Porsche Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo previewed

                PETALING JAYA: Sime Darby Auto Performance, the official distributor of Porsche in Malaysia, gave a little taste of what’s to come to our shores next year: the much anticipated Panamera Sport Turismo.

While the Panamera is the luxury sports saloon which Porsche offers, the Panamera Sport Turismo has a new body type akin to a shooting brake design.

The difference can be seen from the B-pillar to the rear with the pronounced shoulder, elongated window line and equally long roof contour.

Other than its aesthetic appearance, this results in a large tailgate, low loading edge, increased luggage space of 520 litres. Right at the edge of the roof is the adaptive spoiler which deploy in three stages depending on the speed for additional downforce.

Also setting this apart is the 4+1 seating concept. The Sport Turismo ideally seats four but there enough space to seat a third in the rear however, the tall centre tunnel does not give way for legroom.

The Panamera Sport Turismo which we previewed was flown in all the way from Germany and is the top-specced all-wheel drive Panamera Turbo in mesmerising Sapphire Blue Metallic.

Under the bonnet is a 4.0 litre V8 engine mated to an 8-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) automatic transmission which produces 550hp and 700Nm of torque.

The interior is covered in smooth black leather and the cockpit design is very minimal especially the centre console with the Direct Touch Control in place. This is a glass-looking surface with touch senstive buttons for direct access to the controls such as the four-zone climate control and followed by a neatly compact gear selector.

The dash also features a high resolution 12-inch touchscreen display. The instrument cluster has an analogue rev counter with digital displays on both sides to display virtual instruments, maps and other information.

Other goodies include adaptive air suspension with three chamber technology, Porsche Traction Management (PMT), Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, sport exhaust system with quad tailpipes, rear axle steering, Sport Chrono Package and 21-inch wheels.

It is also fitted with the Burmester High End 3D Surround Sound System which comes with 21 speakers.

The Panamera Sport Turismo is expected to arrive next year and three variants of the Sport Turismo will be offered in Malaysia: the Panamera 4, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid and Panamera Turbo.

The regular Panamera is going for around RM1.6mil, and the Sport Turismo should be priced north of that at launch on account of the bigger interior.


Sarawak number plate e-bids start Sept 24

                KUCHING: The Sarawak Road Transport Department (JPJ) will be carrying out e-bidding (JPJeBid) for vehicle registration plates on Sept 24.

Its director, Mohd Syafiq Anas Abdullah, said it would start with the QCK series for Samarahan, QS ending with L series for Sibu while a new series would be announced for Kuching and Miri later.

“JPJeBid has already been in use in the peninsula since April 15 (and has received) overwhelming response.

“It is now being expanded to Sarawak, ” he told reporters after attending a Hari Raya Aidiladha event here yesterday.

Mohd Syafiq added that the public and companies that already had their records in the MySikap system, and were interested in bidding only need to register at a JPJ branch to get an ID code to enable them to do so.

“This system is more effective because it is transparent, while cutting out manual work and middlemen, ” he added.


Daimler will pull Smart mini-cars out of United States, Canada

                STUTTGART: The tiny, two-person Smart cars once pitched as the next big thing in urban mobility will be discontinued in the United States and Canada at the end of the current model year, German automaker Daimler AG said on Monday.

Smart cars, with their unique styling and ability to fit in half a parking space, found an audience in densely populated US and Canadian cities. But that audience was small and rapidly declining. Smart reported just 90 cars sold in the United States during March, down 18 percent from the year before.

US sales of a wide range of small cars have collapsed over the past several years as relatively cheap gasoline and a strong economy have encouraged consumers to buy larger trucks and sport utility vehicles.

The Smart brand’s electric cars offered just 93km of driving range. Competing models such as the “mid-range” Tesla Model 3, with an estimated range of 424km, offered more range and more room for passengers and cargo. The range figures are from the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz brand, in a statement, cited “a number of factors” for the decision to end Smart’s run in the United States and Canada, “including a declining micro-car market in the US and Canada, combined with high homologation costs for a low volume model.” Homologation refers to the changes required to bring the European-designed Smart in line with US regulations.

Daimler ended sales of gasoline-fuelled Smart cars in 2017.

Mercedes plans to bring new, larger electric vehicles to the United States, starting with the launch of the EQC sport utility next year. Those vehicles will help Mercedes meet zero emission vehicle quotas in California and other states.

Mercedes dealers will still offer parts and repairs for Smart cars, the company said.


Modenas rides in with flood aid package

                SHAH ALAM: Motosikal dan Enjin Nasional Sdn Bhd (Modenas) has kick off its “Kempen Servis Prihatin Modenas” that offers assistance to all Modenas motorcycle owners who had been severely affected by the recent flash floods in the Selangor and Pahang.

Under the campaign open to all new and old Modenas models, affected owners would get:

> Free labour charges for normal repairs (without overhaul)
> Free inspection
> Free bike cleaning
> Up to 25% discount on all moped, street bike and sports tourer parts
> Up to 15% discount on scooter parts
> Up to 70% discount on labor charge for repairs that involves overhaul

The service campaign will run from now until Dec 31 at the selected Modenas Service Centres below:

Modenas Service Centre (Shah Alam, Selangor)
Address: No.62 & 64 Jalan Pluto Ay, Seksyen U5, 40150 Shah Alam
Operating hours: 9am-5pm
Contact number: 04-4668160

Modenas Service Centre (Kuantan, Pahang)
Address: No A149, Lorong Seri Teruntum 8, Jalan Dato Wong Ah Jang, Taman Tunas Maju, 25200 Kuantan
Operating hours: 9am-5pm
Contact number: 09-5123380 /044668199

For further information, owners of affected motorcycles can contact any authorised Modenas service centres or call the Modenas Careline at tel: 1-800-880-181 or WhatsApp us at 019-570 8135.


Shell launches most advanced Helix Ultra with PurePlus

                KUALA LUMPUR: Shell Lubricants has launched the most advanced product in its Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology range.

Priced at RM338 for a 4-litre pack, the new Shell Helix Ultra ECT C2/C3 0W-30 is said to provide engine wear protection of four times better than the industry standard, setting a new record for Shell Helix.

It has ECT (Emissions Compatible Technology) that helps protect the emissions systems of modern diesel and petrol engines.

It also meets the approvals of top tier equipment manufacturers, including Mercedes and Volkswagen.

Shell Lubricants general manager (Malaysia and Singapore) Leslie Ng said the new lubricant has the highest specifications for motor oils in the market.

"It is our most advanced formulation to date, and designed to deliver superior performance and protection, to help keep your engine performing at its best," said Ng.

It is also touted as giving three times better corrosion protection of engine components.

In test conditions, Shell Helix Ultra ECT C2/C3 produced 45% cleaner pistons and delivered up to 2.6% greater fuel economy.

It is formulated using PurePlus Technology, which converts natural gas into a crystal-clear base oil with virtually none of the impurities found in crude oil.

Base oils make up on average 75-90% of the end product, so high-quality base stock with significantly more isoparaffins than others is a key component in top-tier engine oils.

The base oil is then enhanced with Shell’s proprietary Active Cleansing Technology to create the company’s most advanced fully synthetic motor oil ever, which delivers higher levels of protection against build-up of engine deposits and unsurpassed sludge protection.


Aggressive promotion to boost auto sales in H2

                PETALING JAYA: Vehicle sales in the second half of 2020 is expected to be spurred by aggressive promotional campaigns rather than tax exemptions, according to analysts, as consumer sentiment is expected to remain cautious amid the global economic uncertainty.

An analyst with a bank-backed brokerage said car companies would be aggressive in clearing their inventories in the second half of this year, after missing out in the first six months of 2020 due to business disruptions caused by the government’s movement control order (MCO).

“Each company will have their own internal targets to meet and will do as much as they can to achieve them within the remaining months of the year.

“Many will be trying to make up for lost sales during the MCO in March and April.”

He added that the tax exemption on vehicles would be a bonus, but cautioned that the reception may not be as good as when there was a tax holiday offered back in 2018.

“There is a lot of uncertainty in the economy today, compared with a couple of years back, ” he said.

When the former (Pakatan Harapan) government came to power in 2018, it announced a three-month tax holiday from June 1 to Aug 31, with the goods and services tax being zero-rated during the period.

The three-month tax break spurred car sales, with total industry volume (TIV) growing 3.8% to 598,714 units in 2018, exceeding the Malaysian Automotive Association’s (MAA) forecast of 1.5%.

Under the Short-Term Economic Recovery Plan (Penjana) announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin last month, locally-assembled cars will be fully exempted from sales tax while for imported cars, the sales tax will be cut from 10% to 5%, until Dec 31.

TA Securities in a report yesterday said it did not expect the proliferation of car sales during the tax holiday period in 2018 to repeat this time due to absence of pent-up demand, which was seen in the last tax-holiday period.

“In addition, the weakening consumer sentiment and stringent hire-purchase loan requirements may dampen TIV growth.

“As such, we keep our TIV forecasts for 2020 unchanged at 431,000 units, or a 29% decline year-on-year due to the challenging market condition.”

The research house is maintaining an “underweight” call on the local automotive sector.

“We expect the weak sentiment would result in bumpy earnings recovery in the second half of 2020.”

Last week, the MAA announced that it was revising upwards its vehicle sales target for the year by 17.5% to 470,000 units, as the grim economic outlook is likely to be buffered by the various incentives recently announced by the government.

Nevertheless, the projection would not only mean that sales this year would be a 22% contraction from 2019’s 604,287 units sold. It would also be the first time in 13 years since TIV failed to surpass the 500,000-unit mark.

In April, the MAA revised downwards its 2020 TIV forecast to 400,000 units from the 607,000 units it had projected in January.


Apex AP-0 hypercar gets YouTube world premiere

                LONDON: The launch of the electric Apex AP-0 hypercar here today would be accompanied by a YouTube world premiere as the world wrestles with the Covid-19 pandemic.

The YouTube premiere starts at 16:00 GMT (midnight Saturday in Malaysia).

Designed, engineered and built in Britain, the AP-0 is the product of a team led by chief designer Guy Colborne.

