Coronavirus may prove virtual sports game changer

                PARIS: With an unprecedented captive audience of three billion people in coronavirus lockdown virtual sports events are wooing fans after traditional live sports were shut down and public gatherings banned in many countries.

Horse-racing, boxing, cycling, football and motor-racing chiefs are desperate to maintain their fanbase and are scrambling to provide a fix and maintain revenues.

With stadiums closed and events such as the Tokyo Olympics and Euro 2020 postponed, organisers are generating advertising revenue by streaming virtual sports on YouTube, Facebook and Twitch or even broadcasting them on traditional television platforms.

Sports is where the numbers are and fans denied real games are turning to live streaming, watching people play games, and taking part in those video games themselves.

Italy's Mugello motorcycling circuit, which would have attracted 200,000 people for its MotoGP weekend on Sunday, may just have pulverised that figure with a live-streamed virtual race promoted as "The stay at home GP".

Honda's world champion Marc Marquez came fifth as the globe's top riders sat uncomfortably on their sofas livestreaming from their living rooms.

Alex Rins looked bored playing with his pet dog on his knee.

Alex Marquez, younger brother of the world champion, won the race and asked jokingly "will the points count to the championship?".

Millions of fans, credit cards at the ready, are expected to copy them after downloading the app.

Old-school purists will be heartened by veteran Valentino Rossi's refusal to take part.

The seven-time world champion said this week he was "cheering on the people of Brescia and Bergamo, those who usually cheer me on. It looks like a war zone," he said of his coronavirus-stricken region.

"I have seen very bad images, we must hold on," he told Sky Italia, who will also broadcast the virtual race.

Back from the dead

Formula 1 chiefs have also galvanised some of their drivers to grab their gaming controllers, racing a virtual Bahrain Grand Prix, which was abbreviated because of technical difficulties.

Boxing legend Muhammad Ali, who died in 2016, was even back in action, beating Sonny Liston again on Friday in a virtual bout with 35,000 YouTube viewers.

Ali will now meet the long retired Mike Tyson after he beat up George Foreman on Saturday.

Racing-mad Britain comes to a standstill each year for the Grand National and with the courses all closed, broadcaster ITV will show a virtual race on April 4.

The real race can be a dangerous lottery with horses and riders potentially suffering serious injuries in the many falls, but it makes millions for the bookies, who this time will run online betting for the field of 40 runners.

"We use the latest CGI technology and algorithms and were ready to go ahead as a forerunner to the big race," said executive producer Rob McLoughlin.

As with the boxing, there will also be a race of champions pitting the late Red Rum, who won the National three times in the 1970s, against defending champion Tiger Roll.

Baseball staged a four-player video-game tournament called "MLB The Show" on Friday. It also suffered some technical problems before it was won by Amir Garrett, a Cincinnati Reds pitcher, who played at home wearing his team uniform.

"A win's a win," said Garrett but he also said: "You've got to realise it's a video game."


Case of vehicle stoning solved

 The two auxiliary cops with the group of boys suspected to be behind the spate of stone throwing at vehicles along the highway stretch.
SUNGAI PETANI: The case of flying stones aimed at passing vehicles at a notorious stretch of the North-South Expressway near here has been solved.

Four schoolboys were caught red-handed in their dastardly activity along the highway.

Kuala Muda OCPD Asst Comm Md Zukir Md Isa said two auxiliary policemen spotted the Form Two students acting suspiciously beneath a flyover.

One of them was in the mid-swing of hurling a stone towards the highway.

“They tried to flee but our men were faster,” said ACP Md Zukir, adding that the incident took place at Km96 of the North-South Expressway, near the Sungai Lalang-Gurun stretch at 4pm on Tuesday.

He said the authorities were aware of Facebook postings by motorists since late last month, warning others to be wary of people throwing stones at their cars along this stretch.

“Many motorists were aware this was happening and they even advised others to avoid the stretch if possible,” he said yesterday.

He added that the boys were released on police bail and would be investigated under Section 427 of the Penal Code for committing mischief.


Proton continues free safety inspection this Hari Raya

                SUBANG JAYA: Proton is once again bringing its free 20-point safety inspection closer to customers at selected Petronas stations, in collaboration with the Petronas Coffee Break campaign.

The free safety inspection is valid from 2 to 4 July 2016, from 9am to 7pm.

Proton teams will be stationed at 10 different stations in Selangor, Kedah, Penang, Melaka, Johor, Pahang and Kelantan.

"We want to provide the free safety inspection to more Proton owners, especially those who frequent major highways for their balik kampung journey. In fact, to those who are not on their way to their kampung can also take advantage of this quick inspection to ensure that your Proton car is in a tip top condition," said Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Kenali, chief executive of Proton.

The 20-point safety inspection include checks on the brake system, suspension, tyres, battery, wiper blades, belts, lighting and also fluid levels such as engine oil, brake fluid, coolant and wiper washer.

In the spirit of festivities, Proton owners will also be given a goodie bag each with a pack of kuih and mineral water as a token of appreciation.

Customers can drop by at the mobile centres, located at Petronas stations, detailed below:

Central Area
-          Petronas Station NKVE Subang, Selangor
-          Petronas Station Penchala Link, Selangor (towards Damansara)

North Area
-          Petronas Station Taman Nilam Sari, Sungai Petani, Kedah
-          Petronas Station Bandar Anak Bukit, Alor Setar, Kedah
-          Petronas Station Tok Kangar, Juru, Penang

South Area
-          Petronas Station Air Keroh 3, Peringgit, Melaka
-          Petronas Station Bakri 2, Muar, Johor

East-Coast Area
-          Petronas Station Bentong R & R, Bentong, Pahang
-          Petronas Station Gambang Arah Timur, Kuantan, Pahang
-          Petronas Station Taman Guchil Jaya, Kuala Krai, Kelantan

This campaign is part of the on-going nationwide safety campaign where Proton owners can bring their cars to any Proton authorised service centres for the free safety inspection.

Proton customers can call the Customer Care Hotline at 1800 888 398.


Updated Maserati Ghibli arrives in two distinct trims

                KUALA LUMPUR: Naza Italia, the official importer and distributor for Maserati in Malaysia, announced that the Ghibli is now available in two distinct trims for both the 350hp Ghibli and 430hp Ghibli S variants.

The new trims are available as the GranLusso and GranSport and are available as an optional extra at RM50,000 each, upping the basic Ghibli's price from RM618,800 to RM668,800 and the Ghibli S from RM718,800 to RM768,800 - all prices mentioned include local taxes and duties.

Also, the Ghibli model range is covered by a five-year standard warranty with unlimited mileage plus a Free five-year or 100,000km (whichever comes first) maintenance program - inclusive of *Maserati Premium Service Plus of 3 Years/60,000KM).

“After four years of remarkable success in the international and local markets, the Ghibli’s exterior has been respectfully restyled to emphasize both its elegance and its sportiness – the pillars of Maserati signature personality," said Naza World Group executive chairman Datuk Wira Hj SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin

The standard Ghibli stands apart from the outgoing 2017 model by having re-styled (larger and wider) air ducts, new front and rear bumpers that help improve its drag coefficient by 7% (dropping it from 0.31 to 0.29Cd), while the GranLusso trim adds on adaptive LED headlights, front chrome bumper inserts, GranLusso badge at the base of the front wing, body-colour side skirts, silver brake calipers and 20-inch Urano Diamond alloy wheels.

Inside, it's patented mulberry silk from Ermenegildo Zegna for the seat inserts, door panels, roof lining and ceiling light fixture along with Ebano wood trim and an Ebony wood-finished leather steering wheel that's power adjustable, 12-way powered comfort seats and soft closing doors.

The Ghibli GranSport, on the other hand, features two wings virtually supporting the enlarged grille with 'sharknose' profile and integrated chrome bars that separate the central splitter from the side air ducts.

Also thrown in are the full LED headlights, black piano inserts on the front bumper, the GranSport badge on the front wing, body-colour side skirts, blue inserts on all Trident and Saetta logos, red brake calipers and 21-inch Titano Anthracite alloy wheels.

The cabin sports the 12-way power full leather seats and Sport steering wheel create paddle-shifters and Inox sport foot pedals.

Furthermore, the Ghibli and Ghibli GranSport can be further customised with an exterior carbon package that include the external door mirrors, B- and C-pillar, door handles, front splitter and rear spoiler.

Under the hood, the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, mated to an eight-speed ZF (AT8-HP70) automatic transmission, has been re-tuned.

The standard Ghibli provides 350hp at 5,500rpm and 500Nm of torque at 4,500rpm, allowing it to sprint from 0-100kph in 5.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 267kph.

As for the Ghibli S, it now plays to the tune of 430hp (+20hp) at 5,500rpm and 580Nm (30Nm) from 2,250 to 4,000rpm, and deos the century spring in 4.9 seconds instead while its top speed is now at 286kph.

As standard, the Ghibli has adopted Bosch's Integrated Vehicle Control (IVC) (also found in the Quatroporte. to help prevent vehicle instability as well as introduced an Electric Power Steering (EPS) as well as an optionally available Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS).

In addition to the existing features, it includes functions that include Highway Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition.

"Faithful to its DNA, the new Ghibli range offers unmistakable class, top-quality performance and a stylish yet comfortable driving experience. Malaysian Maserati aficionados are bound to be excited with this latest Maserati offering,” he added.

Maserati Ghibli GranLusso

Maserati Ghibli GranSport


Lexus LC Limited Edition to appear at 2018 Paris Motor Show

                BRUSSELS: Lexus will be bringing the Limited Edition version of its LC coupe with its bright yellow paintwork and yellow suede interior inserts to this year's Paris Motor Show.

The Limited Edition will feature the LC's naturally aspirated V-8 engine that produces 457bhp, along with a number of exclusive interior and exterior design cues to tempt buyers into parting with over €90,000 (RM425,000).

