New Porsche Cayenne and 911 Targa revealed at Porsche Centre Sungai Besi opening

                KUALA LUMPUR: The new 3S (Sales, Service and Spare-parts) Porsche Centre Sungai Besi (PCSB), located merely a few minutes away from Kuala Lumpur’s central business district, played host to two Porsches - the new Cayenne and 911 Targa.

The new centre, costing RM16mil to build, is operated by Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) - the authorised importer of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia, and is located at 306, Jalan Sungai Besi.

Taking up a total built-up area of 34,703 sq ft, PCSB is touting its latest building as state-of-the-art and has the ability to accommodate up to 10 cars on display.

There are two vehicle delivery bays, nine service bays, and a spacious after sales reception area including two dialogue bays, a Porsche Tequipment accessories section and a dedicated “shop-in-shop” for Porsche Driver’s Selection merchandise.

Within the Porsche shop, customers can purchase exclusive merchandise from clothing to accessories, toy products to car accessories, and even car care solutions.

An added feature to the new facility is the Carrera Lounge – a first for a Porsche Centre in Malaysia, where it will provide a comfortable and modern convenience to the German marque’s clientele.

A Porsche Approved Pre-Owned Car Centre is also located on the first floor and each vehicle carry’s a minimum two years Porsche Approved Pre-Owned Warranty, while offering trade-in programs for Porsche owners during their purchase of the next Porsche.

In addition, the new centre will house a new training facility for the technical team as well as the sales force, who must pass Porsche AG’s global certification program in order to receive the ‘Porsche Certified’ approval.

“At SDAP, we ensure that your vehicles are taken care of by our team of highly skilled employees who are geared towards providing efficient support and customer satisfaction. With this new training facility, I am confident that we will be able to provide just that,” said SDAP chief executive officer Arnt Bayer.

In conjunction with the new centre’s opening, SDAP showcased its new additions to the stable – the latest all-powerful Porsche Cayenne and the seventh generation 911 Targa with a new roof concept featuring a soft top and a rear glass window.

However, prices for these models have yet to be confirmed at this point in time.

The Cayenne comes in five variants, namely the Diesel, S Diesel, S, Turbo and an S E-Hybrid.

The Diesel uses a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 with an output of 260bhp at 4,000rpm and 460Nm of torque from 1,450 to 5,000rpm, while the S Diesel possesses a turbocharged 4.1-litre V8 churning out 381bhp at 3,750rpm and 850Nm of torque from 2,000 to 27,750rpm.

The petrol-powered Cayenne S uses a twinturbo 3.6-litre V6 pumping out 416bhp at 6,000rpm and 550Nm of torque from 1,350 to 4,500rpm, while the Turbo tops the figures at 516bhp at 6,000rpm and 750Nm of torque from 2,250 to 4,000rpm with its twin turbo 4.8-litre V6 engine.

As for the S E-Hybrid, it gets a parallel full-hybrid system with plug-in technology with its 299bhp / 440Nm turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine and a 94bhp / 310Nm electric motor – combined power output lies at 412bhp at 5,500rpm and 590Nm of torque from 1,250 to 4,000rpm.

As for the Targa, it comes in two turbocharged guises – the 4 with its 3.4-litre flat-six engine producing 346bhp and 390Nm, and the range-topping 3.8-litre 4S pushing out 396bhp at 7,400rpm and 440Nm of torque at 5,600rpm.

Also on display was the venerable plug-in hybrid supercar – the Porsche 918 Spyder, which set a record-breaking time of 6mins 57sec at the infamous Nürburgring Nordschleife.

New Porsche Cayenne
Porsche 911 targa 4S
Porsche 918 Spyder


VW burning through €2 billion a week, says CEO

Diess said Volkswagen is not ringing up any sales outside China and needs to rethink production. — Reuters
FRANKFURT: Volkswagen may have to cut jobs if the coronavirus pandemic is not brought under control as the carmaker is still spending about €2 billion (RM9.7bil) a week, chief executive Herbert Diess told German TV channel ZDF.

Diess told the Markus Lanz talkshow that the German company, which employs 671,000 people worldwide, was not making any sales outside China and was looking for ways to resume production elsewhere that wouldn’t endanger its staff.

“We need to rethink production. The discipline which we had in China we do not yet have at our German locations,” he said.

“Only if we, like China, South Korea or other Asian states, get the problem under control then we have a chance to come through the crisis without job losses. It requires a very sharp intervention,” Diess said.

Demand in China is picking up again but production is only at half the level prior to the crisis, he said.

Volkswagen, the world’s biggest automaker by vehicle sales, has 124 factories around the world of which 72 are in Europe, with 28 in Germany alone. It suspended production in Europe earlier this month because of the pandemic.

Volkswagen was working on ways to resume manufacturing with workers maintaining safe distances from one another, including by stepping up hygiene and disinfecting, Diess said.

“We are not making sales or revenues outside of China,” Diess, adding that Volkswagen still had to cover a high level of fixed costs of “around €2 billion a week”, he told ZDF late on Thursday.

The carmaker, which owns the Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Seat and Skoda brands, sold 10.96 million vehicles last year. It also makes Ducati motorbikes as well as MAN and Scania trucks.

In a separate interview with German paper Boersen-Zeitung, Witter said Volkswagen did not see the need to tap state aid to weather the crisis.

Passenger car sales were down 40% in March, Witter told the newspaper, adding that the company was reviewing whether its annual general meeting could take place on May 7.

For now, Volkswagen is sticking to its forecast of paying a dividend but it was looking closely at all investment and spending needs, Witter told Boersen-Zeitung.

A VW spokesman confirmed the remarks made to the papers.


VW reaches US$1bil compensation deal in 3.0-litre diesel case

                WOLFSBURG: Volkswagen has reached a US$1bil agreement with US authorities on a compensation deal for the last 80,000 vehicles affected by its emissions-cheating scandal in the United States, officials said Tuesday.

However, a Justice Department official said a criminal investigation is ongoing, and charges may still be filed against the company - which could bring new penalties.

Nor does the agreement settle the civil lawsuit brought by car owners, which US Judge Charles Breyer said is close to resolution and would involve "substantial compensation."

Another hearing today could provide further details of that case.

The agreement announced Tuesday, which still needs a judicial green light, would apply to 2009-2016 3.0-litre diesel models including Porsche and Audi vehicles equipped with software designed to defeat emissions tests.

The US$1bil amount will cover buyback, repair and cancelled leases for the affected models, as well as US$225 million for a fund to mitigate pollution, Cynthia Giles, a senior official with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), told reporters.

At the end of October, a US court endorsed a record-setting US$15bil compensation deal covering almost half a million 2.0-litre VW diesel cars.

The new agreement "is another important step forward in our efforts to make things right for our customers," a Volkswagen spokesman said in a statement. "We are committed to earning back the trust of all our stakeholders."

Volkswagen has admitted to installing defeat device technology on 11 million cars, including 600,000 in the United States.

The software detects when the car is being tested and turns on required emissions controls, but turns them off during normal driving conditions. This means the cars would emit up to nine times or more above the required limits of pollutants.

US Assistant Attorney General John Cruden called the settlement "another significant step in holding Volkswagen accountable for cheating Americans out of the promise of cleaner air by selling vehicles equipped with defeat devices."

Cruden told reporters in a conference call that the agreement does not cover any criminal or civil cases against VW. No criminal charges have been filed so far, but "there has been criminal investigation going on."

The new agreement, which Breyer must approve by Jan 31, is similar to the previous settlement in that owners of older models - those between 2009 and 2012 and referred to as the generation 1 vehicles - can opt to have cars repurchased or repaired, or cancel their leases at no cost.

Newer models - generation 2 - likely can be brought into compliance with current emission standards, the officials said.

If a fix is approved, that would spare VW from having to buy the cars back from owners.

Giles said VW is expected to propose a fix soon, and the EPA would move to approve it "very promptly."

"Our priority has been to fix ongoing pollution problem," she said. "It appears very possible the newer vehicles can be fixed."

Cruden said VW is required to achieve an 85 percent recall rate for the affected cars, and could face further penalties if it falls short of the target.

VW also is required to put US$225mil into a fund for projects to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx), the pollutant at the heart of the scandal. This is in addition to the US$2.7bil in the fund from the prior settlement.

The mitigation trust fund will be administered by an independent trustee, officials said.

Beneficiaries, which may include states, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia and Indian tribes, may obtain funds for designated NOx reduction projects.

Giles stressed that NOx is a very harmful pollutant that creates smog and soot, and can increase asthma in children.

In a separate settlement with the state of California, the German auto giant agreed to provide at least three new models of electric vehicles for sale in the state - including at least one SUV model - before 2019.

It must add a second electric SUV model by 2020 and keep these electric models on the market through at least 2025.

The company also agreed to pay US$25mil by July 1 to support the use of zero emissions vehicles (ZEVs) in California.


Perodua Aruz upgraded with added features, new colour

                KUALA LUMPUR: Perodua has freshened up the look of the Aruz SUV with new features and a new colour to stay competitive.

Both variants will now feature side steps to ease entry and exit, plus automatic door-locking when the vehicle is travelling above 20kph.

Doors will automatically unlock in the event of a collision.

A new Passion Red body colour - which is exclusively available for the AV variant - joins the existing palette of Granite Grey, Electric Blue, Glittering Silver and Ivory White.

Prices remain unchanged. The X variant is retailing for RM68,526 (on-the-road, before insurance), while the AV variant is going for RM73,226 in Peninsular Malaysia.

Classified as an energy-efficient vehicle, Perodua touts the Aruz as offering space, safety, versatility, durability, practicality and low ownership costs in a compact, seven-seater package.

"With well over 60,000 units sold since its launch in 2019, the Perodua Aruz was the nation's best-selling SUV in 2019 and 2020.

"But, true to the principles of Kaizen, we believe there are always ways we can make our products incrementally better," its president/chief executive officer Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad said in a statement today.


Nissan Test Drive Carnival this weekend

                PETALING JAYA: Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) will be holding a Nissan Test Drive Carnival at ETCM Cheras (Southgate) this weekend (Oct 17  to 18, 2015) from 10am – 10pm .

At the Carnival, visitors will be able to test drive the full line-up of Nissan models, including the world best-selling 100% electric vehicle - Nissan LEAF, and the premium crossover - Nissan X-Trail.

