Singapore Motorshow returns on Jan 12-15, 2023

                SINGAPORE: Singapore’s largest and most iconic annual motoring event, the Singapore Motorshow will return after a three-year hiatus at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre from Jan 12-15, 2023.

For the seventh time, the Singapore Motorshow 2023 is presented by the Motor Traders Association of Singapore (MTA) in partnership with Mediacorp.

Mediacorp head of industry solutions Toh Dasheng said the company's celebrities would add a dash of glitz and glamour to the show and engage fans and car enthusiasts alike.

“Since the last Motorshow in 2020, many of us have missed the sight of new cars on display in all their gleaming splendour alongside the buzz of the many exciting on-site activities.

“We look forward to working with MTA to create a thrilling comeback of Singapore’s biggest and longest running premium motoring event!” said Toh.

 Singapore Motorshow 2019.

The four-day event will be held across two floors - levels 3 and 4.

Guests are invited to experience “It’s More Than a Car Show” with 24 automotive brands showcasing a line-up of brand-new models including latest electric and electrified vehicles along with innovations and green technologies, as well as MediaCorp celebrities and attractive lucky draws.

Throughout the four-day event, three-time Guinness World Record holder Russ Swift will perform heart-pounding stunts including Swift Parking, J-turns, Donut moves, and dance routines.

Lucky visitors can also expect to be on the edge of their seats as they join Russ Swift in his breath-taking stunts! Mediacorp artistes.

From Jan 13-15, there will be special appearances by Mediacorp celebrities such as Pierre Png, Rebecca Lim, Elvin Ng, Kym Ng, He Ying Ying and more.

Fans can also meet Radio DJs Kun Hua and Hazelle from Yes 933 at Honda’s booth.

In addition, visitors with a general public ticket will stand a chance to win the Subaru Impreza 5D 2.0i-S Eyesight AWD CVT worth S$90,800 (without COE), or Nissan Kicks e-POWER Premium worth $76,800 (without COE).

 (Left) Impreza 5D 2.0i-S Eyesight AWD CVT and Kicks e-POWER Premium.

The lucky draw will be drawn on Jan 15, the final day of the motorshow at at 9pm.

The winner will be contacted and announced on Singapore Motorshow 2023 Facebook, Instagram and website on Jan 19.

Participating brands will also be organising immersive activities with exciting prizes to be won.

Among them are crash tests at Subaru’s Virtual Reality Lab, Toyota Gazoo Racing Gran Turismo Cup (TGR GT Cup) with racing simulator rig experience and Motul's display.

Physical tickets are available for purchase at Suntec Singapore Concourse Level 3, priced at S$12 for preview tickets (Jan 12 from 1pm to 900pm), S$8 for general public tickets, and free of charge for children below 1.2 metres.

General public tickets are now available for purchase on SISTIC's website and app here.

An additional booking fee of $1.20 per ticket will be applicable for tickets purchased through the website or app.

The Singapore Motorshow 2023 is presented by Motors Traders Association of Singapore (MTA), in partnership with Mediacorp and in collaboration with official sponsors AIG, HL Bank and Motul.


Toyota to showcase talking car tech at Tokyo

                TOKYO: Toyota will be using this year's Tokyo motor show to communicate why talking cars are the future of cleaner, safer personal mobility.

The Smart Mobility City 2015 is an event running alongside the main Tokyo show this year that will be examining the relationship between automobiles, people and society and the role of personal mobility in the city of tomorrow. And it is where Toyota will be showcasing the progress it has made with its Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) that enables cars to communicate with each other and with infrastructure elements such as traffic lights.

In other words, connected cars, an area where all automakers are busy developing solutions, but where Toyota is trying to establish an early lead. By the end of 2015 it will have two cars - the Crown and the Prius - on sale in Japan that boast the technology and is aiming to roll ITS out to European and US customers by 2017.

Cars packed with radar, sensors and cameras can automatically stay in lane, maintain a safe speed from the vehicle in front and can even apply the brakes if a pedestrian steps out in front without looking as the latest high-tech safety features from the likes of Mercedes, Audi, BMW and, most recently Tesla, aptly demonstrate.

However, no set of cameras, no matter how smart, can see what's coming around a bend or at a blind junction. Hence car-to-car communication. If all cars "talked" to each other to say where they were, there would be no need to see around a bend in the first place.

That's the concept behind car-to-car communication and its related car-to-infrastructure communication technologies and at the Smart Mobility City a specially adapted Prius will be demonstrating how these technologies can make approaching junctions, turning right into traffic and maintaining a safe distance simpler, safer and more intuitive.

In Japan alone, 40% of road traffic accidents are caused by a driver failing to notice vehicles or pedestrians at or near intersections.

The system can also help authorities better manage the road network. Knowing in real time how many cars are using a stretch of highway gives advanced warning of potential congestion while drivers can better conserve fuel by knowing if and when the traffic light is about to change from green to red.


Bring back a decent spare wheel, say annoyed motorists

                LONDON: Today's motorists are often in for a nasty surprise when they get a puncture, since most modern cars do not come with a proper spare wheel.

And according to a survey by Britain's Carbuyer magazine, a lot of drivers are not happy about this state of affairs.

A thousand people were asked and two out of three (65 per cent) listed not having a full-size spare as their biggest gripe.

In order to save space in the luggage compartment, manufacturers fit a so-called emergency wheel or sometimes supply a breakdown kit with a mini-compressor and sealant for an on-the-fly fix.

Proper spare wheels were last fitted to new cars regularly in the 1990s.

The space-saving emergency spare tyre is also usually limited to a maximum speed of 80 km/h and a maximum distance of about the same, which limits a driver's options for getting to a suitable tyre shop.

BMW is unusual in offering run-flat tyres, but most carmakers ignore the complaints from buyers.

"The absence of a full-size spare appears to be overwhelmingly unpopular with drivers, doubtless because both alternative solutions are such inconvenient temporary solutions to a flat tyre," said Carbuyer editor-at-large, James Batchelor.

"Continuing your journey on a speed-limited wheel - or using a temporary repair kit - are deeply unpopular options for an overwhelming majority of drivers,” said Batchelor.

Other complaints highlighted in the survey were features introduced for driver convenience such as stop-start systems which cut and restart the engine at traffic lights in a bid to save fuel.

Seven per cent listed the devices as a pet hate, while 5 per cent said they disliked keyless entry systems. Fourth on the list of dislikes were automatic handbrakes, irritating four per cent of those canvassed.


Covid-19: How to self isolate your electrified vehicle

                DETROIT: The Covid-19 crisis means many of us are using our vehicles much less frequently, or in some cases not using them at all.

Owners of battery-powered vehicles might wonder how much charge they should keep in their batteries and whether their batteries will become depleted if their vehicle is not used and recharged regularly.

Ford Motor's battery expert Bob Taenaka, senior technical leader, Battery and Cell System Development, has some tips on how to keep an electrified vehicle in top condition while self-isolating.

Taenaka says, the most important thing is to make sure your 12-volt battery stays charged and that your high-voltage battery has adequate charge - 10 percent or more - to prevent it from potentially draining to zero percent.

If you have driven and/or had your vehicle on plug for a total of at least 8 hours within the past month, the 12-volt battery should be adequately charged.

For longer periods of time between driving, you should also take additional steps.

Always consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions on “Vehicle Storage” for longer than 30 days.

If you’re storing your battery electric vehicle without plugging it in, Taenaka recommends keeping it at a state of charge between 10 percent and 80 percent.

Ford hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles are designed to stay above a 10 percent state of charge during normal operation.

A high-voltage battery above 10 percent state of charge can go for more than six months without charging, but the 12-volt battery will drain much faster, especially when connected to the vehicle.

If you do not plan to drive your electrified vehicle for longer than 30 days, Taenaka recommends following these steps for the sake of your 12-volt battery:

> Disconnect the negative terminal of the 12-volt battery if you are familiar with and comfortable doing so. If not, proceed to one of the following two approaches.

> If it is a plug-in hybrid or battery-electric vehicle, leave it on plug

> Connect your 12-volt battery to a standard 12-volt battery charger and leave it on a continuous slow charge

“If you are storing your vehicle for longer than 30 days without use, we recommend disconnecting the negative terminal of your 12-volt battery,” says Taenaka.

“This avoids depletion and potential damage to the battery, which runs the internal systems such as heating -- without the need for monthly maintenance.”

If disconnecting the 12-volt battery, these details are important to know:

> Be sure to have your key fob and digital owner’s manual (on your smartphone/tablet or through prints) with you outside of the vehicle, because you may need to use the physical key (inside the fob) to lock and unlock the vehicle, plus the owner’s manual will be handy for further reference

>If the vehicle is in a locked garage and the 12-volt battery is in the trunk, leave the trunk open

>Once you have disconnected 12-volt power, you can lock and unlock your vehicle with the physical key

And finally, if your 12-volt battery is in the trunk but you are not storing the vehicle in a locked garage, you will need another 12-volt source.

Follow the “jump start” instructions in the owner’s manual to restore 12-volt power to the vehicle in order to reopen the trunk.

With warmer temperatures on the way, your vehicle and its batteries are designed to handle long-term storage outside in direct sunlight.

Taenaka says that if you are experiencing extreme hot weather and the vehicle needs to be stored for more than 30 days, if practical for you, store your vehicle in a garage or in the shade to preserve battery capacity and extend its life span.

Always refer to your owner’s manual for important details about storing your vehicle and removing it from storage.


VW picks Porsche man to be its new strategy chief

                FRANKFURT: Volkswagen said on Tuesday Porsche AG executive Gernot Doellner will become the carmaker’s new strategy chief from May 1.

“With the addition of Gernot Doellner we are gaining a proven strategist who has gained extensive experience at Porsche AG in the management of model series and in development strategy and innovation management,” said Volkswagen Chief Executive Herbert Diess.

“With him, we will systematically continue along our chosen path and further drive the transformation.”

Doellner previously served as head of product and concept at Volkswagen’s luxury division Porsche AG, and will replace Michael Jost, who said earlier this month he will quit after more than a decade with the group.

