Toyota, Honda cut North America production amid supply chain woes

                WASHINGTON: Toyota Motor Corp and Honda Motor Co Ltd announced on Wednesday new North American production cuts, citing supply chain issues that have wreaked havoc with the auto industry.

Toyota said it would cut production this week at four plants in Kentucky, West Virginia and Mexico, citing “a shortage of petrochemicals” and “recent severe weather conditions” affecting production.

A Toyota spokesman said the production cuts “will impact production of the Camry, Camry Hybrid, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES 350, Lexus ES 300h and Tacoma,” but declined to say how long or how much production would be cut.

 Toyota USA base in Plano, Texas.

Honda said late on Tuesday that supply chain issues would force a halt to production at a majority of its US and Canadian auto plants for a week starting next Monday - and would result in some production cuts at all US and Canadian plants next week.

The company cited “the impact from Covid-19, congestion at various ports, the microchip shortage and severe winter weather over the past several weeks.”

On Wednesday, Honda in Mexico said it would suspend production at its plants in that country beginning on Thursday due to supply chain problems.

A Honda representative said in a brief statement it was unclear how long the pause would last, describing the suspension at Mexican plants as a coordinated North America-wide stoppage.

Separately on Wednesday, Volvo Cars, which is owned by China’s Geely Holding, said it would temporarily stop or adjust production in China and the United States for parts of March due to a global shortage of semiconductor chips.


Californians told not to charge EVs as grid struggles in heat wave

                LOS ANGELES: Californians were told Wednesday not to charge their electric vehicles during peak hours, just days after the state said it would stop selling petrol-powered cars, as the aging electricity grid struggles with a fearsome heatwave.

Temperatures as high as 44 degree Celsius were forecast in some Los Angeles suburbs as a huge heat dome bakes a swathe of the western United States.

The sweltering weather will put huge demands on the already-stretched power grid, especially when people crank up the air conditioners during the broiling hours after work and school.

"Consumers are urged to conserve power by setting thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, if health permits, avoiding use of major appliances and turning off unnecessary lights," said the California Independent System Operator, which runs the state's power grid.

Between 4pm and 9pm, "they should also avoid charging electric vehicles."

"Reducing energy use during a Flex Alert can help stabilise the power grid during tight supply conditions and prevent further emergency measures, including rotating power outages."

California's power companies routinely ask households to limit their usage during the so-called "shoulder hours," when rooftop solar panels stop producing electricity but demand remains high because of still-elevated temperatures.

The call to limit electric vehicle charging comes a week after state regulators banned the sale of new petrol- and diesel-powered vehicles from 2035.

All but a handful of SUVs, cars and light trucks will have to produce zero tailpipe emissions, with only highly efficient plug-in hybrids permitted to burn fossil fuels.

The move was hailed as a game-changer for the EV industry because of the size of California's auto market and the potential it has to set national, and even international, standards.

'Dangerously hot'

Wednesday's plea to conserve power was greeted with derision on Twitter, where some said it was proof the state had not thought through its green agenda.

"Perhaps we should figure out how to fix our electric grid before we outlaw gas cars...just a thought," tweeted @AerysGG

"So.........this is what they want. Walking? Hitchin' A Ride?? Moving to a more reasonable state??" tweeted @cinda_scheef

In response to soaring power demands, California governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency that temporarily removes pollution controls on fossil fuel power plants to allow them to generate more electricity.

He pointed to the punishing drought in the US West that has crippled hydroelectric plants, and noted the direct effect that climate change is having on day-to-day lives.

"Energy reliability becomes more and more challenging... because demand increases at the same time supply decreases," he said.

He also called on households to do their part "to help us get through the next week or so, to turn up a little bit the thermostat at home to 78 degrees, try to pre-cool earlier in the day; try not to use too much electricity... between 4pm and 9pm."

The National Weather Service has issued an "excessive heat warning" for most of California, as well as parts of Arizona and Nevada.

"Dangerously hot conditions expected... until Sunday evening," the NWS said.

"A prolonged period of excessive heat will signifintly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities."

"Those without access to adequate or reliable cooling or hydration will be at most risk, but much of the population could be susceptible to impacts as well," the NWS warned.

Night-time temperatures are not expected to offer much relief, with lows struggling to get below 26 degree Celsius in many places.

It is not unusual for southern California to experience heat waves in September, but temperatures above 37 degrees are considered hot even for a place almost perpetually baked by sunshine.

The heat wave comes after swathes of the southwest were lashed with torrential rains over recent weeks.

Some areas, including the notoriously dusty Death Valley, suffered flooding, and one person died after being swept away in Zion National Park in Utah.

Scientists say global warming, which is being driven chiefly by humanity's use of fossil fuels, is making natural weather variations more extreme.

Heat waves are getting hotter and more intense, while storms are getting wetter and, in many cases, more dangerous.


Nearly all US households could cut energy cost burden by using EVs, says study

                WASHINGTON: More than 90% of US households that own a vehicle would see a reduction in the percentage of income spent on transportation energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions if they switched to electric vehicles, a new University of Michigan study found.

The study found households in some locations could reduce their annual transportation-energy costs by US$600 or more by buying a new EV. But very high EV transportation energy burdens would continue for the lowest-income households, the study found.

More than half the lowest-income US households - an estimated 8.3 million households - would continue to face high transportation energy burdens, however, the study found.

Factors contributing to low EV savings for some include cold winter temperatures impacting battery performance, electrical grids relying largely on fossil fuels and electricity prices.

The Transportation Department says US households spent an average of US$10,961 on transportation in 2021. Households in the lowest income quintile spent the least on transportation but faced a larger transportation cost burden, spending 27% of after-tax income on transportation compared to 10.4% by the highest income quintile.

"Our analysis indicates that future grid decarbonisation, current and future fuel prices, and charging accessibility will impact the extent to which EV benefits will be realised, including lowering transportation energy burdens for low-income households," said study senior author Greg Keoleian, director of U-M's Center for Sustainable Systems.

The analysis does not include vehicle purchase costs. EVs are typically more expensive than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Congress approved an expansion of a US$7,500 EV tax credit in August and a new US$4,000 used car EV tax credit but imposed new eligibility restrictions.

US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said Friday at CES the Biden administration "is focused totally on bringing down the costs of energy for people" and said vehicle owners are saving US$35 on average to recharge an EV versus filling up a traditional gas tank.

She pointed to General Motors Chevrolet Bolt, an electric vehicle that starts at US$26,500. After a US$7,500 tax credit that is "doable for many people."


Lagonda SUV concept from Aston Martin is mesmerisingly long

                GENEVA: Of all the cars on display at the sprawling show here, the electric SUV concept from Aston Martin-owned Lagonda is perhaps the most striking.

With softly rounded edges and an elongated shooting-brake body that stretches way out over the rear wheels, this cocoon-shaped car is not quite what the teaser images had us imagining.

The British manufacturers are hoping to breath new life into the Lagonda badge with this fully electric four-seater SUV, currently on display at the Geneva Motor Show (March 7 to 17).

The Lagonda All-Terrain Concept is regarded as the stylistic forerunner of the Lagonda brand, which is set to resume production in 2022.

The car's lengthy appearance is supported by a spoiler on the wide front, as well as the headlight slits that are pulled far into the side. A thin strip of light illuminated with LEDs emphasises an already lengthy rear end.

Despite the futuristic design, the Lagonda All-Terrain concept still gives the driver a steering wheel to hold onto. But when autonomous mode is turned on, you can turn the front seats backwards to create a sort of self-driving sitting room.

As with the 2018 study, the doors open in opposite directions. The rear roof elements can also slide upwards to make it easier for rear-seat passengers to get in and out.

If the exterior wasn't striking enough, then there's a bonus eye-catcher on the interior. The key of the car floats in mid air over the centre tunnel with the help of electromagnets.

Aston Martin did not say which of Lagonda's two planned cars — the SUV or sedan — will first be built, and didn't give further technical details or prices.

The SUV shares a lot with the Lagonda Vision Concept seen at Geneva last year. Lagonda said designers had more freedom to style the car thanks to the zero-emission platform and power-train.

The Lagonda SUV will use potentially game-changing solid state batteries which offer many advantages over the regular lithium-ion ones used in most electric cars.

Solid-state batteries do not use liquid electrolytes to move energy around. The cells are made of solid, dry conductive material which mean they are less prone to fire and can supply energy and accept a charge more readily.


New Ford Focus can detect potholes

                DETROIT: Unlike some other manufacturers, Ford doesn't save its very latest advanced technology for its most expensive models and then let it trickle into more affordable vehicles later on.

Instead, the Blue Oval tends to jump in with both feet and offer its latest technology in whatever next new model can accommodate it. In the case of a new system Ford has come up with that can detect potholes, it's the all-new Focus that has the honour of debuting the technology.

Versions of the new fourth-generation Focus equipped with continuously adaptive damping will be able to smooth out the ride for the driver and passengers when travelling on broken road surfaces by “seeing” the potholes.

 The new Focus.

The system makes use of 12 high-resolution sensors that are able to detect the potholes before they are driven over and adjusts the suspension setting accordingly to makes things as comfortable as possible for the car's occupants.

When a pothole is detected by the continuously adaptive damping, which will be available as a cost-option for new Focus models that don't have it as standard, the dampers automatically adjust to the hardest possible setting.

The reasoning behind that is so the wheels don't fall as deep into the hole as they would do otherwise when they run over it. Ford claims that this reduces the impact as a wheel bounces back out of a pothole, which, as well as improving the comfort of the ride, also reduces the chances of damage to the car.

The system was introduced into the Ford range in the US last year, but the Focus will be the first model to get it in Europe when it goes on sale later in the summer. After that, all models above the Focus in the Ford portfolio will have it available.

Ford's vehicle dynamics supervisor for the new Focus, Guy Mathot, says of the system: "Our engineers are always searching for the roughest roads to really test our suspension to the limit, but more and more we're noticing that the rough roads are finding us. Potholes are a problem that isn't going away any time soon but, with our advanced suspension technology for the all-new Focus, we've been able to reduce their impact."