Additionally, there will be fun-filled activities with attractive promotions and giveaways to enjoy.

There will also be Nissan models on display such as the Almera, Teana, Sylphy, X-Trail, Serena S-Hybrid  and the Infiniti Q50.


The electric vehicle boom is pay-dirt for factory machinery makers

                DETROIT: The investment surge by both new and established automakers in the electric vehicle market is a bonanza for factory equipment manufacturers that supply the highly automated picks and shovels for the prospectors in the EV gold rush.

The good times for the makers of robots and other factory equipment reflect the broader recovery in US manufacturing. After falling post-Covid-19 to US$361.8 million in April 2020, new orders surged to almost US$506 million in June, according to the US Census Bureau.

New electric vehicle factories, funded by investors who have snapped up newly public shares in companies such as EV start-up Lucid Group Inc are boosting demand.

"I'm not sure it's reached its climax yet. There's still more to go," Andrew Lloyd, electromobility segment leader at Stellantis-owned supplier Comau, said in an interview. "Over the next 18 to 24 months, there's going to be a significant demand coming our way."

Growth in the EV sector, propelled by the success of Tesla Inc, comes on top of the normal work manufacturing equipment makers do to support production of gasoline-powered vehicles.

Automakers will invest over US$37 billion in North American plants from 2019 to 2025, with 15 of 17 new plants in the United States, according to LMC Automotive. Over 77% of that spending will be directed at SUV or EV projects.

Equipment providers are in no rush to add to their nearly full capacity.

"There's a natural point where we will say 'No'" to new business, said Comau's Lloyd. For just one area of a factory, like a paint shop or a body shop, an automaker can easily spend US$200 million to US$300 million, industry officials said.

'Wild, wild west'

"This industry is the Wild, Wild West right now," John Kacsur, vice president of the automotive and tyre segment for Rockwell
Automation, told Reuters.

"There is a mad race to get these new EV variants to market."

Automakers have signed agreements for suppliers to build equipment for 37 EVs between this year and 2023 in North America, according to industry consultant Laurie Harbour. That excludes all the work being done for gasoline-powered vehicles.

"There's still a pipeline with projects from new EV manufacturers," said Mathias Christen, a spokesman for Durr AG, which specialises in paint shop equipment and saw its EV business surge about 65% last year. "This is why we don't see the peak yet."

Orders received by Kuka AG, a manufacturing automation company owned by China's Midea Group, rose 52% in the first half of 2021 to just under US$2.23 billion - the second-highest level for a 6-month period in the company's history, due to strong demand in North America and Asia.

"We ran out of capacity for any additional work about a year and a half ago," said Mike LaRose, CEO of Kuka's auto group in the Americas. "Everyone's so busy, there's no floor space."

Kuka is building electric vans for General Motors Co at its plant in Michigan to help meet early demand before the No. 1 US automaker replaces equipment in its Ingersoll, Ontario, plant next year to handle the regular work.

Automakers and battery firms need to order many of the robots and other equipment they need 18 months in advance, although Neil Dueweke, vice president of automotive at Fanuc Corp's American operations, said customers want their equipment sooner. He calls that the "Amazon effect" in the industry.

"We built a facility and have like 5,000 robots on shelves stacked 200 feet high, almost as far as the eye can see," said Dueweke, who noted Fanuc America set sales and market share records last year.

Covid-19 has also caused issues and delays for some automakers trying to tool up.

R.J. Scaringe, CEO of EV startup Rivian, said in a letter to customers last month that "everything from facility construction, to equipment installation, to vehicle component supply (especially semiconductors) has been impacted by the pandemic."

However, established, long-time customers like GM and parts supplier and contract manufacturer Magna International said they have not experienced delays in receiving equipment.

Another limiting factor for capacity has been the continuing shortage of labour, industry officials said. To avoid the stress, startups like Fisker Inc have turned to contract manufacturers like Magna and Foxconn, whose buying power enables them to avoid shortages more easily, CEO Henrik Fisker said.

Growing demand, however, does not mean these equipment makers are rushing to expand capacity.

Having lived through downturns in which they were forced to make cuts, equipment suppliers want to make do with what they have, or in Comau's case, just add short-term capacity, according to Lloyd.

"Everybody's afraid they're going to get hammered," said Mike Tracy, a principal at consulting firm the Agile Group. "They just don't have the reserve capacity they used to have."


Self-driving Range Rover runs autonomous rings round Coventry

                LONDON: A Range Rover Sport has completed the first ever self-driving lap of one of the UK’s most challenging road layouts. A prototype self-driving Range Rover Sport handled the complex Coventry Ring Road, successfully changing lanes, merging with traffic and exiting junctions at the speed limit of 64kph.

The trial is part of the £20 million (RM109mil) government-funded project, UK Autodrive, which ends this month after a three-year programme. Jaguar Land Rover engineers have completed significant self-driving technology testing on closed tracks before heading onto public roads in Milton Keynes and Coventry.

The Range Rover Sport chosen for its performance and existing features, such as Adaptive Cruise Control, has been modified to include additional navigation sensors, RADAR and LIDAR. Coupled with the UK Autodrive research, the vehicle can now autonomously handle roundabouts, traffic lights, pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles on complicated roads. It can also park itself.

“The Coventry Ring Road is known for its complicated slip roads and exits. It makes for very challenging conditions, especially when under pressure in the rush hour," said Jaguar Land Rover autonomous vehicle research manager Mark Cund.

“Our self-driving car is not impacted by the same pressure, frustrations or fatigue that a driver may experience and so it’s capable of turning a potentially very stressful situation into a completely stress-free one.”

Jaguar Land Rover engineers have also developed connected features as part of UK Autodrive. The safety-enhancing and emission reducing technology use the Internet to connect vehicles to each other and to infrastructure such as traffic lights.

UK Autodrive has helped accelerate the development of Jaguar Land Rover’s future self-driving and connected technology.

As well as strengthening the Midlands’ position as a hub of mobility innovation. Britain’s biggest car maker, headquartered in Coventry, is working on fully-and semi-automated vehicle technologies to offer the choice of an engaged or automated drive.


Dubai hypercar maker W Motors seeks US$100mil to go electric

Debbas (sixth from right) posing with company CEOS from around the world in the presence of the Fenyr Supersport.
DUBAI: The maker of a US$3.4 million (RM14mil) hypercar that can hit speeds of over 400kph has sensed the time is right to target a wider audience by going electric.

Dubai-based luxury carmaker W Motors has hired investment bank Guggenheim Partners to help raise as much as US$100 million (RM416mil) to back expansion and its push into electric vehicles, founder Ralph Debbas said in an interview.

The 33-year-old’s overarching goal is to develop a homegrown car industry in a region that relies on imports. The new funds will go toward a new factory here, building inventory, and research and development.

"The ultimate goal since the beginning was to create a complete industry when it comes to automotive and future mobility,” said Debbas. "Now is the time to actually develop these things in house and spread them on a global level.”

The jewel in Debbas’s crown is the Lykan Hypersport, a sleek, angular supercar with a flat 6-cylinder, 780-horsepower engine and titanium headlights encrusted with 440 diamonds. Only seven of the vehicles exist, and the car made an explosive appearance in the seventh Fast & Furious movie when the hero played by Vin Diesel used it to jump from one Abu Dhabi skyscraper into another.

W Motors has since developed a more accessible version of the Lykan — the Fenyr SuperSport —named after a wolf in Norse mythology, and priced at US$1.6 million (RM6.7mil). Of the first 10 that were made, half of the launch editions were bought by Tetsumi Shinchi, the chairman of Japan’s Shibaura Group, spanning solar power and real-estate.

Moving with the times, the company is now looking at an electric version that will go on sale starting at US$600,000 (RM2.5mil). Debbas’s goal is to deliver 500 of those in the next 4 to 5 years.

"Now is the right time for us to invest,” said Debbas. "If we wait another two to three years, it will be too late.”

W Motors, owned by Debbas and other Middle Eastern investors, is looking to break into a market where Porsche has already introduced an electric model, with others to follow. Aston Martin had to put off the launch of its all-electric Lagonda marque, due in 2022, for three years due to limited finances.

W Motors’ Lebanese entrepreneur wants to attract international backers, as well as regional sovereign wealth funds.

Work recently started on the factory here that will replace an Italian facility where the cars are currently made. The company is also working on delivering more police cars to the Dubai force.


Sweet treasure from the home of Rolls-Royce

                LONDON: While car manufacturing has been temporarily suspended at the home of Rolls-Royce, the production of the world’s most exclusive honey continues in full swing.

In their third full season of production, the dedicated 250,000-strong workforce in the company’s Apiary are set, once again, to exceed their 2020 volume targets for the "Rolls-Royce of Honey".

Having come through the winter in excellent health, Rolls-Royce’s English Honey Bees are currently emerging from their hives and foraging on the half-a-million trees, shrubs and wildflowers flourishing across the 42-acre Rolls‑Royce site, plus the eight acres of sedum plants growing on the manufacturing plant’s ‘living roof’ – the largest of its kind in the UK.

The more adventurous bees make sorties into the surrounding Goodwood Estate, whose 12,000 acres of West Sussex countryside are among the glories of the South Downs National Park.

Established in 2017, the Goodwood Apiary comprises six traditional, English-crafted, wooden beehives, each bearing a polished stainless steel nameplate handcrafted in the company’s Bespoke Workshop.

Five are named after cars in the Rolls-Royce product family – ‘Phantom’, ‘Wraith’, ‘Ghost’, ‘Dawn’ and ‘Cullinan’ – while the sixth, the ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’, celebrates the marque’s illustrious mascot.

The Apiary project is Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ response to the real and present threat facing Britain’s Honey Bee population.

Honey Bees are the principal pollinators of numerous tree and plant species, including many of the fruit and vegetable crops that are crucial to the local agricultural economy around the Home of Rolls-Royce.

However, a shortage of suitable forage, primarily caused by habitat loss, has put their numbers under great and growing pressure in recent years.

The South Downs National Park, on the doorstep of the Home of Rolls-Royce, mirrors this national trend.

