Malaysian Automotive Association: Government slow in approving car prices

                KUALA LUMPUR: Government bodies have been slow in approving car prices of new models, resulting in delayed launches of cars like the Honda HR-V RS, according to a report by Berita Harian.

Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) president Datuk Aishah Ahmad told Berita Harian that this was due to the change in government and the introduction of new regulations.

"In the past, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) alone can provide approval. However, now there are many processes involving entities such as Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Royal Malaysian Customs and Road Transport Department (JPJ)," said Aishah on the sidelines of the recently concluded Kuala Lumpur International Motorshow (KLIMS'18).

At the motor show, some of the new cars and motorcycles only had estimated prices.

However, Aishah pointed out that car prices were still determined by automakers.

"If they want to sell at high prices, that's all right but it is market conditions that determine the right pricing. That is why consumers will continue to see competition from automakers to produce vehicles that meet their needs," said Aishah.

The Berita Harian report also quoted an industry source as saying the Malaysian automotive sector still had elements of protectionism that benefit certain auto players.

"We need to allow more competition for car buyers to get better prices," said the source, who also noted that the delay in new car price announcements could also be due to competition.

"Auto brands prefer to announce the prices of their products after the competition has revealed their prices. Then they can compete better, based on car features and prices."

The industry source also pointed out that presently, there was a lot of uncertainty and vagueness regarding the tax mechanisms and special incentives for EEV (energy efficient vehicles), fully imported cars (CBU) and
locally assembled cars (CKD).


More than 400,000 German jobs at risk in switch to electric cars, says daily

                BERLIN: The shift to electric vehicles could cost 410,000 jobs in Germany by 2030, daily Handelsblatt reported today, citing government advisers.

In engines and transmissions’ production alone, around 88,000 jobs will be at risk, the newspaper said, citing a report by the National Platform for the Future of Mobility (NPM), an advisory council for the government.

Electric cars’ powertrain are made of fewer parts and require less maintenance than combustion engines, which will result in layoffs, the report was quoted as saying.

Vehicle production will be further automated and will not be sufficient to support the current level of jobs, Handelsblatt said, citing NPM’s chairman Henning Kagermann.

In 2018, employment in the car industry in Germany reached 834,000, its highest since 1991.

Germany’s main automobile industry body (VDA), which in December warned of more job cuts in 2020 due to a drop in global car sales, said NPM’s forecast was based on an “unrealistic extreme scenario”, Handelsblatt quoted a VDA official as saying.

The industry, an important driver of growth in Europe’s largest economy, has been accelerating plans to launch electric vehicles, under pressure from a European Union drive to further cut carbon dioxide emissions.


Aston Martin debuts DB11 drop-top

                LONDON: Aston Martin has cut the roof off the DB11 and chopped four cylinders off its engine to create the DB11 Volante, a convertible that it claims has the potential to redefine the open-top sports GT car market.

It's a big boast, but in terms of looks alone, the new Volante makes an even greater impression than the hardtop coupé. Its lines are stronger yet more elegant because they're not being visually disrupted by a roof, while very smart touches of craftsmanship such as the wooden veneer that adorns the seat backs and which is plain for all to see each time the fabric roof is down add a subtle touch of class.

Purists could be shocked to discover that this drop-top is propelled forward by a V8 rather than a velvety smooth V12, but the eight-cylinder 4-litre twin-turbocharged block in question comes courtesy of Mercedes-AMG.

It's good for 510hp and thanks to a three-phase approach to delivering that power, plus three very different driving mode setups and an eight-speed paddle-operated automatic transmission, not to mention the limited slip differential with torque vectoring, Aston insists it offers a greater breadth and depth of performance than any Aston yet to carry the Volante badge.

"The challenge of creating a convertible car is retaining structural and dynamic integrity," said Max Szwaj, Aston Martin chief technical officer.

"With the DB11 Volante we have maximized the advantages of the DB11's all-new bonded structure to underpin our new Volante with a structure that's 26kg lighter and 5% stiffer than its predecessor [the DB9 Volante]."

What's more, the company wants owners to drive their Volantes come rain or shine. It's bigger than the outgoing DB9 Volante in every respect from luggage space to rear seat legroom - this is the first Volante to come with ISOFIX child seat attachment points as standard.

The steering wheel is heated and the fabric roof - made up of eight insulating layers - has been tested to destruction, first in weather chambers and then in Death Valley and around the Arctic Circle.

Perhaps surprisingly, Aston hasn't provided the car's vital performance statistics, such as acceleration or top speed, but it has confirmed that the roof drops flat in just 14 seconds and can go up again in 16 seconds and that it can still be raised or lowered while driving at speeds of up to 50kph, even if driving into a 50kph headwind at the time.

"For many of our customers, indeed many generations of Aston Martin customer, the Volante has always offered something very special: a unique combination of elegant style, innate sporting ability and sensory engagement that lifts it above other open-top cars,” said Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer.

“The new DB11 Volante captures those qualities perfectly and promises the kind of pleasure and enjoyment that can only come from driving an open-top Aston Martin.”

Prices for the Volante start at £159,900 (RM894,000) in Britain, €199,000 (RM990,000) in Europe and US$216,495 (RM911,000) in the United States. Deliveries will get under way in early 2018.


How to use jumper cables to revive your battery

                STUTTGART: Anyone with battery trouble who is running late for work will be eternally grateful to another driver for a battery jump-start.

Jump-start kits usually consist of two jumper cables: a red cable for the positive battery terminal, and a black one for the negative terminal or ground. The cables will almost always have alligator clips at both ends.

As the Auto Club Europa (ACE), a major German automobile club, points out, it's important to make sure that the cables are thick enough. Depending on the engine displacement, small cables can easily overheat.

The automobile club also advises against using jumper cables that connect via the car's cigarette lighter socket, since these are much too small and can quickly catch fire.

When jump-starting a battery when help from another car, the two vehicles should ideally be close together and facing each other, but not touching. First, clip the red cable onto the positive terminal of the drained battery, then connect the other end of the red cable to the positive pole of the donor battery.

Next, clip the black cable onto the negative terminal of the donor battery. In the receiver car, connect the black cable clip to a grounded point, which could be an unpainted metal part of the engine or a designated contact point on the engine block.

Whatever you do, don't attach the black cable to the negative terminal of the receiver car battery. This could cause sparks to fly and ignite the exhaust once the car starts, warns the ACE.

Once all the cables are in place, start the donor car engine and leave it running for five to 10 minutes. Then, try to start the receiving vehicle.

If the engine starts, the heating and other major electricity consumers in the car should be turned on, as this will serve as a buffer against voltage surges that can damage the car's electronics. The final step is to remove the cables in the reverse order that they were connected.

In some vehicles, the battery is not found in the engine compartment. Even so, with the help of so-called jump-start support points, other cars can still help a drained battery start up again. These support points are often thin plates in the engine compartment, where jumper cables can be clipped on, explains the ACE.


Rolls Royce releases Neon Nights collection for Black Badge

                LONDON: Rolls Royce is laying to rest the notion that its Black Badge variants have to be black by releasing a limited run of super-solid Neon Nights colours.

The colours were created initially for clients in the United States with three iterations of each colour currently available for commission worldwide.

Comprising of the Wraith, Dawn and Cullinan under the Black Badge moniker, each colour is available in a different hue that takes its inspiration from the natural world.

The Wraith Black Badge is finished in a Lime Rock Green that's practically a near-luminous hue that's inspired by the Australian green tree frog.

Rolls-Royce bespoke paint specialist Sami Coultas first came across the frog during a trip to Tamworth, north of Sydney in Australia.

The interior of the has been swathed in Scivaro Grey leather, with Lime Rock Green accents in the form of stitching and piping.

On the other side of the spectrum is the striking Eagle Rock Red for the Dawn Black Badge.

This colour mimics the flowers of ‘Ōhi‘a lehua - an evergreen tree native to Hawaii.

Here, the interior is finished in Selby Grey leather with Koi Red stitching and piping details.

As for the Cullinan, the Bespoke Collective looked to the exotic Rhetus Periander butterfly for inspiration.

Known as the Periander metalmark, this butterfly species found across Central and South America has a wonderful blue on its wings, to which the Cullinan has picked Mirabeau Blue to represent it.

Inside, the cabin features an Arctic White leather interior that's accented by Lime Rock Green to provide dramatic contrast.

In all three cars, the Technical Fibre fascia is embellished with a spectacular graphic while the paint effect provides an intense neon glow and depicts the distortion of artificial light with speed.

The Neon Nights cars follow the suite of Black Badges that were presented during the 2019 Pebble Beach event and consisted of the Ghost, Wraith and Dawn finished in Bespoke pastel colours.

Such was the demand for these cars, the colour palette was embraced and developed, inspiring a new and dynamic colour palette for Black Badge.

Just three further examples of each colour will be made available for commission worldwide.

"Taking cues from the natural world, including an Australian green tree frog, a Hawaiian tree flower and an exotic butterfly, these limited hues show Black Badge bolder in colour, appealing to patrons around the world who really do dare to be different,” Rolls-Royce Motor Cars bespoke designer (colour and trim) Sami Coultas.