Estonian scientists use peat to make batteries

A peat field in Elva, Estonia. — Reuters
TARTU (Estonia): Peat, plentiful in bogs in northern Europe, could be used to make sodium-ion batteries cheaply for use in electric vehicles, scientists at an Estonian university say.

Sodium-ion batteries, which do not contain relatively costly lithium, cobalt or nickel, are one of the new technologies that battery makers are looking at as they seek alternatives to the dominant lithium-ion model.

Scientists at Estonia's Tartu University say they have found a way to use peat in sodium-ion batteries, which reduces the overall cost, although the technology is still in its infancy.

"Peat is a very cheap raw material - it doesn't cost anything, really," says Enn Lust, head of the Institute of Chemistry at the university.

The process includes heating decomposed peat to a high temperature in a furnace for 2-3 hours. The university expects the government to fund a small-scale factory in Estonia to try out the technology.

Distillers in Scotland dry malt over peat fires to flavour whisky, and some northern European countries use peat to fuel factories and households, or as fertiliser.

As bogs are drained to mine peat, they release trapped carbon dioxide, raising environmental concerns. But the Estonian scientists say they are using decomposed peat, a waste product of traditional extraction methods that is usually discarded.

Sodium-ion batteries using peat will need to prove they are commercially viable and can be scaled up, said Lukasz Bednarski, a market analyst and the author of a book on batteries.

China's CATL in July became the first major automotive battery maker to unveil a sodium-ion battery.

"I think that companies will increasingly try to commercialise the sodium-ion battery, especially after the CATL announcement," said Bednarski.

Less powerful sodium-ion batteries are likely to be used together with lithium-ion technology to bring down the overall cost of a battery pack, he said.


Ford teams with Domino's on self-driving pizza delivery test

                DETROIT: Ford Motor Co and Domino’s Pizza Inc in September will begin testing Michigan consumers’ reactions to having their pies delivered by self-driving vehicles, the companies said today.

It will not be the first experiment with advanced pizza delivery technology. Australia-based Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, the Ann Arbor-based company’s largest independent franchisee, has tested delivery to customers in New Zealand via drone and self-driving robot.

In a blog post last week, Sherif Marakby, head of Ford’s autonomous and electric vehicles, signalled the automaker’s broader ambitions, saying Ford planned to cooperate “with multiple partners” in deploying self-driving vehicles “designed to improve the movement of people and goods.”

Previously, Ford executives had said the company expected to launch a self-driving shuttle for commercial ride-sharing fleets in 2021.

Domino’s and Ford will deliver pizzas to randomly selected customers in the Ann Arbor area in a Ford Fusion Hybrid equipped with self-driving technology. The delivery vehicles initially will be piloted by human drivers.

Customers will be able to track the delivery process via GPS and will receive text messages on how to retrieve their pizzas once the delivery vehicle has arrived.

A number of start-up delivery services, many of them funded by venture capital, have been experimenting with on-demand delivery of different packages, including groceries, prepared food and beverages. So have larger companies, from Uber Technologies to Amazon.

Opinion is still divided, however, on whether automation can help solve some vexing delivery problems, such as how to deliver pizzas economically to the fifth floor of a college dorm.

The Ford-Domino's test vehicle will not attempt to resolve that conundrum. It will stop outside the customer's house, so it will not provide true door-to-door delivery service.

"We're still focused on the last 50 feet," said Domino's spokesman Jenny Fouracre. "That's a big challenge - getting (the pizza) from the curb to the door."


Allianz lays out challenges in insuring EV players

                SINGAPORE: The future of mobility is clearly electric, but the transition will lead to a fundamental change in risk for manufacturers, suppliers and insurers alike and will have a significant impact on automotive product liability insurance, according to a new report from insurer Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS).

"From supply chain networks to production processes to the product itself - the automotive industry will have to respond to many emerging risks to make the transition to electric vehicles happen," said Daphne Ricken, Senior Underwriter Liability at AGCS.

"The anticipated growth of electric cars brings the prospect of new defect or performance issues; more expensive repair costs; new fire and cyber threats; and even reputational issues around sustainable sourcing and disposal of critical components and raw materials for batteries."

The International Energy Agency has predicted there could be more than 100 million electric cars on the roads in 2030 - up from around seven million today - with annual sales in the region of 20 million, driven by growth in China

Tests conducted by the Allianz Centre for Technology Automotive (AZT Automotive) have shown that the high voltage components of electric cars are well-protected and will not be affected in most crashes. Statistical evaluation of Allianz claims also shows that electric vehicles are less likely to be involved in accidents today - they typically drive short distances with limited mileage overall.

However, any damage sustained can be, on average, more expensive than for conventional cars.

"If the battery in an electric car has to be replaced, it can result in a total loss in many cases. In addition, the fact that they can only go to specialist repair shops can contribute to costs," said Carsten Reinkemeyer, Head Of Vehicle Technology And Safety Research at AZT Automotive.

Fire and explosion risks associated with high voltage batteries could give rise to claims for commercial property insurers, in particular if multiple cars are charged in underground car parks.

Claim scenarios are manifold - ranging from overheated battery leads resulting in fires and property damage to breakdown, leading to fire, as a result of electronic failure of the battery management system.

Insurers may also expect to see a potential increase in product recall/liability claims from new technologies, components, faster development times and shorter testing periods.

There will also be employers' liability exposures - such as potential toxic fumes and fire risks during 3D printing or the handling of lithium batteries related to fire and contamination.

AGCS is a global corporate insurance carrier and a key business unit of Allianz Group.


VW managers afraid to travel to the US, says paper

                BERLIN: Volkswagen managers are worried about travelling to the United States, a German newspaper reported on Saturday, saying US investigators have confiscated the passport of an employee who is there on a visit.

Citing company sources, the Suddeutsche Zeitung said Volkswagen believes the investigators want to prevent the manager from evading questioning or criminal prosecution linked to the diesel emissions scandal.

A spokesman for VW said: "Volkswagen employees are still traveling to the United States. Everything else is speculation."

 Nichols

Volkswagen is under investigation in the United States and could face penalties of up to $18 billion after admitting it deliberately rigged emissions tests of diesel-powered vehicles.

Mary Nichols, head of the California Air Resources Board, which is investigating VW, has criticised the carmaker's handling of the scandal.

Citing a person with knowledge of the matter, the paper said it was now unlikely that new VW chief executive Matthias Mueller would travel to the United States in the second half of November as planned.

"We need legal security here before he can fly to the United States," the paper quoted a person from group management as saying.

There is no official plan for Mueller to travel to the United States and VW has so far declined to comment when asked whether such a trip is likely.

Back in Germany, the government said it is subjecting diesel vehicles including those from foreign manufacturers to strict checks.

"We are currently carrying out strict checks on diesel vehicles from other manufacturers including foreign ones," Transport Minister Alexander Dobrindt told the Bild daily in an interview published on Saturday.

 De Silva.

The developing scandal has claimed another victim as Volkswagen's chief designer Walter Maria de Silva will leave.

The company said on Friday that De Silva will retire at the end of November, confirming earlier reports that he would quit.

Volkswagen's statement made no mention of a successor, and said de Silva would remain connected to the company in an advisory capacity.

Italian-born De Silva, 64, had been chief designer at the German company since 2007, with responsibility for all the group's brands which include VW, Audi, Seat and Porsche.


VW starts giving away masks in Germany, more medical supplies arriving

                WOLFSBURG: The Volkswagen Group has begun distributing some of the 5 million face masks it ordered from China to doctors, care facilities and hospitals in Germany.

In addition, large quantities of other medical supplies that it has bought from China since the end of March are set to be air-freighted in.

Over the next few days, many other consignments are expected, bringing the total number of equipment items to 13 million. In addition, 750,000 litres of disinfectant have been ordered and will be arriving from May.

The total value of the supplies being donated by the Volkswagen Group to support medical and care facilities is about €40 million (RM189mil).

In addition, the group is also organising and delivering medical supplies ordered by the German government under a framework agreement with the Federal Ministry of Health. Further deliveries of several million masks are expected over the next few weeks.

In addition to the masks, Volkswagen said it has received about 250,000 pairs of protective gloves and 18,000 sets of protective clothing, with further consignments expected soon. The supplies are being distributed within Germany by public bodies.


Driving automation: The six levels of autonomy

                With driverless technology making the news and all set to change the way we interact with cars, it is timely to define the language used in automated driving.

The international Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) coined the concept of "autonomy levels" in 2014 and is recognised as an authoritative source on the subject. The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) abandoned its own classification system in favour of the SAE standard in 2016.

The SAE's J3016: Taxonomy and Definitions for Terms Related to On-Road Motor Vehicle Automated Driving Systems provides a common taxonomy and definitions for automated driving in order to simplify communication and facilitate collaboration within technical and policy domains.

A key distinction is between Level 2, where the human driver performs part of the dynamic driving task, and Level 3, where the automated driving system performs the entire dynamic driving task.

These levels are descriptive rather than normative and technical rather than legal. They imply no particular order of market introduction.

The J3016 standard delivers a harmonised classification system and supporting definitions that:

> Identify six levels of driving automation from “no automation” to “full automation”.
> Base definitions and levels on functional aspects of technology.
> Describe categorical distinctions for a step-wise progression through the levels.
> Are consistent with current industry practice.
> Eliminate confusion and are useful across numerous disciplines (engineering, legal, media, and
public discourse).
> Educate a wider community by clarifying for each level what role (if any) drivers have in performing the dynamic driving task while a driving automation system is engaged.

VIEW: The chart below simplified in 2018

British automotive research centre Thatcham Research predicts that cars with Level 5 autonomy would show up by 2025. By then, it is envisaged that the car will be able to drive itself, fully hands free from door to door. This will include the whole range of typical driving environments in cities and in urban environments as well as main arterial routes and with the ability to negotiate traffic lights, junctions and roundabouts, where the road infrastructure permits.


Proton imposes new workshop protocol, service by appointment only

                PETALING JAYA: Proton has come out with a new set of standard operating procedures for its service outlets to safeguard the safety of its customers and workers.

Proton has introduced the following five steps at all service centre:

> An appointment has to be made before coming to the outlet and customers are to arrive 20 minutes earlier after their appointment time has been confirmed. Walk-in customers will be rejected. The number of daily appointments will be restricted to avoid crowding.