Chalk downland, which supports pollinators including honey bees, bumblebees and the Adonis blue butterfly, now accounts for just four per cent of the National Park’s total area, in fragmented pockets that make it harder for pollinators to move through the landscape.

“The Apiary further underlines our commitment to the environment, which informs everything we do at Goodwood,” says Richard Carter, director of global communications at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “Our sustainable buildings, thermal ponds, rainwater management systems and wildfowl refuge have already made the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood one of the UK’s most eco-friendly manufacturing facilities.

Through this project, which taps into the biodiversity of our site, including our huge living roof, we’re making an important contribution to conserving Britain’s vital bee population.”


Stats show global road accidents up but deaths down

                SEATTLE: Road accidents have become more frequent but less deadly over the last 30 years as developing nations transition to more stable economies, according to a global injury and death analysis released Thursday.

In 2017, the latest year for which complete data is available, 54 million people were injured in crashes, leading to 1.2 million deaths, said the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), which releases annual assessments of causes of death and injury.

IHME was set up in 2007 by Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates and his wife, Melinda.

It found that those most likely to be injured in collisions were men aged 25-29, and that accident rates among that demographic were twice as common as among women of the same age.

While the global likelihood of being killed in a car crash has decreased since 1990, in five countries -- Central African Republic, Jamaica, Somalia, Swaziland and the United Arab Emirates -- the risk of death has increased.

Spencer James, senior author of the IHME study, said a number of factors, including vehicle and road safety, as well as proper enforcement of speeding, seatbelt and alcohol laws, contributed to the lower mortality rates.

"It's encouraging to find improvements globally in road injury mortality over the past three decades, though there is still considerable progress to be made since road injuries should be considered preventable," he said.

The global rate of road injuries for all age groups increased more than 15 percent between 1990-2017.

The probability of dying from a road injury is highest in Haiti (15.6 percent injured in collisions), CAR (10.4 percent) and El Salvador (7.3 percent), the IHME data showed.

China ranked the highest globally for total number of road deaths in 2017 with more than 261,000. Per capita road deaths were relatively low, however.

The data was published in the journal BMJ Injury Prevention.


Renault Megane convertible doubles up as pipe lugger

                ZAGREB: The carriage of long objects in the way this Renault Megane convertible is doing as shown in this dashcam video is illegal and dangerous by any country's standards.

Nevertheless, the driver of this second generation Megane hardtop convertible took a risk and did it any way, hoping he wouldn't be stopped by the traffic police in Craiova, Romania's sixth largest city.

We don't know what was going on in the Renault driver's mind but what was even more puzzling was he decided to take on the task of hauling the five PVC plumbing pipes in rainy weather with the top opened.  Hello! Water and a car's cabin do not mix.

The pipes were secured and were not rolling around in the car. But it doesn't take a genius to see the folly of carrying pipes in a vehicle that's not designed for it. The driver and his load are a danger to himself and other road users in an accident or in situations of hard braking.

The Renault driver was filmed by the car driver following behind for more than 5 minutes, with the video being picked up and aired over Romania's biggest news channel.

It should be easy to trace the car owner if Croatian police decide to act on this piece of evidence - the car's licence plate number is clearly visible.


RM1bil needed to compensate toll concessionaires, says minister

                KUALA LUMPUR: The government would need to fork out at least RM1bil in compensation to toll concessionaires if the toll rates are not increased later this year.

Speaking to reporters at the parliament lobby, Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the government would need over RM1bil as opposed to the RM500mil set aside at the moment.

He explained that this was the amount needed to compensate eight concessionaires of 30 highways if the toll rates were not increased.

Fadillah however did not clarify as to whether or not there will be an increase in the toll rates.

"Wait for the legislation, we are still negotiating the matter," he said.

He added that the concessionaires called for an increase as they had a lot of maintenance work to do.

"They have to maintain and service the road, they also have to upgrade the staff in their departments,” said Fadillah.

"That is why we have to balance all aspects and that depends on the Government’s income," he said

In December, Fadillah had said that the breakdown of payments was RM214 for the North-South Highway, RM8.24mil for the Second Link Expressway and RM79.44mil for the Elite Highway.

Fadillah had said at the time that other payments included RM3.11mil for the Butterworth Kulim Expressway, RM1.95mil for the Seremban Port Dickson Highway, RM92.8mil for the KESAS Highway, RM7.8mil for the North Klang Straits Bypass and RM185.9mil for the LDP.

This amounted to RM597.24mil, which exceeded the amount set aside by the government for compensating toll concessionaires.


Polestar partners with Geely's Meizu to build Chinese operating system

                GOTHENBURG: Swedish electric vehicle (EV) maker Polestar said today it had formed a joint venture with Xingji Meizu to build an operating system for Polestar cars sold in China that will offer the latest smart technologies in its vehicles.

The venture represents a further push by the Geely group to adapt cars specifically for Chinese consumers.

Meizu is owned by Geely chairman Li Shufu, who is also one of Polestar's largest investors and controls its largest shareholder, Volvo Cars.

Polestar, which currently makes all of its cars in China, said the new operating system would be based on Xingji Meizu's Flyme Auto system which it launched earlier this year, and would link up with in-car apps and customers' mobile phones.

The Swedish group said it would own 49% of the JV and Xingji Meizu 51%, providing US$98 million and US$102 million in funding respectively.

Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath said he expected the new software to be quickly integrated into its vehicles, while the Google Auto system available in cars sold outside China would remain unchanged.

Xingji Meizu has grown over the last decade in its attempt to become a Chinese rival to Android, but holds a marginal market share.

Traditional carmakers have come under pressure from Chinese EV makers offering lower prices and smart consumer-facing technologies.

"We definitely struggle in being competitive in that environment," Ingenlath said, adding that partnering with a company closely related to its own owner would be a positive step.

Ingenlath said this enabled US-listed Polestar to use practically in-house software and cater directly to Chinese buyers' tastes

"This brings us in a completely different position, and puts us on the same level as, if not even ahead of, our Chinese EV competitors," he said.


Four held over transfer of vehicle ownership using false documents

                SEREMBAN: Police arrested three men and a women, aged between 34 and 39, to facilitate investigation over the transfer of vehicle ownership of vehicles allegedly using false documents.

Negeri Sembilan deputy police chief SAC Che Zakaria Othman said the four suspects were arrested at the Road Transport Department (JPJ) office in Seremban and Jalan Sungai Alai, Melaka, last Sept 30 and yesterday.

He said they were arrested following two police reports lodged by JPJ officers here and in Kuala Pilah, on Sept 29 and Sept 30, respectively, who suspected the documents that were submitted to them for transfer of vehicle ownership were forged ones.

Following which, he said the police had opened two investigation papers on the case, he said, adding that the suspects, included two brothers, while the woman is the wife of one of the suspects.

Che Zakaria said the arrest of the suspects led the police to a house in Melaka, where various items, including documents, such as vehicle grants, vehicle registration number plates and stamps were seized.

Also seized were a Perodua Bezza car and 14 motorcycles, he told a media conference at the Negri Sembilan police contingent headquarters here today.


Car wash services can reopen in Phase 2

                PUTRAJAYA: Manual, semi-automated and automated car wash services licensed by the local authorities, as well as morning markets and farmers' markets, are allowed to operate in states in Phase Two of the Movement Control under the National Recovery Plan.

The Housing and Local Government Ministry said that these services did not need to get permission to operate through the Covid-19 Intelligent Management System, maintained by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, instead, it was enough to show a business licence issued by the local authorities.

"If their business location involves interdistrict or interstate travel, (then) they need to obtain police permission by submitting a business licence or hawker permit issued by the relevant councils,” the Housing and Local Government Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

Perlis, Perak, Penang, Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang have already entered Phase Two.

For vehicle washing services, the Housing and Local Government Ministry said that cleaning work allowed would cover the vehicle's exterior and interior, engine, and polishing and waxing as well as antibacterial treatment and insect repellent services in the vehicle.

The public can refer to the Housing and Local Government Ministry website at https://www.kpkt.gov.my to download the Vehicle Washing Service SOPs and the Morning Market and Farmers' Market SOPs.


BMW Malaysia's Elite M Card for more benefits

                KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Malaysia has introduced the BMW Elite M Card for owners of BMW M Performance cars.

This gives exclusive M-specific benefits such aslocal and regional M Track events at exclusive prices, as well as extra discounts for BMW Driver Training events and BMW lifestyle merchandise.

Also, cardholders will be given priority service appointments and Reception at the Car (RATC) at all BMW M Service Outlets and BMW M Dealerships, loyalty discounts for repeat BMW M customers as well as a dedicated page within the BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App.

BMW M owners will still have complete access to all the features previously enjoyed with their BMW Privileges Card that includes:

BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Program
BMW 2-Year / 24-Month Tyre Warranty Program for its Run Flat Tyre offering and services
BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline
The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App - BMW White Card and BMW Excellence Club membership program
BMW Service Online

“Combining our passion for high performance and our priority to our customers, it is only apt to provide BMW M owners with M-specific ownership privileges as exceptional as their cars," said Harald Hoelzl, managing director of BMW Group Malaysia.


Hyundai i30 N Performance hatch sold only on Lazada for RM298,888

                KUALA LUMPUR: Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) launched the Hyundai i30 N Performance 5-door hot hatch, Priced at RM298,888 (on-the-road without insurance) which will officially go on sale exclusively on Lazada Malaysia during its 12.12 Grand Year End Sale next month.

Limited to only 20 units, the i30 N will be available for pre-order from Dec 2 through Lazada’s Chup Dulu pre-order feature which enables shoppers to enjoy exclusive deals and unbeatable prices on selected items by paying a deposit via the Lazada app to reserve the items.

The full booking fee is RM2,000 and from Dec 2 to Dec 11, 2019, shoppers can book their Hyundai i30 N Performance by paying RM1,000 via the Lazada app which is 50% of the booking fee. Simply check-out and pay the balance of RM1,000 from Dec 12 to 14 to secure it.

The deposit is non-refundable if the full booking fee payment is not completed.

Buyers will then be contacted by a Hyundai representative to proceed to purchase their vehicle at their preferred Hyundai showroom.

The 20 shoppers who successfully complete payment of the full booking fee (RM2,000) and receive loan approval for their vehicle will be treated to a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Korea for an exclusive track day experience.

