New car accident alert system may save thousands of lives in Europe

                BERLIN: As of April, all new cars sold in Europe are required by EU law to be fitted with an emergency response system called e-call which dials the emergency services in the event of a serious road accident.

Following lengthy negotiations, dozens of manufacturers have agreed to fit the emergency black box to all new cars registered after March 31, 2018.

In the event of an accident, the device sends data on the car's location to local emergency services. A voice call is also triggered, allowing responders to talk to car occupants and to judge the severity of a crash.

E-call is part of the European Union's commitment to cutting road deaths. Officials said the system could save at least 2,500 lives a year.

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) said it welcomed this milestone, which had been made possible through huge investments by the industry.

The system was first mooted in 2010 but it has taken years for carmakers to agree on joint standards and to establish a working infrastructure.

"e-call has the potential to save many lives by shortening the reaction time of emergency services. This means that ambulances, fire engines and the police can intervene as quickly as possible within the ‘golden hour’ after a collision," said ACEA Secretary General, Erik Jonnaert.

ACEA also calls for an integrated approach to safety, combining further improvements in vehicle technology with improved driver training, better road design and maintenance, and the enforcement of existing traffic regulations.

The safety body represents the 15 major Europe-based car, van, truck and bus manufacturers.


Audi plans to recycle old car windscreens and windows

                BERLIN: Empty bottles are recycled to make new ones but cracked or defective car windscreens are not.

Audi says it wants to change that and, together with its industry partners, the German carmaker aims to set up a closed material cycle for car glass to help reduce emissions and waste.

The idea is to turn damaged automotive glass panes into recyclable material using a multi-stage process. The car windows are first broken into small pieces and non-glass impurities like glue residue are eliminated.

The resulting glass granulate is melted down and turned into new plate glass. That plate glass is then turned into new car windows.

The one-year pilot operation with partner firms Reiling, Saint-Gobain Glass and Saint-Gobain Sekurit started in January. If this pilot project is successful, the windows produced this way will be used in models in the Audi Q4 e-tron series in the future.

Audi said aluminium scraps from its press shop have been introduced into a similar closed circuit since 2017. With glass, another material circuit will now be closed.

"Our goal is to use secondary materials everywhere where it is technically possible and economically reasonable to do so," said Marco Philippi, who heads procurement atrategy

Audi says this measure could help reduce carbon emissions as recycling means up to 30% less carbon dioxide compared with manufacturing new glass.


Bugatti CEO may head Lamborghini as well

                PETALING JAYA: Bugatti head honcho Stephan Winkelmann will also take over the reins at Lamborghini CEO by the end of the year, says a report by Autonews Europe.

If that is the case, Winkelmann will be running both brands.

He previously held the top job at Lamborghini from 2005 to 2016 and was responsible for seeing the Urus SUV into production before moving to Audi Sport.

As the head of Bugatti for the past three years, he signed off on the limited-run Divo and Centodieci hypercars and the Bolide concept racer.

The current Lamborghini boss Stefano Domenicali is set to depart in January 2021 to take over as CEO of Formula 1.

An official announcement is expected later this week.


Lucky Toyota customers win Tokyo holiday

                SHAH ALAM: A total of 20 lucky Toyota owners and their partners recently won the grand prizes of an all-expense paid five-day/four-night trip to Tokyo.

The winners, who will also visit the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, had joined the Toyota Buy & Win contest which ran from May 1, 2015 until June 30, 2015.

The Tokyo Motor Show will run from October 29 to November 8, 2015.

Of the 20 winners, 10 of them had bought a Vios, four a Hilux, with the remaining six winners split equally between the Camry Hybrid and the Corolla Altis.

The winners came from all over Malaysia including one from Sabah, three from Sarawak, and five from the Klang Valley.

To qualify, contestants had to purchase a Toyota model and register their vehicles before June 30.

Another 200 new Toyota owners were also rewarded with an iPhone 6 Plus.

A total of 12,700 entries were received for the contest.

Among the winners was Chan Yuet Leng, who had bought a Vios in Petaling Jaya.

“I was very surprised to learn that I had won such a big prize," said Chan.

Mohd Ramlan from Kelantan Motor who had bought a Hilux pick-up said, “Together with my wife Zubaidah Jali, we would like to express our appreciation to Toyota for giving us this opportunity to visit Tokyo for five days.”


Behold the R18 cruiser: BMW's new Bavarian Harley-chaser

                MUNICH: BMW is limbering up to lure customers away from classic Harley-Davidson machines with its new R18 cruiser, which offers the German angle on fat-tyred, feet-forward motorcycling.

Teaser images of the low-slung R18 prototype have been circulating on the Internet, but on April 3 the machine will show itself in the metal for the first time.

The R18 unveiling is set to be one of the this year's most interesting motorcycle debuts and the event at the Handbuilt Motorcycle Show in Texas will be streamed on the Internet amid concerns over the spread of the coronavirus in public events.

BMW said it hopes to dominate the premium cruiser segment with the large capacity R18 which is a key part of the company's ambitious growth strategy.

The R18 is set to be offered in both a naked and a fully-faired versions, with the kind of "full dresser" driver protection seen on the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide.

The exact shape and look of the new German bike is still secret and most of the advance information has been about the massive 1.8-litre flat-twin engine on board.

Mated to a six-speed gearbox, the motor features an optional reverse gear for what is certain to be a heavyweight machine.

Performance should be more than adequate though with 91hp at the tailpipes and a red revving line of 5,750rpm

The engine's look deliberately evokes the flat twin engines that BMW used to build up until the end of the 1960s. This one has a considerably bigger displacement and modern air/oil cooling.

Various one-off and concept versions shown in recent months have fuelled rumours of a sleek, retro-style machine, but BMW is carefully keeping the wraps on until the actual debut.


New data services offered to Mercedes-Benz customers

                STUTTGART: For the first time, Mercedes-Benz customers can grant data access to Mercedes-Benz data products to third-party providers. Mercedes-Benz is the first OEM to implement the Extended Vehicle and neutral server concept in full measure.

Daimler AG already offers various digital services for the networked vehicle today. The Extended Vehicle concept at Daimler AG fundamentally rests on three pillars: Remote Diagnostic Support, Mercedes-Benz Data and Data via Neutral Server.

As of December 2018, on customer request, access to vehicle fault codes are available to independent third-party providers in line with the European type approval regulations.

In this case Daimler will make all fault codes from the installed control units available to third-party providers for the use case "Remote Diagnostic Support" (RDS). This means that they can produce a remote diagnosis for networked Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

The consent of the Mercedes-Benz customer to purpose-defined data access by an independent third-party provider is mandatory, and is given via the respective portals, e.g. Mercedes me for digital passenger car services or Mercedes Pro for digital van services.

Mercedes-Benz customers can withdraw their consent to data transmission at any time in the respective portals. Customers therefore always have transparency about which third-party provider has consent for access to specific vehicle data, and can change their mind at any time.


Puma and Porsche team up for 2019

                STUTTGART: Sportswear giant Puma has teamed up with Porsche Motorsport on a long-term basis, it has announced. It will act as the exclusive technical partner for Porsche's fireproof racing clothing as well as shoes, caps and luggage, kitting out all 24 Porsche Works drivers, juniors, young professionals and pit crews. The Puma logo will also be featured on all Porsche race cars and all racing clothing.

As part of the deal, Puma has also gained the rights to create a series of replica apparel, footwear, headwear, accessories and bags for Porsche Motorsport fans.

"Puma's racewear is developed for the highest level of racing and we are happy to add Porsche Motorsport to our existing partnerships in F1, and other top motorsport categories," said Puma CEO Bjørn Gulden.

"The innovation and creativity of Puma, one of the world's leading sports lifestyle companies, fits in with our team and our brand," said Porsche Motorsport vice-president Fritz Enzinger.

The motorsport sector is enjoying a moment in the fashion spotlight.

Last year saw Tommy Hilfiger and Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport enter into business together, with the designer creating the team's trackside uniform and snapping up Formula One champion driver Lewis Hamilton as a menswear ambassador. McLaren Automotive unveiled a high-end fashion collaboration with the British brand Belstaff back in November.


Decision on petrol subsidy for B40 soon, says Saifuddin

                KOTA KINABALU: The government will be announcing the implementation of the targeted petrol subsidy for the Bottom 40% (B40) income group, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister said a joint paper by his ministry and the Finance Ministry had been finalised and would be tabled in Cabinet.

He said the joint paper was finalised in a meeting attended by him and Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng as well senior officers of both ministries on Wednesday.

"It will be tabled at the Cabinet for approval or for further amendments soon.

"If the Cabinet is satisfied, the government will announce its implementation nationwide soon, " he said.

READ MORE: Cash payout for petrol subsidy scheme, say ministry sources

Saifuddin told a media conference after the opening of "Say No to Tender Cheating Seminar" by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal here Thursday (Aug 9).

The event was organised by the Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC). Also present was MyCC chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Hishamudin Md Yunus.

Saifuddin was commenting on Budget 2019 tabled by Lim in November last year that owners of cars with engine capacity 1, 500cc and below as well as motorcycles with engine capacity of 125cc and below would enjoy 30 sen per litre RON95 petrol subsidy.

Through the subsidy mechanism, car owners will be receiving the petrol subsidy limited to 100 litres and 40 litres for motorcyclists.

On the abuse of Approved Permit (AP) issued to import round cabbage, which created unfair competition and causing prices of vegetable to rise, Saifuddin said a report on findings of the food sector market study by MyCC would be tabled in Cabinet.

He said this would be followed by actions including improvements on any agencies on the import of cabbage.


EU to target road death toll with revised vehicle safety rules

                BRUSSELS: European Union car and truck safety rules will be revised by the end of the year after pressure from campaigners to cut the number of road deaths by forcing manufacturers to include technologies which make vehicles safer.

A draft policy document outlining initiatives to be adopted this year includes a review of vehicle safety regulation, which has been unchanged since 2009.

In 2016, 25,500 people were killed in road accidents, a 2 percent fall from the previous year and the EU wants to halve the number of fatalities between 2010 and 2020, but said in March this remained an "extreme challenge".

Improving the direct visibility of trucks to reduce blind spots through camera and monitoring systems could help save hundreds of lives a year by making it easier to spot pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, campaigners say.

