Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur 2023 draws 91,000 visitors

                KUALA LUMPUR: More than 91,000 car enthusiasts swamped the inaugural Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur which was held over three days from June 9-11 at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) here.

The very first Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur covered a total floor space of 130,000sq ft and included exhibitors, an auto styling competition, and a fleet of specially imported show-stopping cars from Japan and tier-1 tuners the likes of Top Secret, Spoon, HKS and Greddy among others.

Envisioned not only as a show but a platform and catalyst for business, Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur also witnessed a great degree of firsts.

This included the sale of Top Secret’s R35 GTR built by the legendary tuner Smoky Nagata to an undisclosed Malaysian buyer; the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) and Fujii Engineering Co Ltd for collaboration in the research and commercialization of electric vehicles; the sale of Nissan Malaysia’s special Tokyo Auto Salon Edition Almera; and the sale of several other privately owned JDM cars.

Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur was a collaboration involving MUSE Group Asia, Element X Strategies, and San Ei Corporation as the rights holder of the Tokyo Auto Salon in Japan.

It was the first time the show is being held in Malaysia and is currently the only satellite show outside of Japan.

In 40 years of the Tokyo Auto Salon being organized, it has grown into one of if not the top-tiered international shows for both enthusiasts and exhibitors.

The show is a prestigious platform for vehicle manufacturers as well as aftermarket accessories and performance parts companies to showcase their latest and most innovative offerings.

On average 1,000 vehicles, more than 500 exhibitors, 4,000 booths and over 300,000 Japanese and international visitors visit the show annually.

Envisioned not only as a show but a platform and catalyst for business, Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur also witnessed a great degree of firsts.

This included the sale of Top Secret’s R35 GTR built by the legendary tuner Smoky Nagata to an undisclosed Malaysian buyer; the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) and Fujii Engineering Co. Ltd for collaboration in the research and commercialization of electric vehicles; the sale of Nissan Malaysia’s special Tokyo Auto Salon Edition Almera; and the sale of several other privately owned JDM cars.

The event was officially opened by the Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.

Among the VIP visitors are Tunku Idris Iskandar Al-haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, Tunku Temenggong Johor; Tunku Abdul Rahman Al-haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, Tunku Panglima Johor; and Tunku Abu Bakar Al-haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, Tunku Putera Johor; Malaysia’s number 1 singer Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza and her husband businessman Datuk Seri Khalid Mohamad Jiwa who is also a huge car enthusiast.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, Tunku Panglima of Johor also had his fully restored Skyline GT-R (R34) Nismo J-Tune on display at the show.

In addition to local and international exhibitors, Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur also featured a beautiful line-up of race queens from Japan and cosplayer singing performances by Rina-Hime and Hayate Konno.

More than 100 locally-modified cars competed in an auto styling competition and the three days welcome the gathering of numerous car clubs.

MUSE Group Asia chief executive officer Riduwan Matni said the show was among the biggest automotive shows held locally in recent years with its visitor count of 91,000.

“This achievement could not have been attained without all your support and dedication. Due to the overwhelming support we received, Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur is seriously contemplating returning for a second edition in 2024 although the original plan is to hold the show once every two years. More details will be announced in due course,” Riduwan said.

Element X Strategies director and chief executive officer Jason Yap said the participation of renowned tuners from Japan and the arrival of specially-tuned and award-winning cars, in addition to the spectacular participation of locally-modified vehicles, has given the show a high degree of prestige worthy of the Tokyo Auto Salon.

“The task now is to progressively make future shows better and even more exciting than the past. Efforts are already underway to ensure this,” said Yap.

Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur also featured a beautiful line-up of race queens from Japan and cosplayer singing performances by Rina-Hime and Hayate Konno.

More than 100 locally-modified cars competed in an auto styling competition and the three days welcome the gathering of numerous car clubs.

The show also gave away the grand prize of two all-expenses-paid trips to the Tokyo Auto Salon in 2024.

For more information, visit www.tokyoautosalonkl.com.


BMW Group ups quality control with new CT scan technology

                MUNICH: BMW Group has introduced computer tomography (CT) into its prototype development, production and analysis processes – a first in the automotive industry.

With this technology, the German carmaker is able to possess better quality control over its full range of vehicles from MINI to Rolls-Royce.

Once the vehicle is in position in the system, the scan itself is performed by four coordinated robots that work in pairs to send X-rays through and across to their counterparts.

The data collected is then put through a specially developed computer program that calculates a multi-layered, three-dimensional image.

This forms the basis for a detailed analysis of the internal workings of the vehicle, offering information on objects as small as 100 micro-metres – approximately the width of a human hair.

Engineers are currently carrying out research to establish how far Artificial Intelligence might be used to evaluate findings.

By processing large amounts of data, the software can learn the many different patterns that occur, link individual items of data, and gradually evaluate findings automatically.

These are then used for detailed examinations of innovations, new materials and bonding technologies.

Until now, vehicles have had to be dismantled for analysis, but CT allows checks to be carried out with the vehicle completely intact.

The new X-ray system is based in the BMW Group Pilot Plant in the Research & Innovation Centre (FIZ) in Munich, at the intersection between Development and Production.

The degree of detail is required when checking welds and punch screw connections, as well as to verify body condition before and after painting, where extreme temperatures can affect adhesive bonds. Findings from the scan are then used as a basis for making targeted modifications to series production.

"We can now analyse our prototypes in minute detail without having to dismantle them first. The new system allows us to examine our vehicles in a way that wouldn't be possible with conventional, static computer tomography systems. Ultimately, this will enable us to integrate new technologies into a series vehicles even faster,” said head of production integration and pilot plant Udo Hänle.

BMW Group engineers and the Fraunhofer Development Centre for X-Ray Technology (EZRT) spent two years developing the new system, which is the only one of its kind in the automotive industry.

“Working with X-ray specialists and plant engineers, we were able to enhance the software of the test system with the help of comprehensive test measurements carried out on the vehicle body,” said BMW Group project manager Philipp Janello.

The result is a customised system that meets the requirements of the BMW Group.

“The use of this state-of-the-art computer tomography system is a major step forward for us as it will help us to improve the quality of our products even further.

Michael Koch, head of Material and Process Analysis, adds: “We've been using CT and X-ray scans to check vehicle parts for many years, but this latest system takes quality assurance to an entirely new level. We can now analyse our vehicles right down to micro-metre level.”


Toyota Eco Youth is back with 2022/2023 edition

                SHAH ALAM: In partnership with the Education Ministry and MAD Movement (formerly known as Leaderonomics Community), UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) today launched the Toyota Eco Youth (TEY) 2022/2023 edition with the theme ‘Championing Mobility’, marking another year 16 schools will participate in developing sustainable solutions for communities.

The TEY sustainability programme aims to instil good environmental habits among the youth and develop them as future caretakers of our planet.

“We at UMW Toyota Motor are continuously working towards realising our goal of zero CO2 emissions by 2050 as part of a more sustainable future. This effort extends beyond just our company as we engage students and teachers through the Toyota Eco Youth programme to develop young minds to think consciously about the people and planet,” said UMW Toyota Motor president Ravindran K.

The 2022/2023 edition of the TEY program will see 16 teams develop sustainable solutions in four areas – C.A.S.E. (Clothing, Apps, Smart Tools and Eco-Friendly Vehicles) with a focus on ‘Mobility For All’ to create a positive impact on society through new mobility services in line with Toyota's Global Vision.

Students will undergo comprehensive training and be equipped with basic project management skills using Toyota’s Problem Solving Methodology.

They will also receive intensive prototype development training known as 'TEY Makerspace Facilities’ at the Prototype Centre Me.reka in Publika to learn the necessary skills required to develop their solutions and champion mobility.

Besides excellent exposure to developing sustainable solutions with guidance from experts, participants of TEY stand a chance to win cash from a prize pool of up to RM71,500.

Open to secondary school students, the TEY programme first began in 2001 as a major component of the environmental pillar under UMWT’s annual Corporate Social Responsibility programme and the ‘Toyota Problem Solving’ approach was introduced the following year.

In 2021, a brand new TEY programme was launched incorporating a fully virtual programmeto benefit students nationwide during the pandemic and since then, the TEY programme has been held in both physical and virtual formats, inclusive of training and ceremonial events.

Since the commencement of the TEY programme 21 years ago, a total of 274 schools and close to 3,000 students, principals and teachers nationwide have participated with an estimated RM 7 million spent to organise the programme and raise the bar on sustainability efforts among the younger generation.

For details, visit https://toyota.com.my/toyotaecoyouth/


Honda Civic e:HEV RS: Frugal yet powerful

                We had a positive impression of the Honda Civic e:HEV 2.0L RS during the media preview late last year at the Sepang International Circuit and this was further enhanced in the recent drive from the Klang Valley to Desaru, Johor and back.

In October, we were blown away by Honda’s application of the hybrid engine technology in the Civic e:HEV’s strong standing acceleration performance against a 1.5-litre turbocharged Civic RS.

The Kuala Lumpur-Desaru drive gave us a greater insight into the Civic e:HEV’s overall performance as a sedan for long-distance and urban drives, and we came away fully impressed.

As a recap of Honda's hybrid system that grew out of its intelligent Multi-Mode drive (i-MMD ) concept, Honda has approached it in a novel way.

Instead of the original hybrid operation in which electric power was applied to help the engine in acceleration – standing and moving – the Honda hybrid system we first experienced in the new HR-V and subsequently the Civic e:HEV works the other way round.

Car propulsion is mainly by electric power and the Atkinson Cycle engine serves to charge the battery that the electric motor draws electricity from to move the car.

The difference between the HR-V and Civic e:HEV is the engine displacement; 1.5-litre for the former to 2.0-litre for the latter and that made a lot of difference.

Somehow, with the bigger displacement engine, Honda did away with the engine whine when it revs up to charge the battery and this made for a much quieter drive to measure up to its electric vehicle (EV) status.

The engine only drove the car when the engine management system detected that we were cruising on the highway.

Honda calls the transmission an electric continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) and here again, the keyword is electronic.

