10 annoying car passengers

                PETALING JAYA: It’s great to have company when you are driving, especially during long journeys.

We are usually willing to pick up friends who don’t drive, especially if they live or work along the way.

And, carpooling not only reduces the number of vehicles on the road but is environmentally friendly too.

At times, however, one can’t help but feel like we are being taken advantage of, especially if the passenger treats you like a taxi driver, albeit an unpaid one.

Here are some people it would be a pain to have in your car:

1. The cheapskate

All this freeloader wants is a free ride. Even though, the car is passing by the tenth toll plaza, they will play dumb. Most Malaysians would be too shy to ask their friends outright for payment. But it would be nice if someone offered to contribute to pay the toll, parking or even petrol if it is a long journey. It would be polite too to treat the driver to a meal or a drink for the favour.

Passengers who never offer to pay or chip in for parking, fuel, toll.

2. Messy eaters

Passengers should ask for permission from the driver before eating. Some people don’t like food being consumed in their cars, especially things such as durian, petai, stinky tofu or food that would leave a mess like crumbly biscuits.

The messy eater leaves crumbs all over the car seat or eats strong-smelling foods.

3. The driving instructor

Another term for this is backseat driver. This Mr Know-It-All just loves to criticise your driving skills and finds fault throughout the journey, making you wish that he came with a mute button. Maybe next time, he should drive!

So you think you can drive? Mr Know-It-All criticises the drivers driving skills.

4. The smoker

Even some smokers themselves don’t smoke in their cars as they don’t want the smell to linger so don’t assume it’s okay. Ask permission from the driver. The same goes for vaping.

The smoker pollutes the air in your car.

5. Deejay wannabe

Don’t live out your dreams of becoming a singer or deejay in another person’s car. It is rude to change the music or volume without asking, or worse, diss the driver’s taste in music. And singing aloud is another habit that may irritate some people.

The deejay wannabe feels that he has better music taste than you.

6. Road bully

This passenger morphs into the Hulk, picking fights with other drivers on the road and reaching over to the driver’s side to sound the horn. Having this short-tempered person in your car can be scary for you and other road users.

The road rager picks fights with other road users.

7. Acting like a towkay

This person likes to make himself at home – in your car. He puts his feet on the dashboard, blocking part of your view. He adjusts the seat to his comfort and almost always never pushes it back to its original position.

Like a boss: This passenger thinks nothing of putting his stinky feet on your dash board.

8. The disconnected one

This person sits in the backseat like he is a passenger in a taxi and ignores the driver. This person just wants you to take them to their destination and is not interested in being good company.

Sitting in the back seat and ignoring the driver.

9. The meddler

This passenger likes to fidget and can’t keep still. He has no compunction opening your glove compartment and rummaging through your things or fiddling with the air conditioner, radio, window, etc.

This annoying passenger fiddles with the things in your car.

10. Litterbug

The litterbug thinks nothing of picking their nose, clipping their fingernails or leaving rubbish in your car. Some even might think they are being considerate by throwing it out of the car!

An offence…Think twice before you throw.

>This story first appeared in Star Metro.


Global automakers call on China to ease 'impossible' electric car rules

                HAMBURG/SHANGHAI: Global automakers have urged China to delay and soften planned quotas for sales of electric and hybrid cars, saying its proposals will be impossible to meet and would severely disrupt their businesses, according to a letter seen by Reuters.

The June 18 letter addressed to the head of China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, is the most cohesive pushback yet from the industry against ambitious targets for so-called new energy vehicles in the world’s biggest auto market.

Keen to combat air pollution, China is planning to set goals for electric and plug-in hybrid cars to make up at least a fifth of Chinese auto sales by 2025, with a staggered system of quotas beginning in 2018.

Beijing also sees the policy as a means to help the domestic car industry to compete with foreign rivals that have decades more experience in internal combustion engines.

The strict new rules plus planned harsh penalties for non-compliance, such as the cancellation of licences to sell non- electric cars in China, has the potential to cause much pain for some automakers in the market.

“This will hit the industry pretty hard, especially well-known companies,” said Liping Kang, senior manager at the Innovation Center for Energy and Transportation, a Beijing-based think tank.

Although Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and German Chancellor Angela Merkel agreed last month that concessions would be made, the ministry later released draft regulations upholding the strict sales quotas.

“The proposed rules’ ambitious enforcement date is not possible to meet,” the letter from U.S., European, Japanese and Korean auto industry bodies said.

“At a minimum, the mandate needs to be delayed a year and include additional flexibilities.” The ministry declined to comment.

The targets demand firms sell electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles to generate ”credits” equivalent to 8 percent of total sales by 2018, 10 percent by 2019 and 12 percent by 2020.

The auto industry bodies also asked for China to reconsider some of the penalties for not achieving the quotas, such as plans to ban carmakers from importing and producing non-new energy vehicles altogether.

They also called for equal treatment of Chinese and foreign makers. Currently foreign carmakers are excluded from getting full subsidies for new energy vehicles and batteries, leaving manufacturers such as Tesla at a disadvantage.

“This preference for domestic automakers over import automakers undermines the environmental goals of the regulation, puts imports at a competitive disadvantage, and risks opening China up to international trade disputes,” the letter said.

Chinese manufacturers are the biggest producers of electric vehicles worldwide, making 43 percent of the total last year, according to consultancy McKinsey & Co.

The letter was signed by the American Automotive Policy Council, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association and the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association.

European carmakers such as Daimler have responded to the Chinese proposals by announcing plans to ramp up local production of electric cars, while Tesla has said it is in talks with the Shanghai Municipal government to try to avoid a 25 percent tariff on imported vehicles.

Foreign manufacturers also want more credit given to plug-in hybrid cars, and for carmakers to be allowed to ”bank” credits accrued from already sold cars as well as to ”carry forward” credits into subsequent model years.
The letter was first reported by Germany’s WirtschaftsWoche magazine.


Porsche Asia Pacific and Shell to set-up high performance EV charging network in Southeast Asia

                SINGAPORE/KUALA LUMPUR: Porsche Asia Pacific and Shell are teaming up to implement Southeast Asia’s first cross-border high performance charging (HPC) network with 12 charge points at six Shell stations strategically located along Malaysia’s North-South Expressway.

This move would allow electric vehicle (EV) drivers to travel between Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Penang with greater convenience and confidence.

Porsche's only EV model in Malaysia is the Taycan which promises a single charge driving range of around 400km.

The partnership further demonstrates the commitment between Porsche and Shell to drive the future of electric mobility in Southeast Asia by spearheading connectivity between the two countries.

“The Asean markets hold strong potential for Porsche to unlock and we see an opportunity to shape electric mobility in the region. Our high-performance network across Singapore and Malaysia will serve as a lighthouse project for other countries to follow,” said Porsche AG's Region Overseas and Emerging Markets vice-president Matthias Becker.

Shell Mobility East senior vice-president Amr Adel said while the question of future electric mobility is a global one, Southeast Asia amply demonstrated the complexity and diversity of both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

"As more customers adopt EVs and governments look to meet their climate goals, the partnership between Porsche and Shell is one of many examples on how industry players must come together to play a vital role to help the transportation sector decarbonise and pave way for cleaner mobility solutions for customers,” he said.

Under the venture, six Shell stations will be equipped with 180kW direct-current (DC) chargers, offering the highest charging capacity across Singapore and Malaysia.

The chargers come with two CCS Type 2 charging connectors, allowing a single vehicle to be charged at up to 180kW, or two vehicles to charge simultaneously at up to 90kW each.

The offering will be rolled out in stages with four stations to be ready in the second half of 2021 and two additional stations by the first half of 2022.

The sites will be integrated in the existing Shell charging networks, comprising 18 Shell Recharge 50kW fast charge points at Shell stations and 87 Greenlots public charge points in Singapore, as well as 18 “Reserve + Shell Recharge” charge points in Malaysia.

Furthermore, they will complement the established 175kW high performance chargers available at all Porsche Centres in Malaysia, as well as the growing “Porsche Destination Charging” network at selected hotels, airports, sports clubs, and other lifestyle venues.

As electric mobility starts gaining momentum in Singapore and Malaysia, the network will enable smooth, convenient, and reliable electric road trips between the two countries.

Once launched, the chargers will be available for all EVs that utilise the CCS Type 2 charging connector, which is widely used across both countries, with Porsche customers enjoying special rates at Shell Recharge.

Shell’s new 180kW high performance chargers are equipped to charge the Taycan from zero to 80% battery capacity in around 30 minutes, providing up to 390km (WLTP) of extra travel distance.

Shell is also offering additional benefits to Porsche customers such as reserving the HPC points in Malaysia in advance using their mobile app, and preferential prices for food and beverages at the Shell Select shops.

Porsche Asia Pacific chief executive officer Arthur Willmann said the Porsche and Shell partnership redefines performance in charging for Southeast Asia by offering an assurance of both speed and range for drivers of electric cars, such as the Taycan.

"Inspired by a shared passion for adventures on the road, we are committed to delivering a fascinating electric mobility experience characterised by the features that are decisive for Porsche: pure emotion and maximum driving pleasure,” he said.


Toyota in Malaysia enters eSports

                PETALING JAYA: UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) announced its involvement into the world of eSports gaming with the upcoming Toyota Velocity eSports Championship, which will be held at the Sunway Pyramid Blue Atrium from Sept 21 to 23.

This marks UMWT first foray into championship gaming and is the biggest national simulated racing event in Malaysia.

Those who are interested to become Malaysia’s quickest and fastest racing simulator driver are welcome to participate without paying any fees.

Entries are open for up to 400 participants who hold Malaysian citizenship or residency status.

The game? The exhilarating Gran Turismo Sport.
The racetrack? The legendary, Suzuka Japan GT.
The car? The speedy, Toyota GR Supra Racing Concept.
The Prize? A total of RM60,000 (Grand prize is RM20,000; 2nd place is RM10,000 and 3rd, RM5,000).

There will also be an exciting exhibition race participated by celebrities from Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Festival.

