Polestar rushes out new digital key and updated app for Polestar 2

                GOTHENBURG: Thanks to an Over-the-Air (OTA) update, Polestar 2 now comes with new digital key technology, allowing owners to use their connected smartphone as a supplement to the traditional key fob.

In addition, the latest OTA update includes the activation of new integrated vehicle functionality (beta) within the Polestar app.

The features mentioned are still in the trial or beta phase. The new app vehicle functionality and Polestar Digital Key are automatically available in the updated app but cannot be used until the latest vehicle software has been installed. This software begins rolling out incrementally in batches to existing vehicles from today.

“The Polestar Digital Key is one of our most anticipated features, because the convenience of not having to carry a physical key is invaluable,” said Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath.

“Being able to use your phone as the key makes sense especially in an age where our phones take care of most of our daily needs already, and it’s the one device you always carry with you.”

A total of 18 Bluetooth sensors in and around Polestar 2 communicate with the paired device to support accuracy, secure authentication and ease of use when accessing and starting the car.

Strategically positioned sensors around the vehicle detect the approach of the paired device. From within an arm’s length, the sensors pinpoint the position of the device, allowing the doors, tailgate or charging lock button to be opened or activated with enhanced accuracy and security. Starting the car requires the paired device to be positioned within the vehicle to safeguard against unintentional starting.

“We focused on high accuracy and ease of use,” said Ingenlath. “It’s really as easy and integrated as a traditional key fob, with no need to tap the phone against any sensors or open the app before use.”

The digital key itself is encrypted within the Polestar app on the paired device, and following extensive testing is deemed far safer than a traditional key fob.

The digital key is also immune to so-called relay attacks as it does not operate on radio frequency, and the encrypted Bluetooth signal is entirely reliant on the paired device being within physical range of the sensors.

With the latest OTA update, the Polestar app now includes vehicle functionality (beta). Battery status, remote climate start and remote locking are now available, with more functions to be added over time.

Thomas Ingenlath concludes: “The updated Polestar app now brings extra convenience to owning a Polestar 2. The simple action of being able to pre-heat or cool the cabin remotely is something we know adds huge value to the everyday experience and we know Polestar 2 owners have been eagerly awaiting this functionality. Of course, more functionality will be released in the future and we see great potential for the continued digital experience in Polestar 2.”

The latest OTA update for Polestar 2 also includes new battery pre-heating measures to improve range, a revision to the way distance to empty is shown, with a more linear algorithm, and an adaptation to the wireless phone charger for newer phones with additional magnetic elements – amongst other bug fixes and stability improvements.


Jaguar E-Pace barrel rolls for new Guinness World Record

                LONDON: Jaguar has gone and done it, they've flipped their E-Pace during its world premiere and it's subsequently landed them a Guinness World Record for "The Furthest Barrel Roll in a Production Vehicle".

The British compact performance sport utility vehicle leapt into the record books with a 15.3m-long jump with a 270-degree corkscrew-like ‘barrel roll’ as a final durability test after 25 months of work across four continents.

The E-PACE completed its world record jump at ExCeL in London – one of only a handful of venues in the UK big enough to accommodate the 160-metre run-up and run-off vital for the 15-metre leap.

Helming the controls was stunt driver Terry Grant, who personally holds 21 Guinness World Records: “As far as I am aware no production car has ever cleanly completed a bona-fide barrel roll and therefore it has always been an ambition of mine to perform one ever since I was a boy. After driving the Jaguar F-PACE in the record-breaking loop-the-loop, it has been amazing to help launch the next chapter of the PACE family in an even more dramatic dynamic feat.”

Unsurprisingly, the barrel roll is not one to be tried at home; months of testing and analysis were completed to fine-tune the stunt, including achieving precisely the correct speed of run-up. The ramps were modelled extensively using CAD before any jumps took place. Terry experienced a G-Force of 5.5 (5.5 times his bodyweight) during the 270-degree twist, and required a 160-metre run up to hit the air at the correct speed.

“This amazing feat really was a sight to behold. While I’ve seen the barrel roll stunt in film, witnessing this incredible feat in real life was something pretty special. Congratulations to Terry and Jaguar for setting another epic Guinness World Records title,” said Guinness World Records adjudicator Pravin Patel.

The E-Pace is a five-seat compact SUV that is the newest Jaguar SUV family member to join the all-electric I-PACE Concept and the 2017 World Car of the Year, the Jaguar F-PACE, which has its own Guinness World Record for setting a loop-the-loop in 2015.

The E-Pace packs the design and performance of a Jaguar sports car into a spacious, practical and connected all-wheel-drive vehicle.

Externally, the E-Pace takes after the F-Type sports car and is characterised by the distinctive Jaguar grille, muscular proportions, short overhangs and powerful haunches that enhances its stance.

“Established Jaguar design principles ensure the E-PACE is immediately recognisable as the sports car of its class. Our new compact SUV combines the interior space, connectivity and security that families expect with the kind of proportions, purity of design and performance not usually associated with such a practical vehicle,” said Jaguar director of design Ian Callum.


Only Miti letter and either employers' letter or workers' tag needed to travel for work

                PETALING JAYA: Those who need to travel interstate or inter-district for permitted economic activities do not need police approval but must have an approval letter from the International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) and either a letter from their employer, or their worker’s tag.

The ministry's clarification comes at the start of the ban on all interstate and inter-district travel without police approval from May 10 to June 6 in an effort to curb the spread of Covid-19.

“For your information, inter-district/state travel for work purposes does not require a letter from the police.

“A letter from Miti and an employers' letter OR workers pass (two items) are sufficient.

“The Miti letter does not need to have the police approval stamp, ” the ministry said in a May 9 tweet just before the start of the travel restrictions.

Miti also noted that it has informed the police and National Security Council (MKN) of the work travel criteria.

Its tweet was accompanied by an eight-point list of activities that were permissible subject to approval from the ministry or relevant agencies.

Among them was inter-district and interstate travel for work purposes for permissible economic activities.

On Wednesday (May 5), Miti noted that the government agreed to allow all economic sectors, including the manufacturing sector, to operate except for activities in the “negative list” of general SOPs of the movement control order (MCO).

“These SOPs can be accessed on the National Security Council website at www.mkn.gov.my.

“Companies must adhere to the SOPs and also abide by the work-from-home rulings, which is 30% of the management can be present in office, while the attendance of the supporting staff will be decided by employers, ” Miti said in a statement.


Harsher penalties for offenders in fatal accidents

                SERDANG: Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador says motorists who ignore safety and cause the death of other road users will face harsher penalties.

He said the punishment would serve as a lesson for everyone to be more careful on the road.

“During the movement control order (MCO) period, all travels are restricted. However, there are others who drink and drive, causing fatal accidents.

“This is an irresponsible act, ” he said when met outside Hospital Serdang yesterday after spending almost an hour in the hospital’s Forensic Department to view the remains of a policeman who was killed by a suspected drunk driver.

In the 2.11am incident yesterday, Kpl Safwan Muhammad Ismail, 31, was pronounced dead at a roadblock near the Kajang South toll plaza on the Kajang-Seremban Expressway due to severe injuries to his head and body after being hit by a four-wheel drive vehicle.

Abdul Hamid described the incident on the 10th day of Ramadan as heartbreaking.

Kajang OCPD Asst Comm Mohd Zaid Hassan said the suspect who was heading towards the toll plaza from Kajang had allegedly failed to control his vehicle when arriving at the roadblock.

“It is believed that the driver was driving under the influence of alcohol. ”

“A policeman on duty there was hit by the vehicle. A police vehicle that was parked at the side of the road was also hit.”

The suspect is now being treated at Hospital Serdang for injuries.


Indian-owned Norton Motorcycles plans UK-built electric range

                LONDON: Norton Motorcycles plans to develop and build an electric motorcycle in the UK that it claims will have "racing performance, touring range and lightweight handling,” as part of a 30-month project co-funded by a government program.

The iconic British motorcycle maker, now owned by India’s TVS Motor Co., will work with six UK partners including Delta Cosworth, HiSpeed Ltd. as well as the University of Warwick to develop the product, Norton said Friday.

The project won government funding from the UK program that assists automotive companies to develop low-carbon products.

The plan, which Norton claims will create a "significant” number of manufacturing and research and development jobs, is a rare shot in the arm for the UK automotive industry which has grappled with declining production amid a global shift towards electric mobility.

Last month, Bloomberg News reported that Jaguar Land Rover were in talks with Northvolt AB and SVolt Energy Technology Co. about supplying batteries for a range of EVs it may assemble in Slovakia.

"We’re confident that project Zero Emission Norton will eliminate the current dispute between a conventional and electric motorcycle to create EV products that riders desire,” said Norton chief executive officer Robert Hentschel in the statement.


Koenigsegg releases teaser image of Agera RS replacement

                MELBOURNE: Those attending the opening of supercar maker Koenigsegg's first official sales location at a luxury-vehicle dealership here got an exclusive glimpse of an upcoming model in the form of a drawing of the future replacement for the Koenigsegg Agera RS.

Admittedly, rather than a stylish artist's impression or a camouflaged image of a prototype undergoing testing, the image is really nothing more than a sketch, but it does show a pretty large wing and diffuser.

However, those lucky enough to have been invited to attend the invitation-only cocktail launch party were also shown a virtual-reality presentation of the new car. For the rest of us, Koenigsegg says the replacement for the Agera RS is currently set for a global debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March next year.

 The Agera RS.

The Agera RS also made its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show, but that was back in 2015. In terms of the limited runs of such cars, the 1,160 horsepower Agera RS was a big success as all 25 units produced were spoken for within 10 months of them being offered for sale to make it the fastest-selling model in the company's history. Last autumn, the car set an average top-speed record for a hypercar of 447.18kph in the Nevada desert.

Although the company's founder, Christian von Koenigsegg, has said the new car will be even "more capable than the Agera RS," it won't be relying on any sort of futuristic hybrid powertrain. Instead, the new model will stay distinguished from the plug-in hybrid Regera by sticking with a revised version of Koenigsegg's supercharged V8.

While setting that average top-speed record in Nevada last year the Agera RS hit a one-way top-speed of 457kph. Because the likes of Hennessey are building cars at the moment with the specific aim of breaking the 482kph barrier, it will be interesting to see if Koenigsegg takes up that particular challenge with the Agera RS replacement.


