VW Golf Alltrack headed to US

                WASHINGTON: The Golf Alltrack wagon, a derivative of the Golf SportWagen, is headed for the US with 4Motion all-wheel drive system and is due to arrive in October.

With a 55-litre fuel tank, the Alltrack uses Volkswagen’s EA888 1.8-litre turbocharged TSI engine with 170hp at 4,000rpm and 270Nm of torque from 1,600rpm and is mated to a six-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox - a six-speed manual will be made available later.

The Golf Alltrack arrives in three trims - S, SE and SEL, and gets new bumper styling, added underbody guard and matte aluminium radiator grille crossbar, while sitting 15mm higher in terms of ride height at 175mm.

In addition to the standard foglights and LED Daytime Running Lights (all trims) with automatic headlight activation (SE and SEL only), a Driver Assist & Lighting Package is available for the Alltrack SEL that adds automatic headlight adjustment and replaces the halogen headlights with Bi-Xenon units.

There's also body cladding on the side sills and around the wheel arches, silver roof rails, Reflex Silver side mirrors, lower window chrome molding, 17-inch aluminum-alloy “Valley” wheels (18-inch “Canyon” on the SEL) and a panoramic sunroof for the SE and SEL variants.

At the rear, the Alltrack sports dark-red taillights, a new bumper with silver underbody protection, chrome exhaust tips

Inside, the driver centric cabin features 2,670 litres of space as well as 861 litres (1,883 litres with the rear seats folded).

The seats have V-Tex leatherette surfaces—including a unique “Marrakesh” brown color option—are standard equipment across the line, along with heatable front seats. A 12-way power driver seat is standard on the SEL trim, while the black headliner is standard fitment.

Depending on variant, there's KESSY keyless access with push-button start, Fender Premium Audio System, Climatronic automatic dual-zone climate control and an eight-speaker audio system.

Notable equipment includes a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, Volkswagen Car-Net Security and Service, MIB II infotainment system with a 6.5-inch, 800x480 capacitive colour touchscreen display with proximity sensor and 2.5D navigation.

The infotainment system is Apple iPhone® and iPod® compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirroLink as well as AUX-in, SD card, USB port, rearview camera display, Bluetooth compatibility, JPEG viewer, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, and HD Radio.

The latest-generation 4Motion system is activated before any wheelspin occurs, helping eliminate nearly all traction losses.

The system achieves this by using an advanced control function based on specific driving conditions.

When operating under a relatively low load or when coasting, the front wheels are driven and the rear wheels are decoupled, which can help save fuel.

However, the rear wheels can be engaged in fractions of a second whenever necessary via the center differential, which is activated by an electro-hydraulic oil pump.

A control unit continually calculates the ideal drive torque for the rear wheels and controls how much the multi-plate clutch should be closed by activating the oil pump.

The oil pressure increases the contact pressure at the clutch plates in proportion to the torque desired at the rear axle.

So, the amount of pressure applied to the clutch plates can be used to continuously vary the amount of torque going between the front and rear wheels, up to a maximum of 50% at the rear axle.

In addition to the center differential that acts longitudinally, electronic differential locks (EDL) that are a function of the electronic stability control system act laterally. The system can briefly brake a wheel that is slipping, enabling uninterrupted and stable transfer of drive power to the wheel on the opposite side.

With a MQB chassis architecture and 287mm (front) and 262mm (rear) disc brakes discs equipped with three-channel ABS and electronic brake pressure distribution.

The Alltrack also features an Off Road Mode setting that alters the ABS system, accelerator pedal character and activates the hill descent function.

The available Off-Road HMI that is part of the navigation system displays compass, steering angle, and altitude when driving off-road.

Alltrack is also equipped with the XDS+ Cross Differential System — a feature originally developed for the performance-oriented GTI model.

This technology acts somewhat like an electronic substitute for a traditional mechanical limited-slip differential, working by actively monitoring data from each wheel sensor.

If the suspension becomes unloaded, the system automatically applies braking to the driven inside wheel as needed to help reduce understeer (the tendency for the front wheels to run wide).

This not only helps stability, but can also help improve handling and cornering performance.

The 2017 Alltrack has been given a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).

A standard feature on all Alltrack models is the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. This builds on the premise that a collision is rarely a single, instantaneous action, but rather a series of events that follow the initial impact—the most significant of which can cause additional collisions.

The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System addresses this by applying the brakes when a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors, thus helping to reduce residual kinetic energy and, in turn, the chance of additional damage.

The Alltrack also includes Volkswagen’s Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in certain types of collisions.

All Alltrack models are equipped with standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as well as other optional driver assistance packages such as adaptive cruise control (ACC), forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking (Front Assist).

Other systems include front and rear Park Distance Control (ParkPilot), and Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist).


Peugeot enters restoration game with refurbished 205 GTI

                PARIS: Peugeot has chosen a rare hot hatch to launch its entry into the business of restoring and selling original examples of classic models from its former range.

The first car to get the treatment is the 1.9-litre 205 GTI, a pepped-up version of the standard chunky hatchback that still has a strong following, even if it failed to achieve the cult status of its Volkswagen Golf namesake in its heyday.

Production stopped in 1993 and these days well-kept, unmolested examples of the zippy GTI can change hands for more than US$35,000.

The vehicles will be refurbished at the workshops of the Musee de l’Aventure Peugeot in Sochaux, France, and will receive a certificate of authenticity before being made available for sale. No price information has been announced.

Peugeot owners and enthusiasts will be able to request a quote and have their car fully or partially restored by the museum’s expert technicians from early 2021.

Mercedes-Benz offers a similar refurbishment service in Germany although most of the models turned out are expensive premium or sports car models of yore.

Peugeot said the first restored GTI will be finished in black - an odd choice considering that red and white were among the most popular original colours.

The French maker said subcontractors would help source any missing parts and advanced 3D manufacturing techniques will be used for components that are no longer in production.


Hyundai Mobis scores big with advanced auto lamps

Researchers at Hyundai Mobis checking the light distribution of the next-generation intelligent headlamp system.
SEOUL: One of the few products that are seeing great growth in the face of a pandemic are automotive lamps.

Hyundai Mobis is expanding export of such lamps, and recently announced US$830mil (RM3.4bil) worth of orders from global automakers as well as new EV makers.

The Hyundai Motor subsidiary said it aims to win more deals with a differentiated strategy for building a competitive advantage by developing cutting-edge lamp technology for future mobility.

Notably, most of the orders were for high value-added products, such as matrix beam headlights and high-performance rear lamps.

Hyundai Mobis was the first to develop Advanced Adaptive Driving Beam (AADB). It works in sync with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and HLED, which integrates the tail and the stop light in a single LED with only 5.5mm thickness, thus taking the lead with next-generation lighting technology.

It is also developing lamps that work with ADAS, and lamps with a slimmer and differentiated design that has built-in controller electronics.

Some of its innovations are HD head lamp system that shows road information and a digital lamp system.

These systems are centered around lamp technology that enables the driver to communicate through lamps and are expected to preempt future trends towards autonomous driving.

In addition, Hyundai Mobis said it would deliver differentiated lamp technologies, such as grille lighting dedicated to EVs and comprehensive control of various lamp signals.


Inside the race to remake lithium extraction for EV batteries

A portable and fully automated direct lithium extraction plant owned by International Battery Metals is seen in Lake Charles, Louisiana. — Reuters
LAKE CHARLES (Louisiana, USA): The global battle to reshape the lithium industry is sucking in oil producers, tech startups and entrenched mining giants, each jockeying to be the first to reinvent how a metal key to the green energy transition is produced.

A fleet of direct lithium extraction (DLE) technologies are on the verge of tapping salty brine deposits across Europe, Asia, North America and elsewhere that the U.S. Geological Survey estimates are filled with roughly 70% of the world's reserves of the metal.

At stake is influence over an industry expected to grow to more than US$10 billion in annual revenue within the next decade as the successful DLE companies will supply lithium for electric vehicle batteries in hours or days, not months or longer as with existing large, water-intensive evaporation ponds and open-pit mines.

"The world needs abundant, low-cost lithium to have an energy transition, and DLE has the potential to meet that goal," said Ken Hoffman, co-head of the EV Battery Materials Research group at McKinsey & Co.

Chilean president Gabriel Boric spotlighted global attention on the once-niche sector in April by outlining a radical plan to phase out evaporation ponds and deploy DLE across his country's vast lithium reserves, although he did not choose a specific technology.

Boric's shock announcement was all the more surprising as no DLE technology has reached commercial production without the use of those ponds, sparking competition to be the first.

Interviews with more than two dozen potential customers that have tested DLE technologies, industry analysts, consultants and investors show that tech startups EnergySource Minerals and International Battery Metals (IBAT), as well as oilfield service provider SLB and mining giant Rio Tinto are expected to be among the first to launch commercial DLE projects within the next 12 to 18 months.

French miner Eramet and Chinese resin producer Sunresin are also seen as likely early winners.

"The industry is so close to a major leap forward," said John Burba, who helped invent a prominent DLE technology and is IBAT's executive chairman.

While DLE technologies vary, they are comparable to common household water softeners and aim to extract about 90% or more of the lithium from brines, compared to about 50% using ponds.

That's enticed not only the lithium industry's customers but its investors, many of whom expect DLE to lower production costs.

"DLE technologies could increase the viability of resources that aren't necessarily viable with evaporative technologies," said Alec Lucas of the Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF.

DLE technologies that are portable, able to recycle much of their fresh water and limit hydrochloric acid use are seen as most appealing.

By 2030, 13% of the world's lithium will be produced using DLE, projections by commodity price provider Fastmarkets showed.

By contrast, the US fracking industry - also born from radical technological advancements - pumps just 5% to 9% of the world's oil but is seen as a key influence on energy markets.

Using the shale play-book, DLE is viewed as a potential swing producer in lithium as supply can be procured quickly and stopped just as quickly. Global appetite for the metal is projected to hit 2.7 million metric tons by the end of this decade, a nearly fourfold jump from 2022.