“At Toyota, we always have our youth in mind. The eSports is on a steep upward curve and has the potential to become one of the top five sports in the world. This rapidly-rising industry is a new and exciting experience especially for the younger generation and with that being said, we at Toyota would like to be at the forefront of this Championship Series,” said president of UMWT, Ravindran K.

More details on registration procedures, programmes and a lot more about the exciting event will be announced soon. Log onto www.toyota.com.my to find out more.


Nissan combines biggest and smallest cars in modding project - VIDEO

TORONTO: Nissan brought together the Titan XD full-size pickup truck and the Micra subcompact in a pairing of the extremes in the car maker's Canadian line-up.

The Titan Hauler XD project truck builds on the production Titan XD's impressive towing and hauling capabilities by almost doubling the payload rating with a Nissan Micra Cup race car secured in the truck bed.

The Titan Hauler XD project truck was developed by Quebec-based Motorsports in Action, which designed and built a customised aluminum rig that was affixed to the bed of the Titan XD. The deployment is operated by an electro hydraulic pump that operates cylinders that move the platform on and off the truck. The platform holds the Nissan Micra Cup race car in place, and moves forward and backwards for precise loading and unloading.

"I've had the opportunity to work with Nissan on several projects including the Micra Cup race cars and the Rogue Warrior extreme prototype, so when Nissan came to me with the idea of putting the race car in the bed of the Titan XD, I was immediately excited by the challenge," said Carl Hermez, owner, MIA Motorsport. "It's great to be part of another Nissan prototype exercise that is uniquely Canadian, very imaginative and pushing the limits outside of everyone's expectations."

In production form, the Titan XD Crew Cab offers some of the effortless towing and hauling of the larger, more expensive heavy-duty trucks – including an available maximum towing capacity of 5,586kg (diesel engine) and maximum payload capacity of 1,177kg (petrol engine) when properly equipped – yet has affordability closer to a half-ton pickup.

Nissan will launch its first single cab full-size pickup truck this fall, in both the Titan XD and Titan half-ton variants. The single cabs will have the power, torque, heavy duty chassis and durability demanded by today's demanding worksites – including the highest towing capacities and payloads in the ever-expanding Titan line-up.


East Coast’s first Mercedes service centre targets to sell 160 units

At the launch in Kota Baru are (from left) Thai consul general Dr Paitoon Songkaeo, Ferhan and Weidner
KOTA BARU: The first Mercedes service centre in Kota Baru, Mofaz Exotic Car Sdn Bhd, targets to sell 160 units of the luxury car in Kelantan and Terengganu this year.

Executive director Ferhan Fauzy said the luxury car dealer was optimistic of reaching the target through the opening of the first service centre and showroom for Mercedes here, wholly-owned by Mofaz, to cater to both states.

“Mercedes owners do not have to travel to Kuala Lumpur to service their cars anymore as the same service is now offered here.

“They can seek the service for the same price as in Kuala Lumpur. This will definitely be an advantage for Mercedes owners,” he told reporters after the opening ceremony of Mofaz Exotic in Kota Baru on Tuesday.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia chief executive officer, Dr Claus Weidner, officiated the ceremony.

Ferhan said the demand for luxury cars in Malaysia had seen a positive increase with the introduction of new models that catered to the likes of customers.

“Many new Mercedes models in the past five years, including its structure, have been aligned to customers’ demand.

“These models have successfully attracted the younger generation to wanting to own this luxury car of late as compared to only older generation being fans of Mercedes.

“This would be a boost to help us meet our sales target here in Kelantan and Terengganu,” added Ferhan.


Volkswagen's Electrify America taps Flintstones, Jetsons for EV campaign

                WASHINGTON, D.C.: Volkswagen AG unit Electrify America said it is launching a national advertising campaign using cultural US cartoon icons the Flintstones and Jetsons in a bid to broaden consumer awareness of electric vehicles.

The campaign is part of US$45mil (RM184mil) public education programme and includes a television commercial called "JetStones," which features General Motors Co's fully-electric Chevy Bolt model and includes existing models from five other automakers.

The aim of the "brand neutral" campaign is to raise awareness of existing EV models, emphasise their increasing range and that infrastructure exists to keep them fueled on America's roads, said Richard Steinberg, Electrify America's senior director of green cities and communications.

"We're trying to say with this campaign that electric vehicles are fun to drive, the range is great and charging is more widely available than people know," Steinberg said.

VW has agreed to spend a total of US$2bil (RM8bil) nationwide on clean car infrastructure as part of an agreement with federal regulators after admitting to diesel emissions cheating. This campaign, focused heavily on major US cities, is part of that commitment.

Major automakers, including GM and Ford Motor Co, plan hundreds of new EV models over the next several years, fueled by investments that consultancy AlixPartners has estimated at up to US$255bil (RM1tril) through 2023. Many of the models will be a direct challenge to money-losing Tesla Inc.

So far, EVs amount to less than 1% of 90 million vehicles sold globally every year.

A lack of EV recharging infrastructure is seen as a major barrier to mass adoption as consumers remain concerned over their limited range. Steinberg said polling has shown only 41% of Americans are aware of electric vehicles.

In the "JetStones," an unshaven driver of an orange conventional internal combustion engine vehicle pulls up to a red light to the theme song of The Flintstones, a cartoon about a Stone Age family.

A similar-coloured Chevy Bolt pulls up with a dapper driver at the wheel to show music for The Jetsons, a cartoon about a futuristic family. It pulls away at speed when the light turns green, leaving the first car standing.

Electrify America's Steinberg said awareness of both cartoons, originally aired in the 1960s, is high, including among millennials.

"The aim is to show that what people think of as future technology is actually here now," he said.


Find out KL roads that are off-limits to cars during New Year fest

                KUALA LUMPUR: Parts of Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Bukit Bintang will be closed in conjunction with the New Year celebrations.

Dang Wangi OCPD Asst Comm Zainol Samah said in a statement on Thursday that the roads will be closed starting from 9pm until 8am on Friday.

ACP Zainol said that Jalan Sultan Ismail would be closed starting at the Jalan Imbi intersection near Park Royal Hotel until the Jalan Raja Chulan intersection near Hotel Istana.

He added that Jalan Bukit Bintang would be closed starting from the Jalan Raja Chulan intersection near Pavilion KL until the Jalan Sultan Ismail intersection near Lot 10.


Bentley Bentayga app puts passengers in control

                LONDON: Back-seat drivers rejoice, Bentley has developed an Apple Watch app especially for you.

The Bentley Bentayga Apple Watch App is for people who find themselves being transported in Bentley's flagship SUV.

The app uses Bluetooth to sync with the vehicle's various systems and once a connection is made lets users adjust climate control and heating settings, reduce or increase the vigour of the seats' massage function and change the music on the infotainment system straight from their wrist.

Dan Whittaker, Director of Electrical and Electronics at Bentley said: "This new Apple Watch connectivity is another example of how we are constantly innovating in order to enhance the customer experience."

However, Bentayga drivers beware, the app also allows users to monitor real-time information such as how fast the car is currently travelling.


Ford set to announce plans to run EV, ICE as separate businesses, say sources

                DETROIT: Ford Motor Co will announce today a re-organisation under which its electric vehicle (EV) and internal-combustion engine (ICE) units will be run as separate businesses in a move to fast track growth in EVs, three people familiar with the plan said.

The EV and ICE businesses will have separate names but will remain under the Ford corporate umbrella, in the same way the company operates its Ford Pro commercial business for corporate customers, said the people, who asked not to be identified.

The US automaker will name executives to lead each business and Ford will also outline updated profit margin targets for the company overall, the sources said.

The idea is for Ford to eventually report separate financial results for the EV and ICE businesses, one of the sources said.

Ford spokesman T.R. Reid declined to comment on the report.

"We're focused on carrying out our Ford+ plan to transform the company and thrive in this new era of electric and connected vehicles," he said.

In response to reports Ford was weighing a full spinoff of its EV business, chief executive Jim Farley last week said the company had no plans to spin off either its EV or ICE businesses.

"We know our competition is Nio and Tesla, and we have to beat them, not match them," he said last Wednesday at a Wolfe Research conference. "And we also have to beat the best of the ICE players."

However, by separating the EV business into a separate unit, Ford would be setting the table for a possible spinoff down the road, industry officials said.

The growing preference among investment managers for companies focused on low-carbon technology has helped Tesla Inc become the world's highest-valued automaker, and led some investors and analysts to urge other carmakers to consider separating their combustion engine and electric businesses as a way to better tap into their full values.

Companies such as General Motors Co have resisted those calls, arguing that ICE profits will fund the transition to EVs.

Ford's expected move echoes one outlined earlier this month by French automaker Renault, which said it was looking at creating separate divisions for its EV and ICE businesses. It said the EV business could be focused on France, while the ICE operations could be focused outside France.

Farley also said last week that Ford's EV and ICE businesses were underperforming on an earnings basis, adding that costs could still be cut from the ICE business.

"We have too many people, we have too much investment, we have too much complexity and we don't have expertise in transitioning our assets," he said of the ICE business. "That's the simple answer. There's waste."

He also said Ford needed to add more people to improve profit margins for its EV busines, including in such areas as electrical components, advanced electrical architectures and the digital customer experience.

Candidates to run the businesses could include Ford's chief advanced technology officer Doug Field, who was hired from Apple Inc; Hau Thai-Tang, chief product platform and operations officer; Lisa Drake, chief operating officer of North America; and Kumar Galhotra, president of the Americas and International Markets, industry officials said.


Ford gives its beloved Fiesta a facelift and adds mild hybrid

                LONDON: Ford is injecting some life into the Fiesta with a fresh face, a more economical engine, a bigger equipment range and updated assistance systems.

The latest version of the best-selling car, which is still available as a three- or five-door model, can be recognised from the outside by a higher bonnet and a correspondingly larger radiator grille with a new integrated brand logo.

But the biggest change on the outside is only visible when it gets dark. LED headlights are to be standard in future and optionally available with the glare-free matrix technology.

Inside, according to Ford, there is a larger touch display in the centre console, apps with better connectivity and some new assistance functions such as a wrong-way driver warning.

The most important upgrade, however, is under the bonnet: the 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo now becomes a mild hybrid with an electric starter generator.

