Rolls-Royce introduces Black Badge series to Malaysia

                JOHOR BARU: Calling the rich and famous. Rolls-Royce wants you to consider spending your disposable cash on Black Badge cars that have a starting price of RM2.3mil.

The introduction to Malaysia by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Kuala Lumpur of a bespoke line of cars called Black Badge is to cater to the demands of a younger clientele.

On public display for the first time in Malaysia was a rarely seen trio of Black Badge cars comprising two Wraith Black Badge cars (fastback coupe) – the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever built – and Ghost Black Badge (sedan).

Both models are powered by 6.6 litre V12 twin turbo engines producing 624hp and 603hp respectively. The Wraith is quicker off the line with a 0-100kph time of 4.5s, while the Ghost clocks in at 4.8s.  The cars come with an upgraded eight-speed transmission.

Black Badge cars need not be black as shown by the second Wraith in Ensign Red colour.

In a press statement, Rolls-Royce said Black Badge cars differ from standard models with a bolder styling, use of lightweight materials such as carbon fibre and subtle engineering enhancements, providing added performance. Customers can order from over 44,000 different colours.

“We are confident of a positive response to Black Badge, as Malaysia offers good driving conditions and a growing customer base of successful people who are younger and dynamic," said Quill Motorcars Sdn Bhd director Anas Zawawi Khalid at the launch here.

"Malaysia has a vibrant luxury and car culture. The development of Johor’s luxury ‘hot spots’ such as Puteri Harbour and the Iskandar region, along with interest from potential customers, contributed to our decision to launch this exclusive range of cars here.”


Perodua brightens up Shan Children’s Home this Deepavali

                PENANG: As part of its three-year Corporate Responsibility commitment to Shan Children’s Home that began last Deepavali, Perodua returned to the Penang home on Friday to shower its occupants with the love, joy and hope that accompany the Festival of Lights.

In the morning while the children were out at kindergarten or school, 10 Perodua volunteers spring-cleaned and decorated the premises, and crafted a beautiful kolam (colourful powder art) at the entrance. Greeted by Perodua UFirst mascot Ken, the kids were truly surprised and overjoyed when they got home.

Perodua gave the home an industrial oven plus other baking equipment and ingredients, worth over RM5,000 in all. The carmaker had earlier this year arranged a bread-making class for the children – today’s contribution follows up on that by opening up the possibility for them to commercialise their baked goods.

“As a truly People First company, Perodua believes in sustainable charity; hence this long-term sustainability project with Shan Children’s Home. Having previously taught these children to bake, we now furnish them with apparatus they can use to do small-scale baking.

“We will then give them guidance on how to market their goods. This approach is two-pronged. One, we hope their takings can alleviate some of the home’s costs, if not support itself fully. Two, we want to encourage the children to develop entrepreneurial skill and thinking,” said Perodua president and CEO Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh.

“Shan Children’s Home nurtures 20 bright young children between the ages of 5 and 15. I see great potential in them all and hope they can make some money of their own through the education and equipment we have provided. Malaysia’s future leaders and entrepreneurs all have to start somewhere, and we hope it is here for them!” he added.

Perodua also gave the home a RM3,000 cash contribution and money packets to each child and houseparent. The children were then treated to afternoon tea and a fun sand art activity, with their smiles never leaving their faces.

“At the heart of Deepavali is the triumph of light over darkness and hope over despair. We at Perodua sincerely hope we have succeeded in bringing that spirit to the lovely residents of Shan Children’s Home. We pray that they will be happy always and filled with optimism for the future,” said Datuk (Dr) Aminar.


Baidu's Jidu Auto to invest US$7.7 billion in 'robot' smart cars

                BEIJING: Jidu Auto, an electric vehicle venture between China's tech giant Baidu and Chinese automaker Geely, aims to plough 50 billion yuan (US$7.7bil/RM32bil) into producing smart cars over the next five years, says its chief executive.

Xia Yiping said on Friday that the funding would come from Baidu and other investors and Jidu would aim to launch its first electric vehicle (EV) in three years, as is standard for the industry, but would make efforts to speed this up.

Its first EV would look like a "robot" and would target young customers, Xia said, adding that Jidu would analyse big market data before deciding on a final model.

"It will make you feel like it's a robot that can communicate with you with emotions," said Xia, who co-founded and served as chief technology officer at Chinese bike-sharing firm Mobike until it was acquired by Meituan in 2018.

Baidu's Hong Kong-listed shares jumped as much as 1.34% after Reuters reported Jidu's investment plan.

The launch of the new auto company in January comes as tech companies around the world are racing to develop smart cars after Tesla's success in commercializing EVs.

Jidu plans to release a new model every one or one-and-a-half years after its first launch, Xia said, without giving a sales target. It plans to hire 2,500 to 3,000 people over two to three years, including 400 to 500 software engineers.

Shanghai and Beijing based Jidu also plans to roll out its branding in the third quarter of 2021, Xia said.

Xia said Jidu, which will use Geely's open-source electric vehicle platform, hopes to make cars in Hangzhou Bay in China's eastern city of Ningbo, where Geely has several plants.

It plans to sell its car directly to customers to begin with, without using dealerships.

Chinese search engine company Baidu in January announced it would set up the company with Zhejiang Geely Holding Group to leverage its intelligent driving expertise and Geely's car manufacturing capabilities. Baidu currently owns 55% of Jidu and Geely has a 45% stake.

Jidu is considering using chips designed by Baidu, which has over the years developed smart car technologies including autonomous driving, high-definition maps and cloud. Baidu first established its autonomous driving unit Apollo in 2017.

Smartphone maker Xiaomi Corp and telecom giant Huawei Technologies are among other Chinese tech giants harbouring auto ambitions.


Sorry Elon Musk. Hyundai is quietly dominating the EV race

                NEW YORK: Pipe down for a second Elon, the hottest things in the auto industry — the most electric electrics — now come from Hyundai Motor Co.

Earlier this year, the South Korean carmakers Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. rolled out two new battery-powered cars — the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and its sibling, the Kia EV6 — which promptly tore up the sales charts, passing the Nissan LEAF, Chevrolet Bolt and every other electric vehicle on the market not made by Tesla.

In the US this year through May, Hyundai and Kia sold 21,467 of these two machines, besting even the white-hot Ford Mustang Mach-E, which was snapped up by 15,718 drivers.

"From an EV perspective, they’re really just kind of cleaning the floor,” said Edmunds analyst Joseph Yoon. "I honestly don’t know if any dealers around me have any in stock.”

Tesla still sells far more cars, but it took the company a decade to deliver as many electric vehicles as Hyundai and Kia have managed in a few short months. Even Musk has been impressed.

Granted, Hyundai is no startup. And the design of the current hits started about six years ago, according to Steve Kosowski, manager of long range strategy at Kia America.

At the time, the Chevrolet Bolt had just hit the market and Kia considered a car similar in size and scope.

Ultimately, Kosowski and company green lit something far larger, sportier and swankier — at a slightly higher price.

"The thinking was, with the platform we have and the market understanding we have, let’s put together a really bold, breakthrough proposition,” he recalls.

"We’re going to make a statement that Kia is here.”

The timing was favourable. EV adoption is picking up in the US, thanks to a surge in both climate concern and gasoline prices. And though there’s a run on battery-powered vehicles, there still aren’t many to choose from.

Of the 30 or so models for sale on the US market, only a handful can be had for less than US$45,000 and most of those are relatively small, dated cars like the LEAF.

The Ioniq 5 and EV6 both offer the cargo space of a small SUV, the size and shape of vehicle that has taken over US garages of late.

Both cars ride on the same modular platform, incorporate the same motors and batteries and post similar speed specifications.

They are tricked out with screens and charge at some of the fastest rates in the industry, adding almost 25km of range in a minute under ideal conditions.

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They also offer a couple features that are novel in the space: pedals to adjust regenerative braking and bi-directional power (yes, you can run power tools or charge another EV with one of these machines).

Starting around US$40,000, they are drawing buyers with smaller budgets who otherwise may have bought a starter sedan, says Yoon at Edmunds. And yet, they are plush enough inside to pull from the top of the market as well, as drivers trade in luxury cars with internal combustion engines.

"These two cars have come in kind of at the right price and the right size for a lot of buyers,” Yoon said.

"And I think there’s a level of inherent trust with a big manufacturer getting in the game with a mainstream.”

Emad Zia and his wife had only been planning to "dip our toes” in the EV market when Hyundai’s new cars launched this winter.

The two are fond of sporty cars —- preferably with a stick shift — but wanted something bigger than the Volkswagen Golf R and Mazda Miata in their Dallas garage.

They settled on the Ioniq 5 purely based on photos and speed specs, then ordered an EV6 when they couldn’t find the Hyundai anywhere close to the sticker price.

"We’re used to having — I don’t want to say underdogs — but unique cars,” Emad Zia explained. "And the looks and uniqueness of this car just doesn’t get old.”

So far, roughly three in four EV6 buyers were previously driving a car from another brand, according to Kia, and only one in 10 has previously owned a plug-in vehicle.

The current waitlist for the EV6 is about six months long and the average transaction price is a few thousand dollars above the sticker price, according to Bloomberg Intelligence, which suggests most buyers are willing to pay a premium.

"Our dealers are reporting that these cars are sold within hours,” said Eric Watson, vice president of sales at Kia America Inc.

Kosowski said the new Hyundai products are capitalising, in part, on "Tesla fatigue,” as the first-mover sedans and SUVs become ubiquitous even beyond coastal states.

Also, Hyundai owners are sticking with what they know — of those trading in a Hyundai or Kia recently, about 60% stayed with the brand, according to Edmunds.

Hyundai plans to launch a new battery-powered car every year for the rest of the decade and is spending US$16.5 billion to boost EV production in South Korea.

By 2030, the automaker wants to claim 12% of the global EV market, some 3.2 million cars and trucks.

"They definitely have a leg up,” Yoon says.

"Toyota and Subaru will have to see if they can catch them.”


GM said to be fast-tracking two EV programs

                DETROIT: General Motors Co has accelerated the rollout of two electric-vehicle programs since its EV Day in March and plans to hire 3,000 technology-related employees through the first quarter, an executive said today.

The US automaker has pulled forward “two major programs” since its March 4 event, at which it said it would invest US$20 billion in electric and autonomous vehicles, Ken Morris, GM vice president of electric and autonomous programs, told reporters.

