Ferrari SF90 Stradale prances in at RM1.9mil

                PETALING JAYA: Ferrari's first series production Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) - the SF90 Stradale supercar with 1,000 horses - is here.

Imported by Naza Italia, the official importer and distributor of Ferrari brand in Malaysia, the SF90 Stradale is available from the base price of RM1,908,000 (before duties, customisation options, taxes and insurance).

The name “SF90” is a reference to the 90th anniversary of the foundation of Scuderia Ferrari while “Stradale” translates to “road” and underscores the distinct link that has always existed between Ferrari’s track and road cars.

The SF90 Stradale is powered by a 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo engine capable of delivering 780CV (PS), the highest power output of any 8-cylinder block in Ferrari's history. Its maximum torque of 800Nm comes at at 6,000rpm.

Contributing 220CV more are three electric motors.

One motor located between the new 8-speed dual clutch transmission and rear axle is known as the Motor Generator Unit, Kinetic which is derived Formula 1 racing application, while two other motors are found on the front axle.

The engine and three motors combine to provide an all-wheel drive system and deliver a total output of 1,000CV to achieve a sizzling 0-100kph sprint of 2.5 seconds before reaching 200kph in 6.7 seconds. Top speed is 340kph.

A high performance Li-ion battery provides power to all three motors for a 25km range and a top speed 135kph in all-electric eDrive mode.

The front electric motors can also control the torque delivered to the two wheels independently and extending the concept of Torque Vectoring.

As such, steering SF90 Stradale at the edge of its limits is much simpler and easier.

For maximum performance in terms of overall weight, rigidity and centre of gravity, the chassis and bodyshell of the SF90 Stradale is all new and built on multi-materials including carbon fibre.

The SF90 Stradale's bubble-shaped cabin has an aeronautical cockpit feel and is made compact and placed far forward to the front of the car to reduce drag without impacting on-board comfort.

Adopting the race track-derived “eyes on the road, hands on the wheel” philosophy, the SF 90 Stradale also comes with improved Human-Machine Interface and interior ergonomics and styling layout that are a complete departure from previous Ferrari models.

In addition, the steering wheel now has a touchpad and a series of haptic buttons that allow the driver to control virtually every aspect of the car using just the thumbs.

The central instrument cluster is now entirely digital with the first automotive application of a 16-inch curved HD screen which can be fully configured and controlled using the controls on the steering wheel.

For the first time on a Ferrari, owners can choose between the standard car and a version with a more sports-oriented specification.

The Assetto Fiorano specification includes significant upgrades, including special GT racing-derived Multimatic shock absorbers, extra lightweight features made from high-performance materials such as carbon-fibre (door panels, underbody) and titanium (springs, entire exhaust line), resulting in a weight-saving of 30kg.

Another difference is the high downforce carbon-fibre rear spoiler which generates 390kg of downforce at 250kph.

The Assetto Fiorano includes Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 tyres designed specifically to improve performance on the track in the dry.

They feature a softer compound and fewer grooves than the tyres provided as standard.

READ MORE: Revitalised Ferrari Petaling Jaya showroom opens

Naza Corp Holdings Group CEO, Automotive Group, Datuk Nik Hamdam Nik Hassan said:

“The Ferrari SF90 Stradale is a symbol of innovation, growth and adaptation – a model that rises to meet the changing needs of the industry and Ferrari’s discerning clientele.

"Ferrari has successfully taken on the challenge of combining conventional and electrical power sources with its first ever plug-in hybrid vehicle, once again drawing upon its advanced technology from the track and making it applicable for the road," he said at the launch of the car together with the opening of the refurbished Ferrari Petaling Jaya showroom.

The SF90 Stradale received the 2020 Red Dot: Best of the Best Award and was also the only car to have been bestowed one of 75 Gold Awards at the prestigious iF Design Awards 2020.


Watch F-150 electric prototype tow over 450,000kg cargo

                DETROIT: Ford recently staged a publicity stunt with its prototype all-electric F-150 by towing 10 double-decker rail cars filled with  forty-two 2019-model year F-150s, weighing more than 450,000kg.

For safety reasons, one should never use a vehicle to tow beyond its towing capacity. In the F-150 prototype demo, it is towing far beyond a production truck’s capacity, supervised by Ford's F-150 chief engineer Linda Zhang. The video clip was released on Tuesday and has since attracted over 570,000 views.

The F-Series is the best-selling truck in America for 42 years in a row. Besides the all-electric F-150, Ford is expected to roll out an F-150 Hybrid that goes on sale next year.

Ford is planning to pour US$11.5 billion to produce over a dozen electrified models by 2022.

It is striking up alliances in its move towards electrification of its product line-up. Earlier this month, it announced it is stepping up co-operation with Volkswagen on electrification and driverless technologies.

Ford will use Volkswagen’s electric vehicle architecture and Modular Electric Toolkit (MEB) to design and build at least one high-volume fully electric vehicle in Europe for European customers starting in 2023.


Bosch wiper blades: top-notch quality control in Changsha plant

                CHANGSHA (China): A vehicle's wiper blade is often overlooked and under-appreciated, yet it is a crucial component for road safety in wet weather.

The wiper blade is usually forgotten by owners until the rubber wiping element wears out; resulting in unwiped or streaky areas, and thus, poor driving vision.

And what seems to be a rather common and easily manufactured component, proved to be anything but, as a bunch of writers found out after paying a visit to the Bosch automotive plant in Changsha, China.

For the Bosch Automotive Aftermarket division, producing a wiper blade requires vast resources in quality control processes, climate simulations and all-weather tests, as well as various performance, environmental, and reliability tests including exposure in an ozone-free atmosphere.

The Bosch automotive plant in Changsha replicates the manufacturing standards, equipment and processes of Bosch’s lead automotive plant for wipers in Tienen, Belgium.

This is in line with the German engineering and manufacturing giant's philosophy of “Made in Bosch” or consistent manufacturing standards worldwide.

“We are committed to deliver quality products from our Changsha plant. Robust design, reliable quality and superior service level are the focal points that we concentrate on to win and maintain customers’ trust,” said Dr Norman Roth, regional president for Bosch Electrical Drives for Asia Pacific.

Spanning a total of 82,000 sq meters, the plant in Changsha currently employs 4,640 associates, and features a 2,400 sq metre research and development lab with facilities designed after the Bosch plant in Belgium.

Changsha, with a population of over 7 million, is the capital and largest city of Hunan province in south-central China.

It is among the foremost historical cities in China, and the late Chairman Mao Zedong discovered communism there - a fact that the city takes great pride in.

In fact, the world's largest statue of Mao Zedong, a 105-feet-tall sculpture is found on Orange Island, a key scenic spot in Xiangjiang river which cuts across the city.

Changsha is also known as a gateway to the famous Zhangjiajie scenic area, which is only four hours away by bus.

Today, the Bosch plant in Changsha utilises a high level of automation technology in manufacturing, including a fully automated assembly machine for wiper blades - the only one of its kind in Asia Pacific.

It can produce 10,000 wiper blades per day, and the Bosch manufacturing process is impressive in both scale and meticulous attention to details.

Quality control processes in the plant include visual checks, and using sophisticated gauges and equipment to check for even pressure distribution of the rubber wiping element.

There is also a focus on detecting defects via simulation tests, such as wiping action on a wet windshield.

Endurance tests include 500,000 wipes which take about four weeks of non-stop wiping in mostly wet conditions, in order to simulate wiper blade service life of two years.

There is even a chamber where extreme weather conditions can be simulated - ranging from negative 40 degrees Celsius to 80 degrees Celsius.

For example, in a high temperature test, the wiper blade is parked on a windscreen for 100 hours at 70 degrees Celsius.

Test samples are selected from certain production batches.

To be certain of all-weather performance, Bosch also subjects the wiper blades to environmental tests for vibration, thermal shock, salt spray, water, and dust.

Bosch uses an exclusive rubber formula for its flat-blade wipers, which is resistant to cracks and damages from long-term ozone and sunlight exposure.

In ozone resistance tests, the rubber wiping element is stretched by 15 per cent and stored in an ozone-free atmosphere for 46 hours.

Another test involves the rubber wiping element being exposed to an ozone atmosphere of two parts per million at 25 to 28 degrees Celsius, and 60 per cent relative humidity for 46 hours.

To pass the tests, Bosch requires the rubber wiping element to have no visible cracks at 20 times magnification under microscope.

The plant in Changsha focuses on producing flat-blade wipers, which are fitted on more than 50 per cent of new cars in China.

READ MORE: Bosch Clear Advantage Wiper is priced at RM65 a pair on Lazada


Sime Darby Motors dumps PSA business in Australia and NZ

                KUALA LUMPUR: Sime Darby Motors is selling its Australia and New Zealand Sime Darby Automobiles distribution businesses which import and distribute the Peugeot, Citroen and DS brands in the two countries.

Sime Darby Motors said on Tuesday its indirect units had signed assets sale agreements with Inchcape Australia and Rick Armstrong Motor Group to dispose of the assets relating to Peugeot and Citroen businesses in the two countries.

With effect from June 1, 2017, Inchcape Australia will take over the Australian business and Rick Armstrong Motor Group, the NZ business.

Sime Darby Motors managing director Patrick McKenna said: “After careful consideration, a decision was reached to divest the Australasian distribution businesses.

“This is in line with Sime Darby Motors’ strategy to focus on the expansion of its retail car and commercial truck footprints on both sides of the Tasman. Once the decision was made, KPMG was engaged to conduct a full tender process for the sales on our behalf.”

McKenna emphasised that throughout the sale process, it was the company's priority to ensure that the vast majority of its staff in both countries would be offered employment under their existing terms and conditions.


Sporty Kia Picanto GT-Line variant introduced

                KUALA LUMPUR: Naza Kia Malaysia, the official distributor of Kia vehicles in Malaysia, unveiled the new top-of-the-range GT-Line variant of their best-selling compact car, the Picanto, priced at RM57,888 (on-the-road without insurance).

The Picanto GT-Line boasts new features designed to add a level of excitement to the line-up. Unique to the GT-Line variant are the new colour accents on the full body kit and Kia’s signature ‘tiger nose’ grille at the front to add to the aggressive stance.

There are also sporty-looking dual exhaust pipes at the rear of the GT-Line.

The  GT-Line is further fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels and pedals, LED daytime running lights and fog lamps, shark-fin antenna, and keyless entry. The large 7.0-inch floating touchscreen houses Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ready functionality for full smartphone integration, suitable for the young and the young at heart.