"Given those demand projections, there's definitely need for more supply from DLE," said Jordan Roberts, a Fastmarkets lithium industry analyst.

Tanks and pipes

In a rural Louisiana workyard, IBAT has built an automated DLE plant fabricated with thousands of feet of forest green-coloured pipes and tanks that are able to filter 5,000 metric tons of lithium annually.

"We're confident we can be the first to market," said IBAT CEO Garry Flowers. The company engineered its 450 foot-long plant to be ported in 32 pieces and stacked like LEGO bricks, a design the company is hoping will be commercially producing lithium by December.

A customer aiming to produce 15,000 metric tons of lithium each year, for example, could buy three stackable IBAT lithium plants.

The entire IBAT facility is less than three acres, compared to hundreds of acres for evaporation ponds or open-pit mines.

As part of a deal to buy more than 100,000 lithium-rich acres in Arkansas from Galvanic Energy earlier this year, Exxon Mobil acquired test results showing IBAT's DLE technology could recover more than 91% of lithium from that acreage's brine.

IBAT has held talks with Exxon Mobil and Chevron about licensing its DLE technology, according to three people familiar with the matter and documents seen by Reuters.

Exxon has also held talks with EnergySource Minerals about licensing DLE technology, two of the people said.

EnergySource is building a lithium facility in California's Salton Sea and has licensed its technology to Koch Industries-backed Compass Minerals International to extract the metal from Utah's Great Salt Lake starting in 2025. Ford has agreed to buy lithium from both projects.

Exxon, Chevron and EnergySource declined to comment. IBAT said it does not make forward-looking statements and cannot confirm any discussions that have taken place to date.

For oil producers, DLE offers the tantalising prospect of filtering lithium from water that is already extracted alongside hydrocarbons. Typically that water must be injected back underground at a cost, but DLE could allow oil firms to generate income.

Much of this so-called produced water holds 10 to 15 times less lithium than in Chile, for example, a lower concentration that is uneconomic to filter with just evaporation ponds.

"It's absolutely the smart thing for them to be looking at," said Eli Horton of Exxon shareholder Engine No. 1, which helped elect three candidates to the oil giant's board in 2021.

"It's always nice if you can turn a cost centre into a profit."

SLB, the world's largest oilfield services provider, is expanding into lithium and plans to be operational by early next year using a DLE process that includes EnergySource's technology and water treatment equipment from others.

The company, previously known as Schlumberger, is building a portable DLE plant in Nevada and is in talks with 10 potential customers, said Gavin Rennick, president of SLB's New Energy division.

"The fact that you can have a completely domestic brine resource that is now economic is an enormous driver for DLE," said Rennick.

Mining giants are not letting new entrants dominate the space, though. Rio Tinto paid US$825 million last year for a DLE project in Argentina and expects to have it producing 3,000 metric tons of lithium annually by next year.

"We are doing a lot of work on the process and are comfortable with the technology," said Sinead Kaufman, chief executive of Rio's minerals business.

'Tailored to each brine'

DLE has not garnered universal praise. Last year, short-sellers criticised processes developed by Standard Lithium and Lilac Solutions as likely inoperable. Both companies denied the claims.

Standard last month signed an agreement with Koch Industries - its largest shareholder - to deploy Koch's DLE technology in Arkansas and also hired French bank BNP Paribas to help secure debt financing.

Lilac, which is backed by BMW and Breakthrough Energy Ventures, said in April that a lithium pilot plant it built in Argentina with Lake Resources (LKE.AX) produced 2.5 metric tons of lithium. Most of that lithium was produced since January, said CEO Dave Snydacker.

Many brine deposits have varied chemical compositions, meaning it's unlikely that one DLE technology will emerge as a global leader.

Many Chinese deposits have high concentrations of magnesium, for example, and Bolivian deposits have high potassium levels.

"One of the main disadvantages of these DLE technologies is that they really have to be tailored to each brine," said Steven Schoffstall of the Sprott Lithium Miners ETF.

Stellantis, General Motors and others have poured hundreds of millions of dollars into DLE firms, with aggressive timelines to launch electric fleets.

"Our window of opportunity doesn't last long," said Chris Doornbos, CEO of E3 Lithium, which is developing a Canadian DLE project with support from Exxon subsidiary Imperial Oil.

"We need to get commercialised now."


Porsche Sportscar Together Day happening this weekend in Sepang!

                SEPANG: Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), the official distributor of Porsche in Malaysia, is inviting its customers and all Porsche fans to its inaugural Sportscar Together Day at the Sepang International Circuit.

The event will take place on Aug 3 and looks to bring the Porsche community closer together where fans can learn more about the brand's heritage and also view all generations of the iconic 911 as well as the award-winning 919 Hybrid race car.

More importantly, all Porsche owners are invited to be part of the Porsche Parade by gathering their cars on the racetrack to celebrate and pay homage to the inherent motorsport DNA embedded into the brand.

The Porsche Parade is set to be one of the largest Porsche gatherings ever to be staged at SIC.

There's even the Mission E 1:3 scale model Augmented Reality (AR) experience that previews Porsche's first all-electric model - the Taycan.

Enthusiasts can register for the Porsche Experience activity and get behind the wheel of a Porsche, while parents can sign their child (ages four to 12) for the Porsche Junior Experience programme where they are taught basic road and racetrack skills.

Other than the featured sportscars and race cars as well as driving activities on and off the racetrack for both adults and children, guests will also be spoilt for choice from the variety of food trucks during the day.

For more information and to register your interest, log on to http://myporsche.com.my/sctd/.


Naza Kia Malaysia gives Sorento to police

SM Nasarudin handing over a mock key of the Sorento to Khalid. Also present are (third from left) SM Faisal and SM Faliq (second from left).
KUALA LUMPUR: Naza Kia Malaysia gave a leg up to the police by providing the hard-working men in uniform a brand new Sorento SUV.

On hand to receive the all-new Sorento from Naza Corporation Holdings group executive director and group chief executive officer SM Nasarudin Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin at a ceremony in Bukit Aman police headquarters was the Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.

Also present at the event were Naza World Group of Companies group executive chairman and group chief executive officer Datuk Wira SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, Naza TTDI deputy executive chairman and group managing director SM Faliq Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin and Naza Corporation Holdings group chief operating officer (automotive group) Datuk Samson Anand George.

“We hope this gesture will further assist the men in blue, and we thank them for their sacrifices and contribution to our nation,” said SM Nasarudin at the ceremony.

“This also provides the opportunity for the police to experience the Sorento’s uncompromised safety features, performance, handling and overall drivability.”

Fitted with class-leading safety features and designed for maximum protection, the Sorento comes with six airbags, vehicle stability management (VSM), electronic stability control (ESC), anti-lock brake system (ABS) and hill-start assist control (HAC) among many others. These safety features provide practical road handling and high performances functionality.

The Sorento diesel variant is equipped with an R 2.2 CRDi engine which produces 200PS and 441.3Nm of torque and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Recognised for its excellence worldwide by automotive juries since its international introduction, the new Sorento boasts a full mantle of awards.

Its safety features helped the new Sorento achieve five star ratings from Euro NCAP and NHTSA NCAP as well as was selected as IIHS’s Top Safety Pick.

Other awards the highest ranked mid-size SUV in initial quality by JD Power, Best Family SUV at Australia’s Best Cars Awards, Car of the Year at the CarsGuide Car of the Year Awards and International SUV of the Year at Road & Travel Magazine’s International Car of the Year (ICOTY) Awards.


California paves way to self-driving car tests without humans

A Lexus version of a Google Self Driving car is shown in Mountain View, California. - Reuters
DETROIT: California, the largest US car market, plans to allow testing on public roads of self-driving vehicles without human backup drivers by the end of the year, state officials said Friday.

The state's Department of Motor Vehicles is seeking public comment on proposed regulations for driverless testing and public use of autonomous vehicles that will no longer be required to have conventional manual controls such as steering wheels and pedals.

Current regulations require such vehicles to have those controls, as well as a backup driver.

The proposed change provides a path to the eventual sale and deployment of self-driving vehicles in California, state transportation secretary Brian Kelly said in a statement.

The state has licensed 27 companies to test driverless vehicles on public roads, including vehicle manufacturers from BMW to Tesla Inc; suppliers such as Delphi Automotive Plc and Nvidia Corp; technology companies such as Alphabet Inc's Waymo and China's Baidu Inc; and a long list of self-driving startups such as Zoox, Drive.ai, AutoX and PlusAI.

Also licensed are China-funded electric vehicle startups NextEV and Faraday Future.

Earlier this week, California granted a testing permit to ride services firm Uber Technologies after a legal standoff last December.

The proposed regulations enable manufacturers to certify that their driverless test vehicles can operate without conventional controls.

The cars must meet federal safety standards or have an exemption from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, DMV deputy director Brian Soublet said in a media briefing on Friday.

The state will "rely heavily" on the federal guidelines for self-driving vehicles released last fall by the agency, Soublet said.

Driverless vehicles must also have a remote operator who is capable of monitoring the vehicle's operation and communicating with any passengers.

A number of automakers have said they plan to begin deploying self-driving vehicles, some of them in commercial fleets, by 2020-2021.

California initiated a 45-day public comment period, starting Friday, on the proposed rules changes, to be followed by a public hearing on April 25.


Hyundai showcases future technology

                LAS VEGAS: Connected cars, voice recognition, hand gesture controls, wearable devices and smartphone apps are technologies Hyundai is exploring to improve the driving experience for customers.

At the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Hyundai brings a collection of new technologies, highlighting advanced infotainment features and driver assistance systems.

Hyundai's futuristic Head-Up Displays (HUD) found inside the 2015 Genesis includes driving information, such as Smart Cruise Control status, navigation, Blind Spot Detection, and Forward Collision and Lane Departure Warnings.

All this information is projected at a perceived virtual distance approximately six feet ahead of the driver for maximum legibility while driving.

At CES, Hyundai is showcasing a production-ready augmented reality HUD concept.