Ferrari could leave F1 after 2020, warns Marchionne

                LONDON: Ferrari could quit Formula One after 2020 if the sport's new owners take it in a direction contrary to the Italian sportscar maker's interests, chairman Sergio Marchionne said on Thursday.

Marchionne told analysts on a conference call that while he supported cost-cutting, there were other strategic issues under discussion that could force Ferrari to consider racing elsewhere.

"It (Formula One) has been part of our DNA since the day we were born," he said.

"But if we change the sandbox to the point where it becomes an unrecognizable sandbox, I don't want to play anymore."

"Like a million bucks because I'll be working on an alternative strategy to try and replace it. More rational one, too."

 Marchionne.

Ferrari are the only team to have been in Formula One since the first world championship season in 1950 and also the most successful and glamorous, even if they have not won a championship since 2008.

They have accumulated a record 228 race wins, 16 constructors' championships and 15 drivers' titles.

It has long been accepted in Formula One that the Monaco Grand Prix and Ferrari are the two central pillars of the sport's success, and their current share of the revenues reflects that special status.

Ferrari, celebrating the company's 70th anniversary this year, first made sportscars to fund their racing activities under founder Enzo Ferrari and are a huge source of national pride in Italy.

Formula One has been under new ownership since January, however, with U.S.-based Liberty Media taking over the commercial rights and ousting the former supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

Liberty want to level the playing field and rebalance revenues once the current agreement with teams expires at the end of 2020.

Proposals for a new, cheaper and simpler engine were presented in Paris on Tuesday and there is another meeting of the sport's Strategy Group next Tuesday to discuss other changes.

"Liberty has got a couple of good intentions in all of this, one of which is to reduce the cost of execution for the team, which I think is good," said Marchionne.

But he said Ferrari and Liberty appeared to be "somewhat at odds in terms of the strategic development" after 2020.

"I think you need to be absolutely clear that unless we find a set of circumstances, the results of which are beneficial to the maintenance of the brand in the marketplace and to the strengthening of the unique position for Ferrari, Ferrari will not play," he said.

Marchionne said, however, that he would not pre-judge anything.

"We're walking into this meeting next Tuesday with the best of intentions, we'll see where it takes us," he said.

"I am attending those meetings on strategy because it's important, because it matters a lot to this business," added Marchionne.

"The financial implications of the wrong choice for the moment going forward are pretty significant to Ferrari."


Interest rate cut unlikely to boost car sales

                PETALING JAYA: The recent interest rate cuts by banks in the country are unlikely to have a significant impact on car sales this year, say automotive industry players.

However, Honda Malaysia remains positive on achieving decent sales this year, especially after launching the facelifted Civic and new Accord sedans in February.

"Besides the reduced interest rates, we hope that consumers will gain more buying power which will increase car sales. Also, the sales of Jazz and City has been encouraging. Now, with lower interest rates, we believe this will benefit more car buyers," said the Honda Malaysia spokesperson.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson from Mazda car distributor Bermaz Auto Bhd says the recent interest rate cut by banks is not expected to significantly improve sales.

"We have not seen any impact so far. No change to our sales target this year of 14,000 units," said the Bermaz Auto spokesperson.

Proton CEO Dr Li Chunrong says it is too early to tell whether the recent interest rate cut by banks will translate into high car sales.

"At this point in time, it would be far too soon to speculate on the impact. We must also consider that the OPR (Overnight Policy Rate) cut is a reflection of the current economic environment, which is less than optimal. We will have to closely monitor buying behavior and general consumer sentiment over the coming months before we can fully understand how the market will move."

Dr Li reiterated that in theory, a lower interest rate environment should translate to more hire-purchase loan approvals "but this remains to be seen as the overall sentiment is clearly one of caution."

"While there may be easier access to credit, the question is whether consumers will want to spend. Our advantage is that a car is still very much a necessity and the Proton Saga, Iriz and Persona offer a very significant value proposition.

"In fact, it is in prudent times like this when our model range tends to shine because consumers realize that they get a lot of car for their money. This is especially so when you consider the level of technology, safety and quality that go into these three cars," he said.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Automotive Association president Datuk Aishah Ahmad says the recent Overnight Policy Rate cut by Bank Negara is not likely to impact car sales.

She says, "Hire interest rates are flat for the duration of the hire purchase tenure. Still, hire purchase interest rates may drop slightly due to competition, and it also depends on the customer’s credit worthiness."


Proton expects higher sales this year after GST

                SHAH ALAM: Proton is optimistic of recording higher sales of about 130,000 units this year compared with 115,000 units in 2014, amid lower car prices following the goods and services tax (GST).

Chief executive officer Datuk Abdul Harith Abdullah said that the target was also driven by positive sales record for the Iriz and Saga models as well as the higher industry growth projection of 2% t0 3%.

“Currently, Iriz contributes about 50% to our sales and Saga about 40%,” he told the media after the site visit by Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan to Proton Centre of Excellence here on Friday.

Abdul Harith said the national carmaker was on its way to recovery after hitting its lowest sales last year with fewer than 10,000 units per month.

“I am confident that we can surpass sales of 10,000 units for March,” he said, adding that the sentiment for the export market also remained positive with about 5,000 units sold last year.

He said the highest demand was from the Middle East with the Persona being the most popular model in the region.

“Obviously, Asean remained the most important market for us,” he added.

On Wednesday, Proton announced new prices for its models with the implementation of the GST. Its car prices saw a reduction of up to RM1,475, or 3.25% per unit, on selected variants.


Vietnam’s richest man plans electric car plant in US

                HANOI: Vietnamese electric-vehicle startup Vinfast plans to open a US factory after setting up a 50-member San Francisco research office as it prepares for California automobile sales in 2022.

Vinfast, founded by billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong, began delivering gasoline autos to Vietnamese consumers with BMW-licensed engines in 2019. Vuong, who is also chairman of parent company Vingroup JSC, said late that year he would back the company’s U.S. ambitions with US$2 billion of his own fortune.

The company plans to establish an automobile factory in the US, Vinfast chief executive officer Thai Thanh Hai said in an email response to questions, declining to provide details around timing or possible factory locations.

The company is also planning sales in Canada and Europe next year.

 VF32 and its interior (below).

"Vinfast’s vision is to become a global smart electric car company and the US market is one of the first international markets that we will focus on,” she said. "We initially will develop high-end models for the US.”

The North American car market won’t be an easy one to crack. Not only have big legacy carmakers like Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Co. been spending billions of dollars on electric cars, but investors have poured billions more into blank-check companies to take EV startups public via reverse mergers.

EV makers, many of which are yet to launch commercial products, have taken advantage of that. Nikola Corp. was the first high profile one to go public via a SPAC listing, followed by others including Lucid Motors Inc., Lordstown Motors Corp., Fisker Inc., Canoo Inc. and Xos, a maker of electric commercial vehicles.

Vinfast sold about 30,000 vehicles last year. The company forecasts sales of more than 45,000 units in 2021. It will begin delivery of EVs produced at its factory in the northern port city of Haiphong to domestic customers by December.

Consumers in Vietnam bought 296,634 cars last year, according to the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. Hyundai Motor Co. was the leading brand, with sales of 81,368.

Hai said Vinfast believes it can win over US and other overseas customers leery of buying an automobile from a Vietnamese company they know little or nothing about by offering top-quality vehicles with high safety standards and advanced technology.

Vinfast, which also produces electric motorbikes and electric buses, plans to open 35 California showrooms and service centers this year, she said. California regulators have granted Vinfast a licence to test autonomous vehicles on public streets. The company aims to deliver its first electric vehicles to US customers next year.

 VF33.

Hai didn’t say how much the company will invest in the US Vinfast still expects to be profitable after five years of operation, though the global pandemic has "made things more difficult,” she said.

The Vinfast R&D Institute, with offices in San Francisco, Australia and Vietnam, is working on autonomous automobile technology, according to Bui Hai Hung, head of VinAI Research, who oversees the company’s global research. VinAI and the research institute are developing autopilot features for cars planned for the US market in 2022, he said.

Vinfast plans to offer two electric luxury SUVs — the VF32 and VF33 — in the US, Canada and Europe.

California governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order in September to phase out sales of new gasoline-powered cars by 2035 is an added impetus for the company to sell EVs in the US, Hai said.

"This will help Vinfast enter the market faster and also inspire Vinfast to invest more strongly in the US market,” she said.


About 200 Beam e-scooters now available for rent in Kuala Lumpur

                KUALA LUMPUR: Singapore personal mobility startup Beam has kicked off it e-scooter service in Kuala Lumpur with about 200 vehicles.

Beam corporate affairs vice president Christopher Hilton says the e-scooters will be available at various designated parking areas in Bukit Bintang, Lot 10 mall and Mont Kiara township.

He says the areas were selected because of high foot traffic, wide walking paths, and distance to public transport.

"Users won't need to park the e-scooters anywhere specific, as we believe the most natural way is for people to stop the ride where they choose," he said at the launch.

However, the company is hoping to offer more parking spaces by working with businesses and shop owners that would prefer more traffic. For parking responsibly, the user will be given a discount on the next ride, he said.

To use the e-scooters, customers will have to download the app, turn on Bluetooth and mobile data, and enter their credit/debit card details. Customers also get general liability and personal insurance while using the service.

The rides start at RM2.50 and cost an additional 30 sen for each extra minute. The e-scooter speed is capped at 20kph and helmets are not mandatory though the company encourages its customers to use one. It's also looking at providing a helmet with the vehicle.

Hilton says the vehicles are tracked using the rider's smartphone and an IoT (Internet of Things) device on the e-scooter.

A geofence is in place to make sure riders don't park the e-shooter beyond the designated area – those who do will be charged an RM5 “pick up” fee.

The e-shooters can travel a distance of 45km to 50km or about four to five trips before needing a recharge. Hilton claims that the vehicles are checked regularly by marshals for safety and will be brought in for maintenance after every 300 rides.

He says that the e-scooters were “quietly” introduced a few months ago and so far the service has clocked over 15,000 rides, and the app has been downloaded 10,000 times.

