Malaysian champion announced at UD trucks challenge

Khairul is heading to Japan for the finals.
SHAH ALAM: Malaysia’s ultimate truck driver who was able to demonstrate the best skills for smart logistics at the 4th edition of Malaysia’s UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge has been found.

It is Khairul Nafsha Ishak who works for Setia Maju Jaya Logistik Sdn Bhd.

This is the second consecutive year that a driver from Setia Maju Jaya Logistik Sdn Bhd has won the competition here in Malaysia.

Khairul, 36, will represent Malaysia at the finals in Japan next year.

In addition to winning the championship, Khairul also scored the best marks in the “Best Driving Skill” category.

Two other drivers won in the other categories, namely Mohamed Firdaus Shahrudin, a 33-year-old truck driver from UPC Chemicals (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd who won in the “Best Pre-Drive Inspection” category and Mohd Azli Mohd Nor, a 37-year-old truck driver from Tenaga Nasional Bhd who won in the “Best Fuel Efficiency” category.

Khairul won an all-expense paid trip to Japan, Quester Parts & Service voucher worth RM2,000, RM500 for winning “Best Driving Skill” category and an exclusive driver training session for all the drivers from Setia Maju Jaya Logistik Sdn Bhd.

Mohamed Firdaus and Mohd Azli walked away with Quester Parts & Service voucher worth RM500 each.

Khairul's win follows a recent two-month long pre-selection competition round which saw him battle it out with other truck drivers from all over Malaysia.

 Mohamed Firdaus (left), Khairul and Mohd Azli.

Jointly organised by UD Trucks and its sole distributor partner in Malaysia, Tan Chong Industrial Equipment Sdn Bhd, the annual challenge is a friendly drivers competition aimed at increasing drivers’ competency through skills and knowledge enhancements and on maximizing the capability of the UD Quester heavy-duty truck.

The format of the competition simulates the actual truck operation cycle and assessing drivers in the three key areas – pre-driving inspection, fuel efficiency and safe driving, in addition to manoeuvring and parking. Contestants compete by using the UD Quester heavy-duty truck and are measured on effectiveness in operational cost, the ability to reduce downtime and safe and skilled driving.

The key purpose of the competition structure is to simulate a general transportation cycle and to visualise profitable operation through avoiding downtime, maintaining low-cost operation, preventing accidents and ensuring shorter trip time through efficient driving. All these will link the driver’s skills to business reality.


BMW 840i Gran Coupé M Sport arrives, priced at RM969K

                KUALA LUMPUR: The new BMW 840i Gran Coupé M Sport has arrived at RM968,800 (on the road without insurance) and bookings can be made at www.shop.bmw.com.my at RM5,000.

The after-sales package for the luxury four-door sports coupé includes:

- 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme
- 2-Year/ 24 Month Tyre Warranty Programme for its Run Flat Tyre offering and services
- Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline
- BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App - BMW White Card
- BMW Service Online

With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, it can be owned with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM11,058 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure).

It is in six colours, namely Barcelona Blue, Sonic Speed Blue, Carbon Black, Black Sapphire, Mineral White and Sunset Orange.

They can be paired with BMW Individual extended Merino leather trim, with colour combinations ranging from Black, Night Blue, Cognac, Tartufo and Fiona Red.

Powering the 840i Gran Coupé M Sport is a three-litre six-cylinder in-line TwinPower Turbo engine producing 340hp at 5,000 - 6,500 rpm with a peak torque of 500Nm at 1,600 - 4,500 rpm mated to an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission with shift paddles on the steering wheels.

The century sprint is achieved in only 5.2 seconds – fastest in its segment, with a combined fuel consumption of 7.9L/100km.

Also provided is the BMW sDrive rear-wheel-drive system, while the sports exhaust system emanates powerful acoustics.

Exterior highlights include a panoramic glass roof, 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels, frameless side windows, the large M Sport air intakes and BMW laser headlight with high-beam assistant – the most slender headlight of all BMW models.

The coupé also features the BMW M Aerodynamic kit, in addition to the standard BMW M Sport package.

Towards the rear, full-LED taillights are offered with the stylised L-shape and smoked glass cover.

The wheelbase of the coupé has increased by 20cm, allowing space for two additional – equally frameless – doors.

It comes with the M Sport differential on the rear axle for maximum traction, the Integral Active Steering for more directional stability and Adaptive Suspension with electronically-controlled dampers.

READ MORE:New BMW X6 in M Sport trim is here as wellBMW Shop Online and BMW Engage introducedMINI Malaysia kicks off 'Minimise' campaign

Cabin highlights include the Harman Kardon 16-speaker surround sound system, a full-leather dashboard, electric sports seats with integrated headrests and active front-seat ventilation, roller sunblinds and the four-zone automatic air conditioning.

The further expanded luggage space now offers 440 litres of luggage capacity when rear seat backrests are folded with a 40/20/40 split.

Digital services are offered via the BMW Live Cockpit Professional combined with the Head-Up Display and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant for smoother vehicle operation.

There are also natural voice interaction via the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, intuitive operation via the iDrive Controller, touchscreen feature and BMW Gesture Control.

The BMW Live Cockpit Professional includes a 12.3-inch, customisable instrument cluster and combines it with the large (10.25-inch) touchscreen Control Display and the latest-generation infotainment system based on BMW Operating System 7.0.

The driving assistance systems include the Cross-traffic Warning at the rear and Lane Change Warning, and the Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, the automatic Speed Limit Assist, the Steering and Lane Control Assistant including narrow-passage support and the Forward Collision Warning with braking function (pedestrians and cyclists).

In addition, the Parking Assistant Plus available as standard includes the Parking Assistant as well as the Surround View system with Top View, Panorama View and Remote 3D View.

The lateral parking aid and the Active Park Distance Control emergency braking feature are also included to help support in sticky parking situations.

Owners will also be able to enjoy the BMW Display Key along with the BMW Connected Package Professional with Teleservices, Intelligent Emergency Call and Apple CarPlay.


Motul 8100 Power engine oil now offered in Malaysia

                SEPANG: The Motul 8100 Power, a full synthetic engine oil, was officially unveiled in Malaysia at the Sepang 12 Hours Endurance race, where Motul is the official lubricant supplier.

Motul says this 100% synthetic engine oil was specifically formulated to meet the demands of performance enthusiasts seeking an extra boost to their everyday driving experience.

"Being heavily involved in the racing scene, Motul has derived technology from past products solely for motorsport to tap into an untapped market, catering to the needs of modern cars with high-performance engines," said the French company.

The Motul 8100 Power is billed as the company's latest high-performance product which sits in between its previous formulations.

Using Ester Technology honed by Motul’s years of expertise, the 8100 Power is said to offer smoother engine operations as well as reliability with enhanced protection that combats low speed pre ignition (LSPI).

Motul’s Ester Core technology combines carefully chosen esters with a selection of top quality synthetic base oils, coupled with an innovative additive package.

According to Motul, considering the harsh and intense weather conditions in Malaysia, the 8100 Power adheres to metallic parts for long periods, thus providing constant lubricity and protection even in extreme heat.

The 8100 Power can be found in local distributors and Motul garages, with a range of viscosities to suit petrol and diesel engines.

Motul Malaysia Sdn Bhd country manager Ravi Shankar said car users will find the 8100 Power to be more long lasting and require less oil changes and maintenance.

"Motul will continue to work closely with our extensive network of distributors, retailers and car care professionals across Malaysia," he said.

The French company specialises in the formulation, production and distribution of high-tech engine lubricants (two-wheelers, cars and other vehicles) as well as lubricants for industry via its Motul Tech activity.

Motul offers a whole range of products for everyday car use, including the 8100, H-tech, RBF series, ATF, CVTF and DCTF.

Recognised as a specialist in synthetic lubricants, Motul is a partner to many manufacturers and racing teams.

As early as 1971, Motul was the first lubricant manufacturer to pioneer the formulation of a 100% synthetic lubricant, issued from the aeronautical industry, making use of esters technology.

In Asia Pacific, currently Motul has three major manufacturing facilities and two research and development (R&D) centres across the region.

These centres focus on refining the lubricant technology for Asian climate and driving conditions, which are vastly different from Europe.


Ironman 4x4 accessories to style up your Nissan Navara

                KUALA LUMPUR: If you drive a Navara and want to accessorise it, check out the Ironman 4x4 packages at selected Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis Sdn Bhd.

Customers are able to send in their 4X4 vehicle for suspension upgrades to 38 Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis centres, while the upgrade services for the Ironman “Challenger Pack” and other accessories can be completed at 12 centres.

Navara owners can choose among packages on suspension kits, bull bars, side steps and rails or rear protection tow bar. The Challenger Pack, Challenger Pack PRO, Suspension Pack, and Suspension Pack Pro ranges from RM5,000 to RM19,000.

In conjunction with the Ironman 4x4 Accessories Package introduction, Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis will be offering an introductory offer with discounts on all Ironman 4X4 packages inclusive of labour and accessories. The packages are also available with 0% credit payment plan at any Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis centre.

Customers who buy the Ironman accessories (suspension only) are entitled to three years or 60,000km product warranty, while other accessories come with one year warranty. Ironman 4x4 accessories are distributed by Rustcare Sdn Bhd.

Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis has also announced that it has started its first dealership of Supagard car care products at the Nissan Glenmarie 4S centre in Shah Alam. The Glenmarie centre is also able to service and repair Infiniti cars.


Specially-designed Toyota e-Palette to provide automated mobility for athletes

                TOYOTA CITY: Toyota announced that it will supply up to 20 specially-designed "Tokyo 2020 Version" e-Palette vehicles to support athlete mobility at the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, where it will provide automated, loop-line transportation in the Olympic and Paralympic villages for athletes and related staff.

The battery-electric, automated vehicles have been adapted specifically for use during the Games based in part on feedback from athletes about their mobility needs in the past games.

"Olympic and Paralympic athletes work tirelessly to achieve the impossible, and we wanted to provide them with a vehicle specifically designed and calibrated to fit their mobility needs during Tokyo 2020," said Takahiro Muta, development leader for the unique version of the "Tokyo 2020 Version" e-Palette.