This system presents even more driver information in the form of animations, which describe road conditions ahead.

On the augmented reality HUD, drivers will see warnings when a car is about to unexpectedly enter their lane, arrows leading to exit ramps, highlighted street signs, Smart Cruise Control distance bars and one-way street markings.

Hyundai has also linked the augmented HUD to a wearable band.

This band will vibrate when the Lane Departure Warning System is activated or when the car is about to unexpectedly enter the driver’s lane.

It is also a heart rate monitor that can notify 911 if a driver’s heart rate changes rapidly.


French police search VW offices in emissions probe

                PARIS: French police have carried out searches at Volkswagen offices in France, the Paris Prosecutor's office said on Sunday, as part of an investigation following revelations the carmaker rigged vehicle diesel emissions tests.

Police searched on Friday Volkswagen's main French office in Villers-Cotterets northeast of Paris and another VW office at Roissy near Paris' main airport, seizing computer material, an official at the Prosecutor's office said.

A Volkswagen spokesman confirmed the company had been searched by French police on Friday and was cooperating with the authorities, declining to comment further.

The Paris Prosecutor is conducting a preliminary inquiry into suspected "aggravated deception" by Volkswagen.

The German group has said 946,092 vehicles in France were equipped with the EA 189 engines potentially affected by the emissions data manipulation carried out by the company worldwide.

Volkswagen has said up to 11 million vehicles worldwide could contain banned software, and on Thursday announced it would recall around 8.5 million vehicles in the European Union.


Perodua to ramp up production to cope with demand

                KUALA LUMPUR: Perodua plans to ramp up production to resolve the long waiting time amid the rise in bookings which currently stands at 243,000 units.

The carmaker is facing a supply shortage of foreign workers and semiconductor chips, resulting in an average waiting time of between six and seven months depending on car models, said president and chief executive officer Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

To solve the chips shortage, he said Perodua has sought alternative suppliers so that it can source from other vendors, he told reporters after the launch of the new Alza model.

The use of local components can protect Perodua from global market uncertainties, he said, adding that the new Alza has a high local component rate of 95 per cent.

Zainal Abidin said the foreign workers issue was being resolved incrementally.

"So, for Perodua it would not have a huge impact on production for this year at least. The 2022 sales target is still on track,” he said.

Perodua has targeted sales of 247,800 units in 2022, an increase of 30.2 per cent from 190,291 vehicles sold last year.

Zainal Abidin said production balancing will be done to ensure that the waiting period issue can be addressed, especially among sought-after models like Myvi, Alza and Aruz.

"We need to manage these models carefully. We need to (come to a) balance,” he said, adding that maybe the waiting time for Aruz can be (adjusted to) less than three months, while for Alza, it can be more than three months.

Zainal Abidin said the company has recorded bookings of 30,000 units, its highest ever. Of its total bookings so far, nearly 15 per cent of it is for the new Alza, he said.

On the impact of the SST exemption coming to an end, he said it is too early to assess its impact on demand.

Asked on possible production of electric vehicles (EVs), he said Perodua is still studying the matter.

"It is in the planning stage. We will will make an announcement when there is concrete cooperation with other national companies,” he said, adding that a series hybrid would be more likely than a plug-in hybrid

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob suggested earlier that Perodua forge a cooperation with national utility company Tenaga Nasional Bhd to introduce affordable EV charging rates for the people.

Ismail Sabri said TNB was currently working to increase its energy production by using renewable energy sources and to provide adequate EV charging stations.

"At the same time, Perodua can use this opportunity by exploring new fields such as producing high-quality EVs that Malaysian families can afford,” Ismail said


Giant car motors into Indian museum

                HYDERABAD: After designing cars shaped like a hamburger, tennis ball, shoe, handbag and a toilet, quirky Indian artist Sudhakar Yadav decided to go big.

The result is an eight-metre-high car modelled on the 1922 Ford Tourer, which has gone on display at Yadav’s museum in the southern city of Hyderabad.

“We are aiming for the Guinness record of the world’s largest art car. It’s a new record and hopefully I will get it,” said Yadav.

“It can also simulate the sound of an F1 car. I have designed this car especially for children who love to visit my museum,” said Yadav, who took three years to design and build the piece.

The car, which is also 15 metres long and 5.7 metres wide, boasts timber doors, windows and a staircase inside, although there is no engine under the hood.

A chess board, complete with black and white pieces, hangs from the ceiling, along with mini hot-air balloons. The piece has been drawing a number of visitors since its unveiling on Tuesday.

All of the museum’s cars have been made from scrap, according to Yadav, who already holds the Guinness World Record for the largest tricycle, standing 12.67 metres high.


Hyundai Kona Iron Man Special Edition announced

The dark-themed Kona Iron Man Special Edition.
SEOUL: If the all-new Kona isn't already funky enough, Hyundai Motor unveiled a special edition that gets funkier. The special edition shares the name of the Marvel’s heroic and powerful character - Iron Man.

The Kona’s design is inspired by the strong, armoured appearance of the Iron Man suit, with its powerful lines echoing the sensual body of the comic and cinematic hero. Again, aligning its characteristics with the technologically advanced Stark Industries armoured suit, the Kona Iron Man Special Edition majors on safety and advanced technologies.

With greater width (+40mm) the Kona Iron Man Special Edition presents a confident stance while suggesting a voluminous interior. Further visual enhancements set apart the Iron Man edition from the standard Kona. Special LEDs are applied to the headlights, which sit beneath a matt grey hood, embellished with red and gold accents.

The Kona Iron Man Special Edition’s dynamic exterior is further complemented by a 19-inch directional wheel badged with an Iron Man Mask in the centre as well as off-road tyres 716mm in outside diameter.

The special edition will go on display at Hyundai Motor’s Motorstudio here for a month following its global reveal.

The Kona is named after a Hawaian coastal region famed for surfing, diving and sportfishing.

With an all-new compact SUV platform developed, te new Kona is offered with a combination of petrol and diesel engines of various power outputs - dependent on the market.

A 2.0-litre MPI Atkinson engine produces 149PS, with a 0-100kph time of 10 seconds and a top speed of 194kph. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the engine delivers maximum torque of 179Nm at 4,500rpm.

The Gamma 1.6T-GDI engine boasts 177PS, a 0-100kph time of 7.7 seconds and a top speed of 210kph. The engine delivers maximum torque of 265Nm from 1,500 to 4,500rpm and is mated to Hyundai’s efficient and responsive seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (7DCT).

In addition to the 1.6T-GDI engine, customers in Europe can also opt for Hyundai’s downsized 1.0 T-GDI turbocharged three-cylinder engine with six-speed manual transmission. This turbo-charged powerplant is optimised for efficiency and produces 120PS, a 0-100kph time of 12 seconds, top speed of 181kph and maximum torque of 172Nm from 1,500 to 4000 rpm.

Also available will be a 1.6 diesel engine for select markets, including Europe.

 Hyundai's Motorstudio in Seoul.

In front, the "composite lamps" enhance the Kona’s high-tech and mechanical appearance. The slim daytime running lights (DRL) incorporate turn signals and are positioned in a stack, separate to the LED headlights.

The compact SUV also adopts Hyundai Motor’s new family identity, the Cascading Grille, featuring a sporty mesh pattern, flanked by exceptional wing-type fenders that dominate the front design.

The contrasting black "armour" on the side provides a protective skin and visually connects the front to the rear.

As with the front LED arrangement, the rear light configuration also creates a signature appearance. The slim brake lights, turn indicators and reverse lamp are placed in a separate configuration, surrounded by protective skin that begins at the C-pillar garnish.

To personalise the Kona, the roof is finished with a two-tone colour scheme, providing high contrast between the body and wheels.

 What the cabin looks like in the standard Kona.

The standard Kona boasts a suite of advanced technologies, paired with user-friendly functionality. The infotainment system offers various advanced connectivity features, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay where specified with a 5-, 7- or 8-inch display (offered as standard or option dependent on market). Further options include DAB digital radio (Europe), HD Radio (North America), rear view camera display, and 4G telematics (North America) to ensure absolute connectivity.

A new combiner Head-Up Display (HUD) is fitted to the Kona, projecting a virtual image onto the clear glass panel mounted behind the instrument panel to enable the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road. With a projected image size of eight-inches at a two metre distance and class-leading luminance of more than 10,000 candela per square meter, the Kona’s combiner HUD ensures both excellent day- and night-time visibility. Information projected to enhance safety and usability include speed, navigation instructions, Lane Departure Warning messages, and audio information. Deployed vertically by a touch of a button beside the steering wheel, the combiner disappears into the dashboard when not in use.

In a first for the segment, the Kona features smartphone wireless charging, available as an option. Located in the centre console storage, it enables a compatible smartphone to be charged wirelessly.

The Kona was developed with a focus on enhanced driving dynamics and responsive performance for city driving. It has a wide, long wheelbase and short overhangs to create a planted stance when driving at speed.

The vehicle offers three drive modes (Sports, Normal and Eco). In Sport mode, there is a greater emphasis on acceleration with early downshift on braking, while Eco mode optimises fuel economy over performance with longer gear ratios.

To integrate the optional four-wheel drive system, Hyundai Motor engineers created a new intercooler layout and setting for the transmission to minimise intrusion into the cabin space. The rear layout of the platform is also optimized to save space. The suspension, fuel and exhaust components carefully package to maximize rear occupant room.

The front suspension features a McPherson strut system. Different rear suspension systems have been developed for both 2WD and 4WD, to deliver a comfortable ride and sporty handling with either drivetrain. At the front, the rear subframe receives new bush structure for the 2WD suspension set-up, with a high-stiffness torsion beam for greater stability and control. The 4WD configuration features a dual-arm multi-link suspension system to refine overall driving dynamics on all surface types.


April 6-12: Fuel prices unchanged

                KUALA LUMPUR: The retail prices of RON97 and RON95 petrol and diesel will remain unchanged for the period from April 6-12.

