Mercedes-Benz Malaysia trains Bomba

                PUCHONG: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) engaged the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) personnel with its High Voltage Vehicle Introduction Training course.

This first-of-its-kind course covered technical and practical aspects on how to handle emergencies involving a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

The Mercedes-Benz S400h, C350e and E350e were on hand and was held at the company’s training academy in Puchong, Selangor, where 40 Bomba personnel attended.

 From left: Malaysia Automotive Institute chief operating officer, Nizmar Mohd Nazar, CEO Datuk Madani Sahari, Weidner and Mercedes-Benz Malaysia vice president and chief financial officer Martin Brengartner.

The training was guided by six key learning pillars, which starts by ensuring that Bomba personnel are able to describe the types of high voltage systems available in motor vehicles; identify high voltage components located in HEVs and PHEVs; and describe the Mercedes-Benz Post Safe features in HEVs and PHEVs to name a few.

The participants must not only be able to describe the different HV operating modes, but also know how to utilise the Mercedes-Benz Rescue Assist App by locating and subsequently scanning the QR code to reveal the specific vehicle’s information before safety handling procedures can be applied.

“Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has been, and continues to be, a strong supporter of the nation’s ambitions of becoming an EEV hub. Today is another example of our commitment in action. We are very happy for this opportunity to work with our national heroes from Bomba to put in place a crucial support system, thus creating a conducive ecosystem for EEVs and drivers,” said MBM president and CEO Dr Claus Weidner.

In addition, MBM also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI), which now sees the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Modern Apprenticeship Programme being accredited by MAI for the common goal of improved sustainable talent development.


JPJ to deploy 1,800 officers to monitor high-risk routes

                KUALA NERUS: Some 1,800 members of the Road Transport Department (JPJ) will be deployed to monitor accident prone areas across the country during the festive season, this year.

Its director-general, Datuk Seri Ismail Ahmad, said the department would also increase patrols, especially in areas where accidents frequently occurred from the beginning of Ramadan, following the increase in traffic nationwide.

He said the patrols and monitoring would also cover main roads, federal roads, state roads, as well as highways which would be congested with road users during the festive period.

"Previously, we began operations a week before, until a week after Raya, but this year, from the beginning of Ramadan we will start patrolling and monitoring," he told reporters when met at the upgrading ceremony for the PSM driving circuit here in Terengganu today.

According to him, the operations would be carried out 24 hours a day to ensure smooth traffic flow and reduce road accidents during the period.

Ismail said a total of 1,000 volunteers from the 1JPJ Youth Squad would be mobilised to assist the agency in its operations during the festive season.

He explained that the young squad would help create awareness on traffic offences and running campaigns to advocate road safety.

"With this initiative we hope that users who frequently commit offences can be educated, and at the same time reduce the number of accidents," he said.


Ingress Swede Automobile starts selling used Volvos

                PETALING JAYA: Volvo dealer Ingress Swede Automobile Sdn Bhd has launched its Volvo SELEKT used car programme.

Located within the premises of Volvo Cars Ingress Swede Automobile Mutiara Damansara, the programme features a range of pre-owned Volvo vehicles that have undergone a comprehensive 125-point check.

The approved vehicles are accompanied by a minimum 12-month warranty, 24/7 Volvo roadside assistance service and a minimum one-year complimentary maintenance package.

A Volvo Service Agreement (VSA)-5 or VSA-3 packages are also offered to help reduce the long-term cost of ownership for new owners.

The company said all vehicles had been refurbished with only genuine Volvo parts and accessories - along with the latest software upgrades, for future owners.

With each vehicle having undergone a mileage and service history verification, the company also said they are also accident and flood-free. Each car is backed by a five-year or 100,000km mileage exchange guarantee.

A range of financing options are available for interested buyers.

"The launch of our Volvo SELEKT programme is a significant step towards achieving the company’s long-term sustainability goals," said Ingress Swede Automobile dealer principal Azeman Mohamed Akram.

"By offering pre-owned Volvo vehicles that have undergone comprehensive testing and inspection, we are promoting the circular economy and reducing our environmental footprint."

For more information, log on to volvo.ingress-swede.com.my (https://volvo.ingress-swede.com.my/) or via Facebook (volvo.ingress.swede), Instagram (@volvo.ingress.swede) or TikTok (@volvo.ingree.swede) social media sites.


It's Bezza day

PETALING JAYA: Today is Bezza day. A big day for Perodua as it gears up to officially launch its star attraction this evening.

Three years ago, Perodua fired a warning shot that it was going to rock the compact sedan segment when it unveiled the Buddyz Concept car at the 2013 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show.

Although the concept car looked angular and quirky, Perodua has refined its vision for a compact sedan into a more pleasant looking design which would be acceptable to mainstream buyers.

That day has finally come. Perodua is making no apologies for those who will lose their share of the pie.

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamad is expected to launch the Bezza.

We are disappointed that a technical fault messed up our intent to bring you the live streaming of the Bezza unveiling. Sorry, people.

 A Bezza kitted out for community policing.READ MORE:
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Perodua Bezza gets top safety rating
Perodua Bezza priced from RM37,300 to RM50,800
Bezza name used in 2010 for Perodua concept car The Buddyz Concept car of yesteryear.


VW may find itself in trouble over ‘Voltswagen’ marketing stunt

                WASHINGTON: The US Securities and Exchange Commission has opened an inquiry into the US unit of Volkswagen’s AG over a marketing stunt in which it falsely said it was changing its name in the United States to “Voltswagen,” a person briefed on the matter confirmed.

Spiegel first reported the inquiry and the SEC's request for information about the issue made in early April and quoted VW as confirming the investigation.

Volkswagen declined to comment on the matter to Reuters. The SEC did not respond to a request for comment.

The company in March apologized after a false statement it issued about a phony name change was widely slammed on social media.

The stunt, which came just ahead of April Fool’s Day on the first of the month, when companies often release prank statements, was meant to call attention to its electric vehicle efforts, the carmaker said.

The initial statement outlining the name change, posted on its website and accompanied by tweets, was reported by Reuters and other outlets globally and included a detailed description of its purported rebranding efforts and new logos.

At least one analyst wrote a research note praising the name change. VW’s preferred shares, common shares and ADRs rose on the day of the phony name announcement.

Volkswagen Group of America CEO Scott Keogh said in an April 1 interview that the phony name announcement was a "gag" and an attempt to "have some humour and "to celebrate our profound focus on electrification."

Volkswagen in 2015 admitted to using illegal software to rig diesel engine tests in the United States, sparking Germany’s biggest corporate crisis and costing the carmaker more than 32 billion euros in fines, refits and legal costs.


Transport Minister clears the air over digital road tax, driving licence

                PETALING JAYA: To address several questions over the earlier announcement of digitalising road tax and driving licence, Transport Minister Anthony Loke has posted an explainer on Facebook.

According to Loke, it is not compulsory for road users to download the MyJPJ mobile app.

“It is just an option to obtain digital copies for road tax and driving licence,” said Loke today.

Loke also said digital road tax and driving licence are not compulsory, adding that senior citizens without smartphones and those living in places without Internet coverage can still physically display their road tax and licence.

“Don’t worry, the digital format isn’t compulsory. They still can obtain physical road tax and driving licence from the Road Transport Department (JPJ) if needed,” added Loke.

Loke also said those who did not download the MyJPJ app or failed to show digital road tax to the authorities will not be fined.

“The authorities can verify the status of a road tax and licence through the authorities’ internal system,” added Loke.

He also said the digitalisation of road tax and driving licence does not mean that renewals will be free of charge.

“It (renewing road tax and driving licence) must be paid. The physical (road tax) sticker isn’t compulsory,” added Loke.

Loke also said Malaysians who are driving cars that are not owned by them will not be penalised.

“Just print the digital road tax in paper and keep it inside the car.

“Even if you cannot show proof, it is not an offence. The authorities can check the needed details in their gadgets,” said Loke.

Loke also addressed the hiccup where many Malaysians could not log into the MyJPJ system.

“Just like any new system, there will be an influx of people registering at the same time. The traffic was very high,” added Loke.

He also said his ministry will do their best in providing clarity regarding this new announcement.

At the same time, Loke also said that change will take time and there will be those who disagree with new changes.

“I respect all views and I will try to manage this change the best I can.

“Together with my team at the Transport Ministry and the JPJ, we will try to address any weakness that arises from this change,” said Loke.

In a statement today, Loke said that an in-house pilot project is underway to begin the use of digital display mode of road tax and driving licences.

Both digital versions of driving licences and road tax can be applied through the JPJ website at http://public.jpj.gov.my or MyJPJ app.

With the digital road tax, Loke said vehicle owners can do away with the display of the hardcopy of the road tax stickers.

Loke also said those who are not ready to go digital can still display their road tax stickers during the interim period until the digitalisation phases are fully completed.


Ford is lab testing new audio alerts for motorists

                DETROIT: Ford is working on developing audio alerts that can help drivers identify the nature and location of hazards in order to anticipate any necessary action and avoid potential collisions.

These alerts are intelligent alerts, in that they are contextualised.

For example, Ford wants to use sounds like footsteps or a bicycle bell to signal the presence of pedestrians or cyclists in the vicinity. For the moment, these tests are only taking place in the automaker's laboratory.

With the help of specific speakers, the sound is sent to the left or to the right, in front or behind the driver, so that they can anticipate any action required.

According to Ford, these first tests have been highly positive: in three quarters of cases, drivers perfectly identify what the hazard was and where it was coming from.

The next step will be to improve the spatial audio rendering, to get closer to the quality currently experienced in movie theaters or video games.

Audio alerts already exist to help draw drivers' attention to certain things.

However, this new directional audio technology would be much more precise, indicating both the nature of the danger and signaling where it is coming from. But this should be no substitute for the constant vigilance required by motorists on the road.


