Nearly 10,000 summonses issued for fancy number plates in Johor

                JOHOR BARU: Johor police issued 9,985 summonses to motorists for using registration number plates which did not meet specifications from January until today.

Johor Police chief Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said more operations would be held under Op Khas from today until Dec 31 to clamp down on motorists who failed to adhere to the requirements.

"Anyone who uses fancy numbers, change quickly…don’t wait until we take action,” he told reporters after visiting traffic summonses payment counters at the Johor Baru Utara Police headquarters here today.

Meanwhile, he said a total of RM9.6 million traffic summonses had not been settled from 2000 until Nov 30.

He said, for the period, a total of RM13.39 million summonses was registered with RM3.6 million compound fines being paid.

Ayob Khan said most of the summonses issued were for traffic offences under the Automatic Enforcement System (AES).

He said those with outstanding summonses are urged to take advantage of the 50 per cent discount offered by the Johor Contingent Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department starting today until Dec 31, from 8am until 3.30pm.

He added that a total of RM152,720 in traffic summonses was collected on the first day of the discount offer involving a total of 1,050 individuals.


CarSifu on the horizon

                PETALING JAYA: This website will be known as CarSifu from May 28 to better reflect its new mission as an auto classifieds-driven site under the Star Media Group.

It will undergo a revamp and the classifieds component will also be re-formatted to be much more user-friendly.   Beyond classifieds, new car reviews will also be a key feature at CarSifu.

The print pullout will henceforth be renamed CarSifu from the May 28 issue.


Visit CarSifu Auto Show 2016 for good deals and promotions

Elephant rides are a popular tourist attraction in Luang Prabang, Laos. — Image from TripAdvisor
PETALING JAYA: CarSifu Auto Show 2016 visitors stand to win fabulous prizes and get good deals and promotions when they buy a car. The auto show will be held at 1 Utama Shopping Centre here from tomorrow to Sunday.

Among the prizes in a Book and Win contest are:
> two Sharp 58-in Full HD televisions;
> eight Sharp 50-in UHD televisions;
> a pair of AirAsia return tickets to Sapporo, Japan;
> a pair of AirAsia return tickets to Hong Kong;
> a pair of AirAsia return tickets to Bali;
> a pair of AirAsia return tickets to Da Nang, Vietnam and;
> a pair of AirAsia return tickets to Luang Prabang, Laos.

 A 'flying shark' is a reality at the annual Bali kite festival held every July. - EPA

There will also be a CarSifu Snap & Win contest where a visitor can take a selfie and bring the picture to the Star Media Group booth to claim a prize.

Also, there are attractive deals and sales promotions from car brands participating in the five-day auto show, namely:
> Citroen
> Honda
> Isuzu
> Kia
> Mazda
> Mitsubishi
> Nissan
> Peugeot
> Perodua
> Proton
> Renault
> Volvo and
> Volkswagen.

 You could also win a Sharp TV set.

Visitors can also win perfume cards, drawstring bags, luggage tags, umbrellas, key chains, road tax stickers, non-woven bags, backpacks and car-branded badges in a series of fun quiz activities held at the auto show.

The auto show, from 10am to 10pm, will be on a display area of 12,188sq ft around the Highstreet concourse area of the shopping mall.

About 30 cars will be displayed and some will be made available for test drives on a route around Bandar Utama. These cars include models that recently took top honours in the CarSifu Editors’ Choice Awards 2016.

 The auto show will be held at the 1 Utama shopping centre.

At the CarSifu Editors’ Choice Awards 2016 gala dinner in Royale Chulan Damansara on Oct 6, Honda’s Civic 1.5 TC-P won the “Car of the Year”.

Thanks to its styling, features, sharp handling, comfortable ride and accessible pricing of RM135,800 on-the-road, the sleek and sporty sedan also won the Best Mid-size Car category, one of the 22 categories put up for competition.

This is the first such awards organised by Star Media Group.


Car prices without GST yet to be announced (updated)

                PETALING JAYA: Passenger car marques in the country remain unsure about vehicle pricing changes, following the Finance Ministry's announcement on Thursday that Sales and Services Tax (SST) will be re-introduced.

No date was mentioned for the re-introduction of SST, while the Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be zero-rated effective June 1, 2018.

"The shortfall from GST will be cushioned by specific revenue and expenditure measures that shall be announced in due course. Expenditure reduction will begin with rationalisation, efficiency measures and reduction in wastages," stated the Finance Ministry.

Price protection schemes for Proton, Nissan and Subaru cars

While national automaker Proton as well as Toyota, Lexus, Nissan and Subaru vehicle distributors have announced price protection schemes for their customers, other car marques such as Perodua, Honda, Mazda, Peugeot, Kia, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have yet to issue statements at press time regarding the situation.

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd president Ravindran K said any relief and benefit from the new tax structure will be fully passed on to Toyota and Lexus customers, and any price revision will be considered in the best interest of its customers.

Further information on the reduced On-The-Road prices of Toyota and Lexus vehicles can be obtained through the Toyota Freephone at 1800-8-TOYOTA (869682), Lexus Freephone at 1800-88-LEXUS (53987) or by visiting authorised Toyota or Lexus sales outlets.

Meanwhile, all Proton cars sold and registered from May 16 to 31, 2018 will include service vouchers equivalent in value to the difference between the current and new prices of the car after GST is zero rated.

“Proton is supportive of the new Malaysian government’s efforts to reduce the cost of living for the people. Despite zero rated GST only coming into effect on June 1, we have decided to reward our customers immediately as a token of gratitude for their support and in the spirit of the holy month of Ramadan,” said Proton vice president of sales and marketing Abdul Rashid Musa.

Additionally, Proton is offering a 6% discount on periodical maintenance (labour and parts only) at authorised service centres.

This service initiative will commence on May 19 to 31, 2018.

Customers servicing their cars from May 16 - 18, 2018 will be given a 6% discount at their next scheduled service (subject to showing the receipt from their previous service).

These offers are in addition to the current Kosong-kosong promotion where buyers of the Proton Iriz (Executive and Premium variant), Ertiga (all variants) and Exora (all variants) who sign up for 9-year loan tenures with Hong Leong Bank are eligible for 0% financing for the first year.

Those who opt for the Proton Saga or Persona instead and finance their purchase with a 7-year loan from Proton Commerce can get free 3-months instalment, subject to terms and conditions.

Also, TC Subaru Sdn Bhd has stated that unregistered as well as new bookings of all Subaru vehicle models will be price protected from May 11 till August 18, 2018.

If there are price hikes before registration of any booked Subaru cars due to changes in the tax regime, TC Subaru will honour the original, lower price.

Conversely, if prices drop, TC Subaru customers will get service vouchers equal in value to the price difference (up to a limit of RM3,000).

"For example, should a vehicle’s price reduce by RM1,000 after the change in applicable taxes, it shall be traded into a service voucher worth RM1,000. For unregistered bookings, should later prevailing prices drop at registration, the booking price will be adjusted correspondingly i.e if the booking price was RM100,000 and the prevailing price at registration is RM99,000, the lower price of RM99,000 will apply," stated TC Subaru.

Meanwhile, Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) sales and marketing director Christopher Tan said prices of passenger cars may see an increase if SST is re-introduced at the former rate of 10%.

"Almost all car brands, following the move from SST to 6% GST three years ago, saw a slight drop in prices. So, if the SST is implemented at the old rate of 10%, logically there will be an increase in prices. So, perhaps now would be the better time to to buy cars," said Tan during the launch of the Nissan Serena 2.0L S-Hybrid on Monday.

However, Tan said ETCM has a price protection scheme where beginning this month, Nissan car buyers will get a refund for the differences in prices, if prices for their new vehicles drop after GST is abolished.

"On the other hand, if car prices go up after GST is abolished, then those who buy their cars now will not lose," said Tan.


Historic first as JPJ includes women in m-cycle enforcement unit

Ismail with the first three women to join the Motorcycle Enforcement Unit (from left) Siti Syazwani, Wah Moliz and Asma Shafie.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Kuala Lumpur Road Transport Department (JPJ) has created history by including women in its Motorcycle Enforcement Unit (UPB), a first for the department nationwide.

Comprising just three women for a start, the idea was mooted by KL JPJ director Datuk Ismail Mohd Zawawi, who felt it was timely to take the first step to have women in the unit.

The three women are Wah Moliz Bah, 28; Asma Shafie, 24; and Siti Syazwani Hajizin, 27.

Wah Moliz, an Orang Asli from the Semai tribe in Gopeng, Perak, said she took on the director's suggestion because of her interest in high-powered motorcycles.

"The UPB only had men so far, but now the JPJ has opened opportunities for female members to join. It also proves that women are just as competent in operating big bikes,” she told reporters after the 73rd Kuala Lumpur JPJ Day celebrations here Wednesday (April 17).

"The courses and training that we undergo are the same as our male counterparts, but the main challenge is the high level of stamina and strength we need because the bikes are heavy," she said.

Siti Syazwani said she did not think she would have the chance to join the unit as she had only worked at the department for just two years, adding, however, that she was thankful for the opportunity.

"The thing that I remember most when I attended the course was when we were asked to lift the Kawasaki Versys 650cc motorcycle that weighs almost 200kg.

"We need to know how to lift the motorcycle and if it falls, we have to learn the technique of getting the machine up.

"So far, we have been riding our motorcycles to Melaka but there will be more training and courses for us to strengthen and hone our skills," she said.

Meanwhile, Ismail said that having the three women in the unit was to provide exposure to them.

"It was an idea that came up early this year and I challenge women to join the UPB because they can do it,” he said.


Farewell, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

DETROIT: Mitsubishi Motors will bid farewell to the Lancer Evolution in the United States by offering 1,600 numbered Final Edition models.

Arguably the originator of the four-door sports car genre, the Lancer Evolution has seen 10 generations – three of which were sold in the United States over 12 years.

The heart of the Final Edition is a 5-speed transmission paired with a turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder 2.0L engine, producing 303hp at 6,500rpm and 413Nm of torque at 4,000rpm.

Performance is further enhanced by use of lightweight two-piece Brembo brake rotors up front, accompanied by Bilstein shock absorbers and Eibach springs at all four corners.