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

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


Intermot 2018 to feature latest connected technology for two-wheelers

                COLOGNE: Intermot - the international motorcycle, scooter and e-bike fair, held here - will showcase all kinds of new digital and connected technologies in a dedicated zone this year. The event runs Oct 3-7.

Note that this two-wheeler fair runs at the same time as the Paris Motor Show.

Intermot will showcase the new digital technologies that are transforming the motorcycle industry, from improving safety standards and communication to boosting riders' driving experiences.

From connected devices and safety solutions to emergency call systems and practical applications, all manner of innovations will be demoed in the "Connected Motorcycle World" zone in hall six at Cologne's Koelnmesse exhibition center.

The five-day event, spanning 100,000 square metres of exhibition space, will offer visitors the opportunity to discover new models of motorcycles, scooters and e-bikes presented by manufacturers from all around the world, as well as the latest in accessories, parts, customisation and clothing.


Nissan Z Proto using Infiniti Q60's 3.0-litre twin turbo V6

The unofficial unveiling of what lurks under the Z Proto bonnet. — Photo by Instagrammer @layersworks
PETALING JAYA: As rumours go, this one is true.

The Nissan Z Proto will use the engine from Infiniti's flagship Q60 coupe. The 3.0-litre twin turbo VR30DDTT V6 mill seen in Infiniti 400 Red Sport performance series makes 400hp and 475Nm of torque.

Nissan has so far revealed exterior and interior shots of the car except for what's under the bonnet. But now, the cat's out of the bag, so to speak.

An Instagram user @layersworks managed to sneak some photos of the innards of the Z Proto that was being readied for display at a Tokyo dealership.

 Spot the sameness. — Comparison pix from The Drive

Other than a distinctive engine cover, the Z Proto powerplant looks identical to the one in the Q60.

Key identifiers are three coolant caps at the front of the engine bay. With two staggered ones on the left and one on the right, they're located as they would be in the Q60.

Moreover, the coolant hoses are laid out in the same way as the one in the Infiniti.

To whet the appetitie even more, a NIsmo version is rumoured to be in the works.

The production Z car is expected to be launched later this year.


Perodua debunks Myvi giveaway on Facebook

                SERENDAH: Perodua has denied involvement in a Facebook campaign which promises a giveway of 15 new Myvi cars.

In a statement today, Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Dr Zahari Husin said the Facebook account which used the name “Perodua Malaysia Company” was not associated with the national car maker.

“Despite the post being taken down by the account owner, we wish to advise the public to only refer to our official channels on ongoing campaigns and promotions,” he said.

Perodua’s official channels are the Facebook account under the “MYPerodua” name; official website (www.perodua.com.my); Instagram account (MYPerodua_instagram) and dedicated customer loyalty website (www.ufirst.com.my).

Currently, Perodua is running a sales campaign which is the “Golden Prosperity Deals” where Perodua is offering savings of up to RM3,888 per month on selected models.

In addition to the “Golden Prosperity Deals,” Perodua is also welcoming the public to visit our “MYPerodua Nation,” which is Perodua’s largest carnival at the Aeon Mall Shah Alam (Outdoor Carpark) from Jan 20 to 22.

 Once again, don't believe everything you read on the Internet. Like this Facebook posting. This social media claim has been exposed as all fake. It didn't come from Perodua. Besides, the supposedly April 1 announcement of winners reads like an April Fools' Day prank.


McLaren 765LT supercar uses extensive weight reduction tech

                LONDON: The limited-volume McLaren 765LT supercar will have an 80kg reduction (compared to McLaren 720S), integral to a lightest dry weight of just 1,229kg.

Considering that the McLaren 720S – the car on which the 765LT is based – set a new benchmark for weight in the supercar class when it was introduced in 2017, an 80kg reduction in DIN weight is a remarkable achievement.

The 765LT opens a fourth chapter in the McLaren Longtail story and embodies characteristics that have their roots in the legendary McLaren F1 ‘Longtail’ race cars of the late-1990s, with driver engagement, increased performance, lighter weight, track-focused dynamics and limited availability key features.

“Reducing vehicle weight is at the centre of our strategy for the next generations of McLaren supercars," said Mike Flewitt, CEO of McLaren Automotive.

The minimised weight is the result of McLaren’s history as a pioneer in carbon fibre technologies since introducing the first carbon fibre chassis into Formula 1 in 1981.

The 765LT makes extensive use of carbon fibre.

The exhaust system – which is fully-formed in titanium – delivers a substantial 40% weight saving over a comparable steel system.

With its light weight and a 765ps, 800Nm twin-turbo V8 engine, the 765LT can accelerate from standstill to 200km/h (124mph) in just 7.2 seconds.

The 765LT’s track-tuned suspension has also been designed with minimal weight in mind, with features such as motorsport-derived ‘helper’ springs that negate the need for a heavier, dual-rate sprint arrangement.

Ultra-lightweight wheels, bespoke Pirelli P-Zero Trofeo R tyres and titanium wheel bolts together bring a saving of 22kg, a reduction in unsprung mass that also enhances dynamic performance.

Those fortunate enough to secure a 765LT can choose to leave air-conditioning and an audio system off the standard specification, although these driver comfort systems can be selected at no cost.

Just 765 individually-numbered examples of the new Longtail will be built.


Digital meter clusters to roll out across BMW model line-up soon

                MUNICH:  Following the trend set by other car makers such as Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar, BMW car displays will become fully digital and will start appearing in the new GO5 X5 later this year.

The G20 3 Series, expected at the end of this year after the X5 debut, will also get the updated infotainment system called BMW Operating System 7.0,.

BMW said the system software will be designed around the user’s individual requirements more closely than ever. It is touted as offering a clear layout and structuring, intuitive operation, and customisable and personalised displays, with the ultimate goal of feeding the driver with the right information at the right time.

The redesigned all-digital instrument cluster will have space to display a section of the navigation map as well as further, individually selectable content.

At the same time, it forms a seamless, uniformly designed display cluster with the Control Display in the centre console, which has been optimised to deliver intuitive touch operation and visualises content in real time on up to 10 freely configurable main menu pages, each containing between two and four pads.

The flat menu structure also enables fast access to all settings and functions. Multimodal interaction between the driver and vehicle has likewise been further improved with BMW Operating System 7.0. The customer has a choice of iDrive Controller, touch control, voice control and gesture control.

The BMW Operating System 7.0 announcement was made at the company's Digital Day 2018 event, offering an insight into current product developments, technological concepts, innovations and manufacturing processes.

According to the German car maker, digitalisation is the dominant element in the ongoing transformation of personal mobility.

It paves the way to a new driving experience, expands the possibilities for enhancing safety and comfort out on the road, and opens up new opportunities for efficient yet customer-focused development and manufacture of vehicles.

The company has already defined the key areas that will form the stepping stones to digitalised and emission-free mobility in the future with its corporate strategy.

In the process, it is driving forward the D-ACES themes (Design, Autonomous, Connected, Electrified and Services) with a considerable investment in research and development.

The company has highlighted that With the improved transfer rates and minimised latency of future 5G mobile standard, it will significantly improve technical possibilities.

Such developments can be used to enhance vehicle connectivity by using the full potential of 5G.

The aim is to be able to offer systems and functions based on 5G as soon as it becomes commercially available in series-produced vehicles in several years’ time.

The company is showcasing the benefits of an innovative feature of 5G mobile networks known as network slicing.

This technology involves making parts of the network infrastructure available on demand in a way that suits specific applications and their respective requirements.

The customer has access to a virtual network made up of individual slices, which can be used to update HD navigation maps, for example, enable the direct exchange of data between vehicles and allow videos to be streamed in HD quality.

Artificial intelligence plays a key role in the development of algorithms, which sort through and evaluate large quantities of data and incorporate it into decision-making on how vehicles should behave.

Autonomous driving in which artificial intelligence helps to ensure safe and comfortable mobility for all is another of the company's development goal.

The benefits of systems equipped with artificial intelligence include their boundless capacity for work.

Unlike humans, an intelligent system can maintain constant performance levels.

It doesn’t get tired or distracted, and maintains full concentration even in confusing situations.

Mixed reality describes the combination of real-life prototypes and virtual simulation that can be used to accelerate and optimise vehicle development.

BMW is also harnessing technologies from consumer electronics and computer gaming to develop data glasses that enable users to visualise a growing number of components and vehicle functions realistically. In this way, the impressions created by physical components can be enhanced with digitally generated experiences.

One area in which BMW uses mixed reality is the development of vehicle interiors. Here, computer-generated simulations are combined with an interior model (a mock-up).

This allows an all-encompassing image of the driving experience inside a future series-produced model to be created at an early stage of development.

Another area BMW is working on is better safety on the road.  To do this, the data registered by the vehicle sensors is collected anonymously and processed centrally so information indicating hazard situations can be derived from it.

This allows warnings of accident sites or extreme local weather conditions to be relayed specifically to vehicles in the vicinity of those situations.

Warnings of both weather-related hazards, such as fog, black ice, heavy rain and aquaplaning, and broken-down vehicles have been transmitted to BMW vehicles with the requisite connectivity technology since November 2016.

The swift and accurate relaying of information on road conditions and traffic situations also provides an important basis for optimising the operation of automated driving systems.

The company's secure IT back end provides connected vehicles with live information and digital services.

Connected vehicles are now able to receive live information and transmit data to the BMW Group’s permanently available IT backed via a secure mobile connection in a total of 46 markets.

Besides real-time hazard warnings, navigation map updates can also be delivered over the air in this way.

In future, the secure IT back end will provide the platform for other data-based applications.

The company employs technologies from the fields of cloud computing and artificial intelligence to both optimise existing functions and develop new services.

Security and availability are guaranteed thanks to the coordinated interaction between specialised systems controlled by the company.

Specialised systems include the Open Mobility Cloud, which is used for providing personalised services from BMW Connected, and the Location Platform for transmitting hazard warnings in real time.

The company feels that digitalisation is opening up new opportunities on the production side as well.

The additive manufacturing techniques collectively known as 3D printing stand out in particular for their success in delivering fast, flexible and customisable processes.