Busted: Scam syndicate with stash of RM1mil in auto parts

                KUALA LUMPUR: Police here have stopped scammers who had been cheating car parts sellers after the syndicate was crippled through several raids following a report lodged on Sept 21.

“They would trick victims by buying car parts and abusing the scheduled payments. They will show receipts of payments to convince the victims to send the items over before rescinding the payment,” said Comm Datuk Mohd Kamarudin Md Din.

The Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director said that five people were arrested in Kuantan on Sept 24 and the police were brought to several store houses there that held around RM936,783 in car parts.

Comm Mohd Kamarudin then said that it was possible that the scam's victims were unfamiliar with online payment systems.

He said that the group had been operating for five months, adding that nine investigation papers have been linked to the group, eight from Johor and one from Kuala Lumpur.

“We have remanded them until Sept 29 but we will apply for an extension,” said Comm Mohd Kamarudin at a press conference at the Jinjang police station today.


Proton Persona to launch in August, followed by Saga and MPV

                MALACCA: The new Proton Persona is due to be launched in August, followed by the new Saga in September, and a Suzuki Ertiga-based MPV in October.

This was confirmed by Proton CEO Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Mohd Kenali at a media briefing.
"It's going to be a very busy period for us, and we hope that the new models will spur sales," he said.

The 1.4-litre Ertiga-based MPV will be positioned below the Proton Exora, which means it will compete against the Perodua Alza.

Proton chief designer Azlan Othman said the new Perdana, Persona and Saga are designed as a family. "When all the cars are out, you will be able to see similarities in the design," he said.

Also, the new Perdana which presently has a Honda Accord platform and powertrains, is due to get a new Petronas-developed 2.0-litre NE01 turbocharged engine in 2017 or 2018. The NE01 engine is co-shared by Petronas and Proton. In January 2016, Proton announced it had teamed up with British powertrain engineering company Ricardo to develop a new-generation family of engines based on the NE01 engine, with the first one to be ready by the end of 2017.

Six engine variants will be deployed in Proton cars from 2018. They are: 1.0L 3-cylinder VVT (Variable Valve Timing); 1.2L 3-cylinder VVT; 1.3L 4-cylinder GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection); 1.5L 4-cylinder GDI; 1.3L 4-cylinder TGDI (Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection; and 1.5L 4-cylinder TGDI. The 1.5-litre TGDI engine can develop 180bhp and 250Nm of torque.

According to Proton, the new family of engines could deliver up to 20% higher performance, and an average of 25% lower fuel consumption. A new torque converter CVT transmission is presently being developed in parallel. The new engines would also be compatible with the auto start/stop feature that saves fuel.

Other than dual VVT, the new engines would have integrated exhaust manifold, are said to be low maintenance with timing chain and will have longer service intervals.

In a Reuters report quoting Japan's Nikkei, Proton is said to be negotiating with foreign partners, including some big names, for a stake in the company as part of its restructuring.

"Successful talks would mean the re-entry of foreign capital along with technology know-how for the first time since January 2005, when Mitsubishi Corp severed ties with Proton," said Nikkei.

"We want a partner with an equity share in Proton," Malaysia Automotive Institute chief executive Madani Sahari told the Nikkei Asian Review in a recent interview. The institute is an agency under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry to promote the automotive sector.

"There are a couple of interest(s) from global original equipment manufacturers, and Proton is reviewing them," he said. Madani, who is also the secretary of a state task force to revive Proton, suggested the potential foreign partner would be an automaker with a global brand, the report said.


Driver in US dies after crashing car while watching porn film on phone

                DETROIT: A 58-year-old man in the United States, who was allegedly watching a pornographic film on his phone while driving, died after crashing his car early Sunday morning.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Detroit-based Clifford Ray Jones, who was not wearing seatbelt, had been distracted by the film while travelling south on the Interstate 75 highway at around 3.30am.

He subsequently lost control of his 1996 Toyota and was partially ejected through the sunroof when the car rolled.

He died on the spot. He was not wearing trousers when his body was discovered, police said.

No other vehicles were involved in the accident, which police said was one of the strangest they had ever encountered.

"There's so much technology out there a lot of people are more paying attention to what they're doing other than driving their car," Michigan State Police's Lieutenant Mike Shaw told the paper.

"We see people people putting on makeup, we see people doing different things as far as hygiene, as far as reading books."

Police investigations are still ongoing.


Audi RS Q8 now available for RM1.7mil

                KUALA LUMPUR: PHS Automotive Malaysia has introduced the Audi RS Q8 to its model offering.

It's the first ever full-size Audi SUV to bear the RS badge and retails for a princely sum of RM1,699,990. It is backed by 3 years free maintenance, 5 years unlimited mileage warranty and 5 years roadside assistance.

The technical specification includes highlights such as RS-specific adaptive air suspension, all-wheel steering, sport differential and active roll stabilisation.

The 4.0-litre biturbo V8 TFSI makes 592hp and 800Nm of torque between 2,200 and 4,500 rpm. The SUV accelerates from 0 to 100kph in just 3.8 seconds. Top speed is 305kph.

Its 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 ignition sequence also ensures a voluminous sound further enhanced by the RS sport exhaust system with black oval tailpipes. The engine sound can be modified via the Audi drive select system.

The power of the V8 TFSI flows to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system via the standard eight-speed tiptronic.

During dynamic cornering, the quattro sport differential distributes drive torque between the rear wheels as required. This active torque vectoring is said to improve traction, stability and dynamics.

The RS-specific adaptive air suspension sport with controlled damping was designed to allow the RS Q8 to travel everywhere like the Range Rover.

Its RS-specific damper tuning allows for a particularly broad spread between a setup biased toward comfort and an extremely sporty setup.

Body roll during fast cornering is minimised, thanks to the electromechanical active roll stabilisation (EAWS) system.

The Audi drive select dynamic handling system allows the driver to control engine and transmission management, steering boost, the air suspension, all-wheel steering, engine sound and the characteristic of the automatic air conditioning.

Eight profiles are available: comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency, allroad, offroad, and the individually configurable RS-specific modes RS1 and RS2, directly accessible via the “RS-MODE” button on the steering wheel.

The RS Q8 comes standard with 23-inch aluminium wheels in a 5 Y-spoke rotor design.

Behind the large wheels is an RS brake system with internally vented composite discs (420 mm) up front, 370 mm at the rear, with ceramic brakes in red as standard.

With its imposing octagonal Singleframe, the RS-specific radiator in carbon and honeycomb grille in high gloss black, the RS Q8 sports a self-confident face.

The sloping roofline flows into the forward-canted D-pillars and rests against the quattro blisters above the wheel arches. RS-specific trim strips in the body colour widen the body by 10 mm up front and 5 mm in the rear, providing space for the more generous track.

An RS roof edge spoiler provides a striking finish at the top and provides downforce on the rear axle for even balance at high speeds.

Black Audi rings and RS logos at the front and rear complete the aggressive design.

The tinted RS HD Matrix LED headlights come with three-dimensional daytime running lights signature with a digital character, similar to the LED tail lights.

A light strip backed by a high-gloss black surface joins the rear lights, further emphasising the wide stance.

The RS Matrix LED headlights and the rear lights include dynamic turn signals and are showcased by an expressive RS-specific animation when the car is locked or unlocked.

The interior of the RS Q8 features a deliberately clean design, while a slim instrument panel and strongly horizontal line design convey a feeling of spaciousness.

The central element in the cockpit is the top MMI touch response display.
Special RS displays in the Audi virtual cockpit and MMI display provide information on tyre pressure, torque, output, temperature, lap times and g-forces.

The head-up display also offers several RS-specific graphics.

The RS sports seats come in perforated Valcona leather with honeycomb stitching with ventilation and massage function, while other RS interior elements include grey contrasting stitching on the knee pads, steering wheel rim, floor mats, and the edges of the seat belts.

Completing the look are strategically placed RS logos on the steering wheel and illuminated front door sill trim.

Nappa leather wraps the SUV’s selector lever knob and door armrest.

The RS Q8 also boasts everyday usability in the rear. With the seat backrests folded, the luggage compartment under the power rear hatch holds up to 1,755 litres.

The range of assist systems in the RS Q8 include adaptive cruise assist, efficiency assist, intersection assist, lane change warning and 360-degree cameras.

The RS Q8 is available in a choice of nine colours: one solid paint finish and eight metallic or pearl effect shades, with carbon exterior mirror housing, and 11 Audi Exclusive colours.

Bookings can be made at all Audi Centres at Setia Alam, Glenmarie and Juru.

PRICE LISTBROCHURE


Don't underestimate residual alcohol in your system before driving

                BERLIN: After a night out drinking, you obviously shouldn't drive yourself home, but instead leave your car somewhere and pick it up at a later time. Take a cab or another method of transportation.

But even after you've slept a bit, you probably shouldn't go pick your car up straight away the next morning — you could still have some residual alcohol in your bloodstream that could affect your driving ability.

On average, alcohol dissipates at a rate of 0.1% or 0.15% per mile per hour. So that means if you had a blood-alcohol level of 1.5% per mile when you stopped drinking, it will take between 10 and 15 hours for that all to be gone.

And no — there's nothing you can do to speed it up. You may feel better after a cup of coffee, but that will not change anything about your blood-alcohol level.

Depending on where you live, it can cost you dearly if you're caught with even a little bit of residual alcohol in your blood while driving — so don't take the risk, wait another day.


Lexus LC convertible concept to go into production

                DALLAS: It was reported this week that Lexus will be launching a production version of the convertible LC concept that debuted at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year. Allegedly, the showy sportscar will premiere next month at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England.

