Accessorise your Toyota Hilux and Sienta

                SHAH ALAM: The Toyota Hilux and Sienta are now being offered with new official accessories to enhance their looks or for added convenience.

The new accessories are a TRD aerokit for the Toyota Hilux Double Cab (current generation) and a Tailgate Assist (for current generation and previous generation of the Hilux), and an Aerokit for the Sienta. Also available is a SmartTAG unit specially designed for Toyota vehicles which can be connected to the vehicle’s battery and stored in the centre console.

The new TRD Aerokit for the Hilux, priced at RM4,800 (inclusive of GST and installation charges), consists of five items: Front Grille, Front Lower Bumper Cover, Over Fenders, Skid Plate and Shift Knob. Owners of the Hilux 2.8G also have the option of including the TRD 18-inch alloy wheels (4 pieces) with exclusive wheel nuts at extra cost.

For the Sienta MPV, the Aerokit, which is priced at RM2,950 inclusive of GST, consists of 3 parts – a sporty front bumper spoiler and side skirts for the left and right sides which give a low-slung look to the car.

All the items have been designed by TRD Asia for the Hilux. Owners who already have the Hilux or Sienta can also purchase the aerokits and have them installed at UMW Toyota Motor’s service centres.

The Tailgate Assist for the Hilux has been developed in response to customer feedback which showed a request for easier opening and closing of the tailgate. Toyota’s engineers have designed an additional spring/damper unit which can ‘reduce’ the heaviness of the tailgate by up to 95%. The damper also controls the opening speed so that the tailgate does not swing down right away.

Priced at RM985 (inclusive of GST), the Tailgate Assist can be installed on the current Hilux as well as all Double Cab variants of the previous generation (2005 – 2016). Installation can be done at Toyota service centres.

UMWT is also offering a built-in SmartTAG unit which eliminates the need to hold the device to pass through the toll plaza. Although the SmartTAG sold by PLUS can be affixed on the windscreen, many motorists do not do so for fear of it being stolen.

With the specially designed unit for Toyota vehicles, the unit can be hidden in the centre console so it cannot be seen easily and is unlikely to be stolen.

The custom-designed unit, priced at RM329 (inclusive of GST), consists of a card reader which the Touch’nGo card is inserted and an Antenna/transmitter that is stuck on the windscreen glass. The card reader is powered by the vehicle’s battery so there is no need to replace batteries, and when the stored value in the card is RM10 or less, there is a warning beep to alert the driver.

The Toyota SmartTAG can be easily installed in all the current Toyota models on sale as well as previous generations of certain models.

The cost of all accessories can be included in the hire-purchase loan taken for new vehicle purchases. This is more advantageous than if they are purchases from accessory shops where the full amount will have to be paid right away.

All items these accessories items come with a warranty covering manufacturing and installation defects for 3 years or 100,000 km (whichever occurs first after purchase of the accessories).


Genesis reinvents itself with plush GV60 electric crossover

                BERLIN: Genesis has unveiled its long-awaited GV60 electric crossover, which has an intriguing gear shifter called the the "Crystal Sphere."

The glowing orb looks like a paperweight and it flips over to reveal a polished metal surface when the driver is ready to drive.

Once the car is turned on, the shifter spins around, revealing a dial that can be twisted to the right to enable forward or reverse motion.

It's a cool feature not offered by any other manufacturer and a highlight of the upmarket Genesis with its supple leather seats and array of shiny silver buttons and switches in the cockpit.

The family heritage shows through too since this car uses the Hyundai Motor Group’s advanced E-GMP platform, which also underpins the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.

It adds up to a flat floor SUV coupé with 800V electrics and 350kW ultra-quick charging. The question is: Can this car match the sophisticated German competition?

The sleek coupé SUV is set to enter showrooms in Europe around June at prices starting from about 56,000 euros. It will square up against the likes of the the Audi Q4, the BMW iX3 or the Mercedes GLC.

The Asian newcomer is keen to attract attention, especially with its high-tech specification.

A fingerprint sensor and digital exterior wing mirrors that transmit their camera image to monitors on the door sill are fitted and the cockpit is dominated by a wide, free-standing screen that spans half the width of the dashboard.

More impressive than such high-tech gubbins is the charging performance, thanks to the advanced E-GMP platform.

It provides 800 volts, which is unrivalled in this class, and allows the 77.4 kWh battery to replenish itself from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes at best.

A fast charging car like this has no need to be frugal with performance, even if the standard range is only 470km.

Even the basic GV60 version has a 160 kW/218hp electric motor in the rear and a second motor with 74 kW/102hp in the front.

The range-topping model costs €71,000 (RM328,000) for which you get two powerful motors in addition to an equipment upgrade. With 320 kW/435hp on tap, it outperforms most of the competition.

What's more, at the push of a button, the Korean car unleashes an additional 20 kW/27hp for an up to 10-second burst of torque for overtaking.

They call this e-boost and very useful it is, too. Such features are normally the preserve of sports cars from Porsche. The extra urge enables the two-tonne vehicle to dash from 0 to 100kph in a blistering 4 seconds. Top speed is 235kph.

The minimalistic styling makes the GV60 look very modern, but also rather unobtrusive.

At the front, the four luminous LED slots and the low-set front grille determine the taut look along with recessed door handles. The most striking feature the rear aspect, which makes a decidedly sporty impression with its narrow tail lights and spoiler under the rear window.

Rear-view visibility inevitably suffers from this sharp styling and a little boot space must be forfeited as a result. To compensate, there are efficient rear-view cameras and room for 435 litres of luggage behind the tailgate.

Unlike rivals from Audi, BMW and Mercedes competitors, the Genesis also has 20-litre trunk in the front.

The GV60 feels spacious inside since the batteries are in the floor and the motors on the axles. The wheelbase is generous and with it the legroom, especially for the rear-seat passengers, even if the flat roof makes the ceiling height feel a little too low.

Genesis cars are uncommon on European roads but the GV60 could change that.

With its smart design, modern equipment and advanced drive concept, the electric SUV is likely to arouse a lot of interest.


'Beautiful Corolla': Afghanistan's enduring love affair with Toyota

                KABUL: Little is certain in Afghanistan — armies invade and retreat, governments rise and fall — but when the key of a Toyota Corolla turns in the ignition, the engine can be relied upon to roar to life.

A humble Japanese runabout with a reliable albeit unglamorous reputation, the Corolla is said to be the world's most popular car, with over 50 million trundling off production lines since 1966.

Sturdy, uncomplicated and affordable, it is finely tuned for a nation where roads dissolve into punishing terrain, repairs rely on frayed supply chains, and a "make do" mentality has emerged from decades of hardship.

"These cars have always been there for people," says mechanic Mohammad Aman. "If you travel with these cars, they can take you anywhere."

"The Corolla is quick, their metal is bold, they work well," the 50-year-old said. Other cars "are flimsy like paper" by comparison, he insists.

In Afghanistan, Corollas are virtually ubiquitous.

Fleets of the suburban mainstay sell on forecourts overlooked by rusted Soviet troop carriers. Corolla taxis with pummelled bodywork jounce past humvees immobilised since US forces withdrew in 2021.

Even hauling up a mountain in a 4X4 you may be overtaken by a careening Corolla driver.

And Afghans everywhere emblazon their vehicles with English-language tributes romanticising the brand: "Happiness is a Toyota feeling", "Toyota sets the standard" and "Beautiful Corolla" have become the unofficial slogans of Kabul's grinding traffic jams.

'Special craze'

Corollas flooded Afghanistan after the withdrawal of Soviet forces in 1989 and the subsequent collapse of the USSR — before which Moscow's state-owned Lada brand dominated the market.

They have had a background role in national history ever since.

When Washington launched air strikes after the 9/11 attacks, Taliban founder Mullah Omar fled his Kandahar hideaway in a white Corolla.

It was buried in 2001 but triumphantly excavated last year "still in good condition", a Taliban government spokesman said, adding it should be publicly displayed as a "great historical monument".

In 2022, after American forces had pulled out, Taliban authorities boasted about a new Afghan-designed sports car: a supposed symbol of progress.

But under its sleek, aerodynamic exterior were the mechanical innards of a modest Corolla.

Everywhere, sprawling families cram into the car, with passengers far outnumbering seats.

"In other countries everything is used in the way it's intended," said auto dealer Azizullah Nazari. "But in Afghanistan people don't care much about such standards."

The 39-year-old has sold imported Corollas to suit any budget — US$1,500 to US$14,000 — and many seem to have taken a circuitous route to the country.

He points to a pristine white model apparently originating from Canada. Its interior is lined with Korean newspaper and it has a Ghanaian number plate.

Another has a bumper sticker from a US university; one more has the incongruous coat of arms of a district in central Germany.

But all their roads have led to Afghanistan, where "people have a special craze for Toyota", Nazar insists.

'Top and fantastic car'

Such is Afghans' faith in the car that the capital's largest repair market is not served by paved roads.

Shuhada-e Salehin is a jungle of interchangeable spare parts where Corollas are praised for their workaday dependability.

"Some people's rides are simple, but some have a passion for making them fancy," explains mechanic Aman.

Begrimed with engine grease, his colleagues peer under the hood of an impossibly battered 1991 wagon — its paintwork cracked like a dry riverbed, the back wheel chocked with a stone, a peeling "fantastic Corolla" decal stuck to the window.

Next door, others fiddle with tendrils of wiring in the footwell of a Corolla adorned with cursive verse: "HighSpeed Toyota. Top and fantastic car in the world. Compatible with all condition."

A dull green model nearby is improbably branded "Dramatic Classic Car".

Out in Kabul's afternoon traffic, 27-year-old cab driver Naqeebullah pilots a sun-bleached Corolla three years his senior as he scouts for fares.

He estimates 80 percent of vehicles on the road match his.

"All cars have failed to show results apart from the Toyota Corolla," he puts it simply.


2018 updated Volkswagen Golf R: RM295,990

                KUALA LUMPUR: The 2018 updated Volkswagen Golf R is available for bookings, and is priced at RM295,990.

The new car is sold with 5-year manufacturer's warranty, 3-years free maintenance, and 5 years of roadside assistance.

