Ford China chief in abrupt departure, a blow to recovery hopes

File photo of Luo. — Reuters
BEIJING: Ford Motor Co said its China chief, Jason Luo, has stepped down after only five months at the helm for personal reasons, a sudden resignation that raises questions over how the automaker will best tackle a sales slump in the world’s biggest car market.

Luo had been poached from Key Safety Systems, and it had been hoped that he would reprise his work at the auto parts maker where he engineered a significant surge in China revenue.

He also oversaw its US$920 million sale to China’s Ningbo Joyson Electronic and the US$1.6 billion purchase of assets from bankrupt Japanese airbag maker Takata Corp.

“Jason offered his resignation for personal reasons that predate his time at Ford,” Peter Fleet, head of Ford’s Asia Pacific operations, said in the statement.

“Ford accepted Jason’s resignation as the right way for him and the company to proceed. Jason’s decision was not related to the business strategy or performance of Ford China,” Fleet said, adding that Luo’s replacement would be announced later.

The departure, effective immediately, is a blow to Ford, which has been falling behind rivals in the market. Its China sales slid 6 percent in 2017 compared with a 3 percent rise for the industry overall.

Luo was meant to help the firm improve ties with local joint-venture partners like Chongqing Changan Automobile Co and be nimbler in responding to local consumer demands.

At Ford, Luo was in charge of the carmaker’s operations in Greater China including its import business, Lincoln, its passenger car joint venture Changan Ford, its commercial vehicle investment in Jiangling Motors Corporation, and its Taiwan operations.

Foreign automakers in China are also battling fierce competition from local rivals, who are aggressively launching new models to grab market share. The market is also skewed by heavy government support for electric vehicles, prompting


Chairman Mao's favoured carmaker considers higher sales target for coming years

                BEIJING/SHANGHAI: China’s FAW Group is considering setting a higher sales target for Chairman Mao Zedong’s carmaker of choice, Hongqi, or Red Flag, in coming years as its sales surge, its chairman said today.

FAW chairman Xu Liuping told an industry conference in Wuhan that thanks to new models, FAW sold 70,000 Hongqi cars in the first six months this year, up 111% from a year earlier, even as overall market sank by 17% between January and June.

FAW will stick to its sales target for Hongqi this year and is considering setting a more aggressive target for the following years, Xu said.

Xu in January said Hongqi aims to sell 200,000 units this year, 400,000 units in 2022 and 600,000 units in 2025, and grow them further to 1 million cars in the next decade.

 The flagship Hongqi H9.

For next year, FAW hopes to at least double its sales, Xu said. A presentation slide showed FAW was considering lifting its sales target for 2022 to 500,000-600,000 cars and 700,000-800,000 cars in 2025.

“Targets have not yet been finalised and we are still researching the market,” Xu added.

Hongqi, based in the northeastern city of Changchun, has undergone several revamps over the decades, falling out of favour for a period in the 1980s.

But the automaker has seen a recent revival amid a national push to promote Chinese brands and has been President Xi Jinping’s ride of choice during recent military parades.

Regarded as a cultural symbol of China’s ruling Communist Party, Hongqi in 2018 hired former Rolls-Royce designer Giles Taylor, whose works include Rolls-Royce’s Phantom VIII limousine and the brand’s first sport-utility vehicle model Cullinan, to head its design team in Munich.


Elon Musk to compete to fund high-speed Loop in Chicago

Musk unveiling the Roadster 2 recently. - Reuters
SAN FRANCISCO: Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk said on Tuesday The Boring Company will compete to fund, build and operate a high-speed Loop connecting O‘Hare Airport to downtown Chicago.

Musk, the chief executive of electric car maker Tesla Inc and rocket company SpaceX, recently started the Boring Company to build transport tunnels for the system, which he says would be far faster than current high-speed trains and use electromagnetic propulsion.

Earlier on Wednesday, Chicago's Mayor Rahm Emanuel asked respondents to present proposals to develop, design, equip, finance, operate and maintain an O'Hare Express operating system through a public-private agreement with Chicago.

“Although cost estimates for the project are not yet known, the RFQ (Request for Qualifications) stipulates that the O‘Hare Express Service will be funded solely by project-specific revenues (like fares or advertising) and financed entirely by the concessionaire,” mayor Emanuel’s office said in a statement. “There will be no taxpayer funding for the project.”

Musk is seeking to revolutionise transportation by sending passengers and cargo packed into pods through an intercity system of giant vacuum tubes known as the “hyperloop.”

When asked on Twitter to elaborate on his “high-speed loop” proposal that would link O‘Hare Airport to downtown Chicago, Musk tweeted, “A Loop is like a Hyperloop, but without drawing a vacuum inside the tube.”

“Don’t need to get rid of air friction for short routes,” Musk added. Passengers will travel in “electric pods for sure. Rails maybe, maybe not,” Musk said in another reply.


Manifattura Automobili Torino to build new Lancia Stratos

The Lancia Stratos Concept.
TURIN (Italy): Anyone above a certain age with an interest in motorsport will recognise Lancia Stratos as one of the most legendary sports and rally car names of all time.

Well, now a bespoke sports car manufacturer from Italy called Manifattura Automobili Torino (MAT) is set to build a brand new Lancia Stratos that will be on display at this year's Geneva Motor Show next month.

This new model, which was first unveiled in 2010 in concept form, pays homage to the original Stratos, of which just 492 examples were produced between 1973 and 1978.

The car will be produced in three different versions: a GT racer, a Safari version, and a third that MAT refers to as "a competent supercar for daily use." The Safari is more than likely going to be a rally-inspired model and a further throwback to the incredible motorsport heritage of the Stratos.

There are some pretty impressive people behind this reimagined Stratos as the car was commissioned by the rally enthusiast and billionaire chairman of vehicle parts supplier Brose, Michael Stoschek. And although the 1970s original was designed by Bertone, this one comes from the equally successful Pininfarina design studio.

Back in 2010, the original concept was based on a cut-down aluminum spaceframe structure derived from a Ferrari 430 Scuderia, and it also utilised the Ferrari's drivetrain. However, just a year later in 2011, Ferrari went as far as to block Pininfarina and "any other Ferrari-dependent suppliers" from producing the New Stratos, and that led to the car's designers having to look elsewhere for a car to base it on.

Nothing has been said yet about what engine will power the Stratos, but it has been revealed the engine in question develops 542bhp, and images show a steering wheel with shift paddles that indicate an automatic gearbox. The 2010 concept had a Ferrari-sourced 4.3-litre V8 that put out 532bhp.

No price has been officially given for the new car, but to give an idea of what to expect, a price of £600,000 (RM3.3mil at today's exchange rates) was being touted when the original concept was being publicised.


GM shows off its self-driving Origin shuttle with no room for a driver

                DETROIT: Cruise LLC, the autonomous-car startup majority-owned by General Motors Co., unveiled its all-electric self-driving shuttle and announced that the vehicle is headed for production.

The shuttle, called Origin, is designed to be more spacious and passenger-friendly than a conventional, human-driven car. The silver, squared-off vehicle lacks traditional controls like pedals and a steering wheel, freeing up room for multiple people to share rides, Cruise Chief Executive Officer Dan Ammann said at a San Francisco event Tuesday.

As a vehicle, the Origin is a step for Cruise and GM to get into selling services. But as a strategy, the idea is much greater. If it works, the companies could develop a lucrative business that extricates transportation from the ills that have made carmakers a constant target for regulators, namely pollution, congestion and traffic deaths.

Ammann said the vehicle, developed by Cruise, GM and Honda Motor Co., will cost half what a conventional sport utility vehicle does, making it inexpensive for Cruise to deploy. The vehicle can run for 1 million miles and will go all day and night, so it is constantly bringing in revenue, he said. Passengers will like it because it is roomier than a Chrysler Pacifica minivan but $5,000 cheaper per year than owning a car.

"It’s affordable and it’s right for you,” Ammann said. "It’s electric and shared and that’s right for the world.”

Tough path

Yet big challenges remain. It hasn’t been an easy ride for Cruise or any of the technology companies that are vying to be one of the first to build a self-driving car business. Many, including Cruise, have had delays.

Cruise took a step back last year and missed its deadline to have its cars ferrying the public by the end of 2019.

GM CEO Mary Barra, who made the automaker’s US$1.5 billion purchase of Cruise in 2016, said last year that the company would prioritize safety over quick deployment. Cruise then put off public services. The technology still hasn’t proven that it can drive better than humans.

Plus, in California where Cruise wants to start its business, the state has not yet finished rules to allow companies to charge for self-driving car rides.

There is plenty of competition, including Argo.ai, which has partnered with Ford Motor Co. and Volkswagen AG, and Waymo, the self-driving car unit of Alphabet Inc. All of them are racing to be first to develop the best self-driving system and build a brand name the way ride-hailing companies Uber Technologies Inc. and Lyft Inc. have.

Ride service

The Origin is trying to change the whole idea of a passenger vehicle. At least four people can fit in the shuttle facing each other while the vehicle drives itself.

Unlike many autonomous test vehicles, the sensors and lidar that act as the vehicle’s eyes are better integrated into the body of the vehicle.

Ammann said Cruise will first start its ride-sharing service with the modified Chevrolet Bolt compact cars it has been testing. Before long, the Origin will be deployed to pick up passengers. Ammann said GM will announce production details in the coming days.

While he wouldn’t get into details, Ammann said it won’t take too many vehicles on the road to get the ride-sharing business up to a scale that can be profitable.

Common good

For Cruise, the key will be getting people to give up personal transportation. The Origin has comfortable gray cloth seats and leg room for very tall passengers. But it is still shared, and Ammann acknowledged that people will have to give up riding alone for the common good.

"There’s an inherent tension between what’s good for us and what’s good for the rest of the world,” Ammann said. "We know the bus is better for the environment. Most of us are still burning up the atmosphere with gasoline because EVs aren’t yet affordable.”

One key is affordability. Compared with owning a car, using Cruise’s service will save $5,000 a year, according to the company. And if enough people do it, congestion will be reduced while no one has to worry about parking. Plus, Cruise’s fleet will offer a more consistent ride than Uber and Lyft, which have thousands of different drivers and cars providing service, Ammann said.