As with all 2015 Lancer Evolutions, the Final Edition model features Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel control system.

The Final Edition model receives exterior upgrades including a Final Edition badge in the rear, black painted aluminium roof, and dark chrome painted Enkei alloy wheels.

"The Lancer Evolution is one of the most well-known sports sedans and is revered by 'gearheads' around the globe," said Mitsubishi Motors North America executive vice president Don Swearingen.

"The Final Edition model pays homage to Evo's remarkable place in automotive history."


Plenty to like in refreshed VW Tiguan Allspace

                WOLFSBURG: The Tiguan was given an update back in autumn 2020 and now it is the turn of the long-wheelbase version: revised design, new control and assist systems, new premium features such as interactive IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights and touch panels to control the standard automatic air conditioner take the Tiguan Allspace to the next level.

Currently, more than every second Tiguan (55 percent) that rolls off the production line worldwide has a long wheelbase. The XL version of the Tiguan Allspace can, upon request, be fitted to become an SUV with seven seats or boast 1,920 litres of storage space. Pre-sales start in the next few weeks. In Germany, it is available in the new specification packages Life, Elegance and R-Line.

Since the start of production of the long version in 2017, around 1.5 million units of the long-wheelbase version (LWB) have been sold worldwide. The long version offered in Europe as the Tiguan Allspace is optionally available with a third row of seats – a rare specification option in this segment. This feature makes it suited for families and people with an active lifestyle.

After the major visual and technological update of the Tiguan, the Tiguan Allspace is now next in line – with a sharper look, digital cockpit, new technologies, new equipment matrix and comprehensive connectivity. Its virtues as a spacious SUV remain unchanged: with a five-seat configuration, it offers a luggage compartment volume of 760 to 1,920 litres, with the seven-seater offering 700 to 1,755 litres.

The optional seats in the third row can be folded like the rear bench seat and backrest in the second row. They can be dropped to fit flush into the luggage compartment floor thus creating an even loading area. There are three TSIs and two TDIs engines available. Upon request or depending on the equipment, a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox ensures fast, efficient gear changes and the optional 4MOTION all-wheel drive offers optimum traction.

Due to its redesigned front, the Tiguan Allspace has now grown to a length of 4,723 mm (22 mm longer); all the generous interior measurements are unchanged.

With its newly designed front featuring an independent radiator grille and elegant signature light, the vehicle exudes premium quality. For the first time, the Tiguan Allspace can now be ordered with IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights. A further new feature is the “sweeping” indicator function of the LED turn signals. On either side of the redesigned Volkswagen logo, an illuminated strip in the radiator grille adds a striking visual note.

Three equipment options available

Volkswagen has reconfigured and optimised the equipment matrix of the Tiguan Allspace. In future, it will be available in the versions Life, Elegance and R-Line in Germany. The Elegance equipment elegantly showcases the new Tiguan Allspace with numerous chrome-plated elements in the interior and on the exterior as well as 19-inch alloy wheels. Sporty drivers can order the Tiguan Allspace in the R-Line version. A multifunction leather sports steering wheel with touch operation and R-Line logo, decorative trims in Carbon Grey, Digital Cockpit Pro and 19- or 20-inch wheels are just some of the distinctive features. When it comes to comfort, the front seats can be ordered in the ergoActive version with electric 4-way lumbar support adjustment and massage function.

All air conditioning, heating and ventilation functions of the standard three-zone automatic air conditioner are operated via a new digitalised module in the centre console. Touch panels and sliders take the place of rotary knobs and buttons.

The driver can now also choose to receive information via the full-colour head-up display. It projects driving-related information such as speed, directions and warnings in the driver’s field of vision. The already proven optional Trailer Assist system supports the driver when manoeuvring a trailer. The maximum trailer weight is up to 2.5 tonnes with the 4MOTION all-wheel drive.

Partly automated driving

Partly automated driving is made possible by IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist that is used for the first time in the Tiguan Allspace.

Depending on the gearbox type, the system can take over steering, braking and acceleration at speeds starting from standstill  (with dual clutch gearbox) or 30kph (manual gearbox) up to 210kph. To do this, Travel Assist relies on familiar systems including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) for longitudinal guidance, and Lane Assist (fitted as standard) for lateral guidance.

For smart connectivity, the Tiguan Allspace boasts a number of new infotainment systems (new-generation MIB3) that are linked up to a wide range of online services. An Online Connectivity Unit (OCU) with integrated eSIM allows users to benefit from the online services of We Connect (set up for an unlimited usage period) and We Connect Plus (set up for free use for one or three years in Europe).

Depending on the equipment level, the range of MIB3 systems is supplemented with features such as natural voice control, access to streaming services and cloud-based personalisation via Volkswagen ID. Additionally, apps can now be integrated wirelessly via App-Connect Wireless for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Volkswagen has developed an optional premium sound system with Harman Kardon.

A subwoofer, a digital 16-channel amplifier, 8 plus 1 high-performance loudspeakers and an amplifier with a 480-watt total output provide crystal clear treble and deep, rich bass sounds. Four sound scenarios, surround mode and razor-sharp speech reproduction guarantee high-end sound at all seats.


Stellantis Jeep joint venture in China to file for bankruptcy

                GUANGZHOU: The venture between Stellantis and Guangzhou Automobile Group Co (GAC) producing Jeep vehicles in China will file for bankruptcy, the companies said today, after a lengthy decline for the oldest foreign auto brand in the world's largest market.

Stellantis said in a statement it had fully impaired the value of its investment in the joint venture in its results for the first half of 2022. It also said it would continue to provide service to Jeep customers in China.

GAC, which approved the bankruptcy filing, said the joint venture had liabilities of almost 111% of its assets of 7.3 billion yuan (RM4.8bil). The bankruptcy would not have a significant impact on GAC's operations, the Chinese company said in a stock exchange filing.

Stellantis terminated the venture with GAC in July, only months after it said it would raise its stake in the business to 75% from 50%.

In the following days, GAC criticised Stellantis and said it was "deeply shocked" by comments from the European carmaker about the end of their joint venture in China.

Sales for the venture, which sold the Jeep Cherokee SUV and the Compass crossover, have been in sharp decline for the past four years. Sales fell by 50% in 2021 from the previous year to 20,396 vehicles.

For 2022, it sold fewer than 2,000 vehicles. In May, it reported selling only a single vehicle.

While reporting financial results in July, Stellantis Chief Executive Officer Carlos Tavares said that over the last five years "the political influence" in doing business with its partners in China was growing. He said then he did not see a major long-term impact from the company's decision to break the joint venture.

Earlier this month, Tavares said Chinese automakers should be subject to the same tariffs when exporting cars to Europe as European brands face when exporting to China.

Foreign automakers as a group have been under growing pressure in China, where the market has shifted quickly to battery-electric vehicles and domestic brands have been taking market share.

Foreign automakers saw their share of China's auto market, now the world's largest, drop by 5.5 percentage points last year, to 45.6%, according to the China Passenger Car Association.

The joint-venture model, which China had insisted on as a condition of investment by foreign automakers, is under threat, said Chee-Kiang Lim, managing director China at Detroit-based consultancy Urban Science.

"The joint-venture policy was originally designed to compel foreign brands to share their brands and technology with local Chinese (automakers) in exchange for access to China's large, growing auto market," he said.

Now that Chinese automakers are more "confident that they have closed the gaps with or even surpassed their foreign partners," he said, "we have to expect more JVs to unwind in the coming years."

The bankruptcy for the Jeep venture is the latest chapter in a turbulent history for the first foreign brands to have invested in China, when it was an almost non-existent market for global automakers.

The former AMC invested in a Beijing Jeep joint venture in 1984, the first such deal for vehicle production in China by an American brand.

The operation went through ownership changes after AMC was acquired by Chrysler and then Chrysler was acquired by Fiat, which became Stellantis in 2021 after a merger with Peugeot.

Tesla is the only global automaker that was granted a waiver to produce cars in China without a joint venture.


VW says sorry after admitting car ad racist

                BERLIN: Volkswagen withdrew on Wednesday an advert posted on its official Instagram page for its Golf cars that it admitted was racist and insulting, saying it would investigate how it came about and draw consequences.

The German car company, which has seen its reputation tarnished in the last five years after it admitted cheating diesel emissions tests, said it did not tolerate any form of racism.

The advert on Instagram features large pale-skinned hands seeming to push and then flick a black man away from a shiny new yellow Golf parked on a street.

German television noted that the hand could be interpreted as making a “white power” gesture, while letters that appear on the screen afterwards briefly spell out a racist slur in German.

Juergen Stackmann, the VW brand’s board member for sales and marketing, and Elke Heitmueller, head of diversity management, took to Twitter and LinkedIn to apologise.

“We understand the public outrage at this. Because we’re horrified, too. This video is an insult to all achievements of the civil rights movement. It is an insult to every decent person,” they wrote.

“We at Volkswagen are aware of the historical origins and the guilt of our company during the Nazi regime. That is precisely why we resolutely oppose all forms of hatred, slander/propaganda and discrimination.”

Founded on orders by Adolf Hitler to build the “people’s car”, VW employed forced labourers for the Nazi war effort.

A Volkswagen spokesman said agencies usually produce its advertising campaigns and it was investigating where the mistake happened and would make it public when it found out.


Formula E founder/CEO gets to introduce Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY race car

                LONDON: Formula E founder and CEO Alejandro Agag will drive the Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY race car as it makes its global debut in Berlin ahead of the E-Prix.

The eTROPHY will debut on May 19 on the Berlin Tempelhof Circuit and marks the next chapter of the 2018/19 season of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship. The eTROPHY race car will be joined on the Berlin track by the next generation Formula E car to showcase the future of the championship.

Jaguar has created the first all-electric production-based support series after becoming the first premium manufacturer to join Formula E back in 2016. Since the announcement, the eTROPHY has attracted global attention as momentum builds ahead of season five.

The eTROPHY offers a complete ‘Arrive and Drive’ package for 20 drivers. MS-RT were recently enlisted as Jaguar Racing’s technical operations partner for eTROPHY and will provide on-track engineering and technical resource to deliver the championship.