As well as that fabulously exclusive yellow paint job, the exterior will also feature 21-inch forged alloy wheels and an active spoiler made from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic, which automatically deploys at speeds above 80kph. On the inside, the Limited Edition differentiates itself from the regular LC with bright yellow Alcantara inserts in the doors and black and white dominating the rest of the interior.

Though the production run will be pretty small, there will still be an element of choice for buyers as the Limited Edition LC coupé will be available as a regular 500 or as a 500h hybrid.

The LC is designed as a rival to the Mercedes-Benz SL, and this limited run model is based on the Sport+ specification. And though the price is yet to be announced it's bound to come at a hefty premium above what the Sport+ model costs, so a hybrid version could easily set you back in excess of that €90,000.

But it certainly won't cost anywhere near as much as the previous Spectra Blue Limited Edition LC. The paint for that model took inspiration from the morpho butterfly, native to North and South America.

It's renowned for the shimmering blue of its wings even though they are colourless — the blue is created by light hitting the microscopic lattice surface of the delicate wings. At first, it seemed recreating that effect would require using a pigment with 40 separate layers, but eventually it was managed with just a seven-layer structure. That's still an incredibly expensive process, which added a five-figure sum to the starting price of that car.

This one will be a little more affordable and a lot louder. If you fancy one, it'll be on sale from November, after its appearance at the Oct 4-14 Paris Motor Show.


Ensure roads are safe before reopening to traffic, say experts

                PETALING JAYA: The reopening of roads that have been closed for a long time to help ease congestion is helpful, but the government must ensure these roads are safe, say experts.

Malaysian Road and Transportation Safety Association chairman Nik Salim Nik Salleh said hazard identification and risk assessment need to be done before reopening, as some roads might be in bad condition after their long closure.

“Roads that have been closed for a long time need to be studied, especially in terms of safety.

“The readiness of the roads to accommodate traffic as well as support facilities during emergency must also be considered before they are opened to the public,” he said.

Nik Salim added that the roads’ design and safety could also be outdated and need proper maintenance such as ensuring streetlamps are working properly and signboards are updated.

“(The government) must involve relevant experts and stakeholders from the road safety field in this effort,” he said.

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua said the move would only provide temporary relief to traffic congestion issues.

He said the reopening would not be able to fully resolve the issue of traffic jams and could potentially divert the congestion to new areas.

“We need to understand the root causes of the congestion first.

“From the data, we can identify the affected areas and we can implement the necessary measures such as installing proper bus lanes,” he said.

On the safety of roads that have been closed for long periods, Law said the authorities need to look at them individually.

“Some areas have different situations, so it will be very important for the authorities to look into them on a case-by-case basis. They must ensure that if there’s construction nearby, motorists’ safety is taken care of.

“They also need to get feedback from stakeholders such as residents and contractors,” he added.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said all roads that have been closed for road works and other construction will be reopened as soon as possible.

He said the move was among the immediate steps to be taken to ease traffic congestion, particularly in the Klang Valley.

Transport Ministry Anthony Loke also said local authorities need to identify the roads that could be used for contraflow arrangements.

Contraflow is a temporary traffic arrangement in which traffic moving in both directions use one side of the road while the other side is being repaired.

Malaysian Highway Authority director-general Datuk Mohd Suhaimi Hassan said contraflow and smartlanes on highways have been used and proven to have helped in easing traffic congestion.

However, he added that the methods are not practical on some highways as both directions of traffic are congested, especially during peak hours.

“As of now, there are six contraflows and two smartlanes implemented in the Klang Valley.

“Among the highways involved are SILK, Kesas, Besraya, Grandsaga, and LKSA.

“Meanwhile, smartlanes are available at the Damansara-Puchong highway (LDP) and NKVE,” he told The Star.

The Public Works Department, when contacted, said there were no federal roads that were closed due to construction.

Its Road Facilities Maintenance branch director Muhammad Harridzan Abdullah said the department would provide earlier notices in case of any roads under its supervision that are closed.


Honda Malaysia to get new CEO from Nov 1

                PETALING JAYA: Honda Malaysia will get a new CEO from Nov 1.

Toichi Ishiyama (pic) will succeed Katsuto Hayashi as the managing director and chief executive.

Hayashi, who led Honda Malaysia for one and a half years, will return to Japan and become the general manager overseeing Honda operations in the Americas.

At present, Ishiyama is the president and CEO of Honda Atlas Cars (Pakistan) Limited. Ishiyama, 48, has served Honda for 25 years in various roles in Japan, the United States,  Thailand, China and Pakistan. With more than 20 years of experience in researching markets and product planning, Honda Malaysia plans to leverage Ishiyama’s forte towards ensuring that the company remains the No.1 non-national brand and No. 2 in overall total industry volume.

Honda Malaysia projects sales of 100,000 units for this year.


June 15-21: RON97 petrol price down 22 sen to RM2.41


BMW goes to Shanghai with three world premieres

                SHANGHAI: The 5 Series Long Wheelbase is among three world premieres the BMW Group is bringing to Auto Shanghai 2017. The other two are the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman and the i8 Protonic Frozen Yellow Edition.

BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase
The 5 Series Long Wheelbase is being built by BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd exclusively for the Chinese market at the Shenyang facility.

Its 133-millimetre-longer wheelbase imbues the business sedan’s exterior with elegantly stretched proportions which blend into its contemporary looks. It is up to 130kg lighter than its predecessor and boasts enhanced aerodynamics.

 The old BMW 5 Series LWB. The new one will be revealed next week.

What you can expect from the 5 Series Long Wheelbase are generous kneeroom, optimised soundproofing and a host of innovative equipment features – such as the electrically adjustable comfort seats, Ambient Air package and Sky Lounge Panorama glass roof. As well as the iDrive system and a further improved voice control system, the display and control concept also includes a touchscreen monitor and BMW gesture control.

MINI John Cooper Works Countryman
The largest MINI yet receives the John Cooper Works treatment, offering powerful performance and versatility

Its engine makes 231hp, which enables a 0-100kph time of just 6.5 seconds. The MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive system and sports suspension are standard. High quality standard specification includes MINI Navigation, LED headlights and Comfort Access.

An eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission is fitted as standard for the Chinese market.

The MINI Connected personal mobility assistant advises and informs on departure times based on calendar entries and traffic data. It is able to detect frequently driven routes and remembers them automatically.

BMW i8 Protonic Frozen Yellow Edition
The i8 plug-in hybrid sports car is given fresh lustre at Auto Shanghai 2017 with the presentation of the i8 Protonic Frozen Yellow Edition. The car gets a Protonic Frozen Yellow paint finish, newly designed 20-inch light-alloy wheels and distinctive interior design cues.

Asian premieres: BMW Concept X2 and refreshed BMW 4 Series
The BMW Concept X2 is celebrating its Asian premiere in Shanghai. The new vehicle concept for the premium compact segment combines the character of a X model with the low-slung proportions of a coupe. Among the signature X elements are muscular surfaces, large, almost squared-off wheel arches and stylistic underfloor protection. The long wheelbase, short overhangs, flowing roofline and slim side window graphic lend the silhouette of the Concept X2 a svelte appearance.

On the other hand, the 4 Series models will be introduced to the public in Asia for the first time with detailed revisions to their design and optimised chassis technology. LED headlights and LED rear lights now come as standard for the 4 Series Coupe, 4 Series Convertible and 4 Series Gran Coupe, as does a refined premium ambience in the interior. If the optional Navigation system Professional is specified, the iDrive operating system also features a new tile-style menu layout with constantly updated content. And the Multifunctional Instrument Display can now also be ordered as an option.

Others
In addition, BMW is introducing tailored Connected services for China. The BMW Connected personalised mobility assistant’s China-specific functionality includes customer support among its suite of services. BMW Connected allows smartphone users to coordinate communications with a selected BMW dealer and arrange service appointments. BMW Connected also supplies users in China with information on traffic offences. And customers can make use of online-based lifestyle, social media and entertainment services selected specially for the Chinese market and with bespoke functionality.

The 17th edition of the Auto Shanghai show will see more than 1,100 exhibitors present their new models, technological innovations and service offerings to the public from April 21 – 28.


Pick-up trucks for work and play

 Nissan NP300 Navara.

Long gone are the days when pick-up trucks were utility vehicles meant only for hauling loads, and had spartan-looking cabins and stiff suspensions that were far from being comfort-oriented.

Today, new-generation pick-up trucks have interiors that have executive car-like ambience, and a ride quality geared towards occupant comfort.

Who says workhorses have to be bone-jarring and austere affairs?

A legal consultant, who wanted to be known only as Yap, is a happy owner of a seven-year old Toyota Hilux.

Yap does not drive off-road, and uses his Hilux as a family vehicle.

He said he bought a pick-up truck due to the diesel engine's fuel efficiency, its huge cargo carrying capacity and a "king of the road" sentiment.

"During a heavy downpour, I don't have to worry about flooded roads. I think my Hilux is comfortable and much better than a sedan car in many ways," said Yap.

Another proud owner is Eugene Mahalingam, a business writer with The Star, who took delivery of his 2.2-litre Ford Ranger 4x2 two months ago.

The 1.82-metre journalist wanted a vehicle that "stood out", after driving a Perodua Kancil for eight years.

"The cabin is roomy, and great for tall people. I also thought the Ranger looked tough and strong. It was just aesthetically pleasing," he said.

Eugene also spent another RM10,000 to spruce up the pick-up with a rear deck cover or lid, and re-painted it matte black for a sportier look, and added a new front grille and rims.

A good example of how far the pick-up truck has come as a versatile workhorse, lifestyle and family vehicle is the new Nissan NP300 Navara, which is expected to arrive in Malaysia this year (read NP300 Navara first impressions).

 Premium interior for Nissan NP300 Navara.

"The new NP300 Navara provides the interior quality and premium features of a mid-sized Japanese sedan," Nissan Motor corporate vice president Kato Keno told journalists at a media event in Chiang Mai, Thailand last year.