In addition, it now acknowledges the commands of the automatic start-stop system more gently, recovers more energy while braking and gets a small boost when starting. According to Ford, it's available with 125 or 155 horsepower.

Alternatively, the same engine without 48-volt technology is available with 100 hp as well as a basic 1.1-litre petrol engine with 75 hp.

The updated Fiesta ST sports model with 1.5 litres and 200hp is also still on offer.

Ford puts fuel consumption at 5.0 to 6.4 litres (112 to 145 g/km CO2 emissions). Performance figures have not yet been announced.


Acura NSX claims inaugural victory at Pikes Peak

                COLORADO: At this year's 100th running of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the American-built Acura NSX managed to clinch victory in its Time Attack 2 class.

The recently-launched NSX claimed its inaugural victory during its North American racing competition debut by racing up the 43,012m pinnacle of Pikes Peak, while powered by Acura's revolutionary three-motor Sport Hybrid Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive powertrain (Sport Hybrid SH-AWD).

Effectively the first electrified torque vectoring powertrain in the world of exotic sports cars, the NSx was added with additional safety equipment for the competition.

With the added weight, the NSX was able to negotiate the 20km course in a time of 10 minutes and 28.82 seconds to become the winner of its class.

The car was helmed by Nick Robinson - last year's reigning PP250 winner from the 2015 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb as well as North American R&D team member and engineer in charge of the next-generation supercar's dynamic performance.

"I'm incredibly happy to have won the Production Class with the new NSX!" Robinson reported. "The hard work the entire development team has put into the NSX over the past few years really paid off."

Two additional Acura vehicles - the NSX-inspired 4-Motor Acura electric vehicle (EV) concept driven by Tetsuya Yamano, and a modified Acura NSX driven by Robinson's brother - James Robinson, also campaigned in the race.

Yamano finished second in the Electric Modified class in the NSX-inspired EV posted a time of 9 minutes 6.015 seconds with an average speed of 127kph to become third fastest overall.

The Acura EV Concept's all-electric SH-AWD® powertrain boasts peak output three times the total system output of the CR-Z prototype that ran last year, featuring a world's first technology that enables four-wheel independent torque allocation.

"The performance of NSX in this year's race is a testament to Acura's Precision Crafted Performance DNA and will serve as a launching pad for future racing endeavors," said Acura Division vice president and general manager Jon Ikeda.


Over half of older drivers support testing of their skills every 5 years

                LONDON: Older motorists are more willing to prove how safe they actually are on the roads than perhaps first thought.

Research commissioned by the UK’s leading independent road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart, has revealed that of more than 3,000 motorists aged over 60 surveyed, over half (55%) agreed with the statement that senior drivers should be retested every five years after their licence renewal.

In fact, many older drivers are willing to conduct such tests independently, with nearly two-thirds of respondents (65%) claiming that if there was a DIY kit available to test their driving fitness, they would use it.

Nearly half (46%) of drivers surveyed were in support of a flexible licensing system which might, for example, restrict drivers to only using local roads or driving in daylight hours.

READ MORE: Elderly drivers and road safety: Parting with the car keys isn't easy

“The fact that over half of older drivers are willing to undergo extra driving checks bodes well for the policy changes we advocate," said IAM RoadSmart policy and research director Neil Greig.

"These include an immediate review of driver licensing, offering mature drivers reviews on prescription and a joint education campaign to help drivers start to plan for their future mobility needs.

"With everyone moving in the same direction, we can drive down accidents on the road, making Britain’s roads an even safer place to be.”

IAM RoadSmart is the trading name of all businesses operated by the UK’s largest road safety charity, the Institute of Advanced Motorists.


BMW X2 goes spooky for Halloween

                MUNICH: Things are starting to get a little weird. Following its two camouflaged outings through the urban jungle and at Milan Fashion Week, the new BMW X2 is now the protagonist in yet another mystery sighting, this time for Halloween.

Conjured up from nowhere and piloted as if by magic, the latest Sports “Paranormal” Activity Coupe apparition provides an intriguing preview of an automotive newcomer that will manifest itself very shortly.

READ MORE: All you need to know about the BMW X2. Seriously

From its origins through to its modern-day form, Halloween has for centuries been the night of ghostly figures, scary stories and mystic rituals. Which makes this the ideal occasion for the new X2 to make a spontaneous and dramatic entrance.

Whereas in times gone by, people would ready themselves for the onset of winter by lighting blazing fires and invoking supernatural forces, now creepy costumes and jack-o’-lanterns – with their menacing grimaces – form the eerie backdrop as the new X2 steals the show with its frightening good looks.

So the pumpkin very clearly sets the tone, with its influence extending far beyond the intense orange of the X2’s exterior paintwork.


Get PJ parking coupons from these 16 agents

                PETALING JAYA: There are only 16 agents authorised to sell Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) parking coupons and monthly parking passes to the public.

The agents are located in these following places:

1. Artrange Stationers And Print Sdn Bhd, 44G, Jalan SS21/58 Damansara Utama
2. Azanan Edar Sdn Bhd, No.10, Jalan Mesra 1, Taman Mesra, Seksyen U1, Shah Alam
3. Best I Stationery Solution, 29-1, Jalan PJU 1/3C, Sunwaymas Commercial Centre
4. Bumintan Park, Blok Fg 05, Apartment Saujana, Jalan Pju 10/1C, Damansara Damai
5. Cresdo Sdn Bhd, 31-2, Jalan PJS 11/28B, Sunway Metro, Bandar Sunway
6. Dot Dot Enterprise, F-51-2 Jalan Teknologi 3/9, Bistari De Kota, Kota Damansara
7. Dpos Parking Management, 31-1, Jalan PJU 1/3G, Sunway Mas Commercial Centre
8. Fungsi Dinamik Services, 88, Jalan SS5A/4, Kelana Jaya
9. Injapadu Enterprise, B-7-1 Desa Sepakat Apartment Jalan PJS 3/22 Taman Sri Manja
10. Leesan Parking, A-17-15, Impian Baiduri 6, Jalan Seksyen 51A/224
11. MFS Muroz Resources, No. 6-1, Jalan PJS 3/63, Taman Sri Manja
12. My Mulan Dot Com, U1-00-03, Subang Perdana Court 8, Jalan Persiaran Mulia, USJ 14
13. Norton Management Services, Unit No. A-17-11, Block A Impian Baiduri No.6, Jalan 224/51A
14. Safa Solutions, No 12 Lorong Kobis Tiga 24/30C, Seksyen 24, Shah Alam
15. Tok Toon Enterprise, B-01-4, Blok B, Pangsapuri Sri Menanti Jalan PH 4, Puchong Hartamas, Puchong
16. Zack Parking Management, No.18, Jalan Desa Mewah 13, Taman Desa Mewah, Semenyih

When contacted, Artrange Stationers in Damansara Uptown said they already had plenty of parking coupons in stock. Calls to other listed agents went unanswered, because of the long weekend break.

The coupons for hourly parking cost RM6 for a booklet of 10 sheets, while the daily ones go for RM25 for a booklet of five sheets. The monthly pass is priced at RM100.

MBPJ has announced that the scratch-and-display coupon system would be implemented again in Petaling Jaya from Monday (Sept 4) onwards.

The coupon system would run concurrently with the pay-and-display system using parking machines.

Petaling Jaya mayor Datuk Mohd Azizi Mohd Zain said those who did not have the scratch coupon or parking ticket displayed would be issued summonses by enforcement officers.

“MBPJ will go easy on enforcement in areas where there are are no coupon agents and faulty parking machines,” said MBPJ councillor Jamaliah Jamaluddin.

Among the areas where there are no agents listed are commercial areas such as SS2, PJ State, Seapark and Taman Paramount. Many of the parking machines in this area are also faulty.

“Motorists who get summons in such areas should be able to get their summons cancelled,” Jamaliah said, adding that information such as street name should be provided to get the summons cancelled at MBPJ’s headquarters.

The full list of agents with contact details is available here: http://bit.ly/2vSRK9b


Tesla's Nevada lithium-from-clay plan faces resistance

The Tesla battery plant in Sparks, Nevada. — Reuters
SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla Inc’s plan to produce lithium for electric vehicle batteries close to its Nevada Gigafactory faces stark challenges from the outset, including an onerous permitting process, uncertain access to water and questions about unproven methodologies.

Chief executive officer Elon Musk told shareholders on Tuesday Tesla has secured rights to 4,046ha in Nevada where it aims to produce lithium from clay deposits using a process developed internally.

The move would make Tesla the first company in the world to commercially produce the white metal from clay. Lithium is produced either from brine, commonly found in South America, or spodumene hard rock, usually in Australia.

In Nevada, Tesla plans to mix clay with table salt and then add water, which it says causes a reaction where the salt would leach out with lithium, which can then be extracted. The leftover clay would be put back in the earth to mitigate environmental damage.

“It’s a very sustainable way of obtaining lithium,” said Musk, who did not say where in Nevada the company had obtained the lithium rights or whether development has started.

The plan drew backlash almost immediately, with critics describing Musk’s plan as too simplistic and light on details. Returning rock to the earth after minerals are extracted, for instance, is already common industry practice through the use of tailings dams.

“This plan from Tesla brings up a lot more questions than it answers,” said Chris Berry, an independent lithium industry consultant. “Are we just supposed to take Elon Musk’s word for it that the cost will be lower than existing lithium projects?”

Palo Alto, Calif.-based Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Nevada already has several lithium clay projects under development, including one from Lithium Americas Corp that has been seeking federal permit approval for more than a decade and another from ioneer Ltd.

Lithium Americas has said it is confident it can successfully extract lithium from clay through a process that involves acid leaching. Tesla said its process won’t involve acid, fuelling further questions.

“If producing lithium in commercial amounts at battery quality grades from clay was feasible, why isn’t it already being done?” said Berry.

Any lithium project from Tesla would require an intensive application process for necessary permits that could stretch on for years.

“Mining lithium is very challenging,” said Pedro Palandrani of the Global X Lithium & Battery Technology ETF, which holds shares in Tesla and lithium producers. “If Tesla really wants to fly solo, we’re talking about four to five years to really see any kind of lithium production.”

