Mercedes-Benz acts to stop trading in counterfeit products — online and off

                STUTTGART: Counterfeit products are a global scourge. But when it comes to components for cars, lives are at stake, which is why Mercedes-Benz has a brand protection team that focuses on stopping safety-related counterfeits.

The global trade in counterfeit Mercedes-Benz products continues to increase. In 2021 alone, more than 1.86 million counterfeit products were seized in over 650 raids. This is a significant increase of around six per cent compared to the previous year.

Counterfeit products are not only illegal, they also undermine safety and can endanger the health of road users.

Mercedes-Benz said this is the reason why it's taking rigorous action against such counterfeit products. The measures focus on components such as brake discs, wheels and body and steering parts.

“The counterfeiting industry has organised crime structures and often generates higher profits than drug trafficking," said Renata Jungo Brüngger, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Integrity & Legal Affairs.

"We are working closely with authorities around the world in order to curtail these structures and combat threats to road safety.”

During the pandemic over the past two years, product pirates increasingly used online platforms and social media channels to offer counterfeit goods.

It requires much more effort for brand protection experts to research the online trade in counterfeit products.

Counterfeit goods can be placed on online platforms at very short notice and sold with the support of social media.

For this reason, Mercedes-Benz said it has further expanded its strategic and operational measures against counterfeiting in online trading.

Its brand protection strategy comprises three pillars: Detect, attack and prevent.

Its experts can identify counterfeiters by checking suspicious offers on online platforms and social media or trade fairs worldwide.

In 2021, more than 126,000 counterfeit products were removed from online platforms, said Brüngger.

It’s often hard to visually distinguish counterfeit products from genuine parts.

However, blatant differences in quality and safety quickly become apparent on the test track and on the road.

The quality of counterfeit products is usually poor and they do not meet the minimum legal requirements in terms of safety. Therefore, counterfeit products pose a significant risk to the health and safety of road users.

In many cases, organised counterfeiters have their goods produced under inhumane conditions with no regard for human rights, environmental standards and occupational safety.

The global Mercedes-Benz Intellectual Property Enforcement team works closely with customs and law enforcement authorities. In addition, it regularly offers training events and information material for the preventive raising of awareness among different target groups.

Mercedes-Benz reports regularly on its work against counterfeiters.

Customers and road users can also support the prevention of product counterfeiting in their daily lives and check unusual offers carefully.

Typical indicators of counterfeit products are an extremely low price, conspicious product quality or sale via dubious online sources.

It is often even possible to see from the product images or designations that the parts cannot be genuine, since Mercedes-Benz simply doesn’t make such items.


Porsche Macan gets new goodies without a price hike

                KUALA LUMPUR: Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), the sole authorised importer and distributor of Porsche vehicles and parts in Malaysia, has enhanced its Premium Package for the Macan compact sports utility vehicle (SUV).

From now until Dec 31, three new items have been included in the package which accompanies the Macan as standard without increasing its base price of RM439,351.

Those looking to pick up a Macan should do so before Dec 31 to take advantage of the current RM15,649 savings thanks to the 50% sales tax reduction for CBU vehicles by the government.

The new items within in the package now include Comfort Access (keyless entry system), Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system and Park Assist - now with Surround View instead of a reverse camera.

The items expand from the package's existing items which includes a pair of 14-way powered front seats with memory function, Comfort Lighting package (full-LED cabin), Power Steering Plus (speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering system), electrochromic (auto-dimming) mirrors and a Bose Surround sound system with Apple CarPlay.

The company says that this brings the value of the enhanced Premium Package to more than RM39,000.

The Macan is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 252hp and 370Nm of torque while being managed by a seven-speed Porsche Dopplekupplung (Porsche double-clutch) gearbox.

This allows the compact SUV to sprint from 0 to 100kph in 6.7 seconds before reaching a top speed of 225kph.

Its latest prominent features include the three-dimensional LED light panel at the rear to keep with Porsche’s design DNA and the new fully interconnected Porsche communication management system with a 10.9-inch touchscreen.

“The introduction of the new enhanced Premium Package for our best-selling model, the Macan, is a great way to introduce more people to the brand, especially given the rising popularity of the Macan and the overall compact SUV segment over the past few years," said SDAP chief executive officer Christopher Hunter.

At present, the company is putting its finishing touches on its soon-to-be-launched new flagship Porsche Centre Ara Damansara while its upcoming Porsche Centre Johor Baru has been scheduled to commence operations in 2021.


Upcoming Apex concept model's AR display can 'gamify' racetrack driving

                HONG KONG: In just a few weeks at the Geneva Motor Show, Apex Motors will be unveiling its latest high-tech, high-performance concept car: the AP-0.

Though the model will be equipped with LiDAR technology and advanced driver assistant features which will work together to keep those inside and outside the vehicle safe in all weather conditions, the star component of the sportscar is the holographic augmented reality display and AR Race Instructor; together these technologies "gamif(y) the way drivers can learn new race tracks and delivers the ultimate immersive racing experience."

This feature is just one of many, according to the company, that has been designed to connect the driver with the driving experience.

More information about the Apex AP-0 concept model and its technology will be revealed on March 3 at the Geneva Motor Show, just two days before the show opens up to the public.


Ford recall of 3 million vehicles over air bag defect to cost US$610mil

                WASHINGTON: Ford Motor Co said on Thursday it will recall 3 million vehicles for air bag inflators that could rupture, at a cost of US$610 million.

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Tuesday ordered Ford to issue the recall for driver-side air bag inflators, rejecting the automaker’s 2017 petition to avoid it.

The defect, which in rare instances leads to air bag inflators rupturing and sending potentially deadly metal fragments flying, prompted the largest automotive recall in US history of more than 67 million inflators. Worldwide, about 100 million inflators installed by 19 major automakers have been recalled.

The recall includes 2.7 million US vehicles. Ford will include the cost in fourth-quarter results.

The vehicles were previously recalled for passenger-side inflators. “We believe our extensive data demonstrated that a safety recall was not warranted for the driver-side airbag. However, we respect NHTSA’s decision and will issue a recall,” Ford said.

NHTSA also required Mazda Motor Corp to recall 5,800 air bag inflators in 2007–2009 B-Series vehicles.

Takata inflators have resulted in at least 400 injuries and 27 deaths worldwide - including 18 US fatalities with two in previously recalled 2006 Ford Ranger trucks.

The Ford vehicles being recalled include various 2006-2012 model-year Ranger, Fusion, Edge, Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKX vehicles.

In November, NHTSA rejected a petition filed by General Motors Co to avoid recalling 5.9 million US vehicles with Takata air bags. GM said the callback covered 7 million vehicles worldwide and would cost US$1.2 billion.

Ford separately disclosed on Thursday it expects to record a pretax remeasurement loss of US$1.5 billion in the fourth quarter related to pension and other post-employment benefits plans, driven by lower discount rates.

Ford said the remeasurement loss is expected to reduce net income by about US$1.2 billion, but did not change expectations for 2021 pension contributions.


EV disruptors hit industry speed bumps that have plagued legacy automakers for years

                DETROIT: Electric vehicle startups that promised to disrupt the automotive industry by using a software- and technology-heavy approach are now scrambling to cut costs amid the type of industry slowdown that has bedeviled Detroit automakers over the years.

To remain a player in an increasingly competitive business as incumbent automakers introduce their own EVs, startups like Rivian Automotive Inc and Arrival SA will need to tighten their belts and in some cases reinvent themselves, industry officials and analysts said.

In many cases, they are partnering with larger, deep-pocketed companies to aid their survival and provide access to funds.

Those who fail to control their spending or find the right partners could wind up like electric delivery van startup Electric Last Mile Solutions , which filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection last month. Industry officials do not expect that to be the last startup to hit a pothole.

"Like every company that is burning money, you need to make the right adjustments so that you can get to the other side of the desert," said Evangelos Simoudis, a Silicon Valley venture capital investor and industry adviser.

Even as overall new-vehicle sales have slumped during the Covid-19 pandemic, EV demand remains strong. Global sales of battery electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles nearly doubled last year to 6.6 million, according to the International Energy Agency.

On Tuesday, British startup Arrival said it planned to cut spending, reorganise its business and potentially shed 30% of its workforce in response to the challenging economic environment.

Arrival, trying to launch production of electric delivery vans, is following the lead of industry stars Tesla Inc and Rivian, which have cut jobs as supply-chain snarls hobbled production, holding revenue below expectations and sending costs soaring.

Arrival said its US$500 million in cash on hand would last until late 2023 with the proposed cuts. The question is whether that will be enough.

"One billion dollars doesn't last very long in the auto business. That's a redesign for a Malibu or something," Cox Automotive executive analyst Michelle Krebs said.

No more 'free money'

Partnerships or long-term contracts with financially strong companies are one lifeline for EV startups.

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said on Wednesday that rising inflation is cutting off easy access to "free money."

"This means some startups will have a little bit more difficulty to develop by themselves," he said during an awards presentation to startups with whom the carmaker works.

Rivian not only has a large deal to supply vans to Amazon.com Inc, but the online giant also is a major investor.

Rivian chief executive R.J. Scaringe told employees on Tuesday that job cuts were coming in order for the company "to stay ahead of the changing economic landscape."

Lordstown Motors Corp, an Ohio startup that briefly had a larger market value than Ford Motor Co, has restructured, selling assets to and partnering with Taiwanese contract manufacturer Foxconn.

'Incredibly tough business'

The staff cuts and restructuring in the new EV industry reflect challenges common to all automakers, and some that are unique to small companies in a capital-intensive industry where even global economies of scale sometimes are not enough to assure profitability.

When Tesla CEO Elon Musk last month told top executives in his company in an email that he had a "super bad feeling" about the economy, and said the world's most valuable automaker needed to cut its salaried staff by 10%, he was amplifying concern about the global economy other CEOs shared.

"This is an incredibly tough business," said Barry Engle, a former auto executive who started a special-purpose acquisition company that merged with air taxi startup Lilium .