 Jaguar Racing team director James Barclay (left) and Agag.

“I’m honoured to drive the Jaguar," said Agag. "This glimpse into the future will be a special moment for the championship as we look ahead to the next generation of electric racing.”


California OKs US$1.4bil plan for car chargers, hydrogen refuelling

                SACRAMENTO: The California Energy Commission (CEC) has approved a three-year US$1.4 billion plan to help California achieve its electric vehicle charging and hydrogen refuelling goals.

The CEC said the plan, approved on Monday, will support California governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order phasing out the sale of new gasoline-powered passenger vehicles by 2035.

The 2021–2023 Investment Plan Update increases the budget of the Clean Transportation Program by six times, including US$1.1 billion from the 2021–2022 state budget in addition to the remaining US$238 million in program funds, the CEC said.

“These dollars close the 2025 infrastructure funding gap so that access to charging and hydrogen fueling isn’t a barrier for those exploring cleaner transportation options," Lead Commissioner for Transportation Patty Monahan said in a statement.

The CEC said the plan focuses on zero-emissions vehicle infrastructure build-out, with nearly 80% of available funding going to charging stations or hydrogen refuelling.

The plan includes US$314 million for light-duty electric vehicle charging infrastructure, US$690 million for medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicle infrastructure (battery-electric and hydrogen) and US$244 million for zero-emissions vehicle manufacturing.

On Nov 19, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) will consider a complementary proposal for US$1.5 billion in clean transportation incentives, including consumer vehicle rebates, and heavy-duty and off-road equipment investments, the CEC said.


F1 champions Mercedes sign Bottas, Massa returns

Wolff (left) and Bottas.
LONDON: Valtteri Bottas replaced retired Formula One world champion Nico Rosberg at Mercedes on Monday, with Brazilian veteran Felipe Massa coming out of retirement to take the Finn's seat at Williams.

Appearing at the factory with team boss Toto Wolff, Bottas promised to push new team mate and triple world champion Lewis Hamilton as hard as possible.

"I'm sure we are going to be close and both pushing each other forward," said the 27-year-old, who has yet to win a grand prix in four years at Williams but has appeared on the podium nine times.

Wolff, who helped guide the Finn's early career and also has close ties with Mercedes-powered Williams as a former shareholder, said Bottas would fit in well.

"He's very fast as a driver, and he shows our values," added the Austrian, who has had an unexpectedly busy winter following Rosberg's shock decision to quit 45 days ago, less than a week after winning his first championship. "He's modest, humble and hard-working."

 Massa.

Williams had earlier announced that Massa, who left at the end of last season at the age of 35, had agreed a one-year contract to end the shortest of retirements.

Mercedes have been dominant for the last three years, winning both the drivers and constructors' titles, and will start as favorites again despite major aerodynamic rule changes.

While Hamilton, 32, can expect to be the team's main man - with many tipping the Briton to romp to a fourth title after winning 10 races in a rollercoaster 2016 - Bottas can be a genuine contender.

"Now it's time for the next level, to see how he can step up to challenge for race wins and for Championships," Wolff said.

"We know that we are already behind the curve in terms of preparations for the new season, so we've got a busy program to get him integrated into the team. One thing is for sure: as I know Valtteri, he will give it everything."

Massa, a former race winner with Ferrari and 2008 world championship runner-up, will partner 18-year-old Canadian rookie Lance Stroll at Williams.

"I always intended to race somewhere in 2017, but Williams is a team close to my heart and I have respect for everything it is trying to achieve," said the Brazilian, who made a tearful farewell to his home crowd last November.

"I certainly have not lost any of my enthusiasm for racing and I’m extremely motivated to be coming back to drive the FW40."

Sauber earlier set the day's merry-go-round in motion by announcing that German driver Pascal Wehrlein, who was the Mercedes reserve and Bottas's main rival to replace Rosberg, would race for them this year.

Wehrlein, 22, drove for struggling Manor as a rookie last year but Mercedes felt they needed a more experienced replacement.

Bottas's arrival means Mercedes will have no German driver in their line-up for the first time since the German carmaker bought the former Brawn GP team at the end of 2009 and returned as a constructor.

Rosberg was partnered by seven-times world champion Michael Schumacher until Hamilton arrived in 2013.

Mercedes said Rosberg had accepted an ambassadorial role with the team for 2017, with his first commitment an appearance with Hamilton on Tuesday for watch sponsor IWC Schaffhausen.

The day's announcements left tail-enders Manor, who are in administration and seeking a rescuer, as the only team with any potential driver vacancies for the season starting in Australia on March 26.


The iconic VW 'Light' Bus rides again!

                WASHINGTON: After more than 50 years, the iconic ‘Light’ bus — a Volkswagen Type 2 van made world famous after its appearance at the legendary 1969 Woodstock Art and Music Fair, will ride again.

Thanks to help from Volkswagen of America and the greater Volkswagen community, artist Dr. Bob Hieronimus, who painted the original Light bus, will unveil a recreation of the legendary bus this weekend at the Orange Country Transporter Organization (O.C.T.O.) Winter Meet in Long Beach, California.

Volkswagen fans, auto enthusiasts and art aficionados alike can view the hand-painted art piece from 6.00am to 2.00pm on Saturday, Feb 16 at Long Beach Veteran’s Memorial Stadium.

This will be the first public unveiling of the replica of the Woodstock icon and the premiere stop of its scheduled cross-country tour leading up to the music festival’s 50th anniversary.

The eye-popping van is the result of a three-year endeavor with Hieronimus and Canadian documentarian John Wesley Chisholm to recover and recreate the van ahead of Woodstock’s milestone anniversary.

“It’s a time machine that takes people to the past, through the present and to the future,” says Chisholm.

Hieronimus painted the original 1963 Standard Microbus in 1968, after an invitation from the van’s owner, who was using it to haul his band to the festival and wanted a ‘magic bus.’

It became a symbol of the Woodstock Art and Music Fair and greater generational call for peace, love and unity after a snapshot of the van by the Associated Press was widely circulated in newspapers and magazines across the country. The van even appeared in the liner of the official Woodstock album.

While the VW bus had already been a favorite among young people seeking efficient ways to travel the country, the Light van covered with Hieronimus’s phalanx of hand-painted symbols and psychedelic shapes captured a unique moment of American culture.

“The bus is really about being one people on one planet. On every side of the bus is a story — many stories — and the stories all point to unification, working together and a higher consciousness, which is what Light really is all about,” says Hieronimus, who is also a symbologist.

Originally, the pair hoped to locate and restore the original ‘Light’ bus, but after a six-month search came up empty, they decided to build a replica.

Thanks to a successful Kickstarter effort, the pair was able to acquire an exact model of the original ‘Light’ bus and begin a painstaking restoration process, including a six-week effort by Hieronimus and a team of five artists to recreate the original paintings from the bus.

After learning about the project, Volkswagen of America supported the search and restoration process.

A team of Volkswagen fans have also helped bring the project to fruition, offering their services and jumping in to assist the duo.

“It’s a living room on wheels that you can outfit any way you want, and transports you and your family, however you define family, wherever you want to go,” said Chisholm.


Karma announces first retailer in San Francisco Bay area

                LOS ANGELES: Karma Automotive, the Southern California-based high-tech incubator and creator of luxury electric vehicles, announced today its newest North American retail partner in San Jose.

Karma San Jose, operated by Karma of San Jose, Inc., is Karma’s first retailer in Silicon Valley, and fourth retailer in California. It is 618km north-west of Karma's base in Irvine near here.

Silicon Valley is an important market for the company, which last year established a business and technology development office in San Jose to help drive innovation and build partnerships.

Karma San Jose will offer Karma’s new luxury electric Revero GT.

Karma said the 2020 Revero GT offers heightened performance with an elegant interior, reimagined infotainment and technology, and enhanced electric architecture.

Dual electric motors powering the vehicle’s on-board generator offer high performance and handling, with the ability to drive up to 570km.

“Silicon Valley is an important region for Karma’s luxury electric products and our vision of a high-tech, sustainable future,” said Joost De Vries, VP of Global Sales and Customer Experience, Karma Automotive. “Karma San Jose is the right partner to support our goals of customisation, service, and distinct design and technology offerings.”

While the Karma San Jose showroom will remain closed in the immediate term due to Covid-19, the retailer is offering additional services to make shopping and service experiences convenient including a dedicated Karma specialist to discuss automotive needs over the phone, socially distanced or no-contact delivery and service, and the ability to buy a vehicle remotely.

Beyond its growing global retail network, Karma’s momentum is partly driven by its position as a technology-focused brand. The company is currently building a global organisation of both retailers and strategic partners.


DRB-Hicom and Zhejiang Geely ink RM1bil contract for Proton, Lotus

                KUALA LUMPUR: DRB-Hicom Bhd and Zhejiang Geely Holdings Group have signed the final agreement, which sees the latter acquiring 49.99% of car manufacturer Proton and 51% of luxury sports car brand Lotus in a deal worth RM1bil.

Zhejiang Geely is buying the Proton stake for RM460.30mil, of which RM170mil is cash and the remaining RM290m will be in form of a transfer of the former's sports utility vehicle (SUV) platform Boyue for RM290mil.

The next step will see Proton venturing into the SUV market through the rebadging and later the development of its own SUV under the platform. On display at the signing ceremony was the Geely Boyue and an updated Proton Exora. The Boyue is expected to be the base for Proton's first SUV offering.

 The Boyue interior.

As for the Lotus stake, Zhejiang Geely will be paying 100mil pound sterling (RM540mil) to Proton for the 51% stake.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said today that the signing of agreement cements the new beginning of strategic partnership between both companies.

''Following this strategic partnership, Proton will have the ability and resources to turn itself around and become an example of Malaysian success.

 Najib and Li shaking hands after the signing ceremony between DRB-HICOM Bhd and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group in Kuala Lumpur today. — AFP

''Geely is a company with the right credentials and proven track record. I believe Geely has the ability and expertise to take Proton to new levels of success,'' said Najib.

Among those present to witness the signing were Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Huang Huikang, Minister of Finance II Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Second Minister of International Trade Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan, Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to China Tan Sri Ong Ka Ting, chairman of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Li Shufu, president of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group An Conghui, and managing director of DRB-Hicom Datuk Seri Syed Faisal.