The company is also in talks with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to expand its operation area and for additional parking spaces. It’s also approaching law enforcement bodies to deal with e-scooter thefts.


Govt may extend SST exemption, says Dr Wee

                PETALING JAYA: The Government may extend the sales and service tax (SST) exemption for new vehicles to aid recovery for the automobile industry, which has been facing many challenges during the lockdown, says Dr Wee Ka Siong.

The Transport Minister said the government had introduced a series of stimulus packages for economic recovery.

"One of them is the vehicle sales tax exemption for the purchase of new vehicles and the exemption has been extended to 30 June this year.

"The government is currently considering the proposal for the extension of the exemption and a decision will be announced soon," he said in a recorded statement at the Federation of Motor and Credit Companies Associations of Malaysia annual general meeting here today.

The federation president, Datuk Tony Khor, also urged the government to extend the exemption of sales tax for new vehicles, which is set to expire on June 30.

He said there had been delays in the delivery of vehicles caused by a global disruption of the supply chain and shortage of chips.

Extending the exemption, he said, would lead to more potential car buyers.

The SST exemption was implemented as part of the Penjana stimulus package, which was meant to mitigate the effects of the pandemic.

The scheme was originally scheduled to end on Dec 31, 2020, but has been extended three times, with the latest expiry date set for June 30.

Khor also urged JPJ to look into the possibility of facilitating same-day delivery of used cars after the loan is approved.

The federation is also proposing to JPJ to consider reducing road tax by 75% for vehicles which are more than 15 years old, 50% for vehicles which are more than 10 years old and 25% for vehicles which are five years old, said Khor.

Dr Wee said despite the obstacles and challenges faced, the industry must continue to find ways to improve the situation.

"We welcome initiatives that will help economic recovery, and we will look into the matter to see if the Transport Ministry can help to facilitate this proposal.

"On the proposal to reduce road tax for cars which are more than 10 years old, we need to study this proposal further which must be looked at holistically to ensure the outcome will benefit the majority," he said.

Dr Wee also said he chaired the JPJ Integrated Digitalisation Blueprint briefing at the Transport Ministry in April to look for the best approach to adopting the digitisation process of JPJ.

"The ministry is exploring options for JPJ to go digital and choose the best ecosystem that is sustainable and able to benefit the people the most.

"Specifically, the Transport Ministry is exploring options to digitise and allow more core services to be done online.

"We want initiatives that will benefit individuals and businesses by making it easier to complete their transactions with JPJ," he said.

Dr Wee also said the ministry has launched e-testing, an automated driving test and training system to improve JPJ's delivery system and driving test system.

"The e-aduan@jpj is another platform launched to provide various services to clients and stakeholders as well as efficiently manage complaints of various services.

"More services will be made available online in future to improve efficiency and delivery.

"As always, the Transport Ministry is open to dialogue sessions and welcomes feedback from all of you to provide the best services for the people," he said.


Two arrested for road bullying at Kesas Highway

                KUALA LUMPUR: Police have arrested two men, aged 21 and 25, for allegedly harassing a male driver on the Kesas Highway on Saturday.

Brickfields OCPD Asst Comm Sharul Othman Mansor said on Sunday that based on videos and photos retrieved from the victim's mobile phone, police successfully tracked down the suspects' motorcycle.

"Two men, aged between 21 and 25, were then arrested on Sunday.

"When interrogated, the suspects claimed that they were angry because the victim was driving fast and dangerously.

"They alleged that the victim almost crashed into them," he added.

The suspects are currently at the Jinjang central lockup and are to be remanded today.

The driver of the car, Jason Lim, 29,  earlier said he was travelling from Puchong to the city at about 12.20pm on Saturday when he turned into the middle lane from the fast lane to overtake a car.

He said when he was back on the fast lane, he encountered the two motorcyclists.

Describing the two men as “very, very hostile”, Lim said he found himself “running for his life” as they tailed his Ford Fiesta.

“They were on my left and right, inches away from my car. I did not see them before that.

“Suddenly, I heard a bang from behind. I cannot be certain that they hit my car but that was when my senses kicked in and I just stepped on the pedal and quickly turned on my phone camera,” said Lim, who is a film director.

What followed, he said, was a phone camera battle between him and the motorcyclist on his left as both men snapped away pictures of each other on approaching a toll plaza.

Lim said the motorcyclist followed him for several kilometres after the toll, only stopping after he gestured at the man and drove towards his destination near Terminal Bersepadu Selatan. He claimed he lost track of the motorcyclist on his right.

Lim lodged a police report at the Serdang police headquarters later that day.

Photos of one of the motorcycles and details of his ordeal have since gone viral on Facebook with the director of several well-known Malaysian social experiment videos calling on netizens to help him identify and track down the men.

Asked if he might have swerved into the motorcyclists’ path while overtaking, Lim said that was a possibility but added they should have not been on the road in the first place.

“They have a dedicated motorcycle lane.

“To drive you have to be educated. If you are not educated enough, it doesn’t qualify you to be behind a motorcycle or a vehicle. If you can’t control your own emotions, you can’t control a vehicle,” he said.


Mitsubishi promotions and contest

                KUALA LUMPUR: To get an up close and personal look of the All-New Mitsubishi Triton VGT, pay a visit to MidValley Megamall (west lobby – in front of G2000/ Charles & Keith) from today until Sunday (April 5).

You still can catch the All-New-Triton at the following locations:

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has also prepared prizes to be won in a Snap & Win Contest at each location.

All you need to do is take a picture of/with the All-New-Triton VGT and post it to Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia FB page with hashtag #allnewtritonkl and tag yourself!

Hashtag according to your location: #allnewtritonkl, #allnewtritonalorsetar, #allnewtritonjb, #allnewtritonpenang, #allnewtritonipoh, #allnewtritonkuantan, #allnewtritonkuching or #allnewtritonkk

The top 3 participants with the highest number of Facebook Likes from each location will receive the following:

·         1st Prize x1         : Travel Voucher worth RM1000

·         2nd Prize x 1       : Herschel Backpack worth RM400

·         3rd Prize x 1        : Adidas Voucher worth RM300

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia is also giving away 1 unit of GoPro Hero 4 (worth RM1,700) as the grand prize!

Only 1 winner with the Most Creative Post from the eight locations will walk home with the latest GoPro Hero 4!

Winners will be selected by Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (terms & conditions apply).


2023 BMW M340i xDrive arrives at RM392K; 330Li M Sport at RM326K

                KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Malaysia has enhanced the 2023 3 Series line-up with the new all-wheel drive M340i xDrive and rear-wheel drive 330Li M Sport, featuring a refreshed exterior and redesigned interior.

Prices are RM325,800 (for the 330Li M Sport); RM391,800 (for the M340i xDrive) and RM396,800 (for the M340i xDrive M Sport Pro), with BMW Service and Repair Inclusive as well as sales and service tax (on the road, without insurance).

The M340i xDrive M Sport Pro is offered exclusively online with a pre-booking fee of RM3,000.

Deliveries will start in August.

With financing plans from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the M340i xDrive, M340i xDrive M Sport Pro and 330Li M Sport can be owned with a monthly instalment plans starting from RM4,281; RM4,336 and RM3,569 respectively (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure).

The package includes a five-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service programme, roadside assistance and accident hotline, the BMW group loyalty and mobile app - privileges card, and service online.

"The new M340i xDrive brings superior power and performance, marking an entry point into the world of BMW M. Meanwhile, the new 330LiM Sport presents luxurious, spacious comfort,”" said BMW Group Malaysia managing director Hans de Visser.

 BMW 2023 M340i xDrive Black Sapphire.

Both the M340i xDrive and 330Li M Sport have an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.

The M340i M xDrive houses a straight-six cylinder petrol engine with 387hp and 500Nm of torque, which brings the sports sedan from a standstill to 100kph in 4.4 seconds.

The 330Li M Sport's straight-four cylinder petrol engine delivers 258hp and 400Nm of torque, enabling 0 – 100kph in 6.2 seconds.

Compared with the new 330Li M Sport which has a comfort suspension, the M340i xDrive, being the more sport-oriented variant, has the M Sport Differential, Adaptive M Suspension and Variable Sport Steering.
Also, compared to its predecessor, the M340i xDrive has a front section which was redesigned to be more expressive.

This is characterisedby the distinctive hexagonal kidney grilles that take inspiration from motor racing, which are flanked by Adaptive LED headlights with high-beam assistant.

There are also M exterior mirrors, 19-inch M light alloy wheels, alongside M sport brakes in blue high-gloss.

Its rear can be distinguished by its M Rear-Spoiler free-form design exhaust tips – the latter of which is also seen in the new 330Li M Sport.
As standard, the M340i xDrive has the M aerodynamics package and M high-gloss shadowline.

 BMW 2023 M340i xDrive MS Pro M Brooklyn Grey.

For sportiness that is further accentuated, the M Sport Pro variant is also offered, adding exterior features including M lights shadowline, M Sport brake callipers in high-gloss red, M high-gloss shadow line with extended contents, including kidney grille frame and slats in high-gloss black and M rear spoiler in black sapphire.

Meanwhile, the BMW Curved Display refines the interior of the two new variants (M340i xDrive and 330Li M Sport).

The cabin has the 12.3-inch information display and 14.9-inch touchscreen control display, and the classic gear selector now features a minimalist toggle design.

The M340i xDrive arrives with front sport seats, with the driver’s seat enhanced with electric seat adjustment with memory function.

Also equipped as standard are the hand-stitched M leather steering wheel in supple Walknappa leather, M headliner anthracite and aluminium rhombicle anthracite M interior trim.

The Storage Compartment Package, automatic air conditioning, ambient light, interior rear-view mirror with automatic anti-dazzle function and electric glass roof are included as standard.

Finally, in-car entertainment is provided by the Harman Kardon surround sound system.

Optionally, the M Sport package Pro for the all-wheel drive sedan further adds iconic M colour-lined M seat belts.

BMW head-up Display is standard for the new 3 Series variants.

The driver can utilise various functions through the touchscreen operation via the control display, the natural language function using the BMW intelligent personal assistant, the BMW iDrive controller and the touch-only direct access controls.