>. Social distancing tags have been put at every registration counter, service advisor table, payment counter as well as the customers’ waiting area.

> All customers will be required to undergo a body temperature check before entering the premise and are also required to fill up a health declaration form.

> Hand sanitiser will be provided at registration counters while safety posters have also been put up in all service centres.

> Every car will be sanitised after it has been serviced and before it is handed back to its owner.

"In order to control the number of staff and customers present in one place at the same time, we have to come out with a strategy on how to expedite every process, from registration to handing over a customer’s car," said Proton aftersales general manager Tan Kang Leng.

"Every service advisor and technician has been informed on the procedures and protocols they should follow to ensure everyone’s safety."


Not for toddlers: The roofless racing tricycle from Morgan returns

                BERLIN: Anyone who had a tricycle as a child knows that there’s nothing quite like riding on three wheels. But once you get past toddler age, it’s pretty much two or four wheels for all of us.

For those who miss the unique controls, low centre of gravity and strong feeling of torque that comes with three wheels, British manufacturer Morgan has built a racing trike for grown-up toddlers.

More than 110 years after the company’s first model and 10 years since its last trike, Morgan has unveiled the Super 3, the latest version of its lightweight racing tricycle.

Unlike most trikes for children, the Super 3 flips the triangle around for two wheels at the front and one at the rear.

Buyers can expect a two-seater made entirely of aluminium with the body of a fighter plane that looks like it’s had its wings clipped. Instead of a roof, there is just a simple tarpaulin. Drivers may want to dress appropriately and don goggles as the windscreen has been reduced to a small wind deflector.

The trike goes on sale in mid-2022 and prices in England are set to start at around £42,000 (RM237,000). For that you get a trike that makes you feel every bit of its maximum 150Nm of torque thrusting you into the back of your seat.

According to Morgan, the Super 3 is powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine from Ford with 118hp.

Although the engine is rather modest for a sports car, Morgan promises solid driving dynamics due to the low weight of 635kg and a clean manual gearbox from the Mazda MX-5.

And given how close this car keeps you to the ground and with little to no protection from wind and rain, the top speed of 209kph should also feel much faster.


Great Wall Motor — China's biggest SUV maker — to start its Thai production soon

                BANGKOK: China's largest SUV and pickup truck maker Great Wall Motor unveiled two vehicle models in Thailand last Tuesday, firing the opening salvo of its effort to explore the market in the Southeast Asian country.

Four models from two GWM brands, Haval and Ora, would be arriving at Thai showrooms this year, starting with the all-new Haval H6 and Ora Good Cat.

A total of nine models would be available in the Thai market in three years, said the company headquartered in Baoding, Hebei province.

The majority of the nine models would be electric ones, as Great Wall Motor aspires to become a leader in the country's new energy vehicle segment.

Narong Sritalayon, managing director of the carmaker's operations in Thailand, said Great Wall Motor is listening to Thai consumers on what kind of vehicles they would want to buy.

"We did surveys and gathered consumer insights to cater our business plans and operations to the demands of Thai consumers," he said in a statement.

Great Wall Motor has acquired a Thai plant from GM Motors. The plant, located in Rayong, is undergoing upgrading and is scheduled to start production in the first quarter of 2021.

The carmaker said the Thai plant will be capable of producing hybrid models, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles for the local market.

The foray into Thailand is one of the latest moves Great Wall Motor has taken to explore overseas markets.

The carmaker's products are now available in around 60 countries and regions globally. It has a global manufacturing network as well.

Last year, its overseas sales totaled 70,000 units, up 8 percent year-on-year. The carmaker delivered over 1.1 million new vehicles globally, up 4.8 percent from 2019.

Statistics from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers show that Chinese carmakers exported 995,000 vehicles in 2020, down 2.9 percent year-on-year, primarily because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

SUVs and new energy vehicles were highlights, said the association. Its statistics show that SUV sales totaled 530,000 in the year, soaring 29.7 percent year-on-year, and new energy vehicle sales reached nearly 70,000 units, up 89.4 percent from 2019. — China Daily/ANN


Mitsubishi Triton Knight Edition introduced at RM122K

                KUALA LUMPUR: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia, formally introduced the Triton Knight Edition that's limited to only 120 units and is based on the Triton VGT Adventure variant.

The completely-built-up Triton from Thailand is available in Pearl White with a price of RM122,488 on-the-road with GST without insurance and includes two-year Free Maintenance with RM2,000 cash rebates or free labour with RM4,000 cash rebates as well as a factory warranty of three years or 100,000km, whichever comes first.

The exterior of the limited edition Triton gets aesthetically kitted up with exclusive Knight Body stickers, a front bumper extender, sports bar, sports lid and matte black finishing for the 17-inch alloy wheels, front grille and rear bumper, while the cabin gets "Knight" embroidery for the leather seats.

READ MORE:Hunting season for pick-up trucksOther standard equipment includes automatic wipers and Xenon HID headlamps with daytime running lights, keyless entry with push-start button, paddle shifters, 4WD selector, touch screen audio system with reverse camera, and dual zone climate controls.

Under the hood is a 2.5-litre intercooled engine with Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT) that produces 178PS at 4,000rpm and 400Nm of torque at 2,000rpm, while mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox that comes with sport mode.

Safety equipment includes two airbags, anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution, a collapsible steering column and anti-intrusion brake pedal.


MINI offered with even more personalised touches

                MUNICH: Ownership of a MINI gets even more personalised from 2018.

The BMW-owned MINI has announced that it is offering optional personalised upgrade products for numerous models over the course of 2018.

Customers can choose from selected upgrade products with a design they have selected themselves. They can then transform their own vehicle into a personally styled customised special. This is made possible with the use of 3D-printing technology and laser printing.

MINI said the optional accessories are open to MINIs sold in Europe and other large markets. The MINI Yours Customised product range will include the indicator inlays known as side scuttles, trims for the passenger side in the interior, LED door sills and LED door projectors.

The door projectors are perhaps the most visually impressive upgrade. They create illumination that can be individually designed and projected onto the floor in the individual entry areas by an LED light source when the driver and passenger doors are opened.

The LED door projectors from the MINI Yours Customised Programme can be installed in vehicles of the current MINI generation and in predecessor models. The prerequisite is that they already have door projectors or door entry lights.

A choice of colours between Aspen White matt, Chili Red matt, Starlight Blue matt, Moonwalk Grey matt and Jet Black matt is available for design of the trim. A large selection of surface finishes, graphic patterns and icons from different theme worlds create additional opportunities for individual styling.

There is also space for completion of a text field by the customer which akin to the icons can be freely configured in any size on the surface of the trim.


Alfa Romeo to develop large car in the United States

                MILAN: Itay's Alfa Romeo will work on a new large-size car in the United States to be launched in 2027, the brand's head Jean-Philippe Imparato said today, adding however the group had not yet decided where to make it.

Imparato said the step was key to tailoring the design for overseas markets, helping Alfa Romeo to strengthen its position as the international premium brand of carmaker Stellantis.

"Our offer for a large size vehicle must fit international markets, American, Chinese, European," he said during a media call, a day after parent Stellantis released first half results.

Alfa Romeo is still assessing whether the new model will be an SUV, a crossover or a sedan but it will not probably be a classic large SUV, such as BMW's X5 or X6, Imparato said.

"We want to find the right mix," he said. "It's a decision we will take by the end of this year".

Imparato said developing the car in the US did not mean it would be produced in the Nafta area.

"Producing in the US is not something we have decided and it is something we don't want to decide now," he added. Alfa's two production sites are in Italy.


Audi to bring back lower-priced models as chip shortages ease after bumper 2022

                INGOLSTADT: Audi will normalise its product mix and offer lower-priced models to customers now that chip shortages are easing, the company said.

The premium brand had a bumper year in 2022 with earnings up 40% to 7.6 billion euros as it prioritised production of higher-priced products during the chip shortage.

It forecast sizeable revenue growth in 2023 to 69-72 billion euros from 61.8 billion last year, but expects a more conservative earnings margin as higher costs weigh on profits, it said today.

The premium brand is widening its offering of battery-electric vehicles to catch up with rivals who are ahead on electric sales, bringing 10 new electric models to the market by 2025, Audi chief Markus Duesmann said.

The carmaker is working on its final generation of combustion engine models and will bring only electric cars to market from 2026, with no combustion engine cars sold at all from 2033.


Rental car giants embark on electric after pandemic bonanza

                DETROIT: The US$100 billion (RM419bil) Western rental car industry, flush with cash from a profitable pandemic, is gradually getting its electric show on the road, and Chinese-made vehicles are poised to play a starring role.

The electric transition could see car fleets, long dominated by famed marques from the United States and Europe, increasingly switch towards Asian automakers, according to a European executive.

"Historically, European and American manufacturers had an edge, but the shift towards electric is reshuffling the cards," said Olivier Baldassari, group chief countries and operations officer at rental giant Europcar.

He said electric cars from Chinese and Asian makers were comparable to Western models in terms of quality, citing Great Wall Motor's Ora line, but generally cost less.

Even small savings are significant in the vast rental industry, which buys millions of new cars a year - a tenth of all new cars in the United States alone - and provides a leading indicator of wider auto trends in society.

Companies in the sector have long resisted a rush to electrify because of weak demand for electric vehicles (EVs) among customers worried about being stranded out of power.

Yet several analysts said now is the best time to start as companies have fortified their coffers with bumper profits during a pandemic that emptied public transit and airports, and led to more holidaying within driving distance.

In the United States, rental car companies received record monthly revenue of US$1,320 (RM5,528) per vehicle in 2021, according to the American Car Rental Association. That compares to around US$1,000 (RM4,190) pre-pandemic.

"In the past, companies have kind of stuck their head in the sand," said Nick Mountfield, associate partner at OC&C Strategy Consultants, which advises rental car companies, said about electrification.

"We're now starting to see people say that they'll have to do something about and put in place plans."

Watch your speed

Hertz was an early mover last October when it announced the planned purchase of 100,000 vehicles from US trailblazer Tesla, upping the pressure on rivals to spell out transition plans.

