Renesas halts chip production in Japan; may extend to Malaysia, China

Visitors at the Renesas factory in Penang. - Filepic ZAINUDIN AHAD/The Star

TOKYO: Automotive chipmaker Renesas Electronics Corp plans to halt production at six plants in Japan for a total of up to two months this year as it braces for a further slowdown in Chinese demand, a person briefed on the matter said on Wednesday.

The company will halt most of the operations at the plants for month around May and again for a month around August to avoid excessive chip inventories amid uncertainties stemming from Sino-US trade frictions, the person said.

Renesas expects chip demand for autos, machine tools and air conditioners to slip further this year, said the source, who declined to be identified as the plan has not been officially announced.

No one was immediately available for comment at Renesas.

Production at four plants in China and Malaysia may be also temporarily suspended depending on demand, the source said.

The plans were first reported by the Nikkei business daily.

Earlier on Wednesday, Hyundai Motor Co said it is considering plans to suspend production at its oldest plant in China, as the South Korean carmaker reels from tumbling sales and massive overcapacity in its biggest market.

China's car sales contracted for the first time since the 1990s last year, hit by a weakening economy and the fallout of trade frictions with the United States.


Grab’s new policy annoys Malaysians

                PETALING JAYA: Local rideshare users are up in arms over Grab Malaysia’s updated Passenger Cancellation Policy which goes into effect on March 25.

The policy, which states that passengers who cancel rides five minutes after getting a driver will be charged a fee ranging from RM3 to RM5, spurred much disapproval on social media yesterday.

Facebook user Khizar Khan asked the question on everyone’s mind, as evidenced by the hundreds of “likes” his comment garnered on The Star Online’s Facebook post: “Can Grab refund (the) RM5 to passengers if driver cancels or asks to cancel?”

Christopher Chong asked how such a policy would work: “Usually (when) I book I don’t cancel, but (the) driver chooses not to pick (me) up and (would) purposely not reach their destination, expecting (the) customer to do the cancellation. I was wondering why the driver kept turning round and round ... The idea behind it is that he wants me to cancel the booking. I have gone through such a situation.”

While the company has given an assurance that it has measures in place to detect if a driver is not moving towards the customer, many were sceptical.

READ MORE: The original story that irked Malaysians

Bertrand Raphael Parrikal said he is unsure if said statement is true, as some drivers state on the app that they have arrived, but are at the wrong pick up location: “So the time starts early. Although often times this is because the maps system is faulty on the drivers’ end. So Grab has to fix this first.”

Jeffrey Lim questioned if users could report this to the Industrial Tribunal as a form of unfair practice: “Unless Grab also pays us compensation for driver cancellations and late pickups, and also for (the) app’s errors!!”

However, as both a rideshare driver and a rider, Derick Lee said there’s no right or wrong for both parties in this case.

“What I can say is, both sides need (to have) more communication. Either (the) rider or driver can make a call to each other to confirm the exact location of (the) driver to the pickup location ... It’s only good if (the) company can think for both parties before implementing things,” he said.

SJ Teoh also felt it was fair to both sides: “Passenger will lose money and driver will lose job(s) for cancelling many times.”

With the new policy, passengers will not be charged if they cancel within five minutes of getting a driver.

Drivers are also required to wait for five minutes or three minutes if they are performing GrabShare services before they are entitled to charge a cancellation fee.

The company added that the cancellation fee will be waived if a driver does not arrive within 10 minutes after the first-shown estimated time of arrival.


The next-gen speed gun with a 1.5km range

                COLORADO: A new generation of laser speed gun is coming to Europe. The TruCam II speed enforcement laser has an exceptional maximum range of 1,500 metres and is accurate to 2kph.

Police forces in the UK have started using the device, and it is currently being trialed in Spain.

Developed by the American company, Laser Technology, this handheld speed camera can detect the speed at which vehicles are traveling, ideally within a range of 50 to 150 metres - although functional up to 1,500 meters - thanks to its infrared laser that's effective night and day.

In terms of precision, this speed gun is accurate to 2kph and measures speeds of up to 320kph.

Priced over €10,000 (RM50,000) per unit, the TruCam II is an incredibly effective tool that can take up to three photos per second, each with autofocus, before sending them directly to police servers for processing. The camera is water- and dust-resistant and offers wired Ethernet and WiFi wireless connectivity.


Sneezing at the wheel? Your car's air filter probably needs changing

                BERLIN: Fumes, soot, brake dust, tyre particles and pollen - these are all things you don't want to inhale when you're behind the wheel. And yet there's only so much your car's air filter can handle before it needs replacing.

To make sure your cabin air filter is doing its job, you need to change it regularly. If you don't feel up to the task (which is relatively simple), you should at least make sure the mechanics at your local workshop are checking it.

It's all the more relevant if you suffer from allergies when pollen levels are high. In this case, the best time to replace a filter is at the start of spring, before the pollen count rises.

A multi-layer filter will also stop soot particles, brake dust or tyre abrasion and only lets clean air through (not all air filters are equipped to filter out virus particles, however).

Over time, all filters will become clogged, making them less effective over time. Old, rotten filters can even cause mould spores, promting severe allergic reactions.

Old carbon filters meanwhile can become permeable to fumes, potentially leading to a shortness of breath in sensitive passengers like children.

Replace it yourself

So how often will it need replacing? Most industry estimates say around every year or two - or every 20,000 km. However this may vary depending on your allergies and whether you're driving on relatively clean and unpolluted roads.

At the very latest you should consider changing it when you find yourself sneezing often or notice engine smells.

You don't have to rely on your mechanic to replace it, however, and installing a new filter doesn't require much technical expertise.

Your car's cabin air filter is most likely located in the water tank between the engine compartment and the passenger compartment, in front of the cabin fan. The car's manual should give you a simple description of how to change it.

If you can, try to use an active carbon filter. It will probably be more expensive, but they're the better choice (not only for allergy sufferers) as they are better at filtering dust and pollen, as well as harmful exhaust fumes like nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

While you're at it, give the water tank a clean. Old leaves, debris and dirt will collect there over time and caln also contaminate the filter.

How to avoid sneezing at the whee

Don't forget to keep the windows and sunroof closed, as the filter won't do much if air still finds a way in. Drivers with allergies should also avoid parking under trees because of the falling pollen they can produce.

If you need to air out a car that has been parked in the sun, first open all the doors and let the interior ventilate for one to two minutes, before turning on the air conditioning when you have closed all the doors.

To avoid bringing any pollen into the car, you may also want to take off your jacket or any outer layers of clothing and store them in the boot.

When taking allergy medications, drivers should always pay close attention to potential side effects, since over-the-counter products can influence reaction times and alertness.

And what happens if you still sneeze at the wheel?

Safety experts at the German inspection agency Tuv advise pulling over as soon you notice your nose tingling and only resuming driving once symptoms have improved.

If all precautions fail, drivers can try stopping a sneeze by exhaling through the nose, while carefully slowing down and keeping both hands on the steering wheel.


Nissan grants Renault execs boardroom seats, ending dispute

A Renault car company logo is seen outside a dealership in Nice. — Reuters
TOKYO/PARIS: Japan’s Nissan said today it would grant alliance member Renault’s representatives seats on key committees of its board, ending a dispute between the two automakers.

Nissan said it will give Renault chief executive Thierry Bollore a seat on its board’s audit committee and Renault chairman Jean-Dominique Senard a seat on its nomination committee. Senard will also become vice-chairman of the board.

The move comes after demands by Senard for representation on the committees in return for approving Nissan’s overhauled governance structure plunged the two-decade-old partnership into crisis.

“Groupe Renault welcomes Nissan’s decision to grant Renault’s representatives a seat on the committees of the Nissan board, which will be presented to the general shareholders’ meeting on June 25,” Renault said in a statement.

“The agreement reached on Renault’s presence in Nissan’s new governance confirms the spirit of dialogue and mutual respect that exists within the alliance,” added Renault, whose merger talks with Fiat-Chrysler broke down this month.

Nissan also said it would nominate Yasushi Kimura, adviser at JXTG Holdings Inc, to chair its board.

The French state has a 15% stake in Renault, while Renault itself owns 43.4% of Nissan.

French ministers have consistently highlighted the importance of ensuring the Renault-Nissan alliance remains strong, before planning any further consolidation with the likes of Fiat-Chrysler.

The 20-year-old partnership between Renault and Nissan has been strained since former leader Carlos Ghosn was arrested for suspected financial misconduct last year. Ghosn denies wrongdoing.


VW in talks to manage Didi fleet, co-develop self-driving cars

                BEIJING: Volkswagen AG, the world’s biggest automaker, is in talks to form a joint venture with China’s Didi Chuxing to manage part of the ride-hailing company’s fleet of cars and help develop “purpose-built” vehicles for Didi’s services.

As part of the deal between Volkswagen and China’s biggest ride-hailing service, expected to be signed early next month, the German automaker will initially manage a fleet of about 100,000 new vehicles for Didi, of which two-thirds will be Volkswagen Group cars, said a senior executive at the carmaker.

Volkswagen will also jointly buy some new cars with Didi to allow the Chinese company to expand its fleet. The two eventually plan to collaborate to design and develop dedicated vehicles, he said, speaking on condition of anonymity as the details are still private.

The executive did not give financial details of the deal but said that Volkswagen will get a slice of the revenue once the venture develops.

The growing popularity of ride-hailing services for commuting and running errands in congested cities such as Beijing and Shanghai is showing early signs of reducing private car ownership.

This could have serious consequences for existing carmakers and is forcing companies like Volkswagen to reinvent their businesses and seek out future revenue streams.

“To succeed as a car company in this new ecosystem, we need to know who our customer is, what their journey is and what our strategy should be,” the executive said.

He added that this deal will eventually give Volkswagen access to some of Didi’s massive trove of data on customer behaviour collected through the 30 million rides Didi provides in China each day.

The ultimate goal is the production and use of autonomous cars, the Volkswagen executive said.

Riding alone

Volkswagen’s partnership with Didi is the first known project Didi has begun pursuing as part of a broad alliance the Chinese company recently formed with 31 automakers and parts suppliers.

Didi has said it formed the alliance to collaborate on, among other things, eventually developing cars purpose-built for its services.

For instance, as many as 80 percent of Didi customers ride alone and don’t need a big four-seater car, the Volkswagen executive said.