Comfort Access, Remote Software Update and BMW ID all come as standard digital features for the M340i xDrive and 330Li M Sport, alongside the Connected Package Professional, which includes Remote Services as well as Smartphone Integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Other connectivity features for both variants include Intelligent Emergency Call, Teleservices and ConnectedDrive Services.

The Parking Assistant and Driving Assistant comes as standard for both the M340i xDrive and 330Li M Sport.

The camera- and ultrasound-based Parking Assistant is inclusive of Park Assist, Active Park Distance Control (PDC), lateral parking aid and reverse camera.

The Reversing Assistant is designed to keep record of up to the last 50 metres driven forward and is able to drive back the exact same way in reverse if desired.

As for the camera- and radar-based Driving Assistant, the standard features are the Lane Departure Warning with active steering interventions, Lane Change Warning, Front Collision Warning with brake intervention, Rear Crossing Warning with brake intervention, Rear Crossing Traffic Warning, Rear Collision Warning, Speed Limit Info and manual Speed Limit Assist.

Additionally, cruise control with braking function is available as standard for both variants.

Meanwhile, the refreshed 330Li M Sport has slimmed-down LED headlights with expressive daytime running light graphics, enhanced with the high-beam assistant.

Its elongated silhouette features a length of 4,823mm and wheelbase of 2,961mm – measuring 110mm longer than the 330i M Sport.

This is accompanied by 18-inch M alloy wheels, and as standard, the M aerodynamics package and M high-gloss shadowline with extended contents.

In the 330Li M Sport, the driver’s seat has electric seat adjustment with memory function, and a panorama glass roof as standard.

Other interior features of are the Storage Compartment Package, three-zone automatic air conditioning, ambient light and interior rear-view mirror with automatic anti-dazzle function.

As for in-car entertainment, the 330Li M Sport has a HiFi loudspeaker system.

Exterior colour options for the new M340i xDrive include Alphine White, Black Sapphire, Melbourne Red, M Portimao Blue, M Brooklyn Grey and Skyscraper Grey, while interior upholstery is available in Leather Vernasca in either Black or Mocha.

For the New BMW M340i xDrive M Sport Pro, the exterior colour options are Alpine White, Black Sapphire, M Brooklyn Grey and M Portimau Blue, while interior upholstery comes in Leather Vernasca in Black or Tacora Red.

Comfort-oriented suspension updates

Starting March 2023, BMW Malaysia will be updating the suspension setup on the 218i Gran Coupé, 330i M Sport, X3 sDrive20i M Sport, X3 xDrive30i M Sport and X3 xDrive30e M Sport.

The 218i Gran Coupé is updated with the standard suspension, which has a softer spring/damper setup, enabling a more comfortable ride.

The 330i M Sport is updated with the Adaptive M suspension, ensuring ride comfort thanks to electronically controlled dampers with individual control for each wheel, while allowing for increased sportiness compared to the previously fitted M Sport suspension.

The Adaptive M suspension also adapts the drive according on the drive mode selected, which can be toggled via the Driving Dynamics control switch.

The X3 sDrive20i M Sport is also updated with the standard suspension for more comfort, a switch from the previously fitted M Sport Suspension.

The X3 xDrive30i M Sport – previously fitted with the M Sport suspension – and the X3 xDrive30e M Sport – previously fitted with the standard suspension – are now updated with the Adaptive suspension.

2023 BMW 330Li M Sport Carbon Black2023 BMW 330Li M Sport Carbon Black2023 BMW 330Li M Sport Carbon Black2023 BMW 330Li M Sport Carbon Black2023 BMW 330Li M Sport Carbon Black2023 BMW 330Li M Sport Carbon Black2023 BMW M340i xDrive 2023 BMW M340i xDrive 2023 BMW M340i xDrive 2023 BMW M340i xDrive 2023 BMW M340i xDrive 2023 BMW M340i xDrive 2023 BMW M340i xDrive MS Pro2023 BMW M340i xDrive MS Pro2023 BMW M340i xDrive MS Pro2023 BMW M340i xDrive MS Pro2023 BMW M340i xDrive MS Pro2023 BMW M340i xDrive MS Pro2023 BMW M340i xDrive MS Pro


Jaguar and architects show what an urban future could look like

                LONDON: Jaguar and a British architectural firm have come together to present a vision of an urban future as electric vehicle adoption reaches a tipping point.

"The Electrified Automotive Future and its Relationship to Architecture" was the subject of an evening hosted by Jaguar design and a group of London’s leading Royal Institute of British Architects (Riba), planners, property developers and infrastructure experts.

Riba, of which Ian Callum is an honorary fellow, is the professional body for architects in Britain with more than 40,000 members around the world.

Speaking from Jaguar’s Mayfair showroom here, Callum - Jaguar's design director - spoke of the international success of the all-electric I-PACE and the opportunities presented by automotive electrification becoming more mainstream.

“As a designer, I am hugely excited by the opportunity this widespread adoption of electric cars presents. We have a unique chance for wholesale change of the facilities available to drivers as we reinvent usage and ‘filling’ patterns for our vehicles. The concepts we are presenting here with the team of architects show a vision of what is possible, what is needed and what it could look like.”

Ian Callum and a number of architects led by award-winning Jon Eaglesham of Barr Gazetas presented concepts depicting a joint-vision as to what an urban future of automotive electrification could look like.

The concepts, presented by Callum and a number of architects led by award-winning Jon Eaglesham of Barr Gazetas, are outlined below:

Today – what a motorway service station could be
In this example we take a traditional, tired motorway service station and breathe new electrified life in to it. It is based on Forton Services on the M6. When it opened in 1965 Forton Services was a beacon of modernity featuring an up-market restaurant and a sun deck.

Today, motorway services are often an unpleasant jumble of commercial buildings servicing noisy, polluted motorways.

With electrification, much reduced noise and pollution together with increased ‘dwell time’, result in such stations becoming destinations with an array of amenities and services including farm shops, gymnasiums, swimming pools and restaurants to give travellers greater options to occupy the time required to charge their vehicles.

The trend towards connecting these stations to their local rural and urban community is enhanced by the environmental improvements electric cars will bring. Encouraging people to visit for a variety of reasons, be it for leisure, to work or to trade produce and ideas, they will revive the lost model of the ancient caravanserai.

Tomorrow
This is based on one of the UK’s most iconic multi-storey car parks – on Welbeck Street, hidden behind Oxford Street in London’s West End.

Completed in 1970, and originally constructed to provide car parking space for shoppers, the structure symbolises an era of fossil fuel consumption. Re-imagined as a self-sufficient charging plaza, the proposal is to reinvent the existing stock of city centre multi-storey car parks, where owners of electric vehicles who are less likely to have access to off-street parking at their homes, can charge their cars adjacent to good public transport links.

The proposal at Welbeck Street makes use of the existing structural grid to support solar photovoltaics panels that will provide clean energy for inner-city electric vehicle owners to charge their cars. The result is cleaner and greener surroundings and parts of the building freed up for retail and leisure use. A public artwork on the side of the building indicates the renewable energy generated to charge the cars within the structure.

Electric City – fast-approaching reality of completely emission free major cities
Re-imagining post-industrial wastelands. The Liverpool’s Stanley Dock is cited as an example. Built in 1901, it was once the largest building in the world, but fell into disrepair in the 1980s, symbolising lost industry and economic difficulty.

In this image, it has been re-imagined as a community interchange, helping to rejuvenate the city through the creation of new community facilities and industries based on green energy on redundant sites country wide. Linked to the future of transport and car-free city centres, redundant brownfield sites like Stanley Dock can offer the multi-modal "last mile" connection to cities, whilst rejuvenating the communities they are located in.

Electric future – opportunity for wholesale change
In this image, London is a cleaner, healthier city where repurposed, new infrastructure, connected to electric vehicles, has allowed a proliferation of vegetation and green space. Cities across the UK are electrically self-sufficient harnessing solar and tidal power to power the increased number of electric vehicles, both land-based and airborne.

“These four concepts should all be possible within a generation," said Eaglesham. "Electric vehicle successes such as the I-PACE represent a huge catalyst for change.

"As architects, together with town planners and authorities national and local, we need to embrace this opportunity now, and bring visions such as these to reality, improving experiences, and indeed lives, up and down the country.”


Perodua celebrates opening of its EEV factory

                RAWANG: Perodua Global Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, the country’s first Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV)-certified automotive plant, was opened on Tuesday as the national car company moves towards becoming a global player.

Construction of the RM1.3bil plant started on March 2013. It began making the Axia model in August 2014 and has already delivered 138,000 cars to customers nationwide as of December 2015.

Perodua holds up the new plant as the epitome of energy efficiency in car production. It uses energy-efficient lighting, tracks hourly consumption, uses efficient heating and cooling systems, and shuts down equipment when they are not used. It said its energy-efficiency initiatives have resulted in a reduction of emissions on vehicle production.

The 1.0-litre Axia comes in six variants and is priced from around RM25,000 to RM44,000. Malaysia's most affordable new car, the Axia replaced the Viva and is available with a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. The Axia is based on the Daihatsu Ayla/Toyota Agya platform.

Perodua chairman Tan Sri Asmat Kamaludin said the 64,000 square metre plant and its workers would serve as a benchmark for the rest of Perodua's operations as the car maker strives to be a competitive global player.

Perodua Global Manufacturing is an avenue for Perodua to improve quality, cost controls and timely delivery, he added.

The plant was opened by Minister of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin who stood in for Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.


700hp Mustang Shelby GT500 most potent Ford ever

                DETROIT: The new Mustang Shelby GT500 is set for an appointment with tracks and drag strips in 2019 with its 700-plus horsepower supercharged V8.

This makes it the most powerful street-legal production Ford to date. Ford said the fast-back coupe will be twice as powerful as the original 1967 Mustang performance model.

Embodying Ford Performance team’s motorsport expertise, this new Mustang is engineered to stand out, thanks to its new track technologies, performance hardware, plus aggressive and functional track-tuned styling.


On a holiday with Honda City

When we took the Honda City last Christmas season, Johor ended up in the shortlist for an extended drive as the east coast was off-limits, what with the monsoonal floods – unfortunately the worst on record with over 200,000 people evacuated nationwide.

So Johor it was. Surprisingly, the nearly 5-hour drive on the North-South Expressway on Christmas morning was clear through to Johor Baru (JB), with no wretched jams to gripe about.

