Proton to build assembly plant in Pakistan

                ISLAMABAD: Proton will work with a Pakistani partner to set up an assembly plant in Pakistan, its first in South Asia.

Malaysia High Commissioner to Pakistan Ikram Mohammad Ibrahim said an agreement was inked by Proton and its local partner, Alhaj Automotive last year.

“Proton felt the potential for its cars in Pakistan is huge, which led to its partnership with Alhaj Automotive to establish a plant near Karachi in the Sindh Province.

“This is significant. It will be Proton’s first (assembly) plant in a country with 210 million people,” he told Malaysian media at the high commission here.

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his Pakistani counterpart, Imran Khan, are expected to witness the groundbreaking ceremony of Proton’s plant tomorrow. Dr Mahathir will begin his three-day official visit to Pakistan today.

According to Ikram, the construction of the car plant was one of the important elements of bilateral trade and investment relationship between the two countries as Proton was Dr Mahathir’s brainchild during his first tenure as the Prime Minister.

Last year, total trade between Malaysia and Pakistan stood at RM5.91 billion, an increase of 2.5 per cent compared to RM5.76 billion in 2017. Pakistan is Malaysia’s third largest trading partner in South Asia.

Ikram said Pakistan is Malaysia’s largest export market in South Asia and the third for import destination.

“In terms of bilateral trade, Malaysia is Pakistan’s 16th largest trading partner last year,” he said.

On investment, Malaysia is Pakistan’s third largest foreign investor behind China and Britain for financial year 2017/2018 according to statistics provided by the State Bank of Pakistan, he added.


Turbocharged thrills from Ford EcoBoost engines

                CYBERJAYA: Ford Malaysia recently organised a one-day "Ford EcoBoost Track Day Experience" for media members, to demonstrate the power and performance of the American marque's EcoBoost engine technology.

A total of 10 Ford cars with turbocharged EcoBoost engines were prepared for the event including the 1.0-litre Fiesta compact car, 1.6-litre Fiesta ST, 1.5-litre Focus and 2.0-litre Mondeo sedans, 2.0-litre S-Max seven-seater MPV (multi-purpose vehicle), and 1.5-litre Kuga SUV (sport utility vehicle).

EcoBoost is Ford’s innovative engine downsizing strategy, which offers improved performance versus larger conventional engines.

You get more power, lower emissions and better fuel economy with smaller displacement engines.

Watch the Ford Mustang in thrilling drift action in Cyberjaya.

Three critical technologies are in every EcoBoost engine – turbocharging, direct injection, and variable valve timing.

Combine these technologies with Ford software control algorithms, and the result is an exhilarating drive and class-leading fuel economy.

The EcoBoost Track Day Experience started with a 93km drive from DPulze shopping mall in Cyberjaya to Port Dickson, in a "RM20 Dare" where participants were challenged to use only RM20 (or less) worth of fuel on the journey.

In the afternoon, participants drove to the Putrajaya Recreational Airstrip where the S-Max, Kuga and Mondeo were put through 0 to 100kph sprints and steer-brake-and-avoid sessions on a 300-metre stretch.

This was to showcase the performance of the EcoBoost engines, and highlight the cars' safety features such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

There was also a Precision Driving session, where participants took the sporty Fiesta and fun-to-drive Focus around a challenging autocross course to experience the handling and stability of the vehicles.

The day climaxed fittingly with a pleasant surprise, in the form of an "EcoBoost Unboxing" activity where a large 18x6 feet box was dismantled to reveal a Ford Mustang equipped with a 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine delivering 317ps and 432Nm of torque.

Participants then went for thrilling drift rides in the iconic American muscle car, controlled by a professional driver around the autocross course.


100 students learn how to code at VW's AutoUni

                WOLFSBURG: One hundred students have started their “Faculty 73” qualification programme at Volkswagen's AutoUni. They included students from seven countries including Malaysia.

During a full-time two-year course starting March 2, they would be trained as junior software developers for the automotive industry.

The Volkswagen Group Academy launched its innovative concept with the first generation of students in March 2019 and is doubling the number of students in 2020 up to two generations.

The third generation is due to start on Sept 1, 2020 and internal and external IT talents can apply for a place on the course up to March 8, 2020.

The second generation of Faculty 73 is more diverse than the first, with nine percent women and participants from Malaysia, Turkey, Spain, Italy, Yemen, Egypt and Mexico.

The recruitment of two refugees is worthy of special mention. As level B2 in German is needed for participation in training, the Group refugee aid body will be providing language courses for the two students concerned.

Mohammed Alashtal, who succeeded in the selection procedure and originally came from Jordan, says “Faculty 73 is a new chapter in my life and will hopefully be the start of a career with Volkswagen.”

In addition to new students from the Volkswagen plants at Hanover, Brunswick, Salzgitter, Kassel and Wolfsburg, talents from the whole of Germany, for example from Berlin, Bremen, and Aachen, have started training with Faculty 73 in order to place their interest in software development on a professional footing.

“A diverse workforce is a key success factor for us,” said Elke Heitmüller, Head of Diversity.

“For an international company like Volkswagen which is currently in the course of transformation, diversity is extremely important.

"A comparison with nature may make this clearer. For example, a mixed forest can adapt more effectively to changing environmental conditions than a monoculture. Companies too are in a better position to adapt to a rapidly changing, increasingly diverse environment if very different talents can achieve their full potential within their workforce.”


New Nissan customers watch UEFA Champions League in Europe

                KUALA LUMPUR: Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM), the franchise holder of Nissan in Malaysia, concluded its March and April Campaign with an exciting experience for NISSAN buyers.

The conclusion of the company's recent campaign saw a few of its customers witnessing the recent UEFA Champions League Semi-Finals and Finals live in Europe.

 New Nissan Teana NISMO owner - Khen Hup Soon with wife Au Yong Yoke Leng, at the Real Madrid vs Ateletico Madrid UEFA Champions League Semi-Finals 2017 in Madrid, Spain.

ETCM ran its third instalment for the 2016/17 UEFA Champions League, where customers who purchase a NISSAN vehicle would stand a chance to win an all-expense paid trip to Madrid, Spain on May 10, or to watch the final match live at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff on June 3.

Real Madrid won a record-extending 12th European Cup, defeating Juventus with a 4-1 victory.

In conjunction with the campaign, ETCM has also organized a “Challenge Yourself” online contest in NISSAN Malaysia’s Facebook, where football fans challenged themselves in a series of football-related quiz.

 ETCM Challenge Yourself online contest 2nd Winner - Gan Chee Keng with mother during the UEFA Champions League Final 2017 at Millennium Stadium, Cardiff.

The overall Campaign concluded with two (2) winners and new NISSAN customers - Khen Hup Soon (semi-final) and Safinas Binti Othman (final), while Mohd Hafiz Bin Juha and Gan Chee Keng won the Facebook contest.

“We took this opportunity in giving back to Malaysians for the strong support we received throughout the years, and I am glad that our lucky winners enjoyed the lively experience and atmosphere in both stadiums," said ETCM sales and marketing director Christopher Tan.

 ETCM Challenge Yourself online contest winner Mohd Hafiz Bin Juha and partner during the UEFA Champions League Final 2017 at Millennium Stadium, Cardiff.


Euro hot hatch comparo: Audi TTS vs AMG A 45  vs Golf R

                Three hot hatches. Together out for a tyre-smoking burnout. All all-wheel drive. All out to outdo each other.

It’s another one of those shootouts that CarSifu is fixated on of late.

And this being football season, we bring on an equally keen competition on the tarmac that has a decidedly European flavour.

In the latest line-up, we have the Mercedes-AMG A 45, Audi TTS and Volkswagen Golf R. Each a powerful car in its own right.

But like most things in the real, imperfect world, each has its own strengths and weaknesses that one has to be aware of.

We draw them out and you decide which car is right for you after weighing the pros and cons of each.

Ultimately when selecting a hot hatch, it’s about the emotional connection and how much fun you can wring out of it. The more the better.

So let’s get down to the business of driving, shall we?

Mercedes-AMG A 45

The current Mercedes-Benz A Class which appeared in 2012, discarded the mini-MPV styling of the previous generations for a low slung and muscular appearance which had not only given the car better looks but also vastly improved driving dynamics.

With the introduction of the A 45, Mercedes-Benz’s AMG motorsports division-souped up variant the following year, the A Class’ foray into the compact hot hatch scene has been a success with a growing fan base.

Its high-performance 2.0-litre turbo engine delivered a whopping 360bhp and 450Nm of torque and combined with a quick-shifting dual-clutch transmission, 4Matic all-wheel drive system and sports suspension, the “baby” Merc has turned into a missile for the road and track.

While many have thought that the prodigious performance squeezed out from the little car’s engine was already bordering engineering limits, AMG has managed to raise the output to 381bhp and 475Nm of torque, and lend credence to Mercedes-Benz’s claim of having the world’s most powerful compact car.

The new face-lifted A 45 can do the 0-100kph sprint in a blistering 4.2 seconds, down from its predecessor’s 4.6 seconds.

Just floor the throttle and power snaps in immediately like angry lightning with the racy exhaust roar filling up the cabin as you get pushed into the bucket seats.

The 4Matic all-wheel drive system ensures little wheelspin so all power gets to the four tyres where it’s intended to propel the A 45 forward and nothing else.

Drive the A 45 sanely and the car does its best to deliver a driving experience that is as smooth and civilised as the larger Mercedes-Benz passenger models.

In this instance, all-wheel drive system disengages seamlessly and the A 45 becomes a front wheel-drive car for better fuel economy.

Exterior-wise, the new A 45’s lower grille has been redesigned along with the tail lamps, while headlights are now the high performance LED type from the bi-xenon which gives broader coverage and daylight-like colour temperature for better visibility.

Inside, the aluminium and carbon-fibre trimming as well as red stitching are retained for the motorsports feel.

The front Recaro bucket seats with adjustable side bolster kept us tightly bolted in with little room to slide sideways.

The A 45 also gets a Dynamic Select dial near the gear selector for quick selection of Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Individual and Race programmed driving modes.

While the new AMG Ride Control Sports suspension with adaptive damping features Comfort and Dynamic selection, the Comfort mode still offers a rather stiff ride which can only be appreciated by motorsports fans.

However, the stiff ride redeems itself by keeping bodyroll to a minimum as we hammered the A 45 around sharp corners at fast paced driving.