In January at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show, not only did Lexus show off a convertible LC concept, but also officials were noted hinting at the idea of eventually bringing such a model into production. On Wednesday, sources told Roadshow that the ambiguous comments made by the company earlier this year will become reality next month.

Reportedly, the production version of the LC convertible will be unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed during the beginning of July. It's expected to be nearly identical to the concept version with the same 5.0-litre V8 engine capable of generating 472hp and 541Nm of torque - enough power to bring the car up to 100kph in 4.4 seconds and to a top speed of 270kph.

The production version of the LC convertible concept will debut sometime during the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which runs from July 4 through July 7. Considering that the base version of the LC roadster starts at US$92,300 (RM385,000), the price of the droptop version will only go up from there.


A chance to preview Toyota Sienta

                SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd is organising a series of activities bfrom Aug 13-25 in the run-up to the launch of the Sienta compact MPV.

A Sienta mobile truck will be travelling around the Klang Valley and stopping at selected locations in Kuala Lumpur, Shah Alam, Putrajaya, Cyberjaya and Petaling Jaya.

There will be opportunities for the public to take part in the “Catch The Sienta Photo Contest” and submit their most creative pictures with the MPV at the Toyota Malaysia Facebookwith #MySienta and stand a chance to win shopping vouchers.

On weekends, the Sienta truck will join the fun truck at selected outlet that has play zone for children. The idea is while the parents are viewing the Sienta, the kids could indulge in games and enjoy free cotton candy and popcorn.

The MPV is offered in 1.5G and 1.5V variants with prices starting from RM92,900. Bookings are opened at all UMW Toyota Motor showrooms or authorised Toyota dealers nationwide.


Rumours of the demise of cars have been greatly exaggerated

Basdanis with his second-hand MINI in London. — Bloomberg
LONDON: Cars are having a moment almost as improbable as the stunts in the “Fast and the Furious” movies that celebrate them.

Just a few years ago, obituaries were being written for the motor car — Millennials and Gen-Zers, so the argument went, were going to swerve away from car ownership as more of them moved to cities with myriad public transport options and ride hailing services like Uber.

Besides, concern about the adverse impact on the environment would deter young people from making purchases.

Then the pandemic hit.

Now, as the world recovers, used car prices are going through the roof. Waiting times for driving tests have blown out. And online requests for driving directions are soaring, while public transit route inquiries have plunged.

An EY survey of 3,300 consumers in nine countries found that 32% of non-car owners said they intended to get a car in the next six months. About half of those prospective buyers were millennials.

Turns out the appeal of cars — despite taking a few hits over the years — is as resilient as the “Fast and the Furious” films, the latest of which debuted in cinemas recently after prior installments grossed billions of dollars worldwide over the past two decades.

Georgios Basdanis, a 32-year-old doctor in London, is one of those who’s already taken the plunge. He bought a second-hand MINI with 16,000km on the clock for £11,250 (RM65,000), financed over two years.

“If it weren’t for the pandemic, I wouldn’t have thought about getting a car,” Basdanis said. “I would have thought it a hassle.”

He lives in an apartment complex, which — pre-pandemic — had a no-car policy, meaning expensive and often scarce street space was the main option for parking. Additionally, in congested London, many journeys had been much quicker on the Tube, the UK capital’s subway system.

But these calculations changed during the pandemic, when taking public transport to his hospital job at the height of the UK’s outbreak was an anxiety-inducing experience. Being able to drive himself seemed much safer.

He’d have loved an electric car, but says that option was too expensive — not only the purchase price but also the insurance costs.

Unlike in China, where you can pick up a new bare-bones electric vehicle for about US$4,500 (RM19,000), EVs tend to be pricier in Western markets than their gas-guzzling counterparts, impeding the conversion of a green conscience into an actual purchase.

Now fully vaccinated, and seeing traffic-jams picking up, Basdanis says he’s likely to be back on the Tube for his daily commute soon.

But that doesn’t mean he’s likely to sell the car.

“It’s certainly a useful thing to have, for out of hours work or just driving to the gym on a weekend,” Basdanis said. “Also trips. I can just jump in the car and go to the countryside for a day.”

That sense of convenience and freedom is the stuff of a thousand TV commercials — as well as legions of pop songs.

Yet it’s also a direct challenge to pre-pandemic public policy. For decades, authorities around the world have been pushing to try and get people out of their cars and onto public transport, both to accommodate growing city populations and reduce air pollution — still a major health issue even in developed countries.

“There will be a strong push of cities trying to limit and reduce the number of cars,” said Eric Zayer, a partner in Bain & Co’s automotive and mobility practice in Munich. “They have made huge investments in public transport, and they need to be amortised. They will not give up on their mass transport systems.”

It’s not just in the West where attitudes have changed.

In Japan, where in pre-pandemic times more than 10 million people a day jammed onto Tokyo’s subway lines, interest in car ownership is rising.

The number of new driver’s licences issued increased in 2020 for the first time in eight years, according to the country’s National Police Agency, with much of that growth came from people aged in their 20s and 30s. Wait times to take a driving test have more than doubled.

Authorities betting on a return to normal face a battle to win over those like Gypsy Byrne, a 19-year-old student in Melbourne, who has rethought her transport usage. She’d always had access to public transport, so getting her driving licence was more of a vague goal than a priority in pre-pandemic times. Then the main bus near her house became an infection hotspot.

“You can't trust public transport now,” said Byrne, who lives about 20km west of the city centre. “I got my driving instructor to start doing five-hour lessons instead of one because I just need my Ps (provisional licence plates) to be able to get out and do things.”

While she’ll use a car for work when she qualifies as a disabled care assistant, it will also be a big social boon. Relying on others for lifts in the pandemic “just gets really tedious” she said. Byrne has her test on July 31 and, assuming she passes, is one of the lucky ones who won’t need to buy a car — because she’s inherited a Toyota Aurion from her grandparents.

Even before the pandemic, younger would-be homebuyers on the hunt for affordable accommodation had been venturing further away from big city centres and locations with dense public transport systems.

That trend has accelerated in the wake of Covid as workers newly able to work at least some of the time from home fan out into smaller cities and suburbs, where owning a car is seen as more normal.

Yet if the trend of remote work persists and more people buy cars, that may not mean more congestion on roads. So far in the US at least, the booming interest in cars hasn’t meant more miles being driven on aggregate as people take fewer trips overall.

“A resurgence of car ownership might be more of the story versus a resurgence of car usage,” said Michael Brisson, a senior economist at Moody’s Analytics in the US.

“People may want the ability to travel and may be taking more short trips, but I can’t see anywhere that shows they are driving more miles.”


VW Golf GTD Estate heading for Geneva

                WOLFSBURG:  Volkswagen has confirmed that its first ever Gran Turismo Diesel estate car will be making its global debut in Switzerland in March.

Until Audi started winning Le Mans pretty much every year with its turbo-diesel-propelled racers, few automotive journalists - or car lovers for that matter - associated diesel engines with high-speed performance.

However, as well as being generally easier on fuel consumption than their gasoline-powered counterparts, diesel engines are starting to show that they can be a match in terms of performance, too.

To prove the point, Volkswagen has decided to launch its first ever sporty, yet economical estate car (or station wagon), the Golf GTD, which, as well as offering plenty of room for a family of four plus all their luggage, will be able to do 3.7l/100km on the combined cycle but still have enough grunt to go from 0-100kph in under 8 seconds.

It can do all of this, thanks to the 2.0-litre  turbocharged 182hp/380Nm diesel engine that already powers a number of VW's GTD saloons (or sedans) and hatchbacks. And as well as carrying over the engine, VW is also carrying over the styling cues from the hatchback version of the Golf GTD.

So, the estate gets the same honeycomb grille, flared sills, special front and rear bumpers and 17-inch five-spoke alloys on the outside and sports seats, stainless steel pedals and a black headliner on the inside.

After making its debut in Geneva in March, the Golf GTD Estate will be heading for VW showrooms and the order books for European customers will be opening in April.

Highlights

>  Bi-xenon headlights, sports suspension with lowered ride height, progressive steering

> 17-inch Curitiba alloys, black roof rails and dual chrome tailpipes.

> Sports seats in Clark tartan, illuminated door sills, black headliner and black pillar trims, golf ball-styled gear knob

> Optional Sports and Design package featuring driving mode selection, Nogaro 18-inch alloy wheels, red brake callipers and tinted windows.


Rolls-Royce Phantom Tempus edition limited to 20 units

                GOODWOOD (UK): Rolls-Royce has unveiled the Phantom Tempus Collection which draws inspiration from time and the cosmos.

The collection is strictly limited to just 20 examples, all of which have already been allocated to clients.

A key component of the collection is the pulsar, a rare astronomical phenomenon discovered in 1967 and found only in the deepest reaches of space with the the nearest yet discovered is 280 light years or 1,680 trillion miles from Earth.

The very dense, white-hot stars emit electromagnetic radiation in extremely regular pulses, making them some of the most accurate clocks in the universe.

In Phantom Tempus, the pulsar is rendered as a centrepiece in a Bespoke Starlight Headliner consisting of fibre-optic lighting and intricate Bespoke embroidery.

Another aspect of time – the illusion of its standing still – is captured in the ‘Frozen Flow of Time’ Gallery.

This unique artwork is housed in the fascia from which the clock is deliberately omitted to signify patrons’ freedom from time and its limitations.

A single billet of aluminum is milled to form 100 individually contoured columns, representing the 100-million-year period of a rotational spin of a pulsar star.

Each column is black-anodised and hand-polished to reflect the light.

A description of the Gallery can be found on an engraved plaque in the glove compartment, together with a quotation from Albert Einstein, "The distinction between past, present, and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion."

A swirling, twisting pattern of stars, made through hundreds of illuminated perforations, is presented on the interior of the doors.