French-based Europcar, meanwhile, pledged to make 20% of its fleet electric or low-emission hybrid by 2024, from 3% now, which means it will need to buy up to 70,000 cleaner vehicles in the coming two years if it restocks its fleet to the 350,000 vehicles it owned pre-pandemic.

Rental companies sold off their fleets as demand plummeted at the start of the pandemic and have struggled to regain volumes amid a global shortage of semiconductors that has hampered vehicle production.

Baldassari said Europcar was increasingly sourcing EVs from Great Wall Motors, SAIC Motor and Polestar , which is owned by China's Geely and Volvo Cars, though it was also buying from traditional partners, including Renault and Stellantis.

The company's China strategy might shift, however, if German carmaker Volkswagen AG manages to close its offer to buy the company in the second quarter.

Industry players are running at different speeds, with each making their own calculations based on their markets.

In the United States, where many customers prefer SUV and pickup models that have yet to be electrified and public charging infrastructure lags much of Asia and Europe, Enterprise Holdings is striking a more cautious tone.

Electrifying just a quarter of Enterprise's fleet at Orlando airport - its largest consumer rental location - would require the same amount of daily electricity as is needed to power more than 1,000 homes, said Enterprise's assistant vice president of innovation, Chris Haffenreffer.

Haffenreffer said the group currently had several thousand EVs in North America, including from Tesla, Nissan , Hyundai, Kia and Polestar. While the company said it has talked to all global automakers, it has no immediate plans to boost that share.

"At a high level, we want to let our consumers guide us in terms of what they're looking for," he added. "Many car rental companies have historically taken that wait-and-see approach because we are still in the early phases of the transition."

Foothold in the West

The varied pace of change, and the timeline for vast fleet overhauls means gasoline-powered vehicles are expected to remain the bulk of purchases for some years to come.

Global automakers' transition plans as a whole would see electric vehicles make up at least 40% of their sales by 2040.

Yet eventually the shift could prove far-reaching for the fortunes of Chinese in carmakers in Europe, a crowded, competitive auto market dominated by storied brands that has proved elusive for them to crack in the past.

In years gone by, they have contended with a perception that China, associated with cheap mass-production, could not compete on quality.

Yet such arguments are challenged in a new reality that sees top Western carmakers like BMW and Tesla now produce cars in the country, which is a technology powerhouse and the world's biggest auto market.

Great Wall Motor, one of Europcar's suppliers, is expected to launch its Ora Cat compact electric car in Europe this year priced at around €20,000 (RM93,000) with a range of around 400km, joining a growing number of Chinese EV makers trying their luck on the continent.

Chinese manufacturers using the rental channel to establish brand awareness and increase sales volumes would follow a playbook Kia and Hyundai used in the 1990s to gain a foothold in Western markets, said Mountfield at OC&C Strategy.


Shell FuelSave Euro 5 now available in over 85 stations

                KUALA LUMPUR: Shell Malaysia has announced that its Shell FuelSave Diesel Euro 5 with low sulphur content is now available in over 85 stations across Peninsular Malaysia.

The introduction of the fuel is part of the company's plans to expand to at least 100 stations nationwide, which includes connecting roads from Johor to Penang and along the East Coast in Terengganu.

Shell says its new Euro5 diesel, launched in December 2015, is acceptable for all diesel engines and comes with a special detergent to reduce injector deposit build-up as well as active efficiency ingredients to help increase efficiency while reducing emissions.

The Dutch oil company's Euro5 diesel fuel now has 10 parts-per-million (PPM) of sulphur versus Euro2M diesel at 500PPM.

“The rapid expansion of Shell FuelSave Diesel Euro 5 availability is a showcase of our promise to continue fuelling Malaysia’s progress, and an affirmation of our commitment to meeting the needs of our customers,” said Shell Malaysia Trading and Shell Timur managing director Datuk Haji Azman Ismail.

Log on to www.shell.com/dieseleuro5 for a list of stations offering Shell FuelSave Diesel Euro 5.


Volvo Cars recalls 507,000 vehicles as probe finds fire risk

                STOCHOLM: Volvo Cars is recalling 507,000 vehicles worldwide because of a faulty engine component that, in extreme cases, could result in a fire.

The company, which is owned by China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., said its own "investigations have identified that in very rare cases the plastic engine intake manifold may melt and deform.”

"In the very worst case, there is a possibility that a localized engine bay fire may occur,” it said. When asked to provide details of the potential financial impact, Stefan Elfstrom, a spokesman for Volvo Cars, said, "We don’t comment on the cost.”

The company is keen to fix the faulty vehicles as fast as possible and customers won’t incur any costs related to addressing the error, he said.

The cars being recalled were produced in 2014-2019 and have a 2-litre, 4-cylinder diesel engine, volvo Cars said in an emailed statement. The affected models are the S60, S80, S90, V40, V60, V70, V90, XC60 and XC90.

While the company has no reports of accidents or personal injuries, all customers will receive a letter asking them to contact their local retailer for corrective action.

Meanwhile, the recall has no impact in Malaysia as Volvo has not been selling any diesel cars at present and in recent years. It used to years ago (recall the XC90 D5 10 years ago).

Volvo had last year announced that it would stop making diesel cars in 2019 as it embarked on a path towards full electrification. It is focusing on mild petrol hybrids, plug-in petrol hybrids and full electric vehicles. — Bloomberg/CarSifu


Castrol Power1 Ultimate motorcycle lubricants range debuts

                KUALA LUMPUR: Castrol, one of Malaysia’s leading automotive lubricant companies, has launched the Castrol Power1 Ultimate, a brand-new line of its fully synthetic engine oil that is said to offer outstanding performance and endurance with its 5-in-1 formula.

The range offers flexibility and inclusivity in different viscosities including 5W-40 for scooters, 5W-40 for bikes, and 10W-50 which is specially designed for superbikes.

The Power1 Ultimate range is available at Castrol Bike Point and Castrol’s Official Store in Shopee in new 1-litre packaging with introductory prices.

Highlights of the Castrol Power1 Ultimate’s 5-in-1 formula are in the following areas:

> Acceleration - Castrol said it has been proven to exceed the performance of other leading bike and scooter lubricants as tested on Honda CBR300 and Honda ANC125 engines.

> Protection - It provides 50% better wear protection versus industry limits on bikes and scooters.

> Smoothness - It enables smooth riding over a wide range of engine speeds, ensuring that the clutch engages smoothly and does not slip or judder.

> Cooling effect - It keeps the engine cool even in an extreme 12,000km test, demonstrating excellent temperature control performance.

> Enduring performance - It maintains 95% of its original performance in a 48,000km race track durability test, showcasing enduring performance capabilities.

“The newly introduced engine oil was created not just for the power it provides, but also to keep up with Castrol’s reputation of protecting the heart of the vehicle as well," said Castrol Malaysia and Singapore marketing director Keow Mei-shan.

“Our goal is to amplify the riding experience for the riders by providing them more power, confidence and acceleration."

For details, visit Castrol Facebook or Castrol website.


Nissan LEAF test drive: Shah Alam to Bangi and Putrajaya

                Following the the official launch of the all-electric Nissan LEAF, local Nissan distributor Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) organised a 93km drive around Selangor to demonstrate the car's improved travel range, powerful driving performance and brilliant e-Pedal technology.

Priced at RM188,888 on-the-road without insurance, the 2019 LEAF has a 40kWh lithium-ion battery, and can travel 311km on a full charge based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) test mode.

ETCM says the annual road tax for the LEAF is RM187 per year, similar to a 2.0-litre car.

The 93km drive saw two occupants in each car, and the route consisted of starting from the Nissan showroom in Glenmarie, Shah Alam to the Nichicon factory in Bangi, followed by a stop at Marina Putrajaya before heading back to the Nissan showroom in Glenmarie.

The route was a good mix of highway and town routes, and we did not use energy saving methods such as switching off the air-conditioning or being light-footed on the pedal.

When we started the drive, the digital information display showed a travel range of 231km and the lithium-ion battery as 99% charged.

Initially, we used the D mode to get a feel of the car, before shifting to B mode to maximise the travel range as this mode results in more regenerative braking which helps to charge the lithium-ion battery.

Also, pressing the Eco button saw our travel range improving by another 13km.

However, for us, the real highlight was the car's world-first e-Pedal which almost eliminates the need for us to step on the brake pedal.

The e-Pedal does this by instantly retarding the speed of the car, once you lift off your foot from the accelerator pedal.

The rate of speed retardation also depends on how much you ease off the accelerator pedal - so, we quickly got used to using the e-Pedal.

We were mindful that the brake pedal would still be there in emergency situations.

Compared with stepping on the brake pedal where slowing the car is oftentimes abrupt and disconcerting, using the e-Pedal resulted in a much more comfortable drive as the speed retardation action is quite progessive.

Your right foot is also less strained, as there is almost no need to shift from the accelerator to the brake pedal.

Drivers behind the LEAF would be alerted as the third brake light activates when you ease off the e-Pedal.

After a while, we began to wish that all cars had e-Pedal technology.

Nissan engineers designed the e-Pedal for drivers to intuitively drive and stop using only one pedal - and we found that by properly anticipating traffic flow and keeping a safe distance from the car in front, we could come to a complete stop in congested traffic or at traffic lights without using the brake pedal.

In fact, we drove at speeds of 80 to 110kph most of the time on the highways, and during the whole 93km drive, we stepped on the brake pedal only twice - to avoid motorcyles and cars that appeared unexpectedly in crowded commercial areas.

Using the e-Pedal to stop is so easy - lift off the accelerator pedal as you move into the parking spot, and the car slows and comes to a complete stop without you touching the brake pedal.

Then just press the P button on the top of the drive shift, and hop out of the car.

Meanwhile, the lunch stop at the Nichicon factory in Bangi also saw a demonstration of the instant torque delivery from electric cars like the LEAF.

The LEAF, which outputs 150PS and has a very muscular 320Nm of torque, means it can perform very fast off-the-line sprints.

However, top speed is electronically capped at 155kph.

Despite a relatively heavy 1,544kg kerb weight, it can do the 0 to 100kph sprint in only 7.9 seconds.

This was clearly demonstrated with a off-the-line sprint contest between the LEAF and a 3.7-litre V6 engined Nissan 370Z soft-top roadster at the Nichicon factory.