“The acquisition is expected to be completed in three months, after which Zhejiang Geely will form a core management team recruited from a pool of global candidates to ensure the smooth operation of Proton,” both companies said in a joint statement.

Li Shufu said: “As an iconic national brand, Proton epitomises the spirit of Malaysia. Our partnership with DRB-Hicom will enable Proton to become the industry leader in Malaysia and a top three brand in Southeast Asia.

WATCH: More on-site scenes of the Boyue in Proton video clip Najib taking a closer look at the Geely Boyue. — AFP

“We will also continue to expand Lotus’ product portfolio and increase production to further enhance its brand. Furthermore, the deep regional knowledge we gain from Proton and Lotus through this transformative partnership, coupled with our technological expertise and leadership in innovation, opens the door for Zhejiang Geely to become a major player in the Asean market and will help us reach our sales target of three million units by 2020,” he said.

Meanwhile, Syed Faisal said Zhejiang Geely - which also owns Sweden’s Volvo Cars, London Taxi Company, LYNK & CO and the Geely Auto portfolio of car brands - is the right partner for Proton.

“With Zhejiang Geely making Proton their right hand-drive hub for the Asean region, Proton can now target the immense Asean passenger car market for both our existing models and Geely’s models.

“Proton’s status as Malaysia’s national car is secure, and DRB-Hicom remains a majority shareholder. Proton will now focus their efforts with Zhejiang Geely on gaining domestic market share,” he said.

 The Exora was also present at the signing ceremony.

More Geely Boyue photos


Ford-SK: Another big EV battery fantasy, another letdown

                HONG KONG: There it is again: Another automaker makes a big announcement about its electrification plans with a battery manufacturer.

Going by previous proclamations, that’s not just ambitious but far-fetched.

Ford Motor Co and SK Innovation Co announced they’re partnering to spend US$11.4bil (RM47.8bil) on three electric car battery plants across the United States, making it the most sizeable investment in the automaker’s 118-year history.

The deal to build the biggest battery plant ever in America would catapult the South Korean firm to the status of a leading battery maker in the US and is also its largest single outlay. All very big.

It comes at a time when US President Joe Biden’s administration has been talking up electric vehicle (EV) subsidies, including tax credits.

In addition, anything made in the US or with higher domestic content, including battery cells, would get more government support.

That’s on top of a new national blueprint for lithium-ion batteries, making it perfect timing for Ford and SK’s blockbuster investment.

There’s more to consider, however.

Beyond the potential feats the investment brings for the companies, it’s worth taking a closer look at their plans and the batteries they are promising.

Through the 129 gigawatt-hours of battery annual production capacity they will build, the firms expect to produce one million power packs for sport utility vehicles and trucks (like the all-electric F-150 Lightning pickup Biden recently took a ride in.)

SK’s focus has been on commercialising high-nickel content batteries, or NCMs.

Five years ago, it developed the NCM811 and now the Nickel 9 battery that’s 90% nickel.

This, the company said, will “be mass produced in the US, powering Ford’s F-150 Lightning.”

For starters, this type of battery has not yet proven to be entirely safe. While SK hasn’t registered an EV battery-related fire, high-nickel content power packs – although they deliver significant energy – have been known to be chemically unstable and prone to combust.

Such batteries forced General Motors Co to recall every EV Bolt vehicle that it’s made since 2017, at a total cost of US$1.8bil (RM7.5bil) to the firms involved.

The cars were equipped with the NCM type made by another South Korean company, LG Energy Solution, a unit of South Korean industrial giant LG Chem Ltd.

Yet the South Korean battery companies have continued to stay on this path.

That means they aren’t fully considering the cheaper, safer and more realistic option (the lithium iron phosphate, or LFP, power packs that the Chinese are focused on improving).

This would set them, and their auto partners, on a path toward their lofty electrification goals, while taking advantage of the subsidies the administration could have on offer and complying with stringent emissions regulations.

Installations of improved LFP types have sharply outpaced NCMs in recent months, running against most market expectations and forecasts.

Instead, SK Innovation recently signed a contract with Ecopro BM Co, a company that makes and sells high-nickel parts (cathodes and others) for batteries, to supply 80% to 90% nickel-content products for NCMs for 10 trillion Korean won (US$8.5bil or RM35.6bil) starting in 2024. That will cost them.

Separately, SK has had a few setbacks over its battery technology in the US.

This came after trade secrets disputes with LG Energy that risked its ability to grow production in the country.

In April, the companies settled, with SK set to pay LG US$1.8bil (RM7.5bil) in lump sum payments and a running royalty.

They’ve agreed to withdraw all pending legal disputes and said they are “all for the future of the US and South Korean electric vehicle battery industries.”

There’s also commercial viability to consider.

While these plans are ambitious, there is the reality of the cost of doing business.

Although SK and its South Korean peers have been focused on high-energy density power packs, currently a technology barrier, these batteries are still extremely expensive and a profitable future is a while away for them.

SK Innovation’s battery business, for instance, posted a minus 26.5% operating margin in 2020 but is hoping to be in the “high single-digit” range after 2025, according to Daiwa Securities Group Inc analysts.

The high returns that should come with high risks don’t seem immediately on offer.

Big isn’t always better – as investors and the firms should know by now.


New Hyundai 3S centre opens in Malacca

                PETALING JAYA: Car dealer Sing Kwung Premium Sdn Bhd has opened a new Hyundai 3S centre in Malacca.

The new centre houses a showroom, a spare parts section and a service workshop that comes with
five fully equipped service bays offering a maximum throughput of 50 vehicles a day.

The 3S centre comes equipped with WiFi, a customer lounge and a playground for kids as customers wait for their cars to be serviced.

An electric vehicle charging station is also available.

Customers who wish to test-drive the Kona Electric can also do so at the centre by making an appointment with a salesperson.

Sing Kwung Premium has been in the car dealership business for 25 years.

Customers can call 06-3322434 for more information or to book a test drive, and 06-3322313 to book for service.


Isuzu D-Max 3.0 4X4 X-Terrain V-Cross: A more refined off-roader

                THE popular Isuzu D-Max pick-up truck range was recently updated with some new kit and exterior aesthetics for 2023.

Notably, new items on the flagship X-Terrain variant include a 15W wireless fast charging pad, a 2.1A USB-C charging port, and a digital video recorder for the front and rear.

Also, the big 9-inch touchscreen and two USB-A ports (one in the front and another in the rear) provide extra infotainment and charging options.

Adding to the interior appeal of the X-Terrain variant are new cabin ambient lighting, black leather seats, brown faux stitching on the upper dashboard, as well as other updated details.

As for the updated exterior, new details include an aggressive-looking front grille design, 18-inch alloy wheels and rear combination lamp covers.

The front camera of the digital video recorder captures 1440P videos while the rear camera records in 1080P.

It’s worth noting that a digital video recorder with front and rear cameras is an increasingly desirable feature to have in vehicles nowadays, as the videos are useful evidence in road accident disputes.

We recently spent some time with the flagship 3-0-litre 4X4 X-Terrain model, and it proved to be an impressive combination of premium comfort and functionality.

There is certainly no disagreement from us regarding Isuzu’s marketing spiel of ‘a quiet cabin, comfortable seats, and plenty of rear legroom.’

Our driving experience in the X-Terrain variant was comfortable and refined enough (for a pick-up truck), thanks to the top-notch sound insulation which did a good job of muffling the agricultural clatter of the diesel engine.

The eight-speaker audio set-up including two speakers positioned in the cabin ceiling, provides high-quality listening pleasure and adds to the premium ambience of the cabin.

Road, wind and engine noise intrusion were quite minimal, and the tilt and telescopic steering helped us to settle into our preferred driver’s position.

A deep storage box between the two front seats also doubles as a nice leather armrest, and we like the black leather-clad interior.

Useful storage options include the front seat-back pockets, door bins, cupholders and a fold-out hook on the front passenger seat-back.

Also providing convenience are hand grips that are mounted on the B-pillars for rear occupants to enter or exit.

The automatic welcome light at the side steps, which activates as you get within two metres of the pick-up truck with the key, is really useful in low-light parking lots.

The hydraulic power-assisted steering was well-tuned, and manoeuvring in tight parking spots was a lot easier with the help of the 3D image/bird’s eye view courtesy of the Around View Monitor.

We found that the surround camera set-up really made a huge difference in the ease of steering a big pick-up truck accurately into a parking bay.

The cabin feels spacious, with ample leg and rear headroom for 1.7-metre people, and another nice feature is the rear foldable armrest with two built-in cup holders.

On rough and off-road terrain, a rotary knob controller allows you to select 2H (two-wheel drive), 4H (four-wheel drive high) and 4L (four-wheel drive low) modes.

Running on 265/60 R18 Dunlop Grandtrek AT25 tyres, the D-Max X-Terrain is a comfortable drive in city traffic, and urban road irregularities are well soaked up.

To put that into context, this doesn’t mean ride comfort levels are on par with passenger SUVs (sport utility vehicles), as this is still a pick-up with a leaf-sprung rear, built to carry heavy cargo loads.

The six-speed automatic transmission is a smooth shifter, and we found ample power from the 3.0-litre Blue Power diesel Variable Geometry System (VGS) turbocharged engine.

Regarding fuel economy, we had recorded an average of 9.9km per litre, according to the trip meter, after a week with the pick-up truck during which we drove 376km over a mix of congested city roads and free-flowing highways.

When we returned the D-Max X-Terrain, the digital fuel tank meter gauge was slightly below the halfway point, and the trip meter showed it can still travel another 365km before refuelling.

We drove with our typical heavy-footed style, and the air-conditioning was switched on all the time.

For its hefty price tag of RM150,938 (on the road without insurance), the X-Terrain variant comes with a heap of high-tech safety features and an advanced driver assist system (ADAS) package, in addition to its abundant comfort and convenience features.

These include Autonomous Emergency Braking for potential collisions, and Turn Assist which monitors traffic and also brakes automatically to avoid accidents.