"Throughout the development process, athletes, especially Paralympians, helped us to better understand how we could adapt and upgrade the e-Palette to better meet the need for simple, convenient and comfortable mobility.

"We are proud to work with them on a vehicle that will not just move athletes physically throughout the Olympic and Paralympic villages, but will also offer them new opportunities to interact with others, share new experiences, and be moved emotionally."

First announced in 2018, e-Palette is Toyota's first vehicle developed specifically for autonomous mobility as a service ("Autono-MaaS") applications.

It reflects Toyota's ongoing transition to a mobility company and combines electrification, connected networks, and advanced driving technologies to support new shared mobility businesses and business models.

The "Tokyo 2020 Version" e-Palette has been adapted to meet the unique needs of the Olympic and Paralympic villages, featuring large doors and electric ramps to allow groups of athletes, including Paralympians, to board quickly and easily.

The vehicle will be controlled by an automated driving system capable of operating up to 20kph at SAE level 4, supported by an on-board safety operator.

Deploying the e-Palette to support athlete and staff mobility is a key element of Toyota's program to provide advanced mobility solutions for Tokyo 2020 as the first worldwide mobility partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

In addition, Toyota plans to leverage the knowledge gained from operating e-Palette at Tokyo 2020 to continue developing the vehicle to support future Mobility-as-a-Service applications.

The e-Palette will be revealed and exhibited at Toyota's booth during the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show held in Japan from Oct 23 to Nov 4.


Subaru taps Xilinx for key chip in driver-assistance system

                SAN FRANCISCO: Xilinx Inc and Subaru Corp on Wednesday said the Japanese automaker will use one of the Silicon Valley company’s chips to power a new driver-assistance system that will let drivers go hands-free during traffic jams, among other new features.

The companies said Subaru’s forthcoming Levorg, a midsized hatchback vehicle, will use one of Xilinx’s “Zynq” chips in a new version of its “EyeSight” driver-assistance system.

The system uses two cameras to get a stereo field of view of the road and combines that data with input from radar sensors mounted around the vehicle rather than using more expensive sensors such as lidar, which uses laser light to measure the car’s distance away from objects.

Xilinx’s chip will provide the processing power for the camera images, the companies said. The system will have functions such as slowing the car down before a curve on highways based on an estimation of the curve.

The system will also be capable of hands-free driving during traffic jams at speeds below 50kph, as an add-on option. The feature will only be available in Japan on the Levorg, and requires the vehicle to be loaded with high-resolution mapping data.

The driver would still be required to keep his or her eyes forward on the road, and sensors inside the cabin will detect whether the driver is paying attention.

Subaru also plans to update the system over time with new features, which played into the decision to choose Xilinx’s chips, officials said. The chips are what are known as programmable chips, so some of how they work can be changed as new features are added.

“We can do a lot more data processing, as well as provide these different features,” said Satoshi Katahira of Subaru’s advanced safety system design department.


Made in Munich: A look at BMW 8 Series V8 engine production

                MUNICH: The new BMW 8 Coupe is now rolling off the assembly line at the company's Dingolfing plant, whilst the engine for the car is being built at the company’s main factory here.

Parallel to the start of production of the luxury sports car, assembly of the first V8 engines for the BMW M850i xDrive Coupe has been completed.

The 4.4-litre, 530hp power unit for the BMW M Performance automobile is built at the BMW Group’s engine plant at the tradition-steeped BMW Group production location, where the latest hi-tech processes and the skilled craftsmanship of experienced experts are incorporated into the manufacturing process.

Production of the high-performance power plant is effected using to a large extent the precision craftsmanship of highly qualified specialists who put each engine though an individual manufacturing process.

Engine block, crankcase and cylinder head of the new V8 power unit are delivered to Munich by the light-metal foundry at the BMW Group Landshut plant, assembled on systems carriers with integrated data units and mechanically further processed.

During the manufacturing process, BMW workers are able to store all quality-related data such as tightening torques for bolts or valve clearances. The data exchange ensures that suitable tools and tightening torques for each respective engine are used at all assembly stations. In addition, main components such as bearing shells, con rods or cylinder heads are allocated an individual code to track the development of each component, from goods reception to installation.

With the assembly of the new V8 power unit at the Munich headquarters, the BMW Group is underscoring the significance of engine construction at its long-established production location. The competence of specialist workers for particularly efficient and complex power units at the Munich plant is also used for the production of the current 6 or 8-cylinder engines for the M cars as well as 12-cylinder engines for the M760Li xDrive and Rolls-Royce models.

The M850i xDrive Coupe has a combined fuel consumption of 10.5 – 10.0 l/100 km and combined CO2 emissions: 240 – 228 g/km.


Ford and GM sign on to a new way of doing business

General Motors chairman and CEO Mary Barra (left) interacting with plant employees and managers in this April 2019 file pic.
WASHINGTON: The bosses of Ford and GM were among 181 CEOs who have pledged to move away from prioritising shareholders only but instead lead their companies for the benefit of all stakeholders – customers, employees, suppliers, communities and shareholders.

Among signatories to the Business Roundtable's Statement on the Purpose of a Corporation were Ford's Jim Hackett and GM's Mary Barra.

Since 1978, Business Roundtable had periodically issued Principles of Corporate Governance. Each version of the document issued since 1997 had endorsed principles of shareholder primacy – that corporations exist principally to serve shareholders. With Monday’s announcement, the new statement supersedes previous statements and outlines a modern standard for corporate responsibility.

 Ford president and CEO Jim Hackett.

“This new statement better reflects the way corporations can and should operate today,” added Alex Gorsky, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Johnson & Johnson and Chair of the Business Roundtable Corporate Governance Committee. “It affirms the essential role corporations can play in improving our society when CEOs are truly committed to meeting the needs of all stakeholders.”

“This is tremendous news because it is more critical than ever that businesses in the 21st century are focused on generating long-term value for all stakeholders and addressing the challenges we face, which will result in shared prosperity and sustainability for both business and society,” said Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation.

“CEOs work to generate profits and return value to shareholders, but the best-run companies do more. They put the customer first and invest in their employees and communities. In the end, it’s the most promising way to build long-term value,” said Tricia Griffith, President and CEO of Progressive Corporation.

Business Roundtable said: "Americans deserve an economy that allows each person to succeed through hard work and creativity and to lead a life of meaning and dignity.

"While each of our individual companies serves its own corporate purpose, we share a fundamental commitment to all of our stakeholders. Each of our stakeholders is essential. We commit to deliver value to all of them, for the future success of our companies, our communities and our country."


UMW Toyota Motor bumps up sales volume in September

                SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) posted a strong total sales volume of 8,033 vehicles in September, an increase of 5,509 units over the August volume.

This was made up of 7,931 Toyota vehicles and 102 Lexus vehicles.

The volume was also 43% higher than for the same month in 2020 when 5,605 vehicles were sold.

On a cumulative basis, year-to-date sales of Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Malaysia reached 43,594 units at the end of September.

In the same nine-month period in 2020, the total volume reached only 25,978 units, an indication of the severity of the first Movement Control Order (MCO) during the second half of 2020.

UMW Toyota Motor president Ravindran K said the company was pleased to see the market steadily moving towards normalcy as the past few months had been challenging.

“Our showrooms have been open and receiving many customers daily, and bookings for the latest models have been increasing. As a result, our total sales in September for Toyota and Lexus vehicles was a phenomenal 223% greater than the August volume,” he said.

To welcome visitors back to Toyota showrooms nationwide, UMWT is having a ‘Visit & Win’ promotion with a total of RM30,000 worth of prizes to be won.

No purchase is necessary and all that is needed to participate is to visit any authorised showroom, take a picture and then upload it to social media (eg Facebook or Instagram) with a caption.

Once it is posted, let UMWT know what the URL is so that it can be viewed and judged.

The 38 prizes to be won include a Grand Prize of an iPhone 12 (64GB), two second prizes of Samsung 55-inch 4K LED TV, and two third prizes of Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer Iron.

The Consolation Prizes are TT Racing Maxx Gaming Chairs, Bose Quiet Comfort 35 Wireless Headphones, Kingston HyperX Gaming Keyboard, Philips Portable Car Air Sanitizer, and customized Touch’Ngo cards with RM100 pre-loaded. Additionally, everyone visits the showroom will receive a free Safety Kit (which stocks last).

Those who plan to buy a new Toyota vehicle can enjoy low instalments with Toyota EZ Beli.

If they are government employees, UMWT has the Jom Drive programme (in collaboration with Toyota Capital Malaysia) with special benefits and a selection of financial plans.

Applications (with supporting documents) will be hassle-free and processed speedily so that they can enjoy their new Toyota within a short time.

“Our loyal customers who have supported the brand for more than five decades are also not forgotten. We now have the new Toyota Loyal-T programme with better service and bigger rewards.

“The programme makes use of the Toyota Drive mobile app for convenience and ease of communicating with UMWT,” Ravindran added.

With business activities now normalizing, UMWT has been busy preparing for an exciting future when Hybrid Electric Technology is introduced with Toyota models assembled locally.

These new models will have more efficient powertrains with less emissions and quieter running.

UMW Toyota Motor deputy chairman Akio Takeyama said Toyota Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) are at their most advanced today, and are the immediate and economical solution for mass market production and sale in terms of reduced CO2 emissions, practical usage, and price acceptance by customers.

“We are absolutely positive that the HEV is the most accessible and realistic choice for Malaysian customers in terms of practicality and infrastructure, with an enormous potential in Malaysia,” he said.


Audi in Malaysia rolls out fresh warranty pricing

                KUALA LUMPUR: PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM) today announced an adjustment of on-the-road prices for the entire range of Audi models, and with this, launched the Audi Assurance Package (AAP).

Applicable for new vehicles purchased from Jan 1 this year, buyers get the option of 3 years free maintenance and adding in 3 years on manufacturer warranty - bringing the coverage total to 5 years.

With this, new owners can expand the current standard 2 years manufacturer warranty to 5 years.

The package starts from as low as RM8,000 to RM24,000, depending on the selected model.

New Audi owners can opt-in on the packages prior to or upon purchase.