"What’s it going to be? Convenience or climate? Time or money? Speed or safety?” Ammann asked, then he made his pitch. "What if you didn’t have to choose?”


Škoda offers first glimpse of new Fabia

                PRAGUE: Škoda has released the first preview of the fourth-generation Fabia.

The silhouette image teases the new proportions of the small car, which is based on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Transverse Toolkit MQB-A0 for the first time.

This platform enhances the interior space and supports the use of state-of-the-art assistance systems and connectivity features. The drivetrain is powered by the latest generation of petrol engines, making the new Fabia ideal for young families or as a second car.

The world premiere of the new Fabia is planned for spring 2021.

With the changeover to the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Transverse Toolkit MQB-A0, the Fabia is larger than its predecessor in all dimensions.

For example, the boot volume, which was already one of the Fabia’s highlights, has grown by a further 50-litres. Thanks to an even more rigid body structure, the MQB-A0 also brings further improvements in passive safety as well as the option of installing numerous modern assistance systems, which were previously only available in higher vehicle classes.

Škoda has opted for state-of-the-art petrol engines for the fourth-generation Fabia. All the engines come from the Volkswagen Group’s EVO engine generation and combine high efficiency with low emissions.

The new front-wheel drive Fabia comes with either a manual gearbox or automatic 7-speed DSG, making the small car equipped for journeys in the city as well as for long distances.


Tesla’s German plant delayed until next year, says weekly

The site of the Tesla Gigafactory for electric cars in Gruenheide near Berlin as seen on April 27. — AP
FRANKFURT: Tesla Inc.’s factory outside Berlin won’t start production before the end of January next year due to delays affecting battery pack output, German trade magazine Automobilwoche reported, citing unidentified sources close to the company.

Chief executive officer Elon Musk gave the team in charge of the plant six more months to complete the project, according to the report published Sunday. Tesla wasn’t immediately available for comment.

Setting up a local manufacturing base in Europe and constructing a new factory in Texas were among Tesla’s top initiatives for this year. Without cars coming out of Germany, the company will be constrained in the midst of explosive growth in electric-vehicle sales for incumbents led by Volkswagen AG.

"Of the new launches, we believe Berlin is highest priority,” Dan Levy, a Credit Suisse analyst who rates Tesla the equivalent of a hold, wrote in an April 27 report.

He called Europe "ground zero for global EV inflection” and expects the factory to enable the company to cut prices in the region.

Cell difficulty

Musk said last week that Tesla appeared to be a year to 18 months away from volume production of next-generation battery cells the company is attempting to make in-house. While Tesla has been building the batteries in California, the CEO has warned about the difficulty of getting them to market.

"Scaling up the production process is much harder than proving something out on a lab bench,” Musk said during a European battery conference in November.

The thicker and more voluminous 4680 cells — named after their 46mm diameter and 80mm height — are still largely unproven. They could be harder to produce and prone to overheating, according to Yasuaki Takamoto, the EV battery chief at Panasonic Corp., which is working on the cells alongside its long-time partner.

Revised application

In addition to internal battery issues, Tesla is facing administrative delays.

The company notified local authorities last week that it would make changes to an application that must be approved before it can start production.

While projects at the site including the paint shop and body stamping lines are at an advanced stage, environmental groups have raised objections about water use and threats to local wildlife, delaying the project’s approval process.

When reporting earnings on April 26, Tesla said vehicle production at its German factory was on track for starting production in late 2021. A few weeks earlier, it said the plant would be ready in July.


Fuel up with Petron's cleaner-burning Euro5 diesel

                KUALA LUMPUR: Diesel vehicle owners can now enjoy the benefits of Petron’s Diesel Max Euro 5 with TriAction Advantage.

The fuel is developed to comply with the more stringent requirements for Euro 5 diesel and is formulated with an advanced additive system.

Petron said the new diesel product is "environment-friendly" because of its ultra-low sulphur content of 10ppm as compared to the previous 500ppm of Euro 2M diesel.

The drastic suphur reduction means lower exhaust emissions and better air quality.

Petron said its TriAction Advantage additive allows for better combustion, enabling an improved cold start performance, quicker engine start-up, smoother drive, improved fuel economy, improved oxidation stability, as well as protection against corrosion and diesel fuel foaming. This, then, results in longer engine life, better mileage, and better power, it claimed.

The Diesel Max Euro 5 is now available at all Petron service stations nationwide.


Bermaz Auto on path to robust growth

                PETALING JAYA: Bermaz Auto Bhd (BAuto) is expected to maintain a healthy sales volume in the second quarter of the financial year 2023 (2Q23) on the back of a robust order backlog, say analysts.

The automotive group on Monday reported a higher net profit of RM50.16mil in its 1Q23 results on revenue of RM716.87mil, which was largely within market expectations.

CGS-CIMB Research, in a note to clients, said BAuto had an outstanding order backlog of about 8,500 units for Mazda vehicles as of Sept 12.

The group is also absorbing 50% of the sales and services tax increase from July till the end of the year, for new bookings under Mazda, Kia and Peugeot.

“We believe this will provide a healthy order book going into 2023,” said CGS-CIMB Research.

“Overall, we project the group to deliver 13,000 units for Mazda and 4,000 for Kia and Peugeot combined, translating to 24% volume growth in FY23,” the research house added.

CGS-CIMB Research also expects an upside to BAuto’s sales volume once it starts the local assembly of new sports-utility vehicles for Mazda and Kia at Inokom by the fourth quarter of this year.

Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB) Research also expects BAuto’s operations to remain sustained for the remainder of FY23.

“This is in line with the anticipated economic recovery, supported by the strong order backlogs of 8,500 units for Mazda, 500 units for Peugeot and 1,000 Kia units,” it added.

BAuto is currently benefitting from a depreciating yen against the ringgit. Similarly, its operation in the Philippines is experiencing a strong recovery following the removal of lockdown restrictions, allowing economic activities to resume at full capacity.

AmInvestment Bank Research said a strong order book will provide BAuto with sales visibility, while the impact of additional costs could be offset by lower advertising and promotional spending.


Hungry For Adventure 2019: Fun times with Mercedes SUVs in Central Java

                SEMARANG (Indonesia): A three-day/two-night road trip in Central Java, Indonesia with a bunch of premium Mercedes-Benz SUVs (sport utility vehicles) and activities like abseiling off a 60-metre cliff into a vertical cave, sandboarding down sand dunes and watching the sunrise at the famous Borobudur temple were the highlights of a recent “Hungry For Adventure” programme.

The “Hungry For Adventure” theme revolves around how the advanced technology, driving comfort, dynamic handling and superior utility of the premium Mercedes-Benz SUV (sport utility vehicle) range complemented the active lifestyles and adventurous demands of their owners.

Thanks to Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, Carsifu joined a group on the road trip that included Indonesian celebrity and entrepreneur Andrew White, Kuala Lumpur-based radio announcer Linora Low and intrepid adventurer Rizal Khalif, 43, who was the first Malaysian to cross the Arctic tundra from Norway to Sweden by dog sleigh in April 2018. After a two-and-a-half hour flight from Kuala Lumpur, we landed in Semarang where waiting for us was a fleet of Mercedes-Benz SUVs.

These included the GLC 200, GLE 250d 4Matic, GLE 400 4Matic, Mercedes-AMG GLE 43, GLS 400 4Matic, and the awesome Mercedes-AMG G 63 as well as 12 units of the GLA 200 premium compact SUV.

Curug Lawe waterfall

At the airport, we were given the 2.0-litre turbocharged GLC 200 with 184hp and 300Nm of torque for a one-hour drive to Desa Kalisidi for a jungle hike to the Curug Lawe waterfall.

Our GLC 200 in AMG Line trim came with Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport tyres sized 235/45 R19.

Weaving through the motorcycle filled traffic in Semarang, the capital of Central Java province, was quite daunting as we had been warned about the chaotic riding behavior of motorcyclists here.

It helped tremendously that the powerful GLC 200 with a 9G-Tronic transmission provided quick acceleration.

What would have been a very stressful drive turned out to be quite a pleasant experience once we got realised just how refined the GLC 200 made driving, even in a tight convoy in unfamiliar and chaotic city traffic.

We also enjoyed the refined audio quality of the expensive Burmester surround sound system with 13 speakers and output of 590 watts.

Once we were out of the city, we hit narrow and rut-filled rural roads.

We drove at sedate speeds, and hardly felt the road imperfections thanks to the GLC 200’s comfort-tuned suspension.

In lesser cars on the unpaved stretches, the ride would have been jarring, accompanied with groaning and creaking noises.

But in the GLC 200, there was always ample cushioning from road shocks and after parking on a muddy patch at Desa Kalisidi, we started hiking to the Curug Lawe waterfall.

Most of us chose to brave a heavy downpour but the sight of the picturesque waterfall made it a worthwhile adventure, albeit a rain soaked and cold one.

From the Curug Lawe waterfall, it was a long three-hour drive over a 100km route to a hotel near the Borobudur temple.

Borobudur temple and Jomblang Cave

The next morning, woke up at 4am to catch the sunrise at the Borobudur temple, known as the world’s biggest Buddhist monument.

It was a marvellous experience as we walked up the magnificent temple and explored the site, and checked out the intricate stone carvings on the temple walls.

The next item on the programme was a three-hour drive on a 95km route from the hotel to Jomblang Cave for an adrenaline-filled abseiling descent off a steep vertical cliff.

We took GLA 200, which is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine with 156hp and 250Nm of torque, mated to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission.

Fitted with Pirelli Scorpion Verde 235/60 R18 tyres, the compact SUV was nippy, responsive and agile on the narrow village lanes and town roads.

On the way, we sped past sprawling green padi fields and enjoyed a beautiful panoramic hilltop view from the Bukit Bintang tourist spot.

Despite its sportier-tuned suspension, the GLA 200 still provided us with ample comfort during the bumpy ride on the off-road track to the cave.

Now, a descent into Jomblang Cave (which is essentially a huge hole in the ground with a 50-metre mouth area) is not for those with an extreme fear of heights.

A few in our group opted out once they saw the green abyss, but the rest were all too game for the 60-metre vertical descent despite some dramatic screams as they were slowly lowered off the cliff, after being strapped into harnesses by a team of skilled abseilers.

