Isuzu D-Max gets facelifted and priced from RM83,000

KUALA LUMPUR: Isuzu Malaysia unveiled the facelifted line-up of its popular D-Max pick-up trucks in three distinct models to provide up to a total of eight variants and are priced on-the-road with GST and insurance from RM83,000.The models are now made up of the entry-level Standard, mid-range Premium and range-topping Z-Prestige and are backed by an updated five-year or 150,000km (whichever comes first) warranty.Previously, the D-Max was available in five colour options of Silver Metallic, Solid White, Blue Metallic, Black Metallic and Red Mica. Now, two new colours have been added exclusively for the Z-Prestige - Velvet Red Mica and Silky Pearl White.The new line-up maintains the same power train with a choice of either a 2.5 or 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine with a Variable Geometry (turbo) System (VGS) from before and gets mated to a five-speed manual or automatic transmission.There are four variants within the entry-level Standard model, such as the 2.5-litre 4X2 manual-High Ride (RM82,979), 2.5-litre 4X4 manual (RM93,006), 2.5-litre 4X4 Automatic (RM107,596) and a V-Cross 3.0-litre 4X4 automatic (RM115,690).Moving up the ladder gets the Premium model that's available in two guises - a 2.5-litre 4X4 manual (RM103,405) or a 3.0-litre 4X4 manual (RM113,064).As for the range-topping Z-Prestige, there's a 2.5-litre 4X4 automatic (RM120,064) or 3.0-litre 4X4 Automatic (RM128,052) for choice.
With a 76-litre fuel tank, the 4JK1-TCX 2.5-litre (2,499cc) engine produces 136PS at 3,600rpm and 320Nm from 1,800 to 2,800rpm, while the 4JJ1-TCX 3.0-litre (2,999cc) pushes out 177PS at 3,600rpm and 380Nm from 1,800 to 2,800rpm.

The standard kit for the entry-level 2.5-litre 4X2 and 4X4 manual rolls on 16-inch alloys with 245/70 series tyres, while sporting a set of pair of projector ellipsoidal headlights, LED daytime running lights, chrome front grille and door handles.

It also has a colour-matching front bumper, bee-sting antenna, power adjustable and foldable external mirrors with integrated turn signals, a bed liner and a rear bumper with single chrome step. The side steps and sports bar are optional extras.

Inside, the driver gets a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel (4X4 - Urethane), while the cabin's dashboard and door trims are in silver finish.

There's also fabric seats, manual climate controls, automatic up and down power windows with a seven-inch colour touchscreen multimedia DVD player, eight-speakers (two ceiling-mounted), A-pillar grab handles, speed-sensitive automatic door locks, arm-rest compartment and sun visors with ticket-holder (driver) and vanity mirror (passenger),
For safety, the D-Max now adds hill-start assist to the usual two airbags, anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability control, traction control, brake assist, reverse sensors and a reverse camera system that comes with guide-lines.If the Standard 2.5 4X4 or 3.0-litre V-Cross - both with an automatic transmission, gets picked then the list of goodies add roof rails and side steps while having a three-spoke urethane steering wheel.
Both the 2.5 and 3.0-litre 4x4 with a manual transmission that makes up the Premium model range now ride of larger 18-inch wheels with 255/60 series tyres. Other additional kit include fog lamps, a shark fin antenna, LED rear combination lamps, automatic climate controls and a keyless entry system with push-start button (Passive Entry and Start System - PESS) gets added.

Meanwhile, the touchscreen grows to an eight-inch display and the interior is fitted with a newly designed electroluminescent (e-LUMAX) meter panel with a Multi-Information Display (MID) as well as audio and hands-free controls for the three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Lastly, the range-topping Z-Prestige, which comes in three colour options (Silky White Pearl, Velvet Red Mica and Stallion Black Metallic), adds a protective cargo lid with an aero-spoiler. The roof rails now come in matching colours (silver, grey and matte black respectively) and the B-pillars are "hidden" by a black wrap.

Inside, depending on the exterior colour of the Z-Prestige, the Italian leather upholstery is matched accordingly - brown with black accent (Silky White Pearl), black with red accent (Velvet Red Mica) and black with silver accent (Stallion Black Metallic).

"There is tremendous market potential for a dressed-up pick-up from the manufacturer like our new permanent Z-Prestige flagship variant, which stands apart from the rest but comes with full warranty for total peace of mind,” said Isuzu Malaysia chief executive officer Kenji Matsuoka.

Isuzu D-Max 2.5 Z-Prestige

Isuzu ladies


First drive of facelifted Peugeot 508

The local large executive sedan market has been the playground for the “Big Three” Japanese brands for ages.

But in recent years, Continental brands have been making some in-roads into this exclusive club with aggressive marketing and new generation models.

Introduced locally by Nasim Sdn Bhd in 2011, the Peugeot 508 has made itself a compelling alternative with competitive pricing, sporty design and high levels of vehicle specifications.  Now, this French lion has undergone restyling into a more elegant looking vehicle as it claws deeper into premium car territory.

Compared with the previous 508, the new model is now 38mm longer, resulting in a more graceful proportion befitting a classy ride.

While the wheelbase remains unchanged, we noticed that the rear legroom is still generous during a recent media test drive of the refreshed 508 from Kuala Lumpur to Negri Sembilan and back.

Moving away from the previous 508’s feline-looking front with a sloping bonnet, the new car gets a bonnet and grille that are redesigned to be more horizontal and business-like.

The large lion logo is now placed on the grille, away from the bonnet lip position in the previous model. The rear bumper has also been re-contoured and is 22mm longer.

As LED lighting is the current automotive flavour for better illumination while using less energy, the 508 comes with full-LED headlamps in a new signature housing, curved LED daytime running strips at the lower front and LED tail lamps featuring a three-claw look.

Inside, the dashboard looks largely the same with a colour head-up display and metallic-ringed dials in the instrument panel. But now the 508 gets a seven-inch HD multi-function touchscreen that groups most of the 508’s functions such as infotainment and satellite navigation in an intuitive way. This has eliminated the need for a rotary controller used in the previous 508.

The spacious interior feels upmarket with leather upholstery and metallic trimmings. The 508 can seat five persons in comfort and rear passengers have their own air conditioning vents with settings for blower speed and temperature.

While the 1.6-litre turbo high pressure (THP) engine with direct injection is similar to that of the previous 508, the powerplant has been retuned to deliver 7bhp more at 163bhp.

Maximum torque is unchanged at 240Nm and reaches its peak from 1,450 to 4,250rpm, allowing for quick take-offs from standstill.

The engine powers up instantaneously with hardly any turbo lag, making the 508 fun and satisfying to drive.

With three persons on-board during our media drive, the 508 does not feel sluggish and can exceed the legal speed limit in moments.

Peugeot says the 508 can do the 0-100kph sprint in 9.2 seconds and has a top speed of 220kph.  Good sound insulation and a low drag co-efficient of 0.26 have managed to keep wind noises to a minimum when the 508 is driven at high speeds.

The six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission from Aisin is slick and drivers can engage a more spirited driving experience with the unit’s paddle shifters and sport mode.

Like most continental brands, the 508’s suspension is set firmer compared with typical Japanese makes for better handling and driving dynamics.

 The wagon variant of the 508.

However, this setting is still comfortable enough for long distance cruising and travelling on rough roads.

The 18-inch wheel with 235/45 low profile tyres provided good grip on winding trunk roads of Negri Sembilan.
The electro-hydraulic steering is responsive and has a nicely weighted feel.

Its generous boot space of 545 litres should be able to hold at least four golf bags but can be expanded to 1,244 litres if more items need to be carried.

In addition to an enjoyable drive, the 508 comes feature-packed — six airbags, LED fog lamp with cornering assist, blind spot information system, reverse camera, electronic stability programme, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake distribution, emergency brake assist, anti-skid regulation, dynamic stability control, hill start assist and push button start/stop with keyless entry.

Other items include ISOFIX anchoring, cruise control, speed limiter, smart high beam, Peugeot Rolling Code Transponder immobiliser security with perimetric and volumetric alarm, premium JBL hi-fi 10 speakers with subwoofer and Bluetooth/ USB/CD/MP3 support, Arkarmys 3D sound processor and Peugeot Jukebox.

The car has also scored a full five-star rating from Euro NCAP.

Aside from the 508 sedan, other variants are the 1.6-litre THP SW station wagon and the 2.2-litre HDI turbodiesel GT sedan.

Tentative prices are RM175,000 for the 508 THP, RM185,000 for the 508 THP SW and RM205,000 for the GT.
Available colours are Pearl White, Bourrasque Blue, Pine Brown, Artense Grey and Harla Grey.


TIV expected to grow 8% in 2021, says MAA

                KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's total industry volume (TIV) is projected to grow to 570,000 units in 2021, an increase of eight per cent from the 529,434 units recorded last year, said the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).

Its president, Datuk Aishah Ahmad, said passenger and commercial vehicles were expected to record sales of 513,000 and 57,000 units, respectively, this year.

The expectation of global economic recovery including in Malaysia, continuation of the sales tax exemption incentive for passenger vehicles until June 30, 2021, and lower hire purchase loan interest rates would help to spur sales, she said.

"Coupled with the many economic stimulus packages initiated by the government, MAA is optimistic the local automotive market will rebound in 2021," she told a virtual media briefing on the motor traders and manufacturers’ performance for 2020 today.

Aishah said the introduction of new models with the latest additional specifications, design styles and at very competitive prices, would also assist in sustaining buying interest.

"Other than that, aggressive promotional campaigns by car companies will also boost sales," she said.

She said the higher-than-expected sales performance of 184,121 units recorded in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared with 161,296 units achieved in the same period in 2019, had helped to reduce the expected decline in the TIV.

"For the full year 2020, TIV stood at 529,434 units, a decline of 12.4 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) from 604,281 units in the previous year.

"Despite the double-digit drop in TIV, it was nonetheless a good achievement for the local automotive industry given the extremely challenging business environment, and was higher than the 470,000 units that MAA had forecast," she added.

She attributed the better-than-expected performance due mainly to the sales tax exemption incentive for passenger vehicles under PENJANA package from June 15, 2020 to Dec 31, 2020.

