All-new Honda SUV undergoes dynamic testing

The latest Honda Pilot meant for the North American market.
COLUMBUS: News of a new generation of a well-known vehicle always gets plenty of attention, especially a completely new SUV nameplate. Honda fans will be excited to hear an all-new Honda SUV has been seen out and about on public roads, undergoing testing.

Rumours have been circulating for a while that Honda is working on a completely new midsize SUV, designed to slot into its range in between the incredibly popular CR-V and the larger Pilot. That would put it right up against the likes of the Ford Edge, Nissan Murano and Chevrolet's upcoming Blazer.

Honda hasn't even confirmed the existence of the vehicle, let alone a potential name. But it's long been suggested a new Honda SUV would be called the Passport, resurrecting the name of the Isuzu-based SUV produced during the 1990s.

The images being circulated of the heavily-camouflaged vehicle appear to confirm the segment it will be competing in. Though shorter in length, it looks to be more in line with the styling of the Pilot than the smaller CR-V.

It's possible a third row of seating could be squeezed in, but as competitors in that range seem to be shunning third rows, it's probably unlikely, especially since Honda already has the three-row Pilot in its portfolio.

From unofficial images floating around the Internet, there seems to be more than a passing resemblance to the Pilot, both inside and outside the test car.

At one point it was believed Honda would simply put out a shorter version of the Pilot, but though this will undoubtedly share a lot of components and styling cues from the Pilot, it will be an entirely new model in its own right.


Ford snow-testing driverless tech

                DETROIT: Ford is conducting the industry’s first autonomous vehicle tests in snow-covered environments – a major step in the company’s plan to bring fully autonomous vehicles to millions of customers worldwide.

Unlike other major automakers and technology companies, which have tested autonomous vehicle technology only in dry, mostly sunny climates, Ford knows the future of autonomous driving cannot rely on ideal weather conditions.

“It’s one thing for a car to drive itself in perfect weather,” said Jim McBride, Ford technical leader for autonomous vehicles. “It’s quite another to do so when the car’s sensors can’t see the road because it’s covered in snow. Weather isn’t perfect, and that’s why we’re testing autonomous vehicles in wintry conditions.”

Ford’s winter weather testing of autonomous vehicles takes place in Michigan, including at Mcity – a 32-acre, full-scale simulated real-world urban environment at the University of Michigan.

Fully autonomous driving can’t rely on GPS, which is accurate only to several yards – not enough to localise or identify the position of the vehicle. And it’s key that an autonomous vehicle knows its precise location, not just within a city or on a road, but in its actual driving lane – a variation of a few inches makes a big difference.

LiDAR, on the other hand, is much more accurate than GPS – identifying the vehicle’s lane location right down to the centimeter. LiDAR emits short pulses of laser light to precisely allow the vehicle to create a real-time, high-definition 3D image of what’s around it.

In ideal weather, LiDAR is the most efficient means of gathering important information and metadata – underlying information about the data itself – from the surrounding environment, sensing nearby objects and using cues to determine the best driving path. But on snow-covered roads or in high-density traffic, LiDAR and other sensors such as cameras can’t see the road. This is also the case when the sensor lens is covered by snow, grime or debris.

Undaunted by this challenge, Ford and University of Michigan technologists began collaborating on a solution that would allow an autonomous vehicle to see on a snow-covered road.

How snow autonomy works

To navigate snowy roads, Ford autonomous vehicles are equipped with high-resolution 3D maps – complete with information about the road and what’s above it, including road markings, signs, geography, landmarks and topography.

“Maps developed by other companies don’t always work in snow-covered landscapes,” said Ryan Eustice, associate professor at University of Michigan college of engineering. “The maps we created with Ford contain useful information about the 3D environment around the car, allowing the vehicle to localise even with a blanket of snow covering the ground.”

An autonomous vehicle creates the maps while driving the test environment in favorable weather, with technologies automatically annotating features like traffic signs, trees and buildings. When the vehicle can’t see the ground, it detects above-ground landmarks to pinpoint itself on the map, and then subsequently uses the map to drive successfully in inclement conditions.

“The vehicle’s normal safety systems, like electronic stability control and traction control, which often are used on slippery winter roads, work in unison with the autonomous driving software,” said McBride. “We eventually want our autonomous vehicles to detect deteriorating conditions, decide whether it’s safe to keep driving, and if so, for how long.”

Winter driving still presents a host of challenges, but Ford’s testing marks an important achievement on the road to autonomous driving.


‘King of the Road’ Perodua Myvi gets creative tribute

                PETALING JAYA: Inspired by the Perodua Myvi, which has been dubbed Malaysia’s “King of the Road”, a company here spent two months assembling 1.27 million plastic bricks to create a life-sized sculpture called MyBi.

Bryks Art said its creation was a tribute to Malaysia’s “boleh” or “can do” spirit.

Established in 2018, Bryks Art is a collective of artists that conceptualises, designs and builds its structures in-house.

The choice of the Myvi is apt as it is now an iconic vehicle here, with over a million units produced since the first generation was introduced in May 2005.

“It is for this reason that Bryks Art chose to debut its creativity, artistry and capabilities with the King of the Road,” Bryks Art said.

It added that the vehicle sculpture’s interior and exterior were built entirely out of brick elements except for the axles, wheels, tyres, speakers, mirrors and light bulbs.

“This is not our first life-sized vehicle. We have completed more and our creations are not limited to vehicles, though we are saving them for a bigger exhibition.

“That will be revealed in due time,” Bryks Art said when contacted.

It said 15 team members were tasked to build the MyBi sculpture.

“The process of building starts with design and engineering. Once we have verified that the sculpture is structurally sound, we will start with the building,” it said.

Design and engineering took up one-third of the process, with the rest spent on actual building.

“Both parts of the process are equally difficult and require meticulous effort.

“But building is more physically intense and requires more resources. The King of the Road took us about two months to build,” it said.

Bryks said the name MyBi was an abbreviation of the company’s full name – Malaysia Bryks Art, or MyBi for short.

It said its creation was a homage to Malaysia’s favourite little car, which it described as “always dependable, able and full of surprises”.

“The MyBi loves the limelight and will be providing audiences with a festive light and sound show throughout the exhibition,” it said.

The MyBi is being showcased at Bryks Art’s inaugural art exhibition at Kuala Lumpur’s Publika Shopping Gallery until 10pm today.

Other than the MyBi, there are also five other 1:4 scale model sculptures.


Japan Display bets on digital screens in cars

                TOKYO: Fully digital screens are replacing speedometers and dials in vehicles, making industry leader Japan Display Inc optimistic about boosting sales to global carmakers.

While most new models usually have a centre information panel for maps, entertainment and other functions, manufacturers are also increasingly replacing the dashboard facing the driver with a flat screen. Look inside the latest BMW or Mercedes-Benz, chances are Japan Display made the panel.

Replacing instrument clusters with screens is challenging, because they need to be more reliable and withstand swings in temperature, while providing critical information for the driver.

That also makes them more expensive and lets display suppliers demand higher margins, making them an attractive enterprise. Japan Display, the world’s biggest supplier of panels in cars, is betting that the shift to electric vehicles will make screens the key selling point for any car as drivers pay more attention to the interior aesthetics of automobiles than what’s under the bonnet.

“It used to be all about the engine – how many cylinders, how much horse power, the sound of it – but with electric vehicles that’s all gone,” Holder Gerkens, who heads JDI’s automotive business, said in an interview. “How do you create attraction? You can do a lot with displays.”

JDI’s automotive operations generated 100bil yen (RM3.66bil) in revenue in the last fiscal year, about 14% of its total. The company forecasts sales will grow 40% by March 2020. JDI, which already supplies about 30% of the European car market, is expanding in the US, Japan and China, Gerkens said. That could be welcome news for investors, who saw the company’s shares decline 32% last year.

The Japanese company controlled 19% of the US$6.7bil (RM27.10bil) global market for automotive displays last year, according to IHS Markit. LG Display was second with 14%.

“It’s a combination of high variety and low volume, but the automotive business could potentially offer higher margins,” said Damian Thong, an analyst at Macquarie Group Ltd. “The ability to do this cost effectively will be a crucial test.”

Sluggish global smartphone sales, which make up about 80% of revenue, are also behind JDI’s bid to increase automotive sales. In addition, Apple Inc, the company’s biggest customer, is shifting to next-generation organic light-emitting diode displays, which JDI doesn’t produce in mass quantities. Samsung Electronics Co and LG Display Co supply most of the world’s OLED screens.

Adoption of OLEDs in cars will probably take longer. Unlike liquid-crystal displays, OLED pixels can glow on their own and do not require a backlight, which makes them thinner and more energy efficient. These are significant advantages when it comes to smartphones, but automakers are likely to be more concerned with OLED’s limited lifetime and considerably higher price, Gerkens said.

Japanese companies were the first in the world to commercialize flat-panel technology, but couldn’t keep up with South Korean and Taiwanese rivals in capital investment and price competition. JDI was created in 2012 in a merger of the troubled screen-making units of Toshiba Corp, Sony Corp, and Hitachi Ltd. JDI embraced a strategy of focusing on higher-quality, smaller-sized screens, which has helped it to gain a key foothold in the car industry.

“We are moving away from flat rectangular shaped displays,” Gerkens said. “The future will be more and more design-driven.”


Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations gets own space

LONDON: Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) opened its new technical centre near Coventry on Tuesday.

The £20m facility will be the headquarters of SVO and will house manufacturing, paint, technical and customer commissioning and presentation zones inside the 20,000m2 facility.

The centre is significant representation of the growth of Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations – the specialist division of Jaguar Land Rover created in June 2014 to build a business responsible for halo car products (SVO), Vehicle Personalisation, classic car programmes by Jaguar Land Rover Classic and a range of branded goods.

John Edwards, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations, said: “The new Special Vehicle Operations Technical Centre is a major step forward in meeting the desires of our most discerning customers. There are more than 200 skilled employees here that are committed to outstanding quality and craftsmanship in everything they do.”