In summary, the well-appointed flagship D-Max X-Terrain is fitted out with ample connected and digital tech, premium kit and safety features for the urban trucker, and scores high on interior comforts.

SPECIFICATIONSIsuzu D-Max 3.0L 4X4 X-Terrain V-CrossEngine: 2,999cc; Blue Power turbo-diesel, Variable Geometry System (VGS) turbocharger, Intercooler diesel, DOHC 16V, direct injection electronic common rail
Maximum power: 190PS at 3,600rpm
Maximum torque: 450Nm at 1,600 to 2,600rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic with Sequential Shift
Suspension: Independent double wishbone, coil springs (front); semi-elliptical leaf springs (rear)
Features: Electronically-actuated rear differential lock, automatic Bi-LED projector headlamps with Follow-Me-Home Light & LED daytime running lights (DRL), automatic headlamp levelling, automatic wipers, welcome light, walkaway door lock, 9-inch touchscreen infotainment with USB, Bluetooth, WiFi, MirrorLink, Miracast, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto Connectivity and 8 speakers, automatic dual-zone air-conditioning with rear air vents, wireless charging pad and one USB-C charging port, two USB-A ports, black combination leather seats, 8-way powered and lumbar support for driver’s seat, seven airbags, Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Brake Override System (BOS), Reverse Camera, Around View Monitor and 3D Image Guide, front and rear parking sensors, Digital Video Recorder (DVR) - front and rear
Advanced safety (ADAS): Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Turn Assist, automatic Pedal Misapplication Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop and Go function, Automatic High Beam (AHB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Manual Speed Limiter (MSL), Multi Collision Brake, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Price: RM150,938 (on the road without insurance)
Warranty: Seven years, unlimited mileage


Nissan has a new 'Z' that's a blast from the past

                DETROIT: Nissan motor Co unveiled the latest generation of its "Z" sports car, which will come with a gasoline-fueled engine and a manual transmission, a throwback in a world that's moving toward electric sports cars.

The automaker's chief operating officer said that is the way fans want it.

"We just listen to our fans," Nissan COO Ashwani Gupta told Reuters in an interview on Tuesday.

"The customer has asked for 400 horsepower and a manual transmission."

A nine-speed automatic transmission will be offered, a nod to American drivers who do not want to shift their own gears.

The new Z will go on sale in the United States in the spring of 2022, as Nissan tries to accelerate a financial turnaround.

The Japanese automaker reported a profit for its fiscal first quarter ended June 30.

The sporty Z has served as the avatar for a Nissan turnaround in the past.

READ MORE: Nissan aims to make the best Z yet

In 1999, a sleek prototype of a new generation of the car helped revive consumer interest in the Nissan brand after the company was rescued by French automaker Renault SA.

Nissan has said it will offer electric options in all its models by the early 2030s, and joined with US automakers in endorsing the Biden administration's goal of boosting electric vehicles to 40%-50% of US new car and light truck sales by 2030.

The latest Z model debuts at a challenging moment for the auto industry.

Shortages of semiconductors and a surge in the Delta variant of the coronavirus are complicating automakers' plans to launch new models.

Gupta said Nissan has seen improvement in supplies of semiconductors this month but that the rise in Covid-19 cases in South-East Asia has hit the company's suppliers.

Nissan is putting the 12 new models it plans to launch as part of its turnaround first in line for semiconductors, Gupta said.

Nissan will be announcing details for the all-new Z for the Japan market, known as the Fairlady Z, this winter.


Kia Cerato Koup

                Featuring a more sleeker style compared to its predecessor, the new Kia Cerato Koup is also more powerful.

With a 1.6-litre turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine, the Koup has 201bhp at 6,000rpm and 265Nm of torque from 1,750 to 4,500rpm.

The engine has been paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox that helps it sprint from 0-100kph in 7.4 seconds.

READ ALSO: New cars coming in second half of 2015Other features include HID headlamps, LED package, sunroof, ventilated driver’s seat, dual zone automatic climate controls with cluster ioniser, a 4.2-inch TFT LCD Supervision cluster and smart welcome lighting system.

Additionally, the driver gets the motor driven power steering (MDPS) with Flex Steer, providing a choice of Comfort / Normal / Sport steering feel.

The two-door Cerato Koup should come equipped with six airbags, anti-lock braking system, vehicle stability management with electronic stability control, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist and hill assist control to raise its appeal.

For more information about other Kia models, log on to the local Kia website.


Hyundai to debut new Kona and Sonata in Malaysia on Oct 30

                PETALING JAYA: Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has set a virtual launch on Oct 30 for the latest Kona crossover and Sonata sedan.

The fully-imported Kona will come in three variants: 2.0 Standard, 2.0 Mid and the top-specced 1.6 T-GDI High.

The 2.0 litre Kona variants feature the naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine which produces 149PS and 179Nm of torque mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The 1.6 litre turbocharged Kona is fitted with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and outputs 177PS with 265Nm of torque.

The top-of the-range Kona comes equipped with projector LED headlamps, LED taillights and the Hyundai SmartSense active safety suite which consist of AEB, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and high beam assist.

 Hyundai Sonata.

On the other hand, the fully imported Sonata, now in its the eighth generation features a 2.5 litre four-cylinder, naturally aspirated engine with 180PS and 232Nm mated to a six-speed automatic.

Standard equipment includes keyless entry and push start, powered seats with driver’s side memory, dual-zone climate control with rear air vents, a 12.3-inch instrument display, a 360-degree camera system, and the Qi wireless charger.


Indonesia wooing Tesla

File pic of a worker monitoring the nickel melting process at a nickel smelter near Sorowako, Indonesia. — Reuters
JAKARTA: Indonesia's government is in early discussions with electric vehicles maker Tesla Inc about a potential investment in the Southeast Asia country, a major producer of nickel, an official said.

Indonesia is keen to develop a full supply chain for nickel at home, especially for extracting battery chemicals, making batteries and eventually building EVs.

It has stopped exports of unprocessed nickel ore to support investment in its domestic industries.

Ayodhia Kalake, a senior official at the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment, said Tesla had reached out to the government informally about a possible venture, but he did not specify what it had in mind.

“It was still an early discussion and was not detailed yet,” Ayodhia said in a statement today.

“We need further discussion with Tesla,” he said, adding that Indonesia has a number of incentives for investment in EVs.

Tesla did not immediately respond to a Reuters email seeking confirmation.

Indonesia last month said it had secured a deal to build a lithium battery plant in the country with South Korean LG Chem Ltd and China's Contemporary Amperex Technology Ltd (CATL).

Tesla is looking to ramp up production of trucks and solar projects and its boss Elon Musk earlier this year urged miners to produce more nickel and offered “giant”, long-term contracts if mined “efficiently and in an environmentally sensitive way”.

While EVs are expected to help reduce global carbon emission, activists are concerned that production of EV parts and increased mining may damage the environment.

An Indonesian nickel smelting project being built by China’s Tsingshan Group and partners to produce battery-grade chemicals withdrew a request to dispose of waste in the ocean, a government official said on Friday.


Honda to add three green cars under Clarity name

                DETROIT: Honda Motor Co will roll out three environmentally friendly sedans under the Clarity name in the United States by the end of 2017, the Japanese automaker said on Thursday, as it aims to boost green vehicle sales.

So far the name has been used for Honda's hydrogen fuel cell car, the FCX Clarity. A totally new model, the Honda Fuel Cell, was launched in Japan in March and will be available in California late this year.

That will be followed by the Clarity Electric in 2017 and the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid late next year, John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda, told reporters at a briefing in Detroit on Wednesday.

All three five-passenger models will use the same underpinning platform. Honda had previously said it would make all three sedans, without naming them.

Honda chief executive Takahiro Hachigo said in February that by 2030 the company wants green cars to make up two-thirds of its sales, up from 5 percent now. That includes hybrids, plug-in hybrids, fully electric and fuel cell vehicles.

Honda also said in a statement on Thursday that the 2017 Accord Hybrid will go on sale in the United States before the end of spring. Honda sold about 14,000 of the previous model in the US market in 2014, the last full year it was available.

Mendel said Honda expects the new Accord Hybrid to rack up double the annual sales of the previous model.

The 2017 Accord Hybrid will run 49 miles per gallon of gasoline in the city and 47 mpg on the highway, based on more stringent 2017 US Environmental Protection Agency ratings, Mendel said.

For years, Honda has been saying that fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) are the best long-term alternative to gasoline and diesel-powered cars. But the development of FCVs will be limited until hydrogen filling stations proliferate.

The fuel cell and electric Clarity models will begin sales in California and expand to other US states as the number of hydrogen-filling and electric-charging stations increase, Honda said. The plug-in hybrid version will be available in all US states.

Mendel declined to estimate how many fuel cell vehicles would be on US roads by 2030.


Renault Kadjar - the Captur's big brother

                PARIS: Buoyed by the success of the Captur, Renault is continuing its offensive in the world of crossovers with the launch of Kadjar, the brand’s first C-segment crossover.

The Kadjar, Captur’s big brother, stands out through its fluid, athletic exterior styling and an interior that is both sporty and refined.

Available with either four- or two-wheel-drive transmission, the Renault Kadjar delivers easy manoeuvrability in town thanks to its compact footprint (4.45 metres long x 1.84 metres wide).

The Kadjar, which slots into the range above the Captur, offers advanced connectivity with the R-Link 2 multimedia system.

It will be unveiled at the 85th Geneva Motor Show which opens to the public on March 5, 2015.

The Kadjar uses the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s CMF-C/D platform which is the fruit of four years’ joint development.

For the design of the Kadjar, the project was overseen by design teams at the Technocentre, near Paris.

The large 690mm wheels and rims of up to 19-inches (depending on version) are further pointers to the Kadjar’s sporty nature.

An LED (Light Emitting Diode) light guide in the form of the letter ‘C’ for the daytime running lights provides a high-tech feel.

The generous 190mm ground clearance and approach and departure angles of 18 and 25 degrees respectively guarantee outstanding driveability whatever the type of terrain.

Front and rear skid plates protect the vehicle’s underbody, while the stainless steel boot sill guard protects against damage and dirt.

The Kadjar is extremely manoeuvrable, too, with a turning circle of 10.72 metres.