Largest Volkswagen service centre opens in Puchong

PUCHONG: Volkswagen's latest 4S (sales, service, spare-parts and spray-paint) centre in Puchong is the largest facility in Malaysia to officially open.It is currently the largest centre in Malaysia and is also the third and last Volkswagen technical service centre to open, which is located at Lot 895, Jalan Subang 10, Kampung Kenangan, 47100 Puchong and is manned by 30 experienced and trained aftersales staff.It is currently Malaysia's third and last Volkswagen technical service centre that's located at Lot 895, Jalan Subang 10, Kampung Kenangan, 47100 Puchong and is manned by 30 experienced and trained aftersales staff.The facility operates on Mondays to Saturdays from 8.30am till 6.00pm (sales) / 8.00am till 8.00pm (after sales) as well on Sundays and public holidays from 9.00am till 6.00pm (sales) / closed (after sales).Amenities include a 15-car showroom display, two car delivery bays, a cafe, customer lounge with four computers for customers, selected Astro TV channels, high speed Wifi and a 24-bay (expandable to 35 bays) workshop at the rear.Other services include tyre balancing and alignment, air conditioner services, accident repairs, accessories sales and installation as well as body and paint works.The paint centre uses a newly designed stainless steel air blowguns from Germany with waterborne paints that will require lesser clear coats while providing a cleaner and brighter result compared to solvent-based paints."Volkswagen Malaysia works closely with our dealership partners to ensure the right investment in infrastructure is made so together we can thrive to improve our offerings and improve the overall ownership experience," said Volkswagen Group Malaysia managing director Armin Keller.


China's widening Covid curbs threaten global supply chain paralysis

                SHANGHAI: China's race to stop the spread of Covid-19 is clogging highways and ports, stranding workers and shutting countless factories — disruptions that are rippling through global supply chains for goods ranging from electric vehicles to iPhones.

While some factory owners try to tough it out through "closed loop" management that keeps workers isolated inside, some said that is becoming harder to sustain given the extent of local Covid-19 curbs aimed at heading off the Omicron variant, complicating efforts to procure materials or ship products.

Foxconn Interconnect Technology, a unit of Taiwan-based Foxconn that makes data transmission equipment and connectors, has kept a plant open in Kunshan, which borders Shanghai, in a closed loop but is only able to run at 60% of capacity, a person familiar with the matter said.

Foxconn did not respond to a request for comment.

On Wednesday, more than 30 Taiwan companies, many making electronics parts, said that Covid-19 measures in eastern China had led them to suspend production until at least next week.

A day earlier, German auto parts giant Bosch said it suspended output at sites in Shanghai and Changchun, while putting two other plants under "closed-loop" operation.

Also on Tuesday, Taiwan's Pegatron Corp, which assembles Apple Inc iPhones, halted operations in Shanghai and Kunshan.

Sven Agten, Asia Pacific CEO of Rheinzink, a German maker of zinc construction materials, said logistical challenges make a closed-loop unworkable at his Shanghai warehouse and manufacturing facilities, and expects to have zero sales during April and possibly May.

"We need somebody in the warehouse and the manufacturing facility to do the work, and we need a truck and a driver. These are the two key components, and both are impossible," he said.

China's zero-tolerance approach to Covid-19, despite low case numbers and even as the rest of the world tries to live with the coronavirus, is proving unwieldy given the extreme infectiousness of the less-deadly Omicron variant.

The zeal to cut-off virus transmission chains means localised curbs extend far beyond virus hotspots Shanghai and Jilin province in the northeast. An April 7 study by Gavekal Dragonomics found that 87 of China's 100 largest cities by GDP have imposed some form of quarantine curbs.

On Saturday, electric vehicle maker Nio said it had to suspend production at its Hefei factory - even though there were no local-level curbs — because suppliers from other areas had stopped work.

Truckers' blues

Truck transport has been especially hard hit, causing long queues and delays and driving up prices.

The normal rate to book a truck from Shandong province to Shanghai had more than quadrupled from 7,000 yuan (RM4,645) to 30,000 yuan (RM20,000), said an executive at a trucking firm who declined to be identified.

"It has become extremely difficult for our company to find available trucks near Shanghai in the past two weeks as many truck drivers were either stuck on the highways or locked down in the cities," he said, adding that he was subcontracting orders — at a loss — to keep goods moving.

The city of Xuzhou, a logistics hub, on April 8 began requiring truck drivers to produce negative PCR test results taken within 48 hours to take more tests upon arrival. They cannot exit their trucks.

Some drivers have become stuck on highways after visiting areas like Shanghai, which meant their smartphone health codes were automatically invalidated. Last week, state media reported on a truck driver who lived in his truck for seven days after traveling to Shanghai.

Clogged ports, global impact

Foreign business groups have been especially vocal about their concerns, with the European Chamber of Commerce in China sending a letter to the government last week noting that about half of German firms in the country were experiencing supply chain problems.

China has tried to cushion the impact of the curbs by keeping ports and aiports running and encouraging closed-loop manufacturing.

But the number of container vessels waiting off Shanghai – the world’s busiest container port – and nearby Zhoushan has more than doubled since the start of April to 118, nearly three times the number a year ago, Refinitiv data showed.

Danish shipper Maersk on Monday recommended to clients that they divert from congested Shanghai port to other Chinese destinations.

Economists have cut growth forecasts for China on the back of such disruptions, with Beijing's official growth target of around 5.5% this year seen as increasingly difficult to reach.

ING last week downgraded its GDP forecast for China to 4.6% from 4.8% previously.

On Wednesday, its chief economist for China, Iris Pang, warned that China's Covid crisis could impact growth rates around the world.

"A problem in China could be a problem for the global economy," she said.

Chen Xin, who runs a family-owned embroidery and garment painting factory in Guangdong province, said that since late March he has been unable able to ship roughly 70-80% of orders because customers can't receive them.

"The current situation is, the impact of the policy is greater than the epidemic," he said.


Proton pick-up truck concept unveiled

                SHAH ALAM: Proton has unveiled its first pick-up truck concept at the national automaker's Centre of Excellence Complex.

Proton Holdings Bhd chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad officiated the global reveal of the concept at the Alami Proton 2015 carnival this weekend (October 3 and 4).

Visitors at the carnival also checked out a custom stretched limousine edition of the Proton Perdana, based on the Honda Accord.

Only five units of the stretched limousine Perdana were built, for heads of states and VVIPs.

 Stretched limousine Proton Perdana.

Also on display was the Iriz Active concept.

The Alami Proton 2015 carnival offers visitors chances to win a Proton Iriz or Suprima S.

This family-styled outdoor and indoor event starts at 10am to 7pm.

Well-kept pre-owned models are offered at very attractive prices, and Proton buyers can also opt for the 1.99% interest rate per annum on the Iriz.

 Stretched limousine Proton Perdana has red interior theme.

There are also a 100% financing scheme for government staff, and great deals for graduates and undergraduates.

All new owners of Proton will be covered under the 7 years extended warranty promotion.

 Iriz Active concept.

Fun activities will also include Abang Mat Clown Show, Karaoke Competition, Proton Stability Contest, Ride & Handling Challenge; Spell it Wrong; Proton Ambassador Stunt Show; Movie Animation Park Studios (MAPS) Appearance of The Smurfs, Boboboi and Proton Sang Rimau; inflatable snow globe for the guests to enjoy; show by Frozen characters; Driving License Games for Kids; Build Your Own Car Competition; Inflatable Human Foosball; Paintball; Wall climbing, Gig Stage; video games amd mini golf putt.

For details, check out www.facebook.com/ProtonCars.


Mercedes-Benz takes another step for EQ

                STUTTGART: The Mercedes-Benz Sindelfingen plant in Germany will be the second site to produce electric vehicles of the new product brand EQ after Bremen.

Future EQ models are to be integrated into the series production of the existing Mercedes-Benz plants on four continents.

The new generation of electric vehicles will be based on an architecture specifically developed for battery-electric models.

"With our plants in Bremen, Rastatt and Sindelfingen as well as the smart plant in Hambach, France, we now have four competence centers for the production of electric vehicles,” said Markus Schafer, board member of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Production and Supply Chain Management.

Mercedes-Benz Cars is consolidating all activities in connection with electric mobility under the new product brand EQ.

The name EQ stands for “Electric Intelligence” and is derived from the Mercedes-Benz brand values of “Emotion and Intelligence”.

The new brand is heralded by the close-to-production concept vehicle “Concept EQ”, which celebrated its world premiere at the 2016 Paris Motor Show.

The first series-produced EQ model will be launched in the SUV segment before the end of this decade.

Mercedes-Benz Cars plans to launch more than ten electric vehicles by 2025: in all segments from smart to large SUVs.


Ora Good Cat now offered in new 'Pistachio Green' colour

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Ora Good Cat electric hatchback is now available in green, according to a statement today by distributor Great Wall Motor (GWM).

The Pistachio Green colour is exclusive to the 500 Ultra variant. A lower-end 400 Pro variant is also sold in Malaysia.

The model also come in six other colours:  Sun Black, Mars Red, Verdant Green, Hamilton White, Coral Blue and Em Beige.

GWM unveiled the car in the new colour today at its roadshow in Sunway Velocity Mall here. Twenty units of the car in that colour were sold on the first day of its introduction, said GWM.

The exterior is paired with a two-tone green-beige interior.

The cabin sports a paw-shaped design this time and is located on the centre armrest. It is complemented by orange colour air conditioning vent cover and pistachio green and beige steering wheel. All seats are adorned with a Houndstooth pattern, with the outer cushions accented with an orange trim.

The Ora Good Cat in Pistachio Green features an electric motor on the front axle, a front-wheel drive, and a 63.1 kWh ternary lithium battery. With 143PS, 210Nm of torque and a maximum speed of 152kph, it offers a range of 500km (NEDC).

In real world driving, expect the range in the 500 Ultra to be around 400km (WLTP), while the touted 400km of the 400 Pro variant would actually be around 320km.

The car is equipped with advanced driving assistance systems such as automatic cruise control, collision warning and emergency braking.

The Good Cat was launched in Malaysia in November last year.

 A buyer of the Ora Good Cat in Pistachio Green (left) gets a gift from GWM.


Ducati officially opens in Phnom Penh

                PHNOM PENH: Ducati Cambodia, operated by NAZA World Group of Companies, has opened its first showroom in the capital city of Phnom Penh.

The new showroom is a 2,700 square feet sales and service facility that’s manned by 18-full-time employees.

