went bankrupt in 1961 after founder Carl F.W. Borgward ran out of money for new investment. The firm blossomed briefly in the 1950s when it was Germany's second-largest maker after Volkswagen.

China's Foton Motor Group bought the rights to the marque in 2014 for 5 million euros and begun manufacturing Borgward-branded models in China.

Foton sold its holding to the Chinese start-up Ucar in 2019.

According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, the Borgward Group sold around 30,000 BX7 models in 2017 and a record 45,000 in 2019 before sales slumped to 8,703 units a year later.


Facelifted Camry launched, hybrid version at RM175K

                PETALING JAYA: The refreshed Camry, including a locally assembled hybrid variant, was officially launched today.

UMW Toyota Motor says it is confident most Camry buyers would go for the RM175,000 Hybrid, adding that it expects  7,000 of the Hybrid variant to be sold out of 9,000 units of this model.

The Camry comes in three variants, starting with the entry level 2.0E, followed by the 2.0G and finally the range topping 2.5 Hybrid.

The Hybrid possesses a 2AR-FXE 2.5-litre engine, mated to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (E-CVT), that produces 157bhp at 5,700rpm and 213Nm of torque at 4,500rpm.

This is further supplemented by a 140bhp/270Nm electric motor that receives its electrical supply stored in a Nickel-Metal Hydride battery pack located behind the back seat.

Total system output is rated at 202bhp.

As for both 2.0E and G variants, a 6-speed automatic transmission manages power sent to the front wheels from a 2.0-litre 6AR-FSE engine that churns out 165bhp at 6,500rpm and 199Nm of torque at 4,600rpm.

All three variants sit on MacPherson struts with stabilisers for the front and dual link independent struts with stabilizers for the rear and comes equipped with disc brakes all round and an electronic power steering system.

The Hybrid has a 1,600kg kerb heft and rolls on sporty 17-inch wheels with 215/55 series tyres, while the 1,480kg 2.0E and G variants get a more compliant set of 16-inch wheels with 215/60 series tyres instead.

Due to the Hybrid's battery pack taking up some boot space, it possesses a 65-litre fuel tank instead of the 2.0-litre variants' 70-litre tank.

While daytime running lights, keyless entry and start/stop system, dual zone climate controls, Optitron instrument cluster with Multi-information display (MID) and wood grain interior accents are standard across all variants, the Hybrid exclusively gets a host of additional equipment.

This includes automatic self-levelling LED headlights, automatic wipers, reverse camera, blind spot (BLIS) monitor on the wing mirrors with integrated turn-signals, electro chromic rear view mirror, chrome bumper accents, Nano-e  purifier - an air cleaning system that purifies the air with negative ions, a 10-speaker sound system with 7-inch touchscreen (with navigation) and a single exhaust tip (dual for 2.0-litre).

Inside, the 2.0E's black fabric seats have been replaced by black leather seats and adds the eight way power-adjustable front passenger and driver seats for both the Hybrid and mid-range 2.0G variant.

Additionally, while the Hybrid and 2.0G both have shoulder switches, it is the 2.0G that lack the collapsible headrest feature.

Regarding safety, the new Camry comes standard with anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, but Hybrid gets seven airbags instead of the standard two.

However, vehicle stability control with traction control, hill start assist and emergency stop signal are found in both the Hybrid and 2.0G variant.

READ ALSO: How the new Camry compares with the competition

Lastly, both 2.0-litre variants can be outfitted with a body kit (front and rear bumper spoilers, side skirts and trunk spoiler), and are available at an additional cost.

Warranty is an 8-year assurance programme meant only for the hybrid's battery system and exists alongside the usual warranty of three years or 100,000km (whichever comes first).

"We believe this (long warranty) would take away any doubts from customers who may be first time owners of a Hybrid vehicle," said distributor UMW Toyota Motor president Datuk Ismet Suki.

"The new Camry has undergone major exterior and interior design changes in making this new Camry to be seamlessly high-tech and vibrant. We call it “Keen Look Identity and Under Priority” design philosophy,” he added.