The ultimate performance hatch, the Golf R has set and broken numerous track records around the world.

A true performance powerhouse, the Golf R comes with a new 2.0TSI turbocharged engine and a 7-speed wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG), giving an impressive output of 290PS and a torque of 380Nm between 2,000 to 5,400rpm transferred via 4MOTION all-wheel drive system.

The Golf R will make its local debut at 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya from 28 March till 1 April, 2018.

2018 updated Golf R (RM295,990)

• 2.0-litre TSI 290PS turbocharged direct injection petrol 4-cylinder engine
• DSG 7-speed direct shift gearbox
• 4MOTION All wheel drive system
• ‘Pretoria Black’ alloy wheels 8J X 19-inch
• tyres 235/35 R19
• Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC) with Driving Mode Selection
• progressive steering.
• R 'Vienna' perforated leather seat upholstery
• 12.3-inch high definition Active Info Display
• 9.2-inch touchscreen ‘Discover Pro’ Navigation infotainment system
• USB and iPod/iPhone interface
• SD card slot, AUX-IN, Bluetooth, 8 speakers
• 10GB Jukebox
• Gesture Control
• App-Connect smartphone connectivity (MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto)
• 12-ways powered driver seat with memory, and powered lumbar support
• Full LED headlights with Dynamic Cornering Lights
• LED daytime running lights
• Dynamic Light Assist (DLA) advanced light beam control
• Full LED taillights with dynamic indicators
• Proactive Occupant Protection System (front seatbelts)
• 7 Airbags

MORE Photos: 2018 updated Golf R


Road tax renewals at post offices suspended until March 31

                PETALING JAYA: Road tax renewals for private vehicles have been suspended at post offices nationwide until March 31.

In a statement, Pos Malaysia said this was under instruction from the Road Transport Department (JPJ) as vehicle owners have been given an exemption from renewing road tax during the movement control order as long as the vehicle is insured.

"Following the Transport Ministry's road tax and driver license renewal exemption for MCO 2.0, licensed drivers may still operate their motor vehicles with a valid vehicle insurance certificate (e-cover note)," read the statement posted on Pos Malaysia's Facebook page today.

It also said that all other services, including driving licence and vehicle insurance renewals, are still available at post offices nationwide.

"We apologise for any inconvenience," said Pos Malaysia, adding that Malaysians can reach out to them via AskPos at www.pos.com.my or through the Pos Malaysia mobile app.


Kia Seltos offers Sound Mood Lighting and premium features

                KUALA LUMPUR: The soon-to-launch Kia Seltos offers a wide range of features that is set to enhance comfort and ease of driving.

Booking for the crossover had been opened since last month as reported by CarSifu on Sept 11.

What sets the Seltos apart, among other things, is the lighting in the cabin which Kia calls the Sound Mood Lighting System, the first to be introduced in the Kia SUV segment.

The Sound Mood Lighting System emits soft light from a unique 3D-patterned surface panels located on the doors and pulses to the beat of the music playing through the audio system. It comes with eight customizable colours and six themes illuminating the cabin.

The Seltos also comes with ventilated front seat and Head Up Display (HUD) which projects the car's speed, auto cruise control, radio stations or play list without taking your eyes off the road.

Other kit includes the 8-inch touchscreen LCD display with Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple Carplay connectivity.


Discounts and rebates for highway users

                PETALING JAYA: Motorists will enjoy toll discounts and rebates of between 10% and 50% on selected highways nationwide in conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya festivities.

PLUS Malaysia Bhd is offering toll rebates of between 30% and 50% for those travelling during off-peak dates and paying electronically.

There is no time restriction on the rebates for those who choose to travel on these dates.

The 50% toll rebate is for today and July 23 while the 40% cut is for tomorrow and July 22. On July 15 and 21, the rebate is 30%.

New Pantai Expressway Sdn Bhd (NPESB) will give a 20% toll discount on the first day of Hari Raya for Class 1 vehicle at all its toll plazas.

In a statement, highway concessionaire IJM Toll Division chief operating officer Salwani Wan Yusoff hoped the rebate would bring some form of financial relief to city dwellers.

“To avoid traffic, southbound motorists are encouraged to use the Sungai Besi Expressway (Besraya) and the Kajang-Seremban Expressway (Lekas) via the Kuchai Lama Interchange. Those travelling eastbound can use the new Besraya Eastern Extension to the MRR2,” she said.

Meanwhile, Maju Expressway Sdn Bhd announced a toll-free passage to all its users on the MEX Highway on the first day of Raya from midnight to 11.59pm on July 17.

Some 62,000 vehicles are expected to enjoy the offer.

Lingkaran Trans Kota (Litrak), the concessionaire of Sprint and Damansara-Puchong (LDP) highways, announced a toll discount of 60sen for all vehicles during the first day of Raya on July 17, from noon to 11.59pm on the LDP.

Similarly, for Sprint Highway, a discounted toll fare of 20sen is also given to all vehicles during the same period.

Litrak Group chief executive officer Sazally Saidi said they estimated discounts amounting to RM193,000 to be offered to 308,000 LDP users. For Sprint Highway it is a discount totalling RM26,000 for 129,000 users.

Duta-Ulu Kelang Highway (DUKE) concessionaire Konsortium Lebuhraya Utara-Timur (KL) Sdn Bhd (Kesturi) director Zakaria Shaffie said it was increasing its discount rate by 10% compared to last year.

“This Hari Raya, there will be a 20% toll discount for Class 1 motorists (private cars) who pay via the electronic toll collection (ETC).

“DUKE will also offer a special DUKE edition Touch ‘n’ Go (TnG) electronic payment card for RM5 when the highway implements its Electronic Toll Collection in September,” he said in a statement.

Joining the bandwagon is the KL-Kuala Selangor Expressway (Latar), which will give out 1,000 free TnG cards to motorists using the cash lanes on July 17, from midnight at its Ijok, Kuang Timur, Kuang Barat, Kundang Timur, Kundang Barat and Taman Rimba Templar toll plazas.

“Apart from encouraging the use of electronic transactions, we hope the card distribution will help to lessen traffic at the cash lanes,” Latar chief operating officer Ahmad Fuad Ahmad Shahimi said.

Other highways distributing free TnG cards are Kajang-Seremban Expressway (Lekas) and Cheras-Kajang Highway.

About 3,000 cards pre-loaded with RM5 will be distributed at the Kajang Selatan toll plaza on Lekas on July 16, while 1,500 cards pre-loaded with RM2 will be issued at the Cheras-Kajang Highway toll plaza.


Panasonic to boost energy density in Tesla batteries by 20%, says exec

Panasonic recently lost its status as Tesla’s exclusive battery supplier. — Reuters
TOKYO: Panasonic Corp plans to boost the energy density of “2170” battery cells it supplies to Tesla Inc by 20% in five years and commercialise a cobalt-free version “in two to three years”, the head of its US EV battery business said.

This is the first time Panasonic, a leading cell provider for the world’s top electric vehicle (EV) maker Tesla, has outlined these targets, putting down a marker in a highly competitive sector to stay ahead of the game.

Panasonic introduced the “2170” lithium-ion cells, with the nickel-cobalt-aluminium (NCA) cathode chemistry, for Tesla’s Model 3 in 2017. Researchers say it already has the highest energy density at above 700 watt-hour per litre.

With an even higher density, these cells could help increase how much an EV can run on a single charge, while also paving the way for smaller batteries and roomier car interiors.

A cobalt-free version on the other hand would cut reliance on a costly and controversial component, which makes batteries stable but poses ethical issues given controversial labour conditions in top producer the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Zero-cobalt goal

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has long said he wants to move to zero-cobalt battery cells.

Panasonic has already cut cobalt content to under 5% in the NCA cathode and plans to improve its batteries in stages, its US EV battery chief Yasuaki Takamoto told Reuters.

But the firm has declined to link its battery roadmap to Tesla’s future models.

Panasonic recently lost its status as Tesla’s exclusive battery supplier. The US firm has partnered with South Korea’s LG Chem and China’s CATL.

CATL is supplying Tesla with low-cost lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries that contain no cobalt.

According to Takamoto, the average density of LFP battery cells is less than half the level of Panasonic’s latest NCA batteries. He did not name any companies.

‘2170’ cells

Panasonic has already developed technologies resulting in a more than 5% increase in the energy density of “2170” cells.

From September, the firm will start converting lines at its factory in Nevada that it operates with Tesla as it prepares to further boost the energy density of the cells, Takamoto said.

To control safety risks associated with higher density and less cobalt, Panasonic is adjusting the composition and design for better thermal stability, Takamoto said.

He also noted there will be various battery requirements coming into play as EV usage diversifies.

Tesla’s Musk has promised to reveal significant battery advances during a “Battery Day” presentation scheduled for Sept 22. Tesla plans to introduce an EV battery that will last one million miles later this year or early next, which it jointly developed with CATL.


Peugeot open to new deals as turnaround draws attention

                PARIS: French carmaker PSA Group is open to new industry tie-ups and is attracting attention from competitors after its lightning turnaround and swift progress in restructuring recently acquired Opel, Chief Executive Carlos Tavares said.

The maker of Peugeot cars, which came close to bankruptcy in 2013-14, has rebounded under Tavares to record levels of profitability. The group posted a 7.8 percent first-half operating margin as it returned Opel and its British Vauxhall brand to profit less than a year after acquiring the business from General Motors.

“Some of our competitors are looking at us with different eyes,” Tavares said on Tuesday in an interview at the Paris Motor Show.

“If somebody needs a partnership, if we are in good shape, if we have the technology, if we are rigorously managing our company, and somebody is knocking at the door saying ‘we need your support and we would like to have a partnership with you’, we are open for business.”

While PSA remains focused on its own operational strategy, Tavares said, deal opportunities may arise as other manufacturers struggle with tightening emissions regulation and increasing investment and technological demands.

“If we accumulate wealth and good financial results, we may, at some point in time, be facing an opportunity coming from breakdowns in the industry,” he said.

“As we have always said, we will always consider opportunities.”


Jan 26-Feb 1: Fuel prices unchanged

                KUALA LUMPUR: The retail prices of RON97 and RON95 petrol, and diesel will remain unchanged for the Jan 26-Feb 1 period.

