Talk to your Volvo via Microsoft wearable

GOTHENBURG: More than 33 years after the popular American TV show Knight Rider showed David ‘The Hoff’ Hasselhoff talking to his car, KITT, Volvo and Microsoft are launching a wearable-enabled voice-control system.

Volvo owners will be able to talk to their car via their Microsoft Band 2, allowing them to instruct their vehicle to perform tasks including setting the navigation, starting the heater, locking the doors, flashing the lights or sounding the horn via Volvo’s mobile app, Volvo on Call, and the connected wearable device.

In November 2015, Volvo and Microsoft announced their high-profile collaboration with the first automotive application of HoloLens technology.

HoloLens is the world’s first fully untethered holographic computer, which could be used in future to redefine how customers first encounter, explore and even buy their car.

Now the two companies are delivering remote voice control for Volvo cars via the Microsoft Band 2 as another proof-point in their ambition to jointly develop next-generation automotive technologies.

“Volvo is intent on making the car experience as easy and convenient as possible by utilising the latest technology in the most relevant and inspiring ways. With voice control, we are only just beginning to scratch the surface of what is possible with digital assistant functionalities,” said Thomas Müller, Vice President Electrics/Electronics and E-Propulsion at Volvo Car Group.

In recent times, Volvo Cars has begun to focus closely on innovations outside the traditional automotive arena, keen on opening up potential partnerships and new business models.

“When innovating, we are not interested in technology for the sake of technology. If a technology does not make a customer’s life easier, better, safer or more fun, we don’t use it. Let’s face it – who hasn’t dreamed of talking to their car via a wrist-worn wearable?” said Klas Bendrik, Senior Vice President and Group Chief Information Officer at Volvo Car Group.

"Our ongoing partnership with Volvo continues to bring ground-breaking technology to enhance the automotive experience," said Peggy Johnson, Executive Vice President of business development at Microsoft. "Together with Volvo, we're just beginning to understand the potential that technology has to improve driver safety and productivity."

The new possibility to connect to a Volvo with voice control through Microsoft Band 2 will be available for customers in Volvo on Call-enabled markets in spring 2016.


Scania's new Sandakan workshop opens

                KOTA KINABALU: Scania has launched its latest workshop in Sandakan, Sabah to help service customers in the Sandakan, Lahad Datu and Tawau areas.

“For customers to get the most out of their fleet, it is vital that Scania can support them with the right solutions. Convenient access to workshops and genuine parts is crucial for our customers anywhere,” said Scania Southeast Asia managing director Marie Sjödin Enström.

The RM500,000 facility is support its clients in terms of maintenance services, repair services, parts services, driver services (consisting of driver training and coaching), fleet management system (FMS), financial services and 24/7 Scania Assistance roadside services (1800-08-8500).

"Our strategic presence in Sandakan complements the Kota Kinabalu facility in order to support our customers in achieving profitability and sustainability," added Enström.

The facility possesses two work bays manned by three technicians and is able to accomodate up to four vehicles per day.

If needed, the number of technicians can be increased to support the needs of customers.

As part of the opening, the company will be conducting a Recon Truck Promotion until Mar 31.

This is where owners of their reconditioned Scania trucks are able to obtain a free health check and a free Scania retrofit of FMS or a free activation.

Scania also offers service packages at 30% discount together with software checking and downgrading.

Maintenance contracts are on offer at a special price of RM0.098/km with a minimum term of 10,000km per month during the promotion period.

As a step towards an environmentally friendly state, the company will also help to ensure that the correct filters for B10 diesel is being used.

The workshop is also able to assist its Sabah customers in adopting the Scania Ecolution programme, which is a partnership-based solution for operators and businesses to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

"More needs to be done to lower emissions globally to reduce global
warming and address climate change. We will continue to provide solutions to help our customers achieve the best profitability without sacrificing sustainability” she added.


Britain to have driverless cars by 2021

                LONDON: British finance minister Philip Hammond is to announce £75 million (RM412mil) funding for artificial intelligence (AI) and plans to put driverless cars on British roads by 2021, in his budget speech on Wednesday.

Hammond will announce regulation changes to allow Britain's driverless car industry, which the government estimates will be worth £28 billion (RM154bil) by 2035, to get cars on the road within as little as three years, according to extracts of the budget released by his office on Sunday.

READ MORE: Jaguar Land Rover field-testing first driverless vehicles in Coventry

The minister, who is under pressure to deliver an eye-catching budget following Brexit spats with cabinet colleagues, will also announce a £400 million (RM2.2bil) fund for companies hoping to roll out electric-car charge points across the country.

People hoping to buy a battery-electric vehicle will also be able to access funding as Britain attempts to move towards zero-emission transport.

With a focus on tech industries, the government is also planning to spend £75 million supporting companies developing AI and £160 million (RM878mil) in developing 5G technology, which it believes will be necessary for the mass rollout of driverless cars.

However, the Conservative minister is likely to be judged more on his social spending policies, particularly on his housing policy in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster that killed 71 people.


Part of Kinabalu Park road collapses, landslides in seven areas after heavy rains in Sabah

                KOTA KINABALU: Landslides and collapsed roads continue to occur despite the easing of heavy rains in some parts of Sabah following a week of downpour and floods.

The latest reports of such incidents are in Kinabalu Park on the foothills of Mount Kinabalu and Paitan but no casualties were reported as yet.

The Kinabalu Park road collapsed at about 8am today including a parking zone along the road stretch.

According to the Fire and Rescue Department, the damage is estimated at about 100m in depth.

The remaining lane is still passable but for those who do not wish to use this road, they can choose the alternative Bundu Tuhan - Kinasaraban road to Ranau or Kota Kinabalu, among other districts.

The condition of the embankment is getting worse and another two metres of the area is expected to be affected.

Temporary sign boards and barricades have been put up to warn road users of the danger.

In Paitan, a house was damaged following a landslide near the Paitan water treatment plant area last night.

The road - Jalan Nangoh Paitan Kanibungan is totally inaccessible for the time being.

People can still use the old KK road as an alternative.

Seven other areas including those in Kudat, Pitas, Kota Marudu and Kota Kinabalu experienced landslides while over 40 roads are still affected by floods as of 8am, today.

A total of 791 people from 217 villages remain displaced in eight districts comprising Beaufort, Paitan, Kota Kinabalu, Kota Belud, Tuaran, Papar, Tenom and Kinabatangan.

Areas like Kota Belud, Beaufort, Penampang, Tuaran and Kota Kinabalu are still experiencing rains while Sipitang and Kuala Penyu are still bracing rains and strong winds.


Ferrari files patent for new 'Targa Top'

Ferrari's 'Targa Top' patent application sketch.
MARANELLO: It's been 20 years since Ferrari last built a Targa, but this half sunroof, half convertible car roof could be making a comeback.

The iconic Italian supercar manufacturer has recently filed a patent with the European Patent Office for its own new take on the 'Targa Top' design of car roof.

Twenty years ago Targa roofs were quite a thing, and it wasn't just exotic manufacturers like Ferrari and Porsche that liked to offer them. Although Porsche is probably one of the most famous advocates of the Targa Top in the past and still uses it for the 911, Suzuki, Toyota, Renault, Nissan, Honda and many others have also flirted with them from time to time.

Targa first came into the automotive vocabulary with the 1965 Porsche 911 Targa, though that wasn't the first car to use such a system of removable roof panels. That honour went to the limited-production Fiat 1200 "Wonderful" by Vignale, which was designed by Giovanni Michelotti in 1957.

 The 911 Targa 4.

Now Ferrari's recent patent application suggests it might be about to make a comeback.

Ferrari's application refers specifically to "a car with a ‘Targa Top' body" featuring a "coupé body with a rigid roof that is removable and is supported at the front by the upright of the windshield and at the rear by a robust, full-width roll bar."

The design in the patent application is similar to the current Porsche 911 system, but it's the specific design and engineering of the Ferrari variant that's being patented here. Through increasing the height of the windscreen upright and possibly using a false insert installed when the roof is removed, this creation looks to reduce the aerodynamic turbulence normally associated with most Targa tops.

In the accompanying drawing a Ferrari F430 is used for illustration purposes, but there's no word on whether the Targa is intended for the current 488 that superseded the F430, or some future model.


Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia wins 'Retailer of the Year' title

                PETALING JAYA: Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia came out tops at a prestigious 2020/21 Jaguar Land Rover Retailer Awards recently, winning the Retailer of the Year title.

Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) was declared the overall winner, scoring the highest points in two out of three categories. It excelled in sales & marketing and customer service performance.

Every year, top retailers in the world are assessed by Jaguar Land Rover for their performance and customer service.

The retailer challenge started on April 1, 2020 and ended on March 30 this year.

Sisma Auto dealerships came in as runner-up for the awards.

The Jaguar Land Rover Retailer of the Year award measures all aspects of each outlet’s performance, including marketing, sales and customer service, staff training and retailer presentation to ensure that it stands out from other retailers.

Each category has nine to 12 different criteria, and the award is considered the most prestigious of its kind in the industry, given its regional standing.

This is the second time SDAC made it to the top, with the last one handed out in 2016/17.

Jaguar Land Rover is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Motors.


Ducati focus on innovations in electronic systems

                BOLOGNA, Italy: Ducati develops most of its electronic contents internally, and the Borgo Panigale company aims to guarantee Ducatisti the best possible experience once on the bike.

From the Multistrada V4 to the Scrambler, passing through the Panigale V4, each model is designed to offer sophisticated solutions.

Ducati has had several internal laboratories for several years to carry out tests during the development phase, without necessarily having to rely on external resources or suppliers.

One of these is responsible for testing the electrical and electronic components, putting them to the test to measure their quality and duration over time.

Among the tests in the laboratory are those for verifying the functioning of the components in extreme thermal and environmental conditions, made possible thanks to the use of cells capable of replicating temperatures ranging from –40°C to 180°C and atmospheric events such as heavy rain or salt mist.

The components are also put under stress by means of robots which repeat operations thousands of times, such as, for example, the rotation of the handlebar to check the correct reliability of the wiring, or other operations such as the brake lever to turn on the brake light, in order to verify its resilience in real conditions of use.

Furthermore, inside the laboratory, Ducati goes as far as controlling each individual chip, even by sectioning them to analyse them under a microscope and verify their exact composition and consistency with the development specifications.