Featuring a pure carbon fibre chassis, the AP-0 boasts a kerb weight of 1,200kg. The lightweight design allows for rapid acceleration, superior agility, outstanding handling and exceptional cornering ability, said Apex in a statement. It did not reveal performance figures for the car that is expected to be made mainly for track use.

Apex launched the AP-1, its first car, last year. The AP-1 can sprint from 0-100kph in under 3s and is able to hit a top speed of 280kph.

Founded in 2018 by brothers Jason and Gary Leung of Hong Kong, Apex Motors touts itself as a global sportscar brand based out of Britain.

At the time of this posting, the Covid-19 infection has hit over 128,343 people globally, with 68,324 recovered and 4,720 deaths. Britain has 459 cases with 18 recovered and eight deaths.


Isuzu MU-X launched

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Isuzu MU-X sports utility vehicle (SUV) has been officially launched that's set to attract urban buyers with its generous cabin, comfort levels and safety equipment.

Isuzu Malaysia has already received 300 bookings for the new MU-X, which is available in two variants – a 4x4 and 4x2 model, priced on-the-road including GST and insurance at RM164,970 and RM151,945, respectively.

The 4x4 variant comes with Isuzu’s intelligent Terrain Command four-wheel drive system that allows the driver to select 2WD (two wheel-drive) or 4WD (four wheel-drive) mode at up to 100kph via a rotary dial near the gear level.

To make the 4x4 variant visually stand out, it comes with LED daytime running lights, a rear spoiler and a muffler cutter for the exterior over the 4x2 variant.

Inside, amenities include automatic climate controls and a Blaupunkt multi-media navigation DVD player with reverse camera and a roof mounted rear DVD monitor with a USB port and capabilities such as Mirror Link, Wifi and Bluetooth connectivity.

In addition to cruise control, new owners of the 4x4 variant will be provided with a cargo organizer box and tonneau cover for the boot section.

Both variants use a five-speed automatic with sequential shift while paired to a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine with Variable Geometry System (VGS) that provides 134bhp at 3,400rpm and 320Nm of torque from 1,800 to 2,800rpm.

The MU-X uses a coil-spring suspension system all-round – featuring a double wishbone up front and a 5-link design for the rear, while it rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels with 255/65 series tyres (16-inch wheels with 245/70 series tyres instead for the 4x2).

For safety, the both variants of the seven-seater SUV comes equipped with two airbags, anti-lock brake system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and brake assist (BA) as well as electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control system (TCS).

Lastly, the MU-X also has folding back seats for better carrier configuration for people, cargo or both and also includes overhead air-conditioning controls and vents for the comfort of second and third row passengers.

The all-new Isuzu MU-X is now available in four colours of Titanium Silver, Cosmic Black, Uluru Brown and Splash White.

"Whether we choose to fill it with family or friends or with equipment for those great weekends away, the all-new Isuzu MU-X will be the perfect companion for every memorable trip,” said Isuzu Malaysia CEO Kenji Matsuoka.


Lotus takes the Exige to even greater extremes

                LONDON: The latest fire-breathing road-legal racing car to roll out of Lotus's tiny production facility, the Exige Cup 430: Unlimited Edition, offers extreme levels of acceleration, grip and handling, but best of all, it's set to be a standard, full-production model rather than a limited-run special edition.

Clearly the recent news that Chinese automotive giant Geely is readying itself to acquire Lotus has filled the boutique British sportscar brand with a renewed confidence and daring. And the Exige Cup 430 is a case in point.

At first glance, it looks like any other Exige, but strip away its carbon fibre panels and you'll find a totally new engine installation complete with a new supercharger, courtesy of Edelbrock, plus a charge cooler, both developed specifically for the car. With the supercharger blowing at full speed it imbues the 3.5-litre V6 engine with 430hp, 440Nm of torque, a 0-100kph time of just 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 290kph.

Lotus has ditched everything it possibly can from the car in order to boost its power-to-weight ratio and handling prowess, meaning that everything that remains is absolutely crucial in ensuring it still qualifies as a road-legal vehicle, albeit one capable of generating 220kg of downforce evenly split across front and rear axles. It would take a freak weather system to make this car come unstuck on the road.

"This is the car that we have always wanted to build, and I am sure that all Lotus enthusiasts will be delighted with the end product," said Jean-Marc Gales, CEO, Group Lotus plc. "This car has no rivals — inside or outside of its price bracket — and it's no exaggeration when we say that nothing can keep up with this Exige on the road or track."

Indeed, its Hethal lap time is a remarkable one minute, 28.4 seconds, making it the fastest road-legal Lotus ever to lap its test track.

But make no mistake, though this car can be driven on the road, its natural habitat will be race days and competitions. Its traction control system can be altered by percentages or shut down completely, its suspension comes with adjustable anti-roll bars and the damping system comes with 24 adjustment settings so that the car can be set up perfectly for any type of track or to suit a specific owner's driving style.

Thankfully, among the car's standard features are a roll cage, harness-style seatbelts and fixed towing hooks front and rear for those moments when exuberance takes over and the car leaves the track.

However, things like carpeting, floor mats, air conditioning, cruise control, sound insulation and a stereo can only be found on the options list.

Nevertheless, the car promises to be phenomenal around the track and, if you can get the right setup, great for shorter journeys on the road, or from one race to the next.

Prices will start at £99,800 (RM550,000) in Britain and €127,500 (RM623,000) in Europe, depending on the individual country's Value Added Tax system.


Rolls-Royce sheds light on its newly developed Illuminated Fascia

                LONDON: Ultra-luxury coach-builders that is Rolls-Royce has revealed its Illuminated Fascia that's taken them some two years and more than 10,000 collective hours to create.

Meant exclusively for the Ghost that's making its virtual debut on Sept 1 at 8.00pm (Malaysia) via www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com, this bespoke illuminated innovation sports the glowing Ghost nameplate that's surrounded by more than 850 stars.

Located on the passenger side of the dashboard, the constellation and wordmark are completely invisible when the car is not in operation and looks to be the perfect addition to accompany the brand's Starlight Headliner, Spirit of Ecstasy, Pantheon Grille and ‘Double R’ monogram.

Rejecting the simplicity of employing "screen technology" to achieve the effect presented by the Illuminated Fascia, the company's craftspeople have instead used 152 LEDs mounted above and beneath the fascia that's matched to the cabin’s clock and instrument dial lighting.

To ensure that the Ghost graphic is lit evenly, a 2mm-thick light guide is used, featuring more than 90,000 laser-etched dots across the surface which disperses the light homogenously.

This is able to create a twinkling effect as the eyes move across it yet remain completely invisible when not operational.

To achieve this, three layers of composite materials are used starting with a Piano Black substrate, which has been laser-etched to remove the black colouring and allow light to shine through the Ghost wordmark and star cluster.

This is then overlaid with a layer of dark-tinted lacquer to help hide the lettering before the fascia is sealed with a layer of subtly tinted lacquer and then meticulously hand polished to achieve a perfectly uniform 0.5mm-thick, high-gloss finish.


Kelana Jaya LRT Line service re-opens from 6am, Nov 14

                PETALING JAYA: The Kelana Jaya LRT Line will be stopping at all its 37 stations starting 6am tomorrow following the five-day-shutdown involving 16 stations from Kelana Jaya to Ampang Park that began last week.

In a statement on Facebook this evening, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said he had taken a test ride on the line as part of the comprehensive testing that evaluated all parameters, in particular, signalling stability as the train enters and departs the stretch from Kelana Jaya to Ampang Park.

"I have been briefed by the Rapid Rail management on intensive tests conducted that involved 38 trains, all the way from Gombak to Putra Heights to ensure the Kelana Jaya line is totally safe and ready for full reopening.

"The overnight tests were supervised by the Rail Enforcement Division, the Rail Planning Division, the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad), which observed that the critical safety systems were working, without any form of instability seen. I am very satisfied with the analyses of the tests conducted," he added.

Watch Dr Wee announcing the good news on Facebook at: https://fb.watch/gMpmiTNKiG/


Honda begins deliveries of Clarity fuel-cell cars in southern California

                LOS ANGELES: Honda Motor Co Ltd said customer deliveries of its hydrogen fuel-cell car, dubbed Clarity Fuel Cell, began on Monday at select Honda dealerships across southern California.

Honda is one of the latest automaker to bring a small number of hydrogen-powered vehicles to market amid increasing zero emission vehicle mandates from California and other US states.

The company said that retail leasing of the car is now available through Honda's 12 approved dealerships in certain California markets, including six in southern California.

Honda said it would develop its fuel-cell vehicle dealer network, as public hydrogen fuelling stations expanded across the state.

The fuel-cell car's lease is currently priced at US$369 a month for 36 months with US$2,868 due at signing, Honda said.


Toyota and Shell's hydrogen-truck refuelling station awaiting 'green light'

                LOS ANGELES: Toyota and Shell may be awarded US$8mil (RM32mil) by the California Energy Commission (CEC) to develop the first hydrogen-truck refuelling station to be located at the Port of Long Beach.

"Hydrogen offers a promising path for decarbonising transport, particularly the heavy-duty sector where there are few alternatives to conventional fuel", said Shell hydrogen general manager Oliver Bishop.

The joint-project's 'green light' is looking for approval to come at an upcoming CEC meeting that convenes about the development of hydrogen and electric infrastructure at ports, warehousing and distribution centres within the state of California.

Shell and Toyota expect the facility to encourage the use of zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks in and around Long Beach, one of the world's largest freight hubs.

If approved, Shell will build, own and operate a hydrogen station at the Toyota Logistics Services location at the Port of Long Beach, fueling Toyota's Project Portal heavy-duty fuel cell proof of concept truck and public fleets.

"Toyota continues to demonstrate that fuel cells are one of the most innovative and sustainable technologies for light and heavy-duty vehicle electrification," said Toyota Motor North America advanced technology vehicles director Craig Scott.

"This initiative with Shell further strengthens our combined commitment to hydrogen as a viable transport fuel and complements our retail station project in Northern California."