And current vehicles have engines and other technology that allow them to go as fast as 250kph. Dedicated ride-sharing vehicles would always travel much slower, so they would not need to be aerodynamic or have a powerful engine. That could allow for fewer seats and more room for luggage.

Didi has also predicted much of its future fleet would be electric. The company has begun working with Chinese carmakers GAC Motor and CHJ Automotive to design electric vehicles, sources have told Reuters.

Three Didi officials said the ultimate shape of a new ride-sharing market is still unclear and no one knows what role car manufacturers and Didi itself will play in it.

Open questions for Didi are how to repair, maintain and direct a fleet of autonomous vehicles, one of the officials said.

“Our understanding right now is that probably automakers don’t know 100 percent how to do all that. Didi also doesn’t know either,” the official said.

A spokesman for Didi said both sides were still working out the details of how the partnership would look.

“Potentially, both parties will focus on building together a fleet operation business, and look into other potential areas such as designing new car models for ride-hailing,” the spokesman said.

The Didi officials did not want to be named because they are not authorised to talk to reporters.

Playing catch-up

After years of resistance and efforts to keep technology-based ride companies at arm’s length and vowing never to be like contract manufacturers are to the mobile phone sellers, carmakers are becoming more flexible.

The car industry fears becoming like Taipei-headquartered electronics company Foxconn, which manufactures millions of phones for the likes of Apple Inc but only gets a slim share of the profits in return.

This year, automakers like Fiat, Jaguar Land Rover and Honda Motor entered into an agreement to provide thousands of cars to Alphabet Inc’s self-driving unit, Waymo. Last year, Volvo and Daimler AG said they would supply cars to Uber.

Volkswagen lags its rivals Daimler and BMW in embracing the transformation but has recently stepped up its efforts.

It has created a war chest of 15 billion euros (RM71bil), which it plans to use for investments in ride-hailing, autonomous driving, digitalisation, electric mobility and other services in China by 2022.

It has already invested in an artificial intelligence firm called Mobvoi, a car-sharing company Shouqi and a second-hand car buying company. Volkswagen is also in talks to invest in a luxury ride-hailing company and an electric car charging business, the executive said.

Once Volkswagen has access to customer data, it will be able to make better-informed decisions on future businesses and products.

“We will explore additional business models with Didi,” the executive said, adding that these may not necessarily be focused only on China. Volkswagen is internally discussing bus and truck sharing.

“We don’t need to have all the answers. The money we plan to put into the first phase should help us find some,” he said.

The executive did not say whether the new cars provided by Volkswagen would be electric, hybrid or gasoline.


Guys & gals, Toyota Supra coming to Malaysia in 2019. Yaris, too

                PETALING JAYA: The all-new Toyota Supra that made its world premiere at the Detroit auto show last month is coming to Malaysia this year.

The news was announced at Toyota's media appreciation dinner in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, which was also Chap Goh Mei — the last day of Chinese New Year. The announcement by UMW Toyota Motor was greeted with cries of approval from the motoring media fraternity.

The Supra is expected to arrive in the second half of 2019.

To recap, the Supra is available with a 3.0-litre inline-6 turbo and a 2.0-litre inline-4 turbo engine. The Supra is a joint project with BMW for its new Z4, with both using the same chassis and other mechanicals.

Both two-seaters use the same eight-speed ZF transmission, BMW's 3.0-litre engine and its electronic M differential and some cabin controls.

Although sharing some major parts, both sports cars are supposedly tuned to have different driving dynamics.
READ MORE:
Toyota debuts its first new Supra in 21 years
TRD soups up Toyota Supra
New BMW Z4 breaks cover at Pebble BeachWe drove the second-gen Toyota Yaris in 2006Facelifted Toyota Vios launched from RM77K
Making a comeback to Malaysia this year is the new Yaris hatchback. The last time it was here was 12 years ago but its fully imported status (it was assembled in Thailand then) meant its pricing wasn't competitive with other hatches at that time.

Back then, the second-generation Yaris came in two versions priced between RM90,300 and RM98,100. UMW Toyota Motor quietly stopped selling the Yaris after a few years of poor sales in part due to high pricing, and competition even from its own Vios line-up.

But this time, the Yaris, in its third generation form, is set to be a locally assembled model and the distributor is sure to avoid the mistakes of the past by pricing it appropriately at a time when the competition is even keener with the likes of juggernaut Perodua Myvi dominating the hatcback market that also includes the Proton Iriz and Kia Picanto.

The upcoming Yaris will be assembled at Toyota's new Bukit Raja plant in Klang, where the facelifted Vios is the first model to be built there. The Vios Malaysians are getting is basically the sedan version of the Yaris, and caters to emerging economies in the Asia-Pacific.

Depending on market, the Yaris comes with a 1.2-litre or 1.5-litre engine and either a CVT or 5-speed manual gearbox. The third-generation model debuted as a hatch from 2011 and expanded with a sedan version in 2013.

Note that the Yaris for North America, Europe and Australasia are based on the Japanese-market Vitz (XP130), introduced in 2011. In contrast, the ones for Asia and other international markets are derived from the Asian-market Yaris (XP150), which appeared in 2013.


Hundreds of Taiwan drivers fined after Pokemon Go launch

 Driving and Pokemon Go don't mix. - AFP
TAIPEI: Nearly 350 drivers in Taiwan were slapped with fines for playing on their phones after Pokemon Go launched on the island, which has already resulted in broken legs and museum bans.

The gaming app has sparked a global frenzy since its launch last month as users hunt for virtual cartoon characters overlaid on real-world locations using augmented reality technology.

A total of 349 fines were issued since the game launched in Taiwan on Saturday, with the majority of the offenders riding motorcycles, according to the National Police Agency.

READ MORE:
Hotlink, Grab Malaysia collaborate for Pokemon GO fans
Pokemon Go and driving don't mix

While Pokemon Go has been praised for motivating people to become more active, authorities have warned players to remain alert.

”Catch the rare creatures, but don’t let accidents catch up with you!” Taiwan’s Premier Lin Chuan said on the cabinet’s Facebook page.

Drivers face fines of TW$3,000 (RM390) if caught using their phone, while motorcyclist have to hand over TW$1,000 (RM130). A 20-year-old man in New Taipei City fractured his knee Saturday after falling off his motorcycle while looking at his phone, according to Apple Daily.

At Taipei’s National Palace Museum officials banned visitors from playing Pokemon Go in its exhibition halls, which house prized artefacts from Chinese history spanning 7,000 years.

Elsewhere, authorities are seeking to set firm parameters for avid Pokemon Go players. In Thailand, authorities warned its citizens against entering polling stations in their search for the cyber creatures as the nation voted on a new constitution Sunday. Iran, which blocks many global news and social media sites, went so far as to ban the game entirely.


Rolls-Royce says demand for luxury cars is recovering

Technicians inspecting a Rolls-Royce on the production line of the Goodwood factory, near Chichester, Britain, on Sept 1. — Reuters
LONDON: The chief executive of Rolls-Royce said demand for his company’s luxury cars is rebounding, helped by sales in Asia, and he is optimistic about the outlook for next year after the coronavirus pandemic hit consumer confidence and closed dealerships.

Torsten Muller-Otvos said the demand meant Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc was the first car company to resume car production in the United Kingdom on May 4.

“We see a very fruitful business now coming back from Asia, also Europe is coming back on track, the Americas just delivered an excellent July result and August result,” said the boss of the BMW-owned Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

“I am quite optimistic looking into 2021, particularly on the back of a very strong order bank we have already on our books.”

Muller-Otvos said his company has no plans to move production out of the United Kingdom because of Brexit.

“We are committed to Britain. I would even call us being part of the British industrial crown jewels,” he said. “For that reason, Rolls-Royce belongs to Britain.”


Euro spec Kia Stinger revealed

                LONDON: The updated Kia Stinger is revealed in its European specification as its high-performance fastback sports saloon now boasts a refreshed design and a range of technology upgrades.

The upgraded Stinger is offered exclusively with the 3.3-litre T-GDi V6 which produces peak power of 370ps at 6,000rpm.

Its twin turbochargers allow the engine to offer drivers its 510Nm peak torque across a wide range of speeds (1,300 to 4,500rpm), resulting in effortless performance everywhere.

Accelerating from 0-to-100kph in just 4.9 seconds, the Stinger’s 3.3-litre T-GDi engine makes it the fastest-accelerating Kia ever sold in Europe.

The engine is paired with a eight-speed automatic transmission.

The upgraded Stinger is fitted as standard with the new 10.25-inch touchscreen display. The upgraded model includes a high-resolution 7.0-inch digital display within the instrument cluster.

The upgraded Stinger boasts a refreshed exterior design and measures to improve cabin appearance and quality. The upgraded cabin in particular reconfirms the Stinger’s credentials as the consummate grand tourer.

Its new design and LED daytime running lights give the car a more high-tech light signature, with sharp slashes of light angled slightly towards the front of the car.

At the rear, a new rear combination lamp spans the width of the car, creating a distinctive new light signature which mimics the shape of the subtle spoiler integrated into the trunk lid.

New turn signals, each comprised of 10 individual LED units, are arranged in a grid pattern, a motorsport-inspired design which reflects the appearance of a chequered flag.

A new 19-inch aluminium alloy wheel design is also introduced.

Inside, the architecture of the cabin remains unchanged, but subtle visual and material enhancements create a more luxurious ambience. Changes include a metallic finish to sections of the steering wheel and a chrome bezel around the instrument cluster.

A new mood lighting system allows drivers to select one of 64 colours to subtly alter the character of the cabin.

European-spec Stingers are available with Nappa leather upholstery in Saturn Black or optional Red. A suede package is also available for the first time, with the cabin trimmed in Saturn Black suede with contrasting red stitching and red seatbelts.

UK specification will be announced in due course.

“The Stinger is standard-bearer for the Kia brand in Europe and remains our most driver-focused car, capable of covering great distances in comfort and style,” said Emilio Herrera, Chief Operating Officer for Kia Motors Europe.

“The upgraded model builds on the Stinger’s well-established grand touring ethos, with a renewed sense of design flair, new technologies, and greater usability enhancing its appeal for buyers in Europe.”


Thailand's Pokemon busters target motorists

                BANGKOK: Police have positioned so-called Pokemon Go busters along some 10 Bangkok roads to ensure motorists are not playing the hugely popular game.