Driving aids include ‘hands-free’ parking and a reversing camera.

The Kadjar’s head light units with Full-LED (Light Emitting Diode) twin head lights improve safety courtesy of a more intense and precise beam.

The head light units incorporate two LED ‘Pure Vision’ modules that perform the functions of dipped and main beam.

This Full LED ‘Pure Vision’ technology endows the Kadjar with lights that are both precise and efficient.

The ray emits a light close to that of the sun and 20% more powerful than a halogen beam for enhanced night-time vision.

For Europe and other markets, the Kadjar will be manufactured in Palencia, Spain.

It will also be the first Renault vehicle to be manufactured in China, at the new Dongfeng Renault Automotive Company (DRAC) factory in Wuhan which is due to start vehicle production in early 2016.


Cruise CEO Ammann leaving GM's self-driving car unit

Ammann (right) with Cruise Automation co-founders Vogt (centre) and Daniel Kan.

WASHINGTON: General Motors Co said on Thursday that Dan Ammann, the chief executive of its majority-owned Cruise self-driving car subsidiary, is leaving the company, effective immediately.

The US automaker did not give a reason for the departure of Ammann, a former GM president and chief financial officer.

GM said Kyle Vogt, Cruise president and chief technical officer, will serve as interim CEO. In addition, Wesley Bush, the former chairman and CEO of Northrop Grumman and a GM board member, will join the Cruise board, it said.

Cruise had once hoped to start its commercial robo-taxi service by the end of 2019. Two years later, it is still waiting for final permits to start a limited service in a section of San Francisco.

GM said on Thursday it would accelerate its strategy in which Cruise will play an integral role in building GM's autonomous vehicle (AV) platform as it "aggressively pursues addressable AV markets beyond rideshare and delivery."

"By continuing to work together, GM and Cruise bring massive manufacturing and technological scale to autonomy that will rapidly drive costs down."

Self-driving startups are racing to build warchests to develop and scale up technology, an expensive and time-consuming process.

Cruise said in June it would gain access to a multi-year US$5 billion line of credit, with GM's finance arm to fund its purchase of Origin vehicles starting in early 2023.

Cruise in April raised US$2.75 billion with additional investment from Walmart Inc and others, taking the startup's valuation over US$30 billion, Reuters reported at the time.

Earlier this month, Cruise pushed back on claims from San Francisco authorities that its robotaxis are illegally double-parking, saying they have the right to block traffic for quick stops.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency has challenged Cruise's application for a permit to deploy robotaxis in San Francisco on the grounds that it was illegally "double parking" during testing, creating safety and traffic concerns.

The agency called for denying the permit until Cruise's technology could demonstrate greater competency.


Sagging rupiah, imports drive Japanese auto makers to expand in Indonesia

                JAKARTA: The rupiah's descent to a 17-year low is building the case for Japanese auto makers to focus on rolling out cheaper, locally made sedans and multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs), rather than fighting for a bigger slice of Indonesia's languid market for imported cars.

At just under 7,600 units, Indonesian car imports came in below 10,000 in February for the 11th consecutive month, the latest data from Indonesian auto association Gaikindo shows.

That's less than 10 percent of overall new car sales. Imported cars are losing their appeal as the rupiah plunges to its weakest against the dollar since the Asian financial crisis in the late 1990s and as Southeast Asia's largest economy grows at a slacker pace.

The lacklustre import sales are a signal to overseas manufacturers such as Toyota Motor Corp, Nissan Motor Co Ltd and Mitsubishi Motors Corp to speed up their local expansion plans and sell cheaper models in a market they see as a pillar of their emerging market sales.

Japanese car manufacturers, facing a lack of growth at home, have big plans for Indonesia, which has surpassed Thailand as Southeast Asia's largest auto market.

Japanese companies are betting on the long-term prospects in the world's fourth-most populous nation and are willing to ride out what they see as a temporary slump in sales.

Monthly domestic sales, while off the highs of more than 100,000 units in the first half of 2014, are still twice the volume seen during the lows of the 2008 global crisis.

PT Honda Prospect Motor, the official distributor for Honda Motors Co Ltd in Indonesia, expects sales to fall in the first half of 2015, but will maintain monthly production of 14,000-15,000 in anticipation of a pick-up in the second half, said Jonfis Fandy, marketing and after-sales service director.

Mitsubishi is spearheading a US$600 million investment to build an Indonesian factory that could eventually have an annual capacity of 240,000 vehicles.

Aside from local sales, it is also aiming to export to nearby countries like the Philippines and Vietnam - a strategy that it has adopted in Thailand, the Detroit of the East.

"The Indonesian rupiah is very weak," said Mitsubishi CEO Osamu Masuko told Reuters on the sidelines of a Jakarta media briefing today.

"We have to localise our components here, so that we have the chance to export to other countries."


Klang Valley traffic jams: Local authorities get deadline to draw up mitigation plans

                PUTRAJAYA: Traffic congestion in the Klang Valley due to road closures will be a thing of the past by the end of this month, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Deputy Prime Minister said roads which have been closed due to roadworks and construction will be reopened shortly.

He said all seven local authorities in the Klang Valley will have to submit their plans to the Cabinet's technical committee on traffic congestion on how the affected roads will be reopened.

Ahmad Zahid said the local authorities will have two weeks to submit their plans, after which the roads will be opened again.

He added that the local authorities will have to come up with a mitigation plan to ensure that traffic will flow smoothly in the affected areas.

He said these were among immediate steps to be taken to address traffic congestion affecting city dwellers and those living in the surrounding Klang Valley area.

Ahmad Zahid chaired the Cabinet Committee on Traffic Congestion here today.


Hyundai minicar 'reads' emotions using EAVC tech

                SEOUL: Hyundai unveiled details of its one-of-a-kind mini EV based on the "45" concept car in a short film on YouTube.

The 6-minute video shows how the minicar uses Emotion Adaptive Vehicle Control (EAVC) technology to support young patients at the SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital in Spain as part of the "Little Big e-Motion" project.

EAVC is an artificial intelligence-based technology that optimises vehicle environment based on information from both inside and outside the vehicle.

Hyundai is leading the development of this next-generation technology, as part of an academic research collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab.

EAVC technology monitors facial expressions, heart rate and respiratory rate, and combines these readings with input from the vehicle including speed, acceleration, noise and vibration.

The technology then processes the data using machine learning to optimise the vehicle environment and actively controls vehicle systems such as lighting, climate, music and fragrance dispenser.

EVAC is at the heart of Hyundai’s "Little Big e-Motion" project.

Equipped with this technology, the mini EV – designed by the same team that oversaw the "45" concept – will be used to support the treatment of young patients at hospitals. Hyundai donated this one-of-a-kind EV to SJD hospital where it will be used to support the mobility of young patients from hospital bed to treatment room, which is considered one of the most stressful trips for the children.

“We want our technology to help improve the lives of our customers in various mobility spaces beyond the roads,” said Jinmo Lee, Senior Research Engineer at Hyundai who led the project. “We hope the EAVC technology on the minicar will provide a fun, safe mobility experience for young patients and help improve their health outcomes.”

The video follows a day of treatment for a young patient at SJD hospital. She is anxious about the treatment at first, but her new friend, the mini EV, soon works its magic to give her courage and make her feel more emotionally prepared for treatment.

Watch the video to see what happens.


Mercedes-Benz unveils Actros in 1:18 scale

                STUTTGART: Calling all model car and truck fans, Mercedes-Benz presents its first ever car transporter in 1:18 scale.

The transporter model is a combination of the new model series of the legendary Actros GigaSpace tractor unit and a fitting semitrailer capable of transporting up to six model cars of 1:18 scale.

Measuring in at 1,130mm-long (965mm car transporter body), 225mm-wide and 137mm-tall, the 1:18 scale tractor unit and semitrailer combination weighs in at 10kg and is manufactured by NZG.

Development of the model took 10 months and is made out of more than 500 individual components - of which there are 167 zinc parts and 80 plastic parts along with 32 etched parts as well as 225 screws, pins and tools.

The vehicle platforms and the loading ramps for the upper and lower levels are made of high-quality metal and also feature the characteristic hole-structure of the original.

All components of the original vehicle can also be used accordingly on the scale model that includes the operating levers for the ramps and on the central axle which are protected by movable flaps.

The Actros tractor unit in 1:18 scale was first seen as a "Hannover IAA 2018 - Edition 1" special model, which has been further-developed.

The colour combination of silver and black was adopted to match the appearance of the newly facelifted Actros with MirrorCams that replaces the large side mirrors commonly seen on large commercial vehicles.

Especially impressive is the tippable cab of the Actros tractor to expose the engine, while the driver and co-driver's doors, as well as service flap, can all be opened and even includes warning notices that some grids cannot be used as a step.

A particular highlight is the Mercedes star on the radiator grille and the interior can both be lit up individually.

The cab itself is true to the original, not to mention digital displays for the Mirror Cam which even display a realistic view of the rear.

And to ensure the Actros car transporter gets a full load, there are other 1:18 scale model choices available for the enthusiast that include:
- Mercedes-Benz GLE (iridium silver or brilliant blue)
- A-Class (designo mountain grey magno or digital white)
- X-Class (Bering white or Kabara black)
- V-Class (cavansite blue or mountain crystal white)
- G-Class (emerald green or designo platinum magno)
- 450 SEL 6.9 - W116 (Milan brown)
- SL-Class - Pagoda W113 (horizon blue)
- 300 SL (black)
- 300 - W186 (tobacco brown)
- Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC (designo night black magno)
- Mercedes-AMG GT 63 4MATIC (designo graphite grey magno or brilliant blue)

The Actros tractor unit and semi trailer car transporter are available together in a complete set as well as individually.

With the help of a conversion set, the semitrailer can even fit to the older Actros model.

The aforementioned models and that of the Actros car transporter are immediately available from Mercedes-Benz partners or online at http://shop.mercedes-benz.com.


Malaysia aims at B20 biofuel for transport sector in 2020

                PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia targets to raise its biofuel mandate in the transport sector to B20 by 2020, from B10 currently, and for industrial sector to B10, from B7, according to Primary Industries minister Teresa Kok.