The GT-Line is also equipped as standard with a sporty D-cut steering wheel, a rear-view parking camera, wireless smartphone charger and USB port. For maximum convenience, the GT-Line variant also comes equipped with Full Auto Temperature Control (FATC) which automatically maintains the set cabin temperature for a comfortable drive.

The new Picanto body is made of advanced high strength steel. The car comes with six standard airbags (dual front, side and curtain airbags) as well as active safety features such as Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).

“Following the launch of the Picanto 1.2 EX model last year, Naza Kia Malaysia is introducing a sporty variant of the A-segment car. We are confident the Picanto GT-Line will draw attention with its stylish appeal and nimble performance,” said Group CEO, Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn Bhd, Datuk Samson Anand George.

The GT-Line is offered in Titanium Silver, Clear White and an exclusive Aurora Black Pearl colour.

It comes with five years' warranty with unlimited mileage (terms and conditions apply). Visit your nearest authorised Kia showroom for more information.


Ferrari 488 GTB arrives in Malaysia

                PETALING JAYA: The Ferrari 488 GTB is now on sale in Malaysia. Following its international premiere in Geneva in March, the 458 Italia replacement was launched here today at a base price of RM1,068,800 (excluding taxes and options).

With a wheelbase of 2,650mm, the new car comes in measuring 4,568mm-long, 1,952mm-wide and 1,213mm tall and has a kerb weight of 1,475kg.

The 488 GTB (Gran Turismo Berlinetta), effectively a re-engineered replacement of the 458 Italia, has a mid-mounted twin-turbo 3.9-litre V8 engine producing 661bhp at 8,000rpm and 760Nm of torque at 3,000rpm.

The new engine is an all-aluminium dry-sump unit from the Ferrari F154 family of engines and the turbochargers use Titanium aluminide (TiAL) – a lightweight alloy that’s resistant to oxidation and heat – however the material is known to be malleable.

A seven-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission, manufactured by Getrac, manages power delivery to the rear 20-inch wheels with 305/30 series tyres, while the front 20-inch wheels are fitted with narrower 245/35 series tyres.

Partially hidden behind the wheels are cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc brakes derived from the La Ferrari that’s able to heat up faster to optimal working temperature than before - measuring 398mm at the front and 360mm at the rear.

According to Ferrari, the new brakes are able to reduce stopping distances by 9% better than the 458 Italia.

In terms of performance, the 488 GTB is able to get to 100kph from standstill in 3.0 seconds with a top speed of more than 330kph

The 488 GTB’s body was engineered to have 50% more downforce over its predecessor, while reducing aerodynamic drag simultaneously.

This is achieved via a new front double splitter and a blown spoiler integrated into the rear decklid and bumper, which helps to increase downforce without the need to be raised.

A centreal aero pillar will deflect air to its flat under body, while two vents on the bonnet allows excess air to exit from the dual air intakes at the front bumper – helping to reduce air pressure over the front of the car.

The underbody features vortex generators to reduce air pressure beneath the car in order to increase overall downforce and a large rear diffuser and active aerodynamic variable flaps controlled by a microprocessor help to improve that effect to produce 325kg of downforce at 250kph.

The 488 GTB pays homage to the older 308 GTB of the 1980s with its scalloped side air intakes.

This time, the intakes have been divided by a central partition where the air entering the top gets partially channelled to the turbo’s compressor intake and the remaining air exits at the rear next to the rear lights to further reduce aerodynamic drag. The lower intake directs air towards the intercoolers.

Further evolution of the car’s electronics extends to its new version of Side Slip Control (SSC2) that’s integrated with the car’s F1-Trac and E-Diff, it now also controls the magnetoheological active dampers – for a flatter and more stable drive.

The Ferrari 488 GTB made its debut in a new Rosso Corsa Met livery with black and red technical fabric cabin trim.

The 488 GTB was unveiled at NAZA Italia’s RM5mil refurbished flagship 4S (sales, service, system and spare parts) showroom that’s in line with the corporate identities of Ferrari and Maserati and is considered to be one of the largest of its kind outside of Italy.


In Burkina, bikes bring treasured independence for women

                OUAGADOUGOU: The motorcycles that buzz along the streets of Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, have a story to tell.

Once the preserve of men and a sign of male status in this West African country, today they are used ubiquitously by women — and are a prized tool of emancipation.

When Nigerian filmmaker Kagho Idhebor first came to Ouagadougou he was overwhelmed by how many women whizzed about on a motorcycle.

"I'd never seen women drive with such attitude, such independence," he said. "There are more motorbikes than cars, and more women than men on these motorbikes."

He was so struck by the phenomenon that he made Burkina Babes — a documentary which ran at the pan-African FESPACO cinema and TV festival here that ended last weekend.

Dressed in jeans or a suit, some with a baby slung on their back, women of all ages ride around on motorbikes in Burkina Faso.

"The motorbike is above all a necessity" for getting around, said Valerie Dambre, who had stopped at a traffic light.

But they are also a symbol of autonomy for many women in a deeply poor country beset with problems imposed by a brutal years-long jihadist insurgency.

Nearly one person in seven in Burkina's population of 22 million has a motorbike, according to transport ministry figures for 2020.

Between 2011 and 2020, the number of motorbikes tripled as a share of the population, cementing their role as a solution for mobility.

Breaking barriers

"In the coastal countries (in West Africa), people went straight to cars" from walking or using bicycles, said anthropologist Jocelyne Vokouma. "But we (in Burkina) turned to motorbikes before using cars."

The key period of change was the early 1990s, she said.

Until then, "a woman would proudly say that her motorbike had been bought by her husband. 'My husband is doing OK,' was what women used to say," Vokouma said.

But the country went through wrenching austerity and many men lost their jobs.

It was women who picked up the baton, setting up small businesses such as selling fruit and vegetables to make money — and as time progressed, many used their savings to swap their bicycle for a motorbike.

With that came greater freedom, in developing their business, taking the children to school, seeing friends or just going out for a ride.

But, said Vokouma, some important seeds had already been sown by Burkina Faso's revolutionary leftwing leader, Thomas Sankara.

During his four years in power in the 1980s, which ended traumatically with his assassination, Sankara "played an emancipating role, breaking down traditional mindsets and thrusting women into the public space, outside the home," she said.

"Young women today were brought up on his ideas."

Training

Hand in hand with the new mobility has come an entry for women into the male-dominated business of auto maintenance.

Since 1997, the Women's School for Skills Initiation and Training (CFIAM) has trained more than 700 women to be mechanics and bodywork repairers.

Its CEO and founder, Bernard Zongo, said he set up the school to help "girls... into non-traditional areas of work, so that they can become economically independent."

He hired a full-time woman psychologist and installed a nursery for students with babies.

The centre gets by through donations from NGOs, which account for 75 percent of revenue, while the remaining income comes from fees.

The two-year course costs 100,000 CFA francs (RM738) — a hefty sum in a country where annual per-capita income is little more than US$900 (RM4,072).

Other African countries, including Niger, Ivory Coast and Mali have sent representatives to the CFIAM to see how it operates, and "boys are asking to enrol," Zongo said with a smile.

"There are people we know who are jealous of us," said one student, Salamata Congo, speaking above a racket of cutting and hammering.

But patriarchal habits and machismo die hard.

"Men try to discourage you," said Berenice Zagali, who is learning to become a mechanic.

"They say, 'You're a woman, what are doing here? This is man's work. Your place is the kitchen, the office'."


Learner drivers can resume lessons from June 1

                PETALING JAYA: Learner drivers can resume their lessons from June 1, as the Road Transport Department (JPJ) reopens the drivers' training and testing sector.

The department said driving schools and driver's licensing processes at the department can resume operations from 8am to 4pm starting June 1.

"Among the services that can resume include the teaching of driver's education curriculum 01,02 and 03, qualifying tests at institutes (QTI), theory and practical tests on circuits and roads, and computerised traffic rules tests at centres recognised by the department," it said.

The department also advised the public to follow standard operating procedures to contain the spread of Covid-19.

These include practising social distancing by staying a metre away from the next person, wearing masks, especially when unwell and keeping hands clean by washing or using hand sanitisers.


All-electric Hispano Suiza Carmen Boulogne gets first US customer

                BARCELONA: World-renowned car fanatic and businessman, Michael Fux, has commissioned a striking Hispano Suiza Carmen Boulogne to add to his collection, and in doing so becomes the first US customer for the Spanish brand in the modern era.

The bespoke specification for his all-electric Carmen Boulogne, one of just 19 to be built, were defined by Fux at Hispano Suiza’s technical centre in Barcelona.

Fux, who has a collection of more than 160 cars, worked with the Hispano Suiza family and design team to create a Carmen Boulogne that reflected his love for vibrant colour and superlative luxury.

The elegant exterior of Fux’s Hispano Suiza will be finished in an exquisite custom metallic purple, complemented by copper accents on the front grille, wing mirrors, window trim and wheels.

This combination of colours retains the Carmen Boulogne's timeless elegance while emphasising its aggressive sportiness and one-of-a-kind body contours.

Inside, the white leather seats feature purple piping, while the carbon fibre steering wheel is finished in purple with a copper trim.

The Carmen Boulogne is the first all-electric car in Fux's collection.

“I visited the Hispano Suiza facility in February and loved what I saw,” said Fux. “I am a detail-orientated guy and I love colours that lift you up and give you a feeling of elation. When you see it, the Carmen Boulogne is undoubtedly a 'wow' car. It is retro and romantic, and you can't avoid looking at it.

“I was impressed with the dedication of the Suqué Mateu family and their passion for the Hispano Suiza brand and its legacy. They are creating wonderful things, and you really become part of the customisation process when you work with them."

Designed, developed and manufactured in Barcelona, the handcrafted Carmen Boulogne is based on a super-stiff, hand-laid carbon fibre monocoque.

Hispano Suiza launched the motorsport-inspired Carmen Boulogne in March this year, paying homage to the brand’s competition heritage.

Sharing the Carmen’s expertly engineered chassis and powertrain technology, the Carmen Boulogne delivers a blend of exhilarating power, exceptional luxury and sporty styling.

Hispano Suiza is a historic car brand owned by the fourth generation of the Suqué Mateu family.

Between 1904 and 1946, Hispano Suiza built more than 12,000 luxury performance cars and 50,000 aeroplane engines.