The meaty steering wheel gives good tactile feel when you make rapid steering manoeuvres.

The Collision Prevention Assist Plus seems to come in handy in view of the A 45’s gung ho attitude for excessive speed at every available opportunity.

This updated feature which comes with radar-supported proximity warning and braking assistance can execute autonomous partial braking to reduce the risk of the A 45 rear-ending slower moving vehicles.

Also, the Attention Assist drowsiness detection system’s operations now covers a wider driving speed from 60 to 200kph and uses a five-stage bar display to visualise the driver’s current attention level.

One thing for sure, this “baby” Merc is no pushover and punches well above its weight.

Audi TTS quattro

The Audi TTS Coupe is the faster, more powerful option of the TT variant. And over RM100K more as well priced at RM392,900 while the TT costs RM286,900 (all prices on-the-road without insurance).

One could argue that the less expensive TT is just as good an option. After all, it’s hard to tell the TT and TTS apart. The TTS is easily distinguished by the ‘S’ on a field of red on the badge (of course!), an aluminium grille, and the quad tailpipes in the rear.

You may think adding more horsepower and torque to the TT is just to draw in the battle-hardened GT types but at this pricepoint, they have a lot more powerful and aggressive looking options from competitors as well. So why settle for the Audi TTS? In a word, class.

Yes, the boffins at Ingolstadt tuned the turbocharged, direct injection 2.0-litre TFSI engine to produce 286hp and 380Nm of torque from as low as 1,800rpm.

Yet they maintained the overall aesthetic design of the TT without adding overtly aggressive elements.

The added power of the TTS (the TT outputs 230hp and 370Nm of torque) is another good example of how more power does not necessarily equate to more aggression. The TTS does not call attention to itself with rumbling loud exhaust notes.

The six-speed S Tronic transmission makes for fast gear shifts and flooring the throttle produces a refined, airy tone, coughing ever so politely when it redlines.

It doesn’t shock you but it is nevertheless exhilarating and exciting.

The minimal yet outstanding design of the interior is so uncluttered and fuss free.

It takes its design cues from aircraft such as the turbine-inspired air vents for the deluxe automatic air-conditioning system.

Another giveaway is the wondrous Audi virtual cockpit - a 12.3-inch instrument display panel which is the only display unit you will find. And it’s the only one you need.

The Alcantara/leather sport seats with diamond-patterned stitching and the embossed ‘S’ logo not only looks luxurious but hugs you tight and comfortably. And don’t be fooled by its outwardly discreet appearance, the cabin inside is spacious even for those with a towering disposition.

The TTS also features the luxury sound system by Bang & Olufsen - a 14-channel amplifier with 12 loudspeakers.

Sure, there are other cars who can outrun the TTS on a straight line but this car simply lives for the corners. With Dynamic mode engaged on the Audi drive select system, it charges through the bends with ease and aplomb. The grip and precision of the steering is just breath-taking.

If you look closely at the TTS, its symmetry of sensual proportion, dimension and balance comes together harmoniously.

It also works in tandem with the drivetrain which makes it a very desirable and ideal performance coupe indeed.

VW Golf R

Is this Volkswagen a beast of a car? If you had only driven the Golf R, you may be inclined to think so.
But in this instance, it’s pitted against the Mercedes AMG A 45 and Audi TTS challengers, so it’s up against some serious rabble-rousers.

The Golf R’s 2.0-litre turbocharged engine makes 276hp and 380Nm of torque that are sent to both axles.
The sprint from zero to the century mark is accomplished in 5s and top speed is capped at 250kph.

By any measure, it’s robust performance from the nearly 1.5-tonne car, which is the middle-weight contender between the heavier Merc and lighter Audi.

The Golf R looks about as understated as the less potent Golf GTI but gets nicer kit to justify the higher asking price of RM291,888, a premium of RM60,000 above the latter.

It is lowered, uses 19-inch wheels and comes fitted with quad exhaust pipes. It is also garnished with sportier bumpers, adaptive bi-xenon headlamps and smoked LED tail lights.

The interior reinforces the sporty styling cues as seen in the flat-bottomed leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, R-stamped leather sports seats and dark headliners and carbon fibre-like inserts.

This five-door hatch also comes with the Tech Pack, offering a long list of desirable features such as panoramic sunroof, keyless entry and start, cruise control, rear view camera, automatic headlights as well as front/rear parking sensors.

Not only does the interior look suitably premium, it offers enough space all round to fit five people comfortably with more than enough motivation to get them to their destinations quickly.

The Golf R is designed for maximum fun on the road and yet can double up as a daily runabout at a moment’s notice by reason of its high practicality.

This versatility is down mainly to the adaptive chassis control and available drive modes: Comfort, Normal, Race, Eco and Individual. That way, you will have a number of self-explanatory profiles that modulate the driving behaviour and allow the car to be beastly (think Race) when you want it to or potter around amiably in anything but Race.

The 4MOTION all-wheel drive system, along with the electronic differential lock, provide the traction and stability safety net while allowing the driver to enjoy the precise and sportier steering that the Golf R affords.

There’s no time wasted in wheelspin the moment you step on the accelerator as power is despatched to the wheels without muss or fuss. While a firm ride is expected of any hot hatch, it’s not unduly comfortable even when driven sportily.

With a car like this, you will want to spend quite a bit of time in Race to exploit its full potential. It’s in this setting that the Golf R shows itself at its most engaging.

And that rich throaty rumble should keep you coming back for more.

THE VERDICT

While all three cars offer exhilarating performance, driving dynamics and unconventional looks, there are still areas which certain models hold an edge over the others.

The Golf R offers the most interior space, seats five comfortably and a ride that is not too jarring compared with the TTS and A 45 but is the “slowest” of the trio with a 0-100kph run of 5 seconds.

Featuring a more subdued exterior, the Golf R is also the cheapest at RM291,888 and can double up easily as a daily car without being too flashy or noisy.

But if you are in the market for over-the-top styling, the Tony Stark-flavoured RM392,900 TTS outshines the A 45 and Golf R with its sexy two-door coupe-ish appearance.

 Audi TTS rear seats

However, this chic looks come with the drawbacks of cramped seats and limited head room for back passengers.

This shouldn’t be an issue as the TTS’ prospective buyers will most likely be driving without rear passengers and be more inclined towards the car’s futuristic features such as an immersive full-LED instrument panel which can also display satellite navigation.

Utilising the same all-wheel drive powertrain as the Golf R, the smaller TTS is faster than the Golf R with a 0-100kph sprint of 4.7 seconds and its low slung body begets good handling and agility that is similar to the A 45’s.

For outright handling and pure performance, the A 45 is the undisputed champ in this comparo with a supercar-like 0-100kph dash time of 4.2 seconds that easily leaves the Golf R and TTS trailing in its wake.

While it’s still a decent daily car with the convenience of four doors and room for four persons, the A 45’s bodykit might seem too extreme or too aftermarket for those unfamiliar with AMG’s motorsports styling.

With a price of RM348,888 which is between the Golf R and TTS, the A 45’s 381bhp engine has 95bhp more than the two cars’ and whips up the best amount of bang for the buck.

Like politicians, performance car junkies are always in favour of more power. — Team review by HONG BOON HOW, GEORGE WONG and RIZAL JOHAN; Photos by SAMUEL ONG


Proton unveils solar power facility at Tanjung Malim

                KUALA LUMPUR: Proton has unveiled its solar power initiative at its Tanjung Malim plant to help the domestic carmaker reduce its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 11,536 tonnes a year while generating utility cost savings.

Proton's solar power facility has a footprint of 23.4 acres and involves a car park housing 2,880 cars, which is also used as a transit point for cars produced at Tanjung Malim before being distributed nationwide, a statement from the national car maker said.

The parking lot with bi-facial solar panel facility is considered the biggest in Malaysia. It features 20,544 bi-facial solar panels, named as such because they can generate energy from direct sunlight on top as well as those reflected from the ground, and from cars parked underneath the panels.

The cars are also protected from the elements because they are shaded. The combined power generated is 12 megawatt peak (MWp), enough to meet up to 25 per cent of the plant's power consumption.

Built and commissioned by Pekat Group and its associate MFP Solar, the solar panel facility is able to generate 9MWp.

"It allows Proton to potentially save up to RM4.39 million a year on its energy bill with a further saving of RM1.46 million available via the 3MWp generated by the factory roof-mounted panels,” the statement said.

The company launched its first Proton Green Wheel and Green Policy back in 2015, comprising five phases involving energy management system; energy efficiency; waste and water management; renewable energy via solar energy plant; and digitise all of Proton's energy data on a cloud server to introduce artificial intelligence and big data analysis.

Over a five-year period from 2015-2020, these initiatives saw RM20 million in savings in energy bill, equivalent to 55,000 MWh savings and a reduction of over 40,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.


Alphabet's Waymo to stop selling lidar self-driving car sensors

                SAN FRANCISCO: Alphabet Inc's self-driving unit Waymo said on Thursday that it has ended a two-year effort to sell light detection and ranging (lidar) sensors to other companies.

This is a reversal from its earlier strategy to sell the lidars to non-automotive customers to bring down costs of a key and expensive component of self-driving cars.

"We're winding down our commercial lidar business as we maintain our focus on developing and deploying our Waymo Driver across our Waymo One (ride-hailing) and Waymo Via (delivery) units," a Waymo spokesman said in a statement.

The spokesman, however, said it will continue to build its lidars in-house.

According to a person familiar with the matter, Waymo is considering both internal technology and external suppliers for its next-generation lidars.

The move to stop selling lidars comes after the departure of CEO John Krafcik and some other executives, which had fuelled questions about whether Waymo would rethink its strategy after failing to generate significant revenue for over a decade.

In 2019, Waymo said it was going to sell one of its three different in-house lidars to customers in robotics, farming and others, not to rival self-driving car firms.

"We can scale our autonomous technology faster, making each sensor more affordable through economies of scale," Simon Verghese, Head of Lidar Team, said at that time.

It was not clear whether Waymo was able to generate enough revenue to offset development and operational costs of its lidar sales business.

Lidars use laser pulses to measure distances and render precise images of the environment around the car. Most self-driving firms, including Waymo, say lidars are key to achieving full autonomy. Tesla CEO Elon Musk said companies that rely on the expensive sensors are "doomed."