Shell will source its hydrogen from Toyota's adjacent Tri-Gen facility, which produces hydrogen from 100% renewable bio-gas.


Hyundai Elantra order books open ahead of Hari Raya

                SHAH ALAM: Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has opened its order books for the new Elantra ahead of the upcoming Hari Raya holidays and its launch in June.

The company is promising new customers who place their orders will receive their new car before Hari Raya for the 'balik kampung' road trip.

At current, the medium-sized Elantra is available in three variants of the 1.6 Turbo Sport (est RM135,000), 2.0 MPI Dynamic (est RM120,000) and 2.0 MPI Executive (est RM125,000).

The 1.6 Turbo Sport uses a Gamma 1.6-litre turbocharged gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine generating 204PS at 6,000rpm and 265Nm of torque from 1,500 to 4,500rpm.

Powering the 2.0 MPI Executive and 2.0 MPI Dynamic is a Nu 2.0-litre MPI four-cylinder engine delivering 152PS at 6,200rpm and 192Nm of torque at 4,000rpm.

To entice customers, HSDM has revealed that the Elantra has been equipped with features such as emergency fastening device and hands-free smart trunk system among others with more to be announced during its launch this month.

“Customers can look forward to many great features that are segment exclusive with this all-new model. Similar to all Hyundai models, the Elantra is constantly being upgraded according to the latest trends and also to meet customers’ expectations,” said HSDM managing director Lau Yit Mun.

For more information or to place bookings call Hyundai’s Customer Careline at 1-300-13-2000 or visit the nearest sales outlet.


GM forms new organisation to spur commercial growth

                DETROIT: General Motors Co said on Monday Steve Hill, the head of the automaker's No. 1 selling Chevrolet brand, will lead a new Commercial Growth Strategies organisation that includes fleet and retail vehicle sales operations.

The new firm will oversee current cross-brand activities that strengthen GM's brands and the company's position in the market, the Detroit-based automaker said.

Hill will oversee GM fleet, US sales operations and electric vehicle (EV) retail innovation teams, the company said.

 Hill (left), Bell and West.

Last month, the automaker had said it will speed up launches of new electric vehicles, and noted that investments in technology will take priority over richer profits next year.

Meanwhile, Hill's position will be taken over by Scott Bell, GM Canada's president and managing director.

Bell will be replaced by Marissa West, GM executive chief engineer, Global Mid-Size Truck, Medium Duty Truck and Van.

All the appointments are to take effect from April 1, the company added.


Xmas is coming and so is Aston Martin DB11

                PETALING JAYA: It would not be hyperbole to say the future of Aston Martin hinges on the success of the DB11, one of the most beautiful cars in the world.

First deliveries are scheduled to begin during the fourth quarter. A check with the Aston Martin dealership in Malaysia indicates the car is likely to arrive before Christmas with indicative pricing at RM2.3mil. Two of three DB11s ordered for the Malaysian market initially are still available for the taking, if you are asking.

Aston Martin Singapore echoed the same line while qualifying it by saying the DB11 may arrive by the first quarter of 2017 at the latest. The Aston Martin office in the island republic is also the Asia-Pacific hub, with Australia and New Zealand falling under its ambit.

The DB11 will be selling in its home country at £155,000 (RM818,195), €204,900 (RM914,677) in Germany and US$211,995 (RM852,951) in the United States.

Locally, the sales of Aston Martin cars has also seen a big change not too long ago. The Aston Martin franchise in Malaysia has undergone a changeover last November with the regional automotive powerhouse Wearnes taking over from Jelita Seleksi Sdn Bhd, which had been handling the British brand since July 2012.

The Singapore-based Wearnes Automotive holds distributorships and dealerships for Aston Martin and a range of premium passenger marques in the city-state and around the region. Other brands include Jaguar Land Rover, Bentley, Bugatti, Infiniti, Volvo and Renault. In Malaysia, the Wearnes group has stakes in Volkswagen, BMW and MINI dealerships as well.

So far, DB11 has been well received since its world debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show and is making waves in the latest unveiling in New Zealand last week. Underlining Singapore’s importance as a market for Aston Martins and the hub for Asia-Pacific operations, the DB11 was previewed at the same time as its maiden showing at the Geneva show in March. This made Singapore the first country to preview the GT car outside the motor show.

The successor to the DB9 – the DB10 was the James Bond car in Spectre – the DB11 leads the charge under the company’s “Second Century” plan, which aims to deliver seven new models in seven years as part of an overall stragey to drive growth through revamping and expanding the line-up. In the past, Aston Martin has been lethargic in coming out with new models but not anymore. A crossover, a mid-engine V8 supercar and an all-electric RapidE are in the pipeline.

Aston Martin boss Andy Palmer wants to leave nothing to chance when launching a pivotal new model. He has taken to inspecting the first 1,000 customer DB11s. Approved units will have a plaque signed by Palmer and mounted on the V12 engines, built at an Aston Martin plant in Cologne, Germany.

Designed in-house, the V12 engine develops 600hp and 700Nm of torque, making DB11 the most powerful production DB model ever. It’s also the fastest and most accelerative, too, with a top speed of 322kph and a 0-100kph time of just 3.9s, while cylinder bank activation and stop-start technology is matched by improved efficiency.

Opened in 2004, the Cologne plant is a state-of-the-art facility created solely for the production of Aston Martin engines. Production of the 6.0L V12 and 4.7L V8 engines will continue there. Future sports cars including the RapidE would be built at Aston's headquarters and manufacturing centre in Gaydon, Warwickshire. The crossover would be produced at a new Welsh plant.

Aston Martin gets its funding from Middle Eastern and Italian investors and it has so far received £700mil (RM3.7bil) to fuel its Second Century Plan.


Hyundai publishes design sketches of upcoming SUV

                LOS ANGELES: Hyundai has published a series of design sketches of the 2020 Venue ahead of its world premiere at the New York International Auto Show next week.

Late last month, Hyundai published the first teasers of their smallest SUV to date, the 2020 Venue, that left nearly everything about the crossover, both inside and out, to the imagination.

Apart from a close-up picture of the rear's brand badge, the company only offered us photographs of colourful and lively gatherings that allegedly represent the personality of the car; according to Hyundai, the Venue has a "trendy, unique style," and "embodies the characteristics of ‘the place to be.'"

And now, earlier this week, the company published a new series of sketches that are far more revealing than the previously provided images. Not only do we get a taste of the entire exterior of the Venue, but also we have some insight as to what the cockpit will look like - including s a horizontally placed centre console touchscreen and a dash of colour on the dash, doors, and seats.

Hyundai states that the Venue will answer the needs of busy professionals and busy partygoers thanks to "an abundance of playful and practical features including seamless safety, versatility and connectivity."

Currently, the brand's smallest SUV is the Kona which starts at US$19,990, so the price tag of the Venue will likely slide in just below.

The 2020 Hyundai Venue will be officially unveiled at the New York International Auto Show on April 17.


Let's drive the new BMW 6 Series, shall we?

BMW had enjoyed success beyond its expectations when it introduced the 6 Series a decade ago in 2004 as a Convertible, though it was the recent generation series that commanded better sales with its wider model options.

Almost 80,000 examples of the outgoing model were sold globally, half of which were the longer-wheelbase four-door Gran Coupé. The Malaysian market, however, saw a greater preference for the two-door Coupé.

The sporty stylish classic Coupé theme had obviously found a soft spot among the well-heeled and with the latest generation 6 Series, BMW decided to introduce all the variants at one go in December last year rather than to stagger them; that is, the Coupé, Convertible (both are two-door models) and Gran Coupé.

It is often hard to change an accepted body design formula and the new 6 Series sees no dramatic transformation but portrays a rather gradual honing of its dynamic Coupé profile to reflect the current BMW family styling and theme.

The front is focused on the new design of the BMW kidney grille (now with nine bars from the previous 10 to provide better air flow to cool the engine) and front and rear aprons to accentuate the width of the body; the front apron has a single full-width air intake to support that effect visually.

Complementing the fresh look are the newly-developed LED (light emitting diode) headlights, complete with daytime running lights, while the option here are the adaptive LED headlights with anti-dazzle High Beam Assistant.

Other details include the newly styled door mirrors that contribute to the car’s aerodynamic properties and contain slim horizontal indicator strips, and the 10mm larger chrome tailpipe embellishers for the six-cylinder in-line models to achieve a more powerful stance.

There is also new equipment beneath the “skin” to emphasise its performance personae; one of them is the sports-tuned exhaust system with a switchable valve to reduce exhaust back-pressure, resulting in a sportier note. You can turn it off for a quieter ride after enjoying the deep throated roar for a few kilometres.

Another key factor is the honing of the suspension system to the respective character of the models made available with further personalisation through such options as the electronic Dynamic Damper Control, Adaptive Drive that includes body roll stabilisation, and Integral Active Steering that introduces rear-wheel steer to reduce turning effort while enhancing agility.

The interior now sees the standard dashboard with contrast stitching that was previously an option, except on the M Sport versions, for an enhanced quality and luxury ambience.

The high-gloss black finish of the central console is seen as a contemporary measure to complement the iDrive system; likewise, the multi-functional instrument panel is new and there are now LED lights to illuminate the footwells, door openings and glovebox.

For the international media drive in Lisbon, Portugal, BMW made available the top model 650i with M Sport package in Coupé and Convertible options; we chose the Coupé as it holds greater appeal among BMW customers in the Malaysian market.

As the top model, it comes with the 4.4-litre V8 and TwinPower turbo technology with two turbochargers; power is a cool 450bhp and the maximum torque of 650Nm is available from an early 2,000rpm till 4,000rpm, making it useable for quick drives through winding roads.

To convey all that power and torque to the road via the rear wheels is the eight-speed Steptronic sport transmission with the BMW standard Sport and Sport+ modes for an even more engaging drive.

As with the new generation BMWs, we like the latest Head-Up Display that project all the relevant driving information, including navigation details, onto the windscreen using a full spectrum of colours.