Under the Penjana package, the government announced a sales tax exemption of up to 100 per cent for completely-knocked down (CKD) passenger vehicles and 50 per cent on completely built up (CBU) passenger vehicles.

Meanwhile, sales of passenger vehicles fell 12.6 per cent y-o-y to 480,965 units in 2020 from 550,177 units in 2019, while commercial vehicles sales declined by 10.4 per cent y-o-y to 48,469 units from 54,104 units previously.

Production of new vehicles last year also decreased by 15 per cent y-o-y to 485,186 units compared with 571,632 units in 2019, due mainly to the enforcement of the Movement Control Order (MCO) on March 18, 2020 and also in tandem with the lower overall sales in 2020.


BMW Motorrad announces model revisions for 2019

                MUNICH: BMW Motorrad has announced a number of revisions to its motorcycle line-up for 2019.

As a general measure as part of the model revision, comfort turn indicators will be included in the standard trim of most BMW Motorrad models from model year 2019 onwards (exceptions: C 650 Sport, C 650 GT, G 310 GS, G 310 R, F 800 R, F 800 GT, S 1000 RR and S 1000 R).

Depending on road speed, various reset conditions apply with the new comfort turn indicators; previously turn indicator deactivation was based on a fixed time or distance.

BMW Motorrad Connectivity.

The BMW Motorrad Connected app will receive a major update to version 1.6 with added functions and enhancements.

The digital maps will be completely revised and will be based on the motorcycle optimised navigation by TomTom.

As one of the most requested features, the navigation option “winding route” will be introduced.

To use the new functions, the customer only needs to update the app in the beginning of August and download the new maps for free before starting the next ride.

BMW G 310 R
- New paint finish Racing red.
- New Style HP: HP Motorsport paint finish (Pearl white metallic with "HP" lettering).
- The paint finish Strato blue metallic will no longer be available.

BMW C 400 X
- New paint finish Black storm metallic.

BMW C 650 Sport
- New Style HP: HP Motorsport paint finish (Lightwhite / Racing blue metallic / Racing red with "HP" lettering) and heated Pro seat.
- The colour of the drivetrain changes from silver to black (all C 650 models).
- The paint finish Light white is no longer available.

BMW C 650 GT
- Side View Assist can be deactivated via the set-up menu in the instrument panel.
- BMW Motorrad Spezial: new paint finish Option 719 Sparkling storm metallic, available on request with Option 719 brown seat (with seat heating).
- The colour of the drivetrain changes from silver to black (all C 650 models).
- The paint finish Light white is no longer available.

BMW C evolution
- New paint finish Mineral grey metallic / Black in conjunction with black tunnel trim.
- The paint finish Ionic silver metallic / Electric green is no longer available.

BMW S 1000 R
- New paint finish Black storm metallic.
- New Style HP: HP Motorsport paint finish (Light white / Racing blue metallic / Racing red with "HP" lettering) and rim lining.
- The paint finishes Catalano grey and Lightwhite / Lupine blue metallic / Racing red are no longer available.

BMW S 1000 XR
- New style Triple Black: paint finish Black storm metallic with lettering and black handlebars.
The paint finish Ocean blue metallic matt is no longer available.

BMW S 1000 RR
- HP battery with long-lasting lithium-ion cells as an optional equipment item.
- Weight reduction of approx. 2 kg as compared to conventional lead-gel battery.
- Integrated electronic system to provide protection from deep discharge, overcharging and thermal overload.

BMW K 1600 GT
- Hill Start Control Pro (HSC Pro) as standard: automatic activation when brakes are activated for approximately one second beyond standstill on a gradient of at least +/- 5% --> improved hillside set-off convenience.
- New Style Sport: paint finish Black storm metallic / Glacier silver metallic, black drivetrain, windshield Sport version, golden brake calipers at front and rider/passenger seat with seams in a contrasting colour.
- The paint finishes Mars red metallic and Lupine blue metallic / Black storm metallic (Style Sport) are no longer available.

BMW K 1600 GTL
- Hill Start Control Pro (HSC Pro) as standard: automatic activation when brakes are activated for approx. one second beyond standstill on a gradient of at least +/- 5% --> improved hillside set-off convenience.
- New Style Elegance: paint finish Pollux metallic, chrome brackets at the front mudguard, chrome slipstream deflectors and storage compartment lid finished in Monolith metallic matt.
- The paint finishes Thunder grey metallic and Ebony metallic (Style Elegance) are no longer available.

BMW K 1600 B
- Hill Start Control Pro (HSC Pro) as standard: automatic activation when brakes are activated for approx. one second beyond standstill on a gradient of at least +/- 5% --> improved hillside set-off convenience.
- Reduction of standard seat height by 30 mm to 750 mm (the existing low seat is no longer available).
- High seat available as optional equipment or optional accessory (seat height 780 mm).
- New paint finish Imperial blue metallic.

BMW K 1600 Grand America
- Hill Start Control Pro (HSC Pro) as standard: automatic activation when brakes are activated for approx. one second beyond standstill on a gradient of at least +/- 5% --> improved hillside set-off convenience.
- Reduction of standard seat height by 30 mm to 750 mm (the existing optional equipment item low seat is no longer available).
- High seat available as optional equipment or optional accessory (seat height 780 mm).
- New: Additional speaker with amplifier for rear audio system in topcase, controllable with fader function (regulation of volume distribution between front and rear) as optional equipment.
- New paint finish Imperial blue metallic.
- The paint finish Austin yellow metallic / Black storm metallic is no longer available.

BMW R nineT
- Dynamic brake light now standard.
- BMW Motorrad Spezial: new paint finish Option 719 Mars red metallic matt / Cosmic blue metallic matt (fuel tank, hump seat and front mudguard).
- BMW Motorrad Spezial: new paint finish Option 719 Pollux metallic / Aluminium (fuel tank, hump seat and front mudguard).
- The paint finish Blueplanet metallic / Aluminium is no longer available.

BMW R nineT Pure
- Dynamic brake light now standard.
- BMW Motorrad Spezial: new paint finish Option 719 Black storm metallic / Light white (fuel tank and front mudguard).
- BMW Motorrad Spezial: new paint finish Option 719 Black storm metallic / Aurum (fuel tank and front mudguard).

BMW R nineT Scrambler
- Dynamic brake light now standard.
- Design option cross-spoke wheels available as an optional equipment item ex works (from 1.9.2018).
- New paint finish Stereo metallic matt.
- BMW Motorrad Spezial: new paint finish Option 719 Black storm metallic / Light white (fuel tank, front mudguard and lamp bowl).
- BMW Motorrad Spezial: new paint finish Option 719 Black storm metallic / Aurum (fuel tank, front mudguard and lamp bowl).
- The paint finish Monolith metallic matt is no longer available.

BMW R nineT Racer
- Dynamic brake light now standard.
- BMW Motorrad Spezial: new paint finish Option 719 Black storm metallic / Aurum (fuel tank, front mudguard, hump seat, central trim section, side trim sections on the left/right-hand side with "Racer" lettering).

BMW R nineT Urban GS
- Dynamic brake light now standard.
- Design option cross-spoke wheels available as an optional equipment item ex works (from 1.9.2018).

BMW F 750 GS / F 850 GS
- Dynamic brake light now standard.


The incredible shrinking Frankfurt car show: Where are the big names?

The Frankfurt Motor Show of 2017. — Reuters
FRANKFURT: Next month's vast Frankfurt Car Show could hardly have come at a worst time for the automobile industry.

Many of the big names in the game have chosen to stay away from the event, which is held every two years in Germany's financial capital.

There were some notable no-shows two years ago but organisers put on a brave face back then and the event was later pronounced a success.

At present, the news from the car-making fraternity is not encouraging and the mood before the 68th horsepower parade is anything but upbeat.

The talk is of profit warnings, sales slumps and possible assembly plant job losses. Scantily-clad women draped on new car bonnets will not change that.

The chorus of anti-car voices is swelling too and it now includes many who want to see combustion-engined cars banned from entering inner cities.

Electric cars are not catching on in Germany despite government subsidies, which make it cheaper to buy one. German manufacturers traditionally dominate in their backyard but some like BMW are scaling back their presence in Frankfurt this year.

In the run-up to the show, the roster of missing names is getting longer. Leading carmakers from France and Italy are staying away and Honda is the only Japanese car company to attend.

The list of car firms missing in Frankfurt is long — from Alfa Romeo to Volvo. Toyota is the global number two carmaker behind Volkswagen and the Japanese are making do with a "mobility loft" presentation in Cologne instead. Toyota spokesman Thomas Schalberger said the company's absence in 2019 does not mean that it will not return in 2021.

The show has shrunk to about two-thirds of its normal size, filling only four large display halls.

This a far cry from the bumper 2017 event when 1,000 companies from 39 countries displayed their wares. Many of these were component manufacturers but it all added up to 363 innovations, including 228 world premieres of new models and parts.

Amid the incredible shrinking show, Volkswagen, Daimler and BMW along with foreign visitors such as Hyundai from South Korea and Britain's Land Rover will now be hoping to grab more attention than usual.

Germany's VDA manufacturing federation will try to turn the event into more of a discussion platform, with lots of digital content and a display of classic cars.

VDA spokesman Eckehart Rotter said he thought it unfair to compare the show two years ago with the upcoming edition.

"In view of the enormous upheaval in the car industry it would be wrong to use yardsticks from the past like the number of square metres booked or of exhibitors", said Rotter.

Car guru and professor Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer from the University of Dusiburg-Essen in Germany said the car industry has been going through a crisis for more than 20 years.

Global car-making overcapacity is at an all-time high, with eight million more cars being turned out than people want to buy. Last year the industry sold 5 million fewer vehicles than the year before.

Car and component manufacturers face the prospect of many lean years ahead, said the expert.

Show organisers will also have to contend this year with protestors at the gates as a growing number of people call for a complete switch to emission-free motoring.

Despite attempts by carmakers to make their gas guzzlers consume less fuel by mating their engines to electric motors, heavyweight SUVs like the Audi Q7 and BMW X6 are seen by detractors as symbols of short-sighted and selfish.


Proton builds momentum as more dealers agree to upgrade service outlets

Mohd Khiarul (left) shaking hands with Yohan. In the centre is Dr Li with Proton and Rohamas executives.
SUBANG JAYA: Proton announced it has signed on more dealers who are committed to expanding their dealerships into 3S and 4S centres.