Waymo in 2018 launched the first commercial self-driving taxis, retrofitting Chrysler's minivan with its own self-driving hardware. But it has not yet expanded and scaled up the technology beyond limited areas in suburban Phoenix, and it has recently launched public testing around dense San Francisco with a Jaguar electric car and a new suite of sensors. read more

In 2011, Waymo began developing its own set of sensors from the ground up, including three types of lidars, including short-range lidars dubbed Laser Bear Honeycomb.

But Tim Willis, general manager of the company's Laser Bear lidars, left the company in February and joined lidar company Aeva, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Australian Droid + Robot tested prototype robots with Waymo's Honeycomb lidars in mines in Australia.

"Everyone knew the risks associated with that venture," Mat Allan, manager of perception and AI at Australian Droid + Robot, told Reuters.

"It’s a good product. We haven’t found anything that matches price to performance... It’s a shame though we couldn’t continue the journey," he said.


Japan transport ministry raids Hino Motors after false emissions data

                TOKYO: Japan's transportation ministry today raided the Tokyo offices of truck maker Hino Motors Ltd days after the Toyota Motor Corp unit said it had falsified emissions data, triggering its biggest one-day shares slump for 22 years.

Public TV station NHK broadcast footage showing officials from the ministry entering the company's headquarters on Monday morning. Hino on Friday said it had found "misconduct" in falsifying engine performance for exhaust emissions certificates, and had also found problems in engine performance.

The company's shares plunged 17%, dropping by the maximum daily limit allowed under Tokyo exchange rules. The stock also fell heavily on Friday, when reports of irregularities first emerged.

Hino is the latest in a string of Japanese automakers involved in improper emissions tests.

In 2018, the government said Mazda Motor Corp, Suzuki Motor Corp and Yamaha Motor Co improperly tested vehicles for fuel economy and emissions. Subaru Corp and Nissan Motor were under scrutiny for the same reason the year before.

A spokesman for Hino confirmed the ministry officials had visited the company but declined further comment.

"The government is aware that transportation ministry carried out a raid on the company to investigate the matter and the cause," chief cabinet secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said on Monday afternoon.

"The matter is extremely regrettable, as it greatly undermines the trust of automobile users," Matsuno said.

Hino has suspended sales of three engine models as well as vehicles carrying them in Japan, the company said in a statement, adding it is investigating the impact on its earnings.

About 115,500 vehicles in Japan are believed to equipped with the engine models that have false emissions data or fuel efficiency problems, according to the statement. The figure is almost twice of the number of vehicles Hino sold domestically in the 12 months ended March 2021.

The accuracy of automakers' emissions data was thrown into doubt in 2015 when Germany's Volkswagen AG admitted to installing secret software in hundreds of thousands of US diesel cars to cheat exhaust emissions tests, and that as many as 11 million vehicles could have similar software installed worldwide.


New Proton Exora coming Aug 19

                PETALING JAYA: Proton is coming out with a new Exora that will sport a mild facelift on Aug 19.

It teased the arrival of the 7-seater on its Facebook page today by referring to a turbocharged engine that will make your “everyday journeys smoother".

But it's believed it will remain the same engine powering the current Exora, which is the 1.6-litre turbocharged Campro CFE engine making 138hp and 205Nm of torque the last time we checked.  A CVT relays engine power to the wheels.

Dare we hope for 5 more horsepower as the teaser image above from Proton seem to suggest? We will wait and see.

The imminent arrival of the new Exora comes on the heels of the all-new Perodua Alza that was launched last month. The Alza is now in its second-generation.


Akio Toyoda wants to make more than just EVs — and has plenty of company

                TOKYO: When Japan played host to Group of Seven leaders last week, the country’s top auto executives formed a united front to deliver a familiar message: Let’s throw everything we’ve got at carbon emissions reduction, and not just batteries.

It’s an appeal that Akio Toyoda of Toyota Motor Corp. has been making for several years, and one that he’s caught grief for as carmakers led by Tesla Inc. and BYD Co. stomp the accelerator on electric-vehicle production.

“I think I have spoken the truth,” Toyoda said in what would be his last New Year’s greeting to staff as chief executive officer. “I said these very obvious things, and was bashed terribly.”

Two weeks later, Toyoda announced he’d cede the CEO role to Koji Sato, who’d been the head of Lexus. But in a surprise move prophetic of what happened in Hiroshima last week, he was asked to stay on as chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, or JAMA.

The group staged an exhibition alongside the G7 summit that highlighted hydrogen and carbon-neutral fuels, in addition to EVs.

The harmony of Japan’s car lobby stands in stark contrast to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, which lost several members last year that didn’t see eye to eye with others on how best to confront climate change.

JAMA’s unanimity also has massive implications for the global energy transition, as Japan remains the world’s largest passenger car exporter.

Bloomberg spoke with the CEOs of five Japanese auto manufacturers last week about how they’ve coalesced around a consensus: A diverse set of powertrains and alternative fuels will be needed to reduce emissions for as long as battery materials are scarce and the power used to recharge EVs is still switching over to renewable sources.

Say yes to B.S.

One potential solution Suzuki Motor Cop. sees as promising involves shovelling you-know-what.

In January, the majority-owner of India’s dominant car manufacturer announced a deal with a government agency and Asia’s largest dairy manufacturer to verify that biogas derived from cow manure could be used to power Suzuki models running on compressed natural gas.

EVs are unlikely to take off in India until household access to electricity is closer to universal, president Toshihiro Suzuki said.

“It’s wrong to assume that there’s only one solution,” he said, adding that the world is “a bit over-focused” on battery-electric vehicles.

Isuzu Motors Ltd. applied the name Giga to one of its big rigs decades before Elon Musk was using it as a prefix for his factories. Yamaha Motor Co. makes relatively itty-bitty scooters and golf carts. Both are picking their spots with respect to batteries.

Packs full of cells are ideal for little two-wheelers and tooling around on the links. But it’s “not at all possible” to use batteries in Yamaha’s big motorboats, CEO Yoshihiro Hidaka said.

Whereas boaters can bring a backup tank of gas in case they run out of fuel, batteries are too heavy to carry around extras. Hydrogen fuel cells could work better, and the company has started its own research and development efforts.

Isuzu showcased its first mass-produced EV, the Elf N-Series, in Hiroshima. It offers only about 100km of battery range compared to the roughly 600km one can drive on a tank of fuel.

“It’s not like Japanese automakers want to take an easy solution, or like to go the effortless way,” CEO Masanori Katayama said.

“If somebody could pinpoint the right answer as to whether it should be battery-electric vehicle, or it should be fuel cell-electric vehicle, that would be easier on our part, because our R&D could focus upon such areas. But we don’t have such an answer, at least as of now.”

Hot and lukewarm

Honda Motor Co. CEO Toshihiro Mibe was the most bullish on EVs, which is no surprise given its moves of late.

In March, the carmaker broke ground on a new US$4.4 billion lithium-ion battery plant in rural Ohio. It has partnered with both General Motors Co. and Sony Group Corp. on EVs.

Still, hydrogen also will be part of the mix. The carmaker announced plans last week to develop and supply fuel cell systems for heavy-duty trucks that Isuzu plans to introduce in 2027.

“The objective is achieving carbon neutrality,” Mibe said. “There are many different technologies that help us do that.”

Mazda Motor Corp. generated less than a quarter the revenue Honda did last fiscal year, and has an even smaller fraction of cash compared to its peer.

In November, Mazda said it will approach electrification in phases through 2030.

EVs will be between 25% and 40% of global sales by then — a wide range that reflects management’s uncertainty as to how quickly plug-in vehicles will take off.

“We are a rather small-scale manufacturer, so we can’t take the same approach as the big players,” said Akira Marumoto, who will step down as Mazda’s CEO next month and hand over control to Masahiro Moro.

“We have to monitor what’s happening in the marketplace and with our customers.”

READ MORE: UMW Toyota Motor adopts multi-prong approach to carbon neutrality


Toyota Avalon unveiled

                DETROIT: Toyota has unveiled its new flagship mid-premium sedan for the United States market, the Avalon, in four variants of XSE (new), Touring, XLE and Limited while the hybrid variant comes in XLE, Touring and XSE trim.

The Avalon has a wheelbase of 2,870mm and comes in measuring 4,978mm-long, 1,849mm-wide and 1,435mm-tall - helping to improve its aerodynamic efficiency from 0.28Cd to 0.27Cd.

The 3.5-litre 2GR-FKS V6 Atkinson cycle petrol engine with a higher 11.8:1 compression ratio now uses a D-4S direct injection system and a new Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide system (VVT-iW).

No specifics about power output for the 60-degree V-engine but it does have the ability to out anywhere from 280PS to 315PS and 359Nm to 380Nm of torque.

The engine will be managed by an eight-speed UA80E direct shift automatic gearbox with a new torque converter, optional paddle shifters and can rev-match when downshifting.

The hybrid variant uses a 2.5-litre Dynamic Force four-cylinder Toyota Hybrid System II (THS II) with a 650V electric motor (A25A-FXS) that's married to a Continuously-Variable Transmission (CVT) - the same as the eighth-generation Camry Hybrid.

In terms of hybrid power, the internal combustion engine provides 178PS at 5,700rpm and 221Nm of torque from 3,600 to 5,200rpm with a compression ratio of 14:1, while the electric motor dishes out 120PS at 4,500rpm and 202Nm of torque from 0 to 1,500rpm. Combined output resides at 216PS.

The THS II uses two electric motors ― MG1 and MG2 ― to supplement the charging of the hybrid system's Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack, while MG2 assists the engine.

Energy loss in the conversion efficiency of the transaxle and electric motor is reduced by approximately 20%, and its cooling system's energy loss is cut by approximately 10%.

For a quieter and more fuel efficient highway cruising, the Avalon will be equipped with Auto Glide Control (AGC) that works in conjunction with Eco mode and not in Normal or Sport modes.

Four drive modes of Eco, Normal, Sport/Sport+ and Custom is available in the Touring model.

The Avalon is further equipped with LEDs for the front and rear lights, adaptive variable suspension, intake sound generator, grade-specific exhaust baffle tuning, active noise control, engine sound enhancement system and an electronic power steering system to name a few.

Depending on model variant, the cabin gets fitted with a combination of Yamaha-sourced wood-trim, aluminum pieces, piano black trim and satin chrome-finish as well as seat warmers and five USB ports.

New Cognac coloured leather-surfaces are also available as well as gray and beige leather-trim, gray or black Perforated Ultrasuede or gray, beige, or black Softex.