Launched on Aug 6 in Thailand, Pokemon Go has quickly attracted a huge number of fans. Players use their cellphone to catch virtual monsters, which pop up here and there every now and then.

Between Aug 10 and 20, 243 motorists were caught using their cellphone in the capital, with many of them apparently playing Pokemon.

"We have prepared 50 Pokemon Go busters for the mission to prevent accidents," Metropolitan Police commissioner Lt-General Sanit Mahathavorn said yesterday. The Metropolitan Police Bureau is implementing the Pokemon Traffic No Go project. — The Nation/Asia News Network

READ MORE: If you drive and play Pokemon, you will be fined RM300


Maserati Levante lands in Malaysia at RM888,800

                KUALA LUMPUR: Naza Italia, the official importer and distributor for Maserati, has brought in the Italian marque's first sport utility vehicle (SUV).

The diesel-powered Levante enters Malaysia’s luxury SUV segment at the starting price of MYR 888,800.00 (inclusive of local taxes and duties) and includes 3 years Standard Warranty coverage with no mileage restriction plus a Maserati Premium Service Plus of 3 years/60,000km (whichever comes first).

The Levante has been opened for booking since last August when a unit was brought in for preview to the media and potential customers.

At its core, the Levante has the latest evolution of the Maserati’s 3-litre V6 engines.

The Malaysian market gets the frugal turbodiesel version with reduced dwell time injectors, capable of 275hp @ 4,000rpm and 600Nm @ 2,000-2,600rpm mated to a 8-speed automatic gearbox from ZF.

It can do the 0-100 km/h sprint in 6.9 seconds.

With a maximum speed of 230 km/h, it still manages to keep the fuel economy as low as 7.2 litres/100 km.

There's a choice of four drive modes, “Normal”, I.C.E., “Sport” and “Off-road” for intelligently altering engine, transmission, suspension and electronics features.

Datuk Wira SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, Naza World Group executive chairman, said, “Maserati’s first entry into the SUV segment has the poise and power to exceed expectations and set it apart from its peers. The Levante has been eagerly awaited and will no doubt be a popular new addition to Malaysia’s luxury automotive market.”

The Levante’s fluid nature mirrors that of the warm Mediterranean wind that the SUV takes its name from, transforming from a mild breeze to a forceful gale in an instant.

Styling-wise, the trademark radiator grille with slim, tapered headlights dominates the car’s bold front.

Its streamlined shape, typical of high performance sports cars, lends to the Levante’s aerodynamic efficiency, which is best in its segment with a Cx coefficient of just 0.31.

A standout feature (one seen in other models in the brand’s product line-up) is the frameless door windows.

It has an exceptionally spacious cabin (best in class), and features extensive use of lightweight materials, ideal 50:50 weight distribution and the lowest centre of gravity in class.

Other highlights are Air Suspension, electronically controlled Skyhook shock absorbers and the Q4 AWD system, which come as standard equipment, its all wheel drive with rear limited slip differential and 255/60 ZR18 tyres.

There are two cutting-edge optional packages, Sport and Luxury.

An optional upgrade to the Sport Package includes exterior and interior design elements that reflect Maserati's legendary racing heritage.

The Luxury Pack promises even greater extravagance than the sumptuous leather interior that comes as a standard feature.

The highly exclusive Zegna Edition pack combines premium Italian leather with bespoke silk from Ermenegildo Zegna, one of the leading fashion designers in the world, made in Trivero by the Zegna wool mill with a patented process.

The range of equipment options include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Forward Collision Warning and Brake Assist System, Lane Departure Warning, Surround View camera, capacitive 8.4-inch Touch Screen display with brand new rotary control, plus the AHA function, an addition to the Maserati Touch Control Plus which extends the AM, FM and DAB digital radio with a network connection option: the AHA function dialogues with the user's network-connected mobile device to give access to on-line services (radio stations, programmes, etc.) while on the move.

The Levante is exclusively produced in the historic Mirafiori plant.


Track time with 911 Turbo S

You can drive a Porsche on a track year in and year out, and still come away with the biggest smile on your face. And if you’re driving a 911 Turbo S, it’s going to be ear-to-ear.

Driving a Porsche on the race track is always a thrilling experience.
And that is an understatement.

I was privy to the Porsche Driving Experience last year when I took a few laps with the Cayman S and 911 Carrera 4S in Sepang.

That was a blast and a half.
This year it was supposed to be the new GT3 and the 911 Turbo S.
Alas, the GT3 experienced technical problems and was left out of the agenda.
In its place was the Carrera 4S.
Besides trying out the Porsches, I had my own targets to meet where driving was concerned.

Most important was looking ahead and achieving a sense of consistency by hitting the clipping points. The other was hand etiquette and making sure I braked hard and then turned the wheel; no trail braking if I could help it.

I didn’t have to worry about heel-and-toe because I was pretty sure the Porsches would be equipped with PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung or double clutch transmission) and sure enough, it was.After a briefing by Arnt Bayer, chief executive officer of Sime Darby Auto Performance - the authorised importer of Porsche in Malaysia - about the Turbo S and some safety tips - “no texting while driving and no selfies please”, the relay began.

Each media member were given three laps for each car, and first up for me was the Carrera 4S.
This was not a solo drive as each car had a guide riding shotgun and mine was Portugese-born Rodolfo Avila, the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia driver for Team Jebsen.
As it happens, the three laps with the Carrera 4S was like a warm-up compared with the Turbo S.

The Carrera 4S is all-wheel drive; has a 3.8-litre boxer engine mated to a seven-speed double clutch transmission and belts out 400hp at 7,400rpm and a maximum torque of 440Nm at 5,600rpm. It’s no slow poke by any stretch.

It is however, a very practical sports car. The air-conditioning was on and there was even music from a local radio station albeit at very low volume, belting out through the Burmester sound system as I was driving it around the track.The car was responsive; stable at high speeds and it hugged the turns beautifully.

“Your racing line is very good,” said Avila at the end of the three laps and I felt like I just won a gold medal. Then he added, “But you can go faster. With the Turbo S, you go faster.”
And with those encouraging words, I got in the Turbo S. This time the guide was New Zealand-born race driver Earl Bamber and, as we sat in the idling car, it was immediately apparent that this was altogether a different beast.
For one, it made deeper rumbling sounds than the 4S. The throttle response was like a hair-trigger and I was amazed that I could reach high revs with a light touch of the accelerator.
Every time I hit the accelerator, the power of the car just pinned me back to the seat. That’s when I realised this is what a bi-turbocharging, flat six-cylinder 3.8 litre engine which produces 560hp and 698Nm of torque is all about.This was the faster car, no doubt. With this car I felt both understeer and oversteer going in and out of the turns but it was never scary. On the straight I reached 231kph in a blink of an eye.

“You’re having a lot of fun, aren’t you,” Bamber remarked.
And he let me do an extra lap with the Turbo S. I’m still smiling as I write this. That’s what driving a Porsche does to you.


MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant is a mouthful, just call it Spike

                MUNICH: The MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant will be called Spike, which will debut at the April 18-27 Auto Shanghai.

Spike has been the canine friend of the MINI brand since the modern MINI debuted in 2001.

The bulldog, with its compact and powerful stature, British heritage and likeable nature was considered the perfect animal equivalent of the MINI at the time.

Spike is now reimagined and brought to life in the digital world.

At the Shanghai auto show, the reimagined four-legged friend would become an art toy welcoming visitors to the MINI stand as a large-format sculpture.

Art toys are independent works of art that combine elements of toys and sculptures in the style of urban pop culture. Spike will also be appearing as an active protagonist in the cockpit of the new MINI Concept Aceman.

The new Spike mode sets the stage for the digital companion, who is presenting to the public for the first time on the circular OLED central display and dashboard.

MINI will add more insights into the digital world of the new model family and Spike’s diverse functions in the further course of 2023.

“MINI will always be synonymous with emotions and remarkable experiences,” said MINI Design chief Oliver Heilmer.

“That’s why we are now taking Spike into the future as a digital character. And he is not just a design experiment – he is becoming a characterful companion for the user experience.”


Hyundai IONIQ hybrid heading to Malaysia by end of 2016

                PETALING JAYA: With a number of brands releasing hybrids and electric cars locally, Hyundai is eager to join the bandwagon. Its IONIQ hybrid is expected to be launched here in Malaysia by the end of the year.

The IONIQ also comes as a plug-in hybrid and fuel-cell vehicle but they won't be sold in Malaysia. The IONIQ is notable for being the only car model in the world to have three different powertrains.

The IONIQ Hybrid, which would have competed with the Toyota Prius if the tax incentives had been continued, is equipped with a newly developed, dedicated 1.6 GDI four-cylinder Kappa engine and a 44 PS electric motor, which is fed by an advanced lithium-Ion polymer battery. The two powertrains have combined maximum output of 141 PS and 265Nm of torque. A new six-speed dual-clutch transmission is said to offer responsive performance and a slick shift.

The IONIQ’s coupe-like silhouette is streamlined to efficiently manage airflow. Combined with active and passive aero features, this helps it achieve a high drag coefficient of just 0.24 Cd, making it one of the most aerodynamic cars on sale.

The car also offers a host of advanced comfort, convenience, safety and connectivity features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 7-inch TFT information cluster brings a high-tech appearance to the cockpit, displaying a range of digital gauges in high resolution, including a number of hybrid-specific displays.

Based on a new platform, Hyundai claimed the driving performance of the IONIQ is similar to that of a regular compact car because of a responsive powertrain. Ride and handling as well as noise, vibration and harshness levels are tuned to contribute to a superior ride quality as well as being quiet and comfortable on long journeys, it added.

Based on global cumulative sales, the hybrid market commands about 78% of the total green car market.


2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed: Maserati MC12 GT1 Centenario

                LONDON: The 2019 Maserati Levante, Ghibli and Quattroporte were revealed at the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed held at West Sussex, England alongside the world premiere of the V8 engined Levante GTS.

The 2018 Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard celebrated the event's 25th anniversary, and it is renowned as the most prestigious car culture event in the world, providing an inebriating mix of music, entertainment, food, glamorous cars and motorsport stars over a four-day spectacular programme that attracted more than 200,000 visitors.

 Maserati MC12 Versione Corse.

Maserati, as Automotive Partner of the Festival of Speed, used the occasion to showcase its racing pedigree with the thunderous V12 engine in the MC12 GT1 Centenario coming to life on the 1.87km Goodwood Hillclimb.