"With the success of Tesla, it's easy to forget that was a story that was 20 years in the making and along the way there were many points where they stared death in the face."

In Tesla's case, economic turbulence struck as the company was launching large assembly plants in Texas and Germany.

Supply- chain bottlenecks had turned those operations into "money furnaces," Musk told members of a Tesla fan club last month.

Detroit not immune

Detroit automakers are at risk too from rising money costs and persistent supply-chain problems.

At General Motors Co, executives look at a dashboard of market indicators "every day, every week, every month," chief financial officer Paul Jacobson told investors at Deutsche Bank conference in June.

"I don't want to end up in a situation where we walk off a cliff."

So far, established automakers have been able to raise prices on their popular, high-volume combustion trucks and SUVs to keep cash flowing. GM, Ford and Stellantis have so far stuck to their full-year profit forecasts.

EV startups do not have established model lines churning out cash the way the Ford F-series truck lineup does.

The slumping stock market and rising interest rates have made it tougher for new companies to raise fresh capital from investors. That intensifies pressure to start building and selling vehicles, and to slash expenses to conserve cash on hand.

Canoo Inc shares got recharged on Tuesday when the company said it had landed the deal to deliver 4,500 delivery vans to retailer Walmart.

Canoo shares rose more than 50%, although from a low base. The company told investors in May its management had "substantial doubt" about the company's ability to remain a going concern.


Nidec Corp: World’s top maker of mini motors bets it can win over Tesla

Seki is in charge of a quiet behemoth in the global electric-motor industry. — Bloomberg
KYOTO: Nidec Corp., the world’s top supplier of motors for everything from hard drives to power plants, is betting it can make a key component for Tesla Inc.’s electric vehicles cheaper and better than anyone else, possibly including its chief executive officer, Elon Musk.

"I very much want to have a top-level discussion with Elon Musk,” Jun Seki, Nidec’s president and chief operating officer, said in an interview. Without an outside partner, Tesla won’t be able to achieve Musk’s goal of producing 20 million EVs a year by 2030, he said.

It’s an audacious overture to a company that flirted with being the world’s most valuable last week, making Musk the richest man, but Nidec isn’t just any ordinary parts supplier.

The manufacturer is a quiet behemoth in the global electric-motor industry.

Although the vast majority of people who use the company’s products don’t know its name, Nidec’s motors are used in about 85% of the world’s hard drives and it controls almost half of the global market for brushless motors found in everything from air conditioners to factory robots.

Nidec is Japan’s ninth-largest enterprise, with a market value of about US$82 billion on Tuesday, after climbing 2%. The stock rose 73% last year.

That’s made CEO Shigenobu Nagamori Japan’s fourth-wealthiest individual with a net worth of US$10.2 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

He poached Seki from Nissan Motor Co., where Seki had come up through engineering to becoming vice-COO, a year ago to embark on a bet-the-company pivot. The goal?

Turning the manufacturer Nagamori founded in a shed in Kyoto 47 years ago into the world’s top supplier of motors for electric vehicles. Nagamori, 76, is backing the effort with a pledge to invest close to US$10 billion over the next five years to grab a market share of 40% to 45%.

With Japan, California and other major automobile markets mandating that all new car sales be electric over the next two decades, the global EV traction motor market is on track to reach about US$29 billion by 2026, according to consultancy firm Shibuya Data Count.

Up until now, much of the industry’s focus has been on building out the capacity to produce enough batteries, while improving technology to make them more efficient and expand the range of EVs.

After batteries, traction motors are the most expensive component of an EV, meaning the segment is ripe for claiming if a company is able to mass-produce a disruptively cheap product.

Combining the motor, gears and electronic components, traction motors are also used in electric trains; they must be able to withstand mechanical stress and cool efficiently because of the high power levels involved.

"As we move forward with mass-production, costs will come down and it’ll be easier to win out against rivals,” said Seki, 59, who traveled abroad several times during the 2020 pandemic to secure deals with automakers, seeking to edge out Bosch Corp., ZF Friedrichshafen AG, Dana Inc. and other competitors.

Tesla, based in Palo Alto, California, is just one of the many carmakers in Nidec’s sights. The Japanese manufacturer has already reached agreements to provide EV motors to 22 automakers, including China’s Guangzhou automobile Group Co. and France’s Peugeot SA, according to Seki.

Whether it’s a traditional auto manufacturer, or an electric-truck startup or Apple Inc., which is said to be planning a self-driving electric car, "any new company entering into the realm of electric vehicles is a chance for us,” Seki said.

Through its joint venture with Peugeot, Nidec also has a "big opportunity” with Fiat Chrysler automobiles NV, as the automaker is set to merge with Peugeot, he added.

Nidec’s pitch to automakers is its "E-Axle” system, which combines motors, gears and inverters into a single package. As EV makers seek smaller and more efficient powertrains, that will give an edge to manufacturers that are able to design high-precision durable gears and cool them effectively, all while keeping costs down.

To secure the technologies and resources needed, Nidec is ready to spend as much as 1 trillion yen (US$9.7 billion) on mergers and acquisitions, Seki said. He singled out gear and inverter manufacturing as two industries ripe for growth.

If Nidec’s vision plays out, it will be able to offer Tesla and other EV makers a traction motor that’s less than US$1,000 in under five years, down from the standard today which can run up to US$2,000 or more. While batteries make up about a third of a typical EV’s cost, a basic motor makes up about 10%.

Nidec sees Europe and China as relatively quick adopters of EVs. As such, it has invested heavily in the latter over the past three years and is planning to inject some 200 billion yen into its European operations.

The company is looking at Serbia as the top candidate for a new EV motor factory it’s looking to build in the region.

For now, Seki is laying the groundwork to be able to meet a spike in demand that’s anticipated in the decade after 2025.

Thanks to greater investment, battery costs are coming down, making EVs more affordable. At the same time, a number of governments including Japan and the U.K. have said they will ban the sale of new gasoline vehicles.

By 2035, annual EV sales are projected to exceed 48 million units, up from roughly 2 million this year, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. To clinch a share of that, Seki is counting on adding Tesla as a customer.

Although Nidec’s U.S. representatives have approached the EV maker, whose market capitalization now exceeds that of Toyota Motor Corp. and Japan’s six other major car manufacturers combined, no deals between the two have been announced.

Despite its outsized valuation, Tesla made about 500,000 vehicles last year, or less than a 10th of what Toyota will produce.

Tesla is believed to mainly design and manufacture its own traction motors for the Model S, X, Y and 3. With new factories being built in Texas and Germany to add to plants in California and China, Musk struck an optimistic tone in September that Tesla will hit his lofty goal.

Seki said there are also a number of storied automakers that won’t consider diverging from in-house production of the important electrification technology. Nissan, for one, will equip future EV models with its own dual electric motor "E-4orce” system. General Motors Co. is also designing proprietary e-axle systems.

While Nidec is a relative newcomer to the EV motor sector with much left to prove, the manufacturer is betting that its plunge into the technology can be modeled after its success in hard-drive motors, where it invested early and built production capacity to drive down costs.

The company is regarded as a bellwether of manufacturing trends, picking up early on shifts such as the growth of factory automation. Today, Nidec produces more than 3 billion motors a year, and is betting that the automotive business will make up a growing portion of the 10 trillion yen in annual net sales that Nagamori aims to reach by fiscal 2030.

The next move Nidec is considering after traction motors is to offer nearly complete EV platforms. There will be demand for such packages from new entrants in the sector that would prefer to focus on a vehicle’s interior and styling, Seki said.

With the wave of electrification hitting the automotive industry "this kind of creative destruction is already happening,” he said.


VW pleads guilty in US court in diesel emissions scandal

                DETROIT/WASHINGTON: Volkswagen AG pleaded guilty on Friday to fraud, obstruction of justice and falsifying statements as part of a US$4.3 billion settlement reached with the US Justice Department in January over the automaker's diesel emissions scandal.

It was the first time the company has pleaded guilty to criminal conduct in any court in the world, a company spokesman said, and comes as the automaker strives to put the most expensive ever auto industry scandal behind it.

The September 2015 disclosure that VW intentionally cheated on emissions tests for at least six years led to the ouster of its chief executive, damaged the company's reputation around the world and prompted massive bills.

In total, VW has agreed to spend up to US$25 billion in the United States to address claims from owners, environmental regulators, states and dealers and offered to buy back about 500,000 polluting US vehicles.

Volkswagen's general counsel Manfred Doess made the plea on its behalf after he said at a hearing in US District Court in Detroit that he was authorised by the company's board of directors to enter a guilty plea.

"Your honour, VW AG is pleading guilty to all three counts because it is guilty on all three counts," Doess told the court.

US District Judge Sean Cox accepted the company's guilty plea to conspiracy to commit fraud, obstruction and entry of goods by false statement charges and set an April 21 sentencing date, where he must decide whether to approve the terms of the plea agreement.

Investors in VW stock took the news in stride after the expected guilty plea, sending shares up slightly in Germany to close up 0.3 percent at 143.70 euros.

VW has agreed to spend up to US$10 billion to buy back diesels that emit up to 40 times legally allowable pollution, along with at least US$5,100 per owner in additional compensation.

Cox said he was considering a motion made by a lawyer for some owners on whether to allow additional restitution for victims.

"This a very, very, very serious crime. It is incumbent on me to make a considered decision," Cox said.

Under the plea agreement, VW agreed to sweeping reforms, new audits and oversight by an independent monitor for three years after admitting to installing secret software in 580,000 US vehicles. The software enabled it to beat emissions tests over a six-year period and emit up to 40 times the legally allowable level of pollution.

Volkswagen agreed to change the way it operates in the United States and other countries under the settlement. VW, the world's largest automaker by sales, in January agreed to pay US$4.3 billion in US civil and criminal fines.

The company still faces ongoing investigations stemming from the excess emissions by the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Internal Revenue Service and some US states. New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said last month that there have been recent settlement talks, but didn't elaborate.