In actual operation, the electric motor and engine engage the differentials directly to power the front wheels but Honda has come up with stepped-up gears, complete with engine sound to match.

This audible revving of the engine as if it was going through the ‘gears’ added a sporty note that made the drive more exciting.

Honda Malaysia arranged for the media to participate in a fuel economy run from KL to our lunch stop in Malacca, a distance of 160km over a given time of 150 minutes.

The average mileage was based on that computed by the engine management system (indicated on the car’s instrument panel) and we tried our best to get the best possible mileage within the allotted time.

The route covered largely highway driving with urban stretches in KL and Malacca; although we clocked a high of 29.1km/l, we eventually finished with 27.8km/l which was still impressive.

Under normal driving conditions, which included highway driving in the rain for most of the journey from Desaru to KL and many stretches of heavy traffic flow that had us crawling along, the average mileage was above 15km/l (the claimed mileage is 25km/l but that is best achieved in urban driving when electric power is mainly applied).

Nevertheless, that remained pretty good for a 2.0-litre engine that came into play while cruising and charged the battery during acceleration and slow speed drives.

In fact, we continued to be impressed with the car’s electric acceleration as we could feel the 315Nm the moment we hit the throttle to gain speed very quickly (the Civic e:HEV does the 0-100kph sprint in 7.9 seconds); the electric motor delivers 184PS.

In performance, the Civic e:HEV RS could easily rival the Civic 1.5L turbo while providing good fuel economy, especially in the urban driving environment.

It was also a comfortable sedan to travel in, as a driver as well as a rear seat passenger; as the latter we enjoyed good legroom and headroom, thanks to the longer wheelbase of 2,735mm over the previous Civic.

And though the road was mostly wet, the Civic e-HEV stable dynamic strength allowed us to take the sweepers and tight bends with good confidence at pretty good speeds.

The Civic e:HEV, like the Civic 1.5L RS turbo, runs on Michelin Pilot Sport 235/40 ZR18 tyres, while it is independently sprung all-round with MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link set-up at the rear.

It is priced at RM166,500 on the road without insurance, which seems reasonable for a car with its high level of features and performance.

Honda Malaysia managing director and CEO Hironobu Yoshimura says Honda customers were warming up to models with e:HEV technology such as the RS variants of the City, City Hatchback and HR-V.

"In 2022, the City e:HEV RS has contributed 5% to its respective model’s sales, followed by the City Hatchback e:HEV RS at 8% and the HR-V e:HEV RS at 11% contribution which we believe the e:HEV technology is well accepted in the market," he said.

For the Civic e:HEV RS, since its introduction in October last year, Honda Malaysia has delivered 390 cars to those whom we believed are satisfied customers.


China's Wanxiang to rebrand Fisker as Elux, say sources

                DETROIT: Chinese auto parts maker Wanxiang Group will push back its planned relaunch of the defunct Fisker Karma hybrid sports car until mid-2016 and rebrand Fisker Automotive as Elux, two sources familiar with the plan said Sunday.

Wanxiang, which acquired the assets of California-based Fisker Automotive a year ago in a US bankruptcy auction, had hoped to revive the Karma this year.

The revised version of the Karma will be renamed Elux Karma and the Fisker name will be dropped, said the sources, who asked not to be named because they were not authorised to speak for Wanxiang.

The sources said the revived gasoline-electric car will not be assembled in Finland as earlier planned. Wanxiang has not finalised a production site, the sources said.

Wanxiang plans to price the car from around US$135,000, the sources said, nearly 20 percent higher than the final price of the original Karma, which ceased production in 2012.

Wanxiang did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Fisker Automotive was an early rival of Tesla Motors Inc, but despite the backing of the US government and private investors, the company failed just six years after its 2007 launch.

Fisker Automotive was co-founded by Danish designer Henrik Fisker, who previously created such well-received sports cars as the Aston Martin DB9 and the BMW Z8.

Last fall, Henrik Fisker resurfaced as the designer of a special limited edition of the Ford Mustang, dubbed the Rocket, created for California dealer Galpin Ford.

One of the sources said the revived Fisker car likely would be based heavily on Henrik Fisker's original Karma design.

One question is whether and how much Wanxiang will revise the car's battery pack, which was developed and supplied by another US company, A123 Systems, that went bankrupt and was eventually acquired by Wanxiang.

One of the sources said Wanxiang is spending "millions" to update the car's hardware, much of which dates back seven years, to make it more competitive with newer vehicles introduced in the last several years.


First drive: Bentley Bentayga W12

Carsifu was given a rare opportunity to get behind the wheel of the Bentley Bentayga - an ultra-luxury sports utility vehicle (SUV) that has until recently been declared “the fastest sports utility vehicle in the world”.

After spending a day last week with an SUV costing upwards of RM1.8mil, this writer has become a firm believer that the Bentayga is capable of providing its owner with lavish amounts of luxury and performance.

Under the bonnet lies one of the most unique engines ever made with 6.0 litres of displacement spread over 12 cylinders in a W-configuration and two turbochargers bolted on. The mighty mill is linked to an eight-speed automatic.

That’s not all. The 2.4-tonne behemoth rides on 21-inch wheels wearing special 285/45 Pirelli Scorpion tyres that can deal with the engine’s 600hp and 900Nm of torque - just so it can sprint from 0-100kph in 4.1 seconds before topping out at 301kph (the Lamborghini Urus claims the crown with a 305kph top speed).

Although the Bentayga is fast in a straight line, it can easily handle twisty roads with panache.

As powerful as it is, the SUV also offers plenty of comfort regardless of whether it’s onroad or offroad. The ventilated seats are bolstered and the cabin is well-insulated against noise, vibrations and harshness (NVH).

Performance

With huge power readily on tap, there are only two ways to indulge.

First, by slowly sipping and savouring all of its 600hp and 900Nm like a well-aged brandy or down it like a shot of tequila. As big as it is with about 2.4 tonnes of heft, it’s still capable of launching from 0-100kph in 4.1 seconds, thanks to the 900Nm of torque that’s readily accessible from a lowly 1,350rpm. It’s 600hp, on the other hand, peaks from 5,000 to 6,000rpm.

The combination means that power delivery is instantaneous and the driver will find it hard to resist the urge to floor the throttle just to feel G-forces pinning him into the seat. Indeed, this SUV feels nimble for its size.

Ride & handling

New owners need to be forewarned that this SUV can be a beast when the throttle is floored and yet can be docile when cruising around town or along the highway (where cylinder de-activation may kick in).

Overall, the Bentayga is a bundle of joy to drive over uneven road surfaces.

There’s little to complain about from within the well-insulated cabin when heading along the uphill section of Jalan Maarof in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.

When pushed to the limits, the Bentley provides copious grip.

There were instances where understeer tried to rear its ugly head in over-enthusiastic driving around twisty corners but this was easily corrected by a dab on the brake pedal.

Exterior

The Bentayga’s looks is subjective to the eye of the beholder. It’s still identifiable as its stablemates from Crewe. The front end sports the trademark Bentley grille and a four-lamp cluster. The LED headlights integrate signal and daytime-running lights with the Bentley name inscribed.

Frankly, it took me a while to get used to the SUV after seeing it in person for the first time at its regional launch in Singapore last year.

The Bentayga starts showing its sporty side in profile. The slightly flared wheel arches seem to almost swallow the already large 21-inch wheels. The shoulder line interestingly starts from the top corners of the front grille, continue on the lower tier of the bonnet, and reaches to the middle of the rear door before fading away.

Another crease runs at an upward angle towards the rear end of the chromed section along the SUV’s lower flanks before levelling out just under the rear door’s windows and then extending itself all the way to the rear end to emphasise its muscularity.

Interior

The cabin looks extremely inviting with its combination of Camel and Beluga leather.

Complete with polished Dark Stained Burr Walnut veneer, elegance and sophistication are abundant. The fit and finish are impeccable and the seats are far more comfortable than perceived.

Although I am 175cm-tall, headroom is ample all around. There’s also plenty of shoulder room and knee room across the two rows.

The driver has a commanding view and the back of the head is well-cradled by the soft and cushy headrests.
Those with a keen eye will notice the familiarity of the dials, control stocks, steering wheel, bezel-less rear view mirror and the driver’s window controls that hails from Audi. The top of the dashboard with a centred analogue clock simply shouts Porsche.

This Bentayga features a specially-tuned Naim sound system and rear passengers are treated to headrest-mounted screens that can be detached and used like tablets.

Practicality

The large dial located below the armrest allows its driver to select drive modes.

This luxury SUV has eight driving modes including Sport, B, Comfort, Custom, Sand, Snow, Dirt and Gravel.

Moving further back, the slant of the rear end seems to have limited the boot size to 431 litres, which expands to 1,774 litres with the 60:40-spilt rear seats that can only be folded about 90% of the way down.

A hands-free operation of the tailgate is also included, but proved to be finicky.

When it does work, there’s an Event Seat trimmed in leather and finished with diamond quilting fitted in the boot with a patented sliding and folding mechanism so that the driver and passengers can enjoy the view while being shaded by the tailgate during the day or illuminated by the built-in stage lighting from above at night.

Another option would be to enjoy the night sky’s view from within the vehicle via the retractable panoramic sun roof.

Summary

Although the Bentayga share parts with other cars from within the Volkswagen Group’s family, the posh factor is still high.

The handling is very sporty and performance can be breathtaking. This SUV is up to the task, whether traversing on tarmac or trudging over dirt trails or slopes.

The Bentayga takes luxury and performance in its stride. While the Bentayga cabin is a sanctuary of luxury and calmness, its sheer performance delivers on the fun in all manner of terrain.

It all depends on how heavy or light-footed the driver is.

