HINO introduces 500 Series of medium commercial vehicles

                PETALING JAYA: HINO Motors Sales Malaysia (HMSM) introduced the latest 500 Series range of medium commercial vehicles that comes with improvements to safety and comfort levels.

Unveiled at the Malaysia International Exhibition & Convention Centre, orders are expected to be fulfilled within the next few weeks.

The HINO 500 Series trucks comes with Euro 3 compliant engines for the SG and FM models while the FG, GH and FL models are equipped with Euro 2 engines, while all engines come with electronic control commonrail technology to help in fuel economy.

Much like the Japanese truck and bus maker's 300 series light commercial vehicles, the new 500 Series trucks are equipped with added safety features such as side door impact beams, redesigned mirrors for improved visibility, front and rear under-run protection, anti-lock braking system and emergency guard impact safety cabin.

Other than slight external changes, the list of improvements include enlarged cab steps, driver seat with air suspension, optimised cab design for better all-round visibility, better arrangement of the instrument cluster and more efficient air flow within the cabin.

The most significant change in particular is the introduction of a six-speed automatic transmission featured on a garbage truck to help handle many start-stop movements and help reduce stress on both the driver and other mechanical parts of the truck.

Also, the company announced that it is currently upgrading its two-year old HINO Total Support Customer Centre - the only such facility out of Japan that is located on the outskirts of Seremban, and will be able to add more training courses to what it currently offers.

Such courses include driver familiarisation, economical and safer driving practices among others.

"Only when drivers know how to operate HINO trucks at their optimum, businesses will gain huge value out of our trucks. This is how we support our customers in their quest to improve their operations. It is our duty to do so," said HINO Motors Sales Malaysia managing director Ken Iwamoto.


London’s Tower Bridge closed to cars after getting stuck open

                LONDON: London’s Tower Bridge isn’t falling down, but it’s not working very well at the moment.

The iconic bridge across the River Thames was stuck open Saturday after opening to allow a ship to pass. The drawbridge was back in the correct position Sunday, but only bicycles and pedestrians are allowed to cross, the City of London Police said on Twitter.

The bridge, which is more than 120 years old, uses hydraulic power to lift open around 800 times a year to provide clearance for large ships. It is often mistaken by tourists for London Bridge, which is much plainer and located near the iconic Shard skyscraper.

Tower Bridge was scheduled to open four times on Saturday for a river cruise ship known as the Sailing Barge Will. Tony Cao and Jenny Nguyen from Vietnam posing for wedding photos on the Tower Bridge, which was closed off to trafficon Sunday due to a mechanical fault. — Reuters

The ship was built in 1925 and hauled cargo such as coal, cement, and rice around the UK’s waterways, according to National Historic Ships UK.

During World War II, it was attacked multiple times while carrying supplies, including an incident in March 1943, when a German plane shot 1,000 holes in its sail. Years later, its interior was fitted with mahogany panels to form a dining room.

The ship, which has 30 metre masts, can be rented out for £2,950 (RM16,139) for parties of up to 50 people.

A spokesman for the City of London Corporation didn’t reply to a request for comment.


Maxus G10 MPV selling well in Malaysia

                KUALA LUMPUR: While Maxus is an automotive marque that is still relatively unknown in Malaysia, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp (SAIC) has big plans to grow its self-owned commercial vehicle marque beyond the gigantic China market.

To recap, in Malaysia, SAIC Motor has a partnership with the Weststar Group which has been selling Maxus V80 vans for a few years, mainly to government and corporate entities.

In April 2016, Weststar Maxus stepped up its game by lauching the China-built G10, a 10-seater premium multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) priced at RM137,888 on-the-road.

The G10, billed as the ultimate people mover, is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol turbocharged engine with direct injection and 225hp and 345Nm, mated to a ZF-sourced six-speed automatic transmission with manual mode.

According to a Weststar Maxus spokesperson, the Torino-designed G10 has been a hit with sales of over 600 units to date.

This is not really surprising as the G10 is in a niche market segment where it easily stands out with its competitive pricing and generous kit level.

It is fitted with full leather seats and safety features including dual airbags and ABS, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability programme, brake assist, brake override system, tyre pressure monitoring system and reverse camera.

Other features include all-round disc brakes, xenon HID headlights, LED taillights, powered sunroof, keyless entry system, push-start ignition, rain sensing wipers, leather upholstery, and a seven-inch LCD touchscreen mated to a six-speaker audio system with MP3, DVD and Bluetooth features.

The G10 is presently locally assembled in Klang, and sales are expected to pick up further with the release in the third quarter of 2017 of a new mid-grade variant priced at RM157,888.

The mid-grade G10 is packed with more premium features such as twin powered sliding doors with remote control, a twin-panel glass moon roof, leather surfaces and walnut faux wood on the dashboard for a classy look, an enhanced infotainment system with a 15-inch touchscreen mated to a 360-degree surround view camera system, a ceiling-mounted 10.1-inch LED screen and LED reading lights for rear occupants.

This year, Weststar Maxus also plans to launch an imported flagship G10 variant priced at around RM180,000 with kit such as rear powered tailgate with kick-activated function, second row Captain seats with massage function and fold-out ottomans, and ZF Sachs-sourced Nivomat self-leveling rear dampers for improved driving comfort and safety.

As for sales and after-sales support, Weststar Maxus has a main showroom and service centre in Jalan Tun Razak, and 3S centres in Glenmarie, Shah Alam as well as Johor Bahru and soon to be opened in Prai, and sales, service and spare part outlets in Alor Setar to support 14 nationwide dealers.

Expanding beyond the China market

SAIC Motor Corp Ltd is the leading automaker in China, thanks to its joint ventures with Volkswagen and General Motors.
Last year, SAIC Motor sold a staggering 6.49 million vehicles.

Its self-owned auto brands namely passenger marques Roewe and MG, and commercial vehicle marque Maxus contributed only 5.67 percent of 2016 sales.

However, the group is highly encouraged by growing acceptance among Chinese consumers for its self-owned brands.

Last year, Roewe and MG passenger car sales surged 89.2 per cent year-on-year to 322,000 units, while Maxus saw sales hit 46,000 units, an increase of 31.6 per cent, despite a steep drop seen by the Chinese light van market.

In the first half of 2016, the group was the top Chinese vehicle exporter with 118,000 vehicles delivered, an increase of 48 percent year-on-year.

The group is also growing vehicle sales in the Asean region, with joint ventures and partnerships in Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia.

 Maxus G10 electric vehicle in Shanghai - second row Captain seats with massage function and fold-out ottomans.

In Thailand, the group has a joint venture with conglomerate Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group to assemble and distribute MG vehicles including the MG3 sub-compact hatchback and MG GS sport utility vehicle (SUV).

The SAIC - CP Motor joint venture has a plant in Rayong since 2014, and is presently building a second plant in Chonburi province, which is due to begin operating early next year.

Recently, SAIC International managing director Yao Liwan said the new RMB1.2bil (RM754.7mil) plant in Chonburi would have an annual production capacity of 100,000 cars.

In Indonesia, a SAIC, General Motors and Wuling Automobile joint venture is building a vehicle plant and parts supply park in Cikarang, West Java.

A Wuling MPV from the Indonesian joint venture is due to be launched in the third quarter of 2017.

READ ALSO:
Westar Maxus G10 SE variant: More premium kit at RM157,888
Maxus G10 features top technologies from SAIC Motor
Maxus T60 pick-up truck may enter Malaysia
Weststar Maxus launches 10-seat G10 people mover

Maxus G10 electric vehicle in Shanghai


Mercedes-Benz to preview next-gen S-Class on July 8

                BERLIN: Mercedes-Benz will preview its W223 S-Class ahead of its official launch in September.

The preview of Daimler's flagship model looks to be held on July 8, but for the time being, we have to make do with a teaser image of the car's front end along with its massive-looking touchscreen that's more than 10-inches wide.

The large screen should be where the climate controls, navigation, connectivity and other functions are hosted.

Word from the grapevine is that the flagship Panzer-wagon will come with a heads-up display that could have an augmented reality feature for the navigation system.

The German carmaker's V12 is expected to be used in the range-topping Maybach variant with an all-wheel-drive system while the performance-oriented AMG S65 has been axed.

Expect to have the company's iconic inline-six power-plant available as well as a V8 option and four-cylinder engine variants - all paired to a mild-hybrid powertrain.

For Malaysia, we wouldn't expect anything less than a hybrid-assisted inline-six powertrain on a long or extra-long wheelbase.

There should also be a rear-wheel steering system to provide the upcoming W223 with added agility and stability.

Where autonomous driving capability is concerned, it should be at level three or four at this point of the technology's development.


Hyundai retro models rev up Netflix’s ‘Seoul Vibe’

                SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Company has teamed up with Netflix on the new car chase movie ‘Seoul Vibe’ by supplying the film with various retro models from the 1980s.

The film was released globally on Netflix on Aug 26.

Set during the 1988 Seoul Olympics, "Seoul Vibe" features Hyundai’s first-generation Grandeur (Azera), Pony Pickup, Porter light truck, and old sedans, such as second-generation Sonata, Stellar, and Cortina, etc. Plus, an all-star Korean cast, including Ah-in Yoo, Kyung-pyo Go, Kyoo-hyung Lee, Ju-hyun Park, Seong-wu Ong and Jung-se Oh is leading the dynamic flow of the story. Hyundai Motor also provided a shooting location at Hyundai Wonhyoro Service Center.

This fast-paced movie is revved up with breath-taking driving scenes of Hyundai retro models, including a modified Pony Pickup with the engine from Grandeur (Azera), used by a crew of talented drivers as they join a slush fund investigation operation.

A white-coloured first-generation Grandeur is also featured in the movie, symbolising its pioneering status as the Korea’s flagship premium model. These two retro models, which gained huge popularity back in the 1980s, combine the beauty of retro and new, and act as a bridge between generations.

In addition, Hyundai plans to unveil the silhouette of the all-new Grandeur (Azera) in photographs, through a cinematic digital advertisement in a spin-off version of "Seoul Vibe", using the story and cast of the movie.