In future, customers will be able to visit the technical centre’s bespoke commissioning suite by invitation, where they will explore the possibilities for creating and customising their own Jaguar or Land Rover vehicle. A member of the Jaguar or Land Rover Design team will be on hand to guide the customer.

The exclusive experience will continue through to the food served to customers. Michelin-starred chef Graham Edwards, who learned his trade in London’s West End and has previously worked with Raymond Blanc, is on hand to create a selection of dishes designed to suit the client and using Midlands’ regional ingredients.

The SVO story will continue in the Technical Centre once the customer has left, as their car is painted and hand-finished in the other three areas of the building.

The workshop features a series of workstations and has been created to enable the final assembly of SVO vehicles, by hand, to meet quality standards.


New Proton 4S dealership opens in Kota Baru

                KOTA BARU: Proton has opened its 149th 3S/4S centre, adding to its industry leading total of such outlets.

Located in Kota Baru's fast-developing Tunjong district, the new Harima Auto Mobil 4S centre is the largest Proton dealership in the two east coast states of Kelantan and Terengganu.

Harima, which has been operating as a Proton dealer in Kota Baru since 1986, has invested in the new centre to offer better customer service for the two states in-line with Proton's business direction.

 Display area.

Located in the fast-developing Tunjong district of Kota Baru, the 4S dealership has a built-up area of 2,400sq m with eleven service bays, and the same number of body and paint bays.

The showroom has floor space to display up to 10 vehicles.

As with other 4S dealerships, there are kids’ play area, free Wifi and and a comfortable customer lounge.

 Service bays.

Harima is also working with Proton Global Services (PGS) to offer other amenities.

There is a refreshment area serving Starbucks coffee as well as a merchandise corner selling Proton and R3 branded products.

The company is the first dealer in Kelantan to offer both services, which are sure to draw the interest of customers.

 Body and paint facility.

Harima founder Liew Foo Lin said it was important to keep customers happy when they visit showrooms to buy a nw car.

“Once they have purchased it, the onus is on us to ensure they send their car back to us for scheduled servicing.

“Harima however felt we could not achieve the required level of customer satisfaction if we continued to operate as a small showroom without the necessary facilities, hence, the decision to operate as a 4S dealer,” said Liew.

 Liew and Roslan checking out Starbucks coffee.

Proton deputy CEO Roslan Abdullah said the new 4S dealership would help raise the visibility of Proton here.

“By having a full range of amenities and the required assets to serve a high volume of customers, we are hopeful of being able to raise the level of customer service and deliver a truly premium experience for customers,” he said.


Volvo Car Malaysia rolls out limited-time service package offer

                KUALA LUMPUR: For a limited time from March 1 to 31, Volvo Car Malaysia is offering a complementary five-year service package (VSA5+) for a range of its vehicles.

Models offered with the package are the XC90 B5 Ultimate Mild-Hybrid and the XC90 Recharge T8 Plug-In Hybrid as well as the S60, S90, V60, XC60 and XC40 B5 models.

Bookings from March 1 to 31 for the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric will come with a complimentary wall box voucher worth RM7,000.

The VSA5+, otherwise known as the 'Volvo Service Agreement 5 Plus’, is a five-year comprehensive car service package from Volvo Cars that covers the first five car services including Wear and Tear items.

The limited-time offer VSA5+ offer comes at the heels of the recent award of the 2023 Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) rating on the XC90 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

 XC90 PHEV T8.

The IIHS has raised the requirements for its Top Safety Pick (TSP) and TSP+ awards by introducing tougher criteria demanding better side crash protection, improved pedestrian crash prevention systems and the elimination of subpar headlights.

In addition to award-winning safety, the XC90 Recharge T8 offers up to 77km (NEDC) in all-electric driving in Pure mode.

Volvo has made sustainability as important as safety and announced plans to sell only fully electric vehicles by 2030 and aimed to become carbon neutral by 2040.

Log on to https://www.volvocars.com/my to find out more or visit your nearest dealer.


Ex-hairstylist jailed three years for causing friend's death in 2019 Penang Bridge crash

                BUKIT MERTAJAM: A former hairstylist was sentenced to three years' jail for causing the death of a college student because of reckless driving.

Sessions Court judge Ahzah Fariz Ahmad Khairuddin also ordered M. Vaitheswaran, 24, to pay a fine of RM10,000 in default 12 months' jail.

Earlier, deputy public prosecutor Mohammad Nazri Abdul Rahim urged the court to impose a harsh punishment in view of the number of fatal traffic accidents.

“There has been a lot of media coverage of this case.

"Public interest matters more than the accused’s interests," he said in court on Thursday (Jan 27).

Vaitheswaran's lawyer K. Paramanathan said in mitigation that at the time of the incident, his client was only 20 years old and just completed training as a hairdresser.

He said since being charged in 2019, Vaitheswaran had been unable to work because his driving licence was suspended.

He said his client also suffered from mental trauma because his friend died in the accident.

After the sentence was pronounced, Paramanathan requested a stay of execution.

“He (Vaitheswaran) is very young, and we plan to appeal the decision,” he said.

DPP Khairul Anuar Abdul Halim objected, saying that youth was “nothing special” as a factor in allowing a stay of execution.

Khairul said the court must view the accused as a convicted offender and consider the larger circumstances of the case, which were of public interest.

Ahzah then rejected the request for a stay of execution.

Vaitheswaran was charged with reckless and dangerous driving resulting in the death of 20-year-old Moey Yun Peng in January 2019.

He pleaded not guilty to a charge under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for causing the death of Moey, then 20, at KM4 of the mainland-bound side of the Penang Bridge at about 3am on Jan 20 that year.

The SUV driven by Moey plunged into the sea after colliding with a car driven by Vaitheswaran.

It took rescuers two days to lift Moey’s SUV out of the water and recover his body.


2019 Peugeot 308 THP in road show at 1 Utama

                PETALING JAYA: The new Peugeot 308 THP can be viewed at Peugeot’s Motion & Emotion roadshow at 1 Utama shopping mall (new wing) until 28th October 2018, alongside award-winning Peugeot models – new 308 GTi, 3008 SUV, 5008 SUV and 208 Puretech.

The road show offers exciting deals and great savings of up to RM 12,000.

Limited-time deals include the new Peugeot 308 THP at a starting price of RM129,888 and Peugeot 3008 SUV from RM141,888.
Meanwhile, the Peugeot 5008 SUV retails for RM 172,888 and Peugeot 208 Puretech goes for RM86,888.

All Peugeot models include a 5-year or 120,000km warranty, together with Nasim’s existing 24-hour Peugeot Assistance service and complimentary access to ‘SkyLounge by Naza’ at Subang Skypark.

The 2019 Peugeot 308 THP dons a dynamic new look with a re-profiled front bumper, bonnet and radiator grille, incorporated with the iconic Peugeot Lion emblem.

Inside, it has the signature Peugeot i-Cockpit with its compact steering wheel and 9.7-inch HD touchscreen, as well as a heads-up display.

The new 308 THP also offers advanced connectivity features such as Mirrorlink, Android Auto and Apple Carplay for seamless pairing with smart devices.

Additionally, the 180-degree reverse camera with auto zoom enables easier parking and reversing.

Compared to the pre-facelift model, the new 308 THP is more responsive thanks to the award-winning 1.6 litre THP engine mated to a 6-speed auto transmission with Quickshift Technology.

With a more powerful engine that is 15ps more than the pre-facelift model, the new 308 THP achieves an output of 167ps at 6,000 rpm and 240Nm at 1,400rpm of peak torque.

The sporty car also has a top speed of 211 km/h while fuel efficiency can be a range-topping 800km on a single tank.

The Peugeot 308 THP is also 140 kg lighter, more compact and sturdy with a lower centre of gravity as compared to its predecessor, for added stability.

Safety systems include Peugeot Hill Start Assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD).

The new Peugeot 308 THP is available in five elegant colours namely Pearl White, Ultimate Red, Artense Grey, Magnetic Blue and Nera Black.


Giant screen and 3D cockpit: A look inside the new Mercedes S-Class

                STUTTGART: Mercedes is preparing to unveil its new flagship sedan later this year, and the luxury carmaker is already giving us a glimpse at the S-Class interior ahead of its world premiere in September.

The new generation of MBUX, Mercedes' smart control and infotainment system, is among the highlights of the new S-Class.

This will make it easier not just for the driver, but all passengers to turn on and off functions with a "Hey Mercedes" request to the car's digital assistant, the maker says.

The system, which will be called My MBUX in the future, has learned many new languages, now also masters small talk, has encyclopaedic knowledge and in many cases even goes into action without being woken up with the "Hey Mercedes" prompt.

At the same time, Mercedes says it has completely redesigned the hardware and says it has gotten rid of nearly 30 switches and buttons.

Instead, the car will see where you're looking and respond automatically, and will know things like whether you want to adjust the right or the left wing mirror.

READ MORE:
Daimler to deepen cost cuts
Mercedes-Benz ahead of BMW in US luxury car sales

While the number of switches is decreasing dramatically, the display areas are growing. Similar to Tesla, for example, a huge vertical screen now occupies the entire centre console.

In the rear there's a separate touchscreen for each passenger and a removable tablet for controls.

Meanwhile there's also a 3D effect in the cockpit for the driver, who will be able to see information appearing at various distances, like the backdrops on a theatre stage.

You'll also be able to get the latest generation of the head-up display on request. This adds larger projections that will hover much closer to the road at further distances. It also offers a dynamic display for augmented reality content.

Turn-by-turn instructions, for example, literally fly across the screen and graphically show the driver the way.

Mercedes is also making more personalisation possible. Not only are the settings and preferences of individual users stored, but drivers will be able to securely identify themselves with a pin, eye recognition or fingerprint and then make payments from the control system.


Mitsubishi Triton registers historic sales rebound in September

                KUALA LUMPUR: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) the official distributor of Mitsubishi Motors vehicles in Malaysia, announced historical high sales achievement for Mitsubishi Triton pick-up truck in September 2021.

With the recent reopening of automotive industry since the lockdown from June 2021, MMM is currently fulfilling the accumulated backlog orders, and successfully delivered a record high of 1,521 units with the highest market share of 34% within the pick-up segment for the same month.