After that, we hiked into a pitch dark tunnel, wearing rubber work boots on the slippery and muddy ground, for a few hundred metres before reaching a rocky outcrop illuminated by a beautiful “pillar of light” shining down through another vertical cave.

This was quite a sight, and we spent some time posing for photographs here.

Parangtritis Beach and Kota Gede

Later, after being hoisted up the cliff and a lunch break, we got our hands on the Mercedes-AMG G 63 which is known as the Godfather of all SUVs and is often called “the beast”.

Powered by a AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine with a massive 585hp and 850Nm of torque, which is mated to a AMG Speedshift TCT 9G transmission, the G 63 rolled on huge Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 295/40 R22 tyres.

We were hardly bothered by the bumpy off-road stretch, and once we were on paved roads, the G 63 proved to be surprisingly very agile and athletic.

We drove the G 63 for 90 minutes on a 50km route to Parangtritis Beach, and had to stay alert, in order to swerve and avoid chickens which were nonchalantly walking on the road.

At Parangtritis Beach, we tried our balancing skills on sandboards which had their bottom sections waxed, to better glide down the sand dunes.

Getting our hands dirty, and constantly having to run back up the sand dune (after gliding or more likely, falling down) for another glide, was fun but quite exhausting.

The next day, we took the GLE 400 4Matic which is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine with 333hp and 480Nm of torque, mated to a 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive.

Fitted with big Hankook Ventus AS 265/45 R20 tyres, the GLE 400 4Matic was powerful and responsive as we weaved through heavy Yogyakarta traffic filled with tonnes of motorcycles and horse-drawn carriages.

The car’s proximity sensor kept beeping, and we made sure to drive very carefully, on our two-hour journey to Kota Gede - a small town renowned for Yogyakarta silversmiths.

We visited HS Silver, where we bought some silver accessories and souvenirs, and also learned about how local workers make handcrafted silver items.

That was our final stop, before a late evening flight back to Kuala Lumpur.

In summary, our “Hungry For Adventure” experience in Central Java was an adrenaline-filled three-day trip that passed extremely quickly with plenty of driving in challenging urban and rural traffic, and awesome sights and experiences.

“In the 40th anniversary year of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, we can proudly say that we offer the widest range of premium SUVs. As the number one premium automotive brand, we are proud to continue providing a class-leading range of automobiles for adventure seekers by defining new benchmarks and breaking conventions. Each of the exceptional models in the premium SUV range by Mercedes-Benz presents a unique and exciting lifestyle proposition, allowing them to make the best of every ground,” said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia vice president (sales and marketing - passenger cars) Mark Raine.
READ MORE:Hungry for Adventure - onwards to Myanmar


2017 Bangkok Motor Show: Honda Civic hatchback

                BANGKOK: Honda also showcased its Civic hatchback at the 2017 Bangkok Motor Show.

It uses the familiar 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo engine delivering 173ps at 5,500rpm and 220Nm at 1,700 to 5,500rpm.

The Civic Hatchback is priced at 1,169 million baht (RM150,000).

Its beehive grille has a sporty look, and the rear storage area comes with a retractable cover.


Auto sector hits top speed in final lap

                KUALA LUMPUR: The sluggish performance of the automotive sector for the better part of this year due to market uncertainties brought on by the Covid-19 risk and enforcement of the movement control order (MCO) finally revved up to full throttle in the final quarter (Q4) of 2021.

Car factories and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) ramped up production and deliveries of vehicles to fulfil backlog and new orders as showrooms gradually resume operations after the nationwide lockdown was lifted in August.

The first full month of restored market conditions after MCO was a productive one for both national car makers and several OEMs as the local automotive ecosystem, production, and exports gathered momentum.

Delivery of Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd’s (Perodua) vehicles grew by 102% month-on-month (m-o-m) to 14,160 units in September from 6,988 units in August as the supply situation gradually improved, while Proton Holdings Bhd (Proton) garnered 10,380 unit sales to retain its hold of second place in Malaysia’s automotive sales table.

Perodua broke new monthly sales and its own production records with a registration of 27,858 vehicles in October, while Proton sold 13,362 units.

The highest sales month in Perodua’s history came with improved production and swift deliveries of vehicles to customers as the car manufacturer aimed to deliver as many vehicles as it could in Q4 2021.

UMW Toyota Motor which ranked third in Malaysia’s automotive sales, also experienced sales recovery following the easing of the full MCO restrictions with sales of 8,500 units registered in October, a 5.8% increase from the 8,033 units sold in September.

Based on total new vehicle sales breakdown by brand data up to October 2021 by the Malaysian Automotive Association and CGS-CIMB Research, Perodua led the list with a 38.4% market share, followed by Proton (22%), Toyota (14.1%), Honda (9.8%), Nissan (2.4%), Mazda (2.1%), Isuzu (1.9%), and BMW (1.2%).

For November, Perodua registered 20,299 sales (minus 27.1% m-o-m) as intermittent disruption from Covid-19 cases and semiconductor chip shortages reportedly impacted its production.

The compact car maker, however, is aiming for its highest ever monthly registration in history for December with at least 30,000 units registration as it targets to end the year with over 200,000 units sold.

Perodua president and chief executive officer Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad said: “We are working with the automotive ecosystem to overcome issues such as rising Covid-19 cases as well as the shortage of semiconductor chip supply.

“With these countermeasures in place, we see December 2021 as our best month yet.”

Meanwhile, Proton’s overall sales of 14,187 units (both domestic and export) in November pushed its year-to-date numbers to 100,566 units, raising expectations the company will be able to wrap up the year with positive sales growth.

“Crossing over the 100,000-unit threshold with a month to go is a highpoint for us after another year disrupted by Covid-19.

“We are humbled by this achievement and are now confident of ending the year with an increase in total sales,” Proton Edar Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Roslan Abdullah was reportedly quoted as saying recently.

Overall, 2021 has been a challenging year for the automotive sector, not only for the manufacturers but also for the consumers.

For the better part of the year, there were fewer vehicles on the roads and highways due to travel limitations, capacity restrictions in place, and tighter conditions for interstate travel aside from the emergency, while businesses grounded to a halt for many months during the first round of the movement control order (MCO) period, reimposition of MCO and country-wide lockdowns in response to the spike in Covid-19 cases. — Bernama

While consumer demand improved alongside the easing of Covid restrictions in Q3, manufacturers were faced with pandemic-related disruption challenges and supply chain issues, exacerbated by the shortage of semiconductors which is a global phenomenon affecting multiple sectors, hitting both production and sales.

The year 2021 also saw limited new launches and model updates or facelifts.

Among notable events in 2021 were the launch of Perodua Ativa, Hyundai Staria, Hyundai Kona Electric, Toyota Corolla Cross, BMW iX, Volkswagen Arteon facelift, Proton Pesona and Iriz facelifts, Perodua Myvi facelift, and the all-new Honda City Hatchback.

Moving forward to next year, the government, through Budget 2022, extended the current Sales and Services Tax (SST) exemption for new vehicles under the National Economic Recovery Plan (Penjana) until June 30, 2022.

The Penjana scheme offers a 100% sales tax exemption for passenger vehicles, sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and completely knocked down (CKD) multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs), as well as a 50% sales tax exemption for completely built up (CBU) passenger vehicles, SUVs and MPVs.

Bank Negara, meanwhile, at its Monetary Policy Committee’s final 2021 meeting on Nov 3, maintained the overnight policy rate at 1.75% after taking into account Malaysia’s economic growth outlook amid lingering Covid-19 pandemic concerns.

The Malaysian automotive sector’s total industry volume, which hovered circa 500,000 units per annum, is expected to be buoyed next year by the low-interest-rate environment, coupled with the extended Penjana’s tax holiday and favourable government policies to revive domestic demand.

The government, via Budget 2022, also aimed to boost the electric vehicles (EV) sector with full exemption of import duties, excise duties and sales tax starting next year.

A 100% road tax exemption will be given to EV buyers as well as income relief for individuals of up to RM2,500 on the cost of purchase, installation, rent, hire purchase, as well as subscription fees for EV charging facilities.

The incentives also include 100% duty exemption for CBU EVs up to Dec 31, 2023, and 100% duty exemption for CKD EVs up to Dec 31, 2025.

All these, in progression with the national aspiration of low-carbon mobility objectives and green mobility agenda as spelt out in the 12th Malaysia Plan, are set to catalyse demand and electrify the industry shift towards the EV segment, and accelerate Malaysia’s journey towards being a carbon neutral country by 2050.


'Reverse, Forward, InsyaAllah Detect' take on RFID definition draws laughter in Dewan Rakyat

It's not uncommon to have RFID lanes at toll plazas in Malaysia holding up traffic when they were ironically designed to speed up traffic flow.
KUALA LUMPUR: Does RFID stand for "Reverse, Forward, InsyaAllah (God willing) Detect?" asked an Opposition lawmaker after witnessing issues at RFID toll lanes on the way to the Dewan Rakyat.

Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (PN-Masjid Tanah) asked the Works Ministry if it had conducted any random audit or checks on RFID lanes to see if they were fully functional.

"On the way to Parliament this morning, I saw two cars (stuck) at RFID lanes at the toll plaza in Sentul at about 9.29am.

"I shared this with Hulu Terengganu, and he said that RFID does not mean radio frequency identification but instead it's 'Reverse, Forward, InsyaAllah Detect'," she said in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (May 23), drawing laughter from the floor.

She said there had been many complaints about the RFID lanes and wanted to know when the government would introduce the Multi-Lane Fast Flow (MLFF) system that does not require the use of any toll barriers.

To this, Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad said he had also experienced similar issues at the Sentul toll.

"Several issues pertaining to this had been brought to the Cabinet via the Works Minister.

"The government is finalising the use of MLFF and it is expected to be implemented earlier by the end of 2024 or early 2025," he said.

Asked if MLFF will replace the RFID, Touch 'n Go (TnG) and Smart tag lanes, he reiterated that that the government is targeting to implement MLFF but did not elaborate if it would take the place of any existing methods.


Fiat to test automatic switch to electric mode for its hybrid cars in Turin

                MILAN: Fiat Chrysler is piloting a project in its historic Italian home of Turin to allow its hybrid plug-in cars to automatically switch to electric-only mode when entering congested city centers.