The digital advertisement spotlights the ever-evolving innovation of Grandeur, from the past to the future, and provides hidden hints about the upcoming model that is expected to launch at the end of this year. The advertisement will be available through major digital channels such as YouTube and Instagram.

“Through close collaboration with Netflix from the early stages of production, we endeavored to provide a unique atmosphere for our historic vehicles and locations with a newtro (new+retro) vibe that will appeal to every generation, including Millennial and Gen Z audiences,” said Thomas Schemera, Executive Vice President, Global Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Customer Experience Division at Hyundai Motor Company.

“We will continue to explore opportunities for our customers to experience and engage with our brand through various partnerships and innovative content.”

 New Grandeur/Azera teaser.

With the film’s release, Hyundai Motor is also launching diverse experiential marketing content on digital channels, targeting millennial and Gen Z consumers and spotlighting the hipness of the brand’s retro models featured in the movie.

To this end, Hyundai Motor also recreated the garage shown in the film on ZEPETO, the global metaverse platform, to provide a virtual experience space where visitors can assemble and drive the vehicles featured in the movie through the driving zone themed "Seoul Vibe."

Plus, users will be able to meet Yoon-hee (Ju-hyun Park), a character in the movie, as an NPC (non-player character), and join a vlog event, using the first-generation Grandeur.


BMW 225xe Active Tourer PHEV gets longer range

                MUNICH: The new battery generation in the BMW 225xe Active Tourer increases the electrically powered range of the urban all-rounder by more than 25% to between 55km and 57km.

The efficiency of its plug-in hybrid drive has also been further optimised. The new BMW 225xe Active Tourer, which permanently distributes the power of its combustion engine and electric motor to all four wheels via a hybrid-specific all-wheel drive system as needed, now has an average fuel consumption of 2.1 to 1.9 litres per 100 kilometres – a reduction of more than 15%.

This brings the relevant CO2figures down to between 47 and 42 grams per kilometre, with combined power consumption figures down to between 14.2 and 13.5 kWh per 100 kilometres.

The significant increase in electric range is due to the enlarged storage capacity of the lithium-ion battery in the new BMW 225xe Active Tourer.

While retaining the same dimensions as before, the latest-generation high-voltage battery now has a gross energy content that has been increased from 7.7 to 10.0 kWh.

It can be charged at conventional household sockets using the standard-equipment charging cable. The battery can be fully charged in around five hours in this way. Using a BMW i Wallbox, the relevant charging operation takes less than 3:15 hours.

The charging socket is located under a separate flap on the front left side wall of the car. The high-voltage battery is located under the rear seat to save space, so the versatility and transport capabilities of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer are only slightly limited as compared to the conventionally powered model variants.

The luggage compartment volume in the new BMW 225xe Active Tourer is not restricted by the hybrid drive in the primarily used area and amounts to 400 litres. With a standard split of 40 : 20 : 40, the folding backrests enable this to be increased to 1 350 litres as required.

The plug-in hybrid drive in the new BMW 225xe Active Tourer ensures locally emissions-free driving in the city and beyond, in addition to unlimited suitability for long-distance travel.

It consists of a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and 100kW/136hp, with the power transmitted to the front wheels via a 6-speed Steptronic transmission, and also a 65kW/88hp electric motor that drives the rear axle.

The power of the two units adds up to a system output of 165kW/224hp, with a maximum system torque of 385 Newton metres. The intelligently controlled interaction between the two power units creates a hybrid-specific all-wheel drive system that ensures optimised traction, driving stability and agility in the new BMW 225xe Active Tourer – even in adverse weather and road conditions.

The rapid response of the system, the ideal axle load distribution and the highly spontaneous power delivery of the electric motor acting on the rear wheels enable power transmission to be ideally adapted to the situation on the road at all times. This makes for a level of safety, comfort and dynamics that is outstanding within the BMW 225xe Active Tourer segment.

The hybrid model accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. In addition, the electric boost provided by the drive system ensures additional safety reserves and intense sporty flair when overtaking on country roads, for example.

The top speed of the new BMW 225xe Active Tourer is 202kph. In purely electric driving mode, it can reach speeds of up to 130kph.

The anticipatory energy management system for the drive system in the new BMW 225xe Active Tourer ensures maximum efficiency and driving pleasure by using navigation data to control the operating mode, for example, ensuring the route profile is taken into account when navigation guidance is activated.

In addition, the driver is not only able to activate the SPORT, COMFORT and ECO PRO driving experience switch modes but also use the eDrive button on the centre console to influence the interaction between the combustion engine and the electric motor.

The new BMW 225xe Active Tourer features acoustic pedestrian protection as standard (expected to be available for the M Sport model from November 2019).

When driving electrically at speeds of up to 30kph, an unmistakable sound designed specifically for electrified BMW models is generated to alert other road users to the approaching car without impairing the acoustic comfort of the vehicle occupants.

The model-specific range of standard equipment also includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a navigation system, 2-zone automatic air conditioning and auxiliary air conditioning. The interior can be pre-conditioned remotely via BMW Connected using a smartphone.

As an alternative to the basic version, the new BMW 225xe Active Tourer is available as an Advantage model, Sport Line model, Luxury Line model and M Sport model. In addition, virtually all the optional extras offered for the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer are likewise available for the hybrid model.


All-electric BMW i3s officially available now at RM278,800

                KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Group Malaysia has just announced that its all-electric i3s is now officially available at all authorised dealers and can now bring some competition to the recently launched Nissan LEAF (click here for a comparison).

Priced at RM278,800 on-the-road without insurance, the 95%-recyclable i3s is also accompanied by a five-year unlimited mileage warranty with a free scheduled service program and BMW's two-year/24-month tyre warranty for its run-flat tyres.

The i3s is further supported by the BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline and new owners will gain access to the BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App and BMW Service Online before receiving the privileges of a BMW White Card.

BMW touts its i3s as a responsibly manufactured vehicle, which should sit nicely for the environmentally conscious, with sustainability in mind through the use of recyclable materials.

Also incorporated into the building of the car is upcycling which is the process of converting by-products or unwanted products into something of use.

Not to mention, the interior's surfaces are made of more than 80% renewable, natural and recycled materials.

At around 1,300kg, through the use of aluminium at the base of its platform and carbon fibre for the passenger cell, it uses a 42.2kWh (120Ah) Li-ion battery that's capable of travelling up to 260km.

For an added cost of RM8,897, the BMW i Wallbox facilitates speed charging at home with 11kW of charging power for an electric range of 180km in under three hours.

The i Wallbox is equipped with WiFi access and can be operated via a smartphone, smartwatch, PC or tablet, and can also access all features of the BMW Digital Charging Service.

For public charging, the i3s gets access to the local ChargEV network which is part of the BMW 360-degree Electric programme and depending on location, the network provides for outputs of 3.7kW, 7.0kW and 22kW.

In terms of power, the i3s' electric motor provides 181hp and 270Nm of torque which allows for 0 to 100kph sprint time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 160kph.

This is supplemented by four driving modes of Comfort (default), Eco Pro, Eco Pro+ and Sport.


First video of 528hp Lynk & Co 03 Cyan Concept in testing

                GOTHENBURG: Cyan Racing has completed a full development programme of the 528-hp Lynk & Co 03 Cyan Concept on the roads of Spain, escaping the long winter of Sweden.

"This car is a development platform for future production performance road cars based on Lynk & Co technology," said Henrik Fries, Head of Automotive R&D at Cyan Racing, formerly named Polestar.

"We have done this journey before with the Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar in combination with our previous motorsport programme with Volvo Cars and Polestar. To build a road car based on the Lynk & Co 03 World Touring Car Cup race car is an exciting and important step forward for our future programmes."

The Lynk & Co 03 Cyan Concept is Cyan Racing's interpretation of a race car for the road, using the same technology as the Lynk & Co 03 TCR race cars that Cyan Racing will compete with in the 2019 FIA World Touring Car Cup.

"While this concept might be a bit extreme, we have learned that in order to explore the true characteristics of a car you need to push it to its maximum and that is just what we are doing right now with this car," said Thed Björk, racing and development driver for Cyan Racing.

"We strive to find the optimal balance between responsiveness and performance in combination with predictable, balanced and safe behaviour. This is the same base philosophy as when we develop race cars. I love driving this car as much as my race car."

The concept road car is equipped with a 528-hp two-litre turbo charged Lynk & Co engine, the same base engine as used in the Lynk & Co 03 production road car.

The engine development of Cyan Racing is headed by the same team that have produced engines like the 2017 World Championship-winning 1.6 litre Volvo engine and the award-winning V8 Volvo engine for the Australian V8 Supercars programme of Cyan Racing.

"What you aim for when developing a race engine does not differ much from when developing an engine for a performance road car. You do not only want the engine to deliver a lot of power, but also combining the power with a high level of drivability,” said Mattias Evensson, head of engine development at Cyan Racing.

“Although the Lynk & Co engine in the concept car is relatively small in relation to the power output, its design allows us to achieve both plenty of power and low-rev responsiveness.”

Next up in the development process of the Lynk & Co 03 Cyan Concept road car is to join the race team in pre-season testing at the Nurburgring circuit in Germany.

The Lynk & Co 03 Cyan ConceptEngine
4-cylinder
1969cc
Turbo charged
Power
528hp at 7800 rpm
504Nm at 4500-7000 rpm
Max 8000 rpm

Transmission
Front-wheel drive
6-speed sequential gearbox
Steering wheel paddle shifts
60 ms shift time
Multi-plate limited slip differential

Performance
0-100 kph in 4,4 sec
0-200 kph in 10 sec
100-0 kph in 30 metres
Top speed of 310 kph
Max sideway g-force of 1,5G

Wheels
20" bespoke Cyan wheels
285/30R20 front and rear

Suspension
Öhlins adjustable dampers

Brakes
Dual circuit hydraulic system
6-piston calipers with 378 mm ventilated discs front
2-piston calipers with 290 mm ventilated discs rear

Weight
1287 kg


Solid-state batteries promise boosted range and faster charging for EVs

                PARIS: A new generation of solid-state batteries could deliver a major breakthrough in the electric vehicle (EV) industry.

Large-scale production projects are multiplying for these batteries, which promise greater range and faster charging.

