Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV debuts

                AFFALTERBACH: Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the EQE SUV, a further milestone in its electrification strategy – the first all-electric SUV from the performance and sports car brand.

With its variable interior and performance-oriented drive concept, it is the most versatile electric vehicle in the Mercedes-AMG portfolio. The new model also offers generous space for passengers and luggage.

Like the AMG EQS Saloon and AMG EQE Saloon, the AMG EQE SUV is based on the electric platform from Mercedes-EQ.

Two powerful electric motors and the fully variable all-wheel drive form the basis for the hallmark AMG dynamic driving experience.

The Mercedes-AMG developers have also designed many other parameters independently.

These include the AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension with Adaptive Damping System, rear-axle steering and AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL – an AMG-specific roll stabilisation system. Added to this are the AMG SOUND EXPERIENCE and the exterior and interior design.

Two variants of the new performance SUV are available: The entry-level Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 4MATIC (provisional WLTP combined power consumption: 25.1-22.0 kWh/100 km; provisional WLTP CO2 emissions: 0g/km)1 and the even sportier Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ (provisional WLTP combined power consumption: 27.8-22.6 kWh/100 km; provisional WLTP CO2 emissions: 0 g/km)1.

Many AMG characteristic features on the exterior guarantee a high recognition value. These include the AMG-specific black panel radiator grille with hot-stamped vertical struts in chrome, integrated Mercedes star and "AMG" lettering.

A new feature is the brand-specific badge on the bonnet with the AMG emblem instead of the Mercedes star: It now also adorns a purely electric vehicle from Mercedes-AMG for the first time.

Another front-end feature is the AMG-specific front apron, painted in the body colour with A-wing in high-gloss black and a chrome trim. The same look characterises the front splitter in high-gloss black with chrome trim and flics and fins on the simulated air inlets.

The standard DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps feature a specific AMG projection when opening and closing the vehicle.

In the side view, AMG-specific wheel arch claddings in the body colour and the seamlessly integrated, fully recessed door handles add visual accents. Added to this are aerodynamically optimised 21 or 22-inch AMG light-alloy wheels.

The rear apron in the body colour with aerodynamically optimised diffuser and longitudinal fins as well as the tail lights in a helix design round off the dynamic appearance.

The interior is also dominated by style-defining AMG features. Here, the new models offer a sporty ambience including seats with individual graphics and special seat covers in ARTICO man-made leather with MICROCUT microfibre and red topstitching.

Alternatively, seat upholstery in nappa leather is optionally available, also with AMG-specific seat graphics. In addition, the AMG badge on the backrests of the front seats and the embossed AMG emblems in the front headrests emphasise the brand identity.

Among other features that underline the distinctive style of the interior are AMG sports pedals, AMG floor mats and door sill panels with "AMG" lettering (illuminated with interchangeable cover)

The AMG Performance steering wheel with its twin-spoke design and integrated buttons combines visual stability with lightness. The steering wheel rim, which is flattened at the bottom and covered in nappa leather, can be heated as an option.

Both new models can be optionally equipped with the MBUX Hyperscreen. This large, curved screen unit extends from A-pillar to A-pillar. Three screens sit under a single glass cover and appear to merge into one.

With adaptive software, MBUX adapts completely to its user and offers personalised suggestions for numerous infotainment, comfort and vehicle functions. With the zero layer, the most important applications are always displayed situationally and contextually on the top level in the field of vision.

In Europe and China, dynamic content is also permitted on the passenger display while driving. Unrestricted viewing of films, text messages or presentations, plus internet surfing, are therefore possible.

This is made possible by the "blanking function", which prevents the driver from seeing the content. But even without dynamic content, the passenger display remains an attractive eye-catcher because then a new, AMG-specific screensaver appears.

MBUX offers a range of additional AMG functions that emphasise the performance character.

This is particularly true of the distinctive displays in the instrument cluster, as well as the multimedia display and the head-up display.

Quick access to the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs is provided by the corresponding direct-entry button in the centre console. The five drive modes are "Slippery", "Comfort", "Sport", "Sport+" and "Individual".

The Dolby Atmos sound format takes the audio experience in the EQE SUV to a new level. Individual instruments or voices in the studio mix can be positioned all around the listening area.

A new kind of sound animation thus becomes possible: Because while conventional stereo systems usually have left-right dynamics, Dolby Atmos can use the entire range and create a 360-degree experience.

With the premium digital entertainment platform from Californian specialist ZYNC integrated into a vehicle for the first time, customers enjoy a seamless digital entertainment experience. The advantages of the MBUX Hyperscreen are fully exploited. Through ZYNC, customers gain access to a wide range of renowned global and local streaming services.

The ZYNC platform focuses exclusively on vehicle interiors, and integrates seamlessly with vehicle hardware and operating systems. This enhances the audio-visual experience, interaction and user-friendliness. ZYNC offers video streaming, on-demand content, interactive experiences, local video programmes, sport, news, games, and much more besides, via a single user interface.

Both new Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV models offer a performance-oriented drive concept with two electric motors. The electric powertrain (eATS) with a motor at the front and rear axle also offers fully variable all-wheel drive, which transmits the drive power to the road in all driving conditions.

The power spectrum ranges from 350 kW (476 hp) in the EQE 43 4MATIC to 505 kW (687 hp) in the EQE 53 4MATIC+ with optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package with Boost function. The maximum torque ranges from 858 to 1,000Nm.

The AMG-specific electric motors at the front and rear axles are permanently excited synchronous motors (PSM).

The electric motors of the EQE 43 4MATIC SUV feature AMG-specific tuning and control. The EQE 53 4MATIC+ SUV uses AMG-specific electric motors with adapted windings, different laminations, higher currents and adapted inverters.

This allows higher motor speeds and thus even more power, which is particularly noticeable during acceleration and in the top speed.

The electric motor on the rear axle is particularly powerful thanks to its six-phase design, based on two windings with three phases each. The stator with pull-in winding ensures a particularly strong magnetic field.

Added to this is the highly resilient thermal concept, which allows repeated acceleration manoeuvres with consistently high performance. The centrepiece of the sophisticated design is the so-called water lance in the shaft of the rotor, which cools it.

Other AMG-specific cooling elements in the cooling circuit include special ribs on the stator and the needle-shaped pin-fin structure on the inverter, which is made of high-performance ceramics. In addition, there is the transmission oil heat exchanger: In addition to cooling, the oil is also preheated during cold starts to increase efficiency.

The AMG RIDE CONTROL+ suspension with air suspension and Adaptive Damping System is based on four- link suspension at the front and multi-link independent suspension at the rear, each optimised with AMG-specific wheel carriers, suspension links and anti-roll bars with greater rigidity.

The special tyres, which are specifically adapted to the requirements of the all-electric AMG Performance vehicles, also contribute to the high dynamic potential.

Among other suppliers, the Michelin Pilot Sport EV MO1 tyre specifically designed for electric-drive performance vehicles is worth mentioning. It is available in 21 or 22 inch size and features low rolling resistance combined with very high grip levels on wet and dry roads.

Both Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV models are equipped with active rear-axle steering as standard. The steering angle of up to 9.0 degrees promotes agile handling and allows a turning circle of 10.9 metres.

be called up in the Sport+ drive program, or in all drive programs by kick-down. In the drive programs (except Sport+), the maximum power is adjusted to increase efficiency and reduce fuel consumption.

The new Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV models are equipped with a powerful 328-volt high-performance drive battery manufactured using the latest lithium-ion technology.

It has a usable energy content of 90.6 kWh and consists of ten modules with a total of 360 pouch cells. The battery management system in the EQE 53 SUV is also tuned specifically for AMG.

The battery sits in a crash-protected area in the underbody, embedded in the bodyshell structure and including an extruded aluminium profile to the side.

The housing with energy absorbing structures at the front and side, as well as a rigid, double-walled base plate, provide additional protection for the modules. The battery is designed to be reliable and have a long service life. It is warrantied to last at least 10 years or up to 250,000km.

In addition, there is a separate, multi-level safety system for everyday operation. This includes, for example, temperature, voltage or insulation monitoring. If a fault occurs, the battery switches off. Crash monitoring when stationary is also standard.

Finally, the SUV is also smart if there is a risk of not reaching the destination or the charging station with the chosen settings. The MBUX would then informrf the driver in good time with a note to activate the ECO driving functions, thanks to "Active range monitoring".


Jaguar E-PACE enhanced in new R-Dynamic Black Edition

                LONDON: Jaguar has introduced the E-PACE range with the sophisticated R-Dynamic Black Edition that enhances design and visual appeal with a bespoke choice of exterior elements.

The R-Dynamic Black Edition features Jaguar’s advanced Premium Transverse Architecture, a choice of efficient Ingenium powertrains – including Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) and Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technologies – state-of-the-art connectivity and luxurious interior.

Other new innovation include wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto.

Based on the E-PACE R-Dynamic S, R-Dynamic Black Edition gets Gloss Black door mirror caps and Gloss Black detailing to the front bumper and lower grille surround, main grille surround and grille tips.

The side window surround and side vent – complete with the Jaguar leaper – also feature a Gloss Black finish, along with the Jaguar script and rear badging.

Distinctive 19-inch Satin Grey alloy wheels with contrasting red brake calipers, privacy glass and a panoramic roof complete the exterior.

The centre piece of the revised interior is the curved 11.4-inch HD touchscreen integrated into the central instrument panel.

The large touchscreen operates the intuitive Pivi Pro infotainment system, which provides greater clarity and allows the driver to carry out 90% of common tasks within two taps from the home screen thanks to its simplified menu structure.

Jaguar's advanced Pivi Pro infotainment system has a range of embedded apps, fast start-up from its own dedicated power source and dual-SIM technology so you can stream media and download updates simultaneously.

The Cabin Air Purification system improves interior air quality through Nanoe technology, which removes allergens and unpleasant odours.

The advanced system features PM2.5 filtration, which captures ultra-fine particles – including PM2.5 particulates – to improve occupant health and well-being and is activated by pressing the ‘Purify’ button within the central touchscreen.