The German automaker halted sales of diesel vehicles in late 2015 and has said it has no plans to resume sales of new US diesels.

The Justice Department also charged seven current and former VW executives with crimes related to the scandal. One executive is in custody and awaiting trial and another pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate. US prosecutors said in January that five of the seven are believed to be in Germany. They have not been arraigned.

German prosecutors also have an ongoing criminal probe into VW's excess diesel emissions.

VW Chairman Hans Dieter Poetsch said Monday the company expects to broaden disciplinary action beyond the two dozen employees it has already suspended.


Toyota unveils two all-electric bZ concepts at Auto Shanghai 2023

                SHANGHAI: Toyota has unveiled two BEV (battery electric vehicle) concept models, the bZ Sport Crossover Concept and bZ FlexSpace Concept, at Auto Shanghai 2023.

The Toyota bZ series is dedicated to the Japanese automaker's BEVs.

The production models based on the two new bZ concepts, will be launched in the Chinese market in 2024 as two models out of the ten BEV models that Toyota plans to release by 2026.

The bZ Sport Crossover Concept is a crossover-type BEV with active and distinctive styling being jointly developed by Toyota and Chinese automakers BYD and FAW.

To be produced and sold by FAW Toyota Motor, the concept of this model is "Reboot," which incorporates the idea of a change of pace.

The bZ Sport Crossover Concept will have features such as driver assistance and automatic parking.

Meanwhile, the bZ FlexSpace Concept is a family-oriented SUV-type BEV.

It is being jointly developed by Toyota and Guangzhou Automobile Group Co Ltd (GAC).

To be produced and sold by GAC Toyota Motor, the concept of this model is "Cozy Home," to create a space for families.

The bZ FlexSpace Concept is said to offer a large cabin space, ease of use, advanced safety, a reliable cruising range, as well as various intelligent functions.


2016 Paris Motor Show: CarSifu's top 10 picks

                PARIS: As the City of Lights plays host to the latest motor show of late, here are 10 of CarSifu's favourite picks, in no particular order.

1. Citroen C3

Citroen's little "spirit of cactus" is a C3 with five doors, a floating roof deign, airbump side protection, squarish seats, split headlamps, and gets touted for its emphasis on comfort and happiness, while using the Peugeot 208's platform.

To bring its cheer levels up, there's a multitude of colour options, not just for its body panels, for its external individual parts and that application gets carried into the cabin for the dashboard to the doors and the steering wheel.

With a starting weight of under 1,000kg, the new C3 has a three-cylinder petrol engine under the hood providing three output levels of 68, 82 and 110bhp as well as two turbo diesel units with 75 and 100bhp.

2. Peugeot 3008

What once was a MPV is now a crossover following the Peugeot 3008's debut at this year's Paris Motor Show with its new 'smiling' grille, hood, fog lamps, rear tri-claw light cluster, headlights as well as rear bumper and spoiler among others.

Inside, there's chrome application, a smaller steering wheel, 12.3-inch digital display with five display modes and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with 3D Navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, MirrorLink and voice recognition.

Other luxury amenities include automatic climate controls, panoramic sunroof, an audio system from Focal and seats with eight-way massage function.

It'll come equipped with a petrol-powered 130PS 1.2-litre PureTech engine mated to a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox or a 160PS 1.6-litre mill exclusively married to a six-speed automatic.

In the diesel spectrum, there's a 100PS 1.6-litre BlueHDi engine mated to a five-speed manual or a higher-tuned 120PS output with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Additionally, there's also a 2.0-litre BlueHDi mill with 150PS and comes mated only to a six-speed manual or an automatic that manages its 180PS output.

3. Audi Q5

The second generation mid-sized sport utility vehicle (SUV), that is the Audi Q5, will share its powerplants four and six-cylinder engine variants with its low riding A4 and A5 models, with more sportier variants and a plug-in hybrid model due to arrive in the near future.

It will come equipped with a quattro all-wheel drive system, new multi-link suspension setup and an optional air-suspension.

Inside, the cabin gets fitted with natural and man-made materials, as well as a traditional console with an infotainment system or the optional virtual cockpit screen.

4. Land Rover Discovery
Land Rover's new seven-seater fifth-generation Discovery SUV may now be longer with larger cabin dimensions, but also narrower and lower.

There's going to be two outputs for Jaguar Land Rover's new 2.0-litre Ingenium four-cylinder turbodiesel mills with two output choices of 240bhp or 258bhp in V6 form for the 2,406 litres of boot space or 1,137 litres just aft of the two third row seats.

In the petrol spectrum, there's a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 Si6 engine providing 340PS amd 450Nm of torque.

A limited-run of 600 units for the 'First Edition' model will be produced for the Discovery in the UK, which still maintains its boxy good looks that continues to pay homage to its 27 years of existence and can come fitted with premium materials such as Windsor leather upholstery and natural oak veneers

Entertainment can come from an optional 14-speaker Meridian digital surround system, with an additional subwoofer, and 3G WiFi, while up to four 12V charging points and nine USB ports can be found inside.

5. Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta

Marking Ferrari's 70th anniversary is the LaFerrari Aperta that's the company's new limited-edition special series of its LaFerrari supercar and comes available with both carbon-fibre hard top (optional) and soft top.

It still maintains the same hybrid power unit as the coupe, which is a 6.30litre (6,262cc) 800hp/700Nm 65-degree V12 engine that's coupled with a 120Kw electric motor for a combined output of 963hp/900Nm, and the dynamic control systems integrated with the active aerodynamics remain unchanged.

With the engine managed by a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the LaFerrari Aperta delivers the same top speed of over 350kph and can reach 100kph from standstill in less than 3.0 seconds.

With modifications to the aerodynamic set-up, its drag coefficient remains unchanged compared to the coupe with the roof open and the windows up.

6. Honda Civic Type R prototype

Based on the new Civic hatchback, this is Honda's new Civic Type R prototype that comes with more muscular body panels that comes with aerodynamic gains that includes the bumper with a carbon fibre splitter, additional slatted ducts, diamond-mesh inserts and new hood intake.

It also gets presented with smoked LED headlights, signals and side repeaters, carbon fibre side skirts, 20-inch piano black alloy wheels, enlarged arches, carbon fibre diffuser, wider rear bumper, tri-exhaust pipes and an aggressive rear wing.

Due for an official debut next year, before going on sale in the second half of 2017, it will be produced at Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) in Swindon – the global manufacturing hub for the five-door hatchback.

The Type R will be exported to markets around the world, including the US – which will mark the first time that any Honda-badged Type R has been officially sold in North America.

7. Toyota C-HR

The new Toyota C-HR introduces a distinctive styling that brings sensuality to the crossover market, combining a coupe-like upper body with the powerful underpinnings of an SUV.

The production vehicle remains true to the concept car’s exterior which was first shown at the Paris Motorshow in 2014. and which registered extremely well with target customers.
Under the concept of “Sensual Speed-Cross”, and featuring a diamond architectural theme with wheel arches projecting prominently at all four corners to emphasise the new crossover’s strength and rigidity, the C-HR modulated structure combines a powerful lower body and raised ground clearance with the slim and sleek cabin profile of a coupe.

The C-HR’s coupe-like styling is further enhanced by disguised rear door handles integrated within the C pillar

A new departure for Toyota, the interior styling represents a new ‘Sensual Tech’ design concept combining high-tech functionality with a sensual and fashionable style. It embodies a driver focused area within an airy, expansive cabin space.

All operating switchgear, and an 8” display audio touch-screen featuring a redesigned and improved HMI (Human Machine Interface) with Toyota’s Multi-Media ’16 navigation platform and enhanced connected services are slightly oriented towards the driver.

The C-HR is available as a 122hp hybrid, new 1.2-litre 116hp turbo engine and 2-litre 144hp engine. It may be mated to either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a Continuously Variable Transmission. CVT equipped versions are available with either front- or all-wheel drive.

8. Audi RS 3
The first ever Audi RS 3 Sedan has been presented at this year’s Paris Motor Show, with its release date earmarked for the second quarter of 2017 and will have RS-exclusive colours of Nardo gray and Catalunya red as optional extras.

The RS 3 will feature a 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged TFSI engine, producing 400hp and 480Nm of torque from 1,700 to 5,850rpm - making it the most powerful five-cylinder engine in the world, and will allow it to get to 100kph from standstill in 4.1 seconds, before reaching a maximum speed of 250kph (if requested that limit can be extended to 280kph instead).

The new RS 3 has a light-alloy crankcase, allowing the five-cylinder engine to become 26kg lighter, while employing a dual injection system into the intake manifold and into the combustion chambers meanwhile featuring Audi's valvelift system for optimal power development to help reduce consumption levels.

The engine is mated to a seven-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission that sends power to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with an electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch to distribute the drive torque variably between the front and rear axles.

The optional 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit monitor is able to display a special RS screen that moves the tachometer to the center. On the left and right information appears on tyre pressure, torque and g-forces.

When the transmission is operating in manual mode, a scale with a colour background prompts the driver to use the steering wheel paddle or selector lever to upshift when approaching maximum revs.

Also installed is a 705 Watt 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen Sound System, as well as the new traffic jam assist which works up to 65kph, emergency assist - automatically stopping the car to avoid a collision and cross traffic assist rear.

9. Nissan Micra
The Nissan Micra Gen5 is targeting the world's largest hatchback market - Europe, with its lower, wider and longer body than its predecessor's as well as more interior space.

It also has advanced new downsized turbo drivetrains, an agile chassis and a full complement of innovative safety features.

The design cues include the distinctive V-motion grille, boomerang-shaped lights, and a floating roof - for an airy feel. Other features include hidden rear door handles in the C-pillars and an extended roofline that incorporates a spoiler.

Available technologies include lane departure prevention, intelligent emergency braking with pedestrian recognition, intelligent around view monitor, traffic sign recognition, high beam assist and blind spot warning.