Classic examples of additive manufacturing applications can be found in areas where custom-made and sometimes highly complex components are needed in small numbers.

This is the case especially in prototype development, vehicle validation and vehicle road testing.

An additively manufactured water pump wheel was fitted in DTM racing cars for the first time in 2010.

Also, the new BMW i8 Roadster features a soft-top cover with an aluminium bracket made using metal powder laser melting - a technique that has never been used before in car manufacturing.

Meanwhile, the new MINI Yours Customised product line enables customers to personalise the design of selected components and then have them produced via 3D printing.

On top of all this, the Additive Manufacturing Center at the BMW Group Research and Innovation Centre (FIZ) in Munich now supplies around 140,000 prototype parts a year to the company’s various development departments.


BMW Motorrad's S 10000 RR superbike speeds to you at RM117K

                KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Motorrad Malaysia has introduced its new high-performance S 1000 RR superbike.

The S 1000 RR - also known as the "King of the Isle of Man TT" comes priced on-the-road without insurance) at RM116,500 which includes a three-year warranty and road-side assist programme.

With the Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, ownership of the bike starts from RM1,420.00 per month - based on 80% loan over a four-year tenure.

Budding owners have a choice of two colour options of Racing Red or Hockenheim Silver Metallic.

Lying in the belly of the "king" is its engine which has been lightened over its predecessor and is surrounded by a new Flex Frame.

This helps to create a leaner-looking Aluminium fuel tank and seat area trim sections that help to create more support and knee grip.

A rear seat cover is also offered as standard with the rider’s seat while LEDs are used in the front headlights and rear dynamic tail lights with integrated turn signals.

The 999cc engine now produces 207hp at 13,500rpm and 113Nm of torque at 11,000rpm - allowing it to reach a top speed of 200kph while employing technologies such as BMW ShiftCam to vary the valve's strokes and timings on the intake side.

Four riding modes are included which includes Rain, Road, Dynamic and Dynamic Pro which allows the rider to adjust certain settings dynamic traction control or the bike maker's anti-lock braking system (ABS) Pro system.

The bike also comes with Hill Start Control, which offers support when starting on steep inclines while providing lightning-quick clutchless shifts with the HP Shift Assistant Pro.

Staring back at the rider is a 6.5-inch TFT screen that can be operated by a Multi-Controller on the left handlebar which can be used to tailor the display screen to the rider's preferences.

For greater convenience, the bike has been equipped with Connectivity (Bluetooth) which allows the rider's smartphone to pair with the system for music playback, phone calls or even call up the bike's status and statistics via the BMW Connected App (exclusive to select countries only).

Other standard features include a drop sensor, adjustable clutch and hand-brake lever, detachable license plate holder,

" The New BMW S 1000 RR raises the bar yet again with its new, formidable engine and sleek aerodynamic design. With the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations around the corner, we are pleased to introduce this second variant of the iconic Superbike here in Malaysia,” said BMW Group Malaysia managing director Harald Hoelzl.


Bentley Octopus study aims to revolutionise the future of electric mobility

                LONDON: Bentley Motor has announced that it is embarking on a three-year study to help transform the landscape of electric-vehicle powertrains.

The aim of the study is to move away from the reliance of rare-earths and instead employ a more recyclable system for sustainable mobility - especially since the company looks to introduce a fully-electric Bentley by 2026.

“We have made no secret of our ambition to lead the way in the delivery of sustainable luxury mobility, Beyond100. We have a clear roadmap to offer a hybrid option for every model by 2023, starting with the Bentayga Hybrid, and our next goal moves towards a fully electric Bentley by 2026," said Bentley Motors powertrain engineering director Stefan Fischer.

The study has been dubbed Octopus (Optimised Components, Test and simulatiOn, toolkits for Powertrains which integrate Ultra high-speed motor Solutions).

This follows on from an initial 18-month investigation that delivered a technological breakthrough in electric drive systems for high-performance vehicles.

It was found that the electric drive system managed to exceed the latest permanent magnet motor performance without using rare-earth magnets and copper windings - making it cost-effective and recyclable at the end of its life.

The British ultra-luxury coachbuilder, along with OCTOPUS will take this leading-edge motor, power electronics and packaging transmission design, adding next-generation materials, manufacturing processes, simulation and test cycles to deliver a full e-axle powertrain with unique levels of integration and revolutionary performance characteristics suitable for real-world application by 2026.

“With the industry, technologies and cars changing faster than ever before, research projects such as Octopus are crucial to deliver innovative technologies and overcome challenges for the next generation of mobility solutions,” added Fischer.

Octopus is an Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) funded project delivered in partnership with Innovate UK which brings together the following partners with distinct roles and responsibilities:
Bentley Motors – Specification setting, vehicle integration plan and system testAdvanced Electric Machines Ltd – Motor manufacturing and systems assemblyAdvanced Electric Machines Research Ltd – Motor and transmission designThe Thinking Pod Innovations Ltd & Nottingham University – Power electronics optimisation and alternative wide-bandgap system designThe Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (IAAPS) at the University of Bath – Integrated system analysis and proof of concept validation testingHiETA Technologies Ltd – AM component design and manufacture for thermal management including stator core housing, power electronics and E-axle oil coolingFD Sims Ltd – Next-generation wire technology developmentTalga Technologies Ltd – 2D materials development for next-generation winding technologiesDiamond Light Source – UK’s national synchrotron light source providing access to X-ray facilities for measurementsHartree Centre (Science and Technology Facilities Council) – Advanced system testing and co-simulation toolkit development


Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia reports 66% sales jump

                KUALA LUMPUR: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official distributor of
Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia, has reported that 4,788 of its vehicles were registered during the first half of Financial Year 2018 (April - September 2018).

The figure represents the company's all-time record high - an increase of 66% from the first half of Financial Year 2017 (April - September 2017) after thirteen years in operation.

The strong performance was driven largely by a surge of sales for the Mitsubishi Triton and Outlander sport utility vehicle (SUV).

The first half of this year saw 3,120 units of the Triton being sold and registered during the first half of this year - representing a 68% increase, compared to 1,855 units during the same period in 2017.

As for the Outlander, a total of 1,345 units were sold and registered during the first half of this year - representing a a 482% increase, compared to 231 units sold and registered during the same period last year.

“Late last year, we have repositioned our Triton variants to benefit our customers not only in terms of handling, performance and safety, but also to price it affordably to cater for different customers. The positive sales results were also further boosted by the tax holiday period from June-August 2018” said Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia chief executive officer Tomoyuki Shinnishi.

“We are also pleased to share that the Triton is still, the only pick-up offering up to 200,000km or five years of warranty. That means our customers will get to travel more mileage with an added peace of mind,” added Shinnishi.

Separately, the encouraging sales performance for the Outlander SUV was mainly due to the introduction of the locally-assembled Outlander in September 2017, with a significantly value-for-money price point, and the effect of the tax holiday.

“MMM is overall looking at a very positive outlook for the future. We thank our customers for their support towards the Mitsubishi brand. For our customers confidence and satisfaction in our products and services, MMM is committed to continuously deliver only the best." he said.


BMW shifts focus towards harnessing technology

                MUNICH: BMW said it will focus on electric vehicles and automated driving and develop its software and technology services as part of a new strategy for the 100-year-old carmaker.

The emergence of rivals including ride-sharing company Uber and technology group Alphabet which has developed its own self-driving car, has prompted BMW to rethink its traditional strategy of selling large powerful luxury cars.

"We are leading BMW Group into a new era," chief executive Harald Krueger told journalists at BMW's annual results news conference.

"To this end, we leverage innovative technologies, comprehensive connectivity and zero-emission mobility. All of these need to be industrialised, bearing in mind our business responsibilities, and in a sustainable manner, which in itself is another great challenge," he added.

BMW Group aims to achieve a pre-tax margin of at least 10 percent from 2017 to 2020 by pushing digital connectivity, autonomous cars and developing businesses including motorcycles and financial services.

Analysts at Evercore ISI welcomed the new strategy. "BMW, in our view, can stay in the top of automotive innovation leaders and outgrow global vehicle demand by spending 10 to 12 percent of its revenues in R&D and capex," Evercore said in a note.

New technologies have created opportunities for the automotive industry, forcing the Bavarian carmaker to evolve its business beyond mechanical engineering towards becoming a software and technology company.

"The value creation is shifting from the actual hardware towards software and services," Krueger said.

BMW said it would focus on developing the businesses of high-definition digital maps, sensor technology, cloud technology and artificial intelligence.

BMW will also push services including providing wall mounted electric car charging boxes and software programs to help drivers find a parking space with its ParkNow and ChargeNow services.

In addition, it will seek to maintain the high profitability of its cars business by boosting the number of high-margin luxury vehicles like the 7 series, and broadening the range of M performance branded cars.

At the same, time, BMW is looking at streamlining its portfolio of cars to focus on the most profitable models.

"We will take a hard look at both variants and equipment options," chief financial officer Friedrich Eichiner said, explaining that this helps reduce complexity in development, production and aftersales.

MINI has reduced the range of its models to five, cutting three variants.

This new simpler production method will help achieve savings of more than 100 million euros over the c


Alfa Tonale will come with an NFT digital certificate

                MILAN: Each model of Alfa Romeo's all-new SUV will come with a non-fungible token.

Based on blockchain technology and uniquely linked to the individual model, this NFT certifies the Tonale at purchase and then follows it throughout its existence.

In particular, it will be enriched with details concerning the vehicle's servicing and maintenance.

This is a minor revolution in the automotive sector, as this technology is based on the concept of creating confidential and unalterable records of the various stages of a vehicle's life.

An NFT is a unique certified digital token, which guarantees its exclusive nature.

Here, with the customer's consent, the NFT will compile data throughout the vehicle's lifespan, generating a certificate that will guarantee, at any time, that the car is properly serviced and maintained.

This will be particularly useful in the event of a resale, as these reliable and irreversible records will offer reassurance to potential buyers.

Orders for the Tonale are due to open in April 2022, with the first deliveries not expected until early 2023.