The exterior of the Phantom Tempus Collection comes with a new finish of Kairos Blue which embodies darkness and mystery of space.

The paint incorporates jewel-like blue mica flakes, which glitter and glint as they catch the light, representing the stars.

The Spirit of Ecstasy on the bonnet, now in her 110th year, can be personalised with a unique date and location of particular significance to the client.

Meanwhile, the Rolls-Royce Champagne Chest is also given the Tempus makeover, featuring pulsar artwork.

In view of travel restrictions and limitations on face-to-face interactions in dealerships, Rolls-Royce has created a Virtual Reality presentation for Phantom Tempus, accessible via the Google Cardboard app.

The app provides patrons with a fully immersive, 360° walkaround of the Collection’s interior and exterior, clients are able to relish Phantom Tempus’ extraordinary presence at a time to suit them, wherever they are in the world.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvö said the Tempus theme resonated with its patrons as all 20 cars have already been reserved.


Germany puts first auto boss on trial over 'dieselgate'

Stadler leaving the Stadelheim prison courtroom in Munich after the first day of the trial on Wednesday. — Bloomberg
MUNICH: Former Audi CEO Rupert Stadler on Wednesday became the first auto boss to go on trial in Germany over the "dieselgate" emissions scandal, five years after parent company Volkswagen admitted to the scam.

Stadler, 57, appeared before the Munich district court to answer charges of fraud, falsifying certifications and false advertising. He wore a face mask upon arrival as a precaution against the coronavirus.

With him in the dock are former Audi and Porsche manager Wolfgang Hatz and two Audi engineers, all facing the same charges.

German car giant VW — whose subsidiaries include Porsche, Audi, Skoda and Seat — admitted in September 2015 that it had installed software to rig emissions in 11 million diesel vehicles worldwide.

The so-called defeat devices made the vehicles appear less polluting in lab tests than they were on the road.

To date, just two VW employees have received jail terms over the cheating, both in the United States.

Intense media interest in the Stadler case coupled with social distancing requirements led court officials to move proceedings to a larger room in a justice building outside the city centre.
The trial is expected to last until December 2022.

If found guilty, the accused face up to 10 years in jail.

"This is a very complex trial, because of course we have to gather a lot of evidence: the technical things that were developed on the one hand, and the responsibilities of the persons (involved) on the other," prosecution spokesman Andrea Mayer told media.

Before the 90-page indictment was read aloud, Stadler's lawyer kicked off proceedings by asking judges to disclose whether they or their spouses had driven a VW diesel since 2009 to avoid a "possible bias".

Judges said they would consider the request.

'No knowledge'

Volkswagen has always insisted that the diesel trickery was the work of a handful of lower-level employees acting without the knowledge of their superiors, but prosecutors dispute this.

Stadler had been Audi's chief executive for 11 years when he was arrested in June 2018.

He spent four months in pretrial detention owing to prosecution concerns he could try to influence witnesses.

Prosecutors say Stadler knew about the scam by the end of September 2015 "at the latest" but nevertheless allowed thousands more vehicles fitted with illegal defeat devices to be sold.

The other defendants face the more serious accusation of being involved in developing the manipulating software.

The charges against them cover 434,420 Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche vehicles sold in Europe and the United States as far back as 2009.

Both Stadler and Hatz deny any wrongdoing.

Electric switch

Stadler is not the only high-profile executive facing judgement.

A regional tribunal in Brunswick, near VW's Wolfsburg headquarters, recently ordered Martin Winterkorn, former CEO of the VW group, to stand trial on charges of fraud and stock market manipulation.

VW's current CEO Herbert Diess and supervisory board chair Hans Dieter Poetsch also faced accusations of failing to inform shareholders in a timely manner of the pollution scam.
But those proceedings were dropped after VW agreed to a settlement that cost it nine million euros ($10.5 million).

The "dieselgate" saga has already cost VW more than 30 billion euros in fines, legal costs and compensation to car owners -- mainly in the United States.

Claims of emissions rigging have also been made against other carmakers, including Daimler and Fiat Chrysler.

The fallout has accelerated development of environmentally-friendly electric vehicles, requiring huge investments in a tough economic climate.

And Volkswagen's "dieselgate" bill is not quite settled yet.

In April, VW settled Germany's biggest lawsuit in an out-of-court settlement that requires it to pay around 750 million euros to 235,000 customers, or between 1,350 and 6,250 euros per car.

VW is now trying to reach settlements with up to 60,000 individual claimants after a German court issued a landmark ruling in May ordering the car giant to buy back a manipulated diesel from its owner.


NXP tech promises fix to keyless car theft vulnerability

                EINDHOVEN (The Netherlands): Despite being more comfortable to use, cars with keyless systems are still much more prone to being stolen than those with conventional keys.

But now ultra wideband radio has been touted as the technology to make the theft of keyless cars a thing of the past.

Dutch chip company NXP Semiconductors N.V. and Volkswagen have teamed up to develop a new wireless technology that is thought to prevent car theft in vehicles with contactless key systems.

With the so-called ultra-wideband radio concept, the manufacturers believe they can block the typical theft scenario, whereby thieves amplify the signal from the remote key on the driver to unlock the car.

On most current keyless car systems, thieves can use a home-made radio extension to quickly open a car and drive it away, since any immobilisers and most alarm systems are bypassed.

READ MORE:
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Thieves can easily assemble these radio extension from everyday electronic parts, which can extend the radio connection between key and car up to 1 kilometre, regardless of whether the original key is in the owner’s home or in a jacket pocket.

Over time, the new ultra-wideband technology will also enable additional car-related features based on precise position recognition, such as automatically opening the car boot or detecting a baby seat on the front passenger seat to switch off the airbag.

In the technology, the distance between the transmitter in a key or smartphone and an antenna is calculated over the time that the signal travels the distance between them.

With the help of several antennas it is capable of determining exactly – to a few centimetres – the position of the transmitter, says NXP chief technology officer Lars Reger.

The plans are now in place for ultra wideband to go beyond the car and in the direction of the networked home.

Other manufacturers already gathering support for ultra wideband technology include Bosch, the electronics giant Samsung and lock specialist Assa Abloy.

Reger expects that there will be a considerable increase in the usage of ultra-wideband radio over the next year and a half. “For us, the focus is first on theft protection,” says VW manager Maik Rohde.

Volkswagen plans to introduce two models with ultra-wideband radio on board this year, while additional functions will be implemented later.


Infiniti to reveal QX50 concept in Detroit

                DETROIT: The Infiniti QX50 Concept, which will make its global premiere at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, showcases the brand's vision for a next-generation mid-size premium SUV.

An evolution of the 2016 QX Sport Inspiration, the QX50 Concept shows how the design of its conceptual forebear could be adapted for a future production model in the world's fastest-growing vehicle segment.

Infiniti's latest concept confidently articulates the artistic influence of the designer through the brand's "Powerful Elegance" design language. A "cabin-forward" silhouette combines with taut, muscular lines and flowing surfaces telegraph it as a dynamic and practical SUV.

The organic forms of the "driver-centric, passenger-minded" cabin harmonize with the exterior. Blending progressive design with elevated levels of modern craftsmanship, the QX50 Concept's interior reflects Infiniti's desire to challenge conventional approaches to premium interior design.

Infiniti's QX50 Concept also previews the brand's roll out of its autonomous drive support technologies. Central to the strategy for the development of all future autonomous drive support systems is that they should ensure the driver retains ultimate control over their vehicle – in keeping with Infiniti's focus on driver engagement – while providing a proactive approach to safety.

Infiniti's autonomous drive technologies will act as a "co-pilot" for the driver, empowering rather than replacing them, and "delegate" more onerous driving tasks to the car – such as navigating stop-start traffic on the highway or keeping track of the positions of surrounding vehicles.

Since its inception in 1989, Infiniti has brought a number of pioneering driver-assistive technologies to the customer. The company has been responsible for a series of world-first semi-autonomous technologies, including Predictive Forward Collision Warning, drive-by-wire Direct Adaptive Steering and Active Lane Control.

Infiniti will exhibit its ground breaking new VC-Turbo (Variable Compression Turbo) engine technology in Detroit. The VC-Turbo engine is the world's first production-ready variable compression ratio engine.

VC-Turbo technology combines the power of a high-performance 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine with the torque and efficiency of an advanced diesel powertrain. Such an advanced powertrain would be perfectly suited to the packaging of the QX50 Concept.

The production-ready 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine represents a compelling alternative to diesel powertrains. Using an innovative multi-link system, the VC-Turbo engine is able to adapt its compression ratio according to driving conditions to deliver optimal levels of performance and efficiency.

By seamlessly raising or lowering the reach of the pistons, it instantly selects the most suitable compression for current driving conditions. The engine is able to offer any compression ratio between 8:1 (for high performance) and 14:1 (for high efficiency).

With a development target power output of approximately 200kW (268hp) and 390Nm torque, the VC-Turbo engine will be comparable to certain six-cylinder gasoline powertrains for performance, while significantly outperforming them in efficiency.

Infiniti engineers are targeting a 27 percent improvement in fuel efficiency over V6 gasoline engines of similar power output.

Infiniti's VC-Turbo technology marks a significant leap forward for the internal combustion engine, joining other renowned powertrain innovations such as liquid cooling, fuel injection, catalytic convertors, and turbocharging.

The arrival of the VC-Turbo will establish new benchmarks – for power, efficiency and emissions – against which future powertrains will be measured.


Lennart Ribring, 97, is one of the world’s oldest Mustang drivers

                DETROIT: How to spend your 97th birthday? For Lennart Ribring the answer was easy. Behind the wheel of a unique and iconic sports car.