READ MORE:
2019 Maserati Levante S: Carsifu drives the SUV in England
2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed: Maserati Levante GTS world premiere
Maserati updates 2019 Levante with new styling and kit

The Maserati MC12 Versione Corse took pride of place in the Festival of Speed's Silver Jubilee display while the GranTurismo MC, GranCabrio Sport and updated 2019 Levante thrilled the crowds during the Michelin Supercar Run.

At the Maserati stand, the Italian luxury sports marque provided a sumptuous experience of style and comfort for its Goodwood guests, who were particularly keen on checking out the Levante Trofeo, which made its European debut at Goodwood, and Levante GTS.

 Maserati MC12 GT1 Centenario. Maserati GranTurismo MC (in red) and GranCabrio Sport (in white). Maserati Levante GTS. Maserati Levante GTS.


VW moves to secure cobalt supplies in shift to electric cars

                LONDON: Germany’s Volkswagen is moving to secure long-term supplies of cobalt, a vital component of rechargeable batteries, as the group accelerates its ambitious shift to electric cars.

Cobalt industry sources said VW, the world’s largest automaker, has asked producers to submit proposals on supplying the material for up to 10 years from 2019.

Volkswagen, which decided on the strategic shift to electric vehicles (EVs) after it was engulfed in the “dieselgate” scandal, plans to invest more than 20 billion euros in zero-emission vehicles by 2030 to challenge pioneer Tesla in creating a mass market.

The company, which aims to make up to three million EVs a year by 2025, wants all the cobalt tender proposals submitted by the end of September. “The tender doesn’t actually tell you how much cobalt they want. They tell you how many EVs they want to make, you have to work out the cobalt content yourself,” one cobalt industry source said.

Volkswagen did not respond to Reuters questions on the details of the tender but noted that the group would need more than 150 gigawatt hours of battery capacity annually by 2025 for its electric vehicles.

 A Li-ion battery. Cobalt is used in making the battery.

This would mean major purchases of necessary materials. “The procurement project is one of the largest in the history of the automotive industry, with a total order volume of over 50 billion euros,” it said in a statement. “That will meet the group’s needs for the first wave of e-mobility.”

Demand for cobalt is expected to soar in the coming years due to the electric vehicle revolution as governments around the world crack down on pollution. Volkswagen is under particular pressure as it had been slow to embrace electric cars and self-driving technology until admitting two years ago to cheating on US diesel emissions tests.

Battery and auto manufacturers need to sign multi-year deals to secure supplies of raw materials including cobalt and lithium.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) produces roughly 65 percent of global cobalt supplies estimated at around 100,000 tonnes this year. Canada, China, Russia, Australia and Zambia are also major sources.

At the company level, the market is dominated by Glencore , which produced more than 28,000 tonnes last year.

Reuters recently reported that Glencore had signed a major deal to sell up to 20,000 tonnes of cobalt products to a Chinese firm, a move that would help Volkswagen secure car batteries for its shift to electric vehicles.

According to the cobalt industry sources, Volkswagen said wanted all contracts agreed by the end of the year.

Electric vehicles use rechargeable batteries containing cobalt, a byproduct of copper and nickel output, which boosts energy density and extends battery life. This allows automakers to offer guarantees between eight and 10 years.

The Volkswagen tender specifies the chemistry for the battery will initially be six parts nickel, two parts cobalt and two parts manganese or 6:2:2, but that it could at some stage switch to 8:1:1.

“They want a fixed price, which won’t work for people who need security and they want to reserve the right to not take metal they don’t need,” another cobalt source said. “They want producers to take all the risks ... they want an option at low prices, for long maturities at zero cost.”

Cobalt metal is around US$30 a lb, its highest since October 2008 and up from less than US$10 in December 2015.

Volkswagen has said that by 2025 it would roll out 80 new electric car models across the group, which also includes the Audi, Seat, Skoda and Porsche brands, up from a previous goal of 30. It wants to offer an electric version of each of its 300 group models by 2030.

Analysts estimate each battery uses between 8-12 kg of cobalt. That would mean VW will need 24-36 million kg a year for three million EVs, which at current prices would total US$1.6-US$2.4 billion.

The sources said the wording of the tender suggests it will probably have also gone to lithium producers, chemical producers and battery makers.

“There’s a section on sustainability... asking what processes are in place to make sure the cobalt does not come from child labour in the DRC,” one said.

Child labour is a reference to artisanal mining in places such as the DRC, where individuals mine independently to produce metal, often illegally and under poor health and safety conditions.

UBS expects global sales of electric vehicles in 2025 to reach 14.2 million units or 13.7 percent of the total from under one million units and less than one percent this year.

Analysts at CRU Group forecast the battery sector will need more than 75,000 tonnes of cobalt a year by 2025, up from around 41,000 tonnes this year.


The best Father's Day presents for a car-mad dad

                From concours d'elegance standard polishing kits to Kevlar-lined chinos and glow in the dark alloy wheel rim proctors, here's a roundup of some of the more interesting and exciting gifts on offer for Father's Day today.

Hesketh Racing Chrono by Omologato

Designer watches, particularly those with an official automotive link can be prohibitively expensive. But at £250 (US$360) the new limited edition Hesketh Racing Chrono by Omologato is a relative bargain. Created to mark the 40th anniversary of British driver James Hunt's first and only Formula One driver's championship (the basis for the Ron Howard film "Rush") the watch's design is inspired by the Hesketh racing car in which young Hunt made his name before moving to McLaren in 1976 and clinching the title. But you'll have to move fast, production is capped at just 200 examples.

Piloti driving shoes
Even if your father's car isn't the fastest or most powerful, a pair of driving shoes could make him feel like he's in control. Piloti driving shoes come in formal, casual and serious track-day styles but they all boast the same ‘roll control' heel that takes the pain out of feathering the throttle heel-toeing. Prices start at US$150.

Richa Hammer Jeans
For fathers who favour two wheels over four, Richa's new summer range of stylish but safe motorcycle wear includes Aramid-lined Hammer jeans for around US$120 and, for more formal occasions, Brooklyn chino-style trousers with a Kevlar lining and adjustable D3O knee protection for US$240.

AlloyGator AlloyGators

If dad's an extrovert, AlloyGator may have just the thing - glow-in-the-dark rim covers. Initially developed to protect expensive alloy wheel rims from scuffs and knocks, they're made from tough nylon and infused with a phosphorescent luminescent pigment that absorbs sunlight during the day in order to glow at night.

AlloyGators need to be fitted by a garage but are available to fit alloy wheels from 13-21-inches and prices start at US$100 for a set of four.

Armor All cleaning products

For an all-round automotive glow, day or night and for a gift that really won't break the bank, Armor All's award-winning polishes, paint protection treatments, interior cleansers and windshield cleaners are tough to beat and products cost from as little as US$9.99 for individual products.

Autoglym Perfect Bodywork, Wheels and Interior Gift Collection (top pic)

Or for those that can't afford to buy their dad a new car but want to offer him that new car feel, Autoglym, the company entrusted to detail the rare and often priceless vehicles on show at various Concours d'Elegance, offers a special Perfect Bodywork, Wheels and Interior Gift Collection set. For around US$90-US$100 you get nine carefully selected products for treating everything from glass to paintwork, vinyl and rubber, plus applicators, cloths and even a detailed guidebook all packaged in a special carrying case.


BMW M Performance Parts for new 5 Series, M5 and M5 Competition

                MUNICH: BMW is also offering an extensive range of BMW M Performance Parts for the new 5 Series, M5 and M5 Competition.

All components, in addition to the sporty look, also fulfil the functional requirements as regards lightweight construction and aerodynamics.

High quality exterior carbon parts

Numerous BMW M Performance Parts made from high-quality carbon render BMW’s motorsport DNA permanently visible on the BMW 5 Series even off the racetrack.

The M Performance front attachment on both sides and the M Performance front splitter made from the high-grade material provide for a sporty look at the front.

In addition to a variant of the kidney grille surround in high-gloss black, the M Performance front grille is also available in a carbon version.

Likewise, the M Performance exterior mirror caps, M Performance Air Breather in the front fenders and M Performance side sill attachments are made from this high-quality material.

The M Performance rear spoiler Carbon and the M Performance rear spoiler Pro Carbon are both available for the sedans, with the M Performance carbon rear diffusor providing for a sporty looking rear end.

M Performance steering wheel and carbon parts for the interior

The M Performance steering wheel has distinctively shaped Alcantara grip recesses, large thumb-rests and special lining.

Together with the Alcantara, silver-grey, hand-sewn cross-stitching and the red 12 o’clock marking provide for a genuine motor sports atmosphere.

As an alternative to the standard leather-covered steering wheel trim, M Performance carbon/leather or carbon/Alcantara steering wheel trims are also optionally available.

The M Performance steering wheel Pro available exclusively for the BMW M5 and the BMW M5 Competition is fitted with a high-gloss polished carbon and Alcantara trim and the lower clasp bears the M Performance lettering.

The 12 o’clock marking is finished in Motorsport Blue, the tricolour decorative stitching in the BMW M colours.

The M Performance carbon shift paddles are also available for all other steering wheels.

The carbon M Performance gear shift trims are exclusive to the BMW M5 and the BMW M5 Competition.

M Performance sports suspension for M5 models

The outstanding driving dynamics of the BMW M5 and the BMW M5 Competition can be enhanced even further with the M Performance sports suspension without a change of the damper settings.

The coilover suspension allows the vehicle to be lowered by between 5 and 20 millimetres, resulting in a lower centre of gravity, less roll tendency and higher cornering speeds.

The optional M Performance sports brake system ensures corresponding deceleration values under maximum load. 20-inch M Performance forged wheels with Y-spoke design and 863 M Ferric Grey matt finish are also exclusively available for the two M5 models.

These are manufactured using a sophisticated forging and milling process, offering a unique and patented three-dimensional spoke geometry, milled M Performance lettering as well as a coloured M Logo.

Apertures in the spokes reduce air build-up in the wheel, so that less power is required to cut turbulence at high speeds.

Further light alloy wheels comprising the M Performance 20-inch forged wheels in a multi-spoke 732 M bicoloured design are available for 5 Series vehicles.

Moreover, the range of M Performance Parts includes exhaust systems for diesel engines.

M Performance also outside the vehicle

Thanks to special accessories, BMW 5 owners can exhibit their sporty style outside the car as well.