He declined to identify the programs but mentioned them after discussing the GMC Hummer EV pickup.

“We are moving faster than ever,” he said on a conference call. “GM’s progress on and investment in EVs is not slowing down.

“The vehicles that we’ve announced, like the Hummer EV and the Cadillac Lyriq, we’re already well on the way on those, but we want to advance the entire EV portfolio,” Morris added.

As part of that push, GM said today it will hire 3,000 employees across engineering, design and information technology through the first quarter.

Chief executive Mary Barra said last week GM will boost capital spending over the next three years to speed development of EVs. The Detroit company plans to more fully outline its EV strategy during an appearance by Barra on Nov 19 at a Barclays conference.

In March, GM executives hosted a private showing for analysts and media of the company’s future portfolio of EVs, including prototypes of a full-size Hummer pickup and SUV, a full-size Cadillac SUV about the size of the combustion-engine Escalade, a mid-sized Cadillac crossover called Lyriq and a large Cadillac luxury sedan called Celestiq.

The Hummer EV pickup will be launched in late 2021, followed by the Lyriq crossover in 2022. GM has promised 20 new electric vehicle models globally by 2023, to be built in North America and China.


Vietnam EV maker VinFast delays first US car deliveries to January

                HANOI: VinFast, an electric carmaker backed by Vietnam’s richest man, delayed December vehicle deliveries to its first US customers to this month because of holidays in America.

The Vietnamese company, a unit of conglomerate Vingroup JSC, is also working out procedures with banks for customers to access loans, the company said in a statement.

"We are currently signing sales contracts with our customers and will hand over vehicles in January according to their needs,” the company said.

The company said in late November that it needed to delay EV rollouts in Europe and Canada to early 2023 due to the global shortage of semiconductors.


First drive in Spain: Mercedes-Benz GLB

                The stage was set to meet three petrol variants of the new Mercedes-Benz GLB in southern Spain’s coastal city of Malaga - the birthplace of artist Pablo Picasso.

Described as a cross between the GLS and G Wagon, the eighth member of the Mercedes-Benz family possesses a level of versatility that generally stems from its short overhangs, off-road-oriented design and 4MATIC all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.

Adding to that is its compact proportions (4,634mm-long, 1,834mm-wide and 1,658mm-tall) which surprisingly provides this SUV with a seven-seater option thanks to its 2,829mm wheelbase - the longest in the Mercedes-Benz family.

Mercedes-Benz GLB 200

The three petrol variants begins with the GLB 200 which derives its power from the recently developed 1.33-litre (1,332cc) turbocharged M282 engine producing 163hp at 5,500rpm and 250Nm of torque from 1,600 to 4,200rpm for the front wheels.

Power is managed by a seven-speed Getrag dual-clutch which helps it sprint from 0 to 100kph in 9.1 seconds before reaching a top speed of 207kph.

While fitted with 19-inch wheels with 235-50 series tyres, the 200 is a basic runner that would rather spend the majority of its time around urban surroundings.

The comfort-oriented suspension simply soaks up road irregularities while the electric power steering remains light in operating and blunt in its response.

Such a combination seems hardpressed in providing quality smiles on tight winding miles.

When flooring the accelerator, noise from the turbo's spooling could be heard from within the luxury-styled cabin and was quickly washed away by the engine's screams.

Obviously, much of this particular GLB's insulative qualities have been removed - hence the uprated comfort levels from the suspension to counter the onset of higher NVH (noise, vibrations and harshness) levels.

Mercedes-Benz GLB 250

As for the mid-range GLB 250, it uses a more capable 2.0-litre (1,991cc) turbocharged M260 engine which puts out 224hp at 5,800rpm and 350Nm from 1,800 to 4,000rpm.

Power is managed by an eight-speed 8G-DCT dual-clutch transmission and this time it gets sent to an AWD system that can instantly redirect torque between the front and rear axles.

This can range from purely front-wheel drive to a 50:50 power distribution that's especially usefully for questionable surfaces such as dirt, snow or ice.

The stealthy transmission allows the GLB 250 to sprint from 0 to 100kph in 6.9 seconds before maxing out at 236kph.

In other driving modes, the transmission is stealthy in its ways, but swapping over to Sport mode does provide for some abruptness to be experienced.

In this sense, the overall experience for this particular compact SUV seems to have hit its mark with a more balanced offering of power and handling.

Attacking corners in this mid-ranger with its up-sized 20-inch wheels fitted with 235/45 series tyres felt significantly sportier and sharper in response when carving up tightly wound countryside roads along the Costa del Sol (The Sun Coast).

At this point, pitch and roll were noticeably less apparent when in Sport mode and the steering did increase in heft and responsiveness.

Considering the GLB's 1.4 kerb tonnage, there was also the element of nimbleness about it that made it feel happy enough to put the power down - unlike the GLB 200 which required some wringing to get it going.

Mercedes-AMG GLB 35

The "alpha" of the trio carries with it an AMG badge at the front of its chromed vertical slats set within an A-shaped grille.

Here, power from the M260 engine has been up-tuned to produce 306hp from 5,800 to 6,100rpm and 400Nm from 3,000 to 4,000rpm.

To further differentiate it from the other two variants is the GLB 35's blade-like front lower lip that's flanked by gaping intakes before adding rounded chrome exhaust tips, a rear diffuser and a roof spoiler.

Moving off, even while in Comfort Mode, the GLB 35's sporty ride kept chiming in as it picked up every last detail the city's roads had to offer - all thanks to the larger 21-inch wheels wrapped in lower-profile 255/35 series tyres all around.

Along smooth Spanish highways, this powerful GLB picks up speed with immediate haste which was of no surprise since it has the ability to launch from 0 to 100kph in 5.2 seconds.

Although this drive seemed more than effortless, wind noise became very noticeable when entering triple-digit speeds while cruising along at a standard altitude of 200mm off the ground.

Naturally, when switching from Comfort to Sport+ driving mode, the GLB's pitch and roll diminished and the engine now growls with intent as the sports exhaust system free's up an extra pipe for a bassy exhaust note to immediately fill the cabin.

Paddle-shifting through the gears, the transmission is more abrupt now and engages with purposeful surety as the scenic coastline that overlooks the Straits of Gibraltar zipped by.

Although the GLB 35's 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system assured of traction, its outright performance was hard to reign in with an almost nervous intent of understeer should anyone dare to even slightly exceed the laws of physics.

The front seats did have sporty bolsters around the waist and thighs as well as power-adjustable lumbar support to help dial in more comfort during "straight-line" journeys.

This meant that some body-shifting was required to counter the lateral forces on serpentine routes which took some attention away from properly driving this SUV over a 114km course to find rest and end the day in Marbella, Spain.

Although the GLB 250 lacked the GLB 35's outright power, the former felt more peaceful and stress-free to engage while the latter just seemed too harsh for everyday users.

Aside from road-going abilities, the GLB's ergonomics impressed with its wide-opening doors, low positioned seats and a great deal of headroom as well as rear-passenger knee room.

Practicality comes from a boot that's generously-sized at 560 litres and can be expanded to 1,755 litres with the second row 40:20:40 seats and third-row 50:50 seats folded down flush.

Passengers exceeding 168cm-tall will find it difficult to endure commutes in the third row.

Off-roading abilities - if that's ever going to happen in our neck of the woods, for the GLB will not disappoint with its 4MATIC AWD system and 200mm ride-height over questionable surfaces.

Except for the GLB 35 and its sporty body kit, the other variants are able to ascend and descend steep hills with its 18-degree approach and departure angles and a 35-degree tilt angle.

The GLB's options list includes hands-free powered boot, heads-up display, keyless entry with push-start button, vented front seats and the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with its "Hey Mercedes..." voice activation control to name a few.

For safety, there's the usual inclusion of airbags, anti-lock braking system and electronic stability controls among others.

There are also the optional driver assistance systems that include blind spot information system, Pre-Safe Plus, Evasive Steering Assistant, Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Speed Limit Assist, Route-based Speed Adjustment, Active Steering Assist and radar-based cruise control.

The 200 and/or  the 250 are expected to launch in Malaysia next year. But not the GLB 35.

The GLB - which sits between the GLA and GLC -  answers the call from those seeking a compact SUV within the three-pointed star's line-up.

So for those looking to commute predominantly around urban landscapes, the GLB 200 should do nicely, while the GLB 250 will be for those who seek more performance to be paired with its practicality.

Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4MATICMercedes-Benz GLB 250 4MATICMercedes-Benz GLB 200


Hyundai Sonata with 'sportiest design ever' unveiled

                SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Company revealed on Sunday the design of the new Sonata, with a new badge for the eighth-generation midsize sedan that heralds its sportiest design ever.

It would be unveiled at the Seoul Mobility Show from March 30–April 9.

Through more than a simple facelift, the new Sonata changes the old Sonata’s image, launched in 2019, and is reborn as a dynamic, progressive new model with low-slung, elegant proportions, more aggressive styling and future-oriented technology.

The new Sonata presents a fresh take on the four-door coupe's "Sensuous Sportiness" design philosophy.

The new Sonata features an N Line-based exterior design that conveys sports coupe style with a long bonnet, low front-end and fastback roof line.

The horizontal front-end layout integrates Hyundai’s signature Seamless Horizon Lamp, hidden headlamps, wide grille and air intake for a more dynamic and aggressive appearance.

The Seamless Horizon Lamp and wide-set, hidden headlamps create a dramatic lighting effect, emphasizing the vehicle’s wide stance while adding a futuristic touch.

The dynamic design is emphasised by the contrast between sharp, linear elements and clean, supple surfaces. The black garnish along the bottom of the body rises towards the rear, giving Sonata a strong character.

At the rear, the new H-lights further emphasise Sonata’s high-tech image and wide stance.

The swooping spoiler-shaped trunk lid and muffler-shaped rear garnish on the standard model reinforce the impression of a high-performance sports sedan while the addition of a rear spoiler and dual twin-tip mufflers along with exclusive 19-inch wheels on the N Line further amplify that image.

The new Sonata’s interior boasts a driver-centric layout while implementing a future mobility sensibility with delicate high-tech details in support of modern lifestyles.