Only the EU can make safety technologies mandatory for new vehicles, prompting eight European ministers to write to the Commission in February asking it to speed up the review process and present a proposal "well before the end of 2017".

Safety technologies can also include intelligent speed assistance and autonomous emergency braking systems.
"The EU has exclusive powers to set vehicle safety rules and nowhere is an update more needed than in the truck market which, unlike cars, has no safety labels to drive innovation.

Meanwhile, blind spots in today's outdated truck designs are killing hundreds of cyclists and pedestrians each year," said Stef Cornelis of campaign group Transport & Environment said.

The draft also says that the European Commission will link the level of road charges motorists pay to the CO2 emissions of vehicles and for the first time set an EU-wide framework for road tolls for cars. It says the EU executive will also mandate that time-based charging systems be gradually phased out in favour of distance-based systems, "beginning with heavy goods vehicles by 2023".


China to see driverless cars within 5 years, predicts Baidu

A driverless car named 'Apollo' is displayed at the annual Baidu World Technology Conference in Beijing last Nov 16.
BEIJING: Self-driving cars will hit the roads in China "within three to five years", the founder of Chinese Internet giant Baidu, one of the world's leading designers of driverless cars, said Thursday.

That is a lot sooner than predicted by China's information technology minister, who last week said it would only be reality in 8-10 years, citing constraints related to security.

"I'm more optimistic than him, I think it will come sooner," Baidu CEO Robin Li said here on the sidelines of a consultative political assembly of which he is a member.

Baidu, often referred to as China's Google, operates the country's leading search engine and also invests heavily in services ranging from online payments to connected devices and artificial intelligence.

 Li speaking to reporters in Beijing. - AFP

Like Google, the Chinese company is spending on research and development to put a driverless car on the road.

In 2019, in cooperation with local manufacturers, the Beijing-based company plans to launch a car featuring "a high degree of autonomy," Li told reporters.

"Highly automated driving means ... for example, on a Beijing to Shanghai trip, as long as you stay on the highway, you will not have to worry about anything -- you can eat hotpot or sing inside while you're waiting to arrive," he said.

The driver would still, however, need to take the wheel again as soon as the car moved away from major highways.

"But in the next three to five years, I believe totally autonomous cars will make their appearance on the roads," he said.

In September the company established a US$1.5bil (RM5.9bil) fund dedicated to developing driverless cars.

It also manages an open platform where it shares its technologies with designers and builders.


Ford completes RM9bil investment in Spanish car plant

                MADRID/DETROIT: Ford announced on Thursday the final part of a 2.3 billion euro (RM9.2bil) expansion of its operations in Spain, in what it called the biggest ever investment in the country's auto industry.

The investment consists of an initial 1.1 billion euros (RM4.5bil) announced in 2011, followed by another 1.2 billion euros (RM4.9bil) since 2013, said Ford.

The investment in the Spanish plant continues a trend of auto production moving south in Europe, where wages tend to be lower. Ford closed a factory in Belgium last year as part of a restructuring of its loss-making European operations.

Just as Mexico has a thriving motor industry making vehicles for much of the Americas, its Spanish counterpart is prospering by keeping labor costs down and targeting markets abroad. Around 80 percent of the Ford plant's production is for export.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy visited the Ford plant in the eastern region of Valencia on Thursday and said the auto industry had played a key part in the recovery of the Spanish economy.

The European Commission has sharply increased its forecasts for Spanish economic growth this year.

 Click image to enlarge.

The investments will allow Ford to build six different model lines, up from four currently, and expand exports to markets outside of Europe, including shipments of Transit Connect compact vans to the United States, a company spokesman said.

Once the expansions are complete, the Valencia plant will have capacity to build 450,000 vehicles a year. That will make Valencia one of the two largest assembly operations in Ford's global manufacturing system, along with the automaker's factory in Chongqing, China.

Ford employs around 8,000 people at the facility, the company said, up from just below 5,000 in early 2013.

Spain's car industry, including auto parts manufacturers which spring up around factories to supply production lines, created 26,800 jobs in 2014, according to Spanish car producers' association ANFAC.

With Spanish unemployment at 24 percent, unions keen to protect jobs have accepted flexible work practices and salary freezes, which together with close links to a world-class domestic car parts industry have helped attract the orders.


Honda Civic Tourer achieves 2.35L/100km on 13,500km-journey

                LONDON: The Guinness World Records title for ‘Lowest fuel consumption – all 24 contiguous EU countries (all cars)’ has gone to the Honda Civic Tourer 1.6 i-DTEC, which recorded an average consumption of 2.35 litres per 100km over the 13,497.6km journey.

The journey is similar to travelling from the Johor Causeway to the Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration complex in Kedah (818km) - roughly 16 times, and stopping just nine times for diesel after averaging almost 1,500km per tank.

The duo from Honda’s European Research & Development (R&D) team, Fergal McGrath and Julian Warren, spent a total of £459 (RM2,800) on fuel alone .

They began their epic road trip on June 1 from Aalst, Belgium, in a clockwise direction, before returning to their start point on June 25 - noting that the rated fuel economy of 31.6km/L had been bettered by more than 25%.

The team adopted some a few but effective driving techniques that included route planning, smoothly and consistent driving without harsh acceleration or braking, anticipating road conditions ahead.

They also ensured that they were not carrying unnecessary weight, the car was correctly maintained, driving speed was always within the law and they also kept up with traffic conditions ahead.

The title-attempt required the car to enter each of the 24 countries specified, collecting a range of evidence including a fuel/mileage logbook, GPS readings, video and photographs and independent witness signatures to prove that it has done so.

To ensure accurate monitoring of the route, journey time and distance driven, the record car was fitted with a tracking device, provided by fleet telematics and stolen vehicle recovery expert, TRACKER (part of the Tantalum Corporation).

Under the rules of the record title attempt the car must be a standard model in every respect, with no modifications to create an advantage, to replicate ‘real world’ conditions and was judged by independent witnesses at the beginning and end of the attempt.

Fuelling was carried out at regular filling stations, with the tank filled to the maximum at each stop to ensure no weight advantage.

Additionally, tyres were inflated to the recommended pressures and the wheel alignment set to factory specification to represent the experience of the regular customer.

According to the rules, the same two drivers must be in the car for the whole journey, requiring McGrath and Warren to drive an average of 612km, taking around 7.5 hours, each day.

“The fuel economy figures are remarkable – particularly when you consider that this is not a small car, but an estate with class-leading load space and vast practicality,” said Honda head (cars) Leon Brannan.


Dealer to operate Lexus Mutiara Damansara

                PETALING JAYA: UMW Toyota Motor has announced that its luxury brand outlet in Mutiara Damansara has been transferred to a dealer, effective Aug 1.

Hiewa Auto Gallery (Lexus) Sdn Bhd will take over the Lexus Mutiara Damansara outlet.

UMW Toyota Motor is retreating from retail operations to focus on upstream activities such as product development, marketing and dealer network support, while dealers would continue to work on achieving customer satisfaction.

This follows UMW Toyota Motor's announcement in October 2017 that it would be transferring the majority of all of its retail operations to dealers and other relevant parties.

“It is essential for Lexus Malaysia to continue achieving high customer satisfaction standards,” said its president, Ravindran K.

For more information, go to lexus.com.my or call Lexus Freephone 1800-22-53987 atau or +603 2053 5730.


Mitsubishi Triton VGT (Adventure X): Lots of premium comforts

                The fifth-generation Mitsubishi Triton pick-up truck gets a new engine and several exterior enhancements.

The new 2.4-litre MIVEC turbo diesel engine with VGT (variable geometry turbo) is more powerful and fuel efficient, compared with the previous 2.5-litre engine.

This also means the Triton is the first pick-up here to have variable valve timing technology and also, an aluminum alloy engine which provides weight reduction benefits such as better fuel economy.

Power has increased to 181ps at 3,500rpm (previously 178ps at 4,000rpm) and 430Nm of torque at 2,500rpm (previously 400Nm at 2,000rpm), while fuel consumption is lower by up to 15 per cent.

Our test drive unit is the flagship Adventure X variant in Impulse Blue, which has sporty looks and is priced at RM125,005 on-the-road without insurance; and comes with a 3 years or 100,000km (whichever is first) warranty.

Transmission is a 5-speed automatic, with sport mode.

Features include dual front airbags, seatbelts with pre-tensioner and force limiter, ISOFIX points, child lock protection - rear doors, ABS (anti-lock braking system), EBD (electronic brake force distribution), part-time 4WD with hybrid limited slip differential (LSD), reverse sensor, and reverse camera.

It comes standard with a shield extender for the front bumper, Adventure X matte black front grille and dual-tone 17-inch alloy wheels.

Also standard is a new sports bar with fullbox.

It also has automatic bi-xenon HID Headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights and rear fog lamps, which are now standard on all VGT variants.

Meanwhile, the fifth-generation Mitsubishi Triton also offers a level of cabin comfort that is on par with family sedans in the RM100,000 price bracket.

According to Mitsubishi Motors, the Triton has top-notch cabin noise insulation due to the strategic placement of sound insulation, absorption and vibration damping materials.

As a result, from the driver's seat, we found the diesel engine's inherent clatter noise to be very much muted, which allowed us to better enjoy the audio quality from the six-speaker system with CD, MP3, USB, Bluetooth, voice command and a touchscreen.

The interior is nicely fitted with comfortable leather seats, and passengers will find the front seat-back pockets, a deep centre glove box, door bins, and four cupholders to be useful in storing their items.

However, there are no powered seats or rear air-conditioning vents.

Among the convenient features is the 4WD (four-wheel-drive) rotary dial located between the front seats, which lets you shift on-the-fly betwen 2H and 4H modes at speeds of up to 100kph.

The 4H or 4WD high range mode is for rough roads where all wheels receive torque, thus giving better traction.

Parking big pick-up trucks is always a hassle and the inclusion of a reverse camera here certainly made positioning the big brute into parking bays much easier for us.

Other convenient features here include paddle shifters and cruise control, push-start ignition, keyless entry via door handle buttons, automatic headlights and wipers, as well as dual-zone climate control air-conditioning.