The latest addition to the E-PACE lable with a choice of 2.0-litre Ingenium Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) powertrains, ranging from the D165 and D200 diesels to the P200 petrol – all with a nine-speed automatic transmission and All-Wheel Drive as standard.

Advanced All-Wheel Drive (AWD) makes use of second-generation ‘Standard Driveline’ technology that automatically distributes torque between the front and rear wheels to ensure optimum traction.


New MINI Convertible surfaces

                LONDON: The reinvention of the MINI brand continues apace with the launch of the all-new MINI Convertible. With major refinements against its predecessor, the car features a striking new design and significant enhancements to make open-topped MINI motoring even more dynamic, stylish and practical.

After 12 years of sales success, it remains the only premium soft-top four-seater convertible in the small car segment, and the UK continues to be the largest market worldwide for the new MINI Convertible.

Brand new features include a fully electric roof that is quieter and smoother than the previous model, a fully integrated rollover protection system and more rear space than ever before.

A striking new exterior and interior design ensures the new MINI Convertible is unmistakably MINI, whilst showcasing a blend of sporting flair and elegant dynamism.

The all-new MINI Cooper Convertible and Cooper D Convertible are 3,821 mm long, with the MINI Cooper S Convertible 3,850 mm long. All models are 1,727 mm wide, 1,415 mm high and have a wheelbase of 2,495 mm.

The petrol engines inside MINI Cooper Convertible and MINI Cooper S Convertible – 1.5-litre three-cylinder and 2.0-litre four-cylinder respectively – feature turbocharging, direct fuel injection with centrally positioned injectors, variable camshaft control on the intake and exhaust side (double VANOS) and fully variable VALVETRONIC valve control technology.

On the 1.5-litre diesel three-cylinder engine in the MINI Cooper D Convertible, there is turbocharging with variable intake geometry and common rail direct injection.

Power is directed to the front wheels, with a six-speed manual transmission as standard. Offering increased efficiency, optimised acoustic and vibration response and enhanced shift comfort, a gear sensor enables active engine speed adaptation for especially sporty shifting when accelerating and increased comfort when shifting down.

A six-speed Steptronic transmission is available as an option, also more efficient and refined than ever before.

Standard across the range is air conditioning, central locking with keyless engine start and MINI Visual Boost Radio with AUX-In and USB socket. Two-zone air conditioning with an automatic convertible mode is available as an optional extra.

Others options include a sports steering wheel (standard on the MINI Cooper S Convertible), heated front seats, a visibility package including windscreen heating, a rain sensor with automatic driving lights control, Comfort Access, a Harmon Kardon hi-fi speaker system, plus heated/folding exterior mirrors.

A new digital version of the Always Open Timer, which registers the time spent driving with the roof down, is also on the options list.

MINI Visual Boost Radio and MINI Connected are standard across the range, with MINI Navigation System and MINI Navigation System XL, featuring a gorgeous 8.8 inch colour display, available as an option.

MINI Connected offers extensive integration of smartphones in the car, allowing access to infotainment, communication and driving experience apps.


Valhalla: Aston mints its first mid-engined hybrid supercar with 937hp/1,000Nm

                LONDON: The Aston Martin Valhalla has turned from concept into a series production car.

The driver-focused mid-engined hybrid supercar is the latest and most significant product of the brand’s Project Horizon strategy to-date.

Only 500 units of the coupe would be produced with each priced at £600,000 (RM3.5mil). First deliveries will start in late 2023.

According to Aston, it's a car which will broaden the model portfolio to reflect Aston Martin’s presence in Formula One, set best-in-class standards for performance, dynamics and driving pleasure, and drive the transition from internal combustion to hybrid to full electric powertrains.

Aston Martin’s first series production mid-engined supercar uses an all-new PHEV powertrain, which features an engine and two electric motors.

Foremost of these is a rear-mid-mounted 4.0 litre twin-turbo bespoke V8 engine sourced from Mercedes-AMG. The most advanced, responsive and highest performing V8 engine ever fitted to an Aston Martin, it features a flat-plane crankshaft for increased responsiveness.

Revving to 7,200rpm and developing 740hp, it sends drive exclusively to the rear axle. Exhaling through a lightweight exhaust system with active flaps for an adjustable and authentic Aston Martin sound character it also features top-exit tailpipes to maximise visual and aural drama.

Supplementing this new V8 engine is a 150kW/400V battery hybrid system using a pair of electric motors; one mounted on the front axle and the other on the rear axle.

The electric system contributes a further 201hp for a headline combined power output of 937hp. When driven in EV mode battery power is directed exclusively to the front axle.

In other driving modes battery power is split between front and rear axles, the percentage sent to each axle constantly varies according to driving demands. In certain situations, 100% of battery power can be sent to the rear axle, supplementing the full force of the ICE V8 for maximum performance.

Completing the powertrain is an all-new 8-speed DCT transmission. Exclusively designed and built for Aston Martin, this new paddle-shift gearbox has been developed specifically for the hybrid era.

Featuring e-reverse (which uses the PHEV’s electric motors and thereby saves weight by negating the need for a conventional reverse gear) the transmission also features an Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (E-Diff) on the rear axle for maximum traction and handling agility.

Electrical power is also used to enhance low speed control and response as well as provide reversing capability. And, thanks to the instantaneous torque from the E-Motors, the hybrid system augments the V8 engine to deliver sensational standing start acceleration and in-gear response.

Outright performance is further aided by the E-Motor and V8 ICE being able to run different gears in the DCT simultaneously, which enables a maximum torque delivery of 1,000Nm.

Running in EV-only mode, Valhalla will be capable of a maximum 130kph and has a zero-emission range of 15km. Predicted CO2 (WLTP) is less than 200g/km.

Unleashing all 937hp the Valhalla will reach a top speed of 330kph and will complete the sprint from 0-100kph in just 2.5 seconds. In terms of outright track capability, a stunning 6:30 Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time is being targeted.
Valhalla is built around a new carbon fibre tub for maximum stiffness with minimum weight penalty. Featuring Formula One style push rod front suspension complete with inboard mounted springs and dampers reducing unsprung mass and provides a brilliant packaging solution.

Together with the rear-end’s multilink design, Valhalla uses Multimatic Variable Spring rate and Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) Damper units providing adjustable ride frequency for exceptional performance on road and track.

In addition to stiffer suspension, Track mode sees ride height dramatically reduced in order to maximise downforce. At the other end of the speed scale, a front axle lift system raises the nose for improved approach angle on awkward inclines.

High performance Carbon Ceramic Matrix brakes (complete with brake-by-wire technology) guarantee exceptional stopping power, and bespoke Michelin tyres (20 in front, 21 in rear) developed specifically for Valhalla provide a final and all-important layer of excellence.

With a target dry weight of less than 1550kg Valhalla will have an unrivalled power-to-weight ratio compared to its class rivals.

Weight of a different kind - that generated by aerodynamic downforce - also plays its part in Valhalla’s unmatched dynamic capabilities. Benefitting from a flow-down of the Valkyrie hypercar’s Formula One inspired aerodynamic philosophy, Valhalla employs a combination of active aerodynamic surfaces - specifically the front surfaces and rear wing - and management of underbody airflow through dramatic venturi tunnels.

At 240kph Valhalla’s sculpted aerodynamic surfaces generate an impressive 600kg of downforce, enough for mighty high-speed cornering ability and unshakable stability.

Forward-hinged dihedral doors bring drama to the beginning and end of every journey, while cut-outs in the roof ease ingress and egress. A distinctive roof scoop feeds air directly into the V8 engine’s intakes, with additional side and rear intakes and vents integrated smoothly into the overall body design.

Full LED Matrix headlights with adaptive functionality and high-beam assist deliver excellent forward vision in the dark, and Dual Zone Air Conditioning provides high level of occupant comfort.

In order to comply with the latest regulatory requirements, Valhalla also incorporates the latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. These include Auto Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Active Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear View Parking Camera (with Surround View option).


Mercedes-Benz C 350 e previewed

                PEKAN: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia gave a preview of the new C 350 e plug-in hybrid priced at an estimated RM299,000 to members of the media here in Pekan, Pahang.

The new car, which is locally assembled in Pekan, is due to be launched by October and it offers 31km of pure electric range with a pure electric top speed of 130km. It replaces the C 300.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia vice-president for passenger car sales and marketing Mark Raine said it would take about eight weeks for delivery. As a plug-in hybrid, it can be fully charged using a conventional plug-in-socket for four hours or two hours using a wall box,

The new C-class will come with AMG styling and air suspension comes as standard. It also comes with Thermotronic air-conditioning system and pre-conditioning function whereby the preferred cabin climate can be set 50 minutes before entry.

Also included is the Burmester sound system, 360 degree view camera, panoramic sliding glass roof, haptic pedals for better fuel efficiency, four operating modes: Hybrid, E-Mode, E-Save, Charge; five transmission modes: Individual, Sport+, Sport, Comfort and Economy.

The C-class comes with a 2.0-litre petrol engine providing 211hp and 350Nm of torque. The electric motor produces 60kW and 340Nm of torque. Combined output is 279hp and 600Nm of torque.

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Tesla hiring in Shanghai as production ramps up

Model 3 vehicles are seen during a delivery event at Tesla's factory in Shanghai in January. — Reuters
SHANGHAI: Tesla Inc has launched a hiring spree here with plans to bring on designers at its China studio and about 1,000 factory workers, job posts show, as the US electric vehicle maker ramps up production in the world’s biggest auto market.

The posts on the Tesla human resources department’s official WeChat account mark the first time the California-based automaker has looked to hire designers in China. Tesla said in January it planned to open a design and research centre in China to make “Chinese-style” cars.

The posts did not reveal how many designers Tesla planned to hire.

The company also planned to hire 600 workers at stamping, bodywork, painting and assembly workshops in Shanghai, according to a separate job post by the Lingang local government. Another 150 workers were needed for quality checks, 200 for logistics work and 20 for security, it added.