The higher mandates are expected to use 1.3 million tonnes of crude palm oil each year, Kok said today

Current mandate of B10 in transport sector from Feb 1, and B7 in industrial sector from July are estimated to use 761,000 tonnes of palm oil annually.

Each RM100 a tonne increase in CPO price would generate an additional RM2bil revenue for Malaysia, she said.

Malaysia is looking into a biodiesel stabilisation fund for biofuel prices, as well as to make biofuel more attractive for consumption, she added.

The ministry has proposed it to the Cabinet and would discuss with other ministries including the trade ministry to set up the mechanism.

Malaysia, Indonesia and Colombia are to meet in Jakarta end-February to discuss palm oil issues especially EU’s Renewable Energy Directive, which would restrict palm-biofuel, she added.


Bosch to set up shop in Iran following sanctions removal

                STUTTGART: German auto parts supplier Robert Bosch is opening an office in Teheran and plans to hire 50 employees by the end of this year because it sees growing potential for Iran's car market following the lifting of international sanctions.

"We are delighted to be back in Iran. In our quest to pick up speed quickly, we are benefiting first and foremost from re-establishing contact with former local partners and customers," said Uwe Raschke, Bosch's management board member responsible for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

"The country’s potential is tremendous. We expect to see the Iranian economy grow by just under 5 percent this year. The medium term is also highly promising.”

A number of foreign carmakers, including Renault, Daimler, Peugeot Citroen and Suzuki Motor Corp have announced plans to re-enter Iran or step up production there since the United States and Europe partially lifted sanctions in January, under a deal with Teheran to limit its nuclear programme.


Land Rover drives into the luxury travel market

                LONDON: As well as creating one of the world's most exclusive and luxurious off-roaders, Land Rover believes it has what it takes to curate equally exclusive holidays.

In partnership with Abercrombie & Kent, Land Rover has created a "once-in-a-lifetime" holiday that it is calling "the most luxurious road trip on Earth." It takes in five continents, eight countries, nine world-class hotels over three weeks and, of course, involves a Range Rover, the SVAutobiography to be exact.

"We set out to design a trip worthy of the ultimate luxury SUV and thanks to our partners at Abercrombie & Kent we have achieved just that. From Europe to Australia, this trip is all about the epitome of luxury but done so in a Land Rover way -- the unexpected, the off-the-beaten-track and the once-in-a-lifetime experiences. This itinerary represents the definitive drive adventure, achieved in the definitive vehicle," said Mark Cameron, Land Rover Experiential Marketing Director, at Jaguar Land Rover.

For £100,000 (about RM601,000) per person, based on two sharing, the three-week global adventure starts in Monaco with a drive along mountain passes into Italy and a stay on Lake Como at the Four Seasons Cap Ferrat, the Villa d'Este. This leg of the tour also involves a helicopter tour of the Alps and lunch at Joel Robuchon at the Metropole before flying out to Morocco where guests can get to grips with desert driving.

The tour then moves to Arizona and the Amangiri resort in Utah before guests spend three days in Chilie and pass the final leg of the journey in Australia before flying back to London once more.

Simon Lynch, Director of Business Development, Abercrombie & Kent, adds: "A&K are delighted to be partnering with Land Rover on offering this, the most ultimate of driving journeys. Our love of adventure, combined with exploration and luxury for over 50 years, gave us the inspiration for this expedition, which is packed full of unforgettable experiences. Our pioneering customers will explore landscapes, see wildlife and meet communities well and truly off the beaten track."

Even though the itinerary is comprehensive, there is huge scope for further personalization when making enquiries at Abercrombie & Kent's offices in London, Abu Dhabi or Monaco.


Tesla automated parking problems seen liability of app 'driver' for now

Tesla cars shown on a delivery truck in Los Angeles last month. — Reuters
NEW YORK: Tesla Inc owners summoning their driverless cars in parking lots are likely liable for crashes, lawyers said after a series of Internet videos showed problems with cars running new software.

If the accidents pile up, though, Tesla itself is sure to be brought into a legal fight, insurance industry experts said.

The incidents highlight a shifting landscape for long-held assumptions about auto insurance and accident blame as more car manufacturers offer features that can automate parallel parking, avoid collisions, and take over steering during traffic, among other things.

A Tesla software update last week added a so-called Smart Summon feature for some customers.

When the car is within 60 metres and in their line of sight, they can use a phone app to summon the vehicle in a parking lot.

Users start the car by holding down a button and stop the car by releasing it, Tesla said in instructions, warning users to be careful.

US regulators are looking into parking lot crashes involving Tesla cars driving themselves to their owners, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on Wednesday.

“This was an interesting one to explain to my insurance,” wrote one user in YouTube and Twitter video posts of a Tesla scraping against a garage door frame while exiting in summon mode. “Silly feature cost me time and money.”

Tesla did not respond to a request for comment but chief executive Elon Musk on Wednesday tweeted that there were more than 550,000 Smart Summon uses in the first few days.

Insurance claims for such incidents will go through the car owner’s traditional auto coverage, said Jennifer Dukarski, a lawyer in Ann Arbor, Michigan, who represents automotive suppliers in disputes about safety and autonomous car technology.

“But as the number of incidents build, you’ll find someone who will entertain a class action [lawsuit] dealing with a product defect,” Dukarski said.

Automated features also raise the question of whether the owner or the auto manufacturer is at fault when accidents occur.

“The rationale for the owner being responsible is that the laws have not caught up to autonomous vehicles,” said Keith McKenna, an insurance lawyer in New York who represents corporate policyholders.

If fully-automated cars someday becomes the norm, liability will shift to manufacturers and their insurance, McKenna said.

The technology is not sophisticated enough to be deemed “driverless” under California’s motor vehicle rules, the California Department of Motor Vehicles said, essentially leaving the app user outside of the car responsible for accidents.

Still, limitations to the app and other features make Tesla more responsible when accidents occur, said Mike Morgan, a Florida personal injury lawyer. His firm sued Tesla last year on behalf of a client who blames Tesla for his car crashing into a disabled vehicle.

“You are still responsible for your car and  must monitor it and its surroundings at all times and be within your line of sight because it may not detect all obstacles,” Tesla said in instructions for the new feature.

But it may be too late to avoid a crash when a user attempts to stop the car, Morgan said.

“These vehicles provide a false sense of human control,” Morgan said.


BMW flexes at Pebble Beach

PEBBLE BEACH: In August every year car enthusiasts from all over the world gather for the Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach to immerse themselves in the fascination of both automotive treasures from years gone by and pioneering studies for times to come.

The BMW Group has come up with something very special this year with the world premiere of the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R – a car that celebrates both the 40th anniversary of BMW in North America and the heady racing success of the BMW 3.0 CSL in 1975.

1975 was the year the Bavarian manufacturer founded BMW of North America, its first official sales company outside Europe. It was also the year in which BMW Motorsport made its debut in motor racing stateside – in the IMSA series – with a specially made BMW 3.0 CSL.

Just a few weeks later BMW recorded its first, historic triumph at the 12 Hours of Sebring. This was followed by a succession of victories, including one at Laguna Seca, just 15 miles from Pebble Beach.

Given the aim of achieving the best possible fusion of driver and car, the driver was the logical starting point for the design of the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R. For the seamless integration of the driver into the car, the designers extrapolated the principle of driver focus beyond the geometric form of the interior.

In the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R, the idea of centring attention on the driver begins with his immediate surroundings. This new approach led the designers first to the driver’s helmet, race suit and seat before moving onto the lines and surfaces of the interior.

In the area around the driver’s seat, the designers have drawn back the covers on the lightweight design of the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R and lent tangible form to its racing character. A carbon-fibre roll cage integrated into the structure of the car’s roof and side sections forms the basis for the interior’s singularly minimalist geometry.

The commitment to paring the car down to the bare essentials places particular emphasis on the steering column. As a mechanical link between the driver and car, it is home to all the operating elements and controls.

The exterior design of the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R is a pure expression of motor racing. The stretched body is framed by distinctive air deflectors, powerful wheel arches and a prominent rear spoiler, which likewise cite the successful IMSA racing version of the original BMW 3.0 CSL.

The front end of the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R, one of the broadest and lowest of any model in the BMW family, positively exudes power and athleticism. The flow of the surfaces and graphic accents in the front apron showcase the car’s wheels and underline its wide, powerful impression.

Meanwhile, a year on from the launch of the BMW M4 Coupe, BMW M Division is presenting an initial preview of a high-performance model for use on the road and, above all, on the race track: the BMW Concept M4 GTS.

The new BMW Concept M4 GTS continues the tradition of BMW M3 special models already illuminated by the BMW M3 Evolution (1988), BMW M3 Sport Evolution (1990), BMW M3 GT (1995), BMW M3 CSL (2003), BMW M3 GTS (2010) and BMW M3 CRT (2011).

Technology honed in race competition, a hike in power, a commitment to lightweight design and limited production numbers have ensured these sharpest examples of their type offer unbeatable performance coupled with an emotionally powerful and exclusive driving experience.

The BMW Concept M4 GTS showcases new technologies destined to make their series production debut in a new model to be unveiled at a later date.

For example, the BMW Concept M4 GTS features the innovative water injection system that has already provided a significant output and torque boost in the BMW M4 MotoGP Safety Car.

In addition, the BMW Concept M4 GTS has rear lights with OLED (organic light-emitting diode) technology that give the high-performance model a whole new look when darkness falls.

The world premiere of the BMW Concept M4 GTS will take place over the course of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance weekend in California on 13 August 2015, in the company of prize-winning sports cars from years gone by.


Baidu unveils AI chip as it revs up self-driving bus production

Baidu Inc's Apolong self-driving bus, operating on the company's Apollo autonomous driving system, on display at the CES Asia 2018 show in Shanghai, China. — Bloomberg
SHANGHAI: Baidu Inc has unveiled an artificial intelligence chip to run intensive computing in everything from datacentres to autonomous driving, as the Chinese search giant prepares to launch its first self-driving vehicles in Japan.