With a barnful of premium passenger car comfort features, this flagship Adventure X variant in the Mitsubishi Triton VGT range scores high on interior functionality, luxury and convenience.

The Triton VGT (Adventure X) gets top marks as a well-packaged urban transporter for business purposes or the family on shopping excursions.

While there is a strong workhorse element to it with the powerful drivetrain, the Triton VGT (Adventure X) also has its charm as a smooth, comfortable and well-appointed set of wheels.


Volvo recalls 54,000 cars in US on reported death linked to air bag

                NEW YORK: Volvo Car USA is recalling as many as 54,124 vehicles after a death was reported related to an airbag defect, according to a filing with US regulators.

The unit, owned by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., is recalling 2001-2003 S80 and S60 vehicles sold or registered in the US because the airbag inflator on the driver’s side may explode when activated during a crash, causing serious injury or death.

Volvo has received and is aware of one reported death related to the condition, the filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said.

The inflator is made by ZF Group, according to the filing. Volvo will notify owners, who can have the airbag replaced for free.


GM to boost spending on electric vehicles 30%, add two new battery plants, say sources

                WASHINGTON: General Motors Co will boost global spending on electric and autonomous vehicles to US$35 billion through 2025, a 30% jump over its most recent forecast as it pursues EV leadership, say people briefed on the matter.

As part of that spending, the No. 1 US automaker will build two additional US battery plants and move ahead some of its EV investments, said the sources, who asked not to be identified.

In November, GM upped its spending plans from US$20 billion, a figure that was announced in March before the Covid-19 pandemic shut down the auto industry.

The Detroit company declined to comment.

The expected announcement of increased spending by GM comes less than a month after rival Ford Motor Co upped its EV spending by more than a third to over US$30 billion by 2030.

The combined US$65 billion in commitments by the largest US automakers, as well as increased spending by EV leader Tesla Inc and startups including Lucid and Rivian reflect the EV arms race that has left some automakers like Lordstown Motors Corp scrambling to raise more funds.

In addition, GM chief executive Mary Barra is scheduled to meet today with US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other key Democrats to discuss EVs and vehicle emissions, the sources said.

Barra will also meet US Representative Richard Neal, head of the tax policy Ways and Means Committee, Frank Pallone, who chairs the Energy and Commerce Committee, and two key Michigan Democrats: Representatives Dan Kildee and Debbie Dingell, the sources said.

Wooing Washington

Working with Washington is critical as president Joe Biden has proposed US$174 billion to boost EVs and charging as part of his infrastructure plan, including US$100 billion in new EV rebates.

GM's ability to benefit from the current US$7,500 federal EV tax credit has expired.

GM has sparred with Democrats over vehicle emissions rules, but last week said it supported overall emissions reductions in California's 2019 deal with other major automakers.

It has also sought more flexibility to hit carbon reduction target between now and 2026.

The Associated Press reported on Monday that GM planned to announce two new US battery plants, citing comments by president Mark Reuss.

GM confirmed the executive's comments, but sources said the company has not decided where in the United States to build the plants, which are each expected to cost more than US$2 billion.

In January, GM said it was setting a goal to sell all its new cars, SUVs and light pickup trucks with zero tailpipe emissions by 2035, a dramatic shift away from gasoline and diesel engines.

GM and its South Korean joint-venture partner, LG Energy Solution, are already building a battery plant in northeastern Ohio and have announced a second, US$2.3 billion battery plant will be located in Spring Hill, Tennessee.

GM confirmed in November it would speed up the rollout of new EVs, with plans to offer 30 models globally by 2025, up from a prior target of 20 by 2023.

Barra said the automaker wants to exceed annual sales of 1 million EVs in the United States and China by 2025.

On May 26, a Senate committee advanced legislation that would boost tax credits to as much as US$12,500 for EVs assembled by union workers in the United States. The current maximum tax credit is US$7,500.

The bill also includes a 30% tax credit for manufacturers to retool or build new facilities to produce advanced energy technologies including batteries.

That would represent a big boost to GM's battery factory plans.


Motorcyclists can improve safety with a few fitness exercises

                BERLIN: Motorcyclists are well served by keeping not only their bikes but also their own bodies in good shape.

That's because a higher level of fitness means a higher level of safety, explains a German motorcycle safety institute - and simple everyday exercises with your own body weight such as push-ups, squats or sit-ups can usually do the trick.

"Your arms should not be worn out while riding a motorcycle, so strong triceps are important," says Andre Vallese from the safety institute. These muscles can be strengthened through push-ups.

"Beginners can also start on their knees at the beginning," says Vallese, rather than a full push-up with straightened legs. Alternatively, you can sit down with your back in front of the couch and push yourself up with your arms, also known as a tricep dip.

To strengthen the forearm muscles, bikers can knead a tennis ball. Meanwhile, taking a book in each hand and then letting your arms circle at about head height is a good way to strengthen your shoulders.

"Calmly repeat the exercises in three sets until you can’t anymore," says Vallese. "But don't go overboard."

In-shape bikers have improved body tension while driving, and can thus react faster, while staying more relaxed and attentive.


Jamie Oliver out to make London's best veggie burger in new Range Rover Evoque

                LONDON: Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver became one of the first people to drive the second-generation Range Rover Evoque, visiting some of his favourite London foodie spots for ingredients to create the city’s best veggie burger.

As part of the global reveal of the new Range Rover Evoque, Jamie navigated London’s busy streets to pick up everything he needed to make his Indian-inspired bhaji burger, which he then cooked for guests at Land Rover’s Evoque Experience.

In a throwback to his Naked Chef days, Jamie visited Brick Lane, stopping at Taj Stores for spices and yoghurt and Beigel Bake to collect bread rolls. Taking a shortcut through Bishopsgate Goods Yard, he put the Range Rover Evoque through its paces, wading through water pools and taking the car across a series of ramps through the tunnels.

Parking in London proved easy as Jamie used the ClearSight Rear View feature to turn the rear-view mirror into an HD screen giving an unrestricted view of what’s behind the vehicle.

“I absolutely love this car, it was so much fun to drive on the busy streets of London and through the water trough in the Bishopsgate tunnels. I’ve always loved Land Rover and I had a brilliant time designing my cooking car last year, so when I was asked to come and test out the new Evoque, I jumped at the chance.

“The fact that Land Rover can create something as versatile as the Discovery and as agile as the Evoque is such a testament to this brilliant British brand.”

The new Evoque, which competes against the Volvo XC40 and Audi Q3, is markedly more quiet and refined.

Underneath the skin, the architecture is all-new to accommodate both plug-in and mild hybrid systems, with only the door hinges remaining unchanged on the body.

The new chassis makes the most of the stiffer body, ensuring the characteristic ride comfort and refinement of a Range Rover. Evoque is now smarter than ever. The software that sits behind the infotainment system has been refined to provide a more intuitive customer experience.

It comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration.

It is available with a range of efficient 2.0-litre four-cylinder Ingenium engines, available in diesel and petrol forms.

Engine output ranges from 148bhp to 296bhp with nine-speed ZF automatic gearbox.

Except for a two-wheel drive diesel, all the other Evoque variants are four-wheel drive. All four-wheel drive variants are technically 48V mild hybrids, marking the first time such a system has been used in a Land Rover. In the mild hybrid, a belt-driven integrated starter-generator collects energy as the car decelerates, storing it in a battery before discharging it when the car starts or accelerates. Land Rover claims the system adds up to 6% to efficiency.

A plug-in hybrid will arrive a year after the regular Evoque starts selling. The plug-in hybrid would use a new three-cylinder, 197bhp 1.5-litre Ingenium petrol engine linked to a 107bhp electric rear axle motor and use a 11.3kwH lithium-ion battery. An electric-only range of 64km is expected.

The Evoque is priced from £31,600 (RM166,000) in Britain.


Two new colours for Yamaha MT-09

PETALING JAYA: The highly-likable Yamaha MT-09 will be available in two new colours from March 3.

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Sdn Bhd said in a statement that the locally assembled version of the MT-09 will sport paintwork that is either grey-night flou (yellow) or silver-grey with a touch of race blue.

The new look is part of its effort to consistently offer fresh looks to customers.

However, the basic sales price remains at RM44,653.24 with GST.

The MT-09 has a 847cc, 3-cylinder engine producing 113hp at 10,000rpm and 87.5Nm at 8,500rpm.


Who are Hollywood's most dangerous onscreen drivers?

                LOS ANGELES: Vin Diesel's Dominic Toretto character from the "Fast and Furious" franchise has wrecked almost twice as many vehicles onscreen as Jason Bourne, played by Matt Damon.

According to research carried out by Scrap Car Comparison, Vin Diesel wrecked no fewer than 30 cars in 2011's "Fast Five" alone.

In total, the American actor is responsible for wrecking 61 vehicles onscreen - that's one more than Bruce Willis.

The legendary "Die Hard" star takes second place in the ranking of Hollywood's most dangerous drivers, ahead of Arnold Schwarzenegger, who counts some 52 vehicles destroyed onscreen.

The study looked at the number of cars written off onscreen by each actor, taking into account vehicles crashed or wrecked with stars at the wheel, or vehicles ruined with the use of firearms or other means.

"Minor damage such as wing mirrors being broken or small dents were not counted in the research," the study explains.

Vin Diesel was at the wheel of 57 of his 61 vehicles wrecked, compared to 35 of the 60 wrecked by Bruce Willis. The "Terminator" star was driving 30 of the 52 vehicles he destroyed.

Jason Statham and Dwayne Johnson come in joint 10th place. Both stars wrecked 18 vehicles onscreen, but while "The Rock" was driving 12 of those, the "Fast and Furious: Hobbs and Shaw" star was at the wheel of six.

While no female movie star makes the top 10, the study does state that Angelina Jolie wasn't too far behind, trashing a total of 10 vehicles onscreen.

Top 10 most dangerous onscreen drivers

1. Vin Diesel - 61 (number of vehicles wrecked onscreen)

2. Bruce Willis - 60

3. Arnold Schwarzenegger - 52

4. Matt Damon - 35

5. Keanu Reeves -30

6. Tom Hardy - 29

7. Daniel Craig - 24

8. Nicolas Cage - 22

9. Tom Cruise - 19

10. Dwayne Johnson/Jason Statham - 18


You can buy Euro 4 petrol from September

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Government will introduce the Euro 4 standards for RON97 nationwide in September. However, motorists will have to wait until 2018 to fill up on Euro 4 RON95 petrol.

Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said the sale of Euro 5 diesel, which was now confined to 12 petrol stations in Johor, would be introduced to other states this year.

Mustapa also announced that an automotive council would be set up within two months to provide a platform for policy makers to interact with industry players.

Chaired by himself, the council would consist of representatives from the government and business community, as well as non-government organisations representing consumers.

"The council will provide a platform for policy makers to interact so that we can have inputs from the industry and have clear directions as to which way the automotive industry will move," Mustapa told reporters during the National Automotive Policy (NAP) 2014 update here today.

Saying that the council is likely to hold its first meeting end of march, he added that the automotive sector was  important to the economy as more than 500,000 people are employed and involved in the industry.

"It is in many ways, the pulse of the nation's economy," he said.

In 2013, the automotive sector contributed RM30 billion to the country's Gross Domestic Product.


Oct 28-Nov 3: RON97 petrol up 10 sen

                KUALA LUMPUR: The retail prices of RON95 petrol and diesel will remain unchanged at RM2.05 and RM2.15 per litre respectively until Nov 3, says the Finance Ministry.

The ministry said however that the retail price of RON97 petrol will increase by 10 sen to RM2.97 per litre from Oct 28 until Nov 3.

The ministry said the prices were set based on the weekly retail prices of petroleum products using the Automatic Pricing Mechanism.

"To protect consumers from the effects of actual increase in oil prices on the global market, the government has maintained the retail price of RON95 at the ceiling price of RM2.05 per litre and diesel at RM2.15 per litre, although the actual market prices for both products have exceeded the set ceiling prices,” it said in a statement today.

The ministry also said the government would continue to monitor the trends of global crude oil prices and take appropriate measures to ensure the continued welfare and well-being of the people.


Warming up to the BMW 320d GT

                Show some love to the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo and it will love you right back.

When it comes to choosing a BMW 3 Series luxury sedan, you’ve got more choices than most what with 11 variants on offer.

There is however, a 3 Series that stands out among the pack (besides the range-topping M series that is) and it’s none other than the Gran Turismo or GT variant.

We got our hands on the turbo-diesel 2.0-litre BMW 320d Gran Turismo Luxury Line (it also comes in the petrol version, the 328i GT) and, at first glance, it tends to confuse most people (this writer included) with its looks.

The side profile of the 320d GT bears more resemblance to a coupe or a crossover than a sedan.

Yet, if you view it from the front with its long flowing bonnet, there’s no mistaking it for a sedan.

It’s only when you get to the back that you realise the rear overhang stops short.

This particular design element of the 3-Series GT has gotten some mixed reactions from the handful of people I’ve asked about it.

It’s all a matter of taste but I personally like it because it has that fastback look about it.

On top of it, the car has an active rear-spoiler which raises automatically at high speeds or with a touch of a button, you can manually leave it on for an aggressive effect.

The 320d GT has a maximum output of 184hp at 4,000rpm but it’s the torque that makes all the difference with 380Nm at 1,750 to 2,750rpm mated to an eight-speed sport automatic transmission.

The tremendous twisting force available at lower rpms is immediately noticeable once you’re behind the wheel because the car just pulls away effortlessly.

Case in point: my house is situated on an uphill slope so I’m used to dealing with cars (my wife’s and mine) rolling out sluggishly but there was none of that with the 320d GT.

In fact, the BMW had no trouble going uphill or steep inclines in the time that I was testing the car.

It’s really easy to get around the city because the steering wheel is light to the touch and responsive that manoeuvring it through traffic or narrow parking lots was hardly an issue.

The 320d GT has a sleek and muscular exterior and you know immediately that you’re dealing with a substantial vehicle that not only feels solid but looks it too.

It’s this commanding presence that I always find imposing and I get worried about driving such a big car around.

Honestly though, there is no cause for concern because even the most petite person can handle this car with ease.

Now the 320d GT has a fair bit of chrome highlights on the exterior which can be found in the grille, side frames, front and rear bumpers, tailpipe and even the air intakes.

It adds a nice touch of class what with the 18-inch alloy wheels with Multi-spoke style 416 design and frameless doors.

Once inside, it is very elegant too with the aluminium, chrome and Fineline Anthracite wood trimmings and Dakota leather upholstery.

While there’s all the elements that make it luxurious, it is still functional with the driver-centric layout of the centre dash.

There you will find the 8.8-inch display, climate controls and in the centre console you’ll find the gear stick, driver mode rocker and the iDrive controller knob among other things.

There’s also paddle shifters for those of you who enjoy having such control at your disposal.

The seats are comfortable especially for long distance travelling and the cabin is quiet with very minimal noise, vibration and harshness levels.

The suspension is firm enough to absorb potholes and uneven surfaces but there’s no compromise on comfort either.

Steering is sharp and the brakes has a nice bite to it but it’s the handling that takes the cake for this car.

Taking turns and bends with this car is nothing short of awesome.

When I experienced some body-roll while taking a corner, I gave it a bit more gas and it evened out straightaway and exited beautifully.

And if you like spirited driving, then you’ll have a lot of fun with this car.

The exhaust note is raspy without being harsh and there is a slight turbo-lag but it’s hardly noticeable and it’s nothing short of a teeth-clenching experience when it kicks-in.

Being a diesel, this car is really frugal and the only way I could get the gas gauge needle to drop was to engage it in Sport mode (which also enhances the driving experience) and only then did it show signs of guzzling.

And it’s a practical car too.

Despite its truncated rear appearance, it does not compromise on legroom or luggage space.

It’s actually much roomier with a wheelbase of 2,920mm which makes it longer than the other 3 Series vehicles and closer in fact, to that of the 5 Series.

And it’s sloping roof line does not hamper headroom either.

The boot, with an automated tailgate, is also pretty cavernous at 520 litres.

As such, it’s very hard to find any faults with the 320d GT.

If you want a luxury sedan that is frugal, functional and fun, and stands out among the sea of 3 Series out there, then look no further.


Carsifu drives the BMW 330e plug-in hybrid

                MUNICH: BMW in Malaysia has been pushing its hybrid electric vehicle agenda with the recent roll-out of the X5 plug-in hybrid. Next on the cards is the 330e.

Munich’s clear blue skies, cool winds and stretches of winding country roads are best enjoyed with one of Bavaria’s latest offerings - a BMW 330e iPerformance plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that pays tribute to the German automaker’s slogan of “sheer driving pleasure”.

Externally, the 330e maintains the look of any other F30 (BMW’s internal code for the current generation 3 Series) out there, but those with a keen eye will first notice the 330e nomenclature, the “e-drive” badge on the C-pillars and an unusual trapezoidal flap located just aft of the front-left wheel.

The company’s reputation tends to precede itself in that whenever a vehicle rolls out with a blue and white roundel, it’s usually nothing less than a ‘driver’s machine’.

However, it can be confusing for some, since a few Japanese carmakers have practically set the ball rolling in the direction of hybrid vehicles being anything “but” performance oriented.

While they may help save precious pennies and lessen the impact on the environment, they just aren’t able to strike an emotive chord with its performance and handling.

BMW, unfortunately, isn’t the first German carmaker to try and dispel such a notion - that belongs to a German sportscar maker some 230km away from Munich in Stuttgart, but what it has done is merge the best of both worlds (the internal combustion engine and the electric motor) into one.

That is to say that new owners will have the comfortable confines of this German luxury sedan with all its glory on one hand and the abilities of a Nissan Leaf on the other.

What lies beneath the hood is a 2.0-litre (1,998cc) four-cylinder turbocharged engine that’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission from long-time transmission-provider ZF, and adds on Steptronic manual mode as well as paddle-shifters.

The combustion engine gets its petrol from a 60-litre fuel tank to produce 135hp and 290Nm of torque that’s combined with the abilities of an electric motor capable of 88hp and 250Nm of torque alone.

Total system output for the 330e now resides at 252hp and 420Nm of torque, allowing it to sprint from 0-100kph in 6.1 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 225kph.

What was interesting was that we picked up the car in Garching - a district within Munich and home to BMW M GmbH high-performance/motorsport vehicle research and development centre, and proceeded to drive it all the way purely in electric mode back to Munich’s city centre, some 20km during evening traffic.

There was virtually nothing to indicate that the electric motor was struggling to get the car moving, especially when we found ourselves trapped in stop-go traffic.

Finally, we made it past one of the Autobahn’s congested exits and the road finally opened up once more.

Although the electric motor with 88hp might sound like an under achiever, it’s really the 250Nm of torque that’s available from 0 to 2,500rpm - yes it’s that instantaneous.

It’s the torque that helps get the 1,735kg (kerb) car moving with effortless gusto as the electric motor whirs away like a barely audible jet engine firing up.

As we comfortably reached a maximum cruising speed of 120kph in pure electric mode, there was just the slight intrusion of wind and tyre noise from the 18-inch wheels with grippy 225/45 (front) and 255/40 (rear) Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres.

We also found that if more power was demanded with the accelerator pedal while at maximum electric speed, the battery’s charge levels begin to diminish at a quicker rate.

Almost an hour later, our humble German hotel was in sight and the battery’s power levels was close to its end, but unlike some other hybrids, the battery didn’t seem to struggle to provide the necessary power.

Since we didn’t have access to a plug-point to help recharge the car’s battery pack, we started the next day with roughly about 10% charge left which depleted quickly due to city congestion and higher temperatures compared to the previous day.

If only we had access to a charging station or just a normal wall plug, we could have actually spent the next 20-odd kilometres in electric mode again and conserve fuel for the more winding sections.

We headed south to visit Munich’s various lakes and after almost two hours of driving, we stopped at the small town of Steinach to take in some good German food, the fresh air and the scenic Austrian hills.

Pushing the 330e through the tight and twisties wasn’t half as bad in the handling department, despite its additional 160-190kg over its 330i sibling.

Although the accelerative performance could be felt, the excess weight seemed to have slightly dulled the cornering performance, but it still manages to keep its composure around the bends thanks to the Adaptive M suspension system that lowers the car by 10mm when at speed and Michelin’s high-grip tyres.