Two sources familiar with the matter said the recruitment drive was partly for the preparation of Model Y sport-utility vehicles at the Shanghai plant. Tesla is building manufacturing facilities for Model Ys here from next year.

Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The company delivered over 30,000 units in China in the past quarter, most of them locally made Model 3 sedans.

In March, it advertised for solar and energy storage project managers in China, as it moves to expand its energy business into the country.


Trump finalises rollback of Obama-era vehicle fuel efficiency standards

                WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump’s administration on Tuesday completed a rollback of US vehicle emissions standards adopted under his predecessor Barack Obama and will require 1.5% annual increases in efficiency through 2026 — far weaker than the 5% increases in the discarded rules.

The announcement — condemned by Democrats and environmentalists while being lauded by Republicans and business interests — sets up a legal battle, with California and 22 other states planning to challenge the rewrite of what had been one of most ambitious US policies aimed at combating climate change.

The Trump administration called the move its largest single deregulatory action and said it would will save automakers upwards of US$100 billion in compliance costs. The policy reversal marks the latest step by Trump, a Republican, to erase environmental policies pursued by Obama, a Democrat.

James Owens, acting head of the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said the plan “strikes the right balance between environmental considerations, health and safety considerations and economic considerations.”

Writing on Twitter, Trump said his administration was “helping US auto workers by replacing the failed Obama Emissions Rule.” Auto-producing states like Michigan could be pivotal in Trump’s Nov 3 bid for re-election.

House of Representatives speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, said the administration’s decision will harm public health and endanger US economic security.

“The Trump administration’s anti-science decision to gut fuel standards will unleash massive amounts of pollution into the air at the worst possible time,” Pelosi said, alluding to the coronavirus pandemic.

A coalition of states previously challenged the Trump administration’s decision to revoke California’s authority to set its own stiff vehicle tailpipe emissions rules and require automakers under its Zero-Emission Vehicle Program to sell an increasing number of electric cars and trucks in the most populous US state.

Under the Obama-era rules, automakers were to have averaged about 5% per year increases in fuel efficiency through 2026, but the industry lobbied Trump to weaken them. The new requirements mean the US vehicle fleet will average 40.4 miles per gallon rather than 46.7 mpg under the Obama rules.

The Trump administration said the new rules will result in about 2 billion additional barrels of oil being consumed and 867 to 923 additional million metric tons of carbon dioxide being emitted and boost average consumer fuel costs by more than US$1,000 per vehicle over the life of their vehicles.

Environmental reversal

Obama’s environmental policies were intended to cut carbon emissions that drive climate change, while Trump has ditched numerous environmental regulations that his administration deemed harmful to industry and has aimed to increase the use of fossil fuels.

Trump also has pulled the United States out of a global climate accord and moved to reverse clean water regulations and pollution standards for coal-burning power plants.

California Air Resources Board chief Mary Nichols said her agency will move forward with its zero-emissions programme.

“This is a watershed moment marking the death of the old view of cars and emissions tied to petroleum use, and another that looks to vehicle technology driven by innovation,” Nichols said.

The Trump administration in August 2018 initially proposed freezing requirements at 2020 levels through 2026. Reuters reported in October automakers expected a 1.5% annual increase after talks with administration officials.

A trade group that represents General Motors Co, Volkswagen AG, Toyota Motor Corp and others said automakers need policies that support “a customer-friendly shift” towards electrified and other highly efficient technologies.

“We are carefully reviewing the full breadth of this final rule to determine the extent to which it supports these priorities,” it said.

The US Chamber of Commerce, a business group, said the final rule provides a “workable path forward on a unified national programme that provides regulatory certainty while strengthening fuel economy standards and continuing emissions reductions.” Auto dealers also praised the revisions.

The administration said the revised rules will cut the future price of new vehicles by around US$1,000 and reduce traffic deaths. Environmentalists dispute that the rule will reduce traffic deaths. The administration said drivers will pay more in increased fuel costs than they will save in lower vehicle prices but concluded they will save more in overall vehicle ownership costs.

The administration has battled with California over auto regulations. Last month, the US Justice Department closed an antitrust investigation into a voluntary agreement between four automakers and California on emissions without taking any action.

Ford Motor Co, BMW AG, Honda Motor Co and VW struck the deal last year, prompting the federal investigation. The deal bypassed a White House effort to strip California of the right to fight climate change and drew Trump’s ire. Volvo Cars confirmed on Tuesday it was also in talks to reach a California emissions axagreement.

Ford said on Tuesday it remains “committed to meeting emission reductions consistent with the California framework.”


BMW production chief Oliver Zipse frontrunner for CEO post when Krueger exits

Zipse is a favourite to be new BMW CEO as his current job is head of production. Previous CEOs had also been production chiefs before they were appointed to the top job.
FRANKFURT: BMW board member Oliver Zipse, a 55-year-old company veteran, is the front runner to become the carmaker’s new chief executive, sources said on Friday after Harald Krueger announced he would not stay on beyond April 2020.

Krueger said he would not seek a potential extension of his contract, thereby pre-empting deliberations about whether to give him another five-year term.

BMW declined to comment on whether Zipse would be confirmed as chief executive, saying the matter of potential executive appointments will be formally decided on July 18 when the full supervisory board is due to meet.

Zipse is the youngest of three potential successors, a possible advantage as BMW has an upper age limit of 60 for management board members.

He joined BMW as a trainee in 1991 and oversaw big increases in BMW’s production capacity, particularly in China and the United States.

Zipse is also a favourite because his current job is head of production, a role which previous BMW chief executives, including Krueger and BMW’s current supervisory board chairman Norbert Reithofer, also held before becoming CEO.

BMW, which also owns the MINI and Rolls-Royce brands, has a track record of delivering industry-leading profit margins despite its small scale, thanks in large part to efficient production methods.

Before becoming a management board member in 2015, Zipse was a vice president of technical planning and for product strategy.

“The CEO candidate will not be a surprise,” one of the sources said.

Zipse’s potential rivals include 59-year-old R&D board member Klaus Froehlich and 57-year-old Chief Financial Officer Nicolas Peter. Another possible rival is Markus Duesmann, BMW’s engine development expert, who left for Volkswagen in 2018.

 Krueger (shown on screen) said on Friday he would be seeking new career opportunities.Car sector under pressure

Under Krueger’s leadership, BMW lost the title of best-selling luxury carmaking brand to Mercedes-Benz in 2016, and put the brakes on a plan to mass produce carbon-fiber based electric cars at a time when zero-emission vehicles made by Tesla were gaining traction with customers.

Krueger was hastily installed as CEO designate in December 2014 and formally took office in May 2015 following the defection of fellow BMW board member Herbert Diess to rival Volkswagen.

Auto sector shares have taken a hit since then, with VW’s outperforming BMW’s, as the Wolfsburg-based carmaker pursued a more radical electrification strategy.

Since Diess left BMW, VW's shares are down 18 percent while BMW's stock is down almost 30 percent. Germany's blue-chip Dax index is up 26 percent during the same period.

Krueger, who is 53, has avoided high-profile appearances in front of large crowds since he collapsed on stage during his first major news conference as CEO during the Frankfurt car show in September 2015.

At BMW’s annual results news conference earlier this year, the company sidestepped questions about whether Krueger would receive a contract extension.

Krueger said on Friday he would be seeking new career opportunities.

“After more than 10 years in the Board of Management, more than four of which as the CEO of the BMW Group, I would like to pursue new professional endeavors and leverage my diverse international experience for new projects and ventures,” he said in a statement.


Porsche updates prices, get savings of up to RM88,000

                KUALA LUMPUR: Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) today announced new revised prices for its entire Porsche model range.

The new prices will take effect from June 1, in line with the new zero-rated Goods and Services Tax (GST) implementation announced by the government and will remain effective until the Sales and Services Tax (SST) is re-implemented.

For example, the 718 Cayman is now RM30,566 more affordable (new base price with standard specifications, excluding options), while the flagship Panamera Turbo saves the discerning buyer RM87,736 at RM1,462,264.

The revised prices include SDAP’s four-year warranty and free maintenance package including complimentary service, parts and labour.

The stated price includes all applicable duties, except registration fees, road tax and insurance. Standard zero-rate GST implementation will also be applicable for parts and service at all SDAP authorised dealers.

“This is a special time for our customers. With the implementation of zero-rated GST, our customers can now enjoy additional savings on their dream Porsche. This also includes savings on options and all other services that we offer,” said SDAP chief executive officer Arnt Bayer.

Porsche 360 Financing is also available on all brand new Porsche. It is an intelligent alternative to conventional financing by reducing monthly payments by up to 30% and providing flexible terms for customers who would like to own a new Porsche every three to five years.


2015 Tokyo Motor Show: Cool concepts on display

TOKYO: The Tokyo Motor Show 2015 featured a host of concept cars and CarSifu picked a few we liked from Lexus, Toyota, and Mitsubishi which boasted bold designs, fuel cell powerplants,  and electric vehicles (EV).

Lexus
Lexus revealed the LF-FC flagship concept, a visionary new vehicle that offers a peek into the design and technology direction of the brand’s future flagship sedan.
The LF-FC features a fresh new styling theme that embodies Lexus’ “L-finesse” design philosophy.

From every angle, the sedan is aggressively elegant, exuding the spirit of a grand touring vehicle.

An evolved version of Lexus’ signature grille with a new mesh design dominates the front, while floating “L-shaped” daytime running lights (DRL) extrude flawlessly from the front fenders. The rear is highlighted by striking new taillights that adopt the same floating theme as the DRL.

The spacious interior of the LF-FC has been designed to wrap its occupants in a comfortable yet futuristic environment, while providing the driver with a highly-functional cockpit. The cabin has been designed in two sections, top and bottom.

Highlighting the new technology inside the LF-FC is an advanced human machine interface that can be operated by simple hand gestures, without the need to touch a panel or controls. A small holographic image on the center console indicates where the system can interpret your hand gestures to control the audio system and ventilation.