Tesla’s plan also would likely require substantial amounts of water, forcing the company to battle with cattle ranchers for access to underground reservoirs in the arid state.

Albemarle Corp operated the only existing US lithium mine at a site 322km north of Las Vegas until it shut it down last month.

Operational since the late 1960s, the site produced less than 5,000 tonnes of lithium per year, a relatively small amount and far less than Tesla would need.


Nov 29-Dec 4: Fuel prices up across the board

PETALING JAYA: The prices of RON97, RON95 and diesel will increase across the board from Nov 29 to Dec 4.

The Finance Ministry said that RON97 petrol would be priced at RM1.97 per litre, up by three sen from RM1.94 per litre previously.

The price of RON95 petrol will also increase by three sen from RM1.64 per litre to RM1.67 per litre.

The price of diesel will increase four sen from RM1.81 per litre to RM1.85 per litre.


BMW Motorrad Malaysia unveils two new K 1600 touring bikes

                KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Motorrad Malaysia today unveiled two new touring motorcycles, namely the K 1600 GT and GTL with updated features.

The retail pricing (on the road, with BMW Motorrad Malaysia’s new 3-year warranty and 3-year roadside assistance programmes, without insurance) is RM174,500 (K 1600 GT) and RM183,500 (K 1600 GTL).

With the Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, ownership of the new K 1600 GT and GTL start from RM2,128 and RM2,238 per month respectively (based on the Balloon Financing estimates of an 80% loan on a 4-year tenure).

Owners can also enjoy additional benefits with the Premium Engine Oil Inclusive, Service Inclusive and Warranty Extension Programmes by BMW Motorrad Malaysia.

For details on the programmes, visit HERE.

Designed as luxurious range-toppers in the touring segment, the new BMW K 1600 GT and GTL arrive with updated features.

Featuring the narrowest six-cylinder in-line engine in its series production, the new variants are billed as offering superior touring characteristics.

The new K 1600 GT arrives in two distinct colour ways, namely the classic Black Storm Metallic and the Style Sport.

This includes the golden brake calliper at the front and the contrasting paintwork in light white on the front-wheel cover.

The new GTL, on the other hand, is available in Black Storm Metallic and Gravity Blue Metallic (style exclusive).

Additionally, the new special edition Option 719 Meteoric Dust will also be made available for both variants.

The new variants come with the Engine Protection Guard for the black six-cylinder in-line engine, low electrically adjustable windscreens and fully LED headlights that feature the Light Icon and Adaptive Cornering Lights, along with Daytime Riding Lights, LED Auxiliary Lights, Ground-Level Lighting as well as additional fog lights.

The four configurable Favourites buttons also allow for easy access to vehicle functions, while the onboard computer and 10.25-inch coloured TFT display provide connectivityas well as an integrated navigation system with the BMW Motorrad Connected application.

Bluetooth function is also available for telephony and music playback, along with WiFi for navigation.

The oil/water cooled four-stroke in-line six-cylinder engine sits at the heart of the two new variants with two overhead camshafts placed above the drive shaft, bearing a capacity of 1,649 cc that is capable of 118 kw (160 hp) at 6,750 rpm.

Maximum torque is 180 Nm at 5,250 rpm, and the new variants can reach a maximum speed of 200km/h.

Fuel consumption for both variants is rated at 5.9 litres per 100km.

Revised according to EU-5 regulations, emission control is offered via a closed-loop three-way catalytic converter to output 137g per km.

The alternator is a 700W three phase-alternator (nominal power) paired with a maintenance-free 12 V/26 Ah battery.

Power is transmitted via a multiple-disc clutch in oil bath with a six-speed helical-toothed transmission, allowing for dynamic bends and greater agility.

The centrepiece of the suspension is the cast aluminium bridge-type frame.

Front suspension is offered to the K 1600 GT via the BMW Motorrad Duolever on a central spring strut suspension, while rear suspension is offered via a cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever.

The GTL has the BMW Motorrad Duolever at the front, paired with a central shock absorber with helical spring.

At the rear, a central spring strut with coil spring equips the GTL, featuring adjustable rebound stage damping and spring preload – making for optimum damping comfort and stable handling.

Apart from the BMW Motorrad Integral ABS Pro, the new variants also feature three riding modes namely the Rain, Road and Dynamic modes.

Riding assistance features include the Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Engine Brake Control (MSR), Hill Start Control Pro, as well as the Dynamic ESA Next Generation (with Automatic Load Levelling) which ensures optimum handling and riding dynamics.

Riders can also make use of the Reverse Assistant that equip the new variants as standard, for effortless manoeuvring.

There's a heating feature for both the grips and seats, adjustable handbrake and clutch levers, as well as Cruise Control. Convenience is offered via the standard addition of the case holder, integral pannier cases in body colour, tyre pressure control as well as the smartphone tray with USB port.

Exclusive to the new K 1600 GTL is the Audio System 2.0 – complete with radio functions, equalizer sound profiles, and front speakers integrated into the fairing, along with the variant-exclusive top case which offers generous storage space.

Previously optional equipment now made standard for the two new variants include Keyless Ride, central locking system, Gear Shift Assist Pro and the anti-theft alarm.

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Malaysians can bring back vehicles stranded in Thailand for free from June 1-30

                KOTA BARU: Thailand is allowing Malaysian-owned vehicles which have been stranded in the country due to border closures caused by the Covid-19 pandemic to be brought home without any charge from June 1 to June 30.

Rantau Panjang Member of Parliament (MP) Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff said the vehicles could be taken home via the border checkpoint at the Rantau Panjang Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex (ICQS).

"This matter was agreed upon at a recent meeting with the 13 relevant agencies in line with reopening of the international borders between Malaysia and Thailand in Kelantan beginning June 1,” she told reporters after attending Infra Quest Sdn Bhd’s Silver Jubilee celebration here on Monday.


Chevrolet Menlo electric car launched in China

                SHANGHAI – The Chevrolet Menlo sporty-looking car, the brand’s first fully electric vehicle in China, was launched today.

Initially being offered in Beijing, the Chevrolet Menlo is available in four variants priced from RMB159,900 to RMB179,900 after national subsidies for new energy vehicles.

The Menlo's electric powertrain generates 110 kW of maximum power and 350 Nm of maximum torque, with electricity consumption of 13.1 kWh/100 km.

The vehicle has a constant-speed range of up to 410 km under New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) conditions on a single charge.

Its battery can be fully charged to 80% of capacity within 40 minutes using a direct current (DC) fast charger.

In addition, the Chevrolet Menlo received certification for meeting Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL) D - the highest integrity requirement for vehicles.

“Along with being a new energy vehicle, the Chevrolet Menlo inherits Chevrolet’s sporty DNA that dates back to its founding by race car drivers,” said Scott Lawson, general director of Chevrolet for SAIC-GM.

Inspired by the Chevrolet FNR-X all-purpose sports concept vehicle, the Menlo has lean muscularity with a fashionable blend of crossover and sporty coupe styling.

Its has split LED headlights, LED daytime running lights and LED taillights.

The “floating” roofline is complemented by 17-inch two-color five-spoke sport wheels.

Its interior has a multi-layer center console, a 10.1-inch ultra-thin suspension type center control LCD touchscreen, 8-inch full-color TFT LCD instrument panel and multifunctional dual-width steering wheel.

The Menlo comes with 28 storage spaces and up to 1,077 liters of cargo space.

Its 1.147-square-meter panoramic skylight contributes to the feeling of spaciousness. Laminated glass provides sound insulation and heat insulation, while effectively blocking 96% of UV rays.

The Menlo features the new-generation MyLink+ infotainment system with OnStar. It not only supports over-the-air (OTA) updates, Apple CarPlay and Baidu CarLife, but also offers functions such as virtual car key, remote control and intelligent voice recognition.

Safety technologies include Bosch's 9.3 Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Forward Collision Alert (FCA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA), Automatic Parking Assist (APA), Following Distance Indicator (FDI) and the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Customers are entitled to 100G of free OnStar 4G LTE data service every year and a quality assurance warranty of eight years or 160,000 km for the battery, motor and electric control systems.

The warranty remains effective if the vehicle’s ownership changes, ensuring high residual value.


FIA appoints auto executive as first-ever CEO

                MOSCOW: The International automobile Federation (Federation Internationale de l'automobile, FIA) has appointed Natalie Robyn as the federation's first-ever CEO, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said.

"The appointment of Natalie Robyn as our first-ever CEO is a transformative moment for our federation," the president said in a statement on the website, reported Sputnik.

"Her extensive experience and leadership will be crucial to improving our finances, governance and operations. She has a proven track record of delivering diversification and growth, as well as developing executive leadership capabilities which will be an extremely valuable asset to the FIA and our Members and I welcome her to the team."

Robyn will be responsible for the successful operation and financial performance of the FIA administration, driving the overall strategy to deliver the leadership’s vision of reform, developing new commercial growth plans, and ensuring the financial stability of the federation.

"I am delighted to be appointed the first-ever CEO of the FIA at such an important and exciting time for the federation. I look forward to working with the members, the senior leadership team and the president to deliver their vision of reform and growth with the involvement of all staff," Robyn said in the statement.

Robyn is an American-born leading international executive with over 15 years of experience in the automotive and financial sectors at Volvo, Nissan, and the former DaimlerChrysler.


All-electric Carmen hypercar harks back to Hispano Suiza's glory days

                BARCELONA: Hispano-Suiza is paying homage to its motorsport history with a hardcore version of the all-electric Carmen Boulogne hypercar which first grabbed attention at last year's Geneva Motor Show.

Most car buffs will not know this but the Boulogne tag dates back nearly a hundred years to 1921.

That was when Spanish car maker-turned French aviation engine manufacturer Hispano Suiza made a racing version of its H6 Coupe for the George Boillot Cup, an endurance race lasting some 3.5 hours around the French city of Boulogne.

With the obscure name, Hispano-Suiza is mirroring Bugatti which has a habit of naming its limited edition cars after racing drivers whom hardly anyone had heard of previously.

The Carmen Boulogne's numbers are however impressive and only five of these cars will be made. Prices start from a ridiculous €1.65 million (RM8.1mil) excluding local taxes and each car takes around 12 months to build.