It said on Wednesday that 10 more dealers will be investing in the upgrade. Two earlier batches of dealers had agreed to do so last December and in January this year.

Present at the Dealers Network Upgrade agreement signing ceremony held at the Proton Centre of Excellence. here were Proton CEO Dr Li Chunrong and Proton special projects director Yohan Mokhtar.

The 3S centres provide sales, service and spare parts while the top-flight 4S centres go one step further by also offering body & paint services.

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Dr Li urged more dealers to upgrade their outlets, saying Proton is now offering one of the best dealer incentive support schemes in town.

"Customers today are very different from those before," said Dr Li. "Their needs have gone from expectation of a simple service to a different level altogether. Now it becomes a lifestyle need. It is important for us to stay connected with market requirements in order to be on top of our game, and to serve our customers professionally and with integrity.

“Month by month, we see more dealers seeking to upgrade their outlets. Surely, this means that Proton is a promising brand, a brand worth investing in. I am delighted that we have many entrepreneurs here who share the same view. I applaud their courage and far-sightedness. These are businessmen who understand the need to invest more now, in order to enjoy much more in the future," said Dr Li.

“Proton is certainly moving in the right direction and this gives us the confidence to pursue the upgrading plan," said Proton dealer Rozlan Abdul Manaf of Wasilah Global Sdn Bhd. He has been working in the auto business for over 10 years.

"We can foresee newer and exciting models coming from the partnership with Geely. This will definitely spur further interest from the market for Proton cars. The upgrade will also boost customer confidence in the brand. People generally like brands that are able to embrace change and move with the times.”

 Superior Regal Sdn Bhd director Lim Eng Sin (left) is another dealer that is signing on for the upgrade. He is seen here alongside Yohan. At the rear flanking Dr Li are (from left) Proton sales director Lau Yit Mun, Superior Regal director Lim Eng Beng and Proton senior manager of network planning and development Dr Ho Tuck Sum.

For Philip How Eng Thye of Regal Motors Holdings Sdn Bhd, he said he was confident of a Proton turnaround. "The upgrading of the outlet comes naturally because, as dealers, we not only sell cars but also provide sales and aftersales services for a holistic customer experience."

Mohd Khairul Idzwan of Rohamas Autoservices said investing in a 4S centre "is inevitable." "We must serve customers better. This long-term strategy will ensure that we can compete with other car brands here and elsewhere.”


Lucky Nissan X-Trail buyer wins a home worth RM665,000

                KUALA LUMPUR: S. Balamurugan received a 2+1 room serviced apartment worth RM665,000 at The ERA @ Duta North Kuala Lumpur by JKG Land Bhd after winning the ‘Nissan Buy Car Win Home’ contest.

The contest, which was an unique collaboration between Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) and JKG Land Bhd, ran from December 2018 to December 2019, and the prize was only handed over to Balamurugan recently in a closed door ceremony due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The contest garnered more than 11,000 participants and Balamurugan topped the selection criteria that were based on vehicle registration, completed contest form with correct answers and most creative slogan.

“I was very surprised when I received the news that I won the serviced apartment. I liked the Nissan X-Trail 2.0L because of its advanced technology and safety features, fuel efficiency and its unique third row seat.

“It was my wife who encouraged me to purchase the SUV and she deserves to be the biggest winner instead of me,” said Balamurugan.

In congratulating the winner, ETCM Sales and Marketing Director Christopher Tan said:

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all participants for your support towards this campaign and congratulations to Mr Balamurugan.

“At ETCM, we are committed in delivering quality products and the highest level of aftersales service, and we look forward to continually providing excellent customer experiences to all our customers,” he said.


                WASHINGTON: Consumer Reports said on April 22 it was able to easily trick a Tesla into driving in the car’s Autopilot mode with no one at the wheel.

Its test came just days after a Tesla crashed in Texas, killing the two men in the car. Authorities say neither of the men were in the driver's seat at the time of the crash.

Tesla’s Autopilot partially automated system can keep a car centered in its lane, keep a distance from cars in front of it, and can even change lanes on its own with a driver's consent. But Tesla has said the driver must be ready to intervene at all times.

Consumer Reports said that during several trips on its closed tracks with an empty driver’s seat, its Tesla Model Y automatically steered along painted lane lines without acknowledging that nobody was at the controls. The Tesla that crashed outside of Houston over the weekend was a Model S, but also had an Autopilot function.

“In our evaluation, the system not only failed to make sure the driver was paying attention, but it also couldn’t tell if there was a driver there at all,” said Jake Fisher, Consumer Reports’ senior director of auto testing, who conducted the experiment.

“Tesla is falling behind other automakers like GM and Ford that, on models with advanced driver assist systems, use technology to make sure the driver is looking at the road.”

Tesla, which is based in Palo Alto, California, and has disbanded its press office, did not immediately respond to inquiries about Consumer Reports' assertions.

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are in the early stages of an investigation into the Texas crash. Local authorities said one man was found in the passenger seat, while another was in the back. The car veered off the road, crashed into a tree and burst into flames, authorities said.

Investigators should be able to determine whether the Tesla’s Autopilot system was in use.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk said on Twitter Monday that data logs “recovered so far” show Autopilot wasn’t turned on in the Texas crash, and “Full Self-Driving” was not purchased for the vehicle. He did not respond to reporters’ questions posted on Twitter.

In the past, NHTSA, which has authority to regulate automakers and seek recalls for defective vehicles, has taken a hands-off approach to regulating partial and fully automated systems for fear of hindering development of promising new features.

But since March, the agency has stepped up inquiries into Tesla, dispatching teams to three crashes. It has investigated 28 Tesla crashes in the past few years, but thus far has relied on voluntary safety compliance from auto and tech companies.

Also on Thursday, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. and Edward Markey, D-Mass., asked federal officials to conduct a thorough investigation of the Texas crash and make recommendations for improving automated driving.

In the Consumer Reports test, Fisher said he engaged Autopilot while the car was in motion on the track, then set the speed dial to zero to stop it. Fisher then affixed a small, weighted chain on the steering wheel to simulate the weight of a driver’s hand. He then slid over into the front passenger seat where he was able to accelerate and decelerate the vehicle.

“The car drove up and down the half-mile lane of our track, repeatedly, never noting that no one was in the driver’s seat, never noting that there was no one touching the steering wheel, never noting there was no weight on the seat,” Fisher said. “It was a bit frightening when we realised how easy it was to defeat the safeguards, which we proved were clearly insufficient.”

Consumer Reports noted the test was performed on its closed track and that “under no circumstances should anyone try” to duplicate it.

“Let me be clear: Anyone who uses Autopilot on the road without someone in the driver seat is putting themselves and others in imminent danger,” Fisher said. Consumer Reports tricks Tesla to drive with no one at wheel


Toyota working with experts on smart urban traffic management

                TOKYO: Traffic light signalling could one day be embedded with artificial intelligence (AI) to optimise traffic flow in cities.

A data-driven traffic management system should help optimise air quality, reduce energy consumption, and improve system capacity and resilience.

This is one of the potential benefits in a joint project by the Toyota Mobility Foundation and The Alan Turing Institute.

The project aims to transform the way cities are planned and managed. The objective of this new project, "Optimising flow within mobility systems with AI", part of the Turing's new AI programme, is to turn complex traffic management from static systems into dynamic, optimised systems that are managed in real-time.

Managing traffic and optimising traffic signals, both vehicular and pedestrian, within cities has long relied on traditional modelling and forecasting. Real-time events, changing conditions, and evolving mobility patterns mean existing systems can no longer keep pace and adapt to new needs in urban environments.

Thanks to cutting-edge data science techniques and by working with real-time data and communications, city planners now have new tools. This creates the potential to dramatically improve the way our cities are run.

Spanning 18 months, the new collaboration brings together researchers and software engineers with expertise across mathematics and data interaction, from the Turing and the Universities of Cambridge and Manchester, and mobility expertise from the Toyota Mobility Foundation. They will be working with data providers, and government managers underpinning future cities, as well as drawing upon expertise from the Turing and partner universities' ongoing work in the area with the Greater London Authority.

The UN predicts that by 2030, urban areas are projected to house 60% of the world's population. In addition to increasing population in metropolitan areas, cities themselves are changing. There is an increase in ride sharing platforms, changes in mode choices such as cycling, and same-day delivery fleets, dramatically affecting traffic patterns. While environmental standards are improving, congestion in urban environments needs to be managed to maintain our health in cities.


3 questions for Tesla

                A Tesla Hong Kong spokesman responded to CarSifu’s questions on the Model S.

1. Does the giant centre display suck up a lot of power?

The display brightness can be manually set to your liking. However, the 17-inch display actually uses minimal amount of energy relative to the drivetrain. To put things into perspective, a regular notebook has 6-8 Li-ion cells, Model S has over 7,000 of these cells in its battery pack.

2. The official range of the RWD Model S 85 is 426km but it gives a reading of 494km at full charge as shown on the centre screen. Why the difference?

The estimated range on our website is based on the EPA test cycle, which subject the car to a set series of driving situations to obtain the final figure. In practice, the driving range of the car can vary depending on your driving habits just like a tank of gas won’t get you to the same distance every time. For example, more aggressive acceleration with regenerative braking turned off, could lead to a shorter range. You can view the estimated range in the car based on your usage at the touchscreen.. The Model S offers a driving range rivalling conventional cars with a tank of gas; the variance shouldn’t affect your driving lifestyle significantly.

3. Would it be correct practice to charge the Li-ion battery at only up to 85% charge on daily commutes to ensure the battery lasts? And only charge to full when planning long trips.

Yes. That is our recommendation.

READ MORE: First drive


Porsche to assemble cars in Malaysia, says report

                PETALING JAYA: Porsche is teaming up with Inokom Corp to set up an assembly plant in Malaysia, according to The Edge Weekly report.

This would be the German sports car maker's first overseas plant.

The report, citing unnamed sources, said the plant in Kedah would serve as a regional hub as Porsche is bullish on growth in South-East Asia.

Inokom, a unit of Sime Darby Motors, would build a plant to cater specifically for Porsche production. The Edge said the Porsche investment was facilitated by government perks offered to the German car maker.