The announcement comes a week after Volkswagen’s Power Day, which, along with more upbeat broker comments, has revitalised Volkswagen’s shares, which are up 50% year-to-date.


Honda deploys its MPVs to transport virus patients

                TOKYO: Honda Motor Co said it has remodelled 50 of its multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) to transport Covid-19 patients to hospitals and quarantine facilities in Japan, sealing off the rear section of the vehicles to keep drivers safe from infection.

The Japanese automaker has placed an airtight divide between the driver and the rear passenger areas of the vans and tweaked their air conditioning systems to enable fresh air to enter through the front near the base of the windshield wipers, pass through to the rear passenger area through vents and exit through the back.

The company said that the one-way ventilation system installed in its Odyssey and Step WGN models ensures that air from the rear section does not enter the driver’s space, reducing the risk of infection.

 Step WGN.

The company began lending these cars to health authorities in Tokyo, and as of Tuesday, two vehicles had been delivered, a company spokesman said. Eventually, it plans to also supply the vehicles to nearby Saitama prefecture, he added.

Honda will consider making more available depending on demand, adding that they were not ambulances.

Japan had 8,885 cases of infections of the coronavirus as of Wednesday morning, excluding those from a cruise ship quarantined in February, with 174 deaths, according to a Reuters tally.

Toyota Motor Corp has also said it is considering ways to equip its JPN Taxi models used by taxi operators in the country to transport infected patients.

 Odyssey.

Both companies have also set up production lines at their plants at home and abroad to make face shields, masks and other medical equipment, much like other carmakers around the world.

Last week, Japan’s powerful automaking lobby said it will try to avoid suspending operations during the coronavirus pandemic, and that the industry was considering financial support for struggling firms.


BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer driven in Croatia

Now that BMW’s first 2 Series Active Tourer family mover has arrived, it was a matter of time that a bigger alternative would come along and that has surfaced in the 2 Series Gran Tourer less than a year later.

As it were, BMW has sold more than 33,000 units of the Active Tourer globally since it was introduced in the second half of 2014 and demand is seen as encouraging and growing.

The move is logical as BMW would naturally develop a dimensionally bigger model option given the market that these vehicles are targeted at – flexible family motoring.

While the 2 Series Active Tourer would be favoured by those with small families, the seven-seater Gran Tourer would appeal to those with bigger ones.

Then again, the 2 Series Gran Tourer would only come with the third row seats if they are specified according to the demands made by the respective countries.

For Malaysia, the 2 Series Gran Tourer would come with three rows of seats to complement the Active Tourer launched in April.

The funny thing was that its launch here was a lot quicker than that of the 2 Series Active Tourer, less than three months as opposed to more than six months: the Gran Tourer was launched as part of the BMW Safety 360º Campaign on June 12.

When viewed from the front, the 2 Series Gran Tourer and Active Tourer share a common ‘face’ but from the A-pillar rearwards, the body lines and structure are different by virtue of one being bigger than the other.

The Gran Tourer is longer over the Active Tourer by 214mm at 4,556mm and taller by 53mm at 1,608mm, while retaining the same 1,800mm width.

Likewise, it was also developed on a longer wheelbase of 2,780mm against 2,670mm for the Active Tourer.

That means the Gran Tourer requires more metal and other materials being used, accounting generally for a higher kerb weight of more than 130kg.

The range of engines seems to be wider too, with the Gran Tourer having more diesel engine variants, which for the moment is not relevant to our market.

For the international media drive in Zadar, Croatia, BMW provided two models; the 220i Gran Tourer five-seater and 220d xDrive Gran Tourer seven-seater version.

We started with the 220i Gran Tourer, covering about 100km from the airport to the hotel and mostly gentle coastal roads and a bit of the highway.

Being a five-seater, the luggage space was huge compared to what we could remember in the Active Tourer we drove in Austria last year.

We are talking about 645 litres of luggage space compared to 468 for the Active Tourer, and with the addition of the third row seats still provided plenty of space with 560 litres. Fold the middle row backrests (split 40:20:40) down flat and that space goes up almost threefolds to 1,905 litres for the five-seater and 1,820 litres for the seven-seater.

The middle row seats are set higher than that in the Active Tourer by 35mm, so that there is space for the feet of those sitting in the third row.

While there is doubt that the third row seats are best for children, an adult can still sit fairly comfortably here for short urban travel.

This has to do with the front-wheel drive layout of the engine, which BMW believes is the best arrangement to free up space inside the vehicle.

All the doors come with provisions to accommodate 1.5-litre bottles and there are underseat trays for the front and second row seats to stow away toys and other items.

And of course you have the ‘kick under the rear bumper’ feature to open and close the door for the luggage compartment; however, it took us many attempts to activate the function as we were probably not doing it right most of the time.

Entry and exit was made easy with one-off sequence to lower the respective seatrest and slide the middle row seat.

The 220i Gran Tourer has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine located transversely in the reasonably spacious engine compartment; power delivery from the TwinPower turbo engine is 192hp and 280Nm.

Before we drove off from the airport, we were given some friendly advice from the local police about driving safely; keep to speed limits, don’t use the mobile phone while driving and don’t drink and drive.

Needless to say we kept to indicated speed limits most of the time, including the highway that had the speed limit at 130kph.

We could feel the engine flexing its muscle on take-offs from the junctions and the 220i Gran Tourer cruised at a relaxed space on the highway at about 2,000rpm, thanks to the eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.

We noted that the wind noise – around the door mirrors, windows and roof – rose noticeably above 110kph, which was unusual as we didn’t encounter this in the Active Tourer.

Checks by the BMW technicians found that the front doors were not sitting properly as these vehicles were pre-production units and were subjected to robust driving by the media before us, thus loosening things up. We could confirm this as our drive in the 220d xDrive the following day was far quieter even up to 180kph; it felt stable as well, which was fully expected of a BMW.

Yup, we were gunning it as we had spent a wee bit too much time taking in the sights on the scenic hilly roads that wound through several small towns, going a bit offroad to check out the all-wheel drive and doing photography.

We made it in time to the airport to catch our flight with minutes to spare (it was a chartered flight), thankfully without getting into police trouble.

The 2.0-litre variable turbine turbocharged direct injection engine ran just as quietly as the 2.0-litre petrol on the move although the slightly noisy diesel clatter was obvious at idle from outside the vehicle.

It had the grunt with 400Nm of torque coming in early and 190hp to take to the winding roads confidently, including four hairpins in quick succession; this was an impression consistent to the one we had in the Active Tourer although the Gran Tourer was a bigger vehicle.

The 220d xDrive was a higher-spec vehicle and this showed clearly in the Head-Up Display that had the gamut of navigation and speed information in full colour, unlike the lower-spec 220i’s that offered only road speed and navigation information, but no speed limit for the respective areas we drove through, among others.

We didn’t take the opportunity to sit at the rear, but it should meet the comfort levels that BMW had provided as a rule for its range of cars.

The more spacious 2 Series Gran Tourer is definitely a sign of more to come from BMW.


Ford reveals first official images of next Focus

                DETROIT: Although a full-blown reveal of the new Focus isn't expected until spring 2018, Ford has delivered an early Christmas present in the shape of a set of images of the new version of its family hatchback, although it is still wrapped up in colourful camouflage.

At big motor shows like January's upcoming Detroit auto show, attention is understandably concentrated on the exotic and expensive cars most people will never even see on the road, never mind actually be able to own.

But the industry knows that what's really important are the new versions of more down-to-earth mass-market models. And a new version of the Ford Focus is always going to be a big deal.

There have already been plenty of illicit spy shots in the media of camouflaged prototypes of the new fourth-generation Focus undergoing testing, so Ford isn't exactly divulging anything new by releasing these images. But the images do confirm that a full unveiling of the new Focus can't be far away now.

Even though the third-generation Focus has been around a long while and is starting to show its age a little, it's still one of the manufacturer's biggest-selling cars and very important to the company's bottom line.

As well as the multi-coloured camouflage, the Focus test mules also wear the hashtag #TimeToFocus, which will probably be the campaign slogan for the eventual official release.

The images of the fourth-generation Focus show a new grille, some prominent new LED head and taillights, and angular front fog lamps located underneath the headlights. Overall, the new car looks to be something of an evolutionary design instead of a whole new design language, in a similar vein to the new Fiesta.


Perodua Bezza bags 2017 Frost & Sullivan award

The Bezza.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Perodua Bezza was named the 2017 Frost & Sullivan’s Malaysia Car of the Year award at the 2017 Frost & Sullivan Malaysia Excellence Awards held here last night.

The 2017 Frost & Sullivan’s Malaysia Car of the Year award was based on the model’s substantial sales volume, sales growth, market share in its segment and overall impact to the total industry volume.

Frost & Sullivan also named the Bezza as the 2017 Frost & Sullivan Malaysia Debut Car of the Year and the Perodua Axia as the 2017 Frost & Sullivan Malaysia Value-for-Money (1.3L & Below Category) Car of the Year.

 Ahmad Suhaimi (left) receiving the main award from a Frost & Sullivan official.

“We are overwhelmed with this recognition for the Perodua Bezza and the Axia. The 2017 Frost & Sullivan’s Malaysia Car of the Year Award for the Bezza is an endorsement towards our first ever full upper body designed model,” said Perodua president & CEO Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh.

The Bezza was launched on July 21 last year and is the bestselling sedan for the first quarter of 2017 with over 15,900 units sold. It has sold about 50,900 units since it was launched in July last year.

The sedan comes in five variants: the 1.0L Manual Transmission & Automatic Transmission; the 1.3L “Premium X” Manual & Automatic Transmission; and the 1.3L “Advanced Version” Automatic Transmission.

Perodua has sold some 231,300 units of the Axia since it was launched in September 2014. It is the first Energy Efficient Vehicle produced in Malaysia.

Receiving the Car of the Year award was Datuk Ahmad Suhaimi Hashim, while Datuk Dr Zahari Husin accepted the other two awards.


James Bond movie stunt driver to race in special 007 60th anniversary Land Rover Defender 90

                LONDON: In celebrating the 60th anniversary of the James Bond movie franchise this year, Land Rover has prepared a rally-specs and  one-off black and gold liveried Defender 90 for the 2022 Bowler Defender Challenge.