The hypercar's bodywork is made of carbon fibre, visible under a clear varnish. The Carmen Boulogne has the same semi-circular headlights and aggressive "scowl" look as the regular model, with a stand-out copper-coloureddummy front grille.

The Boulogne delivers a whacking 1,114bhp, up from 1,005 bhp in the regular Carmen model. Unlike most electric hypercars it is rear-wheel-drive only.

Acceleration is suitably scorching, with 100km coming up from a standing start in just under 2.6 seconds. The Boulogne tops out at 290kph.

Urge comes from permanent-magnet synchronous engines, two on each rear wheel. The 80kWh lithium-ion battery pack should be good for a claimed 400km of range.

The batteries are designed and produced in-house, including a complete temperature control system to ensure that the cells can operate optimally. The sleek interior features suede or black Alcantara on the bulkhead and door panels.


2018 Perodua Myvi: 83% of bookings for 1.5L variants

                KUALA LUMPUR: About 83% of bookings to date for the new 2018 Perodua Myvi are for the 1.5-litre variants.

"We are taking initiatives to promote the 1.3-litre Myvi variants. There has been progress, as when Myvi sales started, about 90% of bookings were for the 1.5-litre variants," said Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Dr Zahari Husin.

Zahari also said buyers of the 1.3-litre Myvi can get their cars within two weeks.

"For the 1.5-litre (High) variant, we can deliver in less than three months. The longest waiting period is for the top-grade 1.5-litre Advance variant," he said.

To date, the new Myvi has racked up over 48,000 bookings and deliveries are close to 20,000 units.

Zahari also said more than 50% of the new Myvi buyers are "non-Perodua traditional buyers."

READ MORE:
Perodua Myvi: A Malaysian joy
2017 Perodua Myvi Advance tested
2017 Perodua Myvi launched: All you need to know
2017 Perodua Myvi: Automatic braking, Advanced Safety Assist

Meanwhile, based on internal Perodua estimations, the automaker sees its January 2018 sales volume of 17,693 units as carving out its highest-ever monthly market share of 40.3%, against a total industry volume (TIV) of 43,930 units.

"While we defer to the Malaysian Automotive Association’s numbers, we are cautiously optimistic that for January 2018, our monthly market share is the highest ever in our history," said Perodua president and CEO Datuk Dr Aminar Rashid Salleh at a Chinese New Year lunch with the media and business partners.

The top selling model in January was the new Myvi (9,209 units or 51%), followed by Axia (4,085 units or 23.1%); Bezza (2,776 units or 15.7%) and Alza (1,803 units or 10.2%).

Aminar also said that Perodua is looking to buy more than RM5bil in components and parts this year from mainly local vendors.

All Perodua models have over 90% local content.

Last year, Perodua bought "RM4.8 to RM4.9bil in in components and parts," said Aminar.

The lunch event also saw the key handover of the 18,000th new Myvi unit to Wong Wai Cheng of Negeri Sembilan.

Wong, 25, was all smiles as Zahari handed him the keys to his new Lava Red Myvi 1.5-litre Advance.

“The minute I laid eyes on the new Myvi and saw how many sophisticated features I was getting for the price, I knew it was the vehicle for me,” said Wong.

“I’m always on the go. The Myvi’s compact dimensions make it very easy to park and manoeuvre, but it’s also very spacious inside. With six airbags and Advanced Safety Assist, I am well protected, and the built-in toll card reader is my favourite feature!” he added.


EV group urges govt to provide charging infrastructure perks in Budget 2023

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Zero Emission Vehicle Association (ZEVA) has urged the government to provide incentives focusing on electric vehicles (EVs) charging infrastructure in the revised Budget 2023 to spur its growth from the current number of around 2,000 to 700,000 EVs on the road by 2030.

In a statement on Monday, ZEVA said that EV charging infrastructure incentives should be offered to cater for city infrastructure, highway charging areas and high-rise buildings.

For city infrastructure, the association said that "starting up cost for any interested local and city councils to set up public charging in any particular city” should be offered, while "funding allocation of RM500,000 for each rest area catering for six DC (direct current) chargers per rest area” for highway charging areas should be provided.

Additionally, for high-rise buildings, it said grants should be given to non-landed property managers for EV charger installation at RM10,000 each.

Nonetheless, ZEVA said the incentives above should not cover 100 per cent of the charger's cost but rather cater for the associated cost of setting up charging facilities.

"The government’s assistance is needed as the first movers’ assets will only be utilising a fraction of the full capacity of these facilities.

"ZEVA believes that the subsequent companies that intend to deploy their chargers nearby will be able to leverage these existing facilities easily, thus encouraging more to invest,” it said.

The association said that other incentives to consider include matching grants for research and development in the EV industry, specially catered for the automotive industry, cash rebates for trade-ins of petrol or diesel-fueled vehicles to EVs and cash incentives for EV new purchases.

"This small incentive will be useful to inspire some, if not all, of the high-end new vehicle buyers annually,” it added.

The revised Budget 2023 is slated to be tabled in Parliament this Friday.


Perodua introduces new GearUp accessories for Aruz

                SERDANG: Perodua has introduced five new GearUp accessories for the Aruz, to complement the first batch of items introduced at the seven-seater SUV’s launch last January.

Targeted at those who want to add a touch of individuality and utility to their Aruz, the new items are on display and are open for booking at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) from April 11-14.

All GearUp accessories can be factored into the hire purchase of a new Perodua vehicle, and are accompanied by a six-month warranty.

The GearUp accessories include:
- (NEW) Front skirt with red accents RM700 (East Malaysia - RM710)
- (NEW) Rear skirt with red accents RM700 (East Malaysia - RM710)
- (NEW) Retractable cargo blind RM250 (East Malaysia - RM255)
- (NEW) Seat covers with red stitching RM950 (East Malaysia - RM970)
- (NEW) Centre armrest with storage console RM180 (East Malaysia - RM185)

- Door visors RM160 (East Malaysia - RM163)
- Chrome scuff plates RM150 (East Malaysia - RM153)
- Rear bumper protector RM160 (East Malaysia - RM163)
- Luggage tray RM140 (East Malaysia - RM143)
- Coil mats RM200 (East Malaysia - RM203)
- Door comfort RM455 (East Malaysia - RM460)
- Hood insulator RM80 (East Malaysia - RM83)
- Utility Package RM450 (East Malaysia - RM459)
*door visors, coil mats, luggage tray


Ducati XDiavel rides off as best-looking bike from Milan show

                MILAN: So what was the best looking bike at EICMA (Milan Motorcycle Show), which ended on Sunday?

The Ducati XDiavel, according to visitors to the annual motorcycle trade show.

This was the outcome of the “Vote for the best-looking bike and win it” survey/competition organised by Italian magazine Motociclismo, currently enjoying its tenth year of success.

With no less than 6,910 enthusiasts deeming it to be the best, the XDiavel received the highest number of votes from both those at EICMA and visitors to the Motociclismo website. The new Ducati cruiser took first place with 60.78% of the votes out of a total of 11,369.  An S version of the XDiavel is also available.

The “Best-looking Bike in Show” award ceremony brought the curtain down on an intense week of exhibiting and events, at a show that saw an increased number of visitors compared to the 628,000 vsiitors in the 2014 edition, confirming the recovery in the motorcycle industry. The show organiser has yet to issue an official tally of the visitor turnout this year.

Ducati said the XDiavel offers the "low speed excitement" that comes from the relaxed riding and forward-positioned footpegs typical of a cruiser and the ush of sports riding. The XDiavel was designed to merge two apparently separate riding styles and performance.

The XDiavel has a new twin-cylinder 156hp Ducati Testastretta DVT 1262 engine that achieves maximum torque 129Nm. The rider is offered 60 different ergonomic configurations, and the bike has a maximum lean angle of up to 40 degrees. The XDiavel is the first Ducati to use belt-type final transmission, a must within the cruiser world.

Enhancing  high performance and safety are the Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), together with Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Riding Modes, Bosch ABS Cornering, Cruise Control and the innovative Ducati Power Launch (DPL).

Ducati presented a total of eight new bikes at the Milan exhibition, of which seven were new models, namely two Ducati Scramblers (the Flat Track Pro version and Sixty2), the Hypermotard 939, Hypermotard 939 SP and Hyperstrada 939 family, the Panigale 959, the Multistrada 1200 Pikes Peak, the Multistrada 1200 Enduro and the XDiavel. The Monster 1200 R, previewed in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show was also at the Ducati booth.

EICMA was opened from Nov 19-22.


Europe's carmakers scramble to replace Ukrainian auto parts

A wiring harness from Nexans.
BERLIN: Carmakers including Volkswagen and BMW are scrambling to find alternative sources of vital parts made in Ukraine from as far afield as China and Mexico, as Russia's invasion halts assembly lines and breaks complex supply chains.

The hunt for new supplies is the latest challenge for an auto industry already reeling from soaring metal and energy prices, supply chains snarled by the pandemic, and a shortage of semiconductor chips.

The fighting in Ukraine has now disrupted output of wire harnesses, which bundle up to 5km of cables in the average car. Unique to each model, vehicles cannot be built without them.

As a result, world No. 2 automaker Volkwagen and rival BMW have cut output and temporarily closed some assembly lines, while Mercedes-Benz has warned its production will be affected soon.

VW's premium brand Audi said the entire Volkswagen group is working to get major suppliers to relocate their Ukrainian wire harness production to other plants, or find alternative suppliers. That search includes Eastern Europe, North Africa, Mexico and "possibly" China, it said.

"We have been working successfully with various suppliers from these regions for our models for years," it said. "It is possible, for example, that suppliers will split production across several locations."

BMW also said it is in "intensive talks" with suppliers to find alternative sources for parts, while world no. 4 carmaker Stellantis said it has already shifted its sourcing from Ukraine to elsewhere in Europe, declining to say where.

Nick Klein, a vice president at global logistics firm OEC Group, said carmakers who have relied on Ukraine will need to move fast.

"You'll need to order way ahead of time, because you'll face delays, and carmakers will be competing against each other for the same sources," said Klein, who specialises in automotive logistics.