SPECIFICATIONS

Bentley Bentayga

Engine: 5,950cc, twin-turbo W12
Maximum power: 600bhp from 5,000 to 6,000rpm
Maximum torque: 900Nm from 1,350 to 4,000rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Acceleration (0-100kph): 4.1 seconds
Top speed: 301kph
Fuel consumption (combined): 7.63km per litre.
Fuel tank: 85 litres
Kerb weight: 2,440kg

Features: Airbags, LEDs for front adaptive headlamps with High Beam Assist and rear light cluster, wide oval exhaust tips, chromed matrix-grille, 360-degree camera, reverse camera, underfloor protection, Park Assist, pedestrian warning, reverse traffic warning, adaptive cruise control, heads-up display, night vision, rear event seat, tailgate down lights, powered rear door sun blinds, Bentley dynamic ride system, Naim for Bentley sound system, navigation, rear-
mounted detachable tablets and
handsfree tailgate.
Price: RM1.8mil (including taxes, duties and added options)
Warranty: Three years unlimited mileage.


Man arrested after video showing wheelie stunt with young child goes viral

                JOHOR BARU: A man in his 20s was arrested for doing a wheelie stunt while riding a motorcycle with his daughter sitting in his lap at Taman Impian Emas, Skudai, here.

Johor Baru North OCPD Asst Comm Rupeah Abd Wahid said the suspect had intentionally conducted the act with help from a friend who recorded his action before uploading a video of the stunt to his Facebook page.

“The act was allegedly done at Jalan Bukit Impian 1, Taman Impian Emas.

“The video was recorded using the suspect's own phone before it was uploaded at about 7pm on Feb 15,” she said in a statement here on Thursday.

ACP Rupeah added that a total of three summonses were issued under Section 14, Section 15(1)(A) of the Road and Transport Act 1987 and Section PU(A)043/73-004 for not wearing safety gear.

The case is investigated under Section 42 of the Road and Transport Act 1987 for reckless driving.

Earlier, a 41-second video was uploaded to Facebook showing a man doing a wheelie with a child on his lap.

At the time of writing, the video has gained more than 19,000 views with close to 500 shares.

There are also similar videos on the suspect’s Facebook page showing him performing the same stunt to promote his shop.


CES 2019: Byton reveals 'screen-tastic' M-Byte electric SUV

                LAS VEGAS: It's official: the 48-inch touchscreen display that Byton teased last month made it to the final production model.

A couple weeks ago, Byton released a sneak peek of its first production model of the M-Byte electric SUV, and on Sunday the company showed off the final design at CES 2019, and we got a closer look at all those cockpit touchscreens in action.

The star of the design is definitely the dashboard-length display, the Shared Experience screen, followed by the touchscreen tablet-equipped steering wheel.

According to Byton president and CEO Daniel Kirchert, the massive screen is less distracting than traditional control panels — it doesn't obstruct driver field of vision like the teaser image suggested. Kirchert also claimed that it's easier to glance at information on this massive screen than at the conventionally "small" and low-placed navigation screens.

Not only does this curved display show the information typically placed on control panels like a speedometer and fuel gauge, but it also displays various communication features, exterior surroundings information like the temperature and a rear-view camera view, and driver and passenger biometrics like heart rates. Even the radio and general music control was moved to the dash display.

 The M-Byte.

Byton noted, however, that the display will not support anything that could threaten driver safety such as movie streaming or various other types of distracting multimedia.

In addition to this gigantic display, drivers will have yet another touchscreen at their fingertips right on the steering wheel. This 7-inch display, called the Driver Tablet, is what the driver uses to manage the Shared Experience screen.

Furthermore, centre console was replaced with an 8-inch touchscreen, the Byton Touchpad, which is just another way for the passenger to control the infotainment display.

As if these three touchscreens weren't enough, of course Byton had to also consider the backseat passengers: secured to the back of each front seat are two seat-wide touchscreens equipped with a camera and microphone for the ultimate entertainment experience for riders.

The interface will also be in part controlled by Amazon's Alexa as well as hand gestures, thanks to an infrared camera located on the dash.

Sales will start in China sometime in late 2019 with North American and European sales beginning in 2020. In 2021, a production model of the K-Byte sedan is expected to launch and in 2023, a third Byton model will make an appearance.

https://www.facebook.com/BYTONcars/videos/520208248487370/


Chipmakers in drought-hit Taiwan order water trucks to prepare for 'the worst'

                TAIPEI: Taiwan chipmakers are buying water by the truckload for some of their foundries as the island widens restrictions on water supply amid a drought that could exacerbate a chip supply crunch for the global auto industry.

Some auto makers have already been forced to trim production, and Taiwan had received requests for help to bridge the shortage of auto chips from countries including the United States and Germany.

Taiwan, a key hub in the global technology supply chain for giants such as Apple Inc, will begin on Thursday to further reduce water supply for factories in central and southern cities where major science parks are located.

Water levels in several reservoirs in the island’s central and southern region stand at below 20%, following months of scant rainfall and a rare typhoon-free summer.

“We have planned for the worst,” Taiwan Economy Minister Wang Mei-hua told reporters on Tuesday. “We hope companies can reduce water usage by 7% to 11%.”

With limited rainfall forecast for the months ahead, Taiwan Water Corporation this week said the island has entered the “toughest moment”.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC), the world’s largest contract chipmaker, this week started ordering small amounts of water by the truckload to supply some of its facilities across the island.

“We are making preparations for our future water demand,” TSMC told Reuters, describing the move as a “pressure test”. The chip giant said it has seen no impact on production. Both Vanguard International Semiconductor Corporation and United Microelectronics Corp signed contracts with water trucks and said there was no impact on production.

Vanguard said it has started a drill to truck water to its facilities in the northern city of Hsinchu.

Taiwanese technology companies have long complained about a chronic water shortage, which became more acute after factories expanded production following a Sino-US trade war.


How dashcams can be used to analyse road conditions in real time

                SALT LAKE CITY (Utah, USA): American startup Blyncsy will use billions of images collected by Nexar dashcams in use in the United States in order to identify and locate possible problems to be solved on the roadways.

The idea is to report these issues to the right authorities responsible for their maintenance.

Utah-based Blyncsy has decided to partner with Nexar to collect as much data as possible through dashcams in order to report faults and damage such as damaged asphalt and faded road markings.

The deterioration of the road surface can be a source of various problems. As well as increasing the risk of accidents, it can also slow down driving speeds, leading to traffic jams and higher CO2 emissions into the atmosphere.

The images captured by dashcams will be used to pinpoint problems in real time and alert local authorities so that they can remedy them as quickly as possible.

The "Payver" technology, developed by Blyncsy, analyses all these images, applying machine learning models. Over time, this tool should become more and more efficient.

The goal of this partnership is to raise awareness among various government agencies about the state of their infrastructure. Rather than relying on roadside sensors or cameras — which are costly and complex to maintain — Blyncsy intends to use resources that are already in circulation across the country.

This is a particularly ambitious project, given that the United States has over four million kilometres of public roads.

Still, monitoring roadways may be just the first step. In the future, this type of technology could also be used to map the exact location of every stop sign, traffic light and curb in order to train future autonomous vehicles.


What is it like to watch a film at KL drive-in cinema: A Star writer's tells it like it is

The writer's view of the LED screen, parked at the last row of M-Junction drive-in cinema at Matic, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. — The Star/KENNETH CHAW
KUALA LUMPUR: The idea of watching a movie in a traditional cinema may not be something you’re entirely comfortable with yet, what with Covid-19 cases in Malaysia back on the rise.

But there’s a new cinematic experience in town, where, get this - not once did I need to step out of my car throughout the entire experience.

It’s called a drive-in cinema, where movie buffs simply drive to a parking lot, turn off their engines and watch a movie through an outdoor LED screen.

They’ve cropped up all around the world since the pandemic hit, and for the first time in Kuala Lumpur, the experience can now be enjoyed at M-Junction drive-in cinema at Matic, Jalan Ampang.

 Each car gets its own speaker to ensure quality audio.

On July 29, members of the media were the first to try out this unconventional cinema. It officially opens on July 30.Each car gets its own speaker to ensure quality audio.

The experience begins even before arriving at the venue. Tickets, food and snacks can be bought solely online via mjunction.my. Confirmed bookings are then given a QR code.

At the entrance, moviegoers (a maximum of two in a car) must present the QR code and undergo a temperature check.

I was then directed to my parking space, which (except for priority front row parking) is given out on a first-come, first-served basis.

Here’s a tip: It’s best to arrive earlier (at least 30 minutes before showtime). I was running a little late and was parked in the final row.

Even so, with four rows of cars ahead of me, I could still see the screen pretty well.

Our movie for the day was the latest action flick, Legacy Of Lies. Its daily roster of movies includes both past and current movies.

 Dinner for two is included in the basic RM99 package.

The most impressive thing about this drive-in cinema was truly the audio quality. Each car is given a speaker and an AUX cable. The volume is adjustable.

Combined with the natural acoustics of a car cabin, the audio turned out crisp and clear. And most importantly, the audio was in sync with the visuals.Two mobile fans are given out to each car as patrons are encouraged to turn off their engines.

Speaking of visuals, the LED screen did a respectable job despite the sky being relatively still bright when the show began at 6.30pm.

However, it was a little hard to see when it came to darker-lit scenes. The visuals are still decent but I couldn’t pick up on certain minute details.

But once night fell, this wasn’t an issue. The 8.30pm slot might be a better option for those who want optimum clarity.

The best feature about a drive-in cinema is, of course, the very reason it was created in the first place – to ensure its patrons’ safety.
 Two mobile fans are given out to each car as patrons are encouraged to turn off their engines.

The cars were parked more than two metres apart from each other (by my estimation) so there’s definitely social distancing at work.

Food and snacks (pre-booked online) were delivered by the ground crew to each car.

And if you encounter any difficulties or would like to leave the screening midway, simply turn on your double signal and a ground crew would come to your aid.

So there’s no need to get out of the car really except of course if you need to use the washroom.

My only gripe is its hefty price tag. Prices start from RM99 per car (includes food for two pax). RM159 for those who want priority front row parking and extra food thrown in.

To truly enjoy the drive-in cinema experience, my advice is to avoid comparing it to a typical cinema experience.

Though I was amazed by the audio quality of the drive-in cinema, obviously, it’s still not on par with the immersive, multi-dimensional sound I’d get from an indoor cinema.

And while your car does provide you with air-conditioning, we’re given two high-powered mobile fans and advised to turn off our engines for the sake of the environment.