Powered by a 2.0L T-GDI turbocharged petrol engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission which produces 275PS and 353Nm of torque. 0-100kph takes only 6.1 seconds.

“We are offering the i30 N at a special price in conjunction with Lazada’s 12.12 Grand Year End Sale and we
hope car enthusiasts will grab this opportunity to own the limited-edition unit which comes with serially
numbered metal plates.

"It is the first time Malaysian car enthusiasts will have the opportunity to own the first of Hyundai’s famed high performance car lineup and we think it is fitting to make such an exceptional car available on a special platform,” said Managing Director of HSDM, Low Yuan Lung.

Also present were Datuk Aishah Ahmad, President of Malaysia Automotive Association (MAA); Luca Suino, Director of Motors in Lazada and Andrew Basham, Managing Director of Sime Darby Motors Division.

The N Performance comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, Red Brake Caliper with N logo, driver and front passenger seat with electric adjustments and faux suede and leather seat trim.

With five drive modes to choose from: Eco, Normal, Sport, N and N Custom settings, drivers can switch the personality of the car with just a push of a button.

As such, the front-wheel drive i30 N Performance is suitable for everyday use and doubles up as a high-performance race track machine.

Additionally, the driver can select the rev-matching button on the steering wheel as well as Launch Control.

Safety features include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Driver Attention Alert (DAA), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) and seven airbags among others.

The i30 N is entitled to a five-year or 300,000km warranty (whichever comes first). It is available for viewing at Sime Darby Auto Hyundai Old Klang Road, Kuala Lumpur.

For more information, call Hyundai’s Customer Careline at 1-300-13-2000.


April 26-May 2: Yep! You guessed right. Fuel prices unchanged

PETALING JAYA: Fuel prices remain unchanged across the board from April 26-May 2.

To recap, RON95 petrol will retail at RM2.20 per litre, while RON97 will retail at RM2.47 per litre, and diesel priced at RM2.18 per litre.

This will be the fifth week that fuel prices have seen no movement.

The weekly fuel pricing mechanism came into effect in April last year and the prices of petrol and diesel have been placed on a managed monthly float system since Dec 1, 2014 following the removal of fuel subsidies.


2020 Bangkok Motor Show to proceed on July 15-26

                BANGKOK: The 41st Bangkok International Motor Show will be held from July 15 till 26, 2020 at Challenger Hall, IMPACT Maung Thong Thani.

Opening hours are from noon till 10pm on weekdays, and 11am till 10pm on weekends and public holidays. The ticket price is 100 baht (around RM14).

The motor show was originally scheduled to take place from March 25 to April 5, but had to be postponed because of the Covid-19  outbreak.

The motor show's organiser, Grand Prix International Public Company Limited, said  the event would observe sanitisation and hygiene measures, and conform with government health regulations.

“The 41st Bangkok International Motor Show is organised under the theme Inspiration Unlocks The Future which reflects the current world where countless ideas are created to unfold a story of success, and inspiration is discovered to take the first step to pave the road to success,” said Grand Prix International CEO and the motor show's chairman Dr Prachin Eamlumnow.

The motor show would be held on over 170,000 square metres of space.

The automotive brands attending the motor show include Ford, BMW, MINI, SUZUKI, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, Maserati, Mazda, Nissan, Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Audi, MG, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Porsche, Volvo, Land Rover, Jaguar, Kia, FOMM, Lamborghini, Subaru, Hyundai Truck& Bus, Takano, Royal Enfield, BMW Motorrad, Vespiario, A.P.Honda, Thai Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha, BAJAJ, KTM, Husquavana, and Triumph.

Jaturont Komolmis, chief operating officer of Grand Prix International and vice chairman of the motor show said visitors need to wear face masks at all times, and clean their hands with alcohol sprays before getting into exhibited cars.

“IMPACT Muang Thong Thani as the venue owner has specified strict measures in line with the government regulations by arranging the scanning points for the Thai Chana application and the body temperature check, and purchasing the Germ Saber UVC; the ultraviolet sterilization robot for the additional venue cleaning. Also, Grand Prix International Public Company Limited as the organizer strengthens the confidence of visitors by setting up another screening point before entering the exhibition hall, employing an eye temperature scanner, which is accurate and meets the international standard, used in the airports of various countries across the world,” said Jaturont.

Jaturont also pointed out that the main gangway width is increased from 6m to 10m, and the alley between each booth is increased from 3m to 6m.

Also, the loading area behind the Challenger 2 hall would have a capacity of 3,000 to 5,000 seats to accommodate customers in closing a deal, and to handle various transactions and business talk.

Grand Prix International would also hold a virtual motor show that simulates the atmosphere of the 41st Bangkok International Motor Show.

It also features an e-Catalogue that comes together with a chat system for communicating interactively with the sales staff, for those who want to buy a car and receive the same promotions as in the motor show.

This is the first time that Thailand has a virtual motor show organised in parallel with the real show.


Driving into Manhattan is about to get even more expensive

                NEW YORK: New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority is one step closer to rolling out a congestion pricing plan that would charge some motorists as much as US$23 (RM103) to enter Manhattan’s central business district.

The tolling scenarios for the plan, a first for a US city, were outlined in an Environmental Assessment report released Wednesday by the Federal Highway Administration, New York State Department of Transportation, MTA Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority and New York City Department of Transportation.

The new fees are projected to bring in US$1 billion (RM4.4bil) in revenue a year.

During official peak hours, tolls could be as much as US$23 and US$17 (RM76) during off-peak times for E-ZPass holders, according to documents reviewed by Bloomberg.

The report said that different rates would apply for vehicles without an E-ZPass.

For drivers travelling from Princeton, New Jersey to the Manhattan district, the average round trip auto cost would be US$120 (RM534) with the additional toll, according to the report.

Motorists coming from Dutchess/Putnam Counties in New York, would be charged a total average of US$111 (RM494).

The new tolls could go into effect as soon as the end of 2023.

The assessment predicts that traffic in the district could drop by as much as 9% and use across the entire public transit systems could potentially increase by as much as 2%.

The MTA, a state agency that runs the city’s subways, buses and commuter rails, is facing a financial crisis.

It plans to bond against the new revenue to raise $15 billion to support its $51.5 billion multiyear capital plan.

"The tremendous detail included in this assessment makes clear the widespread benefits that would result from central business district tolling,” MTA chair and CEO Janno Lieber said in a statement.

"Bottom line: this is good for the environment, good for public transit and good for New York and the region.”

Motorists without an E-ZPass will be charged the most under the plan because they are not eligible for any credits, exemptions or discounts.

Then it depends on where you’re travelling from and the time of day.

For instance, during peak hours motorists with an E-ZPass crossing a Port Authority of New York and New Jersey facility would pay the usual US$13.75 (RM61) toll but not the full US$23 proposed congestion pricing toll when entering the Manhattan district because they will get a credit.

Primary residents of the Manhattan central business district, which is south of 60th Street, and New York State residents with adjusted gross income of less than US$60,000 (RM267,000) would be eligible for a state tax credit equal to the amount of the new tolls, paid during the taxable year.

The plan will likely put pressure on an already crowded public transit system and increase traffic in other streets, highways and tunnels.

Driving into Manhattan has rebounded since the depths of the pandemic.

Crossings on MTA’s seven bridges and two tunnels have been near or even exceeded pre-pandemic levels for more than a year, on average.

Meanwhile, the MTA has seen weekday subway ridership plateau at about 60% of pre-pandemic levels as many office workers have settled into working from home.

Prior to the pandemic, farebox ticket sales and tolls covered half of the agency’s operating costs.

That ratio is now down to about 30%, MTA data show. That gap means the agency faces a US$2.6 billion (RM11.6bil) operating shortfall in 2025.

Now that the report has been published, project partners will collect public comment through Sept 9, according to a senior MTA official.

The MTA will hold a series of public hearings from Aug 25 through Aug 31.

After public review, the federal government could step in with more questions.

If approved by the government, the MTA’s Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority board would then adopt a final toll structure, including rates and any crossing credits, discounts and exemptions.


Experts have ideas on how to curb Mat Rempit menace

                GEORGE TOWN: Besides implementing heavier penalties to curb the Mat Rempit menace, the government also needs to carry out awareness programmes to educate the younger generation, says criminologist Datuk Dr P. Sundramoorthy.

The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) lecturer said youths must be raised to become responsible drivers and instilled with good values and ethics from a young age.

“They have to be educated to value other people’s lives, drive safely, and not cause harm to themselves or others.

“To deal with the illegal street racer problem, there are many aspects, and human behaviour is one of them. We need to look beyond traffic rules and regulations and the road transport law,” he added.

Sundramoorthy said teaching them while they are young would be part of a long-term solution.

“We need a more holistic approach besides just passing their theory test and heading straight to the practical test.

“One of the possible solutions is to have a driver education programme as part of the school syllabus. It can be incorporated into curriculum programmes.

“Long-term education is always better than short-term memorising,” he added.

Sundramoorthy said besides the mandatory fines, traffic offenders can be asked to perform community service.

“By doing so, they might understand the consequences of their actions, which might be causing harm, injury and death to others besides themselves,” he said.

USM psychology expert Dr Chooi Weng Tink said more healthy activities should be held in the community for youths to get involved in.

READ MORE: Authorities to come down hard on Mat Rempit

“When youths understand sportsmanship, responsibility, and discipline, they will find the thrill in illegal activities is not as appealing,” she said.

Malaysian Association of Driving Institutes president Mat Aris Bakar said the government should consider revoking the driving licences of those involved in illegal street racing.

“It could prove a better deterrent than imposing heavier penalties on them.

“Illegal street racing is causing a lot of social problems, including the loss of innocent lives.

“The driving licence is a privilege and not a human right.

“The issuance of driving licences to road users is to make life easier, and not to cause the loss of lives and other social issues.

“Those who do not put their licences to good use should have them revoked immediately,” he said when contacted.

In this, Sundramoorthy agrees, saying that having a driving licence is a privilege and not a constitutional right.

“If you can’t drive safely on the road, then you don’t deserve to be on the road,” he added.

Mat Aris noted that under the new Road Transport (Amendment) Act 2020, those driving under the influence might have their licence revoked for two years or more.

“This approach can be used on those involved in street racing.

“Without a valid licence, they will not be able to drive or ride.