There's also a 9.0-inch multimedia system (MMS) display with navigation, a wireless Qi mobile device charger, 7.0-inch Multi-Information Display (MID) and a 10-inch colour Head-Up Display.

For entertainment, JBL has provided its performance audio system with an eight-speaker as well as 14-speaker sound system with Entune 3.0 Audio Plus with Connected Navigation Scout GPS Link App and Entune 3.0 App Suite Connect and Apple CarPlay.

It uses a new 9.0-inch capacitive touchscreen with voice recognition, gesture control, smartwatch integration or Amazon Alexa-enabled device connectivity, as part of Toyota Remote Connect.

This allows drivers to lock/unlock the vehicle's doors, start the engine, or check their fuel level, all from the convenience of their smartwatch or Amazon Alexa-enabled device.

There's also voice control and is compatible with select Android or Apple devices. Toyota is among the first automakers to feature Amazon-enabled device connectivity capable of executing home-to-car and car-to-home interactions.

The 14-speaker sound system from JBL has 1,200-watts of power via a 12-channel Class-D HID12 amplifier and is managed by a 7.1-channel surround sound system with a 10-inch subwoofer.

As standard the Avalon's safety equipment includes 10 airbags, enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, anti-lock braking system, smart stop technology and a reverse camera.

To further bolster safety, Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) suite of safety systems has been included, such as Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA); Automatic High Beams (AHB), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Back Guide Monitor (BGM).

Also available are the Panoramic View Monitor with Alert (PVMA) and Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS), which now includes a Rear Cross Traffic Braking (RCTB) system.


Tesla banks solely on Panasonic for Model 3 battery

                SEOUL: Tesla Motors is working exclusively with Panasonic Corp to supply batteries for the Model 3, its first mass-market car, the US automaker's chief executive said today, sending Panasonic shares higher.

Reuters reported a day earlier a source with direct knowledge of the matter saying that Samsung SDI was making progress in talks with Tesla to supply batteries for the electric car, as well as Tesla's energy storage systems.

The source said Tesla, which currently buys batteries from Panasonic, was likely to add Samsung SDI as a supplier for Model 3 if and when Tesla's battery plant were not able to produce enough batteries to meet demand.

Tesla chief executive Elon Musk tweeted earlier today the company was "working exclusively with Panasonic for Model 3 cells."

In a response to Reuters' inquires, a Tesla spokesman said on Tuesday by email that "Tesla works with all leading battery manufacturers around the world, however we don't comment on the details of the programmes with specific suppliers."

Panasonic said last month it was ready to bring forward its investment in Tesla's battery plant it is helping establish if required to meet demand for Tesla's first mass-market car.

The Japanese company plans to contribute US$1.6 billion to Tesla's US$5 billion "Gigafactory" in phases over the next few years.

Citing "tremendous demand," Musk said in April that Tesla planned to boost total vehicle production to 500,000 in 2018 - two years earlier than its original target. Suppliers have said the goal will be difficult to achieve.

Tesla has taken 373,000 orders for its Model 3 - which has a starting price of US$35,000, about half its Model S - and has said it would begin customer deliveries in late 2017.

"It remains to be seen whether the orders will translate into actual sales," the source said, asking not to be identified as the discussions were confidential.


McLaren's super news for supercar fans

                LONDON: McLaren has officially confirmed that a successor to the Ferrari 488 GTB-baiting S650 is coming this year.

Due to the resources needed to design, develop and build limited production, super exclusive and super-fast cars, they tend to stay in production for between five and 10 years before being replaced.

However, due to the intense completion in the dream car market, McLaren isn't waiting around for its current range of Super Series Cars - the S650, S650 Spider and 675 LT - to start feeling long in the tooth. Despite only launching the first model in the series in 2014, McLaren is getting ready to unveil the 650S's replacement at the Geneva Motor Show this March.

"Super Series is the core of the McLaren business and personifies the blend of extreme performance, crafted luxury and unparalleled driver involvement that is the McLaren heartland," explained McLaren Automotive CEO, Mike Flewitt.

"This is the first time we have replaced a product family and the new Super Series will be absolutely true to McLaren's pioneering spirit in being a revolutionary leap forwards, both for our brand and the supercar segment."

And in order to better the current line-up it will have to be a huge leap. The 650S can rocket from 0-100kph in 3.0 seconds, from 0-200kph in 8.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 329kph.

Its twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8 serves up 641bhp (or 650PS, hence its name) and there's a huge amount of torque (678Nm) available across the rev band.

Expect that engine block to remain for the new model but for its output to be increased dramatically (the same 3.8-litre engine in a very different state of tune also powers the company's P1 hypercar).

As one would expect, McLaren won't say how much tuning is being done until it reveals the car in the metal. However, it has confirmed that thanks to a new carbon fibre monocage structure, the new car will be stronger and more rigid but at least 18kg lighter than the existing model.

This structure will also enable the company to make the cabin bigger, even more comfortable and easier to live with on a daily basis as the door openings can be larger and wider like those found on the company's iconic F1.


These are the world's fastest production SUVs

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk.
NEW YORK: As Jeep races to the summit of the performance off-raoder market with its new 707hp Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, here's a look at its stats and at the cars it's had to overtake to get to the top.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
A full-sized SUV with a 6.2-litre, supercharged V8 good for 707hp and 875Nm of torque. When that's sent to all four wheels it results in a 0-100kph time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 290kph (though Jeep is quick to point out the speedometer actually goes up to 320kph.

Bentley Bentayga
It might be a high-sided limousine with wooden cabin trim that can only be sourced by artisans abseiling down a cliff face, but it also has a 6-litre W12 twin-turbocharged engine under its immense hood. That outputs 608hp, 900Nm of torque and gives the 2,440kg car a 0-100kph time of 4 seconds. However, Bentley claims the Bentayga can hit 300kph.

Tesla Model X
Spec Tesla's first SUV with the 100kWh Dual Motor Performance D package and it will beat just about anything powered by fossil fuels off the line. Thanks to instantaneous electric motors running the show, this seven-seater has 967Nm of torque on tap and can go from 0-100km/h in 3.1 seconds. However, it only outputs 603hp and its top speed is just 250kph.

Porsche Cayenne Turbo S
The only full-size SUV in this list to actually come from an out-and-out sportscar maker is also one of the slowest. Even with a 4.8-litre, 570hp turbocharged V8 under its hood, the Cayenne can only manage a 0-100kph time of 4.1 seconds. However, thanks to 800Nm of torque, it can hit a very impressive 283kph.

Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic
The fastest and most exclusive series production Range Rover in the company's history. Just like the Bentley its cabin is a place of zen-like tranquillity and business-class luxury. However, it is one of the world's most formidable genuine off-road vehicles and, thanks to a 550hp supercharged V8 is also the most powerful one Land Rover has ever built. It serves up 680Nm of torque and covers the 0-100kph dash in 5.4 seconds; its top speed is capped at 250kph.


Setel introduces first e-wallet sharing solution with Setel Share

                KUALA LUMPUR: Setel, the first e-payment solution for fuel purchases directly from mobile devices, is innovating to make motorists’ journey more seamless with Setel Share, the first e-wallet sharing feature in Malaysia that allows motorists to pay for their loved ones’ fuel securely through Setel app at Petronas stations nationwide.

Setel users can create a Setel Share group and invite up to two other members to pay from the same e-wallet balance.

Owners of Setel Share group have full control to safely track monitor any refuelling expenses by the members via the shared e-wallet.

This new feature allows earning of Mesra points in one account without having the hassle of passing a physical card around that can be used to unlock more rewards.

Setel chief executive officer Mazlin Erawati Ab Manan said the company ran a survey with thousands of Setel users and discovered that 71% of them were already paying for fuel for their family members and friends.

"With Setel Share, we want to help our customers extend a safer refuelling experience with minimised contact to their loved ones, without them having to top up on their own.

"Together, we can work towards supporting our nation's recovery efforts to move into the endemic phase,” he said.

Fully regulated and compliant to Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) e-money guidelines, Setel Share has safeguards in place to ensure the security of every transaction.

The Setel Share owner can set or remove the group members at any time and get real-time notifications for any transaction made via the Setel Share wallet.

Users can now invite family and friends who are not yet on Setel to enjoy Setel Share features and earn additional rewards via the latest Setel Refer-a-Friend Challenge.

From now until Dec 31, Setel welcomes users to unlock special badges to earn even more rewards and bonus credit of up to RM50,000 upon successful referrals.

Setel Share is now fully available to all Setel users with version 1.84 and above of the Setel app.

The latest version of the Setel app for be download free on iOS and Android via the Apple Store, Google Play Store and Huawei AppGallery.

For more information on Setel, visit https://www.setel.com/.


BMW Shorties returns for ninth year

                KUALA LUMPUR: The BMW Shorties, Malaysia’s longest running and most prestigious short film competition, enters its ninth year.

This time, the theme centres around "Change".

“Change is a constant and the challenge for society is to be able to discern, adapt and evolve to the best of one’s ability. BMW employs this belief; it is a key driver which have accelerated us into becoming the number one premium automotive brand in the world,” said BMW Group Malaysia managing director and CEO Alan Harris.

This year's competition judges include five-time BMW Shorties veteran and commercial film maker Lina Tan, prominent film producers Nandita Solomon and Ismail Kamarul, film director Rajay Singh and film editor Affandi Jamaludin.

The competition offers a prize of a RM75,000 production grant for budding film enthusiasts.

Nominees of the Best Screenplay award will also be awarded a Script Development Grant from Red Films, the production company led by Tan.

The grant includes a RM1,000 cash prize and script consultancy support from industry experts.

Budding filmmakers have until November 2, 2015 to submit their short film entries.

For details, visit www.facebook.com/BMWShorties.


DRB-Hicom in talks with two other car brands for assembly ops

                MALACCA: DRB-Hicom Bhd is in talks with two auto brands to assemble their vehicles.

Its CEO, Datuk Seri Syed Faisal Albar, said he expects the earliest deal to be in 2020.

He dismissed speculations that one of the brands is Audi.

“We cannot share more details at this point in time since it will also depend on if they agree or not. We are trying to expand this business as this is a good business and we believe we are quite good at it,” he said at the Media Escapade 2019 briefing yesterday.

Other than Proton, the company is also the assembler and or distributor for other car brands such as Honda, Isuzu and Mercedes.