For the first time in a Hyundai model, Sonata has a panoramic curved display that combines both 12.3-inch driver information clusters and 12.3-inch AVN infotainment system in a modern and simple dashboard layout that highlights the horizontal lines and expanded sense of space. The touch-type climate control unit applied to the instrument panel boosts the high-tech vibe.

The interior has undergone significant upgrades for an improved passenger experience with tasteful interior colour combinations to enhance the sense of sportiness and premium character.

Sonata’s interior "floating" theme creates a futuristic mood.

The application of a column-type shift-by-wire controller behind the steering wheel creates more space in the centre console area.

The centre console is further enhanced by the palm rest that provides more comfort for the driver by extending the armrest to lean up to the palm of the hand. The large size cup holder and tray provide additional convenience.

The redesigned sport sedan would be available in standard and N Line variants and launch globally on March 30.


2016 Los Angeles Auto Show: Mercedes-Maybach S 650 Cabriolet debuts

                LOS ANGELES: The first cabriolet from the Mercedes-Maybach brand is making its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show – limited to 300 units and with a net price tag of 300,000 euros.

Unique features of the Mercedes-Maybach S 650 Cabriolet include nine additional colour concepts for the interior, the trim - optionally with “flowing lines” - plus the hand-finished craftsmanship of the leather seats with perforations in a waterfall-style look.

The drive system is a 6.0-litre V12 engine with an output of 630hp.

Power transmission to the rear axle comes via 7G-TRONIC, and there is also AIRMATIC suspension with steplessly variable damping control.

Worldwide, just 300 examples of this open-top four-seater model will be produced.

The Mercedes-Maybach S 650 is based on the open-top S-Class and has adopted the latter’s classic proportions, among other features, with highlights which include the dynamic silhouette with coupé-like soft top and the dropping line along the side which slopes down towards the rear.

Exclusive Mercedes-Maybach features include a new front bumper with upgraded lower section and also numerous chrome highlights.

The Maybach emblem is discreetly but elegantly featured on the vehicle’s wing. Other special elements on the exterior include the high-quality 20-inch Maybach forged wheels in a powerful design with a bichromatic finish.

On opening the doors, the Maybach logo is projected onto the floor by means of entrance lighting.

In the interior, the fully leather-trimmed Mercedes-Maybach S 650 Cabriolet has dynamic “flowing lines” in the seats.

This waterfall-like seat upholstery look is achieved with the aid of progressive perforations.

An eye for detail is also demonstrated in the outer diamond quilting on the seat side bolsters and the Budapest piping.

Also, the Mercedes-Maybach S 650 Cabriolet exclusively boasts a trim element on top of the soft top compartment with inlaid Maybach logo.

The Mercedes-Maybach S 650 Cabriolet is equipped as standard with an exclusive travel luggage set from MAYBACH - ICONS OF LUXURY.

“THE AFFINITY” set comprises two large travel bags as well as two lifestyle bags made of original vehicle leather.

In terms of form and colour – which are coordinated with the interior variant selected by the customer – the bag set is tailored to match the Cabriolet.

The bags can be securely attached to each other with straps to enable optimum use of the space in the boot.

In addition, each Mercedes-Maybach Cabriolet is delivered with a special welcome pack.

This comprises a key ring made of the nappa leather used in the vehicle and in the interior colour, with Maybach emblem and “1 of 300” lettering.


MotoGP returns to Indonesia after 25-year absence

MotoGP racers riding in Jakarta as they take part in a parade on Wednesday ahead of the races this weekend in Lombok. — Antara Foto via Reuters

MANDALIKA (Indonesia): Indonesia will host a sellout crowd this weekend for its first motorcycle grand prix event in a quarter of a century, as MotoGP comes to the resort island of Lombok for the second race of the season.

Indonesia has reassured organisers that the track on the 4.3 kilometre Mandalika International Street Circuit is race-ready, with repairs completed following complaints during testing last month about dirt, rocks and cracks putting riders in danger.

The archipelago nation last hosted a grand prix in 1996 and 1997, but the buzz of motorcycle engines never left, with tens of millions of motorcycles in use in Indonesia, where monthly sales averaged 421,000 units last year.

Competitors met with Indonesian leader Joko Widodo on Wednesday and took a ride around the streets outside the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, among them six-time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez and 2020 winner Joan Mir, as crowds waved and cheered from the roadside.

The president donned his motorcycle leathers, including a red and white racing jacket, then waved the chequered flag outside the palace to open the parade.

"We're hoping we have a new brand: that Indonesia now has a MotoGP circuit that's just as good as other countries," said Jokowi, as the president is known.

Marquez, Jorge Martin and Enea Bastianini were among those spotted making preparations on Thursday at Mandalika, the picturesque island race venue flanked by green hills and a stunning blue ocean backdrop.

But the choice of Lombok as the venue has courted controversy, with United Nations experts raising concerns about what they called aggressive land grabs and forced eviction of indigenous people as part of a major tourism project that includes the circuit.

The developers have denied that.


Mexican welder gained fame from 'Wedding Beetle' creations

                MEXICO CITY: Ever wanted to take a spin in Cinderella’s magical coach? Look no further than the Wedding Beetle, an enchanting white, wrought iron-bodied coachbuilt car from the 1960s.

The Wedding Beetle was the creation of Rafael Esparza-Prieto, a talented welder and blacksmith from Mexico City. Esparza-Prieto was reportedly working at a local parts shop in 1968 when his boss asked him to create a one-of-a-kind Beetle shell to display and attract new customers.

Using a Beetle as his base, Esparza-Prieto built the skeleton of the vehicle out of white wrought iron and artistically filled in the gaps with unique floral patterns and decorative swirls. The auto store owner was so impressed with his work that he displayed the finished product on a rotating platform outside his business, where it quickly drew local attention and the eye of Volkswagen executives down the road at the newly built Puebla plant.

Impressed, Volkswagen commissioned Esparza-Prieto to create two more Wedding Beetle pieces ahead of the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City — and these ones were drivable. The wire shell left the vehicle’s simple, yet sophisticated, mechanics fully exposed so anyone – the driver, passengers and even other vehicles on the street – could see under its hood.

Athletes, artisans and auto-enthusiasts from around the world admired the vehicle’s 1.5-litre flat-four, air-cooled engine, which reached up to 53hp. As it gained popularity at the games, Volkswagen commissioned Esparza-Prieto to build an additional 20-odd creations to display at different dealerships across the globe.

The white metal whimsical designs of the car evoked images of Cinderella’s horse-drawn carriage and, as the car’s moniker suggests, the cars were loaned to happy couples as picturesque getaway cars for their special day.

After Esparza-Prieto immigrated to California, he built two more Wedding Beetles on his own. Along with his original creation, there are an estimated 23 Wedding Beetles in total. Several other welders have since mimicked Esparza-Prieto’s work and built their own wrought iron versions of the car using different colours and patterns.

It’s rare to see a Wedding Beetle these days — and not only because their limited number makes them highly sought-after by collectors. While these artistic automobiles are perfect for post-wedding photoshoots, the quirky creations do not include a windshield or sheet metal to protect passengers from weather or stray pebbles and are not suitable as everyday drivers.

The car’s silhouette and expert craftmanship still have the effect Esparza-Prieto intended when he designed the Wedding Beetle over 50 years ago: make people stop and stare. This wrought-iron wonder is as much a piece of art as it is a Volkswagen.


Infiniti QX80 Monograph explores upscale luxury

                NEW YORK: Infiniti revealed the first look of its QX80 Monograph, a new design study exploring upscale luxury and signaling the brand's intention to further develop its standing in the full-size luxury SUV segment.

The new concept was born at Infiniti's design studio in Atsugi, Japan.

"The QX80 Monograph represents a detailed study into our expertise of exterior design," said Roland Krueger, president of Infiniti Motor Company Ltd.

"QX80 Monograph shows our concept of luxury and style on the road, and is an exploration into how we could enhance our future Infiniti offering in the luxury SUV segment."

Unmistakable Infiniti signature design elements include the double-arch grille, which for this vehicle is taller and wider, creating a powerful new "face", while the crescent-cut D-pillar has been reshaped.


VW boss: Data to be key issue for future of self-driving cars

                WOLFSBURG: Data that are crucial for the safety of self-driving cars, and the way they are handled, will be important issues that the technology will have to deal with at some point down the line, predicts Volkswagen Group chief executive Herbert Diess.

However, much work is still needed before such cars become widely available, he said.

VW plans to ramp up electric mobility and digitisation in order to win market share in the United States, a key market for the German carmaker. In Germany, the government plans to test self-driving cars "in regular operation" in projects from 2022.

Volkswagen's strategy includes implementing the technology in the medium term. "By 2030, we expect to see fleet operations and also private cars driving autonomously for stretches," Diess said.

He said there would likely be setbacks, but the date is still just eight or nine years away. "There are very large development resources going into it worldwide."

The project rests on using artificial intelligence (AI) to perceive different driving situations. Diess said the technology was progressing very quickly at the moment.

"But the safety hurdles are also significant," he noted, adding that a wide range of unexpected events can occur while driving.

The use of vehicle data is also becoming an increasingly important issue. "In Europe, data belongs to our customers first and foremost - they decide what happens with it," Diess said.

When it comes to information that is important to the wider population, such as if roads are hazardous, "every company will also make sure that it is public - we will certainly share that," he said.

Networking drivers, carmakers and service providers also means addressing different values, he said.

"In China, data is considered a common good, available for the people's good. In America, data is predominantly seen as an economic good, is not public, but remains with the companies, with Google, with Apple, in order to serve the business model there. And in Europe, we have a very strong focus on the user's data sovereignty."

New services are an important addition at VW, he said - but its core business should continue regardless, Diess said.

"Mobility as a service is increasing, and we want to be part of that significant growth. But it will be maybe 15 per cent of the world's mobility sales in 2030," said Diess.

In future, VW's brands remain important and play a decisive role in people's purchasing decisions, Diess said. "But brands also have to renew themselves, have to stay fresh," he said in reference to the sale of the carmaker's majority share of Bugatti to the Croatian company Rimac, in which the VW subsidiary Porsche holds a stake.

"Volkswagen has repositioned itself in the electric world, Audi is the pioneer in electric vehicles in the premium segment, Porsche has the most ambitious electrification programme," he said.

Meanwhile, six years on from the emissions-cheating scandal, VW is still focusing on expanding its range of e-cars in the United States, and Diess called this a great opportunity.