Until one reaches the city centre, where locals, Singaporeans and other out-of-towners were out in force for a day of merry-making.

Given a choice, one would prefer a bigger car to use when travelling far with the family.

All the better to keep passengers comfortable and happy, haul luggage and the requisite shopping on the way home.

So when handed the key to the compact Honda City, we were at first none too thrilled with the idea, having got used to much bigger and more powerful transport on similar sojourns.

But one must adapt. With scepticism on hold, three in a family went with the City to the peninsula’s southernmost city.

After six rainy days with the small car in all sorts of traffic situations and roads, we have to give credit where credit is due. More on that later.

Small cars are generally at home in urban areas and don’t handle touring adventures well or with as much grace as their bigger – and pricier – counterparts.

Being small and light, they tend to suffer more the ill effects of cross winds, such as present on the route, and buffeting from trucks and other larger vehicles speeding by.

Their smallness oftentimes means they become rather uncomfortable after more than an hour’s drive across vast distances.

 At the Johor convention centre in Johor Baru.

The current City has come a long way from 1996 when Honda revived the nameplate and introduced the third-generation City to Malaysia.

For all intents and purposes, this was the first-generation City to Malaysians but in truth, the previous two generations were smaller hatchbacks and were sold only in the Japanese, European and Australasian markets from 1981 to 1994.

The latest City is a much better looking sedan than the one Honda offered up from 2002-2007, which this writer once considered buying but didn’t, being put off by its awkward exterior even though its selling point was a roomy cabin as well as good fuel economy.

The current City’s overall exterior design looks far better. While its predecessor had elegant grill work that is still attractive even today, the current one sports a thick bar across, creating a bold, masculine appearance.

Halogen lights, complemented by foglamps shine the way ahead.

Viewed sideways, the car dips forward in a sporty stance and roofline flows pleasingly to the back, topped by a shark-fin antenna.

The 16-inch wheels in the V-spec City enhances the look, while the deep-cut character line adds a point of interest to sheetmetal.

But some may interpret it as enthusiasm gone overboard by Honda stylists, making the side look as if Wolverine had taken a swipe at it with an adamantium claw, leaving a gash behind.

That line connects with revised wraparound tail lights set apart by a chrome bar that confers a sense of width in the rear.

The dash has a clean look with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen taking centrestage with electronic controls below it for the air-conditioning.

 This landmark shows what Sungai Rengit is known for.

The blue illumination in the meter cluster and touchscreen is especially vibrant at night and perimeter lights in the centre speedometer changes from green to blue, clueing the driver on whether he is saving fuel or burning it.

The steering column is for the first time adjustable for rake and reach.

The main display includes MirrorLink function, an industry standard for car-smartphone connectivity, that allows an iphone (for now) to be paired with the City.

Among the premium features in this car are a multi-function steering wheel, smart entry and push start button, cruise control, eight speakers, rear ventilation air conditioning, two USB ports, HDMI, three power sockets and eight cup holders.

Honda has removed paddle shifters in the locally assembled City as its study showed most buyers of the model aren’t using them.

It offers optional extras to upgrade the looks.

While the all-fabric seats are pleasant and comfortable enough, the main cabin highlight is the generous rear passenger space.

Passengers will be delighted with the amount of legroom and there’s enough headroom for average-sized Asians.

But the Nissan Almera followed by the Toyota Vios are still ahead in the rear legroom stakes.

Honda makes amends with a 536l boot, the biggest in its segment.

There was certainly more than enough room for luggage and shopping items for this trip. Back seats can also be folded 60:40 if more space is needed. However, the enlarged boot came at the expense of cabin aesthetics; the rear parcel shelf is raised noticeably above the seats, blighting the interior somewhat.

As good food is a Malaysian pre-occupation – no doubt whetted by a certain TV channel – JB has some gems to boast of.

Have breakfast or lunch at Hua Mui café and finish the day at San Low restaurant. Both offer a range of yummy fare and the standing-room crowds are visual proof.

On the way home, be sure to stop by Hiap Joo bakery near the Hainanese café to get its popular banana cake and wood-baked buns that can be addictive for the bread person.

The RM90,800 City was roped in in the search for good grub. Being a compact car, it navigated the narrow streets to Hua Mui in the old part of the city with aplomb.

The light steering and good visibility  made parking in the congested lane next to the cafe as easy as pie.

Part of the itinerary included some retail therapy at Johor Premium Outlets in Kulaijaya, where 130 stores sell branded goods at attractive discounts.

We could not resist the lobster village of Sungai Rengit near Pengerang and had no qualms about travelling 100km from JB to grab some seafood, having had a good time there last July.

In the journey to all these destinations, the City showed abilities that went beyond the norm. Its composure at high speeds is evident on the expressway and on the long undulating straights towards Pengerang. It’s not easily ruffled by passing lorries or cars although the ride is a tad soft.

The 1.5-litre engine puts out the same performance as before, which is adequate for pottering around the city where it’s in its element, being agile and able to make quick directional changes.

It is also up to the task of overtaking quickly and the occasional bursts of high-speed runs.

CVT technology has improved over the years and the one here is well matched to the engine and is not as drony as those in some other cars.

But the steering feel is light and muted as expected.  Like more expensive cars, there’s a choice of drive modes – S for a little spirited driving and ECON for even better fuel economy.

On the highway, the City takes a while to get up to speed but once the engine is mustered to the upper revs, it perks up and power delivery is much more usable. More so in S mode when the engine sounds more urgent and willing.

The interior is well insulated to keep noise down when the car is driven sedately but engine and road noise tend to seep in at higher speeds.

 At Johor Premium Outlets in Kulaijaya near Johor Baru.

Braking performance wasn’t shabby; the front disc/rear drum brake combo manages to bring the 1,100kg car to a quick stop on dry or wet roads every time.

Safety equipment is class-leading with six airbags onboard and electronic stability control to enhance safety especially in emergency maneuvers.

With fuel consumption rated at 17.5km/l, the City is considered an energy efficient vehicle or EEV,  qualifying Honda Malaysia for various government incentives under the National Automotive Policy.

Anecdotal evidence indicated the engine was indeed frugal as we had to log a lot of miles of mixed driving before we needed to fuel up.

Honda Malaysia trumpets that the new City has raised the benchmark in the B-segment. It’s no idle boast.


Automotive supplier breaks ground on rare new Detroit factory

Shahid Khan standing alongside an artist's rendering of the Flex-N-Gate plant during a groundbreaking ceremony in Detroit. — Reuters
DETROIT: US auto parts maker Flex-N-Gate will build a plant here in what local officials described as the first new investment by an automotive supplier in decades for Motor City, the cradle and former beating heart of the car industry.

"This is the largest automotive supplier investment in Detroit in more than 20 years," mayor Mike Duggan said on Monday at a groundbreaking ceremony under a light blue spring sky on Detroit's northeast side.

"We're starting to compete and win again." Urbana, Illinois-based Flex-N-Gate will invest US$95 million in the plant, which will employ 400-700 people and supply parts to Ford Motor Co. It is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2018.

Flex-N-Gate owner Shahid Khan said Ford was the "great impetus" behind locating the plant in Detroit and said it aims to employ locals. Workers would earn up to US$27 per hour including benefits and the plant will use state-of-the-art automated technology "in order to pay people a living wage," he said. The supplier makes plastic exterior parts, especially front ends, and headlights.

A Ford spokesman said the company would not provide "specific production details at this time" on which models the plant's parts would be used.

Pakistan-born Khan, who also owns the National Football League's Jacksonville Jaguars, came to the United States decades ago to study mechanical engineering at the University of Illinois.

Auto plants once proliferated across Detroit, and many today are empty red-brick hulks. Only General Motors Co and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV (FCA) still have operational plants in the city.

Over decades of decline, Detroit's population fell to 700,000 from a peak of 1.8 million people in 1950, reflected in the many vacant and decaying homes in the area around the future Flex-N-Gate plant.

Since going through bankruptcy earlier this decade, Detroit has experienced a slight renaissance with businesses and artists moving in.

The plight of American manufacturing, as well as immigration, were the focus of Republican President Donald Trump's election campaign. Trump has criticised automakers for building cars in Mexico and talked up announcements of US investments by Ford, GM and FCA, including some that had been announced before he took office.

Khan said the decision to invest in Detroit predated Trump's presidency. But he said that in the US automotive industry today, "you have to have a social conscience. You can do that and still make investments like this."


Move over 7 Series, BMW iNEXT will be new flagship model

MUNICH: BMW AG's response to the challenge posed by Tesla Motors Inc.will be ready in 2021, years after Audi and Mercedes-Benz plan to roll out their own long-range electric vehicles.

With Tesla planning to enter the mainstream of the luxury- car market with the Model 3 next year, BMW is bringing out the iNext, which will supplant the 7-Series sedan as the brand's flagship model. The vehicle will come eight years after introducing the squat electric-powered i3 city car in 2013.

The iNext will be “our new innovation driver, with autonomous driving, digital connectivity, intelligent lightweight design, a totally new interior and ultimately bringing the next generation of electro-mobility to the road,” chief executive Officer Harald Krueger said Thursday at the annual shareholders meeting of the 100-year-old company. “We have always stressed that our centenary is a springboard to the future.”

The new model is the centrepiece of BMW's effort to defend its position in the luxury-car market as changing consumer tastes challenge the German manufacturer's focus on high-speed Autobahn thrills. BMW is responding to pressure from Tesla and traditional rivals like Daimler AG's Mercedes as well as the risks posed by Apple Inc.

As part of a broader strategy shift, BMW is also expanding into mobility services to take on the likes of Uber Technologies Inc. as owning a vehicle becomes less important to city-dwelling consumers. The German manufacturer started a car-sharing programme in Seattle last month that offers the option of a chauffeur service as well as people renting out their own vehicles.

The iNext will lag behind similar efforts by key rivals Mercedes and Volkswagen AG's Audi. Both plan to offer models that can cover at least 500km on a single charge by 2018. Audi will build its first all-electric car as well as the battery at Audi's factory in Brussels.

“Starting in 2018, we will launch another electrified car each year,” Audi CEO Rupert Stadler said Thursday at the Volkswagen unit's annual shareholders meeting in Ingolstadt. “By 2025, we will see fully automated driving.”