“I’m happy to say that Hicom Automotive Manufacturers is the first assembler outside of Germany for the Mercedes S Class. They wouldn’t simply give anyone the right to assemble these range of cars if they are not doing well,” he said.


Brunei imposes charges on land border travellers

                BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Brunei's Exit and Entry Charges Order 2020 has now come into full effect, imposing a service charge of B$3 (RM9.20) per person for a one-way trip and B$6 (RM18.30) per person for a return trip on all citizens, residents and foreigners travelling through land border checkpoints.

According to Haji Mohd Amin Liew, Brunei's Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister of Finance and Economy, government officers conducting official duties on behalf of Brunei government are exempt from paying the charges.

The exemption also applies to several categories, including children aged two and below; consular officers and staff and their family members; and diplomatic agents.

The minister said that travel restrictions for Brunei citizens and residents are still being imposed, according to the Ministry of Health. — Xinhua

READ MORE:Call to build highway that bypasses Brunei gains impetus


Malaysian company to bring in BYD T3 electric vehicle

                KUALA LUMPUR: CSH Alliance Bhd’s wholly owned subsidiary, Alliance EV Sdn Bhd (AEV) is applying for an approved permit (AP) from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and other approvals from relevant authorities to bring in the complete-built-up (CBU) units of BYD T3 electric vehicle (EV) into the country.

In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, CSH said AEV had obtained the manufacturing licence for the assembly of commercial electric vans and model approval for local assembly of electric commercial van, primarily the BYD T3 EV.

“The local assembly of the said model shall be set up in Tanjung Malim in compliance with the regulations and standards of construction and safety of electric power-trained vehicles including any other technical requirements as set out by the Road Transport Department (JPJ),” CSH said.

“In view of the approval, AEV will proceed to finalise the detailed commercial arrangements with BYD for the implementation and execution of the local assembly plant in Tanjung Malim,” it added.

Back in December 2021, AEV ventured into the commercial EV market. The venture was made possible through a memorandum of understanding signed between the company and BYD Malaysian Sdn Bhd (BYD Malaysia) and a subsequent letter of appointment from BYD Malaysia outlining both parties’ intention to work together in the business of distribution of the BYD T3 commercial electric van model as well as to set up a local assembly plant for the said model.

“We have worked closely with Malaysia’s authorities board, such as MITI and MIDA, and successfully obtained the manufacturing licence for assembly of commercial electronic van including model approval for local assembly of electric commercial van primarily the BYD T3 electric van,” executive director Jeff Chong said in a statement.


Porsche Mission E variants in the works

                STUTTGART: Porsche first announced the Mission E electric sports car back in 2015.  As the project moves forward, the German company plans to offer variants of the EV that will sit in its catalog below the Panamera.

Expected to be launched in 2019, the car will herald a new era of battery-powered cars.

Prototype versions of the Porsche EV are currently being built at Porsche's research and development centre in Stuttgart, Germany. These vehicles will begin further development and testing this summer.

The various model variants of the Mission E will have different levels of power and, for the benefit of owners, over-the-air update capability. For example, when you have 400hp, it could be possible to upgrade to 450hp.

The Mission E will offer Level 4 autonomous-driving technology, which allows for self-driving in nearly all situations. Crucially though, Porsche says it will not let technology overtake the driving experience buyers expect.

"There are situations in traffic jams where you will be able to read a newspaper, but our customers take pleasure from driving, and this will remain," said CEO Oliver Blume.

Some of the original Mission E details released back in 2015 have not changed. Porsche claimed a range of 500km with an 80% recharge time of just 15 minutes. This has not changed. The Mission E concept had a claimed 590bhp with a 0-100kph sprint time of 3.5 seconds.

What is new is the development, with Volkswagen, of three new EV platforms, one of which will underpin the Mission E. Both this car and sister company Audi's E-tron Quattro SUV concept will be powered by similar lithium-ion battery technology. The Mission E will stick with the 800-volt charging system originally announced.

Also under development at the Volkswagen Group is the MEB electric platform, which is planned to underpin a production version of VW's electric I.D. hatchback concept.


2019 updated Mercedes-AMG C 63: V8 biturbo engine and AMG 9-speed gearbox

                STUTTGART: The 2019 updated Mercedes-AMG C 63 now feature a sharper exterior, a modernised interior and even more agility.

It gets a proven AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine that out 476hp or 510hp, while the maximum torque is 650 or 700Nm.

The typical V8 engine sound is another key element of the AMG driving experience.

The C 63 comes as standard with an AMG exhaust system with a variable flap.

The engine sound varies accordingly between discreet/suitable for long-distance driving, and robust/emotively appealing.

READ MORE:
Previous Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupe tested
Outgoing Mercedes-AMG C 43 Coupe driven

The new C 63 has a more emotive look, too: the AMG-specific radiator trim underscores the brand identity while emphasising the muscular appearance.

The interior benefits from an optional fully digital cockpit with unmistakable AMG displays and the new generation of AMG steering wheels.

One of the new features in the C 63 is the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission with wet start-off clutch (previously 7-speed transmission).

It allows faster bursts of speed and more spontaneous responses to the driver's accelerator pedal input.

In addition, the rear-axle limited-slip differential fitted as standard is now electronically controlled on all versions, allowing more precise traction control.

AMG TRACTION CONTROL (in the C 63 S) enables the slip on the rear axle to be controlled in nine stages, which keen drivers should appreciate, especially when driving on the race track and under changeable road conditions.

The C 63 and C 63 S both offer AMG DYNAMICS, a new, integrated dynamic handling control system which optimises lateral dynamics and maximises traction when cornering.

Particularly remarkable: AMG DYNAMICS calculates how the vehicle will react.

The driver gets an authentic driving feel with high cornering dynamics and optimum traction as well as high stability and predictable handling.

The different AMG DYNAMICS modes are named "Basic", "Advanced", "Pro" and "Master".

"Basic" is assigned to the "Slippery" and "Comfort" drive programs. Here the C 63 demonstrates exceptionally stable handling characteristics with high yaw damping.

"Advanced" is activated in the "Sport" program. The C 63 remains neutrally balanced. The lower yaw damping, lower steering angle requirement and enhanced agility support dynamic manoeuvres such as driving on winding country roads.

"Pro" (short for "Professional") belongs to the "Sport+" program. In "Pro" the driver receives even more assistance for dynamic driving manoeuvres while agility and precision when cornering are further enhanced.

"Master" is available exclusively for the C 63 S and is linked to the RACE drive program. "Master" mode is aimed at drivers who want to experience dynamism and driving enjoyment on closed-off circuits.

"Master" offers a vehicle balance with slight oversteer, a low steering angle requirement and more agile steering. In this way, "Master" ensures maximum agility and fully exploits the dynamic potential of the new C 63 S.

To enter "Master" mode, the driver must switch the ESP to ESP SPORT handling mode or to ESP OFF using the separate button in the centre console. This is indicated to the driver in the head unit.


Shanghai closes driver's licence loophole

                SHANGHAI: A new regulation has made it more difficult for residents to travel to South Korea to obtain a driver’s licence – which is easier, cheaper and less time-consuming than getting one in Shanghai – and then exchange it for a local equivalent.

Since the beginning of June, police have dismissed applications to exchange South Korean licences for local licences, even though the practice has been popular in Shanghai and other cities for many years.

The number of Chinese obtaining driver’s licences in South Korea rose from 7,000 in 2010 to around 25,000 in 2013, according to Global Times.

An officer from the Shanghai Minhang district’s vehicle administration, which is part of the police system, said police recently learned from the South Korean traffic department that foreigners must show a landing certificate, which works as a temporary ID, to sign up for driving tests.

“Only foreigners holding visas for 90 days or longer are eligible to apply for the certificate. In other words, travellers with tourist visas, which usually grant a 15-or 30-day stay, cannot register for driving tests in Korea,” said the officer, who only gave his surname as Lu.

“Thus, such applications without a landing certificate have all been suspended in Shanghai,” he said.

Lu declined to reveal the number of driver’s licences previously granted to Shanghai residents who hold a South Korean licence.

Shanghai travel agents providing services for Chinese citizens to go to South Korea for driver’s licences said the business was a huge revenue source.

In Shanghai, it takes at least three months and costs around 10,000 yuan (RM6,211) to obtain a driver’s licence, and more if the driver fails an exam or practical driving tests.

One agent, who declined to provide her name, said she provides a five-day specialised trip to South Korea that consists of instruction, practical driver’s training and driving tests at a cost of 7,000 yuan (RM4,348).

“The cost covers training in the driving school, signing up for exams, interpretation and accommodation as well as the exchange for a Shanghai driver’s licence,” she said.

“The tests there are much easier compared to those in China.”

Not everyone supports the driver’s licence practice, saying more drivers means already clogged traffic will get worse.

The number of people exploiting the loophole is a call for improvement and cost reduction in obtaining a driver’s licence in China, said Wang Chuantao, a commentator on news portal china.com.cn.

South Korean driver’s licences have also been rejected for local exchange if the applicant cannot present a landing certificate in other regions of the country such as Guangdong, Hubei and Zhejiang provinces as well as Chongqing, Xiamen and Lanzhou cities, said jiazhao123.com employee surnamed Hu, whose company provides a driver’s licence exchange service. — China Daily/ Asia News Network


Chevrolet Colorado promo dangles RM6K rebate and more

                PETALING JAYA: Chevrolet distributor Naza Quest Sdn Bhd is promoting the Colorado with its "Double Bonus'" sales promotion.

“Now is  the best time to own the Colorado, ” said Naza Quest head  Farid Rosli.

The promotion will see a rebate of up to RM6,000 and 3 years or  60,000km complimentary parts and labour service. The promotion runs from March 1 and is applicable to all variants while stocks last.

Starting off with the higher spec, 2.8-litre variant have a built up of Duramax VGT engine that produces 190hp and 500Nm of torque, carries a RM112,788 of nett selling price tag, while the 2.5-litre version gets 180hp and 440Nm of torque starting at RM90,188.

The Colorado, launched locally in October, is a powerful pick-up truck that can haul heavy payloads and handle weekend family outings.

With a price as low as RM90,188, the 2.5 L offers premium features such as Engine Remote Start, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen display equipped with Apple CarPlay and seven speakers.

Improved safety features include the addition of traction control, front collision alert, lane departure warning, tyre pressure monitoring system and three (driver, passenger and knee) airbags.