Today, with its headquarters, technical centre, and manufacturing facility in Barcelona, Hispano Suiza embodies a proud Spanish spirit with a strong family legacy.


Visitors flock to Ford Pop-Up Store

                PETALING JAYA: Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the sole distributor of Ford in Malaysia, welcomed over 3,000 visitors to its first experiential Ford Pop-Up store for the Ford Ranger.

The Ford Pop-Up store was first introduced in the Klang Valley this July.

Since then, the Ford Pop-Up store has travelled up north to Penang and the east coast to Kota Bharu. Customers who attended the Ford Pop-Up store were offered the unique opportunity to be immersed in a Virtual Reality (VR) experience to discover the smart and safe driver-assist technologies that has helped the Ranger set industry benchmarks.

Various fun-filled activities were also offered to participants with chances to walk away with exclusive Ford merchandise.

“We are extremely pleased with the public’s positive reception of our first Ford Pop-Up store. By leveraging contemporary retail marketing concepts and modern technologies like VR, we hope to continue creating unique experiences to bring the Ford brand closer to consumers while introducing our vehicles to more new-to-Ford customers in Malaysia,” said Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto Connexion, Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz.

The Ford Pop-Up store is still on tour and is scheduled to make its fourth stop at Setia City Convention Centre, Setia Alam from Aug 10 to 12, 2018.

It is open to public from 10am to 10pm daily and sales consultants will be present to assist with all inquiries, registration and purchase processes for interested customers.

Upcoming dates and locations of the Ford Pop-Up store is as follows:

23 – 25 August 2018, Sutera Mall, Johor Bahru
6 – 8 September 2018, Aman Sentral, Alor Setar, Kedah

Customers at the Ford Pop-Up store can also take advantage of the current ‘Seize the Deal’ campaign which offers additional rebates of up to 10 percent on top of the six percent GST savings on the Ford Ranger, for total savings of RM19,830.

The ‘Seize the Deal’ campaign is also valid for the Ford Fiesta and Mustang models, offering rebates of up to 17 percent and incredible total savings of up to RM113,000 and will run until Aug 31, 2018.

For the latest updates on the Ford Pop-Up store or more information on Ford, visit SDAC’s website www.sdacford.com.my


VW new CEO plans to downsize management board, say sources

                HAMBURG: Volkswagen's incoming chief executive Oliver Blume aims to shrink the size of the group's management board as one of his first moves after his promotion, say several people familiar with the matter.

"Some dual functions should be reconsidered," one of the sources said.

The number of board seats could be reduced to eight or nine as part of the reshuffle, the sources said, adding that no decisions had been made yet.

The board had swelled to 12 members under predecessor Herbert Diess, whom Blume is due to succeed on Sept 1.

Both Volkswagen and Porsche declined to comment on the matter.


Zurich Malaysia and PLUS Malaysia expands protection for highway users

                KUALA LUMPUR: Zurich Malaysia (Zurich) and PLUS Malaysia Bhd (PLUS) have expanded protection for road mobility with coverage that complements the highway concessionaire’s service to all PLUS highway customers.

The move is part of an innovation by Zurich to enhance and provide peace-of-mind for customers on the go via curated takaful plans.

The first product to be introduced under this collaboration between Zurich and PLUS is the Z-ProMiles Takaful.

Zurich General Takaful chief executive officer Shamsul Azman said the Z-ProMiles Takaful is offered to PLUSMiles members (PLUS rewards programme) that provides Inconvenience Benefits, Hotel Accommodation and Car Replacement Allowance should the customer require additional coverage while travelling on PLUS highway.

“This is on top of accidental death, accidental permanent disablement and accidental hospital income benefits,” he said.

Z-ProMiles Takaful is easily accessible and provides on-the-go protection that allow PLUS highway customers who are also PLUSMiles members to choose the coverage plan that best suit their travel plan needs and budget.

Shamsul said Zurich is committed to alleviating some of the challenges road users face when commuting as part of its care for customers.

“Through our collaboration with PLUS, we are able to introduce this takaful product through a simple digital application.

 Azman (left) and Shamsul showing the benefits of the coverage plan.

“This helps to provide customers peace-of-mind when they travel on PLUS highway network,” he said.

PLUS managing director Datuk Azman Ismail said the safety and comfort highway customers are the company's primary concern.

“We continuously strive to provide value-added services and facilities to enable an enjoyable and comfortable journey on our highways. Over the years, we are guided by our 3E road safety principles of Engineering, Enforcement and Education.

“At the same time, we always look for potential partners and collaborators to help us elevate our proposition to our highway customers.

“PLUS is driving road safety through its highway patrolling team, PLUSRonda, Traffic Monitoring Centre, periodical road safety audits, continuous engagement and collaborations with the Police and Road Transport Department (RTD),” he added.

To apply for the Z-ProMiles Takaful coverage, PLUS highway customers can register as a PLUSMiles member via the PLUS App or visit the portal at https://pluscare.plus.com.my and participate in the Z-ProMiles Takaful plan.

The Z-ProMiles Takaful coverage covers certain traffic incidences on PLUS-operated highways namely the North-South Expressway (NSE), New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE), Seremban-Port Dickson Highway (SPDH), North-South Expressway Central Link (ELITE) Highway, the Malaysia-Singapore Second Crossing (LINKEDUA), Butterworth-Kulim Expressway (BKE), and the Penang Bridge.


Volvo Car Manufacturing Malaysia gets new managing director

                KUALA LUMPUR: Volvo Car Manufacturing Malaysia has appointed a new managing director.

Gao Feng replaces Xiao Liming who had served the company from April 2019 to March 2022.

Gao will assume the responsibilities of overseeing the company’s manufacturing of Volvo cars in Malaysia.

He joins Volvo Car Manufacturing Malaysia from Volvo Car Taizhou plant, where he had been the deputy general manager since 2016 and played a key role in the launch of many Volvo Car models in the region.

Gao said he was excited to take up the new position in Malaysia.

“With the recent introduction of the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, I look forward to working with our partners to manufacture more electric vehicles in the Malaysian market for export to the Asean region,” he said.

Gao holds a Bachelor’s Degree of Material Engineering from Harbin Institute of Technology, China and brings with him more than 20 years of experience in the automotive industry.

He enjoys cycling and playing badminton with the family.


Paid AES fines went to concessionaires, says Loke

                SEREMBAN: The Government is in no position to refund motorists who have paid their Automated Enforcement System (AES) traffic summonses, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

"The money paid by these offenders went to the concessionaires appointed by the (previous) government.

"We are in no position to refund because the Government did not benefit," he told a press conference here on Wednesday (Aug 22) after distributing the Jalur Gemilang to motorists in Mantin.

The subject of refunds came up following Loke's announcement last Friday (Aug 18) that all AES summonses issued since 2012 would be written off.

As of May, there were 3.1 million unpaid summonses, amounting to an estimated RM435mil.

The move has drawn criticism, with some saying that it was unfair to those who had paid their fines.

Loke said his ministry would come up with a new approach for the AES, adding that discussions were ongoing with the Road Transport Department and other relevant agencies.

"I can't say much now as this has not been finalised," he said.

Asked if the rates would be reviewed, Loke said there would be no review as the law already stated that the maximum rate for some traffic offences was RM300.

The move to revamp the AES follows the Cabinet's decision to take over full operations from two private companies effective Sept 1.

Loke had previously said that the agreement by the previous government with the concessionaires was lopsided and that the two firms gained easy profits on their investments.

The minister said the two companies, Syarikat ATES Sdn Bhd and Beta Tegap Sdn Bhd, had so far raked in more than RM129mil.

Loke said that the only assets belonging to the companies were 47 speed cameras in the country, of which only 38 were operational.

He added that the cost of one camera was about RM250,000, which meant that the companies invested just over RM10mil to install the 47 cameras.


Jeep confirms 700hp Grand Cherokee Trackhawk for Europe

Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk.
GENEVA: For a while now, European motor enthusiasts have looked longingly across the Atlantic at the stupendously powerful Dodge Charger and Challenger Hellcats, with their 707hp and 884Nm of torque engines and relatively bargain prices.

While Europeans won't be getting those two anytime soon, they will be getting that awesome engine — under the hood of a Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The news seems to have gone somewhat under the radar, perhaps overshadowed by a raft of electric and hybrid models at this year's Geneva Motor Show, but Jeep announced at the event that it was bringing the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk to the European market early in the second quarter of this year.

As well as an exterior that's more aggressive than the standard model, this outrageously non-politically correct model features a supercharged 6.2 litre Hemi V-8 engine delivering 700hp and 868Nm of torque. That gets this mighty SUV from zero to 100kph in as little as 3.7 seconds, and onwards to a top speed of 289kph.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeR2H8m29XlyNHMUKp3UsvQ

To cope with that monumental amount of power and to deliver world-class on-road driving dynamics and handling, the Trackhawk also features Jeep's Selec-Trac all-wheel drive system with five dynamic modes, Bilstein adaptive dampening suspension, and a Brembo performance braking system.

As well as being the most powerful production SUV in the world the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is also a flagship model in every way, with just about every safety, comfort and connectivity feature imaginable as part of its standard specification.

Other Jeep models making their European debuts here were the new Cherokee and the new fourth-generation of Jeep's most iconic model, the Wrangler.

Also introduced at the show this year was the Jeep Compass Night Eagle, which is a new special-edition model featuring Gloss Black accents and exterior finishes giving a more aggressive slant and sporty appeal to the design of the compact Jeep crossover SUV.

The latest new special-edition now completes the Night Eagle special series lineup, which in Europe has included the Renegade, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and the Wrangler.


Mercedes-Benz introduces simplified charging rates

                STUTTGART: Mercedes-Benz is simplifying electric mobility.

From June onwards, there will be a new tariff system for the 300,000 charging points in the Mercedes me Charge network in Europe.

At that time, Mercedes me Charge will offer three new charging tariffs tailored to individual driving performance. This makes charging with Mercedes me Charge easier and more transparent.

Mercedes me Charge offers customers access to more than 850 charging point operators in Europe.

With the introduction of the new tariff system, customers will also have access to fixed prices that apply regardless of the operator.

The new smart tariff system allows customers to adapt their tariff to their individual charging behaviour and optimise costs. In addition, customers will have access to the unique Mercedes me Charge ecosystem with a host of other customer benefits.