The car will be driven by three-time British Rally Champion and Bond movie stunt driver Mark Higgins along with co-driver Claire Williams.

The challenge starts with the North Wales leg on March 26.

Higgin has stunt-driven in four 007 films – Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre and No Time to Die.

The new Defender was featured in the latest Bond release No Time To Die. Higgins and Williams.

The challenge Defender 90 is powered by the P300 Ingenium powertrain and features a host of safety modifications, including a full roll cage, enhanced cooling for the engine and transmission, a sports exhaust and new rear roof spoiler.

The stealthy-looking vehicle also features a special 007 60th logo on its roof and sides.

Other enhancements include strengthened 18-inch Bowler wheels with all-terrain tyres and a bespoke suspension design with modified subframes, new springs and unique turrets for increased stiffness.

Higgins said the new Defender is a tough and capable vehicle when it leaves the production line.

“I’ve seen it perform really challenging stunts while on the set of No Time To Die. With the race ready enhancements made by the Bowler team and with Claire by my side, we are confident we can have a great result," he said.


Bookings open for refreshed Suzuki Swift

                PETALING JAYA: Bookings are now open for the new Suzuki Swift ahead of its launch soon.

The refreshed B-Segment compact car will be available in GA, GL and GLX variants.

Estimated prices (on the road with GST, without insurance) are around RM59,000, 65,000 and RM73,000 respectively.

The model features a restyled bumper design, LED lighting (GLX) and fog lamps, ￼sporty 16-inch alloy rims (GLX) and a splash of the new “Lagoon Turquoise” car colour.

All three versions run on a 1.4-litre petrol engine with a maximum output of 95PS at 6,000rpm and offer a 5.2m minimum turning radius.

Standard Swift features include a 42-litre fuel tank, two airbags, Brake Assist Function and Anti-Lock Braking System with Electronic Braking Distribution System.

According to Suzuki Malaysia Automobile managing director Keiichi Suzuki, the new Swift is positioned as a fun, stylish ride and targets young Malaysian drivers.

Suzuki Malaysia is offering a five-year warranty or warranty up to 150,000km, whichever comes first.

Interested buyers can test-drive the car at the the Suzuki FUN365 roadshows at Sunway Pyramid, Petaling Jaya (June 25-28); Gurney Plaza, Penang (July 2-5); City Square, Johor Baru (July 24-26); Mydin Gong Badak, Kuala Terengganu (July 30- Aug 1); Low Yat Plaza, Kuala Lumpur (Aug 3-9); and Mid Valley Megamall. Kuala Lumpur (Aug 12-16).


Maserati unveils new GranTurismo, its first fully-electric model

The electric GranTurismo.
MILAN: Maserati, the luxury brand of carmaker Stellantis, unveiled on Monday its new GranTurismo model ahead of an official launch scheduled next year for the brand's first car available in a fully-electric version.

Maserati, which returned to an operating profit last year, has promised fully-electric - or so-called "folgor" - versions of all its cars by 2025, as part of a wider turnaround plan.

Maserati said in a statement the electric powertrain for the new grandtourer (GT) would be derived from Formula E technology, where the Italian brand will start competing next year. Its is based on 800-volt technology.

 Trofeo variant.

The new coupé is equipped with the V6 Nettuno engine, available in two versions: the Modena, with the 490-hp 3.0-litre V-6 Nettuno Twin Turbo; the high-performance Trofeo version, based on the same engine, but upgraded to a maximum power of 550-hp.

Both the fully-electric and the ICE versions will have an indicative starting price of around €200,000 (RM913,000), just below the entry price for a Ferrari car.

The GranTurismo will be produced at Stellantis' Mirafiori plant in Turin.

Maserati will provide further details of the new car at its official presentation in the first quarter of next year, while sales are expected to start in the second quarter.

Modena variant.


Mazda North America unveils all-new CX-90 flagship

                IRVINE: Mazda North American Operations has unveiled the first-ever Mazda CX-90 three-row seating sports utility vehicle (SUV), the brand's new flagship model.

Built on Mazda's all-new large platform, the all-new vehicle is wider, longer, and has more aggressive proportions that suit its high-performance appearance with world-class refinement.

The CX-90 is available with all-new electrified powertrains, including an inline 6 turbo and a plug-in hybrid, that offer drivers enhanced performance and efficiency.

The all-new large platform features a front-engine, rear-wheel-bias longitudinal layout to elevate Mazda's signature driving performance.

The CX-90 is equipped with Kinematic Posture Control, which first debuted on the MX-5 Miata, a software feature that suppresses body lift on tight corners to enhance the grip and allows all occupants to maintain a natural posture.

By optimising rigidity across the entire vehicle body while meticulously designing the seats and suspension, the CX-90 achieves better balance, control, and confidence in a range of driving situations.

With these thoughtful developments, along with standard i-Activ all-wheel drive, drivers can enjoy the full potential of the available high-output powertrains.

The large platform allows for a wider body and fenders and longer wheelbase, accentuating CX-90's strong stance and further emphasising its sense of performance.

The body is designed to be sleek with crafted curves that give the CX-90 ever-changing expressions created by the reflections of lights and shadows.

Available chrome garnishes on the lower bumpers emphasises its width and timeless styling, while new, available 21-inch diamond-cut wheels featuring a black metallic finish complement CX-90's powerful presence.

Also being introduced with CX-90 is Mazda's latest Takuminuri colour Artisan Red.

This colour has been developed specifically to suit the CX-90 and provides a sophisticated, yet deeply saturated colour to the vehicle's blend of performance and refinement.

The interior features an expansive impression from the dashboard through the positioning of the vents and chrome trim extending to the doors for a modern, linear appearance.

Multiple materials, such as Nappa leather, wood, and tone-on-tone fabrics adorn the front seats to the available captain's chairs, and into the third row.

Also included is the distinctive fabric on the dashboard connected using hanging stitches, which is specifically inspired by hand-bookbinding and an intricate Japanese weaving technique known as Kumihimo.

The CX-90 comes with an all-new e-Skyactiv G 3.3-litre inline 6 Turbo engine with 340hp/500Nm, the highest horsepower and torque from a mass production petrol engine developed by Mazda when using the recommended premium fuel.

This engine also gets the M-Hybrid Boost, a mild-hybrid system, to provide efficiency without compromising performance.

The electric motor is placed between the engine and transmission, creating a smooth acceleration from a standstill, and allowing the motor to directly power CX-90 at low speed.

This powertrain provides the CX-90 with an upscale feeling, a smooth-driving experience, engaging sound, and efficiency.

A second powertrain, the new e-Skyactiv plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), is tuned specifically for the North American market to deliver responsiveness and acceleration through an output of 323hp/500Nm.

The PHEV version, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and an electric motor with 17.8kWh high-capacity battery, aims to provide the best performance with efficiency and can run purely on the electric motor in a variety of driving scenarios.

Transmission for all powertrain line-up is the all-new eight-speed automatic transmission, specifically designed for the electrified longitudinal powertrains and large platform vehicles.

The multi-speed automatic gearbox, without a torque converter, delivers smooth and direct acceleration while improving drivetrain efficiency.

As with all Mazda vehicles, CX-90 seeks to maintain the same top safety recognition as Mazda's other products with many standard i-Activsense safety features, such as Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, and other new features that will help enhance the confident experience for all occupants.

The vehicle also features larger displays, accompanied by physical buttons that complement the interior styling.

New Mazda technologies, such as the See-Through View monitor, assist the driver in a variety of parking situations through the 12.3-inch centre display.


Peugeot to roll out latest 208 and full electric variant

                PARIS: Peugeot has unveiled the newest 208 hatchback and its fully electric counterpart before their world premieres early next month.

On Monday, Peugeot announced that the latest rendition of the 208 hatchback will be making its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show next week beside a fully-electric variant, the e-208.

This model follows the 2019 trend of broadening the grille and finishing it in chrome. Generally speaking, the entire front end got a fresh new look with updated headlights and narrow light details that run from the headlights down to the sharply redesigned front bumpers. In fact, the entire body features sharper creases from the hood to the side sills to the rear bumper.

The powertrain options include petrol, diesel, and electric with the last being that of the e-208 which is "the first in a series of 100% electric models, as Peugeot prepares to electrify its entire range by 2023." It comes will three driving modes — Eco, Normal, and Sport — and has a range of up to 340km.

On the other hand, the 208 has four engine options: three 3-cylinder 1.2L petrol engines and one 4-cylinder 1.5L diesel engine, all with varying transmissions.

On the inside, the 208 is equipped with the new 3D i-Cockpit where drivers will find a configurable heads-up display and a 7- or 10-inch HD touchscreen. Driving information is displayed on the 3D digital instrument panel or can be projected via the touchscreen.

Additionally, the model comes with a slew of driver assistant tech like TomTom Traffic, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Connected 3D Navigation. Everything you could ever need while driving should be at your fingertips or accessible by voice.

Both variants of the 208 will be released in Europe late this summer, though potential owners can begin making reservations at the end of March. Pricing won't be announced until we get closer to the official release date.


Jaguar Land Rover sets up impressive 'Destination Zero' site

LONDON: Jaguar Land Rover has unveiled new facilities at its Gaydon site in Warwickshire, creating one of the UK’s most sustainable non-domestic buildings and the country’s largest automotive creation and development centre.

The Gaydon site forms part of Jaguar Land Rover’s Destination Zero mission; an ambition to make societies safer and healthier, and the environment cleaner.

Gaydon is home to almost 13,000 highly-skilled engineers and designers who are developing the current and next generation Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles.

 Gaydon Expansion - Atrium.

The industry-leading centre is also creating future autonomous, connected, electrified and shared mobility technologies that will enable Jaguar Land Rover’s long-term, sustainable growth.

“Megatrends like urbanisation and sustainability are fundamentally changing the automotive industry. At Jaguar Land Rover, we not only participate – we are shaping future mobility. Our vision is for a world in which zero emission vehicles, public transport and self-driving pods will form one smart integrated and networked transport system.