“They might think twice before committing such a dangerous act on the road,” he said.

Transport Ministry secretary-general Datuk Isham Ishak had said earlier yesterday that heavier penalties would be imposed on illegal street racers.

He said under proposed amendments to Section 42 of the Road Transport Act 1987, spectators watching by the roadside, workshop operators who modify the machines for racing purposes, and parents of underage racers will also not be spared.

Ikatan Silaturahim Brotherhood founder Azlan Sani Zawawi lauded the Transport Ministry’s move, believing that heavier penalties would help curb the problem.

However, Azlan Sani, better known as Lando Zawawi, admitted that it would take time for the law to have an effect.

“We hope that similar penalties will be imposed on those driving supercars too.

“This will definitely take time, but slowly and surely, the problem will be resolved with heavier penalties.

“Through these punishments, the government will send the message to these traffic offenders and hopefully, it will stop them from taking part in these dangerous activities.

“Besides, suspending their driving licence would work as a short-term solution,” he said.

Ikatan Silaturahim Brotherhood is a grassroots group set up in 2007. It helps to fix potholes and raise awareness about road maintenance issues.

Azlan Sani added that parents also play an important role in curbing this problem.

“It starts from home and parents should keep a close watch on their children.

“They should know their children’s whereabouts and the friends they mix with.

“They should also get to know the social media content that their children look at as there are some so-called influencers who are promoting Mat Rempit activity online,” he said.

Alliance for Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said illegal racing has been an ongoing problem and despite frequent police operations, racers were still performing this dangerous act.

He said racers might hesitate a moment before riding at top speed due to the heavy penalties, but it would not stop them from doing so.

“Some of them might look for other ways to get money to pay the fines and this might cause other social problems,” said Lee.

He said confiscating their machines or vehicles would be a better option.

“Those who race illegally could have their vehicles or machines taken away and they will be left with nothing to race with anymore,” he added.

Lee said the police were actually putting their lives at risk while carrying out operations to weed out these activities.

“I believe the racers love the thrill and adrenaline rush, so driving and riding recklessly might satisfy them.

“However, these irresponsible acts are a danger to other road users,” he said.


Would you pay RM2.6mil for a parking bay? Someone in HK just did

An incredulous price to pay for a parking bay. - SCMP photo
HONG KONG: The car parking space of a luxury apartment at the Mid-Levels on Hong Kong island sold for HK$4.8mil (RM2.6mil) on Thursday, setting a record for the city’s most expensive lot.

The sale of the 135-square feet space at 55 Conduit Road was a confirmor deal, where properties are resold before the original transaction had been completed, according to documents filed at Hong Kong’s Land Registry.

The original owner, who hailed from mainland China, bought a unit in the apartment complex together with the parking space for HK$56mil (RM30.3mil) last month. He sold the lot this week to another resident, who already owns a parking space.

In May 2014, a space at 39 Conduit Road sold for HK$4.24 million.

The sale burnishes Conduit Road’s reputation as quite possibly the most expensive place to leave a vehicle in Hong Kong. On Saturday, Phoenix Property Investors released 54 parking lots at The Morgan apartments at 31 Conduit Road for sale at between HK$3.28mil (RM1.77mil) and HK$4.38mil (RM2.37mil) each.

“Investment interest in the sector is growing as the number of parking lots are declining especially in Mid-Levels,” said Louis Chan, managing director at Centaline Property Agency’s residential department.

It’s more expensive to park a vehicle at the Mid-Levels than it is to accommodate a household in Sha Tin north of the island across Victoria Harbour, where a 327 square feet flat costs HK$4.3mil (RM2.3mil).

Prices of parking lots are following the explosive surge in the value of apartments in Hong Kong, because the island just doesn’t have enough space to meet the demand of wealthy households that typically own more than one vehicle.

“Residents at super luxury properties own more than one car,” Chan said. “They have to buy an additional parking lot in the secondary market at higher prices.”

As many as 1,574 parking lots valued at a combined HK$2.61bil (RM1.4bil) changed hands in the three months through September, according to data by Centaline Property Agency, the highest number of transactions since the last quarter of 2015.

55 Conduit Road, developed by Chinese Estates Holdings Ltd., comprises 35 luxury apartment units of between 1,500 square feet and 2,700 square feet, each valued at between HK$50mil (RM27mil) and HK$360mil (RM195mil). The complex has 38 private parking spaces which are restricted to being owned by residents.

“The value of car parking spaces will increase as home prices soar,” said Wong Leung-sing, associate director of research at Centaline Property Agency.

The average price of a car park has risen 204 per cent between 2005 and 2015, tracking the 233 per cent increase of apartment prices in the same period, according to Dorothy Chow, regional director of valuation advisory service at JLL.

“The average price of a car parking space rose from about HK$397,000 (RM215,000) in 2005 to HK$1.2 million last year,” she said. – South China Morning Post


Hardcore traffic offenders face arrest

                KUALA LUMPUR: Police will be going after hundreds of thousands of hardcore traffic offenders when they kick off Ops Warta next month.

Bukit Aman traffic chief Senior Asst Comm Datuk Mohd Fuad Abdul Latiff said they had not forgotten about those traffic offenders who had outstanding warrants of arrest.

“To date, 2.49 million of the 4.09 million warrants of arrests have already been settled.

“Now we are looking at the remaining 39% (1.59 million),” he said at Bukit Aman yesterday.

In 2008, traffic police had embarked on a door-to-door operation to serve warrants of arrest to traffic offenders under Ops Warta.

In 2013, police targeted over 251,000 errant motorists, heavy vehicle drivers and motorcyclists in the first stage of Ops Cantas Trafik.

Notices were sent out to the offenders, warning them that warrants of arrest have been issued against them.

Bukit Aman had also worked together with the EPF (Employees Provident Fund) and National Registration Department to track down the addresses of these traffic offenders.

SAC Mohd Fuad said multiple warnings have already been given over the past two years, but these remaining offenders were stubborn and had refused to settle their summonses.

He also warned that although police had toned down their operations, this did not mean that those with outstanding warrants would get away scot-free.

“If you are stopped at a road block and we find out that you have an outstanding warrant, we will take action.

“There are many ways of checking for outstanding summonses so do not expect us to let you off easily,” he said.

He explained that vehicle users could check if they had outstanding summonses through www.myeg.com.my and www.rilek.com.my.

“You can also check at any traffic police counter, post office and Maybank ATM and at selected shopping malls and Road Transport Department branches,” he said.

SAC Mohd Fuad added that the operations would kick off some time next month.

“Don’t be surprised if you are stopped at a roadblock next month and are placed under arrest,” he said.

SAC Mohd Fuad said in the first three months of this year, police had issued 880,914 summonses.

“From these summonses, 9,119 were for misuse of the emergency lane while 69,629 summonses were for cutting the queue.

“From these numbers, I can gather that our motorists have not changed their attitude,” he said, adding that they should try to be more law abiding and courteous.

It was reported last year that police would not entertain excuses from the usual plea of ignorance to claims of having no money to pay their summonses.


Amazon-backed firm to help power its trucking fleet with electrofuels

                SACRAMENTO: Amazon.com-backed Infinium said on Tuesday it will supply low-carbon electrofuels for the e-commerce giant's trucking fleet starting next year.

Infinium's supply of electrofuels — a fossil-based fuel alternative created with carbon waste and renewable power — will reduce Amazon's carbon emissions for roughly 5 million miles of travel per year, it said.

The tech giant said it plans to initially use the electrofuels in trucks in its middle-mile fleet in Southern California.

The agreement comes after Amazon last month signed a deal with Plug Power Inc for 10,950 tons of green hydrogen every year starting 2025, to help it replace grey hydrogen, diesel, and other fossil fuels.

Amazon invested in Infinium, a renewable electrofuels solution provider, in 2021.

It was a part of Amazon's Climate Pledge Fund — a US$2 billion investment program launched in 2020 to invest in companies to help reduce the impact of climate change and support sustainable development.


Smells, scratches and stains: Tips for sprucing up a grubby car

                HAMBURG: To restore the car to its former glory and get it spick and span for the road, there are a few things you need to pay attention to.

Ulrich Koester from the German motor trader’s organisation ZDK said a thorough clean-up should also include an underbody wash.

Before driving a car through the regular car wash it is a good idea to douse it down with a high-pressure hose. Most petrol stations with a car wash facility will have one. For a few coins you can wash off the worst of the crud before the brushes in the car wash start grinding particles into the paintwork.

Once the car is clean it is time to check for blemishes and paint chips, especially on the bonnet and front wings. Any damage to the windscreen should prompt a visit to a specialized workshop where minor cracks can be removed fairly cheaply thanks a variety of smart techniques.

Using a touch-up stick or tin of paint, you can remove the little flakes, dings and scratches within the space of a few minutes before rust sets in. For those who feel uncertain about tackling these eyesores, there are plenty of paint shops that will do the shop.

Stains and uneven sections of paintwork can be treated with a paint restorer. These are lightly abrasive and remove the damaged paint particles, allowing the surface underneath to be polished to its usual sheen.

Crud has a way of getting into every crevice and tricky areas to watch are the drainage channels around the windscreen and side windows. If these become clogged by debris, rust may set in. Use a piece of wooden dowel or a small brush to loosen the dirt. In severe cases water may run into the interior foot-wells, wetting the carpets and even causing mould.

Checking the underside of the wheel-arches is another chore which can pay off. Dirt and mud collects there after winter driving and if it is left to its own devices, corrosion will ensue. Use a screwdriver to run around the inside of the wheel-arch lip. The more cautious may like to use an old washing-up brush for the job.

"Thomas Schreiner of the ARCD car club advises motorists to check headlamps for scratches and cracks and the exhaust pipes for rust marks. Scratched or cracked headlamp lenses will impair visibility and could dazzle other road users.

Exhaust systems are more durable than they used to be, but the thin steel tends to rust from the inside – caused by the moisture in the exhaust gases. If you can't see any rust damage, it may soon be audible, as anyone with an unusually rorty exhaust caused by a defective tailpipe or silencer will know.

Greasing the door hinges can be messy but it pays off and a moisturiser will keep the door seals nice and supple. Naturally the boot should be freed off all that winter stuff like snow-chains, ice scrapers, folding spades and cans of de-icer. There is no need to lug these items around when the weather is warmer.