Compared with last year, Mitsubishi Triton sales performance increased by 5.1% within the first half of Financial Year 21 (April – Sept 2021), while overall company sales also achieved positive growth with a total of 6,907 vehicles sold.

This resulted in the company’s market share increasing from 1.7% (April- Sept 2020) to 3.9% (April-Sept 2021) of Total Industry Volume (TIV).

Mitsubishi Motors remains as the top three non-national automotive brands in Malaysia. (MMM’s Financial Year 2021 calendar is from April 2021 – March 2022)

The Xpander is now Malaysia’s best-selling non-national MPV with close to 13,000 bookings since launch in November 2020 to date.

Out of which, the company has already delivered 5,756 units to owners, since its launch in November 2020.

MMM chief executive officer Tomoyuki Shinnishi said the company was doing its best to improve production, delivery timing, and to recover from backlog order fulfilment for the Xpander and Triton after the months of challenging market situation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns.

“We would also like to thank our customers who have shown us support and have been patient with us.

“As the nation moves towards the endemic era and with the resumption of the automotive supply chain and showrooms opening, we are confident for optimistic sales numbers over the second half of our Financial Year,” said Shinnishi.

He also said the company was continuously looking to improve and introduce new digital services.

“Soon we will be announcing a Home Delivery Service for customers who have purchased a Mitsubishi
to have their brand new car delivered to their doorstep.

“This is to ease customer’s convenience in shopping online. We are also working very closely with our dealerships to ensure full SOPs are in compliance and only fully vaccinated staff are allowed to be on duty and serve customers,” he added.


All systems go for B10 biodiesel

                KUALA LUMPUR: After hitting several speed bumps on the road to realisation, the country’s stalled B10 biodiesel mandate for the transport sector is poised to take-off in the final quarter of this year, say industry observers.

Initially slated for implementation in June, the higher B10 blend which combines 10% palm methyl ester with 90% fossil fuel diesel is a migration from the current B7 programme for nationwide coverage.

Industry observers opine that the B10 programme may prove to be a game changer if fully implemented.

The mandate could lead to a positive outlook in crude palm oil (CPO) prices as it is expected to increase palm oil usage in Malaysia by about 750,000 tonnes annually and pare down the country’s present high palm oil stock.

With several automobile manufacturers’ acceptance that the B10 biodiesel is fit and safe for use in their vehicles, the biggest hurdle has been overcome.

Malaysian Biodiesel Association president U.R. Unnithan told StarBiz that the national biodiesel mandate is a “very important tool” to create new demand for CPO that would reduce palm oil stock and help to shore up CPO prices.

Given the current downtrend in CPO prices, Unnithan noted that the national biodiesel mandate could cushion the negative impact of loss of revenue from crude palm oil. “A higher CPO price has a significant impact on the economy as just an RM100 per tonne increase in CPO would amount to RM2bil in revenue for the industry.

“A higher CPO price could also support thousands of smallholders who are dependent on this commodity for their livelihood. “And a vibrant biodiesel industry will spur the growth of auxiliary industries and create more employment domestically,” he said.

The leverage of the biodiesel mandate for Malaysia could also result in much higher export and foreign exchange earnings, as 90% of local palm oil products are exported. Another important aspect of the biodiesel mandate is the immense contribution to Malaysia’s climate change target of reducing carbon intensity by 45% by 2030 from 2005 levels.

“The Government has given more than ample time for all stakeholders – biodiesel producers, petroleum companies including Petronas, Shell, Chevron, Petron and BHP, and palm oil suppliers – involved to clarify any issues they have,” said Unnithan, who does not expect further delays in the B10 implementation.

Even though there were some stakeholders still seeking clarification on the use of B10 for selected vehicles, “these matters are being dealt with through individual and multi-stakeholder consultation processes,” he said. He noted that some technical issues voiced out by petroleum and auto companies prior to B10 implementation were being ironed out and have been well clarified.

Furthermore, the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) has also carried out all the testing involved with palm biodiesel, drawing on the experiences of countries such as Colombia and Indonesia which have successfully implemented B10 and beyond.

Unnithan said the Malaysian Biodiesel Association looked forward to working closely with all stakeholders – namely petroleum companies, automobile associations, automotive makers, palm oil suppliers, the Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry, MPOB, Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) and all other relevant government agencies in the execution of the B10 and B7 programmes in the transport and industrial sectors.

This includes extending the association’s co-operation and expertise to MPOC and MPOB to address all the techno-commercial details in the implementation of the B10 and B7 programmes.

“In fact, the Malaysian Biodiesel Association has also held several demonstrations on the long-term use of B50 and B100 biodiesel on some vehicles without any issues, hence we don’t see any technical issues at all for B10,” he said. On subsidy for the fuel, Unnithan said:

“To our knowledge, there is no subsidy element to support the biodiesel industry as the fuel subsidy has been lifted since November 2014 and the retail price now follows the Automatic Pricing Mechanism formula based on market pricing.

“The biodiesel at 7% or 10% is only a part of this formula pricing and it keeps fluctuating with the price of CPO. Recently, the ministry-in-charge, the Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry, announced that all these matters will be resolved and B10 implementation will start in the fourth quarter,” he said.

The Malaysian Biodiesel Association has a membership of 21 biodiesel based companies with operations in the country, which have collectively invested about RM2.2bil since 2006. To date, there are 17 active member companies which use CPO as their main feedstock to produce biodiesel, with a combined installed capacity of 2.05 million tonnes per annum.

Unnithan said the members have been supplying palm biodiesel to the national biodiesel mandate in the transport sector, which commenced in June 2011 with the B5 programme. The blending percentage was subsequently increased to B7 in November 2014. Apart from domestic consumption, local palm biodiesel has been exported since 2006 to the European Union, Asia and the United States, said Unnithan.

The palm biodiesel produced by the members conforms to international standards such as the EN 14214 (European standard) and ASTM D6751 (US standard) and its own local standards i.e. the MS 2008: 2008. Unnithan noted that the B10 implementation will put Malaysia on par with other national biodiesel mandates that were presently implemented particularly in countries with a strong agricultural economy.

Such countries that have progressively embarked on higher biodiesel blends include Indonesia (B20), the United States (up to B10 in some states), Colombia (B10), Argentina (B10), Brazil (B8) and France (BB).


Kia to trial enhanced warning systems to improve European road safety

                FRANKFURT: Kia is exploring the development and evaluation of advanced new in-vehicle warning systems that will alert drivers to driving hazards using live data, building on its existing portfolio of driver alert features.

The trial is part of the Safety Priority Services project, a scheme started by the Dutch Government aimed at improving road safety, ahead of new EU legislation that is expected to come into force in 2025.

Working in collaboration with Hyundai, TomTom, ANWB, Inrix and Be-Mobile, Kia is exploring the potential to warn drivers of approaching emergency service vehicles.

With many drivers unsure of the direction of travel of such vehicles on hearing a siren, the new warning system will indicate the type of emergency service vehicle and the direction from which it is approaching. The new feature would initially work with ambulances before other types of emergency vehicles are added.

Kia is also looking to develop warnings that can alert drivers to additional everyday hazards, including unexpected and potentially dangerous situations.

Drivers could be warned about approaching vehicles travelling the wrong way, closed lanes, and upcoming traffic jams that might be obscured.

This would augment existing alerts available through the infotainment systems of Kia vehicles, such as for obstacles in the road, roadworks, accidents, and anticipated exceptional weather conditions.

While the exact criteria will be agreed in advance by the Dutch government, Kia will aim to incorporate these additional warnings within its vehicles’ existing infotainment system to avoid unnecessary driver distractions, with audio, visual and haptic warnings enhancing awareness.

The warnings won’t require any input, ensuring drivers can keep their hands on the steering wheel. Throughout the trial, Kia will provide feedback on the quality of the NDW data so that it can be improved where necessary.

The Safety Priority Services project will run for three years in preparation for an anticipated new obligation to share data related to warnings, which is expected to be enshrined in European regulations in 2025.


Ducati Multistrada 950 and Monster 797 arrive, priced from RM56K

                PETALING JAYA: Ducati Malaysia has unveiled two new entry-level bikes with the introduction of the Multistrada 950 and Monster 797.

The Multistrada and Monster are priced with GST at RM85,900 and from RM55,900, respectively, while taking aim at those looking to partake in the Italian motorcycle brand's lifestyle.

The high-riding Multistrada is the Italian bike manufacturer's smallest "multibike" so far and is for the relatively inexperienced touring rider who may want to enjoy a road-trip with the company of a passenger.

The Multistrada is touted an agile fun bike that's ideal for everyday use, while being lighter than the larger Multistrada 1200 with a saddle height of 840mm and four riding modes of Touring, Sport, Urban and Enduro.

A 937cc 11-degree Testastretta twin-cylinder engine provides 113hp at 9,000rpm and 96.2Nm of torque at 7,750rpm, and has a maintenance interval of 15,000km or 12 months (whichever comes first), while valve clearance inspection is required every 30,000km.

In terms of safety, the Multistrada 950 comes equipped with the Ducati Safety Pack which includes the latest Bosch 9.1 MP ABS system with three levels of adjustments and an eight levels of traction control adjustment.

As for the compact Monster 797, the low seat and wide handlebars make it look less intimidating, although it has a 'beefy' looking fuel tank that feeds the 75hp (at 8,250rpm) EURO4 air-cooled L-twin engine.

As standard, it comes fitted with the same Bosch ABS system as well and works in concert with the top-drawer front braking system consisting of two Brembo M4.32 radial calipers biting down on the 320mm front and rear Brembo disks.

Ducati Monster 797

Ducati Miltistrada 950


Longer sales tax exemption set to help auto sector ride through rough times

                KUALA LUMPUR: The sales and service tax (SST) exemption, which has been extended for the automotive sector until end-December 2021, is a strong catalyst to combat disruptions to production and sales during the Movement Control Order (MCO) and amid global chip shortage.