"At Gaydon, we have invested into the future and an inspiring environment for our people. We have created the prerequisites that Gaydon can design and engineer the next generations of outstanding cars in highest quality. We have consciously invested with a “Destination Zero” attitude," said Chief Executive Officer, Prof Sir Ralf Speth.

Jaguar Land Rover has already taken several significant steps towards its Destination Zero mission. During the event, it has showcased both latest vehicles and research technologies that will deliver this mission.

From the development of 3D printed ergonomic gloves and sensory steering wheels to upcycling domestic waste to create high quality materials for our vehicles, Jaguar Land Rover is delivering its Destination Zero mission to make societies safer, healthier and the environment cleaner.

Investing in a future that is autonomous, connected, electrified and shared, Jaguar Land Rover has already successfully tested self-driving vehicles on complicated inner-city roads.

It is working in collaboration with academia and leading technology companies to deliver relentless innovation across its future vehicles and services. For example, the continuous running of a fleet of all-electric Jaguar I-PACE taxis in Munich gives insights and learning to incorporate into the next generation of Destination Zero vehicles.

Jaguar Land Rover is on track to deliver its commitment to offer customers electrified options for all new Jaguar and Land Rover models from 2020. Today’s opening at Gaydon follows confirmation of the company’s plans to transform its Castle Bromwich facility into the UK’s first premium electrified plant where a range of new electrified vehicles will be manufactured, starting with the next generation Jaguar XJ.

The new Land Rover Defender was designed and engineered in Gaydon. An icon reimagined for the digital generation; Defender uses the latest clean Ingenium engines built at Wolverhampton reinforcing the company’s British roots as well as the diversified nature of its manufacturing strategy. It will feature MHEV from launch and PHEV will be introduced next year.


Businessman, six others claim trial to owning vehicles obtained from illegal gambling proceeds

                SHAH ALAM: A businessman was slapped with seven charges for allegedly owning luxury vehicles obtained from money laundering and illegal gambling activities at the Sessions Court here today.

Chung Chee Yang, 44, claimed trial for all seven charges which were read to him before judge Helina Sulaiman.

Also charged with him were his wife, Lim Lee Cheng, 40, his mother, Tan Kwee Eng, 65, as well as Ng Min Lin, 43, Tan Kah Hock, 37, Khor Beng Sin, 68, and Lai Yee Peng, 73, who all faced one charge each.

They pleaded not guilty to the charges framed under subsection 4(1)(b) of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (Act 613), with those found guilty punishable under subsection 4(1) of the same Act and read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code.

Chung was charged with the others with owning luxury cars registered under the names of the co-accused persons that were obtained with illegal monies.

The vehicles were a Bentley Continental GT and Flying Spur W12, a BMW X5, a Toyota Alphard and a Honda Accord.

He was also accused together with his wife for carrying out illegal gambling activities at a premises by operating gambling machines.

They were accused of committing the offences between April 15 and 16 last year in Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya as well as Bandar Botanik and Bandar Bukit Tinggi in Klang.

If found guilty, they face a jail term of up to 15 years, and fined not less than the amount involved or RM5mil, whichever is higher.

DPP Harris Ong Mohd Jefffery Ong prosecuted, with all the accused defended by counsel Aidil Akmal Sharidan, Ahmad Faiz Munawar and Izzat Dzulkafli.

The prosecution offered a bail of RM100,000 for Chung and RM50,000 each for the other six. The defence team requested for bail to be set at RM10,000 for each of the accused.

Judge Helina set bail at RM20,000 for each of the accused as well as ordered them to surrender their passports to the court and report themselves at a police station once a week.

She also fixed May 31 for the case to be mentioned.

Chung created headlines in April last year when he was charged with beating up and threatening his two bodyguards with a pistol.


Toyota to launch two hybrid cars in China this year

                SHANGHAI: Toyota, the world's largest automaker by sales volume, plans to launch two hybrid cars in China this year as part of efforts to launch vehicles that will help to reduce pollution in the country.

The gasoline-electric hybrid cars, called Levin Hev and Corolla, will be launched in China in the second half of the year, the Japanese company said on Sunday on the eve of the Shanghai autoshow.

Toyota's joint venture with Guangzhou Automobile Group will make the Levin Hev, while its joint venture with FAW Group will manufacture the Corolla.

China has been the world's largest car market since 2009, with sales rising 6.9 percent to 23.5 million vehicles in 2014, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers said in January.


Britishvolt to develop high-performance batteries with Aston Martin

                LONDON: Electric vehicle (EV) battery startup Britishvolt is to develop high-performance batteries with Aston Martin as the British luxury carmaker gears up to launch its first fully electric vehicle in 2025, the two companies said on Monday.

A joint research and development team from fictional secret agent James Bond's car brand and the battery company will design and develop battery packs and a battery management system.

Aston Martin is the second carmaker customer for Britishvolt, which has also entered a battery partnership with Britain's Lotus.

By 2026, the Aston Martin plans to offer electric versions of all of its new models.

"Working together with Britishvolt, I believe we can create new technologies to power benchmark-setting Aston Martin electric cars that will match our reputation for high performance and ultra-luxury with the highest standards of sustainability," Aston Martin chief executive Tobias Moers said in a statement.

Last month, Britishvolt launched a Series C funding round with a starting investment of £40 million (RM219mil) from mining giant Glencore.

It has also secured UK government backing for a battery plant project in northern England, unlocking £1.7 billion (RM9.3bil) in private funding.

When the £3.8 billion (RM20.8bil), 45 GWh Blythe plant is fully operational in 2027 it should be able to produce battery packs for more than 450,000 electric vehicles per year.


Exciting tandem drift battle in Goodyear BOTC finale

                KUALA LUMPUR: The finale of Goodyear’s Battle of The Clubs (BOTC) 2018 at BlastaCars located in Sungei Wang Plaza, Kuala Lumpur saw plenty of excitement in a drift battle using go-karts that were specially made for drifting.

The winning club was Squad with 410 points, and VW Club Malaysia and Antera Motorsports clinched the second and third position respectively, with 390 and 380 points.

Those who attended the event also had the opportunity to buy selected Goodyear tyres at discounted prices.

Ben Hoge, managing director for Goodyear Malaysia said: “At Goodyear, we are passionate about automotive sports and at the same time dedicated to being safe on the roads. The Battle of the Clubs campaign is a great way for us to share our love for motorsports while simultaneously advocating responsible driving via events that are held in a closed environment.

“BOTC is also a means for us to better connect with the many automotive clubs here in Malaysia and build a better relationship with them while showcasing how important a role tyres play in road safety. In addition, the activities that were organised during BOTC relate closely with the offerings of our products. The Time Attack and Drift Tandem events for example, showcase how important tyres are in maintaining control of a vehicle.”

The Goodyear BOTC 2018 began in July with a treasure hunt challenge around the streets of Kuala Lumpur, followed by a paintball challenge in August.

The heat began to turn up with a GoKart race in September and a Time Attack event in October, where the clubs put their driving skills to the test in technical courses that required good cornering techniques.

In October, a futsal tournament was also held and Squad, VW Club Malaysia and Antera Motorsports were the three clubs that had garnered the highest points to make it to the finale.

A total of 14 car clubs had battled it out in the challenges.


It''s official, 5 million Mazda3s produced

                HIROSHIMA: Mazda has announced that the total production volume of the Mazda3 has reached five million units at the end of April.

It is the second Mazda to reach five million units of production, following the Mazda Familia. The Mazda3 (known as Mazda Axela in Japan) sets a new record for Mazda by achieving the milestone figure in only 12 years and 10 months since production of the model started in June 2003.

The Mazda3 is a core model for Mazda, accounting for one third of the company’s annual sales volume. It is manufactured at the Hofu plant in Japan, Changan Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd., in China, AutoAlliance (Thailand) and Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation in Mexico. It is also assembled in Malaysia and Vietnam.

Since the first generation, Mazda has consistently worked to exceed expectations with the Mazda3, refining its dynamic design and responsive and enjoyable driving performance. Currently in its third generation, the Mazda3 was fully redesigned in 2013, adopting SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and KODO—Soul of Motion design to join Mazda’s new-generation lineup. Critically acclaimed around the globe, the model won Canadian Car of the Year’s Best New Small Car in 2013 and the international Red Dot Design Award in 2014. It was named a Top 3 Finalist for World Car of the Year and World Design Car of the Year in 2014.

The MX-5 roadster, meanwhile, crossed the one-millionth in April. The millionth MX-5 was built at Ujina Plant No.1 in Hiroshima on April 22.

It rolled down the line 27 years after Mazda began manufacturing this iconic roadster, which still holds the Guinness World Record for the best-selling two-seater sports car of all time.


CIMB Classic 2018 gets fleet of BMW 530e Sport

CIMB group asset management and investments CEO Effendy Shahul Hamid and Hoelzl (right)
KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Malaysia, as the premium partner of the CIMB Classic 2018 for the ninth consecutive year, has delivered 45 units of its 530e Sport (G30) that will act as the official vehicle fleet for the upcoming golf tournament.

“Through our partnership this year, we are honoured to be demonstrating our vision of Future Mobility through our fleet of premium and progressively sustainable vehicles, at a prestigious tournament like the CIMB Classic – the only PGA TOUR-sanctioned event in Southeast Asia,” said BMW Group Malaysia managing director Harald Hoelzl.

The hybrid executive sedans with eDrive Technology will be used to shuttle all players, officials and VIPs during the tournament from Oct 11 to 14 at the TPC Kuala Lumpur (formerly known as Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club).

During the tournament, the company will be showcasing its range vehicles on the tournament grounds that will include the i8, X3 xDrive30i, 530i M Sport, X2 xDrive20i and the 740Le xDrive ('Hole-in-One' prize).

The tournament will feature 78 players, including defending champion Pat Perez, and world number four Justin Thomas - who is seeking his third CIMB Classic title.

Also vying for the US$7mil (RM29mil) prize fund are BMW Championship winner Keegan Bradley, World Golf Hall of Fame members Ernie Els and Davis Love III, England’s world number 19 Paul Casey, and Japan’s five-time PGA Tour winner Hideki Matsuyama.