Once the car looks bright on the outside, attention can be turned to the interior.

Drivers should remove all the floor mats and see if any moisture has accumulated underneath. Dampness like this should vanish if the car is parked outside on a warm day with the driver’s window left slightly open. The time-honoured method of lining the foot-wells under the carpets with old newspapers to coax out the moisture is fine, as long as you remember to remove the soggy paper regularly.

Windows should be cleaned thoroughly from the inside since a grubby film can build up on the inside of the pane - especially if the drivers or passengers are smokers.

Glass cleaner will solve that problem, but if the interior smells of smoke or general fug, it is a good idea to change the cabin filter. Replacing this is a job for a novice, but dampness from the air-conditioning will need workshop attention. The system can be flushed and refilled at no great expense.

If you want to keep the car upholstery looking nice there are special cleaning agents, which protect the seats from UV light and fading for the next few months. Fresh windscreen wipers will ensure a clear, smear-free view ahead.


Tow truck operators struggling to go on

Kanason used to tow at least two cars a day, but now says he is lucky to tow at least one car a week since the MCO was imposed.

JOHOR BARU: Tow truck operators are among those who have been hard hit by Covid-19, with the pandemic transforming their once hectic lives into more sedate ones.

Many have now turned to odd jobs to make ends meet.

Tow trucker S. Kanason, 52, said he used to tow at least two cars a day, travelling as far as Kuala Lumpur to bring vehicles back to Johor.

“However, I hardly get to tow one car a week now. At most, I can tow three cars in one week if I am lucky.

“Apart from fewer cars on the road, it has also been difficult for me to cross districts and state borders to attend to traffic emergencies.

“The owner will need to make a police report first if they need me to travel far to tow their car, ” he said.

He added that many of his fellow tow truckers had left the field as it was hard to sustain themselves.

“I am currently helping my wife run her stall at a restaurant here as I can no longer depend on the income from towing cars.

“In fact, we have to use income from running the stall to pay for the monthly rental of the tow truck, ” he said in an interview here.

Another tow trucker, Chin Ting Wee, 42, said he had lost more than 80% of his income since the movement control order was first imposed in March last year.

“There was a slight improvement when the interstate travel restriction was lifted last year, but things worsened after the second MCO was announced last month.

“People are also less likely to call tow trucks now as they do not have money to pay for the service, and their insurance may have expired.

“Some will just leave their cars at the side of the road when they have no other option, ” he said.

Chu Fong Wee, 55, who is the director of a workshop that also provides towing services, said business had dropped by between 70% and 80% since last March.

“Festive seasons used to be busy for us as many people would drive long distances to return to their hometowns, but it has been quiet since last year, ” he said.


Refreshed Honda Civic to be previewed at campaign's grand finale

Lim Hong Ngee (middle) posing with the HR-V and Honda Malaysia executives.
PETALING JAYA: The refreshed Honda Civic would be previewed at the grand finale of the "Road to 900,000th Unit Milestone Campaign" from Sept 29-29 at the open car park of Bukit Jalil National Stadium.

For those interested in buying the car when it launche in the final quarter of this year, bookings are now open.

Honda Malaysia had introduced the campaign in July, which involves nine Honda cars to be given away to lucky winners.

The grand finale would have a carnival-like atmosphere designed to attract adults, families and children. Admission is free.

Visitors can experience Honda’s Next Generation Advanced Technologies such as Sport Hybrid i-DCD X-ray Scanner as well as Sport Hybrid i-DCD and VTEC Turbocharged Game Tower.

There would be games and activities that are suitable for families to enjoy, such as Giant Water Slide, Insta-Luminous displays, Pedal Cart and Racing Simulator. Various Honda models would also be present for visitors to test drive.

In a related development, Honda Malaysia announced today the second winner of the campaign.

Lim Hong Ngee from Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, won an HR-V. The SUV would be handed to him at the campaign's grand finale.

“I am very excited that I will be the owner of a new HR-V, which is my second Honda SUV. I particularly like the sporty exterior design and spacious interior as well as the convenience that it provides for family travel," said Lim.

The first winner was Mohamad Adib Fida'iy Mohamad Hanapi of Kelantan. He had won a 1.5-litre turbocharged Civic.

With two winners already announced, seven more Honda models are still up for grabs for Malaysians to drive home.

To register or for more information on the “Road to 900,000th Unit Milestone Campaign”, customers can log onto the campaign’s website honda.com.my/microsite/900k or visit its official Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/hondamalaysia/.


VW offers 2020 CNY savings on five models

                KUALA LUMPUR: With the 2020 Chinese New Year happening later this month, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia is starting its seasonal promotion drive again.

This time, it's touting savings of from RM2,000 to RM8,000 for customers buying any one of five models. They are the Polo, Vento, Golf, Tiguan and Beetle. The outgoing Passat is not on the list as it is being replaced by a facelifted one in the coming days.

The savings come in the form of free 20-point free inspection, up to 20% discount on batteries and tyres, as well as complimentary ang-pow packets.

To push Tiguan sales, Volkswagen is sweetening the deal with an additional 1-year free insurance and 1-year free petrol rebate.

Furthermore, VW car owners with free maintenance vouchers who spend a minimum of RM388 would receive a free fluid top-up comprising coolant, windscreen cleaner and engine oil.

Those without a voucher will only need to spend a minimum amount of RM488 to take advantage of the offer.

VW car owners on the Volkswagen Care Plus service plan are able to enjoy the same benefits with a minimum spend of RM288. This offer is valid until Feb 29.

All models come with 3 years free maintenance, 5 years unlimited warranty and 5 years roadside assistance.


Monk at Penang temple tells off couple in MPV for obstructing traffic

                GEORGE TOWN: A video showing a monk and a man in a multipurpose vehicle (MPV) shouting at each other at the Kek Lok Si Temple here has gone viral.

In the one-minute, 11-second video, the monk is seen taking a video of the MPV with his handphone and asking the driver to leave.

The MPV driver is believed to have blocked the entrance to the temple, which has been adorned with thousands of lanterns and fairy lights for Chinese New Year.

The monk can be heard saying: "No choice, you have to leave. Miss, I ask you to leave. You are causing an obstruction."

A man in the car is then heard asking the monk: "Have you taken the wrong medicine?", which leads to the monk telling him off.

"You are in the wrong and blocking the entrance. How can other cars come in?" asks the monk.


Germany testing armoured speed traps to catch speeding drivers

                BERLIN: German police are trying out futuristic, armour-plated super speed traps in a bid to outwit drivers who travel too fast.

The devices have cameras hidden inside which can be trained on each traffic lane. Details of offenders are relayed directly to a mobile police network.

The new speed traps, being trialled in the capital Berlin, could be introduced across the country if testing is successful. The high-tech traps are controlled remotely and run on batteries which last for up to five days.

The speed cameras are also cunningly disguised: One version looks like a cross between a modern sculpture and a military tank without wheels.

The other is contained in a so-called "enforcement trailer" which could easily be mistaken for a humble camping trailer. It even has an authentic numberplate at the back which allows it to be transported on the road.

The armour-plating on the traps is designed to stop vandalism, which is widespread in Europe. Disgruntled motorists have been known to saw off conventional post-mounted speed cameras or even blow them up with dynamite, destroying all the data inside.

New armoured devices have also been tried out by police in France, Britain and other European countries.


RM3mil set aside to improve Federal Highway motorcycle lanes

                SHAH ALAM: The Works Ministry has allocated RM3.13 million to improve the motorcycle lanes along the Federal Highway, which are now under the supervision of the ministry.

Its minister, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, said the short-term allocation for 2016 was for lighting up dark spots at the lanes and to increase the number of pump houses at sections which were frequently flooded.

"We will increase lighting, paint the tunnel walls with bright colours, paint lane lines, widen the path, increase the number of signboards and improve the entry and exit of the motorcycle lanes," he told a media conference after inspecting the highway's motorcycle lanes here on Monday.

He said the ministry was also awaiting approval to build overhead ramps and increase the number of water pumps at Jalan 222, Petaling Jaya which was frequently flooded.

Earlier, Fadillah accompanied by Public Works Department (JKR) officers rode a motorcycle along the entire length of the Federal Highway to look at the problems faced by motorcyclists, starting from the Universiti LRT station in Kuala Lumpur until the Batu Tiga toll plaza here.

The 28.5km motorcycle lanes at the Federal Highway, the first in the country were supervised by four parties, namely the Works Department (JKT) (8.1km), Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) (2.4km), Sprint (2km) and PLUS (16km).

Fadillah added that highway users who have complaints on damaged roads, could channel them directly to the ministry via its mobile application 'Aduan Jalan KKR' which has about 5,000 registered users since it was launched in March last year.


Contest winners announced for BHPetrol Touch ‘n Go promotion

                PETALING JAYA: Boustead Petroleum Marketing Sdn Bhd (BHPetrol) held a prize presentation for its ‘BHPetrol Touch ‘n Go Reload and Win’ promotion at The Royale Chulan, The Curve.

The promotion which ran from 30 th August to 30 th September 2017 at participating BHPetrol service stations with Touch ‘n Go reload facility, round up 44 winners in total.

10 winners took home the main prize packages which include free petrol for one-year supply worth RM3,600, Touch ‘n Go card of RM1000 reload value, SmartTAG and Touch ‘n Go ‘TimeTraveller’ smart watches. Meanwhile, 34 other winners enjoyed with the consolation prizes consisting of Touch ‘n Go ‘TimeTraveller’ smart watches each.

During the promotion period, every Touch ‘n Go cards reloaded with minimum value of RM50 received free RM3 BHPetrol e-voucher per transaction.

The e-vouchers were redeemable with minimum purchase of RM20 Infiniti petrol and customers automatically entitled for contest participation.

"This is the first time we had a joint promotion with Touch ‘n Go and the response received was very good. Our exciting offer managed to attract many new customers as well as our loyal customers to reload and pump at BHPetrol. We hope the prizes will be useful to the winners in their daily travelling needs,” said BHPetrol Retail Marketing Manager, Baba Tan.

Also present were Norafinas Raja Din, Head, Reload Business Unit and Jenelle Koh, Head, Corporate & Strategic Partnership from Touch ‘n Go Sdn Bhd.