It is located at 96, St 110, Russian Boulevard, Sangkat Teok Laak 1, Khan Toul Kork and is the company's second venture into the ASEAN region after Vietnam.

The showroom houses the Italian brand's complete range of motorcycles such as the Diavel, Panigale, Hypermotard and Monster, including lifestyle apparels and accessories.

For servicing, the showroom comes equipped with a modern Ducati Service facility that includes special brand-specific tools, diagnostic equipment and OEM spare parts.

In conjunction with the showroom opening, the Scrambler Pop-Up-Club and five variants of the iconic Scrambler were launched, which includes the Icon, Urban, Enduro, Full Throttle and The Classic.

The Ducati Scrambler's ‘post-heritage’ design has taken the best of the past and transformed it into something unique and current while simultaneously retaining the original’s charm and honouring its history.

The Scrambler is Ducati's contemporary interpretation of the original 1970’s icon, which is an easy-to-handle street bike that is comfortable, accessible and fashionable as was its predecessor.

“The Cambodian market offers future growth potential especially in the premium and superbike category and we expect our entry to heat up the local superbike market," said NAZA World Group of Companies group executive chairman and group CEO Datuk Wira Haji SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin.


Tesla plant electrifies California-Germany culture clash

Musk has made his irritation for German laws and processes known. — Reuters
BERLIN: With final approval for its German factory potentially just weeks away, Tesla's Elon Musk will make an appearance in the tiny town of Gruenheide this Saturday to host a county fair.

Despite pandemic-related curbs limiting gatherings in Germany to under 5,000 people, Tesla applied for - and got - a permit to have 9,000 at the Oct 9 "Giga-Fest", after local authorities agreed the event would be Covid-19 safe.

Coming on the heels of officials allowing the company to break ground on its new site before final approval had even been granted, environmental groups say this is just the latest example of Tesla being given too much leeway to act disruptively in Germany - a pattern they worry will continue.

Tesla did not respond to a request for comment.

The pre-approvals Musk has received from local authorities to build without final permission are legal, but rarely used by German firms because of the associated risk: if final approval is not granted, Tesla must pay to tear everything down.

While some bemoan Musk's approach as throwing German caution to the wind, others - who say German regulations governing planning, jobs and environmental concerns are unnecessarily restrictive - welcome the influence he could have on the country's business culture.

"I am fully convinced Tesla can have a positive effect on Germany," said Brandenburg's economy minister Joerg Steinbach, a prominent advocate of the factory.

"The fundamental idea of taking a close look at current legislation and checking whether it could perhaps be modernised - without risking a loss to legal clout - is in my opinion absolutely worth considering."

The country's powerful unions are already gearing up to fight for German-style contracts for Tesla workers, environmental groups are poised to oppose any further expansion plans, and locals wary of Musk's "American" ways are watching the firm's every move.

"Tesla has to stick to environmental protection laws, building laws, and of course labour and unionisation laws," Birgit Dietze, head of the Brandenburg region for union IG Metall and a former member of Volkswagen's supervisory board, said.

Musk has made his irritation for German laws and processes known, saying in a letter to authorities in April that the country's complex planning requirements were at odds with the urgency needed to fight climate change.

Once running, the factory will produce 500,000 electric cars a year and generate 50 gigawatt hours (GWh) of battery capacity – more than any other plant in the country.

Conversations between the union and applicants indicate Tesla, whose CEO is known for his rocky relationship with organised labour, is offering pay 20% below the collectively bargained wages offered at other German automakers, IG Metall said.

It is also shaking up conventional German contracts by offering packages with stock options and bonuses rather than predetermined holiday pay.

Driving a harder bargain with its workforce could create a competitive advantage for Tesla, whose choice to set up its first European gigafactory in the homeland of Volkswagen, Daimler and BMW has raised the stakes in the global battle for EV dominance.

Musk has already experienced German union power. When Tesla bought German car parts supplier Grohmann Automation in 2017, it set wages 30% below average, refusing to match collectively bargained pay.

After the firm offered one-off bonuses and stock options instead, unions dropped a threat to strike. Unions say stock options have also been mooted at the Brandenburg factory.

German carmakers can't do it - but Tesla can

Of the 12,000 positions to be created at the factory, 800-1,200 have been filled so far, according to IG Metall and Steinbach.

Tesla did not respond to a request for comment or questions on how recruitment was progressing. But data from LinkedIn suggest applications are low, with fewer than 10 applicants for most of the factory positions advertised in the past month.

Gruenheide is a 45-minute drive from the Polish border, and Tesla is widely expected to recruit workers from there.

"Twenty per cent under German wages is still very good pay for Polish workers," Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer, an expert on the German auto industry, said.

"German automakers couldn't do it; they'd get into big trouble with the unions. But Tesla can do it."

Musk had planned on starting production in July in order to deliver the Model Y car to European customers from Berlin - but local opposition and the late addition of a battery plant requiring blueprints to be resubmitted to authorities held up the process. read more

The delay forced Tesla to deliver the Model Y from Shanghai, prolonging waiting times and increasing costs.

In a document published online in late September containing all 813 objections to the factory filed with local authorities and Tesla's responses, the company repeatedly reminded its critics that it was creating jobs and bringing Germany closer to its electric mobility goals.

"I understand the concerns. But some of it is selfish. It’s always the same - people want things like wind farms and electric vehicles... just not in their backyard," said 60-year-old Grunheide local Ralf-Thomas Petersohn, a member of Germany's official Tesla fan club.

A public hearing scheduled for Sept 23 for citizens to discuss objections to the factory was moved online due to concerns that it could become a "super-spreader event", authorities said, a decision which some viewed as hypocritical considering the likely approval of Tesla's request for a 9,000-person party.

"This isn't about Tesla. It's about whether you take citizen participation seriously," Michael Ganschow of environmental organisation Gruene Liga said. "We can't just say, 'You're making electric cars, so you can do whatever you want'."


New locally assembled Mitsubishi Xpander rolls out

                PETALING JAYA: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official distributor of Mitsubishi Motors vehicles in Malaysia, announced that the new Mitsubishi Xpander has officially rolled out from its assembly line and begun its mass production in Pekan, Pahang.

Malaysia is the third country to locally-assembled the Xpander following Indonesia and Vietnam.

The new Mitsubishi Xpander is produced at Hicom Automotive Manufacturers Sdn Bhd in Pekan, Pahang.

The production line is designed to roll out 6,000 units of Xpander annually. Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has invested in setting up the all-new body shop, painting jigs and tester line at the plant in Pekan.

The new Xpander undergoes a Pre-Treatment and Electro Deposition by a 360-degree somersault in an ED-coat tank at one of the most advanced paint shops in Asean.

A layer of primer is then painted by a robotic system and then dried heated in an oven bay. The Xpander is then painted again with multiple coats to a fine finish.

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) certified auditors are stationed at the assembly plant to oversee the same high standards and consistent quality of Mitsubishi Motors production worldwide.

Commenting on the new Xpander, Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, Tomoyuki Shinnishi said, “The Xpander is a significant model for MMM and we are confident that it will be a favourite among many Malaysians. The move to localise the Xpander is to meet the demands of our Malaysian customers. We want to offer a more price competitive model with better specifications providing customers more convenience and comfort.”

He added, “We ensure all our customers that each unit of the Xpander undergoes extensive quality control tests, before it is shipped out. Every inch is checked by human-eyes and cutting-edge technology.”

Since its launch in Indonesia, the Xpander including the Xpander Cross, has been well received for its futuristic styling, comfort, and high driving performance. By end September 2020, the total sales volume for the series has reached approximately 270,000 units.

The launch of the new Xpander in Malaysia is expected for Nov 2020.


The VW Golf is Europe's favourite car, but for how long?

                LONDON: The final figures are in and across the five biggest EU countries, consumers bought more than 10 million cars in 2015, an 8.8% jump on 2014's figures.

However, just like in 2014, those shopping for a new car were still more likely to go with Volkswagen's perennial favourite, the Golf than with any other model from any other company. Even the continuing fallout from the dieselgate scandal doesn't appear to have done enough to dent the car's popularity, so far.

With a 12.1% market share across the continent's key regions, Volkswagen remains Europe's most popular brand and the Golf its most popular car. It is the biggest selling car in Germany, the third most popular in Spain, the fourth in the UK, ninth in Italy and only in France is it out of the top 10 (11th place).

The Ford Fiesta is Europe's second most popular new car, followed by the VW Polo, Renault Clio and the Vauxhall/Opel Corsa in fifth place.

"Traditionally the five largest markets count for three quarters of total European volume and their positive results are an indicator of how well the car industry performed in 2015," said Felipe Munoz, Marketing analyst at JATO Dynamics, the company that has aggregated all of the data.

However, the data also shows that European tastes are changing and attention is shifting from compact and sub-compact hatchbacks and crossing over to something a little more rugged and individual. A number of brands saw their market share jump significantly in the EU over the past 12 months, and the biggest climbers were, according to Munoz, "[t]hose that added new SUVs to their product ranges as this was the segment to drive the biggest part of the growth."

Although just four crossovers - the Nissan Qashqai (8), Renault Captur (10), Vauxhall/Opel Mokka (17) and Peugeot 2008 (18) - made it into this year's top 20 list, SUVs make up 50% of the biggest movers chart, i.e., the 20 cars that have grabbed the biggest increased market share over 2015. That list is topped by the Fiat 500X and the Renault Kadjar.

"As in the rest of the continent, the small and compact SUVs continued to grab a big part of the growth and these newer products were the big winners with consumers," said Munoz.


Moving to the next level with green technology

                As electric vehicles are gaining recognition as a means of transport, the up-coming E-Mobilia World conference in Kuala Lumpur will bring some 200 experts to address issues relating to sustainable mobility development, implementation and adoption.

To be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from Sept 10-11, E-Mobilia World is organised by Koelnmesse and co-organised by Malaysian Green Technology Corp.