The three payment plans are Charge S for occasional chargers, Charge M regular chargers and Charge L for frequent chargers (see table for rates).

More than 700,000 charging points are available worldwide in the Mercedes me Charge network, around 300,000 of which are in Europe. Mercedes me Charge gives customers access to a wide range of public charging stations located in cities, at shopping centres, hotels, or service stations.


Ford upgrades Ranger XLT Plus and offers promo

                PETALING JAYA: Ford in Malaysia, has upgraded the Ranger XLT Plus, priced at RM129,888 (on-the-road, without insurance, for Peninsular Malaysia).

It has also rolled out a new promotion offering four free vehicle service and cash rebate options for selected Ranger vehicles until Dec 31.

The upgraded Ranger XLT Plus now costs RM5,000 more and  comes with enhanced features similar to the Ranger WildTrak and Raptor – new high-performance bi-LED headlamps that deliver 17% greater lighting penetration for better visibility while driving at night.

Its new body-coloured bumper design finished with a silver bumper lip replicates the front exterior of the Ranger WildTrak.

It also comes with a new exclusive chrome grille and uses a 2.0-litre Single-Turbo engine capable of delivering 180PS and 420Nm of torque that is mated to a first and only in-class 10-speed automatic transmission.

The Ranger XLT Plus upgrade also comes with convenient features such as keyless entry with push-start-button and the first-in-class Easy Lift Tailgate to make lifting and lowering the tailgate effortless.

It also features an eight-inch touchscreen display, SYNC multimedia system with reversing camera, electronic shift-on-the-fly 4x4, rain-sensing wipers, the light and nimble Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS), daytime running lights and headlights for better visibility.

Other equipment include two airbags, Limited Slip Differential, Hill Descent Control, Hill Launch Assist, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), ISOFIX child seat mounts, Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control, Rollover Mitigation, Trailer Sway Control, Adaptive Load Control and Ford MyKey.

Colours are Aluminium Metallic, Arctic White, Lightning Blue, Meteor Grey and Absolute Black.

As with the entire Ranger line-up, the Ranger XLT Plus upgrade gets a full manufacturer’s warranty of three years or up to 100,000km, whichever comes first.

Ranger promotion

Aimed at offering customers more savings and a lower cost of ownership, customers who buy selected Ranger Raptor, WildTrak and XLT Plus variants will have the option of four free vehicle service that is equivalent to a two-year free maintenance or up to 40,000km, whichever comes first or a RM2,000 cash rebate.

For selected Ranger XL variants, customers can enjoy up to RM7,000 cash rebate, while a RM7,000 cash rebate will be offered on selected Ranger XLT variants.

“We are pleased to announce greater saving options for our customers, with the choice of enjoying four free vehicle service or cash rebate options on our Ranger vehicles. With these saving options, we hope this would allow customers more flexibility in their spending,” said Sime Darby Auto ConneXion managing director Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz.


How the Porsche Cayenne conquered all

                STUTTGART: On Friday Porsche published a first teaser image of the third-generation Cayenne, which is set for launch on Aug 29. And though the picture is sketchy, it shows that — true to the company's form — the next car will be an evolution of its predecessor, in terms of exterior design.

But, Porsche being Porsche, there will be a huge revolutionary leap in performance. Indeed, most commentators expect the range-topping model to feature a hybrid V8 under the hood capable of outputting 670hp to all four wheels.

When Porsche first unveiled the Cayenne, 15 years ago, almost to the day, it was taking a huge gamble. For the 70 years before Aug 21, 2002, the brand had stood for track-bred lightweight sportscars.

And yet, despite criticism from the motoring press that it was simply exploiting its standing for financial gain, the car was a huge hit.

When asked his thoughts on the matter, the former head of design at BMW and the man considered one of the architects of the SUV phenomenon, Chris Bangle said: "The great thing about cars is there doesn't need to be any sense to it all, it just has to be appealing and justifiable."

And appeal to the masses it did. Today the Cayenne and Macan (Porsche's smaller sporty SUV) account for the vast majority of all Porsche sales and have been the driving force behind year upon year of record sales.

In 2002/2003 the company's total sales were 66,803 cars almost half of which were 911s. Compare that with 2016. The total is now a staggering 237,778 cars, and just 32,409 of them were 911s while 70,000 were Cayennes.

Although BMW and Chris Bangle will quite rightly argue that they started the premium SUV trend with the original X5 in 1999, Porsche's move into the market led to the explosion we see today.

The Cayenne is why Maserati and Bentley now sell SUVs and is also why the Lamborghini Urus and Aston Martin DBX are set for launch. Even companies like Land Rover that only build SUVs have had to shake up their model lines in order to keep up.

All of which still begs the question: Why? According to designers and executives alike, the SUV appeals to the head as much as the heart. And, in the case of those from companies better known for two-seat sports cars, finally offers buyers a car for the family rather than personal use. "The SUV is useful for all the family -- taking the children to school, going to the gym, activities, etc," explains Maserati's general manager Giulio Pastore.

When Aston Martin's CEO, Dr Andy Palmer was asked the same question, he replied: "Generation Y sees the SUV as the normal proportions of a car. This change is exacerbated in countries like China where the SUV is the norm."

In other words, the premium sports SUV has democratised the exotic market and, thanks to the Cayenne is the shape of all sportscars to come.


Trashy tactic now used in car hijackings, say police

                PETALING JAYA: If you see a trash bin in front of your house, do not shift it because it may be bait to hijack your car.

The Kedah police posted this advice on their Facebook page on Sunday, warning people to be wary of this new tactic by criminals, reported China Press.

This tactic usually involved more than one person shifting the bin of the targeted house from its original position, the advice read.

“Some will place the bin in front of the house blocking the entrance.

“Those who arrive in a car and want to enter the house will most likely get down to remove the bin without locking their vehicle.

“That’s when a criminal hijacks the car, ” the posting said.

It added that some even brandish a knife or parang threatening the victim to surrender their valuables before driving off with the car.

Calling on members of the public to always lock their cars after alighting, it also reminded all to pay attention to unfamiliar vehicles parked near the neighbourhood, and possibly snap a picture or take down their details.


Tata Steel's Dutch arm in deal to supply Ford with green steel

                AMSTERDAM: Tata Steel's Dutch arm plans to supply Ford plants in Europe with "green" steel after 2030, under a preliminary agreement reached by the two companies today.

Tata plans to start producing green steel — or steel made without using fossil fuels — in 2030 at its plant in Ijmuiden, Netherlands.

Ford "wants to have a considerable amount of green steel, and ... we will take steps so that we will be able to deliver it," Hans van den Berg, chief executive of Tata Steel Nederland, said in an interview.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Tata and Ford of Europe does not oblige Ford to buy a specified amount of steel at a specified price, he said.

Separately, Ford said it had also signed supply MoUs with Tata, ThyssenKrupp and Salzgitter to supply "low carbon" steel for use in manufacturing the new electric crossover model it plans to start producing in Cologne next year.

Ford said in a statement that the agreements would help it meet a target of having zero emissions at its European facilities, logistics and suppliers by 2035.

“Improvements within our supply chain are key, and with the use of carbon neutral steel we will take a major step towards lowering the CO2 footprint of our vehicles," Ford of Europe's purchasing director Sue Slaughter said in a statement.


Pump prices in Singapore surge up

Prices of 92-octane petrol have reached new highs, while diesel breached the S$3 mark for the first time. - The Straits Times/ANN

SINGAPORE: Fuel pump prices are on the rise again, sparked by fresh fears of a ban on Russian oil.

Prices of 92-octane petrol have reached new highs - rising by as much as nine cents a litre to range from S$3.04 (RM9.59) (Singapore Petroleum Company) to S$3.10 (RM9.78) a litre (Caltex).

And diesel has breached the S$3 (RM9.46) mark for the first time, with Shell posting a rate of $3.08 (RM9.72) a litre, and Caltex and Esso just four cents away from $3. It is $2.89 (RM9.12) a litre at Sinopec and SPC.

According to the Consumers Association of Singapore's pump price tracker, Fuel Kaki, 95- and 98-octane fuels have chalked slightly more modest increases - possibly reflecting a continuing migration from higher octane fuels to the lowest 92-octane, which can be used by the majority of cars here.

The popular 95-octane is now between S$3.07 (SPC) and S$3.19 (Shell) - up from S$3.03 (SPC) and S$3.11 (Caltex, Shell) a week ago.

The 98-octane range is now between S$3.55 (Sinopec, SPC) and S$3.68 (Shell) - up from S$3.51 (Esso, Sinopec and SPC) and $3.60 (Shell).

The so-called premium grade of petrol (which is also 98-octane) is now between S$3.68 (Sinopec) and S$3.90 (Shell).

At their highest in March, the posted prices of this grade ranged from S$3.64 (Sinopec) to S$3.94 (Shell).

The benchmark Brent crude inched towards a three-week high of US$113 a barrel in early trade on Friday (May 6) as the European Union discusses a partial ban on Russian oil in response to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in February.

Russia is the world's third-largest oil producer, and any ban on its exports will crimp supply and put pressure on prices.

After discount, the cheapest 92-octane petrol is at Caltex stations - S$2.51 a litre (with the OCBC Voyage card), followed closely by Esso's S$2.53 (with DBS Esso card).

The cheapest 95-octane fuel is S$2.41, if it is bought with OCBC cards at three Sinopec stations. Among retailers with sizeable station networks, the cheapest 95-octane is Caltex's S$2.55 (OCBC Voyage card).

And the cheapest 98-octane fuels - necessary for only a minority of vehicles - are from Sinopec (S$2.79, with OCBC cards) and Esso (S$2.95, with DBS Esso card).


GM to replace battery modules for some Bolt cars after fire risks

                DETROIT: General Motors Co said it will replace all battery modules in some Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicles (EVs) under a recall announced last month.

The module replacements, which could start as early as later this month, come after GM recalled its 2017-2019 model year Bolt battery-powered cars for the second time in less than a year.

Two fire incidents were reported after the initial recall, including one in a Bolt that had updated software.

GM, the largest US automaker, said in a statement issued on Monday it would replace recalled vehicles' lithium ion battery modules with new modules, rather than replacing entire battery packs.

"The battery pack case, wiring and the other pack components are not defective and do not need replacing," it said.

GM said earlier the high-voltage batteries being recalled were produced at South Korean manufacturer LG Chem Ltd's Ochang facility in South Korea.