The M Performance key case Alcantara/Carbon is also made of the high-quality materials known from motor racing and serves as a daily commodity and eye-catcher.

The M Performance tyre bag in the characteristic M design is recommended for storing and transporting an additional set of wheels.

Also, the custom-fit breathable and machine-washable M Performance Indoor Car Cover with a soft, paint-protective interior as well as imprinted design elements such as the BMW kidney grille and a large “M” on the roof are available for both M 5 models.


Will Segway's mysterious hydrogen motorcycle see the light of day?

                BEIJING: Personal transporter manufacturer Segway-Ninebot has unveiled an electric sports bike that will also be powered by removable hydrogen canisters, which it plans to launch in 2023.

Christened the Segway Apex H2, this latest futuristic motorcycle is a new version of a concept first presented in 2019.

The Segway brand was bought in 2015 by one of its Chinese rivals Ninebot, which is behind this exciting project. Not only does the new bike offer futuristic looks worthy of a science-fiction movie, the Segway Apex H2 will also be a ground-breaking hydrogen hybrid.

The bike can be fuelled by hydrogen canisters that may be swapped in and out in much less time than it would take to recharge its battery. However, the hydrogen stations needed to refill these canisters remain much less common in Europe than they are in Asia.

The manufacturer has pledged that the new bike will produce 60kW (around 80hp) of power, offer a top speed of 150kph, and accelerate from 0 to 100kph in less than four seconds.

However, no information has been disclosed on the range of the future machine, which will be a key purchase criterion for many motorcyclists.

In line with an ambitious launch schedule, first deliveries of the bike, which will retail for around US$10,700 (around RM45,000), are due to take place in 2023.

In the wake of hydrogen-powered automobiles, trucks and trains, motorcycles equipped with fuel cells that transform hydrogen into electricity will soon be arriving on the market. Honda and Suzuki are both working on projects that could be on the road soon.


Mach 1 EV crossover spearheads new era for Ford

Ford teaser for the new Mach 1 crossover EV.Update:A Ford spokesman has pointed out that the Autocar report was misleading and that there was “some confusion” over it. Motoring website Jalopnik claimed the CX430 codename does not refer to the Mach 1.

COLOGNE: Britain's Autocar publication is reporting that Ford is set to go ahead with its first all-new battery electric vehicle, currently dubbed the Mach 1, which will see the front-wheel drive all-electric crossover usher in a new era for the auto giant.

In what some could see as a more surprising move, Ford has also committed to the Mondeo in European markets until at least the mid-2020s, despite recently announcing pulling out of the hatchback and sedan markets completely in its home market.

Currently codenamed the CX430, the Mach 1 name for the new electric crossover is a reference to its Mustang-derived styling cues, and this exciting new global model is set to get a full reveal next year with European sales set to commence in 2020. It's actually been included in Ford's product planning for a number of years, but it's only now been confirmed as going into production and it will be built on the same platform as the new Focus.

 The Mondeo will continue selling in Europe until the mid-2020s.

This new model won't replace the Kuga (Escape in the US) though, and will instead sit alongside it in the Ford portfolio as a more conventional hatchback-like model with a moderately raised seating position. But in the American market, what Ford has identified as 'white paper' models such as the CX430 will be replacing current sedans and hatches as their popularity continues to plummet under the relentless sales assault of SUVs and pickups trucks.

Additional front-wheel drive crossovers with Mustang styling cues are a distinct possibility because Ford says they combine "the best attributes of cars and utilities, such as high ride height, space and versatility."

Ford is definitely dropping the Fiesta, Focus and Taurus models from its US lineup, which inevitably led to speculation about the future of the Fusion's European equivalent, the Mondeo. However, Ford has now said in an official statement: "The Ford Mondeo remains a core part of our product line-up in Europe. We have upgrades coming for Mondeo later this year and Mondeo continues to deliver on its promise of great driving dynamics, leading technologies and competitive pricing."


McLaren GT launched from RM908,000

                SHAH ALAM: British creator of luxury, high-performance sportscars and supercars, McLaren has revealed its latest offering that combines practicality and performance into one - yes it's the GT.

The GT is priced from RM908,000 (before taxes, duties and options) and maintains the use of a 4.0-litre (3,994cc) high-performance twin-turbocharged M840TE 90-degree V8 mill at the rear of the cabin that powers the rear wheels.

Other goodies added include an Eco start-stop system with deactivation switch, low twin exit stainless steel exhaust system, twin multi-plate clutches and four driving modes of Non-Active, Comfort, Sport and Track.

At 1,530kg (kerb), the GT has a wheelbase of 2,670mm and standing at 4,683mm-long, 2,095mm-wide (3,286mm with both doors open) and 1,213mm-tall (1,234mm with lift system).

The mid-mounted engine provides 620PS at 7,500rpm and 630Nm of torque from 5,500 to 6,500rpm and the output is managed by a seven-speed Seamless Shift gearbox that sends the "twist" to an open differential with McLaren's Brake Steer system.

This allows the GT to sprint from 0 to 100kph in 3.1 seconds before reaching a top speed of 326kph.

The black with silver printed McLaren logo four-piston aluminium callipers, found at all four corners of the GT, bite down hard on the large cross-drilled iron discs all-round to bring it to a complete stop from 100kph in just 32m (from 200kph - 127m).

Suspending the Carbon Fibre Monocell II- T monocoque with carbon fibre rear upper structure are double wishbones with proactive damping control and anti-roll bars for added rigidity.

For grip, the 20 (front) and 21-inch (rear) silver seven-spoke cast alloy wheels are wrapped with 225/35 and 295/30 Pirelli P Zero tyres respectively and can be checked via a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and tyre temperature gauge.

In terms of driver aids, the GT is graced with an antilock braking system, traction control, dynamic electronic stability, launch control, hill hold assist, cruise control and an electronic parking brake.

Externally, the GT gets fitted with dihedral doors with soft-close function, glazed rear tailgate with soft-close function, heated door mirrors
with "dip" function when in reverse, and automatic wipers.

For lighting, it comes equipped LEDs for its automatic headlights with levelling function, time-adjustable follow-me-home function, sequential indicators, daytime running lights and dual-function rear fogs/reverse light.

To give the GT some style are its silver exhaust finishers, gloss black bits that include the front splitter, side sills, rear diffuser, fixed roof, cantrails and the rear lower bumper section.

Matching the body colour (whatever its owner wishes it to be), are the rear spoiler, door mirror casings and door mirror arms while the belt moulding/rear fender closures and exterior upper window surrounds are in Satin Black.

Inside, the driver-centric cabin gets wrapped in leather (a combination of Nappa leather and leatherette) while featuring manually adjustable seats, anti-dazzle electrochromic rear-view mirror and dual-zone climate controls, keyless entry with push-start button and a total of 570 litres worth of boot space (front-150 and rear-420).

The driver gets easy access to the four-speaker sound system with a 7.0-inch portrait touchscreen that has functions that include radio, Bluetooth, USB port, AUX-jack, voice-control, iPod/iPhone integration and navigation - all while a 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster stares back.

If that isn't enough, then it's time to delve into the extensive options list that will boost the purchase price after choosing one of 30 exterior colours (or perhaps a combination), before deciding which of the three lightweight 15-spoke forged wheels to go with.

There are also four colour options for the brake callipers and, if deemed necessary, three other colour options for the six-piston (front) and four-piston (rear) callipers of the carbon-ceramic brakes.

Furthermore, the interior can be further customised with power-adjustability for the seats (with memory function) and steering wheel.

Afterwhich, perhaps Softgrain Aniline leather with Alcantara accents could be used to wrap the seats and steering wheel, before installing some piano gloss-black inserts, extended knurled aluminium paddle-shifters and a brushed satin silver steering wheel clasp.

Also included in the list of optional extras is a vehicle lift-system, reverse camera, power-folding mirrors, rear luggage-bay privacy cover, gloss-finished carbon fibre exterior, panoramic privacy tinted glass roof and a 12-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system among others.

 Biggs during the launch of the new McLaren GT at the brand's new facility in Glenmarie, Shah Alam.

"The new McLaren GT represents the latest addition to the model range. It is an exceptionally refined vehicle with class-leading elegance and sophistication. Designed for clients with a sense of adventure, who are seeking both performance and continent-crossing capability," said McLaren Automotive managing director (Asia Pacific and China) George Biggs.

The launch of the GT was held at the new 420 square-meter McLaren Kuala Lumpur facility in Glenmarie, Shah Alam which provides sales, after-sales, accessories and servicing for the brand's full range of vehicles.


Car ban and virus curfew open Tunis streets to cyclists

 The evening rides are growing in popularity. — AFP
TUNIS: On the usually traffic-clogged streets of Tunisia's capital, cyclists are pedalling away peacefully on empty boulevards, enjoying a night-time ban on vehicles introduced to help stem coronavirus.

"It's a great feeling," said 25-year-old Oussama Mraidi, sporting a cycling top and helmet.

"With the road empty you can drive fast and you feel safe... there are no cars tailgating you".

Last month the authorities took the step of banning motor vehicles from the streets between 7pm and 5am.

An overnight curfew for people does not come into force until three hours later, at 10pm.

Now, at dusk, after people have broken their day-long fast for Islam's holy month of Ramadan, bicycle fans in Tunis are taking advantage of the absence of cars to ride freely and promote the benefits of two wheels.

A group of cyclists meet in front of the imposing stone arch of Bab El Bhar, marking the division between the old town of Tunis and the wider streets of the more modern city.

'The road is ours'

Several dozen bike fans meet for a night ride across the city, organised by cycling campaign Velorution.

The group works to promote bikes in the North African nation — and organisers hope the cycle rides will showcase the benefits of bicycles as an ecological, economical and healthy means of transport.

Zooming down the clear streets, the pelotons sped along the iconic Habib Bourguiba avenue, pedalling past its long rows of trees and streetlamps, on roads usually full of honking traffic.

Then they sweep around the roundabout at the clock tower of the Place de l'Horloge, to the central district of Lafayette, and wide roads into the square of Place Pasteur.

The ride ends after visiting the other gates of the old city, Bab Saadoun and Bab El Khadra.

Velorution encourages more people to use pedal power to get around, organising a weekly cycle meet all year round, designed as a pro-bicycle rally.

But during the ongoing fasting month of Ramadan, and with cars banned, bike rides take place nearly every night.