PHSAM managing director Erik Winter said this package rollout was yet another testament to the company’s commitment to the Audi ownership experience, and future growth of the Audi brand.

“Audi owners expect an exceptional ownership experience, and it begins with the purchase. This program was designed to provide owners with more value and flexibility at the new retail prices, extending their peace of mind.

“Beyond this, our Audi Centres are also ready to support owners with improved aftersales offerings and the right package to suit their lifestyle demands, and to ensure their vehicles remain protected for the journeys they are making.

“This initiative adds to our series of customer care programmes to make Audi the choice of those seeking drive experiences that are a class above the rest,” he added.


As Tesla cuts prices, VW to rival Chinese cars with cheaper electrics

                BERLIN/BEIJING: Volkswagen says it wants to respond to strong competition from China with cheaper electric models in the coming years.

There are, however, currently no plans for a mini electric car comparable to the VW Up or Polo in the company's most important market, says VW China boss Ralf Brandstätter.

"We do not serve the mini electric vehicle market. But we will expand our offerings in the entry-level segment, for example in smaller saloons similar to the (small family-friendly) Bora or smaller SUVs below the ID.4."

The remarks come after Tesla announced that it was cutting prices of its electric cars in several markets amid growing competition from China. Brandstätter did not comment on possible price reductions at VW like those at Tesla.

So far, car companies from Germany and other Western countries have been trying to earn more from larger and more expensive electric models, but Chinese manufacturers have recently achieved high growth rates with smaller electric cars.

VW not only wants to adapt the kinds of electric cars it is selling, but how they are selling them, and China's means of consumption may see the company shift away from the traditional approach of investing in a new set of wheels at a car dealership.

"Many (buyers) are primarily interested in modern design and the most advanced technology," Brandstätter said. "They want to have sales conversations online or wherever they go shopping in the city - not in a car dealership somewhere on the outskirts."

The development of autonomous driving also has a major role to play for the company, and the networking of cars on roads is becoming a decisive purchasing criterion.

As a result, VW wants to double the number of software experts in the group's Cariad division to 1,200 in China this year, he said. VW also wants to cooperate with the company Horizon Robotics.

"We will continue to push our e-offensive in China," Brandstätter said, pointing to the launch of the ID.7 saloon in mid-2023.

Chinese carmakers have made great strides in their home country, even with relatively inexpensive models and have been increasingly rivalling European manufacturers in their own markets.

In China, Tesla previously had to offer its cars at lower prices due to sales problems, and Tesla has been charging at least 10% less for the Model 3 and the Model Y than previously.

While inflation has driven up costs in various industries, Tesla has been lowering its prices amid fierce domestic competition in China from providers such as BYD, Xpeng and Nio.


Amazon’s Ring launches long-awaited dashboard camera at CES

                LAS VEGAS: Amazon.com Inc.’s Ring division introduced its first car dashboard camera after a two-year delay, expanding beyond home security with a new category.

The device, called the Ring Car Cam, can record both inside and outside of the vehicle, the company said Thursday at the CES conference here. The product also has sensors to detect motion within the vehicle and external disturbances, such as when the car is hit or broken into.

The debut marks a long-awaited expansion for Ring, which Amazon acquired in 2018.

The product — a version of which was first unveiled back in 2020 — provides the division with another way to attract consumers after years of selling smart doorbells and home-security cameras.

The monitor works with the Ring app, letting users view a live video feed as well as communicate with two-way audio. The app can also receive alerts in the case of a triggered sensor.

Amazon has made a broader effort to get its products into cars, betting that internet-connected vehicles and accessories represent an opportunity to extend the reach of the Alexa voice assistant and compete with driving-focused features of Alphabet Inc. and Apple Inc. smartphones. Amazon sells a device, called Echo Auto, that puts Alexa on the dashboard, and it has struck deals with automakers like Ford Motor Co. to embed the software within car entertainment systems.

In an interview, Ring chief technology officer Josh Roth said the new dash-cam device has a privacy shutter that can disable audio and video recording inside the car.

It uses a similar approach as Tesla Inc.’s Sentry Mode, which can record external events like car accidents. Ring had announced plans in 2020 for a Car Connect device that would allow a Tesla to send its video feed to the Ring app, but Roth said that feature has been cancelled.

The Car Cam plugs into a vehicle’s OBD-II port for power and connects to the windshield via a sticker. The device can store seven hours of camera footage and then sync it over Wi-Fi to a phone.

Ring is also offering a US$6-per-month or US$60-per-year plan to enable LTE network access, which will send alerts and notifications without a Wi-Fi connection and move video to the cloud automatically.

The car camera has limited voice control via Alexa, which can trigger it to begin recording during some scenarios, such as a traffic stop.

The company wouldn’t disclose why the product was delayed for more than two years, other than to say it didn’t feel like the camera was ready for market.

Ring had also announced plans for a car alarm two years ago but now says that’s on hold.

The new device is scheduled to ship in February for US$250 but the cost will be US$200 for customers who pre-order it, beginning Thursday. The launch will be exclusive to the US at the start, Ring said.

The company is also bringing back its Peephole Cam, a video doorbell that installs over door peepholes. That accessory, which also goes on sale Thursday, costs US$130.


e-PG system set up to expedite guilty plea for traffic offences

                PETALING JAYA: A system has been set up by the Malaysian judiciary for people to plead guilty to traffic offences, says the Office of the Registrar-General.

In a statement today, it said the e-PG system has been set up to expedite the guilty plea of those with traffic summonses.

“The e-PG system is a platform in the court’s application system which is used to make guilty pleas through remote communication technology, which is also an alternative to existing proceedings requiring a summoned person to appear physically in court.

“Summoned person who chooses to make a guilty plea through the e-PG system are exempted from having to appear in court, except if ordered by the court,” it said.

As a pilot project, the office said the Shah Alam magistrate's court, Selangor will be using the e-PG system for all traffic cases registered in Court 3 from Feb 2-5.

“Members of the public, who have a case registered at the court, can log into the e-PG system at https://ecourt.kehakiman.gov.my starting Feb 2.

“The Malaysian judiciary hopes to launch the e-PG system in magistrate's courts throughout Peninsula Malaysia from April 1 and from June for the Sabah and Sarawak magistrate's courts.

Once the e-PG system is launched, the office said summoned persons throughout the country can make a guilty plea remotely using their mobile devices.

The public can visit the official Portal of the Malaysian judiciary at www.kehakiman.gov.my for more information.


Honda brings Civic sedan to Japan in branding push

                TOKYO: Honda Motor Co is bringing the Civic sedan back home after seven years, betting buoyant overseas demand for the model would help drive sales in Japan and allow the automaker to shake off its domestic image as a maker of only MPVs and compacts.

Allocating manufacturing capacity for the Civic in Japan may also enable Honda to free up production space in the United States, where the market for sedans is shrinking in favour of SUVs, at a time when US President-elect Donald Trump is pushing automakers to make more cars in the country.

Honda said today it would market the 2016 Civic sedan in Japan from summer, selling the locally made model in the country for the first time since 2010 - the year it stopped domestic production due to sluggish sales. The carmaker will also consider producing Civics in Japan for US export.

Kimiyoshi Teratani, who heads Honda's Japan operations, said he hoped the Civic would help the firm regain its reputation as a maker of "sporty cars with attitude" in Japan, after years of focusing on popular entry level models and multi-purpose vehicles including the N-Box minicar and the Odyssey MPV.

"We've become known as a company specialising in minivans (MPVs) and 'kei' cars, and we realised our offering of 'Honda-esque' cars has become increasingly weak," he told reporters here.

"The Civic may not be the NSX (Honda's supercar also marketed under the Acura brand), but it's another model we'd like to use to raise our brand image," he said.

Introduced in 1972, the Civic has sold 24 million units worldwide and is Honda's best-selling model in the United States, the automaker's biggest market.

The Civic posted record annual sales in 2016 in the world's No.2 auto market after the latest revamped version of the sedan was named the North American Car of the Year last year. Previous versions of the sedan had been criticised for their lack of reliability and uninspiring design.

However, given waning US sedan demand, Honda has said it would consider shuffling its production portfolio in favour of its SUV models in the United States.

Teratani declined to comment on when the company may start manufacturing the Civic sedan in Japan for US exports.

"We'd like to consider political developments and circumstances before determining the best way forward," he said.

Increasing US-bound auto exports may rankle Trump, who has threatened automakers including Ford Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp. with high border taxes on cars imported from Mexico, a growing auto production hub.


More China EV makers eyeing Thailand as production base, says business group

                BANGKOK: More major Chinese electric vehicle makers are eyeing Thailand as a manufacturing and distribution base to neighbouring economies, according to the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce.

Prospects are backed by recent investment incentives in the country for Chinese automakers, and investments are pouring in, the chamber’s chairman Narongsak Putthapornmongkol said on Sunday.

China’s Hozon New Energy Automobile Co. will start production in Thailand to sell to South-East Asia in 2024, becoming the latest EV maker to begin building a supply chain in the region’s top auto-manufacturing hub.

Chongqing Changan automobile and GAC Aion have also announced plans to invest a total of 16.2 billion baht (RM2.2bil) in EV production facilities in the country.

Great Wall Motor and BYD Co. have already established production plants in eastern Rayong province.

"EV is the most trailblazing industry right now as seen through investments from MG, Great Wall Motor and BYD,” Narongsak said.

The chamber is hosting the 16th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Conference in Bangkok from June 24-26.

About 4,000 entrepreneurs from 50 countries are attending.

Li Chuyuan, chairman of Guangzhou Pharmaceutical Holdings, and Hui Yuan, chairman of Xiao i Corporation are among prominent Chinese businessmen participating in the event.

Thailand saw foreign investment applications more than double to 155.3 billion baht in the three months through March from a year ago, led by companies from South Korea, Singapore and China, according to the nation’s Board of Investment.

Chinese firms sought to invest 25 billion baht (RM3.3bil) during the period, up 87% from a year ago, in industries such as battery production, electronics, petrochemicals and solar cell, data showed.