Eventually, Alfa Romeo could offer this type of certification system for its entire vehicle range.


Germany asks EU for wiggle room on combustion engine phaseout

                STOCKHOLM: Germany has asked the European Union to propose rules allowing combustion-engine cars that run on CO2-neutral fuels to be sold in Europe after 2035, the date by which the EU has agreed all new cars should have zero emissions.

Under the landmark law agreed by the EU last year requiring that by 2035 carmakers achieve a 100% cut in CO2 emissions from new cars sold, it would be impossible to sell new fossil fuel-powered vehicles in the 27-country bloc.

The law is aimed at speeding up Europe's shift to electric vehicles to combat climate change. But Germany is seeking wiggle room for combustion engines that run on fuels produced using electricity, or e-fuels.

"The commission should come forward with a proposal (on) how e-fuels can be used, or how combustion engines which are run with climate-neutral fuels can be can be organised," Germany's state secretary for transport, Michael Theurer, said on Monday.

Speaking on his arrival to a meeting of EU transport and energy ministers here, Theurer said Germany was convinced battery electric vehicles are the "way to go", but wanted to see other CO2-free technologies also supported.

"We need hydrogen (fuel cell) technology and also e-fuels, especially in heavy vehicles, in truck transport," he said.

E-fuels, which can be made using captured CO2 emissions - with the idea that this balances out the CO2 emitted when the fuel is combusted, so the overall fuel is "CO2 neutral" - are being developed to allow modified versions of combustion engines to continue to be used.

Germany is home to car manufacturing giants including Volkswagen, which has pledged to produce only electric cars in Europe from 2033, and BMW, which has warned against setting dates to ban fossil fuel-based car sales.

The EU law containing the 2035 deadline says the European Commission should make a proposal on how vehicles running on CO2-neutral fuels can be sold after 2035, if this complies with climate goals.

EU Transport Commissioner Adina Valean said many in the transport sector shared Germany's concerns.

"I think the discussion is not closed, even though the vote was taken," she told a news conference.


Motorists flock to Chicago area gas stations for free fuel

                CHICAGO: Long lines of cars stretched for blocks near Chicago-area gas stations today, signalling that local businessman Willie Wilson was footing the bill for motorists to top up their tanks for a second time.

Wilson was giving gas away to motorists who showed up at four dozen gas stations. Some drivers waited for more more than an hour to collect their US$50 (RM211) worth of gasoline.

Motorists could keep filling up for free until Wilson's tab reached US$1 million.

Gas prices have been rising nationwide. The cost of gas today inched close to US$5 per gallon in the Chicago metro area, up from a little more than US$3 a year ago, according to AAA.

Chicago police said the giveaway slowed traffic this morning but that the department has not received any reports of fights, automobile collisions or other major problems related to the giveaway.

Wilson conducted another gas giveaway on March 17, offering US$200,000 of gas from 10 Chicago gas stations. The giveaway led to gridlock, bad tempers and resident concerns about the environmental cost of idling engines in their neighborhoods.

Wilson is a self-made millionaire who has run for mayor of Chicago, the US Senate and even president of the United States. He has opened his wallet before to help people out, including to post bail for people at Cook County Jail and to donate money to homeowners to help them pay their property tax bills.

The city faces another mayoral election in 2023.


E-bidding for PPC series number plate to start from Aug 2

Shaharuddin (second from left) and his officers highlighting some of the attractive numbers that are up for bidding. — Bernama
PUTRAJAYA: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has extended its e-bidding system (JPJeBid) up north to Penang, starting with the PPC vehicle number series.

JPJ director-general Datuk Seri Shaharuddin Khalid said the PPC number series would be the eighth to use the JPJeBid system, and Penang would be the latest state to join Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Kedah in utilising the e-bidding setup.

“Bidding for the 'PPC' series will be opened for five days, beginning Aug 2 at midnight, until Aug 6 at 11.59pm, ” said Shaharuddin at a press conference here today.

JPJ has set the minimum starting bid for a normal number is RM300, with a minimum 10% or RM15 increase for every bid.

Shaharuddin said JPJ had collected close to RM10mil in revenue since the launch of its e-bidding system last April.

This was from seven-vehicle licence plate series, namely FC, VDN, VDP, VDQ, VDR, VDS and KET.

“In total, the JPJeBid system has contributed RM9, 603, 568 to the government coffers from seven-plate number series since April this year.

“Also, compared to the past system, 100% of the money from the winning bid goes directly into the government’s accounts, through credit card or debit card deduction, as soon as a winner is identified, ” said Shaharuddin.

Shaharuddin also said JPJeBid is a more transparent system which eliminates integrity issues, as there was no human interference.

“There is no human interference in selecting the winning bid.

"The bidder will only deals with the computer, and if there are any errors, it is only between him and the computer.

“Once the bidding closes at midnight, the winner would be known at 12.01am, ” said Shaharuddin, adding that bidders will also be able to see the ranking of bids in real time.


Hyundai to recall Kona EV, Nexo hydrogen SUVs to fix brakes

                SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Co is planning to recall a total of 50,864 Kona electric cars and Nexo fuel cell vehicles in South Korea due to faulty electronic braking systems, the transport ministry said.

Their braking systems may not function due to software defects, the ministry said, but did not mention if the defects have led to accidents.

It was not immediately clear if the recall would affect other markets. Kona is one of best-selling electric vehicles in Europe and their sales outside the home market accounted for more than three quarters of the total.

The South Korean recall would cover about 40,000 Kona electric and hybrid electric vehicles produced between May 2019 and November 2020 and 10,138 Nexo fuel cell SUVs made between January 2018 and November 2020.

Affiliate Kia Motors also plans to recall an additional 1,895 Soul electric cars due to a similar issue, the ministry said.

Hyundai is also recalling at least 74,000 of its Kona EVs globally, after more than a dozen vehicles caught fire in Korea, Canada and Europe over two years.


VW T-Cross SUV to debut on Thursday

                WOLFSBURG: Volkswagen has just announced that its Polo-based T-Cross will make its world premiere on Thursday.

In concert with that, it has released a teaser video yesterday showing the interior of the all-new SUV, the smallest in the VW line-up.

The rear tail lamp design will echo the look of the front end with a distinctive LED signature.

Like the Polo hatchback, the T-Cross will have a fully digital instrument cluster and a similar interior layout.

Available engines for the MQB A0-based SUV are the 1.0-litre three-cylinder mill and a 1.5-litre turbocharged version. Some markets will also get the fuel-sipping 1.6-litre Diesel engine.

The T-Cross will be front-wheel driven and there's a possibility a 4-wheel drive version may be offered.


New MINI Electric enters, priced at RM218K

                KUALA LUMPUR: The updated MINI Electric has arrived in Malaysia.

Priced at RM217,470.73 (on the road, without insurance and without SST), it is now available with a range of new standard equipment.

The electric car was launched alongside the MINI hatches in 3-door, 5-door and convertible bodystyles.

The latest model features new front bumpers that does away with fog lights and now includes integrated air curtains for improved aerodynamics.

A new frontal appearance equips the New MINI Electric, where a new yellow S Badge sits in place of the previous E Badge.

A new body-colour safety bar rests on the front bumper, while a black surround now accentuates the hexagonal shape of the vehicle’s radiator grille.

Adaptive LED headlights with Matrix functionality now come with high-gloss black inner housing; and along the sides, the car featuresa modernised side scuttle design that includes LED indicators and Electric-specific inserts.

Towards the rear, the previously Vigorous Grey tailgate handle is now swapped out for a sleek Black, while the rear bumper retains its original design language.

The new MINI Electric continues to ride on 17-inch wheels in the MINI Electric Power Spoke two-tone with runflat tyres.

The car is powered by a asynchronous electric motor developed by the BMW Group – a front-axle electric engine capable of 135kW/184hp, as well as a 12-module T-shaped battery unit with a net capacity of 28.9kWh.

It shares a peak torque of 270Nm with its predecessor, and emits zero carbon emissions locally while consuming 17.6 –15.2kWh per 100km of travel.It offers a maximum speed of 150kph and a driving range of up to 232km (WLTP).

It can also make the century sprint in 7.3 seconds. It continues to offer a range of charging capabilities, whether at home or at a public charging facilities.

When recharging at a DC charging station, the car requires only 36 minutes to go from 0 to 80% charge.

The MINI Wallbox Plus offers an 80% charge in just two and half hours, similar to recharging at a public AC charging station.

The charging progress of the car can be viewed on the inside of the charging flap, at the digital instrument cluster or via the MINI App.

The new MINI offers a revitalised interior design language with a new cockpit décor panel geometry that appears horizontally-stretched through enlarged décor trim.

Drivers are also treated to a new steering wheel design with horizontal spokes and multi-function buttons that are integrated on an even surface with the Piano Black finish.

Other new features include the modernised inner and outer air vents that are integrated into the cockpit fascias, new ambient lighting in the form of light stripsthat highlight the interior geometry, as well as new door bezel décor in Piano Black, and the MINI Controller in black finishing as well.

The new black panel design for the centre instrument panel is also reflected in the 8.8-inch MINI Navigation System equipped with the full MINI Connected suite which includes new Concierge Services, on top of the standard Teleservices, Remote Services, Intelligent Emergency Call, MINI Online and Apple Carplay.

The vehicle is also equipped with the MINI Head Up Display, and the impressive 12-Speaker360-watt Harman Kardon Sound System.

Advanced connectivity features, audio and navigation features are also now available to theNew MINI Electric with the digital instrument cluster.

It is capable of displaying key information on the charging status of the vehicle such as remaining time, percentage of charge, available range and also temperature outside the vehicle, along with the current MINI Driving Mode.

The MINI eDrive, available as standard,is a state-of-the-art technological featureinthe New MINI Electric –giving the vehicle intelligent digital services and functions for a hassle-free drive.

The Green Driving Assistant (GDA) provides useful onboard functionalities, such as the Range Assistant that presents different solutions to the driver in case of insufficient battery, for greater peace of mind.