"It is something else, it has a different taste," said Amina Hamdani, another cyclist taking part. "The road is ours -- we enjoy it!"

Healthy pursuit

Mehdi Zaiem, 35, a keen Velorution member, said he was pleased that more Tunisians were appreciating a bicycle's usefulness.

"This year we felt with the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic that people were using the bike more and more in Tunisia," he said. "Before that, the bicycle was despised".

Proving the point, the evening rides are growing in popularity.

Night excursions have also taken place in other cities, including Jendouba in the northwest, and the seaside resort of Sousse.

"Velorution encourages people to use bicycles in all their movements — to go to work, for leisure, even to travel," Zaiem said.

Members campaign for the creation of cycling infrastructure to improve safety.

As well as the exercise being good for health, cyclists say that bikes offer an alternative to travel on crowded public transport, lowering the risk of potential Covid-19 exposure.

The Mediterranean country, with a population of around 12 million, has recorded more than 311,000 coronavirus cases and over 10,800 deaths.

Health officials have recently warned of the risk of oxygen shortages, as patients stretch medical facilities to the limit.


Cadillac showcases China's first 4G/LTE in-car telematics system

                SHANGHAI: GM-owned Cadillac is partnering with Shanghai OnStar on a new in-car online entertainment system plus supporting smartphone and Apple Watch app.

Unveiled at CES Asia on Monday, the new system will be the first of its kind in China and will offer connection speeds of up to 10 times faster than current 3G in-car networks. As well as enabling more, and richer data to be pushed to the car dashboard, a 4G/LTE connection will be strong enough to provide high-speed wi fi access for several devices simultaneously.

Cadillac also unveiled the MyCadillac app for smartphones and the Apple Watch which will go live later this year in China and will allow users to remotely lock and unlock their car's doors, remotely start the engine and check fuel levels.


Mercedes wide screen display aims to outdo Tesla's hallmark touchscreen

                LONDON: Daimler AG today unveiled a new “Hyperscreen” display that will cover almost the entire dashboard of its luxury Mercedes-Benz models, in a bid to outdo Tesla Inc’s large touchscreen infotainment system that has been a hallmark of the electric carmaker’s success.

In a video presentation, Daimler chief executive Ola Kallenius said the new screen - which at 56 inches (142.24 cm) in width dwarfs Tesla’s vaunted 17-inch screen - will make its debut in the EQS, Mercedes’ new fully electric sedan that will be unveiled later this year and will have a driving range of 700km.

As well as including vehicle functions such as the speedometer, and music and navigation features, the screen will allow passengers to access some vehicle functions and, in some markets, to watch television without disturbing the driver.

Tesla has dominated global electric vehicle sales and traditional carmakers like Daimler have been pushing to develop vehicles to compete for market share.

The pressure to outdo Tesla has been heightened by tighter emissions standards in the European Union and China, and the decision by a growing number of countries to start banning sales of new petrol or diesel cars as early as 2030.

MBUX Hyperscreen: Key facts & figures

> With the MBUX Hyperscreen, several displays appear to merge seamlessly, resulting in an impressive 141-centimetre wide and curved screen band. The area that passengers can experience is 2,432.11 cm2.

> The large glass cover display is curved three-dimensionally in the moulding process at temperatures of around 650°C. This process allows a distortion-free view of the display unit across the entire width of the vehicle, irrespective of the display cover radius.

> To get to the most important applications, the user must scroll through 0 menu levels. That's why Mercedes-Benz calls this zero layer.

> There are a total of 12 actuators beneath the touchscreen for haptic feedback during operation. If the finger touches certain points there, they trigger a tangible vibration in the cover plate.

> Two coatings of the cover plate reduce reflections and make cleaning easier. The curved glass itself consists of particularly scratch-resistant aluminium silicate.

> The safety measures include predetermined breaking points alongside the side outlet openings as well as five holders which can yield in a targeted manner in a crash thanks to their honeycomb structure.

> Eight CPU cores, 24-gigabyte RAM and 46.4 GB per second RAM memory bandwidth are some of the MBUX technical specifications.

> With the measurement data of a 1 multifunction camera and also 1 light sensor the brightness of the screen is adapted to the ambient conditions.

> With up to seven profiles, the display section can be individualised for the front passenger.


US Supreme Court approves blood draws from unconscious drivers without warrants

Alito. — Reuters
WASHINGTON: Police do not generally need a court-issued warrant to draw an unconscious criminal suspect’s blood, the US Supreme Court ruled on Thursday in a Wisconsin drunken driving case, declining to place new evidence-gathering restrictions on law enforcement authorities.

The court ruled 5-4 that drawing blood while a driver is unconscious in nearly all cases does not violate the US Constitution’s Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches.

“Thus, when a driver is unconscious,” conservative Justice Samuel Alito wrote in the decision, “the general rule is that a warrant is not needed.”

Conservative Justices John Roberts, Brett Kavanaugh and Clarence Thomas, along with liberal Justice Stephen Breyer, agreed with the outcome, while the court’s three other liberal justices and conservative Justice Neil Gorsuch dissented.

Though they upheld most warrant-less blood tests of drunken-driving suspects, the justices set aside the conviction of Gerald Mitchell, the man at the centre of the case who had argued that the blood drawn from him after he had been arrested and fell unconscious violated his constitutional rights.

The justices sent the case back to lower courts, giving Mitchell another chance to prove that the officers’ needs or duties in his case were not so pressing as to leave no time to obtain a warrant.

At issue in the case was a Wisconsin law that assumed motorists automatically give consent to tests of their breath or blood simply by driving on the state’s roads, even if they are unconscious. All 49 other states and the District of Columbia have similar laws, Alito said.

The Supreme Court in recent years has limited police ability to draw blood without a warrant and without a motorist’s consent, and frowned upon criminal penalties against people who refuse to consent to a blood draw.

Police drew the blood, which showed his blood-alcohol concentration far above the state’s legal limit, after finding Mitchell shirtless, wet and covered in sand near the shores of Lake Michigan.

Mitchell appealed a ruling by Wisconsin’s highest court that the blood draw did not violate the Fourth Amendment.

The case dates to 2013 in Wisconsin’s Sheboygan County when Mitchell’s neighbor called police to report that Mitchell had driven away in a van, apparently drunk, and may have been suicidal. He had taken about 40 pills along with vodka mixed with the soft drink Mountain Dew, according to court filings. Mitchell later testified he had been depressed and suicidal.

After police found him, Mitchell became unconscious as authorities drove him to a hospital, where they ordered staff to draw his blood for an alcohol concentration test despite not having a warrant. Police charged him with operating a vehicle while intoxicated. He had six prior convictions for the same offence.


Seven cars we won't get to see at cancelled 2020 Geneva Motor Show

                HAMBURG: Some 600,000 visitors, dozens of manufacturers and countless new models had been preparing to descend on Geneva for one of the world's biggest car shows.

Now, after Swiss authorities imposed a blanket ban on all major public events to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, manufacturers need to look elsewhere for ways to unveil their new top models.

The Swiss government has banned events involving more than 1,000 people until March 15.

Officials from the Palexpo venue forced to cancel the major 10-day car show starting next week said the move could cost the local economy up to 250 million Swiss francs (RM1.1bil) in lost business.

From an unaffordable hypercar to handy electric runabouts, here are a few of the launches we are disappointed to miss at the Geneva show.

1: Czinger 21C

One of the flashiest cars set to appear in Geneva was the Czinger 21C hypercar.

Since the 21C weighs only 1,250 kg, the Czinger boasts a genuine 1:1 power to weight ratio. Performance is suitably sizzling. The 21C can storm from zero to 100 km/h in 1.9 seconds, with top speed claimed as 431kph.

The weight-saving comes from the extensive use of 3D-printed carbon-fibre components.

The US$1.7-million (RM7.2mil) 21C offers a lot to get excited about, but only an illustrious few will ever get to drive one of these cars.

At heart of the hypercar is a truly remarkable powertrain. An electrically-assisted twin-turbo 2.8-litre V8 engine sends plenty of power to the rear wheels.

It adds up to an astounding 1,233hp, with the redline at 11,000 rpm ensuring a hysterical engine note when driven hard.

2: BMW's answer to Tesla Model 3

BMW had been all set to unveil its very first pure-electric Gran Coupe in Geneva with the i4. Until now, we've seen little more of this car than its curved silhouette in BMW teases.

The company had been talking this model up for its zero-emission approach to driving. While it won't leave Tesla fearful over Model 3 sales, it does plenty to further drive BMW's electric momentum. The company is now reportedly planning to live-stream the car's unveiling.

3 + 4: Fiat 500 and Renault Twingo electrics

Customers have been clamouring for an electric edition of Renault's popular Twingo for years and a battery version had been due to be welcomed in Geneva.

With a greater range and a lower price than its main rival, the Smart Forfour EQ, the latest from Renault's all-electric ZE line is aimed at young and older buyers in urban areas where parking space is at a premium and daily distances tend to be short.

There is enough juice on tap to send the electric Twingo sprinting from zero to 50kph in just four seconds with enough range for up to 250km. Top speed is clearly not so important for a city minicar and the EZ runs out of urge just short of 135kph.

Meanwhile, Fiat Chrysler was reportedly planning to show off the electric version of its long-lived 500. The company is now looking for an alternative way to present its new battery-powered runabout.

5: AMG version of Mercedes GLA

The new GLA hasn't even hit the tarmac yet, and the Mercedes tuning shop already has a souped-up sports version of the small off-roader — which we now also won't get to see in Geneva.

Set to go on sale in Europe in mid-2020 for an unspecified price, the 387-horsepower top version from AMG is unlikely to cost less than €60,000 (RM279,000).

At the centre of this powerhouse — which would have displayed a visually more striking face with a new grille, thick sills and a spoiler at the rear — is a 2.0-litre turbo.

AMG says this is no less than the most powerful four-cylinder engine in large-scale production. Like BMW, Mercedes is meanwhile reportedly considering live-streaming the unveiling of its new E-Class.

6 + 7: Facelifts for Kia's Sorento and Hyundai's i30

Kia has given its Sorento SUV a fresh design and had been preparing to launch the fourth generation of the plus-size off-roader in mid-2020 in Geneva.

The Korean manufacturer has already shown a couple of teasers of the new incarnation of its biggest SUV. On the outside, the biggest changes are to be noticed up front, with the new model sporting a somewhat angular look with a sharper front and a broad radiator grille that incorporates the headlights.