“BMW Malaysia is strongly committed to supporting the sport of Golf in the region, from our BMW Golf Cup International programme, the largest and most successful amateur golf competition in the world, to the CIMB Classic, for which we have been the Official Automotive Partner for the last eight years,” added Hoelzl.


Proton adapts under MCO

                SUBANG JAYA: Under the movement control order (MCO), which began on March 18, Proton has followed its requirements and obtained approval from the relevant agencies for key operations to be carried out by essential employees.

Proton said the health status of every employee is monitored twice daily with plans in place to isolate and treat those suspected of being infected with the virus.

This includes weekends and takes into account where the staff are based during the MCO as well as their active work status.

Prior to the MCO, all staff movement outside the company was limited starting in February.

Those who travelled were required to undergo a 14-day self-quarantine upon their return including being screened for the SARS-CoV-2 virus before and after the quarantine period.

READ MORE: Proton provides basic vehicle maintenance tips during MCO days

Like other car makers in Malaysia, Proton shut down its factories in line with MCO demands. However, plant maintenance is ongoing and a few service centres earmarked to service the fleet of Proton cars used by government agencies remain operational.

To support Malaysia’s frontliners in the fight against Covid-19, Proton has loaned the health ministry 50 units of the X70 SUV.

The vehicles will be used to shuttle health workers to and from work as well as send them to any virus hotspots in the country requiring immediate attention.

“As a Malaysian car manufacturer and significant contributor to the local automotive industry, Proton sees it as a duty to assist the government in its battle against the spread of Covid-19," said Proton CEO Dr Li Chunrong.

"The frontliners are especially in our thoughts and we felt that this was an area that we could offer assistance with very quickly. For now, this is the most direct assistance we can give but we are also looking at other avenues of support as well."


BMW Advanced Car Eye video recorder available in Singapore

                SINGAPORE: For Singapore BMW owners, here's a little must-have accessory that the Munich car maker is offering. It's called the BMW Advanced Car Eye 2.0, a highly sensitive full-HD camera that captures events around the car, even at night.

In the event of disturbances and extraordinary movement outside the vehicle, the camera automatically records the situation in order to document possible accidents or (attempted) break-ins.

It is available here at an introductory price of S$999 (RM3,029) until Jan 31.

The full HD 150-degree wide-angle camera automatically documents your everyday journey and records any critical driving situations, and the video is also saved automatically.

Smart radar and G-sensor automatically enable video recording of up to 24 hours, upon impact in parking mode or when movement or vibration is detected in the video image.

Light-sensitive sensors ensure excellent recording quality both during the day and at night.

The highly sensitive GPS receiver enables precise recording of GPS coordinates and speed.

The Advanced Car Eye 2.0 saves all data into a top quality micro SD card (32 GB). The card's storage capacity is divided into various folders, making the search for events very simple. A free micro SD card is supplied for every purchase of an ACE (Advanced Car Eye) 2.0.

The keys to control the camera manually (camera on/off, manual photo/video recording, microphone on/off) are perfectly positioned to ensure easy operation.

All the other settings can be controlled via an app.


UMW Toyota Motor lifts Raya spirits with video clips

                SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota Motor understands that many are disappointed with the inability to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri with their loved ones in their respective hometowns.

"Things may be tough (now) but at the end, there will be greater strength and confidence from having endured the challenges,” said UMW Toyota Motor deputy chairman Akio Takeyama.

But all is not lost, with the company having released three videos to help lift spirits - each with its own unique
approach and theme.

The first video was posted on May 6, showing how the public was invited by the company to submit captures of themselves observing Ramadan in their own way while adhering to the MCO.

These homemade videos were then strung together into a more complete film depicting real-life scenarios and experiences of Ramadan being observed under the unique circumstances.

For the Raya videos posted on May 21, two different themes were applied with the first showing a family coming to terms with the current situation and accepting that a necessary sacrifice had to be made.

The clip was produced by working with a real family who shot the scenes themselves with the father operating the camera and lighting while the rest of the family members were the talent and their house as the main location.

On May 25, the second Raya video showed the Toyota GAZOO Racing’s celebrity racers singing a Raya classic - Senandung Hari Raya Untukmu.

The company said that Standard Operating Procedures for the production of all three videos had minimal crew present while the director gave guidance via video calls.

Social distancing was observed during filming with the exception of the family scenes since they depicted people living in the same house.

“We realise this year’s festival will be different and while many are unable to be together, we hope that Malaysians will still be able to celebrate in a meaningful way at home.

On behalf of UMW Toyota Motor, we would like to wish all Malaysians, including our owners, customers and business associates Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri and may you find peace and happiness,” said UMW Toyota Motor president Ravindran K.

Ravindran added that the company's products and services are still accessible and can be had via its online e-showroom, virtual test drives and augmented reality app among others.


My BMW App and MINI App released

                MUNICH: BMW has pushed out its latest apps that promises of improved connectivity between an owner's smart device and one of its vehicles with a newly simplified user interface and services to support electromobility.

Depending on brand ownership, the app is available as My BMW App or MINI App and can be downloaded by customers in over 30 European markets including China and Korea.

The apps can be downloaded for free from Google's Play Store or Apple's App Store.

By mid-2021, both apps will be available in 23 languages in more than 40 countries, including the US, Canada, Brazil, Mexico and certain markets in Southeast Asia.

"With the new app generation, we are taking a further step in extending the digital customer experience around our vehicles and thus meeting the increased customer demand for digital services and functions," said BMW Group Connected Company Customer senior vice president Peter Henrich.

"With the My BMW App and the MINI App, we seamlessly integrate our vehicles into the digital lifestyle of our customers. Both apps offer a lot of useful content both for the daily use of the vehicle and in the personal interaction with us as a brand, which we are continuously expanding".

Stephan Durach, Senior Vice President BMW Group Connected Company Development, Technical Operations, adds: “My BMW and the MINI App set the standard for usability, safety and reliability. User feedback and information on the behaviour of users of the previous generation of the app were critical to the development process. The two apps include popular and frequently used functions, and the new platform allows us to continuously add new functionality, adapted to our customers’ needs.”

My BMW App highlights:
The app displays information on the status of the vehicle and, depending on the equipment, allows functions to be activated remotely (e.g. to locate the vehicle, lock and unlock the doors, or monitor the vehicle surroundings (Remote 3D View)).Destinations are easy to find via the integrated search function and can be sent directly from the app to the vehicle’s navigation system. It is also possible to transmit destinations from third-party apps. The map shows the current traffic situation, filling stations and charging stations, as well as parking options.Customers are informed of available Remote Software Upgrades via My BMW App and can easily download these upgrades at home before transferring them to and installing them in the vehicle. With Remote Software Upgrades, the BMW Group offers customers with BMW Operating System 7 new and improved digital features on a regular basis and the ability to ensure that their vehicle software is always up to date.The BMW Digital Key, which turns an iPhone into a vehicle key, offers convenient set-up via the My BMW App in just a few steps (the necessary hardware needs to be available in the vehicle). The BMW can then be used without a physical key and this access can be shared with up to five other people. If desired, restricted rights, such as a reduced maximum speed, can also be applied when sending a key – perfect for novice drivers.With My BMW, Amazon Alexa can be used in vehicles with BMW Operating System 7. Once the customer has linked their Amazon account in the app, they can use the voice assistant in the vehicle by saying the activation word “Alexa” or at the touch of a button. Customers can use this voice control to play music, access news, control compatible smart home devices and access thousands of skills. Alexa is initially available in Germany, Austria, Spain, Italy and Great Britain. The voice service will be rolled out in more countries from March 2021.The app offers additional features for electrified BMW vehicles, including an improved overview of the electric range, charging status and charging history. Customers can use the charge and climate timer to optimise the charging process by defining specific time slots for charging and set departure times. Pre-conditioning is also available (to heat the vehicle in winter or cool it in summer, for example) for enhanced comfort.With the introduction of BMW Points, customers will be rewarded for electric driving in a BMW plugin hybrid model: customers collect points and can then redeem them for free charging time from BMW Charging. The My BMW App allows customers to keep track of their BMW Points and to manage them. BMW Points is already available in Belgium, Germany, France, Austria, the Netherlands and Switzerland.Personalisation: Once linked with a personal BMW ID, individual preferences can be set in any current BMW vehicle quickly and automatically. Thanks to the My BMW App, logging in is now even easier – instead of manually entering a username and password, customers can simply scan a QR code to securely transfer their user settings. Users can also choose a profile picture via the app, which is now automatically transferred to the vehicle.The My BMW App offers easy access to the BMW ecosystem. It can be used to contact BMW Service Partners directly, and customers can keep an eye on their vehicle’s service requirements in the app. Service appointments can be made directly from the app if needed. BMW Roadside Assistance can also be contacted via the app in the event of problems with the vehicle. If consent is given, the service personnel will see the location of the vehicle and its status so that immediate over-the-air assistance can be provided. At the same time, customers can track the service vehicle’s journey. The app also offers easy access to the BMW ConnectedDrive Store and the BMW Online Shop.MINI App features and highlights:
IMMEDIATE ACCESS TO VEHICLE STATUS AND FUNCTIONS. The MINI App is the new universal interface to the vehicle. It displays information about the status of the vehicle and, given required options, allows access to remote services as, for instance, locating the vehicle or locking and unlocking the doors.HANDY NAVIGATION FEATURES. Destinations are easy to find using the integrated search function and can be sent directly from the app to the vehicle's navigation system. It is also possible to send destinations from third-party apps. The map shows the current traffic situation, petrol stations and charging stations as well as parking facilities.SMART SERVICES TO SUPPORT CUSTOMERS’ E-MOBILITY LIFESTYLE. The app offers new services for the MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid and the all-electric MINI Cooper SE, e.g. an improved overview of the electrical range, the charging status and charging history. Using the app’s charging and climate timer, customers can optimise the charging process by defining specific time windows and departure times. In addition, the vehicle can be pre-conditioned (e.g. by heating in winter or cooling in summer) to increase comfort.THE SHORTEST WAY TO MINI AFTERSALES SERVICE. The MINI App enables direct contact with a MINI Service Partner and customers can keep an eye on their vehicle's service requirements. If required, an appointment can be made directly in the app. The MINI Roadside Assistance can also be reached via the app in the event of problems with the vehicle. If approval is given, service staff can see the location of the vehicle and its status for immediate over-the-air assistance. At the same time, customers can track the arrival of the service vehicle. The MINI Online Shop can also be conveniently accessed from the app.