We appreciated the clarity and could glean most of the information at a glance without taking our eyes off the road, especially the information on where to turn and go, and how fast we could legally drive.

Taking the 650i through the winding coastal roads with a spectacular view of the countryside and ocean was breathtaking; interestingly, the driver change point was this beachside café called Boundi, perhaps aspiring for the Bondi charm of Sydney, Australia.

The 650i felt almost as planted on the road as an M3 through the curves with its good dynamic balance, giving us the confidence to explore its optimum traction level.

We were a little conscious of the 6 Series wider dimensions through the narrower sections as the 650i was a wide car at almost 1,900mm, or almost 2m, across.

With the M Sport package, the 650i was running on Michelin 245/40 R19 tyres front and 275/35 R19 rear that provided the grip to complement all that torque coming through to push the Coupé through the corners.

With the twin turbo 4.4-litre engine, getting up to speed was effortless and we could easily make short work of the few open stretches as the 650i simply gobbled up the road.

The driving position was low, being typical of a Coupé, but the BMW designers had provided a good view upfront for easy gauging of its dimensional expanse especially when negotiating the narrow sections.

We had enjoyed the electric power steering (EPS) in other BMWs, including the M3s, earlier and we continued to revel in its accurate response and tyre direction along winding stretches.

For the xDrive versions, BMW continues with the hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering although this wasn’t the case with the new 1 Series. Perhaps, the hydraulic steering was found to function better with the 6 Series’ dynamic balance of a higher kerb weight and sturdier transfer system.

Those who like to drive the 6 Series at a modest pace would find the ECO PRO mode with coasting function an ideal item.

If the 6 Series Coupé, or any of the other two versions, is your cup of tea, BMW Malaysia expects to introduce this high-end model in the early part of the second half of the year.


Construction of Pan Borneo Highway begins

                BINTULU: Construction of the Pan Borneo Highway, a project first discussed when Malaysia was formed in 1963, begins today.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will launch the upgrading of an existing road to Bakun Dam from KM-32 of the Bintulu-Miri trunk road.

Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem and Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof are also set to be present.

The building will continue in segments in the third quarter of this year, starting from Tanjung Datu, the western most tip of Sarawak.

The 40km portion will bring road connectivity for the first time between Tanjung Datu and Sematan, which is represented by Adenan.

It is scheduled for completion by end of 2018.

At the same time, the entire 740km stretch from Sematan to Miri, in northern Sarawak, will begin construction in the third quarter of 2016, and is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2023.

The Tedungan to Merapok portion, which is the portion of Sarawak sandwiched between Brunei, will begin in early 2018. It is also scheduled for completion in early 2023.

The Pan Borneo Highway will mostly follow the route of the existing trunk road. It involves the widening of the present 3m wide single-carriageway into a dual-carriageway.

Currently the condition of the trunk road requires major maintenance, due to heavy usage across its single lane. Road travel is slow, estimated at 19 hours between Sematan and Miri.

According to a Government study of the North South Expressway in

Peninsular Malaysia, highway construction induces a multiplier effect of four times to the economy.

Previously the highway was slated for completion in 2025 under the Highway Network Development Plan.

The Prime Minister in his Budget 2015 speech had announced that the construction of the highway would be fast-tracked under a public-private-partnership implementation model. The cost was estimated at RM27bil.


Airbus CEO sees ‘flying car’ prototype ready by end of year

                MUNICH: Airbus Group plans to test a prototype for a self-piloted flying car as a way of avoiding gridlock on city roads by the end of the year, the aerospace group's chief executive said.

Airbus last year formed a division called Urban Air Mobility that is exploring concepts such as a vehicle to transport individuals or a helicopter-style vehicle that can carry multiple riders. The aim would be for people to book the vehicle using an app, similar to car-sharing schemes.

"One hundred years ago, urban transport went underground, now we have the technological wherewithal to go above ground," Airbus CEO Tom Enders told the DLD digital tech conference in Munich, adding he hoped the Airbus could fly a demonstration vehicle for single-person transport by the end of the year.

"We are in an experimentation phase, we take this development very seriously," he said, adding that Airbus recognised such technologies would have to be clean to avoid further polluting congested cities.

He said using the skies could also reduce costs for city infrastructure planners. "With flying, you don't need to pour billions into concrete bridges and roads," he said.

Enders said Airbus, as the world's largest maker of commercial helicopters, wanted to invest to make the most of new technologies such as autonomous driving and artificial intelligence, to usher in what amounts to an era of flying cars.

"If we ignore these developments, we will be pushed out of important segments of the business," he said.

A spokesman for Airbus declined to say how much the company was investing in urban mobility.


MCVE 2019: Special Edition MAN XLion makes first appearance

                KUALA LUMPUR: MAN Truck and Bus Malaysia presented its XLion special model during the Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo (MCVE) 2019.

The 'X' in the XLion nomenclature represents an 'extreme' look for the TGS 33.480 6x4 prime mover that gets a 'lion' design on both sides of the cab.

This special edition prime mover uses a 12.4-litre D2676 inline-six turbo diesel engine that generates 480hp from 1,800 to 2,400rpm and 2,300Nm of torque from 1,200 to 2,000rpm.

Additionally, it also features a double cylinder air compressor and an air dryer with two granulated cartridges, a four-spoke multi-function steering wheel, hydraulic cab tilting mechanism, double-reduction rear axles and a self-contained battery-operated RTX 2000 Roof Top Air Conditioner.

Also fitted is an Aerodynamic Package which comes in all TG series vehicles (L and LX Cab) and comprises of a roof spoiler as well as side panels with dual adjustable side flaps.

There is also a Safety Package to help improve traction and controlled braking. This package includes an Exhaust Valve Brake (EVB) system, Emergency Stopping Signal (ESS), Anti-Spin Regulator (ASR) and Anti-Jackknife Brake (AJK-B) system.

Under the Mechanical and Electrical Package, the prime mover receives LED rear lights, daytime driving lights, Tyre Pressure Monitoring (TPM) system, idle shutdown and aluminium rims in the recommended equipment list.

Included in the MAN XLion aftersales service packages are the MAN ServiceContracts and the sector-specific MAN ProfiDrive training program.

The program can be conducted at any location and covers both practical driving skills as well as theoretical aspects of safety, economy and vehicle inspection.

A MAN ServiceContracts cover maintenance and repairs and the exclusive use of MAN Genuine Parts and MAN Genuine Parts Ecoline.

“Our objective has always been to help our customers make their business simpler, more profitable, more sustainable and future-proof. I am confident with our MAN XLION packages and our comprehensive range of aftersales services, we can help make our customers’ job easier, true to our motto of ‘Simplifying Business’”, said MAN managing director Richard Frenz.


Driving the Merc CLA 200

It was dusk. The car pulled up at a PLUS lay-by after winding its way down the hills of Tapah.

Three middle-aged men stood nearby, staring at it in apparent admiration. They looked animated, passing remarks about it and continued doing so as the Mercedes-Benz pulled away and merged with highway traffic following the refuelling stop.

The CLA certainly stands out not just for its rarity (for now) on local roads but for the fact it’s quite the looker.

And then there’s the bigger picture. The way Mercedes-Benz is telling it, the CLA is doing so well around the world, it’s hard keeping up with demand, being forced to start a third shift to fill orders.

It’s a good problem to have and comes as a big relief to Dieter Zetsche whose continued career as Daimler boss, some pundits say, was dependent on the success of the car.

Unveiled at last year’s Detroit auto show, the CLA imported to Malaysia earlier this year came in the form of the CLA 200 and the extreme variant, the CLA 45 AMG.

The CLA is based on the new A-Class platform, which also has an AMG hatch which we had tested in December – and liked a lot.

AMG had done a great job, creating the most potent 4-cylinder engine in series production, delighting the senses with its power that was aligned with the car’s refined driving dynamics.

Like the A 45 AMG, the CLA 45 AMG uses the same powerplant. Why waste a perfectly good engine?

Selling a car is as much about the packaging as it is about pricing and aftersales support.

Compact products from budget to luxury car makers are generally looking better with each iteration.

As a totally new model, the CLA joins the club of small cars, with the mission to attract younger buyers and/or rich kids living off their parents’ money.

Mercedes-Benz is not stopping at the CLA sedan;a Shooting Brake CLA is planned for next year so this breakthrough model from Mercedes’ Hungarian plant is among the new compact cars that hold the promise of extending market share for the Stuttgart crew.

The CLA is undoubtedly eye-catching. Mercedes stylists have carved out elegant lines in the four-door compact coupe that is reminiscent of the CLS that debuted in 2003 - and combined it with a swoopy look that doesn’t look awkward despite the smallish dimensions.

On the contrary, it makes the car look distinctive through the interplay of concave and convex surfaces.

Bold expressive features include powerdomes embedded in the bonnet and the diamond radiator grille.

The light modules and LEDs behind the headlamp cover glass have been arranged in such a way as to create the characteristic “flare effect” for the daytime driving lights and indicators.

This light signet defines the car’s appearance and shapes a new Mercedes face.

Adding contrast are black wing mirror caps.

The width-emphasising rear end radiates power and athleticism, a result from the drawn-in C-pillars in conjunction with the shoulder muscle over the rear wheel arch linings.

The tail lights, arranged arrow-style, are framed by the muscular lines of the shoulders which extend into the rear where dual tail pipes complete the picture.

The CLA moves on 18-inch run-flat tyres, a surprise considering Mercedes-Benz is finally following what arch-rival BMW has been doing for years.

Run-flats were first fitted to the W246 B200, and in future such tyres will be used in other selected models.

Models not equipped with run-flats will use a Tirefit kit (fix-a-flat type of goo with a pump).

Cabin instrumentation is clean and attractive.

Touch and feel remains premium with the dash top layered with soft-touch leather and plastic panelling. Five round vents add a degree of sporty ambience. Unlike most Mercs, the gearshift selector is a stalk behind the steering wheel. But you quickly get used to it.

As the base car, the CLA 200 still gets paddle shifters and leather seats but loses other perks such as start/stop button and GPS.