The pick-up truck comes with a full five year or 200,000km vehicle manufacturer warranty and one year complimentary Chevy Assist Membership as part of the Chevrolet Complete Care programme.

For more information, call 1-800-2-CHEVY (24389) or visit www.chevrolet.com.my.


Limited edition of Citroen's mini EV sells out in under 18 minutes

                PARIS: A limited edition of 50 Citroen mini electric cars sold out in less than 18 minutes, parent company Stellantis said on Wednesday, prompting the French brand to post a cheeky message to electric car pioneer Elon Musk.

"Sorry Elon, the only way to get one is to buy us", Citroen wrote on a billboard at Paris' Gare de L'Est train station, referring to the Tesla CEO's appetite for deals, which has recently included a US$44 billion (RM194bil) bid for Twitter.

Since the Ami's launch in April 2020, Citroen has sold 22,000 of the small electric model in Morocco, Europe and Turkey. The car is produced in Morocco and does not require a driving licence. It is only sold online.

For the limited edition "My Ami Buggy" version, the roof is replaced with canvas that can be rolled back and metal tube gates replace the doors. It is sold from €9,790 (RM46,000).

"The fastest customer managed to complete the whole purchasing journey and get his 'My Ami Buggy' in only 2 minutes and 53 seconds," Citroen said in a statement.


Range Rover Sport HST gets new turbocharged straight-six engine

                LONDON: The Range Rover Sport has done away with its V6 power plant and has instead opted to go with a new 3.0-litre turbocharged Ingenium inline-six with a 48-volt mild hybrid system and an electric supercharger to wipe away any sign of turbo lag.

To make this particular model more special, it's being offered exclusively as a special edition HST model that punches out 395hp and 550Nm of torque. That's 15hp more that the previous Range Rover Sport HSE Dynamic with a 3.0-litre V6.

Land Rover says that a detuned HST hybrid with 355hp will also be made available

To assist the turbocharger is a throttle-connected electric supercharger that can get spooling at full speed in 0.5 seconds to provide immediate response.

This helps the HST to get from 0 t0 100kph in 6 seconds (-0.8 seconds) before reaching a top speed of 225kph.
The hybrid system has also been touched on with a new start-stop functionality and there's a small electric motor to help reclaim and store wasted deceleration energy for use later.

In doing so, the HST is able to achieve a fuel economy of 9.3 litres per 100km and emit 213 grams of CO2 per kilometre.

The order books are currently open for the HST in the UK with a base price of £81,250 (RM) and being a special edition, that means it's getting slapped with red brake calipers, carbon fibre parts for the hood, grille, vent and tailgate trim as well as custom exterior and interior badging.


Tesla to expand presence in Palo Alto despite HQ move to Texas, says source

                SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla Inc has agreed to lease office space from HP Inc near the electric carmaker's current headquarters in Palo Alto, California, says a person familiar with the matter.

Tesla's expansion in Palo Alto came even after CEO Elon Musk announced last week that the company was moving its headquarters from Palo Alto, California to Austin, Texas.

The person said Tesla does not have enough space for its current offices, which led the company to secure an additional site.

Earlier, real estate news provider the Registry reported Tesla has leased 325,000 square feet at 1501 Page Mill Road from HP Inc, citing sources with knowledge of the leasing market.

Musk has said Tesla will keep expanding activities in California, including boosting output for its car factory in Fremont and its battery plant in Nevada by 50%.

Musk, who had said the Texas move was due to lack of space at the Fremont factory and expensive housing prices in California, did not elaborate on how many people would move to Texas.

Tesla has 12,000 employees in the San Francisco Bay area, including 750 in Palo Alto, according to estimates by Silicon Valley Institute for Regional Studies.

Neither Tesla nor HP were immediately available for comment. HP Inc, a pioneer of Silicon Valley, is headquartered in Palo Alto, but its spinoff Hewlett Packard Enterprise has moved its headquarters to Texas.


Indiana Jones-inspired Nissan Navara commercial airs

                PETALING JAYA: Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) has launched its latest  TV commercial (TVC), The Ultimate Pickup, starring the new Nissan NP300 Navara.

Inspired by Indiana Jones, this is the second movie-themed clip presented by ETCM.

Earlier this year, ETCM launched The Urban Thrill, a James Bond-inspired TVC which featured the new Nissan X-Trail.

The TVC features an action-packed chase scene, and while the lead character being pursued bears a close resemblance to Indy, the real hero is the NP300 Navara.

Playing up the NP300 Navara’s dynamic driving performance, robust endurance and innovation. It showcased outdriving and outsmarting the ‘villains’ in the great escape; the pickup’s Multi-link Rear Suspension made going through treacherous terrains a breeze, Active Break Limited Slip (ABLS) gave easy access on slippery surface, while the Hill Descent Control system conquered steep slopes effortlessly.

The TVC’s climactic scene shows the driver cleverly making use of the NP300 Navara’s towing prowess. The NP300 Navara is powered by an improved 2.5L VGS turbo engine that provides a maximum output of 190PS and torque of 450Nm at 2,000rpm, paired to a seamless 7-speed Automatic Transmission with Manual Mode.

The Ultimate Pickup was locally conceptualised and produced, in an effort to showcase talents and capabilities from the Malaysian film production industry.

The TVC airs from this month onwards across multiple communication platforms such as TV channels, cinema, social media, online, on-ground promotions, and Nissan showrooms.


Proton to get helping hand from ex-Volvo designer Peter Horbury

                KUALA LUMPUR: Proton is poised to tap into the latest advanced auto technology and design expertise of China's largest privately-owned auto brand.

Consumers can expect fresher design work with more global appeal products from Proton, possibly including the tweak and tinker of its existing models, as Geely senior vice president of design, Peter Horbury (pic) who previously headed design at Volvo and Ford, has assured that he would look into Proton models as well.

Horbury, the Briton who smoothed out Volvo's boxy lines and put signature radiator grilles on Lincolns for Ford, is the designer behind fast-growing Geely.

Each of Geely's new marque rely on Horbury's touch or endorsement for design.

On the sidelines of the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition (Auto China 2018) recently, Horbury told Malaysian auto journalists and analysts, that he believed car makers should play up their roots and normally took his auto design cues from a nation's style

"There are many components and parts of the vehicle that need a designer's work. Do not worry, they will have a lot of work," Horbury said with a smile when asked about the fate of the Proton designer group.

 Horbury is the designer behind fast-growing Geely.

Horbury is widely known for his design work for Volvo and has worked in a variety of roles in the automotive industry, including as executive design director, Americas for Ford between 2004 and 2009.

Geely's chief designer since 2011, Horbury said Proton might continue to produce its designs as the Geely Group has a global market and the expertise of Proton could be absorbed and used in other markets as well.

Sharing the aggressive growth plan at Geely, Horbury said the fact that they could make full-running sheet metal cars while the team was designing, was amazing.

"While some companies just depend on plastic replicas or virtual prototypes, we actually can turn design into moving metal within 18 months," he added.

Geely Auto, China's largest privately-owned brand, unveiled the global debut of its flagship new energy sedan - the Bo Rui GE, and its new futuristic concept car, the Concept Icon, on the first day of Auto China 2018 on April 25.

“As a plug-in hybrid vehicle, the Bo Rui GE brings Geely a step closer to fulfilling its Blue Geely Initiative, where it plans to mass produce new energy vehicles by 2020,” Horbury said.

China has emerged as the largest market in the global car industry, accounting for about 40 per cent of global sales with 30 million new cars each year.

Its purchase of Volvo from Ford in 2010 has helped Geely quickly gain decades of research and development expertise.

While having acquired a 49.9 per cent stake in Proton and a majority share of 51 per cent of Lotus Advance Technologies Sdn Bhd (Lotus) from Proton, Geely has also acquired other major international brands which include Mercedes Benz, Lynk and Co and the London Electric Vehicle Company.


Volvo Cars to take full ownership of its manufacturing and sales operations in China

                HANGZHOU: Volvo Cars has signed an agreement with its parent Geely Holding to acquire Geely Holding’s stake in the companies’ joint ventures in China, with the aim of taking full ownership of its car manufacturing plants and sales operations in the country.

The acquisition of an additional 50% of the shares in Daqing Volvo Car Manufacturing Co., Ltd and Shanghai Volvo Car Research and Development Co., Ltd, will further strengthen Volvo Cars’ position in China, its largest market, and maximize exposure to one of the fastest growing regions globally.

Although the two joint venture companies are already fully included in Volvo Car Group’s financial statements, Volvo Cars’ share of their net income and equity will increase following the transaction.

“With this agreement, Volvo Cars will become the first major non-Chinese automaker with full control over its Chinese operations,” said Håkan Samuelsson, chief executive of Volvo Cars.

“Geely Holding Group and Volvo Cars are continuously evaluating the best way to collaborate and structure operations within the wider Group.

“These two transactions will create a clearer ownership structure within both Volvo Cars and Geely Holding,” said Geely Holding chief executive officer, Daniel Donghui Li.

Volvo Cars has grown significantly faster than the average market in China in recent years and will continue to invest in the country to maintain the strong growth trend.

Following the transactions, Volvo Cars will have full ownership of its manufacturing plants in Chengdu and Daqing, its national sales company in China and its R&D facility in Shanghai.

The transactions will be completed in two steps, starting in 2022 when the joint venture requirement for auto manufacturing in China will be lifted, and expected to be formally completed in 2023.

Meanwhile, Volvo Cars' autonomous driving (AD) software development subsidiary Zenseact has received a strategic investment by ECARX, the privately-owned Chinese provider of cutting-edge connected car technology.

ECARX will take a 15% shareholding in Zenseact and make a strategic investment in the company’s continued development of leading and safe AD and safety technologies.

Building on Zenseact’s global software platform, the companies also plan to collaborate on AD for the Chinese market.

The strategic investment and planned collaboration with ECARX strengthen Zenseact’s presence in China, the world’s largest automotive market, allowing it to accelerate technology deployment in China across the Geely group of brands and beyond.


Ministry to probe viral video of non-dispensing diesel pump

                MALACCA: The Malacca branch of the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry will investigate allegations on social media about a faulty diesel-dispensing diesel pump.

Its director, Jaiya Abu, said an officer had been directed to investigate the authenticity of the video uploaded on Facebook.

On Wednesday, a 27-second long video uploaded by Facebook user Vince Leng went viral, claiming that no fuel was being dispensed after pressing the trigger on the nozzle, but the reading on the pump meter showed otherwise.