Born in 1919, when the Ford Model T had only been in production for 11 years, Lennart got his driving licence at the first opportunity, when he turned 18 in 1937. Now he has treated himself to a new Ford Mustang fastback.

Capable of 250kph and 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds, the race red sports car, takes pride of place on Lennart’s driveway at his home in Stockholm, Sweden.

“My name is Lennart Ribring. I’m 97-years-old. I drive a 5.0-litre V8 Ford Mustang fastback and I’m really happy,” he says in a video that captures the moment when Lennart picks up his new car from his local Ford dealership, takes his son Michael for a spin, and shows it off to granddaughter Emilia.

Lennart, who also enjoys sailing, was among the first people in the country to buy an original Ford Mustang in the 1960s. Now, more than 50 years later, it could be that he’s one of the world’s oldest Mustang drivers.

“I fell in love with the first Mustangs that came out and I have hardly thought about another car since. You felt a bit like king of the road.” said Lennart. “I don’t have long to live now, maybe. So, I want to take the opportunities I have to drive and have a little fun in life. This is the real thing.”

GOING LOCAL
It so happened that Ford Malaysia held a Ford EcoBoost Track Day Experience today in Cyberjaya. The event sought to showcase the combination of fuel economy, performance and reduced emissions that the EcoBoost engines were capable of.The Fiesta, Focus, S-MAX, Mondeo and Kuga employ the EcoBoost engine. Members of the media worked the five models through a slalom course. The highlight of the day was a taxi ride in a Mustang with a 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine as it performed some drifting thrills in the hands of a professional driver. Watch the video below.

A retired businessman who still works part-time as an accountant, Lennart also has some wise words for those who plan on still being behind the wheel when they are approaching 100.

“I would encourage younger drivers to let their porridge cool down first,” said Lennart. “Learn about a car properly before you drive it. You must always think about safety.”

The new Mustang, the first to go on sale across Europe since the model was first launched in the US, in 1964, is available as a fastback or convertible, and with a 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, as well as the 5.0-litre V8.


New Land Rover Discovery teased ahead of Paris debut

                LONDON: Land Rover has issued the first images of its new full-sized, seven-seat Discovery SUV.

The fifth-generation SUV will make landfall at the 2016 Paris Motor Show on Sept 28, packing more style and becoming more upscale as it approaches the premium levels of the Range Rovers, sharing the same monocoque as its higher-end siblings. It will continue to retain its family DNA as an effective offroader.

The new Discovery is expected to be considerably lighter and may even feature a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine as seen in the Jaguar F-PACE along with a range of petrol engines and other diesel engine options. A hybrid could show up later.

The 2014 Discovery Vision Concept has inspired its design, which will see a revamped interior.

“The new Discovery redefines the large SUV. Land Rover’s design and engineering teams have revolutionised the Discovery DNA to create a highly desirable, extremely versatile and hugely capable premium SUV,” said Land Rover chief design officer Gerry McGovern.

Land Rover has sold over 1.2 million Discovery SUVs since it went on sale 27 years ago, and remains popular to this day.


Auto makers get nod to operate after being re-listed as essential service

                PETALING JAYA: After being instructed to stop operations during the present movement control order (MCO 2.0), car makers in Malaysia are now allowed to resune business.

The Government had initially deemed car manufacturing and assembly as non-essential and struck them off the list of essential industries on Jan 12. Automakers were sldo ordered to shut down during the first MCO last March.

Nikkei Asia had reported that Toyota and Honda decided to suspend operations in Malaysia. Honda was quoted as saying that it woould resume operations at the end of the MCO 2.0 on Jan 26 or whenever it would officially end. Toyota had responded by saying it would decide when to resune business at a later time.

Toyota associate Perodua had also suspended production on Jan 14.

At the same time, car workshops are also permitted to carry on business during MCO 2.0.


BYD has Tesla in its sights after a year of runaway growth

The camouflaged Yangwang R1 undergoing field trials.
HONG KONG: Covid lockdowns, supply chain woes and power shortages hampering China’s auto industry haven’t been enough to halt BYD Co.’s relentless advance to dominate the world’s biggest electric-vehicle market.

Now, it has Elon Musk’s Tesla Inc. in its sights.

The Berkshire Hathaway Inc.-backed automaker will enter 2023 on a roll, with record vehicle sales, revenue and profitability, driven by the appeal of its affordable cars in China’s mass market.

It’s now making a play for cashed-up buyers in the premium end of the market with two luxury brands, pitting itself against Tesla’s pricier cars.

"The two segments BYD doesn’t have exposure to are the luxury SUV and sports car markets, which we expect BYD will expand into in 2023,” says Bridget McCarthy, head of China operations for green tech-focused US hedge fund Snow Bull Capital.

"These are the two most profitable vehicle segments, so bottom-line growth in 2023 will excite investors.”

The first of the two new brands, Yangwang, will launch in the first quarter, targeting affluent professionals with promises of high performance and disruptive technologies.

More intriguingly, BYD also is touting a new brand that it says will be "grounded in highly professional and personalised identities” to cater to the "diversified demands” of customers. It’s said little more about the brand beyond that.

After ceasing production of combustion engine-only cars earlier this year, BYD "has now established itself unequivocally as the market leader in the race to electrification, and I believe it will parlay that into a multi-brand strategy,” says Bill Russo, founder and CEO of Shanghai-based advisory firm automobility.

"They’ll be a pioneer if they do.”

The new brands also happen to be the kind of EVs fit for the US, a market BYD has yet to enter with its ever-growing electric lineup.

Russo also expects the hardware-driven BYD to embrace software in a big way, as it’s an area seen as a shortcoming.

"What BYD lacks that others have is more of a digital DNA,” he says.

"BYD is still a hardware company. As good as it is assembling an EV profitably at scale, it hasn’t proven itself to be a tech-driven software-defined technology company.”

The Chinese EV giant has managed to withstand most production disruptions, in part thanks to its vertically integrated supply chain.

Production and deliveries hit another record in November, topping 230,000 vehicles.

The rise and rise of BYD puts it on course to match and maybe even exceed Tesla in pure EV car sales by the first quarter of next year.

With critics pointing to BYD’s lower levels of revenue and profitability versus Tesla, the Shenzhen-based juggernaut may close that gap with by broadening its lineup with more top-end vehicles.

"Can the Chinese in a hypercompetitive market establish a sustainable premium price position with Chinese consumers?” asks Russo.

"It hasn’t been done sustainably.”


DRB-Hicom university gearing up to meet demand for auto manpower

                KUALA LUMPUR: DRB-Hicom University of Automotive Malaysia is gearing up to meet the demand for manpower in the automotive sector which will require some 700,000 workers in the next two years.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Sr Dr Omar Osman said in a statement today that the university also wanted to work with counterparts in Indonesia, Thailand, Bangladesh, China and India to cater to the regional job market.

Dr Omar said the entire supply chain in the automotive industry is expected to grow such as service centres, manufacturing operations and after-sales-services .

New growth areas the university could tailor courses for are motorsports, health and safety, he added.

At present, its most popular course is automotive service technology.

Omar said the university was prepared to supply workers who could service hybrid and electric cars.


All lanes opened at Batu Tiga Toll, demolition almost complete

                PETALING JAYA: All lanes at the old Batu Tiga Toll Plaza have been opened to the public since 10.15 last night as the demolition of the toll plaza nears completion, according to PLUS Malaysia.

The lanes were opened following the successful completion of phase three of the dismantling of the toll plaza building structures, which included the middle section of the plaza canopy, road markings and road barriers.

The lanes on the highway have been realigned accordingly.

With phase three successfully carried out as scheduled, the final phase of demolition works – which involves the demolition of side sections of the building structure – is now being carried out.

According to PLUS, the first and second phases, which include the removal process of all toll plaza assets and road diversion, was commenced on Jan 22 and Feb 20 respectively.

The dismantling of the Batu Tiga toll plaza, as well as the plaza on Sungai Rasau toll plaza from Feb 21, is expected to be fully completed by the end of March.

PLUS said all drivers should continue to observe the speed limit and drive carefully when approaching the construction area as the final phase of work carried out.


Electric cars have much higher repair costs, research shows

                MUNICH: Although government subsidies can sometimes reduce the cost, electric cars are by and large more expensive than petrol or diesel cars - at least when considering the cost to your savings, not the environment.

But that's only the initial cost, and the added expense that come with electric car repairs over the years is not to be underestimated.

A study by the Allianz insurance company has shown that electric cars have higher repair costs on average than combustion engines.

While electric cars do not sustain more damage on average than cars with petrol or diesel engines, the repairs are nevertheless typically more expensive, the insurance company has found.

The average claims expenditure for fully comprehensive insurance is 10 per cent higher for purely electric cars, and even 50 per cent higher for plug-in hybrids, according to Allianz.

After collisions, the repair costs of pure electric cars are on average 30 per cent more expensive. The accident and safety researchers at the Allianz Centre for Technology analysed claims data from 2018 to 2020 for their study.

An important question for the fire brigade, police and helpers in the event of accidents is whether electric cars are more dangerous than vehicles with combustion engines.

According to both the Allianz evaluation and the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), the fire risk of electric cars is not higher than that of a combustion engine - however, according to the VDA, extinguishing requires more time and more extinguishing agents.


Bosch Autopilot tech in Changan Raeton sedan

                SUZHOU: The Changan Raeton sedan fitted with semi-autonomous Autopilot driving technology from Bosch was among the highlights at the 2nd Bosch China Automotive Innovation Day, held in November 2016 in Suzhou.

The event, held by Bosch every two years, is the company’s largest technology experience in Asia-Pacific.

Media guests and business associates at the event eagerly booked slots to experience the semi-autonomous Autopilot driving technology in the 1.8-litre turbocharged Changan Raeton on the roads of the Suzhou Industrial Park.