Volkswagen Arteon and facelifted Passat set to arrive in 2019

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Volkswagen Arteon and facelifted Passat are due to arrive in Malaysia this year, according to Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia's (VPCM) top brass.

"Based on the feedback that we have gathered previously, we believe we have found the ideal specifications for Malaysia and are finalising it," Volkswagen Malaysia managing director Eric Winter said at a round table discussion with the media on Wednesday.

Details of the company's activities and 2018 sales performance were also announced at the round table.

 From left - Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia managing director Florian Steiner (left) with Volkswagen Malaysia managing director Eric Winter and aftersales director Deenan Nadar

The 4,864mm-long Arteon could arrive with the current Golf R's (Mk7.5) powertrain credentials that include a 280PS 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and all-wheel-drive capability. The facelifted Passat was showcased at this year's Geneva International Motor Show in March.

"There aren't many details that we can reveal right now, but rest assured it will be very close to the European specifications just as the existing Passat is," said Winter.

Currently, the company is offering a special 1.88% interest rate for the Passat in Comfortline and Highline trims, booked from now until June 30.

The company is also looking to further bolster the local second-hand market by launching Das WeltAuto, which will take place this year at a limited number of dealerships.

"We are close to the official launch of Das WeltAuto, which will be a 'certified used car' label for Volkswagen cars and will come with warranty and certification, and if applicable a one-year extended warranty as well," he said.

He added that the accident-free cars will all come with a 133-point checkup performed by a trained master-technician and if it passes only then will it be approved for sale.

With the Beetle ending its global production, the company will be preparing a party that will most likely take place in July.

Also, a "Sound & Style" accessory package is now available for audiophiles, worth up to RM16,000 but is restricted to the Golf R-Line, Passat Comfortline, Passat Highline and Tiguan Highline.

In 2018, the company delivered 7,001 vehicles to mark a 15.8% increase from 6,536 vehicles in 2017, allowing it to increase its market share to 1.3% from 1.18% in 2017.

The company has sold more than 1,800 vehicles in the first quarter this year.

The company has nine 4S (Sales, Service, Spare parts and Spray paint) dealerships as well as 15 3S (Sales, Service and Spare parts) dealerships to cover both East and West Malaysia.


Lexus LC 500 rumbles in from RM940K

                KUALA LUMPUR: Meet Lexus Malaysia's latest 5.0-litre V8 offering - the 471hp LC 500.

At RM940,000 on-the-road with GST without insurance, the LC 500 (URZ100) is offered in 11 exterior colours with three interior colour themes.

It also comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty and a five-year or 100,000km (whichever comes first) free scheduled service.

An 82-litre tank supplies fuel to a 4,969cc 2UR-GSE V8 naturally aspirated powerplant with a 12.3:1 compression ratio - the same engine in the RC F and GS F, but with an improved intake and exhaust system, power gets bumped up to 471hp (+4hp) at 7,100rpm and 540Nm (+10Nm) at 4,800rpm.

Managing power delivery to the rear wheels is a 10-speed direct-shift automatic transmission to help it get from 0-100kph in 4.4 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 270kph.

With 2,870mm wheelbase and ride height at 133mm, the car sits on the company's new Global Architecture - Luxury (GA-L) platform and comes in measuring 4,770mm-long, 1,920mm-wide and 1,345mm-tall.

The 1,970kg (kerb) sportscar has a front and rear multi-link suspension setup and also gets an adaptive suspension system for better comfort and cornering abilities.

There's no spare tyre under the 197-litre boot, with all four 21-inch wheels sporting 245/40 (front) and 275/35 (rear) run-flat tyres that obscure the ventilated disc brakes.

With a lightweight carbon fibre roof, its signature spindle grille is flanked by the ultra-compact LED projector headlamps with auto-levelling function and its LED signature arrowhead design daytime running lights located just below. Also utilising LEDs are the front cornering lamps, rear combination tail lamps and rear fog lamps.

It also comes fitted with keyless entry with push-start button, automatic wipers, flush electronic door handles, an active rear wing spoiler, quad exhaust tail pipes and heated auto-folding side mirrors.

Inside, there's a combination of leather and metal accents, leather-wrapped automatic tilt and telescopic multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters, full-digital instrument cluster, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate controls.

The 2+2 coupe also features an electronic parking brake, electronic push-button glove box, aluminium foot pedals, carbon-fibre door scuff plates and a frameless rear-view mirror, an internal sound generator,  one-touch walk-in system for access to the rear seats and six driving modes of Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Sport+ and Customize.

With the sun visors and seats upholstered in Alcantara, the front eight-way power adjustable sports seats with two-way lumbar support also have heated and cooled ventilation system, while the driver gets three-memory slots.

Entertainment comes from a 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system with a 10.3-inch electro multi-vision display, remote touch-pad controller, reverse camera, 11-channel 918W amplifier, AM/FM tuner, single DVD/CD, MP3, WMA, FLAC, ALAC/OGG Vorbis MP4, WMV, AVI compatible with Miracast, AUX jack, two USB ports, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

For safety, there's eight airbags, anti-lock braking system, brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution, vehicle stability control system, traction control, vehicle dynamics integrated management.

There's also a rear Torsen limited slip differential, hill-start assist, tyre pressure monitoring system, blind spot monitoring system with rear cross traffic alert, pop-up hood, whiplash injury lessening system and rear two-point ISOFIX rear seats with top tether anchors.


Perodua helps Sabah Women and Children's Hospital

                KOTA KINABALU: Perodua recently made a visit to the Sabah Women and Children’s Hospital recently and dropped off some items for its 250 underprivileged paediatric patients.

In the mix was a portable flexible video scope set as some school supplies and even prescription glasses.

"Our contributions here are our way of thanking the staff of Sabah Women and Children’s Hospital for tirelessly and selflessly caring for the patients,” said Perodua president and CEO Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

Of the 250 child patients, 200 of them were aged below 12 and were the ones who received the stationery set while the remaining 50 outpatient children were given prescription glasses.

Perodua first engaged with the hospital in 2018 by contributing two laryngoscope blade sets and 40 pillows, and toys for some 250 child patients.

“Based on feedback from the hospital, we have decided to further assist this health institution to further increase its capabilities as well as contribute directly to the community. It is important that Perodua continues its role as a responsible and caring organisation towards the Malaysian community who has strongly supported us over the years,” added Zainal.


Lexus RZ makes world debut

                TOKYO: Following numerous teasers, Lexus has finally launched the RZ, its first all-electric model.

The SUV is based on an electric-TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) modular platform and has a lightweight and highly rigid body. It's the same base shared with the cheaper Toyota bZ4X electric car. And it also gets the same 71.4-kWh battery as the Toyota.

As the RZ 450e is still a prototype, Lexus did not reveal the final range but estimated it at 362km, which is not exceptional when compared with other luxury EVs that are approaching 500km or more.

Since the launch of the RX400h in 2005, Lexus has been electrifying its cars. The BEV system in the RZ 450e is an evolution of Lexus' hybrid development over the years.

Apart from a round steering wheel, the RZ will later introduce a yoke-style steering wheel as an option with steer-by-wire function. Straight out of the plant, the SUV will have DIRECT4 all-wheel drive system. That means it will have two electric motors, one on each axle. The front one makes  201hp and the rear 107hp. No combined output figure was given.

With no engine to cool, Lexus' famous spindle grille is replaced by a BEV Spindle Body which focuses on aerodynamic efficiency, optimised proportions, and style.

The minimalist cabin features a panoramic roof with dimming function, while passenger comfort is improved by a new heating system featuring a Lexus-first radiant heater. The dash is fitted with a digital meter cluster and a 14-inch infotainment screen.

Up front, the RZ rides atop MacPherson strut type suspension, while its rear uses a trailing arm double wishbone configuration. For the first time, Lexus uses Frequency Reactive Dampers (FRD), a frequency-sensitive absorber that alters the dampening force on the extension stroke in response to road surface frequency input. This enables a linear responses of steering, braking and acceleration operations.

The net effect is to offer the driver a tactile steering feel.

The RZ uses the latest Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 set of driving aids, including standard Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert and Emergency Driving Stop System.

"The RZ has been developed with the aim of creating a uniquely Lexus BEV that feels secure to ride in, is pleasing to the touch, and is exhilarating to drive," said Lexus chief engineer Takashi Watanabe.

"DIRECT4 achieves quick and linear response according to driver input. With the transition to BEV, we pursued a special design with functional simplicity featuring the evolution of the spindle grill to the new Lexus spindle body architecture and a cockpit space focusing on driver operation."

It will be heading to showrooms towards the end of 2022.

Watch the videos for more details.


SpaceTourer The Citroënist Concept will bring a spirit of freedom to Geneva

                PARIS: Citroën will present its SpaceTourer The Citroënist Concept camper van — inspired by freedom and sharing — in a world premiere at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show.

Based on the brand's SpaceTourer, this new camper van concept has an interior configuration developed in collaboration with specialists, Pössl. SpaceTourer The Citroënist Concept has a host of functional features, such as a pop-up roof integrating a large mosquito net and housing a sleeping area. In this configuration, two people can sleep in the dedicated bed space, just above the van's interior cabin.

During the day, the raised roof adds height to the interior space so users can stand up in the vehicle. Finally, for increased freedom of movement, the concept has two hands-free electric sliding side doors and a rear windshield that opens.

Another original feature is the modular multimedia unit, featuring a flat work surface and a retractable TV. Thanks to pivoting front seats, it's possible to create a pleasant shared space around the table and the screen, almost like a mobile living room. The vehicle can also stow a bike.

This concept van has a BlueHDi 150 S&S BVM6 engine and a host of driver aids, from the color head-up display to Citroën Connect Nav navigation and Active Safety Brake. "The Citroënist" name is a nod to the brand's fan community (public and professional).