New Toyota Camry Hybrid (CKD)

New Toyota Camry (CKD)

Old Toyota Camry (below)


VW all-electric race car to conquer Pikes Peak

                WOLFSBURG: New challenge in motorsport with the technology of tomorrow: Volkswagen is developing an all-electric race car for the world’s most renowned mountain race.

The all-wheel drive prototype is scheduled to be at the start of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado, USA on June 24 2018.

Its goal: to set a new record for electric cars at the finish line which is at 4,300 metres elevation. The new motorsport project is part of Volkswagen’s process of transforming itself into the leading producer of electric vehicles. By 2025, the Volkswagen brand will be offering 23 all-electric models.

"The Pikes Peak hill climb is one of the world’s most renowned car races. It poses an enormous challenge and is therefore excellently suited to proving the capabilities of upcoming technologies," explains Dr Frank Welsch, Member of the Board responsible for Development.

"Our electric race car will be equipped with innovative battery and drive technology. The extreme stress test on Pikes Peak will give us important findings that will benefit future development, and it will showcase our products and their technologies."

The vehicle is being developed by Volkswagen Motorsport in close cooperation with Technical Development in Wolfsburg. "The race on Pikes Peak is a new beginning for us. We are developing an all-electric race vehicle for the first time," explains Sven Smeets, Volkswagen Motorsport Director.

"The project is also an important milestone in our new motorsport orientation. Our team is electrified about taking on this incredible challenge." Volkswagen Motorsport last participated in the Pikes Peak mountain race in 1987 with a spectacular twin-engined Golf which barely missed finishing. "It is high time for a rematch," continues Smeets.

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb – which insiders also call the ‘Race to the clouds’ – has been run since 1916 in the Rocky Mountains near Colorado Springs. The race course is 19.99 kilometres long, and it climbs 1,440 metres to the summit at 4,300 metres above sea level.

The current record in the class of electric prototypes is 8 minutes 57.118 seconds, which was set by US driver Rhys Millen in 2016.


New Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV heading for Oct 28 world premiere

                TOKYO: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has revealed the design of the all-new, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Outlander crossover, confirming it will share the same styling as the new, petrol-powered Outlander that launched earlier this year in North America.

Sales are scheduled to begin in Japan in mid-December and in the US in the second half of calendar-year 2022.

The world premiere of the all-new Outlander PHEV will take place Oct 28 at 12.30 pm JST (11.30am in Malaysia)and will be streamed live on MMC’s global website: https://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/en/digitalreveal.

The company developed the all-new Outlander and Outlander PHEV under its new design concept — Bold Stride — which expresses a bold, fixating presence and solid stance. On the front, MMC has evolved the Dynamic Shield design, which projects power, reassurance and presence.

The side view expresses bold proportions, with thick horizontal accents and sharply defined character lines, extending from the front to the rear. Additionally, the large-diameter, 20-inch wheels, along with the muscular front and rear fender flares that house them, conjure an image of powerful and dependable road performance.

On the tailgate, which features distinctive PHEV badging, a hexagon motif alludes to the spare tires mounted on the back of popular Mitsubishi SUV heritage models, while the horizontal-themed T-shaped signature taillights emphasise the vehicle’s width and reinforce the look of stability.

A total of 10 colours are offered including the vivid, crystalline, high brightness Diamond Colour series – Red Diamond, White Diamond, and the new Black Diamond.

MMC has also evolved the interior, with a horizontally sculpted instrument panel, which makes it easy to understand the position of the car while driving, and expresses robustness and a feeling of spaciousness.

On the door panel, trim is laid out over a wide area and covered with a high-quality, stitched, soft padding.

The monitors and gauges are created to be easy to see, while the selectors, dials and switches are designed to provide confident grip and operation, resulting in a quality feel that appeals to the senses.

Like its gasoline counterpart, the all-new Outlander PHEV will come standard with third-row seating, providing greater flexibility for active owners and families.