At the heart of the LF-FC is a high output fuel cell power system that energizes the rear wheels, and also sends power to two in-wheel motors in the front, making the LF-FC all-wheel-drive. Using automated driving technologies, with elevated traffic environment recognition, prediction, and judgment function, the LF-FC provides a safe and efficient driving experience for its occupants and supports the vision of a world without traffic accidents.

Toyota
Toyota presented its vision for the future of mobility where three very different new concept cars was revealed. The concepts were world premieres: the Toyota FCV Plus, the Toyota S-FR and the Toyota Kikai.

Toyota S-FR
The Toyota S-FR is a concept vehicle that continues the proud heritage of Toyota’s fun-to-drive lightweight sports cars. Pitched as an entry-level model, the new concept emphasizes responsiveness, and aims to make a whole new generation fall in love with driving.

The concept’s compact body is incredibly light, yet offers a smooth driving style. Not just a sports car, it pairs the simplicity of an entry-level model with an intimacy that brings human and machine closer together.

It’s long nose and wide stance make for an archetypal sports car profile, while the familiar roundness of its frame inspires a feeling of closeness. The simple and modern finish of the interior rounds off a design that stresses approachable simplicity while conveying the vehicle’s performance and sporty spirit.

The full-fledged FR layout gives the engine a front midship location. Optimal weight distribution and independent suspension make for outstanding cornering performance.
A six-speed manual transmission offers smooth acceleration, adding to the car’s fun, responsive drive.

The Toyota S-FR was conceptualized as the kind of vehicle that attracts its own die-hard fan base, whose members love driving and customizing it.

Toyota Kikai
As a true concept car, the Toyota Kikai’s appeal is simultaneously free from and reliant on the core concepts of automobiles.

This concept takes the machinery, normally hidden beneath the vehicle body, and makes an open display of its beauty. Directly expressed in this way, the vehicle’s inner workings become part of the exterior. In addition to the carefully designed form, continued into details including the fuel tank, reserve tank, and exhaust pipes, the analog-style meters and switches offer an engaging dialog with the machinery.

The small window at the driver’s feet is another distinctive aspect of this car’s structure, communicating the movements of the tires and suspension and the rush of speed along the road surface. Through the windshield, the movements of the upper control arm are also visible.

The adoption of a central driver seat, which places the driver at the heart of the car, gives a more instinctive sensory connection with the vehicle. The optimal spacing between the three passenger seats achieved by their triangular layout creates a congenial in-cabin communication space. The expansive side window that reaches up to the roof delivers full enjoyment in urban and natural landscapes alike.

Toyota FCV Plus
Compressed hydrogen has a higher energy density than electricity, can be generated from a wide range of raw materials, and is easy to store, making it a promising future energy source.

Clean generation of hydrogen from a wide range of primary energy sources will make local, self-sufficient power generation a global reality, and fuel cell vehicles will take on a new role as power sources within their communities.

In addition to the vehicle’s own hydrogen tank, the car can also generate electricity directly from hydrogen stored outside the vehicle. The vehicle can thus be transformed into a stable source of electric power for use at home or away.

The fuel cell stack is mounted between the front tires, and the hydrogen tank behind the rear seat. Together with the adoption of independent in-wheel motors in all four wheels, this allows for a spacious cabin despite the vehicle’s compact vehicle body.

The exterior adopts a distinctive, sleek shape, while the frame structure of the interior ensures rigidity despite the light weight of the car.

Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) debuted the MITSUBISHI eX Concept compact SUV concept car with a next-generation EV system.

The Mitsubishi eX Concept is a vision for a unique 100% electric-powered compact SUV aimed at the fast-growing compact SUV market. It uses MMC’s state-of-the art electric-powered technologies and all-wheel control technologies combined with automated driving technologies, connected car technologies, and active safety technologies.

Both exterior and interior indicate the direction MMC Design is taking. It evokes the image of a sporty crossover zipping nimbly around town as it merges the elegance and stylishness of a “shooting brake” with compact SUV lines.


Perodua and other brands shut down too

                PETALING JAYA: Perodua has joined Honda Malaysia in suspending its operations from March 18-31 following the government directive last night to restrict the movement of people in the country in an attempt to stop the Covid-19 infection.

Perodua said in a statement today that it would shut down its head office, manufacturing facilities, sales and service centres as well as body & paint outlets nationwide.

The closure would also be subject to any new announcement by the Government from time to time, it added.

New vehicle deliveries, servicing and body & paint services are expected to resume only after the Government's "Movement Control Order" is lifted.

"Our related outlet personnel may contact customers during this period to provide explanation and clarification," said Perodua.

Perodua said if customers experience any issues with their vehicles during this period, they could call Perodua Auto Assist toll-free 24/7 at 1-800-88-5555.

Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd also announced similar measures for the same duration. Its showrooms and service centres operated by Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis Sdn. Bhd will close as well.

On the two-wheeler side, the assembler of Benelli and Keeway motorcycles Mforce Bike Holdings Sdn Bhd will also shut down from March 18-31. Mforce Bike also assembles Brixton and Niu motorcycles and owns another two brands — SM Sport and WMOTO.


Learner drivers to take highway code test once only

                MUAR: Applicants of a car and motorcycle licence will only have to sit for the computerised Malaysian Highway Code test once.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the decision was made after the ministry took into consideration complaints it had received from driving institutes.

"Currently, those who wish to get a car or a motorcycle licence have to study the car and motorcycle modules separately, and have to sit for two tests.

"After receiving the complaints, we decided that they would still need to study both the modules separately, but only take a single test," he told reporters after visiting the Road Transport Department (RTD) branch here.

Liow said his ministry had already requested the RTD director-general to issue the directive to all driving institutes and hoped that the decision would make it easier for the younger generation to obtain their driving licences.


Watch where you put traffic cones, police warn contractors

                JOHOR BARU: Contractors should be careful when putting up traffic cones, says state police chief Comm Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay.

He said that police in Johor have been receiving complaints from the public about the inappropriate placement of the cones, adding that they can endanger road users.

"Recently, a video went viral on social media, where a motorcyclist almost got into an accident after ramming into a cone on the road. He almost got hit by a lorry because of the incident,” said Comm Ayob Khan.

Comm Ayob said the incident in the video took place at about 9pm on Nov 5 at Jalan Kempas Utama in Seelong, Kulai.

He added that the 28-year-old man involved in the incident filed a police report on Nov 6.

"I would like to remind all contractors involved in roadworks to make sure that the cones they are using are filled with either water or sand to avoid them from moving around,” he said.

Comm Ayob said at a press conference during a special integrated operation between the police and the Environment Department today that these contractors should inform the relevant district police chief of any roadworks that involve traffic cones.

“We will take action if they fail to do so."


Tesla's Model 3 cheaper than Toyota's Camry in California with tax benefits

                SAN FRANCISCO/WASHINGTON: Tesla Inc's rapid adjustment of its battery supply chain means all of its Model 3 vehicles qualify for federal US credits that, along with other tax breaks, could lower its price to less than a Toyota Camry.

The Biden administration on Tuesday confirmed that all Tesla Model 3 vehicles now qualify for US$7,500 (RM34,530) electric vehicle consumer tax credits after two of the three versions were eligible for half the credits.

New battery rules went into effect in April that lowered the credit of the Model 3 Standard Range Rear Wheel Drive and Long Range All-Wheel Drive to US$3,750 (RM17,265).

Tesla last week on its website said that all versions of the Model 3 again qualify for the full credit. The government confirmed the change on its fueleconomy.gov website.

A Model 3 starts at US$40,240 and the price may fall to US$25,240 when the US$7,500 federal tax credit and another US$7,500 from the California tax rebate kick in, depending on income and other requirements. Toyota's Camry is listed at US$26,320 and higher.

The subsidy change, along with aggressive discounts, should help Tesla prop up sales of its mainstay Model 3, whose demand has been weighed down by a major revamp this year, economic uncertainty and increasing competition.

Supply chain tweaks

Analysts said Tesla may have tweaked its battery supply chain to meet both battery mineral and battery component requirements for federal subsidy.

Tesla may have dropped CATL in favor of Panasonic or LG Energy Solution for US-made Model 3 Rear Wheel Drive, the cheapest version, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence (BMI) analyst Caspar Rawles said.

The subsidy value would far outpace the saving of using cheaper iron-based cells used by CATL, he said.

"It is highly likely it is Panasonic but there may be some concerns around cell availability if they need to supply enough for all US Model 3s," he said.

Tesla used CATL's LFP battery cells for its Model 3 Rear Wheel Drive and nickel-based cells from LG Energy Solution for its Model 3 Long Range, analysts said.

When asked about Tesla and whether there had been a change in its supply arrangements to North America, CATL said, "The strategic partnership between the company and customers has not changed and will continue to deepen and improve."

Panasonic Holdings on Tuesday said it plans to expand production of electric vehicle batteries at a Nevada factory jointly operated with Tesla by 10% within three years.

The Japanese supplier in May said it had pushed back the timetable for the rollout of the 4680 batteries it is producing for Tesla and indicated that its existing 2170 battery cell would meet immediate demand needs.

Tesla has also started delivering China-made Model 3s and Model Ys to Canada, freeing up some capacity for US-made models.


Citroen to start selling latest C4 model in Q4

PARIS: Citroen’s latest C4 model will go on sale in the fourth quarter of this year, with the French carmaker aiming to expand in the compact car market, the head of PSA-owned Citroen said on Tuesday.

Vincent Cobee said in a phone interview that he believes Citroen will have a full role to play within the merged PSA-Fiat Chrysler group.

The 10th-generation C4 is available with petrol (100 hp to 155 hp) or diesel engines (110 hp to 130 hp) as well as an all-electric version called e-C4 (350km range).

With a raised stance on large diameter wheels, and an aerodynamic silhouette, it is more crossover then compact hatchback now.

Both e-C4 and C4 are equipped with the Citroën Advanced Comfort programme, offering all-round comfort with a focus on every aspect of on-board well-being.