Note that Citroën has also unveiled a bike incorporating the concept's codes. "Rider The Citroënist by Martone" is on sale now priced €950 in the brand's e-store, along with a line of other "The Citroënist" products.

Citroën will also present a more ambitious concept car called the Ami One at the Geneva show. This ultra-compact all-electric and connected vehicle is accessible to users age 16 and up with no need for a driver's license.


Refreshed Honda BR-V open for booking

                PETALING JAYA: The 7-seat Honda BR-V has been refreshed and is now open for booking.

It is set for launch in the first quarter of 2020.

Honda Malaysia said the BR-V gets revised front bumper coupled with a new front grille, new lower bumper garnish and new front fog light garnish. It also comes with a new rear lower bumper garnish, new shark fin antenna and a new 16-inch alloy wheel design. Keyless entry and push start button are now standard for all variants.

The crossover is powered by a 1.5L SOHC i-VTEC engine, generating maximum power output 120PS and maximum torque of 145Nm, which is the highest in its segment.

The third row seats are adjustable with 50:50 tilt & full tumble that can lie flat and fully
tumbled to maximise the boot space. The BR-V will also have a new leather seat design with added
red accent which is said to provide a sporty and comfortable experience for both driver and
passengers.

Since its launch in 2017, over 36,000 units of BR-V were sold in the country as at January 2020. This
encouraging result was translated into 45% market share in 2019, which helped the BR-V
maintain its position as the segment leader. Honda Malaysia said the BR-V is particularly popular among customers with family.


Apple aims to use VR to beat motion sickness in robot cars

                NEW YORK: Apple is working on new technology to combat motion sickness in self-driving cars by using virtual reality headsets for passengers to wear.

According to a recently approved patent in the US, the iPhone manufacturer's system is designed to use virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) and a set of sensors to make future robot cars more comfortable to use.

The aim is to make the peripheral environment inside the car match the general motion of the vehicle, no matter which way you face in the car. In doing so, the technology would remove the incongruity at the heart of motion sickness.

This would, in theory, enable the interior of driverless cars to be comfortably used for any number of activities - working, reading or watching movies using a VR headset during long trips.

Unlike in traditional cockpits, people in robot cars can sit opposite each other or facing backwards and recline their seat further. The downside is that the new environment will probably make people who suffer from car sickness feel even worse.

The nausea of motion sickness is caused by an imbalance between what you see and what you feel: The vehicle is moving forward but your body is sitting still.

For many people the only solution to the unpleasant wooziness is to take medication. Many passengers who read or use their smartphone in the car are also familiar with the sensation and complain of feeling unwell after a while.

Apple aims to get around the problem by ensuring that the peripheral environment in VR matches the movement of the vehicle - in other words, no matter where you look in the car, you can see that you're moving.

The virtual environment provides a balance between actual and visually perceived motion and the VR headset can also display sections of the real environment if required.

An active seat is another potential way to combat motion sickness, according to Apple's patent, approved by US officials in May.

Sensors in the interior detect movements that could potentially cause discomfort and compensate for them by moving the seat. Similar VR chairs are already being used to tackle motion sickness in VR applications.

Apple is even considering an option for those who do not get queasy while driving. They could enter a VR environment that is not coupled with the vehicle's sensors.

Industry experts believe the patent application is not necessarily a sign that the Cupertino-based will soon be putting its long-awaited plans for an own Apple Car into production.

The company may also team up with mainstream makers to supply hardware and software to car manufacturers and other partners.


Toyota says consumer choice dictates pace of electrification

                TOKYO: Toyota Motor Corp pushed back against critics who say it has been slow to embrace battery electric vehicles (BEV), arguing it needed to offer a variety of car choices to suit different markets and customers.

At its annual general meeting today, the world's largest automaker by sales doubled down on its position that it would stick with technologies including fuel cell vehicles and hybrids that have for the past two decades made it a leader in cleaner cars.

Apart from concerns about its electrification strategy, Toyota executives tackled a range of questions on CEO succession plans to the ongoing chip shortage.

Once a favourite with environmentalists for its popular hybrid Prius model, Toyota has come under fire for not phasing out gasoline-powered cars and its lobbying on climate policy.

"The goal is carbon neutrality," Toyota's chief technology officer Masahiko Maeda told the meeting, responding to questions submitted by Danish pension fund AkademikerPension, which also asked Toyota to refrain from lobbying to undermine the transition to BEVs.

However, "customers need to choose," Maeda said, in order to popularise electric cars that include plug-in hybrids.

READ MORE: Toyota CEO says his successor must have ‘unshakeable conviction’

A variety of options should be available and the automaker should not narrow those down, he said.

"Toyota used the pretext of customer choices to avoid answering the question about lobbying activities ... to slow the transition towards fossil-fuel-free cars," AkademikerPension said in a statement after the AGM.

"As investors, we expect more in 2022 against the backdrop of the climate crisis threatening to limit much more than customer choices in a not-so-distant future."

Toyota argues that hybrids still make sense in markets where infrastructure is not ready to support a faster move to BEVs, and is exploring the viability of green fuels for internal combustion engine cars, including hydrogen.

There is a gap between Toyota, which approaches decarbonisation in a "pragmatic" way, and environmental groups that call for immediate action, said Seiji Sugiura, a senior analyst at Tokai Tokyo Research Institute.

The positions are not polar opposite, he said, adding Toyota has been working to slash greenhouse gas emissions from the vehicle production stage.

The company last year committed to spend 8 trillion yen (RM265bil) by 2030 to electrify its cars, half of which is for the development of fully electric vehicles.

Still, it expects annual sales of such cars to reach only 3.5 million vehicles by the end of the decade, or around a third of current sales.

Just last month, Toyota rolled out the the bZ4x - its first mass-produced all-electric vehicle -  domestically, albeit for lease only, and gasoline-electric hybrid models remain far more popular in Japan.


Honda vehicle sales for May-July drop 52% year-on-year

                KUALA LUMPUR: Honda Malaysia’s car sales declined by 52 per cent year-on-year from May to July 2021 as its business operations were affected by the implementation of the Movement Control Order lockdown as a result of the drastic rise in Covid-19 cases.

In a statement today, managing director and chief executive officer Madoka Chujo said the company sold about 5,700 units during the period compared to close to 12,000 units sold in the same period last year when the country was under the Conditional MCO and Recovery MCO.

"With only certain after-sales services allowed and sales and manufacturing operations halted, it is no surprise that sales had plunged, and the prolonged business closure has also impacted Honda Malaysia’s new model production due to no testing conducted in the manufacturing facility.

"Furthermore, the company’s supply chain and export of parts are also affected,” she said.

READ MORE: Many car dealerships on the verge of closing for good

She highlighted that the automotive industry supports a wide network of local components and parts suppliers, adding that these suppliers might not be able to sustain their operations, which will subsequently disrupt the overall supply chain.

According to Chujo, the ongoing extended lockdown and the lack of visibility on the business resumption timeframe have impacted planning and the overall investment of the automotive marques.

"Even more worrisome is the domino effect it has had on all 101 Honda authorised dealers who face financial difficulties and the uncertainty of employment for sales and service advisors as well as other staff at the dealers.

"The sales advisors, whose income largely depend on commission earned, have been severely impacted,” she added.

On another note, Chujo said that Honda Malaysia aims to achieve 100 per cent first dose vaccination rate for its associates by mid-August 2021 under the Public-Private Partnership Industrial Covid-19 Immunisation Programme.


Red Bull right to be upset, says Ecclestone

                LONDON: Formula One's commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone has backed Red Bull's call for action to rein in Mercedes' engine advantage and make races more competitive after a one-sided start to the season.

However, the 84-year-old played down talk of the former champions walking away from a sport they dominated only recently.

"They are absolutely 100 percent right," Ecclestone told Reuters on Monday when asked about Red Bull principal Christian Horner's statement that the governing FIA should apply an "equalisation mechanism" to narrow the gap.

"There is a rule that I think (former president) Max (Mosley) put in when he was there that in the event...that a particular team or engine supplier did something magic -- which Mercedes have done -- the FIA can level up things.

"They (Mercedes) have done a first class job which everybody acknowledges. We need to change things a little bit now and try and level things up a little bit," added the Briton.

Ecclestone said it was not a case of doing everything possible to stop Mercedes but simply to allow other manufacturers more flexibility.

"What we should have done was frozen the Mercedes engine and leave everybody else to do what they want so they could have caught up," he suggested. "We should support the FIA to make changes."

Under a complicated system of tokens, manufacturers can make limited changes to their engines during a season but not wholesale revisions.

Renault-powered Red Bull have been frustrated by their inability to keep up with Mercedes who dominated Formula One last year and cruised to an easy one-two win in Sunday's season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

Red Bull motorsport adviser Helmut Marko suggested his team, who won four championships in a row before being left in the Mercedes slipstream, might pull out if billionaire owner Dietrich Mateschitz lost interest.

"We will evaluate the situation again as every year and look into costs and revenues. If we are totally dissatisfied we could contemplate an F1 exit," he told German-speaking media.

"Yes, the danger is there that Mr Mateschitz loses his passion for F1."

Ecclestone pointed out that Red Bull had committed to at least 2020 but recognised the risk.

"Whether they will, who knows?," he said. "Dieter is a sporting guy and I don’t think he’ll stop because he’s being beaten. He’s more likely to stop if he was winning."

Red Bull made a dismal start to the season with Daniel Ricciardo finishing sixth and lapped in his home race.

New Russian team mate Daniil Kvyat withdrew before the start with a gearbox failure.

Horner said the rules had changed constantly when Red Bull were winning to give others a chance.

"Double diffusers were banned, exhausts were moved, flexible bodywork was banned, engine mapping was changed mid-season -– anything was done to pull us back," he said.

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff accused Red Bull of moaning because they were losing.


Polestar 1 performance to be tested in public

                LONDON: A lot has been said and written over the last year about the Polestar 1, the all-new performance hybrid from the performance arm of Volvo, and it's already been displayed at motor shows all around the world.

What we haven't seen so far is the car actually showing us what it can do in terms of its performance, but that's all going to change in July at the Goodwood Festival of Speed hill climb event in Britain.