In the braking department, the 330e was equipped with the optional Brembo-sourced M Sport braking system for a little more consistency in brake feel, which uses a set of four-piston (front) and two-piston (rear) ‘M’-logo blue callipers to bite down on the 345mm (front) and 340mm (rear) solid discs.

The car, however, was weighed down by three adult males averaging a modest 80kg each and our luggage that filled up the 370-litre boot, while the hefty 7.6kWh lithium-ion battery resides beneath it, which made us wonder if we could better gauge the car if it weren’t so laden.

The electric motor is actually located up front, replacing the torque converter, for better efficiency and weight savings, which means the 330e’s weight distribution is now a little more towards the aft.

As for the combustion engine, it simply gives when the foot demands, but when there’s a greedy moment, the electric motor kicks in seamlessly to cover any of the engine’s short-comings.

With the Start-Stop function active, there’s going to be a hint of ‘shake’ when the engine fires up - this is also evident when the engine kicks for more power while in electric mode at low speeds, but nonetheless a smoother transition compared to the Bavarian brand’s long-time rival.

Before the day ended with the ‘shaking’ of hands (no pun intended) and the parting of good company, we had clocked nearly 400km on the odometer with just a little more than half the fuel tank depleted thanks to a few good spirited sessions.

We find it hard to pin-point any of the 330e’s misgivings especially after having put it through its paces.

Because of its wide range of abilities, many should find it more of a bundle of joy especially when it comes with fuel-cost savings; that sporty BMW-handling (flat, grippy and composed) and the effortless, smooth or visceral acceleration to name a few.

In our books, the 330e has certainly managed to stamp out the negative stigma of PHEV’s being boring vehicles by adding some proper performance and handling to the mix that translates into both a joyful and satisfying drive.

And since it left a deep and lasting impression, we deem it more than worthy enough for anyone who can cough up the just under RM250,000 (estimated) asking price following its launch during the BMW Innovation Days at Desa Parkcity, Kuala Lumpur from Aug 26 till 28.

READ MORE: BMW X5 xDrive40e launched at RM389k


Some early Ford Mustang Mach-E owners suffer dead batteries

                DETROIT: Early owners of Ford Motor Co’s newest electric vehicle, the Mustang Mach-E crossover, have experienced a battery problem that leaves their vehicles unable to start after charging, according to a service bulletin filed by Ford with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Ford said a software glitch can cause the vehicle’s smaller 12-volt battery to discharge while the larger high-voltage battery pack is charging.

Owners who have experienced the issue said they are unable to start their vehicles after charging, according to The Verge, which first reported the issue on Thursday.

Ford said only “a small number” of Mach-Es built before Feb 3 were affected, and dealers are able to correct the issue by reprogramming several of the electronic control modules on the vehicle.

Ford said it sold 6,614 Mach-Es in the first quarter. Tesla, the industry’s electric vehicle leader, said it delivered a record 184,800 cars worldwide in the quarter.


Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer unveiled

                LOS ANGELES: While hybrid power units officially debut in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 2024, race fans and car enthusiasts alike will be treated to a “sneak preview” of the incoming technology with the debut of the Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer at next month’s season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St Petersburg, Florida.

The CR-V Hybrid Racer places a 2.2-litre twin-turbocharged, electrified Honda V6 INDYCAR power unit and transmission under 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid bodywork to create the “rolling laboratory” for the continued development of electrified technology by Honda and HPD.

The CR-V Hybrid Racer runs on Shell’s 100% renewable race fuel; and features world-leading Skeleton Supercapacitors and Empel MGU hybrid motor technology. The result is an electrified monster that's able to unleash an astounding 800hp.

The Chromoly steel tube chassis of the CR-V Hybrid Racer is clothed in suitably “hybrid” bodywork designed by NAAD. From the beltline up, the Hybrid Racer used a standard production sixth-generation CR-V steel body, including the glass windshield, windows and even the sunroof.

The lower half is of carbon-composite construction, incorporating a massive front splitter and louvered, flared fenders. An equally large rear wing and butterfly half-cut doors on either side for the driver and passenger complete the bodywork.

The project car was conceived and designed by the engineers at Honda Performance Development (HPD) in California and designers from the North America Auto Design Division (NAAD) of American Honda; then built at Honda Automotive Development Center (ADC) in Ohio by the Honda of America Racing Team (HART).

“The CR-V Hybrid Racer is our ‘rolling electrified laboratory’, to investigate where the talented men and women of HPD and Honda could go with electrification, hybrid technology and 100% renewable fuels," said David Salters, president and technical director for Honda Performance Development, the North American racing arm of American Honda and Acura.

"It epitomises Honda’s fun-to-drive ethos, showcases electrification and it just rocks our car culture roots and racing heritage! We present the CR-V Hybrid Racer – aka ‘The HPD Beast’!”

The finished Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer is clothed in a one-of-a-kind wrap, designed by Lili Melikian, senior exterior designer. The eye-catching design contains a variety of “easter eggs” including ghosted images of the powertrain and INDYCAR SERIES circuits.

“The graphics were inspired by the hybrid powertrain, radiating from Honda Hybrid Blue to Honda Racing Red to symbolize the duality of the drivetrain,” Melikian explained.

“While the ‘speed squirkles’ add a dynamic fun layer and showcase the playful side of Power of Dreams. Throughout the wrap, we have also sprinkled easter eggs like ghosted outlines of Honda-sponsored tracks and an overhead view of the engine that powers the Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer.”

While under development, the project carried the appropriate code name “The Beast”, with looks reminiscent of the silhouette GT racing and Group B rally cars of the 1980s and ‘90s. But the technology under the skin is strictly 21st century.

The CR-V Hybrid Racer will make its public debut on March 3-5 at the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

The unique vehicle will be on display and making on-track demonstrations at multiple INDYCAR events at various US cities.

Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer SpecificationsPowertrain

Honda HI23TT 2.2-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 engine
Borg Warner EFR7163 turbochargers
McLaren Applied Technologies Tag 400i Engine Control Unit
Drive-by-wire controlled port throttle
Shell 100% renewable race fuel
Driver-activated Empel electric motor generator unit
Skeleton super capacitor energy storage system
XTRAC six-speed transmission; Mega-Line Assisted paddle-shift

Chassis and Bodywork

Chromoly tube frame chassis
New, 6th generation Honda CR-V Hybrid bodywork from beltline up
Standard Honda CR-V Hybrid windshield and greenhouse
Custom carbon fiber lower bodywork incorporating flared fenders
Butterfly half-cut doors provide access for driver and passenger
Radiator adapted by HPD from the Dallara IR-18 Indy car
Clamshell rear bodywork to display power unit and drivetrain
Custom downforce-producing front splitter and rear wing

Suspension

Front suspension from HPD-developed Acura NSX GT-3 Evo22
Rear suspension adapted from Dallara IR-18 Indy car
Brembo 380mm front brakes from Acura NSX GT-3 Evo22
Brembo 355mm custom rear brakes adapted to Dallara IR-18 suspension
Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 Ultra-High Performance Summer Tires
Front tyres 285/35-20; Rear tires a massive 305/35-20
2Elle Engineering 20x10.5 Front and 20x11 Rear two-piece alloy wheels


Stellantis denies reports of tie-ups with Chinese firms

File pic of the key players Mike Manley (left) and John Elkann at Stellantis. Manley will head Stellantis’ key North American operations, while Elkann will be chairman. — AFP
AMSTERDAM: Stellantis NV, the newly-formed company from the merger between Fiat Chrysler automobiles NV and PSA Group, has denied a Chinese news report that it is in talks for a new merger with carmakers from China, Stellantis said Sunday in an emailed statement to Bloomberg News.

"Stellantis remains committed to its current joint venture partners Dongfeng Motor Corporation and Guangzhou automotive Group,” it said.

Chinese media Yicai reported earlier that Stellantis is in discussions to form a new venture with carmakers Chery automobile Co. Ltd. and Guangzhou automobile Group. Stellantis is planning to hold 75% of the shares in the venture, which will make a variety of vehicles, including energy efficient ones, according to Yicai, citing sources it didn’t identify.

Stellantis may also close an existing joint venture in China to offload some of its capacity, the publication said.


Audi starts production of Q8 e-tron in Brussels

                BRUSSELS: The first Audi Q8 e-tron drove off the production line at the Brussels plant on Dec 14, marking the start of an era for the new top model in Audi’s electric SUV range.

The plant has been a role model for sustainable production since the production of the Audi e-tron began. Around 160,000 units of Audi’s first electric model have been delivered since 2018.

The Audi Q8 e-tron will reach customers in Europe and the United States as a certified net carbon-neutral1 car.

From 2025, production at all Audi plants will be carbon neutral as part of the company-wide environmental program Mission:Zero.

Named “Factory of the Future” in 2020 by the employers’ association Agoria, Brussels achieved this distinction as early as 2018. Since production of the Audi e-tron began, the Belgium site has been recognized as the world’s first certified carbon-neutral high-volume production plant in the premium segment.

The site switched to green power back in 2012.

Among other things, Audi Brussels installed one of the region’s largest photovoltaic systems on the plant premises, covering 107,000 square metres.

The system generates around 9,000-megawatt hours of power from sustainable energy every year. That’s enough to charge some 90,000 Audi Q8 e-tron units and reduce carbon emissions by 1,881 tons.

The companies that supply the battery cells are obliged to use only renewable energy sources for production.

The electric traction motors for production are transported from Hungary to Brussels by green freight. Since May 2022, Audi has been using rail transport on the 1,300km route, a decision that reduces carbon emissions by around 2,600 tons annually.

The new Q8 e-tron’s optimised drive concept, improved aerodynamics, and higher charging performance and battery capacity result in an increased range of up to 582km in the SUV and up to 600km in the Sportback (both according to the WLTP).

Audi also uses recycled materials in some components for the Audi Q8 e-tron. These materials, recovered via a recycling process, save resources and ensure a closed material cycle that is both efficient and sustainable.

In 2021, Audi Brussels produced 43,866 all-electric cars.

Starting in the second half of 2023, more than 3,000 employees will also make the Q4 e-tron here.

 Instead of twelve, there are now 14 windings producing the electrical magnet field on the Audi Q8 e-tron. Audi mounts virtual exterior mirrors in Brussels on request. The body and chassis of the Audi Q8 e-tron are connected.