Inokom also assembles cars for BMW, MINI, Mazda and Hyundai.


High time govt agencies team up to rein in rempit menace, says Lam Thye

                KUALA LUMPUR: The government should find effective ways to curb the mat rempit problem as illegal street racers have been an issue for decades, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

The Alliance for Safe Community chairman said the mat rempit menace is detrimental to road safety.

"The government should leave no stone unturned in eradicating this problem once and for all. It has gone on long enough,” said Lee.

"The Home Ministry, other relevant ministries and agencies should form a task force to find the best solution to the problem," he addedwhen contacted on Tuesday (Aug 10).

He was commenting on the recent deaths of two policemen - Sjn Mohd Arifah Md Yassin and Kons Mohd Muradzi Mohd Nawi - who were involved in an accident while pursuing a suspected rempit on the SILK Highway at about 1.30am on Sunday.

"My deepest condolences to the families of both policemen. They died in the line of duty while pursuing a suspect," Lee said.

He added that the police have been at the forefront in the fight against mat rempit, working tirelessly over decades and numerous operations.

"They often risk their lives for the safety of others. It is time for the government to focus its efforts on effectively dealing with the menace as lives are at stake," he said.

"I hope the police will give priority to risk assessment every time they conduct an operation.

"During training, they should also emphasise occupational safety and health (OSH)," added Lee.

"We have seen many incidents where policemen were injured during operations, so proper risk assessment and OSH are important," he said.

Kajang OCPD Asst Comm Mohd Zaid Hassan said Sjn Mohd Arifah and Kons Mohd Muradzi were chasing after suspected illegal racers on their motorcycles while supporting Ops Samseng Jalanan on Sunday.

“At KM24.4 of the highway, the policemen crashed into each other. The area is a hotspot for illegal racing,” he had said in a statement.

Both policemen were from the Kajang district police headquarters.


Nissan to boost China production capacity by 40 percent, source says

The latest Venucia.

BEIJING: Nissan Motor Co plans to invest about $900 million to boost vehicle-making capacity in China by 40 percent by 2021 - part of a 60 billion yuan (RM36bil) strategy to become a top three player in the world’s largest auto market.

Nissan and its Chinese joint-venture partner Dongfeng Group intend to invest roughly US$900 million (RM3.7bil) for the envisioned manufacturing capacity expansion over the next few years, according to a person close to the plan.

That would boost Nissan’s vehicle production capacity in China to as many as 2.1 million vehicles a year.

The investment is part of a previously disclosed multi-year plan to expand Nissan’s sales in China.

China’s auto market has been dominated by General Motors Co and Volkswagen AG for nearly two decades, with each selling 4 million vehicles last year.

Nissan, along with Toyota, Ford and Honda lag far behind, each selling 1 million-plus vehicles a year. Nissan wants to break out of this second tier to become a top-3 China automaker, Nissan China leaders have said.

Nissan sold 1.5 million vehicles last year. Its goal is to sell up to 2.6 million vehicles a year by 2022, said the source, who declined to be named because he is not authorised to speak to reporters about the expansion.

Nissan in February outlined a five-year plan, dubbed “Triple One,” to increase its market share in China by focusing on electric cars and the Venucia, a no-frills local Nissan brand in China - two market segments expected to see a surge in demand. It also aims to boost sales of light commercial vans and trucks.

Nissan and Dongfeng would use two existing assembly plants to produce Nissan brand passenger cars and construct a new plant in Wuhan where state-owned Dongfeng is headquartered.

Nissan, part of the Renault-Nissan alliance, plans to use the added capacity to produce both electric vehicles and gasoline-fuelled cars for the Nissan brand and its China-only Venucia brand.

As part of its expansion, Nissan and Dongfeng are seeking approval from China’s regulators for a new assembly plant in Wuhan. If approved, the facility would have capacity to be able to produce about 300,000 vehicles a year.

Rival Toyota plans to boost its China capacity over the next few years by 240,000 vehicles a year, or by about 20 percent, from its current capacity of 1.16 million vehicles a year.


Promotion for new and pre-owned Renault Captur

PETALING JAYA: TC Euro Cars (TCEC), the sole franchise holder of Renault vehicles in Malaysia, today announced a sales promotion on limited units of the Captur lifestyle crossover for brand-new and pre-owned units starting now till Dec 31, 2020.Customers who purchase a brand-new Captur, priced at RM105,289, will enjoy five years of manufacturer’s warranty and regular maintenance service for free in addition to an overtrade value of RM20,000 (with trade-in of an existing vehicle).A cash rebate of RM18,000 is on offer for those without trade-ins.Those who prefer to consider a pre-owned Captur can purchase the 2018 facelift model for RM60,000 and the 2019 facelift model for RM65,000. Both options come with a free one-year service and limited warranty.Limited units are available, on a first come, first served basis until Dec 31, 2020All vehicle retail prices stated are on-the-road without insurance, for Peninsular Malaysia and private individual Malaysian registration only.As part of its ongoing digitalisation efforts to offer enhanced convenience and a seamless customer experience, Renault has opened up a “Pre-Owned” section in the Renault E-Store so customers can easily browse the pre-owned Captur offerings, make their selection and complete the entire purchase process, all from the comfort of their own home.


Locally-assembled A-Class Sedan and GLA introduced

                KUALA LUMPUR: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is bringing excitement to the compact luxury car segment with the introduction of its locally-assembled models of the A-Class Sedan and the GLA sports utility vehicle (SUV).

Through its locally assembly operation in Pekan, Pahang, the company was able to bring down the prices of the new models from the previously fully-imported versions from RM10,000 to RM20,000.

The A-Class Sedan is offered in the A 200 Progressive Line and A 250 AMG Line that come with prices of RM210,902 and RM239,857 respectively. Prices are on-the-road without insurance and without sales tax.

 Jopp with the GLA 200.

If sales sax is included, the prices of the A 200 and A 250 will go up to RM219,888 and RM249,888 respectively.

Meanwhile, the GLA is sold in the GLA 200 Progressive Line and GLA 250 AMG Line variants with prices of RM232,379 and RM266,164 respectively.

The GLA 200 and GLA 250 also will cost more at RM242,888 and RM 278,888 respectively if sale tax is levied.

 A 200. A 200. A 200.

The A-Class Sedan offers great utility that includes above-average shoulder, elbow and headroom plus easy access to the rear.

It is at the top of its segment with regard to a rear headroom of 944mm.

The boot has a capacity of 420 litres designed for practical usability.

The A 200 is powered by a 1.33-litre turbo engine generating 163hp while the A 250 gets a 2.0-litre engine delivering 224hp.

Transmission is a 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic-type while wheels are the 18-inch size.

 A 250. A 250. A 250.

Inside, the A-Class Sedan comes with a large widescreen cockpit with dual 10.25-inch display, MBUX multimedia system, Touch pad, and
Apple Car Play and Android Auto connectivity.

Available colours are Polar White, Cosmos Black, Mountain Grey, Iridium Silver and Denim Blue featuring a carbon fibre-look trim for the A 200 and a light linear-grain aluminium trim for the A 250.

The GLA features powerful overall proportions with short overhangs front and rear.

The front section flows over the A-pillar into the visually compact greenhouse.

 GLA 200. GLA 200.

The GLA 200 is equipped with 18-inch 5-twin-spoke alloy wheels while the GLA 250 gets AMG Line bodystyling and 19-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke alloy wheels.

The GLA 200 gets a 1.33-litre turbo engine generating 163hp mated to a 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission while the A 250 gets a 2.0-litre engine delivering 224hp and an 8G-DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Inside, the dashboard styling of the GLA is similar to the A-Class Sedan with the widescreen cockpit styling and infotainment system.

The rear seat back rest can be split 40:20:40, with each section folding down individually.

 GLA 250. GLA 250. GLA 250.

At the launch in the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia vice-president (sales and marketing, passenger cars) Michael Jopp said the two new additions to the company's local production line were testament of its commitment to further expand its  local foothold and increased investment in the local automotive sector.

“Both the A-Class and GLA are our success and best-selling models and we are excited to announce that they will now be locally assembled at Pekan, Pahang.

“We believe that this expansion will continue to strengthen our local offerings as we strive to provide our customers the very best of premium and luxury German engineering.”

He also said customers were getting good savings for the cars as they were offered with almost no difference in specifications from the previous fully-imported models.

"The new locally-assembled GLA 200 comes front foglamps that was not included in the previous fully-imported variant," he said.

Jopp also said the GLA was expected to do well in the SUV segment which was getting popular.

"The larger GLC SUV is our best-selling model and this should help the GLA do well in its segment," he said.

He also said the A-Class Sedan complements the company's sedan offering as it covers the current C-Class model has been sold out.

"We are still awaiting the arrival of the new C-Class but this will take some time," he said.

Mercedes-Benz's Step Up Agility Financing Plan starts from RM1,688 per month for the A 200, RM2,088 for the A 250, RM1,888 for the GLA 200 and RM2,288 for the GLA 250.

For details, visit http://mb4.me/StepUpAgility or speak to a Finance and Insurance Executive at the nearest Mercedes-Benz Autohaus.


Aiways to launch with smart shock-resistant battery

                SHANGHAI: Keen to draw attention to its official arrival in Europe later this year, Chinese automaker Aiways has presented a particularly innovative electric battery, which features a "sandwich" structure.

The new battery pack is designed to reduce the risk of safety incidents, especially in the event of a collision.

The power pack is distinguished by the addition of an isolation layer between the battery module and the cooling plate. This physical separation of dry and wet areas prevents, among other things, coolant from entering the battery module in the event of leakage caused by a substantial impact.

The proprietary battery management system uses advanced algorithms to accurately monitor the battery's level of charge and also boasts an advanced deep-learning capability, which enables it to accurately predict energy expenditure based on the automobile owner's driving habits.

The new batteries will equip the U5, which is due to launch on the European market in the summer of 2020.

The all-electric SUV will be made available in a European version, which is not expected to differ much from the one on sale in China.

The Aiways U5 features a 140 kW motor (offering the equivalent of 190 hp) and an estimated range of over 400km.