Software debugging and mobile app activities are also carried out.

Over the years, connectivity is also becoming an increasingly important aspect in the motorcycle field.

An example of this work can be found in navigation systems: from the Phone Mirroring solution adopted on the Multistrada V4, which makes it possible to transform the dashboard into a colour map navigator containing all the information required for riding the motorbike, to the Turn-by-Turn system which was introduced in 2023 on the DesertX and Diavel V4.

These two solutions allow Ducati not to be bound to a specific operating system but allow compatibility with iOS and Android systems and the continuous evolution of the software which is then updated free of charge for customers.

Innovations introduced by Ducati as world firsts:

2008, DTC Traction Control - 1098 R
2009, LED headlight - Streetfighter 1100
2010, Riding Modes - Multistrada 1200 S
2011, TFT instrumentation - Diavel
2012, Electronic Engine Brake Management (EBC) and full-LED headlight - Panigale 1199
2021, Adaptive Cruise Control/Blind Spot Detection - Multistrada V4
2023, Extended Deactivation - Multistrada V4 Rally


Slow traffic as long weekend crowd returns

                PETALING JAYA: Traffic congestion has been reported along several stretches of the highways as people make their way back home after the long weekend.

According to the Malaysia Highway Authority's official Twitter account, traffic was slow-moving along the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Expressway.

"Traffic is slow moving from Karak to the Bentong Toll Plaza, Genting Sempah to the Gombak Toll Plaza, and the Gombak Toll Plaza to the Middle Ring Road 2 toward Sri Gombak.

"Traffic was also slow-moving along the Penang Bridge from Prai toward the island," it said in a series of tweets.

It added that along the North-South Expressway, traffic was slow moving heading south along several stretches including Senawang to Pedas Linggi, Ayer Keroh to the Bemban rest stop, Tangkak to Bukit Gambir, Yong Peng (north) to Yong Peng (south) and Simpang Renggam to Sedenak.

"Heading north, traffic was slow moving from Senai to Kulai, Sedenak to the Simpang Renggam rest stop, Simpang Renggam to Ayer Hitam, Yong Peng (north) rest stop to Pagoh, Bukit Gambir to Tangkak, Tangkak to Jasin and Jasin to Ayer Keroh.

Traffic was also heavy from the Ayer Keroh rest stop to Simpang Ampat, Simpang Ampat to the Pedas Linggi (north) rest stop and to Port Dickson," it said.

It added that up north, traffic was also slow moving heading south from Sungai Petani to Bertam, Permatang Pauh to Prai, Juru to Bandar Cassia, Bandar Baharu to Alor Pongsu, Changkat Jering to Bukit Berapit, Kuala Kangsar to Sungai Perak, Menora tunnel to Ipoh (north), Ipoh (south) to Simpang Pulai, Gopeng to Tapah, Tapah toward Bidor and Sungkai to Slim River.

"Traffic was also slow moving in the opposite direction from Slim River to Sungkai, Taiping (north) to Bukit Merah, Bukit Merah to Bandar Baharu, and Jawi to Sungai Bakap," it said.

Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department principal assistant director (enforcement) Supt Dr Bakri Zainal Abidin said the heavy traffic can be attributed to those taking advantage of the long weekend and the school holidays to travel.

"Motorists should be patient, courteous and refrain from provoking other motorists especially when they are stuck in heavy traffic.

"We have noticed that as the traffic becomes congested, a number of motorists start resorting to driving on the emergency lane," he said, adding that police personnel were out in the field to ensure traffic flows smoothly and motorists abide by the regulations.

He added that they would not hesitate to take action against anyone caught violating the traffic rules.

Supt Dr Bakri also urged motorists with dash cameras to forward footage of errant motorists to the Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department Facebook page.


Toyota, Nissan to suspend production in western Japan as typhoon nears

                TOKYO: Japan's Toyota Motor Corp will suspend some evening shifts at three plants in western Japan due to an approaching typhoon, it said today.

Toyota will suspend tonight's shift production starting at 9pm (8pm in Malaysia) and cancel Tuesday morning production at three factories in the western prefecture of Fukuoka.

The automaker expects to resume production on the Tuesday night shift, it said on its website.

Similarly, Nissan Motor Corp and Nissan Shatai Co subsidiaries in Fukuoka prefecture are expected to suspend production for Monday night and Tuesday daylight shifts, said a Nissan Motor spokesman.

Some businesses in South Korea are also contemplating temporary suspensions of operations as the powerful typhoon Hinnamnor approaches.


KLIMS 2018: Revving up the excitement

                KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s largest and most significant automotive event has returned after a five-year hiatus. The Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2018 (KLIMS’18) will begin its ninth presentation from Nov 23 to Dec 2 at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).

Transport Minister Anthony Loke opened the motor show at the press preview today.

KLIMS’18 is featuring vehicle launches, preview of vehicle models yet to be seen in Malaysia, concept cars, limited edition cars, super cars, vintage and classic cars, commercial vehicles, bikes, automotive products and accessories.
KLIMS’18 features over 74 marques of vehicle brands and automotive products spanning over six exhibitions halls covering two levels at MITEC.

Concept cars like Toyota TS030 hybrid Le Mans Prototype 1 (LMP1) sports car, Toyota FT-1 performance concept, the automated-driving capable Lexus LS+ Concept are also arriving at the motor show along with preview cars like the Nissan LEAF electric car.

For bike enthusiasts, Benelli is showcasing their range of 2019 new motorcycles which were imported specially for the motor show.

Meanwhile, the Innovation Centre zone at KLIMS’18 has put together the latest automotive research and technological achievements by universities in Malaysia.

Check out the locally developed futuristic vehicle projects created by six participating local universities.

 Loke opening KLIMS'18 in the presence of MAA president Datuk Aishah Ahmad.

The universities that are taking part in the motor show include Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UNISZA), Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) and Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP).

The Art of Speed is also coming on board the motor show with showcases including the 2015 Ford Transit Adventure vehicle and 1967 Volkswagen fastback that were featured in Fuel Magazine, Australia.

The eight final entries for Art of Speed 2018 (AOS2018) and Bike Build-Off Competition will also be displayed at the motor show.

The Art of Speed Zone showcases the latest custom-built bikes. Among some of the displays are the BMW R75/6 White Angel by the Rusty Factory, the Suzuki GS100E by the Kenstomoto Valkyrie.

Upcycling workshops will also be organised at 2pm every Saturday and Sunday for visitors.

Art of Speed Malaysia founder Asep Ahmad Iskandar said: “Art of Speed is a creative platform for the motorcycle and car communities in Malaysia. We are excited to be part of KLIMS’18 to showcase the local creativity and innovation to a larger audience.”

Also, visitors to the motor show will be treated to live demonstrations of vehicle wrapping by Tom’s Stickers, along with a stunning display of the longest limousine in Malaysia, the Cadillac Escalade Limousine.

Tom’s Stickers (M) Sdn Bhd managing director Tom Kek Soon Siong said, “We are going to thrill motor show visitors with the art of design on luxury and high-performance sports cars”.

Also, Tom’s Stickers is giving out cash vouchers and custom sticker promotions to motor show visitors.
For families with young children, there is a Family Fun Times Zone with activities like Kids’ Driving School, inflatable castles, rock painting, baby corner and music performances by buskers.

Visitors can also check out the timeless collections of classic and vintage Cars with a stroll at the “Down Memory Lane” zone at the motor show.

Among the 10 cars on display include the vintage 1934 Austin 7, the 1978 Volkswagen Kombi which travelled 45,000km from Malaysia to Germany and back via Trans Siberia Highway, and the 1971 Ford Capri that made a record drive from Malaysia to Sri Lanka in 2015/16.

The show opens from 11am to 10pm on weekdays and 10am to 10pm on weekends.

You can also check out KLIMS’18 at:
Website: www.klims.com.my
Facebook: www.facebook.com/klims.com.my
Instagram: www.instagram.com/klims18
Twitter: www.twitter.com/klims_my

Star Media Group is the Official Media Partner of KLIMS’18.


4.4 million insurance, takaful policyholders to be reimbursed

                PUTRAJAYA: The Finance Ministry today announced tax exemptions for all individual policyholders who had bought or renewed an insurance or general takaful policy for motor, fire or accident insurance during the tax holiday period from June 1 to Aug 31, 2018.

Minister Lim Guan Eng said insurance or takaful companies are required to reimburse any services tax they had charged their policyholders.

“This move is expected to benefit 4.42 million policyholders who will save RM132mil in tax payments,” he said.

Lim said insurance and general takaful policies have been subject to the services tax since Sept 1, 2018.

Under the Service Tax Act 2018, insurance and takaful companies are required to impose a service tax on consumers who purchase or renew their insurance or general takaful policies on or after Sept 1, 2018.


Petrol dealers plead their case to PM ahead of Cabinet meeting

Khairul Anuar (right), and his team, speaking to reporters after meeting Dr Mahathir earlier today. — Bernama
PUTRAJAYA: Five representatives of the Petroleum Dealers Association of Malaysia (PDAM) met Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on Wednesday (Jan 2) to highlight their concerns over the proposed weekly float of fuel prices.

PDAM president Datuk Khairul Annuar Abdul Aziz and four other representatives met with Dr Mahathir for about 45 minutes at Perdana Putra here before the Prime Minister chaired the weekly meeting of the Cabinet.

Khairul Annuar told reporters later that the meeting touched on the concerns and proposals of the association over the issue.

READ MORE: Max you have to pay for RON95 petrol is RM2.20 per litre
“We discussed all our proposals and highlighted our concerns. He (Dr Mahathir) seemed to be very understanding,” he said.

“We are looking forward to that. Let the Cabinet decide first," Khairul Annuar said.

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng had announced on Dec 23 that petrol and diesel prices would be subject to a weekly float beginning Jan 1, 2019.

Following an objection and complaints from PDAM, he said on Dec 31 that the prices of RON97, RON95 and diesel would be retained at RM2.50, RM2.20 and RM2.18 per litre, respectively, in the first week of the new year until the matter was sorted out.

PDAM also asked the government to raise the fuel sale commission for fuel station operators to reduce any loss they might face due to the fuel price float.


Bahrain F1 race to be held without fans due to coronavirus

The Bahrain race in April 2018. The Formula One race this month in Bahrain will be run without spectators over fears about the new coronavirus.  — AP

DUBAI: The Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix will go ahead on March 22 without fans due to the coronavirus crisis, a blow to the Gulf Arab state's important tourism sector.