'Messed-up' supply chains

Western Ukraine, with its low-cost, highly-skilled workforce and proximity to Europe's car factories and a wealth of raw materials, has grown into a major production hub for wire harnesses, with Japan's Fujikura and France's Nexans among those producing there.

Some manufacturers, like Fujikura, have suspended Ukrainian production altogether since the invasion, while others are operating at reduced capacity. Neither Fujikura nor Nexans replied to requests for comment on their plans.

Moving production to plants in other low-cost markets with a vibrant wire harness industry, like Romania, Serbia or Tunisia, involves buying new equipment to boost capacity, which could take months to install.

According to industry sources, suppliers and carmakers are discussing who will foot the bill. Carmakers interviewed for this story would not name their suppliers.

Some wire harness manufacturers in Ukraine, such as Kromberg & Schubert, Japan's Yazaki and Leoni, already have alternative plants in other countries. Leoni declined to comment on its plans, and K&S and Yazaki did not respond to requests for comment.

There is still a trickle of supply out of Ukraine. One wire harness manufacturer in the country's west, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of concerns for the safety of workers, said some production continues during the day, though it is shuttered at night due to curfews.

Some trucking companies are hauling wire harnesses south across the border into Romania because for now the fighting has not reached that region, OEC Group's Klein said. That could soon change.

"The number of truckers who are willing to drive those routes as this continues will be less and less," Klein said. "There's going to be a point where you can't get anything out of there safely."

Facing a "messed-up" global supply chain, European carmakers need as many sources of parts as possible, Klein said.

"Right now you cannot have enough suppliers and you cannot have enough shipping partners, because of the climate we're in."


Automakers scramble to decode new US EV tax credits

                WASHINGTON: US automakers and dealers are scrambling to figure out if they can still offer US$7,500 (RM33,428) tax credits to would-be buyers of electric vehicles (EVs), as Congress prepares for final votes today on a bill that includes a top-to-bottom overhaul of Washington's clean vehicle policies.

Under the US$430 billion climate, health care and tax bill that the House of Representatives is set to vote on Friday, rules governing the current US$7,500 EV tax credit aimed at persuading consumers to buy the vehicles would be replaced by incentives designed to bring more battery and EV manufacturing into the United States.

Manufacturers, dealers and consumers do not have answers to many basic questions about how the new rules will affect the way clean vehicles aimed at consumers - including fully electric and hybrid models - will be bought, sold and built, automakers, consultants and lobbyists said.

However, industry executives were more positive about proposed incentives of up to US$40,000 per vehicle for larger commercial electric vehicles, such as Tesla Inc's Semi or electric commercial vans developed by several manufacturers.

The provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act are "a powerful tail wind in the commercial space," said RJ Scaringe, chief executive of Rivian which has an agreement to deliver up to 100,000 large vans to shareholder Amazon.com Inc.

The legislation brings "a significant change in value chain requirements, in a very short period of time, that affects an industry where supply chain development ... is measured in years," said John Loehr, a managing director with consulting firm AlixPartners.

No longer eligible

The most immediate effect of the Inflation Reduction Act would be a ban on tax credits for vehicles assembled outside North America.

That would mean about 70% of the 72 current EV and plug-in hybrids on the US market would no longer be eligible, said the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which warned the change "will surprise and disappoint customers in the market for a new vehicle" and "jeopardize" EV sales goals.

However, US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told Reuters in an interview this week: "This is ... going to be a very important long-term transformational policy to accelerate the EV revolution and to make sure it is a 'Made in America' EV revolution."

"Industry is capable of sometimes more than they will at first see," Buttigieg added.

The Biden administration must still write and finalize implementing regulations to handle some of the complex questions raised by the quick rewrite of the tax credit.

New restrictions on battery sourcing and critical minerals, along with price caps and income caps, take effect on Jan. 1, which will potentially make all current EVs ineligible for the full US$7,500 credit.

A Congressional Budget Office forecast estimated as few as 11,000 EVs may qualify for the tax credit in 2023.

The domestic content requirements ratchet up over the next six years.

Volvo Car North America said just one of its models that currently qualify for EV tax credits will still qualify after the bill is signed.

The only one in the short term that will qualify is the S60 Recharge, that is assembled in South Carolina, and even that may not qualify after Jan 1.

Several automakers, including startups Rivian and Fisker, this week began urging would-be customers to get off the fence and commit to buying vehicles before the current rules are replaced.

Binding contract

The bill does allow consumers to still get the credit if they buy before Biden signs the bill into law, but must have a "written binding contract" to purchase.

Rivian encouraged would-be buyers in a letter to make US$100 of their deposits non-refundable in order to qualify for the credit. Rivian executives said Thursday customers are ordering R1 trucks and SUVs with average prices of US$93,000 — well above the cut-offs in the proposal before the House.

"We cannot guarantee that the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) will approve tax credit eligibility as we interpret the terms of the Inflation Reduction Act," Rivian cautioned in its letter.

Mercedes-Benz said it is "reviewing the proposal in anticipation of the new provisions becoming final in the coming week."

European Union and South Korean government officials on Thursday said they were concerned the domestic content and manufacturing requirements in the Inflation Reduction Act could violate World Trade Organization rules. read more

US electric vehicle market leader Tesla and General Motors Co already sell their EVs without a federal tax credit, because they hit the 200,000 vehicle cap under the current law.

Tesla and GM may not become eligible to offer tax credits under the new law until Jan 1.

And even then, it is not clear which models - if any - will get the full US$7,500 by meeting requirements that 40% of battery minerals come only from North America, or countries with which the United States has free trade agreements.

The proposed subsidy limits would hit hardest on automakers and battery makers with corporate parents in China.

Starting in 2024, rules will take effect that make vehicles ineligible for any credit if they have content from a "foreign entity of concern," a term that could include Chinese firms.


China's NIO targets Norway as entry point into Euro EV market

                OSLO: Chinese premium EV maker NIO has chosen Norway as its first entry point into the European market.

The ES8, the flagship smart electric SUV with an electric range of around 500km(WLTP), is the first model NIO is offering in Europe. NIO's all-electric smart sedan ET7 will follow in 2022. Pre-orders for the ES8 will be available from July, with deliveries starting from September.

The company also plans to set up its entire product and service portfolio in Europe - including the innovative NIO Power Swap technology, which enables vehicle batteries to be automatically replaced within three minutes.

The first four stations are scheduled to go into operation before the end of 2021. More swap stations will be added in 2022, creating initially a power network in five cities in Norway.

In addition, NIO will also build its own Supercharger network in EV-friendly Norway. With NIO Power Home, a charging solution developed for the home will be added to the offering, giving NIO users in Norway a unique charging experience.

Cars will be sold online via the NIO app, and digital channels such as the website nio.com.

For offline distribution, NIO relies on its own network of lifestyle locations. NIO said it would open a 2000 square metre NIO House in the centre of Oslo in the summer. It will be a special meeting place for NIO users and fans of the brand, with different experience spaces (including gastronomy, children's playground, conference rooms).

In 2022, four more NIO Spaces would be added in Bergen, Stavanger, Trondheim and Kristansand.

NIO also said it would also introduce a Blue Point Plan to encourage users to reduce emissions. This will make NIO the first car company in the world to help users certify carbon emission reductions and trade carbon credits.
"From the beginning, we have been a company with a global focus," said NIO CEO and founder William Li.

"We have been operating our design centre in Munich since 2015, we have a performance team in Oxford, and we have our software team in San José in Silicon Valley. We now employ more than 9000 people from 45 countries. We were the first to enter the market in China. Now it's about introducing our brand and our products in Europe."


Limited Ford Fiesta ST units announced

LONDON: Ford has unveiled a new, special edition version of the acclaimed Fiesta ST, limited to 300 built to order for UK customers among 500 units for Europe.

Featuring adjustable suspension for ultimate road and track performance, alongside exclusive styling details, the Fiesta ST Edition is priced at £27,075 (RM145,699.25).

It continues to offer Fiesta ST’s Normal, Sport and Track Selectable Drive Modes, with Sport mode now able to be activated directly from a dedicated button on the steering wheel.

Launch Control is also available, and a switchable three-mode electronic stability control system is standard.

Ford’s 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine uses turbocharging, high-pressure fuel injection, and Twin-independent Variable Cam Timing to deliver 200PS at 6,000rpm, and 290Nm of torque from 1,600rpm to 4,000rpm, for 0-100kph acceleration in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 230kph.

The Fiesta ST has the unique Azura Blue exterior finish and High Gloss Black detailing for elements including the rear diffuser, roof spoiler and – for the first time – the ST badges.

The exclusive interior features carbon fibre-effect detailing, bespoke blue stitching, and introduces a new Ford Performance steering wheel providing direct access to Sport Drive Mode with a dedicated button.

This ST Edition enhances the multi-awarding-winning hot hatch with a Ford Performance adjustable coilover suspension system that enables customisation of cornering, road-holding and ride-height characteristics for true performance driving enthusiasts.

Responsiveness and dynamics are further enhanced with standard flow-formed alloy wheels that reduce unsprung weight, contributing to the most rewarding, agile and confident Fiesta driving experience yet.

“Our new Fiesta ST Edition squeezes even more excitement out of the best-handling compact hot-hatch on the road,” said Ford Performance manager for Europe Stefan Muenzinger.

“The Edition model puts drivers firmly in control with the ability to manually adjust the feel of their car and fine-tune the handling to suit their personal preference.”


Kalabakan 4x4 club starts charity mission

                KALABAKAN: Every year, the Borneo Safari International Off Road Challenge, involving four-wheel drive vehicles, used to be the most anticipated event among extreme sports enthusiasts.

However, the enforcement of the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic has meant the October event had to be put off.

The Borneo Safari organiser has adapted to the situation by organising a charity mission to help people affected by the disease.

Part of the event activities included sending food aid to villagers across in Sabah.

Club advisor Nasir Bacho, when met recently, said they assisted the Kalabakan District Office and Social Welfare Department to distribute 800 food baskets to residents affected by Covid-19.