Maybank IB Research said the decision has a positive impact on the local automotive sector, though it was not entirely surprised by the move to extend the sales tax incentives.

"The sales tax on passenger cars will remain as zero per cent for completely knocked-down (CKD) models and secondly five per cent for completely built-up (CBU) models and/or imported cars.

"This is the second extension mooted (first extension in December 2020) and represents 18 months of a SST holiday since June 2020," it said in a note today.

In presenting the Pemerkasa+ aid package yesterday, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced sales tax exemption for CKD and CBU passenger vehicles is extended from June 30 until Dec 31.

The research house said the move would help absorb much of the sales and production disruptions, especially in June 2021, which would likely mirror the poor performance in April 2020 due to the multiple lock-downs/ MCOs and global chips shortage during this period.


Mazda BT-50 3.0 High Plus AT: Polished Act

                THE all-new Mazda BT-50 is one more example of how pick-up trucks are increasingly becoming car-like.

Hot on the heels of the refreshed Isuzu D-Max 3.0 X-Terrain, which is what the BT-50 3.0 High Plus is essentially based on, the Mazda version of this top-seller in Thailand attempts to make a difference by leveraging on its Kodo design language on the exterior and some minor tweaks elsewhere.

For the uninitiated, the D-Max and BT-50 sold here share the same platform, with both fully manufactured in Thailand, though Isuzu model has risen to be king there, outselling even the venerable Toyota Hilux by a significant margin.

Looks-wise, the BT-50 is handsome, with its confident, planted stance projecting a solid expression of the Kodo “Soul of Motion” design language, though arguably, there is more room to creatively express it in passenger cars.

The new two-tone alloy 18-inch wheel design fits in well in the overall scheme, and when matched with the bi-LED headlamps, the good look is complete.

Driving experience is a highly-pleasing one, with the 3.0-litre turbodiesel effortlessly propelling the two-tonne truck to highway speeds in a jiffy, minus any huffing or puffing or lag.

In the Isuzu, the new engine, codenamed 4JJ3-TCX, produces 190PS and 450Nm of torque, up by 13PS and 70Nm respectively, over the older 3.0-litre block.

In the BT-50, Mazda engineers chose to reduce its output by a whisker, tuning it to 188PS at 3,600rpm, with the torque remaining unchanged.

However, this difference is more on paper, as it does not make any discernible difference in real world driving.

Interestingly, the BT-50 weighs in at 2,010kg, 15kg lighter than the D-Max.

From my quick observation, the omission of the sliding cargo bed tray - a useful feature for those who move a fair bit of things in the rear - by Mazda could have partly contributed to it.

Slowing the BT-50 down is no problem at all, with the disc-drum combo more than adequate for the job.

Cabin insulation is very good, with barely audible noises intruding at cruising speeds, so you get the full audio enjoyment from the eight-speaker sound system, or have conversations without needing raise your voice.

Fuel efficiency, if judged by the fuel gauge alone, is excellent for a vehicle of this tonnage, with the indicator hardly dropping even as I tried driving a bit more aggressively than normal to get a good feel of its engine and transmission.

Rapid lane changes also does not unnerve the BT-50, with its revised suspension geometry handling the job well.

In the cabin, the switches are sufficiently large and instinctive, with rear air-conditioner vents for those seated in the rear, befitting its proposition as a flagship pick-up truck.

And next to the rear air-conditioner vents is a USB port, proving that it is now extremely difficult to tell whether one is in a car or truck, if one just views the interior pictures alone.

Driving in darkness is also easy, thanks to the bright bi-LED headlights.

Other pluses include things like lane departure warning (can be turned off), blind spot monitor, as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay that are linked to a nine-inch touchscreen.

The 3.0 High Plus AT, being the top-of-the-range variant from Bermaz Motor, costs RM143,218 (private registration, on-the-road without insurance) or about RM800 more than the D-Max 3.0 X-Terrain.

Warranty is five years or 100,000km compared to the D-Max’s seven years with unlimited mileage.

For those looking for something a bit more wallet-friendly, Bermaz Motor also offers the 1.9-litre version (twin cab, automatic only) at RM124,179.

SPECIFICATIONSMazda BT-50 3.0 High Plus ATEngine: 2,999cc, inline 4-cylinder, 16 valves, VGS turbodiesel intercooler, DOHC
Maximum power: 188PS at 3,600rpm
Maximum torque: 450Nm from 1,600 to 2,600rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic with sequential shift and selectable 4WD system with rear differential lock
Steering: Rack and pinion hydraulic-power steering system
Fuel tank: 76 litres
Kerb weight: 2,010kg
Suspension: Front independent double wishbones, with coil springs; rear semi-elliptical leaf springs
Rear bed: Bedliner, lashing points
Features: Seven airbags shared between driver and front passenger, traction control, electronic stability programme, hill start assist, hill descent control, automatic high-beam activation, automatic wipers with variable intermittent mode, front and rear fog lamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic power-adjustable external mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, front and rear parking sensors, advanced driver assist system which includes forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and seat belt reminder for all seats
Warranty: Five-year or 100,000km, whichever comes first
Price: RM143,218 (private registration, on-the-road without insurance)


DEUS Vayanne electric hypercar expected to make 2,200hp

                NEW YORK: DEUS Automobiles of Austria is showcasing its luxury electric hypercar concept called Vayanne at the New York auto show.

DEUS said it aims to make the Vayanne the first electric vehicle to cross the 2,200hp mark while delivering a comfortable and luxurious ride, outstanding performance figures, and maximum daily usability in the hypercar class.

The car is the result of a collaboration with Italdesign and Williams Advanced Engineering.

The production version of the Vayanne will be limited to a series of 99 units, with the first delivery scheduled in 2025.

Now if you have never heard of DEUS Automobiles, it's all right. Neither have we. It's a new setup formed in Vienna in 2020.

DEUS said the Vayanne design concept was meant to embody the idea of "merging an everlasting spirit with modernity" and paying homage to the company's Viennese roots.

With a ground clearance of 12cm and useable storage space, the car integrates performance and practicality, while harnessing an acceleration figure of under 1.99 seconds for the 100kph launch.

DEUS said it is the first to implement the Halo Infinity mirror throughout a vehicle’s interior.

This design feature is vital to carrying over DEUS’ infinity theme from the production-oriented hypercar concept’s exterior to its interior.

It embraces the whole interior from the doors throughout the dashboard and confers the infinite feeling of DEUS.

The effect changes in regard to the viewing angle, a trait incorporated to suggest that everyone’s view is unique.

The Vayanne will come with a configurable DEUS Active Sound to further enhance the driving experience.

Williams Advanced Engineering and Italdesign are no strangers to collaboration; announcing a unique partnership in April 2021 for a high performance, flexible EV platform; EVX, supporting a long-term vision for EV architecture.

This rolling chassis used Williams Advanced Engineering’s expertise in electrification, light-weighting, innovative chassis structures and vehicle and system integration.

The production version of the Vayanne will feature expert technical support from Italdesign and Williams Advanced Engineering.


Pricing buoys Stellantis as fight for electric markets heats up

                MILAN: Strong pricing power and sales of high margin vehicles including electric ones helped Stellantis to beat profit forecasts in the first half of the year despite headwinds from energy and raw material inflation and semiconductor scarcity.

"We are ahead of Tesla in Europe in electric vehicle sales, and not far from Volkswagen," chief financial officer Richard Palmer said on Thursday presenting results, which saw a 44% operating income rise in the January-June period, on a pro-forma basis.

Initially seen as a laggard in the race to electrification, Stellantis this year rolled out an ambitious plan to double its annual revenues by 2030 and turn its range from traditional combustion engines to low-emission models.

CEO Carlos Tavares said Stellantis, whose brands include Fiat, Peugeot and Dodge, was "delivering an outstanding performance and executing its bold electrification

"We are shaping Stellantis into a sustainable mobility tech company that's fit for the future," he said.

The world's fourth largest carmaker said its adjusted earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) amounted to €12.4 billion (RM56.4bil) in the first half, topping analyst expectations of €9.42 billion (RM42.8bil) in a Reuters poll.

Rival Volkswagen confirmed its full-year outlook today but warned the war in Ukraine and threats to European energy supply loomed over the second half.

Margins rise

Milan-listed shares were up 3.8% by 0750 GMT for Stellantis, the company formed at the beginning of 2021 through the merger of Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot maker PSA. That outperforms a 1.3% rise at Italy's blue-chip index.

"Results are clearly very strong and surprising," Banca Akros analyst Gabriele Gambarova said.

Palmer said that the group, through its range of premium vehicles, was well placed to cope with the global rise in inflation.

"We will look to pass rising inflation costs to customers on the market until feasible," he said.

Net pricing accounted for over €5.8 billion of the overall operating income in the first half, Stellantis said in slides prepared for its earnings presentation.

Foreign exchange also supported the results, with Palmer saying a stronger dollar contributed to the first half adjusted EBIT to the tune of around half a billion euros.

The margin on adjusted EBIT rose to 14.1% from 11.4% a year earlier, with a double-digit result for all of the group's five regions and a record 18.1% in North America, where Stellantis made almost half of its sales in the six months.

Palmer however remained cautious regarding a solution to the semiconductor shortage affecting the sector, saying the issue will persist for the rest of this year.

"We see some improvements quarter by quarter, but it's a slow process," he said.

Stellantis confirmed its full-year forecasts for a double digit operating income margin and for a positive cash flow.


Eight-wheel Monstermax truck goes swimming

MIAMI: The latest stunt from Cody Detwiler and his team at WhistlinDiesel recently took place in Florida where he drove his Monstermax pickup into the ocean.

Monstermax is an 8-wheel, double-axis vehicle that sits on 36-inch tyres. And it’s the tyres that made it float in the waters near the Atlantic Ocean between Longboat Key and Bradenton Beach.

The video captures the entire stunt, from unloading the Monstermax from its trailer and putting those massive tyres on it among other things.

Detwiler droveit into the water and  made his way at a speed of about 0.5 knots (0.9kph).

The stunt attracted the police, the Coast Guard, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Natural Resources, and curious locals too.