This means suspension with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions and Advanced Comfort seats deliver driving comfort. Travelling comfort is enhanced by generous interior space, including “Best in Class” rear knee room, clever storage compartments and Smart Pad Support Citroën.

Comfort of the mind arises through a soothing and luminous atmosphere with warm materials and the electric panoramic sunroof.

Comfort of use comes from the 20 driving assistance technologies, including Highway Driver Assist – a level two semi-autonomous driving system – and six connectivity technologies. The serenity is amplified further on the e-C4, which adds all the benefits of electric mobility: silence, smoothness, ease and pleasure of use.

The new C4 model is made in Spain.

“Citroen is coming back in full force on the compact car segment in Europe which is the biggest segment if you count SUVs and sedans,” Cobee said.

“It is a major launch as it will support one of our key expansion axis in terms of volumes in coming years,” he added.


Upcycling airbags, from vehicle to wardrobe

                HONG KONG: The jackets and bags in Ryohei Kawanishi's latest collection are more unusual than they might look at first glance.

The Japanese fashion designer, now based in New York, took up the challenge of creating his latest collection from used airbags.

The initiative is as creative as it is conscious, reflecting the importance of using upcycling to reduce pollution from waste and refuse.

Although car manufacturers are beginning to work on optimising the management of airbag recycling, many are still discarding these safety systems because they can't be reused.

Still, a handful of fashion designers are working to turn airbags into clothing or accessories. Originally from Tottori Prefecture, in the southwest of Japan, designer Ryohei Kawanishi recently created a whole collection from recycled car airbags.

It is at the request of the car recycling company Nishikawa Shokai that the designer embarked on this upcycling project, reports the South China Morning Post.

Unable to recycle its airbags, the Japanese company asked Ryohei Kawanishi to work on a solution to reduce the environmental impact of these safety components. This was a major challenge given the specific nature of the source material, designed to withstand extreme heat and impact.

The first pieces were by no means not crafted overnight, but the Japanese designer finally rose to the challenge with flying colors, unveiling not just a few items, but an entire collection of clothing and accessories.

"It took us more than one year to find a specialist sewing company that could complete the processes of cutting the airbags to the correct panel shapes and then reconnecting them in the patterns for garments," Ryohei Kawanishi told the Hong Kong daily newspaper.

Comprising bags, hats and jackets, the collection has met with a certain degree of success among the younger generation.

And the fashion designer isn't stopping there. He is already planning to add to this collection with basics for day-to-day wear, and even to test out dyeing of this new kind of fabric, which, for the moment, is only available in white.

Ryohei Kawanishi is not the only designer to have worked on upcycling car airbags. Back in 2021, Heron Preston also presented a collection, in collaboration with Mercedes, featuring clothing made from the German automaker's used airbags.

For its part, Hyundai has used airbags, windshields and other materials from its end-of-life vehicles to craft a collection of ready-to-wear clothing for men and women.

These experiments all serve to show that solutions exist to significantly reducing waste, which is partly responsible for the environmental impact of two of the most polluting industries.


Tesla offers product snippets, also toying with submarine car

                SAN FRANCISCO: Elon Musk announced on Tuesday that the company has some new products in the works including a car with a 644km range, the first Tesla-branded electric pickup truck (above), and maybe even an electric submarine car.

The announcement was made at Tesla's annual shareholders meeting.

Tesla pickup truck

In regards to the "cyberpunk" pickup truck that's been teased for months, Musk only stated that it could be better than Ford's F-150. Tesla's plan to launch the truck in 2020 remains still intact, and Musk "hopes" to reveal it this summer.

The 640km-range electric car

Musk took a moment at the meeting to recognise that the range of electric cars being launched these days by other companies is not much more than that of the original 2012 Model S. To stay at the top of the market, Musk announced that Tesla is working on a model that will exceed 640km on a single charge.

Electric submarine car

While Musk described the Tesla submarine car more as an experiment than a production vehicle, he did confirm that designs inspired by James Bond's Lotus Esprit in "The Spy Who Loved Me" does exist within the company; he suggested that it could sooner or later become a show car.

Vegan Model 3 and Model Y

According to Musk, the Model 3 and Model Y will stop using animal-sourced products like leather by next year; right now, both models come standard with leather-covered steering wheels, as it's typically more durable than synthetic fabrics. The Model S and X can be specially ordered with non-leather wheels.


Ducati Hypermotard 950 and 950 SP — the lightweight athletes

                In the world of motorcycles, the Ducati Hypermotard is akin to an all-accomplishing athlete.

Its design is that of a supermotard, a dirt bike type with road tyres, tall suspension and a whole lot of engine and not much else.

It has become a favourite of sorts for those looking for a lightweight performance bike but does not want a full-fledged superbike.

The supermotard styling of the Hyper lets it tackle short, tight tracks with ease of agility, unlike superbikes that prefer long, fast corners.

It is perfect for urban conditions actually, where its tight frame, powerful engine and upright sitting position makes it ideal for splitting traffic and parking.

Quick history lesson - the Hyper was first introduced back in 2006 and is a product with the sole focus of providing countless hours of entertainment.

Designed by Pierre Terblanche, a protege of the legendary Massimo Tamburini, the Hypermotard did not receive the usual launch party.

After many months of rumours about Ducati building a supermotard bike to take on the likes of KTM and Husqvarna, the Hypermotard was instead introduced via a dedicated micro-site, accessed from the main Ducati website.

The Hyper 1100 received such fanfare at its digital unveiling that it crashed Ducati’s global website for some time.

And now, 13 years later, I am in Grand Canary Islands in Spain, ogling at the new Ducati Hypermotard 950 - the grandchild of the 1100 which later became known as the King of Wheelies, and the 939, its lighter, smaller but wilder successor.

The first thing that gets you is that the bike really does not look all that much different, but the difference becomes clear as soon as you start paying attention to the details.

In fact, besides the trellis frame, everything on the 950 is all-new and/or vastly improved from before.

The exhausts for one are now placed back under the seat just as they were with the original 1100 (the 939 had its exhausts on the side).

You can, however, opt for a side mounted exhaust as Ducati offers aftermarket Termignonis.

But if you prefer the underseat layout but want Termigs as well, Ducati has that as an option too.

The seat and fuel tank layout are next - the seat being slimmer towards the front but wider where it matters to offer more support, and with a lump for additional cushioning for the passenger.

The seat on the SP version is flatter than the standard 950, to accommodate the rider moving back and forwards during hard riding.

At 14.5-litres, the fuel tank too is 1.5-litres smaller than the 939 and has been redesigned to make it appear smaller so that you sit further in front, just in case you want to slide the rear tyre around, which is the proper way of riding a supermotard motorcycle, but the 950 obliges knee scrappers as well.

Then there is a new digital TFT instrument display which is similar to that of the Panigale V4.

Not only is the new screen completely new and a much welcomed departure from the old, difficult to figure out screen, but when accessorised with the Ducati Multimedia System (DMS), the system is able to connect to your phone via Bluetooth and will then display incoming calls, the music you are listening to in your helmet, and will also display text messages.

Personally, I felt there was too much going on already with the speedo, rev meter, gear indicator and other engine essentials, but if that is the future of rider-bike connectivity then so be it, I can manage the additional information, no complaints there.

Other than visual difference, the real difference lays in the engine - a revised 937cc Testastretta 11 degree L-twin engine.

It is essentially the same engine with the old 939cc but with a new torque curve that gives you access to over 80% of available torque from as low as 3,000rpm.

For a little more clarity, that 82% of the 96Nm of torque is available from 3,000rpm and a further 88% from 5,500 to 9,500rpm.

What this means is that you can rely on the engine a whole lot more than before without doing much shifting.

And because the bike comes with electronic riding modes, the engine responds according to the chosen mode.

In Sport, for example, the engine is lively and rev happy.

In Touring mode, the throttle response is lazier yet gives you full access to the Hyper’s 114hp.

Urban restricts power to 75hp and gives the bike a more docile character.

Swapping between modes is simple and can be done on the fly, but customising each mode and its braking and various other parameters (such as traction control interference) requires you to be at a standstill.

The standard 950 is shorter than before and is even shorter than the hardcore SP variant.

The handling is aided by a more aggressive 25-degree rake, while wider handlebars give the bike a more commanding feel.

If your riding style is more 'supermoto' than 'superbike', you will appreciate the fact that the steering sweep angle is an enormous 70 degrees.

And if you are more of a superbike person, then you will probably love that the lean angle is a very generous 44 degrees on the standard bike while the SP offers 47 degrees.

Of course, the suspension and tyres play a huge role as well.

The standard bike runs on a Sachs shock and inverted Marzocchi forks, while the SP gets Ohlins all round.

The Marzocchi forks are fully adjustable and are about half a kilogram lighter than the 939’s forks.

As for the tyres, the standard bike runs on Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tyres wrapped around aluminium Y-spoke wheels, while the SP runs on Diablo Supercorsa SP wrapped around forged Marchesini wheels.

The wheels are nearly a kilo lighter than the old ones. Grip becomes gargantuan.

And it was only in the hills of Grand Canaria around the sandy slippery corners where the Diablo Rosso III’s were put to the test, but a little slide on the Hypermotard never hurt anyone. And it was all very manageable, just a little lean corrected by the electronics.

As for handling, the Hypermotard is brilliant, absolutely brilliant.

We began with the standard 950 for a 130km round trip to the hills. The sitting position is a familiar one as soon as you get on the bike.

Around the tight corners of the mountains, the 950 was happy to be flicked into corners.

You can rely on the masses of torque and smooth, linear torque curve, but if you are the type that relies on engine braking, that works too as the slipper clutch ensures the rear wheel stays in line.

I rode the hills in Touring and Urban mode and left the Sport mode for the track later.

Even in Touring, the bike felt like it was in a proper attack mode, charging into corners and letting me dive in late with the electronics cutting off the throttle only when the road became noticeably slippery.

The bike is not as aggressive or as eager as it is in Sport mode, but it is still hugely fun.

Urban is, dare I say it, boring on a bike openly regarded as a hooligan.