The fans are surprisingly strong, but again, nowhere near the pleasantly chilly 16°C air-conditioned environment we're accustomed to. (Here’s another tip: wear light clothing!)

It’s also important to expect the unexpected when it comes to a drive-in cinema. As Malaysian weather is notoriously unpredictable, be prepared for delays in screening or to have your screening rescheduled altogether.

It might seem like quite a list of things to have to give up. But for those wanting to have some semblance of a communal cinema experience while making sure the risk of contracting Covid-19 is relatively low, it’s perhaps the only viable option for the time being. — KENNETH CHAW


Honda reveals Civic Type R pickup truck concept

                LONDON: Until recently, Honda enthusiasts in the United States couldn't buy the Civic Type R because Honda didn't sell the Civic in its hatchback form over there, and the Type R has always been a hatchback-only model.

That's now been rectified as America now has the regular hatch and the Type R. However, Honda has just unveiled a model that would go down a storm on that side of the Atlantic -- a Civic Type R pickup truck.

But before anyone contacts a dealer to enquire about getting on a waiting list for this incredible new vehicle, this is a one-off creation built by a specialist team from the Product Engineering department at the Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) factory in Swindon, England. And less than a year after the launch of the standard road car, the Type R pickup concept has stolen the show at this year's Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) Test Day.

Codenamed "Project P", the Civic Type R Pickup Truck has been created by modifying and developing a standard road car to create what could easily be one of the fastest pickup trucks on British roads.

Project P uses the same powertrain, suspension and gearbox as the Civic Type R road car, so it's estimated it will complete the 0-100kph sprint in less than six seconds and boast a top speed of more than 265kph. It also has the same driving modes of comfort, Sport and +R to deliver impressive ride comfort as well as a unique on-track racing capability.

Unsurprisingly, there are no plans to put the Project P into production. Phil Webb, the head of car at Honda UK, explains: "This Civic Type R Pickup Truck concept by the special team at our Swindon-based plant demonstrates the passion and commitment of the team there – going above and beyond outside working hours to deliver the final product. There are no plans to put this in to production but we will be using it to transport our lawn and garden products as and when required!"


April 29-May 5: Fuel prices unchanged

                PETALING JAYA: The prices of RON97 and RON95 petrol will remain unchanged from April 29 to May 5, says the Finance Ministry.

It said that the retail price for RON97 petrol will remain at RM2.58 per litre.

The price of RON95 petrol and diesel will also remain unchanged at RM2.05 and RM2.15 per litre, respectively.

The weekly fuel pricing mechanism was reintroduced on Jan 5, 2019, under the Automatic Pricing Mechanism.


Daimler Financial Services AG renamed Daimler Mobility AG

                STUTTGART: Daimler Financial Services AG will begin operating under the name of Daimler Mobility AG and act as a provider of services in the field of financing, leasing, insurance and fleet management for the entire Daimler Group.

The Daimler Mobility business division is a strategic investor in mobility services such as FREE NOW, SHARE NOW and Blacklane.

Flexible service offerings like Mercedes-Benz Rent (car rental) and Mercedes me Flexperience (subscription solution) complete the mobility ecosystem.

As part of the approved implementation of the Daimler Group's Project Future, Daimler Mobility AG is one of the three legally autonomous units under the umbrella of Daimler AG, alongside Mercedes-Benz AG and Daimler Truck AG.

Franz Reiner, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler Mobility AG: "We finance mobility. We insure mobility. We develop flexible solutions such as rental and subscription models. And we are an active shareholder in several innovative mobility services. The new name Daimler Mobility AG takes full account of this spectrum. We also offer our customers mobility solutions through joint ventures with partners such as the BMW Group and the Geely Group Company.”

Since the start of the mobility joint ventures in February 2019, the companies established jointly by Daimler AG and the BMW Group have developed very positively.

As of June 30, 2019, more than 75 million people had used the mobility services of the five joint ventures for ride hailing (FREE NOW), car sharing (SHARE NOW), on-demand mobility and multimodality (REACH NOW), parking (PARK NOW) and charging (CHARGE NOW).

By the end of the second quarter, 269 million transactions had been concluded with the services of the YOUR NOW joint-venture companies.


Toyota to restart self-driving e-Palettes with more safety staff

                TOKYO: Toyota said today it would resume operations of its self-driving e-Palette pods at the Tokyo Paralympic Games village with greater operator control and more safety staff to ensure they did not hit any more people.

The e-Palettes were halted after one of the vehicles collided with and injured a visually impaired athlete at a junction last Thursday, prompting a YouTube video apology from Toyota chief executive Akio Toyoda (video in Japanese, adjust settings to auto translate to English).

The vehicle had stopped at a T-junction and was about to turn under manual control of the operator, who was using the vehicle's joystick control, when the vehicle hit the man going at around 1kph or 2kph, Toyoda said.

He said Paralympic officials had told him that the athlete, who remained conscious, was taken to the athlete village medical centre for treatment and was able to walk back to his residence.

The e-Palette, a fully autonomous battery-electric vehicle, was adapted specifically for use during the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, with large doors and electric ramps to allow groups of athletes to board quickly.


Audi adds new twist to shopping made easy

                INGOLSTADT: Here's an oddball idea Audi has come up with. Order something online and get it shipped to your car boot instead of a home or office address.

Audi plans to start a pilot project in Munich where parcels are delivered to the boot of a car but only if it's an Audi.

It is working with DHL Parcel and Amazon to fine-tune the logistics service which will undergo the trial run in May.

The Audi connect easy delivery will operate through temporary authorisation for keyless access to the car’s luggage compartment.

If the Audi owner agrees to the tracking of their automobile for the specific delivery time frame, the DHL driver handling the parcel receives a digital access code for the trunk of the customer’s vehicle. It can be used one time only for a specific period of time and expires as soon as the luggage compartment has been closed again.

Similarly, Audi connect easy delivery customers will also be able to send letters and parcels from their own car in the future.

With this logistics service, Audi said customers would enjoy flexibility in controlling the delivery of their orders. The service also promotes efficiency as it avoids unsuccessful attempts to encounter customers at the specified address and therefore reduces the amount of traffic on the roads.

If the delivery fails, then the customer can collect the package from the nearest DHL store.

“With comprehensive connectivity, we are transforming the car into a service device and integrating it even more closely into the everyday lives of our customers,” says Luca de Meo, Member of the Board of Management for Sales at AUDI AG. “Audi connect easy delivery helps save time and offers more convenience and flexibility – advantages that are increasingly important for the target group of a premium brand.”

While the idea sounds plausible in theory, we reckoned many Audi owners will not want total strangers gaining entry to their expensive rides. And there remained security and privacy concerns as the plan is open to abuse.


Local Motors debuts world’s first 3D-printed car series

                LAS VEGAS: Less than four months after revealing designs for the next-generation 3D-printed car, Local Motors unveiled the LM3D Swim, the latest rapid vehicle iteration leading to a fully homologated 3D-printed vehicle, designed to be safe, smart and sustainable. The disruptive auto manufacturer will begin pre-selling models in spring 2016.

Local Motors, which stunned the automotive industry by live-printing the world’s first 3D-printed car at SEMA last year, is now moving into intensive testing and development phases that will culminate with a road-ready, fully homologated series of cars built using direct digital manufacturing (DDM), of which 3D printing is a part.

Debuting at the SEMA show in Las Vegas this year, the LM3D Swim was designed by Kevin Lo, a Local Motors community member who won the company’s Project Redacted challenge in July. The winning design was chosen by community votes and a judging panel that included former Tonight Show host Jay Leno and SEMA Vice President of Vehicle Technology John Waraniak. That competition was hosted on Local Motors’ co-creation platform, Open IO, with the goal of identifying designs for the next generation of 3D-printed cars.

“In the past few months our engineers have moved from only a rendering to the car you see in front of you today,” Local Motors CEO Jay Rogers told the crowd at SEMA. “We are using the power of DDM to create new vehicles at a pace unparalleled in the auto industry, and we’re thrilled to begin taking orders on 3D-printed cars next year.”

Software developed by Siemens, including Solid Edge, allowed the Local Motors product development team to move quickly from concept to car with the simplicity of direct modeling and flexibility of synchronous technology. SABIC, a world leader in thermoplastic material solutions, provided the materials used to build the body of LM3D Swim.

Cutting-edge technology will be integrated into all models in the LM3D series. Local Motors recently partnered with IBM to create interactions between the microfactory, 3D-printed vehicles, their drivers and the outside environment in ways never achieved before. These technologies will result in increased safety and efficiency in traffic. Local Motors plans to use partners like IBM as well as other leading technology companies to develop and launch a series of apps and vehicle products to connect, monitor and optimize the driving experience.

Local Motors plans to release several new models in the LM3D series throughout 2016 while pursuing federal crash testing and highway certifications. While presales of the cars are expected to begin in spring 2016 with a targeted US$53,000 (RM229,000), manufacturing and delivery of the vehicles are expected in early 2017.

All cars in the LM3D series will be built at a new Local Motors microfactory now under construction in Knoxville, Tennessee, which is slated for completion by the end of 2015.


New study shows potential health benefits of removing cars from cities

                MALMO (Sweden): New Swedish research has provided some indication of how health outcomes could be improved by removing cars from small European cities, finding that up to 4 percent of premature deaths could be avoided each year.

Carried out by researchers at Lund University, Malmö University, and Umeå University, the team used Malmö as a case study for the research, a small city with a population of 326,092 which generally stays below the recommended EU threshold for small particles and nitrogen oxides annually.

As there is clear evidence that the mortality rate is even higher among people living in areas with more polluted air, the new study set out to estimate what would be the health effects of hypothetically decreasing air pollution concentrations in the city by removing polluting exhaust fumes.

The researchers used air pollution data and a Gaussian dispersion model to calculate levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the city. A Gaussian dispersion model is one of the oldest and perhaps most common models for calculating the dispersion of air pollution into the atmosphere.