An exclusive feature of the Micra Gen5 is the all-new six-speaker Bose Personal sound system, developed through close collaboration with Nissan.

The first-of-its-kind sound system is optimised for the driver, with two Bose UltraNearfield speakers, combined with Bose PersonalSpace Virtual Audio Technology, built into the driver seat headrest for a remarkably immersive listening experience.

Additional passengers benefit from new Bose Super65 speakers in each of the front doors, producing low-note performance, and tweeters in each A-pillar for sonic clarity.

Micra Gen5 comes with a seven-inch full colour central display, providing access to the audio system, satellite navigation, mobile phone, downloadable apps and Siri voice control via Apple CarPlay.

There's also active ride control, active trace control, brushless electric power steering, reduced cabin noise as well as a better 0.29Cd drag coefficient for a hatchback.

At launch, the car will offer the choice of a 0.9-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel, both developing 90hp, and will be joined soon after by a naturally aspirated 73hp 1.0-litre petrol engine.

10. Alfa Giulia Veloce

Alfa Romeo presented its rear-wheel driven Giulia (all-wheel drive will soon be available) with its engine and major mechanical components arranged between the front and rear axles for a perfect 50/50 weight distribution.

Inside, the cabin is driver-centric with the main controls grouped together on the small steering wheel in a similar fashion to a Formula 1 car, while the human-machine interface consists of two simple, user-friendly knobs for adjusting the Alfa DNA selector and the infotainment system.

Premium materials, including carbon fibre and real wood, are chosen for their visual and tactile pleasantness and assembled in such a way to make the human touch visible.

Under the bonnet, a range of engines power the new Giulia with a bespoke unit created for the top-of-the-range Quadrifoglio version.

Tuned by engineers from a Ferrari background, the flagship V6 turbo petrol powerplant, producing 510hp, propels the Giulia Quadrifoglio from 0 to 100kph in 3.9 seconds and is made entirely of aluminium.


BMW sales dip in 2022, targets 15% battery-electric sales in 2023

                BERLIN: The BMW Group sold around 100,000 fewer cars in 2022 at 2.4 million vehicles, but more than doubled the proportion of fully-electric cars sold to reach almost 10% of total sales, a spokesman said today.

The German automaker plans to raise the share of battery electric vehicles in total sales to 15% in 2023, the person added.

The core BMW brand sold 2.1 million vehicles last year, down from a record 2.2 million in 2021, as Covid-19 lockdowns in China stymied supply and European inflation weighed on demand.

Still, BMW has so far offset the dip in sales volumes with higher prices, with third-quarter profits rising in 2022.

The carmaker will report full 2022 sales figures on Jan 10.


Police extend traffic summonses discount period until Dec 31

                KUALA LUMPUR: Due to overwhelming response Bukit Aman has extended the discount offer period traffic summonses until Dec 31.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said since Dec 9, a total of 2.3 million summonses worth RM109mil had already been settled.

"There was an overwhelming response at our counter during the 100-day Malaysian Family Aspirations exhibition at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) which made it difficult to observe standard operating procedures particularly, physical distancing," he told reporters after his walkabout at KLCC earlier today.

He said they were forced to close the counters at KLCC on Friday.

"That said, we have decided to open all traffic counters nationwide to those interested in settling their summonses.

"We have also decided to extend the discount offer period until Dec 31.

"Our rationale for extending the discount period is to avoid crowding and a last-minute rush at these traffic counters," he said.

He said the police understood that many people were facing hard times due to the pandemic, which was why they offered the discount to reduce their financial burden.

"The Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department will be monitoring the situation closely.

"They will decide if there is a need to increase the number of counters open at every district police headquarters nationwide," he said.

Meanwhile, Acryl Sani said those who wanted to settle their summonses online could do so via the www.mybayarsaman.rmp.gov.my portal.

"I have been informed that many members of the public were having trouble logging into the portal.

"This is due to heavy online traffic into the website," he said.

It was reported that the police's MyBayar Saman portal is congested due to overwhelming response to the up to 80% discount on selected traffic summonses.

Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director Comm Datuk Mat Kasim Karim was quoted saying the public should log in to the portal or application during non-peak hours as the portal was operational 24-hours a day.

On Wednesday, Comm Mat Kasim had said that up to 80% discounts on selected traffic summonses would be offered from Thursday until today.

"Discounts are not offered for summonses pertaining to accidents, overtaking on the double lines, using the emergency lane, running through the red light, overtaking dangerously, non-compoundable offences, offences under trial, heavy vehicles offences and modification of vehicle's exhausts," he said.


Porsche digital lab to turn innovative ideas into practical applications

The newly opened Porsche digital lab in Berlin. - Image: Automobil Produktion
STUTTGART: Porsche has opened a digital lab in Berlin, which will be used to identify and test new information technology solutions. The lab provides a platform for collaboration with technology companies, start-ups and the scientific community. Porsche is partnering with its subsidiary, the Ludwigsburg-based company MHP – one of the leading management and IT consultants in the automotive industry.

The lab employs several teams from Porsche and MHP, each of which is tasked with investigating how Porsche can take innovations from the fields of big data and machine learning, micro services and cloud technologies, and Industry 4.0 & the Internet of Things, and turn them into practical solutions. The tasks of these teams range from trend scouting and idea creation to building IT prototypes and components.

Berlin is home to a flourishing start-up scene, which is why Porsche has decided to set up the lab there. “The Porsche Digital Lab gives us the opportunity to experiment with new technologies and to put IT innovations into practice with speed and flexibility”, said of Porsche Information Systems vice president Dr Sven Lorenz

The Porsche Digital Lab follows hot on the heels of Porsche Digital GmbH, which was recently established in Ludwigsburg. Porsche Digital GmbH is centred around products and services for the customer. Networked mobility, intuitive control concepts and the vehicle architectures of tomorrow are the key elements of a digital ecosystem in which a host of new services and business models are developed. Both Porsche subsidiaries are working together on future projects.


KL motorists can use JomParking app

                KUALA LUMPUR: Motorists here can use the JomParking mobile app to pay for roadside parking from today.

JomParking was not one of the four apps initially determined by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to pay for roadside parking.

Previously, the four approved apps were EZ Smart Park, Flexiparking, Wilayah Parking and M-Cash.

“DBKL wants to provide the best service to our customers, so we have approved to include the JomParking app as a payment option, ” DBKL said in a statement.

DBKL said the daily and monthly parking passes were still not available on the apps and e-wallets and would be activated after the upgrading of the system.

DBKL is urging the public to familiarise themselves with the new payment method.

Motorists were caught by surprise by DBKL’s decision to switch from the ticketing machines for roadside parking to payment via mobile applications or e-wallets starting Oct 1.

Popular parking apps such as JomParking and Smart Selangor were not included as one of the payment options.

A group of Kuala Lumpur MPs have urged DBKL to consider granting a grace period to motorists by not imposing summonses on vehicles parked on the road.

“Users will need to switch to the new apps, requiring their balance to be transferred or otherwise refunded.

“Those who are not accustomed to using e-wallets will also be affected by the absence of machines to make physical payments, so allowance should be given for them to familiarise themselves, ” the MPs said in a statement.

The group added that as of 2016, there were 46,100 roadside parking bays and 330,000 JomParking users.


Get a 3D/2N escape to Pangkor Laut Resort with Volkswagen Passat

                KUALA LUMPUR: Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is pleased to offer its customers an indulgent Pangkor Laut Resort experience with every purchase of the Passat.

From now till the April 30, customers of the Passat Elegance and R-Line will receive a complimentary stay at the exclusive Pangkor Laut Resort.

Additionally, the Passat Elegance comes with 1-year free insurance worth RM5,500, while the Passat R-Line comes with 1-year free petrol worth RM2,500.

This Pangkor Laut Resort experience includes a two-night accommodation for two in a Hill Villa, which offers a magnificent view of the sea and beautiful tropical gardens.

Inclusive in the package are all three daily meals, and guests will also receive a 50-minute massage treatment at the award-winning Spa Village Pangkor Laut.

The package covers return scheduled speedboat transfers to and from Marina Island Pangkor on the mainland.

 Passat R-Line.

VPCM managing director Erik Winter said the package provides Volkswagen customers a way to enjoy the beauty that is Malaysia.

“The current travel implementations by the Government meant that we have not been able to travel and get away from the hustle and bustle of our city lives.

"With this campaign, we are delighted to offer our customers the opportunity to experience two award winners – the Passat, the world’s best-selling mid-sized sedan, and Pangkor Laut Resort, previously voted ‘Number One in the World’ by Condé Nast Traveller,” he said.

Pangkor Laut is a privately-owned island located three miles off the west coast of Malaysia on the Straits of Malacca.

Its unique concept of “One Island, One Resort” promises exclusivity, serenity, and harmony.

The island houses a resort of 140 villas and eight Estates that blend seamlessly into the forest as if nature had been the architect.

The Passat Elegance and its sportier sibling, the Passat R-Line are the world’s best-selling mid-sized sedans.

 Passat Elegance.

Both are powered with a 2.0TSI turbocharged engine and paired with a 7-speed wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG) to produce an output of 190PS and 320Nm of torque.

The top-of-the-range R-Line also comes with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) and other technologically advanced features for a truly dynamic driving experience.

With the current sales tax exemption, the Elegance is priced at RM181,856 and the R-Line is at RM203,411.

On April 10 and 11, Volkswagen dealerships nationwide will be hosting The Passat Escape event to showcase the features of the Elegance and R-Line and highlight attractive deals and promotions.

All Volkswagen models come with 3-years free maintenance, 5 years unlimited mileage warranty and 5 year roadside assistance.

For details, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.


BMW R 1250 RT: Touring comfort par excellence

                My favourite models from the BMW Motorrad family are the GS, R Nine T and RT.

And I just tested the new R 1250 RT recently.

There are no major improvements aesthetically to the new R 1250 RT compared with the previous RT model.