A few things need to be stated first though. The car that will be gracing the annual event will not be a production model, but will instead be prototype No. 004 driven by Polestar chief test driver Joakim Rydholm. It will also be camouflaged a little like the test mules we see spy shots of when they're being put through their paces on public roads or at the Nurburgring.

But if you are interested in buying a production version at some point, there will be two production-specification versions on display at the show too. It will also be a chance for those who have already put deposits down to see what they're actually buying as deliveries are not set to start until the middle of next year.

This first model from the newly spun-off performance hybrid and EV brand will cost from €155,000 (about RM728,000 at current rates) when it finally goes on sale in Europe in the middle of 2019. Having said that, on sale is probably not exactly correct as customers will buy the car through a monthly subscription instead of buying outright. That figure will cover far more than just the vehicle itself though, as the subscription model also includes things such as maintenance.

The 592bhp performance hybrid has now completed around two weeks of testing, where the focus was on its drivetrain, batteries and torque vectoring system. The tests were concluded in the Arctic Circle so the hybrid system could be placed under pressure in temperatures that went as low as -28 C.

In the meantime, the Polestar 1 can be seen close-up and being put through its paces at the Goodwood Festival of Speed from July 12-15.


Ducati Asia Pacific unveils 1,000km Thailand adventure ride package in the DesertX

                CHIANG MAI: Ducati Asia Pacific has rolled out its latest experiential event called the Ducati Adventure Tour, in Thailand.

The Ducati Adventure Tour a six-day and 1,000km one-of-a-kind expedition will allow riders to immerse in the rich heritage and culture of Thailand while riding their DesertX motorcycles on some of the finest stretches of tarmac that exists in the country.

All participating riders will be guided by Ducati professionals and supported by the DART ASIA event team trained to deliver an excellent riding experience and will have access to lead and sweep marshals, backup vehicles, all accommodations, meals and above all, a DesertX motorcycle for each rider.

Ducati's latest DesertX is equipped with a 21-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear wheel, designed to handle even the most challenging off-road terrain.

Dedicated off-road development combined with Ducati’s road expertise has resulted in a responsive and manoeuvrable bike that is at ease on all types of trails and asphalt and is setting off-road and touring benchmarks across the world.

According to Ducati Asia Pacific website, the adventure costs THB92,000 (RM11,750) with four sessions planned this year - March 6-11, April 17-22, Oct 2-7 and Nov 20-25.

Ducati Asia Pacific vice-president (sales and marketing) Marco Biondi said:

“With hugely successful Ducati Riding Experiences like Track Days last year, we are glad to kick start another chapter in the Ducati Experience by organizing Ducati Adventure Tours for Ducatisti to experience the true essence of Thailand on board the exceptional Ducati DesertX.

“These Adventure Tours are organised keeping in mind the evolving riders, the growing interest for riding and the passion for Ducati,” he said.

Meanwhile, MOTO Asia Pacific, CAR South East Asia & Taiwan marketing manager Marco Soana said:

“We are extremely happy to be part of this fantastic tour by Ducati Asia Pacific and provided full support. The Pirelli and Ducati partnership is formidable and the tour is another testament to our long-standing commitment to high-performance tyres for the Ducati DesertX capable of any terrain,” he said.

DART ASIA director Sayomphu Thammarach said his organisation has specially designed this tour for the Ducati enthusiast to enjoy both the fantastic motorcycle as well as the spectacular riding routes, culture and heritage that the north of Thailand has to offer.

“Over the years DART has established itself as the frontrunner in curating adventure travel here in Thailand and with this partnership with Ducati Asia Pacific we want to further solidify our position and give every Ducati owner a true Ducati experience,” he said.

Details about price, calendar, exclusions and inclusions can be found on the Ducati Asia Pacific website and its social media.


Petronas Dynamic Diesel Euro 5 is here

                KUALA LUMPUR: Petronas has introduced the Dynamic Diesel Euro 5 in Peninsular Malaysia and by mid October, there will be 18 Petronas stations which will be carrying the new diesel. The new diesel product is retailed at RM1.85 per litre, 10 sen extra than Euro 2M diesel.

The Euro 5 diesel contains extremely low sulphur content of 10ppm (parts per million) and the high performance fuel allows diesel drivers to experience maximum performance from their engines with greater fuel economy and engine protection.
 Chan
The improved chemistries in the Petronas Dynamic Diesel Euro 5 works best in vehicles with Euro 5-compliant diesel engines by eliminating sulphur build up which may cause damage over the long term.

However, non-compliant Euro 5 diesel vehicles will also be able to enjoy the new Petronas Euro 5 diesel.

"Unlike petrol engines which are dependent on the RON rating, diesel engines are able to use the new Euro 5 fuel," said Petronas manager of Fuel Technology Oil Business, Chan Ming-Yau.

Petronas partnered with Iveco and De Rooy for the Dakar Rally for the last five years and had the opportunity to study the performance of the Powerstar trucks, which run on the latest common-rail direct injection engines used in 4x4 pickups and passenger cars, to refine the Dynamic Diesel Euro 5 fuel technology.

Currently the new Euro 5 diesel is available at selected petrol stations in Federal Territory,  Selangor, Johor, Negri Sembilan and Pahang.

Petronas will be expanding the availability of the Euro 5 diesel to 50 stations in the Peninsular by the end of the year and will cover major highways going in and out of the Klang Valley and certain locations in the southern region to cater to Malaysian vehicles entering Singapore.

Go for the blue pump if you want to fill up on Dynamic Diesel Euro 5.


Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia Consolidates Business and Retail Operations

                PETALING JAYA: Jaguar Land Rover (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (JLRM), a joint venture between Sime Darby Motors and Sisma Auto, will consolidate and strengthen Jaguar Land Rover retail business operations making it the sole importer and dealer in Malaysia.

This is part of its ambitious plan to improve service capabilities and drive long-term growth for the brand.

The move will see the acquisition of dealer assets andtransfer of staff from both Sime Darby Auto Connexion and Sisma Auto and the consolidation of its central business operations into the Jaguar and Land Rover Dealership at Ara Damansara, Selangor.

This outlet is currently the largest Jaguar Land Rover 4S facility within the South-East Asia region.

JLRM, will also be operating its retail operations located in Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Penang.

Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia managing director Syed Faiz said JLRM’s consolidation exercise would put the company in a stronger position to serve its customers, while optimising retail and distribution costs, as well as overheads.

“This consolidation will be a positive move towards better operational efficiency with elevated levels of premium services which will help drive long-term growth for the company.

“These measures will leverage on the company’s vast experience and accumulated knowhow through the decades to strengthen its processes and deliver more value to our customers,” he added.

 Syed Ahmad Muzri.

JLRM expects this consolidation to continue to elevate customer experiences, differentiating it from the mass premium brands.

Together with digitalization initiatives, it plans to invest more on technology and will increasingly deploy digitalisation over the next few years to improve its service capacity to deliver top-notch services to its customers.

The joint venture between Sisma Auto and Sime Darby Motors brings together more than 60 years of cumulative experience in the automotive business.

Both entities have been credited with outstanding performances by securing top positions in the Retailer of the Year Award 2020/21 title for their impeccable service and dedication to customers.

Customers can expect more luxurious and convenient services to be rolled-out at JLRM centres.

The 167,586sq ft Ara Damansara facility houses both new and approved Jaguar Land Rover pre-owned vehicles under one roof, giving customers who want to join the Jaguar and Land Rover family even more value and options.

JLRM will continue to invest heavily in training to grow the number of Jaguar Land Rover Master level 4 Technicians and Electric Vehicle Technology Certified Technicians in ensuring customers get the most of their vehicles.

Sales and service advisors are also trained according to Jaguar Land Rover standards so that customers will always feel confident and secure as part of their purchase and ownership experiences.

Service Outreach programmes will also be curated to bring coverage to the southern region of Johore Bahru whilst it assumes retail coverage of the Northern region via its outlet in Penang Island.

Customers can also expect new models in the near future, namely: the Jaguar F-Pace luxury performance SUV that is refreshed with a new interior and exterior design; Jaguar XF Executive Sedan; Jaguar I-Pace All-electric Performance SUV; Land Rover Defender 90; and the New Range Rover.


MapLite takes self-driving cars out of major cities and into the country

                BOSTON: Self-driving cars are a huge focus within the automobile industry, with more manufacturers testing their latest offerings but those tests are largely in cities and areas that have been mapped out in 3D. But what if there were another way, one that would lead them down the country roads?

At the moment, self-driving vehicles are heavily relying on maps, such as Google's, which have great 3D detailing in regards to the whereabouts of lanes, turns, street signs etc.

However, such systems don't help someone wanting to travel out into the unmapped countryside.

That's where Daniela Rus, director of MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), and colleagues come in. The team has developed MapLite, a system designed to tackle navigating without these 3D maps.

MapLite does use GPS data that you'd find on Google Maps for a rough estimate of the car's location but the navigation is then determined by sensors.

With a range of Light detection and Ranging sensor (LIDAR) as well as IMU sensors fitted into a Toyota Prius, the team were able to autonomously drive on multiple unpaved roads in the countryside of Massachusetts with the car able to detect the road conditions from 100 feet away.

“The reason this kind of ‘map-less' approach hasn't really been done before is because it is generally much harder to reach the same accuracy and reliability as with detailed maps,” says Teddy Ort, CSAIL graduate student in a report on MIT News. “A system like this that can navigate just with on-board sensors shows the potential of self-driving cars being able to actually handle roads beyond the small number that tech companies have mapped.”

MapLite trains on data from one set of roads and then tests it on others, rather than relying on machine learning by training, the more common map-less driving approach. However, for the moment the technology is limited to areas without dramatic elevation changes, therefore the Prius won't be climbing any mountains just yet.

“I imagine that the self-driving cars of the future will always make some use of 3D maps in urban areas,” says Ort. “But when called upon to take a trip off the beaten path, these vehicles will need to be as good as humans at driving on unfamiliar roads they have never seen before. We hope our work is a step in that direction.”

The team and their project, in part supported by the National Science Foundation and the Toyota Research Initiative, aspires to “have their system reach comparable levels of performance and reliability as mapped systems but with a much wider range” reports MIT News.