It is able to suggest a more efficient route (Green Route), driving mode or the nearest charging station, so the driver can still arrive at their destination. The range circle also displays the range within the selected driving mode in the map.

Additionally, the new MINI App offers the New MINI Electric anadvanced user experience that befits a digital lifestyle, allowing drivers to accesstheir MINI at any time, whether to call up information on the vehicle’s status or to prepare for the next drive.

The MINI App serves as a universal interface between the smartphone and the vehicle. Features include remote accessto vehiclecharging statusandelectric range, charging history, along with Remote Services to locate the vehicle and lock or unlock the doors, send navigational directions such as charging stations from a smartphone directly to the vehicle, as well as turning on the air conditioning system in the vehicle remotely.

Similar to the previous generation, the new EV is also equipped with the Driving Assistant system as standard. This camera-based driving assistance system package consists of the Speed Limit info, as well as the digital high-beam assistant. The system also intelligently features the person warning andapproach control warning, bothwith light city braking function.

The New MINI Electricis also equipped withthe Park Assistant, front and rear Park Distance Control, and Cruise Control with braking function.

A new feature to the MINI family line-up and now also a standard across all new MINI models is the Lane Departure Warning that helps the driver stay safely on the chosen course at speeds between 70 and 210kph.

Exterior colour offerings include the exclusive White Silver with Black Roof and Energetic Yellow Accents, the British Racing Green with Black Roof and Black Mirror Caps, and the Midnight Black with White Roof and Energetic Yellow Accents.

Over 250 electrified MINI vehicles were delivered since the electrified MINI portfolio was introduced locally with the MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid in 2018.

The MINI Electric itself accounts for more than 30 units which were snapped up soon after its launch last year.

It  is available at all authorised MINI dealerships nationwide now.

However, in accordance with the latest Movement Control Order, dealerships will be closed for physical viewing and customers are encouraged to view the new MINI Electric online .

It is also available for online booking at RM1,000 via the MINI eShop platform.


Proton finally seals agreement to distribute smart EVs

                SUBANG JAYA: Proton has sealed its agreement with smart Automobile Co to sell and service smart electric vehicles (EVs) in Malaysia and Thailand.

Under the first phase collaboration of the General Distribution Agreement, Proton is expected to offer the first smart EV in early fourth quarter of next year.

While the move is primarily a retail operation, it would also enable Proton to pave its way into the new energy vehicle market.

 (From left) Li, Proton deputy CEO Roslan Abdullah and Proton chairman Datuk Seri Syed Faisal Albar at the signing event.

Proton also said it would invest in a charging network by collaborating with a local charging provider as well as to provide and install domestic units for customers who intend to charge their vehicles at home.

It will also place heavy emphasis on an integrated digital lifestyle and other elements to merge customer preferences with a connected digital solution encompassing journey planning, charging availability and even purchase considerations.

Another facet Proton is exploring is to use its entry into the market segment to attract young talents.

With the rapid shift in job preference for new workers, Proton will use its long-term plans for sustainability and energy efficiency as well as increasing its ESG scores to appeal to the next generation of automotive industry workers.

Proton chief executive officer Dr Li Chunrong said the agreement with smart marked a big step for Proton’s entry into the new energy vehicle market.

“The first phase of business with smart is focused on retailing but it provides us with valuable knowledge and experience on not only how to service and charge EVs but also how to transform the way we interact with our customers.

“The move into this market segment will also help drive Proton’s move towards being more environmentally friendly in all facets of our operations as we work to help Malaysia achieve its carbon neutrality target by 2050,” he said.

smart Automobile Co was founded as a joint venture in 2019 by Mercedes-Benz and Geely Group.


GM and Ford start making medical gear in battle against Covid-19

                DETROIT: The top two US carmakers, General Motors Co and Ford, have announced their latest efforts to help the country beat down the coronavirus pandemic.

General Motors Co. began mass production of the Ventec Life Systems V+Pro critical care ventilator under contract to the US Department of Health and Human Services while Ford is expanding its efforts to design and produce urgently needed medical equipment and supplies for health care workers, first responders and patients fighting coronavirus.

In less than a month, Ventec, GM’s supply chain and its manufacturing, logistics, legal, and talent acquisition teams were able to marshal support to deliver a 30,000-unit order from the US Department of Health and Human Services.

“Until there is a vaccine, critical care ventilators give medical professionals the tools they need to fight this pandemic and save lives,” said Ventec Life Systems CEO Chris Kiple. “This partnership is an historic effort and a great reminder of what can be accomplished with the power of American innovation and American manufacturing skill uniting together around a singular mission to save lives.”

More than 600 ventilators will be shipped this month, almost half the order will be filled by the end of June and the full order will be completed by the end of August. GM has the capacity to build more ventilators after August if needed.

 Ford manufacturing face masks.

As for Ford, in addition to the current production of more than 3 million face shields in Plymouth, Michigan, Ford-designed powered air-purifying respirator has began production.

Ford also is now producing face masks and leading an effort to scale production of reusable gowns for health care workers.

Lastly, Ford started providing manufacturing expertise to help scientific instrument provider Thermo Fisher Scientific quickly expand production of COVID-19 collection kits to test for the virus.

“We knew that to play our part helping combat coronavirus, we had to go like hell and join forces with experts like 3M to expand production of urgently needed medical equipment and supplies, said Jim Baumbick, vice president, Ford Enterprise Product Line Management.

“In just three weeks under Project Apollo, we’ve unleashed our world-class manufacturing, purchasing and design talent to get scrappy and start making personal protection equipment and help increase the availability and production of ventilators.”

Ford is now manufacturing face masks for internal use globally and pursuing certification for medical use at its Van Dyke Transmission Plant.


Discover Cyan Racing's Volvo P1800

                STOCKHOLM: The Volvo P1800 Cyan represents Cyan Racing's philosophy of how a sports car from the sixties merged with modern day performance should be.

The car has been engineered by the same team that created Volvo’s first-ever world title winning race car.

The interior is, just like the exterior of the car, a delicate interpretation of the original Volvo P1800 of the sixties.

The interior features a leather clad titanium roll hoop, racing seats, racing harnesses and bespoke digital instruments with a clear link to its original design.

"We have focused on creating an interior that reflects the car décor of the sixties in a modern version. We have kept the clean and driver-oriented interior of the original car, carefully moving it forward with modern materials and technology," said Ola Granlund, Head of Design at Cyan Racing.

The two-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine is based on the same engine as used in the world title-winning Volvo S60 TC1 race car, producing 420hp and 455Nm of torque.

The engine has been re-engineered by Cyan regarding how it delivers power and its physical appearance, keeping a clean design for a clear link with its original, in combination with a contemporary performance level.

“The engine is designed for high revs, with the torque intuitively linear to the pedal. We have learnt from racing where the drivers want perfect control of the torque, increasing precision and driving pleasure at the same time,” said Mattias Evensson, Project Manager and Head of Engineering at Cyan Racing.

“Another area of attention is the design of the engine and the engine bay. We have made an effort to highlight the light and nimble VEA Volvo engine, liberated from all elements of modern engines, with clear ties to the original Volvo P1800 of the sixties.”

The chassis is fully re-engineered by Cyan with the purpose of delivering an unfiltered driving experience reminiscent of the sixties, but with modern day performance.

“As with most cars from the past, they tend to be less rewarding to drive then we might want to remember them,” said Evensson.

“We have designed a completely new chassis for the Volvo P1800 Cyan that keeps the analogue direct unfiltered connection with the road, but with much more control and predictiveness.”

The chassis features rack and pinion steering, replacing the original Volvo P1800 steering box, bespoke lightweight aluminium uprights, double wishbones, two-way adjustable dampers with Cyan hydraulics and an independent rear suspension.

"It was of course a challenge to fuse our new technology with the constraints of the sixties base car. The end result is however a car that at a first glance is a P1800 with a wider track, but when you start driving, it delivers at a completely different level,” said Evensson.

“The suspension is fully adjustable and can be set up to whichever way the customer wants, be it a more track-focused car, or a one that will be predominantly used for enjoying your favourite canyon roads, or for just visiting your local barista.”


Sexy models may be banned from Shanghai auto show

                BEIJING: Scantily clad female models who adorn vehicle displays could be banned from this year’s Shanghai motor show, state media reported.

“We haven’t ruled out the possibility of banning auto-show girls,” the organising committee for the Shanghai Automotive Exhibition said in remarks carried by the Xinhua news agency on Saturday.

“We are soliciting public opinion to improve the exhibition,” the committee said in a statement.

Female models have been a mainstay at international auto shows for decades and were featured at last year’s Beijing International Automotive Exhibition.

But Yang Xueliang, director of public relations for Chinese automaker Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, wrote in an online post on Friday he had been told that “auto show models are to be banned this year”.

“It is best to cancel the performances, so as to let visitors enjoy a quiet exhibition,” Xinhua quoted him as saying.

No reason has been given for the possible ban, but the media agency said the decision could be down to “moral concern” and security considerations after a deadly stampede in the city on New Year’s Eve killed 36.

Shanghai’s government has since announced tougher registration procedures for large crowd events, which will face cancellation if safety rules are violated.

Xinhua also said the committee may be troubled by the increasingly revealing clothing worn by models at the event, with some even donning see-through clothing without underwear.


Flair for families: Audi A6 Avant gets 600hp as RS6

                INGOLSTADT: From family-friendly company car to race-track wannabe: Audi has turned the A6 Avant estate into a 600-horsepower RS6 that can reach top speeds of 305kph.

Launching at the end of the year at a home-market price of at least €117,500 (RM541,000), the RS6 Avant is powered by a four-litre V8 engine that helps this corporate car sprint from 0 to 100kph in 3.6 seconds, the maker says.

Meanwhile the usual speed limit of 250kph has been raised two steps up to 305kph.

With a much more aggressive silhouette and recognisable from behind by chunkier wheel arches and bulging exhaust pipes, it does a good job of covering up its family friendly heritage and is also unusually sporty on paper.