E-Mobilia World 2015 is held together with the International Greentech and Eco Products Exhibition and Conference Malaysia (IGEM), which runs from Sept 9 to 12.

CarSifu spoke to Koelnmesse vice-president Asia Pacific and managing director Michael Dreyer on what’s in store.

Why is Kuala Lumpur chosen for E-Mobilia World since Malaysia’s electric vehicle (EV) market is small?

Dreyer: Malaysia has been the home of E-Mobilia World since its inaugural edition and will continue to be so in the years ahead. This was a decision we made in recognition of Malaysia’s strategic location in the heart of Asean which has a total population of over 600 million and combined estimate Gross Domestic Product of US$2.6 trillion (RM10.4 trillion).

Moreover the centralised locations enables industry leaders from all across the region to converge at one easy location.

Beyond this, Malaysia was chosen because of the strong potential of its mobility sector, thanks to the nation’s ambitious goals of becoming an energy efficient vehicle hub for the region.

Out of the major automotive players in the Asean region, Malaysia has shown substantial dedication to this cause by easing restrictions for foreign investors in its auto market and increasing commitment towards incorporating green transport into its public transport system.

We recognise that the EV market in Malaysia is still in its infancy.

With increasing government support and potential policy changes the Malaysian EV market could be in for a significant boom in the near future.

On top of that, we must remember that E-Mobilia World is not just about EVs but on all smart, energy efficient vehicles. As such, our conferences centre on the future of mobility be it electric, hydrogen fuel cell, hybrid or energy efficient fuel vehicles.

How was the response to the previous two E-Mobilia Worlds?

The response and support for E-Mobilia World is steadily growing.

There is a paradigm shift occurring globally with more and more countries adopting sustainable means of transport. As the prominence of these types of vehicles increase so will the relevance and popularity of E-Mobilia World.

We began E-Mobilia World in 2013 with 100 delegates from across the world.

Last year, we increased this to 150 delegates.

This year, thanks to increased interest in the sector and our strategic partnership with the International Greentech and Eco Products Exhibition and Conference Malaysia (IGEM) 2015, we are confident of garnering even greater response.

How would you rate the overall outcome over the last two years?

We are very pleased with the progress E-Mobilia World has made since its inaugural conference in 2013. No other event in this region has been able to bring together such a diverse and world-spanning group of industry experts.

We are confident that E-Mobilia World’s topical presentations and high-level discussions have inspired many in the automotive industry to venture into eco-friendly transport and increased the conversation on policy change that will enable greater market growth and adoption rates.

Why should Malaysians attend E-Mobilia World?

Malaysians should attend E-Mobilia World as they will be exposed to insights from key implementers, industry experts and policy makers who are driving progress in this sector.

By attending the conference, participants gain access to a unique opportunity to take a glimpse at the future of the transport sector.

E-Mobilia World is a melting pot of industry leaders and policy makers, a perfect avenue to help shape the future of the industry and help position Malaysia as a hub for this sector. Participants will be able to take part in discussions on high-level topics that could reshape the EV industry in the region.

 Michael DreyerWho is your target audience?

As a conference which largely focuses on policy making, strategy development and the sharing of new innovations, E-Mobilia World targets top-level executives as well as leaders of public and private organisations.

In essence, our target audience is decision makers and influencers, be these from the Government, local councils, the automotive industry or private organisations.

Of course, a large portion of our audience will comprise automotive players, however we are also expecting delegates from technology developers and providers, Government officials, research institutes and financial institutions.

What do you hope to achieve through this conference?

E-Mobilia World was established with the aim of becoming the number one destination for knowledge sharing and discussion on sustainable mobility.

We envision E-Mobilia World as a catalyst to drive conversation and interest in the sector, inspiring the incorporation of these technologies into daily lives.

On top of this, we hope that the conference will provide a platform for robust discussions that will pave the way for industry-wide cooperation which will ultimately see increased benefits for the public at large.

We are also confident that the unique networking opportunities that E-Mobilia World offers will lead to new business prospects that will drive the sector contribution to the economy.

Why is it being held alongside IGEM – which is a trade show?

This year, E-Mobilia World will be held in conjunction with IGEM for the first time.

We believe this is a perfect partnership which will bring synergistic benefits to both events.

IGEM is an established trade show focusing on all facets of green technology, including transportation, attracting key industry players and decision makers the world over.

E-Mobilia World has similar international pull and we are confident that the combined efforts and our shared vision of energy-efficient, carbon neutral transportation will deliver greater value for delegates and visitors alike.

You have speakers from Norway and other EU countries. How relevant are their experiences to the Malaysian or Asean scenario?

Norway is recognised as the world leader in terms of EV adoption, with approximately 30% of all vehicles sold being EVs.

This commendable feat was achieved through a strategic combination of policy incentives, industry collaboration and consumer participation.

In order to establish a thriving EV market, every country will have to strike a similarly conducive balance.

The insights from successful implementers such as Norway can prove to be vital for Asean as its EV market is still in its infancy.

With adequate tailoring many of the strategic steps initiated by Norway can be applied to this region with great success.

Who are the Malaysian automotive industry stakeholders attending?

Some of the prominent local representatives include automotive manufacturers such as Proton and Perodua, EV car-sharing operators COMOS as well as public sector influencers such as the Malaysia Automotive Institute and Malaysian Green Technology Corporation.

We will be featuring international automotive experts and leaders from BMW, Audi, Mazda and Hyundai as well as representatives from research institutions such as Institute of Transportation Studies, University of California, Davis; Imperial College London and delegates from the Norwegian Electric Vehicle Association and the US Department of Energy.

On top of this, we are also looking to attract participants from Australia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and even a contingent that is being organised by the Asian Development Bank.

From the confirmed list of speakers, who in your opinion are the key speakers and why?

The 3rd E-Mobilia World is set to feature prominent industry experts from all around the world presenting on topical sustainable transport issues such as electric mobility, best practice policies and deployment, eco-vehicle tax structures, consumer acceptance strategies, autonomous vehicles, vehicle sharing and other cutting edge concepts.

These are some of the key presentations that you can look forward to at E-Mobilia World this year:
> Dr Tom Turrentine, Director, Plug in Hybrid & EV Research Centre Institute of Transportation Studies
> Andreas Klugescheid, Head of Steering Government, External Affairs and Sustainability BMW Group AG
> Rune Hole, Marketing Director, Norwegian Electric Vehicle Association(Norsk Elbilforening)
> Seiji Miyoshi, Research Manager, Electrical and Chemical Energy Research, Technical Research Centre Mazda Motor Corp


Samsung shows its automotive hand at CES 2018

                LAS VEGAS: Consumer electronics companies are keen to get in on the electrification and automation of present and future vehicles right now. And as consumer electronics companies don't get much bigger than Samsung, it was only to be expected the South Korean company would unveil its automotive efforts to the world at this year's CES in Las Vegas.

The show is exactly the right place for Samsung to unveil its first components for autonomous driving and infotainment solutions that it has been developing with Harman International, which it bought out around a year ago as part of its major push into the vehicle electronics market.

It only takes a brief glimpse at the news coming out of CES 2018 to see how the automotive industry is now easily one of the fastest-growing segments of the technology market, and that's because automakers are looking to add more and more autonomous features as the race to put driverless cars on the road intensifies.

That's why Samsung has unveiled its new automotive camera system that includes collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control, which it has developed in collaboration with Harman. The $8 billion deal to buy Harman in March last year was the biggest overseas acquisition ever made by a South Korean company, and it's now starting to look like a very wise move.

The camera system is built on a machine learning and augmented reality platform, and although the company didn't give exact timing, it's expected to start shipping later this year.

But the company is also showcasing what it calls a "digital cockpit," which is a clever system that lets drivers personalize cars they don't even own.

The system is designed to pull the users' profiles from either their mobile devices or the cloud, so it would be perfect for rental companies or autonomous ride-sharing applications. It has to be said though, that Samsung isn't the only game in town when it comes to the digital cockpit as Byton was showing a similar system at the show only a day earlier.

Samsung's name and reputation gives it an intrinsic advantage though. And the fact it set up a strategic business unit for autonomous and advanced driver assistance technologies, along with a US$300 million fund for investing in automotive startups and technology, shows just how serious it is about this burgeoning sector.


Introducing the new BMW M2 Competition

MUNICH: With the new BMW M2 Competition, BMW M GmbH is setting fresh benchmarks in the compact high-performance sports car segment and adding marked refinement to the character of the BMW M2 Coupé.The BMW M2 Competition replaces its predecessor, the BMW M2 Coupé.It features a new six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, based on the power unit from the BMW M3/M4, three-litre cubic capacity producing 410hp and peak torque of 550Nm.The sprint from 0 to 100 kph is 4.2 seconds with a top speed of 250kph (limited) and 280kph with M Driver´s Package.It also comes with a new cooling system, including new front skirt and larger, redesigned BMW kidney in high-gloss black. A new dual exhaust system with two electrically-controlled flaps.There are new options such as M Sport brakes with brake calipers painted grey and M Sport bucket seat with integrated headrests and illuminated M2 badge at shoulder height.A slew of selector switches for immediate access to various engine and steering characteristics, as well as DCT settings via Drivelogic.And it comes with an exclusive new metallic Hockenheim Silver paint.


Musk says Texas still in running for Tesla plant

                SAN FRANCISCO: Elon Musk said Texas remains in contention for a new factory that will build Tesla Inc.’s Cybertruck.

The company’s billionaire chief executive officer provided the update on Twitter late Friday. He said Tesla’s Fremont, California, factory is already at maximum capacity.

Not saying new Giga will be in Texas, but Cybertruck will be produced there wherever it is, as Fremont is at max capacity

In a separate Twitter post late Friday night, Musk said the company may provide updates on the Tesla Semi and Roadster models later this year.