The Raeton was fitted with Highway Assist technology from Bosch, which includes five mid-range radar sensors and a smart camera.

The semi-autonomous Autopilot can function at speeds of up to 130kph, and automatic lane change via voice command (where Bosch systems will check for objects in the targetted adjacent lane before making the lane change).

When it comes to automation, Bosch established one of its core businesses – the driver assistance systems business unit – in China four years ago.

It has also started focusing on valet parking and connected parking technologies in China, which will make parking easier and less time consuming in big cities with limited parking spaces and increasing car population.

 Bosch Highway Assist.

As to electrification, Bosch believes that electric vehicles will be a future trend, but traditional internal combustion engines will still be important.

The company aims to lower the fuel consumption of traditional internal combustion engines by as much as 30 percent.

Hybrid technologies will also become a solution in the transition from traditional engines to electric motors.

Bosch is also attaching strategic importance to other three strategic sectors: two-wheelers, commercial vehicles and off-road (CVO) and mobility services.

The newly established “Commercial Vehicles and Off-Road” unit is applying connectivity, automation, and electrification to commercial vehicles to improve the overall efficiency and safety of the logistics ecosystem.

Worldwide sales in this segment are expected to double in the next 10 years.


2023 Mercedes-AMG SL 43 equipped with F1-derived engine tech

                STUTTGART: The 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL 43, a new entry model for the AMG SL roadster, features a electric exhaust gas turbocharger derived directly from Formula 1.

Under the hood of the open-top 2+2-seater is an AMG-enhanced 2.0-litre turbocharged M139 engine featuring an electric exhaust gas turbocharger.

This technology is a direct derivative of the development successfully used by the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team.

The new form of turbocharging guarantees spontaneous throttle response across the entire rpm range to deliver an even more dynamic driving experience.

The turbocharger is operated via the 48-volt electrical system, which also feeds the belt-driven starter-generator (RSG).

As a result, the SL 43 has an output of 375hp at 6,750rpm and a maximum torque of 480Nm at 3,250rpm to 5,000rpm.

Offered only with rear-wheel drive, the 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL 43 roadster's new Formula 1 derived technology is billed as solving the trade-off between a small, responsive turbocharger yielding a lower total output and a large turbocharger capable of high peak power with less responsiveness.

"The electric exhaust gas turbocharger is a fascinating example of the extensive transfer between Formula 1 technology and the development of production vehicles. In implementing this in conjunction with our powerful M139 four-cylinder, we were also able to draw on the enormous wealth of experience of our colleagues at Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains. The technology increases agility and thus driving fun, while at the same time improving the efficiency of the drive system. We are pursuing ambitious goals with a view to our electrified future. Innovative components such as the electric exhaust gas turbocharger help us to achieve this," says Jochen Hermann, chief technical officer of Mercedes‑AMG GmbH.

The second-generation RSG also functions as a mild hybrid in the 48-volt on-board electrical system enabling functions such as gliding and recuperation to maximize efficiency.

The 48-volt technology also increases comfort, as the transitions between the start-stop function and gliding mode function are almost imperceptible.

The M139 engine is positioned longitudinally in the AMG SL 43.

In this exclusively rear-wheel drive model, it is combined with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G transmission (MCT = Multi-Clutch Transmission), in which a wet start-off clutch replaces the torque converter.

This reduces weight and, thanks to its lower inertia, optimizes the response to accelerator pedal input, especially during spurts and load changes.

The elaborately calibrated software ensures extremely short shift times as well as fast multiple downshifts as required.

In addition, the intermediate throttle function in the "Sport" and "Sport+" driving modes delivers an emotionally appealing gearshift experience.


McLaren goes to ultimate lengths to maintain its hypercar standing

                LONDON: Just months after detailing its plans to create a super-fast, super-comfortable three-seater hyper GT car, British supercar builder McLaren has confirmed it's got an even more ferocious car in the pipeline.

The new car — internally codenamed the P15 — will be officially unveiled in the first quarter of 2018, so expect to see it gracing the company's stand at next year's Geneva Motor Show. And when it does make its initial appearance, it is expected to pick up the mantle of the McLaren P1, in terms of speed, handling capabilities and, of course, exclusivity.

The P1, already five years old, was one of the holy trinity of hybrid hypercars, lining up alongside the Porsche 918 Spyder and Ferrari LaFerrari and representing the limits of mechanical possibility when mating a hybrid system to a traditional gasoline engine.

The P1 channelled all of McLaren's Formula 1 know-how into a track car that was 100% street legal and capable of hitting 350kph and of generating 600kg of downforce. Thanks to the combination of a 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 and a lightweight electric motor used to capture and re-channel energy otherwise lost through braking, the car could accelerate from 0-100kph in 2.8 seconds, from 0-200kph in 6.8 seconds and from standstill to 300kph in 16.5 seconds. But what was more, it could also travel for 16km on battery power alone, making it as environmentally responsible as a Toyota Prius.

And the new car promises to better every single one of those vital performance statistics. What's more, we've already had a taste of the potential new powerplant in the recently launched McLaren 720S which has a 4-litre, rather than a 3.8-litre twin turbocharged engine calling the shots.

As well as performance, McLaren isn't yet giving away the car's potential retail price nor how many examples are planned, though it is fair to say that production will be capped at below 400 examples. However, McLaren on Wednesday did say that the only way you're going to get your hands on one is at an auction, as every planned example has been pre-sold.


Reality check: Early car booking doesn’t mean no SST

Toyota cars being delivered to a showroom in Petaling Jaya.
PETALING JAYA: Car buyers seeking to capitalise on the tax holiday, ahead of the introduction of the Sales and Service Tax, may have to pay the tax if their cars are delivered after Sept 1.

Car manufacturers are not able to meet the demand in time following a spike in bookings. The long waiting list for new cars will see the delivery of some cars taking place only after the SST has been introduced.

Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) president Datuk Aishah Ahmad said customers who would benefit were those who could get their new cars registered within the tax holiday period.

“But if the vehicle is delivered and registered after Sept 1, then buyers will have to pay a higher amount for the car because of SST.

“We only knew about GST being zero-rated in May, and there’s no way you can increase or request for production to come in or get your vendors to do more.

“We can only sell what is in stock or is already in the pipeline. We cannot get more than that, because of this lead-time period,” she said at a media briefing yesterday.

Demand for cars soared following the zero-rating of the Goods and Services tax (GST) by the new Pakatan Harapan government. It began on June 1.

The tax holiday saw many automobile companies announce zero-rated GST prices that brought down the price of cars.

A bottleneck has also surged in loan applications with several banks unable to process the loans on time.

Representatives from Honda and Toyota, who were at the briefing, said the waiting list for vehicles ranged from two to three months.

“If you order your car now, you won’t get it next month. Beyond September, it will come with SST pricing,” said MAA manufacturing vice-president Roslan Abdullah, who is also Honda Malaysia president and chief operating officer.

UMW Toyota Motor president Ravindran K. concurred that the waiting list of its Toyota models, on average, ranged between two and three months.

Total vehicle sales increased 28% to 64,502 units last month compared with 50,273 a year earlier, bolstered also by Hari Raya-related campaigns and promotions.

The surge in sales would, however, not last. MAA expects the huge demand for new vehicles to come to a halt once the SST kicks in.

As such, the MAA has revised downwards its 2018 total vehicle sales to 585,000 units from 590,000 previously.

Aishah said car prices could rise post-SST, adding that it was still early to determine what the quantum would be.

“It will depend on model-to-model,” she said. “Also, we are still waiting for the technical details; that is whether it will be the same as what was imposed previously.”


How to beat the rust bug and keep brown bubbles at bay

                HAMBURG: Today's cars do not suffer much from rust but anyone who owns a vehicle more than ten years old or one regarded as a classic will know all about the perils of the iron worm.

Brown rust bubbles at the bottom of doors, scratches and minor dents that have turned brown and ominous stains around the wheelarches...

All these are tell-tale signs that oxidation, the term used to describe the chemical breakdown of metal, has started. If left unattended, rust can eat holes in the bodywork within the space of a few years.

Rust preys on all iron-based metals but it can be kept at bay. The best tip is to be vigilant, say experts.

"Owners who take a regular look at some of the nether and darker regions of their cars and who pay attention to them can avoid rust," says Marius Brune. He runs the Classic Data database, which keeps track of the prices being paid for cherished cars.

"A lot of people just clean their cars on the surface, buffing up the chrome and paint to give them a sheen," says Brune. "It's more important to look underneath and make sure the car is clean there too."

The important areas to watch are the underside of the car and the inside rim of the wheelarches where mud and grime often collect.

"Older cars are not fitted with protective inner wheel arches, with the result that dirt thrown up from the road by the tyres finds its way into all the nooks and crannies such as headlamp recesses," says Brune.

A high-pressure water jet can be used to flush out these rust traps, a job which should be carried out at least once a year.

Goetz Knopp, who heads a classic car club based in Germany, recommends giving older cars the complete anti-rust treatment.

"Rust can be converted using a chemical treatment or else sandblasted to reveal the sound metal underneath, provided the holes are not too large," said Knopp.

A rust converter will turn iron oxide into a more stable form such as iron tannate and most leave behind a black sheen. Before application the surface must be cleaned to remove loose rust and soiling. A wire brush can be used for the work.

If all else fails the rusted sections must be mechanically cut out and new metal welded in. This is a job best left to professionals.

Frank Meyer, who works for the German Autobild Klassik magazine which caters for the owners of cherished cars, has another tip: Check the window surround and sunroof rubbers. These become porous over time and water finds its way into unseen bodywork crevices. If not spotted in time rust here can spread and cause significant - and expensive - damage.

An even more thorough look can be gained by using an endoscope or a powerful LED lamp narrow enough to be able to throw light into the hollow parts of panels.