WHA Corp., Thailand’s largest industrial estate developer, expects a pick-up in Chinese investors with demand coming from companies setting up units to manufacture EVs, automobile parts and electronics, according to chief executive officer Jareeporn Jarukornsakul.

Daily minimum wages should be raised because of higher costs of living, but the hike shouldn’t exceed comparable salaries in neighbouring countries considered as Thailand’s competitors, said Narongsak.

A coalition of Thai pro-democracy parties led by progressive Move Forward Party, which is seeking to form a new government after sweeping the May 14 elections, plans to raise minimum wages in line with inflation and economic growth.


California board rejects Volkswagen's diesel fix plan

                SACRAMENTO: The California Air Resources Board said on Tuesday it rejected Volkswagen AG's  plan to fix 2.0 litre diesel cars equipped with software that allows them to emit up to 40 times legally allowable pollution.

The state said VW's proposed fix was "incomplete, substantially deficient and falls far short of meeting the legal requirements." It also said the proposal could not be implemented soon enough.

California sent VW a confidential letter offering a detailed explanation of why its proposed solution, or fix, does not work. The state said it will continue its investigation as well as talks with VW.

The automaker said in a statement that it is in talks to find a solution, and said the rejection addresses the initial recall plans submitted to California in December.

"Since then, Volkswagen has had constructive discussions with CARB, including last week when we discussed a framework" to address the issue.

VW has admitted using software that circumvented US and California pollution rules by fully activating the exhaust scrubbing systems only when a car was being put through precisely prescribed government emissions tests.

The state did not assess any immediate penalties, but it issued a new notice that VW had violated California air quality regulations.

VW CEO Matthias Muller is meeting with US Environmental Protection Agency chief Gina McCarthy on Wednesday to discuss the emissions scandal that involves nearly 600,000 vehicles in the United States and up to 11 million vehicles worldwide.

EPA said in a statement it agrees with California "that Volkswagen has not submitted an approvable recall plan to bring the vehicles into compliance and reduce pollution. EPA has conveyed this to the company previously."

VW said it is "committed to working cooperatively with CARB and other regulators, and we plan to continue our discussions tomorrow when we meet with the EPA."

Muller's first US tour - in which he repeatedly apologised for the emissions scandal - has not gone as planned and has come under criticism for comments he made in a US radio interview in which he denied VW officials lied in evading emissions rules.

Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen called Muller's comments disturbing. "We now learn that the company's newly appointed and most senior leader doesn't believe Volkswagen lied, which is undisputable, and cannot say when it plans to deliver its solution to a problem that is affecting millions of Americans, which is unacceptable," Jepsen said. "The time for empty apologies and hollow pledges of cooperation is over."

VW officials have expressed optimism they will soon win approval of a plan to fix the vehicles. They face a separate Feb 2 deadline to submit a plan to fix 80,000 larger Porsche, Audi and VW 3.0 litre vehicles.

Separately, Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam said he met in Washington on Monday with Muller. "We obviously have a keen interest in getting their legal issues solved so they can go back to selling cars," Haslam, whose state is home to a VW factory, said in a Reuters interview on the sidelines of the Detroit auto show.


Unlicensed e-hailing drivers get three-month reprieve

                PUTRAJAYA: The Cabinet has agreed to allow unlicensed e-hailing drivers to operate for another three months from today.

This would allow more time for drivers to apply for passenger service vehicle (PSV) licences. The deadline was supposed to be today.

The decision was made at today's weekly Cabinet meeting.

The Transport Ministry said this decision was a "soft landing" approach towards regulating the e-hailing industry.

Enforcement will still be ongoing in the three months, but unlicensed e-hailing drivers would be let off with a warning and final reminder.

Effective July 12 last year, the Transport Ministry began regulating e-hailing services in the country.

E-hailing drivers were given a year's grace period to apply for a PSV licence, which is also a requirement for taxi drivers.

In a related development, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) in Sabah said it would punish e-hailing drivers if they fail to abide by a new ruling that bans them from waiting for ride bookings at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport.

The ruling, which came into effect today, requires e-hailing drivers to wait at a reserved staging area in Terminal 2 if they want to receive bookings from passengers coming from KKIA, located some 6km away.

Sabah JPJ director Sadim Abdul said those who failed to comply with this new rule could be served with a summons ranging from RM150 to RM300.

He added that only three e-hailing operators were recognised by the Sabah Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board, namely Grab, MyCar and Borride.


MIT and Toyota accelerate autonomous driving research

BOSTON: Newly released and freely accessible video data set may help researchers better understand and predict data patterns detected over the course of a continuous driving scene thanks to the efforts of Toyota Motor Corp working together with the Massachusetts Institute for Technology (MIT) AgeLab.

Some of the questions researchers get asked are: "How can we train self‐driving vehicles to have a deeper awareness of the world around them?" and "Can computers learn from past experiences to recognize future patterns that can help them safely navigate new and unpredictable situations?"

In an effort to answer them, MIT AgeLab at the MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics has paired up with Toyota's Collaborative Safety Research Center (CSRC) by sharing an innovative new open dataset called DriveSeg.

Through the release of DriveSeg, MIT and Toyota are working to advance research in autonomous driving systems that, much like human perception, perceive the driving environment as a continuous flow of visual information.

“In sharing this dataset, we hope to encourage researchers, the industry, and other innovators to develop new insight and direction into temporal AI modelling that enables the next generation of assisted driving and automotive safety technologies. Our long‐standing working relationship with Toyota CSRC has enabled our research efforts to impact future safety technologies,” said principal researcher Bryan Reimer.

“Predictive power is an important part of human intelligence. Whenever we drive, we are always tracking the movements of the environment around us to identify potential risks and make safer decisions. By sharing this dataset, we hope to accelerate research into autonomous driving systems and advanced safety features that are more attuned to the complexity of the environment around them," said Toyota Collaborative Safety Research Center senior principal engineer Rini Sherony.

To date, self‐driving data made available to the research community have primarily consisted of troves of static, single images that can be used to identify and track common objects found in and around the road, such as bicycles, pedestrians or traffic lights through the use of “bounding boxes.”

By contrast, DriveSeg contains more precise, pixel‐level representations of many of these same common road objects, but through the lens of a continuous video driving scene.

This type of full scene segmentation can be particularly helpful for identifying more amorphous objects – such as road construction and vegetation – that do not always have such defined and uniform shapes.

According to Sherony, video‐based driving scene perception provides a flow of data that more closely resembles dynamic, real‐world driving situations.

It also allows researchers to explore data patterns as they play out over time, which could lead to advances in machine learning, scene understanding and behavioural prediction.

DriveSeg is available for free and can be used by researchers and the academic community for non‐commercial purposes here.

The data is comprised of two parts. DriveSeg (manual) is 2 minutes and 47 seconds of high‐resolution video captured during a daytime trip around the busy streets of Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The video’s 5,000 frames are densely annotated manually with per‐pixel human labels of 12 classes of road objects.

DriveSeg (Semi‐auto) is 20,100 video frames (67-10.0-second video clips) drawn from MIT Advanced Vehicle Technologies (AVT) Consortium data. DriveSeg (Semi‐auto) is labelled with the same pixel‐wise semantic annotation as DriveSeg (manual) except annotations were completed through a novel semiautomatic annotation approach developed by MIT.

This approach leverages both manual and computational efforts to coarsely annotate data more efficiently and at a lower cost than manual annotation.

The data set was created to assess the feasibility of annotating a wide range of real‐world driving scenarios and assess the potential of training vehicle perception systems on pixel labels created through AI‐based labelling systems.


US approves 2016 BMW diesel X5 SUV after EPA review

                WASHINGTON: The Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board approved the sale of the new 2016 BMW diesel X5 after government testing found no evidence of software to evade emissions standards, the government said Thursday.

In September, US environmental regulators and Transport Canada announced they would review all current diesel passenger cars, trucks and SUVs for sale to ensure that they did not have "defeat devices."

EPA spokesman Laura Allen said Thursday that the agency - along with California and Canada - was doing additional testing before approving new diesel vehicles. "Our screening tests found no evidence of a defeat device in the 2016 BMW X5," she said.

BMW said late Thursday it had delayed the start of production of the diesel X5 - known as the X5 xDrive35d - until EPA testing and certification were completed.

"The vehicle will be going into production shortly at our manufacturing plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina," BMW said. It expects the vehicle will go on sale in January.

The EPA diesel review came weeks after Volkswagen AG admitted it installed software in 482,000 US vehicles that allowed vehicles to emit up to 40 times allowable pollution in real world driving. VW says the issue involved up to 11 million vehicles worldwide.

Last month the EPA approved the sale of two new General Motors diesel pickup trucks - the 2016 GMC Canyon and 2016 Chevrolet Colorado - after finding no improper emissions.

The BMW SUV and GM pickups were the only non-VW 2016 diesel vehicles awaiting certification.

BMW says diesels accounted for 5.9 percent, or 20,178, of 2014 US vehicle sales.


How electric vehicles are inspiring a new generation of tyres

                PARIS: More and more carmakers — who will no longer be able to sell new combustion-engine vehicles in Europe from 2035 — are working with tyre manufacturers to develop more long-lasting, eco-friendly and even connected tyres specifically for electric cars.

The latest example of this is a partnership between Hyundai and Michelin to develop and produce next-generation tyres specifically for the South Korean manufacturer's future electric vehicles.

The research program will focus on developing eco-friendly tyres — i.e., using more sustainable materials than is currently the case — without losing performance.

The idea is to achieve 50% of the total weight of a new tyre in recycled materials.

These tyres are expected to be equipped with a real-time monitoring system to help advance autonomous driving technology.

Michelin, like its American counterpart Goodyear, has already done a lot of work on this technology, which involves equipping the tyre with a sensor that provides the driver with a whole range of practical information on its temperature and wear in real time.

Plus, in order to reduce the overall production of tyres, the aim is to develop "all-season" tyres.

Volvo has already announced that all of its 100% electric vehicles will be equipped with this type of tyre.

As the name suggests, these tyres no longer need to be changed according to seasonal weather, except in extreme conditions.

The idea of developing tyres specifically for electric cars has already resulted in a first model, the ElectricDrive GT from Goodyear.