Musk has publicised Tesla’s plans to build a new factory after US president Donald Trump said the chief executive owed the country a plant. His approach has mirrored a strategy used in 2014 to help score a US$1.3 billion incentive package from Nevada.
Musk unveiled the Cybertruck in November and pitched it as a radically different option from the highly lucrative pickups produced by competitors.

A botched demonstration where Tesla’s design chief cracked supposedly shatter-proof glass generated enormous buzz and prompted the company to sell T-shirts featuring the broken windows.


Borneo Safari 2016: Terrific torments

                The trail was tough and the mud was deep. We had gulleys to cross, and hills to climb, and many metres to go before we could sleep (yes, I was thinking of Robert Frost).

Welcome to the Borneo Safari, one of the toughest off-road vehicle events in Malaysia. The event, done annually in Sabah since 1991, has become ever more popular.

It started with around 25 to 30 cars in its infant years, swelled to over 200 cars in its teens and drew some 1,000 participants in its 26th year of adulthood. In early November, the thrill seekers came from near and far, including Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, China, the United States, Holland, Japan and Portugal.

Whereas previous editions served up some memorable moments in between leisurely drives and pleasant camping, 2016 offered the full throttled menu – torrential rain, mud galore, torturous holes and gulleys, strategically-placed log obstacles and super steep slopes.

There were also breathtaking mountain streams and picturesque camp sites which provided some precious downtime to relieve the adrenalin rush.

No matter how much the cars were modified or upgraded to hard core level, the strain was simply too overwhelming for some. Minor breakdowns were promptly fixed by “MacGyver” mechanics, but several cars which suffered major breakdowns had to be left in the jungle, awaiting rescue by recovery team volunteers days later. These included shattered gears, broken winches and a wheel that simply came off its hub after all its six bolts were sheared off!

READ MORE:
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Isuzu joins Borneo Safari for 10th year

When the 2016 route had first been announced, there was disappointment that the hard core stretch comprised “only 40km”.

As it turned out, the terrain and weather conspired to serve up a “perfect storm” of challenges that had everyone raving about 2016 being the toughest, and naturally, the BEST Borneo Safari ever.

Having taken part in in seven Borneo Safaris – 1992, 2008, and every year since 2012 – this writer would concur. This, from people who consider it “fun” to be forced to sleep upright in the seat of a cramped 4X4 while it sits shin-deep in gooey mud!

It was not all fun and games, though. There was a lot of waiting around due to simple maths – if a car took 10 minutes to clear one obstacle, a hundred cars would need over 16 hours! And there were many obstacles, and many cars. In fact, over half the participants could not even enter the hardcore trail because of such delays.

My Land Rover Defender and I travelled with the team from Mitsubishi Motor Malaysia (MMM), which included four of their latest Triton double cabs.

Slipping and sliding, the Tritons took on each challenge in turn; driving, winching and crossing rickety make-shift log bridges in dark rainy nights.

Eventually, the convoy was forced to halt because the group just ahead was still struggling with a tough obstacle. Surrounded by mud and jungle, and with no space to set up camp as it drizzled interminably, everyone had to try to sleep inside their cars. Ah yes, this was the sweet “Borneo Suffering” that many had joked about.

Each obstacle passed brought us a little closer to the eagerly anticipated gravel road that would signal the end of the torment, when we could relax by the beautiful river at Kampung Sorinsim.

Eventually, all would emerge safely, before converging on the Magellan Sutera Harbour resort in Kota Kinabalu for the closing dinner. Everyone who was there wore the event shirt with pride as they shared tales of common hardships endured, who did what where, and whose car suffered which mishap.

Very few were unscathed but all agreed that the memories were worth every scratch, dent, broken shaft, smashed window, or even overturned car.


Aug 11-17: RON97 petrol down 10 sen to RM4.40

                PETALING JAYA: RON95 petrol and diesel prices remain unchanged from Aug 11-17, while RON97 petrol will drop 10 sen to RM4.4o per litre.

The retail prices of RON95 petrol and diesel stay at RM2.05 per litre and
RM2.15 per litre respectively, the finance ministry said today.

To protect the consumers from global oil price increase, the Government will maintain the ceiling price of RON95 at RM2.05 per litre and diesel at RM2.15 per litre, even though the market price for RON95 and diesel has increased beyond the current ceiling price, as seen in the retail price of RON97 petrol which is set according to the market price.


GM calls on Alexa to give vehicles more skills

                DETROIT: General Motors Co will enable US owners of 2018 and newer model vehicles to download Amazon.com’s Alexa digital assistant software to control navigation, streaming media and phones starting next year, the companies said on Wednesday.

The agreement gives Amazon access to millions of vehicles, and a substantial expansion of its Alexa franchise. Embedding Alexa in vehicles is just one element of a broad strategy Amazon Chief Executive Jeff Bezos is pursuing to extend the e-commerce company’s reach into transportation.

For GM, the deal is the latest in a series of moves to embrace widely-used technology industry brands. For years, GM and other automakers tried to develop infotainment technology in-house using automotive suppliers. But customers have panned the results, and instead embraced digital assistants such as Alexa, Google Voice or Apple Inc’s Siri.

Earlier this month, GM said it would embed Alphabet Inc’s Google technology in the dashboards of vehicles sold outside of China starting in 2021.

Santiago Chamorro, GM’s vice president for Global Connected Services, said customers ultimately will be able to choose which voice concierge service to use - the car’s standard voice controls, Alexa, Google or an app embedded in a smartphone.

“We believe in a future where the customer has options,” said Amazon’s Ned Curic, vice president of Alexa Auto at Amazon.

Owners of GM vehicles will be able to download Alexa software to their vehicles during the first half of 2020, GM said.

The separate Alexa and Google deals do not cover GM vehicles sold in China, Chamorro said.

“Our solution for China is particular to China,” Chamorro said. “Stay tuned. We are working on it.”

GM’s shift to Google and Amazon to provide software for interactive dashboards has battered traditional suppliers of vehicle infotainment and navigation systems. Shares in GM in-dash navigation services supplier Telenav Inc have lost half their value since GM announced its deal with Alphabet.


New Toyota GR 86 unveiled

                TOYOTA CITY (JAPAN): Toyota has presented the new GR 86 which features improved aerodynamics, a more powerful 2.4-litre Boxer engine and a revamped interior.

The two-door sports car was unveiled online together with Subaru's new BRZ which were jointly developed together.

Although the two vehicles share the same underpinnings, Toyota and Subaru had focused on injecting their respective models with a distinct driving feel.

The new GR 86, scheduled to launch in Japan in autumn, is the third global model in Toyota Gazoo Racing's GR series of sports cars after the GR Supra and GR Yaris.

The new GR 86 is specially-tuned for sporty performance, and provides direct and satisfying driving performance of the "highest order."

The previous iteration 86 was launched in 2012 and featured a front-engine layout with rear-wheel-drive and intuitive handling and instinctive responsiveness.

Since then, the model had been used as a base car for a variety of motorsports, including rallies, one-make races, gymkhana, and dirt trials, while others have been uniquely customised.

More than 200,000 units of the 86s have been sold worldwide, playing the role of reliable partners for their owners.

The new GR 86 gets fender tops that extend horizontally to the beltline while low, horizontal underbody and narrow cabin rear combine to create a broad, low-center-of-gravity appearance.

The front of the vehicle features the GR-specific Functional Matrix grille which fuses performance and emotion.

It also gets aerodynamic components seen on the 86 model that were involved in motorsports such as air outlets, side sill spoilers, and other parts that improve steering responsiveness and stability.

The dimensions of the new GR 86 are almost identical to the previous model.

Maintaining both the overall height and hip-point of the vehicle helps lower the center of gravity and enhance turning performance, and so delivering the agility required of an 86.

The use of aluminum for the roof panels results in a lower center of gravity, while aluminum fenders and updated front seats and mufflers contribute to reduced weight.

Body rigidity has also been improved, with the goal of offering pleasurable handling in all speed ranges―from urban driving to the upper limits of performance.

Torsional rigidity has been enhanced by approximately 50% over the previous model for greater steering stability.

Inside, the dashboard layout remains quite similar to the previous model but gets some stylistic updates to the switches and dials.

It also has full electronic 7-inch TFT instrument panel now with an opening animation sequence inspired by the piston movements of the GR 86's horizontally opposed engine.

The lightweight, compact Boxer engine with a low center of gravity in-line with previous iteration, has its displacement increased from 2.0-litre to 2.4-litre.

Power is now higher at 235PS with 250Nm of torque, allowing the GR 86 to achieve a 0-100kph acceleration in just 6.3 seconds, down from the 7.4 seconds of the outgoing model.

Engine responsiveness has also been enhanced, providing smooth, stress-free sensations from low to high revs.

Transmission is either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic.

The automatic transmission version of the GR 86 uses Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology which among others includes automatic anti-collision braking and emergency rescue support.


Japan wants to put a Toyota on the moon

                TOKYO: Toyota Motor Corp. is scoping out a new frontier: lunar rovers.

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency is teaming up with the country’s largest carmaker to build a six-wheeled self-driving transporter that can carry two humans for a distance of 10,000km. They’re aiming to land a vehicle on the moon in 2029.

The announcement comes less than a week after Tesla Inc. co-founder Elon Musk’s SpaceX docked a craft at the International Space Station. Toyota’s fuel-cell technology will power the rover, which will be big enough for two astronauts. They’ll the able to take their suits off and live in the vehicle as they explore the lunar surface, said Shigeki Terashi, an executive vice president at Toyota.

“It’s an extremely challenging project, and we have high hopes for Toyota’s technology,” Koichi Wakata, an astronaut who has flown in NASA’s Space Shuttle and served as the first Japanese commander of the International Space Station, said at a JAXA event.