The Finance Ministry said today that RON97 petrol remains at RM3.35 per litre, RON95 (RM2.05) and diesel (RM2.15).

"To protect consumers from the effects of a rise in global oil prices, the government has maintained RON95 petrol at the ceiling price of RM2.05 per litre and diesel at RM2.15 per litre although the retail prices of the two products have exceeded the set ceiling prices," it said.

The weekly retail prices are set based on the Automatic Pricing Mechanism formula.


Byton to show off first production model cockpit at CES 2018

                NANJING: Chinese electric car maker Byton will be presenting the progress of its first production car at CES 2019 next month.

A year after Byton made its world premiere at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show, the company announced that it will be returning to showcase the progress made on its first production EV, particularly the front-row design and integrated smart technology.

To enhance the sense of luxury created by the smooth "elegant curves and rich layers," the cockpit features intelligent technology throughout the front row.

In addition to the 49-inch Share Experience Display, drivers get a tablet right on the steering wheel, powered by the company's new intelligence human machine interface which can be boosted further by Byton Cloud and Intuitive Access.

The company plans to start production of its first premium electric SUV by the end of 2019.

At CES 2019, two Byton concept models will be on display, the M-Byte SUV and the K-Byte sedan.


Infiniti shows off retro Prototype 9 electric car

                SAN FRANCISCO: Nissan and its luxury sub-brand Infiniti have unveiled a sleek, open-wheeled electric retro-roadster prototype ahead of the Aug 20 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

The car, called Prototype 9, is a reimagining of a 1940s race car with time-honoured production techniques employed to realise its retro design.

The 890kg Prototype 9 is the first Infiniti to be powered by a new EV powertrain – a 30 kWh high-voltage Li-ion battery paired with a prototype electric motor, one not yet seen on a production vehicle.

The motor produces 148hp and 320Nm of torque and driving the rear wheels, via single-speed transmission. Prototype 9 has a top speed of 170kph, and sprints from 0-to-100kph in 5.5 seconds, with a maximum EV range of 20 minutes under heavy track use.

Prototype 9 was inspired by an emerging era of Japanese motorsport. The custom-built Prince R380, which also makes its public debut at the 2017 Concours d’Elegance, broke several land speed records in 1965 before taking overall victory at the 1966 Japanese Grand Prix at Fuji Speedway. Prince Motor Company is considered to be Japan’s original builder of premium automobiles, and its legacy can be traced to Infiniti Motor Company and its current model line. The R380 in Pebble Beach is the actual Japanese Grand Prix-winning car, believed to be the only surviving R380.

Where existing and future Infiniti models adhere to the company’s ‘Q’ and ‘QX’ nomenclature, Prototype 9 represents something different. Echoing the company’s origins, the figure ‘9’ is pronounced ‘kyuu’ in Japanese – similar to the anglicised pronunciation of the letter ‘Q’, which is used for all of the company’s production cars.

Finished in a bare sheet-metal skin, Prototype 9 is the result of countless hours of careful construction. The designs of the brand’s contemporary road cars are characterised by deep-stamping production methods, which enable the creation of sharply defined lines and smooth body surfaces.

The vehicle’s bodywork is made from steel body panels wrapped around a steel ladder frame.

Prototype 9 is defined by its smooth, aerodynamic surfaces, long bonnet and short overhangs, an exposed cockpit, and open-wheeled layout. 19-inch centre-locking wire-spoke wheels at each corner are even wrapped in period cross-ply competition tyres.

“Prototype 9 celebrates the tradition of ingenuity, craftsmanship and passion of our forebears at Nissan, on whose shoulders we stand today," said Alfonso Albaisa, Senior Vice President, Global Design.

"It started as a discussion – what if Infiniti had created a race car in the 1940s? If one were to imagine an open-wheeled Infiniti racer on the famous circuits of the era, such as Japan’s Tamagawa Speedway, what would that look like? The sketches were stunning and the idea so compelling that we had to produce a prototype. As other departments became aware of this, they volunteered their time to create a working vehicle.”


MaxxPit concept store opens

                PETALING JAYA: Kian Hon Tyres, the official distributor of Maxxis tyres in Malaysia, launched its very own Maxxis concept store called MaxxPit recently.

The name MaxxPit is derived from the words Maxxis and pit-stop and it is located at 6 Jalan 51/225A, Zon Perindustrian PJCT.

MaxxPit was created in order to give a high level of service and satisfaction to Maxxis customers.

 Tan (centre) standing in front of the Maxxis concept store.

“Only through consistency in the Maxxis experience can trust be forged with our customers. With MaxxPit, we can ensure our message of providing 100% quality, service and trust is delivered to each Maxxis customer,” said managing director of Kian Hon Tyres, Datuk Sydney Tan.

The MaxxPit store is unique as it is designed with innovation and sustainability in mind. The workshop for example, incorporated recycled tyres, worn nuts and bolts as part of its design.

Plans are underway for 15 more MaxxPit stores to open across Peninsular Malaysia in the next three years.


All-electric Kia EV6 introduced from RM300,000 and open for booking

                SHAH ALAM: The all-electric Kia EV6 has arrived and is available for booking at Kia Malaysia showrooms.

Distributed by Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd, the EV6 imported from South Korea, would be priced at RM300,668 in Peninsular Malaysia and RM303,428 in Sabah and Sarawak.

The company said buyers could look forward to getting their vehicles towards the end of the third quarter of the year under the assumption there were no delays in the supply of vehicles and parts from South Korea.

The stylish vehicle was designed with Kia's new design philosophy of “Opposite United”, a future-oriented electric vehicle (EV) design characterised by imaginative and high-tech details.

The new design philosophy is a showcase of human-centred, progressive design and electrified power.

Its swept-back windshield provides dynamism and purpose, while the bold rear haunches add volume through the character line along the bottom of the doors to the rear wheel arches.

The ‘Digital Tiger Face’ daytime running lights and a ‘sequential’ dynamic light pattern evoke the Kia’s ‘Tiger Nose Grille’ electrification era.

The EV6 is the first dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV) produced with the all-new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP).

The EV6 will only be offered locally in GT-Line all-wheel drive (AWD) long range variant featuring an electric motor on the front and rear axle each and a 77.4kWh high-voltage lithium-ion battery pack.

The vehicle can travel up to 506km on a single charge and has a combined output of 239kW (320hp) and 605Nm torque.

It can complete the 0-100kph sprint in 5.2 seconds and has a top speed of 185kph.

In addition, the flexibility of its Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) charging system enables the vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, which is capable of discharging energy from the vehicle battery to supply up to 3.6kWh of power to lifestyle electronic accessories.

Inside, the dashboard slopes towards the front of the car, creating a sense of space and openness for the front-seat passengers.

The high-tech 12.3-inch infotainment supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging and multi-Bluetooth connectivity.

Also included is a powerful 14-speaker Meridian surround audio system delivering a truly immersive sound experience.

Its long wheelbase of 2,900mm sets up a cabin space similar to many mid-size sports utility vehicles (SUVs).

In addition, the EV6 also has intelligent and flexible interior packaging, a storage area of 520 litres and  a 20-litre front trunk.

Standard safety includes seven SRS airbags, anti-lock braking system, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control System, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Safe Exit Assist system, ISOFIX Child Restraint Anchor Points with Top Tethers.

Other features include High Beam Assist (HBA), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Assist (RCCA), Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Junction Turning, Lane Following Assist (LFA) and Smart Cruise Control (SCC).

Parking is also made easier with Surround View Monitor (SVM) and Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) system.

Manufacturer warranty is five years/150,000km, whichever comes first.

In addition, the battery warranty coverage is up to seven years or 150,000km, whichever comes first.

The EV6 was recently awarded with a 5-Star EURO NCAP, the highest safety rating in the latest Euro NCAP crash tests with a 90% score for adult occupant protection and 86% for child occupant protection.

The vehicle had its world premiere on March 30 last year and has continued to win various awards globally, including the 2022 Red Dot “Best of the Best Car Design” award and the 2022 European Car of the Year award.


Will SST exemption be extended? Finance Ministry has final say, says Dr Wee

                KUALA LUMPUR: The decision to extend the automotive sales and service tax (SST) exemption scheme is the Finance Ministry's prerogative, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

The Transport Minister said although he views the exemption as beneficial to the automotive industry, the Finance Ministry will have its own considerations to make.

"When we were faced with the Covid-19 pandemic, the government decided to implement the SST exemption.

"As a result, the automotive market – especially second hand car businesses – were able to remain viable. Otherwise, it would have been difficult for the dealers to survive in the pandemic.

"The incentive has helped to boost the economic sector and our recovery, and the Transport Ministry is able to see through the transactions at the Road Transport Department.

"However, we need to consider the country's financial capabilities and for that, I will leave it to the discretion of the Finance Ministry," said Dr Wee at a press conference after the launch event of the Atlas automotive operating system (OS) here today.

Dr Wee said he would meet and share his thoughts on the matter with Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Aziz.

"As Transport Minister, I feel the exemption scheme has been a boon for businesses and car dealers. They were able to maintain their businesses and did not have to resort to getting rid of workers.

"Whatever decision made by the Finance Ministry will be supported by the Transport Ministry, as we are part of the same government. It is a collective decision and responsibility," said Dr Wee.

The SST exemption was implemented as part of the Penjana stimulus package, which was meant to mitigate the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The scheme was originally scheduled to end on Dec 31, 2020, but has been extended three times. It is due to end on June 30, 2022.


New Mazda3 debuts all-wheel drive

                LOS ANGELES: The Japanese automaker has hosted the world premiere of its all-new Mazda3, on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

In terms of design, this fourth-generation Mazda3 is largely inspired by the Kai concept presented in 2017 in Tokyo.

The Mazda3 will have the usual hatchback or saloon options for motorists, albeit in a much more futuristic packaging.

Gone are any lines in the car's smoothed-out exterior which, when the light angles change, make it appear to be shapeshifting as it moves.

Inside, the interior is radically minimalised with significantly fewer switches and buttons. In their place is a large touchscreen over the centre console and a turn controller on the centre tunnel.

Under the bonnet, the changes keep on coming with the 3's Skyactiv-X engine, the first petrol engine to use the compression ignition of a diesel engine.