BMW's decision to allow eight years to pass since rolling out the i3 follows sluggish sales for the 160km-range vehicle, which failed to excite customers in the way Tesla's electric Model 3 sedan has done.

The rush of reservations for Tesla's US$35,000 Model 3 has highlighted the risk posed to BMW and other upscale carmakers, which rely on a reputation for innovation to charge customers more than mass-market competitors.

Since 2013, BMW has sold about 50,000 i3s and i8 plug-in hybrid sports cars, while Tesla got 400,000 deposits for its most mainstream model in the weeks after the March 31 unveiling of the prototype. To be sure, aside from Tesla's vehicles, no electric cars have sold well. That's prompted BMW to plan a significant expansion of its high-performance M line to help finance investment in electric powertrains and other technology that may not pay off for years.

Still, investors questioned BMW's strategy of waiting years to expand its electric-car lineup and fight Tesla on driving range after pioneering the mass-market production of carbon fibre for the chassis for the i3 and i8.

“Can you afford to wait until 2021 to unveil the BMW iNext and still be competitive?” Daniela Bergdolt, vice chair of German shareholder protection association DSW, asked Krueger at the meeting. “I sense you used to be early when it comes to e- mobility, and now there's a sense you’re somewhat discouraged.”

BMW is set to lose its ranking as the world's best-selling luxury-car brand this year for the first time since 2005. Mercedes, benefiting from a rejuvenated product lineup, took the lead during the first quarter, when sales rose more than twice as fastas BMW’s.

The battle to stay in the lead contributed to incentives to entice buyers to BMW's relatively older cars. The average price of BMW's vehicles declined 5.9 percent to about 33,700 euros (US$38,500) in the first quarter as demand for cheaper cars like the X1 compact SUV powered past sales of the revamped 7-Series sedan, according to Bloomberg calculations.

BMW's current top- of-the-line model, on sale since October, has failed to trouble the dominance of the competing Mercedes S-Class, which came out in 2013.

“The 7-Series isn’t getting anywhere against the S-Class so far,” Ingo Speich, a fund manager at Union Investment, said at the meeting. “It’ll probably be until 2018 until we see new impetus in terms of design, operating concept and interior with the new 3 Series.”


Jumping on the EV bandwagon: The Malaysian experience

                PETALING JAYA: Electric vehicles, or EVs in short, are the buzzword the world over. Locally, a growing number of listed companies have announced plans to get involved in the sector. Some are looking at building charging points, while others intend to distribute imported EVs in the Malaysian market.

There are also listed companies indirectly involved in the sector via manufacturing components for EVs.

Globally and at home, the push for EVs is led by governments providing support in the form of policies based on the idea of reducing carbon emissions and increasing the use of renewable energy.

In Malaysia, there are import and excise duty exemptions for EVs. The exemptions will last until Dec 31, 2025 for locally assembled models, but only until the end of 2023 for completely built-up (CBU) vehicles. In the recently tabled Budget 2023, there is a proposal to extend the exemptions for CBUs by another year.

Some other countries have more robust EV policies. Thailand has a policy to move 30% of total automotive production to EVs by 2030, while the Indonesian government has set a goal for EVs to make up 20% of all domestic cars manufactured by 2025.

Singapore is even more aggressive, targeting to cease new diesel car registrations from 2025 and requiring all new car and taxi registrations to be of cleaner-energy models from 2030.

Not surprisingly, the take-up rate of EVs in Malaysia remains low. In 2021, it was reported that only 274 EVs were sold from a grand total of 508,911 units, which is a paltry 0.05%.

From January to May this year, 390 EV units were sold in Malaysia, with the percentage of EV to internal combustion engine or ICE cars increasing to 0.17%.

Globally, sales of EVs doubled in 2021 from the previous year to a new record of 6.6 million, a steep rise from the 120,000 units sold in 2012. In the first quarter of this year, two million EVs were sold, up 75% from the same period in 2021.

China, the biggest maker and user of EVs, saw EV sales hitting 3.7 million units from January to August this year.

In comparison, in the United States about 520,000 EVs were sold this year up to September.

EVs made up 6.1% of total car sales in the American market in the third quarter of 2022 as compared to only 2.2% in the corresponding quarter of 2020.

Closer to home, Thailand’s Energy Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow revealed this week that the country recorded a 223% increase in EV sales for the first nine months of 2022 to 13,298 units, compared to the period of January to September 2021.

In China, the motivation to move to EVs comes from its intention to cut its dependence on oil, as the country imports more oil than it exports. That and coupled with the fact that it has an abundance of the natural materials used to produce EV batteries.

China is spending a lot on EV subsidies.

Since 2009, US$14.8bil (100 billion yuan or RM70.2bil) in subsidies were provided to EV consumers in China. To help EV sales rebound in 2020 in the midst of lockdowns, the central government extended incentives as well as prolonged the purchase-tax exemptions of EVs throughout 2022.

Locally, experts familiar with EVs are offering varying views as to how the industry can become mainstream.

Industry players say that a specific roadmap from the government is essential.

Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) chairman Datuk Phang Ah Tong notes that there are huge opportunities for Malaysia to tap into the EV eco-system.

“With EVs having a lot of electronic components and with Malaysia already having a solid semiconductor base, it is a shoo-in for the country to play into the space.

“It is best for Malaysian companies to aim to support EV development such as providing components, rather than to try and make and build our own EVs,” he tells StarBizWeek.

Industry checks reveal that a number of China-based EV makers are scouring the region including Malaysia with the hope of setting up plants here or securing parts.

Some notable EV investments into Malaysia include the RM1bil that Fieldman EV Sdn Bhd is investing in Melaka to construct the nation’s first EV assembly plant, and the RM7bil Samsung SDI Energy Malaysia Sdn Bhd invested to open its EV battery cell manufacturing facility in Seremban, which fully opened its doors in July.

Still, EVs are not mainstream in countries like Malaysia for one main reason. They cost more. Another problem is the lack of infrastructure, namely, sufficient charging stations.

Bermaz Auto Bhd group chief executive Datuk Francis Lee says with EV cars generally being priced at a minimum of RM150,000, there is insufficient volume to drive up the sector.

“We need a nation-wide policy to push the industry. Back home, as announced in Budget 2023, the government is planning to extend the import and excise duty exemption for CBU EVs to Dec 31, 2024, (from Dec 31, 2023), but they did not mention anything about the CKDs,” says Lee.

Lee believes that the extension to 2024 for CBUs would instead encourage local auto players to import CBU vehicles, rather than look to assemble these vehicles.

“There has to be a commitment to the CKD programme, such as an extension of the duty exemption for another five or six years, perhaps,” he says.

Datuk Thiruchandran Thiruchelvam from a local firm venturing into EV charging infrastructure called Charge N Go Sdn Bhd is more optimistic about the local EV scene, noting that prices will come down for EVs.

He says EV battery prices have dropped by almost 90% over the last 12 years due to improvements in battery technology and economies of scale. This is significant because the battery typically accounts for 40% to 50% of the cost of an EV, he adds.

“Many analysts forecast that EVs could reach price parity with ICE cars sometime within the next two to five years. Once that happens, we can see large-scale adoption of EVs,” says Thiruchandran.

He is also encouraged by the fact that the deployment of EV charging infrastructure in Malaysia, while still at its infancy, has taken off as multiple charge-point operators have commenced the installation of both AC and DC chargers in condominiums and commercial buildings, as well as in public areas along highways.

“This is a good sign of the confidence that players in the industry are willing to invest in infrastructure despite the low number of EVs at present.

“The growth of the EV charging infrastructure will be in tandem with the number of EV cars and in more mature markets like the European Union, more than 300,000 chargers have been deployed,” Thiruchandran notes.

He also expects a gradual increase in EV buses, lorries and bikes as the long-term drivers are the same, namely, advances in battery technology and falling battery prices.

He says: “For commercial vehicles such as buses and lorries, once key cost thresholds are reached, an EV would be the most economic option.”

Environmental issues

But are EVs really environment friendly? The debate on this is not new.

Notes Bermaz’s Lee: “We need to remember that about half of all electricity generators in Malaysia are powered by coal. By pushing for EV adoption, could that mean we are encouraging more coal usage?” he quips.

On the other hand, he notes that there is also the matter of older ICE vehicles that are still on our roads and which consume more petrol compared to newer cars, and hence emit more pollutants.

“It would make more sense if we encourage the use of ‘green’ electric cars, while on the other hand we find a way to reduce the number of older vehicles on our roads, similar to what Singapore is implementing,” Lee suggests.

In terms of the pricing of EVs, it is notable that Sime Darby Motors Malaysia is targeting to bring in the Dolphin EV from Chinese EV manufacturer BYD Auto Co Ltd.

The Dolphin is estimated to be priced under RM100,000, becoming the most affordable EV in Malaysia. However, it should be noted that all cars including EV cars have to pass standards set by the Road Transport Department, which are based on some internationally set criteria.

 The BYD Dolphin.

Bermaz’s Lee says that they are speaking with a few Chinese manufacturers such as BYD, Great Wall Motor Co Ltd, Changan Automobile Co Ltd and Foton Motor Co Ltd to ink out potential distributor deals.

Describing some of the challenges Bermaz is facing in its attempt to secure EV distribution contracts with Chinese producers, he says most of these companies expect immediate results in terms of volume, probably because that is the environment the much bigger Chinese market expects of its players.

Lee says, “In our discussions with these EV producers, we discovered that the immediate expectation they would want from us is volume. In other words, how many units we can sell. This is very short-term thinking, but brought about understandably by the massive and competitive Chinese market.

“We have the experience of distributing Mazda, Peugeot and Kia cars over here, and we are also doing our best to better educate the public, the government and various other stakeholders on how EVs work. We can work out a strategy for this, but it will be a longer-term project.”

Fuel subsidy removal could boost EV usage

Another interesting factor to consider in the EV journey in Malaysia is the high possibility that the government will remove fuel subsidies.

Charge N Go’s Thiruchandran notes that electricity as a fuel source is already cheaper on a per km basis relative to petrol and the only challenge is that the cost of an EV is more than the average ICE vehicle.