Audi has tried to quench the executive-class engine's thirst for fuel with variable displacement and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, and yet standard consumption is still a heady 11.5 litres. CO2 emissions of 263 g/km will likely also give you a bad conscience.

In addition to the design and drive, Audi has also revised the chassis: air or steel springs ensure greater traction and a tighter driving feel. Audi says there's also a new steering system that can use the rear axle if needed, while a new exhaust system offers a more distinctive sound.


Volvo readies EV blitz in biggest product revamp under Geely

                GOTHENBURG: Volvo Cars is gearing up for an electric blitz to convert all its mainstay models - three SUVs and two sedans - into electric vehicles and to introduce a luxury electric van aimed at boosting sales in Asia, two people with knowledge of the plans said.

The Swedish carmaker, 82%-owned by China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, is expected to launch at least six new battery electric vehicles through 2026, the two people told Reuters.

Volvo has announced an objective to make its entire lineup fully electric by 2030. The company’s Australia unit has said it plans to sell only EVs in that market by 2026.

The previously unreported product plans amount to the largest revamp of Volvo’s model line-up since Geely acquired the brand from Ford Motor Co in 2010.

Under Geely, Volvo initially started to share technologies such as car platforms with Geely.

The makeover for Volvo, a Swedish brand that built a reputation for safety and utilitarian design, follows from a greater focus on customer trends in Asia and a push to win sales there, the people said.

The two people with knowledge of Volvo’s planning asked not to be named because details have not been announced by the company. Geely declined to comment.

Among the new battery electric cars being planned for the next four years is a Volvo-branded MPV or van that would be based on a vehicle Geely’s Zeekr brand sells in China.

Called the Zeekr 009, the hulking, battery-electric van, which starts at about 500,000 yuan (RM315,000), offers three rows of seating.

The vehicle competes against the likes of the Toyota Alphard, a business or family van, with airplane business class-like seats for passengers that has proven popular in Asian markets such as China and Japan as a limousine alternative.

Volvo has moved development work on sedans and the coming people-mover model to its Shanghai research and development hub, they said. That centre, which has tripled its design staff to about 60 people, has recently moved to a new and larger building in Shanghai, one of the sources said.

The first of Volvo’s new planned electric models, the EX90 sport-utility crossover, was unveiled late last year. It is expected to hit showrooms in early 2024.

Other battery electric cars in the pipeline include electric versions of Volvo’s mainline products – the XC90, XC60 and XC40 crossover vehicles and the S60 and S90 sedans, the sources said.

Those mainline cars will follow Volvo’s established, simple design cues, but the new MPV will target buyers in China and other markets with a more “emotional” design that builds from the Zeekr 009, which features a massive, LED-illuminated grille, one of the sources said.

Volvo has carved out and sold its gasoline engine and hybrid powertrain operations to Geely.

The Chinese automaker has moved to combine all of its gasoline powertrain assets, including those from Volvo, with factories being carved out of Renault to create a new company focused on hybrid and gasoline engines.

Renault and Geely are working to finalise a deal to bring Saudi Aramco in as an investor and partner in that venture, Reuters has reported.


Ford joins up with Volvo to meet European environmental rules

                DETROIT: Ford, seeking to avoid costly fines for falling short of European environmental regulations, is joining with Volvo Cars AB to comply with the rules limiting emissions from their vehicles.

Volvo, part of China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., and its affiliate Polestar have overachieved in meeting the regulations and will sell its surplus to Ford for an undisclosed sum, the Swedish automaker said Thursday in a statement.

Volvo said it will use the revenue it receives from Ford to invest in green technology projects.

Ford had to seek the help of another manufacturer to meet the stringent new rules because it fell out of compliance after being forced to recall 20,500 plug-in hybrid Kuga SUVs when seven caught fire while charging.

Ford said Wednesday it has already spent about US$400 million on the recall and pooling with another company to meet the regulations. The automaker blamed its third-quarter US$440 million loss in Europe on the Kuga recall.

“Had it not been for the Kuga issue, Europe would have been profitable for the third quarter,” John Lawler, Ford’s chief financial officer, said on a call with analysts. The company expects to spend as much as another US$200 million on recall-related costs this quarter, he said.


Updated Hyundai Kona 1.6 Turbo line-up arriving this month

                PETALING JAYA: Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HDSM) is taking orders for the soon-to-be launched updated Kona 1.6T-GDi compact sports utility vehicle (SUV).

Featuring a powerful 1.6-litre turbo engine, the Kona will be the most powerful B-segment SUV in Malaysia.

The Kona will also be available in the standard and sportier N Line trims.

The Kona 1.6 Turbo N Line will be the first N Line model for Malaysia.

N Line variants are outfitted with styling and performance upgrades that set them apart from the standard trims.

The Kona 1.6T N Line will be equipped with sporty design element, aerodynamics and premium tyres.

READ MORE:  First batch of refreshed Hyundai Kona arrives, two 2.0-litre variants from RM120K

Its motorsports-inspired front and rear end with body colour claddings are topped off with diamond-cut wheel design.

The interior features a dedicated N Line colour package in one-tone black leather combined with suede as well as a ventilated and heated seat function for the driver and the front passenger.

In addition, the distinctive red stitching, metal pedals and N logo on the gear shift, steering wheel and seats all contribute to a sportier look and feel.

Both the Kona variants come with Hyundai Smartsense active safety and driving assistance technologies that meet the highest European safety standards.

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors managing director Low Yuan Lung said the company was confident that the Kona N Line would lead the B-SUV segment, not only with its looks and but also with its performance.

“There has been keen interest among Malaysian motorists on our N and N Line brands, so we foresee good response, especially for the sportier Kona N Line,” he said.

Both Kona variants are powered with the Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi, a turbocharged inline four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 198PS at 6,000rpm and 265Nm of torque from 1,600-4,500rpm.

The Smartstream engine offers dynamic performance with a smoother, more comfortable driving experience, reduced emissions and better fuel efficiency.

Transmission is the second generation Smartsteam 7DCT seven-speed dual clutch transmission.

Interested buyers can book online via Hyundai’s new online shopping platform, Cl!ck to Buy www.hyundai.com.my/clicktobuy/ or contact any of the Hyundai authorised showrooms.

Customers can also call Hyundai’s Customer Careline at 1-300-13-2000 for more information.


Tesla to recall 135,000 US cars under pressure from auto safety regulators

                WASHINGTON: Tesla Inc has agreed to recall 134,951 Model S and Model X vehicles with touchscreen displays that could fail and raise the risk of a crash after US auto safety regulators sought the recall last month, according to a recall posted on a government website Tuesday.

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) made the unusual recall request in a formal Jan 13 letter to Tesla, saying it had tentatively concluded the 2012-2018 Model S and 2016-2018 Model X vehicles pose a safety issue. Automakers usually agree to voluntary fixes before the auto safety agency formally seeks a recall.

The agency said touchscreen failures posed significant safety issues, including the loss of rearview or backup camera images, exterior turn-signal lighting, and windshield defogging and defrosting systems that “may decrease the driver’s visibility in inclement weather.”

NHTSA had required Tesla to respond to its recall demand by Jan 27. Tesla agreed that same day to the recall, the company said.

Tesla said in its filing with NHTSA that “in the interest of bringing administrative closure to the investigation and to ensure the best ownership experience for our customers” it agreed to a voluntary recall.

NHTSA opened a probe in June 2020 into complaints that media control unit (MCU) failures led to touchscreen displays not working.

The agency said other automakers issued numerous recalls for similar safety issues stemming from the touchscreen failure.

NHTSA said in November when it upgraded its probe that it reviewed 12,523 claims and complaints about the issue.

NHTSA said last month that “during our review of the data, Tesla provided confirmation that all units will inevitably fail given the memory device’s finite storage capacity.”

Many complaints had said Tesla required owners to pay to replace the unit once warranties expire. Tesla will replace the defective part and reimburse customers who paid to replace a part that failed because of lifetime wear.

Tesla acknowledged the problem but said if the display was not working, “the driver can perform a shoulder check and use the mirrors. If the screen is not visible to control the climate control and defroster settings, the driver will be able to manually clear the windshield.”

The recall will begin March 30. NHTSA sought a recall of 158,000 vehicles but Tesla said the recall does not include some vehicles with upgraded processors built after March 2018.

Tesla said 88% of US owners have gotten over-the-air updates to some functionalities that may be lost if displays fail.


Mercedes' upcoming S-Class promises 'best of the best' in performance

                STUTTGART: When Mercedes unveils its new S-Class in September, the German carmaker's flagship will serve as the new guiding star for the luxury class, with chief engineer Juergen Weissinger promising new performance in intelligence, efficiency and convenience.

In addition to the standard air suspension, the S-Class will be outfitted with an advanced version of an active chassis. This not only compensates for curved slopes, but also raises the car by 8cm in fractions of a second before an impending collision, transferring the energy from the impact to the most stable part of the car's body.

With up to 16 airbags and numerous safety features, the S-Class is the safest limousine in the world, says Weissinger.

The carmaker also wants to set a new standard when it comes to comfort, for example offering massage seats in the rear, while the driver and passenger up front have their necks cradled by heated sofa cushions.

Another highlight of the limousine is its rear axle steering, which is much more effective than the competition's.

"With it, the luxury car is as easy to manoeuvre as a compact class sedan, and saves up to 2 metres in turning radius," says Weissinger. In fact, even the S-Class' long version no longer needs 11 metres to make a turn.

In addition to the extra technology, the S-Class has also grown in its wheelbase and length, with the standard version now stretching 5.15 metres, while the extended version measures 5.25 metres.

Yet it doesn't consume any more fuel than before, thanks to its reduced weight and drag coefficient, as well as new motors planned.

All 6- and 8-cylinders will drive as mild hybrids. The plug-in hybrid will have an electric range of 100 kilometres, Weissinger says, while AMG variants and a V12 are also in the works. There is only one electric version — understandable, considering the all-electric EQS is set to roll out just a few months after the S-Class does.