Baidu’s also accelerated production of its Apolong fully self-driving bus, developed in tandem with local manufacturer King Long and the first product to emerge from its open Apollo platform. It intends to ship the first 14-seater mini-buses to Japan by early 2019 in partnership with a SoftBank Group Corp subsidiary, Baidu said at its annual developers’ conference.

The Chinese company has cranked out 100 of the vehicles from its plant in southern China, it said in a statement.

The twin announcements come just months after the departure of Lu Qi, who joined Baidu in 2017 as Group President with a mandate to lead AI development. His abrupt exit threatened to disrupt Baidu’s ambition of placing AI at the heart of its business and helped wiped out more than a 10th of the Chinese company’s market value.


Autonest app promises to ease car servicing and maintenance works

                PETALING JAYA: A new app has just been launched that promises to serve as a platform to help car owners service and maintain their vehicles.

It was launched today by Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong and is available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.

Present at the launch was Autonest founder David Bong along with Puspakom Sdn Bhd marketing and advisory head Datuk Ooi Win Juat.

In a Facebook post, Dr Wee said the application would make it more convenient for motorists to service their cars while also allowing them to minimise their expenses.

"This pandemic has not only brought an impact to our daily lives but also saw a change in the approaches taken by businesses to adapt to the new normal with digitalisation being one of the latest business models.

"Through the Autonest application, motorists can now perform servicing and maintenance for their cars more efficiently, especially with the Chinese New Year celebrations fast approaching," Dr Wee said.

He added that during the first nine months of 2020 and 2021, there were a total 4,634 and 3,302 deaths reported from road accidents respectively.

"Apart from human factors, the issue of car maintenance is another contributing factor to road accidents.

"As such, I hope that all vehicle owners will perform the necessary maintenance works when needed to minimise the number of accidents due to vehicular malfunctions," the MCA president said.


New Audi CEO kicks off Artemis project for 'agile' future models

Duesmann.
INGOLSTADT: Two months after taking office as the new CEO at Audi, Markus Duesmann is setting up a unit for the accelerated development of additional automobile models called Artemis.

The head of the “Artemis” high-tech project will be Alex Hitzinger, a successful motorsport chief engineer and currently in charge of autonomous driving in the group. He will work with a team of automotive and technology experts to – as a first step – “develop a pioneering model for Audi quickly and unbureaucratically,” says Duesmann.

Resources and technologies of the entire Volkswagen Group are potentially available for this. Duesmann and his Volkswagen Group colleagues also expect the “Artemis” project to provide a blueprint for the future agile development of cars throughout the Volkswagen Group.

READ MORE:
Audi dealers and digital solutions
The exciting new Audi A3 The Audi 'Artemis' project will create a highly efficient electric car by 2024.

“The Volkswagen Group’s brands stand for excellent technologies – and have potential for much more,” said the Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, Markus Duesmann.

“With 75 planned electric models by 2029, the current electric initiative at the Volkswagen Group naturally ties up all our capacities. The obvious question was how we could implement additional high-tech benchmarks without jeopardizing the manageability of existing projects, and at the same time utilize new opportunities in the markets.”

The project team will be given a large degree of freedom and will work globally, from the high-tech hub of the INCampus in Ingolstadt to the west coast of the United States. Digital services will be provided by the Group’s own unit, car.Software.org, which is also based in Ingolstadt.

“Artemis” will focus on new technologies for electric, highly automated driving with a specific model reference. Its first task is to create a highly efficient electric car that is scheduled to be on the road as early as 2024. The creative team will also develop an extensive ecosystem around the car, thus designing a new business model for the entire usage phase.

Learn more on Audi electric vehicles here.

 Hitzinger.


Bentley Continental GT First Edition rolls in, priced from RM2.15mil

KUALA LUMPUR: If you are looking for a Continental GT a few notches above the standard one, Bentley Kuala Lumpur has just the right car to recommend.

A Continental GT First Edition (First Edition) with some of the choicest options thrown is doing the rounds in South-East Asia, kicking off with its Malaysian launch today. The car, still a pre-production prototype, is available for preview with immediate effect.

“You have the Continental GT and you have all the options available. This is the factory bringing all that Continental GT options together into the car. You could consider it as a very high specced Continental GT,” Bentley Kuala Lumpur marketing and communications manager Andrew Wong told CarSifu today.

“Of course, there are also some elements in this car not available in the standard GT. This is a limited edition so we don’t expect many buyers for it.”

Bentley did not say how many units of the First Edition will be built but it is likely to be in small numbers, perhaps even 100, to retain its exclusivity.

The First Edition follows on from the local debut of the third-generation Continental GT in early February. The standard Continental GT is priced at RM1.9mil, while the First Edition’s estimated selling price (before GST) is RM2.15mil.

So far, Bentley Kuala Lumpur has received three bookings for the Continental GT and one for the First Edition, even before it arrived in its showroom here.

The interior specs has been cherry-picked by the Bentley design team. It combines all the finest features available on the Continental GT to create what Bentley says is "the most luxurious grand tourer ever produced."

 Rotating Display when engine is switched off. Rotating Display swivels to classic 3-meter look if desired. Or the hi-tech touchscreen for the modern look.

The Rotating Display on the dashboard is bound to wow potential customers and reminds one of the revolving licence plates of the Aston Martin DB-5 in the James Bond flick Goldfinger (1964). The system enables the driver to switch between three different fascia panels to suit the mood of the cabin.

The driver can opt for a 12.3-inch touchscreen display or choose a more classic look with three analogue dials featuring outside temperature, a compass and chronometer or a plain wood veneer. When the engine is shut down, the default display is the veneer-only fascia.

READ MORE: Bentley Continental GT First Edition Specifications

Engine output remains unchanged on this active all-wheel drive grand tourer, so expect the biturbo 6.0-litre W12 engine to deliver 626hp at 6,000 rpm and a monstrous 900Nm of torque from 1,350 rpm to 4,500 rpm. It’s the same engine used in the Bentayga, albeit with a new fuel injection system,  and reworked for better refinement.

Customers can choose from one of four unique Dual Veneers for the dashboard fascia. These wood options include Tamo Ash, Liquid Amber, Dark Stained Madrona and Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus, always combined with Grand Black, which is exclusive to the Continental GT First Edition.

The left-hand drive unit on display here is painted in Sequin Blue and the veneer type is Liquid Amber over Grand Black.

Bentley’s bespoke department Mulliner gets into the act with the Mulliner Driving Specification. This driver-focused collection adds drilled alloy foot pedals, jewel-finish oil and filler caps, and unique 22“ wheels, available in bright paint, black and hand polished or fully polished finishes.

The specification is complemented by diamond-in-diamond quilt pattern on seats, door panels and rear quarter panels, all featuring a unique contrast stitch only available with the First Edition.

Other key additions to the ultimate list of standard equipment include the City Specification and Touring Specification, with features such as park assist and pedestrian warning. The Bentley 650 watts audio system can be upgraded to either the Bang & Olufsen system of 1,500 watts, or for the true audiophile, the top-of-the-range Naim audio system with 2,200 watts.

Discreet Union Flag First Edition badging throughout the interior and exterior of the car announce the First Edition's credentials, in addition to a unique Union Flag tread plate plaque.

The First Edition is expected to be here until mid-April before it heads to Singapore on its next tour stop.

The First Edition is available for viewing at Bentley Kuala Lumpur here by appointment. Call 03-2165 1688 to schedule a visit.


Scania Driver Competition gets tougher

                SHAH ALAM: The 2014/2015 edition of the Scania Driver Competitions (SDC) gets tougher (to be held in August 2015), with the participation of drivers from Singapore.

It is among the most recognised competitions for truck and bus drivers, with stringent judging criteria.

Up to RM50,000 worth of prizes are to be won.

Submission forms can be obtained from www.scania.com.my and Scania Malaysia branches and have to be submitted before May 31, 2015 at the branches or smyenquiries@scania.com.

Shortlisted finalists for both categories will then vie to be the champion at the practical test in August 2015.

Participants of the SDC 2014/2015 can test and practice their skills before the main event, at a mini Scania Driver Competition 2015 which will be held at the Malaysia International Bus Truck and Components (MIBTC) exhibition from May 14 to 16, 2015.

Along with the general public with valid driving licenses, drivers can try a simple truck obstacle course to win prizes.

Michelin is the official sponsor for the fourth time since this competition was held in Malaysia.

“Choosing the right tyres are critical to the performance of drivers who are entrusted to carry very heavy loads that could vary from dangerous goods to ever precious passengers with powerful Scania vehicles," said Michelin Malaysia managing director Beltran Yturriaga.


Spain’s SEAT asks unvaccinated workers to eat separately in Barcelona canteen

                BARCELONA: Volkswagen's Spanish car maker SEAT has recommended unvaccinated and vaccinated employees sit separately in its canteen at its plant outside here to protect workers and ensure operational activity, the company said.

The move, which involves having a separate section for workers who have not had a Covid-19 vaccine, has been in place for the past month, said a SEAT spokesman on Friday.

The initiative is one the first of its kind implemented in Spain.

"A few weeks ago, it was decided with the agreement of union representatives, to set up areas within the company canteens to protect unvaccinated workers," SEAT said in a statement. "The areas for those who are unvaccinated have the strictest Covid measures to protect their health."

It said these were recommendations and the company could not force people to eat separately.

The car manufacturer said the objective of the measure was to protect all workers, both unvaccinated and vaccinated, as well as to "guarantee the operational activity of the company".

Mask-wearing is compulsory throughout the factory, except for the canteen. SEAT said 96% of its workers were vaccinated and received their doses at the factory.

"This is to guarantee the health of those who are not vaccinated as well as those who are vaccinated," said Matias Carnero, the top union leader for the UGT union at SEAT.

He said of the 11,000 workers at the plant in Martorell, outside here, five ate separately this week.

Vaccination is not compulsory in Spain, which has fully vaccinated 79% of its population.

It has not seen the kind of large-scale anti-vaccination protests common in several other European countries and vaccination rates have been advancing in line with the government's goal.

The move comes as nations and companies across Europe tighten their policies around vaccination with the onset of winter and a rising number of COVID-19 cases.

Some countries have made vaccinations compulsory for all or part of the population as they grapple with rising rates read more including Austria, which said on Friday it would make Covid-19 vaccines compulsory.