“Therefore, any reductions in the fuel subsidy will obviously increase the amount of comparative savings, making the EV more viable on a total cost of ownership basis,” he opines.

On the other hand, Bermaz’s Lee is of the belief that things may take a little more time and the execution of the subsidy removal is key.

“Firstly, we need to see how this subsidy removal is executed. Secondly, even if subsidies were removed and the price of RON95 were to increase to RM3 per litre from the current RM2.05, the M40 segment may still prefer paying more for petrol over buying an EV car, because the EV car is still not within their affordability range,” he explains.

The lowest priced EV car at the moment, the Hyundai Kona, is priced around RM150,000, which translates to an instalment of about RM2,000 monthly, Lee says, and this may still be a burden to many in the M40 group.

The charging problem

Challenges related to the charging of EVs remain a problem. The general thinking is that there are not enough charging stations and it takes too long to charge EVs.

Home charging also requires homes to have three phased electricity wiring. Older apartment blocks do not have charging facilities, unlike newer developments.

Charge N Go’s Thiruchandran, though, points out that the charging of an EV battery is similar to charging a mobile phone overnight. He says: “A relatively low-cost 7kW AC charger would be sufficient to fully charge most EVs overnight.

“Also, as most EVs have a range of between 300kms and 400kms on a full charge, the average user is not going to fully utilise this range within a day. Hence, they would just need a couple of hours every night on their home charger to top up their charge.”

He also highlights that for long distance driving, an infrastructure of high-speed direct current fast chargers along highways is of course essential.

Interestingly, national power supplier Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) has pledged to invest RM90mil to increase the number of charging points for EVs on expressways.

TNB says the rationale behind this investment is to solve the challenges of charging infrastructure, to better ensure that the anxiety of EV drivers on Malaysian highways can be dissipated.

“But we also require other parties such as highway concessionaires and the city councils to give their cooperation for the charging point operators to deploy our chargers on Malaysian roads,” TNB Programme Management Office Project Director-Electric Vehicles Mohd Junaizee Mohd Noor tells StarBizWeek.

Mohd Junaizee says experts have shown that the battery technology will be affordable from 2025 onwards and this will bring the selling price of EVs to par with petrol-fuelled vehicles.

He adds: “This will be a turning point for the mass market, as they now have the option of a low-carbon mobility lifestyle. Also, we believe the recent incentives announced by the government (import tax and excise duty exemption) will surely be another catalyst to stimulate the take-up.”

TNB recently announced an agreement with Gamuda Land Sdn Bhd – the property arm of Gamuda Bhd – to build two electron stations for EV charging in property development projects in Selangor.

One interesting point that Mohd Junaizee raised is this: all vehicles including public buses, lorries and trucks entering neighbouring Singapore will soon have to be only EVs.

This is because the city-state will no longer allow the registration of diesel-powered cars and taxis from 2025 onwards, he points out.

“Therefore, the requirement for the fleet industry such as buses, lorries and light vehicles in Malaysia to convert to EVs is getting more pressing,” he says.

He notes that TNB is embarking on a group-wide effort to convert 30% of its fleet vehicles to EVs by 2030.

READ MORE:  MAA talks EVs to CarSifu


2016 New York Auto Show: Lincoln unveils huge luxury Navigator SUV concept

NEW YORK: One step was already standard in the largest SUVs in the United States. The massive new Lincoln Navigator has three to help you aboard. And gull wings to boot.

The concept for Ford's next generation of Lincoln luxury sport utility vehicles was introduced at the New York auto show and makes access easy. The steps come down as the single side doors swing up high, allowing unfettered access to both forward and rear seats.

With the third row, it can carry seven or eight passengers, powered by a 400-plus horsepower V6 Ecoboost engine. All the newest safety features are built in, like pedestrian and collision detection.

Alas the gull-wing doors - first introduced in the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL in the 1950s and most recently seen on the new Tesla Model X crossover - will not be on final versions, to be released to the market next year, the 20th anniversary of the Navigator.

It will go up against a pack of tough rivals in the luxury SUV market from BMW, Cadillac, Rover, Audi and others, all enjoying stronger sales in a market awash with cheap gasoline.


Honda extends 12.12 City promotion

                PETALING JAYA: Honda Malaysia's "All-New City 12.12 Special Sales" with rebate worth RM2,000 for the S and E variants has been extended up to Dec 31.

The extension of the last date of the rebate by 19 days from Dec 12 to Dec 31 was to allow more time for customers to visit their nearest Honda authorised dealerships.

Customers can now book and register their cars by Dec 31 and will be entitled for the Special Rebate once they fulfil the booking and registration requirements.

Honda Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer Toichi Ishiyama said the company would like to thank its customers for the overwhelming support towards the Honda brand.

"Since its official launch, we have delivered close to 5,800 units of the all-new City to customers nationwide.

"To-date we have received over 11,100 bookings and the all-new City 12.12 Special Sales have received positive response from the market since we announced it.

He said the all-new City continues to offer great value in terms of class-leading features, safety, cutting-edge design and a new powertrain.

"With the travel ban on inter-district and inter-state lifted beginning Dec 7, we acknowledge the feedback from our customers and understand that most customers would like to visit Honda dealers to test drive the cars.

"Therefore, we have decided to extend the Special Sales until Dec 31 to enable more customers to enjoy the rebate, make inquiries, test drive and place a booking for the all-new City,"he said.

Ishiyama said the company would also do its best to meet customer demand and deliver the cars to all customers in a timely manner.

With the sales tax exemption in place until Dec 31, those buying the all-new City would enjoy the extra benefits.

For details or to test-drive the all-new City, customers are invited to visit any of the 102 Honda authorised dealerships nationwide or call Honda’s Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or log onto www.honda.com.my.


Tesla ups prices in US, China, Japan and Canada

                AUSTIN: Tesla Inc has raised prices in a range of up to US$290 in Canada, China, Japan and the United States, its website showed on Monday, after having slashed prices on its top-selling vehicles since the start of the year.

The hike was Tesla's first on its two top-selling models at the same time in multiple markets, although prices across its lineup are much lower than in January, after a round of discounts.

Last month, chief executive Elon Musk said the company would prioritise sales growth ahead of margins and look to profit later on its rollout of self-driving software for a larger fleet of vehicles.

Since January, Tesla has shifted to a real-time pricing model that is closer to airlines or ride-sharing than the fixed prices of the traditional auto industry model.

Musk has said the company is willing to sacrifice margin for sales volume but is also looking to move prices back higher, where it can, to match deliveries with output.

By Monday, Tesla's website showed it had raised the starting price point by US$250 on the base model Model Y and Model 3 in the United States.

Prices changed about the same amount in its second largest market of China, as well as in Canada and Japan, those websites showed.

It was the first time since January that Tesla has increased the price of its cheapest car, the Model 3, in the United States.

The entry-level, rear-wheel-drive Model 3 is still about 14% cheaper in the US  than at the start of the year. The long-range version of the Model Y remains about 24% cheaper in Tesla's largest market.

In Canada, Tesla raised prices by C$300 (US$222) for the performance versions of its Model 3 and Model Y. In Japan, prices for the entry-level Model 3 rose 37,000 yen (US$269).

In China, Tesla raised the price for variants by 2,000 yuan (US$289), the website showed.

Tesla touched off a price war in the world's largest market when it began price cuts last year in China, where it and other established automakers face growing competition from a range of domestic electric car brands led by BYD Co Ltd.


50 Beetle Dune slotted for Malaysia, available now from RM179,990

                SHAH ALAM: Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) today launched the most rugged Beetle ever – the Beetle Dune.

An ode to the legendary American dune buggies of the 1960s and 1970s, the Beetle Dune is bold, cool, and tough, all rolled into one, and evokes a sense of never-ending summer adventure.

The Beetle Dune comes with a 1.4L TSI turbocharged engine with a 7-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG), delivering 148hp and 250Nm of torque.

READ MORE:  New VW Passat launched alongside Beetle Dune

Dune signature black stripes and side mouldings, an extensively redesigned front and rear bumper, and rear spoiler adds to a powerfully proportioned stance, while 18” ‘Canyon’ alloy wheels completes its dune buggy appearance. An increased ground clearance of 10mm further adds to its ruggedness.

Decked in an eye-catching ‘Sandstorm Yellow’ hue, the Dune also comes with bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights, LED taillights and front fog lamps with static concerning lights.

Volkswagen’s most iconic model was designed in the 1930s by Ferdinand Porsche and mass production started in 1945. Its concept, design and charisma has made it the most successful motorised companion on the planet for decades.

Fully imported from Mexico, the Beetle Dune is priced at RM179,990 (excluding registration and insurance). Only 50 units are available in Malaysia at authorised Volkswagen dealerships, while stocks lasts.


Nissan videos bust electric vehicle (EV) myths

                BANGKOK: In the past five years, global battery-only electric vehicle (EV) sales have increased 23-fold , with 37 percent of South East Asian consumers now considering EVs for their next vehicle purchase.

To actively support this growing demand for information on EVs, Nissan today launched its first education video series to bust myths and bring more awareness around electric vehicles.

“Across the region, we consistently hear that people love the idea of EVs but many may not fully understand how EVs fit into their lifestyles or the usage basics. As the world’s first automotive manufacturer to produce a mass-market 100-percent electric vehicle, with more than 70-years expertise in this form of automotive technology, we wanted to help promote awareness around this topic,” said Yutaka Sanada, regional senior vice president for Nissan Asia & Oceania.

The four-part video series covers charging, range, driving and ownership.

Leading the discussion, Tim Jarvis, Australian explorer and environmental scientist, and Naya Ehrlich-Adam, founder of sustainable food business Broccoli Revolution in Bangkok, team up to discuss questions about EVs based on their personal experiences and preferences.

Charging tips - In the first video on EV charging, Nissan shares data and tips on how EV owners can charge their vehicles, using the three main charging options for the Nissan LEAF as an example: standard outlet charging, wall box charging and quick charging.

 Naya Ehrlich-Adam, founder of sustainable food business Broccoli Revolution in Bangkok & Tim Jarvis, Australian explorer and environmental scientist

- Similar to plugging a smartphone to charge, 80-90 percent of Nissan LEAF owners choose to charge their cars at home with the universal cable that comes with their car, mostly overnight.