It meant for urban conditions, for when you want to reel it all back in and let the bike flow with traffic.

It is meant to keep you safe, and so for that, it is best to only use the mode when it is raining or when traffic is heavy.

The brakes on the bike are made up of twin 320mm semi-floating aluminium flange discs with radially mounted Monobloc Brembo callipers with quad-piston and twin pads and with Bosch cornering ABS. The brakes can be scary as they are super sharp and will catch you off-guard if you’re not careful.

The brakes are the same on the standard 950 and SP, with a preference of operation to a single finger.

All in all, the 950 still retains its hooligan character but is updated with some much-needed refinements for everyday usability.

And even though this bike looks and feels better when riding solo, Ducati has even fitted it with removable passenger foot pegs and a much needed comfortable seat, giving it a level of comfort and convenience never seen before on a Hypermotard.

Moving to the 950 SP, if the standard 950 is hooligan bike, then the 950 SP is a proper, barely road-legal race bike.

Out of the mountains on the 950, we headed to the short and tight circuit of Maspalomas to test the SP.

It is essentially the same bike, but with some revisions to make it sportier than the standard.

The suspension for starters is taller and offers 15mm more travel at the front and 25mm at the rear.

The seat is also 20mm taller than the standard bike, and this taller sitting position gives the bike a more nimble feel.

No sporting version of any bike is complete without acres and acres of carbon fibre (CF), and the SP has exactly that - CF mudguard and even a timing belt cover.

Other than that and probably the naughtiest difference between both bikes is the inclusion of the Ducati Quick Shifter (DQS) EVO as standard (optional on the 950).

The DQS EVO works on both up and down shifts and gives the bike a naughtier character than the standard bike.

It is only when you’re really slowing down that you need to use the clutch, but otherwise, the system does it for you.

The new Hypermotard also offers a unique system that turns you into a riding superhero called Ducati Slide by Brake function.

The system first debuted in the Panigale V4S and has trickled its way down to the Hyper 950.

It works when the ABS is in level 1, and you need to invoke it by getting hard on the rear brake while turning the bike.

It is here that the bike will automatically slide the rear tyre out by 10 degrees and you control the slide using the rear brake.

Wheelies come naturally on this bike and the standard 950, and sometimes even unexpectedly.

But Ducati has thought of that too and has equipped the new Hyper with Ducati Wheelie Control Evo that manages unexpected wheelies, giving you maximum traction at all times.

You feel it as a sudden power cut, noticeable interference but it happens so quickly that it doesn’t affect performance.

So far I have no complaints about the bike, but just one.

Ducati says that the new seat is more comfortable than before, but I still think it isn’t that great especially out on the open road. Gave me a sore bum after about 100km.

If you’re into supermotards and want a bike that gets you places quickly, then the 950 is for you.

The SP would be my choice but it could be too hardcore for some. Don’t forget to opt for the quick-shifter and full Termignoni system.

It should be in Malaysia by the second or third quarter of the year.

We expect it to cost about RM3,000 - RM5,000 more than the previous model.


China approves first list of green car models for 2017 subsidies

                BEIJING: China has released this year's first list of "recommended" green energy vehicles, paving the way for 185 car models to receive government subsidies.

Beijing has spent billions of dollars promoting electric and plug-in hybrid cars to help the domestic auto industry develop the technology to leapfrog global competitors, while also reducing frequent bouts of heavy urban air pollution.

But the discovery of widespread cheating in the subsidy programme has prompted the government to step up oversight, cap subsidies, and raise technical standards for applicants.

As a result, all models previously approved for government subsidies are required to reapply this year. The list issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) included vehicles from BAIC Motor Corp Ltd , Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd, BYD Co Ltd , Chongqing Changan Automobile Co Ltd , and Chery Automobile Co Ltd.

Beijing is expected to approve more car models later this year. The government published five lists last year, giving the green light to 2,193 car models.

The ministry on Monday also approved several vehicles that use "ternary" lithium-ion batteries, which employ the chemical elements of nickel, cobalt and manganese (NCM).

NCM batteries, which Korean firms LG Chem and Samsung Electronics primarily make, were ineligible for subsidies under last year's rules.

Beijing lifted those restrictions this year after requiring companies to conduct more rigorous safety testing. Most Chinese battery makers prefer more stable but less energy dense lithium-iron-phosphate batteries, although some Chinese firms like Contemporary Amperex Technology Ltd also produce significant numbers of NCM batteries.


ADVERTORIAL: The elegant Renault Koleos SUV

                There's a new kid in town for those looking for a family-size five-seater SUV and it’s none other than the Renault Koleos.

The latest offering from the French marque exudes style, comfort and safety features at a competitive price of RM172,800 in Peninsular Malaysia (on-the-road inclusive of GST, without insurance).

The exterior design manages to meld elegance and an athletic stance with its taut bonnet lines as well as several chrome embellishments, including strips designed to visually lengthen the front end and exude an impression of dynamism.

At the rear, the wide, horizontal tail lights amplify the impression of width and draws the eye to the Renault logo on the tailgate.

Another eye-catching feature are the chrome inserts in the lower part of the rear bumper which take the shape of twin exhaust tailpipes.

Inside, the cabin offers plenty of space for rear passengers with generous head room, shoulder room and elbow room.

The Koleos’ 2,705mm wheelbase is among the longest in the class and boot space is just as impressive with 550 litres and, with the rear seats folded, its carrying capacity increases to 1,690 litres.

The interior also boasts attractive, scratch-resistant materials such as satin-finish chrome for the steering wheel, gear lever and air vent inserts; leather upholstery and leather-trimmed armrests.

Travelling comfort is further enhanced by customisable LED cabin lighting, with a palette of hues ranging from green, blue, yellow, red or violet.

In an age where connectivity matters, the Koleos has a range of connected, personalisable multimedia systems such as the R-LINK 2 multimedia system.

This connected tablet is featured across Renault’s high-end range and coordinates functions like infotainment, satellite navigation, hands-free telephony, radio and driver aids.

Some of its key features include an 8.7-inch portrait screen format offering the same tactile functions as personal tablet (two-finger zoom, page scrolling, drag and drop, etc.); realistic navigation display with 3D representation of buildings; Bluetooth and audio streaming, a USB port, a 3.5mm jack socket, a 12V power supply.

There are also four customisable homepages with widgets for swift access to the most frequently used functions.

The driver also benefits with a host of driving data (vehicle speed, engine RPM, fuel consumption etc) being displayed on a 7-inch colour screen situated behind the steering wheel.

The all-new Koleos features a powerful 2.5-litre petrol engine mated to a new X-Tronic CVT automatic transmission for enhanced performance and driving enjoyment while optimising fuel consumption.

This efficient engine is capable of delivering maximum power of 171PS and peak torque of 226Nm.

It is also extremely responsive at low and mid-range engine speeds, with 200Nm torque available from 1,800rpm.

Standard safety equipment includes two adaptive front airbags, two lateral thorax/shoulder airbags for the front occupants, two curtain airbags, anti-whiplash front and rear head rests, anti-submarining front seats, rear ISOFIX anchorage for i-Size child seats and all the seat belts are equipped with pretensioners and load limiters.

When it comes to active safety, the Koleos provides the latest-generation electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, braking assist, electronic brake force distribution and hill start assist as standard equipment.

For additional convenience and safety, some of the key driver aids on the all-new Koleos can be controlled via the R-LINK 2 tablet, such as the rear view camera and front, rear and side parking sensors.

The Koleos is available in four body colours: Universal White, Grey Metallic, Black Metallic and Meissen Blue and comes with 18-inch Argonaute alloy wheels.

It comes with a five-year full manufacturer’s warranty with unlimited mileage.


Bentley offers V8-powered Bentayga from RM1.58mil

                KUALA LUMPUR: Bentley Malaysia has announced that it is offering a downsized engine variant for the Bentayga - meet the 4.0-litre V8 version.

Currently available from RM1.56mil (after duties and taxes), the seven-seater V8 has two turbochargers just like its more powerful 600bhp/900Nm W12 variant costing upwards of RM1.8mil.

An eight-speed ZF gearbox has been employed to manage the 3,996cc V8 engine with cylinder deactivation and Star/Stop functionality drinks from an 85-litre fuel tank to produce 550PS at 6,000rpm and 770Nm of torque from 1,960 to 4,500rpm.

The permanent all-wheel drive system with a Torsen centre differential and an open rear differential with an electronic diff lock helps the kerb: 2,388kg (-52kg) luxury sport utility vehicle to sprint from 0 to 100kph in 6.2 seconds (+2.1 seconds) and with a drag coefficient of 0.34 it will reach a top speed of 290kph (-11kph).

Standard options include seven colour choices to drape the Bentayga V8 in, as well as 15 hide colours and nine veneer species. But as an optional extra, there are 100 other colours, or if preferred, a more bespoked option can be entertained - either way new owners will need to spend a considerable amount of time to do all the picking and choosing.

Also on the list of decisions to make are wheel sizes. New owners will need to ascertain whether to go with 20-inch wheels with two finishes and 275/50 Pirelli rubbers or perhaps a larger 21 (285/45) or 22-inch (285/40) option - both with three finishes, will suffice.

Stopping power comes from the front six-piston caliper with 400mm discs and rear 380mm discs, but as an optional extra the iron discs can be replaced with more durable fade-resistant discs made of carbon silicon carbide (CSiC) as an upgrade option that upsizes the front disc to 440mm and a massive 10-piston caliper, while the rear discs gets slightly downsized to 370mm.

The body is suspended by self-levelling air suspension system with Continuous Damping Control and the steering system uses an Electronic Power Assisted Steering system with a variable ratio and a servotronic system.

This might sound like usual, only this time it is a new system that improves the amount of feedback returning to the driver, while providing isolation from steering kickback for on and off-road circumstances.

To have a more sportier drive, might we recommend the optional 48V electric active anti-roll bar?