The project, which aims to maximise the environmental benefits of hybrid cars, comes as Fiat Chrysler (FCA) rolls out its first alternative-engine models, trying to make up ground on rivals which already offer a range of full electric and hybrid vehicles in Europe.

The project, named "Turin Geofencing Lab" and involving the city authorities and public transport agency GTT, is based on a prototype system with fully integrated on-board sensors allowing a car to recognise when it is entering a restricted traffic zone, FCA said on Wednesday.

The sensors will then automatically turn off the combustion engine and switch to electric mode.

This would allow hybrid cars to enjoy dispensations for electric vehicles in the city centre, including dedicated parking spaces.

The system has been initially tested on the new Jeep Renegade 4xe hybrid plug-in model. The tests could be extended to the group’s other hybrid models from next year.

The Covid-19 crisis has not significantly delayed FCA’s plans to launch its first full-electric and hybrid models. An electric version of the Fiat 500 small car and plug-in hybrid versions of Jeep’s Renegade and Compass models are due to hit the market this summer.

A similar project was launched last year by German carmaker BMW and Rotterdam, with a smart-phone reminder to switch-off combustion engines when passing a virtual boundary into the Dutch city’s “electric-only zone”.

But that did not entail such a direct link between the vehicle and the city’s access platform and gates to restricted traffic zones, as in Turin’s case.

Roberto Di Stefano, FCA’s Head of EMEA e-Mobility, said that once the Turin project was completed, it would be gradually offered to other cities, in Italy and abroad.


Harley offers dealers rare incentives to shift bike overhang

                MILWAUKEE: Harley-Davidson Inc has taken the rare step of offering rebates on its 2016 motorcycles to US dealers as an incentive for them to shift a backlog that has restricted sales of its latest models, three dealers and two analysts said.

The unusual promotion, which the dealers expect to run until the end of April, is likely to weigh on the US motorcycle maker's margins in the first half of the year, the analysts said.

Demand for Harley's motorcycles in the United States has slowed as its loyal baby boomer demographic ages and rivals such as Indian-motorcycle maker Polaris Industries Inc and Japan's Honda Motor Co Ltd offer competitive discounts.

Harley, keen to protect its premium-brand image, does not discount its bikes. The Milwaukee-based company commands slightly more than half of the US "big-bike" market: motorcycles with engine capacity of more than 601cc.

Speaking on a post-earnings conference call in January, Chief Financial Officer John Olin said Harley would focus on selling its 2016 motorcycles through the first quarter of this year.

As a result, he said, Harley would limit shipments of its 2017 models, including touring motorcycles with the new "Milwaukee-Eight" engine. The company has forecast it would ship fewer bikes in the quarter than in the year-earlier period.

Three U.S. dealers and two analysts said Harley was offering rebates of up to US$1,000 on each sale of its 2016 motorcycles, including its higher-end touring bike, cruisers and Sportsters.

A 2016 model Sportster SuperLow costs upwards of US$8,499, while prices of Softail Slim cruisers start at US$14,899. Harley's touring bikes are among its costliest, with the price of a 2016 Road King starting from US$18,749.

Two of the three dealers said they had been able to clear most of their 2016 inventory, and the third said it could take another month or two to shift last year's models.

Harley did not respond to a request for comment on whether it had offered rebates to its dealers. As of Dec. 31, Harley had 701 US dealerships.

Though Harley has been known to offer attractive financing schemes and extended warranties to customers when there is a seasonal overhang of motorcycles, two of the three dealers said they had never before been offered a rebate.

"It's not normal," a Harley dealer in the western United States said. "Usually, any incentives are customer-facing."

James Hardiman, an analyst at Wedbush Equity Research, said the rebates were likely to hit Harley's gross margins in the first and second quarters.

But, he and two other analysts said the scheme would have helped first-quarter shipments to track close to the higher end, or even above, Harley's forecast of 66,000 to 71,000 motorcycles.

The forecast implies a drop of between 20.5 percent and 14.5 percent from the year-earlier quarter.

Warmer-than-usual weather, meaning an earlier start to the annual riding season, would have also helped shipments last quarter, dealers and analysts said.

Customer response to the "Milwaukee-Eight" engine bikes had been strong, dealers said.


Nine motorbikes, four electric scooters destroyed in fire outside KL mall

UPDATE: The fire is believed to be a case of suspected arson. A 34-year-old man has been detained in connection with the fire. Dang Wangi OCPD Asst Comm Noor Dellhan Yahaya said the suspect was arrested within a few hours of the incident and he has been remanded until April 19. "We also seized various items including a motorcycle, a helmet, several pieces of clothing, a pair of gloves and a lighter."

KUALA LUMPUR: Nine motorcycles and four electric scooters were destroyed in a fire in front of a popular mall here this afternoon.

A Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department spokesman said that, in the 3.45pm incident, a total of 15 firefighters, with three fire engines from Tun Razak and Keramat fire stations, rushed to the scene

"Upon arrival, we found that nine motorcycles and four electric scooters were completely burned, while four other motorcycles were burned between three and 20%," he said in a statement.

According to the spokesman, the fire was brought under control at 4.04pm and there were no casualties.

The cause of the fire and the total losses involved are still under investigation.


Proton sets cross-hairs on Honda and Toyota in Asean expansion

                KUALA LUMPUR: Dr Li Chunrong was hired by Chinese automaker Geely to revive the fortunes of the Proton brand in Malaysia, and it took him two years to eclipse Japanese giants Honda and Toyota. Now he plans to take the fight across Southeast Asia and beyond.

Li, appointed Proton CEO in 2017 when Geely acquired 49.9% of the company, has turned around a once-celebrated Malaysian marque that had to rely on state aid after a string of losses, with his success built on an aggressive cost-cutting drive.

Now Geely has told the Proton boss to expand across the region, initially focusing on Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei, Li told Reuters - the first time concrete details of the brand's expansion plans have been disclosed.

Like Malaysia, they are right-hand drive markets so require fewer car modifications. Proton also aims to drive into the Middle East and increase sales to Egypt, said the 56-year-old Chinese national.

Li did not give specific timeframes for expansion into individual markets but said Proton wanted to raise overseas sales - which stood at about 1,000 cars last year, or 1% of total sales - at least four-fold this year.

The carmaker wants 40% of its sales to come from foreign markets by 2027, he told Reuters in two interviews, identifying Thailand and Indonesia as the key markets but declining to outline his strategy to crack them.

"We have a good foundation," he said. "We commit that, every year, we will launch a new model."

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) region of over 500 million people is promising territory; car sales are forecast by consultancy IHS Markit to grow at a compound annual rate of 3% in 2016-2020, compared with a 1% drop globally.

But IHS said Proton was still a small player compared with the Japanese brands, and that it could struggle to compete.

ASEAN sales are led by Toyota with a 30% market share, Honda with 13% and Mitsubishi with 10%, according to the consultancy. Proton is in 11th place with about 3%, mainly from Malaysia.

Proton's goals are ambitious and it may not have the production capacity to make inroads regionally, said Mayuree Chaiyuthanaporn, a senior IHS analyst.

"In terms of sales, Proton may not be successful outside Malaysia," she added.

Geely said Proton had performed well in the past two years and it was committed to seeing the Malaysian company be a leading brand in Southeast Asia.

Exporting costs model

Proton, majority-owned by Malaysian conglomerate DRB-HICOM, has launched products at a breakneck speed in its home market.

It dropped many old models the first year of the joint venture, and then launched six new ones within eight months, including the X70 SUV based on Geely's Boyue.

It became the second-largest car seller with a 16.7% share last year - when it made its first profit in about nine years - climbing above Honda and Toyota from fourth place.

Li said Proton could beat Malaysia's top seller Perodua, backed by Japan's Daihatsu, by 2022 - five years ahead of the target announced after Geely's investment.

Proton outlined to Reuters some of the cost-cutting measures that have bolstered its Malaysian fortunes - and that could be key for success in its expansion drive. Some of the rapid changes have, however, jarred local sensitivities, a problem that it could also encounter in other countries.

The carmaker has increasingly switched to sourcing cheaper components from China, and let go of many small local distributors, stoking some resentment. It has also been trying to get more Malaysian vendors to partner with Chinese suppliers, in a bid to get them to cut costs by 30%.

Proton, which saved 250 million ringgit ($61.5 million) in costs in 2018, has also cut its warehouses to four from 16 and sold 1,000 of its 1,500 company cars. Its drive has even extended to stopping newspaper subscriptions for all executives apart from Li's deputy.

Discord with dealers

The automaker has also faced accusations from politicians and industry groups of favouring Chinese or ethnic Chinese-Malaysian dealers.

All the 47 dealers who left the brand since Geely's entry are Malays, and the number of Malay dealers has fallen to 32% from 42% before the Chinese investment, the trade and industry minister told parliament last month.

Many left as they were unable to meet Proton's demand of investing around $1 million to upgrade their sales-only centres to offer aftermarket services, said the Malaysian Association of Malay Vehicle Importers and Traders.

"It was a culture shock," said Nik Izani Nik Ibrahim, deputy president of the association, adding that most dealers were losing money before Geely's entry.

Li denied that there had been any discrimination, saying decisions were driven by business logic.

He said nearly a dozen Malaysian ministers had raised the concerns of Malay dealers in his first year but that those worries had eased now.

The automaker has since changed its strategy for dealerships, allowing some basic sales-only centres to continue, dealers and company officials said.

Proton, launched in 1983, was Malaysia's market leader in its early years. Its market share plunged in the last decade, however, as customers shunned its lower-standard cars and limited after-sales service, Proton officials have said.

The turnaround under Li has forced Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, a car aficionado, to reverse his initial opposition to Geely's investment in Proton.

"Now, it's selling 100,000 cars and it's making profit," Dr Mahathir, whose fleet of cars now includes a red X70, told reporters this month.

"Why? Because of management, because of good technology."


Fast exit: Tesla's autopilot software head quits in less than six months

                SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla Inc said the head of its autopilot software, Chris Lattner, left the company in less than six months since joining the electric carmaker.

"Chris just wasn't the right fit for Tesla, and we've decided to make a change," a Tesla spokesman said on Tuesday.
 Lattner.
"Turns out that Tesla isn't a good fit for me after all," Lattner, who worked at Apple Inc for more than a decade before joining Tesla in January, tweeted. "I'm interested to hear about interesting roles for a seasoned engineering leader!"