Renault boss Luca de Meo could return to Japan in June

                PARIS: The head of French carmaker Renault could return to Japan in June for the second time in two months, a source close to the matter said, a sign of intensifying talks with partner Nissan on a planned carve-out of its electric vehicle business.

CEO Luca de Meo, could return to Japan for the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance's next Alliance Operating Board (AOB) meeting, the source said.

The AOB is exceptionally taking place in Japan for the second time in a row to coincide with Nissan's general meeting, the source added.

This would be de Meo's second time in Japan in two months, after he recently spent several days with his Japanese partners.

Renault has left the door open for Nissan to join its plan to create an entity dedicated to electric vehicles, designed to improve its image as an EV company in the face of renewed competition.

Renault and its partners were pioneers in electric cars at the start of the previous decade, but they have since been eclipsed by pure player Tesla and the ambitions of Volkswagen.


China to set communication standard for driverless cars after 2018

A worker rides a bike past a driverless vehicle at Vanke's Building Research Centre testing area in Dongguan, south China's Guangdong province Nov 2, 2015. - Reuters
BEIJING: China will revisit in 2018 the standards for vehicle-to-vehicle communication that are vital for driverless cars and lay out a common national standard after that, the chief of the Society of Automotive Engineers of China (SAE-China) said today.

China's aim to establish a national standard could speed the implementation of driverless cars in the world's biggest auto market, contrasting with a patchwork of state laws and standards in the United States that some in the industry say could hold back development.

Earlier this year, SAE-China - under the direction of China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and with input from every major Chinese automaker - set out to interpret vague directives for the automotive industry in sweeping 13th Five Year Plan and "Made in China 2025" policy.

The resulting 450-page roadmap, issued in October, lays out specific policy objectives for virtually every aspect of the automotive industry, including driverless vehicles and electric cars, for three five-year periods to 2030.

The document, however, stopped short of establishing a unified standard for cars to communicate with each other (V2V) and surrounding infrastructure (V2I), both of which are crucial for autonomous vehicles to be successful.

China will "lay the foundation" for V2V and V2I standards in 2018 in the next update of the roadmap, with a more exact standard to be developed between 2020 and 2025 and agreed to by all automotive brands, SAE-China chief Fu Yuwu said.

China's method of central unified planning could prove to be more effective than countries like Japan, which is struggling to make its big three automakers agree on standards, he said.

"You can't fundamentally use different channels (of communication) right? So in the end we need a unification process," Fu said. "This will be complicated and difficult but is in the best interests of the industry."

On MIIT's announcement about tightening a subsidy program for green energy cars, Fu said the move would not get in the way of meeting targets of at least 7 percent of cars sold being electric and plug-in hybrids by 2020.

By the end of the decade, aggressive average fuel economy requirements of 5l/100km will set in, while subsidies will be phased out, a standard that will be impossible to meet without green energy cars, he said.

"Rolling them (subsidies) back is important because you can't rely on policy supports forever," Fu added.


GM abandons plan to sell India car plant to China's Great Wall

                NEW DELHI/SHANGHAI: General Motors (GM) said today it had called off the sale of a shuttered Indian plant to China's Great Wall Motor after they failed to obtain regulatory approvals, amid a tougher stance by New Delhi towards investments from Beijing.

GM struck a deal in January 2020 to sell the plant to Great Wall, with the Chinese SUV-maker expected to pay up to US$300 million as part of a broader plan to invest US$1 billion to establish a presence in India's growing car market.

The agreement, which was extended twice, expired on June 30.

"We have been unable to obtain the required approvals within the time frame of the deal," said George Svigos, executive director of communications at GM International.

"Our strategy in India remains unchanged and we will now explore further options for the sale of the site," he said, adding the company "hopes to achieve a price that reflects the value of the asset".

"Great Wall Motor will keep its attention to the Indian market in the future and continue looking for new opportunities," the Chinese automaker said in a statement today, while confirming the termination of the plant deal.

The Indian government did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment.

GM's deal with Great Wall was agreed just months before India toughened its stance in April 2020 on investment from neighbouring countries including China, making them the first major casualty of the move that has held up billions of dollars of capital inflow in sectors such as automobiles and technology.

This was part of a broader crackdown by India on businesses with Chinese links amid worsening diplomatic relations. Separately, New Delhi also banned more than 300 Chinese mobile apps, including TikTok, over security concerns.

"It is hoped that the relevant countries will properly honour their commitment to openness and cooperation and provide a fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for foreign investors,” China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Reuters when asked to comment on the matter.

The move draws a line under a more than two-year effort by GM and Great Wall, forcing the US firm to restart its hunt for a buyer while it continues to spend money on maintaining some machinery and tooling in the factory.

Asked if the plant could be used to make electric vehicles, Svigos said it was suitable for a number of industrial uses, including by non-automotive companies, and GM would explore all options.

GM, which stopped selling cars in India at the end of 2017, has already sold its other plant to SAIC Motor Corp, where the Chinese automaker builds cars under its British brand, MG Motor.

This will also send Great Wall back to the drawing board on its plans to enter India, which it considered an important part of its global strategy to break into new markets like Latin America, Thailand and Brazil.

Last year, Great Wall re-allocated to Brazil a portion of its US$1-billion investment earmarked for India and reassigned some of its staff after delays in winning government approvals.


Deadly mudslide scraps Dakar Rally ninth stage

                SALTA (Argentina): A massive mudslide in northwestern Argentina that killed two people and forced more than 1,000 to evacuate has led Dakar Rally organiSers to scrap today's ninth stage.

The stage was to have run from Salta to Chilecito in Argentina's Jujuy province in the Andes, about 4,000 metres above sea level. But the mudslide near the village of Volcan left the rally portion cancelled.

The mudslide killed a man and woman caught by surprise early Tuesday and left at least 100 families without homes. Many more locals had to leave their housing, which was rendered unlivable for now.

The rally's Salta to Chilecito stretch is the hardest of the run, with 98% of it off-road. An alternative route and timing were being worked out, organizers said.

"Tomorrow (Wednesday) will be dedicated to regrouping all the race's resources in Chilecito so that the event can continue by starting the 10th stage, Chilecito-San Juan" on Thursday, organisers said in a statement.

It is the second stage to be wiped out in five days after Saturday's sixth stage was also forced to be abandoned.

Torrential rain has wreaked havoc on this year's competition and left competitors stranded on the roads used during Tuesday's stage.


LG may make new battery cells for Tesla in 2023 in US or Europe

                SAN FRANCISCO: LG Energy Solution aims to build advanced battery cells for Tesla Inc electric vehicles in 2023 and is considering potential production sites in the United States and Europe, say two people familiar with the matter.

Tesla has not yet agreed to a deal that would expand LG’s role in its supply chain beyond China, one of the sources said.

Last week, the Korean battery maker told Korean reporters it plans to build a US factory where it would make battery cells for EVs and energy storage systems, to cater to US and global customers as well as startups. It did not identify potential customers then, but one of the sources said it was hoping Tesla would buy the batteries.

In September, Tesla chief executive Elon Musk announced an ambitious plan to develop new cells in-house, prompting suppliers like LG and Panasonic to embrace the unproven technology or face risks of losing a major customer for the longer term.

The Korean supplier, a unit of LG Chem, has made samples for the so-called 4680 large-format cylindrical cells, said the sources, who asked not to be identified. It faces technological hurdles and the challenge of scaling up production, people familiar with the matter said.

“LG plans to produce 4680 cells at its new US factory. They plan to build a new 4680 cell line to supply Tesla’s Giga Berlin in Europe,” one of the sources said, adding Spain is one of candidate for the European plant.

One of the sources said LG has never mass produced such large-format cylindrical cells, although increasing battery capacity is the correct call. “Tesla is a major customer, and LG can take risks,” another source said.

He said LG has not yet secured orders from Tesla for the 4680 cells, still under development. For now, Tesla is sharply boosting orders for 2170 cells used in the Model 3 and Model Y vehicles made in China, the source said.

LG declined to comment, and Tesla officials could not be reached for comment.

Tesla’s September plan to develop the new 4680 battery cells is meant to reduce production costs, improve battery performance and increase driving range. This would help with Tesla’s push to boost electric vehicle production significantly around the world.

Tesla is running a pilot factory for the new battery cells in California, and preparing to build those cells at newer plants in Texas and Germany.

Musk said recently Tesla is in talks with battery suppliers about developing 4680 batteries. He said Tesla will use the current cells for at least a few years, but will “retire” those cells over time.

LG currently supplies smaller cells to Tesla in China, as does Chinese battery maker CATL. Panasonic has partnered with Tesla in a US$5 billion battery “gigafactory” near Reno, Nevada.

LG currently has a US$2.3 billion joint venture with General Motors Co in Lordstown, Ohio, to make pouch-type electric vehicle batteries for future GM electric vehicles.

GM said separately it is considering building a second US battery factory with LG.

The unusually candid comments from LG and GM came after another Korean battery supplier, SK Innovation, hopes the White House would overturn a recent US trade ruling favouring LG, saying it threatens to disrupt battery supplies to Ford Motor and Volkswagen.

Tesla rival Lucid Motors, which has a multi-year supply deal with LG Chem, and is considering whether to make its own cells in house, said it is interested in different cell formats, said chief executive officer Peter Rawlinson earlier told Reuters.

Panasonic plans to start a test line for 4680 cells in Japan in the business year beginning April 1, according to a person familiar with the matter. The two companies have not said if they plan to collaborate on production of the 4680 cells.

Tesla may need to push out the timeframe for mass production, or work with partners at its newer plants in order to get cell production up and running quickly, said Caspar Rawles, an analyst at researcher Benchmark Mineral Intelligence.


Daimler to deepen cost cuts after expected quarterly loss

                BERLIN: Daimler will deepen cost cuts because of an expected second-quarter operating loss and despite some signs of a recovery in demand for luxury cars, the chief executive said today.

Daimler said sales of its Mercedes-Benz brand dropped almost 19% to about 870,000 cars in the first half, although the brand achieved its best second quarter sales so far in China.

Despite the rebound in China, the business losses racked up in recent months would not be recovered by the end of the year, demanding more cost cuts, CEO Ola Kaellenius told shareholders.

“Our previous efficiency goals covered the upcoming transformation, but not a global recession. That’s why we are further sharpening our course,” Kaellenius said, adding that the company was in talks with labour representatives about savings.