Depending on variant, the 2.5-litre NP300 Navara can come with attractive specifications such as a seven-speed automatic transmission, leather upholstery, a powered driver's seat, LED projector headlamps, dual zone air-conditioning, rear air-conditioning vents, keyless entry, engine start-stop button and a Kenwood DNX7330BT head unit featuring a seven-inch touch-screen colour display, rear view camera and navigation system, as well as USB, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity.

These bells and whistles are packaged with competitive prices in Thailand, as the NP300 Navara is priced ranging from 656,000 to 996,000 baht (RM72,058 to RM109,406) for the Double Cab models.

Its price tags in Malaysia are not expected to stray far from prices in Thailand.

It came as no surprise to carsifu.my that the NP300 Navara raises the bar in the pick-up truck segment, as it fights for market share with the likes of the popular Ford Ranger and perpetual best-selling Toyota Hilux.

 2015 facelifted Ford Ranger.

Since its launch in Malaysia in mid-2012, the Thai-built Ranger has been a runaway success and helped to drive Ford sales in the country to new heights (read Ford Ranger review).

The Ranger finished 2014 as the second best-selling pick-up truck in Malaysia, and accounted for 61.5% of Ford's retail sales of 13,938 units in the country.

The Ranger is also the superstar in Ford's Asean operations, as last year, it accounted for almost 50% of the American marque's record sales of 100,824 units in the region.

The Ranger is billed as offering an unmatched safety package in Malaysia, including Ford’s ESP (electronic stability programme) across all variants and ISOFIX mounts for child seats in the Wildtrak, as well as all XLT and XL Double Cab variants.

Ford engineers had also designed the Ranger for more comfort and convenience, with over 20 smart storage spaces and a roomy cabin.

 2015 fifth-generation Mitsubishi Triton.

A high-grade 2.2-litre XLT 4x4 Ranger variant with a six-speed automatic transmission has kit that includes cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, and a six-speaker audio system with a 4.2-inch colour display, as well as MP3, CD, USB, iPod capabilities and Bluetooth with Voice Control connectivity.

Prices for the Ranger range from RM76,488 to RM101,488 for the 2.2-litre models, and RM103,488 to RM122,988 for the 3.2-litre models.

"The Ranger has redefined the pick-up market in Malaysia with its appeal as both a hard-working, rugged truck and a family-friendly passenger vehicle. Comfortable yet powerful, refined yet capable, our customers love its versatility,” said Ford Motor Company managing director (Malaysia and Asia-Pacific emerging markets) David Westerman.

A facelifted Ranger with enhanced looks and features is due to be launched later this year.

Meanwhile, the fifth-generation Mitsubishi Triton was launched in Thailand in November last year, and Mitsubishi says it provides generous interior space, ample payload capacity, and class-leading handling.

The new Triton is also said to deliver quietness and ride comfort on a par with a passenger car thanks to a new diesel engine, optimisation of the suspension, the strategic placement of sound insulation, absorption and vibration damping materials.

 2015 Toyota Hilux TRD Sportivo.

With competition getting tougher, the 2015 Toyota Hilux was enhanced with refreshed looks and kit such as daytime running lights (DRLs), and leather seats for the 2.5G AT variants.

UMW Toyota Motor also introduced TRD Sportivo variants of the Hilux to cater to a younger set.

Prices for the Hilux range from RM77,248.20 (single-cab 2.5-litre manual) to RM112,967 (double-cab 3.0G TRD Sportivo automatic).

With the new updates, the Hilux should solidify its status as the top-selling pick-up truck in Malaysia despite being challenged by new rivals.

Another popular choice for pick-up truck buyers in Malaysia is the Isuzu D-Max which is renowned for setting high standards in durability, reliability and fuel efficiency (read Isuzu D-Max review).

The second-generation D-Max, which was launched here almost two years ago, is billed as having a stylishly-finished cabin that provides an SUV (sport utility vehicle)-like feel.

Seats in the D-Max were designed with long-distance comfort in mind, and Isuzu engineers also embedded a pair of class-first "exciter" tweeters into the roof lining for high-quality audio reproduction.

 Limited edition Isuzu D-Max Artic.

Meanwhile, Chevrolet offers its Colorado pick-up in Malaysia in 2.5-litre and 2.8-litre variants (read Chevrolet Colorado review).

It is interesting to note that the Colorado shares origins with the D-Max, due to an old General Motors and Isuzu Motors relationship.

A pumped-up 2.8-litre Colorado Muscle Power is also offered, and it boasts the highest torque in its class at 500Nm.

This Muscle Power edition also has a host of safety features and MyLink connectivity, Bluetooth support, a USB port, easy touch screen display and voice control.

 Chevrolet Colorado.

There is also the Mazda BT-50, which is offered here in 2.2-litre 4x4 variants and a powerful 3.2-litre inline five-cylinder model (read Mazda BT-50 review).

The BT-50 is another interesting pick-up, as it shares a platform with the Ranger - due to a partnership between Ford and Mazda.

Mazda says the BT-50 is an "active lifestyle vehicle" that overturns the conventional image of a pick-up truck.


The car dealership: a century of little progress

                LONDON: When the first ever car dealership opened its doors to the public in London on Oct 22, 1897, it was a revolutionary idea and one that meant consumers no longer had to travel to a manufacturer in person to inquire about buying a vehicle.

However, in the 119 years since, while every other aspect of the automobile has moved on, the car showroom has remained resolutely in the past, until now.

It may seem that we're in the midst of the most exciting, innovative period of automotive history, but the fact is that with the exception of a few years in the 1970s and '80s, the car has been in a constant state of evolution.

"The Tesla Model S may seem like a great car," explains Doug Hill, Beaulieu's (the UK's national motor museum) museum manager and chief engineer. "But in terms of innovation look at the history from 1896 to 1906. In 1907 the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost arrived and in just that period, the development of the motorcar was absolutely phenomenal."

Indeed the difference between Karl Benz's original three-wheel car patented in 1886 and the Silver Ghost is like stepping out of a biplane and into a jet.

READ ALSO: BMW dealership Wheelcorp Premium opens driving circuit in Malaysia

However, head to the closest car dealership and interactive displays notwithstanding, things are pretty much identical to when the world's first dealership opened its doors in 1897 - 119 years ago.

Even though digital is de rigueur, according to JD Power, by October 2015, only 39% of car companies in the US marketing had a website optimised for smartphones or tablets.

Marques have been quick to join social media but car buyers are turning to these networks not to click on ‘like' but for advice and guidance on potential purchases and tips as to how to avoid dealing with commission-fuelled sales assistants.

"Social media plays a large role in many consumers' lives, so it's not surprising that it's one of the tools they're using during the vehicle-shopping process," said Mike Battaglia, vice president, automotive retail at J.D. Power.

Still car companies are finally moving with the times - you can buy a Tesla or a BMW completely online and earlier this year a Nissan dealership in Spain made headlines for conducting the entire sales process via Twitter. But in terms of really changing the concept of the dealership so that it reflects modern times, it's Hyundai that has taken the first truly revolutionary steps.

Two years ago, it opened its first Rocker Hyundai store in Britain and with it the world's first ever "omni-channel" dealership. Located in a shopping mall, visitors can go from browsing to part-exchanging their old car and owning a new one without ever speaking to a salesperson or even stepping foot in the store if they so wish.

The concept - where everything is geared around the shopper, and where salespeople working on commission have been replaced by salaried assistants with strong retail backgrounds - has been hugely successful.

In the first 12 months, the first store received 163,000 physical visitors and sold enough cars to put it in the company's dealer top 10. Two years and five industry awards later there are now three Rocker Hyundai stores all located in British shopping precincts.


Singapore Motor Show 2020: Maserati Levante GTS rumbles in

                SINGAPORE: The Maserati Levante GTS gets an unveiling at this year's Singapore Motor Show (2020) with an uprated twin-turbo V8.

Named after the wind that blows across the Mediterranean, Maserati's sport utility vehicle gets an even more potent concoction in the form of the Levante GTS.

The 3.8-litre (3,798cc) twin-turbo 90-degree V8 engine is capable of producing a whopping 530PS at 6,250rpm and a massive 730Nm of torque from 2,500 to 5,000rpm.

With the use of an eight-speed automatic, this GTS variant - weighing in at 2,170kg, is capable of sprinting from 0 to 100kph in 4.2 seconds before reaching a top speed of 291kph while drinking from its 80-litre fuel tank.

The GTS gets the V8-specific front grille with a chromed frame and piano-black blades along with a lower honeycomb mesh fascia for its sports bumper.

The rear end is fitted with matte-black surrounds for its dual twin exhaust tips along with an extractor in matching body colour among others.


SEAT launches a 3-in-1 mobility offer with a car, electric motorcycle and e-scooter

                PARIS: Spanish manufacturer SEAT is launching a new mobility solution offering the rental of - with the option to buy - a car, an electric motorcycle and an electric kick scooter.

From €249 (RM1,227) a month, users in France can have all three modes of transport at home, as well as the freedom to choose the one that best suits each trip.

Called Move, the offer combines the car model of your choice with a SEAT MÓ 125 electric motorcycle and a MÓ 25 or 65 electric kick scooter. It is also possible to choose only a motorcycle or an e-scooter to accompany your new car, depending on your needs.

The SEAT Move application offers a route planner to find out which vehicle makes the best choice for your journey, as an alternative to public transport.

The offer including all three modes of transport is already available, starting at €249 a month for 37 months, under a lease with option to buy agreement, after an initial payment of €1,950.

The scheme sees SEAT become the first manufacturer to offer a three-in-one multimodal mobility solution.

It is a logical next step after the firm created its MÓ division in 2020, offering mobility solutions specially adapted to the city, with the SEAT MÓ 125 electric motorcycle and the MÓ 25 and 65 kick scooters in its range. These are the models that are now included in the SEAT Move offer.