A first vehicle equipped with this kind of new-generation battery is expected on the market this year.

In terms of technology, these batteries are equipped with an oxide electrolyte and graphite for the anode.

This makes use of solid-state technology, with solid electrodes and a solid electrolyte, instead of the liquid or polymer gel electrolytes found in current lithium-ion or lithium polymer batteries.

The advantage is that, for the same size, a solid-state battery can store more energy and therefore provide a car with greater range.

Charging times could also be greatly reduced. Plus, these batteries promise longer lifespans, and should be safer and less flammable in the event of overheating.

The Chinese lithium battery giant Ganfeng has already announced the upcoming large-scale production of solid-state batteries, a technology it initially unveiled in 2021.

The Chinese manufacturer is obviously not alone in working on this new type of battery, as it is joined by compatriot CATL, which unveiled its own solid-state battery technology last spring, as well as Taiwan's ProLogium and the American firm QuantumSpace.

In China, Nio could be the first carmaker to benefit from this technology, potentially as soon as this summer.

According to the Chinese manufacturer, these new-generation batteries will offer a range of over 1,000km, almost double the performance of conventional lithium-ion batteries.

While China is ahead of the game, the majority of automakers are now moving in this direction.

According to the Financial Times, Toyota reportedly has a solid-state battery in the pipeline, capable of delivering range of up to 1,200 km with a charge time of just 10 minutes.

The battery war has only just begun, it seems.

Note that Tesla, which always stands out from the crowd, will be gradually deploying its new batteries — which are much bigger, but cheaper and, above all, more long-lasting — on its Model Y.

The idea is to offer vehicles with almost equivalent range, but at a lower price than at present.


Honda HR-V gets Mugen treatment

                KUALA LUMPUR: Honda Malaysia has introduced the Mugen limited edition body kit for its popular HR-V compact sports utility vehicle.

The HR-V is the third Honda model to be offered with the package after the 2006 Civic Concept Mugen 2.0 limited edition and the 2010 Concept M models of the Civic and Jazz.

The HR-V Mugen comes with a new body kit consisting of nine items and includes a front under spoiler, rear under spoiler, side under spoilers, tailgate spoiler, sporty decals, Mugen gearbox emblem, Mugen exterior emblems and front grille.

Limited to only 1,020 units and available for the V variant, the HR-V Mugen limited edition costs RM118,800 (without insurance).


Porsche Taycan: Looking to the future

                It has to come sooner or later, the fully electric sports car, and Porsche has delivered with its Taycan and with two "Turbo" variants to boot in a global premiere recently.

We attended the one at the wind farm in Pingtan Island, about 150km from Fuzhou in the Fujian province, China to suggest wind power, with the simultaneous unveiling being done at a solar centre in Berlin (solar power) and Niagara Falls in Toronto (hydropower).

The name Taycan (pronounced Thai-kahn) means a "lively young horse" and is inspired by the Porsche crest that includes a rearing stallion at its centre, which was carried since 1952.

The Taycan might not be powered by the engines that we are familiar with but potent electric motors, using the Turbo and Turbo S names is all part of conforming to the Porsche tradition and character.

Since Porsche’s normal engine range as well as the hybrid variants carry these labels to emphasise its power heritage, continuing the practice with the electric Taycan establishes the sporty underlining that it is imbued with.

There is no denying its Porsche character in outright performance; the Taycan Turbo accelerates from 0 to 100kph in 3.2 seconds, 160kph in 6.9 seconds and 200kph in 10.6 seconds and a top speed of 260kph.

This impressive charge is fully expected with 625PS on tap and 680PS with overboost launch
function and 850Nm of maximum torque.

If you want more, the Taycan Turbo S would meet your demand nicely by sprinting to 100kph in 2.8 seconds, 160kph in 6.3 seconds and 200kph in 9.8 seconds, while the top speed stays the same at 260kph.

Apart from the Taycan Turbo S being l0kg lighter at 2,295kg (kerb weight), it has a higher 761PS  overboost and 1,050Nm maximum torque.

The Taycan comes with a two-speed transmission that Porsche says enables fast acceleration and high-end speed.

Interestingly, Porsche says the Taycan could do more than 20 quick acceleration sprints and yet consume minimal electrical power.

It comes equipped with two electric motors, one for the front axle and the other for the rear, which serves its electric all-wheel drive function better.

The heady power details come from the fact that its operating voltage of 800 volts is double that of the current norm of 400 volts that other car manufacturers apply to their respective EV (electric vehicle) range.

With a combined electricity consumption of 26.0kWh/100km (26.9kWh/100km for the Taycan Turbo S), it has enough electrical ‘juice’ from its battery to cover between 381km and 450km (fully tested on actual road driving).

Porsche says this 800-volt technology allows the Taycan battery to be charged quicker at a maximum of 270 kilowatts from 5% to 80% in about 23 minutes.

While this might require new 350kW charging stations that Porsche would provide at its respective sales point, the Taycan could also be charged using the lower output 400-volt charging system that would do the job over a longer time.

 Varga.

Porsche has given the Taycan two charging ports, one on each side of the car on the front wheel arches; and it could be charged overnight on 240-volt AC power but would take 11 hours for a full charge.

Much of the electrical technology applied to the Taycan was first featured on the prototype Mission E in 2015 but in a lot more improved form with strides in advancements in this area.

Carrying on the Porsche sporty tradition also means the Taycan has to look every inch a car from this highly recognised marque, and it does.

Style Porsche Exterior Design director Peter Varga, who subscribes very much to the 911 profile as a true representation of the Porsche marque, has followed his passions to the letter in the Taycan body styling.

At a glance, you could mistake the Taycan for a 911, not least because of its familiar Porsche ‘face’ but its body outline in general.

However, the 911 has more muscular rear shoulders and the four-door Taycan has gentler haunches although the overall body styling still smacks of the marque’s sports car heritage.

To underline that fact is its aerodynamic co-efficient value (Cd) being a very low 0.22 (025 for the Taycan Turbo S because of additional body details) despite the front headlamps being recessed units (in a somewhat boomerang curvature) and not fully flushed with the body.

Peter Varga says the wheels with its unique flat and broad spokes are designed in-house with an alloy wheel supplier and play its part in the car’s aerodynamics.

In body dimensions, it’s between the 911 and Panamera, and hints of the latter could also be gleaned from the Taycan’s body design.

We like the feature where you merely swipe your hand at a point near the charging outlet and the cover would open electrically; it also closes in the same way and applies to both outlets.

The dashboard sees a full length panel offering touchpoints for some functions and carrying relevant information to support the equally sizeable instrument panel that faces the driver.

Keeping to tradition is the analogue clock located on top of the dashboard that seems out of place in an electric vehicle, but set ways are not meant to be broken in this case.

The seats and door panels are finished in sustainable leather-free material to complement its EV image although classic leather is available as an option.

Being a Porsche, the Taycan prices are reflective of the marque it represents, being not far cheaper than the Panamera.

Porsche says it is investing six billion euros (RM27.5bil) into electric vehicle development till 2022 and expects half of its model range to be electrically powered, either fully or via hybrids, by 2025.
As it were, the fully-electric Cross Tourismo SUV is already on the cards.

The Taycan is produced at a new dedicated facility in Stuttgart and cars are expected to be delivered to European customers towards the end of the year.

For Malaysia, the Taycan is expected to be launched around mid-2020 as part of its progressive inroad to Asia.


MINI's Al-Attiyah wins Dakar

 Al-Attiyah (right) and co-pilot Mathieu Baumel of France.

BUENOS AIRES: MINI won the world’s toughest rally for the fourth time in a row with Qatar's Nasser Al-Attiyah at the helm.

Al-Attiyah and co-pilot Mathieu Baumel crossed the finishing line in the Argentinian capital Buenos Aires  as the overall winners, having won five of the 13 legs in their MINI ALL4 Racing after covering more than 9,000 kilometres spanning Argentina, Chile and Bolivia,

“I promised last year when I was on the podium that I'd be back to win, and now I'm here,” said Al-Attiyah, 44.

(WATCH the Dakar Rally finale here)

“It was very hard to lead the race from the very beginning and to continue keeping this position on the long distance. Also because the race was really hard. I'm very happy about this great result and I want to thank and congratulate all mechanics and the team for the great job they have done during the two weeks. The MINI ALL4 Racing is an incredible car and it was again very nice to drive.”

Overall, the MINI ALL4 Racing won 11 of the 13 legs at this year’s “Dakar”. Five of these were double victories for MINI. No fewer than four MINI ALL4 Racing cars ranked among the top five cars in the overall standings.

The Dakar contestants faced numerous challenges on the demanding route from Buenos Aires in Argentina via Iquique in Chile and Uyuni in Bolivia. From classic gravel rallying in Argentina and winding mountain roads through the Andes at altitudes of up to 4,500 metres in Bolivia to the extremely dry and hot Atacama Desert in Chile with its towering dunes and fine sand, the “Dakar” tested both man and machine to their limits.

In the motorcycle category, Spain's defending champion Marc Coma claimed his fifth Dakar title on a KTM.

 Coma rejoicing in his victory.


VW says it's responsible for 2% of global CO2 emissions

                WOLFSBURG: Volkswagen says it's responsible for 2% of global CO2 emissions

The Volkswagen group, which includes 12 brands, plans to sell 22 million electric cars in the next 10 years.

The Volkswagen group alone is responsible for around 2 percent of global carbon emissions - roughly the same amount as Germany - one of the car manufacturer's senior figures said in an interview Friday.

"We have calculated how much the group represents among global CO2 emissions," said Michael Jost, Volkswagen's chief strategist told German business weekly magazine Wirtschaftswoche.

"It's almost one percent for cars and one percent for trucks."

In comparison, Germany accounts for nearly 2.2 percent of C02 emissions, the equivalent of 800 million tonnes, and was ranked 6th globally, according to 2017 figures from the Global Carbon Project.

Last week, Herbert Diess, boss of the Volkswagen group, told employees the figure is 1 percent for the million cars the group has produced which are in circulation.

"This percentage, we want to reduce to zero by 2050," he said at company headquarters here.