The automaker said on July 23 it and LG had identified the presence of two rare manufacturing defects in the same battery cell as the root cause of battery fires in certain Bolt EVs.

A spokesman for LG Energy Solutions (LGES), a wholly owned LG Chem battery subsidiary, said LGES "will actively cooperate to ensure that the recall measures are carried out smoothly."

In late July, GM said its second-quarter results included US$800 million in costs associated with the recall of Bolt EVs.

The automaker also asked owners to charge their vehicle after each use and avoid depleting the battery below 110km of remaining range, where possible, to reduce the risk of a fire.

GM said it was still recommending customers park vehicles outside immediately after charging and not leave them charging overnight. It said customers should also seek out the software update issued as part of the initial recall.

The automaker plans to use a different-generation battery when it launches electric Hummer and Cadillac vehicles over the next year.


Jeep reveals 2019 Cherokee facelift

                DETROIT: Car makers are now rushing to reveal previews of vehicles that will be refreshed or all-new at the upcoming 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January. One of the latest to break cover is Jeep with its 2019 Cherokee, which as well as a refreshed exterior design, will also get some even more fuel-efficient engines options.

Jeep has embraced an approach of teasing images of new models before they make their official debuts, with the much-anticipated all-new Wrangler getting the same treatment only quite recently.

Perhaps the most obvious change when looking at the images of the new Cherokee is the front fascia that now has a much stronger resemblance to other Jeep models, such as the Compass and the Grand Cherokee.

It looks as though the current Cherokee's split headlights have now been merged into single units on either side of the grille, which has resulted in a much more conventional nose than it has at the moment. The rest of the front fascia also looks a little softer and rounder than on the last version, but there's still a good amount of the pointy and wedgy look of the current model to keep this new one instantly identifiable as a Jeep Cherokee.

The rear of the crossover has also had some cosmetic enhancement, such as the large slab of a rear hatch now being nicely broken up with the registration plate mounting position, which delivers a tail that looks a lot less bulky than it does today. Of course, the rear bumper has also been redesigned with an aesthetic skid plate, which works well to fill up the space left by the registration plate.

Despite crossovers being incredibly popular with buyers right now, the Cherokee has been struggling for sales a little, and FCA has been putting a lot of financial incentives behind it in some markets to try and boost sales. The manufacturer will be hoping the refresh for the 2019 model year will increase the appeal of this enduring nameplate.


Pump prices even cheaper in February

                PETALING JAYA: The Government announced cheaper retail petrol prices with effect from Feb 1.

The new price per litre for RON95 is RM1.70 (from RM1.91), RON97 at RM2 (RM2.11) and diesel at RM1.70 (RM1.93).

This follows the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry's decision to set the market price of Ron 95 and diesel based on a managed float, starting Dec 1, last year.

It warned oil companies and petrol station operators that strict action would be taken against parties that fail to comply with the new prices.

While consumers are elated with the cheaper fuel prices, petrol dealers are complaining of losses.

Earlier this month, petrol dealers bemoaned that many stations may have to close down should fuel prices drop further, citing high losses.

Petrol Dealers Association of Malaysia president Datuk Hashim Othman said the fuel price drop had led to dealers incurring losses of between RM20,000 and RM100,000 each.

“If the drop was only a few sen, we could absorb the losses. But now with the 35 sen drop (for petrol), we’re buying it high and selling it low.

“If this carries on, many of us will have to close down,” he added.

But their complaints did not go down well with the public, with one person retorting: “when the prices went up, we did not hear you complain.”

Another reminded the dealers that they had made quick profits when the rates were raised many times previously from selling stocked fuel, so now they should just tightened their belts and find other means to stem losses such as by reducing their costs.


Toyota FJ Cruiser going electric?

                PETALING JAYA: The Toyota FJ Cruiser still looks handsome after all these years.

Word is that the chunky retro-styled model would be reinvented as a fully electric model in future.

You may recall Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda announcing last week in front of over a dozen planned BEV models that the company is sinking in 8 trillion yen (RM296bil/US$70bil) to electrify its cars by 2030, half of it to develop a battery electric vehicle (BEV) line-up.

One of the future models called Compact Cruiser EV is believed to be the electric successor. And it certainly bears similarities to the current FJ Cruiser.

The original FJ Cruiser was introduced in 2006 mainly for the US market. Sales was strong initially but declined in latter years and Toyota stopped selling it in the US from 2014.

 The current FJ Cruiser. See how similar the Compact Cruiser EV looks to the actual FJ Cruiser.

However, the model continued to be improved and sold in small numbers in a few other markets such as the Philippines, the Middle East and South Africa.

Over the years, the FJ Cruiser has achieved a cult following in the US with low mileage units selling for more than what a new model fetched.

It's still early days and Toyota has not revealed details on the Compact Cruiser EV or when it's expected to go into series production.

But when it happens, it should delight the Americans who have been hoping for a comeback moment of a popular model.


2016 Detroit auto show: Nissan Titan Warrior Concept makes world debut

DETROIT: Underlining the strengths of its recently launched second generation 2016 Titan XD pickup, Nissan's monstrous Titan Warrior Concept has been created to "take the production version to the extreme."

Yokohama-based Nissan tasked its Californian team at Nissan Design America with the Titan Warrior Concept brief.

Its width and height were increased in the name of adding "massive bulk" to the on- and offroad original, though aerodynamic elements were not overlooked during the makeover.

Though the concept truck is not destined for mainstream retail, Nissan North America executive vice president José Muñoz offered some hints for would-be buyers.

"The TITAN Warrior Concept's interior reflects a premium outdoor lifestyle, closer in look and content to a new TITAN XD Platinum Reserve model than a stripped-down pre-runner," he said in a statement.

And with Nissan partnering with Mercedes for the Damlier subsiduary's 2017 luxury pickup, motoring enthusiasts will be scouring both interior and exterior of the Titan Warrior Concept for any indication of what's to come.


Shanghai to phase out lower-end diesel trucks by 2022

                SINGAPORE: The municipal government of Shanghai, China’s financial capital, is aiming to wipe out some 120,000 lower-end diesel-powered trucks by 2022 to help cut air pollution, according to a report on the central government’s website on Monday.

The city had by end of last year 120,000 so-called “national three” diesel trucks, 2.9% of its total vehicle fleet registered and making up 30% of the city’s total vehicle emission of nitrogen oxides and 46% of particles.

Starting from April 1 2020, the Shanghai government will start banning the polluting diesel trucks running in certain highways in the city and expand in stages to cover the outmost highways surrounding the metropolitan, said the report, citing Shanghai’s official newspaper “Liberation Daily”.

Subsidies will be granted to truck operators who phase out the vehicles ahead of schedules, ranging between 3,000 yuan to 116,000 yuan per vehicle depending on the tonnages.

Diesel-fuelled coaches will also be subsidised if removed earlier than required, the report said.


Geneva Motor Show opens to world's media

                GENEVA: The 85th edition of the Geneva Motor Show opened for preview to the world’s media today.

Over 130 new models are showcased including 90 world firsts and 41 European premieres at the Palexpo conventre centre, a sprawling complex where the various brands and accessories were on display on two floors.

Among the much awaited reveals were the Renault Kadjar, Honda Civic Type R, Audi RS3 Sportback, Nissan Sway Concept and the astonishing 1,500hp/2,000Nm Koenigsegg Regera.

The 458 Italia replacement, the turbocharged 488 GTB, also drew a big crowd at the Ferrari stand, where former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his son Tan Sri Mokhzani,  made a surprise visit in the afternoon.

The preview continues on Wednesday ahead of the show’s official run from March 5-15.

Here are some of the highlights in pictures.


Tennis star Osaka named Nissan ambassador, gives hope to biracial Japanese

                YOKOHAMA: Japan’s Nissan Motor Co has signed US Open champion Naomi Osaka as its next brand ambassador, the automaker said on Thursday, tapping the tennis star’s youth, drive and Japanese roots to appeal to younger customers.

The deal further raises the profile of the 20-year-old Osaka, who shot to international fame when she defeated American Serena Williams on Saturday to become the first Japanese player to claim a Grand Slam singles crown.

“Growing up, my dad drove a Nissan, so being able to be a brand ambassador now, it feels like I’ve come full circle,” Osaka said, speaking mainly in English at a contract signing event at Nissan’s headquarters here.

Nissan said the passionate videogame player and Beyonce fan would appear in global promotions and advertising in its three-year contract, in something of a branding departure for a firm whose popular GT-R sports car attracts men aged 40 and older.

The biracial Osaka, who was born in Japan to a Haitian-born father and Japanese mother and raised mainly in the United States, has won over the Japanese public with her self-effacing, deadpan manner as much as her sheer tennis talent.

Glowing media reports called her a new heroine for Japan.

Nissan joins a growing number of companies to sign her up for endorsements, such as Adidas AG, Yonex Co, Nissin Foods Co, Wowow Inc and Citizen Watch Co.

Having Osaka as a face of Nissan gives it an edge in appealing to younger drivers as it looks to boost sales of its LEAF all-battery electric car, and promote automated and connected-driving technologies.

As a mixed race Japanese, Osaka’s leap into the limelight has brought hope to some “haafu,” or half-Japanese, who have suffered discrimination and bullying in a largely ethnically homogenous country.

Jun Soejima, a black Japanese with an afro who appears on NHK’s breakfast show, believes Osaka’s fame and positive reputation can help create greater acceptance for Japanese of diverse backgrounds.

“I think she can” help change social attitudes, said Soejima, whose father is African-American. “She’s amazing ... just a wonderful woman and a human being.”

Soejima, 34, said he was bullied as a boy, with other children refusing to play with him. “I hated being different,” he added. “I knew I was a different colour, and I wished I could be the same.”

Although he does not experience much discrimination these days, he does still get stared at, he said, adding that he hoped the prejudice would eventually fade.

“The fact that I’m now able to express myself on national television shows that the way of looking at people is changing.”

Japanese are becoming more comfortable with ethnic diversity as they interact with foreign tourists and the economy becomes more globalised.

The emergence of other biracial athletes, such as baseball player Yu Darvish and sprinter Asuka Cambridge, has also helped build acceptance for those of diverse backgrounds.

Joe Oliver, a 35-year-old black Japanese who works as an engineer and model, says that when he was young he was urinated on, burned with cigarette butts and called “an eyesore”.

“I think mixed raced people’s success, such as Osaka’s, can help to bring down the wall most Japanese have between people with different backgrounds,” Oliver said.