MV Agusta service centre opens in Gasket Alley, Petaling Jaya

                PETALING JAYA: Good news to all MV Agusta owners. Goh Brothers Motorcycles has been appointed as the official sales support partner for service maintenance, repair and warranty for all MV Agusta motorcycles in Malaysia.

The new authorised service outlet is at Gasket Alley, Petaling Jaya.

“We are honoured to be selected as the partner for this renowned super-premium motorcycle brand in Malaysia,” said Goh Brothers Motorcycles chairman Goh Kian Sin.

“To start the process of building the brand and ownership experience via aftersales, we have sent our team for training at Agusta’s factory in Italy on top of ensuring proper tools and equipment are ready on the service floor,”he said.

MV Agusta motorcycle owners outside the Klang Valley are not forgotten as plans are in place to have new service centres to serve them at their locations.

Goh Brothers Motorcycles is also the operator for Harley-Davidson of Petaling Jaya and official after-sales provider for Aprilia, Moto Guzzi and Zero Engineering Motorcycles at Gasket Alley.


Audi and partners show how C-V2X can improve safety for schoolchildren

                ATLANTA: Audi of America has completed a cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) initial deployment to refine the technology for communities to adopt and begin to lay the groundwork for integration into future production vehicles.

The test site spanned 78.5-square-mile at the the Fulton County School System, one of Georgia’s largest school districts in Alpharetta, an Atlanta suburb.

Audi began the project in 2020 with school bus maker Blue Bird; the city of Alpharetta; Fulton Co. School System and Temple, Inc. The partners tested C-V2X through both LTE and 5G networks with the Fulton County School System. Over 130 connected traffic signals formed part of the connected infrastructure.

The deployment leveraged C-V2X solutions provided by Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., and Commsignia, to test roadside units (RSUs) from Applied Information, which were mounted in flashing speed limit signs near school zones.

A 2021 Audi e-tron Sportback electric SUV and a propane-powered Blue Bird school bus were also equipped with Qualcomm Technologies’ and Commsignia’s C-V2X solutions. This initial deployment demonstrated that when active in school zones, the RSU is designed to send a direct, low-latency signal to the connected Audi, alerting the driver with a visual warning and audible signal to slow down. The technology can warn drivers when they’re entering an active school zone or approaching a school bus to reduce risks for children and vulnerable road users.

Similarly, when a Blue Bird school bus extends its stop arm, it alerts oncoming traffic that children may be entering or exiting a school bus. This is especially helpful on curvy or hilly roads where a driver might not be able to see the bus.

Studies show that stop-arm violations—when a car drives past a stopped school bus illegally—continue to be one of the most significant dangers to children and other vulnerable road users around school buses with an estimated 17 million stop-arm violations in the US in 2019.

Moving forward, the partners see significant opportunities to deploy C-V2X systems nationwide so that vehicle manufacturers, companies that create roadside infrastructure, and local authorities can deliver increased road safety that particularly benefits school children.

Additionally, vehicles with built-in infrastructure, such as the Blue Bird school bus used in this deployment, demonstrate how vehicles can communicate with road signs and traffic-control devices and opens up opportunities to use in different public vehicles, such as buses, emergency vehicles, and other service equipment.


Toyota invites all to open house

                SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota is inviting everyone to its open house happening at all Toyota showrooms nationwide.

In conjunction with the Hari Raya celebrations, the open house will be taking place on from July 25 to 26 (10.00am to 6.00pm).

Toyota's open house will host a variety of interesting activities (depending on location) including Raya activities for the family, colouring contest and a selfie booth to name a few.

Also, visitors can enjoy Hari Raya delicacies such as ketupat, lemang, rendang, raya cookies and many more.

In addition, the company is offering cash rebates and additional accessories for selected Toyota models for new buyers.

The models being offered include the Toyota Vios 1.5 TRD Sportivo or 1.5G, which comes with cash rebates, a seven-inch touch screen infotainment system with GPS navigation and a reverse camera to name a few.

Those who purchase the Vios 1.5E or 1.5J will receive a Toyota Premium Security and Solar Film as well as cash rebates.

The Toyota Hilux also comes with cash rebates including an accessories packge that includes a seven-inch touch screen infotainment system with GPS navigation, reverse camera and a stainless steel sports bar to name a few.

For more information log on to www.toyota.com.my to find the nearest Toyota showroom.


myTukar rolls out enticing Raya festival offers

                KUALA LUMPUR: myTukar, is kicking off Raya festivities by giving out huge savings of up to RM27,000 on selected myTukar Certified cars along with giveaway prizes worth up to RM100,000 for grabs.

myTukar Certified is a certification process and stamp of assurance that ensures peace of mind and
safety.

It encompasses a rigorous 160-point inspection where all faults will be fixed and refurbished, 5-day money back guarantee, 12-month warranty on engine and gearbox, no mileage tampering and no major accidents, fire & flood damage for all cars.

Meanwhile, Malaysia’s fastest-growing used car ecosystem, is also holding a RM100,000 giveaway, which includes:

Lucky draws:
● Five 6D4N all-expense paid trips to Seoul, Korea for 2pax, worth RM11,600
● 11 Philips 43-inch Android TV worth RM1,799

Guaranteed gift (first come first serve):
● 300 petrol cards worth RM100 each

Customers just need to buy a myTukar Certified car for a chance to win the lucky draw.

Petrol cards will be given out to the first 300 customers who purchase a myTukar Certified car.

The #MenangfulRaya promotion is open and valid to all customers who purchase their cars online at mytukar.com and at our physical outlets. Terms and conditions apply.

On top of these great #MenangfulRaya promotions, customers looking to service their car can also enjoy:

- 30% discount on whole-car spray paint services, complimentary headlamp
coating with all rims respray worth RM800
- 50% discount on alignment and balancing services

For more details about the #MenangfulRaya promo, visit myTukar.

The physical outlets are open from 9am to 8.30pm.

Central Region
> Puchong South Retail Experience Centre and Service Centre
> Glenmarie Retail Experience Centre
> Midvalley Retail Experience Centre
> One Utama Retail Experience Centre

Southern Region
> Skudai Retail Retail Experience Centre and Service Centre
> Plentong Retail Experience Centre and Service Centre
> Malacca Retail Experience Centre
> Seremban Retail Experience Centre and Service Centre

Northern Region
> Juru Autocity Retail Experience Centre
> Ipoh Retail Experience Centre


Automakers salivate over 'oasis' Cuba

                The world’s most prominent automakers are hungrily eyeing up Cuba after its rapprochement deal with the United States.

But trade restrictions that are still in place for Americans and a litany of concerns about Havana’s policies means they are unlikely to dive in any time soon.

Washington and communist Cuba in December began the painstaking process of restoring diplomatic relations and easing the five-decade-old trade embargo.

President Barack Obama declared that the United States was ready for a “new chapter” in relations.

It still needs Congress to fully lift the embargo - and if that happens it could take some time - but businessmen are already looking for ways to establish an early position in a country they expect could surge economically with a bit more liberalisation.

Automakers at the Detroit auto show were not talking out loud about the mouthwatering possibilities, but the potential for the largest island in the Caribbean, with a population of 11 million, was on the minds of many.

“We’re very encouraged by the news that the countries intend to normalize relations. We will certainly evaluate any opportunities that may present themselves,” said Patrick Morrissey, a General Motors spokesman.

“We are studying the eventual opportunities for GM in Cuba.”

Christine Becker, a spokesman for Ford, said they also were keeping an interested eye on Cuba.

“We will review that initiative in order to determine its potential impact for the industry. We have to better understand it. We don’t rule anything out for now,” she said.

South Korea’s Kia, which produces some of the lowest-priced cars on the US market, said it welcomed the change in policy towards Cuba, but told AFP it too had no tangible plans for the island’s market.

Experts identify a number of hurdles automakers are going to have to overcome in Cuba, which is famous for the decades-old classic American cars that ply its dusty and unforgiving roads.

The US embargo and other economic isolation forced by the communist economy has denied car parts for those rich enough to have them, forcing skilled Cuban mechanics to keep them alive for decades.

Akshay Anand, an analyst at the industry specialist Kelley Blue Book, told AFP: “No doubt there’s a potential growth. Cubans love American cars, the demand is there.

“You can look at it and say Cuba is an oasis for the automakers.”

The buying power of Cubans remains low, but with investment slowly beginning to flow in to a range of businesses from agriculture to tourism, a surge in demand for modern vehicles is seen as inevitable.

But the current limited US opening leaves most investment and sales by Americans tightly restricted.

It allows Americans to sell farm equipment to support Cuban farmers; it is not clear if that will extend, for instance, to pickup trucks.

In the attractive shape of the vintage cars on Cuba’s roads, Detroit has an indelible history in the island’s motoring sector, readily visible to visitors.
Sometimes flashy and often crudely patched and rickety Pontiacs, Plymouths, Dodges and Chevrolets make up the island’s 70,000 “almendrones,” cars affectionately called large almonds for their rounded shape.

There are also Peugeots, Skodas, Ladas and Chinese models that entered the country between the 1960s and 1990s.

They too depend on the skills of Cuban craftsmen-mechanics to keep them chugging along in the absence of replacement parts.


Lodge police reports on flood-damaged cars yourself, owners told

An aerial view of the parking lot of apartments in Sri Muda, Shah Alam, with cars damaged by the recent floods. — Bernama
SHAH ALAM: Police have advised owners of vehicles affected by the recent floods to lodge reports personally and not through third parties.

They should also take photographs of the vehicles and provide complete information on the condition and who towed them, said Federal CID director Comm Datuk Seri Abd Jalil Hassan.

He said to ease the process of making the police reports, the owners should also state the last location of their vehicles before the floods occurred.

“If the vehicles are lost or broken into, list the missing valuables from these vehicles,” he said at the flood operation centre at Taman Sri Muda on Saturday.
Comm Abd Jalil added that the owners should also obtain information from the towing companies or the local authorities on where the vehicles would be taken to.

He also reminded the owners to take photographs of their vehicles before being towed away and the tow trucks used for reference by the insurance companies.

Comm Abd Jalil said 40 men and three women had been arrested following several cases of thefts and looting in flooded areas in Selangor since Dec 17.