The free-standing infotainment screen is small, priming you to the fact that this is a car bereft of navigation aid, an option to be fixed at the factory level.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has told us that “this option cannot be fitted on an existing vehicle that does not come with COMAND Online. The NAV button on the CLA 200 is a common button but only with COMAND Online does the NAV button work.”

A simplified dial on the centre console offers a quick way to navigate screen displays.

While front-row seats look the part in a coupe and are functional with enough elbow room, they could do with better thigh support.

Legroom is adequate in second row, enhanced by scooped surfacing in the back of the front seatback but headroom is, as expected, wanting on account of the rakish roofline. And that space is really meant for two passengers although a third could squeeze in at a pinch.

For the driver, rearward visibility is severely restricted but only if the middle head restraint is up.

At 470l, boot space is big for a car this size; the rear seatback can fold forward almost flat to enlarge storage space when needed.

With a set-up like the CLA, you are bound to think it ought to be nimble-footed - until proven wrong.

A terrain like Cameron Highlands is a good playground to let loose the CLA. And so it was taken up the slopes over a weekend via the Simpang Pulai route and went down the old Tapah way the same day.

The CLA 200 comes with a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 154hp and 250Nm of torque.

Traversing Camerons and its countless bends proved to be an enjoyable experience.

We had many opportunities to power up and speed past slow-moving traffic and to brake in a hurry when an overtaking pass failed in the face of an approaching lorry.

Such occasions are when you are encouraged to use paddle shifters as you sweep through corners.

The engine was peppy and traction was excellent as the car navigated the twists and turns with confidence and agility. Feedback from the steering wheel is none too sharp but placement of the driven front wheels was accurate nonetheless.

In ECO mode, the car went into periodic auto starts/stops, much appreciated as we inched through a traffic crawl on low fuel load midway up Camerons.

Helping fuel efficiency along is the innate sleekness of the car, which at a Cd of 0.23, is said to be the most aerodynamic of any road car, according to Mercedes-Benz.

Turn off ECO on the dash, and the car feels much more alive, being quicker off the line though it didn’t blow us away. After all, an 8.6s sprint time from 0-100kph is hardly spectacular.

Cabin insulation is decent but engine noise and tyre roar are intrusive at high speeds.

In normal driving, the firm suspension and run-flats do offer some measure of comfort and is not as harsh as it may seemed because the suspension of the CLA has been tuned to compensate for the increased tyre rigidity.

So ride in most cases is still refined until you cross a patch of poorly paved tarmac, where the  low-profile tyres will start to pick up vibrations and noise that will be relayed to the driver's fingers.

The accelerator pedal has a rather mushy pedal travel - quite out of character for a sporty car like the CLA - and detracts somewhat from the driving experience.

On balance, this is a respectable first stab at doing a compact four-door sports coupe for Mercedes-Benz. It’s version 1 and there are some niggles.

But things can only get better from here on. We hope.


Jaguar Classic to mark 60 years of E-type with tribute edition

                LONDON: Jaguar Classic will create six matched pairs of E-type cars to celebrate the iconic sports car’s 60th anniversary in 2021: the E-type 60 Collection.

Each pair of E-type 60 Edition cars pay tribute to two of the oldest and most famous Jaguar E-type sports cars: ‘9600 HP’ and ‘77 RW’, which played pivotal roles in the unveiling of the car at its world debut in Geneva, Switzerland in March 1961.

Every E-type 60 Edition built by the team at the Jaguar Classic Works facility in Warwickshire would be an existing 1960s 3.8-litre E-type fully-restored to exclusive 60th anniversary tribute specification.

Each E-type 60 Collection pair will include one Flat Out Grey ‘9600 HP’ coupe and one Drop Everything Green ‘77 RW’ roadster, with unique paintwork. Each E-type 60 Edition will feature a number of 60th anniversary commemorative design details created in conjunction with Jaguar design director Julian Thomson.

E-type sports cars were once owned by celebrities including Steve McQueen, Brigitte Bardot, Frank Sinatra, George Harrison, Tony Curtis and Britt Ekland. And, thanks to the beauty of its sculptural forms, its functionality and its impact on design, an E-type became only the third car to join The Museum of Modern Art’s design collection in 1996.


Bentley comes out with Bentayga Hybrid

                LONDON: On Thursday, over a year after it was first unveiled, Bentley announced that its first true plug-in hybrid SUV — the Bentayga Hybrid — is now on sale in Europe.

Just a few months ago, Bentley launched the Bentayga Hybrid — a model that the company refers to as its"first step towards electrification" — in North America and now, the company has launched it in Europe. According to Bentley, this SUV is the brand's most efficient model to date, and not just in the SUV segment.

The company also gives this hybrid the title of "the world's first true electrified luxury car" — that depends on whether you consider a Tesla, BMW, and Porsche true luxury brands or not.

By 2023, Bentley hopes to offer an electrified version of every model in its portfolio, an ambition similar to those of VW and Lincoln, and the Bentayga Hybrid is the first model launched as part of this electrification goal.

The model is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 paired with an electric motor. The drive system controlling both optimizes how much each is used to ensure that all available power is used most efficiently. Together, the engine and the motor can bring the SUV to a top speed of 158 mph.

Bentley's Bentayga Hybrid is available starting at €141,100 (RM649,000) in Europe and £133,100 (RM613,000) in Britain. Despite the order books opening up in the North America before Europe, European deliveries will begin first in the fourth quarter of 2019 followed by North American deliveries in early 2020.


Nissan March Deal Boosters campaign offers millions of Boost Stars to customers

                KUALA LUMPUR: Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) has launched the March Deal Boosters campaign, where buyers of new Nissan models could win millions of Boost Stars.

ETCM said the Boost Stars, normally accumulated through transactions using the Boost app, can be redeemed for rewards from the BoostUP catalogue.

"Up to 20 million Boost Stars are to be given out during the campaign period from March 1 to March 31, 2022.

"Nissan models which can win the purchaser Boost Stars include the All-New Nissan Almera 1.0L Turbo, New Nissan Navara 2.5L Turbo 4WD, Nissan X-Trail and Nissan Serena S-Hybrid," it said in a statement.

Additionally, free accessories packages and free maintenance service are also offered for even better value for money, said ETCM.

"Winning customers will be able to use these Stars to choose their preferred reward from the BoostUP catalogue so each winning customer may get something different and something that they will truly appreciate.

"We hope that Malaysians will use this opportunity to buy a new Nissan vehicle while there is still the exemption of sales tax,” said the company.

ETCM, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tan Chong Motor Holdings Bhd, is the sales and marketing arm of Nissan vehicles in Malaysia.


Hyundai launches plant to produce Indonesia's first electric car —  the Ioniq 5

                JAKARTA: Hyundai Motor Group launched a new automotive plant today that will produce Indonesia's first locally assembled electric vehicle, part of President Joko Widodo's goal of developing a full EV supply chain using the country's mineral resources.

Reuters did not name the EV model but The Korea Herald said the opening of the plant also meant the start of mass production of the Ioniq 5, a model that had already been launched in Malaysia on March 9.

At the moment, the Malaysian batches of Ioniq 5 are being imported from Hyundai's plant in South Korea.

According to The Korea Herald, the Ioniq 5 will become Hyundai’s signature vehicle in the Indonesian market in the near future, and contribute in cementing its reputation as a leading EV maker there.

While initial production is for the Indonesian market, the long term plan is for the plant to export its cars to South-East Asian market as well.

At the plant's inauguration today, Jokowi, as the president is known, said the government was providing incentives and had removed red tape to try to boost investment in EV development.

"We need to be an important player in the global supply chain of electric cars," he said.

"Our country has large mineral resources that can be used for development of electric cars."

Indonesia is a major nickel ore producer, an important material for EV batteries.

It also produces cobalt, also used for batteries, and has large deposits of bauxite and copper ores, which can be used for EV production, Jokowi said.

Downstream development of Indonesia's natural resources has been one of Jokowi's key economic goals to lure foreign investment and create jobs.

By 2024, all EVs produced in Indonesia will use locally made batteries and other key components, he added.

Hyundai in 2019 said it would invest US$1.55 billion up to 2030, with starting capacity of 150,000 vehicles per year, to be later expanded to 250,000 annually.

The group's chairman Euisin Chung said the new plant would also be linked with a Hyundai-LG joint venture battery plant, which is scheduled to open in 2024.

LG Energy Solution (LGES) and Hyundai started construction of the US$1.1 billion EV battery plant in September, which at its full capacity is expected to produce 10 gigawatt hours of battery cell power.


Suzuki appoints scion as CEO to rebuild after testing scandal

                TOKYO: Suzuki Motor Corp on Wednesday tapped the son of the company patriarch to become chief executive, keeping management of Japan's fourth-largest automaker with the founding family as it tries to recover from a testing scandal.

The widely expected announcement followed an annual shareholders meeting earlier in the day, when the company said it anticipated "major" impact from volatility in currency markets after Britain voted to leave the European Union.

Toshihiro Suzuki, 57, (pic) assumes his role after his father, long-serving chairman Osamu, last month said he would step down as CEO to take responsibility for the firm's use of incorrect testing methods to calculate vehicle mileage.

Osamu, 86, will remain chairman. Having led the company since 1978, the patriarch will extend his run as one of the longest-serving global auto executives, raising questions about how much longer he can run the company.
Analysts said that while succession had been a long time coming, having father and son in the top two positions means Osamu would reign as he has for nearly 40 years.

"So long as Osamu-san remains chairman, nothing much is going to change," Marusan Securities analyst Hiroaki Mochida said. But Mochida said in the near term, Osamu was the best hope in fighting off competition in emerging markets including India, where Suzuki commands a market share of around 40 percent.

Wednesday's announcement marks the second executive position passed on by Osamu to his eldest son, who becomes CEO nearly a year after being appointed president as part of the succession plan.

Quiet and soft-spoken in comparison to his outspoken father, Toshihiro joined Suzuki in 1994 after a stint at parts supplier Denso Corp, and led the company's product planning and global marketing divisions.