Osaka herself was not raised in Japan; she moved with her family to the United States at age 3 and has lived there since.

Asked on Thursday how she felt about being a high-profile bi-racial athlete in Japan, Osaka said the question “really throws me off”.

“For me, it’s not something that I have to think about. For me, it’s just who I am,” she said at the Nissan event. “I don’t think I’m a mix of three whatever, I just think I am me.”


For Daimler, everything is riding on one new car and one new factory

                KARLSRUHE: After some bitter setbacks involving plant closures and furloughed workers during the pandemic, carmaker Daimler is trying to turn things around with the launch of a new S-Class at a shiny, new, 5G-powered Mercedes-Benz factory.

Launching together with the latest flagship Mercedes car on Wednesday was the latest flagship Mercedes plant in Sindelfingen, Germany.

After a long PR build-up, CEO Ola Kaellenius has kicked off production the company's new Factory 56 - a completely new, fully networked and digitalised, CO2-neutral plant, which Daimler hopes it will help set new standards in automobile production.

In addition to the new S-Class, the top model of the EQ electric series, the EQS, is also to be built there from next year, followed by the Maybach.

But for now, everything is riding on the success of the new S-Class and how it gets built at this high-tech factory.

No other model is as important for the brand's prestige as the S-Class. Daimler traditionally incorporates just about all the technology available to it into this flagship car.

For weeks now, the company has been raising expectations by teasing details of the launch.

"So many things had to be rescheduled this year, both in our private and out business lives," Kaellenius said ahead of the launch on Twitter. "Not this one."

According to Daimler, the car is to be launched in Germany and Europe at the end of the year, with China and the US following in the first half of 2021.

With the Factory 56, the company is also tackling a problem that Kaellenius has repeatedly addressed since he took office a good year ago: efficiency.

The Factory 56, which is about 30 soccer fields in size, cost around €730 million (RM3.6bil) to build, Daimler announced during the ceremonial launch on Wednesday.

Complete digitalisation and networking, as well as real-time production 5G data, are expected to make the factory line up to 15 per cent more efficient by 2022, Mercedes-Benz board member Joerg Burzer recently promised.

The factory's MO360 system developed for this purpose is running at full capacity for the first time. If everything runs smoothly, the plant will serve as a blueprint for the global production network in the future.

The plant was designed in such a way that, depending on demand, any other model from compact cars to SUVs could be integrated into current production, the company says.

Daimler doesn't just need the S-Class to be a success - it's practically a must. Like most carmakers, the pandemic has hit the company hard. In the second quarter, the Stuttgart company made a loss of almost €2 billion (RM9.8bil) and now has to save even more than Kaellenius had originally planned.


Chinese battery maker Gotion to locate a third of its production abroad by 2025

                SHANGHAI: Chinese battery maker Gotion High Tech Co said it plans to locate one-third of its production capacity outside China by 2025 to meet the growing demand from overseas electric vehicle (EV) makers and energy storage household clients.

The company, based in Hefei in Anhui province, said in a statement on Tuesday that it plans to build a total battery production capacity of 300 gigawatt hours (GWh) in three years, reiterating a goal it first announced last year. In 2021, Gotion produced 16 GWh.

The company said 100 GWh of its planned total capacity would be located overseas.

Chinese battery makers are accelerating expanding production in overseas markets where rivals such as Panasonic and LG Energy Solution are more dominant.

Gotion's move also follows that of its Chinese competitor CATL, the world's largest battery giant, which aims to start cell production at its German plant by the end of the year.

CATL's chairman Zeng Yuqun said earlier that it is also exploring possibilities to localise production for overseas automakers in their countries.

Gotion, which counts Volkswagen as its largest single investor, said it will start building its first overseas battery plant in Gottingen, Germany by the end of this year and aims to start production earliest next September.

The plant, which will be upgraded from an old facility Gotion bought from Bosch last year, will develop and manufacture batteries for uses in EVs and energy storage in Europe.

The company also unveiled its first series of energy storage products for overseas markets on Monday.

Gotion, the fourth biggest EV battery maker in China by sales volume, supplies its lithium-iron phosphate batteries to carmakers including Volkswagen and Tata Group.


Bentley Bentayga back again as plug-in hybrid with facelift

                LONDON: Bentley wants every one of its cars to have hybrid drive version by the year 2025.

In the Bentayga SUV, a plug-in model is now already returning for round two in the latest facelift.

After the V8 and W12 models, the British luxury manufacturer is now giving the hybrid version of this large off-roader a fresher face.

In terms of design, the Bentley Bentayga changes the most in the headlights and rear lights. In addition, there's extended equipment and modernised infotainment features.

As before, the Bentayga is powered by a three-litre V6 petrol engine with 340hp, supported by a 128-hp electric motor.

It is fed by a battery with a capacity of 17.4kWh, which Bentley claims is enough for 40km of purely electric driving.

At the same time, the Bentayga reaches speeds of up to 135kph. If engine and motor work together, a top stop of 254kph is possible.

Bentley says the hybrid approach reduces fuel consumption to 3.4 litres and CO2 emissions to 82 g/km. The car is going on sale in Europe this month and, according to the manufacturer, will cost at least €197,800 (RM990,000).


‘Gallant Gray' to lead car trends this year

                PHILADELPHIA: "Gallant Gray" is the automotive colour of 2017, according to liquid and powder coatings supplier Axalta Coating Systems.

The hue, which contains blue and silver flakes for sparkle and depth, has been designed to suit vehicles of any size. It will be feted at the 2017 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) Preview Days in Detroit, via a video reveal at the EyesOn Design awards program tomorrow.

Nancy Lockhart, Axalta global colour marketing manager, said of this year's annual colour choice. "With hints of blue and green, it exemplifies modernity and elegance. Taking everything into account, we think Gallant Gray is the new silver."

The brand's 2016 Global Automotive Color Popularity Report, which documents vehicle colour trends around the world, revealed that while black and white remain the top two global colours, gray is now tied with silver for third place.


What’s rocking at 2015 Indonesian auto show

                JAKARTA: It's hard to argue that the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show 2015 (GIIAS), which is being held at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE), BSD City, Tangerang from Aug 20 to 30, is one of the biggest auto shows in South-East Asia.

The venue, located about 33km from the capitol city of Jakarta, sits in an area measuring 220,000sq m with an indoor exhibition space of 60,000sq m and featured an impressive array of exhibitors.

Up to 34 automotive brands participated in the auto show with more than 320 exhibitors from Indonesia’s automotive supporting industries and it includes the likes of Toyota, Honda, Daihatsu, Nissan, Suzuki, Ford, Chevrolet, Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Isuzu and luxury carmakers such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Porsche, Land Rover and Jaguar.

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Also present were commercial trucks such as Fuso, UD Trucks, Hino, and Tata Motors.

One of the biggest attractions of the show was the world premiere of the Honda BR-V seven-seater crossover utility vehicle.

Although a prototype, it is pretty much a production model as the BR-V is set to be officially launched in Indonesia sometime in early 2016 and one could already book the car if so inclined.

Also present at the show were new models of cars that have yet to reach Malaysian shores and we picked a handful of those which we think will pique your interest.

SUZUKI ERTIGA
Rumour has it that this multi-purpose vehicle may make its way to Malaysia albeit re-badged but that only spells good news for Malaysian consumers.

The new Ertiga now boasts a new chrome bezel fog lamps, new front bumper, alloy wheels, rear bumper with parking sensors, chrome back door garnish, turn signal lamp on fender and an electric foldable wing mirror with turn signal.

The 1.4-litre engine is mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic with 50:50 split folding third row seats and a console box with electric socket for second-row passengers.

FORD FOCUS
Ford Focus fans will be happy to note that the new Focus is looking quite sharp with the new slender trapezoidal grille design.

The model in Indonesia is only available as the 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine mated to six-speed automatic and comes with SYNC 2 infotainment system upgraded to an eight inch touchscreen, USB port and Bluetooth connectivity.

It also features rear-park assist and active city stop feature.

MERCEDES-MAYBACH S-CLASS
Now if you want to be chaffeur driven in style then this is the way to go if you want to set yourself apart from the Mercedes-Benz S-Class among other luxury sedans.

The Mercedes-Maybach S 500 has a 4.6-litre V8 engine mated to a 9G-Tronic automatic transmission but more importantly, its the luxurious cabin which comes with a wide array of exclusive nappa leather upholstery and trim colour options, executive seats, automatic panoramic sliding sunroof and a host of technologically advanced features befitting such a car.

LEXUS RX
The new Lexus RX SUV was one of the main attractions at the Lexus booth and it will be making its way here to Malaysia.

The fourth-generation RX featured at the show is the RX 350 with the F Sport package and features a 3.5 litre V6 engine.

The new RX is now longer by 50mm with the ever-recognisable aggressive spindle grille.

AUDI Q7
The new Audi Q7, a seven-seater luxury SUV, has taken a whole new design direction with its huge three-dimensional grille flanked by LED headlamps and taillights.

It’s less bulky compared to the previous generation being slightly narrower and shorter.

The Q7 will take on the likes of the Land Rover Discovery Sport, Volvo XC90 and BMW X5 in the battle of the luxury SUVs.


KL motorists fear falling objects from expressway works

                PETALING JAYA: The construction of Sungai Besi-Ulu Klang Elevated Expressway (SUKE) on both sides of Jalan 1/144a, Taman Bukit Cheras in Kuala Lumpur, is worrying motorists.

Those who use the road to exit to the Cheras-Kajang Expressway (CKE) are afraid for their safety.

Taman Bukit Cheras resident SK Ong, 67, said he was worried that construction materials could come crashing down.

“Whenever I drive along the main road, I pray that nothing falls on me, ” he said.

The fear of passing through an ongoing highway construction was amplified after a parapet wall slab from the SUKE construction at the Middle Ring Road 2 fell and hit a car on Sept 19.

“Initially, there was a notice that a partial closure of Jalan 1/144a would be implemented from Sept 17 to Oct 13 to facilitate the construction.

“However, the closure was not implemented. Closing the road would inconvenience residents as it is one of the main roads to exit to the CKE.

“The best way is to have an alternative road to exit the neighbourhood, ” he said.

Ong suggested an access road via the Police Forensic Laboratory and Royal Malaysian Police College Kuala Lumpur as an alternative for motorists to get to CKE instead of Jalan 1/144a.