This innovation provides up to 30 per cent more torque than a conventional petrol engine while still reducing fuel consumption by 20-30 per cent, thanks to an additionally installed mild hybrid system, says Mazda's engineers.

In addition, there will also be a conventional 2.0-litre petrol engine and a 1.8-litre diesel option, with both engines, as well as the Skyactiv-X, available in all-wheel drive.

In terms of assistance systems, the Mazda3's electronics can now not only assist in accelerating and braking on the highway, but also in steering.

Having sold over 6 million units since its 2003 debut, the new Mazda3 is a global strategic model that has driven Mazda's growth from both a brand and business perspective. It has delivered Mazda's renowned driving pleasure to customers all over the world and been a mainstay of production at key plants globally.

The Mazda3 rolls out worldwide in 2019.

Los Angeles Auto Show is open to the public Nov 30 to Dec 9.


Ford has no plans to spin off EV or gasoline-powered vehicle businesses

                DETROIT: Ford Motor Co has no plans to spin off its electric vehicle or gasoline-powered vehicle businesses, chief executive Jim Farley said on Wednesday.

"We have no plans to spin off our electric business or our ICE business," Farley said at a Wolfe Research conference appearance that was webcast, using an acronym for internal-combustion engine.

"We know our competition is Nio and Tesla, and we have to beat them, not match them," he added. "And we also have to beat the best of the ICE players."

Some investors have pushed Ford and rival General Motors Co to spin off their EV operations as a way to better tap into the full value of those businesses. EV leader Tesla Inc is the most valuable automaker in the world.

Ford previously denied reports it was considering spinning off its EV or internal-combustion engine operations.

The US automaker said last month it will have the annual capacity to build 600,000 EVs globally within 24 months.

Farley said on Wednesday that his management team believes the U.S. automaker's EV and ICE businesses are underperforming on an earnings basis.

The CEO also said Ford believes it can drive a lot more cost out of its traditional ICE business through better quality, lower structural costs and reduced vehicle complexity.

"We have too many people, we have too much investment, we have too much complexity and we don't have expertise in transitioning our assets," Farley said of the internal-combustion business. "That's the simple answer. There's waste."

"To get the margins (on electric vehicles) ... that we see at a company like Tesla, we need to have real experts that can drive that scale," he said, adding that Ford needed to hire more people who work in the areas of electrical components, advanced electrical architectures and the digital customer experience.

On the EV side of the business, Farley said Ford is working on deals to secure supply of key raw materials for batteries such as lithium, nickel, rare earths and copper to minimize risk.

On the vehicle distribution side, he said Ford needs to eliminate "ungodly expensive" inventory from the system and make it easier for consumers to reserve and track the assembly of a vehicle before its delivery.


Renault and Dacia to join the 180kph speed cap club

                PARIS: When Volvo starting the ball rolling by putting a 180kph top speed cap on its new cars for better road safety, it did not gain any traction among manufacturers as "slow" vehicles seemed to be unexciting and difficult to sell.

However, Renault is said to be exploring a move similar to Volvo's on its Renault and Dacia line-up, according to a report by motor1.com.

In the report, Renault CEO Luca de Meo was quoted by Spiegel as saying the French car maker saw high speeds as the main reason for road deaths during a meeting with shareholders last week.

As such, Renault is planning to introduce a Safety Coach system that monitors the road speed limits and road conditions and will adjust the vehicle's speed accordingly.

The report did not say when Renault and Dacia cars will be fitted with the speed control devices.

All new Volvo cars are already fitted with the electronic limiters that cap their top speed at 180kph.

Currently, European car makers capped the top speed of their premium models at 250kph but high performance models are allowed to go up above 300kph.


Former F1 boss Max Mosley dies, aged 81

Mosley died after a long battle with cancer. — Reuters
LONDON: Max Mosley, the former head of Formula One's governing body, has died at the age of 81 after suffering from cancer, his family said today.

"The family of Max Mosley can confirm that he died last night after a long battle with cancer. They ask to be allowed to grieve in private," a family statement said.

His old friend and ally in the world of motor sport Bernie Ecclestone paid tribute.

"We were like brothers for 50 odd years," Ecclestone, 90, told Reuters by telephone from Ibiza. "Better he's gone than suffer the way he was suffering."

The youngest son of Oswald Mosley, the leader of the British fascist movement in the 1930s, Mosley was a racing driver, team owner and lawyer before becoming president of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) in 1993.

He won a high-profile privacy case against the News of the World newspaper in 2008 after it said he had taken part in a "sick Nazi orgy."

He later gave financial backing to the court costs of claimants in newspaper phone hacking cases.

The Oxford-educated Mosley and Ecclestone, who was the son of a trawlerman, forged a close alliance.

Together they formed a double act in running the sport as it grew from amateurish beginnings into a US$1 billion business, while also pushing through much-needed safety measures.

"We had differences of opinions but we could talk to each other about them and sort them out, whatever they were," said Ecclestone.

"He was a very straightforward guy, Max. Did a lot for the sport, did a lot for the general industry to make sure people were complying with the right regulations when they built road cars," he said.

"If he thought something needed to be done, and someone needed to be punished, Max was the guy to do it."

Such punishment famously included a US$100 million fine for McLaren, who also lost all their constructors' championship points, in a 2007 spying controversy involving Ferrari data.


10 units of 3-door Volkswagen Golf R open for booking: RM268,888

                KUALA LUMPUR: Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) today announced that a special batch of 3-door Golf R units is now open for booking.

The very exclusive 3-door Golf R is limited to only 10 units in Malaysia, and is offered in Lapiz Blue.

The 3-door Golf R is priced at RM 268,888 (before registration).

Similar to its 5-door sibling, the 3-door Golf R comes with a new 2.0TSI turbocharged engine and a 7-speed wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG), giving an impressive output of 290PS and a torque of 380Nm between 2,000 to 5,400rpm transferred via 4MOTION all-wheel drive system.

The Golf R comes with the R ‘Vienna’ perforated leather seats, 19-inch Pretoria alloy wheels, 12.3-inch Active Info Display, 9.2-inch Discover Pro with App-Connect with Gesture Control, LED headlights with Dynamic Cornering Lights, LED taillights with Dynamic Indicators, and progressive steering.

However, the 3-door Golf R is not offered with KESSY keyless locking and engine starting system, exterior mirror memory function and power-adjustable driver seat.

Erik Winter, managing director of VPCM, said that the Golf R is one of the most desirable Volkswagen models of all time, and the availability of the 3-door Golf R should have fans excited.

“This truly is an opportunity for enthusiasts to be part of something special, as the 3-door Golf R is a rare beast here in Malaysia. With such a cult following, we are confident that all 10 units will be sold very quickly,“ he said.

The ultimate performance hatch, the Golf R has set and broken numerous track records around the world.

On the road and track, its appeal lies in the fact that it is one of the most well-rounded cars available in the market.


Tesla sued by drivers over alleged false Autopilot, Full Self-Driving claims

                SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla Inc was sued on Wednesday in a proposed class action accusing Elon Musk's electric car company of misleading the public by falsely advertising its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features.

The complaint accused Tesla and Musk of having since 2016 deceptively advertised the technology as fully functioning or "just around the corner" despite knowing that the technology did not work or was nonexistent, and made vehicles unsafe.

Briggs Matsko, the named plaintiff, said Tesla did this to "generate excitement" about its vehicles, attract investments, boost sales, avoid bankruptcy, drive up its stock price and become a "dominant player" in electric vehicles.

"Tesla has yet to produce anything even remotely approaching a fully self-driving car," Matsko said.

The lawsuit filed in federal court here seeks unspecified damages for people who since 2016 bought or leased Tesla vehicles with Autopilot, Enhanced Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features.

Tesla did not immediately respond to requests for comment. It disbanded its media relations department in 2020.

The lawsuit followed complaints filed on July 28 by California's Department of Motor Vehicles accusing Tesla of overstating how well its advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) worked. read more

Remedies there could include suspending Tesla's license in California, and requiring restitution to drivers.

Tesla has said Autopilot enables vehicles to steer, accelerate and brake within their lanes, while Full Self-Driving lets vehicles obey traffic signals and change lanes.

It has also said both technologies "require active driver supervision," with a "fully attentive" driver whose hands are on the wheel, "and do not make the vehicle autonomous."

Matsko, of Rancho Murieta, California, said he paid a US$5,000 (RM22,675) premium for his 2018 Tesla Model X to obtain Enhanced Autopilot.

He also said Tesla drivers who receive software updates "effectively act as untrained test engineers" and have found "myriad problems," including that vehicles steer into oncoming traffic, run red lights, and fail to make routine turns.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has since 2016 opened 38 special investigations of Tesla crashes believed to involve ADAS. Nineteen deaths were reported in those crashes.


Toyota 5 Continents Drive Project arrives in Malaysia

PENANG: The Toyota 5 Continents Drive Project is a unique initiative whereby Toyota employees, technicians and engineers drive a host of Toyota vehicles to better understand the cars, the conditions and the culture of the countries that they drive through.It is inspired by the President of Toyota Motor Corporation, Akio Toyoda, and the project aims to make product improvements with this 'hands-on' approach which is part of this project's philosophy called Genchi Genbutsu which ultimately results in building even better cars to its customers around the world.Genchi Genbutsu means ‘go and see for yourself’. And that is exactly what they have been doing since the Toyota 5 Continents Project began back in 2014 starting with the Australian continent.

 The Malaysian-leg of the Toyota 5 Continents Drive Project flagged-off in Penang recently.

In 2015, the Toyota employees drove through the North American continent; in 2016 - Latin America; 2017- Europe; 2018 - Africa, early 2019 - Middle East and finally the Asian continent.

On Nov 5, 2019, the Malaysian leg of the Toyota 5 Continents Drive Project began with a total of nine cars and 33 participants. The vehicles used were the Hilux, Fortuner, Innova, Vios, Corolla, Rush, CH-R and Yaris.A flag-off ceremony was held at an S&D Tama Sdn. Bhd. owned Toyota showroom in Penang and was attended by Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor, Akio Takeyama and President of S&D Tama Sdn Bhd, Katsuhiko Tamura.The route would include a drive up to Cameron Highlands, Pahang and then to UMW Toyota Motor's head office in Shah Alam, Selangor before heading down south to Singapore.In a press conference held just before the flag-off, it was explained to members of the media about the purpose of the Toyota 5 Continents Drive Project. Field General Manager, Parts and Accessory Field, Customer First Promotion Group, Toyota Motor Co. Osamu Sadakata.