"Hollow panels have small drainage holes so that the water and condensation can escape. If the holes are blocked with dirt this cannot happen," says Meyer, who recommends using thin wire to poke free the blocked holes.

To get a really good look at the underside of a car, the surfaces must be free of contaminants such as dirt, oil and grease. Various methods are available to do this, including a dry ice treatment which leeches off the dirt leaving a finish similar to that obtained by sand-blasting.

Both methods are best left to experts who know which areas to treat and which to leave well alone. For a less abrasive clean a blasting of fine plastic beads will remove surface residue without causing collateral damage.

If a cherished vehicle is used as a second or fun-day car there is no better way to protect it than by restricting its use in harsh, wet climates.

The salt used to dissolve ice and snow on roads in countries with snowy winters is highly corrosive. It will attack any unprotected metal surface and continue to take its toll even when the car is parked in a ventilated garage.

Experts advise owners to regularly take the car through a car wash that has an under-spray function. This will reduce the chances that salt and salt water adhere to the vehicle and start to corrode. — dpa


PIAM assures quick processing for flood-hit insured

                KUALA LUMPUR: The General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM) has assured flood victims with flood insurance coverage its members are ready to speed up the claims process and payout claims against losses caused by the current flood situation.

"PIAM member companies will process all flood claims so long as flood is an insured peril, regardless of whether a state of emergency is declared or not,” it said in a statement today.

It said member companies are committed to expedite flood claims settlement by reaching out to claimants and prepared to waive claim forms and supporting documents for shorter turnaround times.

"Insurance companies are also prepared to offer special waivers for proof of reinstatement policies, allow application of average on policies that are underinsured and grant waivers on excess applicable on personal line policies,” it said.

However, PIAM advised policyholders to check with their respective insurance companies on the relief measures or waivers they have in place, as it varies from one insurer to another.

While standard motor and fire policies exclude coverage against losses caused by natural catastrophes such as earthquakes, tsunamis and typhoons, PIAM said cover for flood-related loss or damage is optional and can be purchased as an extension to these standard policies.

"All policyholders, both businesses and individuals, located at the flood-stricken areas are therefore advised to check their fire and motor policies to determine whether they are covered for loss or damage resulting from the floods,” it said.


Lamborghini shows one-off SC20 open-top track car

                BOLOGNA: Lamborghini Squadra Corse has unveiled the SC20, an open-top track car type-approved for road use.

The SC20 is the second one-off engineered by the motorsport department and designed by Centro Stile in Sant’Agata Bolognese at the behest of a customer.

The goal was to build a unique vehicle, extreme in its design and performance, and able to combine aerodynamic solutions taken from racing Lamborghinis.

“Two years after the SC18 Alston, the SC20 was a new, intriguing challenge. The chief sources of inspiration were the Diablo VT Roadster, Aventador J, Veneno Roadster and Concept S, and the result is a dramatic combination of creativity and racing attitude,” said Lamborghini Centro Stile design chief Mitja Borkert.

The carbon fibre body of the SC20 is polished and manually slicked down by the Lamborghini aerodynamic engineers to deliver optimal airflow for both performance and the cockpit’s occupants, ensuring comfortable open-air driving even at high speeds.

The pronounced front splitter is framed by two fins and the air intakes on the front hood are inspired by those of the Huracán GT3 EVO, while the sculpted body sides reflect the solutions adopted on the Essenza SCV12. The muscular rear is topped by a large carbon fibre wing that can be set in three different positions: Low, Medium and High Load.

The SC20 features exclusive details starting from the body colours on a Bianco Fu (white) base, created for the customer, on which the Blu Cepheus (blue) livery stands out.

The same shade is found in the interior, alternating with Nero Cosmus (black) and Bianco Leda (white).

The most significant element of the passenger compartment is the visible carbon fibre used for the dashboard cover, rear wall, door panels, center console and steering wheel trim, in addition to the monocoque.

Carbon fibre is also used for the shells of the seats upholstered in Alcantara and leather.

The door handles on the other hand, are machined from solid aluminum. Lastly, the air vents are created using 3D printing technology at the Sant’Agata Bolognese factory.

Its engine is based on Lamborghini’s flagship V12: the 6,498 cm3 aspirated 12-cylinder that delivers 759hp at 8,500 rpm and develops 720Nm of torque at 6,750rpm.

It is managed through a seven-speed Independent Shifting Rod (ISR) gearbox. The power is sent to the ground by the four-wheel drive system with central electronic differential, and the Pirelli PZero Corsa tyres are mounted on single-nut aluminum rims, 20 inches in front and 21 inches at the rear.


World premiere of Mercedes-Benz EQV

                STUTTGART: The newest member of the Mercedes EQ family combines emissions-free mobility with impressive driving abilities, high functionality and aesthetic design as the first fully-electric premium MPV from Mercedes-Benz.

The Mercedes-Benz EQV will be displayed to the public for the first time at this year's IAA (Sept 12 to 22, 2019).

The technical highlights include a range of 405km and the rapid charging of the high-voltage battery from 10 to 80% in less than an hour.

The Mercedes-Benz EQV also offers ultimate comfort in the interior and unparalleled flexibility. Customers can also choose between two different wheel bases.

"Our MPVs meet the highest standards in terms of functionality and variability. The EQV also does not compromise in this respect. It offers comfortable handling, dynamic electro-aesthetics, intuitive operation and generous space – and all locally emissions-free.

"This means that it offers all of the typical qualities of the brand and segment that our customers expect, whether as a family car or a shuttle vehicle with a lounge-like character", says Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans.

The electric drive train (eATS) of the Mercedes-Benz EQV is situated on the front axle under the dynamic front end of the car with a charging connection in the bumper. It has a peak output of 150kW.

The electric motor, the transmission with a fixed gear ratio, the cooling system and the power electronics constitute a highly integrated, compact unit. The power is provided by a lithium ion battery under the floor of the vehicle.

Its low, central location also has a positive effect on the handling characteristics of the EQV. A top speed of up to 160kph also ensures that you quickly get to where you are going outside an urban environment.

As standard the Mercedes-Benz EQV is equipped with a water-cooled on-board charger (OBC) with a capacity of 11kW, making it suitable for AC charging at home or at public charging stations.

The installation of the battery in the space below the floor means that all of the space is available, with no impact on the interior of the vehicle.

This means that the fully electric MPV from Mercedes-Benz also meets the highest standards in terms of functionality and variability and covers a large number of applications.

In the private sphere, for example, families benefit from a multitude of seating configurations.

Six individual seats, on the other hand, turn the Mercedes-Benz EQV into a representative shuttle vehicle that meets all of the requirements for the high-quality transportation of people with a comfortable and particularly quiet driving experience.

The flexible installation of individual or bench seats also allows the EQV to be converted into a 7- or even an 8-seater.

The refinement of MBUX specifically for EQ is a particular highlight. In the high-resolution, 10-inch media display, the EQ tile in the main menu serves as a central point of access to the specific displays and settings.

These include the charging current, departure time, energy flow and consumption histogram. The media display can also be used to operate the navigation and Mercedes me Charge functions, as well as the driving modes.

One of the strengths of MBUX is its intelligent voice control with natural language comprehension, which is activated by the keyword "Hey Mercedes".

The voice control supports many infotainment functions (e.g. destination input, phone calls, music selection, writing and hearing messages, weather forecast), as well as numerous convenience functions such as climate control/lighting.


VW to speed up electric vehicle transition, says new CEO

                BERLIN: Volkswagen will accelerate its transition towards electric vehicles, but needs to find the right "rhythm" as it makes the shift, new chief executive Oliver Blume said at an internal conference today, the first day of his tenure.

At a gathering of global top managers in Lisbon, Blume said he had developed a 10-point plan focusing on topics including financial robustness, sustainability, the capital market, and development in China and North America.

"I am a fan of e-mobility and I stand by this path ... we will keep the current pace and, where possible, increase it," Blume said.

Volkswagen aims to overtake Tesla (TSLA.O) as the world's largest electric vehicle maker by 2025 and for half its global vehicle sales to be battery-electric by 2030. read more

Blume, CEO of Porsche since 2015, is an advocate for synthetic fuels, raising questions upon his appointment to the helm of the Group over whether he would water down the strong focus of former boss Herbert Diess on battery-electric vehicles.

Still, the new chief said in an interview with local newspaper Braunschweiger Zeitung today that e-fuels remained "primarily a topic for Porsche".

Volkswagen must find the right rhythm for a stable transformation by defining and following through on a clear strategy, he added in his speech in Lisbon, which was peppered with references to the importance of teamwork and collaboration.

Sources have said Blume was chosen in part because he is seen as a calmer and more consensus driven leader than his predecessor, who was known for radical shifts in strategy and a single-minded approach, which at times angered the carmaker's powerful workers council.

In an interview with Handelsblatt, the 54-year-old attempted to allay concerns that his dual role as chief of Porsche and Volkswagen would cause problems, pointing out he was giving up 10 of his mandates.

Blume will also take over responsibility for software unit Cariad, which was set up on Diess' watch and is far behind on its goals.

The software unit could be more open towards partnerships, Blume told Handelsblatt, reasoning that if global standards exist, it was inefficient to reinvent the wheel.


Hyundai to pump US$100mil into battery startup

Image grab of a lightweight compact battery (left) that SES is working on. — Image source from BBC via SES
SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Co has invested about US$100 million (RM417mil) to buy a stake in a lithium metal battery startup, Yonhap news agency reported on Sunday, citing industry sources.

"As we have been investing in various companies related to electrification, our investment in SolidEnergy is part of that," an official at Hyundai Motor told Yonhap.

Founded in 2012, SolidEnergy Systems (SES), which was spun off from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, develops anode-free lithium metal batteries.