Bahrain, which is hosting the second round of the Formula One season at the Sakhir circuit outside Manama, has reported 83 cases of the virus, mostly linked to people who had travelled to Iran.

"Bahrain has made the decision to hold this year's (race) as a participants-only event," organisers said on Sunday.

"Convening a major sporting event, which is open to the public and allows thousands of international travellers and local fans to interact in close proximity would not be the right thing to do at the present time," they added.

"To ensure that neither the sport, nor its global supporter base, is unduly impacted, the race weekend itself will still go ahead as a televised event."

Bahrain is the second F1 race casualty of the virus. The Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai scheduled for April 19 has already been postponed.

Racing without fans will be a first for the sport, although former commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone once mooted the idea of a "VIP grand prix" at France's Le Castellet circuit with only invited guests.

A Bahrain International Circuit spokesman said accredited media would attend as usual.

Concerts featuring DJ's Afrojack and Don Diablo over the race weekend have been cancelled.

"We know how disappointed many will be by this news...but safety has to remain our utmost priority," the circuit said.

Bahrain has suspended flights to some destinations over concerns of the rapidly spreading virus.

It has also asked people entering the country who have recently visited Italy, South Korea, Egypt and Lebanon to isolate themselves for two weeks.

Italian teams

Italy has ordered a virtual lockdown across a swathe of its wealthy north, including financial capital Milan, in a drastic attempt to try to contain a rapidly growing outbreak of coronavirus.

The Maranello base of Formula One's oldest and most successful team Ferrari is within the affected area.

Ferrari and Red Bull-owned AlphaTauri, who are based in Faenza, will still race in Bahrain because they will be coming from Australia which hosts the opening race in Melbourne next weekend.

"Depending on where they flew through on the way from Melbourne, there is a process that you go through," the circuit spokesman said of the Italian teams.

Formula One has discussed arranging a special charter for Italians working in Formula One to avoid transit through airports in countries affected by the virus.

Organisers will refund fans who had bought tickets, whose sales were suspended last week.

Bahrain's biggest global sporting event reported a three-day crowd of 97,000 in 2019, a record for the event, with 34,000 on the Sunday.

That attendance is small compared to other races, with 202,146 the average Formula One three-day crowd in 2019.

Tourism is an important contributor to Bahrain's economy, which in recent years has been in deficit and sought bailouts from its wealthier Gulf Arab neighbours, and the race brings global exposure with millions of viewers.

Concerns over rapid spread of the coronavirus, which has killed 145 people and infected 5,823 others in Iran, has led to a raft of major events including concerts being cancelled in the Gulf region.

Formula One has two races in the Middle East, with Abu Dhabi hosting the closing race in November.

MotoGP's season-opening race in Qatar this weekend was called off, with only the Moto2 and Moto3 support categories racing because riders were already there for a previous test.


Tesla to begin Model X deliveries within four months

                DETROIT: Electric car maker Tesla has confirmed that the first deliveries of the new Model X crossover will begin "in three to four months."

Tesla CEO Elon Musk  said the gull-wing utility vehicle "is shaping up to be five stars in every category" in terms of safety ratings, making it one of the safest SUVs on the road.

Musk also said Tesla will release an early version of its Autopilot self-driving program for the Model S sedan by the end of June. The program will contain an auto-steering feature, he said, which will work in conjunction with radar, camera, ultrasonic sensors and special software.

In a presentation at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California, Musk said a new battery factory in Nevada will begin production by mid-2016 and should reach full production in three to four years. The company's webcast of the presentation was monitored by Reuters.

Musk also announced that Tesla's chief financial officer Deepak Ahuja will retire this year, but will stay on to help search for a successor.

His retirement comes as the company is about to enter a period of intensive growth and equally intensive spending. Musk reiterated the company's anticipation of 50 percent annual growth over the next several years.


Haval H2 SUV arrives

                PETALING JAYA: Go Auto, the official distributor of China-based Haval vehicles in Malaysia, launched the H2 SUV with a starting price of RM89,950.

The H2 is equipped with a 1.5 litre turbo petrol engine and is available in three variants: Std, Comfort and Premium.

Following the encouraging response last year’s M4 model, Go Auto felt it timely to bring in a more premium and powerful SUV to the local market.

“The response for the M4 was encouraging considering that we are a new player in the local automotive scene.

“The presence of the Haval H2 would certainly expand our product offerings that would suit the lifestyle and needs of a wider market segment,” said Go Auto chief executive officer Ahmad Azam Datuk Sulaiman.

The Std variant features a 6-speed manual transmission while the Comfort and Premium features a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The H2 produces 147hp at 5,600rpm and 210Nm of torque from 2,200-4,500rpm.

The H2 comes with keyless entry and push start button as standard.

Other features include electrically adjustable driver seat, sunroof, leather upholstery, dual zone climate control, touch screen infotainment unit, six airbags, electronic stability program, anti-lock braking system, electronic parking brake, blind spot visual system and tyre pressure monitoring system.

Go Auto is looking at a sales target of a 1000 units by the end of the year.

Ahmad also said that 100 units of the H2 are completely built up (CBU) and will introduce completely knocked down (CKD) units around Sept or Oct this year.

The price for the H2 Std, Comfort and Premium are RM89,950, RM98,950, and RM101,950 respectively. It comes with a 5 year warranty or 150,000km (whichever comes first).

The colours available are Haval Blue, Titanium White, Modern Grey, Haval Red/Classic Black, Classic Black/Titanium White and Brownish Brown/Titanium White.


All-new Lexus LX world premiere set for Oct 14

                TOKYO: Lexus will unveil the all-new LX in a digital world premiere on Oct 14 at 1:30pm JST (12.30am in Malaysia).

At the same time, ground events related to the launch would be happening in Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates, which are key markets for the luxury SUV.

Lexus released a terse statement and this teaser photo, showing the back end of the new LX having a full length LED light bar, similar to what the new NX that was announced earlier this year.

An accompanying video clip shows the new LX hamming it up in a desert environment, with glimpses of its side profile.

The LX600 badge suggests this is the range topper, and word out there is that the LX600 could most likely use either the 409hp 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 from the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 or a new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine.

These are the most plausible engine options rather than a 6.0-litre mill in an age where engine downsizing and an obsession with keeping emissions down are the norm.

Lexus will still sell a diesel version of the luxobarge in select markets and it will probably use a new 3.3-litre twin-turbo diesel engine.

As to whether there will be a hybrid LX, Lexus is not telling yet.


World's biggest Volkswagen T2 camper made from LEGO bricks

                MUNICH: Using 400,000 LEGO bricks, two experienced LEGO model makers have built what is probably the world's biggest Volkswagen T2 camper from LEGO bricks.

The full-size T2 was revealed at the f.re.e leisure and travel fair in Munich.

Visitors young and old to f.re.e (20 - 24 February) will be able to admire the 700 kg Bulli up close. The vehicle that served as the blueprint for the model was the T2a camper van, built from 1967 to 1971 – to this day the truly iconic camper for globetrotters.

Are we going to manage it – or are we going to run out of bricks or time? This anxious question posed by Rene Hoffmeister, one of only twelve officially certified LEGO model makers in the world, was definitely justified.

For, together with colleague Pascal Lenhard, he had a period of only six weeks for the ambitious world record attempt to make a T2 camper van, including pop-up roof, out of LEGO bricks by the start of the f.re.e trade fair in Munich.

Using 3D images, the duo had produced a construction plan in advance. From that they were able to calculate the precise number of bricks required.

The rigidity of the side walls and windows were another particular aspect that had to be accurately calculated in order to ensure lasting stability.

When, having begun without a hitch, they suddenly found they were missing 20,000 transparent bricks for the T2's windows and their supplies dried up without warning, the deadline did then cause the model-making experts some stress despite their painstaking planning.

“Essentially, we would have needed a nine-day week,” recalls Hoffmeister. “However, as they don't exist, the only option was night shifts.” Hoffmeister and Lenhard therefore carried on 'playing' with their LEGO bricks from morning to night and over the weekends in order to complete it in time for the f.re.e trade fair. '

And they did so inclusive of the Westfalia pop-up roof, so popular on campers, the sliding door, which was technically very challenging to create, and the interior fittings. Also impressive are the dimensions: the LEGO camper van measures over 5 metres in length, 1.9 metres in width and close to 2 metres in height; or 3 metres with the roof popped up!


Toyota and Suzuki discuss joint ventures for India and Africa

                TOKYO: Toyota Motor Corp and Suzuki Motor Corp are in discussions for new joint projects in emerging markets like India, and also in Africa.

In particular, Suzuki is keen on getting support from Toyota to develop a new compact, ultra high-efficiency powertrain while Toyota wants better business revenue from India, and also Africa.

The talks concern:

- Denso Corp and Toyota to provide Suzuki with technological support for a compact, ultra high-efficiency powertrain to be developed by Suzuki.

- Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Ltd (TKM) to produce models developed by Suzuki for sale in India through Toyota and Suzuki networks.

- Supply of models developed by Suzuki, including those to be produced by TKM, from India to Africa and other markets by Toyota and Suzuki.

Toyota president Akio Toyoda noted that Suzuki was the first (among Japanese companies) to enter India.

"As I like to say, Suzuki is a company that puts into practice being "The Best in Town." Toyota, along with Suzuki, will do its best to make "Make in India" vehicles cherished in Africa and other countries," said Toyoda.

Suzuki chairman Osamu Suzuki said, "Now, we will receive support for the development of a compact, ultra high-efficiency powertrain that is vital to Suzuki."


Geely to bring air taxis to China in tie-up with Daimler-backed Volocopter

                BEIJING: German startup Volocopter said it plans to form a partnership with Zhejiang Geely Holding Group that will bring its air taxis to China and that it has raised 50 million euros in fresh funding from the Chinese company and others.

Volocopter, which says it is building the world’s first manned, electric and vertical takeoff air taxis, said in a statement on Monday that the other investors in the new funding round include German luxury car maker Daimler, which it had previously raised money from.

It did not say how much each investor contributed, but added that the most recent deal increases the total capital it has raised to 85 million euros, and that the new funds will be used toward bringing its VoloCity aircraft to commercial launch within the next three years.