Shell offers bike-racing fans chance for free China trip

                KUALA LUMPUR: Shell is organising an SMS-based contest that will give five grand prize winners an all-expense paid trip to watch the Asia Talent Cup motorcycle racing championship. in Zhuhai, China.

Three hundred consolation prize winners will also win a day out on the tracks in October in conjunction with the 2015 Malaysian MotoGP.

Participants must buy Shell Advance 4T motorcycle engine oil to be eligible. To take part,  participants need to send by SMS a unique 5-digit code found on a scratch card along with the “Kedai Kod” and answer a simple question to enter. The contests is ongoing until July 30.

“Shell Advance is the title sponsor of this world-class competition, which unearths young talents and provides them with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to train and race at a competitive level," said Shell Lubricants general manager Leslie Ng.

"This year, we have five talented young Malaysians competing and we hope to rally the public behind them as they take on their peers from other Asian countries,” he said.

Riders in the championship will race on Honda NSF250R Moto3 bikes powered by Shell V-Power fuel and lubricated with the Shell Advance Ultra with PurePlus Technology engine oil.


New Toyota Harrier previewed, to go on sale in 2018 from RM238K

                SERI KEMBANGAN: The new Toyota Harrier will be previewed in Serdang near here and is set to go on sale in Malaysia from next year.

Two versions will be offered at launch, with prices starting from RM238,000 (on-the-road price without insurance for private registration).

Bookings for the new Harrier is open at all authorised showrooms from today. Two versions – Harrier 2.0T Luxury and Harrier 2.0T Premium – will be available and will come with Toyota’s advanced Toyota Safety Sens Package for enhanced occupant protection and driving safety.

As with all Toyota models sold in Malaysia by distributor UMW Toyota Motor and its authorised dealers, the Harrier will have nationwide aftersales support including ready parts availability. It will also be backed by a 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage.

The Harrier is a model familiar to Malaysians but until recently, the model line was mainly for the Japanese domestic market. Vehicles sold in other countries were mainly imported privately through independent dealers.
However, with the third generation which was introduced in 2015, Toyota has begun to offer it in selected markets through its official distributors such as UMW Toyota Motor.

The Harrier, to be imported from Japan, and distributed by UMW Toyota Motor from 2018 is characterised by new styling and upgraded features that were made since it was launched. Only UMW Toyota Motor’s sales network will offer the version which has a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with D-4ST and VVT-iW technology.

The two Toyota C-HR SUV units on display at the show have similar specifications to the one that will be sold in Malaysia.

Also on display will be the new Toyota Innova 2.0X, Toyota Vios SE and one of the cars used in the Vios Challenge One-Make race series.

The Harrier was unveiled at the Malaysia Autoshow, which is being held at Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang near here, from Nov 9-12.

UMW Toyota Motor will also showcase the offroad abilities of the Hilux and Fortuner at an offroad site near the show.


With Toyota as partner, Mazda hopes to jump-start US market

                TOKYO: A decade after Mazda Motor's cars disappeared from Ford Motor's factory floors in Michigan, the Japanese automaker is once again building in the United States - this time with compatriot Toyota Motor.

When the first Mazda CX-50 crossovers rolled off the assembly line at the joint Alabama plant in January, they were packed with efficiencies hammered out by the two automakers, both known for their cost-cutting smarts and manufacturing prowess.

For Mazda, restarting local production with help from Toyota's deep local knowledge and reputation for reliability is the game-changer it hopes will jump-start sales in the world's second-biggest market.

"It's a huge advantage for us to be able to learn from Toyota's vast experience in the United States," Masashi Aihara, head of Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA (MTM), said in an interview last week.

Although the 50-50 venture might seem like a David-and-Goliath partnership, it also provides a glimpse into how Toyota aims to glean fresh skills from its growing number of smaller partners.

As competition heats up in the industry - not least from prospective new entrants such as Apple and Sony Group - Toyota has taken minority stakes in Mazda as well as small-car maker Suzuki Motor and all-wheel-drive specialist Subaru Corp in recent years.

Aihara, a 38-year veteran of Mazda, said his selection to lead the US$2.3 billion, 300,000-units-a-year factory was evidence that the learning was mutual.

"Under President (Akio) Toyoda, Toyota is constantly looking to change the way it does things, and I think (by putting me in this position) he was saying, 'If there's something to be learned from Mazda, learn it.'"

Best practices

The Huntsville, Alabama factory, which opened last year and is designed to add electric vehicles in future, contains many firsts for Mazda.

MTM tows components from on-site suppliers on linked-up tractors, saving time on loading and unloading from trucks.

The order in which the vehicles are assembled was also streamlined and machinery standardised as much as possible so Mazda and Toyota cars could eventually be built on the same line.

"There were times when we both realised that we were doing things a certain way purely out of habit," Aihara said. "And in some cases, we came up with a hybrid method bringing in techniques from both sides. That's something we wouldn't be able to do at Mazda proper."

The operation hasn't been without its hitches.

A tight labour market has meant the plant is still 900 workers short of the targeted 4,000, keeping it running at one shift instead of two. Mazda wants to boost US sales by about a third to 450,000 by the middle of the decade. read more

An early plan to train six teams at Mazda and Toyota factories in Japan was derailed by Covid-19, the second team forced to cut their trip short.

Still, Toyota's US footprint paid off there too: Kentucky and other local plants helped complete training for the rest, Aihara said.

"Ultimately, the No. 1 mission for this factory is to contribute to the growth of our US business," he said.


Honda admits hush-hush airbag fix with Takata

                DETROIT: In August of 2009, after ruptured airbag inflators in Honda vehicles were linked to least four injuries and a death, the automaker quietly requested a design change and did not notify US regulators, Honda confirmed in response to inquiries from Reuters.

Honda Motor Co asked supplier Takata Corp to produce a “fail-safe” airbag inflator, according to Takata presentations and internal memos reviewed by Reuters.

The previously undisclosed redesign could make Honda and Takata more vulnerable in more than 100 pending federal lawsuits and dozens more state suits, according to several legal experts and an attorney suing the companies. The request shows that Honda understood the safety risks posed by the inflators long before it started expanding recalls by the millions in 2014, the attorneys and law professors said.

US law requires automakers to disclose safety risks and actions to prevent them to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). But Honda spokesman Chris Martin said the redesign did not require notice to regulators because the safety risk involved Takata manufacturing errors rather than a specific design defect.

Honda requested the redesign to “protect against the possibility of future manufacturing errors – it was not an acknowledgement of a larger design flaw in the inflators,” Martin wrote.

Honda started installing the modified inflators in some, but not all, vehicles in 2011 and continues to do so today, Martin said. Honda expanded recalls as it became aware of more defects, he said.

The fail-safe modification - outlined in Takata technical documents and internal presentations between 2009 and 2011 and confirmed by Honda - added vents in the inflator to channel pressure from an explosion away from a driver’s neck and torso.

NHTSA spokesman Bryan Thomas declined to comment on the design change or whether Honda had a legal obligation to notify the agency.

Takata confirmed in a statement that it “tested and deployed” several versions of the redesigned inflator “at the request of an automotive customer.” The supplier declined to answer more detailed questions and declined to respond to Honda’s explanation of the reasons for the change.

More time for BMWBMW AG  will get five more months to acquire Takata air bag replacement parts for a massive recall because tests showed some of the substitute inflators may also be defective.

The deadline for the German automaker was extended to Aug 31 because a replacement driver-side air bag inflator made by a supplier other than Takata failed during testing, the NHTSA said.

"NHTSA's priority continues to be ensuring that unsafe air bag inflators are replaced with safe ones," the agency said in a statement.

VW and Porsche recalls

Volkswagen and its Porsche unit said they were recalling more than 800,000 VW Touareg and Porsche Cayenne sports utility vehicles as a precautionary measure, to fix a potentially faulty component on the pedal mechanism.

The carmakers said 391,000 Touaregs and 409,477 Cayennes built between 2011 and 2016 would be recalled because "a circlip could be loose on the bearing bracket for pedals".


Toyota and Suzuki tech deal ‘imminent’

                TOKYO: Toyota and Suzuki are nearing a partnership agreement to develop technology, including self-driving.

The two Japanese automakers could announce a deal as soon as Monday, the Nikkei reported.

The partnership will also cover areas such as development and procurement, which includes applications for information technology and sharing sources for parts in Japan and abroad, the Nikkei said.

Suzuki and Toyota's unit Daihatsu Motor will continue to sell automobiles under their separate brands to avoid risks related to antitrust laws. The companies will collaborate in ways that steer clear of antitrust risk, the business daily reported.

Toyota and Suzuki said in October that they plan to explore a possible partnership, citing technological challenges and the need to keep up with consolidation in the global auto industry.

Suzuki and Toyota did not immediately respond to requests for comment outside regular business hours.


Subaru WRX STI tested

In the rally scene, few names bring as much excitement as the letters STI. The image of a raging blue, mud-laden rally car immediately comes to mind.

So iconic was Subaru’s race-bred beast that it is unquestionably the car that comes to mind when mentioning the brand. The car we got was the range-topping WRX STI.

Yes, the Impreza nameplate was dropped, as the Japanese manufacturer felt Subaru Impreza WRX STI was quite a mouthful. And yes, it came in the iconic WR Blue Pearl body shade.

Despite being based on the humbler Impreza sedan, the WRX STI is quite easy to distinguish externally, thanks mostly to its humongous rear wing, which I believe is among the largest seen on a road-going car. The overall design isn’t as mad or racy as previous editions, and is best described as a somewhat matured racer.

Design elements are neat and subtle. Sleek character lines run from the bonnet, down the front wheel vents and flow graciously to the flared arches of the rear, giving the WRX STI a rather understated, muscular profile. Slim, auto-levelling LED headlamps adorn the front while rounded ones cover the rear.

All-round 18-inch (Dark Gun-Metallic) aluminium alloy wheels and quad tailpipes are a tell-tale sign that this car means business.

A step inside reveals a cabin that is best described as ‘functional’.

The WRX STI doesn’t boast a sports car cockpit; in fact much of the dashboard is carried over from the regular Impreza – even the sports gauges look almost retro!

Ergonomics however, is pretty sound, with everything located where you’d expect it to be.