The aesthetic changes are new cylinder covers and manifold routing, the header pipes is designed to a vertical curve to the exhaust pipes. Plus, the cast aluminium 17-inch wheels get a new design.

However, the biggest improvement on this new machine is the variable camshaft control system called BMW ShiftCam that ensures superior running smoothness and comfort.

It also provided power for swift cornering and immense torque on the straights. The new twin-cylinder boxer engine with 136HP allows riders to experience the power of the machine at its best.

The ergonomics of the R 1250 RT was spot on for me.

There was a lot of legroom, the upright seating position was comfy and the reach to the handlebars and pegs were perfect.

The saddle is firm and comfortable.

I rode some 600km on this bike and the saddle was wide enough for me to move around comfortably. The bike comes with two riding modes - the standard Road and Rain.

Road is perfect for any open road ride meanwhile the rain mode is apt for any wet condition.

While riding in the city centre, I realised that even at low rpm, this machine is smooth like how I felt on the open road.

The broader power band also comes with increased horsepower and torque that allows one to experience super smooth riding at any rpm at any speed.

I can ride comfortably in any traffic-congested road and immediately whip up the speed and cruise on the highway.

I took the bike to Fraser’s Hill and believe me, it was a memorable experience.

The R 1250 RT was able to take every corner and turn with ease as its weight was well distributed.

But whenever it is stationary, the bike felt top heavy.

Every time I lean into a corner, the bike was able to hold its line effortlessly. There was little effort to get the bike out of the lean and exit. It was fun. The RT’s handling in the corners is close to perfect.

The second and third gears gave me all the needed boost to enter and exit corners.

At a few tight corners, I did not have to downshift but decreased the speed and the RT had enough power to accelerate and exit at ease. Nice!

The torque builds up more steadily than the predecessor, thus making acceleration much more fun throughout the second and third gears and occasionally on the fourth gear.

The high torque curve and abundance of power with fewer gear changes quickly becomes very important in this sort of ride.

During my ride on the North South Expressway from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, the R 1250 RT stayed smooth and comfortable.

Music accompanied me throughout my journey with the speakers still audible despite riding at very high speed.

The consistency in power delivery is what I liked about this bike. There are no surprises every time I twisted the throttle regardless the engine speed I am in.

On the open road, wind buffeting can be a problem. But on this machine, its electronically adjustable windscreen and large fairings kept the wind and light rain from me.

I did a few hard brakings and was satisfied with how the motorcycle remained stable.

The linked anti-lock braking system (ABS) did an excellent job in ensuring the bike stopped at any speed immediately.

The front brakes are fitted with dual 320mm discs with four-piston calipers. The rear is a single 276mm disc with dual-piston floating caliper.

The bike also comes with Automatic Stability Control (ASC) and ABS Pro (with Cornering ABS), which offers added safety and riding confidence.

At Batu Ferringhi in Penang, I was caught in traffic on a slightly inclined road. That was when I put the BMW’s Hill Start Pro feature to good use.

With the Hill Start Pro, the bike stayed on an incline without me having to squeeze the brake lever.

All I had to do was to squeeze the front brake lever for few seconds.

And voila, the bike did not move until I engaged the clutch to move again.

Hill Start Pro is useful and practical indeed when you have a pillion rider.

Overall, the R 1250 RT looks big and intimidating. The minute I started moving, the R 1250 RT felt like it had shed half its weight and was extremely agile.

Mind you, I weigh only 67kg but the bike was still easy to handle.

This RM126,340 (before SST) machine is definitely a premium sport-tourer that is designed for long distance riding with highly satisfying performance and comfort.

What else can I say?
SPECIFICATIONSBMW R 1250 RTEngine: 1,254cc air-/liquid-cooled 180-degree boxer twin cylinder, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, Shift Cam variable valve timing
Maximum power: 136hp at 7,750rpm
Maximum torque: 143Nm at 6,250rpm
Transmission: Six-speed
Front suspension: BMW Telelever 37mm fork, central spring strut; 120mm travel
Rear suspension: Spring-preload and rebound-damping adjustable shock; 13mm travel
Front braking system: Dual floating 320mm discs, 4-piston fixed calipers, ABS
Rear braking system: Single disc brake, diameter 276mm, dual-piston floating caliper, ABS
Fuel capacity: 25 litres
Wet weight: 266kg
Features: Hill Start Control, Dynamic Brake Control, Stability Control, cornering ABS, road and rain riding modes, cruise control, automatic windshield
Price: RM126,340 (before SST)


More juice in your car: the advantages of a 48-volt subsystem

                HANOVER: The 6-volt headlights that were seen on some cars right into the 1960s didn’t light up the road like modern headlights do - drivers needed keen eyesight, because all the lamps could put out was a fairy glow.

Volkswagen first upgraded German domestic models of the Beetle to 12 volts, but waited until 1967 to follow suit with its export Love Bugs.

In the early days of motoring, most car features were mechanical, with electricity playing only a minor role, if any.

These days, however, standard features such as heated seats, power windows or driver assistance systems consume a great deal of electricity, requiring ever-increasing current to flow through the now standard 12-volt wiring systems.

As a result, some manufacturers have started installing a second, 48-volt network in their cars.

In general, higher voltage allows for more powerful functions in a vehicle.

"The 48-volt technology can be easily integrated into the architecture of conventionally engined vehicles and offers functions that until now have only been found in high-voltage hybrid systems with 300 to 400 volts," explains Bernhard Klein, head of development and electric vehicles at automotive supplier Continental.

 The SQ7 TDI.

These functions include running the power braking, steering and lights while a car coasts with its engine switched off to save fuel, instant engine starting and efficient recuperation of braking energy.

"A 48-volt hybrid system is the best way to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions at a reasonable cost," argues Klein.

Fuel economy could be increased by about 13 per cent at standard consumption, and around 21 per cent in urban traffic if coasting, engine shutdowns at traffic lights and recuperation were all standard thanks to a 48-volt system.

In addition, higher voltage can more easily meet the rising electrical demands of modern cars.

Audi, for example, has installed a 48-volt sub-network in its SQ7 TDI SUV, which powers both the electrically driven compressor - a kind of turbocharger - as well as the electromechanical active roll stabilization system.

Mercedes is also adding more voltage to its newly developed vehicles and engines, notes Michael Weber, head of the on-board power and electromagnetic compatibility department at Mercedes.

In a new six-cylinder petrol engine model, an integrated 48-volt starter-generator is used to electrify the whole car, supplying power to features such as the electric coolant compressor, an additional compressor for the turbocharger, the water pump and a voltage converter.

The main advantage? The generator does not need a belt drive and no longer has to be positioned directly in front of the engine. This, in turn, reduces the overall length of the motor and reduces the car’s weight.

"In principle, all high-performance vehicles are predestined for a 48-volt electrical system," says Weber.

The advantage lies not only in the higher voltage, but also in the cabling. A basic electrician's principle is that low-voltage systems require fat copper cables because of resistance.

Raise the volts to 48 and thinner wires with reduced cross-sections become possible. Less heat is generated in the wires, less power is lost and less space is required in the car for the cables.

With a 48-volt system, four times the current could be transported in a cable with the same thickness as a 12-volt cable, which helps decrease the vehicle weight.

BMW is also set to rely on 48-volt technology, with electric-controlled turbochargers, air conditioning, start-up aids and traction control all likely to be draw the higher voltage.

Over the years, there have been calls for cars to run 110 volts, but there have always been fears of electrocution during accidents.

"48 volts represents a good compromise between a sufficient energy supply and reasonable effort and risk," says a spokesman for the German automaker. These networks can offer increased performance in top-of-the-range cars and increased savings in the compact car segment.

Even so, not all vehicles will be upgraded to higher voltage systems in the future.

The main reason for this, explains Weber, is the availability of the required components, which are either exclusively designed for 12-volt systems or are far more expensive in 48-volt versions. In addition, many vehicles require relatively little power and can thus function just fine with a 12-volt electrical system in place.


Dr M on why he quit Proton

                PETALING JAYA: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad says he resigned as Proton chairman, that he was not expelled, as the company "seems to be having difficulties with the Government."

"I was not expelled by the Proton management or owners. I decided on my own, for the sake of Proton I should leave. I therefore have no grudge against Proton nor do I want it to fail after I left.

"This is because Proton seems to be having difficulties with the Government and for some unknown reason sales of Proton cars have plummeted.

"I know I am persona non grata with the Government. I do not want to be the cause of Proton’s inability to recover because of my presence," the former prime minister said in his chedet.com.

Dr Mahathir said that previously the government's policy was to encourage local content and that all cars manufactured or assembled in Malaysia were entitled to rebates on excess duty based on the percentage of local contents used.

"Most foreign cars assembled in Malaysia has 30 – 40% local contents. Proton has almost 90% local content. Therefore, the rebate for Proton is higher. It is not a privilege for Proton alone.

"All foreign and local cars enjoy this privilege. Local contents increase the cost of producing the car. This is because the deletion allowance by the foreign company is invariably lower than the cost of the local component,” he said.

Dr Mahathir said Proton has contributed more in funds to the government than the other way round.

“The Government claims to have provided grants, various forms of assistance as well as tax foregone to the take of about RM13.9bil in total. Most of this is made up of taxes foregone,” he said.

He added that Proton provides jobs for about 12,000 workers at any one time directly, and more than 250,000 souls indirectly.

“Proton reduced the outflow of funds probably amounting to more than RM100bil,” he said adding that vendors also created jobs and reduce outflow of funds.

He lemented that Malaysia can forget the development of engineering capability as the policy now was to encourage imports.

“Incidentally all the countries exporting cars to Malaysia implement tariff and non-tariff barriers resulting in excluding Proton importation into their countries. This contrast with our policy of allowing foreign cars to enter Malaysia with minimal or no restrictions,” he said.

He added that Proton has had to compete at home against the likes of Toyota, South Korean car makers, German car makers and others.

He said that these companies could afford to lose on their cars in Malaysia and recoup in other markets.