Toyota has for years made robots that are designed to perform tasks such as housework, and to help people who have difficulty walking. Now it’s using its technology to conquer space. Roughly the size of two mini buses, the Toyota-JAXA lunar rover will be six metre long and have 13 square metres of habitable space.

The rover will use solar arrays and fuel cells to generate and store power. It will land on the moon before a human expedition arrives, and drive to meet them. The project calls for the rover to be used in four other exploration areas, so it will have to move around on its own to meet arriving astronauts.

The announcement comes at a time when China is ramping up it own space ambitions, thanks to an annual budget of US$8 billion - second only to the U.S. Following a world-first landing on the far side of the moon in January, the world’s No. 2 economy is also making plans for a solar power station in space and a Mars probe is likely before the end of this decade.


Toyota to build prototype city of the future in Japan

                LAS VEGAS: Toyota said on Monday it plans to build a prototype “city of the future” at the base of Japan’s Mt Fuji, powered by hydrogen fuel cells and functioning as a laboratory for autonomous cars, “smart homes,” artificial intelligence and other technologies.

Toyota unveiled the plan at CES, the big technology industry show.

The development, to be built at the site of a factory that is planned to be closed, will be called “Woven City” - a reference to Toyota’s start as a loom manufacturing company - and will serve as a home to full-time residents and researchers.

Toyota did not disclose costs for the project.

Executives at many major automakers have talked about how cities of the future could be designed to cut climate-changing emissions from vehicles and buildings, reduce congestion and apply internet technology to everyday life. But Toyota’s plan to build a futuristic community on 71 hectares near Mt Fuji is a big step beyond what rivals have proposed.

The proposal highlights not only Toyota chief executive Akio Toyoda’s ambition, but also the financial and political resources Toyota can bring to bear, especially in its home country.

Toyota expects 2,000 people will live at the city initially, with construction slated to start next year. Toyoda called the project “my personal ‘field of dreams.’

“You know if you build it, they will come.”

Toyota said it has commissioned Danish architect Bjarke Ingels to design the community. Ingels’ firm designed the 2 World Trade Center building in New York and Google’s offices in Silicon Valley and London.

Toyota said it is open to partnerships with other companies that want to use the project as a testing ground for technology.


Keep your car looking good while parked in the open

                As the movement control order (MCO) extends until April 28, many have been relegated to work from home since March 18 and for some vehicles, it also means that they are left out in the open to deal with the elements.

This isn't going to be a step-by-step process on car detailing, but instead, helps to provide an idea of what can be done to prove a little more "tender-loving-care" to your vehcile's painted surfaces.

In such cases where vehicles are unable to find relief from the sun, keeping it washed regularly every week will help maintain its appearance.

Some may see it as a chore, but regardless, this is an important one even if it has a ceramic coating, paint protection film or a coloured wrap on it - all of them still require tending to.

While, giving it a good wash and rinse with your preferred car shampoo would be the bare minimum to get rid of the dirt.

An extra step can be taken by applying a layer of good quality wax that will help re-vitalise and protect your vehicle's paintwork.

The wax, which is often known as a sacrificial layer, will help the paintwork resist against the elements (including bird droppings) while also giving it hydrophobic properties that makes it harder for dirt to cling to.

And at the same time, it'll help keep your vehicle looking pristine over the course ownership.

Meanwhile, this would also be a good time to raise those wiper blades up and off the windscreen.

This will help prevent the wipers from deforming as it goes through intense heat cycles that can prematurely wear out the blades to cause streaks and judders.

Finally, adding a windscreen (front and rear) sunshade to your vehicle can help significantly reduce direct heat exposure to your cabin's interior.

Couple that with a window tint will significantly help to reduce this effect and keep your dashboard, seats and interior plastic parts from premature degradation.


10 sometimes bizarre questions motorists ask about electric cars - and their answers

                LONDON: Lightning strikes, jump-starting and the potential for supercar engine sounds have been revealed as three of the top puzzles in the minds of motorists considering an electric vehicle.

As interest soars in electric cars, inspired by their reputation for economy and zero emissions, so too does the list of often surprising questions asked by motorists before taking the plunge and going all-electric.

Experts at the independent British electric vehicle advice site DrivingElectric.com have revealed 10 of the most common questions motorists ask - ranging from the practical to bizarre.

To help scotch some of the fears underpinning curious consumers' questions, DrivingElectric.com has answered 10 of the most common questions they're asked.

1. What happens if my electric car is struck by lightning?

There are protective fuses which will prevent damage to the car or its battery in the unlikely event of a lightning strike. Just as with any type of car, lightning will flow around the 'cage' of the external bodywork and safely into the ground. If you are in the process of charging your car it is possible that a current surge could cause some damage, both to the charging point and your car's internal circuits. One Tesla owner reported error messages appearing when their car was struck while charging, but no serious damage was caused.

2. Can I take an electric car through a car wash?

This is a surprisingly common worry. One government survey found that 42% of people thought taking an electric vehicle through the car wash might be dangerous. Of course it is perfectly safe, thanks to the 'soak test' which manufacturers put every type of car they make through. This replicates the heaviest rain and flooding conditions, to ensure the car is fully watertight. You can wash an electric car in all the same ways as you can with any car.

3. Do electric cars need special tyres?

Some people worry whether they need special eco tyres, and of course electric cars do generally come with low-rolling resistance tyres. But you don’t have to go back to the supplying dealer for new tyres, you can shop around for a good deal on replacements, just as you would with any other car.

4. Can you plug an electric car in when it's raining?

The answer is yes. Just take the same common sense precautions you would with any item of electrical equipment. That means avoiding rain dropping straight into the end of the connecting cable or the charging port. Dedicated domestic and public car charging points are designed to be weather-proof, as is the plug connection in the car, so it’s perfectly safe to leave your car charging in the rain.

5. What's the typical distance between charging points?

The average distance between charging points in England is surprisingly low, at under 6.4km (varies from country to country). But of course charging points are not evenly distributed, which means much longer distances in some areas. While you should still plan your route to include charging stops if you’re concerned about driving range, the charging network on major routes is now established enough that topping up your batteries should be easy. According to the charging point database Zap-Map, there are now nearly 19,000 connection points at more than 6,500 locations across Britain.

6. Can you make an electric car sound like a different car - like a Lamborghini?

Because electric cars are so quiet, especially at low speeds, new rules are coming in next year to ensure pedestrians and sight-impaired people can hear them. A standard has been agreed which means that one of a variety of unintrusive sounds will be emitted at lower speeds when the sound of the car rolling along is too quiet to notice. But the only permissible sounds are limited to a mix of 'tonal sounds and white noise' similar to an ordinary engine. So, no. Sadly, you won't be able to give your electric car a supercar soundtrack.

7. How does the speed you drive affect the range?

Electric cars are legendary for their acceleration and this summer Audi showcased a model that will go from 0 to 100kph in two seconds. And yes, accelerating hard uses more power than if you drive more steadily. This is partly why there is a difference between the maximum claimed range you see in manufacturers' brochures and the 'real world' normal use figures. But it's not just because the engine naturally uses more power to maintain, say, 110kph compared with 50kph. Some tests have revealed that frequent hard acceleration does significantly waste power, compared with approaching your desired speed more gently. If you insist on flooring it every time you pull away, expect about 20% less range on a journey - just like any other car running on one tank of fuel.”

8. Will the battery wear out?

We're all used to the rechargeable batteries in things like phones 'wearing out' over time. This is because all batteries lose capacity the more times they are charged and discharged, which is known as a 'cycle', including those you find in electric and hybrid vehicles. The evidence so far is that deterioration is very slow, so even after 160,000km and more you’ll likely still have at least 75% or more of your car’s original battery performance, if not a lot more. Some manufacturers also offer guarantees to replace the batteries if they drop below a certain level of performance within a stated period, and there are also guidelines for best practice on how to maintain your battery pack’s performance, including not letting it run down completely. Of course, if you’re buying a used electric car, it’s worth asking to view the car with a full charge so that you can easily see what its estimated maximum range is. Even so, electric cars are already proving to be more reliable - batteries and all - than far more complex combustion-engined cars.

9. Can you tow a caravan with an electric car?

You can - but you'll be limited to choosing certain models, if this is important to you. This is not because electric cars aren't well suited to towing, it's because their manufacturers don't usually certify them for towing. It's all to do with the combined weight of the vehicle and whatever is being towed. Electric cars tend to be heavier than conventional models, because of their large batteries, so the combined weight of the car and a caravan would affect braking efficiency. But it's a different story for plug-in hybrid cars and there is a good choice of models from manufacturers like Mitsubishi, Volvo and Audi that will easily lug a caravan.

10. Can you jump start an electric car?

You can jump start a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or a standard hybrid vehicle but a pure-electric car can't be jump started and must be properly charged. You may be able to connect jump leads to an electric vehicle’s 12V battery, to power some of the electrical systems, like screens and computers. But that isn’t going to get you back on the road if you’re out of charge. It’s also worth noting that many manufacturers recommend you don’t jump start another vehicle from a hybrid or electric car, so check your owner’s manual before trying to connect any jump leads.


JPJ to introduce new system to curb car cloning

                ALOR SETAR: The Road Transport Department seized 21 cloned cars of various models during the four-day Ops Skuad Khas, which was launched last Friday.

JPJ enforcement director Datuk Valluvan Veloo said the vehicles, worth about RM420,000, were confiscated around Sungai Petani and Kulim.

“The latest to be seized was a Toyota Wish this morning,” he said.

He said since the beginning of the year till yesterday, 100 cloned vehicles worth RM2mil were impounded.

“We also seized 79 cloned cars in Perak, Kelantan and Terengganu,” he said during a working tour and enforcement briefing at the state JPJ headquarters in Jalan Suka Menanti here.

In a separate operation, 24 passenger vans were detained for violating the International Circulation Permit (ICP) and being without insurance coverage.

“A total of RM12,300 compound fines was collected during the operation.”