Hyundai adds Plug-In Hybrid for 2018 Ioniq

                LOS ANGELES: Hyundai has added the 2018 Plug-in Hybrid model to its popular Ioniq line-up for the 2018 model year, along with new features for Ioniq Hybrid and Electric models.

The growing eco-focused Ioniq line-up is the first to offer three distinct electrified powertrains on a single, dedicated vehicle platform.

Hyundai’s approach for the Ioniq line delivers an uncompromising design and driving experience coupled with the latest in safety and convenience technologies, making it an appealing choice for a wide range of buyers.

The Ioniq employs efficiency and technology in its design to create both a unique and forward-looking appearance.

Throughout the entire development phase, engineers and designers worked closely to ensure that form and function evolved simultaneously in a complementary fashion. Its fluid exterior shape and smooth air flow channels emphasize aerodynamic body lines and design forms.

The Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid features a new Kappa 1.6L direct-injected Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with an unsurpassed thermal efficiency of 40%  and delivering an estimated 104hp and an estimated 148Nm of torque.

This engine has been specifically tailored to the hybrid application and is combined with a quick-shifting six-speed double-clutch transmission.

The Ioniq Hybrid’s electric motor delivers an estimated 32kW with an estimated maximum torque of 170Nm, powered by a lithium-ion polymer battery with 1.56kWh capacity.

The battery is efficiently positioned under the rear passenger seats. In combination with the 1.6-liter direct-injected engine, Ioniq Hybrid offers a total system output of 139hp while providing low emissions, outstanding efficiency and range.

A fluid exterior shape and natural air flow channels emphasize aerodynamic body lines and surface volumes. A sporty, hatchback-like profile is inspired by aerodynamic efficiency, complementing the soft lines and surfaces that trace the car’s outline.

These attributes combine to boost aerodynamics further, which, when combined with various other smart efficiency solutions, produce an industry-leading 0.24 coefficient of drag.

In keeping with its exterior, the interior of Ioniq captures the model’s futuristic qualities.

A smooth, elegant and clutter-free theme and efficient use of interior space complements a logical, structured approach applied to the layout of controls for intuitive operation.

Ioniq is equipped with a high-definition 7-inch TFT information cluster. With a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels, it displays all gauge functions (speedometer, drive mode, fuel level).

The driving experience inside Ioniq is enhanced through state-of-the art connectivity features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Blue Link, as well as wireless charging for smartphones.

Ioniq offers the very latest in advanced safety, including Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist function, Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, for high levels of both active and passive vehicle safety.

A Tire Pressure Monitoring System also helps ensure each individual tire is properly inflated. A total of seven airbags, including a knee airbag for the driver, help protect the vehicle’s occupants in the event of a collision.


Aston Martin Vulcan with Castrol's Nexcel engine oil management system

                GENEVA: Castrol will unveil the next generation of its Nexcel engine oil management system for use in production vehicles at the Geneva show.

Nexcel was created to optimise the volume of oil in the engine’s sump for every driving condition and thus help reduce tailpipe CO2 emissions by allowing engines to warm-up faster.

The Nexcel oil cell also helps protect the environment by better capturing used oil during oil changes.

The new Phase II evolution brings these benefits to wet-sump applications, making the system ready for integration with development programmes for high volume production vehicles.

Aston Martin was the first vehicle manufacturer to adopt the Nexcel technology, specifying the system for their 820bhp Aston Martin Vulcan track-based hypercar.

An Aston Martin Vulcan fitted with Nexcel technology will be on the stand.

“At the Geneva show, we will be revealing a Phase II system that is ready to bring the emissions benefits and convenience of the Nexcel system to production vehicles,” states Steve Goodier, Nexcel’s programme director.

“The system helps to solve a wide range of challenges that are becoming more pressing for vehicle manufacturers and fleet owners.  We anticipate strong interest in our first public demonstration of an application-ready system.”


Alibaba and Ford unveil car vending machine in Guangzhou

                GUANGZHOU: Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group and US car maker Ford have unveiled an unstaffed car vending machine in China’s southern city Guangzhou.

The machine stands about five-storeys tall and contains 42 cars, of various models, including the Ford Explorer SUV and Mustang.

Alibaba said users of Tmall, Alibaba’s flagship online shopping platform, with good credit scores can buy a car from the machine, without any human help, in under 10 minutes.

They simply select a model on Alibaba’s Taobao mobile app, have their face scanned by the app, and when they arrive at the machine, it will verify their identities before the vehicle is delivered.

The vending machine will be open to the public from Monday to April 23. Buyers will be given a 3-day test drive before they have to commit to any purchase. Similar machines are being planned in Beijing and Hangzhou.

“Sign up is completely mobile on the Tmall or Taobao mobile APP,” said Gu Wanguo, general manager of vehicles at Tmall Auto.

“Once a Ford vehicle is chosen, consumers snap a selfie to ensure they are only person who can take the car, put down a deposit electronically, and schedule a pickup time, all from within the app,” he added. At Guangzhou’s machine, buyers can also take out one other car if they are not satisfied with their selections.

Ford and Alibaba signed a three-year collaboration partnership last December, allowing the US car maker various new retail opportunities, from pre-sales, test drives and leasing options, through Tmall.

The e-commerce giant is no stranger to selling cars online and via mobile apps. In 2016, Maserati sold 100 cars in 18 seconds during a flash sale on Tmall.

Online car-buying has been gaining traction in recent years, with electric carmaker Tesla pioneering direct sales straight from the Internet.

Other brands such as Hyundai, Daimler Benz, BMW and Volvo have all been experimenting with selling cars from their websites in recent years. — South China Morning Post


New Maserati GranTurismo teaser images released

                MODENA: The first prototype of the new Maserati GranTurismo was driven out of the Maserati Innovation Lab and was photographed on the streets of Modena recently.

The new GranTurismo will be the brand's first car to adopt a 100% electric solution.

But customers will still be able to buy it with a combustion engine variant. That version is believed to use the Nettuno twin-turbo V6 mill that's found in the MC20 mid-engined sports car.

The V6 produces 621hp and 729Nm of torque in the MC20 and power is sent to the wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. An all-electric MC20 is also in the works.

Several units of the GranTurismo prototype are currently undergoing a period of intensive road and circuit testing, in various conditions of use, to acquire vital data for the preparation of the final setup.

Market launch is expected in the later part of this year.


Proton sales grew in November 2018

                KUALA LUMPUR: Proton registered 4,820 new car sales in November 2018, an improvement over the same period in 2017.
Market share as a percentage of the Total Industry Volume (TIV) is estimated at 10.2%.

As was the case for the previous month, Proton maintained its attractive pricing strategy in November as well as the zero SST pricing policy where the company absorbs the tax amount for all models.

These promotions have found favour with buyers.

“Proton is continuing its zero SST pricing policy for all current models. Unfortunately, there was a supply constraint in November, limiting the number of cars we could deliver. So while our overall sales improved over the same month in 2017, the Company would like to apologise to all its dealers for not being able to meet our commitments,” said Abdul Rashid Musa, CEO of Proton Edar.

For December 2018, Proton will be celebrating its recent victory in the 2018 S1K with a promotion titled “Champion Rebates”.

By winning the S1K for a fourth time with a fourth different model, Proton became the most successful brand in the history of the event, a fact the company is recognising by offering rebates of up to RM3,000 for four of its cars, namely the Proton Ertiga, Iriz, Persona and Saga.

Also, from 4 December and till end-February 2019, a free 18-point safety inspection for all Proton models is offered at authorised service centres.

"Road safety is one of our main priorities. Our aim is to make every journey safer and hopefully that contributes to a reduction in the national road accident numbers,” added Abdul Rashid Musa.


China's BYD to start selling EVs in Japan by early 2023

                TOKYO: BYD Co's Japanese division said today it would start selling its first battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the country early next year, as the world's largest EV maker further steps up its plan to either sell or make its cars available across major markets.

China's BYD, in which Berkshire Hathaway owns a stake, said it will roll out an electric sports utility vehicle, Atto 3, in Japan starting Jan 31. The car has a cruising distance of 485km and will cost 4.4 million yen (RM142,000).

In comparison, Nissan Motor Co's electric LEAF standard model has a cruising range of 322km and costs about 3.7 million yen (RM120,000).

BYD's Japan chapter is planning to introduce two more models by the end of 2023 and more than 100 dealerships in Japan by the end of 2025, the company said.

Gasoline-electric hybrid models remain more popular than BEVs in Japan. However, the share of the battery-driven vehicles is expected to grow, partly due to non-Japanese automakers like BYD and Volkswagen making their way into the market.

BYD's Japan division is planning to set up tentative retailers starting late January in 22 cities but is eager to cover all 47 prefectures, said Atsuki Tofukuji, BYD Auto Japan Inc chief executive.

"We hope that we can make our presence felt little by little as we work towards carbon neutrality and as our customers demand a variety of choices," he said.

Japanese automakers have recently been criticised by activists and green investors, who slam them for not embracing battery electric vehicles fast enough.

Toyota Motor Corp began selling its first mass-produced fully electric vehicle bZ4X in May as lease-only in its domestic market, charging 106,700 yen per month for the first four years in a 10-year contract.

However, it was forced to recall less than two months later due to safety concerns. It began producing again in October.

Just a year into its US$38 billion EV plan, Toyota is already considering starting again to better compete in a market growing beyond the automaker's projections, Reuters reported in October.


Pirelli launches world's first FSC-certified tyres for BMW's hybrid model

                MILAN:  Italian tyremaker Pirelli said today it was producing the world's first FSC-certified range of tyres, which it designed for BMW's X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model.

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international non-profit organisation which sets standards for environmentally responsible management of forests and certifying environmental policies.

The new tyres contain FSC-certified natural rubber and rayon, Pirelli said in a statement, adding they will help achieve an increasingly sustainable tyre production.

"FSC forest management certification confirms that plantations are managed in a way that preserves biological diversity and benefits the lives of local people and workers, while ensuring it sustains economic viability," it said.


Flat-blade wipers to dominate new car market, says Bosch

                CHANGSHA (China): Flat-blade wipers are set to dominate car windscreens in the Asean region, which means conventional wiper blades might eventually be phased out.