“Today the Government has no pride in national products. Imports are cheap and there are more consumers than producers. In democracy numbers count. So pleasing the more numerous is more important than national capacity of develop,” he said.


Win an X70 grand prize at Proton and Huawei year-end contest

                SHAH ALAM: Proton is working with Huawei in a year-end campaign dubbed ‘PROTONxHuawei Better Together’ that offers a grand prize of Proton X70.

Running now until Jan 3, the contest is open to those who have purchased a Proton Persona, Iriz, Exora or Saga, and/or a Huawei branded device.

Aside from the X70 grand prize, Huawei Mate 40 Pro smartphones are also up for grabs along with 17,000 Huawei online store vouchers worth RM100 each for buyers of Proton cars.

Proton Edar CEO Roslan Abdullah said the current range of Proton cars had been well-received by Malaysians and sales were encouraging in 2020 despite the challenging conditions.

"We are therefore excited to collaborate with Huawei to promote a campaign to reward our customers for their support.

"As we all know, it has been a tough year for everyone so as the year comes to a close, we at Proton want to spread positivity among Malaysians and encourage everyone to embrace a new beginning for 2021,” he said.

To participate in the contest, buyers of Proton cars or a Huawei branded device will need to post a creative post related to their Proton car or Huawei device on their Facebook or Instagram page with the hashtags #PROTONHUAWEIBETTERTOGETHER2020 #HUAWEIMATE40PRO and #HiPROTON along with the caption, “I like Proton Cars/Huawei Mate 40 Pro because...”.

Having done so, they then need to visit www.protonhuaweibettertogether.com to fill up the necessary information.

For details, visit https://www.proton.com/en or https://www.huawei.com/my/.


Goodyear upgrades its driving simulator with VI-grade

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company announced that it will enhance its product development capabilities with the purchase of new VI-grade driving simulators, including a dynamic model - making it a first for tyre manufacturers.

The US-based tyremaker selected a COMPACT Simulator that was recently delivered to the company’s innovation centre in Luxembourg and a Dynamic Driving Simulator DiM250 (Driver-in-Motion) that will be installed in Akron, Ohio in the US within the coming months.

Driver in Motion (DiM) is a new machine architecture from VI-grade that helps provide automotive engineers with a new approach to system-level simulation that can allow companies to bridge the gap between testing and simulation.

This dynamic configuration provides motion feedback to the driver via an innovative nine-degrees-of-freedom moving platform with reduced overall dimensions and large travels.

By going beyond the basic six-actuator design, both vehicle dynamics and ride can now be studied simultaneously on the same motion platform.

The automotive industry trend toward a virtual development cycle provides an opportunity for tyre development and this new simulation avenue will allow Goodyear to work more collaboratively with automobile manufacturers on original equipment fitments.

The driving simulators will be used for virtual development and tuning of dynamic performances of tyres, aided by the ability to simulate a range of driving conditions.

“This level of simulation sophistication will allow Goodyear to drive breakthroughs in future tyre creation, leading to an enhanced customer and driver experience,” said Goodyear senior vice president and chief technology officer Chris Helsel.


Foxconn and Vietnam's VinFast explore partnership

                TAIPEI/HANOI: Vietnam’s largest conglomerate Vingroup said today its car unit was in early stage talks with Taiwan’s Foxconn about working together and that any partnership formed would focus on developing batteries and electric car parts.

Foxconn has proposed acquiring EV production lines owned by the unit VinFast, two sources familiar with the matter said on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to speak to the media.

But VinFast prefers a partnership as it is keen to brand itself as an eco-friendly automaker and wants to retain its EV business, one of the sources said.

“Vingroup has received proposals from Foxconn but nothing is concrete yet. The partnership, if any, will focus on developing the batteries and electric car parts,” a spokesman for Vingroup said.

“No decision on working together to produce EVs has been made yet.”

Foxconn declined to comment.

The world’s largest contract manufacturer and Apple Inc supplier has outlined plans to become a major provider of parts and services in the global EV market and any agreement with VinFast would follow deals with Fiat Chrysler and EV startups.

Its ambitions threaten to shake up the industry, offering Apple and other non-traditional players a shortcut to competing in the vehicle market.

VinFast became Vietnam’s first fully fledged domestic car manufacturer when its first gasoline-powered models built under its own badge hit the streets in 2019.

The company sold about 30,000 vehicles last year and has forecast sales of more than 45,000 for 2021. It will begin delivery of EVs produced at its factory in the northern port city of Hai Phong to domestic customers by December.

VinFast, which also produces electric motorcycles and buses, said this month it had set up an electric vehicle battery venture with Taiwan’s ProLogium.

Seeking to provide components or services to 10% of the world’s electric vehicles as early as 2025, Foxconn has moved quickly to clinch a number of deals. One of its biggest is an agreement with Zhejiang Geely Holding Group to provide contract manufacturing for other automakers.

It has also said it will work with US startup Fisker to produce more than 250,000 vehicles a year beginning in late 2023 and will start building SUVs for China’s Byton next year.

With Fiat Chrysler, it is setting up a venture to develop EVs and internet-connected cars.

Foxconn chairman Liu Young-way also said this week the company may make electric vehicles at its high-profile but troubled plant in the US state of Wisconsin, though it could decide on Mexico.

He described Foxconn, formally called Hon Hai Precision Industry, as the “new kid in town” for carmaking and said it needs to quickly build up its capacity to earn trust from clients.


RM3.8mil Rolls-Royce Cullinan launches in Singapore

                SINGAPORE: The Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the company's first SUV, made its South-East Asian debut here on Tuesday.

The car is now on sale here with prices starting at S$1,27mil (RM3.8mil).The car shown here is painted in Magma Red, with a tan-and-black interior.

The Cullinan was revealed to the world at its Goodwood home ground in May.

The car is fitted with a 6.74-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine, developed from the ground up to provide high torque at low revs. Peak torque of 850Nm is available from just 1,600rpm, coupled to an all-wheel drive system via an 8-speed transmission, enabling Cullinan to rise from the get-go with grace and pace.

Air suspension

Complementing the powertrain is a four-corner air suspension system. The car can be lowered by 40mm to make entry easier through coach doors, or raised 40mm to traverse any terrain. The new air struts are built tougher with more compressed air contained inside, and provide longer travel so that the contact patch on any tyre is maintained, no matter what the terrain.

A four-wheel steering system aids urban drivability, lending nimbleness when getting around tight turning circles in the city.

A choice of drive modes can be activated from a button on the centre console. Once engaged, Cullinan’s driver can choose from multiple off-road settings to glide over rough track, gravel, wet grass, mud, snow or sand whilst in permanent 50:50 front-rear torque split mode. Cullinan can also negotiate deep snow, sand or streams, with one of the deepest wading depths of any super-luxury SUV at 540mm.

Outside

The SUV is named after the largest diamond discovered, which is now installed atop the British Crown Jewels.

Headlights and air intakes are deep set into the front face, with a prominent brow accentuated by daytime-running LEDs.

Cullinan’s rear features a profile that sports a two-part, ‘D-Back’ format unique to the segment, with a ‘bustle’ back inspired by classic 1930s Rolls-Royce tourers that required luggage to be mounted at the exterior of the motor car. The tailgate opens and closes its two sections automatically at the touch of the key fob button.

Inside

The interior has a fully-digitised LCD TFT display. For the first time in a Rolls-Royce, touch-screen entertainment systems at the front and rear integrate with the Spirit of Ecstasy rotary controller to enable access to advanced features in the driver-focused cockpit.

The Cullinan features laser headlights (600m range); Night Vision (300m), Vision Assist (1000m - oncoming vehicles), daytime and night-time Pedestrian warning; Alertness Assistant; a 4-Camera system with Panoramic View, all-round visibility and helicopter view; Active Cruise Control; Collision Warning; Cross-Traffic Warning, Lane Departure and Lane Change Warning; an industry leading 7x3 High-Resolution Head-Up Display, Wi-Fi hotspot, and the latest Navigation and Entertainment Systems.

Those in the rear sit higher than those in the front of the car on Rolls-Royce’s Pavilion Seating, enjoying grandstand views of their surroundings thanks to the large glazed area of Cullinan’s side windows and industry-leading panoramic glass roof.

A choice of seat formats

Cullinan’s cabin can be ordered in two formats – Lounge Seats or Individual Seats. The former caters to families – creating space for three passengers in the rear, and featuring fold-down seats for the first time in a Rolls-Royce.

In this format, the rear compartment or boot area offers a standard 560 litres of space, growing to 600 litres with the parcel shelf removed. Once the rear seats are folded flat, an impressive loading length of 2245mm and load capacity of 1930 litres can be accessed, making Cullinan one of the most cavernous offerings in the super luxury SUV segment.

The Individual Seat configuration implies supreme luxury with two individual rear seats separated by a Fixed Rear Centre Console. This incorporates a drinks cabinet with Rolls-Royce whisky glasses and a decanter, as well as champagne flutes and refrigerator. The seats also move in a number of planes to offer ultimate comfort whilst travelling in the rear.

Rear passengers sit higher

Rolls-Royce’s Pavilion Seating means in either format, rear passengers sit higher than their counterparts at the front. Grandstand views are assured by the high body, large glazed side windows and panoramic glass roof.

Unique to the super luxury SUV sector, Cullinan (in Individual Seat format) incorporates a glass partition that isolates the passenger cabin from the luggage compartment, creating a silent sanctuary for Cullinan’s occupants. Perfect for Singapore’s tropical climate, the sealed cabin also means Rolls-Royce clients can remain at the optimum temperature even when the luggage compartment is open.

The cabin is equipped with five USB-C ports, whilst phones can be wirelessly charged in the front of the cabin.

Customised luxury

As is standard in the luxury segment, Rolls-Royce is quick to promote its bespokes service, another moneyspinner.

Its Recreation Module comprises a motorised drawer housing specialised equipment specific to each Cullinan owner’s pursuits, whether it be fly fishing, photography, rock climbing, or simply sitting and taking in the view.