Valluvan said they would be introducing the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) system to curb cases of cloned cars and ICP violations.

“Cars from neighbouring countries older than five years were brought into the country illegally over land by syndicates with the help of locals.

“They were sold below the market price in northern states. The syndicates would clone the cars and provide buyers with fake road tax stickers and registration numbers.

“The cars are not registered with the Road Transport Department or the Customs Department,” he said.


Saga and Iriz limited editions carry on Proton R3 spirit

                PETALING JAYA: The Proton R3 Limited Edition celebrates Proton’s successful motorsports division.

They comprised the Iriz and Saga R3 Limited Edition cars.

Each car is painted black and adorned with the R3 livery used on Proton’s race cars.

They are fitted with grey R3 alloy wheels and a sporty body kit while the cabins have black-yellow leatherette seats and R3 carpet mats.

Currently campaigned by R3, the Saga was the first race car for Proton.

The current Saga is still being raced by the Proton R3 racing team.

On the other hand, the Iriz race car is considered one of the most successful platforms for local motorsport to date. It was the Malaysia Championship Series and Sepang 1000KM winner for 2019.

For more information, go to www.proton.com/en.


Buyers of new e-Golf can watch one being made in boutique factory

                DRESDEN: Buyers of Volkswagen's revised, all-electric Golf will be able to watch white-coated technicians assemble the cars at a boutique factory alongside a green park in a big German city.

The glass-walled Volkswagen satellite plant in Dresden has offered guided tours since 2002. It was used to build the luxury Volkswagen Phaeton saloon until that was discontinued back in March.

Only around 35 cars a day will be turned out at the scrupulously clean open plant, which has capacity to produce 100 vehicles daily. The e-Golf will also be built at the company's main Wolfsburg works.

The zero emissions car and letting the public in on guided tours to see it made are part of the pushback from Europe's biggest car company in the wake of a disastrous diesel emissions scandal.

Volkswagen Group, the world's largest carmaker, does not expect to sell huge numbers of the Golf EV, but moving part of production line to the "transparent manufactory" is an important part of the image overhaul.

The celebrated plant is located a few tram stops from the centre of Dresden, an architectural jewel of a town that is a major tourist destination.

VW has high hopes for the updated e-Golf which touched down at the Los Angeles car show. The company says the EV based on its most popular model covers up to 300 kilometres on a single charge, as rated according to New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) tests.

This is a third more than the previous model, but still no match for the Opel Ampera, which the NEDC rates at 500 km, or the Renault Zoe which has an NEDC-rating of 400 km.

Using a fast charger, 80 per cent of the e-Golf's battery power can be replenished within an hour while a full charge takes six hours.

The e-Golf shares its clean-cut styling with the mildly facelifted 2017 model. The EV is available as a five-door hatchback only.

Performance has also been improved too, with the 0-100 km/h dash accomplished in 9.6 seconds. Top speed is limited to 150kph.


Subaru expected to debut two new mild-hybrids in Geneva

                BRUSSELS: Subaru is bringing an electrified Boxer engine to the Geneva Motor Show next month.

In just a month, two "unspecified" models will be getting electric versions of Subaru's 2.0-litre flat-four petrol Boxer engine, coined the e-Boxer, according to AutoCar.

As of now, details are sparse about which models will get this mild-hybrid powertrain whose specs are still unknown, they will probably produce similar outputs to those of the Forester e-Boxer that was seen at the Singapore Motor Show last month as noted by AutoExpress: with its 13hp motor connected to a continuously variable transmission, the model delivered an output of 156hp and about 254Nm of torque to all four wheels.

While it's likely that these upcoming e-models will be put on the European market, availability looks less promising for the US.

In fact, Subaru's director of corporate communications Dominick Infante told Green Car Reports that the company "has no intention of bringing back a mild hybrid to the US market" just last December. However, considering that the company just launched its first plug-in hybrid in the US last November, the Crosstrek, there doesn't seem to be a need of a mild-hybrid iteration.

Subaru confirmed that the e-Boxer powertrain lineup will be unveiled on March 5, at which point the company will probably take the wraps off the two hybrid models, as well.

A couple days later on March 7, the Geneva Motor Show opens up to the public where the rest of the world will have the opportunity to see the engines up close and personal.


VW halts Golf assembly at core plant over technical problems

                WOLFSBURG: Volkswagen said it will halt production of the Golf hatchback at its core Wolfsburg factory for three days starting today because of technical problems at a stamping plant.

Assembly of VW's top-selling model at the carmaker's largest factory will be suspended on Friday, Monday and Tuesday after a piston rod inside the stamping plant's engine broke, the carmaker said on Thursday.

"Side parts for car body production are currently in short supply in sections of downstream vehicle construction because of this technical problem," VW said in an emailed statement.

Workers at the Wolfsburg plant, which employs 60,000 people and churns out as many as 3,800 cars per day during peak times, have been notified, the carmaker said, adding it's not clear yet when it will be able to make up for the lost shifts.

The disruptions are causing a fresh setback to operating business at Europe's largest automaker one month after a dispute with two suppliers who refused to deliver parts to Wolfsburg and other sites inflicted widespread stoppages at VW's Germany-based operations.

VW is also struggling to rebuild its reputation and meet billions of dollars of costs for its manipulations of diesel emissions tests uncovered one year ago in the United States.


Car customisation: is there room for both aftermarket tuners and in-house services?

The Overfinch Range Rover Manhattan Edition.
LONDON: Land Rover has declared war on the aftermarket tuning industry which, according to its head of design Gerry McGovern, often does little more than stick a spoiler on a car he's designed and charges a lot of money for it.

But, Kevin Sloane, chairman and CEO of one of the world's most respected and long-established Land Rover customisation firms, Overfinch argues that companies like his have helped to establish the Range Rover at the pinnacle of the luxury market and are helping the marque ward off competition from the likes of Bentley

When Jaguar Land Rover set up its Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) department in 2014, its managing director John Edwards said it was for "Enhancing and personalising the relationship our most discerning and enthusiastic customers have with our brands."

 The Overfinch Range Rover Manhattan Edition seats.

However, according to Land Rover's design director Gerry McGovern, SVO is also seen as a way of putting aftermarket tuning firms in their place. In September, during the Land Rover Discovery launch, he said "We've seen tuners taking 99% of our intellectual and creative property and changing a few things — generally not very well — eroding the guarantees and then charging a premium for it."

And as his latest design, the Range Rover Velar, gets ready to go into production, he has followed up the topic, telling Autocar that he'd like to see how they'd manage if they had to design a car themselves. "We see them taking our property and making a bit more profit," he said. "Well, we're going to put them out of business through SVO. The opportunities we're creating there, and the quality of our work, are much better."

That may well be true of some tuning outfits, but the growing demand for making cars individual, plus the often sterling work that some companies do, be it Brabus for Mercedes, Alpina for BMW or, for the last 40 years, Overfinch for Land Rover is also helping to make these cars special and desirable in an ever more crowded marketplace.

 Centre console of the Overfinch Range Rover Manhattan Edition.

"Overfinch are Range Rover enthusiasts," says its chairman and CEO, Kevin Sloane. "We celebrate one of the most iconic cars of the automotive era."

This celebration can be something as simple as giving a Defender an enhanced cabin, or it can be giving the Range Rover Sport the extra power needed to go toe-to-toe with a Porsche Cayenne on the track. "We aim to sympathetically enhance the base car, honouring the design lines and cues," explains Sloane.

 The Range Rover Sport SVR.

Indeed, many of these enhancements, based on real-world testing and real world high-net-worth individual client demand have started trickling down to more mass-market cars.

"Many of the design features, ideas and changes made by SVO can be traced back to initiatives from Overfinch and the like," he points out.

"In one very simple way, we've demonstrated what can be done and the price point that can be achieved in the luxury market for a Range Rover product. A £200k Range Rover was inconceivable to JLR not so long ago!"

 The BMW Alpina B5 Biturbo.

Land Rover now, however, has several special edition Range Rovers in its line-up that come with that pricetag and at the end of 2016 reported its best sales figures in its history.

More surprising still is that since Land Rover rolled out its SVO-developed SVR line, more and more of the vehicles that Overfinch is working on start out as Land Rover-customised cars.

"Our customers are often ‘money-no-object' buyers. They want the best — and typically start with an Autobiography or SVR base car — but they want to make it their own," explains Sloane. "Therefore, they want something not from the factory — there is a badge and brand snobbery, as in most retail environments."

 The Brabus 850 is based on the Merecedes-AMG S 63 Cabriolet.

However, Sloane is equally quick to point out that Overfinch wouldn't be able to do what it does if Land Rover's vehicles weren't already as good as they are. "We're not looking to antagonise the ‘hand that feeds us'. We know our place and we're proud to work with a remarkable model lineup as our starting point," he says.

"We're not a threat or competition in any way. The competition is Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche and soon Rolls Royce."


Locally assembled CX-30 introduced from RM128,000

                PETALING JAYA: Bermaz Motor has unveiled its 2023 line-up of locally assembled Mazda CX-30 compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) that comes with significant savings over the previous fully-imported versions.

Assembled at the Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah, the new CX-30 ensemble comes in four variants of 2.0 STD, 2.0 High, 2.0L High+ and 2.0L High+ Premium.

Mazda Malaysia has installed production processes and quality control steps similar to those done on Mazda vehicles manufactured in Japan.

On-the-road without insurance prices for Peninsular Malaysia are RM128,109 for the 2.0 STD, 2.0 High (RM136,109), 2.0 High+ (RM146,109) and 2.0 High+ Premium (RM156,109).

Compared with earlier fully-imported versions, the new locally assembled CX-30 with similar specifications are cheaper around RM14,000 to RM20,000.

Metallic colours are Deep Crystal Blue, Platinum Quartz, Polymetal Gray and Jet Black while Premium colours are Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray and Snowflake White Pearl which cost RM2,000 more.