SES shareholders include General Motors Co, SK Inc, Tianqi Lithium Corp among others, according to the company's website.

In April, Hyundai said during its earnings call that the company had been developing solid-state batteries and planned to mass produce electric vehicles (EV) using such batteries in 2030.

Hyundai currently sources its batteries for its EVs from SK Innovation Co Ltd and LG Chem Ltd's wholly-owned LG Energy Solution.

In March, General Motors announced a partnership with SES to boost its battery development, allowing for increased electric vehicle driving range in a smaller package.

Hyundai did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.


Millennium Welt opens new BMW Motorrad dealership in Kuantan

                KUANTAN: BMW Motorrad Malaysia and Millennium Welt has opened a new BMW Motorrad showroom at its existing showroom facility in Kuantan.

Harald Hoelzl, managing director of BMW Group Malaysia said, “The East Coast region presents great growth potential for the BMW Motorrad brand and Millennium Welt is a key partner in the Group’s effort to stengthen its position in the region. With over 800 units of motorcycles already delivered year-to-date, an increase of over 24% compared to the same period last year, we are on track to achieve better performance by the end of the year.”

Last year’s global deliveries across the BMW Motorrad range increased by 13.2%, with a total of 164,153 units delivered worldwide.

The growth was reflected in Malaysia, with 1,052 motorcycles delivered, charting a 5% increase in sales performance compared to the previous year.

On the unique appeal of BMW Motorrad to riders in the region, Owen Riley, head of BMW Motorrad Malaysia, said, “The East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia offers some of the best terrains and great windy roads that are perfect for motorcycle riding. With a BMW Motorrad motorcycle, it’s never just about getting from one point to another, it’s about Making Life A Ride, seeking that thrill that comes from that unique journey charted by you – and you only.”

Bryan Wong, managing director of Millennium Welt Group of Companies said, “With the opening of the new BMW Motorrad showroom, we are committed to improving our delivery of the premium BMW experience to motorcycle enthusiasts in the region. Since our appointment as the brand’s representative in July, we have had the privilege of witnessing and supporting many customers Make Life A Ride, through not only their passion for riding but also their zest for life, which only motivate us to continue serving our customers better.”

In addition to BMW Motorrad, Millennium Welt Kuantan offers a range of products and services including BMW models and MINI Service.

The dealership operates from a 28,000 sq ft showroom facility, capable of displaying up to eight BMW Motorrad motorcycles and five BMW vehicles.

The showroom is located at 32, Jalan Teluk Sisek, 25000 Kuantan, Pahang.


Tesla, others prepare Shanghai factory restarts as city aims to ease lockdown

The Tesla plant in Shanghai. — Reuters
SHANGHAI: Manufacturers including Tesla began preparing to reopen their Shanghai factories today, as the city accelerated efforts to exit a Covid-19 lockdown that has forced most businesses in China's economic hub to shut for nearly three weeks.

Tesla has recalled workers to its factory to prepare for the restart, two sources told Reuters.

They added that while the US automaker had initially intended to resume one production shift today it was now looking to do so on Tuesday. One of the sources said one reason was because a supplier was facing issues with logistics.

Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

SAIC Motor, the Chinese partner of Volkswagen and General Motors, said it would start stress-testing its production resumption plans today.

Meanwhile, Shanghai aims to stop the spread of Covid-19 outside of quarantined areas by Wednesday, Reuters cited sources as saying on Sunday, which would allow a further easing of its lockdown. It is stepping up testing and the transfer of positive cases and their close contacts to isolation centres to meet that target.

The lockdown has ground business to a halt in China's most populous city, while wider curbs are rattling global supply chains and taking a mounting toll on the world's second-largest economy during a key year for President Xi Jinping, who is expected to secure a third leadership term in the autumn.

Lockdown-weary residents are bristling over hardships that for many include difficulties securing food as well as lost incomes, separated families and poor conditions at quarantine centres.

While Shanghai had previously said companies could stay open if they managed to isolate their workers on site through "closed loop management", that has proven onerous for many including Tesla and Volkswagen, which shut their plants on April 1.

And even if workers were willing to stay on site, procuring supplies has become difficult after cities near Shanghai implemented their own Covid-19 curbs and as truck transportation has been severely disrupted.

White list

China's industry regulator stepped in on Friday, publishing a "white list" of 666 firms mainly in Shanghai's semiconductor, auto and medical supply sectors that it prioritised for ongoing operations.

An employee at a company on the list, who did not want to be identified as she is not authorised to speak publicly, was told by her employer that she could apply for a permit to drive to work or be picked up from home.

Other companies that are preparing to reopen include biotechnology firm Shanghai Raas Blood Products Co Ltd and a unit of Shanghai Pharmaceuticals, the state-backed Shanghai Securities News reported today.

Companies applying to resume work must stock up on medical supplies and also establish closed loops for workers who must live at the workplace or be limited to travelling between work and home, according to guidance issued on Saturday.

Zero-Covid goal

Shanghai is under pressure to deliver on China's Covid-19 elimination strategy, which largely kept the coronavirus at bay for the last two years but is increasingly challenged by the highly infectious Omicron variant.

On Monday, Wu Qianyu, an official from the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission, said the city would kick off a new round of daily PCR and antigen tests for residents in "sealed" and "controlled" areas from today to Thursday.

"We hope that the majority of our citizens will continue to cooperate as always," she said at a news conference today.

"So we can stop the spread of the virus, achieve the goal of zero-Covid at community level as soon as possible, and allow normal production and life to resume."

Shanghai has carried out more than 200 million PCR tests since March 10, when the city's cases started surging, state media said.

Of 21,395 new local infections Shanghai reported for Sunday, 561 were found outside quarantine areas, down from 722 on Saturday, the third consecutive decline.

Shanghai also reported that three people infected with Covid-19 died on Sunday, the first time during the current outbreak that it reported deaths among coronavirus patients.

The patients, two women and a man who were aged between 89 and 91 years, suffered from underlying health conditions such as coronary heart disease, diabetes and hypertension, the city said.


Even if you're car-sharing, check if the tyres are in good shape

                BERLIN: Car-sharing provides plenty of benefits, freeing people from many of the burdens of car ownership — but the condition of the tyres is still one thing you should keep an eye on.

Whether or not the vehicle is inspected regularly, take a moment to check the tyres before taking your trip — after all, you never know what's gone on before you get in, says Germany's transport safety council DVR.

You'll spot damage such as cracks or worn areas from previous journeys right away — but it's still better to take a closer look.

After all, tyres are what connects the car and the road, so they need to be in perfect condition to ensure you're safe. The only way you can be sure is to head to a petrol station and check them, unless the car has a function displaying the tyre pressure.

If you want to check yourself whether the tread is in good shape, grab a 1-euro coin. If the golden edge disappears in the tread, it still has at least 3mm left, which is way more than the legal requirement of 1.6 and ideal for summer tyres, says the DVR. (In the Malaysian context, insert a 20-sen coin in the tyre groove; the tyre still have usable tread depth if the "sen" word isn't visible)

Do check the spare wheel or puncture repair kit too. If you find anything's wrong, contact the car-sharing company and maybe ask for a different vehicle if you're concerned. Better safe than sorry.

READ MORE:
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Australia to target vehicle emissions to boost EV supply

                SYDNEY: Australia's government said it plans to introduce new regulations targeting vehicle carbon emissions to boost the uptake of electric cars, as it looks to catch up with other developed economies.

Just 2% of cars sold in Australia are electric compared with 15% in Britain and 17% in Europe, and the country risked becoming a dumping ground for vehicles that can't be sold elsewhere, Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said on Friday.

Apart from Russia, Australia is the only OECD country to either not have or be developing fuel efficiency standards, which encourage manufacturers to supply more electric and no-emission vehicles, he said.

"To me, this is ultimately about choice. And policy settings are denying Australians real choice of good, affordable, no emissions cars," Bowen told an electric vehicle summit in Canberra.

The government will release a discussion paper for consultation in September, with a focus on increasing EV uptake, improving affordability, and looking at options for fuel efficiency standards.

Currently, just eight EV models priced under A$60,000 (RM185,000) are available to choose from in Australia, compared with 26 in Britain, Bowen said.

"Australia risks becoming a dumping ground for older technology which can't be sold in other markets," he said.

Dirty vehicles

The move on emissions follows the May election victory of the centre-left Labor government led by Anthony Albanese, which campaigned on a promise of climate policy reforms that would bring the country in line with other developed economies.

Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison said in 2019 that policies to reduce vehicle emissions would "end the weekend", while other critics say EV vehicles would remove popular utility vehicles, or Utes, used by builders and farmers.

"The time for cheap politics, for saying it will 'end the weekend' or take away Utes is over," Bowen told reporters at a press conference after his speech.

"If you have an electric vehicle, you never need to lift the nozzle at a petrol station ever again," he said.

Albanese has promised tax cuts for electric vehicles, and raised Australia's 2030 target for cutting carbon emissions to a 43% reduction from 2005 levels.

Tesla chair Robyn Denholm, who was on a panel discussion at the summit, said Australia has to catch up with the rest of the world as quickly as possible.

"It isn't just about EVs. Its also about reducing the emissions from petrol vehicles. What we can't accept is the world's dirtiest cars in Australia. That's what we have today and that's increasing," she said.


BMW and Mercedes defer automated driving alliance

                FRANKFURT: Daimler said it has put on hold a development alliance in the area of automated driving between its luxury brand and rival German luxury carmaker BMW.

“Following extensive review, the two companies have arrived at a mutual and amicable agreement to concentrate on their existing development paths, which may also include working with new partners,” Daimler said in a statement.

Daimler said the cooperation, which was announced in 2019, may resume at a later date.