Alternatively, patrons can also choose to have the ultimate space from which to take in a sunset on East Coast beach with a loved one – electronically-deployable seats and a folding table that combine to form the Viewing Suite.


Michelin to cut up to 2,300 jobs over three years

                PARIS: French tyre maker Michelin said today it would cut up to 2,300 jobs over three years as part of a new simplification and competitiveness plan in France, adding this would not involve layoffs nor plant closures.

The job cuts equate to almost 2% of its global workforce.

The Covid-19 pandemic has hammered the auto industry, which was already struggling with the shift to electric vehicles from diesel and gasoline cars.

“The plan is part of a broad co-construction and social dialogue approach and will rely on negotiating a three-year framework agreement that will not entail any layoffs”, the group said in a statement.

“The plan does not rely on plant closures”, it added.

Michelin said the measures would affect up to 1,100 positions in offices and 1,200 positions in plants, stressing nearly 60% of the job reductions would be based on voluntary early retirement schemes.

The company, which employs more than 127,000 worldwide, also said it remained committed to locating “high value-added businesses in France”, saying its “ambitious expansion strategy in hydrogen solutions” was an illustration of this.


Driver helps elderly woman who cannot cross road

                BEIJING: A video clip reveals a heartwarming scene that happened on a road in Pan'an county, Zhejiang province recently.

The video clip, released by China Central Television, shows that when an elderly woman waited in the middle of a road and tried to cross, vehicles did not stop for her.

Seeing the woman unable to cross the road after being ignored by seven vehicles in the fast lane, a driver in the outside lane acted.

He turned his car left and blocked the fast lane, helping the woman cross the road.

As for the kind-hearted driver, he was praised by the police for his helpful behavior, but was also criticized for his violation of traffic rules. — China Daily/Asia News Network


Rolls-Royce updates Phantom

                LONDON: Rolls-Royce has introduced a new expression for the Phantom Series II that projects more commanding presence as well and interior refinement.

The ‘"best car in the world" gets enhanced by a new polished horizontal line between the daytime running lights above the Pantheon Grille that imparts new and assertive modernity, reflecting its driver-focused character.

A subtle geometric change to the Pantheon Grille makes the ‘RR’ Badge of Honour and Spirit of Ecstasy mascot more prominent when viewed from the front.

The grille itself is now illuminated, a feature debuted and popularised in Ghost.

Headlights now come with intricate laser-cut bezel starlights, creating a visual connection with the Starlight Headliner inside, and adding to Phantom's night-time presence.

Its luxurious interior remains almost unaltered except with the steering wheel been made slightly thicker.

Phantom’s side profile retains Rolls-Royce’s signature short front and long rear overhang, long wheelbase and broad C-pillar that allows greater privacy for occupants.

The new wheels design are the 3D milled stainless steel wheel with triangular facets that is available in a fully or part-polished finish.

Also debuting is "Rolls-Royce Connected" that enables the owner to send an address directly to the Phantom from Whispers, the Rolls-Royce private-members’ Application, providing seamless navigation to an event, restaurant, dealership or even the Home of Rolls-Royce itself.

"Rolls-Royce Connected" also displays the car’s location, security status and current "health" condition on Whispers; at the touch of a button, the owner can contact a dealership for any servicing requirements or information about the car.

To mark the introduction of Phantom Series II and to illustrate Rolls-Royce's Bespoke capability, the marque has created a custom upholstery, Phantom Platino, named after platinum, the silver-white finish of the coveted precious metal.

Phantom Platino continues Rolls-Royce’s exploration into fabric interiors, a story which began in 2015 with the launch of Serenity, another  bespoke Phantom with a hand-painted, hand-embroidered silk interior.

Phantom Platino introduces materials other than leather, an area of exploration for Rolls-Royce and a move that highlights a greater acceptance of alternative interior upholsteries.

Echoing the marque’s formative days, the front seats of Phantom Platino are finished in fine Rolls-Royce leather, while those in the rear are upholstered in fabric.

The tone-on-tone of Platino's interior is achieved by combining two differing fabrics; one created in an Italian mill for its durable yet luxurious appearance, the other derived from bamboo fibres, selected for its lustrous finish.

Both materials share an original repeating pattern based on an abstract interpretation of the Spirit of Ecstasy.

The same design also appears on the Phantom’s dashboard clock.

In an unique design created for the Platino, the "stars" of the headliner are placed to draw the eye rearwards, with whimsical shooting stars following the sweeping arc of the pattern.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars chief executive officer Torsten Müller-Ötvös said the subtle changes  adds to the car's aura of "perfection".

“They felt it could not be improved; but while naturally respecting that view, we believe it is always possible, indeed necessary, to gently go further in our pursuit of absolute perfection."


All-electric Uniti One city car launched in the UK

                LONDON: The all-electric Uniti One three-seat compact city car, which has a 300km travel range, is priced from 15,100 pounds (RM79,529) in the UK, including government subsidy.

The British government provides a grant that pays 35% of the price of all-electric cars, up to a maximum of 3,500 pounds (RM18,434).

Designed in Sweden and engineered in the UK, the Uniti One has first deliveries planned in Sweden and the UK for mid- 2020.

A permanent magnet motor drives the rear wheels, producing an output of 50 kW (68ps) and 85Nm  of torque.

The Uniti One’s standard 12 kWh battery provides 150km of range from a single charge, while the optional 24 kWh battery extends range to 300km.

100km of range can be added in just 10 minutes using a 50 kW CCS charger.

The larger 24 kWh battery can be charged from 20% to 80% in two hours and six minutes with a typical domestic 7 kW charger and the optional on-board fast charger installed, or just seventeen minutes via a 50 kW CCS charging unit.

The 12 kWh battery option takes one hour and three minutes to charge from 20% to 80% (with on-board fast charger), or just nine minutes using a 50 kW CCS unit.

With the battery situated beneath the floor, it has a flexible one-plus-two seating configuration, with ample space for two adult rear passengers.

The split-folding rear seat increases the Uniti One’s flexibility and, with three occupants on-board, the vehicle provides 155 litres of rear cargo capacity.

With the rear bench folded flat, the Uniti One provides 760 litres of usable cargo space.

The Uniti One’s Scandinavian-inspired design creates a unique profile with clean, simple body lines and smooth contours.

Flush door handles maintain the smoothness of the car’s flanks.

With an electrochromic panoramic roof as standard, cabin brightness can be controlled as desired, ranging from transparent through to fully opaque, and all within a few seconds.

The roof automatically darkens to prevent the vehicle heating up when parked, which also helps reduce the amount of energy needed to cool the cabin again.

The electrochromic glass also acts as virtual sun visor, tinting the top of the windscreen to reduce brightness and glare for the driver.

Soft-touch materials and high-quality engineered textiles cover the flowing shapes and lines of the cabin, with machined aluminium used for the door handles and interior trim accents, as well as the circular dashboard button surrounds.

The Uniti One leverages the benefits of Android Automotive OS, an integrated system that brings access to Google Maps, Waze, Spotify and dozens of other Play Store apps and services without requiring a dedicated or connected smartphone.

Employing smartphone-style, Over-The-Air (OTA) software updates allows Uniti to improve the car’s safety and performance.

The Uniti One does away with the need for a traditional key or fob, with entry to the car enabled via Uniti’s secure mobile app.


VEP system at Causeway and Second Link delayed

                JOHOR BARU: The Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) system, which was supposed to be implemented at the two border crossings with Singapore on Oct 1, has been delayed.

No new date has been announced although more than 200,000 Singaporeans had registered for VEP through the Road Transport Department website.

It is learnt that Mentri Besar Datuk Mohamed Khaled Nordin is expected to raise the issue on VEP as well as the road charge with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak during a meeting in Putrajaya today.

State Public Works, Rural and Regional Development Committee chairman Datuk Hasni Mohammad said the matter would be discussed during the Mentris Besar and Chief Ministers meeting.

“We have to wait for the outcome of the meeting before making any comment or announcement,” he said here yesterday.

The road charge for foreign-registered vehicles was supposed to be implemented on Aug 1 this year but was deferred to Oct 1 due to “technical problems”.

However, the road charge and VEP had yet to be implemented on Oct 1 for Singapore-registered private vehicles entering the country via the Causeway and the Second Link.

It was reported that Singapore-registered vehicles without VEP would not be allowed to enter the country via the Causeway and the Second Link in Tanjung Kupang, Gelang Patah.

Even before the implementation of the charges for foreign vehicles entering Malaysia, there was confusion on the federal and the state levels on the road charges and VEP.

There were conflicting reports in newspapers that all foreign-registered vehicles would be subject to RM20 VEP per entry paid through the Touch n Go card effective Oct 1.

Foreign-registered vehicles would have to register for road charge at RM10 which would be valid for five years.


Unveilings galore at bumper European car show in Geneva

                GENEVA: Carmakers from all over the world are preparing to show off their freshest products at the Geneva car show, kicking off in March.

There are sure to be some surprises among the many models booked to appear at what is one of the European motor industry's major annual showcases.

The 87th edition of the event in neutral Switzerland gets under way with press previews on March 9.

Expect to see more down-to-earth cars this year compared to the futuristic creations which dominated the recent Detroit Car Show and the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

Trend towards practical cars

The emphasis at Geneva's Palexpo exhibition centre is on practicality, with sensible estate cars and tough-looking sports utilities.

German GM subsidiary Opel, which may soon be taken over by Peugeot Citroen (PSA), will be launching the brand new Insignia saloon, now known as the Insignia Grand Sport.

Roughly the same length as the current Insignia, the new car is based on an all-new platform. The estate version dubbed Tourer offers more space and is lighter than the old car. Geneva marks the first public outing for the new model, which will be sold as a Vauxhall in some markets.

Volkswagen's Arteon has only been seen as a sketch until now and all eyes will be on what is expected to be a sleek, four-door saloon with stylish frameless windows.