Daimler, which reports second-quarter results on July 23, said it expected a significant decline in sales for the period, a negative adjusted group operating profit and negative free cash flow in the industrial business.

The company expected a recovery to levels before the coronavirus crisis would take a long time.

Kaellenius cited expectations by the International Monetary Fund for 2020 to record the worst worldwide recession in almost a century.

“The group’s unit sales, revenue and earnings are likely to be lower this year than in 2019,” he said, adding that Daimler could increase production swiftly once demand picked up again.

“Already in June, global retail car deliveries were slightly above the prior-year level again,” said Kaellenius.


Aston Martin may need more cash even after bailout by billionaire

                LONDON: Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings Plc said it may need to tap into high-interest notes it was trying to avoid drawing down, even after a £536 million (RM2.8bil) capital infusion from a group led by billionaire Lawrence Stroll.

The British luxury carmaker doesn’t have sufficient working capital based on European Securities and Markets Authority rules, because the coronavirus has created "increased and unquantifiable uncertainty” in its business, Aston Martin said in a statement. That’s made it impossible to come up with a model for a "reasonable worse case downside,” it said.

The shares fell as much as 9.3%.

Aston Martin, which has struggled with cash flow and dealer-inventory back-ups since going public in 2018, had hoped that the fundraising approved by shareholders on Monday would obviate the need to seek additional money. But the coronavirus crisis has added a level of difficulty to the turnaround put in place with Stroll’s arrival.

"Taking into account the proceeds of the capital raise, the company is of the opinion that the group does not have sufficient working capital to meet its requirements for 12 months” from February, when it published the original prospectus for the Stroll bailout, it said late Monday.

The Canadian billionaire will take over as executive chairman of Aston Martin next month. His Yew Tree consortium is set to get a bigger chunk of Aston after it renogotiated the terms of the fundraising this month.

Turnaround plan

The liquidity warning notwithstanding, Aston Martin’s directors said they were confident that the company has enough access to loans. That includes US$100 million of delayed draw notes issued in October 2019 that carry an interest rate of at least 12%.

In a statement, Stroll said that he and his co-investors "continue to believe passionately in the future of Aston Martin Lagonda.”

The investment, including £262 million from his group, "gives the necessary stability to reset the business for its long-term future,” Stroll said. "We have a clear plan to make this happen,” including Aston Martin entering an F1 works team next season.

Cash burn

To fund its cash burn, the company tapped the debt markets twice last year, with a US$190 million bond issued in April paying a 6.5% coupon and a US$150 million bond with a 12% coupon priced in September. It could draw up to US$100 million more before July.

S&P lowered the company’s credit rating two notches to nine levels below investment grade on March 17, saying that even if the carmaker successfully completed the rights issue, declining sales of sports cars and uncertainties related to the Covid-19 pandemic would weaken its financial performance and add liquidity pressures over the next six to 12 months.

Aston Martin shares were down 7.4% at 8:22 a.m. in London. The stock has fallen 60% this year, and is now 89% below its IPO price. The automakers’s notes due April 2022 are indicated 0.5 pence lower on Tuesday at 70 pence on the pound, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

While the coronavirus pandemic could dent demand, the company says its order book "remains significant,” including over 2,000 commitments for the DBX SUV. The company is banking on the $189,000 DBX selling in higher volumes than the stylish sports cars made famous in the James Bond movies.

Deliveries of the DBX are planned to begin in summer. They will compete with prestige brands like Lamborghini’s Urus and the Bentley Bentayga, which have already established themselves in the ultra-luxury SUV market.


Asian cities turn to electric vehicles in anti-pollution drive

                BANGKOK: Asian cities are switching to electric vehicles in a bid to tackle worsening air quality, cut climate changing emissions, and expand their public transport networks, climate experts said on Friday.

Transport is the fastest-growing source of climate-warming greenhouse gases, with the vast majority of projected increases expected to come from developing Asia by 2030, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Only seven Asian countries have transport emission reduction targets under the Paris Agreement on climate change, but many cities in the region are now taking action, said Madan Regmi, at the United Nations social agency for the Asia-Pacific (Unescap).

“Authorities are realising that they can extend metro lines and convert to electric-powered buses that not only lower emissions, but also reduce congestion and improve air quality,” he said at a UN climate event here.

“Cities are also adding infrastructure for walking and cycling, which are seen as key to improved liveability.”

The world’s 100 most polluted cities are largely in Asia - with India and China dominating, according to an air quality report published by Greenpeace this year.

Tackling the problem, Shenzhen in China’s southeast, said last year that its entire bus fleet of more than 16,000 buses had gone electric - the biggest such fleet in the world.

Beijing has also greatly improved its air quality by switching to clean energy vehicles, Regmi said.

Thailand is testing electric-powered ferries for Bangkok’s canals to replace diesel engines, while India’s transport minister has called for a full switch to electric vehicles by 2030.

In the Philippines, one of the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of warmer temperatures, the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan in 2013 hastened the switch to clean-energy jeepneys, the colourful passenger trucks that tens of thousands rely on.

As older, more polluting vehicles were phased out, Manila and Tacloban cities backed solar and electric-powered jeepneys, said Maria Golda Hilario, an associate at the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities in Manila.

“Traffic congestion is a reality in Asian cities, but public transport is not to blame. The priority for cities should be to move people, not vehicles,” she said.

But electric buses cost two to four times more upfront than conventional diesel buses, and need extensive charging infrastructure. So poorer countries are making do.

In Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, “pink” buses for women were launched recently with UN funding, and are hybrid vehicles or use clean diesel technology, said Mir Reza Ozgen, an urban and regional planning official.

The buses are aimed at female students and working women who otherwise have to rely on more expensive private transport, or risk harassment on public transport, he said.

The vehicles are expected to benefit 1.4 million women annually.

“We have to find feasible solutions that work for us, given our economic constraints,” he said in Bangkok.

“These buses will not only reduce emissions, they will also increase the mobility of women and their access to economic opportunities, so there will be several long-term positive impacts,” he said.


Hot Wheels to produce scale model of 1985 Proton Saga

                PENANG: Hot Wheels will be collaborating with Proton to produce a 1:64 scale model of the 1985 Proton Saga, the first model manufactured by the national car brand.

This new Hot Wheels model is expected to start shipping and sold worldwide by the end of 2023.

The announcement was made by Mattel president and chief commercial officer Steve Totzke in conjunction with Mattel’s continued investment and commitment to its Malaysian operations.

Mattel Malaysia Sdn Bhd (MMSB) commemorated its 40th anniversary in Malaysia today with the announcement of a plant expansion that is expected to be completed in January 2023.

Aside from being the world’s largest Hot Wheels manufacturing plant, MMSB is also the only manufacturer of Hot Wheels singles, the top-selling toy globally in 2021.

The plant, which Mattel's first manufacturing facility in Malaysia was established in Perai in 1981, has a current average output capacity of approximately nine million cars per week.

This targeted, strategic investment is in line with Mattel’s Capital Light strategy to increase manufacturing capacity, improve productivity, and leverage technological capabilities, while reducing cost and enhancing operational efficiencies.

 (From left) Roslan, Norazman and Totzke with the scale models of the Saga.

The plant expansion will support Hot Wheels growth with an expected 20% increase in production capacity by 2025.

Also present at the MMSB 40th anniversary celebration ceremony were Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, International Trade Deputy Secretary-General (Industry) Datuk Seri Norazman Ayob, Proton deputy chief executive officer Roslan Abdullah, Mattel Global Manufacturing and Asia Operations senior vice-president T.H. Soo and MMSB general manager Ching Chiau Lee.


UK plans for self-driving cars threaten safety, says insurance group

                LONDON: British government plans that could allow self-driving cars on motorways as soon as 2021 would put lives at risk because the available automated technology falls well short of human driving capabilities, UK insurance group Thatcham Research said on Friday.

“We don’t believe that this technology adequately addresses what consumers will do and how they’ll use it,” said Thatcham’s research director Matthew Avery.

The UK government is due to close a consultation on Oct 27 that could lead to some form of automated driving on British motorways. That could include the use of Automated Lane Keeping Systems (ALKS) that would allow drivers to take their hands off the wheel and let the vehicle drive itself.

German manufacturers like Daimler AG and US electric carmaker Tesla Inc have been at the forefront of developing sophisticated automated driving features that they insist can be used safely.

But Thatcham Research, which is funded by insurers but operates independently, said current technology may not be able to see debris on the road, avoid pedestrians or recognise when a motorway lane is closed.

“There are liability and legal challenges with ALKS, as well as safety challenges about your vehicle not being able to do what an engaged human driver can do,” Avery said. “The technology just isn’t there yet, regardless of what the manufacturers say.”

US researchers have raised similar concerns.

The problem for the insurance industry is that if a driver is not in charge of a vehicle, they would be classed as a passenger, which would create additional liability for insurers and could lead to higher premiums.

Avery said that within around five years self-driving systems will be able to handle motorway driving, but calling today’s systems “automated” is misleading for drivers as it should be “assisted driving”. He referred to accidents drivers have had using Tesla’s “Autopilot” system.

“We’ve seen people doing stupid stuff with Teslas, getting in the back of the car when they feel it’s automated when its clearly not,” Avery said.


Grab stunned by ministry ruling, seeks talks to sort through details

                PETALING JAYA: Grab said it wished that the Transport Ministry had consulted the industry first before announcing that e-hailing services will be subject to the same regulations as taxis, as it affects hundreds of thousands of drivers.

The new regulation, announced by Transport Minister Anthony Loke, requires e-hailing services to be subject to the same rules, especially for license registration, vehicle inspection and operational requirements.

“We have just been alerted of the ‘regulatory suggestions’ and have yet to receive the formal operational directive,” said Grab Malaysia’s country head, Sean Goh.

Loke had announced that the brands of vehicles that can be used for these services must be ranked at least three stars on the Asean NCAP or equivalent.

E-hailing companies must also register with the Companies Commission (SSM) or the Cooperatives Commission (SKM), and ensure that vehicles undergo yearly inspections when they are above three years old.

Grab said it wants to work out the details with Loke and his team to ensure minimal interruptions to its operations and driver-partners.