"With electrification starting, we are in a situation where everyone is starting from scratch," he said. VW aims to win a 10-per-cent market share.

At the VW site in the south-eastern US city of Chattanooga, the carmaker is the first manufacturer to convert a plant to electric production. Diess said that meant VW should succeed in repositioning itself there. Looking further ahead, he said, "we will revise the US strategy in coming months."

In environmental terms, VW is "optimally prepared" for stricter rules on carbon emissions, Diess said, referring to regulations in the US under President Joe Biden's infrastructure plan.

"We are very well positioned globally with our platform strategy for electric vehicles - for China and the US, as well as for Europe."


Emelia Hartford's 1,022hp Chevy C8 Corvette wins GM kudos

A screen grab from the video showing Emelia (right) and Sichi looking at the C8's modified engine.
PETALING JAYA: Emelia Hartford may not be a familiar name in this part of the world.

Stateside, she's has gained a following over the years. The multi-talented lady is an actress, car show host and social media influencer.

Most interestingly, she runs her own Youtube channel, where she builds and races a broad genre of cars generating well over 70 million views.

In one of her latest car builds, she modified an already powerful 2020 Chevrolet C8 Corvette and made it even more beastly, creating what is arguably the fastest C8 in town.

The factory car has a 6.2-litre naturally-aspirated V8 producing 495hp and 637Nm of torque. The car has a reputation for having an "untunable ECU (Electronic Control Unit)".

But Emelia and her crew managed to bust that long held belief. Her team modified the engine, upgrade some parts, dropped in a twin turbo and a standalone Holley ECU to transform the car into a quarter mile monster. By the time she was done, the C8's pumped-up engine could rustle up 1,022hp and 1,277Nm of torque at the wheels.

It set a new quarter-mile record of 9.36s at 236kphm, beating a turbo build of the C8 by another tuner.

General Motors took notice of Emelia's sensational car and heaped praise on her. "We love what you are doing," GM executive Shauna Sichi  told her when they met up.

The meeting was scheduled by General Motors who had invited the YouTuber over to get acquainted with the all new 2024 fully-electric Hummer SUV. So Emelia decided to drive over in the C8.

Watch the video and hear how the muscled-up C8 sounds and the reaction from the GM executive. It seems a potential buyer was quite taken with the car named Phoenix that this person was willing to offer US$180,000 (around RM750,000).


BMW introduces Plug&Charge convenience, first to integrate multiple charging contracts in car

                MUNICH: BMW today announced that a Plug&Charge function will be available in its first models from mid-2023, enabling customers to charge electricity at public charging points without having to use a charging card or app.

The authentication required to start the charging process and for billing wil l be carried out automatically by means of a data exchange between the vehicle and the charging station.

At the same time BMW Charging is expanding its extensive portfolio of charging services with this feature, provided by Digital Charging Solutions GmbH (DCS). Also, the new functionality allows Plug&Charge access to the IONITY charging network started by BMW.

The multi-contract feature in Plug&Charge allows customers to digitally store their current multiple charging contracts from at least five different providers in the vehicle and use the charging stations of these operators in a convenient way. For this purpose, the current and future standards of ISO-15118-2 and ISO 15118-20 have been integrated.

Plug&Charge is a function that makes charging the high-voltage battery even easier than refuelling a conventionally powered vehicle.

All the customer has to do is connect the charging point to the charging port of his vehicle - and data will flow via the charging cable in addition to electricity.

There is no need to activate the energy feed-in using an app or charging card. Instead, the vehicle authenticates itself independently by transmitting the customer's contract data. This means that at the end of the charging process, the electricity fed into the grid is also billed fully automatically.

Unlike activating the charging process via app, automatic authentication by the vehicle does not require an online connection at the charging location. This is particularly useful in underground garages.

The only prerequisite for this is that the corresponding providers must be connected to Hubject's Europe-wide eRoaming network.

This flexibility, realised for the first time in the field of electric mobility, makes charging the high-voltage battery easier, especially for users of company vehicles with electrified drives. Not only can they use BMW Charging's nationwide network, but they can also obtain electricity just as conveniently from providers with whom their employer has concluded a separate charging contract - for charging points on company premises, for example.

In both cases, after connecting the charging cable, the customer only has to select and confirm the corresponding contract in the respective menu of the vehicle operating system to start the charging process.

BMW will be demonstrating the "Multi Contract Plug&Charge" function in public for the first time at the Intercharge Network Conference, which takes place in Berlin, starting today.


PSA could help Fiat Chrysler modernise its vehicle platforms

                PARIS: A proposed merger between France’s Groupe PSA and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles would give FCA access to Peugeot’s more modern and flexible vehicle architectures, potentially enabling the combined companies to achieve lower costs through higher production volumes, a global auto analyst said on Wednesday.

But the process of integrating platforms, powertrains and other components between the two automakers could take four years or longer, according to Sam Fiorani, head of global vehicle forecasting at AutoForecast Solutions.

The supervisory boards of both companies on Wednesday agreed to pursue the US$50 billion merger, sources familiar with the matter said, moving the companies closer to a deal that could transform the global auto industry.

PSA would likely get little use out of FCA’s larger truck and sport utility vehicle (SUV) platforms — the ones that underpin the big Ram 1500 pickup, the Jeep Wrangler and the Jeep Grand Cherokee, he said.

While those platforms have been heavily revised or replaced in recent years, the vehicles built on them, which generate substantial profit for FCA, are primarily for the North American market, with limited appeal in Europe and other overseas markets.

“I don’t see the likelihood of a Ram pickup being sold with a Peugeot badge - anywhere,” Fiorani said.

There are numerous precedents for platform consolidation between two large multinational auto companies, the most recent being an agreement between Ford Motor Co and Volkswagen AG to share VW’s MEB electric vehicle architecture.

But PSA also has had recent experience in such consolidation, stemming from its 2017 acquisition of General Motors Co’s European brands Opel and Vauxhall. The French automaker previously had planned to jointly develop common small car platforms in Europe with GM. But since the Opel/Vauxhall acquisition, PSA has begun the process of shifting the former GM models to its own platforms.

Under CEO and Chairman Carlos Tavares, PSA has accelerated plans to modernize and simplify its vehicle architectures, with most of its future cars, crossovers and compact vans to be built on just two platforms, Fiorani said.

The company’s Efficient Modular Platform, or EMP, was introduced in 2013, and eventually will underpin a wide range of vehicles under PSA’s five brands (Peugeot, Citroen, DS, Opel, Vauxhall).

READ MORE: Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot join forces to create world's No.4 car maker

A newer, smaller architecture called Common Modular Platform (CMP) was launched earlier this year and is expected to provide the base for subcompact models ranging from the Peugeot 208 to the Opel Mokka.

FCA’s main car platforms, used primarily for crossovers in North America, are considerably older. The larger platform, called CUSW (for Compact US Wide), underpins the Jeep Cherokee and was first used for the Alfa Romeo Giulietta in 2010.

The smaller platform, called SUSW (for Small US Wide), is the base for the European-built Jeep Renegade and ProMaster City in North America and underpins a wide range of Fiat models in Europe, including the 500L and 500X. Elements of the platform date back to 2005, when Fiat and GM jointly developed a common small-car platform for their European models.

Fiat Chrysler has an existing joint venture in Europe with PSA called Sevel that builds large commercial vehicles for both companies. The big Ram ProMaster van that is sold in the United States is a version of the Fiat Ducato. Companion models include the Peugeot Boxer and Citroen Jumper.


Dec 5-11: Petrol and diesel prices charge up

                PETALING JAYA: Fuel prices will increase across the board from Dec 5 to Dec 11.

The Finance Ministry said that RON97 petrol would be priced at RM2 per litre, up by three sen from RM1.97 per litre previously.

The price of RON95 petrol will also increase by three sen from RM1.67 per litre to RM1.70 per litre, while the price of diesel will increase by five sen from RM1.85 per litre to RM1.90 per litre.


Auto Shanghai 2019: MINI Clubman gets new grille, matrix LEDs

                SHANGHAI: MINI is giving its Clubman a minor facelift. The latest update on the compact estate car, going on show at the Auto Shanghai trade fair will go to market in the coming months, the manufacturer says.

You may have to lean in close and squint your eyes, but you'll spot the updates above all in the front section, where there's a new grille and modified LED headlamps with matrix light on request.

In addition, the Clubman now comes as standard with LED technology at the rear and the familiar British flag design can also be ordered for the rear lights.

Also new are the design of the rims and other components in a piano finish.

The British BMW subsidiary is fitting the new Clubman in a range of three petrol and three diesel engines, which cover a power spectrum from 102 to 192 horsepower, hitting consumption values between 4.0 litres of diesel and 6.5 litres of petrol (105 to 147 g/km CO2).


Perodua supports moves to strengthen auto industry

                RAWANG: Perodua says it supports government initiatives to sustain Malaysia’s automotive industry amidst the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

The Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) had recently estimated a 28% drop in new car sales this year due to the movement control order (MCO) brought about by Covid-19, and had declared that a minimum 500,000-unit total industry volume was needed in 2020 for automotive businesses’ continued survival.

Among the incentives MARii outlined to stimulate demand are a temporary waiver on downpayments, reduced loan interest rates and joint subsidies between carmakers and the government for road tax and insurance for a limited time period.

“As Malaysia’s biggest carmaker by volume, we are eager and ready to step forward and work with the government to ensure the industry’s continued survival in this difficult time,” said Perodua president and chief executive officer Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad (pic).

Perodua has sold 52,920 vehicles as of the first five months of 2020, giving it a 41% market share against an estimated year-to-date total industry volume of 129,401 units.

All current Perodua models have over 90% local content, and last year, the carmaker bought RM5.4 billion worth of components from Malaysian suppliers.

“Perodua is also doing its part to sustain its vast ecosystem of suppliers and dealers. Besides our volume, we assist and support them through investments, purchases and advance purchases, longer credit terms as well as various operational transformation initiatives and development programmes,” said Zainal.


Voxan Wattman electric motorcycle tops 470kph in world record

                PARIS: The Voxan Wattman continues to break speed records.

The electric motorcycle has just set 21 new records, including the one mile, flying start record in the "partially streamlined electric motorcycle under 300 kg" class with a speed of 455.737kph and a maximum instantaneous speed of over 470kph.