The German car giant has been struggling to restore its reputation since the 2015 "Dieselgate" scandal, when it admitted to fitting 11 million vehicles worldwide with a device aimed at cheating pollution tests.

In the face of stringent limits for C02 emissions from 2020, Volkswagen has vowed to introduce 70 electric models by 2028.

The German auto industry is late in shifting towards electric cars.

The Volkswagen group, which includes 12 brands, plans to sell 22 million electric cars in the next 10 years to escape heavy European fines and drastically reduce the carbon footprint of its factories.


Fashion collection to celebrate 50th anniversary of Citroën GS

                PARIS: Citroën has created a limited edition collection of textiles for the beach, pool and spa to mark the 50th anniversary of the iconic Citroën GS.

The collection has been designed in collaboration with Boutique Les Bains, the high-end design house and boutique within the iconic French nightlife institution Les Bains, in the heart of Paris.

Featuring the same colours and patterns used on the interior of the recently unveiled show car CitroënGS by Tristan Auer for Les Bains, the fashion line is offered as a complete collection including five individual pieces – men’s and women’s t-shirts, a bath towel, men’s swimwear and a backpack.

The men’s and women’s t-shirts and the bath towel are made from 100% Ecru cotton, reflecting the comfort and unique design found right across Citroën’s current vehicle line-up.

The collection was designed to capture the same sense of adventure and freedom associated with the original Citroën GS, and the spirit of the 1970s and 1980s.

Citroën GS was the star of the 1970 Paris Motor Show, later going on to receive the highly coveted ‘European Car of the Year’ title in 1971.

Its success, with around 2.5 million units sold between 1970 and 1987 (including GSA), demonstrates the global commercial appeal of the model.

The GS recipe for success: a mid-range car (length 4.12m, width 1.60m, height 1.34m, unladen weight 900kg), with five seats, which was well adapted to the needs of its time.

Built in the factory at Rennes-la-Janais in Brittany, the GS had an outstanding exterior design. It had modern and aerodynamic styling, all-new flat 4-cylinder mechanics and a well thought out cabin.

On top of that, it was fitted with hydraulic suspension, which offered comfort and road holding that its competitors could not rival.

GSA succeeded GS in 1979. The car adopted sizeable bumpers and a tailgate for greater practicality. It was also fitted with a "diagnostic" socket under the bonnet, which allowed for various adjustments and checks.


Volvo V60 Recharge T8 PHEV introduced from RM287,000

                KUALA LUMPUR: Volvo Car Malaysia has just introduced the new Volvo V60 Recharge T8, a modern, versatile plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that balances dynamic performance with functionality.

Featuring a five-door estate bodystyle, the V60 Recharge T8 is priced from RM287,474 and gets a luxurious interior that is space to meet the demands of modern life.

Its blend of plug-in hybrid technology, space and flexibility delivers on the strengths of the Volvo brand of versatile, luxury cars that are designed to meet people’s needs.

The Drive-E petrol engine comes with a turbocharger and a supercharger to crank out 320hp and 400Nm of torque.

Combined to an electric motor, the powertrain delivers a total system output 407hp and 640Nm of torque for an exhilarating driving experience.

The V60 Recharge T8 also produces ultra-low CO 2 emissions when on pure mode and can travel for up to 49km on a single charge while running with all-electric mode.

Volvo Car Malaysia managing director Charles Frump said the addition of the V60 Recharge T8 as a PHEV brings Volvo another step forward in its electrification strategy.

“We are one step closer to realising our aspirations in having a fully-electric line-up by 2030 as we move further into a more sustainable future,” he said.

The V60 Recharge T8 is now available for viewing and bookings at all authorised Volvo dealers in Malaysia.

Alternatively, interested parties can book a test drive through www.volvocars.com/my.

For more information, follow Volvo Car Malaysia on Facebook http://bit.ly/VolvoMY-FB and Instagram http://bit.ly/VolvoMY-IG.


Tesla’s dominant position in China could be threatened in 2021

The Nio ES6.
SHANGHAI: Tesla Inc is coming to the end of its first year selling China-made cars with a commanding position in the world’s biggest electric-vehicle market, but Elon Musk shouldn’t rest on his laurels.

While Tesla regularly topped monthly premium EV sales tallies this year, helped by the sedans churned out from its multibillion-dollar plant opened to much fanfare here last December, 2020 was also marked by rivals catching up.

In 2021, the breadth of the competitive attack that Tesla faces will be greater than ever.

Whether Tesla can defend its lead in China will be key to its wider growth and earnings trajectory.

While still in its infancy, China’s electric-car market dwarfs that of other countries and the government is intent on further expansion amid commitments to reduce fossil-fuel use.

Tesla’s fate in China will also show whether it can grow into a truly global carmaker, an ambition investors are banking on after pushing the company’s shares up almost 700% this year.

A trio of local champions Nio Inc., Xpeng Inc. and Li Auto Inc. has emerged as the front line against the Palo Alto, California-based company.

All traded in the US, and enjoying backing from government entities or Internet giants, the three startups are quickly winning fans, with sales of their electric SUVs, sedans and crossovers also rising in 2020 and their shares surging on Tesla’s coattails.

“Since June, you’ve seen a steady rise in sales by Nio, Xpeng, and Li,” said Bill Russo, founder and chief executive officer of advisory firm Automobility Ltd. in Shanghai.

“Can you stay competitive with these fast-moving, Internet-backed, very deep-pocketed companies?”

Local threat

China is Tesla’s largest market after the US, with sales in Asia’s biggest economy topping 120,000 units this year, according to local registration data.

And Tesla keeps ramping up production in Shanghai, prompting analysts to forecast that China will account for a bigger slice of its sales and earnings in the years ahead.

The Model 3 sedans Tesla sells in China have higher profit margins than its vehicles in the US and Europe, and China could make up more than 40% of Tesla’s sales by early 2022, Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives said in a Dec. 21 research note. That compares with about 20% now.

“China could see eye-popping demand into 2021 and 2022 across the board with Tesla’s flagship Giga 3 footprint a major competitive advantage,” he said, referring to the Shanghai plant.

Expansion push

Waiting in the wings for Tesla is the Model Y, which Musk says has the potential to outsell all other vehicles it makes.

The crossover is already being built in California, and a Shanghai-assembled version is clearing the final regulatory stages to start selling in China as soon as next year.

Earlier in December, drone footage captured around 40 Model Y vehicles being driven out of the factory and wrapped in protective covers.

“China will continue to fuel Tesla’s global growth in 2021, more so than ever,” Sharon Li, a JL Warren analyst, said in a recent note.

The carmaker is also expanding its geographic footprint, recently opening multiple Tesla centres in China’s lower-tier cities including Weifang and Linyi in northeastern Shandong province.

Meanwhile, it’s bolstering its public and government relations teams in smaller hubs including Shijiazhuang and Haikou, in addition to larger cities.

Tesla is starting local production of chargers in Shanghai too, part of an effort to expand its charging network in more cities. The company recently completed its 500th super-charging station, marching towards an annual target of 650.

Crowded field

Trade group China Passenger Car Association predicts that Tesla will sell as many as 280,000 vehicles in the country next year.

While that represents impressive growth over 2020, it would still leave more than 80% of the market up for grabs. PCA predicts total sales of 1.7 million new energy vehicles for 2021.

That means local premium brands Nio, Xpeng and Li are increasingly a threat - combined, the three companies already approach Tesla’s monthly sales tally.

SAIC-GM Wuling Automobile Co. and BYD Co., which sell less expensive electric cars, are also gaining momentum.

Chinese challengers

Nio, the biggest of the Chinese trio, has steadily boosted sales of its electric SUVs that it sells at a price as much as 40% higher than Tesla’s Model 3.

The company’s retail strategy includes clubhouses with showrooms, lounges, work spaces, theatres and even camp activities for customers’ children.

A Tesla price cut earlier in the year added some pressure, but a subsequent reduction failed to have a similar impact, Nio CEO William Li said on a recent earnings call.

“We didn’t see any specific impact on our order intake,” Li said. “This proves that we have our own unique advantages.”

Xpeng similarly has seen brisk sales growth, helped by lower prices than Tesla’s. The company, which touts the smart features of its vehicles, raised US$2.2 billion this month selling additional stock, capitalising on a recent share-price surge.

“I would call 2020 Year One of an intelligent electric-vehicle market in China,” Xpeng vice chairman Brian Gu said in a phone interview on Nov 27. “We’re seeing really good sales of many good products.”

Common enemy

But Tesla and its Chinese rivals also face a common threat: conventional carmakers swiftly moving to electrified autos.

Volkswagen AG plans to introduce eight ID series electric models in China by 2023, while Daimler AG, the maker of Mercedes-Benz luxury cars, has launched the EQC electric SUV and plans to expand its lineup of purely battery-powered vehicles to at least 10 in coming years.

While their EV volumes in China are still small - they’ve yet to break into the top 10 - the traditional giants have the advantage of vast dealership, service and supply-chain networks.

China’s government, meanwhile, is doing its best to lure consumers and old-school automakers away from gas guzzlers with subsidies and restrictions.

The target is to have NEVs account for 20% of the market by 2025, up from about 5% currently.

Tesla will have its work cut out to ensure it’ll be among the beneficiaries of that push.

Lu Bin, a fund manager at HSBC Bank (China) Co. and an early buyer of a China-built Model 3 sedan, said he opted for a roomier Li Auto model when he purchased a new EV in November.

The range is better, plus the six-seater is more suitable for families.

“Tesla had the early-mover advantage and has shown the way to consumers,” said Russo. “But now, there are more options.”

READ MORE: Tesla to open shop in India in 2021


Indian carmakers seek extra year to meet fuel efficency rules, sources say

Commuters caught in a traffic jam in Allahabad on June 21. — AFP

NEW DELH: Indian automakers are seeking an extra year to meet tighter rules on fuel efficiency, aimed at reducing carbon emissions, as the companies reel from the financial impact of Covid-19, say sources.

The industry body leading the effort, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), was expected to meet the transport minister today to seek a one-year delay in complying with the rules, due to take effect from next April, said the sources, who have direct knowledge of the plans.