An all-season tyre, this model is particularly well suited to the requirements and performance of the models produced by Tesla, the first manufacturer to officially adopt it. It is also designed to help reduce road noise.

The tyre of tomorrow will be durable, connected and usable in all seasons.


Castrol wants your help to pick the best mechanics in Malaysia

                KUALA LUMPUR: Castrol Malaysia today announced a campaign to honour mechanics.

The campaign called "Hari Mekanik Malaysia" ("Malaysian Mechanics Day") starts this month and runs until September 2020. It would include a series of events such as visits to workshops in major towns and cities nationwide.

Members of the public are encouraged to choose their favourite mechanic via an online nomination form.  Nominators, under the car & truck category, would win a one-year free service equivalent to 4 bottles of 4-litre Castrol MAGNATEC 10W-40 if their nomination produces a winner, whilst nominators under the motorcycle category would win six bottles of one-litre Castrol POWER1 10W-40 if their nomination results in a winner.

Castrol said it is offering a promo of RM30 off the total bill when a car is serviced at any Castrol Auto Service workshops or RM3 off the total bill when a motorcycle is serviced at any Castrol Bike Point workshop through participation of online activities during the campaign period.

"Hari Mekanik Malaysia" would be officially launched on March 18 next year, marking the first celebration of mechanics. From the nominations received, 10 mechanics from the car & truck and the motorcycle categories each would be shortlisted based on three rounds of short-listing process.

In the preliminary round, the nominated mechanics would be required to answer a series of online questions designed specifically to test their professionalism, attitude and qualities that would qualify them as an "Unsung Hero".

The top 20 nominees with the highest score would be shortlisted for the second round and only 15 individuals from each category would be shortlisted into the final round by an automotive professional body after conducting an evaluation with a set of criteria.

In the final round, members of the public would be called to vote and the top 10 winners each from the car & truck and the motorcycle categories would be presented the "Castrol Unsung Heroes" Award and trophies. Winners in the car & truck category would also be rewarded with an automotive training course to improve their skills at the School of Skills, a vocational college in Shah Alam.

The campaign comes in the wake of the success of the "Castrol Super Mechanic Contest", which was held in 2017 and 2018 with the goal of giving mechanics a platform to upgrade their skills through the spirit of competition.

“Mechanics play a significant role in not only restoring vehicle performance but also ensuring the safety of the drivers, riders, passengers and pillions in vehicles," said Castrol Malaysia & Singapore marketing director Keow Mei-Shan.

"This celebration recognises the contributions by mechanics to the automotive industry in the country.”


The Rolls Royce Cullinan's evil twin gets the Black Badge mark

                LONDON: With Rolls Royce's Cullinan already packed with power, this British ultra-luxury sports utility vehicle (SUV) now joins the Black Badge brethren with more charisma and a boost in power.

Currently available to commission, the Cullinan Black Badge now sports a high-gloss black chrome finish for the Spirit of Ecstasy figurine, grille surround and exhaust tips among others.

The output of the 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 engine gets up-rated to 600PS (+29PS) and 900Nm (+50Nm) of torque and now there's also a "Low" button on the gear knob for a more "boomy" exhaust note.

To cope with the added performance, the suspension naturally got tweaked before providing the eight-speed gearbox and throttle map (now with Intuitive Throttle) with a more of the aggression factor.

Under the wheel arches are the "uber" large hyper black on black 22-inch forged alloys that try to cage the red callipers with significantly enlarged discs to bleed speed quickly.

The dark black paint is matched inside with the cabin receiving 23 pieces of Technical Carbon veneer that are naked-weave carbon-fibre pieces that have been coated with six layers of lacquer and then left to cure for 72 hours.

Afterwhich, each piece is then hand-polished for a mirror finish to create a three-dimensional effect and after everything has been completed a mere 21 days have gone by.

This gets nicely paired to the British ultra-luxury coach builder's signature starlight Black leather headliner that's been woven in with 1,344 fibre optic lights.

This incorporates eight brilliant white shooting star elements that dart at random predominantly over the front occupants while being seated in highly plush Black leather upholstery with Forge Yellow leather accents for contrast.

With the Cullinan already costing a pretty penny, be prepared to dig deep into the pockets for this one.


New Honda Civic prototype debuts on Twitch

TORRANCE: Honda gave its first glimpse of the all-new 2022 Civic on Twitch, the world's leading live streaming entertainment service.

The new Civic prototype reveals a striking new colour, Solar Flare Pearl, showcases a fresh, sporty and upscale new look for Honda's iconic and popular Civic in the US.

The 11th-generation Civic draws inspiration from timeless elements of Honda design, including a low and wide stance, low beltline, clean and sophisticated detailing, and an open and airy cabin.

The arrival of an all-new Civic lineup begins late spring 2021, with the launch of the Civic Sedan followed by the sporty and personal Civic Hatchback, performance-focused Civic Si, and the ultimate high-performance Civic: Type R.

The new face of Civic features a clean and sophisticated look, emphasizing a low and wide stature with strong horizontal elements, including offsetting the upright grille below the headlights.

In profile, the Civic's greenhouse is moved rearward on the body, elongating the hood for a more premium side view.

The sharp horizontal shoulder, or C-line, carves a gentle arc from the front fender to the taillights, lending continuity to the overall design, while the upswept R-line carries through the rear fenders to the rear reflectors, adding a feeling of motion even when standing still.

In the rear, the wider track of Civic is complemented by new taillights that emphasize width and on-road stability, and a playfully upswept yet aerodynamically-efficient trailing edge to the trunk lid.

The all-new Civic will get a dramatic interior makeover as it reimagines the clean and uncluttered lines of earlier generations of Civic.

The instrument panel is free of visual clutter, minimizing cut lines and breaks to give drivers a clean and clear view of the road ahead, with the door top and dash line blending harmoniously.

Stretching the width of the dash is a honeycomb mesh accent, which serves not only as a design element, but also conceals the visually busy air vents.

The 11th-generation also will introduce multiple new Civic-first technologies, including an all-digital driver's meter cluster and a new 9-inch full-HD Display Audio touchscreen mounted atop the low-set instrument panel.

Leveraging its strong presence in esports and gaming, Honda's debut on Twitch is a nod to Civic's industry-leading and global appeal with young buyers.

The 11th-generation Civic will build on that appeal with an even sportier, fun-to-drive new chassis, more powerful and fuel-efficient powertrains, multiple new Civic-first features and technologies, and further advances in active and passive safety features and performance.

“Civic has always exceeded expectations, and the all-new Civic will continue that legacy of setting the standard for compact cars with human-centered design, outstanding dynamics, style, safety performance and driver enjoyment,” said Dave Gardner, executive vice president of National Operations, American Honda Motor Co., Inc.


Japan firms take few steps to brace for increasing floods, says poll

Residents trying to salvage a vehicle in a flood-hit area in Kurashiki, Okayama prefecture in this 2018 file pic. — AFP
TOKYO: Japanese companies have contingency plans for the floods that increasingly drench this island nation, but most have done little to fortify facilities, relying instead on insurance and securing alternative supply sources, a Reuters poll found.

Japanese have long been conditioned to prepare for earthquakes, but powerful typhoons and heavy rains have brought the risk of flooding to the forefront, as climate change brings ever more frequent bouts of extreme weather.

The monthly Corporate Survey found 77% of Japanese firms have compiled business continuity plans for disasters, but just 45% of companies have taken steps to protect their facilities from inundation. Some 80% have bought insurance and three-fourth diversified their supply chains, the survey showed.

“We need to reconsider (risk scenarios) on the assumption that abnormal weather is here to stay,” a manager of a transport equipment maker responded in the survey. A manager at a metal-products maker wrote, “It’s physically impossible to deal with all expectations.”

Japan has increasingly been lashed by floods described as the worst in decades, and last year likely saw the fifth straight year of growing flood damage.

Policymakers worry about a delay in recovery from supply- chain disruptions caused by typhoons and floods, which will take a heavy toll on the export-reliant economy already grappling with global slowdown.

Typhoon Jebi, the strongest in 25 years, killed at least 13 people in western Japan in 2018 and inundated the region’s major airport. Last year, Typhoon Hagibis ripped across a wide swath of central and eastern Japan, including Tokyo, killing at least 56, injuring more than 200 and leaving towns, factories and farms under water.

 People struggling against strong winds when a typhoon hit Tokyo in July 2018. — AFPDamages

The direct damage from floods last year is expected to exceed that of 2018, when it reached US$12 billion, a government official told Reuters. That puts 2019 on track for the most direct flood damage since 2004, when it hit US$17.3 billion.

The capital escaped the worst of the death and damage. But if a storm were to overwhelm the massive dikes and levees protecting the Arakawa river that runs through low-lying eastern Tokyo, the economic damage could exceed $800 billion, warns Yoshiaki Kawata, a Kansai University professor.

“We want the administration to explain the cause of the flood and the measures to be taken in the future,” said Haruaki Amari, whose small factory making parts for semiconductor production machinery in Kawasaki, southwest of Tokyo, was crippled by last year’s powerful typhoon and floods.

“Without such efforts, any new equipment we may install here will go to waste,” Amari told Reuters, surveying the damage.

Water surged over the nearby river banks, inundating eight of its 10 machine tools on the factory’s ground floor. It scaled back production as it waited to have the machines fixed. It cost Amari’s firm US$1.36 million, about a year’s sales, he said.

The Corporate Survey, conducted from Dec 25 to Jan 10 for Reuters by Nikkei Research, canvassed 502 big and midsize non-financial companies. Roughly half of them answered questions on disasters on condition of anonymity to express opinions freely.

Japan Inc relies on an intricate network of suppliers, many of them tiny, family-owned companies, that keep the titans humming.

Mazda Motor Corp suffered a loss of about US$250 million when its subcontractors were struck by heavy rains in July 2018, forcing the automaker to suspend production of 44,000 cars.

In contrast, Subaru Corp halted production of about 10,000 cars in October’s typhoon but was able to resume output in four-and-a-half days thanks to thorough supply-chain and risk management.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s ruling party has called for a new ministry tasked with overseeing disaster prevention and recovery, while his cabinet has budgeted 7 trillion yen (RM258bil) for three-year infrastructure projects to boost national resilience.