It is understood that Leng had gone to the counter at the petrol station at Taman Merdeka here to get an explanation from the owner but the matter has not been resolved.

In the comments, other Facebook account users said that a petrol station from the same company was having similar problems in Bemban, Jasin near here.


'Urban mining' in South Korea pulls rare battery materials from recycled tech

                GUNSAN (South Korea): Workers at a rural South Korean factory are busy extracting some of the world’s most coveted metals, used in the batteries that power electric cars.

But they’re not digging in the ground or refining ore. Instead, they are sorting through a pile of lithium-ion batteries from old mobile phones and laptops.

As China’s aggressive hunt for overseas cobalt and lithium for electric vehicles pushes up prices and causes a global shortage of the key metals, South Korea is increasingly turning to such “urban mining” to recover cobalt, lithium and other scarce metals from electronic waste.

In 2016, the most recent year from which data is available, 19.6 trillion won (RM72bil) worth of metals were extracted from recycled materials, meeting roughly 22 percent of the country’s total metal demand, according to a report by the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology.

SungEel HiTech is South Korea’s largest battery recycler. A decade ago, the company was at a crossroads as plasma TV panels, from which it extracted gold and silver, began to phase out.

Now it is part of a supply chain for some of the world’s major battery makers, including Samsung SDI and LG Chem.

Yi Kang-myung, SungEel HiTech’s president, said the shortage of mined metals had led his company to boost capacity by threefold this year. It plans to list in 2020.

“We are receiving phone calls from many who are showing interest,” Yi said in an interview at the plant.

“Major automobile companies are interested in our products,” he said, without naming the automakers. He added that battery companies and POSCO, a South Korean steelmaker, are interested in getting into the recycling business themselves.

The scarcity is unlikely to abate anytime soon, as China, the world’s biggest user of metals, snaps up mineral resources in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Chile.

SungEel HiTech, based in the southwestern city of Gunsan, can process about 8,000 tonnes per year of spent lithium-ion batteries and metal scraps.

From that, it can produce about 830 tonnes of lithium phosphate, 1,000 tonnes of cobalt metal equivalent and 600 tonnes of nickel.

POSCO processes lithium phosphate from SungEel to produce lithium carbonate for rechargeable battery makers LG and Samsung, according to SungEel and POSCO.

The battery recycler plans to increase its processing capacity to 24,000 tonnes by 2019 and expand further in 2021, including growing its overseas operations, Yi said.

The company, however, is smaller than foreign competitors such as China’s Jiangxi Ganfeng Lithium and GEM Co, and Belgium’s Umicore SA.

Over the past three years, South Korea’s imports of key metals for lithium-ion batteries have jumped, according to data from state-run Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources. In 2017, South Korea imported 3.5 million tonnes of nickel, up 2 percent from 2016. Cobalt imports rose 3.4 percent to 13,972 tonnes from a year ago.

Cobalt prices CBDO jumped to average $87,615 a tonne in March, about a four-fold increase from January 2016.

That has led to more long-term supply contracts and investments in developing mines, as well as recycling efforts. Samsung SDI may start its own recycling business, a company spokesman said.

Park Jai-koo, an urban mining expert at Hanyang University in Seoul, said electronic waste recycling can help mitigate high prices and limit reliance on outside sources for rare metals.

“South Korea needs to secure resources but mostly all of them are imported,” Park said. “Urban mining is more likely to become a way to go.”

About 150 small-and-medium sized companies do urban mining, according to the Korea Urban Mining Association.

At SungEel HiTech, the process is not complex or highly automated. After workers pull batteries from recycled devices, the units are drained of power and then ground into a powder from which individual metals can be separated.

Most of the products that are recycled - 60 to 70 percent - come from the United States and Europe, with the remainder from South Korea.

The recycling companies mainly focus on extracting precious metals like gold and silver. But four, including SungEel HiTech, can directly recover cobalt or produce powders from which rare metals can be extracted.

South Korea’s environment ministry changed regulations in January to promote recycling by charging higher prices for waste disposal.

Yum Un-joo, chairman of the Korea Urban Mining Association, said recycled resources, if developed correctly, could be a difference maker for the industry and for his country.

“For South Korea, we don’t have an option but if we have recycled resources, that could be our strength,” Yum said.


China to cut new energy vehicle subsidies by 10% this year

                BEIJING: China will cut subsidies on new energy vehicles (NEV) such as electric cars by 10% this year, the finance ministry said on Thursday, following a decision last month to continue providing incentives to buy cleaner cars.

The government had announced plans in 2015 to end the subsidies this year, but said in March it would extend them.

China has set a target for NEVs, which also include plug-in hybrids and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, to account for a fifth of auto sales by 2025, compared with the current 5%, as it seeks to cut pollution and cultivate home-grown auto sector champions.

Under the new plan, China will extend subsidies for buying NEVs to 2022, and tax exemptions on purchases for two years.

However, the subsidies will apply only to passenger cars costing less than 300,000 yuan (RM186,000). That is likely to exclude premium electric vehicles such as those built by Germany’s BMW and Daimler.

Tesla Inc’s China-made Model 3 sedans, meanwhile, are currently priced at 323,800 yuan before subsidies, meaning the US electric car pioneer will have to reduce the price to qualify for the scheme.

China will in principle cut subsidies by 20% in 2021 and 30% in 2022, the finance ministry added.

But it will not reduce subsidies on commercial NEVs for public purposes this year.

China is the world’s biggest car market, where more than 25 million vehicles, including 1.2 million NEVs, were sold last year.

The government will raise the requirements for the driving range and power efficiency of cars that qualify for the subsidies, the statement said.

It also said the authorities would support the sale of cars with swappable batteries, a technology that has been pursued by Chinese electric vehicle makers Nio Inc and BAIC BluePark.

In addition, when the authorities buy vehicles for government use, they will prioritise buying NEVs, it added.

The new policy is effective from April 23.

“This extending of subsidies will give the industry long term support but is unlikely to impact short term sales much,” said Cui Dongshu, secretary general at China Passenger Car Association.

Global automakers including Volkswagen, General Motors and Toyota are ramping up electric vehicle production in China to meet stricter government regulations.

Sales of NEVs contracted for a ninth month in a row in March and were down over 50% from a year earlier, according to data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, as demand for vehicles plunged due to the coronavirus crisis.


Proton sends first batch of workers to Geely, China for training in electric cars

                SUBANG JAYA: Proton has seen the writing on the wall. Electric mobility is gathering pace and it wants to ride the wave.

The car company today announced it has sent 16 employees to Hangzhou, China, for a six-month training stint to learn about new energy vehicles (NEVs).

NEVs refer to plug-in hybrids, battery electric vehicles and fuel cell electric vehicles.

The programme will see them based at the Geely Research Institute at Ningbo and be trained in multiple disciplines involved in the development, integration, manufacturing, and sales and service for a new generation of vehicles that will gradually be introduced by Proton.

The first batch of Proton employees going there are a mix of experienced industry workers and young engineers who had graduated from the company’s Young Talent programme.

More would be sent in the future as Proton leverages on the technical knowledge amassed by Geely to develop its own range of NEVs.

Aside from training the participants in various aspects of NEVs, the work attachment in China will aid in deciding the final specifications for products such as the smart #1, the first EV to be sold by Proton’s NEV subsidiary PRO-NET that is due to arrive in Q4 2023.

Because usage patterns and user behaviour differ from country to country, input from Proton staff would be vital to ensuring it meets the needs of Malaysian buyers.

The ultimate goal of such training stints is for Proton to acquire knowledge and new skills that would help steer the company’s future direction.

“When Proton and Geely started collaborating in 2017, one of the pillars of the partnership was for Proton to accelerate its model development timetable by incorporating technologies readily available from Geely. That has been successfully done and now, we are leveraging on the global experience of the group in NEVs to give our own model development timeline a boost," said Proton chief executive officer Dr Li Chun-rong.

“Our initial plan was for the programme to begin sooner but this was put on hold by the pandemic. However, with travel restrictions having eased recently, Proton can now reap the benefit of being part of one of the most diverse and forward-thinking collective of automotive brands.”

 Dr Li (left) and his deputy Roslan Abdullah (right) with the first batch of Geely-bound trainees.


S treatment gives 2020 Audi Q7 SUV extra 165hp of power

                WASHINGTON: Audi has announced that yet another sleek and sporty SUV will be hitting North American dealerships this year, an S version of the Q7 SUV, and it may break the bank.

Compared to the standard Q7, the 2020 SQ7 ramps up the power from 335hp to 500hp, thanks to the 4.0 TFSI V8 engine, which also generates 772Nm of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels via the brand's quattro all-wheel drive system.

The S treatment also gives the model a suspension specially tuned to improve driving dynamics and give owners a sportier experience.

Not only has the powertrain of the SQ7 been completely revised compared with its non-S counterpart, but the interior and exterior designs have also received distinctive upgrades.

The outside has been outfitted with a series of S equipment like S-model bumpers, a platinum grille and S-style quad tailpipes. More S-oriented goodies can be found on the inside of the SUV as well, including heated sport seats, a multifunction steering wheel and stainless-steel door sills.

Standard tech includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen display — on which users can control infotainment and navigation tools and features, natural voice control — and Audi's collection of driver assistance systems.

Considering all the 2020 SQ7 is equipped with, it's going to cost future owners a pretty penny. The base model starts at US$84,800 (RM359,000) whereas the Prestige iteration starts at US$90,400 (RM383,000). Both are expected to go on sale this spring.


EU probes VW, BMW, Daimler over alleged emissions collusion

                BRUSSELS: EU antitrust regulators are investigating whether BMW, Daimler and Volkswagen colluded to restrict the rollout of clean emission technology, a move that could lead to hefty fines for the German carmakers.

The European Commission opened an in-depth investigation on Tuesday, nearly a year after it raided the companies and two years after it slapped a record 2.93 billion euro (RM14bil) fine on a group of truckmakers including Daimler for fixing prices and delaying the adoption of cleaner engine technology.

The EU executive said the ”circle of five” — BMW, Daimler and Volkswagen Group’s VW, Audi and Porsche — held meetings where they may have colluded to limit the development and roll-out of certain emissions control systems for cars sold in Europe.

“These technologies aim at making passenger cars less damaging to the environment. If proven, this collusion may have denied consumers the opportunity to buy less polluting cars, despite the technology being available to the manufacturers,” European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said.