The SEAT MÓ 125 has a 7 kW electric motor promising a maximum speed of 95kph. Its range is estimated at just over 130km on a single charge. Its removable battery can be recharged in any domestic socket or public charging station. As for the electric kick scooters, these are limited to a maximum speed of 20kph, and have a range of 25km and 65km, respectively - as their names suggest.


Caterham reveals EV Seven all-electric tech concept

                LONDON: Caterham has revealed its EV Seven all-electric technology development concept.

The concept will test the feasibility of a lightweight electric Seven, and is being engineered in collaboration with Swindon Powertrain Ltd.

EV Seven is based on the larger Seven chassis and features a bespoke version of Swindon Powertrain’s E Axle, combined with an immersion cooled battery pack.

It produces 240bhp at 9,000rpm and instantaneous peak torque of 250Nm. This will deliver a 0 to 60mph time of 4 seconds.

Immersion battery cooling uses a dielectric fluid, in this case supplied by long-term Caterham technical partner Motul.

The fluid is in direct contact with the cells enabling better thermal management during charge and discharge cycles.

This technology is typically used to cool super computers that generate enormous amounts of heat.

Bob Laishley, CEO of Caterham, said: “Any future EV model we produce must be true to the DNA of a Caterham: lightweight, fun-to-drive and driver focused. The main objective for this project is to develop a vehicle with a weight delta of no more than the equivalent of having a passenger on board. We’re never going to launch a one tonne Seven – we’d rather not do it.”

Any electric Seven must be useable on both the road and track. For the latter, this means being capable of a repeatable 20-15-20 drive cycle: the ability to drive on track for 20 minutes and recharge in 15 minutes with enough energy to drive for a further 20 minutes.

“Building a Seven that’s capable of a Sunday morning drive is achievable with current battery technology, but the challenge is for track use where the energy consumption is greatly increased. At the moment, immersion battery cooling is one of the best solutions in terms of coping with the rapid charge and discharge cycles that would be experienced on a race track,” added Laishley.

The weight increase is less than 70kg compared to the current production Seven it is based upon (meaning a total mass of just under 700kg).

EV Seven will also benefit from a limited slip differential, adjustable Bilstein dampers from the Seven 420 Cup, regenerative braking and quad-piston brake calipers.

“We do not have plans to put EV Seven into production at this stage - it’s a test bed to see how well an EV powertrain works for our customers’ specific use cases. We’re going to bring this to market at the right time, when the future generation of battery technology allows it,” added Laishley.

The EV Seven concept will make its public debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK this July.

Caterham is also developing another fully electric sports car concept that it will reveal this year.


Hyundai Motor to get EV batteries from LG Chem

                SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Group, which includes Hyundai Motor and its sister company Kia Motors, has picked LG Chem as one of the battery suppliers for its upcoming new electric vehicles, a group spokesman said today.

Details of the supply contract including the electric vehicle (EV) model and the full amount of the deal, which are yet to be decided, will be confidential, the spokesman said.

LG Chem declined to comment.

Hyundai Motor said last year it would launch 16 EV models by 2025 with an aim to boost EV sales to 560,000 by then.


Allianz General offers on-the-go windscreen replacement and quick repair services

Williams (second from right) with his team.
KUALA LUMPUR: Allianz General Insurance Company (M) Berhad’s customers can now expect on-the-go windscreen replacement and quick repairs for homes and commercial buildings with no payment or documentation required.

The Allianz Windscreen Replacement On-the-Go service is available for all Allianz Motor Comprehensive policyholders with windscreen cover who are in need of the service within the Klang Valley.

It allows Allianz General to set up an appointment with the customers to carry out repairs or replacements to their cracked or damaged windscreens, within an hour following notification from a customer.

The repair or replacement service would be completed at the customers’ location of choice within three hours and the company would also provide genuine glass replacements with a lifetime warranty.

“For today’s customer, speed of service and convenience is everything," said Allianz General Head of Claims Damian Williams.

"What more, when they are in a bind and in need of a quick solutions. So, we are doing away with the hassle of forms, wait-time and tedious claims processes by providing immediate attention and efficient service to our customers wherever they are.”

“Our customers just need to pick up the phone, call us and one of our Allianz-branded cars we’ll go to them wherever they are within the Klang Valley to provide them with replacement or repair services. It is that simple.”

The quick repair service offered to homes and commercial buildings is available to Allianz General Houseowner and Householder policyholders as well as Allianz General Fire insurance policyholders (commercial building) in the Klang Valley.

Upon notification, customers can expect an on-site contractor to arrive at the location within 24-hours and for immediate fixes, customers can even opt to engage Allianz General’s preferred contractor. For commercial buildings, this service will include rebuilding, repairing, and restoring what was damaged.

The Allianz Windscreen Replacement On-the-Go and Quick Repairs services are provided from Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm.

Allianz General customers in need of these services can contact 1800-22-5542.


WATCH: Will AI replace car designers? Frank Stephenson speaks up

                LONDON: World-renowned designer, Frank Stephenson has launched a new video on Artificial Intelligence (AI) on his popular YouTube channel.

The video released this week explores the impact of text-to-image and AI on the world of car design.

Drawing from Frank’s own personal experience as a designer, it looks at both the benefits and drawbacks of evolving technologies, in addition to detailing his first passions for design, how he first started and how that has dramatically developed today.

Speaking to a wide range of issues on both human and design fronts, from employment to the homogeneity of car design, the video draws an intelligent, educated, image of what the future of design could have in store.

The verdict is clear, the automotive industry is constantly evolving and improving, but the future of car design is in the midst of a revolutionary shake-up, because of AI technology.

It is the first in a series of videos set to be launched throughout 2023 that will see Frank research new, bold technologies that will help shape the future of design and mobility design.

He is the founder of Frank Stephenson Design.

He is well regarded for his talks and thoughts on design philosophy, sharing with viewers his wisdom concerning curiosity and the creative pursuit gained from almost 40 years as a designer.

The Frank Stephenson Design house philosophy emphasises a focus on rising innovations through blending art, science and the latest in technology, whilst taking care of the environment around us, to apply expertise encompassing the future of mobility that will positively impact society.

YouTube has become a key medium for Frank Stephenson Design to share its work with the world and wider community. Launched in April 2020 amassing over 215,000 subscribers to date, Frank’s channel provides exclusive content that dives into the world of his creativity.


Trade your car for a Volkswagen

                PETALING JAYA: From now till Jan 31, Volkswagen Malaysia will be running an Overtrade Programme for all car owners where they can trade in their cars in exchange for considerable rebates off their next Volkswagen vehicle.

This festive promotion by Volkswagen Malaysia allows all vehicles, regardless of model and brand, the chance of an overtrade, but will be subject to prior inspection by authorized Volkswagen dealers who will make the final decision on the overtrade vehicle acceptance.

To qualify for this programme, all vehicle registrations must be completed within the promotion period.

This promotion is subject to change without prior notice.

For more information on this overtrade programme, visit your nearest Volkswagen showroom to find out more or visit the website.


8 tips to riding your m-cycle safely in the wet

                PETALING JAYA: With the monsoon season sweeping across Malaysia now, road users have to be extra careful to ensure they do not get into trouble when it rains cats and dogs. Here are a few tips for motorcyclists, adapted from Britain’s Institute of Advanced Motorists, to riding happiness in the wet.

> Always begin with pre-ride checks of tyres, lights and lubricant. Too little tread, sidewall damage and low pressure could each contribute to sudden loss of grip or tyre failure which could bring a bike down.

> Always keep your headlights on according to local traffic rules, more so if you feel you might not be seen, especially in poor conditions or at dusk.

> Make all your inputs; whether steering, braking or acceleration as smooth as you can. There is only a set amount of grip available for the tyres, so make all changes in acceleration, steering and braking smooth, progressive ones.

> You should keep your visor clean and if you don’t have a pin lock system, ensure it is treated with a fog-resistant product.

> Be aware that visibility will be seriously reduced when travelling on busy roads due to spray. Anticipate that you may not have been seen by other road users and plan accordingly. Reduced visibility may increase blind spot areas for other motorists – consider your positioning to be seen.

>  It might sound obvious, but make sure you stay as dry as possible. Old leaky clothing will sap your heat, strength and concentration.

> Be extra careful at roundabouts, near petrol station forecourts and on newly laid tarmac for oil on the road. Oil will sit above the water and is not always visible.

> Finally, take extreme care when riding over standing water. You have no idea how deep it may be or what may be below the surface. Grip the bars firmly and try to keep the machine as upright as possible. Remember to try your brakes after exiting deep water and periodically in wet conditions.

Riders should make their actions on a bike as smooth and as predictable as possible. They must not assume that anyone driving a vehicle has seen them or can work out what they will do next.

Follow these tips, and you will have a safe and stress-free ride to your destination – whatever the weather.


California seeks EPA approval to ban sales of new gasoline-only vehicles by 2035

                WASHINGTON: California has asked the Biden administration to approve its plan to require all new vehicles sold in the state by 2035 to be either electric or plug-in electric hybrids, a landmark move that could speed the end of gasoline-powered vehicles, according to a letter seen by Reuters.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB), which approved the plan in August, asked the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Monday to approve a waiver under the Clean Air Act to implement its new rules that set yearly rising zero emission vehicle rules starting in 2026 and would end the sales of vehicles only powered by gasoline by 2035.

"These vehicles will permanently displace emissions from conventional vehicles," wrote CARB Executive Officer Steven Cliff, adding that motor vehicles and other mobile sources are the greatest source of emissions in California.

The Biden administration has repeatedly refused to endorse setting a date to phase-out the sale of gasoline-only vehicles.

EPA spokesperson Tim Carroll said "as with all waiver requests from California, we’ll follow an open public process in considering it, as the agency routinely does."

In a Reuters interview last month, EPA Administrator Michael Regan declined to say how the EPA would react to a California request. "We’ll be on the lookout for that if it were to ever come," Regan said.