Geely’s chairman Li Shufu said in the statement that the investment reflected how the Chinese company is transitioning to become a mobility technology group, investing in and developing a wide range of next-generation technologies.

The co-operation underlines “our confidence in Volocopter air taxis as the next ambitious step in our wider expansion in both electrification and new mobility services,” Li said.

The investment is not Geely’s first bet on flying machines. It is building a plant in China’s central city of Wuhan to make Terrafugia branded flying cars, company documents show.

Geely bought a 9.7% stake in Daimler in 2018. The companies have said they plan to build the next generation of Smart electric cars in China through a joint venture. They also plan to form a premium ride-hailing joint venture in China.


Jazeman takes his first Formula Renault 3.5 Series pole in Monaco

                KUALA LUMPUR: Leading Malaysian racing driver, Jazeman Jaafar secured his first career Formula Renault 3.5 Series pole position in Monaco, on Saturday.

He achieved the fastest lap of qualifying and his first pole position, in his third season of racing in the FR3.5 Series.

Jazeman, who also had a strong track record in Monaco and having scored podium finishes on both his previous visits, was the fastest with a time of one minute 23.425 seconds beating his Fortec Motorsports teammate Oliver Rowland (1m 24.370s) in the first half.

 Jazeman

"I'm totally over the moon to have grabbed my first pole position in the series and to do it here is just fantastic. I love this place and I guess that showed today. It's not an easy circuit to get right and the barriers are very close when you're on the limit but it's such an adrenalin rush driving here.

"For tomorrow's race, I'm gunning for victory. Starting from the pole is, of course, the best place to be but I have alongside me my biggest rival and team mate, Oliver, so I'm going to have to make sure I nail the perfect start if I'm going to be in a position to take the win," he said in a statement today.

The second round of the Formula Renault 3.5 Series has the prestige of being a support championship at the Formula 1 Grand prix, so Jazeman is under the spotlight of the F1 world and no better opportunity to show his skills on the race track.


Eyeball the CX-30 crossover at Mazda showrooms now

                PETALING JAYA: The new Mazda CX-30 has finally arrived at selected Mazda showrooms in the Klang Valley.

Potential prospects can preview the stylish crossover at Mazda's showrooms in Glenmarie, Shah Alam and at the Petaling Jaya outlet.

We pointed out that the CX-30 was opened for booking on Nov 21. It is expected to launch in January 2020.

The CX-30 expresses an elegant exterior design and an upscale interior that is typical of Mazda vehicles nowadays. The CX-30 sits between the CX-3 and CX-5 in positioning and size. It bears some resemblance to the CX-5, which showcases Mazda's Kodo design language.

It's taking the fight to the Toyota C-HR, Honda HR-V and Subaru XV.

With a wheelbase measuring 2.66 metres, the CX-30 offers enough room for five passengers (four is optimum for comfort) and up to 430 litres of luggage. Put the backseats down, and boot space grows exponentially, to 1,406 litres.

The fully imported model from Japan is available in three variants: CX-30 2.0L at RM143,119.20; CX-30 2.0L High at RM164,119.20 and CX-30 1.8L Diesel High at RM173,027.70. All prices are on-the-road without insurance.

 CX-30 Petrol High. CX-30 Diesel High.

Many people will be asking why the CX-30 is not called CX-4 instead. This is because the CX-4 was introduced in 2016 as a China-only model. The CX-30 is smaller than the CX-4 and arrived only this year. In short, the CX-4 and CX-30 are two different crossovers. Mazda decided to name the CX-30 as such to avoid confusion with the CX-4.

It was previously reported that Mazda plans to expand its CX-30 engine offerings by the end of the year, offering a Skyactiv-X petrol engine with 180hp that promises fuel efficiency and power with a new ignition process.

READ MORE:
All-new Mazda CX-30 open for booking
Mazda CX-30 launching in Europe ahead of Malaysia
Mazda CX-30 makes world debut at 2019 Geneva Motor ShowMazda CX-30 1.8L Diesel High (RM173,027.70)Mazda CX-30 2.0L High (RM164,119.20)


Elon Musk named Time's 2021 'Person of the Year'

The Time award recognises a person 'who affected the news or our lives the most, for better, or worse'. — Reuters
AUSTIN: Tesla chief executive officer Elon Musk was named Time magazine's 2021 "Person of the Year" today.

Musk is also the founder and CEO of SpaceX, and leads brain-chip startup Neuralink and infrastructure firm The Boring Company.

Tesla's market value soared to more than US$1 trillion this year, making it more valuable than Ford Motor and General Motors combined.

Tesla produces hundreds of thousand of cars every year and has managed to avert supply chain issues better than many of its rivals, while pushing many young consumers to switch to electric cars and legacy automakers to shift focus to EV vehicles.

"For creating solutions to an existential crisis, for embodying the possibilities and the perils of the age of tech titans, for driving society's most daring and disruptive transformations, Elon Musk is TIME's 2021 Person of the Year," the magazine's editor-in-chief, Edward Felsenthal, said.

"Even Elon Musk's spacefaring adventures are a direct line from the very first Person of the Year, Charles Lindbergh, whom the editors selected in 1927 to commemorate his historic first solo transatlantic airplane flight over the Atlantic."

From hosting Saturday Night Live to dropping tweets on cryptocurrencies and meme stocks that have triggered massive movements in their value, Musk has dominated the headlines and amassed over 66 million followers on Twitter.

Some of his tweets have also attracted regulatory scrutiny in the past.

According to the magazine, "The Person of the Year" signifies somebody "who affected the news or our lives the most, for better, or worse."

Time magazine named the teenage pop singer Olivia Rodrigo as its "Entertainer of the Year", American gymnast Simone Biles "Athlete of the Year" and vaccine scientists were named "Heroes of the Year".

Last year, US President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris were jointly given the "Person of the Year" title. Time began this tradition in 1927.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos have also received the title in the past.

WATCH: Time video coverage of Elon Musk


Seriously? Minister's flying car announcement met with incredulity

US-based Terrafugia Inc is owned by Geely, which bought the flying car company in 2017.
PETALING JAYA: "If pigs could fly..." seems to be the general consensus among Malaysians regarding a purported "first-ever flying car" that Datuk Seri Redzuan Md Yusof said would be unveiled soon.

On Feb 27, the Entrepreneur Development Minister said a prototype of the car already existed and would be unveiled later this year.

However, based on the comments posted The Star Online's FB page, it would seem many people are dubious about it, labelling it "impossible".

User Owners Club said: "Dear Menteri, it's too early for April Fool's."

"Haven't learned how to crawl, already want to learn how to fly," Facebook user Sony Liew said.

One person made references to regulations in the country for flying drones: "You have so many rules for flying drones... Flying cars?" asked user Acoi Mat Noh.

Despite the deep well of scepticism among Malaysians, flying cars appear to be close to becoming reality in the rest of the world.

READ MORE:
Get this! Malaysian flying car to be revealed this year
Geely looks skyward as it snaps up flying car maker Terrafugia
Self-driving car experts offer online degree in ‘flying cars’
First road-legal flying car to debut at 2018 Geneva Motor Show

It was reported in 2018 that popular ride-hailing company Uber Technologies Inc had partnered with Nasa, supplying information to the agency so that it could simulate the flight of a small passenger-carrying aircraft.

Also reported last year, Uber announced that it would open an "Advanced Technologies Center" in Paris, which would become a development hub for its flying car project - Uber Elevate.

There were a few who were positive about this announcement.

"It takes a very long time to exist. A lot of feasibility study to be done before can execute the plan... be patient," said Mohd Ariff.

Another commenter Mohd Redzuan said the flying car project was a way for the government to create an environment that stimulated people to think about new technology.

He said it was a "realistic target" as Malaysia already had the technology.

"It is all about the speed of implementation. We are providing the catalyst and ecosystem to stimulate the people to think beyond what we do today," he said.

However, many Facebook users continue to be sceptical, saying we should solve "current problems" before looking too far into the future.

"We should first settle Malaysia's number one problem – malfunction(ing) power windows," said user Adzwan Ab Manas.


Bentley Motors appoints new Mulliner and Motorsport director in bespoke division revamp

                LONDON: Bentley Motors announced on Friday the appointment of Ansar Ali as the new Mulliner and Motorsport director, reporting directly to chairman and CEO Adrian Hallmark.

Ansar will lead the reorganised Mulliner division as customer personalisation reaches record levels of demand.

Ansar, who has a 30 year career in the automotive industry, joins from McLaren Special Vehicle Operations where he was managing director. Before this, Ali held senior management roles at Ford, Lotus, Caterham and co-founded Zenos Cars.

Ansar’s dual responsibilities at Bentley cover motorsport activities, working closely with the GT3 race teams currently competing, and a focus on Bentley’s personal commissioning division, Mulliner, the oldest coachbuilder in the world and now with three distinct classifications; Classics, Collections and Coachbuilt.

Ansar will lead a reorganised Mulliner bespoke division in which Paul Williams becomes chief technical officer, having held a number of senior positions in a 15 year career at Bentley, and Bob Martin, formerly head of final assembly at Bentley, becomes chief operating officer. All positions are effective immediately.

Mulliner has been building bespoke bodies and cabins since 1923 and today handcrafts personalised cars that epitomise luxury, performance, exclusivity and individuality.

Mulliner’s portfolio includes coachbuilt cars such as the Batur, heritage limited editions including the Blower, and a wide variety of stunning and unique customer projects.

The high level of customer demand for bespoke services, reaching record numbers in 2022, helped push Bentley to its third consecutive record sales year, announcing earlier this week a sales success of 15,174 in 2022, a four per cent increase on 2021.


Japanese investigators raid Suzuki Motor over false tests

                TOKYO: Japanese investigators raided Suzuki Motor Corp's headquarters today as they probe the minicar maker's use of improper fuel economy tests, an official said.

Investigators were looking for confirmation of Suzuki's claims that it had used data compiled from indoor tests performed on individual parts, rather than vehicle coasting tests, the transport ministry official said.

It was the second such raid by the transport ministry on a Japanese automaker after Mitsubishi Motors Corp in April, as the government cracks down on manufacturers over the mileage testing scandal.

Mitsubishi's admission that it had misrepresented its fuel economy readings led to its takeover by Nissan Motor Co Ltd and the resignation of its president last month.

Suzuki's improper tests involved 14 branded models and 12 models sold under other brands.