Installed accessories such as Activ-e film and sill plates with LED will also bump the vehicle price up by RM2,210.

All variants are now front-wheel drive and powered by a 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G direct injection engine with 162hp and 213Nm of torque coupled to a six-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission with manual shift mode.

The 2.0 STD gets 16-inch wheels and fabric seats while the rest get 18-inch wheels, leather seats and paddle shifters.

Standard across the range are seven airbags, LED head and tail lights, electronic power steering, Cruise Control, rain-sensing wipers, Active Driving Display (Heads-Up Display), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Hill Launch Assist (HLA), Auto Hold Function, Auto Door Lock and Walk Away Lock.

Also included are Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry, Engine Start/Stop Button, Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), leather steering wheel with mounted switches, 7-inch colour TFT LCD Multi-Info Display instrument panel, 8.8-inch display Infotainment System with Voice Recognition and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto/Bluetooth support and Multi-Function Commander Control knob.

In addition, all variants will also get eight audio speakers, two USB ports, Stop/Start Idling Technology and G-Vectoring Control Plus Technology.

The Mazda i-Activsense advanced safety features such as the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Lane-Keep Assist System (LAS), Driver Attention Alert (DAA), Smart Brake Support (SBS) and Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go function (MRCC) will come as standard in the 2.0 High+ and 2.0 High+ Premium variants.

Meanwhile, the Adaptive LED Headlamps (ALH), Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA), Driver Attention Alert (DAA) with Driver Monitoring (DM), Cruising & Traffic Support (CTS), 360 view monitor and power sunroof will be available exclusively for the 2.0 High+ Premium variant.

Bermaz Auto executive chairman Datuk Seri Ben Yeoh said local assembling had enabled the company to obtain government incentives and tax benefits that enabled the new CX-30 variants to be offered at substantially lower prices.

"We had backlog orders of the fully-imported CX-30 which we are unable to fulfil but we have managed to convince our customers to convert to the locally assembled model," he said.

He said the customers were happy with the move and the savings they had made.

Yeoh also said the new CX-30 would not be exported to other Asean countries at the moment as there is a high local demand for the model.

All new Mazda vehicles registered come with a 5-Years Manufacturer Warranty + 5-Years Free Maintenance (except Mazda BT-50) according to manufacturer’s standards, including labour, parts and lubricants.

Both Manufacturer's Warranty and Free Maintenance have a coverage period of five years and a mileage limit of 100,000km, whichever comes first.

2023 New Mazda CX-30_Specifications2023 New Mazda CX-30_Price Sheet (Pen Malaysia)


VW suspends production as coronavirus hits sales

                FRANKFURT: Volkswagen Group, the world’s biggest carmaker, is suspending production at factories across Europe as the coronavirus pandemic hits sales and disrupts supply chains, the company said today.

The German carmaker, which owns the Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Ducati, Lamborghini, Porsche, SEAT and Skoda brands, also said that uncertainty about the fallout from coronavirus meant it was impossible to give forecasts for its performance this year.

“Given the present significant deterioration in the sales situation and the heightened uncertainty regarding parts supplies to our plants, production is to be suspended in the near future at factories operated by group brands,” chief executive Herbert Diess said.

Volkswagen’s powerful works council concluded it was not possible for workers to maintain a safe distance from each other to prevent contagion and recommended a suspension of production at its factories from Friday.

Production will be halted at VW’s Spanish plants, in Setubal in Portugal, Bratislava in Slovakia and at the Lamborghini and Ducati plants in Italy before the end of this week, Diess said.

Most of its other German and European factories will prepare to suspend production, probably for two to three weeks, while Audi said separately it would halt output at its plants in Belgium, Germany, Hungary and Mexico.

Volkswagen’s vast factory in Puebla, Mexico, and plants in Brazil and the United States were not affected but that would depend on how the coronavirus spreads, VW said.

Volkswagen has 124 production sites worldwide of which 72 are in Europe, with 28 in Germany alone.

“This year will be a very difficult year. The coronavirus pandemic presents us with unknown operational and financial challenges. At the same time, there are concerns about sustained economic impacts,” Diess said.

Production in China resumes

Volkswagen Group sold 10.96 million vehicles last year, putting it ahead of Toyota based on the latest figures from the Japanese carmaker. Globally, VW employs 671,000 people and it delivered 4.86 million vehicles to European customers in 2019.

Only last month the car and truck maker based in Wolfsburg in Germany predicted that vehicle deliveries this year would match 2019 sales and forecast an operating return on sales in the range of 6.5% to 7.5%.

“The spread of coronavirus is currently impacting the global economy. It is uncertain how severely or for how long this will also affect the Volkswagen Group. Currently, it is almost impossible to make a reliable forecast,” chief financial officer Frank Witter said.

Sales in January and February were down about 15% and earnings before interest and taxes in the first three months of the year were expected to at least halve compared with the same period a year earlier, Witter said.

While VW was preparing to suspend production in Europe, manufacturing has resumed in China, with the exception of plants in Changsha and Urumqi, and the company still plans to boost its operations in the country where the coronavirus first emerged.

“We are looking at ways in which we can strengthen our position in China,” CEO Diess said. VW has joint ventures with Chinese automakers FAW and SAIC.

Volkswagen Group also said its operating profit rose 22% to 16.9 billion euros in 2019 thanks to strong sales of higher-margin cars and lower diesel charges, defying an industry downturn that has hurt rivals.

Earnings were driven by higher profits at its VW, Porsche, SEAT and Skoda brands, and a return to profitability for its luxury sportscar brand Bentley.

Improvements in the mix and price positioning in particular compensated for lower sales of Volkswagen passenger cars, launch costs and the impact of exchange rates, VW said.

Philippe Houchois, automotive analyst at Jeffries, said the results were impressive. “Very solid quality numbers with strong free cashflow coming in part from working capital.”


Police car clamped over illegal parking in Putrajaya

                KUALA LUMPUR: Several men in blue were left red-faced when they found their own car clamped for illegal parking.

The photo, which has since gone viral, showed the right front tyre of the white car being clamped while three uniformed policemen were seen standing around the vehicle.

According to a Sinar Harian report, the car was unclamped after the policemen paid the fine.


Honda man explains why HR-V was born

 Honda R&D assistant large project leader Yosuke Sato poses with models and the new Honda HR-V.

Known as the Honda Vezel in Japan, the third generation HR-V made its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2014 and more recently here in Malaysia on Feb 5.

The HR-V was first seen as a concept at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1997 and subsequently went into production with the first batch going on sale in Japan in 1998 as the Verno.

It came equipped with a 1.6L engine mated to a continuously variable transmission and even featured a four-wheel drive (4WD) drivetrain.

The HR-V (Hip & Smart Runabout Vehicle) maintains itself as the smaller sibling to Honda’s CR-V (Comfortable Runabout Vehicle) and targets a younger audience with its compact utility vehicle positioning.

It shares a few components from its stablemates, such as the Jazz platform and “magic” seats, while the same continuously variable transmission (CVT) found in the City and Jazz is mated to the Civic’s 1.8-litre SOHC engine.

“When this model was developed, we looked at what was really required and wanted by customers in a car and were not even planning for a SUV,” said Honda R&D assistant large project leader Yosuke Sato during an interview session early this month.

The biggest challenge for Sato and his team was during the concept stage.

“At that time, it was about achieving the combination of a multi-purpose vehicle, a coupe and SUV to provide utility and space.”

At current, the cabin space of the HR-V is considered to be slightly larger than the Jazz.

“Due to the coupe-like design, the cabin may feel a little tighter compared to the Jazz, but in terms of measurements, it is actually wider,” he affirmed.

But with SUVs being themselves, they are usually not as aerodynamically efficient as most would be – or so we thought.

“Our HR-V is actually two classes higher than most in the SUV category and the coefficient of drag (Cd) is substantially better - in fact it is almost the same level as a sedan, thanks to the HR-V’s almost flat under-body,” said Sato.

“Actually, the under-body was the main contributor in greatly reducing drag.”

Unfortunately, the Cd value could not be revealed.

Some fans of Honda were hoping that the HR-V would come with paddle-shifters, especially since it uses the Civic’s 1.8-litre engine.

“We want to provide a product that is suitable, appreciated and affordably priced and we found that less than 10% of customers use them, but if there is demand then we can consider this for the future,” Sato reasoned.

Furthermore, it was indicated that four-wheel drive (4WD) tests were conducted in both East and West Malaysia to find out what features they need in a car and it was found that the two-wheel drive (2WD) and a 1.8-litre engine was the best combination.

He also said that due to drivability requirements by customers in Malaysia, it was found that the 1.8-litre engine had better appeal.

However, the highlight of the conversation turned to the interior, specifically the front passenger’s three air-conditioning vents that lets out (from left: High, low and medium) differing air volumes.

“This particular air-conditioning ventilation is good enough to circulate the air for the entire cabin and is more than enough to create a comfortable balanced air flow throughout the vehicle,” he explained.

Sato added that the air doesn’t directly go to the back and is designed to circulate – creating a ‘wrap’ like feel for the entire cabin and achieve an optimum level of comfort.

Furthermore, each vent can be entirely closed if required.

While there’s much certainty that the HR-V will, in some way, take the Malaysian market by storm, we can only wonder about what the future may hold for it.

“Regarding VTEC or our new 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine and hybrid versions, it is too early to comment about that, but we still think that the best option for the Malaysian market is the 1.8-litre.”

Priced on-the-road with insurance, the HR-V’s S, E and V variants cost RM99,800, RM108,800 and RM118,800 respectively.

The vehicle comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty and a service interval of 10,000km.

Colours are Ruse Black, Alabaster Silver, Modern Steel, Taffeta White and Crystal Black Pearl.

 Honda R&D assistant large project leader Yosuke Sato.