The grouping is expected to describe how the auto industry plans to adopt clean technologies, said one of the sources, who declined to be identified as they are not authorised to speak to media.

SIAM did not respond to a request for comment.

The road transport ministry said in a statement that it met officials from SIAM and their proposal was being considered but did not give details.

The corporate average fuel efficiency (CAFE) rules require automakers to cut carbon emissions through the launch of electric cars or vehicles that use alternative fuels.

Carmakers have said it would be difficult to make further investments to meet the stricter rules, particularly when a drop in sales as the pandemic slowed demand has dented profits.

But doing so would allow India, the world's fifth-largest car market, to curb pollution, meet its carbon reduction targets under the Paris climate agreement and reduce its fuel import bill.

In March, SIAM, whose members include top sellers Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai Motor, had sought a two-year delay.

At the time, a senior government official said an extension was unlikely, but some concessions could be considered if car companies showed serious intent to invest in clean technologies.

India introduced a first phase of its CAFE measures in April 2017, giving carmakers until the end of March next year to cut carbon emissions from new cars to 130 grams per km.

In a second phase starting from April 1, 2022, India has proposed a further cut to 113 grams per km.

The stricter rules also aim to align Indian regulations for carmakers with global standards.

Sales of hybrid and electric vehicle have increased in Europe, for example, where carmakers face heavy penalties if they do not develop low-emission technology.

But India has not yet set penalties for companies that fall short of its stricter CAFE norms.


JPJ rubbishes online ads touting driving licence for sale

JPJ urged the public not to fall for such ruse and to contact its nearest office for any inquiries. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has denied claims on Instagram ads that people can buy an approved driving licence without having to sit for either the highway code and driving tests.

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) said the ads were "fake news" in a post on its Facebook page.

The advertisements claim that individuals can use their services to obtain a driving licence within three days without having to sit for the computerised highway code and driving tests.

JPJ said it would probe the culprits behind the claims.

The department also said it would be lodging reports with the police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission on the matter.

JPJ urged the public not to fall for such ruse and to contact its nearest office for any inquiries.


South Korea's Genesis electrifies its GV70 SUV with 455km range

                BERLIN: Until now, if you wanted to buy the Genesis GV70, then you could only get the South Korean SUV as a petrol or diesel. But now Hyundai's sister company plans to offer this upper middle class car as an all-electric vehicle.

Genesis says it is now selling the new electric SUV at prices upwards of €67,300, putting it in direct competition with the BMW iX3 and Mercedes EQC.

The 4.72-metre SUV is available with one electric motor per axle producing 218 hp in normal operation. However, the output can be briefly increased at the push of a button, so that the system output climbs from 436 hp to a total horsepower of 490.

Then the 2.3-tonne five-seater needs only 4.2 seconds instead of 4.8 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100kph, Genesis says.

The top speed is limited to 235kph in any case. But even with that, the GV70 is faster than some of its competitors, as Audi, BMW and Mercedes usually stop their electric off-road vehicles at 200kph at the latest.

The two motors are powered by a battery with a capacity of 77.4 kWh, which is enough for up to 455km in the standard cycle.

Because the batteries have a voltage of 800 volts, they can be charged with up to 350 kW. According to Genesis, this means that it only takes 18 minutes at best to go from 10% to 80%.

Unlike its smaller brother, the GV60, the G70e is not designed from the ground up to be an electric, meaning it offers slightly less space in the rear, for example.

However, the Koreans have kept one characteristic of their electric models in the conversion: unlike its German rivals, the GV70 also has a so-called frunk and offers more storage space under the front bonnet.


How art is improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists

                PARIS: Several major European cities are joining the Asphalt Art Initiative, which involves painting streets and certain infrastructure to improve street safety while revitalising public spaces.

This project, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, is already proving successful in the United States.

The initiative aims to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists through eye-catching paintings on roadways, crosswalks and along sidewalks.

At least 19 European cities have joined the programme, each receiving a US$25,000 (RM117,000) grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies for these projects, which are expected to be completed by 2023.

Among the cities selected are Athens, Brussels, Florence, Helsinki, Istanbul, Madrid, Reykjavik, Rome and Zagreb.

These floor murals are generally applied to the road, sidewalks and pedestrian areas. As well as brightening up the area, they also contribute to improving traffic flow and the safety of road users.

About 40 projects in the United States have already proven their worth.

In Kansas City, the redesign of an intersection where speeding cars had long been an issue has reduced the average speed by 45%.

In Baltimore, coloured curbs increased the proportion of drivers giving way to pedestrians by 41%. These initiatives, which do not require much in the way of resources, therefore appear to be particularly effective.

Note that local residents are also involved in the process, in order to make the project their own. For example, in downtown Saginaw, Michigan, nearly 500 residents gathered with artists for a one-day "Paint-A-Thon."

The Asphalt Art Initiative was inspired in part by the work carried out to improve pedestrian safety and revitalise the streets of New York City during the terms of mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, from 2002 to 2013.


Suzuki Vitara refreshed

                LONDON: Suzuki has given the new Vitara a subtle facelift that incorporates numerous visual, technical and specification upgrades for Britain.

The Vitara has enjoyed strong UK sales success since launch in 2015 and it is currently the most popular model in the Suzuki range.

The new Vitara, set to arrive in September,  will be available with both 1.0-litre and 1.4-litre Boosterjet turbo charged petrol engines and these will replace the 1.6-litre petrol engine.

The highly acclaimed Boosterjet engines provide more power and torque, greater efficiency and offer lower emissions too.

SZ4 and SZ-T grades are equipped with the 1.0-litre 111PS Boosterjet engine and ALLGRIP four wheel drive is available optionally on the SZ-T with manual transmission.

SZ5 models are equipped with the 1.4-litre Boosterjet engine which offers a power output of 140PS and 220Nm of torque is available from just 1,500rpm through to 4,000rpm.

The latest Vitara will also offer various design updates, two new colours and the availability of new technology and advanced safety equipment.

For the exterior, new design alloy wheels are available, a redesigned front grille and lower bumper is utilised and the rear of the car features new design and distinctive LED combination lamps.

For the interior, the upper instrument panel now incorporates a soft touch material for added quality and the instrument cluster has a new design with colour central information display.

The 2019 Vitara will be the most technically advanced Suzuki to date and new safety technology available as standard equipment on the SZ5 model will include Dual Sensor Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Traffic Sign recognition, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear cross traffic alert.

Vitara is sold in 191 countries and regions around the world and cumulative sales recently passed 3.7 million units. Suzuki Motor Corporation is the eighth largest car brand in the world with sales in FY 2017 of 3,160,000 units.


Bhutan Adventure Ride 2019

                PETALING JAYA: Due to the Big Boys Adventure's overwhelming response when they organised a motorcycle ride in Bhutan last year, it is embarking on a second edition of the ride called Bhutan Adventure Ride 2019.

Scheduled from July 4 to 14, 2019, it  promises an unforgettable riding experience through the country's breathtaking scenery and great roads.

The ride will flag off from Paro (a valley town in Bhutan) and will cover Punakha, Gasa, Phobjikha Valley, Gangtey, Thimphu (capital of Bhutan) and the Tiger’s Nest.

For details, call Diddy at 016-2919564 or Rosman at 011-12969667 or email info@bigboysadventure.my.


Six major carmakers agree to phase out fossil-fuel vehicles by 2040, UK says

                GLASGOW: Six major automakers will commit today to phasing out the production of fossil-fuel vehicles around the world by 2040, as part of global efforts to cut carbon emissions, the British government said in a statement.

But sources familiar with the pledge's contents said some big carmakers including the world's top two, Toyota Motor Corp and Volkswagen AG, and crucial car markets China, the United States and Germany have not signed up.

That highlighted the challenges that remain in shifting to a zero-emission future.

Cars, trucks, ships, buses and planes account for about a quarter of all global carbon emissions, data from the International Energy Agency showed, of which the bulk comes from road vehicles.

Sweden's Volvo, US automakers Ford Motor Co and General Motors Co, Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz, China's BYD Co Ltd and Jaguar Land Rover, a unit of India's Tata Motors Ltd, were set to sign the pledge at climate talks in Glasgow, the latest initiative to help cap global warming by mid-century.

Volvo has already committed to going fully electric by 2030.

Britain, which is hosting the COP26 summit, said four new countries including New Zealand and Poland were joining other nations already committed to ensuring all new cars and vans are zero emission by 2040 or earlier.

The statement comes on a day dedicated to transport at the conference.

But the apparent unwillingness of China, the world's largest car market, and the United States - the world's largest economy and second-largest car market - to join the pledge raises questions about its effectiveness.

GM said it is "proud to now stand alongside other companies, governments and civil society organisations to support the declaration to commit to working towards a transition to 100% zero emission vehicles by 2035."

Ford confirmed its participation and said: "It will take everyone working together to be successful."

Sources said that while the United States is not joining the pledge, key car-buying states like California and New York have signed up.

An auto industry source said some carmakers are wary of the pledge because it commits them to a costly shift in technology, but lacks a similar commitment from governments to ensure that the necessary charging and grid infrastructure would be built to support electric vehicles.

In the summer, the European Commission proposed an effective ban on fossil-fuel vehicles by 2035, accompanied by a commitment to charging infrastructure that carmakers had demanded. read more

The world's No. 4 carmaker, Stellantis, was also missing from the latest pledge, as were Japanese carmakers Honda Motor Co Ltd and Nissan Motor Co Ltd; Germany's BMW and Korea's Hyundai Motor Co.

According to sources, ride-hailing company Uber Technologies Inc will also be a signatory.

The British government statement said a joint declaration would also be signed by companies including food retailer Sainsbury's and cities around the world aiming to make their vehicle fleets green.


At GM, blue and white collar give way to remote and on-site

                DETROIT: General Motors Co today outlined plans to allow remote work after the pandemic, in part to cast a wider net for recruiting programmers, marketers and other talent needed for its connected, electric vehicle strategy.

"The future of jobs will not be a one-size fits all approach," the automaker said in a statement explaining its "Work Appropriately" programme to cover 155,000 employees worldwide.

Instead, many employees will be allowed to keep working remotely, coming to an office as needed, as long as their tasks are not tied to assembly lines or on-site equipment.