Tesla said it hired Andrej Karpathy as director of artificial intelligence and Tesla Vision team, the spokesman said.

Karpathy, who most recently worked as a research scientist at OpenAI, will directly report to chief executive Elon Musk.

Karpathy will work closely with Jim Keller, who now has overall responsibility for autopilot hardware and software, she added.

Electrek.co website earlier reported Lattner's exit.


Perodua sees 17% higher production in first half of 2023

                KUALA LUMPUR: Perodua produced 153,813 vehicles in the first six months of 2023, which is an increase of 17% compared with 131,641 units made in the same period of 2022.

This production achievement has resulted in a registration increase of 13.6% to 144,690 vehicles for the first half of 2023 (1H23) compared with 127,343 units sold in the same period last year.

The Bezza was Perodua’s top seller so far this year with a total of 40,555 units registered between January and June, followed by the Myvi at 32,319 units, the Perodua Axia at 28,199 units.

Perodua president and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said the higher production and sales performances for the first half of 2023 were due to a better supply of parts as well as improved production efficiency at the company's manufacturing plant.

 Bezza.

He said Perodua is on track to meet its 330,000 production and 314,000 registration targets as the compact car company would further improve on its operational efficiencies.

“Among the notable improvements we have made include the faster tact time (the time it takes to produce a vehicle) from 1.35 minutes to 1.25 minutes at our Perodua Global Manufacturing plant (PGMSB),” Zainal said.

On a quarter-to-quarter comparison, Perodua produced 69,013 vehicles in 2Q23, an increase of 1% from 68,316 in the same period last year.

He said the bulk of the production performance of this year so far was achieved in the first quarter of 2023 as Perodua went all out to meet its Penjana obligations.

For the 2Q23, Perodua registered 66,126 units compared with 65,719 units in the same period last year.

Zainal said the company expect both production and sales to continue their uptrend as demand for Perodua vehicles remains healthy.

 Axia E.

“For example, our recently launched Axia E was well received and our ready stock of 2,500 vehicles was completely distributed within 48 hours,” he said.

He also noted that there were potential challenges ahead, ranging from potential higher financing costs and intermittent supply shortages while existing bookings were encouraging.

“These challenges notwithstanding, we stand firm on our targets, and we thank our valued customers for their support and patience. Our top priority is to continue reducing our customers’ waiting time as well as further improve our service quality.

“We also thank Bank Negara Malaysia for keeping the overnight policy rate steady at 3% as this would help to ease the financing cost of our customers, who consist of lower income earners,” Zainal added.


Proton delivers 50 modified Iriz cars to Metro Driving Academy

Roslan (left) handing over the Iriz batch to Mat Aris recently.
SUBANG JAYA: Proton recently delivered 50 units of the Iriz to Metro Driving Academy.

The cars were modified by ACE, a subsidiary of Proton Global Services specialising in custom builds and modifications, and were built in accordance to the rules and regulations set by the Road Transport Department.

The cars were delivered in a handover ceremony to the driving school's managing director, Mat Aris Bakar. These cars would be used to train students at their Subang and Puchong campuses.

Despite its compact size, the Proton Iriz was awarded a 5-star Asean NCAP rating and comes with a list of safety features such as reinforced body structure using Hot Press Formed steel, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control System and Hill Hold Assist.

The most helpful features for learners would be the reverse camera and parking sensors to provide visual and audible parking assistance while and ECO mode switch encourages more efficient driving resulting in better fuel consumption.

“Driving schools are a great touchpoint for Proton to get closer to the younger generation," said Proton deputy chief executive officer Roslan Abdullah.

"With the collaboration with Metro Driving Academy, we can showcase the USPs offered by our products and tap into the psyche of potential first-time car buyers.”

Metro Driving Academy, set up in 1998, is a licensed driving school.


Takata and Japan automakers stuck in uneasy reliance as recalls mount

                Air bag maker Takata Corp  and Japanese carmakers including Honda Motor Co  are locked in the commercial equivalent of a bad marriage; not entirely happy in each other's company but unable to break apart and wary of potentially costly court battles.

Honda on Friday unveiled a new model with an unusual sales pitch - fuel efficient, lots of cargo space and, by the way, no air bag inflators made by Takata, the Japanese supplier at the centre of a global safety crisis that has rocked both companies.

Over the past five years, recalls have ballooned to include 36 million vehicles fitted with potentially lethal Takata air bags, triggering a criminal investigation and lawsuits in the United States, and testing ties between Takata and its main customers, bankers and auto executives say.

Automakers don't normally discuss supply arrangements for components like air bags in their new models.
But in a departure that underscores an increasingly strained relationship, Sho Minekawa, Honda senior managing director, said the new Shuttle wagon sold only in Japan would use inflators from Takata's rival, Daicel Corp.

"We use very little from Takata for our domestic models and that's been the trend in recent years," Minekawa said in response to a question at the launch of the new car. "There was a time when we used a lot." The uneasy dynamic explains why Japan's automakers have not been agitating for a shake-up or even restructuring at Takata even as they give new contracts to other suppliers.

The automakers need Takata to supply replacement parts for urgent repairs and cannot demand compensation that would endanger its ability to do so in an industry where no rival could readily take up the slack.

A court battle could risk embarrassing disclosures about the responsibility of automakers in reviewing Takata's designs or in pushing for cost cutting, a banker who has been in contact with Takata said.

"The most important thing from the perspective of the automakers is that they can ensure replacement parts are being supplied in a stable fashion," said Masaki Higurashi, deputy director of the automobile division at Japan's trade ministry who is involved in coordinating the government's monitoring of the recall crisis.

Any discussion of restructuring would have to wait until after that, he said. "After all the replacement parts are supplied, the automakers have to decide whether to let Takata stay on as it is," he said. "I think the automakers are starting to think about that." Honda, still Takata's largest customer, recalled almost 5 million more cars last week after concluding the Takata air bags they contained were at risk of exploding in accidents. Toyota Motor Corp added another 5 million vehicles to the tally and Nissan Motor 1.5 million.

Six deaths, all in Honda vehicles, have been linked to shrapnel from defective Takata air bags. Problems with Takata air bags have also been linked to more than 100 reported injuries.

The Japanese automakers and Takata failed to agree on whether the most recent recalls were necessary based on data provided by Takata.

As a result, there is no agreement between Takata and the automakers on how to split the costs, representatives of both sides said. That will have to wait until after they have determined why Takata air bag inflators are breaking down.

Takata will not be able to go it alone. The new costs could be as much as US$1 billion if all vehicles covered by the new recall were repaired and the US$100-per-car estimate favored by analysts applied. By comparison, Takata's market value is a little over US$1 billion.

Takata has allocated US$520 million to cover recall costs. At a meeting with analysts on Thursday, CFO Yoichiro Nomura said Takata had asked automakers to allow it to pay its share of recall costs in installments, a concession that would allow it to avoid a potentially destabilising charge, according to analysts who attended the closed-door briefing.

Takata CEO Shigehisa Takada, whose family controls some 57 percent of the auto parts maker, did not attend the meeting.

Nomura told attendees the CEO was busy with quality issues.

Honda is using a Takata competitor, Toyoda Gosei, for driver's-side air bags for its new Accord sedan in North America, two people with knowledge of that move have said.

Toyota is no longer among Takata's top five customers.

Even so, one purchasing manager at a Japanese automaker involved in the recalls, who asked not to be named, said the companies were forced to rely on Takata given its 20 percent plus global market share.

"We have no choice but to stay together," he said.


Two more VTEC turbo mills to come from Honda

TOKYO: Honda will develop two more turbocharged VTEC engines that’s set for launch in Europe in early 2017.The Japanese carmaker will unveil a 1.0 and 1.5-litre turbocharged engine that will be employed in the upcoming 10th generation Civic, due out around the same time, and will be part of its growing Earth Dreams Technology range.Dynamic performance, class-leading output and excellent fuel economy is what the carmaker hopes to achieve for its engines.A new turbocharged 2.0-litre VTEC engine was launched in the current Civic Type R - producing 305bhp, and allows it to sprint to 100kph in 5.7 seconds.Based on a completely new engine structure, it uses a newly developed turbo system with variable valve motion technology to help reduce friction and achieve class-leading output and environmental performance.The turbocharger has a low moment of inertia and high responsiveness and is combined with direct injection technology for better balance between high output and torque.Five door variants will be exclusively produced at Honda’s UK manufacturing plant (HUM) in Swindon.“With the launch of these two new smaller turbocharged engines, we are responding to the market demand and the rising trend for increased fuel efficiency without compromising on power,” said Honda UK managing director Philip Crossman.


More US men shying away from cars with manual transmission, says study

                CINCINNATI: More men than women in the United States are no longer interested in using manual transmission cars, preferring the convenience of the automatic gearbox instead, says a car lease marketplace operator.

According to recent analysis by Swapalease.com, the number of manual transmission vehicles driven by Americans has dropped roughly 22% since 2012.

In its analysis of over 50,000 vehicle records dating back to 2012, Swapalease.com has found that the rate of use is declining for both genders, but it is happening at a faster pace for men compared to women. In fact, the percentage of men driving manual transmission vehicles has dropped from 85.4% in 2012 to 81.2% in 2015. As a result, the percentage for women has responded by adjusting from 14.6% in 2012 to 18.8% in 2015.

Both genders overall are driving fewer manual transmissions during that time, but since the numbers for men are dropping faster, it has caused the percentage to actually increase for women.

The trend has given rise to the term "manual drift",  a phrase coined by Swapalease.com executives to address the slow sunset of interest in manual transmissions found in today’s cars.

“It’s not surprising to see the sunset of manual transmission vehicles, particularly when you consider all the conversation around autonomous driving,” said Scot Hall, Executive Vice President of Swapalease.com.

“It’s difficult to explain why men are drifting away from manual faster than women, but perhaps fathers teaching their daughters to drive still see a premium in teaching both driving methods today.”


US groups urge automakers to adopt common names for driver assistance tech

                WASHINGTON: A group of stakeholders in the US auto industry urged automakers to adopt standardised names for Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) technology from a list they released on Wednesday, seeking to reduce confusion among consumers.