With its instant torque delivery, the LEAF always took the lead without fail.

The Nichicon factory in Bangi, which produces electrical products such as aluminum electrolytic capacitors, is also among the three locations in Malaysia with a 50kW CHAdeMO Quick Charger where LEAF owners can fully charge up the car free-of-charge within 60 minutes.

CHAdeMO quick charges also are available free-of-charge at ABB Malaysia in Subang Jaya, and the PLUS Ayer Keroh rest area (southbound) in Melaka.

Like its predecessor, the new LEAF is a refined creature to drive as there is no engine noise or vibration, and you hear only a slight whining sound when you accelerate.

We also found the leather Alcantara seats to be snug and comfortable, and the LEAF handled well with hardly any body roll when driven at speed in tackling corners or highway bends.

The drive ended with the lithium-ion battery showing a 57% charge and remaining travel range at 155km.

After our experience with the LEAF, we can easily understand why it continues to be the best-selling electric car globally as it offers a charming blend of practicality, comfort and refinement.


Pick up a Mitsubishi Triton at 0.88% or a rebate

                KUALA LUMPUR: In conjunction with the upcoming Merdeka and Malaysia Day festivities, the Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck can now be had with a low interest of 0.88%.

Exclusively with Maybank hire purchase only, the promotion is currently valid from now until Sept 30.

Additionally, customers who book and register a new Triton VGT Adventure X, Triton VGT AT Premium and Triton VGT MT Premium can choose to either enjoy the lowest interest rate of 0.88% or cash rebates.

An optional cash rebate of RM4,000 can be enjoyed with the Triton VGT Adventure X with its new Flying Sports Bar (RM135,200) and Triton VGT AT Premium (RM118,600), while the Triton VGT MT Premium (RM112,500) gets a cash rebate of RM6,000.

The Triton VGT AT (RM105,990) and MT (RM100,200) variants are only entitled to cash rebates of RM4,000.

All prices mentioned for Triton variants are on-the-road without insurance and come with a five-year or 200,000km warranty.

Likewise, customers who book and register a new seen0seater Mitsubishi Outlander 2.0-litre (RM137,888) or 2.4-litre (RM152,888) will enjoy cash rebates of up to RM6,000 and RM4,000 respectively.

Some of the Outlander's features include 4WD-capability, seven airbags, anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, active stability with traction control, hill start assist and Isofix child seat mounts as standard.

Also, the ASX compact sport utility vehicle in 4WD (RM133,336) and 2WD (RM118, 866) variants come with cash rebates of RM12, 000 and RM8, 000 respectively.

A five-year unlimited mileage warranty covers the Outlander and ASX.


Cops nab car battery thief targeting cars parked by the roadside

                KUALA LUMPUR: Police have arrested a car battery thief who has been targeting cars parked by the roadside in Cheras here.

On Oct 26, a 72-year-old victim lodged a report after his car could not start and discovered that the battery in his parked car was missing.

The car had been parked overnight along Jalan Pandan Bistari 5 in Cheras Baru.

“Losses were estimated at about RM180. On the same day at 8.30pm, a 45-year-old man was arrested in Taman Bukit Permai and several items were seized including a car battery, multiple spanners and a car that was believed to had been used during the theft,” said Ampang Jaya OCPD Asst Comm Mohamad Farouk Eshak in a statement Friday (Oct 28).

Checks show that the suspect had a criminal record with three prior offences.

ACP Mohamad Farouk said the suspect's modus operandi involved targeting old cars parked along the road to steal batteries and sell them for a profit.

“He has been remanded for four days until Oct 30,” he added.


Nissan to start driverless pilot project in Yokohama

                YOKOHAMA: Nissan announced today that it will start field-testing Easy Ride, a robo-vehicle mobility service on March 5.

The service using the LEAF electric car is jointly developed with DeNA Co., Ltd, a Tokyo company that makes and operates a mobile and online services covering games, e-commerce, entertainment, healthcare and automotive.

During the field test, in the Minatomirai district of Yokohama, in Japan’s Kanagawa Prefecture, the participants will be able to travel in vehicles equipped with autonomous driving technology along a set route. The route spans about 4.5km between Nissan’s global headquarters and the Yokohama World Porters shopping centre.

For efficient fleet operation and to instil customers confidence, Nissan and DeNA have set up a remote monitoring center that uses the two companies’ advanced technologies. Nissan and DeNA will also test Easy Ride’s unique service functions.

Using a dedicated mobile app, passengers can input what they want to do via text or voice and choose from a list of recommended destinations. An in-car tablet screen will show selections of nearly 500 recommended places of interest and events in the vicinity. Additionally, about 40 discount coupons for retailers and restaurants in the area are available for download on the participants’ own smartphones.

Participants will be asked to complete a survey about their overall user experience, usage of content and coupons from local retailers and restaurants, and preferred pricing for the Easy Ride service.

Nissan and DeNA will use the survey results as they continue to develop the offering, and for future field tests. The field test will enable Nissan and DeNA to learn from the experience of operating the Easy Ride service trial with public participation.

Both companies will also work to develop service designs for driverless environments, expanded service routes, vehicle distribution logic, pick-up/drop-off processes and multilingual support. The companies aim to launch Easy Ride in a limited environment at first, and then introduce a full service in the early 2020s.


Death toll hits 140 since Ops Selamat 15 launched

                KUALA LUMPUR: Twenty people lost their lives on the roads during the first day of Aidilfitri on Wednesday.

Royal Malaysia Police corporate communications head Datuk Asmawati Ahmad said 13,316 accidents involving 18,854 vehicles were reported in eight days until Wednesday since the Ops Selamat 15 road safety operation was launched on May 29 in conjunction with the Aidilfitri festive season.

Fatalities numbered 140.

"Yesterday, four fatalities were reported in Kedah, Perak and Johor, three in Selangor, two in Pahang and one each in Negri Sembilan, Kelantan and Sabah,” she said in a statement here Thursday (June 6).

According to the statement, from May 29 till Wednesday, 2,385 road safety operations were carried out with 182,755 summonses issued over various offences.

As for break-ins (of houses and buildings), she said 334 cases were reported throughout the country during the eight days.

Ops Selamat, which ends on June 12, focuses on six major offences namely driving on the emergency lane, overtaking on double lines, using hand phones without the "hands-free” mode, queue jumping, speeding and beating traffic lights.


ADVERTORIAL: D-Max line-up refreshed

                Isuzu Malaysia has launched the new model variants of its award-winning D-Max pick-up truck with a firm eye on the lifestyle segment even as it further underlines its position as a pick-up truck specialist.

With a total of eight models in three distinct variants – Standard, Premium and Z-Prestige - to choose from, this is the first major face-lift since the current D-Max was introduced in 2013.

The new refreshed range boasts extensive exterior and interior enhancements and a host of new features although the powertrain options of 2.5- or 3.0-litre VGS turbo Intercooler diesel engine matched to a 5-speed automatic or manual transmission have been retained due to their proven reliability, performance and economy.

On-the-road prices (inclusive of GST, road tax and insurance) range from RM83,000 for the D-Max 2.5L Standard with manual transmission to RM128,000 for the top-of-the-range D-Max 3.0L Z-Prestige with automatic transmission.

Isuzu Malaysia chief executive officer Kenji Matsuoka said that the new refreshed D-Max range would enable the company to cater to the needs of customers across a wide spectrum.

“The D-Max is already the preferred choice of those seeking a reliable, durable and economical workhorse. There is tremendous market potential for a dressed-up pick-up from the manufacturer like our new permanent Z-Prestige flagship variant, which stands apart from the rest but comes with full warranty for total peace of mind,” he said.

The new top-of-the-range Z-Prestige variant, with a choice of three exclusive colour-coordinated models and equipped with a carefully curated list of accessories and user-friendly features, clearly reflects Isuzu’s desire to target the growing lifestyle segment.

The Z-Prestige range was modelled after the past limited edition models which were successful in their own right.

The Silky White Pearl unit is designed for business use with an emphasis on a luxurious look and feel.

Another variant sports a rugged and adventurous outline, coated with an exclusive Velvet Red Mica coating.

Lastly, a Stallion Black variation follows a theme of urban underground living.

According to Isuzu Malaysia executive director Hajime Machimura, the new enhancements and features were aimed at equipping the D-Max to meet the demands of those looking for a stylish yet reliable vehicle to match their different lifestyles.

“Our new top-of-the-range Z-Prestige variant perfectly showcases how the new D-Max can be transformed into a premium 4X4 that can take pride of place even in the most luxurious urban setting one moment and yet take on the toughest terrains the next,” he said.

The design behind the new D-Max is based on concepts of strong, emotional and sporty.

The vehicle’s shape closely mimicked the orca, resulting in a high and rugged front and a spoiler shaped rear.

It comes equipped with Passive Entry and Start System (PESS), 18-inch alloy wheels, projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, 8-inch touch-screen DVD player with 8-speaker surround sound system, new design electroluminescent (e-LUMAX) meter panel with Multi-Information Display (MID), multimedia ports and smartphone compartment, leather seats and armrest.

All variants including even the lowest specs come with the full complements of driving safety aids such as Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Hill Start Assist (HSA) among others.

Isuzu Malaysia also unveiled a special edition seven-seater Isuzu mu-X Type S sport utility vehicle (SUV), which is based on the D-Max platform.

The mu-X Type S is enhanced with premium features such as Passive Entry and Start System (PESS), new 8-inch display audio system, new e-Lumax meter panel, new ivory colour leather seat and armrest, new shark fin antenna, new piano black interior dashboard, door and air-condition vent trims, new body-coloured front and rear skirting, rear bumper garnish and Type S badge.

Hill Start Assist (HSA) has also been incorporated into the vehicle’s safety features.

The new refreshed Isuzu D-Max has now been upgraded to a five-year or 150,000km warranty from three years or 100,000km.

As an appreciation to existing mu-X owners, the entire range of mu-X including the new limited edition, mu-X Type S, also comes with a five-year and unlimited mileage warranty.