VW has promised a large boot for the Arteon which effectively replaces the lacklustre CC. As the most expensive car in the Wolfbsurg-based company's range the upmarket Arteon may also appeal to buyers of the now defunct Phaeton limousine.

Jaguar's XF Sportbrake estate is tipped for a Geneva outing after the manufacturer released its own spy picture of the new car in Paris last year in a bid to generate interest.

The XF Sportbrake will use the same aluminium architecture as the saloon and share engines with its stablemate. The base motor has a 2.0-litre diesel, with the option of a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine and more powerful diesel units.

BMW's new 5-Series estate will weigh in too. Arguably one of the best executive load-carriers money can buy, it offers up to 1700 litres of luggage space and a host of high-tech driver gadgets.

There are rumours too that an estate version of the luxury Porsche Panamera may break cover and take on the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake.

Hot new SUVs hog the limelight

SUVs will also be playing an important part in Geneva. The market remains buoyant for the smaller version of the rugged cars more suited to urban driving. Among those set to be in town are the entry-level version of the new Stelvio from Alfa Romeo and the the Volvo XC60

VW will use the show to preview a version of its scheduled new high-riding Golf-based model, the T-roc, going on sale in the second half of the year. The T-roc is the first offroad-capable Golf since the ungainly Country model which was replaced by the Tiguan in 2007.

Meanwhile the badge of Citroen's upmarket sub-brand DS will adorn the DS7 soft-SUV. Similar to the Wild Rubis concept shown in Shanghai in 2013, the newcomer boasts a range of robot-driving functions. The concept is a plug-in hybid version which has a good chance of entering production.

Also wearing Opel and Vauxhall badges will be the Crossland X small SUV which is due to take over from the Meriva. There will be a first chance too to see the robust-looking Scout version of the Skoda Kodiak, which comes with a generous 19 centimetres of ground clearance.

Mitsubishi has lined up the small SUV Eclipse Cross for Geneva. The car will slot in between ASX and the Outlander. The Eclipse name harks back to two-door coupe discontinued in 2011. So far only teaser pictures of the new car have been revealed. The company is now under Renault-Nissan management and will be looking to turn around the ailing business fortunes of its Japanese subsidiary.

 Crossland X.Big little cars and some wild ones too

In the small car sector Kia's new Picanto will be seen for the first time in the metal at the Swiss-based show. The sporty GT version of the tiger-nosed supermini is the fastest to date. The South Korean firm has tweaked the car's looks and the interior has gone upmarket, with a touchscreen and nicely laid-out dashboard.

Toyota's hot Yaris hatch will also draw the crowds in Geneva. The go-faster version is based on the firm's WRC rally car and does not yet have an official name. Rumour has it that it may be dubbed "Gazoo" after Toyota's motorsport unit.

 The SCG003S.

New bread-and-butter cars in Geneva include the new Seat Ibiza supermini which is being sold initially in five-door form only and the all-new Suzuki Swift. This is the one of the key Japanese debits in Geneva after numerous leaks revealed the ahape in late 2016.

Fans of exotic machinery can admire the extreme Pagani Huayra Roadster which costs 2,28 million euros to buy excluding taxes. Only 100 of the cars will be built and they have all been sold already.

The boutique Manifattura Automobili Torino SCG003S is another highlight. The name is a mouthful but this sports machine with a 4.4-litre V8 engine under the bonnet offers scorching acceleration of zero to 100 kilometres per hour in less than three seconds. With 750 horsepower the car can touch 350 km/h on a straight stretch of road.


This new facility tests for electromagnetic compatibility in Mercedes cars

                STUTTGART: Daimler opened on Monday a new test facility for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and radio-frequency (RF) antenna systems in Sindelfingen, 24km south-west of here.

The €50 million (RM234mil) test facility at the Mercedes-Benz Technology Centre is one of the most advanced in the automotive industry. It sets standards for the comprehensive protection of the vehicles with new measuring and testing methods, which were developed together with the Technical University Ilmenau (Thuringia), the TU München and others.

The measurements taken there contribute to electromagnetic fields of vehicles not interfering with other receiver systems – including those in the own vehicle, minimising the exposure of the passengers in the vehicle interior, the vehicle functions not being impaired by external electromagnetic fields and maximising the reception quality and performance of the antennas.

A Mercedes-Benz passenger car can have more than 200 control units; an S-Class vehicle has over five kilometres of wires. On one hand, the electromagnetic compatibility therefore must ensure that the electronics installed in the vehicle do not cause any interference that could disturb other vehicles or devices.

On the other, there are a myriad of electromagnetic waves that reach a vehicle from the outside. The cars therefore must be designed in a way that ensures that their electronics along with particularly important functions such as engine control and driving assistance systems are not impaired.

For this reason, a vehicle from Mercedes-Benz undergoes many EMC tests before it gets an approval.

The new test facility is part of extensive expansions and reconstruction measures of the Mercedes-Benz Technology Centre in Sindelfingen.

Amongst other things, a new technology centre for vehicle safety, a new powertrain integration centre, the driving simulator, the climatic wind tunnels and the high-tech aeroacoustic wind tunnel came online in recent years. The Mercedes-Benz Technology Centre is home to the headquarters of the company's global group research and passenger car development, including design.


Hyundai Mobis to present latest innovations in Europe

                SEOUL: Hyundai Mobis aims to quickly develope its presence in Europe with fresh technologies for autonomous driving, infotainment and electrification.

It will hold a Tech Show on June 14 and June 15 to present its latest innovations to its customers. In addition to introducing new products, MOBIS also will present key technologies on demonstrator vehicles

The Tech Show will be held at France's JP Beltoise Circuit, a racing track, which consists of high-speed tracks, circular tracks, and straight tracks.

Among the 27 brand new technologies Hyundai Mobis will unveil are: AR Head Up Displays (HUDs), Grille Lighting, Swivel Displays, In-Cabin Sensing, In-Wheel Systems, and Rear Wheel Steering systems (RWS).

The show will cover all essential technologies in the field of Autonomous Driving, Electrification, and In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI). These technologies, designed to meet strict European requirements in terms of quality and sustainability will be embedded on electric cars and 48V mild hybrid cars.

"Hyundai Mobis will increase the number of new orders for our latest products to satisfy the needs of European customers and mount diverse tech marketing campaigns," said Hyundai Mobis Head of Global OE Sales Axel Maschka.

In order to further increase touchpoints with customers worldwide, Hyundai Mobis participated to the IAA (International motor show in Germany) in September 2021 and to the CES in Las Vegas in January this year.

Hyundai Mobis also set up new key account management organisations in North America, Europe and Japan and expanded its R&D network of engineering experts from various automotive fields to address regional customers´ needs and expectations.

It is part of the Hyundai Motor Group.


VW to offer to buy back nearly 500,000 US diesel cars, say sources

                WASHINGTON: Volkswagen AG and US officials have reached a framework deal under which the automaker would offer to buy back almost 500,000 diesel cars that used sophisticated software to evade US emission rules, two people briefed on the matter said on Wednesday.

The German automaker is expected to tell a federal judge in San Francisco Thursday that it has agreed to offer to buy back up to 500,000 2.0-litre diesel vehicles sold in the United States that exceeded legally allowable emission levels, the people said.

That would include versions of the Jetta sedan, the Golf compact and the Audi A3 sold since 2009. The buyback offer does not apply to the bigger, 80,000 3.0-litre diesel vehicles also found to have exceeded US pollution limits, including Audi and Porsche SUV models, the people said.

VW in September admitted cheating on emissions tests for 11 million vehicles worldwide since 2009, damaging the automaker's global image.

As part of the settlement with US authorities including the Environmental Protection Agency, Volkswagen has also agreed to a compensation fund for owners, a third person briefed on the terms said.

The compensation fund is expected to represent more than US$1 billion on top of the cost of buying back the vehicles, but it is not clear how much each owner might receive, the person said.

Volkswagen may also offer to repair polluting diesel vehicles if US regulators approve the proposed fix, the sources said.

A VW spokesman, the EPA and the Justice Department declined to comment Wednesday.

VW will pay cash compensation to owners who either sell their vehicles back or get them fixed, one of the people briefed on the matter said. Owners selling back their vehicles will get an additional cash payment on top of receiving the estimated value of the vehicles from before the emissions scandal became public in September 2015.

Owners are expected to have around two years to decide whether to sell back vehicles or get them repaired. It is not clear whether VW will be allowed to resell vehicles they buy back, the source said.

The framework deal with US officials was reached after lengthy talks in recent days at the Washington law office of Robert Mueller. The former FBI director is the court appointed mediator named to help settle more than 500 civil suits filed against VW. The talks, which continued over the week, included all the government agencies and lead plaintiffs attorneys suing GM.

Some elements of the settlement are still being worked out and details are not expected to be announced Thursday at a court hearing, the people briefed on the matter said. The final deal could still change before it is officially announced, they said.

US District Judge Charles Breyer in March gave VW until Thursday "to announce a concrete proposal for getting the polluting vehicles off the road."

Breyer said in March the "proposal may include a vehicle buy-back plan or a fix approved by the relevant regulators that allows the cars to remain on the road with certain modifications."

A final settlement is also expected to include an environmental remediation fund to address excess pollution emitted by the US vehicles since 2009.

It is not clear if the deal will resolve the US Justice Department's civil suit filed in January against VW or if VW will agree to pay a civil penalty. VW also faces ongoing criminal investigations by the Justice Department and other prosecutors around the world.

Separately, Germany's Die Welt newspaper reported Wednesday that the deal to settle the case would involve it paying each affected customer US$5,000 (RM19,396). But a person briefed on the matter said that no decisions on how individual compensation will be awarded have been made.

In December, VW said it was creating an independent claims program for owners of vehicles with excess emissions.

It named compensation expert Ken Feinberg, who administered funds for the Sept 11, 2001 attacks, BP Plc Deepwater Horizon oil spill and General Motors Co ignition switch crashes, to create and administer the program.