The team estimated that removing exhaust emissions would result in an average reduction of 5.1µg/m3 in NO2, which would prevent 55-93 premature deaths (2-4% of all cases) each year, 21 new cases of childhood asthma (6% of all cases), 95 cases of childhood bronchitis (10% of all cases), 30 hospitalizations for respiratory diseases, 87 dementia cases (4% of all cases), and 11 cases of preeclampsia (11% of all cases).

An average reduction in PM2.5 of 0.6 µg/m3 would prevent an estimated 2,729 days of sick leave and 16,472 days of reduced activity due to ill health in a year.

The researchers also added that as they have been very cautious in their interpretations, the effects of decreased air pollution would probably be even greater in reality.

"There is a tendency to believe that because we currently meet the environmental quality standards, our work is essentially done," commented one of the study's authors Anna Oudin.

"The limit value is to give EU citizens some protection against high levels of particles, but it does not represent a safe level. There is nothing to suggest that simply being below the limit value would have any health effects — on the contrary, we see negative effects even at levels below the EU value," she adds.

Every year over 400,000 people in Europe die prematurely due to air pollution, with air pollution responsible for one in eight premature deaths worldwide say the researchers.

The results can be found published online in the journal Environmental International with a short summary of the findings also available on YouTube.


JPJ officer facing 660 years in prison

MACC officers bringing in documents before they charged eight individuals from JPJ and one officer from SPAD for bribery at a Sessions Court in Butterworth on Monday.
BUTTERWORTH: A Road Transport Department (JPJ) officer is facing a total of 660 years of imprisonment if found guilty of 33 charges of bribery.

JPJ assistant enforcement officer Muhammad Firdaus Jaafar, 46, claimed trial to the charges at the Sessions Court here yesterday.

Calm and composed as he patiently heard each charge read out to him, he pleaded not guilty to each of the 33 charges of receiving bribes amounting to RM10,950 between 2015 and 2018.

He was charged under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009 which provides for a jail term of up to 20 years, a fine of not less than five times the amount of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher, if found guilty.

During mitigation for bail, his lawyer Ashvinder Kaur said Muhammad Firdaus had been working with JPJ for 25 years.

She added that he was the sole breadwinner for his three school-going children and was also looking after his wife, mother and mother-in-law.

Judge Nizam Zakaria set bail at RM20,000 with one surety.

Former Land Public Transport Commission officer Mohd Noor Fadzny Noordin, who faces 600 years’ imprisonment – if convicted – for 30 counts of bribery amounting to RM14,250, was also granted RM20,000 bail after claiming trial.

Seven other JPJ officers were charged with similar offences yesterday.

They are JPJ officers Katimi Azmi, 35, who is charged with 11 counts of bribery; Khairol Naim Mat Desa, 34, who is charged with 13 counts of bribery; Pirdaus Abd Karim, 34, who is charged with 13 counts of bribery; Mohd Fairdaus Ishak, 35, who is charged with 15 counts of bribery; M. Muniandy, 45, who is charged with 15 counts of bribery; Muhamad Syukri Ishak, 36, who is charged with 16 counts of bribery, and Noorzaimi Effendi Salleh, 36, who is charged with 18 counts of bribery.

The bribes, totalling more than RM136,000, were received between 2015 and 2018.

Bail was set at RM1,000 per charge for each of the remaining seven officers with one surety each.

All nine were told to surrender their passports to the court and July 2 has been set for case management.Earlier, The Star reported that a lorry protection racket involving JPJ personnel had been uncovered after the MACC arrested 24 officers in April.

The bribes were inducement to not take action against lorry companies that committed traffic offences.

The payments were also for tip-offs which companies and drivers received about JPJ operations.

Those who paid the “protection” money would be given special logos to display on their windscreens for JPJ officers to identify them.


SoftBank, Toyota autonomous car venture to launch in South-East Asia next year

A mock of self-driving car e-Palette is displayed at a news conference by Monet Technologies Inc, in Tokyo. — Reuters
TOKYO: The self-driving car joint venture of SoftBank Corp and Toyota Motor plans to begin operating in South-East Asia next year, in its first overseas foray, its chief executive said today.

Monet, which is developing an on-demand self-driving service platform, is planning to export a basic version of the system, said chief executive Junichi Miyakawa.

"Our first step will likely be to South-East Asia, as applications like transportation services in smart cities, or airport shuttle systems," Miyakawa said, adding that Monet could begin introducing such services in 2020.

Monet is the first-ever alliance between Japan's No. 3 telco and its largest automaker. SoftBank Corp, a unit of investment behemoth SoftBank Group Corp, is the largest shareholder in the venture, which was announced last October, with a 40.2% share, while Toyota owns 39.8%.

Honda Motor Co and Toyota's truck making subsidiary Hino Motors took a roughly 10% stake each in the venture in March, and Miyakawa said that it would soon take more investment from the domestic auto industry.

"We're planning to announce an expansion in our stakeholders sometime this month," he said.


Are investors betting on the wrong EV batteries?

                HONG KONG: With all the mushrooming battery technologies, it isn’t easy picking winners. However, the latest bold bet on the next new powerpack looks to have gone awry.

The world’s biggest battery maker, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., or CATL, unveiled the sodium-ion powerpack last year with much fanfare. It had broken past a key hurdle for this variety and said it was building out a supply chain and in talks with carmakers.

The battery held promise. At the time, CATL’s deputy head of research said that while the energy density of its new sodium-ion powerpacks was lower than the reigning lithium-ion, these had other advantages like maintaining their performance in cold weather and charging quickly. Late last month, the company said it planned to start mass producing them next year.

On paper, the cost of materials for these batteries is about 30% lower than the lithium-ion variety.

There’s no risk of fire, either. They charge fast and have longer life cycles. After CATL made the big announcement, other companies followed with their versions along with big-name investors.

Turns out, the reality is a bit different. Sodium-ion powerpacks, having gained traction as a cheaper alternative, aren’t as effective for EVs as previously believed, recent research shows. They have all the trappings of a good EV battery, but they are best used just for backup power or two-wheelers in most cases. In certain formulations, for instance, they can provide high power for short periods, ranging from one minute to 10 minutes. That’s hardly enough for a car.

What’s more, if this battery was to be adapted for electric vehicles, the energy density of its cells would have to increase by at least eight times to get anywhere near what EVs need. To do that would require adding metals like nickel.

The sodium-ion type also needs more components and manufacturing to deliver the same energy, as one battery startup founder told Bloomberg.

A CATL executive has also acknowledged that while raw materials like sodium are cheap at the get-go, the final product doesn’t end up costing less than lithium-ion. That brings us back to the same problem: expensive powerpacks.

Some manufacturers are starting to call out shortcomings, too.

Recently, Guangzhou Tinci Materials Technology Co., the world’s largest maker of electrolytes — the part that allows ions to flow — called these batteries “worthless.”

It pointed to CATL and how the firm hasn’t been able to use these for EVs or large-scale energy storage systems yet.

This is just one example of a promising and hyped battery technology that’s not delivering what firms had committed to at the get-go.

Sodium-ion batteries may well improve in the long-run and be ready for use in green cars to replace lithium-ion, but they aren’t there yet.

With all the incentives and funding now sloshing around, it’s hard to imagine companies and startups holding back from saying too much, too soon to please investors.

So it’s increasingly important for firms and backers to read between the lines and get their head around the science, before making big bets and promises, regardless of how complex the chemistry is.

That’s the only way they can determine what’s going to make a substantial impact, what’s incremental and what’s too far from reality to ever be truly commercially viable.

Without that hard work, we’re not going to see cheaper batteries or EVs, but a heap of fantastical ideas and a lot of money gone to waste.


Gordon Murray Group sets up new arm to sell its services to global automakers

                LONDON: The Gordon Murray Group says it has set up a new Technology Division to drive the future growth of the business.

Professor Gordon Murray, formerly group CEO, has been announced as executive chairman of the business, with responsibility for all product development and design.

His role as group CEO has been filled by Philip Lee who will lead the group’s future growth and financial and commercial performance.

The Gordon Murray Group now spreads across two divisions: Gordon Murray Technology (GMT) and Gordon Murray Automotive.

The new Technology business is made up of Gordon Murray Design, Gordon Murray Electronics and has been incorporated to serve global automotive companies for every aspect of vehicle development, design and manufacturing.

GMT is already developing two advanced all-electric SUVs, one for a major car manufacturer, and is in advanced discussions with global automotive businesses for future projects.

“Gordon Murray Automotive is in a strong position. Our world-beating supercars, the T.50, T.50s track car and recently announced T.33 are already sold out. The T.50, especially, is in the final stages of development and will be in the hands of its first customers soon and there is a lot more exciting news to come," said Murray.

“Despite the success of GMA, our major growth opportunity now lies with Gordon Murray Technology.

"There are innovative projects already in the pipeline and we have plans to further increase our influence on global vehicle development and transformative manufacturing processes with the latest incarnation of iStream.

“People will reconsider what electric vehicles are capable of and I am looking forward to personally overseeing these fascinating projects.”

Both divisions will be headquartered in the group’s £50 million site in Windlesham Surrey, 50km south-west of here.

Development on the project has already started and it will be completed by 2024.


VW to invest €60 billion in e-mobility, digital tech by 2024

                FRANKFURT: Volkswagen will invest €60 billion (RM276bil) by 2024 to develop electric and hybrid cars as well as digital technologies, the multi-brand car and truck-making group said today.

Volkswagen plans to build 75 variants of electric car and around 60 hybrid vehicle models, it said.

By 2029 around 26 million electric cars will be built, of which 20 million vehicles will use VW’s electric MEB vehicle platform, the carmaker said.

Volkswagen plans to retool its plant in Emden, Germany to build an electric sports utility vehicle (SUV) from 2022 onwards, and a decision on where to locate a new factory will be taken by year-end, the carmaker said.


Toyota ordered to pay US$11mil in US trial over fatal crash

                MINNEAPOLIS: A US jury on Tuesday ordered Toyota Motor Corp to pay nearly US$11mil (RM39.2mil) after finding that an accelerator defect in a 1996 Camry was at fault for a 2006 fatal car crash in Minnesota.

Following a three-week trial, jurors in Minnesota federal court deliberated for four days before finding Toyota 60 percent liable for the crash, according to plaintiffs’ lawyers. Koua Fong Lee, the Camry’s driver, was found 40 percent responsible, according to lawyers.