Volvo's latest SUV promises stress-free driving

                GOTHENBURG: The new Volvo XC40 is Volvo's first SUV designed from the ground up to cope with the unique challenges of urban driving.

Set for its official unveiling this fall, the XC40 will be Volvo's smallest SUV ever and, as it will be arriving in a vehicle segment already overflowing with options from the likes of Audi, BMW Range Rover and Mercedes at the premium end of the scale right across to VW, Nissan and Ford in the mainstream space, the company is doing absolutely everything it can to ensure that the new model offers features and benefits that are genuinely unique in the sector.

"The XC40 is our first car in this rapidly growing segment and has a clear focus on navigating today's hectic city environments," said company CEO Håkan Samuelsson. "[It] will offer the best possible safety standards combined with an easy-to-use interface and convenient connected services."

In August, the company revealed that the new car's features had been based on extensive research aimed at understanding how city dwellers use their cars and how navigating primarily urban spaces on a regular basis can negatively impact their wellbeing.

"Modern city life presents complex challenges for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and other road users. With the XC40, we aim to reduce the so-called cognitive load on the driver," said Malin Ekholm, Vice President Volvo Cars Safety Centre.

So, the car will come with a semi-autonomous driving system optimised for highway use but will also get the latest iteration of Volvo's city safety system that tracks the movement of cyclists and pedestrians and can automatically slow down or stop in the event of a potential collision.

The car will also get cross traffic alert. It scans the area behind the car so that if the driver needs to reverse out of a space into the road, he or she can be certain the coast is clear. The final touch is a 360° camera so that users have a clear view of everything surrounding the car so they can navigate tight parking spaces with confidence.

"While our safety and driver-assistance systems actively identify and mitigate potential conflicts, you as a driver can relax more and therefore enjoy city driving," said Ekholm.

As well as premium safety and driver assistance systems that are a rarity in the compact SUV segment, the XC40 will also have a simple-to-use, intuitive and top specification infotainment system as standard so that even things like using satellite navigation, getting traffic alerts or mirroring smartphone apps to the car's dashboard don't add to driver stress.

"We built a confident, easy-to-use and convenient everyday user experience based on real-life interaction and research, starting from our foundation of leading safety. The XC40 is a car for a generation of consumers that expect full connectivity. All the screens have been optimised for a safe, easy and efficient interaction, to support active city driving," said Ödgärd Andersson, Vice President Vehicle Software & Electronics at Volvo Cars.


Nissan and BMW in talks to pull S. Africa into electric car era

                JOHANNESBURG: Nissan, BMW AG and Volkswagen AG are among carmakers in talks to bring the electric-car revolution to South Africa, as the nation’s auto-factory floors risk being left behind in the global switch to greener vehicles.

The industry is preparing a unified stance on electrification to present to the government by the end of the year, Mike Mabasa, chief executive officer of the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa, or Naamsa, said in an interview.

Among the goals is persuading lawmakers to reduce or drop a 23% import tariff on electric vehicles to help ramp up nascent domestic sales, he said.

Another is to roll out a charging infrastructure in a country where the state-owned power monopoly is in deep financial crisis.

Taking steps to boost the popularity of electric vehicles in South Africa is just one part of the equation. The auto-manufacturing industry makes up about 7% of the country’s economy, according to Naamsa.

The sector is one of the more positive aspects of an economy expected to grow at less than 1% for a second consecutive year.
"The country needs to move forward and bring new technologies,” said Mike Whitfield, Nissan’s chairman for the southern Africa region.

"The rest of the world will move very fast and if we don’t get going we will be left behind.”

South Africa has long been a hub for global automaking, attracting plants operated by seven carmakers from Toyota Motor Corp. to Isuzu Motors Ltd.

Last year, the manufacturers exported almost 210,000 cars to Europe, where Volkswagen is already retooling factories to only make electric cars.

That’s just under a third of all local production and makes up 60% of exports.

To date, there are no firm plans for electric-car or hybrid production in South Africa, but the government and industry agreed in 2018 to extend a manufacturing incentive programme, creating jobs and enabling models like the BMW X3 sport utility vehicle and Nissan’s Navara pickup to be produced locally.

"The electric-vehicle play in South Africa will not be determined by the South African consumer, but by the requirements of export markets,” Martyn Davies, an auto-industry specialist at Deloitte LLP, said by phone from Johannesburg, adding that the weaker rand is also making exports more attractive.

The quality of the local plants of BMW, Ford Motor Co and Mercedes-Benz AG are good enough to make retooling quite straightforward, he said, adding that the next product made in South Africa by those automakers could feasibly be electric.

Under the terms of the new manufacturing plan, the automakers will have to more than double annual production to as many as 1.4 million vehicles by 2035, and that won’t happen without making electric cars as well as gas or diesel, according to Naamsa’s Mabasa.

BMW’s i3 and i8 are two of only three models currently available in the birth country of electric car pioneer Elon Musk, and only 620 units have been sold.

Jaguar Land Rover introduced the I-Pace earlier this year, while Nissan is holding off on the launch of the latest LEAF until after an agreement is reached on import tariffs.

Elsewhere on the African continent, a plan by Volkswagen to introduce an electric-vehicle in Rwanda stands in contrast to a lack of other developments.

Another barrier to an accelerated electric-car boom in South Africa is Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd, the power provider that last week reported an annual loss of almost US$1.5 billion and requires an US$8.8 billion government bailout over the next three years.

The utility has been forced to implement intermittent rolling blackouts and is reliant on coal, which is out of step with the environmentally friendly advantages of producing electric cars, Mabasa said.

Therefore, the industry paper is likely to lay out a mixture of power sources between Eskom and privately owned renewable energy projects, he said.

But the need to turn around Eskom’s financial situation is likely to be of more pressing concern to the government than using it to enable the electric-car industry, Nissan’s Whitfield said.

"There is excess capacity, but quite frankly Eskom’s issues have to be addressed or we will have much bigger problems,” Whitfield said.


Triumph Trophy SE - Slick Tourer

                Over the years, touring bikes have gone through a rapid evolution in terms of design and safety.

At present, the advanced features available on these machines are meant to make high speed cruising a fun and memorable experience.

Triumph has taken note of all these needs and developed a luxury sports touring bike — Triumph Trophy SE.

The first thing that hit me when I saw the Trophy SE was how a 68kg person like myself handle this 301kg (wet weight) machine.

To my surprise, the bike handled very well according to my whims and fancies.

Not a moment I felt that the bike was too heavy for me.

But I was always reminded of the weight whenever I was rolling it out rear first from any stationary position.
The Trophy comes with a myriad of riders aide (eg electronic gadgets) that ensures rider and passenger comfort and safety during a long journey.It just needs a bit of common sense and practice and I was enjoying every bit of it on my journey.Among the features are the anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic cruise control, electronic suspension adjustment, traction control, tyre pressure, sound system and an electric windshield.The Triumph’s link braking system is awesome.
Even when I applied the brakes while in mid-corner, the brake force at the front wheel wasn’t excessive enough to disrupt the cornering manoeuvre.

In fact, the link braking adjusts the braking forces between the front and rear wheels, and was smooth and non-intrusive at all.

The brakes are equipped with anti-lock braking system to enhance safety.

Trophy scores an “A” with its ergonomics.

The saddle is wide and firm, allowing a good amount of comfort when on a long ride.

If you look closely at the saddle, it’s carefully designed to ensure the bottom is well supported.

The saddle also complements very well for the upright position riding with ample legroom.

The Trophy comes with good 20W speakers and a three-band equaliser.

With my full face helmet on and riding the Trophy at relatively high speeds, music from the radio can still be heard loud and clear.

And the music volume increases as the speed increases. How cool is that?

The electric wind shield has always been my favourite simply because of my height.

More often than not, my head is always under the threat of wind buffeting.

I could bring up the wind shield right to my head level, keeping my head protected from the on-coming air.

The Trophy is able to memorise the last position of my preferred wind shield height.

When I turn off the bike the screen retracts and then, when I power up the bike, it reverts to its last position.

If you happen to be behind a Trophy and see the panniers move up and down; do not be alarmed.

The panniers are designed to swing freely under strong winds so the bike can stay stable.

This innovation is called Triumph Dynamic Luggage System (TDLS) pannier mounting system. Now you know!

By the way, the capacity of the panniers is 31 litres each, meaning a full face helmet can be stored with space to spare.

This 1,215cc three-cylinder engine with 134hp, pumps out 120Nm of torque, which is distributed throughout the rev range giving me effortless acceleration and smooth cruising.

The ride-by-wire throttle system ensures that I get exactly the torque I want with precision.

On the highways and open roads, I was able to rev the engine up to 10,000rpm.

You can feel the power building up in no time.

It is amazing to see how the Trophy picks up progressively from 2,500rpm to 6,500rpm with no signs of a power dip.

While on fast cruising, I would be either on fifth or sixth gear.

There was minimal gear down shifting. And during those moments, I was so satisfied with its performance like a full bellied python.

Taking corners between 80kph and 100kph is extremely safe and the ground clearance is no issue at all.

I challenged two hairpin turns at about 60kph and both manoeuvres were easily executed without drama.

Despite the intimidating weight, every twist and turn on Trophy was filled with loads of fun.

It is flexible yet stable. Be it a wide or sharp corners, Trophy’s agility is commendable.

The Trophy is a luxurious sports touring bike that allows its rider to enjoy the open road in high comfort.

If this bike is not a “First Class” ride, then I don’t know what is?


Tesla can reopen California plant with new measures, says county

                SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla Inc. can begin preparing for a restart of its only US car plant as soon as next week, a California county said, a boon for the automaker that had threatened to flaunt authorities’ orders to keep the factory shut.

Health officers for Alameda County said on Twitter late Tuesday that a reopening can happen if Tesla adopts extra recommendations to battle the coronavirus in its safety plans.

Tesla had sent Alameda a new plan for meeting criteria to reopen on Monday.

The health department said it held “productive discussions” with Tesla and reviewed its safety and prevention plans, and will allow additional approved activities for local businesses including Tesla on May 18, provided data shows progress with containing the virus.