"I have been part of the 5 Continents Drive since 2014 when we started in Australia. I have found that the most difficult thing to learn is the culture of the country. You also have to learn about the specific market Toyota is in, road conditions, driving styles which is why we selected as many countries as possible.

"I believe once we understand a culture then we have better understanding to the needs of the vehicle for that country," said Field General Manager, Parts and Accessory Field, Customer First Promotion Group, Toyota Motor Co. Osamu Sadakata."We are excited to be in Malaysia. We want to see and learn from the roads and from each other. The traffic and driving style, vehicle use, is sometimes very different from Japan and our test tracks," said Advanced Vehicle Engineering Development Division, Kazuaki Abiru, who is also the captain of the drive team in Malaysia. Participants of the Toyota 5 Continents Drive Project getting ready before beginning the journey.
“We are delighted that Malaysia is included in the Toyota 5 Continents Drive Project, a project that is of high priority to Toyota Motor Corporation. The varied conditions of roads and traffic should provide the participants with valuable insights that can help them develop ever-better cars for our customers,” said Takeyama.

The remaining countries for the Asian leg are Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam. In 2020, the 5 Continents Drive Project will continue through China and East Asia before ending in Japan, just in time for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The 5 Continents Drive Project is carried out under the umbrella of Toyota Gazoo Racing initiative.


Nissan Almera: Turbocharged 1.0-litre sedan proves its mettle

                Looks are subjective and everybody’s mileage differs but the previous Nissan Almera wasn’t generally known for its good looks.

Well, that’s a thing of the past as the new fourth-generation Almera Turbo has come packing heat in terms of design, powertrain and safety technology.

The new Almera Turbo is offered in three variants - VL (RM79,906) , VLP ( RM85,715) and VLT (RM91,310). All prices are on-the-road price without insurance, with sales tax exemption.

All three variants come standard with the all-new HR10DET 1.0-litre turbo engine that produces 100PS and 152Nm mated to the X-tronic CVT transmission with D-Step Logic.

On top of it, all variants comes standard with Intelligent Forward Collision Warning and Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking (AEB), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and traction control, ABS, EBD, brake assist, and hill start assist.

The review unit was the top of the range VLT variant which has extras such as LED headlamps, two-tone 16-inch wheels, gloss-black trunk lid spoiler, leather seats, six-speaker Nissan Connect Infotainment system with eight-inch touchscreen display and Apple CarPlay support, a seven-inch digital display on the instrument panel, cruise control, Intelligent Around View Monitor (360-degree bird’s eye view) with Moving Object Detection, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert and six airbags.

Regardless of the extra kit, the Almera Turbo has emerged from the flames like the mythical phoenix in its new incarnation which makes you stand up and pay attention.

The front is all business with its wide U-shaped design and big headlamps defined by the imposingly sharp-browed Daytime Running Lights (DRL).

Gone are the flat, almost boring lines as the Almera Turbo’s body now slopes down from the rear creating an athletic stance and flexing its muscular creases along the body and hood.

The arrow-shaped taillights make it look sleek and stylish and with the VLT variant, the black spoiler on the boot and the two-toned wheels gives a nice touch of sportiness without being too aggressive.

That sportiness is followed inside the cabin with the flat-bottomed steering wheel and the two-toned leather upholstery and trim lightens the otherwise all black interior.

The push-start button is found on the centre console right next to the gear lever and there is a minimal layout aesthetic overall with the clearly defined space for the infotainment touchscreen panel followed below by the dials and buttons for the automatic climate control.

The only thing that feels out of place in the cabin is the traditional handbrake lever which, for the top-specced Almera Turbo, should have been fitted with an electronic parking brake switch instead. It’s not a major issue in any case.

Space is plentiful for rear passengers with ample head and leg room as well as boot space with a 482-litre capacity.

If you want more cargo room, the rear seats can be folded in a 60:40 configuration.

The new 1.0-litre turbocharged engine was smooth and the car pulled away energetically without any hesitation which was pleasantly surprising for such a small engine.

Stepping on the accelerator did not seem to stress the engine much and turbo lag was hardly noticeable.

The Almera Turbo also handled turns and bends well which translates into a lot of fun.

The engine produces a rather subdued exhaust note which I appreciate as noise levels in the cabin is kept to a minimum.

Also noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels are very low and a pliant suspension to absorb the rough surfaces makes for a calming space in the cabin.

Testing the car during the conditional movement order meant that I could only drive it around the city but it was a good enough indication of what the Almera Turbo is capable of.

With its abundance of space, comfort, safety features, drive and sporty looks, the new Almera Turbo is sure to heat up the competition in the B-segment sedan market.

SPECIFICATIONSNissan Almera Turbo VLTEngine: HR10DET, 999cc, turbocharged
Maximum power: 100PS at 5,000rpm
Maximum torque: 152Nm from 2,400 to 4,000rpm
Transmission: X-TRONIC CVT with D-Step Logic
Features: Six airbags, Intelligent Key (i-Key) with Push Start Ignition, flat bottom leather steering wheel with audio, Bluetooth connectivity and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) switches, automatic climate control, 7-inch digital and analogue instrument cluster, 8-inch advance touchscreen display audio with Apple CarPlay and six speakers, 16-inch two tone alloy wheels (205/55 R16), Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (IFCW) & Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking (IFEB) Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Hill Start Assist, ISOFIX with top tether (x2), rear view camera, LED headlamps with auto on/off, LED front fog lamp & LED daytime running lights, trunk lid spoiler, cruise control, Intelligent Around View Monitor (IAVM), Intelligent Moving Object Detection (IMOD), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Price: RM91,310 (on-the-road price without insurance, with sales tax exemption)


2.7 million JPJ summonses worth RM800mil outstanding since 2010

                PUTRAJAYA: A total of 2.7 million summonses valued at RM800 million of the Road Transport Department (JPJ) involving various traffic offences in the past 10 years have yet to be settled, said JPJ director-general Datuk Seri Shaharuddin Khalid.

“The summonses cover offences such as speeding, using a mobile phone while driving and not having valid driving licence.

“JPJ will be taking actions against motorists who have yet to pay their summons arrears by blacklisting them when they come to renew their driving licence,” he said in an interview today.

In another development, Shaharuddin said JPJ was co-ordinating the maximum speed limit at 110kph on major highways nationwide.

He said the speed limit would be adopted on main highways except the North-South Expressway (PLUS) at Menora Tunnel in Ipoh, Perak which has a speed limit of 70kph to reduce the risk of accident in the area.

Apart from that Shaharuddin said four Automated Awareness Safety System (Awas) cameras would be added in the area.

“The addition would bring the overall Awas cameras to 49 in the country including 22 on PLUS now,” he said.


2016 Geneva Motor Show: Ford sends temperature rising with Fiesta ST200

COLOGNE: The Ford Fiesta ST compact hot hatch is about to get even hotter.

Ford will today reveal ahead of the Geneva Motor Show a new Ford Fiesta ST200 model that delivers 10 per cent more power and 20 per cent more torque, with 200PS and 290Nm from a specially calibrated 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine.

The most powerful production Fiesta ever, the Fiesta ST200 will sprint from 0-100kph in 6.7sec, and will feature an exclusive specification including a unique Storm Grey exterior, distinctive machined matt black alloy wheels and special interior detailing.

Production of the Fiesta ST200 starts from June with customer deliveries this summer.

“The Fiesta ST is truly beloved by owners and critics. The ST200 takes this special drivers’ car to a new level of power and performance,” said Ford Europe product development vice-president Joe Bakaj. “I think it’s a future classic in the making.”

In addition to the exclusive exterior colour and 17-inch alloy wheel specification, Fiesta ST200 models also will feature red painted brake callipers and an enhanced interior with unique partial leather Charcoal Recaro front seats and contrasting silver stitching, alongside illuminated scuff plates and seatbelts with silver detailing.

The Fiesta ST200’s 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine can deliver an additional 15PS and 30Nm of torque for up to 15 seconds using transient overboost. A 4.06 ratio final drive – shortened from 3.82 in the Fiesta ST – further enhances in-gear acceleration for improved drivability and an even more fun to drive experience. Top speed is 230kph.

Like the Fiesta ST, the ST200 delivers optimised cornering and agility using: Enhanced Torque Vectoring Control and 3-mode Electronic Stability Control; a specially modified front steering knuckle; an adapted rear twist-beam with increased roll-stiffness; unique front and rear spring and damper settings with a 15mm lower centre of gravity; sharper 13.69:1 steering ratio and shortened steering arm; and enhanced braking system with a larger tandem brake master cylinder and rear disc brakes.

The Fiesta ST launched in 2013, delivering 182PS and 240Nm of torque from a 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine and 0-100kph acceleration in 6.9 seconds – quickly establishing itself as the Europe’s leading compact performance hatchback and earning more than 20 awards around the world within its first year on sale. Ford has since sold 30,000 Fiesta STs in Europe, of which over 19,200 were in Britain.


VW T-Roc SUV promises radical design at Frankfurt show

                FRANKFURT: With some manufacturers having notable success with crossovers featuring radical exterior styling, Volkswagen has jumped on the bandwagon with the T-Roc, a new model that looks to be quite a departure from its existing range.

As sales of crossovers continue to outstrip saloons, hatches and coupes, it’s not really surprising Volkswagen is looking to expand its SUV range in the coming years. The T-Roc will be the first of the new models, but it is expected to be closely followed sometime next year by an even more compact model in the shape of the T-Cross.

When the T-Roc arrives in Europe at the end of this year it will provide an altogether edgier and more compact urban crossover alternative to the extremely conventional Tiguan, filling a gap in the VW range.

VW has a strategic plan to attain a 4 per cent operating margin, to bring about a 25 per cent increase in productivity in Germany, and to return to profitability in three regions where it’s currently making a loss, by 2020, and the new SUVs are a big part of the plan for achieving that.