In accordance with FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) regulations, this speed was measured after a flying start, over one mile out and one mile back.

In the non-streamlined version, the Voxan Wattman reached an average of 369.626kph.

Its other records concern speeds reached over a quarter mile (about 400m), 1km and 1mile (1.609km), from a standing start or a flying start. For the occasion, the bike was once again in the hands of the Italian rider Max Biaggi, former world champion in 250cc (from 1994 to 1997) and in Superbike (in 2010 and 2012).

To achieve such results, the Wattmann had to shed some weight, mainly thanks to a new battery design.

Another important change is that its dimensions have been slightly increased for more stability and, above all, better air penetration, which is essential for achieving an optimal top speed.

The powertrain is a Mercedes EQ, the same one used in Formula E (a single-seater motorsport championship for electric cars), which delivers 320kW, equivalent to 435hp.

Finally, the bike's Michelin tires have been specially developed for these new record attempts, based on technologies tried and tested in MotoGP.

These new records were all broken on the Space Florida Launch and Landing Facility at Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

Unveiled at the Paris Motorcycle Show in 2013, the Wattman failed to find a following, and Voxan went into liquidation in 2015.

Venturi, the brand's owner, has since revived it through these multiple record attempts.


Toyota Vios enhanced for 2015

                SHAH ALAM: The 2015 Toyota Vios has been upgraded significantly to make it even better value for money.

Depending on variant, on-the-road prices for the enhanced 1.5-litre Vios range from RM74,700 (J model; manual) to RM94,800 (TRD Sportivo).

It has a 3-year/100,000km (whichever occurs earlier) warranty.

The Vios 1.5E and 1.5J variants now have a Smart Entry and Push Start system which means all Vios owners no longer need to use the remote control to lock/unlock the doors nor do they need a key to start the engine.

 Vios 1.5G with black interior and blue front foot illumination.

Those prefer the Vios 1.5G with a black interior, like the Vios 1.5 TRD Sportivo, can enjoy this.

Just like before, leather upholstery is standard; now also in black.

Complementing the sporty image of the Vios 1.5 TRD Sportivo are sports seats and amber-coloured front foot illumination.
For the Vios 1.5G, the illumination is blue in colour.

New for the Vios 1.5G and 1.5E are scuff plates on the door sills.

These provide protection for the sills which may be rubbed by shoes upon entering or exiting the car.

Also, the new Vios 1.5E and 1.5J variants now have chrome door handles.

Meanwhile, the Toyota Premium Security and Solar Film is standard on the 1.5 TRD Sportivo and 1.5G, and is optional for the 1.5E and 1.5J.

It is fully compliant with JPJ (Road Transport Department Malaysia) regulations and comes with a seven-year warranty.

A portable tyre pump is standard for all variants, and allows inflation of the tyres anywhere.

An optional five-piece Aerokit with daytime running lights has also been specially developed for the Vios.

With the 2015 Vios, UMW Toyota Motor now offers a more advanced infotainment system.

The new optional DVD-AVN system comes with a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen, connectivity with compatible smartphones and comes with connection to the internet, WiFi, HDMI, Bluetooth and even Voice Recognition.

Besides using ‘sweep gestures’ for navigation, the owner can customise the display screen widgets.

This system comes with reverse camera as well.

The new optional DVD-AVX system now comes with a larger 6.1-inch display screen (previously 5.8 inches) and has connectivity options such as USB, SD, AUX and Bluetooth.

It comes with a reverse camera as well and images are shown on a screen with higher resolution.


America falls in love again with Muscle cars

Ford has tallied up serious European interest online for its new Mustang, Dodge has had to stop taking orders for its Hellcat Challenger and Charger models in order to catch its breath, and now Chevrolet has announced its next Camaro will be making its debut in May.The sixth-generation Camaro won't be gracing the New York Auto Show in April but instead will be making its global debut at a special event in Detroit, its spiritual home, on May 16.The event will be staged on Belle Isle, the 982-acre island park in Michigan where Chevrolet hosts its annual grand prix."This will be an event Camaro fans will not want to miss," said Todd Christensen, Camaro marketing manager. Camaro interior."This is only the sixth time we have introduced an all-new Camaro. We wanted to share the moment with the customers and fans who have helped make Camaro both America's favorite performance car for the past five years, and a cultural icon since 1967."The event will be free to attend but priority will go to anyone who turns up with a Camaro.In recent years, America has fallen in love again with the Muscle car, which, thanks to rising oil prices, increased environmental awareness and greater competition, reliability and performance from Japanese and European cars, looked like it was set to go the same way as the dinosaur.However all of the major Pony cars - the Mustang, the Challenger, the Charger and the Camaro - have not only survived, they're in fine health. US carmakers have finally embraced lightweight materials, European suspension setups, and the use of forced induction - turbos and superchargers - in order to deliver power and speed with environmental responsibility. The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat unveiled at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show.The 2015 Ford Mustang GT has a 4.9-litre, 435hp normally aspirated V8, a 0-100kph time of 4.5 seconds and yet is good for up to 25mpg. In fact, it's so good that Ford is officially selling it for the first time in the nameplate's history to European customers and there is already serious interest.Likewise, the latest Hellcat versions of the Dodge Challenger and Charger astounded motoring journalists with their 707hp supercharged engines, which put them on a performance par with Ferrari, Lamborghini and Bentley.Dodge has revealed to Motoring Authority that they've stopped taking orders for the cars until they've caught up with existing demand - they can't build them quickly enough.As for the new Camaro, it is expected to boast evolutionary rather than revolutionary looks - just like all of its competitors - and could prove to be a serious driver's car rather than a drag racer.This is because it's being built on the same platform as the Cadillac ATS, the hottest version of which has proven it is a match for the best that an M-badged BMW has to offer. Ford Mustang.


Half glasshouse, half convertible: Porsche launches Targa 911

                BERLIN: A little over 3 seconds to get to 100 kph, 19 seconds to fold down the roof: Porsche's priorities have never been clearer.

Almost two years after the 911 generation update, Porsche has announced it's once again offering its cult car as a convertible with a glass dome.

The new 911 body variant will be offered as the Targa 4 and Targa 4S and will be available on the market in the next few days, the German manufacturer says.

With it, the luxury car maker is bringing back a classic to its current 911 model series and harking back to the first edition of a design icon that has been part of the family since the mid 1960s.

Instead of the usual fabric roof over the entire cabin, the Targa only has a fabric panel over the first row, followed by a massive roll bar that separates the iconic glass dome covering the rear.

Anyone longing for fresh breeze on the road needs to sit tight for a full 19 seconds while the textile part folds under the glass hood so that the driver and front passenger can sit under the open sky.

Due to the complex mechanics involved, this also only works when the car is parked, and unlike in a normal convertible, you won't be able to hit a button to fold down the roof while driving.

But the little racer will quickly make up for any time lost.

According to Porsche, the Targa comes with a three-litre six-cylinder engine and four-wheel drive, optionally with an eight-speed double clutch or, for the same price, as a manual gearbox with seven gears.

In the basic version, the sports car has an output of 385 horses, while the Targa 4S has 450 hp. In the best case, the 2+2-seater thus accelerates from 0 to 100kph in 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 304 km/h.

Porsche puts standard consumption at 9.8 litres for the Targa 4 and 9.9 litres for the Targa 4S, corresponding to 223 and 227 g/km CO2.

Prices in Porsche's home marker start at €128,486 for the Targa 4 and €143,956 for the Targa 4S - exactly the same as for the conventional convertible.


Three things to expect in 2022 in the world’s biggest EV market

                SHANGHAI: This time 20 years ago, China joined the World Trade Organization, kicking off a new era in the country’s automobile sector as overseas carmakers began to muscle in.

Next year is also shaping up to be a banner one, particularly in China’s electric-vehicle segment.

Here are three things to expect in 2022.

Another explosive 12 months for new-energy vehicle sales

Sales of alternative-energy vehicles in China this year are forecast to reach around 3 million units, more than double 2020.

About 75% of those cars are being bought by individual consumers and two-thirds are sold in cities where EVs don’t receive any preferable treatment around registration.

Next year will be the last when government purchase subsidies for electric cars are still in place.

And yet EV deliveries are expected to hit 5 million and climb to as high as 20 million by 2030, according to think tank China EV 100.

That shows China’s EV market is out of its infancy and beginning to stand on its own feet.

EV penetration is going to be crucial if China is to meet its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. Getting greenhouse emissions down from the transport sector is a bigger challenge than in nations with more developed automobile markets because car ownership is still low (about a quarter of that in the U.S.) and growing quickly.

That makes the acceptance of EVs in China even more vital. If NEV sales can account for half of all new auto sales by 2030, then emissions from cars, excluding those produced during their manufacture, will peak by 2028, China EV 100 says.

A new chapter for foreign players

As of 2022, China will allow all overseas passenger automakers to play solo, removing a three-decade long mandate that foreign car companies must operate in China via a joint venture with a local firm and hold no more than a 50% stake in that entity. (China scrapped foreign ownership limits on new-energy vehicle manufacturers in 2018, followed by commercial-vehicle makers in 2020.)

This newfound freedom may not lead to the rush of deal making you may think, with international automakers seeking to step out on their own.

The interests of many foreign and local carmakers have become tangled through their years of marriage; at the same time, surging EV sales at Chinese automakers means their share of the market is at an historic high.

The profitability of some joint ventures has seriously deteriorated amid this competition and so it’s possible local partners may be the ones trying to exit or scale down their exposure, Cui Dongshu, secretary general of China Passenger Car Association, said earlier this month, without elaborating.

To stand up to the tide, international automakers have already begun to strengthen their individual electrification efforts.

Toyota aims to boost sales of NEVs in China by 50% to 2.7 million units by 2025 with introduction of over 30 models.

Volkswagen is going on the offensive with its electric city car the ID.3, while Honda has said all its new models to be added in China will be electric by 2030.

A close regulatory eye on the EV supply chain

Authorities in China are paying increasing attention to any possible weak links that could undermine the EV sector after weathering this year’s chip shortage, which still disrupts production to this day.

Automakers in the country rely on imports for raw materials like cobalt and lithium but also refrigerants that are used in a car’s heat-management system and the high-wear resistance bearing steel that’s needed for electric motors.