Another Taman Bukit Cheras resident Mohamad Nisham Abdullah, 35, said the road was always jammed.

“Traffic is chaotic as there is no proper signage, ” he said, adding that he had seen workers directing traffic at the site.

Highway concessionaire Projek Lintasan Kota Holdings Sdn Bhd (Prolintas) spokesperson said the “stop and go” traffic management system was implemented as a safety precaution whenever the crane boom was utilised.

“This will happen from time to time throughout the project period.

“The contractor will ensure that there is no traffic from either direction at that time, ” he said.

In a related development, a car was damaged when cement from a construction site at Jalan Bandaran, Kuala Lumpur, fell on several passing cars.

"On Wednesday (Dec 9) at around 1.30pm, cement from an elevated highway bridge still under construction fell," said Kuala Lumpur Traffic Investigation and Enforcement department chief Asst Comm Zulkefly Yahya.

"One of the two lanes there was still open to traffic, ” he said today.

He said cement fell on two cars that were on the open road.

ACP Zulkefly also said that the driver of the damaged car has yet to lodge a police report about the incident.

"Damage to the vehicle was reported but there were no injuries," he added.


Lexus RX shows off evolution not revolution

NEW YORK: In one of the most eagerly awaited reveals of this year's New York Auto Show, Toyota's luxury marque has taken the wraps off the fourth-generation Lexus RX luxury SUV.

The RX is the flagship brand's flagship model and, if Lexus's own take on recent automotive history is to be trusted, one of the cars that pioneered the concept of the luxury SUV crossover.

That's debatable, but what isn't is its popularity. Since its 1997 launch it has become Lexus's most successful vehicle, globally. Over 2.1 million have been sold to date and counting.

But that massive popularity can be a burden as much as a bonus. Make a new car that's too much of a departure from old one and alienate your existing customers, or play it too safe and everyone will lose interest.

As Takayuki Katsuda, RX Chief Engineer, said "Our ambition has been to make a completely new statement in this segment while building on and staying true to the ground-breaking values of previous RX generations."

Therefore, the new RX is not a clean-sheet design. It looks like a younger, more chiselled version of the car it's replacing. Its proportions are better balanced and the wheelbase has been extended to improve rear passenger space.

It also sits on noticeably bigger 20-inch wheels and has adopted that love-it-or-hate-it front #34;spindle grille' that visually connects all new models in the Lexus range.

"I believe this new RX will not only surprise new customers, it will also delight and satisfy our loyal customers, whose high expectations will be met by many innovations," said Katsuda.

Perhaps the biggest innovations are in terms of active safety. The new RX is the first Lexus to get the latest version of the Lexus Safety System + which can now look out for rear cross traffic and monitor blind spots as well as actively monitor lane discipline, and autonomously brake if the car ahead slows down or a pedestrian or other road user is about to stray into its path.

However, Lexus is primarily a luxury brand and the cabin benefits from new levels of quality wood and leather trim as well as increased space and more comfortable seats, especially in the rear. There's even the option of a retractable panoramic glass roof for a spot of impromptu stargazing. And while the passengers stare at the moon, the driver gets the option of a full color head up display and a new 12.3-inch infotainment display system.

As for engines, they're an evolution rather than a revolution. There's the option of a 3.5-litre, 300hp V6 and a hybrid V6 - also with a 300hp output, however, no fuel economy or performance figures are currently available.


2018 Porsche 911 GT3 RS: Motorsport chassis and 520hp

                GENEVA: The Porsche motorsport department is presenting Weissach's latest treat at the Geneva Motor Show: the 911 GT3 RS with motorsport chassis.

The new high-performance sports car with 520hp and four-litre naturally aspirated engine is based on the 911 GT3, which has been refined with a re-calibrated rear axle steering designed for maximum precision.

The 911 GT3 RS accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, reaching a top speed of 312 km/h.

Following the launch of the 911 GT3 and the 911 GT2 RS, this latest release will see Porsche present its third GT road-approved sports car within a year.

It features full bucket seats made of carbon, lightweight door panels with storage nets and opening loops, reduced sound absorption and a new lightweight rear lid.

The four-litre, six-cylinder naturally aspirated engine from Porsche in the new 911 GT3 RS delivers 20hp more than the engine in the previous model and the 911 GT3.

Together with a speed range reaching up to 9,000 rpm, it was the ideal choice as a thoroughbred sports engine and is combined with the specially calibrated seven-speed PDK.

The motorsport-inspired chassis provide ball joints on all arms for even greater precision than conventional elastokinematic bearings.

20-inch lightweight wheels with newly developed 265/35 sports tyres on the front axle enhance agility and steering behaviour, while 21‑inch wheels with 325/30 tyres at the rear axle improve traction.

As with all current GT sports cars, the Clubsport package is also available for the 911 GT3 RS at no extra cost.

The package includes a roll-over bar, a manual fire extinguisher, preparation for a battery disconnect switch and a six-point belt for a sporty driving experience.

For particularly ambitious drivers, the Porsche motorsport department has created an optional Weissach package for a further weight reduction.

The package features additional carbon components for the chassis, interior and exterior, as well as optional magnesium wheels.

In its lightest configuration, this package reduces the weight of the 911 GT3 RS down to 1,430kg.

The new 911 GT3 RS is available to order now. It will be launched in Germany from mid-April 2018.


Tesla opens online store on Alibaba's Tmall

                SHANGHAI: Tesla announced today that it opened its first online flagship store on China's leading e-commerce platform Tmall.com.

This came about one week after the company announced to introduce another version of Model 3 to the Chinese market.

Consumers can buy auto parts and charging services as well as make test drive reservations at the online store.

Tesla said it hopes to better serve the younger generation of consumers in China by expanding into a third-party platform.
China's robust digital economy is helping more multinational companies tap the Chinese market. Statistics from Tmall.com showed that in the past two months, about 12,000 brands including IKEA, Prada and Giorgio Armani have entered Tmall.com. — Xinhua


Flood relief assistance for flood-affected Mercedes-Benz customers from Cycle & Carriage

                KUALA LUMPUR: Cycle & Carriage has announced relief assistance for customers to inspect or repair their Mercedes-Benz cars damaged by the floods following the heavy rain over the weekend.

The relief assistance will includes:
25% off total repair bill for flood-affected Mercedes-Benz cars
> Free vehicle towing
> Free evaluation for repair costs
> 0% interest instalment plan for any repair related cost
Cycle & Carriage CEO Wilfrid Foo said the company was aware of the difficulties experienced by its customers in dealing with the unforeseen situation.

"We hope this relief will offer immediate assistance to our customers impacted by the floods," he said.

Cycle & Carriage showrooms remain open for customers to book an appointment for repair or inspection.

To find out more about Mercedes-Benz Flood Relief Assistance, visit https://www.ccb.mercedes-benz.com.my or https://www.facebook.com/cyclecarriagemy/, or connect with Cycle & Carriage customer care at tel: 1800-22-8000.


2017 Tokyo Motor Show: Daihatsu DN TREC concept hints at what new Perodua SUV may look like

                TOKYO: Daihatsu has unveiled its DN TREC compact SUV (sport utility vehicle) concept, hinting at what's in store for Malaysians.

As Daihatsu is Perodua's partner, and the Malaysian automaker has indicated before that it is exploring the development of a compact SUV, the DN TREC concept does provide an inkling of what a Perodua SUV might look like. Perodua is not new to the SUV scene, having introduced the Kembara in 1998 and the fully imported Nautica in 2008. The Nautica 4WD, billed as a premium SUV, was a rebadged Daihatsu Terios, which also spawned the Toyota Rush.

The five-seater compact SUV concept can be powered by a 1.2-litre petrol hybrid engine or a 1.0-litre turbocharged engine.

It is aimed at those looking for a stylish, compact and versatile SUV to suit their active weekend lifestyles and weekday work commutes.


Kia Niro makes Chicago Auto Show debut

CHICAGO: The Niro, which made its global debut on Thursday, aims to highlight the marque's greener future direction by combining crossover looks with hybrid efficiency.

Kia calls the new car an un-hybrid hybrid because as well as cutting pollution - the car emits 89g/km CO2 - the electric and traditional motors work in unison as well as individually to increase horsepower and acceleration as well as cut noise and conserve fuel.

"The Niro hits the sweet spot by offering the best combination of outstanding mpg, an engaging driving experience, utility, and most importantly, a stunning design that doesn't shout ‘hybrid'," said Orth Hedrick, vice president product planning Kia Motors America (KMA).

"The subcompact CUV market continues to be one of the fastest-growing segments in the world, and the Niro offers a uniquely alluring yet practical package that consumers haven't seen before."

Keen drivers will appreciate the car's dual clutch, paddle-operated six-speed transmission and the fact that the electric motor sends its power purely to the front wheels for better traction off the line.

However, the rest of the family will be happy that there is room for four passengers, generous luggage space and that a raft of latest-generation active safety features, including emergency autonomous braking, blind spot monitoring and smart cruise control are offered as standard or as optional equipment.


Infiniti Q70 flagship sedan launched

KUALA LUMPUR: Infiniti is raising the ante in the local premium car market with its flagship performance luxury sedan - the Q70.

The luxury sedan gets a muscular and expressive design language which distinguishes itself from European marques.

Its front features an imposing chrome double-arch grille with a wave mesh pattern flanked by LED headlamps and fog lights.

Moving round to the back and you’ll find an unique trunk lid shape with chrome rear finishers and large dual exhaust pipes with polished tips.

Inside the Q70, it’s all about luxury, comfort and convenience with quilted leather seats which are climate controlled with a 10-way power driver and front passenger seats including the 2-way power lumbar support.

There’s also the hand crafted white ash silver-powered wood trim and a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system to add an upmarket feel to the posh cabin.

Sold in three variants, the Q70 2.5L V6 is priced at RM295,000, the Q70 3.7L V6 at RM375,000 and the Q70 3.5L V6 Hybrid at RM420,000. (All prices are on-the-road without insurance).

All variants come with Infiniti’s refined seven-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control and manual shift mode.

The transmission also has Downshift Rev Matching feature which brings the engines up to the correct rpm for fast and smooth gearshifts.

The engine of the 2.5L produces 218hp and 253Nm of torque while the 3.5L’s delivers 320hp and 360Nm of torque.

The 3.5L Hybrid’s engine and motor combination generates a maximum output of 360hp and 350Nm of torque.