Hyundai has also given its i30 a facelift and must now look elsewhere to present the latest generation of its compact hatchback.

Had it appeared in Geneva, we would have liked to have gotten a glimpse of the rear of the car. Until now little more than the front has been revealed, with a sharper design along the front bumpers, as well as new signature V-shaped LED headlights.


IGP seeks heftier penalty on traffic offenders who see RM300 fine as ‘peanuts’

                KUALA LUMPUR: Bukit Aman wants to increase the maximum compound for traffic offences, saying the current RM300 is like “peanuts” for many motorists.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said they were looking at this approach in view of the increasing rate of accidents and fatalities, especially during festive seasons.

He said traffic operations, such as the ongoing Ops Selamat, have not produced desired results.

“I feel the Ops Selamat has not shown an improvement, especially fatal accidents.

“We do acknowledge an increase of cars on the road but the cause of most accidents is the bad attitude of motorists,” he said after receiving four Perodua Axia police cars at Bukit Aman yesterday.

Khalid said motorists were constantly showing poor road etiquette by driving on the emergency lanes, speeding and not heeding traffic lights.

“This Ops Selamat, we have been doing more enforcement work, but even then accidents have been increasing.

“The maximum compound of RM300 now is like peanuts for traffic offenders.

“Maybe if we increase it, the hike will hurt the pockets of motorists enough to deter them from breaking the law,” he said, adding that the police were disappointed with the current attitude of motorists.

On Tuesday, Federal Traffic deputy chief Asst Comm Ruslan Khalid told Bernama that 129,871 compounds were issued between Feb 1 and Feb 7.

It was previously reported that 489,606 accidents were reported last year compared with 476,196 in 2014, an increase of 2.8%.

“During Chinese New Year last year, accidents went up by 18.8% with 17,632 cases compared with 14,836 in the same period in 2014.”

Khalid was also quoted as saying that fatal accidents were higher last year by 22.4%, with 186 cases compared with 152 cases in 2014.

 The Axia cars presented to the police force.

On the four Perodua Axia cars, Khalid said the cars were known for their fuel efficiency and low maintenance cost.

“Two of the cars will be used for patrols in Brickfields and TTDI while the other two will be used by the Amanita Unit,” he said.

The Amanita Unit comprises female police officers who conduct patrols and house visits to help housewives share information on suspicious activity around their neighbourhoods.

“We do have plans to upgrade the current Perodua Kancils in our fleet but due to financial constraints that the Government is facing, we will be patient,” Khalid added.


Netizens slam petrol dealers for complaining

                PETALING JAYA: Netizens were annoyed with petrol dealers who claimed to be sustaining a loss from the reduction of fuel prices effective Thursday.

Prices for RON95 and RON97 petrol went down by 35 sen per litre respectively while diesel reduced by 30 sen.

The Petrol Dealers Association had recently told The Star that it had incurred losses between RM10,000 and RM 20,000, adding that the reduction left them buying at a higher price but selling at a lower figure.

Facebook user Vincent Yeap wrote: "But the market price of petrol has dropped, How could you say lower prices are killing you? You buy it even lower, that's an excuse!"

"Stop complaining and do something to get your cost reduced, if not this country will be devalued in par or worst than Cambodia or Vietnam," wrote Rueben Nagarajan.

Mei Har said: "Perhaps these people can tighten their belt during this period of time, just like the rakyat did when petrol price were increased?"

Many social media users pointed out that there was not a word from dealers when the prices were increased and condemned the dealers for lamenting about it now.

Roshni Randhawa wrote, "Please la, when petrol prices went up, you buy and sell at higher prices, that's okay? typical business minded freaks!"

Michael Lim commented, "when the prices went up, we did not hear you complain."

"The stations made quick profits when the rates were raised many times previously from selling stocked fuel so now they should not cry loss," wrote Uma Devi, while Abd Nasib Abd Rahman said "Typical capitalists! you cry loss, but profits never suffice."

Previously, RON95 and RON97 sold for RM2.26 and RM2.46 a litre respectively, while diesel sold for RM2.23 a litre.

New prices which kicked in Thursday saw RON95, RON97 and diesel being sold at RM1.91, RM2.11 and RM1.93 respectively.

On Dec 1, 2014, retail prices for petrol and diesel were fixed on a managed float system, effectively marking the removal of all fuel subsidies.

Under the managed float, retail prices would be based on the monthly average world price of crude oil. - D. KANYAKUMARI


Dr. Winfried Vahland heads Volkswagen North American Region

                WOLFSBURG: As part of decentralization of its company activities, Volkswagen Group is strengthening the North American region and is combining its activities in the USA, Mexico and Canada into the newly formed North American Region (NAR).

The Supervisory Board has appointed Prof. Dr. Winfried Vahland to take over all responsibility for the North American Region. In this role as President and CEO of Volkswagen NAR, Prof. Dr. Winfried Vahland will be responsible for all Group activities in the newly formed region from November 1, 2015.

With the creation of the new North American Region (NAR), on top of the existing structure of the markets, Volkswagen Group is strengthening its activities in the USA, Mexico and Canada.

The step is a further measure in the process of decentralizing managerial responsibility, and it creates another strong pillar in the global structure of the group, in addition to the European and Chinese regions. The aim among other things is to have the ability to react better to customer demands and tastes in the future; closer proximity to the markets and their customers will enable this.

Having recently led the Chinese region and the Škoda brand to success in his roles as Group CEO for China and Škoda CEO, Winfried Vahland is one of the group’s best managers to take responsibility for the new region. As NAR President, he will be a member of the Volkswagen Passenger Car brand’s Board of Management. He will take over his new NAR role on November 1, 2015. The exact structure of the NAR is currently being developed.

Prof. Dr. Winfried Vahland graduated from the Technical University Darmstadt with a major in Mechanical Engineering and Economics, and began his professional career with GM in 1984. He joined Audi AG in 1990 and Volkswagen AG in 1993. From 1997, he was Vice President for Volkswagen in Brazil. He was appointed Member of Škoda Auto’s Board of Management in 2002, and became Vice Chairman one year later. In 2005, he assumed the position of President and CEO of Volkswagen Group in China. More recently, since 2010, he has been responsible for the brand’s new direction as CEO of Škoda Auto.


Amazon sacks dozens of staff at drone project, taps new manufacturers, says FT

An Amazon Prime Air Flying Drone is displayed during an exhibition in New York City in 2017. — Reuters
SEATTLE: US online retailer Amazon.com Inc has laid off dozens of R&D and manufacturing staff from its delivery drone project, Amazon Prime Air, the Financial Times reported today.

The company has reached tentative deals with two external manufacturers to build component parts of its long-awaited drone, the newspaper said, adding that more deals with third parties could be finalised soon.

The full terms of the agreements with Austria’s FACC Aerospace and Spain’s Aernnova Aerospace were still being finalised, the FT report said, citing a person familiar with Amazon’s plans.

Amazon, Aernnova and FACC did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Jeff Wilke, the chief executive officer of Amazon’s worldwide consumer business, had said in June that drone deliveries will be available “in months”.

Amazon has also ordered 100,000 electric vans from Rivian to facilitate deliveries. The first Amazon vehicles go into production in late 2021, with all deliveries to be completed by 2024.


BMW picks Oliver Zipse as new CEO in bid to regain momentum in electric car race

                FRANKFURT: It comes as no surprise that BMW has finally chosen Oliver Zipse to become its chief executive after months of speculation that he would be the hot favourite to take over from Harald Krueger.

Zipse would assume the CEO position on Aug 16.

BMW is betting on the 55-year-old manufacturing expert to help the German automaker make the shift to electric and self-driving cars and tackle new competition from technology giants.

The company’s supervisory board discussed new leadership at BMW’s US plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, after 53-year-old Krueger said he would not be available for a second term as CEO.

“With Oliver Zipse, a decisive strategic and analytical leader will assume the Chair of the Board of Management of BMW AG. He will provide the BMW Group with fresh momentum in shaping the mobility of the future,” said Nobert Reithofer, chairman of BMW’s Supervisory Board said.

Krueger will resign as CEO and will leave the management board by mutual agreement on Aug 15, said BMW.

Zipse, a fluent English speaker, has risen through the ranks ever since he joined BMW as a trainee in 1991, holding posts including head of brand and product strategies before becoming board member for production.

Zipse emerged as the leading contender for the CEO post because BMW’s efficient production network, which he expanded in Hungary, China and the United States, has helped the company deliver industry-leading profit margins despite its relatively small scale.

But experts say auto industry leaders also need other skills for the new era of software-driven electric and autonomous cars.

“A CEO needs to have an idea for how mobility will evolve in future. This goes far beyond optimising an existing business,” said Carsten Breitfeld, chief executive of China-based ICONIQ motors, himself a former BMW engineer.

“He needs to be able to build teams, to attract key talent, and to promote a culture which is increasingly oriented along consumer electronics and Internet dynamics.”

Being able to cope with shorter product cycles and new technologies, and a willingness to take bold decisions, are among the qualities needed, Breitfeld said.

BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz have dominated the market for high-performance sedans for decades, but analysts warn a shift towards more sophisticated technology and software is opening the door to new challengers.

“Tesla has a lead of three to four years in areas like software and electronics. The millennials are much more focused on these things. There is a risk that the Germans can’t catch up,” UBS analyst Patrick Hummel said.

BMW had an early lead in premium electric vehicles but throttled back its ambitions after the i3, an expensive city car, failed to sell in large numbers, leading Tesla to overtake BMW in electric car sales.

Krueger’s reluctance to push low-margin electric vehicles led to an exodus of talented engineers, including junior managers like Christian Senger, now Volkswagen’s board member responsible for software, and Markus Duesmann, who is seen as a future Audi CEO.

Duesmann and Senger were poached by Volkswagen (VW) CEO Herbert Diess, himself a former BMW board member responsible for research who defected in 2015 to implement a bold €80 billion (RM370bil) electric car strategy at VW.

Zipse, who prefers suits and ties to open shirts and sneakers, will need to ramp up BMW’s software expertise as new players like Amazon and Google muscle into the mobility sector.

“Production expertise is important, but if you want to avoid ending up being a hardware provider for Google or Apple, you need to have the ability to move up the food chain into data and software,” a former BMW board member said, declining to be identified.