It also urges its driver-partners to bear with it as the company talks to the Government to better understand the regulations and work out a solution.

Loke also said e-hailing services and taxi companies must provide insurance coverage for drivers, vehicles, passengers and third parties.

The regulations are an extension of the laws already passed in Parliament last year, which provided for legalisation of e-hailing services, said Loke, adding that e-hailing services will be given a grace period of one year to comply.


Maserati pays homage to Sir Stirling Moss with MC20 prototype

                MODENA: Maserati is paying homage to Sir Stirling Moss with the prototype of its new MC20 super sportscar.

The British racecar driver - Moss, passed away on April 12 at the age of 90 and the Italian sports car builder deemed it fitting to honour him with the MC20 prototype.

The prototype in question takes its design cues from the iconic single-seater Eldorado racecar that debuted in Monza in 1958 with Moss at the helm during the Trofeo dei due Mondi (Trophy of the Two Worlds).

On May 13, 1956, Moss took victory at the Monaco F1 Grand Prix at the wheel of the 250F racecar and lead the way from pole position to victory after 100 laps, while French driver Jean Behra took second, also in a 250F.

During Moss' Formula 1 career, he recorded 16 victories in 66 starts and was one of the most successful drivers never to have won the world championship - earning himself the title "king without a crown", with four occasions of finishing in second place and third in three championships.

In the 1956 season and some 1957 races, Moss drove a Maserati 250F (“his favourite”, as he often recalled), beaten only by Juan Manuel Fangio. Moreover, Moss' Argentinian rival took his 1957 title at the wheel of another 250F.

Through this MC20 prototype with Stirling Moss's "signature", Maserati intends to commemorate one of the greatest names in the annals of world motorsports, who wrote some of the finest pages in its own racing history.

The list of Maserati cars driven by the British driver also includes the Tipo 60 Birdcage, Tipo 61 and 300 S.

Through the MC20, the company aims to underline its sporting vocation, and above all return to a leading role on the racing circuits, after the latest world championship won in 2010 with another extraordinary car, the MC12.

The arrival of the MC20 for the Modena-based company represents a departure from utilising Ferrari-built engines and has instead adopted one that's been "100% designed, developed and produced by Maserati itself".

The company said that it hopes that Moss would have liked the new MC20 - a car that fully embodies the carmaker's truest values in terms of the performance, driving pleasure and innovative contents superlatively expressed in all Trident Brand models.


For EV battery makers, it's go small or go home

De La Verpilliere says Echion's goal is to have batteries ready for passenger EVs by 2025. — Reuters

CAMBRIDGE: In the race to go electric, carmakers have focused on range to ease consumer anxiety over charging infrastructure, but battery makers are already working on the smaller, longer-lasting and cheaper batteries of the future, which also charge more quickly.

While carmakers today chase market leader Tesla Inc, seeking to build cars that can travel 482km or more between charges, battery startups expect range will matter less as public electric vehicle (EV) chargers become ubiquitous.

In the quest for smaller batteries that charge extremely quickly, the startup firms are experimenting with materials like silicon-carbon, tungsten and niobium.

The battery is an EV's most expensive part, so true fast charging coupled with widely available chargers - a lack of charging infrastructure today is seen as slowing broader adoption of EVs - would allow automakers to build cars with smaller batteries at more affordable prices, yet boost profit by selling more vehicles to a broader audience.

"Early adopters at the higher end of the market wanted bigger battery packs and longer range because they could afford it," said Sai Shivareddy, chief executive of Nyobolt, a startup developing niobium oxide anode materials for batteries that can charge in minutes. "For more cost-sensitive mainstream adoption, you need smaller battery packs ... but with the same experience as today (with fossil-fuel cars) where you can fill up in 5 minutes."

China dominates global EV battery production and companies like Contemporary Amperex Technology Co (CATL) are developing batteries to go farther on a single charge. read more

Carmakers in China have rolled out small, low-cost EVs like the Wuling Hongguang Mini - which even with recent battery price rises still sells for around US$6,500.

The car is a joint venture of SAIC Motor Corp Ltd, General Motors Co and Wuling Motors.

Western startups like Cambridge-based Nyobolt and Echion Technologies or Woodinville, Washington-based Group14 Technologies are working on electrode materials to bring super fast-charging batteries to market.

According to startup data platform PitchBook, EV battery technology investments jumped more than sixfold to US$9.4 billion in 2021 from US$1.5 billion in 2020 as carmakers focused on the future.

"We are in the larval stages of battery development," said Lincoln Merrihew, vice president at data analytics firm Pulse Labs.

Going small could also ease looming battery material bottlenecks as EV demand soars, while using less cobalt and nickel where China dominates refining and processing.

Another benefit is carmakers could claim sustainability wins using less harmful materials in EVs and emit less CO2 manufacturing them.

"Re-engineering the vehicle to minimise the size of the batteries, since that's so expensive, is going to be a game changer," Ford Motor Co's chief executive, Jim Farley, said at a conference in June.

The US carmaker, he added, wants "the smallest possible battery for the competitive range" in its next generation of EVs starting in 2026.

Others are squeezing more efficiency out of existing batteries, as Mercedes-Benz has done with its EQXX prototype with a range of 1,000km.

 Shivareddy holding up a battery whose niobium anode enables it to charge in minutes. - ReutersMore affordable EVs

Fast charging today is limited by EV batteries' ability to absorb power quickly. Fast charging can shorten batteries' lifespan or overheat them, so most EVs limit charging speed to protect them.

At Nyobolt's headquarters, CEO Shivareddy charges four batteries in around three minutes and plugs them into a robotic vacuum that busily cleans the floor behind him as he speaks.

Niobium is a stable metal often used to strengthen steel - the world's largest deposits are in Brazil and Canada. Used in anodes or cathodes, startups like Nyobolt and Echion say niobium can handle super-fast charging while lasting many years longer than today's batteries.

Nyobolt is focusing on high-performance racing EVs and Shivareddy said it will take years of validation before carmakers are ready to use its batteries in mass-market models.

A few miles from Nyobolt, Echion's niobium anodes are initially for commercial EVs like mining vehicles that operate continuously and will need fast charging.

CEO Jean de La Verpilliere said Echion's goal is to have batteries ready for passenger EVs by 2025.

"Smaller batteries mean cheaper prices and therefore more people can afford EVs," he said.

Brazilian mining company CBMM dominates niobium production and has invested in Echion and other startups and is testing niobium with others including battery materials company Nano One, Toshiba and Volkswagen Caminhoes e Onibus, a Brazilian subsidiary of Volkswagen's trucking unit Traton.

Rogerio Marques Ribas, head of CBMM's battery program, said although niobium's energy density can be up to 20% lower than some contemporary batteries, "we can bring maybe three to 10 times more life and more safety while charging in minutes."

"Raw materials will be a bottleneck for batteries," Ribas added. "In the near future people will ask, why have a big battery pack?"

'The market decides range'

Niobium is not the only material that startups are exploring.

Group14 Technologies makes silicon-carbon anode material that enables lithium-ion batteries to hold up to 50% more energy. The company raised US$400 million from investors in May. read more

Testing Group14's material, Mercedes-backed battery maker StoreDot has charged batteries to 80% capacity in 10 minutes. Group14 CEO Rick Luebbe said its anode material could offer a fast EV charge in five minutes.

"When I can top my battery pack off in five or 10 minutes ... then it doesn't really matter too much what that range is, whether it's 150 miles or 300 miles," Luebbe said.

Michigan-based startup Our Next Energy (ONE) has developed its Gemini "dual chemistry" battery featuring a standard Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) traction battery with a second "range extender" battery using more advanced and expensive chemistries, providing low, medium and high range options.

"The market ultimately decides the right level of range," said CEO Mujeeb Ijaz.

According to industry data, the average American car drives less than 30 miles per day. In Europe, the average is less than half of that.

Isobel Sheldon, British battery company Britishvolt's chief strategy officer, said as EV owners realize they are paying for more than they need, the market will demand less range.

"As the market matures, people will start to ask why I am paying thousands ... for a battery I'll never use," she said. "Most car use is to drive to the shops, go and see friends or drop kids at school, not to drive to Monaco."


BMW's Auto Bavaria Tebrau set to open its doors in July

                JOHOR BARU: Auto Bavaria Tebrau is set to commence operations as a sales, services, spare parts and systems (4S) dealership for the brands BMW, BMW Motorrad, MINI, and BMW Premium Selection (BPS) on July 15.

“A new journey is ahead of us in the southern region to deliver the premium ownership experience to more customers here. We continue to stay true to our promise of providing not only the best in customer service but to exceed expectations in delivering what BMW has always stood for – providing Sheer Driving Pleasure,” said Auto Bavaria Tebrau dealer principal Andy Tian.

Manned by over 80 personnel, the facility is located at 3B, Jalan Persiaran Tebrau, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Baru.

The new 63,000 square feet facility is able to showcase 10 BMW vehicles as well as 10 BMW Motorrad motorcycles.

Additionally, there will also be six MINI vehicles as well as up to eight BMW Premium Selection vehicles showcased at front of the facility.

The facility is equipped with a customer lounge, Isetta Bar, BMW Lifestyle & Accessories section, handover area and an RATC (reception at the car) service among others.

"Auto Bavaria, who has been with us for more than 30 years, is experienced in the premium automotive industry, having achieved remarkable growth in the past three decades as they consistently strive to deliver the best to customers across Malaysia," said BMW Group Malaysia managing director Harald Hoelzl.

For more information, contact the Auto Bavaria Customer Careline at 1300 133 338 or email: abcustomercare@autobavaria.com.my.


PSA and BMW among carmakers seen avoiding European emissions fines

                BERLIN: PSA Group and Volvo Cars, along with BMW AG and Renault SA are among carmakers on track to meet European Union emissions rules after sales of battery-powered vehicles tripled during the first half, according to a study.

The surge in electric-vehicle sales helped cut average carbon dioxide emissions of new cars registered in Europe by 9% to 111 grams per kilometer — the steepest drop in more than a decade, according to a report by researcher Transport & Environment.

"Electric car sales are booming thanks to EU emissions standards,” Julia Poliscanova, a director at the Brussels-based group, said in a statement. "Next year, one in every seven cars sold in Europe will be a plug-in.”