Japan's No. 4 automaker by sales has said it lacked the resources after the 2008 global financial crisis to meet regulatory testing standards. It also cited increased pressure to develop models and engines in the late 2000s.


More affordable Audi e-tron 50 quattro coming

                INGOLSTADT: A second version of the Audi e-tron charged with opening up the benefits of the first fully electric Audi to a wider audience has been confirmed for series production and will launch in 2020.

The e-tron 50 quattro will complement the existing e-tron 55 quattro model, its 71 kWh battery and two electric motors providing for a range of up to 300km according to the WLTP test cycle and its 120kW charging capability facilitating recharging to 80 per cent capacity in around 30 minutes at fast-charging stations.

A product of the carbon-neutral Audi Brussels plant, the e-tron 50 quattro combines a high level of efficiency with strong and instantly accessible performance.

Like the versions which came before it, the entry-level model also features ‘e-quattro’ all-wheel-drive delivered by an electric motor mounted on each axle – in this application these generate a combined total of 230 kW and 540 Nm of torque, and are capable of propelling the electric SUV from 0 to 100kph in 7.0 seconds on the way to an electronically governed top speed of 190kph.

In order to achieve the highest efficiency, only the rear electric motor is active in most driving situations, while the front electric motor is activated predictively when needed.

The battery unit of the e-tron 50 quattro comprises 324 prismatic cells combined in 27 modules. These store up to 71 kWh of energy, which is delivered via a newly calibrated drivetrain and a high voltage system featuring additional optimisations for this application, and facilitate a range of up to 300km in the WLTP cycle.

The lower gross weight, which also reduces running resistance, contributes to efficiency, as does the advanced thermal management system with its standard thermal pump. This system regulates the temperature of the interior as well as the battery and cools the electric motors, the power electronics and the charger. In this way it ensures that the high-voltage components enjoy a long service life and enables fast charging with direct current (DC).

The optional connect charging system, available later this year, adds smart charging functions such as off-peak charging, enabling customers to benefit from variable electricity rates by charging their Audi e-tron at more inexpensive times.

In combination with a home energy management system, customers can benefit from additional advantages such as the option to charge with self-generated solar power if a home photovoltaic system is installed. Using the myAudi app, customers can control all charging processes and timers as well as pre-entry climate control via their smartphone.

Like the more powerful version of the electric SUV, the e-tron 50 quattro also recuperates energy via its two electric motors, with priority given to the rear motor, during more than 90 percent of all deceleration actions. This means that the energy from practically all normal braking manoeuvres is recovered and fed back into the battery.

The newly developed wheel brake system with electrohydraulic actuation is activated only when the force of deceleration exceeds 0.3 g. This results in short braking distances in all situations. The standard efficiency assistant also helps the driver to adopt an economical driving style through automatic recuperation and predictive information in the Audi virtual cockpit.

The system uses radar sensors, camera images, navigation data, and Car-to-X information to detect the traffic environment and the route. In combination with the adaptive cruise assist, the efficiency assistant can also brake and accelerate the electric SUV predictively.


Raceroom Racing Experience (R3E) calls to all virtual racers

                KUALA LUMPUR:  The Raceroom Racing Experience (R3E) is a unique eMotorSports championship offered to Malaysians for the first time.

Ahead of the Malaysian Grand Prix from Sept 29 to Oct 1, Petronas will be offering this experience for motorsport fans who would like to pit their skills against each other, with the winners getting grandstand tickets to the race finale.

The 'game' was developed through its studios in Europe and in Kuala Lumpur to bring a virtual racing experience of the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) to the confines of a person's living room.

The game is able to connect up to 24 people online within a 'Raceroom' simultaneously and is being introduced in conjunction with the last Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix to help ensure Malaysian still remain involved in motorsport activities.

The recent establishment of a third RaceRoom gaming studio in Malaysia will also be in line with the Government’s intention of making Malaysia a virtual gaming hub in the region.

“This is timely as the country, despite not continuing to host the competition at Sepang International Circuit, still plays host to world champions, Mercedes AMG PETRONAS Motorsport through virtual racing. said Raceroom Entertainment executive chairman Tan Sri Rainer Althoff.

He added that Malaysians can even download the Mercedes-AMG Petronas FRX17 car from the RaceRoom website into a home PC and race it at the digitised SIC - all within the confines of a person's living room.

Racroom's machines consists of racing simulators that are equipped with widescreen monitors, racing seats, steering wheels and pedal units to help provide some realism to the experience.

There is no limit to the number of players in the online competition while
the simulators could be tailored during the coming PETRONAS competition for up to 5,000 players per week.

R3E is in terms of quality the worldwide leading free-to-play motorsport simulation for PC and can act as a point of access to international race series as well as legendary race cars and world-renowned race tracks.

“Virtual racing has become so important that even professional racers today train and sharpen their skills via these platforms as it can be done anywhere and anytime,” concluded Althoff.


Over 11,000 traffic offences in first three days under Awas

                KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 11,427 traffic offences were recorded under the Automated Awareness Security System (Awas) in three days since it came into effect on April 15.

Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Ab Aziz Kaprawi said 5,972 cases were traffic light offences and 5,455 cases involved speeding.

“However, until now, there has been no suspension of driving licence for the traffic offenders, and no one has yet to pay the fine for the offences committed,” he said during a question and answer session at the Dewan Negara.

He was replying to a supplementary question from Senator Datuk Hanafi Mamat who wanted to know the effectiveness of Awas and the number of suspended licences of traffic offenders.

Elaborating, Ab Aziz said the Government had suspended 1,115 and revoked 246 driving licences from 2006 until February.

He said under the Road Transport Act 1987, the driver’s driving licence can be suspended if he failed to comply with the laws and driving a motor vehicle recklessly or in a harmful manner resulting in death.

“The court can take action under Section 41 (1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which carries a maximum jail term of 10 years and a maximum fine of RM20,000 upon conviction,” he said.

Offenders would also be suspended from holding or obtaining a driving licence for a period of not less than three years from the date of conviction. They would be further suspended for 10 years for the second and subsequent convictions.


BMW losses over €660mil as sales slide during lockdowns

                FRANKFURT: BMW expects to make an operating profit this year despite losing €666 million (RM3.3bil) in the second quarter after sales of its luxury cars slumped during coronavirus lockdowns, the company said today.

The German manufacturer of BMWs, MINIs and Rolls-Royces, said deliveries had begun to recover, including in China, but the rebound would not be enough to make up for the shortfall in sales lost to the pandemic.

Shares in BMW fell 3% following the results with some analysts saying they had not expected such a big loss in earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT).

BMW also said its outlook did not factor in the potential impact of a second wave of Covid-19 infections, nor the prospect of a more sustained or deeper recession in its key markets.

The pandemic has hit Fiat Chrysler, Ford and Daimler particularly hard at time when the traditional auto industry is ramping up spending on low-emission technologies ahead of stringent European anti-pollution rules.

BMW’s EBIT margin for cars slumped to minus 10.4% from 6.5% in the second quarter last year, when it’s operating profit came in at €2.2 billion (RM11bil). It delivered 485,464 cars in the second quarter, down 25% from a year earlier.

By contrast, electric car pioneer Tesla saw its automotive gross margin widen to 25.4% in the second quarter, up from 18.9% a year earlier, despite a 5% drop in deliveries.

Jefferies analyst Philippe Houchois said BMW’s margin forecast for the year as a whole suggested a healthy recovery in the second half of 2020, even though the second-quarter results were below the consensus.

In May, BMW warned it would post a second-quarter loss and slashed its outlook, forecasting an automotive EBIT margin of 0% to 3% for 2020 compared with the 2%-4% range it expected before the pandemic struck.

“We are now looking ahead to the second six-month period with cautious optimism and continue to target an EBIT margin between 0% and 3% for the automotive segment in 2020,” BMW chief executive Oliver Zipse said in a statement.

BMW reiterated that it expected pretax profit to be significantly below 2019 levels and for car deliveries to customers to fall significantly this year.


China to become global manufacturing and export hub for Volvo

                GOTHENBURG: China will become the Volvo hub for global manufacturing and export of its cars to the United States, Europe and Asia Pacific.

Volvo Cars said this last week when it unveiled its new manufacturing strategy for China in which production capacity would also be increased.

In other major operational changes, Volvo said it would make its top-of-the-range S90-series cars based on its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) at its plant in Daqing, Heilongjiang province, in northern China. It also said production of the new S90 premium sedan would in future be moved from Europe to China.

Existing and future 60-series medium-sized SPA-based cars would be built at its plant in Chengdu, Szechuan province, in Western China, while its planned 40 series smaller cars, based on its Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), would be made at a plant that is being built in Luqiao, 350km south of Shanghai.

 An artist's impression of the new Luqiao plant near Shanghai, which is being built.

“With three plants – and the designation of one car line for each plant – Volvo creates an efficient production structure ensuring future capacity for growth,” said Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive.

The Luqiao plant, which is owned by Zhejiang Geely Holdings but operated by Volvo Cars, will make Volvo’s new range of smaller 40-series CMA-based cars, as well as CMA-based cars for LYNK & CO, the new car brand launched in October by Geely Auto, highlighting the growing industrial synergies being developed by the automotive group.

Volvo’s expanded production capacity in China forms an integral part of its broader global industrial footprint.

Volvo now operates two plants in Europe, in Sweden and Belgium. The Sweden plant in Gothenburg will continue to make 90 series and 60 series SPA cars while its plant in Ghent, Belgium, will in future be a CMA-only production facility making new 40 series cars.

Volvo is also building a new plant in South Carolina in the US that will also make SPA-based vehicles for domestic US consumption and for export.

 The S90 Excellence.

The details of Volvo’s new manufacturing strategy in China came the same day it unveiled a new China-built version of its S90 sedan and a top-of-the-line, specially upgraded luxury model called S90 Excellence, in advance of their first public appearance at the 2016 Guangzhou Motor Show.

The new S90 will be the most premium car ever made in China. Both versions will be built in Volvo Cars’ production facility in Daqing and exported globally, demonstrating the high levels of quality control that underpin Volvo’s global manufacturing strategy.

Volvo said its plants follow its manufacturing and quality standards known as Volvo Car Manufacturing System.

Volvo has paved the way in developing China’s exports of locally made cars to global markets. It was the first Western car maker to export a premium China-made car to the US in 2015 with the S60 Inscription.