Hari Raya goodies from Volvo Malaysia

                KUALA LUMPUR: Volvo Car Malaysia will be running a series of campaigns to bring the Hari Raya festivity to both current and new Volvo car customers, and incentivise good maintenance habits.

With the sales tax exemption still in effect until June 30, Volvo Car Malaysia is offering an interest rate from as low as 1.88% with a reducing balance financing scheme for all new models purchased within the campaign period.

New owners will also receive a complimentary 5-year maintenance service package (VSA 5+) worth RM9,200 for a worry-free ownership.

In addition, Volvo car owners who take their car for servicing from April 19 to May 31, will be eligible for free vehicle health checks, complimentary car washes, up to 30% discounts on selected parts and up to 20% discount on various Volvo Car accessories, including Polestar Software optimisation package.

Volvo Car Malaysia will also be running a gift with purchase (GWP) in collaboration with Thule, where a free Thule Subterra Power shuttle organiser will be given with every purchase of two Thule Crossover 2 luggage bags.

All Volvo car owners who take their cars for service between April 26 and May 23 will get the opportunity to join in the #MYVolvoRaya contest and stand a chance to win exclusive merchandise from Bowers and Wilkins, including weekly prizes of Bowers and Wilkins Formation Flex, or the grand prize of a Bowers and Wilkins Formation Soundbar.

To participate, owners will also need to share their unique Volvo experience through an online form which will be provided at the end of the session.

From there, selections will be made based on the most creative owner story about their Volvo car.

Volvo Car Malaysia marketing and public relations director Akhtar Sulaiman said said the company understood the need to put people first and wanted to celebrate on this special occasion of Hari Raya with its customers and the larger community.

“However, we are wary of the current Covid-19 situation and conscious of the need for preventive steps to be taken," he said.


Takata air bag recall could take years to complete

                DETROIT: Takata Corp's record US recall of potentially deadly air bag inflators could take years to complete, industry experts and safety advocates said, as automakers scrambled to line up replacement parts, some not from Takata.

After doubling its recall of defective air bags to nearly 34 million vehicles, the Japanese company and competitors scrambled to ramp up production of replacement parts.

The complexity of the recall could play out over at least two years, said Kevin Pollack, vice president for Stericycle ExpertSolutions, which is helping some of the affected automakers. "There weren't 30 million extra air bag inflators sitting around."

A Takata spokesman said the company would raise output to 1 million inflators a month by September, an increase of 100,000 parts from the previous forecast and up from the current monthly level of 500,000.

Mark Rosekind, an administrator for the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), said completing the recall could take "some years."

Takata and the NHTSA, which has hired independent research group Battelle to uncover the technical cause of the problem, said the priority for the replacement parts would be older vehicles and those in higher-humidity regions.

The air bag inflators have been found to explode with too much force, spraying metal fragments inside cars and forcing automakers to recall more than 53 million vehicles worldwide since 2008. The component has been linked to six deaths, all in cars made by the supplier's top customer, Honda Motor Co.

Takata and its customers will determine who receives the replacement parts, in a process being overseen by the NHTSA.

Jack Gillis of consumer advocacy group Consumer Federation of America believes the recall could take up to five years to resolve.

Takata shares declined 10.2 percent to 1,353 yen in Tokyo on Wednesday, a day after the company announced the largest automotive recall in US history.

The Takata spokesman said the company had so far made 3.8 million replacement kits in total.

Takata has faced pressure from US safety regulators, lawmakers and its automaker customers to increase production of the replacement parts. Several automakers have turned to other suppliers in the sector to meet demand.

General Motors said last December that it had developed contingency plans to deal with a potential shortage of replacement parts, directing Takata to share inflator specifications with rivals Autoliv and TRW. A GM spokesman said on Wednesday there was no update to those plans.

Autoliv said on Wednesday it was ready to boost production capacity to meet increased demand for replacement inflators.

The Swedish company said in January it was targeting additional production capacity of up to 25 million air bag inflators for delivery in 2015 and 2016.

Autoliv spokesman Thomas Jonsson said Wednesday the company is building replacement inflators for Honda and several other unidentified automakers, but he had no time frame for when the industry would meet the demand.

Honda spokesman Chris Martin said the company was also using Japan's Daicel Corp  and TRW for replacement inflators. TRW was recently acquired by Germany's ZF Friedrichshafen.

"We absolutely have back orders on inflators," he said. "Some people may wait a couple days, some people may wait a few weeks."

Daicel said in February it would build a second US plant for air bag inflators in early 2016, bringing forward plans partly to meet demand for alternatives to Takata's inflators. It said the previous month it would boost output of replacement inflators in Japan.

A Toyota Motor Corp spokesman said on Wednesday the company is working with Takata for most replacement inflators, but will use Daicel for some parts.

Nissan Motor Co Ltd said it would not comment on supplier selection or potential negotiations. Ford Motor Co has previously said it has spoken with Takata rivals about buying replacement parts.

Not everyone may be disappointed with the expanded recall. Consumer advocate Gillis said dealers would see a "gold mine" with increased visits to their repair bays and a possible boost in new car sales as a result.


Toyota Vios Challenge (Season 2) race 3 - Day 1 at Stadium Batu Kawan, Penang

                PENANG: The second season's third and second last round of the Vios Challenge one-make race series got underway at the Batu Kawan Stadium in Penang today.

SPORTING CLASS

The Sporting class were the first to take to the 1.56km street circuit with Telco Racing's Brendon Lim Boon Yew (car 86) leading the rolling start, followed by Panglima City Racing Team's Kenneth Koh Keik Lun (car 28) in second and Prodigy Racing's Hayden Haikal (car 11) in third.

There were some bumper-to-bumper clashes in the racing field during the first few laps, but nothing too severe, until Koh made contact with Lim's rear - pushing him wide into the barriers and effectively putting him out of contention.

Although Koh seemed able to emerge from the ordeal, his car subsequently touched Haikal's rear bumper as he fought to regain control, allowing Kulim Top Wheel's Ken Foo (car 10), who started in fourth, to pull alongside him.

As the two car drag-raced down to a right-hander, last season's Promotional Class second runner-up, Shukri Yahya (car 24) who started the race in fifth, managed to catch the pair and wedge himself between the two. The trio soon came together and all three drivers did not finish the race.

The damage sustained by Shukri's car will not allow him to compete in tomorrow's race.

At the end of 20 laps, it was Distinctive Model's Clement Yeo (car 98) who inherited the lead maintained it to take the top spot after starting from eighth.

He was followed by Team Nanoplus' Patrick Tam (car 13) who took second after starting from sixth and third went to ST Wangan Racing Team's Eric Yong Boon Pin (car 22) who started from ninth.

From last year's promotional class, beatboxer Shawn Lee (Car 6) managed to finish two places up in.

SUPER SPORTING CLASS

Right before the second turn of the track, the safety car was deployed for five laps due to a scuffle that rendered two Kegani Racing Team cars of Kenny Lee Wan Yuen (car 38) and William Ho (car 39) immobile.

The safety car remained out for five laps to allow the marshals to clear any remaining debris before racing could resume.

Pole-starter ST Wangan Racing Team's Boy Wong (Car 21) resumed the lead, followed by Dream Chaser's Brendan Paul Anthony (Car 91) in second and Team Nanoplus' Keifli bin Othman (Car 45) in third.

The trio lead the pack for the remainder of the 20-lap race and finished in the same order after the restart.

PROMOTIONAL CLASS

With nine cars taking to the grid, pole-starter Diana Danielle (car 15) managed to pull away from the pack with Nabil Ahmad (car 83) and Aiman Tino (car 77) in tow and piling on the pressure.

Unfortunately, there was an incident with Aiman that put him out of the race allowing Diana and Nabil to breathe a sigh of relief and relax a little behind the safety car seven laps.

As racing resumed, Diana and Nabil went to battle so much so that the duo had stretched their gap ahead race pack by as much as 7.5 seconds as Akim and Khai locked horns for third.

Both Diana and Nabil pushed their respective cars to its limits and had a few near misses and clipped the concrete barriers, but fortunately they were still able to fight it out on the track.

With seven laps to go before the finish, the safety car was again deployed to allow track personnel to recover the wreckage of singer Nabila Razali (car 92) who had a big run in with the concrete barrier to end the day of racing.

On day 2, there will be more 40 racers taking to the 1.65km street circuit with the top five drivers starting in reverse order for all three categories.

SUMMARY OF RESULTS: Round 3, Race 1 (Stadium Batu Kawan, Penang)

PROMOTIONAL CLASS
1. Diana Danielle
2. Nabil Ahmad
3. Akim Ahmad
4. Khai Bahar
5. Janna Nick

SPORTING CLASS
1. Clement Yeo Distinctive Model
2. Patrick Tam Team Nanoplus
3. Eric Yong St Wangan Racing Team
4. Lim Chun Beng Team Fokus Tetap
5. Shawn Lee

SUPER SPORTING CLASS
1. Boy Wong St Wangan Racing Team
2. Brendan Paul Anthony Dream Chaser
3. Keifli Othman Team Nanoplus
4. Eddie Liew Team Nanoplus
5. Alif Mohamed Hamdan Laser Motor Racing


Tesla applies to become British electricity provider, daily reports

A view of Tesla Inc's US plant. — Reuters
LONDON: US electric carmaker Tesla Inc has applied for a licence to supply electricity in Britain, The Telegraph reported on Saturday.

The purpose of the licence from the energy regulator may be to introduce the company’s Autobidder platform, the report said, citing a company source.

The application did not make clear why Tesla has applied for the licence, The Telegraph reported.

Autobidder is a platform for automated energy trading and is currently being operated at Tesla’s Hornsdale Power Reserve in South Australia.

Having built a significant battery business in recent years, the carmaker is now preparing to enter the British market with its technology, the paper said, citing industry sources.

The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In 2017, the carmaker built the world’s largest lithium ion battery to help keep the lights on in South Australia.


Carsome shows a caring side during Covid-19 pandemic

                KUALA LUMPUR: With the Covid-19 pandemic still raging worldwide and affecting the livelihood of many people, Carsome has embark on a series of programmes to help its employees and stakeholders.

Co-founder and Group CEO Eric Cheng in a commentary said:

"Over the years, we faced many challenges, and the Covid-19 pandemic brought along a new set of obstacles.