The plaintiffs said that the crash was caused by a defect in the Camry’s accelerator that caused it to become stuck, and the brakes failed to work.

Toyota denied that the car was at fault, and said the driver had been negligent. A spokesman for Toyota, Amanda Rice, said it was weighing its legal options.

The car in the accident was not covered by Toyota's recall of more than 10 million vehicles between 2009 and 2010 over acceleration issues.

The Minnesota trial stemmed from a lawsuit filed on behalf of passengers injured or killed in a 2006 crash in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Lee, who later joined the suit, said he was driving his 1996 Toyota Camry when it inexplicably began to accelerate as he approached other vehicles stopped at an intersection, according to court filings.

The Camry slammed into an Oldsmobile Ciera, killing the driver, Javis Trice-Adams Sr., as well as his nine-year old son, according to the 2010 lawsuit. A six-year old girl who was also in the car was paralysed and later died. Two other passengers were seriously injured, according to the lawsuit.

Lee was charged in connection with the crash and served nearly three years in prison for vehicular homicide, according to his lawyer, Robert Hilliard. In 2010, when reports of unintended acceleration in other Toyota vehicles surfaced, Lee won a motion to set aside his conviction, and he was released from prison.

Bill Markovits, a lawyer for the estate of the 6-year old girl and one of the injured passengers, said that his clients felt vindicated by the jury verdict. A lawyer for other passengers of the Ciera could not immediately be reached for comment.

Hilliard said that while Lee would not be able to regain the years he spent in prison, he was glad that the jury had rejected Toyota’s attempts to lay the blame entirely on him.


Lynk & Co’s sets out to inject 'wow' factor into its HQ

                GOTHENBURG: Lynk & Co today showed off its distinctive headquarters that aims to excite the senses.

With bold, weird, and madly inspired interior spaces it’s designed to get the creative juices flowing.

Lynk & Co likens itself to a rebel of the automotive industry and set out to do things differently.

When entering the brutalist headquarters, you’re immediately struck by the out-of-this-world aesthetics. The crude concrete floor, the dotted centrepiece sofa, the giant smiley face that bursts through the wall. And in the far back – the 01 car. It’s a creative mix of the raw and the elaborate.

“Lynk & Co is here to disrupt the automotive industry, not to align with it. Having a boring office is out of the question.," said Lynk & Co CEO Alain Visser.

"It needs to be wow! If we don’t live and work in a non-conformist fashion, then we’re not truthful to the brand. It’s all about honesty and authenticity. We must stay true to the vision, and it must permeate everything from the offer to the office. I think our design team has outdone themselves."

“Urban traces” has been a mantra for Lynk & Co’s design team and the local, Gothenburg based, New Order Arkitektur firm when choosing sustainable materials, picking out the re-used office furniture and creating the interior. The spaces were designed to feel lived-in.

When putting up the concrete walls the team told the craftsmen to leave their measurements and scribbles on the walls and stop before they were done.

“When picking out the floor for the building, we really got on the contractor's nerves. Whichever floor they showed us, it was too neat. Too nice-looking. We wanted raw. And when they took us to a warehouse to show what a botched concrete floor looked like, we fell in love. For them it was wrong. For us, it was wrong in just the right way,” said Visser.

The interior space was designed by Lynk & Co’s own design team and New Order Arkitektur, and the art is made by the Swedish artist EKTA. It was recently awarded Gold for Best Interior Design at the Architecture Collection awards.


Nissan X-Trail vs Mitsubishi Outlander

                Big SUVs (sports utility vehicles) with at least seven seats are ideal for large families who want spacious cargo capacity as well as high ride height and a commanding view of the road.

They are also suitable for companies that want to ferry business associates in comfort, when going off-road to visit plantations or work sites.

These large SUVs with monocoque have six-digit price tags, and thus feature car-like premium comfort and safety features as well as spacious seven-seater cabins.

A prime example is the latest 2.4-litre Mitsubishi Outlander which arrived in Malaysia in late February, and carries an attractive introductory price tag of close to RM172,000 for units booked and registered before May 31.

This time, Carsifu pits it against a fellow Japanese rival, namely the 2.5-litre Nissan X-Trail (4WD Premium Impul edition) which has a similar price tag.

Both SUVs have their own strengths, and it won’t be easy for buyers to choose between these two global products.

They have nice features such as four-wheel drive modes, push-start ignition and keyless operation, automatic LED headlamps with daytime running lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, rain-sensing wipers, dual zone climate control, and audio systems with six speakers, reverse camera, USB and Bluetooth connectivity.

Like the X-Trail, the Outlander offers four-wheel drive with automatic and lock modes via a convenient round dial or button control.

However, there is a slight difference in the SUVs’ two-wheel drive mode.

The X-Trail has the usual two-wheel drive mode, while the Outlander’s 4WD ECO can engage four-wheel drive mode when loss of traction is detected.

Interested buyers might also want to note that the Outlander is imported from Japan and only available in 4WD form (also equipped with heated front seats), while the X-Trail is locally-assembled and also has a 2.0-litre two-wheel drive variant.

Mitsubishi Outlander

The Outlander was given a substantial facelift in Japan last year, featuring Mitsubishi Motors’ Dynamic Shield front design and improvements to the powertrain, body and chassis.

With this mid-life update, the Outlander’s front end looks more dynamic and powerful, especially with the skid plate styling for the underside of the bumper.

There is a premium feel to the cabin with the black leather upholstery, and ebony wood grain-like panels for part of the dashboard and door trim.

The revised Outlander also gets an improved suspension which results in better driving feel, steering accuracy and response, and body stiffness.

According to Mitsubishi Motors, it also received more than 30 updates to reduce engine, tyre and wind noise intrusion. These included extra sound absorbing and insulation, and anti-vibration materials.

Under the hood is the familiar 2.4-litre Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) engine with 167PS and 222Nm of torque. Still, the Outlander gets a new CVT transmission which helps in improving acceleration performance and fuel efficiency.

Running on Goodyear Eagle LS 225/55 R18 tyres on quiet township roads, we found the Outlander to be quite nimble for a large SUV.

We like its steering which was responsive and precise when we took bends at some speed.

We kept it in 4WD ECO mode all the time, as we did not have occasion to take it on off-road or very muddy terrain.

The suspension is biased towards ride comfort, and that’s in line with the Outlander’s target market of soccer moms, large families or corporate high-flyers.

The second row seats can be reclined for more comfort and they can go further back to improve second-row comfort, but our only major gripe is the lack of rear air-conditioning vents.

However, this was not an issue for our rear passenger who complained of being too cold when we had the blower at near-full blast on an extremely hot day.

As for equipment, you get nice stuff like an auto dimming rear view mirror to reduce blinding glare, a large 6.1-inch touchscreen display mated to a reverse camera, and lots of safety features.

In our opinion, the revised Outlander continues to be a family-oriented and solid, refined, well-engineered SUV with good road manners.

Nissan X-Trail 2.5L (4WD Premium Impul edition)

The third-generation Nissan X-Trail was launched in Malaysia in January last year, and has several world-first and Nissan first technologies for a better driving experience.

These include Active Ride Control for a smoother ride on bumpy surfaces, Active Engine Brake to help drivers to reduce speed when cornering or stopping, and Active Trace Control that automatically applies small amounts of braking to the individual wheels to reduce understeer.

There is ample power on tap, with the range-topping variant here armed with a 2.5-litre engine with 171PS and 233Nm of torque.

The black-themed interior also has a premium look, with dark leather upholstery, chrome door handles and the optional eight-inch touchscreen multimedia display (RM3,800) fitted in this Impul-kitted review unit.

A five-inch display unit comes as standard.

There are lots of cubby holes to store small items with a deep glove box between the front seats, and 10 cup holders.

The X-Trail also comes with what Nissan calls Zero Gravity Inspired car seats, which are billed as reducing fatigue and providing the ideal posture to make long drives more pleasant.

This “fatigue-free” seat technology was jointly developed with Yamazaki Laboratory at Keio University, Tokyo.

As for the X-Trail’s RM15,900 Impul package, it provides the SUV with lowered and sportier looks.

The Impul package comprises newly designed front and rear bumper spoilers and side skirts, plus 18-inch Impul Aura SX-50 alloy wheels in chrome bronze and gloss black finish.

With the Impul Sports Springs, the vehicle ride height is lowered by 30mm to provide a more agile and responsive driving experience.

Additional door visors, LED stainless steel kick plates and Continental MaxContact MC5 tyres sized 235/55 R18 complete the package.

The items in the Impul package can be bought separately and are priced from RM424 for the door visors to RM5,830 for a set of the alloy wheels.

While existing owners of the X-Trail can opt for the Impul upgrade, it is interesting to note that buying the 2.5-litre X-Trail Impul edition costs RM172,516, roughly an extra RM8,600 more than the non-Impul version which costs RM163,895.

This means 2.5-litre X-Trail Impul edition buyers save about RM7,300 compared with those who opt to have the upgrade later.

We have reviewed the stock X-Trail before, and found it to be an impressive SUV with great handling characteristics, and lots of comfort features and driving technologies.

The Impul edition not only provides more distinctive and stylish looks, but also even sportier handling.

Compared with the stock X-Trail, the ride quality is not as pliant, but we still found plenty of ride comfort for the family on a 120km drive out of town during a recent weekend.

THE VERDICT

It’s a tough call as both are really well-engineered and packaged set of wheels.

The Outlander has more cargo storage space with both rear rows folded (1,608 litres compared with the X-Trail’s 1,520 litres), and seven airbags for occupant protection (X-Trail has two airbags).

The Outlander has a smaller turning radius (5.3 metres compared with the X-Trail’s 5.6 metres), and wins in terms of negotiating tight U-turns, as well as features like a sunroof and the convenience of a push-button to close the electric tailgate.

The Outlander is also the lighter vehicle, with a 1,530kg kerb weight compared with the 1,612kg of the standard non-Impul X-Trail 2.5L 4WD.