Future Daimler CEO open to working with automakers to ease costs

                LAS VEGAS: Daimler AG’s incoming chief executive officer said he’s open to working with other automakers and technology firms to share the burden of the industry’s costly technology shifts.

“We’re open to talk, if there are concrete topics and it’s a win-win situation,” Ola Kallenius (pic) told reporters here last week. “But everything that’s important to our brand we’ll continue to do ourselves.”

Global automakers have stepped up alliances and collaboration projects in recent years, overcoming deep rivalries, to stem record investments in electric and self-driving cars as well as new digital services like ride-hailing.

Daimler, maker of the world’s bestselling luxury-car brand Mercedes-Benz, is currently merging its car-sharing offerings with German peer BMW AG to boost scale. The competitors are also mulling potentially deeper tie-ups.

Sharing costs on making cars has been a key driver behind many alliances, including Daimler’s existing tie-up with Renault SA and Nissan Motor Co. With the looming shift to electric cars, that pressure is only intensifying.

Battery-powered models remain more expensive to produce than conventional combustion engine vehicles, with little choice for manufacturers but to boost sales to meet tightening emission limits. In addition, trade tensions and unpredictable fallout from Brexit are hitting carmakers’ profits.

READ MORE: Daimler's new Swede CEO exudes informal leadership style

“Increased spending on new technology, rising costs for fading out diesel, input-cost headwinds and a currency drag all add to Daimler’s woes, suggesting Kallenius will be laser-focused on cutting costs,” Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Michael Dean said in a note. Signs of easing US-China trade tensions have helped to put the company on firmer footing, he said.

Kallenius, currently Daimler’s development head who’ll succeed veteran CEO Dieter Zetsche in May, said becoming more nimble and agile will be key to navigate through the industry’s transformation.

“We have to sometimes think more like a software company and be fast,” the 49-year-old said.

Daimler isn’t prepared to cooperate on designing features like the MBUX infotainment system, Kallenius said, reserving joint work for technology that’s not brand-specific and not at risk of regulatory scrutiny. The new gadgetry includes voice control, restaurant search and artificial intelligence that adjusts lighting.

Daimler already cooperates with BMW on purchasing certain components, and the two teamed up in 2015 together with Audi AG to acquire digital mapping company HERE Technologies.

In a related development, Reuters reported that China’s Geely Group said it has not sold any shares in Daimler AG, denying a Bloomberg report that the Chinese firm had slashed its 9.7 percent stake in the German carmaker by more than half.

“As a long-term investor, Zhejiang Geely Holding has not sold any shares. The Daimler shareholding remains unchanged,” a Hangzhou-based spokesman for Geely said on Friday.

Bloomberg reported that Chinese billionaire Li Shufu’s Geely had sold a 5.4 percent stake, citing people familiar with the matter, but that the new owners of the shares were not known.


Electric cars for hire

                KUALA LUMPUR: Green energy vehicles that have cleaner and fewer emission rates are here to help save the environment.

CMS Consortium Ecotour Sdn Bhd launched Malaysia’s first electric vehicle (EV) car sharing programme aimed at helping to reduce environmental pollution, especially in the Klang Valley.

Executive chairman Datuk Seri Syed Mohamed Tahir said the EV initiative was the first such venture launched within Asean.

He said the initiative targeted young Malaysians aged 40 and below. However, he said most of the 400 people who had signed up as members were over 41 years old.

The company said that in addition to the RM32 an hour rate, membership fees were also imposed, of which RM25 would be for a weekly membership, RM50 for a month or RM300 a year.

Syed Mohamed, however, said that registered members would be able to enjoy a RM24 an hour rate for the first three months of the launch.

Asked on the steep rates to use the car, he said the EV was not meant to be used daily and that the company had different packages for those who would like to do so. However, he did not elaborate on the daily packages.

“This is an attempt to reduce the number of cars on the road in addition to creating a carbon-emission free nation by 2020,” he added.

Syed Mohamed said there were 10 cars ready to be used, with 22 charging stations and 30 parking lots around the Klang Valley.

He added the charging stations were open to other electric car users who had registered with Cohesive Mobility Solutions (Comos).

Syed Mohamed said users only needed to register themselves with the Comos website, and collect their membership cards, which also served as the key for the car, at its offices.

“Once that is done, all they need to do is reserve an EV at a selected location through our website and collect the car. RM8 is charged for every 15 minutes, and minimum usage is half an hour.”

Members just need to return the car to any one of the Comos stations and tap their card on the charger or the car to complete their check-out process.

Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Ahmad Phesal Talib said he would look into incorporating electric car systems into the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) operations.


Terengganu JPJ collects more than RM700,000 through compound discount

                KUALA TERENGGANU: The Terengganu Road Transport Department (JPJ) has collected RM759,541 in traffic summonses following the 70 per cent compound reduction offered since Aug 3.

Its director, Zulkarnain Yasin, said the amount involved payments collected on various traffic offences including expired road tax, offences recorded under the automated Awareness Security System (Awas) and driving without a competent driving licence.

"According to statistics, a total of RM575,143 was collected in August while the remaining RM184,398 in traffic summonses payment was recorded in September,” he told reporters after the Road Safety Advocacy Programme with food delivery riders at the state JPJ headquarters here today.

On the programme, Zulkarnain said it was held to increase awareness on road safety regulations among food delivery riders in the state.

He said the programme was held in collaboration with three companies providing food delivery services in Terengganu, namely Food Panda, Grab Food and Oda Makan involving 270 registered food delivery riders.

"Through the operation codenamed Op Food Rider conducted by JPJ from Sept 1 to Sept 10, many food delivery riders on duty were found to have failed to comply with the law and traffic rules,” he added.


Low traffic areas can help reduce pollution on surrounding streets

                LONDON: A new study shows that establishing low-traffic neighbourhoods in London, which restrict traffic, is also beneficial to the surrounding streets in terms of reducing air pollution. This type of result can only encourage further implementation of this type of legislation in other cities and countries.

These low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) have a positive impact on traffic and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels in the air on surrounding roads, according to a study by researchers at Imperial College London. These results undermine the arguments of those who claim that this type of decision only shifts the problems, namely traffic and the pollution that goes with it.

This study examined three LTNs set up in 2020 in the London borough of Islington. The researchers examined each pilot area in the months before and after they were established.

They found that nitrogen dioxide emissions, mainly from combustion engines, fell by 5.7 percent in the low-traffic areas and by as much as 8.9 percent in the near-boundary areas.

At the same time, traffic volumes decreased by 58.2% within these areas and by 13% on the adjacent roads. Further research is obviously needed to confirm these results on a larger scale.

In London, so-called low-traffic neighborhoods started being introduced a few years ago with the aim of reducing car traffic in certain residential areas.

The idea is to improve air quality as well as, more generally, the quality of life, i.e., to reduce noise pollution and road accidents.

This policy also encourages residents to turn to soft mobility, by promoting the practice of cycling or simply walking.

Low traffic neighbourhoods are identified with streets being blocked off either by barriers or planters. In other places, camera gates allow residential vehicles to pass, but prohibit access to any other vehicle.

These early observations are nevertheless a good omen for the future low-emission zones expected in other major cities considering or already taking steps to reduce access to certain areas for the most polluting vehicles for a given period, with municipalities enacting various criteria and periods of restrictions, varying from hours to days.


SYM Jet scooters to land in Malaysia next year

                PETALING JAYA: MForce Bike Holdings Sdn Bhd and SYM Taiwan have agreed to bring in two new SYM scooter models, Jet X 150 and Jet RX4, to the Malaysian market next year.

The new flagship of the Jet Series Jet X 150, will be launched in the first quarter of 2021, while the Jet RX4 will arrive in the second quarter.

This Jet X 150 has unique specifications such as a keyless system, a 150 cc engine, a 7.5-liter fuel tank, and a full LCD digital meter.

The Jet RX4 has a 125 cc engine, dual rear suspension, an LCD display and USB Quick Charge 2.0 charger.

Meanwhile, general manager of operations MForce Bike Holdings Sdn Bhd, Asri Ahmad, announced that the Maxsym TL 500 will be available throughout Malaysia by the end of December 2020.

The scooter is available in Matt Black, Matt Blue, and Grey with a price of RM35,888 without tax and insurance.


Malaysia and Indonesia firm up plan to develop new car brand

Madani (from left), Leiking, Putu and Made Dana at the signing of the MoU in Jakarta. - Image by Jakarta Post/Asia News Network
JAKARTA: Indonesia and Malaysia have reached a deal on a joint venture to produce the first Asean vehicle for domestic use.

Government representatives of the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) here on Friday to begin cooperation on the improvement of the car manufacturing workforce and supply chains with the aim of learning to produce components in the region and establish a new brand.

Malaysian Minister of International Trade and Industry Darrell Leiking, who signed the MoU on his country's behalf, lauded the move as a follow-up to the visit by Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo in June.

"This is a testimony where a strong bilateral economic relationship between Indonesia and Malaysia has come to reality," he said during the signing event. "This shows that Malaysia and Indonesia should not be separated and should stay together in the economic and social development of the Asean region."

Leiking said Indonesia was Malaysia's seventh biggest trading partner, with the two countries' automotive industries relying on each other.

According to Trade Ministry data, Indonesia booked a US$139mil (RM567mil) surplus in trade with Malaysia from January to May this year amid total trade of US$7.65bil (RM31.2bil). The surplus marks a turnaround from a US$160mil (RM653mil) deficit recorded over the same period last year.

The MoU charges the Malaysian Automotive Institute (MAI) and the Indonesian Automotive Institute (IOI) with running the venture. The two government bodies have lined up their respective automotive component makers.

MAI CEO Datuk Mohamad Madani Sahari said both countries were capable of creating vehicles with 90% of the components made locally if they teamed up.

The two countries are also looking into making cars fuelled by biodiesel, since they are the world's largest palm oil producers.

During his visit, Dr Mahathir said Indonesia and Malaysia needed to fight together against the European Union's plan to restrict imports of crude palm oil (CPO) and its derivative products.