The list of names, drawn up by roadside assistance provider American Automobile Association (AAA), influential US magazine Consumer Reports, auto industry consultant J.D. Power and the National Safety Council, also looks to ensure drivers are aware these systems are designed to assist and not replace an engaged driver.

It includes five categories — driving control assistance, collision warnings, collision intervention, parking assistance and other driver assistance systems — and will be updated when new systems come to the market.

The new names are not meant to replace automaker system names, but seek to provide consistent information on window stickers, owner manuals and marketing materials, the four organisations said in a joint statement.

Consumers are faced with as many as 20 names for a single ADAS feature as vehicle makers often prioritise marketing over clarity, an AAA research found earlier this year.


Elderly drivers and road safety: Parting with the car keys isn't easy

                HAMBURG: They'll motor down to the supermarket or over to a friend's home for a chat over coffee. For many older people, driving has been an integral part of their lives for decades.

But what if Dad often runs stop signs, or Darling regularly doesn't brake until the last moment?

People sometimes worry when an elderly loved one gets behind the wheel, fearing he or she endangers themselves as well as others. At the same time they're unsure how to tell them it might be best if they stopped driving.

It's important to know that older drivers per se aren't a road hazard. On the whole, they're involved in traffic accidents less frequently than other age groups.

That being said, "data show that people over the age of 75 are at particular risk of accidents," says traffic psychologist Andrea Haeussler, management board member of Munich-based TÜV SÜD Life Service, which specializes in assessing fitness to drive.

Many older drivers no longer see or hear as well as they used to. And their mobility may be impaired, making it difficult for them to look over their shoulder - for example when changing lanes, merging onto a motorway, or turning at an intersection - to check for other vehicles, cyclists or pedestrians.

"A diminishing attention span and concentration are also part of the normal ageing process," notes traffic psychologist Claudia Happe. Numerous medical conditions are more common among older people, and side effects from medications taken for them can make driving riskier.

Many changes occur gradually, and other people often notice them before the older driver does.

Nevertheless, "many older people realise themselves when they're no longer at ease behind the wheel - and take appropriate action," points out Haeussler. Others continue to drive against their relatives' wishes.

A clear red flag is an increase in major driving errors - or a traffic accident. But there are subtler signs that someone's driving skills have declined, "for instance if they often display
delayed reactions - at traffic lights, say, or in situations involving the right of way," Happe says.

"Sudden hesitancy to take unfamiliar routes can be a warning sign as well."

Growing impatience behind the wheel, reflected in cursing at other drivers, can be another indication of a lack of confidence. And the condition of the older driver's car - the presence of scrapes or dents, for example - sometimes speaks volumes.

"At the very latest when you yourself are afraid to get into the car with the driver, it's time to broach the topic (of quitting driving)," Hauessler says. It's not an easy conversation for either side.

"It's hard for older people, who may have driven for decades without causing an accident, to be told they've done something wrong," Happe says. For many, a driving licence is a ticket to independence and self-determination - having to give it up is painful.

Concerned relatives should therefore approach the topic cautiously. They can start by dispassionately outlining their observations of the person's driving behaviour, and their fears or worries because of it.

"It's important to remove drama from the matter and develop ideas together on how best to ensure the person's mobility in future," says traffic psychologist Birgit Scheucher.

The good news is that there are plenty of solutions between, "Everything remains as is," and, "The driving licence has to go." One possible solution is for the older driver to take more rest stops or not to drive any more at night or in the rain.

"If someone takes medications and knows the side effects are weakest in the morning, it might be a good idea to drive only then," suggests Haeussler. If the decision is made to quit driving, the person could keep their driving licence for the time being.

The best solution is one that's tailored to the individual. A third-party assessment can be helpful in reaching it - for example, the person could take a short drive with a driving instructor, who can then render an opinion.


Coming to grips with Michelin's new Primacy 4

                Michelin recently launched its Primacy 4 tyre in Pattaya, Thailand, to replace the outgoing Primacy 3 ST and it’s being touted to possess greater consistency and durability throughout its use.

The new tyre is priced from RM444 per piece and will carry the ST designation on its sidewall, to identify it to the ASEAN region, and is available at all TyrePlus and Michelin authorised dealers nationwide.

There are 14 sizes for choice (from 16 to 18 inches) and will be further expanded to 64 to include a smaller 15-inch range.

The French tyremaker describes its new tyre with a ‘Safe When New, Safe When Worn’ tagline because of its surprising ability to retain much of its grip from new (8mm tread depth) until a worn tread depth of 2mm.

Also, the new tyre uses the company’s latest EverGrip technology which features a new sculpture for its tread design to increase water evacuation space by 50% as the tyre wears down.

The second feature of the technology is the tyre’s new second-generation Silent Rib technology that uses inter-locking bands to minimise the deformation of tread blocks when rolling.

This ultimately leads to a more silent ride as well as better shock absorption for greater comfort.

The tyre’s level of consistency also stems from its new rubber-silica compound that’s not only more evenly distributed, but also properly bonded for a more consistent wet grip performance.

The company commissioned TÜV Rheinland Thailand to conduct a wet braking test from 80kph to zero on new and worn tyres and compared the results with new and worn tyres of other premium brands.

On wet roads, the test found that a new set of Primacy 4 tyres was able to brake up to 2.5m shorter than its competitors and when worn, the difference in braking distances was much greater at around 5.1m shorter.

In some instances, it was also found that a worn Primacy 4 tyre was able outperform a new one from a reputable competitor.

A demonstration was performed with a Honda Accord (2017) wearing 17-inch wheels fitted with new 225/50 series Primacy 4 tyres to perform three 80-0kph wet braking tests before changing out to a worn set.

This process was repeated against a Japanese and British tyre brand.

All tyres (including the Primacy 4) maintained a new tread depth of 8mm and worn tread depth of 2mm.

When new, all three brands performed relatively close to each other with the Primacy 4 managing to stop completely within 25.5m, while the Japanese brand took 27.1m and the British at 30.9m.

Onto the worn tyres (2mm tread depth) and the Primacy 4 did the deed in 29.3m (+3.8m) with the Japanese brand sliding in at 33m (+5.9m) and the British finally managing to stop at the 39.3m (+8.4m) mark.

Members of the media were also provided with a fleet of Honda Accords for a short drive around the area fitted with the three tyres brands, which also proved that the Primacy 4 was much more silent and compliant over uneven road surfaces.

Lastly, a short gymkhana circuit was prepared and the choice of vehicle was a Mercedes-Benz E 200 convertible fitted with 18-inch wheels and 225/45 Primacy 4 tyres, which managed to hold up relatively well against the heated abuse.

But it was obvious that it didn’t like to play rough - something the Pilot Sport 4 excels in.

The Primacy 4 is, without doubt, a more refined and consistent performer - which ultimately makes it far safer against its direct competitors.

And as a bonus, it’ll also help to push a vehicle’s refinement level up by a slight notch, thanks to its ability to reduce the amount of noise, vibration and harshness from intruding into the cabin.


US moves to regulate self-driving cars

 A self-driving car undergoing trials. - EPA
WASHINGTON: The United States unveiled Monday a sweeping new regulatory framework for the unexpectedly rapid onset of self-driving automobile technology, just days after Uber broke ground with its first driverless taxis.

US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said the federal government intends to set the safety standards for cars of the future where no human is involved in the driving, even while individual states still regulate cars with humans behind the wheel.

But some of the rules will extend to advanced driver-assistance systems, like those in Teslas, that can handle significant levels of driving even while demanding a person stay at the wheel of the car, officials said.

Announcing a 15-point safety assessment for driverless car systems, Foxx stressed that the government wants to work with developers - which include most large automakers as well as tech giants like Uber and Alphabet (Google) - without stifling their efforts. ”This area we recognise as an evolving area. This is an emerging technology,” he announced.

Foxx pointed out that drivers and cars have long been regulated by individual states in a “patchwork” of laws.
”The dynamic with the autonomous car is that the software is now operating the vehicle. And... when the software is operating the vehicle, that is an area that we intend to regulate.”

The 15 points by which driverless cars, or “highly automated vehicles” (HAVs), will be judged, include:
- the vehicle’s perception and response functionality
- how well the cars manage in case of technical failures
- data recording and information sharing capabilities
- user privacy
- security from hacking

Also on the list are “ethical considerations”, how self-driving vehicles are programmed to handle conflict dilemmas on the road. Programmers are wrestling, for example, with the reaction a self-driving car should have when, for instance, it is faced with the limited choice of smashing into a loaded bus on one side or a bicyclist on the other.

Jeff Zients, director of the White House’s National Economic Council, said the government is strongly behind the development of autonomous vehicles.

”Automated vehicles will save Americans time, money and lives, and that’s why we are putting out the rules of the road for self-driving cars. So they can get on the road as quickly, and as safely, as possible,” he said.


Used car dealers enjoy record sales, spurred by govt perks

                PETALING JAYA: Used car dealers are reporting record-high sales, spurred by the government’s tax incentives and customers downgrading to cheaper vehicles in light of the economic uncertainty created by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Federation of Motor and Credit Companies Association of Malaysia (FMCCAM) president Datuk Tony Khor said the surge in demand for used cars at the moment is a scenario that is “simply too good to believe”.

“Year-on-year, used car sales in July have gone up more than 20%. On a month-on-month basis, sales are up 30% compared with June. Year-on-year June sales jumped more than 100%. This is historic, ” he told StarBiz.

Khor attributed the surge in demand to the spike in new vehicle sales, which has been spurred by the government’s tax exemptions.

“As more people buy new cars, the more they will need to trade-in their old ones, ” he said.

Sales have been so good that Khor said vehicle inspection centre Puspakom has problem coping with the volume.

“A car for sale must first be inspected by Puspakom. The standard operating procedure is that when the vehicle is booked, it will be sent for inspection by the next day.

“But right now, the waiting period has been extended to between five and seven days.”

Khor said some customers have actually cancelled their bookings because the inspection time was just too long a period to wait.

“As a result, some of our dealers have actually lost some business because of that, ” he said.

Under the Short-Term Economic Recovery Plan (Penjana) announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in June, locally-assembled cars will be fully exempted from sales tax while for imported cars, the sales tax will be cut from 10% to 5%, until Dec 31.