During a recent conference call, VW brand sales and marketing chief, Juergen Stackmann, said of the new model: “It will be Volkswagen’s first true lifestyle CUV — crossover utility vehicle — packed with highly innovative digital features and the latest driving assistance systems. The T-Roc will be a very important model for the Volkswagen brand covering the SUV segment below the Tiguan.”

The German brand has had to have a rethink as despite huge demand for crossovers of all shapes and sizes in the vital American market, poor sales of the Touareg are seeing it dropped from VW’s 2018 US lineup.

The Touareg sold just 1,630 units in the first half of this year, so the company is sure to be hoping for a more impressive performance from its new compact SUV.

The T-Roc will be unveiled to the media at a press event on Aug 23, before it showcases it at the Frankfurt Motor Show (open to the public between Sept 16-24).


US and EU launch formal group to discuss conflict over EV subsidies

                WASHINGTON: US and European Union officials will formally launch a task force next week to discuss new American laws that Europeans fear will discriminate against foreign electric car makers, according to a statement on Tuesday.

The talks come as auto manufacturers from Stuttgart to Seoul have been angered by Biden's US$430 billion "Inflation Reduction Act", enacted in August and aimed at rolling back climate change and making Washington a world leader in the electric vehicle (EV) market.

Among the law's provisions are requirements that EVs be assembled in North America to qualify for tax credits. The law also ends subsidies for other EV models and requires that a percentage of critical minerals used in those cars' batteries come from the United States or an American free-trade partner.

President Joe Biden's deputy national security adviser Mike Pyle agreed to launch a task force on the topic during a meeting earlier in the day with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's head of cabinet, Bjoern Seibert, according to White House spokesman Adrienne Watson.

The task force would "promote deeper understanding" on the "opportunities and concerns for EU producers," Watson said, and comes after high-level meetings between Biden administration officials and allied countries angered over the new law.

EU car makers - like Volkswagen - are affected by the US legislation.


Hyundai bets on new small SUV Kona as China sales skid

                SEOUL: Hyundai Motor unveiled its first subcompact sport utility vehicle Kona for advanced markets, including the United States, Europe and South Korea, as it tries to offset sliding sales in China and catch up with rivals in the segment.

The South Korean automaker said it would also launch an electric version of the Kona small sport utility vehicle (SUV) next year and a smaller SUV and a large SUV by 2020.

This comes at a time when Hyundai looks set to miss its sales target for a third straight year due to the unpopularity of its mainstay small sedans and political tensions between Beijing and Seoul that have battered sales in China, the company's biggest market.

Hyundai, which together with its affiliate Kia is the world's No.5 automaker, previously sold subcompact SUVs only in emerging markets, missing out on strong growth in the segment in South Korea, the United States and Europe.

The subcompact SUV is the top-performing segment globally, growing at an annual average of 46 percent from 2010 to 2016, Hyundai said, citing IHS Automotive data.

"Even as the global SUV market is nearing saturation, we believe that extra small or small SUVs have more room for growth than large SUVs," Hyundai Motor Co vice chairman Chung Eui-sun said during a launch event near here.

The automaker launched the Kona in South Korea today, and said it would roll out the small SUV in Europe in August and the United States in December. It aims to sell over 200,000 of the vehicles globally next year.

The Kona will compete with Nissan's Juke and Honda's CR-V in the United States.

Hyundai and Kia in January said they aimed to increase global sales by 5 percent this year, but their combined sales fell 7 percent over January to May, hit by slowing Chinese and US sales.

"Our sales plan has suffered a setback, but we will use this as an opportunity to overhaul our products," said Chung, the only son of Hyundai Motor Group chairman Chung Mong-koo.

He also said Hyundai would beef up cooperation with technology firms like Cisco, Baidu and Uber instead of buying other automakers.

Kia will join Hyundai in the launch of the former's subcompact SUV, Stonic, starting next month.


Hanoi to ban motorcycles by 2030 to curb pollution, traffic

There are five million motorcycles among a population of about seven million in Hanoi. — AFP
HANOI: Officials in Vietnam's traffic-choked capital Hanoi vowed on Tuesday to banish motorcycles by 2030 to ease environment and congestion woes, a decision that swiftly divided a city where two-wheelers are the main means of transportation.

Hanoi is famed for legions of motorcycles — sometimes stacked with entire families or overloaded with deliveries — that clog roads in a fast-growing city with limited public transportation. There are five million motorcycles among a population of about seven million, compared to half a million cars on the road.

In a country where the average annual wage is still around US$2,200 (RM9,449), the affordability of motorcycles makes them ubiquitous. Yet critics have blamed the emissions-heavy motorcycles for Hanoi's deteriorating air quality and worsening traffic congestion.

The decision to ban motorcycles by 2030 was approved by 95 out of 96 city councillors at a meeting on Tuesday Officials said the number of vehicles was growing at an "alarming" rate, according to a report on the city government's website. "Traffic jams and air pollution will become serious in the future if no immediate management measures are in place," the report said.

The ban will be implemented in metropolitan districts and public transport options would be increased to wean people off their scooters, the report added. The number of registered motorcycles in Vietnam is among the highest in Southeast Asia, and officials in Hanoi have long-mulled banning the bikes in an effort to modernise the city along the lines of Seoul or Tokyo.

Some welcomed the move, saying the ban is crucial to cleaning up Hanoi's air, which is notoriously smoggy in the winter months.

"Too many private cars, too many motorcycles... the quality of air is really bad and the decision made today will improve that," economist and transport expert Luong Hoai Nam told AFP.

The city clocked 282 days of "excessive" levels of PM2.5 — fine particulate matter harmful to human health — last year, according to non-governmental group GreenID, citing World Health Organisation guidelines.

The Hanoi government is rolling out an air monitoring system in an effort to make Hanoi "green and clean and civilised so that people living and working here have a high quality of life", Nguyen Trong Dong, the head of the city's environment department said last month.

On social media, some people decried the motorbike ban announcement — questioning whether the government will really offer viable public transport alternatives as promised.

"This idea is totally insane," said office worker Hoang Thuy Duong, who rides a motorbike to work daily. "Motorcycles are the best means of transportation in Hanoi. I doubt authorities can replace them with public vehicles," she said.

Hanoi does not have a metro system, only public buses which account for 12 percent of travel demand in the city. Officials said Tuesday they plan to boost that share to around 50 percent by 2030.

Construction of a sky train in the city has been repeatedly delayed but is slated to open next year. Some said limiting individual vehicle use is not effective without efficient public transport in place.

"When you just employ banning as one measure, they never succeed," said Jung Eun Oh, senior transport specialist at the World Bank in Vietnam.


Virtual robots support Audi employees working on PCs

                SINGAPORE: Colleague robot moves into the office: Audi is now developing bots to carry out monotonous tasks for employees at PC workstations.

The digital robots can perform tasks such as entering data or creating standardized reports faster, more efficiently and without errors.

The company wants to relieve its employees of such work so that they can concentrate on complex and value-adding tasks.

For this purpose, Audi built up development expertise in the area of robotic process automation (RPA) last year.

In mid-2019, Audi IT founded a center of excellence that provides the central platform for RPA.

In the premium manufacturer’s production plants, man and machine have been working hand in hand for some years.

Now, employees with PC workstations are also receiving help from robots in the form of a digital assistant called “Audi myMate”.

After a pilot phase, the first virtual robot started work in asset accounting in August 2019 and has since been entering and booking capital goods in the system.

The employees in this area have thus gained time for more demanding tasks such as analyzing the recorded data.

At present, several bots are already in use for the Four Rings, and Audi intends to continuously increase the number of digital assistants.

The software robots imitate human employees in the desktop interface.

They have their own identity, for example as SAP users, and work in a virtual environment.

RPA is suitable for all processes in which decisions are made on the basis of clear “if-then” rules.

Starting in 2020, the company plans to equip some of its digital assistants with artificial intelligence.

“With the introduction of RPA, we are pushing forward the digitalization of our business,” says Dr. Bernd Martens, Member of the Board of Management for Procurement and IT.

“We are using bots to make our processes more efficient and faster, and at the same time are giving our employees more time for more interesting work – a win-win situation for everyone.”


GM latest automaker to recall EV for battery-fire risk

The 2018 Bolt.
DETROIT: General Motors Co. is recalling about 70,000 of its Chevrolet Bolt battery-powered cars due to a fire risk, the latest in a series of safety-related automaker callbacks stemming from problems with electric-vehicle batteries.

The Detroit-based company said Friday it is recalling 68,667 2017-2019 model year Bolt hatchbacks delivered globally, including almost 51,000 sold in the US, with high-voltage batteries made by LG Chem Ltd. that may catch fire when charged above 90%.

“We’re working around the clock together to come up with the root cause of this issue,” said GM spokesman Dan Flores.

The recall involves cars with South Korean-made batteries used in Bolts for its debut 2017 model year and also the 2018 model year, as well as some for 2019. The remainder and all 2020 model-year cars use batteries made in the US.

 Charging port of 2018 Bolt.READ MORE:Hyundai Kona Electric updated in wake of battery fire risks
Heat is now on EV makers, after battery fires

The voluntary action follows the launch of a US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigation into the vehicle’s fire risk. It’s similar to recalls announced last month by Hyundai Motor Co., Ford Motor Co. and BMW AG.

GM is asking Bolt owners to take their cars to dealerships for a software upgrade that will limit recharging to 90% of full battery capacity as a short-term fix as it works to find a permanent remedy.

NHTSA issued a statement Friday urging owners of the vehicles to park outside and away from their homes as a precautionary measure.

The Department of Transportation agency said it is aware of five incidents involving Bolt fires and two injuries. “At least one of the fires spread from the vehicle and ignited a home,” it said.

The US is the largest market for the Bolt, followed by South Korea and Canada. It is also sold in a handful of other countries, including Mexico, Ecuador and the United Arab Emirates.


Hyundai shows how the Nexo works in celebration of Earth Day 2020

                LOS ANGELES: In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day (April 22), Hyundai shared how its Nexo fuel-cell sports utility vehicle (SUV) works in a video clip.