That would allow GM to recruit a programmer who lives in Boston without requiring that employee to move, GM global talent acquisition director Cyril George told reporters on a videoconference.

In North America, GM has already sought to expand its recruiting footprint beyond its Detroit area base by setting up "innovation centres" for employees in technical and marketing fields in Austin, Texas; Chandler, Ariz. and Roswell, GA.

GM's more flexible approach to office attendance reflects a broader rethinking of traditional workplace practices across industries, accelerated by the pandemic.

For Detroit automakers, an archaic class system of "blue collar" manufacturing workers and "white collar" salaried employees is giving way to a new distinction: Those who must work on-site, and those who can do their jobs remotely.

Technology adopted during the pandemic has expanded the universe of GM employees who can work from a distance.

Members of the team that developed the GMC Hummer EV were able to remotely monitor testing of a prototype at the company's Milford, Michigan test track, said Jeff Massimilla, executive director of connected customer and mobility solutions.

GM officials said the new workplace approach is not aimed at shrinking the automaker’s office space, and declined to say what cost impact flexible work policies could have.


Hyundai and Singtel kick off smart mobility ecosystem project

                SINGAPORE: Hyundai Motor Company and Singtel today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on a range of ventures to support smart manufacturing and connectivity for electric vehicle battery subscription service.

The MoU follows Hyundai's announcement last October that it is setting up a new state-of-the-art Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre Singapore to conduct studies on future mobility and explore innovative solutions, services and disruptive technologies to revolutionise commuters' transport experience.

Located at Jurong West, the innovation centre is a seven-storey building which covers a footprint of 44,000 sq m and is expected to be completed by the end of 2022.

Hyundai will combine its expertise in developing innovative automotive and manufacturing solutions with Singtel's capabilities in 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), and next generation info-communications technologies and solutions to develop Industry 4.0 advanced digital solutions to transform the way vehicles are currently manufactured.

READ MORE: Sony controls vehicle 2,500km away via 5G

The parties will develop and pilot a 5G-enabled smart factory use case for the innovation centre's intelligent manufacturing platform, and potentially scaling it up for deployment across Hyundai's plants globally.

Hyundai and Singtel will also work together on an IoT communications solution for the batteries powering Hyundai's electric vehicles (EVs) in Singapore.

The IoT system enables Hyundai to monitor the telemetry, or automatic data transmission, of the batteries' real-time status and performance. The data-driven insights can enhance the EV's reliability, advancing Singapore's EV ecosystem and Smart Nation vision of connected and sustainable mobility solutions.

Present at the signing ceremony were the innovation centre's senior vice president Hong Bum Jung and Singtel's group enterprise (government and large enterprise) managing director Andrew Lim.


Founder of automated manufacturing firm Tesla acquired ousted

                FRANKFURT: Tesla executive Klaus Grohmann was ousted last month after a clash with chief executive Elon Musk over the strategy of Grohmann's firm, which Tesla had acquired in November, a source familiar with the matter said.

The Silicon Valley luxury electric carmaker is counting on Grohmann Engineering's automation and engineering expertise to help it ramp up production to 500,000 cars per year by 2018.

At the time of the purchase, it described Klaus Grohmann and the company he founded as a "world leader in highly automated manufacturing".

Tesla planned to keep Grohmann on, and Grohmann wanted to stay, but the clash with Musk over how to treat existing clients resulted in his departure, the source said.

Grohmann disagreed with Musk's demands to focus management attention on Tesla projects to the detriment of Grohmann Engineering's legacy clients, which included Tesla's direct German-based rivals Daimler and BMW, two sources familiar with the matter said.

Reached by phone, Klaus Grohmann declined to comment on the circumstances of his leaving, citing confidentiality clauses.

"I definitely did not depart because I had lost interest in working," Grohmann said, without elaborating.

A Tesla spokesman, asked about Grohmann's departure, praised him for building an "incredible company" and said: "Part of Mr Grohmann's decision to work with Tesla was to prepare for his retirement and leave the company in capable hands for the future. Given the change in focus to Tesla projects, we mutually decided that it was the right time for the next generation of management to lead."

Two sources familiar with the matter said Tesla's plans to ramp up production with the help of the company now renamed Tesla Grohmann Automation remain on track.

The management layer below Klaus Grohmann is continuing his work, they told Reuters. But they said parts of the workforce felt insecure about becoming so dependent on one client after the founder's departure.

Last year, Tesla had said: "Under the continued leadership of Mr Grohmann, several critical elements of Tesla's automated manufacturing systems will be designed and produced in Pruem, to help make our factories the most advanced in the world."

"Our factories are so important that we believe they will ultimately deserve an order of magnitude more attention in engineering than what they produce. At very high production volumes, the factory becomes more of a product than the product itself," Tesla said at the time.

Tesla started out as a client of Grohmann Engineering, a small unlisted company based in Pruem, near the Luxembourg border, that helped companies design highly automated factories, a source familiar with the company said.

As pressure grew to increase production volumes at Tesla, Musk decided to buy Grohmann Engineering and make Pruem a base for Tesla Advanced Automation.

As well as BMW and Daimler, Grohmann counted the auto parts maker Bosch, chip maker Intel, and pharmaceutical firms Abbott Laboratories and Roche among its clients.

Negotiations have started with some of the clients about how to compensate them for lack of resources devoted to their projects, one of the sources said.

The German labor union IG Metall has demanded that Tesla's management formalize multi-year job guarantees and increase salaries as a way to provide assurance amid management turmoil.


Heavy vehicle drivers hauled up for entering KL at peak hours

Enforcement officers stopping a lorry during the joint operation at Jalan Istana during the morning peak hour. — Photo courtesy of DBKL

KUALA LUMPUR: Twenty heavy vehicle drivers who violated the time frame accorded to them to enter Kuala Lumpur city centre were issued with summonses in a joint operation.

Operasi Laluan Waktu Terhad was carried out by the traffic police, Road Transport Department (JPJ) and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) between 6.30am and 9.30am on Wednesday at Jalan Istana, Lebuhraya Sultan Iskandar (Lebuhraya Mahameru), Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan Dewan Bahasa and Jalan Kuching.

Heavy vehicles exceeding 7.5 tonnes are barred from entering main roads leading into the city centre from 6.30am to 9.30am and between 4.30pm and 7.30pm every day.

Signboards displaying the time schedule have been put up at various locations.

The joint operation resulted in owners of heavy vehicles entering the main roads during the prohibited hours, being issued tickets for the violation.

Those caught not following the rules can be compounded the maximum of RM1,000 or jailed three months or both under Section 70(4) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

DBKL data showed that from January to June this year, about 1,332 compound notices were issued for various traffic offences by all three agencies.

Also present at the operation at Jalan Istana were Deputy Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias and Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Mahadi Che Ngah.

The operation is part of a series of enforcement efforts carried out by a task force set up last month to oversee and study the traffic flow in Kuala Lumpur, a move aimed to reduce the worsening congestion in the capital city.

Future enforcement efforts include using the city’s 5,000 traffic cameras to issue fines to errant motorists.

Jalaluddin said the ministry would discuss with Mahadi on upgrading all the city traffic cameras in Kuala Lumpur.

“We will talk to the KL traffic police, our legal advisers and the Attorney General’s Chambers to check on the legality of issuing traffic summonses using evidence taken from CCTV camera images.

“Our cameras can capture real- time images accurately. We hope we can issue summonses to those flouting traffic rules, based on those images.

“We believe this will educate motorists who continuously break traffic rules, and help reduce congestion,” he added.


PLUS rolls out solar-powered charger in Ayer Keroh, more to come

The first solar-based EV charging station is located in Ayer Keroh R&R (southbound). — Bernama
MALACCA: North-South Expressway (NSE) concessionaire PLUS has launched the first solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging station at the Ayer Keroh R&R (southbound) near here today.

The station costing RM450,000 is made available with the co-operation from Malaysia Green Technology Corporation (MGTC). EV owners could charge their cars for free at the site.

PLUS managing director Datuk Azman Ismail said the move to have the station is in line with PLUS' policy to preserve the environment as well as going eco-friendly.

“Ayer Keroh (southbound) is the first to have such facility and we plan to introduce the same concept at five more R&R areas very soon," he said at the launch.

“We estimate 60,000 EVs in the country to benefit from the facility,” he said. The event was also attended by MGTC acting CEO Syed Ahmad Syed Mustafa.

MGTC is the leading EV charging station operator that manages 240 stations at petrol kiosks and shopping complexes nationwide.

On another matter, Azman said PLUS expects to resolve the issue of heavy vehicles parking along the highway shoulder by working with the relevant enforcement agencies.

While acknowledging the haphazard parking is not only confined to the Malacca stretch of the expressway, Azman said rest and recreation (R&R) areas in other parts of the country are also experiencing the same situation.

“It boils down to the attitude (of the drivers) and we will work closely with the enforcement agencies to address this," he said in response to the statement from Malacca Transport, Works and Public Amenities committee chairman Datuk Mohd Sofi Abdul Wahab on the state government's intention to meet with PLUS officials over the issue.

Mohd Sofi on Dec 11 said a significant number of lorries and trailers ended up parking along the NSE due to lack of space at the R&R as bays are occupied by smaller vehicles from midnight to 4am.

The situation is visible daily along the exit of Ayer Keroh R&R area (southbound), apart from the exit point to the Ayer Keroh toll plaza, here.

Mohd Sofi had garnered the feedback from expressway users following The Star's report about heavy vehicles driving above the speed limit and parking haphazardly along the NSE on Dec 8.


Volkswagen unveils new ID.7 saloon, expanding its electric range

                BERLIN: Volkswagen's core brand is expanding its electric range upwards with the new ID.7 saloon, expanding VW's electric mobility ambitions but without responding to criticism that battery drive remains unaffordable to most buyers.

The car, which is just under five metres long, is expected to achieve ranges of up to 700km in its higher trim level and will be offered with modern connectivity and display technology. Price's in VW's home market are expected to be under €60,000 (RM290,000).

The ID.7 sees the company expand into the upper mid-range after the Wolfsburg-based company started its series of pure electric cars with models like the compact car ID.3 and the small SUV ID.4.