Madani said the IOI and MAI would work together on this research. "We will work on research to advance our (capabilities) in creating hybrid and electric vehicles."

However, he could not say when a prototype would be ready, pointing out that the companies carrying out the MoU would decide that.

The number of Indonesian and Malaysian automotive component makers totalled almost 2,000 companies, with many of them being small and medium-scale enterprises, said Indonesian Industry Ministry's director-general of resilience and development of international industrial access, I Gusti Putu Suryawirawan.

"The other important outcome of this (MoU) is human resource development. We will be able to upgrade the skills of our automotive workers and exchange knowledge or information at the same time," said Putu.

The MoU, he added, sought to create multiple types of vehicles, be it passenger cars, commercial or special-purpose vehicles.

"There are more than 640 million people in Asean. They will grow, and so will their purchasing power for vehicles," said Putu. "Therefore, we will do our best to supply that market."

IOI chairman Made Dana M. Tangkas said Malaysia's automotive industry has been importing many spare parts from Indonesia over the years.

Data from the Association of Indonesian Automotive Manufacturers showed that Indonesia had shipped almost 1.5 million parts for passenger and commercial vehicles to Malaysia in the first half of 2018.

"This (MoU) is a warm-up towards the formation of a federation of Asean automotive institutes, which will concentrate on the benefits of Asean's own automotive industry," Made said, adding that the parties involved were open to the entry of more Asean members, especially Thailand, the region's largest automotive producer. - The Jakarta Post/Asia News Network


Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia launches online showroom

                KUALA LUMPUR: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, has launched an online showroom, promising greater convenience, digital experience and safety for customers.

The Mitsubishi Online Showroom is available at https://www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my/onlineshowroom/

The online showroom offers a 360-degree view of the car’s exterior and interior, as well as allows customers to zoom in and out and navigate in every direction.

Each of the Mitsubishi vehicles on display has a clickable interactive button to instantly show more information about the car and its key features.

Besides a 360-degree view, the online showroom also comes with a gallery which showcases more images of the vehicles at various angles.

In addition to the online showroom, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia had also earlier introduced the digital-based Test Drive 2U, Booking Assist and Trade-in Assist.

The company have also introduced the Mitsubishi Connect mobile application as a continuation of after sales service through a digital platform.

The mobile app offers a range of vehicle-related digital services, allowing Mitsubishi owners the convenience of scheduling a service appointment with their preferred MMM service centres, keep track of vehicle maintenance history and get reminders for their next car service in an easy and hassle-free manner.

MMM chief executive officer Tomoyuki Shinnishi said the company had seen an unpredictable level of change to the new normal and the need to maintain social distancing in the past year.

"The launch of Mitsubishi online showroom is a strong example of MMM’s commitment to deliver a more human-centric experience by encompassing a holistic approach across three key organisational pillars of people, process and technology.

“We have always believed in creating a walk-through experience and this online showroom is an extension from getting to know the product, test-drive at customer’s convenience, and communication with the dealer to finalise the purchase journey.

"We want to offer our customers a safe purchase of their Mitsubishi model without the need of leaving their homes,” he said.


Honda HR-V launches, starts from RM99,800

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Honda HR-V which we test-drove in Thailand recently is now officially launched in Malaysia.

The compact crossover was unveiled here today and comes in three variants, with prices (OTR with insurance) starting at RM99,800.

The locally assembled HR-V is expected to be a key driver of Honda sales in Malaysia and will be another headache that the other Japanese rivals will have to contend with as Honda cars and their strong residuals have traditionally proven to be big attractions among Malaysians.

The HR-V, which is positioned below the larger CR-V,  comes standard with a 1.8-litre engine mated to a continuously variable transmission, and has a power output of 142ps at 6,500rpm and a maximum torque of 172Nm at 4,300rpm. It shares the same engine as the Civic sedan. The facelifted CR-V was just introduced in Malaysia last month.

Like the Jazz, rear seats can be folded in multiple ways and even lowered to offer versatile space.

The interior features three air-cond vents for the front passenger and a "floating" centre console. In addition, the speedometer in the instrument panel is offered with seven adjustable ambient colours.

The top ranging V variant of the HR-V features  six airbags, LED headlamps, 7-inch display, six airbag, multi-angle rearview camera and six speakers.

The crossover is available in a choice of five colours: Ruse black metallic, Alabaster silver metallic, modern steel metallic, Taffeta white, and crystal black pearl.

Prices for the S, E and V variants of the HR-V are RM99,800 , RM108,800  and RM118,800 respectively.

For owners who desire a sportier and more individualistic look, two Utility packages and two Modulo packages are offered from RM1,550.

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

Honda Malaysia is expecting to sell 700 units a month; it has received 1,500 bookings so far and the waiting period is two to three months.

Honda Malaysia declined to comment on whether a hybrid version would be available in future though the car maker sells it in Japan where the HR-V is known as Vezel.


World's fastest grasscutter? Honda's Mean Mower set to reach 240kph

                BERLIN: Honda aims to retake the world record for the world's fastest lawnmower with a grasscutter that boasts more than 190hp.

The Japanese company lost the title to a Norwegian company in 2015 and has vowed revenge ever since. The current record stands at 214kph.

The new Honda Mean Mower Mk.2 challenger has twice the power of its predecessor and takes the competition to a new level, said the Japanese carmaker. And not only that, it can still cut grass.

For the new machine Honda has beefed-up the company's standard HF 2622 lawn tractor with an engine normally used for the powerful CBR1000RR superbike.

The bodywork has been rejigged and the cutter deck has been altered to fit wider tyres at the rear and twin batteries needed to spin the carbon fibre grass blades.

The new mower was built by Team Dynamics, Honda’s British Touring Car Championship partner and the team behind the original Mean Mower when Honda took the record for the world's fastest lawn mower in 2014.

"The original Mean Mower was a great challenge for us and the result was an amazing machine," said Honda UK managing director Dave Hodgetts.

"We’re in testing phase now and everything is looking good, with a top speed of more than 240kph very much in our sights,” said Hodgetts.

The tricked-out mower gets a six-speed drive train and a bespoke steel chassis. Weight has been cut and 10-inch anodised gold wheels have been shod with sticky racing tyres to ensure excellent grip.

Professional car racer Jess Hawkins, 23, has been chosen to tame the Mean Mower Mk.2 in competition but a date for the fresh mower challenge has not been set.

The current fastest lawnmower record was set up in November 2015 using a modified Viking T6 lawn mower.


How aluminium foil can stop a thief stealing your car

                MUNICH: Police in southern Germany have tipped their hats to one car owner who managed to protect his car from being stolen with the help of little more than a metal box wrapped in aluminium foil.

The man grew suspicious when his surveillance system alerted him to a man tampering with his car in the southern German area Thalmassig, near the city of Regensburg.

The individual turned out to be one of a growing number of thieves stealing cars with keyless theft technology. The robber merely extends the signal produced by the remote key used in most new cars, allowing the car to be unlocked even when the owner is at a distance.

All that is required is an inexpensive device that can be easily built from readily-available electronic parts for around 100 dollars.

However police said the theft was foiled because the man kept his car key in a box wrapped in aluminium foil, which blocks the signal that car thieves try to hack, a tip that car safety experts are increasingly recommending that owners consider.

According to automotive experts ADAC, the rise in the number of cars operated by smart key systems - which only require the driver to be within signal range of the car to unlock it - has been of particular benefit to thieves.


Caltex outlets get Malaysia's first GreenRE Platinum-certified service station recognition

                KUALA LUMPUR: Chevron Malaysia Ltd, which markets the Caltex retail brand in Malaysia, has achieved the Platinum certification under the Existing Non-Residential Building category recognition for two of its Caltex stations.

The stations are the Ayer Keroh PLUS R&R Southbound and Northbound.

Both stations were the first in Malaysia to receive the Platinum certification under the Existing Non-Residential Building category.

The certifications were awarded by GreenRE, Malaysia’s leading green-building certification body, which is recognised by the Malaysian Government.

The GreenRE-certified Caltex service stations represent a station model focused on cost efficiency in lowering carbon intensity, in support of the company's business.

With a stringent scoring system, GreenRE undertakes an assessment of a development’s measures in place and the development must acquire an overall score of 90 points and above to obtain the GreenRE Platinum certificate.

As part of the assessment, the two Caltex stations achieved high scores in six environmental impact categories: Energy Efficiency, Water Efficiency, Sustainable Operation and Management, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Other Green Features and Carbon Emission of Development.

The two Caltex stations were Chevron retrofitted with new features to improve energy efficiency, reduce water use, and enhance the comfort and quality of the space.

Its large canopy was utilised by installing solar panels on the roof top to generate power for the station’s own consumption.

In 2021, both stations achieved an energy savings of over 50% (or equivalent to 181,000kWh collectively) through their energy-efficient design and solar photovoltaic panels.

The water used for daily operations is managed more efficiently by installing water-efficient fixtures to conserve potable water and installing a rainwater harvesting tank to use alternative water sources for tasks such as irrigating the station’s landscape.

Other features present at the stations are high efficiency light-emitting diode lighting and air-conditioners, Energy Measuring System, low volatile organic compound paints, temperature control capabilities, recycling bins and waste management, smart water metering system as well as water efficient fittings.

 Chevron Malaysia Fuels Retail Malaysia manager Richard Tang Wern Ping (centre) receiving the certification GreenRE executive director Ashwin Thurairajah. On the left is Gomez.

Chevron Malaysia country chairman Jay Gomez said the company was honoured to receive the highest accreditation from GreenRE.

“The accomplishment represents a future model for service stations that can be expanded throughout the Caltex network, as we look at solutions to operate with improved efficiencies in energy and water management,” he said.

GreenRE chairman Datuk Seri FD Iskandar said the Chevron team had worked very diligently to ensure high scores were met in all the six environmental impact categories.

“We look forward to collaborating with Chevron to pave the way with well-designed Caltex service stations that are future-ready for Malaysia’s Sustainability Roadmap," he said.