Chief executive officer Elon Musk had said Monday that Tesla would restart production at the plant in Fremont and flout county officials who had ordered the company to keep the factory closed. Earlier on Tuesday, he thanked President Donald Trump for endorsing his reopening of the factory.

The county and six other San Francisco Bay area municipalities had decided in late April to extend their restrictions on businesses through the end of May to battle the spread of the coronavirus.

While California governor Gavin Newsom announced last week he would let manufacturers in parts of the state reopen starting May 8, he also said local authorities could keep stricter measures in place.

Overnight, Musk sent an email to employees: “Just wanted to send you a note of appreciation for working hard to make Tesla successful. It is so cool seeing the factory come back to life and you are making it happen!!” he wrote in the message seen by Bloomberg News.

When asked on Twitter how Monday went at the factory, Musk replied Tuesday: “Great.”

Two workers who have returned to work at the plant said they were required to watch a safety-training video. One said the company handed out masks and had put up plexiglass stations in the break room. Another said plastic curtains hang from the ceiling as barriers to keep workers separated from one another, and that the carmaker is taking employees’ temperature using thermal scanners.

Musk’s emailed words of encouragement to staff followed tweets in which he claimed Tesla would move its headquarters and future programs to Nevada or Texas and may even cease manufacturing in California.

To follow through on those threats, the CEO would have to uproot many of the roughly 20,000 employees the carmaker has in the San Francisco Bay area. About half of the company’s headcount is at the factory.

He wrote Saturday that Tesla would decide whether to keep manufacturing in Fremont based on how Tesla is treated in the future.

After prevailing in a defamation suit and emerging mostly unscathed from a court fight with the Securities and Exchange Commission last year, Musk is waging another legal battle. This time, he’s tangling with health officials over measures to contain a virus that he downplayed starting in January.

Musk has claimed Covid-19 isn’t all that viral a disease, called panic about it “dumb” and theorised fatality rates are overstated.

He’s also promoted the antimalarial drugs Trump embraced that haven’t proved effective and wrongly predicted that new cases would be close to zero by the end of April.

Tesla’s standoff with California has come to represent the tense debate playing out in states and counties across America over how fast businesses should be allowed to reopen.

The nation’s top infectious disease official, Anthony Fauci, warned against reopening the economy too soon during a Senate hearing Tuesday, saying that doing so risks new coronavirus outbreaks throughout the US.

Trump’s supportive Twitter post followed words of encouragement that Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin offered to Musk on Monday.

“He’s one of the biggest employers and manufacturers in California,” Mnuchin told CNBC. “California should prioritise doing whatever they need to do to solve those health issues so that he can open quickly and safely.”

Kimbal Musk, a Tesla director and Elon’s brother, shared a story on Mnuchin’s remarks with his more than 107,000 followers.


One day, a smart steering wheel could be all you need

                LONDON: Imagine a future of autonomous, connected and electric cars where you don’t own a single car, but instead call upon the vehicle of your choice where and when you need it.

That’s a future vision Jaguar Land Rover is exploring with Sayer, the connected steering wheel that could be the only part of the car you own.

Need to be at a meeting two hours away from home by 8am tomorrow? Simply ask Sayer from the comfort of your living room and it will work out when you get up, when a car needs to autonomously arrive at your door and even advise which parts of the journey you might enjoy driving yourself.

Jaguar Land Rover said Sayer would be the first voice-activated artificial intelligence (AI) steering wheel that would be able to carry out hundreds of tasks. Sayer could signal your membership of Jaguar Land Rover's on-demand service club, where members could either own a car or share it with others in the club.

Jaguar Land Rover will be revealing Sayer at the inaugural Tech Fest at Central St Martins, University of the Arts London on Sept 7.

Sayer's name is taken from a prominent Jaguar designer, Malcolm Sayer, who worked for the British marque between 1951 and 1970.


Latest Tesla product unveiling delayed until Wednesday

                SAN FRANCISCO: Elon Musk has delayed the unveiling of the latest Tesla product to Wednesday, the inventor announced on his official Twitter page.

Originally due to be unveiled on Monday, the new products need "a few more days of refinement," explained Musk, who made the announcement late Sunday evening.

Musk often uses Twitter to tease product news, although it is still unsure what this new launch is for. Musk did say back in June there would be a another event for the Model 3 later this year, but he didn't specify when.

There is already another conference scheduled in for later this month on Friday October 28, which according to an earlier tweet from Musk will be used to unveil the company's integrated solar roof product.


Mercedes-Benz starts trial in class action suit over diesel tests

                BERLIN: Mercedes-Benz went on trial today in a class action-style lawsuit which alleges that the German carmaker knowingly manipulated diesel-emissions tests by installing defeat devices.

Germany's largest consumer protection group, the VZBZ, accused the carmaker of installing devices in its GLK and GLC SUV models that in tests made it appear the vehicles produced lower pollutant levels than they actually did in traffic.

The crux of the case before the Stuttgart court is whether Mercedes-Benz knowingly deceived customers by controlling the purification of exhaust gas, thus meriting claims for damages.

The lawsuit seeks to set a precedent that would enable owners of Mercedes GLC and GLK cars to gain compensation for software that was allegedly used to trick emissions tests.

The lawsuit covers nearly 50,000 GLC and GLK models and was made possible after Germany passed a law in 2018 that allowed consumer protection organisations to litigate on behalf of the consumers they represent, avoiding the high legal costs that could discourage people from bringing legal action.

Mercedes-Benz said the claims by diesel customers as well as the lawsuit were unfounded. Over 25,000 such claims have been brought before courts, 95% of which have failed, it said.

The matter is part of the wider "Dieselgate" emissions scandal that has cost rival Volkswagen billions of euros in vehicle refits, fines and legal costs.


GM targets China's urban rich with luxury imports

                BEIJING: General Motors has lost its mojo in China.

Sales of its flagship Buick, Cadillac and Chevrolet brands have slumped by a third over the past five years to 1.3 million cars a year as consumers snap up smart EVs made by home-grown firms such as Xpeng, Nio and BYD .

To generate some buzz around its American brands, GM is planning to target well-heeled consumers in China's megacities with niche, luxury imports, said executives at the US automaker.

Using a new direct sales platform called Durant Guild, the company will host invitation-only events to showcase possible products, open "experience centres" in urban hubs and potentially stage pop-ups at selected sites, they said.

"Durant Guild is not a volume play, but if we do a good job and the products sell well, it will create a lot of buzz around Cadillac and Chevy and will help how people perceive our products and technology," said the head of GM in China, Julian Blissett.

While he declined to name which cars would be sold through Durant Guild, he said they could be US premium models currently unavailable in China such as the all-electric GMC Hummer pick-up or sports-utility vehicle (SUV), the hulking gasoline-fuelled Chevrolet Tahoe SUV or the sleek Chevrolet Corvette sports car.

Blissett, a 16-year veteran of the Chinese market, said such "halo cars" would fit nicely into communities of consumers in cities who have started to harbour an interest in performance cars for racing, or SUVs to venture off the beaten track.

"There's a lot more appetite to take more off-road types of vehicles to explore nature, and that wasn't a trend five, 10 years ago," Blissett said in an interview.

Durant Guild, which is named after GM's founder William Durant, will be wholly owned and operated by GM and will launch officially as soon as this month.

To mark the launch, GM is hosting a series of invitation-only events, with the first expected in Shanghai on Friday.

Shifting fortunes

GM hopes that by using a sales and marketing model akin to ones that worked well for Tesla and Apple in China, it will be able to channel any energy and excitement the imports generate back into GM's existing models in the country.

"That will be a positive impact on our business and will support our growth plans in China," Blissett said.

GM plans to do this without relying on traditional brick-and-mortar dealerships. It was not immediately clear how GM plans to service cars sold through Durant Guild.

Global automakers such GM, Volkswagen and Toyota, which have dominated the combustion age in China, are falling steadily behind local players in a booming electric vehicle (EV) market. read more

Foreign brands including Buick and Chevrolet have dominated in China since the 1990s, typically winning a collective 60% to 70% share of passenger car sales in recent years.

In the first eight months of 2022, however, foreign brands only captured 52.4% of the market.

In a sign of the shifting fortunes, sales by GM's Chinese joint venture with SAIC Motor had fallen 4.6% by the end of August compared with the same period last year, while BYD sales sky-rocketed 267%.

For GM, improving the perception of its brands in China is all the more important as it prepares to unleash a new generation of smart EVs of its own in the country, starting with the Cadillac Lyriq SUV this year.

Felix Weller, head of Durant Guild, said GM had earmarked three new types of consumer it hopes to attract.

First there are the nature lovers interested in glamping, picnicking, trekking and cycling, all while staying close to home in the wake of the pandemic that limited travel options.

Then there are the executive VIPs, successful professionally and busy, while the third group includes young and sporty drivers who are taking performance cars to racing tracks.

A spokesman said subsequently that there were other communities in China that GM was also interested in wooing through Durant Guild, without giving details.

No conflict

It was not immediately clear what specific competitive conditions in China's auto marketplace compelled GM to launch a new direct-to-consumer channel to sell specialty vehicles shipped in from North America.

Asked how its Chinese partner has responded to Durant Guild, Blissett said GM had the full support of SAIC for both the idea and intent behind Durant Guild.

"There is no fundamental tension," he said.

The GM China chief also said there had been no push back from Chinese dealers marketing Buick, Cadillac and Chevrolet cars for GM and SAIC, partly because there was no crossover.

"It's a business they don't have to date, so we're not cutting anything from anybody. It's an incremental, additional business," Blissett said.

Asked about Durant Guild, a spokesman for SAIC said: "The new platform is complementary to SAIC-GM's existing business. It doesn't conflict with anything we do."

Weller said Durant Guild will try to go beyond placing its experience centres inside shopping malls, as Tesla and other EV startups have done, but that strategy was still being finalised.

He said GM had no plans to use a similar direct-to-consumer model for Buick, Chevy and Cadillac cars already on sale in China — or to take the Durant Guild model beyond China.

Chee-Kiang Lim, managing director for China at Detroit-based automotive consultancy Urban Science, said a direct sales model such as Durant Guild was a cost-effective way to market cars and maximise profits — and GM's focus on changing lifestyles among consumers could be a differentiator.

But he said GM should not overlook an even more critical consumer trend, where consumers are increasingly preoccupied with smart, connected features.

"What Chinese consumers want is to extend their digital lifestyles to their cars. Cars from foreign brands designed and engineered overseas are increasingly not meeting these needs," Lim said.

"If Durant can overcome this bias and provide high-tech, personalised features and seamless connectivity to China's digital ecosystems, its odds of success in the China marketplace will be higher."


Contra flow between Sg Besi toll plaza and UPM interchange from Jan 25 to Feb 2

                KUALA LUMPUR: Temporary bound closure and contra flow have been activated at Km 307- Km309 on the North-South Expressway between Sungai Besi Toll Plaza and the UPM Interchange from 10pm until 5am daily for eight days from Jan 25 until Feb 2.

PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS) in a statement today said it was to facilitate the smooth construction of a pedestrian overhead bridge by an MRT project contractor.

However, these closures will be carried out in stages.

“As such, all highway customers are strongly advised to plan their journey using the PLUS App and check the latest traffic conditions via CCTV feeds or use the SOS button in the app to request for help from PLUSRonda team,” it said.


Tesla says plans to open China design and research centre

Musk gesturing at the China-made Model 3 delivery ceremony at the company's Gigafactory in Shanghai on Jan 7. — Bloomberg
SHANGHAI: Tesla plans to open a design and research centre in China to make “Chinese-style” vehicles, the company said in a recruitment notice on its official WeChat account.

Wednesday’s notice sought to recruit designers and other staff to help fulfill the goal, and called for applications by Feb 1, but did not identify the centre’s location.

“In order to achieve a shift of ‘Made in China’ to ‘Designed in China’, Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk has proposed a very cool thing — set up a design and research centre in China,” it read.

It was not immediately clear when the centre might begin operations, however.

Tesla’s first factory outside the United States is in the eastern city of Shanghai, and it started delivering China-made Model 3 vehicles this month.

Last week, Musk launched a Model Y electric sports utility vehicle program at the US$2 billion factory, with an on-stage dance that raised an online storm.

That was also the week that Tesla’s stock market value hit nearly US$89 billion, eclipsing the sum of General Motors’ and Ford’s values for the first time.

The stock move was fuelled by a surprise third-quarter profit, progress at the new China factory and better-than-expected fourth quarter deliveries.


Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes goes up for sale

                LONDON: The opening rounds of the 2018 Formula One season may not have gone as well for reigning World Champion Lewis Hamilton as he and his team would have liked, but the idea of Hamilton putting his car up for sale so early in the season does seem a little premature.

Of course, the Lewis Hamilton-owned Mercedes that is up for sale in Britain on the Auto Trader website isn't an F1 car, but instead a Mercedes-Benz S-Class Maybach previously owned by the Formula One Champion.

Auto Trader is the largest automotive marketplace for new and used cars in the UK, and there's no shortage of both exotic and mundane models for sale there at any given time. However, a car previously owned by a motor racing legend like Hamilton is something special, but it's not obviously reflected in the asking price of £104,990 (RM561,000). At the moment, a new one in Britain costs from £171,925 (RM919,000).

The car is a white 2015 Mercedes-Benz S Class 6.0 S600 Maybach 7G-Tronic with 44,256km on the clock and a number of upgrades, but it's not even the most expensive one on the site at the moment. There are two examples priced higher than the former Lewis Hamilton car, although to be fair, they are both newer and have fewer miles on them.

The most expensive one is a late 2017 model with the more powerful 621bhp engine that's priced at £139,999 (RM748,000). But a gray version with the same engine as Hamilton's old car that's a 2016 model with 24,856km on the clock is priced at a few thousand more than the one formerly owned by the F1 champion.

"This is a seriously luxurious car. The standard S-Class is one of the swankiest cars that Mercedes makes, and this Maybach edition is even more high-end, featuring ultimate comfort mixed with cutting-edge technology," said Auto Trader's editorial director, Erin Baker, of the listing.

Baker went on to add: "as celebrity cars on Auto Trader go is something special, and I don't anticipate it will be available for long. Mercedes must have offered him something pretty special to replace this one. Maybe it's the new Mercedes-AMG Project One hypercar."


US autoworkers will continue to wear masks on job

                DETROIT: Detroit's Big Three automakers and the United Auto Workers union said Wednesday they will continue to require workers to wear masks pending new guidelines from a US agency.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said last week that fully vaccinated people do not need to wear masks in most instances including at work.

General Motors Co, Ford Motor Co and Chrysler-parent Stellantis NV said they are awaiting guidelines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The UAW and automakers will reconvene in two weeks and review updates.

Other automakers are also still requiring US workers to wear masks, including Toyota Motor Corp, Nissan Motor Co and Volkswagen AG.

GM spokesman Dan Flores said the automaker "will continue our current practices around mask wearing until we are confident that any revisions continue to support employees’ health and safety while ensuring compliance with applicable federal and state rules."

Flores said GM was encouraging employees to get vaccinated.

"Immunity is the best path towards determining when GM may be able to relax or rescind mask wearing protocols," he said.

A Stellantis spokesman said the company strongly advocates employees get vaccinated and "will continue to mandate the use of masks in our facilities, in combination with our other health and safety protocols, for the foreseeable future."


Peugeot launches new e-Rifter electric vehicle

                PARIS: The new PEUGEOT e-Rifter is the latest fully electric vehicle to join Peugeot’s growing line-up of zero emissions models.

Based on the award-winning Rifter, the e-Rifter is built on Peugeot’s multi-energy EMP2 platform and features a 100kw (136hp) electric powertrain capable of up to 260Nm of torque.

To be available in showrooms later this autumn, the e-Rfter is capable of up to 276km (under WLTP) from a single charge and is available in five and seven-seat configurations.

It has a towing capacity of up to 750kg and up to 4,000-litres of boot space.

Powered by a 50kWh battery, the e-Rifter has a top speed of 133kph and can accelerate from 0-100kph in 11.2-seconds.

The e-Rifter comes standard with a 7.4kW single-phase charger and with an optional 11kW three-phase charger.

Supporting a variety of charging methods, the e-Rifter can be charged using wallbox or 100kW rapid charging.

A full charge from a 7.4kW Wallbox will take 7.5 hours, or 5 hours using the optional 11kW three-phase charger.

Supporting rapid charging, 0 to 80% charge can be completed in just 30 minutes using a 100kWh rapid charger.

Using the MyPEUGEOT® smartphone app, owners can schedule delayed charging to take advantage of off-peak electricity tariffs.

The e-Rifter comes with Peugeot’s innovative digital i-Cockpit interior, and is available with both a digital instrument panel and a digital central display – the first in the segment.

Its 8-inch touchscreen gives buyers access to a dedicated ‘Electric’ menu where they can view live energy flows when driving, energy efficiency and charge status.

Drivers can also set delayed charging through the central touchscreen, while public charging points are highlighted in the navigation menu.

Also standard are Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™.

Available variants are Standard or Long where Standard models measuring 4.4m long, and Long variants measuring 4.75m.

Peugeot UK managing director Julie Brown said: “The new e-Rifter is our latest electric model, and is one step closer to fulfilling our promise of offering an electrified variant across our entire model line-up by 2023.

"With a range of practical features, and available in five or seven-seat configurations, we believe the e-Rifter is the ideal choice for both families and businesses looking for a versatile, zero-emissions vehicle and are excited to introduce it to our customers later this year,” Brown said.


Lexus UX compact crossover goes on sale in Japan

                TOKYO: The new 2019 Lexus UX started rolling out to retail points in Japan on Wednesday following its Geneva Motor Show debut in March.

The UX is the brand's first model to be developed with the new Global Architecture-Compact platform (it is being previewed at the KL International Motor Show now).

The UX was designed to stay true to its roots while also integrating some urban yet sporty features of contemporary luxury car design.

By encompassing traditional Japanese architectural concepts within a sturdy, sporty body, Lexus created a vehicle engineered to connect drivers with the driving experience and vice versa and to omit any and all concerns about handling, safety and stability.

Built to be sturdy, look tough, and provide a sense of security to drivers in part thanks to the GA-C platform's low centre of gravity and wide-set wheels, the exterior also encapsulates the sense of "constant motion," as a result of swooping character lines that seamlessly span the front of the body to the rear.

"Designers strived to create a seamless continuity between the inside and outside" of the vehicle, as is typical of Japanese architecture, by structuring the instrument panel in such a way that it looks to continue beyond the windshield and veer towards the fenders. This provides drivers with a clear sense of tire placement and also minimises the distractions a more aggressive framework could create.

The front seats, which are set within a spacious cabin, are finished in sashiko quilting, "an age-old embroidery art," and the embellishment on the instrument panel was inspired by traditional Japanese paper called washi. Like the outside design suggests, the driver's feeling of control is boosted by intuitively placed controls that require minimal movement from the driver to activate.

To further enhance the driver's sense of security, the UX is equipped with the latest version of the "Lexus Safety System+," a system that works with the driver to avoid pedestrians and cyclists, to stay in a lane when using cruise control, to adjust high beams for oncoming traffic and to reiterate road sign information on the heads-up display in case the driver missed it.

The Lexus UX comes in two versions, the UX 200 and the UX 250h - one petrol-powered and the other partly electric. The former sports a 2.0-litre, inline 4-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive, and the latter is powered by a 2.0-litre next-generation hybrid system accompanied by your choice of front- or all-wheel drive.

The UX 200 starts at 3,900,000 Yen (RM145,000) and the UX 250h starts at 4,250,000 Yen (RM158,000) and can already be ordered from Lexus dealerships across Japan. Rollout to other select Asian markets is to follow.

Though not yet available in Europe, the UX is on display at dealerships across the continent and available for order starting at £29,900 (RM160,000).

And in the US, the UX 200 is scheduled to arrive in December with an MSRP starting at US$32,000 (RM134,000) followed by the UX 250h in January, from US$34,000 (RM143,000).