"Most of us would know people who are struggling, be it financially, mentally or physically in these hard-hitting times.

"I have been lucky to meet so many people from all walks of life through my role at Carsome, and I’d like to believe that we are doing our utmost best in each encounter to help those we met.

 Cheng.

"Carsome was built based on this idea to help consumers have a better experience when buying and selling cars.

"Ultimately, we want to support people to move forward in their lives, even if it means helping those in need and believing that we can make a difference by supporting the community in meaningful ways.

"We want to be part of a thriving community that beats the odds together," Cheng said of the company's recent initiatives under #CarsomeCares.

He said Carsome employees of fellow "Carsomers" had shown true loyalty in ensuring that the business runs as smoothly as it can, notwithstanding the challenges of working from home and lockdown restrictions.

"They are the backbone of Carsome, and their health and safety are our top priority.

"With this in mind, we recently launched our very own employee vaccination drive to ensure the safety of both our employees and our customers.

"The initiative helps our employees, who have not already secured appointments through the national vaccination programme, get their vaccination faster.

"It also helps us play a part in helping the country reach herd immunity and return to some sort of normalcy in our daily
lives.

"At the time of writing, close to 150 Carsome Malaysia employees and Carsome Academy students have or will be vaccinated through this initiative.

"We are also extending our vaccine supplies to our partners across the chain to help them get vaccinated at a faster rate, so that we can work together to ensure the safety of everyone in the entire used car ecosystem - from suppliers, retailers to customers - and keep each other protected," Cheng said.

 Carsome’s Human Resources director Mohd Afifi Zahari (centre) leading the employee vaccination drive.

He also said Southeast Asia’s largest integrated car e-commerce platform had introduced the Used Car Dealers Buy Back Programme to aid overstretched partner-dealers.

"We help our partner-dealers by buying back the cars they bought from Carsome, at the same price they paid.

"To-date, under the programme, we have bought back cars from more than 10 dealers at a total value of close to RM1mil.

"Through this programme, we hope to help our partner-dealers maintain cash flow and liquidity to continue sustaining their businesses through this pandemic," he said.

Cheng also said the company is giving graduates a little boost through its graduate auto-financing programme.

"Many need a car to get to their first jobs - especially at a time where private vehicle ownership is preferred out of hygiene and safety concerns - and the reality is that with no credit history, it is hard to get a loan approved by conventional banks.

"As long as they graduated in the last five years with at least a degree, all they need is an employment offer letter and a comfort guarantor with no minimum requirements, something different from the traditional guarantor required by common banks, to get a loan to purchase a Carsome Certified car," Cheng said.

He also said the recent #BenderaPutih country-wide movement that caught the company's attention.

"Despite facing struggles of their own, many Malaysians rose to the occasion to help.

"This reminded us that humanity is not lost, and inspired us to support the #BenderaPutih initiative.

"To aid the cause, we began an internal donation drive to buy essentials for our 48 volunteers to deliver to those in need.

"We also collaborated with SESO, a local non-profit enterprise against food poverty.

"As their transportation partner, we have been helping SESO to deliver food and supplies to various Klang Valley locations they identified.

"In fact, just last weekend, we have sent out more than 100 care packages courtesy of HappyFresh, to those in need," Cheng said.


All petrol prices in Singapore now start from S$3

The latest changes translate to increases of between eight and 17 cents a litre for 95-octane petrol, the most popular grade here. - ST
SINGAPORE: All petrol prices are now S$3 or more a litre here, with one grade nearing S$4 a litre as oil prices breach US$130 per barrel.

According to Consumers Association of Singapore's pump price tracker Fuel Kaki, China-owned SPC was the last to raise prices on Wednesday afternoon (March 9), joining the other four oil companies - Caltex, Esso, Shell and Sinopec - in posting petrol prices from $3.

A litre of 92-octane fuel, which can be used by the majority of cars here, is a uniform $3 at Caltex, Esso and SPC stations. Shell and Sinopec do not offer this grade.

A litre of 95-octane petrol ranges from $3.03 (SPC) to $3.23 (Shell), while a litre of 98-octane is $3.72 at Shell and $3.51 elsewhere.

The so-called premium grade 98-octane is $3.64 at Sinopec, $3.72 at Caltex and $3.94 at Shell.

The latest changes translate to increases of between eight and 17 cents a litre for 95-octane petrol, the most popular grade here. Since Feb 14, this grade has climbed as much as 45 cents, or 16 per cent.

After discounts, the lowest price for 95-octane is $2.38, at three stations run by Sinopec. Among brands with sizeable networks, prices range from $2.48 (Caltex) to $2.91 (Shell).

For 92-octane fuels, prices range from $2.43 (Caltex) to $2.58 (Esso). Prices of 98-octane after discount range from $2.76 (Sinopec) to $3.35 (Shell). And for the premium grade, the range is from $2.84 (Sinopec) to $3.55 (Shell).

Brent crude oil has risen by around 35 per cent since Feb 14 to hit an intra-day high of US$131.60 on Wednesday, with the sharpest ascent posted from Feb 24 - the day Russia invaded Ukraine. RBOB gasoline, a proxy to wholesale petrol, climbed 34 per cent to US$3.72 a gallon in the same time frame.

Oil traders are now predicting that Brent - a benchmark crude - will hit US$200 a barrel if Europe and the US ban Russian oil imports.

Traders last predicted US$200 oil back in the mid-noughties. The commodity hit an all-time high of US$147 a barrel just before the 2008 global financial crisis brought prices back down to earth. - Straits Times


All you want to know about Vios Challenge street race series

                SEPANG: With the launch of the Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Racing Festival in Malaysia featuring the one-make Vios Challenge street race series, motorsports fans will be getting a taste of high adrenaline action up close.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the UMW Toyota Motor and Toyota Gazoo Racing Team’s jointly-organised motorsports festival expected to kick off for the first time in August.

1. What is the Vios Challenge?
It is a one-make race featuring 30 identical dynamic and sporty Toyota Vios race cars.
There will be four races that make up this season’s Vios Challenge and it will be the feature event at the TGR Racing Festival events.

2. What is the TGR Racing Festival?
It will be a huge weekend-long carnival that is planned to happen in Penang, Johor and twice in Kuala Lumpur.
There will be entertainment, lots of activities and games, challenges, car sales, food and lots more.
It will be a fun weekend for the entire family.

3. Who gets to race in the Vios Challenge?Anyone who holds a national racing licence issued by the AAM is eligible to race.
Now all you need is to purchase a Vios Challenge racing car.

4. Can a current Vios owner join the Vios Challenge using his own car?
It would not be in the spirit of the Vios Challenge as the car could be different from the rest that have been prepared officially.
The idea is to have all the racers pit skill against skill without relying on mechanical advantage.
This helps bring motor racing back to its purest form.

5. Where did the idea of the Vios Challenge come from?The concept of a one-make race has long been established using various models of cars and modified to various stages or levels of competition.
In Thailand and the Philippines, they have successfully run a Vios race using approximately the same formula that was developed by TRD in Japan.
In line with Toyota Gazoo Racing’s global agenda to raise initiatives in motorsport activities, we have developed the Vios Challenge here in Malaysia.

6. What do you hope to achieve from this Vios Challenge?
The Toyota Vios has been understated as an innovative, sporty and exciting car.
Through this Vios Challenge, we hope to elevate its image and increase its appeal to a young fan base.

7. Where and when will the Vios Challenge be run?
The race season is planned between August this year and March next year.
The dates and locations will be announced when they have officially been inscribed by AAM.

8. Why did you choose to run the Vios Challenge as a street race?We did not want the event to be overshadowed by the overwhelming structure of a race environment as the intention was to create a carnival- like atmosphere and make it as accessible to the people as possible.
By creating our own event and space, we can effectively immerse everyone in the excitement and make them feel like they are a part of the action.

9. What do the winners get from this?
Winners will take home a trophy and other prizes that will be announced before the race season begins.

10. How safe is it racing on the streets?There will be no compromise on safety. We are working together with TRD, AAM and our own consultants to design a circuit that is exciting, fun and yet safe for drivers and spectators. All our regulations will be inscribed according to FIA rules and we will have full medical facilities at every venue.

THE VIOS CHALLENGE CAR

1. What are the modifications that have been made to the Vios race car?
The base car is the Vios 1.5J MT assembled at UMW Toyota Motor’s Assembly Services Sdn Bhd (ASSB) plant in Shah Alam.

It will be fitted with:
- TRD aerodynamic kit
- TRD exhaust system
- TRD clutch system and LSD (limited slip differential)
- TRD suspension system
- TRD brake pads
- TRD tower bar and lower brace bars
- Roll Cage
- Enkei rims and Toyo Tyres

2. What is the purchase price for the racing Vios and what does the package include?
The price for the race car is RM90,000.00 and this includes all the parts, engineering and testing, one set of FIA-approved racing suit and six sessions of racing school training for novice drivers.

3. Where are the cars being prepared?They are prepared by Wing Hin Motorsports, one of the top racing outfits in Malaysia and a highly-respected Toyota dealer.

4. What model is being used for the race car?
The race cars are the Vios 1.5J M/T.

5. How much more power does the racing Vios produce?
The race car produces about 10% more power than the stock standard model.

6. Why didn’t you consider giving it more power? Won’t that increase the fun factor?We did not want to alter the dynamics of the Vios too radically.
As it stands, the Vios is already a fun and sporty car.
By adding more power, we will then need to beef up other elements and this will be a never-ending exercise so it is better to maintain a formula where the car is fun to drive yet provides good spectator value.


CES 2016: HARMAN shows off safety system that tracks the eyes

                LAS VEGAS: Driving while tired, distracted or over-stimulated may become a thing of the past, thanks to new technology unveiled by HARMAN International Industries, Inc, that measures increases in pupil dilation as an indication of a driver’s mental workload.

HARMAN’s new proprietary eye and pupil tracking system measures high cognitive load and mental multitasking in the driver’s seat, and signals the car’s other safety systems to adapt to the driver’s state. The technology represents a major step forward in advanced safety systems for vehicles.

Adoption of in-cabin cameras is growing, enabling features such as occupant detection and driver drowsiness monitoring.