Safety-wise, the Q70 comes with six airbags; pre-crash front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters which tighten the seatbelts in certain braking situations while the Active Front Head Restraints helps reduce whiplash-type injuries.

“We aim to offer the Q70 to those who won’t settle for ordinary,” said Infiniti Motor Ltd, senior regional manager (Asia & Oceania) Michael Cope at the launch on Tuesday.

Also present at the launch were Infiniti business unit, senior general manager Christopher Tan, Auto Dunia Sdn Bhd director Azman Badrillah and Inspired Motor Sdn Bhd director Datuk Saharudin Mohd Toha.

Infiniti aims to sell 250 Q70s a year.

“The Infiniti Q70 is going up against competition from the European luxury premium segment but we believe we have something different to consider with our luxury sedan,” said Tan.

It is available in Hermosa Blue, Malbec Black, Liquid Platinum, Graphite Shadow and Moonlight White.


KYB RS Ultra shock absorber range promises better ride

                KUALA LUMPUR: Leading global shock absorber maker KYB has developed its RS Ultra range to provide motorists with better driving and ride comfort.

First introduced for sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs), the RS Ultra range is also available for the B- and C-segment cars such as the Perodua Myvi, Perodua Viva, Proton Saga and Toyota Vios.

KYB is in the process of making RS Ultra versions for the Peodua Bezza, Honda City and Proton Waja.

The RS Ultra range is designed for durability and longer life span while offering motorists with a comfortable ride.

Its hard-chromed piston rod reduces friction, along with the multi-lip oil seal and sintered iron rod guide for longer service life.

For a comfortable ride, a 3-stage compression valving unit is used for providing smoother action and a 3-stage rebound valving unit results in better control and ride.

Its seamless eye ring is designed against breakage while its high-grade fluid suits all-weather conditions.

All KYB shock absorbers come with codes and serial numbers to identify their suitability for each make of cars.

This will help motorists to choose the right shock absorbers for their cars and provide optimum handling performance and safety on highways and rough roads. — EDDIE GOH


Next-gen Ford Ranger teased

                LONDON: Ford today announced that the fourth-generation Ranger would be revealed later this year and launched in 2022.

Ranger fans will be excited to know this is the model's first major redesign in 10 years.

The current gen Ranger was already a big hit and Ford is banking on the next one to ramp up its offroad capabilities, while still serving as a vehicle for work, family and play.

The teaser video of the new Ranger showed the pick-up out undergoing testing in various terrains in New Zealand and Australia.

It showed only the exterior of the vehicle as it tackles mud, sand, snow, rocks, inclines and anything in between.

The front looks similar to the chunky and macho appearance of the latest F-150 sold in the US.

It's  high time for safety upgrades so we are hoping the new Ranger would get blind-zone warning, rear cross-traffic alert and 360-degree camera. It's also possible that the rear brakes could be disc instead of drums.

Expect big digital displays for meter cluster and infotainment in the top-grade versions.

Rumours have it the new Ranger may come with a single turbo diesel 2.0-litre, a twin-turbo diesel 2.0-litre, and a turbo diesel 3.0-litre V6.


How to tell if an unwanted critter has been in your car's engine

                BERLIN: Coolant hoses, ignition cables, insulation materials and rubber seals – these are just a few of the preferred targets for snakes, lizards and other rodents who find their way into your car’s engine compartment. So what can help keep your car safe?

Anyone who finds traces of animal prints or other evidence on their car should have a proper engine wash done, says the German Insurance Association (GDV). Even traces of the scent of other animals can increase their aggressiveness.

Wild animals like martens will sometimes use parts of the car as a shelter or a place to hide food. Young animals can also climb into the engine compartment and use it as a playground, chewing around on whatever they find.

As a result, cars that frequently park in different locations and pass through different animals’ territories are often specifically targeted by critters. If this sounds familiar, regular engine washes can help.

Limiting access

Sealing off the engine compartment is also an effective solution. Some carmakers offer this as a retrofit or even factory installed, explains the GDV. A cheaper alternative is to have an elastic wire mesh under the hood, as small animals don’t usually enjoy treading on such shaky ground. But this is less practical, since it always has to be removed before driving off

Sheathing cables and hoses with a hard plastic exterior can also help. However, these must never come into contact with any hot parts of the engine. In addition, rubber components such as cuffs or insulating materials are still defenceless against a raccoon or weasel’s gnawing teeth.

Odour repellents such as dog hair, mothballs, toilet deodorizers or garlic, are ineffective, since the animals get used to the smells quite quickly. This also applies to devices with ultrasonic waves. In the densely packed engine compartment, these waves, designed to cause discomfort for the animals, are often drowned out, thus reducing their effect.

High-voltage equipment, which is used give animals in the engine compartment electric shocks, should be treated with caution. Given the effects on on-board electronics and potential danger for people, high-voltage systems should only be installed after careful consideration and by a professional, advises the GDV.

Spotting the signs

You won't always be able to tell before you set off in the morning whether some animal has been inside your engine. But there are tell-tale signs you can look out for to avoid risking expensive damage.

If ignition cables, coolant hoses, windscreen wipers or rubber and insulation have been damaged, you'll likely notice that the engine bucks suddenly, provides less power or starts poorly or not at all. In addition, an engine warning lamp may light up in the cockpit.

If you notice this, don't continue using the car, as you risk damaging the catalytic converter, among other things. The car may also be losing fluids if holes have been put in the hoses.

Warning signs before you get into the car may include: fur, hairs or paw prints, as well as remnants of bitten material on or under the car. Spot any signs like this and you'd better take a look into the engine compartment before turning the ignition key.

Damage caused by nibbling and chewing from critters is usually covered by partial and full insurance. However, some policies cover only the directly damaged parts and not consequential damage, such as when a chewed coolant hose causes general engine damage.


Lexus AR Play app to launch 2021 IS sports sedan

                LOS ANGELES: To virtually unveil the new 2021 IS luxury sports sedan, Lexus has launched Lexus AR Play, an immersive augmented reality app designed to allow users to explore the vehicle through their smart phone or tablet – the first app of its kind for Lexus.

The Lexus AR Play app allows users to preview the vehicle in an interactive way, enabling users to:

> Virtually walk around the vehicle for up-close 360-degree exterior and interior views.
> Engage the gamification function to virtually drive the IS in augmented reality like a remote-control car.
> Personalize the vehicle exterior with eight custom color offerings for the 2021 IS.
> Open and close the doors and trunk.
> Explore the vehicle’s design, performance, and safety features with high-level audio narration.
> View 3D cutaways of key technical features, the engine and chassis.
> Capture photos for sharing with friends or on your favorite social media channels.

“This app is a modern day expression of a longstanding Lexus core value: ‘genchi genbutsu’ or ‘go & see’- a practice employed by Lexus engineers to go on-site to ensure a true understanding of a situation by experiencing it firsthand,” said Lisa Materazzo, vice president of marketing at Lexus.

“Now our guests can experience the next best thing to genchi genbutsu with the new IS 350, seeing it for themselves in a way previously unavailable.“

The Lexus AR Play app is now available for download for iOS and Android devices in the App Store and Google Play.


BFGoodrich Advantage Touring rolls out

                KUALA LUMPUR: BFGoodrich, a brand with over 150 years' history under Michelin, has unveiled the BFGoodrich Advantage Touring designed for sedans, pick-up trucks, multi-purpose vehicles, crossovers and sports utility vehicles.

Available at BFGoodrich’s authorised dealers nationwide, the tyre comes in 67 dimensions for greater coverage including 30 new sizes from 13 to 20 inches and speed rating of H, T and V.

Key features of the Advantage Touring include:

> Improved aesthetics and noise performance, thanks to a new, dynamic and simplified tread design, as well as an asymmetric, non-directional tread pattern with computer-optimized footprint to reduce interior cabin noise.

> Engineered for confident handling and braking in all conditions, with an asymmetric tread design featuring rigid tread blocks and a shoulder that enable responsive handling and control, large tread blocks with deep grooves to deliver exceptional braking performance in both wet and dry road conditions. The tyre's sculpture is inspired by BFGoodrich on-road racing.

> Full depth features that provide driving confidence over the tyre life, thanks to an interlocking band technology that reduces friction and heat and –therefore –fuel consumption. The tyre also gets an optimised contact patch specifically designed for markets with severe heat conditions.

Michelin Malaysia managing director Oliver Biggart said Advantage Touring is targeted at active-lifestyle drivers who want the best value for their money and demand confident control for urban adventure.

“This newly launched tyre stands out with its extensive size offerings, as well as improved performance and aesthetics.

“What’s more, it also comes with a six-year manufacturer’s warranty, offering users real value with premium quality,” he said.

For details, visit https://www.bfgoodrich.com.my/auto/tyres/bfgoodrich-advantage-touring.


Toyota reproduces and sells spare parts for 2000GT

                TOKYO: Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) has announced that it will reproduce spare parts for the 2000GT as a GR Heritage Parts Project, and will sell them both domestically and overseas.

This project is an initiative that will reproduce spare parts that were no longer available, and sell them as genuine parts to customers who aspire to continue driving their cherished cars. Previously, in May 2019, an announcement was made to reproduce and sell spare parts for A70 and A80 Supra at the GR Supra press conference, and the 2000GT would be the next model following on from this.

The 2000GT was a sports car launched in 1967 through collaboration with Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.

A total of 337 units were made by the time production ended in 1970. At the time, the car adopted the latest Japanese technology, including a 2.0-litre DOHC straight six engine, four-wheel double-wishbone suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, radial tyres, magnesium alloy wheels, and retractable headlamps, and boasted a maximum speed of 220kph, on par with European sports cars of the day.

Prior to its launch, it took part in speed trials and, despite inclement conditions with an approaching typhoon, it set three world records (10,000 miles, 15,000 kms, 72 hours) and 13 international records. It also achieved wins and high placement in various races. It became a world-renowned sports car for Toyota, and was used in scenes shot in Japan for the James Bond film You Only Live Twice.

Efforts are under way at suppliers, along with Toyota plants and related divisions, in preparation for the production of the reproduced parts due to go on sale. From August 1, 2020, information will be steadily updated on the TGR website, and orders will be accepted.

In addition, Toyota dealers would also sell the parts in the same way as normal genuine parts. However, due to the uniqueness of the 2000GT, sales would be restricted to owners, to prevent reselling; and the number of parts sold would be limited per car.