Hyundai Motor, S. Korean union agree to freeze wages for first time in 11 years

                SEOUL: Hyundai Motor and its South Korean union reached a tentative deal to freeze wages for the first time in 11 years this year, an internal message distributed to union members showed on Monday.

The deal is subject to a vote by union members on Sept 25.

South Korea's Hyundai, which together with sister company Kia Motors, is the world's fifth-largest automaker, said its global retail sales fell 33% in the second quarter, and flagged that the pace of recovery will be slow due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.


Toyota to mark GR Yaris launch in Japan with virtual event on Sept 16

                TOYOTA CITY: Toyota Gazoo Racing will hold an event, called the GR YARIS ONLINE FES, on Sept 16 that will display virtual images of the GR Yaris to fans in conjunction with the start of sales of the hot hatch in Japan from today.

The online event from 7.30pm (6.30pm in Malaysia, available only in Japanese) will give an insight into how the GR Yaris was developed, together with information about the GR factory. The GR factory is an exclusive production line at Toyota's Motomachi plant, where sports models are made.

In addition, Toyota president Akio Toyoda, in his Morizo master driver persona, will drive the GR Yaris and offer the opportunity for a VR drive-along.

The GR Yaris is available in three grades in Japan starting with the RS, then the RC and RZ. An even more powerful version of the RZ called the RZ 'High Performance' is the range-topper. Prices range from 2.65 million yen to 4.56 million yen (RM104,000 to RM179,000).

The base RS is powered by a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder engine with a direct shift-CVT, while the other three grades use a revvy 1.6-litre in-line three-cylinder inter-cooler turbo engine mated to a 6-speed manual. The RS is front-wheel driven while the rest use a newly-developed sports 4WD system.

The GR Yaris made its world premiere at the 2020 Tokyo Auto Salon in January. Word has it that it will be coming to Malaysia to join the GR Supra to expand Toyota's performance line-up and could be priced in the region of RM300,000.


BMW targets the Range Rover with its X7 concept

                MUNICH: The BMW Concept X7 iPerformance is BMW's interpretation of a full-size, full-luxury SUV that aims to do battle with the Mercedes GLS, Audi Q7, Volvo XC90 and, crucially, the car that created the segment, the Range Rover, when it moves from motorshow concept to production reality in 2018.

Unveiled on Friday, several days earlier than planned, thanks to internet image leaks, the X7 is extremely imposing from the outside, thanks to a hugely exaggerated kidney grille and massive front apron air intakes.

Yet, inside, the car is a study in lightness and space, thanks in part to a full-size glass roof and minimal clutter, but also because of the interior's generous proportions, exaggerated further by the way in which each of the seven seats is an individual object, protruding from the floor on a slender shaft rather than as three lumpen rows of leather. It's remarkable what a huge impact such a potentially small detail can make.

"The [X7] extends BMW's offering in the luxury class and redefines the concept of luxury for the BMW brand and beyond," said Ian Robertson, the company's global head of sales.

Although a genuine, road-going model is due within the next 12 months, because this is a concept, BMW has also been able to pack the car with next-generation technology, such as individual multimedia tablets for personal infotainment, and will use the vehicle as a demonstration of how it aims to accommodate its customers' increasingly digital and connected lifestyles.

But many of these features are little more than thought experiments or conversation pieces. So, what onlookers should take from the car is its external and interior design language, as the car is pointing firmly to the direction in which BMW is heading visually.

"The Concept introduces the BMW Sports Activity Vehicle DNA into the luxury segment. The new BMW design language employs just a few, extremely precise lines and subtle surface-work to raise the bar in terms of presence and prestige," explains Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. "The BMW Concept X7 iPerformance has a luxurious and sophisticated feel to it, thanks to its understated use of forms and incredibly precise details."

One other major element that is expected to carry over from the concept to the production X7 is the drivetrain. The showcar uses a twin turbocharged gasoline engine but one mated to an electric motor and derived directly from the powerplant that makes the i8 supercar amazing yet responsible to drive.

"The BMW Concept X7 demonstrates it's perfectly possible to combine a large sports activity vehicle with an electrified drivetrain," said Robertson.

So expect a hugely imposing, hugely comfortable car that will run purely on its batteries around the town then use a combination of electric and gasoline power on the highways for instant acceleration but optimum fuel economy.

As for how the car will line up against the competition, BMW still has time to refine the show car to meet the expectations of its client base. But, regardless of how its exterior styling evolves, if it's as good under the skin as the 7 Series Sedan then Mercedes and even Range Rover should be worried.


Urban EV confirmed as Honda e, Jazz to become i-MMD hybrid

                LONDON: Honda is moving ahead with its 'Electric Vision' by confirming the name of its first fully electric urban vehicle – the ‘Honda e’ – and by announcing that the next-generation Jazz will be available with a hybrid powertrain featuring the brand's Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) technology.

Honda "Electric Vision" strategy will see all Honda cars sold in Europe to be electrified by 2025.

Honda e, presented as a production prototype in Geneva, is Honda's first model to benefit from a dedicated EV platform and takes a bold step with its design and technology. The compact electric car offers trademark Honda driving dynamics, aided by the sporty rear-wheel drive format and advanced electric powertrain.

 The Honda e prototype interior

The Honda e has already received almost 6,500 expressions of interest in Britain.

The i-MMD hybrid system that will be available with the next generation of the popular Jazz hatchback has already won widespread acclaim for delivering high-levels of real-world efficiency and refinement in the new CR-V Hybrid. Ahead of its 2025 electrification goal, Honda will expand the application of its i-MMD dual-motor hybrid system, with the introduction into smaller segment cars an important first step.

Since the introduction of hybrid powertrain technology on Insight in 1999, Honda has been striving to improve its hybrid powertrain technology and expanding the lineup of hybrid vehicles.

The latest hybrid powertrain technology is called Sport Hybrid systems, and there are three types: one-motor Sport Hybrid i-DCD (intelligent Dual Clutch Drive as sold in Jazz hybrid in Malaysia), two-motor Sport Hybrid i-MMD (intelligent Multi Mode Drive) and three-motor Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Sport Hybrid Super Handling - All Wheel Drive.)

The next-generation Jazz will make its international premiere at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, which will run from Oct 24-Nov 4.

READ MORE: CarSifu drives Honda Jazz hybrid in 2017


New Honda Jazz petrol and hybrid open for bookings

                PETALING JAYA: Honda Malaysia today announced the new Jazz is now open for bookings at all 90 authorised Honda dealers nationwide.

The Jazz will be available in petrol and hybrid versions and they are expected to start selling in Malaysia by June. The hybrid, known as Sport Hybrid, is expected to be ready for delivery from the third quarter. Prices will be announced at launch.

The hybrid is making its official appearance this weekend at Setia City Convention Centre (Hall 1 & 2) between 10am and 10pm. Malaysia the only country outside of Japan to introduce the new hybrid.

Honda Malaysia only allowed some parts of the interior to be publicly viewable while key areas like the dashboard were off-limits to maintain the suspense until the launch day.

The Jazz retains the versatile Ultra Seats which has become synonymous with the hatch. The Ultra Seats offer four modes - Utility, Long, Tall and Refresh - allowing the Jazz owner to configure the seating and space requirements easily.

The Jazz will come equipped with Brake Assist (BA), Anti-Braking System (ABS), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) and Hill Start Assist (HSA). It is also equipped with six airbags and ISOFix anchor points for child seats.

The petrol-engined Jazz is powered by a 1.5L i-VTEC engine mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The car features new chrome front grille, new front and rear bumper design, dual tone colour alloy wheel and led daytime running lights. the smart entry and push start button will be the standard feature across all variant. Half-leather seats and reverse camera will also be available.

The hybrid version has a 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine that is linked to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission with integrated motor.

Total system output is rated at 135hp, equivalent to a 1.8L engine output. The handling and agility of the hybrid was further enhanced by tweaking the electric power steering to provide a sportier handling and comfort during cruising.

The lithium ion (Li-ion) battery pack, located under the boot floor, has a higher energy capacity for better performance.

Compared to its predecessor - the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system - the latest battery pack gives double its system output and 1.5 times its energy capacity while being lighter and more compact in size. The capacity to store power for a longer period of time allows extended use of EV mode.

Since its introduction in 2003, the Jazz has sold over 77,700 units in Malaysia. Sixty percent of total sales were contributed by the current third generation Jazz introduced in 2014 which was the best hatchback in the segment. Honda Malaysia’s sales figures for January - April 2017 showed that Jazz contributed 13% of the total sales achieved with over 4,400 units sold, retaining the No. 1 position in its segment.

Honda Malaysia achieved a milestone in 2004 when it became the first car company to introduce hybrid technology to Malaysians. It was also the first car maker in Malaysia to produce hybrid vehicles locally in 2012, making it the third country after Japan and the United States to do so.


Jeep bets drivers will shrug off gas prices with longer Wagoneer

                DETROIT: Jeep announced plans for bigger versions of its upscale Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer SUVs, betting there’s still demand for super-sized vehicles at a time of soaring gasoline prices.

The iconic American brand, owned by Stellantis NV, on Wednesday unveiled the Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L, each measuring a full foot longer than their standard-wheelbase siblings.

The sport utility vehicles, which offer more cargo room and extra leg space, are being exhibited this week at the New York International Auto Show.

The models will test consumers’ appetite for big, brawny combustion-engine cars at a time when much of the industry is transitioning to electric and hybrid vehicles.

 Wagoneer L.

That shift has gained momentum lately with gas prices hovering around US$4 a gallon and inflation jumping to 8.5%.

Stellantis debuted the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer last year to challenge rivals General Motors Co. and Ford Motor Co. in the lucrative segment of large luxury SUVs.

While sales have been hampered by the chip shortage, Jeep sold more than 10,000 of the three-row SUVs in the first quarter.

Detroit automakers have prioritised production of high-margin SUVs and trucks to offset a decline in volumes.

The Grand Wagoneer L will compete with the Cadillac Escalade ESV, which sold 15,147 units last year, according to Edmunds. Sales of the standard wheelbase Escalade reached 25,358.

Stellantis didn’t disclose the price or fuel economy of the new SUVs.

The standard-wheelbase Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models start at US$58,995 and US$88,640, respectively, and get 22 miles and 18 miles to the gallon on highways.

The extended versions will have twin-turbo engines that are smaller, more powerful and consume less fuel than the naturally aspirated V8 engines in other Stellantis models, the company said in a statement.