“We sent food baskets to villages in Kalabakan, including to Kampung Serudong, where the road is uneven, and it is located in the forest area, making it difficult for light vehicles to pass through.

“The Kalabakan 4x4 Club is ready to assist if needed, and we do this voluntarily,” he said.

Nasir said that besides assisting the needy, the charity mission also provided double happiness to club members who get to satisfy their hunger for extreme activities.

With 10 years of experience participating in the Borneo Safari, he hopes to create the same challenge in Kalabakan in a bid to promote the district, thus improving the economy of the local community.

“When Covid-19 ends, we plan to organise an event in Kalabakan because it has an offroad track that we can use. We did this once in Pasir Putih, Tawau and it was a success and was participated by extreme vehicle activity enthusiasts from Brunei, Indonesia, Labuan and Sarawak,” he said.

The Kalabakan 4x4 Club was set up in 2018 and has 60 members, to date, with 35 modified vehicles.


Germany trialling suspended wooden highways for cyclists

                STUTTGART: Germany is hoping to make cross-city bike trips more inviting with a new kind of heated bike path made from wood and suspended above the ground.

Local officials have announced that bike traffic in parts of the south-western state of Baden-Württemberg is to be raised 5 metres above roads, creating room for parking spaces, wider pavements or park areas underneath.

Assembled like the plug-in system of a toy car racetrack, the Bike Highways from Swiss start-up Urb-X are built from prefabricated modules made of local wood with two lanes designed to allow cyclists to keep a steady pace without pausing for traffic lights.

Officials say they want to build 20 such cycle highways - each 20 to 30 kilometres long - for a cost of about half a billion euros by by 2030, and hope this bike lane could both protect cyclists from cars and free up needed space underneath the cycle lanes.

Baden-Württemberg State Transport Minister Winfried Hermann said in April that the technology would initially be used for at least a 1-kilometre cycle path in the region around the city of Stuttgart in order "to show what is possible."

"Intersections ruin every fast cycle path," said Hermann. "If we go up in height, the problem would be solved."

The bike highways have two lanes in each direction and a non-slip surface. Because the surface is heated in winter, the elevated highway can also be used all year round without the risk of snow or ice, Klaus Kirchmayr from the Urb-X company says.

Running alongside either side of the track are lampposts and a fence to prevent cyclists from falling off.

"This is exactly the kind of thing we need," State Prime Minister Winfried Kretschmann said. "We have huge congestion problems in Stuttgart, for example. We can only get away from that if we implement innovative ideas like this."

Hermann admitted that building a bridge is always more expensive than continuing on the ground, but said where there is no space left, these wooden elevated roads would be an option.

The bike paths are also sustainable, Hermann said, as the modular design from local wood allows for quick construction and easy maintenance.

The project is still in the early stages and Hermann said that his experts were concerned that the wood might mould and then have to be torn down after 30 years. Nevertheless, he hopes that the first wooden highway will be passable by 2026.


Prestige car auctions return to Monaco

                PARIS: Now that lockdown is coming to a close, major auction houses are starting to bring their wares to market. A case in point is Artcurial Motorcars, which has announced a sale of prestige automobiles in Monaco on July 21.

The high-profile event is set to go ahead at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo in the principality on the French Riviera. Although the full catalogue for the sale has yet to be released, details of two exceptional automobiles that are due to go under the hammer have already been announced.

The first of these is a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster with an estimated price tag of €800,000 to €1 million. The second is a 1939 Bugatti Type 57 cabriolet Vanvooren estimated at €600,000 to €800,000, which will be presented without a reserve price.

The automobiles that are up for sale will be on display from July 18 to 21 at the Monaco Top Cars Collection museum (which houses the automobile collection amassed by Prince Rainier III). The sale will begin on Tuesday, July 21 at 5pm.


Nissan gets cooking with ‘Smokin’ Titan’ debut

                INDIANAPOLIS, United States: Taking barbeque to another level, Nissan is debuting the world's first fully integrated in-truck-bed smoker and mobile kitchen – a specially modified 2018 Titan XD Gas King Cab dubbed "Smokin' Titan."

Designed as a dream project vehicle for tailgating and barbecuing enthusiasts, Smokin' Titan features a custom flatbed with a built-in Lang BBQ smoker and an abundance of chef-friendly features.

The truck will be on display this weekend at the 2018 Work Truck Show, the largest work truck event in North America.

"With its available innovative bed features, lockable Titan boxes, Rockford Fosgate premium audio system and luxurious interior, the Titan XD is a fantastic tailgating truck as is," said Billy Hayes, division vice president, LCV and Trucks, Nissan North America, Inc.

"But the incredible enhancements made to convert a stock Titan into the Smokin' Titan – a built-in smoker, stove and spice rack – make it a dream for those who love to spend time with friends and family smoking meat, as I do myself."

The project truck started as a stock Titan XD Gas King Cab – straight from the Canton, Mississippi, factory floor.

 All told, Smokin TITAN showcases 20 unique aftermarket parts and accessories from leading manufacturers in the grilling, kitchenware and trucking industries.

The transformation to Smokin' Titan began with the addition of a custom CM Truck Beds aluminum flatbed – allowing space for three food prep stations each featuring a Partner Steel aluminum double burner prep stove alongside a Churrasco Brazilian Wood cutting board.

A Teton Steel custom on-board 24x24 sink and water storage system is accessible with an easy step up from the flatbed.

The self-contained sink and water system also can be interchanged with a Yeti Cooler when cold storage is more the priority.

Utilizing Titan's flat load floor in the second row of the King Cab, an ARB 50-qt. Fridge Freezer and Slide was added to the backseat along with a custom built spice rack.

The heart of Smokin' Titan lies inside the custom trailer behind the truck.

Since food smoking can create heat up to 600 degrees, the Titan XD's factory bed was removed from the truck and put on a B&S Custom trailer to prevent that heat from affecting the truck.

The Smokin' Titan bed-trailer features two Nissan Titan Boxes as lockable dry storage for the smoker pellets and wood chips flanking the smoker.

Utilizing the Titan's Utili-Track System, a B&S Customizing sliding tray was designed to easily slide the smoker in and out of the bed, supporting the custom Lang BBQ Smoker and Char Grill.

When the smoker is not in use, the whole trailer is secured with a steel Diamondback SE Tonneau cover, allowing the user to smoke meat at a tailgate and pack it up for the trip home.


Transport Ministry to set up 100 new kiosks nationwide

More JPJ kiosks will be installed nationwide. — Bernama

AYER HITAM: The Transport Ministry will be adding 100 new kiosks at all branches of the Road Transport Department (RTD) nationwide by the end of the year.

Its minister, Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong, said on Friday the ministry would also be placing kiosks at strategic locations such as other government offices, including several ministries apart from LRT and MRT stations in the Klang Valley.

He said for mobile offices, the ministry has provided 20 units of JPJ vans which have been improvised for transactions in the open and they could be used by personnel throughout the country to deliver JPJ’s reach-out aspirations to the people.

"With these additional facilities and budget, I am confident and believe the desire of the department to achieve a revenue collection of RM4.12 billion for 2022 could be achieved,” he told reporters after opening the 76th Road Transport Department Day celebration here.

Wee added that to empower JPJ services, the ministry is also launching e-Testing (automated Driving Test & Training System), aimed at improving further the community’s confidence in the driving test system.

He said e-Testing is an initiative aimed at enhancing JPJ’s delivery system via a more effective driving test system for candidates.

"The performance assessment of driving test candidates would be conducted electronically (with no interference of humans) and the results of the driving test would be generated in real-time.

"The ministry is also creating e-aduan@JPJ which functions as a department providing various services to clients and stakeholders, with efficient management of complaints of various services as among its priority,” he said.

Meanwhile, at the same ceremony, Wee also launched the new number plate for Putrajaya Federal Territory which uses the alphabet starting with FE which is open for bidding starting yesterday.


Review AP payment imposed on car importers, Govt urged

                SHAH ALAM: The Government has been urged to review the payment charged for every approved permit (AP) used by car importers amid the current economic uncertainties.

Kumpulan Rahman Brothers Sdn Bhd Group executive chairman Datuk Abd Rahman Ibrahim said the payment was a burden particularly in view of the depreciation of the ringgit which led to higher operating costs for companies.

"Our subsidiary, Syarikat Rahman Brothers Motor, for instance, has paid RM48.24 million for the AP since the scheme was first implemented in the country," he said.

Abd Rahman said he hoped the Ministry of International Trade and Industry could consider a review to either abolish the AP payment or reduce it until the economy stabilises.

He was speaking in a press conference after the official launch of the RM20 million Wisma Rahman Brothers by the Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.

In view of the economic slowdown, he said the company had to find ways to cut costs.

The company, he said, had also recently ventured into education and tourism in Cambodia.


Tesla charging technology put on fast track to become US industry standard

The CCS connector is bulkier than Tesla's, which is winning over carmakers.
PITTSBURGH: Tesla's electric-vehicle charging technology is being put on a fast track to become a US standard, the automotive industry group of engineers that reviews standards said on Tuesday.

Tesla's NACS standard has been gathering momentum for weeks. General Motors and Ford have said they would embrace Tesla's NACS, shunning earlier efforts by the Biden administration to make the Combined Charging System (CCS) the dominant charging standard in the United States.

On Tuesday, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) said it would start an expedited process to review NACS as a potential public standard.

"The new SAE NACS connector standard will be developed on an expedited timeframe and is one of several key initiatives to strengthen the North American EV charging infrastructure," the engineers group said in a statement.


Music, podcasts, conversations: How to listen while driving safely

                COLOGNE: Listening to music or podcasts in the car can help alleviate the boredom of a journey but it's important not to become distracted.

"The situations in which drivers can let themselves be drenched by music or follow a discussion depend heavily on the route," says Ulrich Chiellino, a traffic psychologist with ADAC, Germany's automobile association.

"Driving in a residential area requires full concentration; on a motorway in flowing traffic, drives can sometimes let their thoughts wander," he says.

On long journeys, the challenge is that the driver must try to find a balance between under-burdening and over-burdening the mind. Both are disadvantageous for concentration.