In terms of fuel consumption, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia says the Outlander can achieve up to 12.98km per litre (based on in-house tests) while Nissan rates the X-Trail 2.5L 4WD at 12km per litre.

Regarding size, potential buyers might also want to note that the Outlander is slightly longer (an extra 55mm) and lower (35mm difference) compared with the X-Trail.

Meanwhile, the X-Trail has powered front seats (Outlander only has a powered driver’s seat), rear air-conditioning vents and a more torquey engine.

And, we really like the X-Trail’s Around View Monitor which uses a four-camera system and makes it so much easier to park a big car like the X-Trail effortlessly, without worrying about knocking into something.

When parking the X-Trail, the centre display screen gives you both a rear and 360-degree bird’s-eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings.

So how do you choose between two great vehicles?

If cargo space with both rear rows folded and airbag safety are your priorities, the Outlander wins out here.

But in terms of cabin kit and driving assist features, we think the X-Trail is ahead by a whisker, especially as its Around View Monitor makes parking a breeze for this large vehicle. - Contributed by RIZAL JOHAN


Aston Martin V12 Speedster unveiled

                LONDON: The Aston Martin V12 Speedster has made its global debut, with just 88 examples of this puristic limited-edition model set to hit the road.

Created by luxury British marque’s bespoke customisation service ‘Q by Aston Martin’, the two-seater V12 Speedster is powered by a 5.2-litre, Twin-Turbo V12 engine, with a peak output of 700hp and 753Nm of torque.

Front mid-mounted, the all alloy, quad cam 48-valve engine is mated to a ZF 8-Speed automatic transmission with a limited-slip differential driving the rear wheels.

For the invigorating aural signature, Aston Martin’s engineers have created a bespoke stainless-steel exhaust system exiting centrally into the diffuser surface at the rear of the car for an even more rousing, characterful sound from the drivetrain.

The V12 Speedster is able to accelerate to 62mph (100km/h) in 3.5 seconds on the way to a limited top speed of 186mph (300km/h).

Utilising Aston Martin’s latest bonded aluminium architecture, the V12 Speedster utilises elements from both the DBS Superleggera and Vantage model lines to create its own unique platform.

With independent double wishbone front, and multi-link rear suspension with coil springs and adaptive damping offering Sport, Sport+ and Track modes, the V12 Speedster also benefits from standard 21-inch forged centre lock alloy wheels.

Carbon Ceramic Brakes of 410mm on the front axle and 360mm at the rear are also standard equipment.

Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group CEO, Dr Andy Palmer said: “The 88 hand-built cars will be sought after by driving enthusiasts and collectors alike all around the world. The V12 Speedster not just showcases our incredible engineering capability and ambition, but also celebrating Aston Martin’s rich heritage.”

Orders are now being taken for the V12 Speedster, with pricing starting at 765,000 pounds (RM4.088 million) including VAT and deliveries expected to begin in the first quarter of 2021.


Newer or better quality car tyres should go on the rear axle

                STUTTGART: Whenever possible, drivers should keep tyres with a deeper tread on their car's rear wheels, experts say.
This general rule applies regardless of whether the car has front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, according to a recent issue of the German automotive magazine Auto Motor und Sport.

After all, the cornering forces of the rear axle have a key influence on a vehicle's driving stability. If older or more worn-down tyres are used at the rear, this could cause the car to lose traction and skid along the road when, for example, making a quick lane change.

Even an electronic stability program (ESP) can't always prevent a rear axle from fishtailing if it has been fitted with worn-out tyres.


Go drifting with Mitsubishi at 4Sure Thrill event this weekend!

                SHAH ALAM: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), is providing an experience for visitors to its 4Sure Thrill event with two-time Japanese Dakar Rally champion Hiroshi Masuoka and Malaysian motorsports athlete Leona Chin.

Admission to the event is free and will take place from Mar 9 to 10 at the Setia City Convention Centre, Outdoor carpark from 10.00am to 8.00pm.

 The event, organised by the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles, will see Masuoka and Chin providing high-speed drift taxi rides on a dirt circuit for visitors to experience the Triton's handling capabilities that include power, control, agility and safety.From left: Malaysian motorsports athlete Leona Chin, two-time Japanese Dakar Rally champion Hiroshi Masuoka and Mitsubishi Motor Corporation driving instructor Kazuto Koide.

Other than taking part in the high-speed rides with Masuoka and Chin, visitors can test drive the Triton's new inclusions of Super-Select 4WD II system, Off-road mode and Hill Descent Control over a specially-built track with muddy terrain, uneven surfaces and a descending track.

During the event, entertainment for the entire family will be provided on top as well as RM5,000 worth of lucky draw prizes to be won and a 4Sure Thrill photo/video contest where winners will receive RM800 petrol card vouchers, RM500 Touch & Go card and RM300 Tesco vouchers for the first, second and third prizes respectively.

The first 100 participants will receive a free Starbucks coffee after completing all three high-speed ride, off-road obstacle course and on-road test drive.

An exclusive Ralliart umbrella will be given to those who book any Mitsubishi model during the event, but the first 1,000 to do so will receive an exclusive limited edition Thule Subterra luggage worth RM2,000, while the first 30 will be provided with a RM30 petrol voucher.

The new Triton is available in a choice of five variants and four colours that include the Triton Adventure X, which is priced on-the-road without insurance at RM135,200 and is available in either White Diamond or Jet Black Mica.

There is also the Triton AT Premium costing RM118,600 (White Diamond, Graphite Gray), Triton MT Premium at RM112,500 (White Diamond, Graphite Gray), Triton AT at RM105,990 (White Diamond and Sterling Silver) and the Triton MT at RM100,200 (White Diamond, Sterling Silver).

In 2002, Masuoka became the second Japanese driver to win the prestigious Dakar Rally in a Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero and in 2003 he again took his second successive victory.

At current, Mitsubishi is known as the most successful make in Dakar Rally history, winning the “World's Toughest Race” a record of 12 times.

Leona ventured into motorsports when she was 20 and was quickly associated with the title ‘girl drifter’.

Some of Leona’s recent achievements include Most Promising Female Motorsports Athlete in the Asia Automotive Awards 2019 and Most Inspiring Female Motorsports Athlete in the PETRONAS SIC Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) Awards.


Ignore VEP announcement on social media, it's fake, says JPJ

                PETALING JAYA: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has refuted a viral message on social media claiming that all Singaporean-registered vehicles entering Peninsular Malaysia must register with the department's "Vehicle Entry Permit" (VEP) system .

The viral message on WhatsApp and social media sites urged people to register their vehicles from May 1 if they intend to bring their foreign-registered vehicle into the country to vote during the general election.

"JPJ denies this viral message. People are urged to not be influenced and believe such irresponsible claims," it said in a statement on Sunday (April 22).

It added that the VEP mechanism was still in the testing and system confirmation stage to ensure stability before it was being implemented.

JPJ also stressed that it currently had no restrictions towards any vehicles from overseas or from Singapore entering without a registration permit or a VEP.

"Any further information relating to the enforcement of the VEP system will be announced from time to time," it said.

The public can access more information by visiting https://vep.jpj.gov.my/#/about


AI to pilot HumanDrive autonomous car across Britain

                LONDON: Autonomous vehicles at all stages of development are currently being tested all over the globe, but it's now becoming increasingly apparent that artificial intelligence (AI) will play a big part in making them a reality on our roads and in our showrooms in years to come.

Now an autonomous vehicle controlled by an artificial intelligence system is set to drive across Britain at the end of next year, emulating the driving style of a human as part of Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi's autonomous research program.

HumanDrive is the name of the project, and it will see the AI system being responsible for everything, which means steering, braking, speed, road position, decision-making and the perception of conditions and features needed to pilot the vehicle fully. However, before the project gets to that point, private testing will be carried out first on a test track and on public roads. But this will be done in much smaller sections than the eventual cross-country test scheduled for 2019.

There will still be a safety driver in the vehicle during the trip across Britain, who will be prepared to take over in the event of an emergency during the testing. Although the technology should make its way into production vehicles by the mid-2020s, the cross-country test will only be happening after as much as 30 months of intense research and development. The final time frame, location and length of the test will not be decided until the 30 months of R&D is completed.

The HumanDrive project has so far received input from the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, Cranfield University, University of Leeds, Highways England, Horiba Mira, SBD Automotive, Atkins and Aimsun.

Chief technology officer Mark Westwood, from the British automotive innovation centre, Transport Systems Catapult, explained, "This pioneering project will considerably enhance the experience of drivers who use future autonomous vehicles. We've only just scratched the surface in terms of the capability of machine learning and AI in driving."

"The HumanDrive project further reinforces the UK's commitment to be at the forefront of future mobility and as a world leader in R&D. We are delighted to be working with world-class partners on this project to ensure autonomous vehicle technology provides users with the utmost comfort and control possible," he added.


Perodua begins exporting Myvi and Alza to Brunei

                BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Perodua has begun exporting the Myvi and Alza to Brunei this year in a push to strengthen its regional presence.

A total of 310 units of Myvi 1.5SE and Alza 1.5SE model will be shipped to the country.

The two models made their debut at the Brunei Motoring BN – Auto Show 2016 here today. Their prices will be unveiled once the cars are in the showrooms.

At present, Perodua exports to five countries namely Singapore, Mauritius, Brunei, Sri Lanka and Fiji. The compact carmaker also exports the Myvi to Indonesia as the Daihatsu Sirion (under the Daihatsu badge).

“This is a major step forward for Perodua to strengthen our brand presence in the region as we strive to become a player in the Asean auto market,” said Perodua president and CEO Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh.

Perodua began exporting to Brunei in 1996 with the Kancil and have exported 2,300 vehicles to the tiny oil-rich country as of end 2015.

“We believe that there is demand for these models in this country as the acceptance of compact vehicles (there) is gradually growing,” said Aminar.

The cars were launched by Brunei Minister of Communications Datuk Paduka Awang Haji Mustappa Haji Sirat, GHK Motors Sdn Bhd managing director Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Datuk Paduka Goh King Chin, Aminar and Perodua executive director Kurinami Takamasa.

GHK Motors is one of Perodua’s distributors in Brunei.