Designed without the traditional metal frame, flat-blade wiper technology ensures even distribution of pressure across the wiper blades, regardless of the shapes of windscreen.

“In 1999, Bosch developed the first flat-blade in the market, and it is now the choice of automakers for 90 per cent of new vehicles in Europe. The flat-blade technology trend has also started in Japan. We expect the same trend to reach Asia in the coming years,” said Wang Yufeng, director of sales and marketing Services for Bosch Automotive Aftermarket in Asia Pacific South-east.

In China, flat-blade wipers are fitted on more than 50 per cent of new cars.

"It's important to note that flat-blade wipers are easily installed, and old cars can be easily adapted to use flat-blade technology," said Wang.

The quick clip adaptor enables drivers to install wipers quickly without hassle.

Bosch flat-blade wipers are innovated to be bracketless to deliver even distribution of pressure along the entire blade, making flat-blades wipe more efficiently.

Bosch also uses an exclusive rubber formula for the wipers, which provides longer durability, a reduction in noise and remarkable wiping performance when driving in extreme weather conditions.

The exclusive rubber formula used in Bosch flat-blade wipers is resistant to cracks and damages from long-term ozone and sunlight exposure.

Even after 200,000 wipe cycles, it performs almost like a newly installed wiper.

“Poor road visibility is dangerous. Up to 70 percent of road accidents occur due to bad visibility, largely attributed to inconsistent wiping quality,” said Yufeng.

“The beauty of Bosch flat-blade wipers lies in its unrivaled wiping performance in all weather conditions and ease of installation, making one’s driving experience safer and enjoyable”.

Bosch flat-blade wipers are available on e-commerce platforms such as Lazada in Malaysia (www.lazada.com.my/bosch-automotive-aftermarket), Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand and Bosch Automotive Shop for Australia.

The new Bosch Clear Advantage Wiper is priced at RM65 a pair on Lazada and major car accessory shops, and they are also available through Bosch authorised dealers in Asia.

The new Bosch flat-blade wiper fits 96 per cent of vehicles in the Asean region.

Vehicle safety campaign

As part of its vehicle safety campaign "One Wrong Part Ruins Everything", the Bosch Rover will tour over 90 locations across Peninsular Malaysia.

Targeted at the everyday driver, the campaign advocates safe driving and highlights potential dangers of underestimating the importance of quality and reliable car parts.

Taking place from October 2016 to January 2017, the Bosch Rover will make its appearance at business centres, hypermarkets, media houses and petrol stations.

Visitors can look forward to interactive activities including lucky draws and contests, as well as promotional prices of selected Bosch automotive products.

Participants can join the Spin and Win contest for customers with purchases over RM70, a Facebook Photo Caption contest for non-purchasing customers, or a Time Challenge contest that measures the fastest contestant to remove and install a set of wipers.

Winners stand a chance to win a pair of the new Bosch Clear Advantage Wipers.


Park outdoors: Ford recalls SUVs due to engine fire risk

                DETROIT: Ford is asking the owners of 350,000 vehicles in to take them to dealers for repairs in three recalls, including about 39,000 that should be parked outdoors because the engines can catch fire.

Ford says in US government documents posted today that it doesn't know what's causing fires in some 2021 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs.

But the company says fires can happen even while the engines are off.

Ford has reports of 16 fires under the hood, 14 in rental company vehicles.

One person was burned.

It's recommending that the SUVs be parked outdoors and away from buildings.

So far it hasn't developed a repair for the fires, which appear to start at the back of the engine compartment on the passenger side.

Of the 16 fires, 12 happened while the SUV engines were turned off, Ford said in a prepared statement.

The company says it has no reports of fires extending to any buildings.

Ford says it’s not instructing owners to stop driving the SUVs, although those who might not be able to follow the park outdoors instructions should contact their dealer or the company.

Ford says it’s treating the recall urgently and will use apps and mail to notify customers as soon as it develops a list of vehicle owners and addresses.

"We are working around the clock to determine the root cause of this issue and subsequent remedy so that customers can continue to enjoy using their vehicles,” Jeffrey Marentic, general manager of Ford passenger vehicles, said in a statement.

Ford began investigating fire reports on March 24. It says the fires appear to be limited to SUVs built from Dec 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021. The company says it has no fire reports from vehicles built before or after those dates.

The automaker also is recalling about 310,000 heavy-duty trucks because the driver's airbag may not inflate in a crash.

The recall covers certain 2016 F-250, 350, 450 and 550 trucks. Dust can get into the air bag wiring in the steering wheel, disconnecting the electricity. Dealers will replace steering wheel wiring. Owners will be notified by mail starting July 5.

And the company is recalling 464 electric Mustang Mach-E SUVs from 2021.

A software problem can cause unintended acceleration, deceleration or a loss of drive power in all-wheel-drive vehicles.

Ford says in documents posted Thursday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that the powertrain control computer may not detect a software error.

The problem will be fixed by dealers or by an online software update. Owners will be notified by letter around May 30.


US asks 12 automakers for help in Tesla probe

A Tesla Model S is shown in Autopilot mode in San Francisco. — Reuters

WASHINGTON: The US auto safety regulator said Tuesday it has asked 12 major automakers for assistance as part of its probe into crashes involving Tesla vehicles striking emergency vehicles while using advanced driver assistance systems like Autopilot.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) sent letters to General Motors Co, Toyota Motor Corp, Ford Motor Co, Volkswagen AG and others questions as the agency conducts a "comparative analysis" with other "production vehicles equipped with the ability to control both steering and braking/accelerating simultaneously under some circumstances."

In August, NHTSA opened a formal safety probe into Tesla driver assistance system Autopilot after 12 crashes with emergency vehicles. The probe covers 765,000 US Tesla vehicles built between 2014 and 2021.

Tesla's Autopilot handles some driving tasks and allows drivers to keep their hands off the wheel for extended periods. Tesla says Autopilot enables vehicles to steer, accelerate and brake automatically within their lane.

The agency asked the 12 automakers to list any crashes in which an advanced driver assistance system was engaged at "anytime during the period beginning 30 seconds immediately prior to the commencement of the crash."

The letters also seeks details on its driver assistance systems ensure drivers pay attention and how they detect if drivers are engaged. NHTSA gave some automakers until Nov 3 to respond and others until Nov 17.

NHTSA also automakers to detail "strategies for detecting and responding to the presence of first responder / law enforcement vehicles."

On Aug 31 NHTSA sent Tesla a 11-page letter with numerous questions it must answer by Oct 22, as part of its investigation. NHTSA said it had reports of 17 injuries and one death in the 12 crashes.

Earlier this month, NHTSA confirmed it was also investigating a July 26 fatal crash in New York of a 52-year-old man who was struck by a Tesla as he was attempting to fix a flat tyre on his vehicle.


Grab expands self-driving car trial in Singapore

Reporters taking pictures of a driverless car. - AFP
SINGAPORE: Southeast Asia's leading ride-hailing firm Grab on Friday teamed up with a US-based software developer to run a limited public trial of a self-driving car service in Singapore.

Applications for free rides on the "robo-cars" opened on Friday, with the service expected to kick off next week, Grab Singapore head Lim Kell Jay told journalists.

The revolutionary technology will be used to ferry passengers as well as a safety driver and an engineer around One North, a research campus with limited traffic.

"If a trip requires travel on roads outside of One North, the safety driver will take control of the vehicle for that portion of the trip," a joint statement by Grab and software company nuTonomy said.

The partnership follows the Sept 15 launch of a groundbreaking driverless car service in the US city of Pittsburgh by Uber, the world's leading car-hailing company.

The trial will run for the next two months, and may be extended for as long as it continues to yield useful feedback and data that can feed into the roll-out of driverless taxis across Singapore in 2018.

The announcement came three days after Singapore-based Grab said it had raised $750 million in funding from investors, taking its total capital to more than $1.0 billion, as it looks to expand in the lucrative Southeast Asian market and bolster its lead over Uber.

But Uber's launch of a driverless car service last week catapulted it ahead of Detroit auto giants and Silicon Valley rivals with technology that could revolutionise transportation.

In an ambitious experiment, a fleet of cars laden with lasers, cameras and other sensors - but with no hands on the wheel - were deployed on Pittsburgh's challenging roads, steering themselves to pick up passengers.

In addition to Uber and Grab, Google's parent company Alphabet is also working on getting self-driving vehicles to market.

Grab's Singapore trials are backed by the wealthy city-state's government.

But Karl Iagnemma, chief executive and co-founder of nuTonomy, brushed off suggestions that the launch was timed to take the shine off Uber's Pittsburgh success.

"My strong belief of what we're going to see is the emergence of multiple regional winners," Iagnemma said.

Competition between Uber and local startups has grown fierce in Southeast Asia, home to more than 600 million people and a rising middle class.

Grab operates in Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.


2016 Geneva Motor Show: DS to show off E-Tense

PARIS: Set to be unveiled at the Geneva Motorshow, the first serious sports car from Citroen's standalone luxury brand aims to marry performance and luxury with responsibility.

The responsibility in question is of the environmental nature. The DS is a plug-in electric vehicle that uses technology leveraged from the brand's involvement in the emerging Formula E racing series.

The car outputs 402hp which is channelled exclusively to the rear wheels - this is an unusual approach as many electric supercars tend to be four-wheel drive - for a 0-100kph time of 4.5 seconds.

The car can hit a top speed of 250kph and, DS claims, can manage 360km on a single charge. Those figures won't give Tesla many sleepless nights. Its Model S P90D manages the 0-100kph dash in 2.9 seconds and can travel 490km before a recharge is needed.

But performance is only one ingredient of the supercar recipe and it's in terms of design, attention to detail and levels of craftsmanship that the DS more than holds its own.

Finished in a mirrored ametrine green and with a chrome-plated central spine, the car's lines apper even sharper thanks to the omission of a rear windscreen - with digital sensing and camera technology providing a clear rear-view instead.

DS claims that the interior took over 800 hours to concieve, test and create and features design elements referencing luxury watches, such as wrist strap details on the seats and sculpted steel for the dashboard binnacle.