Under an EPA proposal released in April to drastically cut vehicle emissions through 2032, automakers are forecast to produce 60% EVs by 2030 and 67% by 2032 to meet requirements, compared with just 5.8% of US vehicles sold in 2022 that were EVs.

California's zero-emission rules will cut by 25% smog-causing pollution from light-duty vehicles by 2037.

The rules mandate that 35% of the new cars sold be plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV), EVs or hydrogen fuel cell by 2026. That proportion will rise to 68% by 2030 and 100% by 2035.

The 60-page California waiver request seen by Reuters says through 2040, California's zero emission rules will cost US$210.35 billion but have total benefits of $301.41 billion.

A growing number of states are adopting California's electric vehicle rules that are more stringent than what the Biden administration has proposed. Earlier this month, Rhode Island joined Washington, Virginia, Vermont, Oregon, New York, and Massachusetts in adopting the California requirements.

CARB's regulation would allow automakers to sell up to 20% PHEVs by 2035 and by then would need a minimum 80km all-electric range label to qualify.


2017 Tokyo Motor Show: Honda shows off self-balancing bike

                TOKYO: Honda showcased a new motorcycle that can stand unaided with or without a rider, using technology the firm learned from developing a walking humanoid.

Unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show, Honda's Riding Assist-e is an all-electric concept motorbike that constantly assesses its position and moves the steering bar to ensure the heavy machine stays upright.

For years, international bike manufacturers have experimented with various forms of gyroscopes to stop motorcycles falling over, said Hiroyuki Nakata, the engineer behind the idea.

"But if you wanted to keep something as heavy as a motorcycle standing, you need a large and heavy gyroscopic device and you need to keep turning it," he said.

Honda's device, however, is only the size of a lamp and can be rigged above the front wheel.

With the system turned off, the motorcycle topples over when the rider takes his hands from it.

But when it is flipped on, the bike stays stock still as if in a magic show, even when the rider walks away from it.

"Our vision is to put this on large motorcycles as well as small ones used for the daily commute," Nakata said.

The technology was derived from Honda's ASIMO robot, a two-legged, self-standing humanoid that can jog, dance and converse with people.

Japan is proud of the robot and has shown it off to world leaders, including Canadian leader Justin Trudeau and then-President Barack Obama.


Michigan governor warns car plants may shut if masks aren’t worn

                DETROIT: Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer warned Wednesday that auto factories in her state could be shut down again if residents don’t follow her order to wear masks and slow the spread of the coronavirus.

"If Michiganders don’t mask up when we go out in public, cases could rise and we could be forced to close down more of our businesses, including auto manufacturing plants that employ thousands,” Whitmer said at a press conference in Lansing, Michigan.

"A second wave of this virus could be absolutely devastating.”

The warning comes as automakers are cranking up output at factories to try to meet surprisingly strong demand, especially for pickups and sport-utility vehicles. General Motors Co., Ford Motor Co. and Fiat Chrysler automobiles NV temporarily shuttered their factories in Michigan and elsewhere in the US in March to help control the Covid-19 outbreak.

Whitmer cleared the way for those plants to reopen in May amid signs the pandemic was receding in her state.

Among the automakers dependent on their Michigan factories, Ford has a lot riding on local production of its redesigned top-selling F-150 pickup and revived Bronco SUV after a quarter century hiatus. GM is running its plants full out to replenish truck inventories.

On Wednesday, Michigan reported 891 new cases of Covid-19, the most daily new cases since May 14. That brings Michigan’s total number of cases to 71,197. The state says 6,085 residents have died of the disease.


ZF reinvents steering wheel for robot cars

                BERLIN: Engineers at German component giant ZF have come up with a high-tech steering wheel for robot cars that spend a lot of the time driving themselves.

The new concept features advanced gesture control and hands-on detection to support level-three automation (driver intervention possibly necessary) and enhanced driver interaction. ZF will showcase the prototype at the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) 2018 in Las Vegas from Jan 8-11.

On a divided lane highway, a level-three car can monitor its environment and watch out for other vehicles and hazards on the road. The human stays in the loop as a fall-back in case of a system failure. Beyond level three, cars are completely autonomous.

The new ZF steering wheel features a seven-inch LCD display in the centre and a LED light strip around the rim with blue indicating the car is in robot mode.

Using 10 sensors, the steering wheel device can detect whether the driver is exercising sufficient grip to be in control of the vehicle.

"As we prepare for level three automated functions, the handover of control between vehicle and driver using highly-accurate feedback will be critical", says Juergen Krebs, engineering vice-president at the company based in Friedrichshafen.

"We believe our new concept is the most intuitive and provides the clearest feedback to the driver."

ZF said the new wheel also means replacing the driver's side airbag with a new device which deploys from the rear of the new steering wheel.


Auto lobby slams Swiss plan to curb electric cars in power crunch

                ZURICH: The Swiss car importers lobby hit back on Monday at the government's proposal to limit the use of electric vehicles in any power crunch, saying the mere suggestion could prompt consumers to opt for autos that burn fossil fuels.

"Our members and their official brand dealers promote electric cars with great effort, from advertising to personal sales pitches. Now the Federal Council (cabinet) comes up with this possible rule — a disservice to electromobility," said Andreas Burgener, director of the auto-schweiz importers group.

"Customers who buy or order a vehicle now will think twice about whether they should go back to petrol or diesel."

The government has proposed a series of increasingly tough measures to conserve energy as shortages of gas and power loom that could lead to rationing in a worst-case scenario.

One draft rule would curb the private use of electric vehicles unless urgently needed for work, shopping, or visiting the doctor or religious ceremonies.

The proposal is putting a chill on sales of electric cars, jeopardising the sector's prospects of reaching targets for reducing carbon emissions, auto-schweiz said.

A survey among its members had shown the market share of electric cars and plug-in hybrids could rise to over 50% in 2025 from just under half now, it added.

The government has said it could curb non-essential use of power, such as illuminating shop windows, using mobile heaters, or lighting at night.

It could order around 30,000 companies to save up to 30% of power usage in an extreme scenario. As a last resort it could shut parts of the grid in revolving blackouts.


Fleet of four cars to map parking spaces and usage in Berlin

                BERLIN: The city of Berlin has decided to deploy a fleet of four cars to map the quality of the city centre's parking supply.

The idea is to be able to anticipate user needs and optimise the locations of future parking spaces in order to improve traffic flow and air quality.

These cars — equipped with high-resolution cameras, LiDAR (laser detection measurement systems) and GPS aerials — are capable of locating parking spaces and recording their occupancy rate.

Those in charge of this operation specify that personal data relating to the licence plates of cars scanned in this way is not used in the project. Likewise, no infractions will be recorded.

From June 1, these vehicles will regularly travel the streets of the centre of Berlin, and some streets in the districts of Mitte and Tempelhof-Schöneberg.

First, they will register the total number of parking spaces on the public highway. Then, they will analyse the occupancy rate of these parking areas, space by space, until the end of 2023.

One of the city's objectives is to study the behaviour of motorists in order to ensure the optimal planning of parking spaces in the future.

The idea is to reduce the number of parking spaces, but also to distribute them in a more intelligent way, in order to improve air quality.

This measure follows other recent announcements intended to ease traffic congestion and significantly improve air quality in the German capital.

The municipality plans to create a major new bicycle path crossing the city from east to west. It is expected to be completed by 2030, with an estimated travel time of two and a half hours.

Meanwhile, a Berlin collective is campaigning for the entire city centre to be closed to cars within a few years, becoming a space reserved for pedestrians, public transport, bicycles, scooters and the likes.

This is certainly in line with the times, as so-called "low-emission zones" are becoming increasingly common in many major cities around the world.


Ferrari Portofino drop-top GT from RM950K

                KUALA LUMPUR: Naza Italia, the official importer and distributor of Ferrari in Malaysia, has unveiled the Portofino as the new entry-level 'Prancing Horse' to replace the California T.

Named after a fishing village on the Italian Riviera coastline, this drop-top Gran Turismo has a base price of RM948,000.00 (excluding duties and customisation options) and is accompanied by a three-year standard factory warranty as well as a seven-year free-maintenance programme.

The warranty is extendable for a further two years and, from the vehicle’s 6th to 12th year, owners can opt for the New Power warranty that covers all major components and again with an optional New Power15 warranty from the 12th to 15th year.

At 1,664kg (kerb), the 2+2 convertible coupe has a 46:54 front/rear weight distribution for its 2,670mm wheelbase and measures in at 4,586mm-long, 1,938mm-wide and 1,318mm-tall.

With a hard top that opens and closes in 14 seconds even at low speeds, a 292-litre boot is provided for a short weekend getaway as the 80-litre fuel tank feeds the 3.9-litre (3,855cc) twin-turbo 90-degree V8 (F154 BE) aluminium-block engine with a flat-plane crankshaft and dry-sump lubrication.

On the combined cycle, fuel consumption has been rated at 10.7 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions at 245g per kilometre.

A seven-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission manages the engine's power output of 600PS at 7,500rpm (red-line) and 760Nm from 3,000 to 5,250rpm - allowing it to sprint from 0-100kph in 3.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 320kph.

The 20-inch wheels wear 245/35 (front) and 285/35 (rear) series tyres that partially hides the 390x34mm (front) and 360x32mm carbon-ceramic cross-drilled discs that help it come to full halt from 100kph in 34m.

Notable electronics include electronic stability programme, electronic stability control with traction control ((F1-Trac), third-generation electronic differential (E-Diff 3) for better traction, and a magnetorheological damping system (SCM-E) with a twin solenoid as standard.

“The Portofino is the most powerful convertible car in the GT segment that Ferrari has ever produced and Naza Italia is thrilled to present this dynamic model in Malaysia with versatility, driving pleasure and comfort unparalleled on the market", said Naza Corporation Holdings group chief executive officer (Automotive Group) Datuk Samson Anand George.


Govt studying proposals to increase its EV fleet

                KUALA LUMPUR: Putrajaya is looking at proposals to increase the number of hybrid and electric vehicles (EV) in the government fleet, says Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong.