The EU rules taking effect this year force manufacturers to reduce the average emissions of all the cars they sell in the region to 95 grams of CO2 per kilometre or face hefty fines.

As a result, companies are accelerating deployment of a range of new plug-in hybrid and fully-electric models, while at the same time countries including France, Italy and Germany have boosted consumer incentives toward their purchase.

Laggards

In the latest move, France will add a €1,000 (RM4,893) bonus towards the purchase of used electric cars, Transport Minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari said in an interview in Le Parisien published Sunday.

Not all carmakers are on track to avoid the fines, according to the study, with Mercedes-Benz maker Daimler AG, Jaguar Land Rover Automotive Plc and Volkswagen AG lagging behind due to sales of high-powered gasoline cars and SUVs.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV will meet the EU targets this year and next due to an agreement it has with electric carmaker Tesla Inc. that will offset its emissions, the study said. Without the deal, the company could have been on the hook for a 1 billion-euro penalty.

"FCA has been a clear laggard for electrification due to underinvestment and thus fully relies on its pooling agreement with Tesla to comply,” it said.

European regulators granted some leeway to manufacturers this year.

The cleanest cars were allowed to be counted twice, companies can pool their fleets together — like Fiat and Tesla are doing — and just 95% of all sales in the region are measured, meaning manufacturers can cut out at least a portion of their most polluting models. Next year, all sales will count towards the goal.

The total number of electric cars sold in Europe is expected to double to about 1 million this year and reach 1.8 million in 2021, the study said.


2017 Bangkok Motor Show: Toyota Vios

                BANGKOK: The revised Vios was among the highlights at the Toyota display area at the 2017 Bangkok Motor Show.

Launched in Thailand in late January 2017, it is quite similar in many aspects to the present Vios in Malaysia.

It sports the same 1.5-litre dual VVT-i engine with 108hp and 140Nm of torque, mated to a 7-speed CVT automatic transmission with Sequential Shift.

Fuel economy is rated at 17.2km per litre.

Like the current Vios, it has a electric power steering, 4-wheel disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) and Traction Control (TRC).

This revised Vios has a new design for the front bumper, and grille, and 16-inch alloy wheels, and tailgate trim with new chrome strip, and newly designed LED tail lights.


Ford GT to race in Le Mans, Renault unveils Alpine concept

DETROIT/PARIS: Ford and Renault both had occasions to toot their horns at Le Mans, with the US company declaring it will resume racing with its Ford GT in 2016, while Renault says it would showcase the Alpine Celebration concept there to mark 60 years six decades of racing heritage

The Ford GT will compete in the Le Mans GT Endurance class for professional teams and drivers (LM GTE Pro).

The new race car is based on the GT supercar unveiled in January. Both the production car and race car will arrive in 2016 to mark the 50th anniversary of Ford GT race cars placing 1-2-3 at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. Ford went on to repeat its victory at Le Mans in 1967, 1968 and 1969.

The two Ford teams will be operated by Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS). Both series teams intend to compete with a four-car effort at Le Mans. Drivers will be announced later.

The performance segment is a growing business for Ford, as the company strives to meet its customers’ desire for vehicles that offer excellent fuel economy, leading technology and a great driving experience. The Ford Performance lineup includes Ford GT, Focus RS, F-150 Raptor, Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT350R, Focus ST and Fiesta ST.

The Ford GT race car features a number of innovations such as advanced aerodynamics to deliver high levels of downforce for improved stability with minimal drag, advanced lightweight composites featuring carbon fiber for an rigid but light chassis, and the power and efficiency of EcoBoost technology.

The 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine in the GT is the most powerful EcoBoost production engine ever.

 The Alpine Celebration concept.

Over in the Renault camp, the Alpine Celebration show car was introduced on Saturday, the eve of the 83rd edition of the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours.

A compact sports car inspired by Alpine’s motorsport heritage, the Alpine Celebration takes the form of a two-seater coupé whose sleek, flowing lines are underlined by its deep blue colour scheme.

This same blue – enhanced by hints of orange – also adorns the Alpine prototypes that made a return to endurance racing in 2013. It is a livery that harkens back to the Alpine models which played such a key role in the brand’s original Le Mans adventure when, from 1963 to 1969, the M63, M64, M65, A210, A220 and even the A110.

The Alpine Celebration replicates the style of Alpines of old whilst adding a modern twist. Its low profile, sloping, creased bonnet, sculpted sides, distinctive rear window and other design details are all clear echoes of models like the A110 that have featured so prominently in Alpine’s history.

The Alpine is a Renault sub-brand founded by Jean Rédélé.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is referred to by many as the Grand Prix of Endurance and Efficiency.

It regularly attracts more than 250,000 motoring and motor racing fans and is one of the highest-profile event on the international motorsport calendar.


Hyundai and Aptiv to set up US$4bil self-driving car venture

                SEOUL/NEW YORK: Hyundai Motor Group will invest US$1.6 billion in a joint venture to develop self-driving vehicle technologies with Aptiv, the biggest overseas investment by the South Korean carmaker to catch up to rivals in the autonomous car market.

Global carmakers and their suppliers are forging alliances to develop autonomous car technologies partly due to the need to share the huge financial and technical burdens. Hyundai has lagged global rivals who have invested heavily into developing new technologies for electrified and autonomous vehicles.

Hyundai Motor, Kia Motors and Hyundai Mobis will collectively contribute US$1.6 billion in cash and US$400 million in research and development resources and others, valuing the joint venture US$4 billion, Hyundai Group and Aptiv said in a joint statement.

Dublin-headquarterd Aptiv, which will own 50% of the joint venture, will contribute its autonomous driving technology, intellectual property, and about 700 employees focused on the development of scalable autonomous driving solutions.

Aptiv chief executive Kevin Clark in a joint interview with Hyundai executive vice chairman and heir apparent Euisun Chung said on Monday the joint venture at this point would not get involved in running ride-hailing, data or network services of its own.

Instead, the new firm would begin testing fully driverless systems in 2020 and have a production-ready autonomous driving platform available for robotaxi providers, fleet operators and automakers in 2022.

“Uber is developing its own technology, but potentially our technology could be better than theirs and then they could also become our customers,” Chung said through a translator.

Hyundai aims to commercialise its own autonomous vehicles in 2024.

Clark said the alliance would initially focus on self-driving technology for passenger vehicles. But Chung said the Aptiv partnership ultimately also could help Hyundai speed up automation for commercial vehicles, such as long-haul trucks.

The executives said their technology would be tested and developed across Asia, Europe and the United States to offer products tailored to major markets. They said they would discuss additional alliance members going forward.

The new joint venture will be based in Boston, with technology centres across the United States and Asia.

US President Donald Trump, speaking before a meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, said the deal would reinforce the alliance between Washington and Seoul.

Aptiv, which manufactures vehicle components and provides technology for self-driving cars, was formerly known as Delphi Automotive, which was split into Aptiv and Delphi Technologies in 2017.

Deutsche Bank said in a report that Hyundai’s cash injection would enable Aptiv to cut its near-term funding needs. But Deutsche questioned whether the new structure could deter other automakers from sourcing autonomous systems from Aptiv in the future.

Go it alone strategy

Aptiv’s major customers include GM, Volkswagen
and Fiat, according to its annual report. Hyundai Motor is also one of its customers, a Hyundai spokesman said.

Market research firm Navigant Research put Aptiv at No.4 among automated driving system companies, following Waymo, General Motors (GM.N) and Ford (F.N). Hyundai was not among the top 10 vendors.

The latest investment is another sign that Hyundai has abandoned its strategy of developing technology in-house, a strategy which previously raised investor concerns that it may be left behind in the race for future mobility.

Hyundai, which along with affiliate Kia Motors ranks fifth in global sales, has joined rivals in making a series of investments in technology firms, including self-driving car tech startup Aurora, especially after Chung was promoted a year ago.

Hyundai Motor said in February that it would invest 14.7 trillion won (US$12.3 billion) in future technologies such as self-driving, connectivity and car-sharing areas by 2023.

In March, Hyundai Motor and Kia announced a plan to invest US$300 million in Indian ride-hailing platform Ola, following the US$275 million that the pair invested in Singapore-based ride-hailing firm Grab last year.

The Aptiv venture will be headquartered in Boston. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2020.


Kumho makes Dodge Viper ACR more venomous

                SEOUL: Dodge recently unveiled it latest - perhaps even greatest, Viper ACR (American Club Racing) that's been equipped with Kumho's ultra-high performance tyres complete with the ACR logo embossed on the sidewall.

The Viper ACR is essence a track car that’s now street-legal and comes with significant aerodynamic (one tonne at 285kph) and adjustable Bilstein suspension upgrades with the front springs rated at 600 pounds per square inch and the rears at 1,300 pounds per square inch.

The brakes are a set of two-piece carbon-ceramic rotors measuring 15.4-inch with six-pot callipers (front) and 14.2-inch with four-pot callipers (rear) from Brembo.

Kumho has fitted with the Viper ACR’s 19-inch wheels with a bespoke set of Ecsta V720 tyres measuring 295/25 (front) and 355/30 (rear), and according to Dodge this set up provides the largest combined contact patch of any production car.

With a unique tread pattern and compound for the tyres, the Korean tyre maker claims that it is able to sustain cornering loads of up to 1.5g and achieve lap times of up to 1.5sec faster than dedicated race tyres during back-to-back tests.

The Viper ACR is powered by a naturally aspirated 8.4-litre hand-built all-alloy V10 engine that’ll dish out 645bhp and 813Nm of torque that’s managed by a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission before reaching the massive rear tyres.

According to Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis, their goal is to provide enthusiasts with the ultimate Viper track car that’s able to dominate road courses around the world.

“This car is not a 1-3 lap track special. You can run it all day without any tail-off in performance,” he added.

The latest Dodge Viper ACR costs US$122,490 (RM440,000) and follows in the footsteps of its predecessor and its lap record of 7mins 12.13sec around the infamous Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit.


2017 Tokyo Motor Show: Girls

                TOKYO: Every motor show has its share of girls who are there to promote the products or services being exhibited.

The 2017 Tokyo Motor Show follows the same route. Here in no particular order are a selection of the "eye candy" at the show.