The list goes on. With expectations for around 300 million NEVs on China’s roads by 2040, expect more policy initiatives to shore up supply lines.


New car models cushion Thailand's total vehicle sales

                BANGKOK: The Federation of Thai Industries (FDI) reports that the country's total sale of vehicles rose 19.9 per cent year-on-year in February 2017 and 19.5 per cent from a month earlier, thanks to the introduction of new car models since the beginning of this year, reports Thai News Agency (TNA) .

FTI Vice Chairman Surapong Paisitpattanapong, who is also Spokesman of FTI's Automotive Industry Club, said this to journalists Wednesday.

The spokesman elaborated that overall domestic auto sales last month stood at 68,435 units, most of which were sedans accounting for a 59.8 per cent year-on-year increase, followed by pick-up trucks and trucks accounting for 15 per cent and 12.3 per cent year-on-year increase respectively.

The spokesman attributed the increase in domestic vehicle sales to the recovering Thai economy, which also cushioned the accumulated domestic auto sales during the first two months of this year to 125,689 units, a 15.4 per cent increase from the corresponding period of last year.

The spokesman said Thailand's auto production during the first two months of this year, meanwhile, totalled 306,757 units, a 2.33 per cent drop from the corresponding period of last year.

According to the spokesman, Thailand's exports of completed automobiles totalled 178,334 units during the January-February 2017 period, a 10.13 per cent drop from the corresponding period of last year.


Volkswagen world premieres in Geneva

                GENEVA: Volkswagen presents the four-door Sport coupe concept GTE in a world premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show.

The high-tech concept car provides a view of the new progressive Volkswagen design language and is positioned above today's Volkswagen CC.

Dr Heinz-Jakob Neusser, Volkswagen Brand Board Member for Development, explained, "Thanks to the design in the style of an exclusive sports car combined with the added functionality of a large boot lid, we see an impressive alternative to the classic saloons of the B and C segments in this four-seater Sport coupe concept GTE."

The progressive overall impression of the high-tech concept car is rounded off by 21-inch five-spoke wheels and integrated air exhaust openings in the front wings, doors and bonnet.

Thanks to a V6 TSI engine, the 380ps GTE plug-in hybrid delivers the long-distance properties of a Grand Tourismo while enabling zero-emission driving – thanks to the deployment of two electric motors and an externally chargeable battery.

The concept car, with a top speed of 250km/h, has an average combined fuel consumption of 2.0 l/100km.

The engineering basis for the design of the Sport coupe concept GTE is once again provided by the modular transverse matrix (MQB) from Volkswagen, which makes it possible to implement fascinating proportions.

Despite its dynamic dimensions, the Sport coupe concept GTE – which is fitted with a panoramic sliding sunroof – offers impressive front and rear headroom.

The large boot lid gives access to a 480-litre boot.

 Dr Heinz-Jakob Neusser, Volkswagen Brand Board Member for Development, presents the new Volkswagen Touran.

Meanwhile, the third generation of the compact Touran MPV boasts a significantly enlarged multivariable interior.

Alongside six new engines, which are up to 19% more economical than their predecessors, the Touran is a pioneer within its class in the field of assistance and infotainment systems.

In addition to the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System fitted as standard, the family-friendly best-seller also offers adaptive cruise control ACC and Front Assist including City Emergency Brake, Traffic Jam Assist and Trailer Assist (trailer manoeuvring assistant).

Its luggage space of 743 to 1,980 litres and the total of 47 storage compartments make the Touran an ideal family MPV.


Volvo EX30 all electric SUV to have lowest carbon footprint

                GOTHENBURG, Sweden: The all-electric Volvo EX30 small SUV is designed to have the lowest carbon footprint of any Volvo car to date.

By tackling emissions across the entire production and lifecycle of the Volvo EX30, Volvo Cars managed to reduce its total carbon footprint over 200,000 kms of driving to below 30 tonnes.

This is a 25% reduction compared with our fully electric C40 and XC40 models – a good step towards Volvo Cars' aim to cut our overall CO2 emissions per car by 40% between 2018 and 2025.

As a fully electric car, the Volvo EX30 has zero tailpipe emissions, which not only contributes to a lower CO2 footprint.

The impact on air quality can be significant: for example, new research by the University of Southern California found that even a small increase in electric cars in an area has a direct positive effect on the amount of emergency room visits due to asthma.

“Our new EX30 is a big step in the right direction for our sustainability ambitions,” said Anders Kärrberg, Volvo Cars global head of sustainability.

“By 2025, we aim to reduce our overall CO2 emissions per car by 40% from 2018 levels through a 50% reduction in overall tailpipe emissions, and a 25% reduction in emissions from our operations, raw material sourcing and supply chain – all on the way towards our ambition of being a climate-neutral company by 2040.”

So how did Volvo Cars cut the CO2 footprint of the Volvo EX30 to 75% of the group's current electric models?

First of all, designing a smaller car means that you need less material to produce it.

While Volvo Cars use less steel and aluminium when building its new small SUV, more of it is also recycled content.

Around a quarter of all aluminium used in building the car is recycled, as is 17% of all steel used in producing a Volvo EX30, further reducing the environmental impact from those materials.

The new Volvo EX30 will be revealed on 7 June.


Morgan x Piston Gin is world’s first gin infused with ash wood

                LONDON: The Morgan Motor Company has long been famous for its use of ash wood in the construction of its cars, but the 111-year-old firm has now discovered a creative use for the surplus material, with the launch of its Morgan x Piston Gin, produced in collaboration with Piston Distillery.

Believed to be the world’s first ash-infused gin, it is made using delicate shavings of the wood that is used to form the body-supporting frame on every Morgan.

This frame sits on the CX-Generation bonded aluminium platform – or, historically, Morgan’s venerable steel chassis – on every four-wheeled Morgan, supporting the car’s bodywork.

The use of wood – chosen for its pliable nature, light weight and sustainability – has been part of Morgan’s coachbuilding method since it launched its first car, a three wheeler, in 1909.

Morgan x Piston Gin features notes of natural crisp sweet apple and delicate wood from the carefully selected shavings of ash. Its signature pour is a ginger ale mixer, garnished with fresh blackberries and plenty of ice.

The spirit is produced by Piston Distillery, a gin maker founded in 2018.

Its award-winning gin combines 14 botanicals to deliver a unique taste and captivating experience from the moment the stainless steel bottle top is removed.

Based in Worcester, just 15km from Morgan’s famous factory on Pickersleigh Road in Malvern, the fellow Worcestershire-based brand was also chosen as part of Morgan’s commitment to working with local businesses.

Morgan x Piston Gin is on sale from Morgan’s online shop, priced at £45 or £55 (RM242 or RM295) presented in a gift box.


India’s top carmaker slices production as lockdowns hit sales

A customer trying out a Maruti Suzuki Swift vehicle at a showroom in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. — Bloomberg

NEW DELHI: Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. may halve its production capacity as an overwhelming surge of coronavirus infections shutters some of its sales outlets in the South Asian nation.

The problem is on the "sales side because in several states there is a partial lockdown and there’s a curfew in some states and the dealers who sell the cars are having to close down,” Maruti chairman R.C. Bhargava said in an interview with Bloomberg Television today.

"Half the sales outlets are closed at the moment.”

India’s largest carmaker was producing at full capacity before it also decided to shut some plants in order to divert oxygen to hospitals last week. "We should still be able to produce at 50% to 60% capacity,” Bhargava said.

India is suffering the world’s most serious outbreak of Covid-19, with deaths hitting a record on Sunday and new cases above 350,000 daily.

The resurgence in infections has sent some cities back into lockdown and shuttered businesses, dealing a blow to the world’s fourth-biggest car market, which had just begun to recover from its worst-ever sales slowdown.

New Delhi-based Maruti saw a decline of about 5% in orders over the past three days — a sign the worsening pandemic is hitting consumer demand.

Separately, the government has restricted use of medical-grade oxygen for non-medical purposes. While carmakers don’t use a lot of oxygen in their manufacturing processes, the gas is used in quite large quantities by some auto components makers.

Maruti isn’t the only carmaker feeling the pain. Hero MotoCorp Ltd., the world’s largest producer of two-wheelers, halted operations temporarily at all of its manufacturing facilities in response to a surge in Covid-19 cases last month, while Ashok Leyland Ltd scaled down the operations of some of its plants, which are only expected to work for seven to 15 days in May.

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd is also expecting supply chain-related production challenges and foresees some impact in the first quarter as a result of low customer movement and dealership activity, it said in an exchange filing over the weekend.

"If factory and city lockdowns extend to two months, then industry volumes will suffer a decline of around 5% to 7%,” said Basudeb Banerjee, an analyst at Ambit Capital Pvt in Mumbai.

"The auto industry contributes about 6% to GDP, it’s responsible for humongous job creation.”

The global semiconductor shortage is weighing on the auto industry in India, too. Maruti is making "some adjustments” in its models due to the chip shortage and doesn’t see the crisis subsiding for another six months.

"Customers have been quite accommodating. They’ve been accepting models which use the chips that are available and they don’t insist on waiting for the cars till the chip situation changes,” said Bhargava.


VW boasts pickup concept vehicle at São Paulo show

                WOLFSBURG: Volkswagen says it will celebrate the world premiere of an unusual pickup concept, which fuses the features of a digitally networked SUV and the versatility of a pickup to form a new, urban-oriented vehicle.

The vehicle will be unveiled at the São Paulo International Motor Show on Nov 6.

One of the noteworthy innovations of the concept is the variable loading area: in just a couple of simple steps it can be significantly extended thanks to the folding rear panel of the double cab.

The concept car is positioned below the Amarok, but is based on the modular transverse matrix (MQB), just like the successful Tiguan compact SUV.

The world premiere of this all-wheel drive concept vehicle also starts the countdown to the launch of the series version; the model is due to launch on the Brazilian market in the foreseeable future with just a few minor tweaks.

Volkswagen hinted it could also be sold in other regions.


Ferrari launches two hybrid models in limited series based on SF90 supercar

                MILAN: Ferrari unveiled on Thursday two new plug-in hybrid models, produced in limited series and hitting the top end of the its price range.

Based on 2019's SF90 Stradale supercar, the Prancing Horse's first ever series hybrid car, the two new road-homologated models are inspired by Ferrari's XX programme.

The program, developed over the two past decades, aims to give Ferrari's expert client drivers track-only extreme cars, based on its top-range models.