Unveiled in Berlin and other cities on Monday, the ID.7 will be on display at the Shanghai motor show in the second half of April.

VW is thereby making it clear that its target group is, on the one hand, buyers in Europe and America, but also customers in its most important market, China, where the manufacturer already offers the large ID.6 SUV.

The follow-up model, the ID.7, will be available in China and in European countries in the second half of 2023, and in North America from 2024 onwards.

One of the most important model launches for Volkswagen last year was the ID.Buzz electric bus. In addition, the series version of the ID.2 small car, which was recently unveiled in concept form, should be ready by 2026 at the latest, and a mini model for less than €20,000 is also being developed.

Climate activists have long been calling for car companies to offer smaller and more affordable electric cars, the majority of which are large and comparitively expensive, and VW had been criticised for its mostly pricey electric range.

The company says the share of fully electric cars at Volkswagen Passenger Cars is to reach at least 80% of vehicles delivered in Europe by the end of this decade, and 10 new electric models are planned by 2026.

According to the VW group, one of the roles of the ID.7 will be to "electrify the long haul". It will have the largest battery of all models in the main division.

The European and North American versions of the ID.7 will be built at VW's Emden plant from the second half of the year. The China variant will be built in China itself.


Lexus ES updated for 2021

                TOYOTA CITY: Lexus has premiered the new ES luxury sedan which is now more refined for improved quietness, ride comfort and interior quality.

The exterior has evolved into a more modern look with a newly designed front grille and headlamps, while the interior has adopted the new interior color Mauve and evolved into a calm and modern space.

The ES' torsional and lateral rigidity has been heightened for improved ride comfort and a more direct and linear driving feel with The switch from a single sheet structure to a dual sheet structure.

The grille has been done in a mesh pattern consisting of an ensemble of L-shaped components that emphasise lateral flow while variants with monocular headlamps feature new, compact lamp units, while those with triple-beam lamps feature BladeScanTM AHS (Adaptive High-beam System and slender housing for a sharp look.

The F Sport now comes in White, with seat cushions in a White-and-Flare Red color scheme combined with seatbacks in Black for a sportier impression.

The centre display has been moved closer to the driver by more than 100mm compared to previous display layouts and tilted approximately five degrees, putting even the outlying corners of the screen within easy reach of the driver.

Meanwhile. the camera performance of the Digital Side-view Mirrors and Digital Rear-view Mirror has been improved.

To improve visibility in places in which light and shade are mixed, noise-reduction processing is applied to realized clear images with less noise and reduction in LED flickering.

The 17-inch wheels come with thicker spoke ends to emphasise the shine of machined surfaces and are layered in "V" formations to give a sporty impression.

For the 18-inch wheels, the multi-axis spokes contrast the shine of machined surfaces and black paint, creating a sense of luxury.

The F Sport-exclusive 19-inch wheels are glossy black to match the black of the front grille for a firm impression.

Two colors available for the first time on the ES are Sonic Iridium, which takes advantage of strong shadows to further accentuate the shape of the vehicle, and Sonic Chrome, which exhibits a metallic quality in a high-gloss finish.

While retaining the configuration of a single-lens camera and millimeter-wave radar used in the conventional Lexus Safety System +, Lexus has added functions such as Emergency Steering Assist and has improved the system's lane recognition performance.

These advances are part of Lexus's continuing efforts to prevent traffic accidents and fatalities, to reduce driver burden, and to develop driver-assist systems that provide a more natural and safer driving experience.

The vehicle can be locked and unlocked with a Bluetooth-activated digital key by operating using only a smartphone installed with a dedicated app.

And, just as in the case of a conventional smart key, the engine can be started with such a smartphone without having to take the smartphone out.


Study: Range anxiety remains major global hurdle for electric cars

                MUNICH: Driving an electric car is only fun if you know you've got somewhere to charge it up again.

In spite of efforts from many governments to push consumers away from diesel and petrol, the fear of running out of juice before the next socket continues to plague electric vehicles, according to a new global study.

As charging networks remain patchy in many countries, more than a quarter (27 per cent) of people taking part in an international survey say the availability of public charging stations is "critical" for their decision whether or not to switch to an electric car.

The biggest overall concern when buying an electric car (for 45 per cent of people) is the lack of charging infrastructure, according to a study by automotive analysts at AlixPartners consultancy.

This is hardly surprising, since the number of electric cars is growing much faster than the number of public charging stations around the world, the researchers say.

"Huge hurdles remain on many fronts, including achieving parity on vehicle cost, meeting consumers’ growing expectations for digitally driven sales and ownership models, and meeting consumers’ expectations that the auto industry itself, and not just governments, work to ensure charging infrastructures," automotive analyst at AlixPartners Mark Wakefield said.

As many as 40 per cent of the 1,015 respondents from eight international markets were still concerned about the driving range of their car, while 18 per cent had fears about the safety of the battery technology.

Although the arrival of the electric car prompted fears of sudden explosions and toxic fumes from new battery technology, fire safety experts now say electric cars do not pose a higher risk of fire than conventionally powered cars.

Despite various concerns, 88 per cent of electric car drivers say they would buy one again, many noting that it's become easier to charge up home or at work. Still, 47 per cent of EV drivers say they are "mainly bothered by the charging time."


BMW 218i Gran Coupé gets BMW Live Cockpit Professional upgrade

                KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Malaysia has upgraded the instrumentation and infotainment system of the new locally-assembled 218i Gran Coupé to a new system which comes with more flexibility and better display presentation.

The BMW Live Cockpit Professional featured in the new 218i Gran Coupé now consists of a 10.25-inch instrument display cluster (previously 5.1-inch) and a 10.25-inch central information display (previously 8.8-inch).

Both displays are designed with a new concept that aims to provide a fast, timely overview of relevant information.

Individualisation is now easier than ever, with a wider breadth of configuration options to personalise and enhance the driving experience.

Focused and fully-configurable display
The new BMW Live Cockpit Professional takes a “content-first” approach in displaying information, with a minimalistic and precise outlook.

Fuel level, speed, rpm and engine temperature are now presented in tube rings and have been arranged to free up more space in the centre for navigation display and other functions.

Tailoring the driving experience is a list of functions and configurable widgets, which include sports scoreboards, driving data, fuel consumption and efficiency, G-force meter, media, and radio.

Uniform Driving Experience modes
Reduced colour and graphical clutter also contribute to a more consistent feel and perceptual experience on the road.
Depending on the selected Driving Experience mode (Sport, Comfort, Eco-Pro), a uniform colour and look will be displayed across the information display cluster and central information display.

Intelligent Personal Assistant
For convenient and complete control over vehicle settings, navigation and entertainment systems, the voice-activated BMW Intelligent Personal Assistance can be brought to life with a “Hey BMW!” or an individual personalised activation word.

Dynamic Financial Programme
With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the 218i Gran Coupé can be owned with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM2,268 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure).

The 218i Gran Coupé comes with the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which includes:

• BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme
• BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline
• The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App -BMW Privileges Card
• BMW Service Online

The 218i Gran Coupé is priced at RM216,367 (on-the-road, without insurance) with Sales and Service Tax exemption, and Extended Warranty and Service Package.

Without the Extended Warranty and Service Package, the 218i Gran Coupé costs RM204,177.


VW outlines bold automotive ambitions for the future

Müller posing with the Sedric, an autonomous vehicle concept.
WOLFSBURG: The VW group's plans for the coming years include 60 new models before the end of 2017, an affordable car for emerging markets by 2018 and 30 plug-in electric cars on sale by 2025.

Despite Dieselgate, the Volkswagen Group set a new record for deliveries in 2016, selling 10.3 million cars across its myriad brands from Audi to Skoda. Bentley, Lamborghini and Porsche all set all-time sales records and even the VW marque itself only experienced a 0.6% dip in sales revenues. All of which has prompted the German carmaker to think big and believe that its recent worries are in the rearview mirror.

"This result demonstrates that the Group is financially equipped to bear the consequences of the diesel crisis," said group CFO Frank Witter. According to its official figures published Tuesday, Dieselgate has thus far cost the company €22.6 billion. "Through agreements reached in North America (VW pleaded guilty to all charges), we have taken a huge step towards overcoming the diesel issue," said Witter.

While CEO Matthias Müller said the results show that the company is "performing better in our operating business than many thought possible. Volkswagen is back on track."

And that track, though hugely ambitious, is also going to mean some contrition. "We will also be a leading international provider of sustainable mobility and set the standards for new mobility services. And what is at least as important to us: We will be a role model in environmental protection, safety, and integrity," said Müller.

So alongside the 60 new models coming this year across the VW portfolio and the aim of expanding the core company's SUV range to seven models, huge financial investments are being made in battery technology - acquiring as well as developing expertise in the area and building a centre of excellence that will start production in 2020.

The ultimate goal will be 30 fully electric vehicles on sale by 2025. However, in the meantime investment will continue in improving the efficiency of internal combustion engines and of offering a wider choice of hybrids - with 10 models coming to market by 2018 including the first plug-in Bentleys.

That will also be the year that the company's joint venture with Indian carmaker Tata will bear its first fruit - a premium car for the economy market - and will be followed by similar jointly developed cars with FAW and JAC in China.


Ferrari to Russia: No more supercars for you

                MARANELLO: Ferrari NV is adding its name to the list of automakers suspending production for customers in Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine.

“Given the ongoing situation, Ferrari has taken the decision to suspend the production of vehicles for the Russian market until further notice,” the automaker said March 8.

The decision came a week after executives told journalists at a press launch in Seville, Spain, they were closely monitoring the situation and had yet to determine how to respond.

Ferrari, which has two out of its 172 worldwide dealerships located in Russia, sent fewer than 100 vehicles there out of roughly 11,000 global deliveries in 2021.

The 75-year-old company is one of the final automotive brands to halt shipments to or idle plants in Russia.

Volkswagen AG, BMW AG, General Motors Co., Ford Motor Co., Toyota Motor, Harley-Davidson, Volvo AB and Daimler Truck Holding AG have all announced they have stopped business activities there.

“We are convinced that a sustainable solution to the conflict can only take place on the basis of international law,” Porsche spokesman Marcus Kabel said in an email March 9.