Fore and aft light sources utilise LED technology, including the front daytime running lights, while the cabin receives a heads-up display and an 8.0-inch central touchscreen with gesture control, navigation with 3D building display, 60GB solid state hard drive, radio, CD/DVD player, text-to-speech, voice recognition, dual SD card slots, dual USB ports, Bluetooth, 4G telephone module and 4G Wifi hotspot.

Two 10-inch Android-based Rear Seat Entertainment tablets can be added to the mix with full connectivity to the vehicle and interweb, integrated webcam and onboard memory as well as a touchscreen remote for the rear cabin.

Audio entertainment comes from the standard 10-speaker six-channel system, which can be upgraded to a 700W 12-speaker Signature Audio system or perhaps a 1800W 18-speaker 18-channel Naim for Bentley Premium Audio system would be more becoming for the Bentayga?

For the cabin, there are three innovative new interior options offered, starting with a high-gloss carbon-fibre finish (usually matt) to replace the traditional veneer surfaces as well as a wood and hide steering wheel and a new Cricket Ball red leather.

For safety, there are six airbags, crash detection and mitigation systems as well as driver assistance technologies that include Night Vision, Park Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition to name a few.

“The Bentayga V8 is the ultimate luxury SUV that delivers an uncompromising Bentley experience both on and off-road. We know this new model will be highly sought after by our customers thanks to its sleek, sporty look, immense power and acceleration,” said Wearnes Quest managing director Jerry Lee.


July 28-Aug 3: RON97 petrol down 10 sen, others unchanged

                KUALA LUMPUR: The retail price of RON97 petrol will drop by 10 sen from RM4.65 per litre to RM4.55, while those of RON95 petrol and diesel will remain unchanged for the week from July 28 to Aug 3.

The Finance Ministry said today the price of RON95 petrol and diesel will remain at RM2.05 per litre and RM2.15 per litre respectively albeit the real market price of the two products had risen beyond the current ceiling price to protect consumers from the global oil price hike.

The ministry added the prices were set based on the weekly retail prices of petroleum products in accordance with the Automatic Pricing Mechanism formula.


Mercedes inflates its EQS saloon into a luxury electric SUV

                BERLIN: Mercedes' electric EQS is getting a roomier offshoot and is being expanding into an SUV for a release at the turn of the year, the German manufacturer announced at the opening of a new battery factory in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

This plus-sized saloon is set to be built there from the third quarter of 2022 onwards, while the electric alternative to the GLS is set to launch at the Beijing motor show in mid-April.

Mercedes has not yet revealed prices, but given the sedan's pricing, they're likely to start at more than 100,000 euros.

The electric SUV shares the drive system with the EQE and EQS saloons and has a 107kWh battery for an estimated range of 600km. According to company sources, it will come with around 300kW/408hp as the EQS 500 and with 385 kW/524hp as the EQS 580.

Of course, the overall size is also growing and the SUV is set to be more than 5 metres long and significantly higher than the saloon.

According to Holger Enzmann, responsible for development of the EQS family, it's more comfortable when getting in and out and has a better view thanks to 8cm more seat height, as well as more space in the rear.

In addition, the rear seat bench can be shifted forward or back by a hand's width and the boot is large enough to fit an optional third row of seats, the engineer said on the sidelines of test drives.

However, Mercedes isn't finished spinning off new variants for the electric luxury class.

The company has also announced an SUV as an offshoot of the EQE. And based on the EQS SUV, there will also be an electric Maybach for the first time in 2023.


Nissan Terra to premiere at Beijing Auto Show 2018

                YOKOHAMA: The new Nissan Terra, a rugged body-on-frame SUV (sport utility vehicle) with off-road capabilities, is expected to premiere at the Beijing Auto Show 2018 (April 25 till May 4).

The Terra is a seven-seater, pick-up truck based SUV modelled on the Nissan Navara.

At this point, it is not known whether local Nissan distributor Edaran Tan Chong Motor has plans to bring in the Terra.

If the Terra makes it to Malaysia, it will certainly provide stiff competition to the likes of the Toyota Fortuner, Isuzu MU-X, and Ford Everest.

It is the first vehicle from Nissan’s frame and LCV (light commercial vehicle) division to launch under the company’s mid-term plan, Nissan MOVE to 2022.

One in every six Nissan vehicles sold globally is a frame-based vehicle or an LCV.

Under the mid-term plan, the target is to increase sales of Nissan frame SUVs, pickups, vans, light-duty trucks by more than 40% by 2022 and become a global leader in pickups and frame-based SUVs.

"The all-new Nissan Terra will soon arrive in China,” said Ashwani Gupta, senior vice president for Nissan’s frame and LCV business.

“This rugged SUV is practical, authentic, and designed to go anywhere. The Nissan Terra goes on sale this spring, first in China, with other Asian markets soon to follow.”

"It is an exciting time for Nissan. We have the Nissan Terra arriving soon, the award-winning Nissan Navara is now in 133 markets worldwide, and more drivers are purchasing our LCVs around the world.”

In 2017, Nissan’s global frame and LCV sales reached 907,929 vehicles – about a 7% increase from the prior year.


Hyundai Vision T plug-in hybrid SUV concept showcased in LA

                LOS ANGELES: Hyundai unveiled its innovative Vision T Plug-in Hybrid SUV Concept at 2019 AutoMobility LA last week.

The Vision T is the seventh in a series of Hyundai Design Center concepts expressing Hyundai’s evolving Sensuous Sportiness global design language.

“We pursue innovative solutions in design and add emotional value to our product experience through sensuous sportiness design language,” said SangYup Lee, Senior Vice President and Head of Hyundai Global Design Center.

The SUV concept has a matte-green exterior finish and is powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain indicating its eco-lifestyle focus and its inherent balance with the environment in which it is driven.

Guided by Hyundai’s Sensuous Sportiness design principle, Vision T design themes revolves around the concept of Dynamism and as such, the Vision T Concept aspires to be on the cutting edge of the most dynamic SUV designs. It is a vision of the new urban adventurer SUV design direction.

Two derivative sub-themes of the dynamism fundamental design concept are Parametric Fantasy and Transcendent Connectivity.

In these sub-themes, all parametric surfaces are connected from the body to either light or trim features.

When stationary, the grille is closed and static. Once in motion, each individual cell of the grille design continues to move in a prescribed sequence, creating a truly dynamic forward demeanor.

This dynamic character includes the functional effect of controlling airflow to the powertrain, optimizing aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.

When the powertrain is started, the dark-chrome matte hue of the integrated hidden signature headlamp system features a half-mirror system that has a chromium appearance which transforms into functional lighting on demand.

Hyundai designers elevated the appeal of luminous parametric design through hidden DRLs, while the hidden signature lamp represents the next generation of this Hyundai design innovation.

The side window design is ultra-clean and seamless, with a futuristic frameless daylight opening and a satin chrome garnish. The oversize satin chrome alloy wheels feature ample voided area with dark orange brake calipers visible within the split-five-spoke wheel design.

The sequenced lighting theme carries through to the rear of the vehicle, demonstrated when the powertrain is shut down and the rear tail lamps and Hyundai logo follow a prescribed light extinguishing sequence, with the Hyundai logo as the last of the rear lighting signature to cease illumination.

The Vision T charging port is located on the passenger side rear quarter panel and features a sliding cover. When charging, “Blue Drive” is illuminated, indicating the system is actively charging.

The battery state of charge is also visually indicated externally in a metered, circular light cluster, creating a complete circle appearance when fully charged.


Toyota speeds up electrified vehicle schedule as demand heats up

                TOKYO: Toyota Motor Corp aims to have half of its global sales from electrified vehicles by 2025, five years ahead of schedule, and said it will tie up with Chinese battery makers to accommodate an accelerated shift to electric power.

The change illustrates both the breakneck growth in the electric vehicle (EV) market - which is transforming the global auto industry - and an acknowledgment by Japan’s top automaker that it may not be able to meet demand for batteries on its own.

There “may be a gap” between Toyota’s battery needs and what it could produce, as stringent emissions regulations expected in Europe, Japan and China fuel demand, executive vice president Shigeki Terashi told a briefing.

Toyota said today that it would partner with leading Chinese battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd (CATL), as well as Chinese EV maker BYD Co Ltd for supplies.

The automaker also announced an ultra-compact two-seater designed for daily errands and short-distance business trips, with a maximum speed of 60kph and a range of 100km on a single charge.

However, Terashi noted that while demand for EVs accelerates, profitability will be slower in coming. EV technology has come a long way since 2010, but it is still a challenge to create a profitable business for them, he added.

Hybrid vehicle sales volumes would be less than battery EV volumes by 2025, with the latter expected to still be fewer than 1 million vehicles, he said.

The Japanese automaker has led in technologies for hybrid and fuel cell vehicles, but it has trailed rivals such as Nissan Motor Co Ltd, Volkswagen AG and Tesla Inc in bringing fully electric vehicles to showrooms.

It has been developing its own lithium-ion EV battery technology for decades, and has teamed up with Panasonic Corp to pool together resources to develop and manufacture rectangular-shaped prismatic batteries in the coming years.

On Thursday, it announced it was teaming up with Subaru Corp to jointly develop a battery-electric sport-utility vehicle (SUV) on a platform produced together as they seek to split development costs.

CATL has built relationships with other Japanese automakers, including Honda Motor Co Ltd and Nissan. It also signed a multi-billion dollar battery supply deal with Volvo Car Group in May.


Renault plans network of EV charging stations along European highways

                PARIS: Renault plans to build a network of charging stations for electric cars along highways across Europe, the French carmaker's e-mobility services unit said on Monday.

The first charging station will open in a few months in southern France, with 200 more planned to follow by mid-2024 in France, Belgium, Italy and Spain, Mobilize said, adding it was in advanced talks with potential partners to finance the network.

Rolling out an adequate charging infrastructure and offering motorists convenient solutions when travelling is one of the main challenges faced by producers of electric vehicles, as batteries generally offer less driving radius than fuel tanks and take much longer to recharge.

Renault, whose share price value has declined almost 70% since early 2018, is far from being a leader in the European electric vehicles market.