BRM Chronographers created a bespoke watch to go with the car that can be worn by its driver or removed and integrated into the dashboard instead. To underline its sporty character, the car has a calfskin and soft leather helmet pouch that fits to the rear of the driver's seat and was created by Moynat. When not at the track, the pouch can be used as a bag.

The final touch is an air-conditioning system that also filters particles and pollutants out of the cabin so that the air is as fresh as it is cool.

The DS E-Tense will be officially unveiled on March 1 when the doors of the Geneva Motorshow open to the world's motoring press.


Seat launches exclusive Leon ST Cupra Carbon Edition

                LONDON: The super-exclusive Seat Leon Cupra R that was released earlier this year saw buyers snapping them all up immediately, so Seat has come up with another limited run model in the shape of the Leon ST Cupra Carbon Edition.

When the Cupra R hatchback was launched earlier this year there were just 700 units produced in total, and just 24 of them went to UK customers.

It's been revealed 50 units of the Leon ST Cupra Carbon Edition will be allocated to the UK, but at the moment there's no word about whether this model will be sold elsewhere, and if so, how many there will be. What sets this car apart from the Cupra R hatch, and most other limited edition performance cars for that matter, is that this one is a wagon body style.

The Carbon Edition is based on the current Leon ST Cupra 300, so it will stick with the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 296bhp and comes mated to a six-speed DSG gearbox and Seat's 4Drive all-wheel drive system.

Thankfully, and unlike the Leon Cupra hatchback, the ST estate isn't affected by the new WLTP fuel economy and emissions regulations in the UK so it keeps the full 296bhp instead of having to be down-rated to 286bhp like the hatch.

Inevitably, that also means no drop in performance either, so the Carbon Edition will still be capable of getting from 0-100kph in just 4.9 seconds and continuing on to a limited top speed of 250kph.

To stand out from the regular ST Cupra 300, the Carbon Edition is packed with a range of additional sports, styling and performance features. As well as carbon fiber side blades and front and rear diffusers, this model, which only comes finished in Monsoon Grey, is also equipped with high-performance Brembo brakes, 19-inch black alloy wheels and Cupra bucket seats. The quad rear exhausts are also going to be adorned with the Cupra logo.

Despite a hefty price in the UK of £35,575 (RM190,000), it's expected the Carbon Edition will follow in the footsteps of the special edition Cupra R and sell-out quickly.

Seat UK's managing director, Richard Harrison, says of the car: "Following the success of the special edition Cupra R, we know that there is demand for limited-run models from customers looking for something truly special. The Leon ST Cupra Carbon Edition doesn't only deliver stunning and unique looks, but we believe the enhanced performance and competitive price will be a real draw."


Myvi owners celebrate 10 years with record gathering

PETALING JAYA: It was a gathering to remember. Perodua celebrated 10 years of the Perodua Myvi in one of the largest gatherings of owners coupled with the unveiling of the 10th Anniversary Commemorative Limited Edition Myvi.

Perodua has produced only 12 units of the limited edition Myvi, of which 10 is for purchase.

 Syed Mohamad holding the mock key to his new Myvi.

During the event, lucky contestant Syed Mohamad Izzuddin Syed Ahmad Termizi from Perak won one unit.

“We are happy to celebrate this important milestone with our loyal customers and will be giving one lucky participant a 10th Anniversary Commemorative Edition Myvi as a big thank you,” said Perodua president and CEO Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh.

Perodua is launching a contest at all its sales and service outlets with one unit of limited edition Myvi up for grabs.

A total of 2,613 Perodua owners flocked to Setia Alam in Shah Alam and also made it into the Malaysian Book of Records as the biggest car gathering in Malaysian history.

The Myvi, which was launched on May 25, 2005, has been well accepted by Malaysians and have sold over 840,000 units to date covering 10 variants.

The “Myvi 10niversary” campaign is part of Perodua’s “Myvi, love of the Nation” initiative which started in December 2014 and will end in December 2015.


Electric Aston Martin Lagonda SUV coming in 2021

                LONDON: With Rolls-Royce Cullinan coming to market, another revered British marque is jumping on the luxury SUV bandwagon.

Aston Martin announced on Wednesday that its ‘Vision Concept’ will go into production as the all-electric Lagonda SUV/

Scheduled to be unveiled in 2021, the Lagonda SUV will be the first luxury SUV exclusively driven by zero emission powertrain technologies

It will feature an evolution of the bold design language first seen with the show-stopping ‘Vision Concept’. The SUV will be built around near-future technologies, such as its advanced Battery Electric drivetrain, making the Lagonda SUV the first of its kind: an ultra-stylish, supremely luxurious, fully electric emission-free vehicle.

“In reviving one of the most iconic names in motoring we have created a unique opportunity,” said Aston Martin president and CEO Dr Andy Palmer. “One that allows us to cast aside an inherited 20th century approach and instead design cars around 21st century demands and desires. The Lagonda SUV is the first of its kind: a spacious, high-performance 4x4 that successfully reconciles a love of technology, luxury and style.”


Brembo's 'intelligent' braking system destined for the cars of tomorrow

                MILAN: Italian manufacturer Brembo is presenting a revolutionary new braking system, capable of adjusting the degree of braking pressure applied to each vehicle wheel in relation to the circumstances, thanks to particularly "intelligent" algorithms.

In addition to improving safety for the driver and passengers, this system promises to extend the lifespan of the vehicle's brake discs and even to reduce its CO2 emissions.

Called Sensify, this new braking system combines conventional components (calipers, discs and friction materials) with software based on artificial intelligence.

Its data management and predictive algorithms aim to improve, and above all, make the driving experience as safe as possible, offering the driver optimised braking performance in all conditions. But how does it work?

This system works thanks to sensors placed on each wheel. In fact, the software can determine, in real time, which wheels to apply more braking pressure and on which wheels to release a little pressure from the brake disc. Independent management of the car's four wheels offers a smoother and, above all, safer ride.

Sensify is also billed as a more sustainable braking solution. Indeed, thanks to the individual management of each wheel, braking will be less harsh overall, and will therefore contribute, on a certain scale, to reducing the vehicle's CO2 emissions, while also extending the lifespan of braking components.

According to Brembo, its system can be easily integrated into any existing technical platform. A first "mystery" manufacturer is apparently already planning to use it for some of its vehicle models by 2024.


Socar introduces MonthlyPass programme

                KUALA LUMPUR: Car rental platform Socar has launched its first-ever MonthlyPass programme, allowing Malaysians to access a flexible and convenient travel experience while offering substantial savings on rentals of more than RM400 per month.

The Socar MonthlyPass, now at a special Ramadan price of RM99 until April 21, can be bought through its website.

With MonthlyPass, customers can tap into Socar's fleet of over 2,000 cars ranging from fuel-efficient compacts to spacious SUVs and everything in between.

Locations will equally be a breeze with more than 1,000 parking and pick-up zones available, SOCAR users will be able to find a car to rent as close as a minute away.

The new pass comes just in time for Ramadan and the festive Raya period ahead, where the uptick in short distance travel matches that of the balik kampung exodus.

Socar said its offering is set to help the millions of Malaysian Muslims who are observing the fasting period and preparing for the celebrations ahead.

“This way they can travel without having to worry about the individual cost of rentals, fuel, or maintenance. In essence, our MonthlyPass is designed to help people get where they need to go, when they need to go, without worrying about the cost or hassle of car ownership,” said Socar CEO Shylendra Nathan.

For travellers who may only need to rent occasionally, Socar has also introduced two additional deals to complement the MonthlyPass.

Bookings of up to two hours made between 9am-3pm will qualify for a 50% discount, while bookings of at least two hours between 4pm-8am will get a 35% discount.

Both offers are ongoing and valid until April 21.


Long-vanished German car brand joins electric race

                BREMEN: Cars bearing the stamp of once-defunct manufacturer Borgward will once again roll off an assembly line in north Germany from 2018, the firm said.

This time around, the homegrown motors will be electric-powered as the firm joins a Germany-wide race to produce affordable and high-performing climate-friendly cars.

Managers at Borgward have picked Bremen as the site for a new factory that will assemble vehicles from components - so-called "semi knocked-down" assembly - shipped over from its main factory in China.

Between the 1920s and 1960s, the northern port city was home to the firm's plant employing more than 20,000 workers.

After going bust in 1961, the marque lay dormant until being revived by Christian Borgward, grandson of the company founder, in 2015.

This time around, the inital job count will be much lower, at between 50 and 100 people.

A "flexible" factory with high levels of automation will "be able to increase output as well as the number of models to match demand," Borgward chief executive Ulrich Walker said in a statement.

And the finished product will be drastically different, with the German workers set to assemble BX7 all-electric sports utility vehicles (SUVs).

The modern, internet-connected vehicles will be a far cry from the stately coupes Borgward assembly lines turned out in the 1950s, which still count fans among classic car collectors.

Bremen's busy port of Bremerhaven, the availability of skilled labour, and high-quality parts suppliers all factored into Borgward's choice to return, CEO Walker said.

But he added that the firm was also "avowing itself to Germany as an industrial base and to our own origins."

The new site will allow Borgward to benefit from the coveted "Made in Germany" label -- but bring with it much higher labour costs than in China.

According to German news agency DPA, it will be the first car factory built in Germany since BMW and Porsche opened works in Leipzig more than 10 years ago.

In Bremen, the revived Borgward will rub shoulders with a Mercedes-Benz factory employing 13,000 people.

The brand with the three-pointed star is a key protagonist in the car industry's race to conquer the electric automobile.

Dieter Zetschke, chief executive of Stuttgart-based Mercedes parent Daimler, has pledged to unveil 10 new electric cars in the coming years.

Meanwhile, just 200km down the road from Bremen is Wolfsburg, where Germany's most prolific carmaker Volkswagen is scrambling to recover from its "Dieselgate" emissions-cheating scandal by turning towards electric cars.

With yet more familiar German brands like BMW and Porsche also in the running, along with newcomers such as California's Tesla, Borgward is entering a crowded field.