Lotus Technology begins delivery of Eletre electric SUV

                NEW YORK: Lotus Technology Inc has delivered its first fully electric hyper SUV.

The company, owned by China's Geely, hosted a delivery ceremony at the Shanghai International Circuit F1 track to celebrate the occasion, in conjunction with the 75th anniversary of the Lotus brand.

In addition to superior aerodynamics and design, Eletre features such technologies as fully embedded L4-ready hardware with the world's first deployable LiDAR system.

It is powered by Lotus's proprietary 800-volt system, delivering a sportscar-like experience and enabling Lotus Tech's 420-kilowatt supercharging solution. As of Jan 31, Lotus had received more than 5,000 Eletre orders worldwide.

The first Eletre delivery marks a key milestone in Lotus's transformation into an advanced, fully electric, intelligent, and sustainable luxury mobility provider ahead of its 80th anniversary in 2028.

The company is now rolling out further deliveries across China, and will begin delivery in the UK and EU later this year. Planning is also underway for future delivery to the US and rest of the world, leveraging the brand's global network.


Harley-Davidson opens Johor Bahru outlet

 Johor’s Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar (right) chatting with Datuk Wira SM Faisal (centre) and MacKenzie during the opening.

JOHOR BAHRU: Naza Prestige Bikes Sdn. Bhd., the authorised dealer and sole distributor of Harley-Davidson, opened its newest dealership in Johor Bahru.

Launched by Johor’s Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar and witnessed by Naza World Group of Companies group executive chairman Datuk Wira SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, the dealership will provide a full-fledge service for its riders and customers.

Also present at the launch was Harley-Davidson Asia Emerging Markets managing director Peter MacKenzie.

Harley-Davidson of Johor Bahru, is Naza Prestige Bikes’ third dealership in Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

The outlet offers premium Harley-Davidson lifestyle experience which includes state-of-the-art motorcycle service centre and an exclusive Harley-Davidson merchandise boutique.

The iconic American brand’s one-stop centre in Johor Bahru will be proud to host and provide a comfortable and relaxing venue for Harley-Davidson motorcycle enthusiasts, to share and exchange their riding experience.

“The third dealership in Johor Bahru will showcase Harley-Davidson’s premium customer experience. Under the management of Naza Prestige Bikes, the company will create excitement amongst Harley-Davidson customers and fans alike” said SM Faisal.

SM Faisal was recently conferred as the Honorary Colonel (PA) by the Malaysia Civil Defence Department.

He said this dealership marks an important milestone for Naza Prestige Bikes in serving the needs of Harley-Davidson enthusiasts by enhancing its brand presence and extending its services to the southern region.

MacKenzie said: “We are looking to grow a trusted network of independently owned dealerships in South East Asia to make our products more accessible to motorcycling enthusiasts in this region, and help them fulfill dreams of personal freedom.

“We are pleased to have our third dealership in Malaysia to serve the many motorcycle enthusiasts in this country, which has a landscape suitable for motorcycling.

“As a company of passionate riders, we are committed to creating unrivalled products, and together with our new dealership in Malaysia, we also want to create exceptional customer experiences to promote the sport of motorcycling.”

The Harley-Davidson of Johor Bahru outlet is located at Lot 4082, 15B, Jalan Dato’ Abdullah Tahir. It opens daily from 10am to 7pm.


Honda Malaysia hits 80.2 percent replacement for faulty driver airbag inflators

                PETALING JAYA: The completion rate by Honda Malaysia for Takata driver front airbag inflators stands at 80.2%, as at June 29th 2017.

Replacement activities at Shopping Mall Hubs will be ongoing on every weekend in the month of July, beginning 8 July 2017.

This is in addition to the ongoing replacement activities at all authorised Honda dealers and selected Petronas Stations.

The replacement activities at selected Petronas Stations will continue operating as usual.

It is important that affected owners immediately replace the defective Takata front airbag inflators as they may deploy with excessive internal pressure when activated.

The airbag inflator casing might rupture, which may result in injury or fatality of the driver and passenger.

Honda Malaysia strongly urges affected owners to make an appointment at any Authorised Honda Service Centres to avoid any delays or setbacks.

However, replacement activities at selected Shopping Mall Hubs and Petronas Stations DO NOT require advanced appointment (excluding Civic Type R).

As at June 29th, 2017, stock availability for Takata driver front airbag inflators is 100%.

Stock availability for Takata passenger front airbag inflators is also at 100% while completion rate is currently at 55.9%.

The list of locations in July for airbag replacement activities are below:


News of govt move to remove old cars from roads is false, says Loke

                PUTRAJAYA: The Transport Ministry has dismissed as “fake news” a news article claiming a re-introduction of a policy to do away with old vehicles on the road, saying no clarification was obtained for the report.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the government had no plan to re-introduce the policy despite previous studies.

“That is fake news. There is no End of Life Vehicle (ELV) policy for now. As I have already said many times, there are studies before this but there is no consideration (by the government).

“I’m shocked by the article, which was published before obtaining clarification from the ministry,” he told reporters after launching the 73rd Road Transport Department (JPJ) Day celebration here yesterday.

The report had quoted Malaysia Automotive, Robotics & IoT Institute (MARii) CEO Datuk Madani Sahari as saying that old vehicles would be required to undergo an inspection before being allowed to renew their road tax and car insurance.

Loke said matters relating to the ELV policy could only be announced by the ministry, adding that the implementation of such policies would be under JPJ’s authority.

“Road tax renewals also fall under the JPJ, not other agencies. I hope the media will obtain clarification from the ministry before writing such reports.

“This is because inaccurate reports will confuse the public. I hope that there will be an explanation given to the public – that there is no ELV policy for now,” he said, urging the owners of old vehicles not to be worried.

Loke said drivers were only required to go for a vehicle inspection under Puspakom if they failed to renew their road tax for over 12 months.

“That does not take into account the age of the vehicle.

“Road taxes must be renewed every year. So, there’s no issue here.”

Under the reviewed National Automotive Policy announced in October 2009, the former Barisan Nasional government had introduced mandatory annual inspections as a requirement for road tax renewal for all vehicles aged 15 years or older as a first step towards implementation of a full ELV policy.

However, the policy was scrapped after a week, following backlash from the public.

At that time, it was reported that 2.7 million, or 14.5%, of vehicles on the road were more than 10 years old.

In 2017, Maybank Investment Bank Research had estimated that about a quarter of the 13.3 million cars on the road were more than 10 years old.

Last June, Loke said the ministry would not be studying a policy to compel drivers to scrap cars more than 10 years of age for cash, following public outcry.


Industry-first technologies take new Ford Fiesta ST to next level

                COLOGNE: Ford says the all-new Fiesta ST is the most responsive, engaging and fun-to-drive Fiesta ST ever, featuring a range of innovative Sports Technologies that enhance power and performance; cornering and agility; and versatility for scenarios from the school run to race track.

The latest Fiesta is powered by Ford’s all-new 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine – the first three-cylinder engine ever to power a Ford Performance model – delivering 200 PS and 290Nm of torque for 0-100kph acceleration in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 230kph.

Selectable Drive Modes feature on the Fiesta ST for the first time, enabling engine, steering and stability controls to be configured to Normal, Sport and Track settings, and shifting the vehicle’s character from flexible everyday hatchback to track-focussed sports car at the push of a button. Optional Launch Control also helps drivers achieve consistently fast standing starts on track, supported by a dedicated graphical display in the instrument cluster.

Fiesta ST’s first optional mechanical limited-slip differential (LSD) optimises cornering grip, and segment-first, Ford-patented force vectoring springs deliver sharper turn-in, better rear-end responsiveness and a more connected feel.

The hot hatch is available from launch in three-door and five-door body styles, offering comfort and convenience features including SYNC 3 connectivity, B&O PLAY premium audio; and sophisticated driver assistance technologies such as Lane Keeping Aid and Traffic Sign Recognition.

“Hot-hatch drivers are expecting big things from this small car. We’ve applied what we’ve learned from recent Ford Performance models including the Focus RS and Ford GT to develop an all-new Fiesta ST that sets a new standard for driving fun in its segment, with a throaty three-cylinder soundtrack that will speak to petrol-heads whatever their language,” said Leo Roeks, Ford Performance director, Europe.

Developed by Ford Performance to provide everyday usability and fuel efficiency alongside an exceptional driving experience that flatters the novice while rewarding the expert, the all-new version of Ford’s acclaimed hot-hatch is available to order now.

The driving force

Ford’s all-new 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine uses turbocharging, high-pressure fuel injection, Twin-independent Variable Cam Timing and a three-cylinder architecture to deliver 200 PS at 6,000 rpm, and 290 Nm of torque from 1,600 to 4,000 rpm.

The engine’s three-cylinder architecture delivers naturally high torque at low rpm. Performance is further boosted by a new turbocharger that uses an optimised turbine design to build boost pressure faster and minimise lag for a more responsive and fun driving experience.

A new combination of port fuel injection and direct fuel injection technology helps deliver high power and responsiveness alongside reduced CO2 emissions with a particular increase in fuel efficiency under light engine loads.

The Fiesta ST’s 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine features Ford’s industry-first cylinder deactivation system for a three-cylinder engine – first announced for the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine – to further improve fuel efficiency for Fiesta ST customers without affecting performance.

The technology automatically stops fuel delivery and valve operation for one of the engine’s cylinders in conditions where full capacity is not needed, such as when coasting or cruising with light demand on the engine. The technology can disengage or re-engage one cylinder in 14 milliseconds – 20 times faster than the blink of an eye – to seamlessly deliver full performance on demand.

The all-aluminium engine also features an integrated exhaust manifold that improves efficiency by helping the engine reach optimal temperatures faster, and delivers torque more rapidly by minimising the distance exhaust gasses travel between cylinders and turbocharger. Active exhaust valve technology amplifies the uniquely exhilarating and naturally sporty three-cylinder engine sound to enhance the driving experience.

The all-new Fiesta ST delivers 47.1 mpg fuel efficiency and 136 g/km CO2 emissions,* and also features gas particulate filter technology that reduces soot emissions.