But the company is pushing ahead with plans to split its EV and combustion engine businesses in a bid to compete with rivals such as newcomer Tesla and German giant Volkswagen in the race to electric driving.

The new charging stations will be installed at Renault dealerships located close to highway exits, with dedicated spaces where drivers can rest during the average half-hour charging period.

They will be accessible around the clock and offer a lounge, playing corners for children and refreshments.

To avoid the need to install new power grid infrastructure, Mobilize said it would use a stationary storage system the size of a small container which is capable of charging up to six regular cars of any make at the same time.

"This will allow us to charge these containers very gently, without disrupting the power grid," said Nicolas Schottey, head of Mobilize Power Solutions.

Tesla has been rolling out high-performance superchargers for years and has a global network of about 30,000 fast-chargers that it says can give a 200km boost in 15 minutes.

Volkswagen expects its network of fast-chargers to nearly quadruple to about 45,000 by 2025, with 18,000 EV pumps in Europe, 17,000 in China and 10,000 in North America.


Toyota and BMW still keen to collaborate on sportscar, says Toyota exec

                GENEVA: Toyota and BMW are still keen to develop a common sportscar architecture but have yet to decide on a timeline for the project, a senior executive at the Japanese carmaker said on Monday.

BMW and Toyota have for some years been collaborating on fuel cell technology, lightweight components, and on possibly jointly developing the underpinnings of a sportscar, which would spawn separate vehicles for each brand.

Speaking ahead of the Geneva auto show, Toyota executive vice president Didier Leroy said all three projects were going very well and there was strong support for the sportscar from both firms.

"On both sides we have strong motivation to make it successful, we want to make the car," Leroy said. "We know exactly which kind of body we want to do, we know exactly which kind of powertrain we want to use ... now we just have to decide by when we want to start this car."

He declined to comment on a possible timeframe.

Toyota's sales in Europe, which for the carmaker counts 56 countries, including Israel, Russia and Turkey, fell slightly to 874,000 vehicles last year as higher deliveries in the western part of the region failed to offset a sharp drop in Russia.

But volumes are seen returning to growth in 2016.

"In 2014 we sold 888,000, and we’ve set ourselves a target of stepping above that (in 2016)," Toyota's head for Europe Johan van Zyl said at the same event. He expects overall industry sales in the region to grow by 1 percent this year.

Some 70 percent of Toyota's vehicles sold in Europe last year were produced in the region. The carmaker expects to increase that percentage this year by adding two localized models, the C-HR crossover that will be manufactured in Turkey and the RAV4 that will be assembled in Russia.

Van Zyl said Toyota was committed to the Russian market, despite the challenges there. In 2015, total car industry sales in Russia plunged by 36 percent to 1.6 million.

"We will not give up on the Russian market ... we will keep on investing to prepare ourselves for when the market recovers," he said.

Van Zyl said Toyota expected hybrid vehicles to make up half of its sales in Europe by 2020 from 24 percent last year.


Risky trip to Thailand to get back cars

                PETALING JAYA: You go to bed knowing where your car is or thinking it is in good hands. You wake up to learn it has been smuggled out of the country and deep into Thailand – all in just 12 hours.

That was the nightmare faced by several car owners who lost their vehicles after leasing them out for rental.

Getting the car back can be harrowing; it involves a risky trip across the border and paying thousands of ringgit to thieves and “helpers”.

Zack, who owned a four-wheel-drive vehicle, knows all about it. His nightmare started when he rented his car to a man in Pantai Dalam, Kuala Lumpur.

He said his car was in the Malaysian capital when he went to bed at around 10pm.

“When I woke up at about 8am the next day, my GPS tracker showed that my car was in Narathiwat (Thailand).

“I lodged a report that evening and my case was passed back and forth between the crime department and the commercial crime department.

“The police officer kept asking why I rented out my car and he told me that it was wrong.

“Then he told me I would not get my car back. He also told me to bring my friends and hire a tow truck to retrieve my car from Thailand,” said Zack.

Finally, it was the Thai police who came to the rescue.

With the help of two acquaintances – one of them a Thai, Zack and his wife went on an arduous trip to retrieve their car that was apparently kept in a mafia lair in Sadao, Thailand.

“I almost gave up because the car hadn’t moved in over three days. On the fourth day, I saw my car was moving towards a vehicle scrapyard. So I asked the Thai police for help.

“After 20 minutes, the police called and told us to go to the car. We used the spare key and drove it away. There was no one else around at that time,” Zack recalled.

Although he was relieved to get his car back, his struggles did not end there.

He was asked by the Thai police to take the car to the police station first for processing.

“The policemen asked us to pick up the car at 8pm. When we went there at the appointed time, we were asked to pay RM3,000 as a gift that they called ‘wang satu hati’.”

Zack paid it but then found that his dashcam, spare tyres and car mats had been removed.

It is not just those who rent their vehicles out who have to cross the border to recover their vehicles.

Fatimah, 53, had parked her Toyota Hilux in front of her house at night. She learned the next morning that it had reached Narathiwat.

She lodged a police report that it was stolen but she claimed the police suspected her son, who was the last to use the car, of insurance fraud.

Four of her family members, including an acquaintance who can speak Thai, tracked the car down and found it parked at a house in Songkhla, behind the Sadao police station.

“My family members went there and found that the plate number had been changed. They had cut off our car radio antenna, thinking that it was the GPS tracker,” she said.

She too had to pay a “fee”. The acquaintance demanded RM10,000 as a gift and had threatened to sell off the car if it was not paid within 30 minutes.

Fatimah, from Ampang, Selangor, said she managed to raise the money with much difficulty and eventually got her vehicle home.


New US$200,000 Tesla Roadster speeds in front of electric big-rig truck

                LOS ANGELES: Tesla upstaged its own debut of an electric heavy duty truck today when a red Roadster pulled out of the big rig’s trailer and chief executive Elon Musk said the new US$200,000 (RM832,000) sports car would be the fastest production car ever.

The showmanship wowed the crowd although some analysts’ heads started throbbing at the variety of new projects launched as the company is struggling to produce the more affordable sedan upon which its future depends.

 The updated Roadster.

As the presentation appeared to end, the Tesla Semi opened its trailer, and the Roadster drove out. The sports car with a removable glass roof is an updated version of Tesla’s first production vehicle.

It can seat four and travel 1,000km on a single charge, a new record for an electric vehicle, Musk said. It can go from 0 to 100kph in 1.9 seconds with a maximum speed over 402kph, which would make it the fastest car in general production.

”You’ll be able to travel from LA to San Francisco, and back, at highway speed without recharging. The point of doing this is to just give a hardcore smackdown to gasoline cars. Driving a gasoline sports car is going to feel like a steam engine with a side of quiche,” Musk boasted.

 Tesla's new electric semi truck. - Reuters

The first 1,000 cars will cost US$250,000 (RM1.04mil) each, paid in full upfront, with later models starting at US$200,000.

Musk did not give a price for the Semi, or say how or where either product would be built, but he said the truck would begin production in 2019 and that the Roadster would be available a year later.

Musk has described electric trucks as Tesla’s next effort to move the economy away from fossil fuels through projects including electric cars, solar roofs and power storage.

Some analysts fear the truck will be an expensive distraction for Tesla, which is burning cash, has never posted an annual profit, and is in self-described “manufacturing hell” starting up production of the US$35,000 (RM146,000) Model 3 sedan.

“Elon’s showmanship remains intact, even as his customers’ patience for Model 3 delivery wanes,” Karl Brauer, executive publisher of Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader, said by email.

”The specs on the new semi truck and sports car would put both vehicles at the top of their segments...assuming they can be produced and sold as part of a sustainable business plan. So far that final element has eluded Tesla Motors, which makes it difficult to see these vehicles as more than ‘what if’ concept cars,” he added.

Tesla also has to convince the trucking community that it can build an affordable electric big rig with the range and cargo capacity to compete with relatively low-cost, time-tested diesel trucks. The heavy batteries eat into the weight of cargo an electric truck can haul.

The truck can go up to 800km at maximum weight at highway speed, Musk said, without giving the size of the payload. Musk said the Class 8 vehicle, the heaviest weight classification for trucks, in 30 minutes can recharge the battery enough to go 644km, and that Tesla would build a global, solar-powered network of “megachargers.”

Diesel trucks are capable of traveling up to 1,600km on a single tank of fuel. Musk said diesel trucks were 20 percent more expensive per mile to operate than his electric truck.

Self-driving technology would allow the trucks to travel in convoys, where only the front truck would need a driver, making trucks cheaper than rail, Musk added.

That vision, however, faces an uncertain regulatory future, since Congress is considering exempting heavy duty trucks from looser self-driving rules in the works, after truckers lobbied that safety and millions of jobs could be at risk.

The day cab - which is not a sleeper - has a less prominent nose than on a classic truck, and the battery is built into the chassis. Tesla designed the cab for good visibility, with a center seat flanked by two touch screens.

Tesla showed off the semi on a webcast which offered reservations for the truck at US$5,000 (RM21,000) each, but Musk did not discuss reservation volume.

Old Dominion Freight Line Inc, the fourth-largest US less-than-truckload carrier, which consolidates smaller freight loads onto a single truck, said it was not signing on.

“We met with Tesla and at this time we do not see a fit with their product and our fleet,” Dave Bates, senior vice president of operations, said in an email, without elaborating.

Tesla faces a much more crowded field for electric trucks than it did when it introduced its electric cars.

Manufacturers such as Daimler AG, Navistar International Corp and Volkswagen AG are joining a host of start-ups racing to overcome the challenges of substituting batteries for diesel engines as regulators crack down on carbon dioxide and soot pollution.

Still, manufacturers are mostly focused on medium-duty trucks, not the heavy big rig market Tesla is after.

Tesla would need to invest substantially to create a factory for those trucks. The company is currently spending about US$1 billion (RM4.2bil) per quarter, largely to set up the Model 3 factory, and is contemplating a factory in China to build cars.

Charging and maintaining electric trucks that crisscross the country could be expensive and complex.