The Commission said the technologies involved were selective catalytic reduction systems, which reduce nitrogen oxides from diesel car emissions, and ”Otto” particulate filters that reduce particulate matter emissions from petrol cars.

The EU antitrust enforcer said the carmakers had also discussed other technical issues, such as common requirements for car parts and testing procedures, but it did not have sufficient indications that these meetings were anti-competitive.

It also said there were no signs that the companies illegally coordinated with each other in the use of so-called defeat devices to cheat regulatory testing. Volkswagen admitted to using such illegal software in 2015, sparking a scandal that has cost it more than US$27 billion in penalties and fines.

Volkswagen and Daimler, which has claimed whistleblower status to avoid any fines, said they were cooperating with the Commission. BMW said it would continue to support the EU authority.

Campaign group Transport & Environment said it was time for regulators to take action.

“The automotive industry was once a jewel in Europe's industrial crown, but its global reputation is now deeply tarnished and cannot be trusted anymore,” said Greg Archer, a director at the group.

“It has become its own worst enemy and needs regulators to act with strength and decisiveness to clean it up and establish rules that put it on a path to zero emissions.” Companies can face fines up to 10 percent of their global turnover for breaching EU rules. The car industry has in recent years faced billion euro fines worldwide for fixing prices of various auto parts.


Malaysian car sales hit speed bump

                PETALING JAYA: Supply-side constraints especially from the chip sector have impeded the growth of the automotive industry.

Statistics released by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) showed that ongoing computer chip shortage and the disruption of the supply chain due to the December floods had affected total industry volume (TIV) numbers in January 2022.

Proton appeared to be the most affected by the floods, according to the statistics.

“The worst performer both month-on-month m-o-m and year-on-year (y-o-y) is Proton which fell 68% m-o-m and -28% y-o-y, due to its vendors being affected by the floods in Shah Alam, which hampered production and left dealers short on stock.

“This was compounded by a lack of carry-over stock from December as the company worked to close the gap between supply and demand,” Kenanga Research said in its report.

Proton’s sales were contributed by the new X70 and the X50 which constituted 3,329 units sold and they made up to 77% of its sales.

Kenanga Research said despite the supply limitations to the industry, growth is expected y-o-y as the economy had recovered after the lockdowns.

It also noted that automakers are diverting their limited chip supply towards popular models to meet back-logged demand that stretches up to six months for certain car models.

“Moving forward, sales for February are expected to drive at the same speed as January on the short working month and supply chain disruption due to recent floods and ongoing chip shortage,” Kenanga Research said.

Hong Leong Investment Bank Research (HLIB Research) said Proton has a sales target of 150,000 units for 2022 which implies a growth of 30.8% from the previous year and this includes export volumes.

The Proton group is banking on continued strong domestic demand, new launches and new export markets, it said.

MIDF Research said that while national cars registered a minus 5% y-o-y drop to 21,760 units last month, this mainly reflects the impact of the supply constraint as a result of the floods.

“The non-nationals fared much better, up by 79% y-o-y to 18,821 units. Of the key players, the Toyota, Honda and Mazda marques led the growth in the non-national segment,” MIDF Research said.

Moving forward, MIDF Research said it remains positive on the automotive industry due to a recovery in domestic consumption.

“Prospects are underpinned by strong outstanding bookings, support from the tax holiday extension, record low interest rates and gradually improving employment as well as household income condition,” it said.

MIDF Research’s top sector picks are Bermaz Auto Bhd with a “buy” call and target price of RM1.98, MBM Resources Bhd with a “buy” call and target price of RM3.87 and UMW Holdings Bhd with a “buy” call and target price of RM4.35.

TA Research maintained its TIV forecast for 2022 at 600,000 units which is a 17.9% y-o-y growth and maintained its “overweight” stance on the sector.


Toyota Gazoo Racing shows off GR Super Sport Concept

                TOKYO: Toyota Gazoo Racing unveiled today the GR Super Sport Concept, a concept car that incorporates motorsports hybrid technology along with its test car at Tokyo Auto Salon 2018.

Toyota Gazoo Racing said its participation in motorsports would lead to Toyota making better street cars.

The GR Super Sport Concept is made mostly from the same main parts as the TS050 Hybrid race car that competes in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). Beneath the flowing and original form are a 2.4-litre V6 twin turbocharger and a Toyota Hybrid System-Racing (THS-R) powertrain, which have been honed through actual racing.

Combined output is 986hp.

With its high-efficiency EV system and lean-burn engine, this car is set to deliver both ultimate power and environmental performance.

Gazoo Racing Company president Shigeki Tomoyama said the concept car was a foretaste of future Toyota sports cars.

 Toyota Gazoo Racing test car.


Taxis and e-hailing vehicles can cross districts and states if passengers have approvals

                KUALA LUMPUR: Taxis and e-hailing vehicles in Peninsula Malaysia are allowed to operate across districts and states, but only if they are transporting passengers with the approval to do so.

The Transport Ministry said in a statement today that during the lockdown starting June 1, these are classified as essential services and are permitted to operate inter-district or interstate to transport passengers.

"Taxi drivers may obtain their approval letters by completing their registrations on the ministry's SMILE (Sistem Maklumat Industri Logistik) System at https://application.mot.gov.my, while drivers of e-hailing vehicles are issued the letters via their respective e-hailing operators.

"Passengers using taxi or e-hailing services to travel interstate or inter-district are responsible for ensuring that they carry the required travel permissions according to the latest standard operating procedures (SOP) as published by the National Security Council (NSC)," it said.

It added that due to specific circumstances unique to Sabah and Sarawak, the respective states' disaster management authorities were allowed to propose SOPs that best suit their local environments, to be approved and instructed by the Health director-general accordingly.

"As such, these SOPs may differ from those pertaining to and applicable in other parts of Malaysia.

"This is reflected with an amendment to the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures within Infected Local Areas) (No. 3) Regulations 2021 effective June 22, 2021.

"Special provisions relating to control of movement within the State of Sabah, 14A, which stipulates 'Notwithstanding any provision in these Regulations, the control of movement, measures, and any conditions for the control of movement and measures, for the purpose of preventing and controlling the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) within the State of Sabah, shall be as directed by the Director-General'," it said.

The ministry said following the amendment to the above, the Sabah Covid-19 Disaster Management Committee had also clarified in a statement that registered e-hailing vehicles and taxis with the requisite approvals based on NSC SOPs are allowed to travel between the districts of Kota Kinabalu, Putatan, and Penampang without needing travel permits from police from June 23.

"Nevertheless, all public transport operators and service providers in Sabah and Sarawak are reminded to adhere to the specific SOP related to their respective states that govern their operations.

"This is in response to reports of an e-hailing driver in Sabah who was issued a compound notice on June 12 for attempting to transport an essential worker across two district borders," the Ministry said, adding that these SOPs are designed to suit the developing Covid-19 situation nationwide and their prevention efforts and are thus subject to updates from time to time.

The ministry also said it would continue to monitor the situation related to the transport and logistic sectors and advise the NSC on best practices to suit the industry at any given time pertaining to efforts to curb transmissions.


BMW's 'cartoonishly ugly' XM sports utility divides the car world

                MUNICH: BMW has recently unveiled its bold new XM sports utility to mixed reviews from motoring pundits calling it both "cartoonishly ugly" and "truly new and different."

The massive SUV priced from €170,000 (RM774,000) at home in Germany is close to the striking concept version shown last year and represents the most powerful M-badged car ever from the Munich marque, with a beefy hybrid petrol-electric drivetrain.

It is only the second stand-alone M model since the legendary MI sports car of 1978. An even sportier Red Label variant of the XM is now in the pipeline.

Aware of its controversial visuals, BMW said the XM has a "strikingly unique exterior." Germany's Auto Motor und Sport magazine called the it a "monster SUV", but admired the performance.

"The fact that 44 years after the M1, M GmbH presents a chubby fairy in extroverted SUV garb complete with gold tinsel and more than twice the kerb weight is compensated for by the mighty performance," said the industry mag.

Dubbing the XM a "heinous heifer," automotive news website CarBuzz was less kind. "It's still ugly, but if we're being honest, the production version is slightly less offensive than the Concept XM on which it is based. Don't take that as an endorsement - the XM is still sickeningly painful to look at."

The illuminated kidney grille and snazzy gold wheels do give the 2-7-tonne XM behemoth a vulgar look, but there is no doubting the power on tap.

An updated version of BMW's twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 pushes out 483hp and massive torque. Total system output is 644hp.

"The trouble is the BMW XM is cartoonishly ugly. It's a cacophony of design elements and details that don't really tie together," writes Tyler Duffy in the consumer website Gear Patrol.

UK gazette Autocar was among the more favourable voices, calling the XM "truly new and different" and the latest in a stunning series of impressive models launched to celebrate BMW M's half-century.

The XM is a far cry from its elegant namesake, the Citroen XM saloon made from 1989 bis 2000. The Bavarian brand had reached an agreement with the French badge over using the nomenclature.

Auto Motor und Sport concluded its review by saying the XM is not really designed for the German market - where oversized SUVs have drawn criticism from climate activists. It is aimed instead at customers in the United States, China and Arab countries.


Germany to cut power for EVs and heat pumps during bottlenecks

                BERLIN: Germany wants to allow electricity grid operators to reduce power supply for controllable consumption devices such as electric cars or heat pumps when bottlenecks occur.

Such last-resort interventions “should only be possible to the extent that is technically necessary,” said Klaus Müller, president of the country’s network regulator.

Germany is struggling to expand its grids, which are often not fit to supply such power-hungry devices, a reason why some operators have refused to connect them in the past.

The federal agency will now require grid operators to provide such connections, and in turn grant them more flexibility to manage the grid. The country’s car industry has opposed interventions during the charging process, arguing that such measures could inhibit the ramp-up of electro-mobility.

The regulator’s proposal also states that in the case of a bottleneck, grid operators must swiftly act to expand their power lines.

Electricity for such devices would be reduced to a minimum of 4.2 megawatts — half a megawatt more than initially proposed — ensuring that households can still operate heat pumps and charge e-cars, even if at a slower pace.

A vehicle charged for two hours could still gain a range of 50km under that scenario.

The agency also proposed flexible power tariffs to incentivise consumers to shift their usage to times of lower electricity demand.

The rules can still be discussed with stakeholders and should be implemented in January 2024.