The video explains how the SUV's fuel cell stack creates its energy for propulsion compared to battery-electric vehicles.

“We’re very proud of Hyundai’s fuel cell SUVs accumulating well over ten million miles in time for the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, 2020,” said Hyundai Motor America chief operating officer Brian Smith.

Smith added that their latest fuel-cell SUV really sets the standard for zero-emissions travel in the US state of California with up to 615km of range and a five-minute refuel time from empty.

Hyundai touts that its fuel-cell SUVs, including both the current model Nexo and previous-generation Tucson Fuel Cell SUV, have accumulated over 16 million miles on Californian roads, all while producing H2O (water) emissions and no negative effects on the environment.


Hyundai's Luc Donckerwolke named World Car Person of the Year 2022

                SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Group's executive vice president for design and chief creative officer Luc Donckerwolke has been named 2022 World Car Person of the Year by the World Car Awards jury panel.

The accolade recognises automotive industry professionals who have made a significant impact with their contributions in the year leading up to the award.

The World Car Awards jury members representing 102 journalists from 33 countries cited Donckerwolke’s role overseeing innovative new models, including Hyundai IONIQ 5, Kia EV6 and Genesis GV60, as the principal reason for honouring him this year.

They also heralded the resto-mod Pony and Grandeur models that paid homage to Korea’s often overlooked automotive heritage.

“I am deeply honoured to receive the Person of the Year award and would like to thank all of the jury members and the valued team at Hyundai Motor Group, without whom this would not have been possible,” Donckerwolke said.

“I have worked for many companies and brands over my career and I’m delighted at the recognition the Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brands have received. They are a true reflection of the effort of all of the Group employees, retailers and partners who have worked steadfastly to develop a strong lineup of compelling and relevant vehicles on sale in over 200 countries worldwide,” he added.

The World Car jury also recognised Hyundai, Kia and Genesis models in various award categories. IONIQ 5 and EV6 made the top five in 2022 World Car Design.

GV70 made the top five in 2022 World Luxury Car. IONIQ 5 also made the top five in 2022 World EV of the Year. IONIQ 5, EV6, Genesis G70 and Hyundai Tucson all made the top 10 in 2022 World Car of the Year, giving the group more recognition than any other automaker on the list.

The World Car Person of the Year award is part of the annual World Car Awards, which officially launched in January 2004. The award aims to recognise, reward and inspire excellence, leadership and innovation in the automotive industry. Past winners have included Akio Toyoda (2021), Carlos Tavares (2020), Sergio Marchionne (2019) and Håkan Samuelsson (2018).


Drive-in UK care home visits for socially distant times

Susan Holding (right) talking with her mother Barbara Webster during a drive-through visit to Gracewell, a residential care home, in Adderbury near Banbury west of London. — AFP

LONDON: The cars snaking past the bunting-adorned entrance of a British care home point to an era when even cherished family visits have to be socially distant because of Covid-19.

Gracewell of Adderbury home for the elderly, in central England, is trying out drive-through family visits to protect its vulnerable residents from the ever-present dangers of the new disease.

The anxious visitors sit in their cars, smiling encouragingly at their loved ones, while the elderly, some of them in their 90s, relax in comfy armchairs in the small driveway, soaking up the warm spring sun.

They try to chat a little at a safe distance, making the best of a trying time in which families have been forced to live apart for over two months while the government tries to stamp out a virus that has officially claimed around 38,000 lives — second only to the United States.

"Emotional, yeah, very emotional. I just wanted to hug them," said Helen Hughes, daughter of one of the residents.

How difficult was it to resist that urge to reach out and hug?

"Huge. Huge," Hughes said.

"I just want to hug them because they don't understand what's going on," she said, trying to smile through the pain of being forcibly apart from her mother.

'Hello my lovely'

Care homes have been ravaged by the virus across Europe.

The British government said last Friday that 6,182 — or 39.8 percent — of the ones in England currently had "a suspected outbreak of symptomatic or confirmed coronavirus".

Britain's Office of National Statistics (ONS) has counted around 13,500 care home deaths attributed to Covid-19 in Britain, although the real number could be higher because not all of those who pass away get tested first.

The ONS has counted more than 46,000 total fatalities in Britain "involving" the virus as of mid-May.

Gracewell manager Arlene Acuavera said her home has been thankfully spared by the disease.

"We are very, very fortunate and lucky that we haven't had any residents or staff who are positive with Covid-19," she said with evident relief.

"We are maintaining that through our infection control management," the manager said of the drive-through visits.

"We are just fortunate and we keep on praying that it will continue until the end."

Britain is now easing its way out of lockdown, although the four countries — England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland — are each taking slightly different approaches to what might be allowed when.

The new freedoms are laced with added danger, and socially distant visits like the one adopted at the Gracewell are likely to continue for many more months.

All of which leaves Britons slightly perplexed but stoic.

"I think he enjoyed it. I do think he enjoyed it," said Nicola Finch, a granddaughter of one of the residents, after driving away and letting the next family take its turn.

"As soon as I got the 'Hello my lovely', I knew he was fine," she said. "Because although he doesn't remember a lot, he still recognises voices and things like that."


Proton rumbles on with May sales of 5,676 vehicles

                KUALA LUMPUR: Proton retained its position as the second most popular car brand by market share with recorded sales of 5,676 vehicles in May amid the challenges of the conditional movement control order (CMCO).

In a statement, Proton said its market share in May stood at 21.1%, which was in line with its targets for the year, on the back of four best-selling models.

While the Proton was the overall best-selling vehicle in the country in May, the  X70,  Persona and Exora each topped their respective market segments.

The May sales figure represented a 46.5% decline from 10,611 units sold in the same month last year, owing to the need to comply with the standard operating procedures set out during the CMCO.

Year-to-date, Proton's sales volume shrunk 23.3% year-on-year, which was better than the estimated 48.7% decline in total industry volume over the five months.

"The automotive industry is now moving towards recovery but as expected, the first month has been a period of adjustment as we adapt to the ‘new normal’ regarding all aspects of our operations.

“Proton is thankful our sales have not contracted as much as expected and we also need to say thank you to our vendors who worked tirelessly to ensure we could regain our footing as quickly as possible.

"It will take a few more months to get an accurate reading of market conditions but we are quietly confident from this point onwards, we will see steady growth for the rest of the year,” said Proton CEO Li Chunrong.

For June, Proton is offering customers 0% financing for the first year when buying the X70.

The car maker will also offer Malaysian frontliners such as nurses, doctors, members of the police and army and Ministry of Health and Ministry of Home Affairs staff free personal insurance coverage of up to RM50,000 for five years covering death, accidental death and permanent disability.


Will Volvo's 180kph limit on all cars really matter to drivers?

                STOCKHOLM: The top speed on a current Volvo models varies, but depending on the engine model, a model like the S60 R can take you up to around 250kph. But that's all about to end.

Volvo has announced plans for a speed limit of 180kph in its cars from 2020 onwards, as part of efforts to enhance road safety and limit road casualties and fatalities, a programme it's calling Vision 2020.

The move comes as car manufacturers are busy touting their growing ranges of safety assistants to help drivers avoid accidents by braking faster, staying in lane and properly dimming their lights. And yet Volvo says all these digital helpers don't make a difference once you hit top speeds.

"The problem with speeding is that above certain speeds, in-car safety technology and smart infrastructure design are no longer enough to avoid severe injuries and fatalities in the event of an accident," said the China-owned car producer.

“As humans, we all understand the dangers with snakes, spiders and heights. With speeds, not so much,” said Volvo safety specialist Jan Ivarsson.

Volvo's new restriction may well be noticed by petrol heads in the few remaining countries with limitless motorways, such as Germany.

But drivers around the world were quick to comment on forums like Reddit that a limit of 180kph won't have much of an impact in places like Britain or Volvo's own Sweden, where most motorways have a limit of less than 120kph.

Meanwhile those who felt the urge to go beyond 180kph in a Volvo said that removing the electronic speed limit could still be an option.

Chief executive Hakan Samuelsson nevertheless hopes the measure will save lives, noting that "while a speed limitation is not a cure-all, it's worth doing if we can even save one life."

Volvo's latest ad campaign points to its introduction of seat belts in 1959, a move it says started a global debate for mandatory seat belts in cars.

"We want to start a conversation about whether car makers have the right or maybe even an obligation to install technology in cars that changes their driver's behaviour, to tackle things like speeding, intoxication or distraction," he added.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and distraction - for instance when a driver is looking at a mobile phone rather than the road — were other accident causes Volvo mentioned.

China-based Zhejiang Geely Holding Group took over ownership of the Swedish carmaker in 2010 from US automotive giant Ford. Last year, Volvo Cars sold more than 642,000 cars.


2016 Bangkok Motor Show: Refreshed Subaru Forester rolls out

                BANGKOK: Subaru's exclusive distributor in the South East Asian region, Motor Image, unveiled the updated Forester (MY16) at the 37th Bangkok International Motor Show.

The facelifted Forester is expected to be introduced in Malaysia by mid-April and will arrive in three variants, namely the entry-level 2.0i, mid-range 2.0i-P (both CKD) and the range-topping 2.0 XT (CBU from Japan) - priced on-the-road with GST without insurance at RM144,160, RM153,700 and RM210,940 respectively.

Upon its arrival, five colour options of white, black, silver, bronze and grey will be offered, as well as a discount of RM3,000 for a limited time.

The CKD variants marks the Forester as the second model to be assembled at the Tan Chong Motor Assemblies facility in Segambut and now joins the Subaru XV, which began its assembly in Dec 2012.

With a wheelbase of 2,640mm and 220mm of ground clearance, it measures 4,595mm-long (2.0i is 15mm longer at 4,610mm), 1,795mm-wide and 1,735mm-tall, while rolling on 17-inch wheels with 225/60 series tyres (2.0 XT uses 18-inch wheels and 225/55 tyres) as standard.

Two powerplants will be available, with the first being a 2.0-litre (1,995cc) naturally-aspirated four-cylinder (FB20) boxer engine producing 150PS at 6,200rpm and 198Nm of torque at 4,200rpm for the 2.0i and 2.0i-P (for Premium).