The impact was immediate, with vehicle sales rising 5.1% to 44,695 units in June and surging 95% on a month-on-month basis.

At the Malaysian Automotive Association’s (MAA) biannual review last month, president Datuk Aishah Ahmad acknowledged that used car traders are experiencing roaring businesses with more than 100% improvement in sales.

Meanwhile, Khor said another reason for the spike in used car sales was because the Covid-19 pandemic has deterred people from using public transport.

“Many prefer to use their own cars, ” he said.

Additionally, Khor said the six-month moratorium, which ends in September, has also helped to spur sales.

“If the government does not offer any type of incentive after September, we think car sales may be impacted, ” he said.

Recently, national carmaker Proton Holdings Bhd announced that it is expanding its used car management network to capitalise on the surge in demand for used vehicles.

“As Malaysia’s automotive industry starts its recovery from the Covid-19-induced lockdown, new buying patterns are emerging. One development has been the growth in used car sales, which according to the MAA grew by 100% in the first six months of 2020, ” Proton said in a statement.

“Proton saw this as a crucial piece of overall strategy and started to develop a Used Car Management (UCM) department so as to streamline the sales and distribution of used cars in support of new car sales.”

The national carmaker said it aims to have 36 used car outlets nationwide in 2020. The UCM division was started in 2019, with a pilot project consisting of eight outlets located in various dealerships.

New vehicle sales plunged 41.1% to 174,675 units in the first half of 2020, as a result of economic disruptions resulting from the country’s movement control order to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.


2018 updated Mazda6 previewed

                PENANG: The updated 2018 Mazda6 has arrived in Malaysia, and is offered in four variants. Prices for the new Mazda6 remains the same as before, starting from RM156,191.

They are the 2.0-litre petrol sedan; the 2.5-litre petrol sedan; the 2.5-litre petrol touring; and the 2.2-litre diesel sedan.

Imported from Japan, all Mazda6 variants have a SkyActiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode, along with Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control (GVC) technology which improves handling, stability and comfort.

There are seven colour choices, namely Snowflake White Pearl, Sonic Silver, Jet Black, Deep Crystal Blue, Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray and Titanium Flash.

Exterior changes include a new front grille design, new sleek LED headlamps, and a newly designed rims.

The bumper is also redesigned with air vents to improve the Mazda6’s aerodynamic performance by channelling air to the front tyres.

The rear features a new chrome finish, new sleek rear lamps, and a new tailpipe design.

As for the interior, the dashboard design has been widened and the Mazda Connect infotainment display has been enlarged to an eight-inch display, and placed higher for a reduced viewing angle to provide better visibility at a glance.

New front seats also help improve comfort and reduce fatigue, and have been widened for better physical support.

A USB charging point is available in the rear centre armrest in addition to the standard cup holders.
NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) improvements for the Mazda6 were made with thicker door panels, outer glass, headliner, and door seals; resulting in a more refined experience.

Only the 2.2-litre diesel & 2.5-litre petrol variants get a colour windshield-projection Active Driving Display, Driving Attention Alert (DAA) and Smart City Brake Support (front and rear), as well as a 360-degree View Monitor that provides a view of the car and its surroundings by using four cameras.

DAA “learns” the drivers behaviour at speeds above 65kph and warns the driver if abnormal driving patterns are detected.
Smart City Brake Support (rear) helps to prevent low-speed collision when the driver is reversing.

If the system determines that a collision is unavoidable, the driver will be alerted and brakes will be applied automatically to prevent or reduce the impact of a collision.

Only the 2.5-litre petrol engine variants have the Mazda i-Eloop Technology which uses a brake energy regeneration system to convert a car's kinetic energy into electricity as the car decelerates.

2018 updated Mazda6 2.0L Sedan

- SkyActiv-G 2.0-litre DOHC 4-cylinder petrol engine, direct injection, with VVT
- 6-Speed automatic gearbox with Manual Shift Mode
- 162hp at 6,000rpm
- 213Nm at 4,000rpm
- all-round disc brakes
- Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS)
- 225/55 R17 tyres
- LED headlights with auto On/Off function and auto levelling
- LED Daytime Running Lights
- LED taillights
- Rain Sensing wipers
- Keyless Entry
- Engine Start/Stop Button
- Electronic Parking Brake
- Parking sensors (front and rear)
- Dual-Zone Auto Climate Control
- Rear Air Conditioning Vents
- Leather seats
- Powered front seats
- MZD Connect Infotainment System With Voice Command
- 8-inch Full Colour Touch Screen
- CD & MP3 Player, Bluetooth
- 6 audio speakers
- 4 USB ports
- Reverse Camera
- Mazda i-Stop Idling Technology
- Mazda G-Vectoring Control Technology
- 6 airbags
- Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
- Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
- Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD)
- Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
- Traction Control System (TCS)
- Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)
- Hill Launch Assist (HLA)
- Auto Hold Function
- ISOFIX Child Restraint Anchor Points And Top Tethers

2018 updated Mazda6 2.5L Sedan (extra features)

- SkyActiv-G 2.5-litre DOHC 4-cylinder petrol engine, direct injection, with VVT
- 6-Speed automatic gearbox with Manual Shift Mode
- 192hp at 6,000rpm
- 258Nm at 4,000rpm
- 225/45 R19 tyres
- Power Sunroof with Sliding & Tilt Glass
- Active Driving Display (Head-Up Display)
- 11 Bose speakers
- 360-degree View Monitor
- Mazda i-Eloop Technology
- Speed Sensing Auto Lock
- Walk Away Lock
- Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH)
- Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
- Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
- Lane Keep Assist System (LAS)
- Driving Attention Alert (DAA)
- Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) for front and rear

2018 updated Mazda6 2.5L Touring

- Similar features in 2.5L sedan variant

2018 updated Mazda6 2.2L Diesel Sedan

- Similar features in 2.5L petrol sedan variant (except for Mazda i-Eloop Technology)
- SkyActiv-D 2.2-litre DOHC 4-cylinder diesel engine, direct injection, with VVT
- 6-Speed automatic gearbox with Manual Shift Mode
- 188hp at 4,500rpm
- 450hp at 2,000rpm


2016 Beijing auto show: Bentley to debut Mulsanne First Edition

BEIJING: Bentley is enhancing its new Mulsanne range at the Beijing Auto Show with the global debut of the highly exclusive Mulsanne First Edition.

Handcrafted in Crewe and featuring a suite of elegantly executed styling revisions, Bentley’s new pinnacle model range comprises the Mulsanne, the performance-focused Mulsanne Speed and ultra-luxurious Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase, with its enhanced rear passenger space and airline-style seats. Just 50 examples of the First Edition will be made available across the new three-model Mulsanne family.

A bespoke Mulliner sterling silver vanity kit inlaid into the rear picnic table is available on the Mulsanne First Edition. The luxuriously weighted set – created by Asprey of London – includes a vanity mirror, hair brush and comb, all of which fit perfectly into a unique Mulliner-designed picnic table for discreet stowage.

First Edition motifs are positioned throughout the cabin, including a unique diametric overlay on the rear seat picnic tables, special tread plates and Union Jack-inspired First Edition embroidery on the seats.

Each Mulsanne First Edition also features a specially engraved Bentley ‘Flying B’ bonnet ornament and can be specified with a champagne cooler.

On display at the Beijing show, the Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase First Edition features a ripple-patterned Fulbeck veneer sourced from a 350-year-old English walnut tree. This extremely rare and sought-after wood fetched an undisclosed record price at auction, with Bentley able to acquire enough to create veneer panels for a small number of cars. All other Mulsanne First Edition models are available with a unique Antique Ash veneer.

The new Bentley Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase offers a first-class air-travel experience for the road and is designed for customers with a preference for being chauffeured. Benefitting from an additional 250 mm of rear legroom, this significant increase in interior space makes the Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase the most generously proportioned luxury limousine in the world.

Further enhancing this interior space are new airline-style reclining seats with extending footrests and a rear compartment sunroof. The ability to sleep in the rear is assured thanks to rear compartment curtains.

Rear-seat passengers also benefit from the introduction of the Bentley Entertainment Tablet – a pair of 10.2” Android devices (with 4G, WiFi and Bluetooth) integrated into the backs of the front seats.

The Android-powered tablets, which feature a Bentley-specific interface, have access to over a million Android Apps – such as Skype, Google Play and Spotify – and can be used away from the car, in the office and at home.


Dakar Rally to help Saudi tourism push, says sports chief

The 2020 Dakar will set off from Jeddah on Jan 5 and end 7,800km and 12 days later in Qiddiya. — Relaxnews
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's sports chief said Monday the controversial 2020 Dakar Rally, to be hosted by the country for the first time, will help showcase the austere kingdom's tourism potential.

Organisers of the 12-day marathon through the Arabian desert, which starts on Jan 5, have admitted they have qualms about bringing one of motor racing's most gruelling adventure rallies to the Gulf kingdom, which has been under fire over human rights abuses.

But Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Faisal, chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Sports Authority, said the race would help spotlight attractions as the ultra-conservative kingdom opens up to international tourists amid a push to boost non-oil revenue.

"With the launch of the Dakar Rally here in the kingdom, the world will see the picturesque nature of our country and its wonderful desert," Prince Abdulaziz told reporters in Qiddiya, close to the capital Riyadh.

"The world will come closer than ever to the people of the hospitable kingdom (that is) looking forward to welcoming the world."

The 2020 Dakar will set off from Jeddah on Jan 5 and end 7,800km and 12 days later in Qiddiya.

The race, involving more than 550 drivers from around the world, will pass through a host of sites —from NEOM, a US$500 billion futuristic megacity under construction, to the heritage site of Al-Ula and the sand dunes of the vast Empty Quarter desert.

In September, Saudi Arabia began offering tourist visas for the first time.

Kickstarting tourism is one of the centrepieces of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 reform programme to prepare the biggest Arab economy for a post-oil era.

But the conservative country, which forbids alcohol and is notorious for sex segregation, is seen as an unlikely destination for global tourists aside from Muslim pilgrims visiting holy sites in Mecca and Medina.

The Dakar started its history as a rally between Paris and the capital of Senegal in West Africa, then switched to South America when security became a concern. Organisers say it will remain in the Arabian peninsula for at least five years.