Porsche, as part of Volkswagen AG, has also ceased business there—as have fellow subsidiaries Lamborghini and Bentley.

“The degree of impact on our business activities in the affected countries is continuously determined by experts in a task force team.”

Many manufacturers that have stopped production are also facing supply chain and other challenges with far-reaching consequences.

In the past weeks, French automaker Renault lost more than a third of its market value as Russia reeled from strict economic sanctions.

Renault, which relies on Russia for about 10% of its revenue, suspended production at its Moscow assembly plant March 9 until March 18. Russia is the second-biggest market for Renault.

VW, which delivered 216,000 vehicles including Porsches, Lamborghinis and Bentleys to Russia last year, marking 2.4% of its global sales, has even been forced to stop production across some of its brands even outside of Russia, including halting portions of Porsche production in Europe.

“The company will be forced to suspend Taycan production in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen from [March 9] initially until the end of next week,” Kabel said.

“Production in the now-closed Porsche plant in Leipzig will start again in reduced operation in the coming week, due to an improved supply situation.”

Ferrari executives said they would donate €1 million (RM4.62mil) to support displaced Ukrainians.

The funds will work in conjunction with the Red Cross and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to fund international humanitarian projects as well as local initiatives focusing on the reception of refugees in Italy, they said.


Toyota to form electric car technology venture with Mazda

                TOKYO: Toyota has established a new venture to develop electric vehicle technology with partner Mazda, seeking to catch up with rivals in an increasingly frenetic race to produce more battery-powered cars.

Policymakers in key markets like China are pushing a shift to electric cars over the next two to three decades, while relatively new rival Tesla Inc is gaining momentum, pressuring traditional automakers to crank up plans for fully electric vehicles (EVs).

At the same time, declining battery costs are enabling more power to be packed into cars, making an electric car future easier to imagine.

Toyota said in a statement the new company will develop technology for a range of electric cars, including minivehicles, passenger cars, SUVs and light trucks.

Toyota will take a 90 percent stake in the joint venture, called EV Common Architecture Spirit Co Ltd, while Mazda and Denso Corp, Toyota’s biggest supplier, will each take 5 percent.

The plans build on a partnership announced in August when Japan’s biggest automaker agreed to take a 5 percent stake in Mazda and two said they would jointly develop affordable electric vehicle technologies.

Although Toyota is providing most of the financial firepower and existing EV know-how, Mazda’s engineers have gained the admiration of the industry with break-through technologies such as its compression ignition engine announced last month.

Both automakers are somewhat behind rivals, with neither having a fully electric passenger car on the market yet.

After years of focusing on bringing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to the market, Toyota last year set up a division to develop electric cars which is led by president Akio Toyoda, and said it plans to introduce EVs in China in the coming years.

That division would continue as a separate entity from the new joint venture, a Toyota spokesman said, while adding that the two teams would co-operate on technology development.

Mazda has an R&D budget a fraction of Toyota‘s, which has made it difficult to develop electric cars on its own. Even so, it has said it plans to launch EVs in 2020.

By comparison, Nissan has the world’s top selling electric car, the LEAF, and it and partner Renault expect electric models to account for 30 percent of their vehicle sales by 2022.

Competition from unexpected quarters is also heating up. Just this week, James Dyson, the billionaire British inventor of the bagless vacuum cleaner, said his company was working on developing an electric car to be launched by 2020.


Mitsubishi and Nissan to jointly launch new Kei cars

                TOKYO: Mitsubishi Motors Corp and Nissan Motor Co Ltd will introduce four new mini-vehicles in Japan through a joint venture.

Production of the all-new Mitsubishi eK wagon, Mitsubishi eK X, Nissan Dayz, and Nissan Dayz Highway Star, has started at Mitsubishi's Mizushima Plant in Kurashiki, Japan.

For the first time, the models will be offered with semi-autonomous driving technology, designed for single-lane use on highways.

NMKV, a joint venture of the two companies, integrated Nissan's advanced technologies and Mitsubishi's extensive experience in mini-vehicle production into the light, tall wagon-type cars.

The companies launched the first generation of the models in 2013 and have increased their collaboration since becoming Alliance partners in 2016.

Last month, the all-new Nissan Livina, which shares a platform with the Mitsubishi Xpander, went on sale in Indonesia.

The new models deliver markedly improved performance, with upgraded platforms, engines and transmissions.

They also feature an all-new design. While the Nissan and Mitsubishi mini-vehicles share key components, they retain separate brand features.

At a ceremony at the Mizushima Plant, Mitsubishi Motors Chairman and CEO Osamu Masuko, Nissan SVP Asako Hoshino, and NMKV President and CEO Junichi Endo pledged to keep working together.

The models will go on sale in Japan later this month.


Nikola in talks with automakers for Badger pickup truck production

                PHOENIX: Nikola Corp, a maker of hydrogen-fuelled vehicles, is in the process of picking a partner to produce its Badger pickup truck, while also aiming to start deliveries of its electric commercial big rigs next year, founder Trevor Milton said on Wednesday.

Nikola shares have nearly doubled since their debut on the Nasdaq last week, getting a bump on Monday after Milton tweeted that the company would open reservations for Badger on June 29.

“There are three (automakers) in the running right now for a joint venture on Badger, and we will announce who that is in the next few months,” Milton, who is also the company’s executive chairman, told Reuters.

The production of Badger, which will compete with electric car maker Tesla Inc’s Cybertruck, is set to start in 2022 or earlier, Milton said. The pickup truck will be available in both electric and fuel-cell versions.

Nikola claims Badger has a range of 965km, compared with Cybertruck’s range of more than 800km.

Milton also said deliveries of its electric commercial trucks, built in partnership with CNH Industrial, an Italian-American maker of Iveco trucks, would start in the second half of 2021.

“We are already building prototypes right now on the line in our factory in Ulm, Germany,” he said.

Nikola’s Ulm factory has a capacity to produce 35,000 trucks a year, Milton said. The company will break ground this year for one more factory in Arizona that will produce 35,000 commercial trucks annually.

Nikola is planning to start deliveries of its hydrogen fuel-cell version of the commercial truck, which has a range of up to 1,207km, by the end of 2022.

The rise in Nikola shares this week coincides with Tesla CEO Elon Musk telling his staff on Wednesday that it was time to bring the Tesla Semi commercial truck to “volume production.”


EU eyes new pollution-cutting trading system for cars, buildings

                BRUSSELS: Europe’s car and construction sectors could face rising costs if they fail to substantially reduce their carbon footprint.

European Union leaders will gather here for a special session on May 25 to discuss how to achieve the bloc’s collective 2030 target of cutting harmful greenhouse emissions by at least 55% compared to 1990 levels. Binding national targets are among the sticking points.

The EU’s executive arm is mulling creating an additional system of pollution-cutting incentives known as emissions trading for buildings and road transport, according to a document distributed to diplomats here before the summit.

The aim of this new program would be to provide “an additional incentive to actors in these sectors to take additional action, thereby contributing to emission reductions in all member states.”

The April 23 memo doesn’t say whether drivers and home owners, or the car industry and construction companies, which will be on the hook to buy permits for their emissions.

The planned gradual introduction of tailor-made greenhouse-gas trading systems for housing and transport would come on top of carbon caps for utilities and manufacturers in the existing EU Emissions Trading System.

It would not interfere with the carbon price in the current ETS, the commission said.

EU carbon permits — certificates allowing the emission of a certain amount of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases — reached a new record of €47 (RM234) per metric ton last week, and analysts expect they will keep rising as the 27-nation bloc introduces ever tougher climate rules. Prices will more than double by the end of the year to €110 (RM547) per ton, Berenberg economists led by Lawson Steele wrote in a note last month.

Morgan Stanley predicted that prices could exceed €60 (RM298) driven by a reform of the emissions trading system in June.

The world’s biggest ETS covers 40% of the EU’s total emissions. The rest come from sectors that fall outside its scope, including agriculture and land use, waste, road transport and buildings. Raising the level of ambition in these sectors is likely to prove contentious, as poorer members especially say they cannot afford the costs of the higher goals.

Bloc members would have to collectively cut emissions by an additional 10 percentage points beyond the current target, national delegations were told in the memo prepared by the European Commission and seen by Bloomberg. On top of the higher costs for polluting, the commission will propose tougher minimum CO2 standards for new vehicles, and stricter energy efficiency requirements for buildings, according to the memo.

The debate among EU leaders comes after the US and the UK unveiled more ambitious emissions-reduction targets for 2030, during a climate summit hosted by President Joe Biden last week. On the eve of the summit, EU lawmakers reached a tentative deal to make the bloc’s goal of reducing emissions by 55% by 2030 legally binding, while the commission introduced a labelling system to classify what constitutes green investment.


April 1-7: RON97 petrol up two sen

                PETALING JAYA: The price of RON97 petrol will increase by two sen from RM2.50 to 2.52 per litre from April 1 to 7, says the Finance Ministry.

The price of RON95 petrol and diesel remain unchanged at RM2.05 and RM2.15 per litre, respectively.

The ministry also said that to protect consumers from global oil price increases, the government would maintain its ceiling price of RON95 petrol at RM2.05 per litre and diesel at RM2.15 per litre despite increases in market prices.


Toyota to invest in two new electrified SUVs at US plant

                HOUSTON: Toyota plans to spend US$803 million (RM3.3bil) to retool its factory in Indiana to produce two new "electrified” sport-utility vehicles, one of which will be sold by its luxury Lexus brand.

The investment paves the way to manufacture the three-row SUVs, and will create 1,400 new jobs at the plant in Princeton, Indiana, the Japanese automaker said Wednesday. Toyota didn’t specify the model names or type of engine or motor, but hinted they may be gas-electric hybrid or possibly fully electric powertrains.

"Both will join a diverse, electrified product portfolio and will help the company get another step closer to Toyota’s global aim towards carbon neutrality by 2050,” the company said in a statement.

Toyota also said the vehicles will offer a "semi-automated driving system” that allows for hands-free operation in some conditions.

Toyota’s Indiana facility employs more than 7,000 workers and makes the Highlander midsize SUV and Sienna MPV models.