The 2.0 XT gets a 2.0-litre (1,1998cc) turbocharged direct-injected (FA20) boxer engine instead, producing 241PS at 5,600rpm and 350Nm of torque from 2,400 to 3,600rpm.

As standard, both engines are mated to Subaru’s Lineartonic CVT gearbox for the Forester’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (S-AWD) system that comes with X-Mode (includes hill descent control as well as enhanced AWD system and vehicle dynamics control (VDC).

But in terms of overall improvements, the Japanese carmaker has increased the overall thickness of the windows; added sound proofing materials to the base of the chassis; changed the rear suspension’s alignment; stiffened the front cross-member; and improved on the suspension’s coils and dampers.

Aesthetically, the Forester hasn’t deviated much from its predecessor with a newly-designed bumper and grille that’s only fitted on the 2.0i, while the 2.0i-P and 2.0 XT get LED headlamps for upgrades.

The 1,519kg (kerb) 2.0i’s standard kit includes halogen headlamps, rear fog lamps, daytime running lights, roof rails, roof spoiler, power folding wing-mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, leather-clad cabin, new infotainment system and gear selector.

Conveniences include automatic vehicle hold, one-touch turn signal, automatic climate controls, retractable cargo cover and a reverse camera.

In terms of safety, there’s seven airbags, VDC, brake override, four-channel anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, safety pedal system, reinforced beams within the doors and ISOFIX anchor points.

The 1,528kg (kerb) 2.0i-P adds on steering-response automatic-levelling LED headlamps with washers, automatic wipers, SI Drive, powered front seats with driver-side memory function, dual-zone climate control, PIN-code access and keyless entry with push-start button.

Other additionals include centre-mounted multi-info colour display, height-adjustable powered tail-gate, aluminium pedals, steering-wheel cruise control function, paddle-shifters, exhaust muffler, front fog lamps and LED wing mirrors.

Lastly, the more powerful 1,641kg (kerb) 2.0 XT rounds off the list of goodies with a glass sunroof, leather-Alcantara upholstery, Harmann Kardon sound system, Siri eyes free with voice recognition command and twin-tipped exhaust mufflers.

Subaru Forester 2.0i

Subaru Forester 2.0i-P

Subaru Forester 2.0 XT


Korean company says it has developed superior material for car DRLs

                SEOUL: Samyang Corporation, a leader in the Korean market for polycarbonate used in automobile headlamps, aims to expand its presence in the global market by developing high-permeability polycarbonate for Daytime Running Lights (DRLs).

Samyang Corporation, a chemical and food subsidiary of Samyang Group announced on Monday that it has developed high-transmittance polycarbonate for Daytime Running Lights (DRL) of cars.

Isosorbide, an eco-friendly white biomaterial developed by Samyang Corporation, is applied to its high transmittance polycarbonate to improve light transmittance.

It has superior light transmittance and a low level of yellowness compared to conventional polycarbonate.

In addition, it has excellent heat resistance and stability, so there is little yellowing even after long-term use, surpassing imported polycarbonate, according to Samyang.

High-transmittance polycarbonate is being increasingly used worldwide due to the mandatory legislation of daytime running lights and factors such as branding identity and design in automotive companies.

The product is currently undergoing testing by domestic and foreign auto parts makers, and some companies are in the final stages of testing so that mass production as early as in the first half of this year is expected.

Besides being used for DRLs, high transmittance polycarbonate usage could also be expanded to various other interior and exterior components of cars, for example, a start button.


Brussels plans congestion charge for cars, says Belgian daily

Traffic crawl in Brussels — AFP
BRUSSELS: The capital of Belgium may introduce a congestion charge for cars accessing the center of the city, La Libre Belgique reports, citing plans of the local administration.

The pilot scheme could be introduced as early as next year, and may cost each each driver as much €2,500 (RM12,241) a year, according to estimates of local lawmaker André Antoine, said the newspaper.

A €3 (around RM15) charge for access to the centre of the city between 6am and 10am could bring revenue of €323.7 million (RM1.5bil) per year, according to the scenarios run by the regional government, while a €12 (around RM59) tariff would catapult the annual proceeds to €1.2 billion (RM5.9bil).

The capital of Belgium, which also hosts the main institutions of the European Union and Nato’s headquarters, is notorious for its traffic jams during peak hours.


Tesla launches fast electric car charging in Berlin, says more cities to come

The V3 charger allows Tesla Model 3 cars to charge within five minutes, enough to travel 120km.. — Reuters
BERLIN: Managers at electric carmaker Tesla Inc on Thursday demonstrated new supercharger equipment on a Berlin research campus, saying they were looking at more target cities to attract potential buyers worried about access to charging.

"Now, as part of our commitment to make Tesla ownership easy and convenient for everyone including those without immediate access to home or workplace charging, we are expanding out supercharging network into city centres,” said Tesla Europe manager of charging infrastructure Jeroen van Tilburg.

A company spokesman told reporters Tesla would open at least one more inner-city fast charging site in Germany in 2020, possibly more.

He stressed that Tesla still believed in slow workplace and residential charging as the main way to charge vehicles but wanted to offer a quicker option.

The so-called V3 charger allows Tesla Model 3 cars to charge within five minutes enough to travel 120km.

Older Tesla models would receive relevant software upgrades.

German policymakers aim to boost demand for electric cars to cut emissions.

“We have a lot to make up for in terms of charging infrastructure,” said Germany’s Economy Minister Peter Altmaier at the event.

He reiterated pledges to speed the roll-out of public charging points and permits for private charging which had hampered sales in the past.

Latest legislation for a green-led recovery after the coronavirus crisis offers buyers incentives and helps bump up power grids.

Tesla has chosen a site near Berlin for a new factory due to start operating next year.

Separately to the event, the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper said on Thursday the factory had the potential to create 40,000 jobs, citing the economy minister of Brandenburg state.


Next Mercedes-Benz A-Class heading for America, says report

                ATLANTA: At the moment, the entry point to the Mercedes-Benz range in the United States is the CLA, which was launched there in 2013 and originally started under the magic US$30k mark before delivery costs.

However, the A-Class has been the entry model for the German luxury brand in much of the rest of the world for some time now, which is why there has been constant speculation over when or if the A-Class would ever be offered to American buyers. Well, it seems the time is now coming as Mercedes has been preparing its dealers for the arrival of the all-new A-Class next year.

Although the A-Class is a small car and compacts are struggling to find buyers in the US at the moment due to continuing low fuel prices, luxury compacts are actually doing quite well, so now should be as good a time as any to finally launch it. Mercedes isn't yet officially announcing its intention to sell the new A-Class in the US to the wider world, but reports indicate that officials from the German automaker did confirm it at a meeting of dealers in Miami recently.

Even though the A-Class is currently known as a hatchback at the moment, and the new 2018 model for Europe is also set to follow that format, it seems the model planned for American dealers will be an all-new sedan variant. The hatchback format is traditionally regarded as being unpopular with American buyers, which is why the A-Class hasn't made it across the Atlantic so far. Although a sedan version is vital to making the new car a success in the States, this new format for the entry-level Mercedes is also expected to be offered in China and other markets too.

Spy shots of what's believed to be the 2018 A-Class hatchback have been widely circulated recently, but a concept that's likely to be the blueprint for the A-Class Sedan was shown by Mercedes as recently as April in Shanghai.

Stephanie Brinley, who is an analyst with industry forecaster IHS Markit, says the A-class sedan is expected to be offered for sale in the US in September 2018, and that by as soon as 2020, the A-Class could represent as much as five percent of the brand's US sales.

On top of the A-Class sedan, Mercedes also showed dealers at the Miami event an AMG GT four-door high-performance variant of the sedan, and confirmed they will also have that to offer to their customers in the summer of 2018.


Mercedes recalls some EQC electric cars due to potentially faulty bolt

                FRANKFURT: Daimler is recalling some new Mercedes-Benz EQC electric cars because of a potentially defective bolt in the differential, the company said on Tuesday.

“Daimler AG has determined that on certain EQC vehicles the bolt in the front axle differential transmission might not meet durability specifications. Thus, it cannot be ruled out, that the bolt breaks over lifetime,” the carmaker said.

The fault could interrupt torque transmission to the front axle, leading to a vehicle stall. Additionally, if parts of the broken bolt become lodged within the differential transmission, this might affect the ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash, Daimler said.

German industry publication kfz betrieb, which initially reported details of the recall, said 1,700 vehicles were targeted. Daimler declined to comment on the number of vehicles affected.

READ MORE: Mercedes-Benz EQC all-electric SUV previewed at RM600K


Nov 2-8: RON97 petrol down 3 sen


Feb 20-26: Petrol prices up, diesel's unchanged

                PETALING JAYA: The retail price of RON97 petrol and RON95 will increase from tomorrow while diesel price remains unchanged.

The retail price of RON97 petrol and RON95 are up 4 sen to RM2.30 per liter and to RM2.00 per liter.

Diesel price remains unchanged at RM2.15 per litre.


Singapore won’t allow new diesel cars and cabs from 2025

File pic of heavy traffic at the central business district in Singapore. — AFP
SINGAPORE: Singapore won’t allow diesel-powered cars and taxis to be registered from 2025, five years ahead of previously scheduled, as part of its push to reduce emissions and encourage adoption of electric vehicles.

About 2.9% of passenger cars in Singapore run on diesel, while the proportion is as high as 41.5% for taxis, according to Land Transport Authority figures.

Most goods vehicles and buses in the city-state run on diesel and won’t be affected by the new rule, announced Thursday by the government.

Singapore plans to install 60,000 EV charging stations by 2030, two-thirds of which will be in public car parks and the remainder on private premises, the LTA said in a statement. A new government body is being established to spearhead EV-related policy and consultations will be held later in March over private sector participation.

“These measures will support Singapore’s targets to cease new diesel car and taxi registrations from 2025, require all new car and taxi registrations to be of cleaner-energy models from 2030, and have all vehicles run on cleaner energy by 2040,” the LTA said.

New public housing developments will have capacity to support EV charging for 15% of their parking lots, it said.

The government has announced a series of other measures to reduce carbon emissions, including greater emphasis on solar energy, planting 1 million more trees, expanding rail and cycling networks, and reducing waste sent to landfill by 20% over the next five years.