Harley-Davidson cuts jobs to stay afloat

                CHICAGO: Harley-Davidson in the US has announced that it has no choice but to cut 140 jobs.

The decision follows the American motorcycle maker's decision to adjust production volumes.

The job cut will involve 90 production workers at the company's Pennsylvania and Wisconsin production facility.

Over the last five years, the number of units sold within the US (its largest market) has done nothing but decline and the current coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has added to that effect.

Production has since resumed last month and is trying to fight back from experiencing a 16% drop in sales during the first quarter against the same period last year.

Although restrictions have eased, the company has, however, estimated that sales could be down by as much as 40% in the current quarter following a dealer survey.

That said, the company's response to maintain liquidity was a cut in capital spending, freeze in hiring, salary cuts and slashed merit increases for employees.


Toyota highlights clean wind-to-wheel energy

                TOKYO: Toyota Corp’s joint-venture with Yokohama and Kawasaki cities, and several technology partners to produce wind-power produced hydrogen is becoming a viable showcase for clean energy usage.

Hydrogen produced are used to power 12 fuel cell forklifts operating in a wholesale market and a brewery in Yokohama, and two logistics companies in Kawasaki.

The test project site at Yokohama’s bay area, also called the Hama Wing, was commissioned in 2015 to produce electricity from a wind turbine with an output of 1,980kW. Electricity generated runs the water electrolysis system to extract hydrogen. Excess electricity is used to power the facility’s equipment and also sold to the main power grid.

 Hydrogen is pumped into a delivery tanker.

To stabilise power spikes and dips caused by inconsistent wind force, the facility has a power storage unit comprising 180 used battery packs from Toyota Prius hybrids.

Even when wind is not strong enough to turn the turbine, the facility can still draw energy from the power storage unit to produce hydrogen.

Hydrogen produced will be stored on site before being transferred into hybrid tanker trucks to be delivered to the forklifts. The on-site storage can hold up to two days’ supply of hydrogen.

 A forklift powered by hydrogen.

Compared with other hydrogen producing facilities using electricity generated from fossil-fuel, the Yokohama facility is cleaner by 80% and its only carbon footprint comes from exhaust gases of the tanker trucks.

Despite having a similar operating time of eight hours with electric forklifts, fuel cell forklifts can be fuelled up in three minutes and do not require cumbersome spare batteries that require six to eight hours of charging.


Dealerships in overdrive to fulfil orders

                PETALING JAYA: Dealerships are working hard to ensure customers register their units before March 31 and enjoy the sales tax exemption under the National Economic Recovery Plan (Penjana).

The sales tax exemption is applicable to cars booked before June 30 last year.

Honda sales adviser Nicholas Foong of Tenaga Setia Resources said the dealership is doing its best in the last-month rush to fulfil orders.

“Almost 70% to 80% will get their cars by the end of the month, but some customers still have to settle their loans and plate numbers.

“In terms of model availability, the City, CR-V and Accord are doing well. Just the production of the HR-V and Civic is a bit slow due to the shortage of components and parts.

“But this is not exclusive to Honda as the whole automotive world is facing these issues,” he said.

When asked about its best-selling model, he said Honda was fortunate because all its models are well sought after, with the City being among the more popular ones.

Mazda senior sales adviser Annison Francis said there was adequate stock of most models.

READ MORE: Backlogged orders stand at around 300,000

He said the dealership was confident of meeting the March 31 deadline as most of the orders had been fulfilled except for certain imported models.

“There are customers who are rushing for delivery of their vehicles but we have informed them of the waiting period.

“If the vehicles arrive early at our dealership, we will surely have them delivered to customers,” he said.

However, Francis said there was a queue for vehicles, but the dealership was able to deliver them and manage the waiting time.

In George Town, some 80% of Proton vehicles ordered before the end of June last year have been delivered to customers, said an outlet manager.

He said although stocks are all ready, the remaining 20% of customers who have yet to collect their vehicles would either do it by the end of this month or seek a refund for their bookings.

“We have been delivering to customers and 80% of those eligible for sales tax exemption have got their vehicles.

“For the remaining ready stock, customers who have waited long enough may collect it or seek a full refund from their bookings,” he said, declining to elaborate.

At a Mazda outlet, its branch manager said only the brand’s Completely Built-Up (CBU) cars from Japan were suffering a shortage due to “disruptions in the supply chain,” but locally assembled models were not facing issues.

To cushion losses from customers unable to benefit from the tax exemption by the end of this month, the manager said the company would absorb the sales tax.

“We are prepared to absorb between RM4,000 and RM6,000 per vehicle as compensation for the delay, as long as the customer continues to wait.

“Fortunately, we are still receiving bookings for those models as customers have been understanding that this affects almost all brands,” said the manager who declined to be named.


Avis bets antiseptic aroma will revitalise rental-car demand

                NEW YORK: Avis Budget Group Inc. once sprayed a faux new-car leather scent into its rental cars for a fresh aroma, but now it’s spritzing them with an antiseptic to ease customer fears of viral contamination.

"For many years we used a product that replicates a new-car smell,” said chief executive officer Joe Ferraro in an interview. "Now people want their senses to tell them that their car is safe, that it smells and looks clean.”

The company has partnered with Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC, which makes Lysol disinfectant spray. Avis will start replacing or supplementing other cleaning products with this widely recognised brand to help promote its antiviral clean-car measures.

Avis wipes or sprays down 15 key touchpoints and plans to publicise its anti-Covid measures in hopes of grabbing a bigger share of leisure travellers.

Ferraro said customers increasingly are coming back to rent cars despite the coronavirus pandemic — and want a sense a car has been sanitised when they pick up a vehicle.

READ MORE:
Covid-19: Seven key areas to sanitise in your car's cabin
China considers in-car air quality regulations, say sourcesMalaysia's PICKnGo ties up with MUDAcare to keep taxis sanitisedDon't just clean your car, sanitise it!AIR Alliance expands in move to regulate car cabin air quality post-pandemic

Avis said on its first-quarter earnings call that revenue fell 80% in April and May but was expected to bounce back in June. There are some signs a recovery is under way, despite countervailing signals in the travel industry that an anticipated rebound may fizzle.

Website traffic for rental cars was down 21% year-over-year in June from a year ago after falling 28% in May, said Jefferies analyst Hamzah Mazari in a July 8 research report.

Even so, rental inquiries were up 33% over January while flight travel is still way off, indicating that leisure travellers are driving more to get to vacation spots, the report said.

Avis may be able to grab market share from Hertz Global Holdings Inc. since that company’s management is more focused on exiting bankruptcy, Mazari said.

Avis is ready to serve any defecting Hertz customers, said Ferraro, but attracting business in the current environment is all about providing a germ-free experience.

"If people feel they are in a safe environment, they will travel,” Ferraro said.


How sharing cars could actually boost auto sales

                NEW YORK: Technological innovation in the auto industry, from the advent of Uber Technologies Inc. to a future with self-driving vehicles, promises to change the game for commuters and carmakers.

This shift towards on-demand, shared, and potentially autonomous mobility that's already under way addresses a glaring problem for drivers: Vehicles have a high up-front costs to own and depreciate swiftly, but they aren't heavily utilised.

But according to analysts at Deutsche Bank AG, there are a myriad of misconceptions about how the on-demand revolution will affect automakers-chiefly, about their impact on sales volumes.

"The consensus view is that auto sales will decline, and that this will be negative for US original equipment manufacturers,” writes Deutsche Bank's team led by Rod Lache. “We believe that the consensus view may be wrong.”

However, the analysts acknowledge that the proliferation of on-demand vehicles could ultimately reduce the number of cars on the road in the US by more than 25 million, with population density serving as a key determinant of the size of the on- demand fleet.

"On demand mobility is likely to be practical and financially attractive in the densest sub-sections which account for [circa] 31 percent (on average) of total households in the metropolitan statistical areas we studied (13.2 million households, owning 15.5 million vehicles out of the total),” the team writes.

“Within these sub-segments, up to 61 percent of households (owning 8 million out of 15 million vehicles) may find it financially attractive to switch to on-demand autonomous vehicle mobility services.”

But this decrease in the number of vehicles on the road will coincide with a much shorter life-cycle for cars because they'll be utilized much more heavily, on average, than they are now. The life expectancy of an on-demand vehicle is expected to be just three years; this higher rate of turnover of a smaller fleet would see sales volumes rise, according to the analysts.

"US sales nonetheless increase under every scenario we’ve examined because vehicle scrappage is determined by miles driven,” they conclude. "Each on-demand vehicle will travel more miles (10 to 20 percent more) than the cumulative six to nine privately owned vehicles that it replaces.”

This increase in aggregate mileage is primarily attributable to “empty legs"-that is, the distance on-demand vehicles would travel going between one passenger and another. For instance, the analysts note that nearly half of the miles that uberX drivers travel in New York City are without a passenger.

Deutsche Bank's team put together a handy infographic to explain how they expect this transition to on-demand travel to play out in practice.

A caveat: a significant increase in ride-sharing could throw the analysts' call of increasing aggregate miles travelled in jeopardy, they caution.

But if things play out like Deutsche Bank expects, the auto industry will also become less cyclical, as miles travelled, rather than the state of the economy and credit conditions, will drive sales volumes, so to speak.

Moreover, cost deflation in the provision of on-demand vehicle services could also put further upward pressure on aggregate miles travelled due to the established price- sensitivity of consumers.

"The aforementioned cost discussion does not work in the fact that the cost of on-demand mobility services continues to decline rapidly,” the analysts write. “Costs should continue to decline as efficiencies are gained and as providers use information technology to create new offerings.”

Consider the early experience of ride-on-demand apps: while they've certainly eaten into revenues that would've accrued to taxis in the past, they've also managed to grow the size of the pie by encouraging people to take rides when they might otherwise have walked or use public transit. Two factors explain this: securing an on-demand vehicle by smartphone is typically far more convenient and reliable than hailing a cab, and consumers have been offered a new option that's less expensive than a taxi.

The Pollyanna-ish future envisioned by Deutsche Bank is one in which the on-demand vehicle revolution both lowers costs for commuters and is a boon to automaker's financial performance. Feasible? Maybe not. But surely it's less crazy of an idea than self-driving cars were a just decade ago.