The SF90 XX Stradale will have a starting price of 770,000 euros (RM3.9mil) while the SF90 XX Spider, equipped with retractable top, of 850,000 euros (RM4.3mil), Ferrari said.

Performance is boosted by an 8-cylinder, 4-litre combustion engine coupled with three electric motors capable of a total 1,030hp, 30 more than the SF90 Stradale.

Specific software logics and the use of new aerodynamics solutions, including a fixed rear spoiler, also add to performance, Ferrari said.

Ferrari has promised a total of 15 new models between 2023 and 2026 to keep up with its aggressive roll-out pace strategy, aimed at feeding its wealthy fans with new, increasingly expensive cars produced in limited numbers to preserve exclusivity.

These will include Ferrari's first fully-electric vehicle, expected in 2025.

The SF90 XX Stradale will be produced in 799 units, with first deliveries to clients expected in Europe in the second quarter of next year. Its Spider counterpart will be produced in 599 units with deliveries starting in the final quarter of 2024.

All planned production is sold out already, Ferrari said.

The lithium-ion batteries of the new SF90 XX Stradale and SF90 XX Spider will allow them for a 25km range in fully-electric mode.


Cheaper Santa Fe and i30N from Hyundai

                SHAH ALAM: Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors has revised the prices of its cars following the Prime Minister’s announcement on 100% sales tax exemption on new CKD cars and 50% exemption for CBU models until the end of the year.

The price revision is applicable to only 2020 models.

The Hyundai Santa Fe now comes with savings up to RM6,250 while the i30N performance hatchback is now cheaper by RM5,090.


Small-but-sturdy C3 to lead Citroen's SUV wave into emerging markets

                FRANKFURT: While its career in Europe is coming to an end, the current Citroen C3 is making it big on the other side of the world, arriving as a small SUV for India and South America.

While the European model is slowly gearing up for a new generation, the French manufacturer has now announced a variant of the small car specially developed for export to emerging markets.

As some Western markets are nearing saturation when it comes to SUVs, Citroen hopes the boom is only beginning in other markets, and says it will put the C3 on sale in India and South America in the first half of 2022.

In light of the poor infrastructure, the 3.98-metre-long C3 will become a small car with many SUV characteristics - including 18 centimetres of ground clearance, a beefy body and the mudguards on the underside of the front and rear.

Technically the C3 remains a conventional small car and, according to Citroen, is driven only by the front wheels. The manufacturer has not yet announced the choice of engines.


Elon Musk is now richer than Warren Buffett, Bloomberg reports

Musk gesturing at the China-made Model 3 delivery ceremony at the company's Gigafactory in Shanghai on Jan 7. — Bloomberg
SAN FRANCISCO: Elon Musk’s net worth soared past Warren Buffett on Friday as the chief executive officer of Tesla Inc became the seventh richest person in the world, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

Musk’s fortune rose by US$6.07 billion (RM25.9bil) on Friday, Bloomberg News said, following a 10.8% jump in the electric carmaker’s stock.

Buffett’s net worth dropped earlier this week when he donated US$2.9 billion (RM12.4bil) in Berkshire Hathaway stock to charity, the report added.

Tesla’s shares have surged 500% over the past year as the company increased sales of its Model 3 sedan.

The blistering rally also puts Musk in reach of a payday potentially worth US$1.8 billion (RM7.7bil), his second jackpot from the electric car maker in about two months.

The stock is up about 38% since the close on July 1, a day before the company reported its quarterly delivery numbers.

Tesla’s solid delivery numbers heightened expectations of a profitable second quarter, which would mark the first time in its history that it would report four consecutive quarters of profit.

In a related development, the Electrek news website reported that Tesla has reduced the price of its sports utility vehicle Model Y by US$3,000 (RM12,798).

Tesla's mid-sized SUV, which is sold as a Long Range or Performance version - is now priced at US$49,990 (RM213,257), according to the carmaker's website.

The Performance version will be updated with a new configuration, the report added.

The Model Y was unveiled on March 14 last year, promising a much-awaited crossover that will face competition from European carmakers rolling out their own electric rivals.

In April, Tesla had said the Model Y was already profitable, marking the first time in the company’s history that one of its new vehicles turned a profit in its first quarter.

Tesla delivered 90,650 vehicles during the second quarter, above estimates for 74,130 vehicles, according to Refinitiv data. It delivered 80,050 units of its new Model Y SUV and Model 3 for the quarter.

Reporting by Aishwarya Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Paul Simao


Where fine wine and Rolls go together

                LONDON: This is a capital idea that would work only with prestige cars.

A British dealer H.R. Owen partnered with luxury champagne brand Armand de Brignac for a Rolls-Royce Motor Cars London tasting event on Nov 25, where over 40 customers enjoyed a rare tasting of the prestige cuvées with like-minded luxury car enthusiasts.

The VIP guests were among the first consumers in the world to preview the rare and newly released Champagne Armand de Brignac Blanc de Noirs Assemblage Two (A2). Only 2,333 bottles of the collectable cuvée were created.

Midway through the evening, Champagne Armand de Brignac CEO Sebastien Besson announced that he would fill the boots of the two Rolls-Royce cars purchased at the event with the champagne.

Over £30,000 (RM166,000) worth of champagne filled the boots of the purchased Ghost Black Badge and the Wraith, and as Champagne Armand de Brignac is widely regarded as the ‘Rolls-Royce of champagne’, it was a fitting union.

And with the Ghost and Wraith having boot capacities of 490 and 470 litres respectively, there was plenty of room to fill the back of the cars with the one of the finest champagnes in the world.


BMW M4 Coupe gets water injection system for 2015 MotoGP season

                MUNICH: Although the MotoGP 2015 season will see the BMW M4 Coupe leading the safety car fleet again, the company also announced that the car will also feature the company's latest water injection system.

BMW M's performance division has given the coupe a new boost in performance with its latest innovation - water injection system.

According to the company, the injection system provides an increase in efficiency and a reduction in emissions, especially under full load.

The water injection system underlines BMW's motor racing heritage and its expertise in the development of engines.

At the same time, the car offers a very clear taster of an M Automobile that promises to set a new benchmark in performance, exclusivity and individuality not too far from now.


Renault-Nissan to do more together in US$26b electric bet

                TOKYO: Renault and Nissan will work more closely together to make electric cars, they said today, detailing their plans to spend 23 billion euros (US$26 billion) on the transition to cleaner vehicles over the next five years.

The two-decade old alliance, which also includes Mitsubishi Motors, said it would increase the number of common platforms for electric vehicles (EV) to five from four.

They will be used to build a combined EV line-up of 35 vehicles by 2030, the companies said in a press release.

They also said that by 2026 four fifths of all their models would share common platforms, compared with 60% now.

"The alliance remains a powerful partnership. We benefit from shared experience and expertise," said Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida.

The commitment to pool resources comes as the three companies face growing competition from bigger carmakers with deeper pockets, such as Toyota Motor, which in December pledged to spend US$70 billion to electrify its fleet, as well as EV specialists such as Tesla Inc.

Now the world's most valuable automaker, Tesla forecast on Wednesday its deliveries in 2022 would grow 50% year on year.

The money promised by Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors today comes from funding they announced last year.

Nissan said in November it would spend 2 trillion yen (US$17.6 billion) over five years to accelerate vehicle electrification, including on EVs and hybrid gasoline-electric cars.

In June, Renault unveiled a five-year 10 billion euro EV strategy with a plan to launch 10 models and to have EVs account for 90% of all models by 2030.

Holding their alliance together is a cross-shareholding relationship, with Renault owning 43.4% of Nissan, which in turn has a 15% non-voting stake in the French car company and a third of Mitsubishi Motors' stock.


ADVERTORIAL: VW Jetta now in three trim lines

                Volkswagen Group Malaysia recently unveiled the new Jetta in three variants priced at RM108,990 (Trendline); RM117,990 (Comfortline) and RM128,990 (Highline).

The new Jetta combines a 1.4-litre TSI single-turbocharged engine with an improved 7-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG) that delivers an impressive 150PS and torque of 250Nm between 1,500 to 3,500rpm – making it among the most powerful vehicles in its segment.

Despite its sporty performance, the Jetta is rated with a combined fuel consumption of 5 litres per 100km - making it the segment leader in fuel efficiency.

The new Jetta is now EEV (Energy Efficient Vehicle) certified thanks to features such as start stop function, regenerative braking and coasting function.

Start/Stop deactivates the engine when the car is at a standstill and reactivates when it starts moving, while regenerative braking recycles the lost energy by storing it and using it for acceleration.

The coasting function allows the driver to roll over a longer distance once the driver’s foot is off the accelerator.

Safety features include multi-collision brakes, brake disc wipers, six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS) as well as hill-hold control.

The locally assembled Jetta also comes with safety-optimised front head restraints, anti-theft alarm system with interior surveillance system, anti-pinch power windows and ISOFIX anchorage point for child seats.

Comfort and convenience features include KESSY keyless entry and push start, auto-dimming rear view mirror, cruise control, auto power windows, a cooled glove compartment, “Vienna” leather seat upholstery, height adjustable armrest with rear air-conditioning vents, a 12-way driver electric seat and dual-Climatronic automatic air conditioning.

New highlights include 17-inch “Queensland” alloy wheels and chrome grilles, front and rear fog lights, and LED tail lamp.

Its bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights comes with automatic headlight activation with “Leaving Home” and manual “Coming Home” functions.

Meanwhile, earlier this year, FA Wagen Sdn Bhd had launched the Volkswagen Sri Hartamas 3S (sales, service and spare parts) centre.

Spanning over 30,670sq ft over three floors, Volkswagen Sri Hartamas has eight work bays and a team of 15 experienced and certified technicians who are able to diagnose issues efficiently, and deliver quality service to customers.

FA Wagen is among the pioneer Volkswagen dealers in Malaysia, and its other Volkswagen outlets are in Glenmarie, Jalan 222 Petaling Jaya and Johor Baru.

In both Glenmarie and Johor Baru, FA Wagen operates PIAM-certified Body and Paint operations using Volkswagen-approved equipment and paint.


Shared self-driving cars could slash demand for US sedans, says study

                DETROIT: Ride services using self-driving vehicles could slash by more than half demand for owner-driven sedans in the United States by 2030, according to a study released Monday by consulting firm KPMG that used cellphone data to map commuter travel in three large US cities.