In order to break the monotony on the road, many drivers turn on the radio, make phone calls or listen to podcasts. Discussions or intensive conversations about complex topics aren't really suitable for driving, according to Chiellino.

“When drivers actively participate in something other than driving, their perception of the environment is reduced. The focus of attention is then elsewhere and it can take longer before the driver can mentally return to the driving situation in critical situations," he warns.

Then there are apps such as Clubhouse, which hosts virtual rooms for live discussions. You can participate or just listen in.

“Drivers should tune into Clubhouse like a radio station before driving,” says Clubhouse moderator Thomas Kiehl.

"If you have the feeling that you haven't understood a passage, you shouldn't rewind your phone or rack your brains because that disturbs your concentration while driving."

If you want to contribute to a discussion you should pull your car over before doing so.

Whatever kind of audio you listen to in the car you shouldn't set the volume too high as it might distract other drivers as well as posing a danger to your own hearing. Safe driving requires the driver to be aware of sounds outside the car such as emergency vehicles.

Music, podcasts, and radio news can all trigger emotions in the listener, but that's not detrimental to driving safety. On the contrary: "On long journeys, healthy variety increases concentration," says psychologist Chiellino.

And one thing shouldn't be forgotten: silence in the car can also be relaxing.


India's TVS Motor snaps up British brand Norton Motorcycles

                LONDON: India’s third-largest motorcycle maker TVS Motor has sealed a US$20 million (RM87.4mil) deal to buy British brand Norton Motorcycles as part of a distressed sale.

The all-cash transaction, which was announced on Friday, will see the Indian firm take control of the 122-year-old Leicestershire brand for £16 million through one of its overseas subsidiaries.

It marks the latest swoop by an Asian company on an iconic British brand, after Jaguar Land Rover became part of Tata Motors.

“Norton presents us with an immense opportunity to scale globally,” said TVS’s joint managing director Sudarshan Venu, adding his firm would provide “full support for Norton to regain its glory”.
Reuters was first to report that an agreement had been reached, with TVS pledging to revive the British brand which is controlled by Chief Executive Stuart Garner.

TVS will invest in some of Norton’s most famous models, including Commando, Dominator and V4 RR.

Discussions between TVS and accountancy firm BDO - which acted as Norton’s administrator - kicked off earlier this year after the British firm, founded by James Lansdowne Norton in 1898, fell into administration in January.

Venu said TVS, which is listed in India with a market value of US$1.8 billion (RM7.9bil), would work closely with Norton’s employees and customers to retain its identity and outline a specific business plan.

Rothschild acted as TVS’s financial adviser on the deal, while law firms Khaitan & Co and Slaughter and May provided legal advice.


Honda Malaysia to debut 3 more new cars in 2017

                PETALING JAYA: Honda Malaysia will launch at least three more models this year. The 7-seat BR-V crossover is here already and will be followed by the facelifted City.

Two more Honda cars for 2017 could be new versions of the CR-V and Jazz. Honda isn't telling, so we will have to wait and see.

The City was previewed at the Honda media night, held at a Petaling Jaya hotel here, today.

Also using the same formula as it did with the BR-V that was launched last month, Honda is collecting bookings for the new City and is taking it on a roadshow/tour ahead of its official debut so as to whip up public excitement.

 The new City will feature as standard high-value C-segment features such as Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Push Start Button with Smart Entry and new dual tone alloy wheels across all variants. The car rolled out in Thailand last month and started selling in India earlier this week.

On the the BR-V, Honda said in a statement that it has received 7,000 bookings within a month. The booking ratio was 83% favouring the high specs V variant while 17% was for the lower E variant. The BR-V was introduced to complete Honda's line-up of utility vehicles.

Honda Malaysia managing director and CEO Katsuto Hayashi said at the media night that he believes industry sentiments would gradually improve in the region this year, and predicted total industry volume to hit 600,000 units.

The company is aggressively setting a target of selling 100,000 cars this year, an increase of 8% over last year, to maintain its market leadership position in the non-national segment.

READ MORE:
Malaysians can book Honda City now
Thailand gets Honda City first


Police going after Myvi driver who blocked ambulance

A screengrab of the Myvi driven by the offending driver.
SHAH ALAM: Police are tracing the whereabouts of the driver of a Perodua Myvi who allegedly obstructed an ambulance in the emergency lane recently.

Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Seri Abdul Samah Mat said he was aware that a video of the alleged offence had gone viral on social media.

“We urge the driver to come forward immediately to help with investigations.

“I also want to advise members of the public not to take action into their own hands,” he told reporters at the Selangor police headquarters today.

The two minute and five second long video seems to be dashcam footage from the ambulance allegedly occurred along the Federal Highway near Shah Alam.

The video begins with the words Respect?! Respect the rights of emergency lane usage(Hormati hak pengunaan lorong kecemasan). Sirens can be heard blaring in the background as the ambulance is seen travelling on the emergency lane.

While some road users were seen to give way to the ambulance, the emergency vehicle caaught up to a black Perodua Myvi.

However, the Myvi driver kept its left hand signal light on and refused to give way to the ambulance even as other vehicles also abusing the emergency lane rushed to get out of the way.

Close to the end of the video, the Perodua suddenly braked and almost caused the ambulance to slam into it. The car is then seen speeding off.

Those with information on the case should contact the police hotline at 03-2052 9999 or visit the nearest police station.


Honda City V-SENSING variant introduced with Honda SENSING, priced from RM90,200

                PETALING JAYA: Honda Malaysia has added new variant, the City V-SENSING, that comes with the Honda SENSING suite of smart safety devices.

Previously, only the RS e:HEV variant of the City line-up was equipped with this feature.

Priced at RM90,212 on-the-road price without insurance and without sales tax, the new variant also comes with a 7-inch Interactive Thin Film Transistor (TFT) instrument meter that provides easy access to driving and safety information.

Sales tax exemption ends on June 30 next year.

The City V-SENSING is based on the V variant which is priced at RM86,561.

The Honda SENSING equipment in new variant are Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Auto High Beam (AHB).

The City V-SENSING comes with the most powerful engine in its segment – a 1.5L DOHC i–VTEC engine delivering 121PS and 145Nm of torque coupled with Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) for a balance of performance and fuel efficiency.

Key features of the City V-SENSING variant are six airbags, Honda LaneWatch camera, combination leather seats with ivory highlights, LED Headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), LED Fog Lights, LED Taillights and 16-inch alloy wheels.

Like the V variant, V-SENSING also comes with rear air conditioner vents, an 8-inch Display Audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Connectivity, steering wheel paddle shifters and Remote Engine Start.

Other features include rear seat belt reminder, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Rear Seat ISOFIX I-size type, and reverse sensors with Multi-Angle Reverse Camera.

Honda Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer Madoka Chujo said safety is Honda’s priority and the City had always been the forerunner in offering safety features for both drivers and passengers using advanced technology.

“We are delighted to introduce this new variant to the Malaysian market, enabling them to now have more options to choose from in the City line-up with a total of five variants available,” she said.

She also said the City V-SENSING has the most complete advanced safety features in the B-segment with an attractive price tag that is below RM100,000.

“We believe this model will continue to receive much recognition for its overall package of class-leading advanced features, space, comfort and unparalleled performance.

“Since we launched the fifth generation City in October 2020, we have recorded total sales of more than 23,300 units. To-date, the City has contributed 34% to Honda Malaysia’s total sales between January and October 2021, making it the best-selling model in Honda Malaysia,” said Chujo.


Automakers vow to boost car safety in US govt pact

                DETROIT: As the auto industry battles to win public confidence after several massive recalls, a group of 18 major carmakers announced on Friday that they have agreed to a voluntary program with the US government to improve auto safety.

The program will focus on better vehicle cyber security, early warning data to spot trends and use the aviation industry as a potential model for cooperation in the aftermath of a major government crackdown on car safety failures.

Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx met heads of companies like Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV and General Motors , which have faced recalls, civil penalties and Congressional hearings over vehicle fires and defective ignition switches.

The US government stressed that it is less interested in enforcing recalls and levying fines after problems arise, than preventing safety lapses in the first place.

 Foxx (centre), flanked by NHTSA administrator Mark Rosekind (third from left) and leaders of major car makers, following the accord.

"We have finalised a historic agreement on a set of broad-ranging actions to help make our roads safer and help avoid the sort of safety crisis that generates the wrong kind of record-setting and headlines," Foxx said.

The program is not legally binding and critics have questioned why the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) held weeks of secret talks to reach an agreement instead of addressing safety problems through legal channels that would include public input.

Democratic Senators Edward Markey of Massachusetts and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut said the deal continued a culture of informality between automakers and regulators that has led to the deaths of hundreds of Americans through safety lapses.

"From seatbelts to catalytic converters to airbags to fuel economy standards, automakers have proven time and time again that they do nothing voluntarily," the senators said in a statement.

But Rep. Fred Upton of Michigan who chairs the Energy and Commerce Committee, said the agreement "is a positive step forward." Former NHTSA administrator Joan Claybrook called the deal "toothless" and said the "safety of the American public will not be best protected with a kumbaya between the federal agency charged with issuing regulation and the industry seeking to avoid regulation."

The deal includes a joint government-industry working group to study whether the model of an existing aviation industry voluntary working group could make sense for automakers.

"Automakers and NHTSA are committing to work together to develop a collaborative, data-driven, science-based process, consistent with the law," said the agreement reached by automakers and the NHTSA.

Others taking part include Honda Motor Co, Tesla Motors Inc., BMW AG, Volkswagen AG and Daimler AG.

"I see it as a real opportunity and a foundation that we can build on," said General Motors chairman and CEO Mary Barra.

Automakers recalled a record-setting 64 million vehicles in the United States in 2014 and come under harsh criticism for failing to recall vehicles fast enough. NHTSA has also been criticized for not being aggressive enough.

NHTSA has imposed record fines on major automakers and Japanese auto parts maker Takata Corp for failing to handle safety issues properly.

Foxx said Thursday's accord could mark a turning point.

"Perhaps, years from now we will look back at this moment as a moment when, at a time when there may have been some skepticism about the safety of the automotive industry in general, the industry stepped up and made a hard pivot with us towards a more proactive culture," he said.