HARMAN’s eye and pupil tracking technology brings additional value to the driver-facing camera. The technology eliminates the need for complex sensors built into seats and steering wheels, or biometric sensors that require physical contact with the driver.

This camera continually captures the driver’s pupil dilation, and a proprietary software algorithm analyses the pupil reflex using advanced filtering and signal processing. The filter isolates and identifies responses triggered by high cognitive load. The calculated outputs are used to intuitively adjust user interfaces, like placing mobile devices in do-not-disturb mode or adjusting ADAS system intervention thresholds to minimise physical and mental distraction to the driver.

“Safety on the road is more important than ever as more vehicles become connected. HARMAN is advancing the state of the art for solutions that balance drivers’ desire to stay connected in the car without a compromise to their safety and security,” said Alon Atsmon, vice president of technology strategy at HARMAN.

“Our priority is to arm OEMs with a holistic range of integrated technologies that address both driver wants and needs, and the HARMAN eye and pupil tracking technology is another advanced step toward a more intelligent driving experience.”


DS ends production of DS 4 and 5, says report

                PARIS: DS has just ended production of its DS 4 and 5 models as part of the company's plan to move to a "new product phase."

The two models from PSA's luxury brand won't be disappearing from showrooms for a while yet though, as there's still what the manufacturer refers to as an "extensive supply" of models already built waiting for new homes. But these are the early stages of a particularly aggressive plan the company has to turn around its shrinking global sales, which fell by a worrying 38.5 percent in 2017.

To put things into some sort of perspective, just 11,746 DS 4s were sold across Europe during 2017. That's a staggering 470,431 units less than the class-leading Volkswagen Golf, although it's still more than the 8,419 Lexus CT 200s that were sold and that model is perhaps a better comparison to the DS 4. Meanwhile the DS 5 sold just 5,738 examples in Europe.

 The DS5. The gray one is DS4.

Speaking to the UK's Autocar publication, a spokesman from DS claimed there were factors other than the poor sales figures contributing to the decision to end production of the 4 and 5. It's said the decision was part of a "new product phase" that's been underway since the company's current flagship DS 7 Crossback arrived last year.

DS said of the move: "It was always planned that DS 4 and DS 5 production would end in 2018 as part of this new plan. This plan will also see the reveal of a new all-electric compact model at the Paris motor show that will get our electrification plans going."

The move to cut the DS 4 and might not be as significant as Ford axing all its sedans and hatchbacks in the US, but it's still a big indication of how vehicles that are not SUVs are struggling to find buyers right now.

Details are thin on the ground at the moment, but it's believed the compact EV the DS spokesperson referred to will be an all-electric version of the upcoming DS 3 Crossback. It won't arrive until after the first electrified DS model, which is the 7 E-Tense plug-in-hybrid that's due to arrive in showrooms early next year.

Plenty more changes are in the pipeline for the DS brand, including reducing the number of dealerships and making them DS-exclusive instead of being twinned with PSA sibling Citroën.


Hyundai Santa Fe driven

How do you match a car to your lifestyle? Well, that depends on what’s important to you or, in some cases, the people around you.

Maybe you’ve reached that point in your life where a hot hatch is limited in functionality.

There’s just not enough room to fit a lengthy bit of IKEA furniture or to take the family out for dinner or a weekend getaway.

If these are some of the points that you’re contending with, then basically you need a bigger car.

And there’s quite a lot to choose from, so let’s narrow it down to an SUV.

“I don’t want to be driving a moving box of an MPV anyway,” you say to yourself.

Yes, you still want to make a bit of a statement on the road and yet have the functionality without sacrificing style.

But there’s so many SUVs to choose from, you realise.

If you’re going by numbers, then consider this: less than RM200K, 4WD, 2.2-litre diesel engine, seven seats, six speed automatic transmission, five doors, dual airbags, 19-inch wheels, 534 litres of cargo space in five seat mode, 197PS and ... wait for it ... 436Nm of torque. That’s a lot of grunt.

If this is getting you interested, then here are some more features to entice you:
Brown nappa leather seats, wide panoramic sunroof, smart key with start/stop button, 12-way adjustable driver seat, dual full auto air conditioning, reverse camera, rear parking assist system, HID Xenon head lamps, and LED rear combination lamps, among many other things.

What did I just describe?

The Hyundai Santa Fe R 2.2 CRDi Executive Plus (it’s rebadged as the Inokom here as it’s locally assembled).

This is the premium diesel variant of the Santa Fe model; there’s also the diesel Elegance variant, a step below the Executive which leaves out the sunroof, reverse camera, and Xenon/LED head lamps, mainly.

Then there’s the 2.4-litre petrol variant, also in Elegance and Executive trimmings.

In short, there are four variants of the Santa Fe.

Maybe that’s more information than you need because your main concern is whether it looks any good and how it drives.

In the looks department, the Korean automaker has definitely hit it out of the park.

Hyundai has designed an SUV that will have you admiring it from the front, rear, side, three-quarter ... you can view it at all the different angles and wonder at how this car has been beautifully crafted and sculpted.

There’s curves and sharp edges abound; pronounced wheel arches; a domineering hexagonal grille with slats and predatory head lamps outline its aggressive nature in the front of the vehicle.

It’s pretty attractive in the rear, too, what with the striking taillamp design.

At any rate, the Santa Fe will turn heads; it looks aerodynamic for a big car.

The pleasing design continues to the interior as well.

The dashboard design is complex what with all the curves and surfaces. And there’s the centre console that bears a resemblance to a hooded cobra and yet it doesn’t feel overly designed.

The functionality is there at the instrument cluster which has two massive elliptical rings side by side. The steering wheel has audio controls on the left and cruise controls on the right.

The layout is such that all the knobs and buttons, even for the entertainment system and climate control, make it simple to decipher.

And how much fun is it to drive the Santa Fe?

It’s a lot of fun simply because the diesel engine is responsive to the touch.

You don’t even have to try and the Santa Fe moves along swiftly and quickly as maximum torque is available from 1,800 to 2,500rpm.

The auto transmission is smooth and effective and it’s a comfortable ride too. And despite it being a diesel engine, you don’t really feel or hear the harshness of it in the well-insulated and spacious cabin.

On top of it, it has safety features to the fore such as the vehicle stability management, electronic stability programme, brake assist and traction control system all designed to make sure you stay planted on the road with effective braking performance.

There’s also hillstart assist and downhill brake control.

But it’s the little things that matter to me. I like it when I approach the car with the smart key in my pocket and the indicator lamps on the side mirrors flash and the cabin lights turn on sensing that it’s master has arrived and is greeting him.

The rain sensor is also a nice feature as your wiper blades spring into action automatically once it rains.

And the sunroof makes a big difference too when you’re driving as it gives you a wider appreciation of your surroundings.

The seven seater, 2.2-litre diesel engine Santa Fe Executive Plus offers a lot in terms of features, functionality, style and drivability. And at this price point, it’s hard to find an SUV that can match it.


GM's pickup money machine gets a technology tuneup

                DETROIT: General Motors Co will give its best-selling Chevrolet Silverado large pickup truck models a makeover next spring to fix competitive shortcomings that have left Chevy in third place in one of the most lucrative vehicle market segments in the world.

Catching up with rival trucks from Stellantis NV and Ford Motor Co, most 2022 Silverado models will get larger dashboard screens and new connectivity technology featuring built-in Google voice commands and software.

Chevrolet also will add a 420-horsepower Silverado ZR2 designed for rugged off-road adventures - or to give the appearance that the owner would have them.
The Silverado ZR2 will chase Ford's F-series Raptor and the Ram TRX from Stellantis, which are attention-getting performance models for those brands.

The current Silverado, launched in early 2019, has been outflanked in sales by rival Stellantis NV's Ram pickup.

The Ram in 2018 got a makeover with a more refined interior and a 12-inch (30.5 cm) dashboard screen that was closer in style to a Tesla Model S sedan than a conventional pickup truck.

The Fiat Chrysler unit of what is now Stellantis also expanded production capacity for Ram pickups in North America, gunning to displace the Chevy Silverado as the No. 2 brand in the North American pickup segment.

That strategy - led by Mike Manley, now head of Stellantis North America - worked.

Through the first half of 2021, Ram's pickups have outsold the Silverado and are now in second place behind Ford's F-series trucks, the best-selling model line in the United States for more than 40 years, according to sales data compiled by Automotive News.Smartphone-like experience

Steve Carlisle, head of GM's North American operations, told Reuters GM has learned from the challenge from Ram.

"You have to be very agile and react," he said. "And maybe ask different types of questions."

Going forward, Carlisle said GM sees the market moving from "bigger is better" when it comes to dashboard displays to more emphasis on improving the user experience.

Carlisle said his goal for the revamped Silverado is to knock Ford out of the top spot in the segment.

"We will not rest until that happens," he said, though he added, "we are going to do the right thing from a brand point of view."

Ram and Ford have their own upgrades coming for 2022.

Ram trucks will get enhanced infotainment systems.

Ford is touting a hybrid system available on the F-150 pickup that can power a house, and promoting its all-electric F-150 Lightning coming next spring.

The new Silverados will get other new technology. The redesigned trucks will be the largest-scale application of GM's partnership with Alphabet Inc's Google to create a more smartphone-like experience in cars.

And top-of-the-line Silverados will offer GM's Super Cruise system as an option to enable hands-free driving on more than 321,869km of roads in Canada and the United States.

The Silverado ZR2 responds to a more traditional form of automotive competition.

Powerful pickup trucks equipped with tall, beefy suspensions and other modifications to handle racing over rough desert or leaping sand dunes have become the 21st century answer to Detroit's 1960s muscle cars.

Ford and Ram had models designed for extreme off-road enthusiasts.

Chevy did not. Now it will.

Carlisle said 60% of Chevrolet Silverados sold now are "lifted trucks" with tall suspensions.

The Silverado ZR2 will add a 420-horsepower, eight-cylinder gasoline engine to the formula. Carlisle said the ZR2 could account for more than 10% of Silverado sales.

Ford's Raptor has a starting price of nearly US$66,000. Carlisle said Chevrolet's ZR2 will be more "accessible" with a lower starting price.