“We are investigating all cases and will refer them to the deputy public prosecutors once the investigations are completed,” he said.

According to Bernama, he also advised the public to prioritise their personal safety as well as safeguard their belongings.

“Comply with the instructions in flooded areas,” he said.


Car child seat ruling may not be enforced, ministry to study issue

                KUALA LUMPUR: The ruling on the car child seat may not be enforced next year, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

He said the Government was not bound to implement the ruling which was made by the previous administration.

Former Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai had said that car owners travelling with young children would be compelled to have child seats in their vehicles by 2019.

"The announcement by the previous government on this matter may not be necessarily be implemented or enforced,” said Loke.

“The Ministry needs to relook at the ruling and determine its practicality,” he said after visiting the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) in Kajang on Thursday.


VW slows output at Wolfsburg plant amid tepid European demand

                FRANKFURT: Volkswagen AG will reduce output at its largest factory in Wolfsburg, Germany, on four days this month as consumer appetite for new cars remains weak in Europe.

Volkswagen will temporarily halt production on two assembly lines that make the Tiguan, Touran and SEAT Tarraco models and cancel one shift at a separate line that produces the Golf hatchback, the company said Tuesday in an emailed statement.

“We have to keep operating flexibly depending on customers’ vehicle orders,” the German carmaker said, adding that it hopes the situation will normalise as soon as possible.

 The Wolfsburg plant.

The world’s largest automaker gradually restarted output in Europe last month along with peers from Daimler AG to Renault SA after the coronavirus outbreak shuttered factories in March and most of April.

But while lockdown measures are easing, many customers still stay clear of showrooms as the economic fallout of the crisis has started to push up unemployment across the region.

Volkswagen said while sales in China exceeded the prior-year level in April, it will keep adjusting output to demand until sales in Europe pick up.


Zipcar and Honda expand partnership

                BOSTON: Zipcar, the world's leading car-sharing network, and Honda today announced an expansion of their strategic mobility partnership.

The agreement will add hundreds of new Honda vehicles to Zipcar's diverse fleet, while focusing on supporting Zipcar's university program in California and the expansion of Zipcar's successful service in Columbus, Ohio.

In Columbus, a first-of-its-kind exclusive Honda car-sharing fleet is launching today, expanding Zipcar's already successful program in the city.

Zipcar first launched in Columbus in June 2018. Under the latest expansion, 30 vehicles will be in operation at 17 locations across the city, including a new campus car-sharing program at The Ohio State University.

In California, Honda is Zipcar's preferred automotive partner at schools within the University of California system and select campuses within the California State University network. Honda will offer special rates on Zipcar memberships to students on campus and special driving rates to Zipcar members who use the 145 Honda vehicles located at dozens of campus locations.

"Through our long-time strategic relationship with Honda, we've been able to offer our members access to high-quality vehicles and support a number of valuable mobility programs, including the two new initiatives we're announcing today," said Tracey Zhen, Zipcar president. "Honda's focus on innovation and new technologies aligns well with Zipcar's approach to providing an industry-defining, simple, indispensable product to campuses and cities. We're pleased to continue working with Honda to bring Zipcar to more people in more places."

Through the expanded partnership, nearly 200 new Honda vehicles will now be available to Zipcar members, including the Honda Civic, Honda CR-V, Honda Fit, Honda HR-V and Honda Odyssey. Zipcar and Honda announced their strategic partnership in 2012. Together, they continue to expand and test new cost-effective mobility solutions to help consumers get around easier.


TCEAS launches DriveOn app for Nissan, Renault and Infiniti owners

                KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis (TCEAS) today launched its first vehicle service mobile application dubbed 'DriveOn' for owners of its Nissan, Renault and Infiniti brands of vehicles.

The new mobile app provides a real-time convenience for owners to schedule their vehicle's maintenance and is available free of charge via Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

As part of the launch campaign, the first 5,000 successful app download and registration by Nissan, Renault and Infiniti owners will receive a 5% discount for vehicle parts by TCEAS.

Such conveniences include scheduling service appointments via a live-view of available service slots.

Users of the app are also able to locate one of TCEAS 60 service centres through the app, set a favourite and receive navigation directions to the preferred centre.

Also, appoints for the Takata airbag inflator recall campaign can also be made through the app.

The app allows the owner the ability to record, store, view and track their vehicle's service history.

Information on each service is also available in terms of service package information, parts and price estimation in advance.

It also comes with service reminders when the service date nears and can notify its owner once the vehicle is ready for collection.

The app provides access to 24-hour emergency roadside assistance and a call centre for vehicle-related assistance as well as ‘Do’s & Don’ts’ information in the event of an accident.

App-only promotions, as well as upcoming events, will also be forwarded to owners and includes offers to obtain GoCar services while their vehicle is undergoing maintenance.

This includes reading materials via its inbuilt 'Drive On' e-magazine that provides the latest Nissan news and developments, tips on driving
and maintenance as well as other topics of interest.

Additionally, multiple vehicles owned by the same person can also be registered in the app.

For more information, log on to www.tceas.com or call 1800-88-3838 (Nissan), 1800-88-8663 (Renault) or 1800-88-3330 (Infiniti).


Nissan teams up with Yokohama in electric car sharing service

                YOKOHAMA: Nissan Motor Co Ltd and the city of Yokohama have introduced a round-trip car sharing service today featuring the Nissan New Mobility Concept, an ultra-compact electric vehicle.

The service, “Choimobi Yokohama,” enables users who register online to pick up and return cars in 14 locations around Yokohama Station.

Cars can be reserved 30 minutes in advance and can be driven within the city.

The service costs 250 yen (RM9.80) per 15 minutes plus a 200 yen (RM7.90) basic charge, with a maximum daily charge of 3,000 yen (RM118).

Users need a Japanese driver’s license, a smartphone and a Japan-issued credit card.

Registration is available on the Choimobi website: https://nissan-rentacar.com/choimobi-yokohama/.

Nissan and the City of Yokohama previously conducted a two-year trial of Japan’s first one-way car sharing service using ultra-compact electric vehicles, starting in October 2013.

The aim was to encourage low-emission transport options, improve the quality of transportation and promote tourism.

In October 2015, the partnership began renting cars to local tour operators and businesses.

The new round-trip service is meant to further promote ultra-compact mobility and build a sustainable business model through public-private cooperation.

The service will also include guided tours around central Yokohama and long-term car rentals for businesses.


Aussie firm plans RM1bil plant in Sarawak to make EV-grade battery chemical

                KUCHING: Australia-based Element 25 Pte Ltd is planning a major investment in a manufacturing plant in Sarawak to produce high purity manganese sulphate (HPMSM) for lithium-ion batteries used by electric vehicles (EVs).

HPMSM is the highest purity “battery grade” manganese chemical used in lithium-ion batteries.

Element 25, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, has proposed to invest A$300mil to A$400mil (RM904mil to RM1.21bil) in the project.

The company’s top executives presented the proposal to Sarawak Deputy Premier and Minister of International Trade and Investment Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and his delegation at a recent roundtable networking session with Australia Malaysia Business Chamber Western Australia in Perth.

During the meeting, Element 25 briefed the Sarawak delegation on the proposed investment in the manufacturing plant.

Element 25 managing director Justin Brown and development manager Neil Graham had met Awang Tengah here in May to express the company’s interest to invest in the HPMSM manufacturing project.

The company has then proposed to undertake a feasibility study for the project as it noted that Sarawak is interested in EVs and already has a copper foil producer in Kuching.Element 25 is the operator of the Butcherbird manganese project, which hosts a resource of more than 263 tonnes of manganese ore.

The company recorded its first commercial shipment of manganese concentrate in July 2021, according to the company’s 2021 annual report.

Under a take-or-pay offtake arrangement, Element 25 is selling 100% of the manganese ore produced (up to 400,000 tonnes per annum) to OM Materials (S) Pte Ltd (wholly-owned by OM Holdings Ltd), which owns and operates a ferroalloy and manganese smelting plant in Samalaju Industrial Park, Bintulu.

In addition to the manganese concentrate export business, Element 25 has completed extensive research and development and laboratory test work into the production of high purity manganese products, including battery grade HPMSM and high purity electrolytic manganese metal (HPEMM).

The work, said Element 25, has highlighted that the Butcherbird ores are highly amenable to an ambient temperature, atmospheric pressure leach process, resulting in an efficient extraction of the manganese into solutions – the key requirement for the cost effective and sustainable production of HPMSM and HPEMM.

“Element 25 is looking towards the future through pursuing stage two expansion of Butcherbird and opportunities to produce value added products, including HPMSM for EV batteries to power the global transition away from fossil-fuel-powered mobility.

“Manganese is emerging as an increasingly important ingredient for EV batteries, with the potential supply constraints for nickel and cobalt forcing battery manufacturers to look to high manganese cathodes to produce a vast amount of cathode material required for the EV industry,” said the annual report.

In welcoming the planned investment, Awang Tengah said the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies, including lithium-ion batteries for EV, is gaining popularity due to decarbonisation.

“Sarawak welcomes manufacturing activities as they are in line with our Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 that aims to achieve a high-income economy.”

Awang Tengah said with the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the strategic location of Sarawak will become more prominent to attract foreign direct investment in the manufacturing sector.

During the roundtable meeting, Awang Tengah hoped for more potential investments in Sarawak by Australian companies by strengthening the collaboration in business and trade between Sarawak and Western Australia.

He said total trade between Sarawak and Australia in 2021 amounted to A$1.1bil (RM3.32bil).

Sarawak exported RM1.2bil worth of goods, mainly crude petroleum, plywood and urea, to Australia last year and imported mainly aluminium ores and concentrate from Australia.


CaltexGO now available at participating Caltex stations nationwide

                KUALAL LUMPUR: Chevron Malaysia Ltd, which markets the Caltex retail brand in Malaysia, has made its CaltexGO app available nationwide.

Like Petronas' Setel app, CaltexGO is a mobile app that allows customers to pay for their fuel transactions without physically visiting the counter.

The nationwide launch marks the next step in Chevron’s effort to engage with customers through new and innovative ways.

Chevron Malaysia country chairman Jay Gomez said the company has been keeping busy by developing and launching new products and promotions in an effort to innovate for the future, providing additional connectivity and mobility options for customers.