Transport Ministry to regulate micromobility vehicle use under amended law

                PETALING JAYA: The Transport Ministry will regulate the use of micromobility vehicles once the Road Transport (Amendment) Bill 2020 comes into force, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

The Transport Minister said such regulations would include mandatory registration and driving licences, and if appropriate, ban certain types of these vehicles from being used on the road.

"After it has been gazetted and becomes law, the Transport Ministry will explain the types of vehicles under this micro-mobility category as well as which ones should be licensed and registered.

"Whatever types (of vehicles) in terms of safety that are not appropriate for mixed use on the road will be prohibited for the safety and in the interest of other road users," he said on his Facebook page today.

He also shared a video of a man with a helmet riding on a one-wheel vehicle on a highway.

He said this vehicle is defined as a micro-mobility vehicle in the amendment Bill, which has been approved by the Dewan Rakyat and will be tabled in Dewan Negara for approval this month.

"This is not just any bicycle because it is dangerous, especially when it is used on the road. It has to be controlled before an accident happens – not just to themselves but also to other road users," he said.

On Aug 26, the Road Transport (Amendment) Bill 2020 was passed in the Dewan Rakyat to increase penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs and reckless driving.

According to the Bill, micromobility vehicles refer to those powered by electricity, an internal combustion engine, or human power, or human power combined with any of the previously-mentioned two with a maximum speed of 50kph.


Tale of two Indias: City auto buyers go upscale, no-frills minis rule villages

                As India's auto industry matures, manufacturers are facing up to a new reality - from Mumbai to the provinces, they now have two different markets to serve, with costs to shoulder and a challenge to sales and profits.

In big cities, rising incomes and aspirations mean buyers want compact models with features absent from the bare-boned minis that first bridged the gap from two-wheeled motorbike transport to four-wheeled cars. Automatic transmission, extra luggage space and daring colours are objects of desire.

Across a sluggish rural economy, meanwhile, incomes are often informal, access to bank loans is tougher, and customers favour cheap motoring over fancy flourishes - with simple maintenance and reliability a must.

"Automakers have to be aware that India works at different levels and segments, and they have to keep up," R.C. Bhargava, chairman of Maruti Suzuki said by telephone.

With that awareness comes investment in new, or upgraded production lines to produce the compact vehicles that will account for one in every four vehicles sold in India in 2019, up from a 17 percent share in 2010, according to IHS Automotive.

Symbolising the new dynamics, Tata Motors, the maker of India's cheapest car, unveiled a facelift of its ultra-cheap Nano on Tuesday. With power steering and bluetooth connectivity, Tata's "GenX" Nano - with a basic sticker price equal to US$3,127 - will seek to shift the model from budget to desirable.

Meanwhile France's Renault SA will on Wednesday launch its first-ever small car in the country, a premium hatchback.

The new attempts at producing autos with flair appeal to buyers like Sajan Kedia, a 25-year-old IT professional in Bangalore who spent an extra 80,000 rupees (US$1,257) to buy Hyundai Motor Co's premium hatchback, the i20.

"The car should look good and not feel like you have bought a cheap car," said Kedia, who looked at smaller cars before settling on the i20 "supermini". "In India, we don't want only convenience, we want to show off as well."

Long dominated by Maruti Suzuki, which sells about one in every two cars in India, the small car business is in flux.

Even as the compact market grows, sales of mini cars, which include Maruti's Alto, Hyundai's Eon and Tata's Nano, are expected to shrink to 12 percent of India's total light vehicle sales in 2019 from 24 percent in 2010, according to IHS Automotive.

Rivals like General Motors, Toyota Motor Corp  and Renault once looked to small, inexpensive cars to boost sales in the country. Now they too are reworking plans to focus on compact cars or adding features like dual air bags and automatic gearshift technology to woo urban buyers.

But market watchers say the automakers can't afford to neglect the traditional rural market for basic vehicles, which can sell for roughly half the price of a higher-end compact.

"This makes business a lot more complicated. But if you have ambitions to have a big share of the market, you need to expand your portfolio," said Deepesh Rathore, director at Emerging Markets Automotive Advisors.

At Tata, sales of the Nano fell to 16,901 cars in the year to the end of March, a fifth less than a year earlier, according to industry body data, as city buyers spurned a car seen as 'cheap'.

Newly added features designed to reel in urban 25- to 35-year-olds include quality audio and a front grille shaped like a smile.

"Aspirations have gone up and that has figured in our planning," said Girish Wagh, who works for Tata Motors' programme, planning and project management division and is credited with being the engineer behind the Nano.


Renault offers CEO job to SEAT's Luca De Meo, says Spanish daily

                MADRID: Renault has offered the chairman of Volkswagen’s SEAT brand, Luca de Meo (pic), the job of chief executive, Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia reported today, citing anonymous sources.

The report said De Meo would initially become CEO of Renault for two years before taking over responsibility for the group’s alliance with Nissan and Mitsubishi.

Reuters had reported previously that De Meo was a possible candidate for the top job, along with interim chief executive Clotilde Delbos and Patrick Koller, the Franco-German CEO of car parts maker Faurecia, who was also tipped for the role.

If confirmed, De Meo’s appointment would help end a prolonged period of turbulence for the French carmaker, which has been struggling to recover from the high-profile arrest of former leader Carlos Ghosn a year ago.

Renault and SEAT declined to comment on the newspaper report.

Ghosn, who helped forge the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, was arrested in Japan last November on financial misconduct charges that he denies.

Financial chief Delbos took over the reins at Renault after former CEO Thierry Bollore was ousted in October in a purge of executives associated with the Ghosn-era, a move intended to help patch up the strained alliance with Nissan.

Italian-born De Meo has served as the chairman of SEAT’s executive committee for four years, overseeing a resurgence in the Barcelona-based company’s sales and boosting its prominence within the Volkswagen group.


Petron Turbo Diesel Euro 5 delivers oomph

Petron Turbo diesel euro 5 was used by participants of the Rainforest Trophy Malaysia (RFT) last July.

When facing extreme terrains, it’s good to have the right fuel for the best performance.

Choosing the right diesel is one of the most critical decisions you will have to make for your vehicle. Given the right fuel, your engine can reach optimum power and have better protection for longer life.

Petron Turbo Diesel Euro 5 is designed to improve engine performance, ensure better fuel economy, and extend engine life. As it meets global Euro 5 standards, it is also friendly to the environment with its significantly reduced harmful emissions.

Euro 5 diesel has a much lower sulphur content at 10ppm (parts per million) compared to Euro 2M diesel’s 500ppm.

This means that Euro 5 diesel is 50 times cleaner and has lower emissions mainly particulate matter (PM), reducing its impact on human health and the environment. Higher sulphur content in diesel leads to the formation of sulphur acids which accelerates the corrosion and wear of engine components.

It also reduces the effectiveness of after treatment devices such as catalytic converters and diesel particulate filters.

Petron Turbo Diesel is formulated with TriAction Advantage, which allows improved engine performance through better power, acceleration, and fuel economy.

With the unique advantages offered by this formula, vehicle owners are assured of the following:

> Excellent cleaning action
> Complete power loss control and restoration
> Improved ignition quality
> Improved cold start performance
> Excellent protection against corrosion
> Protection against diesel fuel foaming
> Reduced exhaust emissions
> Improved oxidation stability
> Improved fuel economy

Petron Turbo Diesel also improves combustion, producing more power for all diesel vehicles – from conventional types to the latest Euro 5 compliant diesel vehicles.

Modern diesel engine parts (i.e. fuel injectors) have very little tolerance for deposit. Therefore, a multi-functional detergent package is added to diesel to prevent the formation of deposit to keep engine parts clean.

With its ability to improve ignition quality, Petron Turbo Diesel boosts engine power, reduces noise and vibration, and enhances fuel economy. Petron Turbo Diesel Euro 5’s ability to withstand extreme heat and high pressure was proven when it powered the high endurance 4X4 Jungle Adventure Expedition of the Rainforest Trophy Malaysia (RFT) last July.

RFT saw 100 teams of 4X4 extreme sports enthusiasts overcome obstacles like building bridges, crossing rivers, hills, swamps and mud pools on Peninsular Malaysia’s east coast.

This month, Petron will once again fuel the upcoming 4X4 event in the Rainforest Challenge 2018, the finale event of Rain Forest Challenge Global Series (RFCGS) rated among the Top Ten Toughest Motor Races in the World.


Change faulty airbags, Loke tells car owners

                PUTRAJAYA: Cars with faulty Takata airbags will be issued notices by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) from next week to have them replaced or owners risk being hit with a summons.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said notices will be sent by post to 358,233 owners of 49 types of car models who have yet to replace their faulty airbags.

This process will be done through an IT task force to facilitate data exchange between JPJ and eight car manufacturers – Honda, Toyota, Nissan, BMW, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Mazda and Lexus.

“Manufacturers are required to provide JPJ information on the cars that have yet to replace their airbags, and JPJ will use its own data on car owners to contact them by post.

The process is expected to cost the ministry up to RM1mil and the data system will be updated every two weeks.

Car owners will be required to replace the airbags within two weeks after receiving the notice.

A second warning will be issued, followed by a RM300 summons and the penalty will be increased to RM2,000 should the matter go to court.

Loke said insurance companies may also be roped in to help trace owners, adding that JPJ was not intending to go on a summons spree, rather, the summons was the last resort.

“It only takes an hour or two at the service centres, and it’s free. I urge car owners to go and check whether their cars are included in the list of recalled vehicles,” he said.

Loke, who met with representatives of the car manufacturers, said they have made effort to raise awareness on the matter.

“Honda, for instance, has the biggest number of affected cars (332,458) and they have already made replacements for 78.9% of their affected vehicles.

“In fact, the company also announced a RM100 free petrol scheme for Honda City car owners who replace the faulty airbags,” he said.

Loke said the Government will get car manufacturers to pool funds for an integrated awareness campaign, with promotional videos to be released within this month.


How the C-V2X protocol aims to make road users communicate with each other automatically

                MUNICH: Promoted by the 5G Automotive Association (5GAA), which recently demonstrated the technology in Atlanta in the United States and in Malaga, Spain, C-V2X is designed to enable different road users to communicate with one another, thanks to the performance and low latency offered by 5G.