The KPMG researchers forecast that ride services using self-driving vehicles will launch first in densely populated urban and suburban areas it calls “island markets.” Alphabet Inc’s Waymo self-driving car unit and General Motors Co have said recently they intend to launch pilot autonomous ride sharing services in limited urban or suburban areas.

As costs for ride hailing drop, KPMG predicts that by 2030 many families will no longer need to own a sedan to get to work or do errands, but will hail a ride instead.

The result will be a “precipitous decline” to 2.1 million sedan sales annually in the United States by 2030 from 5.4 million sales currently, the study predicts, as families dump smaller sedans and keep larger vehicles for longer trips.

Automakers in the United States already are scrambling to re-tool product programs and factories to respond to lower demand for conventional compact and midsize cars, driven by a shift toward sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV already has exited the small and midsize sedan markets in the United States. KPMG predicts more will follow until only three or four companies are serving that market, instead of 10 companies today.

KPMG said it used data collected from cell phones to analyze trips in Atlanta, Chicago and the Los Angeles-San Diego metropolitan regions. In Chicago, many trips are shorter than 15 minutes. In Atlanta, the study found 75 percent of trips are between suburbs, not from the city center to a suburb. Los Angeles trips are the longest, with many rides taking 90 minutes or more, the study found.

The KPMG study, released in conjunction with the Los Angeles auto show, echoed comments by auto and technology industry executives that self-driving vehicles will be deployed first in ride-for-hire services limited to specific areas of cities or suburbs.


Malaysian banned from Singapore after cutting queue and driving ‘dangerously’

The driver of a black Toyota Alphard was caught on video attempting to cut the queue on the Causeway by using the dedicated bus and lorry lane. - Screengrab from Sg Road Vigilante - SGRV/facebook

SINGAPORE: A Malaysian driver who was caught on video attempting to cut the queue on the Causeway has been banned from entering Singapore.

An Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) spokesman said on Tuesday that it is aware of a video circulating on social media of a Malaysia-registered vehicle attempting to cut queue on the Causeway on Saturday by using the dedicated bus and lorry lane.

The video, which was posted on Facebook on Sunday, shows a black Toyota Alphard MPV travelling in the rightmost lane for buses and lorries, while the two car lanes next to it are congested.

In the clip, a service AC7 cross-border bus is seen behind the MPV as it comes to a halt.

Two auxiliary police officers seem to have stopped the MPV, but it drives off after one of the officers moves towards the left.

The ICA spokesman confirmed that the Malaysian driver was travelling from Singapore to Malaysia via the Woodlands checkpoint.

The two officers in the video had stopped the vehicle and asked the driver to make a U-turn back towards Singapore, he said.

“The driver failed to comply with the officers’ instructions, and dangerously continued driving forward,” he added.

ICA has identified the driver of the vehicle, and both the driver and vehicle are banned from entering Singapore.

A police report was lodged after the incident and investigations are under way.

“ICA would like to reiterate that we do not condone the behaviour of errant motorists who deliberately disobey traffic rules. Such acts pose a safety hazard to officers as well as other checkpoint users and put them at risk,” the spokesman said, adding that enforcement action would be taken against motorists caught cutting queues.


For Alonso, time is running out

                I cannot imagine what must be going through Fernando Alonso’s mind as he gets on the plane from Shanghai to Bahrain.

Three races into the 2015 season, his 15th season in Formula 1, and the Double World Champion has no points to his name.

Adding a third championship is not going to happen this year.

Alonso’s return to the McLaren team was probably the biggest surprise of last year’s seat swapping season.

Mainly because the Spaniard was sitting comfortably at Ferrari with a contract to see him through until the end of 2016.

However, it was no secret that after finishing runners-up in the championship three times in four seasons, Alonso was growing impatient.

His Italian squad’s inability to give him a race machine capable of taking the fight to the then reigning champion, Sebastian Vettel at Red Bull Racing was frustrating him.

If you believe paddock whispers, the Spaniard was looking to break his contract at the end of 2013.

But the shake-up in the engine and aerodynamic regulations that came into effect last year possibly kept Alonso at Ferrari throughout 2014 as he waited to gauge where Ferrari stood in the pecking order.

Unfortunately, the scarlet team’s 2014 engine failed to prove a match for Mercedes and for the first time since coming on board in 2010, the Alonso and Ferrari partnership failed to yield a win. The Scuderia’s lack of engine power opened the door for McLaren to poach him.

The irony of McLaren now paying Alonso to drive for them is not lost on race fans.

Back in 2007, when Alonso first joined McLaren alongside Lewis Hamilton and the teammate relationship turned sour, Fernando ratted on his team and got them hauled up for spying.

The sequence of events eventually led to McLaren being fined US$100mil (RM370mil) by the sport’s governing body.

Nobody would have bet on Alonso returning to McLaren, but as they say in Formula 1, anything can happen.

With Honda making a return to the sport as an engine supplier this year, the iconic partnership of McLaren and Honda is rekindled.

You can’t fault Alonso for thinking it might be an opportune moment to jump on-board the “McHonda” train. After all, the partnership helped Ayrton Senna to his three titles and Alain Prost to his third, all in the space of four years, from 1988 to 1991.

As Renault and Ferrari can attest, building a modern Formula 1 engine is a complex affair.

In fact, the correct term now is power unit, as the engine is just one component that is connected with the ability to harvest kinetic as well as heat energy, and deploy an extra boost at the push of a button.

Unfortunately, Honda’s current foray into Formula 1 has been quite a struggle, to put
it mildly.

The Japanese giant’s power unit is nowhere up to the mark and is now faced with the huge task of getting it reliable and competitive as soon as possible.

To put things in perspective, it’s been 10  years since Alonso won his maiden World Title with Renault.

A year later, at the age of 25, he became the youngest ever Double World Champion with Renault.

He was then lured to McLaren with the promise of more championships with only a rookie driver as this teammate.

Unfortunately, that rookie was Hamilton, and the Alonso-McLaren partnership went up in smoke.

Alonso spent the 2008 and 2009 back at Renault in the mid-field as he watched his former McLaren teammate Hamilton, claim his maiden title followed by Brawn GP’s domination.

Nonetheless, he still managed to drag the R28 onto the podium and even notched up a couple of race wins.

In 2010, there was an opening at Ferrari and the Italian squad seized the opportunity to sign Alonso, again with the promise of a championship winning car.

At 29, Fernando was really just coming into his prime and paddock punters were sure that the partnership would help him to that elusive third title.

And they came close - down to the very last race in 2010 and 2012 - but sadly, the might of Red Bull Racing and Vettel got the better of them.

Alonso has now gone eight seasons without winning a championship, make that nine by the end of this year.
He turns 34 this July and is the third oldest driver on the grid.

I see this move to McLaren as his final competitive seat while still in his prime.

Last weekend in China, Alonso trundled around the Shanghai International Circuit in his uncompetitive McLaren race car having qualified 18th.

Towards the end of the race, he faced the ignominy of being lapped by both the Ferraris as he hobbled home to finish 12th.

For a driver as hungry and passionate about winning as Alonso, I can only imagine what he must be going through.

He must be reflecting on his decision to part ways with Ferrari just as they are on the rise again.

He must be asking himself what does he have to do to win his next World Championship.

Well short of turning back time, he can only do what I’ve seen him do during his second stint at Renault and definitely during those difficult days at Ferrari.

He has to rally the team around him, and spur them - nay drag them - forward by sheer determination to succeed.

He has to hold his head up high and stay positive and hope that his motivation will rub off on those around him.
He has to dig deep and drive his McLaren-Honda further up the grid than it deserves.

Alonso has to repeat all that here at McLaren if he ever wants to add a third World Championship title before he retires.

I for one believe that he deserves it, but in the meantime the clock ticks on.


June 2-8: Fuel prices unchanged

                KUALA LUMPUR: The retail prices of RON97 and RON95 petrol will remain at RM4.70 and RM2.05 per litre, respectively, from June 2 to 8.

The Finance Ministry, in a statement today, also said the price of diesel would remain at RM2.15 per litre.

In the statement, it said the prices of RON95 petrol and diesel were maintained at their ceiling prices even though market prices have risen above this.

According to the ministry, the new price is based on the weekly retail price of petroleum products in accordance with the Automatic Pricing Mechanism formula.


S. Korea to ban foreign tourists from getting driver's licence

Pedestrians crossing a road in Seoul. Chinese made up the bulk of foreign applicants for a South Korean driver's licence, which some officials say is easier and more comfortable to obtain than in China. Holders of a Korean licence can drive in Europe and the United States, as well as in China. — AFP
SEOUL: Short-term foreign visitors will soon be barred from applying for a South Korean driver's licence, as a revision of a relevant local law is imminent, reported Yonhap News Agency, quoting police today.

The Road Traffic Act's revision to allow only registered foreigners to obtain a driver's licence in South Korea is awaiting passage during the National Assembly's plenary session, with rival parties not opposed to the bill, according to the National Police Agency of Korea.

Registered foreigners refer to those who stay in the country for more than 90 days. If the bill is approved, short-term foreign visitors will be banned from getting a local driver's licence.

The pending legal revision has been pushed as many foreign tourists, mostly Chinese nationals, have relatively easily obtained a Korean driver's licence after taking intensive driving courses and have caused traffic accidents in third countries.

A total of 5,977 Korean driver's licences were issued to short-term foreign visitors in the first 11 months of this year, with Chinese accounting for 90.2 per cent, or 5,389, police data showed.

The number of Chinese short-term visitors who obtained a Korean driver's licence totalled 7,822 in 2015 and 7,213 in 2016. Due to a bilateral missile base dispute, the number fell to 3,748 in 2017 but rebounded to 4,675 last year. The figures exclude registered Chinese nationals who got a driver's license here.

Officials and experts say it is easier and more comfortable to obtain a driver's licence in South Korea than in China. In South Korea, for instance, licence applicants must undergo at least 13 hours of mandatory training, about one-fifth of that in China.

Holders of a Korean licence can drive in Europe and the United States, as well as in China. But some European countries have complained about traffic accidents involving Chinese holders of a Korean driver's licence.

For similar reasons, the Chinese government has also asked Seoul to restrict its licence issuance to Chinese tourists.