Porsche 911 Turbo S arrives in Malaysia, priced from RM2.2mil

                PETALING JAYA: The new Porsche 911 Turbo S is launched today in Malaysia.

It is priced from RM2,235,463 within the SST exemption period. Its launch was in conjunction with the opening of the flagship Porsche Centre Ara Damansara here.

The range-topping 911 is powered by a new 3.8 litre boxer engine with two VTG turbochargers, which delivers 641hp and a maximum torque of 800Nm.

The Turbo-specific eight-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) cuts 0.2 seconds from the zero to 100kph sprint to 2.7s, compared to its predecessor. Top speed remains unchanged at 330kph.

Modified track widths, further developed aerodynamics and new mixed-sized tyres contribute to the agility and sportiness of the new 911 Turbo S: the track is now 42mm wider at the front axle and 10 mm wider at the rear axle.

The dimensions of the 911 Turbo S have also been increased significantly in line with the enhanced driving dynamics, whereby it is 45mm wider above the front axle (1,840 mm) and an increase of 20mm in overall width above the rear axle (1,900mm).

Porsche Active Aerodynamics (PAA) in the new 911 Turbo S adapts the aerodynamic characteristics even more precisely to the driving situation, speed and selected driving mode, and resolves the age-old aerodynamic configuration dilemma: the contradiction between a low drag coefficient for maximum speed and low consumption, and high downforce for better driving dynamics.

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The comprehensive expansion of PAA makes it possible to achieve a much larger spread between the aerodynamic configurations for optimum driving dynamics and minimum drag.

The adaptive aerodynamics now include controlled cooling air flaps at the front and a larger rear wing for even more downforce.

For the first time, the 911 Turbo S transfers its power to the road with mixed tyres in two different sizes: it has 20-inch tyres with their unique 255/35 dimensions at the front, and 21-inch 315/30 tyres at the rear.

The active cooling flaps, together with the variable front spoiler lip as well as the larger extending and tilting rear wing which delivers 15 per cent more downforce, offers three active aerodynamic components, depending on the speed and driving mode. In the newly available Eco configuration, the rear wing is retracted over a large speed range so that the vehicle can be driven with minimum drag.

Also newly available, the Wet mode is focused on driving stability in wet conditions. The extended but not yet tilted rear wing combined with the completely retracted front spoiler lip shifts the aerodynamic balance towards the rear axle when the Wet mode is activated. This results in a higher rear-end and driving stability for greater safety on wet road surfaces.

In the event of full braking at high speed, the new airbrake function will be activated automatically. The front spoiler and rear wing are moved to the Performance position for higher drag and increased downforce to reduce the braking distance and improve driving stability during braking.

The engine of this generation of 911 Turbo S is new, and based on the 911 Carrera engine generation. It features a completely redesigned air cooling system; new, larger VTG turbochargers in a symmetrical layout with electrically adjustable wastegate flaps, as well as the use of piezo injectors, which have significantly improved the vehicle’s characteristics with regard to responsiveness, power, torque, emissions and revving ability.

The new six-cylinder engine is aspirated by a new intake system. In this instance, the previous routing of process air and charge air cooling was swapped around: part of the process air now flows through the characteristic Turbo air intakes in the rear side sections. In front of the air filters, now situated in the rear wings, two other airflows have also been incorporated, through the rear lid grille. This means the new 911 Turbo S has four intakes with a larger overall cross-section and lower resistance, helping to improve engine efficiency.

The leap in performance of this new generation is particularly noticeable in its sprint from zero to 200kph: it is one full second quicker than its predecessor, at 8.9 seconds. Thanks to the enhanced Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive, the transfer case can distribute significantly more torque, with up to 500Nm being transferred to the front wheels.

The new generation of the standard PASM chassis is also even sportier. Faster and more precisely controlled dampers provide significant advantages to the driving dynamics with respect to roll stability, road holding, steering behaviour and cornering speeds.

The harmonious design, which balances driving pleasure, dynamics and sportiness, is suited for everyday use as well as the race track.

The new front end with wider air intakes has a characteristic Turbo-look with dual front light modules as well as standard LED matrix headlights with dark inserts. The redesigned, pneumatically extendable front spoiler and the larger rear wing with its muscular sections with integrated air intakes emphasise the sleek body of the 911 Turbo S. The new look of the rear is completed by rectangular tailpipes in high-gloss Black, typical of the Turbo.

The interior has a high-quality and sporty finish. The standard equipment list includes a full leather interior and carbon trim in combination with Light Silver accents.

The 18-way adjustable sports seats feature stitching that pays homage to the first 911 Turbo (type 930). High quality graphic elements and logos in the instrument cluster complete the characteristic Turbo S features.

The centre screen of the PCM is now 10.9 inches, and can be operated quickly without distraction thanks to its new layout with significantly reduced number of controls. Other features on board are the GT sports steering wheel, the Sport Chrono package with newly integrated Porsche Track Precision app and BOSE Surround Sound system.

Additional new equipment options also underline the much sportier image of the all-wheel drive 911, including the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) sports chassis that has been lowered by 10mm. The sports exhaust system with adjustable flaps also guarantees a distinctive sound for an emotive drive.

“The Porsche Turbo designation is synonymous with outstanding performance, even when it was first introduced," said SDAP chief executive officer Christopher Hunter.

"The forefather of all Turbos (the 930 generation) was indeed a technical revolution in car production and has been improved time and time again. This is even more so with the new 911 Turbo S. While it performs at the level of a super car, the daily driveabilty remains outstanding. It is this flexibility to react to different situations that makes the 911 Turbo S a personal favourite of mine.

"Combining unprecedented power, driving dynamics and comfort with efficiency builds a bridge from tradition to innovation with this new generation.”

The four Porsche centres in Malaysia are in Ara Damansara, Sungai Besi, Penang and Johor Baru.


Taiwan's Foxconn unveils more electric vehicle prototypes

                TAIPEI: Taiwanese tech giant Foxconn unveiled two more electric vehicle prototypes on Tuesday, including a pickup truck, as it said commercial production on two other designs would start later this year.

The world's largest contract electronics maker, Foxconn already plays a lynchpin role in assembling gadgets for a host of top international brands including Apple's iPhones.

The company has moved to diversify beyond electronics assembly and embraced the competitive but rapidly expanding EV business, unveiling three concept cars last year.

Foxconn chairman Young Liu showed off two more prototypes at Tuesday's media event in Taipei - a sporty hatchback dubbed the Model B and a pickup, the Model V.

He also announced that commercial production would start by the end of the year on the group's previously unveiled electric bus and a family sports utility vehicle.

"Foxconn has cut in half the design time and reduced development cost by a third in taking an EV from concept to production-ready," Liu said.

Foxconn plans to do with electric vehicles what it did for gadgets - become a go-to contract builder.

Its strategy is to construct vehicles for clients rather than sell them under its own name, using the prototypes as a guide.

Liu said one of its clients, Taiwanese automaker Luxgen, had received 15,000 customer pre-orders in under two days for its N7 car, which is based on the Foxconn Model C unveiled last year.

Foxconn has also started building electric vehicles for Lordstown Motors after completing its purchase of a former General Motors plant in Lordstown, Ohio in May.

This month, it signed a memorandum of understanding with US-based INDIEV Inc to build the first INDI One prototype EV at its Ohio facility.

Its partners also include Fisker, one of a host of US-based electronic car startups hoping to someday challenge Tesla's supremacy.

Fisker has recently reaffirmed plans to have Foxconn build its upcoming Fisker Pear model at the Ohio factory starting in 2024.

It has been widely reported for years that Apple has a secret electronic car project, something Foxconn could be in an ideal place to partner on given its existing relationship with the California-based giant.


Family of 'Star Trek' actor sues Fiat Chrysler over rollaway death

The Yelchins shown at a press conference in Los Angeles with a photo of their son, Anton, who died in the tragic accident in June. — Reuters
LOS ANGELES: The parents of the late "Star Trek" movie actor Anton Yelchin sued Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV for negligence and product liability on Tuesday over the rollaway crash of a Jeep Grand Cherokee that killed their son.

The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, is believed to be the first wrongful death complaint linked to the Fiat Chrysler recall in April of more than 1.1 million cars and SUVs because of vehicles that roll away after drivers exit them.

Yelchin, 27, was killed on June 19 when his 2015 Grand Cherokee, which was covered under the recall, rolled backward in the steep driveway of his Los Angeles home and crushed the actor against a brick wall and fence.

The 18-page lawsuit points to a transmission gear-selector design it describes as "defective" as being the cause of numerous driverless rollaway mishaps like the one that killed Yelchin.

Gary Dordick, the attorney representing Yelchin's parents, said Fiat Chrysler had sent a recall letter to the actor that was received seven days after his death.

The undated letter addressed to Yelchin was displayed at the news conference and said "your vehicle may roll away, striking and injuring you, your passengers, or bystanders, if the vehicle's engine is left running, the parking brake is not engaged, and the transmission is not in the "PARK" position before exiting the vehicle."

Dordick said Yelchin had returned to his home on the evening of June 19 to pick up something he had forgotten and exited the car, "believing the vehicle to be in park."

The Russian-born actor, whose parents were both celebrated figure skaters in the former Soviet Union, was best known for playing the young starship navigator Pavel Chekov in the movie reboot of "Star Trek."

"In spite of our unbelievable grief, we decided to come here to prevent other families from the same tragedy," his father, Victor Yelchin, said in tearful remarks to reporters.

His wife, Irina Yelchin, said of her son, "He was very special, but now he's very special because his death might just save some other life."

The automaker said in a statement it had not been served with a lawsuit and declined to comment on it, but expressed its "sympathies to the Yelchin family for their tragic loss."

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has said that the gear selectors in question clearly pose a safety issue that has led to hundreds of crashes and dozens of injuries.

The problem has been tied to at least 68 injuries, 266 crashes and 308 reports of property damage. Yelchin's death marked the first known fatality linked to the issue.

The recall applies to 811,000 vehicles in the United States, covering the 2014-2015 model years of the Jeep Grand Cherokee sport utility vehicle and 2012-2014 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 sedans.

Fiat Chrysler announced in June that it would soon furnish software upgrades to address the problem in all recalled vehicles.


Automakers win reprieve on EU pollution testing

                BRUSSELS: The EU offered Europe’s reeling auto industry a reprieve on Wednesday, agreeing to ease pollution limits for diesel cars despite the fallout from the Volkswagen emissions cheating scandal.