In the long term, the idea is to be able to make connected cars communicate with one another, but also with motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians and various kinds of road infrastructure, all equipped with dedicated sensors.

This technology has been in testing with many car manufacturers for several years, before its definitive approval. Meanwhile, the 5G network has been steadily expanding. In the US, the network is expected to cover the majority of major roadways by 2025.

The C-V2X protocol relies on highly responsive connectivity for practical uses, particularly in terms of safety.

In the case of two cars equipped with this technology, an audible alert is sent when there is a real risk of collision.

If the driver of the car does not react, the automatic braking system is automatically triggered.

If other road users, such as motorcyclists or cyclists, are also equipped with dedicated sensors, the car will also be able to locate them accurately, and the driver will be alerted to their presence in a blind spot, for example.

Other possible scenarios include interacting with traffic lights to improve traffic flow, or being immediately notified when a parking space becomes available nearby.

In any case, this technology will also be an essential element in the development of fully autonomous vehicles.


Customise your McLaren 720S purchase via online configurator

                LONDON: Supercar buyers and enthusiasts worldwide can now view and explore the new McLaren 720S, which made its public debut last week at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show, in full detail online on a new microsite dedicated to McLaren’s second-generation Super Series.

The website also features a new digital configurator that allows users to design a car to a specification of their choice.

The standard 720S specification and the Performance and Luxury levels above are detailed in the new 2D online configurator, which showcases interior colour choices and a palette of 34 exterior paint colours, as well as option packs and individual options.

This is the starting point for customers interested in the new McLaren 720S, ahead of visiting a McLaren retailer to place an order or deciding instead to hire McLaren Special Operations to create a bespoke car.

Online visitors will also learn about the Monocage II carbon fibre structure, Proactive Chassis Control II active chassis system and active aerodynamics of the new McLaren 720S, as well as getting an inside look at the new 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine that gives McLaren’s new supercar acceleration from 0-200kph in just 7.8 seconds.


New Tesla Model 3 to make European debut

                LONDON: The organisers of this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed in Britain later this month already have a lot going on at the event to shout about, but the list of exciting cars making their way to the weekend event just continues to grow.

The latest car to stimulate interest in the event is the new Tesla Model 3, which will be making its first ever public appearance in Europe at Goodwood.

It has been confirmed that the Model 3 will be part of a static display at the event where it will share the platform with the Model S, Model X, as well as the Tesla home charging Powerwall. For those who've already put a deposit down on a Model 3, this will be their first chance to get up close to a US-spec version of the car they have on order ahead of the Tesla's intended arrival in Europe next year.

The general public will also be able to view the car of course, but unfortunately, nobody will be getting the chance to drive one, not even those with one on order.

Only last week, Tesla's CEO Elon Musk was taking to Twitter to confirm pricing and specification for a new pair of dual-motor variants of the Model 3. As well as the standard all-wheel drive option, there will also be a performance version capable of putting pressure on the BMW M3.

The numbers associated with the performance of the Model 3 in all its forms are impressive, but the most pressing issue is how long it will be before those who have ordered them will have to wait before taking delivery.

There was positive news in the last few days as Tesla confirmed it had reached its goal of producing 5,000 units in a single week, which led to reports that expected delivery times could be slashed. However, Tesla shares fell steeply Tuesday as it became clear the 5,000 units in a single week achieved isn't expected to be a consistent ongoing Model 3 production level for a while yet.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed takes place July 12-15 at the grounds of Goodwood House, West Sussex, England.


D3VIL plate gets civil servant into trouble

                KOTA KINABALU: A junior civil servant who daringly drove around with a fake car’s licence plate of D3VIL for the last three months in the city here has been caught by the police.

The 33-year-old local from Papar was arrested by the policemen after he was caught in a six-hour operations along the Coastal Road in Asia City here from 2pm on Thursday.

Kota Kinabalu City police chief Asst Comm M.Chandra said that he was arrested for fixing a fake licence plate which is an offence under the Road Transport Act and carries a maximum fine of RM5000 or one year jail or both.

He said investigations found that the Perodua Viva vehicle owned by the driver did not have a valid road tax and he had been driving the vehicle for the last three-months from his home in Kinarut to his workplace in Likas here.

“We also detected another case last week where an owner had fixed `Selamat Hari Raya’ as the car plate and we have taken action. I urge motorist or car owners not to challenge the laws by doing such acts,’’ ACP Chandra told reporters at press conference here today.

He said during the special operations police had also booked four vans used without proper permits for ferry tourists.


One-off BMW X6 finished in 'world's blackest black' to go on display in Frankfurt

                MUNICH: At this year's Frankfurt Motor Show, which kicks off next month, BMW will display the only vehicle ever finished in Vantablack, the "world's blackest black" which makes objects finished in the colour appear two-dimensional.

Surrey NanoSystems - the creator of the "world's blackest black" pigment, Vantablack - has turned down requests from a number of car makers to cover a vehicle's exterior in the VBx2 nanostructure paint finish. But not when BMW came calling.

This extreme black was originally created for aerospace applications, as it absorbs "up to 99.965 per cent of light, almost completely eliminating reflectance and stray light."

In fact, not only does the eye understand objects covered in the material as being 2-D, a surface coated in the colour can also be "interpreted by the brain as staring into a hole or even a void." Naturally, such a paint colour would not be practical for driving on the highway.

The Vantablack VBx2 paint - specially designed to reflect 1 percent of light instead of just 0.035 percent - makes the curves of the X6 essentially invisible to the eye, without making it appear as a void.

Ben Jensen, founder and Chief Technical Officer of Surrey NanoSystems said that such a paint worked well specifically on the BMW X6 because of its size and distinctive shape; it highlights the model's iconic grille, stylish headlights and taillights.

The Vantablack-finished BMW X6 will be on display at the Frankfurt Motor Show, which runs Sept 12-22, to celebrate the world premiere of the BMW X6 model.


BYD Atto 3 secures 1,000 orders in first two weeks of launch

Gan (left) and Zhao (right) the posing with the customer of 1,000th order of the Atto 3.
KUALA LUMPUR: BYD's first electric vehicle (EV) in Malaysia - the Atto 3 - has racked up some 1,000 bookings in the first two weeks of its recent launch.

The Atto 3 sports utility vehicle (SUV) is available in two variants, priced from RM149,800 for the Standard Range and RM167,800 for the Extended Range.

Built on BYD’s advanced e-platform 3.0 and equipped with intelligence, efficient, unrivalled safety and avantgarde aesthetics, the Atto 3 delivers a battery range up to 480km on a single charge.

An all-electric sports utility vehicle, the Atto 3 is a high-performance EV built on BYD’s advanced e-platform 3.0, equipped with intelligence, efficiency, unrivalled safety and aesthetics.

Along with powerful and innovative features, the Atto 3 has a battery range capable of traveling up to 480km on a single charge, providing drivers with peace of mind.

Sime Darby Motors Malaysia retail & distribution managing director Jeffrey Gan said the positive response was highly encouraging with interest from across consumer segments.

“This indeed demonstrates that Malaysians are ready for the future of mobility and are confident in the BYD brand and high-performance vehicles.

“With the growing demand for EVs in the nation, the Atto 3 is ideal to support more environmentally-conscious lifestyles while providing an unparalleled electric driving experience,” he said.

Gan also said the BYD brand is on track to establishing a strong footprint in Malaysia with the first BYD showroom now open at TREC KL on Jalan Tun Razak here.

BYD Malaysia Sdn Bhd and PT BYD Motor Indonesia managing director Eagle Zhao said the booking numbers was remarkable achievement by its partner Sime Darby Motors, especially in such a short span of time.

“Kicking off from this strong note, BYD Malaysia is confident that our Atto 3 customers will enjoy peak performance provided by the state-of-the-art features of the vehicle, such as the e-platform 3.0, an exclusive technology platform for more efficient and intelligent vehicles, and the Blade Battery, a game-changing development by BYD to ensure battery safety, enabling a safer cell and higher energy density.

“Through our line-up of innovative vehicles, BYD aims to drive the EV wave in Malaysia and propel the nation towards low carbon mobility. We are excited to widen our reach and bring more exciting offerings for Malaysians in the near future,” he said.

The Atto 3 is available in Surf Blue, Parkour Red, Boulder Grey, Forest Green and Ski White.


Polestar 3 electric SUV to be made in US alongside Volvo cars

                GOTHENBURG: Swedish EV maker Polestar announced today its first all-electric SUV will be manufactured in the United States.

The forthcoming Polestar 3, an aerodynamic electric performance SUV, will be produced alongside new Volvo vehicles at the Volvo Cars production centre in Ridgeville, South Carolina. Polestar vehicles built in South Carolina will be for sale in the United States.

The aerodynamic electric performance SUV will feature industry-leading connectivity features based on Google's native Android Automotive OS infotainment system, as well as high-end, safety-focused autonomous driving features.

Production of Polestar 3 is expected to begin globally in 2022. Full product details will be made available at a later date.

The move transforms Polestar into a truly global brand with an industrial capacity in the two largest single markets for electric vehicles in the world — the US and China — alongside its headquarters and established sales and distribution capabilities in Europe.

The announcement also underlines Polestar's commitment to the American retail market, which is undergoing a period of rapid expansion. Polestar will open around 25 retail "Spaces" stores across the country in 2021. The Spaces offer customer conveniences such as home test drives, free pick-up and delivery servicing, and mobile service for consumers in markets still awaiting the opening of a Polestar Space.

Polestar was launched in 2017 by Volvo Cars and Geely Holding. The Ridgeville plant was opened in 2018 by Volvo Cars. Polestar's ability to share a production facility with Volvo Cars highlights the significant industrial and financial synergies it generates as result of its ownership structure.

"Production in the USA reduces delivery times as well as the environmental impact associated with shipping vehicles around the world. It will even have a positive impact on the price of Polestar 3," said Polestar chief operating officer Dennis Nobelius.

"All of this makes the brand even more competitive in the critical American sales market."