- LEAF owners have the option of equipping their homes, offices or any useful place with a wall box, which provides a full charge within 5-7 hours - faster than standard socket charging.

- It takes just 40 to 60 minutes to replenish battery levels to 80 percent via quick charging stations, often located in convenient areas such as shopping malls.

The video also clarifies potential safety concerns of some, highlighting charging EVs can be safely be performed in the rain – a situation often faced in the rainy season across Asia and Oceania.


Subaru Forester 2.0i-S EyeSight: A worthy contender

                Arriving on our shores in August last year, the fifth-generation Subaru Forester hasn’t changed much of its looks from its predecessor.

Instead, like a skilled craftsman with some sandpaper, the Japanese brand has further refined its sports utility vehicle (SUV) with comfort and convenience being its main game.

For this review, CarSifu.my was offered the range-topping Forester 2.0i-S, which is equipped with the brand’s latest Advance Driver Assist Systems dubbed EyeSight — because it uses two cameras.

Exterior and interior

The overall shape hasn’t changed with the exception of the front fascia, newly designed opposing—C front and rear lights as well as its larger overall size that contributes to a larger interior cabin.

Speaking of which, the interior too hasn’t changed...much, and although there are a few slight added details here and there — the level of familiarity is extremely high.

From its side profile, the Forester sits calmly with its 220mm ground clearance while rolling on 18—inch wheels with 225/55 series tyres and depending on one’s height, some calf flexing may be required to get in.

Inside, the leather-wrapped upholstery feels relatively plush with adequate amounts of thigh support, but one thing’s for certain — there’s going to be a highly noticeable amount of all-round visibility.

Head, shoulder and rear legroom are plentiful thanks to its 30mm longer wheelbase at 2,670mm and add dimensions at 4,625mm-long (+15mm), 1,815mm wide (+20mm) and 1,730mm tall (+5mm).

This has allowed the cabin to spread itself out, now providing 20mm more of shoulder room at the front, 33mm more rear legroom and allowing the rear boot opening to be expanded by 200mm at 1,300mm.

The engine has also been tweaked, with the 2.0-litre (1,995cc) flat-four Boxer engine now producing 156PS (+6PS) and 196Nm (+2Nm) of torque at 4,000rpm.

But the real difference from its predecessor is the fact that this range-topping variant has Subaru’s EyeSight — the Japanese carmaker’s advanced driver assistance system.

To summarise EyeSight, it simply helps provide a preventive measure for drivers and if it finds that there is no way of avoiding things, it’ll try to mitigate them.

How it drives

The Forester is always a smooth operator with its continuously variable transmission (CVT) that manages power delivery to its all-wheel-drive system.

The Boxer engine is responsive and is a willing player but lacks a sporty feel to it when trying to get off the line hastily.

The CVT doesn’t display that “rubber-band” effect traditionally associated with these transmissions — thanks to its seven virtual shift points that tries to mask its true identity, but paddle-shifting through them can bring out the Forester’s sporty character.

Braking at speed, the Forester keeps its composure in which it doesn’t really dive very much and roll isn’t that prevalent as compared to its predecessor.

Traversing over bumps and uneven road surfaces will indicate a more communicative suspension than before and throwing it around corners revealed far less roll as well.

Manoeuvring through tight locations is a cinch thanks to the inclusion of a forward-facing camera on the left wing-mirror that provides a visual feed with guidelines on the upper colour LCD display of the front left wheel.

Considering how high this SUV sits, it’s a definite welcome to help keep the front left wheel from getting stuck or to simply prevent curb-rashing the stylish alloys wheels.

On highways, the use of EyeSight’s adaptive cruise control made commutes a lot more relaxing and its lane sway warning system and lane departure warning will help keep drivers properly within their lanes.

The name comes from the Japanese brand’s use of two camera systems — much like how we humans have two eyes, to provide added preventive safety measures.

While stuck in traffic, the lead vehicle start alert system helped to ensure that trailing motorists won’t be annoyed by any lack of attention from the moment the lead car moves off.

Its pre-collision braking system does help keep drivers out of trouble.

Let’s face it, everyone’s either experienced something of that nature or merely had a close call.
Also included in EyeSight’s suite of safety systems are pre-collision throttle management which cuts throttle just prior to the moment of impact.

Verdict

While this Forester may seem bland in the looks department, rest assured it’s definitely a rugged piece of equipment that can take its owner off tarmacked paths and into more secluded locations thanks to its intelligent Super AWD system that assures of traction in any given situation.

The high-riding effect with plenty of large gaping windows offers drivers plenty of all-round visibility and together with the added spaciousness, the cabin automatically feels airy and unconstrained.

Steering the Forester will be the biggest surprise in that it provides for a confidence-inspiring experience although sadly the powertrain won’t be there to support the cause and is the only let-down.

Keeping the momentum through the corners, this SUV will surprise with its poise and athleticism that’ll rival even European makes.

The RM169,788 Forester will serve a wide spectrum of purposes from daily commutes to those looking for an assuring vehicle that isn’t too bulky like a pickup truck to get them in and out of secluded locations — hence its somewhat rugged looks.

Not to mention, the safety equipment found in the Forester is impressive and will give confidence to its driver that it’ll not only take care of occupants but also, to a certain degree, other road goers as well.

SPECIFICATIONS Subaru Forester 2.0i-S EyeSightEngine: 1,995cc flat-four Boxer engine
Maximum power: 156PS at 6,000rpm
Maximum torque: 196Nm at 4,000rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed (virtual) Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission with paddle shifters

Features: Seven airbags, four-channel antilock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, brake override, electronic parking brake,  active torque vectoring, auto vehicle hold, vehicle dynamics control system, hill descent control, towing vehicle dynamics control system, 18-inch wheels with 225/55 series tyres, auto-levelling headlight function, front LED fogs, powered tailgate with memory height function, side-view monitor, rear vehicle detection system and EyeSight driver assist technology including pre-collision braking, pre-collision throttle management, lane sway warning, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and lead vehicle start alert.

Price (OTR without insurance): RM159,788


Qualcomm to supply GM with 'cockpit' chips for next generation vehicles

                SAN DIEGO: Qualcomm Inc on Tuesday said it will supply a range of chips for General Motors Co’s next generation of vehicles.

The San Diego company has long been known for making modem chips that connected Apple Inc’s iPhones and many vehicles to cellular data networks. In recent years, Qualcomm has moved into automotive chips.

Qualcomm and GM said in statements the automaker will use Qualcomm’s “cockpit” chips, which can run an automotive-grade operating system for functions such as the vehicle’s speedometer and also the in-dashboard infotainment (information and entertainment) system.

The companies also said GM will start integrating Qualcomm’s automated driver assistance system chips for features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-change assistance.

Qualcomm has rolled out multiple tiers of chips with different features and pricing, positioning itself as GM’s single provider for budget and luxury vehicles.

“We look at this partnership as a very important foundation for what we would like to repeat really across various parts of the industry,” Nakul Duggal, senior vice president & general manager of automotive for Qualcomm Technologies, said in an interview with Reuters.

Qualcomm also said its driver-assistance computer, called Snapdragon Ride, would hit the roads in a production vehicle in 2022, though it did not specify the automaker or vehicle.

The system is designed to have enough computing power to scale up to self-driving functions in some vehicles. Qualcomm has not given a timeline for such a car.

Qualcomm earlier on Tuesday said it was pairing with Veoneer Inc’s software unit Arriver to provide a full system of self-driving hardware and software to automakers, although Qualcomm will also offer its computer as a standalone for automakers that want to write their own code.

Qualcomm said that its next generation of automotive chips will have the ability to integrate Amazon.com’s Alexa voice assistant into vehicles if automakers chose to enable the feature.


Singer announces partnership with Phillips Perpetual

                GENEVA: Singer announces that the Track1 collection by Singer Reimagined will be on permanent display within the new Phillips Perpetual gallery in Mayfair, a new watch collectors’ destination created by Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo.

This follows the confirmation of the Track1 as winner of the Chronograph category at the GPHG awards in November 2018. Singer Reimagined will be the only brand displaying new watches at Phillips Perpetual. The announcement follows two highly successful collaborations between Singer and Phillips.

In July 2018, Phillips hosted the Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer – Dynamics and Lightweighting Study as it was shown for the first time in London. Direct from Goodwood Festival of Speed and surrounded by art from Carlos Cruz-Diez, the car together with an exclusive collection of watches was presented at a private reception.

In February 2019, the Track1 timepieces from Singer Reimagined returned to 30 Berkeley Square as part of a private sales exhibition. The announcement that the collection will be exhibited at Phillips Perpetual marks the next step in a collaboration to present collectible watches and automobiles in bespoke surroundings.

The Track1 is a radical re-engineering of the chronograph. Its sleek lines frame an innovative and complex design with a display made possible by a revolutionary movement, the Agengraphe. Ten years in the making, this automatic caliber goes beyond the limitations imposed by preceding mechanisms, enabling a centralised indication of the chronograph functions, thus enabling a focus on legibility and performance.

Singer Reimagined is the sister company to Singer Vehicle Design, based in Los Angeles, and created a decade ago to pursue the creative possibilities within the world of iconic automobiles. Both companies combine iconic design with cutting-edge material science in pursuit of mechanical art.

Phillips Perpetual is a first of its kind platform that will launch at Phillips London on 30 Berkeley Square, presenting the finest collectors’ watches in custom-built surroundings.


How the refreshed Camry stacks up against rivals

PETALING JAYA:  CarSifu's Rizal Johan was out all day yesterday driving the new Camry including Toyota's first locally assembled hybrid - the Camry Hybrid.

The top-ranging Camry 2.5L Hybrid has an in-line four cylinder engine mated to the electronically controlled continously variable transmission (E-CVT) transmission which produces 160PS and 213Nm of torque and an electric motor which outputs 143PS and 270Nm.  It comes with seven airbags, one more than its nearest competitors.

The Camry is also available in 2.0 litre variants: the mid-spec 2.0G and base model 2.0E. We can already tell you now that the new Camry, sporting a new front fascia has vastly improved its ride quality and reduced the noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

We will bring you more details at the launch of the facelifted Camry tomorrow morning.

Meanwhile, here's some info for you to size up the new model ahead of its official intro.