“The proposal to include hybrid and EVs as official vehicles in departments and (certain) positions is currently being fine-tuned by the Finance Ministry.

“Meanwhile, land public transport vehicles are also encouraged to make the switch to electrification,” he said in Parliament yesterday.

Liew also said the ministry has suggested more incentives to promote EV sales to be included in Budget 2023, such as personal income tax breaks, the subscription and installation of EV charging systems, among others.

The are currently 21,659 EV and hybrid vehicles on the road, as well as 902 EV charging points, the minister said.

Policies that support vehicle electrification will be announced during the re-tabling of Budget 2023 on Friday.

At the same time, Liew said there has been a rise in demand for EV vehicles, with 3,400 units moved last year compared to 300 in the previous years.

“Efforts to attract investors to build charging points were also effective, where the number of charging systems increased by 51% in 2022 compared to previous years, bringing the number of charging points to more than 900,” he said.

Liew was responding to Jimmy Puah (PH-Tebrau), who asked about the ministry’s policies to encourage EV usage and increasing charging points.


Polestar 4 SUV coupe steps forward in Shanghai

                GOTHENBURG/SHANGHAI: Polestar today introduced the Polestar 4, an electric performance SUV coupé and the second SUV in the brand’s line-up.

Design cues first seen on Polestar’s concept cars are brought to production in the fastest Polestar production car to date. Polestar 4 is positioned between Polestar 2 and Polestar 3 in terms of size and price.

Polestar 4 launches first in China, with production planned to begin in Hangzhou Bay, China, in November 2023. The state-of-the-art Geely-owned production facility operates on 100% renewable electricity.

A full-scale launch for other markets, including in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America is planned for early 2024 – with sales and production ramping up for these markets through the course of that year.

All details for these markets will be presented in 2024. Indicative launch pricing is from US$60,000 (RM266,000).

“With Polestar 4 we have taken a fundamental new approach to SUV coupé design. Rather than simply modifying an existing SUV, giving it a faster roofline and as a result, compromising elements like rear headroom and comfort, we have designed Polestar 4 from the ground up as a new breed of SUV coupé that celebrates rear occupant comfort and experience,” said Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath.

Aerodynamic efficiency is enhanced by the low nose, retractable door handles, flush glazing with frameless windows, rear aero blades and air flow optimisation around the rear light bar.

As a design-driven brand, the design of Polestar 4 sees the continuation of key elements first shown by the Polestar Precept concept car, coming to life. This includes eliminating the rear window which enables a new kind of immersive rear occupant experience, and the separation of the dual blade front lights with unique Polestar light signature – complemented by the Polestar emblem with millimetre-precision lighting from below.

Built on the premium Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) developed by Geely Holding, Polestar 4 is a D-segment SUV coupé with a large body and long, 2,999 mm wheelbase.

Overall length is 4,839 mm, width is 2,139 mm and height is 1,544 mm. The resulting generous interior proportions are especially evident in the rear, where occupants are cocooned in an intimate environment, with reclining seats. Adjustable ambient lighting that adds an extra dimension to the interior, inspired by the solar system, allows the driver to customise the driving environment.

The standard full-length glass roof is available with optional electrochromic functionality, allowing for opaque or transparent execution depending on the mood. Thanks to the elimination of the rear window, the glass roof stretches beyond the rear occupants’ heads, creating a truly unique interior ambience.

A secondary media and climate control screen is mounted between the front seats to enable rear occupant control.

The rear-view mirror is replaced by a high-definition screen that shows a real-time feed from a roof-mounted rear camera – enabling a far wider field of view than what can be experienced in most modern cars. The digital feed can be deactivated to allow drivers to instead see rear occupants if needed.

The interior and its materials have been designed around the theme of "soft tech", drawing inspiration from the fashion and sportswear industries. Colour and material choices for Polestar 4 explore new executions for Polestar – including new exterior colours Storm and Electron, and a unique new interior colour, Mist.

In Polestar 4, more circular and low-carbon materials replace traditional solutions. This includes measures for greater supply chain transparency, like blockchain traceability for risk materials in the batteries. A full lifecycle assessment (LCA), showing the true carbon footprint of the car, will be published alongside the Polestar 4 Product Sustainability Declaration in 2024.

A mono-material approach, first presented in the Polestar electric roadster concept in 2022, is applied to interior materials, where all layers of certain components are produced from the same base material. This allows them to be recycled more effectively and efficiently by eliminating the need for incompatible materials to be separated before recycling.

New interior materials include a tailored knit textile which consists of 100% recycled PET, along with bio-attributed MicroTech vinyl and animal welfare-secured Nappa leather upholsteries.

Inlay carpets in the interior are made using recycled PET and floor carpets are made using ECONYL, which includes reclaimed fishing nets.

MicroTech, first introduced in Polestar 3, is a bio-attributed vinyl that replaces crude oil with pine oil in its construction and features a recycled textile backing.

Polestar 4 is the fastest production car the brand has developed to date. The 0-100kph sprint can be completed in just 3.8 seconds and maximum power output is 400 kW (544 hp).

Motors are of a permanent magnet, synchronous design. Driving dynamics are true to the Polestar brand – sharp steering and handling responses result in a thrilling and nimble driving experience for all occupants.

Both dual- and single motor versions will be available, with single-motor versions featuring rear-wheel drive.

Semi-active suspension features in the dual-motor version for an additional layer of adjustment between comfort and performance dynamics. Wheels range from 20 to 22-inches in size, depending on the version, with tyres supplied by Pirelli and Michelin.

A 102 kWh battery is fitted to both long-range versions.

The Long range Dual motor features 400 kW (544 hp), 686 Nm and a preliminary range target of up to 560 km WLTP. A disconnect clutch allows the car to disengage the front electric motor when not needed, to maximise range and efficiency.

Up to 200 kW DC and 22 kW AC charging is included for all versions, and the charge lid is motorised.

Bi-directional charging is included, with vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability at launch providing for external devices to draw power from Polestar 4.

A heat pump is fitted as standard, allowing the car to capitalise on ambient heat when preconditioning the cabin and battery.

A new drive optimisation function allows the driver to select between range or performance driving modes in the Long range Dual motor version.

Performance mode sharpens up responsiveness from the powertrain and engages both motors at all times for full power delivery and best performance. Range mode prioritises efficiency, adapting the powertrain to a calmer style and forces use of only the rear motor.

The Long range Single motor version features a 200 kW (272 hp) and 343 Nm motor at the rear and preliminary range target of up to 600 km WLTP.

In Polestar 4, the infotainment system powered by Android Automotive OS and the Snapdragon Cockpit Platform now utilises a 15.4-inch landscape-oriented screen.

With Google built-in, including Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play, Polestar continues to offer a leading connected experience. The close collaboration with Google allows Polestar to keep pushing the boundaries of the system.

A Harman Kardon audio system is available as an option with 12 speakers and 1,400-Watt channel-hybrid amplifier. An additional two headrest speakers are added to each front seat with the optional Nappa Pack– raising the total to 16. Naturally, Apple CarPlay is included.

As with all other Polestar cars, regular over-the-air (OTA) updates allow for new features and improvements to be sent remotely to all vehicles, removing the need to visit a workshop to gain the latest software.

Polestar 4 features leading safety technology inside and out. Up to nine airbags are included. New partnerships bring intelligent safety technology to the fore, including the SuperVision Advanced Driver Assistance System from Mobileye.

A total of 12 cameras, one radar and 12 ultrasonic sensors are fitted as standard.

This includes a driver monitoring camera, which only relays data and does not record video, to monitor the driver’s eyes and head movements to help avoid incidents related to fatigue or incapacitation.

Together with hands-on detection in the steering wheel, the driver monitoring system helps to keep the driver actively engaged in driving, as required.

A 10.2-inch driver display is mounted ahead of the steering column and includes speed, battery and range information. When engaged by various assistance systems, a virtual environment can show other road users, current driving assistance functions and navigation information.

To reduce distraction, a head-up display (HUD) with 14.7-inch projection area in front of the driver relays key vehicle, telephony and navigation information to the windscreen, further improving driver attentiveness.

A clever "snow mode" function for the HUD switches the text colour from white to yellow, improving visibility in snowy environments.

The optional Pilot Pack includes enhanced Pilot Assist with lane change assistance, initiated by the driver tapping the indicator stalk in the desired direction.

Standard vehicle specification is high, with additional packages tailored to adding specific options that enhance overall enjoyment.

The Plus Pack comprises comfort and technology upgrades, with the Plus Pro Pack adding a colour-coded body execution, the electrochromic glass roof and additional interior illumination.

The Nappa Pack can be specified in addition to the Plus Pack, and includes animal welfare-secured Nappa leather upholstery with ventilation, massage and additional headrest speakers for the front seats.

The Pilot Pack includes Pilot Assist and its extended features.

The Performance Pack increases the performance look and driving experience of the Long range Dual motor version, with 22-inch wheels, 4-piston Brembo brakes, Polestar Engineered performance chassis tuning and Swedish gold details for the brakes, seat belts and valve caps.


New Toyota Sienta launched in Japan

                TOYOTA CITY: Toyota has announced earlier this week that it has started sales of its completely redesigned Sienta MPV in Japan.

The third-generation Sienta retains the driving ease of a compact car and convenience of an MPV

It now comes with an even more comfortable second-row seats, which have been re-designed to provide more legroom and head clearance.

It is available with Toyota Safety Sense and Toyota Teammate, the latest safety and security features

A wide variety of dealer-installed options offer ways to personalise the vehicle. The Sienta also comes with factory-installed facilities to cater to the disabled and the elderly.

It is offered with a 1.5-litre Dynamic Force engine with CVT as well as a hybrid version. Prices in Japan start from 1.95 million yen (RM64,000).

The all-new Sienta is also offered via the KINTO ONE car subscription service.

Software updates enable the vehicle to always have the latest software version via wireless communication or a dealer's wired connection.