In a move that drew swift condemnation from environmental campaigners, EU member states agreed to ease the limits on nitrogen oxide emissions by 50 percent when measured in real driving conditions, reflecting the clout of the powerful auto industry that employs around 12 million workers in Europe.

“The EU is the first and only region in the world to mandate these robust testing methods. And this is not the end of the story,” said Commissioner Elzbieta Bienkowska, responsible for Internal Market.

The Commission said the new, more realistic tests were a crucial step given that cars out on the road produced emission levels 400 percent higher than in the laboratory.

It was the major differences between the results in laboratory tests compared to ones in real driving conditions that prompted authorities in the US to confront Germany’s Volkswagen, sparking the scandal that has rocked the auto industry.

The probe on Wednesday pushed Volkswagen to book its first quarterly loss in more than 15 years as it set aside huge amounts of money to cover the expected bill from regulators and angry customers.

The new EU tests are meant to be more reliable alternatives to the lab regime but car manufacturers in Europe insist that meeting the new standards will still require a significant grace period.

“The automobile industry is supportive to the fast adoption of a complete real driving emissions (RDE) legislation, so that manufacturers can plan to introduce new RDE-compliant diesel cars by September 2017,” industry group ACEA said in a statement.

“ACEA supports a robust but realistic RDE package that will address the key environmental issues under a two-step approach, as already agreed by the member states,” it added.


88 units of new MINI Countryman Park Lane now available

                KUALA LUMPUR: MINI Malaysia today introduced the MINI Countryman Park Lane, priced at RM253,888. Only 88 units will be produced.

The new MINI Countryman Park Lane lends its name from Park Lane, one the most distinguished addresses in London, at the respected suburb of Mayfair and where a prestigious and legendary MINI showroom is also located. While this is the third time that Park Lane has lent its name to an exclusive edition MINI model since 1987 and 2005, this is, nevertheless, the first time the name has been bestowed on the Countryman.

The car is equipped with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo unit which produces a maximum output of 190hp and torque of 240Nm with an overboost function capability up to 260Nm. The car sprints from 0 to 100kph in just 7.8 seconds at a top speed of 212kph, and has an average fuel consumption of 7.5 litres per 100 km and CO2 emissions rating of 153 grams per kilometre.

The new Countryman Park Lane is suited up with the ALL4 Bodykit in Earl Grey body finish while its roof and exterior mirror caps are covered with a new colour variant of Oak Red.

Oak Red stripes are found on the bonnet, tailgate and lower side section. The side turn indicator surrounds in chrome known as side scuttles also comprise an inlay in Oak Red with an exclusive emblem bearing the inscription “Park Lane”, as do the cockpit surface and door sills.

Wheels are 18-inch light alloys in Turbo Fan Dark Grey design. The Countryman Park Lane sports interior surfaces and down tubes in Cross Stripe Grey while the door bezel and cockpit surfaces in Oxide Grey.

The interior of the new MINI Countryman Park Lane is further enhanced with an Ambient Lighting package, which creates colour highlights throughout the entire door panel in night mode. It is also equipped with a built-in active carbon filter which protects passengers against unpleasant odours from the outside.

The Countryman Park Lane also features the MINI Visual Boost with a 6.5 inch high-resolution colour LCD screen, which now features the new MINI Connected app that is available in iTunes and Google Play Store.

Other new features from MINI Connected include MINI Calendar which syncs smartphone calendar onto the MINI Centre Instrument, MINI Status which shows fuel range, fuel level, last recorded journey as well as directions; and MINI Vital Statistics which shows record of how far the car has been driven as compared to the many other statistics.


New Citroen C1 Furio introduced

                LONDON: Citroën is extending its C1 city car range in Britain with the introduction of a new C1 Furio, offering young drivers an affordable, sporty looking car.

It brings a new sporty style and unique features to the Citroën C1 city car range. Available as a three door hatchback, the new C1 Furio boasts striking exterior styling to appeal to younger drivers seeking a sporty look, but without them having to pay a premium for a more powerful engine. Two 3-cylinder engine options are available: 1.0-litre VTi 68 manual and 1.2-litre PureTech 82 manual.

PureTech is an advanced 3-cylinder petrol engine technology that offers a drive and performance normally associated with much bigger engines but with significantly improved fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. A 1.2-litre PureTech engine offers the power and performance of a 1.6-litre engine, but the efficiency of a smaller engine.

The C1 Furio benefits from the addition of black 15-inch ‘Planet’ alloy wheels, bold exterior graphics, plus Sunrise Red door mirrors and wheel centre caps to provide an eye-catching contrast to the Lipizzan White or Carlinite Grey metallic body colour paint options. A rear diffuser and centred exhaust outlet complete the sporty exterior.

Inside, C1 Furio benefits from the addition of ‘Wave’ grey cloth upholstery and a rev counter. The new C1 Furio joins Citroën’s long line of motor sport inspired small cars, including the 1990s Saxo Furio, plus cars like the AX Sport and C2 ‘by Loeb’.

The smallest Citroen is available to order and is officially on sale from next month.


Ford woos F-150 first-timers with Rattler variant

                DETROIT: Ford today introduced a starter truck it calls the F-150 Rattler.

The F-150 Rattler package is built off the XL series, with FX4 content featuring skid plates to help ensure Built Ford Tough protection for a confident off-road experience, electronic rear-locking differential for enhanced traction, hill descent control for precision throttle and braking on steep descents, and specially tuned off-road shock absorbers for increased stability over tough terrain.

In addition, the F-150 Rattler features rugged all-terrain tyres for versatility and capability.

The F-150 Rattler package features a dual exhaust system that combines aggressive styling with a bold sound, plus painted 18-inch aluminum wheels that add to the truck’s solid stance.

F-150 Rattler badging on the fender vents and rattlesnake-inspired graphics amplify its distinctive appearance.

Onyx seats featuring burnished bronze accents and impeccable stitching match the trim on the instrument panel to create a unique interior in keeping with the desert-inspired theme of the new F-150 Rattler.

Exterior colours include Oxford White, Avalanche, Iconic Silver, Carbonized Gray, Antimatter Blue, Stone Gray, Agate Black and Rapid Red TriCoat (extra cost).

“This truck builds off the F-150 off-road legacy while allowing us to introduce new customers to the right blend of styling and value in the F-150 lineup,” said Ford truck group marketing manager Todd Eckert.

Ford said the F-150 Rattler will go on sale in the US this fall.


First Ducati Diavel 1260 rolls off production line

                BOLOGNA: Ducati's Borgo Panigale plant has begun producing the new Diavel 1260.

The first bike rolled off the line on Jan 21 and, as is the tradition, was greeted by the entire factory with a toast and an official speech by CEO Claudio Domenicali and production manager Silvano Fini.

The success of the new power cruiser, begun with its official debut at EICMA 2018, underscores the high levels of interest and expectation this bike is generating among enthusiasts.

The Diavel 1260 — the second generation of this unique bike — has more assertive lines and higher performance, is more fun on mixed-road routes and even more comfortable for rider and passenger alike.

Its sport naked tone is magnified by a Testastretta DVT 1262 engine that combines rapid acceleration with the smooth low-rev power delivery that's ideal for everyday rides or longer-lasting tours.

The upgraded chassis set-up is said to make the Diavel 1260 agile while top-drawer technology and electronics provide braking performance on a par with that of a superbike (and does so safely, thanks to Bosch Cornering ABS) and user-friendly engine performance control.

Rider and passenger will find the bike comfortable because of an upright riding position, a large, generously padded seat and the 17" inch rear wheel with its 240mm wide tyre — a Diavel hallmark.

The Diavel 1260 is also available as a sportier S version featuring Öhlins suspension, dedicated wheels, an even higher-performing braking system and Ducati Quick Shift up & down Evo as standard.

The Diavel 1260 is available in Sandstone Grey, while the Diavel 1260 S goes on sale in Sandstone Grey or Thrilling Black & Dark Stealth.


Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic hits North America

                NEW YORK: Land Rover has launched its newest model, the 550-hp, standard wheelbase, Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic, with sales of the ultra-luxury SUV in the U.S. starting this month.

After almost five decades of Range Rover history worldwide, Land Rover is showcasing the evolution of its iconic luxury SUV through four generations with a unique animation lasting 120 seconds.

The specially commissioned video marks key dates in the history of the legendary SUV, showing how today’s Range Rover retains many of the design hallmarks established by the 1970 Classic as its latest derivative, the SVAutobiography Dynamic, begins sales in North America and around the world.

Trademark features including its ‘floating’ roof, distinctive clamshell hood, continuous belt line and practical split tailgate all pay homage to the groundbreaking original from 1970.

The Range Rover story begins with the 26 pre-production models, which wore Velar badges in an effort to hide its identity – velare means to ‘veil’ or ‘cover’ in Italian – made up of letters from the ‘Land Rover’ badge that usually adorn the front and rear of a vehicle.

Next comes the timeless Range Rover Classic two-door as the images showcase successive generations, finishing with the most powerful derivative, the 550-hp SVAutobiography Dynamic built by the Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) division.

The last model included in the animation, the SVAutobiography Dynamic, shares its powerful V8 engine with the acclaimed Range Rover Sport SVR.

Specially calibrated to produce more than 678Nm of torque, the engine in the SVAutobiography Dynamic helps accelerate the vehicle from 0-100kph in only 5.1 seconds.

Interior enhancements including diamond quilted leather upholstery with contrast stitching deliver elevated refinement and desirability.

Sales of the latest Range Rover kick off this month, on the eve of the brand’s 30th anniversary in the United States.

Since its launch 48 years ago, Land Rover has sold more than 1,700,000 of its flagship vehicles around the world, earning a reputation as the ultimate luxury all-terrain SUV.

Range Rover is designed, engineered and manufactured in the UK, and exported to more than 170 global markets.

The evolution of the Range Rover is highlighted with 10 iterations spanning almost 50 years, including:

1969     Range Rover Prototype (Velar)
1970     Range Rover Classic (two-door)
1973     Range Rover Classic (Suffix C)
1981     Range Rover Classic (four-door)
1994     Second-generation Range Rover (P38a)
2001     Third-generation Range Rover
2012     Fourth-generation Range Rover
2014     Fourth-generation Range Rover Long Wheelbase
2015     Range Rover SVAutobiography
2016     Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic