UMW Toyota Motor testing bZ4X EV as part of multi-pathway strategy to decarbonise local roads

                SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) today presented the next step in the company’s multi-pathway strategy in supporting Malaysia’s goal to become carbon-neutral by 2050.

The company has registered six sample units of the Toyota bZ4X battery electric vehicle (BEV) – as part of Toyota’s Beyond Zero strategy - for evaluation by the company’s technical team, as well as stakeholders in the government and private sector working towards realising low carbon personal transport solutions for Malaysia. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the bZ4X is expected to launch in Malaysia later this year, with pricing speculated to be around RM250,000.

The bZ4X is available in all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. The test units in Malaysia is the front-wheel drive version with a range of 500km (WLTP). The BEV gets a 71.4kWh Li-ion battery pack and its single motor makes 204PS and 266Nm of torque. It's capable of DC charging at up to 150 kW via a CCS2 connector; AC charging at up to 6.6 kW is through a Type 2 connector.

 The bZ4X interior.

Today's strategy announcement comes after January’s handover of five units of Toyota Mirai to Sarawak’s SEDC Energy and the state’s premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. The Mirai is a hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV).

The trial is part of a wider effort by Sarawak to kickstart hydrogen economy there.

Together with the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) that is currently assembled at UMWT’s manufacturing subsidiary Assembly Services Sdn Bhd plant in Bukit Raja, Selangor, the bZ4X and Mirai demonstrate UMWT’s commitment to offer the best fit-for-purpose solution to the broadest segments of Malaysian customers.

As part of its engagement with key stakeholders in the transport and energy sector, UMWT’s Shah Alam office today hosted an exhibition on the company’s multi-pathway strategy towards carbon neutrality.

Apart from the bZ4X, a cut-away of the Toyota Hybrid System was also put on display, symbolising the foundation of Toyota’s leadership in HEV technology, with more than 18.1 million units sold worldwide since 1997.

To date, Toyota has sold more than 20 million electrified vehicles globally, contributing to CO2 reduction of 165 million metric tons.

Toyota said its hybrid electric cars have a long history of proven reliability on Malaysian road conditions since 2009.

The self-charging two-motor full-hybrid electric drivetrains does not depend on public charging infrastructure.

Toyota believes that HEV is the most practical and cost-effective solution for Malaysians today, promising immediate carbon reduction without compromising on long-distance driving practicality and peace-of-mind usage – values that customers expect from every Toyota model.

“Toyota has a multi-pathway strategy towards carbon neutrality and this is evident through these green powertrains, each developed to best meet the unique needs of customers in different parts of the world," said UMWT president Datuk Ravindran K.

 In Toyota's worldview, hybrids like the Camry Hybrid and Corolla Cross Hybrid (below) are the way to go for now and in the immediate future.

"For Malaysia, we believe HEVs are the most suitable for Malaysians, considering the fuel source of our electricity generation and availability of charging infrastructure outside city centres in the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

"We will add more HEV models in 2023.”

At the same time, Toyota recognises that BEV technology will also become a very important next piece to complete the puzzle of carbon-neutrality.

To support the creation of a BEV-friendly ecosystem, UMWT will be supporting Malaysia’s goal of achieving 4,000 electric vehicle charging points by the end of this year.

As infrastructure to support BEVs improves, UMWT will launch a BEV model in the near-term.

Toyota said that in line with its brand’s promise, it must ensure its customers enjoy peace-of-mind ownership experience, regardless of whether they own an ICE, HEV or a BEV Toyota.

Toyota sells vehicles to more than 170 countries worldwide and the needs of people around the world differ greatly, as are the availability of clean renewable energy.

Toyota said it would not abandon any customer group in its efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Toyota said it believes that keeping a technology-neutral, multi-pathway strategy is the best approach towards attaining carbon neutrality.

Ultimately, it is the customer, not regulations that will determine which drivetrain technology would lead people to a carbon neutral future.

“Toyota customers come from a very diverse background, not just customers living in the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, but also in East Malaysia. We believe in giving choices to customers," said Ravindran.

"They will determine which green solution is best for them. We will continue to evaluate different options and introduce them as appropriate.”

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How low can you go? Volkswagen throws down the emissions gauntlet

                BRUSSELS: Volkswagen has softened its stance on tough new European carbon dioxide emissions targets for automakers, betting it can absorb more stringent cuts than its rivals, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The EU last month raised its target for cuts in net greenhouse gas emissions to 55% by 2030 from 1990 levels instead of 40% and Europe's automakers will find out in July what their contribution on CO2 emissions is expected to be.

Three sources said that Volkswagen, which owns car brands including Porsche, Audi, VW, Seat and Skoda, is quietly letting policymakers in Brussels know that it would support more ambitious cuts in emissions than other car manufacturers.

While the sources did not say what specific targets Volkswagen would be comfortable with, the move by Europe's biggest carmaker is both undermining and upsetting smaller rivals that want Brussels to give them more leeway.

"This has become a quest for survival," one person familiar with the carmaker said. "You can't wait for others to eventually catch up."

Asked about its stance on CO2 emissions, Volkswagen said it had already signalled its support for ambitious CO2 cuts in the past, adding this would require an expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and renewable energy.

The company said it expected the European Commission to recommend a 50% cut in fleet-wide CO2 emissions for passenger cars by 2030, adding this was the level it had prepared for.

It might be able to absorb even more.

Volkswagen has set itself a 2025 deadline for overtaking U.S. pioneer Tesla (TSLA.O) and becoming the world's biggest seller of electric vehicles (EVs), a plan that includes building six battery factories in Europe alone by 2030.

Binding commitments

Volkswagen AG chief executive Herbert Diess has reasons to be aggressive.

The German carmaker took an early decision to build a common platform for EVs, it has a cash pile of 24 billion euros and is fast clawing market share for mass-market EVs away from early leaders such as Renault.

With its manufacturing and financial muscle, Volkswagen could reach full manufacturing cost parity between electric and conventional cars by 2025, analysts at Swiss bank UBS say.

Tensions over emissions cuts came to a head at a board meeting of the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) in March, two people familiar with the matter said.

Several chief executives said they were concerned about the prospect of tougher EU standards, as they could blow a hole in profits from fossil-fuel engines that could not yet be plugged by electric vehicles, the two people said.

But Diess took a more upbeat view, saying his company's EVs would achieve cost parity by the mid-2020s, a comment that raised eyebrows among fellow CEOs at the meeting including Renault's Luca de Meo, one of the people said.

Renault and Volkswagen declined to comment on the meeting.

The ACEA said it did not report on details of discussions that took place during its board meetings.

"What we can report, however, is that during this meeting, all CEOs agreed that they are open to higher CO2 reduction targets for cars in 2030, provided that these targets are directly linked to binding commitments from member states to roll out the required charging points and hydrogen stations," the association told Reuters.

Mass market

But some ACEA members, such as Volkswagen, are able to absorb deeper cuts than others, the people familiar with the meeting said, pointing out that while the association was open to more ambitious targets, it has not given a firm number.

At the moment, the European industry must deliver fleet-wide cuts in emissions of 37.5% by 2030 for new passenger cars from 2021 limits - equivalent to a reduction from 95 grams of CO2 per km this year to 59 g/km at the end of the decade.

One person familiar with the matter said the industry was now bracing for this target reduction to rise to at least 50% when the European Commission unveils its plans.

That could even rise to 55%, or more, as the legislation goes through the European Parliament, the person said, potentially squeezing some of the weaker European players with lower pain points when it comes to emissions.

Premium carmakers can get away with meeting tougher emissions standards by pursuing both electric vehicles and combustion engines, simply because some clients will always be prepared to pay more for luxury electric vehicles.

But it's different for the mass market where affordability is key, so Volkswagen was forced to come up with a strategy to build affordable and profitable EVs for the masses quickly.

It introduced a modular electric-drive platform, known as MEB, ahead of its European rivals and it now underpins electric EVs under a variety of its brands, including Audi, VW and Skoda.

"Five years ago, we decided to build a single platform for electric cars. Many in the industry questioned our approach," Diess told Volkswagen's Power Day in March. "Today, they are following suit, while we are reaping the fruit."

Under attack

Taking a page out of Volkswagen's book, Renault's de Meo, a former Volkswagen executive who turned the Seat brand around, is now banking on its electric platforms known as CMF B-EV and CMF A to produce small and affordable EVs.

"It is our weapon to counter Volkswagen," he said in a memo last year.

Volkswagen is already winning market share at Renault's expense in the battery electric vehicle sector in Europe, figures from database EV-Volumes.com show.

Volkswagen's share soared to 25% last year from 14% in 2019, overtaking the Renault, Nissan (7201.T), Mitsubishi (7211.T) alliance, whose share shrank to 19% from 23% in 2019.

In the first quarter of 2021, Renault's share declined further to 15%, tying with Tesla for third place behind Volkswagen on 21% and Stellantis (STLA.MI) on 17%, according to EV-Volumes.com.

"Renault has held a strong position within the European BEV (battery electric vehicles) market for several years now. That said, with launches from peers such as VW and Stellantis, we believe this leadership is coming under increasing attack," Barclays analysts said.

Selling mass-market EVs is also vital to earn valuable carbon credits that carmakers can sell to rivals struggling to meet EU emissions targets.

EV champions can even make a business selling credits to heavy emitters. Tesla, for example, sold Italy's FCA European and U.S. CO2 credits worth 2 billion euros from 2019 to 2021, and green credit sales helped boost its first-quarter revenue.

FCA's merger with France's PSA to form Stellantis, however, has brought an end to its need for Tesla credits this year, thanks to the French carmaker's electric technology, Stellantis said on Tuesday.

Concerns Renault, among others, might have a tougher time than some in meeting stricter emission standards, however, is hitting a nerve in the French government, which has a 15% stake in the carmaker.

Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire lashed out at tougher EU automotive standards last month, telling Le Figaro newspaper they should not "destroy our industry".

"Some proposals are going too far," he said.


Puspakom centre in KL offers commercial vehicle road tax renewal

                KUALA LUMPUR: Puspakom inspection centres are now offering road tax renewal services, with its Wangsa Maju branch here being the first to do so beginning Feb 3.

For now, the service is only available at the Puspakom branch in Wangsa Maju and only for de-controlled commercial vehicles with maximum permissible laden weight (BDM) of 7,500kg and below.

However, the road tax renewal service will be introduced in stages at 53 other Puspakom centres within the next three months, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

The new service offered by Puspakom is also expected to be widened to include road tax renewals for more vehicle categories including private vehicles, he said.

"When the system is stable, the service will be widened to include other vehicles from time to time.

"In the next three months, we hope we will be extending the service to all other centres, and widen the service to also include private vehicles.

"That will be in stages.

"We want to ease people's affairs and help them save time so they don't need to go to multiple places," Loke told reporters after launching the service at Puspakom Wangsa Maju here today.

Puspakom chief executive officer (CEO) Shukor Ismail said the introduction of road tax renewal services at Puspakom was part of the firm's initiatives to create one-stop centres for vehicle-related services.

Besides vehicle inspection services, Puspakom started offering insurance renewal services in 2018 before starting road tax renewal services this year, said Shukor.

"The services offered by Puspakom will give customers a comprehensive experience under one roof, and also help them save time and energy," he said.


Honda hopes new Civic hatchback to be basis for more efficient cars

                TOKYO: Honda Motor Co unveiled its latest Civic hatchback designs today, with hopes that the all-new model will become a foundation for developing cars more efficiently.

The eleventh generation model of the Civic reflects Honda's company-wide initiative dubbed Honda Architecture, which is aimed to increase the efficiency of development and to expand parts-sharing for mass-produced cars.

Yosuke Sato, development leader for Japan's second biggest automaker, told reporters this month the company used Honda Architecture to increase efficiency when developing the Civic's engine compartment by integrating parts and arrangements for components such as an inlet air cooler.

"Successor car models will overall become more efficient," Sato said.

Honda said in 2019 that it expected to reduce the number of man-hours spent on developing mass-production models by 30% by 2025 to accelerate its research and development in new technologies such as electrification and autonomous driving.

Honda has sold more than 27 million Civic vehicles worldwide across 10 different generational models since it was introduced in 1972. The Civic is one of Honda's top-selling cars in the United states.

The new Civic will offer features such as advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies.

While the Civic will be offered with the choice of a continuously variable transmission or a six-speed manual transmission this time, the carmaker said it plans to roll-out hybrid and sporty type-R versions next year.

Sales of the new Civic will start this fall in Japan and the United States, the company said, with the price to be revealed in August.


Maserati takes first stab at electric mobility with Ghibli hybrid

                MODENA: They might make fast cars, but Maserati is only now crossing the finish line onto electric avenue with its first mild hybrid, the Ghibli saloon which borrows a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine from its sister brand Alfa Romeo

Launching in September, the Ghibli's new engine works with a 48-volt system, an electric compressor instead of a conventional charger and an electric starter-generator.

The starter-generator helps start the car while also allowing for longer idling phases in the start-stop system and recovers more energy during braking, which is why Maserati says this car's fuel consumption is around 20 per cent more efficient than a V6 engine.

There is little change in performance, however, and this 330-horsepower engine can roughly match the 350hp of the six-cylinder counterpart.

Despite losing two cylinders, the promised driving performance is still typical for this segment. The Ghibli accelerates from a standstill to 100kph in 5.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 255kph.

The maker is putting fuel consumption at 8.5 litres (196 g/km CO2).

In addition to the new engine, the four-door model will be getting further updates and a new infotainment system with a larger screen, as well as voice controls. Access to some functions is provided by a special app on the smartphone.

Maserati says the car will have a price of at least €69,400 (RM338,000) in its European home market.


Banks helping flood-affected Proton car owners

                SUBANG JAYA: Proton car owners affected by the flood crisis will be given a moratorium of up to six months on their vehicles' monthly instalments or repayments and a one-off waiver relating to late payment or penalty charges.

In a statement, Proton Holdings Bhd said this assistance is provided by Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd, AmBank (M) Bhd and Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank).

Proton customers affected by the floods, however, would need to directly contact the respective banks and send in their request as soon as possible so that the banks are alerted of their situation and not impose any penalties for late repayment.

“In line with Proton’s Flood Relief programme, we initiate this call to inform our Proton car owners who have a car loan with these banks to contact the respective banks immediately as this would help lift one burden off their shoulders temporarily," said Proton chief executive officer Datuk Abdul Harith Abdullah.

"This kind gesture from these banks provides us a basis to discuss with other financial institutions to see if they are able to extend similar assistance to all affected Proton car owners. We shall update our customers when we have obtained good news from them," said Abdul Harith.

Proton's team of volunteers involving employees from the headquarters and branches at the East Coast are currently on their second round of flood relief assistance on the field, under the groupwide initiative by its parent company, DRB-Hicom.

This time around from 7-9 January 2015, they will assist in the cleanup of schools in Tanah Merah, Kelantan and presentation of essential items in Temerloh, Pahang.


All-new Isuzu D-Max launched

                PETALING JAYA: Isuzu Malaysia has unveiled its third-generation D-Max pick-up truck line-up available in seven variants priced from RM88,559 to RM141,938.

The all-new model featuring 4X4 drivetrain is available in single or double cab bodystyles, six-speed manual or automatic transmission, and 1.9-litre or 3.0-litre turbodiesel Blue Power engines.

 Suzuki with a row of X-Terrain variant.

On-the-road prices without insurance for private registration are: 1.9L single cab manual (RM88,599), 3.0L single cab manual (RM95,538), 1.9L double cab manual Standard (RM99,599), 1.9L double cab automatic Standard (RM106,999), 1.9L double cab automatic Premium (RM121,549), 3.0L double cab automatic Premium (128,038) and 3.0L double cab automatic X-Terrain (RM141,938).

All D-Max variants come with a 5-year/150,000km warranty except the flagship X-Terrain which gets the best-in-class 7-year unlimited mileage warranty.

The 3.0-litre (4JJ3-TCX) engine has been improved and now delivers 13PS more at 190PS and 70Nm more torque at 450Nm.

Its flat torque curve also arrives earlier at 1,600rpm compared with 1,800rpm previously.

Among the upgrades were high pressure common rail fuel injection system, electronically controlled high efficiency variable geometry turbo, and new piston and combustion chamber design.

The 1.9-litre (RZ4E-TC) engine, while still producing the same 150PS and 350Nm of torque, gets a new turbocharger for better responsiveness and improved top-end performance.

The new D-Max is bigger than the previous generation, gets a 30mm longer wheelbase and more shoulder space for a roomier interior.

The rear door opening has also been increased by 25mm for easier entry and exit.

Its profile now is sportier and aggressive with a 15mm higher bonnet and 10mm lower roof-line.

In addition, the new D-Max also features a new frame which is stiffer, high mounted upper-link front double wishbone suspension, aluminum propeller drive shaft, and longer and stronger rear leaf springs.

Wading depth has been increased to 800mm while the rear differential lock improves off-road capability.

The variant X-Terrain features a sporty dark grey grille with bi-LED headlight and LED daytime running lights, rear LED combination lamps, front and rear LED foglamps and a car-like interior with high levels of smart safety and premium convenience features.

Aside from satin chrome and black gloss trimmings, the interior also comes with soft-touch materials on the dashboard, centre front armrest  and door panels.

The centre infotainment touchscreen is a 9-inch unit which supports Apple Carplay, Android Auto, Bluetooth and voice recognition, while the instrument panel is the e-Lumax type with colour centre multi-information display.

Seats are the brown combination leather-type while the driver's has an eight-way power adjust capability.

The rear also comes with air-conditioner vents and an USB charging port.

Other features include seven airbags, anti-lock braking system, electronic stability system, traction control system, hill start and descent control, emergency stop signal, reverse camera, remote engine start, walkaway door lock, auto dimming rear view mirror, infrared absorbent windscreen, ISOFIX tethering and 18-inch alloy dark grey wheels with 265/60 all-terrain tyres.

Meanwhile, the Advanced Safety System comes with forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, pedal misapplication mitigation, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beam, lane departure warning, blindspot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and multi collision brake among others.

The cargo area comes with tailgate assist and a sliding tray to make loading and off-loading of items easier.

Isuzu Malaysia's Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) division executive director Masayuki Suzuki said the company is targeting to sell 6,400 units of the D-Max model this year, of which the all-new model would account for around 5,000 units.

Malaysia is the fifth market to launch the new generation D-Max pick-up truck after Thailand, the European Union, Australia and the Philippines.

He said the X-Terrain variant would be enable the company to target the high-lifestyle segment of the pick-up truck market for the first time.

The high-lifestyle segment accounted for 44% of the overall pick-up truck market last year.

The top variant of the previous generation D-Max was aimed at the mid-lifestyle which constituted a 21% share of the pick-up truck market last year.


New electric cars debut at Singapore motorshow

The Singapore Motorshow presenting the first Indian-made passenger car in Singapore, the Kia Seltos crossover. — ST/ANN
SINGAPORE: Despite an increasingly uncertain economic outlook and a smaller certificate of entitlement quota this year, the Singapore Motorshow has opened across three floors at the Suntec Convention Centre – up from two last year.

The show sees the arrival of several new electric models, including from Chinese-owned brands MG and BYD.

Audi will also unveil its battery-powered e-tron crossover, while Nissan is set to show off a Tokidoki version of its LEAF electric car.

The show sees the first Indian-made passenger car in Singapore, the Kia Seltos crossover.

Other debuts in Singapore include the Land Rover Defender, Jaguar XE, Toyota Altis and two plug-in hybrid cars from Volvo.

In all, there will be 20 new model launches at the show, which runs till Sunday.

Meanwhile, Singapore Power announced one-month free charging for those who buy an electric car at the show.

Oil giant Shell announced a “carbon-neutral” driving initiative, where Shell fleet customers can opt in on a programme which allows the oil firm to obtain carbon credits to offset whatever CO2 emission the customer’s fuel purchase produces.

The cost to the customer is an additional 1.5 cents a litre, which Shell Singapore chairman Aw Kah Peng said “is not a lot, to do our bit for the environment”.


Toyota Vios Challenge makes its mark: Fun, adrenaline-filled event

                KUALA LUMPUR: The inaugural Toyota Vios Challenge season reached its climactic finale in Technology Park Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur on March 24 and 25, 2018.

The initiative to introduce grassroots racing to the masses was exceptionally successful judging by the crowds that came to the event in Kuala Lumpur last weekend as well as in the earlier rounds in Batu Kawan, Penang, MAEPS, Serdang and in Medini City, Johor.

The Vios Challenge is the focal point of the weekend where some 40 identically-built Toyota Vios race in three classifications namely Sporting, Super Sporting and Promotional.

It is the integral part of the Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Racing Festival where exciting and fun activities such as celebrity appearances, stage games, drift performances, car displays, carnival food and lots more are part of the draw.

“The Vios Challenge was aimed at bringing motor racing closer to Malaysians. We wanted everyone to appreciate motor racing in a fun yet safe environment and to make it a weekend outing for the whole family. Judging from the happy expressions of the crowds at each venue, I believe we have successfully brought an appealing event to everyone,” said Ravindran K, president of UMW Toyota Motor.

Attendance at each venue has averaged over 21,000 spectators per weekend, making it one of the most popular local motorsport events in recent history.

Undoubtedly, the quality of racing has been top notch, not only from the crème de la crème Super Sporting class but also from the Sporting and the Promotional classes that have given everyone lots to cheer from the get-go.

The drivers in the Promotional class in particular may have brought their star appeal to the event but their on-track performance has been nothing short of impressive.

Shukri Yahaya for instance, is better known for his roles in blockbuster TV dramas.

Yet by the final race in the TPM, his lap times in qualifying could have placed him on the second row of the Sporting class grid while actress Diana Danielle, a mother of two who confessed to forgetting how to drive a manual car during her racing school stint, would have made it into the top 10 of the same grid.

“This was our hope when we brought the concept to Malaysia. We wanted to expose motor racing to new participants and allow them to build on their own abilities; making them better racers and better drivers on the road,” said Akio Takeyama, deputy chairman of UMW Toyota.

Takeyama would be the most qualified to speak on the matter, as he himself strapped into a Toyota Vios every race weekend and battled it out with his fellow competitors in the Promotional class.

Despite have no racing background, his race craft and car handling at the end of the season has made him a true competitor.

Beatboxing sensation Shawn Lee continued on his winning ways and claimed the series in his Promotional class, suffering only two losses throughout the eight races.

However, it was a fellow drift driver in the Super Sporting class Tengku Djan who kept motor racing aficionados on the edge of their seats each time he took to the track.

Djan’s on-track antics and amazing car control was a sight to behold although the hard-charging William Ho made him work very hard for the title.

The story of the series must be that of the young sensation Brandon Paul Anthony.

The 20-year-old had previously never raced in a Toyota Vios and joined the series only in the second event in MAEPS.

He then stormed up the ladder to seal his championship with a flourish in the TPM.

There was plenty of unpolished gems that emerged throughout the season and come the later half of 2018, some others may emerge when Season 2 of the Vios Challenge takes to the circuits.


Ingress Swede Automobile is Volvo Car Malaysia's new dealer-partner

                KUALA LUMPUR: Volvo Car Malaysia has announced the appointment of Ingress Swede Automobile as a subsidiary of Ingress Corporation Berhad and a new dealer-partner.

The appointment will soon see the opening of a new 3S Centre (sales, service, and spare parts) in Damansara to better serve its customers within the vicinity.

More details of Ingress Swede Automobile’s new Volvo Cars dealership in Damansara will be announced closer to the launch, which has been tentatively set within the next few months.

“As a people-centric brand, we would like to ensure that we consistently deliver a premium and holistic experience to our customers throughout their ownership journey,” said Volvo Car Malaysia managing director Nalin Jain.


Faraday Future heads for the hills

                SAN FRANCISCO: Secretive electric car company Faraday Future is going to take part in this year's Pikes Peak International Hill climb competition in order to test its first product car's capabilities and to bring more transparency to its brand.

For a car company yet to officially unveil a single production model, Faraday Future has had a huge amount of media attention in the past two years.

The US-based, Chinese-backed startup broke onto the scene at CES 2016 where it unveiled a conceptual 1,000hp electric hyper car, and followed it up 12 months later by showcasing the FF91. This, according to the company, would be going on sale and would be capable of covering the 0-60mph dash quicker than any car on the road today.

However, between the two presentations, many questions have been raised about the company's financial health and, crucially, about its abilities to take its concepts and convert them into consumer-facing cars in 2018.

In an attempt to answer its critics, and to demonstrate that its engineering works in the real world, the company is going to enter this year's Pikes Peak Hill Climb -- an unrelenting mountain road in the US city of Colorado Springs that offers up 156 turns and an average gradient of 7% over its 12.42-mile length.

"The hill climb on Pikes Peak serves as the ideal setting to further develop the electric propulsion system and supporting thermal systems of FF 91," said Nick Sampson, Senior Vice President of Research and Development.

The current record time for a non-modified production electric car is held by Blake Fuller who drove a Tesla Model S P90D from start to finish in 11 minutes, 48.264 seconds. And, as Faraday Future is planning to take on the challenge in a car that will be using what it describes as production hardware and software, albeit with tweaks needed to cope with the singular conditions of Pikes Peak, the Tesla will be the car to beat.

"Testing the performance of FF 91 in real-world conditions sets the bar even higher as we bring the vehicle to market in 2018," said Sampson.

The event, now in its 95th year, takes place June 25 and is open to any vehicle with driven wheels from electric motorcycles to big rig trucks as well as vintage muscle cars. However, Faraday Future, and anyone else, for that matter has a long way to go if they want to get close to the current absolute course record.

Nine-time World Rally champion recorded the remarkable time of eight minutes, 13.878 seconds when he drove a special Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak model around the course in 2013.


Munro Mk_1 is a rugged Scottish all-electric 4x4

                GLASGOW: Munro Vehicles, a manufacturer of all-electric 4x4s, and Scotland’s only volume production car company, has unveiled its first vehicle, the Munro Mk_1.

Priced from £49,995 (RM268,000), deliveries start in 2023.

Designed, engineered, and built in Britain, the company claimed the Munro MK_1 "is the world’s most capable all-electric 4x4" and is able to operate for up to 16 hours on a single battery charge.

The Munro combines a state-of-the-art 280kW electric powertrain with a simple-to-maintain mechanical driveline that allows it to tackle off-road terrain.

The Munro EV is aimed at private as well as commercial uses. It targets numerous sectors including construction, agriculture, mining, environmental, emergency rescue, remote infrastructure maintenance, and recreation.

 The prototype.

The five-seater can carry five people practically anywhere on land, accommodating an 1,000kg payload and 3,500kg towing capacity.

In 2024, Munro will expand from its current headquarters in East Kilbride to a new factory in central Scotland, where production will scale to more than 250 units per year initially, leading to the creation of 300 new jobs. The new site will eventually produce 2,500 vehicles per annum.

Munro is the first automotive manufacturer to build cars at scale in Scotland since Peugeot-Talbot closed its Linwood plant in 1981, which the Rootes Group established in 1963.

The company was founded in 2019 by Russell Peterson and Ross Anderson, with Peterson assuming the CEO role and Anderson appointed Head of Powertrain.

Munro said choosing an axial flux motor over the more common radial flux motors gives significant critical advantages.

“Axial flux electric motors are rarely used in the automotive mass-manufacture sector, where radial flux motors dominate,” said Anderson.

“Axial flux motors are quite challenging to manufacture at scale and require a high degree of hand assembly, and they also come at a price premium. However, an axial flux electric motor provides the perfect solution for our application.”

Also known as a "pancake" motor, the compact nature of the axial flux motor enables weight to be reduced by half – from 80kg to 40kg in the case of the Munro – compared with a radial flux motor.

It also enables the unit to be located between the two front-seat occupants in front of the vehicle's bulkhead. This results in a near 50/50 front/rear weight distribution, which enhances agility off-road.

In addition, while most electric motors spin up to 15,000rpm and thus require a reduction drive, the Munro’s axial motor spins between 5,000 and 8,000rpm.

This relatively low rotational rate negates the need for a reduction drive, and the additional weight and complexity it brings, by enabling drive to be taken directly to the transmission transfer case from the motor.

By combining with a two-speed transmission, the motor can work in its "happy place", where it performs with a much greater level of efficiency than a radial flux motor at low speed.

“A further benefit of the axial flux motor is that it generates exceptionally high amounts of torque when running in reverse. When the Munro is in high gear ‘Drive’ mode, lifting off the accelerator provides a degree of regenerative braking via the resistance of the electric motor,” continues Anderson.

“In low-gear, ‘Off-Road’ setting, the regenerative braking is much more pronounced. This enables the vehicle to be driven in ‘one-pedal’ mode and provides a highly effective hill descent function to enhance safety and performance off-road.”

The Munro also features a heavy-duty mechanical braking system. Using non-vented as opposed to vented discs avoids any potential drop-off in performance due to mud clogging the ventilation spaces within the discs.

The Munro is offered with a choice of two electric motors, 220kW and 280kW, along with the option of two battery packs, 61kWh and 82kWh, affording an optimum range of up to 305km. This allows the Munro to operate off-road for up to 16 hours on a single battery charge.

The vehicle's battery pack comprises 35 state-of-the-art Lithium NMC battery modules mounted in three heavy-duty aluminium boxes underneath the vehicle.

This arrangement ensures it is quick, convenient, and inexpensive to replace individual battery modules if required. A fully integrated heat pump-based thermal management system bolsters efficiency, and the Munro’s battery pack is guaranteed to deliver 80 per cent of its original energy capacity for at least eight years and 160,000km.

“With your average electric vehicle, the battery is designed to last the life of the car, so in most cases, customers will never have to worry about replacing it. But because the Munro is engineered to last several decades, we will either recondition or replace the battery pack for customers when the time comes.

"This has the added benefit of guaranteeing the future value of our customers’ vehicles, ” said Anderson. “We will partner with companies specialising in reuse and recycling to recoup the residual value of the battery pack, which will enable us to fit the latest battery technology at a reasonable cost.”

The Munro is offered with a choice of two AC charging options, 7kW to replenish the battery overnight, and 22 kW, which provides a full charge in around three and a half hours. An industry-standard DC CCS charger is also provided, enabling the battery to be replenished in just over 30 minutes.

Every Munro is geared for torque, with a top speed of 128kph, and the 280kW Performance version can surge to 100kph in 4.9 seconds. However, the focus of the vehicle is on utility, workability, and superior off-road drivability, said Anderson.

“Peak torque of 700Nm is available up to 80kph, which ensures excellent response off-road. It also means the Munro can effortlessly tow a braked trailer weight of up to 3,500kg. Whether it’s a mini digger, a power generator or livestock that needs transporting, the Munro makes light work of it.”

Peterson and Anderson did not consider using a "skateboard" chassis with two electric motors, one to drive each set of wheels. Instead, the priority was to equip the Munro with a single, central-mounted electric motor providing power to a robust, proven and easily maintained mechanical four-wheel-drive system.

"The best way to drive off-road is to ensure that the same amount of torque is delivered to each wheel and that all the wheels spin at the same speed," asserts Peterson. “And no matter how clever your computer is, you're still going to have problems if you've got a split driveline in the vehicle.

“And the other thing is many electric SUVs and pick-ups on the market tout a big headline figure like 600hp. But when you think about it, it's 400hp at the back wheels and 200hp at the front.

"And as soon as the vehicle loses traction at the back wheels, you've only got the power of the front motor to pull you out. So that’s one of the reasons we decided to fit one big electric motor in the middle and power all the wheels using a mechanical driveline."

The vehicle’s off-road prowess is further enhanced by 480mm ground clearance, and the ability to wade through water up to a depth of 800mm. Equally impressive 84- and 51-degree approach and departure angles, plus a 148-degree ramp breakover angle, give the Munro the ability to cope well with steep hills, heavily rutted terrain, craters and boulders.

The Munro sits on a galvanised steel ladder chassis, designed, engineered, and built at the company’s HQ. Constructed with 5mm thick steel – compared with 1.5mm thick steel used in many 4X4s – the Munro’s chassis has been developed to provide a combination of strength, robustness, and ease of repairability.

Munro builds its own axles and uses a combination of aftermarket and motorsport-derived components for the rest of the mechanical driveline.

Parts including the linkage for the coil over suspension, radius arms and steering bar have all been developed by UK-based 4x4 competition specialists.

They are designed to deliver optimum performance even under the most gruelling conditions. A central locking differential is standard, with front and rear locking differentials offered as options.

“The Munro has been built to the most robust standards possible and to be fully operational in 30, 40, 50 years’ time," said Peterson.


Bugatti Chiron's fuel economy officially rated

                WASHINGTON: America's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released its official fuel-economy ratings for the new Chiron, and although the eye-watering fuel-efficiency ratings likely won't put prospective buyers off the Chiron due to how much it costs to run, it could make some think twice when they consider how often they're going to have to stop to refuel this beast.

To be fair, if you're going to buy a car with a quad-turbo, 8.0-litre 16-cylider engine developing an astonishing 1,500hp and 1,600Nm of torque, you'll expect to be refueling on a fairly regular basis. Even so, the figures of 26l/100km in the city, 16.8 l/100km on the highway and 21.4 l/100km combined are pretty shocking, especially when you know the real-world numbers are likely to be considerably worse than that.

Although improving fuel economy probably isn't top of the agenda for Bugatti's designers and engineers, some credit has to be given for their achievements in this area as the Veyron only managed 23.5 l/100km combined, and the Chiron represents a performance upgrade of 25% on the Veyron. To achieve all this, almost every single component of the engine has been examined and developed, and the Chiron is said to have a top speed of 420kph and can get you from a standing start to 100kph in a staggering 2.3 seconds.

Of course, not too many buyers are likely to use the Chiron as their daily driver, so ridiculously frequent visits to the fuel station are unlikely to hurt sales. That's partly because last November, Bugatti's design director Achim Anscheidt revealed the company's super-exclusive clients own an average of 42 cars each. That's a pretty hard-to-comprehend statistic for many of us to get to grips with, which doesn't get easier when you find out they each also average 1.7 jets and 1.4 yachts too.

One thing's for sure: the chances of buying a used Chiron in years to come with a lot of miles on the clock seem highly unlikely.


VinFast sees sales boom, path to breakeven

                HANOI: Vietnam's VinFast expects to sell as many as 50,000 electric vehicles (EVs) this year, an almost seven-fold increase over 2022 as it ramps up exports to North America and starts shipping to Europe, the company's founder said today.

VinFast could hit break even as soon as the end of 2024 "if things go as planned," Pham Nhat Vuong, chairman of the country's largest conglomerate Vingroup and founder of its auto unit VinFast, told investors at the company's annual general meeting.

Vuong projected sales of between 40,000 and 50,000 cars this year, up from EV sales of about 7,400 in 2022 when the company's only market was Vietnam.

In addition, Vuong said VinFast planned to add two other models to its lineup: an electric pickup truck and a battery-powered city or "mini car." The latter would be priced between US$10,000 and US$12,000, he said, making it an ultra-low-cost EV.

It was the first outlook VinFast has offered since announcing earlier this month it would list in the United States via a merger with special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) Black Spade Acquisition Co.

It has previously missed some of its internal delivery targets.

The company also faces competition from established rivals led by Tesla Inc that have been driving prices down and bringing a range of new EVs to market amid a weakening global economy.

"When the market is robust again and sentiment improves...VinFast will bring back financial happiness," Vuong said.

VinFast, which is looking to break into the U.S. and European markets, had earlier received funding pledges of US$2.5 billion from Vingroup and Vuong, Vietnam's first billionaire.

The company said as of the end of last year it had provided just over $8 billion to VinFast, which has not yet made a profit.

'Fundraising opportunities'

VinFast's SPAC deal is expected to close in the second half of 2023.

Vingroup said in a written presentation at the meeting that the listing "opens up potential fundraising opportunities for Vingroup in general and VinFast in particular from the global markets." It did not provide further details.

VinFast delivered its first model, the VF 8, to customers California in March after delays and the company's disclosure that the car would have a lower battery range than it had flagged to buyers.

The company shipped a second batch of VF 8s that arrived in California last week that it said would have a longer battery range.

VinFast, which began operations in 2019, has a plant in Vietnam and plans for a second plant to open in North Carolina in 2025.

In Europe, where VinFast has not yet begun deliveries, it will face off against a growing range of Chinese-made EVs from the likes of BYD Co Ltd, NIO Inc and Zeekr, a unit of China's Geely.

An electric pickup truck would face competition from Rivian Automotive Inc, Ford Motor Co's F-150 Lightning and other models. The entry-level, small EV would face competition from Chinese-made electric vehicles, including from BYD.


China’s next export is an electric-vehicle fight

                HONG KONG: Chinese automakers will road test Western protectionism.

Electric-car marques led by BYD are establishing their supremacy at home against global brands such as Tesla and Volkswagen, thanks to efficient supply chains.

As sales stall in the People’s Republic, their desire to drive further overseas including to Europe is turning into a necessity. But rising anti-China sentiment will make for a difficult journey.

It’s a big milestone. In the last two months of 2022, Chinese buyers bought more local brands than multinational marques for the first time since the country opened up to automakers following China’s accession to the World Trade Organisation at the turn of the century, according to Bill Russo, founder of Automobility, a Shanghai-based consultancy.

Electric vehicles drove that change. They account for around a third of China’s total sales.

Yet generous official subsidies have dried up, a price war is raging and consumer sentiment in the US$18 trillion economy is weak. Overall, the International Energy Agency expects registrations of battery-powered cars in China will rise 30% this year.

Last year, sales of new energy vehicles in the country nearly doubled, per Refinitiv. The deceleration is happening before many local automakers are on a sure financial footing.

Take Nio: the US$16 billion company sold a fifth more cars in the quarter ending March against the same period in 2022, but vehicle revenue was flat. Its net loss more than doubled to roughly US$700 million and its cash of US$5.5 billion was down by around a third.

Nio and peers tapped equity markets from Hong Kong to New York but plunging valuations makes that a tough route to keep following for funding. Finding customers elsewhere is an obvious fix.

China already sells lots of automobiles overseas: surging global interest in electric vehicles has made it the world’s largest exporter ahead of Japan, according to the Global Times.

Although vehicles from Tesla’s sprawling Shanghai Gigafactory accounted for almost a tenth of the roughly three million cars exported last year, the rest of the top ten marques were Chinese.

Some wins abroad have been easy. Sales to emerging markets, including those in the Belt and Road initiative through which Beijing has loaned hundreds of billions of dollars, made up nearly half of the figure in the first four months of this year according to state media.

Chinese marques also stepped up where Western peers retreated. In the first quarter of 2023, Russians purchased more Chinese cars than Lada, the beloved Soviet-era marque. Geely continues to sell its brands there, as do Great Wall Motor (601633.SS) and Chery. But motoring to richer destinations like Europe is the real prize.

Escape hatch

On paper, Chinese companies are competitive enough to win wherever they want to go. One reason is vast economies of scale in the supply chain. Battery makers Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) (300750.SZ) and BYD, which makes power cells both for its own-brand vehicles as well as for third parties, account for around half of global battery production.

That helps Chinese manufacturers churn out an electric vehicle for around 10,000 euros less than European competitors, according to Grant Thornton.

A BYD car priced at 38,000 euros in Europe is “a value for money” offering according to Bernstein, although that top line covers a 10% import tax, up to 25% sales tax, plus advertising and distribution costs. BYD can sometimes charge twice as much in Europe than at home for the Atto 3, a small sport utility vehicle, Bernstein notes.

Whereas prices on the continent have risen, the average electric model in the People’s Republic cost half as much in 2022 as it did in 2015, according to JATO, a research company based in London.

New brands such as Great Wall Motor’s Funky Cat and Geely’s Zeekr are also overcoming concerns over the quality of “Made-in-China” products.

These days Chinese automakers regularly achieve five-star reviews in the European New Car Assessment Programme which requires cars have safety features beyond legal requirements.

They often boast advanced software and elaborate infotainment systems too. Yet politicians want to prioritise locally made models.

Among the growing list of unwelcoming policies, the European Commission’s trade defence unit is considering ways to stem the tide of Chinese electric vehicle imports, according to Politico.

In the United States, the Inflation Reduction Act grants tax credits for cars whose battery components are manufactured or assembled in North America.

In France, where about 40% of electric-car purchase incentives were paid out for made-in-China vehicles in the first quarter, President Emmanuel Macron plans to reward buyers of European-made models.

It’s possible the Chinese could advance by setting up factories where they want to sell and by striking strategic partnerships. Chinese battery makers invested more than 12 billion euros to expand in Europe last year, for example. Many of their suppliers are joining them.

In the United States, Ford Motor clearly sees the benefits of allowing China in and wants to partner with CATL to set up a plant. Western countries may, like Thailand, accept that Chinese investment could positively improve their own clean car industries.

In Europe, local operations could also level the playing field to a degree as Chinese companies would lose some of their home advantages, such as the lower cost of labour.

But overcoming rising protectionism will be harder than in the past. When globe-trotting Japanese carmakers like Toyota Motor and Nissan Motor gained popularity in the West in the 1980s and 1990s, the United States and Europeans introduced schemes to restrict imports.

The Japanese responded by building their own production plants in the region and today they are household names all around the world.

Now a new crop of Asian carmakers are looking to claim their place on the global stage as geopolitical tensions rise.

How far China’s carmakers can make inroads further West will be decided by much more than assessments of their competency.


Sales of new Mercedes-Benz S-Class starts

                STUTTGART: Mercedes-Benz has begun selling its new S-Class in Europe.

The first models of the W223 S-Class can be ordered now at prices starting from 88,446.75 euros (RM425,000), and will arrive in European dealerships in July. Additional new engines and new technologies, such as an integral 48-volt starter-alternator, are in the pipeline.

The flagship model has been modernised and comes with more efficient engines and enhanced driving assistance systems.

The performance model from Affalterbach now also boasts a new engine, new transmission, new all-wheel drive system as well as a new exterior and interior design. Mercedes-AMG has further sharpened the driving dynamics and visual appearance.

The new S-Class made its world debut at the Shanghai auto show last month.In 2016 the Mercedes-Benz S-Class was the best-selling luxury saloon worldwide.

 Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC+.


Ducati launches SuperSport and SuperSport S from RM81K

                KUALA LUMPUR: Next Bike, the sole distributor of Ducati motorcycles in Malaysia, launched the all-new SuperSport and SuperSport S ahead of the 2017 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix.

The 210kg (wet) entry-level SuperSport costs RM80,899 and comes with Black wheels, while the Panigale’s fairing and Monster’s load-bearing Trellis frame is in Ducati Red.

The range-topping SuperSport S, priced at RM88,899, it has two colour combinations of Matt Black wheels with Ducati Red fairing and frame as well as Star White Silk fairing with Ducati Red frame and Glossy Red wheels.

The SuperSport range comes in measuring 2,070mm-long, 1,150mm-tall and 750mm-wide and a 91mm trailing single trailing-arm extends the wheelbase to 1,478mm and puts the saddle height at 810mm.

A 16-litre fuel tank provides the goodness for the 937cc Testatretta 11-degree L-twin engine from the Hypermotard 939 to provide 113hp at 9,000rpm and 96.7Nm of torque at 6,500rpm.

A six-speed manual gearbox with wet clutch is ready to accept a Ducati quick-shifter (up and down) and power delivery can be further altered accordingly by three riding modes of Sport, Touring and Urban.

The Ducati Quick Shift up/down system and a rear seat cover are also available as an optional extra for the SuperSport.

All that twist is let loose by a 2-1-2 exhaust system that comes with a lower pre-silencer, lateral silencer and stacked pipes.

Grip comes from 120/70 (front) and 180/55 (rear) Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tyres mounted on 17-inch three-spoke wheels with Y-shaped spokes.

 Ducati SuperSport

Ride and comfort is taken care of by the fully-adjustable Marzocchi front forks at a 24-degree rake angle and a Sachs shock absorber with an adjustable preload and rebound damping.

Stopping power is taken care of by Brembo’s braking system. This consists of a PR18/19 front radial brake pump for the M4.32 callipers that bite down on two 320mm (front) and a 245mm (rear) discs.

A Bosch anti-lock braking system integrated with Ducati's traction control system have been included as standard and makes up the Ducati Safety Pack.

For enhanced comfort and convenience, the SuperSport uses a two-position height-adjustable Plexiglass screen with 50mm of travel, LCD instrument cluster, under-seat waterproof USB port and bright LED daytime running lights. A Ducati Multimedia System (DMS) is available as an optional extra.

Paying RM8,000 more for the range-topping SuperSport S means the suspension gets swapped out for a fully-adjustable front and rear set from Ohlins - 48mm TiN-treated front fork and rear shock absorbers.

The SuperSport S also receives the Ducati Quick Shift system as standard as well as a colour coordinated rear seat cover.

Lastly, both bikes can be further enhanced by three individual packages of Sport, Touring and Urban.

The Sport package includes a front mudguard and fuel tank cover in carbon as well as an articulated racing lever kit and billet aluminium covers for the front and rear brake fluid reservoirs.

The Touring package provides a pair of semi-rigid side panniers, larger touring screen and heated grips, while the Urban package throws in a tank bag and rubber-lined rider and passenger footpegs.

Individually available accessories have been made available, which includes a Ducati Performance type-approved exhaust by Akrapovic and Ducati Performance by Akrapovic titanium racing exhaust system with twin under-seat pipes.

There are also the Öhlins adjustable steering damper, brake lever hand guard, billet aluminium rear view mirror plugs and a seat range of high (+20mm), low (-20mm) and sport, rear LED indicators, Bluetooth module for the DMS and a range of carbon and aluminium billet components.

DU 2016-08-02 1312 SUPERSPORT


Subaru Outback launched in Malaysia at RM225K

KUALA LUMPUR: The Subaru Outback was launched here today, priced at RM224,846.30.

The Outback was the world’s first crossover, successfully combining the benefits of a passenger estate car with the all-road capabilities of an SUV.

The key highlights of the fifth-generation SUV are:

> Revamped chassis, steering, suspension and brakes
> New crossover look with a bold body shape, bigger tires and muscular fenders
> Enhanced off-road performance with Symmetrical AWD system and X-MODE
> Improved Active and Passive safety systems

It gets a 2.5-litre  4-cylinder boxer engine producing  173hp and 235Nm of torque and all-wheel drive.

Power to all four wheels of the fully imported model is relayed via a Lineartronic CVT.

“The new model combines luxury with innovative Subaru technologies that enhance the driving experience, efficiency and safety. We hope this will make the Outback an excellent value statement for customers in the Asian region.”said Tan Chong International Ltd executive director Glenn Tan.

While maintaining the distinctive Subaru Outback identity, Subaru’s designers strove to make the new model more dynamic while keeping to its rugged crossover roots. From the front, the bumper-integrated hexagonal grille and hawk-eye headlights maintain consistency with other models in the Subaru family, while the profile is a subtle evolution of the existing Outback.

As well as enhancements to the external look of the vehicle, reduction in wind resistance has been achieved by improving airflow over the rear of the body which also makes a major contribution to reduced fuel consumption at high speeds.

The elegant, top-grade interior includes a dual-dial gauge cluster with a three-dimensional feel and a triple-spoke steering wheel with multifunction switches. Interior materials have been chosen to achieve a quality feel.

The latest upgrades have made the new Outback more practical than ever before, with more storage and cabin space, and greater room for all occupants. The boot capacity has increased 4.5 per cent against the outgoing model to 559 litres.

To improve comfort without undermining handling, the body frame shape has been redesigned to increase the rigidity of the rear suspension and its mounting positions on the chassis.

Aside from the Subaru’s unique Symmetrical AWD system, the new Outback is equipped with X-MODE, capable of enhancing driving performance on poor roads through integrated control of engine, four-wheel drive, braking, and other functions on slippery surfaces.

The traditional active and passive safety performance have also been enhanced. All airbags have been expanded and upgraded to give both the driver and passengers maximum safety.

During the development of the new model, Subaru looked to build on the Outback’s reputation as a vehicle that can go anywhere and do anything – qualities that have appealed to Outback buyers for over 20 years.

The Outback, named after the arid wilderness in Australia, is equipped with, among others, LED headlamps, paddle shifters. five airbags (inclusive of knee airbag), touchscreen multi-function display, Vehicle Dynamics Control, smart entry/push start button, Hill Descent Control, rear view canera, power rear gate and glass sunroof.


Japan auto lobby opposes plan to tax mileage of electric vehicles

                TOKYO: A Japanese automobile lobbying group "firmly opposes" a plan for mileage tax on electric vehicles (EVs), an official of the group said today, adding that it would slow electrification efforts.

"We are firmly opposed to the hasty introduction of measures such as a mileage tax without public discussion," said Seiichi Nagatsuka, vice chair of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association.

Japan's Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki floated the plan among the ideas he mentioned in a parliamentary debate last month to tackle a severe financial situation.

Suzuki said EVs, unlike gasoline vehicles, are not taxed at the driving stage through fuel taxation. He added that EVs are heavier than gasoline-powered vehicles, which have a large role in road damage.

Speaking at a news conference, Nagatsuka called for extending tax breaks on low-emission cars to spur electrification as consumers battle inflation and endure longer waiting times for delivery of their vehicles.


Proton 3S centre opens in Penang

                PENANG: Proton has added yet another 3S (sales, service and spare parts) centre to its list of outlet upgrades and its doors have officially opened in Penang.

The new outlet, operated by Top Zone Auto Gallery Sdn Bhd., required approximately RM1.5mil to upgrade from its initial 2S facility and now sport a new facade that's inline with Proton's requirements, while being manned by 10 sales and 10 service personnel.

In terms of location, it is nestled within the newly developed township of Sungai Dua, Butterworth - just two minutes away from the North-South Expressway (North-bound), at 51-59, Jalan Sungai Dua Utama 1.

Its operating hours for sales is from 8am to 8pm from Monday to Saturday (9am to 5.15pm on Sunday), while Service operates from 8am to 5.15pm from Monday to Saturday and is closed on Sunday.

For convenience, the new outlet has been equipped with free Wifi, an internaet corner with charging ports, 15 seats as well as a coffee and lounge area.

At the rear of the outlet, the service area has been equipped with five bays and five hoists.

The upgraded outlet is anticipated to increase service throughput by 25%, Outlet location.

As at Aug 31, there were 100 outlets approved for 3S/4S status - approximately 92% achieved against a targeted 109 outlets by October this year.

Also, Proton has announced that it will absorb the Sales and Service Tax (SST) for all its models this September with discounts ranging from RM500 to RM1,000 for its Saga, Iriz and Persona and RM2,000 for the recently launched Proton Ertiga Xtra with new seat covers and a new touchscreen head unit.


French carmaker PSA sets up fund for staff and new health check measures

                PARIS: French carmaker and Peugeot owner PSA announced today the creation of a solidarity fund to help staff affected by the closures of plants due to the Covid-19 outbreak, and new steps to protect the health of its workers.

PSA said it was creating the fund, ensuring the full compensation to all employees working in France during this period of partial activity due to the coronavirus.

It will be funded through the deduction of two days of holidays from managers, one day from workers and by a contribution from the company, added PSA.

This week, PSA secured a further €3 billion (RM14.2bil) in loans.


New Subaru XV 2.0i-P EyeSight and GT Edition introduced from RM139,800

                PETALING JAYA: TC Subaru Sdn Bhd, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in Malaysia, has unveiled the refreshed XV and XV GT Edition sports utility vehicle that get new styling along with safety and convenience features.

The new XV and XV GT both come in Premium trim level and feature the 2.0-litre direct injection boxer engine with 156PS and 196Nm of torque, and the EyeSight advanced driver assist technology.

The XV starts from RM139,788, while the XV GT costs more at RM146,788 in Peninsular Malaysia.

The new XV GT edition is the second XV GT model to be enhanced with a sportier bodykit created by Giken Co Ltd and Masahiko "Jack" Kobayashi.

The bodykit is even more aggressive looking and features redesigned front under spoiler with more garnishes for the front bumper.

Also exclusive for XV GT are sporty GT Edition 17-inch wheels and leather seats.

Meanwhile, the EyeSight system uses a pair of stereo cameras to detect and recognise pedestrians and vehicles to make driving safer and enjoyable.

EyeSight's key features are Pre-Collision braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lead Vehicle Start Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Sway Warning.

Aside from a suspension system retuned for smoother rides, the refreshed SUV also gets Subaru's SI-Drive and Dual-Function X-Mode to enhance driving dynamics.

The SI-Drive allows the driver to select between Sport (S) that allows speedier acceleration and Intelligent (I) which returns smoother driving for better fuel efficiency.

The X-Mode, meanwhile, complements Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and let's the driver choose better control on Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow /Mud covered terrains.

In addition, the new SUV also comes refreshed 17-inch alloy wheels, and new front bumper and grille.

Other features include eight-way power adjustable with memory driver's seat, auto vehicle hold, reverse auto tilt-down mirrors, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Tan Chong International Ltd deputy chairman and managing director Glenn Tan, who attended the launch here via livestream, said the inclusion of EyeSight technology would make the new XV more popular for crossover fans looking for a safe, trusted and reliable model.

 Tan.

He also said the locally-assembled XV was not affected by the rise of the US dollar against the ringgit as more than 40% of its components were locally sourced.

Tan also said the company was targeting to sell 3,000 units of vehicles next year which would also include soon-to-be-launched models such as the BRZ, Outback, WRX and WRX Wagon.

The company is also offering a 15% discount on parts to all Subaru owners whose vehicles were affected by the on-going flood situation in several states.

TC Subaru country manager Eugene Tay said the company wanted to assure owners that their vehicles would continue to provide safe and peace of mind drives.

Owners of flood-damaged Subaru vehicle can call Subaru Careline Assist at 1800-22-9898 or bring their vehicles to any authorised Subaru service centre by Dec 31.


Perodua sold over 200,000 cars so far, edging closer to 2022 target

                KUALA LUMPUR: Perodua has registered total sales of 222,203 vehicles between January and October this year.

In January this year, Perodua announced a 247,800-unit registration target for 2022.

In a statement today, the compact car company said on a year-to-date comparison, registration for Perodua cars jumped 51.2 per cent from 146,951 units sold in the same period in 2021.

"There was a gap in sales between June and August last year due to the lockdown imposed by the government to contain Covid-19 cases.

"Moving forward, we expect the registration momentum to continue upwards until the end of the year,” said Perodua president and chief executive officer, Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

For October 2022, Perodua sold 25,849 units which is a five per cent improvement against 24,626 units sold in September 2022.

The top three Perodua models sold in October are Bezza with 6,768 units, followed by the Myvi with 6,130 units and the Axia with 4,989 units.

In terms of production, Perodua manufactured 22,974 units in October bringing the total number of vehicles produced to 229,811 units between January and October this year.

"Looking ahead, we plan to further increase our production and sales volume as we try to go beyond our sales target for 2022 and by doing so will reduce the waiting period for our customers,” Zainal said.

He also said the higher-than-expected production and sales performance has impacted the local automotive ecosystem positively, given that on average 95 per cent of Perodua parts are sourced locally.

"The high localisation rate has also helped shield Perodua from the volatility in the foreign exchange market at the moment.

"It is our intention to further improve the local automotive supply chain as having such an industry has proven a benefit to both Perodua and consumers,” said Zainal.


Bang & Olufsen rewards one-millionth customer

                STUTTGART: Bang & Olufsen Automotive made one individual a very happy person after finding out he was the one-millionth customer of the brand and subsequently receiving a 15-speaker 1,200W Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System.

“I already knew what the Bang & Olufsen experience was like, but being the one-millionth customer and receiving this incredible prize is truly a wonderful surprise,” said BehneMar Middle East chairman and Audi enthusiast Dr Rainer Behne.

The good doctor arrived at his Audi dealership in Hamburg, Germany one late October to receive his new Audi RS6 specially painted in night-blue and was greeted by Audi Zentrum Hamburg Kollaustraße sales manager Bernd Hartmann and Bang & Olufsen Automotive head of global marketing Johannes Schüler.

It was they who informed and presented Dr Behne with the Bang & Olufsen audio equipment worth up to 15,000 Euros (RM72,000).

 Zinck (left) with Dr Behne

“For me, it was a must to opt for a Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System in my new Audi RS6. In fact, all of the Audis in our company carpool have a Bang & Olufsen sound system on-board,” said Dr Behne.

Bang & Olufsen Automotive was acquired by HARMAN in May 2015 and offers its partners car audio systems with sound quality and listening pleasure for the driver and passengers.

“Bang & Olufsen Automotive started its cooperation with Audi with the launch of its first car audio system in an Audi A8 in 2005. Since then, we have been delivering audio systems with unprecedented sound quality for drivers and passengers. We are proud to celebrate our 10th anniversary in the automotive market – and our one-millionth customer,” According to Bang & Olufsen Automotive for HARMAN vice president and head Jens Peter Zinck.


Legendary Mercedes 190 E Evo celebrates 30th anniversary

The  190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II along with the 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution and 190 E 2.3-16.
STUTTGART: As the name suggests, the "Evolution II" was the successor to the Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution.

Over 500 units have ever been made. It was equipped with the brand's top-of-the line 4-cylinder 235hp engine.

It also sported an imposing rear spoiler that considerably boosted downforce and road-holding, which was its most significant distinguishing feature with regard to its predecessors.

Both the spoiler and the model's 17-inch alloy wheels were directly inherited from the DTM racer.

The limited-edition, street-legal version of the famous racing car still remains the most famous version of the 190 E, which first launched in 1984.


2017 Volvo S90 and V90 T6 R-Design AWD arrive at RM453,888 and RM458,888

                KUALA LUMPUR: Volvo Car Malaysia has launched the more powerful and sporty T6 R-Design all-wheel drive (AWD) variants of the 2017 S90 premium sedan and its estate sibling, the V90.

The S90 T6 R-Design is priced at RM453,888 while the V90 T6 R-Design is tagged at RM458,888 (both on-the-road without insurance, inclusive of six per cent GST).

Both cars have a turbocharged and supercharged engine delivering 320hp at 5,700rpm and maximum torque of 400Nm from 2,200 – 5,400rpm to all four wheels.

Both cars run on 255/40 R19 tyres and central to the S90 and V90 R-Design is an advanced sport chassis that delivers an energetic, road-hugging drive.

Sporting a new front-end design with spoiler-integrated fog lights, the R-Design models come with a unique grille and piano black trim on both front and rear.

The 5-spoke R-Design wheels, and R-Design steering and gear lever add to the performance feel.

T6 R-Design customers can select the signature Bursting Blue colour.

When it comes to interior selection, T6 R-Design customers get the Nubuck and Perforated Nappa Leather contour seats in Charcoal as standard with a selection of either Metal Mesh or Carbon Fibre deco inlay.

Like the S90 and V90 T5 variants, both cars' standard kit includes the Intellisafe package which has Volvo’s City Safety, an advanced Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system that could detect and mitigate collisions with pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals.

Also standard is the advanced semi-autonomous drive feature, Pilot Assist.

This system gives gentle steering inputs to keep the car properly aligned within lane markings and functions up to highway speeds of around 130km/h while automatically maintaining the set distance and speed determined by the user.

2017 Volvo S90 T6 R-Design AWD2017 Volvo V90 T6 R-Design AWD


BMW and MINI cars now cheaper with shorter warranty, option to top up

                KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Group Malaysia today announced new price lists for the BMW and MINI range of vehicles, saying it was to enable greater customer personalisation of their ownership experience.

The new pricing structure presents BMW customers with a lower recommended retail price that comes with a standard two-year warranty.

For an additional charge, customers can choose to buy either the 5 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty Package or the 5 Years / 100,000km Service Package. Customers may also opt to buy the car with the 5 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service (“Extended Warranty & Service Package”) as before at no added cost.

BMW Group Malaysia said the rationale for the new price structure is to "offer our dealers and customers greater flexibility in terms of customisable specifications and warranty on their BMW and MINI vehicles."

   BMW   MINICustomers can customise their orders online at BMW Shop Online and MINI Online Shop.

Similar to BMW, MINI car prices are also revised downwards with the optional add-on warranties. Customers can buy a MINI with the 4 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service (“Extended Warranty & Service Package”) at the same cost as before.

Alternatively, customers who prefer to purchase their vehicle at the RRP paired with either the 4 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty Package or 4 Years / 60,000km Service Package, can do so at a more attractive rate.

Standard services offered when you buy a BMW or MINI are BMW and MINI Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline; BMW and MINI loyalty cards; and BMW and MINI Service Online.

> BMW price list (pdf)

> MINI price list (pdf)


Refined drive with the Mitsubishi Outlander

                The new Mitsubishi Outlander sport utility vehicle (SUV) has a refined drive quality, a spacious seven-seater cabin, and a host of premium comfort features to help justify its RM170,000 price tag.

Unlike the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport SUV, which uses the Triton pick-up truck's platform, the Outlander is based on a car-like monocoque architecture for better handling and comfort, and reduced weight.

This is the 2016 Outlander which was given a substantial mid-life update in Japan last year, featuring Mitsubishi Motors' Dynamic Shield front design.

The Outlander is imported from Japan and only available in 4WD form (also equipped with heated front seats).

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia recently organised a 480km drive for the press from Shah Alam to Puteri Harbour, Johor to highlight the Outlander's outstanding features.

The drive was mostly on smooth highways, and included a detour to Port Dickson for lunch.

We found a refined and quiet cabin environment, as there was there was little engine, tyre and wind noise intrusion.

Although it's doubtful whether the typical urban family will ever use the Outlander for a rough-and-tumble offroad outing, the Outlander has four-wheel drive with automatic and lock modes via a convenient round dial or button control.

We drove the SUV in 4WD ECO mode all the time as we did not go off-road.

This facelifted Outlander received more than 30 updates to reduce cabin noise intrusion including extra sound absorbing and insulation materials.

We liked the premium ambience of the cabin with the black leather upholstery, and ebony wood grain-like panels.

There are also nice and useful gadgetry like a six-speaker audio system with Bluetooth, a large 6.1-inch touchscreen display, iPod and USB features, and a reverse camera, push-start ignition and keyless operation.

Premium features here include a powered driver's seat, automatic LED headlamps with daytime running lights, and electric tailgate with anti-trapping function, a sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, dual zone climate control, auto dimming rear view mirror, and Konica Minolta security and solar film.

There is ample power from the 2.4-litre Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) engine with 167ps and 222Nm of torque, whihc is mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

The Outlander was fitted with Goodyear Eagle LS 225/55 R18 tyres, and it's quite nimble and handled well when we were in a bit of a playful mood.

The suspension is comfort-biased, and the steering was responsive and precise.

The Outlander was a brisk sprinter when we stepped hard on the accelerator pedal.

While there is no rear air-conditioning vents, our rear passenger did not have any issues with this.

In fact, she complained of being too cold when we had the blower at near-full blast on a extremely hot day.

Rear seats can be reclined for more comfort, and with both rear rows folded, the Outlander has a best-in-class 1,608 litres of space to up to four golf bags or a single-bed mattress.

There's also the convenience of a push-button to close the electric tailgate.

Making tight U-turns is not too difficult with the Outlander's best-in-class turning radius of 5.3 metres.

Over a 100,000km or five-year warranty period, Mitsubishi Malaysia says its estimated after-sales and maintenance costs will be RM5,239.

The Outlander comes across as a well-packaged, refined, and marvellously engineered premium family SUV.

Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4L 4WDEngine: 2,360cc DOHC MIVEC ((Mitsubishi innovative valve timing electronic control)
Maximum power: 167ps at 6,000rpm
Maximum torque: 222Nm at 4,100rpm
Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with 6-step Sports Mode
Features: Seven airbags, ABS, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, ASC (active stability control), traction control, hill-start assist, ISOFIX anchors with rear seats, Konica Minolta security and solar window tint, paddle shifters, sunroof
Fuel consumption: 12.98km per litre
Price: RM168,600 on-the-road without insurance (GST Inclusive); five-year or 100,000km (whichever comes first) warranty


Stellantis makes €30bil wager on EV market

                MILAN/DETROIT: Stellantis, the world's No. 4 automaker, said today it plans to invest more than €30 billion (RM147bil) through 2025 on electrifying its vehicle lineup.

The company, which was formed in January from the merger of Italian-American automaker Fiat Chrysler and France's PSA, said its strategy will be supported by five battery plants in Europe and North America as it gears up to compete with electric vehicle (EV) leader Tesla and other automakers globally.

"This transformation period is a wonderful opportunity to reset the clock and start a new race," Stellantis chief executive Carlos Tavares said on a webcast. "The group is at full speed on its electrification journey."

Stellantis said at its "EV Day 2021" that it is targeting more than 70% of sales in Europe and over 40% in the United States to be low-emission vehicles - either battery or hybrid electric - by 2030. It aims to make the total cost of owning an EV equal to that of a gasoline-powered model by 2026.

It said all 14 of its vehicle brands - including Peugeot, Jeep, Ram, Fiat and Opel - will offer fully electrified vehicles. Another focus will be electrifying its commercial vehicle lineup, and rolling out hydrogen fuel-cell medium vans by the end of 2021.

Stellantis said that one of the five battery plants will be at its engine facility in Termoli, Italy, joining previously announced factories in Germany and France. The automaker has also said it will put one in the United States.

It wants to secure more than 130 gigawatt hours (GWh) of battery capacity by 2025 and more than 260 GWh by 2030. Stellantis said it has signed memorandums of understanding with two lithium geothermal brine process partners in North America and Europe to ensure supplies of lithium, a critical raw material for batteries.

Stellantis said it is targeting cutting battery pack costs by more than 40% from 2020 to 2024 and by more than an additional 20% by 2030. It plans to use two battery chemistries by 2024 - a high energy-density option and a nickel cobalt-free alternative. By 2026, it intends to introduce solid-state batteries.

The automaker said its EVs will be built on four electric platforms and have driving ranges of 500 to 800km on a single charge and fast charging capability of 32km per minute.

Merger synergies

At a separate EV strategy event last week, French rival Renault said 90% of its main brand models would be all-electric by 2030, whereas previously it had included hybrids in its target.

Germany's Volkswagen, the world's second-biggest automaker after Toyota, expects all-electric vehicles to account for 55% of its total sales in Europe by 2030, and more than 70% of sales at its Volkswagen brand.

General Motors Co said last month it planned to spend US$35 billion through 2025 on electric and self-driving vehicles. It has set a target of selling all new light cars and trucks with zero tailpipe emissions by 2035.

Earlier today, Stellantis flagged that 2021 got off to a better-than-expected start despite a global semiconductor chip shortage.

Stellantis said its margins on adjusted operating profits in the first half of 2021 were expected to exceed an annual target of between 5.5% and 7.5%, despite production losses due to the semiconductor supply crunch.

It said synergies from its merger were well on track to exceed the first year's target and would help to contribute to a positive cash flow for the year as a whole. Stellantis has promised more than €5 billion in annual synergies.


Gasoline at US$4 to alter most Americans’ driving habits, says AAA

                ORLANDO: Most Americans will change their driving habits or lifestyle with gasoline prices rising above US$4 (RM16.80) per gallon, a survey from auto club AAA showed.

If pump prices were to reach US$5 a gallon, as is the case in California, three quarters of the 1,051 people polled said they would need to adjust their lifestyle to offset the high cost of fuel.

Younger people are more likely to carpool, while those aged 35 and above will probably combine trips and errands, as well as cut shopping or dining out, according to the survey.

US average pump prices are now US$4.318 per gallon, a record high.

In California, where taxes and environmental rules add to pump prices, drivers are paying an average of US$5.694 a gallon.

With the summer driving season just around the corner, short-term relief is unlikely given sharp gains in futures, the pricing basis of wholesale gasoline. Retail prices typically trail wholesale markets by a few weeks.


Champagne glasses included: Mercedes GLS gets luxury Maybach upgrade

                STUTTGART: Mercedes has been selling the most luxurious versions of its S-Class with Maybach branding for quite some time, and the German company now wants to expand its elite portfolio to include the GLS off-roader.

Set to compete with the likes of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Bentley Bentayga, the GLS 600 will launch at prices starting at €156,078 (RM773,000) in its home market. First deliveries are scheduled to start in spring 2021, the manufacturer announced.

For an extra €50,000 (RM248,000) on the V8 model GLS 500, Mercedes will dress up the 5.21-metre-long luxury liner in a dinner jacket for you, adding a pinstripe grille, plenty of chrome on the rims and window edges and a two-tone paint finish.

There are also huge kick plates that extend automatically when the doors are opened.

Unlike the S-Class, there is no change to the wheelbase or length.

Instead, the designers are completely rebuilding the interior. Where ordinary customers get a seven-seater, the Maybach comes with two lounge chairs in the rear, which can be converted into reclining seats at the touch of a button.

Champagne glasses and a refrigerator are of course included in a large centre console featuring pull-out table trays, while the boot area is separated by a solid bulkhead.

According to the manufacturer, the off-road vehicle equipped with air suspension is powered by a version of the 4.0-litre engine with mild hybrid technology which has been reconfigured especially for the Maybach.

The V8 petrol engine has an output of 558hp and is supported by an electric motor with 22hp when accelerating and recovering braking energy.

This accelerates the 2.8-tonne off-roader from 0 to 100 kph in 4.9 seconds and helps it reach speeds of up to 250kph. It consumes an average of 11.7 litres (266 g/km CO2). According to Mercedes, a V12 is not planned, unlike its British competitors.


Proton X90 to launch soon — 48V mild hybrid powertrain, 6 and 7-seater options

                SHAH ALAM: Proton's new seven-seater SUV (sport utility vehicle) will be named X90, as widely anticipated, said Proton CEO Dr Li Chunrong.

The X90 will also be the national automaker's first mild-hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) and new energy vehicle (NEV), with a 48V (volt) electric motor synergy (EMS) system that integrates six key components, including the 48V belt-starter generator (BSG) motor, the DCDC converter, the 48V lithium-ion battery, and the battery management system, the recuperation braking system, and the hybrid module control system.

According to Proton, a five-year warranty is offered on the 48V lithium-ion battery.

"The 48V EMS system delivers improved fuel efficiency, performance, and reduced emissions, and represents our first step into the NEV segment,” said Li at a media briefing on Tuesday at the Proton styling studio in Shah Alam.

Those who want to book a unit and get a first-hand look at the new X90 SUV can do so during a series of preview sessions across six cities starting April 8, 2023.

The 48V EMS technology delivers additional power and torque for improved performance, and with the 1.5-litre TGDi (turbo petrol direct injection) engine, the X90 delivers 190ps and 300Nm of torque, and is said to provide better acceleration, overtaking, and seamless coasting.

There is an extra boost of 13ps and 45Nm of torque as well as 15% better fuel efficiency, compared with the 1.5-litre TGDi powertrain without the 48V EMS technology, thus making this a powerful yet economical option for a three-row SUV package.

Proton says this powertrain has received accolades in China and the Philippines, and it is paired with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) optimised for the new system.

Assembled at Proton's Tanjung Malim plant alongside the X50 and X70, the X90 will be offered in four variants namely Standard, Executive, Premium, to Flagship.

The Flagship variant is a six-seater with captain seats and pilot headrests for the second row, while the other variants are seven seaters.

New safety features on the X90 are Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) which detects approaching vehicles while reversing using the rear radar sensor, Rear Collision Warning (RCW) which alerts driver on potential rear-end collisions and Traffic Sign Information (TSI) which detects and displays road signs.

The X90 is Proton's first vehicle with these intelligent safety features.

The SUV also boasts a 10-inch LCD meter combination, providing an easy-to-read and intuitive digital user interface.

The infotainment unit in the flagship variant of the X90 features a 12.3-inch display unit, with the powerful EO2 processor.

This is the largest and most advanced unit available in Proton vehicles to-date.

Meanwhile, in a statement, Proton said the X90's muscular silhouette highlights the latest evolution towards a premium design identity.

"The redesigned Ethereal Bow flowing between the headlamps frames a newfound premium aura, creating a strong and harmonious look that is sure to impress. The grille is equally stunning, featuring diamond shapes inspired by songket patterns, exemplifying infinite movement, and upon closer inspection reveals distinctive repeating patterns of the Infinite Weave. This evolutionary Design DNA was inspired by Malaysian craftsmanship and rich cultural heritage," said Proton chief designer Azlan Othman.

Meanwhile, during the quick media briefing, Proton revealed that the X90's development took 96,000 man-hours and 1.2 million kilometres of testing.
As a result, the X90 has a multi-link suspension tuned on Malaysian roads.

Occupants enjoy dual-zone air-conditioning and independent rear air-conditioning, and every row has air-conditioning vents.

There are seven charging points (USB-C and USB-A) for mobile devices as well as wireless charging.

Other features include Nappa leather seats, N95 cabin filter, LED headlights with sequential turn signals, powered front seats, auto unlock and walk-away auto lock, and a powered tailgate, as well as up to 2,050 litres of rear cargo space with the rear seats folded.

The Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, and forward collision warning (FCW), automatic park assist (level 2 ADAS), a 360-degree camera system with 3D display, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

The Premium and Flagship variants shown to the press were shod with 19-inch wheels.

"We have about 45% localised from the day we start production, and with around 500 local parts," said Proton director of group engineering Hazrin Fazail Haroon.

On plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs), Proton deputy CEO Roslan Abdullah pointed out that as a national automaker, Proton has an agenda to develop the country's automotive industry.

"If we introduce PHEVs, what would be the price range and the market acceptance? We can bring in (fully imported) BEVs but we have to be mindful of the reason for Proton's establishment. At the end of the day, what is the benefit for Malaysia?," he said.

Meanwhile, Li said going forward, Proton is continuously looking to improve after-sales services.

"We have a plan - Proton Operation Excellence (POE). Now, we have 152 3S and 4S (sales, service, spare parts, and body and paint services) centres. If you want to sell the X90, your after-sales services should be better (reach a certain standard). If not, you are disqualified from selling the X90. Also, you must have space to accomodate eight models - by the end of 2023, we will launch (the eighth model)," he said.

Li did not reveal what would be the eighth Proton model, although there is media speculation that it would be a new C-segment sedan.

Presently, Proton has six models namely the Saga, Persona, X50, X70, Iriz and Exora in its line-up.


China's Didi launches Silicon Valley research hub

                SAN FRANCISCO: Chinese ridesharing leader Didi Chuxing has opened a Silicon Valley research hub, where it will join the race with other tech companies for autonomous driving.

The Didi Labs centre in Mountain View — which is also the home of Google — will focus on "intelligent driving technologies," according to a statement Wednesday.

Building on rich data and fast-evolving AI (artificial intelligence) analytics, we will be working with cities and towns to build intelligent transportation ecosystems for the future," said Didi founder and chairman Cheng Wei.

One of the engineers hired for the lab is Charlie Miller, who gained famed two years ago for hacking into a Jeep to show how automobiles can be taken over remotely.

"My job is to make sure the assisted driving and autonomous systems developed and used by Didi are resistant to external attacks and threat," Miller, who has been working at Uber, said in a tweet.

According a report in the tech news website Re/code, Didi has hired engineers away from Google's rebranded self-driving unit Waymo.

Didi Labs will be led by Fengmin Gong, who is vice president of the Didi Research Institute.

The Didi statement said that "dozens of leading data scientists and researchers have joined the team," and that it will focus on "cloud-based security, deep learning, human-machine interaction, computer vision and imaging, as well as intelligent driving technologies."

The research centre also hopes to help cities develop smart transportation infrastructure.

Didi, which claims almost 90 percent of China's ride-hailing market, announced a tie-up with Uber last year to end a ferocious battle in the surging Chinese market.

Didi is the latest Chinese tech giant to open a research centre in California, after Baidu's launch last year.


Rolls-Royce's Spirit of Ecstasy reaches 110th anniversary milestone

                GOODWOOD (UK): Rolls-Royce Motor Cars celebrates the 110th anniversary of its official emblem - the Spirit of Ecstasy.

The intellectual property of the design was registered on Feb 6 1911, establishing a defining feature of the Rolls-Royce brand and one of the most famous, iconic and desirable symbols of luxury in the world.

Almost unaltered throughout her long and storied life, the Spirit of Ecstasy graces the bonnet of every Rolls-Royce motor car built at the home of Rolls-Royce, Goodwood.

Her design was taken from a bronze statuette, entitled the ‘Whisper’, created by Sculptor and Illustrator Charles Sykes for his employer, motoring pioneer and Rolls-Royce early-adopter Lord Montagu of Beaulieu.

The company's foundational connection between the automotive and art worlds continues today with MUSE, The Rolls-Royce Art Programme, a lead protagonist in the world of moving-image art.

The first Spirit of Ecstasy figurines stood a statuesque seven inches (about 18cm) tall but today, she is a more petite 3¾ inches (9.5cm).

She is kept safely out of sight within a special housing in the bonnet until the engine starts, when she takes the stage smoothly and gracefully by a precisely engineered mechanism known as 'the rise'.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars chief executive officer Torsten Müller-Ötvös said the Spirit of Ecstasy represented far more than just the company and its products as an emblem.

"To our customers, she is a potent symbol, instantly and universally recognised – of success, endeavour, achievement and standing. In her beauty, simplicity, elegance and rarity, she encapsulates everything our customers seek – and find – in their Rolls-Royce motor car.

“Within our company, the Spirit of Ecstasy fosters pride and esprit de corps, uniting and empowering the Rolls-Royce family right across the world.

"She reminds us of our inheritance and principles, and inspiring greatness in all of us. Every car we build must be worthy of bearing her, because it is she that makes every Rolls-Royce, and our company, unique and complete," he said.


5G Automotive Association formed

                MUNICH: Audi AG, BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ericsson, Huawei, Intel, Nokia and Qualcomm Incorporated, announced the formation of the 5G Automotive Association.

The association will develop, test and promote communications solutions, support standardization and accelerate commercial availability and global market penetration.

The goal is to address society’s connected mobility and road safety needs with applications such as connected automated driving, ubiquitous access to services and integration into smart cities and intelligent transportation.

With next generation 5G mobile networks and continued strong LTE evolution, which includes Cellular Vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) communication, the focus of information and communication technologies (ICT) shifts towards the Internet of Things and the digitalization of industries.

“Connected cars will shape the future of individual mobility, and next generation mobile networks will take it to a new level. The key to success is in cross-industry collaboration. This is why we set up the 5G Automotive Association where experts from all relevant fields are teaming up,” said Audi AG, Head of Infotainment Development, Alfons Pfaller.

As an evolution to today’s networks, next generation mobile networks are expected to handle much more data volume, connect many more devices, significantly reduce latency and bring new levels of reliability.

For example, 5G can better support mission-critical communications for safer driving and will further support enhanced vehicle-to-everything communications and connected mobility solutions.

These new solutions bring new technological and business opportunities for both the automotive and ICT industries, and the members of the association will closely collaborate to realize the full potential together.

The association will address key technical and regulatory issues, leveraging next generation mobile networks and integrating vehicle platforms with connectivity, networking and computing solutions.

The 5G Automotive Association is a global association and welcomes more partners who are engaged in the automotive industry, the ICT industry or the broader eco-system and value chain for vehicle and road transportation systems. Several companies have already expressed strong support for the 5GAA and declared their intent to join the Association in the near future.

Christoph Voigt is appointed Chairperson of the Board and Dino Flore is appointed Director General of the Association.

The Association will support and work in close cooperation with national and regional initiatives, such as the European Connected & Automated Driving Pre-Deployment Project.