The new Sienta has an exterior design that provides a spacious cabin space and good maneuverability.

The cabin features a horizontal beltline and large windows offer good visibility and driving ease.

The Sienta has fabric seat covers with deodorising and water/oil-repellent treatment (variant dependent) for more convenience and easier cleaning up after food or drink spills.

While maintaining the popular low 330 mm floor height and stepless flat floor, the power sliding dooropening height has been expanded to 1,200 mm, +60 mm compared to previous models, to make it easier to get in and out of rear seats. All family members, from children to the elderly, can easily get in and out of the vehicle.

The MPV is equipped with hands-free dual power sliding doors . This enables users carrying the key to automatically open and close the sliding doors simply by placing their feet under the sensors at the bottom of the front doors.

The new Sienta comes equipped with Advanced Park, a driving support technology function within Toyota Teammate. Besides support of all operations-steering, acceleration, braking, and gear changes-the bird's-eye view display also shows the ideal steering wheel positions for a safe and secure parking experience.

This system expands support in parallel parking situations. In addition to backing in/forward exit from parking situations, it also supports forward entry/backing exit parking situations for improved ease of use when parking.

The platform that forms the vehicle's basic structure was newly designed based on the TNGA (GA-B) platform. The main structure is joined to form a ring-shaped frame, improving joint rigidity. The highly rigid body is light and well-balanced to deliver high-quality riding comfort and outstanding handling stability.

Handling stability, ride comfort, and quietness have been improved. Front and rear suspension geometry has been optimised to produce a rigid body. MacPherson struts are at the front while torsion beam hold up the rear.

The Sienta was launched in September 2003 as a vehicle that combines the convenience of an MPV, with a spacious cabin and seating for seven passengers.


BMW’s Chinese partner woes are a warning to rivals

                HONG KONG: The looting of Brilliance China Automotive, BMW’s joint venture partner in the People’s Republic, by its indebted state-owned parent should send a signal to other foreign carmakers stuck in similar arrangements: take control or leave.

On Friday, Hong Kong-listed Brilliance revealed that a complex series of undisclosed transactions totalling 53 billion yuan (RM34.2bil) had resulted in a 2.4 billion yuan (RM1.6bil) loss for the company — a separate entity from the BMW JV — between 2019 and 2021.

That included 11 billion yuan (RM7.1bil) of fund transfers and loan guarantees for its struggling state-owned parent Huachen Automotive Group which were never run by the board or explained to shareholders.

This is not exactly shocking. Huachen has been in bankruptcy restructuring following a series of defaults in 2020, and its ex-chairman was charged with graft.

It's an embarrassment, but then Brilliance is an ugly outlier among Chinese automakers.

Its rust-belt home province of Liaoning is one of the weakest regional economies in the country.

Since Beijing announced overseas marques would be allowed to take control of auto JVs, investors concluded there would be little value left in Brilliance without its cash cow and its share price has halved until the company halted trading in March 2021 after failing to file its 2020 annual report.

The revelations are nothing for BMW to celebrate after it forked out 3.7 billion euros in February to increase its JV stake to 75% and extended its contract to 2040.

Still, consolidation has bumped profit before tax up to 13 billion euros in the first six months of 2022, from 7.5 billion euros in the comparable period in 2021.

Having your 25%-partner in a hot mess is an operational risk, but barring skeletons in the closet, it hasn’t hurt BMW.

Many foreign automakers have yet to take control, including Nissan Motor and Ford Motor.

As with BMW, most of their partners are backed by local governments that are now under increasing fiscal stress. There is a rising risk that officials will tap local auto champions for funds, as Guizhou province did with its liquor giant Kweichow Moutai.

The joint ventures are also rife with constant battles over technology, talent and power. BMW and Volkswagen moved quickly to seize control; Stellantis abandoned its arrangement with Guangzhou Auto Group when its attempt to take control failed.

The sooner those sitting on the fence make up their minds, the more insulated they will be.


Škoda releases exterior design sketches of new Fabia ahead of May launch

                PRAGUE: Škoda is building anticipation for the upcoming fourth generation of the Fabia by releasing the first official design sketches.

The popular small car (not in Malaysia unfortunately) from the Czech car manufacturer will be significantly larger, more dynamic and more expressive than its successful predecessors.

Switching over to the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Transverse Toolkit MQB-A0 has made the new proportions possible and created even more space for passengers and luggage.

Additional highlights include the sharply drawn front headlights and rear lights featuring LED technology. The world premiere of the new Fabia will take place this May.

Two of the design sketches show the clear, modern and dynamically drawn lines of the new Fabia.

The fourth generation will be 111mm longer and 48mm wider than its predecessor. This is the first time the new Fabia will be based on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Transverse Toolkit MQB-A0.

In addition to even more space for passengers, this also adds an extra 50 litres to the boot. The diagonal front view offers a first glimpse of the flat front headlights and the wide Škoda grille, which has a sporty, elegant look with a chrome frame and black ribs. Large wheels also enhance the powerful appearance.

The elongated roof spoiler with side finlets ensure excellent aerodynamics along with the aerodynamically optimised exterior mirrors and actively adjustable cooling shutters in the front bumper’s lower air inlet.

The other sketches give a more detailed impression of the new Fabia’s modern light units. The modules resemble blocks of ice in the sharply cut full-LED front headlights, which extend up to the grille.

An L-shaped daytime running light module can be seen, as well. ŠKODA’s signature crystalline elements can also be found in the graphics of the distinctly flat rear lights that will be available in a full-LED version.

Even with the first generation, which was also presented as an estate in 2000, 1.79 million units were produced in eight years, while the second generation unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2007 found a total of 1,704,000 buyers.

The third generation launched in 2014 continued the success story and became Škoda’s second most popular model after the Octavia in 2019. The Czech manufacturer’s total production volume of more than 4.7 million Fabias to date is surpassed only by the Octavia.


PM: Traffic jams affect productivity

                PUTRAJAYA: Traffic jams have become a major inconvenience and affects productivity which results in losses to the country and this issue must be resolved, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar said traffic congestion was costly and caused workers to lose a lot of time just to get to their workplaces.

“Problems of public transportation and traffic congestion will affect productivity (and) the country because of the hours wasted by employees getting to work,” he said.

A Cabinet committee has been set up to tackle the perennial traffic congestion issue and other matters related to public transportation.

A study in Bangkok showed billions of dollars were lost in terms of productivity because of traffic congestion, said Anwar at the launch of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Putrajaya Line Phase Two (MRT2) at the Serdang MRT Depot.

He gave his assurance that for every project, transparency in maintenance would be prioritised without any room for leakages and corruption.

“I am emphasising this because the strategic aspects of public transportation cost a lot of money,” he said, adding that the government was committed to the concept of good governance.

Anwar also said the government was focusing its efforts on strengthening critical sectors such as health and education this year.

“For this year we want to take very firm and bold measures by spending far more to resolve basic infrastructure problems concerning dilapidated schools, toilets, school facilities, health and medical aspects.

“That is why we see major allocations for the Health Ministry and Education Ministry under Budget 2023. It is not that other ministries are not important, it is just that we need to focus on sectors which have pressing needs,” he added.

Meanwhile, commuters using the newly launched Putrajaya MRT Line can enjoy free rides until March 31.

Anwar, during the launch, said the project was part of the unity government’s goal to provide better public transportation in the country.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke told reporters that the Cabinet committee would comprise Cabinet ministers and chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

“The committee will take comprehensive steps to resolve the constant traffic congestion issues plaguing the country among other issues related to public transportation.

“This is part of the government’s commitment to enhance and develop the transportation network in the country,” he said, adding that the committee’s first meeting would be early next month.


Upgrade your car's satnav and sound systems for better entertainment

                BERLIN: Hardly any other part of a vehicle ages as fast as its entertainment system. A glance at the radio can usually tell you just how old a car really is — unless, of course, it's been retrofitted.

"Modernising a car that hasn't clocked many miles can be done quickly and without much expense. After all, a used car that's about 4 years old is still technically up to date — bar the entertainment system," says Matthias Wagner, who works for Car Akustik System, a specialist trade group. "Electronics, however, are advancing at a rapid pace."

Modern car stereos have bigger, high-resolution displays, play DVDs and let you plug in your smartphone.

"Android Auto or Apple Carplay should definitely be integrated in the new device," Wagner says. That allows drivers to use many of their smartphone functions via the radio, whether to navigate a route or catch up on messages.

But if what matters most is good sound, then get a device with a digital radio tuner (DAB+). These will be standard from the end of the year, but until then, dealers are still able to sell devices without the digital radio functions, according to Wagner.

Double DIN stero units can also work well in camper vans and classic cars. "With some vintage vehicles or even motorhomes, no matter how well-equipped they are, the sound is usually poor," says Michael Zeitler, who works for a car hi-fi specialist in Germany called Dr Boom Soundklinik.

Double DIN units come with a wider front and a larger control panel — usually a touchscreen — compared to simple DIN radios, making them easier to operate. "It allows them to display more, such as the image from a rear or front camera or videos," adds Zeitler.

The least expensive devices are available for around US$200 and offer Bluetooth, audio streaming and a hands-free kit. You'll wind up paying more for devices that enable networking with smartphones via Apple Carplay or Android Auto, starting at around US$300.

Pick the best solution for you depending on what matters most, whether it's a top-quality hands-free kit, the quality of the music sound, buttons on the steering wheel, a rear-view camera, an HDMI interface for connecting streaming sticks or an Android operating system where you can install apps, perhaps for streaming music.

Your vehicle is also an important factor for deciding what sound solution to get. "Land Rovers or convertibles needs a brighter display, while a Mercedes needs a more elegant front that integrates neatly into the cockpit," says Zeitler. Motorhome owners usually want as large a display as possible to help them when parking, he adds.

Meanwhile, some drivers of sports cars want front cameras to help them park better, or an OBD-II interface to connect the radio to their engine management system.