“In September 2021, we piloted CaltexGO in the Klang Valley, and we are now ready to roll out the app nationwide. With CaltexGO, motorists in Malaysia will enjoy additional benefits to refuel with speed and convenience,” he said at a post-Hari Raya open house at the company's newly launched station in Putrajaya.

Chevron International Fuels & Lubricants (Asia Pacific Sales) vice-president Toh Yu Lee said the company's downstream approach is centred around being closer to the customer.

“It is achieved through our station network across the country and retail innovations that allow easy access to our products and offerings. Digitalization is at the forefront of our approach to find new and inventive ways to reach our consumers with the ever-changing customer connection trends.

“CaltexGO is a tool for us to do just that, and its nationwide accessibility will now make it more convenient for more consumers to use the app,” Toh said.

In conjunction with the nationwide launch, customers can enjoy a RM5 cashback when fuelling a minimum of RM30 with CaltexGO.

For details on the CaltexGO cashback promotion, visit www.caltex.com.my.


Thailand's EV registrations take giant leap — over 450% in December

                BANGKOK: Thailand's battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations skyrocketed by 458.33 per cent from a year earlier to 2,680 units in December 2022, boosted by the government's supportive policy, reported Xinhua citing data Tuesday.

The new registrations were mainly BEV passenger cars and motorcycles, which saw a year-on-year increase of 820 per cent and 266.22 per cent, respectively, according to data from the Federation of Thai Industries.

In 2022, the BEV registration totalled 20,815, up 274.64 per cent from one year earlier, with passenger cars recording a 395.78-per cent rise to 9,643 units, according to the FTI.

The strong growth came amid the Thai government's efforts to build Thailand into an electric vehicle (EV) production hub and make EVs account for 30 per cent of its total auto production by 2030.

To encourage the use of EVs, the government unveiled supportive schemes last year, including subsidies for vehicle purchases and tax incentives for EV imports.


Senior drivers striving to stay on the road

Robertson giving a lift to Roberts amid a snowstorm on the first day of spring in Toms River, NJ on March 20, 2014. — AFP
Don Robertson isn’t the type to let a snowstorm on the first day of spring -- or his age -- stop him from doing his appointed rounds.

“Driving means to keep motivated,” says “Mr. Don” as he set outs in his SUV to pick up a fellow Jersey Shore senior who no longer holds a driver’s licence.

“You don’t be still and you don’t get stiff,” adds the sexagenarian New Jersey native who once drove 2-1/2 ton trucks for the US army.

“As long as you keep moving, you can keep going.”

With 20,000 Americans turning 65 every day, seniors behind the wheel - and their ability to keep driving safely into their 70, 80s and 90s - is a hot topic.

Nearly 85 percent held driver’s licenses in 2010, compared to barely half in the early 1970s, according to American Automobile Association (AAA) research.

“We know through research that older drivers are among the safest on the road,” said Jacob Nelson, the AAA’s director of traffic safety advocacy and research.

“They’re most likely to buckle up, least likely to speed and drink-and-drive,” he told AFP.

Yet, with age comes the prospect of illnesses that impact on the ability to safely drive -- from macular degeneration and hearing loss to dementia and Parkinson’s disease.

More than 90 percent of older drivers are also on some kind of prescription medicine, the AAA’s Foundation for Traffic Safety says.

High demand

They are “vulnerable road users,” said Nelson, statistically more likely to be injured or killed in a crash that a younger driver might walk away from.

Robertson is part of a team of senior drivers at Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey who give rides to other seniors who can no longer drive themselves.

Demand is high. In Ocean County - home to 92 retirement communities, and where one in five residents is over 65 - a ride to the doctor or dentist needs to be booked two weeks in advance.

“The need for transportation in our area is just huge,” Lynette Whiteman, Caregiver Volunteers’ executive director, told AFP.

Waiting for Robertson at her tidy bungalow was Mary Roberts, 88, who sadly remembered the day in June 2006 when she took herself off the road for good.

She was the passenger in a vehicle that crashed on the Garden State Parkway, a major north-south thoroughfare, throwing her head against the windshield.

After a weekend of rest, Roberts thought she was fine - until she attempted the otherwise routine drive to a local community services bureau where she helped manage the accounts.

“I found myself going on sidewalks and all over the place. I couldn’t seem to control the car and I didn’t know what to do when I saw a light,” she said.

“Finally I did manage to get to the office and I just cried and cried and cried” - and yet to be told by doctors that she suffered irreversible brain damage.

“Not being able to drive has changed my life in every aspect,” said Roberts from the front passenger’s seat of “Mr Don’s” ride.

She is open to the idea of a robot vehicle, like the self-driving car that Google is developing with an eye in part on the ever-growing retiree market.

Think ergonomics

“Look at people too young, old or disabled who can’t get around,” Google co-founder Sergey Brin told a technology conference last year.

“It’s an issue and a real challenge for them.,” he said, quoted in the Washington Post newspaper.

In the meantime, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) advises senior drivers to keep ergonomics in mind when car shopping.

Visibility, multi-directional seat adjusters, large-print instrumentation and the ability to easily load and unload a walker are some factors to take into account, it says.

Nelson from the AAA cautions, however, that “sometimes older adults can react very different to technology than we can anticipate.”

He cited research that found that a majority of seniors wrongly believed that adaptive cruise control would actually help them avoid hitting another car.

Online and classroom courses to sharpen the skills of senior drivers are widely available in the United States, with insurance discounts offered to those who get a passing grade.

Illinois goes further, requiring motorists over 75 to submit to a practical road test every time they renew their license -- which is every year for those over 87.

Overseas, Japan, the world’s fastest-ageing nation, is considering whether to force drivers over 75 with suspected dementia to see a doctor and present a medical certificate to police.

In Europe, where the number of over-65s has been projected to double between 2010 and 2050, rules vary between nations.

Italian and Portuguese drivers face medical check-ups from the age of 50; in France, attempts to require similar tests from age 75 have been rejected in parliament as “discriminatory”.

“In order to increase safety for older drivers, many countries have introduced some form of age-related controls for relicensing procedures,“ Britain’s Road Safety Observatory said in a recent study.

No hard proof

“However, to date, there is no conclusive evidence that age-related controls are effective at reducing risk for older drivers.”

Over coffee at the Caregiver Volunteers’ office, 69-year-old retiree Larry Akins, who with his wife clocks 18,000 miles a year, keeps his fingers crossed.

“I’m hoping,” he said when asked if he expects to be on the road for many more years to come.

“I had a heart attack back in 2004 and after that I wasn’t sure about doing much driving - but everything has progressed and I’m doing fine.”


Why car companies are racing each other to Silicon Valley

                SAN FRANCISCO: The likes of Nissan and Toyota are not heading to the Bay Area for the weather, but its unique blend of academia, innovation and investment that will be crucial in making autonomous cars road-ready.

Google's autonomous cars drive 3 million simulated miles every single day. Every time there is a code change or algorithm tweak, Google data centers relive every mile driven to date but reconstruct it with the updated software to see if the changes improve things. And that's before any of this new code is pushed out to an actual test car.

"Society tolerates a lot of human error. But we expect machines to be much better," notes Dr Gill Pratt, Toyota Executive Technical Advisor and Chief Executive Officer of Toyota Research Institute (TRI), which officially opened its doors in the region in January to focus on developing a similar artifical intelligence capability. "The technologies we develop have to work not only at the Million-mile scale, but at the Trillion-mile scale."

In the real world, a vehicle would need to be constantly on the go for over a year to cover 1 million miles. Therefore being able to computer model and simulate test miles — a capability that's given that Google a head start in the field — is crucial. It's why Toyota is investing billions of dollars in AI and why Nissan is increasing its existing presence in the area. After all, autonomous cars are 90% software, acording to Maarten Sierhuis, director of Nissan's Silicon Valley Research Center. "What we are good at here is software and artificial intelligence," said Sierhuis.

This week Nissan opened the doors of its facilities to give some insight into the progress made and the obstacles that remain and how the area can help with solutions. "Silicon Valley is a very important place where universities, start ups, VCs and tech companies are creating a kind of ecosystem. So it's very important for us to be part of this community," said Takao Asali, Nissan's VP for Research & Advanced Engineering.

"Autonomous drive and connectivity are game changing technologies that will significantly increase safety and make consumers more productive and digitally connected while they are in their cars," said Nissan CEO, Carlos Ghosn. "Our goal is zero emission, zero fatality and the autonomous fully connected car is how we deliver that goal."

And Japanese carmakers are not the only ones with significant facilities in the area; Mercedes, Audi, BMW, Ford, GM and Hyundai are also present.

Just don't expect to see Porche here any time soon. Speaking to German newspaper Westfalen-Blatt, company CEO Oliver Blume said: "One wants to drive a Porsche by oneself. An iPhone belongs in your pocket, not on the road."


Brabus tunes up Mercedes' GLE and GLS with 800hp of muscle

                FRANKFURT: So the AMG factory tuning of the Mercedes SUV is still not enough for you?

Then you might want to take a look at what Brabus has done. The German tuning shop has managed to tease 800 horses out of the already potent GLE and GLS.

Although the 612hp of the Mercedes GLE 63 S AMG and GLS 63 AMG was already more than ample, Brabus has been able to squeeze 188hp more from the four-litre V8 engine, while maximum torque meanwhile climbs by 150 to 1,000Nm.

The two big off-roaders can also accelerate correspondingly faster and the GLE races from a standstill to 100kph in 3.4 seconds and the GLS in 3.8 seconds.

In both cases, however, the top speed is 280kph, as with AMG.

On average, the GLE consumes 11.5 litres (262 g/km CO2) according to the standard. Brabus quotes 11.9 litres and 273 g/km for the GLS.

The price for the tuning starts at €26,061 (RM131,000) in Germany.

In addition, carbon add-on parts and a newly tuned suspension with wheels of up to 24 inches can be ordered. There's also a new leather interior, a flap exhaust and carbon fibre parts for the interior.

For €299,000 (RM1.5mil), the manufacturer offers complete vehicles as Brabus 800 for the GLE S 63 AMG and €308,968 (RM1.6mil)for the GLS 63 AMG.