Last year's winner Nasser al-Attiyah of Qatar is among the favourites in his Toyota with Carlos Sainz and Stephane Peterhansel, a 13-time winner in bikes and cars, expected to pose a strong challenge in their MINIs.


Official data confirms increased driving range and greater efficiency for revised Volvo C40 and XC40 Recharge

                GOTHENBURG: Technical updates to the Volvo C40 and XC40 Recharge pure electric models have delivered improvements in driving range and energy efficiency beyond initial expectations.

Homologated performance figures just released for the revised cars show increases of up to 102km in the distance that can be covered on a full charge, which now stand at up to 550km for the C40 crossover and 537km for the XC40 SUV.

This equates to an improvement of up to 24% on the figures of the outgoing models.

Energy efficiency has also improved, with the most efficient C40 and XC40 versions now capable of up to 5.9km per kWh.

The gains have been achieved through a combination of enhancements, including a switch from front- to rear-wheel drive for the single-motor Recharge versions of both models, and the adoption of a second-generation permanent magnet electric motor.

This e-motor is more powerful than the one in the outgoing car – offering 238hp, up from 231hp – plus it is the first e-motor to be developed in-house at Volvo Cars. Battery performance has also been improved thanks to enhancements to cooling efficiency.

Where the dual-motor C40 and XC40 Recharge Twin are concerned, there is the further benefit of increased battery capacity to a nominal 82kWh (79kWh usable capacity), up from 78kWh (75kWh usable) in the outgoing versions.

Both the C40 and XC40 Recharge Twin also adopt different front and rear e-motors, with 150hp and 258hp respectively, in place of the 204hp units previously used on both axles. The total power output remains the same as before, at 408hp.

Volvo said customers can expect to enjoy the convenience of speedier recharging times for the C40 and XC40 Recharge Twin all-wheel-drive models, too.

An increase in their maximum charging rate from 150kW to 200kW translates into a nine-minute reduction in the 10 to 80% recharging time, which drops to just 28 minutes when using a 200kW DC rapid-charging system.


Uber and Airbus said to be enlisted in Japan’s flying-car plan

                TOKYO: Japan is making a push to develop flying cars, enlisting companies including Uber Technologies Inc and Airbus SE in a government-led group to bring airborne vehicles to the country in the next decade, according to people familiar with the matter.

The group will initially comprise about 20 companies, including Boeing Co, NEC Corp, a Toyota Motor Corp-backed startup called Cartivator, ANA Holdings Inc, Japan Airlines Co, and Yamato Holdings Co. Delegates will gather Aug 29 for the first of their monthly meetings, the people said, asking not to be identified citing rules.

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Transport Ministry plan to draft a road map this year, they said.

An Uber spokesman confirmed the company’s participation in the group, but declined to comment further. Representatives for Airbus, Boeing, ANA, JAL, NEC, Yamato and Cartivator declined to comment, as did those for the trade and transport ministries.

Flying cars that can zoom over congested roads are closer to reality than many people think. Startups around the world are pursuing small aircraft, which were until recently only in the realm of science fiction.

With Japanese companies already trailing their global peers in electric vehicles and self-driving cars, the government is showing urgency on the aircraft technology, stepping in to facilitate legislation and infrastructure to help gain leadership.

Other global companies envisioning this new form of transportation include Volkswagen AG, Daimler AG and Chinese carmaker Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd. Japanese carmakers have not yet announced their plans to develop flying cars.

Japan’s Economy Minister Hiroshige Seko told reporters this month that flying cars could ease urban traffic snarls, help transportation in remote islands or mountainous areas at times of disasters, and can be used in the tourism industry.

The technology, just like aviation, would need to win approvals from several regulators that can take many years. That would also happen only when safety standards are set by agencies, without which commuters won’t embrace the flying craft.

Japan wants to take a lead in writing the rules for this nascent industry, as policy makers think the current aviation regulations are mostly set by Europe and the US, one of the people said.


Can I just use a normal socket to charge a plug-in hybrid?

                BERLIN: In addition to a regular combustion engine, plug-in hybrids have an electric motor on board, which can travel certain distances using purely electric power. But how do you charge the battery?

In most cases, a normal electric socket is enough to charge the battery of a plug-in hybrid, industry experts say.

The battery of a typical model with roughly 15 kilowatt-hours can typically be filled up within about four hours. That means the car can be plugged in overnight, and by the next morning, it can be driven again using just electric power.

To get this charge, the household electric socket has to deliver 3.6 kW. For older homes, it's a good idea to have the socket and the supply line first checked by a professional to ensure that they can handle the permanent load. Otherwise, there's a fire risk involved.


Kia Soul EVs taking part in wireless charging project

                LOS ANGELES: Wireless charging systems, capable of transferring high power without need for precise alignment between the charger and the vehicle, are currently under development for electric vehicles, with the Kia Soul EV being the tester car for this research.

Wireless charging technology has the potential to significantly enhance the convenience of electric vehicles – and so increase the appeal and acceptance among consumers – while possibly enabling smaller battery pack sizes and reduced vehicle weight.

The system is being developed by Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center Inc (HATCI) and Mojo Motability Inc – a wireless power technology company, after being awarded a funding grant from the US Department of Energy (DOE).

“HATCI is honoured to be selected as a partner with the DOE,” said Dr Sung Hwan Cho, President, HATCI. “Innovative technologies such as this align well with one of our core goals, which is to create a vehicle experience that is intuitive and easy for the consumer.”

Having already gone through several stages of development, this final phase will use five Soul EV’s to test how wireless technology works in real-world performance, including durability, safety, and performance.

KMA and Mojo Mobility have not yet announced when the system will be available for purchase.


Award-winning actress Mira Filzah takes home Nissan X-Trail Hybrid

                KUALA LUMPUR: Actress Mira Filzah was rewarded with a new Nissan X-Trail 2.0L Hybrid for being the grand prize winner at a local people’s choice awards event.

The 26-year-old, whose actual name is Nur Amirah Filzah Badioezaman, was announced the winner of the popularity contest on Sept 22, attracting over 6 million votes from readers of a local Malay newspaper, which had organised the event.

The annual awards event honours the most popular Malaysian singers, actors and celebrities in the Malaysian entertainment industry based on popular votes by readers of the newspaper.

Mira Filzah has acted in a number of dramas and films such as Eksperimen Cinta, Cinta Si Wedding Planner, Meh Sandar Pada Aku, Pujaan Hati Kanda, Sweet Dreams, Rise: Ini Kalilah and Sangkar.

Present at the handover ceremony was Edaran Tan Chong Motor’s sales and marketing director Christopher Tan. "We are delighted to award the most popular artiste with the Nissan X-Trail 2.0L Hybrid, Malaysia’s first locally assembled hybrid technology SUV."

The RM159,888 X-Trail 2.0L Hybrid features Nissan Intelligent Mobility advanced safety technologies which awarded it a 5-Star ASEAN NCAP safety rating. It is touted as having the best in class fuel economy of 16.1km/l.


Cyan Racing HQ nominated to Swedish architecture prize

                GOTHENBURG: The headquarters of Cyan Racing, the reigning multiple touring car racing world champions, has been nominated to the Swedish architecture prize "The Gold Chair" and reached the final round of the vote.

"We are thrilled to have the Cyan HQ nominated for the Gold Chair," said Christian Dahl, founder and owner of Cyan Racing.

"The facilities have really been a key part of our development both as a company and as a brand, from Swedish champions to World champions. We reached our high set targets, both on the racing circuits and with our own headquarters."

The black cube-shaped building in Gothenburg was completed in 2017 via a cooperation with the renowned Swedish architecture office Liljewall.

It hosts the entire operations of Cyan Racing, including the motorsport world championship programme with Lynk & Co and the engineering and build process of the Volvo P1800 Cyan.

The three-story facilities span over 6000 square metres, including an F1-standard simulator, showrooms, chassis and engine manufacturing, a fully dynamic engine dyno and design offices.

The interior is graphically black and white, creating a back-scene for the protagonists, the eye-catching cyan blue racing and performance cars, to stand out.

The materials are glass, perforated naturally anodised aluminium and tasteful elements of wood. The wood can for example be found in the dining facilities where the material adds warmth to the otherwise strict architecture.

"We have always said that we are 'a black and white company with blue cars' and that set the base for our HQ," said Christian Dahl.

"The journey from the first design sketch on a napkin with the architect Bjarni Ingvarson at my kitchen table to the finished building was just as fun as it was challenging and satisfying."

The interior of the Cyan Racing HQ is one of four finalists that can win the Gold Chair, hosted by the Swedish Architecture Academy, and the winner will be announced on March 25th.

Cyan Racing was founded in 1996 and was formerly named Polestar until Volvo Cars acquired the performance section and trademark in 2015. Cyan Racing is privately owned and operated.


Toyota getting in gear with smart cars

                TOKYO: Toyota on Friday announced plans to invest US$50 million into building artificial intelligence into cars, an indication it could be joining the race to develop driverless vehicles.

The joint research with Stanford University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology will take place over the next five years, Toyota Motor Corporation said, emphasising its interest in technology that could be used by people as they grow old or become less able to drive safely.

"We will initially focus on the acceleration of intelligent vehicle technology, with the immediate goal of helping eliminate traffic casualties and the ultimate goal of helping improve quality of life through enhanced mobility and robotics," Toyota's research and development chief Kiyotaka Ise said in a statement.

Lab efforts will be directed by former US Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency program manager Gill Pratt, who headed a recent contest for robots that could be used to help emergency workers in disaster situations.

Google and several major car makers have been pursuing autonomous vehicle technology and while the Japanese automobile giant did not mention making cars that drive themselves, it did promise work on "intelligent vehicle technology."

A Stanford lab led by professor Fei-Fei Li will work with Toyota and MIT to use computer vision, machine learning and large-scale data analysis to enable vehicles to navigate complex traffic situations.

"Our team will work to help intelligent vehicles recognize objects in the road, predict behaviors of things and people, and make safe and smart driving decisions under diverse conditions," Li said.

The joint research will also look at applying innovation breakthroughs in robots, according to Pratt.

"This bold collaboration will address extremely complex mobility challenges using ground-breaking artificial intelligence research," Pratt said.