OBD-II stands for On-Board Diagnostic II, the second generation of on-board self-diagnostic equipment, and provides information about oil pressure, oil temperature or boost pressure on the display.

If you ask Elmar Michels, who edits trade magazine CAR&HIFI and has spent years testing car radios and hi-fi systems, the best tip is to head to the dealer. Then you will get advice right away and can play around with the device to see how you like it and whether it would work for your car.


VW to build autonomous cars with Silicon Valley firm

                WOLFSBURG: The world's largest carmaker Volkswagen said Thursday it would work with Silicon Valley firm Aurora to create self-driving cars, hoping to deploy fleets of autonomous taxis to city streets by 2021.

"With Aurora, VW gains access to an experienced and globally leading development team in software and hardware for driverless vehicles," the Wolfsburg-based group said in a statement.

Founded by former autonomous driving chiefs from Google, Tesla and Uber, Aurora makes technology that has already been tested in SUVs from VW subsidiary Audi with "good results," German business daily Handelsblatt reported.

In 2018, VW plans to outfit scores of cars with the self-driving system as a test fleet, the paper added.

Like other firms in the autonomous driving field, Aurora -- labelled "America's hottest self-driving startup" by Silicon Valley bible Wired magazine -- has sought out an established carmaker to make its high-tech visions a reality.

The difficulty for auto newcomers going it alone has been highlighted by Tesla, which has fallen far short of flamboyant billionaire founder Elon Musk's production targets for its coveted mass-market Model 3 electric car.

"Our priority at Aurora is making self-driving vehicles a reality... we know we'll get there sooner if we enter a partnership," chief executive and Google veteran Chris Urmson said.

The Volkswagen deal also offers Aurora an income stream, Handelsblatt reported, first from licensing fees paid by VW and later with a share of the revenue from the hoped-for fleets of autonomous taxis — slated for testing in Silicon Valley and the northern German city of Hamburg in the coming years.

Wolfsburg-based VW is joined in the partnership with Aurora by South Korea's Hyundai, which also hopes its autonomous vehicles will put rubber to the road by 2021.

Harried by massive financial and reputational damage from its "dieselgate" emissions cheating scandal, Volkswagen has since 2015 strived to show it is building an electric-powered, autonomous future.

"We thought long and hard" about the risk of being exploited for an image-polishing campaign, Urmson told Handelsblatt.

"But the VW leadership showed us that they now want to execute a technological transformation in their company and work towards the future."

Thursday also saw digital mapping firm Here Technologies announce investments from German auto parts stalwarts Continental and Bosch, with each company taking a five-percent stake.

Luxury carmakers Audi, BMW and Daimler and US chipmaker Intel have all bought chunks of Here, seeing the company's ultra-detailed, up-to-the-minute maps as a vital building block for fully autonomous cars.


Porsche Cayenne tows its way into the record books

                PARIS: Porsche, one of the greatest sportscar makers in automotive history has set a new Guinness World Record. However, it's got nothing to do with speed or lap times. Instead, a standard specification Porsche Cayenne SUV has just broken the official record for the heaviest aircraft ever towed by a production car.

The aircraft in question was an Air France Airbus A380, which tips the scales at 285 tonnes, and the plane was towed 42 metres at Charles de Gaulle Airport here, under the watchful eye of Guinness adjudicator, Pravin Patel.

Richard Payne, a technician at Porsche GB who drove the car for the attempt, said: "It did it -- I'm so relieved! We don't usually go this far to test the limits of our cars but I think today we got pretty close."

In recent years, Jaguar Land Rover has developed a reputation for setting Guinness World Records as a means of highlighting its cars' capabilities.

The Jaguar XF holds the record for the car-based tightrope walking, and the F-Pace performed the world's largest-ever loop-the-loop (19.08 metres) when it was unveiled in Frankfurt. The Land Rover Discovery drove across the biggest ever structure built entirely from Lego — a 5 million+ brick replica of London's Tower Bridge. The Range Rover became the first SUV ever to drive over a bridge built solely from paper when it came to the Guangzhou motor show in November 2015; and in June the Land Rover Discovery Sport towed a 100-tonne train for 10km along a Swiss railway line.

However, an A380 weighs 185 tonnes more than a Swiss three-carriage train and, crucially, 115 tonnes more than the heaviest aircraft towed by a car to date.

"I've verified some amazing record attempts during my time as a Guinness World Records adjudicator — watching a Porsche Cayenne tow one of the largest aircraft in the world definitely ranks as among the most spectacular," said Pravin Patel.

When it comes to setting records for weight towed, car companies plump for a diesel due to the greater levels of torque the engine offers, and Porsche is no different, setting the new benchmark with the Cayenne S Diesel. However, it then de-coupled the car from the plane and did the tow again, this time with the gasoline-powered Cayenne Turbo S.

"Our cars can go a bit beyond what our customers might expect — they're designed to be tough. But even so, what the Cayenne did today was remarkable," said Payne. "We drove the car here from London — and I plan to drive it home again, having rowed an A380 in between."


2019 Thailand Motor Expo: Honda City Turbo RS and Modulo

                BANGKOK: The 1.0-litre turbocharged 2020 Honda City Turbo was showcased in full glory in its RS and Modulo kits at the 36th Thailand International Motor Expo.

Available in four variants with pricing from RM80,000 to RM103,000 (in Thailand), the 5th-gen City will be coming to Malaysia in 2020.

In Thailand, the new City is sold only with the 1.0 litre VTEC TURBO 3-cylinder engine that delivers 122 PS or 120hp, to qualify for duty incentives under Thailand's new emission standards.

The new 1.0-litre turbocharged engine is unlikely to arrive in Malaysia as it is designed to perform using low sulphur petrol.

ALSO READ:

New 5th-gen Honda City makes world premiere in Bangkok

2020 Honda City Turbo

2020 Honda City Turbo RS

2020 Honda City Turbo Modulo


Fiat joins BMW-led group to develop driverless cars

A man walking past the logo of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. - AFP
TURIN: Italian-American automaker Fiat Chrysler today said it was joining a BMW-led group to develop fully self-driving vehicles, the latest tie-up in an industry racing to get ready for the cars of the future.

German luxury carmaker BMW began working on the project with US computer chip giant Intel and the Israeli tech firm Mobileye last year. The group aims to have their first fully automated cars in production by 2021.

German car parts supplier Continental and UK-based auto-equipment maker Delphi have also since joined the collaboration.

"In order to advance autonomous driving technology, it is vital to form partnerships among automakers, technology providers and suppliers," Fiat chief executive Sergio Marchionne said in a statement.

Fiat said teaming up with partners would allow it to benefit from economies of scale, while bringing its own engineering expertise, sales volumes and strong presence in North America to the table.

The BMW-led group plans to put 40 autonomous test vehicles on the road by the end of the year.

Traditional carmakers are scrambling to join the race launched by Silicon Valley firms like Google, Uber or Tesla to create a vehicle that can drive itself in busy, unpredictable urban environments.

Fiat, owner of the Jeep, Alpha Romeo and Maserati brands, has also partnered with Google spin-off Waymo, which added 100 self-driving Chrysler Pacifica minivans to its testing fleet last December.

German luxury carmaker Daimler and auto parts supplier Bosch announced earlier this year that they were working together to create completely driverless cars in the next few years.


Land Rover launches Discovery Commercial, and we are not talking about an ad

                LONDON: It might be one of the more niche Christmas presents out there at the moment, but if someone wants a luxurious SUV crossover, which for tax purposes qualifies as a commercial vehicle, Land Rover has just launched a commercial version of its Discovery model — just in time for the festive season.

Although it's hard to see how much of a market there is a for a van version of the Discovery outside its home market, Land Rover dealers will tell you they get bombarded with enquiries for a commercial variant every time Land Rover launches a new Discovery.

A Discovery Commercial is basically a regular Discovery with all but the front two seats removed, to open up a large load space, which in this case will offer buyers 1,856 litres of flexible capacity to do with as they see fit. There will be two engines available for this version, which are a 2.0-litre Ingenium and a 3.0-litre V-6 diesel. The Discovery Commercial is exclusively all-wheel drive, with an automatic transmission, twin-speed transfer box, air suspension and a full-size spare wheel.

The load-space is accessed by a powered tailgate and benefits from Discovery's innovative powered inner tailgate. The available load-space in the Discovery measures 1,635mm in length, 939mm in height and is 1,411mm wide, and the boot opening is big enough to cope with loads with measurements of up to 1,000 mm x 735mm.

Of course, a Discovery Commercial doesn't come cheap, and the least expensive version is the Commercial S 2.0D SD4, which costs from £40,333 (RM220,000) +VAT + on-the-road costs. At the other end of the scale, a 3.0D TD6 HSE costs close to £60,000 (RM327,000) on-the-road, including VAT.

And it's the tax situation that makes these vehicles attractive to British buyers. Business users can potentially claim the VAT back, which represents 20% of the OTR price, and the company car tax for a commercial vehicle is much less than a passenger vehicle in Britain.

Orders are being taken now, with deliveries starting in the second quarter of 2018.


2019 Geneva Motor Show: Lamborghini reveals Aventador SVJ Roadster

                GENEVA: Lamborghini showed off its new Aventador SVJ Roadster at the Geneva Motor Show.

The Aventador SVJ was officially unveiled in the summer of 2018 at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elégance in the US. This new roadster version is fitted with the same 770hp V12 engine, and offers the same top-level performance, namely acceleration of 0-100kph in 2.9 seconds, a braking distance of 100kph to 0 in only 31 metres and a top speed of 350kph.

With its lightweight materials (aluminium and carbon fibre) and its various features taken from the motor racing world, the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster is a powerful beast adapted for the road.

Only 800 units of this new convertible will be produced. It is expected to be available this summer at a pre-tax price of €387,007 (around RM1.8mil).

Lamborghini's stand at the Geneva Motor Show will also feature its new Huracan EVO Spyder.