No fancy touchscreens here, but you do get a decent multi-function LCD display with boost pressure meter, which is rather neat.

Worth mentioning is the reverse camera display on the same said screen, which is amazing given its miniscule size by today’s standards.

Wannabe racers will rejoice as there are aluminium pedals and a leather-wrapped steering wheel that both look good and feel great.

The seats are also finished in lovely Alcantara with red stitching.

Popping up the air-scooped aluminium bonnet reveals the heart of the beast – a 2.5-litre turbocharged boxer engine, generating 221kW and 407Nm of torque.

The engine benefits from a Dual Active Valve Control System (Dual AVCS), which helps to produce a flat torque curve across a wide rev range. This is mated to a slick six-speed manual transmission for the ultimate raw driving experience.

From the get-go the WRX STI makes no disguise of its near-300bhp power.

The aforementioned Dual AVCS ensures easy drivability at medium and low speed, and when you push it harder, the horses make themselves felt.

Implemented into the WRX STI, the SI-DRIVE (Subaru Intelligent Drive) is a neat feature, which effectively gives you three engines in one.

Intelligent mode gives you a smooth, comfortable ride that assures the best fuel economy while Sports mode gives you more immediate power for an exciting drive. The Sports Sharp mode is the most hard-core, and allows maximum utilisation of the car’s engine power.

Subaru Tecnica International’s tuning is evidently clear; body roll is near non-existent, and the car wraps around corners like a rollercoaster.

The six-speeder is incredibly well-balanced and slick, providing smooth, quick shifts. This car is indeed designed for those who love the experience of driving.

While safety isn’t exactly first on the mind of those looking for a sporty ride, it does give some peace of mind knowing that Subaru put a lot of thought into this.

The car comes with all-round wide-diameter Brembo ventilated disc brakes and a ring-shaped reinforcement frame is implemented into the body structure to reduce impacts from any angle. In addition to this, the WRX STI is equipped with not only front, front-side and curtain airbags, but also a knee airbag for the driver.

The ride, while understandably stiff, is surprisingly rather liveable. In fact, the best part about the RM280,393.16 (on-the-road with insurance and GST) WRX STI is the fact that this road-legal rally car still doubles-up as a legit family car in the weekends – it has decent room for five, and a large boot for your supermarket shopping.

This should ensure no objections from the family should you decide to drive this sports saloon home. Just make sure they’re okay with having a car with an aircraft-sized rear wing on the boot lid.

> This review was done in association with Hankook. The recommended 17-inch tyre is H452 Ventus S1 Noble2.


Showing the love with Cycle & Carriage

                KUALA LUMPUR: In conjunction with the month of love, Cycle & Carriage is rolling out several ideas for Mercedes-Benz owners and their partners to express affection.

Love language #1: Show you care with acts of service
If your valentine is an ‘Acts of Service’ individual, actions speak louder than words.

So this month of love, instead of just “I Love You”, you might want to also consider doing something meaningful with a nice gesture that would help make your loved ones relax allowing them to enjoy the season.

If maintaining the car is one of the neglected parts of your loved one’s life, it is time for you to put your love into action.

Cycle & Carriage's Star Essential Package or the Star Care Maintenance will bring you the best service in maintaining your loved one’s car, tailored to your partner’s needs whether they pay importance to the cost-saving element, resale value, or that their Mercedes-Benz is receiving genuine parts.

Love language #2: Say the right words with words of affirmation

‘Words of Affirmation’ individuals thrive off the security you give from what you say to them or about them.

They want to know that you pay attention to what they say, know what is important to them and appreciate what makes them who they are.

In addition to giving words of affirmation, back up your promises by reassuring your loved one with the Cycle & Carriage Extended Limited Warranty Programme.

Give them the peace of mind that they can be safe on the road at all times, as you would want them to be protected if anything were to happen.

Love language #3: Spend quality time with your loved ones
When was the last time you gave undivided time and attention to your loved ones who value quality time?

With all the festivities and also adjusting to the new year, it is understandable that spending time with your loved ones may have been neglected in your relationship.

If you happen to get your cars serviced by the experts at any Cycle & Carriage branch, be brightly welcomed by our Sale Executives as they cater to your car needs while you enjoy a nice mini-date at the Star Lounge to wind down, catch up and enjoy the refreshments provided.

Love language #4: Give a meaningful gift to show appreciation

A thoughtful gift is always a timeless gift. If your loved ones are practical in nature, you can opt for Mercedes-Benz merchandise.

Cycle & Carriage offers a range of luxurious practical gifts from Mercedes-Benz-branded bags, caps and many more that your loved ones can look swanky as they go about their day.

Instead of sending a box of chocolate or flowers, why not get your loved ones the Paint and Dent Protector Programme to enjoy up to four claims per year, wide coverage and qualified technicians for their Mercedes-Benz cars?

With this gift, your loved ones can get their Mercedes-Benz touched up to seem brand new so they can travel in perfection.

Head on over to the closest Cycle & Carriage and get exceptional service and love.

To check out the different Cycle & Carriage locations across West Malaysia, visit https://www.ccb.mercedes-benz.com.my/passengercars/about-us/contact.html.

To make an appointment with your preferred Cycle & Carriage Autohaus call 1800-22-8000 or visit https://www.ccb.mercedes-benz.com.my to learn more about Cycle & Carriage offerings.


Continental CEO Degenhart to resign, citing health reasons

Degenhart. — Reuters
FRANKFURT: Continental AG said chief executive officer Elmar Degenhart will step down today, citing health reasons, amid a push by the German company to overhaul management and speed up structural changes.

Chairman Wolfgang Reitzle plans to make a decision on Degenhart’s successor soon, the Hanover-based manufacturer said late Thursday without elaborating.

Bloomberg News reported earlier that Continental has been mulling replacing Degenhart with the head of its core automotive operations, Nikolai Setzer, according to people familiar with the matter, who declined to be identified because the information is private. A spokesman for Continental declined to comment on CEO succession plans.

Continental fell as much as 1.9% in early Frankfurt trading, valuing the company at about €18 billion (RM87.2bil).

Degenhart, whose contract extends through 2024, has faced criticism for several missteps including communication around the foreclosure of a German tyre plant in Aachen as well as an unusually harsh letter to employees in September 2018.

Those have undermined some supervisory-board members’ confidence that he is the right executive to lead Europe’s second-largest auto supplier at a time when the industry is facing massive challenges in its shift to electric and autonomous vehicles, some of the people said.

Setzer, 49, runs Continental’s large automotive business, and will likely prevail over other internal and external candidates being considered to succeed Degenhart, the people added.

Sprawling portfolio

Continental’s management board has nine members, an unusually large number for Germany’s blue-chip DAX index and a reflection of the 150-year-old company’s sprawling portfolio of operations. Chairman Reitzle, a renowned deal maker at industrial-gas company Linde AG and cement firm Holcim AG, has pushed to make Continental more nimble and react faster to technological changes in the industry, some of the people said.

Continental’s shares surged to an all-time high in January 2018 after the firm confirmed a Bloomberg News report that the maker of tyres, powertrains and conveyor belts was considering options to streamline itself.

 Setzer.

Management has made little progress with that operational review in the almost three years since then, contributing to the erasure of almost two-thirds of its market value.

The rout worsened when Continental and its peers suffered a major blow from the coronavirus pandemic as carmakers shut showrooms and factories for several weeks earlier this year.

Rivals’ spin-offs

Investors have repeatedly criticised the lack of resolve and speed with which Degenhardt, 61, has addressed the firm’s complex structure. A first step of the intended simplification — the carve-out and listing of Continental’s combustion-engine-powertrain operations — was put on hold for an indefinite period.

Listing part of the powertrain division would be a step towards making Continental more nimble and hone in on growth areas such as electric vehicles and self-driving features. The unit generated €7.7 billion in sales last year and employed more than 40,000 people.

Rival auto suppliers have spun off their combustion-engine businesses in recent years to concentrate on electrified powertrains or autonomous-driving technology.

Delphi Automotive Plc split itself into two listed companies — a powertrain unit dubbed Delphi Technologies Plc and a software-focused company called Aptiv Plc — in late 2017. In a similar move, Sweden’s Autoliv Inc. listed its electronics unit Veoneer Inc. in early 2018.

Degenhart has indicated that a listing of its powertrain unit might be just a first step, saying a partial-share sale of a minority stake in its massive rubber division could help fund potential acquisitions that are beyond the company’s current ability to afford.


SEAT introduces autonomous mobile robots in Barcelona plant

                BARCELONA: SEAT has introduced new autonomous robots to work with its staff at the Martorell factory near here.

The autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) – also known as EffiBOTs – work autonomously yet collaboratively with the workforce at SEAT’s manufacturing hub, adapting to their needs to make their jobs easier.

Significantly reducing the amount of walking required to perform their jobs, the robotic workforce helps with tasks such as transporting components around the huge 2.8 million square metre facility.

SEAT continues to work on the development and application of digital tools and solutions to ensure the factory becomes a smarter, more digitised and connected facility, with the first two EffiBOT autonomous, collaborative mobile robots a major stepping stone for the brand’s future.

By introducing the robots, the brand said it would adapt its production processes, and manage resources and communication between the different areas of the facility more efficiently.

The EffiBOT is a robot developed by French company Effidence, with which SEAT has collaborated to adapt its operations at the Martorell plant. Processing constant 360-degree readings, the robot can follow the person who tapped its touchscreen as they move around the factory and are able to navigate around people or objects in their way.

Among other tasks, the EffiBOT removes the burden of carrying heavy loads from workers, as it can transport all kinds of materials needed for car assembly, carrying up to 250 kilos and pulling as much as 500 kilos.

The company has introduced two EffiBOTs in an experimental phase and could expand the number of these robots in the future. Unlike automated guided vehicles (AGVs), which require a track to function properly, autonomous mobile robots (AMR) such as EffiBOT can recognise their surroundings to map their route to a defined destination and avoid obstacles along the way.

“Autonomous mobile robots place us at the forefront of innovation in the automotive sector," said SEAT vice-president for production and logistics Herbert Steiner.

"They’re also a clear example of how robots can collaborate with employees to make their work easier. Their incorporation contributes to driving Industry 4.0 and making us more efficient, flexible, agile and competitive.”